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This model, the awesome Autodelta GT 3.2 Super Evo, has proved to be hugely popular with customers with a steady stream of orders being fulfilled over the last year-and-a-half.
The 320-bhp Autodelta GT Super had featured a bespoke Rotrex C30-94 supercharger utilised through a compact cooling and lubrication system developed by the firm’s engineers for the Alfa GT, along with chassis, suspension, transmission, electronics, braking and aerodynamic upgrades.
The new Autodelta GT Super Evo then pushed the performance envelope out even further, offering increased levels of torque (389 Nm at 4800 rpm) and more power (341 bhp at 6450rpm) through the incorporation of a larger intercooler and higher-flow injectors, with boost raised from 0.45 to 0.55 bar, and utilising an evolutionary engine re-mapping programme. The 0-60 mph time was shaved to 5.2 seconds, while the main change apparent to the driver was in the substantial improvement in mid and high-range acceleration as well as a more noticeable (and louder) sound emitted by the revised exhaust system, which was created specially for this “Evo” model in close conjunction with Autodelta’s exhaust development partner, Ragazzon.
Inspired by a Japanese Kabuki mask, the SX4 sedan has an aggressive front grille, and appears poised for action with a sporty wedge shape that suggests a rewarding driving experience. Its muscular and athletic stance is enhanced by its arched fenders, while the body features a low, rising waistline and large, triangular-shaped windows forward of the front doors to emphasize dynamic performance.
Wide door openings provide the driver and passengers with ease of entry and egress, while the large cabin proportions and command seating position optimize visibility to enhance driving confidence and control. The cabin allows comfortable seating for five, with overall interior space claimed to be more than the segment’s volume leaders. The rear occupants sit slightly higher than the front ones.
Built in Japan, the SX4 sedan, like the hatchback, has a 2.0-litre 4-cylinder, 16-valve DOHC engine which produces 143 bhp and 184 Nm of torque which goes to the front wheels through a 4-speed automatic transmission of 5-speed manual transmission.
The chassis of the SX4 sedan, which has a unibody, is an extended version of that developed for the Swift with an emphasis on dynamic performance that was fine-tuned in Europe to provide stability, crisp and responsive handling and braking, and minimal body roll. For optimal braking performance, it has ABS-managed disc brakes front and rear as standard equipment.
The competence of the SX4 platform is demonstrated by the fact that Suzuki will be entering the hatchback version in the 2008 World Rally Championship. A competition, turbocharged 2-litre version of the SX4 is being developed under the guidance of Nobuhiro (“Monster”) Tajima, the engineer who is also well known in motorsports circles.
A functional centre panel contains large, circular controls flanked by modern aluminium- coloured trim. The instruments and controls are backlit by contemporary, high-tech red lighting, and the ergonomic design of the instrument cluster and dashboard provides clear views of the meters and easy access to the controls for a true driver-oriented cabin. The sporty cockpit theme extends throughout the cabin with a dark interior that features black cloth for a look that is both sharp and refined.
The new Honda S2000 CR has a lighter, stiffer and more aggressive overall design, which is engineered to maximize the S2000's potential on a racetrack with the goal of substantially-improving track times, chassis balance and feel. The factory-tuned roadster provides highly-aggressive suspension settings, increased body and chassis rigidity, overall weight reduction and an aerodynamic body kit dialed-in for reduced lift. An aluminum hardtop replaces the convertible soft top as standard equipment.
The full-body aerodynamic package reduces lift through large and highly-tuned front and rear spoilers. Exclusive chassis features include a quicker steering ratio, Bridgestone Potenza RE070 tires, a wider rear tyre size, firmer springs and dampers, larger stabilizer bars and a new wheel design in a dark gray colour.
Substantial structural bracing has been added to the storage area previously occupied by the soft top, resulting in additional rigidity. The aluminium hardtop replaces the soft top of the conventional S2000, resulting in an overall weight savings of approximately 40 kgs when removed (relative to the current S2000).
The exclusive interior is highlighted by unique cloth seating surfaces with yellow stitching, a unique spherical aluminium shifter and carbonfibre style trim panels. For obvious reasons, air-conditioning and the audio system are optional but standard features include 17-inch aluminium alloy wheels, ABS and Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA). While VSA serves to effectively enhance driver control during acceleration, braking, and cornering, the system can be disabled with the touch of a button when conditions warrant it.
Widely considered the quintessential roadster-style sportscar, the S2000 is the performance icon for the Honda brand and combines uncompromising racetrack-ready performance with everyday usability. The S2000 rewards driving enthusiasts with a potent 2.2-litre, 16-valve DOHC VTEC 4-cylinder engine and a precise, short throw 6-speed manual transmission, along with tenacious handling and a perfect 50/50 weight balance. The renowned high-revving engine delivers 237 bhp at 7800 rpm and about 220 Nm. of torque at 6800 rpm.
Combined with a front and rear double wishbone suspension, precise electric power steering, and a torque-sensing limited slip differential, the end result is, Honda promises, ‘a complete, no compromise, performance package for the enthusiast driver’.
The all-new Civic Type R comes equipped with a high-performance 2.0-litre non-turbo 4-cylinder engine matched to a 6-speed manual transmission. A lighter, more rigid bodyshell, specially tuned suspension, 18-inch tyres and large 17-inch front disc brakes are among the major differences from the standard Civic 2.0 which allow it to push the performance envelope.
The exterior employs a pure sports ‘one-motion form’ design with aerodynamically advanced surface treatment and sharp edges. Newly-developed aerodynamic features include a large air intake in the front bumper and grille, a rear bumper with built-in rear diffuser, a prominent high-mounted rear spoiler, and extended side sill garnishes, giving the car an aggressive overall appearance
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Nowadays, the trend of SUV moves toward more MPV-like shapes which are also called ‘cross-overs’ by some companies which can’t decided whether their models are SUVs or MPVs or stationwagons. For a long time, market surveys have shown that many customers of small SUVs (and even the larger ones) buy such vehicles for reasons that have little to do with driving off-road. They buy a SUV for its rugged image, utility and also the higher seating position. 4-wheel drive is not necessarily a must either and in some countries, there are actually 2-wheel drive only variants.
The more curvaceous shape, which is 10% more aerodynamic, gives the impression that the new CR-V (by the way, the initials have always stood for Comfortable Runabout Vehicle) is larger than its predecessor, the increase in length is actually about 20 mm and even the wheelbase of 2620 mm has not changed. However, it is wider by 35 mm at 1820 mm and the new frontal presentation emphasises its width too. Again, the floorpan has been lowered, putting the door sills 32 mm lower. The new structure, though having a generous ground clearance of 185 mm, still manages to have a lower centre of gravity, which will benefit handling and stability
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Mercedes-Benz engineers are developing a new, prestigious luxury limousine with integrated highest protection for governments, businesses, monarchs and heads of state. The armoured Pullman Limousine is based on the long version of the S 600 with a substantially extended wheelbase length.
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When BMW Malaysia’s MD, Wolfgang Schlimme, fired up the local subsidiary of BMW AG, one of his promises was to broaden the range offered to Malaysian customers. He could see that BMW had not been selling in the sort of numbers it should have been doing (in terms of official sales, that is) because there were limited choices in the showrooms. Within a short time, he tripled the model offerings and even better, launched brand new models in Malaysia within a very short time after they went on sale in Germany.
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