Nissan GT-R SpecM spied

23rd June 2010

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.

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Read more:http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/news/spyshots/253486/nissan_gtr_specm_spied.html#ixzz1kHn1yqkP

Honda Civic SUV on way

Honda is planning a crossover to take on the big-selling Nissan Qashqai from 2013

Text: Luke Madden / Photos: Poblete

04th January 2012

Honda has set its sights on emulating the runaway success of the Nissan Qashqai – and our exclusive images reveal the car it will pin its hopes on. The company is keen to boost its profitability in Europe, particularly in the UK, where sales have halved over the last three years. And a new crossover to sit between the Civic and CR-V is seen as key to its chances of doing so.

The as-yet-unnamed car will be based on a tweaked version of the new Civic’s platform, and go on sale next year. Our illustrations show how it’s likely to look. It blends Civic styling cues, such as the flowing wheelarches and narrow headlights, with a front end from the company’s Skydeck MPV concept car, plus additional chunky details like the underbody guard. Inside, it will make use of the Civic’s flip-up rear seats.

Despite the high-riding stance, the crossover will have to be good to drive, and that’s where the Civic underpinnings will help. Fluid-filled bushes and a stiff rear subframe will keep the ride supple and the handling sharp.

As with the Qashqai, the big-selling engines would all be diesels, and Honda’s new 1.6-litre i-DTEC engine will be the main attraction. It produces 118bhp and 300Nm of torque, and should emit around 110g/km of CO2, with economy of 70mpg, thanks to stop-start and an efficient electric power-steering set-up. The more powerful 147bhp 2.2-litre i-DTEC engine will also be offered, alongside a 1.8-litre petrol engine with 138bhp.

A key Honda selling point is hybrid technology and the firm will be looking to introduce next-generation hybrid systems on the newcomer. That could mean an electric motor at the rear, giving the company a four-wheel-drive version. Plus, a plug-in hybrid system is being developed for some of Honda’s larger vehicles, and the Qashqai rival could be one of the first models to get it. A price tag of around £17,000 is likely when the newcomer arrives in showrooms in 2013.

Scoure : AutoExpress

New Toyota Prius revealed

By Jack Rix

18th January 2012

The world's favourite hybrid has received a range of upgrades for 2012, including a restyled front end, more equipment and improved comfort. Fuel economy and emissions of 72.4mpg and 89g/km (or 70.6mpg and 92g/km for models wearing 17-inch wheels) stay the same.

Most of the styling changes take place on the lower part of the front end. A redesigned bumper - which adds another 20mm to the Prius' overall length - houses a larger front grille. Clear-lens headlights are added, while the LED daytime running lights are relocated to underneath the indicators in the front bumper - the fog lights are now imbedded in the lower grille.

Equipment levels have been increased with the Toyota Touch central touchscreen now standard on T3 and T4 models. Top-spec T-Spirit models get the Toyota Touch and Go Plus system as standard, which adds sat-nav, voice recognition and allows you to use Google local search through your phone's 3G connection.

The Prius now comes in eight colours, including two new shades - Dark Blue and Cabernet Red. New kit on the T Spirit model includes water-repellent glass, dusk-sensing LED headlights and an electrochromatic rear view mirror.

By increasing the number of welding spots, the body is now marginally stiffer, which has a couple of knock-on effects. Firstly the suspension can be dialled back to a softer setting without any loss of body control, and secondly the steering column becomes more rigid - improving the steering feel.

Prices begin at £21,350 for the T3 model, £23,080 for the T4 and £24,620 for the T Spirit - and increase of £295, £310 and £335 respectively - and sales begin in March. Later in the year the Prius range will grow with the introduction of the Prius Plug-in and seven-seater Prius +.

Read more:http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/news/autoexpressnews/277489/new_toyota_prius_revealed.html#ixzz1kHmjFk79

New Mazda MX-5

Pictures of next-generation Mazda MX-5 roadster, which will be lighter than the original

Text: Luke Madden / Photos: Automedia

16th January 2012

Mazda is hard at work on a new MX-5 that’s set to capture the spirit of the original eighties model, thanks to a huge reduction in weight and a pure and simple driving experience. 

Key to the next-generation MX-5 is the firm’s SKYACTIV technologies that focus on reducing weight and improving efficiency. While the current car weighs around 1,050kg, Mazda engineers are reportedly on track for a kerbweight of under 900kg.

Mazda has said that it hopes the body alone will account for a 10 per cent weight loss, despite the fact it is about 30 per cent stiffer than the current car, thanks to the use of more high-strength steel. 

The chassis itself will also be 10 per cent lighter than the current car's, with redesigned suspension and steering hoping to offer a lightness and agility at low speeds but a more secure feeling at high speeds.

With a new lighter car will come a range of smaller capacity engines. Currently the MX-5 is powered by 1.8-litre and 2.0-litre naturally aspirated engines producing up to 170bhp. The new car is expected to use a turbocharged 1.3-litre SKYACTIV engine, although a naturally-aspirated 1.5-litre unit will also be offered.

The MX-5’s new look is inspired by the Takeri concept that debuted at the 2011 Tokyo Motor Show. The new design language incorporates a larger shield grille and defined creases in the bodywork. 

Expect the next-generation Mazda MX-5 to be unveiled towards the end of 2013, with sales starting the following year. 

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Scoure : AutoExpress

Honda Civic Type R is back

Hot hatch Honda legend is set to return – and the new Civic Type R will have a turbo engine

Text: Jack Rix / Photos: Poblete

05th October 2011

The next Honda Civic Type R will not only be the fastest version yet – it’s tipped to be Honda’s first-ever turbo road car. And our sources in Japan say tuning expert Mugen is already well underway with development.

The Type R has already achieved cult status in the UK – Europe’s biggest hot hatch market – thanks to its combination of a high-revving naturally aspirated engine and aggressive styling. But in order to meet emissions regulations, this latest model will tweak the formula slightly.

Instead of the previous 2.0-litre naturally aspirated engine, it will use a 2.0-litre turbo designed to comply with Euro V emissions regulations. A similar engine will feature in Honda’s 2012 British Touring Car Championship challenger.

Adding a turbo will give more torque lower in the rev range, so a higher gear can be used more often to boost efficiency. Stop-start is also likely to be fitted.

Just as VW hiked power with its latest Golf GTI, so Honda will increase the Type R’s output – but not by much. A figure of 210bhp would allow a 0-62mph time of less than 6.5 seconds and a top speed approaching 150mph.

Based on the new Civic seen at last month’s Frankfurt Motor Show, the Type R gets the standard car’s front grille, slim headlights and LED daytime running lights, although most of the bodywork will be uprated.

A front end with large mesh air intakes, a lower chin spoiler and chunky side skirts will boost the visual impact, while a rear diffuser and extended spoiler  aim to increase stability at high speeds. Also helping the car’s balance in corners is the standard Civic’s longer, wider chassis; this should also improve ride comfort and grip.

Don’t expect refinement to match a Mercedes S-Class, however. The Type R has always been an extreme proposition and that’s the way it will stay.

The steering is set to be pin sharp, while the six-speed manual box will use a stubby gearlever for snappy changes. Plus, the suspension will be firm, to cope with track work as well as blasting down B-roads.

In a break from tradition that matches the turbocharged Ford Focus ST – a key competitor for the Type R – Honda will offer the car as a five-door only. Prices are expected to start from around £23,000 when it arrives in 2013.

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Scoure : AutoExpress

Fiesta ST spies

Latest photos show the Ford Fiesta ST without badges, but completely undisguised

By Kate Barratt

20th January 2012

Our spy photographers have snapped the Fiesta ST during cold weather testing. And just like the baby blue prototype we spotted back in November, Ford has chosen to test it without any camouflage.

We first previewed the three-door Fiesta ST in concept form at the Frankfurt Motor Showlast September, and have since seen a five-door version at the LA show in November. By comparing those show cars with these pictures it's clear the production car won’t be much different.

The photos, taken in Germany, prove that the bold roof spoiler, ST bodykit and gaping mesh grille will make it down the production line. While Europe will get a three-door ST, the five-door model will be reserved for customers in North America.

Under the bonnet, power comes from a 1.6-litre turbocharged EcoBoost engine, developing 178bhp and 240Nm of torque, and connected to a six-speed manual gearbox. It should be capable of cracking 0-60mph in under seven seconds and hitting a top speed of 136mph. Expect fuel economy in the region of 50mpg too.

Ford's engineers will go to work on the chassis too, adjusting the suspension geometry and adding firmed springs and dampers for sharper handling.

The production model should debut at the Paris Motor show in September, just before we drive it in late 2012. First deliveries are expected in early 2013.

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New Audi A3 revealed

Executive hatch will be more luxurious than ever - and there's hybrid and electric versions in the pipeline, too

Text: Luke Madden / Photos: Poblete

12th October 2011

The new Audi A3 will be more stylish, luxurious and hi-tech than ever – and Auto Express has full details on the firm’s BMW 1 Series challenger, which will arrive first in sporty three-door form in early 2012.

 

Previewed earlier this year at the Geneva Motor Show, the new A3 range will consist of four body styles. A five-door Sportback arrives in 2013, but before then there will be this three-door, plus a saloon for the first time. There will also be hybrid versions and an electric model.

Based on official Audi sketches, our exclusive images show how the big-selling three-door will look. It’s more angular than before, and the LED headlights are inspired by those on the facelifted A5 and all-new A6. The large grille is lifted directly from the compact saloon concept Audi displayed at the Geneva Motor Show earlier this year.

A sloping roof and chunky rear pillars give it a sportier profile, while the pronounced crease running from front to back along the car’s flanks – called a ‘tornado line’ by Audi designers – will be a feature of all A3 variants.

Audi’s most recent models, such as the A6 and A1, have been praised for their class-leading interior build quality, and the firm plans to continue this trend with the A3. Chunky heater controls and eyeball-style air vents will be lifted from the A1, and a soft-touch dashboard and high-quality materials will be used throughout.

Hi-tech gadgets include a sat-nav system which displays directions on to satellite images taken from Google Maps, and an Internet connection. The engine line-up will comprise 1.2, 1.4, 1.8 and 2.0-litre turbo petrol units delivering between 105bhp and 210bhp. Diesel options will use 1.6 and 2.0-litre TDI engines with the most powerful producing around 170bhp. A frugal TDIe model producing around 100bhp but capable of more than 80mpg is also set to appear.

Audi will also offer all-electric, hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions, which are expected to arrive late in 2013. No powertrain details have been released yet, but the A3 saloon concept used a 211bhp 1.4-litre TFSI petrol engine and 27bhp electric motor. The electric version will borrow technology from the A3 e-tron concept.

Audi’s new hatch will have better handling and more comfort than the current generation, too. It rides on the Volkswagen Group’s new MQB chassis, but will have more aluminium parts than the next-generation Golf – which will use the same chassis – to reduce weight and help improve agility in both two and four-wheel-drive models. Audi Drive Select and adaptive dampers will also be offered as options.

The three-door and saloon models arrive first early next year, while the five-door Sportback and Cabriolet – which is expected to be based on the longer wheelbase saloon, rather than the hatch – will follow late in 2013.

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