Recognise this?

PITSTOP

Yes, it's the Chevrolet Optra and it's all dressed up, as it has somewhere to go. Chevrolet is set to enter the 2005 FIA World Touring Car Championship "� the first time GM's largest global brand is entering a full factory team in an FIA world championship.

The WTCC replaces the current European Touring Car Championship, and for the first time, will run in 10 countries in Europe and South America and in China too.

Three Optras will be built by British racing team RML (Ray Mallock Limited). The 2000cc inline-four of this race-spec Optra develops 270 bhp at 8400 revs and 27 kgm at 5800 rpm and it's capable of attaining a top speed of 254 kph. How about a limited edition road-going version, GM?

Five-year josh

The Ford Ikon is five years old. Ever since its launch in October 1999, the Ikon has sold over 190,000 units, including exports. To commemorate the event, Ford India has introduced a Limited Edition Anniversary version.

Priced at Rs 5 lakh (ex-showroom Chennai), only 500 units will be produced per month and will be available for a limited period. The Anniversary Ikon, with the 1.3 Rocam engine, features special colours, leather/vinyl seat covers, four-speaker stereo system, fog lamps and remote entry with alarm, and other features.

Ford has also recently introduced Total Maintenance Plan, a comprehensive service offering that provides scheduled servicing and non-scheduled maintenance for the Ikon.

Comet-ment

Another limited edition machine, but more exciting and all-new. We're talking about the most happening bike in the so-called Indian lifestyle segment. Kinetic is taking orders for the limited edition Hyosung Comet 250.

This brilliant 27 bhp, 250cc V-twin engined sportsbike is priced at Rs 1.67 lakh (ex-showroom Mumbai). It's available in select cities only "� Mumbai, Pune, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Delhi, Chandigarh, Kolkata, Guwahati, Coimbatore and Siliguri.

The Comet is being brought in as a completely built unit, but Kinetic will handle the after sales service and spare parts for the bike. Bookings for the Comet will close by November, so hurry if you want a true sportsbike.