Motoring News
07 February 2013Peugeot faces fears of €6bn loss
Group writes down automotive assets by €3.9bn but says it would ‘not involve any cash-out, nor will it affect the group’s liquidity or its solvency’
read moreNew BMW 3 Series GT unveiled
New BMW 3 Series GT unveiled
read moreFormula 1 is back on track… and very, very reliable
Marvelling at the reliability of F1 cars straight out of the box; the return of Rubens to F1; a shrewd move by Timo Glock
One thing that never ceases to impress me is the ability of the Formula 1 teams to build complex prototype machinery that go on track and almost immediately are able to complete 100 laps without a glitch.There are inevitably some teams that do have “teething problems”, but the majority of them run perfectly from the start. Even allowing for the many rigs and dynos that exist at F1 factories these days, this is still an impressive achievement and a tribute to the precision engineering skills of those involved, both the designers and those who are manufacturing the cars to the tiniest of tolerances.One can argue that the reliability of the modern F1 cars is one of the things that detracts from the spectacle of the sport, because even 30 years ago there were still relatively high attrition rates, with leading cars retiring unexpectedly and creating completely new scenarios. That just does not happen these days, at least not on a regular basis. The number of drivers who score in race after race after race is impressively high.The return of Rubens BarrichelloWhen Rubens Barrichello arrived in F1 at the age of 20, he was racing against 39-year-old veteran Riccardo Patrese, who had begun his F1 career on the day before Barrichello's fifth birthday. By the time Rubens left F1 at the end of 2011 he was in the same situation as Patrese had once been in.Now 40, Barrichello s
read moreCitroen Technospace concept hints at new C4 Picasso
The Citroen Technospace concept car gives a very good idea of how the new C4 Picasso MPV will look.
read moreCitroen Technospace Concept
News
8 Feb, 2013
Citroen will preview the next-generation C4 Picasso with this Technospace Concept to debut at the Geneva Motor Show
read moreCitroen Technospace Concept revealed
News
5 Mar, 2013
The next-generation Citroen C4 Picasso MPV has been previewed with this Technospace Concept revealed at Geneva
read moreGoodwood Festival of Speed drivers announced
Big names confirmed for 2013 Goodwood Festival of Speed.
read more2013 Goodwood Festival of Speed drivers announced
Big names confirmed for 2013 Goodwood Festival of Speed.
read moreCorvette Stingray convertible confirmed for Geneva
Chevrolet makes official announcement following emergence of online images
Chevrolet will launch a convertible variant of its new Corvette Stingray at the Geneva Motor Show in March. The official announcement follows recently leaked pictures that appeared to show the convertible undisguised.As yet, Chevrolet has released no further details on the seventh-generation Corvette convertible. The unofficial images show a flush rear deck, suggesting this convertible will follow its Corvette C6 predecessor in having a fabric roof rather than a folding metal one. It should also be noted the convertible loses the coupé's full-width rear spoiler.The Corvette was designed as an open car from the outset, so should require little modification to create a convertible. With the roof not integral to the Corvette's structure, there should be little dynamic sacrifice as a result of losing the roof.Expect an identical mechanical specification to the coupé. This means it will be powered by a 6.2-litre V8 with 450bhp and 450lb ft, mated to either a seven-speed manu
read moreThis is a 1945 Bugatti Veyron
Meet the Bugatti-Beetle: what the Veyron could have looked like many moons ago…
read moreCitroen Technospace previews new C4 Picasso
New Geneva motor show concept offers the first look at the new C4 Picasso
Citroen is offering a thinly veiled look at the next-generation C4 Picasso with a new concept car for the Geneva motor show.Called Technospace, the new concept car directly previews the new C4 Picasso that will be unveiled in April ahead of a UK launch in May.The model will be the first to be spun off Citroen’s new ‘Efficient Modular Platform 2’ (EMP2). Thanks to the lighter weight of the platform, the new C4 Picasso will weigh around 70kg less than the current model. And this lighter weight, in combination with more efficient engines, will allow for CO2 emissions of just 98g/km in its most frugal guise.The Technospace concept is 4430mm long, 1830mm wide and 1610mm high, with a wheelbase of 2783mm. That makes it 40mm shorter than the current C4 Picasso, but with a 55mm longer wheelbase than the current car, cabin space will be improved. Boot capacity is said to be lass leading, at 537 litres.The fundamental silhouette of the C4 Picasso is recognisable from before, albeit with altered proportions due to the new dimensions. The overhangs are reduced for a more compact look, and excellent visibility should be offered from the split A-pillars.The split headlights at the front are
read moreNew Citroen C4 Picasso previewed in Technospace concept
New Geneva motor show concept offers the first look at the new C4 Picasso
Citroen is offering a thinly veiled look at the next-generation C4 Picasso with a new concept car for the Geneva motor show.Called Technospace, the new concept car directly previews the new C4 Picasso that will be unveiled in April ahead of a UK launch in May.The model will be the first to be spun off Citroen’s new ‘Efficient Modular Platform 2’ (EMP2). Thanks to the lighter weight of the platform, the new C4 Picasso will weigh around 70kg less than the current model. And this lighter weight, in combination with more efficient engines, will allow for CO2 emissions of just 98g/km in its most frugal guise.The Technospace concept is 4430mm long, 1830mm wide and 1610mm high, with a wheelbase of 2783mm. That makes it 40mm shorter than the current C4 Picasso, but with a 55mm longer wheelbase than the current car, cabin space will be improved. Boot capacity is said to be lass leading, at 537 litres.The fundamental silhouette of the C4 Picasso is recognisable from before, albeit with altered proportions due to the new dimensions. The overhangs are reduced for a more compact look, and excellent visibility should be offered from the split A-pillars.The split headlights at the f
read moreVW Golf R Cabriolet prices
News
7 Feb, 2013
Prices and specifications have been announced for the new 261bhp Volkswagen Golf R Cabriolet
read morePeugeot reaffirms push into Brics
French carmaker looks belatedly to Brazil, China and Russia for salvation and hopes half of its sales will be outside Europe by 2015
read moreDriven: Audi A3 2.0 TDI SE
Audi's A3 is a fine car, but does it look a bit too much like its predecessor, wonders James Foxall.
read moreVolkswagen releases Golf R cabriolet details
261bhp flagship will be the fastest open-top Golf ever produced by VW
Volkswagen has announced the prices and specs for its upcoming VW Golf R cabriolet, the long-awaited flagship for the open-top Golf range. The existing Golf cabriolet, based on the Mk6 hatch, will continue alongside the recently launched Mk7 Golf.The cabriolet is mechanically similar to the Golf R hatchback, meaning it's powered by a 261bhp, 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine. This enables the R to sprint from 0-62mph in 6.4sec, aided by a standard-fit six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. Top speed is limited to 155mph.The R is identifiable from lesser Golf cabriolets through its gloss-black grille with 'R' logo, chrome tailpipes, a black diffuser, smoked rear headlights, a unique front bumper and a smattering of 'R' badges, including on the brake calipers. The Golf R cabriolet sits 25mm lower to the road on 'Talladega' wheels in either 18 or 19in diameter.The electric folding cloth roof can be operated at speeds of up to 18mph. It takes 9.5sec to fold away and 11.0sec to be raised.Inside the Golf R, four individual sports seats are trimmed in 'Vienna Cool Leather', while furthe
read moreVolkswagen Golf R cabriolet details released
261bhp flagship will be the fastest open-top Golf ever produced by VW
Volkswagen has announced the prices and specs for its upcoming VW Golf R cabriolet, the long-awaited flagship for the open-top Golf range. The existing Golf cabriolet, based on the Mk6 hatch, will continue alongside the recently launched Mk7 Golf.The cabriolet is mechanically similar to the Golf R hatchback, meaning it's powered by a 261bhp, 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine. This enables the R to sprint from 0-62mph in 6.4sec, aided by a standard-fit six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. Top speed is limited to 155mph.The R is identifiable from lesser Golf cabriolets through its gloss-black grille with 'R' logo, chrome tailpipes, a black diffuser, smoked rear headlights, a unique front bumper and a smattering of 'R' badges, including on the brake calipers. The Golf R cabriolet sits 25mm lower to the road on 'Talladega' wheels in either 18 or 19in diameter.The electric folding cloth roof can be operated at speeds of up to 18mph. It takes 9.5sec to fold away and 11.0sec to be raised.Inside the Golf R, four individual sports seats are trimmed in 'Vienna Cool Leather', while furthe
read moreAlfa Romeo and the art of undertaking
Videos
7 Feb, 2013
Watch precision driver Paul Swift get undertaken in an Alfa Romeo Quadrifoglio Verde SBK
read moreAudi TT Amplified Black Edition revealed
News
7 Feb, 2013
Audi has announced a new option pack for the TT coupe and Roadster
read moreBMW 3-series Gran Turismo in pictures
Images of the BMW 3-series Gran Turismo - a new hatchback version of BMW's big-seller.
read moreBMW 3-series Gran Turismo unveiled
The BMW 3 -series Gran Turismo is a taller, hatchback version of BMW's big-seller.
read moreQuick news: Subaru's Geneva concept, VW Beetle GSR returns
Subaru to reveal new crossover concept; VW relaunches an iconic Beetle; Audi offers new options for the TT
Subaru is to present the new VIZIV concept at next month's Geneva motor show. It is said to represent a future vision of innovation for the marque, hence the name, and previews a new styling direction for Subaru. Moreover, the VIZIV reportedly incorporates new technologies that will enhance the future appeal of the Japanese manufacturer.Audi is offering a new option package on its TT Black Edition. The Amplified Black costs £700 and is available with either the 2.0 TFSI or 2.0 TDI engines. Over a normal TT Black Edition, the Amplified Black features black exterior door mirror housings, 19-inch 'Rotor' alloy wheels, black exhaust tailpipes and a black diffuser insert. The theme is continued by a front lip spoiler and a fixed rear spoiler, both in black.VW is to produce another Beetle GSR, 40 years after the original. The Gelb Schwarzer Renner (Yellow Black Racer) has been unveiled at the Chicago motor show ahead of a limited production run of 3500 cars, some of which are destined for the UK. The Beetle GSR gets a 2.0-litre turbochar
read moreNissan pulls out of DeltaWing project
Top Gear’s favourite Le Mans racer loses carmaker’s backing, may get closed cockpit
read moreKia shows off large premium SUV concept
The Kia Cross GT is a new concept from the Korean manufacturer and features four-wheel-drive and a petrol-electric hybrid powertrain
Kia has hinted at plans to produce a large premium SUV to be positioned above the current Sorento by unveiling the Kia Cross GT concept at the Chicago motor show today.The Cross GT, which is based on the same chassis as the striking Kia GT concept displayed at motor shows since 2011, is larger but lower and wider in stance than the Sorento SUV.The concept is 4897mm long (213mm greater than the Sorento) and has a 3099mm wheelbase (399mm more than the existing production SUV). It is also wider, but 41mm shorter, giving it a low roofline that's redolent of many crossovers.The Cross GT is a hybrid, with power coming from a 3.8-litre V6 petrol engine and electric motor. The two power sources combine to produce about 400bhp and 500lb ft of torque, which is delivered to all four wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission. Kia says the concept has an all-electric range of 20 miles.The four-person cabin is designed to be light and airy, a sensation that's emphasised by the multi-panelled sky light with hexagonal glass inserts. It features dual rear-hinged 'suicide' doors for easy access to the rear
read moreKia Cross GT shows large premium SUV intentions
Kia Cross GT is a new concept from the Korean manufacturer and features four-wheel drive and a petrol-electric hybrid powertrain
Kia has hinted at plans to produce a large premium SUV to be positioned above the current Sorento by unveiling the Kia Cross GT concept at the Chicago motor show today.The Cross GT, which is based on the same chassis as the striking Kia GT concept displayed at motor shows since 2011, is larger but lower and wider in stance than the Sorento SUV.The concept is 4897mm long (213mm longer than the Sorento) and has a 3099mm wheelbase (399mm more than the existing production SUV). It is also wider, but 41mm shorter, giving it a low roofline that's redolent of many crossovers.The Cross GT is a hybrid, with power coming from a 3.8-litre V6 petrol engine and an electric motor. The two power sources combine to produce about 400bhp and 500lb ft of torque, which is delivered to all four wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission. Kia says the concept has an all-electric range of 20 miles.The four-person cabin is designed to be light and airy – a sensation that's emphasised by the multi-panelled skylight with hexagonal glass inserts. It features dual rear-hinged 'suicide' doors for easy access to
read moreRowan Atkinson's McLaren car repair costs insurers almost £1 million
Rowan Atkinson landed his insurance company with a £910,000 repair bill after crashing his beloved McLaren F1 supercar, it has emerged.
read moreCape Town to London Fiat Panda enters Egypt
Six days after leaving South Africa, world record attempt reaches North Africa
The world record attempt on the fastest time from Cape Town to London is currently on track to beat the 1983 record of 14 days, 19 hours and 26 minutes. Drivers Philip Young and Paul Brace have now crossed into Egypt. The pair began their journey in Cape Town six days ago, and have driven their Fiat Panda up through Africa via Botswana, Kenya, Sudan and through Egypt into Libya. They crossed into Egypt through a border point with Sudan that had never been used before.The Panda is a near standard 875cc Twin Air - the only modifications it has needed are stronger dampers, extra air intakes to improve the cooling and a bed in the back.You can follow the team’s progress on their Facebook page.
read moreFour in 10 drivers cut back on miles due to soaring fuel costs
The extent to which struggling households have reduced spending on petrol and diesel was highlighted today.
read moreBentley promises off-road ability for its new SUV
Bentley's engineering chief promises off-road ability and suggests diesel could also be possible
Bentley's forthcoming SUV will feature some level of off-road ability, according to the firm’s engineering chief Rolf Frech. “We have to show that it [off-roading] is possible,” he said. “It’s like a Porsche 911 and the racetrack. How many customers are really going on the racetrack? The key is that they know that if they want to, they can.”A low-range transfer case is under consideration for the platform, which will also underpin other luxury SUVs in the Volkswagen Group. The current platform uses an eight-speed transmission with hill descent control to compensate, to a degree, for the lack of low-range gearing.Frech also discussed the future of diesel. Bentley’s two largest markets ? China and America ? are not keen on diesels. However, Frech said: “I think it [diesel] makes sense on the SUV. On the Mulsanne and the Continental, it depends on the business case. We are looking at diesel and a plug-in hybrid [for the SUV].”Bentley plans to stick with the eight-speed torque-converter automatic transmission across the range, instead of a dual-clutch automatic gearbox. It also sees all-wheel drive as “the clear direction” for
read moreBentley promises off-road ability for its new SUV
Engineering chief suggests diesel could be possible also
Bentley's forthcoming SUV will feature some level of off-road ability, according to the firm’s engineering chief Rolf Frech. “We have to show that it [off-roading] is possible,” he said. “It’s like a Porsche 911 and the racetrack. How many customers are really going on the racetrack? The key is that they know that if they want to, they can.”A low-range transfer case is under consideration for the platform, which will also underpin other luxury SUVs in the Volkswagen Group. The current platform uses an eight-speed transmission with hill descent control to compensate, to a degree, for the lack of low-range gearing.Frech also discussed the future of diesel. Bentley’s two largest markets ? China and America ? are not keen on diesels. However, Frech said: “I think it [diesel] makes sense on the SUV. On the Mulsanne and the Continental, it depends on the business case. We are looking at diesel and a plug-in hybrid [for the SUV].”Bentley plans to stick with the eight-speed torque-converter automatic transmission across the range, instead of a dual-clutch automatic gearbox. It also sees all-wheel drive as “the clear direction” for Bentley, but is prepared to offer more rear-wheel drive models for their weight saving and emissions benefits.A production decision on the Bentley SUV is expected to be made imminently, with an announcement possible at the Geneva show next month.
read moreDaimler issue cautious outlook for 2013
Car and truckmaker declines to say when it will reach its long-term divisional profit targets as it foresees ‘significantly worse market conditions’
read moreESP, the bane of driver enjoymenet or bare necessity?
ESP systems are said to have saved thousands of lives over the years, but are they becoming too intrusive?
No one in their right mind would make a case for removing ESP from all cars, forever, amen. But I’ve driven two cars in the past week with ESP systems that were so neurotically intrusive that they pretty much ruined the handling of the motors in question.The first was the Aventador Roadster, the second was the new Aston Martin Vanquish.So the question I’d put to the collective is: why do the likes of Aston and Lamborghini bother to set their cars up to handle as well as they do if, when push comes to shove, you won’t be able to tell anyway because their ESP systems won’t let you find out?Take the Lamborghini. I drove this on the roads of Florida and on the track around the infield at the Homestead-Miami Speedway. In Corsa mode particularly its ESP system would kick in and kill the power at the merest hint of some throttle mid-corner. So I switched the system off, gave it full throttle mid-bend in a second gear corner and... Suddenly it handled beautifully. Nice and neutral, with a touch of understeer to begin with but none of the “oh-my-gawd” tail-out antics you’d expect, having pressed the button that must not be pressed (at Lamborghini’s insistence, not mine).The car’s chassis and handling came alive, basically. Even its gearbox seemed to up-shift more smoothly, because no longer was it being interfered with by the sensors that ignite the wretched ESP. And yet at no time did the car feel edgy or dangerous, or likely to fly off the road backwards, just because I’d switched the system off.So I asked one of Lamborghini’s chassis engineers (who will remain nameless) why his car’s ESP system is as over-sensitive as it is, to which he replied: “Because not all of our customers can drive properly. Some of them, quite a few of them actually, don’t really have much of a clue…”Aston Martin's otherwise excellent Vanquish suff
read moreESP: the bane of driver enjoyment or bare necessity?
ESP systems are said to have saved thousands of lives over the years, but are they becoming too intrusive?
No one in their right mind would make a case for removing ESP from all cars, forever, amen. But I’ve driven two cars in the past week with ESP systems that were so neurotically intrusive that they pretty much ruined the handling of the motors in question.The first was the Aventador Roadster, the second was the new Aston Martin Vanquish.So the question I’d put to the collective is: why do the likes of Aston and Lamborghini bother to set their cars up to handle as well as they do if, when push comes to shove, you won’t be able to tell anyway because their ESP systems won’t let you find out?Take the Lamborghini. I drove this on the roads of Florida and on the track around the infield at the Homestead-Miami Speedway. In Corsa mode particularly its ESP system would kick in and kill the power at the merest hint of some throttle mid-corner. So I switched the system off, gave it full throttle mid-bend in a second gear corner and... Suddenly it handled beautifully. Nice and neutral, with a touch of understeer to begin with but none of the “oh-my-gawd” tail-out antics you’d expect, having pressed the button that must not be pressed (at Lamborghini’s insistence, not mine).The car’s chassis and handling came alive, basically. Even its gearbox seemed to up-shift more smoothly, because no longer was it being interfered with by the sensors that ignite the wretched ESP. And yet at no time did the car feel edgy or dangerous, or likely to fly off the road backwards, just because I’d switched the system off.So I asked one of Lamborghini’s chassis engineers (who will remain nameless) why his car’s ESP system is as over-sensitive as it is, to which he replied: “Because not all of our customers can drive properly. Some of them, quite a few of them actually, don’t really have much of a clue…”Aston Martin's otherwise excellent Vanquish suff
read moreNew VW Golf R heads seven new models
The most powerful Volkswagen Golf ever is due next year; expect 286bhp, 280lb ft and 0-62mph in 5.0 sec
Volkswagen will launch seven new variants of the Volkswagen Golf within the next 12 months, including a range-topping 286bhp Golf R version.Other performance-orientated Golfs will include the GTI and GTD models. At the other end of the scale will be the super-frugal BlueMotion variant and an all electric version called eGolf. Four wheel-drive 4Motion Golfs and a new Golf estate complete the seven-strong new Golf offensive.The Golf R will crown the new range. Closely related to the new Audi S3, the Golf R will be the most powerful regular production Golf in history. Its 2.0 TSI engine produces 286bhp and 280lb ft.When equipped with the six-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox, the Golf R will be able to crack 0-62mph in just 5.0sec and reach a limited top speed of 155mph.VW has also extensively tuned the sound of the Golf R’s exhaust note to be louder and sportier than before.The Golf R will again be all-wheel drive, using the new Haldex 5 system featured on the new 4Motion. VW claims that the system allows for keener handling thanks to a faster transfer of power between the front and rear axles. A pair of electronic differentials also featu
read moreCan you improve economy by chipping your car's engine?
Re-mapping your car's ECU might make it more economical, but there are pitfalls to be wary of, says James Foxall.
read moreBMW 3-series GT revealed
Longer and taller BMW 3-series GT is the third body style in the car's line-up
BMW has added a new model to the BMW 3-series line-up for the first time since the short-lived Compact was launched in 1993.The new high-riding 3-series GT follows the template of the larger 5-series GT. It is longer, wider and taller than the 3-series Touring on which it is based. BMW claims the 3-series GT mixes the dynamics of the 3-series saloon with the practicality of the 3-series Touring and the looks of a coupé.The five-seat 3-series GT will be offered with five engines from launch, including a 302bhp 335i range-topper, and the likely best-seller, the 320d. It is set to go on sale in the UK in late spring, priced at around £1500 more than an equivalent 3-series Touring model.At 4824mm long, 1828mm wide and 1508mm high, the 3-series GT is 200mm longer, 17mm wider and 79mm taller than the 3-series Touring. The wheelbase is also 110mm longer at 2920mm, the upshot of which is 70mm more legroom for rear passengers, more than in a 5-series saloon.Boot capacity is also increased in the 3-series GT over the 3-series Touring by 25 litres to 520 litres. The split rear bench folds 40/20/40 to further improve the car’s LED strip light-illuminated loading area up to 1600 litres. A low-loading lip and wide boot opening also improve the car’s ability
read moreDriven: Mini Coupe John Cooper Works
A selection of tweaks under the skin have given us fresh reason to take Mini's hot Coupe for a spin.
read moreTime For Tea: RXC on track
Radical RXC escapes the showstand and finally hits the track...
read moreNissan splits from Deltawing
Nissan bids Deltawing farewell, Panoz to race it at Sebring and beyond
read moreEU to outlaw noisy cars?
New rules to turn the volume down on loud exhausts but make electric cars louder
read more50 years of GT40 and 250 LM
Goodwood to celebrate two significant motorsport half centuries in typically spectacular fashion
read moreBMW 3 Series GT breaks cover...
...many of us probably wish that it hadn't
read more
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