Archive for February, 2009

Ferrari Novitec 430 Race (2008 onwards)

Posted February 23, 2009 * Comments(0)

The Ferrari Novitec is one of the fastest cars on the road with race car handling whilst still providing complete comfort. With the addition of two superchargers, Novitec has given the 430 Enzo power and created what could be the ultimate Ferrari, its rivals are already the Lamborghini Murcielago and Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano. 

Strapping not one, but two superchargers to the 4.3 litre V8 has resulted in a 707BHP monster. With the supercharger singing in unison with the pulsating V8 and the speedo racing unerringly towards and then through the 180mph mark, this car made sense at any price – even in more so white. And if you wish to purchase will set you back £250,000. 

The car weighs 1,400kg and has more power than the Ferrari Enzo, the Novitec smashes through to 60MPH in 3.5seconds and will easily scorch to 216MPH. Even a Ferrari starts to flag on the dark side of 150mph – this one won’t. 

Novitec has a long tradition of producing stunning interiors using materials from ostrich skin to alcantara. If you have the money they can do anything, but for the demonstrator they decided to dress the engine bay with carbonfibre and limit themselves to a few finishing touches in the cabin.

The interior of the Novitec includes a sports steering wheel dressed in carbonfibre, aside from that it’s standard Ferrari fare on the interior side of things… Spending £250,000 on a Ferrari F430 technically doesn’t make much sense, but the Novitec is exclusive and a magnificent piece of engineering, and if i had the money, i certainly would be purchasing one! 

SAAB Files For Bankruptcy Protection

Posted February 20, 2009 * Comments(0)

After months of speculation GM has pulled the plug on Saab, which has left the loss-making Swedish car company no option but to file for ‘Chapter 11’-style bankruptcy. The move means a Swedish court-appointed administrator will oversee efforts by Saab to reorganise itself once more into a fully independent entity, while offering short-term legal protection from its creditors, which will give the car firm the opportunity to try and get itself back on its feet and get protected against bankruptcy. 

However the company has reiterated it can only survive as in independent in the future with significant external funding, it has been reported that last year the company lost nearly £250 million.

‘We explored and will continue to explore all available options for funding and/or selling Saab and it was determined a formal reorganisation would be the best way to create a truly independent entity that is ready for investment,’ said Jan Ake Jonsson, Managing Director for Saab Automobile.

‘With an all new 9-5, 9-3X and 9-4X all ready for launch over the next year and a half, Saab has an excellent foundation for strong growth, assuming we can get the funding to complete engineering, tooling and manage launch costs. Reorganisation will give us the time and means that help get these products to market while minimising the liquidity impact of Saab on GM.’

The company produced a press release today putting on a brave face in regards to the situation, stating Saab’s intention to re-concentrate the marque’s design, engineering and manufacturing operations in Sweden over a three month period, assuming the administrator agrees to the plans. But in the meanwhile the GM decision which was made to cut Saab loose has put the Swedish government under increasing pressure to stump up a taxpayer bailout.

Madza MX-5 2009

Posted February 18, 2009 * Comments(0)

The ever-popular MX-5 gets a fresh look for 2009, detail upgrades, an auto option and slight improvements to both emissions and fuel efficiency, the MX-5 is apparently a lot of fun to drive, rear-wheel drive balance, improved 2.0-litre engine, quick and easy manual hood, fuss-free Roadster-Coupé option. 

The price range for the new Madza MX-5 is between £16,350 – £20-695, and is available from April 2009, its key rivals are Peugeot 207 CC, Audi TT Convertible, Lotus Elise and the Honda S2000. 

Why wouldn’t you want to own a MX-5? If your answer is you need more than two seats then fair enough. But if you’re about to mouth the words ‘because it’s a hairdresser’s car’ you’re wrong. End of. Because the Mazda roadster here in new facelifted form is about as joyful a car as you could wish to drive.

The formula is timeless and yet 20 years ago everyone thought Mazda was mad to launch its modern interpretation of the classic British two-seat roadster and nobody has managed to match its arch combination of driver appeal, affordability and all-round fun. 

The MX-5 does have a lack of masculinity, and most males usually would prefer to buy a turbocharged front-wheel drive hot hatch, missing the fact that mechanically the MX-5 is more pure-bred sports car than many supposedly more macho performance cars.

The MX-5 was first launched in 2005 and followed a year later by the folding hardtop Roadster-Coupé version - this third-generation MX-5 was a big departure from the closely related mark one and two. This facelift brings the usual aesthetic finessing and spec revisions, big news including a higher-revving 2.0-litre engine and modifications to the front suspension to calm the occasionally twitchy steering. 

The entry level 126 BHP 1.8-litre is sweet rather than potent and gets a five-speed gearbox and 16-inch wheels small but significant details. The bigger changes come on the 2.0-litre engine, with 160hp there’s a useful amount of extra power, 2.0-litre cars also getting a limited-slip differential and, on Sport models, a six-speed manual gearbox and uprated Bilstein dampers. 

Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class (55 AMG)

Posted February 11, 2009 * Comments(0)

The Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class 55 AMG is a comfort executive car constructed by the German company Mercedes-Benz since 1997 and there has been two productions of SLK cars by the German car production giant since first introduced. 

The Mercedes-Benz SLK55 AMG built with V8 engine and the productivity is 342BHP – 367BHP at 5500 rpm with 382 ft.lbf – 391 ft.lbf of torque at 2800-5400 rpm.

The 0-62 mph figure of the AMG is estimated at 4.9 seconds but others have claimed times of less than 4.3 seconds. Which is a fantastic figure for mercedes to use to promote the car, along with this the AMG has many other features including amplified brake capability, supplementary engine oil chiller, AMG body gear with unique gills in frontage bumpers, leather finished interior and 19-inch wheels. 

A Roof regulator which permits the cars roof to be released and closed by remote. (Can be operated under 5mph) and while driving without holding down the button. 

LED light system which includes plate lights, signal indicators, etc. The Brake lights are previously LEDs, but now Indicators on the Rearview mirror are LEDs and third brake light enlighten the axis LED light in pause or rhythm.

Nissan 350Z 3.5-Litre V6

Posted February 6, 2009 * Comments(0)

Nissan have made a properly sorted and internationally appealing sportscar called the Nissan 350Z. It’s far from perfect, but the rawness and emotion it dishes up is almost unique in this price range.

The 350Z has a 3.5-litre V6 engine which provides 309bhp, making it good for a limited 155mph and capable of hitting 60mph in under six seconds and it feels and sounds amazing as you get yourself up to the 155mph mark. 

The 350Z is not a car to be trifled with, being compact, powerful and rear-wheel drive. It transmits its intentions slowly and clearly, but a regular one of those is power over-steer. 

The practicality of the 350Z doesn’t stretch too far though, there are a fair few clever storage solutions around the cosy cockpit, but the boot is massively hampered by a huge rear strut brace. A real afterthought by Nissan, that one, but at least it handles as a result…

Another all-round fun car for real driving enthusiasts, especially with all this icy weather and rear wheel drive, can be a be dangerous but if you know how to handle the car correctly then the fun you will have will be endless!