These are the first official shots of the new 207 CC. And company bosses hope it will go straight to the top of the coupé-cabriolet class.
Key to the car's anticipated success will be the new folding metal roof. In addition to working more quickly and smoothly than the 206 CC's mechanism, it frees up more boot space.
The newcomer will be unveiled at the Paris Motor Show as the EPURE concept. With electric power coming from a hydrogen fuel cell, it's Peugeot's view of a clean, green, fun-to-drive drop-top.
Under the bonnet of the EPURE lies a 27bhp electric motor, which is powered by hydrogen fuel cells mounted in the boot. The hybrid drivetrain gives a range of 218 miles and an 81mph top speed - and its only emission is water.
However, power for the production version comes from conventional units. Two new 1.6-litre engines, developed in conjunction with BMW, will appear: a normally aspirated powerplant which produces 115bhp or 130bhp, or a turbocharged unit which delivers 150bhp - enough for the car to cover 0-60mph in around seven seconds. A 110bhp 1.6-litre turbodiesel engine will also be available. The first official appearance for the showroom-ready 207 CC will be at the Geneva Motor Show in March. Sales will kick off in the summer, with a starting price of around £14,500.
With the 207 epure concept car, Peugeot not only lifts the veil on its future coupe-cabriolet, but also shows an example of future fuel cell technology for a more distant future...
The experimental power train that equips the 207 Epure includes the latest advances of the PSA Peugeot-Citroën group in this area, without any adverse affect on the vehicle's functional and stylistic features.
The ensuing benefits - zero emissions, silent operation - does much to enhance the pleasure of driving the car as a cabriolet.
The whole car is done out in white - inside and out - to signify the ecological credentials of the technology that powers it.
Its special "Pitlane" alloy wheels strengthen the impression of a vehicle with superb road holding.
The tail has lost its "bakkie" look, and instead is neat and curvy, incorporating a spoiler in the boot lid as well as diode-effect lights.
Interior
The dashboard is covered entirely with white leather, as is most of the passenger compartment: the detailing, the trim on all four seats, and even the controls under the steering wheel.
The white dials of the instrument panel and the chrome trims strengthen the modern and technological feel of the interior.
Touches of "absinthe green", inspired by the vehicle's floor colour, are subtly interspersed throughout the passenger compartment, particularly in the form of discreet beads on the dash panel, the door panels, the rear of the front seats and the head restraints.
From a functional point of view the instrument panel incorporates all necessary information for monitoring the charge level of the battery and the quantity of on-board hydrogen, while the colour display in the centre console displays the flow of power between the electric motor, the battery and the fuel cell.
The 207 Epure, like previous Peugeot demonstrators, uses a fuel cell as a source of on-board electrical energy.
It powers the electric motor (propulsion system) directly as well as helping to recharge the batteries.
However the production 207 CC will be fitted with Peugeot's range of four-cylinder petrol engines, driving the front wheels.
There is no denying that the Corvette is an impressive sports car. With a powerful 400-horsepower V8 engine, classic styling, comfortable interior and excellent handling, what more could one want in an American sports car? So if you had a Corvette with even better handling, more aggressive styling and 105 more horses on tap, would it be any better? Absolutely!!!
That, of course, would be the all-new Corvette Z06. At first glance, it looks like any other Corvette, however those in the know will recognize it immediately. It has an air intake just ahead of the hood, larger rear fender flares with additional air scoops, and unique alloy wheels, and larger exhaust. Of course, there’s also the Z06 badge on the side that has red text on it telling the most important part of the story – 505 HP.
Yes, under the hood is Chevrolet’s LS7 7.0-liter V8 engine that pumps out 505 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque. This in a car that weighs just 3,000 lbs. 60 mph comes up in just 3.6 seconds; top speed is close to 200 mph. This is the fastest production ‘Vette ever.
But unlike the Viper, which has similar performance numbers, the Z06 is a civilized ride. It doesn’t cook you like the Viper, although after a long drive, the center console did get pretty toasty. The clutch is not heavy – your leg doesn’t hurt after sitting in traffic. Seats are very comfortable, and it drives smoothly at 40 or 140.
I had the opportunity to drive the Z06 from Portland, OR to Seattle, WA - about 190 miles. Even with some stop and go traffic, I averaged an impressive 22 mpg. This is from a 505 horsepower supercar! This is primarily because at 80 mph in 6th gear, the engine is only turning about 1800 rpm. Although, I have to say it’s really hard to cruise along at 80 when you know the car can go twice that speed.
But cruising down the highway at 80 is not what this car is about, even if it does it well. This car is about shifting into 2nd gear at 30 mph, flooring it and having the rear wheels break loose. The V8 sounds fantastic, and acceleration is incredible. It has excellent grip, and when the wheels break free, it’s still controllable. I’ve never driven this car at the track, but it must be phenomenal.
Where the Viper would make a great 3rd or 4th car, the Corvette Z06 could easily be a daily driver. It has a good amount of cargo space, storage pockets in the doors, plenty of room for every day stuff.
And with a starting price around $70,000, this car is an incredible deal. Especially when you compare it to Viper ($83,000) or Porsche 911 Turbo ($123.000). Definitely one of the more impressive cars I’ve driven. --Perry Stern
I have found what I believe to be is the perfect blend of sports and utility. And no, it’s not a sport utility vehicle. It’s the Audi S4 Avant. For those of you not aware, Avant is Audi’s term for station wagon. Not exactly sure what it means, but it was introduced several years ago when the term ‘station wagon’ was a bad thing.
Audis seem to keep popping up on my “I wish I owned one of these” list. The last one was the amazing RS4, and now this one.
Basically, Audi has taken a 340-horsepower all-wheel drive sport sedan and put an enclosed cargo space on the back.
The V8 has a powerful growl that sounds good at any RPM. The 6-speed manual can be shifted incredibly quickly. And the Audi’s quattro all-wheel drive system combined with a very stiff chassis makes this wagon handle as well as, if not better than, many sports cars.
And the best part is you don’t have to make any sacrifices in utility. You can carry two adults in the back seat in relative comfort, and there’s plenty of cargo space in the back.
Price is around $50k, but for that you get two cars – a very impressive sports car as well as a versatile station wagon. --Perry Stern
