Autoesque

Ford has unveiled the 2012 Ford Focus ST at the Frankfurt Motor Show. Underlying the ‘world car’ role of the current Focus, the range’s performance variant was developed jointly by Ford Team RS in Europe and the Special Vehicles Team (SVT) in the United States, who also sought input from colleagues in the Africa and Asia Pacific regions. The new Focus ST ditches the previous version’s five-cylinder, 2.5 litre engine in favour of a four-cylinder, 2.0 litre EcoBoost unit 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 peak torque of 360 Nm (265 lb/ft), which is a lot for a front-wheel drive car. To put it into context, those outputs are substantially higher than the first generation Focus RS could manage, but they’re what the new ST needs if it’s to compete with rivals such as the Renault Mégane Renaultsport 250, Seat Leon Cupra R and Mazda 3 MPS. Although no performance figures have...

BMW subsidiary Husqvarna has unveiled the Concept E-go, an electric motorcycle aimed at young, urban riders. Its claimed weight is just 80 kg, thanks to features such as an aluminium swing arm and the novel single-sided front fork leg. The frame is made from steel, while the single seat is self-supporting in keeping with the minimalist look. There’s no word on whether the E-go will make it into production, and Husqvarna hasn’t divulged likely battery range, recharge times or performance potential. If it did get built, clearly some details such as the pedestrian-spearing front mudguard would have to change. Nevertheless, it could still make for an interesting scooter alternative. Related posts: New Husqvarna Nuda 900R 2012 Husqvarna Enduro

Like Audi, Mercedes-Benz has chosen the Frankfurt Motor Show to reveal its challenger for the 2012 DTM season. Unveiled by Mercedes GP drivers Michael Schumacher and Nico Rosberg, the new DTM AMG Mercedes C-Coupé will replace this year’s AMG Mercedes C-Class. Few technical details have been released, but the DTM AMG Mercedes C-Coupé will be built to the revised 2012 DTM regulations. That means many of its components, including the carbon fibre monocoque chassis and built-in steel safety cage, will be shared with the rival Audi A5 DTM and BMW M3 DTM race cars in an effort to cut costs. Norbert Haug, Vice-President Mercedes-Benz Motorsport, said: “This new-generation vehicle, based on our Mercedes-Benz C- Coupé, signals the introduction of an even more spectacular racing car from the start of 2012. I am certain that the spectators will get their money's worth from the three-way fight between Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz in the DTM next year.” Related posts: Audi unvei...

Audi has taken the wraps of its new A5 DTM at the Frankfurt Motor Show. The car, which has the internal project code ‘R17’, will compete in the 2012 Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters race series against entries from both Mercedes-Benz and BMW. Audi A5 DTM 2012. Scroll down for more images. The A5 DTM is being built to revised regulations that come into force from next season. As with many championships around the globe, these focus primarily on increased safety and reduced costs. Indeed, in an effort to slash expenditure, more than fifty components will be shared between the A5, C-Class and M3 rivals. These include the engine sub-frame, six-speed transmission and even the chassis, which is constructed as a carbon fibre monocoque with a built-in steel safety cage. Another important change for 2012 is more restricted aerodynamics. A good example of this is the rear wing, which will be much less complex than before despite being larger. Again, this measure has been implemented mai...

Ducati has released the first images of its new Streetfighter 848, which is due to go on sale this November. Detailed specifications have yet to be revealed, but Ducati is saying that the power delivery from the 848 Testastretta engine is going to be smooth and flexible, implying that it will make less than the 138 bhp (103 kW / 140 PS) of the 848 EVO Superbike . Further emphasising its user-friendly credentials, the Streetfighter 848 is to get Ducati Traction Control as standard. As expected, the styling is virtually identical to that of the existing 1,099 cc Streetfighter models, which is no bad thing. Buyers will be able to choose from red, yellow or matte black paint finishes. Related posts: Ducati Diavel AMG SE Ducati 848 EVO unveiled

Chevrolet has revealed the final specifications for the 2012 Camaro ZL1. The headline figures for its 6.2 litre supercharged V8 engine are 580 bhp (432 kW / 588 PS) and 754 Nm (556 lb/ft) of torque, both of which are substantially higher than was originally expected . As Chevrolet is understandably keen to point out, that’s more power than a Ferrari 458 Italia can muster - but it could have also mentioned that other exotica such as the Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4, Aston Martin Virage and Audi R8 V10 are similarly eclipsed by the Camaro in this respect. The ZL1’s huge outputs have been partly achieved due to improved airflow through both the supercharger housing and the air filter, a high efficiency intercooler, a performance fuel delivery system and the fitment of electric power steering that robs less power from the engine. Drive to the rear wheels is via a Tremec TR-6060 ‘MG9’ manual gearbox, which comes equipped with a dual-mass flywheel and twin-disc clutch to help cope w...

In October last year, BMW launched the R 1200 GS Triple Black special edition. The concept was obviously successful, because the more hardcore R 1200 GS Adventure has now received the same treatment. As before, that basically means a revised colour scheme that lives up to the bike’s name. Along with exclusive Sapphire Black paintwork, granite grey or asphalt grey finishes have been applied the engine block, cylinder head covers, rear frame, swingarm and front fork tubes to create an all-round dark look. The UK on the road price of the BMW R 1200 GS Adventure Triple Black is £11,730, which represents a modest premium of £130 over the standard Adventure. Available now, it can be specified with the usual array of factory options and equipment packages. Related posts: R 1200 GS Triple Black BMW ‘30 Years GS’

Yamaha India has upgraded its YZF-R15 sports bike. Known as ‘version 2.0’, the revised model has received both technical and cosmetic improvements. Quicker acceleration from the 149.8 cc single-cylinder engine is promised thanks to an altered engine control unit, while handling should be enhanced by the fitment of a rigid aluminium swing arm and a wider 130 mm radial rear tyre. Complementing the thicker rubber is a larger 220 mm diameter rear brake disc for extra stopping power. Visually things have been sharpened up with a restyled, more aerodynamic fairing and tail unit. Other changes include a new seat design, LED taillights, five-spoke cast wheels and a different exhaust system that features a carbon-look pattern on the silencer. Available exclusively in India, the Yamaha YZF-R15 costs Rs. 1.07 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi), which is around £1,450 or €1,670 at current exchange rates. The colour choice comprises Sunset Red, Midnight Black or Racing Blue. Yamaha YZF-R15 ver...

Ford has confirmed its plans to introduce two super-efficient models to Europe in mid-2012. The Focus ECOnetic Technology promises to deliver 83.1 mpg (3.4 l/100km) from its diesel engine while producing just 89 g/km of carbon dioxide. In fact, Ford claims it will be the most economical non-hybrid small family car available, and on paper the Focus certainly looks set to beat rivals such as the 76.3 mpg (3.7 l/100km) Vauxhall Astra ecoFLEX . But, more significantly, it matches the Toyota Prius on CO2 emissions and trounces the 96 g/km 2012 Honda Insight . On that basis at least, it just got more difficult to justify buying either of those hybrids, setting aside the extra green kudos that owning one may bring. Factor in purchase cost and the dubious environmental effects of manufacturing battery packs and hybrid drivetrains, and the decision becomes even harder.   Joining the Focus will be the Fiesta ECOnetic Technology. Thanks to its smaller size, the Fiesta is expected ...

The current Hyundai i30 may have only been around since 2007, but this month’s Frankfurt Motor Show will see the public debut of its successor. Like the original version, the 2012 model has been styled and engineered in Europe. It incorporates Hyundai’s latest ‘fluidic sculpture’ design language, which has resulted in a more distinctive front end and a stronger profile. Arguably it’s also very reminiscent of the Mazda 3 from some angles, but at least the new i30 manages to be less anonymous than the previous one. No technical data or specifications have been released yet, but it seems that Hyundai is hoping its new addition will increase the brand’s appeal. Allan Rushforth, Senior Vice President and COO of Hyundai Motor Europe, said: “We expect the new-generation i30 to appeal to young, progressive buyers who want a car that not only performs well but looks great too. In this way, the new-generation i30 will contribute to future sales success, growing brand awareness and impro...

Škoda is to unveil the MissionL at the Frankfurt Motor Show. Although it’ll be presented as a concept, the compact five-door is in fact virtually production ready, and previews an all-new sixth model for the Czech manufacturer. No dimensions have been revealed, but given the description it’s probably going to slot in between the existing Fabia and Octavia. To help fulfil Škoda’s aspiration to sell 1.5 million vehicles per year by 2018, the new addition will be marketed in Europe, China and Russia. India, meanwhile, is to get its own four-door version. The styling of the MissionL develops the themes first seen on the Vision D concept at the Geneva Motor Show back in March, which means much sharper lines and a crisper, more prominent grille. It’s certainly an attractive look, but one of the Vision D’s defining features - a long wheelbase and short overhangs - hasn’t completely survived. Related post: Škoda Vision D at Geneva

Ducati has taken the wraps off its Diavel AMG Special Edition, the first bike to be produced as a result of the partnership between the Italian motorcycle manufacturer and German performance car specialist. Based on the Diavel Carbon, bespoke features on the AMG SE include black five-spoke wheels, a sport exhaust system and carbon fibre radiator grilles with aluminium trim. The frame is finished in white to contrast with the matte black carbon fibre bodywork, and there’s AMG branding on the air-duct panels and unique seat unit. Each bike gets a numbered fuel tank plaque, while the name of the technician who manually set the Desmodromic cam-timing is engraved on the engine casing. The Ducati Diavel AMG SE will be debuted at the Frankfurt Motor Show later this month. Pricing has yet to be announced. Related posts: 2012 SLK 55 AMG Multistrada Pikes Peak

Since the arrival of the über-trendy Fiat 500 in 2007, the closely-related Panda has been somewhat overshadowed. Yet understandably many people still prefer the Panda, due mainly to its affordability, five-door practicality and unassuming nature. Perhaps that view will become even more widespread with the arrival of the all-new Panda, which debuts at this month’s Frankfurt Motor Show. Although still unmistakeably a Panda, it’s a little larger than its predecessor: length is up from 354 to 365 cm (11’11”), width increases from 158 to 164 cm (5’4”), and height rises slightly from 154 to 155 cm (5’1”). The benefit is extra cabin space, and it’s claimed that the new baby Fiat is a full five-seat car. The interior also promises more flexibility. As well as being split, the rear bench now also slides, while the front passenger seat folds forward to form a table. The dashboard design incorporates a large storage pocket, a feature that harks back to the original 1980 Panda. Leading ...

For a hybrid, the current Honda Insight isn’t especially green. With its emissions of 101 - 105 g/km, depending on the version, there are plenty of small diesels that produce less carbon dioxide. However, that anomaly has been addressed for the 2012 Insight, as it will have a CO2 figure of 96 g/km. The improvement has come about through reduced engine friction, better aerodynamics, tweaks to the air conditioning system and a modified CVT gearbox. Arguably the Honda still isn’t as ecologically sound as the 89 g/km Toyota Prius, but getting below 100 g/km is crucial for the UK market. That’s because it means the 2012 Insight will qualify for zero vehicle excise duty, as well as a full discount off the London Congestion Charge . Other technical changes focus on the suspension, which has been recalibrated for improved stability and ride quality. Cosmetically, there’s a new front grille, while a slimmer boot spoiler and different tailgate trim have been designed to increase rear vi...