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BMW M3 GTS now right-hand-drive, but not for Australia

BMW’s stonking new M3 GTS, the pinnacle of all M3s, is now being made in right-hand-drive. Australia, however, will miss out due to Australian Design Rules (ADRs).

Speaking with CarAdvice this afternoon, BMW Australia’s PR & Corporate Communications Manager, Mr Piers Scott, explained “that it’s too loud and too low.”

CarAdvice reported recently that the M3 GTS would not be made in right-hand-drive, but since then things have changed, customer demand putting pressure on the German company.

“Between 30 and 40 cars will be built, mainly due to demand from the UK,” said Mr Scott, “but unfortunately, Australia’s ADRs prevent us from being able to licence it here.”

“I’m aware of one Australian customer who has expressed interest in purchasing an M3 GTS, but as far as I know, he’ll keep it garaged in the UK,” said Mr Scott.

Again, Australia’s draconian laws prevent us from enjoying motoring nirvana.

2011 BMW 6 Series Convertible Spy Photos
May 26, 2010 at 1:00 AM

Update 25th May 2010: More photos of this car added, now for the first time with the roof off. Expect to see the all-new BMW 6 Series Convertible unveiled later this year.

With the 6 Series revamped, it would clear BMW of the bangle-butt era.

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03/05/2010 -

This morning we got sent photos of the upcoming BMW 6 series convertible. Not exactly the first time we’ve spotted this car but this time around we managed to get some decent shots of the interior as well.

According to the photographers the testdrivers from BMW had parked the prototypes close to a fence and with the side windows down and they don't miss a chance like that.

It appears the prototypes still have the fake rear window and so far we haven’t seen any shots of it with the top down.

The 2011 BMW 6 Series Convertible is rumoured to be scheduled for unveiling at this year’s Paris motorshow.

2012 BMW 3 Series Touring Spy Photos
May 26, 2010 at 12:50 AM

Our photographers caught the next-generation BMW 3 Series Touring undergoing testing yesterday. According to sources the new 3 Series is expected in showrooms by 2012.

The update will see the 3 Series take a few design ideas from the recently updated 5 Series and Z4. New engines are also expected to be unveiled.

Following the launch of the 5 Series Gran Turismo, the German company may also release a 3 Series Gran Turismo. It’s still unclear if that will eventuate given sale figures for the 5 Series GT worldwide are still to prove themselves.

The new BMW 3 Series wagon will go head to head against its German and European rivals such as the Audi A4 Avant and C-Class Touring.

Peugeot 4007 Review & Road Test
May 26, 2010 at 12:23 AM

What happens when you couple Japanese build quality and four-wheel drive technology with European diesel power, design and elegance? You get the Peugeot 4007.

Model Tested:

Peugeot 4007; 2.2-litre, four-cylinder, turbo-diesel; six-speed automatic; SUV – $54,190*

Great exterior styling, driving position, unique-factor, fuel efficient
Similarity to Outlander, Interior, Seven-seat mode not very useful, lacking a bit of power

CarAdvice Rating:

Firstly, it’s not read as Peugeot four-double-o-seven, as good as that sounds the folks behind James Bond made a few phone calls and made sure that it’s officially read as Peugeot four-zero-zero-seven.

Peugeot is not known for producing four-wheel drive SUVs, the French company has found its niche in small to medium cars and as such has successfully created some of the best selling models in the world. Nonetheless with the compact SUV market consistently growing, Peugeot finally decided to jump in.

From the outside the Peugeot 4007 may appear to be nothing more than a Mitsubishi Outlander with a different front and rear end but it only takes a short drive to notice the difference.

All Australian delivered Peugeot 4007s are powered by the French company’s own 2.2-litre HDi diesel engine that manages 115 kW and 380Nm of torque. Power is put to the ground via a new Getrag 6-speed DSC automatic gearbox. This combination results in fuel economy figures of 7.3L of diesel per 100km (7.0 for the six-speed manual).

Despite all the changes to the outside, engine and gearbox, once you sit inside there is far too much resemblance to the Outlander cabin.

From the steering wheel, stereo and even Mitsubishi’s rather tedious voice recognition system (which at one stage managed to change the language from English to French despite my best efforts to tell it otherwise) to the hard plastic dashboard, the Peugeot 4007 can really benefit from a more French feel inside. The high-spec 4007 SV can also really do with Satelite navigation.

Despite the similarities, being built on the Outlander platform does have its advantages. It means the 4007 is a capable soft-roader, transferring power form the front to rear wheels when needed or staying in permanent four-wheel drive if selected.

As with the Outlander there are three drive modes:

Two-wheel drive mode (2WD) – Power goes only to the front wheels and it’s best used for tarmac driving on dry roads – also the most fuel efficient.
Automatic four-wheel drive mode (4WD) – Power is distributed mostly to the front wheels unless needed due to loss of traction or hard acceleration. The 4007’s computer works out the best way to distribute power between the front and rear wheels. The safest way to drive if you can sacrifice a bit of extra fuel consumption.
4WD locked mode – Best used at low speeds on loose surfaces where torque to the rear-wheels is critical. In these conditions the 4007 will send 50% more torque to the rear compared to 4WD automatic mode.

Switching between the modes is easy as it can be with the switches controlled via a basic knob near the gear lever. For the majority of the road test I left the 4007 in two-wheel drive but with rain covering Brisbane, automatic four-wheel drive mode was also used.

You might expect the Peugeot to behave the same as an Outlander but with the diesel engine pushing out a reasonable 380Nm of torque (of which 300Nm is available from a low 1,500 rpm), there is a tiny bit torque steer on initial acceleration in 2WD mode, a non-existing issue when automatic mode is selected.

In regards to the engine, the power and torque output is adequate but can be improved. The 2.2-litre French diesel is beaten by Hyundai’s diesel (same capacity) in the Santa Fe R (145kW and 436Nm).

The highlight of the package is by far the dual-clutch system (DSC) automatic transmission which changes gear so smoothly you have to concentrate to notice. The gearbox is built by German company Getrag which has built gearboxes for a whole range of manufacturers.

It works the same as most other dual-clutch automatic transmissions, by making use of two clutches to transfer engine torque. The first clutch manages even-numbered gears and the second clutch takes care of odd-numbered gears. This means the previous or next gear is always ready to go and a gear shift takes milliseconds.

Despite being a complete automatic, you can always choose to change gears via the gear selection paddles behind the steering wheel. Thanks to the DCS the paddles are no loner just a gimmick, allowing for instantaneous gear changes.

The front seats are rather comfortable but the rear leg room is not as spacious as you might expect given the car’s overall look. Five adults might be pushing it if you’re going from Brisbane to Sydney. In case you’re wondering, the 7 seat option proved a disappointment given the difficulty in assembling the third row. It even took a Peugeot salesman five minutes to show me how to do it (of course, it becomes much easier once you understand how it works).

When the time comes for maximum storage the 4007 has a load volume of 1691 litres with the second row fully retracted, however even with the second row in place, it can hold 589 litres.

The split opening tailgate allows for easy access to the cargo area and also the lower part of the tailgate can be used as a bench (can hold up to 200kg – perfect for two adults).

The 4007 is built to drive more like a car than an SUV and as such it handles just as smoothly. It corners with ease (given its size) and the slightly higher driving position is an added bonus. Surprisingly it does feel a little more smooth and stable than an Outlander but that may be due to the power delivery from the European built diesel.

In terms of safety, the 4007 is equipped with Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) and a range of other electronic systems. Airbags are also a plenty with six standard (two front, two side and two curtain airbags). Child safety is taken care of thanks to Isofix mounting points in all three row-two seats.

The Peugeot 4007 is available in two variants, ST and SV, (similar to the variants on the 407 sedan and Touring wagon). Both variants use the same 2.2-litre engine, however the ST comes standard with a six-speed manual but can be optioned with the six-speed DCS that is standard on the SV variant.

The five-seat 4007 ST is priced at $45,490 and comes standard with 16" alloy wheels, six airbags, ESP, cruise control, electronic rear park assist, climate control air-conditioning and combined sports cloth / leatherette trim. An extra $2,500 will get you the automatic option.

Interestingly there is no manual seven-seater available in the range. The starting point for a seven-seat 4007 ST is $49,190. Moving up the range the 4007 SV gains 18" wheels, rear privacy glass, chrome door sill kick plates and window surrounds, Xenon headlights, leather trim plus electric and heated front seats, the driver's seat also features electric adjustment. You can get all of that for $54,190.

Overall the Peugeot 4007 is a very reasonable European styled compact SUV. It’s also the only European SUV with seven seats that retails below $50,000. It combines the essence of Japanese quality and 4WD expertise with European diesel technology, German gearbox and design dynamics. It can improve greatly by differentiating itself from the Outlander inside.

Ratings:

CarAdvice Overall Rating:
How does it Drive:
How does it Look:
How does it Go:

Road Test the Rivals:

Specifications:

Engine: 2.2-litre, four cylinder, turbo diesel
Power: 115 kW @ 4000rpm
Torque: 380 Nm @ 2000rpm
Induction: Common Rail & Turbocharged
Transmission: Six-speed dual-clutch automatic
Driven Wheels: All
Brakes: Ventilated front and solid rear Discs with ABS & EBD
Top Speed: 198 km/h
0-100km/h: 12.5
CO2 Emissions: 192g/km
Fuel Consumption: 7.3L/100km (ADR)
Fuel Tank Capacity: 60L
Fuel Type: Diesel
ANCAP Rating: Untested
Airbags: Front, Side & Curtain
Safety: ESC with Traction Control
Suspension: Strut (F) / Multi-link (R)
Cargo Capacity: 581/1691L
Tow Capacity: 2000kg (Braked)
Turning Circle: 10.6m
Weight: 1840kg (Kerb)
Wheels: 18-inch Alloy

Jeep revamps North Detroit Factory for Grand Cherokee
May 25, 2010 at 8:50 PM

This week Jeep has celebrated the of production launch of the new 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee.

In preparation for the launch of this new model the company has taken the opportunity to revamp its North Detroit factory, making vast changes in more ways than one.

Jeep is not generally known worldwide for its reliability and quality. To combat the negative perception, the American company is hard at work improving its facilities.

The factory has adopted the concept, World Class Manufacturing (WCM); a concept focused on producing higher quality vehicles through improved factory equipment and staff satisfaction. Jeep has recognised that efforts to build higher quality vehicles while improving staff satisfaction are not mutually exclusive events.

"WCM involves a fundamental cultural shift in the way we approach production," said Garberding. "It recognizes that the real success of our enterprise depends on the people in our manufacturing facilities."

WCM has proven successful in Fiat Global Operations where this concept has been developing for a number of years. Fundamentally based on employee satisfaction WCM is also proving popular among unions, allowing management and contented employees to focus on the job at hand.

The WCM concept was implemented well before the North Detroit Factory reopened its doors, encouraging general staff to work alongside management in the redevelopment of the facility. By directly listening to staff in the redevelopment process, Jeep says it has empowered employees with the ability to improve working conditions. Some 2,500 suggestions were put forward to management by employees.

“WCM has helped us pinpoint our issues and solve problems," said Steve Ball, JNAP Team 17, Team Leader. "Communication has easily quadrupled. The team members come in and say, ‘Here’s our problem.’ So we communicate from the team members doing the job, to the team leader, and then to management.“

Along with vast changes in operations, the factory has also been expanded, now featuring a new body shop designed to take quality levels to new heights for the brand. This expansion has allowed the factory to vastly improve levels in quality control, seeing parts that were previously manufactured by 3rd parties to be constructed in house.

While the body shop has been vastly improved with a variety of new equipment including 600 new robots, Jeep is particularly proud of their new Metrology Centre housing a new Meister Bosh (Master Jig). This highly advanced piece of equipment ensures new stringent quality targets are met, accurately measuring sheet metal to tolerances smaller than that of a human hair while also detecting any possible defects and imperfections in sheet metal.

In designing the new body shop, Jeep says creating an aesthetically pleasing workplace for employees was an important factor, following the belief that an aesthetically pleasing workplace will further improve staff productivity. Improvements include a new grand employee entrance featuring artistic photography (chosen by employees), new skylights to provide natural lighting in work areas and new relaxation areas for employees.

"The new body shop was specifically designed to align with our guiding principle of WCM, with some unique features that make this facility a better place to work for employees and a place they can be proud of," said Plant Manager Walsh.

Jeep may not currently have the best reputation in the industry but it seems the company has started a new way of thinking when it comes to building cars.

Kia Picanto EV
May 25, 2010 at 8:37 PM

Kia is to launch an electric version of its City car, the Picanto (aka Kia Morning, Kia EuroStar, Kia New Morning, Naza Suria) in Europe within three years.

The Picanto was launched in 2004 after replacing the Kia Visto, and apart from a slight facelift in 2007 the model remains as a first generation car although, the next generation will go on sale in 2011, followed by electric versions in 2012.

The Picanto is actually based on a shortened platform of Hyundai's Getz and is related to the current Hyundai i10 with several powertrains available including 1.0-litre and 1.1-litre versions.

For those wanting a little more grunt in their city commuter, there is a 3-cylinder diesel engine with direct injection and variable geometry turbocharger (55kW), which has been available in Europe since 2004.

The latest 50kw lithium polymer battery, said to be smaller and produce more power than Lithium-ion versions, will power the electric Picanto.

Kia will also produce a 'hot' version with an all-new 1.0-litre three-cylinder turbocharged engine boasting 110 bhp.

And get ready for other 'green' powertrains from the Kia car company as they gear up for diesel hybrids for the European market within the next two years.

As what insiders say was a precursor to this event, Kia launched the LPG hybrid Forte (Cerato in Australia) in their own domestic market in 2009 in readiness for diesel hybrids.

More importantly, the Forte is the world's first and only liquefied petroleum injection hybrid, which also employs the advanced lithium polymer battery and is Kia's own proprietary system.

Not only that, but Kia is already trialing hydrogen fuel cell vehicles in Korea and the United States and expects to be selling cars with this technology before the end of this decade.

Plug-in hybrids are also on trial in Korea with sales expected to commence in early 2013.

If we are to believe those that say Hyundai will be the world's largest car company within 5 years, then you would have to also believe that Kia won't be far behind.

Skoda is a brand on the rise and rise
May 25, 2010 at 11:36 AM

Make no mistake "Made in the Czech Republic" is something of a quality tag these days, especially when it comes to carmakers.

Skoda is the brand I'm taking about, and anyone who thinks otherwise about the build quality and reliability of their cars, probably doesn't know that the Volkswagen Group owns them, either.

I distinctly remember speaking with one very serious chief technician from Skoda at their first re-launch in Australia, and he was quick to point out that each and every Skoda worker rises from his or her bed each day, with the sole intention of building a better car that any of their German co-workers.

With a powerful ‘word of mouth’ marketing campaign in constant play by almost every current Skoda driver on the planet, it's no wonder that Skoda sales are on the up, in each and every country they operate in.

In only the first four months this year, sales grew to an impressive 242,078 units, an increase of 18.6 percent over the same period last year.

As per the United States, most economies in Europe are still doing it tough, but Skoda is bucking the trend with April sales hitting 63,177 cars alone.

But the big sales are in China, where April sales topped 12,108 vehicles, or a whopping 31.4 percent increase on April 2009.

Even the financially starved Eastern Europe bought 7.7 percent more Skoda cars than in 2009, and in the more affluent Western Europe, sales were up by a healthy 38 percent on the previous year.

It's the same story on their home soil, where 5,604 cars were delivered in April this year, which equates to a 24 percent increase on 2009 numbers in the Czech Republic.

The biggest selling Skoda model was the Octavia, followed by the Fabia and Superb.

The fastest selling Skoda was the Octavia Combi Tour with 754 sales in April, against 185 last year.

There is absolutely no question that Skoda is a premium carmaker, who represents unbeatable value for money in the said category, and that the brand will continue to attract more and more happy customers.

Cosworth Subaru Impreza STI CS400 unveiled
May 25, 2010 at 3:11 AM

Cosworth has officially unveiled its Cosworth Subaru Impreza STI CS400 which boasts performance figures to rival most supercars.

The Cosworth incarnation of the revered STI develops a mammoth 295kW and 540Nm from the highly-modified 2.5-litre boxer engine, with acceleration to match a Lamborghini Gallardo LP 560-4.

The sprint from zero to 100km/h takes just 3.7 seconds which is way ahead of its traditional rivals, the Mitsubishi Evolution and Ford Focus RS, with an electronically limited top speed of 250km/h.

The upgraded engine has been blessed by the full Cosworth parts catalogue, including high-performance pistons, high-strength steel conrods, Cosworth-spec engine bearings, a redesigned head gasket and a high-pressure oil pump.

A bigger turbocharger with a new compressor design and wastegate actuator has also been bolted on with a custom exhaust fitted to match.

The suspension has been overhauled using parts from Bilstein and Eibach, with the car sitting 10mm lower than standard.

An AP Racing brake package sits behind new 18-inch wheels which widen the CS400’s track by 12mm over the standard STI.

The exterior upgrade is finished with a blacked-out front bumper, mesh grille and rear spoiler, plus a few Cosworth badges thrown in for good measure.

Just 75 examples of the Cosworth Subaru Impreza STI CS400 will be available, exclusively to the UK market.

BMW Z4 sDrive35is – 250 kW – 450 Nm – $129,990
May 25, 2010 at 2:39 AM

With the BMW 335is doing well in other markets, the s variant of the straight-six twin turbo engine Z4 has landed in Australia with a starting price of $129,990.

The BMW Z4 sDrive35is will take the flagship as the top-of-the-range Z4 from the Z4 sDrive35i and sit above the Z4 sDrive30i and the Z4 sDrive23i.

The Z4 sDrive35is will output an impressive 250 kW and 450 Nm of torque (which can momentarily increase to 500 Nm during an ‘overboost’). This means it will fly from 0-100 km/h in just 4.8 seconds. Giving it the same 0-100km/h time as the BMW M3 six-speed.

The new Z4 will deliver its power through a seven-speed Double Clutch Transmission (DCT) with the launch control function enabled. Apart from the power upgrade the sDrive35is also gains a new and angry aerodynamics kit plus lowered suspension (10mm lower than 35i).

BMW will also through in unique 18' Star-Spoke wheels and floormats.

BMW says even though the ’s’ variant gains an extra 25 kW it still manages to keep the same Co2 and fuel consumption figures. This means BMW EfficientDynamics technologies such as Brake Energy Regeneration and Electric Power Steering remain in place.

Interested? The BMW Z4 sDrive35is is on sale now.

Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG – Germany's Most Attractive Car?
May 25, 2010 at 1:41 AM

According to a survey held by German Car Magazine, Auto Bild, the Mercedes Benz SLS AMG is Germany's most attractive new car.

Over 100,000 readers participated in the magazine vote, ranking the SLS AMG in top spot and it's not hard to see why. With an inspired design from Mercedes most iconic model the SL300 Gullwing, the SLS it was always going to be a stunner.

Buyers will be glad to note that the SLS AMG isn't just all looks. Powered by a 6.2-litre hand built V8 producing 420 kW and 650 Nm of torque the SLS AMG will hit 100km/h in just 3.8 seconds and accelerate hard to its top speed of 317 km/h. Impressive numbers by any standards.

The survey involved more than 100 new cars placed in 5 separate categories. While the SLS AMG took out the overall top spot, it wasn't the only title that Mercedes-Benz received. The prestige car maker also achieved overall 2nd place with its new E-Class Cabriolet and won 1st place in the Studies and Concept Car class with the F 800 Style Concept.

Overall this was an impressive result for Mercedes-Benz, showing that the car maker is still a leader in automotive style and design.

Our vehicles are self-assured examples of refined sportiness. The SLS AMG, the E-Class Cabriolet and the F 800 Style exhibit the unmistakable style of Mercedes-Benz design, and set design trends for the future. – Mercedes-Benz Chief Designer Prof. Gorden Wagener

Priced at $464,000S the SLS AMG is set for arrival on Australian shores in August, make sure your read our : Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Review

Don’t agree with the verdict? Tell us what make and model you believe is the current best looking car out of Germany?

Volkswagen to buy Italdesign Giugiaro
May 25, 2010 at 1:04 AM

As Toyota’s reputation begins a slow path to recovery, the likes of Hyundai and Volkswagen continue on their quest to topple the Big T as the biggest manufacturer in the world.

Volkswagen has began streamlining its products and optimising its lineup to cover the entire market. Rumours circulating the web today suggest the German company (which owns Audi, Lamborghini, Skoda, Seat, Bugatti and Porsche) is expected to take a 90 percent stake in Italdesign Giugiaro S.p.A.

Italdesign has been around for over 40 years and currently has 975 workers. The link to Volkswagen goes all the way back to 1974 when the company designed the original Volkswagen Golf.

The 90 percent sale will see the Giugiaro family keep 10 percent with father and son Giorgetto and Fabrizio expected to remain at work.

Volkswagen’s plan to become the world’s largest manufacturer by 2018 will see the company sell at least 10 million cars annually and require more designers for its array of different brands.

Ford to invest $163 million in electric vehicle development
May 25, 2010 at 12:41 AM

When Chrysler and General Motors both declared bankruptcy last year, everyone was looking at Ford Motor Co. to do the same. Instead, Ford stayed strong and posted its first profit (of $3.2 billion) in three years.

The company has managed to cut its reliance on Sport Utility and large vehicles by advancing its fuel-efficient car research (partly thanks to its operations in Europe). Today the company has announced that it’s investing USD $135 million ($163 million) to produce electric and hybrid vehicles.

The company plans to bring all the research and development of such vehicles in-house and produce at least five electric or partly-electric (hybrid) models by 2012 – the idea being that at least a quarter of its vehicles will soon make use of electric power.

The investment will see 220 new jobs created at three Michigan facilities. That includes 50 engineers for a new R&D centre to be created in Detroit plus 170 production workers at two Michigan plants.

The five new models will include two electric and three new hybrids vehicles which should account for around 10-25 percent of the company’s global sales by 2020.

"Ford has been at the forefront of layering this new technology into their vehicles," Michael Robinet, an auto-industry analyst with CSM Worldwide, told AutoNews. "It’s been an incremental strategy, but one that’s well thought-out and bodes well for their future."

The four Ford hybrids currently on sale (not in Australia) only accounted for 1.6 percent of the company’s light-vehicle sales in April.

The heavy investment is not all due to For’d change of heart towards the environment, as with other manufacturers Ford has to comply with new “average company-wide fuel economy” rating of 35.5 miles per gallon (6.6L/100km). European union will see this figure drop to just 5L/100km in 2012.

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