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The SLK 55 AMG Black Series
2007-08-29 14:47:00
The new Black Serie s from Mercedes-Benz is an even more driver-focused variant of the V8-powered SLK 55 AMG Roadster.Output from the 5.5-litre AMG engine is boosted from 360 hp to 400 hp and 45 kg has been shaved off the kerbweight through the use of lightweight components including a new fixed hard top. As a result, the 0 to 62 mph dash drops from 4.9 to 4.5 seconds, while 125 mph is, where permitted, clocked up in just 15.5 seconds – a full two seconds quicker. Top speed is no longer restricted to 155 mph, and the car can reach 173 mph!The nose features new, more muscular front wings made from ultra-light carbon fibre-reinforced plastic (CRP) and a restyled AMG front skirt with carbon fibre inlays. Large air intakes and side air outlets ensure a sufficient flow of air to the enlarged engine oil cooler and new transmission and steering oil coolers.The chassis has been modified to match the increased performance capability of this special series SLK 55 AMG. Racetrack-optimised,...
More About: Lack , Erie

Smart ForTwo Brabus and Brabus Xclusive launched
2007-08-28 10:45:00
Smart have released details of their ForTwo BRABUS Convertible model which is due to be launched at the September Frankfurt auto show.The new 72 kW/98 bhp three cylinder turbo powered BRABUS will have 30% more power than the previous model while still maintaining low fuel consumption figures. The sporty character of the new smart ForTwo BRABUS is apparent at first glance. It comes with "Monoblock VI" alloy wheels with wide tyres, wider rear wheel arches, a sports exhaust system with centrally positioned dual tailpipes. Suspension is lowered and set up to give a more sporty feel. In the interior, cockpit instruments with specially designed dials, BRABUS stainless steel sports pedals and a new BRABUS leather steering wheel with shift paddles continue the theme.The BRABUS Xclusive lives up to its name with additional equipment details such as H7 projection headlamps, a front spoiler with enlarged air inlets, side skirts and a special rear apron. The seats are upholstered with fine leat...
More About: Smart , Brabus , Launched

Mazda's plans for the MX5 Miata
2007-08-22 19:01:00
The iconic Mazda MX-5 Miata two-seater roadster will receive a 'Race' package this autumn paving the way for a MazdaSpeed edition in mid 2008. This will most likely be powered by the turbocharged 2.3-litre four-pot that currently resides in the Mazdaspeed3 although losing some horsepower in packaging the intercooler and larger radiator.A full redesign for the MX5 is planned for the 2010 model year when this convertible must comply to the new US 2011 rear-offset collision standards.
More About: Plans

Dodge Demon Roadster could make production
2007-08-20 09:38:00
With all the changes going on at Chrysler we were concerned that the Dodge Demon roadster concept would never see the light of day. Fortunately then, design chief Trevor Creed shares our concerns. He is fighting for the car to make it through to production and recently claimed that the "conditions were right" for such a vehicle, and with Cerberus' new ownership, the private equity group could make a lot of friends inside and outside Chrysler by making the Demon a reality. Chrysler have been through three CEOs, and two ownership groups in the past 18 months so the launch of this fun little roadster, pitched as a baby Viper could be a very positive move. The Demon, first seen at the Geneva Motor Show in March is similar in size to the market leading Mazda MX5 and in the US the car would also compete with the Pontiac Solstice and Saturn Sky.Power would come from a 172 horsepower 2.4 liter engine, offering peak torque of 165 pound-feet. A six-speed manual gearbox sends the power to the...
More About: Production , Make , Prod

Citröen C-Airscape
2007-08-18 10:21:00
These are the first picture of a new Citröen convertible, the C-Airscape, due to be on view at next month's Frankfurt Motor Show. This car is based on the up and coming C5 saloon/sedan revision giving it a good size interior and broad selection of powerplants. The roof appears to be a folding hardtop with a glass panel and arcing beams reminiscent of the C3 Pluriel. We look forward to seeing it in the flesh as this car has the looks to turn it into a market leader if pitched against the Peugeot 307CC, Megane CC, Astra Twintop and VW Eos. Unlike much of this competition the proportions are clean and elegant. We particularly like the long chrome door handle strip and bonnet bulges. This cabriolet would be expected to go into production following the launch of the C5 which we expect to see at the Geneva Motor Show in March.
More About: Scape

2009 BMW Z4
2007-08-17 16:10:00
The Successor to BMW's popular Z4 roadster is due for release in 2009. The new car is expected to have a folding hard top roof (or at least as an option) similar to the new 3-series convertible as well as being larger and more powerful than the current model. This is to make room in the range for smaller convertibles to be introduced including a 1-series convertible and a rumoured Z2 roadster.The new Z4 will be the manufactured in Germany unlike the current model and previous Z3 roadster which were built in South Carolina. The move is to allow the American plant to be fully committed to the production of SUVs.A high performance M-sport version of the Z4 should arrive in 2010 or 2011 and come with the 420-hp V8 engine from the M3.>> Further details and images of the current BMW Z4 >> Further details and images of the current BMW Z4M

Callaway C16 Speedster
2007-08-15 21:20:00
Callaway Cars launched their flagship model the C16 Speedster at the Pebble Beach Concourse d'Elegance. Like the other convertible cars in the Callaway range the Speedster is based on the current Corvette but receives radical modifications.Underneath the car's bodywork lies a supercharged, intercooled, 6.2L all-alloy hand-built powerplant produces 700hp and 660lb-ft of torque, propelling the Speedster from 0 to 60 in an estimated 3.2 seconds. Maximum speed of the C16 Speedster is over 210 mph.Overall handling and road feel is transmitted by a newly developed Callaway/Eibach Multi-Pro coil-over suspension system. This joint development effort produced an advanced spring/damper system, featuring 10-position compression and rebound adjustability, allowing the driver to customize settings for specific road conditions.A unique element the Speedster shares with its C16 siblings – Coupe and Cabriolet – are Callaway/Dymag Carbon wheels that weigh approximately 40-percent less than the...
More About: Alla

Citroën C3 Pluriel
2007-08-15 18:17:00
Citroën are running cashback offers throughout August for the UK market along with the introduction of a new 'Kiwi' special edition of its convertible supermini, the C3 Pluriel.The new Kiwi model comes in a unique, eye-catching yellow/green metallic body colour and features alloy wheels and a luxurious air conditioned all-black leather upholstered interior, with leather finish to the door handles and steering wheel.At the same time Citroën has added a number of style upgrades to the funky C3 Pluriel Cote d’Azur. There are two body colours (Pearlescent Black and Ivory), new body-coloured bumper inserts, rubbing strips and door handles, as well as enhancements to the interior trim that include ivory coloured seat-backs and a translucent ruby gear knob.C3 Pluriel Kiwi and Cote d’Azur models are both equipped with the 75hp 1.4i petrol engine. Prices for the cars including the cashback offer are £10,995 for the Cote d’Azur and £12,495 for the C3 Pluriel Kiwi.>> Further detail...