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OCTOBER 2008
Bentley Flying Spur Speed
With 448kW of twin-turbo W12 engine and the capability of lunging majestically from zero to 96km/h (60mph) in a mere 4.5 seconds, Bentley's new Flying Spur Speed is no retiring English gentleman. The hot version of the Bentley saloon is screwed down, tightened up and specially equipped with gear including magnificent 20-inch alloy wheels to contain the engine's performance. It is the most powerful four-door ever produced by the venerable British marque. Contemporaneously, the entry-level Flying Spur gets an update, with a more upright grille and bolder lower air intake, and a reprofiled rear bumper as well as suspension revisions to improve ride comfort and refinement.
Fiat Punto
Trainspotters will love the fact Fiat is upgrading its Punto model with changes so infinitesimal it'll be out with the magnifying glass to identify them. The mini Fiat will get a bit more chrome up front, as well as minor changes on the dash, to advertise the fact that everything else is otherwise the same: Pricing, range, options.
Isuzu D-MAX ute
As the press launch invitation says, "It's not often that a new model is launched along with the company that will be importing and distributing it." Yes, that is indeed the case with the new Isuzu D-MAX ute and cab-chassis range to be announced in October with the newly formed Isuzu UTE Australia Pty Ltd. A close look will show D-MAX is actually a Rodeo, which Holden now calls Colorado. Isuzu UTE Australia has already campaigned the D-MAX in Australian motorsport, with a diesel variant scoring a class win in the Australasian Safari in August.
Mercedes-Benz A-Class
Mercedes-Benz is having a field day during October with the simultaneous unveiling of upgraded A-Class, B-Class and M-Class models. The A-Class will get styling revisions including a small grille re-work, revised tail lights and a modified rear bumper. The A-Class is reputedly in line for more significant revisions including an ECO start-stop system for driving in traffic, although this may not arrive in initial shipments.
Mercedes-Benz B-Class
The Mercedes-Benz B-Class will join the A-Class with minor styling and interior revisions, but it is unsure right now whether all the other changes announced in European versions will feature - at least initially - on the new 2009 model year car. We do know there is a revised radiator grille integrating the three-pointed star corporate badge, revised front bumper, bonnet and tail lights, and body-colour accenting for door handles, exterior mirrors and lower side sills. The cabin features new fabrics and diagonally brushed aluminium in a smoke grey finish. The same trim is applied around the gearshift plinth and in the door panels.
Mercedes-Benz ML facelift
The revised ML-Class Mercedes gets a styling makeover, plus more extensive equipment lists across the range in October. Marked externally by new bumpers, restyled headlights, a larger radiator and high-contrast tail lights, the ML Benz gets two-tone leather trim and a new four-spoke multi-function steering wheel. An externally mounted spare makes it to the options list. The range remains the same, and the price increases are generally more than covered by the added equipment (for example 18-inch alloys on base ML 280 CDI, satellite navigation on ML 320 CDI and glass sunroof on ML 500).
NOVEMBER 2008
Audi RS6 Avant
Audi S3 3-door
Kia Picanto
Kia Magentis
Lexus IS-F
Mercedes-Benz CL63
Peugeot 107
Porsche Carrera 4 and 4S
Renault Laguna estate
Volvo XC60
DECEMBER 2008
TBA
2009
Q1
Alfa 149
Maserati Quattroporte/Quattroporte S
Alfa Junior
Audi A1
Audi RS6 Sedan
Audi Q7 V12 TDI
Chery A1
Chery A5
Chery Tiggo
Nissan GT-R
Fiat SUV
Fiat 500 convertible
Peugeot 308CC
Q2
Alfa Romeo 149
Citroen C5 MkII
VW Golf 6
VW Passat CC
Audi Q5
Fiat Punto Abarth
Ford Ka
Alfa Romeo 169
Q3
Audi S4/Avant
Q4
Citroen C3 MkII
2010
Mini Crossman
Audi TT Speedster
BMW City
Audi Q3
Fiat Ritmo Wagon
Mercedes-Benz E-Class
Mercedes-Benz SL
Kia Cee'd
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