Falcon S
Ford in Australia is to Launch the Falcon S which features a rear spoiler, sports suspension, sports seats, alloy wheels and decals. The new model is distinguished from the rest of the Falcon range by a body-coloured version of the Forte's grille, complemented by an aggressive rear spoiler, lower ride height and sixteen inch alloy wheels. The car also carries a Falcon S decal on the rear quarter panels and rear decklid. The sporty appearance is continued inside with a charcoal interior and black cloth trim, bolstered sports seats offering extra support and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. The car also features Tickford-tuned sports suspension with P215/55 R16 tyres and a choice of manual or automatic transmissions. The car costs $34,990, including air-conditioning, front power windows and cruise control.
Honda S2000
One of the most significant cars of the last years of the 20th century - that's the Honda S2000.
The S2000 combines class-leading performance with outstanding environmental friendliness.
The newly developed F20C four-cylinder, 2.0-litre VTEC engine produces 180kW of power while spinning to a red line of 9000 rpm, and yet its exhaust emissions are 50 per cent cleaner than those required by Japan's upcoming year 2000 regulations.
Reducing frictional losses in the engine and drive train are a new version of Honda's proprietary VTEC (Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control) technology and a compact six-speed transmission. The engine is mounted behind the front axle for an ideal 50/50 front-rear weight distribution. The new open body is claimed to have class-leading rigidity, thanks to a new design of beams in the steel monocoque, called "high X-bone frame" because of its resemblance to an X shape.
The S2000 is being built at Honda's Tochigi factory, which also builds the NSX and electric-powered EV-Plus. The production line has a capacity of 16,000 S2000s a year, of which 10,000 units will be exported. The Honda S2000 is scheduled for Australian release in the third quarter of this year.
Quickies
- Hyundai regained its long held status as Australia's most popular import car brand during March, according to monthly retail sales figures from official industry statistician VFACTS.
- Continental Teves AG of Germany has developed a "smart tyre" concept. The tyre has thin strips of magnetic powder installed inside the sidewalls. As the tyres roll, the magnetic poles generate a readable electronic pattern. Off-the-shelf sensors mounted on the wheel struts constantly monitor the tire patterns, being able to determine sidewall distortion. The signals warn in real time if a tire is accelerating, spinning, losing traction, braking, turning, or sliding. The smart-tyre system may see production as early as 2001.
- ISAD Electronics Systems has fitted an engine with a prototype integrated starter-alternator-damper (ISAD). This design joins a brushless, asynchronous, 3-phase motor directly to the crankshaft.
- Karmann has won the contract to design and develop the next Audi cabriolet, which will be a four-seater based on the same platform as the next-generation A4.
- Ford's new Australian network for the distribution of a range of niche products will be called the "Ford Tickford Experience." The Ford Tickford Experience will see the first of 10-12 dealerships opening in the fourth quarter, with the first of the new T-Series Falcons amongst the early product line-up, alongside the European Cougar.
- Sportscar Tours in London will be operating seven self drive Morgan sportscar tours of England,Wales and Scotland in 1999. The tours last for a week and there are a maximum of 7 Morgans on each tour. The price includes a self-drive Morgan 4/4 2 seater, overnight accommodation in 3 and 4 star hotels, an evening meal on arrival each night and full breakfast to start the day, ordnance survey maps and a suggested route. For more information contact information@sportscar-tours.co.uk or www.sportscar-tours.co.uk
- BMW has announced plans to construct an assembly plant in Kareningrad, Russia in a joint venture with a Russian corporation.
- Daewoo has launched the Leganza 2.2 16V, as the name suggests, using a 2.2 litre version of the Holden Family II engine.
- The Ford Motor Company of Australia has announced the appointment of Howard Marsden as General Manager, Motor Racing. Marsden is one of Australia's best-known faces in motor racing and high-performance vehicle development. He led Ford's official factory racing team to Bathurst victories in 1970 and '71 with Allan Moffat. He masterminded four Australian Rally Championship wins in 1976/77/78/79, with Ross Dunkerton, George Fury and Geoff Portman. Marsden then directed Nissan's Australian Touring Car Championship program, scoring class victories at Bathurst and winning the long distance championship in 1983.
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