Mercedes-Benz has just released photos of its new S-Class (right). The marque says it features the debut of brake assist PLUS, night view assist, infra-red headlamps and the second generation of pre-safe. The new S-Class' four models are due to be launched at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September, with a Hong Kong unveiling the next quarter. The new S-Class' prices are still unknown, but the new BMW 750Li ($1.36 million) is one to beat in the managing directorial bracket.
The Peugeot 307 CC Special Edition is being offered in the marque's new Babylone Red (right) or Slate Green, for $319,800 this weekend. Calvin Lam of Peugeot Dealers AutoFrance (tel: 3118 1828) says the model has more oomph than the standard cabriolet. 'The engine output of the 307 CC is now raised to 143 brake-horsepower without changing the 1997cc capacity,' Lam says. 'We've also upgraded to the 10-speaker JBL hi-fi system.' The price is the same as the standard car, but 'only 10 units are available for Hong Kong buyers'.
We asked Susanna Wu of Crown Motors whether anyone at the Toyota dealership remembers the 1983-87-era AE86, or Corolla GTS, which stars with a host of road-racing teenage heartthrobs in Initial D. She kindly offered to ask around, but we didn't expect much. After all, old Toyota's never die in Hong Kong - they just get traded in when the warranty runs out and end up being left as rust heaps in Pui O, Lantau.
But Wu came through. She sent us a 1980s-vintage photo (far right) of the dealership's training manager, Sin Chiu-leong, with an AE86. 'It belongs to one of his friends,' says Wu. 'Only he recognised the model as an AE86 and the engine model as a 4A-GE manual. No one bought auto at that time.'
Sin really enjoyed driving the car, even though he gets to drive lots of Toyota, Lexus and Daihatsu models at work. 'He thinks it's good that people like the AE86, and he's looking forward to seeing the film soon,' says Wu. 'Some AE86 fans even asked whether we have this model.'
We're not surprised. The rear-wheel-drive, 1.6-litre, twin-cam, 16-valve-engined model also featured in a Japanese movie of the same name in 1998, and fans have asked if Toyota will release a special AE86.