“4×4 outside, Renault inside”, the baseline for both ad campaigns, underlines the vehicle’s genuine off-road qualities while enhancing the customer purchase, be it rational (choosing Renault for its ingeniousness and renowned minivan expertise) or emotional (choosing the brand for the values it represents: friendliness and open-mindedness).
The first campaign, “Super 8”, is intended mainly for Western Europe, where cars reflect lifestyle. Designed as a “Brand” story, the campaign pays homage to famous Renaults from the past, retracing a half-century of automotive innovation. Since the legendary AG type “Taxis de la Marne”, Renaults’ popular and emblematic cars have made a lasting impression that people recall with fond memories of shared times. From the 4L to Twingo via the Renault 5 and Espace, models of the Renault range have always transported their occupants with conviviality on all types of terrain. The “Renault Spirit” is also suggested in the music of the ad, “I’m Free” by the Rolling Stones, which alludes to the “revolutions” of the 20th century as seen from behind the wheel of Renault cars.
The second campaign, “Himalaya”, targets countries where cars tend to express the social status of their owners. With a firm focus on the essence of the Koleos product qualities – real off-road capabilities but without any compromise on comfort for passengers – the ad features experienced mountain climbers who climb to the top of a mountain only to find a family and its Koleos.
The “Himalaya” ad will be aired from May 26, followed by the “Super 8” campaign from June 1 in Europe.
Two of Ford’s finest hot hatch examples go to Anglesey to find out once and for all which handles best around a track – the sharp suited Focus RS or the whale tailed Escort Cosworth.
Ford Focus RS
In 2002 the more bespoke engineered and performance orientated RS badge made a return to a Ford product following the demise of the Escort RS 2000 in 1996. Using a turbocharged version of the 2.0 litre Zetec-E engine (fired into life via a starter button), badged Duratec-RS, the Focus RS produced a minimum 215 ps and 310 Nm of torque, although most cars came out of the factory producing more power.
The Focus RS was a far more bespoke car than the SVT/ST170 with seventy percent of the components being unique, revised or uprated from the standard Focus. Mechanically, most notably, the car incorporated a Quaife automatic torque biasing differential to improve traction from the front wheel drive setup. It was this differential that gave the car its largely undeserved reputation for extreme torque steer. The suspension is 25mm lower than the standard model with custom Sachs dampers. The steering used the same quick ratio rack as the ST170 while the brakes used fixed calliper four piston Brembo units with 325mm discs at the front and single piston callipers and 280mm discs at the back. Wheels were 18″ alloys specially developed by OZ Racing. The engine was heavily modified with forged aluminium pistons, forged connecting rods, hardened valve seats, sodium-filled exhaust valves and a stainless steel exhaust system. The forced induction system comprised a Garret turbocharger in conjunction with a water-cooled charge air cooler and an electric water pump. To transmit the higher torque was an uprated AP clutch. Styling wise, the car featured unique front and rear bumper assemblies required for the wider wheel arches which accommodated the 65mm wider front track. Internally the theme is blue and black with sections of blue leather trim on the door trim panels, the steering wheel and the Sparco seats which were trimmed in blue/black leather and Alcantara. The instruments have a blue background and in place of the coolant temperature gauge, the RS was equipped with a boost pressure indicator (up to 1,5 bar). The gear lever knob, handbrake lever and pedals were all custom made by Sparco.
Ford Escort RS Cosworth
The Escort RS Cosworth was a sports derivative of the Ford Escort. It was available from 1992-96 and in very limited numbers. It was instantly recognisable due to its large whale tail rear spoiler. The main selling point was the Cosworth YBT engine, a highly tunable turbocharged 2-litre engine which put out 227bhp in standard trim.
Ford developed the car around the chassis and mechanicals of its predecessor, the Sierra Cosworth. ‘Ghia’ further modified the Escort bodyshell to accommodate the larger Cosworth engine and transmission. Changes were made to the engine management system and a new turbocharger was fitted. Permanent four wheel drive with a 34/66% front/rear split came courtesy of an uprated five speed gearbox as used in the Sierra Cosworth. Recaro sports seats came as a standard fitment. Later production models were available without the oversize tail spoiler although by far the majority still came with it. Like its Sierra predecessor, they are commonly nicknamed “Cossie” by boy racers.
The Escort Cosworth was a very rare car indeed. Production started on the 19 February 1992 and the last car rolled out of the factory on the 12th of January 1996. In total, a mere 7,145 vehicles were produced during this time.
Two versions were produced. The initial 2500 units were “homologation specials” used to get the FIA accreditation for entry into the World Rally Championship and were fitted with a Garrett T3/T04B turbocharger. Among these initial units, a handful were badged as Motorsport versions, these lacked certain refinements such as a sunroof. The second generation, starting production from late 1994, were fitted with a Garrett T25 turbocharger, a smaller unit which reduced turbo lag and increased usability in everyday driving situations.
An Escort Cosworth on a stage rally, driven by Malcolm Wilson
The car was to be Ford’s new rally car, and very successful it became with its total victories amounting to 8 in group A guise. After modifications were made to the car to make it a WRC car, it went on to score two more victories for the Ford Motor Company Rally Team.
The Escort RS Cosworth was produced until early in 1996 when the EU introduced a tough new set of noise regulations for motor vehicles and Ford decided to stop production rather than change the car to meet the new noise regulations. Despite this, the RS Cosworth was used by Ford as their factory rally car until it was replaced by the Focus WRC in 1999.
Ford unveils new ‘Warriors in Pink’ edition Mustang at the New York International Auto Show to raise money for breast cancer education and research.
The company is doubling its contribution to the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure – to $500 for each Warriors in Pink Mustang sold.
Ford and its dealers together have dedicated more than $95 million in cash and in-kind contributions for breast cancer education and research.
Ford Motor Company, which has dedicated more than $95 million in cash and in-kind contributions for breast cancer education and research for 14 years, announces today that it is doubling its contribution to Susan G. Komen for the Cure each time it sells a ’Warriors in Pink’ package for the 2009 Ford Mustang.
“Thanks to the tremendous response from our dealers and customers to the 2008 ‘Warriors in Pink’ Mustang, we knew we needed to continue offering the package, and we’re happy to be able to increase our support for the Cure at the same time,” said Connie Fontaine, Ford Experiential Marketing manager.
Produced in a limited edition of 1,000 units, the Mustang with Warriors in Pink package was designed exclusively in support of Susan G. Komen Foundation for the Cure. New upgrades for the 2009 package are featured on the Ford display at the New York International Auto Show.
Available on the Mustang V-6 Premium Coupe and Convertible models, the Warriors in Pink package includes a unique grille and will add a pink ribbon and pony fender badge, pink Mustang rocker tape striping, charcoal leather seats with pink stitching, aluminum-spoke steering wheel with pink stitching and charcoal floormats with pink ribbon and contrast stitching.
Coupes also can be ordered with the all-new glass roof option. Three body colors will be available: Black, Brilliant Silver and Performance White.
Ford Warriors in Pink
Launched in 2006, the Ford Warriors in Pink campaign recognizes the strength and courage it takes to deal with the everyday challenges of fighting breast cancer.
Ford’s goal in 2008 is to donate more than $1 million for the Cure through these sales of the special Mustangs, Warriors in Pink apparel and other fundraising efforts.
The Warriors in Pink apparel collection for men and women feature important symbols signifying the message of hope, strength and unity in the commitment to the fight against breast cancer. All apparel is available on www.fordcares.com, and 100 percent of net proceeds are donated to Komen for the Cure.
The limited-edition 2009 Mustang with Warriors in Pink will be available through Ford dealers this summer.
Mustang is one of the greatest automotive sales success stories of all time. Nearly one out of every two sports cars sold in America is a Mustang, and the Mustang is also America’s best-selling convertible.
This week it’s two grown up hot hatches – the Volkswagen Golf GTi and the new Subaru Impreza WRX
Subaru Impreza WRX
The engine used is still the EJ255. Peak power and torque as the same, but the peak power will output at 5200 rpm (400 rpm lower)and the peak torque delivery will be at 2800 rpm (800 rpm lower). The 0-60 time for the WRX maintains the 0-60 sprint of 5.8 seconds, like the predecessor, while decreasing the 50-70mph time due to the improved torque delivery. The transmission is similar to that of the previous model, only the ratios are slightly wider in the low gears with a final drive ratio of 3.9 instead of 3.7. The sedan version has a two exhaust outlets while the hatchback will have one exhaust outlet on the right. The car is based on a shortened Legacy platform. The front suspension uses a MacPherson strut setup while the rear is a new double wishbone suspension. The steering ratio will be 15:1. The interior will borrow from the Legacy interior. The US-spec WRX will revert back to a 2-piston/1-piston sliding calipers (dropping the 4-piston/2-piston fixed caliper setup), but have grown 0.1in. larger in the front and 0.1-0.2in larger in rear with premium package. The calipers and rotor setup are the same found on the BL5-chassis US-spec Legacy 2.5GT and Spec B. The wheels will be 17″ x 7″ and will wear 205/50 R17 all season tires. The gas tank has grown from 15.9 gallons to 16.9 gal. The car’s weight has decreased and will be 3142 lb (1425 kg) for the 5 speed manual and 3208 lb (1455 kg) for the 4 speed automatic.
VW Golf GTI
It features an updated 3.2-litre unit than of that fitted to the previous version, with an extra 10 bhp (7 kW) courtesy of a reworked inlet manifold. Maximum power is now 250 bhp (186 kW) at 6,300 rpm; torque is unchanged at 236 lb·ft (320 N·m) but comes in 300 rpm lower down the rev range. It reaches an electronically-governed top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph). Going from 0 to 100 km/h will take 6.5 s, reduced to 5.8 s with the direct-shift gearbox.
Compared with the previous Mk4 R32 that is 0.1 seconds faster for the manual version while the newer R32 is about 40 kg heavier. As with the previous R32; there is 4MOTION part-time four-wheel drive through 18″ Zolder 20-spoke alloy wheels. Stopping the R32 comes in the form of blue-painted brake callipers with 345 mm discs at the front and 310 mm disks at the rear. The Mk V R32 was released in the US in August ’07 with a starting MSRP of $32,990.
Ten track marshals position themselves at junctions and driveways to provide safety for the expensive test drive. A helicopter is on hand for filming, photographers and the local press are waiting; after all, an event like this has to be documented. The town of Ahlen was represented by Heino Hilbert, group leader for road construction and transportation, and deserves another thank you for the permission. More and more spectators are gathering to witness this unique event, which is a very different sight from the tractors and runners that are usually seen here.
Edo Karabegovic knows the car well. Last year the Maserati was driven extensively and the downforce levels were tested at Michelin’s Formula 1 test track in France. It does 326 km/h (203 mph) despite the short geared racing transmission. Therefore measuring the downforce is an absolute necessity for the future road rocket in order to permit driving at very high speeds.
After strapping into the custom-made ultra-lightweight carbon-fiber bucket seats using 6-point harnesses, everyone is ready for action.
Edo Karabegovic with co-driver Zahir Rana takes it easy at first. The Maserati bounces over barely visible bumps in the road. The suspension is adjusted. The top speed they’re able to achieve is not relevant, it’s the infernal acceleration that counts.
The low ambient temperature around the freezing point doesn’t exactly help minimize wheel spin upon acceleration. Only in 3rd gear can Edo Karabegovic get the throttle to the floor without having the car try to leave the narrow back road. The sequential racing transmission, lifted from F1 and installed in this monster, allows for sub-150ms shift times. The brutal acceleration provided by the 6-liter 755 hp engine taught the true meaning of “tunnel vision” to both occupants. Similar to rally footage on fast-forward, they’re shooting through space and time, the trees lining the road appearing like a solid wall. The Maserati zooms out of sight with rocket speed. No longer visible, but every shift is still clearly audible.
The car is not equipped with a heater, but neither of them is cold thanks to the adrenaline rush. The way even 5th gear still pushes you back into the buckets makes it seem like being launched out of a catapult can’t be any worse.
Zahir Rana is convinced. Having had the pleasure of driving the Maserati himself, he knows he’s come to the right place. He has never experienced anything like this before. Even Rana’s own yellow Ferrari Enzo in Canada, not exactly considered underpowered with 660 hp, does not accelerate in such a spectacular fashion.
After arriving at the turning point, a happy Zahir Rana gets out of the car. On thing is certain: after this impressive test drive, Edo Karabegovic will get two vehicles to modify. Whether or not he gets the MC 12 Corsa is questionable. After all, it’s owned by a customer and with a price tag of 1.4 million Euros it’s not a decision to make on a whim.
P.S. Meanwhile the police have joined us. They have to investigate a noise complaint from 6 km (4 miles) away.Official support is vital. We want to take this opportunity to thank everyone involved in the project, local residents and the town of Ahlen for their help in making this event possible.
2009 H3T BRINGS HUMMER’S UNIQUE STYLE AND LEGENDARY CAPABILITY TO THE TRUCK MARKET
-Exclusive standard full-time four-wheel drive with 32-inch tires and skid plates
-Crew cab body style with seating for five
-Five-foot (1.5 meters) bed capable of carrying two dirt bikes, a snowmobile or ATV and full sheets of plywood
-Extensive portfolio of officially licensed accessories
-Standard StabiliTrak and head curtain side air bags
-H3T Alpha with 5.3L V-8 and a 5,900-lb. (2,676 kg) towing capacity
HUMMER is bringing its unmistakable style and unmatched capability to the truck market with the 2009 H3T. It is based on the architecture of the popular H3, but features a five-passenger crew cab and a separate five-foot-long (1.5 meters) bed.
The H3T is bigger than a midsize truck and smaller than a full-size truck, creating its own niche in the market. It also is infused with the attributes expected of a HUMMER, including exceptional off-road capability and a premium interior that is as functional as it is comfortable.
“With its unique size and HUMMER traits, the H3T is ideal for the customer who works hard and plays harder,” said Martin Walsh, HUMMER general manager. “It offers the combination of truck versatility and HUMMER off-road prowess that delivers customers to the trail in style.”
In addition to its segment-defying size, the H3T also stands apart from other trucks with its signature HUMMER off-road capability. It is the only midsize truck to come standard with full-time four-wheel drive, 32-inch tires and functional skid shields. It also is the only midsize truck to offer front and rear locking differentials, as well as 33-inch tires. The V-8-powered H3T Alpha can tow up to 5,900 pounds (2,676 kg).
The H3T is offered in four trim levels, including five-cylinder models and the popular, V-8-powered H3T Alpha edition. Production is scheduled to begin in the third quarter of 2008 at GM’s Shreveport, La., assembly plant, with vehicles arriving at HUMMER dealerships shortly thereafter. HUMMER will sell the H3T in North America, Europe and the Middle East.
Design
Like all HUMMER models, the H3T has a purposeful design. Its consistent and iconic styling cues include a wide, aggressive stance; a low roofline and high beltline; and large, off-road tires. The wide, seven-slot grille and round headlamps mounted in square housings are signature HUMMER design elements.
“Form following function is at the core of HUMMER’s design philosophy, and the H3T’s capability reflects that mantra,” said Carl Zipfel, HUMMER director of design and former motocross professional. “It has a distinctive look that could be mistaken for nothing except a HUMMER – and it also has the functionality to get the driver to and from the trail in style.”
The crew cab body shares H3 styling and components from the B-pillar forward, while the rear section of the cab and the separate bed are unique to the H3T. The five-foot bed is similar in design and function to GM’s recently redesigned full-size trucks, including an easily removable tailgate and provisions for a bed-rail accessory system. A full-size spare tire is mounted beneath the bed.
The bed is sized to carry a wide range of popular outdoor necessities, from hauling motocross bikes to Baja, a quad to camp, or backcountry gear to the trailhead. One of the industry’s largest portfolios of accessories complements the H3T’s bed, offering different cargo management options to suit all of those lifestyle interests.
Accessories
One of the industry’s broadest portfolios of vehicle accessories has been developed for the H3T. Centered on active lifestyles, items such as removable and lockable bed-mounted storage boxes; an adjustable bike chock that can be used to help secure mountain bikes or motorcycles; and a bed extender make full use of the standard bed-rail cargo management system. A range of additional accessories that improves off-road capabilities, provides passenger entertainment and enhances exterior styling is also available. There are more than 75 HUMMER Genuine Accessories offered.
In addition to the factory-developed accessory portfolio, HUMMER has partnered with top automotive aftermarket companies to develop more than 50 Officially Licensed HUMMER Accessories – a first for the brand. A variety of exterior enhancements, such as a Slant Back Bed Cover, hard tonneau covers and a winch are offered, along with cargo management solutions such as the BedSlide and bed divider, offering countless possibilities to personalize the H3T.
Interior
The H3T’s crew cab cabin offers seating for five adults, with a 60/40-split rear bench seat that folds flat for increased cargo-carrying options. The cabin’s layout is essentially identical to the acclaimed H3 SUV, with premium materials and attention to detail that give the vehicle a functional yet refined aesthetic.
Standard amenities also include air conditioning, power locks, power windows and remote keyless entry. An AM/FM radio with CD is standard and a premium Monsoon audio system is available. XM Satellite Radio also is standard and includes three months of trial service.
HUMMER’s Rear Vision system and a navigation system are available. The Rear Vision system uses a camera mounted on the rear bumper, directly above the trailer hitch mount, to provide a view of objects directly behind the vehicle. Also, the safety and security of OnStar is standard, with Turn-By-Turn Navigation and hands-free Bluetooth connectivity available.
Powertrain
Standard in the H3T is the Vortec 3.7L I-5 with dual overhead cams and variable valve timing. This inline five-cylinder engine offers an excellent combination of power and efficiency, delivering 242 horsepower (180 kW) at 5600 rpm* and 242 lb.-ft. of torque (328 Nm) at 4600 rpm. It is backed by a five-speed manual transmission or an available four-speed, electronically controlled automatic.
The H3T Alpha’s 5.3L engine is a powerful and efficient member of GM’s legendary small-block V-8 family. It is rated at 300 horsepower (224 kW)* and 320 lb.-ft. of torque (434 Nm).* An aluminum cylinder block is used with the H3 Alpha’s engine. It helps reduce overall mass and maintains a more desirable front-to-rear weight balance.
A Hydra-Matic 4L60 electronically controlled four-speed automatic transmission is paired with the 5.3L engine. Flat towing is enabled on all H3 and H3T models.
Chassis
The H3T’s frame and suspension system are based on a stretched version of the H3 SUV’s chassis and suspension – the same race-proven design found on Baja 1000-winning stock-class race trucks. The wheelbase measures 134.2 inches (3,409 mm) – 22 inches (86 mm) longer than the H3 SUV.
A ladder-type frame is the truck’s foundation and it has a modular, three-piece design that incorporates fully boxed components for outstanding strength and stiffness. An independent SLA torsion bar front suspension and multileaf Hotchkiss-type rear suspension are used. There are two suspension packages available:
-Z85 Heavy-Duty Handling and Trailering – This standard suspension delivers an excellent balance of on-highway comfort and off-road capability. It includes 32-inch all-terrain tires mounted on 16-inch, smoke-color steel wheels, specially tuned heavy-duty shocks and either a 4.56-ratio (3.7L) or 4.10-ratio (5.3L) rear axle.
-Off-Road Adventure – Designed for more aggressive off-road performance, this optional suspension package includes taller, 33-inch tires, specifically tuned shocks, locking front and rear differentials, 4.03:1 low-range gearing in the transfer case and industry-leading crawl ratios of either 68.9 with the manual transmission or 56.2 with the automatic.
To support the torque output of the 5.3L V-8, the H3T Alpha’s front differential case is made of cast iron; other models feature an aluminum case. V-8-powered vehicles also receive higher torsion bar rates to support the increased mass and specific shock valving. The chassis and suspensions were validated in real-world testing on off-road trails in Moab, Utah; the Rubicon Trail in California, and other challenging off-road venues.
Off-road capability
The H3T lives up to HUMMER’s legendary off-road reputation, with best-in-class extreme off-road capability. Highlights include:
-Ability to climb a 60-percent grade and traverse a 40-percent side slope
-Exceptional 10.2-inch (285 mm) ground clearance (with 33-inch tires)
-38.7-degree approach angle and 30.1-degree departure angle (with 33-inch tires)
-Segment-first available front- and rear-locking differentials
-Standard HUMMER Hill Hold Assist for improved hill ascension
“For most lifestyles, there’s almost nothing the H3T can’t handle,” said Walsh. “It’s a truck with HUMMER’s immutable capability.”
Complementing the features that enable the H3T’s impressive off-road prowess are a host of first-class protective elements, including four standard skid shields: a front shield, an oil-pan shield/front-axle shield, a transfer case shield and a fuel tank shield.
Safety
Continuing HUMMER’s tradition of delivering a broad range of safety systems, the H3T offers the following standard features:
-Dual frontal air bags with GM’s passenger sensing system
-Head curtain side-impact air bags
-StabiliTrak electronic vehicle stability control system
-Four-wheel ABS with traction control
-Tire pressure monitoring system
-LATCH rear child seat anchors
-OnStar with one-year Safe & Sound service
The H3T was also designed for vehicle-to-vehicle compatibility in the event of a crash, and its rigid body structure provides good passenger protection.
Vicki Butler-Henderson determines which is fastest in another famous Fifth Gear shoot-out.
Fifth Gear favourite little hot hatch is the Renault Clio 197 – and the R27 version is even hotter. It costs £17,250, and in terms of sheer fun round a circuit Vicky confident it’s got the usual competition licked.
£23,500 buys a road legal R180RT Rage Buggy. It uses a 998cc engine out of a Honda Fireblade, and 0-60 in 3.5 seconds speaks for itself.
The question is, will it have enough puff to beat a proper car on a proper circuit?
Renault Clio 197 R27
The new Clio III drew technology from Formula One, including a rear diffuser and brake cooling side vents, they upgraded the engine, now to 197 bhp. The car is heavier than its predecessor, but the acceleration figures are the same due to the new six-speed gearbox with shorter gearing and Renault’s marketing strategy (The 182 achieving 0-62 mph in 6.6 s)
The limited-edition Clio Renaultsport 197 F1 Team R27 was launched in April and featured the new Cup chassis setting with a lowered ride height and stiffer springs and dampers. Just 500 were produced for the UK market. The Cup chassis is now available on the recently-launched Clio Renaultsport 197 Cup and is also available as an option on the standard version.
R180 RT Rage Buggy
The R180RT is supplied in tarmac trim, ready for road and track use, but by changing the road springs for off road, and increasing the ride height and fitting off road tyres, you will create a vehicle that can offer World Rally Car performance on a rally stage and the hill climbing ability of a mountain goat!
This vehicle has been designed using the latest computer enhanced technology and vehicle simulation, it offers the driver immediate and comprehensive feedback, allowing incredibly quick responses and on the limit adjustability.
Every single aspect of the car has been carefully fine-tuned by the motorsport boffins at M Division. It may cost £50,625 but it’s a very easy buying decision to make – we’re talking 420 horsepower and one of the most advanced V8s in the world.
But now there’s a rival. The ultimate C Class. The Mercedes-Benz C 63 AMG. It costs £700 more than the BMW, and in return you get a hand-built 6.2 litre V8 with 457 horsepower.
But which car is best? Jason and Tiff drive both cars on the limit, putting them through their paces in a series of high speed tests. The driving skills on display excel even their own incredibly high standards – not to be missed.
BMW E92 M3
BMW launched the E92 M3 on September 8, 2007 in the UK. Looking similar to the 335i E92 but with a new front air dam, quad exhaust pipes, an aggressive hood bulge, an M6 style carbon fibre-reinforced roof and vents on the front quarter panels reminiscent of the E46 M3. The E92 M3 is powered by the S65, a 4.0 L V8 engine, instead of the S54 inline-6 engine as used in the last generation E46 M3. While the E92 M3 resembles the regular E92 3 series, almost all the body panels are unique to the M3. The engine produces 414 SAE hp (420 PS, 309 kW) at 8,300 rpm, and peak torque is 295 ft·lbf (400 Nm) at 3,900 rpm, which represents a power increase of 22% over the E46 M3. The new V8 weighs 33 lbs (15 kg) less than the outgoing six cylinder for a total weight of 445 lbs (202 kg). The styling follows the trend of slightly more aggressive M cars as started by the E60 M5. A six-speed manual transmission will be standard, which is a reworked version of the outgoing model’s six-speed gearbox fitted with a lower 3.86:1 final drive. While an SMG transmission was initially expected to be available as an option later, BMW is said to be planning the introduction of an all-new double-clutch gearbox, titled DCT, a year after the release of the E92 M3. It is predicted to be sold in the United States starting in the middle of 2008.
In October, 2007, BMW introduced the E90 M3 Saloon, which essentially is unchanged from the E92 coupe, with few differences in styling – The front of the car has the same design as the M3 coupe, unlike the smooth front in the normal 3 series saloon. Other changes include redesigned wing mirrors. The M3 Saloon was designed to meet the needs of a family in terms of practicality, for example, the much larger luggage compartmet and rear cabin. An E93 M3 Cabriolet is also planned.
Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG
The C 63 AMG is reportedly the first AMG Mercedes designed from the ground up for performance, as compared to previous AMG cars which were more or less focused on the engine. The C 63 has a revised front end architecture that is taken from the CLK 63 AMG Black series. The revised 7-speed automatic transmission now has three shift modes – Comfort, Sport and Manual – with the last one running with the converter locked allowing the driver to hold the engine at the rev limit. The ESP can now be completely turned off, interfering only under heavy braking. The car also has the quickest, most responsive steering of any Mercedes to date. Car and Driver recently tested the car and got a 0-60 mph time of 3.9 seconds; a 0-100 mph time of 9.2 seconds and a quarter-mile time of 12.3 seconds at 116 mph (187 km/h). The top speed is electronically limited to 151 mph (243 km/h). This makes the C 63 the fastest production 4-door sedan in the world in terms of acceleration.
The Jeep Renegade concept vehicle is a sporty, “minimised” two-seater ideally suited for the all-weather fun of dune-surfing or rock-crawling.
The advanced propulsion system in the Jeep Renegade concept starts with a 40-mile range lithium-ion battery pack. A range extender – in Renegade’s case, a 1.5-litre BLUETEC diesel engine – allows for journeys up to 400 miles.
Jeep Renegade’s BLUETEC diesel engine generates an additional 115 horsepower when needed, while greatly reducing exhaust emissions when compared to standard petrol engines. Renegade is capable of achieving an equivalent petroleum fuel economy of 110 miles per gallon,
which is four-to-five times greater than an equivalent petrol-only vehicle.
The Jeep Renegade concept is designed for cross-country fun and agility and with an additional electric motor powering each axle, the Jeep Renegade boasts a very capable 4×4 system – complete with low range and locking differentials — worthy of carrying the Jeep name.
The latest Exige S has a £3,000 Performance Pack which boosts power by 20bhp to 243 bhp. 0-62 now takes 4 seconds – which makes it as quick as a £130,000 Ferrari.
The Caterham CSR 260 Superlight costs a little bit more at just over £40,000. It comes with a 2.3 litre Cosworth engine and is even lighter than the featherweight Exige.
Lotus Exige S
the Exige S model has the following specifications: Engine:
Toyota Supplied, 1796 cc I-4, DOHC with VVTL-i (variable valve timing with lift intelligence), supercharged and intercooled
Bore/Stroke 82 mm/85 mm
218 hp (162.5 kW) @ 7800 rpm
185.6 ft·lbf (215 N·m) @ 5500 rpm
Compression ratio: 11.5:1
Transmission: 6-Speed, Close Ratio with Single-Plate Dry Clutch
Weight: 2057 lb (935 kg)
Exige S Performance:
0-60 (0-97 km/h): 4.1 seconds
0-100 mph (0-161 km/h): 9.98 seconds
Top speed: 148 mph (238 km/h)
Fuel consumption: 24 mpg–imp (11.77 L/100 km / 20 mpg–U.S.) city / 29 mpg–imp (9.74 L/100 km / 24.1 mpg–U.S.) highway
Caterham CSR
The Caterham CSR is the latest model from sports car manufacturer Caterham Cars. The CSR is the most heavily modified Caterham, though it still retains the basic look of the Super Seven. The CSR has two engine options based on the same Duratec block, though modifications and power output differ. The entry level engine produces 200 bhp, with a 0-60 mph time of 3.7 seconds. The upgraded engine produces 260 bhp, with a 0-60 mph time of 3.1 seconds and a top speed of 155 mph.
Performance specifications
Lateral Acceleration: 1.05 g on skidpad
70-0 mph (Brake Test): 140 feet (43 m)
0-60 mph
260 Model: 3.1 seconds (estimated) reported by manufacturer, reported as 3.6 seconds by Car and Driver See above for explanation of discrepancy.
200 Model: 3.7 seconds (estimated)
0-100 mph: 8.9 seconds (260 model)
0-120 mph:15 seconds (260 model)
Quarter Mile: 12.1 seconds at 113 mph (182 km/h) (260 model)
Top Speed: 155 mph (249 km/h) (260 model), 140 mph (225 km/h) (200 model)
Vehicle specifications
Size and Dimensions
Curb Weight: 575 kg (1268 lb)
Wheelbase: 2315 mm (91.1 in)
Length: 3300 mm (129.9 in)
Width: 1685 mm (66.3 in)
Height: 1015 mm (40 in) (hood down), 1140 mm (44.9 in) (hood up)
Ground Clearance: 100 mm (3.9 in)
Fuel Economy: 10.22 liters/100 km (23 mpg)
Turning Radius: 11 m
Steering: Rack and pinion, 2.2 turns lock to lock
Brakes: 254 mm (10″) discs, front vented, 4 piston front calipers
Front Track: 1505 mm (59.3 in)
Rear Track: 1465 mm (57.7 in)
Seating Capacity: 2
Tires: Avon CR500′s, 195/45 R15 front, 245/40 R15 rear
Lift: 50 lb at 100 mph
Weight Distribution (Front-Rear): 49%-51%
