September 2009 ~ Fast Cars, Cool Cars, Best Cars

Wednesday, September 30, 2009

Test Drive: Subaru Impreza S-GT

The Subaru Impreza is best known among car fans as a superb rally car made famous by Colin McRae. And it is also well known as the arch nemesis of the Mitsubishi Evolution series. The latest version of the Impreza departs from its original sedan design and opts for a 5-door hatchback version instead. My review car is the Subaru Impreza S-GT.

Exterior & Design: The new hatchback design is a major shift from the previous versions. And it does take some getting used to. However, I must admit that it looks rather good and pleasing unlike the ugly older bug-eyed design. The huge bonnet air-scoop which is a trademark of all Impreza WRXs is still there to remind us of its pedigree. Compared with its bigger brother the Impreza STI, the S-GT looks milder and less aggressive without the extra bulges along its front and rear wheel arches.

Interior: The interior of this Impreza is certainly much improved from the previous versions. However, I reckon it is still too plasticky and grey. And the plastics feel hard and cheap. Built quality is good and sports seats are provided as standard. Sitting position is good and the sports seats provide wonderful support without being too constricting. The S-GT comes with a CD player with FM radio and a USB input as standard. This CD player sticks out like a sorethumb on the centre console. Very tasteless I would say and it does not blend well with the interior design. Being a hatchback, the boot space is definitely less than a sedan’s. However, it is big enough to fit a big luggage bag and more.

Engine: The S-GT’s boxer flat-four EJ20 engine is marvellous. This 1994cc turbocharged engine manages to pump out 250bhp and 333Nm of torque. That’s a lot of power for a car this size. That’s 25hp more than the RM200K Civic Type R and just 50hp less than its bigger bro STI (which costs RM70K extra). There is minimal turbo lag from this impressive engine and the S-GT is very responsive. The only gripe is that it is mated to a 4-speed automatic gearbox. It does have semi-automatic shifting though but the response is rather slow. Those who love to hear the sweet burble of the boxer engine will be disappointed as this engine is quiet even when revved hard.

The Drive: Subaru’s trademark Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system provides a competent and comfortable ride. The steering is well weighted and very responsive. And the turning radius is small. The S-GT feels stable at high speeds both in a straight line and also when cornering. The cabin is also very quiet and well insulated. Overall, the S-GT is very easy to drive fast and you will be breaking the speed limit before you even know it.

Conclusion: The Subaru Impreza S-GT is a softer more functional version of the STI. It is a capable car with lots of power and can perform when the need arises. However, it feels more at home as a fast family car. Its list price is RM185000 and if your main requirement is power, then no other new car comes close at this price. But if you are looking for a car with an overall package of power, nice design and a comfortable interior, this is not your cup of tea.

More info: http://www.motorimage.net/MY/showroom/

Rivals: VW Golf GTI, Honda Civic Type R, BMW 1 series

Thursday, September 24, 2009

Frankfurt 09: Lambo Reventon Roadster

One of the 'superstars' of Frankfurt 09 is the Lamborghini Reventon Roadster. Lamborghini presented the ultimate driving machine among open-top two-seaters – the Reventón Roadster is a sports car of breathtaking fascination, menacing power and uncompromising performance. The Reventon Roadster comes with a 6.5 liter twelve-cylinder lump which generates 660 bhp & 660Nm of torque at 6000 rpm, catapulting the Roadster from 0 to 100 Km/h in 3.4 seconds and a top speed of 330 KM/h (205 mph).

The open-top Reventón is not only one of the fastest, but also one of the most exclusive cars in the world – Lamborghini has limited the series.Less than 20 Lamborghini friends and collectors will be able to own this extraordinary car.

A unique paint finish completes the razor sharp design language of the Lamborghini Reventón Roadster. For this exclusive special edition, designers have created a new shade of matt grey called Reventón Grey. As for the Reventón Coupé, which is a slightly different shade of grey, this is a matt paint finish that, in the sunlight, displays an unexpected impression of depth thanks to its special metal particles.

Each Reventón Roadster will be sold for 1.1 Million Euro (without taxes). Deliveries will begin October 2009.

Frankfurt 09: VW Golf R

The Mk VI Golf R was unveiled by Volkswagen at Frankfurt 09. This is the replacement for the Mk V Golf R32. Volkswagen is demonstrating – in the world premiere of the new 199 kW / 270 PS Golf R – that fuel consumption values can improve even in the high-end sports car area. While in the now retired Golf R32 (184 kW / 250 PS), 10.7 litres of fuel was required for every 100 kilometres, on the new Golf R – thanks to a boosted high-tech TSI – the figure is just 8.5 litres, which is 2.2 litres or 21 percent less. The all-wheel drive Golf R (350 Newton-meter torque between 2,500 and 5,000 rpm) sprints to 100 km/h in 5.7 seconds (Golf R DSG: 5.5 seconds) and reaches an electronically limited top speed of 250 km/h. The new Golf R also comes with the latest trend of LED taillights and LED daytime running lights. The Golf R can be ordered in Germany starting at the end of this year.

Frankfurt 09: Fiat Abarth 695 Tributo Ferrari

Fiat launched the special-edition cute Fiat 500 at the Frankfurt Motor Show 09. The Abarth 695 is a marriage between the affable Fiat 500 with a Ferrari! This red hot chilli pepper packs a 180+hp 1.4-liter 16-valve turbo four, a retuned suspension, paddle-shift transmission, 17-inch rims, Brembo brakes and unique touches in every nook and cranny of the diminutive retro hatchback, from the Sabelt seats and Jaeger instruments to the 430 Scuderia paintjob and lots of carbon fiber. The cute little pony is now growing into a stallion. I like it!

Monday, September 21, 2009

Frankfurt 09: BMW X1

BMW showcased their new llittle SUV - the X1. The exterior design looks more handsome that it's big brother X3 with the 7-Series looking grille and a sinister set of angel eyes. This will definitely prove to be the X1's major selling point. Just like the 3 Series and the 1 Series, the X3 and X1 are very closely related, not only in terms of powertrains, but mechanicals and chassis, too.

Engine choices range from the 258 bhp double-VANOS straight-six in the xDrive28i to the 295 lb-ft of torque twin-turbo and common-rail diesel xDrive23d to less powerful diesel models like the 258 lb-ft xDrive20d / sDrive20d. There's also the sDrive18d which can get up to a BMW claimed 54.3 imperial miles per gallon.

Frankfurt 09: Peugeot RCZ

The new Peugeot RCZ was unveiled in Frankfurt after months of teasing by Peugeot. It sports a Zagato-style double-bubble roof and muscular wheel arches. It is easily the most stylish French car apart from the Bugatti.

Mechanically, it's based on the 308 hatchback, but Peugeot has dropped the usual numeric moniker on the road to production. Engines include 1.6-liter turbo fours with 156 or 200 horsepower and a 2-liter turbodiesel with 163 ponies. A hybrid drivetrain is also available supplemented by a 37-horsepower electric motor that matches the top gas engine's output while upping the ante with all-wheel-drive.

Frankfurt 09: Mansory Specials

Mansory Vitesse Rose - One of the more 'attractive' cars in Frankfurt 09 is this Mansory modified Bentley GTC. It features a very striking matte pink paint job coupled with matte carbon fiber trim and blacked out rims, chrome and logos. The gaudy theme is complemented with the interior finished in clashing pink and purple fittings – complete with purple-tinted carbon fiber trim. Perfect car for Ms Hilton!

Mansory Cyrus - The Cyrus is based on the Aston DB9 and has been redone in aerospace, pre-preg carbon fiber, and gets 28 extra bhp. The roof scoop isn't functional – but it looks good and beauty makes no promises to functionality. Aston DBS owners can also get their cars done up thusly. The Cyrus costs €380,000 on top of a DB9. Carbon fibre lovers rejoice!

Friday, September 18, 2009

Frankfurt 09: Porsche 911 Turbo 2010

The 2010 Porsche 911 Turbo was also unveiled at Frankfurt 09. Porsche claims that it is better, stronger and faster than the current one. Expect power figures up to 500bhp from the turbo 911 and prices around USD 130000 for the coupe and USD 140000 for the cabriolet.

Frankfurt 09: Porsche 911 GT3 RS

Porsche unveiled the new 911 GT3 RS in the Frankfurt Motor Show 09 with the interesting grey and red theme. The heart of the new RS is a naturally-aspirated 3.8 litre engine which delivers 450 horsepower, 15 more horsepower than its 911 GT3 counterpart. And it is capable of revving up even faster to its 8500 rpm redline.

Porsche claims that the power unit in the new GT3 RS remains fully suitable for everyday use. The GT3 RS is only fitted with a six-speed manual gearbox optimized for short gearshift travel, low weight and high efficiency. To enhance the level of performance throughout the entire range of engine and road speed, the transmission comes with shorter ratios than found in the 911 GT3, deliberately conceding an even higher potential top track speed.

The low ride height, extra large carbon-fiber rear wing and titanium exhaust system enhances its motorsport DNA. The 2010 911 GT3 RS goes on sale in the U.S. in 2010 and will be priced at USD132,800.

Thursday, September 17, 2009

Frankfurt 09: Mercedes Brabus E V12 Black Baron

One of the most eye-catching cars seen in Frankfurt Motorshow 09 is the Brabus E V12 "Black Baron" which is based on the new 2010 Mercedes E-Class W 212. With its totally matt-black theme, it looks like it came directly from a Batman movie.

This Brabus uberBenz features a 6.0-liter V12 biturbo bored out to 6.3-liters producing 800 hp and 1420 Nm of torque. Much more powerful that the usual Ferraris & Porsches out there. And the exterior is totally reworked by the guys at Brabus to improve aerodynamics, engine ventilation, and brake cooling. Changes include a revised front bumper, new front quarter panels, aggressive side sills, and rear wheel covers. Out back, the car features a trunk-mounted spoiler and a carbon fiber rear diffuser.

The Brabus Black Baron rockets from 0-100 km/h (62 mph) in 3.7 seconds, 0-200 km/h (124 mph) in 9.9 seconds, and 0-300 km/h (186 mph) in 23.9 seconds. If you keep your foot planted, the car will eventually top out at an electronically limited 350 km/h (217 mph). Without the limiter, Brabus estimates the car can hit a top speed in excess of 370 km/h (230 mph). Totally psycho for a sedan!!

However, those wishing to get one in their garage will have to act fast as production will be limited to ten units, and prices start at €600,000. (USD 875000, RM 3 million)

Saturday, September 12, 2009

Mercedes 'Gullwings': New SLS vs Classic 300SL Coupe

The new Mercedes SLS AMG will be launched at the Frankfurt Motorshow next week. It is the successor to the famous Mercedes Benz 300SL Gullwing Coupe of 1954. They share the same classical sports car shape with a long bonnet and that unmistakable classical 'Gullwing' door.

The original 'Gullwing' 300SL Coupe was made from 1954 until 1957 and only 1400 units were ever made. The classical 300SL Coupe was conceived initially as a purpose-built racing sports car. In 1952, the coupe notched up an impressive record of success in the year’s major races at the Grand Prix in Bern, at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, at the Nürburgring and also claimed victory in the Carrera Panamericana in Mexico.

The tubular frame for the 300 SL, designed by Rudolf Uhlenhaut, reduced weight to a minimum but provided maximum strength. The complete car in ready-to-drive condition and including the spare wheel, tools and fuel weighed in at 1,295 kilograms. The new sports car was a real crowd-puller, thanks in no small measure to its wonderfully charismatic “gullwing” doors. Rather than serving merely as a stylistic gimmick, they represented the central element of the 300 SL design.

The six-cylinder engine featured a number of modifications, one of which saw the carburetor replaced by a direction injection system – a technical advance which was years ahead of its time. This new technology boosted output to 215 bhp and the car’s maximum speed up as far as 260 km/h. The classical 300 SL Gullwing Coupe is certainly an icon in the automotive world and it was no coincidence that it was voted “Sports car of the Century” in 1999.

The new 'Gullwing' SLS AMG certainly has huge boots to fill. It comes with an array of impressive specifications including a powerful 6300cc V8 from AMG which is capable of 571 bhp and 650 Nm of torque. It's top speed is claimed to be 317 km/h and it does 0-100 kph in 3.8 seconds.

The SLS AMG is designed with an all aluminium space frame. Its silhouette is modern, dynamic & handsome but yet it reminisces of the classical 300 SL Coupe. It comes with bixenon headlamps and LED daytime running lights. The interior is luxurious and Mercedes says that it is inspired by the layout of an airplane cockpit. The sports seats are constructed with lightweight magnesium backrests and wrapped in leather.

The new car weighs 1620kg with a power-to-weight ratio of 352 bhp/tonne. It is equipped with the latest AMG Speedshift DCT 7-speed Sports Transmission. The new Gullwing SLS AMG is expected to be available in Mercedes showrooms by 2010 but the pricing is unconfirmed at the moment.