Suzuki's Equator Suzuki new pickup will be called the Equator. It was caught being tested in California. The Equator is virtually pure Nissan Frontier, which is not a bad thing. The Equator comes with 2wd and 4wd models from Nissan's and the engine choices will be 2.5-ltre four or 4.0-litre V6. Both extended and crew cab set-ups will be on offer for buyers needing space. The 'Zuki pickup is to hit showrooms later this year.
Weds creates full carbon fibre wheel
The Japanese wheel maker, Weds Sports, has created a full carbon fibre wheel - rims, spokes, hub, everything - that weighs 2.76 kg. Weds apparently hasn't yet put them in production. The cost for a set of four rims is US$12,000. If you live in an area with no potholes and no curbs, these could be the rims for you.
2009 Ford Focus RS
The 2009 Focus RS is powered by a turbocharged Duratec 2.5L five-cylinder producing about 300 hp and 325 ft/lb of torque and can reach 62 mph in less than six seconds on its way to a top speed of 162 mph. The front-wheel-drive pocket rocket will channel all that energy to the ground through a Quaife Automatic Torque Biasing limited-slip diff and what Ford calls the 'RevoKnuckle' front suspension.
The development work has confirmed that it is the fastest production European Ford car. The Ford Focus will be available in three colours: Ultimate Green, Performance Blue and Frozen White. The Focus will be rolling on 235/35/19 wheels with low-profile Continental tyres.
The Focus was first shown at the Geneva Motor Show in 1998 and since then 5.4 million have been built. I wonder if Gary 'The Colonel' Greg and Jeffery Panton will be lining up to get their hands on one of these?
BMW four-cylinder 3-series for US
In the United States you can't get a Bimmer with less than six cylinders, but the four-cylinder is quite common across the pond. The German automaker has plans to change that by adding the direct-injected 2.0L four-cylinder from Europe to the 3-Series. There is a 170-hp engine that comes in the 320i and 120i in Europe.
This engine is quiet efficient which averages over 38 mpg in the European combined test cycle. BMW project director Oliver Friedmann didn't commit any concrete plans for a US four-cylinder. He did say that the US probably isn't ready for a diesel four-cylinder. Tests were done in the twin-turbo 123d and results showed 37 mpg was achieved. In all fairness, the petrol 2.0L would be well received in Jamaica. High fuel prices have given Jamaicans plenty of motivation to welcome a 2.0L Bimmer with open arms.
BMW 8-Series on the way
BMW's M performance division is rumoured to be working on their own four-door luxury GT for a 2010 launch. With their scopes aimed squarely at the upcoming Porsche Panamera and Mercedes-Benz CLS, the platform for the new flagship will be shared with the new 7-Series. Under the bonnet it is expected to have a 6.0-litre V12 or a twin-turbocharged V8. Both of those engines promise prodigious amounts of power, and the lightened chassis will be tuned for performance. BMW insists the new car will not be badged an M8.
Lexus selling cars to UK police
Japanese luxury car maker Lexus has joined the line to sell there vehicles to the UK police at a police-car buyer's conference in Cheltenham, England. The entire Lexus line-up will be adorned in full law-enforcement get-up. On display were the RX400h and GS450h hybrid models, along with the top-end LS600, also the IS 200D and the IS 250 as well as the gas and diesel versions. VW Fiat BMW and Mitsubishi will also be making an appearance at the conference starting in September. Now, I wonder if our local constabulary will consider that for our cops. Hmmmmm.
Hummer academy in Sahara
General Motors division has set up a driving academy in the middle of the Sahara desert to give participants a hands-on training programme for off-road driving through some of the harshest terrain Mother Earth has to offer.
The inaugural session will kick off this coming November, taking 28 participants in 14 vehicles - each with alternating pilot and co-pilot - on an 800-mile, five-day journey through the Moroccan Sahara. The 14 Hummer H3s used in the course are equipped with survival gear, sand tyres and GPS equipment, but are otherwise stock. The programme costs nearly $6,000 per two-man team and includes luxury accommodations at each stop along the way, in addition to tutelage in driving and navigation techniques.
