FIAT 500 FLYING THE LONDON EYE

8pm January 21st 2008

FIAT launch the stunning new Fiat 500 with a flight in one of the British Airways London Eye capsules.

The new Fiat 500 took to the sky at 8.00pm – exactly 500 hours into 2008 – as a fantastic light show lit up a showbiz and celebrity event on the banks of the River Thames.
Around 500 VIPs, including Kelly Osbourne, Jade Jagger, Eva Herzigova, Eddie Jordan, Leah Wood and Lawrence Dallaglio and 1,500 others were invited to the all-ticket launch event, which featured fantastic live performances by pop sensations Mika, The Feeling and The Vibrants.
There was a cavalcade of Fiat 500s old and new as the car in the London Eye capsule rose into the air at the start of a two-week ‘flight’ that will result in it covering around 84 miles – without turning a wheel!
Fiat Managing Director, Andrew Humberstone, says: “We are absolutely delighted to have given thousands of people a party to remember, and the chance to watch the launch of our new Fiat 500.

“We are confident that this car, with it stylish looks, economical consumption figures, outstanding safety features and ‘green’ credentials, will win a place in everyone’s hearts.”
While the new Fiat 500 is airborne, members of the public have the chance to win a Fiat 500 in an interactive design competition being staged at the London Eye until 3 February.

London Motorcycle Show

B-KING TO INVADE LONDON

The most powerful production naked muscle-bike is set to invade London at the end of the month, as Suzuki’s B-King gets ready to take centre stage at the London Motorcycle Show at Excel between the 31st January and the 3rd February.

Launched last summer, the B-King has enjoyed widespread critical acclaim, delivering performance that can normally only be achieved by a full-on superbike. Instead, the outlandish brute packs a serious punch while featuring futuristic styling that would be more at home in a scene from Transformers than in Canary Wharf!

On display alongside the B-King will be Suzuki’s other white-hot 2008 models, including the all-new GSX-R600 and 750, GSX1300R Hayabusa, GSX650F and Suzuki’s learner friendly range of scooters and commuters.

For more information on the show visit www.londonmotorcycleshow.com or visit www.suzuki.co.uk for more model information.

The new BMW M3 Convertible

Available April 2008

BMW UK has announced details of the third M3 derivative, the new BMW M3 Convertible. The fourth generation of BMW’s open-topped M3 becomes the first M car to feature a Retractable Hard-Top.

The launch of the new M3 Convertible also represents another first with the introduction of BMW’s new seven-speed M Double Clutch Transmission (M DCT) as an option to the standard six-speed manual gearbox. Offering the highest levels of performance and driving dynamics with instantaneous gear shifts, the new BMW M3 Convertible offers a unique recipe for drivers who enjoy open-topped motoring accompanied by an eight-cylinder symphony.

Engine and Drivetrain
The first generation of M3 Convertible, launched in 1988, delivered 200hp from BMW’s first 16-valve 2.3-litre four-cylinder engine. Subsequent generations of M3 engines have taken top category honours on a record six successive occasions in the Engine of the Year awards.

Wind the clock forward 20 years to the introduction of today’s E93-generation M3 Convertible. The new M3 Convertible’s engine develops more than twice the power of the original, delivering 420hp at 8,300rpm and 400Nm of torque at 3,900rpm from its 3,999cc V8-power unit. Like the previous three generations, the engine in the new M3 Convertible easily breaks through the magical 100hp per litre barrier, offering 105hp per litre. The new car also offers a 10 per cent improvement in the power-to-weight ratio when compared to its predecessor E46 M3 Convertible.

The V8 engine powers the car from zero to 62mph in 5.3 seconds and on to an electronically-limited top speed of 155mph. However, even with these supercar levels of performance, BMW’s EfficientDynamics programme ensures that economy is not compromised with the car delivering 21.9mpg on the combined cycle.

A bespoke driving experience

In common with the M3 Coupé, the new M3 Convertible features an MDrive button that brings together numerous personalised functions of the car. The settings for the optional Electronic Damper Control (Normal, Comfort and Sport), three DSC+ traction control settings and three specific engine control maps that govern throttle response can be controlled with one button on the steering wheel. As can the response rate of the Servotronic power steering. If the car is equipped with the new M DCT gearbox, the Drivelogic preference can also be saved. Once the desired settings are created in the iDrive menu, part of the standard Professional navigation system, one push of the MDrive button can transform the M3’s driving experience.

Hard-top or open-top?
The new BMW M3 Convertible is the first M3 to feature an electro-hydraulic Retractable Hard-Top as standard. It’s also the first M3 to feature BMW’s innovative Sun Reflective leather technology, allowing the driver the opportunity to leave the roof down for prolonged periods without the seat leather overheating.

The M3 Convertible combines the elegance of the ‘standard’ 3 Series Convertible with the athleticism of the M3 Coupé. A striking powerdome and two air intakes in the aluminium bonnet cover the new V8-engine and help engine cooling. Primarily, the design of the front of the car is defined by the significant volumes of air required for the induction system. As a result, three large air ducts in the front lower apron keep the engine breathing.

The flared wheel arches house the standard 18-inch double-spoke light-alloy wheels, with a striking 19-inch wheel available as an option. Another BMW M trait, a side gill in the front wing, also includes the side direction indicator and the M3 logo.

Aerodynamically-efficient door mirrors channel air flow and reduce drag, as does the rear diffuser, which houses BMW M’s trademark twin double exhaust pipes.

The new BMW M3 Convertible goes on sale in April 2008 and costs £54,655 OTR. (M3 Coupé: £50,725 OTR and M3 Saloon: £49,310 OTR).

Tata Motors Launch the world’s cheapest car — the Nano.

Over the past year, Tata has been hyping up a car that would cost a mere 100,000 rupees or a cool £ 1275 in the UK. It has been nicknamed the “People’s Car.” Over the course of the New Delhi Auto Expo, which began this week, anticipation had grown to fever pitch.
“They are not concept cars, they are not prototypes,” announced Mr. Tata. “They are the production cars that will roll out of the Singur plant later this year.”
The four-door Nano is a little over 10 feet long and nearly 5 feet wide. It is powered by a 624cc two-cylinder engine at the rear. With 33 horsepower, the Nano is capable of 65 miles an hour. Its four small wheels are at the absolute corners of the car to improve handling. Tata says the Nano has passed emissions standards and returns more than 50mpg.
“Today, we indeed have a People’s Car, which is affordable and yet built to meet safety requirements and emission norms, to be fuel efficient and low on emissions,” Mr. Tata added. “We are happy to present the People’s Car to India and we hope it brings the joy, pride and utility of owning a car to many families who need personal mobility.”
The base price for the Nano will be 120,000 rupees, including road tax and delivery. Higher level models will cost more and come with air-conditioning. Sun visors and radios are extra.
The Nano will go on sale in India later this year with an initial production run of 250,000 a year. Tata says it will offer the Nano in other emerging markets in Latin America, Southeast Asia and Africa within four years. But don’t expect to see it in the UK for the foreseeable future.

THE NEW ŠKODA SUPERB BREAKS COVER

Škoda has unveiled the first official photographs of the all-new Superb. Offering generous interior space and a striking new look. At 4,838mm long and 1,783mm wide the new Superb is 35mm longer and 18mm wider than its predecessor. It stands at 1,461mm high and has a wheel base of 2,761mm - 8mm lower and 42mm shorter respectively than the model it replaces.
As customers have come to expect from the Czech firm’s products, the new Superb features a number of smart technological solutions including adaptive cornering headlamps, a new electronic air conditioning system, automatic parking assist and much more that will be revealed over the coming weeks.

Safety was one of the top priorities in developing the new Superb, and with nine airbags altogether it is now safer than ever.
A total of up to six engines will be available in the new Superb - three petrol and three diesel. Outputs will range from 105bhp to 260bhp and the units will be combined with a selection of manual or DSG transmissions. The full UK engine line-up will be announced closer to the model’s UK launch date.The Škoda Superb will be manufactured in the car maker’s Kvasiny plant in the Czech Republic and will be on sale in the UK in September 2008.

It will make its world debut at the Geneva Motor Show on 4 and 5 March 2008.

MMI’s new Avocet … British, good looks and affordable performance

MMI’s new Avocet … British, good looks and affordable performance

A new British-built sportscar, which combines a stylish, ultra-lightweight two-seater body with exceptional chassis dynamics and awesome performance is unveiled at the 2008 Autosport International Show at the NEC in Birmingham. MM Industries, which now owns the former Strathcarron sportscar business, is presenting its production Avocet two-seater during the show’s two trade days, prior to a public launch later in the year.

The Avocet is displayed by Surface Transforms (Stand E304) - whose latest technology carbon ceramic brake system is fitted to the car. The system, which will be available as an extra cost option, reduces overall weight by 2.5 kilograms per corner, with a resultant improvement in handling and braking performance.

The car will be built in South Essex by the specialist automotive engineering and motorsport team which recently acquired the business of Roush Technologies in the UK. The vehicle will use selected Ford standard and performance parts, which will give the car a mature component inventory which is fully tested and proven in the market.

MMI has placed an order for a limited initial production run of the car, which now features a significantly restyled doorless moulded bodyshell and incorporates some of the latest lightweight composite materials. The standard car features a steeply inclined windscreen, although a very attractive low-line wrap-around aero-screened ‘Spyder’ version is also planned.

The standard powertrain incorporates a Ford 2-litre Duratec engine, recalibrated by Roush to suit the installation – and develop 150bhp. An uprated 225bhp version, developed by Roush’s Mountune performance division, will be available as a special order option. An all-up weight of around 700 kilograms will, in power to weight terms, position the Avocet alongside the quickest – and, with a 0-60 time under 5 seconds, is expected to make the car extremely competitive.

Current plans include building around 50 cars in the first year – with both left and right-hand drive versions available. The car will be sold as a fully equipped, fully homologated road-going sportscar. MMI is keen to differentiate the Avocet from the cluster of kit and track-day cars which have visited the market over recent years. A high degree of ‘customisation’ is to be offered – and extras for the car include a removable roof and exclusive detachable, fashion-styled travel luggage, which will clip into special cradles behind the cockpit.

“The original ambition to develop and produce a small, lightweight British sportscar at an affordable price, has not changed. The Avocet is an attractive looking car which uses core Ford componentry – all widely available off the shelf. As a result, the car possesses mature product handling, excellent driveability – and awesome performance. We believe that the Avocet will satisfy the gap in the market which has remained unoccupied for far too long – for an affordable performance sportscar with proven volume market reliability”, says MMI Founder and Managing Director, Martin Miles.

“The new production Avocet retains the original Reynard designed chassis, subsequently further developed by Ray Mallock and Chapman – and it has exceptional structural rigidity. The redesigned one-piece body utilises composite materials to provide remarkable strength combined with low weight. Add to that Roush’s experience of powertrain engineering, packaging and production – and we can be totally confident that this new car will fit the defined niche in the market for which our research has demonstrated that there is a significant demand”, says Miles.

AUDI QUATTRO by JEREMY WALTON

A celebration of the world’s first turbocharged 4x4 coupé

Order your copy now !
Audi Quattro (Haynes Great Cars Series)

Searching for Vorsprung durch Technik (Progress through Technology) a small squad of research and development engineers at Audi’s HQ in Bavaria broke the rules in the late 1970s. Under the leadership of ex-Porsche engineering legend Dr Ferdinand Piech, without official blessing, they raided the factory’s parts bins to create the first prototypes of what would become the revolutionary Audi quattro.

From its public debut at Geneva in March 1980, the quattro was an instant sensation. The original two-door coupé was a low-volume image-building exercise that resulted in a production run of over 11,500, rather than Audi’s original estimate of 400. Today there are over two million road-registered cars carrying the ‘quattro’ 4x4 trademark. Supporting such profitable sales was Audi Sport’s massive 1981–1986 World Rally Championship programme. Often controversial, often explosively unreliable, the flame-spitting rallying quattros revolutionised the rallying world. The quattro seized four World Championship titles from 1982–1984, guided by driving talent such as Michele Mouton, Hannu Mikkola, Walter Röhrl, Stig Blomqvist and Per Eklund.

This is the full story of Audi’s pioneering 4x4 turbocharged coupé. Illustrated with specially commissioned studio photography and a wealth of archive images, the authoritative text chronicles the quattro’s unconventional birth and evolution, from an Audi 80 development mule, through the first-generation road and rally cars, to the uncompromising Sport model and the sensational Pikes Peak specials. Interviews with leading development engineers and drivers add fascinating insight into the triumphs and setbacks behind the story.

Jeremy Walton first developed an enthusiasm for the quattro when he attended the car’s debut at the 1980 Geneva Show. Rides alongside Hannu Mikkola in works cars, both in the quattro’s rallying heyday and more recently, and the opportunity to drive various road and rally quattro models, have only heightened his respect and passion for Audi’s groundbreaking design. He is the author of 32 automotive books, including the reissued Haynes biography of the late Gerry Marshall, Only Here for the Beer.

Audi Quattro (Haynes Great Cars Series)