CoverCars

New range brings fresh technology and increased driving pleasure

• Innovative high-tech advances
• Updated exterior design
• New trim line-up for UK
• S tronic transmission, Audi magnetic ride and efficient engines
• S3 now also available as a Sportback

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A new higher performance VTR model has been added to the C-Crosser range. It sports a 170hp 2.4-litre petrol engine twinned with Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) which has been developed to provide better fuel economy and make more efficient use of power. The 5-seater VTR is priced at £19,995 and offers folding, reclining and sliding split rear seats, cruise control, light sensitive headlights and a split tailgate as standard. ABS with EBD and ESP and 6 airbags are also part of the package.

Overfinch Tuners have launched two new bespoke models at Salon Privé Luxury and Supercar Show today. The SuperSport II is based on Land Rover’s popular Sport model and has been enhanced by new bodyparts made from polypropylene. This material uses injection moulding processes to provide OEM fitment which is believed to be the highest quality and offers a precision finish. There is a wide range of 20” and 22” wheels which you can match with your order as well as choosing a bespoke interior. The Country Pursuits Concept will also be unveiled at the private members club in West London and this model features an exclusive mica pearlescent Aubergine paint colour combined with an artistically styled interior with a full luxury specification. Prices start from £59,995 for the SuperSport II and £123,495 for the Country Pursuits Concept.

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BENZ THE RULES

Only the company who invented the motor car could be so bold as to turn the oldest purpose built motor racing circuit in to a playground for motorists to re-invent the way we drive them.

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No more excuses

Jaguar has been in the last chance saloon more times than it’s actually launched one. Finally, in the XF it’s got one that can deliver.

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MG fans will be happy to know that an all new TF LE500 will be on sale from this Autumn. With all essential financial backing from SAIC, the MG brand looks set to re-establish itself as an authentic sports car. Gary Hagen, Director of Sales & Marketing has celebrated the TF LE500 for ‘its iconic image of British Motoring’ and is confident that the Longbridge production plant will soon be heaving with various other models.

Enthusiasts have spotted what looks like the new Alfa Romeo 169 on the back of a transporter. This sighting is highly likely to be the real thing as it is scheduled to go in to production in 2009 and the final touches will now be underway. Pictured here is an artist’s impression which leads us to believe it’s well worth the wait. Prices for the new 166 replacement will start from around £30,000 for the 2.8 V6 model. There is also expected to be a top of the range 5.0-litre V8 powerplant producing 530bhp as well as pulling power of 600Nm which is sure to put a little sweat on the brows of the BMW clan.

Rolls Royce have published a set of sketches of their baby Rolls which is quite a cunning move, especially given the amount of ‘save the planet’ crusaders wondering the streets and cycling their bicycles to work. Chief designer, Ian Cameron said of the futuristic concept “The RR4 has a more informal presence than the Phantom models with a greater emphasis on driving. In design terms this is expressed through its slightly smaller dimensions and more organic form, yet with powerful, purposeful proportions. It is a true and uncompromising Rolls-Royce in every sense.”

Ford has developed a new lightweight gearbox which uses the latest electronically-controlled twin-clutch technology for fast, smooth gear changes. It has called its new invention, the ‘Powershift’ transmission and it boasts that it is able to achieve the same fuel economy as a manual alternative. Read more »

Volkswagen will be hosting the largest gathering for owners of Transporter campervans on the 12th – 14th September at Three Counties Showground in Malvern. There is expected to be a turnout of around 8,000 vehicles spanning five generations. There will be prizes for the best kept models from fifty years old to the present day. To keep the crowds amused there’ll be live performances, cookery contests, exclusive VW displays and trade stands packed with goodies.

There is life beyond the workshop for all you vintage car fanatics and arguable the hottest date in the enthusiast’s calendar this year is the hotrod hay ride which is dedicated to all pre ’66 models. It runs on the weekend of the 8th August at Bisley Pavilion near Woking and involves plenty of oval track action, a wall of death, top bands and DJ’s and full vintage dress.

For more info visit http://www.hotrodhayride.com/

The new Cadillac CTS-V is tipped to be one of the top performing sedans. Its supercharged 6.2-litre LSA engine has been certified at 556hp, peak torque is also up to 55lb ft which means it can streak up the quarter mile strip in 12 seconds at 118mph. The 0-60mph sprint is achievable in 3.9 seconds and its Nurburgring lap completed in 7:59 32 confirms that it’s the fastest publicly recorded time for a sedan running on street spec tyres.

 Peugeot’s smallest model gets big sounds; the special edition 107 has teamed up with KISS radio and the car sports its livery on its floor mats. As well as this it has an upgraded Clarion stereo and USB socket for iPods and MP3s. There is a choice of two colours, Laser Red or Raven Black and prices start from £7,755. Standard features include full electrics, traction aids and two airbags for the driver and front passenger. There will be 1,000 models made and they are expected to be snapped up by young music lovers living in urban areas.

Just incase you didn’t know who drives the Silver Arrows F1 car these days then he’s spelled it out for us; or so the rumours go. Off track Lewis Hamilton is so keen to impress his fan base he’s even reportedly splurged £200,000 on a personalised number plate which reads “LEW 1S”. This is just a small drop in the ocean though when you’ve got a salary of around $27 million. It’s not as if he has to worry about being kept in cars or watches so he’s got to find some way of spending his fortune we guess.

Back in March VW showed off its Golf TDi hybrid design study which used a high tech diesel engine, electric motor and 7-speed-DSG technology. They promised we’d be seeing a lot more of their lithium-ion technology by 2010 and they have now hit another crucial milestone towards this – a collaboration with Sanyo (a leading expert in the electric energy market). VW’s hybrid vehicles will be able to run on conventional diesel or a mixture of diesel and electricity but in order for mass production of these cleaner vehicles there needs to be powerful energy storage systems to cope with the demand.

The glamorous crowd at Cannes film festival were treated to an exclusive preview of the new Renault Laguna Coupe this bank holiday. The French seductress debuts two new engines; a 3.5-litre V6 producing 240hp and a 3.0 V6 dCi capable of 235hp. These sporty units are the result of a Renault-Nissan Alliance and we can expect quite a few more developments later on in the year. Come October and motoring fans will be able to see the Laguna Coupe in the metal at the Paris Motor Show. From the photos it looks very sleek and classy but the blunted front-end and flattened headlights are a little severe. Never the less we are sure to be won over by its dynamic abilities as the chassis has been carried over from the GT version. More details will be available on the dedicated microsite (www.laguna-coupe.com) as it becomes closer to launch.

Autodelta has taken the Alfa Romeo 159 2.2 JTS and applied their craft. Under the exclusive bespoke J-Series designation the 159 also gets the “C” added to the name denoting “Compressore”. As a result the 159 J4 2.2 C joins the Autodelta Brera J5 3.2 C and Spider J6 3.2 C with a supercharged version of the four cylinder 2.2 JTS direct injection petrol engine.

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