Buick Envision confirmed for North America

December 11, 2015, 3:44 pm

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Since it was introduced towards the end of 2014, the Chinese-built Envision has only been offered in that country. Now, though, Buick has announced plans to import the five-seat SUV into North American markets.

Such a move makes a lot of sense because, at 4,667 mm (183.7”) long, the Envision will slot neatly between the subcompact Encore and full-size Enclave in the marque's line-up.

For North America, the sole engine is an all-aluminium Ecotec 2.0 litre four-cylinder petrol unit. Thanks to direct injection and a turbocharger, peak output and torque are rated at 250 bhp (186 kW / 252 PS) and 353 Nm (260 lb/ft) respectively.

Completing the powertrain specification are a Hydra-Matic 6T70 six-speed automatic transmission and Active Twin Clutch all-wheel drive.

Standard equipment is set to include 19” alloy wheels, HiPer Strut front suspension, a stop-start device and Lane Keep Assist. Inside, power-adjustable and heated front seats, sliding and heated rear seats, tri-zone climate control and a Bose audio system are all present.

Also available are OnStar with 4G LTE and a built-in Wi-Fi hotspot, Automatic Park Assist, a panoramic moonroof and a hands-free powered tailgate.

Buick has yet to publish Envision prices.

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Images © General Motors.

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Lotus Exige Sport 350 replaces the Exige S

December 12, 2015, 2:38 pm

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Following the recent launch of the Elise Sport and Sport 220, it's now the Exige's turn for a range revamp. Out goes the S model, in comes the new Sport 350.

As that name suggests, the 3.5 litre V6 supercharged engine still produces 345 bhp (258 kW / 350 PS) with 400 Nm (295 lb/ft) of torque. Other aspects of the car have been changed, though.

In particular, weight is down by 51 kg (112 lbs) to 1,125 kg (2,480 lbs). Contributing to the diet are a modified centre console, an exposed gear-shift mechanism, less sound insulation, a lighter battery and different engine mounts. Furthermore, the tailgate panel is made from louvred plastic instead of glass.

At first glance, performance isn't much improved. The 0-62 mph (100 km/h) time falls very slightly from 4.0 to 3.9 seconds, while top speed remains at 170 mph (274 km/h).

However, those benchmark figures don't necessarily tell the whole story. In addition to its reduced mass, the Sport 350's altered suspension geometry and firmer dampers are intended to provide a more focussed drive.

UK prices for the Exige Sport 350 start from £55,900. As well as leather, Alcantara or retro tartan upholstery packages, key options include air conditioning, carpets, a six-speed automatic transmission, forged alloy wheels and two-piece brake discs.

Deliveries begin in February 2016. A Roadster version is due to arrive a month later.

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Renault unveils a Sport+ package for the Trafic

December 13, 2015, 1:07 pm

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Buyers of Renault's Trafic van can now order the Sport+ appearance package. This option, which is intended to create a more dynamic look, is available on all versions.

Included are a front spoiler, front fog-light surrounds and running boards that all have a silver finish.

LED daytime running lights mounted in the lower front grille, decals in a choice of three colours and a black rear spoiler complete the enhancements.

The Sport+ upgrade costs a considerable £955 (plus VAT).

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2016 European Car of the Year nominees

December 14, 2015, 3:12 pm

≫ Next: New petrol engines for the Caddy and Caravelle

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These are the seven models that could become the 2016 European Car of the Year:

• Audi A4
• BMW 7 Series
• Jaguar XE
• Mazda MX-5
• Škoda Superb
• Vauxhall / Opel Astra
• Volvo XC90

The announcement follows a first round of voting, in which 58 jurors participated.

The new Vauxhall / Opel Astra is one of seven

2016 European Car of the Year nominees.

Unsurprisingly, more exotic candidates such as the Ferrari 488 GTB, McLaren 570S and Mercedes-AMG GT failed to progress any further.

However, it is remarkable that none of the eligible compact crossovers or SUVs – the BMW X1, Honda HR-V, Hyundai Tucson, Land Rover Discovery Sport, Mazda CX-3, Renault Kadjar, SsangYong Tivoli and Suzuki Vitara – made it through to the final stage. Perhaps support was spread too thinly among them?

As the European Car of the Year title is usually awarded to a sensible 'family' vehicle, the Škoda Superb and Vauxhall / Opel Astra should be favourites to win.

The result is due to be revealed on the 29th of February, following a second ballot. As part of that process, each jury member will have a total of 25 points to allocate to at least five nominees.

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New petrol engines for the Caddy and Caravelle

December 15, 2015, 3:59 pm

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Does the arrival of some petrol engines for the Caddy and Caravelle have anything to do with Volkswagen's ongoing diesel emissions scandal? Probably not, but it illustrates that even buyers of such vehicles now want a choice of fuel.

With capacities ranging from 1.0 to 2.0 litres, the new powertrains are variously available for the Caddy panel van, Caddy Life MPV and short-wheelbase T6 Caravelle SE. All are Euro 6-compliant.

Volkswagen Caddy petrol
OTR prices including VAT: £17,314 - £22,828
Engine	Power	Gearbox	Combined cycle	CO2	0-62 mph (100 km/h)
1.2 litre	83 bhp (62 kW / 84 PS)	5-speed man.	50.4 mpg (5.6 l/100km)	131 g/km	13.6 secs.
1.0 litre	100 bhp (75 kW / 102 PS)	5-speed man.	53.3 mpg (5.3 l/100km)	123 g/km	11.3 secs.
1.4 litre	123 bhp (92 kW / 125 PS)	6-speed man.	47.9 mpg (5.9 l/100km)	136 g/km	10.3 secs.
1.4 litre	123 bhp (92 kW / 125 PS)	7-speed DSG	49.6 mpg (5.7 l/100km)	132 g/km	10.3 secs.

Volkswagen Caddy Maxi petrol
OTR prices including VAT: £19,990 - £24,496
Engine	Power	Gearbox	Combined cycle	CO2	0-62 mph (100 km/h)
1.0 litre	100 bhp (75 kW / 102 PS)	5-speed man.	52.3 mpg (5.4 l/100km)	126 g/km	11.8 secs.
1.4 litre	123 bhp (92 kW / 125 PS)	6-speed man.	47.1 mpg (6.0 l/100km)	137 g/km	10.8 secs.
1.4 litre	123 bhp (92 kW / 125 PS)	7-speed DSG	48.7 mpg (5.8 l/100km)	132 g/km	10.8 secs.

Volkswagen Caddy Life petrol
OTR price including VAT: £19,019
Engine	Power	Gearbox	Combined cycle	CO2	0-62 mph (100 km/h)
1.2 litre	83 bhp (62 kW / 84 PS)	5-speed man.	51.4 mpg (5.5 l/100km)	131 g/km	14.7 secs.

Volkswagen Caddy Maxi Life petrol
OTR prices including VAT: £21,881 - £23,747
Engine	Power	Gearbox	Combined cycle	CO2	0-62 mph (100 km/h)
1.0 litre	100 bhp (75 kW / 102 PS)	5-speed man.	51.4 mpg (5.5 l/100km)	127 g/km	12.5 secs.
1.4 litre	123 bhp (92 kW / 125 PS)	6-speed man.	47.1 mpg (6.0 l/100km)	138 g/km	10.9 secs.
1.4 litre	123 bhp (92 kW / 125 PS)	7-speed DSG	48.7 mpg (5.8 l/100km)	133 g/km	10.9 secs.

Volkswagen Caravelle SE short wheelbase petrol
OTR prices including VAT: £36,137 - £41,135
Engine	Power	Gearbox	Combined cycle	CO2	0-62 mph (100 km/h)
2.0 litre	147 bhp (110 kW / 150 PS)	6-speed man.	30.7 mpg (9.2 l/100km)	210 g/km	12.5 secs.
2.0 litre	201 bhp (150 kW / 204 PS)	7-speed DSG	31.4 mpg (9.0 l/100km)	206 g/km	9.9 secs.

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Hyundai teases the Ioniq

December 17, 2015, 2:44 pm

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Ahead of a January unveiling, Hyundai has released some renderings of its new Ioniq.

This compact car's USP will be a choice of three powertrains: all-electric, plug-in gasoline / electric hybrid or gasoline / electric hybrid. Their technical specs haven't been revealed yet, though.

Body styling is intended to be ultra-aerodynamic. While that should help to reduce energy consumption, the result isn't especially distinctive.

The Ioniq's first European appearance is scheduled for the Geneva Motor Show in March.

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Saab announces a significant 9-3 EV order

December 18, 2015, 3:45 pm

≫ Next: The Vauxhall Maloo gets extra power for 2016

≪ Previous: Hyundai teases the Ioniq

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Saab owner National Electric Vehicle Sweden has entered into a 'strategic collaboration agreement' with Chinese leasing company Panda New Energy.

Under the terms of the deal – which will run until the end of 2020 – Nevs is going to supply 150,000 examples of the electric-powered 9-3 Sedan, plus 100,000 other unspecified electric vehicles.

The total value of the contract is apparently CNY78 billion (approximately £8 bn. / €11 bn. / US$12 bn. at current exchange rates). That equates to around CNY312,000 (£32,300 / €44,200 / US$48,100) per unit.

While some serious Chinese state intervention was probably needed to get the order, it should nevertheless safeguard the future of both Nevs and the Saab brand.

However, two important questions remain unanswered:

1. Given China's punitive import duties, is production set to take place there instead of Sweden?

2. Because intellectual property rights to the current 9-3 were sold recently to Turkey, is an all-new model is being developed?

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The Vauxhall Maloo gets extra power for 2016

December 19, 2015, 3:32 pm

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There are few vehicles that are more offbeat than the Australian-built Vauxhall Maloo pick-up. After all, very few commercial vehicle buyers in the UK require the combination of a 540 kg (1,190 lbs) payload and a supercharged 6.2 litre V8.

Nevertheless, it'll still be available in 2016, albeit with one significant change: out goes the LS3 engine, replaced by an upgraded LSA unit.

As a result, power rises from 425 bhp (317 kW / 431 PS) to 528 bhp (394 kW / 536 PS). Peak torque meanwhile is up by a similarly massive 101 Nm (74 lb/ft) to 671 Nm (495 lb/ft).

Regardless of whether a manual or automatic transmission is ordered, the 0-62 mph (100 km/h) sprint is completed in just 4.6 seconds. Top speed is 155 mph (250 km/h).

To help cope with such obvious performance potential, various improvements have been made to the chassis. These include stiffer springs, recalibrated dampers, a redesigned rear suspension unit and a standard-fit limited-slip differential.

The Maloo LSA comes equipped with 20” five-spoke alloy wheels, leather upholstery, Bluetooth and satellite navigation. On-the-road prices start from £54,500.

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Images © General Motors.

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2016 Ford Focus Red Edition and Black Edition

December 21, 2015, 2:43 pm

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Ford has launched the eye-catching Focus Red Edition and Black Edition. The former boasts Race Red paintwork, a Panther Black roof, a black grille surround and black door mirror caps. As its name suggests, the latter reverses those colours.

Both versions come with a sports suspension set-up, black 18” alloy wheels, a red rear diffuser and a black grille. Inside, the specification includes front sports seats, stainless steel pedals, a leather-covered steering wheel and red stitching for the upholstery.

The Focus Red Edition and Black Edition are available in either five-door hatchback or estate guises. Buyers can choose from the usual selection of petrol and diesel engines.

Ford dealers are accepting orders now.

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Nissan cancels its WEC LMP1 programme

December 22, 2015, 2:21 pm

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2016's FIA World Endurance Championship won't see the Nissan GT-R LM Nismo competing in LMP1.

The front-engine, front-wheel drive contender was undoubtedly innovative. But in the end, the concept simply proved to be too radical to challenge the Audi, Porsche and Toyota entries.

In a statement confirming the troubled project's sad demise, Nissan said: “The teams worked diligently to bring the vehicles up to the desired performance levels. However, the company concluded that the programme would not be able to reach its ambitions and decided to focus on developing its longer term racing strategies.”

The GT-R LM Nismo's first and last race appearance was at the Le Mans 24 Hours earlier this year. In what amounted to an extended (and very public) test session, two of the outpaced cars failed to finish while a third was unclassified.

Nissan's supply of LMP3 engines is unaffected by today's announcement.

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Mahindra KUV100 first view

December 29, 2015, 2:53 pm

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Naming a car 'cool' (and then deliberately misspelling the word as 'kool') is a presumptuous move, simply because target customers might decide it's actually the opposite of cool. Bravely, Mahindra has done exactly that with the new KUV100.

Pronounced 'K-U-V one-double-oh', those first three initials do indeed stand for 'kool utility vehicle'. Such a designation verges on cringe-worthy, but the KUV100 is nevertheless an important addition to Mahindra's range.

To start with, it'll allow the brand to compete in a growing compact SUV segment. Furthermore, the KUV100 is the first model to receive the just-announced mFALCON G80 and D75 1.2 litre engines. The former is an 80 bhp (60 kW / 82 PS) petrol unit with variable valve timing, while the latter is a 76 bhp (56 kW / 77 PS) turbo diesel.

According to Mahindra, the KUV100 is aimed at younger first-time car buyers in India. Whether or not they're going to view the awkward styling details and rather odd proportions as 'cool' remains to be seen.

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2016 Chevrolet Trax Midnight Edition unveiled

December 29, 2015, 2:58 pm

≫ Next: 2017 Honda Ridgeline pick-up teased

≪ Previous: Mahindra KUV100 first view

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Chevrolet is introducing another Midnight Edition model. This time, it's the turn of the Trax subcompact SUV to receive the blacked-out look.

Based on the existing LTZ trim grade, distinguishing features predictably include a black finish for the body trim, door handles, rear licence plate surround and five-spoke wheels.

Inside, there's relief from the blackness courtesy of some grey upholstery accents and matching piping on the floor mats.

In the United States, the new Trax Midnight Edition has an MSRP of $26,625. That's $500 more than the LTZ version (which really doesn't seem like great value).

Deliveries are due to begin towards the end of February 2016.

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Image © General Motors.

2017 Honda Ridgeline pick-up teased

December 29, 2015, 3:04 pm

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Honda has confirmed that the all-new second-generation Ridgeline is going to be unveiled at next month's 2016 North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

This is undoubtedly an important launch for the Japanese firm, as it marks a return to the lucrative mid-size truck segment after a gap of nearly two years. Although specifications are still unknown, a single teaser shot has been released which partly shows a crew cab and a conventional-looking cargo box.

According to Honda's senior vice president Jeff Conrad: “We developed this new Honda Ridgeline to offer something new and fundamentally better suited to the way many buyers use their truck. Ridgeline will deliver everything you'd expect in a Honda from incredible packaging and fuel-efficiency to top safety technologies and innovative, segment-first features.”

The Ridgeline's creation has been an all-American affair, so there can be no excuses for not delivering what customers want. It was designed in California, then engineered in Ohio, and manufacturing will take place in Alabama.

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Mugen at the 2016 Tokyo Auto Salon

December 30, 2015, 3:18 pm

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Next month's Tokyo Auto Salon will see tuner Mugen displaying several modified Honda models. For the first time, a couple of them are based on the recently-launched S660 roadster.

Honda S660 Mugen RA Prototype

Specification details are pretty much non-existent, but Mugen claims that the focus has been on improving driving enjoyment while delivering some extra performance.

Mugen S660

Compared to the RA Prototype, this appears to be a much more comprehensive conversion. As well as a full body kit, Mugen has fitted an aerodynamic engine cover, a rear wing and a hard top.

The alterations aren't just visual, though. Among the technical upgrades are a sports suspension set-up, stronger brake discs, a replacement exhaust silencer and a set of 15” eight-spoke wheels.

Mugen Civic Type R Concept

Back in October, Mugen announced that it was “planning a line-up of Mugen parts for the Civic Type R that will produce the best Type R ever, with a balance of overwhelming performance and dynamic response.”

Apparently those components still aren't ready for market release, which is why the 'Concept' suffix remains for the time-being.

Mugen Vezel

Finished in an eye-catching paint shade called Premium Crystal Red Metallic, this particular Vezel (HR-V in Europe and North America) boasts numerous changes.

They include a two-tone front grille, revised front and rear bumpers, side skirts, a tailgate spoiler and an exhaust silencer. Completing the transformation are 18” wheels that have a contrasting black mesh pattern in between their five main spokes.

Mugen Stepwgn Spada

For the Stepwgn MPV, Mugen has developed a body kit that incorporates cladding on the doors' lower portions.

Also adding to the purposeful looks are a chrome-plated front grille, 18” ten-spoke wheels and a sports exhaust silencer with twin pipes.

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Toyota creates the S-FR Racing Concept

December 30, 2015, 3:33 pm

≫ Next: Suzuki’s three 2016 Tokyo Auto Salon concepts

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Toyota caused a huge stir at October's Tokyo Motor Show by unveiling the S-FR, its new front-engine, rear-wheel drive small coupé.

Now, Toyota Gazoo Racing has been given the opportunity to demonstrate what a motorsport version might look like.

The S-FR Racing Concept, which is due to appear at the upcoming 2016 Toyota Auto Salon, features widened wheel arches, numerous aerodynamic aids and a much lower ride height.

There's no word yet on the car's technical specifications, though.

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Suzuki’s three 2016 Tokyo Auto Salon concepts

December 31, 2015, 1:43 pm

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For January's Tokyo Auto Salon, Suzuki has prepared a trio of show cars that are all based on current production models.

The first is the Alto Works GP, which wears a blue livery inspired by the company's MotoGP bikes. Other key features include Recaro front seats, a carbon fibre bonnet and an alloy wheel upgrade.

In complete contrast, the Hustler Rough Road Style looks ready for off-road use thanks to raised suspension, all-terrain tyres, under-body protection and headlight guards. A fairly sober two-tone yellow and black paintjob is offset by some very lively body graphics.

Finally, the Ignis Water Activity comes with modified bumpers, a set of black multi-spoke alloy wheels and a canoe strapped to the roof. Its predominantly matte green colour scheme incorporates several subtle orange highlights.

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Top 10: New cars due in 2016

January 1, 2016, 3:43 pm

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Most of the ten models listed below are destined to achieve relatively modest sales volumes. Nevertheless, they are among the more interesting new cars scheduled to arrive at dealers during 2016.

1. Bentley Bentayga
Available: January

In 2012, Bentley signalled its intention to launch an SUV by unveiling the frankly hideous EXP 9 F concept. During the transition to production, an attempt has been made to refine the styling and somebody decided the odd Bentayga name was a good idea.

Power comes from a new 6.0 litre W12 engine with twin turbochargers that develops 600 bhp (447 kW / 608 PS) – enough for a 0-62 mph (100 km/h) time of just 4.1 seconds. For buyers worried about fuel bills, plug-in hybrid and diesel alternatives are promised.

2. Cadillac CT6
Available: March

An American rival for the likes of the BMW 7 Series, Jaguar XJ and Mercedes-Benz S-Class, the CT6 is claimed to be light (thanks to widespread use of aluminium in the bodyshell) and technologically advanced.

Perhaps surprisingly, Cadillac is adamant that this new flagship isn't a replacement for the very similarly-sized XTS.

3. Honda NSX
Available: first quarter

At long last, Honda is building a successor to the original NSX (which ceased production in 2005).

An environmentally-friendly hybrid powertrain comprises a mid-mounted twin-turbo 3.5 litre V6 petrol engine, a nine-speed dual-clutch transmission, electric motors for each front wheel, and a third standalone electric motor to aid acceleration and retardation. Total output is rated at 565 bhp (421 kW / 572 PS).

4. Lotus 3-Eleven
Available: April

Described by its manufacturer as “the quickest production Lotus road car ever”, the 3-Eleven combines uncompromising open-cockpit bodywork with a 450 bhp (336 kW / 456 PS) supercharged 3.5 litre V6 engine.

Offered in either Road or Race guises, prices start from £82,000. Just 311 examples are going to be made.

5. Volvo S90
Available: second quarter

The recently-launched XC90 SUV has earned extremely positive reviews, so doubtless Volvo is hoping that the S90 saloon will be received in an identical vein.

To attract punters away from established German competitors – namely the Audi A6, BMW 5 Series and Mercedes-Benz E-Class – the S90's distinctive design is being emphasised as a key differentiator.

6. Jaguar F-Pace
Available: second quarter

Jaguar's first-ever crossover is a major departure for the marque. Arguably, though, the F-Pace is an essential addition to the range.

In the UK there'll be a choice of four trim grades, plus a First Edition variant. Prices start from £34,170.

7. Fiat 124 Spider
Available: third quarter

This rehashed Mazda MX-5 unashamedly trades on the retro appeal of its forebear. That's not necessarily a bad thing – after all, Fiat's 500 has exploited the tactic extremely well.

For European markets, the sole engine is a 1.4 litre turbocharged MultiAir unit which delivers a mediocre 138 bhp (103 kW / 140 PS) via a six-speed manual gearbox. While some people are already bemoaning the apparent lack of brawn, expect a much quicker Abarth 124 Spider to be announced soon.

8. Porsche 718 Boxster and 718 Cayman
Available: third quarter

There are some significant changes ahead for the Boxster and Cayman, as indicated by the addition of a '718' prefix.

Firstly, flat-four turbocharged engines of various displacements are going to oust today's six-cylinder motors. Secondly, in a move that copies the 911's pricing structure, the Boxster roadster is set to become notably more expensive than the Cayman coupé.

9. Alfa Romeo Giulia
Available: third quarter

Since the demise of the 159 in late 2011, a huge hole has existed in Alfa Romeo's line-up. This will be filled eventually by the Giulia, but there doesn't seem to be any urgency to begin deliveries.

So far, only the range-topping Giulia Quadrifoglio has been revealed. Featuring a six-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine developed with input from Ferrari, its 503 bhp (375 kW / 510 PS) bestows an impressive 0-62 mph (100 km/h) time of 3.9 seconds.

10. Ford GT
Available: late 2016

Beneath those striking looks, the GT boasts a carbon fibre monocoque and aluminium front and rear subframes that are intended to minimise weight.

A centrally-mounted 3.5 litre V6 EcoBoost engine is mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. With twin turbochargers, output is said to be in excess of 600 horsepower (around 450 kW). However, Ford has yet to confirm any official performance figures.

Mulliner introduces stone veneers

January 4, 2016, 3:45 pm

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Mulliner – Bentley's bespoke division – has announced that customers can now adorn the interior of their cars with stone veneer.

Made from slate and quartzite, this new choice of material comes from Indian quarries in Rajasthan and Andhra Pradesh. Bentley says it's “sustainably sourced”, whatever that means – surely once rock is out of the ground, replacement is impossible?

Semantics aside, the 0.1 millimetre-thick stone veneers are cured using glass fibre and a special resin, before being hand-finished. The end result, which is currently available for the Continental and Flying Spur models, actually looks rather attractive.

Four different colours called Copper, Galaxy, Terra Red and Autumn White are being offered.

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Jaguar F-Type British Design Edition unveiled

January 5, 2016, 3:53 pm

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This coming spring will see a special version of Jaguar's F-Type arriving at dealers. Called the British Design Edition, it's based on the existing 'S' trim grade.

Additional features include larger 20” Cyclone wheels finished in satin dark grey, a Super Performance Braking upgrade complete with red calipers, the Sport Design Pack (consisting of a front splitter, side sill extensions and a rear diffuser) plus some unique badges.

Inside, carbon fibre centre console trim, an InControl Touch infotainment system and a Meridian 380W ten-speaker audio set-up are fitted. Furthermore, the leather upholstery gains contrast stitching in blue, ivory or red.

Like the regular F-Type S, power is provided by a supercharged 3.0 litre V6 engine that develops 375 bhp (280 kW / 380 PS) with 460 Nm (339 lb/ft) of peak torque. The only available transmission comprises an eight-speed automatic gearbox and all-wheel drive.

Offered in a choice of Ultimate Black, Ultra Blue, Caldera Red or Glacier White paintwork, the F-Type British Design Edition can be ordered in either coupé or convertible guise.

UK prices for the former body style start at £75,225, while the latter costs from £80,390.

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Ford names its 2016 WEC drivers

January 5, 2016, 3:56 pm

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Perhaps the most anticipated addition to the FIA World Endurance Championship grid for 2016 is the Ford GT. Competing in the GTE class, two of these exciting new cars are going to be run by Ford Chip Ganassi Racing.

Today, the driver line-up was confirmed as Marino Franchitti, Stefan Mücke, Olivier Pla and Andy Priaulx.

That all four are experienced endurance specialists shouldn't be surprising, because Ford is apparently expecting the team to challenge for wins during its inaugural season.

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