CAR TALK
MASERATI’S WILD SIDE UNVEILED
The fastest, lightest and most powerful Maserati yet is to debut at the Paris Auto Show at the end of the month. When it goes on sale in the spring next year, the 450hp Maserati GranTurismo MC Stradale will be capable of over 300km/h (186mph) but will offer the same fuel consumption as a standard GranTurismo. It’s inspired by the Trofeo GranTurismo MC and GT4 motorsport racers.
CITROEN DESIGNED BY LACOSTE
Usually cars that are “designed” by fashion brands are a question of weaving a logo into a headrest and stamping the marque on the back, but occasionally the fashionistas are let loose with the CAD (computer-aided design). Thus this fairly daft Citroen buggy was conceived with tennis wear icon Lacoste, and includes a windscreen that can be lowered and has no doors. It will be at Paris.
SAAB GETS IN ON ZERO-EMISSIONS
Saab is developing an all-electric vehicle that it claims will offer a zero-emission driving range greater than any other EV currently in production. Called the Saab 9-3 ePower, the car has a projected driving range of 124 miles and is powered by a 184hp electric motor of 35.5kw/h lithium-ion battery cells, capable of reaching 62mph in just 8.5 seconds.