New MINI Cooper S spied – New MINI Cooper S spied All-new MINI Cooper S has been spied testing, and it’s set to be bigger and better than before
The all-new MINI Cooper S has been spotted testing at the Nurburgring race circuit in Germany, ahead of its arrival in the UK next year.

These spy pictures show that the new Cooper S will retain the familiar MINI grille, whil the centrally mounted twin exhausts and larger alloy wheels hint at its sporty naturet. 

The pictures also show that the new MINI’s larger proportions, with a longer wheelbase and wider body for more cabin space and better handling.  

The new MINI – which has been codenamed R56 - will share its underpinnings with BMW’s forthcoming front-wheel-drive models, which should bode well for reduced weight and increased rigidity despite the increase in size.

The MINI Cooper S will use a 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine and is expected to benefit from developments including a lightweight aluminium engine block. The performance John Cooper Works versions will have up to 220bhp.

Entry-level versions will use a new-generation of BMW’s three-cylinder engines, which will be capable of up to 100mpg and emissions of just 80g/km.

VW Golf GTI MkVII spied We spy the new lighter, faster Volkswagen Golf GTI hot hatch testing ahead of its launch next year

The new 2013 VW Golf GTI has hit the road – and Auto Express has got the best pictures yet of the eagerly-awaited Ford Focus ST rival. 

Spied testing in Scandinavia, the Golf GTI MkVII won’t be radically different to look at, but it will be lighter, more powerful, more efficient and better equipped than ever. 

This prototype might wear heavy disguise but details like the larger brakes, twin exhausts, wider stance and honeycomb grille show that this is no ordinary Golf.

Under the skin lies the VW Group’s new MQB platform which uses hot-formed steels to slash weight but improve rigidity. The GTI will take this a step further by featuring an aluminium roof, too, dropping weight by around 100kg to around 1,300kg.  

Power will come from a new 2.0-litre direct-injection, turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine, codenamed EA888. This engine will power all manner of high performance models and has been developed by Audi, engine technology boss Dr Rudiger Szengel told Auto Express.  

It is capable of producing up to 300bhp for the range-topping Golf R, but the GTI will use a lower powered version, with around 240bhp – about the same as the current Golf GTI 35 Edition.

That might put it behind the Vauxhall Astra GTC VXR, Ford Focus ST and Renaultsport Megane 265, but VW has never sought to enter a horsepower war with other manufacturers. Instead the firm will major on driveability with more low-rev shove than its predecessor for rapid overtaking. 

With a lower kerbweight and more power it will be faster than ever. Expect its 0-62mph time to drop from the current car’s 6.9 seconds to around six seconds. Top speed is likely to be 155mph, up from 149mph.

Thanks to reduced internal friction and lower overall weight, the engine will be much more efficient, with claimed economy of around 45mpg and CO2 emissions of around 150g/km.

That lighter weight and increased body stiffness will also mean improved handling and braking performance. Compared to its rivals, the GTI is likely to be slightly less engaging but more comfortable than a Renaultsport Megane 265. It will major on everyday usability.     

Inside, there will be a host of gadgets, including fatigue assist (which warns the driver if he or she is about to fall asleep at the wheel), self-parking systems and an iPad-style central touchscreen. Both three-door and five-door bodystyles will be available, with classic telephone dial-style alloys, red pinstriping, a bodykit and GTI badging as well sports seats with tartan trim. 

The Golf MkVII is expected to debut at October’s Paris Motor Show, with the GTI going on sale in early 2013.

 

For an alternative review of the latest Volkswagen Golf visit our sister site carbuyer.co.uk

Mazda and Alfa Romeo tie-up Mazda and Alfa Romeo announce plans to co-develop a new roadster, based on the next MX-5
Plans have been announced for the development and manufacturing of a new roadster for Mazda and Alfa Romeo, based on the next-generation MX-5.

The agreement between Mazda and Alfa Romeo’s parent company Fiat states that they will “develop two differentiated, distinctly styled, iconic and brand-specific light weight, roadsters featuring rear-wheel drive”. Each will have its own range of engines and gearboxes.

The next-generation Mazda MX-5 is expected to go into production in 2014, while the Alfa Romeo version will go into production a year later. Both cars will be built at Mazda’s facility in Hiroshima, Japan.

Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne said: “This agreement clearly demonstrates our commitment to Alfa Romeo and the determination to grow it into a truly global brand.

“By partnering with Mazda, we will be co-operating with the recognised leader in compact rear-drive vehicle architectures in order to deliver an exciting and stylish roadster in the Alfa Romeo tradition.”

For an alternative review of the latest Mazda MX-5 visit our sister site carbuyer.co.uk

Hybrid supercars are go New McLaren P12 and Ferrari Enzo will take the fight to the Porsche 918 Spyder, as the hybrid supercar battle hots up
Porsche released pictures of its new 918 Spyder last week, and now we have details of two new hybrid rivals.

The 759bhp 918 Spyder will arrive in early 2014 – by which point it will have been joined by new hybrids from McLaren and Ferrari. Our spy photographers have already spotted the McLaren P12 and new Enzo testing, and these exclusive images show how they could look.

McLaren P12 hybrid

Price: £600,000 (est)
Power: 3.8-litre V8 twin-turbo, KERS, 800bhp (est)
0-60mph: 3.0 seconds (est)
Top speed: 210mph (est)
Due: Early 2013

It was the MP4-12C that revived McLaren’s road car business last year, but it’s this car, the P12, which will be the true successor to the F1.

As you can see from our image, there are strong similarities with the MP4-12C, but the body is wider, with a more deeply sculpted bonnet and a dramatic air scoop in the roof. A carbon fibre structure and bodyshell will ensure the P12 is lighter than the MP4-12C, and there’s more firepower, too.

Nestled behind the driver’s head will be a development of the MP4-12C’s 3.8-litre twin-turbo V8, producing well over 700bhp. A  Formula One-derived KERS electric energy storage system will deliver additional acceleration in short bursts, via a wheel-mounted button. Unlike the F1, which featured an innovative three-seat arrangement, the P12 will have only two seats.

Ferrari Enzo hybrid

Price: £800,000 (est)
Power: 6.3-litre V12, electric motor, 850bhp (est)
0-60mph: 2.8 seconds (est)
Top speed: 220mph (est)
Due: Late 2012

The cleanest Ferrari ever will also be the fastest. Every 10 years, Ferrari likes to give fans something extra-special; in 2002 it was the mighty 651bhp Enzo, and by the end of 2012, its successor, shown here, will arrive.

We’ve already spotted a disguised prototype out testing, but it’s what’s underneath that matters with this car. At the recent Beijing Motor Show Ferrari revealed details of the hybrid powertrain, which combines a development of the F12 Berlinetta’s 6.3-litre V12 with an electric motor mounted on the seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox.

The result is that this car will emit 40 per cent less CO2 than  a petrol car with the same amount of power. Bosses have hinted that the car will offer a total of around 850bhp – more than Fernando Alonso’s F1 racer. And thanks to a lightweight carbon fibre chassis, it will eclipse the Bugatti Veyron for power-to-weight ratio, too.

New engine for MINI JCW MINI announces a new engine and gearbox for the John Cooper Works range
The MINI John Cooper Works will be available with a new engine and automatic transmission from July.

The revised version of the car’s 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine produces the same 208bhp and 280Nm torque as before, but now features a lightweight aluminium block and increased turbo boost pressure.

It’ll be fitted to all MINI JCWs, with an additional 7bhp in the Countryman. The new ‘Steptronic’ six-speed automatic gearbox is changed using steering wheel-mounted paddles or a traditional gearlever.

Thanks to the updated engine, efficiency improves across the JCW range. For example, the manual MINI Coupe’s fuel economy goes from 40mpg to 42.8mpg, while its CO2 emissions drop from 165g/km to 153g/km. With the new six-speed automatic fitted, the Coupe returns 39.8mpg and 165g/km. The Coupe is also the fastest in the range, with a 0-62mph time of 6.4 seconds – the same as the previous model.

The MINI JCW Hatch covers 0-62mph in 6.5 seconds and delivers the same fuel economy and emissions figures as the manual and automatic coupe. But while the Clubman version offers the same fuel economy, its extra weight means CO2 figures are 157g/km for the manual and 169g/km for the automatic.

Finally, the Roadster returns 41.5mpg and 157g/km of CO2, while the heavier, more powerful Countryman sees its figures improved to 38.2mpg and 172g/km.

Prices for the MINI JCW will still start from £22,450 for the Hatch.

Aston Martin DBS spotted Latest spy pictures of the new Aston Martin DBS ahead of its debut this summer
The replacement for the Aston Martin DBS has been caught testing ahead of its unveiling this summer.

These pictures show that the new car gets a more sculpted front end, which takes inspiration from the One-77 supercar. Larger air intakes, a chiselled bumper and reshaped headlights complete the aggressive look.

At the back, the new DBS gets an intricate rear spoiler and more muscular haunches.

The 6.0-litre V12 engine will remain, but with a power boost to around 550bhp, so expect 0-62mph in around four seconds and a 200mph top speed.

The DBS name is expected to be ditched, and a badge from the past resurrected. Sales will start towards the end of the year, with a price tag of around £200,000.

Toyota hybrid sales top 4m Toyota and Lexus have sold more than four million hybrid cars worldwide since 1997
Toyota has sold four million hybrids worldwide since the Prius was introduced in 1997.

According to official figures, Toyota sold 425,000 hybrid carss in the first four months of 2012 – of which 94,000 found homes in the UK. This means that hybrids account for 15 per cent of all Toyotas sold worldwide so far this year.

The Prius makes up the lion’s share of hybrid sales – with more than 2.6million sold – but Toyota now sells 19 hybrid cars in 80 countries, including the British-built Auris Hybrid and Lexus models such as the GS saloon and RX 4×4.

Toyota took almost a decade to record a million hybrid sales, which means three million were sold in the last five years alone.

For an alternative review of the latest Toyota Prius visit our sister site carbuyer.co.uk

Toyota hybrid sales top 4million – Toyota hybrid sales top 4million Toyota and Lexus have sold more than four million hybrid cars worldwide since 1997
Toyota has sold four million hybrids worldwide since the Prius was introduced in 1997.

According to official figures, Toyota sold 425,000 hybrid carss in the first four months of 2012 – of which 94,000 found homes in the UK. This means that hybrids account for 15 per cent of all Toyotas sold worldwide so far this year.

The Prius makes up the lion’s share of hybrid sales – with more than 2.6million sold – but Toyota now sells 19 hybrid cars in 80 countries, including the British-built Auris Hybrid and Lexus models such as the GS saloon and RX 4×4.

Toyota took almost a decade to record a million hybrid sales, which means three million were sold in the last five years alone.

For an alternative review of the latest Toyota Prius visit our sister site carbuyer.co.uk

Skoda Rapid spy pictures – Skoda Rapid spy pictures Our spy photographers catch the new Skoda Rapid testing ahead of its launch next year
The Skoda Rapid has been spied testing ahead of it arrival in UK showrooms in 2013.

The new small saloon is based on the MissionL concept first shown at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 2011, and will sit between the Fabia and Octavia in price and size.

The Rapid name – which is best known as the coupe that was on sale in the UK in the late eighties – was confirmed at the Beijing Motor Show last month.

These spy pictures show that the MissionL’s squared-off edges have been replaced by a more curvy, traditional design whcih is similar to that of the Octavia – a new version of which is also due next year and is set to be larger and more expensive than the current car.

The Rapid is likely to start from around £12,000 and share engines with the VW Polo and Jetta, including a 1.2-litre petrol and a 1.6 TDI. A more powerful vRS model may also join the line-up.

Mercedes E-Class spied The Mercedes E-Class has been updated for 2012, and our spies have caught the first pictures
A revised Mercedes E-Class saloon has been spied testing ahead of its launch later this year. The BMW 5 Series and Audi A6 rival will get a fresh grille and new front bumper, but these images reveal that the rear end will be updated, too.

A new rear bumper and revised tail-light clusters with LEDs will give the E-Class a cleaner look. The twin headlamp set-up of the current car will be replaced by single headlamps, and these will incorporate the LED daytime running lights that sit separately on the bumper of the existing model.

The E-Class will also have its suspension revised to include Magic Ride Control, which scans the road surface and adjusts the ride accordingly. Plus, technology will include Car-to-X information, which identifies and informs the driver of emergency vehicles and other hazards.

The cabin is also expected to be improved. Although the dash is unlikely to get a major redesign, there will be new finishes and an even broader range of interior trims and colours, as well as features like head-up display. 

Prices for the revised E-Class aren’t expected to change, so should start from around £30,000. 

For an alternative review of the latest Mercedes-Benz E-Class visit our sister site carbuyer.co.uk