Lotus Europa becomes Proton Lekir

The Lotus Europa-based Proton Lekir Concept Lotus tried to make the 2006 Lotus Europa fulfil the same role in its lineup the original Lotus Europa did in the sixties – a bigger version of the main range. In the ’60s it worked – to a degree – but the 21st century iteration of the Europa was not a huge success. The trouble with the Europa was that buyers seemed to perceive it as what it was – a stop-gap before the Lotus Evora arrived.

Vauxhall Lifetime Warranty on all new cars (well, for 100k miles)

All new Vauxhalls now get the Vauxhall Lifetime Warranty It was going to happen sooner or later; long-established car makers biting the bullet on warranties to counter the threat form the Koreans with their huge warranties and bargain prices. And it’s Vauxhall that’s jumped in to the fray, offering a lifetime warranty on all new cars with immediate effect. Of course, that’s a ‘Lifetime Warranty’ in what has become the modern, disingenuous fashion.

Maserati Granturismo S (2008): first official pictures

By Tim Pollard First Official Pictures 26 February 2008 09:36 It’s only a year since Maserati whisked the covers off the delectable Granturismo and the Italians are unveiling a new, more powerful version.  The Granturismo S receives a heart transplant from the sister company Alfa Romeo – in the shape of the 4.7-litre V8 from the 8C supercar. The extra half litre provides more muscle, power rising to 434bhp, compared with the regular Granturismo’s sundry 400bhp. Maserati hasn’t issued performance figures ahead of the car’s Geneva show debut next week, but it’ll clearly be supercar-quick, with a 0-60mph time in less than five seconds.