New Mazda SUV CX-5

Mazda has taken the wraps off its Land Rover Freelander rival – which will sit below the full-size CX-7 SUV – and says it will be the first car to use its SKYACTIV eco technologies. This means low CO2 emissions of less than 120g/km.

The styling is inspired by the Minagi concept – which debuted at March’s Geneva Motor Show – with the design team doing a good job of retaining that car’s neat look.

The CX-5 showcases Mazda’s new KODO design language, which incorporates a fresh family face and more purposeful stance, which bosses claim it will be extended to the car’s cabin.

Under the bonnet is a choice of the new SKYACTIV-G 2.0-litre petrol engine and a SKYACTIV-D 2.2-litre diesel. The latter comes in two power outputs, with the lesser 173bhp option claiming the lowest CO2 figure – although this refers only to the front-wheel-drive version with a manual gearbox.

In comparison, the most efficient two-wheel-drive VW Tiguan provides 64bhp less power and still puts out 139g/km. Among the other SKYACTIV tweaks are new manual and automatic transmissions, while the body and chassis have been developed to be as light and rigid as possible.

BMW i3 and i8

The stars of BMW’s future have finally arrived. These are the first official pictures of the founding members of the eco-friendly ‘i’ sub-brand – the family hatch all-electric i3 and the hybrid supercar i8. 



Both models are built using BMW's LifeDrive construction. This essentially splits the car into two separate parts – an aluminium Drive section which houses the battery, suspension, and crash structures and a Life passenger section made from CFRP – a material at least as strong as steel but 50 per cent lighter. 

By using LifeDrive BMW claims to have cancelled out the weight penalty associated with the heavy battery packs electric cars must carry and the evidence suggests they're right. The i3 is taller and wider than a VW Golf, albeit around 30cm shorter, but it weighs just 1250kgs – that’s around 50kgs less than the lightest Golf. 

The ‘i’ cars come with a few subtle styling updates to mark them out as eco-specials. 

A blue ring now circles the badge, and the kidney grilles now have a matching blue background. BMW’s double circle headlights are replaced by U-shaped LEDs and both models take on a more curvaceous design than the firm's conventionally powered models.

The tall hatchback i3 gets a 168bhp electric motor mounted above the rear axle and delivers power to the rear wheels. Acceleration from 0-62mph takes 7.9 seconds and the i3 is electronically limited to 93mph. 

Power is drawn from a lithium-ion battery mounted underneath the floor which is fitted with an integrated liquid cooling system to keep the battery at the optimal temperature. In winter, the battery can also be heated by the same method. A full recharge from a standard socket takes six hours, and a quick charge can fill the battery to 80 per cent in just one hour. 

On a full battery the i3 manages a 140-mile range according to the US economy drive-cycle and BMW claims that translates to an everyday range of 80-100 miles. Customers who are looking for more flexibility can specify an optional range-extending engine called REx that will be mounted alongside the electric motor over the rear axle. 

Unlike this system – which is only ever used to top up the batteries – the engine in the i8 actually provides drive to the rear wheels directly. In the case of the hybrid supercar it’s a 3-cylinder 1.5-litre turbocharged unit with 217bhp which works in tandem with the same electric motor from the i3 to power the rears – though in this instance it produces just 128bhp for a total of 345bhp. 

With both units working together, the i8 can accelerate from 0-62mph in 4.6 seconds and on to an electronically limited top speed of 155mph. Alternatively, the i8 can run on electric power alone for up to 20 miles. Official fuel consumption stands at around 104mpg and CO2 emissions are just 66g/km. BMW admits that an everyday figure of around 50mpg is more likely though. 

BMW is still referring to both these cars as concepts but what you see here is essentially what you get when they arrive on the roads in 2013.

Honda CR-V 2012

There’s a new Honda CR-V on the way and the Japanese firm has given an early glimpse of how the fresh 4x4 will look with this concept.

Set to debut at the Orange County International Auto Show in California during September, the CR-V Concept gets narrower headlights than the outgoing car as well as a more pronounced three-bar chrome grill.

As it stands, there are no pictures of the rear but this shot appears to show a stretched body and taller back section which could accommodate a third row of seats to boost the CR-V from a five-seater to a seven-seater. 



Don’t expect to see too many changes from this concept when the CR-V reaches production, but the tinted windows and large alloys are likely to be toned down slightly.

Honda is keeping quiet on what powers the Concept, but any production car will boast improved efficiency and lower emissions over the 148bhp 2.0-litre petrol and 2.2-litre diesel engines currently available in the range.

Shelby Tuatara

Move over Bugatti! Shelby Supercars has released new pictures and named its brand-new contender in the supercar class - the Tuatara.

The US firm is a former holder of the world's fastest production car title - that was with its 1,183HP SCC Ultimate Aero TT that recorded a top speed of 257 mph. The 258mph Bugatti Veyron Super Sport topped that, but now Shelby is back for revenge

Styled by Saab's current design boss, Jason Castriota, the Tuatara will use a 1,331bhp twin-turbo 7.0-litre V8, sending power to the rear wheels through a seven-speed manual or a seven-speed robotised manual gearbox. Performance figures are yet to be released but the aim is clear - to surpass the Super Sport's 258mph top speed.

the name Tuatara actually refers to a type of reptile, native to New Zealand. It supposedly has the fastest evolving molecular structure in nature, something that the company's owner, Jarod Shelby, feels it shares with his carbon-fibre-bodied supercar.

"Most manufacturers essentially use the same basic model and body shape for up to 10 years, while only making small refinements to it each year. After only three years in production with the Ultimate Aero, SSC's Tuatara is about to monumentally evolve in the areas of sophistication, design, aerodynamics and shear all‐around performance. We felt that the fastest evolving DNA was a perfect definition of SSC's latest project.," he said.

There's no word on price, specification or release date yet for the Tuatara, but expect to see Shelby take a crack at the speed record before the end of the year.

Subaru Impreza and WRX split

The new Impreza and high-performance WRX – two versions of the same car since 1992 – are splitting to create separate models.

The WRX will be a completely different beast to the revamped Impreza – which was revealed at April’s New York Motor Show – with unique components. Our image shows a Japanese artist’s interpretation of the car, as a two-door with a shorter wheelbase and heavy-duty bodywork. Our source revealed: “Every part of the WRX will be unique – even the engine and body.”

From now, the standard Impreza will be Subaru’s fuel-efficient core model, while the WRX will employ the brand’s rally-proven 4WD and a new 200bhp 1.6-litre boxer turbo. “We have developed it from the ground up to win in motorsport,” added our source. “That is why we have focused on weight issues, not to mention a shorter wheelbase that permits faster, more precise turn-in. We think we have a winner.” So although the firm pulled out of the World Rally Championship in 2008, a return looks possible.

Above the WRX, Subaru will still offer a low-volume flagship STi, which will be more hardcore than ever. The maker was able to push the limits with this car because its forthcoming coupe – co-developed with the Toyota FT-86 – will fill the gap for a more forgiving performance model.

The new WRX is expected to be revealed within the next year.

Peugeot 508 RXH

This is the Peugeot 508 RXH – a range-topping version of the 508 SW estate, combining Audi Allroad-style jacked-up suspension, rugged bodywork and the same 200bhp diesel-electric HYbrid4 powertrain recently fitted to the 3008.

Higher and wider than a 508 SW, the newcomer is a car that Peugeot says raises the brand's profile and "reinforces its technological and environmental leadership". It's not just the raised ride height, scuff plates and plastic sills that mark it our either - two sets of three LED running lights flank the central floating grille.

Under the skin, power comes from the 2.0-litre HDi HYbrid4 drivetrain which will soon go on sale in the 3008 HYbrid4. It uses a diesel engine to drive the front tyres and an electric motor to turn the rears - resulting in four-wheel drive and a total power output of 200bhp with 450Nm of torque. There's also an all-electric zero-emissions mode which contributes towards the combined fuel economy of 67.2mpg and CO2 emissions of 109g/km.

In keeping with the car's positioning at the top of the 508 range, equipment levels are generous. Electric front seats, a head-up display, 18-inch alloys and a panoramic glass roof make up just a handful of the standard kit.

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.

Half Car Half Cycle

(Need malay translation) 

Separuh kereta separuh skuter? Dikenali sebagai Land Glider keluaran syarikat gergasi automotif Jepun, Nissan. Lebarnya hanya setengah dari saiz kereta sedan biasa.

Kelajuan maksimum Land Glider ini adalah 100km/j. Walaupun dipandu laju, sistem pintar yang terdapat pada kereta ini dapat membantu pemandu mengesan risiko pelanggaran dan mampu untuk mengelakkannya dari berlaku.

Dengan adanya 4 roda seperti sebuah kereta normal, ianya juga dapat mengambil selekoh dengan baik.

Ruang dalamannya hanya ada dua tempat duduk. Satu di hadapan dan satu di belakang. Papan pemuka dan hiasannya adalah seperti kokpit pesawat peribadi.

Aston Zagato V12

Is this the perfect marriage between power and beauty? We got our first glimpse of Aston Martin’s jaw-dropping V12 Zagato at the Villa D’Este Concours in Italy two weeks ago, but what Aston didn’t tell us was that the story doesn’t end there.

Looking stunning in its eye-popping, Kermit-green paint, this fully fledged race car is one of two V12 Zagatos that have been track prepared. And they won’t be on parade for the spectators’ benefit, either, as both are set to compete in the gruelling Nürburgring 24-Hour race on 25-26 June.

In the build-up to their endurance test, the cars – nicknamed Zig (seen here) and Zag (a modified version of the red model seen at Villa D’Este) – will take it in turns to complete a four-hour race each at the famous German race track.

Among the drivers will be Aston CEO Dr Ulrich Bez and Richard Meaden from our sister title evo magazine. Modifications include more aggressive aerodynamics that feature a jutting front lip, a huge rear wing and diffuser.

The exact spec of the V12 Vantage 6.0-litre engine remains a secret, but the transmission is a six-speed manual. Bez has confirmed that a strictly limited run of road cars will be produced, too, costing around £200,000 – £65,000 more than the standard V12 Vantage. Although designed by Zagato, the V12 special will be built at Aston HQ in Gaydon, Warks, rather than being shipped to Italy in order to have its hand-beaten aluminium panels fitted.

PAUHauto: Audi A2

The original was axed in 2005 due to the cost of its aluminium spaceframe chassis. The fresh model will retain this construction, but will be priced higher. Audi is set to justify the premium – and set the car apart from the more conventional A1 and A3 – with impressive technical innovation. 

As our illustrations show, the A2 is also likely to be highly flexible, with an MPV-style body. 

An insider told us: “It will only be an electric car. Most battery models are compromised as they are built on rehashed architecture, but the A2 will be built from the ground up as a pure electric machine.

“The idea is so popular [at Audi] that it could even spawn a family of A2 electric models and become almost a standalone brand.” The company recently bought a number of offshore wind turbines to offset the energy used in building a pilot fleet of A3s powered by natural gas, and is likely to pursue the same strategy to keep the A2 production program carbon neutral.

The model will also remain relatively light due to the aluminium structure under the skin. “The spaceframe is, was and always will be the car’s core,” our source insisted. Audi launched the original lightweight A2 to great fanfare in 1999, only for it to prove a sales flop, even though there was a special 1.2-litre version which claimed 90mpg in fuel consumption through the use of pioneering features such as stop-start technology.

BMW 328 Hommage

BMW has unveiled an all-new concept car at the Villa d’Este Concours in Italy. Called the 328 Hommage, the two-seater sports car is designed to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the BMW 328 racecar.

"With the BMW 328 Hommage, we wish to pay homage to the passion and inventiveness of the fathers of the BMW 328", explains Karl Bäumer, CEO of BMW Group Classic. "They created an icon, which is considered a milestone in the history of the automobile."

The roadster features trademark BMW styling cues and gets retro-inspired design touches like the asymmetric windscreen and bonnet mounted leather straps.

The lightweight 328 original weighed just 780kgs and BMW has concentrated on keeping weight down in the Hommage. 

The body is made from carbon-reinforced plastic – the same material used in the i3 electric car – and the stripped out cabin is simple and driver-focused.

Underneath the bonnet, is a 3.0-litre straight-six engine but BMW hasn’t revealed any official statistics or performance figures.

The 328 Hommage is unlikely to make production, but expect to see BMW’s future models – including the i8 hybrid supercar – getting a look inspired by the newcomer.

2012 New MINI 'Mini'

It’s the car that fans of the original Mini have been waiting for – and it could be the biggest-selling new MINI yet. With stringent emissions regulations and spiralling petrol prices, the demand for compact cars is going through the roof.

And the new baby MINI is set to head a new breed of penny-pinching small cars that prove you don’t have to sacrifice style and driving fun for low running costs. Based on the Rocketman concept, the ‘mini’ MINI will expand the burgeoning brand even further.

It will create a new entry point and mark the beginning of a new era, too, with a range of three-cylinder engines on offer, lightweight materials throughout and an all-electric version in the pipeline.

The images show how the pint-sized production car is likely to look – and all those who have been waiting patiently for a true successor to the Sixties model will be pleased to see this car’s tiny footprint on the road. The ‘mini’ MINI is only 40cm longer and 50cm wider than the original, and engineers are intent on making the production car no bigger than the concept.

It will make the most of every inch available to it, though, with a space-saving 3+1 seating layout similar to the Toyota iQ’s. While there will be seats for four, the chair behind the driver will only be suitable for short trips. However, the instrument cluster moves backwards and forwards with the steering wheel to boost room when necessary.

Carried over from the concept will be the dual-function boot, which features a conventional compartment accessed via a hatch with a drawer-like storage area underneath. The centrally mounted ‘Coke can’ exhaust is also slated for production. Predictably, however, the concept’s Union Jack glass roof will make way for a more conventional metal top. Plus, the concept’s three-dimensional ‘handlebar’ rear lights will be replaced by simpler clusters fitted flush into the bodywork.

  

The next MINIs to go on sale will be the Coupé and Roadster in 2012. Expect the ‘mini’ MINI to arrive in 2014 – the same time that the next-generation hatch is due.