Articles by Aiden Taylor

Second-generation Audi Q7 SUV revealed ahead of Detroit debut.Audi has released the first images and details of the new second-generation Q7 SUV ahead of its public unveiling in Detroit next month. Compared to the eight-year-old model it replaces, the new Q7 is smaller in in every external dimension. Key measurements include an 37mm reduction in length, 15mm narrower, while the wheelbase is 10mm shorter and height the same as the outgoing model. Despite the shrink outside, Audi claim the seven-seat interior is actually more spacious than before and cargo space with third-row seating stowed is 775-litres VDA. A fresh dashboard design features a dash-top mounted multimedia interface, with a large touchpad controller located on the centre console. Like the new Audi TT sports car, a digital instrument cluster also features.Apple CarPlay and Google Android Auto smartphone integration systems are also integrated, making the Q7 one of the first production cars to offer these functions.The second-generation Q7 is also up to 325kg lighter than the outgoing model in 3.0 TDI guise. Over 100kg has been lost through new lightweight suspension and structural components, while further weight savings have been made through the use of aluminium and hot-formed high-strength steel in the body. The new sheet metal also has a more taught and aggressive appearance with sharper lines and prominent rear shoulder haunches to give a muscular look.Adopting a new three-dimensional grille first seen on the updated Q3 small SUV, the new model also features heavily defined wheel arches like its predecessor.Audi boasts that the new Q7 is also up to 28 per cent more fuel-efficient than before, with a range of different petrol and diesel engine options and a hybrid powertrain for the first time. The new Q7 3.0 TDI diesel produces 200kW, drinks 5.7L/100km combined and can hit 100km/h in a spritely 6.3 seconds.Stepping up to the 3.0 TFSI petrol brings Audi’s 245kW 3.0-litre supercharged V6, also found in the S4 and S5 models performance models, and a 0-100km/h time of 6.1 seconds.The Q7 e-tron quattro plug-in hybrid will debut shortly after the mainstream models, and produces a total of 275kW/700Nm from its diesel-electric powertrain and can use as little as 1.7L/100km. A full battery charge equates to around 56km of emissions-free electric drive.All models use an eight-speed automatic gearbox and all-wheel drive system with a 40:60 front-rear torque split.The standard suspension is a steel spring setup, while air suspension will be available as an option.The new second-generation Audi Q7 SUV is expected to arrive in Australia towards the end of 2015.

The A45 AMG’s hot hatch crown is under threat with the 270kW new Audi RS3.Audi has taken the wraps off the new RS3 hyper hatch ahead of its public debut at the Geneva motor show in March. Powered by a retuned version of the RS Q3’s 2.5-litre five-cylinder turbo motor (also used in the last-gen RS3 which wasn’t sold in Australia), the new car packs as much power as an SS Commodore and is quicker than any HSV from 0-100km/h.Headline figures are 270kW, 465Nm and 0-100km/h in 4.3 seconds thanks to the RS3’s clever Quattro all-wheel drive system and 7-speed S-Tronic dual-clutch gearbox with launch control.The top speed is ordinarily limited to the usual 250km/h, but can be raised to 280km/h if the right option boxes are ticked – those are supercar-bating numbers.For comparison the RS3’s main rival, the Mercedes A45 AMG, packs 265kW/450Nm and officially takes an extra three tenths to reach 100km/h at 4.6 seconds.And where the A45 AMG can only send up to 50 per cent of its engine’s torque to the rear wheels, the Quattro RS3 can send everything its got rearwards -  depending on the drive mode selected and grip available. Audi even claim the RS3 is capable of drifting, using the car’s ‘Dynamic’ drive setting and the stability control set to ‘Sport’ (not fully off).Compared to a standard A3 Sportback, the new RS3 rides 25mm lower and features a 24mm wider front track, while the multi-link rear suspension has been modified to house the gearbox’s clutch which is located rear-wards for better weight distribution.A passive suspension setup is the standard offering in Europe with adaptive dampers available as an option. Australian specs will be confirmed closer to the car’s 2015 launch.Stopping power is supplied by Audi’s unique ‘wave’ shaped discs, measuring 370mm up front and 310mm at the rear, while a carbon ceramic brake package will be available as an option.Visually, the RS3 can be differentiated from the 210kW S3 by its more aggressive front bumper with the typical Quattro fangs fitted to the lower cooling ducts. At the rear there’s a new roof spoiler and muscular rear diffuser which incorporates the trademark twin oval exhaust tips.The standard wheels are 19-inch items wrapped in 235/35 rubber, though larger and wider alloys will be available as options. Indoors, there’s a carbon fibre dash and door accents, a sports steering wheel with Alcantara inserts and sports seats with unique RS3 branding.Lightweight carbon-backed bucket seats which shave 7kg off the car’s 1520kg curb weight will also be available as an option.The new RS3 will make its public debut at the Geneva motor show in March, and is tipped to go on sale in Australia for the first time towards the end of 2015.

Subtle tweaks for 2015 BMW 6 Series and M6 models.BMW has given its 6 Series Coupe, Convertible and Gran Coupe range a facelift for the 2015 model year.The changes are subtle and mainly focused on the aesthetics and standard equipment for the luxury lineup.Headlining the changes is a new front bumper fitted with a revised pair of kidney grilles, accented by standard full LED headlights which are available for the first time on the 6.Adaptive LED headlights with selective beam, which can direct the car’s high-beams away from oncoming traffic, are also available as an option. A tweaked rear bumper has also been fitted and is said to give the car a wider and more aggressive stance, while new exhaust tips add to the sporty flavour of the updated 6 Series range.A new range of metallic paint options is also available with Jatoba, Cashmere Silver, Glacier Silver, Mediterranean Blue and Melbourne Red added to the 6 Series color pallet.The changes are minimal indoors with higher quality gloss black center console materials fitted and leather upholstery with contrasting stitching added to the options list.All petrol 6 Series models will also gain a sports exhaust system with a switchable noise flap for ultimate refinement when cruising, or a louder note when the mood suits.Power and performance figures are however unchanged from the existing range. The 640i uses a 235kW/450Nm 3.0-litre turbocharged straight six, the 650i employs a 330kW/650Nm twin-turbo V8, while the diesel 640d produces 230kW/630Nm from its 3.0-litre six.All Australian models bar the M6 use an 8-speed automatic gearbox driving the rear wheels.The M6 features a 7-speed dual-clutch unit and keeps its 412kW/680Nm 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8. The performance model can hit 100km/h in 4.2 seconds in Coupe and four-door Gran Coupe form, while the drop-top takes an extra tenth at 4.3 seconds.Cars equipped with the optional Competition Pack get a handful of extra kilowatts at 423kW, along with stiffer suspension, new alloys and sports exhaust.Changes to the M6 range are limited to a new front fascia along with the full LED headlights and gloss black centre console materials added to the rest of the 6 Series range.The new 6 Series and M6 models are expected to arrive in Australia in the first half of 2015. 

New BMW X6-rivalling Mercedes GLE Coupe SUV breaks cover.Mercedes-Benz has taken the wraps of its first SUV-come-coupe model, the GLE Coupe.Based on the ML SUV (which will soon be renamed ‘GLE’), the new model is aimed directly at the BMW X6 which has – until now – had the ‘sports activity coupe’ segment all to itself.Shown in concept form at this year’s Beijing motor show, the production model hasn’t strayed far from the show car’s unique and futuristic design. The GLE Coupe features a long sloping roofline and stubby rear-end combined with the more simplistic swooshing character lines seen on recent Benz products - including the S-Class Coupe which also shares a similar taillight design with the GLE.The interior design is clearly derivative of the current ML SUV, with the GLE Coupe using the same dashboard and centre console design with a steering-column mounted gear selector. The steering wheel is new however, and similar to the tiller found on the new C-Class sedan and AMG GT sports car.With the rear seats folded, the cargo area totals a segment-best 1650-litres, though a seats-up figure isn’t quoted.Powered by a range of petrol and diesel engines connected to the German brand’s new 9-speed torque converter automatic transmission - first seen in the E350 Bluetec sedan available overseas – all GLE Coupe models come standard with the 4MATIC all-wheel drive system.The GLE 350 d employs a 190kW/620Nm turbodiesel unit, while stepping up to the GLE 400 brings the 245kW/480Nm bi-turbo V6 petrol engine.The range-topping GLE 450 AMG is Mercedes’ first ‘AMG Sport’ model which is a semi-performance grade in the same mold as Audi’s ‘S’ models and BMW’s M Performance cars such as the M235i and X6 M50d.Powered by a 270kW/520Nm bi-turbo V6, the GLE 450 features unique AMG styling with more aggressive front and rear bumpers along with standard 21-inch alloy wheels. The torque-split of the performance model has also been changed from the standard 50:50 front-rear to a more tail-happy 40:60.The AMG Sport model also gets sports seats, sports steering wheel and alumimium pedals, while carbon fibre or piano black interior highlights are available as options.Eventually a full AMG-developed GLE63 will be available, likely sporting the performance division’s 5.5-litre twin-turbo V8 producing at least 386kW.All GLE models can be optioned with Mercedes’ new-generation Airmatic air suspension which is available for the first time with continuously variable dampers. This new setup is said to give the best possible ride comfort with the best possible dynamics, while also allowing the driver to choose between the usual Comfort, Sport and Sport+ drive settings.In Sport and Sport+ modes, the new Active Curve System activates and uses the car’s electronic front and rear anti-roll bars to compensate for one-sided wheel impacts caused by potholes which can agitate a car when it’s cornering aggressively.The standard suspension fitted to GLE Coupe 350 d and 400 models is a conventional steel spring setup with switchable adaptive dampers. A segment-first electrically extendable and retractable tow bar is also available as an option, and European GLE Coupe models have been rated to tow up to 3500kg (braked).The new Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe is expected to arrive in Australia in the second half of 2015, carrying a price premium over the more conventional ML SUV range. 

Nurburgring-storming Renault Megane RS275 Trophy-R lands in Australia.Renault’s latest record-setting hyper hatch is now available in Australia, priced from $61,990.The new Megane RS275 Trophy-R is limited to just 250 units worldwide, 50 of which are destined for our shores – the second largest allocation out of the 15 countries which will receive the Renault road-racer.Built as a track special, the Trophy-R is the fastest front-drive production car ever to lap Germany’s infamous Nurburgring Nordschleife circuit with a 7:54.36 lap time – beating the previous record set by a Seat Leon Cupra by around four seconds.Based on the  $52,990 Megane RS275 which arrived in local showrooms last month, the Trophy-R ‘Ring king is lighter and faster, but no more powerful than the car it’s based on.Using the same 201kW/360Nm 2.0-litre turbo four-pot (codenamed F4RT) and Akrapovic exhaust system as the standard RS275, the Trophy R can hit 100km/h in 5.8 seconds – two tenths quicker than before.However, because Renault has thrown away the rear seats and swapped the front pews for ultra lightweight Recaro polycarbonate buckets which save 42kg, this road-racer is 92kg lighter than the car it’s based on.The already-stiff Cup chassis has also been fiddled with, gaining a rear strut brace and retuned springs and dampers to match the car’s the on-track aspirations and its super-sticky Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 Tyres - the same tread used by the Porsche 918 Spyder hyper car.All Australian delivered Megane Trophy-Rs also come fitted as standard with the Nurburgring Accessory Kit, which is said to be worth over $5000.The kit includes a lithium-ion battery which saves a further 15kg, lightweight steel and aluminium brake discs and six-point harness belts.Visually, the Trophy-R is differentiated from lesser Meganes with striking 19-inch red alloys, matched to red side decals. The only paint colour available is Pearl white with contrasting Diamond Black roof.

Teaser video gives quick glimpse at updated Ranger ute. Ford’s new 2015 Ranger ute has received an early reveal after a short teaser video was released by Ford Asia Pacific.Claimed to be “smarter, safer, smoother, stronger,” the Australian-developed Ranger is expected to receive a number of cosmetic and mechanical updates in a bid to close the gap between it and Toyota’s Hilux in the light commercial sales race.Sporting an all-new front-end design inspired by the new Everest SUV, the Ranger features a new grille, front bumper and bonnet which give a more aggressive appearance.The new three-bar grille design is similar to that of the new Everest, though the Ranger’s styling is differentiated with two vertical intakes similar to those seen on recent American market F-Series pick-ups.The updated Ranger also gets new headlights taken straight from the Everest, while the new bonnet sits higher and features more aggressive lines and contours.It is believed the Ranger’s interior will also receive a major overhaul for 2015, adopting the more stylish and user-friendly dashboard design of the newer Everest, while also gaining Ford’s SYNC2 multimedia interface with voice commands.We also expect to see a number of insulation and suspension enhancements to give a smoother and quieter ride. As for the ‘stronger’ part of Ford’s claims, the current Ranger is offered with a 110kW/375Nm 2.2-litre or 147kW/470Nm 3.2-litre turbodiesel engine. The Everest will employ the same engines, though its power figures are unconfirmed – if the SUV gets some extra poke, the Ranger will likely see the same changes.The current Ranger is a strong seller for Ford with 22,539 year to date sales at the end of October, representing an increase of nearly 25 per cent when compared to the same time last year.However, the Ford ute is still a long way off the segment-smashing Toyota Hilux which has racked up 31,876 year to date sales and was Australia’s second best selling car in October. 

More value and style for Australia’s best selling car.Toyota has announced its second ‘RZ’ badged special edition model, adding more style and equipment to Australia’s best-selling car.The Corolla RZ follows in the footsteps of the Camry RZ launched earlier this year and includes more standard equipment over the Ascent Sport on which it's based, while adding a number of unique gloss black design features.With satnav accessed through a 6.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system on top of the already-standard reversing camera, the RZ represents $2000 of extra value for $1000 above the price of the $21,290 Ascent Sport.The Corolla RZ also comes with all the standard features of the Ascent Sport, including six-speaker audio, cruise, Bluetooth and aircon.Styling enhancements for the RZ include gloss black 16-inch alloy wheels, black front grille highlights, black hatch moulding which sits between the taillights and black decals with ‘RZ’ badging, with either silver or orange highlights depending on the body colour.Cars with Wildfire (red), Inferno (orange) and Tidal Blue exterior metallic paints feature silver highlights, while cars painted in Crystal Pearl, Silver Pearl and Positano Bronze adopt orange as the secondary decal color.While this special edition model may look sportier than the standard car, the mechanicals are unchanged meaning you get a 103kW/173Nm 1.8-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with the choice of either a 6-speed manual or CVT auto transmission.However, at $24,540 the CVT variant is $2250 more expensive than the manual.

Mercedes-Benz has revealed its newest member of the expanding A-Class family, the CLA Shooting Brake.As indicated over a year ago by Mercedes-Benz design boss Gordon Wagener, the new Shooting Brake will enter production in January 2015 becoming the prestige marque’s second coupe-come-wagon model after the larger CLS Shooting Brake.Mercedes describe the Shooting Brake as a more practical and spacious version of the stylish CLA sedan, for those buyers who don’t want to compromise style for usability, or plump for a more expensive C-Class Estate.From the A-pillar forward the design mirrors that of the standard CLA with the same headlight and grille design, the doors also feature the same swooshing character lines that have been adopted by most of the Mercedes passenger lineup in recent times.The roofline and D-pillar are new however, and there’s a sleek tailgate that exaggerates the length of the car giving almost yacht-like proportions in a similar fashion to the CLS Shooting Brake.Inside, the CLA Shooting Brake features the same youth-orientated interior design as the CLA four-door coupe, though the new roof design is said to give rear passengers greater headroom.Boot space has also swollen by 25-litres to 495-litres VDA. With the rear seats folded flat a total of 1354-litres VDA is available.Mechanicals for the wagon mirror the rest of the CLA range with a choice of turbocharged petrol and turbodiesel engines available with front-drive or 4MATIC all-wheel drive.In overseas markets a manual transmission will be offered, but Australia’s love affair with autos will likely see the 7-speed double-clutch automatic the sole gearbox for locally delivered models.International turbodiesel options include the 100kW/300Nm CLA200 CDI and the CLA220 CDI with the same 2.1-litre turbodiesel unit in 130kW/350Nm tune. Both models can achieve around 4.2L/100km combined on the European cycle.The petrol range kicks off with the 90kW/200Nm CLA180 followed by the 115kW/250Nm CLA200 with both models capable of using around 6.0L/100km combined.The CLA250 uses a 2.0-litre turbo four-pot producing 155kW/350Nm and can hit 100km/h in 6.8 seconds in all-wheel drive 4MATIC form. Combined fuel consumption for the all-paw Shooting Brake is 6.6L/100km.Mercedes is also launching a CLA45 AMG version of the Shooting Brake which gets the same 265kW/450Nm 2.0-litre turbo unit as the performance arm’s other '45' models.Mercedes has carved yet another niche in the marketA 4MATIC all-wheel drive system and double-clutch transmission with launch control function helps the new model reach 100km/h in just 4.7 seconds – a tenth off the slightly lighter CLA45 sedan, but a tenth quicker than the GLA45 SUV with the same powertrain. The AMG model also features bigger brakes, more track-focused suspension and tyres and a number of styling pieces to give a sportier look. The new CLA load lugger won’t have any direct rivals when lands in Australia next year, as Mercedes has carved yet another niche in the market.Though Australian pricing and specifications are unconfirmed, expect the CLA Shooting Brake to be slightly more expensive than its sedan sibling, which starts at $50,900.

Toyota global boss Akio Toyoda drives prototype 86 rally car as part of Australian visit.

Audi Q3 receives styling enhancements for 2015, plus more poke for the range-topping RS Q3.