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Updates from April, 2012

  • BEIJING — As more and more Chinese buy cars, automakers say consumer tastes in the Asian nation have a growing influence on vehicle design the world over.

    China emerged as the world’s top car market in 2009, and though the sector stalled last year, with sales rising just 2.5% to 18.51 million, carmakers are convinced it is where the industry’s future lies.

    Manufacturers at this week’s Auto China 2012 exhibition in Beijing said they have started to include features that appeal to the Chinese consumer — from large grilles and highly visible chrome fittings to luxury back seats for the in-laws.

    Related

    “We want to have more China elements in our design for global cars,” said Shen Li, spokeswoman for Nissan China.

    “The designers find inspiration in traditional paper cutting, or in Tang [dynasty] paintings representing opulent women. Every model in the future has to have a good potential in China.”

    Graeme Fletcher for National Post

    China also played host to the world premiere of the Nissan Sylphy.

    The car penetration rate in China is still relatively low compared to more mature markets in North America or Europe, but last year, even with the sales slowdown, more cars were sold in the Asian nation than in the United States.

    Until recently, foreign car manufacturers adapted existing models sold in Europe or North America to the Chinese market. But with the rise of China and its global footprint, the trend is the other way round.

    “In the future as China grows, we will increasingly need to take into account the weight of the Chinese market,” said Frederic Banzet, director at Citroen.

    “We will work from a design with Chinese characteristics and adapt it to other markets,” he said.

    To this end, PSA Peugeot Citroën set up a design studio in Shanghai in 2008 aiming to understand the Chinese market and launch targeted products to increase its market share.

    The studio now counts some 650 employees, and the company plans to increase the headcount to 1,000.

    Volkswagen Group has also invested heavily in two design studios — one in Shanghai and another in the northeastern city of Changchun.

    “The chrome finishings, the interior wood work…. We are delivering the whole package to the United States,” said Walter de Silva, head of design for the group, which owns a total of 11 brands including Audi and Lamborghini.

    Volkswagen’s new Passat was designed and launched in China last year, and hit the roads in North America a few months later.

    Simon Loasby, director of design for Volkswagen in China, said designs from China had a growing influence on Volkswagen cars globally, while many Chinese designers were also working on projects in Germany.

    “It is amazing how much of what is started here can fertilise the rest of the world,” he said.

    Agence France-Presse


    2:13 pm on April 30, 2012
     

  • Beijing • Automakers here pumped up the horsepower and the sex appeal while at the same time reducing fuel consumption and reliance on expensive gasoline to make their world debuts a little more environmentally friendly. Following are some of the highlights of the show:

    Patricia Cancilla/National Post

    Audi’s RS Q3 concept made its world debut here. The bright blue SUV features a paint job called Ordos Blue, which is a matte blue with a slight yellow tint.

    Related

    Audi RS Q3 concept

    Audi’s RS Q3 concept made its world debut here. The bright blue SUV features a paint job called Ordos Blue, which is a matte blue with a slight yellow tint. It comes with a 2.5 TFSI engine with 360 horsepower, a seven-speed S tronic transmission and quattro permanent all-wheel drive. The Q3’s body was lowered about 25 millimetres and widened to give it a more aggressive look.

    The interior of the RS Q3 concept gets a glass sunroof and Fine Nappa leather with dark blue Alcantara as contrast on the seats. The steering wheel is covered with black Velvet leather, which gives the hands a secure grip and repels dirt.

    Handout

    The Bentley Continental GT V8 delivers a 40% improvement in fuel efficiency and CO2 emissions.

    Bentley Continental GT V8

    Bentley took the wraps off its new Continental GT V8 coupe here. The new 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged GT V8 features 500 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and peak torque of 487 pound-feet. Combined with a new close-ratio eight-speed automatic transmission, the GT coupe goes from zero to 100 kilometres an hour in just 4.9 seconds and on to a top speed of 303 km/h, according to Bentley.

    The V8 Continental also delivers a 40% improvement in fuel efficiency and CO2 emissions. Both the coupe and convertible models feature a state-of-the-art all-wheel-drive system employing an advanced Torsen differential and a 40:60 rear-biased power split. This ensures safe yet dynamic sports car handling in all road conditions, says the automaker.

    Patricia Cancilla/National Post

    The Chery @ant! Up to 10 ants can hook up with each other. China’s Chery is giving new meaning to the term “hooking up.”

    Chery @ant

    This is the funkiest-looking vehicle I saw here, or should I say vehicles — what I saw  was two strange cars hooked up to each other, looking very friendly indeed. There is quite a resemblance to an ant, hence, the name @ant. The @ symbolizes a connection and do these things ever connect! According to the automaker, if one ant sees another ant going in the same direction, they will literally hook up and continue on their merry way. Up to 10 ants can hook up with each other. China’s Chery is giving new meaning to the term “hooking up.”

    The @ant is powered by small electric engines in the rear wheels.

    The Chery @ant made its world debut here with the tagline: “Exploring future human being’s lifestyle.”  Does it mean we will all be engaging in mass orgies in the future? Or is it just a case of being lost in the translation? We’ll have to think about that one.

    Lamborghini Urus

    Lamborghini unveiled a 600-horsepower concept SUV, the Urus, shown at top, named for a type of bull. Dubbed the “ultimate super athlete” by the automaker, that’s no bull — the Urus is a stunning four-door luxury sport-utility vehicle that puts lesser SUVs to shame. With sleek and sensuous lines reminiscent of Lamborghini’s sports cars, the Urus features permanent all-wheel drive to give the concept its sport-utility bona fides.

    “The Urus is a very concrete idea for the future of Lamborghini — as a third model line and as the perfect complement to our super sports cars,” says Stephan Winkelmann, president and CEO of Automobili Lamborghini. “SUVs stand for freedom and emotion. SUVs make up one of the most successful market segments worldwide. The Urus is the most extreme interpretation of the SUV idea; it is the Lamborghini of the SUVs.”

    The vehicle’s lightweight design helps it conserve fuel while setting new standards for dynamics and handling, according to Lamborghini.

    Lamborghini predicts it will sell 3,000 of the concept SUV when it is put into production, with main markets in China, the Middle East, Russia, Germany, the United Kingdom and the United States.


    3:25 pm on April 23, 2012
     

  • Munich, Germany • While Audi’s mortal A6 and A7 models are well balanced and a lot of fun to drive, it’s the S-badged derivatives that really spice things up. It’s not so much the fact that the stallion count rises dramatically that’s important — it’s the package as a whole. The new S6 and S7 are the latest examples of just how good things get when the engineers are given a little leeway and the purse strings that typically bind a fertile mind are relaxed.

    Related

    The S6 earns a more aggressive style that is accentuated by the front and rear bumpers, the trunk-mounted lip spoiler, rear diffuser and the four chrome-tipped oval tailpipes that peep out below the rear valance. Inside, the tester arrived with aggressively bolstered sports seats emblazoned with the S6 logo and some very nice trim upgrades. It speaks to the S-ing of the new car. In the grand scheme of things, it is a mild-mannered makeover that serves to keep the S6 a semi-sleeper.

    As with the A6, the S6 makes good use of aluminum to keep its mass down. Everything from the front fenders, hood, trunk lid and doors to the front strut towers, bumper bars, firewall and rear crossmember are aluminum, which cuts the body mass by 15% when compared with the same car constructed of steel. In the end, it makes for a stronger, lighter car that has a better power-to-weight ratio.

    Beneath the brightwork, the S6 comes with Audi’s adaptive air suspension as standard fare. The sportier suspension and variable damping lower the ride height by 10 millimetres, which improves the precision of the handling without compromising ride comfort. To ensure the requisite grip level — and add to the look — the S6 wears P255/40R19 tires or optional P255/35R20s. Take the latter as they fill out the wheel arches with more authority and sharpen the car’s response to driver input. Likewise, the inclusion of large vented discs gives the driver the needed retardation. For the more aggressive driver, there’s a fade-immune ceramic brake option.

    Audi drive select is standard equipment. This allows the driver to tailor the characteristics of the gas pedal, shift points, steering effort and suspension in five stages. The optional torque-vectoring sport differential and dynamic steering, both must-take features, can also be tweaked through drive select.

    As I say, the S6 has undergone a fairly modest transformation. However, crank the car to life and the most significant change begins to suck in intercooled intake air. Sitting beneath the hood is a new 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8. It is essentially a detuned version of the motor that gives the bigger S8 its mustard. As such, it is about as subtle as a sledgehammer in a silk purse! First, it cranks out 420 horsepower, each of which has to motivate only 4.5 kilograms of automobile. However, what puts the spice in the drive is the 406 pound-feet of torque that’s available anywhere between 1,400 and 5,300 rpm.

    The new engine is part of Audi’s downsizing philosophy. When compared with the outgoing 5.2L V10, the new 4.0 TFSI (turbocharged, direct injection) is sportier, yet it reduces fuel use by up to 25%. Audi promises an average fuel consumption rating of 9.7 litres per 100 kilometres for the S6.

    The massive drop in consumption goes much farther than just lopping off 1.2 litres and two cylinders from the outgoing engine. The new powerplant features idle stop and cylinder deactivation, which means the engine shuts down four of its eight cylinders when the loads are low. To counter the sometimes gruff noise, vibration and harshness that accompany the reduction in the number of active cylinders, Audi employs an active noise cancelling system. Four microphones in the headliner record the cabin’s ambient noise and a computer uses the profile to generate a counteracting noise that’s played back through the sound system. It works to perfection! This and the active engine mounts mean the occupants remain oblivious to the changing cylinder count.

    The long and the short of it, with the emphasis being on the latter, is a run from rest to 100 kilometres an hour in 4.8 seconds. However, it is the alacrity displayed in the passing move that blows my socks off. The S6 spans the 80-to-120-km/h gap in a blistering 3.7 seconds!

    The only disappointment is with the lack of any substantive exhaust and/or intake noise. As with the BMW M5, the turbos sit in the vee and the intakes on the outboard sides of the engine. As a result, even when at full chat, the engine remains all but silent. Refined most definitely; visceral not so much.

    The engine’s power is fed to the road through a fast-shifting seven-speed twin-clutch (S tronic) transmission with paddle shifters and quattro all-wheel drive. Forty per cent of the power flows forward, with 60% going to the rear, which imparts a rear-drive feel. The combination brings speedy shifts and virtually nothing in the way of wheelspin from a standstill when the gas is nailed. The refinement shown at launch is then carried on through the rest of the operating range.

    Booting along the narrow country lanes surrounding Munich’s airport proved the S6’s mettle. Handling is superb, especially with the dynamic steering and sport differential along for the ride, and the response to driver input is so refined it takes a really stupid act to upset the S6’s composure.

    Perhaps more impressive is the manner in which the powertrain does its thing.

    Unlike so many turbocharged engines, the S6’s is devoid of turbo lag, so, whenever the driver rolls on to the throttle, the reaction is instantaneous. It then tooled through quaint Bavarian villages as sweetly as the regular A6 with none of the hyper-sensitivity I expected.

    The S6 will be launched in Canada in September. Pricing has not been announced.

    The S7’s interior and exterior upgrades mirror those of the S6, other than the fact that the rear spoiler rises up from the liftgate at speed to deliver the needed downforce and stability. The powertrain combination is the same, although the S7’s extra mass ups the time to 100 kilometres an hour to 4.8 seconds and the average fuel consumption to 9.7 litres per 100 kilometres. Otherwise, the differences between the cars are subtle.

    The S7’s driving sensation is the same, with handling just as crisp and the manner in which it behaves on the road every bit as refined. Ironically, it has a more aggressive exhaust/intake tone than does the S6. Nail the gas and the S7 growls sweetly as it warps forth! From a practical perspective, I prefer the S7. While the S6 boasts a roomy 14.1-cubic-foot trunk, the S7 brings greater flexibility and much more space. For the driver with family commitments and the desire to drive a true sports car, the S7 fits both bills equally well. It also makes up for the lack of the S6 Avant that the Europeans — lucky dogs — will see in their lineup.


    1:00 pm on April 19, 2012
     

  • Audi AG has announced it is acquiring Ducati, the tradition-steeped Italian sports motorcycle manufacturer.

    The supervisory boards of Audi AG and Volkswagen AG approved the acquisition Monday in Hamburg, Germany.

    Ducati is known worldwide as a leading motorcycle manufacturer, with outstanding expertise in engine development and lightweight construction.

    Related

    Rupert Stadler, chairman of the board of management of Audi, says: “Ducati is known worldwide as a premium brand among motorcycle manufacturers and has a long tradition of building sporty motorcycles. It has great expertise in high-performance engines and lightweight construction, and is one of the world’s most profitable motorcycle manufacturers. That makes Ducati an excellent fit for Audi.”

    Specifically, Audi says Ducati’s progressive control systems and special combustion chamber process of its engines, their resulting sporty character and the motorcycle manufacturer’s extensive know-how in lightweight construction, offer great potential.

    Ducati has manufacturing operations at its headquarters in Bologna and at its factory in Thailand. In 2011, Ducati sold approximaely 42,000 motorcycles and generated revenue of some $625-million, employing around 1,100 people.

    The company was founded by Adriano and Marcello Ducati in Bologna in 1926.


    1:30 pm on April 18, 2012
     

  • I’m sure it was my dear old mama who used to say that a kilogram saved is a horsepower earned. Or maybe it was Lotus founder Colin Chapman. It was somebody important, anyway, and regardless of attribution, it is, along with the “too much is never enough” axiom, one of the cardinal rules of automotive performance.

    Before Lotus, race cars were enormous beasts, their girth predicated by the monstrous engines that engineers then thought necessary for performance. Post Chapman, the racing world flipped on its axis, light became right and the world of performance cars changed forever.

    Though a great distance — in time, sophistication and money, not to mention design philosophy — separates anything Chapman engineered during his Lotus heydays and the great rolling steamroller of luxury automobiles that is Audi these days, there’s a little of him in the latter’s new R8 GT Spyder. Indeed, the fervour with which the mid-engine supercar’s engineers chipped away at its avoirdupois would have impressed his “adding power makes you faster on the straights; subtracting weight makes you faster everywhere” sensibilities.

    Related

    Since the basic R8’s chassis is already constructed of lightweight aluminum, Audi was going to have to work hard to significantly reduce its 1,625-kilogram curb weight. But dig deep it did, and the new GT’s weight-saving list reads like a compendium of tricks Red Bull might pull to ensure Sebastian Vettel’s reign atop Formula One continues unabated. Thinner body panels saved a few kilograms. The fixed — as opposed to electronically deployable — carbon-fibre rear wing saved a few more. Even the windshield’s thinner just so Audi could subtract a few precious grams. The brake system is lighter. Ditto the battery. My favourite is that the GT’s floor mats were lightened — no word on whether they’re made of some space-age material or are helium infused. All that matters is that the R8 GT Spyder, humongous V10 engine and all, weighs in at a very svelte 1,540 kg. And did I mention that all-wheel-drive is included?

    Even Chapman would agree that light weight and more horsepower is an even more delicious combination. So, said 5.2-litre FSI V10 gains 35 horsepower over the base R8’s for a grand total of 560. That makes for a power-to-weight ratio of barely 2.75 kg per hp. Anything under three is considered seriously supercar class. Even if you don’t recognize that particular statistic as impressive, the way the car plays with Newtonian physics is.

    Audi says that the only change required for the power bulk-up was some engine management alterations. None of the traditional free-flowing exhaust and intake tricks were required. Ditto camshaft timing or compression ratio, just a new circuit board and the V10 screams even more deliciously. Current V10 owners may want to take note.

    Whatever the source, however, what really matters is that the R8 GT is damned quick. In fact, Audi claims it thunders to 100 kilometres an hour in just 3.8 seconds. That may be an eye blink slower than the equally endowed 911 Turbo, but remember that a good portion of the Porsche’s advantage comes from its sophisticated Launch Control system. In real life, the two cars would seem well matched — except in the symphonic department.

    Here, 10 high-revving pistons always trump six turbocharged cylinders, no matter how talented the conductor. The GT’s rendition of the V10 screams to a positively heady 8,750 rpm, an incredible figure for a motor that displaces 5.2L. Along the way, those 10 pistons sing a tune that fools you with its soothing Barry White idle only to set your nerves all a-jangle when its screams into a full Darby Mills (I may like my musical references obscure, but if you YouTube The Headpins’ Don’t It Make You Feel, you’ll get a fair impression of what an R8 GT sounds like just before the rev limiter chimes in). Along the way, there are off-idle burbles, petulant little backfires as the ignition cuts out between gearshifts and a howl that makes you think Chester Arthur Burnett (another obscure musical reference here) has been resurrected just for an automotive encore.

    Despite all these superlatives, the R8 GT Spyder has a serious flaw. Indeed, it is the same shortcoming that has plagued the R8 since its introduction — the R-tronic self-shifting, computer-controlled six-speed transmission is simply not a match for the R8’s sophistication. Unlike other manumatic transmissions of its ilk (including those in every other Audi), the R8’s R-tronic has but a single clutch and, when operated by the computer actuators, it’s a sluggish affair. Upshifts, especially in the lower gears, are hesitant, downshifts are abrupt and it often feels as if it has a mind of its own, the timing of its gear changes seemingly random. By comparison, the seven-speed PDK dual-clutch affair in Porsche’s 911 is the epitome of sophistication and performance.

    Although Audi will claim the reason it perseveres with this tranny is that there is no suitable substitute that can handle all the V10’s power and all-wheel-drive system, in reality the reason is far more capitalistic. Like those sorrowful Maple Leafs, whose management knows it doesn’t need to win to fill seats, Audi knows it can sell every R8 it produces, balky transmission or not. Unfortunately, unlike in the base Spyder, the six-speed manual is not available.

    Despite the wonky tranny, the GT Spyder, like all R8s, is a marvellous beast. In the GT’s case, its acceleration is a bit more fierce, the handling — thanks to a 10-millimetre reduction in ride height — is a little more taut and there’s enough carbon fibre to satisfy an F1 fetishist. But the key attraction is still that the R8 is the sensible supercar. For all its howling exhaust and tire-screeching performance, it’s a comfortable, calm and — transmission aside — sophisticated machine that exacts little penalty for its charms.
    It does, however, cost a small fortune. A whopping $55,000 more than a basic R8 convertible, the $242,000 GT Spyder’s sticker does seem a lot of money for the performance gains, no matter how meticulously engineered. What all those extra loonies does buy, though, is exclusivity. Audi is making just 333 GT Spyders, of which Canada will only get 15 (my tester was number 13; I drove carefully).

    For the person who can afford such princely sums, such exclusivity will mean much more than a Chapmanesque 85-kg weight loss — or the extra 35 ponies for that matter.


    1:00 pm on April 11, 2012
     

  • By Clare Dear in Geneva

    Fuel efficiency continues to be a prime consideration for automakers. The fun-to-drive factor is still relevant, but doing so while enduring less pain at the pump was a message repeated often from the podiums here.

    Following are my highlights:

    Audi
    The next generation of the premium compact Audi A3 was the highlight of the German automaker’s display.

    This latest iteration is 80 kilograms lighter than its predecessor, helping to make the car more agile and more fuel efficient. Among its features is a new level of connectivity that appeals to social media-savvy buyers. European engines for the A3 include a 1.6-litre TDI diesel, with a natural gas powerplant scheduled for introduction in 2013 and a plug-in hybrid slated for 2014.

    Audi also took the wraps off a new A6 allroad with quattro all-wheel drive. This crossover is 70 kg lighter than the previous model and delivers a 20% improvement in fuel consumption.
    Canadians can salivate over another model that won’t see our shores — the RS4 Avant. It’s a premium high-performance estate wagon with a 4.2L engine that generates 450 horsepower — performance and practicality wrapped up in one stunning vehicle.

    Related

    The final introduction by Audi was a TT RS plus, offering yet another level of performance for the popular sports car. This version is powered by a five-cylinder engine that produces 360 hp and is capable of pushing the TT RS plus to a top speed of 280 kilometres an hour.

    Bentley
    Bentley unveiled an SUV concept called the EXP 9 F and the new Continental GTC convertible. The EXP 9 F may be a preview of an addition to the Bentley lineup — and its first venture into the ultra-high-end SUV market. While the concept uses Bentley’s 6.0L twin-turbo 12-cylinder with an eight-speed transmission, its new twin-turbo 4.0L V8 or even a hybrid powertrain are possibilities if this vehicle goes into production. The new droptop features the 4.0L V8 delivering 500 hp through an eight-speed automatic transmission. It will accelerate the GTC to 100 km/h in just five seconds and its top speed peaks at 301 km/h.

    Reuters

    The BMW 6 Series Grand Coupe, which made its global debut here, is the brand’s first four-door sedan with a “coupe” roofline.

    BMW
    The BMW 6 Series Grand Coupe, which made its global debut here, is the brand’s first four-door sedan with a “coupe” roofline.

    The interior offers the high level of comfort and luxurious amenities typical of the brand, but the addition of foldable rear seatbacks expands the car’s cargo capacity from 460 litres to an impressive 1,265 litres.

    Under the hood, the entire engine lineup includes TwinPower turbochargers coupled to an eight-speed sports automatic transmission. While 640i Euro versions will be available with a six-cylinder gasoline (320 hp) or diesel (313 hp) engine, the version coming to our shores in the fall will be the 650i, a V8-powered iteration with 450 hp and xDrive all-wheel-drive system. It will be sold as 2013 model.

    Sharing the spotlight was the new BMW M6 Coupe, featuring a 560-hp engine mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch manual gearbox. It’s also equipped with an Active M differential and M-specific suspension. It will accelerate to 100 km/h in 4.2 seconds, yet its fuel consumption has been reduced by 30%.

    The M6 Coupe is expected to be available in Canada later this fall, also as a 2013 model.

    Cadillac
    The North American luxury car brand is cranking up its efforts to claim a share of the prestige market in Europe and one of its prime weapons in this battle is the 273-horsepower ATS sedan.

    This four-door, rear-wheel-drive sedan made its European debut at Geneva and Cadillac brass aren’t being shy about their hopes it will win the hearts (and chequebooks) of luxury car buyers here.

    Fiat
    Fiat’s cute 500 coupe is getting a big brother. Fiat introduced the 500L here, a four-door version of its popular Italian charmer. Described as “more 500,” this new version is just 4.1 metres long, but it is capable of carrying five passengers and their bags. Powertrains here start with a 105-p twin-air engine, with European production scheduled to begin in July.

    Fabrice Coffrini/AFP/Getty Images

    Lamborghini has raised its bar with the introduction of the Aventador.

    Lamborghini
    Lamborghini has raised its bar with the introduction of the Aventador. It’s the lowest Lambo ever and its sleek skin is shaped in carbon fibre. The monoque of this all-wheel-drive rocket is also carbon fibre. The engine is a 6.5L V12 that produces 700 hp.

    Lancia Chrysler
    The influence of the Fiat-Chrysler marriage is obvious in three models by Lancia, a member of the Italian-based corporation.

    Lancia took the wraps off the Thema, a Chrysler 300 clone with Lancia badging that’s available in rear-wheel- or all-wheel- drive formats; the Voyager, a Chrysler minivan with minor alterations; and the Flavia, which is immediately recognizable as the Chrysler 200 convertible.

    Rolls-Royce
    High-rollers can set their sights on a new generation of Rolls Royces, the Phantom Series II. Subtle changes have been made to the exterior, such as LED headlights and a single-piece grille surround, while retaining the traditional look synonymous with this iconic brand. Under its skin, however, numerous advances have been made to this new Phantom lineup. Direct injection helps the V12 engine achieve 10% better fuel efficiency while reducing CO2 emissions by 10% as well.

    A new eight-speed automatic transmission and rear differential enhance performance. Three models are available: a four-door sedan, a two-door coupe and a drophead coupe.

    Valentin Flauraud/Reuters

    A new cabriolet model has been added to the Golf GTI lineup. Features that set this convertible apart from its hatchback sibling, aside from the cloth roof that can retract in less than 10 seconds, include a new front facsia, LED running lights, 18-inch alloy wheels and a rear diffuser.

    Volkswagen
    A new cabriolet model has been added to the Golf GTI lineup. Features that set this convertible apart from its hatchback sibling, aside from the cloth roof that can retract in less than 10 seconds, include a new front facsia, LED running lights, 18-inch alloy wheels and a rear diffuser.

    It’s powered by the same 210-hp 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder engine that drives the GTI hatch. Torque is rated at 206 pound-feet at just 1,700 rpm. The engine is mated to either a six-speed manual gearbox or an available six-speed dual-clutch DSG gearbox. The GTI cabriolet will accelerate to 100 km/h in 7.3 seconds with either transmission. There are no plans at the moment to bring this car to Canada.

    VW also introduced the Polo Blue GT, a fuel-efficient hatchback with a 140-horsepower four-cylinder and dual-clutch gearbox that’s capable of reaching a top speed of 210 km/h.
    The Up family of subcompact cars adds a four-door sedan and a concept mini van version for urban use called the Cargo Up.

    Volvo
    A new five-seat hatchback, the V40, had the spotlight at Volvo. It has a sweeping silhouette with a roofline that hints at a coupe. There’s a hook-like line at the rear door handle that stirs memories of the long-departed P1800. But this car has the latest in technologies, including an interactive dashboard that helps adapt the car and its dynamics to the driver’s preferences. It also has class-leading fuel economy, according to the automaker.

    cdear@sympatico.ca


    10:53 am on March 7, 2012
     

  • 2012 Audi A4 / A4 allroad

    A best-seller is now even more attractive as Audi has updated the A4 model series. Revised drivetrain, chassis and infotainment solutions, along with an even more attractive design, attest the Vorsprung durch Technik achieved by the A4 sedan.

    The A4 is Audi’s best-selling model. Now in its eighth generation, it is the focal point of the brand. Over the last 39 years, Audi has sold roughly 10 million A4s and its predecessor, the 80.

    Related

    All new for Canada, the 2012 A4 allroad features the quattro permanent all-wheel-drive system pioneered by Audi. Combined with the 2.0-litre TFSI gasoline engine producing 211 horsepower, the drivetrain represents the ultimate in driving dynamics, traction, driving safety and straightline stability, Audi says.

    The design is even cleaner and more distinctive. The horizontal lines at the front are more pronounced and the engine hood is more arched. The upper corners of the single-frame grille are tapered and the cross ribs and Audi rings are highlighted three-dimensionally. Depending on the version, the grille is either grey or black. The redesigned bumpers are striking with their angular air inlets, their new grilles and — in the sedan and the Avant — the flat front fog lights.

    The interior of the A4 models is now more elegant than ever. Audi offers a wide range of newly designed steering wheels, including a flat-bottom leather sport steering wheel. Many control elements are framed in narrow chrome clasps and the steering column stalks and the ignition key have been redesigned.

    The MMI navigation plus infotainment system now has just four buttons — the volume knob includes a skip function. Other improvements have been made to the automatic transmission, heated seats and air conditioning system as well as Audi drive select and the leather multi-function steering wheel.

    The A4’s chassis impresses with its sporty precision, high ride comfort and outstanding safety. The arrangement of the rear trailing arms and the shock absorber characteristic have been retuned. New in the A4, the electro-mechanical power steering provides precise road feedback. The system requires no energy for straight-ahead motion, thereby reducing fuel consumption by up to 0.3 litres per 100 kilometres.


    9:00 am on February 15, 2012
     

  • Recession? What recession? When it comes to ultra-luxury cars,  there’s no such thing.

    Although sales of some large, gas-guzzling vehicles have levelled off due to high gas prices and the recent economic slowdown, high-end marques don’t feel the pinch like their lesser brethren. Anyone who can afford a vehicle costing more than $100,000 doesn’t worry about the price of gasoline spiking a few cents.

    Related

    “Your theory about higher-end vehicle purchasers not being particularly influenced by the economy is bang on from a BMW perspective,” says Stephen McDonnell, director of sales for BMW Group Canada. “In the past couple of years, we’ve noticed that sales of our 6 Series and 7 Series models have risen significantly.

    “In fact, in 2010, sales of those models increased 31% compared with 2009, and the 7 Series experienced its second-best retail performance year ever,” he adds.

    Handout

    Porsche GT3 RS may cost a pretty penny, but ensures a smooth ride.

    “So far for 2011, sales of the same two models are going strong as well.

    “M products, as you know, are the epitome of BMW performance and could certainly be classified as ‘want to have’ rather than ‘need to have’ vehicles,” Mr. McDonnell continues. “Last year [2010] was one of our best-ever years of M sales, with 785 M vehicles sold in Canada.

    “This success represents an increase of more than 18% compared with the previous year. We see 2011 as being another strong year for M sales, particularly with the introduction of the all-new BMW 1 Series M Coupe … there is currently a waiting list for this product.”

    JoAnne Caza, director of communications and public relations for Mercedes-Benz Canada, has a similar story to tell.

    “In 2010, Mercedes-Benz Canada celebrated by far its best year ever and took the overall luxury leadership position in Canada,” she says.

    “For 2011, Mercedes-Benz Canada’s year-to-date sales continue to dominate the industry in the high-end luxury categories, which include luxury high, luxury intermediate sport-utility and luxury large sport-utility.”

    Luxury marque Porsche is also reporting much higher sales for its high-end products.
    “Porsche overall is up 46% this year in Canada, making it, by our calculation, the fastest-growing car brand in the country,” says Laurance Yap, manager of public relations at Porsche Cars Canada.

    Handout

    Audi R8 GT offers luxe appeal!

    “Almost all of our cars are top tier by the average definition, with a transaction price of about $100,000 on average,” Mr. Yap adds. “May sales were up 60% and, amazingly enough, it wasn’t just the Cayenne — sports cars and the Panamera accounted for more than half of that number.

    “If we look at 2010, just under 40% of all of the 911 models we sold were either Turbo or GT — GT3, GT3 RS, GT2 RS — models. We sold 65 GT3 RS alone. To put that number in context, Canada is generally about 2% of the world’s total sales; we were 8% of the world’s market for the GT3 RS.”

    Sixteen lucky people have bought Canada’s entire allotment of the 2012 GT3 RS for $211,100 apiece.

    Exclusivity is also assured with the 2012 Audi R8 GT, as only 25 of those cars have been allotted for Canadian customers at a price of $228,000. All of the  cars are already spoken for.

    If a customer is looking for an even more expensive supercar, the 2012 McLaren MP4-12C will be sold by Pfaff Automotive Partners of Woodbridge, the sole dealership for McLaren Automotive in Canada, starting in October. The price? A mere $247,500.

    It may be more than I paid for my house 15 years ago, but it’s pocket change for those living the ultra-luxury lifestyle.


    11:51 am on January 26, 2012
     

  • New Delhi • The venue of Auto Expo 2012 is like a microcosm of the city. Outside of the main show buildings, where luxury automakers showcase their shiny new vehicles in gleaming high-tech displays, the exhibition grounds are less than glamorous. The pavement is dusty, exposed wires abound and some of the old structures look like ghostly pavilions from a long-ago world’s fair. But, if you look beyond the surface, you can see the beauty of the architecture and imagine what the buildings used to look like when they were new.

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    Or, you can just stay inside and enjoy the show.

    The prevailing theme of this year’s Auto Expo was small SUVs, as opposed to previous years, when small cars ruled here. Indian automakers Mahindra, Maruti Suzuki and Tata, along with Audi, Ford and Hyundai, all showcased new compact SUVs.

    Following are some of the highlights:

    Audi
    Bollywood stars Katrina Kaif and Lisa Ray, who is Canadian, helped Audi garner the largest crowd on hand for an unveiling at the show as the German automaker unveiled its smallest SUV, the Q3. The attractive five-seater sits below its Q5 and Q7 siblings and will compete directly with BMW’s X1. The Q3 is available with a choice of two 2.0-litre engines: a TDI diesel with 170 horsepower and a TFSI gasoline engine with either 170 or 211 hp. Unlike BMW’s X1, says Audi, the Q3 comes standard with the quattro all-wheel-drive system. The Q3 will be launched in India in March.

    Audi also showed the A3 e-tron, the A6 and Q7 V12 at its stand.

    Bajaj
    The compact Bajaj RE60 is reminiscent of the green motorized rickshaws that dot the New Delhi streets. The eco-friendly RE60 will take on its Indian competitor, the Tata Nano, which costs less than $3,000. The RE60 features a one-cylinder, 200-cubic-centimetre engine and claims a fuel economy rating of less than three litres per 100 kilometres. It has a top speed of 70 km/h.

    Ford
    Ford unveiled its all-new EcoSport, featuring the automaker’s smallest EcoBoost engine. The next-generation EcoSport has a 1L three-cylinder gasoline engine delivering 120 hp.

    Hyundai
    The compact seven-seater Hexa Space concept from the Korean automaker is targeted at urban customers in their 30s and 40s who need a lot of room for all their stuff. The seats offer multiple configurations: The centre and second-row seats fold flat for more comfort while the back-row seats fold flat to offer more cargo space. The Hexa Space is powered by a 1.2L turbocharged GDI engine with a six-speed transmission.

    Mahindra
    Mahindra took the wraps off its new XUV500 for 2012, built by recently acquired Ssangyong. The seven-seater SUV features a 2.2L turbodiesel engine with a six-speed manual transmission.

    Suzuki
    The Japanese automaker says its concept five-seater XA Alpha blends the “elegance and compactness” of a crossover with the “muscular and rugged DNA” of an off-roader. The concept is based on Suzuki’s Swift SUV and is set to go into production in 2014. It will likely be offered with a variety of engines including a K-Series gasoline and a 1.3L diesel engine.

    Tata
    Tata took the wraps off its new SUV, the Safari Storme, which is powered by a 2.2L 16-valve engine producing 140 hp. It is mated to a five-speed manual transmission.

    The Indian automaker also unveiled five concepts: the Nano Pixel, featuring gullwing doors; the Nano CNG; the Indigo Manza diesel-electric hybrid; the Starbus Fuel Cell hydrogen car; and the Tata Magic Iris CNG.


    6:00 pm on January 13, 2012
     

  • NEW DELHI • After a few days in India’s capital city, where streetlights are an option on some roads, one wouldn’t think a luxury automaker could sell a motorized rickshaw here, never mind its top-of-the-line models.

    Yet carmakers such as German luxury brands Audi, BMW and Mercedes are thriving in this country, particularly in major urban centres such as New Delhi and Mumbai.

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    While BMW and Mercedes each plan to sell 10,000 cars in India this year, Audi is a little more conservative, projecting sales of 8,000 units in 2012.

    “India is a key strategic market for Audi and we are making a clear long-term statement in the country with ambitious expansion plans,” said Peter Schwarzenbauer, Audi’s member of the board of management for marketing and sales, during the media preview days of Auto Expo 2012, the premiere showcase of new vehicles in India.

    “Audi has seen phenomenal growth since its inception in India five years ago and today is the fastest-expanding premium brand in the market,” Schwarzenbauer said.

    Audi experienced overall sales growth of 83.5% in India in 2011, with sales of 5,511 vehicles last year compared with 3,003 in 2010. Audi sells the A4, A6, A7 Sportback, A8L, Q5, Q7, RS5 Coupé, R8 and R8 Spyder in India, along with its new addition in 2012, the Q3 compact SUV, which was unveiled during the show. The Q3, which sits below the Q5 in terms of size and price, is expected to compete head to head with BMW’s X1 compact SUV.

    Audi India has 15 showrooms in the country in Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Chandigarh, Chennai, Delhi, Gurgaon, Hyderabad, Indore, Jaipur, Kochi, Kolkata, Ludhiana, Mumbai West, Pune and Surat. This year, the automaker plans to expand its network to 23 dealerships, including showrooms in Coimbatore, Delhi West, Lucknow and Mumbai South.


    6:00 pm on January 13, 2012
     

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