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Subaru Liberty GT


In a new report published by NRMA Insurance, Japanese car maker Subaru has been named a standout performer when it comes to reducing vehicle theft.

The annual Vehicle Theft Ratings measure the ability of a car to resist being broken into, stolen and re-birthed and Subaru models topped two segments in the report - a far cry from the days when the Impreza WRX model was a "ram-raider's" favourite.


Subaru’s popular mid-sized sedan, the Liberty, scored 102 points out of a maximum 120, taking out first place in the Medium Car Segment by more than 12 points. It also achieved the maximum 100 points available in both theft resistance and vehicle identification thanks to the standard inclusion of a vehicle immobiliser and DataDot technology.

The Tribeca SUV also scored 102 points, leading the People Movers category by more than 17 points.

Subaru’s new generation Impreza also ranked highly with fourth place in the competitive Small-Medium vehicle category.

In the same report, NRMA Insurance urged Australian car manufacturers to use a simple $2 security sticker to boost security against rebirthing rackets. The self-voiding labels are cheap and could not be tampered with, without being destroyed thus making it suitable for use in identifying a stolen car in a similar fashion to a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).




[Source: NRMA]











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2009 Ford Focus RS


The hype surrounding the Ford Focus RS has reached fever pitch after a batch of hi-res images made its way into cyberspace ahead of its highly anticipated international debut at the London Motor Show later this month.

While Ford has yet to confirm the exact power output and performance figures for the hottest of hatches, the European arm of Ford hopes the extensively tuned 2.5-litre 5-cylinder turbocharged engine with unique camshafts, cylinder head and gasket and new breathing mods will push the new RS over the 300 hp (221 kW) mark as well as a tarmac wrenching 410 Nm of torque.

2009 Ford Focus RS

2009 Ford Focus RS


In all likelihood, this should allow the RS to sprint from rest to 100 km/h in less than 6 seconds.

Many die-hard fans have expressed their concerns about the front-wheel-drive layout of the RS i.e whether the front wheels could cope with such staggering power and the inherent understeer and torque steer that comes with it, but it seems these fears were a bit premature given the great lengths Ford engineers have taken to ensure the RS handles the twisties with aplomb.

Along with the fitment of an automatic torque biasing limited-slip differential by Quaife, an innovative front suspension system dubbed ‘RevoKnuckle’ - better than 'WhiteKnuckle' - all but eliminates torque steer.

2009 Ford Focus RS interior

2009 Ford Focus RS interior


Looking suitably bad-ass in green, the sheetmetal of the RS boasts more muscle than Hulk himself with a 40mm wider track that requires extensively flared front and rear guards, an aggressive bodykit with a gaping front air dam (in black) and bonnet louvers, rear diffuser, huge 19-inch wheels and a top mounted rear wing, side gills and rear mirrors all finished in black to contrast with the paint job.

The upgrades extends to the interior where the trim matches the exterior colour plus the fitment of one-piece Recaro sports bucket seats embroidered with the 'RS' logo. There's also a three-spoke sports steering wheel with brushed aluminium and RS logo, carbon-fibre trim on the centre console and an engine start button located next to the gear stick.

More will be revealed after the car's launch at the London Motor Show later this month.


[Source: Ford via Carscoop]












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Mitsubishi Outlander VRX
Mitsubishi Outlander VRX


A good piece of news has finally emerged from Mitsubishi Australia after the demise of the locally-produced 380 sedan with reports of a 31 per cent increase in sales of its imported product line-up during the month of April


[ Click here to read more ]
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Nissan GT-R Nurburgring


The all-new Nissan GT-R - affectionately known here as the 'Godzilla' - has cracked the 7min 30sec mark at the famous Nurburgring circuit in Germany with a blistering time of 7min and 29seconds


[ Click here to read more ]
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Beijing premiere: Ford Fiesta S

April 22nd 2008 05:15
Ford Fiesta S


Ford has unveiled its all-new global small car - the Fiesta - at the Beijing Motor Show with sales starting in Europe, Asia, South Africa, Australia and the Americas between 2008 and 2010


[ Click here to read more ]
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Revealed: Opel Insignia

April 18th 2008 23:59
Opel Insignia


Opel, the European arm of General Motors, has unveiled the all-new Insignia sedan with a set of official images and press release on this important model


[ Click here to read more ]
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2008 Nissan GT-R
Goes fast and sells fast too!


Car nuts over in the UK have understandably gone bonkers over the awesome Nissan GT-R with news that Nissan (UK) racked up approximately 700 customer deposits within the first 48 hours after accepting pre-order reservations for the Japanese supercar


[ Click here to read more ]
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Volvo C30 with removable film


In an effort to make the Volvo C30 hatchback more appealing - or unappealing, as is most likely the case - the Swedish car maker has announced a new personlisation program that allows you to customise the C30 with a removable film featuring roughly 20 different designs


[ Click here to read more ]
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Lotus Exige GT3


An updated version of the highly anticipated Lotus Exige GT3 will be officially launched in Melbourne at the Australian Formula One Grand Prix this weekend


[ Click here to read more ]
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World Car of the Year awards

January 31st 2008 10:30
Audi R8


It's the start of a new year and it comes as no surprise to see many motoring authorities handing out their 'Car Of The Year' awards for the outstanding cars from the previous year. In Australia, Wheels' magazine recently presented the Mercedes-Benz C-class with their prestigious 'Car Of The Year Award' and now it's time to see some of the contenders for the same award from overseas


[ Click here to read more ]
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YES! Roadster 3.2/Turbo

January 29th 2008 10:30
YES! Roadster 3.2


The YES! Roadster 3.2 is the work of German sports carmaker Funke & Will AG


[ Click here to read more ]
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Lamborghini Murcielago LP640 roadster Ad Personam


It's laughable to say that Lamborghini's aren't exclusive enough because they are with the Italian automaker limiting their production outputs to ensure that only a couple of thousand are sold each year worldwide


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Corvette ZR1 chassis

January 17th 2008 23:15
Corvette ZR1 chassis


Here's a stunning set of images of the Corvette ZR-1 chassis taken at the Detroit Motor Show by the good people over at Autoblog


[ Click here to read more ]
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2009 Fisker Karma

January 16th 2008 05:00
Fisker Karma


The stunning Fisker Karma is a four-door coupe featuring plug-in hybrid technology that made its first public appearance at the Detroit Show


[ Click here to read more ]
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