Normski
RMS Regular
I get email updates from auto express online all the time and i post the odd thing up here about cars that may interest. Some others may get these too but i'm sure theirs members out there wh don't and would enjoy a wee read about upcoming / new / interesting cars, so i thought (courtesy of auto express' information) i'd stick a wee thread on the go.
Again apologies if anyone has posted the info before or has read the info somewhere already. But hey something to read over lunch
to kick off - The possible new MG TF
It's the roadster revival of the decade! Auto Express can exclusively take the wraps off the car that’s sure to get British fans hot under the collar: the new MG TF.
Emerging from the ashes of the famous company, the roadster is the first sign that the spirit of MG is alive and well, even though the brand is in the hands of Chinese owners.
This stunning model is set to replace the existing TF – production of which is back on track at MG Rover’s old home of Longbridge in the West Midlands – and will go on sale around 2010. And there’s not only a convert­ible planned, but a coupé, too!
The new TF is based around the Roewe 550 compact hatch, which made its debut at the Beijing Motor Show (Issue 1,009). It will feature a rear-wheel-drive version of that model’s platform – and this should ensure it has plenty of appeal for enthusiasts.
Although it will be slightly bigger than the Mazda MX-5, the MG will be targeting the Japanese convertible, as it’s likely to carry a similar price tag. However, also in its sights are the likes of the Alfa Romeo Spider, Audi TT Roadster and Volkswagen Eos.
If it looks a little familiar, that’s because the new TF takes some of its styling inspiration from the MG SV supercar and X80 concept. Those models were both based on the Mangusta – a sports car from Italian maker Qvale, which MG Rover bought in 2001.
As you can see from our pictures, produced using insider information, the new TF updates that shape with a striking front end incorporating a deep-set four-piece radiator grille and quad headlamps. At the rear, the curvy tail completes the look.
Under the skin, the TF features a chassis based on a design that was created by MG Rover – one which would have underpinned a replacement for the 45/ZS, had the company not gone into receivership.
When Shanghai Automobile Corporation (SAIC) bought the rights to the 25 and 75, it also acquired projects such as the unfinished 45. It has since produced the Roewe 550 and the 75-based Roewe 750.
There has always been the desire within SAIC to build a replacement for the TF, but with rival Nanjing Automobile Corpor­ation (NAC) owning the rights to the MG badge, there was never any chance of it wearing the famous octagon emblem – until the two Chinese giants joined forces.
Featuring a rear-wheel-drive platform developed in conjunction with British engineering expert Ricardo, plus MG Rover-based engines – including a 1.8-litre turbo and 2.5-litre V6 – the TF will deliver a great driving experience. And as SAIC-NAC are looking to form a UK Roewe dealer network in 2010, the stage is set for the TF’s comeback.
Shock new look for Megane!?
The French revolution starts here! Auto Express has the pictures that prove Renault is ready to reclaim its reputation as the world’s most daring designer of family cars.
This is the new Mégane, revealed for the first time in all its glory. We’ve spied undisguised versions of both the three and five-door versions, which are being prepared at the firm’s HQ.
And our inside information also means we can reveal what drivers can expect from the line-up when it hits the UK early next year.
With a sporty looking coupé and practical five-door hatch under development, Renault plans to come out with all guns blazing in the fight against the Ford Focus and Volkswagen Golf. The range of head-turning cars also promises class-leading levels of equipment and refinement, too.
Due to make their public debut at the Paris Motor Show in October, the two models are inspired by the new Laguna, and use detailing first revealed by the Mégane concept, which Auto Express drove in Issue 1,006.
However, as you can see in our pictures, the similarities between the cars are limited. While they get panoramic glass roofs and distinctive headlamps, in profile they are very different. Both have unique rear ends and individual wheel designs.
The three-door is a coupé and has a dramatic nose, tapered roof and sharply rising window line. At the rear, wide haunches and a steeply raked glass area provide a purposeful stance, which reflects the car’s promised handling prowess.
The five-door has a more conventional front, plus a larger glass area and bigger tailgate to improve practicality. The tail-lights are different, as is the rear bumper. The addition of a pair of back doors has altered the roofline to provide greater headroom for rear seat passengers.
Inside, flagship versions of both models get an upmarket interior which includes silver rimmed instruments, keyless go and satellite navigation.
An advanced airbag system is expected to complement a range of safety features that includes traction and stability control. Details of the engine line-up are not so clear, but both petrol and diesel powerplants will be available, including a 230bhp turbocharged Renaultsport version, which is designed to replace the performance oriented R27.
Prices for the newcomer are yet to be announced by the company. However, as both models will mark a major step forward in both design and engineering, a small increase is likely. Entry-level models should start from around £13,000.
The launch of the two Méganes will not affect the recently revised Scenic and Grand Scenic compact MPVs, both of which will continue until at least 2010.
However, Renault has hinted that a convertible Mégane could be on the cards to replace the current metal- roofed C-C. And estate and saloon variants are also due to join the line-up.
Meanest Ibiza Yet?
SEAT has put its money where its mouth is! Thanks to the great public reaction to its Bocanegra concept at the Geneva Motor Show in March, the Spanish firm has confirmed it will be putting the stunner into production.
The Bocanegra – the name means ‘black mouth’ in Spanish – features a striking Perspex-trimmed face. It previewed the three-door version of the all-new Ibiza, which will be badged SportCoupé when it goes on sale in November. And the Bocanegra’s nose will appear on a flagship Cupra variant, which is due in 2009.
The hot hatch will have real road presence, thanks to the neat transparent housing for the xenon headlights, as well as the big vents that feed cool air to the engine.
SEAT design director Luc Donckerwolke, previously of Lamborghini, told Auto Express: “When we showed the finished concept to our president Eric Schmitt, he said ‘I want one!’. And after the positive Geneva reception, there was no way we couldn’t put the Bocanegra into production.”
The Cupra will also get the same ground-hugging bodykit, plus a panoramic glass sunroof. Power should come from the 1.4-litre twin-turbo FSI petrol engine which appeared in the concept. This will have around 180bhp and be mated to a seven-speed semi-automatic DSG gearbox.
In a related story, Auto Express has been given exclusive access to the firm’s new Mondeo rival. It will be based on the platform of Audi’s previous-generation A4, and will feature an almost identical body, except for restyled front and rear ends – as previewed by early design sketches.
“We need to get into the family segment as quickly as possible, and using the A4 is the best way of doing that,” explained a SEAT spokesman. “We will then bring out a totally new model for the next generation.”
Engine options will include 1.9 and 2.0-litre diesels and a 2.0-litre TFSI petrol. As well as a saloon, there will be an A4 Avant-based estate. The newcomer is expected to be unveiled at October’s Paris Motor Show, with sales starting before the end of the year.
Return of the M1?
It’s a blast from the past for BMW! This stunning concept has been built as a tribute to the 1978 M1 – the firm’s first and only true supercar.
To celebrate the Seventies model’s 30th anniversary, BMW unveiled the sleek Homage at the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este in Italy – one of Europe’s most exclusive motoring events. The styling is packed full of design cues from the M1, such as twin BMW logos on the curvaceous rear flanks denoting it’s a mid-engined model. And the specially developed ‘liquid orange’ paint is a similar shade to that of the original car. The low-slung stance is finished off by cobweb-design alloys which fill the wheelarches.
The dramatic louvres on the rear screen match those on the M1, and the car is a similar size, too. However, the headlights are a modern twist on a classic design, visible only when they are switched on. If they’re not in use, they virtually disappear into the bonnet, similar to the way the pop-up lamps on the historic version did.
BMW says the Homage isn’t only about honouring the past – it also demonstrates the creativity and potential of the firm’s designers.
So, 30 years after the M1 blasted on to the scene, is a genuine successor waiting in the wings at last?
Normski
Again apologies if anyone has posted the info before or has read the info somewhere already. But hey something to read over lunch
to kick off - The possible new MG TF
It's the roadster revival of the decade! Auto Express can exclusively take the wraps off the car that’s sure to get British fans hot under the collar: the new MG TF.
Emerging from the ashes of the famous company, the roadster is the first sign that the spirit of MG is alive and well, even though the brand is in the hands of Chinese owners.
This stunning model is set to replace the existing TF – production of which is back on track at MG Rover’s old home of Longbridge in the West Midlands – and will go on sale around 2010. And there’s not only a convert­ible planned, but a coupé, too!
The new TF is based around the Roewe 550 compact hatch, which made its debut at the Beijing Motor Show (Issue 1,009). It will feature a rear-wheel-drive version of that model’s platform – and this should ensure it has plenty of appeal for enthusiasts.
Although it will be slightly bigger than the Mazda MX-5, the MG will be targeting the Japanese convertible, as it’s likely to carry a similar price tag. However, also in its sights are the likes of the Alfa Romeo Spider, Audi TT Roadster and Volkswagen Eos.
If it looks a little familiar, that’s because the new TF takes some of its styling inspiration from the MG SV supercar and X80 concept. Those models were both based on the Mangusta – a sports car from Italian maker Qvale, which MG Rover bought in 2001.
As you can see from our pictures, produced using insider information, the new TF updates that shape with a striking front end incorporating a deep-set four-piece radiator grille and quad headlamps. At the rear, the curvy tail completes the look.
Under the skin, the TF features a chassis based on a design that was created by MG Rover – one which would have underpinned a replacement for the 45/ZS, had the company not gone into receivership.
When Shanghai Automobile Corporation (SAIC) bought the rights to the 25 and 75, it also acquired projects such as the unfinished 45. It has since produced the Roewe 550 and the 75-based Roewe 750.
There has always been the desire within SAIC to build a replacement for the TF, but with rival Nanjing Automobile Corpor­ation (NAC) owning the rights to the MG badge, there was never any chance of it wearing the famous octagon emblem – until the two Chinese giants joined forces.
Featuring a rear-wheel-drive platform developed in conjunction with British engineering expert Ricardo, plus MG Rover-based engines – including a 1.8-litre turbo and 2.5-litre V6 – the TF will deliver a great driving experience. And as SAIC-NAC are looking to form a UK Roewe dealer network in 2010, the stage is set for the TF’s comeback.
Shock new look for Megane!?
The French revolution starts here! Auto Express has the pictures that prove Renault is ready to reclaim its reputation as the world’s most daring designer of family cars.
This is the new Mégane, revealed for the first time in all its glory. We’ve spied undisguised versions of both the three and five-door versions, which are being prepared at the firm’s HQ.
And our inside information also means we can reveal what drivers can expect from the line-up when it hits the UK early next year.
With a sporty looking coupé and practical five-door hatch under development, Renault plans to come out with all guns blazing in the fight against the Ford Focus and Volkswagen Golf. The range of head-turning cars also promises class-leading levels of equipment and refinement, too.
Due to make their public debut at the Paris Motor Show in October, the two models are inspired by the new Laguna, and use detailing first revealed by the Mégane concept, which Auto Express drove in Issue 1,006.
However, as you can see in our pictures, the similarities between the cars are limited. While they get panoramic glass roofs and distinctive headlamps, in profile they are very different. Both have unique rear ends and individual wheel designs.
The three-door is a coupé and has a dramatic nose, tapered roof and sharply rising window line. At the rear, wide haunches and a steeply raked glass area provide a purposeful stance, which reflects the car’s promised handling prowess.
The five-door has a more conventional front, plus a larger glass area and bigger tailgate to improve practicality. The tail-lights are different, as is the rear bumper. The addition of a pair of back doors has altered the roofline to provide greater headroom for rear seat passengers.
Inside, flagship versions of both models get an upmarket interior which includes silver rimmed instruments, keyless go and satellite navigation.
An advanced airbag system is expected to complement a range of safety features that includes traction and stability control. Details of the engine line-up are not so clear, but both petrol and diesel powerplants will be available, including a 230bhp turbocharged Renaultsport version, which is designed to replace the performance oriented R27.
Prices for the newcomer are yet to be announced by the company. However, as both models will mark a major step forward in both design and engineering, a small increase is likely. Entry-level models should start from around £13,000.
The launch of the two Méganes will not affect the recently revised Scenic and Grand Scenic compact MPVs, both of which will continue until at least 2010.
However, Renault has hinted that a convertible Mégane could be on the cards to replace the current metal- roofed C-C. And estate and saloon variants are also due to join the line-up.
Meanest Ibiza Yet?
SEAT has put its money where its mouth is! Thanks to the great public reaction to its Bocanegra concept at the Geneva Motor Show in March, the Spanish firm has confirmed it will be putting the stunner into production.
The Bocanegra – the name means ‘black mouth’ in Spanish – features a striking Perspex-trimmed face. It previewed the three-door version of the all-new Ibiza, which will be badged SportCoupé when it goes on sale in November. And the Bocanegra’s nose will appear on a flagship Cupra variant, which is due in 2009.
The hot hatch will have real road presence, thanks to the neat transparent housing for the xenon headlights, as well as the big vents that feed cool air to the engine.
SEAT design director Luc Donckerwolke, previously of Lamborghini, told Auto Express: “When we showed the finished concept to our president Eric Schmitt, he said ‘I want one!’. And after the positive Geneva reception, there was no way we couldn’t put the Bocanegra into production.”
The Cupra will also get the same ground-hugging bodykit, plus a panoramic glass sunroof. Power should come from the 1.4-litre twin-turbo FSI petrol engine which appeared in the concept. This will have around 180bhp and be mated to a seven-speed semi-automatic DSG gearbox.
In a related story, Auto Express has been given exclusive access to the firm’s new Mondeo rival. It will be based on the platform of Audi’s previous-generation A4, and will feature an almost identical body, except for restyled front and rear ends – as previewed by early design sketches.
“We need to get into the family segment as quickly as possible, and using the A4 is the best way of doing that,” explained a SEAT spokesman. “We will then bring out a totally new model for the next generation.”
Engine options will include 1.9 and 2.0-litre diesels and a 2.0-litre TFSI petrol. As well as a saloon, there will be an A4 Avant-based estate. The newcomer is expected to be unveiled at October’s Paris Motor Show, with sales starting before the end of the year.
Return of the M1?
It’s a blast from the past for BMW! This stunning concept has been built as a tribute to the 1978 M1 – the firm’s first and only true supercar.
To celebrate the Seventies model’s 30th anniversary, BMW unveiled the sleek Homage at the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este in Italy – one of Europe’s most exclusive motoring events. The styling is packed full of design cues from the M1, such as twin BMW logos on the curvaceous rear flanks denoting it’s a mid-engined model. And the specially developed ‘liquid orange’ paint is a similar shade to that of the original car. The low-slung stance is finished off by cobweb-design alloys which fill the wheelarches.
The dramatic louvres on the rear screen match those on the M1, and the car is a similar size, too. However, the headlights are a modern twist on a classic design, visible only when they are switched on. If they’re not in use, they virtually disappear into the bonnet, similar to the way the pop-up lamps on the historic version did.
BMW says the Homage isn’t only about honouring the past – it also demonstrates the creativity and potential of the firm’s designers.
So, 30 years after the M1 blasted on to the scene, is a genuine successor waiting in the wings at last?
Normski