Auto News linked by TVR&FF "Closed"
- Thread starter Pebb
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- YSSMAN
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Yes, of course! The GTI is probably VW's most-popular model ever after the Bug of course, so we'll probably see an updated one shortly after the MKIV hits the streets. Being completely honest, I'd doubt they'd even change the running gear at this point...
"Drag and drop," is probably what they'll do...
- 16,736
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- Pebb--
- Pebb
Source: AutoCar
Biofuels "raise oil prices"
Greater use of plant-based biofuels will push oil prices "through the roof," according to the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (Opec).
In a report in the Financial Times, Abdalla El-Badri, the secretary general of Opec, said that it was contemplating reducing its investment in new oil production in response to greater use of biofuels.
Western nations want to increase use of biofuels for several reasons. Not only are they potentially more environmentally friendly, but they can also be produced 'at home', without the need for importing. This means there is greater security of supply.
But as biofuel use increases, there is a lessening demand for oil, giving Opec little incentive to invest in production.
Over the next 20-30 years, that could lead to dramatically increased oil prices.
Biofuels "raise oil prices"
Greater use of plant-based biofuels will push oil prices "through the roof," according to the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (Opec).
In a report in the Financial Times, Abdalla El-Badri, the secretary general of Opec, said that it was contemplating reducing its investment in new oil production in response to greater use of biofuels.
Western nations want to increase use of biofuels for several reasons. Not only are they potentially more environmentally friendly, but they can also be produced 'at home', without the need for importing. This means there is greater security of supply.
But as biofuel use increases, there is a lessening demand for oil, giving Opec little incentive to invest in production.
Over the next 20-30 years, that could lead to dramatically increased oil prices.
- 10,620
- gtp_jimprower
Oh, so they're gonna try and play hardball, huh?
- 7,666
That doesn't sound like such a good idea on their part. Raising prices any further will only make people look for other fuels, thus increasing biofuel demand which would hurt OPEC even more. If biofuel is going to be a huge thing, prices should go down to compete, not up. That's simple capitalism.
As for prices going up, meh I don't really care. Paying more would definitly cost, but the payoff would be great. Maybe we will see less of those pointless lumbering beasts they call SUVs clogging up our streets.
As for prices going up, meh I don't really care. Paying more would definitly cost, but the payoff would be great. Maybe we will see less of those pointless lumbering beasts they call SUVs clogging up our streets.
- 16,736
- Southampton, UK
- Pebb--
- Pebb
Source: AutoCar
Meet the Corsa VXR's little brother
Up until now, if you wanted the Vauxhall Corsa VXR's aggressive looks without the insurance-raising performance, your only choice was to get the VXR-look bodykit.
But now there's another option, with the introduction of the Corsa SRi.
This warmed-up hatch comes with a choice of two engines, a 148bhp 1.6-litre turbo petrol, or a 123bhp 1.7-litre turbodiesel, and either a three- or five-door body.
The petrol engine is a detuned version of the VXR's 197bhp monster, but will still propel the SRi to 60mph in 7.6sec and on to 130mph.
The diesel takes a slightly more sedate 9.3sec to hit 60mph, and reaches 121mph, but can return 58.9mpg.
Handling should hopefully match the performance, with lowered suspension (18mm down at the front, 15mm at the rear), variable-ratio steering and standard ESP.
Still, we reckon many buyers will be more interested in the spoilers, skirts, chromed exhaust, 17-inch alloys, sports seats, alloy pedals and red seatbelts (how very 1980s).
Prices have yet to be confirmed, but are likely to be around £14,000. The Corsa SRi arrives in dealers in September.
Meet the Corsa VXR's little brother
Up until now, if you wanted the Vauxhall Corsa VXR's aggressive looks without the insurance-raising performance, your only choice was to get the VXR-look bodykit.
But now there's another option, with the introduction of the Corsa SRi.
This warmed-up hatch comes with a choice of two engines, a 148bhp 1.6-litre turbo petrol, or a 123bhp 1.7-litre turbodiesel, and either a three- or five-door body.
The petrol engine is a detuned version of the VXR's 197bhp monster, but will still propel the SRi to 60mph in 7.6sec and on to 130mph.
The diesel takes a slightly more sedate 9.3sec to hit 60mph, and reaches 121mph, but can return 58.9mpg.
Handling should hopefully match the performance, with lowered suspension (18mm down at the front, 15mm at the rear), variable-ratio steering and standard ESP.
Still, we reckon many buyers will be more interested in the spoilers, skirts, chromed exhaust, 17-inch alloys, sports seats, alloy pedals and red seatbelts (how very 1980s).
Prices have yet to be confirmed, but are likely to be around £14,000. The Corsa SRi arrives in dealers in September.
- 10,620
- gtp_jimprower
- 16,736
- Southampton, UK
- Pebb--
- Pebb
Source: Auto Express
Connaught hits the road
A year after Auto Express handed the firm an award for its efforts at our annual New Car Honours, our spies spotted its first road-legal prototype being put through its paces.
Caught near Connaught's South Wales headquarters, this Type D Syracuse GT is powered by the company's home-built 2.0-litre V10. The 2+2 four-seater coupé - which offers 300bhp, a 0-60mph sprint time of less than five seconds and a 170mph top speed - is being performance tested at the Pembrey racing circuit.
The model has a cut steel chassis and aluminium body to keep weight to a minimum. Yet despite being relatively light, Connaught predicts that the tough design and energy absorbing crash structureswill give the car a five-star Euro NCAP safety rating.
Estimated to cost around £35,000, the Type D has a six-speed automatic gearbox and is capable of returning around 22mpg. A hybrid variant is under development, aiming to offer improved fuel economy. Standard equipment includes climate control, keyless entry and touchscreen panels for the car's satellite navigation and Bluetooth phone connectivity systems. All models will get 19-inch wheels and AP racing brakes. First deliveries are due early next year, and Connaught says it has taken deposits on the majority of the initial 100 cars scheduled for production.
Connaught hits the road
A year after Auto Express handed the firm an award for its efforts at our annual New Car Honours, our spies spotted its first road-legal prototype being put through its paces.
Caught near Connaught's South Wales headquarters, this Type D Syracuse GT is powered by the company's home-built 2.0-litre V10. The 2+2 four-seater coupé - which offers 300bhp, a 0-60mph sprint time of less than five seconds and a 170mph top speed - is being performance tested at the Pembrey racing circuit.
The model has a cut steel chassis and aluminium body to keep weight to a minimum. Yet despite being relatively light, Connaught predicts that the tough design and energy absorbing crash structureswill give the car a five-star Euro NCAP safety rating.
Estimated to cost around £35,000, the Type D has a six-speed automatic gearbox and is capable of returning around 22mpg. A hybrid variant is under development, aiming to offer improved fuel economy. Standard equipment includes climate control, keyless entry and touchscreen panels for the car's satellite navigation and Bluetooth phone connectivity systems. All models will get 19-inch wheels and AP racing brakes. First deliveries are due early next year, and Connaught says it has taken deposits on the majority of the initial 100 cars scheduled for production.
- 10,620
- gtp_jimprower
2-litre V10?! and only 300hp!?
Mechanical complexity, much?
Looks a bit odd, too. I see a '08 Camaro mixed with a TVR.
They could've done a better job engine-wise. Too small and complex, especially when a simple turbocharger will do that with most I-4s, and it can also be done (in race tune) without turbos.
I'd buy one with the S2000's current 2.4, breathed on a bit, and perhaps "Slanted" to fit.
Mechanical complexity, much?
Looks a bit odd, too. I see a '08 Camaro mixed with a TVR.
They could've done a better job engine-wise. Too small and complex, especially when a simple turbocharger will do that with most I-4s, and it can also be done (in race tune) without turbos.
I'd buy one with the S2000's current 2.4, breathed on a bit, and perhaps "Slanted" to fit.
- 30,062
- Cuddington, Cheshire
- JDA1982
I don't see any TVR in there at all. As for Mechaical complexity, the engine choice is imo great, it's not your generic choice anyway. I'm guessing it will give the car a distinctive character to drive which is simething Conaught may be hoping for to help set the car apart from it's rivals.
V10 or not, saying "only 300hp!?" is like ordering a Quad Stacker from Burger King and going "only four beef patties!?"
That 2.0L V10 is one of the coolest engines I've ever heard of. I bet it redlines at some motorcycle-like RPM.
- 16,736
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- Pebb--
- Pebb
Source: 4car
Ford fire sale continues with Jaguar and Land Rover
The carmaker announced three days ago that it had engaged the investment banks Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley and HSBC to investigate and oversee a sale of these brands, part of its Premier Automotive Group.
Ford bought Jaguar in 1989 for £1.6bn, and Land Rover in 2000 for £1.7bn. It reported losses of £6.3bn last year, and was £282m down in the first three months of 2007, and the Premier Automotive Group in particular has been struggling: although Land Rover is thought to be in profit, losses have been mounting at both Jaguar (in the red for many years now) and the other remaining brand in the group, Volvo.
This news follows the sell-off of another PAG brand, Aston Martin, which was sold to a consortium headed by Prodrive's David Richards earlier this year. There have been rumours for a while that Volvo is also up for sale, but yesterday's announcement concerned only Jaguar and Land Rover.
It is thought that Ford has been in discussions with potential buyers; Fiat - only recently back from the brink of bankruptcy itself - has been named by some sources as being interested in buying Land Rover and initial talks are said to have been held, but it has since dismissed the possibility. The most likely buyers, at this stage, seem to be private-equity firms seeking to enter the automotive sector.
Ford is reported to have briefed British MPs - it employs around 19,000 people at Jaguar and Land Rover in the UK - and union leaders. More details will be announced later this week, but Ford has stressed that it is still a long way from making the sales.
Ford fire sale continues with Jaguar and Land Rover
The carmaker announced three days ago that it had engaged the investment banks Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley and HSBC to investigate and oversee a sale of these brands, part of its Premier Automotive Group.
Ford bought Jaguar in 1989 for £1.6bn, and Land Rover in 2000 for £1.7bn. It reported losses of £6.3bn last year, and was £282m down in the first three months of 2007, and the Premier Automotive Group in particular has been struggling: although Land Rover is thought to be in profit, losses have been mounting at both Jaguar (in the red for many years now) and the other remaining brand in the group, Volvo.
This news follows the sell-off of another PAG brand, Aston Martin, which was sold to a consortium headed by Prodrive's David Richards earlier this year. There have been rumours for a while that Volvo is also up for sale, but yesterday's announcement concerned only Jaguar and Land Rover.
It is thought that Ford has been in discussions with potential buyers; Fiat - only recently back from the brink of bankruptcy itself - has been named by some sources as being interested in buying Land Rover and initial talks are said to have been held, but it has since dismissed the possibility. The most likely buyers, at this stage, seem to be private-equity firms seeking to enter the automotive sector.
Ford is reported to have briefed British MPs - it employs around 19,000 people at Jaguar and Land Rover in the UK - and union leaders. More details will be announced later this week, but Ford has stressed that it is still a long way from making the sales.
- 24,255
- It/It
- GTP_TheCracker
Just what Land rover needs - Fiat build quality 
I can't see what manufacturer, with the exception of Ford, would need Jaguar in their portfolio? Maybe Nanjing Auto Group? - It could be like the good old days of British Leyland all over again 👍
I can't see what manufacturer, with the exception of Ford, would need Jaguar in their portfolio? Maybe Nanjing Auto Group? - It could be like the good old days of British Leyland all over again 👍
- 21,286
- GR-MI-USA
- YSSMAN
- YSSMAN
Whats funny about this story is that here in Michigan, Ford is mum about the whole thing...
...There has been talk of Volvo going to BMW, and then having Jaguar and Land Rover going off into the wilderness for whatever reason. Personally, I don't think Ford will do it yet. Sure, they may "keep options on the table," but I don't think that they want to give them up just yet.
...There has been talk of Volvo going to BMW, and then having Jaguar and Land Rover going off into the wilderness for whatever reason. Personally, I don't think Ford will do it yet. Sure, they may "keep options on the table," but I don't think that they want to give them up just yet.
- 24,255
- It/It
- GTP_TheCracker
- 23,800
- Philippines
As a commercial venture, I mean. I won't go into the whole quality spiel.
Of course every other vehicle on your roads is a Range Rover, LR3, or Defender... the problem really, is profitability, or the lack of such. Of course, I will probably be called to terms for that one, too...
Of course every other vehicle on your roads is a Range Rover, LR3, or Defender... the problem really, is profitability, or the lack of such. Of course, I will probably be called to terms for that one, too...
- 24,255
- It/It
- GTP_TheCracker
Well, the quality issue seems to be improving. In the latest JD Power report for Customer Satisfaction Land Rover came 23rd out of 34. I know that's not great but it's certainly not scraping the barrel.
Out of interest, Jaguar came 6th - ahead of Audi, Merc, BMW and VW.
Out of interest, Jaguar came 6th - ahead of Audi, Merc, BMW and VW.
- 16,736
- Southampton, UK
- Pebb--
- Pebb
Source: AutoCar
End of the line for Audi RS4
Audi clearly thinks you can have too much of a good thing: the sensational RS4 saloon is now out of production.
The 414bhp V8-powered RS4 was unveiled at the Geneva motor show in 2005, and went on sale in the UK in October of that year.
It has been a big success for Audi not least with us here at Autocar, who have fallen for its supercar pace and agility.
The saloon was joined in summer 2006 by the RS4 Avant and cabriolet, both of which remain in production for the moment.
Though Audi hasn't admitted as much, RS4 production is being phased out to make way for the forthcoming new RS6.
The RS6 is already in advanced testing. It's believed to use a turbocharged 5.0-litre V10, and is expected to be unveiled at the Frankfurt motor show in September.
End of the line for Audi RS4
Audi clearly thinks you can have too much of a good thing: the sensational RS4 saloon is now out of production.
The 414bhp V8-powered RS4 was unveiled at the Geneva motor show in 2005, and went on sale in the UK in October of that year.
It has been a big success for Audi not least with us here at Autocar, who have fallen for its supercar pace and agility.
The saloon was joined in summer 2006 by the RS4 Avant and cabriolet, both of which remain in production for the moment.
Though Audi hasn't admitted as much, RS4 production is being phased out to make way for the forthcoming new RS6.
The RS6 is already in advanced testing. It's believed to use a turbocharged 5.0-litre V10, and is expected to be unveiled at the Frankfurt motor show in September.
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