Volkswagen Passat CC GT

The German company has now added a rakish four-door coupe to its sensible family car line-up.

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Sensible, solid and dependable – the Volkswagen Passat has long been a household name. But one thing it has never been is stylish... until now.

Having seen the success of the Mercedes CLS in the class above, VW has created a sleek new body for the Passat to offer a fashion-conscious model that will go on sale alongside the existing saloon and estate variants.

When the firm announced it was going to unveil a model badged the Passat CC at the Detroit Motor Show in January, jaws dropped at the thought of a coupé-cabriolet family car. However, the acronym actually stood for Concept Coupé – a tag that has now morphed into Comfort Coupé. The name doesn’t sound particularly exciting, but see the new car in the metal, and it’s clear that it is a radical move for VW.

Copying the CLS formula, the VW has a coupé shape, but a four-door body. In profile, it looks similar to the Merc, while the front has a bulging shape akin to BMW’s 6-Series.

However, don’t be tricked into thinking this is VW’s attempt at building another Phaeton limousine. Prices are expected to start at £21,000 – that’s around £3,500 more than the equivalent Passat saloon, but substantially below all of its premium German rivals. Climb inside, and the CC has a very similar cabin design to the standard Passat, yet the overall ambience is far more luxurious.

The narrow windows give the CC a glamorous air that the standard model simply can’t match, while the high-quality dashboard has a logical layout and feels robust.

Sitting in the rear is cosy and comfortable, rather than cramped. Passengers over six feet tall will struggle for headroom, but there are no compromises in terms of luggage space. The CC is 36mm wider and 31mm longer than the standard model, while the roofline has been lowered by 50mm. As a result, the boot offers 532 litres of space – that’s 47 litres more than the conventional four-door. Once out on the road, it’s clear that the CC is more of a cruiser than a sports saloon, although it does showcase some of VW’s latest chassis technology.

The flagship GT variant we tried comes with Adaptive Chassis Control. Not to be confused with the Magnetic Ride set-up offered by sister firm Audi, the Passat’s suspension uses valves to vary pressure in the dampers to make them harder or softer.

The driver has a choice of three modes: Comfort, Normal and Sport. In the softest setting the ride isn’t class leading, but the benefits of the stiffest set-up are clear on twisty roads. Not only does the harder suspension limit body roll, but the electric power-steering also weights up to provide a more involving feel. In reality, Normal mode offers the best of both worlds, but the CC can’t match the dynamic abilities of Ford’s Mondeo.

Buyers have the choice of three petrol engines and two diesels. The top seller will be the 2.0-litre TDI driven here. As in the standard Passat it feels underpowered at times, but its relaxed delivery and frugal economy make it the obvious choice.

No matter what engine you choose, VW’s latest driving aids are available. As well as the automatic parking set-up already offered on the Touran MPV, the four-door has a lane keep system, which steers the car automatically if it drifts across the white lines on the road. The technology really works, and when coupled with radar-operated cruise control, takes nearly all the effort out of motorway driving.

But will the CC attract buyers to VW showrooms? The firm aims to shift 5,800 examples, as well as 20,000 standard four-door Passats a year. As long as you aren’t expecting a sports saloon, the CC won’t disappoint.

Volkswagen Passat

The Passat is stylish and good to drive, with top build quality and an excellent diesel range.

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• On the road price: £17,225 - £31,425
• For : Strong diesel engine range, good fuel economy, pliant ride, handling, build quality
• Against : One-year recovery deal, expensive options, rear legroom, servicing costs

The Passat is stylish and good to drive, with top build quality and an excellent diesel range. It's a strong contender in the large family car market, successfully bridging the gap between mainstream and upmarket models.

Driving:
The Passat is not a particularly entertaining car to drive, but it's capable and comfortable. The suspension set-up gives an excellent ride and makes it comfortable on long journeys. Models with 'sport' suspension (lowered by 15mm, larger wheels) trade some of this comfort to improve the handling; they offer impressive body control and fine, composed handling, though the standard car is capable, too. Most Passats are sold with one of VW's TDI diesel engines - 1.9-litre or 2.0-litre in 138bhp or 168bhp guise - and while they're not the quietest or most linear units around, with rather jerky power delivery, they're effortless on motorways and provide impressive acceleration. A sophisticated edge is provided by the electronic handbrake, as fitted to the Phaeton luxury car.

Marketplace:
On paper, the sixth-generation Passat range seems a traditional mix of saloon and estate models. But you couldn't describe it as old-fashioned, and the looks are a case in point. It appears more upmarket than every sector rival, and thanks to cues such as the chrome grille and circular LED rear lights taken from the firm's flagship Phaeton saloon, it's both stylish and distinctive. This upmarket appearance is reflected in the Passat's marketing; it's seen as a rival to lower-end BMW 3-Series and Audi A4s, and distanced from more mainstream competition such as the Ford Mondeo and Vauxhall Vectra.

Owning:
The airy cabin has excellent fit and finish, with the textured plastics and silver centre console giving a quality feel. The driving position is excellent, with plenty of seat and steering adjustment, and the seats themselves are comfortable and well-bolstered - ideal for long motorway trips. Storage is good, with deep door pockets and a useful central bin. Access to this is made easier by the absence of a traditional handbrake - instead, the Passat has an electric version. Although this can take some getting used to, it gives the VW a sophisticated edge. An 'Auto Hold' option is also available, which automatically applies the handbrake when you come to a stop on a hill and then releases it as you pull away. Variable intervals mean that although the Passat is expensive to service, divers can potentially travel for 30,000 miles or two years between check-ups. Diesel fuel economy is superb, but although the Passat's retained values are OK compared to mainstream rivals, they're still not brilliant. A surprise for a VW, though the estate does perform better than the saloon.

The New BMW M5

BMW unveils the Fourth Generation of The Quintessential Performance Sedan

It has been 20 years since the launch of the first BMW M5. After three generations, more the 35,000 sales and countless attempts by competitors to emulate its performance and success, the BMW M5 still makes its position as the benchmark. Each successive generation has extended the bounds of both performance and luxury. The last generation M5, the most successful ever, significantly pushed the performance envelope with the first V8 from BMW M, mated to a six-speed transmission.

The all-new fourth generation M5 pushes that envelope even further with the first V10 engine to power a production sedan. The new V10 produces 507 horsepower and 383 lb-ft of torque by European measure. This new engine is mated to a seven-speed SMG transmission. With this new powertrain the M5 offers the best power-to-weight ratio in its class. In the tradition of BMW M, the chassis has been engineered to keep up with the power while the exterior treatment is subtle, yet distinctive.

First high-revving engine to be featured in a production sedan
This is the first application of a V10 engine in a regular production sedan, if it's possible to call any product from BMW M "regular." It once again sets the benchmark in its class. This engine was engineered to rev, with a redline of 8,250. With 25 percent more power than the previous M5's V8, this new engine offers 100 horsepower per liter of displacement, pure race car territory. The 90o V10 is designed for maximum stiffness and minimum vibration.

The new V10 features double-VANOS variable valve timing. Each cylinder has its own electronically controlled throttle butterfly. The new MS S65 engine management system uses the most powerful processors currently approved for use in automobiles. It has been designed specifically to deal with the V10's high output and high revs as well as the comprehensive controls that are required.

Seven-speed SMG gearbox features Drivelogic
The driver of the new M5 is able to maximize the potential of the new V10 engine with a seven-speed SMG gearbox. Like other BMW SMG gearboxes shifts can be made from either the lever on the center console or the paddles on the steering wheel. Compared to the previous SMG, gear changes happen 20 percent faster with this latest generation SMG, making for smooth, crisp shifts.

With Drivelogic, at the driver's disposal are eleven program options. This enables the SMG's shift characteristics to be tailored to suit the driving situation and the mood. Six of these programs can be selected in the sequential manual gearbox mode (S mode). These programs adjust shifting speed and style because, in the S mode, the driver does all the shifting. In the Drive (D mode) the transmission shifts automatically, depending on which of the five programs is selected, the driving situation, the road speed and the position of the accelerator pedal.

Taken together the drivetrain of the new M5 provides truly awe inspiring performance. From rest 60 miles per hour will be reached in well under five seconds. The rush of acceleration never lets up until the electronically limited top speed of 155 miles per hour. The top speed may be limited but with the speedometer reaching all the way to 205 mph, the mind conjures intriguing possibilities.

The perfect blend of ride comfort and agility
The M5 has long been known for handling that matches its performance, carefully blended with impressive ride comfort. More than just a "tuned" 5 Series suspension, the aluminum suspension on the M5 has been engineered to match its performance. The suspension is mated to 19-inch wheels with performance tires. Keeping power on the road is critical, so the M5 features the Variable M differential lock. By constantly monitoring and comparing the speed of the rear wheels, the Variable M differential lock can ensure that power gets to the drive wheel with the most traction even in extreme driving situations. Its benefits are particularly apparent when accelerating out of a corner.

The Dynamic Stability Control system in the M5 has been designed to suit its performance. Of course, the DSC can be deactivated at the push of a button. The M5's DSC also offers the choice of two driving dynamics programs. One allows DSC to function the way it always has. At the touch of a button, the M Dynamic Mode is engaged which lets DSC facilitate more spirited driving.

To ensure that this level of handling does not compromise ride quality, the new M5 features Electronic Damping Control, with three program modes (comfort, normal, sport). EDC constantly adjusts the suspension to suit the driving conditions.

To complement its performance potential, the M5 is equipped with generously sized high performance brakes with perforated compound brake discs. The aluminum twin-piston brake calipers have been designed for minimum unsprung weight and maximum stiffness. They will haul the new M5 to a stop from 62 mph (100 km/h) in under 120 feet and from 124 mph (200 km/h) in just under 460 feet.

Styling is subtle but purposeful
In the tradition of BMW M, the exterior styling of the new M5 follows the "wolf in sheep's clothing" philosophy. The casual observer may not, at first glance, recognize the M5's performance potential. The less casual observer instantly will. The modified front spoiler and rear apron are instant giveaways. So too are the modified side sills. The wheel arches are more prominent in order to house the generous wheel and tire package. Following BMW M's recent traditions, the new M5 has more aerodynamic exterior mirrors, four tailpipes and exclusive wheels. Similar to the latest M3, the M5 features exclusive gills incorporated into the front fenders.

The exclusive leather interior features sports seats. Other styling touches, from the instrument cluster to the center console and the steering wheel are all unique to the M5. Even the optional head-up display is M-specific.

Diesel Cayenne debuts!

Cayenne is first Porsche to get diesel power, thanks to 3.0-litre V6 from Audi.

The Panamera isn’t the only big news from Stuttgart this week – Porsche has also announced its first diesel!

From February, the Cayenne off-roader will be available with a 3.0-litre V6 oil-burner. The unit is sourced from Audi, which uses it in the Q7 4x4.

Porsche’s decision to adopt diesel power was taken in the wake of European regulations that bring in tax incentives for manufacturers who produce oil-burners. The firm also claims that its stake in Volkswagen gives it access to a wide range of diesel units, which will allow the firm to develop sporty diesel models quickly.

The Cayenne’s 240bhp motor is claimed to achieve 30.4mpg, with CO2 emissions of 244g/km – while also delivering instant throttle response, thanks to 550Nm of torque. Performance figures are yet to be confirmed, but the 0-60mph time is expected to be faster than the heavier Q7’s 8.5-second benchmark.

The new model, which comes with a Tiptronic S automatic gearbox as standard, will cost £40,25.

Volvo S60 revealed

Volvo releases latest teaser shot of its forthcoming 3-series rival.

Volvo is being crystal clear about its future line-up! The Swedish firm has released a new teaser shot of its S60 concept ahead of its debut at the Detroit Motor Show in January.

A photo of the S60’s stunning interior, featuring a crystal floating dash carved by the world-famous Swedish glassworks Orrefors, was released last month. But this is the first chance we’ve had to catch a glimpse of the 3-series rival’s curvy exterior.

The original S60, released back in 2000, was a milestone model for the company marking a move away from Volvo’s trademark boxy design, with its smooth silhouette. And this second generation design looks like it will cause a similar stir with its sleek roofline and muscular haunches. More details will follow closer to the Detroit Expo.

Mercedes CLK

The new-look Merc is almost ready for the road, and these are the best pictures yet of the sporty coupe.

It’s still officially under wraps, but this is the best look yet at the new Mercedes CLK. Captured barely disguised by our spies these shots show how the next-generation CLK will get sharper lines, more aggressive wheel arches and body creases inspired by the current C-Class saloon. The new Merc will also feature a redesigned front, incorporating new headlights and LED style fog lights.

Tipped to be labelled the ‘CE’ the new Merc will combine the sophistication and comfort of an E-Class saloon with the sporty good-looks of a C-Class coupe.

The cosmetic changes will also be accompanied by a mechanical makeover, featuring new technology such as Mercedes’ body control system ‘adaptive damping’, plus adjustable steering and body control settings. These improvements will aim to bring the new car on par with rivals like the Audi A5 and BMW 3-series.

Rear-wheel drive remains, with engines coming from the C-Class, ranging from the 1.8-litre petrol found in the C180 to the 3.0-litre V6 diesel unit on the 320CDI. Oil burners are expected to dominate sales, and prices should be close to the CLK’s rivals – starting at around £26,000.

The next-generation CLK is expected to emerge in 2009, with a range-topping CLK 63 AMG 6.2-litre V8 and a limited edition Black Series becoming available in 2010.

Jaguar’s green light for XF roadster

Brit legend’s Indian owner confirms it’s working on stunning four-seat drop-top...

You heard it here first! Way back in September last year, Auto Express revealed Jaguar’s plans to expand its XF range.

And, just as we predicted, a source from within the maker’s parent company, Tata, has confirmed that a raft of sporty new models is on the way from the revived British marque. We can now bring you the full story.

Our pictures show how the big cat’s new litter will shape up, starting with a two-door cabriolet version of the hugely successful XF saloon.

The XF Roadster will employ a folding fabric roof, along with a slightly shortened wheelbase to improve structural rigidity, while maintaining the saloon’s handsome profile. Bosses will ensure there is a significant cost differential, so that the new model doesn’t poach sales from the XK Cabriolet. As a result, prices are set to start at around the £35,000 mark.

But that’s not the only XF variant which has been earmarked for production: a two-door Coupé is also on the way. Designed to lock horns with Audi’s curvy A5, it will add even more style to the XF’s taut bodyshape with a tapered roof and high waistline. This, too, will be pitched below the XK in the £30,000 bracket. Both models are expected to borrow engines from the XF saloon.

The line-up will include V6 petrol and diesel units, plus the firm’s 4.2-litre V8, available in normally aspirated 300bhp or supercharged 420bhp form.

Jaguar is tipped to take the wraps off the two newcomers in 2010. And don’t forget the hardcore 500bhp XFR, with its 5.0-litre supercharged V8.

It was seen at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in July, and is set to debut at the Detroit Motor Show in January.

Our sources have also revealed that Jaguar is eyeing up the Porsche Boxster and Mercedes SLK – and seriously considering a ‘budget’ two-seater to compete in this lucrative sector of the market. We published images of the sporty roadster in Issue 1,012.

Following in the footsteps of the F-Type concept, this model will be pitched firmly in £40,000 Boxster territory – leaving room for a coupé model to rival the Cayman.

The small two-seater, which is due in 2012, will use a cut-down version of the lightweight aluminium chassis from the new XJ – itself due in 2010. Styling inspiration will be taken from the XF, while power is from a 4.2-litre V8.

There are also rumours that both cars could benefit from the top-of-the-range 5.0-litre V8 in the forthcoming XFR.

Audi Q5 2.0 TDI SE

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With sales of big off-roaders diminishing, the German firm has picked a good time to launch a baby brother to the massive Q7.

Available to order now, there’s a choice of three engines – 2.0 and 3.0-litre TDI diesels and a 2.0-litre TFSI petrol. There’s the usual choice of SE or S-Line trim and the entry-level diesel comes as standard with a six-speed manual gearbox. Outside, Audi hasn’t taken any risks – you get the familiar grille and in profile it looks like a raised up A4 Avant, while at the back there are shades of the Q7.

The end result is a chunky well-proportioned car that Audi owners will feel very comfortable with. It’s a similar story inside – the A4-style cabin is classy and wonderfully put together. It’s features Audi’s MMI control system, an electric parking brake and an excellent seating position.

The loftier stance of the Q5 means visibility is great, and in the back the £170 optional sliding seat package allows the rear bench to split fold and slide back and forth independently. The 540-litre boot is bigger than an A4 Avant and while rear legroom isn’t huge the Q5 is practical enough to appeal to family buyers.

With the intention of making sure the Q5’s road manners are not compromised, the engine is mounted longitudinally and the Quattro 4x4 system is biased 40:60 in favour of the rear wheels. Body control is excellent and the quick steering means the Q5 turns in to corners with car-like accuracy and agility.

The 2.0-litre common rail diesel is smooth, punchy and refined too, and while most SUV owners will favour the optional automatic S tronic gearbox, the standard six-speed manual has a satisfying shift action. Add in excellent stability, strong brakes and a firm but well-damped ride and there’s little to fault about the Q5’s on road ability.

But despite Audi claiming that less than two per cent of owners head into the rough stuff it has hill descent control and an off-road setting for the traction control. And while it isn’t massively practical its combination of fine road manners, quality cabin and Audi style will surely make it a hit.

Price: £29,950

Engine: 2.0-litre, 4cyl turbo diesel, 168bhp

0-60mph: 9.8seconds

Top speed: 126mph

Economy: 42.1mpg

Co2: 175g/km

Equipment: Climate control, electric parking brake, leather seats, hill decent control, power fold mirrors, roof rails, parking sensors and six airbags.

BMW 730d SE

We try oil-burning luxury model on British roads.

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BMW’s 7-Series is back, and it’s aiming to set a new benchmark for luxury models. With a fresh look and toned down rear end, the car takes a more subtle approach.

However, don’t be fooled by the modest lines of the exterior, because this latest executive quickly proves it has what it takes to be leagues ahead of most rivals.

Never mind luxury – fuel economy and emissions are at the top of the class, too. Average consumption of 39.2mpg is good, particularly when you consider that the BMW weighs 1,865kg. You’re likely to see even better figures when the limo is in its natural motorway habitat, because it cruises at a hushed 1,700rpm at 70mph.

This efficiency is unlikely to deteriorate when you floor the throttle, either. The diesel-powered 730d delivers 242bhp, and is still faster than rivals such as the Audi A8 3.0 TDI and Mercedes S320 CDI.

There seems to be a limitless wave of torque – a maximum of 540Nm is available from between 1,750rpm and 3,000rpm. That means you’re never short of overtaking power.

While the 7-Series is large, it proves to be nimble and agile to drive. You are aware of its size when negotiating narrow roads, but hit a clear stretch of tarmac and it corners precisely and feels light on its feet.

Push too hard in the bends, and there’s plenty of action from the variety of electronic driver aids. Yet the car is easy to control at the limit.

However, that’s not what the 7-Series is all about. Inside, the build quality and materials are unparalelled. Thick, plush leather is used throughout the cabin, and there’s plenty of dark walnut and aluminium trim around the centre console.

One issue we had with the model we tried was its cream upholstery – a dark finish suits the cabin better. Still, a 500-litre boot and plenty of space in the rear mean that the 730d is as practical as it is sumptuous.

Price: £54,160

Engine: 3.0-litre 6cyl twin-turbo

Power/torque: 242bhp/540Nm

Transmission: Six-speed automatic, rear-wheel drive

0-62mph: 7.2 seconds

Top speed: 153mph

Econ/CO2: 39.2mpg/192g/km

Standard equipment: Four-zone climate control, full leather trim, MP3 connectivity, sat-nav, voice control, xenon lights, Bluetooth

On sale: Now

Rival: Mercedes S-Class
There’s no stiffer competition in the executive sector than the S-Class – it’s easily one of the best production cars money can buy at the moment. But we think it could be left trailing by the new BMW.

Ford Mustang GT

Leaked images of new muscle car reveal a host of changes.

A new pony car has bolted into view! This is the 2010-model year Ford Mustang. Due to make its worldwide debut at the Los Angeles Motor Show this week, images leaked onto the internet ahead of its official launch.

It boasts a raft of updates, not least of which is its sleeker and more muscular body, which evolves the classic shape of the Sixties original with more modern, sharper lines. Inside, the new Mustang has made some bigger leaps forward.

Heavily criticised for its poor quality plastics, Ford has brought in upgraded materials. All the plastic surfaces on the dashboard are now soft to the touch and the central strip is aluminium rather than a metallic-finished plastic.

Performance gets a boost too with larger wheels and retuned suspension with many of the improvements made on the Mustang Bullitt special editon being carried across to the new car. Under the bonnet of the range-topping GT lies a 4.6-liter V-8 with power increased to 315bhp.

In future, Ford's direct-injection, turbocharged EcoBoost petrol engines will power entry-level models. Ford has no plans to bring the new Mustang to the UK, but the car will be available from specialist importers towards the end of the year.

Volvo XC60 S D5

We hit road in Swedish firm’s safest-ever car

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The XC60 is being billed as the safest car Volvo has ever made. And a new system called City Safety promises to cement the firm’s reputation as a world leader in accident prevention.

City Safety’s main aim is to help limit low-speed collisions. The laser-based set-up works at speeds of up to 19mph, and it automatically applies the brakes if it senses an imminent impact. More impressively, at speeds below 10mph it will perform an emergency stop.

As well as City Safety, the XC60 gets a raft of other safety features as standard. These include the BLIS blind spot warning system – which sees electronics alert you when you are too close to the car in front – and lane departure warning.

The kit contributes to the XC60’s 1,825kg kerbweight, and with only 185bhp, the top-of-the-range D5 diesel feels sluggish. While the oil-burner has a 60Nm torque advantage over the petrol T6 model, a 0-62mph time of 9.4 seconds is a long way short of the latter’s 7.5-second figure.

Nevertheless, the XC60 has a lot going for it. A decent price, reasonable economy and emissions figures – plus sharp looks – mean the newcomer should follow in the successful footsteps of the larger XC90.

Honda Civic Type R GT

Honda has its eyes on hot hatch prize with extreme version of Civic. we get behind the wheel of new thriller.

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Thrill seekers take note – Honda’s Civic Type R is finally white hot! In a bid to beat competition from MINI’s amazing new JCW flagship, the Japanese firm has developed a very special version of its legendary hot hatch. But the unique white paint isn’t the only thing that sets the range-topper apart. A limited-slip differential has been introduced, too.

Although prices have yet to be finalised, the GT Championship White – driven here for the first time – is tipped to cost less than £20,000. That will make it nearly £1,000 more than a standard Type R GT, which might sound like a high price to pay.

But further additions include a numbered plaque by the gearstick, as well as unique white 18-inch alloy wheels. What the car doesn’t get, though, is guaranteed exclusivity – Honda intends to build as many Champ models as it can.

In the metal, the newcomer is striking from every angle. The look debuted at the Paris Motor Show last month – although it’s the way in which this Type R drives that leaves the biggest impression.

With a long history of Auto Express group test victories to its name, the standard Civic Type R is an accomplished hot hatch. We’ve always loved its blend of high-revving performance, agility and drama. However, as some rivals deliver considerably more than 220bhp, an obvious upgrade for the Japanese model would have been a power boost.

Not for Honda, though. Determined to maintain the performance variant’s engineering integrity, bosses have resisted fitting turbos or superchargers to the 197bhp petrol engine. Rather than aim for straight-line pace, they have instead gone for a limited-slip differential (LSD) to improve cornering abilities.

To experience the mechanical add-on in action, take any tight corner (the wetter the better) and accelerate part way through the bend. In the standard Civic, the unladen inside front wheel will start to spin while the frenzied engine races towards the red line. Not so in the Championship White variant. The LSD does exactly what it says on the tin – limits slip in the spinning wheel.

Power is fed to the tyre which has the most grip, helping the driver to accelerate out of corners more safely and securely.

In practice, this enables the car to tear around race circuit bends at incredible speeds where the standard model would be slithering about for lack of traction. Go too fast, and the range-topper will still push wide rather than track around the corner, but few will be disappointed by this Civic’s dynamics.

Only when you want to relax does the Honda lose any appeal. Its manic nature and near-4,000rpm buzz on the motorway can become tiresome. What’s more, the ride is firm and finding a perfect driving position with the huge Recaro seats proves a real challenge.

No such compromises need to be made when it comes to practicality, though. The Championship White is just as versatile as an entry-level three-door Civic, as the two cars have the same huge, split-level boot and generous rear room.

The limited-slip differential is the finishing touch on what is already a thoroughly capable hot hatch. Stepping out of the car, we couldn’t help wondering what the Japanese model might achieve if it was able to keep up with MINI’s mighty JCW down the straights, as well as through the corners...

Rival: MINI JCW
IN common with its new rival, our reigning hot hatch king has a limited-slip differential to improve traction in corners. The British-built car’s 1.6-litre turbo engine delivers 208bhp.

Audi’s baby R8 ready to roll

German firm is readying a little brother to its world-beating supercar.

	The project will produce a new platform to underpin Coupé and Roadster versions of the R4, and also provide the basis for the next Boxster and Cayman

Sports car fans are in for a real treat! Audi is planning a striking new mid-engined machine – the R4. The newcomer will be based on an entirely new platform and sit above the TT in Audi’s range, offering buyers a driver-focused two-seater with a starting price of around £35,000.

It’s the result of a rumoured joint venture with Porsche – so the project will produce a new platform to underpin Coupé and Roadster versions of the R4, and also provide the basis for the next Boxster and Cayman. It’s these core sellers in the Porsche line-up that the R4 will target.

Our exclusive picture shows that the new Audi takes much of its visual inspiration from the R8 supercar, with LED lights, deep air intakes and a sweeping profile. But this similarity is no coincidence. The Porsche joint venture is all part of Audi’s plan to launch a range of R-badged sports cars, which will follow in the wake of the range-topper.

These will include an R6 to rival Jaguar’s new E-Type replacement and the Porsche 911, plus an R10 model based on the V12 TDI R8 diesel concept. Of course, it’s not only Audi which will benefit. Porsche will be able to share Audi’s engines and reduce the costs associated with developing a new platform.

The upmarket sports car firm is keen to ensure it maintains its healthy profitability – a factor that has enabled it to take a majority share in Volkswagen – particularly in the current financial climate. While the two firms will work together to produce the new platform, the R4 and the next-generation Boxster/Cayman will be very different models. Keen to retain the DNA that’s made the TT and R8 so successful, bosses will give the Audi a body made from aluminium panels. It also gets quattro four-wheel drive with torque split 40:60 in favour of the rear wheels.

In addition, the newcomer benefits from adaptive magnetic dampers and Audi’s Drive Select system. The latter allows the driver to switch between several modes which tweak steering and throttle response. Power will come from the firm’s range of TFSI engines, with the entry-level model most likely to get a highly tuned 2.0-litre turbo. The new 335bhp 2.5-litre five-cylinder super and turbocharged unit lined up for the flagship TT RS will be available, too. There’s even the possibility that the R4 will be offered with a high-performance diesel and a petrol V6.

As for gearboxes, a six-speed manual transmission will be standard, with a seven-ratio S tronic twin-clutch semi-auto as an option. The R4 is some way off reaching showrooms, though. There are still plenty of loose ends to tie up with the mooted joint venture, and it remains to be seen which company will launch the new platform first. Considering Porsche’s increasing control of the VW Group, it may be that it gets to call the shots. If that’s the case, the R4 could arrive in around 2011, shortly after the Boxster and Cayman.

R10 is go, too

* Diesel R8 was revealed earlier this year. It will be badged R10 and fitted with a V12 TDI unit offering around 500bhp.

* Returning 25mpg and meeting Euro VI emissions regulations, the 190mph R10 will be an amazing all-rounder.

* Styling cues such as the huge air intakes at the rear and the glass roof could be carried over to its R4 baby brother.

Ultimate Aston has Veyron in sight

Heat is on in the £1million hypercar club as Brit’s new One-77 goes head-to-head with fastest-ever Bugatti...

In true James Bond style, some top-secret files have been liberated – and these are the spectacular results. This is Aston Martin’s ultra-exclusive supercoupé, the One-77, revealed for the first time thanks to images you weren’t meant to see. At least not yet anyway!

And in a double scoop, Auto Express can also take the wraps off the One-77’s closest rival in the billionaire club – Bugatti’s forthcoming Veyron Super Sport (see panel, opposite). This is an even more powerful version of the world’s fastest car, and as with the One-77, it’s another £1m machine. It will have the Aston beaten for speed, but will it match it for visual drama?

Judging by these images, the answer has to be no. The One-77 was partly unveiled at last month’s Paris Motor Show – bosses kept it cloaked under a cover, revealing only the front and rear wings. But these are the first images to show the newcomer from every angle.

The car here is the same prototype that appeared at Paris. After it left the French expo, it was photographed by Aston Martin and the pictures sent to potential buyers.

However, they leaked on to the Internet. And, as you can see, the One-77 is the ultimate progression of a shape that has evolved through the Vanquish, DB9, V8 Vantage and, most recently, the DBS.

At the front, it has a huge grille and wide wings with deep air intakes. The flanks get gaping gills, too, while at the rear is a race-style diffuser and what looks like a pop-up spoiler integrated into the bootlid – this is part of the car’s ‘active aerodynamics’. Add the deep side air intakes and grooved ceramic disc brakes, and the One-77 looks every inch a £1.2million machine.

Although official details are still scarce, the new Aston is said to feature a modified version of the 6.0-litre V12 that appears in the DBS. With a capacity of 7.3 litres, this will be the firm’s most powerful engine ever, producing around 700bhp.

Thanks to a carbon fibre monocoque chassis and a hand-finished aluminium body, the One-77 should tip the scales at around 1,500kg. That means a 0-60mph sprint time of around 3.5 seconds and a top speed of more than 200mph.

A twin-clutch semi-automatic gearbox with steering wheel paddleshifters is likely to be fitted, while buyers will get the option of a six-speed manual, plus adjustable suspension.

But it’s not all about speed and power. Aston is expected to reveal the interior soon, too, and it’s sure to be one of the most luxurious ever made, offering customers an incredible level of personalisation. Owners will be able to tailor nearly every part of the cabin to suit their own tastes – no two cars will be the same. About the only thing they won’t be able to change is the interior layout: the One-77 will be a strict two-seater.

Despite the current financial slowdown, interest in the Aston has been very strong, with more than 100 potential buyers putting their names down for the limited run of 77 models. Bosses will take the wraps off the final production version of the One-77 early next year.

Ford Raptor set to devour desert

After so many spy photos that we feel we already knew the truck pretty well anyway, Ford finally unveiled the F-150 Raptor way out in the Nevada desert the day before the SEMA show opened.

"This is a high-speed off-road performance truck," said Hermann Salenbach, director of SVT, hitting every truck category hot button possible in a single sentence. "It has the DNA of a Baja pre-runner," he then said, adding one more.
The Raptor is based on the F-150, of course, and will debut next summer with a 320-hp, 340-lb-ft 5.4-liter V8 driving all four wheels.

The following winter a 400-hp, 400-lb-ft 6.2-liter will become available.
The truck comes in SuperCab configuration only, with wheel travel bumped up to 11.2 inches front and 13.1 inches rear as well as seven more inches in track. Wider fenders front and rear accommodate the big BFG Goodrich 315/70R17s. Most impressive were the internal bypass shocks engineered by Fox for better control over sustained off-highway driving. Ford engineers gleefully flung Raptors about the desert with members of the press strapped into the passenger seats, rattling off shock calibration stories while the scribes held on for dear life. The trucks were capable of soaking up plenty of rut wallop with a surprisingly smooth ride inside the cab.

But that was just in the production Raptor. In a couple weeks, a Raptor R will start the Baja 1000 in Class 8 with a 500-hp 6.2-liter engine powering all four wheels. The goal of that truck is just to finish.

So why go the off-road route in its specialty truck instead of following the paved route of the last SVT Lightning?

"Most of the major manufacturers have focused (on) on-road performance, so when we looked at what was available in off-road truck performance, it was somewhat limited,” said Mark Grueber, Ford product marketing manager for pickups and large SUVs. “This was the perfect opportunity for Ford to further differentiate the F-150 from other trucks on the market.”



It certainly does that.

Prices will be announced closer to the truck's summer debut.

Ferrari Scuderia Spider 16M

Ferrari has pulled the wraps from its F430 Scuderia inspired Spider

It's claimed to be the fastest ever open topped Ferrari! Feast your eyes on the new Scuderia Spider 16M.

The long rumoured model, set to make its first public appearance at the LA Motor Show on November 19th is powered by a 4.3-litre V8 engine producing a staggering 510bhp at 8,500rpm.

Available in three colours, including red, yellow and grey, the car gets distinctive stripes on its bonnet, as well as special Scuderia badging.

With a top speed of almost 200mph, the car will also sprint from 0-62mph in only 3.7 seconds.

The car is fitted with Ferrari'sslick shifting six speed F1 inspired sequential manual gearbox. It is also fitted with the innovative e-diff traction control system. There's currently no word on price, however, with only 499 examples likely to be built, exclusivity is guaranteed.

2009 BMW X3

There are lots of other compact SUVs to choose from for a lot less -- but none have the same abilities as the 2008 BMW X3.

Impeccable SUV: BMW X3 makes the perfect runabout.

2008 BMW X3 Price: $39,000 Seating capacity: 5 Engine: 3-liter I-6 Transmission: six-speed automatic or manual Horsepower: 260 @ 6,600 rpm Torque: 225-pound-feet @ 2,750 rpm Towing capacity: 3,500 pounds Fuel tank: 17.7 gallons EPA gas mileage: Manual: 16 mpg city / 23 mpg highway Automatic: 17 mpg city / 24 mpg highway Dimensions (inches): Length: 179.9 Width: 73 Height: 65.9 Wheelbase: 110.1 Curb weight: 4,012 Interior dimensions (inches): Front/rear Headroom: 39/39 Shoulder room: 56/55 Legroom: 40.2/35.8 Luggage capacity: 30 cubic feet Maximum cargo capacity: 71 cubic feet Warranty: 48 months / 50,000 miles unlimited Four-year BMW Roadside Assistance 4 year / 50,000 miles Full Maintenance Program

Everyone has a favorite.

In the car world, I break down many of mine -- yes, there is more than one -- by segment. Among trucks, midsize sedans, sporty coupes, there are vehicles that I just like more than others. Some are not always the best value and some might surprise you.

In the compact SUV group, I like the BMW X3 3.0si with xDrive most of all.

At least I thought I did, based on past experiences with this snazzy SUV. With its plush interior and its prim-and-proper road manners, what's not to like? But a lot of compact SUVs have hit the market since I last drove the X3 and I wasn't sure it would still top my list.

So, naturally, when BMW asked me to test drive the 2008 X3, I grabbed the keys and headed out to "run some errands."

Yep, it hasn't changed: I love this little all-wheel drive piece of German engineering.

It's a 3 Series sedan with more cargo space and a higher riding position.

The long nose, the distinctive grille and the lit ring around the headlights give away its pedigree. The dual kidney grille and a big 'ol air intake under the bumper add to its powerful look. Yes, this compact SUV was made for me.

Zipping along I-75, I could barely hear the harsh world outside. Construction plagues the interstate near my home but the BMW just gobbled up all of those uneven concrete pieces and melded them into a minor bump in the road. It's a quiet ride perched behind the driver's seat of this vehicle.

Nothing is overstated and that's one of the reasons I like X3 so much. The leather seats feel like sport seats -- well bolstered and comfortable. The wood trim looks like it came off some impeccably maintained Victorian piece of furniture. The simple white-on-black gauges are pure BMW.

The second row offers plenty of space for adults, but I wouldn't try to cram three in the back for a long trip. Really, this compact luxury SUV is the perfect runabout for a family that has lots of little trips to soccer practice, instrument lessons and Friday date nights. It's a multi-purpose kind of vehicle with true utility.

Fold the backseats and there's more than 70 cubic feet of space. That's enough space to pack things to fill a dorm room -- which any smart college student would tell his parents.

But keep this fun runner at home. It can bring home the bacon so the maid can fry it up in a pan.

There are some excellent details that I enjoy as well, such as the door handles that have a modern art kind of look about them. Simple and elegant, the handles reach around the arm rest connecting to the door above and below it. Those are the touches a driver with impeccable tastes can appreciate -- I like them too.

The X3, however, never shows off in the cab. It saves that for the road.

The 3-liter I-6, made of a composite of aluminum and magnesium, in the X3 cranks 260 horsepower and jumps off the line with a surge. This is a product of the 225-pound-feet torque and the all-wheel drive system that gets every tire moving quickly.

The steering is precise and has just enough of that twitchy feel in sharp turns to keep you mind on the road, the all-wheel drive system also handles wet roads very well, keeping the back in a tight line through a turn. The optional adaptive headlights will help with the big corners as they will remain level and follow you through the turn. Really, it is just fun to drive and it handles more like a car than a truck.

First of all, the BMW nameplate carries a certain celebrity that other vehicles just don't have. Secondly, it's an expensive vehicle. Starting at $39,000, my test vehicle topped $47,000 once it was upgraded and added features such as heated front and rear seats, Xenon headlamps, navigation system, a premium audio system and HD radio.

They are all features I enjoyed and used while cruising about, though the price tag scared me a little. There are lots of other compact SUVs to choose from for a lot less -- but none have the same abilities as the X3.

I don't see this as a serious off roading machine, more because I would hate to scratch the paint.

No, the X3 belongs on the highways and byways, blasting through curves and gobbling up straight-aways. The toughest off-roading should be the gravel driveway to the summer home or a snow-covered road on the ski trip.

That's where the X3 will bring you the most joy.

Mercedes SL65 AMG Black

Pictures and full details of the stunning new Mercedes SL65 AMG Black

This is the Mercedes SL65 AMG Black Series, the most powerful car ever to wear the three-pointed star.

Apparently not convinced that the current range-topping 518bhp SL63 AMG is hardcore enough, Mercedes asked in-house tuning arm AMG to come up with something a bit more raucous.

The result is an SL turned to 11, with a mind-blowing 661bhp and 1,000Nm of torque! And to make sure there’s no confusing a Black Series with the ‘standard’ AMG car, the interior and exterior are completely reworked – the new car shares only five percent of its parts with the SL63.

As you can see, the 95 percent of unique parts are focussed entirely on enhancing performance. The front and rear bumpers are redesigned, the former to suck plenty of fresh air into the engine bay to cool the raging power plant down, and massive vents behind the wider front wheel arches improve airflow. A retractable electric rear spoiler sits at the back.

A carbon fibre hood, magnesium alloy wheels and a partially stripped out interior – making liberal use of carbon fibre and alcantara – combine with the power hike to provide mind-bending acceleration. The Black Series will hit 62mph from standstill in under four seconds!

Reborn ‘Quattro’ turns up the heat

All-new TT RS evokes memories of legendary coupe with five-cylinder turbo engine.

The ‘real’ Quattro is back! Auto Express has learned that Audi will equip its TT RS flagship with an all-new boosted five-cylinder engine, reviving memories of the original machine to wear the revered Quattro badge.

The news emerged after a letter intended to go to German Audi dealerships, confirming details about the hottest-ever TT, was leaked. In the document, it is confirmed that the RS will be powered by an all-new 2.5-litre super and turbocharged TFSI engine, with 335bhp and 450Nm of torque.

As a result, 0-60mph will take only 4.5 seconds, while top speed is limited to 155mph. And the TT RS will not only be extremely rapid, it will be economical, too, returning 28mpg. The newcomer also gets Audi’s quattro four-wheel drive, with 40:60 bias in favour of the rear wheels and a six-speed manual gearbox as standard.

As you can see from our spy shots, it will benefit from an aggressive bodykit as well. Sales of both the Coupé and Roadster versions will kick off next summer, with prices set to start from £45,000.

2009 Mitsubishi Lancer GTS

2009 Mitsubishi Lancer GTS Price : $17,990 Engine : 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine Transmission : 5-speed manual Power: 168 horsepower; 167 pound-feet torque EPA gas mileage: 21 mpg city / 28 mpg highway Dimensions (inches): Wheelbase: 103.7 Length: 180 Width: 69.4 Height: 58.7 Curb weight: 3,120 pounds Ground clearance: 5.8 inches Interior dimensions (front/rear): Headroom: 39.6 / 36.9 Legroom: 42.2. / 36.1 Shoulder room: 54.7 / 54.3 Trunk space: 11.6 cubic feet Warranty : Basic: 5 years, 60,000 miles Powertrain: 5 years, 60,000 miles Corrosion: 7 years, 100000 miles Roadside Assistance program: 5 years, unlimited miles

If the 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer GTS is a poor man's racer, bully for the poor man, who seems to be a lot more abundant nowadays.

The five-speed manual sport version of the compact Lancer has the looks of a sharp little racer. Its clean lines, good-looking front end and the spoiler have a touch a class.

And while it still has a cheap and cheerful feel inside, it's no clown on the road.

It's easy to look past the hard plastic trim and dash when you're revving the engine and passing Sunday drivers; the 2.4-liter engine pleasantly pulling you past the lookieloos.

While the engine sounds on the small side, it produces 168 horsepower and 167 pound-feet of torque. That's more than enough power to push around the 3,100 pound sedan, even when I was testing it with three American-sized adults in tow.

On the highway, the Lancer GTS accelerated with ease to cruising speed. Around town it cut into corners like a thoroughbred. It's downright fun to drive and every time I headed out to my driveway with the remote key, I smiled more and more. The five-speed manual clicks through the gears with moderate throws and the steering is well balanced and responsive, with excellent feedback through turns.

There's lots to like with this little machine.

First of all, its exterior is very sharp. Mitsubishi has tried to create a certain flow with its Lancer models -- allowing them to share many of its distinctive looks. The shark's nose front end, the big intakes below the bumper and the narrow grille create that fast look. Additionally, Mitsubishi has done an excellent job in creating a stronger family resemblance in all of the Lancer models, from the base Lancer all the way through the top-end Evolution. They now have much more in common than just the manufacturer. The lines are clean and fast. The windshield is steep, and rockers say this car will boogie.

Better yet, it looks don't fool anyone; it will go fast.

It also does so efficiently, hitting 28 miles per gallon on the highway and 21 mpg in the city.

Nonetheless, it's still an affordable racer, with a starting price under $18,000 and a nicely loaded model barely topping $20,000.

When I hopped behind the wheel of the GTS, my first impression was, "Hey, this ain't so bad."

There's lots of room and the layout is open and simple. The keyless entry and push button start add a touch of class that most compacts don't have.

The carbon fiber trim is neatly laid across the dash and the seat is comfortable. Upon closer examination, however, I thought the interior could have used better materials and a few upgrades would have made a big difference in its lasting impression.

The dash vents were missing trim and the three knobs across the center stack felt cheap to the touch. Pieces were cut into the dash instead of placed there. There's a sense that the car's interior won't hold up over the long haul.

I did like the piece of carbon fiber trim that stretched across the curve of the dash and the digital screen between the speedometer and tachometer.

The second row offers more than enough space for adults (36.1 inches of legroom) and the front has six inches more of space.

In order to plug a music devise into the stereo, you need a special cord from the dealer. A regular auxiliary jack would have been more appropriate.

However, this car has lots of appeal for someone looking for a compact that doesn't fit the typical mold.

And that's where the fun of this car really stems from. It stands out and performs well under any condition.

Drive it fast. Drive it slow. It's still fun.

Mercedes at SEMA

Mercedes kicks off the action at this year's SEMA show with three stunning GLK concept cars.

The world’s wildest Motor Show is go! Mercedes has helped kick off this year’s SEMA show off in stunning style with three special concept cars, based on the all-new GLK off roader.

Pride of place is this new convertible version called the Urban Whip. Fitted with 26 inch wheels, the four-seat, two-door convertible gets widened bodywork and has a slick looking interior.

While there’s no word on when the model might go on sale, it’s joined by a more conventional machine from Brabus, which gets a specially modified engine, and high performance wheel and tyre combination. Costing around £75,000 this limited edition model is available now from the famous tuning firm.

But while the Brabus model certainly looks impressive, its certainly not likely to be the quickest. That honour is reserved for this motorsport inspired edition, called the GLK Pikes Peak Rally Racer.

As well as a six cylinder engine, this hybrid model from Florida based RENNtech is fitted with a potent electric motor, designed to deliver extra acceleration.

Although not open to the public, Auto Express will cover this year’s event – which once again promises to deliver an eclectic mix of dream machines and performance parts.

Founded in 1963 the SEMA is the annual showcase for the Speciality Equipment Marketing Association, and pulls together hundreds of manufacturers and specialist tuners for a rarely seen celebration of the most imaginative side of the car industry.

Though the event is always unpredictable, Auto Express will be present to cover all the breaking news.

Fiat buggy steals the show

Bugster runs on electric power.

Here's a bug set to create a buzz... This is the Fiat Bugster concept, which is due to make its debut at Brazil’s Sao Paulo Motor Show next month.

The clue is in the paintwork – this dune-buggy lookalike was developed as a study into green motoring. All unnecessary parts – such as doors and a roof – are binned to keep weight down, and all the bodywork that remains is constructed from renewable, natural fibres.

The Bugster was designed by Fiat Automotive’s Brazilian engineering division as ‘a starting point for the adoption of new solutions for mobility’. Powered by an electric engine, and so emissions-free, the Bugster is about as eco-friendly as concepts get. An ultra-efficient 500 city car may well use the technology showcased in the Bugster in future.

Mercedes ends McLaren collaboration

Mercedes-Benz will end its partnership with McLaren Automotive when its agreement expires next year. Together, the German automaker and the British sports-car manufacturer built the SLR premium roadster.

“The partnership ends in 2009, and it will not be renewed,” a Mercedes spokesman said.

Media reports say a new flagship premium roadster called the SLC will replace the SLR in 2010. It will be built by Mercedes’ in-house performance unit AMG at the automaker’s Sindelfingen plant, near Stuttgart.

Aston Martin DBS Touchtronic

We drive the British car maker's latest version of its range-topping DBS.

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It’s the pinnacle of the Aston Martin line up and the car of choice for James Bond. And now for the first time the stunning DBS can be ordered with the British firm's Touchtronic gearbox.

The transmission of choice on 90 per cent of standard DB9’s the automatic gearbox has been reworked to suit the sporty nature of the DBS. Aston Martin’s engineers contemplated using the automated manual Sportshift unit from the smaller Vantage but decided that despite its more traditional torque converter set up the automatic Touchtronic could offer the right blend of usability and involvement to keep DBS customers happy.

And the end result is very impressive – when driven in conventional auto mode the gearbox makes the DBS easy to live with in traffic and it copes with low speed manoeuvring better than the automated manual in the Vantage. But given the DBS’s power and focused handling, plenty of driver interaction is crucial and thankfully the steering wheel mounted paddles offer excellent control and a lovely throttle blip on the downshift. The upshifts are 15 per cent faster than in the standard DB9 and if you press the Sport button they are 25 per cent quicker. In addition to making up changes faster the Sport button also gives you a sportier throttle response.

Crucially, if you change up a gear at half throttle the changes are smoother than the Vantage’s Sportshift transmission too and with a shorter final drive ratio, despite being 30kg heavier, the Touchtronic DBS matches the manual’s 0-100mph performance.

Not only that, emissions drop from 388g/km to 367g/km, while claimed combined economy rises from 17.2mpg to a still scary 18.2mpg. But then fuel costs are not high on the list of super car owners concerns and even with its £3,000 price premium over the manual it’s no surprise that Aston Martin predict that the Touchtronic will account for 75 per cent of future DBS orders.

And with demand for the sporty flagship outstripping supply the British firm has increased total DBS production from 500 to 1,000 cars a year. Other updates to the 2009-model year car include a standard Bang and Olufsen audio system and the option of 20-inch diamond turned alloy wheels, which are 2Kg lighter per rim. All of which means it isn’t just James Bond that can have extra toys on his DBS.

BMW’s crash life-saver

Set-up assesses if occupants are injured in crash, and dials 999.

Clever car crash technology from BMW will now call the ambulance for you!

Fitted on the new 7-Series, the Enhanced Automatic Crash Notification system assesses the damage to the car, estimates if there could be injuries, then dials 999 to relay this to the emergency services. In serious crashes, occupants will be put through to casualty, which BMW says can cut potential life-saving time often lost at accident scenes.

Drivers can load their medical records into the car’s computer, so paramedics have vital information before starting treatment. Part of the ConnectedDrive package on the 7, the system also sends out GPS co-ordinates of the crash.