Holden VU Ute
Holden has officially launched its all-new VU Ute. The VU Ute is equipped with independent rear suspension (IRS), said to endow it with sedan-like ride and handling qualities. This is complemented by passenger car levels of performance, comfort, safety and refinement. Stronger-bodied and more generously proportioned, inside and out, the VU Holden Ute also offers greater cargo carrying capacity than before.
The versatile VU range is extended to include a well-equipped SS model with powerful sports styling. All three models - the Ute, S and SS - offer high levels of comfort, convenience and safety. Cabin space is significantly larger and the heavy duty load compartment is longer, wider and deeper than before, catering for greater cargo volume. Maximum payload capacity on the entry level VU Holden Ute with auto transmission rises to 830kg, an increase of 18 per cent on the equivalent VS model. Fuel tank capacity has expanded from 63 to 70 litres and a dual fuel petrol/LPG option is available on V6 models equipped with automatic transmission.
Holden's 152kW, 3.8 litre ECOTEC V6 engine is standard on the Ute and S Ute models, while the SS Ute is powered by a 225kW 5.7 litre GEN III V8. This engine is available as an option on the S Ute model.
Upgraded Forester
Subaru's potent Forester GT has more power and torque for 2001. Adopting upgraded engine technology from the all-new 2001 Impreza WRX, Forester GT's turbocharged engine is now rated at 130kW at 5,600 rpm - an increase of five kW.
It also has 245Nm of torque at 4,400 rpm - an extra five Nm - yet produces low emissions, meeting the benchmark STEP3 European standard. With refined and improved performance, Forester GT also adds standard cruise control, an in-dash six-stack CD changer as part of the 2 DIN AM/FM radio cassette entertainment package and a new look centre console.
The new engine features producing reduced emission and greater fuel efficiency include a pre-catalytic converter between the exhaust port and the turbocharger. The cylinder head intake ports have been changed for greater efficiency and the addition of Tumble Generator Valves (TGV) in combination with these intake ports, creates straight tumble flow, reducing start-up emission. At higher loads, or at engine temperatures above 63 degrees C, the valve opening allows for an increase in airflow.
Forester GT also has equal length intake manifolds, for smoother on-boost performance. The turbocharger has a larger turbine housing inlet diameter for improved exhaust flow. An Air Fuel Ratio sensor that detects changes in fuel mixture, complements the oxygen sensor. The sequential injection system combined with the new four-coil direct ignition system provides instant response from the engine.
Mazda To Show Evolv's 'Next Step'
Mazda will exhibit a 4-door sports car design model at the NAIAS in Detroit in January 2001. The design is a step closer to an actual production model than the RX-EVOLV unveiled in Tokyo last year. Mazda is developing the new generation rotary engine, RENESIS, which is expected to power the future model.
Acura RS-X Prototype to be Unveiled at Detroit
American Honda's luxury car division, Acura, will unveil a concept sports coupe at the 2001 North American International Auto Show. The RS-X concept features bold new styling, advanced engine technology and offers an early glimpse of an all-new production vehicle to replace the Integra. The new model is scheduled for release in North America in late 2001.
The aggressively styled three-door coupe has been designed with a wide, muscular stance, in keeping with its sporty intentions. Exterior styling includes short front and rear overhangs, slim A- and B-pillars and a sharp front treatment featuring the trademark Acura five-sided grille and large, four-lamp headlights.
The production version of the RS-X will also be the first model in North America to be powered by the company's next-generation series engine with i-VTEC technology. Acura will also unveil an updated 3.2 TL, including a new high-performance Type S with a class-leading 194kW power. All 3.2 TL models will have numerous styling changes - new front styling with a more aggressive front grille, reshaped headlights and a cleaner, more integrated taillight treatment are among the enhancements. The Type S is equipped with Acura's Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) system, larger 215/50R 17-inch tyres, a unique alloy wheel design, metallic-face instrument panel, perforated leather seats and steering wheel and Type S shift knob. The suspension has been refined.
Quickies
- Mitsubishi Motors Australia Ltd has signed an agreement to supply its cars to Avis Australia, Australia's leading car rental company. The first order will be to supply approximately 1,500 cars, including Magna/Verada, Lancers and Mirages over the next 12 months. This agreement follows hot on the heels of Mitsubishi signing a contract with the American office of Avis to supply 3,000 export Mitsubishi Diamantes early in the New Year.
- FIA's Technical Working Group has been instructed to come up with measures "which will absolutely guarantee that there can be no additional use of electronics as an aid to competitive driving in Formula One".
- Another MY01 WRX rumour: recall notices regarding the possibility of the bonnet scoop flying off at 160-200km/h.
- Lexus has launched an upgraded GS300 luxury sports sedan.The new GS300 has the additional sports-driving feature of Formula One style E-shift on the steering wheel.Passive safety has been increased by adopting front side curtain-shield airbags.
- Toyota will enter the 2001 Australian Rally Championship with three-times national champions Neal Bates and Coral Taylor again crewing the Corolla World Rally Car. The announcement follows a successful Super Series season for the Canberra-based team which captured second place in the 2000 championship to New Zealand based driver Possum Bourne.
