Autoesque

Indian manufacturer TVS has unveiled its new Phoenix 125. Described by the firm as being a ‘premium executive deluxe’ motorcycle, the target market is those riders who want to upgrade from their regular commuter bikes. Indeed, it comes as standard with several features that usually would only be found on larger capacity machines. These include a digital fuel gauge, hazard lights, a low battery reminder, a digital speedometer and a service reminder function. Alloy wheels, a front disc brake and adjustable suspension also form part of the specification. Powering the Phoenix 125 is a new electric-start, air-cooled EcoThrust engine that produces 10.5 bhp (7.8 kW / 10.6 PS). Connected to a four-speed gearbox, TVS reckons that it should give best-in-class highway fuel economy of 189.2 mpg (1.5 l/100km / 67.0 km/l). The price of the latest TVS is Rs. 53,000 (ex-showroom in Delhi), and buyers will have a choice of Alaskan Green, Oxford Grey, Belgian Black Red, Moroccan Red or Helsi...

Following a meeting of the World Motor Sport Council on Friday, the FIA has agreed the 2013 Formula One World Championship calendar. As with this year, there are twenty events on the schedule. The only major change is that the Grand Prix of Europe, held in Valencia, is to be replaced by the Grand Prix of Jersey. That’s Jersey as in New Jersey, not the Channel Island, and the race will run on the Hermann Tilke-designed Port Imperial Street Circuit. 2013 Formula One World Championship Round Date Country Event 1 17/03 Australia Grand Prix of Australia 2 24/03 Malaysia Grand Prix of Malaysia 3 14/04 China Grand Prix of China 4 21/04 Bahrain Grand Prix of Bahrain 5 12/05 Spain Grand Prix of Spain (Barcelona) 6 26/05 Monaco Grand Prix of Monaco 7 09/06 Canada Grand Prix of Canada 8 16/06 United States Grand Prix of Jersey (New York)* 9 30/06 Great Britain Grand Prix of Great Britain 10 14/07 Germany Grand Prix of Ge...

Ram has revealed its new 2500 and 3500 Heavy Duty pick-up range. Featuring a stronger chassis and upgraded suspension system, the 2013 models promise to beat their rivals on both Gross Combined Weight Rating and towing capability. Powering the 2500 and single-rear-wheel 3500 versions is a 5.7 litre Hemi V8 that produces 383 bhp (286 kW / 388 PS) and 542 Nm (400 lb/ft) of torque. It comes connected to a six-speed automatic transmission. Alternatively, a 6.7 litre, six-cylinder Cummins turbo diesel is available in three states of tune. The first option, which is matched to a six-speed manual gearbox, offers 350 bhp (261 kW / 354 PS) and 894 Nm (660 lb/ft) of torque. The mid-field diesel increases the outputs to 370 bhp (276 kW / 375 PS) and 1,085 Nm (800 lb/ft), and it includes an automatic transmission. The final choice - which is only offered with the 3500 - boasts 385 bhp (287 kW / 390 PS), a massive 1,151 Nm (850 lb/ft) of torque and a new Aisin automatic transmission w...

The FIA World Motor Sport Council has agreed a schedule of events for the 2013 World Endurance Championship. There’s hardly any change from this year’s calendar, and the Le Mans 24 Hours continues to be the highlight. However, the Silverstone race now becomes the season opener, and the venue for the American round has shifted from Sebring to Austin. 2013 FIA World Endurance Championship Date Country Race 14 April Great Britain 6 Hours of Silverstone 04 May Belgium 6 Hours of Spa 22-23 June France 24 Heures du Mans 24 August Brazil 6 Hours of Sao Paulo 22 September USA 6 Hours of Austin 20 October Japan 6 Hours of Fuji 10 November China 6 Hours of Shanghai 30 November Bahrain 6 Hours of Bahrain The regulations remain largely unaltered too, although various cost-saving measures have been introduced and organisers will be able to adjust the balance of performance between LMP2 class cars. Diesel engines are going to be permitted i...

The Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Coupé Electric Drive is both AMG’s most powerful car ever and the world’s fastest production electric vehicle. Featuring four electric motors that combined produce 740 bhp (552 kW / 750 PS) and 1,000 Nm (737 lb/ft) of instantly-available torque, drive is sent to all four wheels via a special torque distribution system. The result is a zero to 62 mph (100 km/h) time of 3.9 seconds - just 0.1 seconds slower than the V8-powered SLS AMG Coupé - and a limited top speed of 155 mph (250 km/h). As with any electric car, range is going to be a critical factor. Based on the New European Driving Cycle combined measure, Mercedes-Benz is saying that the SLS AMG Electric Drive will travel 155 miles (250 kilometres) before its 60 kWh lithium-ion battery pack runs flat. Not too bad, but during the NEDC test speeds never exceed 75 mph (120 km/h). That makes the result a largely irrelevant number for those wanting to explore the car’s performance potential, so som...

Honda has announced some technical updates and cosmetic changes for its CR-Z hybrid coupé. The 1.5 litre petrol engine now produces 119 bhp (89 kW / 121 PS) instead of 112 bhp (84 kW / 114 PS), thanks to modifications to the ECU and the variable valve timing system. Combined with the Integrated Motor Assist hybrid powertrain - which for the first time uses a lithium ion battery pack and features a more powerful electric motor - total output has been raised to 135 bhp (100 kW / 137 PS). The effect on performance isn’t too dramatic, although the zero to 62 mph (100 km/h) time has dropped from 9.7 to 9.0 seconds while the top speed is 124 mph (200 km/h). A new device called the Plus Sport (S+) boost system should help drivers make the most of the extra power, especially in the important mid-range. After activation via a steering wheel button, it provides ten seconds of boosted acceleration courtesy of the electric motor. However, for a hybrid, the CR-Z’s efficiency remains s...

Bentley is planning a return to the racetrack next year, after a ten-year absence. The car it’ll be using is the Continental GT3, which has been unveiled in concept form at the Paris Motor Show. Based on the road-going GT Speed, FIA regulations allow the GT3 to gain a full aerodynamic package, but they also mean that it has to lose the production model’s all-wheel drive system. According to Dr Wolfgang Schreiber, Bentley’s Chairman and Chief Executive: “The clear message from our customers is that Bentley belongs on the racetrack, and the Continental GT3 is the realisation of a dream we’ve had ever since the launch of the Continental GT. “The new GT Speed is the perfect car for us to develop into a racer, and our work so far has shown huge potential. The Continental GT3 is set to show the world what the Continental GT is capable of in its most extreme form, and establishes a solid foundation for Bentley’s long-term motorsport plans.” The GT3 is currently undergoing develo...

Over the past few months, the World Rally Championship hasn’t had the best period in its history, with disputes and doubts surrounding promoters, television rights and the staging of events. But now there’s some good news for the series, because Hyundai has announced that it’s planning to re-enter the WRC next year. Its challenger, based on the i20, has been unveiled at the Paris Motor Show. Although few technical details have been released, it features all-wheel drive, a 1.6 litre turbocharged engine and various aerodynamic aids, all as per the current WRC regulations. Hyundai last competed in the WRC in 2003, and so for this latest effort a new European-based full works team is being established. Related posts: Polo R WRC begins testing Mini WRC Team launched Citroën WRC 2011 entries Ford Fiesta RS WRC 2011

Peugeot is obviously pretty keen on creating a buzz around its new 208 GTi . The latest marketing tactic is the announcement of a Limited Edition model that’ll be among the very first cars off the line when production starts next April. Just fifty-four examples are going to be available globally, with twenty-nine of those destined for the UK. Compared to the regular 208 GTi, the changes are limited to some cosmetic tweaks and some extra equipment, so performance and handling should be identical. Identifying the Limited Edition is a unique Pearly White Satin paint finish, contrasting Black Onyx 17” alloy wheels and a Union Flag decal on the lower grille. Each car’s individual build number will be etched onto the driver’s window and the top of the instrument binnacle, too. The enhanced specification comprises a DAB digital radio (perhaps unbelievably, the first time such a device has ever been offered on a Peugeot) and a satellite navigation system. In the UK, the 208 ...

Ducati has revealed its 2013 Multistrada range. As well as an updated anti-lock braking system and traction control, all versions will come with a second-generation 1,198 cc Testastretta L-twin engine. Producing 147 bhp (110 kW / 150 PS), it now features two spark plugs per cylinder and repositioned injector nozzles for improved smoothness and economy. It should also be greener, as a secondary air induction system has been fitted to the exhaust which is designed to reduce pollution levels. Furthermore, the three ‘S’ models additionally include Ducati Skyhook Suspension, a new semi-active system that continually adjusts the dampers according to the road surface. As a result, comfort and stability are enhanced. The set-up allows the rider to select from Sport, Touring, Urban and Enduro riding modes, and these also automatically adjust the rear spring preload. The 2013 line-up is headed by the 1200 S Granturismo which, as the name suggests, is meant for serious touring. It g...

Almost two years ago, Maserati launched the sharper, lighter and faster MC Stradale version of its GranTurismo coupé. Now a similar treatment - although not quite as extreme - is being applied to the drop-top model. The result is called the GranCabrio MC, and it features the same 443 bhp (331 kW / 450 PS) 4.7 litre V8 engine. However, with a nod to its grand touring role, the only transmission available is a ZF six-speed automatic gearbox and the convertible retains its four seats. Visually, the GranCabrio MC inherits the sporty look of the MC Stradale, with aggressively-styled bumpers, unique alloy wheels and a large boot spoiler that’s designed for increased downforce. A UK price for the Maserati GranCabrio MC has yet to be announced. Related posts: GranTurismo S Sport Pack GranTurismo MC Stradale

The Peugeot Onyx supercar will be joined at the Paris Motor Show by a similarly-named scooter concept. Wearing a matt black and copper paint finish, the Peugeot adopts the distinctive three-wheel layout pioneered by Piaggio’s MP3 models. But what sets the Onyx apart is its hybrid power system. Comprising a 400 cc petrol engine and an electric motor, the combined output is 60 bhp (45 kW / 61 PS) with 58 Nm (42 lb/ft) of torque. Peugeot reckons that average fuel consumption should be 141.2 mpg (2.0 l/100km), with a pure electric range of 18 miles (30 kilometres) when running at 31 mph (50 km/h). However, the Onyx isn’t just about efficiency, as its top speed is claimed to be a fairly rapid 93 mph (150 km/h). Another signature feature is the removable ‘ClipBox’ storage unit, which sits between the handlebars and the seat. With it in place practicality is increased, although the rider is forced to adopt a more prone riding position. For the time being, it seems doubtful tha...

Audi has taken the wraps off its latest S3 hatchback. Due to be launched early next year, power comes from an all-new four-cylinder, turbocharged, 2.0 litre TFSI petrol engine that produces 295 bhp (221 kW / 300 PS) and 380 Nm (280 lb/ft) of torque. Connected to a six-speed manual gearbox and quattro all-wheel drive system, that’s sufficient for the S3 to accelerate to 62 mph (100 km/h) in 5.4 seconds before reaching an electronically-limited 155 mph (250 km/h) top speed. Alternatively, the optional S tronic dual-clutch transmission shaves 0.3 seconds off the 0-62 mph time. It’s also marginally more efficient, achieving an average fuel consumption figure of 40.9 mpg (6.9 l/100km) and CO2 emissions of 159 g/km, compared to the manual car’s 40.4 mpg (7.0 l/100km) and 162 g/km. To go with the extra performance, the S3 features a sports suspension set-up, and it rides 25 mm lower than the regular A3. Uprated brakes sit behind unique five-spoke 18” alloy wheels. The car’s lo...

KTM has released the first images of the 1190 Adventure, which borrows its 147 bhp (110 kW / 150 PS) V-twin engine from the RC8 superbike. The new arrival will also feature various rider aids, including anti-lock brakes, traction control and an anti-hop clutch. Due to be unveiled at next month’s Intermot show in Cologne, the Adventure is going to be offered in two guises. A standard model, which will come with electronic suspension adjustment as standard, is designed mainly for street use, while the ‘R’ version should be even more capable off-road thanks to larger wheels and longer-travel suspension. Related posts: 2013 Tiger Explorer XC Triumph Tiger Explorer GS Adventure Triple Black

The new V40 Cross Country is described by Volvo as an ‘elegant, refined premium crossover’ that’s aimed at ‘those who want a sense of adventure in their everyday life’. Featuring redesigned bumpers and sills, a mesh grille, skid plates, roof bars, alloy wheels and a 40 mm higher ride height, it certainly looks the part. However, only the range-topping T5 version - which is powered by a 250 bhp (187 kW / 254 PS), 2.5 litre petrol engine - comes with all-wheel drive and hill descent control. Consequently, it’s unlikely that the Cross Country is going to be any better off-road than a regular V40. Indeed, most buyers in Europe will probably choose one of the three diesel options on offer. For the frugally-minded, these include a 1.6 litre D2 variant with an output of 112 bhp (84 kW / 115 PS). Its average fuel consumption is an incredible 74.3 mpg (3.8 l/100km), while carbon dioxide emissions are just 99 g/km. Prices for the V40 Cross Country are due to be announced in October...

The Caddy is the latest model in Volkswagen’s range to receive the Cross special edition treatment. To give it a more rugged look, the Caddy Cross comes with front and rear under-body guards, silver roof rails and a black plastic body kit that includes wheel arch and side sill pieces. The effect is finished off by 17” ‘Canyon’ alloy wheels. On the inside, the seats are upholstered in a unique two-tone fabric design, plus there’s a centre armrest and a leather-covered steering wheel. It won’t necessarily be a case of form over function though as, along with various engine options, the Caddy Cross will be available with the 4Motion all-wheel drive system. Sales are due to begin in early 2013. For the time being, Volkswagen is saying that only the panel van version is likely to make it to the UK. Related posts: Top 10: 2013 Golf essentials New Caravelle Business CrossPolo not cross country