Cruze Hatchback first view

Following the unveiling of the Cruze Hatchback ‘show car’ in Paris last September, Chevrolet has released the first images of the production version that’ll be at Geneva next week.

Apart from some elements that gave the concept a bit more pizzazz - such as the lights and large wheels - not a lot has changed.



Adding a hatch to the existing saloon is bound to extend the Cruze’s appeal, especially in Europe. However, one potential snag for GM could be that the Chevrolet cannibalises sales from its slightly more upmarket cousin, the very, very similar Vauxhall / Opel Astra.



Sales of the Chevrolet Cruze Hatchback are set to start this summer. Prices and specifications have yet to be confirmed, but a fresh line-up of engines is promised, including a 160 bhp (120 kW / 163 PS) diesel.



The new model is also going to be built in Australia, where it’ll be marketed as the Holden Cruze.



Images © GM Corp.



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Mazda MX-5 Kendo

Mazda has now built over 900,000 examples of its MX-5 / Miata / Eunos Roadster.



Sometimes it feels like a large proportion of those have been special editions, so there are no prizes for guessing how Mazda has decided to mark that production milestone. Yes, it has cobbled together yet another special edition.



This one is called the ‘Kendo Special Edition’, named after the modern Japanese martial art. On sale in the UK from the beginning of March, buyers will be able to choose from either the £19,255 MX-5 1.8i Kendo soft-top or the £22,320 Mazda MX-5 2.0i Kendo roadster coupe.

The formula used is tried and tested: Paint the car a different colour, stick some fancy trim on the seats, add a few options.



In the case of the Kendo - which is based on the current SE models - this means Sparkling Black or Dolphin Grey mica finishes for the bodywork, while the interior gets Stone Leather upholstery.



Also included are unique 17” alloy wheels, cruise control, Bluetooth telephone connectivity and a Bose audio system. Finishing things off are heated seats, brushed aluminium trim, front fog lights, aluminium pedals, floor mats and special badges.



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542 bhp Jaguar XKR-S

Offering a respite from the numerous electric vehicles and hybrids at the Geneva International Motor Show will be the Jaguar XKR-S.

Featuring a reworked supercharged V8 engine, it boasts an output of 542 bhp (404 kW / 550 PS) - exactly the same as Jaguar’s seminal XJ220 supercar from the 1990s.



With a correspondingly healthy 680 Nm (501 lb/ft) of torque, the XKR-S will accelerate from zero to 60 mph (96 km/h) in just 4.2 seconds before going on to a top speed of 186 mph (300 km/h). That makes it the fastest Jaguar road car ever, comfortably outpacing the standard XKR.



To go with the extra performance are tweaked suspension settings, a reprogrammed Adaptive Dynamics system and revised aerodynamics.



A price for the XKR-S has yet to be confirmed but, with the stock XKR costing £77,900 in the UK, expect to have to part with around £90,000. That would make it virtually the same as the slightly slower Aston Martin V8 Vantage.

Volvo V60 diesel hybrid

Given the popularity of oil burners in Europe and their superior fuel economy, it’s surprising that manufacturers have taken so long to develop diesel hybrids.



It looks like it could become a popular powertrain combination, though. Land Rover has already announced that it’ll be presenting the Range_e prototype at the upcoming Geneva International Motor Show, and now Volvo has revealed the V60 Plug-in Hybrid.

Driving the V60’s front wheels is a 2.4 litre five-cylinder turbodiesel engine, producing 212 bhp (158 kW / 215 PS) and 440 Nm (324 lb/ft) of torque. The rears, meanwhile, are separately powered by a 69 bhp (51 kW / 70 PS) electric motor which gets its energy from a 12 kWh lithium-ion battery pack. The only transmission available will be a six-speed automatic.



Developed in conjunction with Swedish energy firm Vattenfall, the V60 Plug-in Hybrid will also be premiered at Geneva, ahead of a market launch that’s scheduled for sometime during 2012.

The headline numbers are an impressive 148.6 mpg (1.9 l/100km) for the combined cycle and CO2 emissions of 49 g/km. Those are achieved when the car is being driven in default ‘Hybrid’ mode, where the engine and motor work together to balance performance against economy.



Switch into ‘Pure’ mode though, and the V60 runs using just the electric motor. Battery range is a fairly respectable 31 miles (50 kilometres), a distance that Volvo points out will cover most daily journeys.

However, for times when environmental considerations take a temporary back seat, ‘Power’ mode can be selected. Harnessing the combined 281 bhp (209 kW / 285 PS) and 640 Nm (472 lb/ft) of torque on offer, the V60 will sprint from zero to 62 mph (100 km/h) in only 6.9 seconds. Undoubtedly both fuel consumption and emissions are going to suffer badly in this configuration, but figures have yet to be published that would quantify the effect.



Recharging when the V60 is plugged into a domestic power socket can take as little as 3 hours with a 230V / 16A supply, although that time is extended to 4.5 hours with 10A or 7.5 hours with 6A currents.

A clever feature is the pre-heating / pre-cooling of the cabin during the recharging process. Operated by a timer that is set via either the dashboard or remotely by mobile phone, it means that once underway minimal battery capacity is used to adjust the interior temperature.



There’s no word on pricing, but Volvo is managing expectations by saying that the cost of the battery pack will make it more expensive than existing V60 models. However, as fuel costs should be reduced by around two thirds compared to those of conventional petrol or diesel cars, the V60 Plug-in Hybrid might still make financial sense.

95 g/km petrol Micra

An increasingly common route to low emissions is to use a small capacity, turbocharged diesel engine.



But for the latest version of its Indian-built Micra, Nissan has bucked that trend. The result is the 1.2 litre Direct Injection Gasoline-Supercharger, or DIG-S for short.

A three-cylinder unit, it needs a supercharger because it runs on the Miller Cycle. Unlike a normal four stroke engine, the intake valves on a Miller engine are left open for the initial part of the compression phase, reducing internal power losses and allowing it to run at a higher compression ratio.



The new engine produces 96 bhp (72 kW / 98 PS) and 142 Nm (104 lb/ft) of torque, but its real party piece is efficiency. Combined with a stop / start system and regenerative braking, the Micra Visia with manual transmission will manage 68.9 mpg (4.1 l/100km), while emitting just 95 g/km of CO2.



Even the slightly heavier Acenta version achieves 99 g/km, and so it too will be exempt from both UK road tax and the London Congestion Charge. No acceleration figures have been released, but the DIG-S-equipped Micra can reach a more than adequate top speed of 112 mph (180 km/h).



There isn’t a diesel available for Nissan’s supermini and, judging by those figures, it doesn’t really need one.



Reinforcing that view, Pierre Loing, Vice President Product Strategy and Planning, Nissan International SA, said: “Ultra low emissions with no compromise when it comes to drivability means the Micra DIG-S sets new standards for the current generation of city cars. No other petrol-powered compact hatchback can beat its overall efficiency... and it is more than a match for an equivalent diesel.”



After its debut at the Geneva International Motor Show, sales of the Micra DIG-S are set to begin in the summer. Prices will be confirmed nearer the time.



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Lotus Elise Club Racer

Lotus has introduced a slightly lighter, slightly cheaper version of its Elise.



Aimed directly at track day enthusiasts, the Elise Club Racer sheds 24 kg (52 lbs) thanks mainly to the loss of sound insulation and the fitment of a special motorsport-derived battery. Tipping the scales at 852 kg (1,878 lb), it certainly follows the traditional Lotus ethos of minimising weight to maximise performance.

The Club Racer is based on the 134 bhp (100 kW / 136 PS) 1.6 Elise, meaning it enjoys CO2 emissions of just 149 g/km. In line with its circuit-orientated role, changes to the chassis include retuned suspension settings and an adjustable front anti-roll bar.



Additionally, the Dynamic Performance Management system - which, among other things, controls the electronic differential, cornering brake control and traction control - comes with a Sport setting, and it can also be turned off completely.



Lotus has priced the Elise Club Racer at £27,500 in the UK and €34,450 in the Eurozone (depending on local taxes). Buyers will be able to choose from Matt Black, Sky Blue, Carbon Grey, Ardent Red, Aspen White or Saffron Yellow paint finishes.



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BTCC-inspired Civic Ti

A major appeal of touring car racing is that the machinery used is similar - at least in looks - to the models that the public can buy from their local showroom.



Honda has decided to capitalise on this association by launching the limited edition Civic Ti. Unashamedly inspired by its own British Touring Car Championship contender, the Ti is based on the five-door 1.4 i-VTEC SE and 1.8 i-VTEC SE. Production will be restricted to just 500 examples.

A marketeer’s dream, the Ti builds on relationships already forged by the Honda Racing Team. For starters, the 17” wheels are supplied by Team Dynamics, and their dark finish undoubtedly looks good against the Premium White Pearl paintwork - the only colour choice available for the Ti.



There’s also a navigation system from Pioneer which, conveniently, is the company that has just been announced as title sponsor for Honda’s 2011 BTCC campaign. Featuring a 3D graphical touch screen, the Pioneer hardware includes mapping for 44 countries, incorporates a hands-free phone system and supports playback for CDs, DVDs and USB devices.



The package is completed by a fairly subtle ‘GP’ body kit.



According to Honda, all of that extra specification adds up to £3,700, but the good news is that the cost hasn’t been reflected in the Ti’s pricing.



In fact, the on the road prices for the Ti variants are over £300 less than their equivalent SE models. That makes the £15,995 1.4 i-VTEC Ti and £16,995 1.8 i-VTEC Ti rather a bargain. Both will go on sale in March.



Meanwhile, Honda Racing has made its intentions for the imminent BTCC season very clear, stating that the target is to win the Drivers’, Teams’ and Manufacturers’ titles.

Team Dynamics will again be running the cars, although a big difference for 2011 is that they are going to be powered by NGTC-spec turbocharged engines. Matt Neal and Gordon Shedden continue as Honda’s works drivers.

Land Rover Range_e

It looks like this year’s Geneva International Motor Show is going to be crammed full of electric cars and hybrids. The latest manufacturer to announce that its stand will include such a vehicle is Land Rover.



The Range_e, which is based on the Range Rover Sport, is still at the prototype stage but promises much. It uses the existing 3.0 litre TDV6 diesel engine alongside a plug-in hybrid system, with drive going to all four wheels via an eight-speed ZF automatic transmission.

Although only a few technical details have been released, Land Rover estimates that the Range_e will have CO2 emissions of just 89 g/km. That’ll mean no UK road tax and a 100% discount on the London Congestion Charge.



What’s more, the range when in electric vehicle mode is said to be 20 miles (about 30 kilometres). To put that into context, the Toyota Prius - which produces the same amount of CO2 as the Range_e - will only manage 1.2 miles (2 kilometres) using battery power alone.



Will the Range_e make it into production? Well, it’s unlikely that Land Rover would bother showing it unless there was a strong possibility and, if the prototype’s figures are anything to go by, frankly it’d be crazy not to.



There’s probably a vast number of potential SUV drivers who don’t yet own one because of extortionate fuel costs and the desire not to be labelled a planet-destroying pariah. For them, the Range_e could be a very welcome solution.



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Panamera S Hybrid

Porsche has announced its most economical model ever.



The Panamera S Hybrid achieves 41.5 mpg (6.8 l/100km) and CO2 emissions of 159 g/km, according to the New European Driving Cycle test. The slight caveat is that those figures are only possible with specially developed - and optional - Michelin low rolling resistance tyres.

Nevertheless, even on normal rubber the hybrid manages 39.7 mpg (7.1 l/100km) and 167 g/km. Still very impressive considering that the best a purely petrol-powered Panamera will do is 25.0 mpg (11.3 l/100km) while pumping out 265 g/km of CO2.



Under the skin is the same technology that’s found in the Cayenne S Hybrid, which means a 328 bhp (245 kW / 333 PS) 3.0 litre supercharged six-cylinder petrol engine running in conjunction with a 45 bhp (34 kW / 47 PS) electric motor. Charge is stored in a nickel metal hydride battery, and an eight-speed Tiptronic S gearbox is fitted as standard.

The Panamera’s range using only its electric motor for propulsion is a little over a mile (around two kilometres). That isn’t a lot, but even such a meagre distance could prove handy in city centre stop-start driving. Perhaps of more use is the ‘sailing’ feature which, at speeds up to 103 mph (165 km/h), will completely shut down the petrol engine when it’s not actually delivering any power to the wheels.



Harnessing the combined 373 bhp (279 kW / 380 PS) from its motor and engine, the Panamera S Hybrid will accelerate from zero to 62 mph (100 km/h) in 6.0 seconds, while the more relevant 50-75 mph (80-120 km/h) increment is taken care of in 3.9 seconds. Top speed is 168 mph (270 km/h).

Pricing has been set at £86,227 for the UK and €106,185 in Germany. Standard kit includes Porsche Active Suspension Management, which offers continuous electronic adjustment of the dampers. Adaptive air suspension and Servotronic speed-sensitive power steering are also fitted.



Following an appearance at the Geneva International Motor Show, the Panamera S Hybrid is scheduled to have its market launch in June 2011.

Lancia / Chrysler Ypsilon

The Lancia product offensive continues. Following news of the Thema, Grand Voyager, Flavia Concept and Flavia Cabrio Concept comes a first look at the brand new Ypsilon.

Although it has been around in various guises since 1996, the Ypsilon will be unfamiliar to most people in the UK and Ireland, simply because Lancia abandoned those markets years ago.



However, this next generation model is going to be built in right-hand drive form too, albeit badged as a Chrysler.



The Ypsilon’s thing is supermini luxury; rather a small niche, but that theme continues unchanged. Luckily, what has been altered is the awkward styling that blighted previous versions. Sure, it’s still distinctive, but it just works a lot better. And now, for the first time, the Ypsilon is a five-door.

Buyers will be able to choose from three trim levels - Silver, Gold or Platinum - and four engines.



The two petrol options are a 68 bhp (50 kW / 69 PS) 1.2 8V Fire unit, or an 83 bhp (62 kW / 85 PS) 0.9 litre two-cylinder TwinAir motor. Diesel devotees are catered for by a 93 bhp (69 kW / 95 PS) 1.3 MultiJet II turbodiesel engine, and there’s also a dual-fuel version of the 1.2 litre petrol that can run on LPG.



To minimise CO2 emissions and fuel use, all Ypsilons come equipped with a start / stop system, gear shift indicator and Goodyear EfficientGrip low rolling resistance tyres.



After its debut at the Geneva International Motor Show, sales of the Lancia Ypsilon are set to begin in June for key European territories. The Chrysler Ypsilon meanwhile will arrive in British and Irish showrooms from September.



Giving customers peace of mind will be a longer warranty period, up from the usual 36 months to 96 months. Available across the entire Lancia range, the newly lengthened warranty will cover almost everything on the car, and there won’t be any mileage restrictions. It will be offered first in Italy, Portugal and Spain from April onwards, with other European markets adopting it later in 2011.



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MP4-12C versus 458 Italia

With a price tag of £168,500 in the UK, €200,000 in the Eurozone and $229,000 in the US, there was only ever going to be one car that the McLaren MP4-12C would be compared against: the incredibly talented, £173,132 Ferrari 458 Italia.

 

So, what’s the verdict? Judging by the reviews in Autocar, Evo and Car, McLaren has succeeded in eclipsing the Ferrari, thanks to an innovative chassis and usable performance from its 3.8 litre twin-turbo engine. The MP4-12C’s looks might have received some criticism for not being dramatic enough, but it’s still a very attractive design.



On paper the McLaren also has the upper hand, boasting more power, lighter weight, faster acceleration, a higher top speed and lower emissions:

McLaren MP4-12C versus Ferrari 458 Italia
Parameter	MP4-12C	458 Italia
Engine
Capacity (litres)	3.8	4.5
Cylinders	V8	V8
Power (bhp / kW / PS)	592 / 441 / 600 @ 7,000 rpm	570 / 425 / 577 @ 9,000 rpm
Torque (Nm / lb/ft)	600 / 443 @ 3,000 - 7,000 rpm	540 / 398 @ 6,000 rpm
Transmission
Gearbox	7-speed dual clutch	7-speed dual clutch
Performance
Acceleration (0-62 mph (100 km/h) seconds)	3.3 (3.1 with Corsa tyre option)	3.4
Top speed (mph / km/h)	205 / 330	202 / 325
Efficiency
Combined cycle (mpg (UK) / l/100km)	24.2 / 11.7	21.2 / 13.3
CO2 emissions (g/km)	279	307
Dry weight (kg / lbs)	1,336 / 2,945	1,380 / 3,042

McLaren Automotive has released videos of its MP4-12C undergoing virtual testing at the McLaren Technology Centre, as well as it being driven during the recent media test drive event at the Autodrómo Internacional do Algarve, Portugal. The journos were also treated some properly quick laps with Jenson Button behind the wheel, something that not all of them seemed to enjoy as much…

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Chryslers become Lancias

It might upset some Lancia traditionalists, but the marque’s initial Chrysler-based models have been revealed ahead of their debuts at the Geneva International Motor Show.



First up is the Thema, which is a badge-engineered Chrysler 300.

Resurrecting the Thema name - last used in the mid-1990s - this new edition focuses on comfort and luxury. For example, Lancia is claiming best-in-class noise levels, thanks to various acoustic panels and laminated glass all round. Recent Chrysler interiors haven’t been the brand’s strong point, but the Thema’s cabin is said to feature soft-touch materials, redesigned seats, wood trim inserts and optional leather upholstery.



Available in either Gold or Platinum specifications, both come with Uconnect telematics as standard. Based around an 8.4” touch screen, the system controls climate control, telephone and audio functions, as well as the Garmin satellite navigation that is included with the Platinum version.



Of course, being a reworked Chrysler 300 means the Thema is rear-wheel drive, a factor that will better equip it to compete with the established rivals from BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Jaguar.



Three engine choices are on offer. For petrol fans there’s the Chrysler Pentastar 3.6 litre V6 which produces 292 bhp (218 kW / 296 PS) and 353 Nm (260 lb/ft) of torque. Connected to an eight-speed automatic transmission, it’ll accelerate the Thema from rest to 62 mph (100 km/h) in 7.2 seconds, before taking it up to a top speed of 142 mph (230 km/h). Combined cycle consumption isn’t too bad at 34.0 mpg (8.3 l/100km), while CO2 emissions are 199 g/km.



However, the majority of buyers will probably opt for either of the two diesels. Both are VM 3.0 litre V6 units and are paired with a five-speed automatic gearbox. The difference is in their outputs, with one generating 187 bhp (139 kW / 190 PS) while the other has 220 bhp (164 kW / 224 PS).



Sales of the new Lancia Thema are due to begin in October across continental Europe. The Chrysler nameplate remains for the UK and Ireland, though.



Replacing the aged Phedra MPV is the Lancia Grand Voyager. Based on the Chrysler Grand Voyager (otherwise known as the Town & Country in North America), the lack of a name change highlights what little alterations have been applied during its metamorphosis into a Lancia.

Available in Silver, Gold or Platinum trim levels, specification includes the Uconnect system, a nine speaker audio set-up and a rear reversing camera.



The existing 2.8 litre common rail diesel from the Chrysler Grand Voyager is carried over. With 161 bhp (120 kW / 163 PS) and 360 Nm (265 lb/ft) of torque, combined cycle consumption is 33.6 mpg (8.4 l/100km) while CO2 emissions are 227 g/km. As would be expected, performance is respectable rather than electrifying, with a 0-62 mph (100 km/h) time of 12.8 seconds and a 115 mph (185 km/h) top speed.



Alternatively, a 3.6 litre V6 petrol engine will be offered. Delivering 279 bhp (208 kW / 283 PS), it comes with a six-speed automatic transmission as standard. Naturally, fuel economy is considerably worse than the diesel option manages, averaging just 22.9 mpg (12.3 l/100km).



Finally - for now at least - are the Flavia Concept and Flavia Cabrio Concept. Essentially just a pair of rebadged Chrysler 200 models, Lancia is saying both could have European launches within six months - a timescale that doesn’t seem overly ambitious. After all, how long does it take to swap over the front grille and lights?

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Antara gets updated

The South Korean-built Antara is a fairly rare sight, a situation that Vauxhall will doubtless be keen to rectify with the refreshed 2011 model.

Power now comes from an all-new Euro 5 compliant 2.2 CDTI diesel (there’s no petrol option), which is available in two states of tune: 160 bhp (120 kW / 163 PS) with 350 Nm (258 lb/ft) of torque, or 181 bhp (135 kW / 184 PS) with 400 Nm (295 lb/ft).



Kicking off the range is the £19,995 front-wheel drive Exclusiv, obviously priced to undercut SUV rivals such as the £22,300 diesel Volkswagen Tiguan S. Featuring the lower horsepower engine and a revamped six-speed manual gearbox, it’ll accelerate from zero to 60 mph (96 km/h) in 9.9 seconds and go on to a top speed of 117 mph (188 km/h).



Combined cycle fuel consumption of 44.8 mpg (6.3 l/100km) and CO2 emissions of 167 g/km aren’t too bad. However, those figures are easily bettered by front-wheel drive versions of the Tiguan and BMW X1, both of which achieve more than 50 mpg (5.6 l/100km) and less than 140 g/km.

The all-wheel drive system can be specified with either engine and a six-speed automatic transmission. Under normal conditions all power still gets sent to the front wheels, but up to fifty percent will go to the rears when required. As expected, buyers have to pay extra for the extra traction, with prices rising to £26,905 for the 181 bhp Antara SE Automatic.



Development work has also been carried out on the chassis. The ABS system is improved, and Hill Start Assist is now fitted as standard. Suspension settings have also been revised, with the aim of improving handling while maintaining a decent ride quality.



On the interior there’s better quality upholstery and trim and a new centre console. Exterior changes have been limited to a redesigned grille and lights, plus the fitment of protection panels front and rear.



Vauxhall / Opel is saying that 15,000 Antara sales are expected during 2011, rising thereafter to 20,000 per annum. The largest markets are anticipated to be the UK, Russia, Italy and Germany.



Images © GM Corp.

Toyota iQ EV prototype

An all-electric version of Toyota’s diminutive iQ city car is set to make its first European appearance at the Geneva International Motor Show.

Still at the prototype stage, the iQ Electric Vehicle borrows components from Toyota’s Hybrid Synergy Drive system as used in the Auris Hybrid and, of course, the Prius.



The iQ EV’s flat lithium-ion battery is stored under the floor, so that no passenger or luggage space is lost. Clever packaging, perhaps, but making the battery small also means that the iQ EV will only travel a paltry 65 miles (105 kilometres) between recharges.

Considering that other small electric cars such as the Think City manage 100 miles (160 kilometres), the Toyota doesn’t exactly advance the genre a great deal.



Testing of the iQ EV is due to continue during 2011, ahead of a customer leasing programme in 2012. And no, there isn’t any word on whether Aston Martin is considering battery power for its iQ-based Cygnet.



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Electric BMW 1 Series

Following 2009’s Mini E, BMW has announced its second all-electric car. Based on the 1 Series Coupé, the BMW ActiveE is powered by an electric motor that produces 165 bhp (123 kW / 168 PS) and maximum torque of 250 Nm (184 lb/ft).



That’s sufficient to get the ActiveE from rest to 62 mph (100 km/h) in nine seconds - surprisingly sluggish for an electric car, given the instant torque that’s usually available. Top speed is limited to 90 mph (144 km/h), undoubtedly in the interests of preserving battery charge.

Whereas the Mini E lost its rear seats and a big chunk of boot space to its battery pack, the ActiveE retains the same four-seat accommodation as a ‘normal’ 1 Series Coupé. Luggage capacity shrinks from 370 to 200 litres though, thanks to a rear-mounted electric motor and control unit. The liquid cooled lithium-ion batteries meanwhile take the spaces previously occupied by the fuel tank, transmission and engine.

BMW has said that the ActiveE will have a range of 100 miles (160 kilometres). In an effort to maximise the time between recharges, the ActiveE’s accelerator has an intermediate position that allows it to ‘glide’ using its own kinetic energy. Also, when the driver takes their foot completely off the accelerator pedal, the motor becomes a generator that sends charge to the battery while creating braking torque to slow the car down.



When the inevitable range anxiety sets in, Eco Pro mode can be selected. This turns down the heating and air con and sends less energy to the electric motor, all to help the batteries last longer. The situation can be monitored via the battery charge and energy use dials, which replace the conventional fuel gauge and rev counter.



The ActiveE will make its first appearance at next month’s Geneva International Motor Show, but it won’t be entering series production. Rather, just over 1,000 examples will be built for field trials in Europe, the United States and China, with feedback being used for the BMW Megacity Vehicle project.



As with the Mini E, BMW UK is planning to lease the ActiveE to a limited number of customers who will have to apply to participate in the programme. There’s no word yet on the monthly cost, but seeing as it was £330 for the Mini E, don’t expect the ActiveE’s payments to be any less than that.

2012 Kia Rio first view

The current Kia Rio is inoffensive but nondescript. It’s the kind of vehicle that usually goes unnoticed or, if by chance it is, gets instantly forgotten.



Even Kia seems to have realised this, and so it’s stressing the bold styling of the next-generation Rio, which will be unveiled at next month’s Geneva International Motor Show. Soon-Nam Lee, Director of Overseas Marketing, Kia Motors Corporation, said: ‘This new model is a big step forward. The Rio has always been successful, and with this new incarnation we have a car which is extremely attractive, that people will want to buy for its looks.’

And the new model certainly looks infinitely more striking than its predecessor, even if Kia’s assertion that the Rio ‘combines European finesse with Korean spice to create a form language that communicates Latin flair’ is probably stretching the hyperbole a bit too far.



The changes in dimensions convey the new Rio’s enhanced proportions and stance. Its wheelbase has grown by 70 mm to 2,570 mm, but the overall length has only increased by 55 mm; width has expanded by 25 mm, yet the car sits 15 mm lower.



Kia is promising fuel efficiency and low emissions from the Rio’s engines. The full line-up is still to be confirmed, but it will include a 1.2 litre turbo Gasoline Direct Injection unit and a 69 bhp (51 kW / 70 PS) 1.1 litre diesel that could produce as little as 85 g/km of CO2.



Available initially in five-door hatchback guise, a three-door will follow soon after for European markets. In other territories, a saloon version with a 390 litre luggage capacity will be offered.



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LFA Nürburgring Package

Don’t think that paying £343,000 for a Lexus LFA is enough? Then the Nürburgring Package, which makes its first public appearance at next month’s Geneva International Motor Show, will solve that particular problem.

Costing an astonishing £55,000, the Nürburgring Package has been developed to give the LFA a more track-orientated focus. A revised front splitter and rear spoiler add extra aerodynamic downforce, while tweaks to the suspension together with different wheels and tyres improve mechanical grip.



Oh, and the 4.8 litre V10 engine has received a barely perceptible increase from 552 bhp (412kW / 560PS) to 562 bhp (419 kW / 569 PS).



Out of the entire LFA production run of 500 cars, the Nürburgring Package will only be available on a maximum of fifty examples. Buyers can choose from black, white and orange paint colours or, if they have an extra £15,000 to get rid of, they might want to go for the matt black finish instead.



And that yet again highlights the trouble with the LFA. Yes, technically it is extremely advanced, but a price tag approaching £400,000 looks like a misprint when there are competitors such as the £171,468 Porsche 911 GT2 RS and the £305,626 Ferrari 599 GTO.

Chevrolet Camaro ZL1

The 2011 Chicago Auto Show has seen plenty of performance car debuts, including the Cadillac CTS-V Black Diamond Edition, Shelby GT350 Convertible and Dodge Charger SRT8.



Despite gloomy economic conditions and ever-increasing oil prices, it looks like the American manufacturers have an emerging confidence. Their message seems to be that people might have an ultra-efficient hybrid or range-extender for everyday use but, while they still can, some of them want to occasionally enjoy V8 power too.



Chevrolet has also joined in, unveiling the range-topping Camaro ZL1 in Chicago. Taking its name from a limited run of Camaros built in 1969 with all-aluminium racing engines, the new ZL1 features the same 6.2 litre (376 cubic inch) V8 motor that powers the current SS spec Camaro, but with a few fundamental differences.

A sixth-generation intercooled Eaton supercharger, high-strength pistons and heat-resistant cylinder heads all combine to lift output from the 426 bhp (317 kW / 431 PS) of the SS to an estimated 550 bhp (410 kW / 557 PS). Torque is also expected to show a similar increase, rising from 569 Nm (420 lb/ft) to 677 Nm (550 lb/ft).



However, with the car still undergoing development before its market launch in early 2012, final power and performance figures for the ZL1 have yet to be determined.



The only transmission choice will be a Tremec TR-6060 six-speed manual gearbox, connected to the engine via a twin-disc clutch to cope with the extra torque and deliver smoother gear changes.

It might be assumed that the hottest Camaro will be good only for quarter-mile runs, with even the slightest bend quickly exposing its shortcomings. But Chevrolet is keen to challenge such preconceptions, stating that the ZL1 is ‘intended to reach optimal lap times on top road-racing circuits and excellent driving dynamics on the street.’



To help achieve this, the retuned suspension features Magnetic Ride Control that adjusts the behaviour of the dampers. There’s also a heavy-duty limited slip differential, while a new electric power steering system is said to offer more precision and driver feedback. The braking system has been developed in partnership with Brembo, and includes six-piston calipers for the larger front discs.



All of which sounds very promising, but only the first road tests will confirm whether or not the ZL1 lives up to Chevrolet’s bold claims.

Visually, the aesthetic throughout is that form follows function. Compared to lesser Camaros, changes comprise a redesigned bonnet with air extractors set into a carbon fibre centre panel, a more aggressive front fascia and splitter, rear diffuser, rear spoiler and lightweight 20” forged aluminium wheels.



It was announced last year that Chevrolet would start officially importing the Camaro into the UK. However, there’s still no sign of it, so it remains to be seen if the ZL1 will ever make it across the Atlantic.



Images © GM Corp.



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