Autoesque

Ferrari has announced that it will be holding an online auction to help raise funds for those affected by the recent earthquakes in northern Italy. Star lot is going to be a 599XX Evolution , the track-only sports car that boasts a power output of 739 bhp (551 kW / 750 PS), active aerodynamics and a retail price tag of €1.3 million. Various items from the Scuderia Ferrari Formula 1 team will also be available, plus drivers Fernando Alonso and Felipe Massa have given race suits and helmets. The auction is due to take place next week, although Ferrari has yet to confirm the exact date. Anyone interested in bidding should therefore keep an eye on www.ferraristore.com , the site which will be hosting the sale. Related posts: Ferrari 599XX Evolution Novitec Rosso 599 GTO

The 2012 J. D. Power UK Vehicle Ownership Satisfaction Survey has revealed that Jaguar is now the best-rated manufacturer in the country. Almost 18,000 owners of cars registered between January 2009 and December 2010 responded to the study, which ran online from December 2011 to January 2012. They were questioned on various aspects including vehicle quality and reliability, vehicle appeal, service satisfaction and ownership costs. Jaguar named as the UK's most highly-rated car manufacturer. A highly rated dealer network helped Jaguar to finally knock Lexus from the manufacturers’ top spot, and Škoda moved up into joint-second place with the Japanese brand. The results weren’t so good for General Motors though, as Chevrolet and Vauxhall ended up occupying the two bottom slots on the league table: 2012 J. D. Power UK Vehicle Ownership Satisfaction Survey Top Five Manufacturers Position Manufacturer Score 2012 vs. 2011 1 Jaguar 82.8% +2 2= Lexus 8...

Honda Europe has announced some updates to its off-road bike range. Like the recently unveiled 2013 Kawasaki KX450F , the revised Honda CRF450R gets pneumatic upside-down front forks for the first time. Made by KYB, their advantages over traditional steel-sprung items are easy adjustability and lower weight. 2013 Honda CRF450R. An all-new mass-centralised frame, a retuned engine and redesigned bodywork complete the CRF450R’s comprehensive upgrade package. Changes to the CRF250R for 2013 are less radical. A recalibrated fuel injection system promises better throttle response at low and medium revs, while a revised rear damper should help enhance the handling. 2013 Honda CRF250R. Related posts: 2013 KX250F and KX450F Honda CRF250L for Europe

Abarth has released some more details of its forthcoming Punto SuperSport. Powered by an upgraded 1.4 litre MultiAir turbocharged engine that produces 177 bhp (132 kW / 180 PS), it’ll be capable of accelerating from zero to 62 mph (100 km/h) in 7.5 seconds, before going on to a top speed of 134 mph (216 km/h). Respectable performance then, but still down slightly on the competition: Manufacturer Citroën Renault Vauxhall Volkswagen Model DS3 Racing Clio Renaultsport 200 Corsa VXR Polo GTI Power 204 bhp (152 kW / 207 PS) 197 bhp (147 kW / 200 PS) 189 bhp (141 kW / 192 PS) 177 bhp (132 kW / 180 PS) 0-62 mph (100 km/h) 6.5 secs 6.9 secs 6.8 secs 6.9 secs Top speed 146 mph (235 km/h) 140 mph (225 km/h) 140 mph (225 km/h) 142 mph (228 km/h) The SuperSport’s distinguishing features include Campovolo Grey paintwork, matte black stripes that run the length of the bonnet and roof, red brake calipers and unique 17” alloy wheels. Availability...

Exclusivity is guaranteed with the new Perodua Myvi Wolfrace Design limited edition, because the Malaysian manufacturer will only be offering 10 (yes, ten) examples in the UK. Compared to the regular Myvi (which is basically a rebadged Daihatsu Sirion), this special version features Ebony Black or Medallion Grey metallic paint, silver and red body graphics, bespoke sill plates that display the build number, various badges and - of course - a set of eponymous Wolfrace ‘Brooklands’ 17” alloy wheels. The Myvi isn’t a bad looking thing to start with, and the paintwork choice and those wheels both enhance its appearance. The stripes might be a bit garish for some tastes, though, and buyers will probably have to spend a lot of time explaining to people what a Perodua is. £7,999 is the Myvi Wolfrace Design’s on the road price, and that includes a £1,000 retail incentive (a discount, in other words) which is valid until the end of June. Leather and Alcantara upholstery is availabl...

Comic book racing driver Michel Vaillant might not be particularly well known in the UK, but he is enormously popular in France and Belgium. Originally created in 1957 by French artist Jean Graton, Vaillant has appeared in seventy publications as well as both live action and animated television series. Now the character is set to compete in a real-life motor race - the seventh round of the 2012 World Touring Car Championship in Portugal, which takes place on the 3rd of June. Swiss driver Alain Menu will be playing the part of Vaillant, and his Chevrolet Cruze, its truck and the team’s uniforms will all bear a special livery. In the role of Jean-Pierre Vaillant, Michel’s elder brother and boss of the fictional Vaillante team, will be Chevrolet Motorsport Manager Eric Nève. Philippe Graton, Jean Graton’s son, commented: “The most amazing thing about Michel Vaillant is that he exists somewhere between fiction and reality. His stories have always been so accurate and realistic...

Honda’s Wave 110i is now available at UK dealers. Marketed as a modern interpretation of the renowned Super Cub, the new scooter promises a low purchase price combined with even lower running costs. At £1,800 on the road, the Wave 110i costs just £1 more than the Kymco City 125 and the Daelim Citi Ace 110, two of its intended large-wheel scooter rivals. That price tag is also shared with the Honda Vision 110 , so there’s the potential for some intra-brand sales substitution between both models. Power comes from a 109 cc four-stroke, air-cooled, fuel-injection engine producing 8.42 bhp (6.28 kW / 8.53 PS) and 8.65 Nm (6.37 lb/ft) of torque. Honda reckons that the Wave 110i will travel over 130 miles (210 kilometres) on a tank-full so, with a capacity of 3.7 litres, that means an average fuel economy figure of 159.7 mpg (1.8 l/100km). It might not be as cheap as walking, but using a Wave 110i for the daily commute could well end up being less expensive than taking the bus. ...

Ford’s new performance-orientated Focus ST is to cost from £21,995 when UK sales begin this September. That amount will buy the five-door model in ST1 spec, which comes with Recaro seats, Bluetooth, DAB radio, 18” alloy wheels and keyless start as standard. The ST2 version adds part-leather trim, automatic lights and wipers, dual-zone climate control, a Quickclear windscreen, an auto-dimming rear-view mirror and a price tag of £23,495. Topping off the range is the £25,495 ST3. Its additional equipment includes bi-xenon headlights, full leather upholstery and seat heating. Whether the lack of a three-door option might hurt sales remains to be seen, but the Focus ST will also be available as an estate, with prices starting from £23,095. Power comes from a four-cylinder, 2.0 litre EcoBoost engine which boasts variable cam timing, high pressure direct fuel injection and a low-inertia turbo. The result is 246 bhp (183 kW / 250 PS) and 360 Nm (265 lb/ft) of peak torque, comb...

The Peugeot 301 saloon, which is set to debut at this September’s Paris Motor Show, has the distinction of being the first model to conform to the French manufacturer’s new naming policy. 2013 Peugeot 301. Scroll down for more images. It’s a logical system, which neatly sidesteps the ‘running out of numbers’ issue. As previously, the first digit represents the market segment, and it is followed by a central ‘0’ or ‘00’. The main change comes with the final digit. All models aimed at established territories will end in an ‘8’ which means, for example, that when the current 308 is replaced, the new range will keep the same number. Alternatively, those models that have been designed specifically for developing markets will all end in a ‘1’. It’s a move that underlines Peugeot’s volume aspirations, and the Spanish-built 301 will be offered only in various central and eastern European countries, Russia, the Middle East and certain Gulf, African and Latin American states. Availa...

BMW has been named the number one car brand in the BrandZ™ Top 100 Most Valuable Global Brands 2012, as compiled by MillwardBrown. BMW: Most valuable car brand 2012. Last year’s leader, Toyota , slipped to second place, due in part to supply issues caused by the Japanese tsunami and Thai floods. Mercedes-Benz meanwhile remained in third spot. It’s bad news for Porsche, though. The German marque is a high profile absentee from the latest automotive Top 10, having managed to come fifth in 2011’s survey. Apple retained its position at the top of the overall Top 100 listing, ahead of runners-up IBM and Google. BrandZ™ Top 10 Most Valuable Global Car Brands 2012 Ranking: Cars Brand Brand Value (US$ M) Change Ranking: Overall Top 100 1 BMW 24,623 10% 23 2 Toyota 21,779 -10% 28 3 Mercedes-Benz 16,111 5% 46 4 Honda 12,647 -11% 65 5 Nissan 9,853 -2% 81 6 Volkswagen 8,519 15% 96 7 Ford 7,025 -5% N/A 8 Audi 4,703 2...

Renault has unveiled the limited edition Twingo Renaultsport Red Bull Racing RB7 which, if nothing else, boasts one of the longest model names around. Built to celebrate the Red Bull team’s 2011 Formula 1 Constructors’ title, it’ll be available in Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, France, Germany, Hungary, Luxembourg, Poland, Slovakia, Switzerland and Japan. Curiously though, that list doesn’t include the country where Red Bull’s F1 outfit is based - the UK. The specification includes 17” Gana wheels, the stiffer and lower Cup chassis, a chequered flag roof decal and Pearlescent Black paintwork with contrasting Sirius Yellow details. Outputs from the 1.6 litre engine are unchanged at 131 bhp (98 kW / 133 PS) and 160 Nm (118 lb/ft) of peak torque. On the inside, the Renaultsport Monitor telemetry system and an upgraded stereo are fitted as standard, plus there’s a numbered plaque and a special Renaultsport gear knob inlay. The Twingo Renaultsport Red Bull Racing RB7 wi...

It might still only be May, but Kawasaki has already revealed its 2013 KX250F and KX450F off-roaders. Changes to the KX250F include upgraded ‘Type 2’ Showa separate function front forks (which split the shock absorption and damping functions), while internal modifications mean a little extra power has been squeezed from the dual-injected single-cylinder engine. A major innovation for the KX450F is the introduction of pneumatic front forks that, unlike conventional steel spring set-ups, can be easily adjusted without the need to dismantle anything. The larger capacity machine gets a slight power increase as well. Both bikes also benefit from a narrower frame. The difference compared to last year’s models is a seemingly inconsequential 4 mm, but Kawasaki claims that that’s enough to improve both agility and rider control. UK prices have been set at £6,349 for the 2013 KX250F and £6,649 for the 2013 KX450F. Related posts: KTM Freeride 350 unveiled 2012 Husqvarna Enduro 201...

The new Abarth 695 Edizione Maserati , which was first revealed in February, will cost an astounding £32,000 in the UK. As previously detailed, the specification includes three-layer Pontevecchio Bordeaux paintwork (borrowed from the Maserati colour chart), 17” Neptun design alloy wheels, a grey fabric roof, xenon headlights, sand beige Poltrona Frau leather upholstery and special Jaeger instruments. Under the bonnet is a tuned 1.4 litre turbocharged engine that produces 177 bhp (132 kW / 180 PS) and comes coupled to a five-speed Abarth Competizione electro-hydraulic gearbox. Among the other technical highlights are upgraded front brakes, a sportier suspension set-up and a variable back-pressure exhaust system. Undoubtedly, then, the 695 Edizione Maserati features an impressive equipment list. But it’s still essentially a very posh Fiat 500C with a £32,000 price tag. So, anyone thinking of rushing out to place an order for one of the 499 examples being produced might firs...

Electric motorcycle manufacturer Brammo has announced that its new Empulse and Empulse R will cost $16,995 and $18,995 respectively in the United States. The Empulse is unique among electric bikes in that both a 100 mph (160 km/h) top speed and a 100 mile range are possible. However, those two parameters are mutually exclusive as, according to the official ‘Highway’ measure, the maximum that can be ridden between recharges is 56 miles (90 kilometres). At slower speeds around town that distance has the potential to more than double, though, as the ‘City’ figure is 121 miles (195 kilometres). Powering the Empulse is a 9.31 kWh lithium-ion battery pack that drives a water-cooled 54 bhp (40 kW / 54 PS) motor. Recharge time is around eight hours, but that drops to 3.5 hours when a fast-charger is used. A regenerative braking system also helps to keep the battery topped up while riding. The standard Empulse, which comes with all-plastic bodywork, should be at Brammo dealers durin...

Mitsubishi has announced that it’ll be entering a couple of i-MiEV electric cars in this year’s Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, which takes place in July. The first contender, the i-MiEV Evolution, outwardly bears virtually zero similarity to the road-going version. However, beneath the carbon fibre bodywork and spaceframe chassis the electric motors, battery and other components are claimed to be identical. Boasting a combined 321 bhp (240 kW / 326 PS) from its three motors, Mitsubishi is hoping that this all-wheel drive single-seater will be quick enough to secure victory in the Electric Vehicle class. Hiroshi Masuoka, who works in product development for Mitsubishi and is a two-time Dakar Rally winner, is going to be doing the driving. The second challenger is a regular production i-MiEV. Like the showroom model, it features a 16 kWh lithium-ion battery pack that sends its energy to the rear wheels via a single 66 bhp (49 kW / 66 PS) motor. Behind the wheel will be Ame...

Ever since the new Combo van was launched last year, the Opel version has had the option of a 1.4 litre petrol engine, but Vauxhall customers have been restricted to diesel power only. Now that omission has been rectified, with Vauxhall citing demand from UK operators as the reason. Available with the L1H1 and L2H1 bodies, the Euro 5-compliant petrol unit develops 93 bhp (70 kW / 95 PS) and it features a stop-start system as standard. CO2 emissions are 163 g/km, and the short wheelbase model achieves 40.3 mpg (7.0 l/100km) on the combined cycle. Prices have yet to be announced. Related posts: New Vauxhall Combo prices 2012 Vauxhall Opel Combo Doblò is Van of the Year Image © General Motors.

Peugeot has unveiled the 207 CC and 308 CC Roland Garros Special Editions. Named after the stadium where the French Open tennis tournament is held - which in turn commemorates a French First World War fighter pilot - these latest models continue a line that stretches back to the 205 Roland Garros of 1989. The new 207 CC Roland Garros Special Edition has a UK price tag of £18,795. That’s £650 more than the Allure trim level on which it’s based, but Peugeot reckons it comes with £1,235-worth of extra kit. Those additional features include leather upholstery, bespoke floor mats, a windstop device, 17” alloy wheels, Bluetooth, cruise control, rear parking sensors, dual-zone air conditioning and tinted rear windows. Available with either the 1.6 litre VTi 120 petrol or 1.6 litre HDi 112 diesel engines, buyers will be able to choose from Onyx Black or Bianca White paintwork. Alternatively, the 308 CC Roland Garros Special Edition costs £25,845. It comes with blue and grey leathe...

Chevrolet has announced the 2014 SS, a rear-wheel drive, V8-powered performance saloon for the North American market. Due to go on sale towards the end of 2013, the SS will be based on the forthcoming Holden Commodore VF and both models will be built in Australia. To help with the marketing effort, the SS will also become Chevrolet’s next NASCAR Sprint Cup contender. It’s scheduled to make its race debut at the 2013 Daytona 500. Mark Reuss, President of GM North America, commented: “As a passionate race fan and performance enthusiast, I am thrilled that Chevrolet will deliver a true rear-wheel drive NASCAR racecar in the SS that is closely linked to the performance sedan that will be available for sale. “The Chevrolet SS is a great example of how GM is able to leverage its global product portfolio to deliver a unique performance experience that extends beyond the track. I am personally looking forward to driving it.” Meanwhile Greg Tyus, Holden’s Executive Director of Engi...

Audi is the latest car manufacturer to build itself an electric bicycle. The e-bike, which has made its debut in concept form at the Wörthersee GTI Meeting in Austria, is all about technology and lightness. Carbon fibre is used for the frame, and as a result it weighs a minuscule 1.6 kg (3.5 lbs). Similarly, carbon fibre reinforced plastic is used for the 26” wheels and the rear swing arm. In fact, the entire bicycle tips the scales at just 21.0 kg (46.3 lbs), and almost a quarter of that is accounted for by the 48 V / 530 Wh lithium-ion battery pack. With a recharge time of two and a half hours, it feeds a 2.3 kW electric motor that produces an impressive 250 Nm (184 lb/ft) of peak torque at the rear wheel. The e-bike’s rider can choose between five modes: ‘Pure’ relies on pedal-power only; ‘Pedelec’ offers assistance from the motor, allowing for a top speed of 50 mph (80 km/h) and a range of between 31 and 44 miles (50 to 70 kilometres); ‘eGrip’ uses the motor only, and of...

As part of its contribution to this month’s 31st Volkswagen GTI Meet at Lake Wörthersee, Škoda will be showing off its Citigo Rally concept. All that has been released for now is a rendering of the car, and it shows a remodelled front bumper, wider arches housing 18” wheels, a prominent rear spoiler and a roof-mounted air intake. There’s no word yet on the engine and transmission specifications, or indeed whether it’s seriously intended that the Citigo Rally will end up competing. A Citigo DJ Car is also going to be present at the Austrian event. Featuring a built-in DJ booth, it will be used to control a 100,000 watt sound system. Related posts: Škoda revives Rapid name Five-door Škoda Citigo New Škoda Fabia IRC livery Škoda reveals the Citigo

This month sees the introduction of a few cosmetic tweaks across Triumph’s motorcycle range. The £6,699 Bonneville SE gains restyled engine cooling fins, a tank badge in place of the previous logo and the option of an Imperial Purple / White colour scheme. Two other bikes from the classic family also get new paintwork choices. For the Thruxton it’s Brooklands Green, while the Scrambler is now available in Matt Graphite. Both cost £7,099. 2013 Triumph Scrambler in Matt Graphite. Updates to the America and Speedmaster cruisers include a different finish for the engine cooling fins and a more discreet oil pipe cooler. Buyers can now order the former in Sapphire Blue / White and the latter in Matt Black or Sapphire Blue / Jet Black. A new addition to the Thunderbird cruiser colour palette is Caspian Blue / Phantom Black and, as with all two-tone paint finishes for this model, the treatment now extends to the front mudguard. Meanwhile, a Matt Graphite paint option has been made...

Honda has launched the Dream Yuga, its latest contender in the competitive Indian commuter motorcycle market. With a prices starting from Rs. 44,642 ex-showroom in Delhi (around £515 / €650 at today’s exchange rates), it’s unsurprising that the specifications aren’t particularly sophisticated. For example, the engine is a 109 cc, four-stroke, air-cooled unit that uses a carburettor and is paired with a four-speed gearbox. Nevertheless, it still produces a reasonable 8.5 bhp (6.3 kW / 8.6 PS) and 8.9 Nm (6.5 lb/ft) of torque, and Honda is claiming class-leading fuel economy of 203.3 mpg (72 km/l / 1.4 l/100km). The Dream Yuga comes with alloy wheels, tubeless tyres and an electric starter, but stopping is taken care of by drum brakes, not discs. Buyers will be able to choose from five colours: Black, Maple Brown Metallic, Monsoon Grey Metallic, Alpha Red Metallic and Forced Silver Metallic. Related posts: Suzuki Hayate launched Yamaha FZ series updated 2012 TVS Apache RTR

Renault has released the first images of its facelifted Espace MPV. The most obvious changes are at the front end, where there’s a more prominent Renault diamond logo, a redesigned grille and a remodelled front bumper. More details are due to be announced at the beginning of July. However, as the Espace was one of the models cut from Renault’s UK line-up in February (along with the Laguna, Modus, Wind and Kangoo), the chances of the updated version being offered here are almost certainly zero. Related posts: 2012 Twingo Renaultsport New Mégane Floride edition Twingo gets a facelift