Ford Performance Vehicles (FPV) today celebrated its fifth year of production with the release of the FPV 5th Anniversary model at the Australian International Motor Show in Sydney.

"In only five short years, FPV has grown to become an icon in Australian performance motoring," said FPV General Manager Rod Barrett.

"In recognition of this milestone we are launching a vehicle which will ensure this tradition continues."

With only 200 units available, the FPV 5th Anniversary will join an iconic stable of collector's vehicles, including the 40th Anniversary GT and the Cobra.

Featuring a new 19-inch multi-spoke Alloy wheel design in Alpine Silver, the FPV 5th Anniversary is also equipped with a premium 6-piston Brembo brake package.

Available in Lightning Strike or Silhouette with a unique 5th Anniversary striping package, the 5th Anniversary also features an original rear decal.

The traditional sports seats are finished in Nudo Leather as standard with a 5th Anniversary logo embossed into the front headrests.

Unique 5th Anniversary floor mats also feature along with an exclusive build badge number mounted on the centre console.

The FPV 5th Anniversary features all the luxuries expected from an FPV, including dual-zone temperature control air conditioning, a sports leather steering wheel with cruise control mounted switches, power front and rear windows, alloy pedal covers and a premium audio system with six-disc in-dash CD with iPod** integration.

The FPV 5th Anniversary offers over $9,600^ worth of additional features for a premium of only $5,300 over the Recommended Retail Price of an FPV GT sedan.

The Recommended Retail Price for the FPV 5th Anniversary is $71,890*

[via CarAdvice.com.au]

Whether or not the Type 5 is a bargain depends on how you look at it. In the Australian market, prices should be about that of commonplace Japanese sportscars like the Mazda RX-8. So if performance is your highest priority, the Elfin has plenty of bang for the buck. Obviously though, an RX-8 is going to be much more comfortable, as a hardcore roadster like the Type 5 is...well, hardcore. As is usually the case though, we won't have to worry about this conundrum over here in America, because it won't ever be coming here. Looks like you'll have to just build a Caterham. [via MotorAuthority]

The Touareg R50: World Premiere in Sydney Impressive power: The V10 TDI of the Touareg R50 develops 350 PS of power and 850 Newton-meter of torque

Exclusive features: Distinctive exterior, leather sport seating system, 21-inch wheels and air suspension sport chassis
Wolfsburg, 08 October 2007 - In a world premiere, Volkswagen will be presenting the Touareg R50 on October 11 at the Australian International Motor Show in Sydney. Its power of 258 kW / 350 PS (at 3,500 rpm) positions the new Touareg version among the most powerful SUVs in the world. The Touareg R50 can be ordered in Germany at prices starting at 88,260 Euro; it will be introduced to the market this November.

The engine characteristic of the Touareg R50 is marked by a torque level nearly unattainable by the competition: The V10 TDI of the Touareg R50 develops its enormous power of 850 Newton-meter at a low 2,000 rpm. The turbo diesel was derived from the well-known ten cylinder with 230 kW / 313 PS. Adjustments to its turbo charging and modified engine management enabled a 28 kW / 37 PS increase in power and a considerable 100 Newton-meter increase in maximum torque. Under these new parameters, the SUV accelerates to 100 km/h in just 6.7 seconds (production car: 7.4 seconds); its top speed is 235 km/h. In relation to engine power and vehicle size, the fuel consumption of the production ten-cylinder diesel equipped with a particulate filter is a moderate 9.6 liters per 100 km (highway) and 12.6 liters per 100 km (overall). Despite big gains in power and torque, its DIN fuel consumption values have remained constant compared to the Touareg V10 TDI.

In keeping with the performance potential of the R50, Volkswagen Individual designed new exterior and interior features according to the R philosophy. From the outside, the new Touareg R50 is easy to recognize with its 21-inch Omanyt type alloy wheels and size 295 tires, blue painted brake calipers, discrete wheel well flares, side skirts and distinctive bumpers (Sport Design Package), as well as a modified radiator grille (in a matte finish chrome).

Offered exclusively on the Touareg R50 is the car color "Biscay blue". Blue hues of this type have been typical of the high-powered R models since the first Golf R32 was introduced in the year 2002. Offered as optional car colors on the Touareg R50 are "Campanella white", "Reflex silver", "Black Magic" and "Atacam gray".

The car's extensive features also include an air suspension sport chassis: The so-called "Driving dynamics package with adaptive roll compensation" and chassis lowered by twenty millimeter supplements the "Sport" mode of the manually or automatically controlled air suspension by achieving a stiffer spring rate.

On the inside, the SUV's features include a sport seating system in anthracite-colored nappa leather with R50 logo integrated in the headrests. The logo was also integrated in the stainless steel tread plates. Also in keeping with the sporty character of the Touareg is the light-colored "engine spin" decor of the interior - a metallic structure similar to that previously used on race cars - as well as metal worked caps for the accelerator and brake pedals. A R50 logo also decorates the gearshift lever of the six-speed automatic transmission (Tiptronic). Standard features the Touareg R50 also include a winter package (including seat heating for the rear seats), the Premium Memory Package (including electrically adjustable seats, steering column and seatbelt height), net partition behind the rear seats and a ski sack.

In another world premiere for the Australian International Motor Show, Volkswagen has announced it will unveil its new Touareg R50 in Sydney next week (11 October). Developed by a team of specialists at Volkswagen Individual GmbH, the Touareg R50 is one of the most powerful SUVs in the world. While Volkswagen has yet to announce detailed specifications, it promises the R50 boasts "generous" increases on the 230kW of power and 750Nm of torque produced by the current V10 TDi model on which it is based. Bigger wheels and tyres and tweaked suspension complete the high-performance package. Volkswagen Individual GmbH has also designed new exterior and interior features to reflect the R philosophy.

The R50 is the third model to appear under Volkswagen's sporty R label, following in the footsteps of the Golf R32 and the new Passat R36 - which was launched last month at the Frankfurt motor show. All three models have 4MOTION all-wheel drive to guarantee optimal traction.

Press Release:

Press Release

One of 2007's most anticipated cars, the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X, will be unveiled in final production form at the Australian International Motor Show in Sydney on 11 October. The world motor show premiere of the Evolution X tops an all-star line-up of new vehicles at the Show in Sydney, including the world premieres of the Toyota LandCruiser 200 and Lotus Exige Sport 240, a preview of the Volkswagen Touareg R50 plus new production and concept models from GM Holden and Ford. The Australian International Motor Show will additionally feature the Asia-Pacific motor show premieres of the new-generation Audi A4, Ferrari 430 Scuderia, Peugeot 308 and new-generation Mazda6.

The 10th generation of Mitsubishi's iconic Evo boasts aggressive new styling, an all-new turbocharged and intercooled four-cylinder engine, advanced all-wheel drive and a new twin-clutch sequential manual transmission. With an impeccable lineage that has included nine race-, rally- and award- winning models - several of which have been sold in the Australian market - the 2008 Lancer Evolution X is the newest and most sophisticated version of the legendary bloodline. Mitsubishi Motors Australia CEO Robert McEniry said the Evolution X remained true to the model's core value of thrilling performance, with the added advantage of all-round capability and increased user technology.

"The 2008 Lancer Evolution is a complete performance package," Mr McEniry said. "It has a powerful new engine and also inherent user technology to ensure incredible flexibility and grip, and enhanced handling and dynamics." The all-new Evo showcases cutting-edge vehicle control engineering and technology such as the famed Super-All Wheel Control (S-AWC) dynamic handling system offering extraordinary levels of driver control, and the new optional automated manual Twin-Clutch Sportronic Shift Transmission (TC-SST).

Also featured on the Mitsubishi stand at the Australian International Motor Show will be the full range of variants from the all-new Lancer sedan. The recently released 2008 Lancer range includes three highly specified variants - the ES, VR and VRX - all jam-packed with a host of important safety features including Active Stability Control with Traction Control (ASTC), standard across the entire range.

The Australian International Motor Show opens to the public at 5pm on Thursday 11 October at the Darling Harbour Exhibition and Convention Centre, Sydney, and runs to 21 October. Details of dates, opening times and ticket prices - along with updates on new models - are available at www.australianmotorshow.com.

Press Release: LOTUS EXIGE SPORT 240 - AUSTRALIAN DESIGN, F1 TECHNOLOGY, SYDNEY DEBUT Special Edition Exige with extra power and F1-style traction control

Lotus Australia has announced the fastest, most-desirable and exclusively tuned Lotus Exige to ever go on sale in Australia, the Lotus Sport 240.

Conceived and designed by Lotus Cars Australia, the special edition Exige Sport 240 will make its world debut at the Australian International Motor Show in October where it will officially go on sale.

With power improved to 179kW, this will also mark the first production car in Australia fitted with driver-adjustable stand-alone traction control, similar to the systems currently used in Formula 1.

"Designed specifically for Australia, we are excited and proud to add this bespoke Exige to our existing range." said Jonathan Stretton, Sales and Marketing Manager of Lotus Cars Australia. "Cars like the Exige Sport 240 show our passion and commitment to the Australian market."

"This Exige Sport 240 will only be available in Australia. We have worked with the Lotus factory in the UK to select specific styling and performance parts based on what we know will improve performance, but also taking into account customer feedback and current trends in this market.

"The Exige Sport 240 is a car entirely comfortable on the road for everyday use. Take it to the track and it will be blisteringly quick and will outpace cars two or three times the price," Stretton added.

Tuned with more power, bigger brakes, body mods, two bespoke colours, interior changes and limited edition badging, the Exige Sport 240 will be the most exclusive Exige to hit Australian Lotus showrooms.

Just six of the Exige Sport 240 will be initially available in launch colours of Blaze Orange or Sapphire Black, each with a special edition interior plaque.

The Blaze Orange model will feature black highlights, including front splitter, rear wing endplates, wheels and a rear beaver panel infill around the rear lights.

The Sapphire Black model will feature a Chrome Orange front splitter and rear wing endplates.

Both models will feature lightweight Lotus Sport forged five-spoke OZ alloy wheels. The Blaze Orange car has wheels finished in black with the Sapphire Black using silver. This is the first time this wheel design has featured on an Australian model.

Also for the first time in Australia, the signature Exige roof scoop will extend forward from the engine compartment to the top of the windscreen to supply an increased volume of air to the intercooler, whilst also giving the car more visual presence.

Special Exige Sport 240 badging will mark the exclusive model's exterior.

As the name suggests, power output is 240hp, or 179kW, a 10 percent improvement over the Exige S. Torque also increases from 215Nm to 230Nm. Upgraded fuel injectors and a new ECU allow the supercharged engine to reach greater heights.

The engine is a 1.8-litre supercharged intercooled four-cylinder. Features include twin-overhead camshafts, 16 valves and VVTL-i variable cam timing and lift, along with a distinct, characteristic supercharger whine.

A six-speed close-ratio C64 gearbox is standard and has been upgraded with a heavy duty clutch kit including a strengthened clutch and pressure plate.

Putting this extra power to the ground will be assured through mechanical and electronic traction aids. A torque-sensing limited-slip differential is standard on the Exige Sport 240, the first time it has been offered as factory equipment on a Lotus in Australia.

The Sport 240 will also be fitted with Lotus Sport adjustable traction control. Developed from the Lotus Sport UK GT3 motorsport program, the advanced electronic system utilises a driver-adjustable control knob to dial-in one of 18 preset levels of traction control intervention. This allows for the ultimate in driver control in any road condition, wet or dry.

This system also utilises electronic launch-control where the driver can dial in the desired revs, floor the throttle and it will hold at the determined point until the clutch is released for perfect starts every time.

Performance figures are equally impressive with 0-100km/h in 4.2 seconds, 0-160km/h in 9.9 seconds and an estimated top speed of 249km/h.

Lotus is already known for its outstanding stopping power, and the Exige Sport 240 is even more effective with AP four-piston callipers on the front with 308mm two-piece front vented discs and braided hoses. On the rear, new Brembo single-piston callipers work on 288mm rotors. Pagid brake pads are fitted all around.

The suspension uses one-way adjustable dampers with adjustable ride height and an adjustable front sway bar to suit those wanting to tune the car to their own driving style.

Maintaining its track focus, the Sport 240 is fitted with grippy R compound Yokohama A048 LTS tyres, 195/50x16 front, 225/45x17 rear. It also benefits from a BS4 T45 steel roll-over hoop and struts.

The Exige Sport 240's interior hasn't been forgotten and includes the elements of a Touring Plus pack. With this comes air-conditioning and sound insulation amongst other enhancements throughout the cabin. Exige Sport 240 sports seats (finished in black leather) with a harness bar complement the purposeful nature of the car. The seats display an orange Exige logo and, along with the door trims and centre console, also have orange stitching. The black floor mats also feature an orange Exige logo.

Even the air-conditioning system is designed for performance. Weighing just 15kg for the entire system, the air-con uses an advanced clutch that automatically turns the compressor off when it senses full throttle to preserve maximum performance.

The special edition Lotus Exige Sport 240 is priced at $149,990 plus dealer delivery and statutory government charges. It will debut and go on sale at the Australian International Motor Show, from October 11.

The Sport 240 is released in what is the most successful year for Lotus Australia. According to Stretton: "Year-to-date, Lotus Australia has more than doubled its 2006 retail sales. In 2007 we are likely to exceed the highest sales ever in Australia by 20 percent. Adopting a more focused strategy in Australia is serving us well and the introduction of the Exige Sport 240 further emphasises the importance and relevance of Australia for Lotus Cars."

If you thought badge engineering was a purely American game, check your head. GM's bringing a version of the UK's Vauxhall (Opel) Astra VXR to Australia as the Holden VXR. Never one to leave well enough alone, Holden's HSV performance group — likely gone dingbat on Aeroplane Jelly, Redback and pie floaters — worked up the 2006 HSV VXR, unveiled at the Sydney show this week. Powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter 16-valve Ecotec-4 producing 237 hp and 236 lbs-ft of torque, the lil' hatch can get from zero to 60 in 6.4 seconds. It rides on 19", 10-spoke alloys and comes with ESP, traction control, ABS and brake assist and Recaro seats. Maybe one day we'll see a Saturn that's similarily equipped, but we wouldn't bet the gee-gees on it. – Mike Spinelli

Related:
Hold on, Holden! Secret HSV E-Series Photos Leaked [internal]

If you needed any more proof Australia is the new America, check out Toyota's Aurion Sports concept it unveiled at the Sydney auto show this week. Based on its new Aurion sedan — our Camry — the concept was tweaked by Toyota Racing Development (TRD), which has been making a push toward offering branded performance versions of Toyota models in that country. While the concept is just a show car for now, there's little doubt Toyota/TRD will offer a production model sometime next year. And although the Aurion is a front driver in a country that never fully abandoned rear drive for its sedans, TRD hopes to establish a performance presence around its 3.5-liter V6, which in this case may be a supercharged version. Australia: Half the lawyers, twice the fun. [Gallery] – Mike Spinelli

[via World Car Fans]

Related:
Toyota Camry Hybrid Revealed; Thunder From, Well, You Know: More on the HSV GTS E-Series [internal]

Lexus's Austrailian aftermarket team went arse over tit for 50 Cent's chrome Lamborghini, to paraphrase today's press release. So much so that the accessory squad worked up a chrome-like IS250 for the Oz market. It's layered in Alsa Corp.'s MirraChrome paint, a reflective formulation that contains microscopic bits of shiny metal, giving it the look of chrome without the six-figure bodyshop bill. In production since earlier this year, the special IS also gets Lexus factory add-ons including a body kit comprising front lower spoiler, side skirts, rear lower skirt and trunk spoiler, and polished alloys. If you happen to find yourself on that side of the globe, you can check it out at the Sydney show, right next to the AC/DC-themed fried-out combi display. [Gallery] – Mike Spinelli

[via World Car Fans]

Related:
MTM's Polished Audi A8 [internal]