Audi TT Clubsport Quattro: the full lowdown
Inspired by the Porsche 356, Audi has lopped the top off its TT Roadster to make this speedster version of its two-seater. The TT Clubsport Quattro, unveiled today in Austria, is a concept car to show how far the TT brand can be stretched, but officials freely admit that they are considering a limited production run. It's a TT like no other, squashed and squat, flattened to create a low-slung sports car for those living in dry climates where the occasional rain storm isn't a worry. There's no roof on this speedster at all - slightly at odds with the apparent motorsport roots of this one-off.
So how have they created the speedster look?
The hood is dispensed with altogether, along with the A-pillar, leaving just a tinted, wraparound windscreen. The rollover bars are lower than in the TT Roadster, nestling the same height as the sports bucket seats. Audi has also played around with the single-frame grille; new aluminium inserts emphasise the width and Ingolstadt's four interlocked rings have been switched up to the bonnet. Day-running lights are standard, the mirrors are shrunken items on stalks and you won't spot any door handles, because there aren't any; the doors open by remote, apparently.
Thứ Bảy, 3 tháng 3, 2012
Volkswagen Golf GTI W12 concept (2007): first official pictures
VW Golf GTI W12: the lowdown
We loved the Clio V6, despite its dynamic shortcomings, and some CAR staffers still go weak at the knees at the mention of a Peugeot 205 Turbo 16 rally car. But now Volkswagen is muscling in on the mad-hatch genre by showing this one-off Golf GTI W12. You read that right. Wolfsburg's crazier engineers have built a unique hot hatch powered by the Phaeton's 6.0-litre W12. It's twin-turbocharged. And mounted amidships...
That sounds like one very crazy - demented even - Golf indeed!
Yes, this is the maddest Golf you'll ever see. That W12 has a punchy 641bhp and 553lb ft of twist, driving the rear wheels. You read that right - like other wild hatches of the past few decades, this uber Golf is mid-engined, built around a bespoke aluminium platform. It's enough for a 3.7sec dash to 62mph and a top speed of 184mph if you keep those 19-inch wheels spinning long enough. Don't go expecting any Golf W12 on sale, though. This was strictly a one-off for the renowned Wörthersee Tour, an Austrian celebration of hot-hatch madness. The VW Group has clearly taken this event seriously this year, as Audi unveiled its TT speedster there yesterday.
We loved the Clio V6, despite its dynamic shortcomings, and some CAR staffers still go weak at the knees at the mention of a Peugeot 205 Turbo 16 rally car. But now Volkswagen is muscling in on the mad-hatch genre by showing this one-off Golf GTI W12. You read that right. Wolfsburg's crazier engineers have built a unique hot hatch powered by the Phaeton's 6.0-litre W12. It's twin-turbocharged. And mounted amidships...
That sounds like one very crazy - demented even - Golf indeed!
Yes, this is the maddest Golf you'll ever see. That W12 has a punchy 641bhp and 553lb ft of twist, driving the rear wheels. You read that right - like other wild hatches of the past few decades, this uber Golf is mid-engined, built around a bespoke aluminium platform. It's enough for a 3.7sec dash to 62mph and a top speed of 184mph if you keep those 19-inch wheels spinning long enough. Don't go expecting any Golf W12 on sale, though. This was strictly a one-off for the renowned Wörthersee Tour, an Austrian celebration of hot-hatch madness. The VW Group has clearly taken this event seriously this year, as Audi unveiled its TT speedster there yesterday.
Seat Altea Freetrack (2007): first official pictures
Seat Altea Freetrack: the lowdown
Seat has given the Altea some wellington boots to join the burgeoning ranks of wannabe soft-roader 4x4s. First seen in concept guise at the Geneva Motor Show back in March, the Altea Freetrack is Seat's first-ever attempt at an off-roader. However, an extra 40mm of ground clearance, some chunky tyres and aesthetically challenging grey cladding don’t necessarily mean that the Freetrack is going to beat a Defender to the top of the hill.
So it’s no hardcore off-roader. What’s it got going for it?
The Freetrack is fitted with the Haldex 4wd system, which is commonly found on VW group four-wheel-drivers, shunting torque evenly between the four corners of the cars games. Seat has also thought of the school-run crowd and included a fold-out picnic table in the boot, along with a multi-media system, sliding rear seat base and a huge, 593-litre boot. Punters have the option of just two engines: a 197bhp petrol, which will hit 62mph in 7.5 seconds and return 30mpg, and a 168bhp diesel alternative which will slug its way to 62mph in 8.7 seconds and deliver a much more wallet-friendly 41.5mpg. Unusually, Seat is offering only one trim level with the Freetrack.
Seat has given the Altea some wellington boots to join the burgeoning ranks of wannabe soft-roader 4x4s. First seen in concept guise at the Geneva Motor Show back in March, the Altea Freetrack is Seat's first-ever attempt at an off-roader. However, an extra 40mm of ground clearance, some chunky tyres and aesthetically challenging grey cladding don’t necessarily mean that the Freetrack is going to beat a Defender to the top of the hill.
So it’s no hardcore off-roader. What’s it got going for it?
The Freetrack is fitted with the Haldex 4wd system, which is commonly found on VW group four-wheel-drivers, shunting torque evenly between the four corners of the cars games. Seat has also thought of the school-run crowd and included a fold-out picnic table in the boot, along with a multi-media system, sliding rear seat base and a huge, 593-litre boot. Punters have the option of just two engines: a 197bhp petrol, which will hit 62mph in 7.5 seconds and return 30mpg, and a 168bhp diesel alternative which will slug its way to 62mph in 8.7 seconds and deliver a much more wallet-friendly 41.5mpg. Unusually, Seat is offering only one trim level with the Freetrack.
Kia Picanto facelift (2007): first official pictures
Facelifted Kia Picanto: the lowdown
Kia is a company on the up and it knows not to mess with a successful formula. So when its best-selling car needs replacing, they don't mess around much. The result? This gently massaged Picanto, due to be shown at next week's Barcelona Motor Show. New styling front and rear has extended the city car's length by 40mm, thanks to a new bonnet, wings and deeper bumpers front and rear. The overall theme is designed to look rounder, and the grille you see here will spread across the Kia range. Not so much change in the cabin or engine department, though; Kia talks of new stereos and power steering, but we've always liked the Picanto's fun personality. The Picanto has been a success for Kia, selling 250,000 units across Europe in a segment new to Kia. European vice president Jean-Charles Lievens said Kia planned to expand sales to 90,000 units annually over the next few years.
Kia is a company on the up and it knows not to mess with a successful formula. So when its best-selling car needs replacing, they don't mess around much. The result? This gently massaged Picanto, due to be shown at next week's Barcelona Motor Show. New styling front and rear has extended the city car's length by 40mm, thanks to a new bonnet, wings and deeper bumpers front and rear. The overall theme is designed to look rounder, and the grille you see here will spread across the Kia range. Not so much change in the cabin or engine department, though; Kia talks of new stereos and power steering, but we've always liked the Picanto's fun personality. The Picanto has been a success for Kia, selling 250,000 units across Europe in a segment new to Kia. European vice president Jean-Charles Lievens said Kia planned to expand sales to 90,000 units annually over the next few years.
Seat's Mondeo rival (2007): first official pictures
Seat launches a Mondeo rival
Volkswagen's Spanish outpost is to expand its range upwards, entering the hotly contested Mondeo class for the first time. There's no name yet for the newcomer, but one badge in contention is Bolero, the name of its 1998 sports saloon concept. Details are sketchy at this stage, but Seat has confirmed it will offer a saloon and estate version, and they'll roll into dealership in 2009. It will be the first time it has offered a conventional saloon above the Jetta/Focus four-door class and these first official sketches reveal the proposed new look.
But I thought that sales in the Mondeo class were collapsing...
Hardly. Sales in the D-segment aren't exactly rocketing, but this is still a massive market, especially in corporate fleet circles. Europeans bought more than 1.1 million Mondeo/Vectra/Laguna size cars last year, don't forget - and these will be incremental sales for Seat, which hasn't competed in this category before. Seat president Erich Schmitt said the decision to stretch the brand upwards was an easy one. 'We enlarge our current product range, which not only gives our clients the possibility to grow with the brand, but also enables us to increase the profitability of our dealer network.’ The new car will be built at the company's Martorell factory near Barcelona; every Seat is produced there apart from the Alhambra, which is built in neighbouring Portugal alongside the VW Sharan.
Volkswagen's Spanish outpost is to expand its range upwards, entering the hotly contested Mondeo class for the first time. There's no name yet for the newcomer, but one badge in contention is Bolero, the name of its 1998 sports saloon concept. Details are sketchy at this stage, but Seat has confirmed it will offer a saloon and estate version, and they'll roll into dealership in 2009. It will be the first time it has offered a conventional saloon above the Jetta/Focus four-door class and these first official sketches reveal the proposed new look.
But I thought that sales in the Mondeo class were collapsing...
Hardly. Sales in the D-segment aren't exactly rocketing, but this is still a massive market, especially in corporate fleet circles. Europeans bought more than 1.1 million Mondeo/Vectra/Laguna size cars last year, don't forget - and these will be incremental sales for Seat, which hasn't competed in this category before. Seat president Erich Schmitt said the decision to stretch the brand upwards was an easy one. 'We enlarge our current product range, which not only gives our clients the possibility to grow with the brand, but also enables us to increase the profitability of our dealer network.’ The new car will be built at the company's Martorell factory near Barcelona; every Seat is produced there apart from the Alhambra, which is built in neighbouring Portugal alongside the VW Sharan.
Ford Mondeo goes green
New Mondeo spearheads Ford's ramp-up of bio-fuel models
Ford announced an expansion in its flexifuel range. Flexifuel allows a vehicle to run on either regular petrol or E85 – an 85/15 percent bio-ethanol/petrol blend – and automatically offsets any carbon emissions produced because more crops are always produced to meet the demand for fuel. Ford president and CEO John Fleming confirmed that the existing Focus and C-Max flexifuel cars would be joined by Mondeo, Galaxy and S-Max derivatives, which will all come on stream from early 2008.
Along with plans to develop a broad range of alternative fuel technologies for Jaguar, Land Rover and Volvo, the move leaves the Ford empire in a stronger position to meet the huge CO2 cuts recently proposed by the government. In fact, a sub-100g CO2g/km Focus is promised within five years. Ford has had great success with its flexifuel Focus in Sweden where the infrastructure is sufficiently developed to make it a viable alternative to petrol, and the Scandinavians have been key to the 28,500 flexifuel cars sold so far in Europe. With its relatively low population-to-landmass ratio, Sweden has also proved to be a sustainable market, overpopulated countries like Britain simply not having enough space to grow the volume of crops required.
However, that’s all about to change. Next generation fuels will be able to process more of the crops produced – one Ford spokesman told CAR Online that sticks wouldn’t be out of the question – meaning our limited resources could be used far more efficiently. All Ford need now is government support to get the infrastructure up and running. Unfortunately that’s the largest obstacle of all…
Ford announced an expansion in its flexifuel range. Flexifuel allows a vehicle to run on either regular petrol or E85 – an 85/15 percent bio-ethanol/petrol blend – and automatically offsets any carbon emissions produced because more crops are always produced to meet the demand for fuel. Ford president and CEO John Fleming confirmed that the existing Focus and C-Max flexifuel cars would be joined by Mondeo, Galaxy and S-Max derivatives, which will all come on stream from early 2008.
Along with plans to develop a broad range of alternative fuel technologies for Jaguar, Land Rover and Volvo, the move leaves the Ford empire in a stronger position to meet the huge CO2 cuts recently proposed by the government. In fact, a sub-100g CO2g/km Focus is promised within five years. Ford has had great success with its flexifuel Focus in Sweden where the infrastructure is sufficiently developed to make it a viable alternative to petrol, and the Scandinavians have been key to the 28,500 flexifuel cars sold so far in Europe. With its relatively low population-to-landmass ratio, Sweden has also proved to be a sustainable market, overpopulated countries like Britain simply not having enough space to grow the volume of crops required.
However, that’s all about to change. Next generation fuels will be able to process more of the crops produced – one Ford spokesman told CAR Online that sticks wouldn’t be out of the question – meaning our limited resources could be used far more efficiently. All Ford need now is government support to get the infrastructure up and running. Unfortunately that’s the largest obstacle of all…
Koenigsegg CCXR (2007): first official pictures
A green Koenigsegg? Surely some mistake?
For those who find themselves a little underwhelmed by the 806bhp power output of CAR April's cover star, the Koenigsegg CCX, check out the new CCXR. Unveiled to a stunned Geneva audience, the CCXR packs a barely believable 1018bhp and - get this - it runs on environmentally friendly E85 biofuel. 'Our engineers couldn't quite believe the figures when we tested the car,' Christian von Koenigsegg told CAR Online when he showed us the car. 'Apart from a few minor changes to the fuel injection system, fuel lines, upping the supercharger boost pressure from 1.2 to 1.5 bar and changing the piston rings, the engine is the same as that in the CCX,' he explained.
Flower power
The 26 percent power hike comes from the E85 bioethanol. As its name suggests, it’s a fuel made up of 85 percent bioethanol and 15 percent unleaded. It’s the bioethanol that’s the green ingredient, as the crops grown soak up CO2 during production. It also burns more efficiently than regular gas because it has an extra oxygen atom attached to the alcohol molecule in its make-up. The result is a higher octane rating, greater thermal efficiency – exhaust temperature drops by as much as 150°C – and more power. Power boost aside, it’s not difficult to understand E85’s appeal. A member of the alcohol family, bioethanol is produced from the fermentation of the sugar or starch in crops like sugar cane, maize or sugar beet. When viewed over its entire lifecycle, from field to gas station, bioethanol is almost carbon neutral because of the high degree of CO2 absorption by the crop as it grows. This means that cars that run on E85 produce around 70% less carbon emissions compared with unleaded gasoline vehicles. Von Koenigsegg has yet to test the CCXR, but it should hit 60mph in less than three seconds and should top 250mph. The conversion to run on E85 costs £53,000 over the CCX’s £450,000 asking price, though. Ouch.
For those who find themselves a little underwhelmed by the 806bhp power output of CAR April's cover star, the Koenigsegg CCX, check out the new CCXR. Unveiled to a stunned Geneva audience, the CCXR packs a barely believable 1018bhp and - get this - it runs on environmentally friendly E85 biofuel. 'Our engineers couldn't quite believe the figures when we tested the car,' Christian von Koenigsegg told CAR Online when he showed us the car. 'Apart from a few minor changes to the fuel injection system, fuel lines, upping the supercharger boost pressure from 1.2 to 1.5 bar and changing the piston rings, the engine is the same as that in the CCX,' he explained.
Flower power
The 26 percent power hike comes from the E85 bioethanol. As its name suggests, it’s a fuel made up of 85 percent bioethanol and 15 percent unleaded. It’s the bioethanol that’s the green ingredient, as the crops grown soak up CO2 during production. It also burns more efficiently than regular gas because it has an extra oxygen atom attached to the alcohol molecule in its make-up. The result is a higher octane rating, greater thermal efficiency – exhaust temperature drops by as much as 150°C – and more power. Power boost aside, it’s not difficult to understand E85’s appeal. A member of the alcohol family, bioethanol is produced from the fermentation of the sugar or starch in crops like sugar cane, maize or sugar beet. When viewed over its entire lifecycle, from field to gas station, bioethanol is almost carbon neutral because of the high degree of CO2 absorption by the crop as it grows. This means that cars that run on E85 produce around 70% less carbon emissions compared with unleaded gasoline vehicles. Von Koenigsegg has yet to test the CCXR, but it should hit 60mph in less than three seconds and should top 250mph. The conversion to run on E85 costs £53,000 over the CCX’s £450,000 asking price, though. Ouch.
Mini cleans up its act
Minis clean up
Mini today announced it will fit many of the Efficient Dynamics tech already seen on the 1-series to all new hatchbacks fitted with the new PSA engines. The result? A Cooper D will now emit just 104g/km of CO2 - matching the signficantly more expensive Toyota Prius. And average fuel consumption on the diesel climbs to 72.4mpg - around eight miles further than before - to beat even the petrol-electric Prius. Click 'Next' to read all about the technology that makes such impressive figures possible without resorting to complicated hybrid systems.
The technical lowdown
Mini is fitting the following equipment to every hatchback it sells from August: • Stop-start function to cut the engine at standstill when neutral is selected • Intelligent alternator which charges the battery only under coasting or braking; it no longer drags power for continuous charging • Gearshift indicator to advise when to change up The convertible won't benefit from the efficiency measures, as it still uses the old Chrysler-derived 1.6, rather than the new BMW-PSA developed 1.6. The new engines are expected in the soft-top in the next couple of years, however - and they'll probably pop up in PSA and Ford group products, too.
Mini today announced it will fit many of the Efficient Dynamics tech already seen on the 1-series to all new hatchbacks fitted with the new PSA engines. The result? A Cooper D will now emit just 104g/km of CO2 - matching the signficantly more expensive Toyota Prius. And average fuel consumption on the diesel climbs to 72.4mpg - around eight miles further than before - to beat even the petrol-electric Prius. Click 'Next' to read all about the technology that makes such impressive figures possible without resorting to complicated hybrid systems.
The technical lowdown
Mini is fitting the following equipment to every hatchback it sells from August: • Stop-start function to cut the engine at standstill when neutral is selected • Intelligent alternator which charges the battery only under coasting or braking; it no longer drags power for continuous charging • Gearshift indicator to advise when to change up The convertible won't benefit from the efficiency measures, as it still uses the old Chrysler-derived 1.6, rather than the new BMW-PSA developed 1.6. The new engines are expected in the soft-top in the next couple of years, however - and they'll probably pop up in PSA and Ford group products, too.
Toyota FT-HS Concept (2007): first official pictures
Toyota FT-HS Concept: the lowdown
Salvation for supercar lovers in the 21st century: Toyota has turned its hand to creating a sports coupe with green credentials - and the futuristic FT-HS Concept mixes green with mean rather well, we think. Don't believe us? Well, how about 0-60mph in four seconds and 400bhp from a 3.5-litre V6 hybrid drivetrain - in a car that runs silently on electric power through town, with nothing more troubling than an electric whirr from the quad tailpipes.
It looks quite odd. What have they done with the styling?
This concept heralds two new design themes: J-Factor and Vibrant Clarity. Apparently, these are a celebration of Japanese design, and the car does have some unusually sharp surface treatments; the nose is dominated by a butch snow-plough spoiler, while the rear is deeply scalloped. From the front, the 'floating' C-pillar wraps over the rear haunches, while the roof bulges to provide more headroom where needed. There's even a folding hard top, turning the FT-HS into a cabrio at the touch of a button. The 3.5-litre V6 hybrid petrol-electric drivetrain might sound familiar from the Lexus RX400h and GS450h, but this time it's been tuned for 400bhp. No economy claims have been published ahead of its debut at next week's Detroit Motor Show, but Toyota claims 'ultra-low emissions and fuel efficiency'.
Salvation for supercar lovers in the 21st century: Toyota has turned its hand to creating a sports coupe with green credentials - and the futuristic FT-HS Concept mixes green with mean rather well, we think. Don't believe us? Well, how about 0-60mph in four seconds and 400bhp from a 3.5-litre V6 hybrid drivetrain - in a car that runs silently on electric power through town, with nothing more troubling than an electric whirr from the quad tailpipes.
It looks quite odd. What have they done with the styling?
This concept heralds two new design themes: J-Factor and Vibrant Clarity. Apparently, these are a celebration of Japanese design, and the car does have some unusually sharp surface treatments; the nose is dominated by a butch snow-plough spoiler, while the rear is deeply scalloped. From the front, the 'floating' C-pillar wraps over the rear haunches, while the roof bulges to provide more headroom where needed. There's even a folding hard top, turning the FT-HS into a cabrio at the touch of a button. The 3.5-litre V6 hybrid petrol-electric drivetrain might sound familiar from the Lexus RX400h and GS450h, but this time it's been tuned for 400bhp. No economy claims have been published ahead of its debut at next week's Detroit Motor Show, but Toyota claims 'ultra-low emissions and fuel efficiency'.
Toyota Hybrid X unveiled
Toyota Hybrid X: that's an odd name...
Apparently, the Hybrid X was named after its unconventional U-shaped front and rear windscreen pillars. Seen in plan view from above, they nearly meet in the middle to assume the shape of an X. It's pure concept fantasy, although we can't help noticing that it's the same size as today's Prius, which has been on sale since 2003. A new Prius isn't due until 2009, and it could pick up a couple of style tips from this 4500mm-long show car games. Toyota freely admits the Hybrid X forges new design cues for hybrids, but insists this particular car is not the new Prius.
So it could point to the next Prius. Has it got intergalactic technology on board?
Strangely, no. Toyota said it had the latest Hybrid Synergy Drive petrol-electric system, but issued no further technical details. This isn't that sort of working concept car, apparently. What it is, is a flight of fancy from the designers at the ED2 studio in southern France. It's another model mixing synaesthesia with outright madness - you can tweak the interior for every bodily sense, changing the smell, light, touch and sound to match your mood. It sounds strange, but you can order sprightly smells to wake you up on the morning commute.
Apparently, the Hybrid X was named after its unconventional U-shaped front and rear windscreen pillars. Seen in plan view from above, they nearly meet in the middle to assume the shape of an X. It's pure concept fantasy, although we can't help noticing that it's the same size as today's Prius, which has been on sale since 2003. A new Prius isn't due until 2009, and it could pick up a couple of style tips from this 4500mm-long show car games. Toyota freely admits the Hybrid X forges new design cues for hybrids, but insists this particular car is not the new Prius.
So it could point to the next Prius. Has it got intergalactic technology on board?
Strangely, no. Toyota said it had the latest Hybrid Synergy Drive petrol-electric system, but issued no further technical details. This isn't that sort of working concept car, apparently. What it is, is a flight of fancy from the designers at the ED2 studio in southern France. It's another model mixing synaesthesia with outright madness - you can tweak the interior for every bodily sense, changing the smell, light, touch and sound to match your mood. It sounds strange, but you can order sprightly smells to wake you up on the morning commute.
Thứ Năm, 1 tháng 3, 2012
Ford Focus RS500 (2010) first official pictures
This is the new Ford Focus RS500, a special limited edition version of the Blue Oval’s mad Focus RS hot hatch with 15% more power.
More power? Just what the RS needs. Tell me all about the Ford Focus RS500 please
For a start there’s that extra power. Thanks to a larger air-to-air intercooler, a bigger air filter and a wider diameter exhaust downpipe (plus a new ECU to take advantage of the mechanical changes) peak power is up from 301bhp to 345lb ft at 6000rpm, while torque climbs from 325lb ft to 339lb ft. The result is a 5.6sec 0-62mph time (down three-tenths) while the top speed climbs two notches to 165mph.
The tweaks have been developed in conjunction with Revolve Technologies, the engineering firm behind the Mountune brand that tweaks the Focus ST and Fiesta. The rest of the Focus RS is mechanically unchanged.
What about this matt black colour?
It’s not paint but a foil. All Focus RS500s are painted in a black metallic colour but then sent to film specialists 3M in Frankfurt where the special foil is applied. Other visual tweaks include black alloy wheels and red brake callipers, plus blue and red RS500 badges.
Inside all the usual blue stitching of the Focus RS has been replaced with red thread, while the pattern on the gearstick is red too. Red leather Recaro seats are an option.
The Ford Focus RS500 will be officially revealed at the 2010 Leipzig motor show in Germany on April 9. Just 500 will be built (as the name suggests) with 101 coming to the UK. All RS500s come with a dash-mounted plaque to signify their build number, and prices should be around the £35k mark. The RS500 marks the end of production of the Mk2 Focus RS, and the last cars will be built at Ford’s Saarlouis factory in Germany in September 2010.
More power? Just what the RS needs. Tell me all about the Ford Focus RS500 please
For a start there’s that extra power. Thanks to a larger air-to-air intercooler, a bigger air filter and a wider diameter exhaust downpipe (plus a new ECU to take advantage of the mechanical changes) peak power is up from 301bhp to 345lb ft at 6000rpm, while torque climbs from 325lb ft to 339lb ft. The result is a 5.6sec 0-62mph time (down three-tenths) while the top speed climbs two notches to 165mph.
The tweaks have been developed in conjunction with Revolve Technologies, the engineering firm behind the Mountune brand that tweaks the Focus ST and Fiesta. The rest of the Focus RS is mechanically unchanged.
What about this matt black colour?
It’s not paint but a foil. All Focus RS500s are painted in a black metallic colour but then sent to film specialists 3M in Frankfurt where the special foil is applied. Other visual tweaks include black alloy wheels and red brake callipers, plus blue and red RS500 badges.
Inside all the usual blue stitching of the Focus RS has been replaced with red thread, while the pattern on the gearstick is red too. Red leather Recaro seats are an option.
The Ford Focus RS500 will be officially revealed at the 2010 Leipzig motor show in Germany on April 9. Just 500 will be built (as the name suggests) with 101 coming to the UK. All RS500s come with a dash-mounted plaque to signify their build number, and prices should be around the £35k mark. The RS500 marks the end of production of the Mk2 Focus RS, and the last cars will be built at Ford’s Saarlouis factory in Germany in September 2010.
Cadillac CTS-V Sport Wagon (2010) first official pictures
This is the Cadillac CTS-V Sport Wagon, with a 6.2-litre supercharged V8 and an even bigger boot.
Ah, this is the one with a Corvette ZR1 engine, right?
That’s right, only in the V-series range of CTS Caddies it’s detuned from the ZR1’s 638bhp and 604lb ft to 556bhp and 551lb ft. Still, that’s more power than the M5, XFR, E63 or Panamera Turbo can muster. Another big number is 720, the amount of space (in litres) in the boot of the CTS-V Sport Wagon.
It’s the final box ticked for Cadillac’s CTS range; there’s a saloon, coupe and estate, and now there’s a V-series version of each too. Like its saloon sibling, the CTS-V Sport Wagon is available with a choice of six-speed gearboxes (a manual or automatic), while magnetic dampers, Brembo brakes and high performance Michelin tyres wrapped around forged aluminium wheels are standard.
There’s a CTS-V bodykit on the outside and two 3in wide exhausts, and on the inside it’s the same as the saloon with 14-way adjustable Re cars games seats.
The Cadillac CTS-V Sport Wagon will be unveiled at the 2010 New York auto show later this week. The CTS-V Sport Wagon on display in NY will be painted the same Midnight Silver as the Cadillac Sixteen concept car, plus it gets a black chrome mesh grille and the interior is trimmed in black leather, Alcantara and wood. It’s a finish bespoke to the show car, but Cadillac will gauge customer reaction before deciding if the trim options will make production.
Ah, this is the one with a Corvette ZR1 engine, right?
That’s right, only in the V-series range of CTS Caddies it’s detuned from the ZR1’s 638bhp and 604lb ft to 556bhp and 551lb ft. Still, that’s more power than the M5, XFR, E63 or Panamera Turbo can muster. Another big number is 720, the amount of space (in litres) in the boot of the CTS-V Sport Wagon.
It’s the final box ticked for Cadillac’s CTS range; there’s a saloon, coupe and estate, and now there’s a V-series version of each too. Like its saloon sibling, the CTS-V Sport Wagon is available with a choice of six-speed gearboxes (a manual or automatic), while magnetic dampers, Brembo brakes and high performance Michelin tyres wrapped around forged aluminium wheels are standard.
There’s a CTS-V bodykit on the outside and two 3in wide exhausts, and on the inside it’s the same as the saloon with 14-way adjustable Re cars games seats.
The Cadillac CTS-V Sport Wagon will be unveiled at the 2010 New York auto show later this week. The CTS-V Sport Wagon on display in NY will be painted the same Midnight Silver as the Cadillac Sixteen concept car, plus it gets a black chrome mesh grille and the interior is trimmed in black leather, Alcantara and wood. It’s a finish bespoke to the show car, but Cadillac will gauge customer reaction before deciding if the trim options will make production.
Subaru Cosworth Impreza STI CS400 (2010): more details
Subaru has revealed more details (and more teaser pictures) of its Cosworth-tuned Impreza. Called the Cosworth Impreza STI CS400, Subaru promises its four-wheel drive hot hatch will have ‘super cars games-humbling pace’ and, presumably, be quick enough to match the Mitsubishi Evo X FQ-400 too.
So if it’s the Subaru Cosworth Impreza STI CS400 does that mean 400bhp?
Near enough – this Cosworth-tweaked Impreza has 400PS. That translates to 395bhp (produced at 5750rpm), a significant increase over a regular WRX STi’s 296bhp (at 6000rpm). The extra power also means the standard car’s 5.2sec 0-62mph is slashed: Cosworth is claiming an incredible 3.7 seconds for the benchmark sprint.
The rest of the Subaru Impreza WRX STi has been upgraded too, and top of the list is a bespoke brake conversion from AP Racing offering 355mm discs with six-pot callipers up front. Cosworth promises that ‘a wide range of further upgrades have been made to the suspension, exhaust and to the donor Impreza's exterior and interior styling’ so the CS400 won’t be all about the extra power.
The Subaru Cosworth Impreza STI CS400 was originally set to go on sale this month but it’s been delayed until June. Just 75 cars will be produced and prices should start around £40k.
So if it’s the Subaru Cosworth Impreza STI CS400 does that mean 400bhp?
Near enough – this Cosworth-tweaked Impreza has 400PS. That translates to 395bhp (produced at 5750rpm), a significant increase over a regular WRX STi’s 296bhp (at 6000rpm). The extra power also means the standard car’s 5.2sec 0-62mph is slashed: Cosworth is claiming an incredible 3.7 seconds for the benchmark sprint.
The rest of the Subaru Impreza WRX STi has been upgraded too, and top of the list is a bespoke brake conversion from AP Racing offering 355mm discs with six-pot callipers up front. Cosworth promises that ‘a wide range of further upgrades have been made to the suspension, exhaust and to the donor Impreza's exterior and interior styling’ so the CS400 won’t be all about the extra power.
The Subaru Cosworth Impreza STI CS400 was originally set to go on sale this month but it’s been delayed until June. Just 75 cars will be produced and prices should start around £40k.
Mercedes R-class facelift (2010) first official pictures
This is the facelifted Mercedes R-class, unveiled today at the 2010 New York auto show.
The Mercedes R-class? I'd forgotten that this car even existed...
It lives, and in the UK the new model will only be available as an entry level, rear-drive R300 CDI and a top-spec, long-wheelbase R350 CDI.
The R300 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY 2WD (to give this big beast its full name) is 7% more efficient than before but still offers the same power and performance. The more snappily titled R350 CDI 4MATIC is also more economical (its 33.2mpg bettering its predecessor by 2.8mpg) but also more powerful, with outputs of 261bhp and 457ft up from 218bhp and 376lb ft. Performance is improved too, with 1.2 seconds cut from the 0-62mph time.
Visual tweaks consist of a completely new front end including wings, bonnet, grille bumper and lights, which give the R-class an more upright nose akin to the GLK and platform-sharing ML and GL. Merc claims the side profile has 'coupe-like lines' but we can't see any such thing, while the rear benefits from new bumpers and revised LED lights.
Performance figures for the two UK models are below
The Mercedes R-class? I'd forgotten that this car even existed...
It lives, and in the UK the new model will only be available as an entry level, rear-drive R300 CDI and a top-spec, long-wheelbase R350 CDI.
The R300 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY 2WD (to give this big beast its full name) is 7% more efficient than before but still offers the same power and performance. The more snappily titled R350 CDI 4MATIC is also more economical (its 33.2mpg bettering its predecessor by 2.8mpg) but also more powerful, with outputs of 261bhp and 457ft up from 218bhp and 376lb ft. Performance is improved too, with 1.2 seconds cut from the 0-62mph time.
Visual tweaks consist of a completely new front end including wings, bonnet, grille bumper and lights, which give the R-class an more upright nose akin to the GLK and platform-sharing ML and GL. Merc claims the side profile has 'coupe-like lines' but we can't see any such thing, while the rear benefits from new bumpers and revised LED lights.
Performance figures for the two UK models are below
Mercedes SLS AMG GT3 (2010) first official pictures
This is the Mercedes SLS AMG GT3, a racing version of Merc's incredible Gullwing supercar. Unveiled today at the 2010 New York auto show, it'll start racing in 2011.
The FIA GT3 regulations mean this Mercedes SLS AMG is pretty standard, right?
Correct – the FIA’s GT3 races are designed for ‘near-series’ cars so costs are kept low, and there’s a burgeoning field with everything from R8s and 911s to BMW’s new Z4 racer.
The SLS GT3 uses the same naturally aspirated, dry-sumped 6.2-litre V8 as its road-going SLS AMG counterpart, and FIA-spec air intake restrictors will peg power back to around 600bhp. The exact power output, and the kerbweight, will be confirmed later in 2010 in line with the FIA’s ‘Balance of Performance’ principle for the GT3 series. The road car’s seven-speed dual-clutch ‘box has been junked though, and replaced by a six-speed sequential paddleshift transmission that drives the rear wheels. Together with the lower kerbweight Mercedes claims the GT3 racer will hit 62mph in under 3.8 seconds and top 180mph (depending on the final drive ratio, of course).
The biggest changes to the SLS have been focussed on the aerodynamic performance. There’s a huge front splitter, vented bonnet, 50mm wider front and rear bodywork, intakes ahead of the rear wheelarches to help cool the brakes, a smooth underbody, a big diffuser and an oversized (and adjustable) rear wing. The double wishbone suspension remains, but the springs, shocks, ride height and camber are all adjustable.
The obligatory cage helps reinforce the aluminium spaceframe, and there’s a bucket seat complete with HANS system and six-point harness inside, too.
The SLS road car was the first vehicle that AMG ever developed in-house, and now it has produced the GT3 version with HWA, the same team that runs Merc’s DTM racers. 'Thanks to uncompromising lightweight construction and superior handling dynamics, the SLS AMG provides an outstanding basis for a highly competitive racing car,' says AMG’s chairman Volker Mornhinweg. 'This exciting GT3 version is our response to strong customer demand for a car designed for these attractive motor sports series.'
Sales of customer SLS GT3s will start this autumn, homologation will follow at the start of 2011, and the first cars will start their competitive races next year too.
The FIA GT3 regulations mean this Mercedes SLS AMG is pretty standard, right?
Correct – the FIA’s GT3 races are designed for ‘near-series’ cars so costs are kept low, and there’s a burgeoning field with everything from R8s and 911s to BMW’s new Z4 racer.
The SLS GT3 uses the same naturally aspirated, dry-sumped 6.2-litre V8 as its road-going SLS AMG counterpart, and FIA-spec air intake restrictors will peg power back to around 600bhp. The exact power output, and the kerbweight, will be confirmed later in 2010 in line with the FIA’s ‘Balance of Performance’ principle for the GT3 series. The road car’s seven-speed dual-clutch ‘box has been junked though, and replaced by a six-speed sequential paddleshift transmission that drives the rear wheels. Together with the lower kerbweight Mercedes claims the GT3 racer will hit 62mph in under 3.8 seconds and top 180mph (depending on the final drive ratio, of course).
The biggest changes to the SLS have been focussed on the aerodynamic performance. There’s a huge front splitter, vented bonnet, 50mm wider front and rear bodywork, intakes ahead of the rear wheelarches to help cool the brakes, a smooth underbody, a big diffuser and an oversized (and adjustable) rear wing. The double wishbone suspension remains, but the springs, shocks, ride height and camber are all adjustable.
The obligatory cage helps reinforce the aluminium spaceframe, and there’s a bucket seat complete with HANS system and six-point harness inside, too.
The SLS road car was the first vehicle that AMG ever developed in-house, and now it has produced the GT3 version with HWA, the same team that runs Merc’s DTM racers. 'Thanks to uncompromising lightweight construction and superior handling dynamics, the SLS AMG provides an outstanding basis for a highly competitive racing car,' says AMG’s chairman Volker Mornhinweg. 'This exciting GT3 version is our response to strong customer demand for a car designed for these attractive motor sports series.'
Sales of customer SLS GT3s will start this autumn, homologation will follow at the start of 2011, and the first cars will start their competitive races next year too.
Aston Martin Rapide 24hr race car (2010) unveiled
Aston Martin has shown off the new race-spec version of its Rapide sports saloon. It's bound to make its competition debut at the 24-hour race at the Nurburgring on 15-16 May 2010.
The Rapide will be driven by Aston CEO Ulrich Bez, who has a history of competing at the Nordschleife in his part-time role as a gentleman racer. It's in virtually road-car spec, upgraded merely to strip out weight (bye bye snug rear seats), retune the suspension and meet FIA race rules with cut-out, cages and fire extinguishers. Slick tyres are fitted too to help this four-door grip like a limpet.0
Dr Bez's pet project
Bez explained the rationale behind entering a saloon into the gruelling 24-hour race in Germany. 'This race represents the ultimate final engineering durability test for any sports car – it subjects the car to the toughest possible assessment under public scrutiny,' he said.
'The Rapide has the capability to carry four people in comfort but first and foremost it is a sports car and we will subject it to the same tests we would our other sports cars. We already have a proven track record at the Nurburgring, racing our road cars with limited modification and in recent years we have enjoyed success in winning the SP8 class both in 2008 and 2009.'
Seems a strange choice of race car... why not enter a Vantage again?
Good point! Gaydon will enter a V12 Vantage at the Nurburgring event. The coupé won its SP8 class in 2009's race debut and finished 21st overall.
Is entering a Rapide merely a gimmick? Probably. But the Nordschleife race is a usefully low-cost billboard to announce the arrival of its first four-door for a generation – and will attract some useful publicity on television and among enthusiasts worldwide.
The first customer Rapides land in Aston's 125 showrooms worldwide later in April 2010.
The Rapide will be driven by Aston CEO Ulrich Bez, who has a history of competing at the Nordschleife in his part-time role as a gentleman racer. It's in virtually road-car spec, upgraded merely to strip out weight (bye bye snug rear seats), retune the suspension and meet FIA race rules with cut-out, cages and fire extinguishers. Slick tyres are fitted too to help this four-door grip like a limpet.0
Dr Bez's pet project
Bez explained the rationale behind entering a saloon into the gruelling 24-hour race in Germany. 'This race represents the ultimate final engineering durability test for any sports car – it subjects the car to the toughest possible assessment under public scrutiny,' he said.
'The Rapide has the capability to carry four people in comfort but first and foremost it is a sports car and we will subject it to the same tests we would our other sports cars. We already have a proven track record at the Nurburgring, racing our road cars with limited modification and in recent years we have enjoyed success in winning the SP8 class both in 2008 and 2009.'
Seems a strange choice of race car... why not enter a Vantage again?
Good point! Gaydon will enter a V12 Vantage at the Nurburgring event. The coupé won its SP8 class in 2009's race debut and finished 21st overall.
Is entering a Rapide merely a gimmick? Probably. But the Nordschleife race is a usefully low-cost billboard to announce the arrival of its first four-door for a generation – and will attract some useful publicity on television and among enthusiasts worldwide.
The first customer Rapides land in Aston's 125 showrooms worldwide later in April 2010.
Audi TT Coupe and Roadster facelift (2010) first pictures
This is Audi's facelifted TT Coupé and Roadster, though rather than referring to the tweaks as full-blown changes (which they're not), Ingolstadt is taking a more subtle approach and merely calling the revisions '2011 Model Year' tweaks.
I really can’t tell what’s new on this ‘new’ Audi TT!
Well it’s an Audi, so all TTs now come with a set of LED daytime running lights. As for the rest of the car, come on, can’t you see the changes?
Er, no...
Oh, well Audi says the interior and exterior have been 'revised with great attention to detail'. By now you must have spotted the 'imposing new bumper design' that adds 20mm to the length, the chrome trim surround on the foglights, the revised lattice of the single-frame grille, and the new diffuser-style rear bumper? No? Clearly you’re not looking hard enough...
Other visual tweaks are predominantly limited to new colours inside (three) and out (four), and some trim changes that bring a few more lashing of aluminium to the interior. It's not stunning stuff, but it is probably enough to get your average TT customer frothing over their frothy coffee.
Anything else new on the 2010 Audi TT range?
This is more like it - there's a completely new engine. The old 2.0-litre turbo and naturally aspirated 3.2 FSI have been junked for the same 2.0 TFSI found in the Mk6 Golf GTI. Power goes up from 197bhp to 208bhp, the 0-62mph time tumbles half a second to 6.1sec, the top speed climbs three notches and the engine is more efficient (42.8mpg and 154g/km against 36.7mpg and 183g/km).
The 158bhp 1.8 TFSI and 168bhp 2.0 TDI are unchanged, but Audi promises they're up to 14% more efficient than before thanks in part to a clever decoupling alternator that recharges the battery only under braking and coasting.
The hotter TTS gets a new grille, but otherwise it and the TT RS remain unchanged, the former with a 268bhp 2.0T, and the latter with a blown 2.5 five-pot producing 335bhp and 331lb ft.
The only dynamic tweak of note is the addition of a Sport button. Available (for a little more cash) on cars fitted with magnetic shock absorbers (which are standard on the TTS, an option on lesser models) the Sport button tweaks the steering and engine noise appropriately.
The revised Audi TT range will be unveiled at the 2010 Leipzig motor show this week. It's available to order now in the UK, and first deliveries to customers commence in summer 2010.
I really can’t tell what’s new on this ‘new’ Audi TT!
Well it’s an Audi, so all TTs now come with a set of LED daytime running lights. As for the rest of the car, come on, can’t you see the changes?
Er, no...
Oh, well Audi says the interior and exterior have been 'revised with great attention to detail'. By now you must have spotted the 'imposing new bumper design' that adds 20mm to the length, the chrome trim surround on the foglights, the revised lattice of the single-frame grille, and the new diffuser-style rear bumper? No? Clearly you’re not looking hard enough...
Other visual tweaks are predominantly limited to new colours inside (three) and out (four), and some trim changes that bring a few more lashing of aluminium to the interior. It's not stunning stuff, but it is probably enough to get your average TT customer frothing over their frothy coffee.
Anything else new on the 2010 Audi TT range?
This is more like it - there's a completely new engine. The old 2.0-litre turbo and naturally aspirated 3.2 FSI have been junked for the same 2.0 TFSI found in the Mk6 Golf GTI. Power goes up from 197bhp to 208bhp, the 0-62mph time tumbles half a second to 6.1sec, the top speed climbs three notches and the engine is more efficient (42.8mpg and 154g/km against 36.7mpg and 183g/km).
The 158bhp 1.8 TFSI and 168bhp 2.0 TDI are unchanged, but Audi promises they're up to 14% more efficient than before thanks in part to a clever decoupling alternator that recharges the battery only under braking and coasting.
The hotter TTS gets a new grille, but otherwise it and the TT RS remain unchanged, the former with a 268bhp 2.0T, and the latter with a blown 2.5 five-pot producing 335bhp and 331lb ft.
The only dynamic tweak of note is the addition of a Sport button. Available (for a little more cash) on cars fitted with magnetic shock absorbers (which are standard on the TTS, an option on lesser models) the Sport button tweaks the steering and engine noise appropriately.
The revised Audi TT range will be unveiled at the 2010 Leipzig motor show this week. It's available to order now in the UK, and first deliveries to customers commence in summer 2010.
Ferrari 599 GTO (2010) first official pictures
This is the new Ferrari 599 GTO, a very special limited-edition Italian supercar that takes inspiration from the track-only, £1.3m 599XX. Just 599 will be built (appropriately enough) and Ferrari is claiming this 661bhp beast is its fastest ever road car.
Ferrari 599 GTO? I think I’m rather keen…
And you should be. The Enzo-derived 6.0-litre V12 has gained some 599XX-spec pipework to push peak power up from 612bhp to 661bhp. It’s still a little down on the 720bhp produced by the 599XX, but it’s the same headline figure as the Lamborghini Murcielago LP670-4 SV…
More importantly, a crash diet that size-zero supermodels would be proud of has cut 195kg from the 599’s kerbweight – the 599 GTO tips the scales at 1495kg.
Match that to the extra power, plus a F1 sequential manual gearbox that shifts cogs in 60ms, and the 599 GTO will hit 62mph in 3.35 seconds. And if you’re worrying about the environment, despite the extra grunt the reduction in kilos means the 599 GTO is actually 4g/km cleaner than the regular 599.
What other tweaks has Ferrari made to the 599 to turn it into a 599 GTO?
The aero-efficient body is most obvious. A new front spoiler, different sills, a bigger diffuser and a larger lip on the bootlid all contribute to extra downforce, while vents behind the rear wheels reduce pressure in the wheelarches. There’s a heavily contoured and vented bonnet too, and a contrasting roof (though it isn’t actually carbonfibre).
Michelin supplies a new set of 20-inch rubber, and nestling behind the 10-spoke alloys are the latest Brembo brakes with F1-inspired wheel doughnuts to help cool the carbon discs.
And inside the new Ferrari 599 GTO?
Inside the GTO isn't quite race-car spartan but the sat-nav and radio are absent (you should know the way to your local track and the V12 will provide the soundtrack) and the 599 GTO has the same Virtual Race Engineer system as the 458 Italia which lets you know when the car's systems, coolant and tyres are still cold, and when you’ve absolutely cooked it.
The price for all this Italian engineering? £300,000.
The Ferrari 599 GTO will shown to a few of Ferrari’s most valued customers at Maranello on 14 April, before being unveiled to us mere mortals at the Beijing motor show at the end of April 2010.
Does it deserve the GTO badge? We’ll find out when we drive it in the next few months.
Ferrari 599 GTO? I think I’m rather keen…
And you should be. The Enzo-derived 6.0-litre V12 has gained some 599XX-spec pipework to push peak power up from 612bhp to 661bhp. It’s still a little down on the 720bhp produced by the 599XX, but it’s the same headline figure as the Lamborghini Murcielago LP670-4 SV…
More importantly, a crash diet that size-zero supermodels would be proud of has cut 195kg from the 599’s kerbweight – the 599 GTO tips the scales at 1495kg.
Match that to the extra power, plus a F1 sequential manual gearbox that shifts cogs in 60ms, and the 599 GTO will hit 62mph in 3.35 seconds. And if you’re worrying about the environment, despite the extra grunt the reduction in kilos means the 599 GTO is actually 4g/km cleaner than the regular 599.
What other tweaks has Ferrari made to the 599 to turn it into a 599 GTO?
The aero-efficient body is most obvious. A new front spoiler, different sills, a bigger diffuser and a larger lip on the bootlid all contribute to extra downforce, while vents behind the rear wheels reduce pressure in the wheelarches. There’s a heavily contoured and vented bonnet too, and a contrasting roof (though it isn’t actually carbonfibre).
Michelin supplies a new set of 20-inch rubber, and nestling behind the 10-spoke alloys are the latest Brembo brakes with F1-inspired wheel doughnuts to help cool the carbon discs.
And inside the new Ferrari 599 GTO?
Inside the GTO isn't quite race-car spartan but the sat-nav and radio are absent (you should know the way to your local track and the V12 will provide the soundtrack) and the 599 GTO has the same Virtual Race Engineer system as the 458 Italia which lets you know when the car's systems, coolant and tyres are still cold, and when you’ve absolutely cooked it.
The price for all this Italian engineering? £300,000.
The Ferrari 599 GTO will shown to a few of Ferrari’s most valued customers at Maranello on 14 April, before being unveiled to us mere mortals at the Beijing motor show at the end of April 2010.
Does it deserve the GTO badge? We’ll find out when we drive it in the next few months.
Lotus's new 2010 Elise dips below 150g/km of CO2
The new facelifted 2011 model year Lotus Elise has cut its CO2 output by nearly a fifth to a saintly 149g/km.
It's a 16% improvement over the outgoing Lotus Elise S and Hethel claims 'the Elise has the lowest CO2 for its performance level for any gasoline sports car in the world.'
Lotus is getting combative with the new Elise, pointing out that the Elise weighs just 876kg – while the Porsche Boxster sends the scales spinning to 1334kg.
So how come the new Lotus Elise is so clean?
The aerodynamics are 4% smoother, according to Lotus, while a smaller Toyota 1.6-litre VVT-i engine is downsized by 200cc compared with the outgoing 1.8, yet produces the same power.
The new 2011 model year (but on sale now in 2010) shows the benefits of lightweight: it'll hit 60mph in 6.0sec.
It's a 16% improvement over the outgoing Lotus Elise S and Hethel claims 'the Elise has the lowest CO2 for its performance level for any gasoline sports car in the world.'
Lotus is getting combative with the new Elise, pointing out that the Elise weighs just 876kg – while the Porsche Boxster sends the scales spinning to 1334kg.
So how come the new Lotus Elise is so clean?
The aerodynamics are 4% smoother, according to Lotus, while a smaller Toyota 1.6-litre VVT-i engine is downsized by 200cc compared with the outgoing 1.8, yet produces the same power.
The new 2011 model year (but on sale now in 2010) shows the benefits of lightweight: it'll hit 60mph in 6.0sec.
VW Touran facelift (2010) first official pictures
This is the new VW Touran...
Wait! This is a new VW Touran?
Not new as such, more a mid-life facelift with Golf/Polo/Touareg-aping styling. Bar the four doors every external panel is new so there are now oblong headlights for the nose, and the rear light cluster is now split between the body and bootlid. Of course there are new bumpers too, plus aero tweaks that include a revised roof spoiler make the Touran slipperier than before (0.29Cd for the new car games, 0.32Cd for the old).
There are eight engines available, and VW is proudest of the pair that produce 104bhp. One is a 1.6-litre TDI available in eco-tweaked Bluemotion guise to achieve 61.4mpg and 121g/km; the other is the new turbocharged 1.2 TSI petrol (with 129lb ft) that’s also found in the Golf and Polo. And if you’re keen on being green you can have it as a Bluemotion variant as well, with stop/start tech and a battery that only recharges under coasting and braking.
The rest of the engines (whether petrol or diesel) range from 89bhp to 168bhp, and all are direct-injected and turbocharged. The Touran is also available with the usual array of tech, with the latest self-parking system, lane keeping assist, a rear view camera and electronic dampers, and the choice of five or seven seats.
VW’s little people-carrying van will be unveiled at the 2010 Leipzig motor show, and UK sales start in August 2010 with prices kicking off around £17k.
Wait! This is a new VW Touran?
Not new as such, more a mid-life facelift with Golf/Polo/Touareg-aping styling. Bar the four doors every external panel is new so there are now oblong headlights for the nose, and the rear light cluster is now split between the body and bootlid. Of course there are new bumpers too, plus aero tweaks that include a revised roof spoiler make the Touran slipperier than before (0.29Cd for the new car games, 0.32Cd for the old).
There are eight engines available, and VW is proudest of the pair that produce 104bhp. One is a 1.6-litre TDI available in eco-tweaked Bluemotion guise to achieve 61.4mpg and 121g/km; the other is the new turbocharged 1.2 TSI petrol (with 129lb ft) that’s also found in the Golf and Polo. And if you’re keen on being green you can have it as a Bluemotion variant as well, with stop/start tech and a battery that only recharges under coasting and braking.
The rest of the engines (whether petrol or diesel) range from 89bhp to 168bhp, and all are direct-injected and turbocharged. The Touran is also available with the usual array of tech, with the latest self-parking system, lane keeping assist, a rear view camera and electronic dampers, and the choice of five or seven seats.
VW’s little people-carrying van will be unveiled at the 2010 Leipzig motor show, and UK sales start in August 2010 with prices kicking off around £17k.
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