Friday, April 30, 2010
Audi R8 Other technical details
The R8, like most mid- or rear-engine designed sports cars, utilises wider roadwheels and tyres on its rear axle. For the 18 inch alloy wheels (on standard summer tyres), there is just one range of sizes - the fronts are sized at 8.5Jx18H2 ET42, whilst the rears are two inches wider at 10.5Jx18H2 ET50. With the 19 inch wheels (standard fit in most markets), the theme continues - the fronts are
Audi TT Lawsuits
On 22 June 2007, Pearson, Simon, Soter, Warshaw & Penny, LLP and the Law Office of Robert L. Starr filed a class action lawsuit against Volkswagen Group of America, alleging that the timing belts for model year 1999-2003 Audi and Volkswagen vehicles equipped with a 1.8 litre turbocharged engine fail prematurely.Audi TT Audi TT 3.2 DSG 2008
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Falcon 50th anniversary
June marks fifty years since production of the Falcon began, and to celebrate Ford Australia has announced a range of anniversary models.
Available across both saloon and Ute body styles, the six variants on offer are based on the G6E, G6E Turbo, Falcon XR6, Falcon XR6 Turbo, Falcon XR6 Ute and Falcon XR6 Turbo Ute. Conspicuous by its absence is an anniversary edition of the range-topping XR8, with its 389 bhp V8 engine.
G Series 50th Anniversary models feature ‘Medium Stealth’ (whatever that means) accents on its front grilles and rear bumper insert, while the fog lamp bezels and 19” 10-spoke alloy wheels benefit from ‘Light Stealth’ accents. On the inside, there’s new leather seat upholstery with embroidered ‘50th Anniversary’ logos, a 50th Anniversary badge, carpet floor mats, special interior trim and a satellite navigation system.
All Falcon XR 50th Anniversary models get ‘Dark Stealth’ accents on the grilles, fog lamp bezels and rear bumper insert, along with ‘Medium Stealth’ accents on the 18” alloy wheels (19” on the XR6 Turbo). Also included in the specification are high series side mirrors with integrated indicators and G6-type tail lights.
It’ll be hard to not notice the XR6 anniversary models, as there’s XR50 badging, XR50 body stripes and a ‘50th Anniversary’ fender feature on the outside. Meanwhile, the theme continues on the interior with an embroidered XR50 logo on the seats, XR50 carpet mats and door scuff plates, and ‘50th Anniversary’ graphics on the instrument cluster.
As well as special interior trim, dual zone climate control, a premium audio system and a sports leather steering wheel, the Falcon XR6 50th Anniversary models also feature new partial leather for the seats. The Falcon XR6 Turbo 50th Anniversary additionally receives new leather-detailed seat trim and a reverse sensing system.
The anniversary models are launched at a time when the future of the Falcon as a distinct Australian product is in doubt. Already Ford has confirmed that the Falcon Wagon will be discontinued after June, its role assumed by the Mondeo Wagon and Falcon-based Territory SUV. The ‘One Ford’ plan, which puts a global focus on the product range, may mean the Falcon is eventually replaced by a version of the North American Taurus.
Available across both saloon and Ute body styles, the six variants on offer are based on the G6E, G6E Turbo, Falcon XR6, Falcon XR6 Turbo, Falcon XR6 Ute and Falcon XR6 Turbo Ute. Conspicuous by its absence is an anniversary edition of the range-topping XR8, with its 389 bhp V8 engine.
G Series 50th Anniversary models feature ‘Medium Stealth’ (whatever that means) accents on its front grilles and rear bumper insert, while the fog lamp bezels and 19” 10-spoke alloy wheels benefit from ‘Light Stealth’ accents. On the inside, there’s new leather seat upholstery with embroidered ‘50th Anniversary’ logos, a 50th Anniversary badge, carpet floor mats, special interior trim and a satellite navigation system.
All Falcon XR 50th Anniversary models get ‘Dark Stealth’ accents on the grilles, fog lamp bezels and rear bumper insert, along with ‘Medium Stealth’ accents on the 18” alloy wheels (19” on the XR6 Turbo). Also included in the specification are high series side mirrors with integrated indicators and G6-type tail lights.
It’ll be hard to not notice the XR6 anniversary models, as there’s XR50 badging, XR50 body stripes and a ‘50th Anniversary’ fender feature on the outside. Meanwhile, the theme continues on the interior with an embroidered XR50 logo on the seats, XR50 carpet mats and door scuff plates, and ‘50th Anniversary’ graphics on the instrument cluster.
As well as special interior trim, dual zone climate control, a premium audio system and a sports leather steering wheel, the Falcon XR6 50th Anniversary models also feature new partial leather for the seats. The Falcon XR6 Turbo 50th Anniversary additionally receives new leather-detailed seat trim and a reverse sensing system.
The anniversary models are launched at a time when the future of the Falcon as a distinct Australian product is in doubt. Already Ford has confirmed that the Falcon Wagon will be discontinued after June, its role assumed by the Mondeo Wagon and Falcon-based Territory SUV. The ‘One Ford’ plan, which puts a global focus on the product range, may mean the Falcon is eventually replaced by a version of the North American Taurus.
Falcon 50th anniversary
June marks fifty years since production of the Falcon began, and to celebrate Ford Australia has announced a range of anniversary models.
Available across both saloon and Ute body styles, the six variants on offer are based on the G6E, G6E Turbo, Falcon XR6, Falcon XR6 Turbo, Falcon XR6 Ute and Falcon XR6 Turbo Ute. Conspicuous by its absence is an anniversary edition of the range-topping XR8, with its 389 bhp V8 engine.
G Series 50th Anniversary models feature ‘Medium Stealth’ (whatever that means) accents on its front grilles and rear bumper insert, while the fog lamp bezels and 19” 10-spoke alloy wheels benefit from ‘Light Stealth’ accents. On the inside, there’s new leather seat upholstery with embroidered ‘50th Anniversary’ logos, a 50th Anniversary badge, carpet floor mats, special interior trim and a satellite navigation system.
All Falcon XR 50th Anniversary models get ‘Dark Stealth’ accents on the grilles, fog lamp bezels and rear bumper insert, along with ‘Medium Stealth’ accents on the 18” alloy wheels (19” on the XR6 Turbo). Also included in the specification are high series side mirrors with integrated indicators and G6-type tail lights.
It’ll be hard to not notice the XR6 anniversary models, as there’s XR50 badging, XR50 body stripes and a ‘50th Anniversary’ fender feature on the outside. Meanwhile, the theme continues on the interior with an embroidered XR50 logo on the seats, XR50 carpet mats and door scuff plates, and ‘50th Anniversary’ graphics on the instrument cluster.
As well as special interior trim, dual zone climate control, a premium audio system and a sports leather steering wheel, the Falcon XR6 50th Anniversary models also feature new partial leather for the seats. The Falcon XR6 Turbo 50th Anniversary additionally receives new leather-detailed seat trim and a reverse sensing system.
The anniversary models are launched at a time when the future of the Falcon as a distinct Australian product is in doubt. Already Ford has confirmed that the Falcon Wagon will be discontinued after June, its role assumed by the Mondeo Wagon and Falcon-based Territory SUV. The ‘One Ford’ plan, which puts a global focus on the product range, may mean the Falcon is eventually replaced by a version of the North American Taurus.
Available across both saloon and Ute body styles, the six variants on offer are based on the G6E, G6E Turbo, Falcon XR6, Falcon XR6 Turbo, Falcon XR6 Ute and Falcon XR6 Turbo Ute. Conspicuous by its absence is an anniversary edition of the range-topping XR8, with its 389 bhp V8 engine.
G Series 50th Anniversary models feature ‘Medium Stealth’ (whatever that means) accents on its front grilles and rear bumper insert, while the fog lamp bezels and 19” 10-spoke alloy wheels benefit from ‘Light Stealth’ accents. On the inside, there’s new leather seat upholstery with embroidered ‘50th Anniversary’ logos, a 50th Anniversary badge, carpet floor mats, special interior trim and a satellite navigation system.
All Falcon XR 50th Anniversary models get ‘Dark Stealth’ accents on the grilles, fog lamp bezels and rear bumper insert, along with ‘Medium Stealth’ accents on the 18” alloy wheels (19” on the XR6 Turbo). Also included in the specification are high series side mirrors with integrated indicators and G6-type tail lights.
It’ll be hard to not notice the XR6 anniversary models, as there’s XR50 badging, XR50 body stripes and a ‘50th Anniversary’ fender feature on the outside. Meanwhile, the theme continues on the interior with an embroidered XR50 logo on the seats, XR50 carpet mats and door scuff plates, and ‘50th Anniversary’ graphics on the instrument cluster.
As well as special interior trim, dual zone climate control, a premium audio system and a sports leather steering wheel, the Falcon XR6 50th Anniversary models also feature new partial leather for the seats. The Falcon XR6 Turbo 50th Anniversary additionally receives new leather-detailed seat trim and a reverse sensing system.
The anniversary models are launched at a time when the future of the Falcon as a distinct Australian product is in doubt. Already Ford has confirmed that the Falcon Wagon will be discontinued after June, its role assumed by the Mondeo Wagon and Falcon-based Territory SUV. The ‘One Ford’ plan, which puts a global focus on the product range, may mean the Falcon is eventually replaced by a version of the North American Taurus.
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Chevrolet Equinox Second generation
The second generation Equinox was announced by GM on December 21, 2008, and debuted at the 2009 North American International Auto Show in Detroit.The 2010 Equinox went on sale in June 2009. It is built on a stiffened version of the same "Theta" platform used in the previous model. The new Equinox has a pair of new direct-injection engines, with better fuel economy claimed by GM.Chevrolet Equinox
2011 WRC calendar
The FIA has announced the event calendar for the 2011 World Rally Championship season:
13 Feb - Sweden
06 Mar - Mexico
27 Mar - Portugal
17 Apr - Jordan
08 May - Italy
29 May - Argentina
19 Jun - Greece
31 Jul - Finland
21 Aug - Germany
11 Sep - Australia
02 Oct - France
23 Oct - Spain
13 Nov - Great Britain
Compared to 2010, the rounds in Turkey, New Zealand, Bulgaria and Japan have been dropped. Italy, Argentina, Greece and Australia replace them.
Still missing from the calendar is Monaco, although the FIA is saying an as yet unnamed 14th event could be added later. The World Motor Sport Council will have to decide on that by 23 June 2010 at the latest.
13 Feb - Sweden
06 Mar - Mexico
27 Mar - Portugal
17 Apr - Jordan
08 May - Italy
29 May - Argentina
19 Jun - Greece
31 Jul - Finland
21 Aug - Germany
11 Sep - Australia
02 Oct - France
23 Oct - Spain
13 Nov - Great Britain
Compared to 2010, the rounds in Turkey, New Zealand, Bulgaria and Japan have been dropped. Italy, Argentina, Greece and Australia replace them.
Still missing from the calendar is Monaco, although the FIA is saying an as yet unnamed 14th event could be added later. The World Motor Sport Council will have to decide on that by 23 June 2010 at the latest.
2011 WRC calendar
The FIA has announced the event calendar for the 2011 World Rally Championship season:
13 Feb - Sweden
06 Mar - Mexico
27 Mar - Portugal
17 Apr - Jordan
08 May - Italy
29 May - Argentina
19 Jun - Greece
31 Jul - Finland
21 Aug - Germany
11 Sep - Australia
02 Oct - France
23 Oct - Spain
13 Nov - Great Britain
Compared to 2010, the rounds in Turkey, New Zealand, Bulgaria and Japan have been dropped. Italy, Argentina, Greece and Australia replace them.
Still missing from the calendar is Monaco, although the FIA is saying an as yet unnamed 14th event could be added later. The World Motor Sport Council will have to decide on that by 23 June 2010 at the latest.
13 Feb - Sweden
06 Mar - Mexico
27 Mar - Portugal
17 Apr - Jordan
08 May - Italy
29 May - Argentina
19 Jun - Greece
31 Jul - Finland
21 Aug - Germany
11 Sep - Australia
02 Oct - France
23 Oct - Spain
13 Nov - Great Britain
Compared to 2010, the rounds in Turkey, New Zealand, Bulgaria and Japan have been dropped. Italy, Argentina, Greece and Australia replace them.
Still missing from the calendar is Monaco, although the FIA is saying an as yet unnamed 14th event could be added later. The World Motor Sport Council will have to decide on that by 23 June 2010 at the latest.
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Laguna Coupé Monaco GP
When was the last time you saw a Renault Laguna Coupé? Probably a long time ago, if at all. The problem for the French firm is that most coupé buyers are image conscious, and so they must have a prestigious badge on their stylish car. Therefore, they invariably just follow the herd and head straight to their nearest BMW, Audi or Volkswagen dealer.
Which is a shame, because the Laguna Coupé is a very good looking car. Nevertheless, Renault is fighting back with its Monaco GP limited edition.
Available only in Pearlescent White metallic paint with a contrasting Pearl Black roof, the car comes equipped with black 18" Interlagos alloy wheels and matching folding door mirrors. Handily, there are front and rear parking sensors to help prevent that paintwork getting scraped or scratched.
The inside features dark grey leather upholstery with Monaco GP logos, together with gloss white inserts for the dash, centre console and door panels. Bluetooth, a BOSE sound system, electric / heated front seats, tyre pressure monitoring and integrated Carminat TomTom satellite navigation are all standard.
Despite the Grand Prix associations, the only engine choice is a 2.0 litre diesel engine. Consequently performance is fairly leisurely, with a 0-100 km/h (62 mph) acceleration time of 8.5 seconds and a top speed of 222 km/h (138 mph).
But that link to the Monaco GP is a bit tenuous anyway. Renault is saying - apparently in all seriousness - that this limited edition ‘recalls Renault F1 Team’s most recent wins there in 2004 and 2006’. Quite a delay in producing a commemorative car, then. And the ‘most recent wins’ part is a little misleading too - they’re actually the only Monaco victories Renault has had as a constructor, although Michael Schumacher’s 1995 race-winning Benetton did have a Renault engine in it.
The Renault Laguna Coupé Monaco GP limited edition will be priced at £24,995 in the UK, which represents a saving of £5,200 compared to buying a Coupé GT and adding the options individually. Deliveries are planned to start in July, and orders are being taken now.
Which is a shame, because the Laguna Coupé is a very good looking car. Nevertheless, Renault is fighting back with its Monaco GP limited edition.
Available only in Pearlescent White metallic paint with a contrasting Pearl Black roof, the car comes equipped with black 18" Interlagos alloy wheels and matching folding door mirrors. Handily, there are front and rear parking sensors to help prevent that paintwork getting scraped or scratched.
The inside features dark grey leather upholstery with Monaco GP logos, together with gloss white inserts for the dash, centre console and door panels. Bluetooth, a BOSE sound system, electric / heated front seats, tyre pressure monitoring and integrated Carminat TomTom satellite navigation are all standard.
Despite the Grand Prix associations, the only engine choice is a 2.0 litre diesel engine. Consequently performance is fairly leisurely, with a 0-100 km/h (62 mph) acceleration time of 8.5 seconds and a top speed of 222 km/h (138 mph).
But that link to the Monaco GP is a bit tenuous anyway. Renault is saying - apparently in all seriousness - that this limited edition ‘recalls Renault F1 Team’s most recent wins there in 2004 and 2006’. Quite a delay in producing a commemorative car, then. And the ‘most recent wins’ part is a little misleading too - they’re actually the only Monaco victories Renault has had as a constructor, although Michael Schumacher’s 1995 race-winning Benetton did have a Renault engine in it.
The Renault Laguna Coupé Monaco GP limited edition will be priced at £24,995 in the UK, which represents a saving of £5,200 compared to buying a Coupé GT and adding the options individually. Deliveries are planned to start in July, and orders are being taken now.
Laguna Coupé Monaco GP
When was the last time you saw a Renault Laguna Coupé? Probably a long time ago, if at all. The problem for the French firm is that most coupé buyers are image conscious, and so they must have a prestigious badge on their stylish car. Therefore, they invariably just follow the herd and head straight to their nearest BMW, Audi or Volkswagen dealer.
Which is a shame, because the Laguna Coupé is a very good looking car. Nevertheless, Renault is fighting back with its Monaco GP limited edition.
Available only in Pearlescent White metallic paint with a contrasting Pearl Black roof, the car comes equipped with black 18" Interlagos alloy wheels and matching folding door mirrors. Handily, there are front and rear parking sensors to help prevent that paintwork getting scraped or scratched.
The inside features dark grey leather upholstery with Monaco GP logos, together with gloss white inserts for the dash, centre console and door panels. Bluetooth, a BOSE sound system, electric / heated front seats, tyre pressure monitoring and integrated Carminat TomTom satellite navigation are all standard.
Despite the Grand Prix associations, the only engine choice is a 2.0 litre diesel engine. Consequently performance is fairly leisurely, with a 0-100 km/h (62 mph) acceleration time of 8.5 seconds and a top speed of 222 km/h (138 mph).
But that link to the Monaco GP is a bit tenuous anyway. Renault is saying - apparently in all seriousness - that this limited edition ‘recalls Renault F1 Team’s most recent wins there in 2004 and 2006’. Quite a delay in producing a commemorative car, then. And the ‘most recent wins’ part is a little misleading too - they’re actually the only Monaco victories Renault has had as a constructor, although Michael Schumacher’s 1995 race-winning Benetton did have a Renault engine in it.
The Renault Laguna Coupé Monaco GP limited edition will be priced at £24,995 in the UK, which represents a saving of £5,200 compared to buying a Coupé GT and adding the options individually. Deliveries are planned to start in July, and orders are being taken now.
Which is a shame, because the Laguna Coupé is a very good looking car. Nevertheless, Renault is fighting back with its Monaco GP limited edition.
Available only in Pearlescent White metallic paint with a contrasting Pearl Black roof, the car comes equipped with black 18" Interlagos alloy wheels and matching folding door mirrors. Handily, there are front and rear parking sensors to help prevent that paintwork getting scraped or scratched.
The inside features dark grey leather upholstery with Monaco GP logos, together with gloss white inserts for the dash, centre console and door panels. Bluetooth, a BOSE sound system, electric / heated front seats, tyre pressure monitoring and integrated Carminat TomTom satellite navigation are all standard.
Despite the Grand Prix associations, the only engine choice is a 2.0 litre diesel engine. Consequently performance is fairly leisurely, with a 0-100 km/h (62 mph) acceleration time of 8.5 seconds and a top speed of 222 km/h (138 mph).
But that link to the Monaco GP is a bit tenuous anyway. Renault is saying - apparently in all seriousness - that this limited edition ‘recalls Renault F1 Team’s most recent wins there in 2004 and 2006’. Quite a delay in producing a commemorative car, then. And the ‘most recent wins’ part is a little misleading too - they’re actually the only Monaco victories Renault has had as a constructor, although Michael Schumacher’s 1995 race-winning Benetton did have a Renault engine in it.
The Renault Laguna Coupé Monaco GP limited edition will be priced at £24,995 in the UK, which represents a saving of £5,200 compared to buying a Coupé GT and adding the options individually. Deliveries are planned to start in July, and orders are being taken now.
2010 Lexus RX 350 Safety
All RX models came standard with dual front airbags, front row side torso airbags, side curtain airbags, a driver's knee airbag, Vehicle Stability Control (VDIM on RX 400h) and a tire-pressure monitoring system standard. An Adaptive Front-lighting System (AFS) with HID headlamps and a backup camera (w/navigation system) were optional.The Lexus RX received a "Good" overall rating in the IIHS
Lexus LFA Engine
The Lexus LFA is powered by a 72° 4.8-liter V10 engine equipped with dual VVT-i carrying the 1LR-GUE designation with a maximum output of 560 PS (412 kW) delivered at 8,700 rpm. Its maximum torque output of 354 lb·ft (480 N·m) arrives at 6,800 rpm, 90 percent of which is available from 3,700 rpm. The engine redlines at 9,000 rpm, but with a fuel cutoff set at 9,500 rpmLexus LF-A Roadster Concept
Monday, April 26, 2010
BMW M6 details
Assembly Dingolfing, GermanyEngine(s) 5.0 L 507 PS (373 kW; 500 hp) V10Transmission(s) 7-speed (SMG)6-speed manualWheelbase 109.5 in (2781 mm)Length 191.8 in (4872 mm)Width 73 in (1854 mm)Height 54 in (1372 mm)2012 BMW M6 BMW M6 of BMW M6 convertible One look at the M6 Convertible
Aston Martin Rapide Specifications
* Unit Price: $199,950 (USD) * Engine: 6.0 L V12 * Power: 470 bhp (350 kW; 477 PS)[2] * Transmission: Six-speed Touchtronic * 0-100 km/h (62 mph): 5.1 seconds2006 Aston Martin Rapide Aston Martin Rapide 2006 Aston Martin Rapide Aston Martin Rapide Concept Aston Martin Rapide
Aston Martin Cygnet details
The Aston Martin Cygnet is a microcar manufactured by Aston Martin and derived from the Toyota IQ. Its purpose is to allow Aston Martin to comply with the strict emissions rule by the European Union, in place in 2012. It will only be available to current Aston Martin owners. Aston CEO Ulrich Bez recently announced shipping expectations of about 4000 per year at a price of about £30,000.Aston
Audi R8 Spyder e-Tron
The Audi e-Tron concept was unveiled at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show. It is an electric supercar based on the Audi R8, and has a fully-electric powertrain with an electric motor on each wheel which distributes torque individually, allowing for a full quattro four-wheel drive layout.The electric motors in the e-tron concept produces 230 kilowatts (313 PS; 308 bhp) and 4,500 newton metres (3,319
2010 Mini Cooper clubman
The engine is rated at 211 PS (155 kW; 208 hp) and 261 N·m (193 lb·ft); under heavy acceleration, the engine automatically boosts torque output to a peak of 279 N·m (206 lb·ft). These figures are achieved by reducing compression ratio to 10.0:1, and increasing boost from 0.9 bar (13 psi) to 1.3 bar (19 psi) when compared to the turbocharged engine used in the Cooper S.[20] According to Mini, the
2010 Mazda MX-5 MIATA Facelift
The 2.0-litre engine was rated 167 bhp (125 kW; 169 PS) at 7,200rpm and 140 lb·ft (190 N·m) at 5,000rpm for manual, 158 bhp (118 kW; 160 PS) at 6,700rpm and 140 lb·ft (190 N·m) at 5,000rpm for automatic. Engine redline was raised by 500rpm to 7,200rpm in manual model. The suspension and gearbox have been fine-tuned; latter offers smoother shifts and automatic transmission will be introduced in
Alfa Romeo TZ3 Corsa
Italian design house Zagato has unveiled the Alfa Romeo TZ3 Corsa at the XII Villa D’Este Concours d’Elegance. A one-off, it was commissioned by collector Martin Kapp to celebrate the racing history of Alfa Romeo and Zagato.
Built around a carbon fibre and space frame chassis with a body made from aluminium, the TZ3 Corsa weighs only 850 kg. Power comes from a 420 bhp 4.2 litre V8, which drives the rear wheels through a six-speed sequential gearbox. The car will do the 0-100 km/h (62 mph) sprint in under 3.5 seconds, while the quoted top speed is ‘over 300 km/h’ (185 mph).
Although there can be no doubt that the TZ3 Corsa is a stunning design, is it better looking than Alfa Romeo’s own 8C Competizione?
Built around a carbon fibre and space frame chassis with a body made from aluminium, the TZ3 Corsa weighs only 850 kg. Power comes from a 420 bhp 4.2 litre V8, which drives the rear wheels through a six-speed sequential gearbox. The car will do the 0-100 km/h (62 mph) sprint in under 3.5 seconds, while the quoted top speed is ‘over 300 km/h’ (185 mph).
Although there can be no doubt that the TZ3 Corsa is a stunning design, is it better looking than Alfa Romeo’s own 8C Competizione?
Alfa Romeo TZ3 Corsa
Italian design house Zagato has unveiled the Alfa Romeo TZ3 Corsa at the XII Villa D’Este Concours d’Elegance. A one-off, it was commissioned by collector Martin Kapp to celebrate the racing history of Alfa Romeo and Zagato.
Built around a carbon fibre and space frame chassis with a body made from aluminium, the TZ3 Corsa weighs only 850 kg. Power comes from a 420 bhp 4.2 litre V8, which drives the rear wheels through a six-speed sequential gearbox. The car will do the 0-100 km/h (62 mph) sprint in under 3.5 seconds, while the quoted top speed is ‘over 300 km/h’ (185 mph).
Although there can be no doubt that the TZ3 Corsa is a stunning design, is it better looking than Alfa Romeo’s own 8C Competizione?
Built around a carbon fibre and space frame chassis with a body made from aluminium, the TZ3 Corsa weighs only 850 kg. Power comes from a 420 bhp 4.2 litre V8, which drives the rear wheels through a six-speed sequential gearbox. The car will do the 0-100 km/h (62 mph) sprint in under 3.5 seconds, while the quoted top speed is ‘over 300 km/h’ (185 mph).
Although there can be no doubt that the TZ3 Corsa is a stunning design, is it better looking than Alfa Romeo’s own 8C Competizione?
Sunday, April 25, 2010
Plato leads BTCC
At the Thruxton round of the British Touring Car Championship three weeks ago, the races were won by the independent entries of Fabrizio Giovanardi and Steven Kane. This weekend at Rockingham, it was the turn of the factory teams.
Matt Neal, who received a reprimand from stewards following his ambitious overtaking attempt at the Thruxton chicane, managed to keep out of trouble and won races 1 and 3 in his Honda Racing Civic.
Jason Plato secured victory in race 2, which was the first win in the BTCC for the Chevrolet Cruze. It was a close result though, with the WSR BMW 320si of Rob Collard that challenged Plato’s lead in the closing stages finishing less than half a second behind.
Rockingham, however, was perhaps notable for its absences. Neither Giovanardi nor Philip Glew competed, both of the Triple Eight Vauxhall Vectra drivers sidelined by sponsorship issues at the team. There was still no sign of reigning champion Colin Turkington either, despite hopes he would be driving a third WSR BMW to defend his title. Again, a lack of sponsors seems to be the problem.
Plato leads the championship going into the third round, which is at Brands Hatch in a week’s time:
Pos. Driver / Points
01 Jason Plato / 64
02 Matt Neal / 47
03 Steven Kane / 45
04 Paul O'Neill / 43
05 Fabrizio Giovanardi / 38
06 Mat Jackson / 36
07 Gordon Shedden / 23
08 Robert Collard / 23
09 Andrew Jordan / 18
10 Tom Boardman / 15
11 Tom Onslow-Cole / 15
12 Alex MacDowall / 11
13 Philip Glew / 9
14 Tom Chilton / 9
15 David Pinkney / 5
16 James Nash / 4
17 Andy Neate / 3
18 John George / 2
19 Martin Johnson / 2
20 Martin Depper / 0
21 Arthur Forster / 0
22 Lea Wood / 0
23 Matt Hamilton / 0
24 Shaun Hollamby / 0
Matt Neal, who received a reprimand from stewards following his ambitious overtaking attempt at the Thruxton chicane, managed to keep out of trouble and won races 1 and 3 in his Honda Racing Civic.
Jason Plato secured victory in race 2, which was the first win in the BTCC for the Chevrolet Cruze. It was a close result though, with the WSR BMW 320si of Rob Collard that challenged Plato’s lead in the closing stages finishing less than half a second behind.
Rockingham, however, was perhaps notable for its absences. Neither Giovanardi nor Philip Glew competed, both of the Triple Eight Vauxhall Vectra drivers sidelined by sponsorship issues at the team. There was still no sign of reigning champion Colin Turkington either, despite hopes he would be driving a third WSR BMW to defend his title. Again, a lack of sponsors seems to be the problem.
Plato leads the championship going into the third round, which is at Brands Hatch in a week’s time:
Pos. Driver / Points
01 Jason Plato / 64
02 Matt Neal / 47
03 Steven Kane / 45
04 Paul O'Neill / 43
05 Fabrizio Giovanardi / 38
06 Mat Jackson / 36
07 Gordon Shedden / 23
08 Robert Collard / 23
09 Andrew Jordan / 18
10 Tom Boardman / 15
11 Tom Onslow-Cole / 15
12 Alex MacDowall / 11
13 Philip Glew / 9
14 Tom Chilton / 9
15 David Pinkney / 5
16 James Nash / 4
17 Andy Neate / 3
18 John George / 2
19 Martin Johnson / 2
20 Martin Depper / 0
21 Arthur Forster / 0
22 Lea Wood / 0
23 Matt Hamilton / 0
24 Shaun Hollamby / 0
Plato leads BTCC
At the Thruxton round of the British Touring Car Championship three weeks ago, the races were won by the independent entries of Fabrizio Giovanardi and Steven Kane. This weekend at Rockingham, it was the turn of the factory teams.
Matt Neal, who received a reprimand from stewards following his ambitious overtaking attempt at the Thruxton chicane, managed to keep out of trouble and won races 1 and 3 in his Honda Racing Civic.
Jason Plato secured victory in race 2, which was the first win in the BTCC for the Chevrolet Cruze. It was a close result though, with the WSR BMW 320si of Rob Collard that challenged Plato’s lead in the closing stages finishing less than half a second behind.
Rockingham, however, was perhaps notable for its absences. Neither Giovanardi nor Philip Glew competed, both of the Triple Eight Vauxhall Vectra drivers sidelined by sponsorship issues at the team. There was still no sign of reigning champion Colin Turkington either, despite hopes he would be driving a third WSR BMW to defend his title. Again, a lack of sponsors seems to be the problem.
Plato leads the championship going into the third round, which is at Brands Hatch in a week’s time:
Pos. Driver / Points
01 Jason Plato / 64
02 Matt Neal / 47
03 Steven Kane / 45
04 Paul O'Neill / 43
05 Fabrizio Giovanardi / 38
06 Mat Jackson / 36
07 Gordon Shedden / 23
08 Robert Collard / 23
09 Andrew Jordan / 18
10 Tom Boardman / 15
11 Tom Onslow-Cole / 15
12 Alex MacDowall / 11
13 Philip Glew / 9
14 Tom Chilton / 9
15 David Pinkney / 5
16 James Nash / 4
17 Andy Neate / 3
18 John George / 2
19 Martin Johnson / 2
20 Martin Depper / 0
21 Arthur Forster / 0
22 Lea Wood / 0
23 Matt Hamilton / 0
24 Shaun Hollamby / 0
Matt Neal, who received a reprimand from stewards following his ambitious overtaking attempt at the Thruxton chicane, managed to keep out of trouble and won races 1 and 3 in his Honda Racing Civic.
Jason Plato secured victory in race 2, which was the first win in the BTCC for the Chevrolet Cruze. It was a close result though, with the WSR BMW 320si of Rob Collard that challenged Plato’s lead in the closing stages finishing less than half a second behind.
Rockingham, however, was perhaps notable for its absences. Neither Giovanardi nor Philip Glew competed, both of the Triple Eight Vauxhall Vectra drivers sidelined by sponsorship issues at the team. There was still no sign of reigning champion Colin Turkington either, despite hopes he would be driving a third WSR BMW to defend his title. Again, a lack of sponsors seems to be the problem.
Plato leads the championship going into the third round, which is at Brands Hatch in a week’s time:
Pos. Driver / Points
01 Jason Plato / 64
02 Matt Neal / 47
03 Steven Kane / 45
04 Paul O'Neill / 43
05 Fabrizio Giovanardi / 38
06 Mat Jackson / 36
07 Gordon Shedden / 23
08 Robert Collard / 23
09 Andrew Jordan / 18
10 Tom Boardman / 15
11 Tom Onslow-Cole / 15
12 Alex MacDowall / 11
13 Philip Glew / 9
14 Tom Chilton / 9
15 David Pinkney / 5
16 James Nash / 4
17 Andy Neate / 3
18 John George / 2
19 Martin Johnson / 2
20 Martin Depper / 0
21 Arthur Forster / 0
22 Lea Wood / 0
23 Matt Hamilton / 0
24 Shaun Hollamby / 0
No UK return for Lancia
First of all, Lancia had intended a return to the UK market in Summer 2008, spearheaded by the then new Delta. That plan was delayed for a year because the dealer network wasn’t ready, and the company recognised it also needed a second model for those dealers to sell.
Then the brand’s re-launch was postponed indefinitely, a victim of the prevailing tough economic conditions.
Now, following the presentation of Fiat Group Automobile’s 2010-2014 Business Plan, it seems almost certain that Lancia will never return to the UK.
That’s because the Chrysler and Lancia ranges are to be fully integrated in Europe, a consequence of Fiat taking a 20% stake in Chrysler back in June 2009. It has also been decided that all of the unified range will be branded Lancia in continental Europe, while the Chrysler badge will be used for the UK and Ireland.
As well as the Delta, the Lancia line-up currently consists of the Ypsilon supermini, Musa small MPV and Phedra MPV (part of the Citroen C8, Fiat Ulysse and Peugeot 807 family).
Chrysler meanwhile only sells the 300C saloon and Grand Voyager MPV in the UK at present, the PT Cruiser and slow-selling Sebring no longer being offered.
The combined range will look like this:
Fiat has set a target of 295,000 Chrysler / Lancia sales across Europe in 2014, to be handled by over 1,000 dealers.
Then the brand’s re-launch was postponed indefinitely, a victim of the prevailing tough economic conditions.
Now, following the presentation of Fiat Group Automobile’s 2010-2014 Business Plan, it seems almost certain that Lancia will never return to the UK.
That’s because the Chrysler and Lancia ranges are to be fully integrated in Europe, a consequence of Fiat taking a 20% stake in Chrysler back in June 2009. It has also been decided that all of the unified range will be branded Lancia in continental Europe, while the Chrysler badge will be used for the UK and Ireland.
As well as the Delta, the Lancia line-up currently consists of the Ypsilon supermini, Musa small MPV and Phedra MPV (part of the Citroen C8, Fiat Ulysse and Peugeot 807 family).
Chrysler meanwhile only sells the 300C saloon and Grand Voyager MPV in the UK at present, the PT Cruiser and slow-selling Sebring no longer being offered.
The combined range will look like this:
- Ypsilon continues, with an all-new five door model scheduled for 2011.
- Delta remains in production, but will be joined in 2012 by a new-model compact saloon and station wagon.
- Musa will remain on sale until 2012, with no replacement planned.
- Phedra is to be phased out during 2010.
- 300C will be replaced by a new version in 2011.
- Grand Voyager remains on sale, to be replaced in 2014.
- 2013 will see the introduction of a large saloon (primarily for North America) and a crossover model.
Fiat has set a target of 295,000 Chrysler / Lancia sales across Europe in 2014, to be handled by over 1,000 dealers.
No UK return for Lancia
First of all, Lancia had intended a return to the UK market in Summer 2008, spearheaded by the then new Delta. That plan was delayed for a year because the dealer network wasn’t ready, and the company recognised it also needed a second model for those dealers to sell.
Then the brand’s re-launch was postponed indefinitely, a victim of the prevailing tough economic conditions.
Now, following the presentation of Fiat Group Automobile’s 2010-2014 Business Plan, it seems almost certain that Lancia will never return to the UK.
That’s because the Chrysler and Lancia ranges are to be fully integrated in Europe, a consequence of Fiat taking a 20% stake in Chrysler back in June 2009. It has also been decided that all of the unified range will be branded Lancia in continental Europe, while the Chrysler badge will be used for the UK and Ireland.
As well as the Delta, the Lancia line-up currently consists of the Ypsilon supermini, Musa small MPV and Phedra MPV (part of the Citroen C8, Fiat Ulysse and Peugeot 807 family).
Chrysler meanwhile only sells the 300C saloon and Grand Voyager MPV in the UK at present, the PT Cruiser and slow-selling Sebring no longer being offered.
The combined range will look like this:
Fiat has set a target of 295,000 Chrysler / Lancia sales across Europe in 2014, to be handled by over 1,000 dealers.
Then the brand’s re-launch was postponed indefinitely, a victim of the prevailing tough economic conditions.
Now, following the presentation of Fiat Group Automobile’s 2010-2014 Business Plan, it seems almost certain that Lancia will never return to the UK.
That’s because the Chrysler and Lancia ranges are to be fully integrated in Europe, a consequence of Fiat taking a 20% stake in Chrysler back in June 2009. It has also been decided that all of the unified range will be branded Lancia in continental Europe, while the Chrysler badge will be used for the UK and Ireland.
As well as the Delta, the Lancia line-up currently consists of the Ypsilon supermini, Musa small MPV and Phedra MPV (part of the Citroen C8, Fiat Ulysse and Peugeot 807 family).
Chrysler meanwhile only sells the 300C saloon and Grand Voyager MPV in the UK at present, the PT Cruiser and slow-selling Sebring no longer being offered.
The combined range will look like this:
- Ypsilon continues, with an all-new five door model scheduled for 2011.
- Delta remains in production, but will be joined in 2012 by a new-model compact saloon and station wagon.
- Musa will remain on sale until 2012, with no replacement planned.
- Phedra is to be phased out during 2010.
- 300C will be replaced by a new version in 2011.
- Grand Voyager remains on sale, to be replaced in 2014.
- 2013 will see the introduction of a large saloon (primarily for North America) and a crossover model.
Fiat has set a target of 295,000 Chrysler / Lancia sales across Europe in 2014, to be handled by over 1,000 dealers.
Friday, April 23, 2010
VW Phaeton facelift
With its combination of cut-price Bentley Continental technology and elegantly discrete looks, perhaps the Volkswagen Phaeton should be attracting more buyers than it does?
Things certainly didn’t go well in North America, where the car was withdrawn after only a few years on sale. European retails continue at a trickle, but China is now the biggest remaining market for the Phaeton. That no doubt influenced Volkswagen’s decision to reveal the 2011 facelift at the Beijing Auto Show.
The changes are fairly mild, and have been concentrated around the front to bring the Phaeton’s look in line with the latest Polo, Golf and Sharan. So that means redesigned lights, a new grille and a revised bumper which even uses the now ubiquitous LEDs for the fog lights. Around the back, the only significant change is new light clusters.
On the inside, the centre console has an 8” touchscreen which on some versions can now incorporate Google Maps into the satellite navigation. The other ‘enhancement’ that Volkswagen seems very excited by is the road sign recognition function.
This system works by a camera integrated in the Phaeton’s rear-view mirror detecting road signs. The relevant information is then shown on the touchscreen and / or the multifunction display between speedometer and rev counter.
It will tell the driver, who is presumably too busy looking at all of the various displays to bother looking outside of the car, information such as the maximum permitted speed and whether there are any overtaking restrictions in force. These are probably the sort of things that should have been noticed anyway, especially if considering an overtake. So, unless you’re myopic or just too dopey to be driving, what’s the point?
The Phaeton will continue to be offered with V6, V8 and W12 petrol engines, as well as a V6 turbocharged common rail diesel. However, expect the choice in the UK to be limited to the 444 bhp 6.0 litre W12 and 237 bhp 3.0 litre diesel, as it is now.
Prices have yet to be announced, although it’s worth noting the V6 diesel is currently down from £45,910 to £40,340 in the UK until the end of June. That offer is most likely in place to clear any remaining pre-facelift stocks.
However, even with such a discount, eye-watering depreciation makes buying a brand new Phaeton a very tough decision. The situation isn’t helped by a tempting choice of used cars. For example, there are currently 24 used Phaetons listed on Auto Trader that are under a year old, with prices ranging from £26,989 to £39,995. Most are listed at £29,995, which is not much more than a Volkswagen Golf GTI costs new.
Things certainly didn’t go well in North America, where the car was withdrawn after only a few years on sale. European retails continue at a trickle, but China is now the biggest remaining market for the Phaeton. That no doubt influenced Volkswagen’s decision to reveal the 2011 facelift at the Beijing Auto Show.
The changes are fairly mild, and have been concentrated around the front to bring the Phaeton’s look in line with the latest Polo, Golf and Sharan. So that means redesigned lights, a new grille and a revised bumper which even uses the now ubiquitous LEDs for the fog lights. Around the back, the only significant change is new light clusters.
On the inside, the centre console has an 8” touchscreen which on some versions can now incorporate Google Maps into the satellite navigation. The other ‘enhancement’ that Volkswagen seems very excited by is the road sign recognition function.
This system works by a camera integrated in the Phaeton’s rear-view mirror detecting road signs. The relevant information is then shown on the touchscreen and / or the multifunction display between speedometer and rev counter.
It will tell the driver, who is presumably too busy looking at all of the various displays to bother looking outside of the car, information such as the maximum permitted speed and whether there are any overtaking restrictions in force. These are probably the sort of things that should have been noticed anyway, especially if considering an overtake. So, unless you’re myopic or just too dopey to be driving, what’s the point?
The Phaeton will continue to be offered with V6, V8 and W12 petrol engines, as well as a V6 turbocharged common rail diesel. However, expect the choice in the UK to be limited to the 444 bhp 6.0 litre W12 and 237 bhp 3.0 litre diesel, as it is now.
Prices have yet to be announced, although it’s worth noting the V6 diesel is currently down from £45,910 to £40,340 in the UK until the end of June. That offer is most likely in place to clear any remaining pre-facelift stocks.
However, even with such a discount, eye-watering depreciation makes buying a brand new Phaeton a very tough decision. The situation isn’t helped by a tempting choice of used cars. For example, there are currently 24 used Phaetons listed on Auto Trader that are under a year old, with prices ranging from £26,989 to £39,995. Most are listed at £29,995, which is not much more than a Volkswagen Golf GTI costs new.
VW Phaeton facelift
With its combination of cut-price Bentley Continental technology and elegantly discrete looks, perhaps the Volkswagen Phaeton should be attracting more buyers than it does?
Things certainly didn’t go well in North America, where the car was withdrawn after only a few years on sale. European retails continue at a trickle, but China is now the biggest remaining market for the Phaeton. That no doubt influenced Volkswagen’s decision to reveal the 2011 facelift at the Beijing Auto Show.
The changes are fairly mild, and have been concentrated around the front to bring the Phaeton’s look in line with the latest Polo, Golf and Sharan. So that means redesigned lights, a new grille and a revised bumper which even uses the now ubiquitous LEDs for the fog lights. Around the back, the only significant change is new light clusters.
On the inside, the centre console has an 8” touchscreen which on some versions can now incorporate Google Maps into the satellite navigation. The other ‘enhancement’ that Volkswagen seems very excited by is the road sign recognition function.
This system works by a camera integrated in the Phaeton’s rear-view mirror detecting road signs. The relevant information is then shown on the touchscreen and / or the multifunction display between speedometer and rev counter.
It will tell the driver, who is presumably too busy looking at all of the various displays to bother looking outside of the car, information such as the maximum permitted speed and whether there are any overtaking restrictions in force. These are probably the sort of things that should have been noticed anyway, especially if considering an overtake. So, unless you’re myopic or just too dopey to be driving, what’s the point?
The Phaeton will continue to be offered with V6, V8 and W12 petrol engines, as well as a V6 turbocharged common rail diesel. However, expect the choice in the UK to be limited to the 444 bhp 6.0 litre W12 and 237 bhp 3.0 litre diesel, as it is now.
Prices have yet to be announced, although it’s worth noting the V6 diesel is currently down from £45,910 to £40,340 in the UK until the end of June. That offer is most likely in place to clear any remaining pre-facelift stocks.
However, even with such a discount, eye-watering depreciation makes buying a brand new Phaeton a very tough decision. The situation isn’t helped by a tempting choice of used cars. For example, there are currently 24 used Phaetons listed on Auto Trader that are under a year old, with prices ranging from £26,989 to £39,995. Most are listed at £29,995, which is not much more than a Volkswagen Golf GTI costs new.
Things certainly didn’t go well in North America, where the car was withdrawn after only a few years on sale. European retails continue at a trickle, but China is now the biggest remaining market for the Phaeton. That no doubt influenced Volkswagen’s decision to reveal the 2011 facelift at the Beijing Auto Show.
The changes are fairly mild, and have been concentrated around the front to bring the Phaeton’s look in line with the latest Polo, Golf and Sharan. So that means redesigned lights, a new grille and a revised bumper which even uses the now ubiquitous LEDs for the fog lights. Around the back, the only significant change is new light clusters.
On the inside, the centre console has an 8” touchscreen which on some versions can now incorporate Google Maps into the satellite navigation. The other ‘enhancement’ that Volkswagen seems very excited by is the road sign recognition function.
This system works by a camera integrated in the Phaeton’s rear-view mirror detecting road signs. The relevant information is then shown on the touchscreen and / or the multifunction display between speedometer and rev counter.
It will tell the driver, who is presumably too busy looking at all of the various displays to bother looking outside of the car, information such as the maximum permitted speed and whether there are any overtaking restrictions in force. These are probably the sort of things that should have been noticed anyway, especially if considering an overtake. So, unless you’re myopic or just too dopey to be driving, what’s the point?
The Phaeton will continue to be offered with V6, V8 and W12 petrol engines, as well as a V6 turbocharged common rail diesel. However, expect the choice in the UK to be limited to the 444 bhp 6.0 litre W12 and 237 bhp 3.0 litre diesel, as it is now.
Prices have yet to be announced, although it’s worth noting the V6 diesel is currently down from £45,910 to £40,340 in the UK until the end of June. That offer is most likely in place to clear any remaining pre-facelift stocks.
However, even with such a discount, eye-watering depreciation makes buying a brand new Phaeton a very tough decision. The situation isn’t helped by a tempting choice of used cars. For example, there are currently 24 used Phaetons listed on Auto Trader that are under a year old, with prices ranging from £26,989 to £39,995. Most are listed at £29,995, which is not much more than a Volkswagen Golf GTI costs new.
MG Zero concept
The revitalisation of MG slowly continues, with the firm unveiling its attractive Zero concept at the Beijing Automotive Show.
Developed by MG Global Design at its UK base in Longbridge, the Zero is around four metres in length, making it roughly the same size as a Ford Fiesta or Volkswagen Polo.
Although just a concept for now, it seems highly likely that a toned-down version will make it into production. A replacement is certainly needed for the aged MG 3SW (an MG-badged version of the ancient Rover 25 Streetwise) which is still offered in the Chinese market.
No other technical details have been confirmed yet, and it’s unknown whether MG is planning to assemble the Zero at Longbridge or import it into Europe from China.
Developed by MG Global Design at its UK base in Longbridge, the Zero is around four metres in length, making it roughly the same size as a Ford Fiesta or Volkswagen Polo.
Although just a concept for now, it seems highly likely that a toned-down version will make it into production. A replacement is certainly needed for the aged MG 3SW (an MG-badged version of the ancient Rover 25 Streetwise) which is still offered in the Chinese market.
No other technical details have been confirmed yet, and it’s unknown whether MG is planning to assemble the Zero at Longbridge or import it into Europe from China.
MG Zero concept
The revitalisation of MG slowly continues, with the firm unveiling its attractive Zero concept at the Beijing Automotive Show.
Developed by MG Global Design at its UK base in Longbridge, the Zero is around four metres in length, making it roughly the same size as a Ford Fiesta or Volkswagen Polo.
Although just a concept for now, it seems highly likely that a toned-down version will make it into production. A replacement is certainly needed for the aged MG 3SW (an MG-badged version of the ancient Rover 25 Streetwise) which is still offered in the Chinese market.
No other technical details have been confirmed yet, and it’s unknown whether MG is planning to assemble the Zero at Longbridge or import it into Europe from China.
Developed by MG Global Design at its UK base in Longbridge, the Zero is around four metres in length, making it roughly the same size as a Ford Fiesta or Volkswagen Polo.
Although just a concept for now, it seems highly likely that a toned-down version will make it into production. A replacement is certainly needed for the aged MG 3SW (an MG-badged version of the ancient Rover 25 Streetwise) which is still offered in the Chinese market.
No other technical details have been confirmed yet, and it’s unknown whether MG is planning to assemble the Zero at Longbridge or import it into Europe from China.
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