Lotus - Elise SC

Despite the on-paper similarity with the Exige S, this is no mere engine swap – this is an allnew, non-intercooled installation applied to the current Elise’s 1.8-litre 2-ZZ VVTL-i engine. The Lotus-designed, Magnuson-produced supercharger uses a smaller Eaton rotor pack (an M45 unit) than that of the current Exige S, and is married to the intake manifold plenum as part of a single-piece casting. Combined with the absence of an intercooler and its associated pipework, this integrated supercharger/intake assembly contributes to an 8kg reduction in engine weight compared with the Exige S.
A further benefit of dispensing with the intercooler for the Elise SC application is the supercharger packaging viability for Elise and improved rear visibility when adopted into the Exige S, where vision from the rear view mirror is masked by the current intercooler installation. The Elise SC has been designed to have different driving characteristics to the Exige S. In
keeping with its role as a supremely fast road car rather than extreme track machine, throttle response is very progressive but also very direct, resulting in a measured, refined driving experience.

But, as you might expect of a car with 217 hp and weighing only 903 kg (1987 lbs), the performance of the Elise SC is electrifying – 0-60 mph in 4.4 secs / 0-100 km/h in 4.6 secs (estimated); 0-100 mph / 160 km/h in 10.7 secs (estimated); top speed 150 mph / 240 km/h (estimated). Although for the record, the Exige S remains the faster car on track, thanks to its superior aerodynamics package that generates 42 kg (92 lbs) of downforce at 100 mph (160 km/h). The fuel economy of the Elise SC is impressive with an estimated combined figure of 9.1 litres / 100 km (31.0 mpg).
A new bespoke wheel design is introduced to the Elise SC, the rears having increased half an inch in width to 8.0 inches, to give even better grip performance from the standard Lotus specific Yokohama AD07 LTS 225/45 R17 tyres.

Monterines Kars Rating – 81/100

Citroen - C-Cactus

C-Cactus is an ecological car. It includes a significant proportion of recycled or recyclable materials and, like the plant it is named after, it is low on consumption. Weighing just 1,306 kg and featuring a hybrid HDi drive train, C-Cactus consumes 3.4 l/100 km for CO2 emissions of 78 g/km.
At the same time, C-Cactus is no more expensive than a mid-range family car. Its low production cost can be attributed to the use of new materials and to a rational design process using a smaller number of parts. The cabin is made up of just over 200 parts, i.e. almost half the number used by a conventional hatchback of identical size.
C-Cactus is an essential car, with sharp styling and attractive features. Its curves give it a fun look and strong appeal, while the angles and rounded lines of the bodywork underline its dynamic character.
C-Cactus sets high standards of onboard comfort with a roomy interior that is worthy of a family car. It is 4.2 meters long and 1.8 meters wide with a wide range of equipment including air conditioning with automatic temperature control, a high-quality audio system, a panoramic glass sunroof, cruise control and a speed limiter.
The economic and ingenious solutions adopted for C-Cactus keep production costs down and make it possible to fit a diesel hybrid drive train, all for the price of an entry-level C4. To achieve this result, C-Cactus places the emphasis on equipment that is essential to passenger comfort. At the same time, it explores new design processes in order to show that economy and ecology need not be synonymous with a rough ride.

Monterines Kars Rating – 80/100

Hummer - HX

The HX concept is an open-air, two-door off-road vehicle that packs the off-road acumen for which HUMMER has become legendary, along with an easily convertible body that acclimates to varied trail conditions, cargo needs or passenger whims. Its design is based on the ideas developed by a trio of young designers who are new to the HUMMER studio.
“The HX is HUMMER’s vision of an agile, trail-ready, open-air vehicle that fits the lifestyles of everyone who needs or wants to drive off road," said Martin Walsh, HUMMER general manager. "Of course, it carries exceptional off-road capability and the distinctive styling for which all HUMMERs are known.”

The HX offers an open-air driving experience via a pair of removable roof panels above the driver and front passenger, and a modular, removable rear roof assembly. With the roof panels and roof assembly removed, the HX is transformed into a true convertible.

Easy removal of the roof panels and rear-roof assembly enables quick conversion from a closed vehicle to an open one. The HX also was designed with several roof assemblies, allowing this versatile vehicle to be configured as an SUT (with the roof assembly removed), a stylish slant-back or a traditional, wagon-like design that offers a bit more cargo space.
“The modular design of the roof and removable body panels mark an evolution of HUMMER’s design aesthetic,” said Carl Zipfel, director of design. “These features demonstrate a deeper understanding of enthusiast desires when it comes to off-road driving – and the slant-back design gives the HX a look all its own.”

Monterines Kars Rating – 82/100

Ferrari - F430 Evoluzione

This is not the first Ferrari tuned by Nocitec. Not even the first F430, but is a special one. The “Evoluzione” word means that the “stock” Novitec Ferrari F430 was upgraded. The car has now 20hp plus, so the engine develops 656hp, almost like Enzo. The German tuner managed to thi by revising the compressor and updating the engine management system. The Novitec Ferrari F430 Bi-Compressor manage a 0 to 62 mph (100 km/h) time in 3,7 sec while maximum speed is 216mph - 348 km/h.
For the brakes NOVITEC use Brembo brake assembly with 380mm metal brake disks in front and in the back, with 6-pistons at the front axle and rear axle.
The chassis is upgraded with KW high-grade steel - thread chassis sport (two-way adjustable), and sport stabilizers.
The aerodynamics are improved with the front apron, the tail diffuser, and the tail wing supersport.
The carbon is used at the engine compartment lining, carbon engine compartment exhaust lattice, tail lamp set in black, side turn signals in black.
The leather interior is two-colored Alcantara with sport seats supersport performance, steering wheel supersport, aluminum pedal set with driver and front seat passenger footrest.

Monterines Kars Rating – 86/100

Renault - Megane Trophy

The third model in Renault’s line-up at the Paris Auto Show is the Mégane Trophy, a concept that takes its inspiration from the lines of new Megane Coupe.
Under its composite outer skin, new Megane Trophy features the same mechanicals as the current car, including an FIA-homologated sports-prototype tubular chassis, a mid-rear V6 3.5 24V engine, a semiautomatic gearbox with steering wheel-mounted paddle shift, double wishbone suspension with adjustable dampers and 18-inch wheels and Michelin tires.
A new inlet manifold, which is fed by roof-mounted air-ducts, has taken engine power from 330 to 360hp. Renault claims that the aerodynamic gains and the extra power output of the V6 3.5 24V engine will enable new Megane Trophy to lap in times similar to those of a Porsche GT3.
To all those who are drooling over this now, remember even if the Trophy does make it to production, Renault is still keeping its hand out of the North American market.

Monterines Kars Rating – 83/100

Maserati - GT

I’m very glad to publish a post on a car which takes place in my template. At the 2007 Geneva Motor Show, Maserati had unveiled a replacement for the current Maserati Coupe/Spider. The GT will go on sale in early 2008 at an estimated price of $110.000. Maserati is considering the new GT a competitor for the Porsche’s latest 911 models and Mercedes SL.
The initial model will be a classic coupe but featuring the same rear seats from the 612 Scaglietti. Later, in 2009, a Spyder version it is also expected that will be a coupe-cabriolet with folding hardtop and only two seats.
The Maserati GT is designed by the Italian design house Pininfarina and will be a mixture of modern and classic Maserati. The chief designer is the man behind the 599 GTB and P4/5, Jason Castriota.
The GT’s engine is based on the Ferrari’s 4.2-liter V-8, the same used in Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione. The engine range will include a 4.3 liter V8, a 5.0 liter V8 engine producing 470 bhp (a bored-up 4.2). Also a V6 Biturbo (approx. 400 bhp) based on the new V6 of the Alfa Romeo 159 is being considered. The Spyder version will be offered with a 5.0 liter V8 engine. The 0 to 60 mph will be made in 4.2 seconds and will have a top speed of 192 mph.
Thus, I think this post will be help full for you to know about Maserati GT. Don’t go anywhere, update has begun…

Monterines Kars Rating – 80/100