Autocade is an international car cyclopædia that’s geographically unbiased, carefully edited for enthusiasts and media who want a quick, accurate reference. There is a greater emphasis on models produced after 1970.
Inside Autocade
Lotus Esprit S3. 1981–7 (prod. 767). 2-door coupé. M/R, 2174 cm³ (I4 DOHC). Standard Esprit takes stronger Essex Turbo chassis and running gear, with far improved handling and new interior. Much more refined, with quieter cabin. Of the normally aspirated Esprits with the original shape, considered the best.
Manufacturing location: Hethel, Norfolk, England
Marque: Lotus | Model: Lotus Esprit | Predecessor: Lotus Esprit S2 | Successor: Lotus Esprit (1987–2004)
Off-site links
Buick LaCrosse (GMX353). 2010–16 (prod. over 210,000). 4-door sedan. F/F, 2384 cm³ (I4 DOHC), 2994, 3564 cm³ (V6 DOHC). LaCrosse unified as a single model again, with American and Chinese designers working together on styling, and GM Europe on engineering. Rear seat accommodation a plus, thanks to Chinese market where LaCrosses would be chauffeur-driven. Moved to platform shared with Opel Insignia A, consequently better handling than Buicks of old, though steering vague. Styling has silhouette not unlike that of Insignia, which sells as a sister Buick in China; ‘sweep-spear’ feature on side sees waistline dip and rise suddenly forward of the rear door handle. Portholes on hood. The 1973 Riviera cited as one inspiration; Invicta show car clearly the other. Nothing that novel under the svelte skin, but tipped to be a staple seller for Buick on both sides of the Pacific. Badge-engineered version in Korea called Daewoo Alpheon (2·4 and 3·0 only), before being renamed simply Alpheon after Daewoo marque was killed off in 2011. Alpheon deleted in 2015, replaced by the Chevrolet Impala.
Manufacturing locations: Shanghai, China; Kansas City, Kansas, USA; Bupyeong, Gyeonggi, Korea
Marque: Buick | Model: Buick LaCrosse | Predecessors: Buick Allure; Buick LaCrosse (2006–9) | Successors: Buick LaCrosse (2017–23), Chevrolet Impala (2014–20)
q.v. Roewe 950
Off-site link
Maruti Suzuki Alto. 2012 to date (prod. n/a). 5-door sedan. F/F, 796 cm³ petrol, 796 cm³ CNG (I3 OHC), 998 cm³ (I3 DOHC). Replacement for long-lived Maruti 800, for years India’s top seller, as Hyundai Eon began chipping at the market. More stylish than before, with the option of driver’s airbag, more nicely made interior, and room for five (at a pinch). Immobilizer standard. Hugely improved dashboard, and USB port with music system. Rear seats lacked comfort. Suspension from Alto K10, the local version of the fifth-generation Alto, which meant poor handling and ride; steering also lacking in communication and the driving experience was uninvolved. Same wheelbase as fifth generation (2,360 mm), but shorter overall length (3,395 mm). Less space than the Eon, which was better than the Alto 800 in almost every respect but price. Second-generation Alto K10, with 1·0 engine but the 800 bodyshell, added November 2014.
Manufacturing location: Gurgaon, Haryana, India
Marque: Maruti | Model: Suzuki Alto | Predecessors: Suzuki Fronte (CB71), Suzuki Alto (HA12)
|
