Autoesque is go...

The event that literally nobody has been anticipating.
Nevertheless, hopefully there'll be posts on a fairly regular basis.

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Jaguar marks 75 years

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To celebrate the marque’s 75th anniversary, Jaguar has announced a very special version of its XKR. Perhaps unsurprisingly named XKR 75 and limited to just (no prizes for guessing this) 75 examples, it will debut at next month’s Goodwood Festival of Speed . The changes compared to a standard XKR are wide-ranging. Power from the 5.0 litre supercharged V8 is up from 503 bhp (375 kW / 510 PS) to 523 bhp (390 kW / 530 PS), which reduces the 0-62 mph (100 km/h) acceleration time from 4.6 to 4.4 seconds. Top speed is limited to 174 mph (280 km/h), an increase of 19 mph (30 km/h). To make the most of the extra performance, the chassis has also been upgraded. Stiffer springs, increased damper rates, new aluminium uprights front and rear for increased camber stiffness, re-tuned Adaptive Dynamics damper control software and a reduced ride height (by 15 mm front / 10 mm rear) are all intended to give a more driver-focussed feel. Jaguar is claiming that refinement and ride comfort have not be...
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2013 Cadillac ATS revealed

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The just-unveiled Cadillac ATS compact sports saloon has an important job to do for the brand. As Don Butler, vice president of marketing for Cadillac, says, “the ATS aims to change the status quo of the European-dominated segment.” And that means it’ll have to steal customers from the BMW 3 Series, Mercedes-Benz C-Class and Audi A4... not an easy task. The new arrival could also allow Cadillac to re-launch itself in Europe with a credible product offering. Apparently, it has been engineered to accommodate a diesel engine (although for North America three petrol engines will initially be available), and there’s even the possibility of a right-hand drive version. Based on an all-new platform, the ATS is claimed to offer superior driving dynamics combined with lightness. Certainly, a kerb weight of less than 1,542 kg (3,400 pounds) is similar to the latest generation BMW 3 Series, and a 51% front / 49% rear mass distribution should help the car’s handling prowess. Buyers will...
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Electric car grants saved

The UK Plug-in Car Grant , which will cover up to 25% of the price of an electric car, has been saved. Originally announced back in March by the then Labour government, there had been fears the scheme would be scrapped by the Conservative / Liberal Democrat coalition to help reduce the public spending deficit. A decision wasn’t expected until the completion of the government’s autumn spending review, but today the Department for Transport confirmed that the money would be ring fenced. However, the rules of engagement have changed. Whereas the original proposal had £230 million set aside over five years, there’s now only £43 million allocated for the period January 2011 to March 2012. Any available budget beyond then won’t be confirmed until January 2012. Among the reasons given for the reprieve, Business Minister Mark Prisk said, “The consumer incentive will help Britain become one of the leading centres for the design, development and manufacture of ultra-low carbon vehicles....
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Cadillac confirms ELR

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Cadillac has announced that its striking Converj Concept will make it into production. To be known as ELR - in line with the marque’s three-letter model naming convention - the 2+2 coupé will feature range-extender technology similar to that used in the Chevrolet Volt. It’s still too early in the development process for even any provisional performance or efficiency data, though. Indeed, all Cadillac is saying for now is that the basic configuration will comprise a four-cylinder engine / generator, an electric drive unit and a large under-floor T-shaped lithium ion battery pack. As with the Volt, electricity will be the primary propulsion source, with the internal combustion engine kicking in when the battery’s charge runs low. Images © GM Corp. Related post: Cadillac teases ATS
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Superchips Abarth 500

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British tuner Superchips has launched an engine management system upgrade for the Abarth 500. Applying the ECU remap to the 500’s 1.4 litre turbo engine lifts power by 22 bhp (16 kW / 22 PS) to 155 bhp (115 kW / 157 PS), while peak torque rises from 206 Nm (151 lb/ft) to 252 Nm (185 lb/ft). The increased outputs are similar to those achieved by Abarth’s own Esseesse conversion, and Superchips has focussed on enhanced in-gear acceleration and improved throttle response without adversely affecting fuel consumption or reliability. On sale now, the ECU remap costs £455 including VAT, and it’s available from Superchips direct or its dealer network. Related posts: North American 500 Abarth Novitec tunes Abarth 500 New Abarth Esseesse kits
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