Koenigsegg CCX, 2006

 

 

 

 Koenigsegg CCX, 2006

The CCX is the latest iteration of the Koenigsegg CC family. The CCX is in many aspects a new car since it has been re-engineered to comply with the US regulation and market demands. Still, it has been a key issue for the Koenigsegg Team to keep the distinctive and record breaking CC shape. Koenigsegg believes it is important to avoid trends and instead hone the aerodynamic shape of the CC range for the future, only enhancing its unique look and appearance with tighter lines and a more aggressive stance. At Koenigsegg they also believe in continuity. A new Koenigsegg shall show clear lineage from its predecessor and shall not follow any other design trends - but enhance its already proven concept and shape to perfection.

The Body & the interior
The CCX features a completely new set of body and interior parts. The new body incorporates a new front bumper design, engineered to function well in the stringent 2.5 mph bumper test, including enhanced brake cooling, fog lamps and US side position lights. The front lamps have been slightly redesigned to suit the new bumper line.

There is a new scoop on the front bonnet acting as a larger fresh air-intake for the occupants and new air vents have been added behind the front wheels in order to further evacuate air from the cockpit. The frontal shape revisions now allow for effective track use options to be added.

The side rocker panels feature side skirts in order to further enhance downforce by increasing underbody area. The new exterior of the car has been created using the industry leading Icem Surf CAD software, guaranteeing a perfect fit and finish as well as optimal highlights.

The car is 88 mm longer in order to comply with the US rear impact regulations and in order to free up space around the rear muffler. The rear clamshell now features a glass window over the new CCX engine, clearly showing off the bespoke and unique Koenigsegg Block casting. The mufflers have received improved cooling, by incorporating grill vents above in the clamshell. The number plate area is now adapted to suit both US and Euro size number plates.

Space
There is a further 50 mm in headroom, making the CCX the most spacious super car on the market, truly considering the taller drivers needs. Koenigsegg believes to have found a unique market niche by enabling really tall drivers to fit well inside the car, still with its highest point only 1120 mm above the tarmac.

Seats
In corporation with Sparco, and Koenigsegg test driver Loris Bicocchi, Koenigsegg has developed a new seat design for the CCX. The structure of the seat are still carbon fiber, but now feature fully padded front surface and a tilting backrest. The striking and very comfortable Tempur padded CCR seats can still be fitted in the CCX on special order.

Wheels / Brakes
The optimal ceramic 382 mm front discs are coupled to 8 piston calipers and in the rear the 362 mm size is retained with 6 piston calipers. The optional industry first carbon fiber wheels save another 3 kg per wheel compared to the already lightweight magnesium wheels that comes as standard. The ceramic discs save another 2 kg per wheel, giving the Koenigsegg CCX lower unsprung weight than any other super car.

The Aerodynamic Enhancement
Between the raised speedster humps there is a new type of vortex generator originally conceived and patented by Torbjörn Gustavsson at Vortaflow and implemented as a Ram Air engine booster by Christian Koenigsegg on the CCX. Due to the fact that there is a fresh air engine intake right below the rear window, the vortex generator redirects the air directly into the air intake and thereby creating a positive pressure in the air box. To normally obtain this phenomenon in a mid engine car a roof scoop is required, increasing frontal area. In the case of the CCX, the small frontal area can still be kept and rearward visibility is unaffected, even though it has now got true ram air intake over its mid mounted engine.

Electronics
The CCX now features, wholly digital, intelligent fuse and relay unit. This means that there are not physical fuses or relays as such. The unit is programmable and is can-bus connected to a display unit which sends crucial information to the driver. The main advantages of this system are its reliability, light weight, small physical size, programmability and direct information to the driver. The system is prepared for future upgrades and functions.

The Unique Koenigsegg Engine
The engine in the CCX retains the incredible performance and power of the CCR engine, while running on US 91 octane fuel and complying with California emission regulations. In order to reach this challenging goal, extensive rework had to be done to emission related items, such as new cylinder heads with larger valve area and more optimally flowing cylinder head ports. Dual smaller injectors per cylinder were integrated, as well as new camshafts, a new carbon fiber individual runner intake plenum, a new engine management system, updated fuel and EVAP system. New exhaust system where the catalytic converters are moved closer to the engine for earlier light-off time. A returnless fuel system has also been implemented with pumps integrated into the new fuel tank. All in all, a heavy rework in order to retain the unique performance of the CCX engine and at the same time comply with the strictest emission regulations in the world.

The new and cleaner CCX engine also incorporates the first engine block design that is specifically created and cast for Koenigsegg, with the Koenigsegg shield embossed in the casting on both left and right side of the engine block. The new block design is an all aluminum construction made out of 356 aluminum with T7 heat treat that has undergone a High Intensity Pressure process in order to further enhance block integrity as well as cylinder bore chill during casting. The new block reaffirms the future development of Koenigsegg engines and makes Koenigsegg stand out among low volume supercar manufacturers, due to the fact that Koenigsegg engineer the engine completely in house in combination with the fact that it is also built, assembled, and dyno tested in the Koenigsegg production plant. The Koenigsegg Engineers also incorporated the most powerful internal piston coolers in the industry - bringing down the piston temperature, by as much as 80% more than competing systems, which was a must in order to run high cylinder pressure with 91 octane fuel.

Koenigsegg CCR, 2004

 

 

 

 

Koenigsegg CCR, 2004

The Koenigsegg CCR is an automobile and supercar made by Koenigsegg. Designed and manufactured in Ängelholm, Sweden, it debuted at the 2004 Geneva Auto Show. It briefly held the world speed records for a production car.

Overview
The CCR is based on the Koenigsegg CC8S, featuring more power and higher performance. The improved-power engine was made possible by the use of a Lysholm twin-screw supercharger and a new titanium exhaust system. This takes the power output to a maximum of 806 hp (601 kW) at 6,900 rpm. Torque is also distributed evenly and peaks at 920 N·m (678 ft·lbf) at 5,700 rpm. Newer versions (the Koenigsegg CCX) appear to use twin Rotrex centrifugal type superchargers instead, providing the same power, but lowering the peak torque point from 5,700 to 5,400 rpm. (Note: This information of performance is partially updated in their official page.)

Externally the CCR looks similar to the CC8S, but features a new side air-intake design, a tweaked headlight arrangement, a revised rear-end, larger brakes, more power and new front splitters for optimized downforce. Like the CC8S, the CCR is a two-seat coupe with a mid-engine, featuring large scissor doors that open by rotating up and forward.

To honour the Swedish Fighter Jet Squadron No. 1, (Johan röd) which had occupied the current facility of Koenigsegg, the CCR is adorned with a symbol of a ghost, the symbol of the squadron.

On a History Channel special on the CCR (Aug, 2006), Koenigsegg states that the base price for the CCR is approximately US$590,000.

Testing history
The manufacturers claim the CCR is the fastest road car in the world, with a theoretical top speed of more than 385 km/h (240 mph).

On February 28, 2005, at 12.08 local time, the Koenigsegg CCR broke the production road car speed record, achieving a new official top speed of 387.87 km/h (241 mph) at Italy's Nardo Prototipo proving ground. A team of five Koenigsegg engineers and mechanics together with founder Christian von Koenigsegg ran a technically standard CCR, driven by famous supercar test driver and veteran record breaker Loris Bicocchi. The car was clocked using Tag Heuer´s Splitmaster 650 with photocells stationary at the track, recording the average speed during 1 km.

The CCR took the record from the McLaren F1, which held the record for over 10 years of 386.7 km/h, set on the 9 km straight track at the VW Ehra facility in Wolfsburg, Germany. The CCR ran on the Nardo/Prototipo track, a circular track with a circumference of 12.5 km. This means that the car is driven in a constant turning motion, which makes the exercise and speed even more impressive. The steering wheel at this speed is kept at around 30 degrees of constant angle, a fairly sharp angle for the speed. On the same track, the F1 managed an unofficial record of 372 km/h.

In May, 2005 not long after the CCR claimed the record, a prototype of long awaited Bugatti Veyron took the crown with a top speed over 400 km/h (249 mph). The final production model of the Veyron reached a speed of 407.5 km/h (253.2 mph) in the hands of Car and Driver in their November 2005 issue.

Performance

•  Acceleration: 0-100 km/h (0–62 mph) 3.2 seconds
•  Top speed: 395+ km/h (242+ mph) @6790 rpm (Max rpm = 7600)
•  Standing quarter mile: 9 seconds, end speed 235 km/h (146 mph)
•  Braking distance: 31 m (100–0 km/h)
•  Lateral g-force: 1.3 g (13 m/s²)

Body
    * Two-door, two-seater with removable hardtop stowable under the bonnet. The body is made of carbon fibre/kevlar as well as lightweight hard-foam sandwich reinforcements for gas.

Dimensions
    * Ground clearance: 100 mm (3.9 in)
    * Luggage compartment: 120 litres (4.24 cubic feet)

Aerodynamics
    * Cd 0.297. Frontal area 1.825 m². Underbody venturis and diffusers

Suspension
    * Double wishbone, front and rear.
    * Adjustable shock absorbers.
    * Electronically adjustable ride height.

Brakes
    * Front and rear ventilated disc brakes, 362 mm x 32 mm (14.25" x .8").
    * 6 piston calipers.

Wheels
    * Koenigsegg magnesium alloy wheels with centre locking.
    * Front: 19” x 9.5”
    * Rear: 20” x 12.5”

Tires
    * Michelin Pilot Sport 2 tires. Unidirectional with asymmetric tread pattern.
    * Front: 255/35–19”
    * Rear: 335/30–20”

Steering
    * Rack and pinion power steering. 2.7 turns lock to lock. Turning circle: 11 metres.

Engine specifications

• Type: Ford Modular engine V8 cast aluminium, 4 valves per cylinder, double overhead camshafts. Cam cover of carbon fiber.
• Engine displacement: 4.7 litres.
• Compression ratio: 8.6:1
• Weight: 215 kg
• Lubrication system: Dry sump with under-piston oil squirters; oil cooler.
• Motor oil: SAE 10W60 synthetic.
• Oil tank capacity: 12 litres (10.56 quarts)
• Induction system: Sequential multipoint fuel injection. Dual Rotrex centrifugal intercooled superchargers with maximum 1.4 bar boost pressure.
• Fuel: 98 RON unleaded.
• Ignition system: Electronic Coil on plug (Direct Ignition - DI).
• Engine redline: 7,600 rpm.

Transmission
    * Purpose-built Cima 6-speed transmission.
          o Incorporates internal oil pump with cooler.
          o Torsen limited slip differential.
    * Electronically-operated, sintered organic dual-plate clutch of 215 mm (8½ inch) diameter.

Citroen SM, 1972

 

 

Citroen SM, 1972

The Citroën SM was a high performance coupé produced by the French manufacturer Citroën between 1970 and 1975. The SM placed third in the 1971 European Car of the Year contest, trailing its stablemate Citroën GS, and won the 1972 Motor Trend Car of the Year award in the US in 1972.

In 1961, Citroën began work on 'Project S' - a sports variant of the revolutionary Citroën DS. As was customary for the firm, many running concept vehicles were developed, increasingly complex and upmarket from the DS - eventually becoming a halo vehicle for the brand. Citroën purchased Maserati in 1968 with the intention of harnessing Maserati's high performance engine technology to produce a true Gran Turismo car, combining the sophisticated Citroën suspension with a Maserati V6 engine.

The result was the Citroën SM (Sport Maserati), first shown at the Geneva Motor Show in March1970. It finally went on sale in France in September of that year. All produced were left-hand-drive, although some RHD conversions were done in the UK.

The SM was Citroën's flagship vehicle, competing with other high performance GTs of the time from manufacturers such as Jaguar, Lotus and Porsche. It was also Citroën's way of demonstrating just how much power and performance could be accommodated in a front-wheel drive design.

The SM innovated a new type of variable assist power steering that has since spread throughout the vehicle population. It allowed great assistance to the motorist while parking, but little assistance at motorway speeds. The steering actually had the same "assist" at all speeds - the steering was hydraulically locked against steering movement of the wheels from the road ("feedback") up to the capacity of the unit. Hitting a chuckhole at high speed would not turn the steering wheel in the driver's hands! The hydraulic pressure to the power centering unit increased with speed, giving the impression of less and less power "assist." Enough pressure was admitted to the centering unit to return the wheels to the straight ahead position when the car was not moving. The centering pressure was regulated by a flyweight centrifugal governor driven by the pinion (secondary) shaft of the manual gearbox and by a proportioning valve connected to the pressure in the automatic gearbox, which pressure was proportional to the speed of the output shaft.

Contemporary automotive journalists were most effusive about the SM's dynamic qualities, which were unlike anything they had experienced prior. The SM provided a combination of comfort, sharp handling, and high performance not available in any other car at the time. Popular Science noted that the SM had the shortest stopping distance of any car they had tested. To this day this stopping distance remains outstanding.

Unfortunately, the SM did not find a sufficient customer base in the European GT market, but much of the SM's technology was carried forward to the successful Citroën CX, launched in 1974 - the DIRAVI steering being the most obvious example. The same basic engine in enlarged 3.0 L form (some in Italy had 2 litre) was used in Maserati's own Merak which, together with the Khamsin, used Citroën's high pressure hydraulics.

Styling
The look of the car was quite distinct. Designed in-house by Citroën's chief designer Robert Opron, the SM bore a vague family resemblance to the DS. Seen from above, the SM resembled a teardrop, with a much wider track at the front.

The SM was unusually aerodynamic for its era, with a very low drag coefficient. European critics marvelled at the resulting ability to travel for hours at 200 km/h (120 mph) in comfort. In addition, many of the details reflected Robert Opron's American background, notably the truncated 'fins' at the rear.

The SM combined many unusual features - lights that swivelled with the steering (except in the USA where such was illegal), unique self-centering and fully powered steering, self-leveling headlights (except in the USA where such was illegal), a wiper mechanism that was 'sensitive' to rain, and many other features that are now commonplace on the cars of today.

The SM's design was timeless; the car was even used in a 1999 television advertisement for British Petroleum of Spain, where 'a futuristic car was required'. It placed eleventh on Automobile Magazine's 2005 "100 Coolest Cars" listing.

In 1970, it was a car of the future and the fastest front-wheel drive car to be made. It was an example of the car as a symbol of optimism and progressive technology, similar to the SM's contemporary, the Concorde aircraft.

US exports
The main export market for the SM was the United States. In the US, the market for personal luxury cars was much larger than in Europe, with competitors like the Cadillac Eldorado, Lincoln Mark IV and Ford Thunderbird alongside a large selection of Italian, English, and German imports. Nevertheless, the unique design of the SM made quite a splash and won the Motor Trend magazine Car of the Year award in 1972: unheard of for a non-US vehicle at the time.

The SM's six headlight set up was illegal in the United States and consequently, US specification cars were fitted with four fixed round exposed lamps.

Despite initial success, US sales ceased suddenly - Citroën expected (but did not receive) an exemption for the 1974 model year 5 mph bumper regulation imposed by the NHTSA. The integral variable height suspension of the SM made compliance impossible. The law as written called for bumpers to be an exact height off the ground at all times, yet according to the laws of physics, cars dip at the nose on braking. Vehicles classified as trucks were always exempt and the entire law was eventually repealed in 1981. The final batch of 134 now illegal 1974 US model SMs were shipped to Japan.

The Engines
The SM was sold with three very similar, small, lightweight engines, all derived from the contemporary Maserati V8 fitted to the Quattroporte. Because of the V8 origin, this engine sported an unusual 90 degree angle between cylinder banks - a trait shared with the PRV V6.

The engines - always mounted behind the front axle were:

•  2.7 L V6 with Weber 42 DCNF carburettors, "C114-1" (170 bhp) (1970-1972)
•  2.7 L V6 with Bosch D-Jetronic injection, "C114-03" (178 bhp) (1973-1975 - Not available in the US)
•  3.0 L V6 with Weber 42 DCNF carburettors, "C114-11" (180 bhp) (1973-1975 - US only in 1973, rest of the world, automatic only in 1974 & 1975)

The size of the 2.7 L engine was limited by French puissance fiscale taxation, which effectively banned large displacement vehicles. The engine was also used in the Maserati Merak from 1973 to 1982 and the Ligier JS2 sports car. The final SMs were produced in the Ligier factory in Vichy.

5 speed manual and 3 speed Borg Warner fully automatic transmissions were fitted, but with the rest of the world outside North America only getting the fully automatic in 1974 & 1975.

The C114 is a relatively sturdy unit, provided certain modifications are performed to eliminate weak points leading to catastrophic damage:

•  The sodium filled exhaust valves may break and drop into the cylinder. Solid valves are available.
•  Primary distribution chain may wear out prematurely due to excessive vibration. A curved chain limiter should be fitted, eliminating vibration.
•  Oil pump drive shaft is underdimensioned and may break. Maserati beefed up the shaft in later versions, and this should be retrofitted if not already present.

Subaru Justy, 1984

Subaru Justy, 1984

The Subaru Justy is a Subaru compact hatchback automobile in production since 1984.

The Justy family consists of four versions.

The first one, introduced in 1984, was updated in 1989, but the changes were small. In 1994 a rebadged Suzuki Swift was sold as Justy in most European countries; in 2004 it was replaced by a rebadged Suzuki Ignis (the Subaru G3X Justy).

Initially, the Justy was equipped with a 1.0 or 1.2 litre three-cylinder engine and either a manual transmission or a continuously variable transmission with either front wheel drive or on-demand four wheel drive. The CVT technology (a pushbelt system) was employed because with a conventional automatic transmission, performance would have been unacceptable, due to the small 3-cylinder engine.

The manual transmission version of the Justy was known for excellent mechanical reliability and fuel economy. It was reported to give 50miles per gallon as a new car. However, it was small and noisy as one would expect of a compact hatchback. The five-speed manual transmission worked reliably, but was far from smooth to operate because its synchronizers were not very good.

The CVT version was able to get reasonable acceleration out of the small engine. In the United States, because of the long distances, the CVT was considered not reliable, but this has not been the case in other countries.

In the United States, the car was not sold after 1994, in Europe, Suzuki Motors built the Justy for Subaru at its Hungarian plant. However, it was merely a rebadged Suzuki Swift. In 2004, the Justy name continued in European markets on a rebadged Suzuki Ignis.

In some countries the Subaru Justy was sold under the name Subaru Trendy.

BMW 503 Coupe, 1956

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

BMW 503 Coupe, 1956

Honda Accord Hatchback, 1976

Honda Accord Hatchback, 1976

The Honda Accord is an automobile manufactured by Honda. The Accord was introduced in 1976 as a compact hatchback, with styling similar to an upsized contemporary Honda Civic. A four-door sedan was debuted in 1977.

First generation (1976–1981)
The first generation Honda Accord was launched in 1976 as a two-door hatchback with 68 horsepower, a 93.7-inch wheelbase, and a weight of about 2,000 pounds. It was larger than the tiny Civic at 162 inches long. The Accord sold well, due to its moderate size and great fuel economy. In 1978 an LX version of the coupe was added which came with air conditioning. In 1979 a four-door sedan was added to the lineup, and horsepower went to 72 horsepower. In 1980 the optional two-speed automatic of previous years became a three-speed automatic. In 1981 an SE model was added for the first time, with leather seats.

Second generation (1982–1985)
In 1982, the Accord was redesigned, and it became the best-selling Japanese nameplate in the US, holding that position for 15 years. Modernizing both the interior and exterior, the second generation Accord was mechanically very similar to the original, using the same 75hp, 1751cc EK1 CVCC engine. Fuel economy was increased by nearly 15%. Vastly improved quality control, however, made this one of the most reliable cars on the US market, a position it still holds today.

In 1983, Honda used a four speed automatic transmission in automatic models, a major improvement over the three speed Hondamatic.

By 1984 Accords sold in the eastern US were being produced at the new Marysville, Ohio plant with quality considered equal to those produced in Japan. The body was restyled with a slightly downward beveled nose, and the slightly more powerful ES2 1829cc CVCC powerplant was used, bringing 86hp. The LX offered most features typical of a mid-price Buick or Chrysler such as velour upholstery, cassette stereo, air conditioning, power brakes & steering, power windows, power locks, powered sunroof and roof pillar antenna, along with thick black belt moldings and integrated bumpers. Flush plastic mock-alloy wheels covers instead of caps on steel wheels that resembled the trend-setting Audi 5000. Supplies were tight, as in the Eastern states, the wait was months for a graphite gray sedan, a then-popular color. These models are still common on US roads today.

In 1985 the luxury SE-i was added, which had leather seating, bronze tinted glass, and 14" alloy wheels. A fuel injected, 110hp non-cvcc A2OA1 made its debut. This 12 valve, 1955cc engine was the first non-CVCC engine used in an Accord. The same basic engine was used by Honda until 1989.

Third generation (1986–1989)

The third generation Accord was introduced in Japan and Europe in 1985 and the rest of the world in 1986. The Accord had a very striking shape, and looked more akin to a sports car than a conventional 3-box sedan. It bore a resemblance to the second and third generation Prelude. One notable feature was the flip-up headlights, extremely unusual for a sedan. A fixed headlight version appeared in 1987 for European and Japanese markets. The fixed headlight version also had a different tailight cluster.

The 3rd Generation's suspension was a double wishbone setup, which was derived from Honda's work in Formula one. While this setup was more expensive than competitors' Macpherson Strut systems, it provided better stability and sharper handling. All 86-89 Accords Have front and rear stabilizer bars. The Accord's brakes were either Large 4-wheel discs with twin-piston calipers ( as in the JDM Si model), smaller 4-wheel discs with single piston calipers, or a Front Disc/Rear Drum system. ABS was also available as an option on the 4-wheel disc brake models, although this was never offered in North American versions of the car. Base model Accords rode on 13-inch steel wheels with hubcaps, with more expensive models having the option of 14-inch alloy wheels.

The most recent addition to Honda's museum of used cars, a 1989, third generation, Honda Accord SEI owned by U.S. resident Jason Wong has survived through numerous crashes caused by blatantly bad driving, and has over 400,000 miles on it.

BMW 503 Cabriolet, 1956

BMW 503 Cabriolet, 1956

VW Golf I GTI, 1976

 

 VW Golf I GTI, 1976

The first Golf began production in 1974. Marketed in the United States and Canada from 1975 to 1984 as the Volkswagen Rabbit and in Latin America as the Volkswagen Caribe, it featured the water-cooled, front wheel drive design pioneered by the Citroën Traction Avant in 1934 with the addition of a hatchback pioneered by the Renault 4 in 1961. The Golf was Wheels magazine's Car of the Year for 1975. The name is short for Golf-Strom, German for Gulf Stream; it was named for that oceanic current to reflect its international character. It was originally named the Rabbit in North America and the Caribe in Latin America, ironically, because marketers decided that no one in the Western Hemisphere would understand the European name.

While the Golf was not the first design with this layout (earlier examples being the Austin and Morris Mini of 1959, the Austin Maxi in the late 1960s and the Fiat 128 3P of the early 1970s), it was very successful, especially since it married these features with Volkswagen's reputation for solid build-quality and reliable engineering.

The Golf was designed by Italian automobile architect / designer Giorgetto Giugiaro, of the ItalDesign design studio. A version of this original Golf model, known as the Volkswagen CitiGolf, is still produced in South Africa as an entry level car.

In 1978, Volkswagen commenced producing the Rabbit version of the Mk1 Golf in Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania, thus becoming the first European car manufacturer in modern times to produce a vehicle in the United States. Former Chevrolet executive James McLernon was chosen to run the factory, which was built to lower the cost of the Rabbit in North America by producing it locally. Unfortunately, McLernon tried to "Americanize" the Rabbit by softening the suspension and using cheaper materials for the interior. VW purists in America and company executives in Germany were displeased, and for the 1983 model year the Pennsylvania plant went back to using stiffer shocks and suspension with higher-quality interior trim. The plant also began producing the GTI for the North American market. (Rabbits were built in Pennsylvania through 1984.) The first VW Caddy pick-up, based on the Mk1 Golf, was also created at the Pennsylvania plant.

The GTI version, launched in Europe in 1976 and in the US in 1983, virtually created the hot hatch genre overnight, and many other manufacturers since have created special sports models of their regular volume selling small hatchbacks. It was one of the first small cars to adopt fuel injection for its sports version, which raised power output of the 1588 cc engine to 110 PS (81 kW/108 hp). In 2004, Sports Car International announced the GTI Mk I as the 3rd best car of the 1980s. In the United States, the Mk1 Golf GTI was known as the Rabbit GTI.

There was a minor facelift in 1980 for North American versions only, which saw the adoption of larger rear lamp clusters (more in line with Guigiaro's original concepts), larger bumpers, square headlights and a new dashboard with a more modern-looking instrument display.

The convertible version, named the Cabriolet, was sold from 1980 to 1993 (a convertible version of the Golf II was not made, so the Mk1 cabrio with slight modification was produced until the introduction of the Mk III cabrio). It had a reinforced body, transverse roll bar, and a high level of trim. The A1 Volkswagen convertible is of unibody construction built entirely at the factory of Karmann, from stamping to final assembly; Volkswagen supplied the engine, suspension, interior, etc. for Karmann to install. The vinyl tops were insulated and manually operated, with a glass rear window.

As of 2006, Volkswagen of South Africa still manufactures two first generation Golfs, the four-door "Citi" Golf and the "Pickup".

Renault Fregate, 1959

Renault Fregate, 1959

The Renault Frégate was a large car produced by the French automaker Renault between 1951 and 1960.

The Frégate was conceived in the years immediately following World War II. Renault, which then had recently been brought under control of the French state, needed a new modern, upmarket model to both improve its image and to cater to the needs of consumers in the quickly recovering economy. Several prototypes were produced before the Frégate design was put into production: initially, the car had a rear-engined layout as in the recently launched Renault 4CV but eventually the manufacturer decided to go with an engine mounted ahead of the driver. The Frégate was unveiled at the 1950 Paris Motor Show but the first model was not delivered until November 1951.

The Frégate was initially in two trim levels, Affaires and Amiral. Renault addressed the complaints about the lack of power from the 2 litre engine by introducing the new 2141 cc Etendard engine in 1956, which produced 77 hp. A popular estate model badged Domaine was also launched in 1956, along with the new, luxurious Grand Pavois specification. Sales of the Frégate gradually declined throughout the 1950s however and production ceased in 1960. In total, 163,383 Frégates were made in Flins, France.

Lamborghini Islero, 1968

 

 

Lamborghini Islero, 1968

Lamborghini Islero was produced by Lamborghini between 1968-1970 and featuring the Lamborghini V12 engine. It was the replacement for the 400GT. The car debuted at the 1968 Geneva Auto Show.

The Islero (pronounced "eez-LEHR-oh") was named after a bull that killed famed matador Manuel Rodriguez "Manolete" on August 28, 1947.

Since Carrozzeria Touring, the company that designed Lamborghini's chasis, was bankrupt, Carrozzeria Marazzi was the next logical choice as it was funded by Mario Marazzi, an old employee of Touring. The design was essentially a rebody of the 400GT, but the track was altered to allow for wider tires and while the Islero's body suffered from a lack of proper fit between the panels, its good outward visibility, roomier interior, and much improved soundproofing made it an improvement over previous models. It had a 325 hp, 4L V12 engine, 5 speed transmission, fully independent suspension, and disc brakes. Its top speed was rated at 155 mph. Only 125 Isleros were built.

The engine in this model was tuned to 350 hp but the torque remained the same. There were quite a few styling changes including brightwork blind slots on the front fenders, an enlarged hood scoop (which supplied air to the interior of the car, not the engine), slightly flaired wheel arches, tinted windows, round side marker lights (instead of tear drops on the original), and a fixed section in the door windows. Various other changes included larger brake discs, revised rear suspension and revamped dashboard and interior. The top speed of the S improved to 161 mph or 260 km/h. Only 100 examples of the Islero S were built, bringing the production total of the Islero nameplate to 225 cars. Ferruccio Lamborghini himself had an Islero as his daily drive car during that era.

Subaru Leone, 1972

 

Subaru Leone, 1972

The Subaru Leone was  produced by Subaru from June 1971 to February 1989 when it was replaced by the Subaru Loyale, which was essentially the same car, only with a different name. The Leone was known as the "GL/DL" in North America. The Leone was offered in sedan and hardtop coupe format from launch and station wagon format starting in September 1972.
 

 North American-market vehicles.

• 1972 model year - GF hardtop coupe offered alongside existing G-series sedans and wagon.
• 1973 model year; G series replaced by new (Loyale) two- and four door sedans and 5-door wagon.
• 1975 model year - All-wheel drive wagon offered.
• 1978 - AWD-only pickup added, marketed as Subaru Brat in North America and Subaru Brumby in Australia. Sedans and wagons offered in plainer DL and fancier GL trim.1980 - SECOND GENERATION - restyled body for passenger cars. Two-door sedan dropped, replaced by 3-door hatchback on a shorter wheelbase than the others, available with AWD. Pickup continues on old body. 5-speed manual transmission supplied with 2WD GL sedans and wagon and GLF hardtop.
• 1982 - Pickup now restyled, catches up with passenger cars.
• 1983 - GL now midlevel trim, fancier GL-10 trim for all bodystyles replaces hardtop-only GLF. Turbocharged engine ("Turbo-Traction") available on AWD GL-10s. AWD now available on sedans and hardtops, and with 5-speed or automatic transmission for the first time. Minor trim changes for all models include "honeycomb" grille texture, Mercedes-style ribbed taillight lenses, and plastic-covered bumpers (except North American 2wd models). GL and GL-10 now have quad headlights.
• 1985 - THIRD GENERATION sedan and wagon with larger, angular body. Quad headlights now on base DL, composite headlights on GL and GL-10. Hardtop discontinued, second gen. hatchback and pickup continue without change.

The Leone soon became a success in areas where people wanted four wheel drive (4WD), but didn't want a larger car. It soon became the world's top-selling 4WD.

A nice feature about the car is that you can enable/disable the 4WD as you drive with a button on the gear shifter. When the car is not in 4WD mode it is in FWD (Front Wheel Drive) mode. This is much more economical since the engine doesn't have to power both the front and rear axle. So if you are getting to a steep hill you just enable 4WD and you climb up the hill with ease.

Another smart feature is the hill-holder. With this you don't have to hold the break when standing in a hill. You only hold in the clutch and press the breake once, the car will then automatically hold the break, helping you get a better start. The car is powered by a water-cooled, horizontally-opposed, 4-cylinder OHV engine.

The first Subaru Legacy was originally intended to be a Leone replacement, but the car was moved upmarket. The Leone remained in production until 1993, when the slightly smaller Subaru Impreza replaced it.

Lotus Elise 160, 1996

 

Lotus Elise 160, 1996

The design philosophy of Lotus is "Performance through light weight", a philosophy first adopted by the founder of Lotus, Colin Chapman. The motto drives Lotus to obtain very high performance with lightweight cars in spite of their relatively modest power outputs, with a strong emphasis on driving purity and dynamics.

The result is a sports car that in production form in 1996 weighed in at just 720 kg (1,587 lb). Compare this to a Porsche Boxster which is also considered to be an extremely lightweight sports car but weighs nearly twice as much: 1,250 kg (2,756 lb).

The Lotus Elise's acceleration (0-60mph in 5.8 seconds), braking, cornering, and fuel consumption (all of which are improved by reductions in a car's weight) were astonishing for an engine put out a relatively modest 120 bhp (89 kW), compared to the 201 bhp (149 kW) produced by the 1997 Porsche Boxster.
Although high-tech, it represented affordable cost of ownership for sports car lovers on a budget who still wanted performance and looks.

Besides the "standard" higher-performance variants listed below, Lotus also released some limited edition models such as Sport 135 (1998/9) with approx 145 bhp (108 kW), Sport 160 (2000) with 150-160 bhp (112-119 kW) and Sport 190 (190 bhp / 142 kW). These were more competent on track with sports suspension, wheels and tyres, seats according to model. There were other special editions which were basically cosmetic treatments such as the 50th Anniversary Edition (green/gold) celebrating 50 years of Lotus cars, the Type 49 ("Gold Leaf" red and white two-tone), and Type 72 ("JPS" black/gold) to recall their successful Grand Prix car type numbers.

Infiniti QX4, 2003

 

Infiniti QX4, 2003

The Infiniti QX4 and the Nissan Terrano Regulus are mid-size luxury SUVs introduced in 1997 as rebadged Nissan Pathfinders. It was released a year after Acura's release of the SLX and Lexus's release of the larger LX 450, and it is Infiniti's first entry into SUVs. Also, it was released the same time as the Mercedes-Benz M-Class. The Infiniti QX4 was sold in the North American market, while the Nissan Terrano Regulus sold in Japan. Major differences between these vehicles and the Pathfinder include a more advanced four wheel drive system, a more upscale interior, and unique styling. Although it is a luxury vehicle, it is quite capable off-road due to its low range four wheel drive system and 8.3 inches of ground clearance.

The QX4 received its first major update in 2001, increasing its power from a relatively weak 168 hp (125 kW) to a comparative 240 hp (179 kW) engine. This redesign also gave the QX4 an updated exterior and interior body style, including features such as a new dash, 17 in (423 mm) alloy wheels and xenon HID headlamps. In Japan, the Terrano Regulus shortened its name to Terrano and was restyled like the Pathfinder instead.

Nissan dropped the QX4 after the 2003 model year, and replaced it with 2 crossovers (the Infiniti FX (which would be the QX4's proper successor), and the full-size U.S.-built Infiniti QX56, based on the Nissan Armada), although they are both are larger than the QX4.