Available from July 2006, the limited edition Works kit for the Cooper S promises to be a lot of fun. As well as upping the power output to 218 bhp, they’ve managed to shed 40 kilos as well!
This has been achieved with the use of aluminium chassis parts and the deletion of the rear seats and sound deadening material.
After its debut at the Detroit motor show, Audi has confirmed that its Roadjet concept will be put into production, but only in Europe. The high riding hatchback will be based on an A4 platform and use the 3.2 litre V6 with a power hike up to 300 bhp. A seven speed DSG gearbox will send power to all four wheels, with a claimed 0-60 mph of (a respectable) 6.3 seconds.
The interior will house a few goodies, such as a larger screen in the front, small screens in the rear and an espresso maker built into the rear seat console. Expect a taller, more SUV-like version for the American market.
[Source: Automobile Magazine]
The Eos is a generous size, sharing its platform with the current Golf/Jetta models. Volkswagen made a point of making the side roof rails as long as possible in order to give a more gradual curve to the rear roof-line, making the Eos look and feel very coupe-like in comparison to other cars in its class and giving it a well proportioned look in the process.
Something else setting it apart, is the fact that the car has a fully functioning sunroof, giving you the best of both worlds. On the road the Eos feel more like a sunshine cruiser than a GTI. The suspension is on the soft side of sporty, but still firm enough to handle any corners you may point it at.
To celebrate 60 years of hand built craftsmanship at their Crewe factory, Bentley have announced a limited edition version of their Continental GT.
Production of the Continental GT Diamond series will be strictly limited to 400. The power remains the same (552 bhp from the 6 litre twin turbo W12 powerhouse), but the brakes have received an upgrade to a gigantic 420 x 40 mm on the front and 356 x 28mm on the rear. These are the largest ever to be used on a production. Made from carbon-silicon carbide and gripped by 8 piston calipers up front, they’re certainly up to the job of bringing the GT to a halt. They’re hidden behind a set of newly designed 9 x 20 inch fourteen spoke alloys.
Volkswagen has extended its range of gas vehicles by adding the LPG (Liquid Petroleum Gas) Sharan . The Sharan will be powered by the 85 KW petrol engine.
LPG is a widely recognised alternative fuel and is already being used in an estimated 8 million vehicles worldwide. As well as the obvious economical advantage of this fuel, it’s also friendlier to the environment (producing 15% less CO² in comparison to its petrol powered equivalent).
The Sharan LPG is basically a bi-fuel vehicle, with the 60 litre liquid gas tank being housed within the spare wheel well. This gives an additional range of up to 450km. Combine this with a full tank of petrol and you have a vehicle capable of almost 1200km between top ups!
[Source: VW]
Porsche are about to release their flagship 2007 model, the 997 Turbo. Featuring a 3.6L 480 bhp twin turbo engine helping it to get from 0-60 mph in only 3.4 seconds (0-100 kph in 3.7 seconds) and onto a top speed of 193 mph. The power hike provides an all time high of 133 bhp per litre.
A newly designed for wheel drive sytem has been created to keep the power on the road. This consists of and electronically controlled multi disced clutch, replacing their previous viscous clutch. The PTM (Porsche Traction Management) system helps to keep grip to a maximum in all conditions.
