The Latest News, Announcements And Rumours From The World Of Cars
This is the new Toyota Fun-Vii “a concept vehicle that heralds a not-too-distant future where people, cars and society are linked.” And it will appear at this week’s 2011 Tokyo Motor Show. You’re excited, aren’t you? Go on, admit it. Smartphone On Wheels The Fun-Vii is one of the futuristic concept cars under the theme [...]
According to reports from JP Morgan’s Tokyo office, over the weekend BMW and Toyota have been involved in final talks over a deal which would see BMW providing Toyota with diesel engines in return for access to advanced hybrid technology. Toyota Gains The deal which is expected to be announced at the Tokyo Motor Show [...]
Mazda has revealed details of their new i-ELOOP (Intelligent Energy Loop) regenerative braking system. The system, which is said to reduce fuel consumption by up to 10 per cent, will debut in the Takeri concept at the Tokyo Motor Show before appearing in production models during 2012. Mazda claims that i-ELOOP is the world’s first [...]
The new Volkswagen Up and Volkswagen Beetle have both received the top five-star rating after the recent bout of Euro NCAP tests. The Volkswagen Up also received one of NCAP’s new Advanced Awards for the City Emergency Braking function. Emergency Braking The optional City Emergency Braking system uses a windscreen mounted laser sensor to scan [...]
The new Ford Focus has become the first car to receive four Euro NCAP Advanced Safety Awards. Previously they received recognition for their Active City Stop and Lane Keeping Aid technologies. But now their Driver Alert and Forward Alert systems have been honoured. Euro NCAP general secretary, Michiel Van Ratingen said; “As part of Euro [...]
German car magazine Auto Bild has reported that Mercedes-Benz is working on a new superlight platform for the next generation E-Class. Expected to arrive in 2015, the new E-Class will use high-tech lightweight materials and advanced engineering techniques to achieve a significant weight reduction. Extensive use of carbon fibre will reduce kerbweight to a rumoured [...]
In a recent Autoblog interview, Head of Product Development at BMW M division, Albert Biermann revealed a few tidbits of BMW M5 news. Will We Get A Manual M5? Yes, but ironically only because the Americans demanded it. When the M5 arrives in the US in 2012, they’ll be able to select the seven-speed dual-clutch [...]
Major changes to the MOT test next year will burden cash strapped motorists with massive repair bills for equipment such as electronic stability control. Photo courtesy of MGJohn From 1st January 2012, new EU rules (groan) will add a few extra items to the MOT test and a whole heap of reasons to fail. [...]
The prospect of electric cars becoming part of mainstream motoring in the UK has received a major boost thanks to three important pieces of news. 1. Universal Charging Standards Seven large car manufacturers have reached an agreement to use common standards for charging electric vehicles in North America and Europe. Audi, BMW, Daimler, Ford, General [...]
Ford has revealed improvements to its new ECOnetic technology ahead of the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show. The new Ford Focus ECOnetic technology comes with engines in three flavours; 1.0-litre turbocharged three-cylinder EcoBoost 1.6-litre turbocharged EcoBoost 1.6-litre TDCi Duratorq diesel Despite producing 103bhp, the Duratorq is the cleanest, most efficient option, covering 83.1mpg and releasing just [...]
