New Corsa, the VXR is set to raise the bar for small, fast hatchbacks when it appears in Vauxhall showrooms in May. Headline performance figures are 0-60mph in 6.8 seconds and a top speed of 143mph – quicker than the outgoing car, but more importantly the VXR produces its 245Nm of torque from lower revs (between 1,900rpm and 5,800rpm, compared with 2,250rpm to 5,500rpm for the outgoing … [Read more...]
Newcomers
Porsche Cayman GT4 breaks cover
Porsche is extending its line of GT high performance models with the Cayman GT4. This is the first time Porsche has introduced such a focused GT model based on the mid-engined Cayman. Sharing components and genetic spirit with the iconic 911 GT3, a lap time of 7 min 40 sec around the Nürburgring Nordschleife places the Cayman GT4 emphatically as the new benchmark at the top of its market … [Read more...]
Ferrari 488GTB planned for Geneva show debut
Forty years on from the unveiling of its first ever mid-rear-engined V8 model, the 308 GTB, the Prancing Horse opens a new chapter in its 8-cylinder history. The Ferrari 488 GTB’s new 3902 cc V8 turbo is at the top of its class for power output, torque and response times, making it the new benchmark for this kind of architecture. The engine unleashes 670 cv at 8,000 rpm and it hits 120mph from … [Read more...]
Ford Focus RS goes all-wheel-drive
Ford has adopted a sophisticated 4WD system for its eagerly anticipated new Focus RS. Third-generation Focus RS will be available in major markets around the world for the first time. It follows the reveal last month of the new Ford GT supercar as part of a new era of Ford performance that will deliver 12 new vehicles by 2020. Developed by the Ford Performance team, RS features … [Read more...]
Lotus Exige S Automatic announced
The much-loved Lotus Exige, with its ground-breaking, extruding aluminium and bonded chassis, lightweight composite body and race-bred double wishbone suspension now features an automatic transmission option. With an exceptional power-to-weight ratio of 292 hp/tonne and stunning performance, an even more focused driving experience is made possible by including the 6-speed automatic gearbox … [Read more...]
CV Show heading for record
According to the organisers of CV Show 2015, there will be more tankers and trailers on display than have been seen since the pre-recession Show of 2008. Key players in this particular sector will include Cartwright Group, Doll Fahrzeugbau, Don-Bur, Lawrence David, Montracon, SDC, Tiger Trailers and Van Hool. Show organisers are particularly pleased to see Don-Bur return to the CV Show after … [Read more...]
Golf GTD Estate comes in summer
For the first time, the GTD initials grace the Golf Estate, which like the Golf GTD, boasts the 184 PS engine. It'll debut at the Geneva Show in March and is well placed to establish itself as an iconic long-distance cruiser. The 184 PS TDI engine takes the Golf GTD Estate to 62 mph in just 7.9 seconds with the 2.0-litre unit delivering a maximum torque of 380 Nm – and yet this sporty … [Read more...]
Seven-model Infiniti Q70 coming soon
Prices have been given for the new generation Infiniti Q70 series. The seven model line up starts at £32,650 and rises to £46,600. An attractive new entry price point, lower CO2, extra equipment including full LED front and rear lighting, and a sharp new family look sum up Infiniti’s premium Q70 saloon range for 2015, which is now on sale in the UK. The upgraded line-up starts with a new … [Read more...]
Mitsubishi Outlander moves up market
Sumptuous leather seats that are individually hand crafted, low level mood lighting, a sound system dynamically optimised with the vehicle’s interior acoustics and all-essential multiple USB charging ports are prerequisite in a luxury company car – and standard in the newly launched Mitsubishi Outlander GX5h and GX5hs plug-in hybrid electric vehicle. Externally the new models have full length … [Read more...]
CV manufacturing returned to growth in December
UK commercial vehicle (CV) manufacturing rose 12.6% in December, the first month of growth since July 2013. Output fell 19.7% in 2014, but a month of growth heralds brighter future Growing demand at home helped to drive December growth, despite deflated export markets. "The growth of commercial vehicle manufacturing output in December represents a turning point in the sector’s fortunes," … [Read more...]