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[Pebb]

Source: AutoCar

New British sports car enters production

Who said the British car industry was dead? This is the new Farbio GTS – sometime known as the Farboud – and it is now officially in production, near Bath.

The GTS was initially developed as the Farboud GTS, produced by Arash Cars, which is owned by Arash Farboud. But earlier this year Farboud sold the majority of his rights to the GTS, to concentrate on a new supercar project.

And so, in June, the Farboud GTS became the Farbio GTS, to clear up any potential confusion over the two different cars. Confusion cleared? We didn't think so.

There's certainly no confusion over the make up of the car, and from the spec sheet it looks likely to be a cracker.

The GTS uses a spaceframe chassis and carbonfibre body, with a flat underfloor and venturi to aid aerodynamics. Power comes from a 3.0-litre V6 – believed to be a Ford Duratec unit – that produces 262bhp in standard form, and shoves the GTS from 0-60mph in an estimated 4.8sec. Go for the supercharged version and that comes down to an estimated 3.9sec.

The kerb weight is a pretty slimline 1066kg for the supercharged car and 1048kg for the standard machine, making the power to weight ratios 360bhp per tonne and 250bhp per tonne respectively.

Braking is by four-pot AP Racing calipers, with 350mm vented discs up front and 328mm discs at the rear. Suspension is by Eibach springs with adjustable dampers.

Farbio says the GTS is suitable for touring thanks to a 76-litre fuel tank and a 220-litre boot that can fit a set of golf clubs. Sat-nav is standard.

And the price of all this promise? It's a lot less than you might think. The standard car is £59,925 and the supercharged version £71,675, and there's an eight-month UK waiting list.

 

[exigeracer]

Seems almost underpowered for such a sophisticated car. EVO drove one of the prototypes a few years ago and apparnetly it's pretty serious. I'd keep an eye on this car. Check the other company Arash Farboud is running, they've got a pretty nice car going:

http://www.arashcars.com/

 

[Pebb]

Seems almost underpowered for such a sophisticated car. EVO drove one of the prototypes a few years ago and apparnetly it's pretty serious. I'd keep an eye on this car. Check the other company Arash Farboud is running, they've got a pretty nice car going:

http://www.arashcars.com/

We may soon see one racing in the British GT or FIA GT with some luck.

 

[YSSMAN]

It sounds like a dressed-up version of the M400, maybe a bit closer to the M15 overall. Am I buying?

Not likely.

I'm still a TVR guy when it comes to British sports cars...

 

[exigeracer]

It's not dressed up at all. They have absolutely no parts in common.

In fact, they're entirely different kinds of sports cars. One is quite track-oriented, the other a GT.

 

[Philly]

This seems pretty cool. It's fast for sure. How will it drive on the road? Do I want to take one on a road trip?

Hopefully it will sell well. The British auto industry really isn't what it used to be many years ago.

 

[YSSMAN]

It's not dressed up at all. They have absolutely no parts in common.

In fact, they're entirely different kinds of sports cars. One is quite track-oriented, the other a GT.

Well I didn't mean exactly, but there seem to be some similarities. But, maybe thats just me...

 

[Dave A]

Having seen one, back when it was the Farbound GTS, I can safely say that visually at least, it doesn't bear much resemblance to a Noble at all.

 

[YSSMAN]

No, its much more beautiful than the Noble... Although I'll admit I've never seen an M15 in person... Plenty of M14/M400s though. The overall size and power reminded me of the Noble, thats all, and correct me if I'm wrong, but wasn't the M15 supposed to be more of a GT car than the M400 anyway?

 

[Dave A]

Yes, the M15 is a proper every day sportscar, it's still a monster on a track, but it's more comfortable and slightly more refined. It was built to take on Porsche's 911's and cars like the Aston V8 vantage rather than TVR's and Marcos' etc.

 

[Redgodzila]

Well I didn't mean exactly, but there seem to be some similarities. But, maybe thats just me...

No, you're not alone. Duratec engine, force feed option, small british operation and a maniac in a sraight line (not that it ain't a good steerer)

 

[Pebb]

Source: AutoCar

Exposed: BMW’s secret R-class-fighter

BMW’s efforts to break the luxury car mould moved into a crucial new phase last week, when its gargantuan new five-door V7 crossover vehicle ventured out on Munich streets for the first time.

Autocar’s spied were on hand to catch the earliest mules for the six-seater and, despite extensive disguise on every exterior panel, the bulky profile of the big five-door is clearly visible, particularly in the photograph that shows it sat next to a new-generation 7-series, which the V7 appears to dwarf (see gallery.)


The BMW V7: like a 7-series, only bigger

Due in the UK in 2009, the V7 will be more estate than MPV, and will be aimed at buyers seeking the luxury and road-going manners of a 7-series but in a more practical and roomier two-box bodyshell.

Based on the 7-series platform, the V7 promises luxury-car ride and handling rather than the 4x4-derived handling of Merc’s R-Class, which is based on the ML. Rear-wheel drive will be standard, four-wheel drive an option.

The design of the V7 is all about interior room and flexibility of use. Its founding philosophy is described in German as “raumfunktionales” or functional space. So the V7 will feature a roomy, five-seat cabin as standard with a three-row version with seats similar to those in the second-generation X5, as an option.

The key to the new BMW’s added practicality is an extended roofline and large liftback style rear end. The taller glasshouse and longer rear-overhang than the X5-based X6 promise to make the V7 a good-deal roomier than the coupe-look 4x4.


So just how big is it?

The V7 is said to stretch beyond 5000mm in length and 1900mm in width, which means it qualifies as a truck in the US.

At this stage, it is unclear whether BMW will follow Mercedes and offer a choice of long- and short-wheelbases each aimed at the European and US markets. This prototype appears to be based on wheelbase longer than the 7-series saloon parked next to it.

Unlike the X6 which will be built alongside the X5 at BMW’s Spartanburg factory in North America from early next year, the V7 will be built next to the existing 5- and next-year’s all-new 7-series at Dingolfing in Germany.

This also means the new BMW will receive all the very latest driveline combinations, including a new turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 that’s under development in Munich, in combination with an eight speed automatic transmission.

 

[Freddie]

Oops, wrong thread (What was I thinking?)

 

[Philly]

That think looks HUGE. This will probably be quite comfortable, especially for those in the 2nd row seat with those doors. However, it looks like the sloping roof line would cut into any possible 3rd row seating. I would not want to be back there if I was anywhere over 3 and a half feet tall or so.

I have always thought that the R was cool just because it seemed to combine the utility of a minivan with the soul of an estate. More cars like that can be good, especially if they take away from SUV sales.

Based on the 7-series platform, the V7 promises luxury-car ride and handling rather than the 4x4-derived handling of Merc’s R-Class, which is based on the ML. Rear-wheel drive will be standard, four-wheel drive an option.

This makes me happy. I don't like SUV like handling, and it should be avoided as much as possible. Estates should have car handling, because they are not SUVs and SUVs suck. Good job BMW:tup:.

On that turbo engine currently under development: Any chance that that M5 with those extra vents could be a mule for this new engine?

 

[TheCracker]

No, its much more beautiful than the Noble... Although I'll admit I've never seen an M15 in person... Plenty of M14/M400s though. The overall size and power reminded me of the Noble, thats all, and correct me if I'm wrong, but wasn't the M15 supposed to be more of a GT car than the M400 anyway?

I'm probably the only person on here who has seen a working M15. Noble seem to be having some real difficulty financing a productionised M15. If Arash can finally start getting their cars in the 'showrooms' perhaps they'll steal some orders from potential M15 customers.

 

[exigeracer]

Whenever I see a Mercedes R-Class, I can't help but laugh at the driver because I knew they just blew 100,000$ on a minivan. Lame.

 

[ExigeEvan]

I still don't get what the R-class has to do with it all...

[EDIT] The Mercedes range that is.

 

[Pebb]

Source: AutoCar

£40k for entry to the Lotus Club

Lotus has launched a new limited edition Club Racer based on the 218bhp Exige S.

Unfortunately the Club Racer is not, as the name might suggest, a lighter, faster Exige S. Rather you get the full compliment of options and unique paint scheme and decals. Don't be disappointed though; the Exige S that forms the basis of the Club Racer should be hardcore enough for most, with a 0-60mph of 4.1 seconds. Plus, you get the Sport pack thrown in, which includes Lotus' traction control system, roll-over hoop and sports seats.

The real benefit comes on the way home from the track, when you can make use of the air-conditioning, push start button, electric windows, iPod-compatible head unit and noise insulation panelling.

There's even an optional cup holder thrown in for free, but then you'd expect that if you were paying £39,950 for your Club Racer, when you could get an Exige S Touring for £3000 less. But as the price indicates, only 25 Club Racers will be produced, so for guaranteed exclusivity there's no better option in the current Lotus line-up.

 

[exigeracer]

Lame. Not enough extra to be considered exclusive. It doesn't really tribute any Lotus racing heritage either. Apparently the colour is far nicer in person, however.

Even worse is that regular 2008 Exige S's will be 240hp from the box. They also bought up all of the remaining TVR chameleon paint, so keep an eye out for those.

 

[Philly]

ummm... Okay.

How many of these "special limited edition" cars are lotus going to come out with? And why do they all have nothing other than paint to distinguish themselves? I think it's to the point that their most exclusive model will be the regular car. And you would save yourself a few grand in the process. And the thing will be faster.

 

[TheCracker]

They must have over-ordered all the 'cost options' and now need to clear some space in the warehouse

 

[Pebb]

Source: AutoCar

Ferrari special: meet Maranello's 'DB9'

Ferrari is set to unveil a surprise new car early in 2008 – but it will not be the long-rumoured ‘new Dino’.

According to sources at the company, the new model will be a front-engined coupe with a rear-mounted transaxle gearbox, a two-plus-two cabin layout, a new 450bhp direct injection V8 engine, and a price tag of just over £130,000; in other words, it’ll be a direct rival for the Aston Martin DB9 and Bentley Continental GT, and you can get an idea of what it could look like in our gallery.

The Italian DB9 in detail

Some sources say the new Ferrari – likely codename F149 – will be unveiled at the Detroit motor show in early January, and may get the iconic ‘California’ name tag when it arrives in the showroom. However, there’s no clear indication on how far away the car is from production.

A 4.3-litre V8 engine will power the new car, which some sources think will be an updated version of the unit found in the current, mid-engined F430 coupe.

It’s likely to be fitted with direct fuel injection and be good for around 450bhp; slightly less than the F430 two-seater, which suggests that the new car will have a more relaxed, GT-like character. It’ll also be a more usable prospect than the F430; the occasional rear seats should provide enough room for children and smaller adults, while a generous boot out back will swallow much more baggage than an F430.

The firm’s F1 sequential paddleshift transmission is tipped to be fitted to the car as standard.

Scooped: an early prototype

Hard details about Ferrari’s new coupe are very sketchy even though it is said to be close to being made public. However, spy shots have been snatched in Germany of a front-engine coupe wearing fake ‘F599’ cladding (see gallery).

Close examination of the pictures show a car that is notably smaller than an F599, with a rather smaller nose section and a narrower front track.

Although the central section of the new car looks to be similar to that of the F599, both the front and rear sections look to have been re-worked and re-sized.

One source suggests that ‘F149’ will actually be built around an updated, more rigid, aluminium spaceframe chassis engineered by Ferrari and Alcoa.

This could indicate that the prototype caught by Autocar’s spies is actually a very early engineering mule using a new nose section carrying the new-generation direct-injection V8 engine. If so, the new F149 will be noticeably slimmer hipped than the 599.

A change in model philosophy

This unexpected move into a new market segment by the Italians is based on sound logic. One insider suggests the line of thinking is that Ferrari has a gaping hole in its line up which would be neatly filled by a lower-priced front-engined GT car.

Both Ferrari’s existing GT cars – the 599 GTB Fiorano and 612 Scaglietti - are big bruisers powered by large V12 engines. They’re also priced at the top-end of the market, from £172k and £176k.

Sources have suggested that potential Ferrari buyers are looking for a softer two-plus-two GT that’s an everyday driver, pitched at about the same price as the £130,000 F430.

Ferrari sees its iconic brand as strong enough to carry off the smaller GT at a higher price point than cars similar in concept, but cheaper, like the Aston Martin DB9, Bentley Continental GT and Porsche 911 Turbo.

All these models are relatively new to the market, and are selling strongly largely because they are practical everyday supercars more useable, and possibly less intimidating, than the mid-engined F430, the traditional entry point for Ferrari ownership.

Ferrari particularly has to take heed of the runaway success of Aston Martin. The British car-maker is already selling more cars each year than Ferrari, and the Rapide four-door, due on sale in late 2009, will further widen the sales gap if Maranello doesn’t act soon.

Those close to the company suggest that this new V8 GT model is the first part of a restructuring programme that will see the firm dumping its four-seater V12 model, currently the 612, and replacing its mid-engined V8 model with a more expensive, but no less economical mid-engined V10.

But whatever Ferrari’s long term plan, with the global economy looking set to cool markedly over the next couple of years, it would also do well to rely less on its high-end models. There is currently an 18-month waiting list for the 599; in five years time, there may not be such demand for V12-engined exotica.

In any case, shaving weight back, making its cars smaller and using a smaller displacement engine are the basic principles behind Ferrari’s new engineering direction, which was revealed at its 60th anniversary celebrations earlier this summer.

 

[Pebb]

Source: AutoCar

Ferrari special: new engine revolution

Screaming performance and Government demands for low emissions will force Ferrari to phase in direct fuel injection within two years.

The injection system will debut on a significant upgrade for the F430 coupe in 2009 before being grafted on to the 612 Scaglietti and then the 599 GTB Fiorano.

The Italian supercar maker is working closely on the system with Bosch, the German supplier deeply involved in developing Audi’s sophisticated FSI direct-fuel injection system.

Admitting it has torn down Audi’s fuel injection system to understand its possibilities, Ferrari insiders suggest that its new engine technology will allow for a 10 per cent improvement in horsepower more and at least a 40 percent reduction in emissions.

Ferrari’s new, improved engine technology

Direct injection will bring a very different look to the Ferrari V8 when it arrives in 2009. While the 4.3-litre capacity and the block are said to remain the same, everything north will be new.

"It’s the same engine from the block down," a Ferrari source advised, "but the injection rail will be new, the intakes will all be new, the cylinder heads will be new, the valve trains will be new and the throttle bodies will be a different type that you have not seen before."

Ferrari GT Technical Director Roberto Fedeli confirmed this, insisting that the time had come to bring environmental efficiency to Ferrari.

"Direct injection is vital to our future. It gives us between five and eight percent in fuel economy improvements straight away."

"We looked at Audi because they spent a lot of time on it and use it in more than one application with different engines," Fedeli admits.

"We are working very hard with Bosch, because they worked with Audi and understand it very well. But we need some time to set up the electronics for it and to get the performance in line with the next step."

"It will be like the steps throughout our history. Electronic injectors replaced carburetors and this will replace what we’ve had."

However, direct injection alone won’t be enough to satisfy the emissions-saving legislation currently being discussed in Brussels, and around Europe. "We are aligned with the law now, but we are well short of the objectives of future legislation on emissions," says Fedeli. "We are getting better and this will help a lot," Ferrari’s research and development head said.

"If we do everything we can technically do, we might reach 250 g/km. That’s short of what’s being talked about, but it’s a lot better than the 400g/km we do now."

 

[harrytuttle]

Source: AutoCar

This unexpected move into a new market segment by the Italians is based on sound logic. One insider suggests the line of thinking is that Ferrari has a gaping hole in its line up which would be neatly filled by a lower-priced front-engined GT car.

"Gaping hole"? Is that how they're referring to Maserati these days? Or has the Maserati/Audi project (which failed, I think) given FIAT too many bad ideas about how overlap can work?

The engine improvements sound good, though. 1 fer 2, Fezza.

 

[Pebb]

Source: Auto Express

Ford Mondeo crash test results

It’s another five-star rating for the new Ford Mondeo!

Industry standard safety expert EuroNCAP has released the results for Ford’s new family favourite – and the Mondeo gets the maximum five star rating for adult protection. Other scores include four stars for child protection and two stars for child protection.

The model tested was a 2.0-litre diesel engined five-door. Take a look at these official EuroNCAP pictures to see how the Ford’s structure stood up to the crash test procedures.

 

[Pebb]

Source: Auto Express

Rolls Coupe ready for production

Is this the most exclusive coupe on the planet? Rolls-Royce has now officially confirmed that a Coupe will join the firm’s luxury line-up next summer.

Previewed by the 101EX concept which was first unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show last year, the new model will be a two-door four-seater hand built in the UK.

Sitting in the range between the Phantom and Phantom Drophead Coupe, the new two-door is expected to cost around £275,000. With an aluminium construction, the Coupe is designed to tackle long distance journeys in total comfort.

Like other Phantom models, the new variant will be powered by a 453bhp 6.75-litre V12 producing an enormous 720Nm of torque.

 

[Pebb]

Source: Auto Express

Alfa Junior to take first steps

The wait is nearly over! Alfa Romeo will unveil its eagerly anticipated Junior at the Geneva Motor Show in March, and it’s set to arrive in dealers before the end of next year.

It will share underpinnings with the Fiat Grande Punto, but gets stunning bodywork inspired by Alfa’s 8C supercar, as confirmed by sketches we revealed earlier this year.

The traditional shield-shape grille will dominate the nose, flanked by sleek, projector-style lights. Flagship models get a panoramic glass roof, while performance versions feature a sporty air scoop on the bonnet.

Engine options will include a 1.4-litre petrol turbo and a frugal 1.6-litre Multijet diesel, while there will also be a hot GTA model. The latter will target the Audi S3, with power from a 230bhp unit. It could even benefit from the Q4 all-wheel-drive set-up, with lesser models getting the Q2 limited slip differential to improve traction. The Junior will herald a flurry of fresh Alfas, with replacements for the 147 and 166, plus a new crossover, arriving by 2010. Prices for the Junior have yet to be confirmed, but are set to start at around £13,000.

 

[SlipZtrEm]

I wish it could turn out as good-looking as that sketch... then again, as long as the nose stays more or less faithful to that, it'll be a damn fine machine.

I'm just a bit curious about the GTA being a S3 competitor; shouldn't that be where a 147 GTA should sit? Not to mention the Junior would be a good 30-something bhp down. I thought this was to be Mini-sized.

 

[Philly]

I'm liking it so far. It looks pretty good. I could stand to see a few changes, but the front looks great. And with 230 hp, I would imagine that thing can really scoot.

So Alfa is putting a bunch of new cars out. How many will we see here? Is alfa getting ready to run a good size lineup for US competition? Maybe? Possibly?

 

[Dave A]

I wish it could turn out as good-looking as that sketch... then again, as long as the nose stays more or less faithful to that, it'll be a damn fine machine.

I'm just a bit curious about the GTA being a S3 competitor; shouldn't that be where a 147 GTA should sit? Not to mention the Junior would be a good 30-something bhp down. I thought this was to be Mini-sized.

Maybe the weight will be key here, if the Junior is 30bhp down but there-abouts on power to weight, maybe even being better than the S3 in that area, then it could compete with the S3. The only issue is the size of the car. You don't buy one hatch over the S3 because it's just as quick if it's smaller unless your main concern is the performance.