Maserati SUV Concept Leaked

Just days before its official unveiling at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show, images of the new SUV concept from Maserati have been leaked onto the Web.

The image, that appeared in an online pocket guidebook for the show, came with the description that the new SUV model due for launch in 2013 is expected to feature a 4.7-litre V8 engine under the bonnet producing around 335kW of power. The engine is also likely to be backed up by an eight-speed ZF automatic transmission. However, the SUV will be tuned more for speed than actual heavy off-road duty.

The luxury off road vehicle based on the Jeep Grand Cherokee, will have new bodywork and a bespoke interior. The image showcases typical Maserati design features from the latest models with the vertical slat front grille, fender vents, and angular headlights.

The price is yet to be revealed but it’s expected to be priced higher than its top spec Jeep counterpart at an estimated amount of $80,000 to $100,000.

Land Rover DC100 Sport

The brand new Land Rover DC100 Sport was unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show this week. The DC100 Sport was a surprise reveal alongside the much anticipated DC100 and is one of two concepts that the Land Rover team have confirmed will be put into production for 2015. Both were revealed to gauge public interest and gather feedback to give Land Rover an idea of which direction to go in for 2015 to avoid rushing into a replacement.

In comparison to the silver three door 4X4 DC100 demonstrating ‘capability and versatility’, the DC100 Sport is an open-air pick-up version in bright yellow-orange and is described as ‘an active expression of freedom and leisure’.

Under the hood, both concepts use 2.0-litre four-cylinder engines driving all four wheels through a stop/start-equipped eight-speed automatic. However, while the DC100 has a diesel engine, the DC100 Sport has a petrol engine.

Both concepts have a new automatic terrain response system that automatically sets all the driver assist systems sensing the wheel travel, wheelslip, the texture of the ground and a sonar depth-sounder for driving through rivers.

Lexus To Launch LFA Tokyo Edition

According to rumours, Lexus will be launching a special super LFA Tokyo edition which will be revealed at the 2011 Tokyo Motor Show. Toyota, who manufacture the vehicle are also expected to manufacture additional Lexus/Toyota performance cars in the next few years.

This Lexus LFA Tokyo edition, which follows the Nurburgring special, will bring an M3-esque exposed carbon roof and a hydraulically adjustable carbon rear spoiler.

The car is set to cost an additional $54,500 (about R418, 000) of the regular Lexus LFA.

While the Lexus LFA Tokyo edition is on its way, Toyota have decided to cancel the open-top version of the Lexus LFA due to the current uncertain economic climate. Instead, the Japanese auto manufacturer have been rumoured to be creating two additional vehicles: a successor to the Supra coupe as well as a front-wheel drive performance car.

New Jensen Interceptor 2014

The British firm CPP are going to be building an all-new Jensen Inceptor due in 2014. This Inteceptor is not to be confused with the ‘new’ old Interceptor still available to purchase. CPP has been contracted by Healey Sports Cars of Switzerland, who own the rights to Jensen, to engineer and manufacture the new model at its West Midlands plant.

For those who need reminding, the original Interceptor was a two-door GT Coupe, convertible or hatchback, built by Jensen Motors between 1966 and 1976 in the UK, powered by a Chrysler V8 ranging from 383 to 440 cubic inches.

The new Interceptor will take inspiration from the original ‘echoing its four-seat grand tourer layout’ with the wraparound rear screen and elongated flanks while updating it with advanced technologies.

Founder and co-owner of CPP, Brendan O’Toole has said: “I started my career by restoring bodies and components for classic British sports cars, so for CPP to take the lead role in reviving this iconic brand is very exciting for the business, and for me personally.”

The price of the new Jensen is yet to be confirmed.

Mercedes Benz B-Class and C-Class Lineage to be expanded in the US

Last week, I was invited by Mercedes-Benz in Stuttgart to take part in the company’s brand workshop. We’ve been taken to the Mercedes-Benz Museum, then to their design centre and at last, to the test grounds in Malmsheim. That’s where the real fun was. And why do I say that? Among driving a lot of new models in Mercedes’ new lineup, I got behind the wheel with the New Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupe 2010. It was a diesel Mercedes E350 and boy was the drive fun — sorry guys for taking it to the limit, didn’t know we’re not allowed icon smile New Mercedes Benz E Class Coupe 2010 Test Drive

So here’s an official video with the 2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupe. It’s a really neat monster, don’t you think?

Marry A Mercedes-Benz to Apple and You Get an iCar!

Way back in 2007, there were reports that Apple and Mercedes Benz had signed a deal whereby Apple was to design an in-car maintenance, communication and navigation system for inclusion in Mercedes Benz vehicles. It’s all coming true. The iCar is what you get when you combine a Mercedes-Benz S Class car and the latest Apple devices.

Hyundai Super Car in the Making?

Rumors are swirling around the stables of South Korean automaker Hyundai. And, in fact, it is a super rumor about the car maker cooking up a super car. The vehicle will come with a power train of all-aluminum Tao 5.0-liter V8 – that’s something akin to what is now powering the Genesis R-Spec. The cost is estimated to be between $80,000 and $100,000.

If the rumblings are to be taken to face value, this coupe will compete with some extraordinary machines on the road, like the Nissan GT-R and the Porsche 911. It is also being said that the front engine and mid-engine designs are under consideration.

An updated edition of the 4.6-liter V8 boosted by direct injection and a higher compression ratio is what the car will bring along with it. The type of injection the supercar will use is still being debated.

Some feel that it would be a six-speed, while others think it could be a twin-clutch auto-manual.

We are still waiting to hear more from the carmaker on that.

VW Nils Electric Concept Car

Volkswagen has designed a new concept electric pod car that will be revealed at the Frankfurt Motor Show taking place in just under two weeks. The Nils, ideal for a single commuter, is a possible solution for crowded urban roads. Developed with the German Transport Ministry and designed to be environmentally sustainable is capable of travelling up to approximately 137km an hour with a range between charges of about 65km and weighs just 19kg. The single seater is just 3040mm long – half a metre shorter than an Up – and sits lower than a Porsche 911.

The battery has a capacity of 5.3kWh and is fully charged after two hours with a three point plug.

The design, based around a light but sturdy aluminum spaceframe, features gullwing style doors and free-standing wheels which makes it both fun to drive and friendly on the environment.

R&D chief Ulrich Hackenberg said: “Nils is anything but a dry-run exercise and is very realistic. Despite its compact dimensions, the concept fulfils all safety requirements for contemporary vehicles.”

Citroen Tubik Concept Car

According to Citroen, it’s time that travel became meangingful again and the French auto manufacturer intends to do just this with its new Tubik concept, a modern take on the MPV. Citroen describes the Tubik as “a high-tech executive shuttle based on one key idea: travel should be fun”. The futuristic nine- seater people mover draws inspiration from the Type H or TUB (French slang for a front-wheel drive commercial vehicle) van from Citroen’s auto history.

The interior showcases seats covered in purple leather and felt that can swivel and be re-positioned to create a lounge and/or sleeping area. The passenger area also comes fitted with an HD TV screen and surround sound. Although there is plenty of lighting, there is a significant lack of windows in the passenger area, which for some may not be ideal. The driver’s seat resembles that of a circular pod almost completely separated from the rest of the vehicle. The quirky design extends to the passenger door which opens much like the door of a private jet where the top half lifts up while the bottom half drops to form a step.

The Tubik is powered by PSA’s new Hybrid4 system with a 160bhp 2.0-litre diesel engine up front and the battery/electric motor gubbins generating another 37bhp out the back. All four of the 22 inch wheels can be driven in 4wd mode.

The Tubik concept is set to be unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show.

Jaguar C-X16 Concept Car

The Jaguar’s teaser sketch of a sub XK production concept revealed last month is now officially the new Jaguar C-X16 and it certainly is a beauty. The new concept, that will be revealed at next week’s Frankfurt Motor Show, is a two-seat, rear-wheel-drive sports coupe built on an aluminium architecture and offers perfect 50:50 weight distribution. The car is the smallest Jaguar has built since 1954 and the XK 120. At 4445mm long, this compact car is sure to see a convertible roadster version in due course.

Up front, the car is powered by a supercharged 3.0-litre V6 putting out 376 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque. There is also the addition of a “Push to Pass” hybrid system controlled through a steering wheel-mounted button. Integrated into the eight-speed gearbox is an electric motor generator mounted behind the seats that draws power from a battery pack that provides 95bhp and 173lb ft of power.

According to Ian Callum, Jaguars design chief, “Jaguars have always been dramatically different. With the C-X16 we have moved the current award-winning design language on to the next generation, creating a car that is the very essence of future Jaguar performance.”

The final product, very similar to what you see here, will likely go on sale in late 2012 at a price of £55,000.

Vauxhaull Reveals Electric Car

Just after the announcement of the Volkswagen Nils concept car, comes the surprising revelation of Vauxhaull’s very own electric city concept car. The car which has yet to be named, will join the Nils on the stands at the upcoming Frankfurt Motor Show.

This tiny two seater that weighs under 500kg has batteries that give a 95km range and can take the car to about 120km/h at top speed which makes it suitable for urban driving.

The dramatic exterior design appears to have drawn inspiration from the hybrid Ampera up front, with the rear resembling that of a motorbike. Elongated LED headlights, a prominent grille and a sweeping glass roof contribute to the sharp and striking styling.

Vauxhall claims that the new EV city car has both “production potential” and could “revolutionise urban transport, especially for younger drivers and those on a very tight budget”.

Frankfurt Motor Show Preview

Just a day away from the official launch of the Frankfurt Motor Show 2011, here are some of the new vehicles and concepts that are expected to be on display on the showroom floor tomorrow. It’s shaping up to be an exciting show.

Aston Martin V12 Zagato

Audi S7

Gallardo Super Trofeo

Land Rover DC100

VW Beetle R Concept

Ford Fiesta FT Concept

Hyundai i30

Mercedes Benz F-125

Yo-Auto Concept

Audi A2 Concept

Lotus Exige S

Subaru XV

New Ferrari 458 Spyder

How do Ferrari do it? Just when you thought they’ve lost the plot and given up making cars that I want to have as a poster on my wall, they come up with this. The convertible version of the already ridiculously good looking 458 Italia. Prepare to bite your knuckles.

The 458 Spyder does represent a world first (car manufacturers love world firsts more than anything I can think of other than money) in that it features the first hard-top mechanical folding roof in a rear engined sports car. Seriously. Think about the engineering challenge there: create a tin-top folding roof that stows away on top the engine. That couldn’t have been easy. Who says Italians only do aesthetics properly.

Apparently the all-aluminium roof is 25kg lighter than a comparitively-sized soft top convertible roof, which I find quite remarkable. Aluminium is very soft though when used as sheet-metal, I highly suggest not leaning on the thing when you’re trying to show off. You playboy, you.

The 458 Spyder is powered by the same 4.5litre naturally aspirated V8 as its solid-roof cousin, which means it sounds like Zeus having an argument and accelerates like a frightened meerkat. 0-100km/h is achieved in less than 3.4 seconds and top speed is quoted as “greater than” 320km/h.

But none of this really matters when you look at the thing. It is quite possibly the most beautiful motorvehicle I’ve laid eyes on.

Renault Megane RS 250 Limited Edition

Renault have recently officially released the details of their latest limited edition Megane RS 250 Grand Prix model.  The French auto manufacturer pays homage to the Monaco GP circuit with this luxurious award winning Megane that is reflected in its looks and drive.

Renault has packed the hatch with a 2.0-litre turbocharged four producing 246 horsepower and 251 lb/ft of torque. Other features include  a panoramic glass roof, 19-inch alloys, red Brembo brake calipers and bi-xenon headlights. The interior shows off a black-and-white leather trim with white accents on the center console, dash-strip, and door handles.  The Pearlescent White paint, in which the car is currently only available, reflects its exclusive status.

Unfortunately the limited edition hatch is only available for the Australian market.

Justin Hocevar, Managing Director Renault Australia has stated that “this incredibly luxurious version of the Mégane R.S. 250 will appeal to lovers of hot hatches who don’t want to compromise on their everyday creature comforts.”

Novitec Tweaks Alfa Romeo Giulietta

German tuning house Novitec Automobile GmbH has decided to do some tweaking on the Alfa Romeo Giulietta. The company, known for their tuning of Ferrari’s, has experience with Alfa and decided to make some exciting improvements on the Italian hatchback. The vehicle prides itself on offering power and speed with a reasonable price tag attached.

Beginning in the engine bay, Novitec made adjustments with the full range of gasoline and diesel engines available, to squeeze out an extra 15-30 horsepower depending on the model.  Additional features include stainless steel sport mufflers, wheels with diameters of up to 20 inches and an aerodynamic-enhancement package.

The front of the vehicle will undergo some changes that will result in a reduced lift on the front axle, the rear will be fitted with a bumper with integrated diffuser and the side skirts will create a more sleeker appearance.

Alfa Romeo Giulietta