Hatchback, News

MINI confirms new Cooper Clubman pricing

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MINI has confirmed pricing for the new Cooper Clubman will start from £19,995 OTR.

That's for the entry level model which features a 'generous standard' of specification including 16" Revolite Spoke alloy wheels, MINI Navigation, Bluetooth handsfree, interior lights pack, central display with LED ring, the MINI Excitement pack and start/stop with keyless start.

The Cooper D is powered by MINI's 2.0-litre diesel engine and starts from £22,265 OTR.

The MINI Cooper S Clubman adds 17" Vent Spoke alloy wheels, twin exhausts, sports seats for the driver and front passenger and Performance Control from £22,755, while the Cooper SD benefits from 400 Nm of torque for a 0-62mph time of 7.4 seconds and CO2 emissions of 119 g/km, and is priced from £24,255 OTR.

New to MINI is an 8-speed Steptronic transmission, available as an option on the MINI Cooper S Clubman, the MINI Cooper D Clubman and the MINI Cooper SD Clubman. Numerous features make their MINI debut on the new Clubman, including an electric parking brake, full electric seat adjustment and the optional MINI Yours Interior Styles with backlit door bezels.

The new MINI Clubman includes MINI's Navigation System as standard on all models, while every MINI Clubman also benefits from the MINI Excitement Package as standard, which features a projection of the brand logo on to the ground beneath the driver's side door mirror when the car is opened and closed, as well as extended interior lighting.

The new MINI Cooper Clubman is on sale now.

News, SUV

Mercedes unveils new GLS SUV

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Mercedes has revealed its revised GL-Class - with the newly named GLS.

Described as 'the only full-fledged seven-seater' in the European premium SUV segment, the new model features 'ample spaciousness and combines luxury with impressive levels of comfort, agile dynamics and also best-in-class safety'.

Mercedes says the facelift focused on redesigning the front end, while the rear has also been modernised primarily in the area of the bumper and tail lights. Chrome-look details such as the roof rails, underguard, shoulderline trim strips, luggage compartment handle and side skirt trim are joined by front and rear aprons and side running boards on the AMG model.

Highlights on the inside includes the newly designed instrument panel with semi-integrated Media Display, a new 3-spoke multifunction steering wheel, a modified centre console with touchpad and also the new appointment colours and trim elements.

Compared with its predecessor, the new generation features improved efficiency, extended DYNAMIC SELECT transmission modes, the air suspension system AIRMATIC with enhanced damping system ADS, 'state-of-the-art' assistance systems as well as internet access.

All of the engines provide better performance, says Mercedes with reduced consumption values in some cases. The GLS 500 4MATIC with V8 biturbo engine featuring direct injection now generates 455 hp - 20 hp more than the preceding model, and at a maximum torque of 700 Nm combines 'outstanding performance with the high level of motoring comfort of these engines'. The V6 biturbo engine, also featuring direct injection, is used in the GLS 400 4MATIC, producing an output of 333 hp and 480 Nm of torque from 1600 rpm.

The top-of-the-range Mercedes-AMG GLS 63 4MATIC now has over 28 hp more output, at 585 hp, than its predecessor. The peak torque of 760 Nm is now available from 1750 rpm. Despite a 'significant increase' in performance, the consumption remains unchanged.

Alongside the petrol engines, in the GLS 350 d 4MATIC there is the choice of the V6 diesel engine while, from launch, all versions will feature the nine-speed 9G-TRONIC automatic transmission as standard (except the Mercedes-AMG GLS 63), optionally in combination with low-range gearbox and centre differential lock.

More power, more dynamism and more equipment are also offered by the new Mercedes-AMG GLS 63 4MATIC. With a peak output of 585 hp, independent suspension and the revised AMG SPEEDSHIFT PLUS 7G-TRONIC transmission, it also includes the AMG DYNAMIC SELECT transmission modes, which provide optimum flexibility, and the rear-biased AMG Performance all-wheel drive. The GLS 63 4MATIC has an updated design, featuring the AMG brand look and a high-quality interior, and runs on 21-inch AMG light-alloy wheels.

The GLS will be available to order in Europe from November 2015 with deliveries starting from March 2016. UK pricing has yet to be confirmed.

Crossover, SUV, News

Full-scale Origami Nissan Juke

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Nissan has revealed a full size Origami Juke, celebrating 5 years of the model.

British paper artist Owen Gildersleeve collaborated with Nissan on the unique project in a nod to Nissan's Japanese heritage. Gildersleeve hand built the intricate replica model from paper to the exact dimensions of the current Juke, taking over 200 hours and folding more than 2,000 pieces of paper to create the detailed sculpture.

The Origami Juke features the same design cues - such as the wheel arches, lights and grille - that give the real-life model its distinctive character.

Artist Owen Gildersleeve said: "This was a great project to work on - hard work but very rewarding. As a celebration piece it draws on so many influences, such as the origami focus inspired by Nissan's Japanese roots. Using so many individual pieces of paper to create the overall structure also represents the thousands of people who helped bring the Nissan Juke into reality and the thousands who continue to do so right here in the UK."

The Juke, which is built in Nissan's plant in Sunderland, reaches its fifth birthday this year. Since first deliveries began in October 2010, more than 150,000 Juke models have been sold in the UK, with over 700,000 total sales across Europe.

Darryl Scriven, Design Manager at Nissan's Design Centre for Europe, said: "The first step of any car design involves putting pencil to paper. From that simple start, it's a complex journey to production involving hundreds of skilled people, thousands of man-hours and millions in investment. So we think it's very apt that on its fifth birthday, we celebrate the Nissan Juke with a tribute that harks back to that simple, but bold, first step, all carried out with Nissan's signature innovation and excitement of course."

The Origami Juke is revealed as 'World Origami Days' are celebrated across the world between 24th October and 11th November.

News

Maserati window display in Liberty London

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Maserati has joined forces with iconic London department store Liberty for an interactive window display.

The Italian car maker and the department store have also helped launch fashion charity LDNY's new 'Legacy' collection.

The unique and interactive window display at the Regent Street store features three examples from the Legacy collection alongside cutting-edge technology from 'Those' - a London-based digital design works - with their digital drawing system 'The Woodpecker'.

The Woodpecker is a drawing robot that sketches images of Maserati cars, as well as images from the Legacy Collection and Liberty's famous Tudor-style shop-front onto the glass window live in front of London shoppers. The Woodpecker also invites members of the public to be a part of the window display by writing tweets using the hashtag #LibertyxMaserati onto the glass.

A VIP event was hosted at Liberty earlier in the week to celebrate the charity fashion collection and officially launch the window display. Guests from the worlds of fashion and enterprise were joined by the likes of English fashion designer Ozwald Boateng, Chief Executive of the British Fashion Council Caroline Rush and Hip-hop artist Eve Jeffers at the 140 year-old London department store. A fleet of Maserati Quattroportes lined Great Marlborough Street where the store's main entrance is located.

The Legacy Collection is an ethical, luxury fashion project by the LDNY Foundation which promotes female designers from around the world. The LDNY Foundation is a partnership between London College of Fashion (LCF) and Parson's School in New York. Students from both universities entered designs by artisans inspired by nations such as Ethiopia, India, Mongolia, Papua New Guinea and Peru into a competition.

Peter Denton, Region Manager, Maserati North Europe said, "LDNY is a charity Maserati has been supporting since early 2015 when the first designs were showcased at Goldsmiths College. We're delighted to see the final Legacy Collection in the window at Liberty, which is such an iconic fashion venue in London. Maserati has always been known for being a pioneer of style and design in the automotive world, so it's an honour to champion new fashion innovators here in London."

Sports Car, News

Two Mazda MX-5 Concepts set for SEMA show

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Mazda has confirmed two vastly different takes on the fourth-generation MX-5 will be revealed at the 2015 SEMA Show.

The Specialty Equipment Market Association show takes place at the Las Vegas Convention Centre, for which the Mazda designers wanted to see what they could do if the MX-5 was 'taken to the extreme'. The result was an MX-5 Spyder Concept and a MX-5 Speedster Concept.

The MX-5 Spyder captures the character of a vintage roadster and translates it into a modern-day design, including bespoke leather interior details and is finished in a new Mercury Silver concept paint colour.

The MX-5 Speedster is described as a 'study in the extremes of lightweight, purpose-built performance', paying homage to minimalist roadsters of the 1950s. The Blue Ether-painted MX-5 Speedster is uncompromised in its approach to wind-in-the-hair driving, deliberately avoiding the use of a traditional windshield for a lighter deflector.

Both cars are significantly lighter than the 1057kg MX-5 roadster.

The SEMA Show takes place from 3-6 of November.

News, Crossover

Precautionary recall for Porsche Macan S and Turbo

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Porsche is conducting an examination of 1,198 UK models of the Macan S and Macan Turbo.

The precautionary recall, some 58,881 models worldwide, comes as a possible leak in the low-pressure fuel line inside the engine compartment were discovered. The line will be replaced in the workshop - a purely as a precautionary measure. Only petrol engines are affected.

The problem was identified after a precise examination of complaints and then 'immediately rectified' in ongoing production, says Porsche. Owners of the vehicles will be contacted directly by their local dealership with workshop appointments to be arranged as quickly as possible.

The work will take roughly one hour and will be carried out free of charge.

News

Warranty Direct creates Halloween horror car

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As October 31 approaches, Warranty Direct has revealed its Halloween horror car.

Using data from its Reliability Index (www.reliabilityindex.com) the 'horrific car' would give its owners nightmares all year round. Warranty Direct analysed data from 50,000 live policies, using failure rates to determine which parts should be bolted on to the ultimate horror vehicle. The vehicle, known as 'H-0WL3R' breaks down every other month and regularly feasts on the contents of its owner's bank account, costing an average of £487 to repair.

Sitting on the Mazda 5's axle and suspension system, the Horrific H-0WL3R would most likely spend much of its time coming to grief over Britain's poor quality road surfaces, breaking in the process, as the suspension inflicts problems on almost three quarters of Mazda 5s.

Power comes from a motor torn from under the bonnet of a Mitsubishi Outlander. This engine will be to blame for almost half of the many failed starts with some 48.3 per cent blighted by such issues. Stopping the Frankenstein of a car could be a problem too as the Mazda MX-5 donates its braking system to the H-0WL3R. Although the car experiences most problems as infrequently as Halloween itself, in almost 50 per cent of these instances, the issue is related to the brakes.

Adding to this engineering monstrosity is the Chevrolet Tacuma. For drivers of H-0WL3R, turning corners and swapping cogs will most likely be an unpleasant experience thanks to a steering system and gearbox which have both been proven to plague 33 per cent of Tacumas with reliability woes. The complex electrics of a Lexus GS will cause regular headaches with a 67 per cent failure rate, while the wheezing air conditioning system of a Honda CR-V is likely to bring unpredictable temperatures and a lamentable failure rate of 18.4 per cent.

David Gerrans, Managing Director of Warranty Direct commented, "This Halloween vehicle is the culmination of motorists' nightmares, guaranteeing inconvenient and expensive breakdowns if it was ever to be built. Thankfully it is fictional and can't be found on the market, nonetheless, it does highlight the Achilles heel of different vehicles, some of which are generally reliable, but could cause a fright as a result of a rogue component."

Electric, Sports Car, News

First Detroit Electric SP:01 leaves factory

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The first Detroit Electric sports car has rolled off the production line.

The SP:01 is described as the 'lightest and fastest two-seat pure-electric sports car in the world', and is manufactured in Leamington Spa.

The lightweight SP:01, which goes on sale in Asia and Europe over the coming weeks, combines a carbon fibre body with an aluminium chassis and features a 0-60mph time of 3.7 seconds, with the 6-speed manual, and a top speed of 155mph.

Powered by a 285HP / 210kW electric motor, the car is fitted with a single-speed automatic transmission as standard, with the option of twin-speed automatic or the 6-speed manual transmissions.

Albert Lam, Chairman and Group CEO of Detroit Electric commented: "We are thrilled to see our first production car roll off the line at our UK manufacturing site. Our first customer is sure to appreciate the unique experience of driving the SP:01 as we've worked hard to develop technologies that ensure it is one of the most rewarding pure electric sports cars to drive.

"Seeing our vision realised is hugely satisfying and we can now focus on fulfilling a growing bank of orders. As our production process builds momentum, we look forward to providing this unique electric sports car to our customers all over the world," he added.

Detroit Electric describes the battery as the most 'energy-dense automotive battery pack in the world', offering over 140Wh/kg and comes with built-in bi-directional charge and discharge capability. Made possible via the Detroit Electric home charging and power back-up unit - named '360-Powerback' - the unit turns the vehicle into a power source for both the grid and the home.

Pricing for the Detroit Electric SP:01 will be announced shortly.

Sports Car, News

Yamaha reveals new sports car in Tokyo

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Yamaha has unveiled a new sports car concept at the Tokyo Motor Show.

Called the Sports Ride Concept, Yamaha has released few details about the new car but has labeled it a 'Special exhibit/Experimental vehicle'.

The concept employs the iStream design process for the car's underpinnings, developed by McLaren F1 designer Gordon Murray Design Limited, to produce a lightweight, high-rigidity vehicle structures rooted in Formula One technology.

This design concept takes a 'uniquely Yamaha' approach by putting the 'involved and active' feeling of riding a motorcycle, or "Live and Ride" into a vehicle with quintessential sports car proportions for a driver-machine relationship close in feeling to the world of motorcycle riding.

Yamaha says it devoted much attention to the high-quality details and was inspired by the artistic style of 'Elementarism' when designing the concept.

No word yet on whether the 2-seater will go into production.

Crossover, News

Suzuki unveils Mighty Deck in Tokyo

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Suzuki has debuted a new concept - the Mighty Deck - at the 44th Tokyo Motor Show.

The Mighty Deck, which does seem to resemble a mighty duck, offers 'new kinds' of fun in the minicar segment according to the Japanese manufacturer.

The theme for the Suzuki's stand is "SUZUKI NEXT 100" as the brand will be celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2020. The exhibits represent proposals for products and technologies that give a sense of the company's preparations for ongoing success in the next 100 years, with a range of concept models will show how Suzuki can deliver 'wonder and enjoyment to drivers and riders'.

The Mighty Deck is described as a fun-oriented minicar with a canvas top for an open load deck that can be repositioned for diverse purposes, adding extra utility. The deck opens and closes automatically.

Suzuki says the "urban/outdoor" concept is embodied by features that 'free people to move between contrasting situations and mind sets: city and nature; home and away; work and leisure or relaxed and playful'.

Hatchback, News

Subaru debuts new Impreza 5-Door Concept

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Subaru has given a world premiere to its Impreza 5-Door Concept.

Revealed at the Tokyo Motor Show, the concept achieves a higher level of aerodynamic performance 'while blending form with function' resulting in modern styling, which hints at how future versions of the car will look.

The design study has a wide and low stance, hinting at the car's innate stability, while the hexagonal grille develops Subaru's visual identity further. The front combination lamps display a 'bold reinterpretation' of Subaru's "hawk-eye" headlights.

The Impreza 5-door Concept boasts a dynamic look and stance, a result of strong, clean character lines extending from the front wheel arch to the rear shoulders as well as offering all the functionality 'essential to Subaru and its customers'. The front and rear combination lights have been designed to 'express a powerful, modern look', with the taut lines and compact silhouette of the car further enhancing the concept's sportiness and stability, says Subaru.

The design not only hints at the styling of the next-generation Impreza but Subaru's future models as a whole.

Saloon, Hydrogen Fuel Cell Car, News

Honda reveals new Clarity FCV

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Honda has unveiled its next generation Clarity Fuel Cell Vehicle at the 2015 Tokyo Motor Show.

The new car is described by Honda as the world's first production fuel cell powered saloon car to house the entire fuel cell stack and drivetrain system in the space normally occupied by a normal engine and transmission.

Honda says new car seats five adults comfortably, helped by reducing the size of the fuel cell stack and the power generation unit to the size of a comparable V6 engine. The onboard fuel cells now feature a higher output and a more slender shape, with each cell helping make the fuel cell stack 33 per cent more compact than that used in the original FCX Clarity. This improvement has been achieved in parallel with an increase in maximum output to 177ps and a power density increased by 60 per cent.

The Clarity Fuel Cell includes a high-pressure tank capable of storing more hydrogen gas, therefore extending the range of the vehicle to 435 miles on a single tank. In addition, the tank can be refilled in approximately three minutes.

Due to the continuously increasing torque provided by the high-output 130 kW motor, with no need for gears, the Clarity achieves perfectly smooth acceleration anywhere from zero to maximum speed. The FCV include two driving modes: 'Normal' which provides a balance between fuel economy and driving performance, and 'Sport' which prioritises a more responsive acceleration feeling.

The exterior has been designed to give an 'imposing presence on the road' while maintaining a strong aerodynamic profile. Full-LED headlights with a sharp, slender profile and 18-inch aluminium wheels with an aerodynamic design complete the look.

The interior features an advanced driver interface with Honda's instant recognition and intuitive control, as well as premium, 'comforting' materials.

In the UK, Honda has worked with suppliers to encourage the local production and consumption of energy by establishing a solar-powered hydrogen refuelling station in the grounds of Honda UK Manufacturing, in Swindon. This station is open to the public (subject to registration) and able to refuel any fuel cell vehicle.

The Clarity Fuel Cell will be commercially available in Japan from early 2016. Further information on the European launch of the vehicle will follow in 2016.

Sports Car, News

Mazda unveils RX-Vision at the Tokyo Motor Show

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Mazda has pulled the covers off a new rotary-engined RX-Vision sports car in Tokyo.

Powered by Mazda's next-generation SKYACTIV-R rotary engine, this technology allows for what Mazda calls an 'exquisitely proportioned' front-engine, rear-wheel drive car. Rotary engines are unique in that they generate power through the rotational motion of triangular rotors (unlike pistons in conventional engines). Overcoming numerous technical difficulties, Mazda succeeded in commercialising rotary power, first in the Cosmo Sport 110S in 1967 and then in several other models.

Although not currently mass-producing any rotary models, Mazda says it never ceased its R&D activities, choosing the SKYACTIV-R label for the next-generation rotary engine.

"I look forward to talking with you more about this vision we revealed here today at the Mazda stand," said Mazda's Representative Director, President and CEO Masamichi Kogai. "Mazda will continue to take on new challenges in an effort to build a special bond with our customers and become their one and only brand."

Further details have yet to be announced.

Sports Car, News

Porsche Macan GTS revealed

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Porsche has added a new Macan GTS to its range.

Featuring a re-engineered chassis, 20 hp more power and uprated brakes, the dynamic GTS includes attributes 'keen drivers' will appreciate, says Porsche. The 360 hp petrol engine with 500 Nm of pulling power places the GTS between the Macan S and the Macan Turbo in the range line-up. The technical basis for this is the 3.0-litre, twin-turbocharged V6 of the Macan S, mated to the Porsche Doppelkupplung (PDK) seven-speed transmission and Porsche Traction Management (PTM) with variable power distribution to all four wheels. A sports exhaust system gives an 'aural clue' to the tuned engine under the bonnet.

A more sporty set-up has been applied to the Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM), which also offers a 15mm lowered ride height. The 20-inch diameter RS Spyder design alloy wheels finished in matt black paint complete the dynamic focus of the GTS. The wider tyres on the rear axle are a unique feature of the Macan chassis, and also provide a 'purposeful stance' to the new model. Acceleration from 0-62 mph takes 5.2 secs - or 5.0 secs with the optional Sport Chrono package - while top speed is 160 mph. This is balanced by fuel economy of up to 31.4 mpg Combined and CO2 emissions of 212 g/km.

The GTS Macan can also be recognised at first glance by exterior accents in black - in high gloss above the waistline and in a lustrous matt finish in the lower areas of the body. This is further enhanced by a special version of the Sport Design styling package in GTS-specific colouring.

On the inside, 'GTS' sport seats with Alcantara centre panels is joined by the new Porsche Communication Management with a touch-screen monitor, extended functionality and increased operating comfort, first seen in the next generation 911.

Prices for the new Porsche Macan GTS start at £55,188 OTR, and goes on sale 28 October, 2015.

Hatchback, News

Nissan debuts IDS Concept in Tokyo

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Nissan has unveiled an autonomous, zero emission car - the Nissan IDS Concept - at the Tokyo Motor Show.

Nissan Intelligent Driving is the brand's concept of autonomous drive technology, and represents what Nissan says next-generation vehicles should be. "Nissan Intelligent Driving improves a driver's ability to see, think and react. It compensates for human error, which causes more than 90 percent of all car accidents. As a result, time spent behind the wheel is safer, cleaner, more efficient and more fun." said Nissan president and CEO Carlos Ghosn.

Even though it is a hatchback, the IDS Concept's long wheelbase enables comfortable seating space for four adults. But the cabin becomes even more spacious when the driver selects Piloted Drive. In this mode, the steering wheel recedes into the centre of the instrument panel and a large flat screen comes out. All four seats rotate slightly inward, making conversation even easier. Various driving-related operations are handled by artificial intelligence (AI) yet the car's performance - from accelerating to braking to cornering - imitates the driver's own style and preferences.

In Manual Drive mode, the driver has control with the linear acceleration and cornering described as 'pure and exhilarating'. Yet behind the scenes, the IDS Concept continues to provide assistance with sensors continually monitoring conditions and in the event of imminent danger, the concept will take evasive action. The roomy interior transforms with all seats facing forward. The steering wheel, which Nissan says takes styling cues from reins for horse riding, appears along with driving meters and a heads-up display that shows route and other driving information. Interior lighting switches to blue. Nissan's use of hollow-structure A-pillars reduces blind spots.

In addition to learning, the car's AI communicates with information ranging from traffic conditions to the driver's schedule to personal interests.

On the exterior, lights and displays convey to pedestrians and others the car's awareness of its surroundings and signals its intentions. The car's silver side body line, for example, is actually an LED that Nissan calls the 'Intention Indicator'. When pedestrians or cyclists are nearby, the strip shines red, signalling that the car is aware of them. Another electronic display, which faces outside from the instrument panel, can flash messages such as "After you" to pedestrians.

The height of the full carbon fibre body was constrained to 1,380 mm, minimising aerodynamic drag (Cd). Positioning the tyres close to the corners of the body maximises interior space while enabling a wrap-around cabin design. Large-diameter wheels offer 'high-performance and sportiness', but used very thin 175-size tyres to minimise air and roll resistance. Powered by a high-capacity 60 kWh battery, and combined with the its aerodynamics, low stance, flowing form and reduced weight due to its full-carbon-fibre body, the vehicle is designed to also meet the need to drive long distances.

By 2020, Nissan expect to see its Intelligent Driving technology deployed on cars in cities around the world.

Hydrogen Fuel Cell Car, Saloon, Sports Car, News

Lexus LF-FC concept revealed in Tokyo

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Lexus has pulled the covers off a new flagship LF-FC concept.

Unveiled at the Tokyo Motor Show, the LF-FC presents a new styling theme that 'embodies Lexus's L-finesse design philosophy' says the Japanese automaker and provides a glimpse into Lexus's design and technology direction for a future flagship saloon.

The front end features an evolution of Lexus's signature grille, with a new mesh design along with L-shaped daytime running lights which 'emerge seamlessly' from the front wings with a floating effect, that is mirrored in the tail-lights. Featuring a flowing roofline in the style of a four-door coupe, the concept runs on 21-inch alloy wheels with carbon fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) rims adding an 'extra dash of flair'.

A high-output fuel cell power system is at the heart of the LF-FC, which drivers the rear wheels and also sends power to two in-wheel motors at the front for all-wheel drive. This drive system allows precise torque distribution control, giving the vehicle 'exceptional handling and stability'. The location of the fuel cell stack at the rear and the power control unit at the front and the arrangement of the hydrogen fuel tanks in a T-formation result in 'optimum' front-rear weight distribution for a sporty saloon.

On the inside, a spacious interior wraps its occupants in what Lexus calls a comfortable yet futuristic environment. Viewed at eye-level, the front seats appear to be 'floating' says Lexus. The rear seats offering a reclining feature and plenty of head and knee room. High-quality aniline leather on the seats, doors and dashboard enhances the level of luxury in the interior.

The LF-FC features an advanced human/machine interface that can be operated using simple hand gestures, with no need to touch a panel or switch. A small holographic image on the centre console indicates where the system can interpret hand gestures to control the audio system and ventilation. The concept uses automated driving technologies, with an elevated level of traffic environment recognition, prediction and judgement functions to provide a safe and efficient driving experience.

The Tokyo Motor Show runs until 8 November.

News

MG to offer £2k for your old car

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MG is currently offering £2,000 for your old car.

No matter what the car you drive, an approved MG dealer will take that car and part-exchange it with a either a new MG3 or MG6 for a minimum of £2,000 against selected models; such as the top of the range MG3 3STYLE at £9,999.

Matthew Cheyne, MG's Head of Sales and Marketing, said: "We think this is easily our best offer yet. Those looking for an outstanding deal, as well as the opportunity to join an iconic brand, are sure to fall in love with our range like our existing customers have. An offer this great might not be repeated again, so now is the time to snap it up and take this opportunity to get your hands on a great brand new car with more specification than you can imagine at a price that won't bust your budget."

The MG3 range starts from £8,399 while the MG6 range starts from £13,995.

The offer is not available in conjunction with the current zero per cent finance or deposit contribution deals, but can be used with a PCP deal.

News, Electric, Saloon

Tesla Model S Software update adds Autopilot

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Tesla has released a software update - Version 7.0 - with new Autopilot capabilities.

Designed to 'keep getting better over time', the latest software update allows the Model S to use its combination of cameras, radar, ultrasonic sensors, and data to autonomously steer down the motorway, change lanes, and adjust speed in response to traffic. Once you've arrived at your destination, the Model S will also scan for a parking space and parallel park on your command.

Tesla says its commitment to 'developing and refining' the technologies to enable self-driving capability is a core part the brands mission, 'building Autopilot to give you more confidence behind the wheel'.

In October of last year Tesla started equipping the Model S with hardware to allow for the incremental introduction of self-driving technology: a forward radar, a forward-looking camera, 12 long-range ultrasonic sensors positioned to sense 16 feet around the car in every direction at all speeds. A high-precision digitally-controlled electric assist braking system was also added.

The Version 7.0 software release allows those tools to deliver a range of new active safety and convenience features, designed to work in conjunction with the automated driving capabilities already offered in Model S.

Tesla says this combined suite of features 'represents the only fully integrated autopilot system involving four different feedback modules', namely camera, radar, ultrasonics, and GPS. These mutually reinforcing systems offer realtime data feedback from the Tesla fleet, 'ensuring that the system is continually learning and improving upon itself'. Digital control of motors, brakes, and steering helps avoid collisions from the front and sides, as well as preventing the car from wandering off the road.

The new software update also features a significant visual refresh of the digital displays for the Model S.

News, Supercars, Hypercar

Lewis Hamilton wins third F1 World Championship

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Lewis Hamilton has won his third Formula One World Championship.

Taking victory in a dramatic United States Grand Prix, team-mate Nico Rosberg finished second and Sebastian Vettel third in a race weekend that featured extreme rain, a curtailed qualifying and plenty of safety cars.

Hamilton took his 10th win of the season, the 43rd of his Formula One career en route to becoming only the second British driver after Sir Jackie Stewart to be a triple World Champion and is now also the only Briton to successfully defend his crown.

With just 10 laps to go and running in second place behind his team-mate, Hamilton had fresher tyres - having just pitted under yet another safety car, and was able to pressure Rosberg in to making a mistake. It was the lifeline the British driver needed and he was able to capitalise, taking the lead on lap 48 of 56. Hamilton saw the car home, winning the race and sealing the Championship with it.

Hamilton said: "It's an overwhelming moment. The race today was really amazing and anything could have happened. The last 10 - 15 laps were extraordinary - it was just a crazy, crazy race. I was in the lead, then I was fourth and the conditions were really tricky. Nico was driving really well, too. All the way through, I was thinking; "The Championship is there somewhere.. how can I get it?" It was so close I could smell it and there was never a moment I didn't believe I could do it."

The British driver paid tribute to his hero Ayrton Senna: "It's just incredible to equal Ayrton, too. My target was always three titles as he was the one who inspired me. There is no one I want to equal now - I just want to carry on as far and long as I can."

Mexico is the next race for Hamilton and co, returning to the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez circuit after a 23 year absence.

Hatchback, Estate Car, News

Audi unveils new RS 6 and RS 7 performance variants

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Audi has confirmed new RS 6 Avant and RS 7 Sportback 'performance' models have joined its range.

Adding more power, up power to 605PS and torque to up to 750Nm over their already formidable counterparts the new RS performance models retain the same 'best-in-class' fuel economy and efficiency figures as their 'standard' equivalents.

That's despite translating their 45PS and 50Nm output advantages into what Audi calls a supercar-challenging sprint time to 62mph of just 3.7 seconds, and on to a top speed of 189mph if the dynamic package plus is specified.

Available to order in the UK from November, and scheduled for first deliveries next February, the RS 6 Avant performance will be priced at £86,000 OTR and the RS 7 Sportback performance at £91,600 OTR.

The 4.0-litre TFSI engine's 605PS output and 700Nm of peak torque can be temporarily increased by the driver to 750Nm by way of an overboost function. The standard eight-speed tiptronic transmission has been designed to 'maximise the potential' of the more extreme engine in both the new RS 6 Avant performance and the new RS 7 Sportback performance. The driver can choose between the modes D and S or change gears manually either by tapping the selector lever or by using the shift paddles on the RS multifunction sport leather steering wheel. In manual mode, a shift indicator in the driver information system or optional head-up display indicates the rev limit.

The quattro permanent all-wheel drive system delivers the power to the road and flexibly distributes torque as needed via the centre differential. With its dynamic set-up, the standard RS adaptive air suspension lowers the body of the RS 6 Avant performance and RS 7 Sportback performance by 20 millimetres. The driver can modulate the function of key components using Audi drive select, including the steering, engine and sound management, the tiptronic transmission and the sport differential. The RS performance models, like the all-new R8 sports car, make the Audi drive select configuration process even quicker and easier by enabling the driver to switch between the auto, comfort, dynamic and individual modes without taking eyes off the road using a button on the RS multifunction sport leather steering wheel.

Both RS performance models run on 21-inch cast aluminium wheels with 285/30 tyres in the RS 6 Avant performance and 275/30 tyres in the RS 7 Sportback performance. The four internally ventilated brake discs have a weight-saving wave design, and can be replaced by carbon fibre-ceramic discs as an option.

RS performance features include accentuated bumpers with large air inlets up front and the heavily profiled diffuser insert at the rear, as well as the gloss black honeycomb grille typical of the RS models and the flared side sills. RS super sports seats with pronounced side bolsters and integrated head restraints are standard, and are upholstered in a black and blue Alcantara and leather combination with a honeycomb pattern and matching stitching on the armrests.