 Porsche launches new limo
On the back of the popular Cayenne, Porsche have decided to release their latest upmarket luxury car on the American market. A spokesperson said - "The Porsche Limousine combines
hi-end comfort with sports car performance."
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Wreckered road test
The long awaited
sports limo will be unveiled at The Frankfurt Motor Show. The innovative
luxury 10 seater has drawn mixed reactions from the few motoring journalists
who have so far been allowed behind the wheel, but has proved an instant
smash with the well-heeled car fanatics invited to a recent closed
doors preview. Porsche claim to have 200 vehicles already on
reserve for USA customers, with another 24 snapped up by one customer
alone in Kuwait.
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On the road
Full specifications,
dimensions and trim levels will not be revealed until Frankfurt,
but the 6-door estate variant is thought to hold either a twin
turbo 3.5 litre flat six or a four cylinder 2.0 litre front
drive diesel. My contacts tell me the limo will boast
a modified ECU to secure a huge 400bhp at 3500rpm.
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In the cabin
Buyers can
choose from 4 types of wood and 12 shades of leather. A high
roofline allows extra head room for passengers who will enjoy
standard on-board delights such as 5.1 surround hi-fi, a 36"
Nicam TV, 24-hour waitress service and a retractable ping-pong
table.
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Overall rating: 
(for the meantime)
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 New arrival from Audi
Riding on the wave of the immensely successful Audi TT, the "AudiTTy" brings three wheeler, one seater elegance to those who rate style and economy. The new vehicle is going down like a quiet storm in Germany and is setting the pace for other European car manufacturers.
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Wreckered road test
While unlikely
to intimidate boy racers, the audiTTy gives a respectable 0-60 in
28.4 sec with a top speed of 98mph. Weighing in at just under 980
kg, the new German sensation is kind to pockets
and the environment
with an astonishing 94mpg.
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On the road
96bhp 1.4 litre engine makes the audiTTy as torquey as the Renault
Scenic. Gearchange on the dash is a little mushy and I'd prefer
a bit more information coming through the steering wheel. Low
body mass allied to big wheels and tyres give good stability.
Quiet even at motorway speeds and more than nimble around town.
Oh, and it is definitely a head turner. |
In the cabin
Terrific side-bolstered seat with under thigh support technology.
Padded vinyl throughout, chrome trim here and there. The absence
of passenger seats allows max elbow room and further space gains
come from underfloor storage boxes and a huge bin in the console.
The chair rotates 180 and the parcel shelf doubles as a table.
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Overall rating: 
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 New arrivals - Sooty and Sweep driving gloves
Fashioned in fur, these driving gloves will cheer you
up on that long commute back from the office.
Not necessarily the best grip but safety isn't your primary concern when you just want to put a smile
back on your face. One size fits all.
Buy them online...
UK - Find this and similar products here  US - Find similar here
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 Ford
losses prompt Super Trolley
With Ford recently declaring losses of $525m, no surprise that
the car giant is diversifying with a startling range of new
products. Shoppers and supermarket bosses in the UK are said
to be drooling over the imminent launch of the Ford Super Trolley.
A hybrid carbon fibre frame has reduced weight by 30% and radical
anti-twist axles prevent any one wheel from trying to go in
a different direction from its partners. Moreover, a parking
sensor derivative at each corner of the main bay will, Ford
claim, reduce aisle collisions by as much as 80%. The rear hand
bar can be adjusted to any of four height positions by the shopper
and features ergonomic brake paddles which control two piston
calipers at the front giving the Super Trolley 0.8g deceleration. Ford expect the first models to roll out by summer 2004. |
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