##The Berlose Mk 4 - Making Up For Lost Time
Having been overshadowed by the succes of the new Tauga, the Mk 3 Berlose hadn’t been as good as Erin hoped. They needed the Mk 4 to be a far greater car in order for it take its place alongside the Tauga and to maintain its position in the executive saloon market. So, it became the lead car for Erin’s new 2nd generation Millenial design style and was given class leading characteristics, resulting in an excellent saloon car.
2006 Erin Berlose (Mk 4)
The previous Berlose got caught a little in the shadow of the then-brand new Tauga, and Erin were keen to reestablish the position of their executive saloon with the Mk 4.
Launched in 2006, the Mk 4 Berlose introduced Erin’s second generation of Millenial engines, as well as continuing Erin’s use of aluminium for body panels on their saloon vehicles. The chassis of this car was one of the company’s best achievements of the last 10 years; lightweight, versatile and incredibly well balanced - the weight distribution is 50.2/49.8 F/R. In turn, it added in room for AWD systems to reduce development costs down the line.
The Mk 4 was also great from the customer’s perspective too: above average fuel economy, particular on the petrol engined models, good performance (0-60 in 6.4 seconds was achievable with the 6-speed manual gearbox) and superb driving characteristics, the car’s best quality. It was nimble thanks to its low weight and great distribution, as well as being an excellent long distance cruiser and very comfortable wherever you drove it.
More sporty features such as a limited slip diff and adaptive suspension were included as standard on most trim levels, while Erin collaborated with Kenwood to develop the infotainment system on the car.
If this car were a song, it’d be Black and White Town by Doves
2006 Erin Berlose X 4.0l
The most powerful Berlose made to date, the X 4.0l arrived in the mid-noughties with a lot of catching up to do. The previous generation had not been the success Erin had hoped for, having been trying to replicate the 1996 Berlose X-AllDrive. This, however, was a fresh start, and it was packed with plenty of features to set it apart from the competition.
Its lightweight construction meant it weighed less than all its rivals, and the 50/50 weight balance ensured it was poised and balanced. The active suspension system was all new from the ground up, and would also find its way into the Tauga X-AllDrive the following year. It was the most advanced system Erin had ever developed, and allowed for a brilliant range of setups and a dynamic, responsive feel through the corners.
The 4.0l V8 was specially designed for the car; simple in design, advanced in construction, ensuring it was an excellent powerplant for the car. Delivery said power was a single clutch 7 speed sequential box, developed from an ErinSport gearbox that had been used on some of the teams ELMS vehicles. To compliment the advanced transmission, an electric limited slip diff was fitted for maximum traction.
The result was a 202 mph super saloon that could reach 60 in just 4.5 seconds. It may not have been the most elegant of cars in terms of handling, but it was good enough to give its lighter Tauga X-AllDrive sibling a run for its money.
Despite the superb performance, the looks were kept simple and tasteful, maintaining the infamous stance of the Mk 4 Berlose while still being menacing enough to warrant a second look.
If this car were a song, it’d be Galvanize by The Chemical Brothers
