Autoesque

As part of its display at the upcoming Speciality Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show, Chevrolet will be exhibiting the Malibu Turbo Performance Concept. Although the 259 bhp (193 kW / 262 PS) 2.0 litre engine remains stock, this one-off Malibu features a prototype intake system that’s designed to draw in cooler - and therefore denser - air. Finished in Berlin Blue Tricoat paintwork, the exterior is distinguished by unique 20” alloy wheels and a full body kit with contrasting Heroic Blue accents. Other touches include clear taillight lenses, red-painted front fog light and exhaust bezels, black chrome trim and black mesh grille inserts. For the interior, Chevrolet’s designers have chosen Recaro sports seats and a flat-bottom steering wheel, both of which are covered in a combination of Jet Black leather and Navy Blue suede. As with most vehicles on display at SEMA the Malibu Turbo Performance Concept is just a show car. However, Chevrolet is saying that elements from...

Holden has unveiled the Colorado 7, its version of the Chevrolet Trailblazer . Although the seven-seat Colorado 7 SUV is based on the pick-up model that was first announced last February, Holden is keen to point out certain key differences. Among these is the suspension set-up, which features coil springs all-round and a five-link live rear axle for improved ride comfort. Only one engine is going to be offered, a four-cylinder, 2.8 litre turbo diesel that develops 177 bhp (132 kW / 179 PS) and 470 Nm (346 lb/ft) of peak torque. It comes connected to a part-time all-wheel drive system via a six-speed automatic transmission that has both low- and high-range gears. Buyers will get a choice of two trim grades, but even on the entry-level LT equipment is fairly generous. Its standard specification includes hill descent control, a reversing camera, 16” alloy wheels, cruise control, electronic stability control, a six-speaker audio system with aux-in and USB connectivity, Bluetoot...

Lexus has unveiled the LF-LC Blue concept at the Australian International Motor Show in Sydney. Essentially a repainted version of the car that was first seen at last December’s North American International Auto Show, it sports an Opal Blue finish instead of the red colour that was used for Detroit. The LF-LC is powered by a petrol-electric hybrid system that’s reckoned to produce 500 bhp (372 kW / 506 PS), although there’s no word on likely performance or efficiency. However, it is looking increasingly likely that the LF-LC could morph into a production model. The official line is that ‘the concept hints at what is to come from Lexus, which is now actively studying how it can engineer and build a vehicle like this in the future’. Related posts: Lexus LF-CC concept Lexus LF-LC concept LFA Nürburgring Package

The new Jeep Grand Cherokee S-Limited has been created to evoke the sporty look of the SRT model, but without the high running costs brought on by its 6.4 litre V8 Hemi petrol engine. Power for the S-Limited is provided by a much more prosaic 3.0 litre V6 diesel that develops 237 bhp (177 kW / 240 PS). With a 0-62 mph (100 km/h) time of 8.2 seconds and a top speed of 126 mph (202 km/h) the S-Limited isn’t exactly slow. However, the performance doesn’t quite live up to the potential suggested by its gloss black 20” alloy wheels, restyled bumpers and black-finish grille with chrome mesh inserts. On the inside, the ventilated and heated seats are borrowed from the SRT and they come upholstered in leather and suede. The standard specification also includes chrome pedals, carbon fibre trim, a heated leather-covered steering wheel and an 825 watt Harman-Kardon audio system that boasts nineteen speakers and three sub-woofers. Sales of the Grand Cherokee S-Limited begin later this ...

Porsche has announced a special version of its Panamera which, just like limited editions from most other manufacturers, relies on a few cosmetic changes and some extra equipment from the options list to differentiate it. Called the Platinum Edition, it comes in a choice of five paint colours, all of which are complemented by a platinum silver metallic finish for various body trim parts including the rear diffuser, the lower portion of the door mirrors and the side grilles. Completing the exterior look are 19” wheels borrowed from the Panamera Turbo. Bi-xenon headlights and front parking sensors are fitted as standard, while on the inside the Porsche Communication Management navigation system, a sports steering wheel, Power Steering Plus and front seat heating all feature. The cabin is trimmed in black and beige bi-colour part-leather upholstery and the Porsche logo is embossed onto the headrests. As a finishing touch, unique front door trim strips bear a ‘Platinum Edition’ sc...

The headline price for the Dacia Sandero is £5,995, an amount that will make it the UK’s cheapest new car when sales begin in January 2013. It buys the entry-level Access model which, in some respects, is the best version available. That’s because it doesn’t attempt to be anything other than what the Sandero is: basic, affordable transport. Okay, there’s no audio system, the windows are all hand-cranked, the bumpers are black plastic and it only comes with white paint, but the Access isn’t totally devoid of equipment. Fitted as standard are four airbags, a 60/40 split folding rear seat, tinted glass, power-assisted steering, anti-lock brakes, emergency brake assist and electronic stability control with traction control. The Sandero’s engines have all been donated by parent company Renault, and the Access is powered by a 1.2 litre petrol unit that delivers 73 bhp (55 kW / 75 PS) and 107 Nm (78 lb/ft) of torque. With a 0-62 mph (100 km/h) time of 14.5 seconds and a top speed of...

Volkswagen’s fuel-saving BlueMotion models have been a feature of the marque’s car line-up for a while, but only now is the Transporter van range joining the programme. Three different versions are going to be offered, all of which will be available in panel van, people carrier or kombi guises. The first is simply called the Transporter BlueMotion. With UK prices starting from £18,770 (excluding VAT), it’s powered by a 2.0 litre turbo diesel engine that develops 112 bhp (83 kW / 114 PS). Combined cycle fuel economy is an impressive 44.8 mpg (6.3 l/100km), while carbon dioxide emissions are 166 g/km. Slightly less efficient are the two Transporter BlueMotion Technology variants. Nevertheless, these come with an array of eco devices including a stop-start system, low rolling resistance tyres, brake energy recuperation and cruise control, and again there’s a 2.0 litre turbo diesel under the bonnet. Buyers will have a choice of either 82 bhp (61 kW / 84 PS) or 112 bhp outputs, w...

Following some recent teaser shots, Vauxhall / Opel has now fully revealed its Cascada convertible. It would be wrong to consider the attractive new arrival as a drop-top version of the Astra GTC coupé, because it’s a much larger car. Indeed, at 4,697 mm (15’ 4”) from bumper to bumper, the Cascada is actually longer than D-segment models such as the BMW 3 Series Convertible, the Audi A5 Cabriolet, the Lexus IS 250c and the Volvo C70 Coupé Cabriolet. Unsurprisingly given its size, the Cascada is being touted as a full four-seater. Eschewing the complexity and weight issues of a folding metal roof, GM’s engineers instead went for a fully insulated, electrically-operated fabric hood that can be opened at speeds of up to 30 mph (50 km/h). For extra pose value, it can also be activated remotely via the key fob. When sales begin in March next year, buyers will have a choice of four engines, all of which are turbocharged. That initial line-up comprises a 1.4 litre petrol with either ...

If the new Toyota ProAce medium van looks familiar, that’s because it’s basically a rebadged version of the Peugeot Expert / Citroën Jumpy twins. Due to go on sale during spring 2013, the ProAce is the first product of the recently-announced deal that will see PSA Peugeot Citroën building light commercial vehicles on behalf of Toyota for European markets. Available in lengths of  4,805 mm (15’ 9”) or 5,135 mm (16’ 10”) and heights of 1,942 mm (6’ 4”) or 2,276 mm (7’ 5”), its offers a load capacity of up to 7 m3 and a maximum payload of 1,200 kg (2,645 lbs). Buyers will have a choice of panel van, glazed van or crew cab body styles. Two side sliding doors can be specified, while at the rear the ProAce can be equipped with either side-hinged rear doors or a top-hinged tailgate. Power comes from a range of three Euro 5 compliant diesel engines. The 1.6 litre version produces 89 bhp (66 kW / 90 PS), but for those wanting more power a 2.0 litre motor comes with either 126 bhp...

The Corsa ecoFLEX has been made even more efficient for 2013, with the headline figures for the Start/Stop three-door version being carbon dioxide emissions of just 88 g/km and 85.6 mpg (3.3 l/100km) on the combined cycle. They represent improvements of 6 g/km and 2.4 mpg (0.1 l/100km) respectively compared to the current version, made possible by a number of changes to the 93 bhp (70 kW / 95 PS), 1.3 litre CDTI turbo diesel engine. Among these are a revised map for the control module, the fitment of a variable displacement oil pump that delivers lubricant around the engine only as required and the use of a low-viscosity transmission oil. Performance continues to be more than adequate, and the ecoFLEX variants can get from zero to 62 mph (100 km/h) in 12.3 seconds, before going on to a top speed of 109 mph (175 km/h). Other upgrades that Vauxhall / Opel is introducing across the Corsa range from November include new smoother, more precise manual transmissions, while tweaks t...

Kawasaki has revealed that the UK price for its new 2013 Ninja 300 will be £4,799, or £5,199 with anti-lock brakes. With a fairly unusual engine capacity of 296 cc and a power output of 38 bhp (29 kW / 39 PS), the Ninja 300 doesn’t really have any direct rivals and so a value comparison isn’t particularly easy. Indeed, it’s clear that Kawasaki’s product and pricing strategies have created a gap to quarter-litre sports bikes. The Honda CBR250R, for example, might cost £3,950 (or £4,100 with ABS), but it only has a relatively modest 26 bhp (19 kW / 26 PS). Then there’s the Hyosung GT250R, which retails for £3,799 and boasts 28 bhp (21 kW / 29 PS) from its double overhead cam V-twin. In Germany, the Ninja 300 is only available with ABS at a price of €5,595. Buyers in the United States will have to pay $4,799, or $5,499 for the ABS-equipped version. Related posts: 2013 Kawasaki Ninja 300 2013 Ninja 250R revealed

Ariel has revealed the latest incarnation of its minimalist Atom. As the suffix implies, the 3.5 version is a development of the Atom 3 and it features both technical and cosmetic updates. A revised chassis incorporates tweaks previously seen on the Mugen Limited Edition and V8-powered models, which means improved torsional rigidity and stiffness. To help make the most of those changes, the dampers have been recalibrated and there are different engine mounts. Visually, the Atom 3.5 is identifiable by its new twin projector headlights and the used of LEDs for the indicators and rear lights. There is also a slightly restyled bonnet section, plus a new LCD instrument display that can be augmented by a data logger for track use. Power continues to come from a 2.0 litre Honda iVTEC that develops 245 bhp (182 kW / 248 PS) in normally-aspirated form, or 315 bhp (234 kW / 319 PS) when equipped with the optional supercharger. Related post: 700 bhp Ariel Atom

Compared to the existing Porsche Cayenne Turbo, the new Turbo S model gains an extra 49 bhp (37 kW / 50 PS) and 50 Nm (36 lb/ft) of torque. That means its twin-turbo 4.8 litre V8 engine produces 542 bhp (405 kW / 550 PS) and 750 Nm (553 lb/ft), figures that are enough for a zero to 62 mph (100 km/h) acceleration time of 4.5 seconds and a top speed of 175 mph (283 km/h). Of more real-world relevance is the 50 - 75 mph (80 - 120 km/h) increment, which the Turbo S completes in 2.9 seconds, just 0.2 seconds quicker than the ‘ordinary’ Turbo. But at least efficiency doesn’t suffer. The Turbo S manages an average 24.6 mpg (11.5 l/100km) and carbon dioxide emissions of 270 g/km, values that are no different to those of the less powerful turbocharged Cayenne. Not that the Turbo S is all about extra performance though, as for Porsche the focus was clearly on enhanced driving dynamics. To that end, it comes as standard with Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control to reduce body roll angle throu...

The Suzuki GSX1250FA has a recommended retail price of £7,865, which makes it a lot of motorcycle for the money. Sure, there are some more sophisticated bikes around, but the GSX’s specification includes anti-lock brakes, an adjustable seat and a gear position indicator as standard. Not bad at all, but for a limited period Suzuki is making it even more attractive by throwing in gratis a top box, panniers, some fairing decals (not shown in the image) and a Garmin Zumo 350LM satellite navigation system complete with full European mapping. Altogether, the free additional equipment is reckoned to be worth over £1,200. Anyone wanting to avail of the offer had better be fairly quick though, as it applies only to bikes bought and registered before the 31st of December 2012. Related posts: Suzuki Intruder C1500T GSX-R hits 1,000,000 V-Strom 1000 Concept

Last month Yamaha announced a series of cosmetic updates for its naked XJ6, semi-faired XJ6 Diversion and fully-faired XJ6 Diversion F. Now the firm has revealed that all three bikes will also be offered in a limited availability ‘Race Blu’ colour scheme. Inspired by the livery of the works MotoGP team, the finish consists of Matt Grey bodywork with Yamaha Blue highlights and wheels. If the XJ6 models don’t appeal, the YZF-R125, YZF-R6, FZ8, Fazer8 and YZF-R1 are all getting the Race Blu treatment too. Related posts: 2013 XJ6 and Diversion Yamaha reveals 50th livery Yamaha YZR-M1 livery