The lowdown
Volkswagen has given its Touran MPV a welcome facelift, and a sprinkling of new features. The headline news is the introduction of Twincharge engines which employ both a turbo and a supercharger, as well as a park assist function that enables the seven-seater to slip itself into a space within 15 seconds. The revised model hits UK showrooms in early 2007.
VW has taken the plastic surgeon's scalpel to the Touran. The chrome grille and eye-shaped headlamps are lifted wholesale from the Eos coupe/convertible. At the back, the changes are harder to spot. Tweaked lamp graphics and a curvier rear bumper are the key differences. New 'Magny Cours' 16-inch alloy wheels are an optional extra. Overall, the look is less bland, but the van-like silhouette continues to cast a very unsexy shadow.
Thứ Bảy, 3 tháng 3, 2012
Honda Civic Type-R (2006): first official pictures
The lowdown
Honda's ultimate Civic – the Type-R – is unveiled today (Thursday 14). Set to go on UK sale in March 2007 for around £18,000, this Type-R attempts to mate the outgoing hot hatch's high-revving, wild child drivetrain with a more mellow driving experience – when the mood takes you. Indeed, Honda is billing the new cars as a 'refined superhatch', a concept Ford and VW have nailed successfully with the Focus ST and Golf GTi. The Type-R is no quicker than its predecessor, but it looks radically different, following the grafting of a butch bodykit onto the cooking hatch's already sci-fi styling.
Design: if aliens did cosmetic surgery
The boggo Civic is eye-catching; in Type-R guise, it's eye-watering. The body has been extended in every direction, by deep sills and bumpers with pouting lips. Mesh packs out the vents, with the nose ditching its plastic lens bar for a contoured grille seemingly modelled on mediaeval chainmail. At the rear, the triangular exhaust ports remain but a vast wing crowns the funky screen. The body hunkers down 15mm lower over the 18-inch wheels, packing out the arches beautifully. Honda admits that the styling of the last Type-R was an afterthought, but the designers have made amends with the new generation. All Type-Rs will have three doors.
Honda's ultimate Civic – the Type-R – is unveiled today (Thursday 14). Set to go on UK sale in March 2007 for around £18,000, this Type-R attempts to mate the outgoing hot hatch's high-revving, wild child drivetrain with a more mellow driving experience – when the mood takes you. Indeed, Honda is billing the new cars as a 'refined superhatch', a concept Ford and VW have nailed successfully with the Focus ST and Golf GTi. The Type-R is no quicker than its predecessor, but it looks radically different, following the grafting of a butch bodykit onto the cooking hatch's already sci-fi styling.
Design: if aliens did cosmetic surgery
The boggo Civic is eye-catching; in Type-R guise, it's eye-watering. The body has been extended in every direction, by deep sills and bumpers with pouting lips. Mesh packs out the vents, with the nose ditching its plastic lens bar for a contoured grille seemingly modelled on mediaeval chainmail. At the rear, the triangular exhaust ports remain but a vast wing crowns the funky screen. The body hunkers down 15mm lower over the 18-inch wheels, packing out the arches beautifully. Honda admits that the styling of the last Type-R was an afterthought, but the designers have made amends with the new generation. All Type-Rs will have three doors.
Audi reveals monster V12 diesel
Audi has revealed details of a flagship diesel Q7, which runs a V12 TDI inspired by the company's Le Mans-winning diesel racer.
Ingolstadt claims the engine is the world's most powerful production diesel. The blown 6.0-litre V12 kicks out 493bhp and a staggering 737lb ft at just 1750rpm. The Q7 may be the size of a train, but it will go like one too with the V12 TDI under the nose.
The announcement is timed to rain on the new Range Rover V8 diesel's parade, just driven by CARS GAMES Online and on sale in a few weeks. But punters will have to wait until next year to get their hands on a Q7 TDI, and probably pay around £55-60,000.
The V12 powers the Q7 from standstill to 62mph in just 5.5sec, and onto 155mph. Yet Audi claims 23.7mpg from pre-production prototypes. Power is sent to all four wheels via a strengthened, six-speed automatic 'box. The 6.0-litre unit employs twin turbochargers and the latest common rail injection system to produce such monster power, while reining in fuel consumption.
The boost pressure in the injection rail is 2000bar, some 300 up on the powerful Range Rover's. Audi claims the V12 TDI meets Euro V emissions standards – which don't even come into force until 2010.
Ingolstadt claims the engine is the world's most powerful production diesel. The blown 6.0-litre V12 kicks out 493bhp and a staggering 737lb ft at just 1750rpm. The Q7 may be the size of a train, but it will go like one too with the V12 TDI under the nose.
The announcement is timed to rain on the new Range Rover V8 diesel's parade, just driven by CARS GAMES Online and on sale in a few weeks. But punters will have to wait until next year to get their hands on a Q7 TDI, and probably pay around £55-60,000.
The V12 powers the Q7 from standstill to 62mph in just 5.5sec, and onto 155mph. Yet Audi claims 23.7mpg from pre-production prototypes. Power is sent to all four wheels via a strengthened, six-speed automatic 'box. The 6.0-litre unit employs twin turbochargers and the latest common rail injection system to produce such monster power, while reining in fuel consumption.
The boost pressure in the injection rail is 2000bar, some 300 up on the powerful Range Rover's. Audi claims the V12 TDI meets Euro V emissions standards – which don't even come into force until 2010.
Subaru Legacy/Outback (2006): first official pictures
The lowdown
Subaru is making over its Legacy saloon and Outback wagon for the 2007 model year. A subtle facelift, upgraded cabin, retuned suspension and three-mode 3.0-litre flat six – with sport, economy and normal options – are the big changes. The 2.0-, 2.5- and 3.0-litre range will cost from £17,995, with the cars coming on stream in the next few weeks.
Smarter engine
It's the drivetrain that marks the biggest change to the '07 range. Dubbed SI-Drive (Subaru Intelligent Drive) and standard on all 3.0-litre models, the new Legacy offers a choice of three settings to suit the driver's mood. It adjusts throttle response and gearshift points depending on conditions. 'Intelligent' mode appeases the economy conscious by feathering power and optimising fuel consumption of the 242bhp six-cylinder engine. For those in a hurry however, the sport modes offer quicker kickdown and holds onto the revs for longer. SI-Drive is available with both the manual and six-speed auto, with the latter now operated by wheel-mounted paddles. The 3.0-litre boxer six is also revised to provide more of the 219lb ft of torque at lower revs. As before, the Spec B saloon is the flagship, with a top speed of 151mph and a 0-60 mph time of 6.5sec.
Subaru is making over its Legacy saloon and Outback wagon for the 2007 model year. A subtle facelift, upgraded cabin, retuned suspension and three-mode 3.0-litre flat six – with sport, economy and normal options – are the big changes. The 2.0-, 2.5- and 3.0-litre range will cost from £17,995, with the cars coming on stream in the next few weeks.
Smarter engine
It's the drivetrain that marks the biggest change to the '07 range. Dubbed SI-Drive (Subaru Intelligent Drive) and standard on all 3.0-litre models, the new Legacy offers a choice of three settings to suit the driver's mood. It adjusts throttle response and gearshift points depending on conditions. 'Intelligent' mode appeases the economy conscious by feathering power and optimising fuel consumption of the 242bhp six-cylinder engine. For those in a hurry however, the sport modes offer quicker kickdown and holds onto the revs for longer. SI-Drive is available with both the manual and six-speed auto, with the latter now operated by wheel-mounted paddles. The 3.0-litre boxer six is also revised to provide more of the 219lb ft of torque at lower revs. As before, the Spec B saloon is the flagship, with a top speed of 151mph and a 0-60 mph time of 6.5sec.
Dodge Avenger (2006): first official pictures
The lowdown
Dodge plans to ambush the repmobile market with the production version of this Avenger concept. To be revealed at next week's Paris motor show and due in showrooms in July 2007, the Avenger will be spun off the new Chrysler Sebring's front-wheel drive platform. Power comes from four and six-cylinder engines.
Muscle car looks
The Avenger will go head-to-head with the new Mondeo and 2008's new Vectra, using its muscle car styling to stand out. The concept brims with testosterone, with a dose of extra aggression from its macho bodykit. The deep skirts, low front splitter and flared wheelarch extensions will feature on mid-range R/T versions, so expect the flagship SRT6 version to look even more in-your-face. The crosshair grille with 'red inferno' body-coloured inserts and piercing headlamps should prompt a few double takes in rear view mirrors. The wheelarches are packed with 19inch rims. The Avenger looks like a mini-Charger, Dodge's latest version of the Dukes of Hazzard's getaway car introduced Stateside in 2005. The nose and the haunch that sweeps up over the rear wheelarch are hugely faithful to its four-door big brother.
Dodge plans to ambush the repmobile market with the production version of this Avenger concept. To be revealed at next week's Paris motor show and due in showrooms in July 2007, the Avenger will be spun off the new Chrysler Sebring's front-wheel drive platform. Power comes from four and six-cylinder engines.
Muscle car looks
The Avenger will go head-to-head with the new Mondeo and 2008's new Vectra, using its muscle car styling to stand out. The concept brims with testosterone, with a dose of extra aggression from its macho bodykit. The deep skirts, low front splitter and flared wheelarch extensions will feature on mid-range R/T versions, so expect the flagship SRT6 version to look even more in-your-face. The crosshair grille with 'red inferno' body-coloured inserts and piercing headlamps should prompt a few double takes in rear view mirrors. The wheelarches are packed with 19inch rims. The Avenger looks like a mini-Charger, Dodge's latest version of the Dukes of Hazzard's getaway car introduced Stateside in 2005. The nose and the haunch that sweeps up over the rear wheelarch are hugely faithful to its four-door big brother.
Ford Mondeo teaser concept
The lowdown
This is another one of those ‘concept’ cars that isn’t a concept car at all. According to Ford the Paris motor show star gives a glimpse of what we might expect from the next Mondeo, but they’re not fooling anyone: the sheetmetal is pure production new Mondeo. Premium: that’s the look and feel Ford wanted. So the new car is better looking, better built and safer too. The real production car makes its debut at the Geneva salon next March before landing in showroom that spring priced from £16,000.
Design
Pretty bold isn’t it? Well, for a Mondeo anyway. It’s the first real example of Ford’s new design language, ‘kinetic’ design. The thinking is that recent Fords have all been great to drive but just haven’t managed to articulate that ability through their exterior design. The current Ford Focus is a case in point. So Ford phoned in SOS to Martin Smith, the man responsible for revitalising the Astra and, more recently, the Corsa. Smith joined Ford as design boss two years ago but the Mondeo is his first full project. Recognise the features? They’re straight from Smith’s Iosis concept car we first saw at Frankfurt this time last year but packaged in a slightly more sensible body. The twin trapezoidal front grilles, swept-back lights and kicked up waistline will all appear in future Ford models in some form or another. As will the taller, bluffer front end mandated by pedestrian impact rules that demand space between the bonnet and the engine. This one’s the estate – we’ll have to wait and see if ford gives it a poncy Avant-like tag – but the new Mondeo will come in four-door saloon and five-door hatch guises too. And just to stick it to the competition Ford will push all three body styles out at once.
This is another one of those ‘concept’ cars that isn’t a concept car at all. According to Ford the Paris motor show star gives a glimpse of what we might expect from the next Mondeo, but they’re not fooling anyone: the sheetmetal is pure production new Mondeo. Premium: that’s the look and feel Ford wanted. So the new car is better looking, better built and safer too. The real production car makes its debut at the Geneva salon next March before landing in showroom that spring priced from £16,000.
Design
Pretty bold isn’t it? Well, for a Mondeo anyway. It’s the first real example of Ford’s new design language, ‘kinetic’ design. The thinking is that recent Fords have all been great to drive but just haven’t managed to articulate that ability through their exterior design. The current Ford Focus is a case in point. So Ford phoned in SOS to Martin Smith, the man responsible for revitalising the Astra and, more recently, the Corsa. Smith joined Ford as design boss two years ago but the Mondeo is his first full project. Recognise the features? They’re straight from Smith’s Iosis concept car we first saw at Frankfurt this time last year but packaged in a slightly more sensible body. The twin trapezoidal front grilles, swept-back lights and kicked up waistline will all appear in future Ford models in some form or another. As will the taller, bluffer front end mandated by pedestrian impact rules that demand space between the bonnet and the engine. This one’s the estate – we’ll have to wait and see if ford gives it a poncy Avant-like tag – but the new Mondeo will come in four-door saloon and five-door hatch guises too. And just to stick it to the competition Ford will push all three body styles out at once.
Kia Proceed (2006): first official pictures
Kia Proceed: the lowdown
Shock! One of the most significant cars unveiled at today’s Paris show was a Kia. Not only was this Proceed concept sexy and sporty, a first for a Kia. But its relevance goes deeper than its skin. The Proceed is the three door version of Kia’s five-door Ceed hatchback, a car that will be built in eastern Europe, have a seven year warranty – the continent’s longest – and will give the Focus, Golf et al a serious run for their money with its spacious, high quality interior and good value prices. The five-door hatch goes on UK sale in January 2007 for just under £12,000, with a Peugeot 407-alike wagon following in September 2007 and the production Proceed in December 2007.
Kia gets sexy
The Proceed concept is almost identical to the production car, due in late 2007. The swooping roofline, scalloped sides, sleek window graphic, raked rear hatch and inverted radiator grille (compared with the five-door) are all the real deal. Only the aluminium details like the tailpipes, big 19inch wheels, lamp graphics and slim side mirrors will be dulled down. The bonnet and front wings are the only panels carried over from the five door, and the Proceed sits 30mm closer to the road, too. Kia reckons the chassis has been benchmarked against the Focus and Golf, but we’ll believe that only when we’ve driven it. And the pokiest Ceed engine at launch will muster just 143bhp, and Kia will have to do a lot better than that if the Proceed is to match cars like the Golf GTi. ‘It’s not enough; everybody agrees we need more power,’ said an insider. ‘We have something in the pipeline.’
Shock! One of the most significant cars unveiled at today’s Paris show was a Kia. Not only was this Proceed concept sexy and sporty, a first for a Kia. But its relevance goes deeper than its skin. The Proceed is the three door version of Kia’s five-door Ceed hatchback, a car that will be built in eastern Europe, have a seven year warranty – the continent’s longest – and will give the Focus, Golf et al a serious run for their money with its spacious, high quality interior and good value prices. The five-door hatch goes on UK sale in January 2007 for just under £12,000, with a Peugeot 407-alike wagon following in September 2007 and the production Proceed in December 2007.
Kia gets sexy
The Proceed concept is almost identical to the production car, due in late 2007. The swooping roofline, scalloped sides, sleek window graphic, raked rear hatch and inverted radiator grille (compared with the five-door) are all the real deal. Only the aluminium details like the tailpipes, big 19inch wheels, lamp graphics and slim side mirrors will be dulled down. The bonnet and front wings are the only panels carried over from the five door, and the Proceed sits 30mm closer to the road, too. Kia reckons the chassis has been benchmarked against the Focus and Golf, but we’ll believe that only when we’ve driven it. And the pokiest Ceed engine at launch will muster just 143bhp, and Kia will have to do a lot better than that if the Proceed is to match cars like the Golf GTi. ‘It’s not enough; everybody agrees we need more power,’ said an insider. ‘We have something in the pipeline.’
Ford Iosis X concept car (2006): first official pictures
Iosis X: the lowdown
Meet one of the Paris Motor Show’s most flamboyant stars: the Ford Iosis X. It’s billed as a crossover concept vehicle which builds on the genes laid down by last year’s Frankfurt star, the Iosis. The Iosis ultimately morphed into the new Mondeo, as featured in the November issue of CAR magazine (out 2 October). And the production version of the Iosis X is due to hit showrooms in 2008, to take on Japanese soft-roaders such as the Toyota Rav4.
How it looks
Think Judge Dredd on a skiing holiday and you’ll have the Iosis X ethos pretty much nailed. Like its predecessor, the Iosis X experiments with Ford’s new ‘kinetic design’ language with its bold, sculpted detailing and strikingly clean surfaces, as pioneered by Ford Europe’s executive design director Martin Smith. The challenge, says Ford, has been to develop ‘kinetic design’ on a high-packaged body – something they’ve achieved and then some.
Meet one of the Paris Motor Show’s most flamboyant stars: the Ford Iosis X. It’s billed as a crossover concept vehicle which builds on the genes laid down by last year’s Frankfurt star, the Iosis. The Iosis ultimately morphed into the new Mondeo, as featured in the November issue of CAR magazine (out 2 October). And the production version of the Iosis X is due to hit showrooms in 2008, to take on Japanese soft-roaders such as the Toyota Rav4.
How it looks
Think Judge Dredd on a skiing holiday and you’ll have the Iosis X ethos pretty much nailed. Like its predecessor, the Iosis X experiments with Ford’s new ‘kinetic design’ language with its bold, sculpted detailing and strikingly clean surfaces, as pioneered by Ford Europe’s executive design director Martin Smith. The challenge, says Ford, has been to develop ‘kinetic design’ on a high-packaged body – something they’ve achieved and then some.
Chevrolet WTCC Ultra (2006): first official pictures
Chevrolet Ultra: the lowdown
Hidden beneath the WTCC Ultra's wild touring car looks is Chevrolet's 2008 Ford Focus rival. GM's headline concept car at today’s Paris motor show (Thursday 28), the Ultra previews Chevrolet's future design direction, as well as the Lacetti replacement. Although the muscular bodykit, ultra-wide track, funky graphics and slitty rear window will all be toned down for production, 'you won’t miss the connection when the production car arrives,' a GM insider told CAR Online. Although the race spec interior features a roll cage and paddleshift transmission, the concept runs a most un-touring car like 2.0-litre diesel engine.
Touring car bodykit, family car package
The aggressive nose, far removed from today's range of rebadged Daewoos, shows the future direction for European Chevys. An exaggerated Chevy bow tie-badge dominates the front end, sandwiched between two aggressive grilles. Expect the funky headlamp shape to figure on the finished car, because that sculpted bonnet has been built up to meet European pedestrian protection regs – a sure sign that the front end is destined for production. The profile view is extremely sporty, with its sleek glasshouse and dynamic lines sweeping up to the rear of the car. The Ultra is a five-door, although the rear doors aren't obvious because the handle is hidden in the window section, Alfa 147-style. The General's Australian design outpost at Holden styled the car, under the guidance of GM Asia-Pacific design boss David Lyon. He wants to transform the image of Chevrolet in Europe, getting rid of slab-sided cars like today's Lacetti hatch. 'We are working with the engineers to ensure features like much bigger wheels and a wider track,' says Lyon. 'We want to push the car’s architecture and stance to be more expressive.
Hidden beneath the WTCC Ultra's wild touring car looks is Chevrolet's 2008 Ford Focus rival. GM's headline concept car at today’s Paris motor show (Thursday 28), the Ultra previews Chevrolet's future design direction, as well as the Lacetti replacement. Although the muscular bodykit, ultra-wide track, funky graphics and slitty rear window will all be toned down for production, 'you won’t miss the connection when the production car arrives,' a GM insider told CAR Online. Although the race spec interior features a roll cage and paddleshift transmission, the concept runs a most un-touring car like 2.0-litre diesel engine.
Touring car bodykit, family car package
The aggressive nose, far removed from today's range of rebadged Daewoos, shows the future direction for European Chevys. An exaggerated Chevy bow tie-badge dominates the front end, sandwiched between two aggressive grilles. Expect the funky headlamp shape to figure on the finished car, because that sculpted bonnet has been built up to meet European pedestrian protection regs – a sure sign that the front end is destined for production. The profile view is extremely sporty, with its sleek glasshouse and dynamic lines sweeping up to the rear of the car. The Ultra is a five-door, although the rear doors aren't obvious because the handle is hidden in the window section, Alfa 147-style. The General's Australian design outpost at Holden styled the car, under the guidance of GM Asia-Pacific design boss David Lyon. He wants to transform the image of Chevrolet in Europe, getting rid of slab-sided cars like today's Lacetti hatch. 'We are working with the engineers to ensure features like much bigger wheels and a wider track,' says Lyon. 'We want to push the car’s architecture and stance to be more expressive.
Mitsubishi Outlander (2006): first official pictures
Mitsubishi Outlander: the lowdown
Mitsubishi has finally unveiled the European Outlander, 11 months after the seven-seat crossover hit Japanese showrooms. But you'll still have to wait until 1 March 2007 to get your hands on the mid-size SUV. The Outlander is certainly a crossover, combining car games-based underpinnings and primarily two-wheel drive with lockable four-wheel drive for when you hit the muddy stuff. Power comes from 2.0- and 2.2-litre turbodiesels, and 2.4-litre and V6 petrols; prices should start around £18,000.
How it looks
Mitsubishi has spruced up the Outlander for Europe, with a new Mount Fuji grille which adds drama to the Japanese model. Officially this car is a concept, but who are they trying to kid? It could win an award for the least conceptual show car in history. Only the 20inch wheels, funky lower grille, brightwork and paintjob will go AWOL on the production car.
Mitsubishi has finally unveiled the European Outlander, 11 months after the seven-seat crossover hit Japanese showrooms. But you'll still have to wait until 1 March 2007 to get your hands on the mid-size SUV. The Outlander is certainly a crossover, combining car games-based underpinnings and primarily two-wheel drive with lockable four-wheel drive for when you hit the muddy stuff. Power comes from 2.0- and 2.2-litre turbodiesels, and 2.4-litre and V6 petrols; prices should start around £18,000.
How it looks
Mitsubishi has spruced up the Outlander for Europe, with a new Mount Fuji grille which adds drama to the Japanese model. Officially this car is a concept, but who are they trying to kid? It could win an award for the least conceptual show car in history. Only the 20inch wheels, funky lower grille, brightwork and paintjob will go AWOL on the production car.
Thứ Năm, 1 tháng 3, 2012
VW Scirocco Cup (2010) first pictures
Volkswagen is launching what it believes is the world’s most eco-friendly one-make race series. But rather than a bunch of electric-powered Up! superminis, the grid will be made up of 220bhp natural gas-guzzling Sciroccos.
And just how will these VW Scirocco Cups stake their claim as the most eco-friendly one-make championship in the world?
The engine (of course) is key. The turbocharged 2.0-litre four-pot is the same basic unit you’ll find in the road-going Scirocco, but tweaks including stainless steel pipes and specials valves allow it to run on Bio-CNG. And as the compressed natural gas is made from renewable resources like refined biological waste, VW claims an 80% CO2 reduction.
But VW has also tuned the blown engine to produce extra power. Compared to the regular Scirocco the torque figure has dropped four points to 203lb ft, but instead of 197bhp the CNG-fuelled now manages 220bhp. And there’s a push-to-pass button that provides an extra 30bhp for short bursts for increased overtaking opportunities.
The Scirocco Cup remains front-wheel drive and sends its power to the track via a paddleshift-equipped six-speed DSG gearbox and a proper mechanical diff. Inside there’s a sturdy roll cage to protect the driver and 22-litre fuel tank, and the suspension gains Sachs dampers and H&R springs, while the outside gets the latest bodykit from the new Scirocco R. The Scirocco Cup will replace the Polo Cup as the DTM’s support series in 2010.
And just how will these VW Scirocco Cups stake their claim as the most eco-friendly one-make championship in the world?
The engine (of course) is key. The turbocharged 2.0-litre four-pot is the same basic unit you’ll find in the road-going Scirocco, but tweaks including stainless steel pipes and specials valves allow it to run on Bio-CNG. And as the compressed natural gas is made from renewable resources like refined biological waste, VW claims an 80% CO2 reduction.
But VW has also tuned the blown engine to produce extra power. Compared to the regular Scirocco the torque figure has dropped four points to 203lb ft, but instead of 197bhp the CNG-fuelled now manages 220bhp. And there’s a push-to-pass button that provides an extra 30bhp for short bursts for increased overtaking opportunities.
The Scirocco Cup remains front-wheel drive and sends its power to the track via a paddleshift-equipped six-speed DSG gearbox and a proper mechanical diff. Inside there’s a sturdy roll cage to protect the driver and 22-litre fuel tank, and the suspension gains Sachs dampers and H&R springs, while the outside gets the latest bodykit from the new Scirocco R. The Scirocco Cup will replace the Polo Cup as the DTM’s support series in 2010.
Mitsubishi Compact Crossover (2010) first sketch
This sketch reveals Mitsubishi’s new compact SUV. The official name is still under wraps for now, so Mitsubishi calls this car its Compact Crossover. European sales start next summer, and it’ll be the first car to receive the company’s new clean-diesel engine.
Haven’t we seen something like this before from Mitsubishi?
We have. Back in 2007 Mitsubishi unveiled the Concept-cX at the Frankfurt motor show, and that show vehicle has inspired this new car. The concept was 4.1m long and 1.75m wide, but the production vehicle has grown slightly to accommodate the latest crash regulations, meaning it’ll be slightly larger than Kia’s Soul. Underpinning it is Mitsubishi’s mid-size global platform.
The Compact Crossover will also be the first Mitsubishi to get the company’s new clean-diesel engine. In the concept the 1.8-litre unit produced 134bhp at 4000rpm and 207lb ft at 2000rpm thanks to a variable geometry turbocharger, and was matched to a particulate filter to make in Euro5 compliant. The production engine is still undergoing final homologation, but expect similar outputs.
There will also be petrol engine options, and as Mitsubishi is about to put an E85-powered version of its Lancer into production in Thailand, some markets could get a flexi-fuel option of the Compact Crossover. It’s all part of Mitsubishi’s plans to make a 'strategic shift from being an SUV-focused nameplate to a manufacturer of environment-friendly passenger cars & crossovers', but a company spokesperson confirmed that it will continue to build the Shogun and L200 for a long time yet. Two- and four-wheel drive variants of the Compact Crossover will be offered.
Sales of the compact SUV start in Japan in February 2010, before the car makes its European debut at the Geneva motor show next March and arrives in dealerships in the summer.
Any other Mitsubishi news?
Beyond the new Compact Crossover, Mitsubishi has revealed its plans for the next six months. Asia is receiving a facelifted version of the Outlander this month, before it goes on sale in North America and Europe in November 2009. Europe will also get a facelifted version of the L200 pick-up next January.
Mitsubishi has also announced its fiscal results for the first half of 2009, and its full-year forecasts. From April through September it posted net sales of ¥573bn (£3.8bn), a decrease of ¥641bn (£4.2bn), or 53% over the same period last year. Mitsubishi also posted an operating loss of ¥32.5bn (£217m) in the same period, down from a profit of ¥57.9bn (£388m), but had predicted net sales of ¥600bn and a loss and ¥35bn. Its global sales were down 158,000 units to 445k, a 26% decrease over the same period last year.
Haven’t we seen something like this before from Mitsubishi?
We have. Back in 2007 Mitsubishi unveiled the Concept-cX at the Frankfurt motor show, and that show vehicle has inspired this new car. The concept was 4.1m long and 1.75m wide, but the production vehicle has grown slightly to accommodate the latest crash regulations, meaning it’ll be slightly larger than Kia’s Soul. Underpinning it is Mitsubishi’s mid-size global platform.
The Compact Crossover will also be the first Mitsubishi to get the company’s new clean-diesel engine. In the concept the 1.8-litre unit produced 134bhp at 4000rpm and 207lb ft at 2000rpm thanks to a variable geometry turbocharger, and was matched to a particulate filter to make in Euro5 compliant. The production engine is still undergoing final homologation, but expect similar outputs.
There will also be petrol engine options, and as Mitsubishi is about to put an E85-powered version of its Lancer into production in Thailand, some markets could get a flexi-fuel option of the Compact Crossover. It’s all part of Mitsubishi’s plans to make a 'strategic shift from being an SUV-focused nameplate to a manufacturer of environment-friendly passenger cars & crossovers', but a company spokesperson confirmed that it will continue to build the Shogun and L200 for a long time yet. Two- and four-wheel drive variants of the Compact Crossover will be offered.
Sales of the compact SUV start in Japan in February 2010, before the car makes its European debut at the Geneva motor show next March and arrives in dealerships in the summer.
Any other Mitsubishi news?
Beyond the new Compact Crossover, Mitsubishi has revealed its plans for the next six months. Asia is receiving a facelifted version of the Outlander this month, before it goes on sale in North America and Europe in November 2009. Europe will also get a facelifted version of the L200 pick-up next January.
Mitsubishi has also announced its fiscal results for the first half of 2009, and its full-year forecasts. From April through September it posted net sales of ¥573bn (£3.8bn), a decrease of ¥641bn (£4.2bn), or 53% over the same period last year. Mitsubishi also posted an operating loss of ¥32.5bn (£217m) in the same period, down from a profit of ¥57.9bn (£388m), but had predicted net sales of ¥600bn and a loss and ¥35bn. Its global sales were down 158,000 units to 445k, a 26% decrease over the same period last year.
BMW’s one-off M5 CSL (2009) – a helluva way to go
This is a one-off BMW M5 with close to 600bhp. Built to commemorate the 25th anniversary of BMW’s iconic M5 super-saloon, it’s a stripped-out lightweight special that shows what M Division could have done if it hadn’t built the X5 M and X6 M.
Details, quickly please! I’m slobbering over this new BMW M5 already!
Let’s start with the engine. As if the 500bhp/384lb ft 5.0-litre V10 wasn’t incredible enough, BMW’s M Division has stroked it out to 5.5-litres. Add in a new cars games bonfibre manifold and the outputs have risen to over 580bhp and nearly 400lb ft.
And to cope with that extra power BMW has junked the sequential-manual gearbox and brought in a beefed-up version of the M3’s seven-speed dual-clutch M DCT ‘box.
Inside the gearbox is linked to a pair of paddles, while the driver and front-seat passenger sit in new carbonfibre-backed buckets. There’s also a new carbonfibre roof – that cleaves a claimed 50kg of the E60 M5’s 1855kg kerbweight – and the rear seats have been junked. There’s also been a tweak to the specification of the adaptive suspension.
Bar M Division’s triple-stripe colour scheme, and some stickers celebrating 25 years of the M5, this one-off looks little different to the standard car. The only visual clue is the offset number plate, which makes way for an new intake that feeds air to the extra oil cooler.
Expect this special E60 M5 to hit 62mph in close to four seconds, and easily top 200mph. We also hear it’ll lap the Nurburgring in under eight minutes, a comfortable 20 seconds or so quicker than the standard car.
But BMW isn’t going to produce this, so we’ll just have to wait for the new twin-turbo V8 M5.
Details, quickly please! I’m slobbering over this new BMW M5 already!
Let’s start with the engine. As if the 500bhp/384lb ft 5.0-litre V10 wasn’t incredible enough, BMW’s M Division has stroked it out to 5.5-litres. Add in a new cars games bonfibre manifold and the outputs have risen to over 580bhp and nearly 400lb ft.
And to cope with that extra power BMW has junked the sequential-manual gearbox and brought in a beefed-up version of the M3’s seven-speed dual-clutch M DCT ‘box.
Inside the gearbox is linked to a pair of paddles, while the driver and front-seat passenger sit in new carbonfibre-backed buckets. There’s also a new carbonfibre roof – that cleaves a claimed 50kg of the E60 M5’s 1855kg kerbweight – and the rear seats have been junked. There’s also been a tweak to the specification of the adaptive suspension.
Bar M Division’s triple-stripe colour scheme, and some stickers celebrating 25 years of the M5, this one-off looks little different to the standard car. The only visual clue is the offset number plate, which makes way for an new intake that feeds air to the extra oil cooler.
Expect this special E60 M5 to hit 62mph in close to four seconds, and easily top 200mph. We also hear it’ll lap the Nurburgring in under eight minutes, a comfortable 20 seconds or so quicker than the standard car.
But BMW isn’t going to produce this, so we’ll just have to wait for the new twin-turbo V8 M5.
VR Chevrolet Camaro (2010): the UK's Camaro
When GM uncloaked their Camaro retro remake at the 2006 Detroit auto show, the domestic audience understandably adored it. That muscle car concept is now a showroom reality, but any plans of bringing a right-hook version to South African, Aussie or Brit shores have been quashed – presumably due to low-volume sales and GM’s moth-eaten wallet.
Much like a Mustang or Challenger, if you live in Britain and want a Camaro, you have to settle for a specially imported left-hooker. Come January 2010, when these rendered images of the VR Camaro will be a reality, UK customers won’t have to worry about doing any of the importation or UK-spec work. This is a turn-key ready American car, refined and focused for European drivers.
With its Lamborghini Reventon-style swollen nostrils and early '70s wind-tunnel Trans-Am inspired ducktail spoiler, the VR Camaro’s aggressive restyling has been carried out by Danish design consultancy Hermann and Brandt, who were responsible for penning the radical 1104-horsepower Zenvo ST1 supercar. All styling was designed with 3D computer software then machined directly from the 3D data.
So what's new on this VR Camaro?
In the name of dieting, the VR’s re-sculpted bumpers, skirts and spoiler are made from carbonfibre. The bespoke one-piece, 22-inch diameter wheels are machined from billet aluminium and weigh half the bulk of the original Camaro rims. The conversion has been done by a separate, so-far anonymous British tuning company.
Behind the machined alloys lurk some European road-friendly damping and stopping gear. The VR Camaro boasts coil-over suspension recalibrated for our pitted tarmac, plus mighty 410mm (front) and 385mm (rear) diameter brake discs. The 12-pot front (eight-piston rear) calipers incorporate various sized pistons to address the ‘abrupt stop’ syndrome often associated with large competition brake set-ups.
How quick is the VR Camaro?
It’ll need serious anchors, because the VR Camaro promises to pack a Corvette ZR1 sized punch. No exact power figures have been quoted yet, but by fitting the 6.2-litre V8 with a new UK designed (and manufactured) compressor style supercharger, expect over 600bhp.
The strictly limited edition VR Camaro will only be available in black or white, highlighted with copper accents. Customers will also choose between the factory six-speed manual ‘box (livened up with a short-shift kit) or an auto transmission specifically brainwashed for performance.
How much will the VR Camaro cost?
No firm prices have been released for the VR Camaro yet, but a spokesman claims it will wear a UK price tag roughly half that of the £106,605 ZR1 Corvette. Not bad, considering the horsepower match.
If you already own a standard Camaro, there will be the opportunity to purchase the VR spec components separately. For more information bookmark www.vrcamaro.com.
Much like a Mustang or Challenger, if you live in Britain and want a Camaro, you have to settle for a specially imported left-hooker. Come January 2010, when these rendered images of the VR Camaro will be a reality, UK customers won’t have to worry about doing any of the importation or UK-spec work. This is a turn-key ready American car, refined and focused for European drivers.
With its Lamborghini Reventon-style swollen nostrils and early '70s wind-tunnel Trans-Am inspired ducktail spoiler, the VR Camaro’s aggressive restyling has been carried out by Danish design consultancy Hermann and Brandt, who were responsible for penning the radical 1104-horsepower Zenvo ST1 supercar. All styling was designed with 3D computer software then machined directly from the 3D data.
So what's new on this VR Camaro?
In the name of dieting, the VR’s re-sculpted bumpers, skirts and spoiler are made from carbonfibre. The bespoke one-piece, 22-inch diameter wheels are machined from billet aluminium and weigh half the bulk of the original Camaro rims. The conversion has been done by a separate, so-far anonymous British tuning company.
Behind the machined alloys lurk some European road-friendly damping and stopping gear. The VR Camaro boasts coil-over suspension recalibrated for our pitted tarmac, plus mighty 410mm (front) and 385mm (rear) diameter brake discs. The 12-pot front (eight-piston rear) calipers incorporate various sized pistons to address the ‘abrupt stop’ syndrome often associated with large competition brake set-ups.
How quick is the VR Camaro?
It’ll need serious anchors, because the VR Camaro promises to pack a Corvette ZR1 sized punch. No exact power figures have been quoted yet, but by fitting the 6.2-litre V8 with a new UK designed (and manufactured) compressor style supercharger, expect over 600bhp.
The strictly limited edition VR Camaro will only be available in black or white, highlighted with copper accents. Customers will also choose between the factory six-speed manual ‘box (livened up with a short-shift kit) or an auto transmission specifically brainwashed for performance.
How much will the VR Camaro cost?
No firm prices have been released for the VR Camaro yet, but a spokesman claims it will wear a UK price tag roughly half that of the £106,605 ZR1 Corvette. Not bad, considering the horsepower match.
If you already own a standard Camaro, there will be the opportunity to purchase the VR spec components separately. For more information bookmark www.vrcamaro.com.
Porsche Boxster Spyder (2010) first pictures
This is the new Porsche Boxster Spyder and, as the arrival of any new Porsche tends to be a polarising event, you’ll either be sighing in disgust or yelping in delight. The bare facts? This Boxster Spyder is Porsche’s lightest and quickest current-gen roadster yet thanks to the folding roof being junked.
The Spyder will be unveiled at the LA Auto Show in December 2009, and it’s not a run-out limited edition like previous Spyder-tagged Boxsters, but the third (and most expensive) permanent addition to the roadster range.
So the new Porsche Boxster Spyder doesn’t have a convertible roof?
Well it does. Sort of. To create the Spyder Porsche has binned the folding roof and all its associated mechanics, and in its place comes a bit of cloth that attaches to the windscreen and hooks onto the new rear deck. Even with the side windows up and the glass wind deflector in place, there’ll still be a few gaps letting the wind in. It’s only meant for low-speed driving – Porsche quotes the 166mph top speed without the roof. Shouting to be heard, we presume.
And that new rear deck?
It’s the most noticeable difference between the Spyder and a standard Boxster – there’s now a big pair of power domes behind the rear seats and a larger rear spoiler. Other tweaks include revised side intakes, a new front bumper and those retro stickers.
What about inside, or under the (mid-engined) bonnet?
The interior gets some fancy door pulls from the GT3 RS and weight-saving carbon buckets. Sports suspension, a lower centre of gravity and – at a relatively trim 1275kg – an 80kg weight advantage over a Boxster S should make the Spyder the sharpest Boxster yet.
And with an extra 10bhp from the engine – taking the total from the 3.4-litre flat-six to 316bhp – and the Spyder is also two-tenths quicker to 62mph than a regular S, knocking the benchmark sprint out in 4.8 seconds.
Normal Porsche options like PDK, sat-nav and ceramic brakes will be available, the stickers will be a delete option, and customers should also be able to swap the hardcore seats for more comfort-oriented items. UK sales start in February 2010 with prices set at £44,643, just a few grand more than a Boxster S. Want one?
The Spyder will be unveiled at the LA Auto Show in December 2009, and it’s not a run-out limited edition like previous Spyder-tagged Boxsters, but the third (and most expensive) permanent addition to the roadster range.
So the new Porsche Boxster Spyder doesn’t have a convertible roof?
Well it does. Sort of. To create the Spyder Porsche has binned the folding roof and all its associated mechanics, and in its place comes a bit of cloth that attaches to the windscreen and hooks onto the new rear deck. Even with the side windows up and the glass wind deflector in place, there’ll still be a few gaps letting the wind in. It’s only meant for low-speed driving – Porsche quotes the 166mph top speed without the roof. Shouting to be heard, we presume.
And that new rear deck?
It’s the most noticeable difference between the Spyder and a standard Boxster – there’s now a big pair of power domes behind the rear seats and a larger rear spoiler. Other tweaks include revised side intakes, a new front bumper and those retro stickers.
What about inside, or under the (mid-engined) bonnet?
The interior gets some fancy door pulls from the GT3 RS and weight-saving carbon buckets. Sports suspension, a lower centre of gravity and – at a relatively trim 1275kg – an 80kg weight advantage over a Boxster S should make the Spyder the sharpest Boxster yet.
And with an extra 10bhp from the engine – taking the total from the 3.4-litre flat-six to 316bhp – and the Spyder is also two-tenths quicker to 62mph than a regular S, knocking the benchmark sprint out in 4.8 seconds.
Normal Porsche options like PDK, sat-nav and ceramic brakes will be available, the stickers will be a delete option, and customers should also be able to swap the hardcore seats for more comfort-oriented items. UK sales start in February 2010 with prices set at £44,643, just a few grand more than a Boxster S. Want one?
BMW M3 GTS (2010) unveiled: a new M3 CSL first official pictures
>> Updated story - BMW has just released two videos of its new £100k M3 GTS in action. Click here to watch it going sideway in style.
BMW might not be producing an M3 CSL, but this is something much better. Called the M3 GTS it’s a stripped-out 450bhp road-racer designed to take on the Porsche 911 GT3 RS.
It’s a response to those that thought M Division might have lost its way: 'The BMW M3 GTS which we are currently preparing in our BMW M production workshop is a response to frequently expressed customer wishes', said M Division’s CEO Dr Kay Segler at the unveiling. 'This M3 is even hotter: lower weight, more power - including an increase in capacity - and lots of technical details which were only previously available on the tuning market, if at all.'
Segler also announced plans for a sub-M3 model.
The BMW M3 GTS has more power? Where from?
M Division has enlarged the M3’s 4.0-litre V8 to 4.4-litres, and together with a lightweight titanium exhaust system, power has gone up from 414bhp to around 450bhp. The other changes you can’t see are the revised suspension set-up, which is now adjustable for compression and rebound.
And what you won’t also see are the rear seats, air-con and sat-nav – the current M3 already has a carbonfibre roof to cut weight so M Division had to look elsewhere to reduce the kilos. There is also an Alcantara-covered steering wheel, bucket seats (with a six-point harnesses) up front, and lighter-than-glass Macrolon for the rear windows, so despite the addition of a roll cage and a fire extinguisher, the M3 GTS weighs 1490kg, a massive drop from the standard M3’s 1675kg kerbweight.
And the tweaks outside?
By now you must have notice the blacked-out 19-inch aluminium wheels wrapped in 255/35 tyres at the front and 285/30 runner at the rear, and six piston callipers at the front and four piston callipers at the rear. Then there’s a matt black adjustable front splitter and a rear wing, but no rear diffuser as BMW claims it achieves enough downforce from the wing.
And how much is all this going to cost?
When sales start in Germany next May it’ll cost €115,000 (£103,000), and sales follow in other markets in the summer of 2010. Each M3 GTS will be built to order and be made in the same M Division workshop at the GT4 race cars.
And this sub-M3?
For those that thought BMW’s M Division had lost their way with the X5 M and X6 M, the announcement of the M3 GTS and of a model below the M3 will be a more than welcome.
'The X5 M and X6 M have just gone out to dealerships and round off the top of our product range', said M Division CEO Dr Kay Segler at the unveiling of the M3 GTS. 'But what I would most like to see is for BMW M to stay a young brand within people’s reach. This is why a product below the BMW M3 more important to me than a super sports car which is only accessible to a few. As I have already mentioned in other interviews, we are currently looking closely at the options in this area. I hope to be able to tell you more the next time we speak.'
We’ll bring you more news just as soon as we hear it.
BMW might not be producing an M3 CSL, but this is something much better. Called the M3 GTS it’s a stripped-out 450bhp road-racer designed to take on the Porsche 911 GT3 RS.
It’s a response to those that thought M Division might have lost its way: 'The BMW M3 GTS which we are currently preparing in our BMW M production workshop is a response to frequently expressed customer wishes', said M Division’s CEO Dr Kay Segler at the unveiling. 'This M3 is even hotter: lower weight, more power - including an increase in capacity - and lots of technical details which were only previously available on the tuning market, if at all.'
Segler also announced plans for a sub-M3 model.
The BMW M3 GTS has more power? Where from?
M Division has enlarged the M3’s 4.0-litre V8 to 4.4-litres, and together with a lightweight titanium exhaust system, power has gone up from 414bhp to around 450bhp. The other changes you can’t see are the revised suspension set-up, which is now adjustable for compression and rebound.
And what you won’t also see are the rear seats, air-con and sat-nav – the current M3 already has a carbonfibre roof to cut weight so M Division had to look elsewhere to reduce the kilos. There is also an Alcantara-covered steering wheel, bucket seats (with a six-point harnesses) up front, and lighter-than-glass Macrolon for the rear windows, so despite the addition of a roll cage and a fire extinguisher, the M3 GTS weighs 1490kg, a massive drop from the standard M3’s 1675kg kerbweight.
And the tweaks outside?
By now you must have notice the blacked-out 19-inch aluminium wheels wrapped in 255/35 tyres at the front and 285/30 runner at the rear, and six piston callipers at the front and four piston callipers at the rear. Then there’s a matt black adjustable front splitter and a rear wing, but no rear diffuser as BMW claims it achieves enough downforce from the wing.
And how much is all this going to cost?
When sales start in Germany next May it’ll cost €115,000 (£103,000), and sales follow in other markets in the summer of 2010. Each M3 GTS will be built to order and be made in the same M Division workshop at the GT4 race cars.
And this sub-M3?
For those that thought BMW’s M Division had lost their way with the X5 M and X6 M, the announcement of the M3 GTS and of a model below the M3 will be a more than welcome.
'The X5 M and X6 M have just gone out to dealerships and round off the top of our product range', said M Division CEO Dr Kay Segler at the unveiling of the M3 GTS. 'But what I would most like to see is for BMW M to stay a young brand within people’s reach. This is why a product below the BMW M3 more important to me than a super sports car which is only accessible to a few. As I have already mentioned in other interviews, we are currently looking closely at the options in this area. I hope to be able to tell you more the next time we speak.'
We’ll bring you more news just as soon as we hear it.
Is Keating heading for the record books?
Are we looking at the fastest car in the world? Maybe. British supercar maker Keating is taking on Bugatti with its latest iteration of the TKR, which the company hopes will crack 300mph – and earn it the title of fastest production car in the world.
In October 2009, the twin-turbo Keating TKR clocked up a brisk 260.1mph across the El Mirage salt flats in California. Company boss Tony Keating and his team, including Keating’s brother Daniel who will be undertaking driving duties again, will be heading to Bonneville in September 2010 to try and crack 300mph under the official gaze of the Guinness Book of Records.
So how much power do you need for 260mph?
The TKR is powered by a 7.0-litre bi-turbo V8 prepped by Nelson Racing in California that’s good for a massive 1800bhp. According to Tony Keating, the record-attempt car differs little from the £250,000 road car. 'We dropped in a six-point roll cage fitted, as well as a parachute, and a fire extinguisher system,' says Manchester-based Keating, who says the car weighs in at just over 1000kg. 'Mechanically, it's pretty much the same as the road car.
'After the first big run at El Mirage my brother Daniel, who was driving, was physically sick after clocking up 260.1mph,' says Keating. 'I’m not sure if he’ll be coming out with us to Bonneville.'
I suppose the Keating TKR qualifies as a production car?
Just about. Since launching in April 2008, Keating has sold four of its supercars – one here in the UK, one to an American collector and two to Australia. 'I know 300mph is pretty far out there,' admits Keating, 'but you’ve got to have something to aim for, otherwise you have to ask yourself "what’s the point?"' .
The car is currently on display at the MPH show in London. Next up Keating plans further testing in France in March 2010 before heading back to America for its record breaking run next autumn.
In October 2009, the twin-turbo Keating TKR clocked up a brisk 260.1mph across the El Mirage salt flats in California. Company boss Tony Keating and his team, including Keating’s brother Daniel who will be undertaking driving duties again, will be heading to Bonneville in September 2010 to try and crack 300mph under the official gaze of the Guinness Book of Records.
So how much power do you need for 260mph?
The TKR is powered by a 7.0-litre bi-turbo V8 prepped by Nelson Racing in California that’s good for a massive 1800bhp. According to Tony Keating, the record-attempt car differs little from the £250,000 road car. 'We dropped in a six-point roll cage fitted, as well as a parachute, and a fire extinguisher system,' says Manchester-based Keating, who says the car weighs in at just over 1000kg. 'Mechanically, it's pretty much the same as the road car.
'After the first big run at El Mirage my brother Daniel, who was driving, was physically sick after clocking up 260.1mph,' says Keating. 'I’m not sure if he’ll be coming out with us to Bonneville.'
I suppose the Keating TKR qualifies as a production car?
Just about. Since launching in April 2008, Keating has sold four of its supercars – one here in the UK, one to an American collector and two to Australia. 'I know 300mph is pretty far out there,' admits Keating, 'but you’ve got to have something to aim for, otherwise you have to ask yourself "what’s the point?"' .
The car is currently on display at the MPH show in London. Next up Keating plans further testing in France in March 2010 before heading back to America for its record breaking run next autumn.
Lamborghini's Christmas gifts
We’re not unaccustomed to car manufacturers launching branded products, and Christmas time always sees an increase in the release of non-motoring products to fill the stockings of owners and brand-dedicated enthusiasts.
So what has Lamborghini just launched?
This year Lamborghini has surpassed itself. First it’s unveiled the Meridiist Automobili Lamborghini, a gorgeous mobile phone crafted in conjunction with prestige watch builder Tag Heuer, and apparently inspired by the LP640.
And like a real Lamborghini it’s spent three years in development and 700 prototypes have been built. Lamborghini claims the battery has enough juice for 28 days standby, while the antenna is apparently twice as effective as rivals. The central button on the black keypad is steel and engraved with the Raging Bull emblem, the screen is made from scratch-resistant crystal, and only 1963 units will be built, to coincide with the year Lamborghini was founded. The Meridiist Automobili Lamborghini is on sale for £2850.
And if that’s too much money?
The second Lamborghini item we’d like to show you is less impressive – baubles. If you didn’t get hold of one of the 250 Valentino Balboni edition Gallardos, you can now become the proud owner of a set of garish Italian balls, inspired by the LP550-2 Balboni. There are some candles too, which carry on the Balboni theme. They’re £55 for the pair, and a set of three baubles will set you back £69. You could be forgiven for saying this is a load of bull…
So what has Lamborghini just launched?
This year Lamborghini has surpassed itself. First it’s unveiled the Meridiist Automobili Lamborghini, a gorgeous mobile phone crafted in conjunction with prestige watch builder Tag Heuer, and apparently inspired by the LP640.
And like a real Lamborghini it’s spent three years in development and 700 prototypes have been built. Lamborghini claims the battery has enough juice for 28 days standby, while the antenna is apparently twice as effective as rivals. The central button on the black keypad is steel and engraved with the Raging Bull emblem, the screen is made from scratch-resistant crystal, and only 1963 units will be built, to coincide with the year Lamborghini was founded. The Meridiist Automobili Lamborghini is on sale for £2850.
And if that’s too much money?
The second Lamborghini item we’d like to show you is less impressive – baubles. If you didn’t get hold of one of the 250 Valentino Balboni edition Gallardos, you can now become the proud owner of a set of garish Italian balls, inspired by the LP550-2 Balboni. There are some candles too, which carry on the Balboni theme. They’re £55 for the pair, and a set of three baubles will set you back £69. You could be forgiven for saying this is a load of bull…
Arash AF-10 supercar (2010) unveiled
Meet the Arash AF-10, a new British super car games launched hot on the heels of the Noble M600. And if you thought the £200k Noble was expensive, wait until you hear the price of the AF-10: £320,000.
These are the first, early pictures of the AF-10, and now that you’ve picked yourself up off the floor, let’s find out what the price of decent house buys you.
Sorry, but how much is the Arash AF-10 going to cost?
You read that right – the AF-10 is £320k. The reason for the cost is the carbonfibre body and chassis – Noble M600s are carbon-skinned, but use a steel chassis. Arash has cut the cost of a carbon chassis, and the time needed to build one, though as just a handful of AF-10s will be built each year the price remains high.
Where will the power come from?
Horsepower is provided by the venerable 7.0-litre V8 engine found in the Corvette Z06, and it spits its gases out through an exhaust system with active valves so it’s quiet one moment and NASCAR-like the next. Power goes up from 498bhp to 550bhp, there’s also 465lb ft at 5000rpm, and the engine drives the rear wheels through a six-speed manual Graziano gearbox.
In the future there’ll be an AF-10S with a supercharged and intercooled version of the 7.0-litre V8 with 800bhp and 553lb ft – Arash isn’t planning to use the ZR1’s supercharged motor. And of course a four-figure output version is planned, with 1001bhp and 700lb ft…
Anything else?
Yes. Only three percent of parts have been carried over from other cars, the wheels are 19-inch front and 20-inch rear, and the suspension is double-wishbones all round, designed for compliance rather than track work. And Loris Bicocchi, the man who helped develop the Koenigsegg, the Veyron and the KTM X-Bow has been signed up to do the development work, which will start in 2010.
Just 70 cars are expected to be built over the next five years, and a smaller-but-still-exclusive AF-8 version is also planned. It's the brainchild of Arash Farboud, who originally created the Farboud GTS that has morphed into the Farbio.
These are the first, early pictures of the AF-10, and now that you’ve picked yourself up off the floor, let’s find out what the price of decent house buys you.
Sorry, but how much is the Arash AF-10 going to cost?
You read that right – the AF-10 is £320k. The reason for the cost is the carbonfibre body and chassis – Noble M600s are carbon-skinned, but use a steel chassis. Arash has cut the cost of a carbon chassis, and the time needed to build one, though as just a handful of AF-10s will be built each year the price remains high.
Where will the power come from?
Horsepower is provided by the venerable 7.0-litre V8 engine found in the Corvette Z06, and it spits its gases out through an exhaust system with active valves so it’s quiet one moment and NASCAR-like the next. Power goes up from 498bhp to 550bhp, there’s also 465lb ft at 5000rpm, and the engine drives the rear wheels through a six-speed manual Graziano gearbox.
In the future there’ll be an AF-10S with a supercharged and intercooled version of the 7.0-litre V8 with 800bhp and 553lb ft – Arash isn’t planning to use the ZR1’s supercharged motor. And of course a four-figure output version is planned, with 1001bhp and 700lb ft…
Anything else?
Yes. Only three percent of parts have been carried over from other cars, the wheels are 19-inch front and 20-inch rear, and the suspension is double-wishbones all round, designed for compliance rather than track work. And Loris Bicocchi, the man who helped develop the Koenigsegg, the Veyron and the KTM X-Bow has been signed up to do the development work, which will start in 2010.
Just 70 cars are expected to be built over the next five years, and a smaller-but-still-exclusive AF-8 version is also planned. It's the brainchild of Arash Farboud, who originally created the Farboud GTS that has morphed into the Farbio.
Volvo S60 saloon (2010) unveiled
This is the new Volvo S60, and it’s the latest attempt by the Swedish safety-mongers to snatch a share of the small executive saloon market that’s dominated by the 3-series, A4 and C-class.
Volvo has only released two exterior photos of the new S60 – we’ll see the interior closer to the car’s Geneva motor show unveil in March 2010 – as it wants to highlight the new car’s design. Under now-departed design chief Steve Mattin, the S60 has been created as the car that will start the differentiation of Volvo design and break the one-size-fits-all focus.
The new Volvo S60 looks different, but they’ve toned it down from the concept haven’t they?
Unfortunately Volvo’s design team has indeed taken a step back from the gorgeous S60 Concept unveiled at the Detroit auto show at the start of 2009. The suicide doors (of course) have disappeared, the headlights aren’t quite so curvaceous and the panoramic roof has been replaced by a regular sunroof.
But compare it to the current boxy S60 and the new car is a bit of a looker – it’s much more curvaceous, with a creased bonnet, strong shoulder lines and swooping C-pillars.
What else?
The S60 is still a Volvo so we’re expecting the new Collision Warning with Full Auto Brake safety tech, which will slam on the anchors below 30mph – the City Safety system in the XC60 only works at much low speeds.
Volvo's curvaceous saloon will also be the first to use the company's smaller, more efficient new engines. Expect to see the GTDi badge on the rump of S60s that feature the new direct-injection turbocharged 1.6 petrol four-pot, which will produce up to 180bhp or emit just 120g/km, depending on tuning. There will also be other four, five- and six-cylinder engines, and a eco-friendly DRIVe model with stop/start tech.
The new S60 should give Volvo’s saloons a much-needed image makeover, and if reaction is positive, it will help push through parent company Ford’s deal to sell the Swedish company to Chinese manufacturer Geely.
The S60 will be unveiled in the metal at the Geneva motor show in March 2010, and UK sales start next September.
Volvo has only released two exterior photos of the new S60 – we’ll see the interior closer to the car’s Geneva motor show unveil in March 2010 – as it wants to highlight the new car’s design. Under now-departed design chief Steve Mattin, the S60 has been created as the car that will start the differentiation of Volvo design and break the one-size-fits-all focus.
The new Volvo S60 looks different, but they’ve toned it down from the concept haven’t they?
Unfortunately Volvo’s design team has indeed taken a step back from the gorgeous S60 Concept unveiled at the Detroit auto show at the start of 2009. The suicide doors (of course) have disappeared, the headlights aren’t quite so curvaceous and the panoramic roof has been replaced by a regular sunroof.
But compare it to the current boxy S60 and the new car is a bit of a looker – it’s much more curvaceous, with a creased bonnet, strong shoulder lines and swooping C-pillars.
What else?
The S60 is still a Volvo so we’re expecting the new Collision Warning with Full Auto Brake safety tech, which will slam on the anchors below 30mph – the City Safety system in the XC60 only works at much low speeds.
Volvo's curvaceous saloon will also be the first to use the company's smaller, more efficient new engines. Expect to see the GTDi badge on the rump of S60s that feature the new direct-injection turbocharged 1.6 petrol four-pot, which will produce up to 180bhp or emit just 120g/km, depending on tuning. There will also be other four, five- and six-cylinder engines, and a eco-friendly DRIVe model with stop/start tech.
The new S60 should give Volvo’s saloons a much-needed image makeover, and if reaction is positive, it will help push through parent company Ford’s deal to sell the Swedish company to Chinese manufacturer Geely.
The S60 will be unveiled in the metal at the Geneva motor show in March 2010, and UK sales start next September.
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