New Car Collection Blog's

Land Rover sales have risen for the third consecutive month.

October sales were up 89 per cent on last year’s levels as the firm sold 2855 combined units of its five models. So far in 2009, the firm has shifted 28,042 new models.

Sales have been boosted by the launch of new versions of the Discovery, Range Rover and Ranger Rover Sport and new 59 registration plates.

John Edwards, managing director, Land Rover UK, said: “It's great to see the market up over 30 per cent and we're excited to achieve an 89 per cent rise in October versus last year.

“It demonstrates what an outstanding success the new 2010 model year vehicles have been and proves the importance of having new products in an ever competitive market.”

Ranger Rover Sport sales were up 210 per cent on this time last year, while Range Rover sales were up 43 per cent. Discovery sales saw a 112 per cent rise, while there were also rises for Freelander and Defender sales, which were up 55 per cent and 25 per cent respectively.

UK year-on-year new car sales were up 31.6 per cent in October, with one in five models sold in the UK being under scrappage.

Thanks to: Autocar

Nissan’s replacement for the Micra will be the first car to be built on a new global small car platform, designed to be cheap enough to build and sell in developing markets but also sophisticated enough for Western Europe.

Nissan claims car makers usually take an existing platform and strip content from it for use in emerging markets. This project takes a platform engineered primarily for those areas, then adapts it for mature markets.

The ‘V-platform’ will underpin cars up to 1600kg in weight and with a maximum torque output of 147lb ft. This means the largest engine fitted to the family of small cars will be a 1.5-litre turbodiesel. The first three cars to use it will be the Micra replacement, a small MPV and a small saloon.

Engineered by Nissan in Japan, the platform project focused on reductions in weight and the number of components.

The V-cars have 18 per cent fewer parts than Nissan’s previous small cars, according to the firm. The dashboard assembly is made up of 28 parts instead of 56 and the seats are now made up of 50 parts, down from 85.

Nissan says much effort went into maximising refinement, in light of the lightweight construction. Engineering tricks include more rigid floor pressings, isolation of suspension from the floor and shapes pressed into the roof to reduce resonance.

The majority of V-platform cars will be powered by new, low-friction three-cylinder engines, which will come in 0.9 and 1.2-litre capacities. Most versions will probably feature turbochargers.

Nissan engineers say the combination of lightweight engineering and torquey engines could deliver significantly better fuel economy than rival vehicles.

The company has also engineered a new, very compact, low-friction CVT transmission, which has a much higher top ratio than normal.

The V-platform has been primarily engineered for comfort on the demanding roads in emerging markets such as India and China. For Western versions of the V-cars, extra emphasis will be placed on refinement and body control.

Thanks to: Autocar

Rolls-Royce is working on a hybrid version of its upcoming luxury saloon, the Ghost.

The Rolls-Royce Ghost hybrid will share the BMW ActiveHybrid 7's green technology. The F01 7-series and the Ghost share the same standard rear-wheel drive platform, so the engineering on the Ghost hybrid has been fairly straightforward.

The Ghost’s 6.2-litre V12 563bhp, 575lb ft petrol engine will be assisted by an electric motor in a mild hybrid application, with no electric only propulsion possible. An automatic start-stop system also comes into play to further reduce fuel consumption.

The car’s 20kW/155lb ft electric motor will be sandwiched into the car’s eight-speed ZF-engineered automatic transmission. Kinetic energy created during overrun and braking will be collected and stored in a 0.6kW/h lithium-ion battery pack mounted in the boot.

There will be no traditional alternator in the Ghost hybrid, with the engine being started via a 20kW electric motor, which should provide a smoother and quieter start-up.

Fuel consumption in the hybrid model should be around 15 per cent better than the standard model, while the extra torque and power provided by the additional battery should provide a subtle improvement to overall performance.

Thanks to: Autocar

Toyota has unexpectedly returned to profit for the first time in nine months, just a day after announcing it would be pulling out of Formula One.

The Japanese firm posted a 21.8 billion yen (£145 million) profit for the second quarter of the current financial year, which ended three consecutive quarterly losses.

In the last financial year, Toyota recorded the worst financial loss in its history and had originally forecast a 450bn (£3bn) yen loss this year. But on posting its current quarter results, Toyota said it now expects to see a loss of 200bn yen (£1.3bn).

The firm has also revised its targets for new car sales this year by 6.5 per cent, to 7.03m units.

Toyota pulled out of Formula One yesterday, citing financial reasons. CEO Akio Toyoda said the firm could no longer commit the necessary funding to be able to compete in the sport and was focused on developing exciting road cars instead.

Thanks to: Autocar

Magna has ruled out making a bid to buy Volvo from Ford after its takeover of Opel/Vauxhall collapsed.

The Canadian parts firm had long been expected to complete a deal to but the European firm from General Motors, but GM yesterday decided to pull out of the deal and go it alone with Opel instead.

Don Walker, Magna's co-chief executive officer, said the firm would not be looking to takeover any other manufacturers, including Volvo, and would instead be looking to acquire other auto parts businesses.

“It's not in our plans,” said Walker, referring to the likelihood of Magna taking over another manufacturer. “We will be focusing on the parts business.”

Speaking at a press briefing at the Chrysler-Fiat press conference yesterday, Walker said he was neither surprised nor disappointed with GM’s decision, although he acknowledged it had wasted lots of time and money on the failed takeover.

“This was a situation where we could help our biggest customer [GM],” said Walker. “They saw that now it was better to hold on to it.”

He also said Magna could emerge stronger from the situation, as it has saved cash which can be invested into other business interests.

“We see a lot of opportunities out there during the next few years,” he said, adding that the company still had a strong balance sheet despite keeping its plants operating in the industry downturn.

Thanks to: Autocar

The next Mazda MX-5 will be smaller and lighter than the current car in an attempt to replicate the spirit of the original, according to Mazda insiders.

The firm’s R&D team is working on making the new car as light and compact as the first MX-5, which was launched 20 years ago. A Mazda source described the current car as “just too heavy”; with a 2.0-litre engine its kerb weight is 1098kg, compared with the original’s 970kg.

So engineers are targeting a kerb weight of 1000kg. That would give the new car a figure similar to that of the recent 980kg MX-5 Superlight concept, the first of a series of design studies that will define the direction Mazda will take with the new car.

Much of this weight loss will be achieved through a smaller and lighter engine, likely to copy the original’s 1.6-litre capacity. “We are testing both 1.6 and 1.8-litre engines, which undercut our current 2.0-litre unit but deliver the same 160-170bhp power range,” said our source.

The dimensions of the car’s platform and wheelbase will stay much the same, but Mazda is known to be looking at reducing the front and rear overhangs.

Lightweight construction techniques will also be employed. Mazda is experimenting with using new steel construction methods that enable less metal to be used in its bodyshells. Mazda is also employing the chief engineer of the first MX-5, Takao Kijima, as a special advisor for the new car.

The new MX-5 is due to be unveiled in 2011, possibly at the next Tokyo motor show. Sources suggest that the price could come down, too, to reflect the new

MX-5’s more simple appeal.

Thanks to: Autocar

TAKE a look at the most extreme M3 ever! This tangerine dream is the GTS – a hardcore track-inspired flagship that takes BMW's popular coupe into new territory with an uprated V8 engine, a roll cage and a price tag in excess of £100,000.

Like Porsche's 911 GT3 RS, it's aimed at owners who like to occasionally take their car to racing circuits. And with much of the testing of the newcomer done at the famous Nurburgring – our spy photographers caught a prototype there last month – the GTS will certainly be at home on the track.

Under the bonnet lies a new 4.4-litre V8, which is based on the 4.0-litre unit found in the standard car. Power goes up by 36bhp to 450bhp, while the six-speed manual transmission is swapped for the twin clutch seven-speed M-DCT system, which boasts tweaked shifts.

In addition, the chassis gets a whole host of upgrades, including new springs and dampers (the rear axle support is bolted into place for extra rigidity too) while new 19-inch alloys get 255/35 front and 285/30 rear tyres. Aerodynamics are enhanced by a huge rear wing that produces actual downforce, along with a larger front splitter. Both are adjustable.

Weight saving measures go far beyond the standard car's carried-over carbon fibre roof too, and include lightweight racing seats, a new titanium exhaust, the removal of the car's air conditioning system and the rear seats. In their place is a roll cage (for added body stiffness and safety on the track), along with a fire extinguisher.

There's no word on whether the GTS will be available in right-hand drive, but it's unlikely as the car is only being made to order in Germany, where it commands a price tag of 115,000 euros. For more details click here.
Thanks to: Auto Express

The most treasured model in Porsche's history, the Spyder, is about to take to the road again! The German company has announced the release of a new lightweight, driver-focused version of the mid-engined Boxster, known as the Boxster Spyder.

Inspired by the 1954 550 Spyder, which stood only three-feet high and weighed a slender 550kg, the Boxster Spyder sports a new, low-slung silhouette with a lightweight, low-lying soft-top and windows.

Completing the look is a pair of humps which extend across the boot-lid to the rear spoiler and transform the normally awkward looking Boxster into something that more closely resembles the Carrera GT supercar.

Due to be unveiled at the Los Angeles Motor Show in December, the new car weighs in at just 1,275kg, which is 80kg less than the Boxster S and enough to make it the lightest Porsche on sale today.

Under the bonnet, the Spyder uses Porsche's tried and tested 3.4-litre 'boxer' engine, newly tweaked to put out 320bhp. The uprated engine can be paired with a standard six-speed manual gearbox or the PDK twin-clutch system, which has now done away with its counter-intuitive steering wheel mounted controls in favour of a pair of paddle-shifters.

Porsche claims that a Spyder, fitted with the optional PDK gearbox and Sports Chrono Pack will sprint to 60mph in a blistering 4.8 seconds, that's almost a second quicker than a PDK equipped Boxster S. Top speed is more familiar, with the Spyder's top speed of 166mph only 3mph more than the S.

Renowned for its responsive handling and excellent brakes, the original Boxster package is hard to improve, but that hasn't stopped the Porsche engineers from trying. A lower centre of gravity coupled with a slightly revised suspension set-up allows the Spyder to be even more agile than its predecessor.

However, the new Porsche isn't just about torque and tyresmoke; consumption figures of 30.4mpg, again with the optional PDK gearbox, should help cut down time spent at the pumps and should also save around £200 a year in road tax over the standard Boxster S.

The new Spyder will go on sale in February 2010. Priced at £44,643 the Spyder is almost identically priced to Audi'd TT RS Roadster and undercuts the SLK 55 AMG by £5,000.

Included in the price is a chance for customers to test the limits of their new Spyder, by taking to the track at Silverstone with a special Porsche-run driving experience. For more details click here.

Thanks to: Auto Express

Today is a big day for armchair automotive product planners as Chrysler has released its five-year plan projecting what is to come from the company through 2014.

What we've got here for you is the 15-slide product plan, describing everything from how quickly Chrysler expects the U.S. auto industry to recover to what vehicles will be refreshed or completely redesigned in the coming years.

There's no sedan quite like the BMW 3-series. Yes, it needs to shed some pounds and its styling is certainly debatable. But it drives with such precision and offers such delicate feedback that we still regard it as the benchmark in its segment. For 2012, BMW faces the difficult task of replacing the current car with a completely new, sixth-generation model.

Captured by our spy photographers in Munich, Germany, this four-door is internally called the F30. There's a lot to come: The next-generation 3 will again be offered in number of body styles, including a wagon, coupe, and cabriolet, which—contrary to what we've hoped for—will keep the heavy and complex retractable hardtop. BMW will also offer a five-door hatchback dubbed the "Gran Turismo" which apes the concept of the 5-series GT but will be more carlike and less imposing on the road.

BMW's excellent diesel-engine lineup will largely carry over in Europe, but there are imminent changes for its current range of rewarding but thirsty gasoline engines. Variable valve timing, single- and twin-turbocharging, direct fuel injection, and stop/start systems are in the works for a new generation of modular, four-cylinder engines producing 140 to 230 hp. A 2.0-liter version with close to 300 hp is possible, but we are optimistic BMW will keep at least one of its 3.0-liter inline-sixes in the portfolio. That six is still the stuff of legend, and we'd be sorry to see it go in favor of a force-fed four.

The M3 will remain the ultimate 3, but it is not yet clear whether it will keep its naturally aspirated V-8. A turbocharged inline-six is a distinct possibility. The seven-speed dual-clutch transmission will remain an option for the M3, while the six-speed manual will be standard, as it is on most other 3-series models except the most powerful diesels. But unlike the M3, those other versions will be available with an optional ZF eight-speed automatic in place of the current six-speed unit. Interestingly, BMW is mulling the launch of a high-efficiency, three-cylinder version of the 3-series, which will share its engine architecture with the next-generation Mini and will likely be hybridized, too.

The 3-series will be equipped with a full bag of electro-nanny systems, such as lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and speed-limit recognition. BMW's night-vision system is technically possible but unlikely to be offered in the 3. However, you will be able to tinker with the engine and chassis setup by means of a "driving dynamics" button.

The styling of the next 3 will be a rather conservative evolution of the current model, with a protruding kidney grill similar to that of the 7-series and the 5-series GT. The interior will look decidedly richer and will lose the center hump that houses the current model's optional navigation system.

Look for the next 3-series at the 2012 Geneva auto show. It should arrive at U.S. dealers later in 2012 for the 2013 model year.

Thanks to: Car and Driver

Given an improving business environment for GM over the past few months, and the importance of Opel//Vauxhall to GM's global strategy, the GM Board of Directors has decided to retain Opel and will initiate a restructuring of its European operations in earnest.

"GM will soon present its restructuring plan to Germany and other governments and hopes for its favorable consideration," said Fritz Henderson, president and CEO. "We understand the complexity and length of this issue has been draining for all involved. However, from the outset, our goal has been to secure the best long term solution for our customers, employee, suppliers, and dealers, which is reflected in the decision reached today. This was deemed to be the most stable and least costly approach for securing Opel/Vauxhall's long-term future."

On a preliminary basis, the GM plan entails total restructuring expenses of about €3 billion, significantly lower than all bids submitted as part of the investor solicitation. GM will work with all European labor unions to develop a plan for meaningful contributions to Opel's restructuring. While Opel continues to outperform against its viability plan assumptions and immediate liquidity is stable, time is of the essence.

"While strained, the business environment in Europe has improved." Henderson said. "At the same time, GM's overall financial health and stability have improved significantly over the past few months, giving us confidence that the European business can be successfully restructured. We are grateful for the hard work of the German and other EU governments in navigating this difficult economic period. We're also appreciative of the effort put forward by Magna and its partners in Russia in trying to reach an equitable agreement."

Henderson added that GM also hopes to build on its already significant business in Russia and to resume work directly with GAZ to contribute to both the modernization of its operations and the joint development of the Russian vehicle market on a mutually attractive basis. More details on the next steps in the restructuring will be provided as the plans and developments warrant.
Thanks to: Motor Trend

Ferrari has been working on an electrically driven 4x4 system for its future models, senior company sources have confirmed.

The various alternatives for the hybrid system were first revealed on the Autocar website earlier this year but Ferrari says the final hybrid design will be used for front engined GT models and will drive the front wheels.

However, the source says that the first models equipped with the system will not appear before 2014. The aim of the 4x4 system – which will use motors mounted inboard of the front wheels – will be to improve handling rather than improve fuel economy.

Insiders say that using torquey electric motors to power the front wheels will offer significant improvements in acceleration and much improved cornering prowess, because the torque delivery to each front wheel can be carefully controlled.

Although this new drivetrain won’t be available from launch, it will eventually become an option on the replacement for the 612, which has been caught testing here at high altitude in Europe.

Thanks to: Autocar

Here's another special edition Kia to stir the Soul! This is the Tempest – a limited run model which comes in Titanium Silver paintwork with black high-gloss bumpers and door mirrors. It also gets rather nifty black 18-inch alloy wheels too.

Inside, there's a host of shiny new trim pieces, with a metallic fascia and chrome inserts for the dashboard and instrument binnacle. But that's not it, though – you also get a reversing camera, a punchier stereo (complete with a speaker mounted in the centre of the dashboad), a sub-woofer in the back and an amplifier too.

The Soul Tempest is available now with the choice of a 1.6-litre petrol or diesel engine. Prices kick-off at £12,845. For more details click here.
Thanks to: Auto Express

Around 13,000 rear-drive Chryslers could lose their wheels, 53,000 GM Delta platform cars might be leaking fuel, and 40,000 Mazda B-Series trucks might catch fire. Must be time for another recall roundup.

Chrysler is recalling 12,674 rear-drive LX platform cars that were manufactured between 2009 and 2010. Some 300Cs, Challengers, and Chargers rolled off the assembly line without a wheel spindle nut, resulting in potential wheel loss while driving. Chrysler will notify dealers to inspect and repair the wheel assembly, if necessary, for free.

If you happened to watch this weekend's Formula 1 race set in Abu Dhabi, you probably saw it amongst the bevy of super-sized yachts. It's practically unmistakable thanks to its rosso corsa paintjob, and many staffers here at MT headquarters agree, it's one of the most futuristic looking and aesthetically dominating buildings in the world.