Max Auto Updates - 27/07/2009

RUF announces Rt 12 S with 504kW



http://www.maxauto.co.za/CntView.aspx?CatID=26&CntID=789

German tuners RUF have developed their work on the 997, with this release of the RUF Rt 12 S. An upgrade from the non-"S" model released in Essen five years ago, the new car gets 504kW from a modified biturbo boxer engine. This is a step up of about 26kW from the Rt 12. The new version also sees a maximum torque output of 880Nm.

Although bodywork appears to be mostly the same as the previous version, there are definitely a few differences. For example, the sideview mirrors have now been lifted from the RUF CTR 3, and the carbon rear spoiler looks to be a bit bigger with its "tearing edge." Rear fenders are also a bit larger, and have new air ducts carved into them. LED lights are inserted into the slot where the fog lamps had been. They also use LEDs for the turn signals. RUF is introducing a newly designed roll cage for this car, something they are including as a standard feature on the vehicle.

The car makes use of custom 19-inch light alloys which neatly house the big ceramic disc brakes. As an option, hydraulics can be added to adjust the ride height by as much as 50mm with the push of a button. Inside, the driver is kept in place by either bucket seats or sport seats. Also, the steering wheel supposedly offers the perfect amount of grip, and has been designed to provide "fatigue-proof driving."

Like its predecessor, the new model can be delivered with either rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive.

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2010 Mazda RX-8 facelift officially announced



http://www.maxauto.co.za/CntView.aspx?CatID=26&CntID=790

Mazda has officially announced the European release of the facelifted Mazda RX-8. The 2010 model year RX-8 will take center stage at the Frankfurt Motor Show this September, showing the same restyling customers in Japan have received.

Some of the changes include a new front bumper, new headlights, and LEDs incorporated into the rear lights. The front now brings the car more in line with the Mazda 3 and Mazda 6. Although exhaust tips are now round, the triangular shape is still seen in the red reflector at the base of the rear bumper. Mazda is also using new side skirts, as well as new 19-inch alloy wheels.

Under the hood, Mazda will use the unchanged 1.3-liter rotary engine that provides 170kW and 211Nm. The engine now has a second knock sensor, for increased efficiency. Using the six-speed manual, the car can reach 100 km/h in 6.4 seconds. The car tops out at 234 km/h. New engine choice may appear with the 2011 Mazda RX-7, but that is unconfirmed.

Inside, the driver and passenger will be held into place thanks to the Recaro sport seats that combine black cloth and leather. A new instrument cluster, steering wheel, and sound system are included, as well as Bluetooth functionality.