saymyname
04-02-2005, 04:59 AM
CAR NEWS – FEBRUARY 2005
Alfa Romeo: Alfa Romeo has shown pictures of its next GTV, to be named Brera. Based upon the platform of the next 156 (157) and with prices expected to be starting below £25,000 it promises to turn the medium Coupe segment upside down. Taking Styling cues from the Brera Concept shown at the 2002 Frankfurt motor show, the Brera uses Alfa’s new Q4 AWD System. This system differs from the cheaper Haldex System by having 56 Percent of the power at the rear wheels in normal driving, thus giving it a RWD car feel. The System uses a Torsen C Centre Differential, which can transfer up to 70 Percent of power to either axle depending on Grip Levels. Engines include a new 3.2i V6 with 260bhp jointly developed by GM and Fiat Auto, a 2.4i JTD Diesel with 200bhp and a Range of Four-Cylinder Units, which will use FWD instead of the AWD, used by the V6 and JTD. Suspension is by Double Wishbones at the front and a Multi-Link set-up at the rear to provide sharp and rewarding driving pleasure. A M3 Rivalling GTA is expected later in the models life with a Twin-Turbo V6 and an upgraded version of the Q4 System.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Volkswagen: VW is planning a high performance Passat; a 280bhp Narrow-Angle 3.6i V6 engine is being developed complete with FSI Injection. Its expected to allow VW to produce a R36 Rival for the forthcoming 260bhp Vauxhall Vectra VX-R. This also allows the possibility of the next Golf using the engine, drive is by the Haldex AWD system and is expected to debut soon after the model goes on sale.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Lotus: Lotus is developing a secret Elise based Coupe with Toyota V6 Power. Bigger and wider than the Elise Sister, it’s expected to be a more comfortable Grand Tourer style car to take on the Porsche Boxster and new Nissan 350Z. Details are still sketchy, but a mid engine layout is believed to be the favourite option and the project is on course for 2006 production after the ‘Soft’ Elise was nearly canned after 20-Percent of Lotus’s engineers were layed off due to cost cutting.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-
Jaguar: Suppliers for the next Generation S-Type will be chosen this spring. Codenamed X250, the new S-Type will be built around the XJ’s Aluminium Structure. Problems high-lighted when engineering the new XK have led to an overhaul of Jag’s aluminium Monocoque. Sources say the new chassis should be much cheaper to build among other advantages. The improvements have also bought forward the XJ’s replacement with new front and rear designs.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BMW: BMW have shown off their face-lifted 7-Series Luxury Car. The bangle-designed car has more rounded headlamps, redesigned front and rear bumpers, re-profiled side sills and bigger ‘brake bright’ rear lights. The face-lift also brings a host of new engines, including the 3.0i In-Line Six, and a new 4.0i V8. An extra 14mm have been added to the rear track and the rear suspension has been revised to improve high-speed stability. Buyers can also choose either standard suspension, Adaptive Drive (with electronic damping control and the 5-Series Dynamic Drive) or Sports Suspension.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--
The BMW M6 has now been officially unveiled and prices start from £75,000 when it goes on sale in November. With less than 250cars coming to the UK each year, the V10 Super Coupe is expected to be a sell out. For those who are unaware of the new M5, it uses the M5’s new V10 motor and 7-Speed SMG Gearbox to produce a 155mph limited top speed and 0-60 in the low Fours. The M6 also gets a Carbon Fibre roof, which saves 4.5kg over the standard steel item, yet because of the huge V10, the M6 weighs 1710kg, 95kg more than a 645Ci, but 40kg less than the M5. Yummy…
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-
The new 3-Series Coupe/Cabriolet has also been seen testing, and it leaves no doubt that the car has a hard top folding roof, compared to the folding fabric roof expected. However, it leaves a much higher deck and is expected to increase the models weight, effecting dynamics.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Nissan: The 350Z Roadster is being tested by the motoring press, the 276bhp open-top car has put on the pounds after strengthening the chassis has made the Roadster tip the scales at 1647kg (Heavier than a BMW 6-Series). The car is said to offer a rewarding driving experience and the main suspension is carried over from the 350Z Coupe. It is claimed as the more comfortable version, with less wind noise and feels much more planted thanks to the extra weight. It goes on sale in the UK on the 3rd March and comes with the 3.5i V6 from the Coupe.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mercedes-Benz: The Mercedes-Benz C-Class has just got two brand new engines, the 3.5i V6 from the SLK Roadster and the new 3.0i V6 Turbo-Diesel. The petrol engine gives out 272bhp and 258Ib Ft of torque and rockets the C350 to 60mph in 6.4 Seconds and onto 155mph. Yet, the engine still returns a highly impressive 29.3mpg. The C320 CDi on the other hand is held as the Diesel version of the AMG powered cars. With 221bhp and 376Ib Ft (More than BMW’s new V10) it propels the baby Mercedes to 60 in 6.9 Seconds and 155mph. Yet, with huge torque available from 1600rpm, in gear times are expected to be on par with the V8 powered C55-AMG. Prices are expected to range from £32,000 for the C350 and £30,000 for the C320. So, if you don’t like the new A4 or 3-Series, the Mercedes looks like the weapon of choice.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Aston Martin: The new Aston Martin V8 Vantage (DB8) is undergoing hot weather testing in Arabian Desert. With temperatures above 50C in the shade, the car is sitting in traffic jams and idling away without any problems to its Jaguar sourced motor, not that AM expected any because the DB9 on which the V8 Vantage is based had no problems with its V12. Next, the prototype will be sent to Nardo proving ground or high speed runs at 180mph. 911 beware…
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MOTORSPORT NEWS:
Jordan F1 Team has been bought by the Midland Group and is after BAR test driver Anthony Davidson. Midland F1 reportedly paid Eddie Jordan £16m for the team. Good things are expected of the new Midland team now, thanks to the huge funds available to the team, only time will tell.
Mclaren have revealed their new MP4-20 Grand Prix car…
Renault have revealed their new R25 Grand Prix Car…
Alfa Romeo: Alfa Romeo has shown pictures of its next GTV, to be named Brera. Based upon the platform of the next 156 (157) and with prices expected to be starting below £25,000 it promises to turn the medium Coupe segment upside down. Taking Styling cues from the Brera Concept shown at the 2002 Frankfurt motor show, the Brera uses Alfa’s new Q4 AWD System. This system differs from the cheaper Haldex System by having 56 Percent of the power at the rear wheels in normal driving, thus giving it a RWD car feel. The System uses a Torsen C Centre Differential, which can transfer up to 70 Percent of power to either axle depending on Grip Levels. Engines include a new 3.2i V6 with 260bhp jointly developed by GM and Fiat Auto, a 2.4i JTD Diesel with 200bhp and a Range of Four-Cylinder Units, which will use FWD instead of the AWD, used by the V6 and JTD. Suspension is by Double Wishbones at the front and a Multi-Link set-up at the rear to provide sharp and rewarding driving pleasure. A M3 Rivalling GTA is expected later in the models life with a Twin-Turbo V6 and an upgraded version of the Q4 System.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Volkswagen: VW is planning a high performance Passat; a 280bhp Narrow-Angle 3.6i V6 engine is being developed complete with FSI Injection. Its expected to allow VW to produce a R36 Rival for the forthcoming 260bhp Vauxhall Vectra VX-R. This also allows the possibility of the next Golf using the engine, drive is by the Haldex AWD system and is expected to debut soon after the model goes on sale.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Lotus: Lotus is developing a secret Elise based Coupe with Toyota V6 Power. Bigger and wider than the Elise Sister, it’s expected to be a more comfortable Grand Tourer style car to take on the Porsche Boxster and new Nissan 350Z. Details are still sketchy, but a mid engine layout is believed to be the favourite option and the project is on course for 2006 production after the ‘Soft’ Elise was nearly canned after 20-Percent of Lotus’s engineers were layed off due to cost cutting.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-
Jaguar: Suppliers for the next Generation S-Type will be chosen this spring. Codenamed X250, the new S-Type will be built around the XJ’s Aluminium Structure. Problems high-lighted when engineering the new XK have led to an overhaul of Jag’s aluminium Monocoque. Sources say the new chassis should be much cheaper to build among other advantages. The improvements have also bought forward the XJ’s replacement with new front and rear designs.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BMW: BMW have shown off their face-lifted 7-Series Luxury Car. The bangle-designed car has more rounded headlamps, redesigned front and rear bumpers, re-profiled side sills and bigger ‘brake bright’ rear lights. The face-lift also brings a host of new engines, including the 3.0i In-Line Six, and a new 4.0i V8. An extra 14mm have been added to the rear track and the rear suspension has been revised to improve high-speed stability. Buyers can also choose either standard suspension, Adaptive Drive (with electronic damping control and the 5-Series Dynamic Drive) or Sports Suspension.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--
The BMW M6 has now been officially unveiled and prices start from £75,000 when it goes on sale in November. With less than 250cars coming to the UK each year, the V10 Super Coupe is expected to be a sell out. For those who are unaware of the new M5, it uses the M5’s new V10 motor and 7-Speed SMG Gearbox to produce a 155mph limited top speed and 0-60 in the low Fours. The M6 also gets a Carbon Fibre roof, which saves 4.5kg over the standard steel item, yet because of the huge V10, the M6 weighs 1710kg, 95kg more than a 645Ci, but 40kg less than the M5. Yummy…
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-
The new 3-Series Coupe/Cabriolet has also been seen testing, and it leaves no doubt that the car has a hard top folding roof, compared to the folding fabric roof expected. However, it leaves a much higher deck and is expected to increase the models weight, effecting dynamics.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Nissan: The 350Z Roadster is being tested by the motoring press, the 276bhp open-top car has put on the pounds after strengthening the chassis has made the Roadster tip the scales at 1647kg (Heavier than a BMW 6-Series). The car is said to offer a rewarding driving experience and the main suspension is carried over from the 350Z Coupe. It is claimed as the more comfortable version, with less wind noise and feels much more planted thanks to the extra weight. It goes on sale in the UK on the 3rd March and comes with the 3.5i V6 from the Coupe.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mercedes-Benz: The Mercedes-Benz C-Class has just got two brand new engines, the 3.5i V6 from the SLK Roadster and the new 3.0i V6 Turbo-Diesel. The petrol engine gives out 272bhp and 258Ib Ft of torque and rockets the C350 to 60mph in 6.4 Seconds and onto 155mph. Yet, the engine still returns a highly impressive 29.3mpg. The C320 CDi on the other hand is held as the Diesel version of the AMG powered cars. With 221bhp and 376Ib Ft (More than BMW’s new V10) it propels the baby Mercedes to 60 in 6.9 Seconds and 155mph. Yet, with huge torque available from 1600rpm, in gear times are expected to be on par with the V8 powered C55-AMG. Prices are expected to range from £32,000 for the C350 and £30,000 for the C320. So, if you don’t like the new A4 or 3-Series, the Mercedes looks like the weapon of choice.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Aston Martin: The new Aston Martin V8 Vantage (DB8) is undergoing hot weather testing in Arabian Desert. With temperatures above 50C in the shade, the car is sitting in traffic jams and idling away without any problems to its Jaguar sourced motor, not that AM expected any because the DB9 on which the V8 Vantage is based had no problems with its V12. Next, the prototype will be sent to Nardo proving ground or high speed runs at 180mph. 911 beware…
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MOTORSPORT NEWS:
Jordan F1 Team has been bought by the Midland Group and is after BAR test driver Anthony Davidson. Midland F1 reportedly paid Eddie Jordan £16m for the team. Good things are expected of the new Midland team now, thanks to the huge funds available to the team, only time will tell.
Mclaren have revealed their new MP4-20 Grand Prix car…
Renault have revealed their new R25 Grand Prix Car…