Ambulatory Honda
The Queensland (Australia) Ambulance Service is using a Honda HR-V to pioneer a new fast-response paramedic system in Brisbane. The HR-V is fitted with an emergency response pack, including intubation equipment for keeping airways open, defibrillator, fluid replacement equipment and a satellite navigation system, the latter to assist the driver in identifying the quickest route to an emergency.
Lexus Variables
The new Lexus IS200 2 litre six cylinder engine uses both variable valve timing and a variable length intake system. This allows 80 per cent of the peak torque to be available from 1500 rpm, while also improving fuel economy and emissions performance. In Australia the 114kW, 1350kg car costs just $A51,900 in six speed manual transmission form.
Touring Camry
The Australian-developed Camry Touring has just been released. Over the cooking model it features a sports handling pack, dual airbags, ABS and a rear spoiler. The suspension uses gas dampers, stiffer springs (up 9 per cent at the front and 20 per cent at the rear) and 205/65 Michelin Vivacy tyres. The driveline is standard but at a 0-100 of 8.7 seconds is claimed for the manual model.
Quickies
- Australian importer Ateco Automotive has launched its third web site, with its Ateco-Suzuki website (www.ateco-suzuki.com.au) joining its existing sites for Alfa Romeo (www.alfaromeo.com.au) and Citroen (www.citroen.com.au), as part of its plan to run its entire vehicle and parts distribution network via the Internet.
- Saab are getting down and dirty. In their recent Saab Griffin press release they make direct point-for-point comparisons of the Griffin with the Audi 16 2.8, 2.9 litre Volvo S80, and BMW 528i, You won't be surprised that the Saab wins each time...
- Privateer 5 litre V8 racer Chris Smerden recently had his car placed on a chassis dyno. Head mechanic John Keen ran the car up to speed on his Dyno Dynamics rollers, reaching a peak power of 321kW (430hp) at the wheels before running into the dyno's 200km/h speed cut. The cut occurred at 7000rpm; the Larry Perkins-built engine is said to have developed 430kW (580hp) at 7500 rpm on the engine dyno.
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