Autoesque

HRT driver Karun Chandhok was unable to participate in either of the Friday practice sessions for the Bahrain Grand Prix, after mechanics couldn’t get his car going. That means the rookie will now get to drive his car for the very first time during Saturday’s free practice, which takes place just before qualifying. He’ll be on a very steep learning curve. Although it’s sometimes difficult to take too much from Friday practice times, Chandhok’s HRT team mate Bruno Senna was over eleven seconds down on the best lap time, set by Nico Rosberg in the Mercedes. If that pace difference continues into the race, it seems there could be a couple of mobile chicanes for the front runners to contend with.

Still no sign of a Fiesta ST, never mind an RS. But Ford has come up with the Sport+, which looks quite, well, sporty. This new addition gets a full body kit, and will be available as a three-door only. You can have any colour as long as it’s blue (with white stripes) or white (with blue stripes). While the Sport+ may give the impression of being faster than other Fiestas, it isn’t. The choice of engines is either a 118 bhp 1.6 petrol or 94 bhp 1.6 turbo diesel, both of which can already be found elsewhere in the range. Ford is probably using the right formula, though. There are plenty of drivers who would like a sporty-looking car that doesn’t cost a fortune to insure. To them, the lack of extra horsepower won’t matter one bit. Pricing has yet to be confirmed.

When the 340 bhp sDrive35is was unveiled at January’s Detroit Auto Show, BMW said it would be the most potent member of the Z4 range. There was to be no Z4M, dashing hopes of a Z4 powered by the 420 bhp 4.0 litre V8 from the M3. But now there is a V8-powered Z4, albeit for the circuit only. BMW is using a version of the M3’s engine in the new Z4 GT3. As the name implies, its purpose is to compete in GT3 racing series, such as the FIA GT3 European Championship , International GT Open and ADAC GT Masters . The existence of the Z4 GT3 doesn’t mean that BMW is planning to enter a works team in any of those championships. Rather, the car forms part of its customer racing programme, and is to be offered to private racing teams. Each will cost 298,000 Euros, plus VAT. Producing 480 bhp with a six speed sequential transmission, the car comes equipped with racing anti-lock brakes as well as the obvious aerodynamic enhancements. Air conditioning can be specified as an option. It’s ha...

Was this guy in genuine in peril, was it just attention seeking (with the prospect of a nice juicy law suit)? If it was the latter, maybe he got confused and forgot that the Prius was in fact recalled for dodgy brakes, not sticking accelerator pedals. Whatever, it doesn’t take a genius to figure out that shifting into neutral will disengage drive. Toyota should start recalling some of its customers.

The must-have addition to any manufacturer’s range at the moment is an electric or hybrid model. PSA Peugeot Citroen is about to go down this route, but will be taking a shortcut. Instead of spending millions of Euros to develop its own model, it is simply going to use a version of Mitsubishi’s i-MiEV. Mitsubishi will supply 100,000 cars, split between Citroen and Peugeot, over a five or six year period. It’s not just PSA that will benefit from the arrangement. As with any new technology, Mitsubishi recognises additional volume is key to bringing down average costs. The versions for the French brands will get slightly different styling, most probably around the nose, and different interiors. Apart from re-tuned suspension settings, technically they will be the same as the i-MiEV. That means the Citroen and Peugeot models will be powered by their lithium-ion batteries only. Unlike cars - such as the Chevrolet Volt - that also have a petrol-powered engine to act as an onboard ele...

Following Ford’s victory at the first round of the 2010 World Rally Championship in Sweden, the tables were turned at this weekend’s Rally Mexico. Citroen occupied all three podium positions, with Sebastien Loeb claiming his fourth successive victory in the event. His performance on day two of the rally, which left him nearly a minute ahead of the rest of the field, effectively secured the win. Such a huge margin meant Loeb could take it relatively easy on the final day. In a well-deserved second place was Petter Solberg , driving his privately-entered C4 WRC. He had been in the lead at the end of the first day, benefiting from the cars running ahead sweeping away the fine gravel and giving him better grip. Unable to match the pace of Loeb on day two, Solberg then had to battle with Sebastien Ogier for second spot. Right up until the final stage, a Super Special in Leon, Solberg was lying third, just 0.6 seconds behind the Frenchman. However, Solberg managed to set the fastest s...

No, not the V8 Vantage, but the Cygnet concept which is based on this: Yes, it’s the Toyota iQ city car. It’s hard to say whether this project is an act of genius or madness. The model’s role is apparently that of luxury commuter car aimed, initially at least, at current Aston Martin drivers who need something compact to tackle the urban environment. It may be a concept at the moment, but sales are expected to begin before the end of the year. The obvious question is whether it will sully the brand or could it, as Aston Martin claims, enhance the marque? Well, another assertion by Aston Martin is that its cars combine three elements: power, beauty and soul. So maybe judging the Cygnet against those criteria may help find the answer. It will use the same 1.33 litre engine (that three hundredths of a litre must be important) as found in the iQ. Managing 97 bhp in the Toyota, it’s not exactly powerful, but crucially emits only 113 g/km of carbon dioxide. The current ‘gre...

For some, a standard 911 isn’t enough. They want their Porsche to be more powerful and distinctive. That’s where Ruf comes in. The company, based in Pfaffenhausen, Germany, converts Porsches so comprehensively it is regarded as a manufacturer in its own right by the German government. To refer to Ruf as merely a tuner is a major disservice. The firm has just announced its latest creation, the RGT-8. That name gives a clue to the concept behind the new model. Ruf has ditched the 911’s standard six cylinder engine and replaced it with a V8 of its own making. Clearly Ruf like a challenge - as if engineering a totally new motor and getting it to fit in the Porsche’s cramped engine bay wasn’t hard enough, it will also have to convince 911 purists. Some of them might be reduced to gibbering fits of apoplexy by the thought of anything but a flat six. With a capacity of 4.5 litres, the normally-aspirated V8 produces 550 bhp and 500 Nm of torque. By comparison, the Porsche 911 Turbo ...

After two seasons, the Mercedes-Benz SL 63 AMG is being retired as the F1 Safety Car. Its replacement is the 571 bhp SLS AMG, powered by a 6.3 litre V8 engine and capable of accelerating from zero to 100 km/h in 3.8 seconds. Characterised by its gull-wing doors, the SLS AMG has an aluminium spaceframe body that keeps its weight down to just 1620 kg. The F1 Safety Car version will have exactly the same engine, seven speed double-clutch transmission and suspension as the production SLS AMG. The only technical difference is a new rear silencer, mainly to produce a bit more noise. Visually, the F1 Safety Car is distinguished by prominent graphics, carbon fibre door mirrors and an LED roof-mounted light bar, which incorporates a TV camera. There’s also a second camera, mounted next to the rear number plate. That’s so FIA representative Pete Tibbetts, who will sit alongside SLS AMG driver Bernd Maylander, can keep an eye on the following F1 cars via an in-cockpit monitor. ...

The FIA has confirmed the entries for 2010’s Formula 1 season. As anticipated , US F1 has failed to be ready in time, so won’t be competing this year. In another twist to the new teams saga, the empty grid slots haven’t been offered to Stefan Grand Prix. That’s despite its numerous claims about being all set to race, although nobody ever actually saw any cars. By contrast, Campos Meta will be taking part, albeit under a new name. It’s now called HRT (Hispania Racing F1 Team), following its recent acquisition by Ramon Carabante. Hard to see how it will be prepared, though. The car has only just been unveiled, and won’t get its maiden run until Friday practice at the first race in Bahrain - just one week from today. Confirmed drivers for HRT are Bruno Senna and Karun Chandhok. During 2009 Chandhok raced in GP2, but only managed to finish in 18th position following a season typified by retirements. Sauber is a peculiarity on the entry list. The official team name continues to be ...

Shocking, as in shockingly bad. If proof were needed that money buys neither good sense nor good taste, then the Mansory Ghost exhibited at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show is it. The formula is simple: take a very desirable, elegantly designed Rolls-Royce Ghost, chuck a vat of retina-searing blue paint over it, fit some hideous 22-inch wheels and a body kit, then finish it all off with some gold go-faster stripes. It’s not all show and no go, though. Power is increased to 720 bhp from the standard 570 bhp, thanks to enlarged turbos and a remapped engine control system. At least that extra performance means bystanders won’t have to look at it for too long. Premiership footballers and oil sheiks should give Mansory a call.

Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, the saying goes. If that’s the case, then BMW engineers must be very flattered by Yamaha’s new Tenere. Or XT1200Z Super Tenere, to give it its full title. Cynics could argue that Yamaha looked at the spec sheet of the German manufacturer’s R 1200 GS, and made sure that all the features that have made the BMW the leader in the adventure class were included on its bike. Torquey twin cylinder engine? Check. Shaft drive? Yes. Adjustable seat height? Present. Anti-lock brakes and traction control? Of course. Admittedly, ABS and traction control are optional on the BMW, but then for some riders that’s a good thing - nobody wants complicated electronics to go on the blink half-way across the Sahara. The BMW also costs considerably less than the Yamaha. The Tenere will only be offered in ‘first edition’ guise during 2010 (which, oddly, will have to be reserved online). This includes aluminium side cases, a headlight protector and an alumi...

Well it is according to the UK Government’s Department of Transport. It has launched, via the Office for Low Emission Vehicles (OLEV), a scheme to help with the purchase of electric cars. The Plug-in Car Grant will cover up to 25% of the vehicle’s price, to a maximum of £5,000, and it’ll be available to both private and business users. Application of the subsidy is going to work in a similar way to the scrappage scheme: the dealer will simply deduct it from the invoice when the car is bought. No form-filling needed to retrospectively claim the cash. £230 million has been set aside, so that’s a potential 46,000 electric cars. The money is due to be available from January 2011, but the rules are strict. Cars will have to fit into one of three categories to qualify: 1. All-electric (electric motor powered by a rechargeable battery) 2. Plug-in hybrid (powered by both mains-rechargeable batteries and an internal combustion engine) 3. Hydrogen fuel cell powered That means ther...

The FIA has changed the points system for the World Touring Car Championship . Instead of the top eight finishers scoring (allocated on a 10, 8, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 basis), the first ten will now be awarded points: 1st: 25 points 2nd: 18 points 3rd: 15 points 4th: 12 points 5th: 10 points 6th: 8 points 7th: 6 points 8th: 4 points 9th: 2 points 10th: 1 point This brings the WTCC in line with the new system already adopted by F1 and the World Rally Championship for the 2010 season. The much larger points disparity - especially for the podium positions - is designed to push drivers to battle on, as just one place difference could have a big impact on their overall standing. Arguably, given the already close racing in touring cars, that’s more applicable to F1 than the WTCC.

BCP6BN34436B As reported in The Times , the attempt by General Motors to flog its ailing Hummer brand to the Chinese has failed. Sichuan Tengzhong Heavy Industrial Machinery, with no experience of vehicle manufacture, had agreed to buy Hummer for $150 million. However, the deal needed approval from the Chinese government. They, in the end, weren’t too keen because it didn’t fit in with their nascent green policies. The chance of finding another buyer appears slim. Of course this is awful news for those working for Hummer and its dealers, but the unfortunate reality is that it’s the free market at work. Economic meltdown and rising fuel costs have severely affected many people’s wish to buy an SUV. The current need for SUV drivers to withstand the withering looks and snide comments, freely offered by those of an environmentalist bent, hasn’t helped either. Hummer was hit especially badly, and sales in 2009 fell a massive 67% to around 9,000 units. Its products had become la...

The FIA has published the entry list for the 2010 World Touring Car Championship . The grid is down to twenty cars, following the withdrawal of the Seat and Lada works teams and a reduction in the BMW factory effort from five to two cars.  The Spanish manufacturer however remains committed to supporting privateers running the Leon. By contrast organisers are surprised at the absence of Lada, as only last year it committed to a three-year programme.  Perhaps it would have been more surprising if the Russian manufacturer had decided to participate, given its circumstances.  Lada’s parent company Avtovaz was facing bankruptcy, its problems caused by dramatically reduced demand and mounting debts.  Only a bail-out by Renault and the Russian state in November 2009 kept it going. Gabriele Tarquini, who at 47 was the oldest World Champion ever when he won the WTCC title in 2009, will be returning to defend his title, driving a diesel Seat Leon run by SR-Sport.  Thr...

At first glance the CrossPolo, which Volkswagen has just announced, could mislead you into thinking it has some useful off-road ability. Despite the tough looking grey plastic body kit, it lacks some of the essentials needed for all-terrain driving.  Well, all of them actually - there’s no four wheel drive, no decent ground clearance (although it is raised by all of 15 mm), no lockable differentials and the tyres are definitely suitable only for tarmac. In reality then it’s not going to be much better than a ‘normal’ Polo when it comes to going cross country.  So does that mean it’s a daft concept? Maybe not.  In some respects it’s an ideal town car, built to better shrug off the inevitable minor dings and scratches that come with exciting urban adventures, such as the school run or the expedition into the supermarket car park. If that’s to be its role then, why go and fit lovely 17 inch alloys with fairly low profile 215/40 tyres?  A regime of kerb-scrapin...

Cadillac is planning a return to Europe, after previous Dutch-based importer Kroymans got into financial difficulties following a collapse in demand for new and used cars. GM Europe is doing it in-house this time around, though.  A new organisation, Cadillac Europe, has just been set up to take care of importation, distribution and marketing.  It will operate only in key markets, but those markets have yet to be revealed. The range is to be presented at March’s Geneva International Motor Show.  The striking CTS Sport Sedan, familiar from the Kroymans era, will be the core model. It will be joined by the distinctive CTS Coupe.  This brand new model is due to begin sales in North America this summer, with a European on-sale date scheduled for the autumn.  Both Sedan and Coupe will be available in high performance CTS-V specification, powered by a 556 bhp 6.2 litre V8. The third member of the CTS family is the Sport Wagon, which is expected to c...

It’s still only February 2010, yet Lotus has already announced the 2011 model year Elise, due to go on sale in a couple of months’ time. Visually, the main differences are at the front.  A new clamshell has the lights contained in single clusters, and the air intake is wider with less fussy detailing.  These alterations have given the revised Elise a more purposeful stance than its predecessor, and there’s now a stronger family resemblance to the Evora. Before the facelift... And after... The biggest change though is under the redesigned engine cover.  The previous entry-level Elise S is no more, replaced by the Elise-with-no-letter-suffix.  This new base model still has a Toyota engine controlled by a bespoke Lotus engine management system, but it’s now a 1.6 litre rather than a 1.8 litre, and it’s attached to a new six speed gearbox. Despite the loss in capacity, Lotus is making strong claims for it - power is similar to the old S at 134 bhp, and it’ll ac...

Inspired by this? Vorsprung durch Pluriel. Here is Audi’s very smartly dressed Head of Design talking about the A1, although he doesn’t seem to mention Citroen once.