Autoesque

Lexus has given its premier LS range a major makeover, incorporating various cosmetic and technical changes in an attempt to keep it competitive in a tough market segment. On the outside, the most noticeable difference is the ‘spindle’ front grille which, while not especially attractive, at least gives the LS a less anodyne appearance. Revisions to the interior have focussed on improving refinement. Cabin noise should be further reduced thanks to better insulation, and the seats have been redesigned for enhanced comfort. LS drivers will now control their vehicle’s infotainment systems via a massive 12.3” screen, a display that’s large enough to show two sources at once. Those might include the upgraded satellite navigation system or the 19-speaker Mark Levinson Reference Surround System, which will come as standard on UK-specification cars. Beneath the skin, a stiffer body shell and several chassis developments have been employed to deliver superior dynamics. Sharper

Nissan has used Facebook to release a couple of exterior shots of its 2013 Pathfinder. The new model, which moves from the current version’s separate chassis construction to a unitary body, appears virtually identical to the concept seen at the Detroit motor show earlier this year. Overall, it’s a neat looking thing, with the more car-like styling being characterised by a bold front end that flows into the nicely sculptured waistline. For now, Nissan is keeping quiet about the 2013 Pathfinder’s technical specifications. Related posts: 99 g/km Nissan Pixo Nissan Invitation concept Nissan Juke Nismo Concept

Motorcycle theft in the UK continues to be a serious problem, with around 26,000 bikes being stolen annually. That figure translates into 43% of all total-loss insurance payouts, as recovery rates are very low. It causes knock-on issues for the wider industry too, as it’s reckoned that approximately 40% of riders don’t bother replacing their machines after they’ve been pilfered. While there are plenty of aftermarket anti-theft devices and marking products, their variety does hinder a coordinated approach. That particular snag should be avoided with the new Motorcycle and Scooter Tagged Equipment Register (MASTER) Security Scheme, which has been launched by the Motorcycle Industry Association with backing from both the police and Home Office. Designed for new bikes, the programme is voluntary but already BMW, Honda, Kawasaki, Suzuki, Triumph and Yamaha have signed up. More manufacturers are expected to follow soon. The deterrents used are all provided by Datatag ID, and comp

Australian Aprilia importer John Sample Automotive has created the desirable RSV4 Factory APRC Carbon Special Edition. As the name implies, it comes clad in carbon fibre bodywork courtesy of Aprilia Racing. Not only does it look great, but it also contributes to a dry weight of just 169 kg (372 lbs), a reduction of 10 kg (22 lbs) compared to the standard version. To complement the reduced bulk, power has been increased from 177 bhp (132 kW / 180 PS) to 185 bhp (138 kW / 187 PS) thanks to a bespoke engine map and an upgraded titanium and carbon Akrapovic exhaust system. Among the other special components are a World Superbikes-derived Öhlins suspension set-up, various lightweight aluminium parts, Pirelli Supercorsa SP Tyres and a tinted screen. But that’s not all, because the package also includes an extra set of tyres plus a rear stand, a bike cover, an Aprilia Race jacket and a couple of caps. The price has been set at A$39,990 (about £26,615 / €34,060), which is A$

Plans by BMW to launch a premium electric scooter continue. Following 2011’s E-Scooter concept and the more recent Concept e, the latest development is the C Evolution, which is described as a near-production prototype. BMW C Evolution electric scooter. Scroll down for more images. The aims for the new model are certainly ambitious, as BMW wants to create a machine that can match a petrol-engine maxi scooter for performance, yet still achieve a decent range. Based on the provisional figures, it appears to be quick enough, with the 14 bhp (11 kW / 15 PS) motor - which has a peak output of 46 bhp (35 kW / 47 PS) - allowing for an electronically-limited top speed of 75 mph (120 km/h). The air-cooled, 8 kWh lithium-ion battery pack meanwhile delivers a range of around 60 miles (100 kilometres), a distance that should be sufficient for most commuters. Recharging from flat is reckoned to take less than three hours, with extra energy being recuperated while on the move when coastin

This September’s Britcar 24 Hours race, which takes place at Silverstone, will see the return of Team Toyota GB after an absence of seventeen years. The outfit is being reformed in order to field a GT86 in the event’s Production Class, and race preparation specialists GPRM has been entrusted to get the car ready for the track. Not that the modifications are going to be particularly radical though, as Gary Blackham from GPRM explained: “We are concentrating our efforts on stripping back the chassis, lightening and strengthening it and of course equipping it with a roll cage and all the other safety gear required, as well as quick-refuelling equipment. Other than that, the GT86 will remain essentially in road car form.” Team Toyota GB’s driver line-up has yet to be named. Related posts: Toyota GT86 UK specs Toyota GT86 finally here

According to recent reports, things aren’t going too smoothly for the road car side of the Lotus business, but that hasn’t prevented the development of the Evora GX race car. Designed to compete in the GT class of the Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series, it borrows various components from the GTC , including the Plexiglass glazing and carbon fibre door, roof and engine cover panels. Among the other racing modifications are a new fuel filler mechanism, widened wheel arches, a full roll cage and the removal of the anti-lock braking and traction control systems. Extra aerodynamic down force is provided by a front splitter and a large rear wing. As with the GTC, power comes from a 4.0 litre V6 engine connected to an Xtrac six-speed sequential gearbox although, with 440 bhp (328 kW / 446 PS) and 440 Nm (324 lb/ft) of peak torque, the GX’s outputs are slightly lower. The price of the Evora GX has been set at $335,000 in the United States, and it will be built only to order. R

BMW Motorrad has revealed its new HP4. Based on the existing S 1000 RR , it continues the marque’s line of specialised ‘High Performance’ motorcycles and is aimed squarely at those who prefer to do their riding on a track. 2013 BMW HP4. Scroll down for more images. Anyone expecting a higher output from the four-cylinder, 999 cc engine will be disappointed though, as it still produces 190 bhp (142 kW / 193 PS). However, full power is now available across all throttle maps and several clever features should mean that the HP4 makes the most of its motor. Among these is Dynamic Damping Control, an innovative system that continuously adjusts the suspension according to road surface and riding situation to ensure maximum traction. Also included in the specification is a Launch Control device, which is going to make standing starts on the HP4 a relatively effortless affair. A first for BMW, it adjusts engine torque under hard acceleration to prevent front-wheel lift, and it partner

Nowadays, it seems that manufacturers are incapable of launching a new model without first embarking on a drawn-out teaser campaign. Mazda has decided to adopt just such a strategy for the new 6 saloon, which is due to make its debut at the Moscow Motor Show at the end of August. Several short videos have already been released, and now the first partial-view still shots have emerged. The new arrival follows Mazda’s latest Kodo ‘Soul of Motion’ design language and, as expected, it bears a strong resemblance to the Takeri concept that was first exhibited last year. Related posts: Mazda MX-5 GT Concept Mazda RX-8 reprieved Mazda CX-5 revealed

Compared to the existing version, the 2013 Audi R8 doesn’t look particularly different. Up front, LED headlights are now standard on all versions, the grille has been tweaked and the bumper is a new design. The alterations are just as limited at the rear, where LED lights also feature, the exhaust pipes have become circular and the bumper now incorporates a diffuser element. 2013 Audi R8. Scroll down for more images. However, the lack of visual changes conceals some useful technical updates. Key among these is the ditching of the old R tronic automated manual gearbox, replaced by a seven-speed S tronic dual-clutch transmission as the ‘two pedal’ alternative. Combined with the tweaked 4.2 litre V8 FSI engine - which has seen its output increase by 9 bhp (7 kW / 10 PS) to 424 bhp (316 kW / 430 PS) - the effect of S tronic is better performance and efficiency. Coupé variants, for example, will now take 4.3 seconds to accelerate from rest to 62 mph (100 km/h), an improvement

Holden has shown off its take on the forthcoming mid-size Chevrolet Malibu . The reveal coincides with the arrival in Australia of some pre-production vehicles, which will mainly be used by Holden staff to optimise the chassis set-up for local conditions and to calibrate the transmissions. Commenting on this latest stage in the car’s development, Ian Butler, Holden Director of Integration and Safety, said: “Our engineers have paid close attention to the vehicle’s driving dynamics, ride and handling, suspension and comfort so Malibu will be sure to meet the discerning needs of drivers in this competitive segment. “This is a fantastic global car but of course we want to make sure that it goes on sale with plenty of Holden input to ensure it suits Australia's unique and varied road conditions.” The Holden Malibu is due to be launched sometime in 2013, while here in Europe the Chevrolet version should arrive at dealers later this year. Related posts: 2013 Holden Trax re

BMW has given its flagship 7 Series a facelift, although at first glance it might be hard to notice the changes. That’s because the external modifications are limited to a revised grille, full-LED headlights, indicators in the door mirrors, a chrome strip embedded into the rear valence and a redesigned front bumper. However, beneath the skin the updates are more comprehensive. 2013 BMW 7 Series. Scroll down for more images. Adjustments to the existing petrol and diesel engines mean higher outputs, plus they’re also more efficient thanks to the fitment of a stop-start system and an ‘Eco Pro’ driving mode. A new addition to the range is the 750d xDrive variant, which features all-wheel drive and a new M Performance TwinPower Turbo six-cylinder diesel that’s reckoned to be the most powerful engine of its kind. Whether or not it will be offered in the UK remains to be seen, though. Chassis tweaks have focussed on enhancing the ride quality, and to that end the dampers have been