New Mazdas at double

It's not only Mitsubishi and Subaru which are expanding their sports car ranges... Mazda is, too. Confirming our story back in Issue 960, the company is targeting Vauxhall’s forthcoming Insignia VXR and even the BMW M3 with a Mazda Performance Series (MPS) version of its popular 6. And as you can see from our picture of the hatchback, the MPS will be a head-turner, with new spoilers, large air intakes, lowered side skirts and bigger alloy wheels. It’s believed that the model will use a turbocharged version of the 6’s all-new 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, pumping out around 280bhp, so it will have the punch to back up the looks.

Like the previous-generation 6 MPS, there will be four-wheel drive, stiffened and lowered suspension and uprated brakes. The car will cover 0-60mph in six seconds, with a top speed limited to 155mph. Mazda is expected to take the wraps off a concept version at October’s Paris Motor Show, where bosses will gauge public reaction. The production model should arrive in 2010. However, unlike its predecessor, which was available only as a saloon, the firm has plans for estate, coupé and cabriolet MPS variants, as well as the hatch.
And Mazda is also readying a hot hatch version of the 2 supermini. Complete with a sporty bodykit, the 2 MPS (in red) goes on sale in late 2009. There’s no word yet on what engine it will have, but it’s thought to be a turbo variation on the existing 1.5-litre petrol with more than 170bhp. Factor in sporty suspension, and it’s a real rival for the Vauxhall Corsa VXR.Source

Reborn Capri

It's the car every Ford fan has been waiting to see! Here’s the new Capri.The original was one of the most famous and best loved models in the firm’s history, and left the scene in the late Eighties. Now, the time has come to reinvent the classic.Affordable coupés are experiencing a real renaissance, and Ford has already proved its talent for building niche products with models such as the S-MAX compact MPV and Kuga 4x4. So the stage is set for the Capri to make its stunning comeback.One thing is for sure – it will not be short of competition. Audi has its A5 and Volkswagen has resurrected the Scirocco, while Toyota is planning a Celica replacement based on Subaru Impreza running gear.There’s also Hyundai’s forthcoming Coupé, plus news that Peugeot has at last given its 308 RC Z the green light for production.

But while there will be an army of rivals, the Capri will certainly have style in its favour. As you can see from our pictures, the new Ford is a real feast for the eyes. If it seems a little familiar, that’s because it takes some cues from the 2003 Visos concept.However, it mixes those with the company’s latest design themes. At the front there are the trademark twin grilles, with a large lower air intake incorporating neat spotlights. Bold Mondeo-style headlamps complete the Capri’s striking look.Its profile harks back to the original model, with a tail-heavy stance and familiar C-shaped rear windows and thick pillars. At the back, strong shoulder lines combine with distinctive tail-lights and a sloping tailgate to create a pert-looking rear. A neat roof spoiler and venturi-style lower bumper finish the design off.Inside, the Capri will offer a 2+2 seating layout, with a cabin inspired by the current-generation Mondeo’s. Under the skin, it’s likely that Ford will follow VW’s approach with the Scirocco, which sits on the Golf platform, and base the car around the Focus. That will mean a front-wheel-drive layout and a similar engine line-up to the family model, with the range topped by the 2.5-litre five-cylinder turbocharged unit from the ST hot hatch.

An RS version, powered by a 3.2-litre six-cylinder motor and offering four-wheel drive, could also be on the cards.With the Focus as a starting point, things bode well for the Capri’s hand-ling. Engineers will give the new model a sporty suspension set-up to ensure excellent grip and agility. There’s even the possibility it will benefit from the Mondeo’s adaptive damping system. This would provide the car with sharp handling or refined cruising ability at the flick of a switch.
As Ford has yet to officially confirm its new Capri plans, we won’t see the car before the next decade. However, it has been reported that the blue oval is planning to reveal a concept version of the coupé at a major motor show in 2009.Source

Mercedes GLK

‘Baby’ M-Class hits the road

The Mercedes M-Class has got a baby brother! These are the first official pictures of the GLK, which was revealed at this week’s Beijing Motor Show in China. The firm’s first compact 4x4 was initially seen as the Freeride concept at the Detroit expo in January. It’s based on the platform of the C-Class compact executive car, and is designed to take on the Audi Q5 (see Page 8), plus the BMW X3 and Land Rover Freelander. The GLK is shorter, narrower and taller than the X3, and it’s slightly heavier – although it’s not lacking in performance.

The entry-level diesel powerplant is a new 2.1-litre four-cylinder common-rail unit, delivering 170bhp. This propels the GLK from 0-62mph in 8.8 seconds and on to a top speed of 127mph, yet returns 40.9mpg and emits 183g/km of CO2. Topping the diesel line-up is a 224bhp 3.0-litre V6, while petrol options include 3.0-litre and 3.5-litre V6s offering 231bhp and 272bhp respectively. Later on, there could possibly be a V8-powered GLK63 AMG, and even a hybrid.
Buyers can specify a sports pack aimed at on-road driving. This brings 19-inch wheels, stiffer springs and a 20mm lower ride height. There’s also a mud-plugging option, comprising 17-inch alloys, more ground clearance and extra body cladding. All cars get 4Matic all-wheel-drive and a 7G-Tronic Touch-Shift automatic transmission. Sales of the GLK will start in Europe in October, but don’t expect to see the car in the UK soon. According to sources, the 4WD system complicates right-hand-drive production – so the GLK is unlikely to reach our shores until 2010 at the earliest.Source

Volkswagen Golf

The latest Volkswagen Golf GTI has plenty of grip – and that’s just from its seats! As this picture shows, the upholstery of the new Pirelli model features a rubber tread pattern to hold you firmly in place.However, there’s more to the newcomer than some snazzy seats and yellow stitching. Power from the GTI’s 2.0-litre turbocharged FSI engine is boosted from 197bhp to 227bhp – and as a result, the 0-62mph sprint time is slashed by four-tenths-of-a-second, to 6.8 seconds.There’s also a colour-coded body-kit, as well as smoked rear light clusters and tinted windows. Unique tail-gate badges complete the changes.

This isn’t the first time the brands have joined forces to produce a special edition. They teamed up to offer a Pirelli version of the original Golf GTI in 1983. It was identified by its unique alloy wheels, which featured the tyre maker’s P motif.The latest car has 18-inch alloys shod with Pirelli P-Zero rubber, and is available to order now. It’s scheduled to arrive in showrooms here in June, and buyers will be offered a choice of three colours: silver, black or blue. Prices start from £22,555.Source

Peugeot 308 SW SE HDi 110

There's more to Peugeot’s family estate car than a big boot! The fact that the 308 SW can carry seven makes it one of a kind, as no other direct rival offers so many seats in a vehicle of this size and type.But while the French firm has been keen to promote the 308 – which launched its ‘8’ generation models – we’ve been disappointed it hasn’t done more to distance the new-comer from the 307, with which it shares underpinnings.Clearly, however, the manufacturer hopes the SW estate version will change our minds. On paper, it looks good, offering plenty of versatility, a spacious interior and new gearbox. There’s a choice of four trims – S, SR, Sport and SE – and the top two have a third row of seats as standard. As you might expect, the extra two places have limited legroom, so they aren’t much use for adults. But they’re fine for children.

The SW’s practicality is a big selling point, as all the seats fold down or can be removed completely to create a huge load space. The process isn’t as clever as some of the fold-flat systems that are used in MPVs, but the ease with which the chairs flip or can be taken out is impressive.The middle seats all slide forward independently, and thanks to clever floor mountings you can have either two or three chairs in the second row. Remove all the back seats and the load space is an incredible 2,149 litres – that’s more than a Mercedes E-Class estate. Access to the boot is through a wide opening, and there’s a separate glass tailgate, which is useful if you have only a few bags to put in or take out. In terms of family-friendliness, the 308 SW is streets ahead of its estate rivals, and strong enough to take on many compact MPVs. The driving environment is good, as well. It’s identical to that of the hatchback, with the same upmarket feel and quality materials. We like the layout, but the fiddly stereo and the shallow cup-holders on the centre console are disappointing.

However, the panoramic roof is impressive, and with more than 5.5 square metres of glass in the panel overhead ensures the cabin is incredibly light and airy. It stretches nearly the entire length of the vehicle, so passengers in the back can enjoy the view above, too. The other big news in the SW is the introduction of a six-speed gearbox. Its arrival can’t come soon enough for Peugeot, as it replaces the widely criticised, vague five-speed transmission. With a positive and pleasingly weighted action, it’s as good as that of leading competitors. And, mated to the 110bhp version of the 1.6-litre HDi diesel engine, the driving experience is considerably improved.

The powerplant itself is refined but quite noisy, especially under load, although it happily keeps up with the traffic, and is punchy enough in gear. There’s decent body control and even in tight bends, the Peugeot is con-trolled and reassuring. Ultimately, the 308 is composed, comfortable and adaptable – and a big improvement on its predecessor.Source

• Rating:

SEAT Leon

Copa load of this ‘super’ Leon – it’s the most powerful car SEAT has ever made!
Under the striped bonnet lies a highly tuned version of the 2.0-litre TFSI engine from the standard Cupra, which pumps out 281bhp. As a result, the Copa completes the sprint from 0-62mph in 5.6 seconds, and goes on to a top speed of 157mph. To cope with this pace, engineers have revised the Leon’s suspension and uprated the brakes. So as well as being faster than the standard Cupra, the Copa should handle better.

SEAT has developed the model to mark the seventh year of its one-make race series, the Supercopa, which supports the DTM German touring car championship. And with its bold stripes and aggressive bodykit, it looks like a racer for the road. A pair of leather bucket seats features inside, while the unique paintwork is echoed on the centre console with two vertical white racing stripes in direct contrast to the black-on-white exterior. Other details include Copa-badged floor mats and alloy pedals on the inside, with black-painted 18-inch alloys and twin tailpipes outside.
The upgrades don’t come cheap, though – the limited edition costs £31,000 in Switzerland, where the Copa is on sale. It’s likely to be cheaper if SEAT decides to bring it here.Source

MINI crossman............coming......!!!

The MINI is toughening up – with this new 4x4 model, on sale next year.Sitting above the Clubman estate variant, it will further develop the MINI line-up, and compete with other lifestyle SUVs such as the Ford Kuga. The model will also rival forthcoming prestige brand 4x4s like the BMW X1, with which it shares underpinnings. Bosses haven’t decided on a name yet, but Auto Express has learned that Crossman is leading the charge as the favoured badge at this stage. As you can see from our pictures – produced using inside information – the MINI SUV takes the look that was debuted by the Clubman and adds a bit more muscle. It features extra body cladding and a raised ride height to provide a more beefy stance and a chunky shape. Details such as the roof rails and side rubbing strips complete the look.

Yet with its bold circular headlights, oversized grille and trademark clamshell bonnet, the newcomer still has the cheeky appearance of the hatch. And that’s vital – owner BMW didn’t want too aggressive a design that would tread on the toes of the X1, or alienate the legions of buyers who are loyal to the MINI brand. While the styling is clearly inspired by the Clubman, the 4x4 has a more conventional layout – there are two proper rear passenger doors, instead of the single ‘Clubdoor’ that features on the estate. These combine with the distinctive twin van-style openings on the tailgate – also seen on the Clubman – to ensure the off-road MINI is the most practical car in the range.As it sits on a stretched version of the standard load-lugger’s platform, the SUV will offer more space inside. That means there will be adequate room in the back for two adults – although thanks to those rear doors, access should be much better. The dashboard and all other interior detailing will be carried over from the Clubman. But the question on the lips of all MINI fans is: will the latest MINI be a proper off-roader, like the Land Rover Freelander? Not really. The SUV will be biased towards on-road use, and won’t sacrifice the agile, driver-pleasing handling for which MINI has become famous. Nevertheless, there will be a full-time four-wheel-drive system, said to have been developed by transmission expert Getrag. Add in the raised ride height, and the car will be reasonably capable over rough terrain – easily rugged enough for most buyers. Top brass are conscious they are introducing an SUV at a time of feverish environmental awareness, so they will make the model the cleanest and most frugal fuel-wise in its class. As a result, every variant will benefit from the Efficient Dynamics tweaks seen elsewhere in the range, with a stop-start system cutting the engine when the car comes to a standstill and a clever alternator control which only charges the battery when needed.

The engine line-up will be carried over from the Clubman, although an entry-level One model isn’t likely to be offered. That means buyers will be able to choose from the 118bhp 1.6-litre Cooper, the 109bhp 1.6-litre diesel Cooper D and the flagship 173bhp 1.6-litre Cooper S. A six-speed manual transmission will be standard, with an automatic box on the options list.Testing of the SUV is well underway – as revealed by our spy shots. But fans will have to be patient, as it will be some time before the final showroom model is ready. As it did with the Clubman, MINI will preview the car with a series of concepts, and the first is expected to be displayed at a major motor show later this year. Production will start shortly afterwards – the off-roader is being assembled at the Magna Steyr plant in Austria because MINI’s factory in Oxford is already at peak capacity – and the car will arrive in dealers here towards the end of 2009. There’s no official word on prices yet, but with the Clubman starting at £14,235, entry-level models are likely to kick off at around £15,500.Source

Vauxhall VXR8

The powerhouse Vauxhall VXR8 is about to get even faster – and this time, it has the storming V10-engined Audi RS6 firmly in its sights. The Luton brand is currently finalising plans to offer a new 7.0-litre version of its supercar-chasing saloon, which will be based on the Australian Holden HSV unveiled at last month’s Melbourne Motor Show. And the British bruiser is expected to be badged the W427 when it arrives in UK dealers in September, carrying a price tag of around £55,000. Although neither Holden nor Vauxhall has revealed a power output for the new machine, unconfirmed reports from Australia claim the engine – which is borrowed from the latest Corvette Z06 – will deliver a massive 570bhp and 640Nm of torque to the rear wheels. As a result, the car would cover 0-60mph in around 4.5 seconds, and go on to an electronically limited top speed of 155mph. These performance figures would put the four-door in the same territory as the RS6, BMW M5 and Mercedes E63 AMG. As with the 6.0-litre standard model, the newcomer has been engineered by Tom Walkinshaw Racing – hence the use of the letter W in the new W427 name.

The motorsport expert will also prepare the car for British roads with bespoke suspension settings. Australian models get General Motors’ latest Magnetic Ride Suspension, but top brass have yet to confirm whether UK versions will be equipped with the same system.A spokesman for Vauxhall told Auto Express; “We are in the early stages with development. The car is going to feature a number of components developed from the racing version, and we need to make sure that everything is tested properly before customer deliveries start.”Source

Hyundai Coupe

It’s a car bought for its aggressive looks and budget price – and it's set to get a boost with this new special edition.Hyundai is taking the sporty looks of its Coupe to another level with the new TSIII. A larger boot spoiler, quad exhaust pipes and unique 17-inch alloy wheels make this limited edition Coupe one of the sharpest models in its class.Styling tweaks continue inside, with a metallic finish on everything from the pedals to the air vents to add to the sporty feeling you get from the quilted sports seats and door trims.

Under the bonnet buyers will find the Coupe’s trusty 141bhp 2.0-litre petrol engine. Sports suspension has been added to narrow the gap between the Hyundai's dynamic abilities and those of similarly priced hot hatch rivals. Climate control, heated front seats and cruise control all come as standard for £19,595. Opt for the regular Coupe and you will pay £18,022.Source

Hands-free

Fed up of uncomfortable hands free kits? Take a look at this...

IN-ear hands-free phone kits can often be more convenient than they are comfortable, especially on long journeys. But this new Bluetrek set-up gets around that by fitting to your car’s sun visor instead.Pairing the Surface Sound Compact to your phone via Bluetooth is simple, as is installation, as the smart flat panel just clips on to the visor. But we did find it an awkward fit on some thicker sunscreens.

You activate the hands-free by angling the arm towards you, although this can put it too close to the driver’s head. Once in use, answering and ending calls is done via a single button, and the flat-panel speaker means callers can be heard clearly. But the same can’t be said for those on the other end, as the transmitted sound was muffled and occasionally broke up.Talk time is 15 hours, but a longer in-car recharging lead would have been useful – in some cars it couldn’t reach the visor. The kit can also be used in the home or office.Source

Nissan GT-R

It’s the performance car everyone’s been waiting for – the Nissan GT-R V-Spec has arrived in Europe.As soon as Nissan’s engineers unloaded their priceless high performance flagship, our spies swooped to get these exclusive pictures. Ready to lap the Nurburgring circuit in Germany, the GT-R V-Spec is set to eclipse the performance of all rivals.Visual clues are subtle, but enthusiasts will spot a unique rear spoiler to help to reduce lift at high speeds, while the alloy wheels have six spokes rather than the seven of the regular GT-R.

While the standard model produces 473bhp, the V-Spec range-topper is tipped to deliver up to 550bhp from its twin-turbo 3.8-litre V6. This is matched by a substantial 150kg weight reduction to make the flagship one of the most hardcore supercars on the planet.The standard GT-R is set to cost around £55,000 when it goes on sale in the UK in March 2009, and the V-Spec will add £20,000-plus to that. It will join the range before the end of next year.Source

Nissan Qashqai

Auto Express was first to break the news of plans for a more practical Qashqai – and now Nissan has released the first official pictures of its new Qashqai+2.The cross-over compact-MPV offers seven seat practicality to go with the standard model’s impressive dynamics and distinctive looks. Designed in Europe and built in the UK at Nissan’s Sunderland plant, the new model will be unveiled for the first time at the British Motor Show in July.

While design themes remain the same, the Qashqai's proportions have been changed to allow for the extra space inside. The wheelbase has been extended by 135mm, the overall length has grown by 211mm and the roof height has risen by 38mm. Amazingly, the +2 is unique from the A-pillar backwards.This makes room inside for a third row of flat folding seats as well as under floor storage areas.Set to go on sale in October, the seven-seat model will be available alongside the existing five-seat Qashqai. Buyers of both variants have the choice of two petrol and two diesel engines in either two or four-wheel drive form.Source

BMW Z4

Metal roof for BMW’s new Z4

Our spies have lifted the lid on the next-generation BMW Z4 – and the big news is that it’s getting a folding metal roof for the first time!Look closely at these prototypes, and you’ll see that instead of a fabric affair, the new Z4 is following in the footsteps of its 3-Series Convertible big brother, plus its Mercedes SLK rival, with a retractable steel top.As our artist’s impression shows, the car will also get a more muscular look. And the convertible has another trick up its sleeve. BMW isn’t content with raining on the SLK’s parade, as it will seek to outgun the Porsche Boxster with a new range of powerful engines for the car. These are likely to include the twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre straight six-cylinder unit.

There’s even the possibility that the Z4 will be available with diesel power for the first time, too. And a flagship M model could get the new 4.0-litre V8 from the M3 – although a broad line-up of four-cylinder and normally aspirated six-cylinder petrol powerplants will continue to be offered.
All cars will benefit from BMW’s Efficient Dynamics programme, which helps to cut CO2 emissions and boost fuel economy with features such as an engine stop/start facility. Under the skin, the platform is shared with the latest-generation 3-Series, so the rear-wheel-drive Z4 will continue to provide driver-pleasing handling. Although these prototypes appear to be much bigger than the current model, this is down to the bulky disguise. Peel back all that plastic camouflage, and the newcomer measures only around an inch or so longer and wider than the existing Z4. Our sources have also discovered that production is likely to shift from South Carolina in the US to BMW’s plant at Regensburg, Germany. Sales will start in the UK late in 2009.Source

Dog guard

On guard for pets!

Mesh Dog Guard keeps your pet in check

We all know the importance of using a seatbelt while travelling in a car, but it’s easy to forget your pet’s safety. Thanks to the latest addition to Halfords’ new Advanced range, you can make sure you’re both secure on the move. The Mesh Headrest Dog Guard will keep your pet restrained in the rear.The guard is simply attached to the headrests, and can be fitted to the back seats or, unusually, the fronts. The latter means your dog can travel in comfort on the back bench while not being able to distract the driver.In the event of an accident, the mesh acts as a safety net, restraining your pet in the rear or the boot. It can also be used to protect passengers from loose luggage. The whole mechanism can be constructed and fitted initially in around 10 minutes. Once it’s set up, it can be removed and installed in a few minutes.The mesh comes in three pieces and can be adjusted to fit most cars. Plastic attachments fix the guard in place, so you don’t have to drill any trim, and it should not leave any permanent marks.Source

Nissan 370Z

Finally, here’s concrete proof that Nissan’s next Z car will be called the 370Z. Our spies spotted a pre-production version – and for the first time ever, they got a glimpse of the badge. It read 370Z, confirming that under the bonnet of the two-seater coupé is a 3.7-litre V6. This is the same unit as used by Nissan luxury offshoot Infiniti. As a result, the 370Z promises to be quicker and more powerful than the 350Z, with around 325bhp on tap – up from 309bhp. We have already spotted test mules for the new model disguised as a 350Z (above), but our spy pictures reveal a distinctive new look – and its shark fin-style headlamps have clearly been inspired by those fitted to the company’s Maxima luxury saloon.

The handsome four-door made its debut at last month’s New York Motor Show (Newsweek, Issue 1,005), and the Z car will share its smart projector-style headlamps, with a row of fashionable LED lights included, too.Our shots show Nissan’s designers have taken an evolutionary approach elsewhere, and you can clearly make out the diffuser-style bumper at the rear, complete with twin tailpipes and flush-fitting light clusters. The front end of the car was partially disguised, but expect a characteristically smooth nose, incorporating a large lower air intake. Inside, there’s improved trim and a trio of alloy-trimmed instrument dials ahead of the driver. The 370Z is set to be revealed officially at November’s Los Angeles expo, before hitting UK dealers in 2009. It could also benefit from upgrades from Nissan’s Nismo performance division. The tuning outfit will be familiar to Japanese buyers and enthusiasts around the world, yet is little known in the UK. According to insiders, the firm is planning to widen its reach – but only if it can engineer performance improvements rather than cosmetic enhancements alone.Source

BMW 7-Series

Sensational pictures of the new BMW 7-Series spied by Auto Express

We’ve seen the disguised test mules before, but now our spies have caught BMW with its guard down and snapped the production ready 7-Series without its black plastic cloak.These are the very first pictures of the new German luxury model which isn’t set to go on sale until the end of the year. As you can see, the controversial styling of BMW’s largest model remains, but a new high waistline gives the luxury four-door a more modern look.The newcomer is bigger than the outgoing car, and borrows styling cues from the CS Concept, which debuted at China’s Shanghai Motor Show last year.We’ll get our first chance to see the newcomer in the metal at the Paris Motor Show in September.Source

TomTom Sat-nav

IQ routing will save you time, money and fuel by considering all possible routes and then selecting the one that takes the least time.

While all navigation units promise to get you to your destination, TomTom’s 930T guarantees to do so via the quickest route – and it’s set to shake up the market.The device uses the firm’s IQ Routes software, and calculates journey times according to actual speeds rather than legal limits on roads you are travelling on. Roundabouts, traffic lights and jam hotspots are taken into account, based on data gathered over billions of miles of roads from owners updating their system. So instead of selecting the shortest route, the 930T considers the day and time, and also whether the road is likely to be congested or slower than an alternative.While the ‘intelligent’ route it then comes up with will often be longer, it will get you to where you want to be more quickly thanks to higher average speeds. The unit also has a Traffic Message Channel feature, as well as Advanced Lane Guidance, which shows detailed images of complex junctions.There’s a 4.3-inch touchscreen, and the unit has mapping for 35 countries. What’s more, it incorporates a safety camera database, plus an FM transmitter to relay instructions through the in-car stereo. Add a new, high-quality finish, and it’s a tempting package.Source

SEAT Ibiza

Sleek lines and an all-new style – SEAT’s new Ibiza supermini has just been revealed.Shown in five-door form at a special event at the firm’s factory near Barcelona in Spain, the Ford Fiesta rival follows on from the Bocanegra concept revealed at the Geneva Motor Show in March. Larger than its predecessor, SEAT is describing the fresh faced Ibiza as the most important new model in the firm’s recent history.Penned by ex-Lamborghini stylist Luc Donckerwolke, the hatchback measures 4.05 metres – the old model was 3.97 metres long. As a result it comes with a 292 litre boot, which is the biggest in the class. Some of the hi-tech kit on offer includes a seven-speed DSG sequential manual gearbox and Hill Hold Assist.

Drivers can expect a driving experience to match the best in the class. Company bosses are keen to build on the brand’s sporty image and so have paid particular attention to chassis development. Engineers efforts have been helped by the fact Ibiza is the first model to use parent company VW’s all-new small car platform that will also be used on the next generation Polo.Hot hatch fans will have to arrive for the arrival of the three-door version. Called the Sport Coupe it is almost identical in look to the rakish Bocanegra concept and will be the basis for scorching FR and Cupra models.All versions will benefit from the new cabin, which gets a high quality makeover with soft-touch plastics and excellent fit and finish. A team of engineers was drafted in from sister company Audi and they used the A3 premium hatch as a benchmark for build.It is also packed with technology, featuring an MP3/iPod connection and a universal aftermarket sat-nav dashboard mounting that does away with the usual mess of wires and windscreen suckers.Buyers will initially have the choice of 1.2-litre three-cylinder or 1.4-litre and 1.6-litre four-cylinder petrol engines. Initially just one diesel engine will be fitted, the familiar 105bhp 1.9-litre unit.Source

Self-inflating tyres

Never pump up your tyres again with the help of these amazing new tyres.

Imagine never having to pump up your rubber again! That’s the idea of the new Self Inflating Tyre (SIT).It uses the principle of an in-built ‘peristaltic pump’, which is basically a thin tubing of rubber that uses the rolling effect of the wheel to constantly top up the pressure. The system also includes a special valve that ensures the tyre is not over-inflated. Czech-based Coda Development is behind the technology, which is designed to prevent people running on underinflated tyres. Doing so reduces grip and increases fuel consumption, plus the chances of a dangerous blow out. And while auto-inflating tyres already exist for commercial vehicles, they use more complicated and pricier air compressor and pump systems, which limits their applications.Source

Fiat 500

Here's a Fiat 500 that’s got a little bit extra – to boot! The Italian giant is setting its sights on the MINI Club-man with an estate version of its successful small car – and this is how it will look.
Our exclusive pictures reveal the spacious new city challenger,which will hit showrooms in 2010. As you can see, it won’t rely on gimmicks used by its MINI rival, so there are no rear passenger doors, just a practical tailgate.
The extended roofline boosts head-room in the back and frees up more luggage space, making this the most sensible 500 of the range. The compact estate is inspired by the small load-lugger from the Sixties, and could even carry the same Giardiniera badge worn by that model. Fiat will keep development costs to a minimum by using the same front end and wheelbase as found on the hatch. However, a slightly longer rear overhang, a more upright tail and a pair of neat alloy roof rails will set the new model apart.



The Giardiniera won’t be the first 500 estate to appear, though. Italian coachbuilding firm Castagna showed its vision of the load-lugging city car at the Geneva Motor Show last month.The firm has a history of beating manufacturers at their own game, having designed a line-up of MINI estates before the Club-man was officially revealed. The standard 500’s engine range will be carried over to the Giardiniera, so customers will get the choice of an entry-level 69bhp 1.2-litre petrol unit, a more power-ful 100bhp 1.4-litre or a 75bhp 1.3-litre Multijet diesel. Fiat is also believed to be considering a hot Abarth version of the estate if there is sufficient demand. However, the next 500 variant to appear on UK roads will be the cabriolet, as seen in the sketch below. This model is set to be unveiled at the 2009 Geneva expo and hit showrooms late next year. Source

Aston Martin Rapide

Our spies had to be quick, but they still managed to catch the Aston Rapide! These are the best pictures yet of the exciting four-door saloon that has the forthcoming Porsche Panamera firmly in its sights.With stunning looks, V12 power and supercar performance it is set to be one of the most desirable saloons on the road.As you can see, the Rapide is heavily influenced by the DB9 and DBS coupes. With the same aggressive nose, high waistline and low sweeping roofline it’s much more rakish than rivals such as the Maserati Quattroporte. However, a stretched wheelbase means that there will easily be room for four adults.

Clearly visible on this testing mule is the panoramic glass roof. Stretching from the top of the windscreen to the rear window it will help give the cabin a light an airy feel. The Rapide is likely to use the same dashboard as the DB9, while in the rear will be two individual chairs, making the Aston a strict four-seater.Power will come from the firm’s powerful 6.0-litre V12, which should produce around 500bhp. As a result the saloon should sprint from standstill to 60mph in around five seconds and carry on to a top speed in excess of 180mph. There will be a choice of either manual or automatic gearboxes, both with six ratios.No firm release date for the newcomer has yet been released, but expect to see the first cars hit showrooms late in 2009.Source