BMW Z4 GTE unveiled

February 13, 2013, 11:47 am

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BMW Motorsport has revealed the Z4 GTE, the car that BMW Team RLL will be using in this season’s American Le Mans Series.

Replacing the M3 GT, the GTE is based on the existing Z4 GT3. However, various changes have had to be made to ensure compliance with ACO regulations, including the removal of the anti-lock braking and stability control systems.

Power comes from a 4.4 litre V8 engine that drives the rear wheels via a six-speed sequential transmission. Fitted with a mandatory air restrictor, it delivers approximately 480 bhp (358 kW / 486 PS) and 480 Nm (354 lb/ft) of torque.

According to BMW Motorsport Director Jens Marquardt, 2013 is going to be a development year for the Z4 GTE. That view was echoed by Team Principal Bobby Rahal, who said: “Certainly there will be a development period involved but ultimately I see no reason why we can’t be competitive with the great competition that exists in the GT category in the ALMS.”

The driver line-up for the number 55 car has been confirmed as Bill Auberlen and Maxime Martin. In the number 56 car, two-time ALMS GT champion Dirk Müller will compete in all the series’ races, with partnering duties alternating between Joey Hand and John Edwards.

For the endurance events at Sebring and Road Atlanta, Jörg Müller and Uwe Alzen will be drafted in to augment the #55 and #56 driver squads respectively.

The 2013 American Le Mans Series commences next month with the Twelve Hours of Sebring event.

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2014 Ram 1500 EcoDiesel

February 14, 2013, 2:04 pm

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With ever-rising fuel costs, Ram’s plan to offer a diesel-powered half-ton pick-up could give it an important advantage over competitors GM and Ford.

The Ram 1500 EcoDiesel is due to go on sale in the second half of this year as a 2014 model. Powered by a 3.0 litre V6 engine sourced from VM Motori that’ll be connected to an eight-speed TorqueFlite automatic transmission, Ram is promising best-in-class efficiency, range and torque.

Figures have yet to be published to back up those claims, though. Likewise, output is still unknown but, based on what a similar engine produces in other Chrysler Group products, expect something in the region of 237 bhp (176 kW / 240 PS) with 550 Nm (405 lb/ft) of torque.

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VF Commodore SSV revealed

February 14, 2013, 3:28 pm

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Following the unveiling of the luxury-spec Calais V-Series at the weekend, Holden has now revealed the sportier side of its new VF Commodore.

Although the VF Commodore SSV is still being termed a ‘show car’, it’s anticipated that the production version will be virtually identical. What’s more, it also gives a very good indication of what the Commodore-based Chevrolet SS is going to look like.

Holden is certainly confident about the new model’s prospects. Chairman and Managing Director Mike Devereux said: “When it came to our sport luxury range, we wanted to create an Australian performance car that would be at home just about anywhere in the world.

“VF Commodore’s pure driving enjoyment and advanced technology are good enough to seriously challenge any large performance sedan on the planet. We’ve also packaged VF’s performance and technology in a stylish and sophisticated design that will be right at home on any street from George Street, Sydney to 5th Avenue, New York City.”

Sales of the VF Commodore are due to begin in mid-2013.

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Images © General Motors.

Mercedes-Benz A 45 AMG

February 15, 2013, 3:53 pm

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Building a properly hot hatchback is uncharted territory for Mercedes-Benz, but it looks like its new A 45 AMG could be about to shake up the segment.

Based on the recently-launched third-generation A-Class, it’s the first AMG model to use a four-cylinder engine. That doesn’t mean that the A 45 AMG is underpowered though, as it boasts 355 bhp (265 kW / 360 PS) and 450 Nm (332 lb/ft) of peak torque.

By comparison, the BMW M 135i has 315 bhp (235 kW / 320 PS), while the Audi S3 manages with 295 bhp (220 kW / 300 PS).

However, don’t be fooled by the ‘45’ part of the A 45 AMG nameplate that implies a 4.5 litre motor. It actually displaces a much more modest 1,991 cc, with output boosted by a twin-scroll turbocharger that has a maximum charge pressure of 1.8 bar.

Drive is delivered to all four wheels via AMG’s 4Matic system and a seven-speed Speedshift dual clutch transmission. In normal driving conditions, all of the engine’s torque is sent to the front wheels, but it can be instantaneously split equally between the front and rear axles when necessary.

As expected, pace is impressive. The benchmark 0-62 mph (100 km/h) sprint takes just 4.6 seconds, although top speed is electronically limited to 155 mph (250 km/h). To complement that potential, the A 45 AMG features an uprated suspension set-up, 18” twin-spoke alloy wheels and larger ventilated brake discs all-round.

Efficiency is astonishing, given the car’s performance. Thanks to various measures including direct fuel injection, a stop / start function, electromechanical power steering and intelligent use of the alternator, it achieves 40.9 mpg (6.9 l/100km) on the combined cycle. Carbon dioxide emissions meanwhile are only 161 g/km. How easily those figures can be replicated in real-world conditions remains to be seen, of course.

As is becoming customary with AMG creations, an ‘Edition 1’ special edition will be available from launch. Distinguishing it from the regular version are a white paintjob with matt grey stripes and some dashes of red, 19” black wheels, an aerodynamics package and a unique interior treatment.

The Mercedes-Benz A 45 AMG makes its public debut at next month’s Geneva Motor Show, with deliveries due to begin in June. Pricing has yet to be announced.

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2014 Chevrolet SS revealed

February 16, 2013, 6:51 am

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Amazingly, Chevrolet hasn’t offered a rear-wheel drive performance saloon for seventeen years. However, that absence is about to be fixed with the arrival of the 2014 SS. Based on the new Holden VF Commodore and built in Australia, it’s effectively a successor to the defunct Pontiac G8.

Visually, there’s no mistaking the Holden roots, as the Chevrolet version looks almost identical to the performance-orientated Commodore SSV that was unveiled a few days ago. It would have been pointless to tinker too much with the styling though, as the two models probably aren’t going to be sold alongside each other in the same markets. And anyway, the VF Commodore is a very elegant, well-proportioned car.

2014 Chevrolet SS. Scroll down for more images.

Powering the SS is the 6.2 litre LS3 V8 engine mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. With an estimated 415 bhp (309 kW / 420 PS) available, Chevrolet reckons that the 0-60 mph (96 km/h) time should be about five seconds.

To go with that pace, the SS gets a sporty chassis set-up (which features independent rear suspension), StabiliTrak stability control and ventilated disc brakes for all four wheels.

Among the items on the standard equipment list will be a Bose nine-speaker audio system, a colour head-up display and a dashboard touchscreen. There are plenty of safety systems too, including lane departure warning, side blind zone alert, forward collision alert and rear cross traffic alert.

Sales of the 2014 Chevrolet SS are due to begin in North America during the fourth quarter of 2013. Prices have yet to be confirmed.

2014 Chevrolet SS - Preliminary Technical Specifications
Body
Style	Four door, five seat
Driveline	Front engine, rear-wheel drive
Construction	Unitary body structure and frame; two-sided galvanized steel (except roof)
EPA vehicle class	Large
Engine
Type	LS3 6.2 litre OHV V8
Displacement	6,162 cc (376 cu. in.)
Bore x stroke	103.25 x 92 mm (4.06 x 3.62 in.)
Block material	Cast aluminium with cast-in-place iron bore liners
Cylinder head material	Aluminium
Valve gear	Overhead valve; two valves per cylinder; roller lifters
Ignition system	Coil-near-plug ignition
Fuel delivery	Sequential fuel injection
Fuel	Premium recommended, not required
Compression ratio	10.7:1
Power	415 bhp (309 kW / 420 PS) @ 5,900 rpm
Torque	563 Nm (415 lb/ft) @ 4,600 rpm
Transmission
Type	Hydra-Matic 6L80 six-speed automatic with TapShift
Final drive ratio	3.27
Chassis
Front suspension	Multi-link MacPherson strut; direct-acting stabiliser bar; progressive-rate coil springs; fully adjustable camber, caster and toe
Rear suspension	Four-link independent; progressive-rate coil springs over shocks; stabiliser bar; fully adjustable camber and toe
Steering	Electric power-assisted
Front brakes	Ventilated 355 x 32 mm discs; four-piston fixed calipers
Rear brakes	Ventilated 324 x 22 mm discs; single-piston sliding calipers
Wheels	Forged, fully polished aluminium; 19 x 8.5 in. front / 19 x 9 in. rear
Tyres	P245/40R19 front / P275/35R19 rear
Dimensions
Wheelbase	2,916 mm (114.8 in.)
Overall length	4,968 mm (195.6 in.)
Overall width	1,899 mm (74.8 in.)
Overall height	1,490 mm (58.7 in.)
Track	1,590 mm (62.6 in.) front / 1,608 mm (63.3 in.) rear
Legroom	1,074 mm (42.3 in.) front / 1,008 mm (39.7 in.) rear

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Images © General Motors.

Triumph Speed Triple R Dark

February 16, 2013, 11:39 am

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Triumph has launched a very limited edition of its 2013 Speed Triple R. Called the ‘Dark’, just thirty examples are going to be produced.

Although mechanically things remain unchanged, the extra specification comprises a fly screen, a belly pan and a unique colour scheme courtesy of custom paint shop 8 Ball.

Available only in the UK, the Triumph Speed Triple R Dark is priced at £11,549 on the road. That’s £200 more than the regular non-ABS version, which seems like a reasonable premium.

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2013 Zero Police/Security bikes

February 17, 2013, 11:50 am

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Electric motorcycle manufacturer Zero has launched its 2013 range of law enforcement bikes.

Both available models - the Zero S Police/Security and Zero DS Police/Security - come with LED emergency lighting, a siren, battery and frame protection bars, a public address system with microphone and a choice of black or white paint finishes.

Users will also be able to specify various options. These include panniers, a selection of top boxes, a rear-mounted telescoping pole light, a windscreen, aluminium hand guards and the CHAdeMO system that recharges the battery pack to 95 percent in around an hour.

With the higher-capacity ZF11.4 lithium-ion battery fitted, the Zero S-based version has a range of 132 miles (212 kilometres) in the city or 83 miles (134 kilometres) when cruising at 55 mph (88 km/h). For the dual-sport DS, those figures reduce slightly to 121 miles (195 kilometres) and 74 miles (119 kilometres) respectively.

Power comes from the latest Z-Force 75-7 brushless motor that produces 54 bhp (40 kW / 55 PS) and 92 Nm (68 lb/ft) of torque. That’s enough to take the bikes up to 95 mph (153 km/h), although Zero quotes a ‘sustained’ top speed of 80 mph (129 km/h).

Commenting on the new arrivals, John Lloyd, Vice President of Global Sales for Zero Motorcycles, said: “After seeing the success the 2012 model had in the field, we decided to expand our 2013 police and security offerings.

“To have the support of so many different law enforcement agencies and security organizations is an incredible honour. As we stated last year, police officers put their lives on the line every day to protect and serve, so it’s imperative that we give them all the tools necessary to allow them to be successful. The 2013 Police and Security line-up does that exceptionally well.”

All-new 2014 Nissan Note

February 18, 2013, 11:47 am

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Nissan has taken the wraps of its new Note, which will debut at next month’s Geneva Motor Show.

Described by Nissan as ‘a true B-segment contender’, the 2014 Note is set to be a more direct rival to the likes of the Ford Fiesta and Vauxhall Corsa than the current model.

2014 Nissan Note. Scroll down for more images.

The design was previewed by last year’s Invitation concept and, wisely, only a few changes have been made in the transition to production model. Combining a long wheelbase with short overhangs, the five-door body is claimed to offer class-leading aerodynamics. For Europe, the Note gets a unique front end compared to the North American and Japanese versions.

According to Atsushi Maeda, the Note’s Chief Designer: “The design concept of this car is summarised by two phrases: ‘energetic clarity’ and ‘spacious comfort’. We have designed a completely new hatchback which is dynamic, energetic and sporty while also managing to keep the previous generation Note’s practicality and versatility.”

Buyers will have a choice of two 1.2 litre, three-cylinder petrol engines with outputs of either 79 bhp (59 kW / 80 PS) or 97 bhp (72 kW / 98 PS) in supercharged form.

Alternatively, there’s also going to be a 1.5 litre four-cylinder diesel that develops 88 bhp (66 kW / 90 PS). It achieves a very creditable 78.5 mpg (3.6 l/100km) on the combined cycle while emitting 95 g/km of carbon dioxide.

Indeed, maximising fuel economy seems to have been a primary goal for the entire range, as a start / stop system and a pair of dashboard-mounted ‘eco meters’ will be standard fitment on all variants.

Nissan is introducing its ‘Safety Shield’ on the Note, which consists of blind spot warning, lane departure warning and moving object detection systems. All three devices make use of a rear-mounted wide-view camera.

Also available will be the 360° Around View Monitor that’s already offered on the Qashqai. Using a collection of four cameras, it gives a ‘helicopter’ view of the car and is designed to make parking manoeuvres easier.

The Sunderland-built 2014 Note is going to be available in Visia, Acenta or Tekna trim grades. Deliveries are due to commence this autumn and prices will be announced closer to its launch.

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Cadillac CTS special editions

February 19, 2013, 10:33 am

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Cadillac has launched a pair of limited editions based on the mid-size CTS.

The first is the Silver Frost Edition, which will be restricted to a production run of just 100 units. Available only as a CTS-V Coupé, it gets a unique low-gloss matte paint finish that looks good, but can only be hand-washed.

Alternatively, the Stealth Blue Edition comes with ‘normal’ metallic paintwork, albeit in a special grey-blue shade. Cadillac hasn’t quoted a planned build volume, but this model will be offered in CTS Coupé, CTS-V Coupé, CTS-V Sedan and CTS-V Wagon guises. For all except the Wagon variant, Twilight Blue leather upholstery is going to be available as an option to complement the exterior.

Sales of both special editions begin in March.

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Images © General Motors.

2013 Škoda Octavia Combi

February 19, 2013, 11:44 am

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Just a couple of months after the all-new third-generation Octavia hatchback was first unveiled, Škoda has taken the wraps off the Combi version.

This important addition to the range, which will probably be known simply as the Octavia Estate in the UK, offers more cabin space than its predecessor thanks to slightly larger external dimensions. Luggage capacity, for example, is up from 1,665 to 1,740 litres with the rear seats folded down.

Various practical features should make load-carrying fairly painless. These include a folding front passenger seat, a double-sided boot floor mat, restraining nets and a remote fold-down system for the rear-seat backrests.

As with the hatchback, the initial engine line-up is going to consist of four petrol and four diesel options. Škoda has also confirmed that an all-wheel drive model will be available.

The 2013 Škoda Combi is due to make its public debut at next month’s Geneva Motor Show. UK prices and specifications have yet to be confirmed.

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2013 Toyota TS030 Hybrid

February 20, 2013, 1:23 pm

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Toyota Racing has updated its TS030 Hybrid race car ahead of the 2013 World Endurance Championship.

Although the regulations for this season have only permitted minor tweaks, changes have been made to the aerodynamics, chassis and hybrid powertrain that combines a 522 bhp (390 kW / 530 PS), 3.4 litre, normally-aspirated V8 petrol engine with a 295 bhp (220 kW / 300 PS) electric motor.

This year’s WEC comprises eight rounds, including the Le Mans 24 Hours in June. Toyota has confirmed that it’ll be running a two-car team at every event.

The driver line-up for the #7 TS030 is going to be Alex Wurz, Nicolas Lapierre and Kazuki Nakajima, while behind the wheel of the #8 car will be Anthony Davidson, Stéphane Sarrazin and Sébastien Buemi.

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VF Commodore family grows

February 20, 2013, 3:16 pm

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Holden has released the first images of its new VF Commodore Ute and Sportwagon.

Along with the recently-unveiled saloon version, both models are due to go on sale mid-year. There’s still no word on prices or specifications, though.

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2013 Volkswagen Golf GTD

February 21, 2013, 2:06 pm

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Volkswagen has unveiled the GTD version of its seventh-generation Golf, a model that’s designed to mix hot hatch dynamics with fuel efficiency.

Like its predecessor, power comes from a 2.0 litre common-rail turbodiesel engine connected to a six-speed manual gearbox. However, output is up by 14 bhp (10 kW / 14 PS) to 181 bhp (135 kW / 184 PS), while peak torque has risen from 350 Nm (258 lb/ft) to 380 Nm (280 lb/ft).

As a result, the 0-62 mph sprint takes 7.5 seconds and the GTD can reach 142 mph (230 km/h). Very respectable performance then, but not quite good enough to compete with the forthcoming petrol-powered GTI’s 6.6 seconds and 153 mph (246 km/h).

The diesel Golf will require fewer refuelling stops though, a factor that’ll probably be more appealing to the car’s target audience. Indeed, combined cycle consumption is 67.3 mpg (4.2 l/100km) and carbon dioxide emissions are 109 g/km, figures that are both significantly better than those of the old GTD.

Distinguishing the 2013 GTD are 17” alloy wheels, a rear diffuser, side skirts, a roof spoiler and sports seats that are covered with special tartan upholstery. Stiffened sports suspension is also fitted, and a six-speed DSG automatic transmission is on the options list.

UK deliveries of the Golf GTD are anticipated to begin this summer, although pricing has yet to be announced.

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OFT fines Mercedes-Benz

February 22, 2013, 10:44 am

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Following an investigation by the Office of Fair Trading, Mercedes-Benz UK and three of its commercial vehicle dealers have been fined a total of £2.6 million.

The penalties relate to three separate infringements of competition law, all perpetrated during the supply of vans and trucks in northern England and parts of Scotland and Wales.

Each occurrence entailed elements of price coordination, market sharing or the exchange of commercially sensitive information:

• Case one concerned the distribution of vans between 15 January 2008 and 26 January 2010; involved were dealers Ciceley and Northside.
• Case two concerned the distribution of vans between 1 February 2008 and 26 January 2010; involved were dealers Ciceley and Road Range.
• Case three concerned the distribution of trucks between 8 December 2009 and 26 January 2010; involved were Mercedes-Benz UK and dealers Ciceley, Enza and Road Range.

Because Northside was the first firm to provide evidence after the enquiry began, it received immunity from punishment under the OFT’s leniency policy.

The four remaining parties have had their fines reduced by 15 per cent in recognition of their subsequent admissions and agreement to a quicker administrative process.

Consequently the final dealer fines are £659,675 for Ciceley, £347,198 for Enza and £115,774 for Road Range. Mercedes-Benz UK meanwhile faces a penalty of £1,492,646. Those amounts reflect a number of factors, including company turnover and the seriousness of the infringements.

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Audi A3 e-tron plug-in hybrid

February 22, 2013, 1:52 pm

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The Audi A3 e-tron could be a direct competitor for the likes of the Toyota Prius, providing that it enters production.

Due to be unveiled at next month’s Geneva Motor Show, the e-tron is a plug-in hybrid that combines a specially modified 148 bhp (110 kW / 150 PS) 1.4 litre petrol engine with a 100 bhp (75 kW / 102 PS) electric motor.

Together, they give a total system output of 201 bhp (150 kW / 204 PS), while peak torque is 350 Nm (258 lb/ft). As a result, the A3 can accelerate from rest to 62 mph (100 km/h) in 7.6 seconds, before going on to a top speed of 138 mph (222 km/h).

But the point of the e-tron is efficiency, not performance. Accordingly, its ECE fuel consumption figure is an astounding 188.3 mpg imperial (156.8 mpg US / 1.5 l/100km) and carbon dioxide emissions are rated at just 35 g/km. In full-electric mode, the maximum range is around 30 miles (50 kilometres), which should be enough for many drivers’ commutes.

However, Audi is remaining coy about the A3 e-tron’s prospects as a showroom model, saying only that it ‘will provide a realistic glimpse into the future of mobility’.

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Jeep Cherokee returns

February 24, 2013, 10:32 am

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Jeep has released some images of the all-new 2014 Cherokee, ahead of its public debut at next month’s New York International Auto Show.

The most striking aspect of the mid-size SUV is undoubtedly the front end. Although it features a traditional seven-bar grille, the slim headlights provide a fresh look which - judging from the photographs at least - works well. So, credit to Jeep’s designers for being adventurous.

For now, no other information has been released, but it’s claimed that the 2014 Cherokee will offer best-in-class capability and significant improvements in fuel economy.

Deliveries in North America are due to begin during the third quarter of this year.

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2013 Chevrolet Captiva facelift

February 24, 2013, 11:56 am

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Chevrolet has confirmed that a mildly restyled version of its Captiva SUV will be making an appearance at March’s Geneva Motor Show.

The changes are purely cosmetic and, at the front end, they include a lower bumper, revised fog lights and a new grille mesh design. The rear meanwhile gets LED light clusters and a re-profiled bumper.

All versions of the 2013 Captiva feature 18” alloy wheels, new seat fabrics and tweaks to the instrument panel. Furthermore, the more expensive trim grades will come with niceties such as leather upholstery, heated rear seats, dual-zone climate control and keyless entry and start.

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Image © General Motors.

New Suzuki Swift Sport SZ-R

February 25, 2013, 2:57 pm

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Suzuki has announced the SZ-R, a limited edition version of its Swift Sport hatchback for the UK market.

Compared to the regular model, the alterations are purely cosmetic. Most obvious is the paintjob, which combines black bodywork with a red finish for the roof, door mirror caps and rear spoiler. Interior changes meanwhile are limited to red-trimmed carpet mats, a special gear knob and unique door sill guards.

Just 100 examples of the Swift Sport SZ-R will be produced, so it’s definitely going to be exclusive. However, with a price tag of £14,249 it carries a £500 premium, which seems a lot considering the lack of extra specification.

Sales begin on the 1st of March.

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Final Wraith teaser image

February 26, 2013, 12:53 pm

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Rolls-Royce has released the final teaser image for its new Wraith, which is due to be unveiled at next month’s Geneva Motor Show.

A simple line drawing of the car’s silhouette, it’s meant to convey the elegant yet striking fastback styling.

According to Giles Taylor, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Design Director: “The purposeful fastback profile is Wraith’s defining element.

“Inherent in the graceful line that sweeps from the top of the screen to the very rear edge is the promise of fast, yet effortless touring. Yet, perhaps my favourite aspect is the expressive gesture that comes from the side window graphic, gliding through Wraith’s glamorous coach door.”

The four previous teaser shots - which portrayed the side and rear views, plus some interior details - are shown below.

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Škoda Citigo Sport launched

February 27, 2013, 11:48 am

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Škoda has added a Sport variant to its Citigo city car range.

Based on the existing SE trim grade, the new arrival manages to look the part thanks to the fitment of 15” alloy wheels, front and rear spoilers, a rear diffuser and numerous body stripes.

The interior features sports seats, unique black and red upholstery and a three-spoke leather steering wheel. Also part of the standard specification is the ‘Personal Infotainment Device’ which incorporates an audio system, satellite navigation and Bluetooth connectivity. All are controlled via a dashboard-mounted 5” touchscreen.

But don’t expect any extra performance, because power comes from an unaltered 1.0 litre three-cylinder engine that produces 59 bhp (44 kW / 60 PS). The Citigo Sport does come with lowered, stiffer suspension though, which should allow more enthusiastic drivers to make the most of that modest output.

On sale now, the Citigo Sport costs £1,510 more than the equivalent SE models. That means the three-door carries a price tag of £10,290, while the five-door version is £10,640. Buyers have a choice of white, red or black paintwork.

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