Micra becomes Pulse

If the just-revealed Renault Pulse looks familiar, that’s because it’s basically a Nissan Micra with restyled front and rear ends.



Intended as Renault’s third model (after the Koleos and Fluence) for the Indian market, the compact hatchback is expected to become the firm’s biggest seller in that country. It’ll be followed by a re-badged Dacia Duster and a new saloon model next year.

Although full specifications have yet to be released, expect the Pulse to use the same range of petrol and diesel engines as the Micra.

The Renault Pulse will be manufactured alongside the Micra at the Renault-Nissan Chennai plant, and sales are due to begin in January 2012. There’s no word on whether it will be coming to Europe but, with the Clio and Twingo already available, it’s probably very unlikely.



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Five-star Ford Ranger

The new generation Ford Ranger has become the first pick-up to be awarded a maximum five stars for safety by Euro NCAP.



Scores for the test model - a right-hand drive four-door Ranger Double Cab - were consistently high across all categories, with 96% achieved for adult occupants, 86% for child occupants and 71% for safety assist features.



But the most impressive accomplishment was 81% for pedestrian impact, which is significant because it disproves the idea that pick-ups can’t do well in that particular trial.

By contrast the Volkswagen Amarok, the only other pick-up so far assessed under the revised rating scheme, only managed a mediocre four stars when it was tested last year. Its marks were 86% for adult occupants, 64% for child occupants, 57% for safety assist and just 47% for pedestrian protection, all of which have since been easily outclassed by the Ford.



Other models that earned five stars in the latest evaluation round were the Audi Q3, BMW 1 Series, Chevrolet Captiva, Fiat Freemont, Hyundai Veloster, Mercedes-Benz M-Class, Opel / Vauxhall Astra, Opel / Vauxhall Zafira Tourer, Lancia / Chrysler Thema and Toyota Yaris.



The Freemont, M-Class and Thema all received particular praise for having active bonnets that rise up when sensors detect a pedestrian impact.



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2012 W800 Special Edition

Kawasaki first announced the W800 Special Edition at the beginning of this year, but it was destined to be available only in Japan.



Now that situation looks set to change, because it’s being introduced to Europe as a 2012 model.

Distinguishing the Special Edition are several cosmetic changes, which comprise a matt black exhaust system, Ebony paintwork, a unique tank emblem, black-finish engine parts and some rather dazzling gold anodised wheel rims.



To go for the full retro café racer effect, buyers can choose a single seat unit, bikini fairing and tapered exhaust from the accessories list.

Technically there are no differences, which means power comes from the usual 773 cc, air cooled, parallel-twin engine that produces 47 bhp (35 kW / 48 PS) and 60 Nm (44 lb/ft) of torque.



A UK price for the 2012 Kawasaki W800 Special Edition has yet to be revealed.



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2012 Suzuki GSX-R1000

The 2012 Suzuki GSX-R1000 is certainly a case of evolution rather than revolution.



With its styling unaltered, the most visible changes are a switch to Brembo Monoblock brake calipers and a new lighter 4-2-1 exhaust that features a titanium silencer.

Engine tweaks include revised pistons that are claimed to improve mid-range acceleration, a slightly increased compression ratio and modified tappets. However, as per usual with Suzuki, a power and performance figures haven’t been revealed, so it’s difficult to assess what effect those modifications have had.

Together with a different front tyre, a redesigned front axle, thinner brake discs and a new wiring harness, all of the changes combined have reduced the Suzuki’s kerb weight by 2 kg (4.4 lbs) to 203 kg (447.5 lbs). One consequence of the diet is softer suspension settings, which are reckoned to give more grip and better stability under braking.

Whether the 2012 model is sufficiently enhanced to attract new riders away from the competition, or even persuade existing GSX-R1000 owners to upgrade, remains to be seen.



Pricing has yet to be confirmed.



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Honda Integra tech specs

Honda has revealed technical specifications for the recently-announced Integra maxi scooter.



Its all-new parallel twin-cylinder engine actually has a capacity of 670 cc, not 700 cc as originally thought. Nevertheless, power output is a fairly healthy 51.0 bhp (38.1 kW / 51.8 PS), which puts it on a par with potential rivals such as the Suzuki Burgman 650. There’ll also be a slightly detuned version to comply with learner regulations.

2012 Honda Integra. Scroll down for more images.

Previously, Honda had stated that one of the Integra’s key strengths would be fuel efficiency, and in that respect it doesn’t disappoint. Despite being no lightweight, average consumption is an impressive 78.7 mpg (3.6 l/100km).

2012 Honda Integra - Technical Specifications
Engine
Type	Liquid-cooled, 4-stroke, 8-valve, SOHC, parallel 2-cylinder
Displacement	670 cc
Bore x Stroke	73 mm x 80 mm
Compression Ratio	10.7: 1
Max. Power	51.0 bhp (38.1 kW / 51.8 PS) @ 6,250 rpm (95/1/EC)
Max. Power (Detuned Version)	46.9 bhp (35.0 kW / 47.5 PS) @ 6,250 rpm (95/1/EC)
Max. Torque	62 Nm (45 lb/ft) @ 4,750 rpm (95/1/EC)
Max. Torque (Detuned Version)	60 Nm (44 lb/ft) @ 4,750 rpm (95/1/EC)
Fuel System
Carburetion	PGM-FI electronic fuel injection
Throttle Bore	36 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity	14.1 litres
Fuel Consumption	78.7 mpg (3.585 l/100km) (WMTC D-Mode)
Electrical System
Ignition System	Computer-controlled digital transistorised with electronic advance
Ignition Timing	12° BTDC (idle) ~ 53.9° BTDC (6,600 rpm)
Sparkplug Type	IFR6G-11K
Starter	Electric
Battery Capacity	12 V / 11 AH
Headlight	212 V, 60 W x 1 (low) / 55 W x 1 (high)
Drivetrain
Clutch	Wet, multiplate hydraulic dual clutch
Clutch Operation	D mode / S mode / Manual mode
Transmission Type	6-speed Dual Clutch Transmission
Primary Reduction	1.92
Gear Ratios	1- 2.67; 2 - 1.9; 3 - 1.45; 4 - 1.2; 5 - 1.03; 6 - 0.84
Final Reduction	2.44
Final Drive	Chain
Chassis
Frame Type	Diamond; steel pipe
Dimensions (LxWxH)	2,195 mm x 790 mm x 1,440 mm
Wheelbase	1,525 mm
Caster Angle	27°
Trail	110 mm
Seat Height	790 mm
Ground Clearance	135 mm
Kerb Weight	238 kg (F: 49.8 kg; R: 50.2 kg)
Max. Carrying Capacity	195 kg
Suspension
Front	41 mm telescopic fork, 120 mm travel
Rear	Monoshock damper, Pro-Link swingarm, 120 mm travel
Wheels
Type	Multi-spoke cast aluminium
Rim Size	Front 17 x MT3.5; rear 17 x MT3.5
Tyre Size	Front 120/70-17; rear 160/60-17
Tyre Pressure	Front 250 kPa; rear 290 kPa
Brakes
Front	320 mm single wavy hydraulic disc with 3-piston calipers and sintered metal pads, ABS / CBS standard
Rear	240 mm single wavy hydraulic disc with single-piston caliper and sintered metal pads, ABS / CBS standard

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Triumph Speed Triple R

It was probably inevitable that at some point Triumph would introduce a higher spec ‘R’ version of its 1,050 cc Speed Triple.



Now, just over a year since the basic version of the streetfighter was revamped, it’s here.

The 133 bhp (99 kW / 135PS) three-cylinder engine may be unchanged, but the Speed Triple R gets upgraded Öhlins suspension, lightweight PVM five-spoke forged aluminium wheels and better Brembo brakes, which feature four-piston radial monoblock calipers.



Distinguishing the ‘R’ are gold-coloured front forks, a red subframe and a choice of Phantom Black or Crystal White paintwork.

The 2012 Triumph Speed Triple R will officially be unveiled at next month’s EICMA show in Milan. Prices and on-sale dates are to be confirmed.



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Triumph Tiger Explorer

Triumph has confirmed that the all-new Tiger Explorer will be making its public debut at next month’s EICMA bike show in Milan.

Undoubtedly it looks set to be one of 2012’s most important launches, as the Explorer will be competing directly against the benchmark model in the increasingly popular adventure-tourer sector: the BMW R 1200 GS.



Wisely, Triumph has decided to give its new arrival shaft drive, a critical factor if it is to steal sales away from either the BMW or other rivals such as the Yamaha XT1200Z Super Ténéré. Another aspect that’s similar to the GS is the styling, with certain elements - particularly around the back half of the bike - looking very familiar.

Not much is being said about the engine, although it will be a three-cylinder unit with ‘in excess of’ 1,200 cc which is claimed to offer class-leading performance. In a first for Triumph, control will be via a ride-by-wire throttle system.



A high specification is promised, and switchable anti-lock brakes, traction control and cruise control are all going to be included as standard. As expected, buyers will also be able to add a host of accessories to their Explorer, such as high or low seats and various bits of luggage.

There’s no word yet on price, but cost competitiveness is likely to be another key issue in deciding how successful the new Triumph becomes.



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Steve McQueen Bonneville

Triumph has announced the Steve McQueen Edition, a Bonneville T100-based special that’ll be limited to just 1,100 examples worldwide.



Its design mimics that of the Triumph Trophy TR6 that McQueen’s character, Captain Virgil Hilts, rode in the 1963 film The Great Escape - and the result looks rather good.

Bespoke parts include a single seat unit, skid plate, small headlight and luggage rack. The colour scheme meanwhile combines Matt Khaki Green paintwork with a black finish for most of the bike’s components.



As a finishing touch, a plaque showing the build number is attached to the handlebar clamp, and there are facsimiles of McQueen’s signature on the side covers. Owners will also receive a certificate of authenticity.



Pricing has yet to be confirmed.



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2012 BMW M3 DTM livery

BMW Motorsport has revealed the livery that its new M3 challenger will be sporting in next year’s DTM race series.

Shown off at an event held in Heidelberg, the colour scheme sticks closely to tradition. Jens Marquardt, BMW Motorsport Director, commented: “Old-school DTM fans will recognise from the typical BMW M stripes that the appearance is based on the original BMW M3 cars from the ‘old DTM’. We are very proud of this design. It is both traditional and modern in equal measures. It shows our roots, but in a contemporary style.”

Three teams - BMW Team RBM, BMW Team RMG and BMW Team Schnitzer - have been chosen to represent BMW in its return to the DTM, and each will run two cars. So far, the only two confirmed drivers are Andy Priaulx and Augusto Farfus.

Fans attending tomorrow’s final round of the 2011 DTM at the Hockenheimring will be treated to a preview of next season’s entrants, as the M3 DTM, Audi A5 DTM and DTM AMG Mercedes C-Coupé are all going to run demonstration laps.



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Lexus CT 200h F-Sport

Lexus has added an F-Sport variant to its CT 200h compact petrol / electric hybrid line-up. Based on the existing SE-L, the new arrival is intended to add a bit of visual interest and offer sharper dynamics.

2012 Lexus CT 200h F-Sport. Scroll down for more images.

External tweaks include 17” dark finish alloy wheels, a mesh front grille, a larger rear spoiler, side skirts and more aggressively styled bumpers.



On the inside, there’s black leather upholstery, heated front seats, electric height adjustment for the driver’s seat, an F-Sport flat-bottomed steering wheel, cruise control, aluminium pedals and scuff plates, electric folding door mirrors and a rear parking camera.



To improve the handling, the dampers have been upgraded to Kayaba items, and the Lexus lateral damping system also comes as standard. This is claimed to give greater ride comfort, as well as a more linear steering feel.



The powertrain is unchanged though, which means the CT 200h F-Sport doesn’t have the performance to match its looks. 0-62 mph (100 km/h) takes a fairly leisurely 10.3 seconds, while its top speed is 112 mph (180 km/h).



But the good news is that also means efficiency is unaffected. Combined cycle fuel consumption remains at an impressive 68.9 mpg (4.1 l/100km), while CO2 emissions are still just 94 g/km, which means zero road tax in the UK and a full discount off the London Congestion Charge.



Sales of the new Lexus CT 200h F-Sport are due to begin in January, and dealers are taking orders now. Its on the road price has been set at £27,850, which slots neatly between the £25,200 SE-L and the £30,635 SE-L Premier versions.

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2012 BMW S 1000 RR

BMW has given the S 1000 RR supersports bike a comprehensive series of upgrades for 2012.

Although the 999 cc, four-cylinder engine still produces 190 bhp (142 kW / 193 PS), its power and torque curves have been made more linear, and throttle response has been tweaked for enhanced sensitivity.



There are now three performance maps available, one each for ‘Rain’ and ‘Sport’ modes, plus another one that’s shared between the ‘Race’ and ‘Slick’ modes. When using ‘Rain’, power gets cut to 160 bhp (120 kW / 163 PS) and the throttle reacts less aggressively.

The suspension set-up meanwhile has been thoroughly reworked to improve handling, steering accuracy and feedback. Geometries front and rear have been adjusted to such an extent that the frame has had to be modified, and the internals of the upside-down forks and the rear spring strut have been revised to give better damping characteristics. Completing the chassis updates is a new mechanical steering damper, which is adjustable to ten settings.



Cosmetic changes include a redesigned instrument display, which now features a useful speed warning function to let the rider know when they’ve exceeded the speed limit. The bodywork tail section and the fairing side panels have been restyled, too.

Paintwork choice for the 2012 S 1000 RR comprises Racing Red with Alpine White, Bluefire, Sapphire Black Metallic or the BMW Motorrad Motorsport colour scheme. The wheels are finished in gloss black, and the swing arm comes in either black or an anodised coating.



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Yamaha Xenter launched

Yamaha has revealed its new Xenter scooter, which incorporates several big bike features.



Foremost among these are the large 16” five-spoke wheels. They come shod in bespoke tyres - 100/80 at the front and 120/80 at the rear - that are claimed to give enhanced grip.

2012 Yamaha Xenter 125. Scroll down for more images.

The Xenter also gets monocross rear suspension, as found on the TMAX maxi scooter. Such a set-up is reckoned to offer an improved ride and more precise handling, plus it should make carrying a pillion passenger easier.



Although the 267 mm front disc and 150 mm rear drum brakes may be fairly modest, Yamaha's Unified Brake System comes fitted as standard. This is designed to balance out the braking pressures being applied to the front and back wheels, so providing more effective stopping power.



There’s no doubt that the Xenter is an attractive scooter, with twin headlights giving it a purposeful look. The handlebars house an LCD dashboard, while at the rear there’s an integrated luggage carrier and an LED light unit. Weight ready to ride is 142 kg (313 lbs), and the seat height is a low 785 mm (30.9”).



Two versions of the Xenter will be available, although the only things that differentiate them are the capacity of their fuel-injected, four valve, single cylinder engines and the paintwork options.



The smaller of the two has 125 cc, and its power and torque outputs are 12.3 bhp (9.2 kW / 12.5 PS) and 11.9 Nm (8.7 lb/ft) respectively. Buyers can choose from Midnight Black, Sky Blue or Avalanche White colour schemes.



In 155 cc guise, power rises to 15.5 bhp (11.6 kW / 15.7 PS), while peak torque is 14.8 Nm (10.9 lb/ft). This also comes in Midnight Black and Avalanche White, as well as London Grey. The name of that last colour choice seems somewhat ironic, seeing as it looks like only the 125 cc Xenter will be marketed in the UK.

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