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Saab

Saab gives 9-4X early preview

Saab 9-4X

Saab’s resurgence shows further signs of progression with these new images of their upcoming 9-4X SUV. It will have a full reveal at the Los Angeles Motor Show in November. For now, though, we’ve got these six pics to look at.

Once you get past the initial protestations that the world doesn’t really need a new player in the SUV segment you’re left thinking that this first up effort from Saab is actually shaping up as a pretty good start. At least, you can see it mixing with its Audi, BMW and Volvo brethren at your nearest private school.

It is powered by a choice of two V6 engines. A normally aspirated 3.0 litre option with 265PS, but you really need the turbocharged 2.8 litre unit with no less than 300PS. That ought to help get the kids to school on time if the little blighters have struggled to tie up their laces and made mummy late.

Saab Automobile CEO Jan Ã…ke Jonsson gives us the official view, “The 9-4X significantly broadens the appeal of the Saab brand. It gives us entry to the fast-growing crossover segment with a vehicle that reflects our brand values in key areas, such as progressive Scandinavian design and sporty, responsible driving performance. The 9-4X is an exciting package and we’re confident it will appeal to many existing Saab owners, as well as win new customers for the brand.”

The 9-4X is fitted with Saab’s XWD all-wheel drive system, but the boffins from Haldex have also found time to add a new eLSD for the rear differential. Supposedly this makes for “a more rewarding driving experience and greater control in all conditions, dry or wet, on and off-road.”

Following its LA motor show debut the 9-4X will go on sale in the US next May. Europe gets the candy in August, the UK a bit later and Australia, well, we’re not sure yet, but if not late 2011, you’re nearest yummy mummy might have to wait until 2012.

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Nissan

Nissan GT-R – MY11 specs released

Nissan GT-R

Nissan has just confirmed details of the MY11 changes made to its all-conquering GT-R. No car can show its face these days without LED daytime running lights, you see.

Of course, Nissan’s engineers went further than that, also trimming 10kg from the GT-R’s portly weight. Fuel consumption has been improved, along with a reduction in CO2 emissions. Minor tweaks have also been made to Godzilla’s suspension and brakes. These are complemented by new forged alloys from Rays.

Inside gets a once over, as well. Usual stuff like a revised instrument panel and nav display have been thrown in. But there are big changes, too. The steering wheel emblem now has “a new velour-like coating, expressing a glossy texture”. Amazing!

Outside has seen some cosmetic tweaks, notably the front spoiler can now feed in more air. These revisions also increase downforce by about 10%. Two new exterior paint colours—Jet Black and GTBlue—have been added to the colour palette.

However, the big news is more power. Quite a bit more actually. At its initial launch the GT-R had 353kW/588Nm. Well, now the little (big) Nissan that can boasts 390kW/600Nm. That’s quite a significant increase.

Australian deliveries for the MY11 model are expected from March next year.

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Audi Ford Holden Honda Hyundai Koenigsegg Lamborghini Lexus Lotus Maserati Mazda Mitsubishi Motor Shows Nissan Peugeot Porsche Range Rover Renault Skoda Suzuki Toyota Volkswagen Volvo

AIMS 2010: Photo gallery

AIMS 2010

Here is the AUSmotive photo gallery from the Australian International Motor Show industry day. There are 128 photos in all and you can simply click on each thumbnail to access a 2000px super image.

Highlights include a couple of track specials in the form of the awesome Porsche 911 GT3 Cup and the rear-engined V6 Renault Megane Trophy. Others to look out for are the Toyota FT-86G concept, the Ford Focus RS, a trio of Lamborghini Gallardos and the highly desirable Audi R8 V10 Spyder, which looks great in all white.

Dedicated articles on the following cars can be access by clicking on the links below:

A big thank you to Daniel McKenna who joined the AUSmotive crew at AIMS and brought you many of the pictures you see here.

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Audi Motor Shows

AIMS 2010: Audi A8 L

Audi A8 L

Hidden away on a mezzanine level at the Audi motor show stand is an imposing W12 powered A8 L. It’s Audi’s answer to the Mercedes-Benz S-Class. A long luxo cruiser designed with opulence and luxury in mind, and not much else.

The huge lattice grille introduces a commanding presence, one which is complemented by the 20″ alloy wheels and the sheer length of the car. At 130mm longer than a regular A8 the L version has vast amounts of space for all passengers.

It’s the inside of this car, really, that completes the picture. Especially when you see the two individual rear seats facing two large entertainment screens. With electronic reclining and features such as a massage function you just know spending time in those seats would be time well spent.

The good news is the A8 L will be coming to Australia in the 2nd quarter of next year. The bad news is the 368kW 6.3 litre W12 will not be available. Australian captains of industry will have to choose from an engine lineup comprising 3.0 and 4.2 TDI diesels or a 4.2 FSI petrol engine. All are fitted with an 8-speed tiptronic transmission.

Check the pics out after the break, as far as luxo barges go, the A8 L looks like a great option.

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Audi Motor Shows

AIMS 2010: Audi A1

Audi A1

Audi launched its new A1 model at the Australian International Motor Show. They say it is the next big thing. Small in size, big on features is the theory. Does the A1 deliver on its promise? We’ll need a drive before we can give a definitive answer on that, but after putting our grubby little fingers all over the car we can at least tell you what it’s like from a visual point of view.

Outside, the look is definitely Audi and the result is mostly a success. Maybe the lower lip on the lower hatch where it meets the rear window is a bit too chunky, but that’s being very picky. Overall the A1 creates a pleasing mix of fun and sophistication.

Inside, the A1 is a real success. While the new Volkswagen Polo has improved its interior look and finish taking it to an all new level, the Audi A1 raises the bar further still. The hideaway Nav screen is a nice feature. It brings a welcome level of luxury to the small car segment. The only negative, though, is the resolution of the screen lacks detail compared to the system used in the current A3 range, for example. First impressions of the seats are very positive. They get the right blend of support and comfort and feel the equal, at least, of far more expensive cars.

At launch Audi will offer two trim levels, both powered by a 90kW 1.4 TFSI engine. The Attraction, with 6 speed manual, is priced from $29,900, while the Ambition starts at $32,650. Add $2,350 to both if you want a 7-speed S tronic (double clutch gearbox).

Deliveries of the A1 will start early next year. More details from Audi when they come to hand.

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Motor Shows Volkswagen

AIMS 2010: Volkswagen Polo GTI

Volkswagen Polo GTI

Volkswagen Australia drove the new Polo GTI from underneath its red cover at AIMS yesterday to mark its Australian debut. A neat trick that easily got the gong for the most innovative way to remove a cover from a car.

After sitting inside the car and pushing all of its buttons it’s clear the new Polo GTI has taken a big leap forwards in interior refinement and layout compared to the old model. From the outside it definitely looks the part. Although, those 17″ Denver alloy wheels, first seen on the Mk5 Golf GTI back in 2004, do nothing to enhance the sharp lines of the current Volkswagen design language.

Apart from seeing the car in the flesh little other detail was given in regards to specification or pricing for the company’s latest hot hatch. We do know the Polo GTI will be offered in Australia in both 3 and 5 door configurations. We also know the Polo GTI will be powered by a 132kW twincharged 1.4 litre engine. And we also know that as far as transmissions go you’re going to have to settle for a 7-speed DSG as there are no current plans to incorporate a manual gearbox in the Pogo. Put all those numbers things together and Volkswagen reckon the Pogo can reach 100km/h in 6.9 seconds, the same time as its bigger Golf GTI sibling, no less.

The Australian launch of the Polo GTI is due in a couple of weeks and full details will be confirmed then. When AUSmotive asked one Volkswagen employee for a scoop on the pricing all we were told was “you will not be disappointed.”

After running that comment through the AUSmotive price predictor we guesstimate the 3 door will hit the market at around $28,950 while the 5 door will be $30,450. That pricing might be a little ambitious, perhaps, but we should know for certain by early November.

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Motor Shows Volkswagen

AIMS 2010: Volkswagen Amarok

Volkswagen Amarok

The reveal of the Volkswagen Amarok was one of the better executed unveilings at AIMS yesterday. Three different scenarios were presented, with a family beach holiday the most plausible. The other themes were a Dakar Rally inspired motorsport reveal and a suburban couple on their way to a romantic dinner, presumably. Although this was, perhaps, the least convincing scenario.

Interesting to note that no farmers or tradies were seen during this presentation. When you consider Volkswagen are expected to target the Hilux market quite aggressively this could be considered a questionable exclusion.

Inside the Amarok things look pretty good, for a work truck. But don’t go in expecting Golf or Passat level interiors. And whatever you do, do not, under any circumstances, choose the dual-tone grey and brown interior as seen inside the brown Amarok at AIMS. While some might consider the all grey/dark theme from the white Amarok on show a tad bland, it is, by far, the better option of the two!

The Amarok goes on sale in Australia next March and we’ll have full details as soon as Volkswagen Australia releases them. In the meantime you can see more pics from the motor show after the break.

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Mercedes-Benz Motor Shows

AIMS 2010: Mercedes-Benz G-Class

Mercedes-Benz G55 AMG

If you ask any true car enthusiast to compile a list of the world’s coolest cars you should expect to see the Mercedes-Benz G-Class appear somewhere on that list. It’s the fact that it simply makes no sense for Benz to keep making a car like the G-Class that makes it so right. That they bother to let AMG fiddle about with the G-Class, as well, simply heightens the madness.

I mean, check the side exit exhausts. It’s bonkers and we love Mercedes to signing off on this most politically incorrect creation. Bravo!

The best news is that Mercedes-Benz Australia are re-launching the G-Class down under. It will be the first time in around 20 years since it has been on sale here. There will be two models on offer, the G 350 BlueTEC ($159,900*) and, of course, the G 55 AMG ($214,900*).

The G 350 BlueTEC model is powered by a 155kW V6 turbo diesel. As suggested by its BlueTEC moniker, this model features innovative technology aimed at reducing harmful emissions. Diesel engines are usually great for their low fuel consumption. However, not so great are the Nitrous Oxide (NOx) nasties that are often spat out the exhaust in big black clouds of smoke. This BlueTEC model, though, converts up to 80 per cent of its NOx emissions into nothing more than nitrogen and water thanks to a very clever catalytic converter.

Enough about that, we all know the G 55 AMG is where it’s at! And if you plant your foot to the floor from rest you’ll have your angry off-roader at 100km/h in just 5.5 seconds. That’s all thanks to a stark raving mad 373kW/700N combo provided by its 5.5 litre supercharged V8 engine. Beautiful!

The G-Class is set for its full Australian launch early next year. We can hardly wait!

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Mercedes-Benz Motor Shows

AIMS 2010: Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG

Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG

Here at AUSmotive we are unashamed fans of the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG. It’s such a great looking car, it has a superb sounding engine and it references the 300 SL Gullwing—a car so beautiful and perfect in its proportions it has rarely been equalled since.

So when we saw the 21st century Gullwing under its cover at AIMS yesterday our anticipation levels reached new heights. Would it be classic silver or that metallic red so often seen in press pics? Neither. It turns out we saw a colour combination that had never been seen before; that’s right this was a world first. And what a spectacular result it was too—designo magno Night Black (that’s matte black to you and I) with bright red detailing.

In truth the red splashes were a little OTT, but the matte black bodywork was stunning and we were not disappointed. Check out more pics form the show after the break.

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Mercedes-Benz Motor Shows

AIMS 2010: Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG ‘Concept 358’

Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG

Mercedes-Benz provided a couple of world firsts at the Australian International Motor show yesterday. This fantastically bright orange C63 AMG was one of them. It was made specifically to Mercedes-Benz Australia’s specifications and in addition to the designo Pearl Orange paint it has been fitted with an AMG Performance Package Plus. These performance goodies, including forged pistons from the SLS AMG, add an extra 22kw to the already potent C63. Total power is now a very tasty 358kW, while peak torque is a smashing 600Nm.

Seeing as BMW won’t let Australia play with their orange beast, it’s nice of Benz to step up to the plate. The matte black details set off the car very nicely and while you’d be sure to take a bit of a depreciation hit with such a lairy colour on a three-pointed star, at least you would have a blast while doing so. It looks really, really good!

Unfortunately it looks like the Pearl Orange pint scheme on this show car will be a one-off creation as it is not currently available to order. However the performance bits can be ordered now and if they got your attention, you’ll need to start saving a few extra bucks, about 15 thousand of them we’ve been told.

More after the break, including a PDF download detailing all the goodies in the AMG Performance Package Plus.

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Holden Motorsports

Another look at Fabian Coulthard’s spectacular Bathurst crash

Here’s a couple of new YouTube clips of Fabian Coulthard’s violent crash from lap 1 of the recent Supercheap Auto 1000 at Bathurst. The two clips were recorded by fans from the inside of The Chase and give a good insight into the crowd reaction.

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Motor Shows

AUSmotive at the Australian International Motor Show

Australian International Motor Show

AUSmotive will be at the 2010 Australian International Motor Show tomorrow. We should have a few updates from the floor via twitter, so keep an eye on that. This will be followed by a steady stream of new information over the course of the weekend.

If you have any questions you’d like asked, or any cars you would like us to pay special attention to, just let us know in the comments section below.

iPhone users can also download a free motor show app that includes a floorplan and calendar of events.

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