Cars of the Month November
2015 Renault Megane RS 275 Trophy
Continuing a lineage of Megane-based hot hatches, the RS 275 Trophy debuted in 2014 as a step above the RS 265 Cup. While it retained the Cup chassis, the Trophy re-tuned the suspension and steering for improved driving dynamics.
Output from the 2.0-litre turbo four-cylinder engine was increased by 6kW to 201kW, with a lightweight exhaust fitted. Nineteen-inch wheels, Recaro front seats, lashings of Alcantara trim in the cabin and identifying badging inside and out were part of the package, too.
From a production run of 1000 units, 100 examples of the RS 275 Trophy were released in Australia.
This Megane RS 275 Trophy is available from Dream Driven Motoring in NSW.
See more online with this ad code: JCMD5305677
2016 BMW M3
BMW’s fifth-generation (F80) M3 arrived in 2014 with some key differences over the version it replaced. Firstly, the M3 was now only available as a four-door sedan, with two-door and convertible body styles moved to the 4 Series. Secondly, the V8 from the previous two generations of M3 was dropped, with a 317kW/550Nm twin-turbo 3.0-litre six now the sole engine available. This could be matched to either a six-speed manual or seven-speed dual clutch automatic.
A mild facelift came in 2016, along with a ‘30 Jahre’ limited edition marking the M3’s 30th Anniversary. Additionally, a de-spec’d M3 ‘Pure’ edition was released in Australia.
This BMW M3 is available from Pickering Luxury Garage in QLD.
See more online with this ad code: JACFD5310184
2011 Lotus Elise
The Lotus Elise Series 3 launched in 2010, defined by some styling changes over the Series 2 and switching to Toyota four-cylinder engines exclusively, instead of a mix of Rover and Toyota units. A six-speed manual, also sourced from Toyota, was the sole transmission available throughout Series 3 production.
Initially, a naturally aspirated 1.6-litre four, 1.8-litre four and supercharged 1.8 were available; the latter producing 163kW and 210Nm. In NA 1.8-litre form, the Elise produced 141kW and 181Nm, with 0-100km/h in 5.4 seconds, thanks to the car’s kerb weight of just 892kg. The NA 1.8 was dropped for the Australian market after 2011.
This Lotus Elise is available from BGS Classic Cars in QLD.
See more online with this ad code: JACFD5307292
2009 Ford Falcon G6E Turbo
When Ford launched the FG Series Falcon in 2008, they replaced the long-running Fairmont nameplate with the ‘G6’ while the Fairmont Ghia was renamed ‘G6E’. The latter was available with a turbocharged 4.0-litre six-cylinder engine that produced the same 270kW and 533Nm as an XR6.
On this “executive express,” a six-speed sports automatic was standard, along with 19-inch wheels and an overall improvement in refinement and driving dynamics that applied across the FG range.
Inside the G6E, standard features included leather seats (power front and memory function driver’s seat), dual-zone climate control, Bluetooth, an 8-speaker stereo system and 8-inch centre touchscreen.
This Falcon G6E Turbo is available from a private seller in VIC.
See more online with this ad code: JCM5303057
2015 Dodge Challenger Hellcat
After bringing back the Challenger in 2008, Dodge upped the ante seven years later by releasing the Challenger Hellcat. With a supercharged 6.2-litre Hemi V8 producing 527kW (707hp) and 881Nm (650lb/ft), the Hellcat easily trumped the most powerful Mustangs and Camaros from 2015. Buyers received two separate key fobs; the black one capped engine output at 373kW (500hp), while the red fob delivered full power.
Wheels and front brakes were larger than the standard Challenger, while transmission choices covered a six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic. The auto was new for 2015 and available across the Challenger range as part of a spec upgrade.
This Dodge Challenger Hellcat is available from Lorbek Luxury Cars in NSW.
See more online with this ad code: JACFD5316922
2019 Audi RS5 Sportback
First offered in Australia in late-2010 as a fastback-style coupe, Audi’s RS5 could also be had as a convertible in 2014, with the five-door ‘Sportback’ sedan added in 2019.
By this stage, the RS5 was powered by a twin-turbo 2.9-litre V6 producing 331kW and 600Nm (and 0-100km/h in 3.9 secs). All locally-released RS5s for 2019 featured an eight-speed sports automatic transmission with paddle shifters and quattro all-wheel drive.
Reflecting its premium pricing, the 2019 RS5 Sportback featured an abundance of high-end features, like massaging seats, head-up display, wireless charging, a 19-speaker sound system, adaptive suspension and a suite of active safety features.
This Audi RS5 is available from Zagame Automotive in VIC.
See more online with this ad code: JACFD5315052
