Diversifying with different reasons.
FERRARI 458 SPIDER
The Spider now comes with a folding tin-top.
The open-top body of Ferrari's mainstay model has finally been revealed. But instead of getting a traditional canvas-top, the 458 Spider receives a folding tin-top variation making it the first mid-engine sports car to get such a mechanism.
However, the Spider's roof structure isn't the same as that used in the California, the first Fezza to go CC (coupe/cabriolet).
Instead of using hinges like in the California, the Spider employs a simpler central pivot _ similar to the one found in the past 575 Superdhamerica.
By making the folding hard-top from aluminium, Ferrari says that a saving of 25kg has been made possible when compared to a soft-top. Even though the Spider is 50kg heavier than the 458 Italia coupe, it has managed to retain the 0-100kph acceleration time of 3.4sec.
The Spider and Italia share the same drivetrain: 570hp 4.5.-litre V8 and seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmisssion.
Slated to cost at least 25 million baht on Thai shores, the Spider makes its world premiere in Frankfurt next month before deliveries start next year.
MERCEDES-BENZ SLK
The SLK55 boasts the highest power in its class.
Unlike the Bentley and Ferrari, the Mercedes-Benz SLK is making it presence felt by getting two new engine options _ left and right.
In one corner is the mighty SLK55 AMG getting a new 5.5-litre normally aspirated V8 that's not to be confused with the 6.2-litre V8 used in the C63. The SLK's engine block, codenamed M152, is shared with the M157 turbocharged variation employed in higher positioned models like the CLS63 and S63 AMG both producing 500hp.
The SLK55 pumps out a class-leading 422hp and comes with the so-called controlled efficiency system that can cut off operation of four cylinders between 800-3,600rpm. The 0-100kph time is 4.6sec and the 11.9kpl economy is claimed to improve by 30% over the outgoing SLK55.
To help the SLK55 feel sportier than other SLKs, there's a stiffer suspension, more direct steering, three-stage ESP and torque-vectoring brakes.
On the other end of the SLK strata is the SLK250 CDI, a first for the model range. The 204hp 2.1-litre diesel-turbo comes from the C250 and E250 CDIs and helps the SLK achieve a 0-100kph time in a decent 6.7sec while achieving an Ecocar-like 20.4kpl fuel consumption.
Should these SLKs come to Thailand, the AMG range-topper would budge nearly 10 million baht, while the diesel roadster will go for some 4.5 million.
BENTLEY CONTINENTAL GTC
The new GTC still comes with the old W12 engine.
Britain's posh brand will also use the German motor show to unveil the second-generation Continental in GTC form sporting a classic soft-top. Like the Coupe body, the GTC sees very subtle tweaks in design and technology credentials.
The GTC's body is 70kg leaner than before, as well as having 40mm wider tracks and a sportier steering and suspension set-up to enable the car to handle better than in the outgoing model. Now standard in the GTC are 20-inch wheels, while 21-inchers will be optional.
The recipe for the drivetrain is exactly the same as the Coupe's: 575hp (up by 15hp) 6.0-litre W12 twin-turbo petrol engine and a quicker-shifting six-speed torque convertor automatic. Pricing of the GTS is also expected to be close to the Coupe's 20 million baht sticker price.
Although Bentley last year announced that a new Audi-sourced 4.0-litre turbo V8 will appear this year, the engine in waiting has yet to emerge. The new eight-pot has been designed to make Bentleys more frugal on fuel as powerful as the 12-cylinder unit.
Credit: Bangkok Post (www.bangkokpost.com)
No comments:
Post a Comment