Bentley adds the V8 S to its Flying Spur range

February 21, 2016, 3:07 pm

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With some extra pace, a retuned suspension set-up and numerous cosmetic tweaks, the Flying Spur V8 S should appeal to those customers who like a sporty edge to their luxury motoring.

This new variant, which sits between the two existing V8- and W12-powered models, is recognisable by its unique black grille, 20” wheels and rear diffuser.

Beneath the car's skin, changes to the chassis – including recalibrated Continuous Damping Control and Electronic Stability Control systems – mean less body roll and sharper handling. Bentley claims that ride comfort hasn't suffered too much, though.

The familiar 4.0 litre twin-turbo V8 engine has also received attention. As well as better benchmark performance figures, the result is an improved throttle response whatever the revs (especially so when running in 'S' mode).

Fortunately, efficiency seems unaffected. However, that's according to the official measures, which often don't reflect real-world driving.

Here's how the V8 S compares:

Flying Spur	V8	V8 S	W12
Engine	4.0 litre twin-turbo V8	4.0 litre twin-turbo V8	6.0 litre twin-turbo W12
Power	500 bhp (373 kW / 507 PS)	521 bhp (388 kW / 528 PS)	616 bhp (460 kW / 625 PS)
Torque	660 Nm (487 lb/ft)	680 Nm (502 lb/ft)	800 Nm (590 lb/ft)
0-62 mph (100 km/h)	5.2 secs	4.9 secs	4.6 secs
Top Speed	183 mph (295 km/h)	190 mph (306 km/h)	199 mph (320 km/h)
Combined cycle	25.9 mpg (10.9 l/100km)	25.9 mpg (10.9 l/100km)	19.6 mpg (14.4 l/100km)
CO2	254 g/km	254 g/km	332 g/km
UK price	£143,725	TBC	£154,455

Following a debut at next month's Geneva International Motor Show, deliveries of the Flying Spur V8 S are due to begin in the summer.

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Proace Verso heading to Geneva

February 22, 2016, 11:54 am

≫ Next: Mercedes-Maybach launches the S 600 Guard

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Toyota has confirmed that the MPV version of its new Proace van is going to debut at next month's Geneva International Motor Show.

Named Proace Verso, specification details remain sparse for now. However, we do know that three body lengths will be available, with seats for up to nine people.

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Mercedes-Maybach launches the S 600 Guard

February 22, 2016, 12:10 pm

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Oligarchs who want plenty of protection as they get driven about are going to be very interested in the new armoured Mercedes-Maybach S 600 Guard.

Special features include extra steel to reinforce the bodyshell and strategically-placed aramid elements (the same synthetic fibre that's used in body armour). What's more, the rear seats have been moved further back and the thickened windows – which can't be opened – have an interior polycarbonate coating to prevent splintering.

Consequently, the S 600 Guard has become the first civilian vehicle to be certified to the VR10 ballistics standard as per Directive BRV 2009 Version 2. This means that both the bodywork and the glass can withstand hardened steel-core bullets fired from an assault rifle.

Blast resistance is similarly impressive, as it achieved a ERV 2010 rating. However, the criteria used during that assessment remain confidential for obvious reasons.

Prices start from €470,000 plus VAT, or roughly £366,000 / US$518,000 at current exchange rates. Cost probably won't be too much of a concern for the car's target market, though.

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The Hyundai Ioniq gets set for a Geneva debut

February 27, 2016, 3:36 pm

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With its all-new Ioniq, Hyuindai is building one car but offering a choice of three electrified power sources. That's a smart move, because the willingness of buyers to abandon fossil fuels varies enormously.

The line-up starts with the Ioniq Hybrid. This model combines a 103 bhp (77 kW / 105 PS) 1.6 litre Kappa four-cylinder petrol engine, a 43 bhp (32 kW / 43 PS) electric motor and a 1.56 kWh lithium-ion polymer battery pack which is housed beneath the rear seats.

Delivered via a six-speed double-clutch gearbox, the total system output of 138 bhp (103 kW / 141 PS) plus 265 Nm (195 lb/ft) of peak torque produce a 115 mph (185 km/h) top speed. Although official efficiency figures haven't been confirmed, Hyundai is targeting CO2 emissions of 79 g/km.

Next up is the Ioniq Plug-in. As well as offering better flexibility (especially in areas with an established recharging infrastructure), it should become eligible for subsidies such as the UK government's Plug-in Car Grant.

While the Ioniq Plug-in shares the Ioniq Hybrid's internal combustion engine and transmission, the other powertrain components are significantly enhanced. Indeed, an upgraded 60 bhp (45 kW / 61 PS) electric motor and an 8.9 kWh battery pack result in a claimed pure-electric range of around 30 miles (50 kilometres). However, recharge times remain unknown for now.

Completing the trio is the Ioniq Electric. As that name suggests, it relies on just a 118 bhp (88 kW / 120 PS) electric motor and a 28 kWh battery pack. Expected range is a fairly acceptable 155 miles (250 kilometres), but again nothing has been revealed about how long recharging will take.

All three versions of the Ioniq are going to appear at next week's Geneva International Motor Show. On-sale dates and prices have yet to be announced.

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2016 European Car of the Year winner named

February 29, 2016, 3:54 pm

≫ Next: Lotus Evora Sport 410 launched

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This year's European Car of the Year award was certainly a very close-run contest.

In the end, the Vauxhall / Opel Astra secured victory, but Volvo's XC90 was just fifteen points behind. The jury of fifty-two motoring journalists was particularly impressed by the Astra's value for money and – compared to the previous model – its smaller dimensions, increased interior space and reduced weight.

The new Vauxhall / Opel Astra is the

2016 European Car of the Year.

One surprising result concerned the Škoda Superb. Despite being the type of worthy, non-premium product that usually does well in this event, the Czech contender only managed to come sixth out of seven nominees.

2016 European Car of the Year – Final Results
1	Vauxhall / Opel Astra	309 points
2	Volvo XC90	294 points
3	Mazda MX-5	202 points
4	Audi A4	189 points
5	Jaguar XE	163 points
6	Škoda Superb	147 points
7	BMW 7 Series	143 points

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Lotus Evora Sport 410 launched

March 3, 2016, 3:33 pm

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Lotus founder Colin Chapman resolutely took the “to add speed, add lightness” approach when designing his road and race cars. While that philosophy has never really left the company, it's currently being pursued with a renewed vigour.

The latest model to be put through an intensive weight-loss programme is the Evora. What has emerged is the just-announced Sport 410, which is 70 kg (154 lbs) lighter than an Evora 400.

Primarily, this major reduction has been achieved by switching to carbon fibre for various components. They include the front splitter, bonnet access panel, rear diffuser, roof, one-piece tailgate and Alcantara-covered seats.

Power comes from an upgraded supercharged 3.5 litre V6 engine taken from the 3-Eleven. With 410 bhp (306 kW / 416 PS) plus 410 Nm (302 lb/ft) of peak torque, a manual-transmission Sport 410 can accelerate from rest to 62 mph (100 km/h) in 4.2 seconds before going on to a top speed of 186 mph (300 km/h).

Surprisingly, those benchmark performance figures are no different to the regular Evora 400's. But perhaps they don't tell the whole story?

Thanks to extra downforce, a revised suspension geometry, improved dampers and a lower ride height, Lotus says the Sport 410 boasts sharper handling and better body control. Consequently, it should be significantly quicker around a circuit.

One unavoidable downside is a higher price tag. At £79,900, the Evora Sport 410 costs £7,900 more than an Evora 400. However, annual production is being limited to just 150 examples, so supply is unlikely to exceed demand.

Deliveries are scheduled to begin in June.

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2016 World Car Awards top three finalists

March 4, 2016, 1:32 pm

≫ Next: Abarth 124 Spider unveiled

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Following a second round of voting, organisers of the 2016 World Car Awards have revealed the top three finalists in each category.

Perhaps with such a large jury – 73 international motoring journalists were involved in the ballot – ending up with a consensus was always going to be difficult. Indeed, any model likely to polarise opinion risked getting sidelined in favour of less controversial choices which are not especially outstanding.

That certainly seems to have been the case with this year's main World Car of the Year prize. Could the Audi A4 really be named 2016's best new car? Sure, it's doubtless very capable, but the styling is virtually identical to the previous model's and there's nothing much to get excited about.

The top three finalists in alphabetical order are:

World Car of the Year

• Audi A4 Sedan / Avant
• Mazda MX-5
• Mercedes-Benz GLC

Deserves to win: Mazda MX-5 by default. But nothing here represents a significant advance for their respective market segments.

World Luxury Car of the Year

• Audi Q7
• BMW 7 Series
• Volvo XC90

Deserves to win: Volvo XC90.

World Performance Car of the Year

• Audi R8 Coupé
• Honda Civic Type R
• Mercedes-AMG C 63 Coupé

Deserves to win: Audi R8 Coupé (because it's not merely a sporty version of a mainstream model). However, the Mercedes-AMG will probably emerge victorious.

World Green Car of the Year

• Chevrolet Volt (range extender)
• Toyota Mirai (hydrogen fuel cell)
• Toyota Prius (hybrid)

Deserves to win: Toyota Mirai, as it has the potential to popularise hydrogen as a fuel source.

World Car Design of the Year

• Jaguar XE
• Mazda CX-3
• Mazda MX-5

Deserves to win: Jaguar XE or Mazda MX-5.

All five winners are due to be announced at the New York International Auto Show on the 24th of March.

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Abarth 124 Spider unveiled

March 5, 2016, 2:12 pm

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As soon as the new Fiat 124 Spider was launched, speculation began about when a quicker Abarth-badged version would arrive. Well, it's here now.

Redesigned bumpers, a matt black finish for the bonnet and boot lid, LED lights front and rear, 17” alloy wheels, a rear spoiler and a grey windscreen surround make the Abarth 124 Spider instantly recognisable.

However, the most significant difference compared to the regular Fiat model concerns the engine. Power for the rear-wheel drive roadster still comes from a turbocharged 1.4 litre four-cylinder unit, but output has been increased from 138 bhp (103 kW / 140 PS) to 167 bhp (125 kW / 170 PS).

Mated to a six-speed manual gearbox, that translates into a 0-62 mph (100 km/h) time of 6.8 seconds and a 142 mph (230 km/h) top speed.

By comparison, the Mazda MX-5 (which, remember, forms the basis for the 124) at best records 7.3 seconds and 133 mph (214 km/h) for those benchmarks when equipped with a 157 bhp (118 kW / 160 PS) 2.0 litre motor.

To ensure the Abarth 124's handling matches its extra performance potential, a revised suspension set-up is fitted that includes stiffer anti-roll bars plus bespoke 'Abarth by Bilstein' dampers. Also part of the standard specification is a mechanical limited-slip differential.

Deliveries are due to begin in September. Although a UK price has yet to be announced, the Abarth 124 Spider is going to cost €40,000 in the Eurozone.

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All-electric Morgan EV3 heads for production

March 6, 2016, 3:43 pm

≫ Next: Two more body styles join the Fiat Tipo range

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Following the EV3 prototype's debut last June, Morgan has unveiled a pre-production version of its electric-powered three-wheeler at the Geneva International Motor Show.

Built around a tubular space frame chassis, the specification includes a 61 bhp (46 kW / 62 PS) liquid-cooled electric motor which is connected to a 20 kWh battery pack. That output is significantly down on the 100 bhp (75 kW / 101 PS) originally quoted for the EV3 prototype, but performance is brisk nevertheless.

Thanks partly to a kerb weight of less than 500 kg (1,100 lbs), the 0-62 mph (100 km/h) sprint can be completed within nine seconds, while the EV3's top speed exceeds 90 mph (145 km/h). Range is approximately 150 miles (around 240 kilometres), a sufficient distance for most weekend jaunts.

The attractive styling is best described as retro-modern. Such a term also applies to the bodywork construction, as it consists of a traditional ash wood frame clothed in both aluminium and – for the first time on a Morgan – carbon fibre panels.

Among the particularly striking design elements are an offset central headlight, some front-mounted brass battery cooling fins and a unique dashboard.

Production is due to begin during the final quarter of 2016. Morgan has said that EV3 pricing will be similar to the existing petrol-fuelled 3 Wheeler's.

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Two more body styles join the Fiat Tipo range

March 8, 2016, 3:49 pm

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Fiat has unveiled five-door hatchback and estate versions of its all-new Tipo at the Geneva International Motor Show. These two additional body styles join the four-door saloon, which was revealed last October.

It's also been confirmed that the Turkish-built Tipo hatchback and estate are heading to the UK. Major selling points are expected to be affordability (although prices have yet to be announced) and interior space. Indeed, Fiat claims that both models have best-in-class rear-seat legroom and luggage capacity.

When deliveries begin in September, buyers here will have a choice of five engines:

• 93 bhp (70 kW / 95 PS) 1.4 litre 16v Fire petrol
• 108 bhp (80 kW / 110 PS) 1.6 litre e-TorQ petrol (six-speed automatic transmission standard)
• 118 bhp (88 kW / 120 PS) 1.4 litre T-Jet turbo petrol
• 93 bhp (70 kW / 95 PS) 1.3 litre MultiJet II turbo diesel
• 118 bhp (88 kW / 120 PS) 1.6 litre MultiJet II turbo diesel (six-speed dual-clutch transmission optional)

Three trim grades are going to be offered, with all featuring six airbags, Bluetooth, a digital radio and air conditioning as standard.

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2017 Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport launched

March 9, 2016, 3:50 pm

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Inspired by motorsport, the new Corvette Grand Sport combines a normally-aspirated engine with various chassis and bodywork enhancements.

Upgraded Brembo brakes, recalibrated springs, model-specific anti-roll bars and Magnetic Ride Control are all part of the standard specification. Furthermore, unique wheels (19” at the front and 20” at the rear) come shod with Michelin Pilot Super Sport tyres and they sit beneath widened arches.

For those buyers seeking even sharper dynamics, the Z07 Performance Package is going to be available as a cost option. This consists of carbon-ceramic brake discs, carbon fibre aerodynamic elements and a set of Michelin Sport Cup 2 tyres.

Power is provided by a 6.2 litre LT1 V8. Its 460 bhp (343 kW / 466 PS) gets delivered to the rear wheels via a seven-speed manual gearbox and an electronic limited-slip differential. As an alternative, fans of two-pedal driving will be able to order an eight-speed automatic transmission instead.

Offered in either coupé or convertible form, the Corvette Grand Sport goes on sale across North America in the summer. European deliveries meanwhile are set to begin during the autumn.

Due to join the range later on is a special Grand Sport Collector Edition, which is finished in Watkins Glen Gray Metallic paintwork with satin black stripes and black wheels. Completing the striking look are Tension Blue 'hash-mark' graphics that match the leather upholstery.

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Morgan creates the 4/4 80th edition

March 10, 2016, 3:35 pm

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As this year sees the Morgan 4/4 celebrate its 80th birthday, a limited edition has been launched to honour the occasion.

Many of the car's special features recall components seen on the original 4/4 that first appeared in October 1936. Among these are painted solid wheels with brass centre locks, a brass mesh grille, bonnet straps and Smiths dials set on a matte lacquered walnut dashboard.

Also included in the specification are a side-exit sports exhaust for the familiar 1.6 litre Ford Sigma four-cylinder engine, leather upholstery and a mohair roof with a part tonneau cover.

There's a choice of red, blue or two-tone green paintwork. All three options are complemented by unique foil body decals and a numbered plaque.

While the 4/4 80th edition is available in every existing market, only 80 examples will be built in total (so expect them to sell out very quickly). For the UK, prices start at £33,330.

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Volkswagen Multivan PanAmericana launched

March 11, 2016, 3:41 pm

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Following the appearance of a concept last year, Volkswagen has unveiled the production version of its Multivan PanAmericana.

According to the manufacturer, this new T6-based people-carrier variant “combines the comfort of the Multivan with the off-road capability of an SUV” – an audacious claim that's very dependent on specification.

For instance, the standard 20 mm (0.8”) ride-height increase can be deleted, while 4Motion all-wheel drive is optional. Without either of those things, the PanAmericana's all-terrain prowess won't be any better than a regular Transporter's.

The more rugged looks alone are probably going to be enough to attract many prospective customers, though. Under-run protectors are fitted front and rear, the bumpers have a special textured paint finish and a stone-guard film has been applied to the lower body-side portions.

17” alloy wheels, rear privacy glass, smoked tail-light clusters and exclusive upholstery also feature on the equipment list. Entry lights that display the PanAmericana wordmark and unique B-pillar badges add some finishing touches.

All existing engines – apart from the entry-level 83 bhp (62 kW / 84 PS) diesel unit – will be offered when PanAmericana deliveries begin in May. UK availability has yet to be confirmed.

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2017 Mercedes-AMG E 43 4Matic first view

March 13, 2016, 12:16 pm

≫ Next: Three-cylinder Mini One D Clubman unveiled

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In the absence of a V8-powered model (for now), the quickest member of the new W213 E-Class range is going to be the just-announced Mercedes-AMG E 43 4Matic.

It features a 3.0 litre V6 twin-turbo engine that's mated to a five-mode, nine-speed, 9G-Tronic automatic transmission and a rear-biased 4Matic all-wheel drive system.

With 395 bhp (295 kW / 401 PS) and 520 Nm (383 lb/ft) of peak torque, the result is plenty of pace. Just 4.6 seconds are needed for the 0-62 mph (100 km/h) sprint, while the car's top speed is electronically-limited to 155 mph (250 km/h).

Coincidentally, the BMW 550i M Sport records identical benchmark performance figures, but this rear-wheel drive rival needs a 442 bhp (330 kW / 449 PS) 4.4 litre twin-turbo V8 to do so.

Having a larger-capacity engine affects efficiency, though: the BMW achieves 32.8 mpg (8.6 l/100km) on the combined cycle with 199 g/km of carbon dioxide emissions, which is slightly worse than the Mercedes-AMG's 34.1 mpg (8.3 l/100km) and 189 g/km.

An upgraded chassis is a key E 43 4Matic element. Based around an Air Body Control air suspension set-up, it also boasts strengthened components, more negative camber on both axles and three-mode adaptive damping.

Redesigned bumpers with larger front air intakes, 19” five-spoke alloy wheels and a boot lid spoiler offer some visual differentiation. Inside, there are front sports seats, a flat-bottom steering wheel, unique instruments, a black headlining and – somewhat incongruously – boy-racerish red seatbelts.

The Mercedes-AMG E 43 4Matic is due to appear in public for the first time at this month's New York International Auto Show. Deliveries are then expected to begin in September.

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Three-cylinder Mini One D Clubman unveiled

March 14, 2016, 4:38 pm

≫ Next: Abarth 595 OT race car revealed

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Mini is mainly targeting the fleet and corporate sectors with its One D Clubman. However, a decent mix of efficiency and equipment should mean that private buyers are also attracted to the new arrival.

Power is provided by a turbocharged 1,496 cc three-cylinder EU6 diesel engine that develops 114 bhp (85 kW / 116 PS) and 270 Nm (199 lb/ft) of peak torque.

With a six-speed manual gearbox, combined cycle fuel economy is an impressive 74.3 mpg (3.8 l/100km) while carbon dioxide emissions are 99 g/km. Opt for a six-speed Steptronic automatic instead and those official figures become 72.4 mpg (3.9 l/100km) and 104 g/km respectively.

Regardless of the transmission chosen, this particular Clubman takes 10.4 seconds to complete the 0-62 mph (100 km/h) sprint and its top speed is 119 mph (192 km/h). Not especially quick then, but probably rapid enough for most drivers.

The standard specification list is certainly generous. As well as Bluetooth and a DAB radio, it includes satellite navigation, automatic lights and wipers, cruise control, 16” alloy wheels and tyre pressure monitoring.

UK prices for the Mini One D Clubman start from £21,375, which is £870 less than a Cooper D Clubman currently costs. Deliveries are set to begin next month.

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Abarth 595 OT race car revealed

March 15, 2016, 4:30 pm

≫ Next: 2017 Chevrolet Colorado Shoreline introduced

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This season will see the 595 Omologata Turismo replace the 500 Assetto Corse in Abarth's single-make Selenia Trophy race series.

Powered by a 187 bhp (140 kW / 190 PS) 1.4 litre T-Jet turbocharged engine, the 595 OT features a six-speed transmission, revised suspension and wheel spacers to widen the front and rear tracks. Optionally available is a performance kit which comprises floating front brake discs and a better exhaust system.

Sensibly, Abarth is saying that 500 Assetto Corse owners can easily have their cars upgraded to 595 OT specification. Furthermore, the 595 OT is eligible to compete in the new TCS class of the seven-round 2016 Italian Touring Car Championship.

Customer teams may order the 595 OT now.

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2017 Chevrolet Colorado Shoreline introduced

March 15, 2016, 4:39 pm

≫ Next: The 2017 Camaro ZL1 boasts 640 horsepower

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California is currently the biggest market for mid-size pick-ups in the United States, so Chevrolet's latest Colorado special edition has been created with customers from that state in mind.

Based on the existing LT trim grade, buyers will have a choice of Laser Blue, Red Hot, Silver Ice Metallic or Summit White paintwork. Completing the look are body-coloured front grille surrounds, as well as a black finish for the door mirror caps and 18” wheels.

There's not much else to differentiate it, but all-weather floor liners, a spray-in bedliner and a year's subscription to Sirius XM radio are included in the specification.

The Colorado Shoreline is being offered in extended cab guise with either rear- or four-wheel drive.

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The 2017 Camaro ZL1 boasts 640 horsepower

March 16, 2016, 4:34 pm

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Chevrolet has confirmed that the 2017 Camaro ZL1 will feature an updated 6.2 litre LT4 V8 engine. Thanks to a supercharger and special intake and exhaust systems, it produces an estimated 640 bhp (477 kW / 648 PS) with 868 Nm (640 lb/ft) of peak torque.

That output gets delivered to the rear wheels via a six-speed manual gearbox with active rev matching. Alternatively, an all-new ten-speed quick-shift automatic transmission is going to be optionally available.

Official figures haven't been revealed yet, so for now assessing this ZL1's pace is impossible. Nevertheless, Chevrolet is making some very bold claims.

According to Mark Reuss, executive vice president of Global Product Development, “It's a 2+2 coupé offering incredible performance – acceleration, handling and braking – with the highest levels of technology and perfect chassis damping, making it suitable for everyday driving. It will compare well to any sports coupé, at any price and in any setting.”

Included in the specification are Magnetic Ride Control, Performance Traction Management, Custom Launch Control, an electronic limited-slip differential and bespoke Brembo brakes with six-piston monobloc front calipers.

A suitably purposeful look is provided by 20” forged alloy wheels shod with Goodyear Eagle F1 Supercar tyres, a prominent rear wing and a larger front splitter that sits beneath a modified bumper. What's more, the bonnet gains a carbon fibre panel which incorporates a heat extractor.

Sales of the 2017 Camaro ZL1 are due to begin towards the end of this year.

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The tC Release Series 10.0 marks Scion’s exit

March 17, 2016, 3:47 pm

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Given the imminent demise of Scion, the brand's presence at the upcoming New York International Auto Show seems like a pointless money-wasting exercise. However, it's being treated as a final farewell to the marque (and, no doubt, an opportunity to persuade fans to switch their allegiance to Toyota).

As part of the commemorations, the tC Release Series 10.0 has been created. This limited edition coupé, which is finished in Barcelona Red paintwork, features numerous items inspired by the Japanese tuning scene.

The most obvious is a full body kit. Designed by Kei Miura, this comprises a front splitter, side sill extensions, a diffuser and a rear spoiler.

Gloss black alloy wheels and a TRD dual exhaust are also fitted, while ride-lowering TRD springs are intended to improve both the car's stance and its handling.

Inside, the specification includes unique upholstery and Release Series floor mats. Echoing the exterior colour scheme, contrast is provided by red stitching and red seatbelts.

Just 1,200 examples of the tC Release Series 10.0 are going to be built. In the United States, prices start from $23,190 (plus a $795 delivery fee) with a six-speed manual gearbox. Opting for a six-speed automatic transmission instead will add $1,150 to the cost.

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2017 Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 4Matic revealed

March 18, 2016, 4:41 pm

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For the first time, Mercedes-AMG has developed a high-performance mid-size SUV. The GLC 43 4Matic – which is set to arrive at dealers in June – will slot between the existing GLA 45 4Matic and GLE 63 S 4Matic in the brand's model line-up.

Power comes from a 3.0 litre V6 biturbo engine that's tuned to deliver 362 bhp (270 kW / 367 PS) plus 520 Nm (383 lb/ft) of peak torque. It's complemented by a nine-speed 9G-Tronic automatic transmission and rear-biased 4Matic all-wheel drive.

A 4.9 seconds 0-62 mph (100 km/h) time is impressive but, as expected, the GLC 43 4Matic is electronically limited to 155 mph (250 km/h). Combined cycle fuel economy is officially rated at 34.1 mpg (8.3 l/100km), while CO2 emissions are 189 g/km.

Chassis components include Air Body Control air suspension with three-mode adaptive damping, speed-sensitive steering and larger brake discs. Furthermore, there are five Dynamic Select settings that affect various parameters such as throttle response, gear change aggression, the ride / handling balance and even engine idle speed.

To go with the technical upgrades, the GLC 43 4Matic gains a front splitter, restyled bumpers, a unique grille design, black 19” five-spoke alloy wheels and a pair of front sports seats.

A price has yet to be announced.

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