News

Sports Car, Coupe, News

Volkswagen Scirocco gets special Black Edition models

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Volkswagen has added a GT Black Edition and R-Line Black Edition to its Scirocco range.

The special editions get black painted alloy wheels, a black painted contrast roof, door mirrors and rear spoiler, and 90 per cent tinted rear windows as standard.

The Scirocco GT Black Edition includes 18-inch Black Lisbon alloy wheels, while the R-Line Black Edition receives arch-filling 19-inch Black Lugano alloy wheels. Priced from £23,135 OTR for the GT Scirocco Black Edition 1.4-litre TSI BlueMotion Technology - a premium of £550 over the equivalent GT and R-Line trims - the new models 'offer great value for money' says VW. As an example, the 18-inch Lisbon alloy wheels alone would otherwise be a £610 option on the GT trim, while the cars' 90 per cent tinted windows are a £70 option.

In new GT Black Edition and R-Line Black Edition guise the petrol range comprises a 1.4-litre 125 PS or a 2.0-litre 180 PS unit while two diesel engines, both 2.0-litre, offer either 150 PS or 184 PS. The 1.4-litre TSI comes with a six-speed manual gearbox, while all other engines are fitted with a standard six-speed manual gearbox or the option of a six-speed DSG gearbox.

Performance over the 0-62 mph sprint ranges from 9.3 seconds to 5.5 seconds, depending on engine and transmission choice, while top speeds range from 126 mph to 155 mph (limited).

The Scirocco GT includes, in addition to the standard features, a Composition Media system, dynamic navigation based on TMC+, preloaded European navigation data and Fast, Short and Eco route options as well as 2Zone climate control; front and rear parking sensors; the 'chequered flag' dash inserts and aluminium-look pedals and cloth and part Alcantara-trimmed upholstery.

The R-Line model comes with R-Line-specific bumpers and side skirts; R-Line scuff plates; an R-Line-specific steering wheel, handbrake and gear lever; 'carbon-look' dash inserts; and heated, electrically adjustable 'Vienna' leather sports seats.

Top-of-the-range Scirocco R models adds Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC); lowered 'R' sports suspension; Bi-xenon headlights with dynamic curve lighting, static cornering function; black brake calipers with 'R' logo; LED daytime running lights set into the front bumper; a bespoke 'R' styling pack; leather trimmed three-spoke multifunction steering wheel Vienna leather upholstery and front sports seats with embossed 'R' logo.

The Volkswagen Scirocco GT Black Edition and R-Line Black Edition models are available to order now, with first deliveries due in January 2016.

Coupe, News, Supercars, Convertible

Facelifted Porsche 911 Turbo revealed

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Porsche has unveiled the facelifted 911 Turbo and Turbo S ahead of the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in January.

Scheduled to make their world debut at NAIAS in Detroit, the range-topping 911 models now feature 20 hp (15 kW) more power, a 'sharper design and even broader everyday usability'.

The new generation 911 Turbo models adopt 'significant characteristics' borrowed from the latest Carrera models, supplemented by typical 911 Turbo special features, says Porsche. The newly-formed nose with side-mounted airblades and narrow LED front lights with double fillets give the front end a wider look.

In profile, the sports car runs on new 20-inch diameter wheels. On the 911 Turbo S the centre lock wheels now feature seven instead of ten double spokes. Also new are the wheel dimensions for the 911 Turbo: with 9J x 20 rims at the front and 11.5J x 20 rims at the rear, the new wheels are each half an inch wider than previously.

The rear body styling was also 'thoroughly revised' says Porsche with 'eye-catching' three-dimensional style rear lights with four-point brake lights and 'aura-style' illumination, also borrowed from the 911 Carrera series.

The exit openings for the exhaust system at the rear as well as the dual tailpipes were also redesigned as was the grille of the rear engine lid which now features three parts: the right and left sections have longitudinal louvres, and in the middle there is a separate cover for optimised air induction for the engine.

Available in both Coupe and Convertible versions, the twin-turbocharged, 3.8-litre flat-six engine in the 911 Turbo now has an output of 540 hp (397 kW). The 911 Turbo S now develops 580 hp (427 kW) courtesy of new turbochargers with larger compressors.

The engines now also have what is known as a 'dynamic boost function' to 'further raise engine responsiveness in dynamic operation'. The 911 Turbo S Coupe sprints to 62 mph in 2.9 seconds. Its top speed of 205 mph is eight mph higher than before. The 911 Turbo reaches the 62 mph mark in 3.0 seconds, and its top speed is 198 mph - three mph faster than the previous model. At the same time, fuel consumption has been reduced further with the coupes now returning 31 mpg, and the convertibles 30.4 mpg. This represents a gain of approximately two miles per gallon for all versions which has been delivered via 'further advances' in electronic engine and transmission management with revised gear change mappings.

The new 911 Turbo and Turbo S now feature, as standard, a new GT sport steering wheel - 360 mm in diameter and with a design adopted from the 918 Spyder. It includes a 'Mode Switch' - a rotary ring with stepped positions that is used to select one of the four modes Normal, Sport, Sport Plus or Individual. Another new feature of the Sport Chrono Package is the Sport Response button at the centre of the mode switch. Inspired by motor sport, at the push of a button it pre-conditions the engine and transmission for optimum responsiveness. In this state, the vehicle can produce instantaneous acceleration for up to 20 seconds, such as during an overtaking manoeuvre. An indicator in the instrument cluster in the form of a running timer shows the driver the elapsed time.

On sale now, prices for the new Porsche 911 Turbo start at £126,925 OTR or £135,766 OTR for the 911 Turbo Cabriolet. The 911 Turbo S costs £145,773 OTR and £154,614 OTR for the 911 Turbo S Cabriolet.

First customer deliveries are expected at the end of January 2016.

Hatchback, News

Renault reveals 'Iconic' Special Edition models

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Renault has added 'Iconic' Special Edition models to its Captur Clio and Twingo range.

The new trim level is available across different engine options - including the recently announced Efficient Dual Clutch (EDC) automatic transmission for Twingo TCe90.

The Twingo Iconic is based on the Dynamique version of Renault's city car and includes cruise control, speed limiter, DAB radio, Bluetooth, R&GO smartphone-based navigation, electric front windows and electric heated mirrors and front fog lights. Ultraviolet Iconic side decals and 16-inch Ultraviolet Emblem alloy wheels complement the range of four colours available - including two new and unique metallic paints: Ultraviolet and Lunar Grey. Black alloy wheels are available as a no cost option. Extra tinted rear windows and gloss black door mirrors complete the exterior enhancements.

On the interior there is black part-leather upholstery with white and ultraviolet piping, 'Renault' door sill plates, floor mats with an ultraviolet Twingo motif and a matt ultraviolet touch pack. The latter can be substituted with gloss black as a no cost option. The Twingo Iconic also gets climate control as well as automatic lights and wipers.

Available to order with two engine choices - the SCe 70 and the TCe90, the turbocharged TCe90 being available with both manual and the all-new EDC dual-clutch automatic transmissions. The Twingo's engine range offers CO2 emissions as low as 95g/km and returns up to 67.3mpg on the official combined cycle (NEDC).

The Clio Iconic 25 Nav supermini is available with TCe90 Stop & Start, dCi90 Stop & Start and dCi90 EDC engines. Based on the top-of-the-range Dynamique S specification, the special edition receives 17-inch 'Desire' alloy wheels with black inserts, chrome window sills, extra-tinted rear windows and tailgate, and cross-hatch-style wing mirror decals as standard. The decals complement the range of four 'stylish' exterior colours on offer - Ivory, Diamond Black, Oyster Grey and Mercury. To add to the uniqueness of this special edition, customers can choose to complement the exterior colour with the optional black and white cross-hatch-style roof decal, to match the wing mirrors.

On the inside, GT part leather upholstery with front heated seats joins a leather armrest and leather handbrake, matched with an aluminium gear lever. The black and white cross-hatch design seen on the exterior can also be found inside, with touches to the air vent surrounds and door armrest. Automatic climate control with one touch quick demist function, rear electric windows and electrically adjustable, folding and heated door mirrors is also standard. The Clio's engine range offers emissions as low as 82g/km CO2 and returns up to 88.3mpg on the combined NEDC cycle.

The Captur Iconic Nav Special Edition is available for the same price as the Captur Signature Nav. Like the Signature Nav, the Captur Iconic Nav sits on the trim level above Dynamique S Nav. The model receives two-tone exterior colour as standard, with six different body colour options and either a Black, Ivory or 'Cappuccino' roof. 17-inch 'Explore' alloys with Cappuccino inserts are standard on the special edition.

The interior gets Cappuccino part-leather upholstery with front heated seats as well as a bronze-tinted chrome interior pack on touch points around the cabin. Driver aids and Renault's Techno Pack which includes R-Link Evolution, rear parking camera and European Mapping, as well as an electrochrome rear-view mirror are fitted as standard. The Captur's range of four engines offer emissions as low as 95g/km and returns up to 78.5mpg on the combined NEDC cycle.

Prices start at £11,845 OTR for the Twingo Iconic SCe 70 S&S, £16,775 for the Clio Iconic 25 Nav Tce 90 and £18,395 for the Captur Iconic Nav TCe 90, with The special editions available to order from 1st December.

SUV, News

First Bentley Bentayga rolls off production line

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The very first production Bentley Bentayga has left the assembly line in Crewe.

Four years on from the initial concept stage, Bentley's first SUV will now enter full production, with customers deliveries starting in January 2016. The first production Bentayga, finished in an Anthracite colour was handcrafted across 130 hours, and is set to join Bentley's Heritage Collection. During the assembly process, the car passed through a new bodystore, a new paint shop and a new assembly line, all part of a 'substantial investment' by Bentley.

Prime Minister David Cameron, commented: "I am delighted that the first Bentley Bentayga has rolled off the production line in Crewe. It marks the culmination of a period of exceptional hard work by Bentley and its dedicated workforce as they brought this remarkable new vehicle to market.

Wolfgang Durheimer, Chairman and Chief Executive of Bentley Motors, said: "Bentley Bentayga will be the benchmark against which all other SUVs are measured, defining a new segment - the luxury SUV. This car is a celebration of UK manufacturing at its very best, not only reinforcing our commitment to industry in this country, job creation and significant investment, but to our home in Crewe".

The Bentayga represents an £800 million investment into the Crewe factory backed by £9.5 million from the Regional Growth Fund, creating hundreds of jobs for the area and secured the future of production onsite.

Michael Straughan, Bentley's Member of the Board for Manufacturing, addressed the company's 4,000-strong workforce as the car was driven from the final production stage. He said: "This is a proud moment for the entire company. It's been four years in the making and is a celebration of a sector-defining British handcrafted car."

Prices for the Bentley Bentayga are expected to start around the £160,000 mark.

Hybrid, News, Coupe, Diesel, Supercars

Audi unveils new R18 Le Mans racer

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Audi has revealed its 2016 Le Mans 24 Hours car - the R18.

The most powerful and efficient race car Audi has ever built has been 'fundamentally re-designed' by Audi Sport. Featuring 'innovative aerodynamics' representing the next stage in lightweight design and a modified hybrid system with lithium-ion batteries for energy storage, there is also an efficiency-optimised TDI engine.

"With our new Audi R18, we're setting a clear signal: Audi continues to put the pedal to the metal in motorsport, deliberately relying on TDI - the world's most successful automotive efficiency technology - at Le Mans," says Head of Audi Motorsport Dr. Wolfgang Ullrich.

In the 2016 FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) that will start at Silverstone (Great Britain) on April 17, Audi Sport Team Joest will be fielding two new Audi R18 cars. In the interest of maximum cost efficiency, Audi and its Group sister brand Porsche, have both agreed to each compete in the Le Mans 24 Hours, the WEC season's pinnacle event, with only two instead of the most recent three cars.

"We're proud about being able to again represent the Audi brand in 2016 with such an extensive commitment in motorsport," says Dr. Wolfgang Ullrich. "The new Audi R18 marks a major step that we're expecting a lot of at Le Mans and in the WEC. In the DTM, we already had the strongest car in 2015. That's what we'd like to build upon. Plus, the high demand for the new Audi R8 LMS is equally gratifying as the many young talents that are interested in the Audi Sport TT Cup."

News, Pick-up

Order books open for all-new Nissan NP300 Navara

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The new NP300 Navara pick-up is available to order at dealerships nationwide from today.

The new model will arrive in Nissan showrooms from January, priced from £18,376. The NP300 Navara recently scooped the Intentional Pick-up of the Year award, and is available in five new trim grades - Visia, Acenta, Acenta+, M-Connecta and Tekna.

The pick-up is available with either a double cab or a king cab, and a 190PS twin-turbo or 160PS single turbo version of the new 2.3-litre dCi engine. There is a choice of two or four-wheel drive and either 6-speed manual or 7-speed automatic transmission.

Built on a 'robust' chassis, the pick-up includes a range of new-features such as a five-link rear suspension for the Double Cab model and a 67mm longer roadbed. Many of the new model's safety features are incorporated across the range as standard. These include Forward Emergency Braking on all double cab models, driver, passenger, side, knee and curtain airbags and electronic Limited Slip Differential.

James Wright, Managing Director of Nissan Motor UK, said: "The NP300 Navara is a strong product offer in terms of innovative technology, superior on-road and off-road capabilities, engine performance and payload capacity. Now we've made this award-winning pick-up even more desirable to customers with highly competitive deals on both finance and servicing to make ownership as attractive as it will be rewarding."

For a short time the NP300 Navara is available with three years' free servicing, while loyal customers can benefit from five years' free servicing. In addition, all models receive a full manufacturer five-year/100,000 mile manufacturer warranty.

Commercial Vehicle Prices are OTR prices, excluding VAT but include first registration fee of £55 and first year VED.

4x4, News

Range Rover Sport SVR tackles frozen Silverstone

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Land Rover has tested a Rover Sport SVR on a frozen Silverstone replica track, near the Arctic Circle.

Land Rover Ambassador and polar explorer, Ben Saunders swapped his snowshoes for winter tyres to put the Sport SVR through its paces at a unique yet familiar test track. The full-scale replica of the Silverstone Grand Prix Circuit was carved in the snow on Lake Udjaur. With instruction from former rally champion, Finland's Minna Sillankorva, Saunders tackled driving on ice behind the wheel of Land Rover's performance flagship, the 550PS V8 Range Rover Sport, the most powerful Land Rover to date, which is capable of accelerating from 0-60mph in 4.5 seconds.

Ben Saunders, who has led expeditions to both the North and South Poles, said: "Obviously, I had an amazing day. It was my first time driving on ice and the most fun I've had on four-wheels. The performance of the Range Rover Sport SVR is simply breathtaking and its poise in the corners was astounding given the slippery conditions."

Features to enhance all-terrain performance, such as Land Rover's advanced Terrain Response 2 system, and permanent four-wheel drive with a two-speed transfer case, and a 50/50 percent torque split front-to-rear helped the polar explorer keep his Range Rover Sport SVR on track.

'Optimum traction' is further maintained with the aid of an electronically controlled multi-plate clutch in the centre differential, as well as the Torque Vectoring by Braking system which uses the SVR's brakes to constantly balance the distribution of engine torque between all four wheels during cornering. This system monitors the vehicle via the Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) module as it accelerates through a corner, where sensors detect the onset of understeer.

Mike Cross, Chief Engineer Vehicle Integrity, said: "We pride ourselves on the all-terrain capability and composure of our vehicles, putting them through intensive hot and cold climate testing. The Range Rover Sport SVR is the most dynamic model we've ever produced and combining these qualities showcases the unique talents and expertise of our dedicated engineers."

Hydrogen Fuel Cell Car, SUV, News

Hyundai unveils 10th Anniversary Streetcar Mosaic

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Hyundai has completed a 50-day driving challenge in London called A Streetcar Named Hyundai.

The idea involved driving, photographing and filming every central London street within the 2092 miles detailed in the famous Cabbie 'Knowledge'. Involving 127 participants, the challenge was created by London 2012's Ordnance Survey team to mark the 10-year anniversary of 'Hyundai Motor UK' and was completed in the Hyundai ix35 Fuel Cell, the world's first commercially available hydrogen fuel cell car.

London taxi driver and knowledge teacher of 30 years, Tony Norris said: "The Cabbie Knowledge is world renowned, unique to London and takes an average of 3-4 years to complete. But, this is the first time that the entire six-mile radius has been routed in this way as one continuous drive."

Hyundai created entirely new software to capture the drive, which controlled the camera shutter based on the car's speed, distance travelled and angle of travel to frame the entire journey photographically. The camera took pictures every 6-7 metres delivering 503,919 images - that's 207,000 MB of data. The special ix35 was designed to capture over half a million photos throughout the journey with the images used to create a 6m x 2m mosaic, a digital continuous image of all London's streets as well as a 200.5 second time lapse video to mark the UK company's 2005 heritage.

The final mosaic image depicts Oxford Street, which was voted as the most iconic street in London, and will go on display at City Hall in March 2016, as part of London's Hydrogen Week.

Deputy Mayor for Environment and Energy Matthew Pencharz said: "Energy-efficient transport like these hydrogen fuel cell cars are key to helping improve the capital's air quality and reduce carbon emissions. I'm pleased that Hyundai's project has produced such an interesting portrait of our city with their new hydrogen technology."

Tony Whitehorn, Hyundai Motor UK's President and CEO commented: "We're incredibly proud of how far Hyundai has come in the UK in the short space of 10 years. During this time our brand has been completely transformed through innovation, design and technology - all of which encapsulate the Streetcar Named Hyundai challenge. We are delighted with the results."

Hybrid, News

Mercedes A 45 World Champion Edition unveiled

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Mercedes-AMG has revealed an F1 World Champion Edition A 45 4MATIC.

It follows victory for Mercedes in the Formula 1 constructors' world championship as well as the drivers championship with Brit driver Lewis Hamilton. The exclusive special model - 'MERCEDES AMG PETRONAS 2015 World Champion Edition of the A 45 4MATIC' - blends the Formula 1 look of the victorious Silver Arrows with 'particularly extensive and unique equipment'.

The external characteristic of this exclusive edition is the hallmark 'foiling' with petrol green and black highlights in the design of the winning F1 W06 HYBRID car. There is also a 'streamlining package' - at the front it includes a larger splitter as well as special flics, a roof spoiler and streamlined tail end.

With a maximum output of 280 kW (381 hp) the A 45 4MATIC features standard-fit AMG Performance all-wheel drive and front axle differential lock. The special edition brings power to the road slip-free and 62mph is reached from a standstill in 4.2 seconds.

Available in mountain grey metallic, designo mountain grey magno and polar silver metallic, there are 19-inch cross-spoke wheels painted in titanium grey and accentuated with a petrol green rim flange to match. Further equipment includes the Night package, the AMG Performance seats, the AMG Exclusive package plus the AMG DYNAMIC PLUS package.

The interior comes with a model distinguishing badge on the lid of the stowage compartment with the official lettering of the MERCEDES AMG PETRONAS Formula One Team. The electronically adjustable Performance sports seats in leather/Dinamica microfibre offer increased lateral support even in fast, dynamic bends and have an exclusive striped design. The 'fine petrol green' topstitching on the armrests and dashboard, the petrol green rings in the air vents plus the seat belts, also with petrol green highlight strips, round off the motorsport impression. The Performance steering wheel in Dinamica microfibre includes petrol green topstitching and a 12 o'clock mark in the same colour.

On sale now the F1 World Champion Edition A 45 costs 66,818 euros (Approx. £47,000) in designo mountain grey magno matt paint.

SUV, News

Volvo XC90 R-Design revealed

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Volvo has added an XC90 R-Design model to its range.

Described as 'the sportiest XC90 to date', Volvo's new seven-seat XC90 R-Design showcases a range of new design features and equipment updates. The R-Design SUV runs on 20-inch alloy wheels and comes with a 12.3-inch active TFT driver's information display, Drive Mode Settings and Adjustable Steering Force. This allows the driver to choose between different settings for the engine, transmission, steering and the optional air suspension.

The R-Design's sporty exterior includes silver-effect door mirrors, a black mesh front grille and tinted rear windows. Inside, there are leather/nubuck sports seats, and a perforated leather-trimmed steering wheel complete with gearshift paddles. A powered front passenger seat with memory function joins sports pedals, black headlining and upgraded interior lighting. A leather-clad remote key fob is also included, as part of the R-Design's package.

This is on top of the standard spec for the entry-level XC90 Momentum models, which includes items such as a nine-inch touch screen control system, Sensus Navigation, two-zone climate control with Volvo's CleanZone air quality system and LED headlights.

Nick Connor, Managing Director of Volvo Car UK, said: "The launch of the XC90 R-Design makes our premium seven-seat SUV even more distinctive and dynamic than before. Its sportier looks certainly make it stand out on the road, and its extra equipment ensures that the interior is as luxurious as it is stunning."

The R-Design versions are available with the D5 diesel and T6 petrol Drive-E engines, and in T8 Twin Engine petrol-electric hybrid form. On sale now, prices start at £49,785 OTR.

Diesel, 4x4, News

New Jeep 'Night Eagle' Cherokee

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Jeep has added a new 'Night Eagle' version to its Cherokee line-up.

The new Night Eagle model is limited to just 350 examples for the UK and is based on the Longitude 'Plus' mid-trim level.

The new model features black styling cues and a 'bold' new appearance with satin-finished grey elements on the front grille-mounted Jeep badge, the fog light frames and black gloss roof bars. A dedicated Night Eagle name badge has also been added along with deep tint sunscreen glass, while the 4x4 also runs on exclusive 18-inch black gloss alloys.

Inside, a leather steering wheel joins exclusive leather upholstery, heated front seats with electric lumbar adjustment on the driver's side, Uconnect with 8.4-inch screen, navigation system, Bluetooth and TFT instrument panel.

Other standard equipment on the Cherokee Night Eagle includes a nine-speaker sound system with subwoofer, cruise control, dual-zone climate control, electric tailgate, rear parking sensors, automatic headlamps with washer, rain sensing wipers, and auto-dimming rear mirror. This edition comes in four colours: Brilliant Black, Bright White, Billet Silver and Granite Crystal.

Power comes from the new 2.2-litre MultiJet II turbo diesel engine delivering 200 hp which, combined with Jeep's nine-speed automatic transmission and rugged Active Drive I 4x4 system, gives the car a top speed of 127 mph and 0-62 mph time of 8.5 seconds, while returning up to 49.6 mpg on the combined cycle.

The new Jeep Night Eagle Cherokee will cost £36,795 OTR when it goes on sale later this week.

Family Car, News, City Car

Geely GC9 wins Chinese Car of the Year

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The Geely GC9 was declared 2016 China Car of the Year (CCOTY) at an awards ceremony during the Guangzhou Auto Show.

Geely, who have owned Swedish car giant Volvo since 2010, revealed the flagship GC9 in 2014 which becomes the first domestic model to win the China Car of the Year title. There were 140 candidates eligible, with the Geely GC9 coming out on top after convincing 22 jurors at the CCOTY Beijing test-drives beginning of November. The evaluation rules allow all jurors test-drives in Beijing, two weeks before the final awards ceremony, before voting starts.

The prize was received by President and CEO of Geely Mr. An Conghui, who said: "Geely is of great honour to be awarded China Car of the Year. The GC9 is just the beginning of a new series of highly competitive models. And as a Chinese domestic brand, we will give everything to improve the reputation of Chinese manufacturers."

The CCOTY jurors noted that the Geely GC9 had "a perfect blend of a new modern Chinese design language with state of the art technology from Volvo. The GC9 is spacious, luxurious with appealing quality and overall highly competitive within the mid-size segment. It's a leap forward compared to former Chinese domestic models."

Jens Meiners, Vice Chairman of the World Car Awards commented: "The China Car Awards have quickly grown into a standard of excellence on the Chinese market, a market with unique demands and preferences. This year's winner demonstrates that the Chinese auto industry is fully capable of creating cars that take the lead in a tough and fair competition. As vice chairman of the World Car Awards, I would like to convey our congratulations to the participants and winners, as well as the distinguished jury of the China Car Awards. We are proud of our inspiring and successful relationship."

Other awards included the 2016 China Design Car of the Year - won by the Mercedes-Benz AMG GT and the 2016 China Performance Car of the Year, which was won by the Ferrari 488 GTB. The 2016 China Green Car of the Year was awarded to the Lexus NX 300h while the Volvo XC90 scooped 2016 China SUV of the Year.

Supercars, Hypercar, News

BMW commissions new Art Cars

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Following on from Jenny Holzer, Olafur Elíasson and Jeff Koons, Chinese artist Cao Fei, 37, and American artist John Baldessari, 84, will be the youngest and oldest artists represented in the collection respectively.

Fei and Baldessari are each due to create unique versions of the BMW M6 GT3 in the coming year, ready for presentations in museums in 2017, before appearing in action on the racetrack.

The BMW M6 GT3 spearheads the range of cars available to the BMW customer racing programme. It is powered by a 4.4-litre V8 engine with M TwinPower Turbo technology, which has been modified slightly for use in motor racing. The powertrain has dry sump lubrication and generates up to 585hp - with the whole car weighing less than 1,300kg.  

BMW Board Member, Ian Robertson announced the collaboration of the two artists at the Guggenheim Museum in New York. 'The 40th anniversary of the BMW Art Collection is a time to look ahead. The collection is the embodiment of the cultural commitment of the BMW Group - its vehicles stand for the combination of cutting-edge technology and inspiring art.

Cao Fei dubbed by BMW as one of the most promising and Chinese artists of her generation; expressed her excitement in joining the ranks of renowned artists such as Roy Lichtenstein, Andy Warhol and David Hockney. "I'm thrilled to be able to join the magnificent list of BMW Art Car artists. Acceleration, a concept that reminds me of my desire for speed as a runner during the Young Pioneers days, is deeply connected to the entangled contemporary relationships between velocity, energy, and the country."

John Baldessari, described as 'a great pioneer and godfather of an entire art scene in LA and beyond' told the press how he was honoured to have many of his respected peers recommend him as a BMW Art Car artist. 'Creating art that exists outside of a museum is important to me, and should be a goal for all artists. This will definitely be my fastest artwork yet.'

Since 1975 artists from the world over have been creating Art Cars on the basis of contemporary BMW automobiles. 'It is fantastic that the tradition of the BMW Art Car series will be continued with the BMW M6 GT3. Motorsport and the BMW Art Cars have always been very closely linked. Our racing cars in the special designs of well-known artists have cult status among the general public. I am convinced that the same will be true of the works by Cao Fei and John Baldessari. Naturally we want to fight for wins with the BMW M6 GT3 Art Cars. This combination of art and performance on the racetrack really is unique.' said Jens Marquardt, BMW Motorsport Director.

Electric, News, City Car

Nissan's European electric taxi tally tops 500

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A deal to supply a Hungarian taxi firm has brought the total number of Nissan electric taxis on European roads to over 550.

Green Lite Taxi Kft., based in Budapest, has purchased 65 Nissan LEAFs in a bid to become Hungary's largest zero emission fleet. 

Ors Levay, CEO of Green Lite Taxi Kft., which has installed seven quick chargers within the city to power the franchise, said: "We are delighted to be the first taxi company in Hungary to go 100 percent electric and the 199 km range means we only need to charge our taxis once during a shift. Along with the large savings on fuel and maintenance, the Nissan LEAF is very smooth to drive and almost silent, which means a more enjoyable journey for my customers and the drivers say typical 10 hour shifts are less tiresome."

Nissan delivered over 100 electric vehicles to taxi companies across Europe in 2015, making it the best-selling manufacturer of pure electric taxis. 

In Estonia, a LEAF owned by taxi company, Elektritakso, is said to have clocked up over 218,000 kilometres (135,459 miles) on its original battery pack, showcasing its durability and reliability.

In total, there are 80 electric taxis in Estonia, whilst in Lithuania, Nissan is set to deliver its first eight electric taxis to the Smart Taxi Company, based in the country's capital, Vilnius, for late 2015.

Nissan electric vehicles - which include the LEAF and the e-NV200, a passenger and light commercial vehicle - are becoming increasingly popular among European taxi businesses, with the Netherlands and the UK topping Nissan's e-taxi league table.

The newly launched 30 kWh LEAF is expected to be popular with taxi firms as it will enable drivers to travel 25 percent further than the standard vehicle.

Gareth Dunsmore, Director of Electric Vehicles for Nissan Europe, said: "We are so proud to be announcing this all-important milestone. Nissan has already delivered 30 percent more e-taxis this year than in 2014 and this figure is constantly increasing, as more taxi companies realise the benefits of becoming 100 percent electric."

Vintage Car, News

James Bond posters to go under the hammer

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Auctioneers Coys are selling a collection of rare James Bond film posters and memorabilia at their "True Greats" auction on December 1.

The sale will feature posters from iconic productions such as Thunderball, Her Majesty's Secret Service, The World is Not Enough, Octopussy, You Only Live Twice, Dr No, Goldfinger and SPECTRE. The release of the latest Bond film last month has spiked interest, proving the 007 franchise is as popular as ever.

Perhaps the most anticipated item to go on sale is the rare 1965 Thunderball poster, which is estimated from £8,000 to £10,000. "Originally designed in four panel format, intended to be cut into two or four for the cinema to use around the advertising area, this particular version was never cut into sections and is one of the finest examples available." said, Adrian Cowdry, vintage poster specialist at Coys.

A limited edition SPECTRE poster that was designed for the cast and crew of the film will also feature and is estimated to fetch between £700 to £800.

There will also be a number of first edition Bond novels on sale, including Man with the Golden Gun, Octopussy and On Her Majesty's Secret Service, estimated at £150 to £500. 

Also on sale is a 1928 Supercharged Bentley Blower. Long before Ian Fleming placed James Bond at the wheel of an Aston Martin, he had 007 thundering around in a Bentley in the early novels.

Coys' "True Greats" auction takes place on Tuesday 1 December 2015 at 3pm at the Royal Horticultural Society, Lindley Hall, Vincent Square, Westminster, London, SW1P 2PE.

Viewing is available on Monday 30 November and on the day of the sale from 10am.

 

Hatchback, News

Facelifted DS 4 and Crossback now on sale

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Following a global public premiere at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September, the facelifted DS 4 and DS 4 Crossback are now on sale in the UK.

The Crossback version is aimed at customers looking for 'urban and extra-urban adventure', adding styling features including wheel arch trims, a unique front end and rear spoiler, all finished in black, plus grey roof bars. Black door mirrors, door sills and carpet mats and a 30mm increase in ride height combine to complete the more rugged look.

Sporting a new front end treatment, new DS branding, new personalisation options, new trim levels and the latest Euro 6 engines, both models are said to offer more choice for customers wishing to adapt their cars to suit their personality and lifestyle.

The new DS 4 also becomes the first DS - and the first vehicle in the PSA Group - to offer Apple CarPlay technology.

Six engines options are offered, including the -cylinder turbo petrol PureTech 130, while a new high-performance THP 210 petrol engine is exclusively available in the hatchback only. Three Euro 6 BlueHDi diesel engines are also specified, including a BlueHDi 180 which is said to offer up to 50Nm more torque than its main competitors.

The new DS 4 is priced from £19,495 OTR, while the Crossback range starts at £21,745.

News, Young Drivers

Ford develops Drug Driving Suit

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Ford has created a unique suit to show young people the dangers of driving under the influence of illegal drugs.

Ford developed the suit together with scientists from the Meyer-Hentschel Institute in Germany to simulate some of the effects of drugs such as cannabis, cocaine, heroin, and MDMA (commonly known as Ecstasy). These include slower reaction time, distorted vision, hand tremors and poor coordination. 

The new Drug Driving Suit has been incorporated into Ford's Driving Skills for Life young driver programme that has provided training to more than 500,000 people around the world since its launch 11 years ago. Young drivers will have the opportunity to experience the suit, and also receive hands-on training covering skills including hazard recognition, vehicle handling and distraction awareness..

"Driving after taking illegal drugs can have potentially fatal consequences for the driver, their passengers, and other road users," said Ford Driving Skills for Life Manager Jim Graham. "We have already seen how the Drink Driving Suit has a dramatic effect on those who wear it behind the wheel, and are confident that the Drug Driving Suit will have a similar impact." 

According to a European study, drivers who get behind the wheel after taking drugs are up to 30 times more likely to be involved in a severe crash.* Despite the risks, one in 10 people say they have accepted lifts from people they believe have taken illegal drugs.**

Like the Drink Driving Suit that Ford last year incorporated into the DSFL programme, the new Drug Driving Suit simulates the effects of reduced mobility, vision and coordination with padding and ankle weights, goggles and headphones. The team also introduced new features that simulate effects that are specific to illegal drug use.

"We know that some drugs can cause trembling hands, so we incorporated into the suit a device that creates just such a tremor," said Gundolf Meyer-Hentschel, CEO of the Meyer-Hentschel Institute. "Drug users sometimes see flashing lights in their peripheral field, an effect recreated by our goggles, while imaginary sounds are generated by the headphones. Additionally, the goggles distort perception, and produce colourful visual sensations - a side effect of LSD use."

Further details about the Ford DSFL program, including training dates and venues, plus how to enrol in the online training academy will be available online.