Isn’t that last year’s Proceed concept car?
No, but you’re on the right lines. Our first glimpse of the Ceed was the Proceed concept, a sharp-looking three-door with hints of Audi A3 in the styling. But when the production car appeared it had morphed into a slightly less interesting five-door on wheels the size of a CD. The good news is that a year on, the concept finally made it to production as the three-door Ceed which is unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show next month. Kia insists on calling it the pro_cee'd but CAR won't pander: it's the Proceed as far as we're concerned.
So what’s different apart from the number of doors?
More than you might think. Because while the 2650mm wheelbase is retained, the nose is 10mm longer, the grille shallower and the bumper, headlamps and air intake are all different. Move to the side and you’ll notice that the windscreen is actually shallower than the five-door’s and the overall height chopped by 30mm. Obviously the doors are longer to allow access to the rear but belt- and swagelines are both more aggressive to bolster the three-door’s sporty credentials. At the rear there's a pronounced chrome tailpipe for the exhaust and an optional Sports Pack brings 17-inch alloys and stiffer dampers.
Thứ Bảy, 3 tháng 3, 2012
Ford Verve concept (2007): first official pictures
The new Fiesta? You're having a laugh, aren't you?
The Verve – due to be unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show – signposts Ford’s fresh design direction for next year’s new Fiesta. It's the next step in Ford's kinetic design theme we’ve already seen in the S-Max and Mondeo. So is it really the new Fiesta with a nifty paintjob, some big wheels and some Prada-inspired upholstery fabric? 'There’s much less of a design jump between what you see here and what will arrive in dealers next year,' says Martin Smith, Ford’s European design boss, and the man behind the Verve. Much less than there was between the Iosis and Mondeo. 'It’s truer to the final product than Iosis and Iosis X were.' Which is as close to a yes as you’ll get from a designer.
It looks fantastic for a Fiesta!
Yup, the Verve is drop-dead gorgeous, full of athletic attitude and with a you-want-some stance. It sits on the same-length wheelbase as the current Fiesta but its visual maturity and sophistication make it look longer, lower and sleeker. From that basking shark grille, over its chunky clamshell bonnet, along its integrated headlamps, through its fast windscreen, along its creased doors and round to that clean and tidy rear, the Verve is distinctive and desirable – the very antithesis of the current Fiesta.
The Verve – due to be unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show – signposts Ford’s fresh design direction for next year’s new Fiesta. It's the next step in Ford's kinetic design theme we’ve already seen in the S-Max and Mondeo. So is it really the new Fiesta with a nifty paintjob, some big wheels and some Prada-inspired upholstery fabric? 'There’s much less of a design jump between what you see here and what will arrive in dealers next year,' says Martin Smith, Ford’s European design boss, and the man behind the Verve. Much less than there was between the Iosis and Mondeo. 'It’s truer to the final product than Iosis and Iosis X were.' Which is as close to a yes as you’ll get from a designer.
It looks fantastic for a Fiesta!
Yup, the Verve is drop-dead gorgeous, full of athletic attitude and with a you-want-some stance. It sits on the same-length wheelbase as the current Fiesta but its visual maturity and sophistication make it look longer, lower and sleeker. From that basking shark grille, over its chunky clamshell bonnet, along its integrated headlamps, through its fast windscreen, along its creased doors and round to that clean and tidy rear, the Verve is distinctive and desirable – the very antithesis of the current Fiesta.
Dodge Journey (2007): first official pictures
The Dodge Journey. Don't tell me... it's the start of a new journey for the fledgling cars games maker?
It certainly is. It's apt that the newly independent Dodge, and sister brands Chrysler and Jeep, have only just broken from the shackles of the DaimlerChrysler partnership and their first new product is the Journey MPV/hatch. It's designed to replace the Voyager in the UK, which is being abandoned as Chrysler will henceforth import only the bigger Grand Voyager. Dodge suits talk up the Journey as a new type of vehicle (surprise surprise), a crossover stealing the best bits of MPVs, hatchbacks and - you guessed it - SUVs. Think of it as a chunkier Ford S-Max rival.
So what's underneath the Journey?
The Journey will be Dodge-branded only and is based on the Avenger saloon, so comes with that car's 2.4-litre petrol and VW-sourced 2.0-litre diesel. The wheelbase of the platform is 124mm longer than on the Avenger, to free up more space for bodies and baggage. Both powertrains will be available with a manual or auto gearbox, all driving the front wheels.
It certainly is. It's apt that the newly independent Dodge, and sister brands Chrysler and Jeep, have only just broken from the shackles of the DaimlerChrysler partnership and their first new product is the Journey MPV/hatch. It's designed to replace the Voyager in the UK, which is being abandoned as Chrysler will henceforth import only the bigger Grand Voyager. Dodge suits talk up the Journey as a new type of vehicle (surprise surprise), a crossover stealing the best bits of MPVs, hatchbacks and - you guessed it - SUVs. Think of it as a chunkier Ford S-Max rival.
So what's underneath the Journey?
The Journey will be Dodge-branded only and is based on the Avenger saloon, so comes with that car's 2.4-litre petrol and VW-sourced 2.0-litre diesel. The wheelbase of the platform is 124mm longer than on the Avenger, to free up more space for bodies and baggage. Both powertrains will be available with a manual or auto gearbox, all driving the front wheels.
Maserati Quattroporte Sport GT S (2007): first official pictures
The Maserati Quattroporte Sport GT S. A bit of a mouthful?
It is, but Quattroporte sounds better than ‘four-door’ - which is the literal translation - and when the whole thing is said in an Italian accent then there are few more evocative names on the market. Add Sport GT S to that and you’re now looking at the most focused Quattroporte yet. The Quattroporte Sport GT S (and no, I’m not paid by the word) builds on the Sport GT package but takes this saloon one sporting step further. The Italian company, which turned a profit this year for the first time in 17 years of Fiat ownership, claims the car is designed to provide ‘exceptional dynamic behaviour and uncompromised handling’. Having said that, the Quattroporte will only come with the six-speed automatic transmission that appeared at the start of 2007.
So what are the changes to make this the most sporting Quattroporte yet?
First up are new fixed dampers, doing away with the adaptive Skyhook system. The Sport GT S also sits 10mm lower at the front and 25mm at the rear than the non-S version to benefit the handling and the car's appearance. And just below the suspension are so-called ‘co-fusional brakes’. The discs - co-developed with Brembo - are made of iron and aluminium and are supposed to increase both brake feel and resistance to fade. Clamping these up-front are new six-piston callipers.
It is, but Quattroporte sounds better than ‘four-door’ - which is the literal translation - and when the whole thing is said in an Italian accent then there are few more evocative names on the market. Add Sport GT S to that and you’re now looking at the most focused Quattroporte yet. The Quattroporte Sport GT S (and no, I’m not paid by the word) builds on the Sport GT package but takes this saloon one sporting step further. The Italian company, which turned a profit this year for the first time in 17 years of Fiat ownership, claims the car is designed to provide ‘exceptional dynamic behaviour and uncompromised handling’. Having said that, the Quattroporte will only come with the six-speed automatic transmission that appeared at the start of 2007.
So what are the changes to make this the most sporting Quattroporte yet?
First up are new fixed dampers, doing away with the adaptive Skyhook system. The Sport GT S also sits 10mm lower at the front and 25mm at the rear than the non-S version to benefit the handling and the car's appearance. And just below the suspension are so-called ‘co-fusional brakes’. The discs - co-developed with Brembo - are made of iron and aluminium and are supposed to increase both brake feel and resistance to fade. Clamping these up-front are new six-piston callipers.
Jaguar XF (2007): first official news and photos
Jaguar XF: everything you need to know
It's been a long time coming. Eight years late, some would say. For it was in 1999 that Jaguar launched the S-type, its new mid-sized executive saloon to battle the Teutonic might of the 5-series/A6/E-class. From day one, the S was saddled with yesteryear looks that owed more to Jag's 1950s past than the new millennium marketplace it was joining. Sensibly, Jaguar has gone back to the drawing board with its successor, unveiled today. The XF marks such a departure for the Coventry firm that it's ditched the olde-worlde name to reflect the next chapter of Jaguar design. And this is a radical change. Out go the S-type's awkwardly retro nose, saggy bottom and unhappy proportions, to be replaced by something immediately different, more modern. Some insiders call it a Marmite design - one whose flavour you'll either love or hate.
It looks more like a Ford/Aston Martin hybrid from up here!
Be prepared to be surprised - shocked even - when you first clap eyes on an XF. It is different to any Jaguar you've seen before. The boot no longer tapers down at the rear, as Jag saloons have done for so long - it's a wedgy, rising lid-line, to the benefit of aerodynamics. Note also the steep rake of the front and rear windscreens - the back window is as steeply angled as that on an XK coupe, incidentally. Small wonder it cleaves the air so efficiently, with a drag coefficient of just 0.29. There's more sharp edge and wedge everywhere, and less of the rounded radii that made the S-type look out of date before it had even gone on sale. Is there a hint of the Ford group's Mondeo around the rear haunch (above)? Maybe, but the slick and modern rear three-quarters is one of the best angles on the new XF.
It's been a long time coming. Eight years late, some would say. For it was in 1999 that Jaguar launched the S-type, its new mid-sized executive saloon to battle the Teutonic might of the 5-series/A6/E-class. From day one, the S was saddled with yesteryear looks that owed more to Jag's 1950s past than the new millennium marketplace it was joining. Sensibly, Jaguar has gone back to the drawing board with its successor, unveiled today. The XF marks such a departure for the Coventry firm that it's ditched the olde-worlde name to reflect the next chapter of Jaguar design. And this is a radical change. Out go the S-type's awkwardly retro nose, saggy bottom and unhappy proportions, to be replaced by something immediately different, more modern. Some insiders call it a Marmite design - one whose flavour you'll either love or hate.
It looks more like a Ford/Aston Martin hybrid from up here!
Be prepared to be surprised - shocked even - when you first clap eyes on an XF. It is different to any Jaguar you've seen before. The boot no longer tapers down at the rear, as Jag saloons have done for so long - it's a wedgy, rising lid-line, to the benefit of aerodynamics. Note also the steep rake of the front and rear windscreens - the back window is as steeply angled as that on an XK coupe, incidentally. Small wonder it cleaves the air so efficiently, with a drag coefficient of just 0.29. There's more sharp edge and wedge everywhere, and less of the rounded radii that made the S-type look out of date before it had even gone on sale. Is there a hint of the Ford group's Mondeo around the rear haunch (above)? Maybe, but the slick and modern rear three-quarters is one of the best angles on the new XF.
Jag designer Ian Callum on the XF
CAR: Tell us how important the XF is for Jaguar
IAN CALLUM: ‘At the risk of sounding immodest, it’s the most important new car for us since the 1968 XJ6. That car for me was a real benchmark. It set the Jaguar identity arguably until the present day. But the ’68 XJ was not immediately accepted by the purists. There was a little scepticism at first. ‘I want a reaction to the XF. I want people to like it – that’s the aim of any product – like it enough to buy it. But if I get a lot of hate mail saying this is not a proper Jaguar, I am happy with that.’
CAR: How much risk were you prepared to take with the XF? You must have been worried about it alienating buyers?
IAN CALLUM: ‘Any change is risky but this is a calculated risk. Some people will take it as being too bold. But I remember a leading captain of industry walking past the concept car at Detroit, saying “that’s much too modern”. I thought that was great! ‘People are more open to change and understand design nowadays. They have a much more astute understanding of design than they did 10 or 20 years ago. ‘There was an understanding when I arrived at Jaguar seven years ago that change had to happen. I was pushing an open door. I get a little bit miffed when people suggest that the powers that be were holding us back. They were not.’
IAN CALLUM: ‘At the risk of sounding immodest, it’s the most important new car for us since the 1968 XJ6. That car for me was a real benchmark. It set the Jaguar identity arguably until the present day. But the ’68 XJ was not immediately accepted by the purists. There was a little scepticism at first. ‘I want a reaction to the XF. I want people to like it – that’s the aim of any product – like it enough to buy it. But if I get a lot of hate mail saying this is not a proper Jaguar, I am happy with that.’
CAR: How much risk were you prepared to take with the XF? You must have been worried about it alienating buyers?
IAN CALLUM: ‘Any change is risky but this is a calculated risk. Some people will take it as being too bold. But I remember a leading captain of industry walking past the concept car at Detroit, saying “that’s much too modern”. I thought that was great! ‘People are more open to change and understand design nowadays. They have a much more astute understanding of design than they did 10 or 20 years ago. ‘There was an understanding when I arrived at Jaguar seven years ago that change had to happen. I was pushing an open door. I get a little bit miffed when people suggest that the powers that be were holding us back. They were not.’
Nissan Mixim concept (2007): first official pictures
Nissan Mixim: the lowdown
This outlandish electric sports car will form the centrepiece of Nissan's Frankfurt Motor Show stand. As you can tell from its squashed insect looks, the Mixim is no production car in prick-tease show-off mode. This is a far-flung fantasy on the long-distance radar of Nissan's product planners. Now we've cleared that up, what's the point of the Mixim? Pay less attention to the outlandish looks and concentrate on the tech. This car is small and is built to showcase Nissan's packaging know-how and its burgeoning clean-fuels tech.
So it's yet another eco concept that'll never see the light of day? How disapointing...
The Mixim showcases Nissan's electric motor/generator powertrain, with one motor up front and one aft driving the rear wheels, and uses lithium ion batteries to store the power. With those two motors, it's obviously four-wheel drive. Nissan has yet to announce full details for how the Mixim's powertrain works, but we are told that it weighs a modest 950kg which should endow it with reasonable performance for a small sports coupe.
This outlandish electric sports car will form the centrepiece of Nissan's Frankfurt Motor Show stand. As you can tell from its squashed insect looks, the Mixim is no production car in prick-tease show-off mode. This is a far-flung fantasy on the long-distance radar of Nissan's product planners. Now we've cleared that up, what's the point of the Mixim? Pay less attention to the outlandish looks and concentrate on the tech. This car is small and is built to showcase Nissan's packaging know-how and its burgeoning clean-fuels tech.
So it's yet another eco concept that'll never see the light of day? How disapointing...
The Mixim showcases Nissan's electric motor/generator powertrain, with one motor up front and one aft driving the rear wheels, and uses lithium ion batteries to store the power. With those two motors, it's obviously four-wheel drive. Nissan has yet to announce full details for how the Mixim's powertrain works, but we are told that it weighs a modest 950kg which should endow it with reasonable performance for a small sports coupe.
Audi A4 (2007): first official pictures
This can't be the new A4! It look just like an A5...
That it does, but should you really complain? The Audi A5 is one of the best-looking coupes around, and that Ingolstadt’s latest four-door offering bears more than a passing resemblance to its brother is no bad thing. In fact the new A4, which will go on sale in the UK in the first quarter of 2008, shares much of its platform with the A5. The modular longitudinal platform (MLP for short) is supposed to finally make Audis sporty, rather than just nose-heavy front-wheel drive cars, thanks to a rearranged layout that pushes the engine back in the nose to the benefit of weight distribution. Audi's claims of a newfound sportiness may fall on deaf ears, though. We’re sure both the BMW 3-series and new Mercedes C-class will take some beating.
So is the new A4 really that sporty?
Only CAR’s first drive will reveal how much of the new Audi A4’s sporting ability is gospel and how much is marketing bumf. The basics are promising though, because that new platform means the front axle has been moved forward 154mm compared with the current car, so the engine now sits further back in the chassis. And those cars with quattro four-wheel drive now have a 40:60 front:rear torque split to more closely mimic the behaviour of a rear-driver. Well, that's the idea anyway. There is also a whole host of gadgets and acronyms that Audi claims makes the car a sportier drive, though like the techno-laden BMW M5 they may stop us seeing the wood for the trees. For instance, if you spec the MMI control system, as well as comfort, auto and dynamic settings for the suspension, the fourth ‘individual’ mode allows you to twiddle with 24 different settings to personalise your set-up. Other gadgets include a take on BMW’s Active Steer system, a reversing camera, a blind spot warning system and another to warn you if you change lanes without indicating.
That it does, but should you really complain? The Audi A5 is one of the best-looking coupes around, and that Ingolstadt’s latest four-door offering bears more than a passing resemblance to its brother is no bad thing. In fact the new A4, which will go on sale in the UK in the first quarter of 2008, shares much of its platform with the A5. The modular longitudinal platform (MLP for short) is supposed to finally make Audis sporty, rather than just nose-heavy front-wheel drive cars, thanks to a rearranged layout that pushes the engine back in the nose to the benefit of weight distribution. Audi's claims of a newfound sportiness may fall on deaf ears, though. We’re sure both the BMW 3-series and new Mercedes C-class will take some beating.
So is the new A4 really that sporty?
Only CAR’s first drive will reveal how much of the new Audi A4’s sporting ability is gospel and how much is marketing bumf. The basics are promising though, because that new platform means the front axle has been moved forward 154mm compared with the current car, so the engine now sits further back in the chassis. And those cars with quattro four-wheel drive now have a 40:60 front:rear torque split to more closely mimic the behaviour of a rear-driver. Well, that's the idea anyway. There is also a whole host of gadgets and acronyms that Audi claims makes the car a sportier drive, though like the techno-laden BMW M5 they may stop us seeing the wood for the trees. For instance, if you spec the MMI control system, as well as comfort, auto and dynamic settings for the suspension, the fourth ‘individual’ mode allows you to twiddle with 24 different settings to personalise your set-up. Other gadgets include a take on BMW’s Active Steer system, a reversing camera, a blind spot warning system and another to warn you if you change lanes without indicating.
Audi's clean and green future
What’s all this about then? Vorsprung durch Technik?
Audi, like every other German premium car games maker, is feeling the pressure from the EU, its own Green Party, Al Gore, and seemingly everyone else. And unlike the French or Italian volume manufacturers which are already very close to the EU’s proposed 130g/km limit, the Germans are still a fair way off. Even with Chancellor Merkel fighting for them, they have to get clean and green, and have to be seen doing it. So, like Porsche last month, Audi has given unprecedented access to their Neustadt Proving Ground for a sneak preview of its forthcoming hybrids (both full and mild), CNG, E85, urea and other technologies.
What's Audi's solution then?
Audi isn't committing to any specific fuel for the near-future. Instead it’s hedging its bets and exploring all sorts of cleaner, greener fuels - but it is planning to put a lot of them into production. The only thing that the company sees as a certainty is that hydrogen will not be in anything approaching general use for at least another 20 years. And when hydrogen does appear it will be in fuel-cell guise which Audi believes is a more efficient method than using hydrogen as a fuel to power traditional combustion engines, a la the BMW Hydrogen 7 and Ford C-Max H2 ICE.
Audi, like every other German premium car games maker, is feeling the pressure from the EU, its own Green Party, Al Gore, and seemingly everyone else. And unlike the French or Italian volume manufacturers which are already very close to the EU’s proposed 130g/km limit, the Germans are still a fair way off. Even with Chancellor Merkel fighting for them, they have to get clean and green, and have to be seen doing it. So, like Porsche last month, Audi has given unprecedented access to their Neustadt Proving Ground for a sneak preview of its forthcoming hybrids (both full and mild), CNG, E85, urea and other technologies.
What's Audi's solution then?
Audi isn't committing to any specific fuel for the near-future. Instead it’s hedging its bets and exploring all sorts of cleaner, greener fuels - but it is planning to put a lot of them into production. The only thing that the company sees as a certainty is that hydrogen will not be in anything approaching general use for at least another 20 years. And when hydrogen does appear it will be in fuel-cell guise which Audi believes is a more efficient method than using hydrogen as a fuel to power traditional combustion engines, a la the BMW Hydrogen 7 and Ford C-Max H2 ICE.
Mitsubishi Concept-CX (2007): first official pictures
The Concept-CX looks like a Lancer supermini?
Close, but no cigar. This is Mitsubishi’s Concept-CX and it shares the frontal styling (which the company describes as ‘a tight and powerful wedge’) and twin-clutch gearbox with the forthcoming Lancer Evo X. What the hot Lancer won’t get will be the company’s new 1.8-litre diesel engine that's in the CX. Due to be unveiled at September’s Frankfurt Motor Show, the CX gives clues to how the Colt’s styling may evolve, and the concept should evolve into a production car in the mould of the Fiat Sedici/Suzuki SX4, as well as the Kia Soul CAR Online scooped this week.
So give me the full details...
The Concept-CX runs Mitsubishi’s all-new clean diesel. This 1.8-litre unit has 134bhp at 4000rpm and 207lb ft at a lowish 2000rpm thanks to a variable geometry turbocharger. Combine that with a particulate filter and the engine is Euro 5 compliant. And it all drives through Mitsubishi’s all new Twin Clutch SST (sports shift transmission), the Japanese equivalent to VW's DSG gearbox trickery. Mitsubishi has just announced that its July sales figures for 2007 are up 6.9 percent compared with the same month last year; combined with the success of the Outlander and the glitzier new Lancer the company is feeling rather bullish. At Frankfurt we should hear whether the CX is going to be made.
Close, but no cigar. This is Mitsubishi’s Concept-CX and it shares the frontal styling (which the company describes as ‘a tight and powerful wedge’) and twin-clutch gearbox with the forthcoming Lancer Evo X. What the hot Lancer won’t get will be the company’s new 1.8-litre diesel engine that's in the CX. Due to be unveiled at September’s Frankfurt Motor Show, the CX gives clues to how the Colt’s styling may evolve, and the concept should evolve into a production car in the mould of the Fiat Sedici/Suzuki SX4, as well as the Kia Soul CAR Online scooped this week.
So give me the full details...
The Concept-CX runs Mitsubishi’s all-new clean diesel. This 1.8-litre unit has 134bhp at 4000rpm and 207lb ft at a lowish 2000rpm thanks to a variable geometry turbocharger. Combine that with a particulate filter and the engine is Euro 5 compliant. And it all drives through Mitsubishi’s all new Twin Clutch SST (sports shift transmission), the Japanese equivalent to VW's DSG gearbox trickery. Mitsubishi has just announced that its July sales figures for 2007 are up 6.9 percent compared with the same month last year; combined with the success of the Outlander and the glitzier new Lancer the company is feeling rather bullish. At Frankfurt we should hear whether the CX is going to be made.
Thứ Năm, 1 tháng 3, 2012
Honda CR-Z Mugen (2010) first official pictures
Since its conception, Honda has been trying to persuade us that its CR-Z isn't merely a woolly hybrid but is in fact a proper sports car. As if to prove the point, Honda has announced that Mugen-fettled versions of the hatch are to be released for the British market.
Mu-who?
Recently making a splash in the UK with their banzai track-focused version of the Civic Type R, Mugen started in 1973 and specialise in building and tuning Hondas. Somewhat legendary in their home Japanese market, their cars and accessories are now officially imported into the UK through Torque Developments in Essex.
Rather than a standalone Mugen car, the firm is looking to offer a wide range of enhancements to the CR-Z. Externally, a full bodykit will be on offer, including deeper front and rear bumpers, a large rear wing and revised sills, as well as exclusive paint options. Lightweight alloys and a sports exhaust complete the look.
So the new Honda CR-Z Mugen is a speedy greeny?
When we drove the CR-Z in the May 2010 issue of CAR, we noted that although the steering and body control were excellent, the car lacked a bit of oomph. Sadly the Mugen performance enhancements are limited to a new air box and filter, providing a more boy-racerish soundtrack without a huge performance increase.
The anchors are uprated with new brake pads and discs; we noted that on the standard car the breaks were a bit over-sharp, so we're hoping that the Mugen versions improve the feel. Stiffer springs and dampers are also an option.
Will it sell?
The CR-Z will remain a left-field choice for most buyers; all out hybridphiles are likely to stick with the Insight or Prius, whilst hardcore hot hatchers will probably enjoy their Civic Type Rs et al. For those in the middle, however, the Mugen CR-Z has the potential to be at the forefront of a potentially growing niche of environmentally conscious performance chasers.
Mu-who?
Recently making a splash in the UK with their banzai track-focused version of the Civic Type R, Mugen started in 1973 and specialise in building and tuning Hondas. Somewhat legendary in their home Japanese market, their cars and accessories are now officially imported into the UK through Torque Developments in Essex.
Rather than a standalone Mugen car, the firm is looking to offer a wide range of enhancements to the CR-Z. Externally, a full bodykit will be on offer, including deeper front and rear bumpers, a large rear wing and revised sills, as well as exclusive paint options. Lightweight alloys and a sports exhaust complete the look.
So the new Honda CR-Z Mugen is a speedy greeny?
When we drove the CR-Z in the May 2010 issue of CAR, we noted that although the steering and body control were excellent, the car lacked a bit of oomph. Sadly the Mugen performance enhancements are limited to a new air box and filter, providing a more boy-racerish soundtrack without a huge performance increase.
The anchors are uprated with new brake pads and discs; we noted that on the standard car the breaks were a bit over-sharp, so we're hoping that the Mugen versions improve the feel. Stiffer springs and dampers are also an option.
Will it sell?
The CR-Z will remain a left-field choice for most buyers; all out hybridphiles are likely to stick with the Insight or Prius, whilst hardcore hot hatchers will probably enjoy their Civic Type Rs et al. For those in the middle, however, the Mugen CR-Z has the potential to be at the forefront of a potentially growing niche of environmentally conscious performance chasers.
Aston Martin V8 Vantage N420 (2010): first pictures
Aston Martin has been entering the annual Nürburgring 24-hour race since 2006, developing a habit of commemorating their efforts with special edition 'motorsport-inspired' road cars. This is their latest version of the V8 Vantage, the N420.
Aston Martin V8 Vantage N420. A follow-up to the N400?
You got it. This model follows in the footsteps of the N400, released in 2007. The new N420 has significant revisions to the previous model, not least the updated 4.7-litre V8 engine, adopted across the Vantage range in 2008.
To differentiate the N420 from the regular roadgoing Vantage is a string of weight reductions, detailed, blink-and-you'll-miss-it styling changes and the inclusion of the Sports Pack. This is claimed to improve the handling and includes stiffer springs, dampers and anti-roll bars as standard.
Aston has also taken 27kg out of the N420 by using a sprinkling of carbonfibre throughout the car, including the seatbacks and the front splitter.
Externally, anorak spotters should note the car gains 10-spoke, diamond-turned alloys, as well as black-mesh vents and side strakes. The N420 also offers exclusive contrasting paint options, such as different grille surrounds and A-pillars inspired by the Nürburgring racers.
We'll have ours in 'Kermit' green please.
How much will Aston charge for the pleasure of the new Vantage N420?
The previous N400 was a pretty stonking machine, so there's no reason to believe that the updated N420 will be anything short of phenomenal. It hits Aston Martin showrooms in August 2010, with prices starting at £96,995.
Aston Martin V8 Vantage N420. A follow-up to the N400?
You got it. This model follows in the footsteps of the N400, released in 2007. The new N420 has significant revisions to the previous model, not least the updated 4.7-litre V8 engine, adopted across the Vantage range in 2008.
To differentiate the N420 from the regular roadgoing Vantage is a string of weight reductions, detailed, blink-and-you'll-miss-it styling changes and the inclusion of the Sports Pack. This is claimed to improve the handling and includes stiffer springs, dampers and anti-roll bars as standard.
Aston has also taken 27kg out of the N420 by using a sprinkling of carbonfibre throughout the car, including the seatbacks and the front splitter.
Externally, anorak spotters should note the car gains 10-spoke, diamond-turned alloys, as well as black-mesh vents and side strakes. The N420 also offers exclusive contrasting paint options, such as different grille surrounds and A-pillars inspired by the Nürburgring racers.
We'll have ours in 'Kermit' green please.
How much will Aston charge for the pleasure of the new Vantage N420?
The previous N400 was a pretty stonking machine, so there's no reason to believe that the updated N420 will be anything short of phenomenal. It hits Aston Martin showrooms in August 2010, with prices starting at £96,995.
BMW 1-series M Coupe (2011) official teaser video
This is the new BMW 1-series Coupe, the next car to come out of BMW’s famed M Division. Just ahead of the launch of the M3 GTS (a stripped-out, track-focussed M3 with an enlarged 4.4-litre V8), BMW has released this teaser video of its next M car, the 1-series M Coupe
What? So it’s not an BMW M1?
Nope, that name is reserved for BMW’s legendary supercar, but it should still be pretty tasty. We hear there’s a 3.0-litre twin-turbo straight six under the bonnet, producing somewhere around 350bhp, and an M Division-spec interior, while this video shows off the chunky bodykit with a deep front bumper and four exhausts.
BMW would like you think of it as the successor to the original E30 M3. ‘All models grow, have more equipment features and options which can be freely chosen, says Dr Kay Segler, M Division boss. ‘Ultimately this is reflected in the vehicle dimensions, weight and price, too. This is why it is one of my most urgent goals to offer a small, affordable M model in the tradition of the very first BMW M3. We would like to reach a wider group, and at an earlier time in their lives.’
More official details will be released towards the end of the year, but expect a few more teasers before then. And BMW is also inviting potential customers to sign up at M-Power.com to be one of the first to drive the new 1-series M Coupe.
As for what’s next, Segler dropped hints at an anniversary M3 model, and in the second half of 2011 we’ll see the new twin-turbo M5.
What? So it’s not an BMW M1?
Nope, that name is reserved for BMW’s legendary supercar, but it should still be pretty tasty. We hear there’s a 3.0-litre twin-turbo straight six under the bonnet, producing somewhere around 350bhp, and an M Division-spec interior, while this video shows off the chunky bodykit with a deep front bumper and four exhausts.
BMW would like you think of it as the successor to the original E30 M3. ‘All models grow, have more equipment features and options which can be freely chosen, says Dr Kay Segler, M Division boss. ‘Ultimately this is reflected in the vehicle dimensions, weight and price, too. This is why it is one of my most urgent goals to offer a small, affordable M model in the tradition of the very first BMW M3. We would like to reach a wider group, and at an earlier time in their lives.’
More official details will be released towards the end of the year, but expect a few more teasers before then. And BMW is also inviting potential customers to sign up at M-Power.com to be one of the first to drive the new 1-series M Coupe.
As for what’s next, Segler dropped hints at an anniversary M3 model, and in the second half of 2011 we’ll see the new twin-turbo M5.
Peugeot 508 (2011): first official pictures of France's Mondeo
This is the new Peugeot 508, said to be the first Peugeot to introduce the new design look spun from the SR1 concept first seen back in January 2010. The 508 replaces two cars games – the 407 and 607 – and will be available in both saloon and estate bodystyles when it goes on sale at the start of 2011.
It's very similar to the 5 concept car shown earlier in 2010, but somehow lacks the stylistic class of recent Peugeots such as the RCZ.
The new 508 will be powered by a range of engines with Peugeot’s new E-HDI stop-start system, which cuts CO2 emissions by up to 15%.
Peugeot 508: the hybrid one
By mid 2011 a hybrid version of the 508 will be launched. The 508 HYBRID4 mixes 200bhp performance with four-wheel drive (hence the ‘4’) and 99g/km of C02 – falling to nothing when in full electric mode. Sounds good to us.
The interior of the car looks more upmarket than a Mondeo's; quite sober for a French family car, and is that an iDrive-style multi-controller nestling between the front seats?
The new 508 looks quite big…
As indicated by the jump in the badge number, the new 508 is bigger than the 407 it replaces. The 508 saloon is 4790mm long, while the SW estate is 4810mm – around 10cm longer than the outgoing model.
It’s based on the PSA Group’s platform 3, which also underpins the Citroen C5 and C6, and will be built in Rennes in France. A Chinese 508 will be built locally.
Will the 508 be a hit? We've suffered middle-of-the-road large Peugeots for a decade and this is the French company's opportunity to put that right. We'd say the 508 doesn't have the deftness of touch or class of the 5 and SR1 concepts, but we've yet to see the interior or drive the new Mondeo rival. All will be revealed soon enough.
It's very similar to the 5 concept car shown earlier in 2010, but somehow lacks the stylistic class of recent Peugeots such as the RCZ.
The new 508 will be powered by a range of engines with Peugeot’s new E-HDI stop-start system, which cuts CO2 emissions by up to 15%.
Peugeot 508: the hybrid one
By mid 2011 a hybrid version of the 508 will be launched. The 508 HYBRID4 mixes 200bhp performance with four-wheel drive (hence the ‘4’) and 99g/km of C02 – falling to nothing when in full electric mode. Sounds good to us.
The interior of the car looks more upmarket than a Mondeo's; quite sober for a French family car, and is that an iDrive-style multi-controller nestling between the front seats?
The new 508 looks quite big…
As indicated by the jump in the badge number, the new 508 is bigger than the 407 it replaces. The 508 saloon is 4790mm long, while the SW estate is 4810mm – around 10cm longer than the outgoing model.
It’s based on the PSA Group’s platform 3, which also underpins the Citroen C5 and C6, and will be built in Rennes in France. A Chinese 508 will be built locally.
Will the 508 be a hit? We've suffered middle-of-the-road large Peugeots for a decade and this is the French company's opportunity to put that right. We'd say the 508 doesn't have the deftness of touch or class of the 5 and SR1 concepts, but we've yet to see the interior or drive the new Mondeo rival. All will be revealed soon enough.
Peugeot 308 GT THP 200 (2010): a quasi GTI
Peugeot is 200 years old this month, so what better way to celebrate than launching a 200 horsepower warmed-up hatch. The new 308 GT THP 200 five-door pictured costs £21,995. Not quite as much sparkle as the RCZ, but that's why it's not badged GTI, in the UK at least.
What's the new 308 GT THP 200 powered by?
The 308 GT THP 200 runs the same 1.6-litre turocharged petrol engine as the RCZ, giving out 197bhp and 159 g/km of C02. Peugeot hasn't given any performance details yet but the RCZ with the same engine and gearbox hits 60mph in 7.6 seconds.
Peugoet is sensitive to its hot hatch history books, and has ducked out of badging this go-faster 308 a GTI. That missing 'i' tells you plenty about this car's intent.
Are there any visual differences between the GT THP 200 and the normal five-door?
Yep. A few subtle differences such as a rear spolier, a lower front panel stolen from the 308CC, a rear diffuser housed in the lower bumper and finally twin chrome rear pipes and of course the '200' badges.
Inside the 308 GT THP 200 has sports seats, leather 'sports' steering wheel and – if you decide to buy a 308 GT THP in this July 2010 launch month – a free Nokia 5230 with sat- nav and in-car mounting kit.
I don't like five-doors! Will there be a three-door version too?
Afraid not, it's this or nothing. Still, if you want the looks, then we'd steer you towards the super-slinky RCZ...
What's the new 308 GT THP 200 powered by?
The 308 GT THP 200 runs the same 1.6-litre turocharged petrol engine as the RCZ, giving out 197bhp and 159 g/km of C02. Peugeot hasn't given any performance details yet but the RCZ with the same engine and gearbox hits 60mph in 7.6 seconds.
Peugoet is sensitive to its hot hatch history books, and has ducked out of badging this go-faster 308 a GTI. That missing 'i' tells you plenty about this car's intent.
Are there any visual differences between the GT THP 200 and the normal five-door?
Yep. A few subtle differences such as a rear spolier, a lower front panel stolen from the 308CC, a rear diffuser housed in the lower bumper and finally twin chrome rear pipes and of course the '200' badges.
Inside the 308 GT THP 200 has sports seats, leather 'sports' steering wheel and – if you decide to buy a 308 GT THP in this July 2010 launch month – a free Nokia 5230 with sat- nav and in-car mounting kit.
I don't like five-doors! Will there be a three-door version too?
Afraid not, it's this or nothing. Still, if you want the looks, then we'd steer you towards the super-slinky RCZ...
Peugeot 308 GT THP 200 (2010): a quasi GTI
Peugeot is 200 years old this month, so what better way to celebrate than launching a 200 horsepower warmed-up hatch. The new 308 GT THP 200 five-door pictured costs £21,995. Not quite as much sparkle as the RCZ, but that's why it's not badged GTI, in the UK at least.
What's the new 308 GT THP 200 powered by?
The 308 GT THP 200 runs the same 1.6-litre turocharged petrol engine as the RCZ, giving out 197bhp and 159 g/km of C02. Peugeot hasn't given any performance details yet but the RCZ with the same engine and gearbox hits 60mph in 7.6 seconds.
Peugoet is sensitive to its hot hatch history books, and has ducked out of badging this go-faster 308 a GTI. That missing 'i' tells you plenty about this car's intent.
Are there any visual differences between the GT THP 200 and the normal five-door?
Yep. A few subtle differences such as a rear spolier, a lower front panel stolen from the 308CC, a rear diffuser housed in the lower bumper and finally twin chrome rear pipes and of course the '200' badges.
Inside the 308 GT THP 200 has sports seats, leather 'sports' steering wheel and – if you decide to buy a 308 GT THP in this July 2010 launch month – a free Nokia 5230 with sat- nav and in-car mounting kit.
I don't like five-doors! Will there be a three-door version too?
Afraid not, it's this or nothing. Still, if you want the looks, then we'd steer you towards the super-slinky RCZ...
What's the new 308 GT THP 200 powered by?
The 308 GT THP 200 runs the same 1.6-litre turocharged petrol engine as the RCZ, giving out 197bhp and 159 g/km of C02. Peugeot hasn't given any performance details yet but the RCZ with the same engine and gearbox hits 60mph in 7.6 seconds.
Peugoet is sensitive to its hot hatch history books, and has ducked out of badging this go-faster 308 a GTI. That missing 'i' tells you plenty about this car's intent.
Are there any visual differences between the GT THP 200 and the normal five-door?
Yep. A few subtle differences such as a rear spolier, a lower front panel stolen from the 308CC, a rear diffuser housed in the lower bumper and finally twin chrome rear pipes and of course the '200' badges.
Inside the 308 GT THP 200 has sports seats, leather 'sports' steering wheel and – if you decide to buy a 308 GT THP in this July 2010 launch month – a free Nokia 5230 with sat- nav and in-car mounting kit.
I don't like five-doors! Will there be a three-door version too?
Afraid not, it's this or nothing. Still, if you want the looks, then we'd steer you towards the super-slinky RCZ...
BMW X3 (2010): first official pictures of the baby X5
These are the first official pictures of the new 2010 BMW X3. At first glance, it's a shrunken X5 and looks smarter and larger than the outgoing, first-generation X3 which never quite lived up to its promise.
It's all change with the new X3 in more ways than one. The new 2010 SUV will be built by BMW in Spartanburg, South Carolina, USA, and not by Magna in Graz, Austria. That should help fix the quality glitches that blighted the original X3.
BMW X3 (2010): an overview
There's a squarer aesthetic at play here. Just check out the horizontal lines marking out the front lights – and a long character line along the flanks further distinguishes X3 from X5. The new X3 is bigger than before, but now the latest X5 has swollen to accommodate three rows of seats, there remains clear water between BM's two large SUVs.
Munich says the new X3 has the lowest emissions of any 4wd model in this segment. Very zeitgeisty. How have they achieved low CO2? By fitting stop-start and an eight-speed transmission to lower the revs.
But this is a BMW, so there's plenty on offer for enthusiastic drivers. All X3s are four-wheel drive and have multi-link rear suspension tuned for fun as well as pampering, according to its maker. They'll have to make the fully electric power steering perform though; feel can often be lacking in such systems. Variable Damper Control is available on the new X3 for the first time, letting drivers pick between Normal, Sport and Sport+ settings to tweak damping, steering assistance, throttle response, stability control thresholds and speed of gearchanges.
Is the new X3 better inside?
CAR's sat in the new X3 and can report that the quality of materials and build quality do seem better than the outgoing model, whose finish never quite matched the rest of the BMW range. The centre console is angled towards the driver, there's iDrive, a 6.5in digital display as standard or an 8.8in monitor if you upgrade to the fancier sat-nav. 'The largest on-board monitor in its segment,' trumpets BMW.
If size is your thing, you'll be pleased to know that the new X3 offers more accommodation in every direction, according to Munich. The boot stands at an echoing 550 litres as standard and expands to 1600 litres if you swing the back seats down.
Naturally, the full might of the BMW tech department has been thrown at the new X3. You can order head-up displays, online connectivity, three individual rear seats which all fold individually, hard-disc entertainment systems and a panoramic 360deg parking camera like Nissan's.
The line-up
The big seller – hogging 80% of sales – will be the X3 xDrive20d. It has a 2.0-litre aluminium four-cylinder, mustering 182bhp and 280lb ft from 1750-2750rpm – enough for 0-62mph in 8.5sec and 130mph. Yet thanks to stop-start, CO2 stands at 149g/km and average economy 50.4mpg.
BMW has beaten Land Rover to market with a stop-start auto; the eight-speed 2.0d is actually marginally cleaner, at 147g/km of CO2. All other figures are identical to the manual listed above. Other engines will be confirmed later.
This likely best-seller will cost £30,490 – £115 less than the outgoing X3. Standard equipment includes leather upholstery, twin-zone climate control.
It's all change with the new X3 in more ways than one. The new 2010 SUV will be built by BMW in Spartanburg, South Carolina, USA, and not by Magna in Graz, Austria. That should help fix the quality glitches that blighted the original X3.
BMW X3 (2010): an overview
There's a squarer aesthetic at play here. Just check out the horizontal lines marking out the front lights – and a long character line along the flanks further distinguishes X3 from X5. The new X3 is bigger than before, but now the latest X5 has swollen to accommodate three rows of seats, there remains clear water between BM's two large SUVs.
Munich says the new X3 has the lowest emissions of any 4wd model in this segment. Very zeitgeisty. How have they achieved low CO2? By fitting stop-start and an eight-speed transmission to lower the revs.
But this is a BMW, so there's plenty on offer for enthusiastic drivers. All X3s are four-wheel drive and have multi-link rear suspension tuned for fun as well as pampering, according to its maker. They'll have to make the fully electric power steering perform though; feel can often be lacking in such systems. Variable Damper Control is available on the new X3 for the first time, letting drivers pick between Normal, Sport and Sport+ settings to tweak damping, steering assistance, throttle response, stability control thresholds and speed of gearchanges.
Is the new X3 better inside?
CAR's sat in the new X3 and can report that the quality of materials and build quality do seem better than the outgoing model, whose finish never quite matched the rest of the BMW range. The centre console is angled towards the driver, there's iDrive, a 6.5in digital display as standard or an 8.8in monitor if you upgrade to the fancier sat-nav. 'The largest on-board monitor in its segment,' trumpets BMW.
If size is your thing, you'll be pleased to know that the new X3 offers more accommodation in every direction, according to Munich. The boot stands at an echoing 550 litres as standard and expands to 1600 litres if you swing the back seats down.
Naturally, the full might of the BMW tech department has been thrown at the new X3. You can order head-up displays, online connectivity, three individual rear seats which all fold individually, hard-disc entertainment systems and a panoramic 360deg parking camera like Nissan's.
The line-up
The big seller – hogging 80% of sales – will be the X3 xDrive20d. It has a 2.0-litre aluminium four-cylinder, mustering 182bhp and 280lb ft from 1750-2750rpm – enough for 0-62mph in 8.5sec and 130mph. Yet thanks to stop-start, CO2 stands at 149g/km and average economy 50.4mpg.
BMW has beaten Land Rover to market with a stop-start auto; the eight-speed 2.0d is actually marginally cleaner, at 147g/km of CO2. All other figures are identical to the manual listed above. Other engines will be confirmed later.
This likely best-seller will cost £30,490 – £115 less than the outgoing X3. Standard equipment includes leather upholstery, twin-zone climate control.
Range Rover Evoque starts PR world tour
Ten Range Rover Evoques are being dispatched around the world to cities such as London, New York, Milan, Madrid and Berlin for 'testing' by Land Rover engineers ahead of the global debut at the Paris motor show in autumn 2010.
In reality though, these 10 prototypes will be painted in bright colours to attract future customers. Doesn’t sound like testing to us; maybe testing our eyes...
What will the London Evoque look like?
The London car is bright pink with the slogan 'Hello London' written on the side in bright white. Could this be a colour scheme chosen by Victoria Beckham, design advisor to Range Rover?
Meanwhile the Moscow Evoque is bright orange and says 'Hello Moscow' in both English and Russian.
Remind me about the Evoque...
The Evoque is the production iteration of the 2007 LRX concept car and will be powered by a choice of 2.0 and 2.2-litre Ford/PSA diesel engines. Being the first front-drive Land Rover ever, it's also promising under 130g/km of C02.
Sounds good. When is it on sale?
The Evoque will be on sale in summer 2011 – and these wacky paint schemes won't figure on production cars.
If you do see any of the 10 cars around the world, be sure to email us your spy photos. Happy hunting – although it shouldn't be too hard to spot the car!
In reality though, these 10 prototypes will be painted in bright colours to attract future customers. Doesn’t sound like testing to us; maybe testing our eyes...
What will the London Evoque look like?
The London car is bright pink with the slogan 'Hello London' written on the side in bright white. Could this be a colour scheme chosen by Victoria Beckham, design advisor to Range Rover?
Meanwhile the Moscow Evoque is bright orange and says 'Hello Moscow' in both English and Russian.
Remind me about the Evoque...
The Evoque is the production iteration of the 2007 LRX concept car and will be powered by a choice of 2.0 and 2.2-litre Ford/PSA diesel engines. Being the first front-drive Land Rover ever, it's also promising under 130g/km of C02.
Sounds good. When is it on sale?
The Evoque will be on sale in summer 2011 – and these wacky paint schemes won't figure on production cars.
If you do see any of the 10 cars around the world, be sure to email us your spy photos. Happy hunting – although it shouldn't be too hard to spot the car!
Honda peps up the Insight hybrid car (2010)
Honda is perking up the Insight hybrid petrol-electric car this autumn in response to customer feedback. In particular, the new 2010 Insight gets mods to the suspension to improve the ride and a few more luxurious cabin trimmings.
It seems that Honda's taken some flak over the way the Insight drives, and engineers have focused on improving the Insight's ride comfort and refinement. They've adjusted the recoil rate of the springs, altered the rear camber angles and fitted new mounts for the rear axle to make the petrol-electric hybrid glide rather than crash over road surfaces.
In this day and age of PR shiny happy people, it's rare for a company to admit openly criticism of its products, yet Honda talks of the 'negative feedback on ride and comfort levels.' Good on them, we say. CAR applauds such honesty, and we've been quite vocal in our criticism.
What else is new on the 2010 Honda Insight?
Not much – it's not really a heavy facelift. The Insight was only launched in spring 2009, after all. But these 2010 changes are being rolled out globally.
Honda's hybrid has a refreshed interior: better plastics have been deployed on some surfaces, while dashboard and seat colours are made over. Chrome rings encircle the air vents and the door sills are now topped with a metallic kickplate. There's a bit of extra kit, too, with rear parking sensors added to ES models and above and two new paint colours are available.
A new, range-topping EX model will be available from launch in September 2010, packed with black leather upholstery, DVD sat-nav and hands-free telephone kit for £20,215.
But I thought Honda's Insight was supposed to be the cheapest hybrid on sale?
It is! Prices kick off at £16,325 for the SE model and UK customers are being wooed this summer with an Affordable Driving offer which brings the price of the Insight down to a tempting £14,995 until the end of September 2010.
Whatever you think of the Insight, that's pretty amazing value for a hybrid car.
It seems that Honda's taken some flak over the way the Insight drives, and engineers have focused on improving the Insight's ride comfort and refinement. They've adjusted the recoil rate of the springs, altered the rear camber angles and fitted new mounts for the rear axle to make the petrol-electric hybrid glide rather than crash over road surfaces.
In this day and age of PR shiny happy people, it's rare for a company to admit openly criticism of its products, yet Honda talks of the 'negative feedback on ride and comfort levels.' Good on them, we say. CAR applauds such honesty, and we've been quite vocal in our criticism.
What else is new on the 2010 Honda Insight?
Not much – it's not really a heavy facelift. The Insight was only launched in spring 2009, after all. But these 2010 changes are being rolled out globally.
Honda's hybrid has a refreshed interior: better plastics have been deployed on some surfaces, while dashboard and seat colours are made over. Chrome rings encircle the air vents and the door sills are now topped with a metallic kickplate. There's a bit of extra kit, too, with rear parking sensors added to ES models and above and two new paint colours are available.
A new, range-topping EX model will be available from launch in September 2010, packed with black leather upholstery, DVD sat-nav and hands-free telephone kit for £20,215.
But I thought Honda's Insight was supposed to be the cheapest hybrid on sale?
It is! Prices kick off at £16,325 for the SE model and UK customers are being wooed this summer with an Affordable Driving offer which brings the price of the Insight down to a tempting £14,995 until the end of September 2010.
Whatever you think of the Insight, that's pretty amazing value for a hybrid car.
Bloodhound SSC (2010) at Farnborough air show
Project Bloodhound today unveiled the new SSC record-breaker-to-be at the 2010 Farnborough International Air Show. It's an apt show debut for the SSC, with its 1000mph target land speed.
So this is the real Bloodhound SSC?
Not quite yet. This is the first full-scale model, so don't expect any burn-outs or high-speed tests at the Farnborough runway. It's pretty big, at 12.8m long, to stabilise the SSC at its projected top speed of 1050mph or Mach 1.4.
That's a chilling 10 miles in 100 seconds. If all goes according to plan, the SSC will hit its top speed after just four and a half miles.
What powers the Bloodhound SSC?
Three separate jet and rocket engines power the 6000kg SSC, mustering a heady 133,000bhp combined. The Eurofighter Typhoon engine alone produces 20,000lb ft of thrust – but Europe's biggest rocket engine will add an extra 47,500lb ft, equivalent of 180 F1 cars.
Wiping off that speed is a combination of air brake, parachute and wheel brakes. The SSC is made from steel, titanium and aluminium strong enough to cope with supersonic target speed.
The Bloodhound project is an unusual British engineering exercise, as the founders are signing up school pupils to drum up interest in maths and science. More than 1.5 million students are now onboard, spread across 3471 primary and secondary schools, 229 further education colleges and 40 universities.
Some very fast men are behind the SSC. Richard Noble is project director and the driver in the desert runs in 2012 will be record-breaker Andy Green. Being an RAF pilot, he'll be used to going from 0-1000mph in 42sec.
So this is the real Bloodhound SSC?
Not quite yet. This is the first full-scale model, so don't expect any burn-outs or high-speed tests at the Farnborough runway. It's pretty big, at 12.8m long, to stabilise the SSC at its projected top speed of 1050mph or Mach 1.4.
That's a chilling 10 miles in 100 seconds. If all goes according to plan, the SSC will hit its top speed after just four and a half miles.
What powers the Bloodhound SSC?
Three separate jet and rocket engines power the 6000kg SSC, mustering a heady 133,000bhp combined. The Eurofighter Typhoon engine alone produces 20,000lb ft of thrust – but Europe's biggest rocket engine will add an extra 47,500lb ft, equivalent of 180 F1 cars.
Wiping off that speed is a combination of air brake, parachute and wheel brakes. The SSC is made from steel, titanium and aluminium strong enough to cope with supersonic target speed.
The Bloodhound project is an unusual British engineering exercise, as the founders are signing up school pupils to drum up interest in maths and science. More than 1.5 million students are now onboard, spread across 3471 primary and secondary schools, 229 further education colleges and 40 universities.
Some very fast men are behind the SSC. Richard Noble is project director and the driver in the desert runs in 2012 will be record-breaker Andy Green. Being an RAF pilot, he'll be used to going from 0-1000mph in 42sec.
Ferrari World Abu Dhabi: has Ferrari sold out?
It's 100 days to go until the world's first Ferrari theme park opens, and the money-spinning brains behind Ferrari World Abu Dhabi have revealed some of the attractions on offer.
It's set on Yas Island, a 2500-hectare island dedicated to leisure, entertainment and lifestyle and is licensed out from Ferrari, who have no hand in its running. It's pure licensing profit for Maranello.
Ferrari World Abu Dhabi: sounds like a franchise...
Yes, it does, doesn't it. Smacks of a lucrative franchise that could spread like a cancer around the world. Think Eurodisney and the like. The first branch in the Middle East will open its doors to money-paying punters on 28 October 2010.
The company today issued details of the 20 rides under the 200,000sq m red roof. It'll be massive – the world's largest indoor theme park. The attached image show a bird's eye view of what's inside.
The attractions at Ferrari World Abu Dhabi
Here's a verbatim list of the 'rides and attractions' at the new Ferrari theme park. Only read on if you're feeling brave.
• Formula Rossa The world’s fastest roller coaster, reaching speeds of 149mph
• Speed of Magic A fantasy 4-D journey following the adventures of a young boy as he travels through a kaleidoscopic dreamscape of natural and phenomenal environments, where no Ferrari has gone before
• Made in Maranello A virtual trip behind the walls of the famous Ferrari factory in Maranello, taking guests through the intricate process of making the world’s most sought after car games
• V12 An exciting flume ride to the heart of a 12 cylinders engine.
• G-Force A thrilling tower ride that will shoot thrill-seekers through the red roof and 62 meters in the air before plummeting back to Earth, experiencing the actual G-force of a Ferrari, in a seat directly inspired by the Ferrari Enzo.
• Scuderia Challenge Cutting edge racing simulators similar to those used by the drivers of the Scuderia Ferrari in training.
• Viaggio in Italia A virtual aerial voyage over Italy’s cities and their main monuments, mountains and coasts pursuing a Ferrari.
• Fiorano GT Challenge A unique dueling rollercoaster with Ferrari F430 Spiders twisting and turning through tight corners on a sprint to the finish line.
• Bell’Italia A miniature recreation of Italy’s most famous locations, from the picturesque Portofino and the Amalfi Coast to Monza racetrack, the Colosseum in Roma, Venezia and Maranello, the heartland and home of Ferrari.
• Paddock A re-creation of the Ferrari motor home including garages, transporters & hospitality suites with interactive shows offering fans a taste of the true action behind the scenes on a Grand Prix race day.
• The Pit Wall An interactive theatre that allows guests to test their judgment in realistic racing scenarios.
• Galleria Ferrari The world’s largest Ferrari gallery outside Maranello, showcasing the most exclusive range of classic and contemporary Ferrari’s from all over the world.
• Junior GT A driving school for children with expert instruction where they will drive reduced scale F430 GT Spiders on an equipped driving course.
• Junior Grand Prix After the Junior GT driving experience, budding F1™ drivers can enjoy the race track in scaled down Ferrari F1™ racers.
• The Racing Legends A ride through Ferrari’s greatest racing moments starting from the first races all the way to today’s F1 victories.
• Driving with Champions An interactive 3-D show which follows the adventures of a young engineer who is taken on the ride of a lifetime with a racing champion on his first day working at the Ferrari factory
• Cinema Maranello Ferrari World’s own theatre showing ‘Coppa di Sicilia’, a short film that tells one of the many inspiring stories from the life of the legendary Enzo Ferrari.
• Junior Training Camp An interactive play area for children where they can engage with a waterless car wash, become custom ‘constructors’, climb up the grandstand, pilot remote cars, paddle their own miniature Ferrari and play with an F1™ car made of soft, guest-friendly foam.
• Carousel Featuring never-before-seen Ferrari prototypes based on winning designs from a Ferrari competition.
• Dining and Shopping A range of concept restaurants and cafes offering authentic Italian dining experiences, in addition to unique shopping locations.
It's set on Yas Island, a 2500-hectare island dedicated to leisure, entertainment and lifestyle and is licensed out from Ferrari, who have no hand in its running. It's pure licensing profit for Maranello.
Ferrari World Abu Dhabi: sounds like a franchise...
Yes, it does, doesn't it. Smacks of a lucrative franchise that could spread like a cancer around the world. Think Eurodisney and the like. The first branch in the Middle East will open its doors to money-paying punters on 28 October 2010.
The company today issued details of the 20 rides under the 200,000sq m red roof. It'll be massive – the world's largest indoor theme park. The attached image show a bird's eye view of what's inside.
The attractions at Ferrari World Abu Dhabi
Here's a verbatim list of the 'rides and attractions' at the new Ferrari theme park. Only read on if you're feeling brave.
• Formula Rossa The world’s fastest roller coaster, reaching speeds of 149mph
• Speed of Magic A fantasy 4-D journey following the adventures of a young boy as he travels through a kaleidoscopic dreamscape of natural and phenomenal environments, where no Ferrari has gone before
• Made in Maranello A virtual trip behind the walls of the famous Ferrari factory in Maranello, taking guests through the intricate process of making the world’s most sought after car games
• V12 An exciting flume ride to the heart of a 12 cylinders engine.
• G-Force A thrilling tower ride that will shoot thrill-seekers through the red roof and 62 meters in the air before plummeting back to Earth, experiencing the actual G-force of a Ferrari, in a seat directly inspired by the Ferrari Enzo.
• Scuderia Challenge Cutting edge racing simulators similar to those used by the drivers of the Scuderia Ferrari in training.
• Viaggio in Italia A virtual aerial voyage over Italy’s cities and their main monuments, mountains and coasts pursuing a Ferrari.
• Fiorano GT Challenge A unique dueling rollercoaster with Ferrari F430 Spiders twisting and turning through tight corners on a sprint to the finish line.
• Bell’Italia A miniature recreation of Italy’s most famous locations, from the picturesque Portofino and the Amalfi Coast to Monza racetrack, the Colosseum in Roma, Venezia and Maranello, the heartland and home of Ferrari.
• Paddock A re-creation of the Ferrari motor home including garages, transporters & hospitality suites with interactive shows offering fans a taste of the true action behind the scenes on a Grand Prix race day.
• The Pit Wall An interactive theatre that allows guests to test their judgment in realistic racing scenarios.
• Galleria Ferrari The world’s largest Ferrari gallery outside Maranello, showcasing the most exclusive range of classic and contemporary Ferrari’s from all over the world.
• Junior GT A driving school for children with expert instruction where they will drive reduced scale F430 GT Spiders on an equipped driving course.
• Junior Grand Prix After the Junior GT driving experience, budding F1™ drivers can enjoy the race track in scaled down Ferrari F1™ racers.
• The Racing Legends A ride through Ferrari’s greatest racing moments starting from the first races all the way to today’s F1 victories.
• Driving with Champions An interactive 3-D show which follows the adventures of a young engineer who is taken on the ride of a lifetime with a racing champion on his first day working at the Ferrari factory
• Cinema Maranello Ferrari World’s own theatre showing ‘Coppa di Sicilia’, a short film that tells one of the many inspiring stories from the life of the legendary Enzo Ferrari.
• Junior Training Camp An interactive play area for children where they can engage with a waterless car wash, become custom ‘constructors’, climb up the grandstand, pilot remote cars, paddle their own miniature Ferrari and play with an F1™ car made of soft, guest-friendly foam.
• Carousel Featuring never-before-seen Ferrari prototypes based on winning designs from a Ferrari competition.
• Dining and Shopping A range of concept restaurants and cafes offering authentic Italian dining experiences, in addition to unique shopping locations.
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