Revamp for UK bike test

The current format for the UK’s motorcycle licence test was only introduced in April 2009. Consisting of two parts, the first is conducted away from the roads and includes hazard avoidance and emergency stop exercises. The second element is a road riding assessment, which lasts for at least thirty minutes.



However, the system has received a lot of criticism. In particular, the first module has been slated for its content, as well as the number and geographic spread of the locations where it is carried out. Additionally, there have been calls to make the test a single event, rather than being split into two distinct parts that can rarely be taken on the same day.

In response, the government commenced a review back in June 2010, and the Department for Transport has now announced its initial proposals.



The aim is to return to a single, on-road test. This could mean that the hazard manoeuvre is carried out on the public road, provided the assessment still complied with EU standards. Meanwhile, the slow speed exercises (u-turn, slalom and figure of eight) might be delegated to examiners at training centres ahead of the main test.



Wisely, perhaps, the changes aren’t going to be rushed through. With the details still needing a lot of work, the plan is to trial the proposals in the early part of 2011, followed by a public consultation. The target would then be to introduce the new test during late 2011 or early 2012.

Revamp for UK bike test

The current format for the UK’s motorcycle licence test was only introduced in April 2009. Consisting of two parts, the first is conducted away from the roads and includes hazard avoidance and emergency stop exercises. The second element is a road riding assessment, which lasts for at least thirty minutes.



However, the system has received a lot of criticism. In particular, the first module has been slated for its content, as well as the number and geographic spread of the locations where it is carried out. Additionally, there have been calls to make the test a single event, rather than being split into two distinct parts that can rarely be taken on the same day.

In response, the government commenced a review back in June 2010, and the Department for Transport has now announced its initial proposals.



The aim is to return to a single, on-road test. This could mean that the hazard manoeuvre is carried out on the public road, provided the assessment still complied with EU standards. Meanwhile, the slow speed exercises (u-turn, slalom and figure of eight) might be delegated to examiners at training centres ahead of the main test.



Wisely, perhaps, the changes aren’t going to be rushed through. With the details still needing a lot of work, the plan is to trial the proposals in the early part of 2011, followed by a public consultation. The target would then be to introduce the new test during late 2011 or early 2012.

ZX-10R recall explained

A couple of weeks ago, Kawasaki announced a ‘technical hold’ notice for its new 2011 Ninja ZX-10R in North America - in other words, a recall.

Under the notice, all bikes already delivered to customers and those at dealers had to be returned to Kawasaki. The cause was said to be unexpected engine behaviour, but an official reason wasn’t disclosed at the time.

Now, though, it seems that Kawasaki engineers have got to the bottom of the problem. A statement from the company reads:

"It had been discovered that when some examples of the new 2011 Ninja ZX-10R were operated at high rpm under unique riding conditions - such as operating on a racetrack - the intake valve springs could surge. Should this rare incidence occur it could cause one or more intake valves to seat improperly, resulting in poor engine performance.



"Having examined the very small number of machines which exhibited this surge phenomenon, the Kawasaki factory engineers have designed and fully tested a countermeasure which solves the problem without affecting any facet of the new engine’s outstanding performance.



"On the limited number of machines produced so far, the camshaft, valve springs and spring retainers for intake valves are being replaced to prevent the valve spring from surging. The same design update is automatically being incorporated into the ongoing production run of the newest and most powerful Ninja yet produced."

The European launch of the bike, which was delayed because of the technical issues, is now expected to be at the end of January 2011. In the UK, the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R will be priced at £11,699, with ABS costing an additional £1,000.

ZX-10R recall explained

A couple of weeks ago, Kawasaki announced a ‘technical hold’ notice for its new 2011 Ninja ZX-10R in North America - in other words, a recall.

Under the notice, all bikes already delivered to customers and those at dealers had to be returned to Kawasaki. The cause was said to be unexpected engine behaviour, but an official reason wasn’t disclosed at the time.

Now, though, it seems that Kawasaki engineers have got to the bottom of the problem. A statement from the company reads:

"It had been discovered that when some examples of the new 2011 Ninja ZX-10R were operated at high rpm under unique riding conditions - such as operating on a racetrack - the intake valve springs could surge. Should this rare incidence occur it could cause one or more intake valves to seat improperly, resulting in poor engine performance.



"Having examined the very small number of machines which exhibited this surge phenomenon, the Kawasaki factory engineers have designed and fully tested a countermeasure which solves the problem without affecting any facet of the new engine’s outstanding performance.



"On the limited number of machines produced so far, the camshaft, valve springs and spring retainers for intake valves are being replaced to prevent the valve spring from surging. The same design update is automatically being incorporated into the ongoing production run of the newest and most powerful Ninja yet produced."

The European launch of the bike, which was delayed because of the technical issues, is now expected to be at the end of January 2011. In the UK, the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R will be priced at £11,699, with ABS costing an additional £1,000.

Gold-plated Tata Nano

The Tata Nano and Ferrari 458 Italia don’t have much in common, but an unfortunate characteristic shared by early versions of both was a willingness to burst into flames.



For the Nano, that might partly explain why its sales figures are in freefall. Tata managed to shift 9,000 units in July, but the tiny car found just 509 buyers in November.



In such a situation, most manufacturers would resort to a special edition to help boost interest. And sure enough, it’s a tactic that Tata is using with the Nano, except the result is a little, well, unconventional.

Produced ostensibly to celebrate the 5,000th anniversary of Indian jewellery, the Goldplus Nano will be gold-plated. It’s named after a Titan Industries jewellery brand which, conveniently, is also part of the Tata Group. Might as well keep things in the family…



The design was chosen following a competition, and the Goldplus Nano is expected to be launched in April or May of 2011. Pricing has yet to be confirmed.

Gold-plated Tata Nano

The Tata Nano and Ferrari 458 Italia don’t have much in common, but an unfortunate characteristic shared by early versions of both was a willingness to burst into flames.



For the Nano, that might partly explain why its sales figures are in freefall. Tata managed to shift 9,000 units in July, but the tiny car found just 509 buyers in November.



In such a situation, most manufacturers would resort to a special edition to help boost interest. And sure enough, it’s a tactic that Tata is using with the Nano, except the result is a little, well, unconventional.

Produced ostensibly to celebrate the 5,000th anniversary of Indian jewellery, the Goldplus Nano will be gold-plated. It’s named after a Titan Industries jewellery brand which, conveniently, is also part of the Tata Group. Might as well keep things in the family…



The design was chosen following a competition, and the Goldplus Nano is expected to be launched in April or May of 2011. Pricing has yet to be confirmed.

DB9 special editions

Aston Martin has been busy during 2010 creating special editions of its DBS (Carbon Black and UB2010), V8 Vantage (N420) and V12 Vantage (Carbon Black).



Now it’s the turn of the DB9 to receive the ‘let’s see if we can shift a few more units’ treatment.



The DB9 Morning Frost specification is aimed at those wanting a little more luxury. Finished in pearlescent white with a metallic bronze leather interior, other distinguishing features include silver grilles and brake calipers, plus 19" ten-spoke alloy wheels.

By contrast, the DB9 Carbon Black and Quantum Silver editions are intended to be sportier. Named after their body paint colours, both feature Obsidian Black interiors with coarse silver stitching, real glass switchgear and a piano black centre console. They also come with a remapped sports exhaust for a better sound (Aston Martin isn’t claiming any increase over the standard car’s 470 bhp / 350 kW / 477 PS), graphite tailpipes, 19” ten-spoke gloss black alloys and black grilles.

The DB9 Morning Frost, Carbon Black and Quantum Silver will all have Touchtronic II transmission fitted as standard. They are available to order now, although curiously pricing has yet to be revealed.

DB9 special editions

Aston Martin has been busy during 2010 creating special editions of its DBS (Carbon Black and UB2010), V8 Vantage (N420) and V12 Vantage (Carbon Black).



Now it’s the turn of the DB9 to receive the ‘let’s see if we can shift a few more units’ treatment.



The DB9 Morning Frost specification is aimed at those wanting a little more luxury. Finished in pearlescent white with a metallic bronze leather interior, other distinguishing features include silver grilles and brake calipers, plus 19" ten-spoke alloy wheels.

By contrast, the DB9 Carbon Black and Quantum Silver editions are intended to be sportier. Named after their body paint colours, both feature Obsidian Black interiors with coarse silver stitching, real glass switchgear and a piano black centre console. They also come with a remapped sports exhaust for a better sound (Aston Martin isn’t claiming any increase over the standard car’s 470 bhp / 350 kW / 477 PS), graphite tailpipes, 19” ten-spoke gloss black alloys and black grilles.

The DB9 Morning Frost, Carbon Black and Quantum Silver will all have Touchtronic II transmission fitted as standard. They are available to order now, although curiously pricing has yet to be revealed.

Speed camera openness

The UK government’s Department for Transport has announced proposals that could see information being published about the country’s numerous speed cameras.



Under the plan, statistics released might include accident rates at camera sites, recorded vehicle speeds and the number of offenders prosecuted or alternatively offered speed awareness courses.

Road Safety Minister, Mike Penning, said, “Public bodies should be accountable and if taxpayers' money is being spent on speed cameras then it is right that information about their effectiveness is available to the public.



“The proposals I have announced today will help show what impact cameras are having on accident and casualty rates and also how the police are dealing with offenders. This is in line with our commitment to improve transparency of government data so that the public are able to make more informed judgements about the work of local and central government.”



At least the government is now referring to them as ‘speed cameras’, instead of the disingenuous ‘safety cameras’.



While this spirit of glasnost is to be welcomed, such data on its own may be pretty much useless. The number of accidents (and injuries sustained) that occurred before a speed camera was installed would have to be known too, otherwise it’s impossible to judge whether the camera is effective or not. Even then, the actual causes of crashes at the site would also have to be disclosed to see how many were actually speed-related.



One important thing that the proposals seem to ignore is what then happens with the results? Will a camera be removed if it can be demonstrated that it plays no role in road safety? Will a particular speed limit be raised to a more appropriate level if it’s found that there are minimal speed-related accidents? If it’s just business as usual, and nothing is done, then publishing the data in the first place seems rather pointless.



The Department for Transport will be consulting with the Highways Agency, police forces and local authorities to decide exactly what will be revealed. It’s intended that data will be made available to the public from April 2011.

Speed camera openness

The UK government’s Department for Transport has announced proposals that could see information being published about the country’s numerous speed cameras.



Under the plan, statistics released might include accident rates at camera sites, recorded vehicle speeds and the number of offenders prosecuted or alternatively offered speed awareness courses.

Road Safety Minister, Mike Penning, said, “Public bodies should be accountable and if taxpayers' money is being spent on speed cameras then it is right that information about their effectiveness is available to the public.



“The proposals I have announced today will help show what impact cameras are having on accident and casualty rates and also how the police are dealing with offenders. This is in line with our commitment to improve transparency of government data so that the public are able to make more informed judgements about the work of local and central government.”



At least the government is now referring to them as ‘speed cameras’, instead of the disingenuous ‘safety cameras’.



While this spirit of glasnost is to be welcomed, such data on its own may be pretty much useless. The number of accidents (and injuries sustained) that occurred before a speed camera was installed would have to be known too, otherwise it’s impossible to judge whether the camera is effective or not. Even then, the actual causes of crashes at the site would also have to be disclosed to see how many were actually speed-related.



One important thing that the proposals seem to ignore is what then happens with the results? Will a camera be removed if it can be demonstrated that it plays no role in road safety? Will a particular speed limit be raised to a more appropriate level if it’s found that there are minimal speed-related accidents? If it’s just business as usual, and nothing is done, then publishing the data in the first place seems rather pointless.



The Department for Transport will be consulting with the Highways Agency, police forces and local authorities to decide exactly what will be revealed. It’s intended that data will be made available to the public from April 2011.

Journey becomes a Fiat

Dodge will stop offering its Journey in Europe, choosing instead to market the vehicle as the Fiat Freemont on this side of the Atlantic.

Such a move comes as no surprise. Indeed, when Fiat Group Automobile unveiled its 2010-2014 Business Plan earlier this year, it was made clear that for Dodge ‘outside of the US, only models consistent with the strong American image of the brand, such as the Challenger, Charger and Viper, will be distributed. In addition, some products will be gradually integrated with the Fiat brand in Europe…’



The good news for potential Freemont customers is that Dodge gave the Journey an extensive overhaul for the 2011 model year. Changes included retuning the suspension for improved ride and handling, recalibrating the steering for more feel and increasing the soundproofing for more refinement.

Interior quality - arguably a factor that has prevented recent Chrysler Group products from performing better in Europe - received attention too, and Dodge is now claiming ‘world-class levels of craftsmanship and comfort’ for the Journey. If true, that should help the Freemont succeed in an extremely competitive market sector.



North American buyers can currently specify either a 173 bhp (129 kW / 175 PS) 2.4 litre I4 or 283 bhp (211 kW / 286 PS) 3.6 litre V6 Pentastar engine for their Journey, both of which are petrol-powered. It’s unclear whether these will also make it into the Freemont, but a 168 bhp (125 kW / 170 PS) 2.0 litre diesel engine from Fiat is a certainty. To help extend the Freemont’s appeal, expect all-wheel drive to be offered as an option, as it is for the Journey.



The Freemont, which will be built alongside the Dodge Journey in Toluca, Mexico, replaces the ancient and slow-selling Ulysse MPV. Originally introduced back in 2002, the Ulysse shares its underpinnings with the Lancia Phedra, Citroën C8 and Peugeot 807.



Sales of the Fiat Freemont are due to begin in June 2011, following a debut at next March’s Geneva International Motorshow.



Related posts:

Fiat Freemont unveiled

No UK return for Lancia

Journey becomes a Fiat

Dodge will stop offering its Journey in Europe, choosing instead to market the vehicle as the Fiat Freemont on this side of the Atlantic.

Such a move comes as no surprise. Indeed, when Fiat Group Automobile unveiled its 2010-2014 Business Plan earlier this year, it was made clear that for Dodge ‘outside of the US, only models consistent with the strong American image of the brand, such as the Challenger, Charger and Viper, will be distributed. In addition, some products will be gradually integrated with the Fiat brand in Europe…’



The good news for potential Freemont customers is that Dodge gave the Journey an extensive overhaul for the 2011 model year. Changes included retuning the suspension for improved ride and handling, recalibrating the steering for more feel and increasing the soundproofing for more refinement.

Interior quality - arguably a factor that has prevented recent Chrysler Group products from performing better in Europe - received attention too, and Dodge is now claiming ‘world-class levels of craftsmanship and comfort’ for the Journey. If true, that should help the Freemont succeed in an extremely competitive market sector.



North American buyers can currently specify either a 173 bhp (129 kW / 175 PS) 2.4 litre I4 or 283 bhp (211 kW / 286 PS) 3.6 litre V6 Pentastar engine for their Journey, both of which are petrol-powered. It’s unclear whether these will also make it into the Freemont, but a 168 bhp (125 kW / 170 PS) 2.0 litre diesel engine from Fiat is a certainty. To help extend the Freemont’s appeal, expect all-wheel drive to be offered as an option, as it is for the Journey.



The Freemont, which will be built alongside the Dodge Journey in Toluca, Mexico, replaces the ancient and slow-selling Ulysse MPV. Originally introduced back in 2002, the Ulysse shares its underpinnings with the Lancia Phedra, Citroën C8 and Peugeot 807.



Sales of the Fiat Freemont are due to begin in June 2011, following a debut at next March’s Geneva International Motorshow.



Related posts:

Fiat Freemont unveiled

No UK return for Lancia

2011 The Jaguar XF Black Pack Luxury Sedan

There are different engine choices available, all with varying degrees of power. The XF Premium trim comes equipped with a 8 cylinder 5.0 Ltr with 385 horsepower. The XF Supercharged engine has the same specs but puts out 470 horsepower. The ultimate Supercharged XFR puts out a total of 510 horsepower and 461 lb feet of torque. This car handles extremely well on the open road and is quite agile, while acceleration is immensely powerful due to the substantial amount of power. The base model receives approximately 16 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the freeway.

2011 Jaguar XF Black Pack Luxury Sedan

Speaking of room, the Jaguar XF has just enough of it. In fact, a six-foot person sitting in the back will actually have a lot of head room left between his or head and the ceiling. Foot room is quite spacious but the 500-liter trunk space is a lot more generous and the back seats also fold for additional space.
2011 The Jaguar XF Black Pack Luxury Sedan

2011 The Jaguar XF Black Pack Luxury Sedan

There are different engine choices available, all with varying degrees of power. The XF Premium trim comes equipped with a 8 cylinder 5.0 Ltr with 385 horsepower. The XF Supercharged engine has the same specs but puts out 470 horsepower. The ultimate Supercharged XFR puts out a total of 510 horsepower and 461 lb feet of torque. This car handles extremely well on the open road and is quite agile, while acceleration is immensely powerful due to the substantial amount of power. The base model receives approximately 16 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the freeway.

2011 Jaguar XF Black Pack Luxury Sedan

Speaking of room, the Jaguar XF has just enough of it. In fact, a six-foot person sitting in the back will actually have a lot of head room left between his or head and the ceiling. Foot room is quite spacious but the 500-liter trunk space is a lot more generous and the back seats also fold for additional space.
2011 The Jaguar XF Black Pack Luxury Sedan

2011 The Jaguar XF Car Lease Specials

The British brand Jaguar is synonymous with luxury and refined style but it has been primarily been popular with more established and older consumers due to its classic and subdued styling. Jaguar boldly moves into the next millennium with a contemporary and ultra modern vehicle; the sporty 2010 Jaguar XF. This auto first burst into the automotive scene in 2010 so it's definitely a newcomer to the luxury market. Its appearance is daring, modern and entirely different from any Jaguar produced in the past. This car has a sporty bold look; it's aggressive and modern looking with lines that are usually found on a sports coupe. The vehicle's stunning body is perfectly accentuated by beautiful eighteen inch wheels and an automatic sunroof allowing you to enjoy the warm breeze as you cruise down the street in glamorous style.

2011 Jaguar XF Black Pack Front Angle View

Expect the Jaguar XF to "hit the shelves" on March 1 2008. It will come in two whopping 4.2 liter V8 models, one with a supercharger and one without. There will also be a 3.0 liter V6 for the slightly less adventurous and a 2.7 liter V6 turbo diesel for the gas-consumption conscious. This is the definitely the cat to beat as soon as it hits the market and at over $60,000, this price range is only rivaled by Germany's BMW 550i M Sport. It all depends in what class you choose to belong to when it comes to shopping for the top car leasing specials.

2011 The Jaguar XF Car Lease Specials

2011 The Jaguar XF Car Lease Specials

The British brand Jaguar is synonymous with luxury and refined style but it has been primarily been popular with more established and older consumers due to its classic and subdued styling. Jaguar boldly moves into the next millennium with a contemporary and ultra modern vehicle; the sporty 2010 Jaguar XF. This auto first burst into the automotive scene in 2010 so it's definitely a newcomer to the luxury market. Its appearance is daring, modern and entirely different from any Jaguar produced in the past. This car has a sporty bold look; it's aggressive and modern looking with lines that are usually found on a sports coupe. The vehicle's stunning body is perfectly accentuated by beautiful eighteen inch wheels and an automatic sunroof allowing you to enjoy the warm breeze as you cruise down the street in glamorous style.

2011 Jaguar XF Black Pack Front Angle View

Expect the Jaguar XF to "hit the shelves" on March 1 2008. It will come in two whopping 4.2 liter V8 models, one with a supercharger and one without. There will also be a 3.0 liter V6 for the slightly less adventurous and a 2.7 liter V6 turbo diesel for the gas-consumption conscious. This is the definitely the cat to beat as soon as it hits the market and at over $60,000, this price range is only rivaled by Germany's BMW 550i M Sport. It all depends in what class you choose to belong to when it comes to shopping for the top car leasing specials.

2011 The Jaguar XF Car Lease Specials

2012 The Bentley Continental GT Sedan Sport Cars

The Bentley Continental GT's 6-litre engine is designed in four banks of three cylinders producing a W formation of its 12 cylinders. Its twin turbochargers create an astonishing power output of 552HP potentially producing a top speed of 198mph and a 0-60mph time of 4.6 seconds.With its high efficiency catalyst and exhaust system, there are much lower emissions. The GT's wider central air intake gives a much improved airflow which aids engine cooling.

2012 Bentley Continental GT Seats

The bargain Bentley, or at least that's what the Bentley GT used to be called. When it debuted on the market in 2003 it had a retail sticker of $156,000. These days $156,000 might get you a used, 3 year old Bentley GT. Isn't that a shame? But let's put price aside a have a look at this luxury behemoth.
2012 The Bentley Continental GT Sedan Sport Cars

2012 The Bentley Continental GT Sedan Sport Cars

The Bentley Continental GT's 6-litre engine is designed in four banks of three cylinders producing a W formation of its 12 cylinders. Its twin turbochargers create an astonishing power output of 552HP potentially producing a top speed of 198mph and a 0-60mph time of 4.6 seconds.With its high efficiency catalyst and exhaust system, there are much lower emissions. The GT's wider central air intake gives a much improved airflow which aids engine cooling.

2012 Bentley Continental GT Seats

The bargain Bentley, or at least that's what the Bentley GT used to be called. When it debuted on the market in 2003 it had a retail sticker of $156,000. These days $156,000 might get you a used, 3 year old Bentley GT. Isn't that a shame? But let's put price aside a have a look at this luxury behemoth.
2012 The Bentley Continental GT Sedan Sport Cars

2012 The Bentley Continental GT is equipped

The Bentley Continental GT is equipped with a twin turbocharged W12 engine which measures about 5,998 cubic centimeters (366.0 cu in) (6.0 liter), producing motive power that is DIN rated with an output of about 560 metric horsepower (412 kW; 552 bhp) at about 6,100 rpm and torque of 650 Newton meters that is (479 ft-lbf) at 1,600-6,100 rpm. The car has an acceleration power of 0 to 100 kilometers per hour (0 to 62.1 mph) in about 4.8 seconds and has the ability to reach at a level of speed that is equal to 318 kilometers per hour (197.6 mph). It's truly a giant machine that can be possessed once in a lifetime.

2012 Bentley Continental GT Images

Its multi-zone climate control, advanced key-less entry and ignition technology, electronically adjustable front seats with heating and memory, along with the multi-function steering wheel give an outstanding level of comfort and control to the driver and passengers.
2012 The Bentley Continental GT is equipped

2012 The Bentley Continental GT is equipped

The Bentley Continental GT is equipped with a twin turbocharged W12 engine which measures about 5,998 cubic centimeters (366.0 cu in) (6.0 liter), producing motive power that is DIN rated with an output of about 560 metric horsepower (412 kW; 552 bhp) at about 6,100 rpm and torque of 650 Newton meters that is (479 ft-lbf) at 1,600-6,100 rpm. The car has an acceleration power of 0 to 100 kilometers per hour (0 to 62.1 mph) in about 4.8 seconds and has the ability to reach at a level of speed that is equal to 318 kilometers per hour (197.6 mph). It's truly a giant machine that can be possessed once in a lifetime.

2012 Bentley Continental GT Images

Its multi-zone climate control, advanced key-less entry and ignition technology, electronically adjustable front seats with heating and memory, along with the multi-function steering wheel give an outstanding level of comfort and control to the driver and passengers.
2012 The Bentley Continental GT is equipped