Autoesque

Holden has released the first details of its all-new Colorado. Due to go on sale in mid-2012, it will be available with a single cab, longer space cab or four-door crew cab. The standard spec for all versions promises to be generous, as it includes electronic stability control, anti-lock brakes with electronic brake force distribution, front and side curtain airbags, air conditioning and Bluetooth connectivity. Buyers will have a choice of two engines, both four-cylinder turbo diesels. In 2.5 litre form, outputs are 147 bhp (110 kW / 150 PS) and 350 Nm (258 lb/ft) of torque, while for those wanting more grunt there’ll be a 2.8 litre that produces 177 bhp (132 kW / 179 PS) and a strong 440 Nm (324 lb/ft). Both will come with a five-speed manual gearbox, plus the larger capacity engine is also going to be offered with a six-speed automatic transmission. With that option selected, peak torque increases to 470 Nm (346 lb/ft). Payload capacity across the range is at least one ...

Peugeot has revealed the first details of its 208 GTi Concept, which will be unveiled at next month’s Geneva Motor Show. From a marketing perspective, both the name and the purpose are clearly meant to evoke the iconic 205 GTi of the 1980s. That car was renowned for three things: its ‘interesting’ on the limit handling, performance - especially in 1.9 litre form - and pretty yet purposeful styling. Undoubtedly the 208 GTi will have a decent chassis, helped by various electronic driver aids and a sporty suspension set-up that features a widened track. Similarly, performance won’t be lacking thanks to the 197 bhp (147 kW / 200 PS), 1.6 litre THP 200 engine borrowed from the RCZ. But one area in which the new arrival might struggle to compete against its ancestor is looks. Admittedly, the 208 is attractive enough from some angles (especially the rear) and the glasshouse works well. But those scalloped body sides make it look like a Kia Rio, while the area around the front grille ...

An important element of the Chrysler brand’s relaunch in the UK is the introduction of the Ypsilon supermini. It doesn’t look much like a traditional Chrysler model though, which is unsurprising seeing as it’s essentially a rebadged Lancia. And that means it has the individual - some would say quirky - styling so typical of recent Lancia products. But at least the design could never be described as bland and, on that basis, the Ypsilon could end up on the shortlists of those who want something more idiosyncratic than the usual Fiesta, Corsa, Polo etc. Of particular appeal to potential buyers who really want to stand out from the crowd will be the latest addition to the Ypsilon line-up, the Black&Red. As the name implies, it features striking black and red paintwork which seems to suit the shape of the Chrysler’s five-door body very nicely.  The same palette is carried through into the interior, with the seat fabric, door linings and dashboard all being finished in a ma...

Conversion specialist Prindiville Design usually focuses on the more exotic marques such as Lamborghini and Porsche. But for its latest project, it has turned to a vehicle that may have less performance but which, in its own way, is certainly no less desirable: the Land Rover Defender. Based on the 90 Hard Top, the Prindiville Limited Edition Defender comes with a bespoke interior that features Cobra seats, leather upholstery, alcantara carpets, a bespoke centre console storage unit and an aluminium build-number plaque. For some extra refinement, additional soundproofing is also fitted. The exterior gets a matt or metallic paint finish and 18” five-spoke alloy wheels, while other embellishments include LED lights front and rear, a sump guard, chrome side protection runners and parking sensors and cameras all round. Responsibility for the Limited Edition’s technical enhancements has been entrusted to Alive Tuning. As well as upgraded braking and suspension systems, the four-...

Renault has revealed the hot Renaultsport version of its refreshed Twingo. As with the regular models the biggest change is at the front, which gets a much-needed dose of character thanks to a successful restyling exercise. Aping the Clio Renaultsport, the Twingo edition also features a ‘blade’ device in the lower valance that’s supposed to evoke Renault’s Formula 1 heritage. But the rear hasn’t been forgotten, and it receives a diffuser, tailgate spoiler and wheel arch extensions. As before, power comes from a 131 bhp (98 kW / 133 PS), 1.6 litre normally-aspirated engine that develops 160 Nm (118 lb/ft) of torque. It’s around three percent more efficient than before though, with CO2 emissions of 150 g/km and average fuel consumption of 43.4 mpg (6.5 l/100km). But that’s still not particularly impressive, and even the rival Abarth 500 manages 52.3 mpg (5.4 l/100km). There’ll also be a Gordini version for most markets, complete with 17” black wheels, leather trim and tra...

Like the recently-launched M5 , the new BMW M6 Coupé and Convertible are powered by a 4.4 litre V8 engine, rather than the bespoke V10 of previous generation models. But, despite the loss of cylinders, there’s been no loss of power. Thanks to TwinPower turbochargers and direct injection, the 2012 M6 can boast 552 bhp (412 kW / 560 PS) and 680 Nm (502 lb/ft) of torque - outputs that, respectively, are around 10 and 30 percent higher compared to its predecessor. 2012 BMW M6. Scroll down for more images. The result is a 0-62 mph (100 km/h) time of 4.2 seconds for the Coupé, while the Convertible takes 4.3 seconds. Top speed for both is an electronically-limited 155 mph (250 km/h), although that increases to 189 mph (305 km/h) with the M Driver’s Package. Given such performance potential, the efficiency of the M6 is remarkably good. Combined cycle fuel consumption is 28.5 mpg (9.9 l/100km) for the Coupé, with the Convertible managing 27.4 mpg (10.3 l/100km). CO2 emissions are 23...

It’s a bit hard to see the point of the new Audi TT RS Plus. After all, the regular version is already quicker than the competition, so the extra 19 bhp (15 kW / 20 PS) that has been extracted from the 2.5 litre, five-cylinder turbocharged engine isn’t strictly essential. 2012 Audi TT RS Plus Coupé. Scroll down for more images. The effect on performance doesn’t seem to be that significant either, especially as Audi (like just about every other manufacturer) concentrates on the two parameters that have the least relevance to the real world. First of these is the 0-62 mph (100 km/h) acceleration time, which drops by 0.2 seconds; the second is top speed which, thanks to a recalibration of the electronic limiter, increases from 155 mph (250 km/h) to 173 mph (280 km/h). Unfortunately, there’s no word on what impact the additional horsepower has had on the all-important mid-range. At least it means that owners will still have bragging rights when it comes to comparing the TT to it...

The new 2013 Ford Shelby GT500 convertible can boast 650 bhp (484 kW / 659 PS) and 813 Nm (600 lb/ft) of torque, thanks to its upgraded 5.8 litre supercharged engine. According to Ford, that huge output exceeds any other production V8, making the GT500 one of the most powerful open-top cars available. Indeed, even exotica such as the Ferrari 458 Spider, Bentley Continental GTC and Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Roadster can’t claim as much horsepower and, with an ability to reach over 200 mph (321 km/h), the Shelby should certainly have the potential to embarrass them in a straight line. However, whether it would be the same situation around a circuit - even with the optional Performance Package fitted to the GT500, which includes electronically adjustable Bilstein dampers - is another question altogether. Related posts: Shelby Anniversary Editions Roush Stage 3 Mustang

The Chevrolet / Holden Cruze range is set to expand with the arrival of a station wagon version. Due to be unveiled at next month’s Geneva Motor Show, the new body style also previews some updates that’ll be applied to the existing saloon and hatchback models too. These include a restyled front fascia, revised headlights and some interior trim changes. On the technical side, the engine line-up is going to be bolstered by the addition of new 1.4 litre turbo petrol and 1.7 litre diesel motors, while the current 2.0 litre diesel is to get a makeover. All three will be fitted with a stop-start system as standard for enhanced economy and reduced emissions, although performance and efficiency figures have yet to be released. At 4,675 mm (15’ 4”), the Cruze station wagon is 78 mm (3”) longer than the Cruze saloon, but marginally shorter than the closely-related Vauxhall / Opel Astra Sports Tourer. Luggage capacity is 500 litres to the window line, and that triples to 1,500 litres i...

A highlight of Nissan’s stand at the forthcoming Geneva Motor Show is likely to be the Invitation concept. It previews a new B-segment model that’ll be launched next year to sit between the funky Juke and anodyne Micra in the marque’s European range. A replacement for the Note in other words, then. And, like the Note, the styling works well: different enough to be interesting, but not so avant-garde that it could risk alienating potential customers. In profile, the two most striking features of the Invitation are its glasshouse and sculptured panels. The latter carry what Nissan is calling the ‘Squash Line’, a device that flows neatly into the rear light clusters and rear screen, holding the design together. Although the engine line-up has yet to be confirmed, Nissan is hoping that the greenest version will achieve carbon dioxide emissions of less than 100 g/km. That’s an important target as far as UK buyers are concerned, because it’d mean zero road tax and a 100% discount ...

As expected, Seat has announced a five-door version of its Mii city car. An on-sale date has been set for early summer 2012, which will coincide with the launch of the greener Ecomotive models. Thanks mainly to the fitment of brake energy recovery and stop / start systems, the 59 bhp (44 kW / 60 PS) 1.0 litre, three-cylinder petrol engine manages an average fuel consumption of 68.8 mpg (4.1 l/100km) while emitting 96 g/km of CO2. Even with the slightly more energetic 73 bhp (55 kW / 75 PS) motor, the various Ecomotive devices mean that 67.2 mpg (4.2 l/100km) and 98 g/km are achieved. So, based on those figures, there doesn’t really seem to be much point in choosing the lower-powered variant. Related posts: Five-door Škoda Citigo Five-door Volkswagen Up! Mii joins Up! and Citigo

The new 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata Special Edition is to make its debut at the Chicago Auto Show, which opens to the public on the 10th of February. Based on the Grand Touring model, buyers in North America will be able to choose from either Crystal White Pearl Mica or Velocity Red Mica paintwork, both of which come with the Power Retractable Hard Top finished in Black Mica. The exterior look is finished off with 17” black gunmetal alloy wheels, while the interior gets heated black leather seats, piano black trim and alloy pedals. Available with manual or automatic six-speed transmissions, the specification includes the Premium Package that comprises Bluetooth, SiriusXM satellite radio, xenon headlights, keyless entry and an anti-theft alarm. Also fitted as standard is the Suspension Package, which features Bilstein dampers, sports suspension and - for manual gearbox cars - a limited-slip differential. Prices have yet to be confirmed, but the 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata Special Editi...

The most striking feature of the F2012, Ferrari’s challenger for this season’s FIA Formula 1 World Championship, is its stepped nose. Designed to conform to revised height rules that have come into force for 2012, even the Scuderia describes it as ‘not aesthetically pleasing.’ Quite a few cars on the grid will probably include something similar but, as with the narrow rear / wide front wings that were introduced a few years ago, the challenging aesthetics will undoubtedly become accepted with time. The rest of the car is evolved from 2011’s 150º Italia, albeit with some fairly major changes. These comprise repositioned exhaust pipes, redesigned side pods, more tapered rear bodywork and revised suspension front and rear. Powering the car is a 2,398 cc V8 engine that’s largely unaltered, simply because the regulations haven’t allowed for any significant modifications. However, Ferrari’s engineers have been seeking ways to ensure that performance levels from the engines are maint...

This year’s FIA World Touring Car Championship will see another manufacturer joining the series. Honda has confirmed that it’s developing a race car based on the brand new European-spec five-door Civic in collaboration with J.A.S. Motorsport and Mugen, which will be powered by a 1.6 litre turbo engine. For the 2012 season, the team is planning a limited race programme that’ll include the final three rounds in Japan, China and Macau. Then, in 2013, two cars will be entered into every event. The move to compete in the WTCC won’t affect Honda Team Dynamics’ participation in the British Touring Car Championship. Related posts: 2012 WTCC calendar 2012 BTCC calendar Honda teases new Civic

For the 2012 FLS Softail Slim, Harley-Davidson has taken a ‘less is more’ approach. With styling that’s minimal and clean, the new bike is meant to evoke a custom bobber from the 1950s. It features gloss black ‘Hollywood’ handlebars (which are characterised by their cross-brace), a low-set single seat, an absence of chrome and a thin leather strap that covers the central seam of the five-gallon Fat Bob fuel tank. According to Harley-Davidson Senior Designer Casey Ketterhagen, “It’s time to make the engine the focal point of the motorcycle, so we put a Softail on a diet to get the proportions back in check. Scale down the rear with a narrow tyre and chopped fender and the heart of the bike, the motor, once again becomes the focus. We left a gap between the nose of the seat and tank so the rider can see the top of the motor. I like to be able to look down and see what’s moving me.” And that engine is a rigid-mounted 1,688 cc Twin Cam 103B that produces 133 Nm (98.7 lb/ft) of tor...