Mansory Cormeum

German tuner Mansory has comprehensively reworked the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG. The result is the Cormeum, named after an opera aria.

Changes to the bodywork go well beyond just sticking a body kit on. The front end, which has been totally redesigned to reduce lift, now sports aggressive air intakes and new headlights. Lighter roof and door panels are fitted, while replacement wings widen the car by 66 mm at the front and 84 mm at the rear. Around the back, a race-spec diffuser is there purely for more down force, as is the boot lid spoiler.



Combined with the forged alloy wheels - 20” diameter at the front and 21” for the rears - the alterations knock 90 kg off the weight of the donor SLS AMG.



To go with the reduced bulk is more power. The V8 engine in the Cormeum boasts 650 bhp (485 kW / 660 PS), compared to the standard car’s 563 bhp (420 kW / 571 PS). However, if that’s still not enough, Mansory is saying that outputs of up to 790 bhp (588 kW / 800 PS) are in development.



Any carbon fibre enthusiasts thinking of buying a Mansory Cormeum had better be quick, as production will be limited to just fifteen examples.



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Novitec Rosso 599 GTO

Arguably, the last thing that the Ferrari 599 GTO needs is more power.



That hasn’t stopped tuner Novitec Rosso though, which has lifted the GTO’s outputs from 660 bhp (493 kW / 670 PS) and 620 Nm (457 lb/ft) of torque to 875 bhp (653 kW / 888 PS) and 862 Nm (635 lb/ft).

Those are enormous increases, achieved by reworking the twin superchargers, fitting high-flow air filters and fuel injectors, replacing the exhaust system and fiddling with the engine’s ECU.



The end result is, well, rather underwhelming. Whereas the standard GTO will accelerate from zero to 62 mph (100 km/h) in just 3.35 seconds and to 124 mph (200 km/h) in 9.8 seconds, the Novitec version does each sprint in 3.2 and 9.1 seconds respectively. Improvements that hardly embarrass the stock car, then.



Top speed also gets a similarly slight increase, rising from ‘over’ 208 mph (335 km/h) to ‘more than’ 211 mph (340 km/h).

Completing the conversion are lower sports springs, a front axle lift function to help negotiate speed humps, lightweight five-spoke alloys and wider Pirelli PZero tyres.



Perhaps the nicest thing about the Novitec Rosso 599 GTO is the colour scheme. Inspired by the Écurie Nationale Belge 250 GTO that won the 1964 Tour de France in the hands of Lucien Bianchi and Georges Berger, it features silver paintwork with a distinctive Belgian racing yellow stripe across the bonnet.

Kangoo Van Maxi Z.E.

An inescapable issue for electric vehicles is battery cost. Not only can it have a considerable impact on the initial purchase price, but there’s also the financially unpleasant prospect of eventual replacement.



Government-backed schemes such as the UK’s Plug-in Car Grant can help with the former problem, but what if a manufacturer is trying to market an electric van, which currently isn’t eligible for such a helping hand?



Renault’s solution for its electric Kangoo Van Z.E. - as with its entire EV line-up - is that owners can buy or lease the vehicle itself, but the batteries will have to be rented.



In the UK, that means a monthly battery fee of at least £59 (plus VAT), based on 9,000 miles per annum and a 48 month commitment. Adding on maintenance plus the electricity needed to recharge the batteries, Renault reckons that overall running costs will be similar to those of a petrol or diesel equivalent if less than 9,375 miles (about 15,000 kilometres) are driven each year. Travel more than that, and it’s advantage electric.



When sales of the Kangoo Van Z.E. begin at the end of 2011, both standard and extended wheelbase Maxi versions will be available. What’s more, with an overall length of 4.60 metres, the Maxi is going to be offered in two guises.

First is a traditional two-seat van, which has 4.6 cubic metres of cargo space and a maximum load length of 2.90 metres. Alternatively, users could choose a five-seat version that comes with a 60/40 folding rear bench seat.



The Kangoo has a 59 bhp (44 kW / 60 PS) motor that’s powered by an under-floor 22 kWh battery. However, with an expected range of 105 miles (around 170 kilometres) and a recharging time of six to eight hours, operations are clearly going to be restricted to short, local journeys.



UK pricing for the Kangoo Van Maxi Z.E. has been set at £17,990 (plus VAT) for the two-seat version, or £18,690 (plus VAT) for the crew van version.



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Cruze Hatchback first view

Following the unveiling of the Cruze Hatchback ‘show car’ in Paris last September, Chevrolet has released the first images of the production version that’ll be at Geneva next week.

Apart from some elements that gave the concept a bit more pizzazz - such as the lights and large wheels - not a lot has changed.



Adding a hatch to the existing saloon is bound to extend the Cruze’s appeal, especially in Europe. However, one potential snag for GM could be that the Chevrolet cannibalises sales from its slightly more upmarket cousin, the very, very similar Vauxhall / Opel Astra.



Sales of the Chevrolet Cruze Hatchback are set to start this summer. Prices and specifications have yet to be confirmed, but a fresh line-up of engines is promised, including a 160 bhp (120 kW / 163 PS) diesel.



The new model is also going to be built in Australia, where it’ll be marketed as the Holden Cruze.



Images © GM Corp.



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K 1600 GT and GTL prices

BMW Motorrad has announced UK prices and specifications for its six-cylinder K 1600 GT and GTL super-tourers, ahead of their showroom launch on 19 March.

The recommended retail prices are shown for each of the four available versions. These include VAT and delivery, but dealer on-the-road charges will be extra.





K 1600 GT - £14,950



Standard specification:

· ABS

· Self-levelling Xenon headlight

· LED indicators and brake light

· Heated grips

· Heated seats

· Optional low seat

· E-Gas with three engine power modes

· Cruise control

· 5.7” high quality LCD dashboard display

· Electronically adjustable screen

· Colour-matched panniers

· Centre stand





K 1600 GT SE - £15,765



Standard specification, in addition to K 1600 GT:

· Adaptive Headlight

· Tyre Pressure Control

· Dynamic Traction Control





K 1600 GTL - £16,515



Standard specification, in addition to K 1600 GT:

· Integrated audio system

· Comfort windshield

· Colour coded top box

· Comfort footrests

· Chrome body kit





BMW K 1600 GTL E - £17,315



Standard specification, in addition to K 1600 GTL:

· Adaptive Headlight

· Tyre Pressure Control

· Dynamic Traction Control





The options list shouldn't be too extensive given the already high equipment levels, but it will include a GPS navigation system and Electronic Suspension Adjustment II.

Drawing up a list of direct competitors for the K 1600 - in terms of specs, price, concept or technology - is pretty much impossible.



An obvious candidate would be the six-cylinder Honda Gold Wing but, at £23,125, it costs way more than the BMW.



The £18,395 Harley-Davidson Electra Glide Classic is much closer on price and yes, it is a touring bike. Apart from that though, it’s a very different animal which generally appeals to a totally separate customer base.



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Zafira Tourer Concept

Vauxhall / Opel is to unveil its Zafira Tourer Concept at next month’s Geneva International Motor Show.

Despite the ‘Concept’ tag, it gives a very strong hint of how the third generation Zafira is going to look.



While some styling elements - such as the striking Ampera-inspired front end - will probably make it onto a production version, others stand less chance. That latter category would include the edge-lit, full-length glass roof, although the panoramic windscreen might well end up being an option.

On the inside, there’s the Zafira’s signature Flex7 three-row seating system. A further development for the concept is the ability to convert the cabin into a roomy four seat ‘lounge’ configuration. This is achieved by folding down the centre section of the second row, which is then replaced by two armrests.



The interior design signals a move upmarket for the Zafira, although it’s expected that the caramel leather and deep-pile carpet of the show car will be replaced by more family-friendly trim by the time that sales start.

Images © GM Corp.

Mazda MX-5 Kendo

Mazda has now built over 900,000 examples of its MX-5 / Miata / Eunos Roadster.



Sometimes it feels like a large proportion of those have been special editions, so there are no prizes for guessing how Mazda has decided to mark that production milestone. Yes, it has cobbled together yet another special edition.



This one is called the ‘Kendo Special Edition’, named after the modern Japanese martial art. On sale in the UK from the beginning of March, buyers will be able to choose from either the £19,255 MX-5 1.8i Kendo soft-top or the £22,320 Mazda MX-5 2.0i Kendo roadster coupe.

The formula used is tried and tested: Paint the car a different colour, stick some fancy trim on the seats, add a few options.



In the case of the Kendo - which is based on the current SE models - this means Sparkling Black or Dolphin Grey mica finishes for the bodywork, while the interior gets Stone Leather upholstery.



Also included are unique 17” alloy wheels, cruise control, Bluetooth telephone connectivity and a Bose audio system. Finishing things off are heated seats, brushed aluminium trim, front fog lights, aluminium pedals, floor mats and special badges.



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542 bhp Jaguar XKR-S

Offering a respite from the numerous electric vehicles and hybrids at the Geneva International Motor Show will be the Jaguar XKR-S.

Featuring a reworked supercharged V8 engine, it boasts an output of 542 bhp (404 kW / 550 PS) - exactly the same as Jaguar’s seminal XJ220 supercar from the 1990s.



With a correspondingly healthy 680 Nm (501 lb/ft) of torque, the XKR-S will accelerate from zero to 60 mph (96 km/h) in just 4.2 seconds before going on to a top speed of 186 mph (300 km/h). That makes it the fastest Jaguar road car ever, comfortably outpacing the standard XKR.



To go with the extra performance are tweaked suspension settings, a reprogrammed Adaptive Dynamics system and revised aerodynamics.



A price for the XKR-S has yet to be confirmed but, with the stock XKR costing £77,900 in the UK, expect to have to part with around £90,000. That would make it virtually the same as the slightly slower Aston Martin V8 Vantage.

Volvo V60 diesel hybrid

Given the popularity of oil burners in Europe and their superior fuel economy, it’s surprising that manufacturers have taken so long to develop diesel hybrids.



It looks like it could become a popular powertrain combination, though. Land Rover has already announced that it’ll be presenting the Range_e prototype at the upcoming Geneva International Motor Show, and now Volvo has revealed the V60 Plug-in Hybrid.

Driving the V60’s front wheels is a 2.4 litre five-cylinder turbodiesel engine, producing 212 bhp (158 kW / 215 PS) and 440 Nm (324 lb/ft) of torque. The rears, meanwhile, are separately powered by a 69 bhp (51 kW / 70 PS) electric motor which gets its energy from a 12 kWh lithium-ion battery pack. The only transmission available will be a six-speed automatic.



Developed in conjunction with Swedish energy firm Vattenfall, the V60 Plug-in Hybrid will also be premiered at Geneva, ahead of a market launch that’s scheduled for sometime during 2012.

The headline numbers are an impressive 148.6 mpg (1.9 l/100km) for the combined cycle and CO2 emissions of 49 g/km. Those are achieved when the car is being driven in default ‘Hybrid’ mode, where the engine and motor work together to balance performance against economy.



Switch into ‘Pure’ mode though, and the V60 runs using just the electric motor. Battery range is a fairly respectable 31 miles (50 kilometres), a distance that Volvo points out will cover most daily journeys.

However, for times when environmental considerations take a temporary back seat, ‘Power’ mode can be selected. Harnessing the combined 281 bhp (209 kW / 285 PS) and 640 Nm (472 lb/ft) of torque on offer, the V60 will sprint from zero to 62 mph (100 km/h) in only 6.9 seconds. Undoubtedly both fuel consumption and emissions are going to suffer badly in this configuration, but figures have yet to be published that would quantify the effect.



Recharging when the V60 is plugged into a domestic power socket can take as little as 3 hours with a 230V / 16A supply, although that time is extended to 4.5 hours with 10A or 7.5 hours with 6A currents.

A clever feature is the pre-heating / pre-cooling of the cabin during the recharging process. Operated by a timer that is set via either the dashboard or remotely by mobile phone, it means that once underway minimal battery capacity is used to adjust the interior temperature.



There’s no word on pricing, but Volvo is managing expectations by saying that the cost of the battery pack will make it more expensive than existing V60 models. However, as fuel costs should be reduced by around two thirds compared to those of conventional petrol or diesel cars, the V60 Plug-in Hybrid might still make financial sense.

2012 Honda Gold Wing

A new Gold Wing had been expected, but anyone who was waiting for an all-new bike to challenge the just-released BMW K 1600 GT / GTL is going to be disappointed.



The 2012 Gold Wing, at dealers from May this year, is virtually identical to the model it replaces. Major changes are limited to a partly redesigned fairing with better protection from the elements, slightly larger panniers and revised suspension settings.

Other modifications include an MP3 player interface, clear-coated wheels, a reshaped taillight, urethane seat coverings, updated instruments and an improved satellite navigation system.



Despite Honda’s decision to shift Gold Wing production from Ohio to Japan, the United States will undoubtedly remain an important market. So it’s no surprise that the first public display of the revised version will be at the International Motorcycle Show in Greenville, South Carolina (25 - 27 February 2011), followed by an appearance at the Daytona Bike Week in Daytona Beach, Florida (5 - 12 March 2011).

Pricing for the US has been confirmed at $23,199 to $28,499. Given current exchange rates, UK buyers should therefore have to pay no more than £17,700, right? No, sadly not - the 2011 Gold Wing is currently listed at £23,125, so something similar to that is a more realistic prospect.



The Gold Wing might have an extremely dedicated following, but it seems that the 2012 model is a missed opportunity. Next to the fresh six-cylinder competition from BMW, Honda’s offering is beginning to look overly bulky and old-fashioned.



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Yamaha YZR-M1 livery

Yamaha Factory Racing has unveiled a new colour scheme its MotoGP challenger, the YZR-M1.

The bikes may look smart finished in blue with the signature Yamaha ‘speed block’ motif, but the livery reveals that attempts to find a title sponsor for the 2011 season have failed.



Current World Champion Jorge Lorenzo remains with the team to defend his title, while replacing Valentino Rossi is Ben Spies, who moves up to the works outfit following a year at independents Tech 3.

The 2011 MotoGP championship commences on March 20 with the Grand Prix of Qatar.



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95 g/km petrol Micra

An increasingly common route to low emissions is to use a small capacity, turbocharged diesel engine.



But for the latest version of its Indian-built Micra, Nissan has bucked that trend. The result is the 1.2 litre Direct Injection Gasoline-Supercharger, or DIG-S for short.

A three-cylinder unit, it needs a supercharger because it runs on the Miller Cycle. Unlike a normal four stroke engine, the intake valves on a Miller engine are left open for the initial part of the compression phase, reducing internal power losses and allowing it to run at a higher compression ratio.



The new engine produces 96 bhp (72 kW / 98 PS) and 142 Nm (104 lb/ft) of torque, but its real party piece is efficiency. Combined with a stop / start system and regenerative braking, the Micra Visia with manual transmission will manage 68.9 mpg (4.1 l/100km), while emitting just 95 g/km of CO2.



Even the slightly heavier Acenta version achieves 99 g/km, and so it too will be exempt from both UK road tax and the London Congestion Charge. No acceleration figures have been released, but the DIG-S-equipped Micra can reach a more than adequate top speed of 112 mph (180 km/h).



There isn’t a diesel available for Nissan’s supermini and, judging by those figures, it doesn’t really need one.



Reinforcing that view, Pierre Loing, Vice President Product Strategy and Planning, Nissan International SA, said: “Ultra low emissions with no compromise when it comes to drivability means the Micra DIG-S sets new standards for the current generation of city cars. No other petrol-powered compact hatchback can beat its overall efficiency... and it is more than a match for an equivalent diesel.”



After its debut at the Geneva International Motor Show, sales of the Micra DIG-S are set to begin in the summer. Prices will be confirmed nearer the time.



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Lotus Elise Club Racer

Lotus has introduced a slightly lighter, slightly cheaper version of its Elise.



Aimed directly at track day enthusiasts, the Elise Club Racer sheds 24 kg (52 lbs) thanks mainly to the loss of sound insulation and the fitment of a special motorsport-derived battery. Tipping the scales at 852 kg (1,878 lb), it certainly follows the traditional Lotus ethos of minimising weight to maximise performance.

The Club Racer is based on the 134 bhp (100 kW / 136 PS) 1.6 Elise, meaning it enjoys CO2 emissions of just 149 g/km. In line with its circuit-orientated role, changes to the chassis include retuned suspension settings and an adjustable front anti-roll bar.



Additionally, the Dynamic Performance Management system - which, among other things, controls the electronic differential, cornering brake control and traction control - comes with a Sport setting, and it can also be turned off completely.



Lotus has priced the Elise Club Racer at £27,500 in the UK and €34,450 in the Eurozone (depending on local taxes). Buyers will be able to choose from Matt Black, Sky Blue, Carbon Grey, Ardent Red, Aspen White or Saffron Yellow paint finishes.



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Jaguar Bertone B99

Bertone has unveiled the B99 concept, its take on what a future small Jaguar should look like.

Measuring 4.6 metres long - about the same as a BMW 3 Series or Mercedes-Benz C-Class - it’s an extremely elegant design that mimics the glasshouse and overall proportions of previous generation XJ saloons.



And that’s the problem, because Jaguar styling has moved on over the past five years.



The XF and current XJ demonstrate a conscious effort to break away from the constraints of a retro design language. That makes it hard to see the regressive B99 sitting comfortably within today’s range.



It’s also questionable whether certain features, such as the low roofline, clamshell doors and pillarless construction, would actually be carried over onto a production version. Take those away, and the danger is that Jaguar would end up with another X-Type. Not necessarily a bad car, but not the best-looking Jaguar ever, either.

New Husqvarna SMR511

BMW subsidiary Husqvarna has unveiled its SMR511 supermoto.



Despite the name, power actually comes from a 478 cc single-cylinder engine connected to a six-speed transmission. A four-stroke unit, it features twin cams, four valves and Keihin digital fuel injection.

The suspension set up includes a rear Sachs damper which is adjustable for pre-load, rebound and compression and gives 290 mm of travel. Up front is a pair of 50 mm Marzocchi upside-down forks, offering 250 mm of travel. Braking is taken care of by Brembo floating discs.



In the UK the SMR511 will cost £7,299, excluding first registration fee and road tax. It’s due in dealers this month.

BTCC-inspired Civic Ti

A major appeal of touring car racing is that the machinery used is similar - at least in looks - to the models that the public can buy from their local showroom.



Honda has decided to capitalise on this association by launching the limited edition Civic Ti. Unashamedly inspired by its own British Touring Car Championship contender, the Ti is based on the five-door 1.4 i-VTEC SE and 1.8 i-VTEC SE. Production will be restricted to just 500 examples.

A marketeer’s dream, the Ti builds on relationships already forged by the Honda Racing Team. For starters, the 17” wheels are supplied by Team Dynamics, and their dark finish undoubtedly looks good against the Premium White Pearl paintwork - the only colour choice available for the Ti.



There’s also a navigation system from Pioneer which, conveniently, is the company that has just been announced as title sponsor for Honda’s 2011 BTCC campaign. Featuring a 3D graphical touch screen, the Pioneer hardware includes mapping for 44 countries, incorporates a hands-free phone system and supports playback for CDs, DVDs and USB devices.



The package is completed by a fairly subtle ‘GP’ body kit.



According to Honda, all of that extra specification adds up to £3,700, but the good news is that the cost hasn’t been reflected in the Ti’s pricing.



In fact, the on the road prices for the Ti variants are over £300 less than their equivalent SE models. That makes the £15,995 1.4 i-VTEC Ti and £16,995 1.8 i-VTEC Ti rather a bargain. Both will go on sale in March.



Meanwhile, Honda Racing has made its intentions for the imminent BTCC season very clear, stating that the target is to win the Drivers’, Teams’ and Manufacturers’ titles.

Team Dynamics will again be running the cars, although a big difference for 2011 is that they are going to be powered by NGTC-spec turbocharged engines. Matt Neal and Gordon Shedden continue as Honda’s works drivers.