Ford Australia has revealed a range of new powerful Falcon saloons set to compete with the HSV Clubsport R8.
Based on the new Falcon FG, the high-performance versions are available with two engines, an entry-level 4.0-litre unit and 5.4-litre V8 unit.
The 4.0-litre unit is a turbocharged inline-6 engine which delivers a power output of 415bhp and an impressive torque output of 417lb ft between 1,950 and 5,200rpm, while the V8 delivers 422bhp and 406 lb ft of torque.
After the rumours, Subaru has confirmed the Exiga will be unveiled on the 17 June of this year by launching a dedicated website.
The micro-site sates our appetites by displaying different views of the Exiga. The new estate/crossover seems to put the emphasis on luxury like the concept car did at the Tokyo Motor Show. You’ll find all the details in this previous post.
Noble’s Italian importer had announced in last November that the M15 would be powered by Volvo petrol engine. Since then, information has been scarce. More information have emerged on the internet.
In an interview with PistonHeads, the new Noble boss Peter Boutwood has revealed that the future model will be called M600 instead of M15 as initially thought. He also confirmed that the M600 will be powered by a twin-turbo Volvo V8. However power output remains unknown. The Italian importer spoke about 650bhp. The M600 moniker might suggest a power of 600bhp.
The M600 will feature a carbon-fiber body shell to save weight. Like previous models, the M600 won’t feature any driver aids.
The company has plan to build 50 units per year.
Here is a video of the Furai, a concept car Mazda unveiled at the Detroit Motor Show in January. Based on a Courage C65’s inner-structure, the Furai is powered by a 3-rotor Wankel engine which delivers 450bhp.
The Furai is the latest iteration of a series of concept cars designed by the Japanese carmaker: Nagare, Taiki, Hazare and Ryuga.
Lotus has announced the creation of Lotus Lightweight Structures, following its acquisition of Holden Lightweight Structures. This acquisition will help the company to fully integrate the Lotus models production.
Until now, the Lotus Elise, Exige and Europa aluminum chassis were assembled at the Holden Lightweight Structures Limited site in Worcester. By integrating the chassis’ production, Lotus will lead the market in lightweight vehicle research, development and production.
Mike Kimberley, Chief Executive of Group Lotus plc, said, “Weight reduction is one of the most attainable ways to lowering CO2 emissions in vehicles today, as well as improving fuel economy and performance, and we have a duty to share our technology with the world’s car makers for everyone’s long term benefit.”
Mike Kimberley adds "Lotus Lightweight Structures provides additional facilities, capabilities and expertise to the Lotus Manufacturing portfolio. We are now just ten weeks from the unveiling of the next all new Lotus, code named Project Eagle at the British Motorshow, and we are working hard to bring this fabulous 2+2 to the market in the Spring of 2009. The Project Eagle chassis structure will be the first product from our new Lotus Lightweight Structures facility."
The Lotus Lightweight Structures employs 120 engineers, technicians and sales staff.
Mercedes has launched an innovative micro-site dedicated to the new Mercedes GLK which enables the user to design scenery and music, and ask questions to the engineers.
Forget the creative side of the website to focus on the ability to talk with designers and engineers who participated in the GLK’s development. The visitor has to register to be able to ask a question. Each week the five most interesting questions will be selected and then answered via video by one of the engineers and designers.
Along with this interactivity with the engineers and designers, you can also customize your own GLK with various colors, rim designs and equipment packages. But let’s be honest, the customization is very poor.
Click here to see the website
Hyundai has confirmed it will build an ultra-low-cost car which will cost around £1,800 and will released in 2012.
The Korean carmaker had expressed its interest in building a budget car three months ago. However, it had no definite plans. This time, the Hyundai Motor India Managing Director and CEO H S Lheem has given more details about it. First, Hyundai has confirmed that the car will be more expensive than the Tata Nano, At £1,800 it will be £550 more than the Indian car. Secondly, Lheem also said that the car will not compete with the Nano like Renault-Nissan plans to do.
Other information remain scarce as the car is in the early stage of development.
GM has released a funny commercial aping Citroen’s famous C4 Transformer spot, except here the robot is slightly faulty.
In a previous report, Petrol-Head published the spyshot of the production version of the TT Clubsport Quattro Concept. Audi is readying its second Clubsport model based on the A3 and powered by a TDI engine.
The main interest in this concept is the TDI engine. A 2.0-litre unit, it has a power output of 221bhp and a torque of 332lb ft. Audi claims the A3 Clubsport can shuttle from rest to 62mph in just 6.6 seconds and reach a top speed of 149mph. The power is transmitted to the Quattro system through a six-speed manual gearbox. At the front wheels, stopping power is provided by six-piston brake calipers and ceramic discs. The Audi drive select driving dynamics system allows the driver to vary the throttle response characteristics, the exhaust sound, the level of power assistance for the steering, the cut-in thresholds for the ESP stabilization system and the operating mode of the dampers.
Will Audi build the A3 Clubsport as it might do with the TT Clubsport. According to Autocar, Audi has no plan to produce it. However, it announces a future range of powerful diesel engines currently developed by the Quattro division.
Sold in the US The Scion xD in unknown on our shores, but was unveiled under the Toyota label as the Urban Cruiser model at the latest Geneva Motor Show. On the American market, Scion is Toyota’s attempt to attract young buyers to the bossom of Toyota’s family. So, the youth brand has released a limited edition intended to spice up the current range.
Called Release Series 1.0, this special xD comes with a Hot Lava exterior paint. It also includes a DAMD body kit, rear spoiler, Release Series wheel covers and TRD lowering springs. On the inside, xD RS 1.0 will feature Hot Lava accented seats and interior trim, and a Razo Release Series shift knob. Under the bonnet, there are no technical changes. The Scion is still powered by a 128bhp 1.8-litre petrol engine.
Limited to 2,000 units, the xD Release Series 1.0 costs £7,225/$14,550 on the American market.
