The Redline

Tag: #chester

  • Mini outs special edition Hatch: 60 Years Edition

    Mini Australia has released yet another special edition model, this time celebrating its sixtieth anniversary with four limited-run 60 Years Edition variants based on the Cooper and Cooper S Hatch range.

    Although the 60 Years Edition variant commands a $4000 premium over the models upon which they are based, Mini says the special edition adds $8500 of value with its unique badging, upholstery, interior trim and 17-inch alloys.

    From standard, the 60 Years Edition is coated in a British Racing Green metallic paint with a Pepper White roof and exterior mirror colour, and the interior is shod in Dark Cacao upholstery.

    Buyers can also opt for an alternative appearance package, which swaps out the aforementioned for Midnight Black Lapis Luxury Blue paint, Jet Black roof and mirrors and Carbon Black cabin features.

    Heritage has been the name of the game for Mini since the British marque was taken over by BMW in 2000, and according to Mini Australia general manager Brett Waudby, the 60 Years Edition continues that philosophy.

    “This year we are celebrating an exceptional brand milestone, and what better way to commemorate this than with a special edition model,” said Mr Waudby.

    “The Mini 60 Years Edition offers excellent customer value with specific design details that encompass the Mini legacy, such as iconic exterior finishes and timeless interior elements.”

    Powering the Cooper variants is a 1.5-litre turbocharged three-cylinder engine, which generates 100kW and 220Nm.

    The Cooper S ups the ante with a more spritely 2.0-litre turbo four-pot producing 141kW and 220Nm.

    PRICING

    Pricing kicks off at $33,900 plus on-road costs for the base Cooper three-door hatch, while the sharper and faster Cooper S three-door starts at $43,900.

    The five-door is priced at $31,150 in Cooper form, while the Cooper S five-door tops the range at $45,150.

  • Mercedes-Benz X-Class Edition 1: Big Money

    Australia’s new most-expensive mid-size ute will arrive in July, with the X350d-based X-Class Edition 1 checking in at a whopping $87,500 plus on-road costs.

    That price point pits the vehicle well above current performance ute flagships including Volkswagen’s Amarok TDI580 Ultimate ($72,790), and Ford’s Ranger Raptor ($75,390).

    As its name suggests, the Edition 1 will be built in limited numbers. Mercedes-Benz Vans has yet to disclose just how many units have been allocated locally.

    What’s new?

    The Edition 1 does not benefit from performance enhancements, but rather a unique range of cosmetic features to distinguish it from the X350d Power upon which it is based.

    Three exterior colours are on offer – Kabara Black, Bering White and Rock Grey – which all sport blacked-out touches including a twin-louvre grille, front and rear bumper-bars, fog light surrounds, door handles, badges, roof rails and 19-inch twin-spoke alloys.

    Bespoke exterior striping extends along the bonnet, side mirrors, skirts, tailgate and badge surrounds, which appear in high-gloss grey for the Kabara Black units, or matte black on the rest of the colour range.

    Equipment-wise, the Edition 1 gains a black styling bar and tubed side steps, as well as a bedliner and hard tonneau cover.

    Inside, the ute boasts specially embroidered floor mats and a chrome “Edition 1” badge on the dash.

    Drivetrain

    The German pick-up retains its 3.0-litre six-cylinder diesel motor, matched with a permanent all-wheel-drive system, and outputting 190kW and 550Nm.

    With no mechanical upgrades, the Edition 1 carries over a seven-speed automatic transmission, a low-range transfer case and a rear differential lock.

    PRICING

    Although the four-cylinder Mercedes-Benz X-Class has been offered in Australia since April 2018, V6-powered variants have only been available since February of this year.

    The full-time X350d line-up includes two grades, Progressive and Power, which are priced at $73,270 and $79,415, respectively.

    The range-topping Edition 1 will be imported in Power form and upgraded locally, before going on sale in July at $87,500.

  • Aston Martin Vantage AMR 2019: Analogue Thrills

    Aston Martin has officially revealed its new-generation Vantage AMR, adding a first-of-its-kind manual gearbox option to the V8-powered supercar.

    Just 200 units will be produced worldwide, with first deliveries earmarked for the fourth quarter of this year, and with pricing starting at £149,995 in its home market, the UK.

    What is it?

    Matched with the Mercedes-AMG 4.0-litre bent eight, the new seven-speed shifter follows Aston Martin Lagonda president Andy Palmer’s vow to include manual options in the brand’s range.

    “When I joined this company, customers asked and, as a gearbox engineer and racer, I promised that we would always offer a manual transmission in our line-up,” he said.

    “The Vantage AMR not only honours that commitment but sets us apart from our competitors in continuing to offer a three-pedal option.

    “In a world of autonomous robo-taxis, Aston Martin will continue to advance the art and science of performance driving. With the Vantage AMR, we have created a thoroughly modern sports car that rewards effort and focus from the driver; the antidote to driving a computer game.

    Drivetrain

    With 375kW (510PS) and 625Nm on tap, the V8-powered Brit will sprint from zero to 100km/h in a hair under four seconds, for an estimated top speed of 313km/h.

    Developed by Italy’s Dana Graziano, the new seven-speed box features ‘AMSHIFT’ – a selectable mode which uses clutch, gear position and prop shaft sensors to mimic the technique of heel-and-toe downshifts and allow for full-throttle upshifts.

    Don’t fret, purists, you can switch it off for that heroic feeling.

    Now standard is carbon ceramic brakes which have helped to remove 95kg of weight compared to the car’s predecessor, and a new adaptive damping system can be tuned via three driving modes – Sport, Sport + and Track.

    The Vantage AMR will come in four colours including Sabiro Blue, Onyx Black, China Grey and White Stone, however, the final 59 units will be clad in a special paint scheme to celebrate the 60thanniversary of Aston Martin’s victory at the 1959 24 Hours of Le Mans.

    Pricing

    As well as all the aforementioned goodness, Aston has dreamt up five specifications including a limit of 59 of the “Vantage 59” livery.

    Aston Martin Australia is yet to announce pricing and availability.

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