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With growing emphasis toward greener modes of transportation and fuel costs soaring, it is easy to assume the Z28 met its death at the hands of an accountant.

For now, punters will have to make do with the LS3 V8 engine from the HSV line-up in the Camaro SS which develops a far more sedate 300kW.

Regardless, closer to home we have a completely different issue to face with the Camaro - that it may never be seen on local roads at all.

Would you support the sale of the Camaro in Australia? How should GM market the retro invasion - with a Chevrolet bow-tie? A Holden badge? Maybe even under the HSV flag?

With essentially the same underpinnings as the VE Commodore, what premium would you expect to pay over its four-door Australian cousin - if at all?

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The companies ranged from seat cover maker Wet Okole Hawaii to forced induction specialists HKS and Garrett-Honeywell.

Despite the naturally aspirated V6 on offer in the range, reportedly the tuners were more interested in the 2.0-litre turbocharged unit which is closely related to the engine used in the latest iteration of the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X.

Already, one firm has announced plans to develop a supercharger unit for the 231kW V6 engine with obvious exhaust and intercooler enhancements for the four-cylinder model.

Hyundai has also said a track version of the Genesis Coupe will also be offered including upgraded suspension, front strut tower brace, low-profile Bridgestone Potenza RE050A rubber and a Brembo brake package all round including four-pot callipers up front.

Source: Edmunds

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The 1.8 TFSI engine produces 118kW and maximum torque of 250Nm is delivered at just 2,000rpm, sprinting the A3 Cabriolet from 0 to 100km/h in 8.0 seconds.

The 2.0 TFSI unit has been crowned “Engine of the Year” in its class for four consecutive years from 2005 - with peak power of 147kW and 280Nm.

It is available with a choice of two transmissions including a six-speed manual or an S tronic dual-clutch gearbox which can accelerate the A3 Cabriolet to 100 km/h in just 7.3 seconds.

Sports suspension is also included as standard to complement the nature of the 2.0 TFSI unit.

Fuel economy for both engines is just 7.6 litres of fuel per 100 kilometres.

The compact convertible features a semi-automatic soft top which opens in an apparently class-leading 9 seconds following the activation of a hood release, however an optional fully-automatic soft top is also available and offers an additional layer of acoustic material.

Whether the roof is open or closed, the luggage area in the A3 Cabriolet remains unchanged, offering a usable 260 litres, swelling to 674 litres with the rear seats folded down – the largest luggage area in its class.

 

Head restraints, airbags for driver and front passenger, together with head and thorax side airbags, are all fitted as standard.

An electronic stability program with anti-lock braking, electronic brake force distribution, electronic differential lock and brake assist is fitted to both models.

Recommended retail pricing for A3 Cabriolet:

• 1.8 TFSI Attraction (S tronic) $49,900
• 2.0 TFSI Ambition (6-speed manual) $54,900
• 2.0 TFSI Ambition (S tronic) $57,500

These prices are calculated at 25 percent LCT, with Audi Australia covering the extra 8 percent LCT on behalf of its customers following a Senate Economics Committee inquiry into the the proposed LCT increase.

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It is powered by a 6.0-litre V8 engine which develops peak power of 270kW and 528Nm, which is about as much as your average SS Commodore.

However the Rt.s makes even the Lotus Elise look chubby, weighing in at just 820kg - for a fully enclosed sports car!

It will feature an aluminium semi-monocoque chassis with a mid-mounted V8 and pushrod suspension, utilising weight saving characteristics such as composite bodywork and race bucket seats integrated directly into the chassis.

“FortuneSport believes that the pleasure of driving is not in the electronics and sixteen speaker stereo systems, but in the driving itself. Especially given the green movement, the best way to engage the driver was to reduce vehicle mass.”

Boasting a brake package which would not look out of place on a V8 Supercar, its BBS alloys wheels are wrapped in sticky 285/30 ZR-19 rear tyres for optimum grip levels.

The Rt.S is expected to sprint from 0 to 100km/h in just 3.7 seconds and onto a maximum velocity of 282km/h.

The low-slung coupe is just 4.1 metres long, and staggeringly just slightly over one metre tall - however FortuneSport insists clever layout will comfortably fit a 6-foot 4-inch passenger.

The Rt.S is scheduled for a launch in Late 2010 as a 2011 model, although disturbingly the brand also has a track-only version in development dubbed the Rt.R which will be launched later this year.

The Rt.R will boast a 380kW V8 engine and a kerb weight of just 750kg - however this will demand a slightly higher price tag - requiring a safety deposit of $200,000.

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Model tested: 2008 Ford Falcon G6E Recommended Retail Price: $46,990. Options fitted: None fitted.

Handling; engine and gearbox; rear leg room; price point

Non-flat boot floor; no xenon headlights

CarAdvice rating: (4.25)

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Model tested: 2008 Holden Commodore Calais V6 Recommended Retail Price: $46,190 Options fitted: Metallic paint ($400).

Space, standard ESP, solid ride

No Sat/Nav or reversing camera, ‘poverty’ interior

CarAdvice rating: (3.00)

Model tested: 2008 Honda Accord V6 Luxury Recommended Retail Price: $46,990. Options fitted: None fitted.

Impressive handling; size; features

Sometimes heavy on fuel, too many buttons on centre console

CarAdvice rating: (4.15)

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Model tested: 2008 Toyota Aurion Presara Recommended Retail Price: $49,490. Options fitted: None fitted.

Performance, plenty of luxury items, good safety equipment

Stodgy handling, generic interior styling, pricey

CarAdvice rating: (3.50)

- Review by Paul Maric, David Twomey and Matt Brogan, photography by Paul Maric.

Introduction:

In this day and age it is becoming increasingly difficult for car manufacturers to meet the demands of consumers. With petrol prices continually skyrocketing, pressure is on manufacturers to make fuel efficient cars, while still catering for size and performance.

In the first test of its kind in Australia, CarAdvice has pegged the rear-wheel-drive Falcon and Commodore against their Japanese front-wheel-drive rivals, the Accord V6 and Aurion.

The luxury variants chosen here will be popular amongst professionals and families with a luxury cruiser in mind.

After a week of extensive testing ranging from city driving to performance tests, we have determined a winner. The results are close but paint a clear picture of the current large car market in Australia.

Next page…

Pages: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

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At a recommended retail price of $3,100 the Adventure Pack will improve both approach and departure angles and offers greater vehicle protection.

Jeep Wrangler Mopar Adventure Pack

1. Heavy-Duty front bar
2. Heavy-Duty rear bar
3. Rock Rails, with integrated rub rail
4. Tail lamp guards
5. Front skid plate
6. Headlight protectors
7. Rubber slush mats

The new Mopar bumpers feature a textured satin black electro coat and powder coat finish with the front bumper incorporating factory energy absorbers and is crash tested to work with the vehicle’s airbag system.

The strong integrated tubular Jeep Rock Rails offer great body side protection without reducing ground clearance.

The pack also consists of a front skid plate to protect the vehicles vital components, tail lamp guards, headlight protectors and rubber slush mats.

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The seven times Formula 1 world champion has worked with Ferrari’s team of engineers, technicians and test-drivers on honing the California’s performance.

“I have to say that, as with the 430 Scuderia, participating in the project since the very beginning has been really fascinating and great fun,” Michael Schumacher at the end of a test session at the Fiorano circuit.

“The 430 Scuderia is, of course, a more extreme model with a focus on absolutely cutting-edge performance. However, although the Ferrari California is very much a Grand Tourer in terms of its usability and high level of interior comfort, it is still surprisingly sporty and fun to drive under any kind of conditions.”

The result is a car which can be comfortably driven everyday and on long trips, whilst still offering blisteringly quick Ferrari trademark performance - with 0 to 100km/h coming up in under 4 seconds.

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The Super Select four-wheel drive system allows the driver to choose between four driving modes:

• 2H two-wheel drive high range is used for general commuting or highway touring in fine weather and promotes fuel economy.
• 4H full-time four-wheel drive provides added traction in inclement weather, or when the road surface becomes rough.
• 4HLC four-wheel drive high range with locked centre differential delivers power equally to all four wheels.
• 4LLC four-wheel drive low range with locked centre differential is suitable for rough terrain. A rear-diff lock is available as an option.

The new system provides a distinct advantage over its part-time all-wheel drive competitors, offering genuine all-terrain capabilities.

 

It will be included as standard on all diesel VR, GLX-R and GLS four-wheel drive Mitsubishi Tritons arriving between now and December 2008.

However Mitsubishi’s Easy Select part time 4WD system is retained on GLX 4×4 models.

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In current arrangements, LPG Autogas is a lighter fuel which yields less energy per litre than petrol therefore more is needed per kilometre resulting in higher consumption, however at over a dollar less.

“However, the lower pump price of Autogas - currently about a dollar a litre below standard unleaded petrol - much more than compensates. Its light, low carbon structure gives it the added benefit of lower greenhouse gas emissions.”

The European-developed system dubbed JTG (Just Think Green) consistently achieves consumption of around 10 percent less litres per kilometre than vapour injection LPG systems and around 10 to 15 percent more litres per kilometre than petrol systems.

Initial testing of the product by Australian LPG Warehouse yielded a power increase of 18kW in an Falcon XR6 Turbo, with the company already developing kits for popular models, including the BA Ford Falcon and VE and VZ Holden Commodore.

It is also developing this system for small engines such as the four-cylinder Toyota Camry and Corolla.

“If a consumer can drive their vehicle with improved performance, similar fuel consumption, no maintenance or longevity penalty and save plenty of money, it’s a revolutionary result for them and for the greater LPG industry.”

LPG Australia’s industry development manager Phil Westlake said LPG liquid injection technology increased motorists’ fuel savings over petrol - and that having Autogas’ litres per 100km figures closer to those of petrol would simplify real-world direct comparisons between the two fuels.

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Alfa Romeo

Alfa Romeo MiTo 2008 London Motorshow Alfa Romeo GT 2008 London Motorshow Alfa Romeo stand 2008 London Motorshow Alfa Romeo 159 2008 London Motorshow

Bentley

Bentley stand 2008 London Motorshow

Cadillac

Cadillac stand 2008 London Motorshow

Chevrolet

Chevrolet Beat Concept 2008 London Motorshow Chevrolet Epica 2008 London Motorshow Chevrolet Captiva 2008 London Motorshow Chevrolet Camaro 2008 London Motorshow

Citroen

Citroen stand 2008 London Motorshow Gallery Citroen C4 Picasso 2008 London Motorshow Gallery

Electric cars

Electric cars 2008 London Motorshow

Ford

Ford stand 2008 London Motorshow Ford Focus RS 2008 London Motor Show Ford Fiesta Econetic 2008 London Motorshow Ford Fiesta 2008 London Motorshow

Honda

Honda stand 2008 London Motorshow Honda CR-V 2008 London Motorshow Honda concepts 2008 London Motorshow Honda Civic 2008 London Motorshow Honda Accord 2008 London Motorshow

Hummer

Hummer H2 2008 London Motorshow Hummer stand 2008 London Motorshow

Hyundai

Hyundai Genesis Coupe 2008 London Motorshow

Jaguar

Jaguar stand 2008 London Motorshow

IFR

IFR Aspid 2008 London Motorshow

Kamala

Kamala 2008 London Motorshow

Kia

Kia Picanto 2008 London Motorshow Kia Kee concept 2008 London Motorshow Kia Exceed Concept 2008 London Motorshow

Land Rover

Land Rover stand 2008 London Motorshow

Lexus

Lexus LF-A Roadster 2008 London Motorshow

Lotus

Lotus Evora 2008 London Motorshow

Mastretta

Mastretta MXT Prototype 2008 London Motorshow

Mazda

Mazda Furai concept 2008 London Motorshow Mazda stand 2008 London Motorshow

Mini

Mini stand 2008 London Motorshow

Nissan

Nissan stand 2008 London Motorshow Nissan Cube 2008 London Motorshow Nissan Qashqai+2 2008 London Motorshow

Opel

Holden Vectra (Insignia) 2008 London Motorshow

Peugeot

Peugeot stand 2008 London Motorshow Peugeot 308RCZ 2008 London Motorshow Peugeot 107 2008 London Motorshow

Renault

Renault Twingo 2008 London Motorshow Renault Megane concept 2008 London Motorshow Renault Laguna Coupe concept 2008 London Motorshow

Saab

Saab stand 2008 London Motorshow

SsanYong

SsangYong stand 2008 London Motorshow

Subaru

Subaru Impreza WRX STI 380S concept 2008 London Motorshow

Suzuki

Suzuki Grand Vitara 2008 London Motor Show Suzuki A-star concept 2008 London Motorshow

Tesla

Tesla Roadster 2008 London Motorshow

Toyota

Toyota Prius concept 2008 London Motorshow Toyota Aygo Crazy 2008 London Motorshow

Random

Topgear cop cars 2008 London Motorshow Supercars 2008 London Motorshow

You can read our review of the actual here.

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