01 Dec 08
5. Land Rover Freelander 2 TD4_e
Big news - the Freelander TD4_e gets a stop-start system which reduces output to 179g/km from the standard 2.2 TD4 diesel's 196g/km.
This system will be fitted as standard to all manual-transmission, diesel-engined Freelanders, automatically cutting the engine when idling but the really clever bit is the starter-generator and regenerative braking function, which captures energy that would have been lost under deceleration. That energy is stored in super-capacitors and used to power an additional 24-volt electrical system to run the stop-start function.
6. Porsche Cayman
Who needs a 911? The Cayman's entry-level flat-six has been enlarged to 2.9-litres, and power upped 20bhp to 265bhp. The Cayman S's 3.4 gains direct injection and a 25bhp power boost to 320bhp. Porsche's PDK double-clutch, sequential-shift seven-speed transmission is now available instead of the previous Tiptronic S auto 'box, with a further Launch Control optional upgrade; with this, the Cayman S can now do 0-62mph in 4.9 seconds.
Sales start in the UK on February 21st; prices are from £36,870 with the Cayman S from £45,050, and the PDK gearbox a £1,961 option.
