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- gtp_jimprower
I hope this makes it to roads in time to make it into GT5.
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And, Forza 3 + PGR4. 👍
Leonidae
(Banned)
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Source: AutoCar
Caterham's birthday concept
The Caterham Seven is 50 years old this year, and as part of this weekend's birthday celebrations, Caterham's just unveiled this seriously extreme X330 concept.
While it might look similar to pretty much every other Seven since 1957, the X330 could be the most extreme version yet.
It is based on the CSR, introduced in 2005 and with its independent suspension the most significant update of the Seven in its lifetime.
The standard CSR's 2.3-litre Ford Duratec engine produces a whopping 260bhp enough to give the car a power-to-weight ratio of 456bhp per tonne but that wasn't enough for the X330.
As the name suggests, the X330 packs 330bhp, due to the addition of a supercharger. Torque is 220 lb ft 20lb ft more than in the CSR 260.
The X330 is also lighter than a standard CSR, thanks to the use of lighter-gauge steel for the chassis.
Carbonfibre has been used where possible to shave yet more weight, and the gearbox is a lightweight six-speed manual.
A spokesman said that there are currently no plans to put the X330 into production, but that the engineering concept shows where Caterham is going.
If youd like to see the X330 in the metal, it's at Donington Park in Derbyshire this weekend, 2-3 June, where Caterham is celebrating the Seven's jubilee with a weekend of racing and driving.
Caterham's birthday concept
The Caterham Seven is 50 years old this year, and as part of this weekend's birthday celebrations, Caterham's just unveiled this seriously extreme X330 concept.
While it might look similar to pretty much every other Seven since 1957, the X330 could be the most extreme version yet.
It is based on the CSR, introduced in 2005 and with its independent suspension the most significant update of the Seven in its lifetime.
The standard CSR's 2.3-litre Ford Duratec engine produces a whopping 260bhp enough to give the car a power-to-weight ratio of 456bhp per tonne but that wasn't enough for the X330.
As the name suggests, the X330 packs 330bhp, due to the addition of a supercharger. Torque is 220 lb ft 20lb ft more than in the CSR 260.
The X330 is also lighter than a standard CSR, thanks to the use of lighter-gauge steel for the chassis.
Carbonfibre has been used where possible to shave yet more weight, and the gearbox is a lightweight six-speed manual.
A spokesman said that there are currently no plans to put the X330 into production, but that the engineering concept shows where Caterham is going.
If youd like to see the X330 in the metal, it's at Donington Park in Derbyshire this weekend, 2-3 June, where Caterham is celebrating the Seven's jubilee with a weekend of racing and driving.
- 16,736
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- Pebb--
- Pebb
Source: AutoCar
New Renault Laguna breaks cover
This is the all-new Renault Laguna, revealed undisguised for the first time.
Renault's got big hopes for its Mondeo rival it's aiming for the car to be in the top three of its class by 2009.
The Laguna's smooth but unadventurous exterior styling might not make you think it could be a class leader, but Renault claims that the interior quality is a step ahead.
The French firm is also making bold claims for the Laguna's agility: "Among its key features are an impressively light chassis and precise steering".
There's a wide range of new engines available, too, including three new versions a 99bhp 1.5 dCi, a 128bhp 2.0 dCi and a 138bhp 2.0 16v. All engines come with a six-speed manual gearbox as standard. The 2.0 dCi engine will be available in three power outputs: 128bhp, 148bhp and 173bhp. In 148bhp form it will be available with a six-speed automatic gearbox.
The new Laguna is marginally larger than the old car, at 36mm wider, 10mm longer and 12mm taller, but it's an average of 15kg lighter.
We'll get our first look at the Laguna hatch and Sport Tourer in the metal at the Frankfurt motor show in September. Prices and further details will be announced shortly before the car goes on sale in the UK on 12 October.
New Renault Laguna breaks cover
This is the all-new Renault Laguna, revealed undisguised for the first time.
Renault's got big hopes for its Mondeo rival it's aiming for the car to be in the top three of its class by 2009.
The Laguna's smooth but unadventurous exterior styling might not make you think it could be a class leader, but Renault claims that the interior quality is a step ahead.
The French firm is also making bold claims for the Laguna's agility: "Among its key features are an impressively light chassis and precise steering".
There's a wide range of new engines available, too, including three new versions a 99bhp 1.5 dCi, a 128bhp 2.0 dCi and a 138bhp 2.0 16v. All engines come with a six-speed manual gearbox as standard. The 2.0 dCi engine will be available in three power outputs: 128bhp, 148bhp and 173bhp. In 148bhp form it will be available with a six-speed automatic gearbox.
The new Laguna is marginally larger than the old car, at 36mm wider, 10mm longer and 12mm taller, but it's an average of 15kg lighter.
We'll get our first look at the Laguna hatch and Sport Tourer in the metal at the Frankfurt motor show in September. Prices and further details will be announced shortly before the car goes on sale in the UK on 12 October.
- 10,620
- gtp_jimprower
huuuuuuuge lower grille.
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- Pebb--
- Pebb
Source: Auto Express
Wild new Lotus eater
It's called the Mastretta MXT, and is the work of Mexican industrial creative company Mastrettadesign.
Built on an aluminium chassis with reinforced plastic panels, the MXT has a mid-mounted 200bhp 2.3-litre four-cylinder engine which drives the rear wheels via a five-speed-manual gearbox. Thanks to its 1,000kg weight, the MXT can sprint from 0-60mph in less than seven seconds and has a 143mph top speed.
Standard kit includes sports seats, air-con and an MP3-compatible audio system. The MXT will go on sale next year and can be brought to the UK via a private import specialist.
Wild new Lotus eater
It's called the Mastretta MXT, and is the work of Mexican industrial creative company Mastrettadesign.
Built on an aluminium chassis with reinforced plastic panels, the MXT has a mid-mounted 200bhp 2.3-litre four-cylinder engine which drives the rear wheels via a five-speed-manual gearbox. Thanks to its 1,000kg weight, the MXT can sprint from 0-60mph in less than seven seconds and has a 143mph top speed.
Standard kit includes sports seats, air-con and an MP3-compatible audio system. The MXT will go on sale next year and can be brought to the UK via a private import specialist.
- 2,706
- Dead_Poetic
- Jamal is Legend
0-60 in under 7 seconds isnt exactly a lotus eater. But it looks cool. Not as cool as a lotus though.
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Source: Auto Express
Corsa 4x4 is go
The Corsa is heading off-road, Auto Express can exclusively reveal! Following in the wheeltracks of the new Antara off-roader, Vauxhall's smallest-ever SUV is the next exciting step in the firm's plans to expand its line-up.
With beefed-up looks, it will sit at the very top of the company's supermini family, and promises to be a frugal, low-emission model that will complete the Corsa range.
Entering a market which is set to explode over the next few years - insiders at Vauxhall's parent firm Gen*eral Motors predict 120,000 worldwide sales for the newcomer - the Corsa SUV will rival Ford's forthcoming Fiesta SUV and existing models such as the Fiat Sedici and Suzuki SX4. As you can see from our pictures - prepared using exclusive insider information - it's every inch the pumped-up off-roader, with big bumpers, a protective metal skidplate and integral spotlights at the front. Extended wheelarches and side sills with more plastic cladding at the rear complete the rugged look.
When the finished model arrives in 2010, though, it's likely to share much of its chassis and interior design with the Chevrolet T2X concept, first seen at the Seoul Motor Show in 2005.
That's because the Corsa SUV will be a 'world car'. So, just like Vauxhall's bigger Antara - whose sister vehicle is the Chevrolet Captiva (driven on Page 24) - the Corsa SUV will spawn a supermini Chevrolet off-roader, and possibly even a Daewoo model, too.
All three will be underpinned by an extended version of GM's new small car platform, which will also be used by the next Meriva supermini-MPV.
Work on the Vauxhall's four-wheel-drive system is already underway - we caught engineers towing a proto*type to a secret testing location. And although little is known about the drivetrain, the new car is likely to be available with GM's Advanced Propulsion hybrid set-up.
Employing regenerative braking to charge a lithium-ion battery pack, the unit powers in-wheel electric motors at the rear, which would be driven only when traction at the front is lost. A front-wheel-drive-only model will also be available. Engines are to be devel*oped from the current Corsa line-up, with low-capacity petrol turbos helping Vauxhall meet tightening emissions regulations, while giving superb fuel economy and performance. The firm will tweak its turbodiesels - such as the excellent 1.3 and 1.7-litre CDTI units - for the newcomer, too.
Bosses have already con*firmed that the Corsa SUV will be made at General Motors' Antwerp plant in Belgium, and buy*ers can expect to get a first glimpse at a major motor show in 2009. The model will hit UK dealers a year later.
Corsa 4x4 is go
The Corsa is heading off-road, Auto Express can exclusively reveal! Following in the wheeltracks of the new Antara off-roader, Vauxhall's smallest-ever SUV is the next exciting step in the firm's plans to expand its line-up.
With beefed-up looks, it will sit at the very top of the company's supermini family, and promises to be a frugal, low-emission model that will complete the Corsa range.
Entering a market which is set to explode over the next few years - insiders at Vauxhall's parent firm Gen*eral Motors predict 120,000 worldwide sales for the newcomer - the Corsa SUV will rival Ford's forthcoming Fiesta SUV and existing models such as the Fiat Sedici and Suzuki SX4. As you can see from our pictures - prepared using exclusive insider information - it's every inch the pumped-up off-roader, with big bumpers, a protective metal skidplate and integral spotlights at the front. Extended wheelarches and side sills with more plastic cladding at the rear complete the rugged look.
When the finished model arrives in 2010, though, it's likely to share much of its chassis and interior design with the Chevrolet T2X concept, first seen at the Seoul Motor Show in 2005.
That's because the Corsa SUV will be a 'world car'. So, just like Vauxhall's bigger Antara - whose sister vehicle is the Chevrolet Captiva (driven on Page 24) - the Corsa SUV will spawn a supermini Chevrolet off-roader, and possibly even a Daewoo model, too.
All three will be underpinned by an extended version of GM's new small car platform, which will also be used by the next Meriva supermini-MPV.
Work on the Vauxhall's four-wheel-drive system is already underway - we caught engineers towing a proto*type to a secret testing location. And although little is known about the drivetrain, the new car is likely to be available with GM's Advanced Propulsion hybrid set-up.
Employing regenerative braking to charge a lithium-ion battery pack, the unit powers in-wheel electric motors at the rear, which would be driven only when traction at the front is lost. A front-wheel-drive-only model will also be available. Engines are to be devel*oped from the current Corsa line-up, with low-capacity petrol turbos helping Vauxhall meet tightening emissions regulations, while giving superb fuel economy and performance. The firm will tweak its turbodiesels - such as the excellent 1.3 and 1.7-litre CDTI units - for the newcomer, too.
Bosses have already con*firmed that the Corsa SUV will be made at General Motors' Antwerp plant in Belgium, and buy*ers can expect to get a first glimpse at a major motor show in 2009. The model will hit UK dealers a year later.
- 10,620
- gtp_jimprower
Mastretta: I don't know...It doesn't exactly look as well put together as I'd hope. I'd still go lotus...
Corsa 4x4: Looks a little like the old AMC Eagles: As in, car with truck ground clearance.
But not nearly as cool.
Corsa 4x4: Looks a little like the old AMC Eagles: As in, car with truck ground clearance.
But not nearly as cool.
- 21,286
- GR-MI-USA
- YSSMAN
- YSSMAN
I'm liking the idea of the Corsa 4X4. The CrossFox caused a bit of a stir with VW guys, and I'm sure that the Corsa could do much the same with the GM folks as well.
...As someone who lives in Michigan and has to deal with snow for a good part of the year, selling a small and economical hatchback with a 4X4 system that is actually functional would be a nice thing to have...
Go for it, I like the idea!
...As someone who lives in Michigan and has to deal with snow for a good part of the year, selling a small and economical hatchback with a 4X4 system that is actually functional would be a nice thing to have...
Go for it, I like the idea!
- 10,620
- gtp_jimprower
I can already see some mad tyte tuner taking a 2dr model of that corsa, removing the front driveshafts and lowering it, and putting on 22" rims with tacky bodykit, claiming that the car was in FnF3..
You know what...It'd be pretty cool if you just did the first two items and left out the last two...
Race Idiot
(Banned)
- 11,439
- Sao Tome and Principe
That Corsa 4x4 looks horrible, It looks like a cheap van! the stock one is bad enough as it is!
It's a horrible car for horrible people. Because those are the only people I can see driving one of these.
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- Pebb
Source: AutoCar
MEPs call for ban on fast cars
Make sure youre sitting down before reading this story.
There is a proposal in a report to the European Parliament calling for a ban on the making of cars capable of more than 101mph.
It's all part of a proposal to cut CO2 emissions from cars, and many of the silliest parts come from British Lib Dem MEP Chris Davies.
Davies states that 101mph is 25 per cent over the top speed limit in most EU countries.
However, according to a report by the BBC, he then goes on to note that "between 1994 and 2004 the power of new cars went up by 28 per cent, making them a lot heavier, and so increasing the amount of CO2 they put out, even though no country raised its speed limit to allow cars to use this increased power."
Now obviously this is utterly and totally wrong, but that won't prevent members of the European Parliament from voting on the proposed ban this autumn.
Obviously what has actually happened is that increased safety legislation (much of it from the EU), has increased the weight of cars. Power outputs have also increased.
Now that cars have beneficial safety features airbags, pedestrian impact zones and the like they are by necessity heavier than before. But what this has to do with top speeds, we're not sure, other than the fact that it takes greater effort to start and stop a heavier car than a lighter one.
But it's not just power and weight that have increased car's braking systems and tyres have also improved (not least because EU legislation means that anti-lock brakes are now mandatory on new cars).
We're all for increased safety such as the proposed standard fitment of ESP stability control but to claim that banning the making of cars capable of over 101mph would create a dramatic reduction of CO2 is incorrect.
We can't help but think that, say, Mr Davies not flying from his Stockport base to Brussels every week would help a bit more.
Oh yes, and Mr Davies was also a big supporter of GM's decision to build the new Vauxhall Astra at Ellesmere Port in April.
"This is a fantastic reward for the commitment shown by everyone involved to keeping car manufacturing alive in Ellesmere Port," said Davies.
Quite right, but seeing as every single model in the current Astra range is capable of well over 101mph, if Mr Davies' proposal succeeds at the EU, there will be no new Astra.
MEPs call for ban on fast cars
Make sure youre sitting down before reading this story.
There is a proposal in a report to the European Parliament calling for a ban on the making of cars capable of more than 101mph.
It's all part of a proposal to cut CO2 emissions from cars, and many of the silliest parts come from British Lib Dem MEP Chris Davies.
Davies states that 101mph is 25 per cent over the top speed limit in most EU countries.
However, according to a report by the BBC, he then goes on to note that "between 1994 and 2004 the power of new cars went up by 28 per cent, making them a lot heavier, and so increasing the amount of CO2 they put out, even though no country raised its speed limit to allow cars to use this increased power."
Now obviously this is utterly and totally wrong, but that won't prevent members of the European Parliament from voting on the proposed ban this autumn.
Obviously what has actually happened is that increased safety legislation (much of it from the EU), has increased the weight of cars. Power outputs have also increased.
Now that cars have beneficial safety features airbags, pedestrian impact zones and the like they are by necessity heavier than before. But what this has to do with top speeds, we're not sure, other than the fact that it takes greater effort to start and stop a heavier car than a lighter one.
But it's not just power and weight that have increased car's braking systems and tyres have also improved (not least because EU legislation means that anti-lock brakes are now mandatory on new cars).
We're all for increased safety such as the proposed standard fitment of ESP stability control but to claim that banning the making of cars capable of over 101mph would create a dramatic reduction of CO2 is incorrect.
We can't help but think that, say, Mr Davies not flying from his Stockport base to Brussels every week would help a bit more.
Oh yes, and Mr Davies was also a big supporter of GM's decision to build the new Vauxhall Astra at Ellesmere Port in April.
"This is a fantastic reward for the commitment shown by everyone involved to keeping car manufacturing alive in Ellesmere Port," said Davies.
Quite right, but seeing as every single model in the current Astra range is capable of well over 101mph, if Mr Davies' proposal succeeds at the EU, there will be no new Astra.
Race Idiot
(Banned)
- 11,439
- Sao Tome and Principe
I drive everywhere over 101mph so this will affect me.
- 7,666
So why don't automakers just stick on a limiter at 101 that can be easily eliminated by a little chip work?
Unless they plan on banning everything but what lacks the power and gearing to reach 101, this will have very little effect on C02 emissions. A 206 with a limiter driven at 80 mph will emit the same amount of CO2 as a 206 without a limiter travelling at 80mph, guys.
How will all of this affect the US market?
Unless they plan on banning everything but what lacks the power and gearing to reach 101, this will have very little effect on C02 emissions. A 206 with a limiter driven at 80 mph will emit the same amount of CO2 as a 206 without a limiter travelling at 80mph, guys.
How will all of this affect the US market?
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- Southampton, UK
- Pebb--
- Pebb
Source: Auto Express
Golf MkVI is quick off the mark
The firm's bosses certainly hope so, because the next- generation model is set to hit showrooms sooner than originally planned.
The high production costs of the MkV have forced VW to speed up the development of the MkVI, and several designs for the newcomer have been proposed. However, these pictures give the best indication yet of how the family car will look.
Despite tight financial constraints, the marque is aiming to offer more equipment than on the current car, and improve quality. But it's also keen to avoid competing against the up*-market Audi A3, another VW Group model. As a result, the MkVI's styling will follow an evolutionary approach.
Traditional Golf design features, such as the rising waistline and chunky C-pillars, are set to continue, while changes are inspired by the forthcoming Tiguan SUV. Its new grille features a pair of distinctive horizontal bars, while the redesigned, squared-off headlamps are narrower than before. At the back, the light clusters are more angular.
According to insiders, the new Golf will use the existing car's platform, but feature a less complicated multi-link rear suspension set-up. This move is to reduce production times, leading to big cost savings for the manufacturer during the build process.
Engines will be carried over from the existing line-up, although a turbo*charged 120bhp 1.4-litre motor will replace the current 1.6 FSI petrol unit. The new powerplant will debut in the Golf Estate later this year.
The clever turbo and supercharged 1.4-litre TSI will still be offered, while performance fans will welcome the next-generation GTI. It may also benefit from a larger-capacity version of the advanced TSI engine.
There's good news, too, for buyers keen on VW's innovative twin-clutch DSG gearbox, as selected engines will benefit from a new seven-speed version of the advanced transmission.
Its taller top gear offers improved economy and refinement at cruising speeds, while the dry clutch system provides improved efficiency and performance over the existing wet clutch set-up. However, it is limited to use on units with outputs up to 168bhp and 250Nm of torque. The diesel engine range is also set to continue, while the four-wheel-drive R32 flagship version will keep its 3.2-litre V6.
In order to extend the model's appeal even further, VW is responding to eco-conscious motorists by bringing out an ultra-frugal, low-emissions BlueMotion derv version. It features lightweight materials and taller gearing, as seen in the 70mpg VW Polo we drove in Issue 950 and the Passat we tried in Issue 959.
The existing Golf Plus and Estate won't get the MkVI treatment just yet, but three and five-door variants of the new Golf are set to make their world debuts at the Geneva Motor Show next March, before the line-up arrives in UK dealers in autumn 2008. Prices have yet to be announced.
Golf MkVI is quick off the mark
The firm's bosses certainly hope so, because the next- generation model is set to hit showrooms sooner than originally planned.
The high production costs of the MkV have forced VW to speed up the development of the MkVI, and several designs for the newcomer have been proposed. However, these pictures give the best indication yet of how the family car will look.
Despite tight financial constraints, the marque is aiming to offer more equipment than on the current car, and improve quality. But it's also keen to avoid competing against the up*-market Audi A3, another VW Group model. As a result, the MkVI's styling will follow an evolutionary approach.
Traditional Golf design features, such as the rising waistline and chunky C-pillars, are set to continue, while changes are inspired by the forthcoming Tiguan SUV. Its new grille features a pair of distinctive horizontal bars, while the redesigned, squared-off headlamps are narrower than before. At the back, the light clusters are more angular.
According to insiders, the new Golf will use the existing car's platform, but feature a less complicated multi-link rear suspension set-up. This move is to reduce production times, leading to big cost savings for the manufacturer during the build process.
Engines will be carried over from the existing line-up, although a turbo*charged 120bhp 1.4-litre motor will replace the current 1.6 FSI petrol unit. The new powerplant will debut in the Golf Estate later this year.
The clever turbo and supercharged 1.4-litre TSI will still be offered, while performance fans will welcome the next-generation GTI. It may also benefit from a larger-capacity version of the advanced TSI engine.
There's good news, too, for buyers keen on VW's innovative twin-clutch DSG gearbox, as selected engines will benefit from a new seven-speed version of the advanced transmission.
Its taller top gear offers improved economy and refinement at cruising speeds, while the dry clutch system provides improved efficiency and performance over the existing wet clutch set-up. However, it is limited to use on units with outputs up to 168bhp and 250Nm of torque. The diesel engine range is also set to continue, while the four-wheel-drive R32 flagship version will keep its 3.2-litre V6.
In order to extend the model's appeal even further, VW is responding to eco-conscious motorists by bringing out an ultra-frugal, low-emissions BlueMotion derv version. It features lightweight materials and taller gearing, as seen in the 70mpg VW Polo we drove in Issue 950 and the Passat we tried in Issue 959.
The existing Golf Plus and Estate won't get the MkVI treatment just yet, but three and five-door variants of the new Golf are set to make their world debuts at the Geneva Motor Show next March, before the line-up arrives in UK dealers in autumn 2008. Prices have yet to be announced.
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