Time Machine Tuesday: 8 May 2018
Take a trip through the CarAdvice archives
People often say “don’t forget where you came from”. Although we’re focused on every new car, every last detail here at CarAdvice, we have an extensive back-catalogue of news stories, lifestyle yarns and reviews.
Here’s a look at what happened on the week of May 8 in years past.
8 May 2016: Alfa Romeo Giulia QV joins Carabinieri fleet
Two years ago, Alfa Romeo presented the Italian military police force (the Carabinieri) with two new Giulia Quadrifoglio sedans to be used in Rome and Milan.
While the 375kW/600Nm twin-turbo sedan would make for a great police interceptor – Need For Speed style – the vehicles were destined (initially) for organs and blood transport, along with special operations like acting as a police escort during special events.
Distinguishing features over the road car included a roof-mounted LED light strip, unique livery, a defibrillator, portable cooling units for carrying human supplies, radio equipment, video surveillance gear and LED torches.
The special Giulias were two of 800 vehicles delivered to the Carabinieri by Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) that year, with the fleet also including Alfa Romeo Giuliettas and Jeep Renegades.
7 May 2013: Renault Megane GT220 Estate arrives from $36,990
It's been a whole five years since the limited-edition Renault Megane GT220 Estate – that's 'wagon' in Aussie speak – first landed in Australia, serving as an 'RS-Lite'.
Featuring a de-tuned version of the Megane RS265 hot hatch's 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine, the GT220 pumped out 162kW of power and 340Nm of torque – down 33kW and 20Nm on the RS265.
The only transmission available was a six-speed manual, while fuel consumption was rated at an impressive 7.3L/100km thanks to the addition of fuel-saving stop/start technology – the RS265, meanwhile, claimed a thirsty 11.3L/100km.
10 May 2010: Suzuki Kizashi pricing and specs
It seems like a lifetime ago that the Suzuki Kizashi was on the market, which is a shame because the Japanese sedan was rather unappreciated in Australia, despite its sharp looks.
The brand's first mid-size sedan came in at under $30,000 before on-road costs and was ready to take on the likes of the Mazda 6 and Subaru Liberty.
At launch the sole powertrain was a 2.4-litre naturally-aspirated petrol engine, developing 131kW of power and 230Nm of torque. Drive was sent to the front wheels via either a six-speed manual or continuously-variable transmission (CVT).
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