YourDailyDrive

Aston Martin Zagato road car revealed

2011-08-25T16:39:00.000+03:00

Three HUNDRED and thirty thousand. That's precisely how many pounds you'll need to buy the roadgoing Aston Zagato. That's £239,105 more than the V12 Vantage it's based on...
So how are Aston justifying the price tag? It's all about the styling, it seems. Designed to celebrate the golden anniversary of the similarly handsome DB4 GT Zagato, the hand-built body - an aluminium and carbonfibre mélange - was penned by the Italian firm and sits on relatively untouched Vantage underwear.
he engine's standard, too - it's the 6.0-litre V12, which produces a piffling 510bhp and 420 lb ft of torque.
But it is very pretty. Very very pretty. And, considering just 150 are getting made, the chance of running into another one stands at comfortably long odds.
We'll be able to bring you more pics of it after this year's Frankfurt motor show - Aston's showing off the sister car to the one we drove around the Nurburgring and the concept originally shown at Villa d'Este concours.
http://www.topgear.com

Audi A8 hybrid revealed

2011-08-25T12:37:00.000+03:00

The hybrid Audi A8 saloon has been revealed ahead of its debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show.

The A8 Hybrid employs a four-cylinder 2.0-litre TFSI petrol engine with a powerful lithium-ion battery. Fitted for the first time in an Audi model at this level, the A8 produces 207bhp and 350Nm of torque from the petrol motor.

Along with the 40kw battery, total output on the hybrid A8 comes in at 241bhp with 427Nm of torque, which is delivered to the front wheels through a fast-shifting hybrid transmission.
Three drive modes are available: ‘EV’ gives priority to electric power, ‘D-mode’ is a combination of electric and petrol powered driving, while ‘S’ provides a livelier combination of both powertrains for increased performance.

It's exactly the same drivetrain used the Audi A6 Hybrid concept we drove this month.

The Audi A8 hybrid can drive at up to 62mph purely on electric power, and is capable of reaching 62mph in 7.7 seconds with CO2 emissions of 148g/km. Combined fuel economy is in excess of 44mpg, so still someway behind the firm's diesel offerings.

Visually, the hybrid A8 is almost identical to the standard car, with only subtle details such as its 18-inch or optional 19-inch aerodynamic alloy wheels, small hybrid badges and an exclusive Arctic Silver paint finish setting it apart.

Given the green light for series production beginning in 2012, and reaching the UK late next year, the A8 is one of the lightest saloons in its category thanks to its lightweight aluminium space frame chassis, but the added cost of the batteries and extra fuel-saving technology is likely to make it one of the more expensive models in the line-up.

Read more: http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/

BMW M5 on Track at Laguna Seca

2011-08-24T21:11:00.000+03:00

Mercedes unveils the Lego Unimog

2011-08-24T21:04:00.000+03:00

Stop what you're doing. That's right, stop it, especially that. Stop what you're doing and go and buy the Lego Technic Unimog U400. It's only the biggest Technic model of all time...
The 1:12 scale model measures 38.6cm from bumper to bumper when fully built, using 2,048 pieces and actually works. Like, really works.
It's got a pneumatically operated crane with a working gripper arm, a front winch, optional snowplough, full suspension, differentials, a four-wheel-drive chassis, gear block for extreme ground clearance and a working engine complete with moving pistons.It'll cost you £154.99, available exclusively from Argos and Lego stores. Go and get one. But before you rush out, answer us this: the Unimog is 60 this year and has sold over 380,000 models to date across the globe - how would you celebrate its anniversary? This is how Merc celebrated it - the Unimog concept.

Words : http://www.topgear.com

Watch: 426mph flying mile

2011-08-24T21:01:00.000+03:00

Palms inconveniently dry? Heart rate annoyingly slow? Finger nails irritatingly unchomped? Panic not, internet user. This video will help.
It shows 63-year-old hot rodder and racer, George Poteet, setting a new C/BFS record of 390.709mph during this year's Bonneville Speed Week in the USA
What the hell's C/BFS? Saltspeak for a streamliner running a fuel-burning forced-induction engine displacing between 306 (5014cc) and 372 cubic inches (6095cc), actually.
Poteet's car, rightfully named ‘Speed Demon' falls into the bigger end of the displacement scale - his V8's 347 cubic inches (5686cc) and has two Turbonetics turbos, which boost power to a 2,200bhp. Which is rather a lot.
Though it tends to help when you're trying to go very very fast. Which Poteet dutifully did. He broke the old C/BFS record of 366.043 mph and nearly earned the prestigious Hot Rod Magazine trophy for the fastest measured (416.539 mph).
Alas, he wasn't able to back up his time as the rules require so it didn't count. But during the run he became one of very few people to see 426.910mph on his speedometer.

Words: http://www.topgear.com

Bentley Continental GTC: first pics

2011-08-24T13:51:00.001+03:00

This is the new Bentley Continental GTC, announced ahead of its official world premiere at - you guessed it - the Frankfurt motor show.
The second-generation of Bentley's iconic drop-top has been "improved in virtually every aspect" over the first, some feat considering the original was a lightly monstrous machine.
Power from the 6.0-litre twin-turbocharged W12 engine has swollen from 552bhp to 567bhp, while torque rises from an already gargantuan 479lb ft to 516lb ft, which is enough to send the echoes of the Big Bang skittering back into the corners of the universe.The 0-60mph dash is covered in 4.5 seconds (0-62mph in 4.8s), 0-100mph takes 10.9 seconds and the top speed is 195mph. In fact, 30-50mph takes only two seconds, and 50-70mph takes a blink-of-an-eye longer (2.4s). And should your moral allegiances force you into acting greenly, that W12 also runs on E85 biofuel too.
That prodigious power output is, again, sent to all four wheels via a ‘Quickshift' six-speed auto ‘box (said to cut shift time by up to 50 per cent), while a new rear-biased torque split of 40:60 is said to reduce understeer and allow for "throttle steering". There's another name for that. Hooning.
Bentley says advanced manufacturing techniques have produced new aluminium front wings without the need for seams or welds, "creating the look and feel of a coach-built car", while you are suitably indulged inside with soft-touch leather, wood veneers, ‘cool-touch' metals, deep-pile carpets and a tailored, multi-layered fabric hood developed for optimum noise isolation. Rear passengers even get more legroom.
Wolfgang Dürheimer, Bentley chairman, said: "The GTC has always been the most emotional model in the Continental range and a showcase for Bentley design. It's a pure British convertible true to those classic Bentleys of the past, but the excellence invested in this model means we are now writing a new chapter for the Bentley convertible driver."
Ah yes, the typical Bentley convertible driver. We'll set aside such quandaries for the time being, and allow you lot to wallow in the £149,350 GTC's magnificence. Like it?
http://www.topgear.com

Mercedes B-Class revealed

2011-08-23T21:28:00.002+03:00

The wraps are off the new Mercedesw B-Class – and as these official pictures reveal, the compact MPV is aiming for the top.

It looks much sleeker than the model it replaces, thanks to the curvy design language introduced on the latest CLS four-door coupe.

The sharp crease and ‘tick’ on the flanks are recognisable Mercedes traits, as is the bold three-bar grille. A more steeply raked roofline gives the B-Class a sportier stance than before.

Inside, the sweeping dash incorporates big SLS-style metal air vents, and can be finished in a choice of classy wood or metal trim. A large display sitting above the centre console has been shaped to mimic an Apple iPad. Driver and passengers can use this to navigate the brand’s COMAND media interface. The colour screen is available in 15cm or 17cm sizes, and gives passengers Internet access via a 3G phone connection.

The luxury feel is worthy of far more expensive models, thanks to an extensive list of gadgets taken from the rest of Mercedes’ range. This includes DISTRONIC radar-guided cruise control and fatigue sensors. Plus, the advanced braking system helps perform emergency stops if it senses an imminent collision. High-spec models get heated leather seats as standard.

Under the skin, engineers have concentrated on improving refinement and agility, so the new model’s centre of gravity is 30mm lower than in the original B-Class. This has been made possible by ditching the old car’s ‘sandwich’ architecture in favour of a more traditional construction. There’s also a clever multi-link rear suspension set-up that will help improve handling and ride comfort. In addition, buyers can specify a Sport package, which will lower the suspension and quicken up the steering for a more engaging drive.

The engines promise to be among the most efficient in the class, with Mercedes claiming that the standard diesels will “offer the same fuel economy as a VW Golf BlueMotion”. The firm is most likely referring to the 1.8-litre CDI, which is available with 107bhp or 134bhp. This should deliver sub-100g/km CO2 emissions and return fuel economy of around 70mpg.

A 2.1-litre diesel – currently offered in the C and E-Class – will also be available, with 168bhp or 201bhp. And an all-new 1.6-litre petrol turbo with 123bhp or 154bhp is on the cards, too.

Mercedes has engineered an ‘Energy Space’ beneath the passenger compartment. This can be used to store batteries or even a fuel cell for future all-electric or hydrogen-powered cars, expected to debut in 2014. On top of that, the next B-Class’s chassis will form the basis for a range of new models, including a four-door coupé and a small SUV.

The newcomer will debut in the flesh at next month’s Frankfurt Motor Show. But it won’t go on sale here until next spring, when it will aim to trump rivals such as the Ford C-MAX. While that model starts from around £15,000, the more luxurious Mercedes will cost nearer to £20,000.

http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/

How many people bought a Prius in China last year?

2011-08-23T20:16:00.000+03:00

So,
many people bought a Prius in China last year. A country with over 1300000000 people. The answer..... ONE. Gust one .According to results of new research published on The Guardian website today.

Ford Focus RS

2011-08-23T16:33:00.000+03:00

Bosses at Ford have started to talk candidly for the first time about a firebreathing new performance flagship – and Auto Express has all the details.

The big news is that the third-generation RS will get a huge hike in power. The highly modified 2.0-litre EcoBoost turbocharged engine is set to eclipse the 301bhp output of the 2.5-litre five-cylinder turbo in the previous version, with an output as high as 380bhp. That would be more than even the limited-edition Focus RS500, which delivered 350bhp.

Gunnar Herrmann, vehicle line director for Ford’s small car range, has been widely reported as saying: “I think [more power for the next-generation RS] is sustainable. With the RS500, we went up to 350bhp and some of our development units went up to 380bhp. And they had more torque.”

What’s more, the new RS will still be front-wheel drive. Herrmann added: “I think we stay with our two-wheel-drive strategy [for the new RS], which I think was well executed [for the previous version].”

This news comes as shock. Extracting anything over 300bhp from a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo would be no easy task; it would be one of the highest outputs of any mainstream performance car. But Herrmann believes it can be done – and if the RS delivers, it’s likely to rocket from 0-60mph in around 5.5 seconds and go on to an electronically limited 155mph top speed.

As for the chassis, Herrmann’s comments suggest the new hot Focus will get an updated version of Ford’s clever RevoKnuckle front suspension. This uses a modified McPherson front strut that allows more of the tyre to stay in contact with the road when cornering hard, and reduces torque steer. Plus, the comments appear to rule out rumours that the RS would get an electric motor to drive the rear wheels, maximising traction.

However, Herrmann clearly believes the new chassis can handle extra power. So, as well as getting updated suspension, the RS is likely to employ an even more sophisticated version of the firm’s torque vectoring system, which cleverly delivers torque to the front wheels without excessive wheelspin.

At the moment, there are no official plans for a three-door version of the latest Focus – although a coupe model is still on the cards – so our exclusive images show how the five-door RS could look. As with the forthcoming Focus ST, which will be five-door only, it’s easy to see how the practical shape can be made more muscular with a bodykit, gaping front grille and details such as a central exhaust and big rear wing.

Bosses have yet to reveal a launch date for the new RS, although it’s still at least two years away. However, fast Ford fans won’t have to wait too long for hot ST versions of the Focus and Fiesta to arrive. The wraps will be pulled off both models for the first time at next month’s Frankfurt Motor Show.

The Focus ST features a 247bhp 2.0-litre EcoBoost turbo, and is scheduled to land in dealers before the end of the year. Its sizzling Fiesta brother is likely to get a 1.6-litre EcoBoost with 200bhp, and goes on sale in the spring.

http://www.autoexpress.co.uk

Ferrari 458 Spider

2011-08-23T13:22:00.000+03:00

Like the California, the roof's made out of aluminium alloy, which saves 25kg over a folding rag-top. But it's still 50kg heavier than the fixed head, but it only ads 0.1 secs to the 0-62mph time, which is a dizzying 3.5 seconds. There is also a wind stop so you can make a conversation at 125 mph. The Spider is powered by the same 4.5 liter v8 and the top speed is 198 mph.

100 years of Ford tour

2011-08-23T01:11:00.000+03:00

A 1911 Model T, a 1966 Anglia and the new 2011 Ford Focus estate and a electric Transit were the cars in the Ford tour. They will visit Ford factories and dealers around the country.

"pics Auto express"

New Mazda MX-5 pictured

2011-08-23T01:02:00.000+03:00

The new mazda mx-5 has a kerbweight of around 950kg. That’s thanks to the weight-efficient new Skyactiv chassis, powertrain and body. The mx-5 will have a 1.5-litre Skyactiv-G engine offering around 125bhp and with fuel economy of about 55mpg

Singapore Billionaire Peter Lim Buys McLaren Stake

2011-08-22T23:29:00.000+03:00

Peter Lim, a former stockbroker in Singapore whose personal net worth is estimated at $1.8 billion, has made a "significant investment" in British supercar maker McLaren Automotive and has taken a seat on the board of directors.
Lim is one of several overseas investors in the company, which is headed by CEO Ron Dennis and partly owned by Saudi businessman Mansour Ojjeh and the Kingdom of Bahrain.
Dennis said: said: "On behalf of the McLaren Automotive board, I welcome Peter Lim to McLaren and look forward to working closely with him as our company expands into the Asia region."
Lim's interest in McLaren had been rumored since earlier this year. The size of his investment was not disclosed, but McLaren said Lim's involvement would "strengthen the company's corporate and trading influence in (Asia) at a time of encouraging demand" for the new McLaren MP4-12C sports car.
Already on sale in the U.K. and Europe, the MP4-12C is slated to begin reaching Asia dealers late this year. McLaren said it already has taken orders in the region that amount to 18 months' production.

http://www.insideline.com

This is the new Mercedes Benz SLK 55 AMG

2011-08-22T18:32:00.000+03:00

Fans of naturally aspirated V8 engines, rejoice! Today, Mercedes-Benz and AMG have revealed the third generation of their enfant terrible, the new SLK 55 AMG, ahead of it's world premiere at the Frankfurt motor show.
And, for once, the badge actually matches the engine. The drop-top roadster gets a 5.5-litre V8, essentially the same new V8 currently doing the business in the CLS 63 AMG, the S 63 AMG, E 63 AMG and CL 63 AMG. Just without the two turbochargers.
his V8 distinguishes itself from its turbocharged sibling with new intake air ducting, new cylinder heads, a modified valve drive, an adapted oil supply system, an optimised crankcase, four-valve technology and a Formula One-style cylinder ‘shut-off' system. As the name suggests, under partial throttle, two or four of the eight pots are turned off to help fuel consumption and emissions. In fact, Mercedes claims it only emits 199g/km of CO2 and returns around 28mpg.
But you won't care about the SLK 55 AMG's preservationist credentials. Because that 5.5-litre V8 produces 420bp (60bhp up from the old SLK 55) and 400lb ft of torque, which feeds a Speedshift Plus 7G-Tronic auto ‘box. It'll accelerate from 0-62mph in 4.6 seconds and keep going to a limited top speed of 155mph.
AMG has fiddled with the SLK's suspension too, stiffening up the springs, dampers and stabilisers as well as applying more negative camber on the rear axle to help combat body roll and aid high-speed stability. It also gets drilled and vented discs and torque vectoring brakes that actuate on one of the rear wheels during ‘critical cornering conditions'. There's also AMG's Direct-Steer system, which graduates the assistance from the power steering. ESP is available in ‘on', ‘sport handling' and ‘off' modes, and you can opt for the AMG handling pack, with even stiffer suspension, a rear axle differential lock, composite brake discs and a three-spoke steering wheel.
The new AMG sports exhaust features two flaps: both are closed under 2,000rpm, then open gradually above this at 15, 30 and 50 degrees, and sit wide open under full throttle. For the layman's definition of this, read ‘quiet when cruising, a bit louder when pushed then ruddy thunderous when hooned'.
Mercedes has looked to the halo SLS for the 55's interior design, such as the brushed aluminium centre console, an AMG analogue watch, and ‘jet engine' style air vents. As expected, you sit in plush AMG sports seats, nappa leather and, of course, get the option of the panoramic vario-roof, which switches from light to dark by simply pressing a button.

There's also an ‘Edition 1' 55 AMG ion the menu, specifying different interior and exterior details such as light-alloy wheels, three paint finishes and two-tone leather inside.
UK pricing is yet to be confirmed, but the SLK 55 AMG costs £63,200 (€72,590) and £74,500 (€85,520) for the Edition 1 variant in Germany. Excited by this news?
www.topgear.com

New BMW M2 coupe revealed

2011-08-22T15:40:00.000+03:00

It’s a BMW M car revolution! Auto Express can reveal the news every fan of the BMW's M division will want to hear... The firm is gearing up to rival the Porsche Cayman and Audi TT RS with a new M2 coupé.

We spoke exclusively to the M Division’s new managing director, Dr Friedrich Nitschke, and he revealed the car was key to his plans. Plus, it’s only the start.

A revolutionary new M3 is also in the pipeline, and there are discussions over a Lamborghini Aventador-rivalling supercar. The ambitious plans will help BMW take the fight to the quattro GmbH performance arm which makes S and RS-badged Audis, plus the R8.

The M2 will be based on the firm’s F21 platform – also set to underpin the 2 Series, due early in 2014 – and has a front-mounted engine driving the rear wheels.

One BMW insider has told us the newcomer, a direct descendent of the 1 Series Coupe, will be instantly recognisable from the entry-level car with its bold look.

Our source also explained that BMW will not copy Audi’s “sausage factory” approach to design. This means the racy new 2 Series will get unique front  and rear end styling, as our exclusive images reveal.

The new 2 badge will also help BMW manage its model range, since the 1 Series family has expanded to include hatch, coupe, cabriolet and crossover models. Plus, it will overcome the problem of using M branding in conjunction with the 1 Series nameplate.

The company is currently testing two engines. The first – a 3.0-litre six-cylinder turbo – offers around 350bhp and is very similar to that in the 1M Coupe (tested on Page 56). The second is an innovative tri-turbo, giving similar performance but better fuel economy. This will debut in a new X3M at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September.

Power will be fed through BMW’s all-new DCT semi-automatic transmission, while the brakes will be taken from the current M3. To keep the newcomer’s weight to a minimum, the firm is expected to make extensive use of the advanced carbon fibre-reinforced plastics it has developed for its Project i cars.

This material, which was first adopted on the E46 M3 CSL, is stronger than steel and yet extremely light. What’s more, it is much easier to repair than carbon fibre.

Nitschke told us: “In the 1M Coupe, we have a starter car for the M Division, and we are continuing to develop this project. Such models must be sporty, and offer extraordinarily low fuel consumption. This is something we could achieve with the M2. I think the 1M Coupe proves there is room for an M2, a coupe.”

The all-new two-door is expected to arrive here in 2015 – and if demand for the 1M Coupe is anything to go by, it’s set to be a huge showroom success. BMW reports that only 30 of the 450 right-hand-drive versions of the two-door 1 Series it has built remain unsold.

http://www.autoexpress.co.uk

Nissan GT-R SpecM spied

2011-08-22T15:13:00.000+03:00

The beast has been tamed… or has it. These are the first shots of the SpecM edition of Nissan’s GT-R. From the outside it may not look that different to the standard car but underneath its skin and inside the cabin the SpecM will feature a host of modifications aimed to make the hardcore Nissan more luxurious.

In direct contrast to the SpecV, which is trimmed to be the speed-model of the range, the SpecM will be focussed on a greater comfort. Features will include a revised suspension setup aimed more for long-distance rides, there will be more comfortable seats, a less sporty interior layout and a there will be a high-quality audio and multimedia system.

It appears that the only visible exterior differences will be a set of new front and rear bumpers.

Power will continue to be supplied by the same 3.8-litre V6 engine though, which means despite the extra comfort and luxury we can still expect blistering pace from the SpecM, with a 0-60mph time of sub four-seconds.

So far any details on price or launch dates are unknown, but with the SpecV editon on sale in Japan for around £115,000, the SpecM will cost a premium over the standard version. Expect the SpecM to go on sale in Japan initially before making its way to Europe soon after.

http://www.autoexpress.co.uk

Audi S6 spy shots

2011-08-22T11:29:00.000+03:00

These are the clearest pictures yet of the forthcoming Audi S6 super saloon, caught undergoing final testing in America ahead of its debut later this year.

With no secretive cladding to deter prying eyes, the identity of the Californian-plated car is revealed by a subtly lower front bumper, extended side skirts and small boot spoiler. Finishing off the look are 19-inch alloy wheels and the quad exhaust set-up, traditionally the preserve of fast Audis.

Under the bonnet, the naturally-aspirated 5.2-litre V10 unit employed in the outgoing S6 has been replaced with an all-new single turbo 4.0-litre V8, also earmarked for the new Bentley Continental GT.
Power output is expected to be around 450bhp – an increase of roughly 20bhp over the old model – which will be fed through all four wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox. A 550bhp twin-turbo version is expected to be unleashed in the full-fat RS version at a later date.

http://www.autoexpress.co.uk

Porsche Cayman spy shots

2011-08-22T11:20:00.000+03:00

Porsche has always taken an evolutionary approach to design. The timeless silhouette of the 911 for example, has barely altered over a period of nearly 50 years, and it would appear that the company are sticking with this design philosophy with the next-generation Cayman, as these spy shots reveal.

At the front new LED headlights provide a sharper, fresher look and deep air intakes in the bumper add aggression. In profile, the model appears to be similar to its predecessor with the most significant changes consisting of more flared wheelarches and what appears to be a slightly higher window-line positioned above sculpted rear flanks.

The biggest changes are reserved for the rear end, which appears much lower to the ground than before, with a strikingly large rear window providing greater rearward visibility and hinting at increased practicality.

It’s likely the new Cayman will follow the trend set by the second-generation Cayenne and the upcoming next-generation Boxster by shedding some weight as Porsche looks to improve economy across their range and lower combined CO2 output to comply with increasingly tough Euro V emission standards.

Buyers can expect the Cayman to make its debut at a major motor show in late 2012, ahead of its 2013 on-sale date.

http://www.autoexpress.co.uk

New BMW M3 spy shots

2011-08-22T11:13:00.000+03:00

The first BMW M3 with turbo power is ready to charge in. Our spies have got the best glimpse yet at the next-generation supersaloon, which looks set to be one of the firm’s best all-rounders yet.

The standard 3 Series hasn’t even been unveiled to the public yet, but these images reveal the M version is not far off. Clearly visible are muscular wheelarches, an aggressive front bumper and a larger rear apron, including the trademark quad exhaust pipes. The wheels are taken from the current car, but expect the finished version to come with unique lightweight designs.

Using lessons learned from BMW’s eco-friendly i brand, the newcomer will employ hi-tech materials such as aluminium and carbon fibre-reinforced plastic to slash weight, boost performance and provide even more nimble rear-wheel-drive handling.

The M3 is rumoured to be getting an engine that lives up to its name, in the form of a 3.3-litre straight-six unit fitted with three turbochargers – two driven by exhaust gases and one driven by electricity. This unique set-up is rumoured to offer around 450bhp – that’s compared to the 414bhp produced by the current 4.0-litre V8.

The car pictured here is based on the four-door saloon. But it’s likely that the two-door coupe will arrive in the UK first – as was the case with the existing version – some time in 2014, with a price tag in the region of £60,000.

http://www.autoexpress.co.uk

stupidly modified cars

2011-08-21T19:38:00.002+03:00

Jaguar's new 3-Series

2011-08-21T18:46:00.000+03:00

The baby Jaguar is back! Following our previous recent story, bosses at the British firm’s parent company, Tata, have confirmed that a BMW 3-Series rival – designed to sit below the XF and replace the X-Type – is already under development. And our exclusive pictures show how the compact newcomer could look.

The announcement came from Tata chief executive, Carl-Peter Forster. He admitted that for Jaguar to take on its German competitors globally, a smaller, higher sales volume saloon was a necessity, and so work has begun on the new car. Although the Ford Mondeo-based first-generation X-Type was hardly a sales success, a replacement is on the cards – thanks in part to the positive reception the RD6 concept received at the Frankfurt Motor Show seven years ago. In keeping with the XF and XJ, the next car will feature a cutting-edge design, but to separate itself from the larger models, there will be plenty of smooth curves instead of sharp creases.

As our images show, an interpretation of the XF’s rectangular mesh grille and swept-back headlights would give the front end the new Jaguar family look. At the back, more rounded edges to the boot, boomerang tail-lamps and pronounced curves over the wheelarches create a distinctive and muscular stance. Under the skin, the plot thickens, though. Our sources have revealed that Jaguar is working on an all-new aluminium rear-wheel-drive platform for the X-Type replacement, with the aim of making it the lightest, best-handling car in its class.

Such a massive undertaking would absorb a large chunk of Tata’s £1billion per year research and development budget for Jaguar/Land Rover, so to spread the costs, the modular platform will also be used on the next-generation XF, XK and an all-new sports. Bearing in mind that the big XJ already uses an aluminium chassis, this would mean the range would eventually be all aluminium, with significant benefits for fuel economy.

Also boosting the newcomer’s green credentials will be a pair of downsized four-cylinder engines – diesel and petrol turbo units, with the former replacing the Ford-sourced 2.2-litre oil-burner that’s currently fitted to the Freelander in Jaguar/Land Rover’s portfolio.

A range-topping 3.0-litre V6 turbodiesel could also be offered, as well as a hybrid version in 2015. This would pair the V6 diesel with a 35kW (47bhp) electric motor integrated into an eight-speed ZF automatic transmission.

When it appears in 2012, the 3-Series rival will be earmarked as Jaguar’s big-seller – but even without it, things are going well for the British brand. Latest sales figures show that it shifted 6,776 cars in June – 59 per cent more than in the same month last year.

http://www.autoexpress.co.uk

New 3-Series revealed

2011-08-21T18:42:00.000+03:00

Meet the must-have executive car that’s heading straight to the top of the sales charts. This sleek saloon is our best look yet at BMW’s all-new 3-Series, which is due  to make its debut in  the next 12 months.

Offering more efficient engines, smarter looks, a sharper driving experience and a larger model range than ever – including a Gran Turismo hatch – it’s the most desirable 3-Series yet.

Our spy photographers snapped the all-new model inside and out while it was  undergoing testing in Germany, which has allowed us to produce these illustrations. As you can see, the newcomer is every inch the baby 5-Series, with a more upright front end featuring wider kidney grilles. Subtle cues that mark out the 3-Series include  a pointed, aggressive nose, deeper faired-in headlights  and more scalloped flanks.

The new model is the work of design boss Adrian Van Hoydoonk, and is typical of his approach, which is far less controversial than that of predecessor Chris Bangle. The styling  is more slippery, too, enclosing as much of the chassis as possible to help reduce drag.

Under the skin  lies a refreshed rear-wheel-drive platform that’s so versatile it will also underpin the next-generation 1-Series. It uses MacPherson front suspension and a four-link rear layout, and boasts a new electronic power-steering system. Engineers will be keen to make the driving experience as fun as ever, and improve ride comfort, too.

With the sixth-generation car being slightly longer and wider, it’s expected to offer more space inside, while increased use of composite materials will reduce weight. The cabin also nods to the 5-Series, with gadgets such as wireless internet, a lane- departure warning set-up, infra-red night vision, a system to stop the driver falling asleep and radar- based adaptive cruise control.

Big-selling models will get a range of new 1.6 and 2.0-litre petrol and diesel turbos. These will feature variable intake and exhaust timing, plus direct  injection to improve performance and efficiency. A six-speed  manual box will be standard,  with an eight-speed auto option.

Factor in the latest EfficientDynamics emissions- cutting tweaks – such as stop-start, brake energy recovery and clever alternators – and it’s easy to see how the new line-up will cut fuel consumption and CO2 emissions by more than 10 per cent.

But that’s not all! As we reported in Issue 1,111, BMW is also working on a three- cylinder engine, which promises 75mpg and 100g/km of CO2. Of course, there will also still be the option of the firm’s 3.0-litre six-cylinder turbo – a motor that the new  M3 will use  to even greater effect.

The new 3-Series is likely  to debut at the end of 2011.  We’ll have to wait until 2012  for the Coupé, Convertible – which is likely to maintain its retractable metal roof – and Touring estate versions to arrive.

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Porsche 961 revealed

2011-08-21T18:39:00.000+03:00

A new Porsche supercar to rival Ferrari and McLaren’s finest is edging ever closer – but buyers had better start saving now, because it could carry a price tag of around £350,000.

Porsche CEO Matthias Müller has told a German newspaper there is room in the range for a mid-engined sports car to sit above the 911. He added such a model “in a price segment of 400,000 euros has a good chance of being built”.

That would make it a direct replacement for the Carrera GT supercar, which cost £320,000 in 2004. Our exclusive images show how the model – which would sit below the £678,000 limited-run 918 Spyder – could look. It’s set to be called 961, reviving a badge last used on a 959-based racer, designed to compete in Group B sportscar racing in the Eighties.

There are no details on its engine or chassis, but the 961 will have to boast about 600bhp, most likely from a turbocharged version of the high-revving 3.4-litre V8 in the RS Spyder racer. Making extensive use of carbon fibre and aluminium, the car should do 0-60mph in three seconds and go beyond 220mph.

However, it won’t have hybrid technology – that’s being reserved for the top-spec 918 Spyder. The 961 should arrive in around 2014.

Mercedes SLK 63 AMG

2011-08-20T22:16:00.000+03:00

The AMG revolution continues! The latest model, caught testing by our snappers near the Nurburgring, is a prototype of the SLK 63 AMG which is set to go on sale in 2012.

Clearly visible under the disguise is Mercedes' new upright grille, which features on the SLS supercar, and LED running lights can also be seen on smaller headlamp units.

At the rear an SLS style spoiler sits just above redesigned tail lights and an edgier bootlid with a wider number plate recess, whilst quad-tailpipes, larger wheels and uprated brakes mark this car out as the AMG model and hint at the pace on offer.

Power should come from the epic 5.5-litre twin-turbo V8 recently announced for the S63 and CL63 AMG models giving the baby roadster a potential 540bhp and 800Nm of torque. Combined with the SLK's relatively lightweight shell, the AMG should see the previous model's 0-62mph sprint time cut from 4.9 seconds to just over four seconds with the top speed limited to 155mph.

Mercedes could choose to limit the car's power however tuners will be eager to unleash the AMG Performance Package that pushes power figures up to 563bhp with 900Nm of torque.

An expected price of around £60,000 brings the AMG version of the SLK close to the base-price for the SL which is due to receive an aluminium-construction replacement in 2012.

Mercedes is currently undergoing an entire refresh of their sportscar range which could see a new model slot between the SLK and SL.

BMW 2 Series

2011-08-20T22:11:00.000+03:00

Engines will be shared with the 1 Series, and will include the 1.6-litre TwinPower turbocharged four-cylinder petrol unit, which currently offers up to 170bhp in the 118i. Among the diesel options will be a revised 2.0-litre, delivering up to 181bhp.

However, an uprated 3.0-litre straight-six-cylinder turbo petrol engine is on the cards for the 1 and 2 Series. This will deliver between 250bhp and 350bhp.

The new 2 Series models are not the only rebadged BMWs on the cards. There are rumours that the company will apply a similar strategy to the 3 Series, renaming the Coupe and Convertible as the 4 Series.

A few weeks ago we revealed that the new badge is set to grace the forthcoming GT hatch – but it appears the 4 Series tag could be saved for just the Coupé and drop-top variants. BMW is following Audi, which has set the A5 Coupe, Cabriolet and hatch apart from the regular A4 line-up.

Versions of the all-new 4 Series are still some way away. The next-generation 3 Series doesn’t go on sale until early next year, after debuting at next month’s Frankfurt Motor Show, so other models based on this platform aren’t likely to arrive until 2013.

Further up the range, the 6 Series line-up is expanding with a new four-seater, four-door coupe based on the Gran Coupe concept. This is due in showrooms next year.

The rebadging strategy, which sees even numbers refer to sporty derivatives, also leaves the door open for a return of the 8 Series name, last used on BMW’s flagship Nineties coupe.