Clarksonian
Top Gear - Mazda MX-5 (Miata) vs Toyota MR2 vs Fiat Barchetta review
updated
Car Ranking
Citroen C6 SZ
Peugeot 207 U (C)
Skoda Fabia VRS SU
Saab 9-5 U
According to Lotus, the Exige S model, weighing 2,057 lb (933 kg), has the following specifications:
Engine
Toyota supplied, 1,796 cc (1.8 L) I4, DOHC with VVTL-i (variable valve timing and lift - intelligent), supercharged and intercooled
Bore/Stroke 82 mm × 85 mm (3.23 in × 3.35 in)
218 hp (163 kW; 221 PS) at 7,800 rpm
159 lbf⋅ft (215 N⋅m) at 5,500 rpm
Compression ratio: 11.5:1
Transmission
6-speed, close ratio with single-plate dry clutch
Performance
0-97 km/h (60 mph): 4.1 seconds
0-161 km/h (100 mph): 9.98 seconds
Top speed: 238 km/h (148 mph)
Fuel consumption: 24 mpg‑imp (12 L/100 km; 20 mpg‑US) city / 29 mpg‑imp (9.7 L/100 km; 24 mpg‑US) highway
By starting with a blank canvas, Jaguar was able to make use of the latest aerospace technologies alongside more traditional Jaguar skills to create a luxurious, powerful, highly advanced sports car. A major key to the all-new XK's character is Jaguar's industry-leading aluminium monocoque body structure, introduced with the latest XJ saloons.
With this unique high-tech construction method, the all-new XK's bodyshell is 31 percent stiffer than the previous XK's and significantly offers a 10 percent improvement in power to weight ratio. The all-new XK is up to 90 percent stiffer and 180kg lighter than key rivals, with a kerb weight of just 1595kg.
ALL-NEW JAGUAR XK AT A GLANCE
+ All-new Jaguar XK 2+2 sports car
+ First of a new generation of beautiful, fast Jaguars
+ The most technically and technologically advanced Jaguar ever
+ Succeeds the Jaguar XK range introduced in 1996
+ All-aluminium construction forms a lightweight, incredibly stiff, strong car
+ All-new XK lighter than its predecessor and key rivals, at 1595kg kerb weight
+ Delivers a balance of superb performance, driving dynamics and Jaguar sophistication
+ Intuitive controls and driver-focussed technologies - such as keyless entry, push button start and active lighting - enhance driver enjoyment
+ Spacious, elegant sports car cabin exemplifies Jaguar craftsmanship, luxury and quality
+ Launched with latest generation naturally aspirated 4.2-litre Jaguar AJ-V8 engine, developing 300bhp (224kW) SAE / 298PS (219kW) EEC
+ New Jaguar Sequential Shift 6-speed automatic transmission system incorporates steering wheel-mounted paddles for manual gear changes
+ Reaches 60mph from standstill in 5.9 seconds and completes quarter mile sprint in 14.4 seconds - less than half a second off the pace of the previous 400bhp supercharged model*
+ Top speed of 155mph (electronically limited)
The 2006 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 comprises an unprecedented level of capability and technology, making it one of the best performance values on the market. And with an unmistakably muscular appearance, the '06 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 has a visual attitude that always looks ready to demonstrate Corvette's winning attitude to any challenger around the globe.
"The new Chevrolet Corvette Z06 is the dividend from competing so successfully in endurance racing," said Dave Hill, Corvette's chief engineer. "It combines the strong attributes of the new, sixth-generation Corvette with the spirit, technology and know-how from the race program to form an American supercar with outstanding credentials."
The Chevrolet Corvette Z06's new LS7 7.0L engines delivers 505 horsepower (377 kw) in an approximately 3,130-pound (1,420 kg) package - a combination that delivers 0-60 performance of 3.7 seconds in first gear, quarter-mile times of 11.7 seconds at 125 mph and a top speed of 198 mph (as recorded on Germany's Autobahn). It also provides maximum lateral acceleration of 1.04 g and 60-0 braking in 111.3 feet; it also circuited Germany 's famed N ü rburgring in a time of 7:43 . Along with astounding performance, Chevrolet Corvette Z06 also returns surprising fuel economy of 26 mpg on the highway.
Mechanically, the European Civic differs from the American and JDM variants in that it uses a simpler torsion beam suspension system for the rear wheels compared to the double-wishbone system in the American and JDM versions. The more compact suspension of the European Civic allows it to keep its large interior space, while reducing its length compared to its predecessor. Engines include a 1.4-litre i-DSI, the 1.8-litre i-VTEC(R18A2) shared with the American and JDM models (although the American and JDM cars have this engine available as R18A1), and a 2.2-litre i-CTDi N22A2 turbodiesel. A 6-speed manual transmission is available across the range. An automated manual transmission, known as i-SHIFT is available for models with 1.4- and 1.8-litre petrol engines. A 2.0-litre i-VTEC (K20Z4) petrol Type-R high-performance version is also available.
Inside, the European Civic follows the same split-level or "two-tier" instrument panel as the American and JDM Civics. However, the European Civic has circular A/C vents and switchgear. There is also a start button reminiscent of the Honda S2000. The handbrake is in a more conventional position behind the gear stick. All around there is a generous use of metallic trim. Some other features of the European Civic include "magic seats" in the rear, that not only lie flat to increase boot capacity, but also allow the seat bench to lift up and lie flat against the back rests to create a large loading area in the back behind the front seats. There is also a "hidden" storage compartment in the boot under the floor. The lid, which normally forms part of the boot floor, can be sunk down to a lower level to increase the load area, designed to allow the boot area to accommodate larger or taller items. In the normal position, the storage area can be used to hide valuables away under the floor. Some models in the range feature things like electric folding mirrors, a panoramic glass roof, dual climate control, automatic headlights, xenon lights, headlight washers, and automatic windshield wipers. The range topping EX model also has DVD satellite navigation, and allows the car's entertainment system, climate control, navigation system and hands-free telephone system to be controlled all by voice commands.
Biggest Surprise – Audi RS4
Ugliest Car – BMW 3 Series
Best Car – Bugatti Veyron
Best Engine Noise – Aston Martin V8 Vantage
The most ill-advised piece of facial hair in motorsport – Fernando Alonso
Gas Guzzler – Ford GT
Best German – Sabine Schmitz
Best Driver – Ellen MacArthur
The Golden Cock – James May
Coolest Car – Aston Martin V8 Vantage (according to Clarkson), Porsche 997 (according to Hammond and the script)
The 4.2-litre V8 develops maximum torque of 303 lb ft (411Nm) EEC at 4,100rpm. Again, the spread of torque is an important ingredient in the XK's effortlessly sporty character, and this engine delivers more than 85% of torque all the way from 2,000 to 6,000rpm. Yet it still offers fine fuel economy and low emissions figures, with a drop in CO2 emissions of 6 percent.*
The naturally aspirated 4.2-litre V8 XK coupe has an electronically limited maximum speed of 155mph and a 0-60mph time of 5.9 seconds, plus instant throttle response and broad flexibility for punchy performance across the range. With the all-new XK's weight savings, the new naturally aspirated 4.2's standing quarter-mile time of 14.4 seconds is less than half a second off the pace of the previous supercharged 4.2 XKR.*
For the first time in a Jaguar, drivers will be able to use steering wheel-mounted paddles to change gear with the new Jaguar Sequential Shift transmission. In either Drive or Sport Manual modes, very fast gear shifts are achieved by combining the use of one-touch paddles with an automatic blip of the throttle from the drive-by-wire engine management system during downshifts. Thanks to this positive torque enhancement control, the shifts are faster and more responsive than before regardless of the mode the driver has selected.
The XK's six-speed transmission introduces a new generation of automatic gearshift for Jaguar, replacing the familiar 'J' gate with the new Jaguar Sequential Shift system with Park, Reverse, Neutral, Drive and Sport modes. The fully automatic Drive mode adapts to individual driving styles, while a Sport Auto mode can also be selected. This offers an even more responsive fully automatic shift strategy, also utilising the automatic blip of the throttle to maintain ultra-smooth gear shifts.
The Volkswagen Golf R32 is available in three and five-door guises, with a choice of six-speed manual or DSG automatic transmission. Volkswagen's innovative DSG gearbox combines the convenience of an automatic with the efficiency and driving qualities of a manual. Unlike most automatics it can produce even better performance than a manual as can be seen from the acceleration figures: 6.2 seconds to 62 mph for the DSG against 6.5 seconds for the manual.
With the UK firmly established as the world's leading market for the Golf GTI, it comes as little surprise that the R32 is highly sought-after. The UK's original allocation of 450 cars sold out shortly after the car went on sale; while continued heavy demand for the vehicle means residual values remain high.
In June 2006 the sales of the third generation Clio Renault Sport started in France for the price of 23000 euros. Clio Renault Sport is equipped with a new naturally aspirated 16-valve 2 liter engine based on the earlier version used in the second generation Clio Renault Sport and a 6-speed gearbox. The engine develops 145 kW (197 hp) at 7250 rpm. The top speed is 215 km/h and 0-100 km/h takes 6.9 seconds.
Renault exhibited a Hi-Flex Clio with a 1.6 L 16-valve engine at the 2006 Paris International Agricultural Show. This vehicle, which addresses the Brazilian market, features Renault-developed flex-fuel technology, with a highly versatile engine that can run on fuel containing a blend of gasoline and ethanol in any proportion (0% to 100% of either)
Production of the Zonda F was limited to 25 cars. It came equipped with an extra headlight and a new configuration of fog lights in the lower grille, new bodywork (revised front end, new rear spoiler, more aerodynamic vents all around) that improved the car's aerodynamics, and different side mirrors. Further enhancements over the "S" centered on optional carbon/ceramic brakes (measuring 380 mm) developed in conjunction with Brembo, OZ alloy wheels, Inconel exhaust system, hydroformed aluminium intake plenum, and a redesigned "Z preg" weave in the crash structure to improve rigidity and reduce weight.
1: Honda S2000
2: Lexus IS200/300
3: Lexus RX300
4: Skoda Superb
5: Skoda Octavia
6: Honda Jazz
7: Honda Accord
8: Subaru Legacy
9: Skoda Fabia
10: Subaru Forester
2005 Top Gear Survey - the Last 10
150: Citroen Xsara
151: Peugeot 206
152: Renault M?gane (Nov '02 on)
153: Rover 25
154: Fiat Stilo
155: Mercedes M-Class
156: Renault Laguna
157: Renault Espace
158: Peugeot 307
159: Peugeot 807
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2005 Category winners
Small car: Honda Jazz
Compact car: Mazda 323
Medium car: Skoda Superb
Executive car: Lexus IS
MPV: Mazda Premacy
4x4/SUV: Lexus RX300
Sports car: Honda S2000
Super sports: Porsche 911


