Lancer Evo 6 Hits the Streets!
Mitsubishi has released in Japan the sixth stove-hot Evolution version of the Lancer GSR. The front roll centre has been lowered and the rear suspension now uses alloy arms and dampers with an increased rebound stroke. The 4G63 2 litre 16 valve DOHC intercooled turbo engine has improved cooling through the use of cooling channels in the pistons, revised water temperature regulation and the use of a high-volume oil cooler. Power is a nominal 280hp at 6500 rpm with torque peaking at 372Nm at 3000 rpm.
Over the Evo 5 the new car features improved aerodynamics with an offset front numberplate to improve cooling flows and the addition of an oil cooler ventilation duct. At the rear, twin Wicker-type spoilers have an adjustable angle of attack. Inside there are Recaro seats and a leather wheel and gear knob.
The car is also available in a competition model featuring a lightweight body, world-first titanium alloy turbine and double plate clutch. For more on the cars go to http://www.mitsubishi-motors.co.jp/EVO6/
SSS Automotive
Australian Japanese engine importer and workshop SSS Automotive has a wealth of information on Japanese engines on their web site at www.sssautomotive.com.au They cover in good depth the background, power, torque and common conversions of engines from Toyota, Nissan, Mitsubishi and Mazda. It's definitely worth a good look!
Contemporary Goodies
Emtech is the Australian distributor of the Iceman dashboard display, a multi-function system for use on race and road cars. Encased in a weather-proof carbon fibre case, the Iceman features a 4-stage shift light augmented by an LCD bar graph and numerical rpm display. The system is compatible with engines from 1 to 12 cylinders with either single or multiple coils and up to a dizzy 29,000rpm! The Iceman sell for A$499 or A$599 for the back-lit version.
The unit's hour meter is useful for those highly tuned race engines, and a session meter lets drivers know when they need to put in a quick lap in qualifying. A speed input option costs around A$150 for the necessary hardware. Four thermocouple inputs can be directed into the unit (each sensor retailing for A$99) as well as 4 resistive sensor inputs (at A$59 each). Lap timing is also a feature which can be performed manually using Iceman's buttons or using the newly available infra-red beams which are a A$350 option.
Measuring 105 x 150 x 60mm, the Iceman comes with a 1 year warranty and is set to come with even more features very soon - such as rev limiting and quarter mile timing.
Geof has also recently began distributing some other good-looking aftermarket parts. Thanks to him the ever-popular VN-VS V6 and V8 Holden Commodore can apparently score around 5 extra rear wheel kilowatts through the fitment of this genuine carbon fibre intake snorkel, that runs from just above the radiator down to the factory airbox. Based on the HSV design, these retail for A$225 and are sure to impress when you pop the car's lid. But for those purely after the go not the show, they can be bought in normal black fibreglass for A$125.
The current trend toward white-faced dials is also catered for with Carcraft's Style Dials. Made from high-grade polycarbonate material and meeting ISO 9000 standards, they will not warp, fade or crack. And these quality examples actually replace the original dials - they're not just decals. Available to suit Commodore, EF-EL Falcon, TE-TF Magna, Hyundai Excel and the BMW 3-series, the white faces can be installed in less than an hour. Maybe half an hour if you're a really handy sort of person. Through Emtech, these sell for A$200.
Also for interiors, carbon fibre gear selector bases can be bought, with this example from a VT Commodore selling for A$150. Other cars can get the same look, in which case the customer sends Emtech the original part and it comes back looking all high-tech. Cost varies depending on the size of the trim part, but around A$150 would be a good guide.
Contact Geof on +61 8 8374 2108 or +6115 600 751 emtech@adelaide.on.net
DaimlerChrysler PT into Production
In a move typifying Chrysler's 'concept to creation' reputation, it's been announced that production of the Chrysler PT Cruiser will begin in early 2000. Both left- and right-hand drive versions of the PT Cruiser will be built. "PT Cruiser is our interpretation of a vehicle that blends many characteristics to create an all-new segment which could easily be called a 'flexible activity vehicle', but it's really too cool to categorise," said a spokesperson. The PT Cruiser will go on sale in early 2000 and become available in over 40 markets worldwide.
Quickies
- Want a job? AutoSpeed is looking at appointing agents in most countries of the world for the marketing and selling of advertising. Contact advertising@autospeed.com if you are interested.
- The Audi A6 2.4 litre quattro sedan with Tiptronic trans currently has the highest resale value of any vehicle in Australia. Glass's Guide reports that it retains 85 per cent of its new value after 1 year.
- Our test of ULX-110 oil attracts continual strong interest. If you're in the US and would like to buy the oil, contact 606 635 2425.
- The final version of suspension design software package SUSPROG3D FOR WINDOWS 95 is now available The price has remained the same A$250 plus postage. This about US $160 or £92 Sterling. The SUSPROG3D FOR WIN 95 evaluation program can be downloaded from http://byoung.mtx.net/
- Suzuki in Australia has launched a lease program for private car buyers. The Suzuki Easy Drive package applies to all cars in the Suzuki range. Suzuki recently upgraded their vehicle warranties to 5 years.
- The Citroën Xsara Coupe will star at the Brisbane (Australia) International Motor Show,
prior to its mid-1999 launch. Based on the Xsara hatchback launched in August last year, the Xsara Coupe is powered by a 120 kW 2.0 litre engine. Top speed is 220 km/h and the 0-100km/h time is 8.7 seconds.
- Alfa Romeo has enjoyed one its most successful years ever, with sales up more than 35 per cent in Europe during 1998 and an order book for its most successful model, the Alfa Romeo 156, stretching to more than 10 months in some countries.
- Despite being now owned by Hyundai, Kia and Hyundai are to remain separate brands with Kia continuing to be distributed in Australia by Kia Motors Australia. Hyundai/Kia is now one of the largest ten car companies in the world.
- Peugeot is celebrating 50 years of continuous distribution in Australia. The 203 model available in 1949 really put Peugeot on the Australian map when it won the 10,000km tortuous Redex Trial.
