Car Blog

Fiat Panda Cross comes to the UK

2008-08-12T07:00:00.000-07:00

By Tom Richards
11 August 2008 13:04
Finally Fiat is launching the Panda Cross in the UK. It's essentially a plastic addenda-clad version of the existing Panda 4x4, but the Cross has so far only been available in mainland Europe.
Like the exisiting Panda 4x4 it features a permanent four-wheel drive system and an electronic differential lock, so should you choose to take the fields home, traction won’t be a problem. But the Panda Cross also gets new round front and rear lights, chunky side sills in contrasting colours to the body, new bumpers, 15-inch alloys and a two-tone interior.
The Panda Cross uses Fiat’s frugal 1.3-litre MultiJet turbodiesel engine, producing 70bhp and 107lb ft, but returning 54.3mpg and pumping out just 136g/km of CO2. Fiat is claiming the Panda Cross is the UK’s cheapest diesel 4x4, although its £11,995 price is a huge premium over the petrol-only Panda 4x4, which sells for £9865.

source:www.carmagazine.co.uk

Rolls-Royce to show smaller RR4 at Geneva 2009

2008-08-12T06:57:00.000-07:00

By Tim Pollard

Rolls-Royce is preparing to show its new 'baby' model, codenamed RR4, at the 2009 Geneva motor show. CAR understands the smaller Rolls will be displayed in concept guise, similar to the 100EX and 101EX models that foreshadowed Rolls-Royce's Phantom Drophead and Coupe models. A mathematician might assume, therefore, that the next concept will be badged 102EX, although the company could plump for a new name that reflects the new nature of a smaller Rolls.
Rolls-Royce RR4: the latest scoop photos
Our latest spy photos capture the RR4 out on test on the streets of Munich, where the car is being developed, revealing that there's not in fact much that's baby-like or small about the new, fourth Rolls-Royce model.That imposingly long bonnet, upright stance and sturdy, privacy-protecting C-pillar are clear to see on these latest prototypes. Will the RR4 keep the Phantom's suicide – sorry, 'coach' – doors? It seems likely, judging from one of the test cars pictured here. But there's no telling what BMW's disguise is designed to do; it could be an elaborate decoy...
Why show the new Rolls-Royce RR4 at Geneva?
The company has a long history of showing landmark cars at the Swiss show. The salon has a reputation for being the glitziest and most prestigious of the European shows – and a fitting debut, therefore, for one of the most significant new Rolls-Royces for a generation.BMW's stewardship of Rolls-Royce is going rather well, CAR reckons. The Goodwood factory outside Chichester in southern England hand-crafted 1000 cars in 2007, and the new RR4 is a well judged addition to the three-strong range.The company is currently on a two-week summer recess, and the engineers are continuing to put in the second line required to build RR4. Sources suggest that the eventual target – once the baby Rolls lands in showrooms in 2010 – is to build 2000 cars a year.

source:www.carmagazine.co.uk

Porsche Cayman S Sport and Boxster S Design Edition 2: first photos

2008-08-05T07:22:00.001-07:00

By Tom Richards

Jealous that you can’t afford one of the umpteen variations of Porsche’s new 911? Can’t get hold of the sold-out Cayman S Porsche Design Edition 1 and Boxster RS60 Spyder? Never fear, because Porsche has the answer for you, with new special edition Boxster S and Cayman S models.
The new Porsche Boxster S Porsche Design Edition 2 (breathe) and the Cayman S Sport both now develop 303bhp from their 3.4-litre engines – eight horsepower more than in ‘S’ guise. Those power gains come from the same sports exhaust tweaks that made the RS60 Spyder sound spectacular.
Hold on. Tell me about this Porsche Boxster first. Isn’t it a bit 1980s in white?
Carrera White in fact, and the phrase ‘greed is good’ does spring to mind. In true Henry Ford style it’s your one choice of colour, though grey racing stripes down the sides and over the top of the car help set it off.
The red rear lights are lifted from the RS60, while the Edition 2 also gives you white 19-inch alloys, white side air intakes and, you guessed it, a white centre console and white dials. Finally, to make sure everyone knows you’ve got a special edition Boxster the car also comes with men’s Porsche Design Edition 2 Chronograph wristwatch, from their romantically titled Dashboard Collection. Of course, it’s white.
The Boxster S Design Edition 2 won't be coming to the UK though, but European prices start at £51,896. Yes, that's £52k for a Boxster, nearly £12k more than a regular S!
Right, enough of that nonsense. What about this RS-inspired Cayman?
If you own an GT3 RS then you’re probably horrified, but we quite like this Cayman S. It’s definteily a better use of the RS script than on Swedish special-edition VW vans and Transybberian Cayenne rally cars. Plus it's coming to the UK.
For £49,890 (a mere £5640 more than the standard car) you get the aforementioned black graphics and the choice of green, orange, red, yellow or black paint. Silver will cost you more though.
PASM (Porsche Active Suspension Management) is standard, lowering the car by 10mm, while 5mm wheel spaces give the Sport a wider footprint. Other exterior tweaks include black wing mirrors and 19-inch black wheels. Inside you'll find a GT3-esque wheel and gearstick covered in Alcantara, the Sports Chrono Package and leather-trimmed sports seats.
Just 700 Cayman S Sports and 500 Boxster S Sport Editions 2s will be made. Porsche calls it ‘rounding off the range’, but we can’t help but think that there are some idle thumbs in Stuttgart this summer. And some happy accountants…

source: http://carmagazine.co.uk

Toyota Winglet: first pictures

2008-08-05T07:20:00.000-07:00

By Tom Richards

Toyota has just unveiled the ‘Winglet’, one of its ‘people-assisting Partner Robots’. It isn’t exactly a car per se, but it has wheels, a motor, and it is a valid alternative to walking. It even has its own ‘trim’ levels – ‘S’, ‘M’ and ‘L’ (from left to right in our pictures). These range from ‘practical’ (with the long handle) to ‘hands-free sporty’. To us they’re pretty cool, especially when you consider what Toyota usually turns out.
This isn’t Toyota’s first motorised transport device though is it?
Correct, as the Japanese manufacturer unveiled the i-Real concept at the 2007 Tokyo Motor Show, which was a three-wheeled seat for one. But while the i-Real uses joysticks to move around, on the Winglet it’s simply a case of shifting your body weight in the direction you wish to travel.
Each Winglet is no bigger than an A3 piece of paper, and all have a heady top speed of nearly 4mph. Not as fast as a car, granted, but pedestrians average 3mph so the Winglet is perfect for the hustle and bustle of the city. And you can travel for up to 10km (depending on the ‘driver’s’ weight) before the Winglet will run out of battery charge. It’s then just a simple case of plugging the Winglet into the mains for one hour, and then you’re ready to go again.
So when can I get a Winglet?
Toyota is going to be trialling the Winglet with the general population at Tokyo airport in the coming months, and is hoping to have its Partner Robots in use by the early 2010s. Although Toyota isn’t able to name a price at this time, the aim is to significantly undercut the Segway Personal Transporter, which starts at around £4400. Okay, so it’s still not as cheap as walking - but what would you rather do?

source: http://carmagazine.co.uk

Ferrari A1GP car completes wind tunnel testing

2008-08-05T07:18:00.000-07:00

By Tom Richards

Ferrari likes to win, and so, not content with having to fight McLaren for the Formula 1 championship, it is venturing into the A1GP series. From the start of the 2008/09 season all A1GP cars will be Ferrari powered, thus guaranteeing the Prancing Horse victory.
With a driver, but without fuel, the new A1GP car weighs 695kg, while the 4.5-litre V8 engine kicks out 600bhp and 406lb ft. It tested at Magny-Cours last week, bringing the total mileage of the Powered by Ferrari test car up to 3541 miles.
The car has also spent 300 hours in the wind tunnel, optimising the design for overtaking. ‘The effort of the design team has been to provide a chassis that has a good level of downforce, but without the normal penalties,’ says John Travis, A1GP technical director. ‘We have tried hundreds of different aerodynamic variations to ensure the close, exciting racing the series is famous for not only continues but gets better.’
The A1GP series runs over the winter months, when other race series shut down, and will enter its fourth championship this year. The season starts with the A1GP Mugello on 19 September 2008, and also marks the start of Michelin’s three-year deal of sole tyre supplier.

source: http://carmagazine.co.uk

New VW Golf Mk6: leaked pictures

2008-08-05T07:17:00.001-07:00

By Ben Pulman

This is Volkswagen’s new Mk6 Golf, and these first pictures have been leaked onto the internet by a foreign website ahead of the new Golf's official unveiling later this week.
Mechanical details are still scant but it's clear that in the looks department the Scirocco has had a small influence. At best though, the Golf Mk6's design could only be described as evolutionary. Perhaps Porsche ownership is starting to have an effect…
So talk me round the new VW Golf Mk6.
The obvious changes are the new Scirocco-inspired headlamps and, depending on how unkind you're feeling, those Touareg or Seat Altea taillights. Around the glasshouse, Scirocco-esque creases are also visible, while new front and rear bumpers complete the makeover.
Those look like VW Eos wheels to me…
Almost. They certaintly are similar, and inside the Mk6 the Eos has donated its central air vents as part of VW’s strategy to improve the interior quality of the Golf. Other tweaks include a Passat CC steering wheel and VW’s latest-generation touch-screen sat-nav system.
Prices and further details of the Mk6 Golf, including mechanical changes, will be released this Wednesday 6 August, so come back to CAR Online for the full news.

source: http://carmagazine.co.uk

Lotus 'Eagle' (2009): first pictures

2008-08-01T02:52:00.001-07:00

By Ben Pulman

This is the long-awaited new Lotus 2+2, with a 3.5-litre Toyota V6 and four apparently useable seats. It's the first new Lotus for 13 years and a pretty significant launch, due for its show debut at the 2008 London motor show later this month on 22 July 2008. That's when we’ll find out the name of this new Lotus – codenamed Eagle – but in the meantime the company is teasing us with some new details. These include the car’s sub-five second 0-60mph time, its estimated 160mph top speed and the promise of convertible and high-performance versions. Read on for the full first details and analysis of the new Lotus Eagle.
Is it still called the Lotus Eagle?
For now, as that’s the car’s project name – but the production car will bear a regular Lotus 'E' name, predicted to be a short, pithy tag. This is a true Lotus at heart, after all; early prototypes of the Eagle running at the Nurburgring are considerably faster than the Elise, Hethel spokesmen claim, and more stable at speed than the Exige, too.
Of course the Lotus Eagle should be one of the quickest four-seaters around, with an aluminium chassis and a composite roof help to keep weight low in time-honoured Lotus fashion. Add in that 3.5-litre V6 Toyota engine equipped with dual VVT-i (‘intelligent’ variable valve timing) producing 276bhp and we wouldn’t expect anything less from Lotus. The torque figure should be at least 250lb ft, as CAR scooped the lowdown on the Toyota engine a few months ago.
The rest of the Eagle's spec is pretty impressive too, with 350mm four-pot AP racing brakes, Bilstein dampers and Eibach springs.
And the looks? We'll let you judge the design for yourself, suffice to say that this first official photograph had most at CAR recalling the M250 concept shown at the start of the decade; it was designed as a smarter Lotus to slot above the Elise but failed to meet global homologation standards and was subsequently parked. Much of its spirit seems alive and well in the new Eagle.

What about the Lotus Eagle being a 2+2?
In the back of the Eagle, but ahead of the mid-mounted engine, you’ll find two Isofix seats that are designed for children up to nine years old, or for occasional use by adults. Think 911 rear pews. But if you want to be more practical we suggest ticking the box that turns the rear seats into a luggage compartment.
Lotus claims the new Eagle offers ‘real-world usability’, so the cabin is leather-lined and even has a glovebox, storage bins and ‘cup holders’. The steering wheel is flat-bottomed and blue LEDs bathe the cabin in light.
We've seen sneak photos inside the Eagle and it certainly seems more executive than the Europa, the smarter, touring version of the Elise that left us disappointed. While we don't expect the Eagle to be quite knocking on the door of Audi TT or Porsche 911 owners quite yet, the quality has taken a leap forward, vow Lotus types.
Lotus Eagle: the design story
The Eagle has been designed in-house by Lotus Design. Chief stylist Russell Carr said: 'The modern customer demands that the product offers real-world usability as well as exotic imagery. Therefore every element of the car’s exterior and interior has been carefully designed to create a product that offers comfort and convenience as well as traditional performance car attributes.'

What else do I need to know about the new Lotus Eagle?
Inside the Eagle you’ll find a Alpine hi-fi system with Bluetooth and iPod connections. Air-con is standard and you can even option a reversing camera and tyre pressure monitor. Anti-lock brakes, stability control and traction control are all standard.
No more than 2000 Eagles a year will be built at Lotus's HQ in Hethel, Norfolk, and prices are expected to start at £45k when sales start in spring 2009. One of the internal mantras when developing this car was '911 car for Cayman cash', which positions it pretty neatly.
‘Project Eagle is the biggest milestone Lotus has achieved since the Elise was born 13 years ago,’ Lotus CEO Mike Kimberely said. ‘We are currently working at broadening the appeal of the Lotus brand through an aggressive five-year model plan of which this car represents the first exciting step.’
Up next are two new models, due by October 2011. One of those is the new Esprit... Exciting times at Hethel, then.

source:www.carmagazine.co.uk

BMW 3-series facelift first photos

2008-08-01T02:47:00.000-07:00

By Tim Pollard

BMW has just lifted the embargo on photos of the new 3-series, after an American website published photos early. So here they are: a pair of photographs revealing the look of the – very lightly revised – 'new' 3-series. It's a compact exec with a few surprises up its sleeve, including the ability to travel 60 miles on a single gallon of fuel... Thankfully, the facelift has abolished some of the Three saloon's dumpier overtones; there's always been a bit too much Mitsubishi Carisma for our liking in the rear lights, for instance. It looks a lot better now – trust us, we've seen it in the metal. Saloon and estate: both new Threes at onceThat's right, the four-door and Touring come first, but you can expect some of the facelift to spread across to the coupes and convertibles in fullness of time.What's new? Well the headlamps are subtly reprofiled, the bonnet is new and there are numerous detail changes to the styling that add up to a classic Germanic, evolutionary redesign.And inside the facelifted 3-series?Inside, there's new trim but it's hardly that different. The press material talks of 'ergonomically optimised positioning of the window lift operating panel on the driver side', for goodness' sake. Rather more noticeable is the latest iDrive, which has been honed and improved some more – and now includes programmable short-cut keys. There's also the BM joystick gearlever on certain auto models.Look out also for BMW ConnectedDrive; the revised 3-series is the first BMW to get this gadget, which allows unlimited internet use from inside the car. We suspect we'll be hearing a lot more about this particular gadget...New tech then?The 330d gains a new 3.0-litre straight six, mustering 245bhp and Euro 5 compliant know-how. It slots into a five-diesel and five-petrol line-up – and every one now includes Efficient Dynamics.Look out also for the M3's seven-speed twin-clutch gearbox, that's now moved sideways onto the 335i coupe and convertible. It comes complete with paddles for finger-flicking fun as you nudge up and down the gearbox.

The full engine choice is as follows:
335i: 306bhp/295lb ft 3.0-litre six-cyl DI twin-turbo, 5.6sec, 155mph, 31.0mpg, 218g/km
330i: 272bhp/236lb ft 3.0-litre six-cyl DI, 6.1sec, 155mph, 39.2mpg, 173g/km
325i: 218bhp/199lb ft 3.0-litre six-cyl DI, 6.7sec, 155mph, 40.0mpg, 170g/km
320i: 170bhp/155lb ft 2.0-litre four-cyl DI, 8.2sec, 142mph, 46.3mpg, 146g/km
318i: 143bhp/140lb ft 2.0-litre four-cyl DI, 9.1sec, 130mph, 47.9mpg, 142g/km
335d: 286bhp/428lb ft 3.0-litre six-cyl TDI twin-turbo, 6.0sec, 155mph, 42.2mpg, 177g/km
330d: 245bhp/384lb ft 3.0-litre six-cyl TDI turbo, 6.1sec, 155mph, 49.6mpg, 152g/km
325d: 197bhp/295lb ft 3.0-litre six-cyl TDI turbo, 7.4sec, 146mph, 49.6mpg, 153g/km
320d: 177bhp/258lb ft 2.0-litre four-cyl TDI turbo, 7.9sec, 143mph, 58.9mpg, 128g/km
318d: 143bhp/221lb ft 2.0-litre four-cyl TDI turbo, 9.3sec, 130mph, 60.1mpg, 123g/km

Whatever you think about BMW, you can't deny there are some pretty impressive outputs here. Just think about it: 60mpg and 123g/km in a compact executive? Expect to see plenty more poverty-spec 3-series on the company car choice lists some time soon...

source:www.carmagazine.co.uk

Jaguar XK60: first pictures

2008-08-01T02:45:00.000-07:00

By Ben Pulman

Jaguar will announce its 60th annivesary XK sports car at next week's London motor show. Dubbed the XK60 and based on the naturally aspirated XK coupe and convertible, the new Jag will be available from August 2008.
The XK60 comes with around £5000 of optional extras at no extra cost - and every naturally aspirated XK will come in XK60 spec unless buyers opt out. Sound like a run-out special? Don't forget the facelifted and revised XK is waiting in the wings.
And how much will the Jaguar XK60 cost me then?
Prices for the XK60 stay pegged at £60,995 for the coupe and £66,995 for the convertible.
All XK60s get 20-inch wheels, a new front bumper, rear spoiler and rear valance, new mesh grilles, chrome vents, new tailpipe finishes plus a new gearknob and gear selector surround.What else to look out for on Jaguar's stand at Excel? Alongside the XK60 will be the limited-edition XKR-S, the revised X-type, the XJ and the XF, for which Jaguar already holds 21,000 orders worldwide.

source:www.carmagazine.co.uk

Hyundai Qarmaq

2008-07-29T07:36:00.000-07:00

Radical off-road coupe showcases Korean company’s use of hi-tech materials.
Building eco-friendly models is at the top of most car makers’ hit lists these days. But Hyundai is working on combining fuel saving with technology to help reduce injuries to pedestrians in collisions. And the first product of its research is the QarmaQ, a sporty 4x4 it says is a Crossover Utility Vehicle. But this concept car isn’t just special because of the technology it harbours. This is also the first time the firm has let a journalist behind the wheel of one of its experimental vehicles. The theory behind the QarmaQ is to reduce fuel consumption by saving weight. It uses plastic for the body panels and polycarbonate instead of glass, and tips the scales at 1,700kg, some 100kg lighter than the similarly sized Santa Fe.One knock-on effect is that the hi-tech materials are easy to mould. This means engineers have been able to incorporate what they call the world’s first Elastic Front safety system. This sees three energy-absorbing structures inserted in front of the deformable bonnet. What’s more, they’re fully recyclable, as they’re made from reclaimed drinks bottles. The plastic body panels have given designers a degree of freedom, too. Their aim wasn’t just to create a sporty shape; they wanted one that looked less aggressive than regular SUVs. As a result, the stylists have included distinctive C-shaped side windows. The lightweight polycarbonate has also allowed them to create a see-through bubble roof.Access to the front seats is via wide-opening doors, while Mazda RX-8 style rear-hinged items ease entry to the back. Inside it feels spacious, thanks to the large glass area. The materials used around the cabin feature silicone and leather, which gives a wonderfully tactile feel. It makes for a calming environment with excellent visibility all round. The same goes for rear seat passengers, who have plenty of legroom and really benefit from the clear roof.Thankfully, the panoramic glass and other transparent areas have been coated in an infra-red wash which reflects the heat. The effect of this is that owners shouldn’t have to rely so heavily on the air-con, again saving fuel. And the system works – at least part of it does! The day of our drive was hot and sunny, and although the air-con wasn’t operating, the interior remained at a bearable temperature.A by-product of the weight-saving programme is that a 2.0-litre diesel engine is more than adequate to power the QarmaQ. Select Drive and it moves off with none of the sluggish behaviour usually associated with concept cars. The engine, while noisy, is powerful enough for everyday driving, and actually gives quite a turn of speed. So does this point to a slightly smaller BMW X6 rival from Hyundai? Well, the firm certainly believes there’s a market for it. And while the looks of the QarmaQ might be too futuristic for Hyundai in the short term, it’s planning to incorporate the technologies of the design study into production models starting from next year.

source: www.autoexpress.co.uk

Aston Martin DB9

2008-07-29T07:30:00.000-07:00

Not quite the complete package, but the Aston Martin DB9 is still better than ever.
Driving In the past, we have had issues with the suspension set-up of the DB9 – but we still ended up loving it. However, when you are spending so much on a supercar, you want it to be perfect. So, in the spring of 2008, Aston issued a range of updates to make it better than ever. New dampers and retuned suspension bushes improved the ride quality, and although it’s still firm – particularly over small bumps – the pay-off is far better body control at high speed. However, we still have the same complaints about the set-up at the rear, which is vague and slightly too soft. The steering is heavy and doesn’t provide enough feel, either, while the brakes are powerful but also weighty and hard to modulate As a result, it can be difficult to feel at one with the car on a twisty, bumpy road. We’d go for the optional Sport Pack, which ties the rear end down more. Still, the 470bhp V12 remains simply gorgeous, propelling the DB9 forward like a rocketship. It is capable of 190mph, and hits 60mph in 4.6 seconds. MarketplaceThe DB9 is Aston’s six-figure-sum supercar, that comes as standard with a six-speed Touchtronic automatic gearbox (which was also updated for 2008, improving speed shift and low-speed manoeuvrability). The ‘James Bond’ DBS is derived from it, so it remains a highly desirable car. It is a beautiful-looking two-door supercoupe, with delectable detailing throughout. Offered in coupe and open-top Volante guise, it competes with equally glamorous rivals such as the Lamborghini Murcielago, Ferrari F430 and 599 GTB, Porsche 911 Turbo and Audi R8. OwningFrom the moment you climb aboard, the DB9 offers an incredible sense of occasion. The leather trim is lush and has intricate stitching, while the revised centre console is a big leap forward in quality. Bespoke dials are gorgeous, yet the company has also paid attention to the fundamentals, with a supportive seat and good driving position. You can forget the back seats though - they're only ever going to be useful for shopping or small children. Needless to say, fuel economy is also very poor, and even the base list price is extremely high, and that’s before you factor in the price of options! Luckily, the low numbers of DB9s sold each year helps ensure retained values remain strong – and the company’s reliability record has never been better.

On the road price: £109,750 - £118,850
For : Beautiful styling, better quality interior, improved ride
Against : Handling and ride still not perfect, price and fuel economy

source: www.autoexpress.co.uk

DRIVES: 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL65 AMG Black Series

2008-07-28T07:31:00.000-07:00

Über-SL: Limited-edition AMG supercoupe to replace five-year-old SLR
By GREG KABLE

Forget the McLaren SLR. Move over, CLK DTM coupe. Here's a car with the potential to eclipse them both. And, like them, it flaunts Mercedes-Benz's illustrious three-pointed star. Talk about choices!Depending on your point of view, the spectacular 661-hp, twin-turbocharged, 6.0-liter V12 SL65 AMG Black Series, revealed here in all its production glory, is either an inspired effort from a company whose reputation was built around world-class engineering or a dinosaur from an era of fossil-fuel-depleting mania.In other words, does the world need another ferociously powerful road-going car that can hit 60 mph in less than 3.9 seconds? In a time of soaring gasoline prices and prolonged economic downturn, are there enough people prepared to fork out the $320,000 that Mercedes is asking? AMG will build 350 SL65 Black Series during the next 12 months. The carbon-fiber-bodied supercoupe is a signal that Mercedes is more determined than ever to see its increasingly active AMG division exploit both the heritage of its earlier Silver Arrow race cars and its Formula One presence with a series of high-priced performance models.
Until now, appearances of the new car, which replaces the discontinued McLaren-built SLR, have been limited to grainy spy images of disguised prototypes. But with less than six months before the first customer will take delivery, Mercedes gave AutoWeek access to an early production version.Mercedes regards the Black Series as a technology showcase, so you can bet that elements you find here will make their way onto future AMG models. In fact, there are clear indications that the new car will influence the upcoming SLC, Mercedes' secret new gullwing coupe and convertible set to reach North America in 2011. "Naturally," says development boss Tobias Moers, "we're always seeking to move forward with technology, and once we have the quality and price under control, it makes sense to apply it to our standard models."Moers won't say what elements are being considered for production, but carbon-fiber body construction will play a role at AMG in coming years. It is used for the hood, fenders, roof and trunk. In combination with other weight-saving measures adopted, the 4122-pound Black Series undercuts the SL65 AMG by an impressive 550 pounds. A quick glance tells you this is no run-of-the-mill AMG model. The exterior, penned by AMG design boss Claus Hieke, places emphasis on cooling air reaching the mighty engine. There are seven ducts up front, three in the bumper, two atop the hood and two in the fenders. Adding to the aggressive tone are heavily flared wheel arches. Moers describes it as an SL65 AMG on steroids. He's right. The only things shared with the SL65 AMG, upon which it is loosely based, are the headlamps, doors, mirrors and tail lamps. In a significant move, AMG has ditched the SL65 AMG's folding roof. It is replaced by a fixed one that blends with the rest of the body and incorporates an integral roll cage. Other major changes center on the redesigned trunk lid, which supports a retractable spoiler that motors out at 75 mph.
The twin-turbo 6.0-liter V12 has larger turbochargers, a more efficient intercooler and a revised exhaust with less back pressure. The three-valve-per-cylinder engine's output has increased 57 hp, to an SLR-beating 661 hp at 5400 rpm. Torque remains at 738 lb-ft, developed on a band of revs between 2200 and 4200 rpm and limited from an actual peak claimed to be about 884 lb-ft. Channeling drive to the rear wheels is a beefed-up version of Mercedes' five-speed automatic transmission featuring the latest evolution of AMG's Speedshift software. Mercedes says it is quicker and smoother on full-throttle upshifts. The monumental torque ruled out using AMG's seven-speed MCT (multiclutch technology) gearbox but has led to the inclusion of a locking differential complete with its own oil cooler.With a power-to-weight ratio of 353 hp per ton, the Black Series promises to be one of the fastest-accelerating Mercedes road cars. Final numbers haven't been announced, but Moers hints at a 0-to-62-mph time of less than 3.9 seconds, 0 to 124 mph in about 10 seconds and 0 to 186 mph in less than 30 seconds. Top speed is limited to 199 mph, but the car is geared to hit 220 mph at the engine's 6200-rpm cut-out in fifth gear. AMG's engineering efforts go further than just the driveline. There are some serious changes to the underpinnings, too. The track is four inches wider in front and three in the back. The suspension retains the same basic design of lesser SL models, a four-link arrangement at the front and five-link in back. But the spring links, camber struts, pushrods and wheel carriers are new and, for now, unique to this model. As with earlier Black Series models, the rebound and compression rates, ride height, wheel alignment and camber rates are adjustable. The tires, Dunlop SP Sport Maxx GTs, are 265/35ZR-19 at the front and 325/30ZR-20 at the rear.
To keep weight down and reduce complexity, the advanced ABC (active body control) and AirMatic (air springs) found on the standard SL65 AMG have been abandoned. The steering, speed-sensitive with hydraulic assistance, is carried over. With revised kinematic properties for the front axle, AMG says the ratio has increased 8 percent.Reining in the heady performance is the biggest brake package AMG has ever had on a road-going car, a combination of fixed six-piston calipers acting on giant 15-inch vented and cross-drilled rotors up front and four- piston calipers with 14s in back. The reworked underpinnings were tuned on the Nürburgring's demanding Nord-schleife circuit in what Moers describes as the company's "most intensive" new-model program to date. Production will be at the Mercedes plant in Bremen, Germany, with final assembly at AMG's expanded workshop in Affalterbach on the outskirts of Stuttgart. Of the 350 to be built, 200 are expected to head to the United States, which remains AMG's largest market. Moers rules out an extension in production, saying, "Once we've reached 350, that will be it. Our tooling won't allow for any more."

SPECS
ON SALE: December
BASE PRICE: $320,000
DRIVETRAIN: 6.0-liter, 661-hp, 738-lb-ft twin-turbocharged V12; rwd, five-speed automatic
CURB WEIGHT: 4122 lb0-60 MPH: 3.8 sec (mfr)
FUEL ECONOMY (EPA): 12 (est)

source:www.autoweek.com

Chevy plans new U.S. subcompact by '11

2008-07-28T07:28:00.000-07:00

By JAMIE LAREAU, AUTOMOTIVE NEWS

By 2011, Chevrolet will get a version of one of the three minicar concepts that General Motors unveiled at the 2007 New York auto show, company executives say.The vehicle, expected to replace the Aveo, will be expanded to the size of a subcompact.In April 2007, GM unveiled the Groove, Beat and Trax minicars in New York. In November, GM said it will build and sell the Beat overseas, with production starting in 2009. But the automaker has said it will not sell the Beat in the United States.Now, GM says the United States will get a version of the Groove or Trax by 2011."Of the triplets, we will get one of those variants," says Ed Peper, Chevrolet's vice president. Which one? "I don't want to say at this point."The vehicle that Chevrolet gets will be "very similar to one of those vehicles" but larger, in part to meet U.S. crash test standards, Peper says. For example, the front fender and grille likely will be extended to meet U.S. safety standards.The car will come to Chevrolet "in the next couple of years," Peper says.GM global design chief Ed Welburn says the company has designed the new small car to be more stylish than the current Aveo. Welburn says the name of the vehicle hasn't been decided.GM will build the Beat on the company's global minicar platform in Shanghai. The unnamed subcompact intended for the United States will be built on GM's Gamma global small-car platform. Sources familiar with the project say GM likely will assemble the new car at its plant in San Luis Potosi, Mexico.Chevrolet has said it will replace the Cobalt compact with the new Cruze compact in the 2011 model year."We're looking at all opportunities when it comes to small cars and small utilities," Peper says. "The market is very hot right now for small, fuel-efficient vehicles."

source: www.autoweek.com

Dealers fresh out of Mini Coopers

2008-07-28T07:25:00.000-07:00

By RICHARD TRUETT, AUTOMOTIVE NEWS

The nation's 82 Mini franchises are out of cars, and dealers can do little more than take orders and deliver preordered units for the rest of the year.As fuel prices have risen, demand for the Mini Cooper has outstripped supply."For the last three months, we were selling from inventory," said Jim McDowell, vice president of BMW's Mini division. "There's no way (July) can be as good."McDowell said that dealers have a one-day supply of cars and that 81 percent of the cars delivered this month have been those that consumers have configured and ordered.In June, Mini sold 5,211 units, up 24.8 percent from the same month last year. That followed sales increases of 52.8 percent in May and 39.4 percent in April.Through the first half of the year, Mini sales are up 33.6 percent to 26,400 units.Dealers who have been asking for more cars won't get much satisfaction soon. Mini will boost production for the United States, but only by between 2,000 and 3,000 cars this year.The Mini plant in Oxford, England, is running three shifts, seven days a week. It builds about 800 cars a day for 80 markets.McDowell also said Mini plans to expand its dealership network to 95 stores by 2011.He said that in some regions of the country, dealers are too far apart to service customers.

source: www.autoweek.com

Honda at the London motor show 2008

2008-07-26T07:49:00.000-07:00

By James Foxall

Honda came up with a genuine global surprise at the London motor show 2008 – with the OSM concept car that previews a potenital successor to the S2000. The Open Study Model is a junior roadster that bears an uncanny resemblance to the CR-Z concept. We suspect this could translate into a convertible version of the CR-Z, itself bound for production in 2010 as a hybrid coupe. What’s new on Honda’s London motor show stand? The Open Study Model dominates the Honda stand, which occupies a dominant corner of the northern hall. The low-emissions roadster sat near the FCX Clarity hydrogen car, that was on show in the UK for the first time. Honda had also taken over the live action arena. Called Honda Dreamscape, it was motoring theatre aimed at walking people through the firm’s 60-year history. CAR staffers who attended thought it rather like sitting through a half-hour car commercial, however. You have been warned.CAR’s Honda highlightOne of the highlights of the show – as well as the firm’s stand – was the Open Study Model. Essentially a topless version of its CR-Z hybrid coupe, it’s a design study of a low-emission sports car. However, detail on the OSM was sorely lacking; Honda calls it a design concept, pure and simple – and it refused to divulge any mechanical details. Looking like a shrunken Nissan 350Z in profile, let’s hope Honda confirms this for production as it has the CR-Z.What were they thinking?Having stand staff dressed in the uniform of its stunningly unsuccessful F1 team just served as a reminder that all in the world of Honda isn’t that rosy.

source: www.carmagazine.co.uk

Subaru Impreza WRX STi Spec C (2010): spy photos

2008-07-26T07:46:00.000-07:00

By Ben Pulman

Prepare to feel perturbed, because this is a hot Subaru Impreza you’re going to struggle to get your hands on. CAR Online’s spies have spotted the new Spec C Impreza testing at the Nurburgring, and the bad news is it’s a Japanese-only model built to homologate the Scooby for Group N rallying.
So I can’t get hold of the new Subaru Impreza Spec C?
You can, but you’ll probably have to get one from an importer. In the past Subaru UK has never imported JDM (Japanese Domestic Market) cars and a source within the company has told CAR there are no plans to change that policy.
But you’ll want one of these Spec C Imprezas. The car will run the JDM 2.0-litre flat-four, but expect tweaks to the turbocharger to increase the engine’s responsiveness. When we drove the Japanese-spec STi we found it lacking a little below 3000rpm.
As Spec C cars are also homologated for rallying Subaru will no doubt fit a different radiator and water pump, along with additional oil coolers for the engine and transmission.

What else will be new? I think I spy a rear diffuser…
You do indeed, plus lightweight white wheels. This car doesn’t appear to be a full-on or fully finished Spec C car though. Previous Spec C models have had a roof vent, so either this prototype is missing it, or going soft. After all, Subaru allowed last-generation Spec C models to be ordered with electric windows and air-conditioning! Which is a bit odd on a stripped-out car that comes with thinner glass and a lighter roof...
Expect similar weight-saving tweaks, along with other lightweight materials. Previous Spec Cs have weighed 100kg less than the regular models.
In Japan the Spec C might actually be cheaper than the regular STi, though imports are sure to carry a premium in the UK due to their rarity. The Spec C should debut at a motor in the next six months.
But what do I do if I want a full UK car?
Place an order for the new 330S or badger Subaru to build the 380S. At this week's London motor show the company unveiled three Impreza surprises: a WRX-S – a halfway house between the WRX and STi – and two hot STis.
The first is the 330S, confirmed production and coming with a Prodrive Performance Pack that lifts the 2.5-litre engine's output from 296bhp to 325bhp, thanks to a modified ECU and exhaust system. Price should start at dead on £30k and be with us for September 2008.
The 380S is just a concept, for now, but it will almost certainly be built, or rebuilt as Prodrive will hand-build each engine. Expect the car to be with us for Christmas. Now that would be a nice present to receive from Santa...

source: www.carmagazine.co.uk

Car thieves shun 4x4s

2008-07-25T07:40:00.000-07:00

By Nigel Wonnacott

Greens hate their CO2 emissions, campaigners may question their safety record and owners might be feeling the pinch at the pump. But 4x4s can claim at least one advantage over smaller cars; they are among the least likely types of car to be stolen.

According to the latest Home Office Car Theft Index, just four in every thousand 4x4s and people carriers in Britain were stolen in 2006, compared to seven for Fiesta and Astra-sized cars. Seven in a thousand sports cars were also taken.

But while there are differences in types, across the board thefts have plummeted. In the last five years the number of stolen cars fell 44 per cent to 176,000, with a similar decline in attempted theft. That’s largely thanks to immobilisers, a standard fit since 1998, and which now secure more than two thirds of Britain’s 31 million cars.

A reduction in the number of things stolen from cars - rather than the cars themselves – doesn’t make such dramatic reading, but there is still progress. Crime fell a quarter, to 1.13 million ‘theft-from’ incidents in five years.

“In the drive to halt the car thieves, immobilisers were a fundamental step forward,” said Paul Everitt chief executive of the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders. “But equally, partnership brokered through VCRAT, the Vehicle Crime Reduction Action Task Force, has taken the battle to the car criminal. We can now say with confidence; we’re winning the war.”

Last week, Citroen cleaned up at the insurance industry’s fifth annual security awards at Thatcham, winning four categories. The C6, won most secure executive car for the second year running while the C4 Picasso Exclusive won the compact MPV class. The C5 Exclusive and C4 Exclusive took honours in small and small family categories.

However, despite Citroen’s four awards, Audi was still named best overall manufacturer.

source: www.carmagazine.co.uk

UK car tax rises 'won't work'

2008-07-25T07:37:00.000-07:00

By Tim Pollard

The UK Government's proposed tax rises won't deter drivers from picking a high-CO2 car, new research by CAR reveals. We surveyed more than 1000 motorists and asked if the new charges – quadrupling the annual tax bill for some cars – would put them off so-called gas guzzlers. Surprisingly, 76 percent of drivers said it wouldn't deter them one jot.

Chancellor Alistair Darling unveiled sweeping changes to the UK's car tax system in his March 2008 Budget, under which the most polluting cars will be hit by a £950 first-year tax. However, CAR's research suggests that even this draconian rise will not work.

Just a fifth of the motorists polled said they would never buy another high-CO2 car because of the new charge, but the vast majority said it wouldn't stop them. Our findings suggest that the Government's planned reforms are more about raising cash than changing drivers' behaviour...

The survey results in detail

CAR asked 1052 drivers: 'Would the UK Budget’s £950 purchase tax stop you buying a car emitting over 255g/km of CO2?'. The answers, published today, were:

• Yes, I will never buy another gas guzzler again, 214 votes (20 percent)
• I would think twice but if I can afford this type of car, it would not stop me buying, 439 votes (42 percent)
• Not sure, 44 votes (4 percent)
• Definitely not. This tax is a dip in the ocean over the life of the car, 355 votes (34 percent)

The changes outlined in the Budget will introduce 13 tax bands. .

Cars slotting in to the top bracket and emitting more than 255g/km of CO2 will be hit with a £950 purchase supplement in the first year (£455 of which is VED). Not enough, it seems, to alter drivers' behaviour.

source: www.carmagazine.co.uk

Audi Q5 2.0 TDI CAR review

2008-07-25T07:32:00.001-07:00

By Ben Pulman

The Audi Q5 is here – and we've driven it. Finally Ingolstadt has a medium-sized SUV with which to battle the likes of the BMW X3 and Mercedes GLK. But in the war of the small, premium Germans 4x4s, the X3 is ageing fast and the GLK won’t be in the UK until 2010 at the earliest. That leaves the Q5 with an easy run at the likes of the Land Rover Freelander and Volvo XC60, if it can deliver on its promise. We’ve just driven the Q5 so read on for our first drive.

So what makes the Audi Q5 stand out from its rivals?

Not its styling. The Q5’s design is safe and secure, with obvious links to other Audi products like the A3 (front lights) and Q7 (taillamps). The front grille is seemingly even bigger than before and the chrome trim around it even thicker, but it’s the only shiny highlight on an otherwise straightforward design.

The Q5 goes on sale in the UK in September 2008 and all cars will initially come in SE spec, which means leather, electric doors and mirrors, rear parking sensors and 18-inch alloys. Pity they look so puny on the Q5. In fact, unlike its big brother the Q7, we would go as far as to recommend an S-line spec car, if only for the 19-inch wheels and bodykit to butch it up.

What about the technical stuff?

Audi’s Quattro four-wheel system is present and correct – this is a 4x4, remember – with a 40:60 front-rear torque split to (apparently) give a more sporting drive. That’s exactly what this car isn’t, but it still handles tidily, slipping into safe and secure understeer if you push too far.

Despite the 2.0-litre TDI engine of our test car also sitting almost completely ahead of the front axle, the Q5 never feels nose heavy and manages to turn in sharply. There’s no feel through the steering though.

The ride patters a little on motorways and on the few sections of bumpy Spanish roads that we could find, our impression is that the Q5 may not be up to scratch for the British B-road. Time will tell.

Visibility is good and the Q5 is compact enough to never intimidate the driver in urban driving. The huge door mirrors make the optional blind spot warning system almost redundant, though they also create a lot of wind noise at cruising speeds.

Safe and secure? You’ve said that a few times now!

We have and that’s exactly what the Audi Q5 is. Those expecting something earth-shatteringly new will be disappointed. The Q5 is a line drawn straight down the middle of the medium-sized SUV class. It’s well built and the perceived quality is high. It handles tidily which is all it will ever need to do, while it will manage any off-road work should you be in the minority who ever leave the Tarmac. Those four rings on the nose are still a strong hook for many buyers and we see no reason why Audi won't sell as many Q5s as it can make.

The engine, Audi’s latest common-rail 2.0-litre diesel, is quiet, potent enough that it’s (just about) all you’ll ever need and reasonably economical too. Just think: 42mpg on the combined cycle on a biggish SUV. The gearshift indicator encourages you to pootle not power, an ever-present reminder that you could be greener.
I presume the interior is the same-again stuff from Audi…

If you’ve recently seen an A4 or A5, then yes it is. That’s not to detract from the innards of the Q5 though. Audi still offers the best-looking and best made cabins. But, as other members of the CAR team have pointed out, the unlined door pockets and switch from metal to plastic trim does weaken the quality ambience.

The Q5 is certainly spacious, with an optional sliding rear bench. The controls are as intuitive as ever and the buttons and dials as slick to push, prod and twist as ever. There’s a new MMI system, with topographic sat-nav maps so all the buildings in the centre of Valencia stood out in 3D on our test route. A £300 TomTom might be cheaper, but try selling a Q5 in a few years without MMI.

Verdict

If we sound underwhelmed by the Q5, then we don’t mean to be. It doesn’t do anything vastly new but it does do all its needs to do pretty well. It’s a compact Audi 4x4 and that’s been one obvious hole in Audi’s range.

The Q5 has plugged that gap and that’s all it needs to do. We just can’t help feeling we wanted a little bit more...

source: www.carmagazine.co.uk

BMW 7-series hybrid due in 2009

2008-07-24T08:08:00.000-07:00

By Nick Gibbs

BMW will launch a hybrid petrol version of the newly unveiled 7-series in 2009, but admits it’s more for green-leaning V8 addicts than seriously eco-aware bosses.

Even with the latest lithium-ion batteries, the forthcoming 4.4-litre V8 petrol-electric version will struggle to match the astonishing 39.2mpg and 192g/km of CO2 of the new six-cylinder diesel, especially when BMW will launch stop-start technology for the whole range within two years.

The hybrid is likely to cost several thousand more than the £65,000 it’s estimated you’ll need to buy the regular, twin-turbo 750i that goes on sale in November 2008.

Why an expensive hybrid when the diesel is so efficient?

We put that question to Dr Klaus Draeger, BMW board member responsible for R&D and project leader for the new Seven. He shrugged and said: 'Some customers really want a V8 with very good fuel economy.'

Mercedes, one of BMW’s partners on the hybrid technology, is also expected to launch a hybrid version of the S-class next year, and both cars will rival the V8-engined Lexus LS600h. There’s no word yet whether the 7-series hybrid or the similarly powered X6 hybrid will come to the UK, but the publicity would be difficult to pass up.

So no Efficient Dynamics on the new Seven, then?

The new range does get elements of BMW’s fuel-reduction programme, such as the decoupling alternator, but the company is still working on a stop-start engine cut-out for automatics. According to Dr Draeger, the system right now 'is not state of the art', which is why it’s only used on manuals.

The traffic-friendly technology will likely be grafted to the 730d, 740i and 750i, as well as next year’s 735d. This twin-turbo version will replace the V8 diesel, a engine Dr Draeger calls 'heavy and expensive'.

In overseeing the design of the car, BMW’s head of design Chris Bangle had to ensure that the essentially boxy but fuel-efficient shape still had enough drama and elegance. 'Even though it’s a very clean car it’s still got a wonderful sense of emotion in the form,' he told CAR. 'The line-work of the car basically gives its gesture and proportion, dividing up the body and making sure it looks long and lean.' The result is undeniably more elegant, if not as bold as the previous car, but the Bangle Butt has definitely gone.

source: www.carmagazine.co.uk

Audi RS4, A1, S5 and R8 V10 details

2008-07-24T07:54:00.000-07:00

By Ben Pulman

The next Audi RS4 will be supercharged, the R8’s V10 will be naturally aspirated and we won’t be seeing an Audi that’s smaller than the A1 supermini any time soon. That’s all according to a high-placed Audi source that CAR sat down with at the recent Q5 4x4 launch. Read on for everything our source had to say about Audi’s secret new model programme.

So tell me everything you found out about future Audis...

Let’s start with the smallest car, the A1. It’s due in 2010 and will eventually be available as a convertible and off-roader, alongside the regular three- and five-door hatches.

Our source calls it Audi’s ‘Mini-killer’ but adamantly says the A1 will not have retro styling. It’ll share its platform with forthcoming Polo, which means the A1 uses the same underpinnings as the new Seat Ibiza. Which makes us think that Audi has some work to do if it wants to match the Mini dynamically...

Will there be anything smaller than an A1 in this oil-sensitive age? Apparently not. Audi has no plans for anything smaller than its supermini until at least 2013.

But the A3 range will grow; Audi is still expanding the A3 range, and next we'll see the Q3 based on the Cross Coupe Quattro concept.

source: www.carmagazine.co.uk

Fuel protests halt Spanish car production

2008-07-24T07:52:00.000-07:00

By Dimitri Pesin

Fuel protests in Europe triggered by the soaring cost of fuel have drastically reduced car production in Spain this month.

Last week's truck blockades and fuel depot pickets in Madrid caused car plants around the country to cut production. Seat, Citroen Peugeot, Ford, Nissan, Renault and Mercedes-Benz all have factories in Spain and most said they were affected.

Seat production slashed by 40 percent

Seat said its main Martorell plant was operating at 40 percent capacity, with production of the Leon and Altea models severely affected. However, the protests won’t delay sales of the new Ibiza, a spokesman promised, and assembly of cars in the factory is expected to return to normal this week. The company says it hopes ‘not to pass on the delays to customers’.

Protests have already hit Portugal, France, Bulgaria and the UK, as oil reached $139 a barrel last week. A year ago, the average price for a barrel was under $55.

The average UK fuel price for a litre of unleaded petrol now stands at 117.2p and 130.5 for diesel, which in the past month has risen by its highest margin this century. In 2003, unleaded fuel in the UK was priced at 76p.

source: www.carmagazine.co.uk

Mazda at the London motor show 2008

2008-07-24T07:49:00.000-07:00

By Ben Whitworth

Mazda's not a company afraid of striking out on a limb every now and then. And it rammed home its rotary-engined know-how with a brace of sports cars featuring its Wankel motor at the London show. Shame there were no real world debuts, though...

What's new on Mazda's London motor show stand?

Mazda’s incredibly cool Furai concept car makes its European debut today – and the car looks pretty amazing in the flesh. Fresh from its weekend of humiliating supercars as it blasted up the hill at the Goodwood Festival of Speed earlier this month, the Furai pushes Mazda’s line-up of flowing ‘Nagare’ concept cars to the extreme.

Not only does its rippling composite body make Batman’s wheels look more than a little dull, they also play a key aerodynamic role in keeping the car suckered to the track. Get past the Furai and you can also see the R3, Mazda’s revised RX-8.

CAR’s Mazda highlight

Say what you will about the validity of concept cars, but you simply cannot ignore a 460bhp triple-rotor race car that can smoke its way to 60mph in 3.2 seconds and onto a 172mph top speed. Especially one that runs on ethanol…

What were they thinking?

Some bright spark in the marketing department came up with the inspired idea to float a Mazda 2 from the ceiling amid a flock of purple paper birds. Nope, we've no idea why, either!

In a nutshell

The Furai looks incredible – and it sounds even better. Log on to CAR Online in the next week to see our exclusive ride in this madcap racer.

source: www.carmagazine.co.uk

Skoda to launch Superb estate, 4x4 and MPV

2008-07-24T07:42:00.000-07:00

By Georg Kacher

Volkswagen's budget brand Skoda will gain a raft of new models in the next few years, CAR Online can reveal.

Leading the product expansion is an estate version of the new Superb which will cost less than a Passat wagon but offer more bootspace than a Mercedes E-class estate. Expect the big Superb in 2009.

We've also unearthed more details on the new Skoda Yeti crossover that also comes in 2009. It's a funky looking faux-by-four with looks echoing the eponymous concept car of a few years back.

The Yeti will feature new bodywork and cabin architecture, but uses a host of VW group bitsa parts; like the first-gen Superb, this is a quick-fix model using end-of-line parts from around the VW empire.

It's a tactic in vogue at Wolfsburg – Seat's doing the same with its new Mondeo rival.

Skoda: the secret new MPV

The third secret new model from the expansionist Czech car maker is a new MPV. It's a version of the soon-to-be upgraded Touran and the nameless Skoda is due in 2010.

What do we know about Skoda's MPV? It has a longer rear overhang to make space for a third row of seats and sticks with conventionally hinged doors; Vauxhall/Opel in particular is favouring with its next-gen Meriva and Zafira people carriers.

source: www.carmagazine.co.uk