Ford Focus 2018

Spy images of a test mule for the next Focus hatchback have also emerged. The all-new rival is set to to arrive on the scene in 2018.

The knock-on effect of the Fiesta supermini's move upmarket is that the Focus, currently criticised for its relative space shortage compared to newer rivals, will grown in size. Although these images show a makeshift body of the current car, the chunkier arches and altered panels prove exterior dimensions will swell.

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Image 6 of 7

Expect a modest increase in the wheelbase to allow the Focus to catch up with the VW Golf for legroom, while the current car's small boot should grow significantly. We will also see Ford's latest 'SYNC 3' infotainment system, and a greater emphasis on quality materials.

Ford for Mad Max

Mad Max is back! Build up to modern sequel of the classic Australian action movie is underway, and to celebrate Ford has designed two modern versions of the 1973 Ford XB Falcon and displayed them at the Australian International Motorshow in Melbourne.

The project is in partnership with TopGear Australia, and the magazine is in the process of collecting public opinion and votes on which of the two 40 per cent size clay models should make it to final, full model stage - although the car won't be used in the film.

Ford Asia, Pacific and Australia Design Director, Chris Svensson, was in charge of the project and jumped at the chance. He was reported to say: "Our entire team was very excited to be involved in this after-hours project and they approached it with a great deal of enthusiasm - even those that were too young to remember the first Mad Max movie," he said. "We had a special screening of the original movie so they could understand it."

The concepts are said to include weaponry such as industrial-strength “tasers” mounted on the front of the cars, and titanium-lined body shells to interrupt police scanners. Over 10,000 people have already voted for their favourite. The poll has been extended to the end of July.

2011 Geneva’s Top 10 new cars

The Geneva Motor Show 2011 has already gone down as one to remember! Given the shear number of new production cars and concepts at the show, it’s fair to say that the automotive industry has shaken off the pain of the past couple of years.

But it seems that the recession has proved to be the mother of reinvention for the car industry, with a host of truly innovative, interesting and exciting new cars making their debut at the Swiss expo.

And you’ve been hooked too, judging from our exception site traffic throughout the show. Here we rank the top 10 new cars.

1. Volkswagen Bulli

Sensational Bulli brings classic van bang up to date, featuring electric drivetrain and seating for six.

2. Alfa Romeo 4C Concept

Alfa’s 4C debuts with 250bhp Giulietta engine and chassis developed by Dallara as evolution of KTM X-Bow.

3. Ford B-MAX

Ford reveals new Fiesta-based MPV at last, featuring unique ‘pillarless’ design.

4. Skoda Vision D

Five-door Vision D concept reveals future design direction for Skoda and offers glimpse of new family car.

5. Lamborghini Aventador

Aventador blasts off to replace Murciélago with hi-tech carbon construction and a 691bhp V12.

6. Saab PhoeniX

Bold new PhoeniX shows brand’s new styling direction and points to look of next 9-3.

7. Toyota FT-86 II

Legendary Celica returns as Toyota debuts close-to-production second FT-86 concept.

8. Fiat 500 Coupe Zagato

Fiat’s 500 gets a coupe makeover from Italian design house Zagato and could preview a production model.

9. Audi A3 saloon

Saloon previews Audi’s next premium family model, joining three-door, Sportback, Avant, Coupe and Cabriolet.

10. Citroen Metropolis

Metropolis revealed in Europe for first time, and production version will top DS range as part of joint venture with Chinese maker.

Ford GT returns as hybrid!

Ford's new supercar features V8 hybrid drivetrain and will take on McLaren and Ferrari - but cost less than both.

The model follows on from the original Sixties GT40, as well as the GT, built between 2005 and 2006. It will take aim at Ferrari, Lamborghini and McLaren by using the most advanced technology available to deliver massive straight-line performance. And our exclusive images predict how the Detroit missile is shaping up.

In a bid to distance the new model from the 2005 GT, of which only 100 examples reached Europe, there will be a new design direction. While the GT used plenty of styling cues from the original GT40 racer of the Sixties, the latest interpretation is likely to forego the retro body panels and get a sharper, more modern look.

Evoking memories of the 1995 Ford GT90 concept, which had a 720bhp quad-turbocharged V12, the new GT will put an updated spin on the GT40’s design, with a huge front air intake, angular headlights and vents in the bonnet and flanks.

The overall proportions and mid-engined configuration will remain intact, though – and that will help to provide balanced handling. The biggest news comes under the skin, though. A supercharged V8 provides the power, but extra boost is available at the touch of a button from an electric motor driving the front wheels.

This is similar to the set-up on the Porsche 918 Spyder-style. Add stop-start and the ability to run solely on electricity for brief periods of time, and the new GT would showcase Ford’s green credentials. But as total power will be around 600bhp, the newcomer will still keep pace with other mid-engined supercars such as the McLaren MP4-12C and Ferrari 458 Italia, as well as the successors to the Lamborghini Gallardo and Audi R8.

Keeping the weight to a minimum is an all-aluminium chassis and composite body panels. Expect the GT to tip the scales at around 1,400kg, which is nearly 200kg lighter than the car it replaces. That means a power to weight ratio in the region of 430bhp per tonne, while a three-second 0-62mph time and a top speed in excess of 200mph are targets. And while it won’t be cheap, the car is sure to undercut its rivals.

Amatoya, Bring The Rain

The AMATOYA concept will introduce a new class of vehicle to the field of fire appliance design; capable of reconnaissance and suppression, the proposal may gradually shift the way authorities approach modern fire fighting. Research indicates a need to develop an advanced and highly specialised light tanker. It must function primarily as a reconnaissance vehicle while providing unparalleled vehicle and crew safety/survivability, maintain superior off road capabilities and possess appropriate fire suppression technology for the purpose of initial response and front line defence.

Typically medium and heavy tankers require 5-6 crew members to be operated effectively. AMATOYA requires only 2. More military in its approach, reducing crew numbers per appliance will allow for greater dispersion of resources during a fire response.

Principal concerns when developing a vehicle of any nature are driver position, ingress/egress and vision angles. These elements become even more crucial in a vehicle purpose built for reconnaissance. A central, forward and high driver and ROSCO operator position akin to the Apache assault helicopter with generous down vision will assure functionality.

Access is via two gull wing doors, an optimal solution to accommodate the unconventional bodyside form. The distinct lack of a traditional b-pillar will provide uninterrupted views for the ROSCO operator situated above and behind the driver.

The vehicle adopts many conventional fabrication techniques associated with low production run specialised vehicles. The point of difference which separates this concept from existing appliances is the proposed monocoque steel body, comparable to military MRAP vehicles. A conventional fire tanker is built body-on-frame from a standard cab chassis truck base. While this approach is successful, the lack of integration results in certain performance issues. Body roll due to the on board water supply is an notable problem, however by creating a fully integrated solution, water reservoirs can be strategically located central and low in the vehicle to dramatically improve the centre of gravity.

With an emphasis on crew and vehicle survivability combined with a radically altered approach to fire suppression, the AMATOYA Fire Reconnaissance Vehicle is dramatically separated from any existing appliance in operation.

The use of contemporary technology, materials, finish and form, encourages desirable attributes of safety, mobility, efficiency and performance. In an extreme fire event any measure of advantage is welcomed in a very real situation where seconds count. The AMATOYA concept provides the monumental ability to sustain reconnaissance work without impairing mobility or compromising the safety of operating crew developing a revolutionary dimension to fire suppression which has yet been explored.

While idealistic in its execution, the project endeavours to question the adequacy of existing appliances and suppression strategies. The goal is not to dismantle a system which has been utilised for over 70 years, but rather to modernise and homogenise, to ask the question and demonstrate just what may be possible in the future.

Ford Start Concept

It’s called the Start Concept, and it made its debut at the Beijing Motor Show last week. Designed by Ford’s California-based styling studios, it boasts a striking body made from lightweight composite materials, and matches its good looks with a hi-tech 1.0-litre three-cylinder engine that drives the front wheels through a five-speed manual gearbox.

Inside, cabin functions can be controlled by an iPhone – or any other smartphone. Add a fun driving experience, and the Start looks like the ideal city transport to take on the MINI and Fiat 500.

However, if you believe that this is the next-generation Ka, think again. Ford bosses are keen to point out that despite the short overhangs and curvy shape, this isn’t a new Ka. Instead, this concept points the way to how a future global model will look. And rather than Europe, the company says it has been designed for use in ever-expanding ‘mega cities’ – hence its debut in Beijing.

The big news for British drivers is the Start’s engine. It’s the latest example of Ford’s EcoBoost system, and is a direct-injection turbo powerplant that’s been jointly developed with PSA Peugeot-Citroen. Although power figures haven’t been revealed, Ford says it offers the same performance as a normally aspirated 1.6-litre petrol engine – so expect up to 110bhp and 0-60mph in 10 seconds, but with emissions below 100g/km.

However, the cabin is hi-tech, too. Owners can plug in their smartphones, and thanks to the firm’s MyFord Mobile Concept, the heating, ventilation and air-conditioning settings can be set via voice control. It also imports all phone contacts and navigation tools, and the icons are displayed on a large central screen.

Ford Focus RS & SR1

It's the future of the hottest Focus ever – but ‘R’ you ready for it? Feast your eyes on the two cars that will get every fast Ford fan salivating in anticipation!

The RS Clubsport (opposite) will arrive before the end of the year. Limited to 500 models and priced at around £35,000, it will get a 350bhp, 2.5-litre five-cylinder turbo. There will also be lightweight racing seats, lowered and stiffened suspension and sticky tyres, plus a dramatic paintjob. With that extra punch but fewer kilos to carry around, it should sprint from 0-60mph in five seconds.

Its replacement, the all-new RS (above), will be crammed with technology, and offer fans a totally different experience to the current car. A revolutionary hybrid system will give it the option of four-wheel drive.

The outgoing RS’s much-loved 2.5-litre unit will make way for a 2.0 EcoBoost direct-injection turbo in the new car. This will be teamed with an electric motor to offer more muscle, and cut emissions and fuel consumption.

Total output should be 300bhp, and with the engine driving the front wheels while the electric motor feeds the rears, the Focus RS will have incredible traction. Expect 0-60mph in five seconds and a 155mph top speed. What’s more, thanks to the torque-vectoring system from the regular Focus, a development of the existing RS’s RevoKnuckle suspension set-up and dynamic cornering control, the RS’s grip, stability and adjustability will really set the driving experience alight.

In addition, the car will have the ability to juggle electric assistance according to road conditions, a stop-start system, brake energy recovery and a dual-clutch Powershift box. This means it could return 40mpg and emit 150g/km of CO2.

The new model will look the part, too, enhancing the striking lines of the fresh Focus with a sporty bodykit. The front boasts extra air intakes – with bonnet vents which hark back to those of the Escort RS Cosworth. And at the rear, a dramatic venturi-style bumper and huge roof-mounted spoiler complete the head-turning looks.

Inside are Recaro sports seats and carbon fibre trim. These will complement a sat-nav and Wi-Fi touchscreen, radar cruise control and voice activation.

Unfortunately, the Focus RS won’t arrive for at least another three years. In the meantime, the next 18 months will see the debut of a high-performance non-hybrid ST with a 240bhp 2.0-litre EcoBoost turbo.

Nissan Golf?

Well after Nissan recently teased five redesigned models and with rumors circulating that the Japanese brand is considering a sub-370Z sports car, Nissan definitely has its fair share of projects on hand. But that’s not all, as the company recently announced that it will produce a brand new vehicle to compete with the VW Golf, Ford Focus, and Citroen C4 from 2014 onwards at its British production facility.

Very few details about this new hatchback have been released, but it’s been confirmed that in excess of 1000 jobs will be created in the United Kingdom because of it, with 225 being directly involved in the production of the car. The remaining jobs will be created in companies supplying components for the car.

Nissan’s chief operating officer, Toshiyuki Shiga said, “Nissan already produces more vehicles in Europe than any other Asian manufacturer and the model announced today will bring world-class quality and leading technology to our customers at the heart of the European C-segment."

In order to compete with the VW Golf and the Ford Focus, Nissan will have to create a car that can be easily upgraded and modified for future variants as both the Golf and Focus are offered in array of different versions.

Additionally, Nissan will have to develop new systems for the car as there’s no way it’ll be able to recycle all the required components from its extensive range of cars. In saying that however, we wouldn’t be surprised if the new hatchback came fitted with the same 1.6-liter engine as the base Juke, which has already proven itself to be quite capable.