First lets define what is a Tuner Car: A stock or factory-default automobile with, or suitable for, aftermarket modifications (to enhance look, speed, power, or style).
They are few well anticipated tuner car releases this year. Including the Nissan GTR which has some how seemed to cross the line from tuner to super car. So we ask what are the other tuner releases worth making mention of. We have compile a small list of the most suitable one for our Jamaican market and most bank accounts.Not in any particular order.
I know we expect to see the Evolution X and the 2008 Subaru WRX Sti here real soon...
Evolution X
Mitsubishi Motors Corporation announces today that it will launch the Lancer Evolution X high-performance 4WD sedan, newest of the company's legendary vehicles, on October 1 at dealerships throughout Japan. Featuring a new platform, engine, and exterior and interior designs, the totally redesigned 2.0-liter model will carry a tax-inclusive price tag ranging from ¥2,997,750 to ¥3,750,600. Models fitted with the Twin Clutch SST transmission are due to be launched towards the end of November.
Lancer Evolution X realizes very high levels of motive and driving performance thanks to its new high-output and lightweight 2.0-liter DOHC MIVEC turbo charged engine with aluminum block, an all-new body and stiffer suspension. Despite its turbo charged pedigree the new model earns a 3-star rating for emissions that are 50% lower than the requirements of the Japanese 2005 standards. And complementing its powerful and clean road performance is the kind of a safety specification one would expect of a new-generation high-performance model: SRS dual-stage airbags for driver and front passenger, SRS knee airbag for driver and adaptive front lighting system (AFS) are all standard equipment on the GSR trim level.
2008 WRX STi
The new Subaru Impreza WRX STi was developed with the eternal theme and essence of the driver's car, the "total driving control," that the preceding Subaru Impreza WRX STi models also pursued. This AWD sports model gives maximum driving pleasure through its combination of power, performance, handling and ride capabilities thanks to engineering exclusively designed for the Subaru Impreza WRX STi and its five-door package. It also balances excellent safety and environmental aspects at a high level.
The new Horizontally-Opposed 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbo charged engine was developed exclusively for the new Subaru Impreza WRX STi. By further improving the basic performance of the engine, and mating it to SI-DRIVE (SUBARU Intelligent Drive), the Subaru Impreza WRX STi offers not only outright performance as might be expected, but also delivers excellent handling under extreme as well as normal driving conditions. Featuring Subaru's unique Symmetrical AWD and specially developed in-house 6-speed manual transmission as its base technologies, multi mode DCCD (Driver's Control Center Differential) and VDC (Vehicle Dynamics Control), which control traction and stability more precisely, have also been added to Subaru Impreza WRX STi. To complete its performance credentials, the evolved chassis by "Subaru Dynamic Chassis Control Concept" has dramatically improved road-hugging capability and will provide exhilaration and confidence in every driving situation.
2008 Yaris SR
The Toyota Yaris SR 1.8 is a new flagship model for the Yaris range, bringing sports performance, style and refinement to a car that’s already a leader in terms of safety, equipment and comfort.
It is powered by a new 1.8-litre petrol engine with Dual VVT-i technology and benefits from sports-tuned steering and suspension, a striking body kit, 17-inch alloy wheels and a premium equipment specification that offers more in terms of comfort and convenience features than any of its segment rivals. Add to that Yaris’s class-leading safety performance, with a five-star Euro NCAP adult passenger safety rating and a unique-in-class standard-fit driver’s knee airbag and you have a formidable all-round package.
New 1.8-litre Dual VVT-i engine
The SR 1.8 is the first Toyota to be powered by the new 1.8 Dual VVT-i petrol engine, equipped with intelligent timing for both intake and exhaust valves to deliver smoother performance and greater efficiency. Maximum output of 131bhp (133 DIN hp) is achieved at 6,000rpm, with 173Nm of torque delivered at 4,400rpm. This gives naught to 62mph acceleration in 9.3 seconds, with combined cycle fuel economy of 39.2mpg. Carbon dioxide emissions are 170g/km, placing the SR 1.8 in Band E for Vehicle Excise Duty.
2008 S2000 CR
The S2000 CR is an entirely new trim level for 2008. The lighter, stiffer and more aggressive overall design is engineered to maximize the Honda S2000's potential on a racetrack with the goal of substantially-improving track times, chassis balance and feel. Compared to the S2000, the factory-tuned Honda S2000 CR provides more aggressive and track-oriented suspension settings, increased body and chassis rigidity, overall weight reduction, and aerodynamic spoilers tuned for reduced lift and enhanced chassis balance at high speeds. A removable aluminum hardtop replaces the convertible soft top.
The 2.2-liter, DOHC VTEC 4-cylinder engine produces 237 horsepower and 162 lb-ft. of torque while meeting California's Low-Emission Vehicle 2 (LEV-2) standards. Honda's innovative VTEC advanced variable valve-timing system operates the engine's 16 valves in both intake and exhaust modes. This system is compact and tailored to the high-output, high-rpm operating characteristics of the Honda S2000 engine. Torque and horsepower are optimized over the engine's entire operating range to simultaneously provide low-end power and top-end performance near the engines 8000 rpm redline. The Honda S2000 is capable of accelerating from 0-60 mph in less than six seconds.
Mugen 2008 Civic
A factory-prepared 2008 Honda Civic Mugen Si Sedan will debut in mid-October.
The Civic Mugen Si Sedan is equipped with a high-performance suspension, forged aluminum wheels, aerodynamic body styling and a sport-tuned exhaust system.
"Honda enthusiasts have long been asking for factory-installed Mugen performance products similar to what the company offers in Japan," said John Mendel, executive vice president of American Honda. "We're enthusiasts, too, and the ultra-premium Civic Mugen Si Sedan offers exclusive style and elevated handling performance with legendary Honda refinement."
The limited-production vehicle (maximum of 1,000 units for the 2008 model year) will have a retail price of less than $30,000 when it goes on sale and include a full factory warranty. A prototype of the Honda Civic Mugen Si was shown at the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) show in fall 2006.
Civic Mugen Si Sedan Specs
* Engine Type = i-VTEC DOHC 4-cylinder engine
* Displacement = 2.0 liters (1998 cc)
* Transmission = 6 Speed MT
* Horsepower = 197 @ 7800 rpm
* Torque (lb.-ft.) = 139 @ 6100 rpm
* Ride Height = 5.3 inches (-0.6 inches from Civic Si Sedan)
* Overall Length = 177.8 inches total (+1.1 inches from Civic Si Sedan)
* Wheels: Forged GP 18x7.5 (pattern 5H-114.3 +48)
* Color: Fiji Blue Pearl
2008 Golf Variant
For 45 years now, Volkswagens with extra-large cargo areas have been called - unless they are a van - "Variant". To date, more than 6.1 million of them have been sold worldwide. Now there is a new one: The Golf Variant. The third generation of the Golf Variant will be presented in a world premiere at the International Geneva Motor Show. Its market introduction is scheduled for this summer, initially in Europe.
This wagon, which is as spacious as it is variable, is being supplemented with the addition of a third - and fourth - body version to the successful Golf product lineup. Version 1: The classic Golf, the "icon", including the "GT", "GTI" and "R32". Version 2: The Golf Plus with greater height, higher seat position and longitudinally adjustable rear bench seat. The new Cross Golf, which is based on the Golf Plus, is also being launched currently. Version 3: The Jetta; although it is not called a Golf, in its DNA it is one. For years now, this version has proven to be the most successful car of any German car producer in America. The new version 4: The Golf Variant - not only as a TDI that outputs 77 kW / 105 PS and is economical (5,2 liters diesel per 100 km) and clean (137 g/km CO2).
2008 Scion TC
The Scion tC, the best-selling vehicle in the Scion lineup, raises the bar in the sports coupe segment as it receives sharp styling revisions, new standard equipment and safety features for 2008.
Freshened Exterior and Enhanced Interior
The 2008 tC is distinguished by the new Scion family front fascia, a menacing horizontal combination of headlights and grille. For the tC this includes a new upper mesh grille, lattice lower grille and projector-type low beam headlights with black trim. The tC also receives eye-catching rear tail lights similar in style to the headlights with round combination lamps.
Inside, the tC receives a deep orange combination meter on the instrument panel, silver-colored accents on the door assist grips and center cluster, updated seat fabric and Pioneer sub woofer. Azure Pearl and Black Cherry Pearl exterior colors were replaced with Sizzling Crimson Mica and Wave Line Pearl.
Fun-To-Drive Performance
The tC is powered by a 2.4-liter double overhead-cam four cylinder engine with Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i). This CARB-certified Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (ULEV) produces 161 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 162-lb.ft. of peak torque at 4,000 rpm. The tC features a five-speed manual transmission or an available electronically controlled four-speed automatic transmission.
Go ahead and make your pickthey are many to choose from....
