Articles by Aiden Taylor

These new spy shots give our best look yet at the upcoming fourth-generation Audi A4, with this camouflaged Avant bodystyle spied testing recently in Germany.The new A4 sedan is expected to debut later this year at the Frankfurt motor show, with the wagon-bodied Avant variant tipped to appear a short time after.These latest spy images reveal that the new generation A4 will carry an evolutionary rather than revolutionary design compared to the outgoing version.It’s clear the proportions of the new Avant are very similar to the current 2015 B8 version with a sleek but ultimately practicality-driven profile.The new 2016 A4 Avant is expected to adopt a sharper front fascia than the outgoing model inspired by the various Audi Prologue concept cars.Like the recently revealed Audi Q7 SUV, the new A4 will feature a squarer grille with integrated headlights.The new generation A4 will carry an evolutionary rather than revolutionary design.At the rear we can expect slim LED taillights and a long sloping tailgate that gives the Avant a Shooting Brake style rather than a conventional wagon shape. The 2016 A4 will use the same platform as the new Q7 SUV, which has been designed for a variety of petrol, diesel and hybrid drivetrains.Initially it’s expected the 2016 A4 will be available with a range of petrol and diesel four-cylinder engines with front or all-wheel drive.Eventually a range of six-cylinder engines will also be available along with an efficiency focused hybrid model. The new MLB platform is believed to be lighter than the one it replaces, which should equate to better fuel efficiency and handling compared to the outgoing A4.Transmission options in the new A4 will include a six-speed manual or an automatic of the seven-speed dual clutch or eight-speed torque-converter varieties.Australia’s love affair with automatics means we’ll likely only get the auto version when the new A4 goes on sale next year.

McLaren has revealed its most affordable model yet at the Shanghai motor show in the form of the entry-level 540C.The second member of the McLaren Sports Series, the 540C is clearly based on the recently unveiled 570S model, but McLaren claim this latest car is less track-focused and more comfortable for daily use.It uses the same basic components as the 570S, but is less powerful while featuring a softer and more comfortable suspension setup.The 540C doesn’t differ much from the 570S visually, with redesigned 19-inch alloy wheels being the most obvious visual distinction.The 540C can accelerate from 0-100km/h in 3.5 seconds, 200km/h in 10.5 and flat out it’ll do 320km/h.Powering the 540C is McLaren’s 3.8-litre twin-turbo V8 engine, which also features in the 570S, 650S and P1 models in varying states of tune.Here it develops 397kW (540hp, hence the name) and 540Nm, compared to 419kW/600Nm in the 570.The basic engine is identical to that of the more powerful 570S which features 30 per cent new parts compared to the 650S unit, though a calibration change dials down the power.On the European cycle both the new 540C and 570S models average 11.1L/100km.The 540C can accelerate from 0-100km/h in 3.5 seconds, 200km/h in 10.5 and flat out it’ll do 320km/h (a whisker shy of the magic 200mph).The 540C shares its lightweight carbon fibre tub with the 570S, so you get narrower sills for easier entry and exit compared to the 650S and more interior space.Curb weight is almost identical to the 570S at 1311kg, which is significantly lighter than the 540C’s main rivals.The new car also does away with the complicated hydraulically controlled active anti-roll bars fitted to the 650S, P1 and now-discontinued 12C in the name of reducing costs.Instead of the active anti-roll bars, the 540C uses a conventional fixed setup with adaptive dampers that are tuned more towards comfort than in the 570S.Being a sports car at heart though, you can still dial up the suspension and powertrain from normal mode through to sport or track modes for sportier driving.

Since the Northern Territory government derestricted a stretch of the Stuart Highway, manufacturers have started using it for high-speed hot weather testing.The new hybrid Honda NSX was spotted crossing the outback a few weeks ago, and now Porsche has had a go in its million dollar 918 Spyder. While the 918 isn’t for sale in Australia, Porsche has been using it as a (very fast) tool to promote its e-hybrid versions of the Cayenne and Panamera models. The 918 is the most advanced production car that Porsche has ever built.During its outback blast the 918 travelled the first 25km of the Stuart Highway in silent emissions-free electric mode before the 4.6-litre naturally aspirated V8 was fired up at the derestriction zone. Porsche claim the 918 can cover around 30km at 150km/h in electric mode – making it significantly more capable than its McLaren and Ferrari rivals, the latter doesn’t even offer an electric mode. Over a period of around 40 seconds, the 661kW 918 went from a leisurely 60km/h to its top speed of 350km/h on the public road. Porsche had spotters located along the high-speed test route to ensure the run would be as safe as possible – obviously this isn’t something we recommend you attempt in your own car. The 918 is the most advanced production car that Porsche has ever built, packing a hybrid all-wheel drive system, active aerodynamics and carbon fiber structure.The Porsche is powered by a 453kW 4.6-litre race-bred V8 engine which drives the rear wheels through a seven-speed dual-clutch PDK automatic gearbox.An electric motor mounted on the front axle adds 95kW, while another electric motor mounted between the engine and rear wheels adds another 114kW. The total combined output is 661kW/1274Nm, enough to send the 918 to 100km/h in less than 2.8 seconds. Porsche also claim a phenomenal combined fuel consumption figure as low as 3.0L/100km. While here in Australia the 918 also lapped the Australian Grand Prix circuit with Mark Webber at the wheel and set the production car lap record at Philip Island a few weeks ago. The Porsche 918’s local publicity tour is now over however, and the car will soon be shipped back to Germany. 

Ford has announced Australian pricing and features for its updated 2015 Focus ST hot hatch. Priced from $38,990, the revised ST is $700 more expensive than before but includes more technology goodies thanks to the updated Sync2 multimedia system - also seen in the FG X Falcon and SZII Territory. Sync2 includes a larger eight-inch touchscreen than the outgoing version and removes some buttons from the center console. It also includes satnav, climate controls and Bluetooth phone and audio with voice recognition.  Other new features on the ST include adaptive xenon headlamps and auto start/stop which improves combined fuel consumption by 0.1L/100km to 7.3L/100km combined. The optional technology pack ($2000) also adds auto emergency brake, blind spot detection, rear cross traffic alert, lane-keeping aid, lane departure warning, driver impairment warning and auto high beams.  The suspension has been retuned by the team behind the new all-wheel drive Focus RS.The exterior styling has also been refreshed with a new more aggressive grille and edgier headlights. At the rear the signature centrally mounted exhaust remains but is now surrounded by more dark plastic to give a sportier impression. The taillights are slightly slimmer too. Ford has also given the updated ST a new set of alloy wheels finished in either light grey or satin black. Those new alloys also now wear sticky Michelin Pilot Sport II hoops instead of the outgoing model’s Goodyear tyres. The suspension has also been retuned by the team behind the new all-wheel drive Focus RS, with new front springs and stiffer front bushes along with retuned dampers front and rear. The electric power steering and stability control systems have also been recalibrated. The 2.0-litre turbo engine remains unchanged, developing 184kW/340Nm (360Nm with overboost), which is connected to a six-speed manual gearbox and front-wheel drive. An automatic transmission still isn’t available on the Focus ST, something Volkswagen will be happy to capitalise on with the vast majority of new VW Golf GTIs being automatic-equipped.In Europe the updated Focus ST is also available with a diesel engine, but with the diesel Golf GTD dropped from the local VW lineup, it’s unlikely we’ll see this variant. The new Ford Focus ST hot hatch will be available in Australia from May.

McLaren has revealed its new entry-level supercar, a competitor to Porsche’s faster 911s, the new AMG GT and Audi’s R8.Dubbed 570S, the new model is designed to be more comfortable and affordable than the existing $441,500 650S.Power comes from a revised version of the 3.8-litre twin-turbo V8 engine that has powered all of McLaren’s recent production cars.About 30 per cent of the parts are new compared to the 650S motor, and the boosted V8 delivers 419kW (570PS, hence the name) and 600Nm.That’s enough to send this ‘entry level’ McLaren to 100km/h in just 3.2 seconds and onto a top speed of 328km/h. It’ll do 0-200km/h in under ten seconds, too. Like other McLaren road cars, the 570S uses the SSG seven-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox with paddles and is rear-wheel drive.Similarly, the new model uses a lightweight carbon fibre tub derived from the design used by the 650S, P1 hybrid and the now discontinued 12C – McLaren’s first mass-produced road car which launched in 2011.The 570S tub has been modified to incorporate narrower sills for easier cabin entry and exit and a more comfortable interior.The new car tips the scales at 1313kg dry, significantly less a Porsche 911 Turbo which offers similar performance.This ‘entry level’ McLaren to does 0-100km/h in just 3.2 seconds and goes onto a top speed of 328km/h.Where the 570S differs most in its construction from the 650S, is its use of aluminium body panels rather than the reinforced plastic of its bigger brother. Its suspension is also significantly different from the more expensive models, dropping the hydraulically-controlled active anti-roll bars for more conventional fixed anti-roll bars with adaptive dampers.The usual ‘Normal’, ‘Sport’ and ‘Track’ selectable driving modes also feature, adjusting the car’s attitude from comfortable cruiser through to track weapon.Cabin entry is via McLaren’s signature dihedral doors, and inside the 570S you’ll find a digital instrument display, sports bucket seats, 7-inch infotainment system and some funky dashboard shapes unique to the 570S.The exterior design is obviously derivative of the existing 650S, though the new model uses P1-style taillights and goes without a glass engine cover or the active air brake rear wing.A convertible version is likely to follow the coupe, while it's believed the 570S will spawn a less powerful 530C in the coming months.  It’s currently unconfirmed whether the new McLaren 570S will be sold in Australia. But if this quick Brit does reach local showrooms, it will likely cost in excess of $300,000. 

Mercedes has announced Australian pricing and specifications for the new CLA Shooting Brake compact wagon.Priced from $52,400, the CLA-based model will be the cheapest Benz wagon ever sold in Australia, and priced below the Holden Calais V Sportwagon local hero.Your $52,400 will get you a 115kW/250Nm 1.6-litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine in the base model CLA 200, capable of returning 5.7L/100km combined.An additional $500 brings the 2.1-litre turbodiesel four-cylinder engine producing 100kW/300Nm in the $52,900 CLA 200 CDI. Combined fuel consumption for the diesel model listed as 4.3L/100km.The CLA-based model will be the cheapest Mercedes-Benz wagon ever sold in Australia.Standard features on both 200 models include power tailgate, satnav, 18-inch alloys, keyless start and a reversing camera.Both entry-level models are front-wheel drive and fitted with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox as standard.The mid-spec $66,400 CLA 250 4MATIC Shooting Brake is powered by a 155kW/350Nm 2.0-litre turbo four-cylinder engine. The 250 also scores AMG styling pieces, diamond grille, sports suspension, panoramic glass sunroof, heated electric leather front seats, and 4MATIC four-wheel drive.The range-topping CLA 45 AMG Shooting Brake is the performance model in the line up, powered by the 265kW/450Nm turbo four-cylinder engine from the A, CLA and GLA 45 AMG models.It can sprint from 0-100km/h in 4.7 seconds – a tenth slower than the CLA 45 sedan – and is fitted with upgraded suspension, brakes, wheels and tyres and seven-speed dual-clutch automatic with launch control. The AMG performance model also comes with extra standard equipment, including upgraded satnav, Harmon Kardon sound system, cruise control with auto brake functionality and lane keep assist.The Shooting Brake features an additional 25-litres of cargo space over the CLA sedan at 495-litres VDA, while folding the rear seats flat sees that swell to 1354-litres VDA.The CLA Shooting Brake is expected to arrive in Australia before June.

Citroen has announced that its unique C4 Cactus compact SUV will hit Australia in the first quarter of 2016 to rival cars like the new Mazda CX-3 and Honda HR-V. The Cactus brings a number of unique family-friendly features to the compact SUV segment, which aim to give it a practical edge over its rivals.One detail that all city-dwellers will appreciate is what Citroen calls Airbump technology – essentially a group of plastic-surfaced air capsules built into parts of the body that are usually prone to dents and scrapes.No maintenance is required and should someone ding your door or run a shopping trolley into parts of the car equipped with the bubbles no damage will be done. The clever design continues inside where the passenger airbag has been mounted in the roof allowing for a massive 8.5-litre storage compartment in the dashboard. The Cactus also features two digital displays – one for the instrument cluster and another larger centrally mounted screen housing the air-con and multimedia controls. If someone dings your door or runs a shopping trolley into parts of the car equipped with the air bubbles, no damage is done. Another quirk is the gear selector which is a simple switch located where you might ordinarily find air-con controls, and the door handles are leather straps. Cactus engine options in Europe include a 60kW 1.0-litre three-cylinder turbo petrol, 80kW petrol and 74kW turbodiesel unit capable of using as low as 3.1L/100km combined on the European cycle. Riding on a variation of the award-winning Peugeot 208’s platform, the Cactus is 4160mm long, 1730mm wide and 1480mm tall. Remarkably, it weights less than 1000kg (in European trim) tipping the scales at just 965kg. It's also around 200kg lighter than the standard C4 hatchback. Local pricing and specifications for the C4 Cactus SUV will be revealed closer to the car’s Australian launch early next year. 

Jeep has revealed seven new off-road concept vehicles ahead of their debuts at the Moab Easter Jeep Safari in Utah later this month.Four out of the seven concepts are based on the highly customisable Wrangler, while the Grand Cherokee, Cherokee and new baby Renegade models have also been modified for the Safari. Every year Jeep wheels out a range of concepts for the safari to showcase its production and prototype Mopar and Jeep Performance Parts accessories to give owners an idea of how they can modify their own vehicles.Jeep Wrangler AfricaThe Wrangler Africa is designed for long-range off-roading with extra cargo space and room for auxiliary fuel tanks.Based on the four-door Wrangler Unlimited, it is powered by a 2.8-litre turbodiesel engine and fitted with a two-inch lift kit, sway bar links and front and rear Dana 44 axles from Jeep Performance Parts.Inside it’s designed to be tough and durable, and the floor, roof and cargo area are finished in spray-on truck bed coating.Jeep Grand Cherokee OverlanderThe Grand Cherokee Overlander is designed for off-road enthusiasts who like to camp out in their vehicles overnight.It features a two-person rooftop tent, integrated front winch, tow hooks, off-road rock rails, front and rear skid plates and 18-inch wheels with all-terrain tyres.The Grand Cherokee-based concept is powered by a 3.0-litre turbodiesel engine mated to an eight-speed automatic gearbox. Jeep Wrangler Red Rock Responder This Wrangler-based concept is a purpose-built support vehicle  designed for emergency off-road situations. It’s filled with spare parts and tools, while also equipped with the off-road hardware needed to conquer the toughest terrain.It features 37-inch mud terrain tyres, four-inch Jeep Performance Parts lift kit, Fox shocks, Dana 60 axles and prototype rock rails.Power comes from a 3.6-litre petrol V6, fitted with a cold air intake to help air flow.Jeep Cherokee Canyon Trail The off-road capability of the Cherokee is increased further with the Canyon Trail concept, which adds rock rails, two-piece fuel tank skid plate, two-piece underbody skid plate and all terrain tyres that give 1.5-inches of extra lift.The Cherokee is powered by a 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine, mated to a nine-speed automatic gearbox.Jeep Renegade Desert HawkEven Jeep’s baby Renegade SUV has been toughened up for the Safari, with both styling and mechanical tweaks. It features desert tan exterior paint, a bonnet decal which depicts the ‘Fins and Things’ Moab trail and unique seat covers.Underneath the Renegade gets rock rails and a skid plate for improved off-road ability.Jeep Staff CarThis Wrangler-based concept was inspired by the military Jeeps used in the Second World War.It does without doors, a fixed roof and interior luxuries, but features a roll cage, Sandstorm exterior paint, military-style wheels and tyres, and 3.6-litre V6 engine with a manual gearbox.The Staff Car concept is fitted with a Jeep Performance Parts two-inch lift kit, Fox shocks and Dana 44 axles.Jeep ChiefThis Wrangler is a throwback to the 1970s Jeep Cherokee, designed to excite hipsters, surfers and fans of 70s retro styling.It features a unique two-tone ocean blue and white color scheme, unique chrome grille and bumpers and 17-inch ‘mag’ wheels.Inside it boasts a Hawaiian themed interior with seats trimmed in floral leather and cloth material, Rosewood grab handle plus a modern 8.4-inch touchscreen multimedia system.Eagle-eyed viewers will notice the doors and windshield have been chopped down two-inches compared to a standard Wrangler and it features a two-inch lift kit.This author's instinct suggests that if Jeep were to put this concept into production right now, they wouldn’t be able to build enough of them. It’s the right car for the moment – everything old is new again, right?

Jaguar has released a pair of teaser images for its upcoming 2016 XF sedan, ahead of the model’s dramatic debut in London on March 24. The British premium brand has announced that the new XF will perform a high-wire water crossing in London, before debuting at the New York motor show in April. The sole top-down exterior image and recent spy pics suggest the design of the new model will be an evolution of the current generation sedan, along with drawing inspiration from the smaller XE sedan.It will likely feature a sleek profile with muscular wheel arches and sports car-like rear-set cabin with a short boot lid. The interior image is more revealing, showing off the car’s center console, dashboard and door design.The interior styling is derivative of the new XE sedan, though the XF seems physically wider with more premium materials like leather and aluminium throughout the cabin – appropriate given its higher asking price.Like other Jaguar Land Rover models, the new XF features a rotary gear selector.The new XF will perform a high-wire water crossing in London, before debuting at the New York motor show in April.The second-generation XF is also expected to use Jaguar Land Rover’s new multimedia system first fitted to the XE, which includes In Control apps.Jaguar has also revealed some mechanical details of the new XF. It rides on a new aluminium architecture and the brand claims it will set new benchmarks for fuel efficiency and weight in its segment where it competes with cars like the Mercedes E-Class and BMW 5 Series.Jaguar says that certain XF models will use less than 4.0L/100km on the European cycle.Engine details will be revealed at the New York auto show, but it is expected the new model will use Jaguar’s new range of ‘Ingenium’ four-cylinder petrol and diesel engines.The 3.0-litre supercharged petrol V6 is also expected to feature, while the big 5.0-litre supercharged V8 will likely power an upcoming XFR performance model. 

Subaru has announced updates to its Forester mid-size SUV range, cutting prices across the lineup and adding a new diesel automatic variant for 2015.The price cuts follow the free trade agreement with Japan signed late last year, equating to savings of up to $3500 on some Forester models.The revised Forester range now kicks off with the $29,990 2.0i-L which was previously priced from $32,490.Opting for the automatic version sees that price rise to $32,490.Power comes from a 2.0-litre naturally aspirated boxer four-cylinder engine delivering 110kW/198Nm to all four wheels via a six-speed manual or CVT automatic. Combined fuel consumption for the 2.0-litre is rated at 7.2L/100km.The 2.0i-L also features a new 7.0-inch touchscreen multimedia system fitted across the entire 2015 Forester range. It brings Bluetooth phone and audio, voice recognition and smartphone-like flick and pinch to zoom operation. More expensive models also add satnav to the list of multimedia functions.Price cuts of up to $3500 follow the free trade agreement with Japan signed late last year.Stepping up to the $32,990 2.5i-L model brings a bigger 126kW/235Nm 2.5-litre four-cylinder boxer engine and a standard CVT automatic gearbox. Combined fuel consumption for the 2.5-litre unit is listed as 8.1L/100km.The same 2.5-litre unit is also used in the 2.5i-S model, which adds keyless entry and start, sunroof, power tailgate, leather upholstery and heated power front seats, xenon headlights, satnav and Subaru’s Eye-sight auto emergency brake system.The diesel range kicks off with the $33,490 Forester 2.0D-L manual, and for the first time Subaru is now offering the diesel with CVT automatic variant priced from $35,490.The 108kW/350Nm 2.0-litre diesel unit is also fitted to the $39,490 2.0D-S model which gets the same standard features as the 2.5i-S model.Combined fuel consumption for the CVT diesel is a claimed 6.3L/100km, dropping to 5.9L/100km in manual guise.The Forester XT performance model is powered by the 177kW/350Nm 2.0-litre turbo four and is priced from $40,990 in CVT auto form – there’s no manual option. This is also the thirstiest model, averaging 8.5L/100km.Stepping up to the range-topping XT Premium sees the price jump to $47,990 while the features from the 2.0D-S and 2.5i-S are added.The 2015 Subaru Forester range also benefits from upgraded interior materials aimed at giving a higher quality feel.