Best Cars and New Cars: July 2010

Jeep Grand Cherokee

"Jeep innovations including Quadra-Lift air suspension and Selec-Terrain traction control separate us from the crowd." "Jeep invented the SUV segment and our all-new Jeep Grand Cherokee is the next step in the evolution of the SUV," said Mike Accavitti, Director - Jeep, Chrysler and Dodge Brands. The all-new 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee is built on a proven rear-wheel-drive unibody platform sharing the same underpinnings as the Mercedes-Benz ML. New front and rear independent suspension systems deliver premium on-road handling and comfort.

"Our all-new Jeep Grand Cherokee hits the sweet spot of premium on-road performance and legendary class-leading Jeep capability." The all-new Quadra-Lift air suspension system delivers legendary Jeep off-road capability along with the new Selec-Terrain system that allows the driver to choose the drive system that best matches on- or off-road driving conditions. "We listened carefully to our customers and the market," said Scott Kunselman, Vice President - Jeep/Truck Product Team, Chrysler LLC. It also offers improved fuel economy (up to 11 percent) and a world-class interior cabin. The all-new Jeep Grand Cherokee delivers premium on-road performance while maintaining the Jeep brand's legendary four-wheel-drive, torque-on-demand two-speed transfer case and towing capability.

McLaren M6GT

Two M6GTs were later converted to road cars, one of which became Bruce McLaren's personal transport. The company's plan to homologate it for the FIA's Group 4 regulations was however never completed, and only a few M6GT prototypes were finished by McLaren and Trojan. The M6 name was later used in the development of a closed-cockpit sports car for the 24 Hours of Le Mans and known as the M6GT.

After the McLaren M6A were replaced by the M8A in preparation for 1968, McLaren and technical partner Trojan developed the M6B which was sold to customers for use in Can-Am as well as other racing series. As a replacement for the team's M1Bs from 1966, the Chevrolet-powered McLaren M6A's improved design earned Bruce McLaren and his team their first of multiple Can-Am championships. The McLaren M6A was a racing car developed by driver Bruce McLaren and his Bruce McLaren Motor Racing team for their entry in 1967 Can-Am season.

McLaren F1

The bespoke engineered engine for the McLaren F1 is called the BMW S70/2. At 266 kg (586 lb), the resulting engine was slightly heavier than Murray's original maximum specification weight of 250 kg (551 lb) but was also considerably more powerful than he had specified. The final result is a custom-built 6.1 L (6064 cc) 60-degree V12 with an aluminium alloy block and head, 86 mm (3.4 in) x 87 mm (3.4 in) bore/stroke, quad overhead camshafts for maximum flexibility of control over the four valves per cylinder and a chain drive for the camshafts for maximum reliability, the engine is dry sump. Murray initially approached Honda for an NA powerplant with 550 bhp (410 kW; 560 PS), 600 mm (23.6 in) block length and total weight of 250 kilograms (550 lb).

Turbochargers and superchargers increase power but they increase complexity and can decrease reliability as well as introducing an additional aspect of latency and loss of feedback, the ability of the driver to maintain maximum control of the engine is thus decreased. Gordon Murray insisted that the engine for this car be naturally aspirated to increase reliability and driver control.

McLaren F1 GTR

The weight was reduced to a total of 910 kg. A total of ten McLaren F1 GTR '97s were built. Due to the heavily modified bodywork, the McLaren F1 GTR '97 is often referred to as the "Longtail" thanks to the rear bodywork being extended to increase rear downforce.

The engine was slightly destroked to 6.0L instead of the previous 6.1L. Weight was further reduced and a sequential transaxle was added. McLaren F1 GTR '97 With the F1 GT homologated, McLaren could now develop the McLaren F1 GTR for the 1997 season. The weight was reduced with around 100 kg from the 1995 GTR edition and the engine was kept detuned at 600 HP to comply with racing regulations.

The car was driven by David Brabham and John Nielsen. McLaren F1 GTR '96 chassis #14R is notable as being the first non-Japanese car to win a race in the All-Japan Grand Touring Car Championship (JGTC). Nine more F1 GTRs were built to 1996 spec, while some 1995 cars were still campaigned by privateers. To follow up on the success of the McLaren F1 GTR into 1996, McLaren further developed the '95 model, leading to a size increase but weight decrease.

McLaren MP4-12C

Incorporating the leading edge technologies that the McLaren Group has built up within its various companies, I believe we are now perfectly placed to open up this new chapter in McLaren's history as well as play a part in the regeneration of high-tech manufacturing in the UK and global automotive environment," he concluded. "We began designing and building cars for aficionados of thoroughbred sports cars almost 20 years ago. "It is a long-held dream of mine to launch a range of high performance sports cars that set new standards in the industry," said Dennis. McLaren Automotive now looks to the future with a new range of revolutionary sports cars.

Through a rich modern history, McLaren's automotive division has already built the world's most critically acclaimed supercar, the McLaren F1 (1993-1998) and the world's best-selling luxury supercar, the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren (2003-2009). The rules in the sports car world are about to be re-written. Twenty years of sports car design, engineering and production combined with inspirational success in Formula 1 have driven Ron Dennis, McLaren Automotive Chairman, to announce his plans for the ultimate line-up of technology-led and customer-focused performance cars for the 21st century. The 12C, and future models within the range, will challenge the world's best sports cars, benefiting from the expertise and virtuosity of the McLaren Group.

The McLaren MP4-12C is revealed as the first in a range of high-performance sports cars from McLaren Automotive, the independent car division based at the McLaren Technology Centre in Woking, England.

Fiat 500 Abarth R3T

The racing shock-absorbers are adjustable, with coaxial spring and wheel to alter the ground clearance Great care has been taken to ensure the suspension can be adjusted to obtain a ride suited to each driver's individual driving style. The gearbox is sequential, front meshing with 6 speeds and includes a multiplate self-locking differential, twin plate clutch and special half-axles. The Fiat 500 Abarth power unit is 1368 cm3 with a Garret GT 1446 fixed geometry turbocharger capable of delivering a power of 180 hp (132 kw) at 5500 rpm. Ideal for private drivers and young people who want to show their worth in a true racing car, capable of outstanding performance by any standard.

This class will be the future of the specialism because it represents a good compromise between car cost and performance. The Fiat 500 Abarth rally version will be type approved for Group R3T, the category for turbocharged cars up to 1600 cm3 in capacity. Since 1977, to be precise, when the first ever Autobianchi A112 Abarth Championship was held, followed by trophies for the Fiat Uno, Uno Turbo, Cinquecento, Seicento, Punto Kit and Super 1600, Stilo, Panda Kit. For Abarth, this marks a return to promotional trophy events, a niche it has made its own for more than thirty years. The new Fiat 500 Abarth R3T will lend its name to a promotional rally trophy in 2010, due to join the two track events (European and Italian) planned for the Fiat 500 Abarth Assetto Corse.

Fiat Doblo Cargo

The loading compartment is much roomier than the previous model: square, regular and fully exploitable, it is equipped with sliding side doors and generously-sized rear doors to make light work of loading and unloading. These record-breaking features point to major benefits in terms of work optimisation and running cost reduction for customers. The record-breaking features of the new Fiat Professional vehicle Built on a new platform, the new Fiat Doblò Cargo has broken many records in its class: interior length up to 2.17 metres, width between wheel arches of 1.23 metres, volume from 3.4 to 4.2 cubic metres, payload from 750 to 1000 kilograms, combined fuel consumption of 4.8 litres/100 km and range of 1250 kilometres (with the 1.3 Multijet 90 HP engine). The Fiat Doblò Cargo was created for these people with roominess, cost-effective running, loading and driving ease, combined with safety and comfort, in mind.

It is ideal for professionals who spend many hours of the day riding in the vehicle: in city traffic and for frequent stopping-and-going for loading and unloading cargo but also for quick, long-distance transfers. The new Fiat Doblò Cargo is top-in-class in terms of performance and functional features, load capacity and productivity, low fuel consumption and cost-effective running.

Fiat Sedici

The most distinctive feature of the new Fiat Sedici is its ability to move effortlessly from chaotic urban traffic to tough outdoor routes over rough and slippery terrain. The new bumper, reminiscent of robust "bull bars", adds strength and character to the design, while the metallic trim around the fog lights emphasises a practical elegance that is perfectly at home even in the most prestigious city centres. Now, the appearance of the new model incorporates a series of details that immediately refer to the modern crossovers, with a solution that is trend-proof and destined to last a long time.

With the new Sedici, the Fiat range acquires greater coherence and modernity, thanks to styling that is more consistent with that of other models. Fiat is renewing the Fiat Sedici in style and choice of engines: from now the Fiat Sedici is even more respectful of the environment thanks to two new Euro 5 engines (the 120CV 1.6 16v petrol engine and the 135CV 2.0 16v Multijet diesel), making it the "best in class" SUV for CO2 emissions.

Ferrari 458 Challenge

The F1-Trac is completely integrated with the E-Diff to guarantee maximum acceleration out of corners. Two specific track-biased calibrations - wet and dry - have been developed for this application, with control logic and strategies derived from Ferrari's extensive racing experience in the F1 and GT championships. Developed in-house by Ferrari, the F1-Trac system constantly monitors levels of grip for maximum high-performance road-holding. Another first for a Ferrari Challenge model is the adoption of the F1-Trac traction control system, the most sophisticated of its kind.

It is also equipped with the new generation Brembo CCM2 brakes which debuted on the 599XX, Ferrari's extreme experimental laboratory car, and which are integrated with an ABS system that features two configurations - low grip and high performance for dry surfaces. The new Ferrari 458 Challenge also has a specific suspension set-up with solid aluminium bushings, stiffer springs, single-rate dampers, centre-nut 19" racing rims, larger dimension Pirelli slicks and a ride height lowered by 30mm all round.

Ferrari 458 Italia

The engineers have developed specific, sportier gear ratios to match the power and torque curves of the new V8, guaranteeing high torque even at lower engine speeds and allowing the car to reach its maximum speed in top gear. The Ferrari 458 Italia is equipped with the seven-speed dual-clutch transmission which increases performance whilst providing very smooth shifts even at full throttle. The car's soundtrack is also typical Ferrari, with an exciting, powerful growl emerging from the engine before it channels through to the exhaust's three rear tailpipes. However, what is truly extraordinary is the amount of torque available while still maintaining high levels of power at low revs.

Specific torque is a record 120 Nm/litre. Maximum torque is 540 Nm at 6000 rpm, over 80 per cent of which is available from 3250 rpm. Equipped with the traditional flat-plane crankshaft, the engine delivers 570 CV at 9000 rpm and, with an outstanding power output of 127 CV/litre, sets a new benchmark not only for the whole Ferrari range and the history of company, but also for the entire market segment. It has a very low piston compression height typical of racing engines which contributed to achieving its compression ratio of 12.5:1.

Ferrari 599 GTO

The result is the almost complete absence of understeer and a truly communicative chassis. Fundamental to the GTO's performance is the innovative approach to chassis development which, for the first time on a production car, saw the integration between a handling set-up tuned for a level of responsiveness that is close to the limit and highly sophisticated electronic controls. Just as significant are the technical specifications - 670 hp in a 1495kg car represents a weight-to-power ratio of just 2.23 kg/hp, and ensures a 0-100 km/h acceleration time of just 3.35" as well as a top speed of over 335 km/h.

The Fiorano lap time provides just one indication of the potential of this car. The Ferrari 599 GTO benefits directly from the technological transfer from racing and set a record lap time at Fiorano in 1'24". The Ferrari 599 GTO is reserved for just 599 clients who seek the maximum expression of high-performance driving.

TVR Tuscan 2006

Bore and stroke: 96 mm by 92 mm (4.0 L) or 96 mm by 83 mm (3.6 L)
Power and torque:
- TVR Tuscan: 360 hp (268.5 kW), 310 ft.lbf (420.3 Nm)
- TVR Tuscan Red Rose: 380 hp (283.4 kW), 310 ft.lbf (420.3 Nm)
- TVR Tuscan S (pre-2003): 390 hp (290.8 kW), 310 ft.lbf (420.3 Nm)
- TVR Tuscan S (post-2003): 400 hp (298.3 kW), 315 ft.lbf (427.1 Nm)
- 3.6 L: 350 hp (261 kW), 290 ft.lbf (393.2 Nm)

TVR Tuscan Convertible

Performance

0-30 mph: 1.73 s
0-60 mph: 3.68 s
0-100 mph: 8.08 s
100-0 mph: 4.15 s

Volkswagen Sharan 2011

Side supports on the backrests (secured to the head rest guides) also ensure that they remain seated in the ideal position. The seat's surface is raised for the children via a simple mechanism, while adjustable seat sides hold them snugly in place. The seats are suitable for children aged three and above.

They offer younger passengers optimum safety and comfort. An important point for families is that the two outer seats can again be ordered with an integrated child seat. The internal height, meanwhile, has stayed at the same level. the traditional back seats: this comprises individual seats that can be moved 160mm back and forth and which now provide much more legroom thanks to, among other changes, the height of the seats being increased by 58mm.

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