Piper WRX Exhaust
Piper - European manufacturer of performance camshafts and exhausts - has just announced new 100% stainless steel performance exhaust system to suit WRX models from 1994 on. The Subaru applications have also been used to launch two new Piper exhaust tailpipe designs - the Single 4-inch Round with a 20 degree slash cut and the 5.3 x 3 inch Parallel Oval.
sales@pipercams.co.uk
SPAX Peugeot 306 Suspension Kit
SPAX Performance Ltd has released new suspension kits to uprate all models of Peugeot 306. The SPAX fixed rate dampers and strut inserts are tailor made to replace the old units precisely to uprate the suspension for improved handling while giving a more sporty look. The SPAX Springs are also uprated to reduce body roll, lowering the car to give it that aggressive look. The springs are progressively wound. The SPAX VSX kits for the Peugeot 306 lowers the car by 40mm.
www.spaxperformance.com.
220kW XR8 - More Bang, Same Bucks
Hot on the heels of its return to the V8 Supercar winners' circle, Ford has given its road-going equivalent - the XR8 Falcon - a performance boost by adding a 220kW powerplant. "Our XR8 customers have had more power on their shopping lists for quite a while," says Performance Car Marketing Manager, Rick Nayler. "When you combine the 220kW 5.0 litre V8 with the dynamics of the Falcon chassis and a very sophisticated IRS system you've got a pretty impressive piece of machinery." The engine produces 220kW of power at 5250rpm and 435Nm of torque at 4000rpm. The additional 20kW comes from modifications to the cylinder head, a larger throttle body, matched ported inlet manifold and a revised camshaft.
On top of the XR8 engine power increase, 17 inch alloy wheels and P235/45 ZR tyres, as per the XR8, are now standard on the VCT-equipped XR6. All XR models now come standard with sporty side skirts and painted rear vision mirror covers. As well as a new powerplant, the XR8 boasts an impressive range of standard features. These include: a limited slip differential, body coloured rear spoiler, power windows, cruise control, air-conditioning and a 100 watt audio system with an in-dash, six-stack CD player. Owners have the ability to customise their cars with a wide range of factory fitted options. These include: leather seats, a Momo steering wheel and gearshift, an aggressive body styling kit, a 250 watt premium sound system and a premium brake package which includes larger diameter front discs and calipers.
The 220kw XR8 recommended retail price remains unchanged from pre-upgrade models, the manual will retail for $45,828 and the automatic version $46,548.
Kia Optima
The new large Kia Optima is powered by a 2.5 litre 127 kW V6 engine with a choice of either a five speed manual or a Tiptronic-style four speed automatic gearbox. It comes fully equipped with air conditioning, driver's airbag, power steering, remote central locking, front and rear electric windows, electrically operated mirrors and a CD player with six speakers. Although the Optima replaces the Credos in the Kia range, with its V6 engine and larger body, the Optima will suit a greater number of medium car buyers. However, with the above 3.5 litre cars dominating this market sector and the 2.5 - 3.0 litre cars taking just 25 per cent of sales in the large car sector, Kia expects the Rio and Carnival to remain its top selling models.
Quickies
- Mitsubishi's Lancer is now available for a limited time with a number of options. The limited edition LRX-1 is easily recognised by its factory-fitted rear spoiler, custom alloy wheels, CD stacker/cassette that replaces the single-slot standard unit and unique badging. Available in all standard colours for both Lancer coupe and sedan, the LRX-1 also comes with a limited special production run of Amethyst Black - a colour previously reserved for the top-of-the-range MR coupe. There's also power steering, air conditioning, remote fuel and boot release, optional driver and front passenger air bags, electric mirrors and central locking as standard on the sedan. Prices for the LRX-1 are $19,990 driveaway for the coupe and $21,990 driveaway for the sedan.
- To commemorate Mitsubishi's historic result in this year's Paris-Dakar rally, when German-born Jutta Kleinschmidt became the first woman to win the gruelling event in her Mitsubishi Pajero and other drivers finished 2nd and 5th in similar cars, Mitsubishi has released a special edition Pajero. The special limited edition DAKAR pack is based on the Pajero GLX model and boasts 16 inch alloy wheels, body-coloured bumpers and wheel-arch flares, a rear roof spoiler, a Dakar-labelled spare wheel cover, in-dash CD stacker and unique DAKAR badging. The wagons will be on sale during May and June, and Mitsubishi expects that with the extra $3,500 worth of value at no extra cost they will sell quickly.
- Saab has supplied Avis car rental with 50 of its European prestige cars - 20 Convertible S models and 30 9-5 SE Sedans. The luxury Saab models are available through Avis centres in popular eastern seaboard cities Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane and Cairns.
- Ford's Forte is getting a ramp up with the new Falcon SR - bringing sportiness and style, along with a long list of extras worth over $3000 for an additional $400, to the entry model Falcon. The exterior of the Falcon is enhanced with a rear single wing spoiler, sporty side skirts, body coloured mirrors, body coloured side protection mouldings and a body coloured grille. A chrome exhaust tip, 16 inch alloy wheels and SR decals complete the exterior look. The interior of the vehicle incorporates sports interior seat fabric in warm charcoal, while ABS brakes are added to the mechanical package. Falcon SR will be available at Ford dealerships from April until the end of July, 2001.
- The Board of General Motors has approved the takeover of Daewoo Motor, according to news agency and Korean media reports. General Motors is expected to make a formal proposal as early as next week and a formal agreement could be reached as early as mid June.
- Subaru has released limited edition Outback and Liberty GX wagon models with dual sunroofs. The 2.0 litre Liberty GX wagon also gets 15-inch alloy wheels and is available in silver and white. Dual sunroofs are normally only available on the range-topping Liberty Heritage wagon, Outback Limited and Outback H6.
- The Liberty GX wagon limited edition manual is priced at $34,290 and automatic at $36,160. This represents an increment of just $2,490 above the standard Liberty GX wagon price. The 2.5 litre Outback with dual sunroof costs $39,675 for the manual and $41,545 for the automatic. This is $1,795 above standard. It is available in white and green.
- With the release of the VX Calais International Series, Holden continues its tradition of offering limited edition versions of the Calais. The latest Calais International model provides individual styling cues, customised interior appointments and Generation III V8 performance. Only 350 examples will be produced. The VX Calais International is distinguished by a unique Delft Blue metallic paint finish, sporty 17-inch, six spoke alloy wheels with 235/45 low profile tyres and International Series badging. Its custom-finished interior features Howe leather trim in Shale, teamed with Pewter highlights and a set of custom embroidered mats to create a luxurious feel. The cockpit facia and console feature a finely textured 'Greystone' metallic finish. Power comes courtesy of Holden's advanced Generation III 5.7 litre alloy V8, matched to an electronic control four-speed automatic transmission.
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