Autoesque

Toyota Motorsport has been busy developing a special rally version of the GT86 coupé. Called the CS-R3, it’ll be eligible to compete in Group R events such as the WRC-3 championship.

Buyers of premium cars in China place much status on having plenty of rear-seat room, which is why manufacturers will develop extended-wheelbase models especially for that market.

This year marks 60 years since Korean marque SsangYong began vehicle production. So, to celebrate that anniversary, a couple of special editions have been announced for the UK.

Following the launch of its all-new V-Class people carrier earlier this year, Mercedes-Benz has now unveiled the Vito mid-size van. Both vehicles share the same bodyshell, but the commercial version is understandably less luxurious and there are some significant specification differences.

34 models have qualified for inclusion on the 2015 European Car of the Year candidate list. As per the award’s rules, all are going to be available in five or more European markets by the end of this year and they’re each expected to achieve annual sales of at least 5,000 units.

Porsche has announced the arrival of the Cayenne S E-Hybrid, which replaces the previous S Hybrid model. It’s being described as the world’s first premium plug-in hybrid SUV, presumably to distinguish Porsche’s offering from the non-premium (but already available) Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV .

In a little over two years’ time, Ford will close its manufacturing operations in Australia. One of the casualties of that move is going to be the Victoria-built Falcon, which won’t be replaced.

For some people, dressing in the same garments that Formula 1 pit lane personnel wear is a great way to show support for a particular team. Others deem it the worst kind of fashion crime though, especially if the ‘full uniform’ look is being attempted.

To mark the imminent demise of the Eos coupé-cabriolet, Volkswagen has created a Final Edition trim grade for the 2015 model year.

China is an immensely important market for Buick, which explains why the brand has created the Envision specifically for that country.

Two things are immediately obvious about the all-new Smart fortwo. Firstly, awkward front-end styling means some of the previous model’s visual charm has been lost; secondly, it’s being joined by the four-seat forfour which also serves as the basis for the third-generation Renault Twingo.

As an upgrade for the Race anti-lock braking system already fitted as standard to their bikes, BMW HP4 owners will soon be able to have ABS Pro installed.

Like the 6 and 3 before it, the latest Mazda 2 epitomises the brand’s ‘Kodo - Soul of Motion’ design language. As a result, some of its supermini rivals suddenly seem rather dull by comparison.

Following the launch of the V12 Vantage S coupé last year, Aston Martin has unveiled a Roadster version.

Porsche’s British operation has collaborated with Porsche Exclusive to produce the 911 Turbo S Exclusive GB Edition. Commemorating 40 years since the original 911 Turbo was launched, it features numerous cosmetic changes.

Daimler subsidiary Fuso has released eight examples of its electric-powered Canter E-Cell to customers in Portugal. A mix of municipal, local delivery and postal operators will be running the trucks for a year to see how they cope in real-world conditions.

As expected, Mercedes-Benz has slotted its 5,980 cc, twin-turbo V12 engine into the new two-door S-Class. The result is the S 65 AMG Coupé which, like the saloon version, boasts 620 bhp (463 kW / 630 PS) and a peak torque figure of 1,000 Nm (737 lb/ft).

Novice riders and commuters are the main target markets for Honda’s new CB300F.

To mark the thirtieth birthday this year of its Ibiza supermini, Seat has created the aptly-named 30th Anniversary Limited Edition.

Sixty years ago the first official sales of the Transporter van began in the UK. To celebrate that anniversary, Volkswagen has introduced the Sportline 60 special edition.