Hot Cars

Mercedes-Benz Offers Performance Packages For AMG Models

Mercedes-AMG is offering customised performance packages for three AMG models, aimed at particularly sporty drivers. The packages, which are available for the CLS 63 AMG, SLK 55 AMG and SL 55 AMG, comprise various factory-fitted components which significantly enhance the dynamics of all three models and further improve their racetrack potential. The performance packages were developed in the AMG Performance Studio and the vehicles are built at the relevant DaimlerChrysler production plants.

The performance packages for the CLS 63 AMG, SLK 55 AMG and SL 55 AMG focus particularly on chassis and brake system modifications, incorporating com-ponents with an even higher performance rating and longer service life. The result is a breathtaking driving experience for ambitious sports car enthusiasts who want to have the option of using their AMG model on closed-circuit racetracks. Customers benefit from the extensive motor sport know-how gained by Mercedes-AMG GmbH in almost four decades of working in this field.

The performance package for the CLS 63 AMG comprises:

- Internally ventilated composite front brake discs, size 390 x 36 mm
- Multi-disc rear locking differential with 40% locking effect for additional traction
- 19-inch twin-spoke AMG alloy wheels, multipiece, painted sterling silver, size 8.5 x 19 with 255/35 R 19 tyres (front) and size 10 x 19 with 285/30 R 19 tyres (rear)
- AMG performance suspension based on AIRMATIC DC
- AMG ergonomic sports steering wheel in leather/black Alcantara with silver-coloured aluminium shift paddles

The performance package for the SLK 55 AMG comprises:

- Internally ventilated composite front brake discs, size 360 x 32 mm
- 18-inch twin-spoke AMG alloy wheels, multipiece, size 7.5 x 18 with 225/40 R 18 tyres (front) and size 8.5 x 18 with 245/35 R 18 tyres (rear)
- AMG performance suspension
- AMG ergonomic sports steering wheel in leather/black Alcantara, with silver-coloured aluminium shift paddles
- Carbonfibre interior trim parts

The performance package for the SL 55 AMG comprises:

- Internally ventilated composite front brake discs, size 390 x 36 mm
- Multi-disc rear locking differential with 30% locking effect for additional traction
- 19-inch twin-spoke AMG alloy wheels, multipiece, size 8.5 x 19 with 255/35 R 19 tyres (front) and size 9.5 x 19 with 285/30 R 19 tyres (rear)
- AMG performance suspension based on Active Body Control (ABC)
- Additional oil cooler
- AMG front apron with larger air intakes
- AMG ergonomic sports steering wheel in leather/black Alcantara, with silver-coloured aluminium shift paddles

Lancia Delta HPE Concept Premieres In Venice

Lancia has orchestrated the return of the Delta name in the form of the new Lancia Delta HPE concept car, which is being unveiled at the Venice Film Festival. Inspiration for the car is said to be drawn from the Lancia Beta HPE, but this is a lot better looking than that car ever was.

The new Delta evolves Lancia’s current styling trends into a look that is both modern and attractive (a combination that proved to be elusive in products like the Thesis sedan). While we do like the look overall, we would be remiss if we didn’t point out that the side glass and taillights are extremely Murano-like. In fairness, that taillamp style is also found on the Thesis and the swanky little Ypsilon, so Lancia is being consistent.

While the automaker didn’t release any interior photos, they do state that the car incorporates sliding and tilting second-row seating, Bose audio, dual-zone climate control, and Fiat’s new Blue&Me system, which incorporates Bluetooth and a USB port to allow the driver to play his or her own digital music from a variety of mobile devices. The cabin itself should be a very pleasant place to be, as Lancia does interiors very well.

Lancia only states that the car is set up to accomodate a number of different gasoline and diesel engines, which can be mated to either a six-speed manual or an automatic transmission.

Alfa’s New Flagship Fires Broadside At Germans

Fiat SA launched the flagship of its cup in Cradle of Mankind country west of Johannesburg this week and my guess is that this 3.2-litre V6 with all-wheel drive and really beautiful lines will rock the local motoring world just as Mrs Ples and Littlefoot did when they were unearthed from their cave homes all those years ago.

Alfa has taken its top-end sedan, inserted a breathed-on and torque-focused version of its diva of a V6 engine and hooked the package through a six-speed manual gearbox to a superbTorsen 4×4 system that has a 10 percent bias towards the rear wheels at 43/57 percent.

If you’re a driving enthusiast who’s always turned to German products for your performance wheels, then now is the time to take a fresh but serious look at Alfa Romeo. The 159 Q4 is almost sensuous in the way it feeds back road data to your brain via hands and feet and verging on the magical in the way it goes about its job of clinging to the tar without rubber whimpering and accelerating hard without scrabbling for grip.

The new 3.2 V6, all-aluminium engine has evolved with the assistance of a low-friction twin overhead camshaft system that has continuously variable adjustment on both inlet and exhaust valve timing, maintenance-free hydraulic tappets, a “for life” timing chain, electronic throttle control, an ignition coil for each cylinder and a high-performance exhaust system with “pre-catalysts”.

That last bit means the first catalytic converters are very close to the exhaust manifold so reach working temperature very quickly and start cleaning up even before the hot gases reach the main catalysts under the car’s floor.

The new V6 JTS engine is capable of 191kW at 6300rpm (previous engine 184kW at 6200rpm) and, more importantly, 322Nm of torque at 4500rpm instead of 300Nm at 4800rpm. Alfa describes the engine as being “very elastic”, and that pretty much sums it up: you can play with the six-speed gearbox as much as you like but you really don’t need to with 90 percent of maximum torque available at only 1800rpm.

The Q4, Alfa says, has a top speed of 240km/h and will hit 100km/h in a very sporty seven seconds but outright muscle is not what this car is all about. What counts most is its sheer driveability: once it’s rolling speed piles on very quickly and, thanks to the car’s superb road-holding through the 4×4 system and very efficient sound insulation, is not as apparent as on a conventional sedan.

Renault Nepta

Renault’s renewed assault on the premium car sector begins today, with this luxurious Nepta showcar. It’s a vast, opulent convertible, designed to waft you across continents as if the golden age of motoring hadn’t been superseded by the budget airline revolution.

The Nepta is Renault’s attention-seeking concept for this month’s Paris motor show. Unsually for La Regie, it has a twin-turbocharged V6 mounted longitudinally and turning the rear wheels.

Renault has publicly committed to launching five luxury cars between 2007 and 2009, and doubling top-end output to 200,000 cars a year.

Renault says the Nepta’s design is inspired by classic grand tourers, although the details and technology are thoroughly modern. The proportions and stance are very stately, with a long, tapered rear end containing a sizeable overhang. The Nepta features wave-shaped panels to create a sense of fluidity, while the car has a two-tone effect thanks to the aluminium lower body section.

The wheels measure 23 inches in diameter, and their massive size is in keeping with the Nepta’s barge-like dimensions. It measures almost 5m-long, and is wider (though lower) than Bentley’s forthcoming GTC cabrio. Access to the cabin is by gullwing doors.

The mechanicals are throughly intriguing. The 3.5-litre V6, used by both Renault and Nissan, is here breathed on by twin turbochargers and has direct injection to save fuel. Peak outputs climb from 241bhp and 243lb ft to a hefty 420bhp and 413lb ft.

Power is sent to the rear wheels via a seven-speed automatic transmission, with gearchanges operated by wheel-mounted paddles. Renault claims a 0-62mph sprint in 4.9sec.

Typically for a Renault concept, the Nepta has a cabin packed with eye-catching details. The dashboard looks as if it’s floating. Old-school leather and contemporary aluminium wrap around analogue and digital instruments, to reinforce the mix of classic and modern.

The controls conform to Renault’s ‘touch design’ theory, where everything that’s touched feels soft and sensual, and located within easy reach. The Nepta has a BMWiDrive-style multi-media control system, the paddles are designed to melt into the driver’s hands. And the pedals can be re-positioned to provide the optimum driving position.

The Nepta can seat four on those leather bench seats. While they might sound a touch ’50s drive-in movie, the cinema is always on board, thanks to DVD screens with folding protective covers.

Skoda Octavia Scout Goes Off-Road

The new Skoda Octavia Scout is the Volkswagen Golf 5-based version of the famous Audi Allroad. Of course, the Octavia Scout lacks Audi’s luxurious comfort and safety features and you can’t use it as a ‘Thanks, I’m doing just fine’ personal statement as well, but nevertheless the vehicle will get yourself from point A to point B even if there is no road between them.

The new Skoda Octavia Scout has at least one definite advantage against its relatives - the Octavia Combi and the Octavia Combi 4×4. The Scout features a ground clearance which is respectively 40 and 16 millimeters higher, significantly raising a chance of successfully mastering a road covered in snow or mud. It is also 10 mm longer, 15 mm wider and 13 mm higher than the Octavia 4×4.

The Octavia Scout may be ordered with a choice of two VAG’s four-bangers - the 2.0 TDI PD diesel, capable of producing a maximum of 140 horsepower, and the latest 2.0 FSI gasoline engine, featuring 150 hp, which is transmitted to the ground via the Haldex multi-plate clutch, installed in front of the rear axle. Unfortunately, Skoda says nothing about their torque capabilities.

2007 Saturn Outlook

The eight-passenger - via an available second-row bench seat - crossover is GM’s attempt to lure large families who are tired of sub-par SUV gas mileage but don’t want to be seen in a minivan.

The center console and armrest, door panels, gauge cluster and seats are on par with GM’s new full-size SUVs, like the Chevy Tahoe, and are far beyond anything the company has produced before.

Both rear rows of seats fold flat, but not into the floor. That means the cargo floor is perfectly flat to stow long objects, but isn’t as deep because the seats don’t hide beneath the floor like they do in some minivans.

This is an interesting way to do it and much preferred to GM’s full-size SUVs, which must have the rear seats removed to achieve maximum cargo space. Parents will also enjoy the second-row bench seat because it fits three children across, two with the convenient LATCH system.

Mileage is estimated at 17/25 mpg city/highway for front-wheel-drive models and 16/24 mpg for all-wheel drive. The same 3.6-liter V-6 engine and six-speed transmission from the Aura will also be in use here, but will produce 263 or 267 hp, depending on the model. The Outlook will go on sale toward the end of the year and prices are expected to start in the mid- to upper $20,000 range.