This feed contains the latest News Article feed items. http://www.motortorque.com/ Copyright 2013 MotorTorque All Rights Reserved. Wed, 19 Jun 2013 00:00:00 GMT http://backend.userland.com/rss Automotive Website Framework Engine (2.9.1208.1803) Fiat adds to its stylish 500 range with a 'station wagon' version of its 500L model. The Fiat 500 range used to be synonymous with snug, nippy, quintessential Italian styling - but with the recent addition of the 500L model, Fiat broke the mould and introduced a new big brother to the range. To add even more to its new chunky reputation, Fiat has introduced the 500L MPW (Multi Purpose Wagon), essentially making its 500 model available as a large MPV. You may think this move sounds familiar, and you would be right to think so, as Mini has made a very similar move by introducing the larger Countryman and Clubman variants to its range. The new Fiat 500L MPW is available with seven seats, meaning it falls into the popular large family car/MPV segment. Its exterior appeal still retains Panda flair with a rounded front-end and a boxy stance, although at the same time its new extended rear-end seems somewhat out of place - a little like the Ssangyong Rodius. The extended rear-end, however, contributes to a larger interior space that can accommodate up to 638 litres. When it comes to engines the new 500L MPW is available with four in total - two petrols and two turbodiesel. Petrol offerings include a 1.4-litre 98bhp and a 0.9-litre TwinAir 105bhp unit. The diesel range incorporates Fiat's MultiJet tech with a 1.6-litre MultiJet II 105bhp and a 1.3-litre MultiJet II 85bhp unit. Two trim levels are available - Pop Star and Lounge - aptly named for the Panda. Interior equipment highlights include integrated satnav, rear camera assist and leather upholstery. To keep up with the newly found 'customisation rave' of vehicles like the Vauxhall Adam, the new Panda 500L MPW is available with 19 body colours, 6 interior trims and 15 different types of alloy wheels and hub caps. Fiat's attempts to keep 'in' with the younger generations is apparent with its 'Brotherhood' and 'Motherhood' music videos that parody Rap. The new Fiat 500L MPW will initially be sold in Italy, but will eventually make its way to other countries in Europe. Written by Richard Bush http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eNVde5HPhYo http://www.motortorque.com/car-news/introducing-the-fiat-500l-mpwand-its-a-big-one-22579.aspx Richard Bush Wed, 19 Jun 2013 00:00:00 GMT When people think of talking cars, their minds are instantly drawn to KITT, the heavily-modified Pontiac Firebird Trans Am from the television series Knight Ride, which featured David Hasselhoff. However, British car manufacturer Vauxhall has today revealed that its personalisation-focused model, the Adam city car, will be the first car in its class that drivers can hold a conversation with. In order to quell motorists' confusion, Vauxhall states that when fitted with the company's IntelliLink infotainment system, the Adam model is now available with full integration for Siri Eyes Free - Apple's unique intelligent assistant. Using a steering wheel-mounted button, customers with a compatible iPhone, running iOS 6, can direct Siri Eyes Free to perform a number of tasks while the drivers keep their eyes on the road and their hands on the wheel. Siri Eyes Free helps drivers to focus on their driving rather than being distracted with their external devices, such as smartphones - in an attempt to minimise accidents caused by careless driving. Customers who order an IntelliLink-equipped Vauxhall Adam from today will receive Siri Eyes Free technology free of charge. In addition, those who already own an Adam with IntelliLink can benefit from Siri Eyes Free via a free update - this will become available from next month. Owners with models equipped with the IntelliLink infotainment system can use Siri Eyes Free to make voice-activated, hands-free calls to their iPhone contacts, play chosen songs in their iTunes library without scrolling through menus and compose messages easily, amongst others. Written by Glenn Doyle. http://www.motortorque.com/car-news/vauxhall-adam-to-talk-the-talk-22578.aspx Glenn Doyle Wed, 19 Jun 2013 00:00:00 GMT Aston Martin has unveiled its latest open top GT challenger - the Vanquish Volante. Starting from an eye-watering price tag of £199,995, the drop-top is the replacement model for the DBS Volante. Under the Aston's bonnet is a 6.0-litre V12 engine producing 565bhp and is mated to a Touchtronic 2 six-speed automatic gearbox. The V12 engine can propel the Vanquish from a standing start to 62mph in 4.1 seconds while it will go on to a top speed of 183mph. That's identical to the outgoing DBS Volante. The Vanquish Volante is the first fully carbon fibre-skinned Volante in the brand's 100-year history, while Aston claims it is also the stiffest Volante body structure ever to be created by its engineers. Styling cues on the Vanquish Volante including the elegant waist, elongated side strakes and LED rear light blades are derived from the One-77 supercar. Wind in your hair motoring can be achieved at the flick of a switch. The drop-top Volante has a multi-layer fabric roof that can be opened and closed in 14 seconds. Practicality has not been forgotten about - the Vanquish Volante boasts a boot that's 50 per cent larger than that of the previous DBS Volante. With the roof open or closed the boot has a load space of 279 litres. Aston has included its Adaptive Damping System (ADS) allowing the driver to switch between three distinct damping modes: Normal, Sport and Track, delivering instant adjustment of the car's ride and handling characteristics. This enables you to adjust the character of the car to your mood and surroundings. First deliveries of the new Aston Martin Vanquish Volante are expected to begin in the UK and Continental Europe late in 2013 with prices starting from £199,995. http://www.motortorque.com/car-news/aston-martin-vanquish-volante-revealed-22569.aspx Simon McBride Wed, 19 Jun 2013 00:00:00 GMT The UK's premier 'boutique' motoring event, Salon Prive, has confirmed that Dutch car manufacturer Spyker will return to the event at Syon Park in September. Spyker recently revealed the production version of its B6 Venator sports car, which will take its place on the Concept Lawn at the event. A convertible 'Spyder' version is also expected to be revealed later in the year. The company's C8 Aileron supercar, which was first shown at this year's Geneva Motor Show in March, will be displayed as part of the Audemars Piguet British Super Car Show. Spyker's supercar will be demonstrating just why this year's production of the model has already sold out. Salon Prive's David Bagley commented: "I'm delighted to have Spyker at Salon Privé once again and showing a stunning line-up on both the Concept Lawn and as part of the Audemars Piguet British Super Car Show. "We have a brilliant show coming together this year, the biggest and best ever in fact, and we're very much looking forward to seeing it all come together over the three days in September." The eighth annual Salon Prive will take place from September 4th to September 6th 2013 at West London's Syon Park. Tickets are on-sale now and entry is fully inclusive of Pommery champagne, lobster luncheon, English afternoon tea and full access to all areas. Written by Glenn Doyle. http://www.motortorque.com/car-news/spyker-new-models-at-salon-prive-22568.aspx Glenn Doyle Wed, 19 Jun 2013 00:00:00 GMT Audi announces pricing and specification details for its new A3 Saloon. The new Audi A3 Saloon is exactly what you would expect from an Audi saloon, at least in terms of aesthetics that is. The exterior design features the usual rounded front-end, slicked back headlights and vertical grille. To many Audi fans, however, the exterior design is not what an Audi saloon is all about - it is what hides under the metal that earns the brownie points. From launch, the new Audi A3 saloon will be available with three engines - two petrols and one diesel. The petrol offerings include a 1.4-litre unit with 138bhp and a 1.8-litre unit with 178bhp. The 1.4-litre unit can reach the 0-62mph mark in 8.4 seconds whereas the 1.8-litre can reach the 62mph mark in 7.3 seconds. The top speeds for the 1.4-litre and 1.8-litre are 135mph and 146mph respectively. The diesel engine on offer is a 2.0-litre TDI unit that produces 148bhp and completes the 0-62mph sprint in 8.7 seconds. In terms of economy, the diesel variant is capable of returning up to 68.9mpg and it emits 107g/km of CO2 emissions. Although the diesel engine is usually the most enticing when it comes to frugality, the 1.4-litre petrol engine emits CO2 emissions of 109g/km. This may sway some diesel lovers to consider the smaller petrol engine. The 2.0-litre TDI diesel is mated with a six-speed manual transmission and the petrols are mated with an S tronic dual-clutch gearbox. There are two trim levels available, Sport and S line - the SE trim does not feature unlike the A3 Sportback model. Entry level features of the Sport trim include sports seats, dual-zone climate control, DAB digital radio and iPod connectivity. A sport suspension is also fitted as standard, although a standard suspension can be specified for no extra costs. The S line trim adds partial leather upholstery, S line sports steering wheel, 18-inch alloy wheels and LED daytime running lights. Prices for the new Audi A3 Saloon start from £24,275 for the 2.0-litre TDI Sport model and £26,425 for the 2.0-litre TDI S line model. First UK deliveries are expected in September. Written by Richard Bush http://www.motortorque.com/car-news/audi-a3-saloon-pricing-and-specification-announced-22566.aspx Richard Bush Tue, 18 Jun 2013 00:00:00 GMT Arriving in dealerships across Europe in autumn 2013, the Chevrolet Corvette Stingray coupe will be priced from £61,495. Chevrolet's Corvette Stingray will be fully equipped and tuned to meet the needs of customers in the highly competitive European markets. The Corvette Stingray will feature the Z51 Performance Pack as standard, which includes an enhanced aero package for "optimised high-speed stability", electronic limited-slip differential, larger front and rear wheels, tyres and brakes and specific performance gear ratio, among others. In addition, the Z51 Performance Pack will feature the latest magnetic ride control suspension (only optional in the US) that is tuned for European roads, as well as performance traction management and performance exhaust systems. Susan Docherty, President and Managing Director, Chevrolet and Cadillac Europe, commented: "Corvette has inspired millions across generations, and the new Stingray is no exception. The advancements in design, technology and engineering have given us a car that will define the decade and far exceed consumers' expectations." Docherty further added: "While the Corvette Stingray can compete with its rivals in terms of performance, it remains affordable. The Stingray is more than a car; it's a statement of intent by drivers who want the pure exhilaration that's tantamount with the name Corvette." At the heart of the new Corvette Stingray lies an all-new, 450bhp, 6.2-litre LT1 V8 engine, mated to a seven-speed manual transmission and offering 630Nm of torque. Chevrolet expects the Corvette Stingray coupe to hit 62mph from a standstill in around four seconds, as well as delivering improved fuel economy. The Corvette Stingray features Chevrolet's new MyLink connected radio with two 8-inch display screens, USB port, SD card and auxiliary input jacks, as well as a centre screen that lowers for device storage. Several optional extras are available for the Corvette Stingray, although these will command an extra fee. Options include Metallic paint (£600), Tintcoat Paint (£1,000), Navigation System (£1,450) and Black Aluminium Wheels (£550). Written by Glenn Doyle. http://www.motortorque.com/car-news/chevrolet-corvette-stingray-uk-prices-announced-22565.aspx Glenn Doyle Tue, 18 Jun 2013 00:00:00 GMT Lexus has teamed up with Tamara Rojo, English National Ballet's principal dancer, for a unique advertising campaign for its new IS sports saloon. The luxury vehicle arm of Japanese car manufacturer Toyota has designed a new advertising campaign for the new sporty model that the company says "uses a remarkable combination of classical ballet and hip-hop to convey a message of balance, strength and beauty". This original theme features dancers from English National Ballet performing to a specially-commissioned hip-hop soundtrack, 'Step It Up' by music producer Stephen Kozmeniuk. The performance is supposedly choreographed to "express many of the leading attributes of the new IS through dance". 'Poise', the name of Lexus' television commercial, will reach UK screens on July 5th 2013. The advert combines the talent of choreographer Russell Maliphant with the aforementioned Tamara Rojo (prima ballerina and artistic director at English National Ballet) and Stephen Kozmeniuk. Rojo herself sweeps aside classical convention by dancing to the new, previously-mentioned hip-hop soundtrack by Kozmeniuk - whose credits include work with Nikki Minaj, Kanye West and Madonna. Lexus says that Rojo's interpretation "draws parallels between the elegance, structural rigidity and driving dynamics of the new IS, with strength, poise and control of the world-class ballet dancer". The integrated campaign includes further commercials featuring other leading ENB dancers, focusing on different aspects of the new IS such as its "LFA supercar-inspired instrumentation, the IS F Sport and the exceptional power-to-emissions performance of the full hybrid IS 300h". Written by Glenn Doyle. http://www.motortorque.com/car-news/lexus-is-shows-hip-hop-ballet-dancing-credentials-22564.aspx Glenn Doyle Tue, 18 Jun 2013 00:00:00 GMT The Institute for Advanced Motorists (IAM) is urging the UK government and automotive manufacturers to make cars better equipped for pedestrian protection. We are all aware of the EuroNCAP tests, which are set in place to evaluate the safety of new car models. However, whereas manufacturers revel in the fact that their cars boast excellent occupant protection, IAM is showing its concern in the lack of advancements in pedestrian protection. According to statistics, the number of deaths and serious injuries to car occupants has fallen by 35 per cent since 2006, with the number of deaths and serious injuries to pedestrians falling by 16 per cent. In 2011, however, deaths and serious injuries for pedestrians increased by 48 and 254 respectively. IAM chief executive Simon Best said: "While the people in the car are much safer, in the case of a crash with a child pedestrian or cyclist, the front of the car is not as forgiving. Much more can and should be done through car design to minimise the damage caused by hard metal on soft tissue." In terms of 'exterior pedestrian protection', one of the key manufacturers that comes to mind is Volvo and its V40 bonnet air bag. However, there isn't an extensive list of examples like this. IAM states that "improvements to the front of cars that would benefit pedestrians and cyclists in a collision have simply not kept pace." Written by Richard Bush http://www.motortorque.com/car-news/iam-calls-for-better-pedestrian-friendly-cars-22561.aspx Richard Bush Tue, 18 Jun 2013 00:00:00 GMT Japanese car manufacturer Mazda was able to set a new entry in the Guinness Book of World Records during the big MAX-5 2013 event on June 15 in Lelystad, Netherlands. The record was set as a total of 683 Mazda MX-5 models joined the procession on the roads around the RDW Test Centre at Lelystad, forming the longest parade of driving Mazda vehicles ever. A total of 1,450 participants contributed to the successful record attempt, which shattered the existing record for the 'largest parade of Mazda cars' of 459 Mazda MX-5 models that was set in Essen, Germany, in 2010. The parade through the lush landscape was led by a special version of the MX-5: a third-generation racing model with the Dutch TV presenter Allard Kalff behind the wheel and President and CEO of Mazda Motor Europe, Jeff Guyton, beside him. After the successful record attempt had concluded, Mazda's President and CEO Guyton also received the official certificate which was presented by Guinness World Record adjudicator Pravin Patel. Throughout the MAX-5 2013 event, the RDW Test Centre at Lelystad was solely focused on the Japanese brand and the Mazda experience. Demonstrations by the Ribank Mazda MaX5 Cup racers and the three-rotor-engined Mazda3 20B, owned by Belgian racing family Van Herck, featured at the event. In addition, participants also had the opportunity to test Mazda's new i-ACTIVSENSE technology. All of the new Mazda SKYACTIV models were also available at the event for visitors to test drive. Those at the event also had the opportunity of a free inspection of their own roadsters. At the end of the event, around 250 cars that were still present joined to form a large drive-in cinema. Prior to the showing, viewers were asked to pick from three films by honking their horn to indicate their preferred film. The loudest 'vote' of the night was cast for the film Arbitrage, featuring Richard Gere in the starring role. What happened to 'Bullitt' or 'The Fast and the Furious'? Written by Glenn Doyle. http://www.motortorque.com/car-news/mazda-mx-5-sets-new-world-record-22555.aspx Glenn Doyle Mon, 17 Jun 2013 00:00:00 GMT Yes, that is the tagline of Swedish car manufacturer Volvo's new campaign to pit its all-new V40 in direct competition with its class rival: the Mercedes A-Class, in a test-drive comparison with a difference. Under the aforementioned tagline, Volvo is asking customers to challenge their perceptions and test drive both the V40 D2 R-Design model and Mercedes-Benz's A-Class A180 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY Sport. The Swedish automaker says that after driving the two cars back to back, it will pay the first month's payment if the customer still chooses the Mercedes. Since its launch, the all-new Volvo V40 has received many positive media reviews and strong customer feedback. The V40 has also managed to become Volvo's best-selling model in the UK. Volvo states that its five-seat, five-door hatchback will "allow drivers to choose the car that suits them", as it is available in three trim levels: the standard V40, the V40 R-Design and the V40 Cross Country. Jon Wakefield, sales director for Volvo UK, commented: "The all-new V40 has been a roaring success since its introduction and we have such belief in the V40 being a fantastic product that we're being bold enough to put our money where our mouth is. "I have no hesitation in telling people what a great car the V40 is, and by getting more and more people to test drive it, I'm sure more and more people will agree with me." The head of marketing for Volvo UK, Georgina Williams, also weighed in on the campaign, remarking: "Some may call us brazen, others may call us bold, but there's no denying that we have such confidence in the V40 that we're prepared to challenge people's opinions and make them consider their options." The all-new Volvo V40 was launched at the Geneva Motor Show in 2012, while the R-Design and Cross Country variants made their debut at the 2012 Paris Motor Show. Written by Glenn Doyle. http://www.motortorque.com/car-news/bored-of-german-techno-try-some-swedish-metal-22552.aspx Glenn Doyle Mon, 17 Jun 2013 00:00:00 GMT