This feed contains the latest News Article feed items. http://www.motortorque.com/ Copyright 2013 MotorTorque All Rights Reserved. Mon, 17 Jun 2013 00:00:00 GMT http://backend.userland.com/rss Automotive Website Framework Engine (2.9.1208.1803) 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 BMW has unveiled the latest addition to its growing coupe range, this time in the guise of a 4 Series. The new BMW 4 Series Coupe is expected to offer more luxurious kit and slicker styling than the model it replaces. The fourth-generation 4 Series Coupe is available with either the German brands renowned rear-wheel-drive system or the new xDrive all-wheel-drive system. In terms of design, the new 4 Series Coupe gets a slightly lower roofline and a 50mm longer wheelbase. It dons the usual double kidney grille and xenon headlights are standard. There will be three available engines from launch, with three other engines to follow a month after launch. From launch, the 4 Series Coupe will be available with a 2.0-litre four-cylinder 428i petrol, a 3.0-litre six-cylinder 435i petrol and a 420d turbo-diesel. The most powerful engine from launch is the 3.0-litre six-cylinder 435i petrol with maximum torque of 400Nm and a power output of 306bhp. The most efficient engine from launch is the 420d turbo-diesel as it emits just 121g/km and can return a combined 61.4mpg. BMW'S Drive Performance Control switch is also offered, allowing drivers to choose between driving modes such as ECO PRO, COMFORT and SPORT - each offering varied drive settings. The new BMW 4 Series coupe is on sale in the UK from 5 October 2013. Prices start from £31,575 for the BMW 420d SE Coupe. Written by Richard Bush http://www.motortorque.com/car-news/new-bmw-4-series-coupe-22551.aspx Richard Bush Mon, 17 Jun 2013 00:00:00 GMT Toyota designs new concept car for kids that they can hand-build and drive. In an attempt to 'groom' the next generation of drivers, Toyota's new hand-built concept car brings together parents and children in a soapbox-style project. Toyota's new Camatte57s concept (the 57 'S' is pronounced like a trim level) is a customisable model that is expected to bring parents and children a little closer together. The exterior of the mini roadster is constructed of 57 individual body panels, essentially acting as a customisable pallet for budding car enthusiasts, both young and old. The three-seater uses an electric motor and can only be used on go-kart tracks or on non-public roads. As of yet, Toyota has not mentioned an age limit for the car, suggesting it may be to the parents discretion. Toyota has, however, inserted some safety measures to give parents peace of mind, with steering and braking controls in one of the rear passenger seats, allowing a parent passenger to control the car if need be. The overall acceleration of the car can also be adjusted for younger/inexperienced drivers. The new Toyota Camatte57s concept car will be on display at the International Tokyo Toy Show 2013. Written by Richard Bush http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nVtxQBO-85Y http://www.motortorque.com/car-news/toyotas-build-it-yourself-kids-car-22546.aspx Richard Bush Mon, 17 Jun 2013 00:00:00 GMT Oscar-winning actor Gwyneth Paltrow arrived in Piccadilly, London, recently to attend the launch of the Audi RS 6 Avant - which the German car company say is 'an estate with supercar performance'. The model is the very first Audi RS 6 Avant to arrive on our shores ahead of its deliveries to UK customers in August this year. The new sports model will officially debut with a price tag of £76,985. Audi's new RS 6 Avant model is powered by a twin-turbo V8 engine that is able to crank out 552.4bhp and a whopping 700Nm of torque. The potent new Audi model is able to complete the 0-62mph sprint in just 3.9 seconds, as well as hit an electronically-limited top speed of 155mph - although this can be raised to 189mph upon request. Although you may wonder what relation Gwyneth Paltrow has with Audi models, the actor has many links with the automaker in Marvel's blockbuster Iron Man film series, in which she plays the female lead, Pepper Potts. American's leading lady of the moment also drives around in London and Los Angeles in an Audi model - further showing off her association with the popular brand. At Audi City in London recently, Gwyneth marked the launch of the Audi RS 6 Avant by signing its 'Lunar Silver' leather interior and immortalising it as an unrepeatable one-off. This unique 'signature' Audi RS 6 Avant model would command a price of over £88,000 if it was sold by a dedicated Audi centre. However, this special example will be auctioned at the White Tie & Tiara Ball at Elton John and David Furnish's Windsor home on June 27th. All of the money raised by the sale of the Paltrow-signed Audi RS 6 Avant model will go to support the work of the Elton John AIDS Foundation. The new RS 6 Avant model comes with a plethora of sporty features, including adaptive air suspension, the company's legendary quattro four-wheel-drive with Sports differential and 'Cylinder-on-Demand' technology. Audi states that its 'Cylinder-on-Demand' technology can spare fuel by cutting out four of the engine's eight cylinders, in order to contribute to impressive 28.8mpg fuel economy potential. Each Audi RS 6 Avant model will also feature a long list of standard equipment, including 20-inch alloy wheels, xenon all-weather headlights, a BOSE sound system, a DAB digital radio, RS super sports seats and MMI navigation plus with MMI touch fingertip recognition technology. Written by Glenn Doyle. http://www.motortorque.com/car-news/gwyneth-paltrow-stars-at-launch-of-audi-rs-6-avant-22544.aspx Glenn Doyle Fri, 14 Jun 2013 00:00:00 GMT Volkswagen is celebrating the production of its 30 millionth Golf hatchback model, recently rolled out of its Wolfsburg plant. The Volkswagen Golf is one of those cars that will automatically evoke thoughts of automotive heritage, with its roots spanning back to 1974 where production began. Now in its seventh generation, the VW Golf has formed an integral part of the highly popular hatchback segment - its reliability being a particularly prominent factor of its success. The 30 millionth Golf to roll off the production line was one of the brands Golf TDI BlueMotion models, which with 88.3 mpg is the most efficient Golf ever. According to statistical averages, at 30 million models, an average of 2,000 people a day have bought a VW Golf for the last 39 years. After the success of the Volkswagen Beetle, the German brand was looking for a new trend that would entice car fans further - although the Beetle was a hard act to follow. The answer to the new motor trend was the Volkswagen Golf. Klaus Bischoff, Head of Design for the Volkswagen brand talks of the uprising of the Golf. "The step from the Beetle to the Golf was revolutionary. A new vehicle layout was created with the conversion from an air-cooled rear engine to a water-cooled front engine and from rear-wheel drive to front-wheel drive. In terms of the car's styling, Volkswagen designers switched from round shapes to a rectangular design structure - based on the legendary design study by Giorgio Giugiaro." Volkswagen has stuck close to home in terms of design when it comes to the many generations of Golf. Although some say that the Golf's design is a little mundane and 'safe', its winning appeal continues to succeed as it is still considered one of the most significant hatchbacks on sale today. Written by Richard Bush http://www.motortorque.com/car-news/30000000th-vw-golf-rolls-off-production-line-22540.aspx Richard Bush Fri, 14 Jun 2013 00:00:00 GMT Ford has begun a new chapter in its vehicle manufacturing history with the start of production for the all-new Ford Focus Electric. The zero-emissions Focus Electric is the first full-electric vehicle to be built by Ford in Europe and will be spearheading the company's line-up of electrified and highly fuel-efficient vehicles. Joining the Focus Electric in Europe will be the Ford C-Max Energi plug-in hybrid electric vehicle next year, which will be followed by the all-new Ford Mondeo Hybrid soon after. Ford's Focus Electric model was developed as a 'One Ford' global vehicle and features an electric motor and lithium-ion battery powertrain. Ford state that the powertrain produces 143bhp and will power the vehicle to a top speed of 84mph. Each vehicle is equipped with a 6.6kW fully-integrated on-board charger that can achieve a claimed driving range of around 60 miles - with 2-3 hours charging from a 32A power supply. In addition, a full charge of the Focus Electric battery will take 3-4 hours and deliver a 100-mile range, Ford claims. Barb Samardzich, product development vice president, Ford of Europe, commented: 'Focus Electric marks the dawn of an exciting new age of full-electric Ford passenger vehicles in Europe, and demonstrates the success of the One Ford strategy in making this sophisticated vehicle available to our European customers.' The Ford Focus Electric features a new user-interface called 'SmartGauge' which calculates and displays driving range based on remaining energy, the driver's unique braking and acceleration inputs and the use of accessories such as climate control and audio systems. Ford has integrated Focus Electric production directly into the established Ford Focus production line at Saarlouis, Germany. Models will reach customers in the UK from July this year. Written by Glenn Doyle. http://www.motortorque.com/car-news/first-european-built-ford-focus-electric-produced-22537.aspx Glenn Doyle Fri, 14 Jun 2013 00:00:00 GMT Toyota plans to share the entire production process of a Toyota Auris Hybrid via its Twitter feed next week. Toyota is the latest manufacturer to take the reins of real-time social media as it plans to Tweet about a 14 hour production process in one of its factories. Social media is constantly integrating itself into the automotive industry and has already helped the likes of Citroen utilise Facebook and have its fans design a bespoke C1 city car model. Toyota however is taking it a step further with its 'Factory to Forecourt project' by using Twitter to give a detailed insight into its factory production process. On Wednesday 19 June, Toyota will be posting on its Twitter feed from 6am for a total of 14 hours, capturing every aspect of the production process of a Toyota Auris Hybrid, from raw steel to the finished product. Fans of Toyota will be able to interact with the production team by asking questions and commenting on pictures and updates on Toyota's Twitter feed. Insights into the production process will include a look at welding, painting, plastics, assembly and quality control. Scott Brownlee, head of social media for Toyota GB, said: "This project does more than simply show what we do inside the walls of our factory, it presents it in the context of the commitment to quality that is the guiding principle of the way Toyota works worldwide and the first priority of everyone who works for the company." You can follow the MotorTorque team on Twitter @MotorTorque. Written by Richard Bush http://www.motortorque.com/car-news/toyota-to-share-production-line-experience-on-twitter-22533.aspx Richard Bush Fri, 14 Jun 2013 00:00:00 GMT Japanese luxury car manufacturer will return to the Salon Prive this summer, between the 4th and 6th of September, to showcase its range of full hybrid models. Lexus' collection will have a special focus on the 'F Sport' versions of its cars, which the company says combine 'sportier styling and performance' with 'peerless luxury, craftsmanship, innovation and advanced technologies'. The presentation at the Salon Prive will include the IS 300h F Sport, which represents the company's all-new sports saloon. Lexus' new IS model adopts the company's Hybrid Drive technology for the first time. As well as also embracing the manufacturer's 'L-finesse' design philosophy, the Lexus IS 300h F Sport is able to offer CO2 emissions from just 99g/km and fuel economy from 65.7mpg. Joining the IS 300h at the Salon Prive will be the new GS 450h F Sport, which represents the fourth generation of Lexus' luxury sports saloon. The GS' hybrid system combines a 288bhp V6 petrol engine with a compact electric motor, in order to achieve, as the company says, 'a fine combination of power, refined, smooth performance and high efficiency'. Lexus has also claimed that the GS 450h F Sport can complete the 0-62mph sprint in under six seconds, as well as reach a top speed of 155mph. Other models to be shown at the Salon Prive include the Lexus RX SUV, which will also be presented in its F Sport trim, and the flagship model of the Lexus range: the LS 600h. Written by Glenn Doyle. http://www.motortorque.com/car-news/lexus-to-bring-full-hybrid-model-range-to-salon-prive-22524.aspx Glenn Doyle Thu, 13 Jun 2013 00:00:00 GMT The automotive industry charity, BEN, has won £13,000 worth of free PR support through Automotive PR's #tweetcharity competition. The Twitter-exclusive competition reached more than 650,000 users, with hundreds of tweets for the shortlisted charities. Tweeters included television presenter Mike Brewer, charity group Helo for Heroes, five-time Le Mans winner Derek Bell MBE and Ben Collins, formerly 'The Stig' on BBC's Top Gear. We at MotorTorque were very impressed with the work that BEN undertakes and the support that the charity provides. For this reason, we chose to throw our weight behind the charity and support their great cause. BEN's Chief Operating Officer, Nigel Rothband, commented: 'Automotive PR's #tweetcharity competition is a fantastic initiative as it created exposure for all of the deserving causes shortlisted. To have been nominated alongside such a group was an honour in itself, but to have won the prize is absolutely phenomenal.' Rothband continued: 'We wouldn't be celebrating this success without the volume of votes we received and we can't give enough thanks to all those who participated. We are truly overwhelmed by the response and messages of support; a real testament to the industry's commitment to our services.' Marco Ferrari, Managing Director of Automotive PR, was thrilled for the charity, commenting on how Automotive PR was delighted they 'will be working to raise awareness of its fantastic achievements'. Ferrari added: 'We know that #tweetcharity increased the profile of all the shortlisted charities and are grateful for the huge support that the competition received from across and outside the industry from all those who voted.' Written by Glenn Doyle. http://www.motortorque.com/car-news/automotive-charity-ben-wins-13000-of-free-pr-22516.aspx Glenn Doyle Wed, 12 Jun 2013 00:00:00 GMT