Inflight Magazine of Brussels Airlines

In gear

Lisa Curtiss previews three sleek new launches, notes the US F1

Team’s inglorious end and takes the new Alfa Romeo for a spin

Rover raring to go

New spec Range Rover is cleaner and leaner  

Land Rover’s iconic Range Rover gets a new super-powerful 4.4-litre V8 diesel engine, 8-speed auto transmission, Terrain Response enhancements and more for 2011.

On sale throughout Europe from this autumn, this ‘super diesel’ is more powerful, produces more torque and yet is cleaner and leaner than previous engines – and, for the first time, Range Rover can achieve over 30mpg. What’s more, CO2 emissions drop by 14%, to 253g/km.

Good all-rounder?

Renault’s Latitude promises the earth

A key motor to be introduced at the Moscow International Automobile Salon on 25 August is Renault’s Latitude, its latest family-orientated saloon model. Spacious yet sleek, luxurious yet affordable, Renault says the Latitude will appeal to customers who are looking for status, quality and comfort in all of its forms. Powered by highly economical and efficient engines, the Latitude’s features include a dual-mode air ioniser with double fragrance diffuser, triple-zone climate control, a massaging driver’s seat and Bose sound system.

The car will also be shown with full European specification at the Paris Motor Show in October.

Modernised Mondeo

Latest model from Ford launches this month

Ford is set to debut its new-look Mondeo at this month’s Moscow show. Its exterior has been restyled and interior updated, and there’s new high-efficiency Ford EcoBoost petrol and TDCi diesel engines to choose from – plus a host of new driver comfort and convenience features and safety technologies.

John Fleming, Chairman and CEO for Ford of Europe, says, “The Ford Mondeo is already a very strong package and, with the significant design changes and in particular the comprehensive array of new technologies we are introducing, we have no doubt that the new model will strengthen Mondeo’s position as the flagship Ford in our European line-up. This is the smartest, safest, most environmentally friendly and best-quality Mondeo we have ever launched.”

The new Mondeo will reach other showrooms throughout Europe later this year.

Down and out

Defunct US F1 Team fined and banned from Formula One

The US F1 Team has been fined by the World Motor Sport Council and barred from competing in F1 for not taking part in the 2010 World Championship. The WMSC said the team had “infringed the Federation Internationale de l’Automobile’s international sporting code [and] the sporting regulations of the 2010 FIA Formula One World Championship”. US F1 was fined €313,000 plus legal costs, and banned from taking part in “any competition” after the team withdrew in February because it was unable to develop its cars in time.

TESTDRIVE

ALFA ROMEO 8C SPIDER

‘The world’s most beautiful car’ also promises a heart-stoppingly exciting drive

I have a hit list of things I must try, buy, eat, tackle or meet before I reach St Peter at Heaven’s pearly gates. There are some items on my list you may share, and some you’d possibly balk at, but there’s one that I’m positive that any petrolhead would agree with: ‘drive what is hailed as The World’s Most Beautiful Car’.

Naturally, it’s Italian and it’s fast – not to mention fabulously flashy. This time, however, although related, it’s not a Ferrari. Nor is it from the hallowed Pininfarina design stable. It’s Alfa Romeo’s 8C Spider. All curves, chrome, charisma and class, it’s a car that I’ve been dying to drive.

Thankfully, it doesn’t disappoint. The Spider’s cracking Ferrari-made 4.7-litre V8 engine produces an awesome 450bhp channelled through a slick 6-speed F1-style paddle shift gearbox to the rear wheels, producing enough power to launch you from 0-100km/h in just 4.5 seconds, and on to a top speed of 291km/h.

With looks like this, though, you’d even forgive a few flaws, so a touch of understeer when pushed too hard and brakes that require some serious stomping merely combine to make driving the 8C even more exciting than I’d expected. I didn’t even mind the steering being a little on the uncommunicative side during my test drive, as I was too busy relishing the delicious, ludicrously loud exhaust note and basking in the attention this car effortlessly generates by being such a stunner.

I found myself torn between spending the limited time I had with the 8C Spider actually driving it, or simply admiring it. Jewel-like headlights, wide intakes, muscular haunches and quad exhaust pipes are combined devastatingly effectively to charm. This motor dramatically proclaims its performance prowess without a single spoiler, too, leaving its carbon-fibre curves eye-soothingly free of clutter.

Inside the typically-Alfa, super-stylish cockpit, a dashboard-mounted button effortlessly transforms the perfectly cosseted cabin into a glorious open-top GT cruiser, while deep-leather bucket seats provide ample support and comfort. Luggage-space wise, well – let’s just say you’ll need to travel light, and persuade any passengers to do likewise.

So, that’s one more thing ticked off my list. I’ve had to add another, though: ‘drive 8C Spider… again’. This Alfa is addictive.

Spec

Price
From €175,000

Engine
4691cc, 450bhp

Transmission
6-speed paddle-shift auto

0-100km/h
4.5 secs

Top speed
Limited to 291km/h

CO2 emissions
379g/km

MPG
16.3l/100km

Leave a Reply