Articles by Chris Riley

Sitting below the Polo in terms of size, the Volkswagen Up! is sure to earn VW an even greater market share.

The more autonomy that Toyota grants its luxury arm Lexus the better.Lexus is getting better with every outing but it needs to be allowed to develop a character that is totally its own, without any influence from head office. The result will be cars that are more appealing, more aspirational and that justify the extra cost that is put on them in the eyes of the public.DESIGNThe styling is faster and edgier. Looking around the interior of the car for the first time the materials and craftsmanship shout Toyota, more so that the actual design and layout. That's not a bad thing but it's a two-edged sword because Lexus needs to cuts these ties.ENGINEThe 2.5-litre V6 in the new GS 250 features the latest direct injection techniques, with 154kW of power at 6400 revs and 253Nm of torque at 4800 revs. It's the same engine as in the smaller IS 250, but has been adapted for its new role with exhaust and acoustic improvements that deliver more power.The V6 is hooked up to a 6-speed auto in this model, complete with steering wheel mounted paddle gear shifters. Although its a larger heavier vehicle the GS 250 still accelerates from 0-100km/h in a creditable 8.6 seconds. At the same time it offers claimed fuel economy of 9.3 litres/100km and CO2 emissions of 215 grams/km.PRICEWe drove the entry Luxury and mid-range F-Sport models, priced at $77,400 and $85,400 a piece. Although the Luxury is very good its the F-Sport that shines as the one to get, even though it's $8000 more.The centre drive mode control features economy and sports settings, with an extra sport + setting in the F Sport. This model along with the range topping Sports Luxury also get Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS).INTERIORThe interior is a giant step forward, modern and uncluttered with clean lines that feature a sports watch style analogue clock as the centre piece. The computer screen is huge and it's good to see digital radio making its way into these cars too, with a wider range of stations and crystal clear reception.SAFETYYet to be crash tested but with 10 airbags and an arsenal of electronic safety systems it is sure to score highly. Gets ABS brakes, Electronic Brake-force Distribution, Brake Assist, Traction Control and Vehicle Stability Control. Both cars that we drove also had the blind spot awareness warning, which flashes a warning in your exterior mirrrors if there is a car that you can't see.DRIVINGSmooth and quiet as you would expect from a Lexus. Not overly powerful but kick it into action and the note from the engine and exhaust is satisfying. Deciding between this and the more powerful GS 350 is purely a matter of cost (the 350 is 14 grand more).Rated at 9.3 litres/100km we were getting an exceptional 7.9 after 600km. The 2.5-litre V6 is more than adquate for the job, providing you're not a demanding driver, delivering an excellent combination of power and economy.The satnav offers SUNA traffic updates but sadly, unlike Toyota, it does not yet offer speed camera warnings.VERDICTGrows on you, especially the better looking F-Sport model.Lexus GS 350 LuxuryPrice: from $77,400Body: Four-door sedanEngine: 2.5-litre V6, 154kW/253NmTransmission: 6 speed automaticThirst: 9.3L/100km, 215 g/km CO2

Just like it's done with the Navara ute, Nissan will continue to sell its older Patrol after the new model arrives in the new year. The main reason is that the new Y62 Patrol is not available with a diesel engine as yet and from all accounts may never be. The old one is in fact it's diesel only these days but it's 15 years old.Patrol has always played second fiddle to Toyota's Landcruiser. It's always been cheaper and more truck-like alternative, with part-time, instead of fulltime four wheel drive. But the new Patrol has been designed to take the fight right up to the ‘King', with a more luxurious offering that's larger and more powerful. In the ‘mine’s bigger than yours’ 4x4 world the new Patrol outguns its major rival in just about every department.Built in Japan, the new Patrol makes an appearance at the Sydney motor show next month but does not go on sale until January. There will be three grades: ST-L and Ti (both 8 seat) and Ti-L (7 seat). Prices have not been announced but we're told the ST-L will be less than $85,000, the Ti less than $95,000 and the Ti-L less than $115,000.This mirrors Landcruiser pricing, from $83,000 through to $113,000 for its petrol V8 (which incidentally accounts for just 6 per cent of Landcruiser sales).With fuel economy so important these days, it beggars belief there is still a market for a big, heavy 4x4 wagon with a thumping great 5.6-litre V8 petrol engine at least in this country. With 298kW of power and 560Nm of torque, the direct injection V8 is smooth and powerful and can tow a 3.5 tonne load without batting an eyelid but it's going to be expensive to run.The V8 is hooked up to a 7-speed auto with manual shift control and sits on a ladder chassis with on independent, double wishbone suspension front and back  18 inch wheels are standard. In comparison, Landcruisers 4.7-litre V8 delivers 202kW/410Nm and is paired with a five-speed tranny.Patrol is rated at 14.5 litres/100km, but that's on paper. In the real world, it's likely to be a lot thirstier, with a figure more like 16.5 depending on how you drive. It takes Premium 95 too. In fairness we should point out the Landcruiser 200 also consumes 14.5 litres/100km, but takes Unleaded 91. With a 140-litre fuel tank, this means it's going to cost in excess of $200 to fill, with a theoretical range of 965km  depending again on how you drive.Plenty of gadgets, especially in the top of the range Ti-L. Standard kit includes fulltime four wheel drive, a new dial-in All-mode 4x4 system and a 2Gb 6-speaker audio system. Front and rear parking sensors are standard along with a reversing camera. Also available are active cruise control along with early warning systems for collisions, blind spot awareness and lane departure.Ti and Ti-L get leather and a new hydraulic system to reduce body roll. Ti adds a twin rear DVD screens that can show different programs at the same time.This car has been on sale for the best part of two years overseas, primarily in the Middle East where the cost of fuel is not an issue. Wood trim is standard in the one ghastly shade of brown. The switch from left to right hand drive has left the transmission lever marooned on the wrong side of the cabin, furthest from the driver.Bluetooth is standard but you only get audio streaming with the Ti-L. Ti-L gets satellite navigation but it doesn't include SUNA traffic updates like other Nissans.We had a brief taste of the car both on and off road at the Mt Cotton driver training centre outside Brisbane this week. The off road stuff was a piece of cake and it rides nicely with remarkably little body roll on the bitumen, even without the fancy hydraulics. We liked what we saw and look forward to a longer drive.The lack of diesel is the deal breaker. They'll be queuing up to covert this one to LPG. Whether it's as good off road as the Landcruiser we'll leave to the 4WD boys. By the same token this one is likely to be an urban assault vehicle  a tower of boats and horse floats, with the occasional trip to the beach.

We turn the spotlight on the car world's newest and brightest stars as we ask the questions to which you want the answers. But there's only one question that really needs answering  -- would you buy one?What is it?The new entry point for the BMW 3 Series range and it's a turbo diesel.How much?Priced from $56,400 plus on-roads, which is $1200 less than the 2.0-litre 320i entry level petrol model.What are competitors?That would be the 2.0-litre Audi A4 TDI and 2.1-litre Benz C-Class C200 CDI BlueEfficiency. Both are more expensive, both produce more carbon and both use more fuel at 4.8 and 5.4 litres/100km respectively.What's under the bonnet?It features the 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-charged diesel engine that we have seen previously in the 1 Series. It produces 105kW of power and 320Nm of torque. Eight-speed automatic with Auto Stop/Start is standard along with many other fuel saving devices.How does it go?Not going to win any races. The 318d accelerates to 100km/h in a conservative 8.9 seconds. But it's super responsive in the low to mid rev range, thanks to the torquey diesel engine.Is it economical?If you're chasing fuel economy it doesn't get much better than this. Boasts a staggeringly low fuel consumption figure of 4.5 litres/100km. We were getting a rock solid 5.5 after several hundred kilometres without really trying  but it will do better than this on a long run.Is it green?Gets four out of five stars from the Govt's Green Vehicle Guide. Produces 118g/km of CO2. Prius gets five stars.Is it safe?Gets a full five stars for safety, with plenty of safety aids. All models are fitted standard with six airbags, and Dynamic Stability Control that includes ABS, Brake Assistant, Cornering Brake Control and Dynamic Traction Control.Is it comfortable?Gets fake leather and airconditioning, but bear in mind this is the entry model. Seats are comfortable and the dash is looking a lot less daunting these days.What's it like to drive?Okay. Didn't like it at first but it grows on you. Lacks the smoothness of a petrol engine, but that's soon forgotten.Is it value for money?Dual-zone climate standard, along with cruise (with brake function), electric front seats with memory, auto lights and wipers, rear park sensors, Bluetooth and 6-speaker CD audio systems with AUX and USB inputs. Misses out on satnav.Would we buy one?You bet. Many people would give their right arm to own a 3 Series. At the price and what you get for your money it's an attractive package.

New technology comes at a price. And at $35,990, the hybrid version of the Civic is the most expensive by a country kilometre. That's $5000 more than the big ticket Sport (everyone likes a sport) but is the extra dosh worth it?It's powered by a combination of petrol and electric motors. The 1.5-litre four cylinder petrol engine is the primary source of power, assisted when necessary by a 17kW electric motor. Together, they produce 82kW of power at 5500 revs and 172Nm of torque between 1000 and 3500 revs.You can't plug it in. The battery recharges itself as you're going along. It's a new Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion) number that's lighter and more powerful than the nickel-metal hydrid (NiMH) battery that it replaces.Okay. In a word. There's enough there to satisfy undemanding drivers, but those buyers attracted by this car will be more interested in the technology and fuel consumption. The electric motor is designed to provide extra oomph during acceleration, but once you're up and running it cuts out as the system goes into charge mode.Drive is to the front wheels through a CVT continuously variable auto with its characteristic slur. To the inexperienced it might sound like the car is getting ready to blow up - but of course it's not.It uses a claimed 4.4 litres of fuel per 100km, slightly more than the Toyota Prius at 3.9 litres/100km. We've been getting 6.0 litres/100km.The Civic gets a full five stars for crash safety, with a long list of standard safety gear including six airbags, next-generation Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA), an anti-lock braking system (ABS) with Brake Assist and a new Motion Adaptive Electric Power Steering.It's a biggish small car that doesn't compromise on space. The seats are comfortable and the instruments all large and easy to read/use. The styling however is conservative, apart from the large digital speedo set above the other dials.The new Multi-Information Display (i-MID) is pretty cool, but unlike the Insight it misses out on satnav which is not available as an option either (different buyers we're told). Bluetooth is standard along with a USB Audio Interface for music players.The Prius of course and perhaps Honda's own cheaper Insight which is slightly smaller but boasts more goodies. You might also like to look at some of the incredibly fuel efficient diesels too. Electric cars at this stage are too expensive.

It's a question we get asked a lot and it's a question we thought it was about time that we answered. To find out we've fed our Holden Captiva 7 test car five different kinds of petrol over the past few weeks to see which was better.The results might surprise you. An attractively priced family wagon, the seven-seat Captiva was perfect for the job. As well as E10 and standard Unleaded, we also decided to add Premium 95 and Premium 98 to the mix, along with the new E85, with 85 per cent ethanol mix that only some Saabs and Holdens can use.There's nothing like being thorough. The young feller at the counter of our local servo was a bit concerned when we told him that we'd just filled up with E85. But we assured him it was okay, we knew what we were doing (some might disagree).Seems some customers have mistakenly filled their cars with E85 with dire consequences if not designed to take the stuff. Think rough idling and engine failure ultimately. Holden has been making a big deal lately about its cars being E85 compatible, so our timing couldn't be better. Mind you, try finding a servo that stocks E85, it’s not easy they're few and far between.OUR TEST CARThe Captiva 7 CX is a mainstream, seven-seat family SUV. Priced to sell from $38,490, it has a 3.0-litre V6 petrol engine, all wheel drive and a five-star safety rating. The 3.0-litre V6, the smaller of the Commodore engines, produces 190kW of power and 288Nm of torque. It has a 65-litre tank and fuel consumption that is officially rated at 10.1 litres/100km giving it a theoretical range of 644km.DID YOU KNOW?Betcha didn't know the figures on fuel consumption stickers are based on Premium Unleaded 95. If you're like me, you just go looking for the cheapest fuel you can find when it comes to fill up. That's fine, but it means you're never going to see anything like the manufacturer's claim. Sucks doesn't it? The reason the test is based on Premium 95 is that not all cars will take standard unleaded, especially European cars.ETHANOLEthanol is a type of alcohol. It is a renewable energy source and not as harmful to the environment as petroleum products. The US Environmental Protection Agency says one litre of ethanol reduces net emissions of COinf2 by over 90.9 per cent, so one litre of ethanol will save 2.11kg of COinf2.Most cars built after 1986 can safely use petrol with ethanol added. In Australia, ethanol is made from sugar cane, red sorghum and the waste from starch production  not from food sources.  In the past ethanol has been blamed for being corrosive. But these days the ethanol sold in Australia must by law contain a corrosion inhibitor. Check to see if your vehicle is able to run ethanol blend fuel.WHO'S RON?Petrol carries a RON rating (Research Octane Number). The higher the number, the more compression the fuel will tolerate before it detonates. Generally fuels with a higher octane are used in high performance/high compression engines.Most European cars are designed to run on Premium 95 RON unleaded because 95 is the standard over there. If you run your car on petrol with an octane rating below that recommended you might notice a knocking, rattling or a pinging sound which means the fuel is detonating instead of burning smoothly. This can damage your engine if you continue to use it.URBAN MYTHA trial undertaken in 1998 for the Federal Government showed that the use of E10 in vehicles designed for ULP increases fuel consumption by an average of 2.8 per cent but it varies from car to car. The NRMA's technical expert Jack Haley said it is a widespread but misguided belief that if you use a high octane fuel your car's performance will automatically increase. “You won't achieve any improved performance from using higher octane fuels unless your vehicle's engine is designed for them," he said.ULPStandard unleaded has an octane rating of 91. Locally produced vehicles, plus most Japanese cars, are designed to run on ULP and these don't generally benefit from premium or ultra premium petrol. The NSW Government had planned to phase out ULP this year but bowed to pressure because motorists whose cars won't take E10 would have been forced to pay more. Standard unleaded can however be hard to find and you might discover the unleaded that you're putting in your car already contains 10 per cent ethanol.PULPPremium unleaded petrol has an octane rating of 95. Most European cars are designed to run on PULP because that is the standard grade of petrol overseas.UPULPUltra Premium Unleaded Petrol has an octane rating of 98. It's usually restricted to high performance sports cars. Shell used to sell 100 RON petrol which contained 5 per cent ethanol but stopped in 2008.E10E10 as its name suggests contains 10 per cent ethanol and has an octane rating of 94 or 95. It is fast becoming the default as standard unleaded becomes harder to find. In many cases it can be substituted for Premium in cars that require PULP. E10 delivers a bit more zip than unleaded, but your car will consume E10 at a faster rate because it does not contain as much energy and generally increases consumption by 1-3.5 per cent.E85E85 has an octane rating of 105. It's the newest addition to our service stations but only a small number of cars can use it, including some Saabs and Holdens. It is a cleaner-burning fuel that can enhance vehicle performance and reduce COinf2 emissions by up to 40 per cent.Although there is less energy in a litre of E85, which means less range than petrol, the ethanol component has a higher octane rating, so you may notice an increase in power and overall performance. You might be surprised to learn that V8 Supercars have all run on E85 since 2009.THE RESULTSWe clocked up more than 2600km over a four-week period, running the tank down to almost empty and refilling with a different fuel each time same car, same driver, same route each time. The prices quoted for fuel are all from the same outlet on the same day, which makes it a level playing field.Apart from E85, there's not much between them in dollar terms. We got the best range and best fuel consumption from Premium 98 at 600km and 10.2 litres/100km. But of course 98 costs a lot more. The worst result came from E85 at 413km and 14.6 litres/100km. So unless you're particularly committed to saving the environment it's not the answer.AND THE WINNER IS?So, which is better E10 or standard unleaded? Ours was a real world test in real world driving conditions. While the figures may vary between different vehicles the relativities hold true. As our test confirmed expect better fuel consumption from ordinary unleaded at 11.1 versus 11.9 litres/100km.Granted E10 is cheaper but the 2 cents a litre difference in price is simply not enough to warrant using E10 which costs $15.93 per 100km, compared to $15.08 for standard unleaded. E10 would have to be $1.26 a litre or less to justify swapping 7 cents cheaper not 2 as it usually is.E85 on the other hand would have to be $1.03 to make it worthwhile 15 cents less. Based on our results you're better off sticking with standard unleaded, which will save you $170 over 20,000km or the course of a year. But it's interesting to note that running the good stuff (98), even though it's more expensive, will set  you back only 21 cents more per 100km or $41 over the course of a year. 

Holden's all new humming and dancing Volt electric car returns an amazing 1.2 litres per 100km juice use. Although equipped with a small petrol engine like a hybrid, the Volt is an electric car with a “range extender” because the petrol component never directly powers the wheels. Rather it generates power to run the electric motor when the battery pack runs flat. And that mans, like any EV, it wants plugging in to recharge before it’s good to go again. Still, it’s an exciting concept from company associated with far more mundane modes of mobility. But before we nominate it for the Eureka Prize for scientific innovation, it’s worth considering the immutable maths of the matter. Those less exotic Holdens, including the LPG-powered Commodore SV6 and turbo diesel Cruze CDX sedan, are both vastly cheaper to buy and – it transpires – to own. Priced from $46,290, the SV6 returns 12.3 litres/100km. The $31,040 Cruze auto gets 6.7 litres/100km. Neither are in the Volt’s ballpark. And yet … Checking the price of fuel today we found a Sydney spot that dished up LPG at  65.9 cents a litre, diesel for 144.9 cents and the Volt’s premium 95 unleaded for 145.9 cents. Why top notch juice? Because that's what Holden use to achieve the official fuel test figures you see on the windscreen sticker. At these prices the Volt costs $1.75 to run for every 100km travelled, the Commodore $8.24 and the Cruze $9.71. But – and it’s a big but – when you factor the Volt’s $14,000 premium over the Commodore and the $29,000 over the Cruze, it’s  battery powered glow begins to fade.  The sums you save on either pays for a whole lot of fuel for a long time to come. You would have to travel 211,000km before breaking even with the Commodore or a whopping 363,000km in the case of the Cruze. Does anyone other than taxi drivers keep their cars for such distances? And we all know what they feel like after that long on the road. They're just not built to go the distance. You could “Cruze” all the way to the Moon or circumnavigate the Earth five times in the Commodore before the Volt would start paying for itself. If it’s not easy being green, it also sure ain’t cheap.    

We turn the spotlight on the car world's newest and brightest stars as we ask the questions to which you want the answers.But there's only one question that really needs answering -- would you buy one?What is it?Most people know what a Prius is, but few know the hybrid now comes in three different sizes. Prius C is the smallest and cheapest of them and by virtue of that fact the most accessible.How much?The base model is priced from $23,990 plus on-road costs. Another $3000 buys you the up market i-Tech, which adds leather, satnav and alloys.What are competitors?Nothing really in this size. The nearest is the Honda Insight. As the target is fuel economy however you could look at something with a diesel engine like the VW Polo or perhaps Suzuki's little Alto which is also very economical.What's under the bonnet?A 1.5-litre petrol engine teamed with an electric motor that delivers a combined 74kW of power.How does it go?Surprisingly well. Cruises easily on the freeway and has enough punch for the cut and thrust of city driving. In fact, it thrives on city driving where braking regenerates power for later use.Is it economical?Claimed fuel consumption is 3.9 litres/100km. We were getting 4.4 after 570km with 140 to go according to the trip computer. Not bad for a car with a 36-litre fuel tank.Is it green?Gets a full five stars from the Govt's Green Guide as does its siblings, producing just 90g/km of CO2Is it safe?It's been designed to get five stars but hasn't been crash tested yet. Comes with seven airbags, as well as a reversing camera, vehicle stability and traction control, anti-skid brakes with brake assist and electronic brakeforce distribution, and hill-start assist.Is it comfortable?Surprisingly comfortable too. It's one of the first things we noticed when we got into the car.What's it like to drive?Grows on you. The CVT transmission is annoying, but you get used to it.Is it value for money?As a cut price hybrid yes. As a high priced Yaris no. Though based on the Yaris it has a longer interior and more leg and hiproom front and back.Standard kit includes keyless entry and start, cruise, automatic airconditioning and a 6.1-inch touchscreen display.Bluetooth with audio streaming is also standard along with USB port with iPod connectivity. Packs a full-size spare too.Would we buy one?If we lived in the city yes. It's small, manoeuvrable and easily parked and uses very little fuel. Would also be very appealing as a commuter.

We've been dying to have crack at this car since its launch last year.But the previous distributors of Fiat and Alfa Romeo in this country always laughed off our request. Not so Chrysler which recently resumed responsibility for distribution of the cars here.Chrysler by way of explanation is 60 per cent owned by Fiat which has gradually lifted its stake in the American company since rescuing it from bankruptcy three years ago. Chrysler bless them managed to scrounge two of the Ferrari tribute cars for a recent drive day in Albury. And what a car!VALUEBased on the Abarth version of the reborn Fiat 500, the 695 Tributo Ferrari is a sensational bit of kit. But, at close to $70,000, it's not likely to find many takers not unless they've already got a Ferrari in the garage.Abarth, is the performance arm of the company, a bit like HSV is to Holden, with historical links to Ferrari. And they share the same passion for performance, Italian style and attention to detail.In 1953, their association spawned a unique Ferrari-Abarth, the Ferrari 166/250 MM Abarth. The car raced in various international events including the legendary Mille Miglia. More recently the ties have been strengthened, with Abarth supplying the exhaust systems for Ferraris.Then there's the Tributo. Only 120 of the cars have been imported to Australia and only 20 of them remain, with a list price of $69,000 pipped only by the Mini Goodwood at $74,500.TECHNOLOGYPowered by a turbocharged 1.4-litre four cylinder engine, the Tributo can reach a speed of 225km/h and sprints from 0-100km/h in less than 7 seconds. The engine is a 1.4-litre Turbo T-Jet 16v, tuned to develop more than 132kW of power.In comparison the donor Abarth 500 Esseesse produces 118kW. The turbocharged four is combined with a 5-speed MTA robotised manual gearbox, with change paddles that reduce shift times. And, get this, they found room under the back for four tailpipes - count them.DESIGNThe Ferrari Tributo is an impressive package, with plenty of carbon fibre garnishes, combination cloth and suede leather trim, contrast stitching, high-sided Sabelt race seats and an instrument panel specially made by Jaeger that is inspired by typical Ferrari instrumentation. At the same time there's plenty of cheap, nasty black plastic in evidence too.DRIVINGWhat's it go like? It's a tight fit but not as bad as anticipated, nor is the ride as harsh as we were led to expect. As the engine climbs above 3000 revs the bi-modal Monza exhaust develops a much throatier, more satisfying sound with the occasional crackle just like a real Ferrari.The robotised, single-clutch manual is a pain the butt, especially in traffic but delivers rapid changes in a straight line, with a surprising amount of mid-range grunt. Changing to manual mode and lifting off the throttle helps to smooth things out.Following a regular Abarth Essesse up a winding hill, we were surprised how easily the Tributo kept pace. It's got plenty of grip in corners with a surprising amount of punch out of corners, and four-pot Brembos that wipe off speed quickly.VERDICTYes siree. It was worth the wait. The Abarth 695 Tributo Ferrari is a genuine pocket rocket, if an expensive one. It's so small, maybe they won't miss one?Abarth 695 Tributo FerrariPrice: $69,990Warranty: 3 years roadside assistWeight: 1077kgEngine: 1.4-litre 4-cylinder, 132kW/230NmTransmission: 5-speed seq manual auto-single clutch, front wheel driveThirst: 6.5L/100Km, 151g/km C02

Right now the FPV focus is on the mouth-watering GT R-SPEC, a quicker, better handling version of the current GT. After that -- who knows? If FPV's new boss Bryan Mears does, he's certainly not telling. With continued speculation over the imminent demise of the Falcon, the question has to be asked. Because, take the Falcon out of the mix, and you'd have to think FPV is dead in the water. Ford for its part has not guaranteed production of the Falcon beyond 2016. The future we're told is in small cars, not big hungry V8s like those from FPV and competitor HSV. But Mears remains adamant the company has no plans to produce a small performance car. He said there are no small cars in the current Ford portfolio that really lend themselves to performance tuning anyway. "Besides there's already a number of crackers in the segment," he said. Right now Mears is wondering if he made the right choice when he put in his order for one of the new R-SPEC limited edition models. He ticked the box for black, but looking over his shoulder he said the red one is starting to look pretty good too. All will be revealed when he drives the car up from Melbourne to the Bathurst race come October. Only 350 of the R-SPEC cars will be produced, along with 75 utes. It comes in black, red, blue and white, but at least 175 of the sedans will be finished in the hero black and red colour scheme. The final mix of colours will depend on the number of orders received. The car is priced from $76,990, the ute from $57,990 which makes the ute a bargain except that it gets few of the upgrades shoehorned into the sedan. The Brembo brake package remains an optional extra on both. The R-SPEC features a significantly recalibrated suspension package, new wider 9 inch rear wheels with 275/35 R19 Dunlop Sports Maxx tyres and, in an FPV first, Launch Control. Under the bonnet, however, the new GT RSPEC remains unchanged, powered by FPVs all-aluminium Miami BOSS 335kW supercharged 5.0-litre V8. The race track-inspired GT RSPEC was developed in response to feedback from customers and the media. The goal of the 18-month project dubbed Panther was to give the car better traction and handling. The new 9 inch rears and wider 275 tyres along with stiffer rear suspension setup are designed to improve in-corner grip and allow the driver to get the power down earlier out of corners.  Changes to the front end are designed to make the car feel more agile and responsive, with a greater feeling of control. Launch control usually found only in high end Euro performers is available with both the manual and automatic transmissions and will help prevent burnouts. Anyone who has driven one of these cars will attest to the fact that they are very difficult to get off the line cleanly, with the tyres intact that is. So, how quick is the GT R-SPEC? They're not talking numbers (if we told you, we'd have to kill you), but sources close to the company claim the car is capable of a 0-100km/h time of 4.5 seconds. That puts it lineball with Chrysler's new and cheaper 6.4-litre SRT8. But for some punters, only a Ford will do.  Only available in hero black with red striping, the ute is $5000 more than the standard GS V8 ute but apart from the wheels and ‘you beaut' paint job that's all you get. The wheels by the way are 8s not 9s. The ute gets none of the suspension changes or launch control from the sedan. But, Mears said, it will be the ute that sells out first -- not the sedan.