AUTHENTIC CARS

Lotus has announced that the revised Evora 400 - which will likely be the fastest production car that Lotus has built yet – will be unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show in March. The car’s 3.5-litre V6 – sourced by Toyota – will get a bigger supercharger and more efficient intercooler. The output of the engine has been raised by 16 percent to 400bhp. The six-speed manual version’s powertrain modifications include a new clutch and a lighter flywheel to smooth out gearshifts, while the optional six-speed automatic gearbox receives a new, sportier shift strategy and an elegant pair of column-mounted shift paddles. Selectable combinations of chassis stability and traction control functions give the choice of Drive, Sport and Race modes. The car’s exterior will receive a number of changes, including an all-new nose and tail styling, larger cooling apertures, and redesigned front spoiler, rear wing and diffuser, in order to improve downforce. The revised exterior adds 30mm to the ov

Audi has released a preview image for the new R8. This will be the second-generation of the supercar, and from what’s seen in the image, it will get laser headlights as an option. The new R8 is due to make its global debut at the Geneva motor show in March. The new R8 will get a heavily redesigned interior, which will most likely feature Audi's new all-digital dash, as seen on the new TT. Development of the second-generation Audi R8 has also been undertaken at the Nürburgring ahead of the car's launch. While the new R8 is expected to keep the same basic dimensions as its predecessor, visual upgrades include new front air intakes, while a smaller front grille has also been seen, as well as new headlight clusters. The new R8 will come with LED headlights as standard, but laser lights will be available as an option. Audi first showcased the technology on last year's R8 LMX. At the rear, the profile of the new R8 appears wider than the current car, and sports new ex

Hyundai has released the first details about its new Tucson SUV ahead of the car’s official debut at the 2015 Geneva Motor Show. The crossover – a replacement for the current ix35 – will be powered by two petrol and two diesel engines.  A 1.6-litre petrol engine available in both naturally aspirated and turbocharged forms will produce 133bhp and 174bhp respectively. Meanwhile, the diesel line-up includes a 1.7-litre unit with 113bhp and two versions of the firm's 2.0-litre powerplant, available in a choice of 134bhp and 181bhp forms. The 2.0-litre option will also be available with four-wheel drive. It will include three transmission options: six-speed manual, six-speed automatic or seven-speed dual-clutch automatic. The Tucson will feature Hyundai’s prominent front grille design. Speaking to journalists in Berlin, Hyundai design boss Peter Schreyer said: "We tried to make an SUV, but make it bolder and stronger. When we do something like this of course we have

Hyundai is expected to launch the new Verna facelift on February 18, 2015. Ahead of its launch, we have managed to get access to the official brochure from our sources. Here are the details of the features that will be available in each of the different trims. On the Verna facelift, Hyundai has retained the engine and gearbox options. Among the petrol variants, there’s a 105bhp, 1.4-litre engine (with a five-speed manual gearbox) and a 121bhp, 1.6-litre engine (with a five-speed manual or four-speed auto gearbox). The diesel variants offer the option of a 89bhp, 1.4-litre engine (with a six-speed manual gearbox) and a 126bhp, 1.6-litre engine (with a six-speed manual or four-speed automatic gearbox). The diesel engines get a mild update of their own with a new, low friction coating on the pistons to improve refinement, emissions and efficiency. As per ARAI-tested figures, the 1.4-litre diesel’s fuel economy is up 1.3kpl (to 24.8kpl) and the 1.6-litre’s has improved to 23.9kpl.

Bentley will unveil a high-performance, front-engined two-seater sports GT concept at the Geneva motor show in March. The concept will offer a peek into a new model which will rival sportscars from the likes of Aston Martin and Ferrari. The concept is likely to be powered by a specially configured version of the 500bhp Audi-sourced 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8. Bentley is likely to say that the car’s main purpose is to test the reaction of potential buyers, but the new model was first mentioned as a production possibility by returning CEO, Wolfgang Dürheimer at a press conference in 2014. Our sister publication, Autocar UK, understands that the car is likely be positioned beside the Continental GT, not below it. Dürheimer also revealed the possibility of a sedan between the Continental Flying Spur and Mulsanne, and there have been suggestions since, of a more compact SUV than the forthcoming full-sized Bentayga, which is due to hit international markets next year. The GT, ce

Audi has revealed first sketches of the Prologue Avant concept which will be shown to the public at the upcoming Geneva Motor Show 2015. The Prologue Avant is based on the Prologue concept which was designed to preview future design direction for the Audi A6, A7 and A8 models. The Prologue Avant is expected to showcase the same design theory for the Avant range sold in overseas markets. As seen from the official sketches, the raked-back concept gets Audi’s large hexagonal grille up front as well as Audi Signature Matrix LED lighting with large front air intakes. Moving on to the rear, the exhaust outlets are tucked into the rear bumper, while a small boot-mounted spoiler can also be noted. According to sources in Audi, the first production model to feature this new design direction will be the next-generation A8 sedan which is due in 2016. Audi is reportedly working on a range-topping A9 concept as well, which is expected to follow the Prologue concept’s design language

The latest version of the BMW M4 Coupé is set to head the Safety Car fleet for the 2015 MotoGP World Championship. BMW has not revealed precise figures, but it says that a new and innovative water-injection cooling system has boosted the six-cylinder engine's power output. The water-based cooling system is located in the boot, with a five-litre tank, a water pump, sensors and valve delivering water to the injectors at a pressure of 10bar. According to BMW, the water tank will only need to be refilled every fifth tank of petrol, even if the car is being driven at high speed on motorways. The water-based cooling system supplements the standard cooling system and aims to regulate the temperature of the turbocharger at track speeds, in order to enable the safety car to keep performing at higher speeds for longer. While this system is not available on any car other than the M4 safety car for now, BMW has said it will be used on an M-series model in the near future, followi

After confirming that the Civic Type R will make its debut at the Geneva Motor Show happening next month, Honda has now released a series of teaser images of the new performance hatchback. The Civic Type R will be powered by a turbocharged 2.0-litre direct-injection VTEC engine. Outputs have yet to be confirmed, but insiders have previously quoted figures of 300bhp and a torque output of 41.5kgm at just 2,000 rpm. Honda has also confirmed that the Type R will get a six-speed manual gearbox which is designed to "maximise driver enjoyment". It will include several aerodynamic features, sculpted through both, extensive wind tunnel testing and computer simulations. Honda promises “exceptional high speed stability and high levels of downforce” from these features, which include a flat underside, a front splitter, rear diffuser, large rear wing, and deep side skirts. The front bumper has also been designed to reduce turbulence at the front wheels, reducing drag. The E

Mercedes has revealed the Maybach Pullman. A stretch-limousine version of the S-class, the Pullman will debut at the Geneva motor show in March. This is the second model in the Mercedes-Maybach luxury lineup, the first one being the Mercedes-Maybach S600. The debut of the Pullman will coincide with the 50th anniversary of the most fabled luxury limo, the 1965 Mercedes-Benz 600. The Pullman measures 6,499 mm in length, 1,598 mm in height, and sits on a 4,418 mm long wheelbase. It gets powered by the firm's 6.0-litre biturbo engine, which produces 522bhp and 84.6kgm of torque. Other mechanical details are expected to emerge upon unveiling. The cabin, which literally screams luxury, has quilted reclining leather seating for four occupants. The passengers sit facing each other, and there is an electrically rising partition window separating the front and rear seats, which can be switched from clear to opaque. There is a standard 18.5-inch screen and a Burmester 3D stereo sy

The Toyota Vios sedan has been seen testing in India for the first time. The Vios will eventually replace the Etios sedan once it goes on sale here. Sources tell us that the Toyota Vios will be here in about two years from now. The Vios is considered to be a strategic car for emerging economies, hence, expect it to be locally produced to keep costs down. This third-generation Vios sedan spotted testing in India is already on sale internationally since the last two years. It is manufactured principally for growing South-east Asian markets, where it is positioned below the Corolla, rivaling the Honda City in most of these countries.  The Vios sedan carries Toyota’s new design language as seen on the Corolla and Camry. When launched, the Vios could come with a 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine that puts out 107bhp, mated to a five-speed manual gearbox. The 1.4-litre diesel motor will also be made available in this car. The current generation car is 4,410mm long, 1,700mm wide and

The James Bond franchise has been around for more than 50 years, and has the distinction of bringing some very exquisite automobiles to the big screen. As iconic as the protagonists and the antagonists are, the cars in the movie have always had a special place in the hearts of 007 fans. The newest film, Spectre, which is currently being shot, is set to star a couple of eyeball-grabbing models from Jaguar Land Rover and Aston Martin. Bond is said to be driving the Aston Martin DB10 in Spectre, and to match that extreme-performance quotient, the villain will be appearing in a Jaguar C-X75. For those who forget, the C-X75 is the 850bhp hybrid supercar from the Brit carmaker that never made it to production. More than one C-X75 will be used during the filming, and one of them is set to appear in a chase sequence through Rome. The C-X75s have been prepped by Williams Advanced Engineering for the film, and instead of their existing hybrid powertrains, they will be powered by the supe

The new Volkswagen Jetta facelift has been launched starting at Rs 13.87 lakh (ex-showroom, Mumbai) for the base variant. The Jetta was last updated in October 2013, when it was given more equipment and new headlamps. This new facelift is more of a cosmetic job to bring it in line with Volkswagen’s international model range. On the outside, the headlamps are more sculpted and the bonnet is slightly redesigned. There’s a larger grille with three chrome slats instead of two, and a wider lower air dam with new fog lamps. At the rear, the lamps look more angular and there’s a subtle lip spoiler. Prominent changes on the inside include a new three-spoke, flat-bottomed steering wheel from the Vento and Polo facelifts, and a classier looking instrument cluster. Mechanically, this facelift is unchanged. The Jetta facelift comes with the 121bhp 1.4-litre TFSI petrol engine and a 138bhp 2.0-litre TDI diesel unit. Transmission options include a six-speed manual and Volkswagen’s dual-c

Mercedes-Benz has revealed the G 500 4x4. It is a four-wheeled version of the Mercedes G63 AMG 6x6. No further details have been revealed by the carmaker. However, the official image reveals that - like the G 63 AMG 6x6 - it has a slightly modified body, increased ground clearance and larger wheels. Reports suggest that it is powered by a 416bhp 5.5-litre V8, although Mercedes has yet to officially confirm any of those details. The G 500 4x4 - which Mercedes has described as a "show car" - is expected to be revealed at the Geneva motor show.

Suzuki will showcase two concept cars at the upcoming Geneva motor show in March. The Suzuki iK-2 concept will preview an all­-new hatchback while the iM-4 will show the direction for Suzuki’s future rugged small SUV. Looking at the teaser image for the Suzuki iK-2 concept, it points to the production version of the  Suzuki YRA hatchback  which has already been seen testing in India and abroad. This new hatchback is expected to sit above the Swift in Maurti’s Indian line-up and will compete with the likes of Hyundai i20. The Suzuki iM-4 concept looks like a future compact SUV offering from Suzuki. Maruti is also readying an  all-new compact SUV  that is expected to rival the Ford EcoSport. However, the silhouette shown in the teaser image of the Suzuki concept points to a different vehicle. 

Koenigsegg will unveil the Agera RS at the Geneva motor show next month, the company has said.  The Swedish supercar maker is not revealing too many details. The Agera RS is expected to be a lighter, more focused and more powerful version of the already potent Koenigsegg Agera R. The Agera R is powered by a twin-turbocharged 5.0-litre V8 that develops a mind-boggling 1,100bhp. The car can sprint from 0-100kph in 2.9sec and has a top speed of 402kph. This new model could slot between the Agera R and the company’s flagship 1,341bhp Koenigsegg One:1. Aerodynamic features from the One:1 may filter down to the Agera RS, including the door mirrors, rear spoiler and some suspension components. The Agera RS is likely to rival the McLaren P1 GTR, which is also due to make its debut at the Geneva motor show 2015.

Skoda has announced the new Skoda Superb globally on February 17th. The new model will have a smoother flowing profile and a more grown up luxury car look. It is also expected to be more practical than the previous-gen car. The boot space will be up by more than 60 litres, at 625 litres, and you can expand that to 1,760 litres once the rear seats are folded down.  It is expected to have a 2.0-litre diesel motor tuned for around 170bhp or a 1.8-litre 177bhp turbo-petrol engine. The current automatic DSG gearboxes are likely to be carried forward. As seen from the official sketch, the new Superb gets Skoda's new two part, butterfly-shaped grille and a set of larger headlamps with a distinct hollowed out section below them. The nose now looks more aggressive, and the sharp cutlines on the bonnet and fenders, and the tastefully flared wheel arches add to the sporty stance. Now 20mm longer, a considerable 50mm wider and using a new stretched (by 80mm) wheelbase, the

These are the first spy photos of the new Chevrolet Spark hatchback (Beat for India) spotted in Korea. The new 2016 Chevrolet Spark (Beat) gets a full model-change. As seen from the photos, the new Chevrolet Spark (Beat) is a mildly-restyled version of recently unveiled Opel Karl city car, which will be sold in international markets. The new Spark’s exterior gets a more rounded yet bold design. The front styling looks a bit similar to the all-new Cruze sedan and present-day Hyundai offerings, with swooping headlamps combined with the signature Chevrolet grille and a big air-dam. Moving on to the sides, the new Beat retains its signature passenger door handle in the C-pillar and the overall shape of the glass-house remains similar to the current car. The new Spark (Beat) gets prominent creases along its waistline in order to give it a bit of character while viewing it from the side. Although the rear styling of the new Spark isn’t visible from these spy photos, we expect it

Mercedes-Benz has launched the diesel version of its C-class luxury sedan, C 220 CDI, in India starting at Rs 39.9 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi). The Mercedes C 220 CDI, available in two trims — Style and Avantgarde — is powered by a 2.1-litre, four-cylinder diesel engine good for 168bhp. The C-class diesel will initially be brought into the country as a CBU import with local assembly expected to commence later this year. In terms of features, the top Avantgarde trim comes equipped with a high-resolution 8.4-inch screen for its COMAND infotainment computer, satellite navigation, LED ambient cabin lighting with three selectable colours, push-button start, a panoramic sunroof and a 13-speaker Burmester audio system. It also gets the basics like three-zone auto climate control, rear-view camera and Bluetooth connectivity. The Mercedes C 220 CDI goes up against the likes of the Audi A4 and the BMW 3-series. Locally assembled C-class petrol introduced Mercedes has also intro

BMW has revealed the new 2-series Gran Tourer prior to its global debut at the Geneva motor show 2015. It is a larger version of the 2-series Active Tourer sold in international markets, and is more like a versatile hatchback-cum-MPV. The Gran Tourer gets seven seats unlike the Active Tourer which is a five-seater. The 2-series Gran Tourer shares its front-end styling with the Active Tourer. Its silhouette differs dramatically from traditional rear-wheel-drive BMW models, with a short bonnet and heavily angled windscreen, giving it a distinctive cab-forward influence. At 4550mm long, 1800mm wide and 1610mm high, the 2-series Gran Tourer is a considerable 214mm longer and 53mm taller than the 2-series Active Tourer, but exactly the same width. The majority of the extra length is concentrated within the wheelbase, which has grown by 110mm to 2780mm, to provide the new BMW with longer rear doors and a generous opening to access the rear seats. Inside, the 2-series Gran Tourer

The Renault Kadjar SUV has been revealed ahead of its public debut at the Geneva motor show next month. The Kadjar shares many components with the Nissan Qashqai SUV, thanks to the Renault-Nissan Alliance. The 1.5- and 1.6-litre diesel engines from the Qashqai are likely to do duty in the Kadjar. Renault's head of design Laurens van den Acker said, “We have the benefit of the very good engines, with low emission values. I think when you look at this as a package, in terms of emissions, engines, quality, design and flexibility and functionality of the interior, you have a very strong package.” The Kadjar will come with a choice of two- or four-wheel drive. The two-wheel-drive models will come with an Extended Grip system which is claimed to enhance grip on low-traction surfaces. The all-wheel-drive system has three modes: Auto, Lock and 2WD. It gets a 19cm-high ground clearance, and approach and departure angles of 18 and 25 degrees respectively. It also comes with front

The Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead Coupe Nighthawk has been revealed for international markets. Its production will be limited to only nine units. The Phantom Drophead Coupe Nighthawk gets a unique Diamond Black Metallic paint shade, while the bonnet wears matte black. Other cosmetic upgrades include silver alloys and a windscreen frame that is made from radar-absorbent material found in stealth jets. On the inside, it has black leather seats and red leather accents on the door panels, dashboard, and armrest. Carbon fibre has been used across the steering wheel, dashboard, door trims, and center console. The instrument cluster too has carbon fibre dials with glowing orange tips. Mechanically, it is the same as the standard car. The 6.75-litre V12 engine puts out around 450 horses.

Hyundai has pulled the plug on the Sonata luxury sedan after a decade long in the run in the Indian market. Negligible sales and a shrinking market for mainstream luxury cars have been cited as the reason for its discontinuation. The first-generation Sonata with its Jaguar-esque looks caused quite a stir when its was was first launched in 2001 and it even gave the Honda Accord a good run for its money. The second-generation Sonata Embera, which was launched in 2005 was not as popular as the earlier model, despite being the only Sonata to come with a diesel engine. However, the Embera’s understated looks did not find favour with style conscious buyers and, with more credible rivals like the Camry and Superb in the fray, the Sonata failed to make any impact. Hyundai didn’t give up and launched the third-generation Sonata in 2012. The design was based on Hyundai’s fluidic sculpture styling language, which meant it looked terrific. However, by now it was clear that Hyunda

The new Mercedes-AMG GT will arrive in our showrooms by the end of 2015. It is the second production model to be conceived, engineered and developed at Mercedes-Benz's AMG performance car division at Affalterbach in Germany. Internationally, the AMG GT has been launched in two guises – the standard GT and the more powerful GT S version – although it remains to be seen which version makes it to our shores. This is also the first AMG model to use a newly developed twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 engine that will provide the standard GT with 456bhp and will be tuned to make 503bhp in the S version. Developed from scratch, the direct-injection 4.0-litre V8 features twin turbochargers mounted inside the cylinder banks, and the carmaker claims this has optimised throttle response and reduced emissions. The styling of the GT retains the exaggerated proportions of the SLS, albeit with more contemporary detailing. The new model has ditched the SLS’s heavy gullwing doors for a lig

The Porsche Cayman GT4 has been revealed. It is the track version of the mid-engined sports car that’s been equipped with a larger engine from the 911 Carrera S and a manual gearbox. The Cayman GT4 will make its world debut at the Geneva motor show this March. Positioned between the Cayman GTS and the 911 GT3, the Cayman GT4 uses a stiffened and strengthened Cayman bodyshell as a starting point. It is lowered by 30mm and then, as Porsche GT boss Andreas Preuninger says, “as many GT parts as possible” are added into it. “We didn’t make this out of a Cayman GTS,” he says. “This is an entry-level mid-engined GT3 car.” The Cayman GT4 is powered by a retuned version of the Carrera S’ 3.8-litre flat six engine, producing 380bhp and 42.9kgm of torque. Transmission duties are held by a six-speed manual gearbox. A PDK dual-clutch automatic was considered but rejected, meaning the Cayman GT4 only gets manual transmission. Preuninger says the engine didn’t fit at first, and describes

This is the Ferrari 488 GTB, the hotly anticipated evolution of the 458 Italia that ushers turbocharging into a modern-day mid-engined V8 Ferrari supercar for the first time. The new car follows the California T in adopting turbocharging on a mainstream Ferrari, but the firm says the engine of the 488 GTB is completely new when compared with its V8 stablemate, not just in components but also in feel and character. It will go into production in September after production of the 458 Italia range ends in the summer.   The 488 GTB’s engine is a twin-turbocharged 3.9-litre unit (3902cc); the California T’s is a 3855cc unit. The new engine produces 660bhp at 8000rpm and 69.95kgm at 3000rpm. Both outputs are significant increases over the normally aspirated 4.5-litre V8 used in the 458 Italia and 458 Speciale. This produces 562bhp at 9000rpm in the former and 597bhp at 9000rpm in the latter; the torque figure of 55.02kgm at 6000rpm in the former is the same in both cars.   The o