The Caprice range boasts a completely redesigned interior and Holden’s new generation advanced technology and is offered in two powertrains.

The range-topping Caprice V benefits from Holden’s famous V8 performance with a 6.0-litre engine and is available at an RRP of just $59,990 – tremendous value for a model that epitomizes large car luxury.

Meanwhile, Caprice is powered by Holden’s seamless 3.6L LPG V6 engine mated to a six-speed automatic transmission and has a new RRP of just $54,490. Caprice features new premium leather front seats, new 18 inch alloy wheels and chrome exterior detail.

Caprice features world-class technology including:

Sensor key technology with passive entry and push button start,
Satellite navigation with full colour mapping and live traffic updates,
An eight-inch, high-resolution colour touch screen with Holden’s MyLink app-embedded technology including enhanced voice recognition and Siri Eyes Free integration* and
Full iPod® integration and Pandora® and Stitcher SmartRadio™ built-in apps.
Caprice models also boast important new safety and vehicle technology advances including:

Auto Park Assist for parallel and right angle parking
Reverse Traffic Alert
Blind Spot Alert
Front and rear parking sensors and a rear view camera
Electric park brake with automatic release
Hill Hold Control, Hill Start Assist, Trailer Sway Control
Remote vehicle start
Caprice V is powered by the Gen IV 6.0L V8 petrol engine with a six-speed automatic transmission and has a new RRP of just $59,990.

Caprice V features an all-new rear seat entertainment system with remote control, DVD, AUX input and dual channel wireless headphones.

Caprice V also adds the following features over Caprice:

Forward Collision Alert,
Lane Departure Warning,
Colour Head-Up Display,
Deluxe leather front and rear bucket seats,
New 19 inch alloy wheels (4) and quad exhaust outlets,
Leather wrap sports profile steering wheel,
Bose® premium nine speaker audio system and
Electric sunroof.
Holden Executive Director of Sales and Marketing, Philip Brook, said Caprice represented exceptional value in the upper large car segment.

“We think we’ve made a smart investment in our long wheel base models. Caprice has always been an extremely well designed, well-proportioned large car and the all new interior is particularly important to customers in this segment,” he said.

“Caprice has a smart powertrain combination with the 3.6L LPG offering great fuel economy in a luxurious limousine style package and Caprice V with great V8 performance and family car practicality.

“Holden has added the features and advanced technology that customers would only expect from prestige brands to Australia’s own large luxury car – and we’ve made Caprice available with an RRP under $60,000 for the first time.”

Caprice Pricing

Recommended retail prices, excluding dealer delivery and government charges:

Prestige paint adds $550 including GST

The range-opening, 3.6L SIDI V6 automatic Holden Ute has a new RRP of just $32,990, down $2,500, and comes standard with the premium features Holden has introduced across the VF range including Auto Park Assist, front and rear parking sensors, remote vehicle start (automatic models only) and a rear view camera.

VF Ute also comes standard with the class-leading Holden MyLink infotainment system. With an eight-inch, high-resolution colour touch screen, MyLink features enhanced voice recognition, full iPod® integration including Siri Eyes Free integration* and embedded app technology including Pandora® and Stitcher SmartRadio™.

Holden has rolled out its new VF vehicle technology, including electric park brake with automatic release, Hill Start Assist, Trailer Sway Control and remote vehicle start (automatic transmission only), across every model in the Ute range.

Holden Executive Director Sales and Marketing, Philip Brook, said VF’s stunning design and technology made the Holden Ute anything but utilitarian.

“VF offers the sort of world-class user technology that will redefine what it means to drive a ‘tool of trade’ vehicle. The Ute is so much more than its humble beginnings – it’s become an incredible vehicle by any definition,” he said.

“For performance lovers the Ute has become Holden’s ultimate two-door sports machine with half of our Ute customers choosing a V8 model. VF Ute offers more of what people want – great performance, luxury features and the latest safety technology – and red hot prices across the range.”

The first sports model in the Ute range is the SV6 manual with an RRP of $32,990. Standard with a manual transmission, SV6 is also powered by the 3.6L SIDI V6 with significantly more features and a price rollback of $5,500.

SV6 gains the following features over the highly specified range opening Holden Ute:

Blind Spot Alert,
Reverse Traffic Alert,
FE2 sports suspension,
18 inch alloy wheels and chrome exhaust tip,
limited slip differential (manual only),
exterior sports styling and sports seats,
projector headlamps, LED daylight running lights and
soft tonneau cover.
With the same features and technology, the famous SS Ute adds the powerful 6.0L Gen IV V8 engine and comes standard with a 6-speed manual transmission. The new RRP for the manual SS Ute is $38,990, down $3,500 on the previous model.

Mr Brook said Holden had created a logical walk up for the Ute sport range, from SS to the coveted SS V-Series, which mirrored the sedan and Sportwagon line-up.

“We’ve reduced the new RRP for SS V-Series by $5,000 to $42,490. Which means for just $3,500, customers can add new 19 inch alloys, leather appointed seats, satellite navigation, colour multi-function driver information display and passive entry sensor key technology with push button start,” he said.

At the top of the performance table sits SS V Redline. Holden has added a significant number of advanced new technological features, yet still reduced the RRP for the manual SS V Redline Ute by $1,500 to $48,490.

In addition to the SS V-Series features, Redline adds Forward Collision Alert, Lane Departure Warning and Head-up Display driver safety technology. Redline also adds the updated sports-tuned FE3 suspension package, Brembo® brakes, forged 19 inch alloys as well as wider rear wheels for extra traction and competition mode with launch control and track settings.

“We’re so proud of the Holden engineering work across the VF range, but particularly on our Redline models. Commodore’s ground breaking technology and our upgraded Redline suspension will absolutely make the new SS V Redline Ute our ultimate Australian sports machine,” Mr Brook said.

Holden dealers can now take orders for VF Ute models with the start of production later this month.

Ute highlights:

3.6L SIDI V6 engine
6 airbags (dual front driver and passenger, side impact thorax/pelvis and curtain airbags)
ECS, ABS & TCS
Dual-zone climate control
Electric Power Steering (EPS)
Auto Park Assist
Rear view camera
Front and Rear Park Assist
Automatic release electric park brake
Hill Start Assist
Trailer Sway Control
Remote vehicle start (automatic models only)
Enhanced multi-function display (monochrome) with:
Vehicle information menu
Trip information menu
Fuel economy menu
Warning/messages
Holden MyLink Infotainment System with 8” high-resolution colour touch-screen display
Embedded Apps including Pandora® and Stitcher SmartRadio™
Single CD player with MP3 capability
Full iPod® integration including Siri Eyes Free* and touch screen access for playlists, artist, albums, songs and genres
Enhanced voice recognition: phone calls, radio, navigation, smartphone/iPod®/MP3 or USB audio control
Bluetooth® audio streaming and auxiliary input jack
SV6 and SS Ute highlights over Ute:

3.6L SIDI V6 engine (SV6) and 6.0-litre Gen IV V8 engine and dual exhaust (SS)
Front & rear sports fascia
18 inch alloy wheels (4)
Projector headlamps and LED daylight running lamps
Sportec/cloth sports seats
Blind Spot Alert (option on Ute)
Reverse Traffic Alert (option on Ute)
Chrome exhaust tip
Soft tonneau cover
SS V Series Ute highlights over SS:

6.0-litre Gen IV V8 engine standard
Leather appointed seats
19 inch alloy wheels (4)
Sensor key technology with push button start
Front fog lamps
Colour digital instrument display: vehicle information menu, trip information menu, fuel economy menu, warning/messages
Satellite Navigation with full colour mapping with live traffic updates, traffic management control and points of interest
Footwell lamps
DVD playback (playable when stationary)
SS V Redline highlights over SS V:

Brembo® brakes
Forged 19 inch alloy wheels (4)
Colour Head-up Display
Forward Collision Alert
Lane Departure Warning
Updated FE3 ultra sports tuned suspension

VF Ute Pricing

Recommended retail prices, excluding dealer delivery and government charges:

Automatic transmission adds $2,200 including GST
Prestige paint adds $550 including GST

VF Ute Factory Fit Option Pricing (includes GST)

Holden Ute
Blind Spot Alert and Reverse Traffic Alert (bundled) $350
Satellite Navigation $750
Soft tonneau cover $490

SV6
Satellite Navigation $750
Leather Appointed seats $1,000

SS
Satellite Navigation $750

Targeted as a family functional sports hatchback, the Giulietta faces direct competition with the category favourite, the Ford Focus. Let’s take a look at what Alfa is bringing to the competitive category in their stylish and powerful Giulietta.

While it may fall into the 5 door hatchback category, Alfa have cleverly concealed the rear door handles to create a seamless coupe exterior that features the brands trademark bold bonnet and grille. The elongated headlights, 17 inch Sports alloy wheels and the Giulietta’s lowered body all combine to create a very attractive car. However, it’s when you look at the rear of the car that the Giulietta’s appearance falters. Even with Italian design on their side, the rear inevitably resembles a squat version of just about every other hatchback out there.

Powered by a 2.0L turbocharged diesel engine the Giulietta puts out 125kW of power at 4000rpm and 350Nm of torque at 1750rpm resulting in fuel efficient driving (around 5-6L/100km) with a burst of power when needed. There is however a noticeable turbo lag. The JTDm is also equipped with the Stop/Start technology for more eco-friendly driving.

Once inside there is a lot of black! All black dash, black instruments and black seat are again another let down in what should be a sleek design. Once you get past the dark interior, there is a fair amount of space for 4 adults. Equipped with adequate storage, dual climate control, cruise control, and a multifunction display on the clearly displayed dash, all the standards are at your fingertips. In the audio department, the Giulietta boasts a massive 8 speakers with CD, MP3, Bluetooth and steering wheel controls. If you want to blast the music on the way to work, the Giulietta can certainly do that for you!

With a 5 star ANCAP rating, the Giulietta is jam-packed with all the latest safety features. All the most advanced driving assistance systems, such as VDC, are standard for all models, while Alfa Romeo’s most advanced technology, D.N.A., which acts on the Q2 Electronic Differential and the DST, is also included. The Giulietta is also equipped with rear parking sensors and an Anti-Slip Regulation device.

While many find comfort in the brand of Alfa Romeo, and rightfully so with their track record for performance, handling dynamics and driveability, it comes at a cost. In the form of the Giulietta, it’s in the $40,000 range.

In the same range, buyers should also look at the Ford Focus Titanium Hatch, powered by a 2.0L diesel engine. In this Ford Focus buyers can get Active Park Assist (automated parking), Ford KeyFree and SYNC systems, Sony system with 9 speakers, 5” multi-function display with sat-nav, 6 way power adjustable seat, sports seats with leather inserts, follow-me-home headlights and Ford’s impeccable safety features. For the same price, there are a considerable amount features as standard that Alfa do not offer.

However, it is all down to preference, brand loyalty and driving spirit. The Alfa Romeo Giulietta fits comfortably into the competitive market with its indefinable appeal to the driver within all of us.

Powered by a 1.3L engine, CVT automatic transmission, the Jazz produces 72kW of power @ 5800rpm and 167Nm @ 1000-1700rpm. While it’s no race car, it’s all about fit for purpose and Honda has certainly performed. The Jazz consumed around 5.3L/100km when we test drove it and the dash illuminating green/blue helps educate the driver in becoming a more economical and eco-friendly driver.

It is also equipped with an auto-stop fuel saver and an Econ switch for a Super Economy Mode. Driving the Hybrid Jazz is rather effortless. It’s no sports car but the accelerator is very responsive and the car drives with ease and comfort.

After using the remote keyless entry to gain access, the Jazz Hybrid has an overwhelming sense of spaciousness thanks to the abundance of glass providing excellent visibility. In fact, there is barely a blind spot in this car! The Jazz is equipped with climate control air-conditioning, a comprehensive multi-function display on the clear and functional dash, cruise control, MP3, AUX, CD, Bluetooth and steering wheel mounted audio controls. A comfortable driving position is rather difficult to achieve as the cloth seats, front and back, are rather uncomfortable and don’t provide a lot of back or leg support.

When it comes to storage, many cars let their drivers down. However, the Honda Jazz goes above and beyond delivering an abundant 10 cup holders, a double glove box, a handy storage shelf, door pockets, luggage area shelf and the Magic Seats system that provides a handy under-seat storage compartment. However, a centre console is still missed. The party trick is of course the rear seats, which can fold in 18 different combinations, meaning you can almost put anything in the Jazz.

Boasting the all-important 5 star ANCAP rating, Honda has once again ensured the safety of all occupants is a priority. The Hybrid is equipped with Occupant Position Detection System (OPDS) which stops deployment of the front passenger side airbag when it senses that a child or small-statured adult in the front passenger seat is in the airbag’s path of deployment. Along with all your standard safety features, it is also equipped with Honda’s G-force Control technology which, in the unlikely event of a collision, enables Honda vehicles to better absorb the impact of the collision and disperse the energy, keeping it away from passengers.

Covered under Honda’s 3 year or 100,000km warranty and IMA battery 8 year unlimited km warranty, you are assured peace of mind when purchasing the Jazz hybrid. Honda has developed a hybrid that manages to appeal to buyers by creating an attractive exterior (not looking like it’s from the future), spacious interior, superior visibility and safety and impressive performance.

Completely capturing the needs and wants of today’s younger drivers and ‘downsizers’, Mitsubishi has reinvented a much loved classic and firmly cemented their place in the light car segment.

Available in both automatic and manual transmission across three model variants, I recently tested the top of the range LS automatic Mirage. Powered by a 1.2L, 3 cylinder petrol engine, the maximum power stands at 57kW @ 6000rpm and the torque peaks at 100Nm @ 4000rpm. While it’s no race car, it’s all about fit for purpose and Mitsubishi has achieved that! Fuel consumption lies around that 5.2L/100km range, making it fairly easy on the wallet.

The Mirage LS comes in the very exciting Mulberry along with options of white, silver, red, blue & black. Sporting 15inch alloy wheels, rear spoiler, fog lamps and keyless entry, the LS is an attractive and feature packed car right from the get-go. Mitsubishi has re-designed the traditional Mirage shape to make it a taller, more curvaceous design that is refreshingly clean and contemporary.

Don’t be fooled by its low price, once inside, there is no evidence of a ‘cheap car’. The LS is fitted with a leather wrapped steering wheel and gear knob, chrome interior handles, climate control air-conditioning, tilt adjustable steering column and bucket seats that are height, slide and recline adjustable! . What you wouldn’t expect, and is a welcome discovery is a foot rest for your left foot and a heel rest under the accelerator, providing a very comfortable driving position.

Missing however is a centre console and its absence is noticed, especially with my abundance of keys, phones, spare change, lip gloss and other knick-knacks. The shelf above the glove box is a welcomed addition however. While it is a small car, the two tone beige and black interior is refreshing and helps add to the feeling of spaciousness. In the boot, there is a relative amount of storage with a capacity of 235L, certainly larger than the Suzuki Swift’s non –existent boot.
The audio system houses AM/FM radio, CD, MP3 player, 4 speakers, AUX input, USB input, steering wheel audio controls and Bluetooth connectivity and audio streaming with voice control as standard! The Mirage LS also has push button start and automatic headlights and windscreen wipers, talk about bang for your buck!

When I went on the launch in late January, the Mitsubishi Mirage was in for its ANCAP testing and I can announce that the whole range has received a 5 star rating. Featuring 6 airbags, EBD, ABS, HSC, ASC, Reinforced Impact Safety Evolution (RISE) body and plenty more.

When you’re driving the Mirage, there is no lack of acceleration response, the steering is responsive and smooth, and it’s bright range of colours, ‘bubble’ like shape and loads of awesome standard features make it a truly pleasurable experience.

Mitsubishi revealed that with the new Mirage they aimed to create a car that has sex appeal, safety, style, gets you from A to B, has excellent fuel efficiency, a trustworthy track record and won’t send you broke – both in the original purchase price and ongoing costs such as fuel and servicing. Speaking of servicing, the Mirage is covered under Mitsubishi’s fixed price servicing, coming in at $250 per service for four services (recommended at 15,000 intervals). It is also covered by the 5 year warranty for peace of mind.

Mitsubishi has managed to create a car that ticks all the boxes – function, form, style and most importantly price. A harmonious car that is perfect for first time buyers or downsizers. With the slogan of fun, affordable and imaginative in mind, I believe that Mitsubishi have created a superb car to catapult them into the light car segment and with these prices (manual: $15,490; automatic: $17,740) the Mirage is an attractive contender for most young drivers and ‘downsizers’ in today’s market.

Dr Wolfgang Schreiber, Bentley’s Chairman and Chief Executive, comments:

“China is a key market for Bentley and we are enjoying great sales success and growing customer interest. To continue to achieve these results, we have a significant expansion plan in place. This starts with the new Flying Spur, previously our best-selling model and we expect 60 per cent of the new Flying Spur sales to be delivered to customers in China.

“Our customers have one thing in common; they want quality, attention to detail and performance whether this is a watch or a bespoke suit. Exactly these principles are at the heart of the new car being presenting today, for its Greater China premiere.”

Success in the Far East

Reinforcing Bentley’s position as the number one luxury car maker in the world, 2012 saw a 23 per cent sales growth in China, with the region becoming Bentley’s second biggest market. Bentley established an official importer at the start of 2013, Bentley Motors China, to manage all key operations from its headquarters in Beijing. The company’s growth plan includes major network expansion to build on the current 26 locations and continue to provide every Bentley customer with a first-class service. 12 new dealer locations are opening by May this year, with plans for 45 dealerships covering all key cities in Greater China to be in place by 2015.

Establishing a new luxury sedan benchmark
With its unrivalled blend of effortless driveability, exquisite luxury and craftsmanship, sculpted design and state-of-the-art technology, the new Flying Spur, shown in the Far East for the first time, takes the worldwide success of its iconic predecessor even further.

Bentley’s styling team has developed an athletic design for the new Flying Spur that combines traditional Bentley styling cues with a dynamic stance and contemporary details. Sharp feature lines complement muscular rear haunches, while LED day-time running lights, dipped headlights and taillights complement the front and rear profiles. The interior designers have created a luxurious, spacious cabin that dresses advanced acoustic and electronic technologies in exquisite hand-crafted leather hides and wood veneers.

Driver and passengers alike interface with the car and the outside world through touch-screen infotainment, mobile connectivity including Wi-Fi, a Rear Seat Entertainment suite and a new bespoke hand-held Touch Screen Remote which allows rear-cabin occupants to control an extensive range of features from the comfort of their seat. An eight-channel, eight-speaker audio system with Balanced Mode Radiators provide high quality sound clarity, with the 1100W Naim® for Bentley premium system available as an option.

Powering the new Flying Spur is Bentley’s renowned 6.0-litre, twin turbo W12 engine, coupled to a ZF eight-speed transmission. Developing 616 horsepower and 590 pound feet of torque, the new Flying Spur features more power than any other Bentley four-door in history. A 14 per cent improvement in the power-to-weight ratio over the outgoing model delivers a breath-taking 0-60 mph time of 4.3 seconds and a top-speed of 200 mph. In the modern Bentley tradition, power is delivered to the road via all-wheel drive with a 40:60 rear-biased torque split for a sure-footed, engaging drive in all road and weather conditions.

Bentley Mulsanne: the pinnacle of British luxury motoring

Bentley’s showcase of luxury, performance and technology continues with the Mulsanne,

A celebration of the company’s passion for craftsmanship, those commissioning a Mulsanne enter a world of choice that is unmatched in the car industry, working with the Bentley team of world-class craftspeople, including coachbuilders, electronics specialists and cabinetmakers, to create a car that can be personalised to their individual tastes and personal requirements. The unrivalled choice of veneers, leather hides, paint colours and finishes ensures that the needs of all customers can be perfectly matched.

Under the bonnet lies a twin-turbocharged 6¾-litre V8 engine that delivers extreme levels of performance, developing 512 PS (505 bhp/377 kW) with torque of 1020 Nm (712lb ft) delivered at 1750rpm.

With a 0-60 mph sprint time of just 5.1 seconds (0-100 km/h in 5.3 seconds) and a top speed of 184 mph (296 km/h) the 505 bhp (512 PS/377 kw) Mulsanne offers thunderous levels of performance for an ultra-luxury sedan.

Bentley GT Speed coupe: the fastest-ever Bentley road-car
Completing Bentley’s presence at Auto Shanghai is the new 205 mph (330 km/h) W-12 engined Continental GT Speed, the fastest road car Bentley has ever produced. As Bentley’s new performance flagship, the Continental GT Speed coupe appeals to driving enthusiasts who place a high value on outright performance and agile handling.

The GT Speed develops 616 bhp (625 PS / 460 kW) at 6000 rev/min with 800 Nm (590 lb.ft) of torque available from 2000 to 5000 rev/min for instantly accessible high performance. Coupled with a new ZF eight-speed close-ratio automatic transmission and state-of-the-art engine management software, the GT Speed dispatches the zero-to-sixty sprint in 4.0 seconds (0-100 km/h in 4.2s), reaching 100 mph (160 km/h) from a standing start in just 9.0 seconds.

In-gear acceleration is equally breath-taking. The advanced software of the close-ratio 8-speed transmission enables quick-shifting in Sport and Tiptronic modes. The gearbox also features ‘block-downshifting’, enabling combined downshifts for maximum acceleration. Typically, when cruising in eighth gear, full acceleration is achieved by dropping straight down to fourth.

While this puts the GT Speed at the very top end of automotive performance, the new model retains the driving refinement, supreme comfort, peerless craftsmanship and contemporary luxury associated with Bentley cars.

Playing an equally crucial role are the entirely new chassis in lightweight design with a 100 mm longer wheelbase and larger 20-inch wheels. The PDCC active anti-roll system, which is being offered for the first time in 911 Turbo models, increases dynamic performance even more. This system is standard equipment in the 911 Turbo S, as is the Sport Chrono Package with dynamic engine mounts and PCCB ceramic brakes; all of these features are also available as options in the 911 Turbo. The results: The new 911 Turbo S shortens the lap time for the North Loop of the Nürburgring to well under 7:30 minutes – naturally with standard production tyres. The standard sound symposer intensifies the driving experience; it transmits induction sounds of the turbo engine to the passenger compartment via a speaker diaphragm.

More power, fuel economy improved by 16 per cent
The performance partners in the powertrain area are the further advanced engines and the new PTM all-wheel drive system. The turbocharged 3.8-litre six-cylinder engine with direct petrol injection produces 520 hp (383 kW) in the 911 Turbo and 560 hp (412 kW) in the S model. Porsche continues to be the only carmaker to offer two turbochargers with variable turbine geometry for a petrol engine. Power is transferred to the drivetrain via the seven-speed dual clutch transmission (PDK), which now enables an auto start/stop function with engine shutoff that now activates earlier during coasting to a stop as well as a coasting function. Together with the new thermal management system for the turbo engine and the PDK transmission, fuel efficiency technologies have reduced NEDC fuel consumption by up to 16 per cent to 9.7 l/100 km; these figures apply to both models.

New all-wheel drive with electro-hydraulic control
For an even faster and more precise power distribution to the two axles, Porsche developed a new all-wheel drive system (PTM) with electronically controlled and activated multi-plate coupling. The system is equipped with a new water cooling function, so that it can direct even more drive torque to the front wheels if necessary. Simultaneously, the optimised interplay of the engine, transmission and all-wheel drive systems takes the new top 911 to even better sprint capabilities. The 911 Turbo with the optional Sport Chrono Package accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in 3.2 seconds, which is even one-tenth better than the value of the previous 911 Turbo S. The new 911 Turbo S handles the standard sprint to 100 km/h in just 3.1 seconds. The car’s top speed is 318 km/h.

Widest body of all 911 cars
The two new top models display their performance visually more than ever. The characteristic, expansively wide rear body panels of the new generation 911 Turbo are 28 mm wider than on the 911 Carrera 4 models – they feature a nearly level surface, about the width of a hand, between the C-pillar and the outer edge of the car body. Other differentiating characteristics include two-tone forged 20-inch wheels – on the 911 Turbo S they have hub wheel locks. The Turbo S is also making its appearance with new full-LED headlights that feature four-point daytime running lights and dynamic, camera-based main beam control, which can be ordered as an option for the 911 Turbo.

Rear axle steering sustainably improves handling
The introduction of rear axle steering in all turbo models immensely improves both circuit racing and everyday performance of the two new top sports cars. The system consists of two electro-mechanical actuators instead of the conventional control arms on the left and right of the rear axle. The steering angle of the rear wheels can be varied by up to 2.8 degrees, depending on vehicle speed. At speeds up to 50 km/h, when the front wheels are turned the system steers the rear wheels in the opposite direction. This actually corresponds to a virtual shortening of the wheelbase by 250 mm, which gives the 911 Turbo unrivalled performance in bends. The system lets the car turn faster into the bend and offers more dynamic steering response. This noticeably simplifies manoeuvring and parking.

At speeds above 80 km/h, the system steers the rear wheels parallel to the turned front wheels. This is equivalent to a virtual lengthening of the wheelbase by a significant 500 mm and gives the sports car tremendous stability, especially at high speeds. At the same time, the steering input by the driver leads to significantly faster build-up of lateral force at the rear axle, which initiates the change in direction more spontaneous and harmoniously.

Active aerodynamics improve efficiency and performance
Porsche developed an active aerodynamic system on the new 911 Turbo models for the first time — Porsche active aerodynamics (PAA). It consists of a sturdy, retractable three-stage front spoiler, whose segments can be pneumatically extended, and a deployable rear wing with three adjustable wing positions. This makes it possible to tune the aerodynamics of the 911 Turbo to fulfil driver wishes for either optimal efficiency (speed position) or top dynamic performance. In the performance position, all segments of the front spoiler are fully extended, and they generate considerable downforce at the front axle. Similarly, the rear wing is extended to its maximum height with the greatest angle of attack. This also generates more downforce at the rear axle. Dynamic performance is improved to such an extent that lap times at the North Loop of the Nürburgring are improved by up to two seconds due to this system alone.

New interior with high-end features
The interior was completely redesigned in both 911 Turbo models, and it builds on the 911 Carrera family. The S model is particularly well equipped, offering such features as an exclusive interior in a black/carrera red colour combination and adaptive sport seats plus with 18-way adjustment and memory. In addition, the seat backrest shells are leather upholstered with double cap seams and various elements in carbon look. Like on the previous models, the Bose sound system is installed as standard; for the first time, a Burmester system is also available as an optional feature. A radar-controlled cruise control system, camera-based road sign recognition and speed limit recognition are other new options being offered.

The new top models of the 911 model series arrive on the market at the end of September 2013. In Germany, the 911 Turbo costs 162,055 euros; the new 911 Turbo S costs 195,256 euros, including VAT and country-specific features.

The Porsche brand celebrated some of its greatest successes in car racing on the thousand-mile course in the 1950s. A Porsche 356 won in its class as early as 1952, and the GT victory of Hans Herrmann in the 550 Spyder in 1954 marked one of the greatest successes of the Stuttgart-based sports car maker to this very day. Still today, the contest runs over the prettiest streets in Italy, from Brescia to Rome and back – and still constitutes a challenge to vehicles and drivers alike, because the 1,600 kilometres are to be driven in only 3 days and they run mostly through diverse weather zones.

Toyota Motorsport GmbH (TMG) engineers have generated greater performance from the EV P002 race car which last year smashed the electric-car class record by more than two minutes.

The latest high-tech racer will be driven this year by New Zealander Rod Millen, who has set multiple records at Pikes Peak and has competed regularly in Toyota machinery.

TMG’s electric vehicle technology centre in Germany used data gained from last year’s class-winning run to boost combined maximum power from the car’s two axial flux motors by more than 14 per cent to 400kW.

Peak torque from the advanced electric motors has been amped-up by one-third to a thumping 1,200Nm, delivered through a single-gear transmission.

Maximum motor speed has been uprated by 20 per cent to 6000rpm.

The powertrain’s operating parameters have been tuned to better suit the gruelling challenge of the unique 19.9km Pikes Peak track, which rises more than 1,400 metres and includes 156 turns.

The latest car is on its way to Salisbury, North Carolina, where Toyota Racing Development will sharpen the aerodynamics of the Radical-based chassis before conducting track tests.

TMG support crew will further optimise the powertrain during the practice week leading up to race day, June 30.

Last year, the TMG EV P002 completed the climb in an electric-car record of 10mins, 15.38secs, gaining an impressive sixth place in the overall classification.

Unlike conventional combustion engines, the fully electric drivetrain maintains full power even in the thin mountain air.

The Pikes Peak climb, in Colorado Springs, USA, begins at an altitude of 2,862 metres and finishes at 4,300 metres – all of which is now fully paved.

This year’s hill climb occurs just one week after TMG’s Toyota Racing team takes on the Le Mans 24 Hours with a hybrid prototype.

The TMG EV P002 is already the benchmark for electric race cars worldwide, having demonstrated its performance and versatility by setting new standards at two of the toughest venues in motorsport.

TMG first used a motorsport-tuned electric powertrain in 2011 to set the fastest time for electric cars at the 20.8km Nürburgring Nordschleife in Germany.

After last year’s Pikes Peak triumph, the TMG EV P002 lowered the Nürburgring lap record by 25 seconds to a remarkable 7mins, 22.329secs.

TMG uses pioneering off-board battery-to-battery charging technology, including a Schneider Electric EVlink™ DC Charger, to charge the TMG EV P002 from the mountainside, where there is no reliable connection to the power grid.

Mounted in the rear of a Toyota HiAce, the TMG DC Quick Charger includes a 42kWh lithium-ion battery, which can be charged directly from the AC power grid.

After an overnight charge, the TMG DC Quick Charger is able to quickly deliver high levels of power to a battery-based electric car without additional installation or infrastructure.

With varying current and voltage output, the TMG DC Quick Charger becomes an independent source of power for rapid recharging in any location, making it the perfect solution for electric motorsport.

TMG executive coordinator strategic EV development Claudia Brasse said the innovative charging system could be adapted for different types of race and passenger cars.

“The potential for off-board battery-to-battery charging technology is great, particularly in the world of motorsport where infrastructure limitations will increasingly become a source of frustration for electric motorsport,” Ms Brasse said.

Since 2007, TMG has been a pioneering centre of development for motorsport-related electric vehicle technology and for alternative powertrain and infrastructure integration in general.

The innovative Toyota ME.WE can be configured as a small city car, off-roader, ute and convertible, making it adaptable to a wide variety of lifestyles.

The five-seat electric concept car is positioned as an intelligent “no frills” response to the ecological threats posed by mass production and the growth of the global car fleet.

A joint venture between Toyota and leading European industrial designer Jean-Marie Massaud, the car’s name reflects a simultaneous concern for individual freedom (ME) and responsibility towards society (WE).

The goal was “intelligent reduction” – better accommodating the automotive needs of people by eliminating excess in a package that reconciles driving pleasure with environmental responsibility.

The ME.WE uses materials that are lightweight, robust and recyclable – a tubular aluminium structure, body panels made from expanded polypropylene, and bamboo for the floor and dashboard.

Inside, passengers always take priority over luggage, which can be carried on the roof, protected by a neoprene cover.

The rear luggage space can be extended, transforming it into a platform like that of a ute; the car can also provide the “wind-in-the-hair” experience of a cabriolet by opening all the windows, including the windscreen.

Instruments are limited to a single screen above the steering wheel that indicates vehicle speed, battery charge, trip information and navigation instructions delivered by a smart phone.

The smart phone itself is mounted below the screen and allows occupants to create their own personal environment with music and other apps, as well as controlling the cabin air temperature.

Minimalist bench seats, also constructed from expanded polypropylene, can be removed and used for a picnic.

Simple design is matched by ease of use: it has an electric motor in each wheel like the recently unveiled Toyota i-ROAD and its batteries are located under the floor, as with the Toyota iQ electric car.

The ME.WE provides two or four-wheel drive, giving it the ability to cope effectively with different terrains, some of which may be inaccessible to a traditional car.

But it is much lighter than conventional 4×4 vehicles: Toyota says the Yaris-sized car could weigh as little as 750kg – a minimum weight saving of 20 per cent compared with a conventional car in its class.

The body panels weigh just 14kg – a saving of around 180kg compared with the use of steel.

Expanded polypropylene is strong and has better thermal insulation properties, resulting in less use of the car’s electric heater and air-conditioning system.

Toyota’s European design and development HQ, ED2, and Massaud, a noted architect and inventor, have pooled their expertise and used existing technologies to produce a realistic concept car.

Toyota says the project has enabled it to gain insights into the future of the automobile from the perspective of a non-automotive design studio.

The cross-pollination of ideas and fresh perspectives are an important part of the creative process as Toyota seeks new solutions for better vehicles.

Collaboration with Massaud began in 2011. He said today’s cars have become an accumulation of constraints more than a source of freedom.

“Our lives and needs require more adaptability, simplicity and lightness,” Massaud said. “The car of today should be seen as a personal mobility solution that can deliver more.”

Toyota has emphasised the inherent innovation of the ME.WE by unveiling the concept car in its Paris showroom – Le Rendez-vous Toyota on the famous Avenue des Champs-Élysées – rather than at a motor show.

On display until June 12, it is part of an exhibition showing other aspects of design including models, drawing tables and selected materials.

Toyota says there are no plans for the ME.WE to enter production.