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The New EVO MR

The new MR edition of the '05 Evo is a sports car in a four-door suit. Like the standard Evo and the stripped-down Evo RS, the MR edition gets a larger turbo and new wastegate, boosting output from the 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine by 5 hp and 13 lb-ft of torque. All three Evo models get a helical-type limited-slip differential for the front wheels, as well as an electronically controlled center differential that lets the driver change the torque split between the front and rear wheels according to whether there's pavement, gravel, or snow under the tires. The MR's powertrain is distinguished by a close-ratio six-speed transmission, the better to put the 276-hp engine to good use. Quick-response Bil-stein gas-charged dampers and lightweight, one-piece forged BBS wheels help the tires maximize traction. A rally-type aluminum roof panel with a built-in spoiler is the MR's styling signature.

ON SALE: September 2004
PRICE: $35,000 (est.)
ENGINE: 276-hp, turbocharged 2.0-liter I-4
BOTTOM LINE: Maximum attack in the rally-spec edition of the Evo.

Ferari has a new one for you

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We can remember when the introduction of a new Ferrari was a rare and historic occasion. Today, a healthy, profitable, well-managed Ferrari is turning out new cars at a blistering pace. The Paris introduction of the F430 marks the second new Ferrari model this year (after the 612 Scaglietti, which was unveiled at Detroit). The F430-which replaces the 360 Modena-isn't as dramatic a change as the 612 is from the 456GT, however. A larger, 4.3-liter, V-8 sits amidships, where it spins out 483 horsepower (at 8500 rpm) and 343 pound-feet of torque, a hefty boost over the 3.6 liter in the 360 Modena, which managed 394 horsepower in standard trim and 425 in the Challenge Stradale, and-more importantly-much more competitive with the Lamborghini Gallardo's 492 horsepower and the Ford GT's 500. Ferrari says its paddle-shift F1 gearbox now shifts even quicker, but we're glad to still see the choice of a traditional, stir-it-with-a-stick, manual. Either way, the F430 will shriek from 0 to 60 mph in under 4 seconds. Top speed is 196 mph. Carbon-ceramic brakes are an option. Outside, new lower body panels effect an impressive transformation despite the carryover greenhouse and near-identical dimensions. Air intakes at the front and along the body sides are larger and more aggressive; the headlight pods are straked straight back; and the rear the taillights are copped from the Enzo. Sales don't start in the U.S. until next year.

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Magari Automobile Inc copyright 2004