Mercedes is bolstering its C-Class Sport Coupe range with a special edition called the Evolution S.
Yours from £19,995, the Evolution S comes in C180 Kompressor or C220 CDi guises and is fitted with an AMG sports package.
The AMG pack includes a body kit, 17in alloy wheels and aluminium inserts in the cabin's trim.
The Evolution S is on sale now.
© Source: original article on topgear.com
Following the successful market launch of the Cayman S in autumn 2005, Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG, Stuttgart, is introducing the Cayman, a new version of the mid-engine sports coupe.
Based on the Boxster series, the two-seater is powered by a six-cylinder boxer engine with an engine-capacity of 2.7 liters and developing an output of 245 bhp (180 kW). With its high and sustained propulsive power in the lower and medium speed ranges, the engine puts in an impressive performance. It has a top speed of 258 kilometers per hour. This sports car with manual transmission accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.1 seconds. The Cayman is convincing proof of the fact that outstanding performance statistics do not necessarily mean high fuel consumption. According to European standards, it consumes on average only 9.3 liters per 100 kilometers.
Thanks to the Porsche VarioCam Plus system the Cayman affords a torque of 273 Newton meters available between 4,600 and 6,000 revs. Power is transmitted via a five-speed manual transmission with short, precise shifting travel. A six-speed manual transmission in conjunction with the Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) system is also available on request. As a third variant, Porsche offers its customers the well-known Tiptronic S five-speed automatic transmission, which has rocker switches in the steering-wheel spokes for sporty gear shifting.
The Cayman coasts along on 17-inch light-alloy wheels boasting a unique design with five double spokes. 205/55 tires are fitted as standard onto 6.5-inch wide wheel rims at the front; the combination at the rear is 235/50 tires on 8-inch rims. With the Porsche Stability Management (PSM) system fitted as standard, the chassis makes an impressive impact in terms of driving dynamics and active safety.
The Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) system is available as an optional extra. The system is capable of lowering the body by ten millimeters, and automatically adapts the shock-absorber system to each particular driving situation. The driver can choose between the “normal” and “sport” programs by pressing a button on the center console.
Other special features of the Cayman are black brake calipers, black front-spoiler lips, a titanium-colored logo at the rear and also a trapezoidal tailpipe. The impressive interior boasts a comprehensive range of standard features including an air-conditioning system, a radio/CD player, seat covers in luxurious Alcantara leather, black-faced instrument dials and door entry trims with the Cayman logo. Because of the mid-engine concept, it boasts two trunk compartments with a combined volume of 410 liters, just like its big brother, the Cayman S. Along with many other storage features, this design highlights the sports coupŠ¹’s supreme practicality.
In additional to two full-size airbags to guarantee the necessary level of safety protection in the event of head-on collisions, the ingenious Porsche Side Impact Protection System (POSIP), which features a chest and head airbag on each side of the vehicle, also provides excellent protection in side-on collisions.
The basic price in euros for the Cayman is 40,900 euros. In Germany, the vehicle costs 47,647 euros including sales tax and country-specific requirements. The Cayman will be on sale in the USA for 49,400 dollars (not including tax). The market launch in Europe and the USA will take place on July 29, 2006.
© Source: original article on seriouswheels.com
Seat is back in the hunt for hot hatch scalps and sales with the new Leon FR.
The Spanish firm is not pussyfooting around either, with the FR (Formula Racing) models straining at the leash with 200bhp turbocharged petrol or 170bhp turbodiesel units.
The 200bhp TFSi petrol model is the swiftest and cracks 0-62mph in 7.3 seconds before heading on to a maximum speed of 143mph.
Opt for the 2.0 turbodiesel FR and there's no loss of acceleration, because it sees off 0-62mph in an identical 7.3 seconds, while returning 47mpg. The 2.0 TFSi gives a very respectable 35.7mpg.
Both cars come with six-speed manual gearboxes as standard.
Helping the Leon make the most of its potent engines is Seat's 'Agile Chassis' concept, which stiffens and lowers the suspension, as well as quickening steering response.
The Agile Chassis also includes larger brakes and also brings all of Seat's electronic driver aids into play.
More obvious markers to distinguish the Leon FR are its aggressive front grille and rear bumper, twin chromed exhaust pipes, and alloy wheels in either 17- or 18in sizes.
Slipping into the FR, there's plenty to remind you that this is a potent hot hatch.
Figure-hugging sports seats keep you in place, while the white-faced instruments with FR logo are de rigeur hot hatch kit.
Other standard equipment for the FR models includes climate control, an MP3-compatible CD stereo, and all-round electric windows for the five-door-only body.
The FR models arrive in July, with prices yet to be confirmed, and they come hot on the heels of the Leon's best-ever sales month.
Expect the FR models to make up almost half of all Leon sales, which means one will be scalping a hot hatch near you soon.
© Source: original article on topgear.com
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