Mazda seeks $2 billion as it targets return to profitability

Mazda is seeking to raise more than 160 billion yen ($1.87 billion) as is fights to emerge from financial hardship and secure its future as a strong and competitive global automotive manufacturer.
The announcement follows an admission from Mazda CEO Takashi Yamanouchi last week, who said he was “considering every option” to generate more capital for the company, which is staring down the barrel of its fourth consecutive annual loss and its worst financial result in 11 years.
Under its new ‘Structural Reform Plan’, Mazda plans to launch eight new vehicles based on its SkyActiv technology, beginning with the Mazda CX-5, and has a goal of expanding the percentage of SkyActiv-equipped vehicle sales to 80 per cent within the next four years.
A significant part of Mazda returning to profitability relies on achieving a healthier cost structure in the face of the strong yen. It plans to increase production outside of Japan to 50 per cent by March 2016, focusing on vehicle production in Mexico, SkyActiv engine production in China, and local production in Russia and Southeast Asia. Unspecific “restructuring measures” could see production shifted out of North America and Europe to Japan and other regions.
As suggested by Yamanouchi, Mazda will also “actively pursue” global alliances, with agreements potentially involving the sale of SkyActiv technologies.

Trillions of shares will be on the table as Mazda seeks to raise money from the public offering of new shares and through third-party allotment of shares.
Mazda will invest 40 billion yen ($469 million) in construction of vehicle and engine assembly factories in Mexico, Russia and Southeast Asia.
Thirty billion yen ($351 million) will be channelled into Japanese manufacturing facility investments for environmental and safety technology under the brand’s SkyActiv strategy.
The final 92.8 billion yen ($1.09 billion) has been earmarked for research and development of next-generation environmental and safety technologies, focusing on expanding into electric vehicle technology as well as improving internal combustion systems.
Mazda will also take a subordinated loan of 70 billion yen ($820 million) as it seeks to repay existing interest-bearing debts, with a portion of the funds to be invested into emerging countries. Borrowed from six banks, the loan has a due date of July 20, 2072.

New Ford Transit previewed by Tourneo Custom Concept

The Ford Tourneo Custom Concept will preview the new Ford Transit van range when it debuts at next month’s Geneva motor show.
Developed for the European and Asian markets (but not North America), the Tourneo passenger range will launch this year, with the related Transit commercial range will follow before the beginning of 2013.
The Tourneo Custom Concept adopts the brand’s Kinetic design language, with broad headlights, trapezoidal grille, prominent wheel arches and modern interior giving the van a much-needed injection of personality and style.

Ford says its designers worked hard to create an interior space that contains both a driver-focused cockpit and a luxurious cabin with the ambience and quality materials of a sedan.
The Tourneo Custom Concept features a suite of technology systems, many of which are only offered on high-end passenger vehicles. Among those is Ford’s Sync in-car connectivity system for phones and media devices, which includes an integrated emergency assistance function. The extensive safety package also includes front, side and curtain airbags, rear-view camera, lane departure warning and a tired-driver alert system.
The concept is powered by a 114kW 2.2-litre Duratorq TDCi diesel engine. The engine will also be available in 74kW and 92kW tunes across the Tourneo and Transit ranges, and will be equipped standard with stop-start technology as Ford targets class-leading fuel economy.

Ford says the Tourneo Custom Concept is based on a new Ford global platform that has been engineered to deliver “car-like dynamics [with] agile, responsive handling, enhanced ride comfort and reduced noise levels”.
Ford has produced the Transit-based Tourneo people mover since the 1990s. The current Tourneo – based on the Mk6 Transit – is sold in Europe and Asia, including the right-hand-drive UK market.

Jeep concepts revealed ahead of Geneva motor show

Jeep will unveil two “production-intent” concepts and a special edition model at next month’s Geneva motor show.
The first is officially called the Jeep Grand Cherokee production-intent sports concept, and as the name suggests, it is a vehicle the SUV manufacturer believes has production potential.

Based on the 3.0-litre V6 diesel Grand Cherokee, the design concept features a number of sports-oriented interior and exterior styling enhancements and a host of driver-assist technology systems.
Outside, the concept scores 20-inch high-gloss black alloy wheels, platinum chrome mesh grille with gloss black surround, tinted headlight housings, black rear lift-gate bar and black chrome dual exhaust outlets, and does away with roof racks for a sleeker appearance.

The interior adds a leather-wrapped heated steering wheel, ventilated leather/suede sports seats, carbon fibre instrument panel and door trim inserts, and bright, racing-style pedal pads.
Also included in the concept are adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, blind spot detection and rear cross-path detection, which warns drivers of traffic moving towards their car when reversing out of parking spaces.

Debuting alongside the Grand Cherokee will be the Jeep Compass production-intent concept, a dark version of the compact soft-roader with a more sinister character.
The concept’s body, grille, headlamps, fog light surrounds, roof rails, step pads and 18-inch alloy wheels are all finished in black. The interior continues the theme with leather upholstery and new bright front and rear sill covers.
The Compass production-intent concept is powered by the 122kW/320Nm 2.2-litre diesel engine offered in Europe.

Finally, the special edition Jeep Wrangler Mountain will launch at Geneva.
The Mountain edition is specifically designed to stand out from the crowd. Based on the Wrangler Sport, Mountain models score black bonnet decals, Mineral Grey grille and 17-inch alloy wheels, side steps and a black fuel-filler door. The new Gecko green colour joins those already available in the Wrangler line-up.
Inside, the special edition gets grey stitched cloth seats, embroidered Mountain logo and tread-pattern slush mats.

Renault Megane RS 250 Australian Grand Prix limited edition confirmed

Renault Australia has announced the availability of the exclusive Megane RS 250 Australian Grand Prix Limited Edition as the French manufacturer celebrates its 35^th year in Formula One.
The Renault Megane RS 250 AGP comes hot on the heels of the Monaco Grand Prix limited edition, which arrived in August 2011 and – according to Renault – attracted strong customer demand in Australia.
Priced from $49,990 before on-road costs, the Megane RS 250 AGP is $3000 more expensive than the standard production RS 250 Trophee.

The extra investment gets you 19-inch Steev alloy wheels with red piping and R.S. badging, red Brembo brake calipers, and track-proven Bridgestone RE050A tyres. High-gloss black paint and a full fixed glass roof enhance the exterior look.
The Megane RS 250 AGP also features bi-xenon directional headlights, front and rear parking sensors, satellite navigation, and black leather Renault Sport Recaro front seats.
Just 50 Australian Grand Prix limited edition models have been made available to local Renault customers, with the cars set to hit Australian showrooms next month. Each one comes with an individually numbered plaque to confirm its build number in the limited production run.
The 2012 Renault Megane RS 250 AGP will have a high-profile role at the F1 Grand Prix in Melbourne. On March 12, it will race the Renault Jet Pack Man at the race circuit, and will be on display inside Albert Park from March 15-18.

Honda CR-V European prototype previews new SUV

The Honda CR-V European prototype has been revealed ahead of next week’s Geneva motor show.
The near-production-ready concept is a marginally softened and more refined take on the US-spec CR-V that was unveiled at last November’s Los Angeles auto show.

The prototype previews the design of the all-new fourth-generation soft-roader, which is set to go on sale throughout Europe in the second half of 2012.
The European prototype gives Australians a good insight into the styling of the new model, with our car likely to share more in common with the European version than the US one when it arrives in showrooms, also in the second half of the year.

The European Honda CR-V is set to benefit from revised headlights with clear indicators and LED daytime running lights, along with a mildly tweaked grille, and remodelled lower front bumper and fog light surrounds.
Unlike the US-spec soft-roader, the European CR-V will come with a choice of petrol and diesel powertrains, and the diesel option is certain to be considered for our market.

Engine details of the European CR-V are yet to be revealed. The US CR-V is powered by an upgraded version of the outgoing model’s 2.4-litre petrol engine, producing 138kW and 221Nm. The five-speed automatic all-wheel-drive model uses 9.4 litres of fuel per 100km according to US measurements (the old model uses 10.0L/100km under Australian standards).
New features in the CR-V include a full-colour multi-information display, rear-view camera with guidelines, integrated Bluetooth phone connectivity and SMS text-to-voice functionality.
More details on the Honda CR-V prototype will be revealed at Geneva on March 6, while full Australian specifications and prices will be released closer to the car’s local launch.

New Mercedes SL63 AMG: it’s here

The only disciplinary action needed when these two heavyweights tussle will be from the bank manager, because it's now a proper bust-up: BMW M6, meet the brand-new Mercedes Benz SL63 AMG.
Mercedes has revealed its rather delectable new SL packing the full complement of AMG's modern know-how. As such, it is the latest in a long line of new Mercs (CL63, CLS63, E63, S63) to get the 5.5-litre twin turbo V8 petrol engine, rather than the 6.2-litre naturally aspirated monster still lurking underneath the bonnet of the AMG C-Class Coupe.
d 590lb ft of torque, a 0-62mph time of 4.3 seconds and a limited top speed of 155mph. Opt for the AMG Performance Pack, and that power jumps to 564bhp, 664 torques, a 0-62mph time of 4.2 seconds and a limited top speed of 186mph. Clearly, this latter figure is a little bit more than the new, 552bhp BMW M6, and thus the one you want. Gallery: the new Mercedes Benz SL63 AMG
That 5.5-litre V8 is mounted in an all-aluminium bodyshell - with a carbon fibre composite boot lid bonded to the plastic outer shell - that helps shave 125kg of weight from the outgoing SL: the new one weighs 1,845kg.
And it's also getting a reworked version of Merc's active body control which, as you're probably aware, gets Sport and Comfort modes, together with more negative camber all round and fully revised elastokinematics.
AMG's Speedshift seven-shift auto ‘box is clearly crying out for some punishment, what with its ‘S', ‘S+' and ‘M' modes, while you'll have hours of fun with the ‘Race Start' function. The standard fit brakes measure 390mm up front and 360mm at the back (although you can spec the SLS's ceramic compounds if you want more stomach-shrivelling excess) and sit inside 19in light-alloy AMG wheels.
The drop-top comes in painted, glass or panoramic variety, and inside it gets stuff inspired by the SLS: think jet-engine air vents and AMG sports seats. There's a range of CAPITALISED stuff such as Attention Assist, Magic Vision Control, Neck Pro head restraints and such, along with a dizzying array of options including that fabulous ‘Airscarf" neck heater and high-end sound system.
It'll go on sale in the UK later this summer with prices to be confirmed closer to its launch time. We're guessing somewhere in the region of £100k. Though whether it'll sell more than the old supercharged SL 55 AMG (which Jeremy used to own) remains to be seen; it remains the biggest selling AMG model to date, with 21,500 sold between 2001 and 2007.

New Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport Vitesse

Please be upstanding for the most powerful factory-built roadster in the history of TIME - the Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport Vitesse.

So, what sort of numbers does a convertible need to be the fastest in the world? 1184bhp and 1105lb ft. That's 197bhp and 183lb ft up from the cooking variety Veyron's 987bhp and 922lb ft. Or roughly one Golf GTI more...

Extra power's been teased out of the 16-cylinder engine by enlarging the four - FOUR - turbochargers and intercoolers. The chassis's also been beefed up to support the extra muscle.

Bugatti President Wolfgang Dürheimer says: "The rapid success of the Super Sport convinced us to increase the performance of the Bugatti roadster... Our engineers worked hard to demonstrate that Bugatti is able to constantly redefine the boundaries of what is technically feasible."
No performance stats have been released yet, but if it's anything like the Veyron Super Sport, it'll hover around 2.5 seconds to 62mph. That's 0.2 seconds faster than the current Grand Sport. Pricing's equally mysterious, but we reckon it'll be in the region of £2.1m.

Mazda CX-5 On Sale In Australia, Replaces CX-7 In Local Range

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Mazda's new CX-5 midsized SUV is now on sale in Australia, kicking off at $27,800 (plus on-roads) and replacing the hugely popular CX-7.

Born from the Kodo design language first previewed by the sleek Shinari showcar, the CX-5 was later teased by the near production-ready Minagi concept.
As the first model to wear the carmaker's new styling, and the first to utilise the full range of its new SkyActiv engine, transmission and construction technologies, the CX-5 has more than a little riding on its shoulders.

Although the 5 in its moniker suggested the new SUV would enter Mazda's line-up beneath the CX-7, it is just 100mm shorter than the 7, a mere 30mm narrower and rides on a wheelbase only 50mm shorter.
Their comparable size is made most obvious by the CX-5's rear legroom: 72mm greater than in its 'larger' predecessor.
The CX-5's marginally smaller dimensions reflect the continuing trend for downsizing and, technologically, it is certainly a leap forward when compared to the outgoing CX-7.

Mechanical Package

Mazda's new medium SUV arrives with a pair of the carmaker's new SkyActiv engines - petrol and diesel - along with manual and automatic transmissions, and front- and all-wheel-drive configurations.
SkyActiv-G Petrol
In petrol form, the CX-5 is driven by Mazda's direct-injected 2.0 litre SkyActiv-G engine - the same that drives the recently-launched Mazda3 SP20 variant.
In front-wheel-drive form, the engine delivers 114kW at 6000rpm, and 200Nm of torque at 4000rpm. Output drops slightly in all-wheel-drive form, to 113kW and 198Nm.
With both manual and automatic transmissions, fuel consumption is listed at 6.4 l/100km in FWD form, and 6.9 l/100km with the AWD, which is available with automatic only.
Carbon emissions are listed at a low 149g/km (FWD manual), 148g/km (FWD auto) and 160g/km (AWD auto).
SkyActiv-D Diesel
Available with the all-wheel-drive model only, the 2.2 litre SkyActiv-D common-rail diesel engine delivers 129kW at 4500rpm and 420Nm at 2000rpm.
Fitted with the six-speed automatic transmission - the only option here - fuel consumption is listed at 5.7 l/100km and carbon emissions at 149g/km.
Transmissions
Two transmissions are offered with the CX-5.
The SkyActiv-MT six-speed manual transmission is offered with the SkyActiv-G petrol models, in front-wheel-drive form only.
The SkyActiv-Drive unit is a six-speed automatic with an extra wide lock-up range clutch. It is offered with both the petrol and diesel variants, but in all-wheel-drive form only.
Its arrival with the CX-5 also marks the first time Mazda has offered an automatic-equipped diesel in Australia.
Construction
Last year, Mazda claimed a manufacturing first, announcing the development of vehicle components using 1800 MPa ultra-high tensile steel.
The CX-5 is the first of the brand's new models to benefit from the process, as part of its new SkyActiv technology suite.
To develop the new materials and manufacturing processes, Mazda teamed up with Sumitomo Metal Industries and Futaba Kogyo Corporation.
In the CX-5, the super-strong, super-light steel will be used to produce the damage-mitigating bumper beams that fit behind the front and rear bumpers.
The new beams are 20 percent stronger and 4.8kg lighter than previous versions, the latter helping to improve performance and responsiveness.
Mazda says the new beams also represent a breakthrough in energy absorption: while stronger materials are less pliant, the unique design of the new SkyActiv technology has helped to overcome this.

Features

The CX-5 range debuts with three familiar trim grades: the entry-level Maxx, the mid-range Maxx Sport and the top-shelf Grand Touring.
Maxx
Priced from $27,800, the CX-5 Maxx is offered with the SkyActiv-G petrol engine, both transmissions and both the front- and all-wheel-drive layouts.
Features include air-conditioning, cruise control, power windows and mirrors, remote central locking, push-button start, tilt and telescopic steering wheel, trip computer, tyre pressure monitoring, Bluetooth handsfree and audio streaming, USB connectivity, four speakers, wheel-mounted audio controls.
It is also fitted with 17-inch steel wheels on 225/65 tyres, and a rear spoiler is standard

Maxx Sport
The Maxx Sport is priced from $33,200 and is available with both the petrol and diesel engines, along with the six-speed auto and both the front- and all-wheel-drive layouts.
Features include all of those offered with the Maxx, along with auto-on/off headlamps, dual-zone climate control, six-speaker audio, leather wrapped gear shift knob, handbrake and steering wheel, rain sensing wipers, front fog lamps, satellite navigation, rear seats with 40/20/40 flat-folding backrests, and centre fold-down armrest.
It is also fitted with 17-inch alloy wheels and 225/65 tyres.
Grand Touring
The CX-5 Grand Touring is priced from $43,200 (petrol) to $46,200 (diesel) and is offered with six-speed auto and all-wheel-drive only.
Features include all of the above equipment, along with Bi-Xenon headlamps with Adaptive Front Lighting System, daytime running lamps, power sliding and tilt glass sunroof, rear view mirror with auto dimming function, leather seat trim, driver’s seat with eight-way power adjustment and power lumbar support, heated front seats, smart keyless entry, Bose 231watt amplifier with nine speakers, and parking sensors front and rear.
Safety features standard across the CX-5 range include front, side and curtain airbags, Anti-lock Braking System, Dynamic Stability Control, Traction Control System, Emergency Brake Assist, Emergency Brake-force Distribution, Hill Launch Assist, Emergency Stop Signal, whiplash minimising front seats, and a reversing camera.
The Grand Touring gets 19-inch alloy wheels on 225/55 tyres.
Tech Pack Option
Available with the Grand Touring only, the $1990 Tech Pack adds Blind Spot Monitoring system, High-Beam Control system and Lane Departure Warning system.

Bertone Nuccio concept krijgt vaste vorm

Na de eerste vage krabbelschetsen komt Bertone nu met duidelijke platen en informatie over hun Nuccio concept, dat voor Genève in de planning staat. Het sportieve concept heeft een 480 pk sterke V8 aan boord.
Bertone ontwerper Mike Robinson heeft voor dit concept inspiratie geput uit de Carabo Alfa Romeo, Lancia Stratos Zero en Lamborghini Countach. Geen verkeerd mengsel, als je het eindresultaat bekijkt. Hij meet 480 x 195 x 122 cm, met een wielbasis van 260 cm.
Een nieuwigheid zijn remlichten aan de voorkant, gepatenteerd door Bertone, die onder andere voetgangers en fietsers moet helpen voor extra veiligheid. Verder geen hybridefratsen (verfrissend!) voor de Nuccio, maar een 480 pk 4,3 liter V8 (van Ferrari?).
Omdat het een concept is maakt hij gebruik van een lekker futuristisch 26 inch scherm achter de stoelen waarop beelden worden geprojecteerd die achter de auto plaatsvinden (gemaakt door een on board camera). Wat zeggen we er van?

Gallery: Nuccio Concept

Dit is de Melkus RS2000 Black Edition: €149.000

Waar veel kleine auto-ondernemingen ervan dromen een zelfgebouwde sportwagen/supercar/Veyron-killer op de markt te brengen, maar vaak niet verder komen dan één prototype en wat wilde plannen, is het Melkus al gelukt om met de RS2000 toe te treden op de sportwagenmarkt. De Duitsers komen nu terug met een speciaal smaakje van hun ó zo geliefde bochtenridder: de Black Edition.
De eerste plannen van het uit de as herrezen Melkus kwamen al in 2006 voorbij. Een jaartje of drie later stond er dan eindelijk echt een model te shinen en mochten we de auto zelfs toevoegen aan ons heilige gespot-archief. Destijds gingen ze -in Duitsland weg voor ongeveer €110k, dus wat maakt deze Melkus zo bijzonder dat de vraagprijs met ruim 35% is gestegen?
Om te beginnen is er een zwarte pianolak aangebracht. Die bestaat uit zes afzonderlijk opgeschuurde laklagen. De buitenkant heeft verder een bodykit van carbonfiber gekregen -die ook op de RS2000 GTS wordt gemonteerd- en aan de binnenkant is naar hartenlust gestrooid met leer en alcantara, afgewerkt met bruine stiksels en details. In het dashboard is een nieuwe infotainment-unit geplaatst en de remmen hebben een upgrade naar ‘high performance’ gekregen.
In tegenstelling tot de reguliere Melkusjes (270 pk) heeft deze versie 325 paardjes voorhanden. Die worden nog altijd uit een turbogeblazen 2.0-liter viercilinder getrokken. Goed voor een 0 tot 100 km/u-sprint van 4.5 seconden en en topsnelheid van 270 km/u. Een specifiek gewicht wordt trouwens niet genoemd, maar die zal net als bij de ‘standaard’ versies rond de 950 á 1.000 kg liggen. Rijplezier gegarandeerd dus, in dergelijke gevleugelde tweezitters.

Gallery: RS2000 Black Edition

ATT-TEC BMW M3: 500 лошадиных сил

Имея в запасе 26 тысяч долларов, можно купить приличный новый автомобиль. А если помимо этой суммы у вас ещё имеется огромная любовь к прежней машине, можно пустить деньги в преображение оной. И машина обновится, и ваша любовь к ней засверкает иными красками.

Хотя, позволить себе это может далеко не каждый. Допустим, обладатель BMW M3 вполне может на это решиться, ведь его «игрушка» стоит как минимум сотню тысяч долларов. Ну а доплатив чуть больше двадцати пяти штук сверху, он может получить отличный тюнинг от ATT-TEC.


В эту сумму войдёт, во-первых, преображение мотора. Вторую жизнь в 4-литровый V8 вдохнут компрессор и уникальная выхлопная система. Вкупе они прибавят мотору «эмки» 80 дополнительных сил, и преобразуют его 420-сильную мощь в 500-сильную.

Это, значит, на что уйдёт основная часть суммы - 17 600 долларов. Следующие 3 050 «грина» пойдут на замену подвески - на вашей BMW M3 обоснуется KW Variant 3. Следом за ними, «всего» за 5 200 долларов, на автомобиле появятся новые 20-дюймовые диски и Мишленовские шины Pilot Sport 2 размерностью 245/30 спереди и 285/25 сзади.


Да, для пущей «крутости» можно устроить ещё и обновление салона. ATT-TEC предлагает стайлинг-кит, состоящий из карбоновых деталей и декоративных элементов, выполненных кристаллами Swarovski. Но, как понимаете, это уже совершенно другая финансовая история...

Subaru XV: review

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Bill Buys road tests and reviews the Subaru XV

SUBARU'S Impreza XV (remember that one?) is no more. Instead, and as early as from January, a revamped version of the compact crossover will be sold in Australia simply as the Subaru XV. Despite the dropping of the Impreza prefix, the new stand-alone XV retains very much of the small car's DNA, using the same platform and drivetrain, which includes stop-start technology.
It's a cleaner design than the existing Impreza XV, itself still a `new' vehicle, and has new generation touches such as `hawk-eye' headlights and a wide hexagonal grille. In the family pecking order it will sit just below the Forester and set its sights on rivals such as Mitsubishi ASX, Hyundai ix35, Kia Sportage and Nissan Dualis.
But unlike the opposition it will not offer a 2WD version. All models will run on Subaru's all-wheel-drive system.
THE LINEUP
XVs will come in three spec levels: 2.0i, 2.0i-L and 2.0i-S  all with soft-touch finishes, uprated instrumentation, new interiors and seven airbags. The 2.0i has a reversing camera, comprehensive multi-function display, cruise control, steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters for the CVT variants, Bluetooth connectivity and audio streaming, auto air-con and black roof rails.
The 2.0-L adds an electric sunroof, dual-zone air-con, SatNav with SMS voice text and voice control, and rear privacy glass and the premium S model has the luxury of leather trim, eight-way adjustable driver's seat, heated front seats, alloy pedals, silver roof rails and HID Xenon headlights
PRACTICALITIES
The XV, at 220mm, has more ground clearance than most, which makes it easy to get in and out of and allows it adventurous owners to clamber over rough terrain. It's also quite sleek, with its roofline just 1615mm from the ground, making it more aerodynamic.It seats four, five at a squeeze, and there's generous head and legroom. But cargo room is a bit tight  even smaller than in the Impreza hatch. There's just 310litres of space if all seats are occupied. If the back ones are folded flat, cargo room increases more than three-fold.
Outside, there's neat, thin plastic wheel-arch cladding, which one engineer described as `comparing sports shoe trim with a wet weather boot' in reference to the chunky cladding of some other brands. The XV also has a set of funky wheels: 17-inch machined black alloys. And the body colours include an in-your-face tangerine, which would probably make Dutch drivers delirious.
TECHNOLOGY
The motor is the same 110kW/196Nm 2.0-litre as used in the new Impreza, which will arrive in Oz about two months after the XV, and transmission is a choice of six-speed manual or stepless CVT. The hi-tech' all-new boxer engine uses lots of light materials, variable valve timing and peripherals like electric power steering and a stop-start system to cut fuel use by around 20 per cent. Subaru says the XV will average 7.0 litres/100km, (7.3 for the manual) which will give it a cruising range of about 850km.
DRIVING
We drove an XV on Subaru's tight varied-surface track and also on its long, banked circuit at its secure proving grounds two hours from Tokyo. The stylish SUV runs on a MacStrut front and double-wishbone rear set-up, which, with the constant all-wheel-drive, gave it impressive handling.
The body stayed flat at 150km/h on the banked circuit and on the tight course it easily absorbed the lumps and bumps, steered around the twisty bits sans dramatics and felt very much like an Impreza hatch with a better view. It's not the world's fastest machine, but gets along at a brisk-enough pace and we think most owners will agree with the maker's `fun to drive' claim.
We like CVT and the Lineartronic version that Subaru uses has paddle shifts for folk who like to play at being Dean Herridges. In that mode it becomes a six-speed shifter. Bottom line is that CVT is super-smooth and super efficient. Trannie of the future, so get used to it.
XV pricing has not been finalised, but Subaru expects the current Impreza XV's sales of about 80 a month to leap to about 500 a month when it becomes just XV in January.
SUBARU XV
Price: TBA
Body: 5-door, 5-seater sub-compact SUV
Engine: 2.0-litre, 110kW/196Nm
Models: 2.0i, 2.0i-L and 2.0i-S
Transmissions: 5-speed manual transmission, 4-speed automatic transmission with manual mode.
Drive: All-wheel-drive system.
Safety: DataDot security system , Immobiliser security system , Vehicle pre-wired for alarm system installation, SRS 3 airbags-dual front, dual front side & curtain.
Economy: 7.0 litres/100km
Warranty: 3 year/unlimited km warranty

15 great cars that get overlooked

They don't get featured on the covers of car magazines or feted in Super Bowl commercials. At dealer lots, they get parked in the back while newer, glitzier models are showcased in the showroom. They won't get you many oohs and ahs from the car pool kids, or a thumbs-up from other drivers. Face it -- these are the wallflowers of the auto world. But when it comes to value, you can't beat these cars. After you consider purchase price, operating costs (including depreciation and insurance), and resale value -- and then multiply by the fun-to-drive factor -- they're all aces.
A few generalizations: 1.) Asian makes beat domestic. Consumer Reports ranked 37 Asian cars among the best values in their class vs. just five American models -- two of them full-size pickups. 2.) Bigger is not better. Small and midsize cars and SUVs are much more likely to represent a good value than large and luxury sedans and SUVs because of lower purchase price and better mileage. 3.) Second-tier brands can outscore better-known ones. Kia, Subaru, Mazda, and Volkswagen combined placed more than twice as many cars on our list as General Motors, Ford, and Chrysler together.
This list, in no particular order, is based on analysis by Consumer Reports, and others including Edmunds.com, and leavened by my own personal experience. Herewith, some low-profile vehicles that score high in value:

Fisker Auto's bad Karma

It's going to take a lot more than an endorsement from Leo to get Fisker out of its rut.
FORTUNE -- The Fisker Karma is rolling onto the world automotive stage as car writers in the U.S. and Europe examine the car in person for the first time and take their initial laps behind the wheel. They could certainly be excused for seeing the car and its creator through rose-colored glasses. Both have been the recipient of more advance publicity than a Donald Trump presidential endorsement.
Henrik Fisker is the celebrity car designer who wants to do well by doing good. His creation, the Karma, a $103,000 plug-in hybrid, has been collecting "Car of the Year" awards by the trunkload. As the first four-door ultra-luxury gas-electric car, it has been celebrated by environmentalists, blessed by the federal government with a guaranteed loan, and endorsed by celebrities. Leo DiCaprio ignited a swirl of publicity when he took delivery of the first production model.
But those who haven't been blinded by the glare of publicity are beginning to wonder whether the Karma will be a hit like DiCaprio's Titanic -- or a flop like his Body of Lies. More perceptive reviewers find the car overweight, inefficient, and capable of only mediocre performance that falls well short of its original eco-friendly goals.
Fisker is a 48-year-old Dane who made his reputation designing BMWs and Aston Martins. He founded Fisker Automotive in 2007 and showed the concept for the Karma four months later at the Detroit auto show. Production began haltingly nearly a year ago at a contract manufacturer in Finland, and deliveries to dealers have just begun. Not inclined to understatement, Fisker calls the Karma the fulfillment of "a lifelong dream of designing and creating a range of beautiful cars that make environmental sense without compromise."
Like the Chevy Volt, the Karma is designed to travel 30 to 45 miles on an electric charge before a gasoline engine kicks in. Unlike the $40,000 Volt, the extroverted Karma is unabashedly aimed at one-percenters. Its lines are voluptuous and proportions unique. Fisker says the design was inspired by "the elegant lines of windswept sand dunes and the muscular grace of a cheetah." He showed his green side by fitting out the interior in politically correct materials: The seating foam is made from soy-based bio fiber, the carpet backing composed of recycled post-consumer materials, and the trim sourced from "fallen, sunken and rescued wood," including some that has spent the last 300 years resting at the bottom of Lake Michigan.
Inspired design is no substitute for manufacturing experience, however, and Fisker has encountered the usual problems that come from starting up an enterprise as complex as a car manufacturer: production delays, prices hikes, and canceled orders. In December, Fisker recalled all 239 cars built between July 1 and November because of a possible problem with the battery's cooling system. Early in February, it suspended production and laid off 26 workers while it renegotiated terms of its $529 million loan from the Department of Energy. Some have begun to compare Fisker to Solyndra, the failed solar panel maker funded by the government to create green jobs.
When experts look beyond the Karma's drop-dead styling and scrutinize the car's functionality, they find it wanting. After complaining about "errant rattles here and there," an admittedly portly reviewer from Road & Track described climbing into the driver's seat as something of a "circus act" and declined to even make a try at getting into the rear seats.
More substantive complaints focus on the car's heft and fuel consumption. The Karma is only five inches shorter than a Ford Flex people-mover and only a few hundred pounds lighter than a Chevy Suburban -- not exactly the dimensions you look for in a sport sedan. The turning radius only looks impressive compared to a Kenworth hauling logs. Engineers at Consumer Reports figured that Fisker's claims for a 50-mile all-electric range are probably optimistic (the EPA rates the Karma at 32 miles). They also discovered that its acceleration "lacks the urgency you'd expect from a car of this price and presence," and its handling is "not at the level one would expect from a sporty high-end sedan." Consumer Reports concluded: "Whether [the Karma] is as green or as sporty as it ought to be remains to be seen."
The most scathing remarks to date came in the March issue of the usually authoritative Car and Driver. (Full disclosure: I am an occasional contributor). It complained that while the Karma is a "heartthrob" to look at, it is essentially a $100,000 irrelevance and "not a rational choice."
To Car and Driver, the Karma comes off as a blivet -- 10 pounds of material stuffed into a five-pound bag. The problem is trying to cram all those batteries, two electric motors, and a roof-mounted solar panel into that voluptuous body. The result is poor packaging and excessive weight. As the magazine discovered, the Karma's back seat is smaller than a tiny Honda Fit's and its trunk is less than half the size of an equally tiny Kia Rio's. The Karma's two and a half tons of avoirdupois impose a severe penalty in fuel economy -- under both electric and gasoline power. Test drivers were only able to squeeze 24 to 28 miles out of the battery, while the gas-only mileage ranged from 20 mpg to 28 mpg -- unlikely many awards from environmental groups. The magazine concludes that the Mercedes-Benz S-class is cheaper than the Karma, the Lexus LS600 better built, and the Porsche Panamera faster, nearly as economical, and $20,000 less expensive.
The Karma may yet turn out to be an important milestone on the way to the all-electric car because it demonstrates that environmental sensitivity is not incompatible with luxury and style. Or it could wind up as an automotive oddity like the Tucker Torpedo or the DeLorean DMC-12 -- too ambitious by a half

Nissan Releases Skyline “55th Limited” Edition

Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. (Yokohama, Japan) announced on February 10, 2012 that it will start sales on the “55^th Limited” Edition of the Skyline coupe. This limited edition of the Skyline marks the 55^th anniversary of the car since its birth in 1957. Nissan Motor Co., Ltd (Japan) also stated that a limited number of 55 units will only be available throughout the nation.
The Skyline “55^th Limited” edition will be released under the “370GT Type SP” with both automatic and manual transmissions. With the base of “370 GT Type P”, the Skyline “55^th Limited” edition comes with an “Anniversary Brilliant Red” colored genuine leather seats (including heating function). Additionally, a key highlight in the interior is that the front seats have an embroidered logo “Skyline Since 1957” in them.
This model will be sold exclusively with only 55 units and the timeline is set until April 30, 2013. However, if the orders received are greater than 55 units prior to this date, further orders will not be accepted.
At the Nissan Ginza, Nagoya and Fukuoka galleries, Skyline 55^th Anniversary events will take place exhibiting the Skyline “55^th Limited” edition. Each day 55 lucky attendants stand the chance of winning presents through quizzes and raffles. For more information, please visit the Nissan gallery web site.

Spy Shots: Next Audi Q7 caught testing for the first time

After a slow drop of sales thanks to the economic crisis, the Audi Q7 is going to attempt a comeback with a brand new generation of lightweight proportions. For a while, it seemed as though it was merely a rumor, but now the largest SUV in Audi’s lineup has been spotted testing for the first time, in mule form.

From these spy images, we can see that the fenders on this Q7 mule are wider than its predecessor and it also looks like the front overhang is shorter. It has been rumored that the next Q7 will lose about 400 kgs, or about 880 lbs compared to the current model. For this, Audi will be using lots of lighter materials like aluminum and carbon fiber.

Rumors about the power source for the next generation Audi Q7 are also interesting. It seems that Audi will drop the current, larger engines in favor of some smaller sources. A hybrid version may also be offered.

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Production GTA Spano headed to Geneva

When we first saw the GTA Spano this time last year, the limited-run Spanish-built supercar was being introduced at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show. At that time, the Spano was being touted as a Spain’s answer to an increasing number of niche super cars being built all over the world.

A year later and we’re all here, waiting in earnest for the production of the GTA Spano, but GTA Motors has confirmed that the "definitive" version of the Spano has been penciled in to make its debut at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show. We’re guessing that "definitive" is just a term that they are using to say that they have finished tweaking their supercar and are finally ready to start production.

The Spano will be limited to only 99 units, which means that it’s going to be tough to get a piece of this supercar. For what it’s worth, though, the GTA Spano is powered by an 8.3-liter V10 engine that produces a mouth-watering 780 horsepower and 920 Nm of torque, performance capabilities that allow the Spanish supercar to hit 0-60 mph in just under three seconds while hitting a top speed of 217 mph

Lexus GS prices announced

Lexus has announced prices for the all new GS range, with prices for the sports saloon starting at £32,995 in GS 250 SE guise, while the full hybrid GS 450h starts from £44,995 for the Luxury model.

The entry level model is powered by a 206bhp, 2.5-litre V6 Dual VVT-i petrol engine, with a specification that includes 17-inch alloy wheels, automatic bi-xenon headlamps and windscreen wipers, LED daytime running lights and a rear-view camera with parking guide monitor.

On the inside, the cabin is equipped with leather upholstery, dual-zone climate control and electrically adjustable front seats (10-way, with memory setting for the driver's seat) with heating and ventilation functions. The steering wheel is electrically adjustable, and incorporates paddle shifts. On-board entertainment is provided by a 12-speaker audio system with CD player, DAB tuner, Bluetooth and USB/Aux ports for connecting personal music players.

Both the GS 250 and full hybrid GS 450h are offered in Luxury and F Sport grade. The former builds on the SE specification with the introduction of 18-inch alloys, front and rear parking sensors, an auto-dimming rear-view mirror and an HDD satellite navigation system with Remote Touch controller. Luxury grade also provides a new blind spot detection system integrated into the folding/auto-dimming door mirrors.

F Sport versions of GS get 19-inch rims, a boot-lip spoiler and sports-styled bumpers and front grille. In addition to the Luxury specification, the F Sport has bi-xenon headlights with an automatic high beam function, as well Lexus's Adaptive Front-lighting System, which adjusts the beam direction as the car approaches bends and turns at junctions.

The F Sport look carries through to the cabin with sports pedals and perforated leather-trimmed sports steering wheel and gear knob. The front sports seats gain further adjustment functions - 16-way for the driver, plus four-way lumbar support.

The F Sport benefits from Adaptive Variable Suspension and selectable drive modes plus, on the 450h model, the Lexus Dynamic Handling System, which brings together a comprehensive array of steering and handling features, including Dynamic Rear Steering, electric power steering, Variable Gear Ratio Steering and Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management.

At the top of the range, the GS 450h Premier is fitted with 18-spoke 18-inch alloy wheels and the same bi-xenon headlamp system as the F Sport models. The F Sport's adaptive suspension and selectable drive modes are also part of the Premier's specification.

In the cabin the seats are upholstered in semi-aniline leather, with both front seats benefiting from 18-way electric adjustment and memory settings. The passenger seat offers extra leg support and a rear easy access function.

Nine exterior colours are available for SE, Luxury and Premier versions of the new GS: Arctic Pearl, Sonic Silver, Velvet Black, Mercury Grey, Meteor Blue, Crimson Red, Atlantic Blue, Celestial Black and, for GS 450h only, Obsidian Black. The F Sport models, meanwhile, have a different range of colours: Arctic Pearl, Sonic Silver, Velvet Black, Mercury Grey and Crimson Red.

Lexus is taking advance orders on the new GS range, with first customer deliveries from mid-June.

Mazda MX-5 Venture edition introduced

Mazda has introduced a new special edition of its iconic sportscar - the 'MX-5 Venture Edition'. Available in Soft-top or Roadster Coupe, it features upgraded specification, advanced technology, premium interior trim and exterior colours exclusive to the Mazda MX-5 Venture Edition.

Based on the Mazda MX-5 SE and Sport Tech models, the Venture is available as a 1.8 MZR Soft-top (SE) and a 2.0 MZR Roadster Coupe (Sport Tech), with a dozen items of additional equipment over the donor car and priced at £18,995 and £22,285.
The Mazda MX-5 Venture Edition's 'stand out' specification features light gun metal 17-inch alloy wheels, front fog lights, chrome front grille, piano black fashion bars and special 'Venture Edition' badging.
Inside, the MX-5 Venture has stylish Havana Brown heated leather seats, leather steering wheel and hand brake with contrasting grey stitching, matching door trim, climate control air-conditioning, piano black dashboard accents, alloy pedals, cruise control, and, for the first time on a MX-5, a satellite navigation system. Supplied by Sanyo TomTom, the sat-nav features a fully integrated 5.8-inch touch screen monitor, 4GB SD card based map, live services, iPod and Bluetooth connectivity and complete multi-media functionality.

The Mazda MX-5 Venture will be available in three colours, the popular Metropolitan Grey Mica and two exclusive colours to this MX-5 special edition - Radiant Ebony Mica and Crystal White Pearlescent - free of charge.  Only 250 examples of the Venture Edition Soft-top and 550 of the Venture Edition Roadster Coupe will be available in the UK.

"Special Edition models of the MX-5 have always enjoyed incredible popularity in Britain and now the Venture Edition offers a unique combination of a premium cabin feel, sophisticated exterior and advanced technology, in a sportscar that remains unrivalled as an exhilarating drive that can also be used everyday," comments Peter Allibon, Sales Director, Mazda UK.  "Together with their durability, enviable reliability and our current low-rate finance offer, the MX-5 Venture Edition is a thoroughly modern sportscar that people can buy with their heart and their head."

Mazda MX-5 Venture Edition customers have a choice of two powertrains - the 126ps 1.8 MZR with a five-speed gearbox (Soft-top) and the 160ps 2.0 MZR with a smooth-shifting six-speed manual transmission (Roadster Coupe).  Like other MX-5 models, the Venture Edition can sprint from 0 to 60mph in 9.9sec for the 1.8 Soft-top and 7.9sec 2.0 Roadster Coupe, and can reach top speeds of 121mph and 136mph respectively.

For optimum handling stability, the MX-5 Venture Edition features Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) and a Traction Control System (TCS) on both Soft-top and Roadster Coupe models.  While the two-litre Roadster Coupe model is also equipped with a Limited Slip Differential (LSD) for enhanced handling precision and side airbags for added protection.

The Mazda MX-5 Venture Edition is on sale now, priced from £18,995 on-the-road.