Lotus Europa Range

Group Lotus plc unveils a new updated and significantly enhanced range of Europa’s at the 78th annual Geneva International Motor Show. The new entry level Europa is priced at £27,950 MSRP / €37,500, with the range topping Europa SE available for a competitive £32,995 MSRP / €41,500 (Euro prices are without taxes, delivery & other related costs).

These new Europa variants have been designed and developed especially for European customers and will be sold exclusively across Europe from June 2008. The Europa is now available to a larger target audience with the entry level car providing a more accessible way to own a Europa and the SE designed to appeal to those who are even more style conscious and want increased levels of performance.

Mike Kimberley, CEO of Group Lotus plc commented: “As the true driver will know, this Europa range, offers access to Lotus’ unique DNA for those who perceive the Elise and Exige as a little too uncompromising for everyday use. The new Europa SE sits at the more refined end of the Lotus spectrum, providing a terrific mix of performance, agility and style, but incorporates Lotus’s values and heritage”.

The Europa has a mid-mounted 2 litre turbo charged engine, tuned in the SE with an all new calibration to 225 PS and with 300 Nm of torque to offer effortless cruising capability. Even though the Europa is engineered with more relaxed driving characteristics it provides amazing performance, with 0-60 mph in the SE dispatched in 5.5s (0-100 km/h in 5.7s estimated) and the sprint to 100 mph (160 km/h) taking just 13.0s (estimated). Given the legal opportunity to stretch its legs, the Europa SE will hit a top speed of 143 mph (estimated).


The Europa now offers increased levels of comfort over the Elise and Exige whilst enhancing the focused driving experience that you would expect from a Lotus. These models are both equipped with race car derived double wishbone suspension to give an exceptional driving feelwith Lotus DNA. The sleek Europa body work, together with the assistance of the flat underbody, generates positive downforce to provide balanced handling at speed.

The Europa SE has attractive and light weight new wheels, which are shod with wider, high performance tyres, for increased levels of grip. These new high performance wheels are larger with 17″ rims up front, and larger 18″ rims on the rear. The new wheels house high performance AP Racing four pot brakes and larger (308 mm) diameter discs.

The SE interior has been updated by Lotus Design with a stylish new design that works in harmony with the premium avant-garde Ice White of the Geneva Show car. The interior is finished using 4 hides of soft, lightweight high-grade leather, to ensure that every surface has a luxuriant tactile feel.

As with all 2008 Lotus road cars, the Europa and Europa SE come with driver and passenger airbags and an engine start button as standard. The Europa interior is furnished with leather sports seats and comes as standard with a high quality stereo system.

Ford coupe cabriolet

NEW COUPÉ-CABRIOLET TO COMPLETE THE NEW FORD FOCUS FAMILY
• Restyled Focus Coupé-Cabriolet debuts at the 2008 Geneva Motor Show
• New Focus front end with ‘kinetic design’ styling
• Enhanced interior with high quality materials and new instruments
• Best in class Coupé-Cabriolet luggage compartment volume with roof up and down
• Coupé-Cabriolet completes the line-up of new Focus bodystyles, comprising 3-door, 4-door, and 5-door Sedans as well as Wagon
• Ultra-stiff body to support driving dynamics and steering precision

The new four-seater Ford Focus Coupé-Cabriolet has its public debut at the 2008 Geneva Motor Show. The new model joins the three-door, four-door, five-door, wagon and sporty ST models, extending the comprehensive new Focus range and offering the greatest variety of bodystyles for a single vehicle line within the Ford of Europe portfolio. As a final addition to the exciting and fully comprehensive Focus range, the all-new Ford Focus RS high performance model will be launched in 2009.

The newly designed Focus Coupé-Cabriolet with its retractable hardtop will once again be manufactured at the Bairo plant of Pininfarina, Ford’s partner in designing, engineering and building the Focus Coupé-Cabriolet. This stylish vehicle is a true four-seater that combines a high emotional appeal with “must have” means for everyday use: With the roof closed, new Focus Coupé-Cabriolet offers a best-in-class luggage capacity of 534 litres. Even with the retractable hardtop stowed in the boot, the new Ford provides a voluminous 248 litres of luggage space under the folded roof.

“As with the generic new Ford Focus, with the Focus Coupé-Cabriolet we also felt the importance of aligning this charismatic vehicle with our ‘kinetic design’ language as soon as possible,” said Stephen Odell, Vice President Marketing, Sales and Service at Ford of Europe.

‘Kinetic Design’ Styling
“The new Ford Focus Coupé-Cabriolet is a special blend: We felt that the new very ‘kinetic’ front end design will perfectly complement the timelessly-elegant, Italian flavoured profile and rear end design. The result is a perfect mix of latest level Focus dynamics and the special Coupé-Cabriolet design execution that we had already developed jointly with Pininfarina,” said Chris Bird, Design Director at Ford of Europe.

The entire front end design of the new Ford Focus was fully adopted for the
Coupé-Cabriolet: The new three-dimensional bonnet design flows harmoniously into the iconic dual-trapezoidal-grille design, with both the upper and lower grille being equipped with a classy chrome surrounding. The front bumper, lights and front fender designs clearly reflect the latest dynamic Focus styling, but are also tailored to perfectly fit the elegant side view of the Coupé-Cabriolet.

The interior styling of the new Focus Coupé-Cabriolet also received a fresh approach with bold design statements, high quality finishes and hard-wearing materials all completed with a high level of craftsmanship. Most prominent for the driver is a new instrument cluster of a ‘binocular’ style with instruments illuminated in red.

As with the new Focus, the Coupé-Cabriolet also benefits from the flow through centre stack to the standard ‘premium’ centre console with an increased stowage volume of approximately 4 litres and a sliding armrest with a travel of 80 mm, both contributing to increased comfort and convenience.

New Technology
A number of new standard driver assistance features have been introduced on all new Focus models with further technology options, and will also be introduced to the Coupé-Cabriolet.


These features include:
• Available ‘Ford Power’ button for keyless start, plus keyless entry system
• Standard emergency hazard warning light activation system (Info: except Finland and Sweden)
• New optional Tyre Deflation Detection System (DDS)
• New audio connectivity module for external devices and new levels of Bluetooth® and USB connectivity, voice control and navigation systems
• New navigation systems include an affordable navigation option with ‘SD’ card slot as well as a DVD based system with 7″ colour touchscreen
• Digital Audio Broadcast (DAB) tuner on Sony radio system available
Powertrains and Series
A fine range of Duratec petrol and Duratorq diesel engines was chosen for the Focus Coupé-Cabriolet: While the 1.6-litre 100 PS/74 kW Duratec petrol is the entry level into the Focus ‘wind-in-the-hair’ experience, the well acclaimed 2.0-litre 145 PS/107 kW Duratec HE engine is available with a choice of a sporty 5-speed manual transmission or the very comfortable FN automatic transmission for relaxed cruising joy.

The 2.0-litre Duratorq TDCi engine has 136 PS (100 kW) and a maximum torque of 320 Nm. To make driving with the 2.0-litre Duratorq TDCi engine even more refined and comfortable, specific improvements have been made to its Sound quality and vibration behaviour. This engine – along with all other Ford Focus petrol and diesel engines – benefits from a new insulated, weight reduced cowl panel, for optimum acoustics and a new carpet with a modified heavy duty coating for further sound deadening.
In terms of the series availability, the new Focus Coupé-Cabriolet is once again available with a well equipped entry ‘Trend’ specification, which can also be ordered in conjunction with a special ‘Sport’ pack, covering a sport suspension and specially designed 17-inch alloy wheels. Black tinted headlamp housings on the exterior emphasise the sporty appearance of this series.

The top-of-the-range ‘Titanium’ series also features exterior details like specially designed 17-inch alloys and the black headlamp housings, but also classy interior items like the standard partial leather seats. As an option, full leather seats in three different designs are available.

High Safety Standards
A very stiff bodyshell construction and a precise suspension and steering tuning are the active and solid base for the new Focus Coupé-Cabriolet’s safety package. As a part of Ford PrecisionDrive, it helps drivers to intuitively rely on their Ford car in any driving situation. In addition to this very convincing package, ESP has now been introduced to be standard in all European major markets, and complements the very capable four-disc braking system with EBA.

The passive safety also starts with an ultra stiff bodyshell and a rigid passenger safety cell. Without a regular sedan roof structure however, front crash load paths for the Focus Coupé-Cabriolet had to be redistributed behind the A-pillars into the door structure.

As a result, these load paths were significantly reinforced by using high strength HSS 2 steel and increasing the rocker height by 35mm. The load path through the door structure can carry loads up to seven tons – comparable with the cumulated load capability of a Focus four-door at the roof and door structures.
In addition to standard front and side airbags, Ford’s new Rollover Protection Device (RPD) system plays a vital role in increasing Focus Coupé-Cabriolet’s passive safety performance. RPD is designed to help protect passengers in the unlikely event that the vehicle rolls over. Electronic sensors and a gyroscope are at the heart of the system, and can detect an impending rollover. When this happens, two ultra-strong safety roll bars “fire” into position within a tenth of a second. Combined with the reinforced A-pillars and the highly rigid front window frame, RPD is a reassuring device that provides valuable extra protection for occupants.

Hyundai Genesis Coupe SE

The 2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe SE was shown to the world recently in New York and the stunning silver color with amazing window treatment looks simply unbelievable.

The 2010 Genesis will be a whopping 310HP and it will have the option of either a 4-cyl or V6. Whichever you choose won’t make a difference for the transmission as it comes with a six speed manual transmission on both models. The noise being talked around the release of this vehicle is the fact that it sends most of the power to the rear wheels making it super fast and great to control. It has custom Brembro brakes installed with each car. You can expect to see 19” rims on the car when you get it but that is easily customizable and will also make yours stand out amongst others.
There is no set figure for the cost of each Genesis but it has been said that it will be the cheapest 300HP coupe on the market when it hits in 2009. The engine will be able to power the Genesis from 0-60MPH in less than six seconds and the engine also uses lightweight techniques and products to make the engine more lightweight as well as thermal efficiency which helps keep the engine at a safe temperature.

There are some nice custom features included on the vehicle which include HID lights which are far better for night driving and seeing through bad weather, great stereo and audio system as well as great safety features. The vehicle shouldn’t cost much more then $30,000 - $40,000 when it’s released in 2010 and if there were any drawbacks I would say the interior could be improved quite a bit as it seems done cheaply. The 2010 Genesis is in production and the final prices and specs will be released as we near closer to the release of this wicked performance vehicle.

Scion Hako Coupe Concept

Scion took the wraps off of its latest concept Wednesday, 19th March at the 2008 New York Auto Show. Dubbed the Hako Coupe is intended to the video game playing younger generation. Scion’s Hako Coupe Concept is a very rare show car which in Scion’s own words is ‘polarizing’.

Scion vice president Jack Hollis explained that Hako Concept’s look is the sporty version of a box, but in fact looks more like an armored truck. The front of the car is highlighted with a load of LED headlights, a large upper grille and smaller lower grille. The hugely flared fenders are filled by eighteen inch wheels and 225 series tires with a special tread that spells out the name SCION, and a perfectly vertical windshield to complete the boxy look. The back features include LED taillights and backup lights meshed into the car’s exhaust. The Hako Coupe’s roof has a barcode pattern. That is eventually going to turn into rooftop wallpaper similar to pc wallpaper.

The inside is painted in orange and black with metallic accents. The four seats are covered with rubbery upholstery and the driver seat was designed with computer generated instruments and a gear that looks like a big joystick.


A Bluetooth connection allows music or video files to be uploaded to the Scion’s entertainment system which are comprised of the video monitors on the dash. There are more screens on each door and in the rear side walls displaying images from cameras that point outside. The passengers have the ability to edit these visuals in to you tube quality video.

Ford Focus RS

This Ford RS began in the 1960’s in Germany and it had success across Europe. It is stylish, yet a cheap and well performance car contributing in every day needs. It has the combination and parts from the 1970 Le Mans Green and also the Escort RS1600.This car can accelerate from 0-100kmh (0-62mph) in under six seconds.
It has upgraded its model with 336mm ventilated front discs and also to the rear 300mm discs.
RS had a reputation in their car’s performance and its car’s heritage in the World-Wide Rally Championship and has also established its reputation for the driving dynamics in their cars. This new car will not disappoint the customers with its genuine build and style.

Volkswagen Scirocco GT24

Volkswagen has just introduced their racing edition of the Scirocco GT24 at Wörther Lake for the world to see. Yet, this race car has been tested by the champions Carlos Sainz and Hans-Joachim Stuck. Volkswagen has also concentrated on their 16-valve injection engine with a turbocharger and an intercooler system, to maximize torque up to 340 Newton meters. It starts at 2,100 rpm, based on the dual clutch gearbox (DSG). An idea of an affordable dream car starts here, born in the heart of this Scirocco.

The success of this two-seat sport coupe has produced more than 360,000 Sciroccos. This car has been a favorite with buyers. I would advise people who like to race to buy this car for their enjoyment, see you on the track.

Chevrolet 2010 Camaro

Chevrolet has unveiled the 2010 Camaro Transformers Special Edition. The BumbleBee package includes the iconic rally black stripes, the Autobot shield on both the interior and the exterior and the Transformers logo. The price is $995.

The 2010 Chevrolet Camaro Transformers Special Edition was unveiled at the Comic-Con in San Diego.

The package includes the black rally stripes, the Autobot shields - on driver and passenger side panels, on the wheels' center caps and embroidered on the interior center console. - and the Transformers logo, which is featured the doors sill plates and on to the hood rally stripes.



Given the success of the blockbuster movie, it was almost inevitable that GM should release this package.

As Karen Rafferty, product marketing director, Chevrolet, commented: "When the first Transformers movie was setting box office records, we had countless customers asking to purchase the 'Bumblebee' Camaro."

The “Bumblebee edition” Camaro package is available for $995.

Customers can order the Transformers Special Edition as either a Rally Yellow LT or SS model. The optional RS appearance package can also be added.

Rolls-Royce 200EX

Rolls-Royce has released technical details about the upcoming Ghost model which will be unveiled at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show. It will be powered by a new 6.6 liter turbocharged V12 engine capable of 563 hp and coupled with a 8-speed automatic gearbox.
Rolls-Royce has confirmed the performance figures for the Ghost, the new model which will be unveiled at the Frankfurt motor show in September.

The car - previously known as Project RR4 - is based on the Rolls-Royce 200EX design study presented at the 2009 Geneva Motor Show.

The Ghost will be powered by a brand new 6.6 litre turbo charged V12 engine unique to Rolls-Royce.

This engine will produce 563 bhp, delivering a 0-60 mph time of 4.7 seconds and a governed top speed of 155 mph.
he engine is combined with an 8-speed automatic ZF gearbox.

Rolls-Royce Director of Engineering, Helmut Riedl said, “First and foremost Ghost is a Rolls-Royce. This means that despite its extraordinary performance figures it has been engineered for effortless composure and refined power delivery.

"This is illustrated by the significant levels of low down torque available which makes pulling away very smooth and for an exceptionally relaxed driving experience.”

Riedl continues, “[...] Ghost is about fingertip control while still enjoying a dynamic connection with the road.

"Equally passengers need to be cosseted from the physical sensations of acceleration, braking and cornering. Our chassis set up keeps Ghost stable and flat, preventing it from wallowing or pitching in the corners or imposing undesirable forces on those inside.”

Rolls-Royce has already confirmed that the Ghost will ride on an intelligent four corner air suspension system using multi link aluminium front and rear axles.

The engine, exhaust and even tyre noise have been engineered to be inaudible as far as possible, both internally and externally.

Customer deliveries of Ghost in Europe will begin late in 2009 with pricing from £165,000 excluding taxes and delivery charges.

Customer deliveries in other markets including the USA and Asia Pacific region will begin from the second quarter 2010.

A full technical specification will be released later in the year.
Rolls-Royce Ghost - Technical Specifications
No. of doors/seats: 4/5
Length: 5399 mm / 212.6 inches
Width 1948 mm / 76.7 inches
Height: 1550 mm / 61 inches
Wheelbase: 3295 mm / 129.7 inches
Engine: new 6.6 litre turbocharged V12
Gearbox: 8-speed ZF
Power output: 563 bhp / 420 kW / 570 PS @ 5250 rpm
Max torque @ engine speed: 780 Nm / 575 lb ft @ 1500 rpm
Top speed: 155 mph / 250 km/h (electronically governed)
0-60 mph 4.7 seconds (4.8 seconds North America)*
0-100 km/h 4.9 seconds (5.0 seconds North America)*
Ghost pricing (excluding taxes and delivery charges):
UK: £165,000
Europe: Euro 213,000
North America: US$245,000
Rest of World: US$250,000

Rolls-Royce 200EX

Rolls-Royce has released technical details about the upcoming Ghost model which will be unveiled at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show. It will be powered by a new 6.6 liter turbocharged V12 engine capable of 563 hp and coupled with a 8-speed automatic gearbox.
Rolls-Royce has confirmed the performance figures for the Ghost, the new model which will be unveiled at the Frankfurt motor show in September.

The car - previously known as Project RR4 - is based on the Rolls-Royce 200EX design study presented at the 2009 Geneva Motor Show.

The Ghost will be powered by a brand new 6.6 litre turbo charged V12 engine unique to Rolls-Royce.

This engine will produce 563 bhp, delivering a 0-60 mph time of 4.7 seconds and a governed top speed of 155 mph.
he engine is combined with an 8-speed automatic ZF gearbox.

Rolls-Royce Director of Engineering, Helmut Riedl said, “First and foremost Ghost is a Rolls-Royce. This means that despite its extraordinary performance figures it has been engineered for effortless composure and refined power delivery.

"This is illustrated by the significant levels of low down torque available which makes pulling away very smooth and for an exceptionally relaxed driving experience.”

Riedl continues, “[...] Ghost is about fingertip control while still enjoying a dynamic connection with the road.

"Equally passengers need to be cosseted from the physical sensations of acceleration, braking and cornering. Our chassis set up keeps Ghost stable and flat, preventing it from wallowing or pitching in the corners or imposing undesirable forces on those inside.”

Rolls-Royce has already confirmed that the Ghost will ride on an intelligent four corner air suspension system using multi link aluminium front and rear axles.

The engine, exhaust and even tyre noise have been engineered to be inaudible as far as possible, both internally and externally.

Customer deliveries of Ghost in Europe will begin late in 2009 with pricing from £165,000 excluding taxes and delivery charges.

Customer deliveries in other markets including the USA and Asia Pacific region will begin from the second quarter 2010.

A full technical specification will be released later in the year.
Rolls-Royce Ghost - Technical Specifications
No. of doors/seats: 4/5
Length: 5399 mm / 212.6 inches
Width 1948 mm / 76.7 inches
Height: 1550 mm / 61 inches
Wheelbase: 3295 mm / 129.7 inches
Engine: new 6.6 litre turbocharged V12
Gearbox: 8-speed ZF
Power output: 563 bhp / 420 kW / 570 PS @ 5250 rpm
Max torque @ engine speed: 780 Nm / 575 lb ft @ 1500 rpm
Top speed: 155 mph / 250 km/h (electronically governed)
0-60 mph 4.7 seconds (4.8 seconds North America)*
0-100 km/h 4.9 seconds (5.0 seconds North America)*
Ghost pricing (excluding taxes and delivery charges):
UK: £165,000
Europe: Euro 213,000
North America: US$245,000
Rest of World: US$250,000

Mini Cooper

The MINI Cooper S with John Cooper Works (JCW) GP Kit is the fastest, most powerful production MINI ever. It can reach 100 km/h (62mph) in under 6.5 seconds and achieve a top speed of 146mph.

The GP has a power output of 218hp, with a specific power of 136hp per litre, and a maximum torque of 245Nm.

In order to reduce the total mass, the MINI GP weighs approximately 40 kg less than a standard MINI Cooper S. This has been achieved by modifications to the chassis and engineering tweaks. The longitudinal control arms on the rear axle are now made of aluminium and the sound-deadening material has been taken out.
The entire rear seat bench has been removed. In its place is a very neat flat loading area that can be folded up in a Z-arrangement for easy access to two additional storage boxes.

Standard equipment includes: limited slip differential, Dynamic Stability Control, Recaro sports seats in Panther Black leather, single CD, air-conditioning and a multi-function steering wheel.

The car also features JCW sports brakes, JCW sports suspension and exclusive low-profile tyres and 18-inch light-alloy rims.

The special edition will only be available in exclusive metallic paintwork called Thunder Blue combined with a Pure Silver roof and Chili Red door mirrors.


A new aerodynamics package has been added that significantly improves the car’s drag coefficient and downforce on both front and rear axles, enhancing the driving experience at high speeds.

New highlights are the front and rear air dams, the extra low side-sills, and the underfloor cover, as well as a wing-shaped rear spoiler.

This special edition Mini will be built in 2,000 units starting from July 2006. The UK guide price is £22,000 which includes £10,000 worth of additional equipment if specified on a standard MINI Cooper