New Car Collection Blog's

Volkswagen's flagship saloon has finally revealed all! These spy-shots show a completely undisguised Phaeton prototype on a late night photoshoot, complete with a totally new front end and a fresh set of LED tail-lights at the rear.

The facelift will be the third since the Phaeton was introduced and Volkswagen will be hoping to finally establish their luxury saloon in the fiercely competitive market which already includes BMW's 7-Series and the Mercedes S-Class.

Inside, the luxurious cabin will remain with high quality materials in abundance. Changes will come to the centre console arrangement and dashboard, making controls easier to use and to bring the interior in line with big-name rivals.

Under the bonnet, rumours suggest that there will be a range of engines, including a new V10 diesel and a range of efficient turbocharged petrol engines.

The new Phaeton is likely to be unveiled at the Paris Motor Show later this year. For more details click here.
Thanks to: Auto Express

Big things come in small packages for PSA Peugeot Citroen! The French alliance has just announced it will invest 175 million Euros in producing an efficient three-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine.

The new unit is set to be developed alongside the firm's 1.0-litre and 1.2-litre naturally aspirated 3-cylinder engines which are due to start production in 2012.

The PSA plant in Douvrin, Northern France will produce 320,000 of the 1.2 turbo engines a year, while the Tremery plant can produce 640,000 of the naturally aspirated units.

PSA chief Philippe Varin said, “with its state-of-the-art environmental technology, the new powerplant will enable PSA Peugeot CitroΫn to strengthen its leadership in low-carbon vehicles.”

There's no official word on which models will get the ultra-efficient engines but expect Citroen's C3 and DS3 to be among the first, with replacements for the Peugeot 207 and 308 to follow.

Ford's range of efficient EcoBoost engines was developed in partnership with PSA, and this engine is likely to continue that relationship. That means that the next generation Focus and Fiesta are likely candidates for the three-cylinder unit. For more details click here.
Thanks to: Auto Express

Nissan has begun a long-term project to produce a VW Golf rival, as part of its plans to enter new sectors of the car market and regain ground once occupied by the Nissan Almera.

Confirming that work on the small family car project was already underway, Nissan’s senior vice president Andy Palmer said the project was motivated by Nissan’s goal of becoming a player in 90 per cent of the world’s markets and increasing its current 3 per cent market share of global car sales. Nissan is currently competing in around 84 per cent of the world's markets.

"To date, we have grown by circumnavigating the competition very successfully with cars like the Qashqai, but to go further we will have to tackle the market head on," he said.

"The C segment is an obvious growth area. The Qashqai and Juke will take sales in that market, but tackling it head on means building a car that is better than the VW Golf.

“That’s the challenge we have set ourselves. That project is a long term goal, but it is underway."

Thanks to: Autocar

MEET Ferrari’s racecar for the road! Derived from the firm’s hardcore 599XX experimental racing car, the GTO represents the most extreme version of the firm’s two-seater 599.

Despite sharing its looks with the 599 road car, the newcomer is actually a toned-down racing car that’s been homologated for road use, hence why it has been given the classic Gran Turismo Omologata moniker.

Just 599 cars will be built, each powered by an uprated version of the Enzo-derived 6.0-litre V12 engine. Power is up from 612bhp to 661bhp, while weight tumbles from 1,690kg to 1,605kg, allowing the GTO to sprint from 0-62mph in 3.4 seconds – 0.3 seconds faster than before – and hit a top speed in excess of 208mph.

Despite the increase in speed, the higher-performing GTO is actually slightly more fuel efficient than the standard car. Thanks to its tweaked automated manual gearbox, which is the only transmission option, the new car returns 16.1mpg and emits 411g/km – the standard car manages 15.9mpg and 415g/km.

But the headline-grabbing statistic is that the new car will lap Ferrari’s demanding Fiorano test track in 1 minute 24 seconds, a full 2.5 less than the standard 599. This is thanks to a number of high-tech features which have filtered down from the 599XX programme.

Alongside the obvious enhancements to the exterior, the GTO gets sophisticated electronics which Ferrari claims virtually eliminate understeer; a new generation of carbon ceramic brakes and so-called wheel donuts which fit over the brakes to improve aerodynamic efficiency and cooling.

The GTO will make its public debut in Beijing later this month, but is on sale in the UK now with prices starting at around £300,000. However, a spokesman from Ferrari said that owners are expected to spend far more than that personalising their cars. For more details click here.
Thanks to: Auto Express

The Viper has hissed its last. But before the ageing supercar is consigned to the history books later this year, it will shed its skin one last time with a limited run of 50 Final Edition models.

Only available in the US, buyers will have the choice of conventional Coupe or Roadster models. But for the ultimate Viper experience, the Coupe-based ACR (American Club Racer) version with its huge rear wing and lighter kerbweight will be the enthusiasts’ choice.

Each Final Edition Viper features a graphite-coloured clear-coated paint finish with a black centre stripe highlighted in red. The Coupe and Roadster models feature Anthracite-coloured six-spoke alloys while the ACR version has black, five-spoke items. All Final Edition models have unique side sill badges.

The interior has been treated to black leather with red stitching, red painted dial surrounds on the instrument cluster and bright stainless steel screws on the centre console. A numbered dash plaque and unique Viper Final Edition floor mats complete the changes.

All models are powered by the enormous 603bhp 8.4-litre V10 engine, ensuring sensational performance. The 0-60mph sprint takes less than 4.0 seconds, while top speed is 202mph. The braking power is equally staggering, with 0-100-0 mph taking just 11 seconds.

Production of the Final Edition models will begin in early summer, with 20 Coupes, 18 Roadsters and 12 ACRs due to be made. That figure is considerably less than the 360 red and white Final Edition coupes that heralded the departure of the previous generation Viper in 2002.For more details click here.
Thanks to: Auto Express

Take a look at Vauxhall's latest best-seller! These are the first spy pictures of the Luton-based firm's new Zafira – and it promises to be better looking and more practical than ever.

The third generation of the popular people carrier, the latest Zafira is based on the new Astra and, as you can see, gets a sleek body that mixes themes from the Focus rival. Despite the chequered disguise, it's clear is it's a good looking machine.

Inside, expect a high quality cabin that takes further inspiration from the Astra, but adds more versatility with fold flat rear seats, offering space for seven in total. As you can see, the Zafira gets conventional rear doors, rather than the 'suicide'-style doors of the Meriva.

Under the skin lies the Astra's front-wheel drive platform, so expect the Zafira to get the same line-up of engines including small capacity petrol turbo units. Vauxhall will also offer its FlexRide suspension set-up and a system that allows the driver to tweak throttle and steering sensitivity.

The new Zafira will debut at the Paris Motor Show in September, with sales starting in the UK in early 2011.For more details click here.
Thanks to: Auto Express

It’s a done deal! Just as Auto Express exclusively reported last week, the Renault-Nissan alliance and Daimler have signed a deal to share platforms and powertrains. Daimler CEO Dieter Zetsche and Renault boss Carlos Ghosn has personally agreed the deal, announced today in Brussels.

Zetsche commented - “Our skills complement each other very well. Right away, we are strengthening our competitiveness in the small and compact car segment and are reducing our CO2 footprint – both on a long-term basis. We know that we can make brand-typical products based on shared architectures. The individual brand identities will remain unaffected.”

Carlos Ghosn added - “The Renault-Nissan Alliance knows how to work successfully in collaborative partnerships, and this experience is extremely valuable in today’s and even more tomorrow’s global auto industry. This agreement will extend our strategic collaboration and create lasting value for the Renault-Nissan Alliance and Daimler.” For more details click here.
Thanks to: Auto Express

The Passat CC is now pretty and practical. Responding to customer demand, VW has replaced the pair of individual rear seats with a conventional three-seat bench. This gives the option of transporting five adults in comfort, just like a Passat saloon, but still offering a more stylish coupe bodystyle.

The standard spec has also been increased. Alongside the climate control; leather steering wheel, gear knob and handbrake, and 17-inch alloys, all CCs now come with sat-nav and Bluetooth.

GT models also benefit from a Nappa leather interior, front and rear parking sensors and cruise control, and retain 18-inch alloys, Adaptive Chassis Control and tinted glass.

The car is available to order now with the entry-level car starting at £22,520 - a £515 rise over the outgoing car. However, VW is keen to point out that the extra standard kit is worth £1,000. The GT model now starts at £25,160, a rise of £1,000, yet the extra equipment value is £3,000.

The existing line-up of 1.8-litre TSI, 2.0-litre TSI and 3.6-litre V6 petrol engines and 2.0-litre TDI diesel engines remains, as does the choice of six-speed manual or DSG gearboxes. For more details click here.
Thanks to: Auto Express

A reader recently spotted these two mules of the next-generation 2011 Honda Odyssey taking a break at a rest stop off Interstate 5 near the Tejon pass just north of Los Angeles. Unsurprisingly, the lightly camouflaged prototypes bear a close resemblance to the near-production concept Honda showed in February at the Chicago Auto Show.

BYD has been growing fast, and in an effort to keep its growth rate up, the Chinese automaker is unveiling five new models at the Beijing auto show later this month.

At the Beijing auto show, BYD will display its new L3 and I6 compact sedans, the M6 MPV, the G6 full-size sedan, and the S6 SUV. All five models are powered solely by a gasoline engine, not the hybrid or electric powertrains BYD has been working on. Although we don’t know exactly how much the new models will cost, we do know they will be the most expensive cars in the company’s lineup. Most of BYD’s current vehicles sell for under 80,000 yuan, or around $12,000. All five vehicles will go on sale after the show.

In addition to the five new models, BYD will bring its F3, F6, and G3 gasoline-powered vehicles to the show. The Chinese company will also bring its F3DM and F6DM plug-in hybrid vehicles as well as its e6 electric vehicle.

BYD currently has plans to bring its e6 electric vehicle to the U.S. later this year, possibly making BYD the first major Chinese car company to sell a vehicle in the U.S., should it succeed. The electric vehicle uses a BYD lithium-ion battery that can provide a range of around 186 miles. The vehicle is also said to be capable of reaching 100 mph.

Last year, BYD sold 445,097 vehicles, all of which were powered by gasoline engines. This year, with the help of its new models, plug-in hybrids, and electric vehicle, BYD hopes to break 800,000 sales.
Thanks to: Motor Trend

A pirate is someone who undertakes war-like attacks without government assent. "Pyrat," on the other hand, is the latest buzzword at M GmbH—more on that in a second.

M GmbH, of course, is BMW's high-performance division, headed since last May by BMW executive Kay Segler. We've met Segler many times and can attest to the fact that he did good things at Mini, where he worked prior to taking the reins at M. Segler got off to an excellent start with the Euro-only limited-edition M3 GTS and now he will make a permanent mark on every enthusiast's map with a planned 1-series variant. While we’re still expecting to see a 135is offered with a higher-output turbocharged inline-six—like in the 335is—our sources confirm that Segler’s division is crafting an M version of the compact 1-series coupe. It’s code-named project "Pyrat.”

There’s been some recent skepticism about the growth of the M division with such behemoths as the X5/X6 M, which not only contradict the division's lightweight philosophy but also mark a switch to turbocharging and a resultant loss of engine response at the limit. But the M version of the 1-series should do absolutely everything right. This prototype caught by our photographers reveals the business-like approach of the car: a wide front air intake with no fog lights, a wider track with large fenders covering cross-drilled brake rotors and big wheels with meaty tires, and a purposeful rear spoiler instead of an overwrought wing. The mule sports just two exhaust pipes, but the final product could sprout a couple more.

We like what we see, but we like even more what we can’t yet see. The 1er M will be powered by a high-revving, naturally aspirated straight-six producing about 340 hp—and, we are told, a very remarkable exhaust note. Think last-generation M3, and you’re close. Just when we thought exclusive engines were dead, we’re told there will be few ingredients from the corporate parts bin used on the 1-series M.

So what will this M be called? Well, we know that Segler appreciates the iconic nature of the M1 moniker and we predict he won't apply it to this car. Likely front-runners are 1-series M or 1M, but we’ll know for sure towards the end of this year when we get the first official glimpse of the car. Meanwhile, the competition should be on high alert. With this "Pyrat" around, the seas won't quite be the same.

Thanks to: Car and Driver

The Honda CR-Z has not even landed in showrooms, and already we are hearing rumors about a new, bigger hybrid sports coupe in Japan. At a recent chance meeting, a Honda insider revealed that company is busy working on a next generation hybrid sports coupe that will dwarf the all-new CR-Z in performance. Details of the powerplant are still sketchy, but our source tells us that in place of a planned V-6 hybrid, engineers are leaning toward the incorporation of a cleaner, more fuel efficient 2.5-liter, four-cylinder gas engine attached to Honda's well-known IMA hybrid system, which would lift this coupe's engine capacity by one full liter over the CR-Z. He adds that the V-6 hybrid is being considered as a main powerplant for U.S.-spec minivans and SUVs, which need more grunt.

BMW hasn't restyled its 6 Series since 2003. Yep, that's the year it was first released worldwide. So far, only slight touch-ups here and there were deemed enough until a complete redesign that's soon to arrive. Lucky for all, we have what is likely the best rendering of what the next 6 will look like when it hits dealers sometime later this year.

In the wake of the news that all 2011 Impreza WRXs would be getting wider tracks and STI-inspired wide-body styling, we figured the nails were already being driven into the STI’s coffin. We were so wrong, as Subaru shows it has no plans of killing the STI with this additional new sedan body style, which dropped at New York auto show. Only offered in hatchback form since its redesign in 2008, the STI still will be available in the more practical form, and it will be upgraded to match the specification of the new sedan.

(By the way, what is it with Subaru and upgrading the WRX and STI basically every year? Are they trying to screw with their customer base? “I’ll just wait until next year to buy that STI . . . but what if they upgrade it again!? ACK! I CAN’T TAKE IT ANYMORE!" *BANG*)

With 305 hp already on tap from the STI’s turbocharged flat-four, there wasn’t much need for more power, so Subaru’s engineers focused on what needed help the most: the suspension and on-road handling. The upgrades made to create the 2010 STI Special Edition were only the beginning; the ’11 STI goes further with an even more aggressive suspension to reduce body roll and create more neutral handling. Compared with last year’s STI, the ride has been lowered and both the front and rear anti-roll bars have been beefed-up in diameter by 1 mm. Stiffer springs—to the tune of 15.6 percent in the front and 53 percent in the rear—are installed, as are more rigid rear subframe bushings and new pillow-ball bushings in the front. Subaru says that extensive testing on the Nürburgring resulted in crisper handling while maintaining a livable ride.

Beyond its new sedan body style, the STI gains some other aesthetic tweaks for 2011. Like the ’11 WRX, the grille is revised, the bumpers are more aggressive, and the fog lights are blacked-out. But differentiating the STI from the lesser WRX is the huge rear spoiler—Subie says it enhances high-speed stability and helps achieve zero aerodynamic lift—and polished quad tailpipes. New standard 18-inch wheels are said to save a total of 17.6 pounds over the old rims. BBS-brand 18s will continue to be optional, and both rollers will come wearing summer-only 245/40 Dunlop SP600 rubber.

As mentioned—although it hasn’t yet been officially announced—Subaru confirms that all the above will be reflected on the five-door hatchback when the 2011 models go on sale this summer. After our time in the STI Special Edition, we’re pretty confident this new STI will make good on its promise of improved handling. That thing we said about the STI being killed? After seeing this 2011, all we have to say is this: Over our dead bodies.

Thanks to: Car and Driver

“Wider is better.” It’s best remembered as a tagline used over the decades by Pontiac, but Subaru might want to see if GM’s willing to give up the trademark. That’s because the Japanese company plans to debut a revised 2011 Impreza WRX with an increased track and wide-body sheetmetal lifted straight from its STI big brother. The official unveil will happen at the New York auto show.

The 2011 WRX’s newly flared fenders will cover a 1.5-inch increase in front and rear track, in addition to a set of wider 17-inch wheels that should deliver improved grip. (The current 17s are seven inches wide; the new wheels will wear 235/45 rubber versus the previous model’s 225/45s.) The ’11 Rex also will get firmer rear subframe bushings to handle the increased g’s that come with added grip. Just 33 pounds are gained in the make-over, which comes on the heels of a pretty thorough sharpening for 2009.

Aside from the visual cues mentioned above, new WRX models will feature restyled bumpers and grilles that swallow more air, as well as newly blacked-out fog lights that are wider—it’s better!—than before.

Thanks to: Car and Driver