News from around the world

[Ducati]

SHOEI'S NOISE REDUCTION QWEST
Shoei has launched its fourth new helmet model since 2008 - one the company says has been developed specifically for touring bikers.

The Qwest series is light, comfortable and generates minimal noise level.

In fact, according to Shoei, the new helmet is 60% quieter than the Shoei Raid II thanks to aerodynamic optimisation.

“By using four shell sizes for seven helmet sizes, Shoei make an optimal fit for every head size possible,” the company says.

“The ventilation system of the Qwest is a completely new development – larger top and lower air intakes have been repositioned. The two rear ventilation holes are also new: warm used air is not just exhausted but sucked out by low pressure.”

The Qwest will be available in black, light silver, matte black and gloss white and two graphic models in sizes XXS through to XXL.

[Ducati]

LAMBO DRIVER TRAPPED AT 247KM/H
The driver of an IMSA Murcielago was caught doing a speed of 274km/h by police near Amstetten, Austria.

Police had received reports (from other road users) of an Audi R8 and an IMSA Murcielago racing each other on Friday afternoon and coordinated an operation to apprehend the drivers involved.

They pulled over the driver (27) of the IMSA Murcielago on an A1 motorway, catching him doing 274km/h – which is well shy of its 350km/h top speed.

Designed by German aftermarket tuner IMSA, the Murcielago aftermarket conversion kit (produced and fitted at the company’s facility near Brüggen ) adds 49kW of power to the series production Murcielago’s already heady 471kW 6.5l V12.

The driver and passenger in the Audi R8 were later apprehended doing 233km/h.

Let’s hope these speedsters can pay for what is sure to be a hefty fine, though even the Murcielago’s 274km/h indiscretion is unlikely to net a fine in the league of what happened to a Swedish SLS driver in Switzerland earlier this year...

[pics]

lol

[m_waqas]

OPEL CREATES 'EMOTIONAL' GTC

wow man.. these hatchbacks are getting better n better,.. but i guess this will remain a concept car for sometime... hatchbacks need to be fuel efficient.. start-stop tech is good but consumption also needs to be taken care of :S ...

[Ducati]

@m_waqas

wow man.. these hatchbacks are getting better n better,.. but i guess this will remain a concept car for sometime... hatchbacks need to be fuel efficient.. start-stop tech is good but consumption also needs to be taken care of :S ...

I am looking forward to the Audi A1 to be released here, I think it will be a best seller in its catagory.

[Ducati]

REFOCUSED ST LOSES A CYLINDER
Ford’s Focus ST is set to lose a cylinder and 500cc of swept capacity as it attempts to survive in an emissions-strangled performance car market post-2012.

The company’s popular three and five-door performance hatches have long been a favourite with petrolheads burdened by burgeoning family responsibilities.

A combination of the ST’s spacious cabin dimensions and its characteristic five-cylinder turbo engine (not to mention the neat, multi-link rear suspension-aided agility) make it the perfect family man's hot hatch.

Unsurprisingly, news of the 2.5-litre, Volvo-based engine’s demise was met with derision when announced earlier in 2010

To placate fans of the ST nameplate, Ford has released images and details of the next-generation Focus hot hatch - set to feature smaller capacity EcoBoost power and a host of detail changes, inside and out.

Subtle styling changes

Although the car Ford will display at the Paris auto show during the first weekend of October is being billed as a design study, it will essentially galvanise into a production version of the new ST – make no mistake. Styling sees a radical new nose, featuring an oversized grille - sure to be the new car's most contentious exterior detailing upgrade.

From the rear three-quarter view, the ST's most pronounced change is in the stylised tail lights which replace the Focus hatchback’s traditional thin-strip rear illumination.

A peculiar new exhaust end treatment, mounted in the centre of the bumper (featuring a twin joined-hexagon design), will probably be deleted for road-going versions of the new ST.

Although Ford is coy about engineering details of the next-generation Focus hot hatch, it promises the new car will in no way hurt the ST brand’s dynamic reputation.

Four-cylinder ST

ST traditionalists will surely miss the 2.5 five-cylinder unit, an engine that has proved eminently tuneable and which roared a rather unique acoustic signature.

Replacing it will be Ford’s new EcoBoost two-litre, four-cylinder producing 186kW – an improvement of 20kW over the current ST.

Being both smaller in capacity and featuring direct-injection, the new ST’s EcoBoost engine should ensure a 10-20% reduction in fuel consumption.

Dynamically, Ford’s excellent dry-clutch Powershift six-speed DCT transmission should become available too. This dual-pedal option should greatly enhance the ST’s appeal, especially as it has traditionally only driven via a six-speed manual transmission, great for heel-and-toeing but no fun in a heavily trafficked urban environment.

The ST showcar trimmed for its Paris motor show debut in three weeks also marks a cabin redesign (finally) sporting a new four-spoked steering wheel and improved fascia – the latter gaining a large infotainment control and display interface.

Ford’s promised its third-generation ST will go on sale in all global markets at the beginning of 2012. A break in tradition will see Ford not offering its new ST in three-door configuration come 2012.

Vehicle Specs

<TABLE class=left cellSpacing=3 cellPadding=0 border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=heading>Manufacturer </TD><TD>Ford </TD></TR><TR><TD class=heading>Model </TD><TD>Focus ST </TD></TR><TR><TD class=heading>Engine </TD><TD>2l four-cylinder turbo </TD></TR><TR><TD class=heading>Power </TD><TD>186kW </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

[Ducati]

HYUNDAI HATCHES NEW IX20 MINI-MPV
The Paris auto show is only three weeks away and instead of some outrageous and irrelevant concept, Hyundai’s show-stoppers are two new i-series models.

South Korea’s largest automaker will show its facelifted i10, which gains the company’s new grille treatment – first seen on the iX35.

The i10’s new face features a huge honeycomb lower grille. Beyond a facelift of Hyundai’s city car, the company’s also introducing its iX20 - a mini-MPV... of sorts.

Bringing the MPV concept home

Seeing as French manufacturers essentially perfected the MPV's popularity (Espace, Scenic, Grand Scenic, Berlingo), it's quite apt that Hyundai is introducing its latest take on family-friendly motoring at the Paris show.

It's based on the i20 platform and powered by a range of four engines in two capacity classes offering both petrol and diesel fuelling.

If you're familiar with Kia’s international product offering, well, the iX20 is based for all intents and purposes on the Hyundai twin-brand's Venga.

Kia’s mini-MPV is 110mm taller, 55mm wider, 128mm more substantial bumper-to-bumper and sports a 75mm more generous axle spacing than the series i20 hatchback. Expect the iX20 to be similarly larger, reflecting its MPV utility billing.

Both 1.4 engines produce 66kW; the 1.6s tally 91 and 94kW, with the iX20's turbodiesel derivative the more powerful.

Hyundai says it will market a special low-emissions version of its new MPV called the iX20 Blue, recording a CO2 rating of 114g/km and boasting claimed overall consumption of 4.3 litres/100km.

The iX20’s frugal engines will leave a negligible emissions footprint (reducing cost of ownership) and for family-conscious buyers (as all MPV customers are) there is a five-star Euro NCAP crash safety rating, too.

[Ducati]

CHRYSLER BINS SEBRING FOR 200
Chrysler has announced its Sebring replacement will be called the 200 and has released teaser images of the car to go along with the news.

The new car, a revised and restyled version of the Sebring, was revealed to US dealers at a local conference on Tuesday.

The car gets two new petrol engines – a 2.4 and a 3.6 Pentastar V6 - mated to a four or six-speed transmission.

The new 200 will also receive a stiffer body, improved suspension geometry and improved measures to deal with noise, vibration and harshness.

Addressing one of the biggest criticisms of the Sebring, the new 200 will reportedly also receive a new, more refined, cabin with better finishes and a high level of standard equipment.

Automotive News reports that company CEO Sergio Marchionne at the 2010 Detroit motor show said the Sebring’s revision would be more than an average facelift.

[Ducati]

FACEBOOK WHILE YOU DRIVER?
It sounds like a social networker’s dream – the ability to update Facebook while you drive.

While fulfilling our need to network, we’re pretty sure this could end up with a status update reading “Steve.Smith - I’ve seen a crazy accident…which I caused. Anyone know the number of a tow truck?”

Nevertheless OnStar, a US cellular service, is developing a Facebook application that will allow drivers to update their profiles without ever taking their hands off the steering wheel.

The application works on system of voice-activated controls with OnStar adding news feeds which will be read out loud. OnStar also promises to create a voice-based texting system.

Drivers will be able to connect their smartphones to a built-in system located and activate the application via Bluetooth. This will enable text messages to be relayed back to drivers via speech synthesis and will allow users to verbally select preset responses.

We’re not sure how the words “Facebook” and “driving” will be picked up by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration which reported that in 2008 driver distraction was the cause of 16% of US car crashes.

However OnStar has emphasised “responsible connectivity” in its Facebook application campaign, with a slogan “eyes on the road, hands on the wheel, mind on the drive”.

[Ducati]

MOPEDS GO WILD IN THE ALPS
The hills were alive with the swarming sound of mopeds as 600 enthusiastic riders were pitted against each other over 132km of Alpine passes in the first Red Bull Alpenbrevet event.

Powered by minuscule 49cc engines, most of the mopeds in the race were from the 1970s and ’80s, and capable of a maximum speed of only 30km/h.

The thin Alpine air and steep inclines didn’t do the machines any favours, with many riders relying heavily on the mopeds’ pedals to complete the Alpenbrevet route in time.

'Not speed that counts...'

Steven Rosen came from California to race. “At home, nearly everybody has a Harley. Driving around with a moped means you are a true eye-catcher.

“It's not the speed that counts but the styling and the joy of living,” Rosen explained. The American’s dream, however, came to an abrupt end at the very first Alpine pass with a moped simply unable to cope with the altitude.

To qualify, riders had to complete the 132km course on a moped with an engine displacement of 49cc – which included the Grimsel Pass (2165m), Furka Pass (2436m) and Susten Pass (2224m) – within four hours and 34 minutes. The start/finish was in Meiringen (canton of Bern).

Most of the mopeds in the race were from the 1970s and 1980s. Classic mopeds have pedals, same as bicycles, but these are usually only used to start and brake.

In extreme cases, such as the Alpenbrevet, the pedals can be used to support the engine when riding up the mountain.

[m_waqas]

REFOCUSED ST LOSES A CYLINDER
thats what i m talking about.. not much of a loss in itself when u are getting 20Kw more (thats approx 27 Bhp more) and economical as well... Focus is the only decent product of Ford.. or is it Mustang? :S ...

HYUNDAI HATCHES NEW IX20 MINI-MPV
well, first a confession.. i didn't know it was a korean brand (always thought of it as japanese)... we can do some good with MPVs here.. since hyundai Santro (post 2004 model ) is considered a decent car here with excellent quality, driving pleasure.. better than altos and mehrans and may be cuores too..

FACEBOOK WHILE YOU DRIVER?

i m not sure about it.. and i don't care.. sounds a bit reckless to me :S ...

I am looking forward to the Audi A1 to be released here, I think it will be a best seller in its catagory.

hmm.. sure... but will that be a four-door or 2-door?..

and man whatever happened to BMW's 1 series?..

[Ducati]

@m_waqas

Quote:
<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=6 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=alt2 style="BORDER-RIGHT: 1px inset; BORDER-TOP: 1px inset; BORDER-LEFT: 1px inset; BORDER-BOTTOM: 1px inset">FACEBOOK WHILE YOU DRIVER? </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
i m not sure about it.. and i don't care.. sounds a bit reckless to me :S ...

I struggle to keep up with FB even with my desktop cant think I'd ever use it while driving? I dont even SMS while driving and for voice I've a Bluetooth connection so I am sorted

[Ducati]

@m_waqas

Here is an update on the Audi A1..........

The second generation of the rotund little car may make it to the U.S., but that won't be for years, and that car will probably have grown larger than the 13-foot A1.

The A1 just went on sale in Europe. Exports to other parts of the world will begin next year. The car competes with little upscale models like the <NOBR id=itxt_nobr_2_0 style="FONT-WEIGHT: normal; FONT-SIZE: 100%; COLOR: black; FONT-FAMILY: Georgia">Mercedes-Benz</NOBR> A-class and Mini Cooper.

The front-wheel drive A1 is the only Audi that doesn't offer the brand's trademark Quattro all-wheel drive.

Audi has been surprised by demand for the car. It originally planned to build about 100,000 A1s annually, but has already cranked that up to 120,000. A1 prices start at 15,800 euros ($20,330) in Germany.

[Ducati]

ALFA'S NEW GOODS AT PARIS
Alfa Romeo’s Paris motor show stand will feature two additions to the Giulietta range – a new 104 kW turbodiesel engine and Alfa’s dual-clutch gearbox.

While the local Giulietta range, when it is launched in South Africa in November, 2010 will initially be petrol powered only, the diesel engine could be one to consider at a later date, especially given its 35 000-km service intervals

The 104kW 2.0 JTDM uses the Fiat Group’s latest Multijet common rail system and produces up to 350Nm of torque at 1 750 r/min.

Alfa claims a top speed of 205km/h and a 0 – 100km/h sprint time of nine seconds.

The Euro 5 engine comes with Start&Stop technology as standard and a close couple diesel particulate filter and built-in exhaust gas recirculation to improve fuel consumption and keep emissions low. Fuel consumption in the combined cycle of 4.5l/100km and CO2 emissions of 119g/km were quoted.

The Giulietta on display at Paris will also feature Alfa’s TCT twin clutch automatic transmission developed in-house by Fiat Powertrain Technologies.

The twin clutch will be offered on the 125 kW 1.4 MultiAir turbo petrol and 2.0 JTDM.

[Ducati]

PORSCHE LINES UP NEW CARRERA GTS
It’s not quite the GT3 but Porsche’s new 911 Carrera GTS promises good fun. Think 304kW's worth and a top speed of 306km/h.

The new GTS is available in Coupe and Cabriolet body styles and is said to take the 911 nameplate ever closer to the headlining 327kW 911 GT3.

It uses a 304kW version of Porsche's 3.8-litre flat-six with peak torque of 420 Nm.

A choice of six-speed manual or seven-speed PDK is offered. Compared with the Carrera S, the top speed rises by 4km/h to 306km/h, while acceleration from 0-100km/h in the fully kitted GTS Coupe with PDK is a tenth faster at 4.2sec.

Showing off

However, don’t be fooled by the crazy figures the latest 911 model generates – it’s fitted with Porsche Intelligent Performance and is as efficient as the Carrera S, Porsche claims. Figures of 10.2 litres/100 km and 240g/km are quoted for fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.

Furthermore, the GTS’s track is 44mm wider than that of the Carrera to give it a wider back that really shows off its rear-engine layout.

GTS models also have a SportDesign front apron, special side skirts – both black – and Carrera GTS detailing on the doors and rear lid, painted either black or silver. In similar vein, the interior is dominated by black leather and alcantara.

The new 911 Carrera GTS will have its world debut at the forthcoming Paris motor show.

[Ducati]

SPARTAN V MUCH BETTER THAN 300
Lightweight sportscars powered by superbike engines. It is hardly a new idea.

British niche manufacturers such as Westfield, Caterham and Radical all offer superbike engines (Suzuki’s Hayabusa mill is quite popular) within their product portfolios.

The appeal is simple – low mass and massive performance, two engineering principles that tie-in perfectly with the lightweight sportscar design mantra.

It's a ripper, mate

Australia is the latest region to produce a superbike powered sportcars, the Spartan V.

This is of course hardly surprising, as the Australians have a proud superbike racing tradition.

What is surprising, is that the Australians have taken a rather original line with the V's design - specifically pertaining to the choice of engine.

Unlike Caterham, Westfield and Radical's offerings, Spartan's optioned on Ducati's 1198S V-twin to be mounted amidships, instead of one of the typical Japanese superbike fours.

Thanks to its tubular spaceframe construction and composite bodywork Spartan’s V weighs only 300kg.

Factor in the Duke V-twin’s 125kW power output and the performance claims (280km/h top end, 0-100km/h in 3 seconds) can hardly be rubbished.

The Spartan V engages its rear wheels via a chain drive limited-slip differential, supplied by Drexler motorsport of Germany.

A six-speed sequential transmission modulates speed, with all data being logged by a Ducati 1198 Digitek LCD instrument pod.

Naturally, the characteristic Ducati V-twin acoustic signature has been retained - something which remains key to the Spartan V's appeal.

Harmonised performance

To ensure the required levels of agility and stopping power for something so rapid, Spartan’s engineers have double-wishbone wheel attachments managing each 17-inch wheel’s individual oscillation properties.

For those owners who wish to do their own suspension fine tuning, there are Ohlins adjustable dampers available too.

The Spartan V’s agility is further shored up by its American sourced steering and brake components.

Woodward’s racing quick-ratio rack-and-pinion steering system ensures centimetre perfect placement of the V via its tiny Sparco helm, whilst deceleration is well catered for by 300mm Wilwood rotors - actuated by four-piston callipers at both axles.

Beyond the V’s epic braking performance (300mm rotors should stop a 300kg car with crushing ease), safety features include stylish double-hoop roll bars, designed to keep occupants from being crushed in the unfortunate event of a roll-over.

Although it remains unclear what the tenuous link is (if at all) between the ancient Greek city-state and contemporary Australian performance motoring, the Spartan V has the makings of a mightily appealing trackday machine. Its Spartan helmet motif nestled in the middle of the front air ducts looks awesome, so we'll forgive it for not having a proper Australian racing heritage nameplate.

Spartan plans to build only 300 Vs, retailing at $100,000 each – which is a lot of money for a four-wheeled superbike.

Then again, is there really a price that can be attached to the novelty of owning four-wheeled V-twin sportscar?

Vehicle Specs

<TABLE class=left cellSpacing=3 cellPadding=0 border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=heading>Manufacturer </TD><TD>Spartan </TD></TR><TR><TD class=heading>Model </TD><TD>V </TD></TR><TR><TD class=heading>Engine </TD><TD>1198cc V-twin </TD></TR><TR><TD class=heading>Power </TD><TD>125kW </TD></TR><TR><TD class=heading>Transmission </TD><TD>Six-speed </TD></TR><TR><TD class=heading>Zero To Hundred </TD><TD>3 sec </TD></TR><TR><TD class=heading>Top Speed </TD><TD>280km/h </TD></TR><TR><TD class=heading>Weight </TD><TD>300kg </TD></TR><TR><TD class=heading>Tyres </TD><TD>205/45 R17 </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

[Ducati]

BENTLEY NOT INTERESTED IN DIESEL
Most automakers with a limousine range in their product portfolio have at least one diesel or hybrid model to aggregate emissions.

Bentley does not though. Why? After all, the company, as part of the giant VW Group, benefits from the low emissions footprint of Polo diesels when all the numbers are tallied.

Bentley’s abhorrence of diesel technology has a lot to do with the change in demand at the premium end of the market. The factory in Crewe, England, sees China as the primary driver for its growth. Bentley's CEO Franz-Josef Paefgen's take on this is simple...

"The attitude of Chinese buyers is going to have a big effect on cars such as ours and they are none too keen (about diesels)."

Buyers in Bentley’s traditional markets (North America, Middle East, Japan) also abhor diesel limousines and diesel performance cars. This obviously mitigates against any compression-ignition initiative from the company’s product planning department.

Diesel development costs

Beyond marketing issues, Bentley also believes it has good technical reasons for steering clear of diesel. Brian Gush, Bentley’s head of powertrain development, foresees a substantial cost factor for automakers wishing to pursue sophisticated diesel-engine solutions for large vehicles. "The forthcoming Euro 6 clean-air regs are likely to pile some big costs on to diesels," he warned.

Discounting cost, traditional diesel characteristics (huge rotational force statistics and low fuel-consumption) are of little consequence to Bentley and its customers.

The Bentley nameplate’s engines already have some of the biggest rotational force numbers around and its customers are hardly concerned about their fuel bills.

In terms of environmental awareness, the company does offer biol-fuel capability on its most powerful W12 models and will market a four-litre V8 (its smallest in decades) when the new Continental GT goes on sale later in 2010.

[Ducati]

GT-R TO PLAY TOP GEAR'S GODZILLA
Nissan’s GT-R supercar is set to play a Japanese mythical icon in a Manga-style street racing sequence at this year’s Top Gear Live theatre premiered at the MPH show.

The 356-kW machine, often dubbed ‘Godzilla’ due to its origins and monstrous performance, will play the legendary movie character as it takes on all contenders in a truly explosive driving display.

“Ever since we drove the new GT-R through the streets of Tokyo on the television programme, I’ve wanted to incorporate one into a stunt driving sequence on the Live show, so I’m thrilled to finally have the chance,“ said Top Gear Live’s executive producer, Rowland French. “This driving sequence is going to blow the audience away.”

The sequence will form part of the 80-minute theatre production featuring the three Top Gear presenters Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May.

The street racing sequence combines the action and emotion of Manga culture with the power, noise, colour and tyre-smoking performance of the GT-R.

Away from the Top Gear Live theatre, Nissan will be displaying its V6-powered 370Z Coupe and Roadster, at the MPH Show.

MPH The Prestige & Performance Motor Show featuring Top Gear Live will take place at Earls Court, London from November 4 - 7 and the NEC in Birmingham between November 11 - 14.

[Ducati]

DOSED UP AND DANGEROUS
As George Michael is jailed for driving under the influence of a cocktail of illegal and prescription drugs, many more drivers could be putting themselves and others at risk by failing to recognise the importance of adhering to prescription drug warnings.

According to a UK poll, one in ten drivers has admitted their ability to drive was impaired after taking medication, whilst three percent admitted having had an accident or near miss when driving under the influence of prescription or over-the-counter drugs.

Of those questioned, 12 percent also admitted to not realising they could be breaking the law if they drive while affected, with almost a third of people saying they regularly take medicines and drive.

The poll of drivers carried out by UK road safety agency GEM Motoring Assist has led them to develop a new leaflet to raise awareness of the issues associated with driving whilst affected by prescription medicines.

A Dr Chris Steele, who supports the GEM initiative, said: “In some circumstances driving while impaired by medication can be as dangerous as ‘drink driving’. I strongly support the advice given in this leaflet that drivers taking medicine should always check with their doctor or pharmacist before they drive.”

The poll also revealed that seven out of 10 people thought that they were not given enough information about medicines and driving when given prescriptions, and one in four admitted to being confused by the warnings given on medicine packaging.

Of further concern to GEM is the fact that three in 10 people said they did not know how to find out if medicines were likely to affect their driving.

David Williams, CEO of GEM Motoring Assist commented: “Many people taking prescribed or over the counter medication do not realise the effect this could have on them as a driver.”

He also said, “I cannot express how worrying it is that the pharmaceutical companies do not have to indicate if driving could be a risky business.

"Whilst many drivers do act responsibly, our survey seemed to highlight the feeling that there is a lack of readily available information for those who want to know more about medication they may be taking."

[Ducati]

KAWA'S NEW STREET FIGHTER
A hit all over Europe and across the UK, the Z750 will be joined in the Kawasaki streetfighter stable for 2011 by the new Z750R - set to get its UK public debut at the Carole Nash Motorcycle Live event at the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham in November.

Entering the exciting “R” arena, the latest super naked from Kawasaki adds a new level of handling and braking sophistication to the class and is sure to win favour with the growing customer base for versatile, mid-weight machines that handle and stop as well as they look.

With new 41mm, highly adjustable front forks, matched by a stunning aluminium swinging arm and remote reservoir piggy-back rear shock, the handling package represented by the new Z750R will reward riders looking for true Supersport handling from a naked motorcycle.

The ante has also been upped in the braking department with beefy radial mounted front callipers gripping race inspired petal discs matched to an equally performance oriented radial mount brake reservoir.

Adding additional feel and response, the brake lines are now clad in braided steel, reflecting the overall high specification of a machine that will reward hard riding with cornering poise and responsive feedback.

With a raft of genuine accessories planned – including a Kawasaki Akrapovik slip-on silencer – the emerging R class now has an impressive new contender according to Sales and Marketing Manager for Kawasaki Motors UK, Michael Johnstone.

“The Z750R is an impressive package," the bikemaker says. "It's been designed to take the handling, braking and overall pecification of the hugely popular Z750 to a totally new level, justifying the exclusive R status of our new mid-weight naked contender for the coming year”.