Next Audi A3 Takes Shape

Audi has revealed sketches of its newest concept car scheduled to appear at the 81st Geneva Motor Show. The design sketches show what is believed to be the thinking behind the next-generation A3 and give a strong indication that the range will soon include a four-door saloon version. Along with its low-slung stance, the concept’s design will feature a more aggressive interpretation of Audi’s current trapezoidal grille design, as well as featuring the latest in the company’s LED technology. Reports suggest that the line-up will include a turbocharged five-cylinder engine (as featured in the TT RS), tuned to 300 kW, and mated with Audi’s dual-clutch S tronic transmission. Quattro all-wheel drive is sure to feature as well. The all-new Audi A3 is due for official release in 2012.

Hyundai On The Wagon

Hyundai has released initial images and information about its i40 wagon that was due to make its official debut at the recent Geneva Motor Show. The i40’s styling follows the company’s “fluidic sculpture” design language which currently graces such models as the latest Sonata and ix35. The Europe-bound i40 will feature such nice-to-have items as heated and reclining front and rear seats, a heated steering wheel, as well a demister system that Hyundai claims can automatically detect and clear mist on the windscreen. The i40 will initially be offered with a 1,7-litre turbodiesel engine with a claimed CO2 emissions figure of 113 g/km. This model will have its work cut out, being Hyundai’s first venture into the highly-competitive European D-segment. But given the company’s willingness to take on the establishment and the quality of its latest offerings, there’s a good chance that the i40 could well make a name for itself. And we would not be surprised to see the i40 reach South Africa, either.

Kia Rio Style

The next Kia model to emerge looking far better from under ace designer Peter Schreyer’s scalpel is the oft-ignored and easily forgettable Rio. Far more attractive than before, the new Rio’s wheelbase has been extended by 70 mm. This should free up more space for passengers while the hatch’s luggage capacity has grown to 292 dm³. The new car will also usher in a pair of noteworthy new powerplants: a 1,1-litre diesel unit that develops 51 kW and only emits 85 g/km of CO2, and a 1,2-litre turbocharged petrol-engine with direct injection that also promises low fuel consumption. Kia has confirmed that the five-door Rio will be available from September in the UK followed by a three-door in 2012. Expect the Rio in South Africa as soon as the third quarter this year.

Next Small Jaguar?

It was reported recently that Jaguar had started working on a replacement for its unpopular X-Type saloon. Now it has emerged that a proposed future X-Type model has been penned by Italian design house, Bertone. Although the B99 design concept looks like a sizeable saloon it’s only 4,5 metres long, 1,95 metres wide and 1,35 metres tall, dimensions that pit it against the leaders in the market, cars such as the Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Audi A4 and BMW 3 Series. The overall design has some strong XJ cues, especially the front and the rear, but it manages to be refreshing at the same time with the designers opting not to go for the saloon-coupé design that seems to be the flavour of many luxury offerings of late, including Jaguar.

Volvo’s big rig

With profi t margins as low as 2%, many European haulage fi rms are keen to increase the load capacity of their trucks. To meet this demand, Volvo is investing heavily in weight-optimizing its trucks from the wheels up. This work calls for an exceptional test rig. “Volvo has the world’s largest test rig for axles and suspension systems. No other rig can deal with such massive forces as our rig can,” reveals Göran Johansson, head of Volvo Trucks’ department for durability testing of axles, suspension units, steering and brakes. Volvo’s new weight-optimized materials and designs had to be subjected to the stresses encountered during real-life operation (see Making Tracks box, left), with the data then entered into the test rig to create duplicate inputs.

2011 Audi A6 Review

Most new models arrive with a fanfare of new technologies, safety features, and creature comforts, with the small matter of their increased weight usually uttered as a hushed apology. However, Audi’s revamped A6 has a party piece – it is up to 80kg lighter than its predecessor, with the 3-liter TDI quattro model emitting 30% fewer emissions than the outgoing model. This weight loss is down to a diet of high-strength and ultra-high-strength sheet metal and aluminum components, with much of the body composed of aluminum, and the engine and driveline slimmed down. With a lighter body, items such as the axles and brakes could also be slimmed down as their load demands were consequently reduced. Safety features could also be optimized for the lighter weight, but the safety test program was as heavyweight as ever. The requirements of the A6 were decided using fi ndings from the Audi Accident Research Unit, which studies real-life accidents involving Audis, and analyzes accident databases.

Gordon Murray’s T25

Rumors abound that T25 will soon be launched, with a Smart-worrying price tag, and that a production line is limbering up for action at Gordon Murray’s HQ in the UK. Alas there is no factory, and the car is a mere shop display, a concept not even of a car, but of a manufacturing process known as iStream (see the Murray interview on page 62). But don’t dismiss T25: it could be a new direction in motoring. The idea of the T25 started life one morning in 1993 when Murray was stuck in traffi c on his daily commute through London traffi c to McLaren’s HQ. “I looked around me at all these big cars with just one person in them and I thought, ‘One day someone’s going to take my freedom away from me’. Now, I like my freedom, and I love driving, so I started looking into why more people didn’t make A-segment and sub- A-segment cars, and the reason is that they don’t make money.” In iStream, Murray is confi dent he has found the path to profi tability, and products similar to the T25 could soon be on our roads. “We wanted to build one running prototype of a vehicle of our choice to demonstrate iStream,” says Murray. “It just so happened that for years and years I’ve had this concept of a little car that would suit UK and European roads and their congestion problems. The car is just a physical entity to sell iStream.” However, if a company buying the iStream process wants to use the design, it can.

A New Breed 2011 Ford Explorer

Compared with crossovers, traditional SUVs are becoming more of a niche product, George Pipas, Ford’s senior sales analyst, says. That explains why Ford radically altered the formula for its all-new, fi fth-generation Explorer, ditching archaic body-on-frame construction and myriad other mechanical components derived from pick-ups. But whereas the unibody 2011 Explorer shares parts with the Taurus, the Flex and the Lincoln MKS and MKT, it rides on a unique version of Ford’s versatile D-platform. “It had to meet all of our pick-up durability-testing requirements,” one representative said. “When people look underneath, they’ll fi nd more things unique to Explorer than not.” Under the bonnet, you’ll see either a 3,5-litre V6 or a 2,0-litre turbocharged Four. Promising good fuel economy, optional AWD and a seven-passenger body that melds sedan and SUV styling, the Explorer has offi cially crossed over.

Middle Child 2011 Ducati Monster 796

Sportbikes often outperform supercars, so it’s tempting to dismiss a middleweight like the Ducati Monster 796 as a bike for beginners. But doing so could be dangerous, considering the 796’s acceleration and handling. Bookended by the entry-level Monster 696 and bigbore Monster 1100, the mid-rung 796 features a fuel-injected 803 cm3 engine that produces 65 kW and 79 N.m – which are relatively tame numbers compared with those of all-out, liquid-cooled superbikes. But the Monster 796 weighs only 169 kg when equipped with its optional ABS, resulting in a power-to-weight ratio that demands respect from even the experts.

Now in Lite 2011 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport

The Sport is an abbreviated version of Mitsubishi’s competent Outlander. It’s 37 cm shorter and 180 kg lighter (thanks in part to plastic front fenders). Consequently, it comes only with a 2,0-litre 110 kW four-cylinder, which provides adequate, but not eager, thrust. The most engaging model is the ES, with a fi vespeed manual gearbox. The SE trim includes a shiftable CVT and optional, lockable AWD. On California’s sinewy blacktop, the newest Mitsu proved worthy of its name but compliant enough for a long-term relationship.

Peugeot Ex1

Peugeot’s EX1 concept is setting world records for electric-car acceleration from a standing start thanks to a combination of ultralight aero body, twin 125 kW electric motors and fourwheel drive. Maximum torque of the motors – one on each axle – is 240 N.m. Add all of that up and the result is neck-snapping acceleration in excess of 1 G, says Peugeot. Ingenious running-gear features include front suspension that consists of a drop link double wishbone arrangement and rear suspension with a single swinging arm linked to a centrally mounted shock absorber connected via a rocker arm to provide a variable damping rate. Lessons learnt from similarlooking designs such as the 1996 Asphalte concept and the two 20Cup models of a decade later pointed the way to how to optimise the passenger cell’s weight distribution.

CR-S Duu Concept

Those of you who had the stomach to sit through Terminator Salvation with your eyes open will remember the mototerminators that launched themselves from the legs of the giant collectors. Those were actually based on Ducatis, but if you fancied the look of them, then Italian bike builder CR&S has something pretty close. Called the DUU Concept, the naked ride is a combination of "a sporty European rolling chassis powered by a muscular American big-twin." The engine is a 1.9-liter (117 cu. in.)

X-Wedge supplied by S&S. Wrapped around that powerplant is a chassis that CR&S says can be tailored by the customer – although they don't indicate how beyond presenting the choice of single or two-seater versions. But since each DUU will be made by hand, one-at-atime, we imagine they'll be happy to do anything your wallet will allow. The DUU Concept is being unveiled November 10 at the Milan International Bike Show. CR&S said it has plans to build them from next year, at €20,000 ($30,000 U.S.) apiece

2011 Kicherer Mercedes-Benz SLS 63 Supersport

KICHERER Fahrzeugtechnik company from Stockach am Bodensee and photography master of international renown Frank Luger of Art-Photography from Albstadt have been a perfectly aligned team since 2005. In the course of these years, F. Luger developed a unique image style for presenting the KICHERER-High end vehicles. It perfectly mirrors the company's philosophy. The philosophy and the objective is clearly emphasizing the visual basic forms by higher-quality sportive highlights. The complete hand-made KICHERER performance programme consistently presents the sportively dynamic character. The design objective of the SLS 63 AMG is perfect combination of functional quality, craftsmanship and sophisticated design. When these requirements are met, they give their vehicles the >>SUPERSPORT<< award.

EXCLUSIVE for the SLS:
In cooperation with the KICHERER technology partner KW Automotive GmbH, the lift up system for the SLS 63 AMG was developed. This complete chassis removes the obstacles previously presented by parking garages, garage entries or steps. The vehicle with the KICHERER lift-up threaded chassis is raised by up to 30 millimetres on the push of a button to easily drive over obstacles. They would also like to emphasize the excellent driving characteristics in quick bends. The driving feeling is much more sportive and secure without losing any driving comfort.

Land Rover Defender X-Tech

If you long for the boxy, rugged looks of classic Rovers but want to keep the creature comforts of modern models, check out the Land Rover Defender X-Tech Available in three-door 90 or five-door 110 varieties, the X-Tech features a blocky front end with black on the roof, wheel arches, and headlight assemblies, a silver (90) or olive green (110) exterior, glossy black 16-inch "Saw Tooth" alloy wheels, a 2.4L common-rail diesel powerplant, and all the off-road chops you'd expect. If only they were selling it in the U.S.

The Land Rover Defender X-Tech features a Zermatt Silver exterior paint scheme, with a Santorini Black roof and wheel arches. For the interior of the Land Rover Defender X-Tech, the manufacturer has chosen Ebony. The 4x4 sits for the first time on gloss black 16 inch Saw Tooth alloy wheels. The Land Rover Defender X-Tech is available as a 90 Hard Top Commercial and is powered by the 2.4 liter common-rail diesel engine which outputs 360 Nm of torque. The base Land Rover Defender X-Tech price starts at 24,995 GBP and the new limited edition model will go on sale from March, 2011.

Edo Competition Porsche Panamera Turbo Moby Dick

A Panamera Turbo doesn’t distinguish itself as the most understated looking vehicle on the road, but edo competition takes it a step further still. So far the specialist company from Ahlen in Westphalia has mainly had sports cars from manufacturers such as Aston Martin, Bentley, Ferrari, Lamborghini and Porsche in its order books, but now edo competition has taken on a four-door sedan from Porsche, and completed a customization project incorporating numerous upgrades. An important visual ingredient is the aerodynamics package from Mansory, which was installed on customer request. The new rear valance provides a lot of room for the high performance exhaust system developed by edo competition, featuring four large stainless steel exhaust tips and butterfly valves.

2011 Dodge Challenger R/T

A collaboration between Ariel and Mugen, the latest version of the original ‘no screen, no roof, no doors’ Atom celebrates 10 years of production and 1000 Atoms manufactured. Made in a Limited Edition of just 10 cars for each of the 10 years, each signed and numbered, the Atom Mugen has a special livery of red chassis, white bodywork and red graphics showing the number of the car to reflect the unique union of Ariel, Mugen and Honda. Featuring a tuned Mugen Honda engine and a high level specification, plus the opportunity to further option the car, this latest Atom gives further choice to the driver looking for the ultimate, normally aspirated trackday car.

Mugen (meaning unlimited in Japanese) engines have famously powered hundreds of race and championship winners, including Formula 1, since 1973 when Hirotoshi Honda, son of Soichiro Honda, founded the company. Basing their work almost exclusively around Honda powerplants, Mugen was an obvious partner for Ariel who have used the Honda Type R engine in the Atom for over 7 years. Working closely together on the project Ariel and Mugen found many similarities in their approach to the project, resulting in a hand built engine in a truly handbuilt car.