Honda Company representatives have officially confirmed info that, new generation Civic Type-R will be equipped the same engine that is being used now in the current generation. It is a 200hp producing naturally aspired hi-tech powerplant, that in the opinion of auto experts is too weak to compete with its main competitors like Ford Focus ST, Opel Astra OPC and VW Golf GTI, because last-mentioned cars have much more powerful engines.

Honda Civic Type-R Concept

The only thing, that could save new generation Civic Type-R from huge embarrassment in front of its rivals would be use of the same technologies, that were used in creation of the highly awarded Honda S2000 engine, which output very similar amount of hp like the earlier mentioned Opel Astra OPC and Ford Focus ST. We can guess that this option would come reality, because this would increase price vastly and would make Civic Type-R less affordable. One of the most obvious and cheapest way to increase price without serious price increase would be to fit this engine with a forced induction device like turbocharger or supercharger. This option also would be in a big question, because Honda has some unofficial (or maybe official) “no no” policy about producing turbocharged petroleum powered cars.

Public presentation of new generation Civic Type-R will take place at the end of July in London Motor Show. This will be dressed in slightly more aggressive bodykit than “rolling slow” versions of the Civic, larger rims and equipped with modernised hard and lowered suspension. Also throttle control and steering adjustment will be improved. We would like to note, that not only usual Civic Type-R version will see the daylight in London Motor Show. It will be accompanied by Type-R GT version. GT will distinguish itself by its longer list of extra installed in this car.

Details about new Civic Type-R will be published after the grand opening to public eyes in London Motor Show. This hot hatchback will hit in the spring of 2007.

Jaguar Super V8 Portfolio

Jaguar will present the special and most powerful version of Jaguar XJ sedan on the upcoming international autoshow taking place in London. This automobile has received name XJR Portfolio, and its sales will begin in September of the current year at the price of 113350 U.S. dollars. By the way, in the Great Britain it is planned to sell only 100 such cars. Jaguar Super V8 Portfolio will be built as a special edition car, mainly for the US and Canada.

The Super V8 Portfolio is a long wheelbase sporty sedan with new attitude both inside and out. Spectacularly defined by its muscular looks, powerful, modern character and unique interior and equipment features, the 2006 Super V8 Portfolio will take its place at the top of the Jaguar product range.

New Jaguar XJR is on 200 kgs easier than its predecessor who was issued five years ago. Like the XJ LWB on which it is based, it has the longest wheelbase and overall length in the large premium sedan class, but the lightest weight among its rivals. That kind of dimensions give to the passengers of this car alot of front leg and headroom and rear passenger space all of which are the best in this class. The XJ’s lightweight aluminium monocoque, even in long wheelbase form, contributes to fuel economy, emissions ratings and performance that are virtually identical to those of the standard wheelbase XJ sedans This automobile is equipped with 4,2-liter, 32 valve, AJ-V8 engine outputting 400 hp and connected with new six-step automatic gear box by the codename ZF. The magnificent sedan does 0-100km/h (0-60mph) in five seconds, and its maximum speed is artificially limited to 250km/h (about 155mph), proving that Super V8 Portfolio’s sporty character is not only about show, but also about go.

Besides XJR differs from a base sedan by more powerful brake system harmonized with adaptive suspension bracket called CATS (miau… just kidding ) and stability control, and also by special polished 20-inch light alloy rims fitted with sports tires. To distinguish the fastest Jaguar XJ it is possible also by aluminium power vents, placed on forward wings. XJR Portfolio will be painted only in special black colour, and furnished its interior with the ivory coloured leather, special grades of a tree and aluminium.

The Super V8 Portfolio builds on the XJ Long Wheelbase’s traditional image, and challenges it - with a 21st century attitude that makes the Super V8 Portfolio a different kind of XJ altogether.

Aston Martin Vantage V8 for the Nurburgring

Aston Martin Company has declared that is ready to sell sports car practically completely identical to racing V8 Vantage, which was taking part in 24-hour races in Nurnburgring (Germany), to individual clients and small teams. According to representatives of the British mark, the only limited number of such machines will be released. The reception of applications for these automobiles will begin this year in August.

Cars of a special series in the technical part are identical to base automobiles and are equipped with the same gearbox and the eight-cylinder engine. However the novelty has received race certified rollcage, fire-extinguishing system, racing petrol tank, sports seats and safety belts. Such machine will perfectly match wishes of fans, which want to run periodically on special racing tracks. Despite of all alterations V8 Vantage remains suitable for use on normal roads.

The new automobile will also become a competition for Porsche 911 RS, having similar ideology, and will cost about 89,5 thousand Euros (about 113 thousand US dollars) in Europe.