Category: Motor Shows

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Audi Motor Shows

Geneva 2014: Audi TT

Audi TT

This is the new Audi TT. The third-generation of Audi’s landmark coupé is ready to take centre stage at the Geneva Motor Show. Shown above in TTS trim with Tango Red paint you see many familiar cues from the original TT launched in 1998.

Overall the look is pure TT. Although, perhaps the grille may raise a few eyebrows at first, especially on the TTS. In general, though, the new TT has been chiseled and refined to form a very pleasing result.

The innovative electronic dash display, replacing the traditional dials behind the steering wheel, is the TT’s biggest party trick. It clears space in the interior allowing design to take centre stage without hurting function.

Powered by a familiar range of engines the TTS sits at the top of the tree, for now. Its 2.0 litre TFSI engine produces 228kW or 310hp in the old money—that’s 7kW more than found in the S3. Torque remains at 380Nm and reaches that figure at a low 1800rpm. Coupled to a quattro all-wheel drive system the TTS can reach 100km/h in 4.7 seconds with an S tronic transmission.

Also included at launch are 135kW/380Nm 2.0 TDI and 169kW/370Nm 2.0 TFSI models. With front-wheel drive and a 6-speed manual transmission the 2.0 TFSI will reach 100km/h in 6.0 seconds. The addition of a 6-speed S tronic and quattro brings that sprint down to 5.3 seconds.

The TTS sits 10mm lower than its siblings and gets the S line body kit and Audi magnetic ride suspension as standard equipment.

More detail on the new TT range can be found after the break.

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Motor Shows Toyota

Detroit 2014: Toyota FT-1 concept

Toyota FT-1 concept

This very funky looking creation is a Toyota. A Toyota! You’ll find no signs of beige or Camry in this, the FT-1 concept car. It’s so much of a concept car that it’s little more than a three-dimensional model and the only way you can experience it for yourself is in the two-dimensional world of Gran Turismo 6.

Toyota has thrown in lots of emotive names into the melting pot—including 2000GT, 86, Celica, MR2 and Supra—but given us nothing other than to say “FT” stands for Future Toyota. There’s no word at all on what engine powers the FT-1 and not being gamers here perhaps GT6 users can fill us in.

Conceived over a two-year period by Toyota’s Calty Design Research studio in California, chief desginer Alex Shen said: “The FT-1 is a dream-project for a designer and car enthusiast like myself. Our team was heavily influenced by Toyota’s sports car past, especially Celica and Supra, and we sought to capture some of that history.

“It is an aggressive, track-focused sports car concept with a presence that has been amplified for shock and awe.”

In reality the best we can hope for is that the FT-1 is the first sign of a Supra revival and that if so they don’t so a Subaru and completely waste this very appealing and dramatic concept model.

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Motor Shows Subaru

Detroit 2014: Subaru WRX STi

Subaru WRX STi

Following last week’s early preview here’s the official info on the all-new Subaru WRX STi. We now know it will be powered by a 2.5 litre boxer engine with peak power of 227kW at 6000rpm, while the maximum torque of 392Nm is achieved at 4000rpm.

There’s no performance figures given as yet—not even 0–100km/h times—but we do thank Subaru for releasing this car with a 6-speed manual and making no mention at all of a self-shifting transmission.

So actually, aside from the 20-odd photos we don’t have a lot of detailed information from Subaru just yet. What info we do have can be found after the break, including the US release explaining the 1000 Launch Edition models which will be sold in the States. Detailed Australian info will be coming in the later months, apparently.

We’ve been disappointed by the look of the WRX and while the STi and its more purposeful look does alleviate some of our concerns we’re still none the wiser as to why Subaru made such a gorgeous looking concept model and then screwed up the plans and threw them in the bin.

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Chevrolet Motor Shows Motorsports

Detroit 2014: Chevrolet Corvette C7.R

2014 Chevrolet Corvette C7R

Those good ol’ boys at Chevrolet didn’t just stop with the road going version of the Corvette Z06. No siree, they kept the pedal to the metal and developed this all-new C7.R racecar.

And when Corvette goes racing you better stop and take notice because they do it bloody well. Since 1999 they’ve dominated the American Le Mans Series, with 90 race wins and 10 championships.

In 2014 the ALMS category has merged with the Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series to form the Tudor United Sportscar Championship. The C7.R will debut in this series at the opening race, the Daytona 24 hour race on 25–26 January.

Race regulations prohibit the use of the 6.2 litre supercharged V8 from the production Z06. Instead the C7.R will use the drivetrain from the championship winning C6.R; a 5.5 litre normally aspirated V8 based on Chevy’s noted small block hardware.

A brief introduction video of the C7.R presented by Jim Campbell, vice president of Performance Vehicles and Motorsports, can be seen after the break.

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Chevrolet Motor Shows

Detroit 2014: Chevrolet Corvette Z06

Chevrolet Corvette Z06

This is the 2015 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 and with “at least 625 horsepower (466kW)” from its 6.2 litre supercharged V8 it’s sure to be as fast as it looks.

Known as the LT4, the new 6.2 litre engine has plenty of torque to go with all that power too. 860Nm+ of it! This thing will be brutal. Power is sent to the rear wheels, where else, via a 7-speed manual ‘box or an optional 8-speed auto.

There’s no claimed performance figures that we’ve come across yet. Suffice to say it will be frighteningly quick.

The Stingray on steroids is claimed to be the most track-capable Corvette, ever! You can add to that by ticking the Z07 Performance Pack option which gives you increased downforce, Brembo carbon ceramic brakes and super sticky Michelin Pilot Super Sport Cup rubber.

Limited technical detail is available in the press guff after the break, but stuff that. Just imagine having the window down, a wide open road ahead of you and nailing your foot to the floor and marvelling at the raucous noises being spat out of those quad-pipes!

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Motor Shows Volkswagen

Detroit 2014: Volkswagen Beetle Dune concept

2014 Volkswagen Beetle Dune concept

Volkswagen has rocked up to Detroit with this Beetle Dune thingy. Officially it’s a concept model, but Volkswagen is making plenty of noises stating if the demand is there they will build it.

“Everything about this car is feasible—practically a production vehicle,” Volkswagen’s press release states.

So what do you get that makes it different from your garden variety Beetle? Most obviously there’s a bunch of model-specific cosmetic enhancements, inside and out. But the Dune has been raised by 50mm to give it that crucial urban clearance. And, check this out, it has ski racks on the back window. Yes, ski racks! You know for the snow. Where the roads are slippery and you often need to fit chains, unless you have an all-wheel drive car.

That’s probably the exact reason why the Dune concept is front-wheel drive. Hang on, that’s not right is it? Why didn’t they chuck in a 4 motion system? Cheapskates!

They’ve managed to put a decent engine in the car; a 155kW 2.0 litre turbo. So why leave it front-wheel drive? Even with the supposed weaknesses of the Haldex-sourced systems Volkswagen uses it would still add to the Dune’s abilities.

Interestingly, the front and rear track has been widened by 29mm and that should offer improved road holding, but we wonder if that would be one of the features lost if the Dune does become a series production model.

We actually don’t mind the look and basic idea behind the Dune concept, it looks fun. We just wish it had a bit more substance.

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Motor Shows Porsche

Detroit 2014: Porsche 911 Targa

991 Porsche 911 Targa

Finally, we see official information on the all-new Porsche 911 Targa. It’s a return to an old-skool look with that iconic rollover hoop. As reported the roof does operate electronically and when you see the videos of it in action after the break we’re sure you’ll agree it’s a clever bit of kit.

Available only in all-wheel drive the Targa 4 gets the 3.4 litre engine from the regular 911, which means it has 257kW/390Nm to play with. The Targa 4S boasts the now familiar 3.8 litre flat six with 294kW/440Nm.

When fitted with the 7-speed PDK transmission the 1560kg Targa 4 can reach 100km/h in 5.0 seconds and 200km/h in 17.5 seconds. The addition of the Sport Plus option brings those times down to 4.8 seconds and 17.2 seconds respectively.

The 1575kg Targa 4S and its 400hp knock off 100km/h in 4.6 seconds, while 200km/h takes 15.5 seconds. Again, similar reductions are available with Sport Plus option, bringing the sprint times down to 4.4 seconds and 15.2 seconds respectively.

Despite saving 20kg in weight with the manual transmission you’ll need to add a few tenths to those performance figures.

The roof can only be opened when the car is stationary and it takes 19 seconds. It’s pretty nifty to see it work. The rear window lifts up, parts of of the rollover hoop fold out of the way, the fabric roof comes to life and is then cleverly stowed away out of sight.

Not sure about you, but we want one!

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BMW Motor Shows

What to expect from BMW in 2014

BMW M3 and M4 on display in Detroit

As well as the launch of the highly anticipated M3 and M4 in Detroit this week, BMW has much more in store during 2014. Make sure you follow the source link from BimmerFile for more detail:

2014 North American International Auto Show (January)

  • M3 (F80) and M4 (F82)
  • M235i (F22)
  • 228i (F22)

2014 Geneva Motor Show (March)

  • 4 Series Gran Coupe (F36)
  • FWD Active Tourer (F45)
  • MINI Four-door concept (F55)

2014 New York Auto Show (April)

  • X4 (F26)
  • X3 LCI

2014 Moscow Motor Show (August)

  • X6 (F16)

2014 Paris Motor Show (September)

  • X5 M (F85) and X6 M (F86)
  • 2 Series Convertible (F23)
  • MINI Four-door (F55)

[Source: BimmerFile | Pic: Bimmerpost]

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Motor Shows Subaru

LA 2013: Subaru WRX revealed

MY15 Subaru WRX

When the Subaru Impreza WRX was first launched in the early 1990s it caught the world off guard. The hot hatch market had cooled somewhat and along came this fairly basic, but very quick (for its time) all-wheel drive weapon that could, if not embarrass, take the fight up to supercars.

The WRX went on to carve out an enviable niche, especially here in Australia. It was popular and, with good reason, it was the default choice for anyone with $40K to spend who didn’t want an Aussie “muscle car”.

Then everyone else caught up, if not in outright speed, in general appeal and desirability. The WRX has always been a good car through its generations, but it’s lost something along the way. Subaru’s recent trend to design horrible looking cars hasn’t helped. Truth be known the Rex has never been a pretty car, but that didn’t really matter because its abilities outweighed its visual flaws.

Twenty years is a long time to stay on top in the motoring world and the WRX couldn’t manage it. Now a fading light, the icon needs a rebirth. Something to breathe new life into the aura the WRX used to have.

And then along came the WRX Concept earlier this year. This was it! This was the moment the WRX would reignite the passion it had won two decades ago. All Subaru had to do was flick the switch from concept car to production car. It was a no brainer, we all thought. The WRX Concept looked so good, just perfect, surely even Subaru couldn’t stuff this up?

Ah yes.

To be fair it’s not that bad. It’s just that it could have been so much better.

MY15 Subaru WRX
Engine: 2.0-litre Horizontally-Opposed Direct Injection turbo Boxer engine
Transmission: 6-speed manual or Sport Lineartronic CVT
Power: 199kW at 5600 rpm
Torque: 349Nm at 2000–5200 rpm
0–100km/h: 5.4s (5.9s with CVT)

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Jaguar Motor Shows

LA 2013: Jaguar F-Type Coupé revealed

Jaguar F-Type Coupe

The Jaguar F-Type Coupé has arrived and boy do we like it. Just wait until your ears feast on the sounds of the F-Type R Coupé after the break. Oh yes, yes and more yes!

Of course the coupé model sits nicely alongside the equally good looking F-Type roadster which has won admirers all over the world. Based on the 2011 C-X16 hybrid concept, not a lot has been lost in translation. The F-Type Coupé really is a remarkably good looking car.

Jag hasn’t gone half-hearted either, no, they’ve rocked up to LA with the very angry R version, which we haven’t seen in the convertible model yet. It’s been worth the wait too. Check out the specs below:

Jaguar F-Type R Coupé
Engine: 5.0 litre supercharged V8
Power: 404kW at 6500rpm
Torque: 680Nm at 2500–5500rpm
Weight (unladen): 1650kg
0–100km/h: 4.2s
80–120km/h: 2.4s
Fuel consumption: 11.1l/100km

Jaguar F-Type S Coupé
Engine: 3.0 litre supercharged V6
Power: 280kW at 6500rpm
Torque: 480Nm at 3500–5000rpm
Weight (unladen): 1594kg
0–100km/h: 4.9s
80–120km/h: 3.1s
Fuel consumption: 9.1l/100km

Jaguar F-Type Coupé
Engine: 3.0 litre V6
Power: 250kW at 5500rpm
Torque: 450Nm at 3500–5500rpm
Weight (unladen): 1577kg
0–100km/h: 5.3s
80–120km/h: 3.3s
Fuel consumption: 8.8l/100km

All models are fitted standard with a variation of the ZF 8-speed auto, also found in the BMW M135i. Carbon Ceramic Matrix brakes can be optioned in the S and R versions. There’s also a hidden rear spolier which comes out of hibernation at 110km/h and goes back into hiding when the speed drops below 80km/h.

The F-Type Coupé goes on sale in Australia in the second hald of 2014. Pricing will be confirmed closer to its launch. An R version would be really nice thanks very much. Now, where have I put those Lotto numbers…

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Motor Shows Porsche

LA 2013: Porsche Macan revealed

Porsche Macan

Porsche has revealed its new Macan SUV in separate launch events at motor shows in LA and Tokyo. Of course, Porsche ambassador Maria Sharapova could only be in one place at once and LA got the sweets on that front.

The Macan is destined to be Porsche’s best selling model and if you have a dislike of SUVs from Stuttgart we suggest you learn to get over it, and fast. As far as SUVs go the Macan looks very good and with relatively affordable pricing (for a Porsche anyway) you’ll be seeing a lot of these on the roads.

At launch Porsche has released information on three models, all boast Porsche Traction Managment—what you and I would call all-wheel drive—and 7-speed PDK transmissions:

Macan Turbo
Engine: 3.6 litre V6 biturbo
Power: 294kW at 6000rpm
Torque: 550Nm at 1350–4500rpm
Weight (unladen): 1925kg
0–100km/h: 4.8s (4.6s with optional Sport Chrono)
0–160km/h: 11.1s (10.9s with optional Sport Chrono)
0–1000m: 24.2s (23.9s with optional Sport Chrono)
Fuel consumption (NEDC): 9.2–8.9l/100km

Macan S
Engine: 3.0 litre V6 biturbo
Power: 250kW at 5500–6500rpm
Torque: 460Nm at 1450–5000rpm
Weight (unladen): 1865kg
0–100km/h: 5.4s (5.2s with optional Sport Chrono)
0–160km/h: 13.2s (13.0s with optional Sport Chrono)
0–1000m: 25.7s (25.4s with optional Sport Chrono)
Fuel consumption (NEDC): 9.0–8.7l/100km

Macan S Diesel
Engine: 3.0 litre V6 turbo diesel
Power: 190kW at 4000–4250rpm
Torque: 580Nm at 1750–2500rpm
Weight (unladen): 1880kg
0–100km/h: 6.3s (6.1s with optional Sport Chrono)
0–160km/h: 16.7s (16.5s with optional Sport Chrono)
0–1000m: 27.2s (26.8s with optional Sport Chrono)
Fuel consumption (NEDC): 6.3–6.1l/100km

Full details from Porsche are available after the break, including the 71 page press kit from the LA Auto Show.

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2013 Frankfurt Motor Show in pictures

2013 Frankfurt Motor Show

The lights have been turned off at the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show and the mammoth task of dismantling the huge displays has begun. To recap what you may have missed here’s a selection of 120+ pics reminding you what was on show.

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