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Lotus Evora Wins Another Award
iMotor Readers choose the New Lotus as "Overall Most Rated Car 2008"
Lotus Evora
Mike Kimberley, CEO of Group Lotus plc, is delighted with the award, "This award from iMotor readers is particularly special as it demonstrates that we have produced a car that already has a fan base amongst the cognoscenti, despite the car being a few months away from the sale date in the spring."
iMOTOR editor Mat Watson said: "Unlike other car magazine awards, ours are decided by the readers. Also they include concepts, models that are not yet on sale and some which the press has yet to drive. And it’s clear the iMOTOR readers rate the forthcoming Lotus Evora more than any other car we have featured in the mag. It’s ‘rated’ score of 95 per cent is truly impressive and enough to see it beat brilliant machines such as the Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4 and Nissan GT-R. There’s clearly a lot of excitement for this new Lotus."
KTM X-Bow
KTM Takes Triple Honours in topgear.com Awards
KTM X-Bow
The stunning ‘Ready to Race’ KTM X-Bow is Top Gear’s ‘Sports Car of the Year’, while KTM’s CEO Stefan Pierer, and X-Bow Chief Chassis Engineer, Loris Bicocchi, are both recognised among Top Gear’s ‘Men of the Year’.
Made in Austria, the KTM X-Bow (pronounced crossbow) is a minimalist two-seater mid-engined sports car - featuring a state-of-the-art carbon fibre monocoque - that delivers a pure and exhilarating driving experience. Its 2-litre TFSI Audi engine develops 240 ps (177 kW) and catapults the X-Bow to 62 mph in 3.9 seconds.
The team at Top Gear magazine – the most widely read motoring publication in the UK – and TopGear.com – which boasts over two million unique users each month – reports in this month’s ‘Car of the Year Awards’ issue that the X-Bow they drove in New York "…cuts enough of a dash to stop traffic on its own… beautiful carbon and a great engine courtesy of Audi combine to make it one the greatest things we’ve been in all year."
Top Gear enthuses that Stefan Pierer will "… chat for hours about racing. We like it that he donated KTM’s DNA to a machine with four wheels."
And in crediting Loris Bicocchi with the X-Bow’s dynamics, Top Gear observes that the X-Bow "… turned out delicious. That’s the mark of Bicocchi."
New Audi R8 V10 Ready for the Road (and Track)
Acclaimed aluminium-bodied, mid-engined Audi sports car now available with both ten and eight cylinder power
- Second R8 model powered by 5.2-litre V10 FSI petrol engine scheduled to open for UK order in January 2009 for first deliveries next spring
- Available with manual gearbox at £99,575 OTR, or with R tronic sequential shift transmission at £104,665 OTR (R8 4.2 V8 £77,405 OTR and £82,495 OTR)
- 5,204cc V10 produces 525PS at 8,000rpm and 530Nm at 6,500rpm (R8 4.2 V8 420PS at 7,800rpm, 430Nm at 4,500rpm)
- 0-62mph in 3.9 seconds, top speed 196mph, combined mpg 20.6 (R8 4.2 V8 R tronic 0-62mph in 4.6 seconds, top speed 187mph, combined mpg 20.7)
- Combines classic mid-engine configuration with advanced all-aluminium Audi Space Frame (ASF) construction and quattro permanent four-wheel-drive
- World’s first all-LED headlamps as standard, plus Audi magnetic ride adaptive damping and Bang & Olufsen audio system
Audi’s starter for ten – The new 525PS, 196mph Audi R8 V10 joins the highly successful V8 model in the UK in the spring of 2009 priced from £99,575 OTR
The new 5.2-litre FSI V10 petrol engine mounted longitudinally directly behind the cockpit is almost identical in construction to the unit powering the recently announced R8 LMS that will race at customer level in the GT3 class. It contributes only 31kg more to the overall weight of the all-aluminium-bodied R8 than the existing V8, taking it to 1,620kg, and making possible an impressive power-to-weight ratio of 324PS per ton.
Punching out its 525PS maximum at 8,000rpm, and peak torque of 530Nm at 6,500rpm, this exceptional and highly efficient direct injection unit rockets the R8 through the 62mph barrier in just 3.9 seconds as it revs freely to its 8,700rpm limit in each of its six ratios. When linked to the R tronic transmission it can reach 124mph in only 12 seconds, and in the right conditions can maintain its breathtaking momentum all the way to 196mph – an unprecedented high for a road-going Audi.
By mounting the ten-cylinder unit as close as possible to the centre of the R8, Audi engineers have achieved near perfect 44 per cent front / 56 per cent rear weight distribution for optimum handling balance. Dry sump engine lubrication – an element specifically derived from racing - also furthers this aim by enabling the V10 to be mounted as close to the road as possible to lower the centre of gravity.
World’s first all-LED headlights
As a further safety enhancement feature that also adds a new dimension to the already much lauded styling of the R8, the V10 is equipped as standard with the world’s first all-LED headlamps. For the first time the high intensity diodes have been used for low beam and high beam settings, as well as for daytime running lights and indicators, intensifying the sports car’s visual drama.
Fiat 500 Under £8,000!
Fiat 500 Priced Below £8,000 – Again!
Fiat 500 under £8,000!
The 500 range stunned customers and industry commentators alike when it was launched with an entry-level price of just £7,900 for the 1.2-litre Pop in January. The list price rose to £8,100 in the summer. However the new VAT tariff of 15 per cent means that the price has dropped again, to £7,929.
All the other cars in Fiat’s range have also benefitted from the 2.5 percentage point cut in VAT. For example, the Panda range now starts at just £6,859 for the 1.1 Active, the Grande Punto range opens at £9,056 for the 1.4 Active, while the Multipla people carrier now begins at £13,751 for the 1.6 16v Dynamic Family.
"It has been praised for its style, eco-friendliness, road manners and economy," says Elena Bernardelli, marketing director, Fiat UK. "Now the Fiat 500 has re-affirmed its terrific value for money with this latest list price."
NISSAN GT-R
UPDATED NISSAN GT-R FOR EUROPE
- Engine power increase – up to 485PS (+5PS)
- Dunlop SP Sport 600 DSST tyres confirmed as standard fit
- ‘Storm White’ (Pearl) replaces original pearl white exterior colour
- Gun Metal RAYS Alloy wheels now fitted to GT-R and Premium editions
- Black RAYS alloy wheels for Black Edition
- Price now increased for all new orders (from 8 December 2008)
Nissan GT-R
The GT-R’s hand-built 3.8-litre V6 twin-turbo engine has gained 5PS thanks to some fine tuning of its electronics, taking power output to 485PS, while torque remains unchanged at 588Nm. Additionally, Dunlop SP Sport 600 DSST tyres will be fitted as standard. The tyre was developed specifically for the GT-R and it combines grip and durability, as demonstrated during its ‘time-attack’ lap of the Nurburgring, which yielded a time of 7 minutes 29 seconds. And, just to improve the ride performance even further a modification has been carried out to the suspension spring rate settings.
Another update sees the introduction of the Gun Metal grey coloured Rays seven-spoke alloy wheel design for the standard and Premium Edition GT-Rs, while the Black Edition will be fitted with the same design but, appropriately, in black. Additionally, customers can now choose a new pearl white called ‘Storm’ as an exterior colour – an eye-catching, deep white replacing the original pearl white which had a slightly darker shade.
For customers ordering now, the price of the GT-R will increase by £1995 and start from £56,795 on the road with a further £1300 for the Premium Edition (£58,095) and another £1300 for the Black Edition (£59,395). This represents an overall increase of 3.8 percent.
Deliveries of the GT-R will begin in April through a network of Nissan High Performance Centres, where customers will have contact with highly-trained staff who share their enthusiasm for the GT-R’s unique blend of accessible performance, striking design and state-of-the-art technology.
To date, Nissan has taken in excess of 2500 customer orders in Europe with 1200 coming from the UK. Any new customer orders should expect delivery in mid 2010.
Fiat 500byDiesel
500byDiesel Now Availability Exclusively Online
Fiat 500byDiesel
The 500byDIESEL, a global limited edition run of just 10,000 examples, is the result of a collaboration between Fiat’s Style Centre in Turin and fashion label DIESEL’s design team. The idea was to create an ‘Urban Survival Vehicle’, perfect for town traffic, yet expressing the personality of its alternative young brand lovers.
500byDiesel represents Fiat’s first venture into selling vehicles via the web and follows the success of the Abarth 500 on-line deposit offer, which allowed customers to pre-order 200 of the performance supermini six months in advance of UK availability. All of these cars were allocated three months ahead of schedule.
Now, a new fully automated process allows customers to configure a 500byDIESEL, pay a deposit, order it direct from the factory, track the car’s progress, make a final payment and liaise with a geographically appropriate dealer about collecting the new vehicle – all on-line.
The 500byDIESEL Internet campaign is thus Fiat’s next step into e-commerce and purchasing, exclusively online through www.fiat.co.uk.
“This new route to market is an exciting and futuristic development for Fiat,” says Elena Bernardelli, marketing director, Fiat UK. “The Fiat 500 is also a perfect fit for DIESEL and we are pleased to have this fantastic association with them.”
Based on a Fiat 500 Sport version, the 500byDIESEL comes in metallic green, black or brown. The exterior features 16-inch alloy wheels with the DIESEL logo, brake callipers painted yellow (an option only on the 100 bhp 1.4 version), unique side trim with DIESEL wording, and special door mirror fairings.
Inside, there’s special upholstery in denim fabric. The label logo also appears on the instrument panel and gear knob, while a special pouch, reminiscent of the fifth pocket on DIESEL jeans, appears on the side of the front seats. In-car entertainment comes courtesy of Fiat’s Blue&Me hands-free telecommunications and entertainment technology, which means the car is eco:Drive compatible.
The 500byDIESEL will be available with all three Euro 5-ready power units in the Fiat 500 range – the 69 bhp 1.2 unit, 75 bhp 1.3 MultiJet with DPF, and a 100 bhp 1.4 16v engine. Prices start at £11,150.
Toyota Avensis
Toyota Presents the New Avensis : Built in Britain
Key Points
- New generation of Toyota’s European flagship, built in Britain
- Saloon and tourer body styles, with sleek, athletic styling
- New Toyota Optimal Drive powertrains deliver lower emissions and more power
- All-new petrol engines and revised diesels
- Petrol units offered with new advanced continuously variable transmission
- Packed standard specification with four trim levels – T2, TR, T4 and T Spirit
- On-the-road prices from £15,760
- On sale from 1 January 2009
Introduction
The all-new, third generation Toyota Avensis delivers more style, higher performance, improved fuel economy and lower emissions. Toyota’s flagship model in Europe, built exclusively at its Burnaston factory in the UK, benefits from athletic, contemporary styling, superb build quality and advanced engineering.
New engines and transmissions have been developed using Toyota Optimal Drive technology to return significantly better fuel consumption and CO2 emissions compared to the previous generation model. New Valvematic petrol engines and revised D-4D and D-CAT clean diesel units balance driving pleasure with strong environmental performance and reduced running costs. Together they offer the private and company car driver all the power and comfort they are used to as well as the low emissions and fuel consumption they now demand.
New Avensis is available in saloon and tourer body styles with four equipment grades: T2, TR, T4, and T Spirit. All offer a high level of features for safety, comfort and convenience, with advanced features such as a Pre-Crash Safety system (PCS), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Lane Keep Assist/Lane Departure Warning (LKA/LDW) and premium satellite navigation system with built-in hard drive for storing music files available in the model for the first time.
UK sales of new Avensis start on 1 January with on-the-road prices from £15,760.
Toyota New Avensis
Valvematic is an innovation based on Toyota’s proven dual Variable Valve timing – intelligent (dual VVT-i) technology. In addition to the variable timing of the inlet and outlet valves, Valvematic adds a lift control system that continuously varies the lift of the inlet valves to better control the volume and speed of the intake airflow. This provides a breakthrough in combustion efficiency that ultimately delivers more power for less fuel.
Across the range the new 1.8 and 2.0-litre Valvematic petrol engines achieve a reduction in CO2 emissions and fuel consumption of between 10 and 26 per cent, while at the same time increasing power by between three and 20 per cent, compared to the VVT-i engines used by the previous generation Avensis.
Revised D-4D and D-CAT diesel engines – up to 10% lower emissions
New Avensis offers customers one of the most comprehensive ranges of diesel engines in the D-segment, all of them benefiting from Toyota Optimal Drive technology. Entry point is the 2.0-litre D-4D 130, followed by the 2.2-litre D-4D and D-CAT 150 as mid-power options, and the 2.2 D-CAT 180 as the higher power unit (the D-CAT 150 engine with automatic transmission will join the range in spring 2009).
The challenge was to develop these engines to give excellent performance and low CO2 emissions and fuel consumption, while at the same time achieving a substantial reduction in the level of particulate matter (PM) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) emissions. Together the new diesel engine technology features deliver a reduction in CO2 and fuel consumption levels between one and 10 per cent compared to the previous generation Avensis; the 2.2-litre D-4D 150 and 2.2-litre 150/180 D-CAT engines all meet Euro V emissions standards.
Advanced new transmissions – diesel automatic for the first time
New Avensis uses a range of advanced transmissions that strike a balance between responsiveness, smoothness and fuel efficiency.
Multidrive S, Toyota’s new and advanced continuously variable transmission (CVT) is available with the 1.8 and 2.0-litre Valvematic petrol engines. And for the first time on a Toyota diesel passenger car, a six-speed automatic will be available, offered on the 2.2-litre D-CAT 150.
All petrol engines are fitted with a newly developed six-speed manual transmission, while the diesel engines are matched to the proven six-speed manual gearbox featured in the previous generation Avensis.
Bologna Motor Show 2008
Maserati at the Bologna Motor Show
Maserati Gran Turismo S 'MC Sport Line'
Maserati has developed a special series of new options named “MC Sport Line”, which make their worldwide debut at the Bologna Motor Show, with new content that adds to Maserati’s already extensive range of personalisation options. The “MC Sport Line” is designed to enhance the sporty DNA of Maseratis for those customers who like to express their passion for racing through dynamic styling and a choice of technical solutions that increase driving fun without compromise.
The name “MC Sport Line” sums up the on-track experience gained by the Maserati Corse department, whose contribution to the design of the functional components has been invaluable. The world of motor racing also inspired Maserati’s designers when it came to styling, hence the extensive use of carbon fibre, exceptionally popular among racing enthusiasts thanks to its direct links to racing.
The GranTurismo S, the ultimate expression of Maserati’s performance, was the model chosen to first present the “MC Sport Line” catalogue to the public, which will be extended to the GranTurismo range and then will ultimately encompass the entire Maserati line-up during the course of 2009.
From early 2009, GranTurismo S customers will not only be able to enhance the sporty look of their vehicle’s exterior and interior — but different technical solutions will also be available.
Aerodynamics can be modified thanks to the addition of front and rear carbon-fibre spoilers, which benefit from track tests conducted on the GranTurismo MC Concept; the new aerodynamics not only optimise the vertical load but give the car a very distinctive appearance, as do the side skirts with the central panel finished in matt black, adding a dynamic edge to the side view.
The sporty look of the exterior can be completed with carbon fibre mirror housings and door handles. The same dark shade is reflected in the glossy black 20” wheel rims that perfectly match the dark line of the exterior.
The carbon fibre door sill bearing the words “MC Sport Line”, tells you that you are entering a different environment, in which carbon fibre characterises the door panels, dashboard and central tunnel.
The steering wheel rim is also made from carbon fibre, as are the paddle shifts for the electro-actuated transmission and the body of the instrument panel, dashboard and door panels, featuring carbon moulding. Looking at the central tunnel, carbon fibre dominates the entire section, acting as a backdrop to enhance the brilliance of the chrome.
The “MC” pedal block complete with kickplate to the left is machined from solid aluminium.
Under the “skin”, the suspension has been stiffened thanks to new, stiffer springs, shock absorbers and anti-roll bars; the new suspension set-up is synchronised with a specific Maserati Stability Programme software, allowing the driver more freedom. The car is now 10 mm lower than the GranTurismo S, resulting in on-road performance that is absolutely uncompromising in terms of handling and driving enjoyment.
All the features listed are available either as part of the customisation package, following the indications of Maserati designers; or individually, to cater for the personal tastes of each customer.
Hyundai i20
More for less – Hyundai reveals i20 prices
- New supermini undercuts mainstream rivals by more than £1,000
- Standard air-con, six airbags and five-year warranty
- Prices start at just £8,195
Hyundai i20
But Hyundai i20 buyers are set to be pleasantly surprised. Despite having exceptional levels of space, quality and safety – plus dynamics which can take on and beat the best from Europe and Japan – the little Hyundai is still priced at least £1,000 lower than mainstream rivals.
When it goes on sale in the new year, the entry level 1.2-litre Classic will start at just £8,195 for the three-door with a five door costing an extra £450. Despite the low price, all i20s are equipped with air-conditioning, six airbags, active head restraints, remote locking, electric front windows and an aux-in socket. In addition there is the reassurance of Hyundai’s Five Year Unlimited Mileage Warranty – unique in this class.
The mid-range Comfort model – expected to be the best seller and starting at £8,995 – adds 15-inch alloy wheels, body colour door mirrors and handles, electric rear windows, full iPod integration, steering wheel mounted audio controls, a trip computer and a six-speaker system.
Flagship of the i20 range is the Style, equipped with 16-inch alloys, climate control, part-leather upholstery, metal-look facia and front fog lights.
There is plenty of new technology under the bonnet too. The i20 debuts with two new petrol and diesel engines, starting with an advanced 78PS 1.2-litre ‘Kappa’ petrol which is expected to be the range’s biggest seller. Its CO2 rating of just 124g/km is around 15g less than similarly-sized petrol engines from rivals and it returns 54.3 mpg on the combined cycle.
Next up in the range is a 1.4-litre, 100PS 1.4-litre petrol borrowed from the i30. In the i20 it returns 50.4mpg on the combined cycle and produces 133g/km – better that some rivals’ 1.0-litre engines!
Meeting the demand for low-emission, high economy diesel power, the i20’s all-new CRDi engines both have a 1.4-litre capacity and offer 75PS or 90PS. Emissions and fuel economy figures are exceptional – at just 116g/km and 64.2 mpg for the 75PS version and 118g/km and 62.8 mpg for the larger-wheeled 90PS model. This places both i20 diesels in band ‘B’ for VED, making a tax disc cost just £35/year. Furthermore, company car drivers will find they are taxed for benefit-in-kind at just 13% – offering significant savings for those wanting to downsize.
And just because it’s smaller, doesn’t mean it’s less safe. It is Hyundai’s aim to make the i20 the safest car in the supermini class. The company doesn’t believe safety should be limited to the more expensive models in the range either – Active Head Restraints and a total of six airbags are standard on all i20s.
Alfa Romeo 159
Alfa Romeo 159 Limited Edition is Loaded with Extra Gadgets
Alfa 159 Limited Edition
Loaded with more than £3000 worth of gadgets, including lowered suspension, red Brembo brake callipers, sports dials with red background, black leather upholstery, Carbonio black metallic paint and darkened 19” spoke alloy wheels, the Alfa 159 Limited Edition is a new secret weapon for dealers across the country.
The eye-catching saloon which is limited to just 250 examples is powered by a 1.9 JTDM 150bhp diesel engine and costs £22,168 on the road. It will reach 62mph from rest in 9.2 seconds and 47mpg (official combined mpg figure).
For a chance to win a James Bond Quantum of Solace Scalextric set, motorists will need to test drive any new Alfa 159 and complete a form at their local Alfa Romeo dealership.