Motoring News
20 November 2012LA motor show: Mitsubishi Outlander
Mitsubishi will launch its Outlander SUV to the American market in LA next week
The Mitsubishi Outlander will form the first part of the firm’s comeback strategy in the North American market, following its US launch at next week’s Los Angeles motor show. The SUV, launched in Europe in 2011, will form a crucial part of Mitsubishi’s plan to increase sales by an ambitious 45 per cent next year. Mitsubishi is currently on track to sell 55,000 cars in the US, and is aiming for 80,000 by 2014.The new Outlander is expected to make up 33,000 of those sales – the current model sold just over 5000 units in the first nine months of this year. An Outlander plug-in hybrid will follow the petrol powered model in 2014, while the Thai-built Mirage will go on sale in September of next year. Dan Stevens
read moreMitsubishi Outlander core to brand's US resurgence
Mitsubishi will launch its Outlander SUV to the American market in LA next week
The Mitsubishi Outlander will form the first part of the firm’s comeback strategy in the North American market, following its US launch at next week’s Los Angeles motor show. The SUV, launched in Europe in 2011, will form a crucial part of Mitsubishi’s plan to increase sales by an ambitious 45 per cent next year. Mitsubishi is currently on track to sell 55,000 cars in the US, and is aiming for 80,000 by 2014.The new Outlander is expected to make up 33,000 of those sales – the current model sold just over 5000 units in the first nine months of this year. An Outlander plug-in hybrid will follow the petrol powered model in 2014, while the Thai-built Mirage will go on sale in September of next year. Dan Stevens
read moreMini to show refreshed Countryman at LA
Interior revisions aim to increase practicality and ease of use
Mini is to unveil a revised version of its Countryman crossover at this month’s Los Angeles motor show.The revisions come two years after the model’s initial debut and focus on bringing interior quality up to a higher standard, in the face of competition from the Audi Q3 and BMW X1.The biggest changes are to the centre console, which gains a new storage cubby hole — thanks to the relocation of the window switches to the door panels. The driver’s side door will come equipped with all-around window controls as well as switches for the electric door mirrors.?New door inserts have been fitted and the armrests re-profiled for greater comfort, while the centrally mounted speedometer and four air vents are now ringed in carbon-black, with the option of gloss black or chrome detailing.The Countryman will now come as standard with a three-seat rear bench, with two individual seats available as a no-cost option.Exterior revisions are limited to new colour options: Brilliant Copper metallic and Blazing Red metallic.The engine line-up is unchanged, meaning three diesel and four petrol units with power ranging from 90-218bhp. All except the entry-level diesel model are available with an optional six-speed automatic gearbox in place of the standard six-speed manual item.read more
LA motor show: Mini Countryman facelift
Interior revisions aim to increase practicality and ease of use
Mini is to unveil a revised version of its Countryman crossover at this month’s Los Angeles motor show.The revisions come two years after the model’s initial debut and focus on bringing interior quality up to a higher standard, in the face of competition from the Audi Q3 and BMW X1.The biggest changes are to the centre console, which gains a new storage cubby hole — thanks to the relocation of the window switches to the door panels. The driver’s side door will come equipped with all-around window controls as well as switches for the electric door mirrors.?New door inserts have been fitted and the armrests re-profiled for greater comfort, while the centrally mounted speedometer and four air vents are now ringed in carbon-black, with the option of gloss black or chrome detailing.The Countryman will now come as standard with a three-seat rear bench, with two individual seats available as a no-cost option.Exterior revisions are limited to new colour options: Brilliant Copper metallic and Blazing Red metallic.The engine line-up is unchanged, meaning three diesel and four petrol units with power ranging from 90-218bhp. All except the entry-level diesel model are available with an optional six-speed automatic gearbox in place of the standard six-speed manual it
read moreRefreshed RCZ launched next year
Refreshed RCZ arriving next year
read moreNissan Leaf updates
News
20 Nov, 2012
New Japanese-spec Leaf hints at 2013 UK-built model with 80kg weight loss and new entry-spec version
read moreNissan Leaf updates
News
20 Nov, 2012
New Japanese-spec Leaf hints at 2013 UK model, with 80kg weight loss and new entry-level version
read more2013 Peugeot RCZ prices
News
21 Nov, 2012
The new-look Peugeot RCZ will arrive in UK showrooms in January, with prices starting from £21,595
read more2013 Peugeot RCZ prices
News
21 Nov, 2012
The new-look Peugeot RCZ will arrive in UK showrooms in January, with prices starting from £21,595
read more2013 Peugeot RCZ pictures
Pictures
21 Nov, 2012
read more2013 Peugeot RCZ pictures
Pictures
21 Nov, 2012
read moreNissan Leaf updates pictures
Pictures
20 Nov, 2012
read moreNissan Leaf updates pictures
Pictures
20 Nov, 2012
read morePeugeot confirms RCZ pricing
Refreshed coupé returns with familiar two-level trim choice
The facelifted Peugeot RCZ, which was unveiled at September’s Paris motor show, will go on sale in the UK in January, starting at £21,595.The coupé has been given a mid-life makeover, including revised frontend styling, which brings it in line with the current Peugeot design theme – first shown on the 208 supermini – and a new alloy wheel design.The cabin has also been updated with a greater choice of trim colours and personalisation options.The RCZ will continue to be offered in two trim levels: Sport and GT. Sport models are equipped with 18-inch alloys, dual-zone air-conditioning, rear parking sensors, USB ports and Bluetooth connectivity. Further additions included on facelifted cars include automatic lighting and the option of leather and Alcantara upholstery.GT trim bestows 19-inch alloys and a sports steering wheel and gear-lever. GT cars also get leather upholstery as standard, with customers now able to choose the optional Cohiba Brown colour. GT models cost an additional £2,400 over the entry price.A performance version – the 260bhp RCZ R – also unveiled at the Paris motor show, will reach UK showrooms towards the end of 2013.Daljinder Nagra
read moreBMW to showcase concept X1
BMW teams up with ski manufacturer K2 to create Concept K2 Powder Ride
This is the BMW Concept K2 Powder Ride, a concept off-roader due to be shown at this month’s LA motor show.Created in conjunction with ski equipment manufacturer K2, the Powder Ride concept is essentially an aesthetically tweaked X1 crossover.The most obvious addition is the Valencia Orange paint scheme, complete with a fox graphic that runs the length of the cabin – a design that has been lifted straight from one of K2’s limited edition skis.Further exterior alterations include a silver finish to the side skirts and to the bottom edges of the front and rear bumpers, dark tinted windows with matt black surrounds and new grey 19-inch alloy wheels. The Power Ride concept also gets an extra 8mm of suspension travel to aid off-road driving.Attached to the roof-rack is a 320 watt Harman-Kardon stereo system, complete with a 1100 watt amplifier and AKG microphone. Perhaps not the most sensible kit to be using in avalanche-prone mountain ranges.The LA motor show opens on November 30.Daljinder Nagra
read moreLA motor show: BMW X1 Concept K2 Powder Ride
BMW teams up with ski manufacturer K2 to create Concept K2 Powder Ride
This is the BMW Concept K2 Powder Ride, a concept off-roader due to be shown at this month’s LA motor show.Created in conjunction with ski equipment manufacturer K2, the Powder Ride concept is essentially an aesthetically tweaked X1 crossover.The most obvious addition is the Valencia Orange paint scheme, complete with a fox graphic that runs the length of the cabin – a design that has been lifted straight from one of K2’s limited edition skis.Further exterior alterations include a silver finish to the side skirts and to the bottom edges of the front and rear bumpers, dark tinted windows with matt black surrounds and new grey 19-inch alloy wheels. The Power Ride concept also gets an extra 8mm of suspension travel to aid off-road driving.Attached to the roof-rack is a 320 watt Harman-Kardon stereo system, complete with a 1100 watt amplifier and AKG microphone. Perhaps not the most sensible kit to be using in avalanche-prone mountain ranges.The LA motor show opens on November 30.Daljinder Nagra
read moreNew Ford Capri unlikely
News
20 Nov, 2012
Ford of Europe sales and marketing boss says a sub-Ford Mustang coupe is unlikely
read moreNew Ford Capri unlikely
News
20 Nov, 2012
Ford of Europe sales and marketing boss says a sub-Ford Mustang coupe is unlikely
read moreFord Capri comeback unlikely
News
20 Nov, 2012
Ford of Europe sales and marketing boss says a sub-Ford Mustang Coupe is unlikely
read moreFiesta Ecoboost to be USA's most efficient car
Ford is readying its three-cylinder Fiesta for a North American launch at next week's LA motor show
Ford hopes to have the most fuel efficient engine on sale in the US when it adds the 1.0-litre three-cylinder Ecoboost engine to the Fiesta line up. It will be launched at next week’s Los Angeles motor show. Although the car hasn’t yet been tested by the US’s Environmental Protection Agency, which provides official fuel consumption figures, it should easily achieve over 50mpg. It will only be available as the more powerful 123bhp, 143lb ft version that, in the Focus, emits 114g/km of CO2. The 1.0-litre Fiesta is set to go on sale in the US next year. No other manufacturer currently offers a three-cylinder engine in the USA.Dan Stevens
read moreLA motor show: Fiesta Ecoboost
Ford is readying its three-cylinder Fiesta for a North American launch at next week's LA motor show
Ford hopes to have the most fuel efficient engine on sale in the US when it adds the 1.0-litre three-cylinder Ecoboost engine to the Fiesta line up. It will be launched at next week’s Los Angeles motor show. Although the car hasn’t yet been tested by the US’s Environmental Protection Agency, which provides official fuel consumption figures, it should easily achieve over 50mpg. It will only be available as the more powerful 123bhp, 143lb ft version that, in the Focus, emits 114g/km of CO2. The 1.0-litre Fiesta is set to go on sale in the US next year. No other manufacturer currently offers a three-cylinder engine in the USA.Dan Stevens
read moreLA motor show: BMW i8 concept roadster
Production version of BMW's convertible hybrid sports car due in 2014
The BMW i8 concept roadster – the third model in the company’s electric ‘i’ line-up – will be shown at this month’s Los Angeles motor show.Previously seen earlier this year at the Beijing motor show, the roadster concept uses the same carbonfibre construction as the i8 coupé, which is due to launch in 2013.Unlike the coupe’s 2+2 layout, the roadster is a strict two-seater and has a shallow rear deck in place of the coupé’s sloping roof-line.BMW has not confirmed how the roof mechanism will work, although a lift-out panel – also made from carbonfibre – is the most likely option.??The i8 roadster will use the same drivetrain configuration as the coupé, meaning a 1.5-litre turbocharged three-cylinder petrol engine developing 220bhp and driving the rear wheels, while an electric motor, with the equivalent of around 134bhp driving the fronts.The configuration allows the i8 to operate in front, rear and all-wheel drive, as well as in combustion, electric and combined modes. The positioning of the motors over each axle, and the battery pack in a central tunnel, also allows BMW to stick to its famous 50/50 weight distribution.With a total of 354bhp, the i8 roadster will have a 0-60mph time of 4.6 seconds. As with all BMWs, the top speed is limited to 155mph.Despite the performance on offer, thanks to its ef
read moreBMW i8 concept roadster to appear at LA
Production version of BMW's convertible hybrid sports car due in 2014
The BMW i8 concept roadster – the third model in the company’s electric ‘i’ line-up – will be shown at this month’s Los Angeles motor show.Previously seen earlier this year at the Beijing motor show, the roadster concept uses the same carbonfibre construction as the i8 coupé, which is due to launch in 2013.Unlike the coupe’s 2+2 layout, the roadster is a strict two-seater and has a shallow rear deck in place of the coupé’s sloping roof-line.BMW has not confirmed how the roof mechanism will work,al though a lift-out panel – also made from carbonfibre – is the most likely option.??The i8 roadster will use the same drivetrain configuration as the coupé, meaning a 1.5-litre turbocharged three-cylinder petrol engine developing 220bhp and driving the rear wheels, while an electric motor, with the equivalent of around 134bhp driving the fronts.The configuration allows the i8 to operate in front, rear and all-wheel drive, as well as in combustion, electric and combined modes. The positioning of the motors over each axle, and the battery pack in a central tunnel, also allows BMW to stick to its famous 50/50 weight distribution.With a total of 354bhp, the i8 roadster will have a 0-60mph time of 4.6 seconds. As with all BMWs, the top speed is limited to 155mph.Despite the performance on offer, thanks to its efficient pet
read moreBMW i8 concept roadster to appear at LA
Production version of BMW's convertible hybrid sports car due in 2014
The BMW i8 concept roadster – the third model in the company’s electric ‘i’ line-up – will be shown at this month’s Los Angeles motor show.Previously seen earlier this year at the Beijing motor show, the roadster concept uses the same carbonfibre construction as the i8 coupé, which is due to launch in 2013.Unlike the coupe’s 2+2 layout, the roadster is a strict two-seater and has a shallow rear deck in place of the coupé’s sloping roof-line.BMW has not confirmed how the roof mechanism will work,al though a lift-out panel – also made from carbonfibre – is the most likely option.??The i8 roadster will use the same drivetrain configuration as the coupé, meaning a 1.5-litre turbocharged three-cylinder petrol engine developing 220bhp and driving the rear wheels, while an electric motor, with the equivalent of around 134bhp driving the fronts.The configuration allows the i8 to operate in front, rear and all-wheel drive, as well as in combustion, electric and combined modes. The positioning of the motors over each axle, and the battery pack in a central tunnel, also allows BMW to stick to its famous 50/50 weight distribution.With a total of 354bhp, the i8 roadster will have a 0-60mph time of 4.6 seconds. As with all BMWs, the top speed is limited to 155mph.Despite the performance on offer, thanks to its effici
read moreAudi continues to push diesel in America
Audi will push on with its introduction of diesel models at next week's LA motor show
Audi is to add four new diesel models in its North American range as the firm continues to push sales of oil-burners in the US. To be launched at next week’s Los Angeles motor show, the A6, A7, A8 and Q5 will all get variations on the 3.0-litre V6 diesel, branded in the US as CleanDiesel.In the A8, the only car that Audi has released specifications for, the engine develops 240hp and 406lb ft. The addition of the four new models increases Audi’s diesel range in the States to six – the A3 is availalble with a 2.0-litre TDI, and the Q7 has used the 3.0-litre V6 since September – giving it more diesels than rivals BMW and Mercedes. Dan Stevens
read moreLA motor show: Audi continues US diesel push
Audi will push on with its introduction of diesel models at next week's LA motor show
Audi is to add four new diesel models in its North American range as the firm continues to push sales of oil-burners in the US. To be launched at next week’s Los Angeles motor show, the A6, A7, A8 and Q5 will all get variations on the 3.0-litre V6 diesel, branded in the US as CleanDiesel.In the A8, the only car that Audi has released specifications for, the engine develops 240hp and 406lb ft. The addition of the four new models increases Audi’s diesel range in the States to six – the A3 is availalble with a 2.0-litre TDI, and the Q7 has used the 3.0-litre V6 since September – giving it more diesels than rivals BMW and Mercedes. Dan Stevens
read moreSafety on board for disabled passengers
Charity's label campaign will help disabled people and their carers to identify whether wheelchair accessible vehicles have been properly crash tested.
read moreFree Barry Sheene DVD and bag
Visitors to Motorcycle Live can pick up these souvenirs of the great British motorcycling champion.
read moreGet a free Barry Sheene DVD and bag at Motorcycle Live
Visitors can pick up these souvenirs of the great British motorcycling champion.
read moreAutocar magazine 21 November preview
Baby BMW M3 revealed; every M car ever built; Caterham Supersport R, MG6 and Honda Jazz ECV driven; BMW 333d Touring full road test
This week’s Autocar magazine is led by a four-page exclusive on a new entry level BMW M-car. The scoop on the new ‘M1’ reveals details of the new baby M3, as well as the internal debates within BMW as to whether it should be front or rear-wheel drive.Those with an appetite for M-cars have plenty more to savour, too: Steve Sutcliffe drives the three best M3s and looks in to their collective dynamic repertoires to analyse what the next M3 needs to deliver. We also take a look at every M-car ever built. Can you name them all?The first drive section is kicked off by a review of the Caterham Supersport R. Steve Cropley drives the new MG6 diesel, and reports that it is surprisingly improved and capable package. We also deliver the all-important verdicts on the BMW 7-series ActiveHybrid, Honda Civic diesel, Honda Jazz EV and Audi S3 Sportback.The eight-page road test is of the BMW 330d Touring.Our features section features three more cars that could hardly be more disparate: Greg Kable takes a world exclusive ride in the new Mercedes SLS Black Series, Stuart Milne investigates the ambitions of car tuner Eterniti and Steve Cropley puts a few more miles on the clock of a million kilometre Peugeot 504.This week’s used buying guide uncovers the bargains that can be had if you’re prepared to take a risk on the Alfa Romeo 147, while James Ruppert admits a hankering for low-cost, high-risk Maseratis.<
read moreGM launches Springo sub-brand
The General Motors-Shanghai Automotive joint venture will spawn a new Chinese market sub brand
General Motors is creating a new electric car sub brand for China called Springo.These pictures show an electric version of the Chevrolet Sail, an Asian market small hatch, minus any Chevrolet badging. The car, which is currently nameless, will make its debut at the Guangzhou motor show later this week.GM’s Chinese partner Shanghai Automotive, which builds the Sail in China, has also restyled the front end of the car to resemble the Chevrolet Volt.The car’s electric motor develops 87bhp and 162lb ft, and the lithium ion battery gives the Springo a range of 93 miles. A full charge takes seven hours.Dan Stevens
read moreFiat 500 production reaches one million
Fiat’s fashionable supermini racks up the sales in over 100 countries
One million Fiat 500s have rolled off the production line, with the milestone car recently emerging from the company’s plant in Tychy, Poland.Produced since 2007, the Fiat 500 is sold in 100 countries across the world, in markets as diverse as Brazil, South Africa, Japan and the Middle East.The 500 has also been manufactured in Toluca, Mexico since 2011, to satisfy demand in the United States.The one millionth car was a hatchback in ‘Lounge’ spec, finished in Funky White paint and fitted with Fiat’s 1.2-litre petrol motor.Despite the number of 500s produced, Fiat claims that due to the sheer number of customisation options available, there is a low probability of coming across two with the same specification.Currently the 500 is sold in three body styles – hatchback, convertible and long wheelbase 'L' – six trim levels and with a choice of five engines.Daljinder Nagra
read morePrime Minister's old Fiat sold for £18,000
A 1970s Fiat 500 bought by David Cameron as a present for his wife has been sold at auction for £18,480.
read moreChristmas gifts for petrolheads
The first part of our Christmas gift guide is packed with presents for the car-obsessed members of your family.
read moreNew Nissan Qashqai spied testing
Second generation of Nissan’s genre-defining crossover to arrive in 2014
The first prototype test vehicles of the forthcoming Nissan Qashqai have been spotted testing in Spain.While the test mules give little away about the exterior styling – being clothed in the current generation’s panels – the slightly wider body and different wheelbase hint that the interior has been repackaged to provide more cabin and load space.Engine specifications have yet to be confirmed, but a high-efficiency 1.2-litre turbo petrol engine is expected to replace the current 1.6 in the line-up. A 1.6-litre diesel will also be offered.The new Nissan Qashqai is expected to be unveiled in production guise in 2014, with Nissan aiming to take it more up market, due to increased competition from premium crossovers, such as the Audi Q3 and BMW X1. In particular, the new car will feature a more luxurious cabin and improved quality all round over the current model.Daljinder Nagra
read moreBMW Concept K2 Powder Ride
News
20 Nov, 2012
A collaboration between BMW and ski manufacturer K2 - the X1 Powder Ride is aimed at winter sports enthusiasts
read moreBMW Concept K2 Powder Ride
News
20 Nov, 2012
A collaboration between BMW and ski manufacturer K2, the X1 Powder Ride is aimed at winter sports enthusiasts
read moreBMW Concept K2 Powder Ride unveiled
News
28 Nov, 2012
A collaboration between BMW and ski manufacturer K2, the X1 Powder Ride is aimed at winter sports enthusiasts
read moreBMW Concept K2 Powder Ride pictures
Pictures
20 Nov, 2012
read moreBMW Concept K2 Powder Ride pictures
Pictures
20 Nov, 2012
read moreTesla Model S: the car of the future
Many radical innovations may mean the launch of the new Tesla Model S electric car is remembered as the dawn of a new era.
read moreJag XFR-S to be unveiled at L.A. Show
Jaguar XFR-S to be unveiled at L.A. Auto Show
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