|
New
Import Regulations
In
mid 2000 the Federal Department of Transport and reigional Services
announced the controversial Specialist and Enthusiast Vehicle Scheme
(SEVS) and scheduled it to replace the current Low Volume Scheme
on the 8th May 2002. It also announced a 'vehicle by vehicle' approval
system for used imports, The Registered Automotive Workshop Scheme
or RAWS.
The new import SEVS eligibility criteria are said to restore the
original purpose of allowing the importation of cars without 'full
volume' compliance. By limiting import eligibility to vehicles that
are 'genuinely specialist and enthusiast in nature' the new system
atempts to maintain a viable import industry and appease the powerful
lobby of full volume manufacturers.
Meanwhile the system of vehicle-by-vehicle approval in accredited
RAWS workshops is 'aimed at providing better assurance that vehicles
meet road safety and emission standards'.
The industry is currently gearing up for the changes which will
see an end to the import of many popular models like the Surf, MU,
and MR2 GT, but will also see a host of new models arrive.
More
on the new SEVS
import eligibility criteria.
Find out if your favourite is one of the models
available for import.
|
|
D e p a
r t m e n t o f
TRANSPORT AND REGIONAL SERVICES
|
|
New
Supra/5000GT
Conceived as a Supra successor and a 2000GT for the new millennium-
Toyota's future flagship is evolving and is now aimed at focusing
attention on Toyota's 2002 entry into Formula One racing.
One
early incarnation was labeled the 4000GT (top) however, Toyota insiders
say that consumer studies rejected the original design as ugly and
too retro. So Toyota looked for some euro-inspiration in the products
of Maranello.
Inspired
by, and aimed squarely at Ferrari 360 Modena. The 4500GT was to
be powered by a 4.5-litre V8, capable of more than 300kW. High spec
models would have reached 100kph in 4.5 seconds with top speeds
of 320kph, cheaper, de-tuned versions would
also have been offered. However
the 4500GT was perhaps thought too indiscreet in it's styling and
a new
Stuttgart look has now emerged.
Recently
revealed were pictures of a V12 engined
coupe... the 5000GT. The new
proposal is
based on the recently released SC430/Soarer
which its self draws on Benz lines.
But sources say the model to be displayed at the 2003 Tokyo Motor
Show will have "strategic differences" to the machine shown here.
Under-bonnet,
Toyota have a choice of V12s. With Toyota nearing completion of
their Formula One V12 the FIA ruled that teams must all use V10s,
leaving their engine homeless. Whether the 5000GT will get a detuned
version of the F1 engine, or a reworked version of the Century limousine's
220+kW 5.0-litre 'V dozen' is as yet unknown.
Earliest
SupraV Successor
NSW
fans of the MkV Supra
visit http://www.xzibit.au.com/nswsupra.htm
for info on the NSW Supra club.
|
|
|
|
Can't
Beat 'em? Join 'em!
We complain when manufacturers don't bring their performance icons
here, so to be fair, we can only applaud when they do. Of course
manufacturers also complain when any 'outsider' quenches our
thirst for performance with their overseas product. But now
it seems some are jumping on the 'import' bandwagon themselves.
|
|
|
|
Legacy
B4 Liberty
In
early August Subaru Australia launched the 'Liberty B4', sequential
twin-turbo sedan, a machine after which many import fans have long
lusted.
Other
markets including the Kiwis and Europeans have had the Japanese
domestic spec model (Legacy B4) for some time. However, in order
to prevent another piston melting WRX Sti saga, the Liberty B4 has
become a naturalised Australian. Given our lower octane fuels, Subaru
engineers have detuned the B4s engine for reliability, ABS brakes
and suspension were also tweaked for their encounter with 'Australia's
demanding roads'. In Aussie tune, the B4's 2.0 litre, twin-turbo,
flat 4 makes 190kW, down 16kW on its Japanese brothers. The B4 will
not be 'low volume', Subaru saying it is now a permanent part of
their range, it expects to sell 600 over the next 12 months at $55,130.
Just
one thing... can I have it in the wagon?
|
|
|
|
Wild
Horses
We'd
call them 'brumbies', the Yanks call them 'mustangs' , but Ford
is not about to mess with the name of this auto icon.
Having
last sold new Mustangs during 1964 and 1965, Ford Australia recently
'relaunched' their Mustang Cobra on the Gold Coast. The new Mustang
is an effort to give Ford Australia a model that entices baby boomers,
generation X and generation next. Ford's partner Tickford has not
only converted the cobra from left to right hand drive, but added
a few bits to 'tune it to the Australian market'; in this case an
extra couple of driving lights and a set of extractors do the job.
The 4.6 litre Alloy Quad Cam V8 produces 240kw @ 6000rpm and 430Nm
@ 4750 rpm, giving you 0-100 Kph in 5.6 seconds. Pick up the basic
convertible for $89,000 or the coupe for $85,000 plus tax at salected
Ford dealers, or check out our classifieds.
|
|
|
|
Waiting
for Evo
Mitsubishi's
last Aussie turbo-four offering was 1994's Lancer GSR. When it exited
our scene, the all too familiar WRX became the only locally delivered
performance 4x4 option (Tell me again how the GT-R became so popular).
With
the Lancer Evo VI, the performance Mitsubishi will be back, due
in part, to popular demand, and largely to the desire to bolster
Mitsi's performance image.
Mitsubishi's
Ralliart subsidiary will import 100 Evo VIs to Australia. Meeting
ADRs and translation of documents has delayed importation of the
batch, which has been waiting in Japan since September 2000. The
delayed launch means that the model has long since been replaced
in Japanese showrooms by the EVOVII.
The
'new' Lancer Evo VI is due to arrive any day now, and will be called
the 'Ralliart Evo VI'. At $79,990, you can have it in red, black,
silver or white. All examples come with white 17 inch Ralliart alloy
wheels- Tommi's race stripes optional.
|
|
|
|
New
Skyline
The
first of the R35 Skyline family (long wheelbase 4-door, short wheelbase
2-door and GT-R) has been unveiled.
The
R35 sedans major changes are the larger 2850 mm wheelbase and the
VQ-series V6 power plants. The all-alloy 3-litre VQ30DD and 2.5-litre
VQ25DD feature E-VTC* variable valve timing. Power is significantly
improved over the outgoing model, the new units making 193kW and
160kW respectively. The slippery new shape has a class leading 0.27
Cd, giving a top speed around 250kph. No word on handling or ride
but with Z-car suspension and near perfect weight distribution,
(52:48) expect good things. Nissan have rationalized their RWD platforms
and powertrains, with the R35's shared with the Cedric, and Gloria.
These moves lower research and production costs but may slow development
of the GT-R due to the need for a shorter wheelbase and heavily
re-engineered drivetrain. When the new GT-R does arrive let's hope
they've 're-engineered' those rear lights too!
*electro-magnetic
variable valve timing control
For
more pics of the new model visit; http://www.nissan.co.jp/SKYLINE
|
|
|
|
