An F-Type Jaguar is coming! Finally!

On display at the New York motor show was a new F-type Jaguar that’s to arrive in mid-2013. First there was the C-type, then D-type racing cars of the 1950’s. The 1960’s gave use an E-Type for the public road. But the world has being crying out for a Jaguar to be labelled (or should that be ‘crowned’) as an F-type. After five decades of waiting, although there have been an interim of other sports coupes and cabriolets from the brand. Namely the long produced XJS and two incarnations of the XK, the F-type is coming soon.

Jaguar’s Chief designer Ian Callum said “A true sports car needs to be pure in both its purpose and form. The C-type, D-type and E-type Jaguars were all sports cars that held true to this principle in their era, and the F-TYPE will hold true to that same principle in its time, a time that is soon to arrive.”

The forth-coming F-Type is under accelerated development since the positive reaction of the C-X16 concept in September 2011, and prototypes are already being produced at Birmingham’s Castle Bromwich plant for on-road testing, before the final production-line model rolls out of the same facility next year, priced at around £50,000.

Drawing on Jaguar’s expertise in aluminium, the car will be of aluminium construction and be a strict two-seater, with the focus being on being rewarding to drive. It will be available as a soft top convertible initially, followed by a conventional hard-top coupe. It will be powered by a range of petrol engines – a new line up of performance powerplants, propelling the car up to 186mph.

The new F-type will join the existing Jaguar Range of XF, XF Sportbrake, XJ saloon, and XK coupe and convertible. Due to the arrive of the F-type, future XK models will move up market, being bigger and offering a true 2+2 configuration to rival the likes of the Maserati Gran Turismo.

Jaguar’s global brand boss said “The core appeal of Jaguar’s cars is their sporting heart, and that heart will beat stronger than ever before in the F-TYPE. Engineers and design teams have produced a world-leader in a market segment that we have been absent from for too long. But no longer – the F-TYPE is coming.”  

Merc’s new sporty compact A-Class

Mercedes new A-Class debuted at this year’s 82^nd Geneva Motor Show (8^th – 18^th Mar 2012). The third generation A-Class is a radical design departure from the compact MPV designs of its two predecessors. The car now has a lower stance, and siting closer to the road, to give a sporty coupé-like profile. Head of Mercedes-Benz cars, Dr Dieter Zetsche, said “It is completely new, starting with a clean sheet of paper”.

Daimler-Benz make much of the design of their rakish compact Mercedes, with design boss Gorden Wagener saying “The almost sculptural lines of the A-Class are very typical for Mercedes, particularly along the sides of the car, giving structure and tautness”. The inside of the car also has a design that echo’s other cars in the marques latest range, employing a sport orientated cabin. And styling touches such as the circular crossed air-vents on the dash-board.

The car will be available in three trim-level versions, the ‘Urban’, ‘Style’ and “AMG Sport”, but the cars can be individualised with a large array of options, including suspension settings. AMG performance specialists were involved with the new A-Class project early on, and the Sport versions benefit from revised suspension and front axle. There are black 18-inch alloy wheels with red brake callipers. This theme continues on the inside with the interior accented in red.

The new A-Class will also boast a raft of safety equipment – much of it having filtered down from the S-Class into the compact car. The ‘Collision Prevention Assist’ system uses radar-based warning and ‘Brake Assist’ to prevent rear end collisions, and gives visual and acoustic warnings. There is also Mercedes ‘Pre-Safe system. In which turbulent manoeuvring will cause pre-tensioning of seat-belts, closing of windows and sliding sun-roof, and the optimised position of the electric front passenger seat, into a position best suited for the activation of the restraints.

Powering the compact Mercedes will be a number of efficient lean-burn Petrol and Diesel engines featuring turbos and multipoint direct-injection and ignition. For the first time Mercedes-Benz will produce emissions of just 99g/km CO₂.

The petrol engines range from 1.6 to 2.0 litre producing 115bhp (for the A180), 156bhp (in the A200) and 211bhp (in the A250). The diesel engines have the following outputs of 109bhp (in the A180CDI), 136bhp (in the A200CDI), and 170bhp (A220CDI) produced by a 2.2 litre engine.

There is one consideration for Mercedes-Benz in their decision to change market direction for the A-Class. Whereas the previous incarnations of the A-Class held a niche position as a premium compact MPV, (having great success), having the market all to itself. With this new third generation of A-class, Mercedes are entering a very competitive premium-compact sector occupied by the likes of the Volkswagen Golf, BMW 1-Series and the Lexus 200h. How successful the move will be, only time will tell. But perhaps Mercedes should find a suitable replacement for the traditional A-Class, rather than abandoning the premium-compact MPV sector it founded all together.  

Porsche’s new third generation Boxster

The new Boxster is lighter, more powerful, efficient and agile than its predecessor – with new flat-six direct injection engines. It has a UK arrival in April.

Porsche’s are known to be almost static in the evolution of their designs. The 911 still has the same basic silhouette it’s had since its 1960’s inception. But the Porsche Boxster cannot be tarnished by the same brush. It has been much more malleable and pliable in the evolution of its design.

The third incarnation has shorter front and rear overhangs, a significantly forward-shifted windscreen, and has a flatter silhouette. But the main visual differences are the use of expressive edges and lines and all new head-light and tail-light designs (the rear lights now blend into the vestigial rear spoiler), giving the car a fresh styling, yet still being easily recognisable as a Boxster.

Inside, there’s more passenger space, with a feature of the interior design being a Carrera GT inspired centre console. The convertible now has a new fully electric hood, which now dispenses with the need for a compartment lid when stowed.

Porsche claim’s the car’s lower weight, longer wheel-base, widened track and larger wheels offer a superior performance for the mid-engined sports car. Further driving enhancement is provided by the option of ‘Sport Chrono Package’, featuring Dynamic Transmission Mounts, and optional ‘Porsche Torque Vectoring (PTV)’ with a mechanical rear limited slip differential.

The use of features such as electro-mechanical power steering, and direct injection give the new Boxster up to 15 % greater fuel efficiency. The Boxster and Boxster S benefit from new flat-six engines with direct petrol injection, with further efficiency provided by electrical system recuperation, thermal management and start/stop function.

The standard Boxster gets 265 bhp from a 2.7 litre – 10 bhp on its predecessor. While the Boxster S delivers 315 bhp from its 3.4 litre – 5 bhp more than previously. Both models feature six-speed manual gearboxes as standard. But an optional seven-speed dual-clutch ‘Porsche Doppelkupplungsgetriebe (PDK)’ gives improved fuel consumption figures of 36.7mpg for the standard Boxter, and 35.3mpg for the Boxster S.

Porsche also claim the PDK gives smoother gear changes without interruption to the flow of power, allowing the Boxster to sprint from 0- 62mph in 5.7 sec, and the Boxster S in just 5.0 sec. The new Boxster goes on sale in the UK from April 28. The standard Boxster is priced from £37,589, and from £45,384 for the Boxster S.

The Boxster features Alcantara interior, 18” alloy wheels, Auto stop/start and Sports mode, remote control hood operation, audio CD with 7-inch colour touch-screen control, a universal audio interface offering MP3 connectivity. The Boxster S adds 19-inch alloy wheels, partial leather interior and Bi-Xenon headlights.

Next defender has a tough act to follow

The Los Angeles Auto Show saw two new Land Rover concept cars on display. Named the DC100 and DC100 Sport, they  indicate the possible future design direction for the replacement of the aging current Defender model. Any future models would be packed with innovative technology and driver aids. But would a gadget laden Landy live up to standard of the long running current model.

The original Land Rover (series I) made its debut in 1948, and was originally envisaged as a rural/agricultural vehicle. But it has gone on to secure its self in history as one of the most capable off-road vehicles of all time. It has undergone relatively few alterations in appearance over more than 60 years, despite there being a series II and series III, and since 1983 known as the Defender. Whatever the conditions, wherever in the world, and whatever the mission, you will find the Defender.

Current Defender model has a long lineage of capable off-roader Land Rovers

It may be found taking medical supplies to remote villages in Botswana, or crossing rivers in Bolivia, or crossing an Arabian desert. It has carved a reputation as a highly capable, dependable, highly versatile and tough vehicle, with a can do spirit. It has found favour with many nations militaries, whether as a modified armoured snatch or a rugged terrain ambulance. The current defender has been available in a number of body types, 3 and 5-door, and there has also been a 6-wheeled version.

The Land Rover has become regarded as the grand-daddy of all other off-roaders, spawning two other Land Rover models and three Range Rover models. It is the core embodiment and essence of the brand, and a tough act to follow. More than three-quarters of all Defenders made are still doing regular duty. But production of the current Defender will finally end in 2014, and the baton must be handed to a new model (progeny).

DC100 and DC100 Sport concepts hint at design direction for next Defender

With this aim, Land Rover has been displaying two new LR concepts at this week’s 2011 Los Angeles Auto Show. The Land Rover’s DC100 and DC100 Sport concepts investigate the potential design direction for the replacement for the iconic Defender. The company took these concepts to North America to gauge reaction and explore the possibility of bringing the Defender back to the US market.

John Edwards, LR’s Global Brand Director said: “The Defender has always been at the heart of the Land Rover Brand.  Our ambition is to create an all new Defender for a global market that remains absolutely faithfully to its original DNA: tough, versatile, durable and capable. At the same time, it will be developed for the 21^st century and adaptable for the needs of future generations”.

The two designs look unmistakably Land Rover. But do they look too over designed and like supersized Tonka toys; whereas the current Defender has a simpler, unfussy and utilitarian appearance. Perhaps LR need to tone down the styling a bit come a production model.

The DC100 supposedly reinvents the essential Defender design cues for the 21^st century. It has trademark short overhangs to cope with extreme approach/ departure gradient terrain angles. The panels are vertical, with an upright windscreen and strong shoulder line aiding visibility and ease of positioning. The car also has the signature Defender ‘face’ with round lamps and prominent grille, incorporating a winch.

The DC100 Sport takes all the above key design cues and adds what LR call the ‘spirit of freedom and leisure’ first embodied by the early canvas-roofed Land Rovers with fold-down windscreens to create a concept bursting with what they are calling ‘California cool’ in America.

The Land Rover concept’s may perhaps look a little too style conscious, but unlike the current Defender (which is renowned for its simple dated mechanics and agricultural on road manners), they will possess on road civility and incorporate a wealth of innovative off-road technological aids that reduce the workload on the driver.

The use of LR’s acclaimed Terrain Response system will optimize the car for any conditions without driver pre-selection. In addition, a new Terrain-i system creates an intelligent map of the topography in front of the car and displays it as a 3D visualization. This system automatically identifies potential hazards and suggests alternative routes. In urban environments it will be able to identify pedestrians and hazards with great accuracy.

A new Wade Aid system utilizes sonar sensors mounted in the bumpers and wing mirrors to measure water depth. As with Terrain Response, Wade Aid will optimize the car for water crossings by closing body vents, raising the ride height, selecting a low gear and advising on the safest speed.

For economy and reduced environmental impact, future Defender replacements will employ an intelligent Stop/Start system mated to the latest eight-speed automatic gearbox. It will also use a unique Driveline Disconnect system, which sends power only to the front-axle, unless conditions demand all-wheel drive. Unlike conventional systems, this physically, rather than electronically, decouples the rear-axle to reduce friction losses (for better economy), but can reengage drive almost instantaneously when needed.

Although any new modern Land Rover for the 21^st century would see a raft of new technological and innovative ideas. It’s important to note that the current Land Rover’s key to its success has been its low-tech simple but dependable nature. How dependable would the high-tech gadgets be in the long term as the years of faithful service role by in the deserts, mountains, rivers and the forests.

Ford’s Frugalest Engine

This week saw Ford launch production of their smallest petrol engine – a 1.0-litre, 3-cylinder, turbocharged, direct injection EcoBoost engine. 

Earlier this week saw Ford President and CEO; Alan Mulally, launch the production of Ford’s new EcoBoost engine. The new 1.0-litre prtrol engine, will give a combined cycle (average) fuel economy of 56.5mpg thanks to the use of just 3 cylinders, a turbo and direct injection technology. The engine will be available in two states of tune, producing either 99 hp or 123 hp, (the equivalent output of some 1.6 litre engines). At the same time it will only produce ultra-low CO₂ emissions of 109g/km and 114g/km respectively.

The engine was designed and developed by UK Powertrain engineers located at Dunton and Dagenham, in Essex. But production of the advanced new EcoBoost engine will be at Ford’s Cologne Engine Plant in Germany, which has seen a £110 million investment. The plant  which was designed at Ford’s Virtual Manufacturing laboratory at Dunton, will use efficient energy techniques and have a low carbon footprint. All energy used to manufacture the engines comes from renewable sources.

The Calogne plant will produce up to 350,000 units of the engine per year. But European production capacity could double to 700,000 units per year as production would increase with the addition of Ford’s new engine plant in Craiova, Romania, in early 2012. In the years ahead, Ford anticipates production would expand outside of Europe to deliver global capacity of up to 1.3 million 1.0-litre EcoBoost engines per year.

The 1.0-litre EcoBoost will make its debut early next year in the Ford Focus. It will also feature in the Ford C-MAX and Grand C-MAX, and later in the new Ford B-MAX which enters production in mid-2012. Alan Mulally said, “These engines are delivering the fuel-efficient vehicles customers want and value.”

Citroen’s greenest diesel yet

The new diesel C3 is now Citroën’s most fuel and CO₂ efficient diesel car returning an average economy of 83 mpg thanks to new e-HDi micro-hybrid technology.

New Citoen C3 diesel with micro hybrid tehnology is lowest emitting diesel

This month sees the introduction of the newest addition to the Citroën C3 family range. The new C3 diesel has the full title of C3 e-HDi 70 Airdream EGS VTR+. But with so many letters after its name, it has earned a number of qualifications.

The supermini is now Citroën’s most fuel and CO₂ efficient diesel powered car, ranking amongst the very best in its class on the market, with emissions of just 87g/km and combined cycle economy of 83.1mpg. It’s Benefit-in-kind (BIK), (associated with company car taxation) is just 13%, while for the private owner it has free road tax. And if you’re in London, the car is exempt from the Congestion Charge.

The new C3 utilizes Citroën’s new innovative e-HDi micro-hybrid Stop & Start technology, combined with a refined and efficient 68hp HDi diesel engine. The use of such technology comes from Citroën’s drive to pursue its environmental commitments to reduce emissions, with 50% of Citroën cars sold this year emitting under 130g/km of CO₂. The result is that there’s a five-gram decrease in average CO₂ emissions across the brand’s European range.

The stylish and highly specified e-HDi 70 Airdream EGS VTR+ is available from this month with an On-the-road (OTR) price of £15,290, complete with the C3’s renowned panoramic Zenith windscreen.

Fastest Astra Ever

The new Astra VXR will be a 2.0-litre turbo, developing 277 bhp and a mighty 400Nm of torque, that will power it on to 155mph. With a chassis developed with input from the Nürburgring, it should handle pretty well too. 

Sleek new VXR will be the most powerful Astra so far courtesy of a 2.0 turbo

Based on the recently launched Vauxhall GTC’s platform, the new Astra VXR will be powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged direct injection engine, producing 277 bhp  and 400Nm of torque, enough to push the car to a top speed of 155mph, giving rise to the fastest Astra ever.

Although based on the GTC’s platform, the chassis has undergone significant modification, to produce a focused, high-performance coupe. It employs a specially developed mechanical limited slip differential, working on the front wheels, in conjunction with the GTC’s sophisticated HiPerStrut (High Performance Strut), giving the Astra VXR exceptional grip and traction through bends.

The car will also have brakes developed by Brembo, and Vauxhall’s fully adaptive FlexRide system, in which there is not only a Sport button, but a VXR button, offering drivers the choice of two, more focused stages of damper, throttle and steering control. The cars chassis was eventually signed-off after a period of tweaking and evaluation on the legendary Nürburgring.

Visually, the car will have an aerodynamic sleek, slippery and purposeful look thanks to its contoured flanks and sculpted front and rear bumpers and side skirts. The car will also feature an aerodynamic roof spoiler and two exhaust tail pipes in a trapeze shape. Inside, the VXR’s cabin gets bespoke performance seats with embossed logos in the backs. Up front for the driver, there will be upgraded instruments and steering wheel.

The biggest sales for Astra VXR’s are in the home UK market, where they also benefit from Vauxhall’s lifetime Warranty. A scheme, which is unique in the auto industry, giving the first owner a lifetime or 100,000 miles of cover (whichever comes first). Details on pricing and on-sale dates, will be revealed early next year.

Contoured body, sculpted bumpers, side skirts and rear spoiler give sporting appearance

Cabin is bespoke and sporty with driver focussed uprated instruments and steering wheel