Author: mark

Range Rover set to launch new Evoque Convertible

Range Rover set to launch new Evoque Convertible

Land Rover has released full details and images of the new Range Rover Evoque Convertible.  The new model is the world’s first soft-top luxury compact SUV, and the brand’s first ever convertible.  Described as ‘a convertible for all seasons’, Land Rover’s latest model is based on the Evoque and features the same cruising and off-road capabilities.

Four-wheel drive will be available, along with Terrain Response, Wade Sensing and All-Terrain Progress Control, ensuring the driving performance remains focused on utility and the off-road experience.  Performance is expected to be similar to the Coupe – 0-60mph in 7.6 sec – with the 178bhp 2.0-litre Ingenium diesel and 237bhp 2.0-litre turbo petrol being the most likely engine options.

The roof folds down and stows flush with the car’s bodywork in 18 seconds, and takes 21 seconds to raise, at speeds of up to 30mph. The Convertible will include a host of luxury features, such as a 10.2 inch touchscreen with the latest InControl Touch Pro, smart phone integration, a premium sound system and a 251-litre boot.

The New Evoque Convertible will be on sale from spring 2016 with a starting price of £47,000.

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Road ready: The new Audi R8 V10

Road ready: The new Audi R8 V10

The new and improved Audi R8 is due to hit the roads at the end of the month, and features a wide range of technological and styling improvements.  Equipped with either the V10 or V10 Plus engine, the new R8 is lighter, faster, and more powerful than before – capable of 0-62mph in 3.2 seconds and a top speed of 205mph.

The V10 has been ramped up to 532bhp and the V10 Plus to 602bhp, while also improving economy.  The powerplant is still a 5.2-litre unit, with four-wheel drive and a seven-speed dual clutch gearbox, however the new R8 benefits from a stronger, stiffer Carbon/Aluminium chassis.  The Dynamic Drive on both models offers Comfort, Auto, Dynamic and Individual modes, with the Plus model also offering Wet, Dry and Snow settings.

The interior has been completely redesigned, adding to the new R8’s edge and appeal.  There’s a digital dashboard with a 12.3in TFT display, new seats and cabin design and optional laser light headlamps.  

The V10 is priced at £119,500, the V10 Plus is £134,500.  Both are on sale now and are expected to gain even more attention than their first generation predecessors. 

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New Land Rover Discovery set for release

New Land Rover Discovery set for release

Land Rover is set to release the new and improved fifth generation Discovery as the centre piece of its new range.  The Land Rover Discovery will be fully revealed in late 2016, with a new name and a new styling.  It will sit above the already launched Discovery Sport.

The design of the new Discovery is more spacious, with greater focus on luxury features such as smart technology, making it ideal for on-road and off-road use.  Recent images reveal that the old, boxy styling of the previous Discovery will be gone, replaced by sleek, softer lines, bringing the design more into line with the Discovery Sport and premium Range Rover models.

New laser headlights will be available, plus Land Rover’s Transparent Bonnet technology and remote drive capability, allowing the driver to control the car via their smartphone.  The new Discovery will retain elements of its iconic profile, visible in the toned down stepped roofline.  The interior will still offer 7 seat options, with an improved central touchscreen and better quality trim all round.

The new Discovery is expected to feature Jaguar Land Rover’s new four cylinder 2.0-litre diesel and petrol engines, with electric hybrid, and a possible 3.0-litreV6 supercharged option, following later. 

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New Honda NSX spec revealed

New Honda NSX spec revealed

Honda has released further details about its exciting new NSX hybrid supercar.  The new car is based on the original Honda NSX, developed with the help of Formula One legend Ayrton Senna in 1989.

Honda believes the new NSX, ‘challenges prevailing beliefs about supercars as much as the first generation did a quarter of a century ago’.  The new car will be ‘an aggressive daily driver’, designed to challenge the likes of Ferrari and Porsche.

The all-wheel drive NSX will be powered by a mid-mounted, twin-turbo V6 petrol engine and three electric motors, delivering 550bhp.  Honda refers to the configuration as its Sport Hybrid all-wheel-drive system (SH-AWD), which works with the Agile Handling Assist to apply the brakes to each wheel individually, enhancing stability.   

The Carbon fibre floor gives the car the rigidity and lightweight edge it needs, with a nine-speed dual-clutch gearbox and an Integrated Dynamics System, allowing the driver to choose between Quiet, Sport , Sport+ and Track driving.

The car’s striking design features a low roofline, gaping side vents, and sharp blades on the bumpers and body made out of aluminium and steel.  The rear gives no hint of the eco-friendly powertrain, with four central exhausts, a race-inspired diffuser and LED lights.  Internally the NSX is trimmed in red leather with a touchscreen centre console and an intricate dash, featuring a distinctive start button.

First deliveries are expected in spring 2016, with a UK price of £100,000. 

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New images of 2016 Mercedes GLS SUV

New images of 2016 Mercedes GLS SUV

New pictures and spec details of Mercedes’ GLS SUV have been leaked ahead of the LA Motor Show, where it is expected to make its public debut. 

The new, more refined GLS appears to have taken on the luxury enhancements of the S-Class line, with upmarket interior trim and the latest infotainment system, featuring an in-car tablet.  Styling updates can also be seen on the exterior of the GLS, including redesigned bumpers, a new front grille and front and rear light adjustments.

The base GLS 350 diesel is expected to have a 254bhp V6, with a possible four-cylinder diesel to follow in some markets and hybrid options coming later.  Mercedes is also expected to release a range-topping AMG model, powered by a 5.5-litre twin-turbo V8, delivering 577bhp. 

The new GLS range will be further developed into an even more luxurious SUV carrying the Maybach badge, allowing Mercedes to compete with the Bentley Bentayga, Rolls Royce’s Cullinan and Range Rovers’ ultra-luxurious SVO models. 

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Porsche Carrera 4 and Targa 4 receive new turbo engine

Porsche Carrera 4 and Targa 4 receive new turbo engine

Porsche’s latest 911 Carrera 4 and Targa 4 have been updated with the all-new turbocharged powerplant, as part of the general move to forced induction across the 911 range.

Both cars receive the 3-litre twin turbo flat-six engine, delivering 365bhp and 414bhp in the ‘S’ variants. The Carrera 4 sprints from 0-62mph in 4.2 seconds (0.4 sec faster than its predecessor) – the Carrera 4S in 3.8 secs.  The new Targa 4 is also quicker in the sprint (by 0.2 sec), with top speeds across the two models varying from 178mph and 190mph, depending on variant.

The Carrera 4 also features electro hydraulically controlled all-wheel drive, PDK, PASM and the Sport Chrono package – inspired by the 918 Spyder.  The lower ride and new dampers compliment the all-wheel drive system, giving better body control.  The Sport pack offers a mode switch on the steering wheel with 4 driving options – Normal, Sport, Sport Plus and Individual, allowing drivers to choose their setting preferences. 

The updated models also feature improved PCM connectivity, with enhanced smartphone integration and internet services.  New exterior styling includes a distinctive rear light strip, creating a ‘three-dimensional design’ and wider rear arches.

European deliveries will start in January 2016, with UK prices to be confirmed shortly.  Prices in Germany start at 103,983 Euros. 

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Porsche Macan gets the GTS treatment

Porsche Macan gets the GTS treatment

Porsche has launched the new Macan GTS, the latest addition to the GTS line. Slotting in between the S and Macan Turbo, the new model receives the same GTS makeover as the rest of the line, increasing speed and enhancing the overall driving experience.

The car features an uprated engine, with chassis and brake tweaks to make it faster, sportier and ‘more Porsche’ than ever.  A lower ride and sharper handling combine with the 355bhp 3.0 litre twin- turbo V6 to deliver 0-62mph in 5.2 seconds and a top speed of 160mph.

Other enhancements to the GTS include a more vocal, sports exhaust system, a seven-speed PDK dual clutch automatic gearbox and electronically-controlled dampers, with Porche’s Active Suspension Management coming as standard.

The GTS Sport Design pack includes Alcantara leather GTS branded seats, a multimedia touchscreen system , 20 inch matt black alloys, matt black body details and gloss black contrasting panels, with the option of full-LED headlights.

The Macan GTS goes on sale in the UK on the 28th October, with a starting price of £55,188 (including a complimentary on-track training session at Porsche’s Silverstone Experience Centre). 

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Rare Ferrari 250 Europa Vignale up for sale

Rare Ferrari 250 Europa Vignale up for sale

An extremely rare 1953 Ferrari 250 Europa Vignale is set to be auctioned in New York on the 10th December.  Just 22 examples of the Ferrari 250 Europa Coupe were produced – 18 featuring Pininfarina-designed bodies, the remaining 4 designed by Vignale. 

The car being auctioned is the second of those 4 models produced, and is an outstanding example of the brief collaborative partnership between Enzo Ferrari and Carrozzeria Vignale.  It has undergone a thorough restoration, and in 2012 received the Trofeo Foglizzi award for interior design, followed in 2015 by a Cavallino Classic Platinum award and the Ferrari Classiche Cup.

Powered by a V12 engine, the exquisite Ferrari 250 Europa Vignale features triple Weber 36 carburetors, a four-speed manual transmission and four-wheel hydraulic drum brakes.

The coveted collector’s car is being auctioned by RM Sotheby’s, and is expected to fetch over 2 million dollars. 

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New Audi RS6 and RS7 models target 190mph

New Audi RS6 and RS7 models target 190mph

Audi have made significant power and trim improvements to the new performance models now available for the RS6 Avant and RS7 Sportback, making them even faster, more agile and more dynamic.

The new performance package increases the cars’ power and speed, giving the RS6 and RS7 a higher rev limit and extra boost pressure.  Audi has maximised the power output of both cars, allowing them to produce an impressive 597bhp against the 552bhp of the standard RS6 and RS7.  

Equipped with Audi’s twin-turbo 4-litre V8 TFSI engine, the performance models can sprint from 0-62mph in 3.7 seconds and 0-124mph in 12.1 seconds – 1.4 seconds quicker than the standard models.  A dynamic package is also available, which can raise the top speed from an electronically-limited 155mph to an incredible 189.5mph.

The new models come with the option of an RS sport suspension system with Dynamic Ride Control, and Audi has also tweaked the 8-speed tiptronic automatic gearbox for ‘extreme sportiness’.  External modifications include updated front and rear RS bumpers, a large rear diffuser and matt titanium paint trims.  Internal upgrades include plush, new Alcantara leather upholstery and carbon twill inlays.

UK pricing is yet to be released, but the current price in Germany is 117,000 Euros for the RS6 Avant and 121,700 Euros for the RS7 Sportback. 

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BMW reveal 2016 X2 coupe-SUV

BMW reveal 2016 X2 coupe-SUV

BMW has revealed its new X2 coupe-SUV, as it seeks to grow its presence in the lucrative sports SUV market.

The X2 will be one of the sportier, edgier models in BMW’s new SUV range, and is expected to come with a choice of front wheel or xDrive 4-wheel drive.  Engine options will include a 192bhp 2.0-litre petrol unit and 2.0-litre diesels in 150bhp, 188bhp and 231bhp varients.  A hybrid plug-in option is also expected for those looking for a more environmentally-friendly SUV.  Rumours of an M spec X2 are circulating, which would boost power output to 355bhp through a 3.0 litre turbocharged straight-six engine.

BMW’s images reveal that the new X2 SUV will be wider and sportier looking, with a more fluid and rounded exterior and consistent BMW styling, including the distinctive BMW grille and swept back headlights with LED daytime running lights.

The X2 will be released in 2017, with the X1 Sport Cross and the 7-seat X7 set to follow in 2018. 

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