More car games bon, less wood on offer in Maserati's luxury four-door flagship
discount new cars » Get the best price on a new Maserati
Maserati has unveiled a new sports equipment package for the flagship variant of the Quattroporte at the Australian International Motor Show in Sydney. The Quattroporte Sport GTS MC Sportline dispenses with the woodgrain veneer trim in favour of carbonfibre intended to recall the MC-12, Maserati's contender in the FIA GT Championship.
"The Quattroporte Sport GTS has already been labeled Maserati's iron fist in a velvet glove, thanks to its svelte body wrapping around a high performance drivetrain, a racetrack bred chassis and a soundtrack from the engine that turns heads even quicker than its innate style," Glen Sealey, Maserati's General Manager was quoted as saying in a press release accompanying the debut of the new option pack.
"Carbon Fibre is used extensively in the MC-12 and its use in the Quattroporte MC Sportline transforms the ambience of the Sport GTS."
Carbonfibre trim features extensively throughout the interior when the new MC Sportline pack is specified. The compound material is liberally applied to the dash, centre consoles, doors, door sills, gear shifter, switchgear templates, instrument binnacle and gear-shift paddles. Shift paddles are double the size of the standard GTS's paddles and, finished in carbonfibre as they are, provide a different tactile sensation during use. An exclusive logo appears in the door sill plates and on the aluminium brake pedal.
With the MC Sportline pack the Quattroporte Sport GTS is propelled by the same upgraded engine and sports-oriented automatic transmission fitted to the standard GTS, delivering a top speed of 285km/h and an acceleration time of 5.1 seconds to 100km/h from a standing start. Peak power of 323kW arrives at 7000rpm at full noise, thanks to the valve in the exhaust system to reduce back pressure. Displacing 4.7 litres, the V8 also develops 490Nm of torque.
The automatic transmission, dubbed MC-Auto Shift by Maserati, can operate in four modes, Manual, Manual Sport, Auto and Auto Sport. An electronic shift indicator keeps the driver advised of optimum moments to shift up manually. Auto Sport mode incorporates a launch control facility, which will reduce the acceleration time to 5.1 seconds from 5.3. Both Auto Sport and Manual Sport 'double declutch' on downshifts.
The MC Sportline variant retains all the standard Quattroporte Sport GTS features, including: sports (track-style) suspension with single-rate dampers/stiffer springs/lowered ride height; Brembo performance brake package with six-piston calipers; revised frontal styling comprising deeper grille/revised bumper/new fog lights; revised external mirrors for improved aerodynamics; two different designs of 20-inch alloy wheels
Local delivery of the Maserati Quattroporte Sport GTS MC Sportline will commence from November, with the manufacturer's list price set at $298,800.
Read the latest Carsales Network news and reviews on your mobile, iPhone or PDA at carsales' mobile site...
Thứ Hai, 2 tháng 4, 2012
AIMS: Honda unwraps CR-Z hybrid sporty
Honda's sporty CR-Z features several notable upgrades on the Insight... including rear disc brakes and a six-speed manual
discount new cars » Get the best price on a new Honda
Alongside its upcoming second gen Insight hybrid, due for release in December, Honda used the Sydney show to introduce local media and showgoers to its smart little CR-Z (pictured here with a Modulo body kit), the coupe with which it intends to prove that hybrids don't have to be dull.
Honda says the CR-Z interior and silhouette were conceived to pay homage to the CR-X, the affordable sporty from the 1980s. The front end, meanwhile, recalls the less affordable but much sportier S2000 of more recent years.
Beyond confirming the coupe's release here mid next year, Honda Australia CEO Satoshi Matsuzawa and his colleagues were coy on local pricing and exact specifications, although they are keen to stress affordability alongside its sporting credentials. PR Manager for the importer Mark Higgins subsequently informed the Carsales Network that the CR-Z remained on track for a starting price in the vicinity of $35,000 when it arrives in local showrooms around July of next year -- significantly ahead of the original date planned for the car's introduction here.
For the CR-Z's IMA hybrid package, the company has bumped up the four- cylinder i-VTEC engine's capacity from 1.3 to 1.5 litres. Married to a power-assist electric motor, it produces a total 91kW and a torque peak of 174Nm -- up from 73kW and 167Nm in the 1.3-litre Insight.
Both cars make peak torque available at remarkably low revs -- the CR-Z at just 1500 rpm, the Insight at 1000. They achieve that with a kick along from the electric motor at low and medium revs. In the case of the CR-Z, the aim was to allow the CR-Z to emulate the torque delivery pattern of turbocharged engines. Honda calibrated the exhaust to provide an appropriately sporting note.
Important to the CR-Z's selling proposition is its six-speed manual gearbox, which allows the driver to make optimum use of the powertrain's flexibility. For those who want the sports car without so much of the sports, it will also be available with CVT.
Alongside the rear disc brake upgrade from the Insight's drums (yes, you read it right -- drum brakes...) are several features announcing the CR-Z's intent. There's an extension to the Insight's dual-mode drive system (Normal, Econ) to include a Sport setting. It remaps the powertrain management system to reflect the priorities of each setting, shifting the response patterns of the throttle, steering, climate control and boost levels from the electric motor.
Like the Insight, it uses changes to the dash lighting hue to keep drivers informed of how economically -- or otherwise -- they're driving at any given moment.
The CR-Z also marks the debut of the fast-becoming-ubiquitous daytime whisker lights.
For our full coverage of the Australian International Motor Show in Sydney visit our minisite at carsales.com.au/aims
Read the latest Carsales Network news and reviews on your mobile, iPhone or PDA at carsales' mobile site...
discount new cars » Get the best price on a new Honda
Alongside its upcoming second gen Insight hybrid, due for release in December, Honda used the Sydney show to introduce local media and showgoers to its smart little CR-Z (pictured here with a Modulo body kit), the coupe with which it intends to prove that hybrids don't have to be dull.
Honda says the CR-Z interior and silhouette were conceived to pay homage to the CR-X, the affordable sporty from the 1980s. The front end, meanwhile, recalls the less affordable but much sportier S2000 of more recent years.
Beyond confirming the coupe's release here mid next year, Honda Australia CEO Satoshi Matsuzawa and his colleagues were coy on local pricing and exact specifications, although they are keen to stress affordability alongside its sporting credentials. PR Manager for the importer Mark Higgins subsequently informed the Carsales Network that the CR-Z remained on track for a starting price in the vicinity of $35,000 when it arrives in local showrooms around July of next year -- significantly ahead of the original date planned for the car's introduction here.
For the CR-Z's IMA hybrid package, the company has bumped up the four- cylinder i-VTEC engine's capacity from 1.3 to 1.5 litres. Married to a power-assist electric motor, it produces a total 91kW and a torque peak of 174Nm -- up from 73kW and 167Nm in the 1.3-litre Insight.
Both cars make peak torque available at remarkably low revs -- the CR-Z at just 1500 rpm, the Insight at 1000. They achieve that with a kick along from the electric motor at low and medium revs. In the case of the CR-Z, the aim was to allow the CR-Z to emulate the torque delivery pattern of turbocharged engines. Honda calibrated the exhaust to provide an appropriately sporting note.
Important to the CR-Z's selling proposition is its six-speed manual gearbox, which allows the driver to make optimum use of the powertrain's flexibility. For those who want the sports car without so much of the sports, it will also be available with CVT.
Alongside the rear disc brake upgrade from the Insight's drums (yes, you read it right -- drum brakes...) are several features announcing the CR-Z's intent. There's an extension to the Insight's dual-mode drive system (Normal, Econ) to include a Sport setting. It remaps the powertrain management system to reflect the priorities of each setting, shifting the response patterns of the throttle, steering, climate control and boost levels from the electric motor.
Like the Insight, it uses changes to the dash lighting hue to keep drivers informed of how economically -- or otherwise -- they're driving at any given moment.
The CR-Z also marks the debut of the fast-becoming-ubiquitous daytime whisker lights.
For our full coverage of the Australian International Motor Show in Sydney visit our minisite at carsales.com.au/aims
Read the latest Carsales Network news and reviews on your mobile, iPhone or PDA at carsales' mobile site...
Ruf unveils modern-day version of 1967 Porsche 911 Targa
German customising house draws inspiration from the past for its latest open-topped creation
discount new cars » Get the best price on a new Porsche
Porsche recently unveiled its take on the retro-inspired roadster theme -- namely the Speedster revealed at the recent Paris motor show, but of course, there will always be the aftermarket mobs who think they can do it better.
Witness the simply titled Ruf Roadster, conceived by the German tuning house to rekindle memories of the classic 1967 Porsche 911 Targa, which was equipped with an integrated roll-bar to provide the safety of a coupe with the alfresco qualities of a convertible.
Adhering to this basic formula, the Ruf Roadster features a special roof -- comprising two removable carbonfibre pieces -- and a folding rear window. The flexible rear window is made from a three-layer polyglass for lightness.
Ruf says the Roadster’s real USP is that it can be configured in a variety of ways, depending on how much exposure to the elements you want. You can cruise with the car completely enclosed, completely open, with a closed roof and open rear window, or open roof and closed rear window.
We have to admit the brushed alloy finish on the roll bar and the overall profile of the Roadster does draw parallels with the 1967 Targa, but it's still no thing of beauty. We'd rather just have a Carrera GTS cabrio, but there will doubtless be those who are won over by the Ruf Roadster's uniqueness and flexibility.
Ruf offers the car with a choice of atmo or turbo power. When equipped with the 294kW naturally aspirated engine and PDK gearbox it knocks off the 0-100km/h dash in 4.6sec and can reach a v-max of 295km/h. But if this seems a bit weedy, you can opt for the 412kW Turbo version.
Pricing (ex-Germany) starts at 195,000 euros ($275,000 in our money) for the entry-level naturally aspirated model, and Ruf plans to start sales from 2011 onwards.
Read the latest Carsales Network news and reviews on your mobile, iPhone or PDA at carsales' mobile site...
discount new cars » Get the best price on a new Porsche
Porsche recently unveiled its take on the retro-inspired roadster theme -- namely the Speedster revealed at the recent Paris motor show, but of course, there will always be the aftermarket mobs who think they can do it better.
Witness the simply titled Ruf Roadster, conceived by the German tuning house to rekindle memories of the classic 1967 Porsche 911 Targa, which was equipped with an integrated roll-bar to provide the safety of a coupe with the alfresco qualities of a convertible.
Adhering to this basic formula, the Ruf Roadster features a special roof -- comprising two removable carbonfibre pieces -- and a folding rear window. The flexible rear window is made from a three-layer polyglass for lightness.
Ruf says the Roadster’s real USP is that it can be configured in a variety of ways, depending on how much exposure to the elements you want. You can cruise with the car completely enclosed, completely open, with a closed roof and open rear window, or open roof and closed rear window.
We have to admit the brushed alloy finish on the roll bar and the overall profile of the Roadster does draw parallels with the 1967 Targa, but it's still no thing of beauty. We'd rather just have a Carrera GTS cabrio, but there will doubtless be those who are won over by the Ruf Roadster's uniqueness and flexibility.
Ruf offers the car with a choice of atmo or turbo power. When equipped with the 294kW naturally aspirated engine and PDK gearbox it knocks off the 0-100km/h dash in 4.6sec and can reach a v-max of 295km/h. But if this seems a bit weedy, you can opt for the 412kW Turbo version.
Pricing (ex-Germany) starts at 195,000 euros ($275,000 in our money) for the entry-level naturally aspirated model, and Ruf plans to start sales from 2011 onwards.
Read the latest Carsales Network news and reviews on your mobile, iPhone or PDA at carsales' mobile site...
Thứ Năm, 29 tháng 3, 2012
CN CONFIDENTIAL: On with the Shows
Importers rise up against Kim Il Car games and some snippets from the Paris and Sydney motor shows
Whether it's from the www, the latest motor show or the back doors of a carmaker near you, Carsales Network Confidential features the good oil other sources either won't publish, don't care about or don't know. Heard an automotive rumour or new model tip? Then let us know - editor@carpoint.com.au
Know your audience
Senator Kim Carr is a strong supporter of the local manufacturing industry -- and he's to be commended for his indefatigable backing. But his support for the locals last week brought him undone at a dinner held by ACP, publishers of enthusiast titles Wheels and Motor.
Roughly 80 per cent of the guests represented importers and were disenchanted with the general tenor of the senator's speech -- not least of all because it failed to mention importers in any context other than "derogatory". According to an insider present at the dinner, held the night before the industry preview day for AIMS, the speech met with the same level of acceptance as "a rib-eye steak at a vegan collective".
Our source also told us that the director of one prestigious European brand looked like he was "about to cough up a fur ball".
An extract from Senator Carr's speech, published on his own website contains remarks that were at the distant end of the 'reasonable' spectrum, based on just the last paragraph:
"We are today one of only fifteen countries able to claim the full range of automotive capabilities, from design to the show room floor.
"Governments around the world jealously guard those capabilities. They aren't easily acquired. And once lost, they never return. If we're honest, we'll acknowledge that we've never faced a level playing field. Our success should be all the more striking.
"But it's true we still have our critics.
"There are still those who call on us to surrender.
"Our opponents are so focused on making a noise of any kind that they are prepared now to criticise companies undertaking these major co-investment projects.
"And some from within the industry itself query our support -- when their own products are made in markets with tariffs that put us all in the shade, and also enjoy strong government support."
Senator Carr's speech reads like a response to an article published by the Carsales Network in August. That article focused on the views of Suzuki MD Tony Devers, who believes we should debate the current level of government subsidy for the local manufacturing industry. We understand that words were exchanged by the senator and Devers on the night of the speech.
Our source (not Tony Devers), informed the Carsales Network that 80 per cent of new cars sold in this country are imported and 70 per cent of employment in the automotive sector "is not down to the locals". There's also a view prevailing among the prestige importers that the 33 per cent luxury car tax is subsidising the government's New Car Plan that benefits local manufacturers.
And it wasn't just the importers present who frowned upon the senator's speech. We've heard from two separate sources that at least one guest representing a manufacturer was reportedly "embarrassed" and felt the room was turned against him as a consequence of the senator's uncritical support of the manufacturing industry -- and yet the company in question also imports many thousands of vehicles in a typical year.
This particular industry executive, it was alleged, had seen the speech beforehand and had recommended to Senator Carr that it needed to be modified to suit the importer-heavy audience, but the senator refused.
"It's arrogance mixed with belligerence and a complete disregard for the political reality of the market and the economy," said our insider, also asserting that this was an opinion widely held by the other guests at the dinner.
Non, je ne regrette rien -- Parisian shorts
>> Embarrassed
Jaguar's Tony Harper was reluctant to reproduce the sound of the C-X75's gas-turbine engines -- vocally. Asked whether a production car's soundtrack would be in any way reminiscent of a fictional device from Gerry & Sylvia Anderson, he went with the obvious choice: Commander Ed Straker's car from the series UFO.
>> Smarter Nissan
Nissan is rumoured to be supplying a platform to underpin a four-door smart for the American market. Benz is unsure whether the new model will revive the forfour model name though.
>> Stop/Start
Opel plans to introduce Eco Stop/Start next year and expects the fuel-saving device to be ordered in up to 25 per cent of its new cars.
>> Patented
Benz will unveil a new patent from January 29 next year -- the 125th anniversary of the Benz Patent Motorwagen -- according to Dieter Zetsche at the Mercedes-Benz press conference the night before the opening of the Paris motor show (29/9/10). No word on what it will be, but we're expecting something a little more futuristic than cupholders.
>> Conquests
Jaguar must be doing better; they're conquesting S-Class owners with the new XJ, says design chief, Ian Callum. For its part, Benz describes its first generation CLS as the original 'Jag fighter', expecting the British prestige brand to come out with something that was really going to shake up the market. The CLS was aimed at stalling deep market penetration by a stunning new product from the hands of Ian Callum, says Benz designer Gorden Wagener. Instead, Jaguar trotted out the XK sports car -- and the earliest a competitor for the 2004 CLS arrived on the scene was the XF, just two years ago.
>> Paid political announcement
David Coulthard claimed to be "pleasantly surprised" after driving a four-cylinder diesel S-Class Mercedes. We ourselves were apathetically unsurprised that Coulthard, standing alongside Benz's Dieter Zetsche, would offer praise for a new vehicle from the company that supplied the engines for his F1 race cars. Perhaps, if anything, we were surprised that he wasn't more fulsome in his praise.
>> Left leaning
Speaking of Dr Zetsche, has he been coached by the Australian office's well-known left-leaning PR bloke, David McCarthy? According to the good doctor at the Paris show, the Mercedes-Benz brand will be "moving forward" -- just like the ALP, but hopefully with a stronger vision for the future. And if you think we're having a shot at Labor, the Libs and Nats are no better.
>> Saab-stitute
No mention from Saab whether we'll see the next 9-2 in Australia. This is the vehicle we believe will be powered by the 1.6-litre turbo petrol engine being supplied by BMW (and PSA) through the agreement with the Swedish builder. Gut feeling suggests that the 9-2 would be a little low-rent for the Aussie market, but what's that old saying about counting chickens?
>> Badge-baggage
Gorden Wagener, he of Benz styling fame, put it fairly and squarely where the blame lies. Asked by the Carsales Network in Paris for his explanation of America's rapidly dwindling relevance in the field of luxury automotive manufacturing, he answered that it was endless cost-cutting and commercialism. The country that, during the 1930s, produced world-class cars such as Duesenbergs, Packards and Pierce-Arrows -- as well as Lincolns and Cadillacs with V12 and V16 engines -- has steadily eroded its own 'brand' with badge-engineered Ford and GM products wearing once-hallowed badges.
Air kisses at Darling Harbour -- Sydney shorts
>> A Range of problems
Ford Australia is yet to reveal the towing capacity for the new Ranger (though check out our testing video and one engineer lets slip -- 3000kg) , but that's not to say the media event for the light commercial vehicle went entirely without hitch.
At Cockatoo Island, Ford's promotions team subjected journalists to an industrial-style audio-visual blitz, featuring the Tap Dogs.
The routine was supposed to finish with a pre-production Ranger (parts of which were reportedly wooden), lowered to the stage from a 40ft container suspended from above. A rectangular base supporting the Ranger and held by quick-release hooks and chains was supposed to be lowered into a flush-fitting slot in the stage, but the vehicle had to be rotated through 90 degrees as it was lowered -- and unfortunately it only made it to about 85 degrees.
The two Tap Dogs at the front of the vehicle unhooked the vehicle, even though it was apparent the base wasn't sitting in the slot for it. One of the Tap Dogs at the rear of the vehicle must have twigged that this just wasn't part of the plan when they rehearsed the routine, so the two blokes at the front had to re-fasten the chains to the base for the vehicle to be lifted again and lowered again -- into the recess in the stage this time. We've gotta say, they were dressed for the part of riggers, but the Tap Dogs definitely make better dancers.
But between the unforeseen dance debacle and the inclement weather for the event (journalists were ushered back onto the boat that took us across Sydney Harbour under cover of umbrellas), Ford may have already faced its hardest test for the new Ranger.
>> Temple of doom
At least one high-ranking member of staff at Mercedes-Benz Australia/Pacific admitted to being unimpressed by the styling of the new CLS. This gentleman, who showed particular candour -- but we won't drop him in it -- said in Sydney that he preferred the looks of the previous generation CLS. The styling of the new car, he suggested, has been informed by pedestrian safety -- and that is not a good thing in his opinion. Arguably though, if even Benz execs are polarised by the new car's styling, that's gotta be a good thing for the new model.
>> Blow out
Over at the Isuzu Ute stand, PR man Richard Power told the Carsales Network that Bruce Garland, had been let down -- so to speak -- by a string of tyre blowouts in the Australasian Safari last month. The run of bad luck for Garland and co-driver Harry Suzuki in their D-MAX effectively handed the event to Craig Lowndes on a platter, said Power. Garland's relationship with current tyre supplier Bridgestone is now believed to be in doubt for future events.
>> Off the podium
Subaru MD Nick Senior had some news of the disquieting kind -- for those who care about such things. Australia is about to relinquish its bronze-medal position on the podium in the Subaru Olympics. From next year, China will overtake Australia as Subaru's third-largest global market.
China's increasing importance in the Subaru world was first foreseen by Senior some time ago -- and it's a very positive outcome for the Japanese brand, not only for the substantial exports, but also the future-proofing of Subaru's unique formula of boxer engines and all-wheel drive. Senior told the Carsales Network around a year ago that China's enthusiasm for Subaru's products would result in sales growth there, but he also insinuated at the same time that Russia would be a larger market for Subaru in future. So the brand's global outlook is pretty positive, it seems.
Read the latest Carsales Network news and reviews on your mobile, iPhone or PDA at carsales' mobile site...
Whether it's from the www, the latest motor show or the back doors of a carmaker near you, Carsales Network Confidential features the good oil other sources either won't publish, don't care about or don't know. Heard an automotive rumour or new model tip? Then let us know - editor@carpoint.com.au
Know your audience
Senator Kim Carr is a strong supporter of the local manufacturing industry -- and he's to be commended for his indefatigable backing. But his support for the locals last week brought him undone at a dinner held by ACP, publishers of enthusiast titles Wheels and Motor.
Roughly 80 per cent of the guests represented importers and were disenchanted with the general tenor of the senator's speech -- not least of all because it failed to mention importers in any context other than "derogatory". According to an insider present at the dinner, held the night before the industry preview day for AIMS, the speech met with the same level of acceptance as "a rib-eye steak at a vegan collective".
Our source also told us that the director of one prestigious European brand looked like he was "about to cough up a fur ball".
An extract from Senator Carr's speech, published on his own website contains remarks that were at the distant end of the 'reasonable' spectrum, based on just the last paragraph:
"We are today one of only fifteen countries able to claim the full range of automotive capabilities, from design to the show room floor.
"Governments around the world jealously guard those capabilities. They aren't easily acquired. And once lost, they never return. If we're honest, we'll acknowledge that we've never faced a level playing field. Our success should be all the more striking.
"But it's true we still have our critics.
"There are still those who call on us to surrender.
"Our opponents are so focused on making a noise of any kind that they are prepared now to criticise companies undertaking these major co-investment projects.
"And some from within the industry itself query our support -- when their own products are made in markets with tariffs that put us all in the shade, and also enjoy strong government support."
Senator Carr's speech reads like a response to an article published by the Carsales Network in August. That article focused on the views of Suzuki MD Tony Devers, who believes we should debate the current level of government subsidy for the local manufacturing industry. We understand that words were exchanged by the senator and Devers on the night of the speech.
Our source (not Tony Devers), informed the Carsales Network that 80 per cent of new cars sold in this country are imported and 70 per cent of employment in the automotive sector "is not down to the locals". There's also a view prevailing among the prestige importers that the 33 per cent luxury car tax is subsidising the government's New Car Plan that benefits local manufacturers.
And it wasn't just the importers present who frowned upon the senator's speech. We've heard from two separate sources that at least one guest representing a manufacturer was reportedly "embarrassed" and felt the room was turned against him as a consequence of the senator's uncritical support of the manufacturing industry -- and yet the company in question also imports many thousands of vehicles in a typical year.
This particular industry executive, it was alleged, had seen the speech beforehand and had recommended to Senator Carr that it needed to be modified to suit the importer-heavy audience, but the senator refused.
"It's arrogance mixed with belligerence and a complete disregard for the political reality of the market and the economy," said our insider, also asserting that this was an opinion widely held by the other guests at the dinner.
Non, je ne regrette rien -- Parisian shorts
>> Embarrassed
Jaguar's Tony Harper was reluctant to reproduce the sound of the C-X75's gas-turbine engines -- vocally. Asked whether a production car's soundtrack would be in any way reminiscent of a fictional device from Gerry & Sylvia Anderson, he went with the obvious choice: Commander Ed Straker's car from the series UFO.
>> Smarter Nissan
Nissan is rumoured to be supplying a platform to underpin a four-door smart for the American market. Benz is unsure whether the new model will revive the forfour model name though.
>> Stop/Start
Opel plans to introduce Eco Stop/Start next year and expects the fuel-saving device to be ordered in up to 25 per cent of its new cars.
>> Patented
Benz will unveil a new patent from January 29 next year -- the 125th anniversary of the Benz Patent Motorwagen -- according to Dieter Zetsche at the Mercedes-Benz press conference the night before the opening of the Paris motor show (29/9/10). No word on what it will be, but we're expecting something a little more futuristic than cupholders.
>> Conquests
Jaguar must be doing better; they're conquesting S-Class owners with the new XJ, says design chief, Ian Callum. For its part, Benz describes its first generation CLS as the original 'Jag fighter', expecting the British prestige brand to come out with something that was really going to shake up the market. The CLS was aimed at stalling deep market penetration by a stunning new product from the hands of Ian Callum, says Benz designer Gorden Wagener. Instead, Jaguar trotted out the XK sports car -- and the earliest a competitor for the 2004 CLS arrived on the scene was the XF, just two years ago.
>> Paid political announcement
David Coulthard claimed to be "pleasantly surprised" after driving a four-cylinder diesel S-Class Mercedes. We ourselves were apathetically unsurprised that Coulthard, standing alongside Benz's Dieter Zetsche, would offer praise for a new vehicle from the company that supplied the engines for his F1 race cars. Perhaps, if anything, we were surprised that he wasn't more fulsome in his praise.
>> Left leaning
Speaking of Dr Zetsche, has he been coached by the Australian office's well-known left-leaning PR bloke, David McCarthy? According to the good doctor at the Paris show, the Mercedes-Benz brand will be "moving forward" -- just like the ALP, but hopefully with a stronger vision for the future. And if you think we're having a shot at Labor, the Libs and Nats are no better.
>> Saab-stitute
No mention from Saab whether we'll see the next 9-2 in Australia. This is the vehicle we believe will be powered by the 1.6-litre turbo petrol engine being supplied by BMW (and PSA) through the agreement with the Swedish builder. Gut feeling suggests that the 9-2 would be a little low-rent for the Aussie market, but what's that old saying about counting chickens?
>> Badge-baggage
Gorden Wagener, he of Benz styling fame, put it fairly and squarely where the blame lies. Asked by the Carsales Network in Paris for his explanation of America's rapidly dwindling relevance in the field of luxury automotive manufacturing, he answered that it was endless cost-cutting and commercialism. The country that, during the 1930s, produced world-class cars such as Duesenbergs, Packards and Pierce-Arrows -- as well as Lincolns and Cadillacs with V12 and V16 engines -- has steadily eroded its own 'brand' with badge-engineered Ford and GM products wearing once-hallowed badges.
Air kisses at Darling Harbour -- Sydney shorts
>> A Range of problems
Ford Australia is yet to reveal the towing capacity for the new Ranger (though check out our testing video and one engineer lets slip -- 3000kg) , but that's not to say the media event for the light commercial vehicle went entirely without hitch.
At Cockatoo Island, Ford's promotions team subjected journalists to an industrial-style audio-visual blitz, featuring the Tap Dogs.
The routine was supposed to finish with a pre-production Ranger (parts of which were reportedly wooden), lowered to the stage from a 40ft container suspended from above. A rectangular base supporting the Ranger and held by quick-release hooks and chains was supposed to be lowered into a flush-fitting slot in the stage, but the vehicle had to be rotated through 90 degrees as it was lowered -- and unfortunately it only made it to about 85 degrees.
The two Tap Dogs at the front of the vehicle unhooked the vehicle, even though it was apparent the base wasn't sitting in the slot for it. One of the Tap Dogs at the rear of the vehicle must have twigged that this just wasn't part of the plan when they rehearsed the routine, so the two blokes at the front had to re-fasten the chains to the base for the vehicle to be lifted again and lowered again -- into the recess in the stage this time. We've gotta say, they were dressed for the part of riggers, but the Tap Dogs definitely make better dancers.
But between the unforeseen dance debacle and the inclement weather for the event (journalists were ushered back onto the boat that took us across Sydney Harbour under cover of umbrellas), Ford may have already faced its hardest test for the new Ranger.
>> Temple of doom
At least one high-ranking member of staff at Mercedes-Benz Australia/Pacific admitted to being unimpressed by the styling of the new CLS. This gentleman, who showed particular candour -- but we won't drop him in it -- said in Sydney that he preferred the looks of the previous generation CLS. The styling of the new car, he suggested, has been informed by pedestrian safety -- and that is not a good thing in his opinion. Arguably though, if even Benz execs are polarised by the new car's styling, that's gotta be a good thing for the new model.
>> Blow out
Over at the Isuzu Ute stand, PR man Richard Power told the Carsales Network that Bruce Garland, had been let down -- so to speak -- by a string of tyre blowouts in the Australasian Safari last month. The run of bad luck for Garland and co-driver Harry Suzuki in their D-MAX effectively handed the event to Craig Lowndes on a platter, said Power. Garland's relationship with current tyre supplier Bridgestone is now believed to be in doubt for future events.
>> Off the podium
Subaru MD Nick Senior had some news of the disquieting kind -- for those who care about such things. Australia is about to relinquish its bronze-medal position on the podium in the Subaru Olympics. From next year, China will overtake Australia as Subaru's third-largest global market.
China's increasing importance in the Subaru world was first foreseen by Senior some time ago -- and it's a very positive outcome for the Japanese brand, not only for the substantial exports, but also the future-proofing of Subaru's unique formula of boxer engines and all-wheel drive. Senior told the Carsales Network around a year ago that China's enthusiasm for Subaru's products would result in sales growth there, but he also insinuated at the same time that Russia would be a larger market for Subaru in future. So the brand's global outlook is pretty positive, it seems.
Read the latest Carsales Network news and reviews on your mobile, iPhone or PDA at carsales' mobile site...
Big-block Ferrari sets world speed record
Chevy power propels specially prepared Ferrari 288 GTO to a world record at the Bonneville Salt Flats
The very notion may seem sacrilegious to any Ferrari purist -- plucking the twin-turbo 2.8-litre V8 from the iconic 288 GTO and usurping it with a 540-cubic-inch (8.8-litre) big-block Chevy.
Yet this is exactly what Washington Ferrari collector and retired investment banker Steve Trafton, 64, did to set a land speed record for the 'AA/Blown Fuel Modified Sport' category at the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah earlier this month (watch the video here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3_622rP7bqI).
The radical engine transplant and various other tweaks enabled Trafton to clock up a
two-run average speed of 443.12km/h in the 1985 288 GTO. In the process, he eclipsed by more than 5km/h the previous record set in 2008 by a highly modified Berkeley (a specialist British sports car from the 1950s).
However, comparing the two record-breaking cars is a bit like equating apples to oranges, according to Trafton, who was quoted by the Seattle Post Intelligencer as saying: "That (the Berkeley) was a streamlined, aerodynamically engineered car."
"Ours is stock body. It not only holds the world speed record for its class, it's the world's fastest Ferrari and the world's fastest sports car," he said.
Cars built to qualify for the AA/Blown Fuel Modified Sport class need to be equipped with modified engines of 500 cubic inches or greater. In the case of Trafton's Ferrari, the 8.8-litre GM donk is fed by a pair of 80mm Borg Warner turbos huffing about 17psi -- and this combo is allegedly good for an output in the 2000-2500 horsepower (1490-1865kW) range.
The bespoke GTO was built by a US-based Ferrari workshop known as 'P4 by Norwood', which has since been promoting the car as a showcase of its expertise with prancing horse-badged products.
Visually, Trafton's Ferrari stays faithfully true to the original, although there's the obvious rear wing, blocked out front grille and special rubber used for the world-record attempt.
Die-hard Ferraristi may not like it, but we're prepared to extend a hat tip to Trafton and P4 by Norwood for chalking up the record in the delicious-sounding GTO.
Read the latest Carsales Network news and reviews on your mobile, iPhone or PDA at carsales' mobile site...
The very notion may seem sacrilegious to any Ferrari purist -- plucking the twin-turbo 2.8-litre V8 from the iconic 288 GTO and usurping it with a 540-cubic-inch (8.8-litre) big-block Chevy.
Yet this is exactly what Washington Ferrari collector and retired investment banker Steve Trafton, 64, did to set a land speed record for the 'AA/Blown Fuel Modified Sport' category at the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah earlier this month (watch the video here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3_622rP7bqI).
The radical engine transplant and various other tweaks enabled Trafton to clock up a
two-run average speed of 443.12km/h in the 1985 288 GTO. In the process, he eclipsed by more than 5km/h the previous record set in 2008 by a highly modified Berkeley (a specialist British sports car from the 1950s).
However, comparing the two record-breaking cars is a bit like equating apples to oranges, according to Trafton, who was quoted by the Seattle Post Intelligencer as saying: "That (the Berkeley) was a streamlined, aerodynamically engineered car."
"Ours is stock body. It not only holds the world speed record for its class, it's the world's fastest Ferrari and the world's fastest sports car," he said.
Cars built to qualify for the AA/Blown Fuel Modified Sport class need to be equipped with modified engines of 500 cubic inches or greater. In the case of Trafton's Ferrari, the 8.8-litre GM donk is fed by a pair of 80mm Borg Warner turbos huffing about 17psi -- and this combo is allegedly good for an output in the 2000-2500 horsepower (1490-1865kW) range.
The bespoke GTO was built by a US-based Ferrari workshop known as 'P4 by Norwood', which has since been promoting the car as a showcase of its expertise with prancing horse-badged products.
Visually, Trafton's Ferrari stays faithfully true to the original, although there's the obvious rear wing, blocked out front grille and special rubber used for the world-record attempt.
Die-hard Ferraristi may not like it, but we're prepared to extend a hat tip to Trafton and P4 by Norwood for chalking up the record in the delicious-sounding GTO.
Read the latest Carsales Network news and reviews on your mobile, iPhone or PDA at carsales' mobile site...
Thứ Ba, 27 tháng 3, 2012
CR-Z wins Japan Car of the Year
Honda's CR-Z hybrid sports coupe has won Japan's top motoring gong for its smart mix of performance and economy
discount new cars games » Get the best price on a new Honda
Built on Honda's Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) series hybrid formula, the CR-Z combines a 1.5-litre four- cylinder i-VTEC engine with an electric motor to put out a total 91kW and 174Nm. Peak torque matches the conventionally powered Civic sedan's 1.8-litre four, but with the electric motor's help comes up at just 1500rpm. In the lighter, smaller CR-Z, Honda is promising a palpable performance premium it describes as "more usually associated with turbocharged engines".
Hailing from the 2007 show concept of the same name, the CR-Z is the first mainstream hybrid model as overtly sporting in its intent as it is enviro-friendly.
Much of the sell for the car hinges on Honda's marriage of hybrid power with a six-speed manual transmission rather than the usual CVT fare normal to such drivetrains.
That said, it's more about flexibility than pure sport. A three-mode powertrain management system allows drivers to move between NORMAL, ECON and SPORT modes according to conditions and preference. The system alters throttle, steering and climate control responses along with IMA input, allowing drivers to shift their priorities between performance and economy.
The CR-Z is scheduled for local release mid-2011. Prices and exact specs have yet to be announced, but as an unknown quantity breaking into a super competitive hot hatch sector, pricing is sure to be sharp. At $29,990, its five-door hybrid sibling, the Insight, comes in a full $10K under the Toyota Prius at which it's aimed.
Honda has won Japan's COTY 11 times in the award's 31 year history.
Read the latest Carsales Network news and reviews on your mobile, iPhone or PDA at the carsales mobile site.
discount new cars games » Get the best price on a new Honda
Built on Honda's Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) series hybrid formula, the CR-Z combines a 1.5-litre four- cylinder i-VTEC engine with an electric motor to put out a total 91kW and 174Nm. Peak torque matches the conventionally powered Civic sedan's 1.8-litre four, but with the electric motor's help comes up at just 1500rpm. In the lighter, smaller CR-Z, Honda is promising a palpable performance premium it describes as "more usually associated with turbocharged engines".
Hailing from the 2007 show concept of the same name, the CR-Z is the first mainstream hybrid model as overtly sporting in its intent as it is enviro-friendly.
Much of the sell for the car hinges on Honda's marriage of hybrid power with a six-speed manual transmission rather than the usual CVT fare normal to such drivetrains.
That said, it's more about flexibility than pure sport. A three-mode powertrain management system allows drivers to move between NORMAL, ECON and SPORT modes according to conditions and preference. The system alters throttle, steering and climate control responses along with IMA input, allowing drivers to shift their priorities between performance and economy.
The CR-Z is scheduled for local release mid-2011. Prices and exact specs have yet to be announced, but as an unknown quantity breaking into a super competitive hot hatch sector, pricing is sure to be sharp. At $29,990, its five-door hybrid sibling, the Insight, comes in a full $10K under the Toyota Prius at which it's aimed.
Honda has won Japan's COTY 11 times in the award's 31 year history.
Read the latest Carsales Network news and reviews on your mobile, iPhone or PDA at the carsales mobile site.
Better Place outlines services
Electric car infrastructure provider Better Place unveils the next step in its nationwide EV service, which will entail subscriptions to access its charging points
The electric car (EV) revolution is slowly beginning to take effect, with Mitsubishi's iMiEV the first electric car from a major manufacturer offered to the public.
Electric cars can deliver potentially greener motoring -- depending on the source of the electricity used to charge their batteries -- and can reduce our reliance upon fossil fuels.
Better Place Australia is the leading electric vehicle services provider and is investing significant funds into setting up the infrastructure needed to ensure electric cars never run out of energy. In essence, that means charging points and battery swap stations -- the EV equivalent of petrol stations.
The company plans to spend around $600 million "putting metal in the ground" according to CEO Evan Thornley, to create charge spots and a handful of battery swap stations.
The idea behind the Better Place infrastructure, which will be rolled out first in Canberra late in 2011 and major cities nationally in 2012, will be for electric car owners to buy 'subscriptions' that take care of almost everything involved in running an electric car.
This subscription would see Better Place Australia cover the costs of replacement batteries and electricity so that drivers simply plug in their car and swipe their smart cards over the charge points -- which could be at a shopping mall or at work -- and away they go.
As well as offering safe, reliable and convenient charge points, Better Place Australia subscribers will also get a digital interface that will guide them to the closest charging points or battery swap stations not in use.
The nerve centre of this new system is called NOC, the Network Operations Centre, and the Carsales Network was given rare access to the Better Place NOC in Melbroune to see how the company will provide customers with a high quality service.
"The NOC is the brains of the Better Place service and will ensure that EV drivers never run out of energy," says Alan Finkel, Chief Technology Officer for Better Place Australia.
One of the issues the company faces will be to ensure the electricity grid isn't overloaded when large numbers of EV drivers plug in, as happens during hot weather when air conditioners and such are running constantly, and Better Place is confident its NOC can keep things running smoothly.
"The NOC will always prioritise the needs of EV customers, while optimally managing the capacity of the grid. As more and more Australian drivers begin to switch to electric vehicles, this will be fundamental to the success of the [Better Place] model."
Though the company will record data of users -- such as where they charge their cars and for how long -- Better Place claims that this data will be kept private and will not be for sale.
Better Place will be targetting big fleet operators from the outset, and expects to find many private subscribers who want the convenience of a national charging network.
While pricing structures are still being calculated for subscriptions to the new infrastructure, CEO Evan Thornley suggested that the average cost of fuel for small fleet cars was around $5000 to $6000 per annum and that it would cost around $1000 to $1500 to cover the same distances using electricity -- which provides an early hint of yearly subscription services.
Asked if oil companies and petrol retailers would jump on the EV infrastructure bandwagon, Thornley said it was a possibility.
"We're certainly rivals over revenue. They [oil companies] make $25 billion per annum right now out of petrol bowsers in this country in the light vehicle fleet alone, and we want to take a big piece of that. How they choose to respond, time will tell.
"The traditional retail location of the service station is actually not that important to the electric car. What we have to build is much smaller [than a petrol bowser]. Most people will charge their vehicles at home and at work," said Thornley.
The big question for EV early adopters will be whether to go with a company like Better Place and subscribe to their plan, or simply call up an electrician and install their own 15 amp socket in the garage at home, or in the office carpark, as the Carsales Network has done for our Mitsubishi i-MiEV.
CTO Alan Finkel (pictured) argued that safety is one reason to consider installing a Better Place charging point.
"Charging from a modified wall outlet, when you plug that cable in and bring it over to the car, you've got an extension cord. Fine, you take care of it normally, but if you start using it every day, you get negligent and leave it on the ground in a puddle, there are safety risks -- there's a live current. With our system, there are few risks. We disengage the current the moment you pull it out, and it only engages once it's plugged in you've swiped your card over the charging point," explained Finkel.
Dr Finkel went on to say that fleet managers would find the system more useful as Better Place can track power usage and provide regular reports to fleet managers from employees who have a charging point in their home.
Read the latest Carsales Network news and reviews on your mobile, iPhone or PDA at the carsales mobile site.
The electric car (EV) revolution is slowly beginning to take effect, with Mitsubishi's iMiEV the first electric car from a major manufacturer offered to the public.
Electric cars can deliver potentially greener motoring -- depending on the source of the electricity used to charge their batteries -- and can reduce our reliance upon fossil fuels.
Better Place Australia is the leading electric vehicle services provider and is investing significant funds into setting up the infrastructure needed to ensure electric cars never run out of energy. In essence, that means charging points and battery swap stations -- the EV equivalent of petrol stations.
The company plans to spend around $600 million "putting metal in the ground" according to CEO Evan Thornley, to create charge spots and a handful of battery swap stations.
The idea behind the Better Place infrastructure, which will be rolled out first in Canberra late in 2011 and major cities nationally in 2012, will be for electric car owners to buy 'subscriptions' that take care of almost everything involved in running an electric car.
This subscription would see Better Place Australia cover the costs of replacement batteries and electricity so that drivers simply plug in their car and swipe their smart cards over the charge points -- which could be at a shopping mall or at work -- and away they go.
As well as offering safe, reliable and convenient charge points, Better Place Australia subscribers will also get a digital interface that will guide them to the closest charging points or battery swap stations not in use.
The nerve centre of this new system is called NOC, the Network Operations Centre, and the Carsales Network was given rare access to the Better Place NOC in Melbroune to see how the company will provide customers with a high quality service.
"The NOC is the brains of the Better Place service and will ensure that EV drivers never run out of energy," says Alan Finkel, Chief Technology Officer for Better Place Australia.
One of the issues the company faces will be to ensure the electricity grid isn't overloaded when large numbers of EV drivers plug in, as happens during hot weather when air conditioners and such are running constantly, and Better Place is confident its NOC can keep things running smoothly.
"The NOC will always prioritise the needs of EV customers, while optimally managing the capacity of the grid. As more and more Australian drivers begin to switch to electric vehicles, this will be fundamental to the success of the [Better Place] model."
Though the company will record data of users -- such as where they charge their cars and for how long -- Better Place claims that this data will be kept private and will not be for sale.
Better Place will be targetting big fleet operators from the outset, and expects to find many private subscribers who want the convenience of a national charging network.
While pricing structures are still being calculated for subscriptions to the new infrastructure, CEO Evan Thornley suggested that the average cost of fuel for small fleet cars was around $5000 to $6000 per annum and that it would cost around $1000 to $1500 to cover the same distances using electricity -- which provides an early hint of yearly subscription services.
Asked if oil companies and petrol retailers would jump on the EV infrastructure bandwagon, Thornley said it was a possibility.
"We're certainly rivals over revenue. They [oil companies] make $25 billion per annum right now out of petrol bowsers in this country in the light vehicle fleet alone, and we want to take a big piece of that. How they choose to respond, time will tell.
"The traditional retail location of the service station is actually not that important to the electric car. What we have to build is much smaller [than a petrol bowser]. Most people will charge their vehicles at home and at work," said Thornley.
The big question for EV early adopters will be whether to go with a company like Better Place and subscribe to their plan, or simply call up an electrician and install their own 15 amp socket in the garage at home, or in the office carpark, as the Carsales Network has done for our Mitsubishi i-MiEV.
CTO Alan Finkel (pictured) argued that safety is one reason to consider installing a Better Place charging point.
"Charging from a modified wall outlet, when you plug that cable in and bring it over to the car, you've got an extension cord. Fine, you take care of it normally, but if you start using it every day, you get negligent and leave it on the ground in a puddle, there are safety risks -- there's a live current. With our system, there are few risks. We disengage the current the moment you pull it out, and it only engages once it's plugged in you've swiped your card over the charging point," explained Finkel.
Dr Finkel went on to say that fleet managers would find the system more useful as Better Place can track power usage and provide regular reports to fleet managers from employees who have a charging point in their home.
Read the latest Carsales Network news and reviews on your mobile, iPhone or PDA at the carsales mobile site.
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