Lamborghini Centenario debuts at Geneva

Lamborghini has presented a special edition Centenario model at the Geneva Motor Show.

The limited edition comes in the year Lamborghini celebrates the centenary of founder Ferruccio Lamborghini's birth. Only 20 coupe and 20 roadster versions of the Centenario will be produced - and all 40 cars are already sold, with a start price of 1.75 million euros plus tax.

The Centenario continues Lamborghini's one-off strategy and is powered by a V12 naturally aspirated engine, producing 770 hp for a 0-62 time of 2.8 seconds with a top speed of more than 217mph. Braking from 62mph to standstill is achieved in 30 meters. A monocoque and body in full carbon fibre provide a low weight of 1,520 kg and a weight to power ratio of just 1.97 kg/hp.

The car's aerodynamic design includes an extending rear wing providing more downforce at high speeds. The introduction of rear-wheel steering provides increased agility and stability, and a new touchscreen provides connected infotainment, including internet browsing and Apple CarPlay. 

"The Centenario is a car that perfectly combines tradition and innovation. It looks to the future while honouring the legend that is Ferruccio Lamborghini," says Automobili Lamborghini President and CEO Stephan Winkelmann. "The Centenario is an opportunity for our designers and engineers to transcend some of the constraints of series car production to achieve an incomparable result: the Centenario has immediately proved itself as a desirable collectors' car, while demonstrating new Lamborghini technologies and outstanding performance. It is the most fitting tribute to Ferruccio Lamborghini in his centenary year: a man who created an exceptional brand, believed that anything was possible, and produced extraordinary, iconic cars. The Centenario is a super sports car for Ferruccio Lamborghini and the future he and we believe in today."

New Competition Package for BMW M3 and M4

The BMW M3 Saloon, M4 Coupe and M4 Convertible will now be available with a special Competition Package designed to enhance driving dynamics. 

The suite of upgrades results in an overall performance improvement with the M3 Saloon and M4 Coupe (fitted with the optional 7-speed M Double Clutch transmission) accelerating from rest to 62mph in 4.0 seconds, while the M4 Convertible takes 4.3-. The sprint time for 6-speed manual models is similarly a tenth of a second faster compared to the standard car.

The Package includes Adaptive M Suspension with new springs, dampers and anti-roll bars, along with reconfigured driving modes (Comfort, Sport and Sport+). The standard Active M Differential on the rear axle and DSC Dynamic Stability Control have also been adapted to match the upgraded dynamics. Machine-polished, weight- and rigidity-optimised 20-inch M alloy wheels with multi-spoke M styling and mixed tyres (front: 265/30 R20, rear: 285/30 R20) complete the list of chassis upgrades.

For the M3 and M4 Coupe, the interior features lightweight M sports seats featuring seatbelts with woven-in M stripes.

Exterior highlights include the M sports exhaust system with black chrome tailpipes and extended BMW Individual high-gloss Shadow Line exterior trim. The high-gloss Black finish has been applied not only to the side window trim, window recess finishers and exterior mirror frames and bases, but also to the BMW kidney grille, the side gills and the model badge on the tail.

On-the-road prices for cars fitted with the Competition Pack start from £59,595 for the M3 Saloon, topping out at £63,350 for the M4 Convertible.

Mercedes-AMG reveals C 43 4MATIC Coupe

Mercedes-AMG has added a new new C 43 4MATIC Coupe to its C-Class family.

The 367hp, 3.0-litre V6 twin-turbo engine is mated to a new 9G-TRONIC automatic transmission that, together with the AMG Performance 4MATIC all-wheel drive and the model-specific chassis technology, provides ‘high agility and exhilarating lateral dynamics’. The 0-62mph time takes 4.7 seconds, while top speed is electronically limited to 155mph.

With model-specific software application, AMG says it has managed to ‘substantially’ reduce the shift times of the 9-speed transmission. Multiple downshift allows even faster short bursts of speed, while the double-declutching function in the "Sport" and "Sport Plus" transmission modes makes for ‘an even more emotive driving experience’. The gear changes are based on the selected transmission mode, and the driver can now change gear using the paddles on the steering wheel.

"The extension of the C-Class family to include the new C 43 4MATIC Coupe is another component in our growth strategy. It not only enriches the wide line-up of the C-Class family, but also starts the introduction of a whole series of new ‘43’ models this year," says Mercedes-AMG GmbH chairman Tobias Moers. "The ‘43’ models boast the characteristic AMG genes, which are also included in our GT and ‘63’ vehicles, and thus consistently interpret our brand essence of 'Driving Performance' in their segment."

In order to increase efficiency, the ECO start/stop function and the 'sailing' function reduce fuel consumption in "Eco" mode: when the driver releases the accelerator the clutch is disengaged and the engine is decoupled from the powertrain. The electronics reduce the engine speed to idle level, and the driving resistance is reduced by the compression and frictional forces of the engine in overrun mode.

Characteristic sporty features includes distinctive AMG styling such as the front apron with sporty distinctive air intakes, diamond meshes, silver chrome trim, as well as the rear apron with matt iridium silver diffuser insert. The diamond radiator grille features chrome-plated pins, a louvre in high-gloss black and the AMG lettering. Down below, the silver chrome front splitter ensures an optimal flow of air to the cooling modules.

Additional highlights include the black exterior mirror housings, the high-gloss black waistline trim strip and window frame, as well as the two chrome-plated tailpipes with centre divider. AMG 5-spoke light-alloy wheels painted in high-gloss black with a high-sheen finish round off the design visually.

Inside, the driver finds a secure position in the sports seat even driving at speed thanks to 'improved lateral support', while the AMG instrument cluster delivers all relevant information in a clearly arranged layout optimised for a dynamic driving style. An authentic sports car look and feel is provided by two tube-shaped round dials, 11.4 cm (4.5-inch) multifunction colour display, RACETIMER and 280 km/h scale in chequered-flag design.

McLaren 570GT to be debut in Geneva

McLaren will debut the new 570GT at this year’s Geneva Motor Show.

The McLaren 570GT joins the 570S Coupe and 540C Coupe as the third model in the recently announced Sports Series family. Described as practical enough for everyday use, the two-seat, mid-engined sportscar is the most refined and road-biased McLaren yet, designed with a focus on day-to-day usability and long distance comfort. It offers ‘increased levels’ of practicality and comfort, while remaining a true McLaren.

A standard fixed glass Panoramic Roof provides a bright, open cabin running through to the large rear opening glass hatch. With the increased glass area of the 570GT, cabin temperatures is regulated and maintained by an enhanced dual-zone air conditioning system as well as an 18 percent transmission glass tint.

Targeted towards longer journeys and weekends away, the ‘spacious and ergonomically-optimised cabin’ features a pair of eight-way electrically adjustable sports seats, upholstered in leather as standard. The control interfaces for the air conditioning, telephony, navigation and audio systems are managed through the centrally-mounted touchscreen, while vehicle setup is configurable via the TFT LCD digital instrument cluster.

The front luggage area remains unchanged from the Coupe, providing 150 litres of stowage, while a further 220 litres of space is available behind the seats on the leather-lined Touring Deck. This additional space is accessed via the side opening Glass Hatch bringing the total storage space for the 570GT to 370 litres. The Glass Hatch opens on the kerbside whether left- or right-hand drive and is framed by carbon fibre providing significant torsional rigidity.

Power comes from the McLaren-developed 3.8-litre twin turbo V8 engine which debuted in the 570S Coupe. With 562bhp and 600 Nm, power is delivered to the rear wheels via a seven-speed seamless-shift transmission with adjustment through Normal, Sport and Track settings. The settings include bespoke gearchange calibrations with comfort (Normal), Cylinder Cut (Sport) and Inertia Push (Track) technologies all available.

Sharing the newly developed suspension system with the other models in the Sports Series, the 570GT emphasises long distance comfort through further fine tuning to the system which includes a reduction in spring rate stiffness of 15 percent at the front and 10 percent at the rear. Independent adaptive dampers can be dynamically adjusted through Normal, Sport and Track settings, and are coupled to front and rear anti-roll bars.

The 570GT uses a carbon fibre chassis, weighing in at 75kg, contributing to a dry weight of 1,350kg (2,976lb), which equates to 422PS per tonne - for a 0-62 mph time of in 3.4 seconds and a top speed of 204 mph. The 570GT returns 26.6 mpg (10.7 l/100 km) on the EU combined cycle and emissions of 249 g/km.

The 570GT is priced from £154,000 in the UK, with first deliveries due to commence late in 2016.

Minder Terry’s Capri to go under the hammer

Two famous motors from the classic TV series Minder, are set to go under the hammer.

H&H Classics will offer Arthur Daley’s Daimler in a forthcoming sale at the Imperial War Museum in Duxford alongside Terry McCann’s Ford Capri – the very same one that featured in the opening titles.

The Daimler (often mistaken for a Jaguar) has recently been re-finished in its original livery as part of a recent bodywork restoration and benefited from £5,000 worth of mechanical fettling at the hands of a marque specialist. Its odometer displays just 43,990 miles. In the mid-1980s actor George Cole, who played Daley, wanted to buy the car himself, and came close to doing so before it was given away in a TV Times competition. It is estimated to sell for £35,000 to £45,000.

Alongside the Daimler will be its automotive partner, a two-litre white Ford Capri driven by Terry McCann played by Dennis Waterman. The famous Ford was not only driven by Terry in the opening sequence but also at various times during the series. The Capri is believed to have come close to being crushed, but escaped and now rejuvenated, shows 88,700 miles on the clock. 

Its estimate of £65,000 to £85,000 could set a new world record for a two-litre model, highlighting the power of celebrity and provenance.

The original Minder show ran for ten series between 29 October 1979 and 10 March 1994, and starred Dennis Waterman as Terry McCann, an honest and likeable bodyguard (or minder) and George Cole as Arthur Daley, a dodgy used-car salesman and trader of pretty much anything on which a pound was to be made. 

The H&H Classics sale at the Imperial War Museum in Duxford will take place on Wednesday 20 April.

BMW M2 Coupe gets M Performance upgrades

Following on from BMW's announcement that the M2 Coupe will be the official MotoGP Safety Car, the German brand has added M Sport Performance Parts for the M2 Coupe.

From next month, the dynamic qualities and the visual appearance of the M2 Coupe can be further enhanced with the newly presented range of BMW M Performance Parts. They comprise components derived from motor racing for the areas of aerodynamics, engine, cockpit and suspension.

Featuring an extensive range of aerodynamic components made of carbon-reinforced plastic (CFRP or carbon fibre) - these include front and side sill attachments, rear diffuser and mirror caps. The front and side sill attachments in combination with the rear spoiler and diffuser optimise the airflow around the vehicle, which in turn impacts positively on handling and driving performance. The M Performance radiator grille enhances the sporty appearance along with the front and side in high-gloss black with integrated BMW M logo in the BMW M colours red, blue and light blue.

The M Performance flap silencer system makes for more intense perception of the engine sound. Its two operating modes Sport and Track can be set by Bluetooth remote control. The Sport mode is intended for use on public roads and indulges the driver with a distinctive sporty sound. Meanwhile the Track setting ‘further intensifies’ the volume and character of the exhaust sound. The M Performance flap exhaust system further enhances the BMW M2 visually, too, with its high-gloss silencer unit including deep-embossed M Performance logo, tailpipes with a diameter of 80 millimetres and perforated inner pipe. As an alternative there are also carbon fibre tailpipe trim elements available.

The M2 Coupe can be fitted with the BMW M Performance coil-spring suspension so as to optimise road holding and handling. BMW M Performance sports brake pads offer increased suitability for the race track as well as enhanced active safety. The interior of the BMW M2 Coupe can also be given a definite touch of sporty style with the addition of M Performance LED door sill cover strips for the driver and passenger side, M Performance floor mats, stainless steel pedal covers and an M Performance Pro steering wheel with grip areas covered in Alcantara. This is particularly marked in its shaping and generally has a harder foam body than the standard steering wheel, resulting in better grip and a more precise steering feel. It also has a light blue central marking at the 12 o’clock position.

In addition, BMW offers the M Performance steering wheel with race display and carbon fibre trim as standard. With an integrated function display in the upper steering wheel rim, the driver always has a perfect view of information such as section and lap times, longitudinal and transverse acceleration. The functions are intuitively controlled by menu buttons integrated in the thumb recesses of the steering wheel. In addition to the race display there is also a gear shift indicator: two bi-colour LED light strips on the right and left that run towards each other.

The BMW Performance range for the interior is rounded off with the M Performance Interior Kit Carbon, featuring trim elements for the twin-clutch transmission gear selector level, centre console and handbrake handle and the M Performance interior trim finishers with their especially attractive blend of Alcantara and carbon fibre.

On sale in April, prices for the BMW M2 Coupe start at £44,070 OTR.

Eagle adds Jaguar Spyder GT to range

Renowned Jaguar E-Type specialists ‘Eagle’ has announced the third in their trilogy of special edition E-Types - the new Eagle Spyder GT.

The British company has conducted complete and compromise free restorations on original Jaguar E-Types for over thirty years - aiming to ‘refine, develop and deliver exceptional engineering for the Jaguar E-Type while remaining true to the spirit of this extraordinary car’.

The Spyder GT combines the style and dynamics of the previous Eagle Speedster with the high performance touring capability of the Eagle Low Drag GT- and incorporates a folding roof for practicality.

The first car from the East Sussex company was the Speedster, which was developed from a client request and then feted around the world. It starred on Top Gear in 2011. The Eagle Low Drag GT - inspired by Malcolm Sayer’s Low Drag Coupe developed for Jaguar in 1961 - followed soon after.

With the ‘poise and performance’ of the Low Drag GT and the styling of the Speedster - the Spyder GT’s raked windscreen and folding roof offer the best of both worlds – whatever the weather.

An all-aluminium E-Type lightweight roadster based around an original 1960s classic, every line and detail is honed to perfection and performance is greatly enhanced says Eagle. Each of the very few produced will have an entirely bespoke specification dependent of the specific desires of each client.

Paul Brace, Design Director at Eagle said: “Development of the Spyder GT began soon after the launch of the Speedster in 2011 and, like everything we produce, we wanted to ensure that we got as close to perfection as humanly possible. We’re renowned for being perfectionists and our clients are too - so we took the time to develop and deliver an E-Type that stands proud alongside the Speedster and the Low Drag GT.”

Henry Pearman, Eagle Founder and MD commented: “Like many, my love of the E-Type set hold at a very young age and has become a lifetime's dedication. The team here at Eagle have taken this love of E-Types to a new dimension by creating the ultimate trilogy of special edition E-Types - complementing the beautiful originals that form the backbone here at Eagle. I am incredibly proud of what we have achieved together over the last thirty years - and excited about what we’ll do in the future!”

The first Eagle Spyder GT will be presented to the commissioning customer during the Summer of 2016. Eagle will be exhibiting at the London Classic Car Show 18-21 February, showing ten E-Types.

Lexus to unveil LC 500h in Geneva

Lexus will debut to the LC 500h luxury coupe at the Geneva Motor Show.
 
Powered by Lexus's next generation hybrid powertrain, the ‘Multi Stage Hybrid System’ found in the LC 500h coupe will provide ‘higher performance, more driving pleasure and greater efficiency’.

The LC made its debut at the 2016 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit as one of Lexus’s flagship models. The LC is built on a new Lexus architecture that ‘promises greater dynamic capabilities’ says the Japanese brand. The coupe, inspired by the LF-LC concept that was revealed in 2012, marks the beginning of a new phase for Lexus with a shift in engineering processes and design ideologies.

Lexus will also display the LF-FC concept at Geneva. Making its first European appearance, the concept vehicle offers a glance towards Lexus’s design and technology direction for a future flagship saloon. First seen at last year’s Tokyo motor show, the LF-FC is powered by a high-output fuel cell system and features advanced, touchless controls and automated driving technologies.

The Geneva Motor Show runs from 3-13 March.

New limited BMW i8 Protonic Red Edition

BMW has revealed a new, limited model - the i8 ‘Protonic Red Edition’.

Available for a limited period only, the paintwork has been created exclusively for this car - Protonic Red with Frozen Grey metallic accents. The colour scheme is complemented by BMW W-spoke 470 light-alloy wheels painted in Orbit Grey metallic with hubs painted in Aluminium matt and mixed-size tyres (front: 215 R20, rear: 245/40).

On the inside of the plug-in-hybrid, the special edition i8 comes with ‘high-class’ red double-stitching and exclusive carbon fibre and ceramic trims.

The lightweight and aerodynamically optimised i8 was the first BMW production model to be powered by a three-cylinder petrol engine. This 1.5-litre engine develops 231hp and drives the rear wheels, while a maximum torque of 320Nm is available from 3,700rpm. The car’s second power source is a 96 kW/131hp hybrid synchronous electric motor which sends its power to the front axle. The motor develops 250Nm torque from a standstill and can also power the vehicle by itself with a range in everyday driving of up to 22 miles and a top speed of 75mph on electric power alone. Top speed is 155mph, 0-62 takes 4.4 seconds while the i8 emitts 59g/km of CO2 and returns 113mpg.

The BMW i8 Protonic Red Edition will be produced from July onwards and will officially be on sale from September, 2016 priced at £112,535 OTR.

Scottish Motor Show E-Type restored

The E-Type that turned heads at the 1961 Scottish Motor Show has been brought back to its former glory and will feature at the London Classic Car Show 2016.

Chassis No. 15 was the fifteenth right hand drive fixed head coupe E-Type to leave Jaguar’s production line in 1961 and was used as a press car at the Scottish Motor Show held at the Kelvin Hall, Glasgow, in November that year. The car then moved on to private ownership and went missing for decades until Classic Motor Cars discovered it in a barn in Cernay, France, in late 2013. Since being found, CMC has carried out a full restoration of Chassis No. 15.

Exactly 2,956 hours were spent restoring every nut and bolt of this E-Type at CMC’s workshops in Bridgnorth, saving as much of the original car as possible and bringing back its show-stopping condition. Nick Goldthorp, Managing Director of Classic Motor Cars, said: “We found Chassis No. 15 in Cernay, a French town close to the border with Germany. It had been owned by the same person since 1976, who dismantled it probably some twenty years ago and that is as far as he got. The car was underneath some covers in a garden, very rusty and corroded – there was even a bird’s nest in the rear quarter! We carried out a full nut and bolt restoration, which proved to be quite a challenge due to the sorry state in which it was found.”

Goldthorp added: “No detail was too small and extensive work has been carried out in the paint and trim shops so that the car can now boast its original colour combination of pearl grey exterior and light blue interior, being the only one produced in those colours in 1961. This was one of the six E-Types on display at the 1961 Scottish Motor Show. After restoring it to its former glory, we thought it was only fitting that the car returned to the centre stage 55 years later and what could be better than the London Classic Car Show.”

The London Classic Car Show at the ExCeL exhibition centre runs from February 18-21.

nanoFlowcell QUANTiNO granted road licence

The nanoFlowcell QUANTiNO has become the first low-voltage electric vehicle to be licensed for road use in Europe.

First test drives of the latest model from the QUANT range are planned for later in 2016. The nanoFlowcell power unit enables a range of over 600 miles (precise range figures will be determined during these tests) with zero-emissions.

The QUANTiNO is now the second vehicle with nanoFlowcell technology, alongside the QUANT-E. The 2+2-seater is notable for its low-voltage electrical system, with a rated voltage of just 48 volts it can generate 80 kW/108 hp for a 0 to 62mph time of less than five seconds and the top speed of 124mph.

The low-voltage system forms ‘an exceptionally efficient symbiosis’ that promises a ‘significantly greater potential range’ compared with the systems commonly used in electric vehicles. Furthermore, it eliminates the danger of electric shocks that can be caused by a high-voltage system in the event of an accident or when undertaking repair work.

The nanoFlowcell vehicle runs with absolutely no emissions, while the ‘ionic liquid’ (electrolyte fuel) is harmless to the environment and to health, is described as cost-effective to produce. The ionic liquids are nontoxic and nonflammable with no need for high-level safety protocols.

nanoFlowcell describes the QUANTiNO as ‘remarkably straightforward’ to drive and as easy to control as a conventional electric car or a petrol-driven vehicle. It also comes with plenty of 'electro-dynamic driving fun and a whisper-quiet soundtrack'. Likewise, filling up the QUANTiNO with ionic liquid involves a process similar to that for a petrol-powered vehicle – with a hose and a refuelling nozzle.

nanoFlowcell AG will present further details on the QUANTiNO and other nanoFlowcell technology showcases at this year’s Geneva Motor Show.

Abarth to appear at London Classic Car Show

Abarth is turning back the racing clock 50 years for its display at this year’s London Classic Car Show.

The performance car brand’s exhibition stand will feature new and old – with plans to show the recently-launched Abarth biposto Record alongside the classic Monoposto Record Class G racing car from 1965.

The Abarth biposto Record celebrates the 50th anniversary of Karl Abarth’s legacy of 133 international records, and as such, production will be strictly limited to just 133 examples.

Abarth founder Karl Abarth drove an Abarth Monoposto Record, Class G at Monza, winning the acceleration record on 400 metres and 500 metres. Unable to find the right driver, he decided to lose 30 kilograms in weight to slip into the tight cockpit himself.

“It’s an important classic car show and we are delighted to be showing two classics of our own,” says Gerry Southerington, brand manager, Abarth UK. “The Monoposto was a highly successful car and is now steeped in history. As for the biposto Record, I’m sure that it will one day become a classic in its own right.”

The London Classic Car Show – to be held at London’s ExCel exhibition hall from 18-21 February – will also mark the UK launch of the Officine Abarth Classiche, the official Turin-based workshop where classic Abarth cars are repaired, restored and certified for customers.

Last year was Abarth’s best ever in the UK, with total sales of 2743 – a rise of 67 per cent against 2014 (1642) – and a top five finish in terms of fastest-growing car brands in the UK.

Abarth prices start at £14,610 OTR for the 1.4 TJet 140hp Manual rising to £33,055 OTR for the 1.4 TJet biposto 190hp Manual.

New Renault KWID revealed in India

Renault has unveiled two new KWID show cars at the New Delhi Auto Show.

The KWID is currently enjoying record success in India with 90,000 orders already taken for the model since its launch four months ago. Renault is keen to build on the success with the two new cars - the KWID Climber and KWID Racer. While the former is bred for venturing away from the beaten track, the latter is more at home on the asphalt of race circuits.

The KWID Climber is an off-road variant, with high ground clearance, wide track, short overhangs - built for adventure off the beaten track. The KWID Racer conjures up the world of racing, with 18-inch alloy wheels, low-profile tyres, honed aerodynamics, bucket seats and a roll cage. Finished in a sporty metallic blue, its wide air intakes are suggestive of performance, while the spoilers and diffuser ‘guarantee outstanding handling’. The inside of the car features materials like Alcantara, aluminium and carbon.

Renault also showed a brand new 1.0 litre engine with an optimised design for better performance, that it plans to launch, as well as introducing the ‘Easy-R Gear Box’ - an all-new 5-speed Automated Manual Transmission (AMT). This clutch free driving experience combines the fuel economy and performance of a manual transmission with the convenience of automated gear shifting.

At present there are no plans for the Renault KWID to come to the UK.

Pininfarina teases Geneva-bound concept car

Pininfarina has released a teaser image of a concept car set to make its world debut at the forthcoming Geneva Motor Show.

 The Turin-based automotive design house, recently acquired by Indian automaker Mahindra, describes the concept car as an 'innovative stylistic and technological jewel' but there are no other details beyond what we see in the image.

The detail shot appears to depict a sharp, sleek front-end, reminiscent of a contemporary supercar, with aero blade elements sweeping in towards the centre, which is topped off with the classic upright Pininfarina badge.

All will be revealed when the concept is unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show on March 1 at on the Pininfarina stand.

DeLorean DMC-12 back in to Production

Production of the iconic DeLorean DMC-12 is to start up again after a 33 years.

The move comes after the US federal government approved a low-volume manufacturing bill. DMC (DeLorean Motor Company) a company not affiliated with the car’s original manufacturer but one that repairs the 9,000-strong original DMC-12 out there, can now go one step further and build full DeLorean replicas.

The last DMC-12 rolled off the production line in Dunmurry, Northern Ireland, in 1983 but has gained a cult following after starring in the Back to The Future films of the 80s.

For nearly five decades, the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has not distinguished between a company producing millions of cars and a small business making a few custom cars. NHTSA's one-size-fits-all approach meant that these small companies were subject to the same regulations and paperwork burdens as the large automakers that mass-produce vehicles.

In December 2015, a ‘Low Volume Motor Vehicle Manufacturers Act’ allowing small companies to produce a limited number of completed replica motor vehicles that resemble the appearance of cars produced 25 years ago or more was inserted to the federal highway bill and signed into law.

The vehicles must meet current Clean Air Act standards for the model year in which they are produced, with DMC yet to confirm who the new engine supplier would be. The new law allows the low volume vehicle manufacturer to meet the standards by installing an engine and emissions equipment produced by any modern day manufacturer.

In anticipation of this legislation, the DeLorean Motor Company says it has been working for some time to identify a supplier for engines and other parts that must be reproduced to facilitate the production for 2017. A number of hurdles exist before production can begin, with the Texas based business still in an early stage of determining the feasibility of moving forward.

It’s thought the company plans to produce a small production run of around 300 cars, with prices expected to be around the $100,000 mark (around £70k).

200mph Jaguar F-Type SVR to debut in Geneva

Jaguar has shown a new F-Type SVR - Special Vehicle Operations - ahead of a Geneva Motor Show global debut. 

The new F-Type SVR is the first Jaguar from the SVR department and is developed to exploit the two-seat aluminium sports car’s full potential while retaining its day-to-day usability. Capable of 200mph, the F-Type SVR is lighter, faster and more powerful. Jaguar says it takes performance, dynamics and driver involvement to a new level ‘yet retains the comfort and duality of character inherent to all Jaguar cars’.

“The new F-Type SVR is the first series production Jaguar to be developed by Special Vehicle Operations and benefits from everything we know about precision engineering, performance and design. The result is a 200mph, all-weather supercar that you can drive every day – we even made a Convertible version so that enthusiasts can revel in the sound from the new titanium exhaust system” said John Edwards, Managing Director, Jaguar Land Rover Special Operations.

Further details will be revealed in Geneva.

The new Jaguar F-Type SVR will go on sale in summer 2016.

Vauxhall teases new GT Concept

Vauxhall has revealed a teaser image of its new GT Concept car.

Set to be unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show, the company has released a two short films that reveal a little more of the car’s design. In the video, Dr. Karl-Thomas Neumann, CEO of Vauxhall and Opel, opens a door to show the front of the 'purebred' GT Concept, with the words: ‘Don’t miss what happens next.’

Accompanying the film is an image of the GT Concept’s central double exhaust, and while Vauxhall says the car’s design is ‘in no way retro’, this feature was a highlight of concept cars from both Vauxhall and sister brand Opel in the mid-1960s. Vauxhall presented the XVR at the Geneva Show in 1966, and Opel the Experimental GT at Frankfurt the year before. According to Vauxhall, both were ‘ultra-modern, minimalistic and uncompromising, with a sculptural shape – a philosophy which also defines the design of the new GT Concept’.

As for the GT Concept’s red tyre, seen briefly in this latest film, it pays homage in an avant-garde way to the Motoclub 500, a futuristic Opel motorcycle from 1928 wore red rubber.

The Geneva Motor Show runs from 3rd to 13th March 2016.

Mercedes confirms E-Class Saloon pricing

Mercedes has revealed prices for the new E-Class Saloon.

Available to order in the UK now, there are two trim levels, the SE and AMG Line and two engine choices, the E 220 d and E 350 d.

The range starts with the E 220 d SE, priced from £35,935, and the E 220 d AMG Line from £38,430. The E 350 d SE costs from £44,930, while the E 350 d AMG Line starts at £47,425.

The E 220 d uses an all-new four-cylinder 2.0-litre bi-turbo engine producing 195 hp and 400 Nm, with the nine-speed 9G-Tronic automatic gearbox as standard on all new UK E-Class Saloon models. The 9G-Tronic gearbox helps contribute to the E 220 d’s 102 g/km CO2 rating and 72.4 mpg economy. By comparison the previous-generation E 220 CDI Saloon, launched in 2009, produced 170 hp from its 2.1-litre engine, and returned 53.3 mpg and 139 g/km of CO2. Acceleration from 0-62 mph in the new E 200 d takes 7.3 seconds – 0.4 seconds faster than the outgoing E 250 CDI.

First deliveries of the six-cylinder E 350 d are due in the summer. This produces 258 hp and 620 Nm for 0-62 mph in 5.9 seconds, while emitting 133 g/km and returning 55.4 mpg. These are improvements over the previous-generation of E 350 CDI Saloon of 27 hp; 80 Nm; 0.9 sec; 48 g/km and 14.5 mpg.

The petrol-electric hybrid E 350 e (279 hp; 600 Nm; 6.2 sec; 49 g/km; 134.5 mpg) joins the UK line-up later in 2016.

Standard features on the SE include a Garmin Map Pilot navigation system with 8.4-inch display; Parktronic parking sensors with reversing camera and Park Pilot self-parking system; Collision Prevention Assist Plus autonomous emergency braking system; 64-colour selectable LED interior lighting; leather upholstery with heated front seats; LED headlights and taillights; and 17-inch wheels (18-inch on the E 350 d) to name a few. AMG Line models come with AMG exterior styling including unique bumpers and side skirts; 19-inch alloy wheels; perforated front brake discs; three-spoke AMG steering wheel; and Artico leather and Dynamica microfiber upholstery with seat comfort package.

All E 350 d models come with Air Body Control multi-chamber air suspension as standard, as well as COMAND satellite navigation with 12.3-inch display and remote online services.

First customer deliveries are expected in May 2016.

Revamped DS 3 revealed

Facelifted versions of both the hatchback and Cabrio versions of the DS 3 have been unveiled.

 The revamp includes a revised front end featuring the "DS Wings" that are sculpted around a vertically-oriented grille bearing the DS emblem. Surrounded in chrome, the grille extends towards the LED headlamps and fog lamps via two chromed-finished wings. 

The new car offers more personalisation options for the roof, body, rear view mirror housings, dashboard and gear knob. Customers can now choose from 78 body/roof colour combinations and four fabric roofs for the DS 3 Cabrio. 

The new DS 3 will be available in the UK with seven engines, including three PureTech three-cylinder petrol units. There are also two THP four-cylinder petrol engines and two BlueHDi diesels. There are two types of gearbox - manual and a latest-generation automatic. The result is CO2 emissions from 87g/km (for the BlueHDi 100) and no more than 129g/km for the range as a whole.

The range will also include Performance versions with revised styling and power from the top of the range 208hp 1.6 THP S&S engine mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox with shorter gear ratios. Despite 300Nm of torque, CO2 emissions are a modest 125g/km.

Chassis highlights include a Torsen limited slip differential (to improve traction, road-holding and handling), suspension which has been lowered by 15mm and the front and rear tracks that have been widened by 26mm and 14mm, respectively.

The Performance models are also fitted with larger 323mm brake discs at the front with special Brembo calipers, and 249mm discs at the rear. 

On the styling front, highlights include a special twin tailpipe, carbon side mouldings, a new sill plate design and Matt Black wheel arch extensions, while on the inside, there are leather and Alcantara upholstered bucket seats, with special DS Performance embroidery.

New DS 3 models are equipped with Mirror Screen functionality, comprising Apple CarPlay or MirrorLink (for Android phones), bringing drivers a smarter, safer and more enjoyable way of experiencing all the personalised features of their smartphones.

Drivers can also download "MyDS", a free app (available for Android and iOS) informing them of their servicing schedule, fuel economy and parking location.
Active City Brake helps to prevent minor collisions at low speeds and the DS 3 is now also equipped with front and rear parking sensors, as well as a reversing camera with visual indicator guide lines on the 7-inch screen.
Britain is the leading market for DS 3 sales. More were registered in the UK last year than in France or any other global market. 

Since launching in 2010, 390,000 have been sold in total.

Infiniti Q60 coupe debuts in Detroit

The Infiniti Q60 sports coupe has made its world premiere at the 2016 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit.

Lower and wider than its predecessors, the Q60 features dynamic enhancements including an all-new lightweight 3.0-litre V6 twin-turbo engine, new adaptive steering and digital suspension system.

The high performance engine from the new ‘VR’ powertrain family is born out of the brand’s extensive in-house experience of six-cylinder powertrains. The new ‘VR30’ engine develops 400hp with one of the best power-to-efficiency ratios in the premium sports coupe class, says Infiniti. The powertrain is mated to a rear-biased intelligent All Wheel Drive (AWD) system that offers enhanced stability and road holding in low grip conditions.

A rear wheel drive version is also available, powered by a four-cylinder 2.0-litre gasoline engine, turbo-charged to produce 208hp.

The Q60 features Infiniti’s new Dynamic Digital Suspension, which has been designed to offer best-in-class handling responses and agility, and enhanced ride comfort – thanks, in part, to a dedicated new set of dampers.

In addition, Infiniti says that its second-generation Direct Adaptive Steering offers high levels of steering feel and feedback, while the Drive Mode Selector gives drivers the option to personalise and tailor the steering’s precise levels of response and feel to suit their own preferences. 

“The Infiniti Q60 conveys a powerful elegance through its daring design, and has the performance credentials to match – thanks to next-generation ride and handling technologies and up to 400 horsepower. The Q60 will affirm Infiniti’s leadership in the premium sports coupe class.” said Roland Krueger, President of Infiniti.

The Q60 sports coupe will go on sale in selected markets in the second half of 2016.