Articles by Stuart Martin

With almost two-thirds of its worldwide sales hinging on the new 9-3, Saab has made more than 2000 changes to the new model.The platform remains the same, but all-wheel-drive has been added.Due here early next year, the company hopes the XWD, Saab's designation for the latest-generation Haldex 4 system, which will make the model more popular with buyers.Australia's GM Premium Brands director Parveen Batish wants sales improvements in 2007 and says the 9-3 will achieve that.“We did 1650 last year and this year we're tracking 16.5 per cent up on that. We're aiming for June 30 when we hope to be over 20 per cent up. It's been a great start,” he said.Saab's priorities are the new 9-5 and an SUV (which appears destined for a 9-4 badge) and a compact car built on the next-generation Astra platform, to transform its sales results.The new 9-3 range is expected to sell here in November. The flagship Aero XWD and TTiD will arrive in the first quarter of 2008.The base-model has the 1.8t 110kW/167Nm motor, with 129kW/265Nm and 155kW/300Nm options on offer.The Aero gets 188kW (up by 4kW) and 350Nm or 206kW and 400Nm in the XWD model. The current 110kW/320Nm diesel is joined by a 132kW/400Nm two-stage turbo.The XWD's Haldex system is also used by Audi and Volkswagen.Its biggest asset is a system that claims to provide a better response to a lack of traction. In-car electronics and traction aids determine which wheel is best served with drive torque. It also uses a rear, electronic, limited-slip diff for added traction and yaw control.The all-wheel-drive system is, for now, an Aero-only option, teamed with the 2.8-litre turbocharged V6.The other newcomer to Saab's 9-3 range is a second turbo-diesel, the TTiD two-stage turbo-diesel.Displacing just 1.9 litres, the turbocharger has two turbines, one small, one large which tag-team depending on engine revs.It produces 132kW and 400Nm, with an economy of under 6 litres/100km.Prices are still to be set, but Saab wants the new model's price to be close to the present range.The new 9-3 has been fitted with more engine-bay insulation so that the new turbo-diesel is much quieter, though you are still aware of it at idle.Power delivery has been improved considerably, offering a wide spread of torque and power delivery in the upper-rev ranges. 

Suzuki Australia is kicking into the donation tin to help fund the fight to save two endangered species, the Tasmanian Devil and the Black Rhinoceros.The Australian arm of the company is promising to donate $30,000 (based on projected sales from every new Grand Vitara and Jimny sold) to breeding and protection programs for both animals.About $10,000 and two vehicles will be donated to the Tasmanian Devil breeding program being run at Healesville Sanctuary, Victoria. The Devils are part of a survival program that hopes to ensure the species can bounce back from an outbreak of Devil Facial Tumour disease.Healesville Sanctuary is one of four mainland zoos now caring for 47 Tasmanian Devils as an “insurance population”.The remaining $20,000 will go to the Black Rhino program based in Tanzania, where conservationist Tony Fitzjohn has established a Black Rhino wildlife reserve.Poaching of Black Rhinos for their horns has cut the breed's population from 65,000 in 1970 to just over 2500.Suzuki Australia general manager Tony Devers says the company is proud to provide support to help the two species.“The Black Rhino and the Tasmanian Devil are renowned as tough creatures, making a link with the legendary tough Grand Vitara SUV an obvious one,” he says.A website has been created by Suzuki Australia  savetherhino.com.au which has more information on the projects as well as links to other sites and ways to donate. 

Saab has changed more than 2000 things about the new model range to meet massive sales expectations. While the platform remains, the biggest news is the addition of all-wheel-drive.Given Saab's ability and penchant for loads of torque and front-wheel-drive. There are a number of models in the brand's history that could have warranted AWD; involuntary lane-change in a Viggen anyone? but it's here now.Destined for our shores early next year, the XWD Saab's designation for the latest-generation Haldex 4 system will hopefully lead the model range back to the forefront of buyers' minds.Australia's GM Premium Brands director Parveen Batish is aiming for continued sales improvements in 2007, he says the 9-3 will further improve the brand's performance next year."We did 1650 last year and this year we're tracking 16.5 per cent up on that. We're aiming for June 30 to be over 20 per cent up. It's been a great start,'' Mr Batish says."We've made lots of changes to the way we go to market. We've gone from giving allowances to dealers to customer offers instead. We're trying to be more customer-focused.''The brand's stated priorities are the new 9-5 and an SUV (which appears to be destined for a 9-4 badge), with a compact car built off the next-generation Astra platform all set to transform the sales tables.Mr Batish says the only way Saab can compete with the rest of the premium brands in Australia is with a car below the 9-3 and an SUV."The only way we'll really compete is going in both directions. It would be great to have those (the smaller car and SUV), we don't have them -- discussions are happening all the time and we're looking in those directions."The new 9-3 will help boost sales and you've got to make money to invest in products,'' he says.The new 9-3 range is expected on sale in Australia during November this year, with the flagship Aero XWD and the TTiD arriving in the first quarter of 2008.The base model still gets the 1.8l 110kW/167Nm powerplant, with the 129kW/265Nm or 155kW/300Nm models also on offer in the new 9-3.The Aero gets 188kW (up by 4kW) and 350Nm (or 206kW and 400Nm in the XWD model) and the existing 110kW/320Nm diesel is joined by the 132kW/400Nm two-stage turbo that's particle filter-equipped.Those tech-heads who've trawled through German spec sheets before will know the Haldex name from some Audi and Volkswagen product, but Saab is claiming all-new first use of the fourth system. Chief among the attributes is a pre-emptive set-up that lays claim to superior response to a lack of traction, with the in-car electronics and traction aids used to determine which wheel is best served with drive torque.The system also incorporates a rear electronic limited slip differential for added traction as well as a yaw control task, helping to stabilise the Aero XWD under heavy braking and cornering forces.The AWD system is for now an Aero-only feature, teamed with the 2.8-litre turbocharged V6 -- expect a price premium of several thousand dollars -- along the lines of its German competition's AWD price hike.Set to wear the Aero badge in its home market of Europe, the second newcomer to the Saab 9-3 range is a second turbodiesel model -- the TTiD two-stage turbodiesel.Still displacing 1.9 litres, the turbocharger has two turbines -- one small, one large -- which tag-team depending on engine revolutions to provide best-response for outputs.The new diesel offers 132kW and 400Nm, with sub-6.0 litre per 100km fuel consumption claims.The new model is easily picked as a Saab. The new snout, which adopts the old clamshell bonnet from Saab's history books, and the inherited face of the Aero X concept car offer ample DNA for identification.The new headlights with bi-xenon on the top-spec models gain a LED eyebrow, which works along the same lines as BMW's corona rings in supplying daytime running lights as well as a character trait for the new look.The bumper profiles on the Aero have been tweaked, the door handles have a more integrated look, the rear light lenses are now clear, the flanks of the SportCombi have lost the rubbing strip for a cleaner look, says Saab.The basic platform remains the same, albeit re-engineered particularly with a view to the rear-drive apparatus, with work being done to quieten the 9-3.A six-speed manual or automatic are the transmissions on offer, the latter gaining a Sport mode that offers more aggressive gear-changing habits.Pricing is still far from set but Saab Australia is aiming to get the new model's price tag close to the current range.With aims of 3000 units per year, the 9-3 will be critical to Saab's plans. A competent, capable and swift machine it is, but only time will tell if the brand can win back the not-so faithful.The DriveWith memories of the Viggen still strong, it was almost a relief to be settling in behind the wheel of an all-wheel-drive Saab.Not the somewhat-cynical 9-2X -- which the Saab hierarchy is adamant was a mistake and would not be repeated -- but the new 9-3 XWD.The Aero V6 turbo version, which offers 188kW and 350Nm, and its recent predecessors are far better controlled than the scintillating and scary Viggen.The prospect of all four wheels doing clever things electronically to get all that Swedish grunt to ground was plenty to anticipate, with the Swedish staffers putting on a handful of pre-production test cars for some driving on loose dirt, dry bitumen and a long, ultra-slippery skid pan drenched in water.Our chaperones were riding shotgun;  these were rare test cars after all, but there was no dire warnings of imminent doom for misbehaviour.Flinging the first car through the U-shaped dirt course certainly kept the minders alert, but the grip, poise and general ability of the all-wheel-drive system felt considerable.The electronic stability control's threshold felt a little less intrusive, allowing the driver to play a little with the tail on the dirt or wander across the skidpan in varying states of sideways but with decent levels of control.Repeated laps did little to diminish the first impression, with the turbo V6 getting plenty of grunt to ground and building speed quickly down the short back straight between the dirt and the skidpan, despite the presence of three chicanes.The other models were available for road drives and while the two-litre BioPower ethanol-slurping engine has plenty to offer, the new diesel is a big step forward for Saab.Although the Australian sales of the diesel SportCombi have been plentiful, according to the Australian arm of the company, the current powerplant has been accused of excessive noise.The new 9-3 has been fitted with more engine-bay insulation and the new turbodiesel is much quieter as a result, although you're still aware of its design at idle.The power delivery has been improved considerably, offering a broad spread of torque and power delivery in the upper rev ranges; most un-diesel like and more like a petrol engine than ever.In-gear acceleration is ample and the fuel use is frugal.Time in BioPower 2-litre turbo shows the engine has plenty of output to offer, as well as a thirstier demeanour.The engine note takes on a harder edge under full throttle but, aside from that, the powerplant behaves as the rest of the Saab engine range does; good torque and power, and not unpleasant engine note. 

Customers will have to wait for the South African-built 4WD, the Hummer H3 has been pushed back to October. The US-designed, South African-built four-wheel-drive was to arrive next month, but delays in Australian-spec production have slowed the big unit's progress.GM Premium Brands director Parveen Batish says the delays are due to Australian Design Rules changes.“We've had some issues with ADR things — mudflaps, wiring looms, the towbar. We've had to get the right cars in Australia but it's led to a slight delay,” Batish says.“We'll launch in October. We're hoping to get cars to customers sooner. We'll keep in touch with them. We've even got a computer desktop icon that, once uploaded, will tell them when there's more news.”The change in the factory from other right-hand-drive markets to Australian-spec vehicles has taken a little longer than expected.At present GM Premium Brands is holding 300 orders for the brash, squared-off 4WD with military heritage. The $2000 free accessory deal, which ended in May, helped to drive interest.“We've got more than 300 orders now, which is fantastic given that no one has seen a right-hand-drive car,” Batish says.“We took a lot of orders at the motor shows. They generated a lot of traffic.”Batish says the sub-$60,000 price for the top-end model means the initial orders have been a high percentage of the flagship.“The model mix is high-end. The Luxury spec is about 70 per cent, with the Adventurer representing about 20 per cent and 10 per cent for the base model. I think it's because it's good value,” he says.News on the V8 and the rumored a turbodiesel is limited, but the Australian arm appears keener to get hold of a diesel model, given the market demands Down Under.“There is a lot on the horizon for the brand,” Batish says.“We'll try to expand what we have and see what comes up. We'd like to have the diesel. It's a little way off.“The V8 and the diesel look like late 2008 for right-hand-drive or early 2009. We have to evaluate the engine as well. We'll have to make a decision as to what we'll take.”

Many Aussies have fond memories of the breed, but there are also some who are less enamoured with it. So, the Punto had its work cut out for it.It ended last year as one of our finalists in the CARSguide Car of The Year and with good reason. It's a well-equipped machine.We're driving the 1.9 JTD Emotion five-door, which gets cloth trim - in this case an odd greenish hue but, after all, it's European - and plenty of standard safety gear.The Punto has ABS brakes and (in the case of the 1.9 models) standard stability control, two front and side and window airbags, anti-whiplash front seats and seatbelts with pre-tensioners and load limiters.Once in the cabin the seating is comfortable and supportive for lateral movement, but the driving position still feels like you need long arms and short legs. That's despite the inclusion of reach-and-rake wheel adjustment, but most average-height folk won't have a problem.There's airconditioning, trip computer, cruise control, remote central locking, power front windows, power mirrors, leather-wrapped steering wheel and gearshift.The Emotion model also gets a six-speaker CD sound system which produces a nice noise, with steering-wheel-mounted controls.It might be seen as a bit gimmicky, but the electric “dual-drive” power steering offers the driver two levels of assistance - one for around-town twirling and the other for open road work. You can feel the difference but only the weak-limbed are going to need to switch it to city mode to park this little Euro.Despite not even topping two-litre cubic capacity, the Punto can be whipped along at an indecent rate. The power peaks at 80kW but the 280Nm of torque does plenty when it only has to shift 1220kg from standstill. There is a moment of hesitation as the turbo huffs and puffs, but once it has boost pressure on board the little Punto can whip away, but the noise betrays its combustion system. It's not overly intrusive, but you won't be in any doubt that it's a diesel.The six-speed manual is a reasonable gearbox (there's no auto on offer), with a clean, if a little rubbery, shift, but there can be a bit of “snatch” between the gearbox and the engine if it's in the meat of torque curve and throttle use is not super smooth. Fuel use during our metropolitan stint was around 7 litres/100km, but throw even 20 per cent highway driving into the mix and the ADR figure of 5.5 litres/100km is more than believable.The highway figure of 4.4 litres/100km means 45 litres has the potential for 1000km on the highway.With an auto, the diesel would have added appeal but even as a manual the Punto diesel has plenty going for it. SMALL TOURQUEFiat Punto EmotionPrice: $27,990.Engine: 1.9-litre eight-valve common-rail intercooled direct-injection variable geometry turbocharged four-cylinder diesel.Power: 88kW at 4000rpm.Torque: 280Nm at 2000rpm.Transmission: Six-speed manual, front-wheel drive, with stability control.Suspension: Independent MacPherson struts, dampers and anti-roll bar (front). Independent torsion beam axle and hydraulic dampers (rear).0-100km/h/top speed: 10 seconds/190km/h.Fuel consumption/capacity: combined 5.5 litres/100km, tank 45 litres.Dimensions: Length 4030mm, width 1687mm, height 1490mm, wheelbase 2510mm, track fr/rr 1473/1466mm, boot 275/638 litres.Weight: 1220kg.Brakes: Four wheel discs, front ventilated, with ABS and EBD.Wheels: 15in alloy.

Unfortunately, there's always been a question of longevity and build quality, which Land Rover seems to be slowly overcoming. We sampled the third-generation top-spec turbodiesel V6 HSE Discovery.The cabin is ergonomically better than previous offerings but the driver's-side window developed a mind of its own during our time with the car. The central part of the console works a little better, with the sound system and dual-zone climate control easy to use. The Disco gets the electric park brake system, as well as the clever, effective and easy-to-use Terrain Response system.A quick turn of the knob, compliance with the advice on the LCD screen and the Disco is set up for most off-road expeditions.There's decent cabin space and the third row of seats can accommodate most people.The features list boasts leather trim, rear parking sensors, cruise control, power windows and mirrors, auto bi-xenon headlights, climate control (including rear airconditioning) and eight airbags, with each seat row getting curtain airbags. But topping the list of attributes for the 2.7-tonne British bush-basher is the 2.7-litre V6 turbodiesel, which delivers 140kW of power and 445Nm of torque. It's a smoothy, with some passengers finding it hard to believe there is a diesel unit up front.The Disco spent several weeks with the CARSguide team and used fuel at a rate of 11 litres/100km.The height-adjustable self-levelling air suspension (a $3450 option, including Terrain Response, on the bulk of the range, but standard on the HSE) cleverly counteracts body roll, pitch and bumps.The Disco completed many of its normal duties - family beach trip, commuting and a bit of off-road work - but the final test was a trip to the Limestone Coast with lodgings in tow. A Jayco Expanda caravan was the dwelling of choice.Tipping the scales at 1400kg, the Jayco was never going to tax the 3500kg braked towing capacity.After an 800km round trip, the Land Rover had barely noticed the well-behaved van on the back - apart from some restricted rear vision and an increase in fuel use to about 15 litres/100km.Given the ease with which it pulled up hills - dropping to fifth or fourth but rarely third - and the frugal fuel habits, there's little doubt the turbodiesel V6 is the pick of the litter within the Disco range. SMALL TORQUELAND ROVER DISCOVERY HSE Turbo Diesel V6Price: $83,990.Engine: 2.7-litre V6 turbodiesel.Power: 140kW @ 4000rpm.Torque: 440Nm @ 1900rpm.Transmission: Six-speed manual and automatic, all-wheel drive.Suspension Double wishbones and computer-controlled air springs front and rear, height adjustable.Zero-100km/h/top speed: 12.8 seconds/180km/h.Fuel consumption/capacity: 10.4 litres/100km (claimed), on tow test 15 litres/100km, tank 82 litres.Dimensions: Length 4835mm, width 2009mm, height 1832-1940mm, wheelbase 2885mm,track fr/rr 1605/1612mm.Weight: 2353kg-2432kg.Brakes: Four-wheel ventilated disc, with stability and anti-rollover systems.Wheels: 18in alloys.

TOYOTA'S dominance of the Australian new vehicle market is set to take a big step forward with the arrival of the new Corolla.It's heavier and stronger, and as efficient as its popular predecessor.While not keen to nominate numbers, Toyota execs are anxious to knock GM's Commodore from the top sales spot and believe Corolla is the car to do it.The range has been split - the Euro-styled hatchback and the more sedate Japanese-designed sedan, developed separately to maintain the different personalities.Toyota has added structural body reinforcements and closed panel gaps to make new Corolla more aerodynamic, despite its tall-boy configuration.Toyota executive sales and marketing director David Buttner says the new look aims to broaden Corolla's appeal and reduce the average age of ownership without alienating the loyal band of Corolla owners. “There's now a real focus on style and driving enthusiasm as we inject more passion into the Corolla brand,” Mr Buttner says.“We have a real opportunity with people under 35 who buy around a quarter of all small cars.”The sedan and hatch are offered in entry-level Ascent ($20,990) and mid-level Conquest grades ($25,500). The range also includes a sports-oriented Levin SX ($25,500) and ZR ($29,500) hatches, and a luxury Ultima sedan ($31,990).All new Corollas (except the auto-only Ultima) offer the choice of an all-new six-speed manual transmission or a four-speed electronic automatic as a $2000 option.A new 1.8-litre four-cylinder engine, produces 100kW of power (up from 93kW) at 6000rpm and torque has risen from 161Nm to 175Nm at 4400rpm. Toyota claims the new powerplant is the only engine in its class with continuously variable valve timing on inlet and exhaust ports for better performance, emissions and fuel use.The hatch claims an ADR fuel economy figure of 7.4 litres/100km (manual), rising to 7.7 litres/100km for the auto, while the sedan returns 7.3 litres/100km in manual guise and 7.4 litres/100km for the auto.Corolla boasts ABS brakes and dual front airbags (with a safety pack offering front-seat side airbags, curtain airbags and a driver's knee airbag on all models) but there's no stability control system on offer.Among the other standard features are reach and rake adjustable steering, an MP3 sound system, front power windows and airconditioning, with the Conquest adding 16in alloy wheels, the full complement of airbags and the cruise control, leather-bound steering and leather gearshift, keyless entry and start, a six-CD sound system with MP3 player jack, fog lamps, Bluetooth and rear power windows as standard.The Levin SX sports hatch adds a bodykit, with the ZR model including extra airbags, rain-sensing wipers, climate control, trip computer and auto HID headlights. The top-spec Ultima sedan has leather trim above the top-spec Levin ZR.The first drive showed the stronger, quieter bodyshell is worthwhile but the extra weight has blunted the verve of the 1.8-litre four-cylinder - bring on the diesel and a high-performance V6 (both engines are on offer elsewhere).The six-speed manual is a nice gearbox but the absence of a five-speed automatic is an oversight.The four-speed auto, sampled in the sedan, is decent, with smooth changes and a level of “intelligence” that overcomes the lack of torque.Both cars feel solid and have a level of build and material quality that others don't match.THE STORY SO FAR1967: Corolla, which means “crown of flowers” was launched as a small two-door sedan. Australia was the first market to receive the Corolla from Japan. The little Toyota was assembled at Port Melbourne in 1968 and won its class at Bathurst that year and again in 1969.1970: The updated Corolla proved popular with younger buyers. It was the second-best-selling car in the world that year.1975: Corolla was expanded to a two-door, four-door hard-top, wagon and van range. Annual sales in Australia topped 20,000 for the first time.1981: The Corolla went wedge-shaped and this was the last of the rear-wheel-drive models. After 16 years, Corolla reached production of 10 million vehicles in March, 1983.1995: The front-wheel-drive Corolla was born and became the first mass-produced small car in the world to feature twin-cam multi-valve technology.1989: The sporty twin-cam 1.6-litre and then 1.8-litre engines propelled Corolla, a model critical to Toyota becoming market leader in Australia for the first time in 1991.1994: Toyota launched a 13-model locally-manufactured Corolla range, the first built at Melbourne's Altona plant.1998: Toyota imported the Corolla Liftback to join the locally manufactured range and it was the first Corolla offered in Australia with a front passenger airbag.2001: Toyota unveiled an edgier style, longer wheelbase and new technology, including variable valve timing. A month before the launch total Corolla sales in Australia passed 750,000.

The new Toyota, which is priced from $20,990, has been aimed at younger buyers - the Japanese company looking to attract more private buyers in its bid to gather one quarter of the entire Australian market.The success of the Corolla nameplate worldwide has been considerable - on average, one Corolla has been sold somewhere in the world every 40 seconds over the past 40 years. There are 1.3 million Corollas produced and sold worldwide each year.The tenth generation of the world's biggest selling nameplate is on sale in Australia this week.Toyota aims to increase its sales volume from 46,000 units a year by up to 15 per cent, subject to supply availability from Japan.Toyota Australia chairman John Conomos said it would be a bonus if the new Corolla knocked Commodore from its perch as Australia's number-one seller, as it did in September, 2005, June and July 2006, and January this year. “If it occurs, that would be great,” Mr Conomos said.“But Corolla is one of a number of vehicles we'll use in aiming for a 25 per cent share target,” he said.The Corolla nameplate has sold more than 32 million units worldwide since it first came to market in 1966.The new model will be available in sedan and hatch - developed separately to give the cars distinct personalities - which use similar amounts of fuel to the outgoing model despite weighing 50kg to 180kg more.The top model, equipped with seven airbags, has achieved a five-star New Car Assessment Program crash test rating, but the base model comes standard with two airbags and anti-lock brakes.The cars, however, do not have stability control.Sales executive director David Buttner said the system was under consideration but would not be available until 2010. WHAT YOU GETPrice: From $20,990 for the Ascent to $31,990 for the Ultima.Engine: A 100kW/175Nm 1.8-litre DOHC 16-valve aluminium-block four-cylinder.Fuel consumption: hatch - 7.4 litres per 100km (7.7 auto); sedan - 7.3 litres per 100km (7.4 litres per 100km for auto).Other features: A five-star NCAP crash test rating, dual front airbags (with up to five more available as options), ABS brakes, six-speed manual or four-speed automatic. Boot space: 283 litres in hatchback and 450 litres in sedan.

The world's most modified Mini Cooper made its debut Down Under at the Auto Salon show last weekend at Homebush Bay in Sydney.The Alpine Mini has been completely transformed and features a central steering console, a single seat, digital visual gauges, speakers, electronics and a customised wrap-around rimless windscreen.The customised Mini comes directly from the US and took 4000 man-hours and more than seven months to complete.And there's no need to worry about slamming your fingers in any doors of this car.Passage in and out of the car is from the rear where the boot used to be. It has been removed and the seat slides backwards on a mechanised track.

Both are coming straight from the Paris Motor Show, both are odds-on to be painted red and both are seriously quick machines. Ferrari's latest masterpiece - the 599 GTB Fiorano, above, and the Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione - will both be among the show stars. And even if you would like to (and have the considerable means to do so) own one, the Maranello machine's order bank will mean a 2008 delivery date. The $270,000 Alfa's right-hand drive future looks bleak but it will be available to the U.S. market, marking a return for the breed after a 15-year absence. All the 599 GTBs allocated to Australia for 2006 and 2007 have already been sold and European Automotive Imports general manager Kevin Wall says even by Ferrari's standards that's a big deal. "The 599 GTB has been described as the best car in world, the greatest super car of all time, the ultimate useable supercar," he says. Ferrari boasts the $600,000, 1580kg 456kW/680Nm six-litre V12 599 GTB is faster than the F40 and just a little slower than the Enzo. "It is no wonder, therefore, that the demand for the 599 GTB Fiorano has been unprecedented," he says. The Alfa has made an appearance in Sydney before, only as a concept car, but Alfa Romeo general manager David Stone says it was only a dream then. "The Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione we will unveil at this year's Sydney Motor Show is the production car, a real super car, available for a lucky few to buy," he says. "One thing that hasn't changed though is that the Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione is the epitome of everything Alfa Romeo. It is born from a genuine sporting heritage, designed with a passion for style and engineered with an obsession for performance." About 336kW and 470Nm is produced by the new 90-degree 4.7-litre all-aluminium V8, which sends drive to the self-locking rear differential via a six-speed manual gearbox. The fun is halted by a set of massive ventilated disc brakes hiding not so quietly beneath 20in wheels.