Grandcruiser Prado

PITSTOP

The latest giant to step into the premium SUV ring, is a well-known, popular contender. At the launch yesterday, Toyota announced that their Landcruiser Prado will go on sale. Under the expansive hood will be a 24-valve 3956cc petrol V6, good for 235 bhp and 37 kgm of torque. Mated to a five-speed automatic transmission, the engine will drive a permanent four wheel drive system.

A limited slip differential will control the amount of power going to front or rear wheels depending on the terrain. The Prado also features Toyota's adjustable suspension, with high (bad roads), normal and low (loading/ingress) ride modes.

There is also an auto-level function that maintains a steady attitude using the rear air suspension. The car will have discs all around with ABS and Electronic Brakeforce Distribution for quick stops, and a full complement of airbags for emergencies.

The luxuriously appointed cabin sports loads of off-road gizmos and an in-dash 6 CD audio system, plus an automatic aircon with separate temperature controls for the front two seats. Going once, going twice. Sold! To anyone putting down Rs 35 to 37 lakh for the Toyota Landcruiser Prado.

Hi-po expo

The American Specialty Equipment Market Association's (SEMA) annual show in Las Vegas isn't known for subtlety or modesty when it comes to cars. The show specialises in The Fast & The Furious sort of car mod and exhibits a mind-boggling variety of go-faster parts.

At the 2004 show, however, the eye of the storm weren't tuned Japanese family sedans at all. Say hello to the trio of Volvos that had people gaping in absolute awe. The XC90 PUV or Power Utility Vehicle was the first of the some cool Volvos at the show. When you're running a tuned, supercharged V8 pushing out 650 bhp, the acronym's pretty obvious.

It also gets a neat red paintjob, superwide alloys, deep bumpers and quad tailpipes. The second salvo was the Evolve S40, tuned by an eponymous California tuner. The custom body aids airflow to the regular S40 engine "� 2500cc "� with an even larger turbocharger bolted on for more than 400 bhp of stomp.

The car also features F1-style pushrod rear suspension and uprated brakes. The other interesting Volvo was a skirted and sporty-fied V50, which was kitted out by the Special Vehicles team in Sweden. With a turbocharged engine and six-speed transmission from the V70R, the car jumps 120 bhp over stock, to a nice 340 bhp.