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New Marcos TSO GT2 Coupe
On June 13, Marcos released its new TSO GT2, at London’s Canary wharf Autoexpo. This light sports car (1150kg) receives a GM 5.7 V8 engine delivering up to 475bhp. A dreadful power-to-weight ratio indeed! Thus, the new Marcos accelerates to 60mph in 4 seconds, to 100mph in 9 second and hits a top speed of 185mph, on track needless to say. Thanks to its 50/50 weight ratio, Marcos claims it remains quite easy to drive. Besides, with its impressive torque, it can accelerate from 50 to 70mph in… 2 seconds!
The customer can choose between two packages:
- Sports Package, including the 475bhp V8, sports suspensions and racing brakes.
- Tourer Package, with a softer suspension and comfort fittings.
Prices start at £49,995. This is not so costly for a car that can humiliate a TVR Tuscan, a Porsche 911 or a Ferrari F430.
June 14, 2005
New engines for the Range Rover
The Range Rover gets a new engine, to crown its range. Above the 4.4-litre V8 engine inherited from BMW– and so is the Range’s bodyframe – , the Range has now a supercharged 4.2 V8 delivering no less than 400bhp. In fact, this engine is provided by Jaguar, which belongs to the Ford group, just like Land Rover. In the mean time, it receives upgraded suspensions and grille. Now, the Range can reach 130mph, accelerate from 0 to 60mph in 7.1 sec, for an overall consumption of 17.7mpg. Ouch!
All this has a cost: £72,995.
Later, a 3.6 litre V8 turbodiesel should come out. This unit, delivering about 250bhp for a huge 400lb ft torque at least, will be built in Ford’s plant in Dagenham.
June 14, 2005
Inside the new Punto
Quality seems to have lead the designers’ minds when they drew the facia of the new Punto. Obviously, they sought inspiration in Germany, for everything looks neat and slick. Nevertheless, under its camouflage, the curved top of the dash, above the dials recalls that of the Punto MKI. Sadly enough, the wide storage space facing the front passenger on the previous Puntos has disappeared.
So as not to look too dark, the dash takes up the colour of the seats while the controls are the same as the Lancia Ypsilon’s. Apparently, a dual-zone air-conditioning will be available.
Indeed, Fiat decided not to take any risk when designing this dash, which is a risk in itself for it looks a bit commonplace. Let’s wait for official photos though.
Source: www.ilpistone.com
June 14, 2005
Deeper into the Alfa 159
On June 13, Alfa Romeo released detailed official information about the oncoming 159. We may have already presented the car that’s to take over the 156 quite thoroughly, we can add a few details though. 156 met an impressive success, with 680,000 copies produced between 1997 and 2005, and was the starting point of Alfa’s renewal. They cannot mess up with the 159. Alfa promises optimum quality and safety levels, a better handling and drive and a more flexible cockpit. The contrary would have been quite amazing.
At last, Alfa’s saloon receives a split/fold rear bench, a TFT screen monitoring the stereo and the navigation and numerous storage units. A tri-zone aircon will be offered on highest versions. 8 airbags will protect the passengers, besides, Alfa has implanted airbags protecting the knees. The company hopes the 159 will be granted 5 stars by the EuroNcap.
The dynamic safety of the car should be guaranteed by double wishbones for the front suspension a multilink at the rear and an excellent torsional rigidity of the bodyshell, elaborated on the Premium platform. With 180,000 daNm/rad, Alfa claims it’s the best in its segment.
As for the engines, we had already mentioned what they would be like, the only thing being that the 3.2 unit will develop 260bhp. This engine can be coupled with a 4WD transmission.
There are a few drawbacks though. Being bigger than its predecessor, the 159 will also weight a lot more: from 1480 to 1740kg. An average increase of 200kg! This should have bad consequences on the fuel consumption as well as on prices.
As a beginning, the 159 will be available in 2 outfits, the quality of which also depending on the engine they come with. The lower trim includes electric mirrors and windows, an air-con, 16’’ alloys, ABS, VDC (Alfa’s ESP), 7 airbags, an 8-hp CD stereo and a trip computer. Strangely enough, the foldable rear bench remains optional on every version. All models receive a 6-speed gearbox.
In a few months’ time, the Sport Wagon will be released and a common-rail Multijet V6 3.0 engine will crown the diesel range. Thus, Alfa hopes to compete more efficiently with the Audi A4, Mercedes C-Class, BMW 3-Series and Volvo S40.
- 1.9 JTS
Engine layout: 4 in line
Capacity: 1859cc
Bore and stroke: 86×80
Maximum power output: 160bhp at 6500rpm
Peak torque: 190Nm at 4500rpm
Kerb weight: 1480 kg
Top speed: 131mph
Acceleration 0-62mph: 9.7sec
Combined cycle fuel consumption: 27.6mpg
- 2.2 JTS
Engine layout: 4 in line
Capacity: 2198cc
Bore and stroke: 86×94.6
Maximum power output: 185bhp at 6500rpm
Peak torque: 230Nm at 4500rpm
Kerb weight: 1490kg
Top speed: 138mph
Acceleration 0-62mph: 8.8
Combined cycle fuel consumption: 25.5mpg
- 3.2 JTS V6
Engine layout: V6
Capacity: 3195cc
Bore and stroke: 85.6×89
Maximum power output: 260bhp at 6200rpm
Peak torque: 322Nm at 4500rpm
Kerb weight: 1740kg
Top speed: 150mph
Acceleration 0-62mph: 7.0sec
Combined cycle fuel consumption: 21mpg
- 1.9 JTDM 120
Engine layout: 4 in line
Capacity: 1910cc
Bore and stroke: 82×90.4
Maximum power output: 120bhp at 4000rpm
Peak torque: 280Nm at 2800rpm
Kerb weight: 1525kg
Top speed: 118mph
Acceleration 0-62mph: 11.0
Combined cycle fuel consumption: 41mpg
- 1.9 JTDM 16V 150
Engine layout: 4 in line
Capacity: 1910cc
Bore and stroke: 82×90.4
Maximum power output: 150bhp at 4000rpm
Peak torque: 320Nm at 2000rpm
Kerb weight: 1535kg
Top speed: 130mph
Acceleration 0-62mph: 9.4sec
Combined cycle fuel consumption: 40mpg
- 2.4 JTDM 20V
Engine layout: 5 in line
Capacity: 2387cc
Bore and stroke: 82×90.4
Maximum power output: 200bhp at 4000rpm
Peak torque: 400Nm at 2000rpm
Kerb weight: 1630kg
Top speed: 141mph
Acceleration 0-62mph: 8.4sec
Combined cycle fuel consumption: 35mpg
June 14, 2005
BMW M5, a Meant for 5 sports car?
No speed limit on certain sections of German motorways: do you guess why German carmakers make the best sporty sedans? In this category, here is BMW’s new ground-to-ground family missile: the M5. Outside, it’s not so spectacular, but its 19’’ alloys and 4 exhaust pipes indicate there is something special under the bonnet. A 4999cc V10 delivering 507bhp at 7750rpm has made it to the BMW 5-series. Not only does this engine take up an F1-like layout, but its block is also cast in the same Landshut-based foundry as those used by Williams. This magnificent piece of machinery, complying with the stringent Euro IV norm, is coupled with a 7-speed SMG III gearbox.
In order to cope with this powerful engine weighing 240kgs, BMW has fitted the M5 with EDC self-adapting dampers and an active steering. The front underframe has been stiffened too. Of course, ESP (called DSC) is standard, but it can be completely disengaged. Thus, it’s possible to make the most of the 50/50 balance of the chassis and the V10 can give its best on a track.
With a governed top speed of 161 mph, you can’t expect to worry the owner of a Ferrari F430.
But, according to Autocar magazine, the M5 can accelerate from 0 to 100mph in 9.8secs. It’s only 0.4sec slower than the Ferrari… Besides, from 0 to 150mph, the Italian 2-seater is defeated by 0.5sec (21 vs 21.5)!
Priced at £61,755, the BMW can be seen as a bargain when you know an F430 costs £124,650.
In the mean time, you can comfortably journey down to the south of Spain with your family and other luggage, enjoying the leather upholstery, the head-up display and the M-Drive, allowing you to tune the car as you wish.
Now, could you imagine cruising at 70mph on the M5 in an M5?
June 13, 2005
Land Rover G4 Challenge: real Survivors don’t need video-cameras
Created in 2003, the successful Land Rover G4 Challenge continues in 2006. Men and women from 18 countries around the world will be given the opportunity to give the best of themselves in an awesome adventure around the World, behind the wheel of an orange Discovery. Needless to say that it takes one to be healthy, sporty, painstaking and mentally balanced to participate in such a race, beginning in Bangkok city and ending on the high altitudes plains of Bolivia.
Working in bi-national teams, competitors will have to sweat their guts out if they want to stand out in the 4 consecutive stages taking place in both urban and remote areas located in Southeast Asia and South America. The winner will be offered a brand new Range Rover.
Don’t think filling a form is enough to get into this adventure. Each nation will organize tests to select 3 competitors, male or female, who next will have to go to an international selection and training event taking place in Eastnor Castle, UK. Only one competitor per nation will eventually be chosen.
The following nations will be represented during the 2006 Land Rover G4 Challenge:
Argentina
Australia
Belgium and Luxembourg
Brazil
Chile and Costa Rica
France
Germany
Greece
Ireland
Italy
Japan
The Netherlands
South Africa
Spain
Russia
Taiwan
Turkey
The United Kingdom
Want to apply? Click here
June 13, 2005
New Impreza’s failed lace-lift
Subaru has just released the New Impreza with its Tribeca-like new nose. This is the third restyling in five years for this rival of the Mitsubishi Lancer. The rest of the car hasn’t changed much –only new rear lamps– for it has recently been upgraded, with a stretched wheelbase and a wider track. There will also be a power increase. The new Impreza is expected in the UK late 2005.
June 13, 2005
Iceman wins hot Montreal grand-prix
The grand-prix of Canada did not betray its reputation: it was enthralling from start to finish. It began at the beginning of this 70-lap race: Fisichella jumped from the fourth to the first position while Alonso stole the second position from M.Schumacher, who completely missed his start. He was also passed by Montoya and Raikkonen. Button was third then.
Villeneuve probably hit Takuma Sato and was soon obliged to have the front wing of his car replaced. This cost him 50 seconds and definitively pushed him to the back of the race.
Barrichello decided to start from the pits.
It was only after the first wave of pit stops, initiated by Michael Schumacher on lap 12, that the story met new developments. Fisichella was caught back by misfortune on lap 32: a hydraulic failure on his car forced him to resign, after managing to drive his car back to the pits. Alonso became an uncomfortable leader for he was being hunted by 2 McLarens. After M.Schumacher and Jenson button’s second stop, Alonso hit a wall, not harshly but strongly enough to leave the race.
At that moment the 2 McLarens began leading the race. Shortly after, Heidfleld’s engine exploded, and on lap 46, Button brushed against the tyres in front of the champions’ wall. He stopped his BAR-Honda in the middle of the track, which caused the Safety Car to neutralize the race. Then, confusion invaded the race. Raikkonen, Barrichello, Coulthard, Michael Schumacher, Klien, Villeneuve, Massa, Webber, and Trulli seized the occasion to stop for refuelling. Montoya had to wait the following lap to refuel, but, he made 2 fatal mistakes. First, he quit the pits despite the red light an then he passed a Redbull while the Safety Car was still on track. He was blackflagged and disqualified a few laps later.
Raikkonen and Michael Schumacher kept their respective 1^st and 2^nd positions, ahead of Trulli and Barrichello.
On lap 63, Trulli resigned, because of his brakes, and Rubens took over the third position. This was not to change until the end of the race.
This race was a mere deception for both Renault and Williams-BMW, while Ferrari could hardly expect to put 2 pilots on the podium.
With his deserved victory, Raikkonen has given the championship a new start, now only 22 points behind Alonso.
Who said Formula 1 had become boring and predictable?
GP results:
1. Kimi Raikkonen, Finland, McLaren-Mercedes, 70 laps, 1 hour, 32 minutes, 9.290 seconds.
2. Michael Schumacher, Germany, Ferrari, 70, 1:32:10.427.
3. Rubens Barrichello, Brazil, Ferrari, 70, 1:32:49.773.
4. Felipe Massa, Brésil, Sauber Petronas, 70, 1:33:04.429.
5. Mark Webber, Australia, BMW-Williams, 70, 1:33:05.069.
6. Ralf Schumacher, Germany, Toyota, 69.
7. David Coulthard, GB, Red Bull, 69.
8. Christian Klien, Austria, Red Bull, 69.
9. Jacques Villeneuve, Canada, Sauber Petronas, 69.
10. Tiago Monteiro, Portugal, Jordan, 67.
11. Christijan Albers, The Netherlands, Minardi, 67
June 13, 2005
Porsche 997 Rinspeed
Let’s put it straight: the 911 is one of the best sports cars ever. But then, there are so many of them everywhere that it looks commonplace. In France, Even a Logan draws more attention! OK, the French have special tastes.
But then, for a few extra pounds, just a few hundred, you can dramatically alter your dull grey 911 into an eye-catching sports car. Take a look at Rinspeed’s catalogue, and start dreaming. At last, your 911 will stand out in the car park when you open it. Yes, in addition to the big 19’’ wheels, the new aerodynamic package, the lowered suspension, you can fit your 911 with gullwing doors, whether it’s a Coupe or a convertible. The last step before the pink Lamborghini Diablo.
Besides, this is the evidence a 911 can be as convenient as a Peugeot 1007 in a crowded car park, provided it’s not too low.
June 12, 2005
Unexpected pole position for Button
After a rough qualifying session, Button has taken the first position in his BAR, on the overheated dusty Canadian track of Montreal, in 1:15,217. 2 tenths behind, we find Michael Schumacher, who didn’t expect such a good position after his slow practice sessions. Some had forgotten how talented and experienced he is, which helped him make a good time on the patchy track. In 3^rd and 4^th position there are the 2 Renaults, driven by Alonso and Fisichella. The former, even if a little disappointed, remains thrilled to see Raikkonen, his closest rival, back on the seventh position, for he seeks to extend his championship advantage. Nevertheless, he’ll have to be even luckier than at the end of the last race, on the Nurburgring track if he wants to score a 5^th victory.
Behind them, on the 5^th position, the McLaren driven by Montoya arrives before the second BAR, driven by Takuma Sato, who didn’t manage to remain faster than his team mate when it was important to.
Raikkonen did not manage to get better than a seventh position for his McLaren, with a revved-up Villeneuve in his Sauber-Petronas right behind him, boosted by the public’s cheers.
9^th and 10^th are the 2 Toyota drivers, Trulli and Ralf Schumacher.
Felipe Massa qualified his Sauber in 11^th position, just ahead of David Coulthard in his Redbull.
13^th and 14^th positions go for…the 2 Williams-BMWs, respectively driven by Heidfeld and Webber, who committed a few mistakes on the tricky track.
A solid 15^th is Albers in his Minardi-Cosworth, who did a good job to keep Kline, driving the 2^nd Redbull, behind him. 17^th and 18^th are the Indian pilot Karthikeyan and Monteiro, both driving a Jordan Toyota.
Patrick Friesachier comes 19^th on the second Minardi, while the last pilot to start on the grid will be Rubens Barichello, who was unable to finish a full qualifying lap because of technical problems.
2 unexpected pilot on the fist 2 positions, varied strategies in terms of fuel load and a rough track: all this show that Formula I is now really unpredictable. We can expect a enthralling race tomorrow.
June 12, 2005