Autoesque

Cadillac has announced that its striking Converj Concept will make it into production. To be known as ELR - in line with the marque’s three-letter model naming convention - the 2+2 coupé will feature range-extender technology similar to that used in the Chevrolet Volt. It’s still too early in the development process for even any provisional performance or efficiency data, though. Indeed, all Cadillac is saying for now is that the basic configuration will comprise a four-cylinder engine / generator, an electric drive unit and a large under-floor T-shaped lithium ion battery pack. As with the Volt, electricity will be the primary propulsion source, with the internal combustion engine kicking in when the battery’s charge runs low. Images © GM Corp. Related post: Cadillac teases ATS

Mercedes-Benz has announced the SLK 250 CDI - the brand’s first ever diesel roadster. While that news might be a cause of consternation for some, the only real question is why hasn’t it been done before? After all, diesels now feature in most manufacturers’ cabriolet ranges, and Audi already offers the TT Roadster 2.0 TDI. Power for the SLK 250 CDI comes from a four-cylinder engine that develops 201 bhp (150 kW / 204 PS). With common-rail injection and two-stage turbo charging, it takes full advantage of diesel’s two great strengths. The first is efficiency. As would be expected, average fuel consumption of  57.6 mpg (4.9 l/100km) and CO2 emissions of 128 g/km easily better the 42.8 mpg (6.6 l/100km) and 153 g/km achieved by the equivalent petrol SLK, the 250 BlueEfficiency. But perhaps more significantly, the SLK 250 CDI also beats its only true rival, the diesel TT. Despite having 33 bhp (25 kW / 34 PS) less than the Mercedes-Benz, the Audi can only manage 51.4 mpg (5.5 ...

Hyundai has added a second model to its ultra-efficient Blue range. The i20 Blue emits just 98 g/km of CO2 - good enough for zero road tax and exemption from the London Congestion Charge - and achieves an impressive 76.4 mpg (3.7 l/100km) on the combined cycle. But Hyundai hasn’t had to resort to a tiny capacity, low-output engine to get to those figures, as the Blue is powered by the 89 bhp (66 kW / 90PS) 1.4 CRDi common rail diesel. What it has done is fit low rolling resistance tyres, a stop-start system and aerodynamic deflectors for the rear suspension and wheels. Based on the existing Comfort trim level, standard equipment is comprehensive and includes air conditioning, an electronic stability programme, Bluetooth, USB and aux-in connections, electric heated and folding door mirrors, electric windows all round and 15” alloy wheels. In fact, the only listed options are metallic paint and a body stripe. In the UK the i20 Blue is priced at £13,195, and it’s available as a fi...

Tonight will see the unveiling of the Lotus Evora GTE Road Car Concept at the McCall’s Motorworks Revival, which is being held at the Monterey Jet Center in California. Later on in the week, the car will form part of the Lotus display at the Pebble Beach Concours event. The Road Car Concept has been developed as a street-legal version of the Evora GTE race car. Claimed power is over 420 bhp (313 kW / 425 PS), and drive to the rear wheels is via an AMT sequential racing gearbox. There’s also a suitably stripey paintjob, centre-lock ultra-light alloy wheels and a rather odd-looking rear spoiler. Lotus has yet to confirm whether the Evora GTE Road Car will enter series production. That decision will probably be strongly influenced by what sort of reaction the concept gets. Related post: Lotus Evora S announced

Smart is launching an electric two-wheeler, but it’s not the escooter that was unveiled as a concept at last year’s Paris Motor Show. Instead, Smart has teamed up with Berlin-based manufacturer Grace to produce the ebike which, as the name suggests, is a power-assisted bicycle. Supporting the rider’s pedalling efforts is a 250 watt BionX electric motor that sits within the rear wheel hub. Current is supplied by a frame-mounted 400 Wh lithium-ion battery that could last up to 62 miles (100 km) between charges, depending on which of the four assistance levels is used. Recharging is via a normal domestic socket, and the battery can be removed from the ebike to make this task easier. Additionally, an energy capture system means that as the brakes are applied, the hub motor turns into a generator to top up the battery on the go. To comply with European Union regulations, the maximum assisted speed of the ebike is 15 mph (25 km/h). Any more would require a driving licence and number ...

This year’s Bonneville Speed Week has seen a team from Škoda UK succeed in its bid to crack 200 mph (322 km/h) using a modified Octavia vRS . With journalist Richard Meaden behind the wheel, the speed actually achieved across the salt flats was 202.15 mph (325.32 km/h). However, with a few days of Speed Week still remaining, the aim now is to reach 216 mph (347 km/h) - the 2.0 litre production car record. Robert Hazelwood, Director for Škoda UK, said: “Months of rigorous planning, testing and preparation have all been worthwhile. At 13:24 on Monday 15th August, we took our Octavia vRS past the 200 mph barrier. “The entire team has done an outstanding job. Our special thanks go to Richard on an incredible drive. This marks another exciting milestone in the brand’s motorsport achievements and is a great way to celebrate 10 years of the vRS range and commemorate 110 years of Škoda’s participation in motorsport.” Related posts: Škoda entry in 2012 BTCC 200 mph Škoda Octavia vRS

Smart has announced the third generation fortwo electric drive, and it’s considerably improved compared to its predecessor. As part of a complete overhaul of the drivetrain, a brand new electric motor has been fitted. Produced by EM-motive, the recently formed Daimler - Bosch joint venture , it has peak and constant outputs of 73 bhp (55 kW / 74 PS) and 46 bhp (35 kW / 47 PS) respectively and maximum torque of 130 Nm (95 lb/ft). By contrast, the second generation car could only muster 40 bhp (30 kW / 41 PS) and 26 bhp (20 kW / 27 PS). To make the most of that enhanced motor, the old Tesla lithium-ion battery pack has been ditched in favour of one from Deutsche Accumotive. Rated at 17.6 kWh, it can be fully charged from flat in under an hour with the optional quick-charging function (as long as a quick-charge station can be found, of course). Although predicted range between recharges is around 86 miles (140 km), feedback from existing electric fortwo users told Smart that that p...

When the new generation Picanto was unveiled at the beginning of the year, Kia said that a three-door would also be joining the range for the first time. Well now it’s here, and UK sales are due to start on the 1st of September. Kia is launching the extra body style because it estimates that globally around one-third of city car buyers want a three-door. That’s a big chunk of a big market, which previous versions of the Picanto were excluded from. Efforts have been made to give the new arrival a distinct look compared to the existing five-door model, and overall the effect seems to work well. Up front, the grille opening - which comes with either a silver or red surround - is larger, and the front apron has been redesigned to give it a lower, wider appearance. At the back there are twin chrome exhausts and a black central section for the rear bumper, with both devices intended to add to the sporty image. Not that the Picanto has any pretensions of being a performance car. Th...

Toyota has announced that the production Prius Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle will debut at September’s Frankfurt Motor Show. Just a few technical details have been released so far, although it’s promised that a new, more compact lithium-ion battery pack will offer a greater electric-only range. Not that that should be too hard to achieve, as the current Prius can only run in pure EV mode for 1.2 miles (1.9 km) at speeds up to 31 mph (50 km/h). While Toyota hasn’t disclosed the projected battery range for the Plug-In version, fuel economy of 128.4 mpg (2.2 l/100km) and CO2 emissions of 49 g/km would suggest that the improvement is going to be very significant. By comparison, the standard Prius, which will continue to be sold alongside the new arrival, achieves 72.4 mpg (3.9 l/100km) on the combined cycle and 89 g/km. However, one thing that’s not clear is how the Prius actually plugs in. The prototypes that were shown off last year had prominent front wing-mounted sockets but,...

Land Rover is planning on displaying an all-new Defender concept at the forthcoming Frankfurt International Motor Show, but it’ll also be taking the opportunity to reveal important updates to the current production version. The most significant of these is a change in engine. Out goes today’s 2.4 litre diesel, which is to be replaced by a 2.2 litre unit equipped with a diesel particulate filter to meet EU5 emissions standards. It will use the existing six-speed manual gearbox. Despite the slightly smaller capacity, the new engine’s power output of 120 bhp (90 kW / 122 PS) and maximum torque of 360 Nm (265 lb/ft) are unchanged. Likewise, economy and CO2 emissions remain the same, which means 28.3 mpg (10.0 l/100km) on the combined cycle and 266 g/km for Defender 90 models. For the longer wheelbase 110 and 130 types, the figures are 25.5 mpg (11.1 l/100km) and 295 g/km. Performance meanwhile is said to be largely similar, although top speed has been increased from 82 mph (131 km...

Hypermiling is the art of applying various driving techniques to maximise fuel efficiency. The ultimate goal for true hypermilers is to beat the official manufacturer’s consumption figures for their vehicle, something that they pursue with a fanatical zeal. The place that hypermilers try to avoid visiting. While most drivers won’t necessarily be that obsessive about their mileage, there can be few that aren’t concerned about the ever increasing prices at the pumps. So these hypermiling tips can apply to everyone, but with one important caveat: a few of the practices may be downright stupid, dangerous or both. 1. Choose the right vehicle An obvious place to start, although hypermiling skills can be applied to anything with an engine. That said, a single person who’s desperate to reduce their fuel costs would be unwise to buy something like a Chrysler Grand Voyager. It’s all about choosing the right vehicle for the task, and then specifying the best engine and gearbox comb...

Suzuki has previewed the new Swift Sport, ahead of a debut at next month’s Frankfurt International Motor Show. Like its popular predecessor, it uses a 1.6 litre engine although - according to Suzuki’s provisional data - output is up slightly to 134 bhp (100 kW / 135 PS) with 160 Nm (118 lb/ft) of torque. In terms of power, that’s enough to put the Swift on a par with rivals such as the Alfa Romeo Mito 1.4 MultiAir Distinctive and Ford Fiesta S1600, while it surpasses models such as the Mini Cooper and Peugeot 207 1.6 VTi Allure. Any direct comparisons against the competition will have to wait though, as no performance, economy or emissions figures have been released. All that Suzuki is saying for now is an improvement in fuel consumption is promised, thanks partly to a new six-speed gearbox. There are very few details about equipment levels either, apart from confirmation that the Swift Sport will come with an electronic stability program, seven airbags and a unique rear suspe...

Ford has confirmed that the Harley-Davidson F-150 pick-up will remain in its range for 2012. Changes for the new model year are restricted to the fitment of 22” aluminium wheels with painted accents, a White Platinum Tri-Coat colour option, revised body graphics and snakeskin leather for the interior. Standard specification includes a 4.2” LCD ‘Productivity Screen’ (full marks to the marketing guys for coming up with that term) that sits between the speedometer and tachometer. Controlled via a five-way steering wheel-mounted button, it displays items like fuel consumption, off-road performance and towing information. Also on the equipment list is a voice-activated satellite navigation system, remote starting, second row heated seats, a powered moonroof and SiriusXM Satellite Radio. Being an F-150, features such as a live, leaf-sprung rear axle mean that technically things aren’t particularly advanced. Similarly, the engine is an iron-block, two valves per cylinder 6.2 litre p...

Adding ‘Black’ to a car’s name when creating a special version isn’t at all original. For example, there has already been the Mazda MX-5 Sport Black, Fiat 500 Blackjack and Matt Black, Citroën DS3 Black Special Edition, Toyota Aygo Black, Audi TT Black Edition, BMW M3 Frozen Black Edition , Porsche Boxster S Black Edition and various Mercedes-Benz AMG Black Series models. Most of them predictably live up to their titles too, with black paintwork, interiors and trim. And that’s exactly the route taken by Ford Australia subsidiary FPV to make the new GT Black limited edition. Just about everything that can be made black has been, including the exhaust end pipes, decals, grilles, fog light bezels and 19” alloy wheels. The cabin meanwhile gets black leather upholstery, plus a black finish around the Interior Command Centre unit, door trims and tissue box (a tissue box… really?). Although the whole ‘Black’ thing might be rather hackneyed, there’s no doubt that the treatment suits t...

Ford has decided to celebrate its first 100 years in Britain with a limited edition based on the 1.25 litre Fiesta Zetec. On the face of it, not the most exciting thing the firm could have done, but in fact it’s rather fitting. After all, Ford’s forte has always been affordable, decent family cars, so why not use the most popular one from the current range to help mark the anniversary? Only 1,000 examples of the Fiesta Centura will be built and, like its Model T ancestor, buyers can have it in any colour as long as it’s black. Although, in this case, that means Panther Black metallic. Extra specification includes 16” seven-spoke alloy wheels, LED daytime running lights, chrome door mirror caps, reverse parking sensors, a reversing camera and automatic headlights and windscreen wipers. Exclusivity isn’t particularly cheap, though. The three-door Fiesta Centura is priced at £13,395, while the five-door costs £13,995. In both cases, that’s £1,200 more than the equivalent Zetec ve...

Seat has rejigged the warmer end of its Leon range with the introduction of an FR+ variant. Available with either a 208 bhp (155 kW / 211 PS) 2.0 TSI petrol or a 167 bhp (125 kW / 170 PS) 2.0 TDI CR diesel engine, the new trim grade certainly includes plenty of kit. Among the items of standard equipment are satellite navigation, DAB radio, Bluetooth connectivity and bi-xenon headlights. UK on the road prices for the Leon FR+ have been set at: · TSI - £21,600 · TSI DSG auto - £22,760 · TDI CR - £21,440 · TDI CR DSG auto - £22,615 One consequence of the FR+ introduction is that the FR version now only comes with a choice of two lower-powered engines. Buyers can go for the 123 bhp (92 kW / 125 PS) 1.4 TSI petrol unit, or alternatively for diesel fans there’s the 138 bhp (103 kW / 140 PS) 2.0 TDI CR. Less performance should bring benefits in lower running costs though, particularly through reduced insurance premiums. The FR models are cheaper too, but they don’t enjoy the sa...

Tuner Brabus has announced its programme for the new R172 generation Mercedes-Benz SLK. Changes under the bonnet focus on adding auxiliary control units to the two four-cylinder turbocharged engines. Using plug-and-play Eco PowerXtra CGI modules, which can be installed in under an hour, power from the SLK 200 is lifted to 207 bhp (154 kW / 210 PS), while the SLK 250 boasts an enhanced 222 bhp (169 kW / 226 PS). The SLK 250 can additionally benefit from the fitment of a sport wastegate valve and larger intercooler. Combined, these raise outputs to 232 bhp (176 kW / 236 PS) and 370 Nm (272 lb/ft) of torque when in overboost mode, and allow for a 0-62 mph (100 km/h) time of 6.2 seconds and a top speed of 154 mph (248 km/h). To put those figures into perspective, the standard car achieves an acceleration time of 6.6 seconds and goes onto a maximum of 151 mph (243 km/h). To help the roadster cope with the extra performance, Brabus has also paid attention to the chassis. Sports sprin...

Lotus is withdrawing the Elise and Exige from the United States and Canada. The reason being given is a lack of availability of the Toyota 2ZZ 1.8 litre engine that powers the North American-spec cars, although it had been rumoured a few months ago that an absence of active airbags would’ve been enough to stop sales anyway. To mark the occasion, Lotus has launched three Final Edition models which will be available in very limited quantities. Elise SC Final Edition Only fifteen examples of the Elise SC Final Edition will be produced. It’ll be available in Carbon Grey, Ardent Red, Chrome Orange or Aspen White paintwork with a unique matte black finish for the rear transom panel, hardtop, door mirror housings and roll hoop covers. Specification includes creature comforts such as air conditioning, audio system, a cup holder and remote central locking. Also featured as standard is the Touring Pack, which comprises extra leather trim, a limited slip differential, traction control, c...

Cadillac has released a sketch of its upcoming compact executive car, which currently carries the ATS codename. Due for a production start in summer 2012 with market launches soon after, Cadillac clearly has high expectations of the new model. Mark Reuss, General Motors North America President, said: “The car we codenamed ATS is being developed to be a driver's car on an all-new Cadillac-specific RWD-AWD architecture. We have extensively and exhaustively studied the competitive segment, and we have benchmarked the best. And when this car comes out, that will be readily apparent.” So the ATS is going to have established rivals such as the BMW 3 Series, Mercedes-Benz C-Class and Lexus IS firmly in its sights. Cadillac hasn’t yet said whether the new arrival is to be sold in Europe but, if the ATS does come here, it’ll certainly need to make more of an impact than its predecessor, the exceptionally unpopular Saab 9-3-based BLS. Related post: Cadillac back in Europe

Buyers of the Maserati GranTurismo S Automatic in the UK can now order their cars with an optional Sport Pack. Included in the pack are body-coloured side skirts and front winglets, a boot lid spoiler, Grigio Mercury Neptune alloy wheels, oval exhaust pipes, ‘black look’ headlights and a black finish for the front and side grilles. Technical changes comprise MC Auto Shift software that delivers quicker changes from the ZF automatic transmission, plus a modified exhaust that keeps the bypass valves open in Sport mode for a better sound. There’s no change in outputs or performance though, with the 433 bhp (323 kW / 440 PS) 4.7 litre engine still delivering a 0-62 mph (100 km/h) time of 5.0 seconds and a top speed of 183 mph (295 km/h). The cost of the Sport Pack is a very reasonable £3,840, and specifying it takes the price of a GranTurismo S Automatic up to £92,480. Related post: GranTurismo MC Stradale