Defender DC100 concept

The current Land Rover Defender is due to be phased out by 2015, and replacing it will be “one of the biggest challenges in the automotive design world” according to the company’s Director of Design, Gerry McGovern. It’s a sentiment that’s hard to disagree with.



Starting off the process is the DC100 concept, which will be unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show. Very much a first attempt, Land Rover is keen to gauge feedback to ensure the right type of vehicle is going to be developed.

That approach is summed up by Global Brand Director John Edwards, who said: “Loved the world over for its simple, honest and distinctive design, we are determined that the new Defender will be true to its heritage, while meeting the requirements of a changing global market.



“We plan to engage with existing and potential customers to help us finalise the details of the new vehicle. One thing's for sure, it's going to be an exciting journey, and we can't wait to get going.”

Judging by the images, the DC100 certainly looks promising. Land Rover has avoided the retro trap, while keeping some trademark Defender styling cues like the roofline, large single headlights and rear-mounted spare wheel.



Appearance is only part of the story, though. For a utility product like the Defender form definitely has to follow function, because that ultimately is what users will assess it on.



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Alfa Romeo 4C turns silver

The Alfa Romeo 4C Concept created quite a buzz when it was first unveiled at March’s Geneva International Motor Show.



Now the mid-engine two-seater is due to make an appearance at the Frankfurt Motor Show, but with one obvious difference: the original matte red paintwork has been swapped for a metallic silver finish called ‘Fluid Metal’.

Technically the 4C Concept is unchanged, which means over 197 bhp (147 kW / 200 PS) from a 1,750 cc four-cylinder turbocharged engine that’s connected to Alfa’s TCT twin dry-clutch transmission.



With a kerb weight in the region of just 850 kg (1,870 lbs), 0-62 mph (100 km/h) is expected to take less than five seconds, while the top speed should be in excess of 155 mph (250 km/h).

The bad news is that the launch date for the 4C Concept seems to have slipped slightly. Initially, sales were due to begin towards the end of this year, but Alfa Romeo is now saying it will be ‘during 2013’.



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Infiniti FX Vettel concept

Infiniti has released the first image of an FX-based concept that will be unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show.



Reputedly developed with design input from Formula One driver Sebastian Vettel, it would be a shock if the special FX didn’t become a limited edition production model. After all, such a marketing tie-in with the current F1 world champion is probably too tempting for any manufacturer to resist.

Visual differences from the standard version include a unique grille design, a prominent rear spoiler and a carbon fibre front wing with accompanying LED running lights. To give a sportier profile the usual roof rails are absent, the sills are black and large charcoal alloy wheels are fitted.



It’s expected that the interior will also get a makeover, with the highlight rumoured to be an F1-inspired steering wheel with plenty of buttons and switches.



Technical specifications have yet to be revealed. However, a likely power source is the 5.0 litre V8 petrol engine found in the range-topping FX50. It ordinarily develops 384 bhp (287 kW / 390 PS) and 500 Nm (368 lb/ft) of peak torque but, in line with its performance image, those figures might be increased for the Vettel concept.

Fiat Doblò Work Up

Fiat has introduced the Fiat Doblò Work Up. It’s a unique addition to the UK light commercial vehicle market, because the Work Up is a small van-derived drop-side truck.



In place of the usual van bodywork is a 2.30 m (7’ 6”) by 1.82 m (5’ 11”) cargo box that can carry payloads of up to 1,000 kg (2,204 lbs). Constructed from aluminium alloy sides with an anti-slip wooden floor, it conceals a secure storage compartment beneath and comes complete with a ladder rack, restraining hooks and a protective grille over the cab’s rear window.

Two Euro 5 compliant MultiJet turbodiesel engines are available, both of which feature a particulate filter and start-stop system.



Likely to be the more popular is a 1.3 litre unit that develops 88 bhp (66 kW / 90 PS) and achieves 55.4 mpg (5.1 l/100km) on the combined cycle. CO2 emissions are a low 133 g/km, and prices start at £16,065.



The alternative for those wanting a bit more power is a 103 bhp (77 kW / 105 PS) 1.6 litre motor, which costs an extra £1,000. Despite the larger capacity, it still achieves a very reasonable 49.6 mpg (5.7 l/100km) while producing 150 g/km of CO2. 



It’s expected that the Doblò Work Up will be very much a niche product, although Fiat reckons it should be particularly suited to users in the maintenance, construction and agriculture sectors.



Francesco Russiello, Marketing Product Manager for Fiat Professional, said: “The new Doblò Work Up is the latest evolution of a model designed to be top of its class in terms of performance and functional characteristics, its capability and ease of loading.



“Its low running costs, low fuel consumption with reduced operating costs, and equipment levels all combine with safety and comfort, to make this a commercial vehicle well worth consideration.”



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Honda teases new Civic

Honda is continuing its teaser campaign for the all-new 2012 Civic, ahead of an unveiling at September’s Frankfurt Motor Show.



The latest area to be highlighted is refinement, and Honda is promising to match the in-cabin noise levels of its European competitors. Comfort levels and build quality are also claimed to be much improved over the outgoing Civic.

Certainly expectations for the new car are high, as Honda has already stated that it will have ‘class-leading space for passengers and luggage’ and ‘stand-out looks’.



Although full technical details have yet to be released, it has been revealed that an improved 2.2 litre diesel will be available. Dubbed i-DTEC, it produces 147 bhp (110 kW / 150 PS) and 350 Nm (258 lb/ft) of torque while emitting 110 g/km of CO2.



That compares to the 139 g/km of the i-CTDi engine used in the current Civic, and the big reduction is due to better aerodynamics, less internal friction and the fitment of a stop-start system.

Like its predecessor, European versions of the ninth-generation Honda Civic will be built at Swindon in the UK.

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V12 Zagato at Frankfurt

The new Aston Martin V12 Zagato is to make its motor show debut at next month’s Frankfurt event.



Two examples are going to be on display. The first, nicknamed Zig by the development team, is still in full endurance spec as per its recent outing at the Nürburgring 24 hour race.

The second, unsurprisingly called Zag, is the car that was first exhibited at the Villa D'Este Concours back in May. Since then, it too was converted to compete at the Nürburgring, but for Frankfurt the aerodynamic race package has been removed to give a better impression of what the road-going car will look like. The interior, however, retains its competition configuration.



Aston Martin has now decided that the build volume for the V12 Zagato will be ‘up to’ 150, thereby guaranteeing exclusivity. Assembly is due to take place during summer 2012.



As already confirmed, the V12 Zagato will cost £330,000 excluding local taxes.



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Mia Microbus UK debut

Little-known manufacturer Mia Electric will be bringing its Microbus electric vehicle range to the UK for the first time next month. The occasion is the EcoVelocity motor show, which takes place at Battersea Power Station from 8th to 11th September.



The company is majority German-owned but has its production facility in Cerizay, France. Mia Electric sees the UK as a priority along with its two home markets, and it’s aiming for a build rate of 14,000 units per year by the end of 2012.

At least there won’t be any need to convert the Microbus to right-hand drive, because it has a central driving position. Three versions are available: a standard three-seat short wheelbase model, the longer four-seat ‘L’ and a van which has a 1,500 litre cargo capacity.



Remarkably, the Microbus weighs just 750 kg (1,653 lbs), with the longer models tipping the scales at 759 kg (1,673 lbs). Such lightness means that the top speed of 68 mph (110 km/h) can be achieved using a fairly puny 24 bhp (18 kW / 24 PS) electric motor. With its 12 kWh lithium ion phosphate battery pack, expected range is 75 to 80 miles (120 to 130 km).



Recharging from flat takes five hours, but the design of the battery also means that it can take short top-ups without any adverse long-term consequences.

UK prices for the Microbus will start from £27,000, although Mia Electric is saying that it will qualify for the government’s Plug-in Car Grant, which would reduce the cost by £5,000.



For the moment, however, the model isn’t included on the Department for Transport’s eligibility list, so that issue would definitely be worth checking before placing an order. Certainly the van version won’t be entitled to any grant, as commercial vehicles are specifically excluded from the scheme.



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Malibu coming to Europe

The all-new Chevrolet Malibu will make its first European appearance at next month’s Frankfurt Motor Show, after which sales are due to begin in 2012.



It’ll be the first time the D-segment saloon has been offered here, and the move underlines the Malibu’s role as a true world car.

But it’s a crowded market, and the question is how will the Malibu fit in? Perhaps a big clue comes from Wayne Brannon, President and Managing Director of Chevrolet Europe, who said: “The Chevrolet Malibu is the brand's new top-of-the-range offering, bringing proven value with a premium feel to Europe's midsize segment.”



So, on that basis, likely rivals could include the Škoda Superb, Hyundai i40 and Toyota Avensis. Of course, depending on the perceived quality of the Malibu and its value for money, sales could also be stolen from slightly more expensive cars. That means models like the Citroën C5, Ford Mondeo, Peugeot 508, and - of course - the Vauxhall / Opel Insignia, a car that shares its Epsilon platform with the new Chevrolet.

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And therein lies a growing problem for GM in Europe, as buyers increasingly struggle to work out the difference between the ‘budget’ Chevrolet brand and the supposedly more high-class Vauxhall and Opel.



It’s not like North America, for example, where there is more of a clear delineation between Buick and Chevrolet. Perhaps the Australians anticipated the issue, as there no attempt has been made to market Holden and Chevrolet side by side. Vehicles such as the Captiva, Cruze and Malibu simply wear Holden badges.



However, one advantage that the Insignia will have over the saloon-only Malibu is its wider choice of body styles. As well as a four-door, hatchback and estate versions of the Vauxhall / Opel contender are available, and those formats are both very popular in Europe.



The Chevrolet’s specification shouldn’t be lacking though, as all variants get a 7” touch screen radio display, eight airbags and electronic stability control. Depending on trim level, Bluetooth telephone connectivity, park distance control and a rear-view camera also feature, while satellite navigation is on the options list.



Whereas the North American-specification Malibu is powered by a 190 bhp (141 kW / 192 PS) 2.5 litre Ecotec four-cylinder engine connected to a six-speed automatic transmission, European models will have a completely different powertrain.



The choice on this side of the Atlantic is going to be either a 164 bhp (122 kW / 166 PS) 2.0 litre petrol or a 169 bhp (126 kW / 171 PS) diesel. Both are four-cylinder motors, and customers will be able opt for a manual or automatic gearbox.



Without doubt cost will be a major factor in determining whether the Malibu is a success in Europe, but for now there’s no word on pricing.



Image © GM Corp.



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Wrangler gets Pentastar V6

Jeep has announced that its 2012 Wrangler will be the latest model to get the Pentastar V6 petrol engine.



A capacity of 3.6 litres means it’s smaller than the old 3.8 litre motor it replaces, but nevertheless power is up by a massive 40% to 285 bhp (209 kW / 285 PS). Torque has risen too, from 321 Nm (237 lb/ft) to 353 Nm (260 lb/ft).



To go with the updated engine, the previous four-speed automatic transmission has been abandoned in favour of a new five-speed item. As well as having a more refined shifting action, it comes with a lower first gear ratio to help with low-speed off-road driving. Alternatively, a six-speed manual gearbox continues to be offered, and there’s a choice of three axle ratios.

As would be expected given the figures, the revised powertrain results in extra performance. The 0-60 mph sprint now takes a very respectable 8.4 seconds, a 25% improvement on before. But another benefit is slightly better fuel efficiency, as the Wrangler will now achieve up to 21 miles per US gallon (25.2 mpg imperial / 11.2 l/100km).



Given the redesigned interior that appeared for the current model year, other changes for 2012 are understandably limited. The Rubicon versions can now be had with a body-coloured hardtop, but that’s about it.



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Volkswagen Up! revealed

The Volkswagen Up! has certainly been a long time coming. It was first unveiled in concept form at the 2007 Frankfurt Motor Show, and now four years later the same event will see the production version’s debut.

2012 Volkswagen Up! Scroll down for more images.

A few of the radical features that were seen on the concept have gone, most likely removed on the grounds of cost, practicality or consumer response. Foremost among these is the engine position, which has now shifted from the rear to a more conventional spot at the front. Also no longer present are the air-inflated seats that, with the exception of the driver’s, could all be folded and taken out of the original car.



In the transition to showroom model the length has grown from 3.45 to 3.54 metres, while the width is virtually unchanged at 1.64 metres. Those dimensions make the Up! shorter, lower and marginally narrower than the Fox, Volkswagen’s current city car offering. It’s still claimed to be a full four-seater though, and luggage space even with the rear seats up is an adequate 25 litres.



Like the Fox, the new arrival relies on three-cylinder petrol power, although the 1.0 litre engines in the Up! are considerably more efficient.



Available with either 59 bhp (44 kW / 60 PS) or 73 bhp (55 kW / 75 PS), Volkswagen is predicting fuel consumption figures of 67.2 mpg (4.2 l/100km) and 65.6 mpg (4.3 l/100km) respectively with its BlueMotion Technology stop-start system fitted. Both motors will emit less than 100 g/km of CO2.



Later additions to the line-up will be a 67 bhp (50 kW / 68 PS) natural gas-powered engine (although this is unlikely to make it to the UK), as well as an all-electric Up! that’s due in 2013.



The Up! gets its European launch this December, and prices and exact specifications are going to be finalised nearer the time.



For now, Volkswagen has confirmed that several trim grades will be available: Take Up!, Move Up!, High Up!, Throw Up! and Cock Up!



Okay, those last two are made up, but there definitely will be special Up! Black and Up! White variants based on the range-topping High Up!

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2012 SLK 55 AMG

Mercedes-Benz has revealed the 2012 SLK 55 AMG. Although it had been rumoured that a switch to V6-turbo power was a possibility, AMG has stuck with a 5.5 litre, normally-aspirated V8 engine.



However, compared to the previous version, output is up by a considerable 60 bhp (44 kW / 61 PS) to 415 bhp (310 kW / 422 PS). Maximum torque meanwhile has risen to 540 Nm (398 lb/ft).

2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK 55 AMG. Scroll down for more images.

The result is a 0-60 mph (96 km/h) time of 4.5 seconds, and an electronically-limited top speed of 155 mph (250 km/h).



Undoubtedly a quick car then, but its rivals aren’t much slower despite having significantly less power. The Audi TT RS Roadster and BMW Z4 sDrive35is both have ‘only’ 335 bhp (250 kW / 340 PS), yet they reach 62 mph (100 km/h) in 4.6 and 4.8 seconds respectively. As with the Mercedes, they too are restricted to 155 mph.



But while the focus of the SLK 55 AMG is naturally performance, the car also features technologies to make it relatively efficient, too.



Foremost among these is the AMG Cylinder Management system, which shuts off four of the eight cylinders under partial throttle load. This facility is available between 800 and 3,600 rpm, provided the driver has the AMG Speedshift Plus 7G-Tronic automatic transmission in Controlled Efficiency mode, rather than Sport or Manual.



Other fuel saving aids include a stop-start system, variable pressure for the direct fuel injection and lightweight, low-friction engine internals. Consequently, it’s reckoned that average fuel consumption should be 33.2 mpg (8.5 l/100km), which would just better the 31.4 mpg (9.0 l/100km) achieved by the SLK’s Z4 and TT competitors.



As expected, AMG has made sure that its latest offering stands out with a body kit, boot lip spoiler, unique alloy wheels and twin chrome-plated exhaust pipes. Arguably, some previous AMG styling attempts have appeared rather messy, but the same can’t be said about the new SLK. Everything integrates nicely with the original design, and overall it’s an appealing look.



The interior gets an AMG Performance steering wheel with aluminium shift paddles, sports seats, leather upholstery and the Airscarf neck-level heating system. As well as the standard arrangement, buyers can choose a tinted polycarbonate panorama roof. Alternatively, a third option is Magic Sky Control which switches the roof from virtually transparent to dark at the touch of a button.



There’s no word on pricing or a European launch date, but the SLK 55 AMG is due to go on sale in the United States in early 2012.

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2012 Lexus GS unveiled

Lexus has revealed its new 2012 GS which, the company says, promises a better driving experience and a more spacious interior.



To help the handling, the tracks have been widened front and rear, and there’s an all-new multi-link rear suspension unit. The body is stiffer too, thanks to an increased number of spot welds, and much use has been made of aluminium for the chassis components to reduce unsprung weight.



It’s the interior that most potential buyers are going be interested in, though. The driver-focussed dashboard is reminiscent of the one in the BMW 5 Series, and it houses the controls for the novel S-Flow climate control system, which it’s claimed saves energy and directs the airflow to where occupants are actually sitting. An analogue clock incongruously takes centre stage amid all the technology.

On the outside, the car’s styling is neat and unobtrusive, but still rather anonymous. However, Lexus knows its market, and anything too radical would probably have just put off a lot of usual GS customers.



The most distinctive design feature is the pinched-in grille, which unfortunately at first glance looks like a truck has reversed into the GS. As a signature device it doesn’t work particularly well, but Lexus intends to use it on future models, too.



Just two versions - the GS 450h hybrid and GS 250 petrol - will be available in the UK when sales begin early next year. Critically for Europe, there’s no diesel variant on offer for now, and that will undoubtedly hamper sales.



Prices for the 2012 Lexus GS will be confirmed nearer to its launch date.



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Images showing the 2012 Honda CB1000RR Fireblade have been posted on a Honda Hong Kong Facebook page, only to then disappear a short time later.

The leaked / teased (delete as appropriate) pictures show that the revised bike is getting new suspension, wheels, bodywork and instruments. However, the frame looks identical to that of the 2011 Fireblade, and there’s no sign of the rumoured V4 engine.



Whether electronic gizmos such as traction control are going to make an appearance remains to be seen, although judging by the bike in the images it looks like a non-ABS version will continue to be offered.

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