IP PRESENTS…
A 90s LEGEND IS REBORN
We’re reintroducing the superwagon from the 90s, the Lifestyler. And it’s still the superwagon, but now for the 20s. And no, we did not go crossover, that was a hoax. We didn’t go FWD either. But we went with transverse engine this time, because this may form the base for crossovers in the future, may they be FWD or AWD.
And in times when most manufacturers are downsizing their engines, we still believe that the average Lifestyler buyer WANTS the smoothness of an inline six, like in the past. So we have developed a brand new inline six for this one, compact enough to fit in transverse applications, and it’s modular so it will be developed into 3, 4 and maybe even 5 cylinder units in the future.
We also believe that the buyer wants a 6 speed manual transmission like in its glory days, so that’s what he will get. With turbocharging, direct injection, VVT and VVL, the 2798 cc all aluminium inline six has a power output of 302 hp @ 6200 RPM and a torque of 429 Nm @ 3200 RPM, managing an average fuel economy of 8 litres per 100 km. And as stated before, it is AWD, with a 48F/52R split and a geared LSD. Inside, you have things like real carbon fiber panels, heavily contoured bucket seats and a premium infotainment system. ESC and launch control are standard equipment, as are a complete package of safety equipment and we can promise a 5 star Euro-NCAP rating. Active suspension is standard too (struts up front and multilink in the rear) for an even safer and more comfortable ride.
The versatility combined with the performance and rough-road capabilities was what made the original lifestyler popular among its owners back in the day. A 988 litre loadspace and a fair amount of ground clearance for its class is what makes this car follow the path set by its ancestors. Prices before markup will start at $35983.
For journalists requesting a test drive, we have some test cars parked outside that we gladly hand over the keys to. More from IP to be revealed soon.