New three-door expands 1 Series line-up

We test the 130i M Sport Limited Edition

Since the 1 Series was launched in 2004, it has become very popular with buyers seeking a rear drive hatch with compact proportions, yet it has always seemed rather expensive compared to its more established rivals (read Golf GTI). But BMW is not deterred, opting instead to move its premium level 1er even more upmarket with revised styling and the addition of a three-door variation scheduled to launch on 26 May.

Marking off the refreshed styling and three-door body style is the flagship130i M Sport Limited Edition, whose 3-litre powerplant is claimed to be the lightest six-cylinder production engine in the world. Fitted with BMW’s Valvetronic and bi-VANOS technology, the 130i creates 265bhp at 6650rpm and 232lb.ft of twist at 2750rpm. This level of performance combined with its1400kg weight enables the 130i to achieve 0 to 62mph in 6 seconds, sufficient verve to make it one of our favourite cars at BMW’s multi-car launch (the M5 Touring notwithstanding).

Read full road test here

SLR McLaren loses its lid

Fun in the sun for the wealthy

Mercedes is one of the few automakers to offer a convertible in nearly every size of vehicle it produces; from the compact SLK roadster, mid-size CLK four-seater, to the large SL roadster. With the Ocean Drive concept the company unveiled in Detroit this year, it seems a four-door convertible may be added to the foray in the future, but for now the range-topping SLR McLaren Roadster will have to do.

This latest addition unites styling cues of the successful SLR racing models from the 1950s with the innovative technology of modern Formula 1 vehicles from the McLaren-Mercedes team. The arrow-shaped tip of the F1 Silver Arrow, a styling element in the SLR, establishes a visual link with the legendary racing cars, along with distinctive lateral louvers, side pipes behind the front wheels and wide-opening gullwing doors. Its lightweight semi-automatic top folds down in just 10 seconds, offering ‘undiluted open-air driving pleasure’ for two lucky occupants.

Power is sourced from the same front-mid-mounted AMG V8 compressor found in the coupe variant, delivering 626bhp and a maximum 575lb.ft of torque to the rear wheels. An AMG Speedshift R five-speed transmission shifts automatically through the cogs, while high-performance carbon-ceramic brake discs are charged with slowing the SLR once it’s completed 3.8 second stints to 62mph.

The SLR Roadster utilises many F1-bred technologies employed by partner McLaren. The body is made entirely of carbon-fibre reinforced plastic materials and two aluminium subframes cradle the AMG V8 compressor engine. Riding atop a specially-reinforced carbon-fibre monocoque chassis, the car benefits from low weight and high torsional rigidity, while its wind tunnel-honed aerodynamics have been optimised for handling at high speed. Like its coupe sibling, the Roadster incorporates an ‘airbrake’ to slow the car down from its 207mph top speed and a diffuser in the rear bumper to increase downforce.

Safety aboard the open top SLR is ensured by carbon-fibre crash elements consisting of steel-reinforced A-pillars and two fixed roll-over bars. Adaptive airbags, knee and side airbags, seat belt tensioners and a tyre-pressure monitoring system are all standard fare.

The carbon-fibre bucket seats - which can be specially adapted for occupants with individually sized seat pads - are covered in semi-aniline-leather, while the cockpit also features dual-zone automatic air-conditioning, a Bose audio system, multifunction sport steering wheel with gear-change paddles, and a navigation system with integral radio and CD player.

Built at McLaren's Formula 1 factory in Woking, England, the SLR will be available from September 2007.

Lexus: Japan takes on Germany in Geneva

Toyota’s luxury division set to show performance models

Lexus is planning to add some Japanese flavour to the mix of European debuts at the Geneva show. On hand to represent Toyota’s luxury division will be the new IS flagship — aptly named the IS-F — which will take a spot beside the LF-A supercar concept and the latest iteration of the luxurious LS.

Both the IS-F and LF-A concept will be making their European debuts, having been first unveiled at the Detroit motor show in January. Lexus claims the ‘F’ designation identifies vehicles specifically designed and engineered for high performance and sports driving dynamics.

The F-badged vehicles will be the flagships of the brand, and further emphasise Lexus’s ‘pursuit of perfection’ mantra. With the IS-F, Lexus is aiming to pursue already firmly established rivals in the sport sedan category. The company’s competition from Ingolstadt already has a V8 fitted under the bonnet, and Munich’s M3 will have a V8 when it appears in Geneva.

Living up to expectations, the IS-F is powered by a 5-litre V8 engineers have shoehorned into the engine bay. It is claimed to deliver more than 395bhp and 369lb.ft of torque with sprints to 62mph achieved in 4.9 seconds, while top speed is governed to 168mph.

An eight-speed transmission, specially tuned for the IS-F, summons gear changes. The gearbox features what Lexus calls ‘sports shift control’ which allows manual shifting via ‘paddles’ on the steering wheel, or fully automatic gear engagement. The IS-F is also the first Lexus to feature a vehicle dynamics integrated management (VDIM) system, which can be switched between three arranged settings: ‘normal’, ‘sport’ or ‘off’; enabling the driver to modify the car’s reactions to steering and acceleration input.

The LF-A concept is Lexus’ second attempt at gauging public reaction to a forthcoming supercar. First seen at the 2005 Detroit motor show, this latest version has received certain styling tweaks reflecting the ‘L-Finesse’ design language. The supercar concept employs a racing-inspired 5-litre V10 engine claimed to generate more than 493bhp and giving the LF-A a top speed approaching 200mph. The forward/mid-engine layout with rear-mounted transaxle and radiators is said to give the car an ideal 50 per cent front/rear weight distribution for ultimate handling precision.

If both the IS-F and the LF-A demonstrate advances the luxury carmaker has made in developing performance technology, the LS 600h shows how a luxury vehicle can be refined to deliver power while retaining high efficiency. By combining a 5-litre V8 — fitted with two fuel injectors per cylinder and ‘intelligent valve timing’ on the intake — with a parallel hybrid system, the car manages to boost performance and reduce emissions.

Together with an electrically-controlled continuously variable transmission sending power to all four wheels, the LS 600h is claimed to deliver performance typical of a V12 while returning a combined fuel consumption rating of 29.7mpg and CO2 emissions of just 220g/km.

For more pictures of the IS-F click here

For more pictures of the LF-A click here

Lotus Sport 2-Eleven

Lotus Sport’s new Exige-derived track tool

Track day warriors rejoice! Lotus’s performance division, Lotus Sport, is launching its long-awaited 2-Eleven at the Geneva show next week, and it looks the business.

Aimed at the true track day enthusiast, the 2-Eleven weighs in at just 670kg and produces 252bhp and 179lb.ft of torque through a supercharged and intercooled 1.8-litre engine. The power to weight ratio is claimed to be similar to that of a 1960's Formula 1 car, allowing the car to reach 60mph from a standstill in 3.8 seconds and top out at 155mph.

Under the 2-Eleven’s 40kg composite skin, mechanicals comprise of a Roots-type Eaton M62 supercharger (with a sealed-for-life internal mechanism negating use of the engine's oil), four high capacity injectors, an up-rated fuel pump, and a back-up engine oil reservoir with twin oil coolers. A sports-type clutch plate with heavy duty clutch cover put power down through the lightweight aluminium six-speed gearbox, mimicking the ratios of the Exige S.

The Lotus 2-Eleven uses a unique high-sided variant of the Lotus Elise lightweight chassis structure featuring epoxy bonded aluminium alloy extrusions. This package features a safety system with a glass-fibre reinforced composite front crash structure allied to a high sill chassis for side impact protection. Additional features include an FIA compliant six-point rollover structure with integral harness mounts and a galvanized steel rear sub frame.

A fully-independent suspension – utilizing unequal length wishbones and a set of two-way adjustable Öhlins dampers with coil over springs – are charged with keeping the car poised and predictable around bends, and the handling will certainly be enhanced by the adjustable front anti-roll bar and rear double shear track control arm brace. Lightweight five-spoke forged black alloy wheels (staggered 16-inch front and 17-inch rear) shod in Lotus Sport-specific Yokohama tires further serve to ensure grip at all four corners.

Stopping power for the car is provided by 288mm cast iron cross-drilled and ventilated discs with aluminium alloy AP Racing two-piston callipers at the front, and Brembo single sliding pistons at the rear. Lotus’ track tuned servo-assisted four-channel ABS system is also employed.

There will be two different versions of the 2-Eleven, though a ‘launch edition specification’ (comprising of a specific Lotus Sport colour scheme and racing decals) will be the initial offering. The road-legal car fitted with front and rear lights, exhaust catalyst, single plane rear wing and other items achieves compliance with UK requirements; while the track only version gets an enhanced aerodynamics package with a high-downforce single plane carbonfibre rear wing, high downforce front splitter, brake lights, rear indicators and a FIA approved driver’s race seat.

Production of the new track car is scheduled to start in April at Lotus’ manufacturing facility in Hethel, Norfolk, with pricing starting at £39,995.

Hyundai's plans for Geneva

Korean automaker to unveil new i30 and a crossover-SUV concept

Hyundai has revealed two new vehicles will be making their debuts in Geneva next week. The Korean automaker has released details of its new i30 C-segment vehicle and a crossover-SUV concept made from plastic composite material.

Initially shown as the Arnejs concept car at the Paris motor show last fall, the i30 has been specifically designed for the European C-segment. Sound familiar? Well it should, the other Korean manufacturer with the three letter name is also singing the same song. In fact, the i30 was jointly-developed with Kia and shares the same platform as the recently launched Cee’d.

With a choice of three petrol and three diesel engines, the Hyundai will likely offer the same engine choices as the Kia, with 1.4-litre and 1.6-litre petrol units and a 1.6 litre diesel. We suspect there may be a few 2-litre petrol and diesel units joining the mix. The powerplants will be mated to either a manual or an automatic gearbox.

Hyundai will be ditching its previous nomenclature in favour of a new alpha numeric naming strategy claimed to “display a clearer technology-orientation”. The i30 will go on sale across Europe in summer 2007, initially as a 5-door hatchback and later as an estate car.

The crossover-SUV concept, code-named HED 4, is a joint project with GE Plastic. The concept vehicle is said to have “endowed designers with greater expressive freedom to create complex three-dimensional shapes that could not have been achieved with conventional production methods”.

Composite technology was used extensively in the new CUV. It employs a wrap-around Lexan windscreen and polycarbonate glazing materials to save of up to 50 per cent weight over conventional glass, while simultaneously allowing greater flexibility in the shaping process. The glazing features an Exatec technology which deposits a thin protective layer of glass on the Lexan for increased resistance to scratches and protection from the elements.

The HED 4 body panels also feature new curved side glazing – formed from Lexan – to boost impact resistance and increase both occupant and pedestrian safety. The car’s ‘Elastic Front’ safety system, which encompasses the front end of the vehicle, is claimed to be the world's first global pedestrian protection solution fitted to a CUV. With three energy-absorbing structures fully integrated underneath the styling, the system is claimed to realise outstanding results in computer-animated pedestrian safety tests.

More information on the cars will surely become available next week, and we’ll be sure to share it with you.

Gumpert Apollo Sport

German niche manufacturer creates 800bhp supercar

Gumpert will show the new Apollo Sport supercar at the upcoming Geneva motor show. This latest supercar from the German manufacturer promises to top last year’s Apollo model with more power and a 1200kg kerb weight.

The Apollo project is the creation of Roland Gumpert, a former Audi employee who oversaw many a rallying success working as competitions chief in their Quattro division.

The new Apollo Sport employs a tubular space frame fabricated from chrome-molybdenum steel with an integrated safety monocoque carbon-fibre structure Enormous roof and side-mounted air intakes feed cold air to the twin turbo powerplant, based on an Audi-sourced 4.2-litre V8.

Output from the mid-mounted engine is claimed to be a staggering 800bhp, enabling the Apollo Sport to reach 62mph in just 3 seconds. The car’s top speed is estimated to be 233mph.

A full racing aero package with a massive rear wing and lower front spoilers separates the Sport edition from its lesser Apollo sibling visually.

The two-seat interior is swathed with such luxury amenities as Alcantara trim, air-conditioning, a CD player and a sat-nav system. A reversing camera is also included to avoid rearward obstructions.

Gumpert plans to sell the Apollo Sport for €299,500, pre-tax.

The Return of Abarth

Fiat reveals new hot hatch and Rally derivative in Geneva

Fiat has resurrected the legendary Abarth nameplate from the 1950s and ‘60s for an unveiling at the Geneva motor show. Scheduled to make its long awaited comeback in both tuning and Rally form, the Grande Punto Abarth will appear on the manufacturer’s show stand beside its cousin, the Abarth S2000.

In the early ‘50s, ex-motorcycle racer Carlo Abarth started combining his racing activities with products for the mass market, and began to build his famous conversion kits – with the now reputable exhaust silencers – for standard production cars. These Abarth enhancements increased power, top speed and acceleration of the cars. Racing was the ultimate advertising conduit, and Carlo’s success on the racetrack in the Fiat Abarth 750 cars in the late 1950s garnered financial backing from Fiat. The Abarth name was eventually bought up entirely by Fiat in 1971.

This year, the Grande Punto Abarth and S2000 reappear under the design and manufacturing verve that only Fiat could muster. The Punto Abarth creates 150bhp from an inline 1.4-liter turbocharged four, though 98 RON petrol will apparently raise power by 5bhp. An add-on tuning kit which will appear later in the year is claimed to boost power to 180bhp, nearly twice as much power as the basic non-Abarth version. Peak torque of 152lb.ft is said to be achieved at 2000rpm, with 170lb.ft obtained at 3000rpm by activating a ‘sport’ mode.

With a six-speed gearbox, MacPherson front suspension (with anti-roll bar) and a torsion beam rear axle, the car will surely paint grins on drivers’ faces. The brakes have been heavily revised, employing 305mm ventilated discs at the front and 264mm rear discs. Distinctive 17-inch aluminium alloys riding on 215/45-17 tyres further differentiate the car from its lesser stablemates.

Fiat’s Abarth S2000 Rally car features a 2-litre lump, belting out 270bhp and 163lb.ft peak torque, achieved at 6500rpm. A six-speed gearbox with sequential control, frontal engagement and cut-off during changes will be the performing shifting duty, powering all four wheels.

Rally racing conditions being what they are, Fiat’s S2000 uses a MacPherson suspension layout front and rear, utilizing specific cross members and adjustable dampers.

To slow the rotation of the Michelin asphalt, dirt and snow tyres mounted on Goodrich rims (18-inch for asphalt and 15-inch for dirt), the Abarth S2000 has monolithic front calliper brakes with four pistons mated to 355mm front discs for asphalt, or 300mm for dirt roads. At the rear, a four piston rear calliper setup with 300mm discs is charged with the task.

A wide front and rear wing - up to a maximum width of 1800mm - has been fitted, and a massive (essential by technical regulations) rear spoiler serves to increase stability of the car, boosting aerodynamic load.

Fiat’s Racing Department will be entering in the 2007 Italian Rally Championship with driver Giandomenico Basso and his navigator Mitia Dotta. On the international scene, the Grande Punto Abarth S2000 will compete in the IRC (Intercontinental Rally Challenge) with drivers Andrea Navarra, his navigator Guido D’Amore, and young Umberto Scandola and Anton Alen.

Vauxhall’s VXR8 muscle car

Australian-born ‘supersaloon’ fills the void left by the Monaro.

Vauxhall has announced a successor to the now defunct Australian-built Monaro VXR. The VXR8 is essentially a rebadged Holden HSV Clubsport R8, a ‘supersaloon’ which also hails from the land down under. And with this latest import, Vauxhall seeks to offer exceptional performance blended with four-door practicality.

The fire-breathing musclecar is powered by a 6-litre LS2 V8 from a Chevrolet Corvette (the same engine that propelled the Monaro VXR) sending power to the rear wheels.

We’re told this revised version of the V8 has been massaged for greater power and efficiency however, and now develops 414bhp and 406lb.ft of torque (up from the Monaro’s 404bhp and 391lb.ft). Vauxhall claims the saloon can accomplish 0-60mph runs in 4.9 seconds.

Scrubbing off speed will be the task of an upgraded braking system, which comprises of 365mm front discs. The company claim the setup will stop the car from 60mph faster than a Lamborghini Murcielago or BMW M5. Hmmm. We’ll have to see about that.

Unlike previous VXR models, the VXR8 will be offered with an automatic gearbox with manual shifting capability and a sport setting. The company claim the automatic only increases 0-60mph stints by a half second.

The VXR8 also comes fitted with a stability system and traction control, which can be turned off should drivers have a sudden urge to test their skills.

Styling seems a bit ungainly, but it’s certain to be more practical than its coupe forebear. The company claims the VXR8 has ‘a spacious boot’ and space for ‘all the family’. That is considering your family consists of no more than five.

Within the saloon body style, Vauxhall promises an emphasis on comfort, with the interior featuring climate control and leather trim. A satellite navigation system and 20-inch wheels will be offered as options.

The VXR8 will undoubtedly get strong competition in the form of the Audi RS4 and others, but given its £34,995 entry fee (add £1400 for the auto option) it considerably undercuts its rivals. Expect it on UK dealer forecourts from July.

Bellissima: Alfa’s new droptop hits UK

Alfa Romeo’s seductive Spider convertible is now on sale in the UK.

The new Alfa Spider, the latest open-topped Alfa Romeo to be offered by the company, has just gone on sale in the UK. Derived from Giorgetto Giugiaro’s award-winning Alfa Brera design, the new Alfa Spider was developed by Pininfarina in collaboration with Alfa Romeo Centro Stile.

The Spider will be available in four versions and a choice of three engines. In the petrol variety, a 2.2-litre 185bhp 4-cylinder unit developing 170 lb.ft of twist at 4500rpm will be joined by a 3.2-litre 260bhp V6 with 237lb.ft twist. A 2.4-litre 20v five-cylinder MultiJet (JTDM) turbodiesel, claimed to be good for 200bhp and 295 lb.ft of torque at 2000rpm completes the range.

The 2.4-litre diesel is said to achieve a top speed of 142mph and complete a 0-62mph run in 8.2 seconds. The all-wheel drive 3.2 V6 will reach 62mph from not in 7 seconds and top out at 149mph, while the 2.2-litre four manages 138mph and 0-62mph stints in 8.8 seconds. All powerplants will be mated to six-speed manual gearbox, whilst the 3.2 JTS V6 unit can be specified with Alfa Romeo’s QTRONIC six-speed automatic transmission, featuring a manual sequential-shift override capability and optional gearshift ‘paddles’.

Sharing a platform and components with the Alfa Brera, the Spider is 17mm shorter and 23mm lower but has an identical 2528mm wheelbase. The suspension setup of the Spider combines a double wishbone system at the front with a multilink rear configuration; said to promote smooth, accurate steering response, exceptional stability and body control, allied to remarkable comfort over all road surfaces.

The 2.2 JTS Alfa Spider’s braking system comprises 305mm ventilated front discs and 278mm solid discs at the rear. Versions powered by the 3.2 JTS petrol and 2.4 JTDM turbodiesel engines feature larger, 330mm ventilated discs and Brembo four-piston monobloc aluminium callipers at the front, with 292mm ventilated discs at the rear.

The Alfa Spider is fitted with an automatic, double-layer fabric roof which can be retracted in less than 25 seconds via a dashboard mounted switch. A separate dedicated roof storage compartment is claimed to not compromise stowage space, and the luggage compartment offers a 200-litre capacity even with the roof in the down position. The storage compartment is concealed beneath a flush-fitting body panel which incorporates aerodynamic ‘blisters’ resembling roll-over bars, fitted with a transparent wind break to reduce air turbulence within the cabin.

Inside, the Spider features driver-orientated ergonomics and an instrument binnacle with large, deeply hooded speedometer and tachometer dials joined by subsidiary fuel and temperature gauges. A brushed aluminium-faced centre console incorporates an electronic key-activated engine start button, and standard equipment includes automatic Dual Zone climate control, cruise control, rear parking sensors, a multi-function display and trip computer, and a six-speaker audio system with CD. A leather interior is standard on V6 versions.

Pricing for the new Alfa Spider starts at £25,995 OTR for the 2.2 JTS and climbs to £32,700 OTR for the 3.2 JTS V6 Q4 automatic.

New Kia convertible concept set for Geneva

Kia ex_cee’ds expectations with a new cabrio concept

Kia shows its ambitions for the new C-segment platform are indeed high as it bestows yet more images of a convertible concept it will unveil at the Geneva motor show. The ex_cee’d cabrio concept is the work of Peter Schreyer, Kia’s new Chief Design Officer, and hints at the future direction Kia vehicles could be taking under his guidance.

Based on the three-door cee’d hatchback, set to go into production at Kia’s Zilina factory in Slovakia from December, the ex_cee’d concept features all-new exterior panels and a powered folding fabric roof rather than a hardtop roof employed by so many new production convertibles coming to fruition in recent times.The fabric top is meant to showcase a ‘retro’ styling path the company has decided to embark on. It will likely decrease weight and production costs, while retaining a low centre of gravity, essential for a sporty drive.

Peter Schreyer, design guru for the original Audi TT, claims the traditional fabric roof will have a renaissance, evoking the romantic notion of open-air driving. The concept is a four-seat cabrio with a steeply-raked windscreen, longer sloping bonnet and a short rear deck, reminiscent of latter day sporty cabrios. The ‘meringue white’ exterior paint scheme and contrasting ‘bitter chocolate’ fabric roof harp back to simpler open air times, and the colours carry over to the interior, with two-tone leather seats.

An aggressive nose with dynamic front styling echoes the three-door hatch concept’s clothes, featuring a slight ‘wedge shape’ profile and ‘muscular wings’ draped over the now familiar 19-inch alloy wheels first seen on the three door concept shown at the Paris motor show in September. A chrome strip below the door opening also draws attention to the curvaceous rocker panel design

The ex_cee’d concept aims to stand out from crowd of current cabrio offerings and score with potential young, style-conscious buyers wishing to combine elegance with dynamics. If this car can make it to production without design interference from cost-cutting higher ups, Kia could have another strong candidate with which to steal sales away from other well-established rivals.