News

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.

Crossover, News

Vauxhall to investigate Zafira fires

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Vauxhall has confirmed it will take further action following reports of a fire onboard some Vauxhall Zafiras.

The company says it has carried out an investigation following the reports of fire in the area of the heating and ventilation system in a number of Vauxhall Zafira B models launched in 2005, not the current Zafira Tourer.

Vauxhall is keen to point out the number of incidents is 'very low' in proportion to the number of vehicles on the road, but that it takes this issue very seriously saying; "The safety of our customers is the number one priority. Our investigations have found that a number of incidents have occurred due to previous repairs being performed improperly or using certain non-genuine parts."

For the time being, Vauxhall provides the following advice to Zafira B owners: If you are concerned about operating your vehicle or if you notice any unusual characteristics with the heating and ventilation system (for example a squeaking noise from the dashboard) you should contact your Vauxhall dealer and arrange for your vehicle to be inspected. This will be done at no cost.

Vauxhall also says it will consider further actions as appropriate.

Convertible, News

New MINI Cooper Convertible revealed

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MINI has unveiled its all-new Cooper Convertible.

With major refinements over its predecessor, the car features a new design and 'significant enhancements' and is officially on sale in the UK from March 2016. The three-car line-up from launch comprises of the MINI Cooper Convertible, MINI Cooper D Convertible, MINI Cooper S Convertible.

Brand new features include a fully electric roof that is quieter and smoother than the previous model, a fully integrated rollover protection system and more rear space than ever before. The new exterior and interior design ensures showcases a 'blend of sporting flair and elegant dynamism'.

The all-new Cooper Convertible and Cooper D Convertible are 3,821 mm long, with the Cooper S Convertible 3,850 mm long. All models are 1,727 mm wide, 1,415 mm high and have a wheelbase of 2,495 mm. These dimensions have increased compared with the outgoing model which has enhanced comfort levels and allowed for more room in all four seats. Luggage volume has expanded by around 25 per cent to 215 litres with the roof closed and 160 litres with it folded down.

The latest generation of EU6-compliant engines are installed under the bonnet. The petrol engines inside Cooper Convertible and Cooper S Convertible - 1.5-litre three-cylinder and 2.0-litre four-cylinder respectively - feature turbocharging, direct fuel injection with centrally positioned injectors, variable camshaft control on the intake and exhaust side (double VANOS) and fully variable VALVETRONIC valve control technology. On the 1.5-litre diesel three-cylinder engine in the MINI Cooper D Convertible, there is turbocharging with variable intake geometry and common rail direct injection. A six-speed manual transmission is standard while a six-speed Steptronic transmission is available as an option.

MINI says it has gone to great lengths to further improve the quality of the fully electric roof. Suitable for year-round use and optimised for the very best heat and acoustic insulation, the new roof is also quieter than before, when opened it folds neatly behind the rear seats. The front roof section can also be retracted by up to 40 cm, and this can be carried out at any speed.

For a quick reaction to sudden changes in the (British) weather, the soft-top can be opened and closed at speeds of up to 18 mph. The two operations are activated by means of a toggle switch on the front roof frame. When the vehicle is stationary, it can also be operated using a button on the remote key. Both operations take 18 seconds. A button located in the driver's door trim allows for simultaneous opening and closing of all four side windows.

As an alternative to the standard version of the soft-top in black, a MINI Yours version is available for the first time with an integrated woven graphics such as the Union Jack motif, finished in a black and grey herringbone pattern.

Safety is a critical consideration in open-topped cars and the new MINI Convertible includes new integrated rollover protection which extends automatically when required. Also improved is the optional wind deflector which can be locked into position behind the driver and front passenger seats so to provide protection from unwanted air turbulence during open-topped driving. After use it can be removed and stowed in the luggage compartment.

MINI says a high level of standard equipment across the range includes the Visual Boost Radio with a 6.5-inch screen, MINI Connected, Bluetooth connectivity with USB audio, Rear Parking Distance Control and a Reversing Camera.

On-the-road pricing starts at £18,475 for the Cooper Convertible, £20,225 for the Cooper D Convertible and £22,430 for the Cooper S Convertible to £24,055 for the S Convertible automatic.

Family Car, Estate Car, News

Vauxhall confirms pricing for new Astra Sports Tourer

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Vauxhall's all-new Astra Sports Tourer will be in showrooms in March priced from £16,585 on-the-road.

The new Sports Tourer, built at Vauxhall's manufacturing plant in Ellesmere Port, Cheshire, follows the five-door model and is up to £1,870 less expensive than the outgoing ST with a simplified range. The new line-up includes Design, Tech Line, SRi and Elite, with Nav versions of the SRi and Elite trims also available.

Range highlights include the 1.0-litre three-cylinder Turbo Start/Stop ecoFLEX model priced from £17,285 OTR. With an Easytronic five-speed automatic transmission, the same model achieves a 'class-leading' 96g/km CO2 emissions.

The range-topping 1.6-litre (200PS) is available in SRi trim priced from £21,710 OTR.

The diesel offering includes the 1.6-litre 'Whisper Diesel' (110PS) Start/Stop ecoFLEX model (prices start at £18,785 OTR) that achieves 85.6mpg and CO2 emissions of 86g/km.

News, Hatchback

Citroen C4 Cactus Chauffeurs at Q Awards

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Citroen continued its sponsorship of the Q Awards by providing a fleet of C4 Cactus models to chauffeur the stars to and from.

The Q Awards in Association With Absolute Radio took place at the Grosvenor House Hotel in London Monday 19 October and was Citroen's fourth year in a row as Official Car Supplier. The french manufacture also supported the Q Best Solo Artist award, which was won by Ed Sheeran.

Celebrity guests and musicians including Bernard Sumner of New Order, Gary Numan, La Roux, Foxes, and Kim Wilde arrived at the ceremony in a fleet of C4 Cactus cars. Music legends Tom Jones and Noel Gallagher were also in attendance, along with global superstar Mark Ronson, who received the Q Hero Award.

Andrew Didlick, Director, Communications, Events and Brand Partnerships at Peugeot Citroen Automobiles UK, commented, "This year's Q Awards showed that the British music industry is really thriving, and we're proud to have presented the award for Q Best Solo Artist. The Citroen C4 Cactus is designed to make people feel good and what better way to express that than by supporting one of the most prestigious award ceremonies in the UK rock music scene as Official Car Supplier."

News

Volvo to launch reflective LifePaint for cyclists

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Volvo is launching its LifePaint reflective spray, aimed at increasing the visibility and safety of cyclists on the road.

It follows a successful limited pilot back in April 2015, and will be available in participating Volvo dealers from 24th October in time for darker nights, when the clocks go back. The reflective spray is designed to react to a car's headlights, alerting drivers to the presence of cyclists in the dark.

The unique illuminating safety paint is invisible by daylight, but in the dark reflects light in the same direction as the light source, shining brightly to illuminate the objects it has been sprayed on. The LifePaint is transparent, can be washed off and can be applied to clothes, shoes, helmets, pushchairs and children's backpacks - even dog leads and collars.

The product, first distributed through six London bike shops, ran out within 24 hours creating massive demand for wider distribution. The inspiration for the paint came from Intellisafe - Volvo's pedestrian and cyclist detection system, enhanced to work in darkness on the all-new Volvo XC90 which was introduced to the UK in June this year. The technology uses a combination of radar sensors and cameras to identify other vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists and automatically brake if the driver fails to take the necessary action.

Nick Connor, Managing Director at Volvo Car UK, said: "Every year more than 19,000 cyclists are injured on the UK's roads. At Volvo, we believe that the best way to survive a crash is not to crash at all, and are committed to making the roads a safer place by reducing the number of accidents. "Volvo is a world-leader in safety technology, and we are proud to be extending our reach beyond just those driving our cars. By making cyclists increasingly visible as well as increasing the safety capabilities of our cars, we are doing our utmost to protect everyone on the road."

Hatchback, News

Skoda reveals new Citigo Black Edition

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Skoda has added a new Citigo Black Edition to its line-up.

Available in three-or five-door, the Citigo Black is powered by a 1.0 MPI 60PS engine and 'packs a strong visual punch' according to Skoda thanks to its standard Deep Black or Candy White paint and 15-inch Black Auriga alloy wheels. Sunset glass for the rear windows and body-coloured door mirrors are also fitted as standard.

The new Citigo Black Edition features Skoda's Portable Infotainment Device (PID) that includes satellite navigation, a hands-free Bluetooth connection and multimedia player. The Black Edition also comes with manual air-conditioning as standard, along with the Citigo Entertainment pack that consists of four additional loudspeakers and a multimedia holder. Electric front windows and a height-adjustable driver seat complete the specification list.

The new Skoda Citigo Black Edition is available to order now priced at £9,900 OTR for the 3dr Hatch 1.0 MPI 60PS and £10,340 for the 5dr Hatch 1.0 MPI 60PS.

Hybrid, News, Electric, Saloon

Volvo details electric car strategy

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Volvo has announced a comprehensive electrification strategy in which plug-in hybrids will be introduced across its entire range.

The Swedish car maker will develop an entirely new range of electrified smaller cars and build a fully electric car for sale by 2019. Volvo says it expects electrified vehicles to account for up to 10 per cent of total car sales in the medium term.

The first phase of the new electrification strategy involves the introduction of plug-in hybrid versions of its 90 series and 60 series larger cars, based on the company's new Scalable Product Architecture (SPA). This process has already begun with the launch of the T8 Twin Engine All-Wheel Drive plug-in hybrid version of its new XC90 SUV and will continue with plug-in hybrid versions of the new S90 premium saloon and other forthcoming models.

Volvo will also broaden the range of plug-in hybrid cars it offers with the introduction of a new front-wheel drive Twin Engine variant.

The Swedish car maker will further deepen its product offering with the introduction of an entirely new range of smaller 40 series cars based on its newly-developed Compact Modular Architecture (CMA) which, like the SPA, has been designed from the outset for electrification.

Further details of the all-electric car for 2019 will be released at a later date.

Sports Car, News, Hatchback

New flagship trim levels for Alfa Romeo MiTo and Giulietta

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The Alfa Romeo MiTo and Alfa Romeo Giulietta ranges have both received new trim levels.

A new Collezione specification is available in both models, while a new Sprint Speciale version joins the Alfa Romeo Giulietta range.

The Collezione versions are the new flagships of their respective ranges, offering a more 'luxurious and elegant specification' than the sporty QV Line models. In the case of the Alfa Romeo MiTo Collezione, standard equipment includes 17-inch 'Collezione Bronze' alloy wheels with matching bronze-effect door mirrors and satin-effect headlight and tail light surrounds.

The interior is trimmed in special Collezione cloth and 'eco-leather' upholstery, with brown stitching on the flat-bottom steering wheel, gear knob and handbrake gaiter. A split-folding, three-seat rear bench, sports dials, special Collezione vintage floor mats and a Uconnect NAV infotainment system with TomTom satellite navigation and DAB radio round out the flagship spec.

Offered with a choice of a 0.9-litre TwinAir Turbo 105hp or 1.4-litre Turbo Petrol 140hp engines (the latter with Alfa's six-speed ALFA TCT twin-clutch transmission and uprated Brembo brakes as standard) the Alfa Romeo MiTo Collezione is priced at £17,660 OTR and £19,210 OTR respectively.

The Giulietta Collezione builds on the high specification of the Exclusive trim with a gloss-black painted roof and matching door mirrors, front and rear parking sensors and unique, dark-finish, 18-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels. Inside, the seats are trimmed in bespoke 'Collezione' leather with heated front seats, joined by a 6.5-inch Uconnect NAV system with advanced voice operated sat nav with 3D mapping and DAB digital radio as standard.

Prices for the Giulietta Collezione start at £24,820 for the 1.4 MultiAir Turbo Petrol 170hp six-speed manual, or £26,245 with the six-speed Alfa TCT twin-clutch transmission. The diesel Giulietta Collezione range starts at £25,680 for the 2.0 JTDM-2 150hp manual, with the 2.0 JTDM-2 175hp ALFA TCT version completing the new Collezione range at £27,840.

A new Giulietta Sprint Speciale also joins the range, building on the specification of the Sprint model to offer further performance-oriented equipment. The Sprint Speciale adds sports suspension, 17-inch sports alloy wheels, Brembo brakes, aluminium pedals and Quadrifoglio-style sports seats as standard, along with dual-zone climate control, rear parking sensors, special silver dashboard trim, the 'Visibility Pack' and cruise control.

The engine range includes the 1.4 TB MultiAir 150hp, priced from £23,320 with a six-speed manual or £24,745 with the six-speed ALFA TCT (including steering-wheel mounted paddle-shifters). The Alfa Romeo Giulietta Sprint Speciale powered by the 2.0 JTDM-2 150hp is priced from £24,180 while the 2.0 JTDM-2 175hp ALFA TCT version is priced from £26,340 OTR.

Sports Car, News

Abarth 595 Yamaha Factory Racing Edition

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Abarth has revealed a new 595 Yamaha Factory Racing Edition.

It comes as part of Abarth's role of Official Sponsor and Car Supplier to the FIM MotoGP Championship. Created from a partnership with Yamaha, the new edition comes in a choice of seven colours and is 'packed with sporty features'.

Running on 17-inch matt black alloy wheels, the 595 also includes painted brake callipers and optional matching Abarth side stripes and mirror covers. Darkened windows, a flat-bottom leather steering wheel, aluminium pedals and a special 'Yamaha Factory Racing' badge - all as standard - enhance the model's sporting credentials. Xenon headlamps, leather interior and dual zone air conditioning are among the options.

Powered by an upgraded version of Abarth's potent 1.4-litre T-Jet engine, the 595 Yamaha Factory Racing Edition is further enhanced with a Record Monza exhaust system, Koni shock absorbers with FSD valves and Eibach lowering springs. With a top speed of 130 mph, the special edition 595 accelerates from 0-62 mph in 7.4 seconds.

"The new 595 Yamaha Factory Racing Edition adds a new dimension to the Abarth 595 line-up" says Gerry Southerington, brand manager, Abarth UK. "With an upgrade to 160 horsepower, lowered suspension, sporting looks and a great sounding exhaust system, we expect a lot of interest in this car from Abarth enthusiasts and new customers alike."

The Abarth 595 Yamaha Factory Racing Edition is available to order now, priced from £17,420 OTR.

Coupe, Sports Car, News

New BMW M2 revealed

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BMW has revealed its new M2 compact sports coupe.

The new coupe from BMW's M division, the M2 features the latest in motor sport derived technology. The result is a powerful performer, which BMW says 'delivers genuine driver satisfaction on the road, and extreme capability on the racing circuit'.

Powered by a new, specifically developed, 3.0-litre straight-six engine with BMW TwinPower Turbo technology, it kicks out 370hp for an electronically-limited top speed of 155mph. When equipped with the optional seven-speed M DCT gearbox, the M2 can sprint from rest to 62mph in 4.3 seconds.

This performance is expressed visually via unique enhancements to the base 2 Series Coupe body, majoring on style but also reflecting the aerodynamic, cooling and chassis requirements of the new car. Engineers have worked to reduce weight wherever possible, improve rigidity and hone the M2's responses via 'sophisticated chassis technology and electronics'.

Track tested on the Nurburgring Nordschleife circuit, the new model runs on 19-inch aluminium forged wheels, and also features an M Quad sports exhaust system. On the inside of the driver-focused interior there are sports seats, M steering wheel and M gearlever. Combined mpg comes in at 33.2 (35.8 with the M DCT) and CO2 Emissions of 199g/km (185g/km - M DCT)

On sale April in 2016, prices start at £44,070 OTR.

Diesel, Supercars, News

Limited edition Ferrari F12tdf unveiled

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Ferrari has revealed a new limited F12tdf - paying homage to the Tour de France road race.

The legendary endurance road race was dominated by Ferrari in the 1950s and '60s, particularly with the 1956 250 GT Berlinetta which won four consecutive editions. A race that rewarded cars that combined maximum performance with the driveability and ease of use, the new F12tdf is described as 'the ultimate expression of the concept of an extreme road car that is equally at home on the track'. Only 799 will be built.

Powered by a 780 cv, naturally-aspirated V12 engine, derived directly from the F12berlinetta's engine. The car's 'exhilarating' dynamic behaviour, specifically its lateral acceleration in corners, is due to an 8 per cent increase in the ratio of the front tyres compared to the rear ones. The car's natural tendency to oversteer as a result of the change in tyre sizes is compensated for by the rear-wheel steering system - known as the Virtual Short Wheelbase, which is integrated with the other vehicle dynamic control systems.

Cornering speeds are also higher thanks to the significant increase in downforce, +87 per cent. A redesign of the bodywork, interior, engine, transmission and running gear, along with the abundant use of carbon-fibre inside and out, has slashed 110 kg off the car's overall weight. All of these factors combine to produce 'record performance figures' of 0-62mph in 2.9 seconds and 0-124mph in 7.9 seconds.

The F12tdf's specification is completed by lightweight alloys with five twinned spokes that are designed to have the narrowest section possible to reduce unsprung weight. Behind the alloys, stopping power comes from new 'Extreme Design' one-piece brake callipers already seen on the LaFerrari. This new-generation system means the car can brake from 62-0mph in just 30.5 metres and from 124-0mph in 121 metres.

Prices have yet to be announced.

Diesel, News

Volkswagen to recall 8.5 million vehicles in Europe

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Volkswagen has confirmed it will recall a total of approximately 8.5 million vehicles in Europe (EU28 markets).

The German brand says it welcomes the 'swift decision' by the Federal Motor Transport Authority (KBA) to implement the timetable and plan of measures submitted last week by issuing a recall. This decision gives customers clarity with regard to the continued unrestricted use of the vehicles, with the vehicle owners set to be notified.

The 8.5 million european vehicles include some 2.4 million vehicles in Germany, according to KBA. Outside the EU28, each individual country will clarify in detail which emissions classes of the EA 189 engine are in fact affected.

In addition, every VW customer can visit the recently set up www.volkswagen.de/info website and enter the chassis number of their vehicle to find outstraight away whether they are affected. Similar customer websites are active in the other EU countries and for the Audi, SEAT and Skoda brands.

Work on the technical solutions detailed in the plan of measures is currently 'proceeding at full speed' according to the German car giant. Remedial action on the vehicles will begin in January 2016 - at no cost to the customer. The technical solutions can involve software as well as hardware measures. These are currently being developed for each affected series and each affected model year. All measures will first be presented to the responsible authorities. Volkswagen will subsequently inform the owners of these vehicles over the next weeks and months.

Customers now have clarity with regard to the continued unrestricted use of the vehicles. All of the vehicles affected remain technically safe and roadworthy. The current successor generation of EA 288 diesel engines (in use since 2012) is not affected.

Electric, Hybrid, Hydrogen Fuel Cell Car, News, Saloon

Boris Johnson confirms hydrogen Toyota for TfL

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Mayor of London Boris Johnson has confirmed the Toyota Mirai, the world's first hydrogen fuel cell saloon, is coming to the capital.

As part of his work to pioneer use of cleaner technology for the future of the capital's transport and infrastructure, Transport for London (TfL) will be in the first group of UK Mirai customers.

The mayor visited Toyota's headquarters today during a three-day trade mission to Japan and took the opportunity to test drive Mirai for himself. He said: "It is fantastic that London will benefit from these new state-of-the-art hydrogen vehicles. By embracing this technology of the future, we aim to consolidate hydrogen's role as a practical alternative fuel for the 21st century and beyond. I am sure that Transport for London will provide the ideal environment for us to see everything Mirai can do and, in doing so, take another great step towards improving air quality in our city and protecting the health of Londoners."

The mayor also discussed London's position as a market for alternative fuel cars, with Toyota senior management. Paul Van der Burgh, Toyota (GB) PLC President and Managing Director said: "We have been delighted to welcome the Mayor of London to our headquarters in Japan to see for himself Toyota's commitment to sustainable mobility. Toyota believes in hydrogen as a key enabler for building a future zero emissions society and we applaud the mayor's commitment to embracing new technology in his mission to make London a leading global city for low-emission, low-carbon transport.

"The success of hydrogen will require constructive dialogue and action, bringing together industry, national governments and city authorities like London to share and develop skills and experience and to communicate the benefits that can be delivered to business and to individuals. Our Mirai fuel cell vehicle is a milestone in the history of the motor car and opens up unprecedented opportunities for cleaner, sustainable transport. Transport for London and the city it serves will provide the ideal environment for Mirai to demonstrate the significant potential of hydrogen as a practical alternative fuel for the next century and beyond."

Transport for London sees Mirai as an exciting opportunity that the mayor is keen to exploit. The TfL Mirai cars and the development of a hydrogen refuelling infrastructure are considered important first steps towards the wider adoption of the technology.

Hybrid, Sports Car, News, Electric, Concept Car

Rinspeed reveals new driverless Etos concept car

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Rinspeed has revealed plans to show a new driverless Etos concept car, at the CES Consumer Electronic Show 2016 in Las Vegas 2016.

The hybrid sports car features a personal autopilot and drone on board. Frank M. Rinderknecht, the boss of Rinspeed said: "The major and especially the disruptive innovations in future automotive engineering will come from the digital realm. That is why all major manufacturers and suppliers are now present at the CES Consumer Electronic Show."

The Swiss company's approached to the topic of 'driverless cars' is largely from the point of view of drivers and passengers, and has generated a number of ideas including an 'intuitive, adaptive autopilot capable of learning'.

The new concept's interior adapts to the particular driving situation 'as if by magic' according to Rinspeed: In autonomous mode, the steering wheel folds up and retracts completely into the dashboard. The two curved widescreens individually move closer to the occupants to provide a better view.

To provide the passengers with a unique infotainment experience, the Etos uses Harman Connected Car technologies. Like a personal assistant, the system operates in a thinking, courteous and anticipatory manner. In addition, it delivers entertainment, connectivity and maximum safety.

The sporty hybrid is also fitted with its own drone that has its a landing pad on the rear end. The Swiss firm says the drone 'could fetch a bouquet of flowers the driver ordered online and even deliver it directly to the lucky recipient. It could also take a video of the wild ride on your favourite road and stream it live to friends'.

The 22nd concept vehicle designed in-house at the brands "innovation lab" also includes innovative surface finishes that are still completely alien to car designers, asking CES visitors to 'touch it, feel it - it's magic!'.

The CES Consumer Electronic Show Las Vegas runs from 6-9 January 2016.