18 ~ Friday, December 29, 1995 — North Shore News LUhe RAED TRALEE RCTS FERIA RIA CTC MSE SOA RELI NITIES Ae RSIS _ oe 4 Photo submitted THE 1996 Mercedes-Benz C36 is a high performance version of the C280. Reworked by German tuning firm AMG, the C36 has a 268 horsepower 3.6-litre six-cylinder engine, four-speed auto- matic transmission, revised bodywork, stiffer suspension, and low profile performance radials. C36 packs expiosive performance punch IN NOVEMBER of 1993, Mercedes-Benz replaced the 190 sedan with the slightly larger C-Class sedans. A drive ’ The entry-level C-Class cars —~ the four-cylinder C220 and six- cylinder C280 -— were well- received because of their roomier interior, quality finish, and, for a Mercedes-Benz, reasonable prices. In 1994, C220 Special Edition models had a base price under $35,000. Two years iater, the base price is still under $36,000. From thee, however, C-Class rices rise :ather steeply up to 70,600. In previous test-drives, I com- mented that the C220 was well- built and well-equipped but a bit underpowered, and that the C280 was wonderfully smooth and luxu- rious car but a little pricey in the ‘near-luxury’ class. . Today’s test-drive is the C36. It costs $20,000 more than the C280, which begs the question, “What do you get for all that extra money?” The C36 offers more perfor- mance, more luxury, and sportier looks than the C289. It’s also a lim- ited edition model. Just 70 C36’s will be imported to Canada in 1996. The C36 is the result of a joint project between Mercedes-Benz and the well-known German tuning firm AMG. A stock, well-equipped C280 is delivered to AMG, and given a reworked engine, a lowered suspension, revised bodywork, new tires and wheels, and a revised inte- rior. The result is a sophisticated, high-performance touring sedan that is ideally suited for grand tour- ing, yet is sraall and manoeuvrable enough for urban use. AMG reworks the C280's 194 horsepower 2.8-litre, DOHC, 24- valve inline six-cylinder engine, turning it into a 3.6-litre six-cylin- der engine with 268 horsepower. With the help of variable intake valve timing and 40% more torque, the 3.6-litre power plant provides much improved throttle response over a wide rev range -——- useful when passing, merging, and accel- erating from a standing start. The 3.6-litre engine sends the C36 froin 0 to 100 km-h (62 m.p.h.) in 7.1 seconds — compared to 8.8 seconds for the C280. The C36 could be even faster, but it weighs 90 kilograms (198 Ibs.) rnore than C280, handicapping it slightly. The engine is mated to a smooth-changing four-speed auto- matic transmission, but unlike German rivals BMW and Audi, the C36 doesn’t offer the choice of a manual transmission. The C36 suspension, already a fully independent setup utilizing front double-wishbones and rear multi-links, adds anti-dive and anti- squat suspension geometry, front and rear anti-roll bars, and gas-pres- surized shock absorbers. Handling is further enhanced by substituting the C280°s standard 195/65R-15 radials with low-pro- file, high performance 17-inch radi- als mounted on aluminum alioy wheels, Front tires are 225/45ZR- ‘7AYCORMOTIVE {7's while rears are 245/40Z.R-17’'s. One result of all this suspension work is less side-to-side roll when cornering and reduced front-to-rear dive when braking and accelerating. Cornering speeds are higher too, but despite the thin, low profile tires, the ride is smooth and com- fortable. The C36 has fabulous brakes, but the weak link is the steering which has a light, numb feel that doesn’t offer much road feedback. Recirculating ball-type steering is used in mosi Mercedes-Benz auto- mobiles —. but it’s not really appro- priate in a car like the C36. To give the C36 a sporty but sophisticated look, AMG added extended rocker pane! side sills, a front air-dam with integral fog lamps, dual, chrome-tipped exhaust pipes, and alloy wheels with the let- ters AMG inscribed on them — all of which integrate very nicely into the overail shape of the car. Though standard equipment is extensive, many items are optional. Still, the C36 is a unique and rare automobile much like the BMW M3. Is it worth $70,606: Only if you want that extra performance and exclusivity. Otherwise, a well- equipped C280 does the job very nicely, for a much lower price. BRAKE SPECIALISTS A.A. + A.R.A. - APPROVED BRAKES - LIFETIME WARRANTY (on shoes or pads) OUR 37TH YEAR 176 PEMBERTON AVE. N.VAN, TALKING YELLOW PAGES 299-9000 FREE ESTIMATES 985-7455 Lrl4lsls~ COLLISION SPECIALISTS Our 37th Year 1.€.B.¢. bl B.C.A.A. ° A.R.A. APPROVED CENTRE FREE COURTESY CARS FOR COLLISION REPAIRS “LIFETIME GUARANTEE” | _ AS LONG AS YOU OWN YOUR CAR ms | TALKING x Estimates x ¢ DON TAYLOR Same owner, same high tech equipped shop YELLOW PAGES Vid722,20%0 L7(41515.. Consultaiion 985-7455 2176 Pemberton: Avenue. “(4 blks south of, HYUNDAI SERVICE & USED PARTS (MECHANICAL & BODY PARTS) NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING BRITISH COLUMBiA HYDRO AND POWER AUTHORITY WHOLESALE TRANSMISSION SERVICES APPLICATION THE APPLICATION The British Columbia Hydro and Power Authority (“B.C.Hydro”) has applied to the Commission for approval of Wholesale Transmission Services rates. The Commissioa approved interim rates effective January 31, 1996 by Order No. G-109-95. A public hearing into the Application is set down for Monday, March 4, 1996 at 8:30 a.m. in the Commission’s Hearing Roora, Sth Floos, 900 Howe Street, Vancouver, B.C. V6Z 2N3. PUBLIC INSPECTION OF THE APPLICATION The Application, aud supporting material, are available for inspection at the following locations: British Columbia Hydro end Power Authority Head Office: 333 Dunsmuir Street, Vancouver, B.C. District Offices: All Districts Offices in its service territory. Copies of the Application and supporting material are also available for inspection at the office of the British Columbia Utilities Commission, Sixth Floor, 900 Howe Street, Vancouver, B.C. V6Z 2N3. INTERVENTIONS Intervenors who wish copies of the Application and other information are urged to register with the Commission and B.C.Hydro as soon as possible. Intervenors and interested parties are to advise the Commission Secretary of their intention to participate in the proceedings no later than January 2, 1996. WORKSHOPS Workshops to discuss the Application will be held January 16 and 17, 1996. The location will be announced by the Commission at a later date to those registered for the proceeding. INFORMATION REQUESTS {nitial Information Requests sent to B.C.Hydro by December 22, 1995 shall be responded to by B.C.Hydro before January 12, 1996, Information Requests sent to B.C.Hydro by January 23, 1996 shall be responded to by B.C.Hydro by February 9, 1996. SUBMISSIONS BY INTERVENORS Written evidence and submissions from Intervenors is required to be filed, one copy each, with the Commission Secretary and B.C.Hydro, by February 23, 1996. PARTICIPANT FUNDING All parties intending to apply for Participant Funding must first register with the Commission and obtain the new guidelines for participant funding. All parties must then file a budget by January 2, 1996 consistent with the Commission’s Rate Sheet as outlined in Order No. G-i17-93. CLARIFICATION Persons intending to participate in the hearing, and who are uncertain as to the manner in which to proceed, may contact M-. Robert J. Pellatt, Commission Secretary or Ms. Deborah Emes, Manager, Strategic Services; by telephone at 660-4700, or B.C. Toll Free: 1-800-663-1385, or in writing to the above address or by fax at 660-1102. The Commission can also be reached on the Government Electronic Mail System (“GEMS”) and on the Internet at si By Order Robert J. Pellatt Commissivn Secretary