News watch April 2011: today's auto industry news

Come to CAR Magazine's news aggregator as we round up the daily stories in the auto industry. Top tip: news summaries are added from the top hour-by-hour

Audi R18 TDI dominates Le Mans 2011 test day

Le Mans echoed to the sound of racing cars on Easter Sunday as teams took part in the sole scheduled test day, and Audi's new R18 coupe dominated the LMP1 class.

Mercedes E63 AMG (2011) gets twin-turbo V8

Mercedes has updated the E63 AMG super saloon with a range of minor tweaks, and one major one. Say goodbye to the 6.2-litre naturally-aspirated V8 engine which heralded the '63' badging, and hello to another downsized, forced-induction response to tightening emissions and economy requirements. The 2011 E63 receives the twin-turbo 5.5-litre V8 engine first seen in the S63 AMG, and now powering the CL63 and CLS63 as well.

Vauxhall Astra GTC (2011) first official

This is the Vauxhall Astra GTC, a sleek three-door version of the Vauxhall’s family hatch. Unveiled in these rendered images, it looks almost identical to the sharp GTC Paris concept that Vauxhall revealed at the 2010 Paris motor show. 

Corvette ZR1 (2008) CAR review

The new Corvette ZR1 is the world’s quickest and rawest sports car – only mad supercars and insane track cars can best it. This is a bright yellow bullet, with 638bhp (making it the most powerful ‘Vette of all time), carbonfibre bodywork and Brembo’s biggest ceramic brakes. Just 1800 ZR1s will be built each year at GM’s plant in Kentucky, with production ending in 2012.

Caterham Seven Supersport (2011) first official pictures

This is the new Caterham Seven Supersport, a new roadster that offers track-biased fun for less than £20k. The Seven shape is familiar, but Caterham has pinched parts from its Supersport race series cars (which sit above the Academy and Roadsport classes, but below the Superlight and forthcoming SP/300R) to create this new Supersport model. 

Aston Martin Rapide 24hr race car (2010) unveiled

Aston Martin has shown off the new race-spec version of its Rapide sports saloon. It's bound to make its competition debut at the 24-hour race at the Nurburgring on 15-16 May 2010.

The Rapide will be driven by Aston CEO Ulrich Bez, who has a history of competing at the Nordschleife in his part-time role as a gentleman racer. It's in virtually road-car spec, upgraded merely to strip out weight (bye bye snug rear seats), retune the suspension and meet FIA race rules with cut-out, cages and fire extinguishers. Slick tyres are fitted too to help this four-door grip like a limpet.0

Jaguar XF - the 2011 facelift draws near

Jaguar is nearly ready to showcase the newly facelifted 2011 XF executive car. Our new spy photos reveal the new, shapely headlamps modelled on the svelte lenses on the snout of the XJ.

That spells the end of the dumpy front end which has never quite lived up to the promise of the original C-XF concept car.

Jaguar XF and XFR facelift (2011) first official

 

This is the facelifted Jaguar XF and XFR, unveiled at the 2011 New York motor show.

Jaguar XF facelift: they've fixed the headlights at last!

Yes, the 2011 Jaguar XF has updated headlights, along with a larger grille, reprofiled bonnet and styling tweaks to the front bumper. Officially, the redesign brings the XF into line with the styling cues established by the new XJ in 2010. But for many Jaguar enthusiasts the facelifted nose finally brings the C-XF concept's front end to the production XF. Although we've adjusted to the XF's awkward headlight design since the 2007 launch, the 2011 XF's new visage is a major improvement over the original.

Chevrolet Camaro Convertible (2011) first

Chevrolet has shown its new Camaro Convertible ahead of the Los Angeles auto show tomorrow. No great shakes: it takes the stylish coupe and chops the top.

There's a 308bhp V6 or the 420bhp V8, and prices kick off around $30,000. If only UK prices transferred over like that; it would cost £19,000, but we somehow don't think that'll happen when official UK imports of the Camaro kick off in 2011.

Infiniti G Coupe IPL (2010) first pictures

Infiniti has unveiled its first IPL (or Infiniti Performance Line) package, a sports-focussed trim upgrade for the G37 Coupe. Think of the IPL pack as the equivalent of BMW’s M Sport or Audi’s S-line kits, and if it proves popular, there’ll be more kits (and even bespoke cars) to come.

Infiniti G37S Coupe (2010) long-term test review

With the Infiniti’s departure just days away I decided to take advantage of the recent bout of fine weather and give it a good clean inside and out. No, not handing an extortionate amount of money to a bunch of Albanians in the local supermarket car park, but a full-on DIY job. Two hours of lathering, polishing and Dysoning gave me plenty of time to reflect on just what a glorious bit of metal the G is.

These days you can't throw a stick at a car show without hitting an electric or electrified vehicle. The 2011 North American International Auto Show in Detroit was no exception.

Godzilla 2012: The new GT-R

When Nissan unleashed its latest version of the GT-R in 2007, it seemed there was no room for improvement. Engineered to extreme levels, this GT-R used a high-power twin turbo V-6, essentially a racing engine, a dual-clutch six-speed automated manual transmission, and a very advanced all-wheel-drive system.

Honda CR-Z Mugen (2011) more details

This is our first glimpse under the bonnet of the new Honda CR-Z Mugen, as Mugen Euro reveals further details of how it’s going to turn the CR-Z into a hot hybrid hatch.

The promise? Nearly 200bhp and over 180lb ft, increases of around 50% over the standard Honda CR-Z hybrid. Should make for one of the most exciting hybrid sports cars yet.

Knowing Mugen’s speciality with high-revving, naturally aspirated engines, presumably the Honda CR-Z Mugen has a ridiculously tuned VTEC to produce that power?

Er, no. Mugen Euro is actually using a supercharger to deliver the extra power, and the internals of the 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine have been upgraded with bespoke componentry to serve up that substantial increase in output.

The CR-Z Mugen also keeps the CR-Z’s standard IMA integrated motor assist hybrid package, but Mugen Euro has developed its own electronic package to allow the newly upgraded electro-mechanical system to work in harmony.

Audi A3 E-tron concept (2011) first official

This is the Audi A3 E-tron concept, just unveiled alongside the new Q3 SUV at the 2011 Shanghai motor show. It’s Audi’s second A3 concept car in the space of two months – the first was a 402bhp super saloon, but this is a little more eco-conscious, with a plug-in hybrid powertrain – but both preview how the next A3 will look.

Does this new Audi A3 E-tron concept still use the first concept's turbocharged 2.5-litre five-pot engine?

Peugeot 207 Economique (2009): first official photos

By Alex Michaelides

First Official Pictures

20 July 2009 11:15

Peugeot has come over all green with this, the new Peugeot 207 Economique. No surprises for guessing its purpose – it's another eco special, aimed squarely at cars such as the Polo BlueMotion. The 207 Economique boasts emissions of just 99g/km of CO2 and a frugal 74.3mpg.

So, how did Peugeot make the 207 Economique cleaner?

Peugeot uses its trusty 1.6 HDI oil burner, but in a detuned guise. This gives the 207 a respectable 90bhp (16 ponies more than the Polo), but also makes it dirtier and thirstier than its German rival which manages a very low 87g/km of CO2.

Peugeot 4007 (2007): first official pictures

By Tim Pollard

First Official Pictures

09 February 2007 02:18

Peugeot 4007: haven't we seen this before?

You're right. Peugeot issued a couple of teaser images of its new SUV back in October, but it has remained resolutely tight-lipped about more details until now. The 4007 will be seen for the first time in the metal at next month's Geneva show, so we'll soon know what it looks like in the metal. If you're still thinking it looks familiar, that's probably because it's based on the Mitsubishi Outlander. PSA Peugeot-Citroen wanted a short cut to the 4x4 party and struck a collaboration with the Japanese firm to build 30,000 cars a year for them. The 4007, and Citroen's Citroen's C-Crosser, are the French duo's rebadged versions.

Saab 9-5 Sportwagon (2011) first official

By Ben Pulman

First Official Pictures

19 January 2011 18:05

This is the new Saab 9-5 Sportwagon, and is the third new model released under Spyker ownership after the 9-5 saloon and 9-4X SUV. Saab has released this solitary teaser image ahead of the car’s debut at the 2011 Geneva motor show in March, and while we can’t see the front on the new Saab 9-5 Sportwagon, it’s the back that’s the business end. It’s not your typical hearse-like load lugger: note the raked rear screen and wraparound rear glass. 

Toyota Yaris HSD Concept (2011)

Toyota’s goal is to offer a hybrid powertrain in every one of its European models ‘as early as possible in the 2020s’. That means electrified drivetrains in everything from the Avensis to the Auris, and everything from 4x4s to sports cars in between.
The Auris HSD (Hybrid Synergy Drive) was the first mainstream Toyota model to gain hybrid power in 2010, and up next is the new-generation Yaris.

2011 Volkswagen Touareg Hybrid

The good: A supercharged engine and hybrid system make the 2011 Volkswagen Touareg Hybrid the most powerful of the Touareg model lineup, without sacrificing fuel economy. The voice command system lets you request music by album and artist name, or dial a phone number by contact name.

The bad: Power becomes difficult to modulate at slow speeds. A fixed suspension limits off-road exploits.

The bottom line: The 2011 Volkswagen Touareg serves as a showcase for advanced power-train and cabin technology, and is the most luxurious of Volkswagen's model lineup.

Review:

Photo gallery:
2011 Volkswagen Touareg Hybrid

Volkswagen's Touareg Hybrid shows up with jaw-dropping technology under the hood, and an impressive cabin tech suite as well. The full model name, the 2011 Volkswagen Touareg Supercharged Hybrid, includes a few terms not usually found together. Yes, this Touareg not only gets gas-electric hybrid propulsion, but also a supercharger on the engine.
Throwing every power-train technology at Volkswagen's disposal into this car results in the most powerful Touareg in the company's lineup, although not necessarily the most fuel-efficient. Current Touareg models include the supercharged hybrid, a 3-liter TDI V-6, and ... Expand full review

Volkswagen's Touareg Hybrid shows up with jaw-dropping technology under the hood, and an impressive cabin tech suite as well. The full model name, the 2011 Volkswagen Touareg Supercharged Hybrid, includes a few terms not usually found together. Yes, this Touareg not only gets gas-electric hybrid propulsion, but also a supercharger on the engine.
Throwing every power

Jeep makes the Compass off-road capable

DETROIT--Sitting near the bottom of Jeep's model lineup, the Compass fell short of Jeep's reputation for go-anywhere ruggedness. But at the 2011 Detroit auto show, Jeep showed off an update to the Compass that earns the brand's Trail Rated designation.

The base Compass is still a front-wheel-drive vehicle not suitable for ranging through the wilderness, but Jeep says its Freedom Drive II Off-Road package gives the Compass back country chops. With this package, the Compass gets four-wheel-drive and an off-road mode that puts the transmission in low range. Skid plates protect the underbody and a full-size spare tire makes it possible to get back to the road in case of a flat.

2011 BMW X3 xDrive35i

The good: The updated 2011 BMW X3 xDrive35i shows off new connected-car features with integrated Google search and reading of e-mails from paired BlackBerry devices. The turbocharged six-cylinder engine churns out ready power, and the transmission's eight gears help optimize efficiency.

The bad: Active suspension technologies do not completely counteract the car's high center of gravity in turns. The interface for searching for points of interest or music is needlessly complicated.

2012 Acura TL SH-AWD

The good: The ELS audio system, part of the tech package in the 2012 Acura TL SH-AWD, produces excellent sound from a full set of audio sources, and voice command lets you request music by name. The all-wheel-drive system gives the car snappy handling in the turns.

The bad: The engine pushes no boundaries in efficiency. The navigation system doesn't offer a perspective view or text-to-speech.

The bottom line: The 2012 Acura TL SH-AWD features a reasonably modern suite of cabin tech, but its power train falls short of innovations seen in the competition.

Review:

Photo gallery:
2012 Acura TL SH-AWD

The 2012 Acura TL is like the more accomplished second son: it does just about everything better than its older brother, but it still can't shake the RL's seniority. Looking at the Acura lineup, there is no good reason to choose the RL over the TL. The cars are approximately the same size and get similar performance gear, and the TL offers newer cabin tech.
Buyers also get their choice between the standard TL or the more powerful TL SH-AWD, the latter sporting a bigger engine and a sport-oriented all-wheel-drive system. The ... Expand full review

2012 Ford Focus Titanium

The good: A direct-injection engine and other efficiency technologies keep the fuel economy of the 2012 Ford Focus in the 30s. A voice command system offers excellent control over navigation, music, and paired cell phones. Automatic parallel parking is a nifty trick.

The bad: The dual-clutch transmission does not always shift smoothly. The touch screen is set too far from the driver for easy reach.

Mercedes M-class (2011) reader spy shots

By Tim Pollard

Your spy shots

21 April 2011 08:29

A CAR reader, who preferred to remain anonymous, has posted these excellent new spy shots of the next Mercedes M-class on CAR Online.

'I think that's a Mercedes ML,' said our nameless contributor. 'I took the photos in Germany one week ago.'

They're right. This is indeed the new Merc M-class, scheduled for a debut in later 2011.

BMW 3-series Gran Turismo (2013) spy pictures

By Georg Kacher

Spy shots

14 April 2011 10:55

This is the new BMW 3-series Gran Turismo. Or for short – and because Porsche probably wouldn’t take too kindly to it being called the GT3 – it’s the 3GT. Think of it as BMW’s rival to the Audi A5 Sportback.

Our spies have photographed the new BMW 3GT on test in Europe. Browse our spy shots in our scoop gallery above right.

Saab 9-4X (2010): first official photos

By Tim Pollard

First Official Pictures

19 October 2010 09:43

Saab has taken the wraps off the long-awaited new 9-4X crossover. And when we say long-awaited, we mean heavily delayed; this Swedish crossover has been in the pipeline for years.

Based heavily on a US-spec Cadillac SUV and built in Mexico, the 9-4X betrays its old-school General Motors roots: the 296bhp 2.8-litre V6 petrol present from the Insignia is present and correct, allied to Saab’s own XWD four-wheel drive system. It accommodates five passengers in two rows. Will the quality be up to scratch? We won’t know if it’s Swedish enough until we sit in it at the Los Angeles auto show next month.

The 9-4X is true to its badge: it falls in size halfway between the 9-3 and the 9-5. Stylistically, it carries over modern Saab motifs, including the wraparound windscreen, slanted roofline with ‘hockey stick’ C-pillars and the full-width ice block horizontal light bar at the rear.

Toyota FT-86 II concept (2011) at 2011 Geneva motor show

By Tim Pollard

First Official Pictures

01 March 2011 05:00

The wait for Toyota’s rear-wheel drive coupe is nearly over. The new Toyota FT-86 II was unveiled today at the 2011 Geneva motor show, alongside the Subaru version.

The two sports cars are being co-developed and Toyota president Akio Toyoda makes no bones about his mission for the FT-86: ‘I want to transfer the thrill of the race track to our vehicles, and make driving fun and exciting for our customers,’ he said.

That’s right, this car could just signal the end of Toyota’s unfortunately dull reputation since the demise of cars such as the Celica and Supra. Toyota is positioning the FT-86 as the spiritual successor to those coupes, and of course the legendary rear-wheel drive AE86. It’s some counterpoint to the magnolia Auris, isn’t it?

Toyota Yaris 3dr (2011) caught testing

By Mark Hamilton

Spy shots

06 April 2011 13:30

Our spy photographers have caught Toyota's new Yaris on the test track in prototype form.

Why disguise it? The new Toyota Yaris has already been released in Japan!

Not quite. A five-door Toyota Yaris is for sale in Japan, wearing its domestic market Toyota Vitz nameplate. We've also seen the Yaris HSD concept hybrid at last month's 2011 Geneva motor show.  That car is based on the five-door variant.

But this Yaris prototype, tape disguise to the contrary, is the as-yet-unseen three-door version.  This one looks like it's sporting the more aggressive front bumper with foglamps from the Vitz 1.5RS, but apart from that it's the familiar silhouette and detailing from the Vitz, minus rear doors.

Porsche 911 Sport Classic (2011) CAR review

By Chris Chilton

First Drives

20 April 2011 09:30

Let’s clear one thing up right now before anyone makes a very incorrect assumption. Despite the presence of that evocative ducktail rear spoiler, retro Fuchs-style wheels and a bile-raising reference in the press material to the 911 Sport Classic being the grandson of the legendary 1973 Carrera RS 2.7, the two are distant cousins at best.

The Carrera RS was a homologation special with thin glass, no back seats or even a glovebox lid. It existed to help the 911 go racing and while it did have that spoiler (except in some countries, where it was banned), the vanes of its air-con vents were not individually wrapped in leather nor its coat hooks swathed in Alcantara. The Sport Classic’s are.

Vauxhall Corsa Nurburgring Edition (2011) first pictures

By Tim Pollard

First Official Pictures

20 April 2011 16:48

Vauxhall has rummaged around the kitchen cupboard and poured a healthy dollop of chilli into the mix for its new Corsa VXR Nürburgring Edition.

It's our first look at the new special edition Corsa hot hatch, which goes on sale in May 2011.

Jaguar XK facelift (2011) first official pictures

Jaguar has announced 2012 revisions to the XK coupe and convertible - chiefly concerned with bringing it into line with the XKR-S.

2012 Jaguar XK: the lowdown

Changes on the XK are more subtle than the refreshed 2011 Jaguar XF, and share some elements with the range-topping XKR-S which was unveiled at the 2011 Geneva motor show.

Up front, the XK has completely new headlights. The new headlights are 15mm slimmer than the original XK units, and feature integrated LED running lights. They compliment a larger, chrome-

CAR review

Maserati Gran Cabrio (2011) CAR review

By Georg Kacher

First Drives

19 April 2011 10:00

Maserati has removed the roof from its handsome Granturismo coupe to create the stunning Maserati Gran Cabrio. Does the Gran Cabrio continue to deliver the intoxicating blend of good looks, GT performance and four-seater space of the Granturismo? Or does the Gran Cabrio's appeal disappear in a riot of scuttle shake and wind buffeting once asked for more than boulevarde cruising?

Read on for our first drive review of the new 2011 Maserati Gran Cabrio...

Maserati GranCabrio: the tech spec

The Maserati Gran Cabrio is powered by the 4.7-litre engine from the Granturismo S. Delivering 440bhp at 7000rpm and 490lb ft at 4750rpm, the melodious 4.7-litre takes only 5.4sec to accelerate the Gran Cabrio from 0-62mph.

Top speed is 175mph with the top up and 171mph in case you are brave (or foolish) enough to keep the roof down. The weight distribution, too, will change as you raise or lower the lid, but it always remains rear-biased (48/52 or 49/51) which is exceptional for a front-engined car.

This perfect equilibrium is of course above all due to the transaxle layout which positions the gearbox and diff unit between the rear wheels the way we know it from other Maserati models. The key benefits of this configuration are a fine handling balance, enhanced grip and traction, and an almost stubborn directional stability. Theoretically, one should also expect above-par manoeuvrability, but owing to the wide 12.3 metre turning circle the Gran Cabrio feels about as big as it actually is.