Mercedes-Benz E200 NGT

Mercedes Pulls Out its Best Trick for the E-Class With the E200 NGT

The Mercedes-Benz E200 is built from the ground up as a bi-fuel car. Refilling CNG (compressed natural gas) and petrol is done at the same place.

The interior looks as plush as the regular E200 save for an additional menu on the digital gauge to indicate how much gas is left in the tanks.

Two compact cylinders are tucked neatly in the spare tyre well (there is a tyre repair kit for emergencies) while a pair of chunkier tanks hide behind a partition in the boot. The remaining space measures a decent 400 litres, enough for a couple of suitcases and a golf bag.

On the move, apart from an icon on the display, there is little to differentiate between petrol and CNG running modes. On paper, the car is 0.1 second slower to 100 kmh in gas, the engine sounds and feels the same.

Curiously the trip computer does not show the range or average consumption figures. Mercedes claims the 18kg CNG capacity is good for nearly 300km, while the 65-litre petrol tank can see around 700 km (of highway driving, probably).

Beyond the driving ange benefits and how seamlessly the CNG system operates on the E200 NGT, the case for this really comes down to money.

Taking advantage of the Green Vehicle Rebate, which is 40 per cent of the car's open market value, the NGT model retails for less than the petrol-only E200 Kompressor model.

Mercedes-Benz E200 NGT Facts:

Engine: 1796cc 16-valve inline-4 supercharged
Transmission: Five-speed automatic
Power: 163bhp at 5500rpm
Torque: 240Nm at 3000rpm
0-100kmh: 10.7 seconds using petrol (10.8 using CNG)
Top Speed: 227kmp
Fuel Consumption: 9 litres/100 km (6.1kg/100km) (city-highway)

Pictures of Mercedes-Benz E200 NGT

Porsche Cayman S

Like a Well-Tailored Suit, the Distinctive Porsche Cayman S Makes the Driver Look Good.

For the 2009 model, Porsche's mid-engine coupe gets a fine makeover that you really have to experience to understand what the fuss is all about. When you walk around the new car, no major changes are noticeable - new front and rear bumpers, the usual tweaks to enhance appearance and visibility with bi-xenon headlights and LED for daytime lights plus monotone (red) rear lamp clusters.

True excitement lurks inside.

Two brand-new flat-6 engines debut in the new car - 2.9-litre in the Cayman and a direct-injection 3.4 in the Cayman S, which I tested.

Both versions enjoy an increase in power and torque and, as you would expect, both consume less fuel than before.

Porsche's VarioCam Plus, which varies valve timing and lift, works its magic to help the "base" engine deliver 265bhp at 7200rpm and 300Nm between 4400 and 6000rpm.

Cayman S engines also develop maximum power at 7200rpm but with the added benefit of direct-injection power is an exciting 320bhp and torque is rated for 370Nm at 4750rpm.

Indeed, the Cayman S has always cried out for more power than the 295bhp it had to be content with till now.

The new Cayman S is a genuine driver's car. Equipped with the optional seven-speed (standard is a six-speed manual) Porsche double-clutch gearbox (PDK), which has a proper lever to switch gears, and the optimal limited slip differential, it is not just quick from point to point but also incredibly agile around hairpins and sweeping curves.

The LSD locks up just 22 per cent, enough to allow the rear a small dose of oversteer that only enhances the car's overall adjustability and agility.

Porsche Stability Management takes care of over-exuberance. It can be switched off but there is not much point in doing so.

As always, the Cayman's steering is among the best in the business. Like the suspension, it has been updated with only minor revisions.

Three years ago, when the Cayman was launched, it was a brilliant car. Now it is even better.

Porsche Cayman S Facts:

Engine: 3436cc 24-valve flat-6
Transmission: Seven-speed double-clutch gearbox
Power: 320bhp at 7200rpm
Torque: 370Nm at 4750rpm
0-100kmh: 5.1 seconds
Top Speed: 275kmh
Fuel Consumption: 9.1 litres/100 km (combined)

Photos of Porsche Cayman S

Lexus GS450h - A High-Class Hybrid Car

Lexus Hybrid Car - touted as the first high-performance luxury hybrid, the Lexus GS450h claims to have the power of a 4.5-litre V8 and the thirst of a 2-litre motor.

Mention hybrid car and most people instantly think of the Toyota Prius. As the forerunner of the hybrid revolution, that car created history by proving to sceptics a hybrid could achieve record-breaking fuel economy yet remain completely reliable.

While the Prius is an ultra-economical car, the Lexus GS450h is touted as the world's first high-performance luxury hybrid. Lexus claims it has the power of a 4.5-litre V8 and the fuel consumption of a 2-litre motor.

A century-sprint time of only 5.9 seconds gives it the acceleration to out-drag noisy rally specials with their huge rear spoilers and garish body kits.

But to regard the 450h as a gentleman's drag racer is to miss the point of the car. With this hybrid, Lexus is on a mission to prove high performance need not come at the expense of heavy fuel consumption. The "normal" engine is a 3.5-litre V6 developing 292bhp. One electric motor (codename MG1) acts as an engine starter, while another more powerful 197bhp motor (MG2) powers the car. Total system output at full throttle is 339bhp.

On taking off gently and at low speeds, MG2 is the sole power source. Step on the accelerator and both the V6 and MG2 mesh seamlessly to provide a truly sensational rush. Once on the go, there is so much torque that overtaking is nearly instantaneous, virtually more a thought than an act - just wish it and it is done.

Even more imprressive than the ballistic accleration is the way the Lexus Hybrid Drive handles the continuously varying outputs of the engine and electric motor. Crossovers between the two power sources are truly seamless, with nary a click or a jerk. The E-CVT transmission is a work of art. Unlike CVT transmissions in conventional cars, there is no feeling of a lag between the transmission and the engine.

At full throttle, the 450h remains extremely quiet, with just a trace of a subdued yet sporty intake roar. This effortless high performance is possibly the most endearing feature of the 450h. With its stupendous torque and instant acceleration, fast upcountry runs over twisty roads would be a cinch.

The experience would be further enhanced is only the steering had a little more feel and feedback.

Smart alloy wheels with chrome highlights, bluish Lexus badges and small "hybrid" signs are the only indications that this is a 450h, not a normal GS300.

The cabin is similar to the 300, save for the additional instruments giving visual clues on the power train. In spite of the additional inputs, the touch screen remains supremely intuitive.

The plush cabin is not perfect, though. Rear leg and head room are marginal for the very tall. And the low roofline of the GS means you have to bend pretty low to enter or exit the car.

Lexus GS450h Facts:

Transmission: Continuously variable transmission
Engine: 3456cc 24-valve V6
Power: 292bhp at 6400rpm (339bhp with electric power)
Torque: 368Nm at 4800rpm
0-100 kmh: 5.9 seconds
Top Speed: 250 kmh (limited)
Fuel Consumption: 7.8 litres/100km (combined)

Pictures of Lexus GS450h