More performance. More customisation. More MINI. Introducing the new and exclusive race-inspired MINI John Cooper Works Challenge Edition – bringing the MINI John Cooper Works even closer to the track.
In recognition of the pure pedigree that underpins MINI, the release of the MINI John Cooper Challenge Edition draws John Cooper Works even closer to the MINI CHALLENGE race car, both in its appearance and performance.
The MINI John Cooper Works Challenge Edition is powered by the same powerplant as the MINI CHALLENGE race cars; delivering 155kW from a twin-scroll turbocharged 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine. Developing a maximum of 260 Nm of torque (280 Nm torque available during Overboost) the MINI John Cooper works propels from 0-100km/h in just 6.5 seconds.
Exclusive to the Australian market, the John Cooper Works Challenge Edition includes the following features over the already highly optioned MINI John Cooper Works model: John Cooper Works aerodynamics package consisting of front, rear and side aprons, John Cooper Works Carbon spoiler, John Cooper Works Aluminium cross brace, John Cooper Works Alcantara and Carbon steering wheel, John Cooper Works Carbon gearshift knob with Alcantara shroud, John Cooper Works Carbon handbrake lever with Alcantara surround and unique Challenge Edition badging.
The Challenge Edition is available with all new MINI John Cooper Works Hardtop, Clubman or Cabrio models. Representing over $7,000 worth of value, the Challenge Edition is available for a strictly limited time as a $2,500 option.
A testament to the strength and success of the MINI Challenge race series, last year the sales of MINI John Cooper Works reach unprecedented heights, accounting for 26 percent of MINI Cooper S Hardtop sales and 10 per cent of the entire model range.
The 2010 MINI Challenge season kicks off in March with the categories debut at the Clipsal 500 in Adelaide.
2010 Mazda MX5 Pictures
Cadillac XTS Platinum concept
Is it real? Officially a concept, the XTS Platinum will almost surely roll down assembly lines to replace a pair of senior-snoozing Caddy sedans, the STS and DTS.
What they said: Nick Twork, a Cadillac spokesman, said that G.M. was seriously considering offering plug-in capability on an eventual production XTS. “People in the luxury class want efficiency as well,” he said.
What they didn’t say: Can import-leaning luxury buyers accept a full-size Cadillac that shares some components with the front-wheel-drive Chevrolet Impala?
The wait is over, the Roadster is here and the 370Z line-up is even more exciting than ever. While the quality, performance and thrills of Nissan’s much loved Coupe have already made it a hit with sports car fans, the 370Z range is now complete following the arrival of the stunning Roadster version.
Anyone wanting the ultimate wind-in-the-hair performance will have a choice of two trim levels – the standard 370Z Roadster or the GT Pack. Crucially, all models come with the same 3.7-litre V6 petrol engine which is at the heart of every 370Z. Now compliant with the latest Euro 5 emissions regulations, the V6 packs a 328 PS punch to go with its glorious engine note.
Even standard Roadster models come equipped with newly designed 18-inch alloy wheels, electrically adjustable seats, an engine start/stop button, Bluetooth connectivity with steering wheel mounted controls and Bi Xenon headlamps.
Upgrade to the GT Pack and the list of standard kit grows to include black suede and leather seats, an 8 speaker BOSE audio system, 19-inch forged alloy wheels and cruise control.
Every inch the understudy to the mighty GT-R supercar, the 370Z’s performance is far from diluted in Roadster form. The 370Z was designed from the start to be a thoroughbred Roadster from the ground up as well a thrilling Coupe. As a result, minimal weight has been required for strengthening and driving dynamics are everything Z fans would expect.
Not previously available on the Roadster in Europe, an advanced 7-speed automatic gearbox is offered alongside the conventional 6-speed manual transmission. GT Pack models also benefit as standard from SynchroRev Match – the world’s first synchronised downshift rev matching manual transmission – while buyers of all variants can enjoy the Nissan’s acclaimed rear-wheel drive chassis.
Best of all, this can all be experienced with the roof down. The Roadster’s black hood not only gives an authentic convertible look and feel, but its shape has been styled to look great up or down. The one motion closed-to-open movement takes around 20 seconds and a specially developed full body-colour hard tonneau cover helps to eliminate wind turbulence at speed.
And anyone who thinks sitting in a convertible in the summer sun can get a bit hot and sweaty can think again. Standard on GT Pack models, the 370Z’s newly developed seats are air conditioned, allowing chilled ventilation through their netted material so that both the driver and passenger can keep cool with the roof down no matter what the weather. What’s more the seats also make winter top-down driving a pleasure as they can also push out hot air to keep you warm.
Prices start at £29,900 for the 370Z Roadster and rise to £36,150 for the Roadster GT Pack with Sat Nav. A full price list can be found below.
Nissan’s UK MD, Paul Willcox comments: “The UK might not be experiencing perfect convertible weather right now, but having the 370Z Roadster on sale in Britain in time for spring is great news for performance car fans. There’s nothing like hearing the Z’s roar up close with the hood down!”
The launch of the 370Z Roadster also marks the arrival of the 2010 model year Coupe. In addition to the engine tweaks bringing its V6 powerplant in line with the latest environmental regulations, the Z is now available with Uphill Start Support to make getting the best out of the sporty Nissan even more stress-free (not fitted on the standard model).
A number of tweaks have also been made to the luxurious two-seat cabin including the addition of Connect Premium. Priced at £1,500, the system is borrowed from the GT-R and comes equipped with a 40GB HDD (Hard Disk Drive) and advanced Satellite Navigation. The dashboard mounted screen has a resolution now four times higher, while the new unit features a touch screen display, DVD functionality, iPod USB connectivity and coverage of more European countries than ever. The system also offers 10GB storage for music files which can be imported direct from your CD collection.
The Tata Motors Group has unfolded the full scale of its product portfolio and the breadth of its technology capability with a display of 37 vehicles, from the Tata, Jaguar and Land Rover brands, at the Auto Expo 2010, which opened here today. Among them are three new Tata vehicles, the Tata Aria, the Tata Venture, and the Tata Magic Iris. All the three will be commercially launched during 2010.
The Tata Aria, first shown as a concept at the 75th Geneva Motor Show in 2005, blends the functionality and comfort of a mid-range multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) with the all terrain assurance and premiumness of an SUV.
Its unique design and construction ensures that it is as robust as it is elegant and comfortable. The dynamic exteriors bear a distinctive lunging silhouette complemented by a unique A-pillar sweep and a well planted stance. Wrap-around dual barreled headlamps enhance the signature Tata grill, while the chrome underlining the glasshouse creates a distinctive kinetic beltline.
Its 2.2 Litre Direct Injection Common Rail (DICOR) diesel engine, delivering 140 PS power and 320 Nm torque, is mated, in the 4x4 option, with an all-wheel drive with torque on demand, which senses and distributes torque to the wheels in accordance with the terrain. Dual mass flywheel reduces NVH to the bare minimum level.
Unlike MPVs or SUVs, passengers can simply walk into the Tata Aria, rather than climbing up or getting down into the compartment. Once seated, one is wrapped in a luxurious world of premium features comprising 3d surround sound, dimming roof lamps, in-dash built in GPS with a state-of-the-art infotainment system, multifunctional steering wheel, dual air conditioning with automatic climate control and cruise control. The plush and spacious interiors come with three rows of theatre style seating. The second row slides and inclines, and the third row can fold flat along with the second to yield a large storage area.
The Tata Aria has established new benchmarks in safety. It boasts of top-of-the-line features like 6 airbags and ESP, offered by an Indian OEM for the first time. A chassis frame, constructed with advanced hydro formed members, coupled with a stiffened body cage, dual zone collapsible steering and airbags make the Tata Aria one of the safest vehicles in an exigency. It meets EEC safety regulations, which includes full frontal crash, offset crash and the side pole tests.
The new PPI RAZOR GTR and PPI RAZOR GT Supercar. BOLD Design, SHARP performance, and EXCLUSIVE production, developed and presented by PPI Automotive Design GmbH, the only tuners for Audi automobiles with a true focus on Engineering in Style.
