Future Toyota Adventure Concept unveiled

December 1, 2017, 3:26 pm

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Short overhangs, a generous ground clearance, substantial skid plates, large 20” wheels and all-terrain tyres signal that the Future Toyota Adventure Concept is aimed at intrepid drivers.

The FT-AC also boasts all-wheel drive with torque vectoring and various terrain-response settings. Furthermore, its extensive equipment list includes LED headlights, removable front fog lights, a versatile safari-style roof rack system and an integrated bike rack.

Connectivity and social media exposure might be important to some people within the FT-AC’s target demographic. To satisfy them, the door mirrors incorporate removable infra-red cameras. Footage can be stored directly to the cloud or streamed live thanks to a built-in Wi-Fi hotspot. In addition, a geolocation function is able to guide the vehicle to a specific point on a map.

At the moment, a straightforward petrol engine is fitted to this concept. However, Toyota says that any future production version could easily be offered with a hybrid powertrain instead.

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GMC has built a snow-ready concept truck

December 2, 2017, 12:11 pm

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A set of Mattracks 150 Series tracks is a pretty obvious indicator that the All Mountain concept isn’t a normal pick-up. Its primary purpose is to traverse snow-covered rough ground in all weather conditions, hence the lack of ordinary wheels.

The starting point was a four-wheel drive GMC Sierra 2500HD Denali. As well as the special undercarriage, additions include a Rigid E-Series light bar, an Advantage soft roll-up tonneau cover and Thule snowboard racks. Under-body LED lights and some suitably alpine graphics complete the conversion.

Power is provided by a 6.6 litre Duramax turbocharged diesel V8 engine. An impressive 445 bhp (331 kW / 451 PS) and 1,233 Nm (910 lb/ft) of torque gets delivered via an Allison six-speed automatic transmission.

The Sierra All Mountain concept will spend this winter on display in Vail, as part of a joint promotion between the resort and GMC.

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The Golf GTI TCR is getting a facelift for 2018

December 3, 2017, 1:33 pm

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Volkswagen Motorsport has unveiled a slightly revised Golf GTI TCR. The only significant change is at the front, where a redesigned nose is intended to provide a closer visual link between the race car and its road-going equivalent.

There haven’t been any mechanical alterations, so power still comes from a 2.0 litre turbocharged engine that produces 345 bhp (257 kW / 350 PS).

Deliveries are due to begin in January. As next season will see the inaugural TCR UK championship, customers might include some British teams for the first time.

The 2018 Golf GTI TCR is currently being displayed at the Essen Motor Show.

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Morgan teases the limited edition Aero GT

December 4, 2017, 3:07 pm

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Ahead of an official unveiling at the Geneva Motor Show next March, Morgan has released some details about the new Aero GT.

This motorsport-inspired creation – which is being touted as the company’s “most extreme road-going model to date” – commemorates the end of Aero 8 production. Just eight examples are going to be built, but they’ve all been allocated to existing Morgan customers already.

The Aero GT is distinguished by its extensively reworked body panels. Additions such as a large rear diffuser and louvres on the wing tops are intended to reduce drag while generating extra downforce.

Like the regular Aero 8, power comes from a BMW 4.8 litre V8 that delivers 362 bhp (270 kW / 367 PS) and 490 Nm (361 lb/ft) of torque via a six-speed manual transmission. In fact, the engine’s obsolescence is the cause of the Aero’s imminent demise, although exactly why a current unit can’t be fitted instead is unknown.

2018 Polo GTI R5 rally car revealed

December 5, 2017, 1:13 pm

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Provided that the homologation process goes to plan, customer rally teams should be able to take delivery of the new Volkswagen Polo GTI R5 from next summer.

Development work started at the beginning of this year. According to Volkswagen Motorsport’s Technical Director, François-Xavier Demaison, “The Polo GTI R5 came through the initial tests without any problems. The feedback from the test drivers was very positive.

“It is obviously beneficial to be able to call upon an experienced team of engineers and mechanics, who helped to develop the Polo that won the world championship. And it goes without saying that, as we have in the past, we are also taking advantage of the close and excellent cooperation with the colleagues in the technical development department in Wolfsburg, as well as our Škoda colleagues, who have been offering their customers an R5 car since 2015.”

As per the FIA’s R5 regulations, power comes from a 1.6 litre turbocharged petrol engine that’s mated to a five-speed sequential transmission and a permanent four-wheel drive system. Maximum output and torque figures are 268 bhp (200 kW / 272 PS) and 400 Nm (295 lb/ft) respectively.

They’re combined with a weight of only 1,230 kilograms. Consequently, impressive performance is promised – the 0-62 mph (100 km/h) sprint takes just 4.1 seconds, for example.

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2018 Formula One calendar confirmed

December 7, 2017, 1:48 pm

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Next year's FIA Formula One World Championship schedule has been ratified by the World Motor Sport Council.

As originally announced in June, twenty-one rounds are going to be squeezed into an eight-month season. China and Bahrain have subsequently swapped places but, apart from that change, the draft timetable remains unaltered.

The WMSC meeting also agreed a revised power unit penalty system. If a driver incurs a penalty exceeding fifteen grid places in 2018, then he’ll have to start the race from the back of the grid. Should more than one driver be in such a situation, then they’ll be arranged in the order in which their offences were committed.

2018 FIA Formula One World Championship – Calendar
Round	Date	Grand Prix
1	25 March	Melbourne, Australia
2	08 April	Sakhir, Bahrain
3	15 April	Shanghai, China
4	29 April	Baku, Azerbaijan
5	13 May	Barcelona, Spain
6	27 May	Monte Carlo, Monaco
7	10 June	Montreal, Canada
8	24 June	Le Castellet, France
9	01 July	Spielberg, Austria
10	08 July	Silverstone, Great Britain
11	22 July	Hockenheim, Germany
12	29 July	Budapest, Hungary
13	26 August	Spa-Francorchamps, Belgium
14	02 September	Monza, Italy
15	16 September	Marina Bay, Singapore
16	30 September	Sochi, Russia
17	07 October	Suzuka, Japan
18	21 October	Austin, USA*
19	28 October	Mexico City, Mexico
20	11 November	São Paulo, Brazil
21	25 November	Yas Marina, Abu Dhabi
* Subject to ASN approval.

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Holden Colorado SportsCat by HSV introduced

December 8, 2017, 3:22 pm

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A series of cosmetic changes and some chassis upgrades mark out the 2018 Colorado SportsCat and SportsCat+. Developed by HSV, these new pick-up variants are intended to offer a better on-road driving experience while maintaining their off-road abilities.

Accordingly, a revised suspension set-up includes stiffer front springs and recalibrated dampers. Also fitted are 18” forged alloy wheels shod with Cooper Zeon LTZ Pro sports all-terrain tyres. As a result, ride height has been raised by 45 mm (1.8”) at the front and 20 mm (0.8”) at the rear.

The SportsCat+ additionally gains a rear decoupling anti-roll bar, as well as four-piston AP Racing brake calipers and larger brake discs for the front axle. Buyers of this model will be able to further improve the handling by opting for a SupaShock package.

Both versions feature a redesigned front bumper, LED fog lights, a special grille, wheel arch extensions, a hard tonneau cover and a unique tailgate treatment. Inside, they boast heated sports seats covered in leather and suede.

A bonnet bulge appears on the SportsCat+ too. However, like the regular SportsCat, power comes from an unmodified 2.8 litre Duramax turbo diesel engine. Its 197 bhp (147 kW / 200 PS) output is delivered via either a six-speed manual gearbox or a six-speed automatic transmission with Active Select.

Holden has yet to announce prices.

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Mazda MX-5 Z-Sport limited edition unveiled

December 9, 2017, 12:40 pm

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Although deliveries won’t begin until March next year, Mazda has already revealed details about the MX-5 Z-Sport. This new arrival – which is based on the existing 2.0 litre Sport Nav model – is going to be offered exclusively in the UK.

On the outside, Machine Grey metallic paintwork is complemented by a dark cherry fabric roof and black 17” BBS multi-spoke alloy wheels.

Sand leather upholstery brings another shade to the colour palette. Arguably, the standard black cowhide would’ve looked better, especially as it features contrast red stitching. Bespoke floor mats, a numbered dashboard plaque and some special scuff plates complete the enhanced specification.

300 examples of the 2018 MX-5 Z-Sport will be available, priced at £25,595 each. By comparison, a regular MX-5 Sport Nav with optional metallic paint and Sand leather currently costs £24,945.

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NEVS begins electric 9-3 production in China

December 11, 2017, 2:49 pm

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In 2012, Chinese-owned National Electric Vehicle Sweden acquired the assets of bankrupt Saab Automobile. Eighteen months later, as an interim measure, the new proprietors built a few more examples of the already aged petrol-fuelled Saab 9-3.

Now the 9-3 is back again, albeit with three major changes.

Firstly, it wears NEVS badges (because the company is no longer allowed to use the Saab brand); secondly, production has moved from Sweden to Tianjin, China (as expected); thirdly, power comes from an electric motor instead of an internal combustion engine (which was always the long-term aim).

NEVS says that the recently-constructed plant at Tianjin can assemble 50,000 cars per annum. Capacity is predicted to increase to 220,000 units during the second phase of the project.

As well as the four-door 9-3 Sedan, a five-door 9-3X estate variant is also planned. Strangely, hardly any technical specifications have been released, but battery range is reckoned to be around 300 kilometres (186 miles).

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UK prices for the Lexus LS 500h announced

December 12, 2017, 3:09 pm

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With deliveries of the 2018 LS due to begin early next year, Lexus has confirmed the on-the-road prices for its all-new flagship model.

The ordering process should be fairly straightforward. Customers just need to choose one of four trim grades and, if available for their selection, decide whether or not all-wheel drive is required.

A Lexus Multi Stage Hybrid System is the only powertrain that’s being offered. This combines a 3.5 litre V6 petrol engine, an electric motor-generator unit and an 84-cell lithium-ion battery pack. Total output is rated at 354 bhp (264 kW / 358 PS), which allows rear-wheel drive versions to complete the 0-62 mph (100 km/h) sprint in 5.4 seconds.

Here’s how the range lines up:

LS 500h – £72,595

Standard equipment includes triple-LED headlights and the Lexus Safety System+ suite of technologies. Inside, there’s a 12.3” display for the satellite navigation and 360° Panoramic View Monitor. The leather-covered front seats feature 20-way power adjustment plus integrated heating and ventilation.

LS 500h Luxury – £79,995
LS 500h Luxury AWD – £82,595

As well as a 23-speaker Mark Levinson QLI Reference Surround audio system, the Luxury variants gain integrated heating and ventilation for the rear seats, semi-aniline leather upholstery and four-zone climate control.

LS 500h F Sport – £79,995

A different alloy wheel design, lower-profile tyres and a unique grille give the F Sport a rather purposeful appearance. To complement the visual alterations, the Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management gizmo additionally controls the car’s Variable Gear Ratio Steering and Dynamic Rear Steering.

LS 500h Premier AWD – £97,995

Aimed at affluent individuals who prefer to be chauffeured, this LS comes with 22-way adjustment and extending leg rests for the rear seats. Furthermore, a Relaxation Package incorporates a seat massage function.

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2018 Mercedes-Benz G-Class interior first view

December 13, 2017, 3:35 pm

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Ahead of its public début at next month’s North American International Auto Show, Mercedes-Benz has released some details about the new G-Class’s cabin.

Lugano leather upholstery, heated seats front and rear, a driver’s seat memory function and wood trim mean that this certainly isn’t a ‘hose-out’ utilitarian vehicle.

For even more luxury, customers can opt for either the Exclusive Interior or Exclusive Interior Plus packages. The former comes with nappa leather in a choice of seven colour schemes with a black microfibre roof lining, while the latter gains extended leather and diamond-pattern quilting.

Enlarged dimensions have resulted in extra space. For instance, legroom is up by 38 mm (1.5”) in the front and 150 mm (5.9”) in the rear. The corresponding increases in shoulder width are 38 mm (1.5”) and 27 mm (1.0”) respectively.

Without doubt, the most significant changes concern how a driver interacts with their 2018 G-Class.

The standard specification includes traditional round instruments plus a central screen, but an alternative arrangement combines two 12.3” displays to form a configurable glass cockpit. In addition, the steering wheel uses touch sensitivity and haptic feedback to control the infotainment system.

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A new brand logo for Mini

December 14, 2017, 11:53 am

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Redesigned badges are going to adorn every Mini built from March 2018 onwards. In what is the first change since 2001, the marque’s familiar emblem will be depicted in two rather than three dimensions.

According to the blurb issued by Mini: “The preservation of the fundamental, tradition-steeped motif of a winged wheel with the brand name printed in capital letters at the centre ensures the logo will be instantly recognised.

The new two-dimensional Mini logo...

“The deliberate avoidance of shading and grey tones creates a starkly contrasting black-and-white effect that conveys the authenticity and clarity of the new brand identity, its two-dimensional character also allowing universal application.

...and the old three-dimensional Mini logo.

“The new logo will be applied as a product label to all Mini models – on the bonnet, at the rear, at the centre of the steering wheel and on the remote control.”

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December 15, 2017, 11:47 am

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Next month’s Tokyo Auto Salon 2018 will see Toyota Gazoo Racing exhibiting its new GR Super Sport Concept.

For the time being, just one teaser shot has been released. With features such as a tear-drop profile, a central fin and a full-width rear wing, the car has clearly been influenced by Toyota’s FIA World Endurance Championship racers.

However, the concept’s technical specifications remain a mystery. There’s no word yet on the likelihood of a future production version, either.

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Fiat Professional launches the Ducato Minibus

December 16, 2017, 1:34 pm

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People rather than freight are the intended cargo for the latest Ducato van variant. The new Minibus is being offered in a choice of two lengths, with both featuring a raised roof.

The L4/H2 version, which measures 5,998 mm (19’ 8”) long, has fourteen seats (including the driver’s). Alternatively, the L5/H2 model can accommodate three extra passengers in its 6,363 mm (20’ 10”) body.

A side-door access step, brown fabric upholstery, integrated head restraints, three-point seatbelts, internal LED lighting and an auxiliary cabin heater are all fitted as standard to the ‘Medium’ trim level. Upgrading to the ‘Top’ grade adds two USB charging points for each seat row, reclining backrests, side-mounted parcel shelves, individual vents and a better audio system.

Fiat dealers in Italy are accepting 2018 Ducato Minibus orders now. There, the engine line-up comprises 128 bhp (95 kW / 130 PS) 2.3 litre MultiJet turbo-diesel, 138 bhp (103 kW / 140 PS) 3.0 litre Natural Power methane-fuelled and 147 bhp (110 kW / 150 PS) 2.3 litre MultiJet turbo-diesel units.

UK availability has yet to be confirmed.

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2019 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 first view

December 17, 2017, 3:21 pm

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Visitors to yesterday’s Chevy Truck Centennial event held at the Texas Motor Speedway were treated to a first public appearance by the 2019 Silverado.

They got to see an LT Trailboss version, which arrived slung beneath a helicopter. It’ll be one of eight available trim grades that are going to be offered in conjunction with a larger variety of powertrain combinations.

While the all-new 2019 model is still recognisably a Silverado, there are two key styling changes. Firstly, the wheel arches no longer have a squared-off profile. Secondly, a diagonal swage line has appeared that runs downwards from the front fender into the door – at first glance it’s somewhat jarring (although the visual effect might work better in the metal).

At this stage, Chevrolet hasn’t published any photographs of the interior. Similarly, technical specifications are unknown, but advanced materials and manufacturing techniques are claimed to have significantly reduced the vehicle’s overall weight.

Full details should be revealed at next month’s North American International Auto Show in Detroit, where the 2019 Silverado 1500 is due to be properly launched.

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Images © General Motors.

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A Škoda Kodiaq for emergency services duties

December 18, 2017, 3:05 pm

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Another model has joined Škoda’s family of fully-converted cars for ambulance, fire brigade and police use. This new arrival is the all-wheel drive Kodiaq Rapid Response Vehicle, which should appeal particularly to agencies that require some off-road ability.

As well as a 100 amp three-tone siren and a roof-mounted light bar, it features extra warning LEDs on the grille, numberplate surround, windscreen and tailgate.

Škoda is able to fit a wide variety of specialist equipment to the SUV. Available items include a slide-out luggage compartment tray, medical gear, a back-up power source and a heavy-duty suspension upgrade.

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The DTM will return to Britain in 2018

December 19, 2017, 2:44 pm

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After a five-year absence, DTM touring cars are going to compete again at Brands Hatch. What’s more, the longer GP track will be used in 2018, so drivers should face an even greater challenge.

Another addition to next year’s calendar is the World Circuit Marco Simoncelli near Misano. Its inclusion means that half of the races are due to take place outside of Germany.

As in previous seasons, each event consists of two championship rounds.

2018 Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters – Calendar
Rounds	Date	Venue
1, 2	04 – 06 May	Hockenheim, Germany
3, 4	18 – 20 May	Lausitzring, Germany
5, 6	01 – 03 June	Budapest, Hungary
7, 8	22 – 24 June	Norisring, Germany
9, 10	13 – 15 July	Zandvoort, Netherlands
11, 12	11 – 12 August	Brands Hatch, Great Britain
13, 14	24 – 26 August	Misano, Italy
15, 16	07 – 09 September	Nürburgring, Germany
17, 18	21 – 23 September	Spielberg, Austria
19, 20	12 – 14 October	Hockenheim, Germany

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Mini launches Yours Customised

December 30, 2017, 11:57 am

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Personalisation has always been a key trait of the Mini brand under BMW ownership. Now that amenity is evolving to another level with the introduction of Yours Customised, a service which allows owners to order bespoke parts via a dedicated online store.

Initially, the range comprises a passenger-side dashboard trim piece, LED door projectors, illuminated door sills and side scuttles (the side-indicator inserts).

To ensure a completely unique result, various colours, surface finishes and patterns are being offered. Furthermore, all four components incorporate a text space for names or other (non-rude) words.

As the items can be easily DIY-fitted, there’s no need to pay a Mini dealer to do it. Just as importantly they’re removable too, so resale values won’t suffer.

Yours Customised will be available in the UK for certain Mini models during 2018.

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UK pricing for the Suzuki SV650X announced

December 30, 2017, 2:48 pm

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Following its first public appearance at last month’s EICMA show in Milan, Suzuki has revealed a UK launch price for the SV650X.

This new mid-size café racer – which comes with a Metallic Oort Grey / Glass Sparkle Black two-tone paint scheme – will initially cost £5,999 (plus first registration fee and vehicle excise duty) when deliveries begin in early 2018.

Suitably retro-inspired features include a bikini fairing, a tinted windscreen, clip-on handlebars and a unique ‘tuck-roll’ saddle. The SV650X is a thoroughly modern motorcycle though, as five-spoke alloy wheels, anti-lock brakes, a multifunction LCD instrument display and LED rear lights are all fitted as standard.

Power is provided by a 645 cc V-twin engine that delivers 75 bhp (56 kW / 76 PS) and 64 Nm (47 lb/ft) of peak torque via a six-speed transmission. Those output figures are combined with a ready-to-ride kerb weight of 198 kg (436 lbs).

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Nissan confirms UK prices for the 2018 Leaf

January 2, 2018, 1:51 pm

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Ahead of customer deliveries beginning next month, Nissan has published prices for its new second-generation pure-electric Leaf.

They start at £21,990 and go up to £27,490 (after applying the government’s Plug-in Car Grant). By comparison, the previous model – which had a smaller battery capacity, a shorter driving range and less attractive styling – cost between £21,680 and £27,790.

• Leaf Visia – £21,990
• Leaf Acenta – £24,290
• Leaf N-Connecta – £25,990
• Leaf 2.Zero – £26,490
• Leaf Tekna – £27,490

Anybody seeking a blend of high equipment levels and decent value for money might be particularly interested in the 2.Zero special edition.

This variant comes with ProPilot semi-autonomous technologies, the innovative e-Pedal, an Intelligent Around View Monitor and a NissanConnect touchscreen-controlled infotainment system. In addition, the steering wheel, front seats and rear seats are all heated. However, just 1,500 examples of the 2.Zero are going to be produced.

Before rushing out to place an order, prospective purchasers should bear in mind that Nissan has already promised to introduce a more powerful Leaf by the end of this year. An even better battery pack is likely to appear too at some point in the future, but there’s no official word on such a development yet.

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