VR/VS Commodore Lights!
Like the look of these? About to go into production from Brisbane's Twinlight Pty Ltd, these VR / VS Commodore replacement headlights are expected to be injection moulded in ABS plastic, with the low beam a German ZKW projection light, and high beam a 100W spot. Pricing will be between $500 to $600 per pair, including all hardware. If you'd like to be the first on the block, contact twinlight@bigpond.com The company already produces twin light conversions for EA, EB, ED, XF and XG Falcons. Go to www.twinlight.com.au for more details.
The Ford Falcon Mongrel ute
Following in the footsteps of a long line of Ford head-turning show utes, the bright yellow Mongrel has been designed as the ultimate B & S ball ute. The project is the result of the combined talents of Ford, Allan Nixon (The Uteman) and a host of aftermarket suppliers. Based upon a styleside Falcon ute, the Mongrel sits on heavily modified suspension designed to raise the ride height without compromising the ride and handling. The Python 17 x 8 alloy wheels are fitted with massive Wrangler F1 235/65R17 tyres. Fitted out for the roughest conditions modifications include an off-road snorkel, chrome bull-bar, running boards and a roll bar with four high-mount lights.
Inside the cabin the Mongrel is trimmed in yellow and charcoal leather. Additions to the cabin include automatic climate control, a fold-away television screen and an enhanced stereo system. The Mongrel's matching trailer is fitted with a hard tonneau cover that transforms into a two-man tent when raised. The Mongrel ute will be touring rural Australia with the 'Uteman' throughout 2001 and appears certain to draw a crowd whenever it stops. Internet updates on the Mongrel's appearances will appear on www.uteman.com.au
Mazda Hybrid MX Sport Tourer
Mazda will reveal a concept for a versatile, economical and environmentally-friendly sport tourer at the Geneva Motor Show on Tuesday, February 27. The MX Sport Tourer showcases Mazda's exploration into future innovative designs and technology beyond the next generation of production models. The sleek, spacious body of the MX Sport Tourer is said to combine the athletic styling and open-air fun of a sport car with the functionality of an estate model. Power comes from a unique hybrid system consisting of a lightweight, high-performance 2.0-litre S-VT engine, plus an electric motor. For out-of-town driving, the petrol engine drives the MX Sport Tourer through a new type of four-wheel drive system. In town, however, zero emissions are achieved by switching to the electric motor, which drives the rear wheels.
The electric motor generates 40kW and 108Nm and permits a maximum speed of between 40 and 50 km/h. The electric motor can power the vehicle for up to 15 minutes on one initial charge, but recharging on the move (through a regenerative braking system) extends the driving time. The MX Sport Tourer concept adopts the innovative freestyle door system from Mazda's RX-EVOLV and RX-8 concepts, removing the need for centre pillars and permitting easy access to the rear seats. Other distinctive features include a sport car cockpit area, an easy-to-use cargo area and a vario-lamella structure that allows the roof to be retracted for open-air driving or to facilitate the transport of large loads. In fact, by sliding the lamella roof forward, lowering the rear window and folding the rear seat, the rear of the vehicle is transformed into a stylish pick-up truck.
Chrysler Announces Turnaround Plan
Chrysler Group has announced the next major part of its turnaround plan to regain competitiveness under difficult business circumstances. Over the course of the next three years, the Chrysler Group will reduce its workforce by approximately 20 percent. The reduction will be approximately the same percentage for both salaried and hourly employees. This will affect about 26,000 people - 19,000 hourly and 6,800 salaried (including 1,800 supplemental employees) - through a combination of retirements, special programs, layoffs and attrition. It is expected that 75 percent of the overall reduction will be achieved in 2001. This is being done within the framework of existing union contracts.
However, Chrysler Australia Managing Director Ms Judy Wheeler said that these measures will not impact the Australian market: "Our market has a lot of potential for growth and our operation will continue on its course to maximise that growth," Ms Wheeler said. Chrysler Group President and Chief Executive Officer Dieter Zetsche said that today's actions will help remove the uncertainty many employees have been feeling: "Part of this process may be painful for many people. However, to be truly competitive in today's auto industry environment, we need to be a more nimble company, more closely aligned with current and future market conditions."
Zetsche said: "Only by adapting our overall cost structure, workforce and production levels to the realities of the marketplace, while maintaining our investments in exciting products, can we establish a sound basis to ensure the long-term health of the Chrysler Group for its numerous stakeholders and be in strong position for future growth."
Mustang, BMW Join GTP
Ford's new Mustang musclecar, BMW's fastest coupe, Mitsubishi's world rally-winning sedan and the most powerful-ever Holden will star among more than 30 different models racing in 2001 in the most competitive season yet of the Century Batteries Australian GT Production Car Championship. The multi-million dollar championship pits virtually showroom-standard passenger cars in the ultimate test of performance and reliability. It will run over eight rounds in New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, South Australia and the Australian Capital Territory. The heaviest action is expected to be in the first of five classes, where Ford, Holden, BMW, Honda, Mazda, Mitsubishi, Nissan and Subaru will be represented by some of the newest and most exciting road cars for sale in Australia.
Four examples of the Bathurst-winning Holden Commodore HSV GTS 300i are being prepared, while Ford will rejoin the battle against its traditional adversary with the 5.4 litre Mustang Cobra RA, a model which marks the legendary American musclecar's official return to Australia after more than 35 years. Details of the Mustang Cobra campaign are still to be announced, but it is believed to include a leading V8 Supercar driver behind the wheel.
The fastest regular production model in the German BMW stable, the sophisticated M3, will be entered by up to two teams, while two other outfits are upgrading to the track version of Mitsubishi's world rally championship winner, the Lancer RS Evolution VI. Also set for the first appearance of the High Performance class cars in April are the Honda S2000, Nissan 200SX R-Spec, Subaru Impreza WRX STi and Mazda RX-7 Twin Turbo. However, last season's most successful performers are staying with proven machinery in the hope of making a strong start to the 2001 pointscore. Series champion Mark King will return in his Lancer RS Evo V, while Ed Aitken will run his Bathurst 3-Hour winning Commodore GTS 300i, upgraded from VTII to the latest VX specification.
www.gtprod.com.au
Quickies
- Australia was the fastest growing market for Bentley sales worldwide in 2000, with 12 new car registrations reported - compared to 4 in 1999!
- Honda Racing Corporation has unveiled a new engine, called RC211V, that will be used to compete in the motorcycle World Grand Prix Championship in 2002. RC211V is the first four-stroke racing engine designed by Honda for the first year of 21st century, hence its coding. The engine design is a 5-cylinder in a V configuration, made up of three front cylinders and two rear cylinders.
- Mitsubishi Motors Australia is celebrating its first 20 years of Australian manufacturing with a special offer during the months of February and March. Private and Fleet buyers who purchase any new Mitsubishi car or light commercial vehicle during the next two months will receive a 5 year/160,000 kilometre warranty (normally 3 years/100,000km), the first three years of scheduled services free, and three years roadside assistance without charge.
- Honda Australia will take the wraps off its 2001 Accord at the Brisbane International Motor Show on February 9.
- Subaru has launched a limited edition of the award-winning Forester, featuring alloy wheels, fog lamps and extra in-car entertainment. The Forester Special Edition is available in black mica and royal silver metallic and features a single in-dash CD player with AM/FM radio, alloys and fog lamps.
- Toyota has unveiled a world-first hybrid-powered truck, with potential fuel efficiency gains of 50 percent over conventionally powered vehicles of equivalent capacity. The diesel/electric powered truck uses similar technology to Toyota Prius - the world's first mass-production hybrid car. The truck was first seen at the Tokyo Motor Show in October.
- Holden exports in 2000 increased by 37 per cent, contributing $1.3 billion to Australia's balance of trade and consolidating the company's position as Australia's leading exporter of automotive products and services. By 2005, Holden predicts that its export revenue earnings will hit the $2.3 billion mark, buoyed by global sales of V6 engines to be produced at a new engine facility in Melbourne.
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