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Evo VIII

Not long after Evo VII appeared, number VIII is here.

Due for a premiere US launch in early 2003, production prototypes have been undergoing final on track refinement. The Evo VIII (top & bottom) shares it's platform with the 2004 Cedia and looks very similar to the Evo VII (middle), with a more rounded front grille and bumper and a more angled rear window giving a slightly sleeker appearance.

There are a few changes under the bonnet; a remapped ECU, brings power up slightly to around 208kW (even for entry-level US models) and revised active yaw control will sharpen dynamics. GSR versions will get a new six-speed gearbox, while the stripped, rally use, RS models will have a close-ratio five-speed.

More than a face-lift, but short of rebirth; tamed looks and tweaked performance are designed to give the Evo broader appeal in it's new markets. The changes to the VIII are relatively minor, and it is, true to it's name, an example of evolution, not revolution.

New GTR!

CLK-GTR that is... the fastest Mercedes ever made. Released in 1999 as a coupe, the CLK has now has lost its roof and allot off it's price tag.

A Le Mans racer modified for the road, the CLK-GTR is the quickest, most expensive street-legal roadster in the world. It is built around a tube steel frame and carbon fiber 'tub' onto which is mounted a composite body. One of the few features the GTR shares with the standard CLK are its head and taillights.

Built by German company HWA, owned by former AMG head, Hans-Werner Aufrecht, the new roadster has undergone extensive wind tunnel testing and modifications to ensure that its aerodynamics are a match for it's looks. Does it go but?

The GTR's hand-built, 6.9 litre V12 pushes out 457kW and 775Nm of torque. Accelerating the car's 1440kg, this produces stats like 0 - 100 km/h in 3.8 sec, 0 - 200 km/h in 9.9 sec, and a top speeds of over 320km/h. Handling? At 1950mm wide and only 1100mm high, we're prepared to take handling as a given...

Surprisingly, the roadster will be cheaper than it's stable mate, the coupe. The new car is priced just over $2,000,000 AUD, shedding around $800,000 of the cost of the 1999 model. Initially only seven examples will be built and all were said to be earmarked for loyal Mercedes collectors, but we've found one you can grab in time for Christmas...

CLK-GTRs For Sale