Prius 10th Anniversary

Toyota is celebrating ten years of smug Prius owners in the UK by launching a 10th Anniversary special edition.

Based on the range-topping T Spirit version, the 10th Anniversary gets 17” smoked-finish alloy wheels, dark-tinted privacy glass and front, rear and side skirts. A sporty look, but still definitely not a sporty car.



Paint choice is White Pearl or Astral Black, while the interior is finished in black leather upholstery embossed with the 10th Anniversary logo.



The Prius 10th Anniversary will be limited to 1,000 examples, and is available to order from UK Toyota dealers now. Its on the road price has been confirmed at £26,150, including VAT at 20% (which seems to imply that deliveries won’t start until January 2011 at the earliest, as that’s when VAT increases from 17.5%).



Based on today’s prices adjusted for 20% VAT, a Prius T Spirit specified with leather seats, privacy glass and metallic paint from the options list would cost around £26,230. So, by comparison, the special edition isn’t bad value, especially if body kits and fancy alloys are your thing.

Prius 10th Anniversary

Toyota is celebrating ten years of smug Prius owners in the UK by launching a 10th Anniversary special edition.

Based on the range-topping T Spirit version, the 10th Anniversary gets 17” smoked-finish alloy wheels, dark-tinted privacy glass and front, rear and side skirts. A sporty look, but still definitely not a sporty car.



Paint choice is White Pearl or Astral Black, while the interior is finished in black leather upholstery embossed with the 10th Anniversary logo.



The Prius 10th Anniversary will be limited to 1,000 examples, and is available to order from UK Toyota dealers now. Its on the road price has been confirmed at £26,150, including VAT at 20% (which seems to imply that deliveries won’t start until January 2011 at the earliest, as that’s when VAT increases from 17.5%).



Based on today’s prices adjusted for 20% VAT, a Prius T Spirit specified with leather seats, privacy glass and metallic paint from the options list would cost around £26,230. So, by comparison, the special edition isn’t bad value, especially if body kits and fancy alloys are your thing.

SMMT Electric Car Guide

The UK’s Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders has published an Electric Car Guide.



Aimed at anyone thinking of going electric, it sets out to answer all the questions that potential customers are bound to have.



One sure uncertainty will be the financial aspects of electric car ownership, and so the guide includes some theoretical running cost estimations. These compare a non-specific, typical, mid-size diesel car against a purely electric model.



Although the electric car comes out with marginally better cost per mile figures after three years of ownership, the calculations suppose that a car powered by electricity will have a similar residual value to one run on diesel. The SMMT freely admits that that is a big assumption though, simply because nobody yet knows what the depreciation characteristics will be.



Nevertheless, with the OLEV Plug-in Car Grant (which will cover up to 25% of a qualifying vehicle’s price, to a maximum of £5,000) due to be offered from January 2011, the SMMT’s timing couldn’t be better.



The Electric Car Guide is now available free via the SMMT website, which can be accessed by clicking here.



Related posts:

Electric bikes ignored?

Electric car grants saved

The future's electric

SMMT Electric Car Guide

The UK’s Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders has published an Electric Car Guide.



Aimed at anyone thinking of going electric, it sets out to answer all the questions that potential customers are bound to have.



One sure uncertainty will be the financial aspects of electric car ownership, and so the guide includes some theoretical running cost estimations. These compare a non-specific, typical, mid-size diesel car against a purely electric model.



Although the electric car comes out with marginally better cost per mile figures after three years of ownership, the calculations suppose that a car powered by electricity will have a similar residual value to one run on diesel. The SMMT freely admits that that is a big assumption though, simply because nobody yet knows what the depreciation characteristics will be.



Nevertheless, with the OLEV Plug-in Car Grant (which will cover up to 25% of a qualifying vehicle’s price, to a maximum of £5,000) due to be offered from January 2011, the SMMT’s timing couldn’t be better.



The Electric Car Guide is now available free via the SMMT website, which can be accessed by clicking here.



Related posts:

Electric bikes ignored?

Electric car grants saved

The future's electric

Challenger’s new engines

Going against the grain of downsizing, Dodge has revealed that the Challenger SRT8 will be getting a bigger Hemi V8 for 2011.



And, just so everyone knows, it’ll be known as the SRT8 392 - a reference to the engine’s capacity in cubic inches, which equates to 6.4 litres.

The new engine boasts 470 bhp (350 kW / 476 PS) and 637 Nm (470 lb/ft) of torque which, compared to the 6.1 litre Hemi that it replaces, is a useful increase of 45 bhp (33 kW / 45 PS) and 67 Nm (50 lb/ft). The newer model will be identifiable by its modified front spoiler and larger splitter, while underneath the suspension has been tweaked to cope with the extra grunt.



To celebrate the new arrival, the first 1,492 SRT8 392s off the line will be Inaugural Edition models which have 20” SRT wheels and ‘392 Hemi’ badges. Colour choice is Bright White Clear Coat with Viper Blue stripes or Deep Water Blue with Stone White stripes, both of which come with a Pearl White leather interior that features blue stitching.



The 2011 Dodge Challenger SRT8 392 is scheduled to arrive in dealers during the fourth quarter of 2010.



It’s not just the Hemi that’s been revised, though. The V6 models are set to get the new Pentastar engine that was first introduced in the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee. It’ll also be seen in the Dodge Charger, Avenger, Durango and Journey, as well as the Chrysler Town and Country, 200 and 300.



Using one engine across so many models is all about manufacturing efficiency and cost saving. Incredibly, the Pentastar will eventually replace seven legacy V6 engines, and it’s expected that it’ll be found in a third of all Chrysler Group vehicles built.



Power and torque will be tuned for specific applications, and in the 2011 Challenger it’ll break the 300 bhp barrier. 305 bhp (227 kW / 309 PS) to be exact, which is a big increase versus the 250 bhp (186 kW / 253 PS) that today’s car has. Torque is also up, from 338 Nm (250 lb/ft) to 363 Nm (268 lb/ft).

Challenger’s new engines

Going against the grain of downsizing, Dodge has revealed that the Challenger SRT8 will be getting a bigger Hemi V8 for 2011.



And, just so everyone knows, it’ll be known as the SRT8 392 - a reference to the engine’s capacity in cubic inches, which equates to 6.4 litres.

The new engine boasts 470 bhp (350 kW / 476 PS) and 637 Nm (470 lb/ft) of torque which, compared to the 6.1 litre Hemi that it replaces, is a useful increase of 45 bhp (33 kW / 45 PS) and 67 Nm (50 lb/ft). The newer model will be identifiable by its modified front spoiler and larger splitter, while underneath the suspension has been tweaked to cope with the extra grunt.



To celebrate the new arrival, the first 1,492 SRT8 392s off the line will be Inaugural Edition models which have 20” SRT wheels and ‘392 Hemi’ badges. Colour choice is Bright White Clear Coat with Viper Blue stripes or Deep Water Blue with Stone White stripes, both of which come with a Pearl White leather interior that features blue stitching.



The 2011 Dodge Challenger SRT8 392 is scheduled to arrive in dealers during the fourth quarter of 2010.



It’s not just the Hemi that’s been revised, though. The V6 models are set to get the new Pentastar engine that was first introduced in the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee. It’ll also be seen in the Dodge Charger, Avenger, Durango and Journey, as well as the Chrysler Town and Country, 200 and 300.



Using one engine across so many models is all about manufacturing efficiency and cost saving. Incredibly, the Pentastar will eventually replace seven legacy V6 engines, and it’s expected that it’ll be found in a third of all Chrysler Group vehicles built.



Power and torque will be tuned for specific applications, and in the 2011 Challenger it’ll break the 300 bhp barrier. 305 bhp (227 kW / 309 PS) to be exact, which is a big increase versus the 250 bhp (186 kW / 253 PS) that today’s car has. Torque is also up, from 338 Nm (250 lb/ft) to 363 Nm (268 lb/ft).

S 1000 RR HP Race Parts

2010 has been a successful season for racers campaigning the BMW S 1000 RR.



For instance, Italian rider Ayrton Badovini completely dominated the 2010 FIM Superstock 1000 Cup, winning nine out of the ten rounds. Meanwhile, in the UK Steve Brogan secured the Mirror.co.uk British Superbike EVO Championship and Jon Kirkham took the Metzeler National Superstock 1000 Championship title.

Drawing on the experience gained in competition, BMW has now developed a range of High Performance Race Parts for the S 1000 RR that’s aimed at race teams and track day fanatics alike.



Included in the HP Race Power Kit are a replacement ECU and a titanium and carbon fibre Akrapovic exhaust system, which impressively weighs 6.8 kg less than the standard item.

Those components raise power from 190 bhp (142 kW / 193 hp) to 197 bhp (147 kW / 199 PS), while torque increases from 112 Nm to 120 Nm. Not dramatic, but the important 5,000 to 9,000 rpm midrange is said to be significantly improved.



After the new ECU has been installed, the revised mapping means that full power is available across all four engine management modes (‘Rain’, ‘Sport’, ‘Race’ and ‘Slick’). Instead, the modes alter the electronic rider aids with the Race ABS reducing input and the Dynamic Traction Control allowing full power at greater lean angles as the modes move from ‘Rain’ through to ‘Slick’.

To help with track riding, engine braking on the overrun is reduced to give a more balanced entry into corners, while a pit lane speed limiter is activated when the starter button is held down in first gear.



The HP Race Power Kit can be fitted by S 1000 RR owners but, interestingly, it has to be checked and activated by a BMW Motorrad dealer. Unfortunately, the kit isn’t road legal.



For those riders who like to keep their bike looking neat on the track after the indicators, number plate holder and mirrors have all been taken off, the HP Race Cover Kit is the answer. As the name implies, it includes two covers for the mirrors, two covers for the front direction indicators and a cover for the underside of the tail section.

S 1000 RR HP Race Parts

2010 has been a successful season for racers campaigning the BMW S 1000 RR.



For instance, Italian rider Ayrton Badovini completely dominated the 2010 FIM Superstock 1000 Cup, winning nine out of the ten rounds. Meanwhile, in the UK Steve Brogan secured the Mirror.co.uk British Superbike EVO Championship and Jon Kirkham took the Metzeler National Superstock 1000 Championship title.

Drawing on the experience gained in competition, BMW has now developed a range of High Performance Race Parts for the S 1000 RR that’s aimed at race teams and track day fanatics alike.



Included in the HP Race Power Kit are a replacement ECU and a titanium and carbon fibre Akrapovic exhaust system, which impressively weighs 6.8 kg less than the standard item.

Those components raise power from 190 bhp (142 kW / 193 hp) to 197 bhp (147 kW / 199 PS), while torque increases from 112 Nm to 120 Nm. Not dramatic, but the important 5,000 to 9,000 rpm midrange is said to be significantly improved.



After the new ECU has been installed, the revised mapping means that full power is available across all four engine management modes (‘Rain’, ‘Sport’, ‘Race’ and ‘Slick’). Instead, the modes alter the electronic rider aids with the Race ABS reducing input and the Dynamic Traction Control allowing full power at greater lean angles as the modes move from ‘Rain’ through to ‘Slick’.

To help with track riding, engine braking on the overrun is reduced to give a more balanced entry into corners, while a pit lane speed limiter is activated when the starter button is held down in first gear.



The HP Race Power Kit can be fitted by S 1000 RR owners but, interestingly, it has to be checked and activated by a BMW Motorrad dealer. Unfortunately, the kit isn’t road legal.



For those riders who like to keep their bike looking neat on the track after the indicators, number plate holder and mirrors have all been taken off, the HP Race Cover Kit is the answer. As the name implies, it includes two covers for the mirrors, two covers for the front direction indicators and a cover for the underside of the tail section.

European spec VW Jetta

Following the unveiling of the new North American specification Jetta a few months ago, Volkswagen has now taken the wraps off the European model.

On the face of it, both versions appear almost identical. However, a big difference is that European cars will get a superior four-link rear suspension system similar to the Golf’s, instead of a simple torsion beam.



What goes under the bonnet has been changed, too. For the time being, North American buyers have a choice of two petrol engines: a four cylinder 2.0 litre with only eight valves and a single overhead camshaft that produces a miserable 115 bhp (85 kW / 116 PS), or a 2.5 litre inline five with four valves per cylinder and double overhead camshafts which manages a more respectable 170 bhp (126 kW / 172 PS).



By contrast, the European engine line-up will consist of much more efficient TSI petrol engines, plus a couple of TDI diesels:

• 1.2 TSI (103 bhp / 77 kW / 105 PS)


• 1.4 TSI (120 bhp / 90 kW / 122 PS)


• 1.4 TSI (158 bhp / 118 kW / 160 PS)


• 2.0 TSI (197 bhp / 147 kW / 200 PS)


• 1.6 TDI (103 bhp / 77 kW / 105 PS)


• 2.0 TDI (138 bhp / 103 kW / 140 PS)

Volkswagen is now pitching the Jetta as a completely separate model, even though it still sits on a modified Golf platform. To further differentiate it, the new generation Jetta has grown by 90 mm and is now 4,644 mm long.



But that means it’s getting uncomfortably close the recently facelifted Passat saloon, which measures 4,769 mm. That could cannibalise sales of the (slightly) larger car, a situation that won’t be helped by the very similar appearance of the two models.

Spot the difference: 2011 Jetta...

...and the recently launched 2011 Passat

UK sales of the new 2011 Volkswagen Jetta, which is to be built in Mexico, are due to start in early 2011. Prices and final specifications will be announced nearer the time, but the entry point will probably be around £17,000.





Related post:

New VW Jetta revealed

European spec VW Jetta

Following the unveiling of the new North American specification Jetta a few months ago, Volkswagen has now taken the wraps off the European model.

On the face of it, both versions appear almost identical. However, a big difference is that European cars will get a superior four-link rear suspension system similar to the Golf’s, instead of a simple torsion beam.



What goes under the bonnet has been changed, too. For the time being, North American buyers have a choice of two petrol engines: a four cylinder 2.0 litre with only eight valves and a single overhead camshaft that produces a miserable 115 bhp (85 kW / 116 PS), or a 2.5 litre inline five with four valves per cylinder and double overhead camshafts which manages a more respectable 170 bhp (126 kW / 172 PS).



By contrast, the European engine line-up will consist of much more efficient TSI petrol engines, plus a couple of TDI diesels:

• 1.2 TSI (103 bhp / 77 kW / 105 PS)


• 1.4 TSI (120 bhp / 90 kW / 122 PS)


• 1.4 TSI (158 bhp / 118 kW / 160 PS)


• 2.0 TSI (197 bhp / 147 kW / 200 PS)


• 1.6 TDI (103 bhp / 77 kW / 105 PS)


• 2.0 TDI (138 bhp / 103 kW / 140 PS)

Volkswagen is now pitching the Jetta as a completely separate model, even though it still sits on a modified Golf platform. To further differentiate it, the new generation Jetta has grown by 90 mm and is now 4,644 mm long.



But that means it’s getting uncomfortably close the recently facelifted Passat saloon, which measures 4,769 mm. That could cannibalise sales of the (slightly) larger car, a situation that won’t be helped by the very similar appearance of the two models.

Spot the difference: 2011 Jetta...

...and the recently launched 2011 Passat

UK sales of the new 2011 Volkswagen Jetta, which is to be built in Mexico, are due to start in early 2011. Prices and final specifications will be announced nearer the time, but the entry point will probably be around £17,000.





Related post:

New VW Jetta revealed

Honda CBR250R first look

With the Ninja 250R, Kawasaki has had the quarter-litre sports bike class pretty much to itself of late.



But now that’s set to change. Honda has just announced the CBR250R, which is designed to plug the gap in its supersports range between the CBR125R and the CBR600RR.

Due to make its debut at next month’s EICMA Motorcycle Show in Milan, power for the CBR250R will come from a 249.4 cc PGM-FI fuel injected engine driving through a six-speed transmission. There’s no word on output yet, but it’ll need to be close to the 32 bhp (24 kW / 33 PS) of the Ninja 250R to be competitive.



However, unlike the Kawasaki which features a parallel twin, the Honda is a single cylinder bike. Although it gets a counterbalancing shaft to help combat any inherent roughness, it might well be that some buyers just prefer a multi-cylinder set up.

The styling of the CBR250R, particularly around the fairing, is reminiscent of the Honda VFR1200F. That’s either a good or bad thing, depending on whether or not you like the unusual looks of the VFR.



Beneath the bodywork lies a steel frame, connected to which are non-adjustable 37 mm forks at the front and Honda’s Pro-link rear suspension with five-position preload adjustment at the rear. Braking is taken care of by single discs, and ABS will be an option.



The Honda CBR250R will be available in North America for the first time, where buyers will get a choice of black or red / silver colour schemes. It’ll also appear in Europe, painted white / blue / red or black, although it’s to be confirmed whether that includes the UK.

Pricing has yet to be revealed, but one thing’s for sure - it won’t need to cost much more than the Kawasaki Ninja 250R, which currently retails for £4,099 (plus government charges) in the UK, and $3,999 (MSRP) in the US.

Honda CBR250R first look

With the Ninja 250R, Kawasaki has had the quarter-litre sports bike class pretty much to itself of late.



But now that’s set to change. Honda has just announced the CBR250R, which is designed to plug the gap in its supersports range between the CBR125R and the CBR600RR.

Due to make its debut at next month’s EICMA Motorcycle Show in Milan, power for the CBR250R will come from a 249.4 cc PGM-FI fuel injected engine driving through a six-speed transmission. There’s no word on output yet, but it’ll need to be close to the 32 bhp (24 kW / 33 PS) of the Ninja 250R to be competitive.



However, unlike the Kawasaki which features a parallel twin, the Honda is a single cylinder bike. Although it gets a counterbalancing shaft to help combat any inherent roughness, it might well be that some buyers just prefer a multi-cylinder set up.

The styling of the CBR250R, particularly around the fairing, is reminiscent of the Honda VFR1200F. That’s either a good or bad thing, depending on whether or not you like the unusual looks of the VFR.



Beneath the bodywork lies a steel frame, connected to which are non-adjustable 37 mm forks at the front and Honda’s Pro-link rear suspension with five-position preload adjustment at the rear. Braking is taken care of by single discs, and ABS will be an option.



The Honda CBR250R will be available in North America for the first time, where buyers will get a choice of black or red / silver colour schemes. It’ll also appear in Europe, painted white / blue / red or black, although it’s to be confirmed whether that includes the UK.

Pricing has yet to be revealed, but one thing’s for sure - it won’t need to cost much more than the Kawasaki Ninja 250R, which currently retails for £4,099 (plus government charges) in the UK, and $3,999 (MSRP) in the US.

2010 South Korean GP

Following his victory at the Yeongam construction site, venue of the inaugural South Korean Formula 1 Grand Prix, Fernando Alonso is now set to win the 2010 drivers’ championship.

That’s if the odds currently being offered by UK online bookmakers are anything to go by. They all seem to have the moaning Spaniard as favourite.

Driver	Betfred	Paddy Power	Ladbrokes	888 Sport
Fernando Alonso	1/2	4/6	4/6	8/13
Mark Webber	9/4	2/1	2/1	15/8
Lewis Hamilton	12/1	10/1	8/1	10/1
Sebastian Vettel	16/1	11/1	12/1	12/1
Jenson Button	500/1	N/A	250/1	250/1

Indeed, Alonso could secure the title at the next round, which is in Brazil, if he wins that race and nearest challenger Mark Webber finishes fifth or lower. Otherwise, the fight will go to the season’s final event in Abu Dhabi.



2010 Championship standings after the South Korean Formula 1 Grand Prix:

Pos.	Driver	Team	Points
1	Fernando Alonso	Ferrari	231
2	Mark Webber	Red Bull-Renault	220
3	Lewis Hamilton	McLaren-Mercedes	210
4	Sebastian Vettel	Red Bull-Renault	206
5	Jenson Button	McLaren-Mercedes	189
6	Felipe Massa	Ferrari	143
7	Robert Kubica	Renault	124
8	Nico Rosberg	Mercedes GP	122
9	Michael Schumacher	Mercedes GP	66
10	Rubens Barrichello	Williams-Cosworth	47
11	Adrian Sutil	Force India-Mercedes	47
12	Kamui Kobayashi	BMW Sauber-Ferrari	31
13	Vitantonio Liuzzi	Force India-Mercedes	21
14	Vitaly Petrov	Renault	19
15	Nico Hulkenberg	Williams-Cosworth	18
16	Sebastien Buemi	Toro Rosso-Ferrari	8
18	Nick Heidfeld	BMW Sauber-Ferrari	6
19	Jaime Alguersuari	Toro Rosso-Ferrari	3
20	Heikki Kovalainen	Lotus-Cosworth	0
21	Jarno Trulli	Lotus-Cosworth	0
22	Bruno Senna	Hispania-Cosworth	0
23	Lucas di Grassi	Virgin-Cosworth	0
24	Karun Chandhok	Hispania-Cosworth	0
25	Timo Glock	Virgin-Cosworth	0
26	Sakon Yamamoto	Hispania-Cosworth	0
27	Christian Klien	Hispania-Cosworth	0

2010 South Korean GP

Following his victory at the Yeongam construction site, venue of the inaugural South Korean Formula 1 Grand Prix, Fernando Alonso is now set to win the 2010 drivers’ championship.

That’s if the odds currently being offered by UK online bookmakers are anything to go by. They all seem to have the moaning Spaniard as favourite.

Driver	Betfred	Paddy Power	Ladbrokes	888 Sport
Fernando Alonso	1/2	4/6	4/6	8/13
Mark Webber	9/4	2/1	2/1	15/8
Lewis Hamilton	12/1	10/1	8/1	10/1
Sebastian Vettel	16/1	11/1	12/1	12/1
Jenson Button	500/1	N/A	250/1	250/1

Indeed, Alonso could secure the title at the next round, which is in Brazil, if he wins that race and nearest challenger Mark Webber finishes fifth or lower. Otherwise, the fight will go to the season’s final event in Abu Dhabi.



2010 Championship standings after the South Korean Formula 1 Grand Prix:

Pos.	Driver	Team	Points
1	Fernando Alonso	Ferrari	231
2	Mark Webber	Red Bull-Renault	220
3	Lewis Hamilton	McLaren-Mercedes	210
4	Sebastian Vettel	Red Bull-Renault	206
5	Jenson Button	McLaren-Mercedes	189
6	Felipe Massa	Ferrari	143
7	Robert Kubica	Renault	124
8	Nico Rosberg	Mercedes GP	122
9	Michael Schumacher	Mercedes GP	66
10	Rubens Barrichello	Williams-Cosworth	47
11	Adrian Sutil	Force India-Mercedes	47
12	Kamui Kobayashi	BMW Sauber-Ferrari	31
13	Vitantonio Liuzzi	Force India-Mercedes	21
14	Vitaly Petrov	Renault	19
15	Nico Hulkenberg	Williams-Cosworth	18
16	Sebastien Buemi	Toro Rosso-Ferrari	8
18	Nick Heidfeld	BMW Sauber-Ferrari	6
19	Jaime Alguersuari	Toro Rosso-Ferrari	3
20	Heikki Kovalainen	Lotus-Cosworth	0
21	Jarno Trulli	Lotus-Cosworth	0
22	Bruno Senna	Hispania-Cosworth	0
23	Lucas di Grassi	Virgin-Cosworth	0
24	Karun Chandhok	Hispania-Cosworth	0
25	Timo Glock	Virgin-Cosworth	0
26	Sakon Yamamoto	Hispania-Cosworth	0
27	Christian Klien	Hispania-Cosworth	0

V8 power for Wiesmann

Niche German sports car manufacturer Wiesmann has switched to V8 power for its MF4 and MF5 models. The move has come about because the BMW V10 engines which it previously used are no longer being built.



But Wiesmann is sticking with BMW as supplier for the replacements, a pair of 4.4 litre V8s that both feature twin turbochargers and direct injection.



The Roadster MF4 and GT MF4 get the engine currently seen in the BMW 550i. That means 401 bhp (300 kW / 407 PS) and peak torque of 600 Nm, which is enough to propel the Wiesmann from 0-60 mph (96 km/h) in 4.6 seconds. Top speed is just over 180 mph (290 km/h).

For the MF5, Wiesmann has gone for the M Power version employed in the BMW X5 M and X6 M. Boasting a very healthy 547 bhp (408 kW / 555 PS) and 680 Nm maximum torque, performance is correspondingly impressive: 0 to 60 mph takes 3.9 seconds, while the top speed is 193 mph (310 km/h). Like the MF4, the MF5 is available in Roadster and GT guises.

The Roadster MF3 meanwhile continues with six-cylinder power, although updates have now made it Euro 5 compliant.