Porsche 911 On Its 50th Birthday

Mini - Porsche

Classic Mini Congratulates The Porsche 911

In September 2013 the flag-bearer of the German sports car fraternity, the Porsche 911, will celebrate its 50th birthday. And among the hoards of well-wishers will be MINI, not least because its model history also includes – in the classic Mini – a similarly compelling work of art characterised by a similar reluctance to abandon the exuberance of youth. [Read more...]

Audi Driver Line-Up For 2013

Jamie Green - AUDI

Jamie Green – AUDI

Audi Completes Driver Line-Up For 2013 DTM

- Experience is trumps: eight Audi drivers have 34 wins between them
- ‘Norisring King’ Jamie Green high-caliber new signing
- Rahel Frey leaves DTM, Miguel Molina remains with squad

Audi will start into the 2013 DTM season with a mix of experienced campaigners and ambitious youngsters. The eight drivers have four titles, 478 races, 39 pole positions and 34 victories to their credit between them – marking top tallies in the series. The only change compared to last year’s squad: Rahel Frey is switching to GT racing within AUDI AG. The vacant cockpit will be occupied by new signing Jamie Green. [Read more...]

RRG Stockport Customer Wins Mazda6

Mazda6 winner

Mazda6 winner

RG Group today announced that one lucky buyer of the all-new Mazda6 has received their brand new car free-of-charge now that the winner of the Mazda6 Prize Draw competition has been declared. Wilmslow resident Mr Kelly Moses will be enjoying an especially Happy New Year as the 45-year old chartered accountant has won the £22,525 Mazda6 SE-L Tourer which he pre-ordered in December 2012. [Read more...]

Sales Of Lexus Hybrids Pass Milestone

Lexus Hybrid

Lexus Hybrid

Global Sales Of Lexus Hybrids Pass Half-Million Milestone

- Lexus has sold more than 506.000 hybrid vehicles since 2005
- RX 400h/450h rank as best sellers (259,000) followed by CT 200h (122,000)
- European sales already at 126,000, (32,700 in the UK) representing about 25 per cent of global hybrid total

Since the first RX 400h took to the road in 2005, through to the end of November this year, Lexus has sold more than 506,000 vehicles equipped with its Lexus Hybrid Drive system. There has been a steady increase in sales, with expansion of the hybrid range taking the technology into new parts of the market, reaching new customers. [Read more...]

Honda CR-V voted 4×4 of the Year

Honda CR-V

Honda CR-V

If Santa is looking for a capable, reliable and award winning mode of transport this Christmas, he should get himself the new Honda CR-V. The British built sports utility vehicle (SUV) has scooped the prestigious ’4×4 of the Year’ honour from respected publication Total 4×4 Magazine. It’s the new CR-V’s first award win since arriving in dealerships only two months ago. [Read more...]

The All-New Audi RS 6 Avant

Audi  RS6 Avant interior

Audi RS6 Avant interior

Latest executive class RS Avant can carry up to 1,680 litres-worth of luggage to 62mph in just 3.9 seconds and go on to 189mph

Third generation RS 6 Avant available to order from early 2013 priced at approximately £77,000 OTR – first UK deliveries next summer
Powered by V8 biturbo petrol engine with cylinder-on-demand technology – 0-62mph in 3.9 seconds, top speed governed at 155mph but can be increased on demand to 174mph or 189mph, up to 28.8mpg possible (combined)
Eight-speed tiptronic transmission, quattro all-wheel-drive with sport differential, standard RS-specific adaptive air suspension with option of steel-sprung suspension incorporating Dynamic Ride Control (DRC)

The all-new Audi RS 6 Avant will need just 3.9 seconds to dispel any doubt that its ultra-efficient new downsized V8 TFSI engine has compromised on muscle for the sake of miles-per-gallon. The latest super Avant will firmly cement its RS credentials by outrunning its mighty V10-powered predecessor with an exceptional sub-four-second 0-62mph sprint time. At the same time its smaller displacement and cylinder-on-demand technology will make 28.8mpg economy potential a reality. [Read more...]

New A3 Sportback In Paris

Third generation version of exceptionally successful five-door A3 debuts at French show with more style and more room thanks to longer wheelbase

Audi A3

Audi A3

• Five-door A3 is now open for ordering – £620 premium over three-door – launch model prices from £19,825 OTR
• More functional than ever with wheelbase 58mm longer than predecessor and 35mm longer than new three-door – 1,220 litres of luggage capacity
• Audi ultra lightweight construction and advanced engine technology for low CO2 emissions
• Driver assistance systems from the full-size class

The latest Audi A3 appears in a new capacity at next week’s Paris Motor Show (September 29 to October 14) as the third generation five-door Sportback version makes its world public debut. [Read more...]

The Mazda 323

Mazda 323

Mazda 323

Though there had been other hatchbacks before it (such as the Renault 16TS), the Mazda 323 which was introduced in South Africa in 1977 was the car that popularised hatchbacks here. It was a sensation. [Read more...]

Renault Unveils Fourth-Generation Clio

Renault Fourth-Generation Clio

Since the launch of the original model in 1990, some 11.5 million Clios have been sold in more than 115 countries. Today, a new chapter in Clio’s history is about to be written with the unveiling of the fourth-generation version.

- Fourth-generation Clio unveiled today ahead of Paris Motor Show world debut. Launches in the UK early 2013
- Sensual and passionate design including DeZir concept styling cues, plus first model from launch to feature new Renault corporate identity
- New engines with low CO2 and impressive fuel economy: first Renault three-cylinder turbocharged petrol (0.9-litre TCe 90), 1.2 TCe 120 and 1.5 dCi 90
- New technologies: R-Link integrated and internet connected touchscreen tablet (plus R-Link Store – automotive industry’s first-ever Application Store), rear parking camera and R-Sound Effect app
- EDC (Efficient Dual Clutch) transmission offered for first time in Clio
- Five-door model only, including Renaultsport
- On average, 100kg lighter than predecessor
- Personalisation is prominent feature both inside and out

“New Clio is set to make a real mark. In addition to an unprecedented package of innovations, its design marks a major shift from that of previous models.” Carlos Tavares (Chief Operating Officer)

Clio Renault Interior

Clio Renault Interior

New Renault Clio, an incarnation of the brand’s new styling identity

New Renault Clio is the first production model to give full expression to the Renault design renaissance inspired by Laurens van den Acker, Senior Vice-President, Corporate Design. The promise was to take the style and emotion of the brand’s latest concept cars and carry them over to production models. Renault’s new supermini fulfils that promise.

“New Renault Clio was conceived as a piece of sensuous sculpture which stimulates desire. Like muscles, its curves express the dynamism radiated by the DeZir concept car. No acute or aggressive angles, just voluptuous curves that make you want to go up to it and caress it.” Laurens van den Acker (Senior Vice President, Corporate Design)

Balanced, dynamic exterior proportions

New Clio stands out through its front-end design which features a prominent Renault logo, set bold and upright to a gloss black background, an arrangement first seen on the DeZir concept car. This frontal treatment is further emphasised by the headlights – the lower edge of which is picked out in chrome – and LED daytime running lights. Offered only in five-door form, New Clio has a sporty silhouette, accentuated by integrated rear door handles concealed close to the rear quarter lights. In comparison with its predecessor, it packs extra dynamism and personality thanks to a lower ride height, wider tracks, wheels pushed out wide within the arches, and a reduction in the gap between the wheels and wheel arches. From launch, New Clio will be offered in a choice of eight body colours, including the launch colour which is derived from the red used for DeZir.

A fresh, welcoming, occupant-friendly cabin

Safe, protective and refreshing, the interior of New Renault Clio perfectly complements the exterior style to inspire confidence and energy. Comfort goes hand-in-hand with a modern feel and user-friendliness thanks to the dashboard sculpted in the shape of an aircraft wing, the optimally-positioned multimedia system on the centre console, a wide range of colour options, a digital speedometer, comfortable seats and chrome and gloss-black trim highlights.

Broadest-ever personalisation programme & long list of affordable options

Exterior and interior personalisation was dialled into New Renault Clio’s design process at the outset. From launch, buyers will be able to personalise the outside of their car with a selection of colour touches to the front grille, rear and side door inserts. To personalise the interior, the menu covers the dashboard, door panels, steering wheel, grab handles, gear lever and air vent surrounds, upholstery materials and optional floor mats. Thanks to attractively-priced option packs, buyers are able to choose the look and feel they prefer.

New Renault Clio: packed with innovations

When it comes to innovation, Renault’s new supermini retains Clio’s tradition of redefining expectations within its class and raising the standards for small cars.

Renault R-Link – an integrated tablet connected to the car and internet

Having been first with notable innovations such as steering wheel-mounted radio controls (1982, R11 Electronic) and in-car navigation (1994, Safrane), after bringing keyless entry to the volume market (in 2001) and GPS navigation with a high-resolution screen (Carminat TomTom® priced at £450 for Clio in 2009), and having launched on-board connected navigation in the shape of Carminat TomTom® LIVE for Clio, Renault continues its stream of innovations with Renault R-Link.

Available as standard from Dynamique upwards for New Clio, Renault R-Link provides a bridge between the car and the connected world outside thanks to:
- A wide seven-inch (18cm) touchscreen, intuitive voice commands and, as a market first, a home page that can be personalised by the user for safe and simple access to essential functions, without the driver having to take his or her eyes off the road.
- TomTom® connected navigation includes Live services and boasts the market’s best real-time traffic information, helping to minimise journey times and fuel consumption.
- Among other benefits, a connection with the car’s own electronic systems permits access to an advanced eco-driving function (Driving eco²) which analyses the driver’s behaviour and provides advice to help reduce fuel consumption.
- Thanks to the Renault R-Link Store, the automobile world’s first ever Application Store, users can easily view or download a comprehensive and varied range of apps from their car or computer (via ‘My Renault’).

The scope of Renault R-Link’s connected functions will continue to expand thanks to ‘Paris Incubateurs’ (a Paris-based hot-house for young talent) and to an appeal extended to start-ups at the LeWeb’11 show. Over and above the services provided by TomTom® LIVE and the COYOTE app, which alerts the driver to dangerous situations (in countries where this feature is available), R-Link users can also check their messages, for example, manage their diary, locate the nearest service station or place to park, or send a tweet….

One Renault R-Link app – Renault R-Sound Effect – enables the audio experience inside New Clio to be personalised by immersing the cabin in a specific sound environment. It can simulate six different engine sound profiles, each with a specific, attractive signature and perfectly synchronised with driving parameters such as speed and acceleration.

Lotus Raises IndyCar Commitment

Lotus IZOD IndyCar Series 2012

Lotus IZOD IndyCar Series 2012

When Lotus entered the 2012 IZOD IndyCar Series, the regulatory requirement to supply multiple teams and the late timing of Lotus’ entry placed a significant restriction on the development programme. It was clear from the start that the 2012 season was going to be a huge challenge as Lotus debuted its IndyCar engine, but it was a challenge that Lotus was determined to meet. [Read more...]