Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG

For those who liked the brand new Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG we have a big announcement: the new sports car from the German manufacturer will be available to order from Monday, 16 November 2009. The sales price will be 149,000 euros net and 177,310 euros gross (including 19% VAT). “Following a high-profile world premiere at the IAA, we are very excited about the SLS AMG’s commercial release on Monday.

There is huge interest in our new super sports car and we are convinced that the SLS AMG will captivate our customers,” said Volker Mornhinweg, Chairman of the Management Board at Mercedes-AMG GmbH. The car can also be configured online at www.mercedes-amg.com and www.mercedes-benz.com

The new SLS AMG takes the Mercedes-Benz cars into a new era and demonstrates development expertise of the very highest order. Everything found beneath the stylish design is impressive: AMG 6.3-litre V8 front-mid-engine developing 420 kW/571 hp peak output, 650 Nm of torque and dry sump lubrication, seven-speed double-declutch transmission in a transaxle configuration, sports suspension with aluminium double wishbones and a kerb weight of 1620 kilograms based on the DIN standard – this superlative combination guarantees driving dynamics of the highest order. The sprint from 0 to 100 km/h is made in just 3.8 seconds while the top speed is electronically limited to 317 km/h. Fuel consumption of 13.2 litres per 100 kilometres (combined) makes it one of the best among its competitors.

Some of the main options include:

- AMG ceramic composite high-performance braking system: €9500 net/ €11,305 gross
- AMG performance suspension with a stiffer setup for optimum lateral
dynamics: €1200 net/€1428 gross
- AMG light-alloy wheels in a 5-twin-spoke design, size 9.5 x 19 inches (front) and 11.0 x 20 inches (rear), tyre sizes 265/35 R 19 (front) and 295/30 R 20 (rear): €950 net/€1130.50 gross
- AMG forged wheels in a 10-spoke design, size 9.5 x 19 inches (front) and 11.0 x 20 inches (rear), with tyre size 265/35 R 19 (front) and 295/30 R 20 (rear): €2000 net/€2380 gross
- AMG performance steering wheel in leather/Alcantara: €400 net/€476 gross
- AMG sports bucket seats: €3300 net/€3927 gross
- AMG carbon-fibre engine compartment cover: €4000 net/€4760 gross
- “AMG alubeam silver” paint finish: €10,000 net/€11,900 gross
- “AMG monza grey magno” paint finish: €3250 net/€3867.50 gross
- AMG carbon-fibre trim (front stowage tray and rear stowage compartment including lid, AMG DRIVE UNIT surround, surrounds for the centre console, shiftgate and rear, trim strips for centre console and door armrests): €3500 net/€4165 gross
- AMG interior carbon package (carbon-fibre trim, trim on seat backrests and sides, door sill panels): €3500 net/€4165 gross
- leather nappa exclusive single-/two-tone: €2500 net/€2975 gross
- Memory package with electric seat and steering column adjustment, as well as four-way lumbar support: €1225 net/€1457.75 gross
- 6-disc DVD changer: €660 net/€785.40 gross
- Bang & Olufsen BeoSound AMG surround sound system: €5900 net/ €7021 gross

Lotus Evora

Lotus announced today the arrival of the all-new 2010 Evora into the US market during the first quarter of 2010. With a price tag of $73,200, the Lotus Evora will enter the sports car market as the only mid-engine 2+2 in production. As you may know already, the Evora is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 which delivers 276 hp and lb./ft. of torque at 4,700 rpm. With these numbers the car can sprint to 60 mph in under 5 seconds and has a top speed of over 160 mph while delivering 30+ miles per gallon on the highway.

“Inside the Evora simplicity meets sophistication in an exquisite combination of detailing and hand-built craftsmanship. By using only the finest leather from renowned experts Muirhead, the interior is hand-trimmed and twin-stitched to create a beautifully tactile and visually striking environment. Genuine aluminum instrument and center console surfaces contain ergonomically positioned controls providing a purposeful drivers’ cockpit.

The leather wrapped steering wheel is tilt and telescopically adjustable, flat-bottomed to ease entry and exit and made from ultra-lightweight magnesium to provide super-precise feel through the wheel. The adjustable Recaro seats cradle the occupants and, along with the perfectly placed aluminum pedals, complete the optimum connection between driver - Evora - and the road. The rear seat area is cleverly hidden within the exotic, mid-engine profile of the Evora. An Alpine audio system with available touch-screen navigation, iPod™ (and other MP3 player) connectivity, Bluetooth and other amenities make the journey all the more pleasant. The Evora is a pure sports car that you can happily, comfortably enjoy every day.

For peace of mind, the 2010 Lotus Evora has a 3-year/36,000-mile limited vehicle warranty with an 8-year chassis perforation warranty. ”

Suzuki Kizashi priced from $19,734

A lot is hanging on how the Kizashi mid-sized sedan from American Suzuki Motor Corp. will be received in the US. Recently, Suzuki has released its pricing details. A model with front-wheel drive and a six-speed manual transmission is priced from $19,734, including shipping.

A $1,500 premium is attached to an automatic continuously variable transmission. The base all-wheel-drive model, which comes only with a CVT, is priced at $22,484. For the base mode, standard features include eight airbags; push-button keyless start; dual-zone climate control; power windows, doors and locks; and a nine-speaker CD system with steering wheel controls. The car comes only with a 2.4-liter inline four-cylinder engine. Currently being tested is a V-6 engine. Meanwhile, a gasoline-electric hybrid version is expected to arrive around 2011. In an interview at the recently held Tokyo Motor Show, Toshihiro Suzuki, Suzuki’s chief director of overseas sales, said that the Kizashi is “not necessarily our last chance.” However, he admitted that poor sales for the sedan would compel Suzuki to re-evaluate its position in the US. Suzuki’s current marketing budget is the carmaker’s largest ever.

Unique Ferrari 599 GTB HGTE China sold for 1.2 million euro

The Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano HGTE China has been auctioned and has sold for 1.2 million Euros to an anonymous person from Shanghai . The auction for the unique Ferrari 599 China was announced at the beginning of October. The venue for the auction, which was organized by the Prancing Horse, was the Red Gate Gallery in Beijing. The Ferrari 599 China was decorated by Lu Hao, a Chinese artist, who was inspired by the traditional Song Dynasty Ge Kiln pottery patterns. The funds raised by this auction will be received by outstanding students and young teachers of Tsinghua University ’s Department of Automotive Engineering to study at Italy ’s Politecnico di Milano University and internship at Ferrari’s headquarters.

Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG wins the ‘Golden Steering Wheel 2009′ award

According to more than a quarter of a million readers, “Bild am Sonntag”, “Auto Bild” and 25 associated European publications awarded the new 2010 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Gullwing is the world’s best super sports and received the “Golden Steering Wheel” – one of the most important automotive awards in Europe.

Eleven sports cars competed for this award, but it appears that almost one third of all votes were cast in favour of the new Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG. The new German sports car evokes memories of the the legendary 300 SL “Gullwing” sports car of the 1950s but excels when it comes to lightweight construction, superior driving dynamics and exemplary safety.

The SLS AMG is powered by the AMG 6.3-litre V8 front-mid-engine with dry sump lubrication capable to deliver 420 kW/571 hp and 650 newton metres of torque while connected to a seven-speed double-declutch transmission in a transaxle arrangement and a sports suspension with aluminium double wishbones it can push the car from 0 to 100 km/h in just in 3.8 seconds, and has a top speed of 317 km/h.

The Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG can be already ordered and will hit the dealerships from 16 November 2009. The purchase price is 177,310 EUR (incl. 19 % VAT); the market launch commences in spring 2010. The new Gullwing model is continuing a fine tradition in winning the “Golden Steering Wheel” award: with a total of 18 victories to date, Mercedes-Benz is among the most successful car brands in the competition for the “Golden Steering Wheel”.

Porsche Boxster Spyder breaks cover

Porsche AG introduced today the new Porsche Boxster Spyder, a new top version of the mid-engined roadster which will be officially revealed in December, at this year’s Los Angeles Auto Show.

Weighing just 1,275 kg or 2,811 lb, the Boxster Spyder, is in fact a lighter version of the standard Boxster and, according to the manufacturer, is the lightest model throughout the entire range of Porsche cars. The new car has been developed to be driven in open air but it also comes with a light soft top extending far to the rear serving exclusively to protect the driver and passenger from bright sunshine, wind and weather.

When closed, the soft top, together with the extra-low side windows and the two striking bulges on the single-piece rear lid, boasts a stretched and sleek silhouette reminiscent of the Carrera GT. The Boxster Spyder is powered by a 3.4-litre six-cylinder engine with Direct Fuel Injection upfront of the rear axle capable to deliver 320 bhp, with 10 bhp more than the Boxster S.

With these numbers, equipped with PDK Porsche-Doppelkupplungsgetriebe and the Sports Chrono Package, the new Spyder, using launch control, can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.8 seconds while the top speed is 267 km/h or 166 mph – with the roof open. With the optional PDK the vehicle also shows an impressive fuel consumption: 9.3 litres on 100 kilometres (equal to 30.4 mpg imp) in the NEDC New European Driving Cycle. The Porsche Boxster Spyder will be introduced on the market in February 2010: the base price in the Euro countries is 53,100 Euro without taxes while the full price will be 63,404 Euro.

Hyundai Genesis Coupe 2.0T R-Spec at the SEMA Show

The Hyundai Genesis Coupe 2.0T R-Spec is arriving at dealerships across the US, bearing a price of $23,750. The first production R-Spec model to arrive in the US made its world debut at the Hyundai booth at this year’s SEMA Auto Show. The core performance equipment of the R-Spec is taken from the 2.0T Track model. This includes Track-tuned suspension, 19-inch gunmetal-finish alloy wheels with performance Summer tires, Brembo braking system and Torsen limited-slip differential. In addition, the R-Spec eliminates non-essential convenience equipment to reduce both cost and weight. R-Spec’s installation of front strut camber adjustment bolts to further enhance initial turn-in and handling response is considered a huge nod at tuners.

‘55 Chevy introduces E-ROD crate engine package

After we saw the Corvette Grand Sport with Heritage Package, GM introduced today at this year’s SEMA Show a 1955 Chevy powered by the innovative, new E-ROD crate engine package.

“E-ROD represents a revolution in hot rodding by offering an unprecedented, emissions-legal engine and emissions system that carries approval from the influential California Air Resources Board (CARB),” said Dr. Jamie Meyer, product marketing manager for GM Performance Parts. “We developed this system because it’s the right thing to do, but our engineers did not sacrifice the performance that stirs hot rodders in the first place. It is a compromise-free package that delivers great power and efficiency, with the emissions of a modern vehicle.”

According to the manufacturer, the core of the E-ROD package is the LS3 6.2L V8 engine capable to deliver an impressive 430 hp. This package will be available on the opening day of the 2009 SEMA Show through GM dealers, authorized GMPP retailers and via the GMPP Web site, at a price of $9,375. Standard elements of the kit include: 6.2-liter LS3 crate engine, rated at 430 horsepower and 424 lb.-ft. of torque, GMPP LS3 engine wiring harness, GMPP engine control module, exhaust manifolds, catalytic converters. oxygen sensors and sensor bosses, fuel tank evaporative emissions canister, mass airflow sensor and sensor boss, accelerator pedal (for use with the LS3’s electronic throttle), air filter and an instruction manual.

“With the E-ROD system, you’re getting 160 percent more horsepower than the original small-block V-8 offered in 1955, but with emissions performance and efficiency that wasn’t even dreamt of half a century ago,” said Meyer. “This is how modern hot rods will be built. They’ll have the efficiency of a modern GM high-performance vehicle, be environmentally conscious and emissions-compliant – all while providing the owner with a smaller carbon footprint.”

Ford F-150 SVT Raptor XT at the SEMA Show

A more capable Raptor should be expected in the 2011 FR Raptor XT, which will soon be offered by Ford Racing. Furthermore, Ford Racing assures everyone though that the vehicle will continue to have the control and comfort in the production Raptor.

The FR Raptor XT is considered an off-road-only pre-runner and builds upon the production Raptor’s impressive capabilities. The FR Raptor XT is described to have nearly the same qualities as the truck that finished the 2008 Tecate SCORE Baja 1000, but it has all the comfort and convenience you’d find in a production Raptor. This makes the FR Raptor XT as essentially a turnkey professional pre-runner. The FR Raptor XT off-road-only truck will have a production run of 50 units, priced at $99,950

Maserati MC12, new “King of the Ring”

I know we talked a lot this week about the Nurburgring race track due to the conflict between Porsche and Nissan, because the Japanese manufacturer says that its GT-R is fast enough to set a lap record of 7 minutes and 29 seconds while the German manufacturer says Nissan is not telling the truth. Well, enough about them: today was a big day and supercars such as the Ferrari Enzo, Koenigsegg CCX, Maserati MC12, Pagani Zonda F Clubsport and Porsche Carrera GT wanted to claim the title of the new “King of the Ring”.

Many of you expected the 901 hp Koenigsegg CCX to win the competition but surprise, the car was the last due to the fact that the peaky way in which the power is delivered made it challenging to control. After the Koenigsegg came the Porsche Carrera GT (7m28s), followed closely by the Enzo with 7m25s. The Pagani came second with 7:24.65. On the first place was the 630 hp Maserati MC12, with 7:24.29. Designed for high level road use, the Maserati MC12 can exceed 330 km/h (205 mph) at full throttle, while sprinting from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in just 3.8 seconds.

World’s most expensive Bugatti Veyron with F1 number plate

During the MPH Show that features Top Gear Live at London’s Earls Court from Nov. 5 to 8, we’re willing to bet that the world’s most expensive Bugatti Veyron will be a star attraction. It even comes complete with an F1 number plate, the most expensive number plate sold in the UK. Owner Afzal Kahn says that even with an exorbitant price, it will still sell. He’s actually suggesting that the soft white 253mph supercar will be perfect for newly crowned Formula One champion Jenson Button. This car is capable of accelerating to 100mph in 5.5 seconds. Nonetheless, this 1,010 BHP Bugatti Veyron won’t be the only outrageously expensive car to appear on the MPH Show. So far, we know that the ultra rare GTbyCITROËN, worth over £1 million, is scheduled to appear at the show alongside fire-breathing examples from Pagani and Koenigsegg. There are rumors that the Ferrari FXX, Lamborghini GT600 and Pagani Zonda R will be appearing as well.

Lexus offering free Wi-Fi on selected American Airlines flights

If you’re both a customer of American Airlines and Lexus, the companies are giving you a treat by offering free Wi-Fi on select flights. The Gogo Inflight Internet service is a fee based service that is now available on all Boeing 767-200 flights, select MD80’s, and coming soon to the Boeing 737 fleet.

The free Wi-Fi inflight service will offer access to e-mail, social media sites, e-shopping or the latest news and sports headlines from laptops, smartphones and handheld PDAs from high-up in the sky.

John Tiliacos, American’s Managing Director - Onboard Products, said that with this special offer, the company hopes that its customers take advantage of this opportunity to connect inflight for work or fun. The promotion will start on November 1, a date which will coincide with the market introduction of the 2010 Lexus LS line, and run through November 7.

American Airlines passengers can use the free Wi-Fi promotion by entering the promotion code 2010LEXUSLS to connect to the service. The American division of Lexus has recently announced pricing for the 2010 Lexus LS 460 and GS, which will start from $45,000, while the LS 460 will have a starting price of $64,680. The longer, 460L version is priced from $70,225.

Lamborghini Murcielago LP 640 by JB Design

The tuning specialists at JB Design bring a new interpretation of the Italian supercar Lamborghini Murcielago LP 640 to us. The car was given both power and styling upgrades and comes with a changed underbody (ground effect) and an awesome final velocity.

What makes it highly special and visually arresting is the paint scheme called Blood to back Diamond, of which only JB Car Design has the patent. Its exclusivity cannot be argued since there are only 911 liters available worldwide with each liter costing 280 euros. Priced at 2,370 euros, the package consists of tinted windshield, back and side windows. The price includes the approval of the Technical control board.

The interior of the car has dark red Ultrasuede and black smooth leather and various carbon fiber accents. In addition, the package offers a new set of wheels, comprising a three part 20-inch Schmidt Revolution aluminum rims with hardened outer rim made of stainless steel shoed with Michelin wide base tires size 265/30-20 and 335/30-20. The aerodynamic package includes a front- and rear spoiler, rear diffuser, air intake in the front, side coverings, side skirts, a front opening hood as well as an engine hood. Power enhancements are offered with two levels of upgrade.

Priced at 28,000 euros, the first level gives an output of 710 hp while the second one gets it to 750 hp. JB Design claims that the supercar can reach a top speed of 370 km/h. The tuners also gave it a delightful feature, which allows the driver to change the sound of the exhaust pipe with the use of a remote control. The demonstration car has a price of 355,000 euros (YOC 2008, 9.000 km). The original price including the costs of the conversion stands 500,000 euros.

Veritas RS III goes into production

Production of Vermont AG’s much anticipated Veritas RS III Roadster will soon begin, with deliveries slated to begin in January 2010. Priced at 345,000 euros (about $515,000), each vehicle is handmade by 15 people and takes about eight weeks to complete.

Only three cars at a time will be built. The vehicle is a 1+1 seater, with a hidden second seat, and has no windshield. From the website, Vermont AG stated: Whether manual or sequential transmission, whether racetrack or road, whether untamed or with the ABS switched on - the RS III surely creates an authentic, pristine race feeling.

Its low weight of 1,080kg (2,381lbs) comes about because the vehicle is made from a lightweight carbon fiber body and a tubular frame structure, fitted with a BMW naturally aspirated 5.0-litre V10 engine, Ohlins suspension, Recaro seats, MF upholstery and Dunlop tires. The Veritas RS III Roadster is mated as standard with a 7-speed SMG transmission.

A 6-speed manual is available as an option. The vehicle is able to produce 507 hp at 7,750 rpm and 520 Nm of torque at 6,100 rpm, enabling it to reach a top speed of 216 mph (347 km/h), and go from 0 to 60mph in under 3.2 seconds. The sports car is fitted with shiftable ABS and TCS, along with electronic shift pedals (s

Ferrari F458 Italia priced at €162,900

Many have been keeping watch on any updates to the Ferrari F458 Italia. That’s why even if it is a leaked price list that hasn’t been confirmed, we feel it’s best to report it here. The Ferrari 458 Italia costs from £149,246 excluding VAT. This price list has been posted in internet forums and to date, Ferrari has not given any official statements. The list gives prices for the F430 replacement for the UK , as well as Europe , where it will reportedly cost 162,900 euro excluding local taxes. The list is thorough since options are also included. Metallic paint costs £2153 (€2,350), while “colors from the 50s and 60s” can be had for £6459(€7,050). If you’re setting up the 458 Italia for the track, racing harnesses are £1860 (€2,030), with a racing livery costing £5140 (€5,583). Upgraded 20-inch forged aluminum alloys will cost £3207 (€3,500) and the brake callipers will be available in rosso corsa, rosso scuderia, giallo Modena or aluminum for £779 (€850). Options for the interior options include a leather headlining for £458 (€488) and electrically adjustable seats costing £2016 (€2,200).

Lexus LFA breaks cover

With the ocassion of the 41st Tokyo Motor Show, Lexus finally revealed the LFA Supercar… a new vehicle that promises to deliver a supreme driving experience.

According to the manufacturer the main idea of the LFA project was to keep the car’s weight to an absolute minimum and in order to achive this, Lexus switched from using aluminium for the car’s construction to advanced Carbon Fibre Reinforced Plastic (CFRP) for the chassis and bodywork. For those who don’t know, the CFRP is four times stronger than aluminium and offers an exceptionally stiff and strong structure delivering major weight advantages and saving around 100kg on an equivalent aluminium body. So, per total, Lexus used CFRP for 65 per cent of the body-in-white, with aluminium alloy used for the remaining 35 per cent.

Under the hood, we find a naturally aspirated 4,805cc capacity V19 engine capable to deliver 560 hp, 480 Nm of torque at 6,800rpm (90 per cent of which is available from 3,700rpm) and rev to a wailing 9,000rpm red line. With these numbers the sprint from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) is made in just 3.7 seconds while the maximum speed achieved is 325 km/h (202 mph). With a kerb weight of 1,480kg, the LFA has a power to weight ratio of 373bhp per tonne, while specific output of 115bhp per litre is among the highest of any current supercar.

The amazing V10 engine is managed through an equally advanced transmission, a purpose-designed six-speed Automated Sequential Gearbox (ASG) that drives the rear wheels via a limited slip differential. The ASG uses paddle shifts mounted on the steering column and an upshift can be effected in just 0.2 seconds. The system offers four driving modes: Auto, Sport, Normal and Wet, activated by a selector dial on the dashboard. Each mode offers a specific gearshift programme, and engine and brake control logic systems.

The LFA also offers one of the most advanced and powerful braking systems fitted to any production car: the brake discs are made of Carbon Ceramic Material (CCM). The front discs are 390mm in diameter and 34mm thick, gripped by six-piston aluminium callipers while the rear discs measure 306mm across, are 28mm thick and are fitted with four-pot callipers. Besides the braked, the car comes with the 20-inch forged aluminium BBS wheels wrapped in asymmetric Bridgestone tyres: 265/35ZR20 at the front and 305/20ZR20 at the rear.

Regarding the aerodynamics, Lexus says that the car provides a drag coefficient of 0.31. Airflow is precisely controlled over, under and around the car. Inside, we find a stylish cabin divided into three zones: the mechanical zone, which includes the skeleton of the car’s construction; the human zone, with two seats placed right at the centre of the car; and the driving zone, with high-tech instrumentation that brings driver and machine together. Trim details are finished in brushed metal and the floor-hinged brake and throttle pedals are made of forged aluminium.

The Lexus LFA will be hand-assembled at the Motomachi plant in Toyota City, and the production will be limited to just 500 units. A maximum rate of 20 per month will ensure the finest build quality and attention to detail. The LFA will carry a price tag of €368,000.

Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution MR Touring priced at $40,990

Pricing for Mitsubishi’s 2010 Lancer Evolution MR Touring model begins from $40,990, exclusive of the $720 destination charge. The EVO MR Touring produces 291 horsepower and has a excellent array of standard features. These include a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine, mated to a paddle-shifted six-speed Twin Clutch Sportronic Shift Transmission (TC-SST), an Evo-first moonroof and genuine leather-covered heated Recaro seats. The seven-airbag safety system including a driver’s knee airbag is also featured as standard. The package boasts a 3 year/36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper New Vehicle Limited Warranty, a 7-year/100,000-mile anti-corrosion Perforation Limited Warranty, a 5-year/60,000-mile Powertrain New Vehicle Limited Warranty and a 5-year/Unlimited miles Roadside Assistance. If you decide to trust Mitsubishi’s taste entirely and go for the full package with all the optional features, you would have to pay more than $52,000.

Alfa MiTo MultiAir pricing announced

If you want an Alfa MiTo and would want it to be have Fiat’s revolutionary technology MultiAir that cuts CO2 emissions and fuel consumption while also increasing output, then you’ll have to pay 600 euros on top of the base price tag. Therefore in Italy, the MiTo with MultiAir will cost 17,400 euros. Prices will be slightly different across European markets. First to get the MiTo are Germany, France and Italy this month. The rest of Europe will get the car in October. The MultiAir technology makes the car’s system capable of cutting the emissions but also boosts the power level in small displacements engines. For example, the 1.4-liter MiTo with MultiAir results to a 20% power boost and CO2 emissions are cut by around 10%. From 120 hp, power is up 20.8% to 145 horsepower. CO2 output is reduced from 145 g/km to 129 g/km. Fuel consumption reduces from 6.1 l/100km to 5.6 l/100km.

Iacocca Silver 45th Anniversary Edition Ford Mustang priced at $89,950

Demand continues to be strong for the Iacocca Silver 45th Anniversary Edition Ford Mustang. This limited edition muscle car, only 45 of which will be made, was created to celebrate the forty-fifth year since the original Ford Mustang was introduced at the 1964 New York World’s Fair. Auto industry stalwart Lee Iacocca led the unveiling last June of its latest version, which features a unique Mustang fastback look. The “2009½” special edition cars are each finished in a unique “Iacocca” chosen silver hue. Although the car is officially priced from $89,950, one of the cars was auctioned off for a whopping $125,000. Some cars were sold for more than $100,000 and scores of orders and inquiries are being received for the remaining units.

Peugeot RCZ U.K. pricing announced

Pricing for the Peugeot RCZ Coupe starts from £19,900 when it goes on sale next spring. This is also one of the many cars set to be unveiled at the Frankfurt motor show. Said to rival the 2+2 Audi TT rival, the Peugeot RCZ will have a choice of three engines and two trims. The lowest-priced model will have the 1.6-litre THP 156 engine and a manual gearbox. Standard equipment includes alloy wheels, sports front seats, dual-zone air-conditioning, and a host of safety kit, including four airbags and ESP. For an upgrade to the second trim level that will cost £2300, you will get leather upholstery, electric front seats, automatic lights and wipers, and larger alloy wheels. You’re also going to get to choose from a range of personalization options, such as different roof panels and alloy wheels, sat-nav and a variety of styling enhancements. To get an automatic gearbox with the basic engine, just add £1100 to the price. However, the remaining engines come only with a manual gearbox. Models with the 2.0 HDI 163 diesel engine cost £1800 more than the equivalent car with the THP 156 engine. The flagship of the range will carry the 200bhp version of the 1.6 THP engine, which comes only with the upper trim level and costs £24,500.