Performance News - 18 July 2000

Mercedes SLK Upgrade

Mercedes-Benz has given new spark to its sensational SLK roadster with the appearance of two new engines, a new transmission and new design and safety features. A 160kW 3.2 litre V6 engine, as already featured in Mercedes' other model lines including the S-class, makes its debut in the sportscar positioning the SLK 320 as a true, performance sector competitor with a 0-100 km/h acceleration time of only 6.9 seconds.

A new model, the SLK 200 Kompressor, also joins the range. The supercharged roadster features the powerful yet frugal 2-litre Kompressor engine, which is also to be featured in the forthcoming C200K C-class. Producing 120kW power and 163Nm torque, the SLK200K delivers 20 percent more power and 21 percent more torque than its naturally aspirated 2-litre predecessor, the SLK200. As a result, The SLK200K reaches 100 km/h from rest in only 8.2 seconds (with the optional 6-speed manual transmission) The ever-popular SLK 230K is now also available with an optional new 6-speed manual transmission - at a cost reduction of $3,100 over the standard 5-speed automatic.

Grand Prix Winner!

No.29 in a series of 52 interesting facts about Ford Australia to celebrate its 75th Anniversary Year...

The 1937 South Australian Grand Prix was won by a Ford V8 - virtually a standard 1936 convertible stripped of its mudguards. It even ran with the chrome hubcaps in place! Driven by O.S.Cranston from Perth, the Ford V8 covered the 250 mile (400km) Port Elliot course near Adelaide in three hours 20 minutes 17 seconds. That was an average speed of almost 75mph (120 km/h). Mr Cranston held many records and recorded a speed of 111.1mph (178 km/h) over the quarter mile at Cannington near Perth. In the same year, a Mr. R.A. Hall won the Albury Grand Prix in another Ford V8.

Prowling On

When the Plymouth brand is discontinued after the 2001 model year, Prowler, the Chrysler group's head-turning two-seat hot rod, will continue to be manufactured and sold through North American Chrysler-Jeep dealerships. And, beginning in January 2001, it will be branded a Chrysler vehicle.

Prowler first appeared as a concept car at the 1993 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. Favourable response prompted the former Chrysler Corporation to unveil a production version of the Prowler at the 1996 North American International Auto Show. Official production began in July 1997 as a 1997 model.

Prowler is manufactured at Conner Avenue Assembly Plant in Detroit and is built alongside the Dodge Viper production line. Up to May of 2000, more than 5,000 Prowlers have been sold in North America. Of those Prowlers sold, 1,744 were black, 1,345 were purple, 1,322 were red, 697 were yellow, 546 were silver, and 80 were black/red two-tone ("Woodward Edition").

Hong Kong Falcon Taxi

Australian travellers to Hong Kong could be greeted by a familiar sight when they step off their next flight, after the first 20 Falcon alternative fuel taxis were delivered to the popular tourist destination this month. The Falcon wagons, powered by LPG, are part of an environmental program by the Hong Kong Government designed to reduce vehicle emissions and improve air quality in the city. They will replace current diesel-powered taxis. The deal gives Ford a foothold in the Hong Kong Taxi fleet market, which presently numbers about 18,000 vehicles.

Satria GTi Track Test Program

Proton has launched a unique test drive program for its hot hatch the Satria GTi. Proton's Track Test days will enable potential buyers to evaluate Australia's top-selling hot hatch on a race track where they can exploit the full potential of the Satria GTi's Lotus-tuned suspension and chassis.

The Proton Track Test program kicks off at Sydney's Eastern Creek in late July and will also feature days at Melbourne's Calder Park and at Australia's newest racing circuit Darlington Park, situated midway between Brisbane and the Gold Coast in Queensland. Drivers can become a part of the Proton Track Test Day program by calling the special GTi test drive hotline 1800 652 708 to register.

Quickies

• The Mazda MX-5 has been certified as the world's top selling lightweight open two-seater sports car model by the Guinness World Records of the U.K. MX-5 production started in April 1989 with cumulative production reached 565,779 units at the end of June 2000, and is still growing.

• Australia's fastest motor racing category, Formula Holden has announced it will switch to Yokohama control tyres from the start of the 2001 racing season for three years.

Share this Article: 

Digg this story

Seed Newsvine

Post to Reddit

Save on del.icio.us

Email