550hp Chevrolet Matiz

General Motors has no idea that their baby Chevrolet Matiz is now capable of slaying their greatest giant the Corvette. It's not an officially-manufactured car but it will take care of some serious supercars in any straight-line battle. Created by Fourdin Auto Sport founder, Yves Fourdin, and a few friends, this Matiz was the result of 1,500 hours of hard work by people who are not even engineers but motorsport enthusiasts. Best of all they used no computers for their achievement.
Using the Matiz as a base, Fourdin and his team installed a 7.0-litre V8 straight out of a Corvette Z06. It makes 550hp (404kW) to blast the Matiz from 0 - 100km/h in a swift 3.7 seconds. The 0 - 200km/h time is 10.94 seconds while terminal velocity is 260km/h (162mph).
No details on its track performance were released so there's no telling how it takes to corners, bar a glimpse of it taking that long curve on the video. The car was finished in August 2008 and is currently being shown at the International Racing Show Liège in Belgium.
Source URL: http://carsstyling.blogspot.com/2009/04/
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Hartge Reveals BMW M3 Aerodynamic kit

Previously tuning house HARTGE had released a full range of accessories for the BMW M3 that include aluminium pedals, an aluminium handbrake handle and HARTGE gear knob. A new range of exterior accessories is now available from HARTGE.
Listed are a front spoiler lip, carbon add-ons for the front spoiler lip, and side sills for both right and left rear. This applies to both the coupe (codename E92) and convertible (E93). A rear diffuser and a lip for the boot lid are also offered but only for the M3 sedan and coupe, not for the convertible. The exterior side mirrors get a set of carbon casings. Side profile pictures are not available at this point.
The current BMW M3 comes only in three body types; a coupe, a convertible and a sedan. There's no word on a Touring wagon version. It uses a naturally aspirated 4.0-litre V8 engine to produce 420hp (309kW) and 400Nm of torque.
Source URL: http://carsstyling.blogspot.com/2009/04/
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Mazda RE-Amemiya Genki 7

Isami Amemiya founded RE Amemiya Car Company in Chiba, Japan way back in 1974. The tuning company has been specialising in the modification of cars fitted with the rotary engine. For a long time these have been exclusively Mazda RX-7s. At this year's Tokyo Auto Salon RE Amemiya presents the Genki7.
The Genki7 is built from an RX-7 and it apparently features an engine tuned by long-time RE Amemiya collaborator GReddy. No numbers were tossed alongside the pictures apart from the claim that the engine will help the Genki7 "leave everyone behind".
Source URL: http://carsstyling.blogspot.com/2009/04/
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UK Garage Presents Lotus Extrema

Italian tuner UK Garage is presenting its latest project, the Lotus Exige-based Extrema. UK Garage works on such names as TVR, Noble and Radical. Plenty of work has gone into the Extrema from when it was an Exige up until its current format.
Beginning with engine, buyers are spoiled for choice as they wade through a list that comprises exclusively of GM powerplants. At the entry point is a 2.6-litre with 360hp (265kW) followed by a 2.8-litre making 450hp (331kW) or a 560hp (412kW) 3.4-litre version. All three use a PowerTech V8 engine weighing 95kg. With this engine total vehicle mass does not exceed 750kg.
Moving to the next menu is GM's 2.8-litre V6 turbo that either produces 300hp (221kW) or 350hp (257kW). With this mill fitted the car goes up to 850kg in weight which is still very light. Up the performance ladder is where things get more interesting. UK Garage offers potential customers a register comprised of Chevrolet and Corvette powerplants that will be fitted into their Extremas. Again starting from the bottom there are two Chevrolet LS3s making either 420hp (309kW) or 500hp (368kW) each. At this level weight goes up a notch to about 970kg.
Those who long for absolute Extrema grunt, the 513hp (377kW) LS7 or the LS9 found in a Corvette ZR1 with 647hp (476kW) can be selected. This time vehicle mass reaches 1,000kg. This particular combination allows the Extrema to reach 100km/h from standstill in 2.8 seconds, 0 - 200km/h in 7 seconds and top off at 320km/h. Gearshifts are taken care of courtesy of either a manual or a sequential transmission system.
The Extrema has an aluminium chassis, and buyers can have either fiberglass or a kevlar-carbon composite body fitted. The body has been lengthened by some 20cm to accommodate these big engines. It has also been widened for the bigger tyres and equipped with an adjustable suspension system.
All this comes at a price of €66,000 including taxes for the baseline model while road-legal conversions can be made at extra cost.
Source URL: http://carsstyling.blogspot.com/2009/04/
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2009 Seat Exeo Review

Overview


To the untrained eye it's hard to tell the difference between the new Seat Exeo and the current Audi A4. The front and rear light clusters and, of course, the badge give the game away.
With this in mind the ordinary family saloon buyer looking to cut costs may consider the Exeo a wise choice. Indeed, the 2.0 TDI PS Sport we tested costs £19,230 whereas the equivalent Audi A4 TDI retails at £23,425 - over £4,000 more expensive.
This car, however, is based on the previous-generation A4, first built in 2001. It's not a cynical rebadging exercise, though: Seat has taken the trouble of changing 30% of the parts.
It's not a direct rival to the current A4 anyway - it's taking on the likes of the Ford Mondeo and the Vauxhall Insignia, and it's hard not to be seduced by the thought that you are getting Audi quality for Seat money. Prices start at £17,735 for the generously equipped entry-level Exeo and that's pretty competitive when you compare it the base-spec Mondeo which starts at just over £17,390. It's here the Exeo starts to make sense.
The Exeo uses the new generation of Volkswagen engines so it's not been short-changed. The old noisy, lethargic and unrefined pumpe duse diesel engines makes way for a torquey 2.0-litre common-rail engine and there's also a smooth-revving 2.0-litre in the line-up. So are you really getting Audi quality at Mondeo money? Read on to find out.


Reliability and Quality


The previous-generation Audi A4 was a pretty solid car, so we think it's fair to assume your shiny new Exeo will stay bolted together for years to come. The cabin is of a decent quality but we did get a rather annoying rattle from the alloy trim on the gearlever.
The mechanicals and exterior quality should stand the test of time if customer satisfaction surveys are a guide. In the 2008 JD Power Survey the A4 finished 20th out of 100 models - not bad- but Seat finished 21st out of 28 brands - not particularly good. Still, we think the A4 result gives a more accurate picture for the Exeo.
On the road


There are three engines on offer with the Seat Exeo: a 2.0-litre 140bhp common-rail diesel, a 170bhp diesel and a 197bhp turbocharged 2.0-litre petrol.
We tested the 140bhp diesel and came away extremely impressed with the low-down pull - the maximum torque of 236lb-ft is delivered as low as 1,750rpm, ideal for A-road cruising and more than adequate for town driving. It will take you from 0-62mph in 9.2 seconds and then all the way up to a top speed of 133mph and that's on par with a similar powered Ford Mondeo and even a BMW 3-Series.
The 170bhp does 0-60mph in 8.4 seconds with a top speed of 142mph and the petrol will complete the benchmark sprint in 7.3 seconds and top out at 149mph.
Handling-wise the Exeo is pretty predictable: dynamically it's not in the same league as the Mondeo and 3-Series, but it's acceptable and you'd have to be a picky travelling salesman to start complaining to the fleet manager about it. Turn in and the car will respond nicely - it's not prone to too much body lean because the springs are rather firm. But it feels safe and secure and it's only when you are charging into a corner that you'll start to experience any levels of understeer.
The old A4's steering didn't feel particularly precise but the new Servotronic power has helped things on the Exeo. There's a bit more weight now to give you more confidence behind the wheel.
The brakes have a nice progressive feel but the gearchange is fractionally notchy at times, particularly if you are going down from third to second.




Safety and Security


The 2001 Audi A4 secured 4 stars out of 5 for adult occupant protection and 1 star out of 4 for pedestrian safety in the Euro NCAP crash tests. That's not too shabby for a 2001 car but the game has moved on and there are now better-performing four-doors out there including the BMW 3-Series, Ford Mondeo and Vauxhall Insignia.
Stability control with electronic brake assist is standard as are front, side, and passenger airbags. Front active head restraints are also standard-fit.
An alarm and immobiliser are also included on the Seat Exeo's standard equipment list.





Running Costs


Thankfully the VW group diesels are refined and frugal. Official fuel consumption for the 140bhp version is 51.4mpg and that compares well with rivals. The 170bhp diesel returns 48.7mpg and the petrol 36.7mpg. Emissions levels are reasonable: the lower-powered diesel emits 143g/km of carbon dioxide which will put you in the Band F for road tax. The 170bhp emits 153g/km (Band G) and the petrol 179g/km (Band I).
Insurance will be affordable since the diesel models in groups 12 and 13. A group 14 rating for the high-powered petrol version should keep premiums low.
You won't pay a king's ransom if you choose the Exeo as a company car: Benefit-in-Kind rates are pegged at 19 % for the 140bhp diesel, 21% for the 170bhp diesel and a very affordable 23% for the petrol model.





Comfort and Equipment


The benefits of having an Audi A4 as a base are obvious as soon as you step inside the Exeo - this is probably the best cabin of any Seat. All the controls and switches respond with a satisfying thunk and the layout is no-nonsense and logical. All the materials look and feel decent and the addition of chrome on the rotary dials and the more aesthetically pleasing chromed circular vents offering an overall feeling of quality.
Fire up the Exeo and there's a slight sense of disappointment. The common rail diesel engine is noisy and rumbly, which is especially tiresome when you're pootling around town. It does settle down once you get up to motorway speeds, though.
The ride, although fidgety at times, is compliant and nicely balanced to give you reasonable comfort levels when cruising. The driving position is a little low but the seats are comfy and there's plenty of legroom and headroom available in the front and the back. Wind and road noise is well contained.
You can fold the rear seats down to get more space from the 460-litre boot. We stuck three golf bags in there with no problem with two rear seats folded down.
Base models get stability control, cruise control, electric windows and mirrors, split-folding rear seats, CD player and climate control.


Used Value


Used prices for the Exeo are unlikely to be in the same league as the current Audi A4, but Seat still performs pretty well in the second-hand market.
The 140bhp 2.0-litre diesel will be the pick of the bunch and we expect it to retain between 38-40% of its original value after three years/36,000 miles. That trumps the 2.0-litre diesel Ford Mondeo's 35% residual value.
Source URL: http://carsstyling.blogspot.com/2009/04/
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2009 Seat Exeo Review

Overview


To the untrained eye it's hard to tell the difference between the new Seat Exeo and the current Audi A4. The front and rear light clusters and, of course, the badge give the game away.
With this in mind the ordinary family saloon buyer looking to cut costs may consider the Exeo a wise choice. Indeed, the 2.0 TDI PS Sport we tested costs £19,230 whereas the equivalent Audi A4 TDI retails at £23,425 - over £4,000 more expensive.
This car, however, is based on the previous-generation A4, first built in 2001. It's not a cynical rebadging exercise, though: Seat has taken the trouble of changing 30% of the parts.
It's not a direct rival to the current A4 anyway - it's taking on the likes of the Ford Mondeo and the Vauxhall Insignia, and it's hard not to be seduced by the thought that you are getting Audi quality for Seat money. Prices start at £17,735 for the generously equipped entry-level Exeo and that's pretty competitive when you compare it the base-spec Mondeo which starts at just over £17,390. It's here the Exeo starts to make sense.
The Exeo uses the new generation of Volkswagen engines so it's not been short-changed. The old noisy, lethargic and unrefined pumpe duse diesel engines makes way for a torquey 2.0-litre common-rail engine and there's also a smooth-revving 2.0-litre in the line-up. So are you really getting Audi quality at Mondeo money? Read on to find out.


Reliability and Quality


The previous-generation Audi A4 was a pretty solid car, so we think it's fair to assume your shiny new Exeo will stay bolted together for years to come. The cabin is of a decent quality but we did get a rather annoying rattle from the alloy trim on the gearlever.
The mechanicals and exterior quality should stand the test of time if customer satisfaction surveys are a guide. In the 2008 JD Power Survey the A4 finished 20th out of 100 models - not bad- but Seat finished 21st out of 28 brands - not particularly good. Still, we think the A4 result gives a more accurate picture for the Exeo.
On the road


There are three engines on offer with the Seat Exeo: a 2.0-litre 140bhp common-rail diesel, a 170bhp diesel and a 197bhp turbocharged 2.0-litre petrol.
We tested the 140bhp diesel and came away extremely impressed with the low-down pull - the maximum torque of 236lb-ft is delivered as low as 1,750rpm, ideal for A-road cruising and more than adequate for town driving. It will take you from 0-62mph in 9.2 seconds and then all the way up to a top speed of 133mph and that's on par with a similar powered Ford Mondeo and even a BMW 3-Series.
The 170bhp does 0-60mph in 8.4 seconds with a top speed of 142mph and the petrol will complete the benchmark sprint in 7.3 seconds and top out at 149mph.
Handling-wise the Exeo is pretty predictable: dynamically it's not in the same league as the Mondeo and 3-Series, but it's acceptable and you'd have to be a picky travelling salesman to start complaining to the fleet manager about it. Turn in and the car will respond nicely - it's not prone to too much body lean because the springs are rather firm. But it feels safe and secure and it's only when you are charging into a corner that you'll start to experience any levels of understeer.
The old A4's steering didn't feel particularly precise but the new Servotronic power has helped things on the Exeo. There's a bit more weight now to give you more confidence behind the wheel.
The brakes have a nice progressive feel but the gearchange is fractionally notchy at times, particularly if you are going down from third to second.




Safety and Security


The 2001 Audi A4 secured 4 stars out of 5 for adult occupant protection and 1 star out of 4 for pedestrian safety in the Euro NCAP crash tests. That's not too shabby for a 2001 car but the game has moved on and there are now better-performing four-doors out there including the BMW 3-Series, Ford Mondeo and Vauxhall Insignia.
Stability control with electronic brake assist is standard as are front, side, and passenger airbags. Front active head restraints are also standard-fit.
An alarm and immobiliser are also included on the Seat Exeo's standard equipment list.





Running Costs


Thankfully the VW group diesels are refined and frugal. Official fuel consumption for the 140bhp version is 51.4mpg and that compares well with rivals. The 170bhp diesel returns 48.7mpg and the petrol 36.7mpg. Emissions levels are reasonable: the lower-powered diesel emits 143g/km of carbon dioxide which will put you in the Band F for road tax. The 170bhp emits 153g/km (Band G) and the petrol 179g/km (Band I).
Insurance will be affordable since the diesel models in groups 12 and 13. A group 14 rating for the high-powered petrol version should keep premiums low.
You won't pay a king's ransom if you choose the Exeo as a company car: Benefit-in-Kind rates are pegged at 19 % for the 140bhp diesel, 21% for the 170bhp diesel and a very affordable 23% for the petrol model.





Comfort and Equipment


The benefits of having an Audi A4 as a base are obvious as soon as you step inside the Exeo - this is probably the best cabin of any Seat. All the controls and switches respond with a satisfying thunk and the layout is no-nonsense and logical. All the materials look and feel decent and the addition of chrome on the rotary dials and the more aesthetically pleasing chromed circular vents offering an overall feeling of quality.
Fire up the Exeo and there's a slight sense of disappointment. The common rail diesel engine is noisy and rumbly, which is especially tiresome when you're pootling around town. It does settle down once you get up to motorway speeds, though.
The ride, although fidgety at times, is compliant and nicely balanced to give you reasonable comfort levels when cruising. The driving position is a little low but the seats are comfy and there's plenty of legroom and headroom available in the front and the back. Wind and road noise is well contained.
You can fold the rear seats down to get more space from the 460-litre boot. We stuck three golf bags in there with no problem with two rear seats folded down.
Base models get stability control, cruise control, electric windows and mirrors, split-folding rear seats, CD player and climate control.


Used Value


Used prices for the Exeo are unlikely to be in the same league as the current Audi A4, but Seat still performs pretty well in the second-hand market.
The 140bhp 2.0-litre diesel will be the pick of the bunch and we expect it to retain between 38-40% of its original value after three years/36,000 miles. That trumps the 2.0-litre diesel Ford Mondeo's 35% residual value.
Source URL: http://carsstyling.blogspot.com/2009/04/
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Carlsson SL CK63 RS

Carlsson has finally released details regarding the amazing SL CK63 RS which first debuted at the Essen Motor Show.
Based on the Mercedes SL 63 AMG, Carlsson reworked the standard car's V8 engine with 525 hp (386 kW) and 465 ft-lbs (630 Nm) of torque to produce 600 hp (411 kW) and 705 Nm (520 ft-lbs) of torque. This pays modest dividends in terms of performance as Carlsson estimates the SL CK63 RS will rocket to 62 mph in 4.1 seconds while the fore mentioned SL 63 AMG is a few ticks slower at 4.5 seconds. The vehicle's top speed has also been increased to 325 km/h (202 mph).
Carlsson engineers also threw in several other performance minded changes including an electronic lowering C-Tronic suspension, a high-performance carbon composite braking system, and ultra light 20-inch wheels outfitted with high-performance Dunlop SP SportMaxx tires.
The exterior features a new aerodynamic kit which includes a reworked bumper with mesh inserts for the air intakes and a new front spoiler and rear diffuser which are both constructed of lightweight polyurethane. A unique stealth titan graphite paint scheme with a matte finish is available but if that doesn't suit your tastes there are five other exterior colors to choose from. Inside, the car gets a luxurious treatment of leather and alcantara applied to the seats and door trim.
German pricing starts at a rather pricey €272,500 but cars as exclusive as this never come cheap.
Source URL: http://carsstyling.blogspot.com/2009/04/
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Wald Tuned Nissan GT-R

Wald International has officially introduced their new body package for the Nissan GT-R. The Japanese tuner has not released any engine modifications, citing the "difficulty in tuning the GT-R's engine."

The company has created several carbon-fibre body parts to lighten the vehicle's weight and make the car more aerodynamic. They custom built a front-lip spoiler and nose cover, and rear wing. Low-drag duct covers from another lightweight composite material are in place, while under the hood the cutomer will find a carbon-fibre engine cover.

Wald's aero-kit comes in the glossy finish typically used for street cars, called wet carbon fibre, or a dull matte grey color, called dry carbon fibre. The second choice is usually used on racers. A wet carbon kit starts at 1,039,500 yen ($11,620), with the dry carbon kit going for about 2,362,500 ($26,410). Prices include taxes.Source URL: http://carsstyling.blogspot.com/2009/04/
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All Carbon-Fiber Lotus Elise

Carbon fiber saves a lot of weight and is increasingly used in performance cars. But making a whole car out of carbon fiber may just end up being a tad too expensive. But someone has given it a go anyway.
Pictured here is a 2002 Type 72 JPS Lotus Elise built (or re-built?) to order for a Chinese customer by TW Auto Limited.
The Hong Kong based TW Auto has completely replaced both the interior and exterior with customized raw carbon fiber panels. The weight saved on the already feather-ous Lotus Elise? 66 to 88 pounds (or about 40 kg).
Additionally, the diet also included a lighter KW suspension, Lotus Racing exhaust, JP Racing wheels, as well as bigger air intake and air filter.
The re-working of the Elise took a whole 6 months for TW to complete for customer Jimmy Wong.
Source URL: http://carsstyling.blogspot.com/2009/04/
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Hamann BMW X6 TYCOON Widebody

German tuners Hamann Motorsport has just released their BMW X6 Tycoon to the public. Featuring a new body, restyling, and serious performance upgrades shows the full potential of BMW's crossover SUV.

Currently, customers get a choice between the BMW X6 xDrive35i, which comes with a 306 horsepower 3.0-liter inline-six, the BMW xDrive30d and its 235 hp 3.0-liter straight-six diesel, or the xDrive35d, which has a 3.0-liter inline-six-cylinder getting 286 hp. Horsepower for the three is bumped up significantly, reaching 360 hp on the petrol. The two diesels see increases to 261hp and 316hp respectively.

Torque output sees substantial gains, rising by 140 Nm to 540 Nm on the 35i model, by 80 Nm to 600 Nm on the xDrive30d, and from 580 Nm to 660 Nm on the 35d.

Hamann is also working on a performance kit for the top-of-the-line BMW X6 xDrive50i. Currently, that car is rated at an impressive 407 hp and 600 Nm of torque, generated by its 4.4-liter V8 twin-turbo.

Hamann's design team put together a body kit for the car meant to give the car a more muscular stance. The package is highlighted by new front wings, and a rear wing extension, all made out of a lightweight composite material. A new apron with large air intakes, and LED daytime running lights round out the front. Wrapping up the back is a three-part diffuser, a rear spoiler, and a roof spoiler.

Hamann uses their Design edition Race Anodized 23-inch rims on the car, wrapped in 315/25 r23 tyres. An ultralight wheel, it is paired with "special chassis springs" and "progressively coiled springs" to lower the crossover by 40 mm.

The tuner firm added their own touches to the interior as well. Customers will find a sizeable amount of aluminum and carbon fibre throughout the inside. New instrument dials and a 3-spoke steering wheel are also included.

The Hamann BMW X6 Tycoon editions are available now from the German company. A BMW X6 Tycoon based on the xDrive50i should arrive soon.Source URL: http://carsstyling.blogspot.com/2009/04/
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Feature: Best of 2009 Shanghai Auto Show

Detroit may be in the doldrums, but Shanghai is swinging: the Chinese motor industry is growing rapidly, investing in design expertise and preparing to have a significant global impact in coming years.

And besides the domestic manufacturers, who are producing ever-more interesting concepts, the established European and Western car-makers are finding that they can't afford to ignore China, where new-car sales are rising exponentially. Here's the low-down on the most important cars of this year's Shanghai Auto Show.

Bertone Mantide

Based on the 620bhp Corvette ZR1, the insectile Mantide (Italian for 'praying mantis') is a one-off, road-legal creation from the Stile Bertone studio for a private client.

Designer Jason Castriota - the man behind the one-off Pininfarina P4/5 - says it's inspired by jet-fighter aircraft, and its fuselage-type body, butterfly-opening doors and canopy certainly make it look ready to fly away.

Though the underpinnings are Corvette, the extra-aerodynamic Mantide is some 100kg lighter, thanks to its carbon fibre bodyshell and interior - which help it to 217mph and 0-60mph in less than 3.5 seconds. Downforce is 30% better than that of the Corvette, thankfully.

Buick Business Concept

Chinese buyers love GM's Buick brand - they see it as the epitome of American luxury - and the Business Concept MPV is suitably kitted out with armchair-type seats, plush burgundy and cream suede upholstery and carpets, and high-tech LED displays.

The work of the GM-SAIC Pan-Asia joint research and development facility, it incorporates traditional Chinese patterns in its trim, and evokes Chinese crystal sculptures in its headlight design. It shares its hardware with the Chevrolet Orlando and thus also the upcoming new Vauxhall Zafira, and also previews a next-generation GM hybrid powertrain.
Source:http://www.channel4.comSource URL: http://carsstyling.blogspot.com/2009/04/
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Feature: Best of 2009 Shanghai Auto Show

Detroit may be in the doldrums, but Shanghai is swinging: the Chinese motor industry is growing rapidly, investing in design expertise and preparing to have a significant global impact in coming years.

And besides the domestic manufacturers, who are producing ever-more interesting concepts, the established European and Western car-makers are finding that they can't afford to ignore China, where new-car sales are rising exponentially. Here's the low-down on the most important cars of this year's Shanghai Auto Show.

Bertone Mantide

Based on the 620bhp Corvette ZR1, the insectile Mantide (Italian for 'praying mantis') is a one-off, road-legal creation from the Stile Bertone studio for a private client.

Designer Jason Castriota - the man behind the one-off Pininfarina P4/5 - says it's inspired by jet-fighter aircraft, and its fuselage-type body, butterfly-opening doors and canopy certainly make it look ready to fly away.

Though the underpinnings are Corvette, the extra-aerodynamic Mantide is some 100kg lighter, thanks to its carbon fibre bodyshell and interior - which help it to 217mph and 0-60mph in less than 3.5 seconds. Downforce is 30% better than that of the Corvette, thankfully.

Buick Business Concept

Chinese buyers love GM's Buick brand - they see it as the epitome of American luxury - and the Business Concept MPV is suitably kitted out with armchair-type seats, plush burgundy and cream suede upholstery and carpets, and high-tech LED displays.

The work of the GM-SAIC Pan-Asia joint research and development facility, it incorporates traditional Chinese patterns in its trim, and evokes Chinese crystal sculptures in its headlight design. It shares its hardware with the Chevrolet Orlando and thus also the upcoming new Vauxhall Zafira, and also previews a next-generation GM hybrid powertrain.
Source:http://www.channel4.comSource URL: http://carsstyling.blogspot.com/2009/04/
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Jaguar XF 5.0 (2009-) Review

The new 3.0-litre diesel is the pick of the Jaguar XF range. How can it not be? It's relatively low on emissions, it'll return 42mpg and the 271bhp version sprints from 0 to 62mph in just 6.4 seconds and then all the way up to a limited 155mph.


So why bother with a thirsty V8? The new £49,900 5.0-litre is also limited to 155mph, only beats the diesel to the 62mph benchmark by only 0.6s but can't come close to matching the 3.0-litre's fuel consumption managing a distinctly unimpressive 25.2mpg.


Factor in an additional £5,700 premium and the 380bhp 5.0 looks like an unnecessary luxury - until you consider the price of the XFR. At £10k less than the high performance XF, the 5.0-litre offers a lot of bang for your bucks.

Source:http://www.channel4.comSource URL: http://carsstyling.blogspot.com/2009/04/
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Jaguar XF 5.0 (2009-) Review

The new 3.0-litre diesel is the pick of the Jaguar XF range. How can it not be? It's relatively low on emissions, it'll return 42mpg and the 271bhp version sprints from 0 to 62mph in just 6.4 seconds and then all the way up to a limited 155mph.


So why bother with a thirsty V8? The new £49,900 5.0-litre is also limited to 155mph, only beats the diesel to the 62mph benchmark by only 0.6s but can't come close to matching the 3.0-litre's fuel consumption managing a distinctly unimpressive 25.2mpg.


Factor in an additional £5,700 premium and the 380bhp 5.0 looks like an unnecessary luxury - until you consider the price of the XFR. At £10k less than the high performance XF, the 5.0-litre offers a lot of bang for your bucks.

Source:http://www.channel4.comSource URL: http://carsstyling.blogspot.com/2009/04/
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Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart Sportback (2009-) Review

We last drove the Ralliart Sportback as a pre-production car and even then it was shaping up to be a good compromise for someone who can't stretch to an Evo.


The prototypes had their flaws, though. The Ralliart's auto 'box blunted the 237bhp 2.0-litre turbo's performance, while others complained that Mitsubishi had gone too far in softening the Ralliart to make it palatable for the Golf GTI buyers and the like.


Mitsubishi listened and got to work. The finished Ralliart still sprints to 62mph in 7.1 seconds, but now boasts better gear ratios. Even more significantly, engineers have found the 'box is strong enough to take the full 253lb-ft of torque without the need for the pre-production car's torque limiter on first gear, promising for harder acceleration.


If that's not enough, the brakes have been boosted, suspension tweaked and it's competitively priced from £21,649 - that's £7,000 cheaper than the cheapest Lancer Evo and about £1,300 cheaper than the five-door Golf GTI.

So has Mitsubishi succeeded in providing an appetising cut-price alternative to one of the fastest, most accomplished four-door saloons ever made? Read on to find out.
Source:http://www.channel4.comSource URL: http://carsstyling.blogspot.com/2009/04/
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Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart Sportback (2009-) Review

We last drove the Ralliart Sportback as a pre-production car and even then it was shaping up to be a good compromise for someone who can't stretch to an Evo.


The prototypes had their flaws, though. The Ralliart's auto 'box blunted the 237bhp 2.0-litre turbo's performance, while others complained that Mitsubishi had gone too far in softening the Ralliart to make it palatable for the Golf GTI buyers and the like.


Mitsubishi listened and got to work. The finished Ralliart still sprints to 62mph in 7.1 seconds, but now boasts better gear ratios. Even more significantly, engineers have found the 'box is strong enough to take the full 253lb-ft of torque without the need for the pre-production car's torque limiter on first gear, promising for harder acceleration.


If that's not enough, the brakes have been boosted, suspension tweaked and it's competitively priced from £21,649 - that's £7,000 cheaper than the cheapest Lancer Evo and about £1,300 cheaper than the five-door Golf GTI.

So has Mitsubishi succeeded in providing an appetising cut-price alternative to one of the fastest, most accomplished four-door saloons ever made? Read on to find out.
Source:http://www.channel4.comSource URL: http://carsstyling.blogspot.com/2009/04/
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