Revamp for UK bike test

The current format for the UK’s motorcycle licence test was only introduced in April 2009. Consisting of two parts, the first is conducted away from the roads and includes hazard avoidance and emergency stop exercises. The second element is a road riding assessment, which lasts for at least thirty minutes.



However, the system has received a lot of criticism. In particular, the first module has been slated for its content, as well as the number and geographic spread of the locations where it is carried out. Additionally, there have been calls to make the test a single event, rather than being split into two distinct parts that can rarely be taken on the same day.

In response, the government commenced a review back in June 2010, and the Department for Transport has now announced its initial proposals.



The aim is to return to a single, on-road test. This could mean that the hazard manoeuvre is carried out on the public road, provided the assessment still complied with EU standards. Meanwhile, the slow speed exercises (u-turn, slalom and figure of eight) might be delegated to examiners at training centres ahead of the main test.



Wisely, perhaps, the changes aren’t going to be rushed through. With the details still needing a lot of work, the plan is to trial the proposals in the early part of 2011, followed by a public consultation. The target would then be to introduce the new test during late 2011 or early 2012.

ZX-10R recall explained

A couple of weeks ago, Kawasaki announced a ‘technical hold’ notice for its new 2011 Ninja ZX-10R in North America - in other words, a recall.

Under the notice, all bikes already delivered to customers and those at dealers had to be returned to Kawasaki. The cause was said to be unexpected engine behaviour, but an official reason wasn’t disclosed at the time.

Now, though, it seems that Kawasaki engineers have got to the bottom of the problem. A statement from the company reads:

"It had been discovered that when some examples of the new 2011 Ninja ZX-10R were operated at high rpm under unique riding conditions - such as operating on a racetrack - the intake valve springs could surge. Should this rare incidence occur it could cause one or more intake valves to seat improperly, resulting in poor engine performance.



"Having examined the very small number of machines which exhibited this surge phenomenon, the Kawasaki factory engineers have designed and fully tested a countermeasure which solves the problem without affecting any facet of the new engine’s outstanding performance.



"On the limited number of machines produced so far, the camshaft, valve springs and spring retainers for intake valves are being replaced to prevent the valve spring from surging. The same design update is automatically being incorporated into the ongoing production run of the newest and most powerful Ninja yet produced."

The European launch of the bike, which was delayed because of the technical issues, is now expected to be at the end of January 2011. In the UK, the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R will be priced at £11,699, with ABS costing an additional £1,000.

Gold-plated Tata Nano

The Tata Nano and Ferrari 458 Italia don’t have much in common, but an unfortunate characteristic shared by early versions of both was a willingness to burst into flames.



For the Nano, that might partly explain why its sales figures are in freefall. Tata managed to shift 9,000 units in July, but the tiny car found just 509 buyers in November.



In such a situation, most manufacturers would resort to a special edition to help boost interest. And sure enough, it’s a tactic that Tata is using with the Nano, except the result is a little, well, unconventional.

Produced ostensibly to celebrate the 5,000th anniversary of Indian jewellery, the Goldplus Nano will be gold-plated. It’s named after a Titan Industries jewellery brand which, conveniently, is also part of the Tata Group. Might as well keep things in the family…



The design was chosen following a competition, and the Goldplus Nano is expected to be launched in April or May of 2011. Pricing has yet to be confirmed.

DB9 special editions

Aston Martin has been busy during 2010 creating special editions of its DBS (Carbon Black and UB2010), V8 Vantage (N420) and V12 Vantage (Carbon Black).



Now it’s the turn of the DB9 to receive the ‘let’s see if we can shift a few more units’ treatment.



The DB9 Morning Frost specification is aimed at those wanting a little more luxury. Finished in pearlescent white with a metallic bronze leather interior, other distinguishing features include silver grilles and brake calipers, plus 19" ten-spoke alloy wheels.

By contrast, the DB9 Carbon Black and Quantum Silver editions are intended to be sportier. Named after their body paint colours, both feature Obsidian Black interiors with coarse silver stitching, real glass switchgear and a piano black centre console. They also come with a remapped sports exhaust for a better sound (Aston Martin isn’t claiming any increase over the standard car’s 470 bhp / 350 kW / 477 PS), graphite tailpipes, 19” ten-spoke gloss black alloys and black grilles.

The DB9 Morning Frost, Carbon Black and Quantum Silver will all have Touchtronic II transmission fitted as standard. They are available to order now, although curiously pricing has yet to be revealed.

Speed camera openness

The UK government’s Department for Transport has announced proposals that could see information being published about the country’s numerous speed cameras.



Under the plan, statistics released might include accident rates at camera sites, recorded vehicle speeds and the number of offenders prosecuted or alternatively offered speed awareness courses.

Road Safety Minister, Mike Penning, said, “Public bodies should be accountable and if taxpayers' money is being spent on speed cameras then it is right that information about their effectiveness is available to the public.



“The proposals I have announced today will help show what impact cameras are having on accident and casualty rates and also how the police are dealing with offenders. This is in line with our commitment to improve transparency of government data so that the public are able to make more informed judgements about the work of local and central government.”



At least the government is now referring to them as ‘speed cameras’, instead of the disingenuous ‘safety cameras’.



While this spirit of glasnost is to be welcomed, such data on its own may be pretty much useless. The number of accidents (and injuries sustained) that occurred before a speed camera was installed would have to be known too, otherwise it’s impossible to judge whether the camera is effective or not. Even then, the actual causes of crashes at the site would also have to be disclosed to see how many were actually speed-related.



One important thing that the proposals seem to ignore is what then happens with the results? Will a camera be removed if it can be demonstrated that it plays no role in road safety? Will a particular speed limit be raised to a more appropriate level if it’s found that there are minimal speed-related accidents? If it’s just business as usual, and nothing is done, then publishing the data in the first place seems rather pointless.



The Department for Transport will be consulting with the Highways Agency, police forces and local authorities to decide exactly what will be revealed. It’s intended that data will be made available to the public from April 2011.

Journey becomes a Fiat

Dodge will stop offering its Journey in Europe, choosing instead to market the vehicle as the Fiat Freemont on this side of the Atlantic.

Such a move comes as no surprise. Indeed, when Fiat Group Automobile unveiled its 2010-2014 Business Plan earlier this year, it was made clear that for Dodge ‘outside of the US, only models consistent with the strong American image of the brand, such as the Challenger, Charger and Viper, will be distributed. In addition, some products will be gradually integrated with the Fiat brand in Europe…’



The good news for potential Freemont customers is that Dodge gave the Journey an extensive overhaul for the 2011 model year. Changes included retuning the suspension for improved ride and handling, recalibrating the steering for more feel and increasing the soundproofing for more refinement.

Interior quality - arguably a factor that has prevented recent Chrysler Group products from performing better in Europe - received attention too, and Dodge is now claiming ‘world-class levels of craftsmanship and comfort’ for the Journey. If true, that should help the Freemont succeed in an extremely competitive market sector.



North American buyers can currently specify either a 173 bhp (129 kW / 175 PS) 2.4 litre I4 or 283 bhp (211 kW / 286 PS) 3.6 litre V6 Pentastar engine for their Journey, both of which are petrol-powered. It’s unclear whether these will also make it into the Freemont, but a 168 bhp (125 kW / 170 PS) 2.0 litre diesel engine from Fiat is a certainty. To help extend the Freemont’s appeal, expect all-wheel drive to be offered as an option, as it is for the Journey.



The Freemont, which will be built alongside the Dodge Journey in Toluca, Mexico, replaces the ancient and slow-selling Ulysse MPV. Originally introduced back in 2002, the Ulysse shares its underpinnings with the Lancia Phedra, Citroën C8 and Peugeot 807.



Sales of the Fiat Freemont are due to begin in June 2011, following a debut at next March’s Geneva International Motorshow.



Related posts:

Fiat Freemont unveiled

No UK return for Lancia

Discovery 4 Armoured

Land Rover has unveiled the Discovery 4 Armoured. Visually, there’s not much to give away the different specification, but there are extensive modifications to help safeguard the vehicle’s occupants.



Ballistic steel armour is fitted which provides protection to European standard BS EN1522 level FB6. Similarly, the replacement glass complies with BS EN 1063 level BR6. The Discovery 4 Armoured is capable of withstanding the blast from 15kg of TNT (or equivalent explosive) when detonated close to the vehicle, while under-floor protection is sufficient to defend against two DM51 hand grenades. Consequently, the entire vehicle has been independently certified to B6 standards.

Unsurprisingly, the trade-off is a weight penalty. Whereas the standard car tips the scales at 2,583 kg, the Armoured version is a decidedly bulky 3,550 kg.



To compensate, the usual 3.0 litre diesel is ditched in favour of a 5.0 litre V8 direct injection petrol engine. Connected to a six-speed automatic transmission, its 369 bhp (276 kW / 375 PS) and 510 Nm (376 lb/ft) of torque are sufficient to propel the Land Rover from 0-100 km/h (62 mph) in a brisk 10.6 seconds. No fuel consumption figures have been released, but they’re unlikely to be great.



The chassis has been beefed up, too. Modifications include heavy duty wheels with run-flat tyres, uprated air springs, retuned dampers and larger diameter anti-roll bars. To help the Discovery 4 Armoured to stop, 378 mm Alcon disc brakes are fitted front and rear, and they feature aluminium callipers.



Available options include a flag pole mount, covert blue light and siren system, LED headlight flash, intercom, anti-tamper exhaust and an under bonnet fire suppression.



Land Rover will discuss pricing on application, although it is saying that the Discovery 4 Armoured will come with a three-year, 80,000km factory warranty on both the base vehicle and its armour.

330 bhp Golf R by APS

UK tuner APS has announced a series of upgrade packages for the all-wheel drive, 266 bhp (199 kW / 270 PS) Volkswagen Golf R.



Stage One is a fairly simple conversion, as the only modification is an ECU remap. Nevertheless, maximum power is raised to 308 bhp (229 kW / 312 PS), which is a useful increase (although no performance figures have been released). It’s not bad value either, costing £445 including VAT and fitting in APS’s Brackley workshop.

Stage Two adds a Milltek large bore turbo down pipe, high flow sports catalyst and a choice of two Milltek stainless steel sports exhausts. Both exhaust systems feature a switchable electronic valve, 2.75” bore tubing and dual 100 mm ceramic black tailpipes. The difference is that one comes with a resonated cat-back exhaust which is more refined and has EC type approval, while the other is non-resonated and therefore undoubtedly very noisy.



Depending on the exhaust, power is lifted to around 320 - 330 bhp (238 - 246 kW / 324 - 334 PS), but unfortunately APS hasn’t indicated how this affects acceleration, economy or emissions. The Stage Two upgrade is priced at £1,999, which again includes VAT and fitting.



For those who think that 330 bhp just isn’t enough, APS is currently developing a Stage Three package for the Golf R. Thanks to a revised turbo, this promises to deliver 350 bhp (260 kW / 354 PS).



Given the fairly high power increases, improving the chassis components might also be a good idea. APS can oblige here, too, and its range includes 18” or 19” Sportec Mono 10 alloy wheels with Toyo tyres, uprated suspension bushes, sports lowering springs, KW adjustable coil over suspension, Brembo GT brakes and a three-way adjustable Haldex Gen4 all-wheel drive controller.

McLaren MP4-12C GT3

McLaren has announced plans to take its MP4-12C racing.

The MP4-12C GT3, which will compete against cars such as the BMW Z4 GT3, Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT3 and the ubiquitous Porsche 997 GT3 Cup S, is being built primarily for privateer entrants in Europe.



McLaren has been working in collaboration with Leicestershire-based CRS Racing who will build, sell and provide support to owners. The plan is for a small production run of cars for the 2012 European FIA GT3 Series, although before that there will be a limited race programme during 2011 as part of the development process.



Related post:

Spec a McLaren MP4-12C

Nine electric cars get grant

The UK’s Department for Transport has announced the first nine models that will be eligible for its Plug-in Car Grant.



Beginning in January 2011, the scheme will see buyers able to claim 25% off the list price (up to a maximum of £5,000) per qualifying vehicle. The government has allocated £43M for the grants up until the end of March 2012, with a review of the programme’s viability beyond that date scheduled for January 2012.



The nine are:

Manufacturer	Model	First UK Deliveries	Price
Mitsubishi	i-MiEV	January 2011	£23,990 including grant
smart	fortwo electric drive	January 2011	TBC. Available to lease in limited volumes from January 2011 ahead of full series production starting in 2012
Peugeot	iOn	January 2011	Only available via four year lease at £415 plus VAT per month
Nissan	Leaf	March 2011	£23,990 including grant
Tata	Vista EV	March 2011	TBC
Citroën	CZero	Early 2011	Only available via four year lease at £415 plus VAT per month
Vauxhall	Ampera	Early 2012	£28,995 including grant
Toyota	Prius Plug-in Hybrid	Early 2012	TBC. Currently only available to lease in limited volumes
Chevrolet	Volt	Early 2012	TBC

smart fortwo electric drive

Although it looks like there’ll be plenty for customers to choose from, the choice isn’t as wide as it first appears. The Peugeot and Citroën are essentially re-badged versions of the Mitsubishi, while the Ampera shares its underpinnings with the Volt.

Peugeot iOn

Business Minister Mark Prisk said: “Today’s news that motorists will be able to choose from at least nine cars under the consumer incentive scheme… will further reinforce the message that the UK is Europe’s leading producer of ultra low carbon vehicles."



Unfortunately the last part of that particular statement shouldn’t be taken at face value just yet. The only model on the list that is definitely confirmed for UK production is the Nissan Leaf. However, domestic manufacturing will only start in 2013, with cars being imported from Japan until then.



Meanwhile, GM Europe has yet to decide whether the Vauxhall Ampera will be built at Ellesmere Port in England, but it has confirmed that the Ampera’s UK price will be £28,995 after the Plug-in car Grant has been applied.

Vauxhall Ampera

A surprising inclusion is the Tata Vista EV, mainly because it’s an unknown quantity in the UK. Apparently it has been developed from the Indica Vista, the previous version of which was the basis for the almost universally unloved and derided CityRover.

Tata Indica Vista

Tata Motors European Technical Centre in Warwick has been involved in the project, and the rumour is that the Vista EV may be built in the UK. A location has yet to be disclosed so, unless there has been a lot of work going on behind the scenes, an on-sale date of March 2011 seems very optimistic unless the initial cars are going to be imported from India. And then there’s the slight issue of not having a dealer network to sell through. Maybe Tata will use the showrooms of its Jaguar and Land Rover subsidiaries?



Related posts:

Leaf is Car of the Year

US to get wider i-MiEV

SMMT Electric Car Guide

Mitsubishi i-MiEV costs

UK i-MiEV prices slashed

Electric car grants saved

PSA goes electric

The future’s electric

Revised Vauxhall VXR8

UK buyers will once again be able to get their hands on the Vauxhall VXR8. Available from next March, this latest version is based on the just-launched E Series 3 GTS model from Holden’s HSV division.

Power comes from GM’s 6.2 litre LS3 V8, which also sees service in the Chevrolet Camaro SS and Corvette LT. In the VXR8, it’s rated at 425 bhp (316 kW / 431 PS) with 550 Nm (405 lb/ft) of torque, which is enough to propel the Vauxhall from 0-60 mph (96 km/h) in 4.9 seconds. Top speed is limited to 155 mph (250 km/h).



Drive is to the rear wheels, although customers can choose whether this goes through a six-speed manual or automatic transmission. A mechanical limited slip differential features as standard.

The VXR8 also comes with some trick chassis technology. Magnetic Ride Control has been borrowed from the Corvette ZR1, and it allows for continuously adjustable suspension via magnetic particles in the dampers. Launch Control meanwhile does pretty much as the name suggests. Engaged when the Electronic Stability Control’s Competition Mode is selected, it governs how much torque is delivered to the rear wheels for maximum traction when accelerating away from standstill.



Inside the cabin, the 2011 VXR8 is equipped with leather-trimmed HSV performance seats, which have eight-way electric adjustment. Those of an enthusiastic nature can monitor their progress via the Enhanced Driver Interface. This displays things like G-force, how much the car is drifting and lap times on the dashboard’s five-inch screen. The data can then be downloaded later to let the driver bore their friends with endless analysis and bragging. Handy for track days, though.

Only six dealers have been chosen to sell the VXR8 in the UK, although a further 28 have been authorised to service it. The on the road price, including VAT at 20%, has been set at £49,500 and orders can be placed from later this month.



That’s certainly a lot for a Vauxhall, and it’ll doubtless put some badge snobs off. But that would be missing the point. Similarly-sized V8 sports saloons from the premium manufacturers are much more expensive, with the Jaguar XFR and Mercedes-Benz E 63 AMG Saloon costing £62,600 and £71,900 respectively. The smaller BMW M3 Saloon is currently listed at £51,805, and it's probably more of a natural competitor to the VXR8 on price and performance, if not on size.

BMW ‘M1’ here at last

BMW’s M division has, following a strung-out teaser campaign, finally revealed its take on the 1 Series.

The result should logically wear an M1 badge, but that was never really going to happen. BMW, it seems, doesn’t want people getting confused with the similarly-named mid-engine car of three decades ago.



Something like M135i might have been chosen instead, as it conforms to the traditions of BMW nomenclature. However, that too was rejected for reasons unknown. So the new arrival has been lumbered with the lengthy title of BMW 1 Series M Coupé, which isn’t exactly snappy but at least it’s descriptive.

Under the bonnet sits the three-litre six-cylinder engine out of the Z4 sDrive35is (another model that has fallen victim to BMW’s odd naming conventions), connected to a six-speed manual transmission. While some purists might moan that an M car should have a bespoke engine, the stats indicate that it’s a good enough match for the 1 Series Coupé.



Thanks to twin turbochargers, it produces 335 bhp (250 kW / 340 PS) while maximum torque is 450 Nm - although this can be increased to 500 Nm via an overboost function. As a result, the 1 Series M Coupé will accelerate from 0-62 mph (100 km/h) in just 4.9 seconds, before going onto a limited 155 mph (250 km/h). By comparison, the 135i M Sport takes an extra 0.4 of a second to reach 62 mph, but it has the same top speed as the full-bore M car.



Combined cycle fuel consumption is not too bad at 29.4 mpg (9.6 l/100km) and CO2 emissions are 224 g/km, which lets the 1 Series M Coupé just sneak into Band K for UK road tax purposes. That’s just as well, because another 2 g/km would have put it into Band L resulting in an annual fee of £425, instead of the £245 of the band below.

Chassis enhancements include a variable M differential lock, which is said to redirect torque between the rear wheels within a fraction of a second. The braking system has also been upgraded, with 360 mm and 350 mm discs at the front and rear respectively.



Naturally, BMW’s Dynamic Stability Control system is fitted as standard, but the 1 Series M Coupé additionally comes with an M Dynamic Mode. This delays the intervention of the DSC and even allows the driver to enjoy some oversteer.



Visually the 1 Series M Coupé is distinguished from lesser models by  redesigned front and rear aprons, wider wheel arches, a boot spoiler and 19” Y-spoke alloy wheels. Colour choice is limited to Alpine White, Sapphire Black or the exclusive Valencia Orange, while the only upholstery option is black leather with orange stitching.



The UK price for the 1 Series M Coupé is confirmed at £39,990 on the road. There aren’t too many direct competitors, but the Audi TT RS Coupé is an obvious rival. It has exactly the same power as the BMW, although its quattro all-wheel drive means it’s 0.3 of a second quicker to 62 mph. However, at £45,810, the TT RS is considerably more expensive.



Related posts:

BMW M1 confirmed

Audi TT RS heads for US

Audi unveils R18 race car

Audi has revealed the car it hopes will add to the marque’s tally of Le Mans 24 Hours wins.



The new R18 TDI will, like its R15 TDI predecessor, compete in the LMP1 class and it does run on diesel. But there are a couple of significant differences compared to the old car.

Firstly, the R18 is a closed coupé. This change in configuration has come about because Audi believes that, compared to an open-cockpit car, benefits from improved aerodynamics will outweigh any time lost through slower driver change-overs.

Secondly, the 5.5 litre V10 engine of the R15 has been dropped in favour of a 3.7 litre V6, which is coupled to a specially modified six-speed transmission. Such a radical down-sizing is due to revised regulations that are being introduced for the 2011 season. Their purpose is to erode the recent dominance of diesel-powered cars at Le Mans, with the last petrol car to take overall victory in the French 24 hours race being an Audi R8 back in 2005.

Although the R18 completed its first test runs last month, a competition debut is not scheduled until next May’s Spa-Francorchamps 6 Hours. The Belgian event is the second round of the expanded-for-2011 Intercontinental Le Mans Cup, which will comprise seven races including the Le Mans 24 Hours for the first time.



Audi Sport Team Joest will be contending all rounds of the ILMC, although for the series-opener at Sebring in March it will be using a pair of R15 ‘plus plus’ cars.

Intercontinental Le Mans Cup 2011
Round	Event	Country	Date
1	Sebring 12 Hours	USA	19th March
2	Spa-Francorchamps 6 Hours	Belgium	8th May
3	Le Mans 24 Hours	France	11th - 12th June
4	Imola 6 Hours	Italy	3rd July
5	Silverstone 6 Hours	UK	11th September
6	Petit Le Mans (Road Atlanta)	USA	1st October
7	(Circuit TBC) 6 Hours	China	12th November

Tiguan has best residuals

Glass’s, publisher of the eponymous used car values guide, has revealed which three-year old models have best held their values in the UK market.



The study looked at ‘57’ plate cars (i.e. first registered between 1 September 2007 and 29 February 2008), which had covered 37,000 miles (59,545 kilometres). The results were ranked by residual value as a percentage of original list price, although low volume models and exotica were excluded.



Given the tough economic climate, it might be expected that used buyers would be flocking towards cheaper, more economical vehicles, so driving up their residual value percentages. Surprisingly, though, seven of the top ten are 4x4s or SUVs, with top spot taken by the Volkswagen Tiguan SE 4Motion.

Glass’s Top Ten Residuals 2010
Position	Model	Residual %	Average Yearly Depreciation
1	Volkswagen Tiguan (168 bhp) SE 4Motion	68.0%	£2,394
2	MINI 1.6 Cooper Hatch	65.9%	£1,462
3	Honda CR-V 2.2 CTDi (138 bhp) SE	64.3%	£2,356
4=	Land Rover Freelander 2 GS Td4 auto	63.8%	£2,965
4=	Audi Q7 3.0TDI (237 bhp) Quattro S Line tiptronic	63.8%	£4,962
6	Land Rover Discovery 3 2.7TD (190 bhp)	63.7%	£3,720
7	Audi TT Coupé 2.0T FSI (197 bhp)	63.6%	£3,123
8	Nissan Qashqai 1.6 (113 bhp) 2WD Visia	63.3%	£1,628
9	Land Rover Range Rover Sport 2.7TD (187 bhp) S auto	62.5%	£4,425
10	Audi A5 2.7TDI (187 bhp) Sport Coupé S tronic	62.2%	£4,123

Two Lotus teams in F1?

The 2011 Formula 1 season could see the bizarre sight of two Lotus-branded teams on the grid.



Group Lotus - the Proton-owned manufacturer of Lotus road cars - has just bought a stake in the former Renault F1 Team, also becoming title sponsor in the process. The move coincides with Renault selling its share in the outfit, although the French firm will continue to supply engines to the newly renamed Lotus Renault GP Team.

Lotus Renault GP Team - 2011 Livery

A black and gold livery has been revealed too, which harks back to the cigarette-sponsored Lotus F1 cars of the 1970s and 1980s. It might look striking, but why the team would want to give free subliminal advertising to a tobacco company is anyone’s guess.



Confusingly Lotus Racing, which competed for the first time during 2010 but is nothing to do with Group Lotus, has already announced a couple of significant changes for next season: not only will it be switching from Cosworth to Renault power, but it will also be painting its cars black and gold. What a coincidence.



To make matters even more complicated Lotus Racing has, according to the official FIA 2011 Formula 1 entry list, now rebranded itself as Team Lotus and intends to race under the Lotus Renault name.



However, Group Lotus is claiming that Lotus Racing / Team Lotus / Lotus Renault (take your pick) was only using the Lotus moniker under licence this year, but that licence has now been revoked.



Consequently Team Lotus and Group Lotus are now involved in an escalating battle for the right to continue using the name. But with neither side looking likely to back down, the dispute will probably end up being resolved by the UK High Court sometime in the new year.

A.R.T. G streetline Sterling

Tasteless, nasty, tacky: all words that could be used to describe the horror that is the A.R.T. G streetline Sterling.

The vehicle that this conversion is based on, the Mercedes-Benz G-Wagen (or G-Class, as it’s now known) was never going to win any beauty contests, but at least its utilitarian looks have a certain rugged elegance. And in standard form it can boast excellent off-road ability, something that is largely lost when you fit 22” alloy wheels, low-profile road tyres and a daft body kit.



A.R.T. has used the G 400 CDI as a starting point for the Sterling, which is odd because that particular model seems to have disappeared from the Mercedes-Benz price list, replaced in most markets by the G 350 BlueTEC.



Anyway, power output of the G 400’s V8 diesel has been lifted from 246 bhp (184 kW / 250 PS) to 288 bhp (214 kW / 292 PS). That increase is thanks to a reprogrammed engine ECU and the fitment of a comedy exhaust system which features six (yes, six) side-exiting stainless steel tail pipes. Very Max Power.

The interior doesn’t escape unscathed, either. Just about every surface is covered in either green or grey nappa leather or carbon fibre trim, all of which is supposed to ‘bewitch the senses’. An altered rear seat arrangement means the Sterling is strictly a four-seater, but at least those sitting in the back get their own DVD player and a centre console that holds a couple of glasses. No fridge to chill the drinks, though.