New Avatar sports car confirmed

British manufacturer Avatar have revealed a new Roadster.

The Devon-based track and race division of specialist car producer Marlin Sports Cars has developed the 250bhp 2.0-litre Ecoboost-engined Roadster to offer road and track day fans a ‘responsive, involving, lightweight car that offers plenty of scope to adjust and upgrade during ownership’.

Set to be fully unveiled this week at The Performance Car Show at Birmingham's NEC, the car’s 2.0-litre Ford engine sits behind the driver and is mated to a five-speed Porsche Boxster gearbox. The 0-60mph time comes in at 3.9 seconds while top speed is 150mph. Engineers also specified in-board adjustable suspension at the rear with Nitron dampers, Quaife LSD, Tilton pedal box and Hi-Spec brakes on the 700kg car. The Avatar Roadster will also be available in a 350bhp version that uses Ford’s 2.3-litre Ecoboost engine from the forthcoming Ford Focus RS and Mustang.

Starting with a clean sheet of paper, Avatar’s design team was able to create a custom laser-cut, tubular spaceframe chassis that sits the driver closer to the centreline of the car. “This arrangement not only offers better weight distribution and, we think, purer driving experience but also provides storage space alongside the driver for the optional ‘get me home’ roof,” said Dylan Popovic, Avatar designer and company racing driver.

The chassis, manufactured in-house by Marlin, is clothed in a sleek composite four-piece bodyshell - front and back sections can be removed in less than 30 seconds. The car’s aesthetics have been honed by ‘aero specialist’ Simon McBeath and confirmed by a string of class wins for the development mule running in the Castle Combe Sports & GT Championship. “We have completed over 1,200 laps at the demanding Castle Combe circuit to finesse and prove the quality of the Avatar,” adds Dylan. “Consumers expect to drive to a track day, thrash around all day and come home again without wielding the spanners. The Avatar was conceived with high quality components to do just that.”

Avatar says its back up and technical support is ‘just as comprehensive as the Avatar Roadster’s specification'. A pre-delivery Tailored session means each car leaves the factory corner-weighted and setup specific to the buyer’s weight, driving preferences and planned use. “We want to know each of our customers and their cars personally,” said Terry Matthews, Avatar founder, “Owners can pick up the phone to us any time and get one-to-one support”.

Aware that track day drivers are always keen to find a little more performance, customers can choose from a range of options to tailor the car for more serious track work or even competition. An unlimited mileage, three-year warranty, provides further peace of mind whilst the engine can be serviced at any Ford garage.

First customer deliveries are expected in May 2016, with the company hoping to build a run of up to 25 by 2017.

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.

Audi unveils h-tron quattro concept in Detroit

Audi has pulled the covers off the h-tron quattro concept car at the NAIAS in Detroit 

Described as the next step towards the long-term Audi goal of CO2-neutral mobility, the SUV concept is powered by a fuel cell with an output of up to 110 kW backed up by a further on-demand power boost of 100 kW from a lightweight lithium-ion battery. 

Total system torque of 550 Nm equates to acceleration from 0-62 mph in under seven seconds and a 124 mph top speed.

It can be fully refuelled with hydrogen in around four minutes, and is then ready to drive for up to 372 miles (600 km).  An extra energy boost comes from the fitment of the world’s largest in-car solar roof, offering up to 320 watts output or additional range of up to 620 miles (1,000km) per year

The h‑tron quattro concept is closely related to the fully electric e‑tron quattro concept SUV which made its debut  at the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show. Both cars are based on the second-generation modular longitudinal platform (MLB evo), sharing a virtually identical floor assembly despite their different technology.

The h‑tron quattro concept presents the fifth generation of fuel cell technology from Audi and Volkswagen, using lighter materials to reduce weight and improve performance, responsiveness, service life and efficiency. 

With an efficiency rating in excess of 60 percent, Audi claims that the fuel cell now surpasses any combustion engine. The “stack”, comprising 330 individual cells, is housed in the forward structure.

The three hydrogen tanks are located beneath the passenger or luggage compartment. At a pressure of 700 bar, they store enough hydrogen for a range of up to 372 miles (600 km).  

Every tank is made up of several layers – the inner tank from gas-tight polyamide is wrapped in carbon fibre reinforced polymer (CFRP) and glass fibre reinforced polymer (GFRP). Like a car with a combustion engine, refueling takes about four minutes.
Offering seating for four adults and 500 liitres of luggage space, the five-door Audi h‑tron quattro concept is 4.88 metres long and 1.93 metres wide but its relatively low height of 1.54 metres contributes to a drag coefficient of 0.27. Aerodynamic elements down the flanks, on the underbody and at the rear improve airflow around the car at higher speeds, while cameras take the place of exterior mirrors, to improve efficiency still further. 

The h-tron’s headlights and tail lights utilise a combination of high-resolution Matrix laser technology and flat OLED (organic light emitting diode) elements which radiate a blue light to the sides and upwards. 

The concept also comes equipped with all the Audi’s piloted driving technologies – radar sensors, a new kind of video camera, ultrasonic sensors and a laser scanner. 

Audi says it will be taking this technology into production for the first time ever in 2017, with the next generation of its A8 Saloon. 

Volkswagen reveals Tiguan GTE Active Concept

Volkswagen has pulled the covers off its new Tiguan GTE Active Concept at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit.

Based on the redeveloped second generation of the Tiguan, the concept is described as a ‘progressive plug-in hybrid’ with maximum off-road power, the concept car combines ‘maximum efficiency’ with a powerful all-wheel drive system for a high level of off-road performance.

Powered by a petrol engine (TSI, 110 kW) and two electric motors (40 and 85 kW), all four wheels of the permanent all-wheel drive can be powered all- electrically with the TSI used to add more power. With up to 20 miles of zero emissions travel all-electrically, a fuel economy figure of 75mpg and a range of 580 miles in total is possible.

VW says the independent off-road design elements of the body are ‘technically feasible’ as options for production cars, with the concept debuting in Detroit featuring significantly more ground clearance and larger approach and departure angles. 

The interior includes a new infotainment system with 9.2- inch display and gesture control, while many different driving programs can be accessed via the new 4MOTION Active Control off-road switch.

The Detroit Auto Show runs from January 11 - 24.

Lexus unveils all-new LC 500 in Detroit

Lexus has revealed its all-new LC 500 coupe at the Detroit Auto Show.

The luxury 2+2 follows a ‘direct, inspirational bloodline’ from the LF-LC Concept that broke cover at the same event four years ago. The production model shares many of the concept car’s key design elements, proportions and visual dynamism. It features an ‘athletic’, aerodynamic shape with a flowing, carbon fibre roof option (a glass roof is standard). At the front a ‘powerful interpretation’ of Lexus’s signature spindle grille, with a chrome border on three sides and a new 3D mesh design is flanked by L-shaped daytime running lights, sitting below new triple-LED headlamp units. At the rear, slim, multi-layered lamps with a lighting effect presents a sequential L motif. A rear diffuser and optional rear spoiler help manage airflow when driving at high speed. The wheels are 20-inch machined cast aluminium or optional 21-inch forged aluminium - The Detroit show car is fitted with Michelin Sport tyres: 245/40RF21 at the front and 275/35RF21 at the rear.

Power delivery to the rear wheels is handled by a new, high-revving 5.0-litre V8 borrowed from the RC F and GS F. This naturally aspirated, all-aluminium unit was selected for its ‘smooth, linear throttle response and stirring engine note’. The output target is 467hp with 527Nm of torque. Sound control valves in the exhaust system are activated during start-up, creating a robust growl when the engine comes to life. Under acceleration, a sound generator enhances the engine’s ‘raucous note into an aural thunder’. Target 0-60mph time is ‘less than 4.5 seconds’.

Power is directed to the rear wheels using a new 10-speed automatic transmission – the first of its kind to be featured in luxury car says Lexus – with shift times that rival a dual-clutch transmission. The unit is smaller and lighter than some current eight-speed transmissions. The transmission is matched to a new electric control system with software that helps anticipate the driver’s inputs by monitoring acceleration, braking and lateral G-forces.

On the inside, the driving position was calculated to ‘invite spirited, sporting driving and help build confidence with a more intuitive layout for the controls’ says Lexus. The driver’s hip-point was engineered to be as close as possible to the car’s centre of gravity, where feedback from the car is strongest. Other features include magnesium alloy paddle shifts, supple leather and Alcantara seat upholsteries while the door panels, centre console and dashboard structures display Lexus’s takumi craftsmanship in their fine detailing and finish.

The LC 500 is the first model to use Lexus’s new rear-wheel drive platform, part of a new corporate global architecture for luxury vehicles (GA-L). The car’s underpinnings will provide the template for Lexus’s future front-engine/rear-wheel drive vehicles and places the mass, including the engine and vehicle occupants, lower and in a more central position in the chassis, improving the centre of gravity.

Akio Toyoda, Chief Branding Officer and Master Driver for Lexus, said: “The LC 500 has been an important product for Lexus and for me personally. A few years ago we decided to guide the future of Lexus with products that brought more passion and distinction to the luxury market. The new LC 500 coupe’s proportions, stunning design and performance make a strong statement about our brand’s emotional direction and will increase Lexus’s global luxury appeal.”

Volvo launches new S90 at NAIAS

Volvo has chosen the North American International Auto Show (or NAIAS) in Detroit to launch its new signature premium saloon - the S90.

This comes on the back of strong sales in the US, especially in the second half of 2015 where sales increased 24.3 per cent. “There are strong indications that Volvo is back on track in the US,” said Lex Kerssemakers, Senior Vice President of the Americas at Volvo Car Group. “We expect this strong sales momentum to continue in 2016, helped by the new S90.”

The launch of the new S90 forms the second chapter in the ‘complete renewal’ of Volvo’s product range, which began in 2015 with the new XC90 SUV. The XC90 received around 88,000 pre-orders in 2015, surpassing expectations.

The S90 features a concave grille – itself a homage to the Volvo P1800 – and is home to Volvo’s new Iron Mark. The T-shaped ‘Thor’s Hammer’ lights deliver a ‘powerful sense’ of direction that makes the S90 unmistakable on the road. Power comes from a clean and powerful T8 Twin Engine plug-in hybrid powertrain, delivering up to 410 hp and offers three different car experiences in one – Pure, Hybrid and Power.

Inside the low, four-door coupe, Volvo has taken cues from the success of its XC90 model and included what it describes as ‘stunning details’ on the new dashboard and instrument panel, including new air blades that stand vertically on each side of the Sensus user interface.

“We created our new flagship saloon, the Volvo S90, as a real game changer. It is classy and cool. The exterior is exceptionally well surfaced, with a fantastic stance and the sort of clean lines that are singularly appropriate of a Scandinavian design. The interior masters the art of blending innovative technology and natural materials into an elegant, welcoming and tasteful ambience – Swedishness at its best,” said Thomas Ingenlath, Senior Vice President, Design at Volvo Car Group.

The S90 will be launched with IntelliSafe Assist as standard. This includes Adaptive Cruise Control and Distance Alert, and the advanced semi-autonomous drive feature, Pilot Assist, which gives gentle steering input to keep the car properly aligned within lane markings up to motorway speeds of around 80 mph.

Renault-Nissan to launch autonomous drive by 2020

The Renault-Nissan Alliance has confirmed it will launch more than 10 vehicles with autonomous drive technology in the next four years.

The global car group confirmed the range of vehicles with autonomous capabilities will roll-out in the United States, Europe, Japan and China through 2020. The technology will be installed on mainstream, mass-market cars ‘at affordable prices’. The car group has hired new executive to oversee connectivity and connected car services globally.

Safety and efficiency of vehicles across the Renault-Nissan Alliance has ‘increased dramatically’, with fatal and serious injuries in Japanese Nissan vehicles decreasing 61 percent in 20 years. Fatal and serious injuries in Renault vehicles in France decreased 80 percent in 15 years. Autonomous drive is expected to help further reduce driver error, which is responsible for up to 90 percent of all fatalities.

2016 will mark the debut of vehicles with ‘single-lane control’ a feature that allows cars to drive autonomously on motorways, including in heavy, stop-and-go traffic. In 2018, Renault-Nissan will launch vehicles with ‘multiple-lane control’ which can autonomously negotiate hazards and change lanes during motorway driving. And 2020 will see the launch of ‘intersection autonomy’ which can navigate city intersections and heavy urban traffic without driver intervention.

Later this year the Alliance will launch a new automotive mobile app which allows remote interaction with your car. Next year, it will launch the first Alliance Multimedia System providing new multimedia and navigation features, as well as improved smartphone integration and wireless map updates.

“Renault-Nissan Alliance is deeply committed to the twin goals of ‘zero emissions and zero fatalities'” Renault-Nissan Alliance Chairman and CEO Carlos Ghosn said at the Renault-Nissan Silicon Valley Research Center. “That’s why we are developing autonomous driving and connectivity for mass-market, mainstream vehicles on three continents.”

The Renault-Nissan Alliance is a partnership between Paris-based Renault and Yokohama, Japan-based Nissan and have been strategic partners since 1999.

Bentley ‘Monster by Mulliner’ unveiled at CES

Bentley’s bespoke coach-building division Mulliner has teamed up with high-performance audio brand - Monster - for a special edition Continental.

Making its world debut at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, the unique Monster-inspired 'Monster by Mulliner' is based on a Bentley Continental GT V8 S, and is ‘designed to appeal to the target market of young professionals and movers and shakers in sports and music’.

Monster says all genres of music, including Hip Hop, Rap, EDM and Rock, will be heard ‘with new ears’ via the custom sound system not available in any production car in the world. A total of 16 hand selected Monster speakers, personally tuned by Head Monster Noel Lee, delivers 3,400-watt of ‘Pure Monster Sound’ - the company’s signature audio profile.

Embodying the Monsters colour scheme of red and black within the cabin, Mulliner’s skills are showcased by the Hotspur Continental GT V8 S Beluga hide and steering rim colour selections. Based on the Monster logo, Mulliner created a unique 3D laser-etched fascia panel designed exclusively for this vehicle, complementing the Piano Black finish. The Continental GT V8 S also features the Monster motto: “Always Lead, Never Follow” and “Monster by Mulliner” headrest embroidery.

The exterior is finished in a ‘stunning colour scheme and intricate flourishes’. Its Onyx exterior coloured paint is highlighted with Hotspur accents including a unique body kit and radiator shell bezel. Along with red brake calipers and a gloss black polished wheel, the black bonnet vents are also stylised. This vehicle also includes the GT Design Seat by Mulliner.

Head Monster Noel Lee noted: “Monster is proud to collaborate with Bentley on bringing the sound and look of a Monster ride to those who want something bold and different. With our Pure Monster Sound system, the drive will be truly incredible and brings a new level of excitement to the driving experience. That’s why this collaboration for the Continental GT V8 S is such a perfect fit. Our Monster motto ‘Always Lead Never Follow’ has never been more appropriately applied than in association with this impeccably designed automobile.”

Geoff Dowding, Director of Mulliner, said: “The inspiration for this Mulliner commission came from a meeting with Monster’s CEO Noel Lee at Pebble Beach in 2015, where we exchanged business cards. The card contained several brand details, such as the Monster-pattern design and the red, black and silver colour scheme. It was the ideal starting point from which to create this incredible vehicle.”

If you like Bentley's check out our Continental GTC review here:

Honda launches special edition Civic and CR-V models

Honda is to launch a new CR-V Black Edition as well as a special edition Civic.

Three years after the last version of the CR-V Black Edition first launched, Honda has revived the more sporty, ‘premium’ look. Available in 4WD with a choice of petrol or diesel and manual or automatic, the new CR-V Black Edition gets running boards, a tailgate spoiler, 19” black alloys, a gloss black front grille as well as gloss black skid plates on the front and rear. The full leather interior features contrasting stitching with an embossed Black Edition logo on the front and rear seats while the door panels and arm rests are also leather. The interior is finished off with premium carpet mats complete with the Black Edition logo.

Based on the standard 1.4 i-VTEC S manual, the new Civic Limited Edition comes with 16” aero alloys, body coloured wheel arches, front panel and rear skirt to give the car a slightly more aggressive sporty look. The new edition is available in Brilliant Sporty Blue, Polished Metal, Milano Red and Crystal Black.

Philip Crossman, Managing Director at Honda UK, commented: “This time last year we had the oldest range on the market and were about to launch the latest Civic and CR-V.  This limited edition Civic and the Black Edition CR-V are fantastic additions to the core product line up and will make for a great start to 2016.”

Both are available from early February, with the Civic Limited Edition priced at £14,995 OTR and the CR-V Black Edition at £29,995 and £33,730 for the automatic.

Volvo and Microsoft help you talk to your car

Volvo has teamed up with Microsoft to launch a wearable-enabled voice-control system, which will allow owners to talk to their cars.

Vehicles may be instructed to perform tasks including setting the navigation, starting the heater, locking the doors, flashing the lights or sounding the horn via the Volvo on Call mobile app or the connected Microsoft Band 2 device.

The remote voice control service is described as another proof-point in Volvo's and Microsoft's ambition to jointly develop next-generation automotive technologies, following the announcement in November 2015 of their collaboration with the first automotive application of HoloLens technology. HoloLens is the world's first fully untethered holographic computer, which could be used in future to redefine how customers first encounter, explore and even buy their cars.

"Volvo is intent on making the car experience as easy and convenient as possible by utilising the latest technology in the most relevant and inspiring ways. With voice control, we are only just beginning to scratch the surface of what is possible with digital assistant functionalities," said Thomas Muller, Vice President Electrics/Electronics and E-Propulsion at Volvo Car Group.

Customers in Volvo on Call-enabled markets will be able to connect to their Volvo cars with voice control through Microsoft Band 2, from Spring 2016.

Hyundai reveals IONIQ next-gen hybrid

Following its unveiling to the media in South Korea, Hyundai has confirmed details of its next generation of hybrid vehicles, dubbed IONIQ.

Rag Jung, Head of Project Management Division at Hyundai's R&D Centre said, "IONIQ embodies Hyundai Motor's new thinking and bold ambitions for the future. This world-class dedicated hybrid will be the starting point of our future mobility."

Built on a chassis created specifically to carry the world's first choice of three efficient and ultra-low emission powertrains, the IONIQ contains 53% Advanced High Strength Steel combined with lightweight aluminum. The new model saves 12.6kg (45%) of weight by casting non-structural bodywork from aluminum, such as the hood, tailgate and suspension components. Where crash structure or energy absorption is necessary, the structure features Advanced High Strength Steel that can withstand significant collision forces.

The new model was created with 'dynamic ride and handling at its core', says Hyundai, setting it apart from other hybrid vehicles. Positioning the car's batteries low and forward achieves a low centre of gravity that enables responsive, stable cornering backed up by dual lower arm multi-link suspension fitted at the rear.

The full IONIQ range will feature a choice of electric, plug-in hybrid and hybrid powertrains, a world first for a single model. At the unveiling in Korea, details were shared for the first version to come to market - the hybrid.

With 40 percent thermal efficiency, the new 1.6-litre Kappa GDi engine developed exclusively for Hyundai's hybrid engines, combines with the permanent magnetic electric motor to deliver maximum outputs of 105PS and 47PS - engine and motor respectively. 

The Lithium Ion Polymer Battery optimises output from the high voltage motor to allow for rapid regeneration while power distribution is controlled by a hybrid-exclusive Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT).

Hyundai claims power transmission efficiency of 95.7 percent will deliver a prompt response, acceleration performance and smooth gear changes to delight drivers with handling alongside the hybrid's efficiency.

Ford adds Edge to its SUV line-up

Arriving in UK dealerships this summer, the all-new Edge tops off Ford's three-car SUV line-up.

Offering space for up to five passengers, 'segment-first technologies and refinement to rival premium competitors', claims Ford, it joins the medium-sized Ford Kuga and compact EcoSport models in what is the UK's fastest-growing vehicle sector.

Andy Barratt, chairman and managing director, Ford of Britain, said: "The introduction of the stylish Ford Edge SUV is another incredibly exciting moment for Ford and its dealers. Joining performance products like Mustang and Focus RS and new luxury products like Mondeo Vignale already in showrooms, the Edge makes the Ford product line-up for 2016 never stronger.

Available in Zetec, Titanium and Sport series, the Edge is equipped as standard with Ford intelligent all-wheel drive, Active Noise Control, Pedestrian Detection, Ford DAB Audio with SYNC 2 connectivity, privacy glass and 19in alloy wheels. It comes in a choice of 10 exterior colours and a wide range of interior leather trim options.

The Edge will be offered in the UK with a choice of 180PS 2.0-litre TDCi diesel engine with six-speed manual transmission, or 210PS bi-turbo 2.0litre TDCi diesel with six-speed PowerShift automatic transmission. Both powertrains will deliver 48.7mpg fuel efficiency and 149g/km CO2 supported by Auto-Start-Stop technology (47.9mpg and 152g/km when fitted with 20in wheels).

Ford's SUV flagship will feature new technologies, including Adaptive Steering, Front Wide View Camera and Pre-Collision Assist with Pedestrian Detection; a camera- and radar-based system that can operate at speeds from 5mph to 110mph to detect vehicles and people in the road ahead. 

Intelligent All-Wheel Drive (AWD) is fitted as standard, switching between front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive to adapt to changing road conditions. It measures how the wheels are gripping the road surface every 16 milliseconds and can send up to 100 per cent of engine torque to the front or rear wheels.

Acoustic windscreen glass and laminated glass for both front door windows, reduce the intrusion of wind noise while underbody panels and wheel-arch liners further minimise noise from both the wind and the road.

All Edge models are also equipped with Ford's Active Noise Control technology that detects unwanted engine noise in the cabin and cancels it out with opposing sound waves fed through the integrated sound system.

Available to order now, the all-new Ford Edge is priced from £29,995 on the road.

Volkswagen unveils BUDD-e concept minivan at CES

Making its world debut at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, the BUDD-e minivan concept represents Volkswagen’s view of the future of the family transport.

The zero-emission van is the first Volkswagen concept car based on the new Modular Electric Drive Kit (MEB), which has been specifically tailored for the use of compact electric motors and high-performance batteries. 

The flat and space-saving battery with an energy content of 92.4 kWh is integrated into almost the entire vehicle floor of the BUDD-e, powering two electric motors driving both axles. 

The front motor produces 110 kW, while the rear produces 125 kW, resulting in a top speed of 112 mph with acceleration from 0 to 60 mph in less than 7 seconds.

VW estimates that the battery will deliver a real-world driving range of up to 233 miles (EPA), enabling the BUDD-e to be used as the primary car in a household. The battery can be charged either by plugging it into a power socket or using inductive charging. An 80 percent charge can be achieved in about 30 minutes at a charging power of 150 kW (DC).

While paying tribute to the classic T-series minivans, Volkswagen says the concept’s design sets its sights firmly on the immediate future.

In terms of length, the BUDD-e sits between the Touran and the Multivan T6, although it is wider than both, and the MEB platform has enabled the designers to optimise its interior dimensions.

The heating and air conditioning unit system has been completely integrated in the front end of the car, creating more space for front seat passengers while at the same time improving acoustics thanks to a reduction in fan noise.

The BUDD-e becomes part of the Internet of Things, offering networked access to your home or your workplace. Equipped with next generation Infotainment for a completely new method of intuitive operation and information processing, buttons and switches are replaced by touch and gesture controls while individual displays blend into large infotainment panels and rear-view mirrors make way for digital screens.

VW says the matrix of these new, interactive infotainment and operating systems gently launches passengers aboard the Volkswagen concept car forward - to the end of the decade.

The Consumer Electronics Show runs from 6-9 January.

Kia to unveil all-new SUV concept in Detroit

Kia will reveal a brand new concept car at the 2016 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit.

Conceived at the Korean carmaker’s California design studio, the concept features advanced technology – including state-of-the-art health-and-wellness technology – and takes Kia’s design language in a new direction, hinting at the styling of a possible future premium large SUV in the brand’s line-up.

Kia says that there are currently no plans for the concept to enter immediate production and decisions on which markets may receive a future production version will be made in due course.

The Detroit Auto Show opens its doors on January 11, 2016.

Rolls-Royce tests new space-frame structures

Rolls-Royce has now begun the testing phase of its new aluminium space-frame architecture, using engineering mules on public roads around the world.

“Since 2003 and the commissioning of the new Home of Rolls-Royce at Goodwood, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars has reset the benchmark for luxury motoring,” comments Torsten Müller-Ötvös, Chief Executive Officer of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars. “Now it is time to take the next step in the luxury journey. This is why I am announcing today that on-road testing of our all-new proprietary architecture is beginning. This new architecture of pure luxury represents considerable investment in the future of our great brand.”

Engineering mules will be assessed on public roads in various locations around the globe to ensure that the new space-frame structure delivers the company’s trademark ‘magic-carpet ride’ on a variety of surfaces and that it is resilient to extreme weather conditions. 

The assessment is the first stage of a development programme that will see a new generation of Rolls-Royce cars – underpinned by this new architecture – become available from early 2018.

Jaguar unveils F-TYPE British Design Edition

The Jaguar F-TYPE British Design Edition

Jaguar has launched an exclusive British Design Edition of its F-TYPE sportscar.

Based on the F-TYPE S Coupe and Convertible, and featuring a range of visual enhancements and additional equipment, the special edition is offered either in an Ultimate Black finish, or in one of three colours from a palette inspired by the Union Jack: Caldera Red, Glacier White and Ultra Blue.

Further enhancements come from the Sport Design pack, Satin Grey 20-inch Cyclone wheels and discreet British Design Edition badges front and rear, with unique branding on the centre console, headrests and the stainless steel tread plates.

The Jet leather interior is finished with contrast stitching in a choice of three colours - Red, Ivory or Reims Blue - with carbon fibre trim around the centre console. Jaguar’s InControl Touch and InControl Touch Plus infotainment systems support a range of apps to improve driver connectivity, and are offered with upgraded Meridian audio equipment.

Power comes exclusively from the 380PS/ 460Nm supercharged 3.0-litre V6 petrol engine, matched to the eight-speed Quickshift transmission with all-wheel drive. 

The F-TYPE British Design Edition is available to order now at Jaguar UK retailers priced from £75,225 for the Coupe version and £80,390 for the Convertible.

Customer deliveries are set to begin in the Spring.

Faraday Future unveils FFZERO1 Concept at CES

Automotive newcomer, Faraday Future (FF), has introduced its plan to rethink mobility, unveiling the FFZERO1 Concept, which is making its public debut at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas.

The company’s first ever concept is a high performance electric vehicle built upon FF’s Variable Platform Architecture (VPA), a modular engineering system optimised for electric vehicles, on which all future FF production vehicles will be based. 

The VPA is designed to minimise production costs, deliver quality and safety, increase speed to market, and support a range of different vehicle types and sizes.  

The high performance FFZERO1 Concept was applied to the VPA in order to maximise the platform’s potential and showcase its flexibility. 

It features adaptive personalisation, seamless transfer of custom vehicle configurations, access to live images and real time data visualisation. The smartphone has been directly integrated into the steering column, enabling it to serve as the interface between the vehicle and the driver in – and outside – of the car. 

The FFZERO1 Concept could be fully autonomous, meeting its driver at the track and perhaps taking a few perfect laps on its own to compare with, and improve upon, its driver’s performance. 

The interior, primarily white with a carbon fibre finish, features a NASA-inspired single-seat configuration, offering a comfortable, weightless body position, says FF, holding the driver at a perfect 45-degree angle, thereby helping to promote circulation. 

The propeller-shaped, asymmetric instrument panel is a theme that will be incorporated into the future FF design DNA. It runs seamlessly into a Halo Safety System with integrated head and neck support, oxygen, and water supply fed to the driver through a prototype helmet. The system could also gather biometric data about its driver. 

Utilising lightweight materials and composites on the VPA platform, the FF design team experimented with new driver-focused proportions, pushing the canopy forward for a perfectly aerodynamic teardrop profile. 

“The FFZERO1 Concept is an amplified version of the design and engineering philosophies informing FF’s forthcoming production vehicles,” said Richard Kim, head of design, Faraday Future. “This project liberated our designers and inspired new approaches for vehicle forms, proportions and packaging that we can apply to our upcoming production models.” 

Powered by four motors, one at each wheel, the FFZERO1 is built for the track. If developed for limited production, it will have more than 1000 horsepower and will accelerate from zero to 60 in under three seconds, with a top speed in excess of 200 miles per hour. 

FF has also announced a strategic cooperation with global technology brand, Letv. The two companies will build advanced electric vehicles by bringing together resources from four domains: technology, automotive, internet and cloud, and entertainment content. 

Headquartered in California, the FF team is composed of experts in automotive, aerospace and technology fields who believe the future mobility experience should integrate seamlessly to the connected age. 

The company plans to invest 1 billion US Dollars in the creation of a manufacturing facility in North Las Vegas. The company is set to break ground on this phase one investment in the next few weeks, and ultimately employ 4,500 people.

Ferrari floats on Italian Stock Exchange

Ferrari shares have begun trading on the Borsa Italiana (Italian Stock Exchange) in Milan.

“Ferrari: A new milestone, a new start”, these were the words Ferrari Chairman Sergio Marchionne inscribed in the guest book of the Italian Stock Exchange during the Ferrari Listing Ceremony on the MTA. 

Raffaele Jerusalmi, CEO of Borsa Italiana presided over the ceremony, which took place a few months after Ferrari’s debut on the New York Stock Exchange last October 21, while Matteo Renzi, Prime Minister of Italy, was the guest of honour.

The stock began trading after Marchionne, FCA Chairman John Elkann, Ferrari CEO Amedeo Felisa and Ferrari Vice Chairman Piero Ferrari rang the traditional opening bell.

Thereafter Marchionne made a brief speech, during which he underlined the fact that Ferrari’s listing on the MTA (Mercato Telematico Azionario) represents a new start, rather than a point of arrival and that its now complete spin-off from FCA reaffirms the independence Ferrari has always enjoyed within the group.

He highlighted the brand’s Italian heritage and thanked John Elkann and Piero Ferrari, heirs of Giovanni Agnelli and Enzo Ferrari, who in 1969 forged a historic alliance between their two car firms.

Marchionne also made reference to the forthcoming Formula 1 season, joking with Team Principal Maurizio Arrivabene that he expects Ferrari to return to its rightful place at the top of the sport.

The ceremony concluded with remarks by Prime Minister Renzi, who was then presented with a 1:8 scale sized model of the most recent Formula 1 car, the SF15-T.

Volvo develops intelligent media streaming for self-driving cars

Volvo is developing intelligent, high-bandwidth streaming capabilities with its technology partner, Ericsson.

The announcement comes as the 2016 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) opens its doors to the public and the goal, says Volvo, will be to ensure drivers and passengers get the most out of their time travelling in an autonomous Volvo.

“We recently unveiled our design vision for fully autonomous cars with Concept 26. Now we are actively working on future solutions to deliver the best user experience in fully autonomous mode. Imagine a highway full of autonomous cars with their occupants sitting back watching their favourite TV shows in high definition. This new way of commuting will demand new technology and a much broader bandwidth to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience,” said Anders Tylman, General Manager Volvo Monitoring and Concept Centre at Volvo Car Group.

Autonomous drive will bring a paradigm shift to mobile net demands and Volvo and Ericsson believe that it will result in an increased need for consistent and high-bandwidth coverage outside densely populated areas such as city centres and suburbs.

Utilising Ericsson’s network and cloud expertise, Volvo’s aim is to deliver a high-quality, interruption-free experience in its cars while on the move. By predicting your route and looking ahead at network conditions, content can be tailored to the duration of each trip and intelligently buffered to deliver a high-quality and uninterrupted viewing experience.

“Our research shows that almost 70 per cent of all mobile data traffic will be from video in the coming years. This requires an innovative connectivity, cloud and analytics solution that is not only capable of serving multiple moving vehicles across a highway, but also has the capacity to provide the high-quality, uninterrupted video service today’s consumer is accustomed to,” said Claes Herlitz, ‎Head of Automotive Services at Ericsson.

By learning the most common routes and times of travel, and understanding media preferences, future Volvo cars will be able to provide one-click navigation and a customised preference-based list of potential media – allowing customers to choose routes and select content tailored to the amount of autonomous time that is available during their commute.

“If you want to watch the latest episode of your favourite series, the car will know how long the journey needs to take and can optimise the route and driving control accordingly. With autonomous drive it is no longer just a question of getting from A to B quickly – it’s about the experience you wish to have in the car, how you wish to spend the time you are saving. With our future autonomous drive technology we will provide people with the freedom to choose the way they would like to commute and the content they would like to experience,” concluded Anders Tylman.

Bentley introduces stone veneers by Mulliner

Bentley’s bespoke division, Mulliner, has unveiled a new stone veneer interior finish.

State-of-the-art stone veneer technology has been utilised, says Bentley, ‘to make a luxurious, contemporary feature of a natural product formed over 200 million years’.

Sections of slate and quartzite stone, sourced from quarries in Rajasthan and Andhra Pradesh, India, are split from larger pieces and cured using glass fibre and a bespoke resin. 

Finally, they are shaped and hand finished by Bentley’s Mulliner coachbuilding team at the company’s headquarters in Crewe, England.

The stone surfaces of the veneers are just 0.1 mm thick, so they are both extremely light and translucent, allowing the grain and pattern to be visible to the interior occupants. 

Wolfgang Dürheimer, Chairman and Chief Executive of Bentley Motors, comments: “We are the established experts in the handcrafting of wood and
leather, and now we are exploring new, fine and rare materials to offer even more bespoke tailoring and choice to our customers. Stone veneers are another first for Bentley – but only the beginning of what we plan to do with this luxurious and unique material.” 

Mulliner is offering Stone Veneers in a natural finish, in four different colours on the Continental and Flying Spur: Galaxy, Autumn White, Terra Red and Copper. Mulliner’s bespoke team will work with individual customers to discuss their unique requirements.