issue 1 | autumn 2008
miles ahead...
CO2 Emissions
how CO2 efficient are our cars?
Motor Fairs
British Preview and Paris Review
One very special Quċċija the Fiat 500 gets a very special party for its first birthday
Test Drives Lexus GS450 H SE and Citroen C5
WHEELSPIN issue 1 | autumn 2008
Editor’s Note Fleur Balzan
Publishers b. Right new media Ltd. 19, Parish Street, St. Paul’s Bay, SPB 3361, Malta
Editor Fleur Balzan fbalzan@b.rightnewmedia.com
Assistant Editor Kenneth Rizzo Naudi krizzo@b.rightnewmedia.com
Contributors Kenneth Rizzo Naudi Edwin Zammit Shasha
Design Chris Mahoney chrismahoney@graphic-designer.com
Photography Alexandra Pace (lab1977.com)
Advertising & Sales Fleur Balzan - 21576254 Mario J. Micallef - 79400600
Pre-Press & Printing
It was approximately nine years ago that the Wheelspin dream had started. Back then, I was involved in other TV productions plus I had other full time commitments taking up too much of my time. So I decided to keep with ‘just’ the production side of Wheelspin. It was the first motoring programme in Malta, quite a task for such a programme at the time, especially since the Broadcasting Authority regulations then were not as specified as they are nowadays. But thanks to our team, young but with plenty of experience, the project took shape and is now the longest running motoring TV programme in Malta. Finally, after nine years we are now seeing the birth of Wheelspin the magazine. Some would say: ‘Why did it take so long?’ – Simple! I am a person of few words, unless in writing, and nothing would make do if in half measures! Wheelspin deserves nothing less than to be delivered to its public either in full broadcasting quality as a TV programme or as a crisp-colour printed magazine that car lovers would love to keep a collection of. Call me a snob if you may, but in actual fact I am just a lover of quality, as I believe the public deserves nothing less, and quality is what we strive for on a daily basis! Over the years Wheelspin has seen many faces, Maris Zammit presented the 1st edition. Then I convinced my childhood friend Moira Delia to get involved in the presentation and for four years she was the face of Wheelspin and she did us proud! I guess it was a natural process for me that, having dropped all other TV presenting commitments, I added the presentation to the production duties of Wheelspin that I carried throughout. Over the years people have come and gone yet I thank all those who, at some time or other, offered their services and support. Amongst them is Kenneth Rizzo Naudi who was an integral part of the beginning of Wheelspin, the TV programme, and after a break of a few years, he joined the team again last season and is now a very important part of both the TV programme and the magazine. Another big thank you goes to Robert Vassallo our visual producer as well as Tone Studios and Andrew Zammit, our sound engineer, and Paul Giordimaina both responsible for the music behind Wheelspin. Together as a team we go all out to be miles ahead…. This first issue contains several interesting reads. Enjoy it and we look forward to giving you more in the next issue. First you only watched it, now you can also read it, nevertheless...let’s drive it!
Impressions Ltd., Marsa No part of this magazine may be reproduced in any form for any purpose without the prior written consent of the publisher.
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In this issue autumn 2008
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features 7
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A Truly British Motor Fair all the latest news from the hugely popular British event
One very special Quċċija the Fiat 500 gets a very special party for its first birthday
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Diesel Rocky’s Here
we explore Subaru’s innovative Boxer Diesel Engine
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CO2 Emissions
how CO2 efficient are our cars?
- based on UK data
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Cars taking over Paris!
new cars are taking Paris by storm at the Paris Motor Show
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Land Rover is 60 years old
see how you could win great Land Rover merchandise
moto r i n g p r o g r a mme Sunday 5th October at 18:40, Repeat on Saturday 11th October at 13:00, on NET TV wheelspin.com.mt
test drives
snippets
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Lexus GS450 H SE
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an oriental bond with fast electrons
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Citroen C5
seductively French or muscular German?
Peugeot 308CC
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Jaguar XK60
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Opel Insignia
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Honda Jazz
regulars 18
Launches
Ford Kuga, Mercedes SLK and CLC, VW Passat and BMW X6 launched in Malta.
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News
the latest news from the motoring world
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American Auto Club Malta
In the next issue of Wheelspin...
Also of note...
we will be including more pages in which, you the reader can send in your feedback and have your say on the magazine. Write to us about your favorite article or you favorite car, about your motoring experiences and about what you think of this first issue of Wheelspin. One lucky winner will even receive a special gift courtesy of Wheelspin! Send your mail by email to: wheelspin@b.rightnewmedia.com or by snail mail to: Wheelspin Magazine, P.O. Box 24. St. Paul’s Bay. ...and don’t forget to visit our new website! www.wheelspin.com.mt
Wheelspin Magazine will be including a classified page as of the 2nd issue. For information on how to advertise on these pages please contact us on: 21576154, 99805763 or info@b.rightnewmedia.com
we find out how the American Auto Club Malta came to be, and we take a look at a modified 1984 Chevrolet Camaro Z28
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Centre Pages Pullout
this issue we feature the Saab 9-3, including an October to December calendar
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a truly
British
Motor Show by Fleur Balzan
The British Motor Show dates back to several years having first been organized by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders at Crystal Palace in London in 1903, a location which hosted the show annually for 32 years. Eventually, in 1976, it had been moved to Earl’s Court in London then shifted again in 1978 to the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham where it was held every other year till 2004. The 2004 edition saw the date of the event being changed from October to May but since the show was moved to the ExCel in the London Docklands, the date changed again to July.
This British International Motor Show was never one of the largest Motor Shows in Europe being kind of over-shadowed by larger shows such as Frankfurt, Paris and Geneva. This years’ event however left a lot to be desired probably due to several large brands such as BMW, VW and AUDI not being present, and this, coupled with the continuous rise in fuel prices in Britain and elsewhere, is without a doubt having a negative effect on the market worldwide. Nonetheless, we attended this show equipped with two broadcasting video cameras and 2 photographic cameras and before long we were lost in the excitement of new vehicles being presented during the media press day. Notwithstanding the loss of certain brands, the British surely did their bit in presenting their home brands with dignity and we definitely did not want to miss out on anything.
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Lightning 1-3 It was apparent that this motoring event was going to focus on ‘green’ vehicles thus turning the interest away from gas guzzling machines, yet one such vehicle presented was definitely one pleasant strike of lightning! This is the new all electric GT sports car presented by automakers Lightning Car Company. This vehicle is one sporty beauty which offers power and performance without the guilt of high emissions, or any at all in the first place as it is propelled by the same things which drive your kid’s remote control car! Like eating one chunky, creamy chocolate without the guilt of thinking about the calories! Ok it’s not the first electric car around but the Lightning GT is not just a device to carry people around: it does the 0 to 100km/h run in less than 4 seconds, will have a top speed of well over 200km “when it is fully developed”, leaves no emissions and can do up to around 300km per 10-minute pitstop of electrons top up! The car works with what’s called the ‘Hi-Pa Drive’ technology, a system of four 120 kilowatt power motors that are found inside each wheel which produce no less than 700bhp. According to the automaker the car can be recharged in just ten minutes when using a three phase power supply and the 30 onboard 10 minute charge batteries can last up to 12 years before needing to be replaced. The purists might pin-point that having all 8
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the super car buzz without the acoustics is like virtual intimacy; well not really because for those who miss the rumble of a big block of metal engineered to convert petrol into fumes, the Lighting GT incorporates what is known as the sound module. Just choose between either the sound effect of a smooth V6 or that of a throaty V12 and leave the computer play the right adrenalin-arousing tunes depending what you’re doing with the gas pedal! And what do you think this beauty will cost? In the UK anything between £120,000 to £150,000 sterling meaning from €146,000 to €184,000; but that’s not all! They also claim that owners will be making remarkable annual running costs savings of around £20,000 (€24,500) associated with supercar ownership!
Lotus Evora 4-6 A second British firm to present another beauty is Lotus which this year is celebrating the 60th anniversary. The company has really taken the ‘diamond’ anniversary seriously and they have chosen the British Motor Show in London to present the new sports car which originally was simply being called ‘Lotus Project Eagle’ but which was baptized ‘Evora’ at its unveiling. The presentation started with two faceless people on the stand, then the car was uncovered to the statement ‘an individual car in a faceless world’, and this is one
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truly individual car! It follows the iconic ‘Elise’ which was launched in 1995 and it is designed for people who desire exotic sports car characteristics. A car which is to compete with Porsche’s Cayman, the Evora is a 2+2 sports car powered by a 3.5 litre V6 engine which offers 280bhp and 250 lb feet of torque to propel a package weighing at only 1350kg. It uses an innovative lightweight chassis technology to ensure dynamic performance. What’s more is that Lotus is planning to keep the CO2 emissions of this vehicle at less than 225g/km. The Evora will be hand crafted and only 2000 will be produced annually. They will go on sale in the UK in Spring 2009 at a price of £45,000 (€55,000) and Lotus have also promised a convertible and a higher performance model by October 2011.
Bentley Continental Flying Spur 7-9 From sports cars we move on to a world of pure luxury whilst still remaining with British brands, well nearly! Bentley chose their home Motor Show to launch the new Continental Flying Spur and the Continental Flying Spur Speed. The Continental Flying Spur was originally launched in 2005 and was the 12 cylinder four door vehicle that was at the forefront of Bentley’s revitalization. The two new models are now more defined and distinctive with the Flying
Spur offering no less than 552bhp. The new model is obviously superior in both comfort and technology whilst Bentley continues to offer customer personalization with a wider choice of beautifully crafted finishes and chrome inlays. On the other hand the Flying Spur Speed offers 600bhp. Inspired by the legendry Bentley ‘Speed’ models that first appeared in 1923, the Flying Spur Speed goes from 0 to 100km in 4.5 seconds and has a maximum speed of 322km/h.
IFR Aspid 10-12 Another world premiere in London is the particular Aspid designed by IFR Automotive, a practically new Spanish company which was founded by Ignacio Fernandez Rodriquez whose experience in the automotive world is quite vast having been associated with companies such as Seat and Prodrive and the Mitsubishi Rally Team. The Aspid is the first car for IFR Automotive, as the company, whose main role is that of research and development, felt the need of a vehicle platform to develop its new ideas. This car is being produced in limited numbers and according to IFR Automotive its customers will ‘be the first to acquire truly cutting-edge technology”. Time will tell how true that statement is! WHEELSPIN
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Other models Other models to have their world launch in London include the Seat Ibiza Sports Coupe (13), a contemporary and dynamic model which although sleek in appearance is large on features and detail. The new Nissan Qashqai+2 (14) was also revealed in London. This, one could say, is a more practical version of the previous model with two additional seats at the back. It will come with a choice of 2 engines both 2 litre petrol or diesel with the option of all wheel drive or front wheel drive only. Landrover also presented the new look Landrover Discovery (15) whilst Toyota presented the Aygo Crazy (16), a one-off concept model design which is said to give drivers a true rally drive experience. One ‘green’ premiere worth mentioning is the Ford Fiesta ECOnetic (17): a car with CO2 emissions less than 100g/km whilst Ford featured the new Focus RS (18) pocket rocket. However, one of the most awaited premieres must have been the new Opel (which in Her majesty’s translates to Vauxhaul) Insignia but we’ll look at this in more detail a few pages further. 10
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Test Drive LEXUS GS450 H SE
An Oriental Bond WITH FAST ELECTRONS by Kenneth Rizzo Naudi
It is well known that the nationality of car brands has become synonymous with certain attributed accolades! Think German and solid quality comes to mind; Italian and you start to imagine exotic design and driving flair; Japanese and you know that you got bullet-proof reliability and lots of performance for the engine size. Of course along with the positive attributes there also exist the negative ones, but let’s ignore that for while. There’s a brand however, which seems to bring most of these positive attributes together; well known abroad, newish but promising in Malta. Let’s say it’s the son of Toyota and the pinnacle of Japanese automotive luxury, retains all the well known reliability from the rising sun, adopts the right characteristics in their machines such as rear and 4WD performance, and exploits its cutting-edge technology to the extent that it actually pimps it out in its cars! It also somehow retains that particular air of exclusivity bestowed upon it by the fact that, compared to other similar brands like Bee Em and Merc; it’s much rarer to encounter one! Ladies and gentleman, Lexus! We’ve started seeing a few of these ‘L’ badges around lately, and they turn heads since we’re not used to them yet. Lots come to your minds from “What’s that?” to “How would it compare to my 3/5-series - C/E class?” Well we’ve driven one for you and frankly should Mr. Bond decide to follow the current green-emissions saga across the world but retain that mesmerising gadgetry and performance in his next film car – we’d gladly recommend him the Lexus GS 450h! From Japanese to English this translates to a luxury saloon equivalent to your 5-series/E-Class/166/Passat etc. Two engines, yep that’s right, two: a petrol 3.5-Litre V6 in front which develops 292bhp with 368Nm of torque, and an electric motor developing 197bhp with an astonishing 275Nm of instant torque! Combined together the Lexus GS 450h can pump a solid mind blowing 341bhp to the rear wheels...while you hardly hear the bloody thing work! It can get to 100kph in 5.9 seconds and carry on to 250kph till the electronics kick in to hold it back! Welcome to the Lexus Hybrid Drive! But there’s another nice thing about all that: when you don’t need all those horses, the GS 450h sends them automatically to stables! The V6 shuts off, and forget noise or vibration: it’s so smooth that the only sign for you to realise whether it’s on or off is the dash indicator; while you’re left to plod around in town and traffic in complete electric silence consuming zilch and emitting nada while keeping all the luxury goodies in the car working seamlessly no problem at all! Now I can already hear the crafty among you thinking: so you got the petrol V6 power when you
need it and the electric together with a combined performance of 341bhp... and yes you guessed... with the overall consumption of a regular 2-Litre-engined car! To help you realise further the overall effect of this hybrid wizardry let us compare the Lexus data for the GS 450h to the GS 460 which comes ‘only’ with a 4.6L V8! The 450h packs 341bhp while the 460 has 342bhp so the difference there is only one... pony! The 450h gets to 100kph in 5.9sec while the 460 does it in 5.8 sec...hardly any difference there either! Their top speed is electronically limited for both at 250kph. Which leaves us with only one possible area of difference: the consumption! While the V8 460 gives us a combined consumption of 25.7mpg or 11.1Lt/100Km; the 450h, in exchange for the same performance, will give you 35.8mpg or 7.9Lt/100Km! The combined CO2 emissions? – Here again: 258g/Km for the 460, and 185g/Km for the 450h! You can really baptise the Lexus 450h as the Lexus Utopia! Let’s fill you in on the process it’s driver goes through to make all this work! You get in the car with keyless entry; press the brake pedal and press the start button; the dash comes to life; all normal here with the only exception that there’s no starter motor whining or engine revving, nothing of all this! At most times only the electric motor kicks in but you don’t know it. Switch on your climate control and stereo if you like, select ‘D’ on the automatic/sequential gearbox and off you go in complete noiseless silence! A touch-screen graphic display on the dash shows you that the car is moving while indicating what is going on with the power management of the car: V6 on or off, driving the rear wheels or merely charging the battery, or both; electric motor on or off or charging or driving, or...all the above going on at the same time automatically; or the second you decelerate or brake, all engines shut down and the kinetic energy of the rotating wheels is used to charge the battery further! All these adjustments are done automatically in real time in nanoseconds, all the driver needs to do is steer, press the gas and brake; the rest is all constantly taken care of without a hint of it all. Shove the pedal to the metal and in the blink of an eye both engines kick in, all the horses come out of stables ready saddled and galloping away to give the traction control something to do while it reins them in safely to shove them all to the rear wheels with a surge of power which won’t let you lift your head from the headrest and the 450h whisks away to the horizon leaving everybody eating it’s dust,... till you get a fright at what speed you’re suddenly travelling at because it’s so smooth you just don’t feel it! You might ask engine going on ‘n off constantly i.e. uncomfortable and damage. Forget it, I’ll bet you whatever that if I blind fold you not to WHEELSPIN
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see the dash and drive normally around, there’s no way you’ll tell when we’re travelling on petrol or no. Damage? This is Japanese for Christ’s sake and while Lexus has learnt the hybrid ropes from its mother-company Toyota for well over a decade thanks to the hugely successful Prius, it will back it up with a rock solid warranty! ‘How often do I have to charge it to the (expensive) wall socket in my garage?’ – Never! ‘How often will I have to replace the battery?’ Lexus say never! Want to know what is technically happening in all the above process. Well in a nutshell, Lexus’s hybrid technology is basically made up of the following five components: 1. The 3.5L V6 petrol engine 2. High-performance electric motor 3. A compact battery 4. The Power Control Unit (PCU) 5. Hybrid Transmission (Gearbox) Simply the PCU orchestrates both engine and electric motor. The engine can drive and/or charge the battery which powers the electric motor. The battery also takes charge from the free revolving kinetic energy of the wheels. There is then the Hybrid Transmission which is an E-CVT system through which both gasoline and electric power are channelled. It is an electronic automatic transmission with infinitely variable gear ratios that continuously change depending on the car’s speed and engine revs. You’ll think there’s no gear shifting being done at all because as you go along you will never hear or feel it change a cog and during the acceleration process neither will you ever lean forward as a clutch kicks in while the next gear is fetched, it never needs to happen. Your back pushes steadily in the seat till you decide to lift off. Besides, you can also throw the box into sequential and pick ‘n mix among 6 pre-determined ratios. By the way the GS 450h doesn’t need a rev counter, there’s a Kw indicator which indicates the energy output being asked for as well as the energy charge return (below zero) when the car is free rolling or breaking! Now the driver of such a car doesn’t want to drive an exclusive electronics laboratory and that’s it. He wants a luxury saloon, so how’s the GS 450h at fulfilling this role? The car is massively solid and excellently screwed together! Open the door and Lexus illuminates in the brushed metal kickplates. Jump into an oasis of luxurious welcoming leather with electric anything and even more than that. For instance, not only is the steering adjustment electric like the seats, but switch off the car and it will automatically tilt fully up and inwards for you to walk in and out of the vehicle comfortably. Switch it on and it’s back to your selected driving position! Auto
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HID lights and wipers, heated seats, 6-CD changer in-cabin with DVD and Mark Levinson surround sound packing 10 speakers, GPS navigation, and Bluetooth telephony. The voice activation isn’t only for the telephony but can also be set for climate controls and navigation commands. A park assist monitor which doesn’t merely beep and that’s it! There’s a hidden wide-angle camera at the back and the screen plots where the car is in the image of behind or beside you, where the current vehicle direction will take it in the parking space you’re aiming for, and how this direction will alter depending on the angle of the steering! Bill Gates must have a Japanese clone somewhere! There’s so much of every gizmo you want, that wanting to add something else to it but not finding what, these Japs also threw in a cassette deck! The illumination of the dash is a glossy white for the dials which reflects magnificently in the brushed metal clock faces. The buttonery,...tons of it yet really neatly placed..., is a mild green. Open a little console on the right side of the driver and you find a whole array of buttons you’ll only use rarely like trip odometer, mirror controls (they lower automatically upon reverse), park assist –off, stability control switch, clock lighting level, etc. There’s even a button there which will automatically raise a net blind across the rear window! And a crafty blind I must say since it joins in the party of electronic transformations which take place when you select reverse: rear blind disappears temporarily, both mirrors tilt down and inwards to show pavements, camera and screen illuminate and indicate the present and future position of the car in the parking space!...Oh and I almost forgot...the reverse lights light up too! On the road at any speed the first most obvious thing is the smoothness of pretty much everything! At low speeds, at high ones, whatever you attempt to do with this Lexus it just remains smooth hardly audible and planted there. If you dare misbehave the silicone nannies just let you taste the hint of it but kick in immediately to keep the car the way it should be: a smooth powerful saloon no matter what. Set the Adaptive Variable Suspension to ‘sport’ mode and the hybrid to ‘Power’ and the whole experience livens up a notch with stiffer damping for high speed cornering, the Variable Gear Ratio Steering stiffens, and a gearing more apt to a heavy right foot. Thing is sometimes you might just want to misbehave a little in open space with three hundred something brake at your disposal...forget it, even with the electronic nannies sent for a siesta, the minute you over-do it nanny traction control wakes up and still does the job you asked it not to with that tiny button...bugger! Active safety measures range from 10 air bags and optional Pre-Crash Safety System which pre-tenses seat belts and primes the brake servo before collision, as well as Adaptive Cruise Control whereby the car can sense obstacles in front of it, slow down accordingly and re-accelerate to the desired speed when the road is clear.
The spec levels for the 450h vary from standard to SE, SE-L, and Sport. The car tested was an SE spec with additional sunroof and is available at €78,000 (LM33,500), however the GS 450h starts at €71,000 (LM30,500). In comparison to equivalent saloons without a hybrid technology it is very competitive thanks to hybrid taxation benefits which reduce the tax to a mere 16%. The only awkward price to pay is a boot shrunk from the regular 0.43m3 to 0.28m3, to accommodate the hybrid battery!...Oh well! Lexus claim that their motto is ‘pursuit for perfection’: they’ve pretty much achieved it in hybrid technology and have translated
this into a powerful luxurious saloon exactly the way it should be. However since Mr. Bond likes it shaken not stirred, and the 450h is so smooth it’ll do none of that, Lexus need to shove their hybrid wizardry in the heart of a proper sports car allowed to misbehave when you ask it to. It should then certainly become a next Bond car to go with the ecological times of today yet retain that ‘eat my dust’ power and ‘wow’ gizmos of a 007! Cause it’s not English? Well which car brand is nowadays! As yet to remain shaken yet acceptable ecologically, James’ gotta go Jap!
NEXT IN LINE THE NEW PEUGEOT 308CC The Coupé-Cabriolet (CC) is probably one of the most innovative and healthy at the current moment of motoring world. Putting aside the futuristic Honda CRX Trans-top of the earlier 90’s, it was Mercedes with the SLK which wooed the world with what is essentially a convertible with a rigid lid rather than a flabby rag. This had significantly raised the standards in the open top market as it touched lots of aspects such as structural rigidity, aesthetics, overall safety, as well as having the best of both worlds! Of course not to be forgotten is also the total elimination of the additional insurance costs associated with any rag-top convertible due to the fact that it just takes malicious individuals a tiny pen-knife to get into them or simply as an act of cowardly vandalism inducing hefty repair costs. All well and good but unfortunately with the SLK alone, this CC market wasn’t exactly financially accessible by all and sundry!... Until… Hidden somewhere deeply immersed in top secret CIA style in a cave of the French Alps; engineers from the French lion know as Peugeot were fiddling with the 206: one of their most popular ever models, to bring the CC technology to the masses. Along came 206CC, and eventually shortly after the 207 was launched, they re-incarnated this into the 207CC of today. They haven’t stopped there however! Assaulting Pininfarina to design another work of art, they gave the world the 307CC as an off-shoot of the elder sistermodel, the 307.
Nowadays the CC market has been ventured into, quite successfully, by various other marques with models in every price segment and a multitude of body configurations from super cars to city-cars and passing through the saloon and sports cars markets. Nowadays even the daddy of revival of the roadster market, the Mazda MX5 is also available in CC form. Peugeot couldn’t let us down and have thankfully decided to re-incarnate the inheritance of the beautifully sculpted 307CC into the new 308CC due to be launched at the Paris Motor Show in October. It yet again derives from the hatch-back 308, and it yet again looks to the business, and even more! Comfort and security prioritised high on the engineer’s agenda and result in the instalment of an electronic pyrotechnic roll bar in case of roll-over as well as vast range of airbags including lateral one to protect the head of front passengers. That’s not all however. Peugeot seem to have flair to follow suit from the Merc SLK. The latter have launched the innovative and highly desirable option known as ‘air-scarf’. Very simply this is an air vent incorporated in the headrests and blows a warm dash of air around the neck of the occupants. The Peugeot Gizmo team found the idea fantastique and have included it in the 308CC, an utter surprise to now find this feature within a much easier accessible price bracket! Aesthetically the 308CC looks like the hatch version from the front, while the rear is all new, relatively collected and elegant in a swooping fashion and once again featuring beautiful led light clusters but this time complementing beautifully the twin diffuser design on the lower side of the bumper. The transformation from tin to sky takes a mere 20 seconds and roof only reduces the boot space from a generous 403m3 to an acceptable 226m3. As yet the engines on offer are expected to the 1.6L THP petrol boosting a healthy 150bhp and the 2.0L HDi Fap with 140bhp and already Euro 5 homologated. Both engine variants are coupled with a six-speed manual gearbox but there should also be an automatic available. Enchanté Monsieur Peugeot! WHEELSPIN
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60 years old and as attractive as ever by Fleur Balzan
This car must be female! Yes, natural but elegant for it’s 60th birthday, or then maybe it’s male.. at 60 possibly mature and therefore more attractive than ever, yet with a twinge of youth that never grows up. What it certainly is however, is yet another fabulous interpretation of the automotive big cat...a cat with many more lives than seven it seems! This is the Jaguar XK60, the special model shown by Jaguar at the British Motor Show. A car to celebrate the 60 years since Jaguar launched the XK120 sports car in 1948. Immediately at first glance, the model presented was extremely desirable. Light blue in colour with a whitish cream interior, sporty alloy gear knob, selector gate surround, 20 inch senta alloy wheels, plus distinctive body enhancements such as a new front spoiler and rear valance panel, chrome-finished side vents and bright upper and lower front grille meshes, special tailpipe finishers and appliqués on both sides of the car. Wow.. Simply breathtaking! So much has changed in these 60 years but one thing remains the same and that is that Jaguar’s philosophy for beautiful fast cars has not changed since that day in 1948. The current XK models were the first to introduce the new modern design features and the technologically acclaimed advanced lightweight architecture attributed to the Jaguar marque’ today. And like every Jaguar model with the name XK, the XK60 is all about style and performance, and a particular individuality. Just as the XKR and the XKR-S special editions had left their mark on the supercharged XK models, the XK60 offers its own distinctiveness on the naturally aspirated 4.2ltr V8 XK in both coupe and convertible.
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The Jaguar XK already has very high specifications yet the XK60 excels even further which makes the car even more desirable and because of Jaguar’s eye for detail, it is a model that focuses on the driver, or further still, focused on the driver that loves driving! A car full of technical innovations within it’s own particular sophistication. Thanks to Jaguar’s advanced all aluminium structure, the Jaguar XK60 is the lightest, yet also the strongest, car in its class. Its balance with control and agility as well as comfort and refinement, are controlled by the Computer Active Technology Suspension (CATS...coincidentally feline!) whilst its 6-speed automatic transmission is recognised as one of the best in the world. The car has a 4.2 litre AJ-V8 engine with continuously variable valve timing. It produces no less than 298bhp and 411nm of torque at 4100 rpm. Would you mind a drive?.. I certainly wouldn’t!
Test Drive CITROEN C5
Seductively French or
MUSCULAR GERMAN?
It is not some player in some Champions league match I am talking about, neither am I asking about some male Adonis in the recent Beijing Olympics, it’s the New Citroen C5 which has recently arrived on our shores. French with a German accent! Having seen the car at international events some months prior to its local launch, I was anxious to get behind the wheel of this vehicle and to try it out for myself. Although I managed a short drive on the same day it was launched, it was not until I took the car out for a few hours that I had made an opinion of what it was all about. Let’s stick to looks for now. Yes, this French item definitely is very German looking. Citroen have chosen to take a lot from their German counterparts Audi and BMW when designing the new C5, a decision which has successfully put it in a league higher than that of its predecessors. Certainly a plus for Citroen! None the less, the car still reflects the French romantic atmosphere seen in Citroens of the past, mainly the 1960’s and 1970’s. The inside of the vehicle portrays a sense of solidity and high quality materials, again associated with German vehicles, and once on the road, the driver takes full control of the vehicle with ease. It is here, once driving, that one cannot ignore
the comfort that this car offers. One can drive for hours without ever feeling tired even though the seats are quite sporty. The steering is easy to manage and the handling does not give away the fact that this is a large saloon vehicle with front wheel drive. Another interesting aspect of the steering wheel is that the steering hub does not turn with the rest of the steering wheel as had been launched with the C4. This may take a few minutes getting used to, especially if one is used to using the functions off a steering wheel but eventually it certainly becomes more comfortable and intuitive to use as well as looking more cool & attractive. The level of sound insulation in this car is also incredible. Once inside, you literally leave the rest of the world outside! When it comes to space, the Citroen C5 is definitely not lacking. It is extremely comfortable for 5 adults and those sitting at the back are as comfortable as those in the front. The space in the boot is large by capital ‘L’ measures and makes it ideal for those traveling overland or those carrying a lot of luggage.
by Fleur Balzan
The engine I tried is the 1.6 HDi that develops 110bhp and 240 nm of torque at 1750 rpm which although quite satisfying for local driving may be a little small for the size of the car. However, it’s added plus is the low Co2 emissions it leaves behind at just 149grms/km. If one is looking for more performance, I would go for the 1.8 litre petrol that develops 127bhp or else the 2 litre diesel at 138bhp with 320 nm of torque at 2000rpm. Those looking for even more power also have the option of a 2.7 litre V6 that develops 208bhp. This V6 HDi engine was developed by PSA together with Ford and it is the same engine used on the Jaguar XF. On the bigger engines Citroen also offers the self leveling suspension system known as ‘Hydractive 3 Plus’. So whether it reminds us of German vehicles or else of older French Citroen cars, the Citroen C5 is definitely a car that is about to take the market by storm. Combining the word ‘luxury’ with ‘value for money’, than it is the Citroen C5 that comes to mind. Really worth considering!!
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Launches
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Ford Kuga 1,2 Frankfurt, September 2007: Ford launched it impressively to the world; Imriehel, July 2008: Gasan brought it to us in Malta! Ladies and gentlemen, the Ford Kuga! An all new 4-Wheel-Drive Crossover with flair like no other. Gasan presented us with an array of sushi delicacies and mouth-wateringly cool cocktails to prepare ourselves for the launch of the spicy Kuga by Ford. Visually appealing with extensively seductive styling cues all round and inside, the Kuga comes with a an intelligent 4WD system mated to a 2.0L diesel engine developing 136bhp and 320Nm of torque capable of taking you comfortably both within town and across long-haul distances, and just as well on trips to your favourite picnic spots no matter where they are. It’s a car Ford have been drumming about so much; and rightly so by what it looks like both in the flash and on paper, as well as the short passenger drive we were treated to. The minute we get behind its wheel you’ll be the first to know!
Mercedes Benz SLK 3 & CLC 4 Last July, Kinds Ltd. Have had a launch of two important cars locally, both within 18
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the sporty stable of the three-pointed-star brand! The CLC Sports Coupe` and the most popular SLK! Launched in 1996 the compact SLK Roadster had set new benchmarks especially by instigating globally the Coupe`/ Cabriolet market. The visual enhancements are not only in the more pronounced front F1-style nosecone but also within the rear section incorporating a diffuser, as well as a newly designed interior. Starting the range is the SLK200 Kompressor (1.8L 4-cylinder supercharged with 184bhp), then the SLK280 (3.0L V6 with 231bhp), the all new SLK350 (3.5L V6 with 305bhp) and the range topping SLK55 AMG (5.5L V8 with 360bhp). The latter comes with the 7G-Tronic Sport gearbox, while all others come with manual 6-speeds with optional autos and sequentials. To enjoy the car in roadster form also in winter without suffering hypothermia opt for the Airscarf world-premier option and the SLK seats will blow a dash of warm air circulating the necks of the occupants just as though it’s a heated scarf. The Mercedes CLC a coupe` derivative of the ever popular C-Class model line-up. As in the previous incarnation it’s a compact 2-door variant of the saloon but comes with several sporty features both outside and inside to relate to its target customers who demand performance within comfortable luxury. On offer are four 4-cylinder engines
(Two diesels with 122 and 150bhp as well as two petrols with 143 and 184bhp); and two six-cylinder ones (both petrol with 204 and 272bhp). Five-speed automatics are on offer on the 4-cylinder models, while the 6-cylinder ones can avail themselves of the 7G-Tronic seven-speed box.
VW Passat CC 5,6 The VW Passat has always been known to be a rock-solid comfortable saloon and that’s it. VW decided to give it extensively all-over radical treatment and came out with the CC version: a car which is just as rock-solid as the brand stands for, but with a styling to rival any of your favourite top models with a breath-taking performance. The minute your pupils focus on it, your lungs stop functioning for a while as you take in the sleek lines of this gorgeous saloon in coupe` clothing. A low roof-line, wide but spread stance, frameless doors; bucket sports seats and a reclined driving position are just the start of the driving experience this car has on offer. Three engines available: a Turbo Diesel with 140bhp, a Turbo Petrol with 160bhp, and mind-boggling petrol V6 with 300bhp, 4-Motion 4WD, DSG gearbox, and adaptive chassis control. If the Passat was designed by Burberry, the CC is an Armani!
Launches (contd.)
The
Beauty and theBeast get Married!
Muscat Motors this summer have celebrated an unprecedented wedding! Encapsulating the event in top gala style amidst the elegance of the Bay View pool deck at the Westin Dragonara Hotel, for the first time ever, a high performance luxury coupe`, aka Beauty, married a worthy 4x4 Beast! In breaking all the rules of algebra speak, what’s the result of 6S+X5? Ladies & Gentlemen the world’s first SAC or Sports Activity Coupe`, the BMW X6! A rugged xDrive 4x4 underneath; a dinner-jacket coupe` on top! Breathtaking only by looking at it as you take in the way each line and curve of it flows within an abundance of design perfection which would make Michelangelo hide in shame locked up in a closet! If a Nobel Prize for design exists, BMW bloody well deserve it with their X6, making it the model which is finally bringing back the Beemer style we know after a period of, please allow me, bizarre design interpretations. And what a breakaway! It looks so good that if I wanted a BMW coupe`, I’d ask them to make me a lowered X6 rather than opt for a Z4 or 6-series. They’ve succeeded in creating this seemingly impossible synergy of coupe`/4x4 to such an extent that the aesthetic result is so successful; it kind of
by Kenneth Rizzo Naudi
over-shadows the looks of the coupe`-only models themselves! I just don’t want to be in the ADT’s shoes while deciding what body type to write on an X6’s log book! If Bee-Emm can now do this with a 4x4, I’m jumping out of my skin to see their next coupe` car. The innovations far from rely solely on the designer’s desk; BMW’s engineers have developed a 4.4L V8 petrol unit with twin turbo and catalytic converters housed within the V-section of the engine itself to reduce exhaust and intake performance losses. A massively compact engine synonymous with a rugged but sleek car that with high precision petrol injection produces 407bhp and an impressive 600Nm of torque which via a 6-speed automatic sequential transmission is capable of taking the X6 to 100km/h in a
mere 5.4 seconds and onto a top speed of 250km/h while courtesy of BMW’s Efficient Dynamics, keeps emissions down to EU standard 299g/Km! Other engine variants offered are a 3L petrol twin turbo in-line 6-cylinder with 306bhp, a 3.0L diesel variable twin turbo in-line 6-cylinder with 286bhp, as well as another 3L turbo diesel with 235bhp. Wolf in sheep’s clothing...bollocks, it’s an all out wolf looks-wise as well as performance-wise...on any terrain! Give us the keys to the V8 please!
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The NEW Saab 9-3 Sport Sedan
OPEL INSIGNIA by Fleur Balzan
C GM Corp
General Motors have launched their new Opel Insignia together with its twin, the Vauxhall Insignia at the British Motor Show. This particular model was the highlight of the Motor Show with GM having various personalities visiting the stand including British Prime Minister Gordon Brown. Although we had managed a few snips of the vehicle some time before the actual launch, now that we see it we can say that GM have come up with a model that is both sleek and sexy, a confident car with a bold and sophisticated appearance. This Opel model is an example of GM’s philosophy for future Opel cars and it is to compete with some of Europe’s top vehicles in the mid size sector such as the Mazda 6, the Citroen C5, the Ford Mondeo and the Honda Accord. The new Insignia is Opel’s new sedan replacing the well known Vectra. It is elegant in design and has a good combination of excellent performance and dynamics with the latest technology. The car is very muscular with a taut fascia and deeply drawn side blades that extend from the front fenders running parallel with the side sills. Its style is similar to a sporty coupe yet it is very clear that GM have not sacrificed any of the interior space to achieve this attractive look. The interior space is actually very inviting and sporty, warm yet classy with the materials working together to give the interior a look which is elegant, attractive and welcoming.
The front of the vehicle features a wide grille and two intake ducts, with smart headlights featuring daytime running lamps as standard; whilst there will be an option of LED lighting on the higher specification models. The rear sports a tapered tail with smooth haunches and the badge doubling up to open the trunk. Engines available at launch are the four-cylinder 1.8 litre petrol and the turbocharged 2.0 litre petrol, two new 2.0litre turbo diesels offering 130PS or 160PS and a turbocharged petrol V6 top of the range offering a hefty 260PS capable of a top speed of 250km/h. The car was launched in both saloon and hatchback yet GM will be launching the Insignia Variant known as the Sports Tourer with two new engines at the Paris Motor Show as well as an ecoFLEX sports Tourer with competitively low emissions and fuel consumption to be available in the near future. 23
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C GM Corp
Sleek and Sexy
News Renault Unveils the New Renault Symbol in Moscow Motor Show The new Renault Symbol has been unveiled at the Moscow Motor show which was held between the last week of August and the first week of September. This new vehicle is available in two engines, a 1.2 litre 16V petrol with Co2 emissions at 140g/km and a 1.5dCi 85 bhp engine with CO2 emissions at 116g/km.
The Aston Martin One-77 We can now have a look at the stunning One-77, the ultimate creative creation from Aston Martin. The One-77 features advanced technology with impeccable Aston Martin Design and with a 7.0 litre V12 engine it is set to deliver extraordinary performance for those limited few.
Important Automotive secret VW is unveiling its secret of the year, the sixth generation of Golf cars which are said to redefine the quality and comfort of its class. The European market launch of the new Golf is scheduled to start in October and this will be followed by Africa, Asia, Australia and North America. The sixth Golf will be sportier than its predecessors and will be more distinctive.
Another futuristic Concept from Mazda Mazda are to launch another particular Concept Car by the name ‘Kiyora’ to be revealed in October at the Paris Motor Show. This is a lightweight, urban compact concept car for the future. The word ‘Kiyora’ in Japanese means ‘clean and pure’ which automatically signifies that Mazda intends to focus on the environment when it comes to this model.
Don’t we all love Mamy! One of Fiat’s most popular cars is being presented in limited edition and, guess what? It’s aimed specifically at mummy! This particular model has been worked on to make it more appealing to young mothers and children building on Panda’s well known strengths such as economy, ease of parking and practicality.
Best Design Award for the awesome Alfa 8C competizione This beautiful supercar from Alfa Romeo has just won the award for best design of the year 2008, an award given by Auto Express. The result came after more than 4000 readers of the magazine voted for the 8C competizione in this particular category. Wheelspin will be having its own ‘favorite car’ award over the coming months. You the reader can vote for your favorite car by simply sending us an email on wheelspin@b.rightnewmedia.com or send us your name and contact details on Wheelspin Magazine, P.O. Box 24, St. Paul’s Bay.
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. . JA RY SPECIAL QUCCI
by Kenneth Rizzo Naudi
In Malta there is a custom that on a baby’s first birthday, besides the mandatory party, what is known as a ‘Quccija’ is held; and it’s one very special event for the whole family! However, not long ago across the world in 15 major cities spread across our globe, an even more special ‘Quccija’ has been held on the occasion of the first birthday of a just as special baby! One year old already and certainly no sight of any nappies or dummies with this baby!
Every so often car manufacturers remember they got a legendary past model and finally decide to re-incarnate it into a work of art loyal to the past design but brought up to speed with what a car should be and feel like on this side of the millennium. The result is undoubtedly not only another set of wheels bolted to a valid chassis but a fashion icon statement altogether with evident symbolism of a status symbol. VW has done it with the Beetle and then their conational Bayern Munchen Wagon realised they had one hell of a diamond in their portfolio after the acquisition of a busted MG/Rover: the English Mini! They therefore gave it a crash course in German car-speak and brought us first,
“Der Neue Mini”; and now to show off and capitalise on its massive success, they have evolved this legendary model name a few long-shots further into a fully fletched brand in itself!...does it sell?... “Ya!” says BMW boss Norbert Reithofer. But this has not only occurred with cars: from the country on the shape of a boot who gave the world pasta, pizza, the best cuisine and several exotic cars to drool over; came Piaggio who reincarnated in this retro style fashion nothing less than the legendary Vespa! A moped which was named after the wasplike sounding of its engine has become a cult brand status symbol of the modern two-wheeled world!
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The ‘500 PICNIC’ party is celebrated by present and soon-to-be owners across the countryside and beaches of cities.
But now Italy has lots more of this sort of Buddhism incarnation to offer us, mentioning Turin neatly brings me to our celebrated special birthday baby: 5th July was the date so Cancer is its zodiac and; 500 is its name…no not “five hundred” you dummy and neither “cheekychentow” as the British attempt to pronounce it; but strictly pronounced with a heartily Italian accent:
“Cinquecento!”... Capito?!
Fiat realised that it was pointless carrying on designing another city car like the 500 or 600 of the nineties when they had up their sleeve the credit of iconic design created by Dante Giacosa as a successor to the Topolino. It was on the market from 1957 to 1975, weighed a mere half ton and sold like Maltese cheese cakes! A couple of details of the 500’s ‘Quccija’; you know the date and also the venue: everywhere!... Amsterdam, Athens, Copenhagen, London, Milan, Monaco, Palermo, Paris, Rome, Tokyo, Valencia, Hel, Vienna, Zurich and Cape City! The party is known as the ‘500 PICNIC’ and is celebrated across the countryside and beaches of these cities by present and soon-to-be owners. There are over 112,000 of these present owners, and another 100,000 joining them in the coming months. That’s not all however; Fiat has harnessed this passion even on the ‘500 wants you’ website platform under the heading of ‘500 loves you’. So great ‘picnic’ parties where held as the first official event of this 500 community, supported by a website platform which is taking the shape of an online forum community where 500 lovers can register for their own personal web space which amounts to a blog to be completed and updated with their contributions (text, image and video posts). They will also be able to exchange messages with other site members, create a friend’s list within ‘500 loves you’, receive notifications about their own 500's important dates, suggest gatherings and organize meetings through the community notice board, and much more. In addition there is a ‘500 Wiki’ area where owners can describe their own experiences of the new car’s features, post comments and vote for the functions… crafty Fiat marketers! UCIM Co. Ltd. has recently launched a new version of the 500: the 500 Monaco Elite! Marked with a beautiful event to the tune of sushi and champagne at Q Bar down at the Valletta Waterfront 28
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stood a 500 Monaco Elite in ‘Nero Monaco’ which is only one of the several extremely original colours offered from the Monaco Elite range. What’s so special about a black?... Well it’s a matt colour black which contrasted beautifully with the several chrome touches spread around the car. Monaco Elite is an after market designer company which specialises in personalising already great standard production cars into absolute works of individualistic art. To their credit one finds the legendary models of the Bentley Continental GT, Range Rover Sport, Hummer H2M, Smart Fortwo, Ferrari 599, Vespa, BMW Motorcycle M, etc. and now also the Fiat 500! One is free to choose not only from a multitude of specially crafted paintwork finishes but also various textures of carbon this and leather that, as well as several design touches to both the exterior and interior in order to give an already special car that evident touch of craftsmanship personalisation to stand out further in this world of mass production. In addition there are also some functional modifications available such as sports exhausts with twin pipes and according to the Monaco Elite website (www.monacoelite. com) even a power pack to boost it up that little more. We at Wheelspin also had the opportunity to drive this 500 Monaco Elite and I must say I enjoyed it a zillion! The engine in this Car of the Year 2008 and 5-star awarded Euro NCAP safety standards was a nippy 1.2L developing 69bhp. A very versatile engine combining performance and economy brilliantly together thanks to variable valve timing and offering some exhilarating punches when one plays with the gears to optimally extract all the power and keep the engine on cam. The chassis is a very capable one communicative via the steering. Suspension is a tad on the soft side for comfort reasons but copes pretty well in confidence-
inducing manner across long swooping bends at elevated speeds. It’s a fun-to-drive ultra stylish city car with a tad naughty boy character in both looks and the way it handles. In addition, there is also a 1.3 Multijet 75bhp diesel on offer, as well as 1.4 16v petrol delivering 100 lively ponies, which we’d love to have a go in after experiencing what the smaller 1.2 can give! Fiat have also made 100 limited edition 500’s especially made for none other than Ferrari! The prancing horse from Maranello have bought these as courtesy cars for their customers across Europe. Finished in rosso corsa with the 1.4 unit aboard, these 500 pack lots of distinctive Ferrari limited edition features including red callipers, drilled pedals, 16” alloys with 195 tyres, prestigious Frau black leather with red stitch, a special steering wheel, as well as automatic climate control, electric sunroof, hi-fi, fog lights, and a number plate on the dash with limited edition written on the kick plates. The Ferrari network will thus be able to offer its customers a special car where the choice of every detail is the result of meticulous care and craftsmanship.
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That’s not all however…actually FAR from all! Fiat decided to revive another trump card from the past up its sleeve! Just like Ford got Cosworth, BMW got the M-Power, Mercedes have AMG, Nissan have Nismo, Mitsubishi got Ralliart, Audi flaunt the S-versions, Honda throw in Type-R and have played with Mugen; many have famous legendary acronyms from the past like GTi, GTR, GSi, Cupra;… and I could go on for ever but I’m pretty sure by now you got my drift of where I’m getting to. Ok enough with the suspense;
it’s got a tail which stings,
and claws that pinch,
tiny
but deadly;
Please ladies and gentlemen welcome back with a round of applause nothing else but the legendary Abarth! Yep, the 500 picked a scorpion from its Quccija! Whenever we’ve seen this tiny scorpion on the boots of Fiats of the past, everybody knew that those were Fiats not to mess much with! Ok I hear you say that we’ve kept on seeing this badge appear on a few versions of more recent Fiats like the 500 and 600 of the 90’s, but those mods where nothing more than cosmetic. Today’s 500 Abarth launched on the 19th of July does have all and more of the cacophony of chromed this and widened that to make it look more butch; however this time there’s a functional reason behind that: it’s under the bonnet that reminiscent from the past; all the excitement really is. Abarth have grabbed that already excellent 100-brake 1.4 engine and blown it with a Turbo just as they did in the Fiat Grande Punto Abarth but this time in a much lighter car! The result is 135bhp giving the cheekycentow (yeah now it really
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does start getting cheeky) an acceleration of 7.9sec to hit the ton. To cope with all that we now find gizmos like the TTC or Torque Transfer Control which basically acts like an automatic Limited Slip Differential; and GSI or Gear Shift Indicator which suggest when to gear shift in order to keep that cheeky turbine on the boil! In a car the size of this one, this promises lots of dust in the face of un-expectant others when the lights go green while laying two lovely rubber carpets on the tarmac if you switch off the traction control! Yet if you’re really greedy and there are only a 100 of you, we hope you made it in time to a Fiat showroom to get your hands on one of the limited (only a 100) Opening Edition versions which boost the power up to a 160bhp and include cross-drilled discs, lowered suspension and lots more! For the utterly insatiable, Abarth still have a solution with an even fiercer race-ready version! This throws in the magic pot a widened track, racing mirrors, bonnet pin-locks, carbon air intake, weighs a whopping 180Kg less and,… wait for it,… drum roll please,… puts another 40 stallions in the scorpion’s stables taking the power to a mind-blowing, gut-wrenching by any supermini standards 200bhp! We fear to calculate what the power-to-weight ratio would translate to. Then again we’d rather not bother because I’m pretty sure that excited as we are about it all now, out of nervousness we’re bound to get the maths wrong until we satisfy the imminent urge to get behind this scorpionified pocket-rocket’s wheel! Soon! Now! A little socially responsible appeal to the ADT in order to avoid lots of inevitable embarrassment to mere-mortal road users: how about adding the Abarth badge to the traffic sign page of the Highway Code with underlying caption ‘Beware of the Scorpion! – Now you see it, daqt you don’t!’
The New Limited Edition Alfa 147 Ducati Corse
Not for the faint hearted. Italian tradition in its DNA and racing passion in its heart. The Alfa 147 Ducati Corse represents the meeting point of the performance car and the world of the superbike. Born on the track but equally at home on the road. Truly a collector’s gem - only one will be available in Malta. www.alfaromeo.com.mt
Alfa Romeo Showroom UCIMCO Buildings, Valley Road, B’Kara. Tel: 2149 2310 | Email: marketing@pater.com.mt | U.C.I.M a member of the Pater Group
DIESEL ROCKY’S HERE! Fossil fuel engines, i.e. petrol and diesel, have been around for quite some time now. Similarly have engine configurations such as cylinders in-line, in a V, horizontally opposed known as boxer, and even in a W-formation. There is a configuration however which had never been coupled with diesel fuel until Subaru dipped their finger in this oily pudding! by Kenneth Rizzo Naudi
Known as the experts of the boxer engine and wanting to be able to offer diesel variants in their models, Subaru have now ‘invented’ the boxer diesel engine. They wanted to retain the advantages synonymous with their boxer engines, for instance a lower and wider spread centre of gravity while being able to offer diesel efficiency and consumption characteristics! Dedicated to the horizontally-opposed ‘boxer’ engine layout for over 40 years, Subaru engineers were determined to retain
this format for their first diesel engine. The reasons were to create a light, compact, strong unit with reduced vibration, noise and internal friction compared to an in-line engine and for ultra-low centre-of gravity. This enhances handling agility and road holding – especially when combined with Subaru’s renowned symmetrical all wheel drive system. In fact, the entire engine and transmission are not only mounted very low down but also within the wheelbase which further boosts chassis dynamics.
“
...the entire engine and transmission are not only mounted very low down but also within the wheelbase which further boosts chassis dynamics.
”
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The engine is exceptionally compact, light and strong and the low friction ‘Boxer’ balance cancels out vibration very common among diesels. The flat four’s low centre-of-gravity boosts handling agility while having a punchy throttle response thanks to commonrail fuel-injection (1) for greater efficiency and solenoid injectors for compactness. As well as a variable-vane turbocharger (2) mounted under engine for low centre-of-gravity and the highly efficient, fastwarm catalytic converter also mounted under engine. The 2.0 litre Boxer Diesel is characterised by a light weight with the horizontally-opposed pistons (3) effectively cancelling out the secondary harmonic vibration (vibration with twice the frequencies of the engine speed). The crankshaft is short and highly rigid, minimising the vibrational noise again synonymous with diesel engines. The superior balance of the horizontally-opposed engine means internal rotational inertia and friction are drastically reduced compared with an in-line engine. Reduced internal friction means throttle response is exceptionally lively in keeping with Subaru’s sporty heritage. Compared to Subaru’s 2.0 litre petrol engine fitted to the Impreza, Legacy and Forester, the 2.0 litre Boxer Diesel has an 11 mm longer stroke and 6 mm smaller bore for a capacity of 1,998 cc versus 1,994 cc. Thanks to a bore pitch shortened from 113 mm to 98.4 mm, the overall engine block length is only 353.5 mm compared to the petrol’s already compact 414.8 mm. The block is of a rigid semiclosed deck design, while all five main bearings in the alloy cylinder block use metal composite supports for added strength and durability. It also enhances refinement, providing a similar thermal expansion to that of the crankshaft. Extra water-cooling slits have been added between the cylinder bores and the high-strength pistons are squirted with oil to enhance cooling. The large ends of the connecting rods feature an asymmetrical profile for assembly precision and reduced friction. The high-strength crankshaft has a special surface treatment to withstand the diesel engine’s high combustion pressures while the up rated cylinder heads have roller rocker arms. In addition, the cam-drive is via a chain system that better handles the variations in torque of a diesel engine.
The new Boxer Diesel uses an advanced common-rail fuelinjection system with the fuel being pressurised at 180MPa before being fed into the common rail. This maximises efficiency, both in terms of power, fuel consumption and emissions. Special, shortlength solenoid injectors ensure the engine’s width is no greater than that of the 2.0 litre ‘boxer’ petrol unit, despite the diesel’s longer piston stroke. The variable nozzle turbocharger ensures the correct boost throughout the engine’s rev-range and its low centreof gravity position under the engine and close to the catalytic converters increases environmental performance. The Boxer Diesel meets Euro4 emission standards thanks to oxidation catalytic converters, a particulate filter and exhaust gas recirculation. The new Boxer Diesel provides class-challenging performance thanks to 150 PS at an ultra-low 3,600 rpm and a massive 258 lb ft torque at an accessible 1,800 rpm. With a ‘square’ bore and stroke of 86 mm and 16.3:1 compression ratio, the world’s first Boxer Diesel provides effortless performance throughout a wide speed range, avoiding the breathless response of some diesels at high revs. In fact in the Legacy 2.0TD R Saloon this engine achieves a top speed of 129 mph with a 0-60 mph time of 8.3 seconds. Fuel economy for this Legacy model stands at 50.4 mpg on combined cycle with 148g/km of CO2 emissions. Forget Rocky Balboa,... it’s Rocky Scooby now!
The variable-vane turbocharger is mounted under the engine for low centre-of-gravity, and the highly efficient, fast-warm catalytic converter is also mounted under the engine.
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by Fleur Balzan The next generation of the Honda Jazz will be available in Europe as of this Autumn and have Honda done a great job in following up on an already successful supermini! When the only talk right now is CO2 emissions and how the rising cost of fuel is effecting the world, Honda have enhanced on the qualities of the present model to take this new Jazz to the next stage. The new model will offer greater flexibility, more interior space and lively but economical engines which are cleaner on the environment. The exterior design is stylish and contemporary which should appeal to a wider clientele. One particular feature which made the Honda Jazz different in a convenient way is the folding seats. These are back on the new Jazz and this time they dive down in
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one simple action making carrying large items easier. Besides this, the new model includes a Double Trunk boot feature in the luggage bay that can be configured in four different ways depending on the load. The model will be available in two low emission petrol engines adopting Honda’s i-VTEC variable valve timing technology. These are the 1.2 litre 88bhp and the 1.4 litre 99bhp leaving 120g/km and 123g/km of CO2 respectively. Besides all this the car features Honda’s ACE body structure, a concept that is being introduced on all Honda models to further increase Safety. This coupled with dual front and side airbags, full side curtain airbags and three point seat belts in all five seating positions, standard on all models, should make the new Honda Jazz one of the most desirable small clean cars around.
ax re
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It’s no secret that eco friendly cars are very clever, incredibly fuel efficient, better for the environment and a lot better for your bank balance. In fact buying now prior to the tax reform means that you will only pay 16.5% tax. Call us today, book a test drive and find out how you can benefit from both fuel and tax efficiency.
*Leather-interior | Automatic transmission | Alloy wheels | 3 year full manufacturer's warranty covering engine and gearbox and the IMA unit itself is covered by an 8 year manufacturer's warranty | Air-Conditioning and much more.
ASSOCIATED MOTORS CO. LTD - Mriehel By- Pass, Mriehel. Tel: 22 781222 Fax: 21 480150 . SB AUTOCENTRE - Mgarr Road, Xewkija, Gozo. Tel: 21 556773 e-mail: honda@zamgroup.com www.honda.com.mt
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CO2 seems to have become a major buzzword lately within the Maltese islands, reason being because while we wait for the new automotive taxation legislation to be announced; hopefully in the not too distant future; we can already more or less anticipate that these two letters followed by a 2 in subscript will be a determining factor in what and how we are going to pay our car tax!
CO2 EMISSIONS by Kenneth Rizzo Naudi
Scientifically CO2 stands for Carbon Dioxide and it’s a toxic emitted from the exhaust pipes of any car in existence which works with fossil fuel: the petrol and diesel as we know it! Besides cars, the same applies for any other form of engines which work with such fuels: from your little outboard to your generator etc.; but let’s limit ourselves to the automotive sector for the scope of this article. The problems associated with CO2 is not just merely the pollution for health reasons, but also the immense contribution this gives to global warming, thus severely and constantly damaging the world’s environment as we know it, mutilating the delicate balance of the way in which it’s supposed to function and hence gradually rendering our earth prohibitive to accommodate a form of life. Of course I’ve gone to extreme but the direction would be this one, unless...??? The European Union, as well as the rest of the world, is putting enormous pressures on car manufacturers to lower the CO2 emitted from their engines, instigate them to explore alternative forms of fuel (regenerative electricity, hydrogen, gas, etc.); as well as instigate consumers to opt for greener cars by implementing the adjacent taxation/subsidy policies! We often hear of cars being Euro1, Euro2, Euro3, Euro4, or Euro5 certified, basically all this 36
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means that this particular engine of this car emits a level of CO2 accepted at stage 1-5. By means of this measure the EU is able to establish taxation thresholds, impose vehicle circulation limitations, and oblige car manufacturers to always improve on the present with the coming 6, 7, and so on certifications! The Green Guide to Car CO2 Emissions (www.carpages.co.uk/ co2/) is a body which is constantly monitoring the CO2 status of all cars on the market in the UK. They have published emissions data (1) which incorporates every car model officially sold as new in the UK. From the graph it is immediately noticeable that the greener models are the ones which would most likely incorporate the smaller engines and there is a dramatic high number of hatchback models with relatively low emissions, thus indicating were the major focus of the market is. On the other extreme we find the SUV’s which would most probably include the larger engine capacities and therefore the larger emissions figures! The saloon and coupe models are the most spread out, and rightly so since the market spread of both these models can extend from relatively small engines to huge guzzlers! However, the pie chart (2) reveals that the spectrum of cars which are relatively high CO2 emitters is still the larger chunk of the
CO2 Emissions Categorised by major new car models currently on sale in UK
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600 Hatchbacks 500
Number of Models
Saloons 400
Estates SUV’s
300
MPV’s
200
Coupe’s 100 Convertibles 0 0-100 g/Km
101-120 g/Km
121-150 g/Km
2
775 16%
151-165 g/Km
166-185 g/Km
186-225 g/Km
225+ g/Km
Total in CO2 Categories 6 0%
218 4%
0-100 g/Km
892 19%
101-120 g/Km 121-150 g/Km 151-165 g/Km
1189 25%
820 17%
166-185 g/Km 186-225 g/Km
904 19%
whole array of models available on the market! Counting from the most pollutant segments, the first three would account for 60% of the total model line-up, whereas the top less pollutant three stand only at 23%! A lot has been done but nevertheless there’s still even more to be done if we want the skew the median of this data to the greener side of the spectrum! Numerous car manufacturers have embarked on huge emission reductions researches and car shows globally are all shining the major spotlights on this very issue! Among these we find BMW with the Efficient Dynamics motto striving to constantly improve in all aspects and areas which will lead it to the ultimate goal of having Clean Energy! The areas touched include, of course, more efficient engines, auto engine start/stop in traffic, brake energy regeneration, electric power steering, auto air vent control for improved aero dynamics hence fuel consumption, optimal gear suggestion, reduced rolling resistance tyres, etc. They aim to captivate the hybrid technology with Active Hybrid and ultimately arrive at solutions to totally clean energy such as their 7 series hydrogen test cars which one can often spot around at car fairs across the world. Other companies such as Lexus already have their hybrid models readily available even here in Malta. Just flip a few pages of
225+ g/Km
this magazine and enjoy the review of one of them! Several other manufacturers have set their sight on a greener automotive future, Ford with Econetic, Volvo’s DRIVe, Fiat’s EcoDrive, Renault’s Eco2, and so forth! Manufacturers are taking things really seriously now and we’re noticing more and more this aspect being inserted in their marketing!...and rightly so! As part of its new rules, the European Commission will fine car makers up to €95 for each gram of CO2 a car emits over new targets! They say new cars should emit an average 130 g/km by 2012 and fines for exceeding this will be levied on every new car sold. A model emitting the current UK average 160 g/km would face a fine of €2,850. Malta will soon be following suit with new CO2 emissionsbased automotive legislation, however no one knows exactly what thresholds there will be and what mechanism will be implemented,... well I hope at least by now someone up there deciding it all does in fact know because the local industry has faced a year of nasty limbo because of this issue of unknown obscurity and postponement! Admittedly it’s no easy task to set it up, but neither is never-endingly waiting for it any simpler a position to be in!
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by Fleur Balzan
October brings with it the Paris Motor Show, one of the largest international Motor Shows which takes place every two years. This was in fact the first motor show in the world and it was first held in 1898. Many car manufacturers consider it to be one of the most important Fairs for the Motoring World therefore it is no surprise that several new models are first presented in Paris. Porte de Versailles, look what’s coming your way!!
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JE SUIS LA NOUVEAU C3 Over these last years, MPVs have grown in popularity and with Citroen being one of Europe’s class leading MPV manufacturers, it was expected that the company would come out with yet another MPV, a member of the award winning Picasso family, the new Citroen C3 Picasso. The Citroen C3 Picasso production-ready prototype will make its debut in its homeland, at the Paris Motor Show and will then be launched around mid 2009. A car which is stylish and ingenious with an intrepid personality and which brings together the often contradictory elements of strength and charm, contemporary styling and retro, round shapes and squares and vast volumes and flowing lines.
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The external dimensions of the new C3 Picasso may be misleading. With 4.08m in length, 1.73m width and 1.62m in height one may think that the internal space has been sacrificed yet, according to Citroen the car is very spacious internally with a layout providing a user friendly environment which allows individuals to optimise the cabin space. The C3 Picasso will arrive with a choice of engines offering both good performance and economy. There will be a choice of two new generation petrol engines available, the VTi 95 bhp and the VTi 120bhp. There will also be a choice of two diesel engines the HDi 90bhp and the HDi 110bhp.
From Burning Diva Searcher (2) to Soul Provider - Kia We have met the ‘Soul’ Diva, the ‘Soul’ Searcher and the ‘Soul’ Burner as eye catching concepts in Geneva and London and now Kia is set to win over hearts with this new segment vehicle: the Kia Soul. This is an Urban Crossover model set to go on sale across Europe in February 2009 with the right hand drive scheduled for March of the same year. It will be available with a choice of fuel efficient petrol and diesel engines. These engines will be based on the DOHC Engines already fitted in the European built Kia cee’d.
The diesel offers 126PS at 4,000 rpm and has a maximum torque of 255 Nm at 2,000 rpm whilst the all-aluminum petrol engine produces 126PS at 6,300 rpm and 156Nm of torque at 4,200 rpm. The Kia Soul is a Chic and modern, five door hatchback front wheel drive vehicle having a high roofline with an unusually long wheelbase and it is aimed at people of different ages, from the young and adventurous to more mature adults who want a car they can enjoy.
‘i’ 2 detail Paris sees the debut of another member of the Hyundai ‘i’ family, the Hyundai i20. Actually Hyundai will have no less than six new models on the Parisian stand, the i20, the i20 i-blue concept, the ix55 seven-seat sports utility, a concept Santa Fe and the Genesis Coupe Show Car plus the European debut of the Genesis saloon. The i20 is an important addition to the i-range. It is a five door vehicle with a longer wheelbase than that seen on the present Getz thus making
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the vehicle larger inside whilst giving it a more dynamic appearance. This i20 model features the same chrome-topped grille and teardrop headlamps at the front as seen on the i10 and the i30 with the rear light clusters giving it a particular look. Once again Hyundai have worked to present a vehicle built for European roads and aimed at the European driver and therefore it will be presented in one of the top European Cities... Paris
NEW FORD KA FAMOUS AT BIRTH The new Ford Ka will debut for the first time at the Paris Motor Show but is this car different than its predecessor? This new and exciting car is fresh, fun and funky and according to Ford, full of youthful and cheeky Ka Spirit. Twelve years after the original Ka was launched, the new model is about to be presented keeping all the qualities seen in the previous model such as size, looks, lively dynamics and fun personality though this time they are being presented in what seems to be a completely fresh package. From the first images presented, one can see that the new Ka has changed in appearance and now sports a more modern look once again based around Ford’s ‘Kinetic Design’
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but faithful to the iconic design of the original model. The interior is also stylish and dynamic combining bold contrasts in colours, a fact known to attract the typical Ka client. After 12 years and a production line that exceeded 1.4 million cars the Ford Ka has proved to be a tremendous success and this new model is destined to continue building on the success of the original one. The popularity of the new Ford Ka is definitely going to grow as the car will feature on the new Bond movie ‘Quanturn of Solace’. This particular model will be unique in a metallic gold paint featuring exclusive exterior graphics and interior trim combination. Quite an improvement from a gold finger to a gold new Ka!
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CRUZING FAMILY CAR Chevrolet will be launching, one of their new core models, a vehicle which goes by the name Cruze. The debut will take place at the Paris Motor Show in October. This all-new Chevrolet compact family car will be a global model to go on sale in the Spring of 2009. With compact dimensions and bold styling cues, an arching roofline and sloping rear pillars to give it a lean profile, this four door model looks very up market with an attractive and solid appearance. It is clear that Chevrolet wanted to make a strong statement
TOYOTA MAKE IT THREE!
in design when presenting this Cruze to the world! There will be a choice of three engines offered at launch. These are the 1.6 litre 112PS and the 1.8 litre 140PS in petrol both offering variable valve timing for optimal power, fuel economy and exhaust emissions and a 2 litre 150PS common rail diesel engine. The Cruze is set to start a new era for Chevrolet who will soon be launching other new models including the iconic Camaro.
IBIZA PARTIES IN PARIS More Seat Ibiza vehicles to be launched, this time, at the Paris Motor Show with the brand unveiling the Cupra and the Ecomotive models, two striking editions to the Seat Ibiza range. According to Seat these two models become respectively the ‘meanest and greenest versions of Seat’s supermini’. The Seat Cupra is tops when it comes to sophisticated technology. It has a 1.4litre petrol engine offering 180PS featuring a supercharger besides a turbocharger, a fact that is beneficial for both the power delivery and fuel efficiency.
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This model is uniquely eye catching, based on the shape of the three door sports coupe’ with a new front bumper and air intakes surrounding the grille. The Seat Ecomotive on the other hand is totally friendly to the environment with just 99g/km of CO2, figures that translate that in some European countries this car qualifies for free road licence. The Ecomotive will be available as 5 dr and in the SC version offering 80PS from a 1.4 TDI engine which features DPF diesel particulate filter. Truly ‘Seat emocion’!
The Paris motor show will see not one but three new vehicles from Toyota. The first is the third generation Toyota Avensis whose world debut will take place at the same motor show. This vehicle is more environment friendly than the previous models as it emits less C02 whilst being more powerful and retaining the high quality, refinement and equipment the Avensis is known for. This model is to go on sale in January 2009. Two other Toyota models already seen as concept cars at the Geneva Motor Show and now being presented as production cars in Paris are the new IQ and the Urban Cruiser.
The Toyota IQ is the world’s smallest premium four seater with the dynamic and safety qualities of bigger cars. It is just three metres in length and its CO2 emissions start at just 99g/km. Another first in this vehicle is that the car will offer curtain shield airbags installed behind the rear seats. The Urban Cruiser on the other hand is an All Wheel Drive 1.4 litre D-4D diesel with a strong, rough look to it. It is a fun yet practical car with high safety equipment and only 133 g/km of CO2 emissions for the AWD version.
PEUGEOT NEW HYBRID CONCEPT With practically every car manufacturer putting emphasis on new hybrid vehicles, Peugeot plan to showcase their new concept hybrid at the Paris Motor Show. So far the car is known simply as the RC and the actual name of this new model will be revealed during the same Motor Show. This Peugeot model is a GT coupe, accessible and versatile with four doors and four seats with highly innovative hybrid architecture. According to Peugeot, its aim is to achieve very high efficiency in both
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performance and minimal impact on the environment. The car has an impressive maximum power output of 313bhp with only 109g/km of CO2 emissions in the combined cycle with zero emissions when in electric mode. Such figures would ensure that Peugeot finally gets a slice of the ever growing hybrid market which is presently dominated by Japanese brands. So what do you think the chosen name will be?
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The American Auto Club Malta It was the morning of Sunday 20th March 2004 in Ghajn Tuffieha when Emanuel Pace (club founder) was rounding American enthusiasts in an attempt to set up a club. The first committee was thus formed by five individuals who vowed to work hard and make the dream of an American Auto Club come true. A meeting was later held the following week and thus a first run was organised on the 18th April with a total 35 American vehicles. Since that date in 2004 the club has continued to organize successful monthly shows that have encouraged a rise in club membership to almost 150 and a corresponding rise in enthusiasm across the Maltese Islands. The American Auto Club Malta aims to further increase interest in American auto by preserving American autos in Malta. Several meetings, runs, shows, etc, are organised for the benefit of club members and the general public. The club also safeguards the interests of its members when it comes to legislations that may have an adverse effect on American auto.
Wheelspin will be featuring various collectors’ vehicles on the magazine and today we have chosen the Chevy Camaro Z28. This Chevy Camaro Z28 was manufactured in 1984 in Canada and was then imported to Malta in 1988. The engine is a 190bhp 5.0 liter high output V8 with a top speed of around 160 miles. Eventually the car was modified so that its owner Carmel Debattista could participate in “Quarter mile” competitions at Hal Far Raceway. The best time achieved was 11.7 seconds. This was very good timing considering that this car is a Street car and weighs 4200 lbs. The modifications done were; “updated computer cam”, balanced connecting rod and forged pistons, ported intake and heads, and ultimately the engine was sprayed by N.O.S. (150 shot)
Nowadays the owner has stopped racing at Hal Far and instead started accessorizing it to participate in car shows. Most of the work was done by him with some family members in which time the car was garaged in order to finish all the tasks. The longest project was the installation of a completely new sound system and upholstery which took around nine months to finalise. The latter was done by Victor 42
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Fenech while the former was done by the owner himself. The latest project was on the engine and the engine bay. Customized stainless steel work was done by Chris Muscat. Chromed engine part was imported from USA. The customized paint job was done around nineteen years ago by Noel Pace. Next project on this vehicle will be to install a Supercharger.
60 year-Old Landy embarking on a 5-year long jog! Not many 60-year-olds take up running at this age, yet after proving to be able to get anywhere, Landy the 4x4xFar, is determined to take a long jog! Land Rover is celebrating its diamond year with, amongst other things... a book! 'Born in Lode Lane' is no ordinary manufacturer tome, however. For one thing, it's by Roger Crathorne, who was born in Lode Lane, a mile from the Land Rover factory in Solihull, and began working there in 1963. He even beat the first Land Rover
into the world by a year: he was born in 1947, but the first car did not appear until the Amsterdam motor show on April 30, 1948. This is a far more readable book than those which focus on the minutiae of engines and production figures. Its anecdotal style captures a quintessentially British company through the eyes of a man who has been there for 45 years, through good times and bad.
As part of this 60-year anniversary, local representatives of Land Rover: Muscat Motors, and the Malta Marathon Organising Committee have announced that Land Rover will be the official sponsor of the Malta Marathon for the coming five years commencing from the next one due on 1st March 2009! To mark this event a press conference was given on the 18th of July during which guests from the media were treated with canapĂŠs and drinks and given some memorabilia of the occasion.
The Land Rover Malta Marathon, as it will be known over these years, promises to attract even more participants from across the globe as well as introduce a number of innovations such as online participation subscription and electronic timing chip bands. The chosen motto for this Marathon really synergises the ability synonymous with well-trained athletes as well as with what Land Rovers are world renowned for, to: Go Beyond!
LANDROVER COMPETITION Wheelspin readers have the chance to win Landrover 60-year merchandise by replying to a simple question: When and where was the first Land Rover launched? Send your answers by email on: wheelspin@b.rightnewmedia.com or by mail: Wheelspin Magazine, P.O. Box 24. St. Paul’s Bay
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