Auto Vasar Blog

Renaultsport Megane 250

Luckily this isn’t just a rehash of the (apparently amazing) R26, but is instead a whole new car.  Both a Cup and a standard version will be available, with the former being kitted out with a limited slip diff to help in the corners.  Improvements have been made to body stiffness and overall structural rigidity, along with a quicker steering rack.  Here’s the full low-down from Renault:

As the latest in a long line of Renault performance models, New Mégane Renaultsport 250 stands out through its exhilarating performance and handling. The fusion of its extra 25hp with unmistakable sporting coupé credentials and choice of two chassis settings (sport and Cup, the latter with a limited slip differential) is clear evidence that New Mégane Renaultsport has been honed to delight enthusiasts.

Coming after Mégane F1 Team R26 and Mégane R26.R, New Mégane Renaultsport 250 profits fully from Renault Sport Technologies’ extensive experience when it comes to manufacturing performance models.

Powerful
New Mégane Renaultsport 250 is powered by a new-generation two-litre 16-valve turbocharged petrol engine which boasts maximum power of 250hp at 5,500rpm and peak torque of 340Nm from 3,000rpm. The sum of the different improvements made to this engine has produced a gain of 20hp and 40Nm over Mégane R26.R which itself emerged as the yardstick in the world of performance hatches. The Renaultsport engine’s twin-scroll turbo is exceptionally responsive, particularly at lows revs, with 80 per cent of maximum torque available from 1,900rpm. Its wide power band makes it a genuine joy to drive in everyday use, and the pleasure remains undiminished  all the way up to the rev-limiter whenever it is pushed a little harder. The engine of New Mégane Renaultsport 250 transmits its power through a six-speed manual gearbox.

Work has also gone into the acoustics of the Renaultsport engine to produce a tell-tale sporty note audible inside the cabin under acceleration.

Efficient
New Mégane Renaultsport 250 has inherited the same suspension arrangement as the current version. Thanks to an independent steering axis layout at the front, the suspension and steering functions have been separated to ensure a particularly high standard of handling allied with great traction.

Like the Renaultsport versions of the Clio and Twingo ranges, New Mégane Renaultsport is available with a choice of two chassis: the standard sport chassis or the Cup chassis, which comes with a limited slip differential for even greater traction.

The electric power steering features specific calibration and benefits from the latest improvements seen on New Mégane aimed at achieving greater precision and even more feedback from the road.

New Mégane Renaultsport 250 is equipped with ESP which is fully disconnectable in order to enable owners to enjoy their car’s full potential on a circuit.

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The 2008 WhatCar? ‘Car of the Year’ winner, the Jaguar XF, retained its award-winning crown at the WhatCar? Awards held in London last night, winning ‘Best Executive Car’ for 2009.

WhatCar? editor, Steve Fowler, commented: “Jaguar’s XF is a deserving winner once again – and it’s about to get even better with new, greener engines. The XF is all about style, poise and pace – driving one is always a special occasion and the interior is one of the most dramatic of any car at any price.”

Geoff Cousins, Managing Director of Jaguar Cars in the UK, said: “It is fantastic news for XF to win this esteemed WhatCar? award for the second time. The XF has been a resounding success since launch and despite the current challenging economic conditions, Jaguar made great progress in 2008.

Cousins continued: “We have had a terrific start to the year with the reveal of the greatly anticipated XFR and the new XF Diesel S – both of which set new benchmarks in terms of performance, economy and efficiency. Most notably, the new XF Diesel S features an advanced new 3.0-litre diesel engine and offers a marked improvement in CO2 and fuel economy which is great news for the consumer.”

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It’s not often that you come across a new car – which is exactly what happened to me today.  I must say, it was something I was pleasantly surprised at too, as the PGO Speedster II is something of a joy to behold in these homolgated, standardised times.

PGO Automobiles is France’s most exclusive sports car manufacturer, making two similar but distinctive models, to rival the likes of Lotus, BMW, Porsche and even Morgan, for those discerning customers who want individuality and style, without supercar pricing, or classic temperament.

PGO was started in the mid 80s by two enthusiasts whose initials formed the brand: Prévôt Gilles and Olivier. The PGO company rapidly moved from building replicas to producing their own design.

The Speedster II, offering neo-retro styling and modern specification, debuted at the 2000 Paris Motor Show winning plaudits from the press for its technical prowess and beauty.

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Aston Martin Lagonda Concept

The Lagonda name is actually a 100 year old car marque – last brought forth from 1976 to 1991 as a massive, hugely sophisticated saloon.  Unreliable, massive and thirsty, the Lagonda wasn’t a huge success, yet because of the unique nature of the car it remains to have some fans to this day.

The new Lagonda that you can see here has been designed to offer something completely different, but is also set to be one of the first cars in a sister branding exercise for Aston Martin.  Ultimately, this should mean that they can create new cars in other markets than the traditional ‘expensive, fast coupe’ that they normally work in.

First off, the new car looks MASSIVE.  Huge shoulder lines, a boat like rear end and chest high panels make this thing dwarf most other cars on the road (should it actually end up there).  However, the best thing about the car is the bespoke interior.  Separated into two distinct areas, the front is all black and driver-y whilst the rear is all white leather – to promote calm and relaxation.

Whatever happens with the Aston Martin Lagonda Concept, it’s a step in a new direction and one which I thoroughly approve of.  I just want to actually be driven around in the thing rather than driving it myself.  Talk about lap of luxury!

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Sports Tourer

It’s not every often when a car company gets really creative – especially with theirl mail.  In this case, Vauxhall have come up with the goods for the new Sports Tourer Insignia.  A mailshot landed through my letterbox that had a ‘RESTRICTED’ sign across it and a complex opening system.

When in, the full colour small brochure highlighted some of the features of the new car:

Adaptive 4×4 power system to maximise grip
Adaptive forward lighting to make sure you have visibility in the dark
A power tailgate with remote control

Whilst estates have never particularly been my thing, the new Insignia Sports Tourer is a noble effort in a market that tends to be packed by German marques.  Given the pricepoint of £18,000 you could say it actually represents a lot of value if your car doesn’t have to be an Audi or a BMW.

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