2008 Lotus Esprit

The British sports car maker Lotus – owned by Proton, Malaysia – is about to develop an all new mid-engined Lotus Esprit, due for launch in 2007.

These photos are showing the first test mule doing high speed testing at Nürburgring. It has wider fenders and a large rear wing. More important, however, is what will be underneath: the next Lotus Esprit gets a 32 valve 4.8 litre V8 engine from BMW delivering 367 HP and uses a newly developed extruded aluminium chassis and all independent suspension. The super car’s top speed is estimated to rate around 180 mph.
With US sales for this new Esprit receiving priority, Lotus will build between 1000 and 2000 units in the company’s home base Hethel in Great Britain.
The photos are showing a prototype mule plus one computer image of an artist’s impression of how the new Esprit could look like upon its release.

Road Test: Bentley Azure

Our first road test on this site.

It’s the world’s most expensive and exclusive convertible, and a car that’s as British as afternoon tea at London’s Ritz Hotel. The Bentley Azure has been in production at the factory in Crewe, Che­shire, since 1995. Now, there’s a new version that’s set to grace the globe’s trendiest resorts from August, when the first customers take delivery.A massive 875Nm of torque en­sures the car offers incredible acceleration, despite its 2,695kg weight Based on the latest Arnage, the Azure uses the same 6.75-litre twin-turbo V8 as the saloon and retains the unique Bentley character of effortless power. Revving to 4,500rpm, the cabrio has a seamless four-speed auto gearbox to drive the rear wheels. A massive 875Nm of torque en­sures the car offers incredible acceleration, despite its 2,695kg weight. From 0-60mph, it’s four-tenths of a second quicker than the outgoing Azure, recording the sprint in 5.9 seconds. However, Bentley’s engineers have also concentrated on body stiffness, which is crucial for a roofless car of such vast dimensions. As well as traditional strengthening in the sills, A-pillars and underbody, the Azure has two carbon fibre crossmembers linking the front and rear sub-frames. Bentley says this design is an industry first. The system provides an impressive level of rigidity, and there’s barely any scuttle shake or body twist. Compared with the previous version, torsional strength has increased by 300 per cent. And, crucially, this has refined the ride, as the Arnage R-sourced all-wishbone suspension offers a superbly cushioned driving experience. The classic floating Bentley ride is a constant, while the Sport button tightens the active dampers to reduce this vertical movement. While the latest Azure’s weight and dimensions – it’s 5,530mm long – make it far from agile, handling is safe and stability good. Body roll is controlled well, and the steering is acceptable. The driving experience is compromised slightly by a soft brake-pedal action, although the ride and refinement are now both highly impressive. That’s partly because of the hood. When it’s raised, wind noise is no greater than in the saloon. The head­lining is completely smooth and even includes a rear reading light – a first for an open-topped car. Constructed of triple-layer fabric, it is fully automated and operates very quietly at driving speeds up to 20mph. The cabin has the traditional dash from the Arnage, while beautiful hand-polished wood, sumptuous leather and thick carpets create a luxurious feel. However, due to the coupé-like windscreen angle, the Arnage’s lofty perch seats have been replaced by the Continental GT’s lower chairs. So, while there’s no reach adjustment on the steering wheel, the driving position is accommodating, and there’s plenty of rear legroom. The entire cabin exudes opulence from a bygone age, but you get few hi-tech toys, except a DVD sat-nav in the dashboard. Yet, as with all Bentleys, bespoke Azure buyers can choose from a huge range of colours, hood fabrics, woods and options. Costing an eye-watering £222,300 and with virtually limitless scope for personalisation, the Azure is set to grace the world’s top locations and remain the most exclusive car money can buy.

First Opinion:

With its bespoke craftsmanship and traditional opulence, the Azure is a Bentley in every sense. The styling and 6.75-litre V8 powerplant reflect that heritage, too. But don’t be fooled. The Crewe manufacturer’s engineers have done an excellent job of improving body stiffness. As a result, the ride and refinement on the new model are very impressive.

At A Glance:

The triple-layer fabric of the Azure’s roof ensures superb sound insulation. And, despite the hood’s impressive size, it folds neatly and quickly into a panel behind the back seats. It then lies flush with the bootlid.

The process takes about 14 seconds.

Engine: 6.75-litre V8, 450bhp0-60mph: 5.9 seconds.

Top speed: 168mph.

Price: £222,500.

2007 Aston Martin DBS

Aston Martin DBS - James Bond’s latest wheels for the road:

Aston Martin has recently unveiled the company’s latest movie star called DBS, as the famous secret agent 007’s next super car. It will be driven by Daniel Craig in the movie Casino Royale which will appear in the cinemas in November this year.
This new Aston Martin DBS continues the long-time association with the James Bond franchise from which an Aston Martin DB 5 made its first appearance in the Bond movie “Goldfinger” back in 1964. While Bond’s fictional vehicle will be unique for the movie, Casino Royale, Aston Martin is about to set up an additional small 300 unit production line of a DBS road version, pictured here during high speed testing at Nürburgring.
The DBS is based on an uprated version of the DB 9, has a wider track and lower ground clearance, bold scoops and air intakes in the front, and according to rumours the V12 engine’s performance was boosted from 450 bhp to over 500 bhp. It is expected to cost no less than £130.000.

Copyright: Automedia

New Car: 2007 Renault Modus

Renault has tweaked its Modus mini-MPV for 2007, with subtle styling changes and an upgraded interior.

On the outside, the indicator lenses are now clear, while the wing mirrors now feature integrated indicators. Inside, there is new upholstery throughout the range and higher-quality materials for the dash and centre console.

Seven new colours have also been added to the new range: Antique Green, Capsicum Red, Extreme Blue, Hologram Grey, Pacific Blue, Quartz and Tempest. The entry-level Modus Authentique also now gains body-coloured bumpers.

The 2007 Modus is on sale now, priced from £9,145.

New Car: 2007 BMW X3 Facelift

Offical photos of the 2007 BMW X3 Facelift have been revealed.

A few new things have been added and taken away or just moved around. Taller & wider lower grille just below the number plate and new air vents beside the new grille.

More news will be posted about the new X3 facelift soon.

New Car: 2007 Mazda MX-5 Roadster Coupé

Mazda Motor Corporation will use the 2006 British International Motor Show for its global reveal of the new Mazda MX-5, now equipped with a power retractable hard top roof ** - and the regional debut of the Mazda BT-50 one-ton pickup truck.

The British International Motor Show will be held in London from Tuesday, July 18, through Sunday, July 30, 2006.

Featuring a new, unique power retractable hard top roof, this is an all-new addition to the third-generation Mazda MX-5 which has been celebrated globally since 2005. This new Mazda MX-5 model provides a unified sense of driving exhilaration, ready to spread the fun of lightweight sports cars in diverse and distinct new ways.

“Jinba Ittai”—or ’rider and horse as one’ is the essence of Mazda MX-5, the expression reflecting the emotional connection between a horse and rider.

Mazda will also reveal its new one-ton truck, the Mazda BT-50, equipped with a powerful new 2.5- litre Direct Injection Turbo Diesel engine. The British International Motor Show marks the European premiere of this diesel engine, which made its world debut at the Bangkok Motor Show last March.

Along with these models, the Mazda Sassou and Mazda Kabura concept vehicles will also be exhibited.

Mazda will hold a press conference on Tuesday, July 18, 2006 at 11:45 a.m. (British Summer Time).

**Mazda MX-5 with a power retractable hard top roof will be known by different names around the world:

Europe and Australia: Mazda MX-5 Roadster Coupe
Japan: Mazda Roadster Power Retractable Hard Top
North America: Mazda MX-5 (Miata) Power Retractable Hard Top

New Car: 2007 Land Rover Freelander

Land Rover today revealed the all- new LR2 that enters the compact premium SUV market with outstanding breadth of capability and Land Rover's signature technologies.

The fourth new model from Land Rover in just four years, LR2 joins the impressive line-up of Range Rover (2002), Land Rover LR3 (2004) and Range Rover Sport (2005) that together have seen record-breaking sales performance around the world.

New from the ground up, LR2 delivers outstanding on-road performance as well as the class-leading off-road ability of a Land Rover. A dynamic design, purposeful stance, smart and spacious interior, and an abundance of advanced technologies complete the LR2 package.

"LR2 combines the advantages of a premium sedan -- such as polished ride, accomplished performance, an attractive cabin and ease-of-use -- with the attributes of a robust SUV, including go-anywhere ability, toughness, stadium seating, cabin versatility and spaciousness," says Phil Popham, Land Rover's managing director. "We believe that no other compact SUV gets closer to blending these best-of-both-worlds abilities."

Technical highlights of the LR2 include a brand-new 230bhp* transversely mounted 3.2-liter inline-six engine featuring advanced technologies to deliver an outstanding combination of performance and economy.

The engine is matched to a new six-speed automatic transmission, with Land Rover's CommandShift(TM) offering manual sequential gear changes when required. There is also a driver-selectable sport mode for livelier performance.

The exterior and interior design of LR2 is completely fresh, integrating the company's unique design language with a form that is instantly recognizable as the latest Land Rover.

"We purposely kept strong Land Rover design cues, such as the clamshell bonnet, stepped roof and the basic form," says Land Rover design director Geoff Upex. "The overall look is new and contemporary. The design is chiseled, geometric and simple -- it looks like it's hewn from the solid. We have kept a close design relationship with the LR3 and Range Rover Sport, but interpreted the design language to suit the requirements of customers for a more compact SUV."

The body is a five-door monocoque structure, with a high level of torsional rigidity which benefits refinement, comfort and handling on-road as well as ensuring the vehicle is fit for serious off-road use. The suspension is fully independent and uses the most modern stability control systems, including Roll Stability Control (RSC(R)), a sophisticated technology that helps mitigate the risk of roll-over even in extreme conditions.

LR2 is packed with new technologies to improve both on-road and off-road performance. Land Rover's unique Terrain Response(TM) is standard, making off-road use easier. Other interesting technologies include a new intelligent permanent all-wheel-drive system for superior traction and better on-road fuel economy, and the patented Gradient Release Control, which improves driver confidence and control when releasing the brakes on steep and slippery slopes.

Designed and engineered by Land Rover at Gaydon, near Warwick, England, LR2 is built at the Halewood plant in Liverpool, where outstanding build quality has been acknowledged with a JD Power European Plant Quality Gold Award in 2005.