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Motoring News In Brief

MG ROVER TO UNVEIL PRODUCTION X80      11 October 2002
MG Rover has announced that it will be launching its new sports car at the Birmingham MotorShow. Lighter, more powerful and further developed than the prototype, this model will be "targeted at the driving enthusiast", with "extreme levels of performance with great potential for both road and track".

MERCEDES ALL SET FOR SHOW      11 October 2002
Mercedes has announced that it will now be exhibiting cars at the British MotorShow (Birmingham NEC, October 22 to November 3). In a previous statement, Mercedes had said that it would not be attending the show this year because "funds would be better spent elsewhere". However, new car launches and increased competition appear to have caused a re-think. A spokesman said, "we have decided to show our AMG range at Birmingham at the end of this month - the cars are superb and the show will be fantastic." The range on show will include the C-class, new E-class, S-class, ML, CL and SL models, but the star of the show will be the new E55 with its 476bhp supercharged engine.

THATCHAM WHIPLASH STUDY      11 October 2002
Thousands of people could avoid lifelong whiplash injuries if all car makers followed the lead of the best manufacturers in head restraint design. A new study by motor research institute Thatcham shows a wide gulf between the best and worst cars on the market, with Swedish manufacturers Volvo and Saab leading the way in protecting their passengers and the Volkswagen Group laggin behind. Called the New Car Whiplash Rating (NCWR), the research is the most comprehensive examination of front-seat head restraints in Europe and covers more than 400 makes, models and trim levels. The research highlights the fact that rear-end shunts at less than 20mph leave 200,000 people nursing whiplash injuries each year, 2000 of whom will never fully recover and be plagued by symptoms for the rest of their lives.

HIDDEN CAMERA PROPOSAL DECLINED      11 October 2002
The Government is resisting pressure to allow the police to use hidden speed cameras. In its report published in June, the Transport, Local Government and the Regions Committee urged the Government to allow covert cameras. It also wanted police forces to have the freedom to place cameras anywhere they like, not just at proven accident blackspots. However, the Department for Transport says: "Basing camera deployment on perceived risk rather than where deaths and injuries had occurred would be likely to make little impact on reducing deaths and injuries." Hidden sites and indiscriminate camera locations are outlawed in the DfT's netting-off scheme, which allows forces to keep money obtained from camera-ticketing, so long as they reinvest in road safety projects. The DfT did agree with the committee that penalties for speeding motorists should be stiffer, however. It proposed raising the maximum penalty for causing death by dangerous driving to 10 years, or five years in a case where there is no fatality.

IMPREZA POWER INCREASE      11 October 2002
Subaru is now offering a power upgrade pack for the Impreza WRX STI that adds 40bhp. This has been developed by Subaru's rally specialists Prodrive. The kit, which includes a sports silencer, high-flow catalyst and revised Engine Control Unit, increases the power of the STI to 300bhp and shaves 0.6 seconds of its 0-60mph time, now 4.6 seconds. The upgrade costs Ł1995, is supplied with a three year, 60,000 mile manufacturer's warranty and can be fitted by any authorised dealer. A similar upgrade is also available for the standard WRX. The 'WR Sport' pack costs Ł1600 and offers an additional 30bhp.

PROTON INCREASES LOTUS SHAREHOLDING      10 September 2002
Proton Cars has announced that it has increased its shareholding in Lotus Group from 80% to 95%. This comes as a result of a rights issue by Lotus, which has seen the Malaysian car company expand its shareholding to 44 million of the 46 million shares available in Lotus Group. Proton have stated that this demonstrates a long-term commitment to Lotus both as a marque and in its engineering expertise. This puts an end to the rumours that Proton was keen to sell Lotus and that other major car brands were on the verge of purchasing the specialist car manufacturer and engineering group.

MERCEDES INSPIRATION      10 September 2002
Mercedes is producing a special edition of 900 M-Class 'Inspiration'. Three engine options will be offered - the ML 270 CDI, a V6 petrol-powered ML 350 and a five-litre ML 500. Available extras include an exclusive interior with anthracite leather, 17" six-spoke alloy wheels and a choice of metallic paint finishes with a colour co-ordinated AMG front grille. Prices start at Ł33,395 for the ML 270 CDI, Ł36,680 for the ML 350 and Ł42,840 for the ML 500. The Inspiration is due to be launched this month.

BMW TERMINATES DEALER CONTRACTS      10 September 2002
In preparation of the upcoming changes to the Block Exemption Act, BMW is terminating all of European franchised dealer contracts. The BEA expires on 30th September and there will be a transition period until September 2003. The new legislation will allow independent retailers to supply new cars. It is hoped that this will increase competition and therefore, more favourable prices.

ASTON MARTIN DB7 ZAGATO      21 August 2002
Aston Martin has renewed its link with Zagato, the Italian design house, to produce a limited edition of 99 DB7 coupes. Performance will be above the standard DB7 due to a decrease in weight and slight increase in power. The 440bhp 6.0 litre V12 engine will result in a 0-60 time of under five seconds. Features of the DB7 Zagato include a re-designed roof and rear, an enlarged grille, revised suspension and brakes and a modified interior.

A8 GETS FACE-LIFT      22 July 2002
Audi's new all-wheel drive, aluminium-bodied flagship will be launched with a pair of powerful V8 engines in the first quarter of 2003. A 3.7 litre provides 280bhp, 20bhp more than the current engine of the same capacity. This propels the A8 to 60mph in 7.3 seconds. The 4.2 litre 335bhp version completes the sprint to 60mph in 6.3 seconds, a 0.6 second improvement over the existing 310bhp 4.2 litre. Both will come with a new six-speed automatic gearbox, featuring tiptronic manual override from either steering wheel-mounted paddles or a gear lever. Adaptive air suspension with continuously adjusting dampers is also standard, and gives drivers the option of three ride settings. Prices will range from Ł44,000 to Ł52,000 and a V6 version is due to go on sale in late 2003.

C-CLASS TOPS NCAP      22 July 2002
The Mercedes C-class has become the second car to achieve a five-out-of-five rating in Euro NCAP crash tests. The first to score top marks was Renault's Laguna in May 2001.

AUDI GOES GREEN      22 July 2002
The Audi A4 is now on offer with the new 2.0 litre FSI - stratified-charge injection - petrol engine. FSI technology, as used in Audi's Le Mans cars, is effectively a direct-injection system for petrol engines which lowers exhaust emissions, improves fuel economy and increases power efficiency. In the A4, the 2.0 FSI engine produces 150bhp and 148lb ft of torque, fuel economy of 39.8mpg and carbon dioxide emissions of 170g/km. This model accelerates from 0-60 mph in 9.6 seconds, to a top speed of 135mph. Prices for the A4 2.0 FSI start from Ł19,565 for the saloon and Ł20,695 for the Avant, Ł925 more than the continuing 130bhp 2.0 litre models.

VOLVO ANNOUNCES S60R & V70R      10 July 2002
Volvo is going one step further from its 'T' series performance cars with the production of these two new 'R' models. Both cars will feature a 2.5 litre turbocharged petrol engine, producing 300bhp. This results in a 0-60 time of 5.8 seconds and a top speed of 155mph (limited). Both cars will make their world debuts at the Paris motor show in September and will be available in the UK in Summer 2003.

MASERATI'S RACING RETURN      10 July 2002
Maserati is on track for a return to racing with testing of its new coupe hacing started in Italy. The Trofeo Maserati racing series is likely to be staged across Europe from 2003.

A VW TO RIVAL MERCEDES??      13 June 2002
Volkswagen aim to go head to head against Mercedes' S-Class with the Phaeton, their new luxury saloon. Due to be on sale Spring 2003, with prices expected to range from Ł42,000 to Ł70,000. The engine range is topped off with an impressive 6.0 litre W12 version, capable of producing 420bhp. The same engine that is due to power the new Ł100,000 Bentley Coupe.

SAAB UNVEIL NEW 9-3      20 May 2002
Saab's new 9-3 range has been announced and is due to go on sale in the UK in September. There will be a choice of three engines - a 1.8t petrol, 2.0t petrol and a 2.2TiD diesel. Prices for the new range start at Ł18,495, considerably undercutting both Mercedes' and BMW's eviqualent models.

SPECIAL EDITION SLK      20 May 2002
Mercedes are due to build 250 special edition SLKs with 17 inch alloy wheels, black nappa leather sports seats and brushed aluminium interior trim. There's a choice of three engine sizes, available with either a six speed manual or five speed auto box. Prices range from Ł25,890 to Ł32,040.

STRIKING NEW RX-8      20 May 2002
The first of Mazda's new range to be launched is a daring four door coupe. The rear doors open backwards to offer easy access and there is no central pillar seperating front and rear. The RX-8's 250bhp engine delivers a 0-60 time of just under six seconds. Prices are expected to be between Ł24,000 and Ł30,000 and Mazda hope to entice customers away from the ever successful Audi TT.

INCREASE IN TOLLS?      20 May 2002
According to a recent RAC survey, motorists would not object to the increasing use of tolls, providing the revenue is spent on improving Britain's roads and public transport systems. Of the 500 motorists questioned, 71% were in favour of generating further money for the Government's transport spending through this method.

ECONOMY CABRIOLET      20 May 2002
Audi have confirmed that they are to offer a diesel version of their new cabriolet. The 2.5 TDI V6 engine will deliver 155bhp and is due to go on sale this Autumn.

ANOTHER NEW MPV      20 May 2002
Mercedes new Vaneo range has been designed as the big brother of the A-Class and chooses the tag of mini-MPV. There's a whole host of trim levels and engine sizes available and prices range from Ł14,680 to Ł16,780. Mercedes face stiff competition in an extremely competitive market.

MASERATI MUSCLE      5 May 2002
Maserati's powerful new GT Coupe has gone on sale for Ł59,950. The 4.2 litre V8 engine produces 390bhp, a 0-60 time of 4.9 seconds and a top speed of 177mph. Cosmetic changes have been made front and rear and handling has been improved by revised suspension.

LEXUS DO IT AGAIN      5 May 2002
Lexus have received the 1st place Gold Award for customer satisfaction for the second year running in the JD Power and Associates 2002 customer satisfaction study. The study was based upon the evaluations of more than 27,000 owners of 'V' and 'W' registered cars and covered 33 different brands.

06 Jan 2009