Category: Motor Shows

AIMS 2012 gallery: Mazda

Mazda Australia is enjoying a bumper 2012, and word that their new Mazda6 will be on sale down under ahead of schedule in early December can only improve their already strong results. It’ll provide a handy kickstart to 2013 sales as well.

While we’re disappointed that we weren’t granted a hands-on look inside the Mazda6 we can say that the new family-sized model looks even better in the metal than it does in the pics. None more so than the versatile wagon.

The highlight of the Mazda6 design is the junction of the A-pillar and front quarter panel. It’s a stylish execution that helps give the Mazda6 a genuine character you rarely see in modern volume models.

Mazda’s iconic MX-5 was also on show and, in its latest “new-look” iteration, you’ll be seeing it in your local dealerships next month.

For those with an insatiable appetite for SUVs you’ll be pleased to know the facelifted CX-9 is on display as well.

Australia is clearly an important market for the Japanese manufacturer. A fact highlighted by the presence of Takashi Yamanouchi, President, Chairman and CEO of Mazda Motor Corporation.

Mazda’s excellent social media team has kicked goals for its customers again by making the press conference from the Australian Internaitonal Motor Show available for all. It can be seen after the break, along with more pics and a link to Mazda’s motor show press kit.

Lexus Motor Shows

AIMS 2012 gallery: Lexus LF-LC Blue

Post author By Liam
Post date 20 October, 2012

This is the Lexus LF-LC Blue and it was the car’s world premiere presentation in Sydney. So we figured we’d show it here first under cover so you can imagine “pulling the silk”, as MC Glenn Ridge kept saying throughout the media day.

After the break you’ll see more of the LF-LC Blue and while we can’t say we’re massive fans of the car, the level of detail is highly impressive. This is most evident in the lighting clusters, especially the rear. The interior, too, benefits from the skills of some highly trained craftspeople.

Keen readers will remember the first LF-LC concept was shown in Detroit. However, the LF-LC Blue wears a specially created paint inspired by the rich blue found in Australian opals. We also now have a bit more idea about the drivetrain, which brings 372kW (500hp) to the table thanks to its petrol/electric hybrid system.

Expect a Lexus LFA to employ similar technology in future. “The LF-LC is absolutely stunning. Its good looks mask some very exciting design and engineering innovations that will influence Lexus vehicles in the future,” said Tony Cramb from Lexus Australia.

“LF-LC is part concept, part reality: the concept hints at what’s to come from Lexus, while the reality has us actively studying how we can engineer and build a vehicle like this in the future,” he added.

We hope the gawpy mouth doesn’t make it down the production line, but we’re not going to say no to 500hp!

Motor Shows Volkswagen

AIMS 2012 gallery: Volkswagen

Post author By Liam
Post date 18 October, 2012
12 Comments on AIMS 2012 gallery: Volkswagen

The highlight on the Volkswagen display at the Australian International Motor Show, according to them, is the all-new Beetle and the Passat Alltrack. Truth be told The Beetle looks a marked improvement on the old new Beetle. We doubt it will sell in any great volume, but with any luck it’s a favourable improvement.

After Australia landed the Audi A4 allroad quattro it’s a pleasant surprise to see the Passat Alltrack in display. It’s extra clearance and beefed up appearance will be sure to appeal to many buyers.

We were pleasantly surprised by the level of finish and feeling of solidity provided by the up! It may drive a bit differently, we don’t know yet, but it certainly feels like a quality machine.

Also included below are a number of general images from the Volkswagen stand.

UPDATE 20 October: Press releases from Volkswagen Australia for the Beetle (launching in early 2013) and the Passat Alltrack (launching next month with a sub-$50K price) have been added below.

Aston Martin Motor Shows

AIMS 2012 gallery: Aston Martin One-77

Post author By Liam
Post date 18 October, 2012
3 Comments on AIMS 2012 gallery: Aston Martin One-77

While we reckon the Sesto Elemento is the belated star of the 2012 Australian International Motor Show, the Aston Martin One-77 is a must-see. In our opinion it’s not the prettiest Aston you’ll ever see, but in some ways, it’s the most impressive.

We’ve not seen one on the road but imagine the One-77 would have a commanding presence that would demand it is noticed.

The car on show is the only one of its kind in Australia and one of only 77 worldwide. It sits a little forlornly on its own with heaps of space around it. Perhaps that makes it easier to admire, though, and you if do go to the motor show this year you will admire this car.

Lamborghini Motor Shows

AIMS 2012 gallery: Lamborghini

Post author By Liam
Post date 18 October, 2012
8 Comments on AIMS 2012 gallery: Lamborghini

It may be two years old, but the totally spectacular Lamborghini Sesto Elemento easily knocked off the Aston Martin One-77 as the most impressive car on display at today’s Australian International Motor Show media day. It’s being shown in the southern hemisphere for the first time.

The Sesto Elemento has stunning looks and brutal performance; it can see off 100km/h in just 2.5 seconds. Only 20 will be made and at around â‚¬1.6 million you need some serious cash to get your name on one. But if you could, you just would. After getting a very close look at the car today we’re sure of that.

In true concept style, and perhaps Italian passion as well, the Sesto Elemento does have a few rough edges. Ask yourself this, though, can a 570hp V10 and 999kg be denied? We think not. We trust you’ll enjoy the pics we have for you after the break.

Also on show for Lambo was the Aventador LP700-4 used in The Dark Knight Rises and the Gallardo LP570-4 Spyder Performante.

Motor Shows

AUSmotive at AIMS 2012

Post author By Liam
Post date 18 October, 2012

Morning all, we’re spending the day at the Australian International Motor Show with the rest of Australia’s motoring media. Keep an eye on our twitter account for live updates, or follow the #ozmotorshow hashtag.

We’re looking forward to seeing the new Jaguar F-Type (pictured above in Paris), the Aston Martin One-77 and annoying the very nice people on the Porsche stand. And everything else, too, of course.

Mazda McLaren Mercedes-Benz MINI Motor Shows Nissan Peugeot Porsche Renault Seat Skoda Suzuki Vauxhall Volkswagen Volvo

2012 Paris Motor Show in pictures â€“ part 2

Post author By Liam
Post date 5 October, 2012
3 Comments on 2012 Paris Motor Show in pictures â€“ part 2

Here’s part 2 of our 2012 Paris Motor Show in pictures gallery, which brings you manufacturers from Mâ€“Z. Join us as we admire the McLaren P1, the Mercedes-Benz Concept Style CoupÃ©, the Peugeot Onyx and the Porsche Panamera Sport Turismo.

We’re wavering a little with our admiration of the Mercedes-Benz A Class, but nothing can hide our amusement at the Nissan Terra or Vauxhall Adam, which must be a huge practical joke. We’re also lamenting the fact Seat has lost its styling edge with the new Leon and that Skoda has taken a step back with the incredibly bland looking Rapid.

And, of course, the Volkswagen Golf GTI is the model we’ll probably take home in the future.

Audi Bentley BMW Ferrari Ford Honda Hyundai Infiniti Jaguar Kia Lamborghini Lexus Motor Shows

2012 Paris Motor Show in pictures â€“ part 1

Post author By Liam
Post date 5 October, 2012
5 Comments on 2012 Paris Motor Show in pictures â€“ part 1

The 2012 Paris Motor Show is well underway and for those of us who can’t make it we’ve assembled a photo gallery, which highlights what a blue collar show this has turned out to be. There’s no real theme of haute coutoure motoring here. It’s mostly off the rack bread and butter models.

Thankfully, the Jaguar F-Type brings some style and class. Conversely, when you stop and think about it, someone must have actually signed off an be responsible for the Honda CR-V. They should be fired. It is just horrible.

After the break you’ll see manufacturers listed alphabetically from Aâ€“L. Stay tuned for part 2 from Paris soon.

BMW Motor Shows

Paris 2012: BMW Concept Active Tourer in video

Post author By Liam
Post date 3 October, 2012
1 Comment on Paris 2012: BMW Concept Active Tourer in video

We’ve got some good videos from Paris here, showing the BMW Concept Active Tourer. When viewing the first clip see if you can hear Ian Robertson, BMW’s head of sales and marketing, say the words “front-wheel drive”. The last clip features Marc Girard, BMW’s interiors boss, talking about the technology found inside the Active Tourer and is well worth watching.

Tags Active Tourer, F45

MINI Motor Shows

Paris 2012: MINI JCW GP & Paceman in video

Post author By Liam
Post date 3 October, 2012
2 Comments on Paris 2012: MINI JCW GP & Paceman in video

MINI has two shining lights at Paris this year, the strictly limited John Cooper Works GP (30 of which are coming to Australia) and the two-door Countryman, otherwise known as the Paceman. Here’s the best videos featuring both cars filed from other people’s correspondents.

Tags JCW GP, Paceman

Motor Shows Renault

Paris 2012: Renault Clio RS 200 EDC

Post author By Liam
Post date 2 October, 2012
9 Comments on Paris 2012: Renault Clio RS 200 EDC

Renault has snuck into Paris with an all-new Clio RS 200, based on the fourth-generation Clio. We can’t say we’ve noticed a lot of fanfare for what is one of Renault’s most coveted models. Perhaps that has something to do with the initials EDC (Efficient Double Clutch) which have been added to the end of its model designation.

And so a little piece of the Clio’s famed involvement has been lostâ€”there is no manual transmission offered. But there’s more. Also gone is the free-revving normally aspirated 2.0 litre engine, in favour of a new 1.6 litre turbocharged powerplant. Its key numbers are 200hp at 6000rpm and 240Nm available from 1750rpm. Much like any other hot hatch, really.

On paper, then, this Clio RS has lost some of its character. And while it has always had plenty of character to go around, let’s hope all has not been lost. Thankfully, the Renault Sport engineers haven’t been chucked out and we trust that, in either Sport or Cup chassis trim, the Clio IV RS is still an inviting drive.

Tags Clio IV, Clio RS, hot hatch, RS 200 EDC

Jaguar Motor Shows

Paris 2012: Jaguar F-Type in video

Post author By Liam
Post date 2 October, 2012

The Jaguar F-Type is one of the main attractions at the Paris Motor Show, and for good reason. It’s a great looking machine. And even though we reckon we’ll prefer the hardtop version, due to follow some time in the future, we’re more than willing to stop and admire the convertible version. Which is what many of the world’s motoring media have done in the past few days. There’s three videos for you after the break to help bring you closer to the F-Type.

Tags F-Type