NEW DODGE VIPER TEASED

We won't see it properly until the New York show in April, but Dodge has released this teasing sketch.

A brand-new Dodge Viper is coming to the New York motor show in April, and this is the first teaser shot of it.

Things to note? Well, for a start it won't actually be called a 'Dodge', as the new Viper will use the SRT performance badge as a stand-alone brand for the first time.

It will also be the first time a Viper has had traction control, as US regs now require it. Oh, and the V10 is now up to 8.7 litres and is expected to produce around 600hp.

Other than that there's not a great deal to say about the new car, except that it looks, with that curvaceous bonnet and double-bubble roof, like it might hark back to the original Viper GTS coupe of 1996. Which can't be a bad thing.

Source Pistonheads.co.uk

BMW'S M DIESELS: THE OFFICIAL DETAILS

5-series, X6 and X5 tri-turbo M cars to be first offerings of M Performance sub-brand.

BMW has finally revealed the full details of its forthcoming range of diesel M cars, the first to come under the new 'M Performance Automobiles' banner and the first to get BMW's new extra-torquey tri-turbo diesel engines.

First to arrive in the UK will be the £60,325 BMW X5 M50d and the £62,260 BMW X6 M50d, which both land in Blighty in June, while the M550d and M550d Touring (praise be - an M-badged 5-series wagon!!) launches in October.

All the diesel Ms will get the same version of the new treble-turbo Twinpower 3.0-litre straight-six diesel, an M-developed powerplant that effortlessly outpunches any previous diesel efforts from Bee-Em.

The key stats you'll need to remember for pub-talk ammo are 381hp, 545lb ft of torque (between 2,000 and 3,000rpm). Which is pretty impressive - and even more so when you consider that the 5-series version emits just 165g/km of CO2, the same as the 535d, but with almost 70hp more to offer.

That power and torque translates, via an eight-speed automatic gearbox, to 0-62mph in 5.4 seconds for the X5 and 5.3 seconds for the X6, while the M550d will manage the same sprint in 4.7 seconds for the saloon and 4.9 seconds for the Touring.


The diesel side of things, meanwhile, combines with BMW's now familiar Efficient Dynamics gubbins (stop-start, brake energy regeneration, etc) to provide impressive fuel economy figures. BMW claims 37.7mpg on the combined cycle for the X5, with the X6 managing 36.7mpg. The 5-series manages 44.7mpg in saloon form and 44.1mpg in estate shape.

Talking of xDrive, the M550d will only be available as the four-wheel-drive M550d xDrive model and, since BMW won't sell a 4wd 5-series in the UK, that means it'll be left-hook only.

To justify the use of the hallowed M badge there are some dynamic tweaks too, with bespoke chassis settings, steering ratios and even some chassis bits and bobs taken from full-on M models.
Inside, bespoke stainless steel sill plates, leather-bound dashboards and M steering wheels and seats smarten up the ambience, while mild exterior styling tweaks set the cars apart from ordinary BMWs.

Source Pistonheads.com

The 2012 Porsche Boxster

Porsche is telling us this – and this only – about The Boxster 3.0. One, it’s lighter, bigger, and comes with a choice of smaller 2.7-litre (265bhp) and same size 3.4-litre (315bhp) flat six engines slung out behind the driver but in front of the driven wheels. Two, that it’s up to 15 per cent less thirsty. Three, and a surprising one this: it will cost £37,589 and £45,384 for the ‘S’ when it goes on sale in the UK on 28 April. That’s just over a grand and just over £1500 more than the outgoing Boxster (or generation 2.2.1, if you are interested in keeping the software metaphor going)

However, you don’t need a Doctorate in Cars to work out the rest. You know by now the Boxster and the 911 have always been ‘close’. So you’ll know that the new car has a lot more aluminium and that controversial-but-excellent electric power steering from the new 911. Hence the 15 per cent saving at the fuel pump. Reasonable also to guess that the Boxster keeps the same architectural stuff keeping those one inch bigger wheels doing what you ask them to; struts at the front, multi-link at the rear. And it all being longer and wider between those wheels, that chassis will be put to even better work.
Yeah, this is one worth looking forward to.

And while we would not for one minute suggest how you should feel about its looks, we do believe you might want to call Specsavers if you don’t think this is an awfully pretty car. We’re getting an even stronger nose of Carrera GT than Boxster 2.0 and even a faint whiff of 918; there is definitely something in those slightly taller arches that says ‘let’s go racing’. People are less likely to call this a hairdressers’ Porsche.

Other kit making its way over from the new 911 spec sheet is a Chrono Pack that includes dynamic transmission mounts and the PVT torque vectoring system. The six speed manual transmission is standard, and, if you want to give up a little performance in exchange for all that extra mpg, then the double clutch PDK is an option.

Source Topgear.com

VW UP GT GETS GREEN LIGHT

Production plans confirmed for city car hot hatch.

Volkswagen will return to the junior hot hatch market with a production version of the Up GT concept, the company has confirmed.

The spiced-up city car, which was part of VW's line-up at the Frankfurt motor show last autumn, has been given the green light and is currently undergoing evaluation by senior VW execs.

Back in Frankfurt VW was making encouraging noises about the car being in the mould of the original Golf GTI, but we reckon that the new Up GT could be more like a spiritual successor to the Lupo GTI, which enjoys a loyal cult following.

As for the nitty gritty of the new Up GT, there's not much in the way of firm detail yet, as we don't know when, how much or how many.
But we do know a few things: the little three-cylinder engine remains, but a turbo will be strapped on to it, a six-speed gearbox will be attached (a manual, we hope) and 110hp will be provided. Sounds rather fun, doesn't it?
 Source Pistonheads.co.uk

PEUGEOT PULLS OUT OF SPORTS CAR RACING

French manufacturer cancels Le Mans programme with immediate effect.

Peugeot has revealed that it has given its endurance racing programme the chop - including its participation in the Le Mans 24 Hours.

With the Peugeot 908 HDi, the French manufacturer has been Audi's main sports car rival - and its only diesel competitor since 2007, winning the legendary Le Mans endurance race in 2009 and taking the first Intercontinental Le Mans Cup title last year.

"This decision has been taken in the context of a difficult economic environment in Europe," said Peugeot in a statement. "Peugeot has chosen to concentrate resources on its sales performance in 2012."

It's an undeniable blow for the LMP1 Le Mans category, especially since Toyota will not have a full campaign ready this year, and Porsche's embryonic challenger won't be ready until 2014.

Source Pistonheads.com

Volkswagen Up named WhatCar? Car of the Year 2012

With the What Car? Awards being one of the Car Industry’s most recognised awards, scooping up the car of the year is always a big deal for the auto-maker who’s car picks up the award. Congratulations are in order for Volkswagen as the Volkswagen Up has been named the 2012 What Car? Car of the year.

According to What Car? Editor-in-chief Chas Hallett “The Volkswagen Up is the best car we've seen this year because it combines refinement, quality, space and economy. It sets new standards for the £10,000 price bracket. It feels at home in town and copes admirably on the motorway; it is the right car for the time.”

Two other awards were picked up by Volkswagen including the top prize in the small family car category for the Volkswagen Golf and the Safety Award for the City Emergency Braking System on the Up. This is the fourth year Volkswagen is wining the top prize in the small family car category.

CITY CAR Volkswagen Up 1.0 75 High Up

SUPERMINIAudi A1 1.4 TFSI 122 Sport
SMALLVolkswagen Golf 1.4 TSI 122 Match 5dr
FAMILYFord Mondeo 1.6 TDCi 115 Eco Zetec S/S
ESTATEFord Mondeo Estate 2.0 TDCi 140 Zetec
MPVSeat Alhambra 2.0 TDI 140 Ecomotive S
HOT HATCHRenault Mégane Renaultsport 250 Cup
COUPEAudi TT 2.0 TFSI 211 Sport
OPEN TOPAudi TT Roadster 2.0 TFSI 211 Sport
PERFORMANCEPorsche 911 Carrera S PDK
SUV BMW X3 xDrive20d SE automatic
EXECUTIVE BMW 320d SE automatic
LUXURYMercedes-Benz S350 CDI Bluetec

What Car? editor-in-chief Chas Hallett said: “The decision-making process this year has been harder than ever, because the automotive industry keeps building better, more economical and more desirable cars that offer consumers great value for money. The objective of the annual What Car? Awards is to let our readers know the best car in every class”

Volkswagen E-Bugster concept unveiled in Detroit [video]

Volkswagen has officially unveiled the E-Bugster concept at the North American International Auto Show.

Looking remarkably similar to the Regster concept, the E-Bugster is an electric Beetlr with a 695lb (315kg) lithium-ion battery. It powers an electric motor that produces 114hp (85kw/116PS) and 199 lb-ft (270Nm) of torque. This enables the car to travel more than 100 miles (161 km) on a single charge.

When the battery is deplated, it can be recharged via a 120v or 240v outlet. It can also use a rapid charger to deliver an 80% charge in just 30 minutes.

On the styling front, the model is distinguished by a hot rod style chopped roof, flared fenders and 20" alloy wheels. As you would expect there is your normal LED daytime running lights along with a two seat configuration and EV specific gauges.

Source Worldcarfans.com

LEXUS LF-LC CONCEPT UNVEILED AHEAD OF DETROIT

No, it's not a Lexus LF-A that's melted. These are the first images of the Lexus LF-LC, a new coupe concept that Toyota's luxury brand is readying for the Detroit show next week.

As well as the usual concept car trick of previewing future Lexus production cars (in this case an evolution of the Lexus 'L-Finesse' form language), the LF-LC could well more directly influence a future 2+2 coupe.

This would most likely come in the form of a 2+2 spiritual successor to the unloved SC430 coupe-cabriolet (except rather more loved, Lexus most probably hopes), which could take on the likes of the Jaguar XK and Mercedes SL as soon as 2015.

As for a potential powertrain - expect something hybrid, hopefully in connection to a V8 internal combustion engine, a la LS600h...


Source Pistonheads.com

Mercedes E-Class Superlight 2015

Merc's carbonfibre fuel cell exec.

Mercedes' answer to the Audi E-tron and BMW i is the new E Superlight, a revolutionary carbonfibre saloon depicted here in CAR Magazine artist's impression.
In size the new Merc E Superlight is close to the CLS, though its price stretches closer to the S-class. In design, it's said to borrow elements from ho-hum concepts like F800 (C-class-size) and F125 (S-class-size).
We can only hope that the recently prevailing jellyfish-with-rabbit-hind-legs approach will soon give way to a trend-setting architecture that is aerodynamically efficient, functional and versatile, pretty to look at and sufficiently exciting to match the revolutionary content.

So you're not sure about the latest Mercedes design look?

The three German premium kings share a potentially fatal styling problem. Audi is reducing itself to the size of the singleframe grille and the number of LEDs they can cram into light clusters; BMW is following an inexplicable hit (5-/3-series) and miss (1/7/5series GT/X1) course; and Mercedes is indulging in flamboyantly decorative shapes with questionable proportions and OTT detailing.
Halo cars such as the new E Superlight, however, present an opportunity to break new stylistic ground.

Mercedes E Superlight in detail

The E superlight is a four-door notchback loosely based on the footprint of the next-generation E-class. A saloon may not have the marketing impact of a supercar or the deep green lustre of a subcompact, but the E-class segment is Mercedes heartland which harbours all the core brand values.
According to the Sindelfingen grapevine, E superlight features a state-of-the-art door concept with relatively short rear pantograph panels that swing out and back. Thanks to the stiff and strong carbonfibre structure, there is no need for reinforcing B-posts which should make entry and egress a truly grand experience.
Although the suicide doors draw a certain parallel to project i, Mercedes will go one step further by creating a full carbonfibre architecture which does without an aluminium chassis. This allegedly does not only reduce cost and complexity, it also brings the weight down to a new low level.
Thanks to a clever load-based confectioning scheme, suspension and drivetrain can be fully integrated into the monocoque. The sole initially intended source of propulsion is a 150bhp fuel-cell which drives the rear wheels in sync with a 50bhp electric motor. At a later stage, Mercedes may add a conventional petrol or diesel engine, or a plug-in hybrid application.

When can we expect to see the E Superlight?

Although the timing is still provisional, low-volume production is expected to commence in late 2015. By then, Mercedes will have gained plenty of carbonfibre experience by manufacturing body panels, suspension elements and structural parts from the new material.
By 2017, insiders expect an annual output of close to 20,000 E Superlight units, which is remarkably similar in volume to what the friends from Munich have in mind. The biggest quesion mark seems to concern the feasibility of the fuel cell for which the optimistic product planners have set a best-case scenario of 100,000 MB passenger cars and vans for the same timeframe.
But apart from some unresolved engineeering issues (membrane, valves, connectors), the main markets have also still to establish a hydrogen infrastructure, and so far neither the politicians nor the manufacturers seem to be able to agree on maximum on-board tank pressures and on filling procedure norms.
Having said that, E Superlight can of course also fly without a fuel cell. After all, its main asset is the lightweight structure which is tipped to undercut the current steel-bodied E-class by over 350 kilos. Once the E Superlight has taken off, the carbonfibre technology will also be applied to the SLS replacement, sources say.

Source CAR Magazine

Could Proton sale kill Lotus?

Recent chatter suggests Lotus could be looking for a new owner if the Malaysian government sells its stake in parent company Proton – and new hands at the tiller could spell disaster for Lotus’s ambitious model plans.


Two Kuala Lumpur investment analysts, Gan Eng Peng of HwangDBS Investment and Alexander Chia of RHB Capital, reckon that a new owner should divest itself of Lotus – which hasn’t made a profit in 15 years – ASAP. “Proton and Lotus are not a good fit,” Gan told Bloomberg. “They are in different market segments, both in terms of geography and product.”

Which, however accurate it may be, could be a bit of a problem for Lotus CEO Dany Bahar’s six-model resurrection plan for Lotus Cars. This envisages a return to profit by 2014, but relies upon the substantial funds currently supplied by Proton to make it happen.

Any new owner would thus need to be of sufficient size to provide Lotus with enough funds – believed to be around £500 million – to prevent a Saab-style meltdown. Thus far both Shanghai Automotive and Luxembourg-based Genii Capital (which also has a significant stake in the Lotus/Renault F1 team) have been mooted as possible buyers for Lotus, though neither firm has confirmed an interest.



Source Pistoheads.com