2013 Street Bob Limited Edition

March 10, 2013, 4:44 pm

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Harley-Davidson has unveiled the 2013 Dyna Street Bob Limited Edition.

Its most obvious feature is the unique colour scheme that comprises Big Blue Pearl paintwork, black and red accents and distinctive red aluminium wheel rims. Completing the look are restyled engine covers and a black finish for the tank-mounted instrument console.

But the package isn’t just about appearances. Rather than the usual 1,585 cc Twin Cam 96 engine, the Limited Edition is the only bike in the current Dyna line-up to be powered by the 1,690 cc Twin Cam 103 V-twin motor. What’s more, the specification also includes anti-lock brakes as standard.

In the UK, the 2013 Dyna Street Bob Limited Edition is priced at £11,445.

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2014 SsangYong Rodius

March 11, 2013, 6:54 am

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SsangYong has unveiled its all-new Rodius MPV, which will also be known as the Stavic, Rodius Turismo or Korando Turismo in other markets.

The design is meant to create a ‘sporting while at the same time luxurious and dignified tone’. Whether that tough remit has been fully achieved is questionable, but at least the styling is an improvement on the current model’s.

Anyway, the main concern for most prospective owners is probably interior space, not the looks. And they won’t be disappointed by the Rodius, because the cabin features a foldable second row and a removable third row of seats. As a result, seven adults, lots of cargo or a combination of the two can be carried.

Just one engine is going to be available, the 2.0 litre e-XDi200 turbo diesel that develops 152 bhp (114 kW / 155 PS) with 360 Nm (265 lb/ft) of peak torque. Power is sent to the rear wheels via a six-speed manual gearbox, although a five-speed manual transmission from Mercedes-Benz and an all-wheel drive system will also be offered.

European sales of the 2014 SsangYong Rodius are due to begin later this year. Prices have yet to be announced.

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2014 Star Motorcycles Bolt

March 11, 2013, 2:17 pm

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Star Motorcycles, Yamaha’s American cruiser brand, has unveiled its new 2014 Bolt.

Sporting a distinctive, stripped-back look that’s devoid of chrome, the bike features a traditional teardrop fuel tank, 12-spoke cast wheels and a double-cradle frame. There are some modern touches though, including the LED rear light and an LCD speedometer.

Available from next month with a choice of Raven or Pearl White paint finishes, the Bolt has an MSRP in the United States of $7,990.

Alternatively, the Bolt R-Spec adds remote-reservoir twin rear dampers, black mirrors and a unique seat design to the standard equipment list. It comes in either Camo Green (with contrasting black fenders) or Matte Gray and costs $8,290.

Powering both versions is a 58 cubic inch (942 cc) V-twin engine. Fuel-injected and air-cooled, its output is sent to the rear wheel via a belt drive system.

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Gold Wing F6B coming to the UK

March 12, 2013, 11:45 am

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Honda has now confirmed that its new Gold Wing F6B will be offered in the UK.

Based on the regular GL1800 Gold Wing tourer and sharing its twin-spar aluminium frame and six-cylinder engine, the F6B has a distinctive pared-down look.

Unique aspects include a lower screen, a redesigned seat and a black finish for most of the visible components. The lack of a top-box is another obvious difference, although the generously-proportioned panniers remain.

The UK on the road price for the F6B has been set at £19,199, which makes it £5,101 cheaper than the GL1800 model. However, Honda is saying only a limited number will be available from selected dealers when sales begin this July.

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Mercedes launches M-Class Guard

March 12, 2013, 4:37 pm

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Mercedes-Benz has unveiled the M-Class Guard, a high-security edition of its SUV that’ll be a rival for existing models such as the Land Rover Discovery 4 Armoured and the BMW X5 Security.

Based on either the diesel ML 350 BlueTEC or the petrol ML 500, the Guard comes with a complete package of integrated protection measures. They include thicker laminated glass all-round, modified doors, run-flat tyres and extra metal in the pillars, roof and front bulkhead.

Consequently, the M-Class has been certified to VR4 ballistic resistance standards. If additional blast defence is required, then floor armour can be fitted as an option.

As would be expected, those modifications have had an adverse effect on kerb weight. At 2,765 kg (6,095 lbs) the ML 350 BlueTEC Guard is 590 kg (1,300 lbs) heavier than the standard vehicle, for example.

The added bulk has in turn increased acceleration times and fuel consumption is worse. However, it’s claimed that neither the ride nor the handling have suffered, thanks to the fitment of stronger axle components, air suspension and adaptive damping.

Both left- and right-hand drive versions of the M-Class Guard will be available when sales begin later this month. In Germany the ML 350 BlueTEC Guard is priced from €105,050, while the ML 500 Guard costs €118,650.

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Honda CB Trigger unveiled

March 13, 2013, 3:01 pm

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The new CB Trigger is about to become the third 150 cc motorcycle in Honda’s Indian line-up. Aimed at younger riders, it has been designed as a stylish bike for leisure and commuting use.

Power comes from a four-stroke, carburettor-fed, air-cooled engine that’s connected to a five-speed gearbox. With 13.8 bhp (10.3 kW / 14.0 PS) and 12.5 Nm (9.2 lb/ft) of peak torque, Honda is claiming strong performance throughout the rev range plus fuel economy of up to 169.4 mpg (1.7 l/100km / 60.0 km/l).

The specification includes alloy wheels with tubeless tyres, monoshock rear suspension, a fully digital instrument panel, an LED rear light and both electric- and kick-starters.

Three versions are going to be available, but they’re only differentiated by their braking systems. The standard model has a disc brake on the front wheel and a drum on the rear, while the Deluxe has discs front and rear.

The range-topping CBS adds Honda’s Combi Brake System. A first for this market segment, the combined set-up allows the rider to operate both brakes using the foot pedal only. The result is improved deceleration and shorter stopping distances.

Orders for the CB Trigger are being accepted from next month, and buyers will have a choice of Black, Meteor Green Metallic or Pearl Siena Red paint finishes. The first deliveries are then expected to follow in May.

Prices have yet to be announced.

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Volkswagen e-Up! revealed

March 14, 2013, 10:34 am

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Volkswagen has unveiled its first ever electric production car, the e-Up!.

Instead of an internal combustion engine, the e-Up! city car has an electric motor that produces 54 bhp (40 kW / 55 PS) of continuous power, 80 bhp (60 kW / 82 PS) of peak power and 210 Nm (155 lb/ft) of torque. That’s sufficient for a reasonable 0-62 mph (100 km/h) time of less than 14 seconds, but top speed is a modest 84 mph (135 km/h).

Thanks partly to enhanced aerodynamics and a lightweight body, a range of up to 93 miles (150 kilometres) is promised from the under-floor 18.7 kWh lithium-ion battery pack. Once depleted, recharging to 80 per cent capacity takes under 30 minutes.

Sales of the Volkswagen e-Up! are due to begin after its public debut at September’s Frankfurt Motor Show. Pricing has yet to be announced.

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New Honda CB400 family

March 14, 2013, 1:07 pm

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Honda will be unveiling three new 400 cc bikes at this week’s Osaka Motorcycle Show.

The fully-faired CBR400R, naked CB400F and adventure-styled 400X all share the same frame and liquid-cooled parallel-twin engine, but each has its own individual identity.

2013 Honda CBR400R

Essentially smaller-capacity versions of the recently-launched CB500R, CB500F and CB500X, they’ve been specially developed for Japan and other Asian markets to suit local driving licence regulations.

2013 Honda CB400F

2013 Honda 400X

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2013 Clio Renaultsport vs. its rivals

March 15, 2013, 4:15 pm

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Renault has confirmed UK market specifications and pricing for its Clio Renaultsport 200 Turbo. Available only as a five-door hatchback, the new performance Clio will be offered in either standard or Lux guises.

Both versions are powered by a 1.6 litre direct-injection petrol engine which, as the car’s name implies, produces an impressive 197 bhp (147 kW / 200 PS) thanks to its turbocharger.

The sole transmission option is an automatic six-speed Efficient Dual Clutch gearbox that features launch control, a multi change-down function and Normal, Sport and Race driving modes.

Standard equipment includes sports seats, aluminium pedals, keyless entry and start, Bluetooth connectivity, a 7” touchscreen and cruise control. The Lux model seems like good value, as it adds climate control, rear electric windows, automatic lights and wipers, an upgraded audio system and satellite navigation for a fairly modest £1,000 premium.

As expected, buyers will be enticed with various cost options. The most popular is likely to be the £450 Cup chassis set-up, which consists of stiffer suspension, quicker steering, a lower ride height, red brake calipers and gloss black 18” alloys shod with Dunlop Sport Maxx TT tyres.

Given its output and pace, the Clio’s obvious hot hatch competitors are the Peugeot 208 GTi and the Mini John Cooper Works.

Based on the three rivals’ stats, there’s not much in it. The Mini is marginally the quickest, but it’s also considerably more expensive.

On price at least, that leaves the French pair. Their performance might appear identical, but in two respects - transmission type and number of doors - they are very different propositions.

Manufacturer	Renault	Mini	Peugeot
Model	Clio Renaultsport 200 Turbo EDC	John Cooper Works Hatch	208 GTi
Price three-door	N/A	£22,455	£18,895
Price five-door	£18,995	N/A	N/A
Engine	1.6 litre turbo petrol	1.6 litre turbo petrol	1.6 litre turbo petrol
Power	197 bhp (147 kW / 200 PS)	208 bhp (155 kW / 211 PS)	197 bhp (147 kW / 200 PS)
Torque	240 Nm (177 lb/ft)	260 Nm (191 lb/ft)	275 Nm (202 lb/ft)
Transmission	6-speed dual-clutch auto	6-speed manual	6-speed manual
0-62 mph (100 km/h)	6.7 secs	6.5 secs	6.8 secs
Top speed	143 mph (230 km/h)	148 mph (238 km/h)	143 mph (230 km/h)
Combined fuel consumption	44.8 mpg (6.3 l/100km)	42.8 mpg (6.6 l/100km)	47.9 mpg (5.9 l/100km)
CO2 emissions	144 g/km	153 g/km	139 g/km

The Renault Clio Renaultsport 200 Turbo EDC is due to arrive at dealers in June.

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2014 SRT Viper Time Attack

March 19, 2013, 1:02 pm

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SRT is continuing to target circuit driving aficionados with its Viper. Following the recent launch of the optional Track Pack, a new Time Attack special edition has just been unveiled.

Due to debut at the New York International Auto Show later this month, the Viper TA features an upgraded chassis but it remains completely street legal.

Among the modifications are firmer dampers, stiffer springs, race-derived anti-roll bars and an aero package that includes a front splitter and rear spoiler. Tweaks to the Brembo brakes promise better heat dissipation under heavy use and, as a finishing touch, the TA’s structural engine bay cross-brace is made from carbon fibre instead of the usual aluminium.

One thing that’s unchanged is the 8.4 litre V10 engine. However, with 640 bhp (477 kW / 648 PS) and a substantial 813 Nm (600 lb/ft) of torque, its output isn’t exactly lacking.

According to Ralph Gilles, President and CEO of SRT: “The new 2014 SRT Viper TA is being engineering for the dedicated track enthusiast, who still wants to drive to the track and take their hobby to the next level.

“Our engineers revised the suspension settings to refocus the Viper specifically for track duty, using a blend of components from the GTS and the SRT models, add in the extensively developed aero package and the new Time Attack package is born. We’re not only saluting the existing capabilities of our current models, we’re also targeting another niche in our customer base with a tremendously capable track machine.”

Only 33 examples of the SRT Viper TA are going to be produced and all will come with Crusher Orange paintwork.

An MSRP has yet to be confirmed, but it’s expected to be around $120,000. Customer deliveries are scheduled to begin during the third quarter of 2013.

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2014 Jaguar XJR first view

March 20, 2013, 12:48 pm

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Jaguar has released the first image of its new XJR, which is set to be unveiled at the upcoming New York International Auto Show.

Power is going to come from a 5.0 litre supercharged V8 engine developing 542 bhp (404 kW / 550 PS) and, as with other ‘R’ models, the package will also include an upgraded chassis and aerodynamic tweaks. However, apart from those snippets, details are being kept sketchy for now.

Commenting on the performance XJ, Adrian Hallmark, Global Brand Director for Jaguar, said: “The new XJR epitomises the three pillars of technology, performance and contemporary design which the Jaguar brand stands for in the twenty-first century, while delivering new levels of dynamic ability in a luxury saloon.”

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2014 Dakar route revealed

March 20, 2013, 3:31 pm

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Even though there are still ten months to wait until the 2014 Dakar Rally, organisers have already announced its itinerary.

For the sixth successive year the event is going to be based in South America. Beginning in Rosario, Argentina on the 5th of January, the route will briefly enter Bolivia before it eventually finishes in Valparaiso, Chile on the 18th of January. The schedule is set to feature longer special stages as well as several gruelling marathon stages.

Entries for the rally open on the 15th of May. In a new departure, ten places will be reserved for novice competitors who have participated in rounds of the Dakar Challenge. That series runs from May to October and includes the Tecate Score Baja 500 (Mexico), Desafio Ruta 40 (Argentina), Toyota Kalahari Botswana 1000 Desert Race (Botswana), Reno 500 (USA), Australasian Safari (Australia) and Desafio Inca (Peru).

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2013 BTCC entry list

March 21, 2013, 8:17 am

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A record 32 drivers, 18 teams and 13 different models from 11 manufacturers are set to compete in this year’s British Touring Car Championship.

What’s more, with all but seven entries running to full Next Generation Touring Car specification, the racing promises to be extremely close.

The NGTC-specification BMW 125i M Sport of eBay Motors

with drivers Rob Collard, Nick Foster and Colin Turkington.

To further mix things up, a new tyre rule this year should add an extra element of strategy. At every round (apart from Thruxton) all NGTC contestants will each receive a single set of ‘soft compound’ Dunlop tyres, which they then have to use during one of the event’s three races.

The 2013 BTCC begins at Brands Hatch on Easter Sunday. As in recent seasons, ITV4 is going to be screening live race coverage.

2013 Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship: Entry List
No.	Driver	Team	Car	Class
1	Gordon Shedden	Honda Yuasa Racing	Honda Civic	NGTC
2	Matt Neal	Honda Yuasa Racing	Honda Civic	NGTC
5	Rob Collard	eBay Motors	BMW 125i M Sport	NGTC
18	Nick Foster	eBay Motors	BMW 125i M Sport	NGTC
29	Colin Turkington	eBay Motors	BMW 125i M Sport	NGTC
6	Tom Onslow-Cole	PPCGB.com / Kraftwerk Racing	Volkswagen Passat CC	NGTC
22	Howard Fuller	PPCGB.com / Kraftwerk Racing	Volkswagen Passat CC	NGTC
7	Mat Jackson	Airwaves Racing	Ford Focus	NGTC
8	Aron Smith	Airwaves Racing	Ford Focus	NGTC
10	Daniel Welch	Welch Motorsport with Sopp+Sopp	Proton Gen-2	NGTC
11	Frank Wrathall	Dynojet	Toyota Avensis	NGTC
13	Rob Austin	WIX Racing	Audi A4	NGTC
14	Will Bratt	WIX Racing	Audi A4	NGTC
17	Dave Newsham	Speedworks Motorsport	Toyota Avensis	NGTC
48	Oliver Jackson	Speedworks Motorsport	Toyota Avensis	NGTC
20	James Cole	RCIB Insurance Racing	Vauxhall Insignia	NGTC
31	Jack Goff	RCIB Insurance Racing	Vauxhall Insignia	NGTC
28	Chris Stockton	BTC Racing	Chevrolet Cruze**	NGTC
33	Adam Morgan	Ciceley Racing	Toyota Avensis	NGTC
44	Andy Neate	Team Club 44	Chevrolet Cruze*	NGTC
TBA	TBA	Team Club 44	Chevrolet Cruze**	NGTC
55	Jeff Smith	Pirtek Racing	Honda Civic	NGTC
77	Andrew Jordan	Pirtek Racing	Honda Civic	NGTC
88	Sam Tordoff	MG KX Momentum Racing	MG6 GT	NGTC
99	Jason Plato	MG KX Momentum Racing	MG6 GT	NGTC
4	Michael Caine	Addison Lee Motorbase	Ford Focus*	S2000
66	Liam Griffin	Addison Lee Motorbase	Ford Focus	S2000
12	David Nye	Welch Motorsport with Sopp+Sopp	Ford Focus	S2000
15	James Kaye	AmDTuning.com	Volkswagen Golf	S2000
39	Warren Scott	BMR Restart	Seat Leon	S2000
43	Lea Wood	Wheel Heaven / Houseman Racing	Vauxhall Vectra	S2000
90	Joe Girling	M247 Racing	Chevrolet Cruze	S2000
* Entry from Donington Park (round two).
** Entry from Snetterton (round six).
S2000 entries are eligible for the Jack Sears Trophy.

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Porsche 911 ‘Project 50’ race car

March 21, 2013, 4:03 pm

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Porsche Cars GB is celebrating the 50th anniversary of the 911 by entering one in selected Masters Series races across Europe.

The car chosen for the ‘Project 50’ campaign is a right-hand drive, short-wheelbase 911 that was built in 1965. Power comes from a 1,991 cc six-cylinder boxer engine with an output of 128 bhp (95 kW / 130 PS), a very modest figure compared to any current 911.

Originally sold to a customer in Italy, the ‘Project 50’ 911 then went to the United States before eventually coming to Britain in the late 1990s. Once here, a full restoration took place and it was converted into a race car.

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KTM E-Speed concept

March 22, 2013, 12:25 pm

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KTM has unveiled the electric-powered E-Speed scooter concept at the Tokyo Motorcycle Show.

Built around a load-bearing aluminium battery casing and a steel trellis sub-frame, it features a liquid-cooled 14 bhp (11 kW / 15 PS) motor which produces 36 Nm (26 lb/ft) of peak torque. As the belt-driven E-Speed weighs just 140 kg (308 lbs), that output is sufficient for a reasonable enough top speed of 52 mph (85 km/h).

At first glance the anticipated range from the 4.36 kWh lithium-ion battery pack doesn’t seem that great at 37 miles (60 kilometres), but it should be enough for most urban riding situations. Recharging via a regular 220V outlet is reckoned to take less than two hours.

There certainly hasn’t been any skimping on the E-Speed’s specification, which includes WP suspension components, LED lights, 14” alloy wheels and regenerative brakes that incorporate an anti-lock system. However, KTM has yet to confirm whether it will make the transition from concept to production model.

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2013 Yamaha YZR-M1 livery

March 23, 2013, 7:19 am

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Yamaha Factory Racing has unveiled an updated livery for its YZR-M1 MotoGP bikes.

For 2013, the team is sticking with a predominantly blue and white colour scheme, although it now incorporates the logos of new sponsor Monster Energy.

2012 World Champion Jorge Lorenzo remains with Yamaha, although interestingly he has elected to keep his #99 race number rather than use the #1 that his title-holder status allows him to. Valentino Rossi returns after his two-year stint at Ducati and, of course, he’ll be riding the #46 machine.

The first race of the 2013 MotoGP season takes place in Qatar on the 7th of April.

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2014 Buick LaCrosse revealed

March 25, 2013, 4:20 pm

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After almost four years on sale, Buick has given its flagship LaCrosse a facelift, an updated interior and some extra equipment.

The subtle tweaks to the exterior include a restyled front bumper, LED daytime running lights, a bolder grille design and wraparound rear LED light clusters.

On the inside, the focus has been on improving the ambiance. New seats are complemented by upgraded materials, while a refreshed centre console now incorporates an 8” colour screen.

Available specification for the 2014 LaCrosse includes adaptive cruise control together with a range of camera- and radar-based safety systems such as rear cross traffic alert, lane departure warning and side blind zone alert.

The engine line up comprises a 182 bhp (136 kW / 184 PS) 2.4 litre four-cylinder unit with eAssist hybrid technology and a 304 bhp (227 kW / 308 PS) 3.6 litre V6. Both come connected to a six-speed automatic transmission, and buyers will have a choice of either front- or all-wheel drive.

The 2014 Buick LaCrosse is due to arrive at dealers this summer.

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Images © General Motors.

Jaguar launches the XKR-S GT

March 26, 2013, 4:32 pm

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Jaguar has unveiled the special edition XKR-S GT coupé. Described as being ‘road-going but track-ready’, the initial production run will be limited to just thirty examples which are all destined for North America.

To help equip it for circuit use, the GT gets a host of chassis upgrades and aerodynamic tweaks.

2014 Jaguar XKR-S GT. Scroll down for more images.

The suspension has received a complete makeover using experience gained from the F-Type’s development. Changes include a more direct steering rack, a wider front track, an increased front camber angle and new lightweight 20” forged alloy wheels. Also fitted are stiffer, height-adjustable adaptive dampers and a revised rear subframe.

For fade-free braking, the GT features carbon ceramic discs with monobloc calipers, the first time that such a set-up has been used on a production Jaguar. It’s complemented by ‘pre-fill’, an electronic system that pressurises the brakes as soon as the driver comes off the accelerator. The result is a quicker response plus a shorter, more consistent brake pedal action.

Visually, the various bodywork modifications easily identify the GT. But rather than being merely cosmetic, their purpose is to provide extra downforce. Up front they comprise a prominent carbon fibre front splitter, dive planes and a redesigned aluminium valance, while a diffuser and race-inspired wing are present at the rear. Furthermore, unique bonnet louvres aid engine cooling as well as optimising air flow over the car.

Although the 542 bhp (405 kW / 550 PS) supercharged 5.0 litre V8 is identical to the engine that powers the regular XKR-S, the GT’s superior aerodynamics and a recalibrated traction control system have reduced the 0-60 mph (96 km/h) time from 4.2 to 3.9 seconds. Top speed remains electronically-limited to 186 mph (300 km/h).

The XKR-S GT will only be available in Polaris White with charcoal leather and suedecloth upholstery. In the United States its price has been set at $174,895, which roughly equates to £115,350.

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2014 Cadillac CTS unveiled

March 27, 2013, 3:31 pm

≫ Next: 2013 Vauxhall VXR8 Tourer

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With its vertical headlights, wide grille and taut surfacing, the all-new 2014 CTS saloon is unmistakeably a Cadillac. At first glance the styling might seem a gentle evolution, but there are noticeable changes. The lines are softer, for instance, and the proportions are sleeker thanks to an extra five inches between the bumpers and a lower roofline. The result is a very elegant car.

Based on the same ‘GM Alpha’ platform that underpins the smaller ATS, Cadillac says the 2014 CTS offers more interior space than its predecessor. What’s more, it’s claimed to be lighter than any of its competitors due to various weight-saving measures, including the use of aluminium for the front suspension and door structures. One side effect of the diet is a near 50/50 weight distribution, something that should in turn benefit the balance and handling.

The 2014 Cadillac CTS. Scroll down for more images.

Until the arrival of a CTS-V variant, the quickest member of the range is going to be the Vsport. It’s powered by a 420 bhp (313 kW / 425 PS) 3.6 litre V6 engine which, for the first time ever on a Cadillac, boasts twin turbochargers and comes connected to an eight-speed automatic transmission.

An estimated 0-60 mph (96 km/h) time of just 4.6 seconds suggests brisk performance. To help ensure the Vsport’s full potential can be realised, its specification also features a quicker steering rack, upgraded Brembo disc brakes, 18” alloy wheels, an electronic limited slip differential and a ‘track’ driving mode.

As expected, the list of available equipment for the 2014 CTS is extensive. Among the items being offered are an automatic parallel-parking assist function, 20-way power adjusted front seats, various camera- and radar-based safety systems, adaptive cruise control and (unbelievably) a motorised lid for the centre console cup holder.

Production of the 2014 Cadillac CTS begins this autumn. Pricing has yet to be announced.

2014 Cadillac CTS Sedan - Preliminary Technical Specifications
Body
Type	Four-door luxury sports saloon
EPA vehicle class	Mid-size car
Construction	Unitary steel body with direct-mounted front cradle and rubber-isolated, multi-link independent rear suspension
Drivetrain	Rear- or all-wheel drive
Engines
Configuration	2.0 Turbo DI VVT	3.6 V6 DI VVT	3.6 V6 Twin-Turbo DI VVT
Displacement	1,998 cc (122 cu. in.)	3,564 cc (217 cu. in.)
Bore and stroke	86 x 86 mm (3.39 x 3.39 in.)	94 x 85.6 mm (3.70 x 3.37 in.)
Block material	Cast aluminium
Cylinder head material	Cast aluminium
Valvegear	DOHC, four valves per cylinder, continuously variable valve timing
Fuel	Unleaded petrol
Fuel type	Premium recommended	Regular	Premium required
Fuel delivery	Direct high-pressure fuel injection
Compression ratio	9.5:1	11.5:1	10.2:1
Power	272 bhp (203 kW / 275 PS) @ 5,500 rpm	321 bhp (239 kW / 325 PS) @ 6,800 rpm	420 bhp (313 kW / 425 PS) @ 5,750 rpm
Torque	400 Nm (295 lb/ft) @ 1,700 - 5,500 rpm	373 Nm (275 lb/ft) @ 4,800 rpm	583 Nm (430 lb/ft) @ 3,500 - 4,500 rpm
Estimated fuel economy
RWD city	19 mpg US (22.8 mpg imp. / 12.4 l/100km)	19 mpg US (22.8 mpg imp. / 12.4 l/100km)	17 mpg US (20.4 mpg imp. / 13.8 l/100km)
RWD highway	30 mpg US (36.0 mpg imp. / 7.8 l/100km)	28 mpg US (33.6 mpg imp. / 8.4 l/100km)	25 mpg US (30.0 mpg imp. / 9.4 l/100km)
AWD city	18 mpg US (21.6 mpg imp. / 13.1 l/100km)	18 mpg US (21.6 mpg imp. / 13.1 l/100km)	N/A
AWD highway	28 mpg US (33.6 mpg imp. / 8.4 l/100km)	27 mpg US (32.4 mpg imp. / 8.7 l/100km)	N/A
Transmission
Type	Six-speed automatic	Six-speed automatic (AWD) / eight-speed automatic (RWD)	Eight-speed automatic
Differential	Open differential		Electronic limited-slip
Chassis
Front suspension	MacPherson-type with dual lower ball joints, twin-tube struts and direct-acting stabilizer bar; optional Magnetic Ride Control with monotube inverted struts (standard on Vsport)
Rear suspension	Independent five-link with twin-tube shock absorbers; optional Magnetic Ride Control with monotube shocks (standard on Vsport)
Steering	ZF rack, electric variable power-assisted
Traction control	Four-channel StabiliTrak with brake assist
Brakes	Four-wheel Brembo vented discs with four-channel ABS
Exterior dimensions
Wheelbase	2,911 mm (114.6 in.)
Length	4,966 mm (195.5 in.)
Height	1,454 mm (57.2 in.)
Width	1,833 mm (72.2 in.)
Track	Front 1,560 mm (61.4 in.); rear 1,568 mm (61.7 in.)
Curb weight	3,616 kg (1,640 lbs)
Weight distribution	50.3% front / 48.7% rear
Interior dimensions
Seating capacity	2 front / 3 rear
Legroom	Front 1,081 mm (42.6 in.); rear 899 mm (35.4 in.)
Headroom	Front 995 mm (39.2 in.); rear 952 mm (37.5 in.)
Shoulder room	Front 1,446 mm (56.9 in.); rear 1,392 mm (54.8 in.)
Hip room	Front 1,366 mm (53.8 in.); rear 1,353 mm (53.3 in.)
Capacities
EPA passenger volume	2,746 litres (97 cu. ft.)
EPA trunk volume	388 litres (13.7 cu. ft.)

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Images © General Motors.

2013 Vauxhall VXR8 Tourer

March 28, 2013, 4:39 pm

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Holden might be busy launching its updated VF Commodore, but are there still some previous-generation VE Commodore Sportwagons sitting in stock? That could explain why Vauxhall has just announced that a number of the older models are coming to the UK, rebadged as the VXR8 Tourer.

As per the saloon and pick-up versions already sold here, power comes from a 6.2 litre V8 engine with an output of 425 bhp (316 kW / 431 PS). That makes the rear-wheel drive VXR8 the most powerful estate car ever offered by Vauxhall. It’s quick too, completing the zero to 60 mph (96 km/h) sprint in 4.9 seconds before going on to an electronically-limited 155 mph (250 km/h).

Combine those figures with a price tag of £49,500 and the result is a performance bargain, especially when compared to its potential rivals. Take the Mercedes-Benz E 63 AMG Estate, for example. Sure, its 5.5 litre turbocharged V8 boasts an extra 125 bhp (94 kW / 126 PS) and the Vauxhall would be beaten in a drag race, but the Mercedes’ top speed is the same and it costs £75,510.

The VXR8 Tourer is also a practical proposition. In fact, with a maximum loadspace of 2,000 litres Vauxhall reckons it’s the most commodious estate currently available in the UK.

Included as standard are a launch control system, leather upholstery, Bluetooth connectivity, the Enhanced Driver Interface performance monitor and 20” alloy wheels. Buyers will have a choice of six-speed manual or automatic transmissions.

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Images © General Motors.