This feed contains the latest News Article feed items. http://www.motortorque.com/ Copyright 2013 MotorTorque All Rights Reserved. Fri, 17 May 2013 00:00:00 GMT http://backend.userland.com/rss Automotive Website Framework Engine (2.9.1208.1803) The newest entry for one of the most popular car racing games in the world, Gran Turismo 6, has this week been confirmed for the Playstation 3 console. It has been marked down for release in time for Christmas 2013. The Gran Turismo racing series, dubbed 'The Real Driving Simulator', allows gamers the chance to select from hundreds of real-life cars and race them against opponents at various tracks, including locations based on real-life circuits and cities. Since the first Gran Turismo entry was released in Europe back in May 1998, an estimated 70 million copies of games from the racing series have been sold worldwide. Now this week the franchise marked its 15 year anniversary at an event hosted by publishers Sony Computer Entertainment over at the Silverstone Circuit near Northampton, UK. Sony and the developers of Gran Turismo, Polphony Digital, unveiled the first details on the newest entry for the long-running game series at the world famous Silverstone race circuit. Gran Turismo 6 will from launch be sold exclusively on the Playstation 3, much like its predecessor (Gran Turismo 5) which has sold over ten million copies since its release in 2010. The new game will feature all of the cars and tracks that featured in Gran Turismo 5, but also added are seven new locations, including the Silverstone Circuit. This takes the total number of locations in the game to 33, with 71 different layouts available, 19 of them brand new. The total number of cars included in Gran Turismo 6 will grow to as many as 1,200 from launch, while even more cars will be added through online downloadable add-ons. A reveal trailer for Gran Turismo 6 has been published which shows the freshly introduced Silverstone Circuit in-game, along with some of the newly-introduced cars added. Amongst the new cars featured in the Gran Turismo 6 trailer includes the Tesla Model S, the KTM X-Bow and the Mercedes SLS AMG GT3. To some it will come as a surprise that Gran Turismo 6 has not in fact been announced for Sony's new game console, the upcoming Playstation 4, which is expected to begin first deliveries towards the end of this year. However the designer of the Gran Turismo series, Kazunori Yamauchi, revealed in an interview that a Playstation 4 version of this game is under consideration. A demo of Gran Turismo 6 will be made available for online download in July 2013. Nissan's "biggest" GT Academy programme In the same week Gran Turismo 6 was finally confirmed, Sony and Nissan also revealed that the innovative GT Academy competition will return for a fifth season. In the past few years Nissan has teamed up with Sony and Polphyony Digital, using Gran Turismo 5 to help create a virtual-to-reality competition that has attracted over two million entries. The GT Academy sees gamers and motor sport fans battle it out on Gran Turismo for the chance to become real Nissan racing drivers. Six former winners of the competition are now part of the Nismo motorsport division and partake in real top-level races on behalf of Nissan. Now the GT Academy competition will continue through Gran Turismo 6, with the first online qualification rounds beginning through the game's upcoming demo. The winner of this year's competition will be able to partake in a full season racing a powerful Nissan GT-R GT3 Nismo. For more Gran Turismo-related reading, you can check out our 'virtual' first drive of the 2014 Chevrolet Corvette, achieved by playing Gran Turismo 5. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5-LILLcpO88 http://www.motortorque.com/car-news/gran-turismo-6-confirmed-out-for-christmas-2013-22276.aspx Stephen Goldasz Fri, 17 May 2013 00:00:00 GMT With the newest addition in The Fast and the Furious saga, Fast & Furious 6, being released in cinemas UK-wide today, we thought we would choose one car that epitomises the entire series. So what better than the 1970 Dodge Charger? If you take a look at any 'top cars from the Fast and the Furious movies' lists, you will more or less see the 1970 Dodge Charger model sitting proudly at the top. The Dodge Charger is the main car that protagonist Dominic Toretto, portrayed by Hollywood star Vin Diesel, drives in the series. The film series has seen the car destroyed, then rebuilt and then destroyed again. Both a classic and newer version of the Charger appeared in the previous film, Fast Five, with the Toretto's Classic Charger destroyed by an armoured truck. In the newest film, Fast & Furious 6, Toretto will be seen driving a Dodge Charger Daytona, alongside fellow actors Paul Walker, Dwayne Johnson, Michelle Rodriguez and Luke Evans. Back to the real world now, the 1970 Dodge Charger was the last of the second generation Charger models. Along with new 'high impact' colour options, such as 'Top Banana' and 'Panther Pink', Dodge provided a new engine option for its newest Charger model: the 440 Six Pack. The new engine featured three two-barrel carburettors and a power rating of 390bhp. Despite a 'hot new engine', production of the Dodge Charger slipped - although most of this was due to the company's brand new E-body Challenger model. So what do you think is the best model in the 'Fast & Furious' series? Like our Facebook page or follow us on Twitter to share your opinions. Written by Glenn Doyle. http://www.motortorque.com/car-news/the-fast-and-the-furious-special---1970-dodge-charger-22275.aspx Glenn Doyle Fri, 17 May 2013 00:00:00 GMT German car manufacturer Mercedes-Benz has unveiled its new S-Class model, with the company's aspiration: to make 'the best automobile in the world'. The company remarked that they had set out with three engineering priorities: 'Intelligent Drive', 'Efficient Technology' and 'Essence of Luxury' - but did it manage to achieve any of these? The new S-Class line-up features two hybrid versions, a petrol model and a diesel variant. These include the S 400 Hybrid, S 500, S 350 BlueTEC and S 300 BlueTEC HYBRID. Mercedes claims that all models boast superb efficiency and up to 20 per cent lower fuel consumption than the previous generation. Prof. Thomas Weber, Head of Mercedes-Benz Cars Development said, 'The new S-Class achieves consumption and emissions figures that only a few years ago seemed utopian, even for executive cars.' Weber also mentioned that the new S-Class is 'just the start' of the company's 'Green Leadership' initiative, and will soon be followed by 'the S 500 Plug-In HYBRID'. Looking at the individual S-Class models, the entry level 'S 350 BlueTEC' model comes with a 258bhp, 3.0-litre V6 diesel engine, offering a lowly 146g/km of CO2 emissions and a frugal 51.3mpg. This engine is mated to a 7G-TRONIC PLUS automatic transmission - featuring in all models. In addition, the base model can reach a top speed of 155mph and complete the 0-62mph sprint in 6.8 seconds. The 'S 300 BlueTEC HYBRID' version is equipped with a 2.2-litre inline-4 hybrid powertrain, offering 204bhp, 115g/km of CO2 emissions and a combined fuel consumption of 64.2mpg - the highest in the new S-Class range. A 27bhp electric motor also features within the hybrid car. The lowest priced hybrid variant even managed to achieve an A+ rating in the Euro-6 emissions standard. Furthermore, the 'S 300 BlueTEC HYBRID' manages the 0-62mph in 7.6 seconds, as well as hitting a top speed of 148mph. Mercedes-Benz's least-costly petrol-fuelled S-Class is the 'S 400 HYBRID', which features a 306bhp, 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine and a 27bhp electric motor. The car offers 44.8mpg and 147g/km of CO2 emissions, as well as a 0-62mph time of 6.8 seconds and a top speed of 155mph. The top of the range S-Class 'S 500' has been given a larger 4.6-litre V8 diesel powerplant that is able to crank out a much larger 448bhp - in addition to a faster 0-62mph time, of 4.8 seconds, and a top speed of 155mph. Utilising a larger V8 engine with higher performance means that the S-Class 'S 500' model offers lower fuel consumption, of 32.8mpg, and higher emissions, of 199g/km of CO2. When a new S-Class model arrives on the motoring scene, it is usually the most technologically advanced car in the industry. You will see technology features trickling down through the Mercedes-Benz models. The S-Class is the benchmark for technological innovations. Mercedes-Benz has packed-out its new S-Class models with countless new and innovative features. All models come with a range of support functions including, among others, 'Night View Assist Plus', to alert drivers to the potential danger posed by pedestrians and animals in unlit areas, and 'Attention Assist', which can warn of inattentiveness and drowsiness in an extended speed range and notify the driver of their current state of fatigue. New S-Class models also come with a completely new multimedia interface, including an 'innovative' Frontbass system that was developed by the company itself, as well as two optional sound systems: the 'Burmester Surround Sound system' and the 'Burmester High-End 3D-Surround Sound System'. Although UK specifications and pricing are still to be fully confirmed, the prices for the new S-Class models in European markets are as follows - converted from Euros to pound sterling. The entry level 'S 350 BlueTEC' diesel-fuelled models will be available from £67,402.10 or £72,076.52, depending on whether the customer chooses the short or long wheelbase version. In addition, the petrol-powered 'S 400 HYBRID' models will be priced from either £71,975.99 or €76,951.99 - again depending on whether the short or long wheelbase is chosen. Similarly, short and long wheelbase versions of the range-topping 'S 500' variants will be available to purchase in the European markets from either £88,361.59 or £90,924.98. The new Mercedes-Benz S-Class will arrive in the UK in Q4, 2013 - and we cannot wait. Written by Glenn Doyle. 'Guess the car' clue: This company has ran a Formula 1 team in the past. http://www.motortorque.com/car-news/new-mercedes-s-class-aims-to-be-the-best-car-in-the-world-22270.aspx Glenn Doyle Fri, 17 May 2013 00:00:00 GMT David Beckham has hung up his boots and retired from football. Beckham's retirement has been on the cards for a while. No need for Take That inspired helplines. Beckham has had such a successful and diverse career spanning from football to fashion. He has played in numerous leagues across the globe from the USA to England, picking Beckham's career highlights can be tricky. To most people his career will be embodied by his integral goals in the 2002 World Cup or his half way goal against Wimbledon when he chipped Neil Sullivan - however, some car enthusiasts may remember that Beckham had a particularly intriguing interest in cars. To celebrate his glowing career on and off the football pitch, we have collated some of the most iconic cars ever owned by Golden Balls himself. Enjoy. Lamborghini Gallardo Up first is Beckham's gas guzzling supercar, the Lamborghini Gallardo. Beckham's Lamborghini Gallardo falls into the typical footballer's car category - trending with the likes of Christiano Ronaldo and other ostentatious gentlemen. Beckham's Gallardo featured a 5.2-litre V10 engine, producing a massive 558bhp and is speedier to 62mph than even Beckham was in his pomp - the Gallardo can complete the benchmark sprint 4.0 seconds. Audi S8 More of a classy mainstream choice for Beckham here, but still, not cheap. The Audi S8 is one of the German manufacturer's sporty derivatives and it mixes the sophistication of an Audi saloon with a 520bhp 4.0-litre V8 petrol engine. Although it looks like an executive chauffeur car, the Audi S8 is an impressive turn of speed, with a zero to 62mph sprint time of just 4.2 seconds. Porsche 911 Turbo Cabriolet Another footballer's favourite is this, the Porsche 911 Turbo cabriolet. Beckham's Porsche 911 comes in a rather daunting matt black paint job and of course a sleek drop top. The matt black paint job doesn't make the car stick out like a sore thumb when Becks is driving down the boulevard - oh hold on... he just so happens to have his number 23 from LA Galaxy stitched on the seats and floor mats, plus it is printed on the alloy wheels. Rolls Royce Ghost Many will have seen Beckham cruising around London in this Roller, one of many Rollers I may add. This Rolls Royce Ghost cost Beckham around £250,000 and definitely give the fashion conscious footballer more of a chic look on the road. Alongside its sophistication, this Roller makes use of a 6.6-litre twin-turbo V12, pumping out 563bhp. Rolls Royce Phantom drop head coupe As one Rolls Royce is never enough - obviously - Beckham also owned a drop top Rolls Royce Phantom. Even though this classic motor has a historic design, Beckham still managed to get some cool custom features in - including a matt black hood ornament and boat like wood decking built in to the body. At least it is nice and economical - with 453bhp and 11 miles per gallon. Ferrari 612 Scaglietti This Ferrari 612 Scaglietti is possibly the most adventurous car in Beckham's garage. Armed with a powerful V12 engine capable of producing 533bhp, this model from the Prancing Horse stable can reach a top speed of 196mph. That's faster than Beckham can hit a ball. As well as being one of the punchiest, this car is definitely one of the most stylish Beckham has ever owned - plus it only cost around £90,000 - neat. http://www.motortorque.com/car-news/david-beckham-retires---check-out-his-luxury-garage-22266.aspx Richard Bush Fri, 17 May 2013 00:00:00 GMT European anti-trust regulators have raided the offices of BP, Royal Dutch Shell and Norway's Statoil. It is believed that the raids are in connection with price fixing but European anti-trust regulators would not confirm or deny these allegations. All three companies are cooperating with investigators. Westminster MPs are calling for a full investigation by the UK authorities. Tory MP Robert Halfon has petitioned for an investigation into the methods that are used by oil companies to set prices for the past three years - it seems his voice is now being listened to. BP released a statement saying "We are co-operating fully with the investigation and are unable to comment further at this time", while a Shell spokesman added that it was "fully co-operating" with investigators. Statoil, confirmed its Norwegian headquarters had been inspected, said the suspected violations "related to the Platts' Market-On-Close price assessment process" and "may have been on-going since 2002". The AA has been shouting about possible irregularities with fuel pricing since 2005. AA spokesman Luke Bosdet said: "The lid is about to be blown off. The AA has been warning since 2005 about the activity of speculation in oil and fuel markets." While the RAC technical director David Bizley said: "The Office of Fair Trading inquiry concluded at the end of January that the UK fuel market was operating fairly and not against the best interests of motorists, and therefore that a Competition Commission investigation was not needed. Motorists will be very interested to see what comes of these raids." He also added that there was a need for greater transparency in the UK fuel markets. What do you think of this alleged fuel fixing scandal - join the debate on our Facebook page. http://www.motortorque.com/car-news/fuel-price-fixing-scandal-22260.aspx Simon McBride Thu, 16 May 2013 00:00:00 GMT German car manufacturer Mercedes-Benz will soon bring its new C 63 AMG Edition 507 model to the UK. From July, customers will be able to purchase either the model in either a saloon, estate or coupe guise. The 'thundering' Edition 507 model packs an extra 50bhp and 10Nm of torque over standard C 63 AMG models. The extra horsepower and torque allow the Edition 507 to complete the 0-62mph sprint in just 4.2 seconds (or 4.3 seconds for the estate version). In addition, thanks to the AMG Drivers Package, which de-restricts the top speed, the Edition 507 model is able to power up to an electronically limited top speed of 174mph. Prices for the C 63 AMG Edition 507 start from £66,960 OTR for the saloon version, £68,160 for the estate model and £68,160 for the coupe specification. All models come fitted with 19-inch AMG Cross-Spoke alloy wheels, with a Titanium finish, as well as a 'high-performance' composite brake system, with red brake callipers, and an AMG-style bonnet that is finished in a high black gloss - the same as the colour of the C 63 AMG Black Series Coupe. Within the new model lies 'designo' Black Leather as standard or customers can choose between the optional 'designo' Porcelain Leather, with 'Black DInamica' and contrast stitching, or the 'designo' Black Leather with 'Black Dinamica' as a no-cost option. Six colours are also available for the Mercedes-Benz C 63 AMG Edition 507, which are: Fire Opal, Polar White, Obsidian Black, Irdium Silver and the optional 'designo' Magno Platinum (which will add an additional £3,660 to the price of the car). Written by Glenn Doyle. 'Guess the car' clue: This is a bit of a different one for this manufacturer. http://www.motortorque.com/car-news/mercedes-c-63-amg-edition-507-coming-soon-to-uk-22256.aspx Glenn Doyle Thu, 16 May 2013 00:00:00 GMT Honda has today confirmed that it will return to Formula One as an engine supplier to the McLaren team starting from the 2015 season. Following months of speculation, the news finally confirms not only the return of a manufacturer which has been absent from the sport since 2008, but also reignites one of the all-time classic F1 partnerships. Honda's first spell in F1 took place between 1964 and 1968 with a full works programme, in that time the Japanese manufacturer won two races. Honda made a return later between 1983 and 1992 as an engine supplier to multiple teams, including a successful spells with Williams. Honda's most famous and successful period as an engine supplier however came through their partnership with McLaren during a five year spell between 1988 and 1992. In this period the original McLaren-Honda partnership garnered four constructor and driver championship titles, including all three titles Ayrton Senna achieved in his career, plus one of the four won by Alain Prost. Turbocharged Honda engines helped to power the McLaren team cars when Senna and Prost were teammates together during one of the most famous eras of F1. By the end of the 1992 season, Honda-powered cars had won a total of 71 Grand Prix races. Honda returned as an engine supplier in 2000 for the BAR team. The manufacturer also supplied engines to the Jordan Grand Prix team in 2001 and 2002, before Honda fully purchased the BAR team in 2006, marking their return as a constructor team. Honda's most recent constructor entry ran until the end of the 2008 season, with one race win to their name, but it was withdrawn from the sport before 2009 due to financial concerns. Today the return to F1 by Honda with McLaren was revealed at a press announcement in Tokyo. The President and CEO of Honda, Takanobu Ito, revealed that major changes to the engine regulations in F1, which will come into play starting from 2014, has largely motivated the manufacturer's return to the sport. Starting from the 2014 season, F1 teams will use 1.6-litre hybrid turbo engines, replacing the current existing 2.4-litre V8 engines in use now. Ito commented: "The new F1 regulations with their significant environmental focus will inspire even greater development of our own advanced technologies and this is central to our participation in F1". The news that Honda will return as an engine supplier for McLaren also confirms an end to a long-lasting engine partnership, between the McLaren team and Mercedes-Benz. The German manufacturer has supplied engines to the British F1 team since 1995. http://www.motortorque.com/car-news/honda-to-reunite-with-mclaren-f1-team-in-2015-22254.aspx Stephen Goldasz Thu, 16 May 2013 00:00:00 GMT Peugeot has announced that prices for its new 2008 crossover will start from £12,995. Peugeot will be hoping that its new 2008 crossover will be able to woo mini car buyers just like the recent success of the 208 supermini. Rivals to the new Peugeot 2008 crossover include the upcoming Renault Captur and Ford EcoSport. The new Peugeot 2008 crossover stands just 165mm taller than its smaller 208 supermini sibling. Like the 208 supermini, the 2008 crossover offers a similar roguish exterior that should catch the eye of younger buyers. There are four trim levels on offer, Access+, Active, Allure & Feline. Entry level features of the Access+ trim include LED daytime running lights, cruise control and aircon. On the whole, the trim levels are pretty generous for the 2008 across the board. The Peugeot 2008 is also set to debut the new Grip Control system that enhances traction control when driving in poor weather conditions like snow and mud. There is an efficient 1.6-litre e-HDi diesel on offer. It emits just 98g/km of CO2 emissions. Peugeot has also made the three-cylinder VTi petrol, offered on the 208 supermini, available on the 2008 crossover to broaden its appeal. At £12,995, the new Peugeot 2008 is £500 more expensive than the new Renault Captur. The new Peugeot 2008 is set to launch in the UK on July 18th 2013. http://www.motortorque.com/car-news/peugeot-2008-crossover-prices-announced-22251.aspx Richard Bush Wed, 15 May 2013 00:00:00 GMT Vauxhall has provided 'Help for Heroes' Ambassador Private Derek Derenalagi with a specially-adapted Insignia Sports Tourer. Private Derenalagi was one of the first British soldiers to benefit from the assistance provided by 'Help for Heroes'. He is currently training with Team GB for this summer's International Paralympic Committee Athletics World Championships in Lyon, France. Derek lost both of his legs in an explosion while on military service in Afghanistan. In order to enable him to drive the vehicle, Vauxhall has equipped the Insignia Sports Tourer with a hand control push/pull brake, accelerator, integral indicator switch and a quick release steering ball. Vauxhall's Sponsorship Marketing Specialist, Lorna Smith, handed the keys to the Insignia Sports Tourer to Derek after he completed a training session at the Lea Valley Athletics Centre. Derek commented: 'I'd like to thank Vauxhall sincerely for the use of this great car. I'm training five days a week now in addition to attending events for Help for Heroes, so it will certainly get plenty of use.' Lorna said that she was 'very proud to hand the Insignia over to Derek', who she described as 'an inspiration to us all'. She continued: 'Vauxhall is delighted to support those men and women who, like Derek, have given so much for their country'. To date, the British car manufacturer has raised over £220,000 for 'Help for Heroes', with the money being used by the charity to help those wounded, sick or injured in Britain's current conflicts. Written by Glenn Doyle. 'Guess the car' clue: The cars name was resurrected by the manufacturer for a new model in the '90s. http://www.motortorque.com/car-news/help-for-heroes-gets-help-from-vauxhall-22248.aspx Glenn Doyle Wed, 15 May 2013 00:00:00 GMT After his performance in the Spanish Grand Prix, three-time world Formula 1 champion Sebastian Vettel flew to Paris to meet with some of Renault's numerous design teams. Vettel even got to test the extraordinary looking Twizy Renault Sport F1 - Renault's latest concept car. Following a tour around the Viry-Chatillon plant, where the Formula 1 Renault engines are built, and a drive of Renault's new full-electric compact car, the Zoe, Vettel then got behind the wheel of the Twizy Renault Sport F1. We will hopefully be able to have a spin in the Twizy Renault Sport F1 in the near future. Renault's Twizy Renault Sport F1 concept is equipped with the same KERS (Kinetic Energy Recovery System) as Vettel's Formula 1 car. This version of the Twizy has an output of around 100bhp, thanks to an additional 80bhp from the KERS, and can complete the 0-62mph sprint in a time similar to the Megane R.S. - Renault's highest performance production model - which is around six seconds. After taking the Twizy Renault Sport F1 for a test drive, Vettel then met up with employees of the company at its head office in Boulogne-Billancourt, where he summed up the day as 'interesting', before commenting that 'the wizards of Renault Sport F1 never fail to surprise us with new ideas that make my F1 car even more efficient.' Remarking on Renault's wacky concept car, Vettel enthused: 'I particularly enjoyed driving Renault's electric vehicles, especially Twizy Renault Sport F1, a really fun machine!' Written by Glenn Doyle. 'Guess the car' clue: The manufacturer is more niche than mainstream. http://www.motortorque.com/car-news/sebastian-vettel-tests-the-twizy-renault-sport-f1-22238.aspx Glenn Doyle Wed, 15 May 2013 00:00:00 GMT