Geneva Preview: New Honda S2000 "Ultimate Edition"

Marking the end of an era for the S2000, Honda today announced that it will reveal the last version of its rear-wheel drive roadster at the forthcoming Geneva Motorshow before global production of the model ceases altogether at the end of June 2009. Set to go on sale in Europe from March, the limited production S2000 "Ultimate Edition" retains the Euro-spec, 240HP 2.0-liter 9,000 rpm VTEC engine.

What makes this limited production model special in the eyes of Honda is the Grand Prix White body that supposedly evokes the color first used on the firm's 1964 F1 car and is combined with graphite alloy wheels.

Furthermore, the Ultimate Edition features unique black S2000 badging while inside, the white exterior is matched with a red leather interior and complimented by unique red colouring for stitching on the gear lever gaiter. As a limited production model, the Ultimate Editions will be marked out by unique numbered plaques on the kickplates, denoting their position in the series.

New Lexus RX 350 to Make Australian Debut at Melbourne Show

Lexus will stage the Australian debut of its new RX 350 at the 75th annual Melbourne Motor Show that runs from 27 February to 9 March at the Melbourne Exhibition Centre. The 2010 RX-350 is fitted with an upgraded 3.5-litre petrol V6 engine that develops 204 kW / 275HP and is mated to an electronically controlled, sequential-shift, six-speed transmission which replaces the five-speed automatic of the previous model. Along with the RX 350, the Japanese automaker will also show its LF-A Roadster concept

2010 Porsche 911 GT3: Facelifted Model with 435HP Set for Geneva Debut

The latest addition to the revised Porsche 911 model series is the GT3 that has been revealed ahead of its world debut at the Geneva Motor Show on March 3, 2009. Aside from the cosmetic changes that include the redesigned front and rear-end, Porsche has enhanced the 911 GT3's performance and driving dynamics. The GT3 now sports a naturally aspirated six-cylinder boxer producing 435HP, up 20HP over its predecessor. This was achieved from an increase in engine capacity by 200 cc to 3.8-liters and from improved cylinder head gas flow as now not only the intake, but for the first time also the exhaust camshafts, are adjusted by VarioCam.

The rear-wheel drive 2010 GT3 accelerates from a standstill to 62 mph (100 km/h) in 4.1 seconds and reaches 99 mph (160 km/h) in 8.2 seconds while its top speed is 312 km/h or 194 mph.

To further improve the car's driving dynamics, the German firm's engineers fitted the 911 GT3 with a sportier variant of Porsche Stability Management (PSM) that offers the facility to deactivate both Stability Control (SC) and Traction Control (TC) in separate steps. To the delight of purists, these functions are not reactivated automatically even under the most extreme driving conditions.

Other modifications include the stiffer springs and anti-roll bars, the new lighter wheels, the brakes that now feature larger friction discs and an aluminum cover to further reduce un-sprung weight, the availability of the optional Porsche Active Drivetrain Mount (PADM) engine mountings and the optional lift system for the front axle which increases the ground clearance of the car by 30 millimetres (approx 1.2 inches) at the touch of a button.

The base price of the new GT3 is Europe is €98,100. In Germany the retail price including value-added tax and specific national features is €116,947. As for the U.S., the GT3 will hit dealership in October at a price of $112,200 (MSRP without taxes).