Jaguar F-Type SVR first view

January 28, 2016, 2:13 pm

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Jaguar's recently-established Special Vehicle Operations division has created the F-Type SVR.

This new high-performance variant, which is going to be officially unveiled at next month's Geneva International Motor Show, will be offered in both coupé and convertible forms.

Full technical specifications have yet to be revealed, but it's already known that power comes from a retuned 5.0 litre V8 engine mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission and an all-wheel drive system.

Weight is down too and, as a result, Jaguar says 200 mph (321 km/h) is possible.

Deliveries of the F-Type SVR are due to begin this summer.

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2016 GMC Sierra All Terrain X launched

January 28, 2016, 3:40 pm

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GMC's latest special edition mixes extra off-road ability with some cosmetic tweaks. Called the All Terrain X, it's based on the existing Sierra 1500 SLT and availability will be restricted to the crew cab version with a short cargo box.

As per the regular All Terrain model, the standard specification features four-wheel drive, an Eaton locking rear differential and the Z71 upgraded suspension package.

Additional 'X' items include LED headlights, side steps, a bed-mounted sport bar and 18” x 8.5” black-finish wheels shod with 265/65R18SL Goodyear Wrangler DuraTrac MT tyres.

Furthermore, a performance exhaust is fitted to the 5.3 litre V8 engine. As well as providing a more distinctive sound, this lifts output from the usual 355 bhp (264 kW / 360 PS) to 365 bhp (272 kW / 370 PS).

Sales of the Sierra All Terrain X begin this spring.

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Images © General Motors.

BMW Team RLL’s celebratory 2016 liveries

January 29, 2016, 2:45 pm

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This weekend's motorsport highlight is the Rolex 24 at Daytona. The event, which is the first round of the 2016 IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, will see BMW's new M6 make its competition debut in both the GTLM and GTD classes.

As 2016 marks the 100th anniversary of BMW, special liveries have been designed for the two M6 GTLM entrants being run by BMW Team RLL this season.

The #25 car adds a twist to the familiar BMW 'white-and-stripes' colour scheme. That's because its flanks and roof feature graphics depicting four exemplars of the brand's racing history: the 1975 3.0 CSL, 1980 M1, 1999 V12 LMR and 2011 M3 GT.

An altogether more futuristic look adorns the appropriately-numbered #100 M6 GTLM. Although the finish appears to be predominantly white in daylight, reflective vinyl applied in a lattice pattern should provide an eye-catching effect after sunset.

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Cyclist-friendly tipper trucks arrive in London

January 31, 2016, 3:15 pm

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Nine cyclists were killed on London's roads during 2015. Of those incidents, seven involved lorries (many of which were being used by the construction industry).

Segregation of bicycles from other traffic would be the ideal casualty-prevention measure, but that's not going to be practicable for many of the capital's narrow streets. Therefore alternative initiatives are needed.

They include an ongoing focus on addressing behaviour and attitudes. For instance, cyclists have to understand that slipping up a lorry's nearside when it's at a red traffic light waiting to turn left isn't sensible. Likewise, certain industry practices – such as paying truckers per load completed rather than hours worked – should be curtailed if they cause poor driving standards.

Changes to vehicle design can also help. Recognising this, Transport for London introduced the Safer Lorry Scheme last year which requires side guards and extra mirrors on trucks being run in Greater London. Now, in an effort to further reduce blind-spots, Mayor of London Boris Johnson is proposing that lorries be retro-fitted with an additional lower window on the passenger-side door.

Low-entry cabs are another approach to improving driver vision, and an example of the genre is the Mercedes-Benz Econic. Its lower seating position, panoramic windscreen, fully-glazed passenger-side door and multi-mode, all-round blind-spot camera system are all intended to be more pedestrian- and cyclist-friendly.

Two 3235 8x4 models have just been supplied to Dartford-based company FM Conway Limited. Plated at a gross vehicle weight of 32 tonnes, their specification includes a steered trailing rear axle for enhanced manoeuvrability, a Fruehauf tipper body and a remote-controlled Palfinger clamshell-bucket crane.

However, trucks of the Econic's ilk are likely to remain a rare sight without legislation that forces operators to buy them.

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The end of Scion

February 3, 2016, 11:35 am

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After almost 1.1 million sales across North America, Toyota has decided to close down Scion. The youth-oriented brand, which was launched in 2003 and reached its volume peak three years later, achieves an average customer age of just 36 years old.

Although seemingly quite high, that figure is actually the lowest in an industry where attracting (and keeping) younger buyers is a constant struggle for many manufacturers. So, does the Toyota marque now appeal sufficiently to them, or will disbanding Scion ultimately be seen as a huge strategic error?

Of course, a positive spin is being put on the news. According to Jim Lentz, CEO of Toyota Motor North America: “This isn't a step backward for Scion; it's a leap forward for Toyota. Scion has allowed us to fast track ideas that would have been challenging to test through the Toyota network.

“I was there when we established Scion and our goal was to make Toyota and our dealers stronger by learning how to better attract and engage young customers. I'm very proud because that's exactly what we have accomplished.”

Apart from the tC coupé, Scion's product range is going to survive, albeit wearing Toyota badges. The transition begins in August when the 2017 model-year vehicles arrive.

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Nissan NP300 Navara accessory range launched

February 4, 2016, 3:49 pm

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Buyers of the latest NP300 Navara will have plenty of opportunities to customise their pick-up, thanks to a new selection of dealer-fit accessories.

There are 125 items available and, perhaps unsurprisingly, many of them have something to do with carrying cargo. Particularly innovative are the sliding load tray (£1,350) and a metal foldaway access step (£360).

Other load bed parts include plastic or aluminium liners (£360 and £679 respectively), a divider (£440), rollover-type styling bars (£707), a large plastic tool box (£300) and soft or aluminium tonneau covers (£450 and £1,800 respectively).

Also being offered in several colours are standard and premium hardtops (£2,600 and £3,300 respectively). Interior trim, lighting and opening windows differentiate the latter, which is compatible with the NP300's central locking.

Customers can choose various cosmetic add-ons too. Among these are an under-bumper front styling bar (£245), side steps (£498), diamond-cut 18” alloy wheels (£280) and body graphics (from £220 to £260).

All prices quoted are inclusive of VAT.

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Suzuki Swift SZ-L special edition reintroduced

February 5, 2016, 11:30 am

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Two years after the Swift SZ-L limited edition first appeared, Suzuki has created a new version.

Like the original, 2016's SZ-L is based on the existing SZ3 trim grade, but its additional equipment list is quite different.

External upgrades include a tailgate spoiler and a set of gloss black 16” alloy wheels. Inside, the extra specification comprises cruise control, satellite navigation, a DAB radio, a sports steering wheel and silver stitching for the upholstery.

Power comes from a 92 bhp (69 kW / 94 PS) 1.2 litre petrol engine that's mated to a manual gearbox.

Available now, prices for the three-door Swift SZ-L start from £10,999. Opting for the five-door variant instead adds £500 to the cost.

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Mokka becomes Mokka X

February 6, 2016, 2:19 pm

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Vauxhall / Opel is giving its Mokka an exterior facelift and a refreshed interior. The small SUV also gains an 'X' suffix, a new naming device that in time is going to be applied to all of the twin brands' crossovers.

A more purposeful look is provided by the successfully redesigned front end. Styling elements such as a slightly wider grille and an altered bumper result in a visually broader stance, while 'double wing' LED daytime running lights bestow extra road presence.

Inside, an updated dashboard now incorporates a 7” or 8” centrally-placed infotainment touchscreen. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay smartphone integration are both available, as is GM's OnStar personal connectivity service.

There's an addition to the powertrain line-up, too. It's a 1.4 litre petrol engine which, thanks to a turbocharger and direct fuel injection, produces 150 bhp (112 kW / 152 PS). Interestingly, the sole transmission option for this unit comprises a six-speed automatic gearbox plus on-demand all-wheel drive.

The Mokka X will appear in public for the first time at next month's Geneva International Motor Show. Deliveries are then due to begin towards the end of 2016.

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Images © General Motors.

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Adventurous Royal Enfield Himalayan unveiled

February 7, 2016, 3:56 pm

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Royal Enfield is entering another market segment with its Himalayan adventure bike. Intended primarily for the Indian market, the new arrival combines a rugged design with comparatively simple technology that should be fixable by local mechanics.

Practical touches include protective gaiters on the front fork legs and a bash plate for the bottom of the cradle-type frame. Ground clearance is 220 mm (8.7”) but, unusually for this type of motorcycle, seat height is a reasonably low 800 mm (31.5”). Most riders will be able to manage the 182 kg (401 lbs) kerb weight, too.

Powering the Himalayan is an air-cooled, single-cylinder, four-stroke engine with a crankshaft counter-balancer to reduce vibrations. This carburettor-fed 411 cc unit – which develops a modest 24.1 bhp (18.0 kW / 24.5 PS) and 32 Nm (23 lb/ft) of peak torque – is mated to a five-speed gearbox.

Standard equipment includes luggage mounting points front and rear, an LED tail light and a single disc brake for each wheel. Mixing digital displays with traditional dials, the instrument cluster features a compass, dual trip meters and a fuel gauge for the 15 litre (3.3 gallon) tank.

The Himalayan is being offered in a choice of two paint colours called Snow and Granite.

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Audi’s RS Q3 Performance delivers extra pace

February 8, 2016, 3:41 pm

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Compared to a regular RS Q3, the new Performance version squeezes an additional 26 bhp (20 kW / 27 PS) from its turbocharged 2.5 litre petrol engine.

That increase, which comes courtesy of a larger-capacity radiator and a modified fuel pump, means output becomes 362 bhp (270 kW / 367 PS). Peak torque meanwhile is rated at 465 Nm (343 lb/ft).

As a result, the 0-62 mph (100 km/h) time drops from 4.8 to 4.4 seconds. Furthermore, there's no electronic limiter, so the crossover's top speed rises to 167 mph (270 km/h).

Standard equipment includes an S tronic seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, quattro all-wheel drive, a stiffer suspension set-up and multi-mode dynamic handling.

At first glance not much differentiates the RS Q3 Performance model, but numerous exterior trim pieces and the 20” alloy wheels do gain a smart matt titanium finish.

However, some prospective customers might want more visual impact. After all, with an on-the-road price of £49,175, it attracts a sizeable premium of £3,365.

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Subaru XV refreshed for 2016

February 9, 2016, 3:03 pm

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Subaru's compact XV crossover is getting a minor exterior restyle, an updated interior and more efficient engines.

Changes to the bumper, grille and headlights can be seen at the front end, while the rear gains LED light clusters and a tailgate spoiler.

Inside, the focus has been on providing a more upmarket ambience. The XV now features better-quality materials, contrast stitching for the upholstery and a selection of metallic and piano black trim pieces.

Equipment levels are enhanced, too. Highlights include a 7.0” colour touchscreen for the infotainment system which responds to pinch and swipe gestures. Furthermore, a rear-view camera is fitted as standard, plus Apple iPhone users can activate Siri Eyes-Free voice control.

Modifications to the 148 bhp (110 kW / 150 PS) 2.0 litre petrol and 145 bhp (108 kW / 147 PS) 2.0 litre diesel four-cylinder engines mean they consume slightly less fuel than before. When specified with a six-speed manual gearbox, the former manages 40.4 mpg (7.0 l/100km) on the combined cycle and the latter achieves 52.3 mpg (5.4 l/100km).

Despite all the upgrades, prices haven't increased. So, with a choice of SE or SE Premium trim grades, the 2016 XV costs from £21,995 to £25,995.

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1LE track packs confirmed for the 2017 Camaro

February 12, 2016, 2:15 pm

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Chevrolet has announced the return of the Camaro coupé’s 1LE handling upgrade for 2017. In a major break with tradition, it'll be offered on V6-powered 1LT and 2LT variants as well as V8-equipped 1SS models.

Regardless of which engine is chosen, the 1LE specification includes oil, differential and transmission coolers, a six-speed manual gearbox with a shorter-throw shifter, a dual-mode exhaust, a three-piece rear spoiler and a satin black bonnet finish.

Furthermore, 1LT and 2LT base cars gain the FE3 suspension set-up, 20” forged alloy wheels shod with Goodyear Eagle F1 tyres (245/40R20 front / 275/35R20 rear), Brembo four-piston front brake calipers and a mechanical limited-slip differential.

Alternatively, the 1SS version additionally comes with FE4 suspension plus Magnetic Ride Control, 20” forged wheels, specially-developed Goodyear Eagle F1 Supercar tyres (285/30ZR20 front / 305/30ZR20 rear), larger brake discs, Brembo six-piston monobloc front brake calipers, an electronic limited-slip differential and Recaro front seats.

Pricing has yet to be revealed.

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Images © General Motors.

M Performance Parts coming for the BMW M2

February 13, 2016, 11:17 am

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Owners of the BMW M2 Coupé will soon be able to treat their cars to some M Performance Parts. The new range, which is going to be launched next month, offers both dynamic and cosmetic enhancements.

Improved agility and responsiveness is promised by an upgraded suspension set-up. As well as lowering the ride height by up to 25 mm (1.0”) compared to a regular M2, this allows full compression and rebound adjustment for the dampers.

Replacement brake components are limited to more fade-resistant pads that are reckoned to be better suited for circuit use. Similarly, the 365 bhp (272 kW / 370 PS) 3.0 litre six-cylinder engine is untouched, but a two-mode silencer flap is available for those customers who don't like the usual exhaust note.

Among the carbon fibre bodywork add-ons are four small attachments mounted just ahead of each wheel, a rear spoiler, a rear diffuser and door mirror caps. According to BMW, these “optimise the airflow around the vehicle... which in turn impacts positively on handling and driving performance”, but expect their aesthetic appeal to be a bigger draw for most people.

Several interior bits and pieces complete the programme. They include a couple of Alcantara-covered steering wheels, carbon fibre trim elements, stainless steel pedal covers and LED-illuminated doorsill kick plates.

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2017 Ram Power Wagon revealed

February 15, 2016, 10:48 am

≫ Next: 2017 Tacoma TRD Pro announced by Toyota

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Like its forebears, the latest truck to wear the Power Wagon name has been engineered for maximum off-road ability. The 2017 model, which is based on the Ram 2500 Heavy Duty 4x4 Crew Cab, is distinguished by various design updates.

On the outside, the most noticeable change is the adoption of a 1500 Rebel-inspired black grille. Also contributing to the purposeful look are powder-coated bumpers, body graphics, unique decals and two-tone 17” forged alloy wheels that sit beneath arch extensions.

The interior gains a mixture of satin chrome and painted metallic grey trim pieces, a black headlining and rubber floor mats. Furthermore, Sedoso fabric seat inserts are embossed with a pattern which matches the tread on the Power Wagon's 33” Goodyear Wrangler DuraTrac tyres. Alternatively, leather upholstery is available as an option.

Power is provided by a 6.4 litre Hemi V8. Its 410 bhp (305 kW / 415 PS) and 582 Nm (429 lb/ft) of peak torque are sent to a part-time four-wheel drive system via a six-speed automatic transmission.

Of course, that prodigious output would be fairly useless over rough terrain without some decent chassis modifications.

So the Power Wagon boasts a higher ride height, Articulink long-travel front suspension, an electronically-activated disconnecting front anti-roll bar, Bilstein monotube dampers, electronic locking differentials and a thicker rear axle. As a result ground clearance is 36.3 cm (14.3”), while the approach, break-over and departure angles are increased to 33.6°, 23.5° and 26.2° respectively.

Hill descent control, numerous under-body protection elements and a bumper-mounted Warn winch with a 5,440 kg (12,000 lbs) capacity appear on the standard specification list too.

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2017 Tacoma TRD Pro announced by Toyota

February 16, 2016, 3:13 pm

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Toyota's North American TRD Pro Series range is getting another member. The new arrival is based on the 2017 Tacoma double cab pick-up and – like the rest of the line-up – it's aimed at serious off-road users.

To help impress that target audience, an enhanced suspension set-up comprises front springs with a 1” lift, rear progressive-rate leaf springs and Fox 2.5 Internal Bypass dampers.

Furthermore, part-time four-wheel drive, an electronically-controlled locking rear differential and 16” black alloy wheels shod with Goodyear Wrangler All-Terrain Kevlar-reinforced tyres are part of the specification too.

Also fitted are an aluminium front skid plate, wheel arch extensions, a 'heritage' grille, LED front fog lights and some unique badges. Leather upholstery, heated front seats, an upgraded audio system, Bluetooth connectivity and satellite navigation all come as standard, plus there's a 4.2” Multi-Information Display which boasts an inclinometer and a tilt gauge.

The only available engine is a 3.5 litre V6 gasoline unit with direct fuel injection and variable valve timing. Buyers will have a choice of six-speed manual or six-speed automatic gearboxes, though.

If they opt for the former, then Active Traction Control gets added to the equipment list. Alternatively, the latter transmission is combined with Crawl Control and five-mode Multi-Terrain Select.

Deliveries of the 2017 Tacoma TRD Pro are scheduled to begin later this year.

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Škoda offers a preview of the VisionS concept

February 17, 2016, 1:52 pm

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Ahead of its debut at next month's Geneva International Motor Show, Škoda has released some details about the VisionS. Officially, this new concept “gives an insight into how Škoda’s future SUV design language might look.”

However, “might” should be replaced with “will”, because a production version is surely destined to follow. And, with accommodation for six people across three rows of seats, the showroom model is going to be an important addition to the brand's range.

In terms of size, a length of 4.70 m (15’ 5”) makes the VisionS significantly larger than the 4.22 m (13’ 10”) Škoda Yeti. That measurement also means it sits virtually mid-way between Volkswagen's Touran and Sharan people carriers, thereby neatly avoiding any direct intra-group comparisons.

Given recent emissions-related events, Škoda has wisely eschewed diesel power for the concept car. Instead, an innovative petrol-electric hybrid system is fitted.

This combines a 154 bhp (115 kW / 156 PS) 1.4 litre engine with a 53 bhp (40 kW / 54 PS) electric motor which is integrated into the six-speed DSG dual-clutch transmission. What's more, a second electric motor delivers 114 bhp (85 kW / 115 PS) to the rear wheels when required.

Total output is rated at 222 bhp (165 kW / 225 PS), resulting in a very respectable 0-62 mph (100 km/h) time of 7.4 seconds. Škoda says combined cycle fuel economy is 148.6 mpg (1.9 l/100km) while carbon dioxide emissions are 45 g/km.

A 12.4 kWh lithium-ion battery pack is expected to provide a range of around 30 miles (50 kilometres) when running in pure electric mode, which is probably sufficient for most commutes.

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BMW i8 Protonic Red Edition revealed

February 17, 2016, 3:36 pm

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Currently the hybrid-powered BMW i8 can be ordered in a choice of white, silver, grey or blue colour schemes. So, the Protonic Red Edition's arrival later this year is going to add some much-needed variety to that narrow palette.

Its eponymous red paintwork certainly looks attractive. Contrast is provided by some Frozen Grey metallic elements, while the five-W-spoke alloy wheels are finished in Orbit Grey metallic with matt Aluminium hubs.

Inside, the Protonic Red Edition features red stitching on the upholstery, as well as several unique ceramic and carbon fibre trim pieces.

UK on-the-road pricing starts from £112,535. Deliveries begin in September, but availability will be limited.

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2017 non-XD Nissan Titan launched

February 18, 2016, 3:07 pm

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Nissan has revealed the standard version of its second-generation Titan. When sales start across North America in the summer, this new full-size pick-up will slot between the Frontier and Titan XD in the brand's truck range.

Its cab – which is available in single, king or crew guises – is shared with the XD, so unsurprisingly the two Titan models have pretty much identical looks. However, they sit on completely different chassis.

As a result, a crew cab-equipped Titan has a 355 cm (139.8”) wheelbase and an overall length of 579 cm (228.1”). By comparison, the corresponding measurements for the Titan XD are 385 cm (151.6”) and 616 cm (242.8”) respectively.

With no diesel option, engine choice is restricted to two gasoline units. The first is a 5.6 litre Endurance V8 that delivers 390 bhp (290 kW / 395 PS) and 543 Nm (401 lb/ft) of peak torque via a seven-speed automatic transmission. The second is a V6, but further details have yet to be released.

Customers can order the 2017 Titan with either rear- or four-wheel drive, and five trim grades are being offered.

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2016 Suzuki GSX-S1000 Yoshimura editions

February 18, 2016, 3:23 pm

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Suzuki has introduced three Yoshimura-themed special editions based on the GSX-S1000, GSX-S1000 ABS and GSX-S1000FA.

All feature a haul of Yoshimura parts which comprises an R11 exhaust, bar ends, the oil filler cap, a steering stem nut and the timing plug.

Removable pillion foot pegs, a cowl that can replace the pillion seat, paddock stand bobbins and a tank pad are also part of their enhanced specifications.

The bikes get distinctive looks too, courtesy of some unique graphics, wheel rim tape and matt black levers.

Available from next month, recommended retail prices (excluding road tax and first registration fee) are £700 higher than those of the regular models.

GSX-S1000 Yoshimura Special Edition	£9,799
GSX-S1000 ABS Yoshimura Special Edition	£10,299
GSX-S1000FA Yoshimura Special Edition	£10,699

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Lotus introduces the quickest Elise ever

February 20, 2016, 2:05 pm

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Three months after the Sport and Sport 220 models were launched, Lotus is continuing the revamp of its Elise range with the arrival of the Cup 250.

This new variant combines a 931 kg (2,052 lbs) unladen weight with a supercharged 1.8 litre four-cylinder engine that produces 243 bhp (181 kW / 246 PS). Compared to the preceding Cup 220, those figures are down by 21 kg (46 lbs) and up by 26 bhp (19 kW / 26 PS).

As would be expected, performance is impressive. Indeed, with a 0-62 mph (100 km/h) time of 4.3 seconds and a 154 mph (248 km/h) top speed, Lotus says the Cup 250 assumes the title of fastest production street-legal Elise.

Standard equipment includes a six-speed manual transmission, an electronic differential lock and Alcantara-covered carbon fibre seats. Also fitted are black forged alloy wheels and Yokohama Advan A048 LTS tyres (with those at the front now a slightly wider 195/50 R16 size).

The specially-calibrated suspension set-up is carried over from the Cup 220 and comprises Bilstein dampers, Eibach springs and an adjustable front anti-roll bar. AP Racing twin-piston front calipers, cross-drilled discs plus a track-tuned anti-lock system meanwhile ensure that the brakes are strong enough.

An extensive options list allows customers to follow two distinct themes. For example, those wanting additional comfort could specify the hard top, cruise control, air conditioning, leather upholstery, carpets and sound insulation.

Alternatively, buyers who foresee a lot of circuit use might prefer to pay extra for a quick-release steering wheel, four-point harnesses, a fire extinguisher and towing eyes. What's more, the rear wing, front splitter and side floor extensions can be ordered in carbon fibre, which incidentally saves a further 10 kg (22 lbs).

In the UK, prices for the Elise Cup 250 start from £45,600. Sales will begin in April, but Lotus intends to build just 200 examples each year.

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