Autoesque

If the just-revealed Renault Pulse looks familiar, that’s because it’s basically a Nissan Micra with restyled front and rear ends. Intended as Renault’s third model (after the Koleos and Fluence) for the Indian market, the compact hatchback is expected to become the firm’s biggest seller in that country. It’ll be followed by a re-badged Dacia Duster and a new saloon model next year. Although full specifications have yet to be released, expect the Pulse to use the same range of petrol and diesel engines as the Micra. The Renault Pulse will be manufactured alongside the Micra at the Renault-Nissan Chennai plant, and sales are due to begin in January 2012. There’s no word on whether it will be coming to Europe but, with the Clio and Twingo already available, it’s probably very unlikely. Related posts: Hyundai reveals all-new Eon Twingo gets a facelift 95 g/km petrol Micra

The new generation Ford Ranger has become the first pick-up to be awarded a maximum five stars for safety by Euro NCAP. Scores for the test model - a right-hand drive four-door Ranger Double Cab - were consistently high across all categories, with 96% achieved for adult occupants, 86% for child occupants and 71% for safety assist features. But the most impressive accomplishment was 81% for pedestrian impact, which is significant because it disproves the idea that pick-ups can’t do well in that particular trial. By contrast the Volkswagen Amarok, the only other pick-up so far assessed under the revised rating scheme, only managed a mediocre four stars when it was tested last year. Its marks were 86% for adult occupants, 64% for child occupants, 57% for safety assist and just 47% for pedestrian protection, all of which have since been easily outclassed by the Ford. Other models that earned five stars in the latest evaluation round were the Audi Q3, BMW 1 Series, Chevrolet ...

Kawasaki first announced the W800 Special Edition at the beginning of this year, but it was destined to be available only in Japan. Now that situation looks set to change, because it’s being introduced to Europe as a 2012 model. Distinguishing the Special Edition are several cosmetic changes, which comprise a matt black exhaust system, Ebony paintwork, a unique tank emblem, black-finish engine parts and some rather dazzling gold anodised wheel rims. To go for the full retro café racer effect, buyers can choose a single seat unit, bikini fairing and tapered exhaust from the accessories list. Technically there are no differences, which means power comes from the usual 773 cc, air cooled, parallel-twin engine that produces 47 bhp (35 kW / 48 PS) and 60 Nm (44 lb/ft) of torque. A UK price for the 2012 Kawasaki W800 Special Edition has yet to be revealed. Related posts: Steve McQueen Bonneville 2011 Kawasaki W800 price Kawasaki W800 revealed Retro Kawasaki W800

The 2012 Suzuki GSX-R1000 is certainly a case of evolution rather than revolution. With its styling unaltered, the most visible changes are a switch to Brembo Monoblock brake calipers and a new lighter 4-2-1 exhaust that features a titanium silencer. Engine tweaks include revised pistons that are claimed to improve mid-range acceleration, a slightly increased compression ratio and modified tappets. However, as per usual with Suzuki, a power and performance figures haven’t been revealed, so it’s difficult to assess what effect those modifications have had. Together with a different front tyre, a redesigned front axle, thinner brake discs and a new wiring harness, all of the changes combined have reduced the Suzuki’s kerb weight by 2 kg (4.4 lbs) to 203 kg (447.5 lbs). One consequence of the diet is softer suspension settings, which are reckoned to give more grip and better stability under braking. Whether the 2012 model is sufficiently enhanced to attract new riders ...

Honda has revealed technical specifications for the recently-announced Integra maxi scooter. Its all-new parallel twin-cylinder engine actually has a capacity of 670 cc, not 700 cc as originally thought. Nevertheless, power output is a fairly healthy 51.0 bhp (38.1 kW / 51.8 PS), which puts it on a par with potential rivals such as the Suzuki Burgman 650. There’ll also be a slightly detuned version to comply with learner regulations. 2012 Honda Integra. Scroll down for more images. Previously, Honda had stated that one of the Integra’s key strengths would be fuel efficiency, and in that respect it doesn’t disappoint. Despite being no lightweight, average consumption is an impressive 78.7 mpg (3.6 l/100km). 2012 Honda Integra - Technical Specifications Engine Type Liquid-cooled, 4-stroke, 8-valve, SOHC, parallel 2-cylinder Displacement 670 cc Bore x Stroke 73 mm x 80 mm Compression Ratio 10.7: 1 Max. Power 51.0 bhp (38.1 kW / 51.8 PS) @ 6,250 rpm (...

It was probably inevitable that at some point Triumph would introduce a higher spec ‘R’ version of its 1,050 cc Speed Triple. Now, just over a year since the basic version of the streetfighter was revamped, it’s here. The 133 bhp (99 kW / 135PS) three-cylinder engine may be unchanged, but the Speed Triple R gets upgraded Öhlins suspension, lightweight PVM five-spoke forged aluminium wheels and better Brembo brakes, which feature four-piston radial monoblock calipers. Distinguishing the ‘R’ are gold-coloured front forks, a red subframe and a choice of Phantom Black or Crystal White paintwork. The 2012 Triumph Speed Triple R will officially be unveiled at next month’s EICMA show in Milan. Prices and on-sale dates are to be confirmed. Related posts: 2012 Triumph Street Triple 2011 Triumph Speed Triple

Triumph has confirmed that the all-new Tiger Explorer will be making its public debut at next month’s EICMA bike show in Milan. Undoubtedly it looks set to be one of 2012’s most important launches, as the Explorer will be competing directly against the benchmark model in the increasingly popular adventure-tourer sector: the BMW R 1200 GS. Wisely, Triumph has decided to give its new arrival shaft drive, a critical factor if it is to steal sales away from either the BMW or other rivals such as the Yamaha XT1200Z Super Ténéré. Another aspect that’s similar to the GS is the styling, with certain elements - particularly around the back half of the bike - looking very familiar. Not much is being said about the engine, although it will be a three-cylinder unit with ‘in excess of’ 1,200 cc which is claimed to offer class-leading performance. In a first for Triumph, control will be via a ride-by-wire throttle system. A high specification is promised, and switchable anti-lock brake...

Triumph has announced the Steve McQueen Edition, a Bonneville T100-based special that’ll be limited to just 1,100 examples worldwide. Its design mimics that of the Triumph Trophy TR6 that McQueen’s character, Captain Virgil Hilts, rode in the 1963 film The Great Escape - and the result looks rather good. Bespoke parts include a single seat unit, skid plate, small headlight and luggage rack. The colour scheme meanwhile combines Matt Khaki Green paintwork with a black finish for most of the bike’s components. As a finishing touch, a plaque showing the build number is attached to the handlebar clamp, and there are facsimiles of McQueen’s signature on the side covers. Owners will also receive a certificate of authenticity. Pricing has yet to be confirmed. Related posts: Bullet Classic Desert Storm 2011 Kawasaki W800 price Retro Kawasaki W800 Bullet Classic goes green

BMW Motorsport has revealed the livery that its new M3 challenger will be sporting in next year’s DTM race series. Shown off at an event held in Heidelberg, the colour scheme sticks closely to tradition. Jens Marquardt, BMW Motorsport Director, commented: “Old-school DTM fans will recognise from the typical BMW M stripes that the appearance is based on the original BMW M3 cars from the ‘old DTM’. We are very proud of this design. It is both traditional and modern in equal measures. It shows our roots, but in a contemporary style.” Three teams - BMW Team RBM, BMW Team RMG and BMW Team Schnitzer - have been chosen to represent BMW in its return to the DTM, and each will run two cars. So far, the only two confirmed drivers are Andy Priaulx and Augusto Farfus. Fans attending tomorrow’s final round of the 2011 DTM at the Hockenheimring will be treated to a preview of next season’s entrants, as the M3 DTM, Audi A5 DTM and DTM AMG Mercedes C-Coupé are all going to run demonstr...

Lexus has added an F-Sport variant to its CT 200h compact petrol / electric hybrid line-up. Based on the existing SE-L, the new arrival is intended to add a bit of visual interest and offer sharper dynamics. 2012 Lexus CT 200h F-Sport. Scroll down for more images. External tweaks include 17” dark finish alloy wheels, a mesh front grille, a larger rear spoiler, side skirts and more aggressively styled bumpers. On the inside, there’s black leather upholstery, heated front seats, electric height adjustment for the driver’s seat, an F-Sport flat-bottomed steering wheel, cruise control, aluminium pedals and scuff plates, electric folding door mirrors and a rear parking camera. To improve the handling, the dampers have been upgraded to Kayaba items, and the Lexus lateral damping system also comes as standard. This is claimed to give greater ride comfort, as well as a more linear steering feel. The powertrain is unchanged though, which means the CT 200h F-Sport doesn’t have the p...

BMW has given the S 1000 RR supersports bike a comprehensive series of upgrades for 2012. Although the 999 cc, four-cylinder engine still produces 190 bhp (142 kW / 193 PS), its power and torque curves have been made more linear, and throttle response has been tweaked for enhanced sensitivity. There are now three performance maps available, one each for ‘Rain’ and ‘Sport’ modes, plus another one that’s shared between the ‘Race’ and ‘Slick’ modes. When using ‘Rain’, power gets cut to 160 bhp (120 kW / 163 PS) and the throttle reacts less aggressively. The suspension set-up meanwhile has been thoroughly reworked to improve handling, steering accuracy and feedback. Geometries front and rear have been adjusted to such an extent that the frame has had to be modified, and the internals of the upside-down forks and the rear spring strut have been revised to give better damping characteristics. Completing the chassis updates is a new mechanical steering damper, which is adjustab...

Yamaha has revealed its new Xenter scooter, which incorporates several big bike features. Foremost among these are the large 16” five-spoke wheels. They come shod in bespoke tyres - 100/80 at the front and 120/80 at the rear - that are claimed to give enhanced grip. 2012 Yamaha Xenter 125. Scroll down for more images. The Xenter also gets monocross rear suspension, as found on the TMAX maxi scooter. Such a set-up is reckoned to offer an improved ride and more precise handling, plus it should make carrying a pillion passenger easier. Although the 267 mm front disc and 150 mm rear drum brakes may be fairly modest, Yamaha's Unified Brake System comes fitted as standard. This is designed to balance out the braking pressures being applied to the front and back wheels, so providing more effective stopping power. There’s no doubt that the Xenter is an attractive scooter, with twin headlights giving it a purposeful look. The handlebars house an LCD dashboard, while at the rear...