Articles by CarsGuide team

The Maserati A6G/54 was unveiled at the 1955 Paris Auto Salon as a show car.Auction house Gooding and Company, who will put the car on the block at the prestigious Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, say that the Maserati has continued to be a star under Jay Kay’s ownership. The Grammy winner has added a Salon Prive Best of Show to his trophy shelf with the car, and has also driven it in Mille Miglia Storica twice.The Maserati A6G/54 is just one of the early bookings Gooding have announced for the auction. Also polished with a glow of celebrity is the factory-supercharged 1938 Bugatti Type 57C Stelvio convertible that once belonged to Prince Louis Napoleon of France, grandson of Emperor Napoleon I.Estimates of between $1.3 to $1.6 million have been given for the Bugatti. If you’re just a little short for that one, how about the 1966 Shelby 427 Cobra, which is likely to go for somewhere between $750,000 - $950,000 at hammer fall. 

A man who was stopped by Police to explain why his toddler was travelling in the bed of his ute in Newbiggin-by-the-Sea, in England, couldn’t understand all the fuss. Eyewitnesses report he said: “What’s the problem? He’s strapped in”. Onlookers called Police when they saw a small ute pull up with a toddler strapped into a baby seat which was tied down with ropes in the bed. A load of coal and other items were also in the cargo area. The man left the child in the back and set off for a local fish and chip shop, while his mate waited in the passenger seat, Police have charged the man with motoring offences and may take further action.  

The move has been prompted by the continuing increases in the size and weight of the popular BMW 3-Series, according to a report from Autocar in the UK. The 3-Series has expanded 27cm in length, 21cm in width and nearly 5cm in height since the first model launched in 1975. And it’s gained more than 400kg. That kind of growth in model terms puts it closer to a mid-1990s 5-Series. In real world terms, it’s no longer a small sedan. The solution looks set to be adding a sedan to the next range down the line: the 1-Series. This will give BMW a better line-up to fight rivals like the coming Audi A3 sedan and Mercedes-Benz CLA. The new 1-Series sedan will carry both four and six-cylinder engine options, according to the report, with both rear-wheel and all-wheel drive versions – and also the possibility of a battery-powered electric variant.  The front-drive platform being developed with subsidiary Mini is not on the plan at the moment, suggesting that BMW will push the car’s sporting DNA as a successor to the 3-Series – and a likely candidate to sprout an M1 sedan. However, the car is still easily three years away, with Autocar tipping a 2015 launch date and BMW first rolling out the new 1-Series coupe and convertible versions, both due in 2014. The 1-Series would play a key role in  BMW’s ‘2020 vision’ of having a 2 million sales level by the end of this decade. BMW Australia spokesman Piers Scott says nothing has been confirmed so far, but he agrees a 1-Series sedan would be a logical move. "We haven't had anything confirmed as yet, But around the world, that's the segment we're seeing most growth in, and that's the one that will keep growing in the future," Scott says. "And yes, the 3-Series has grown in dimensions and volume, and - just as we're seeing a decline in the 5-Series segment - the 3-Series is offering a solution for buyers of those larger cars." So while it's too early to do more than speculate, a true M1 would certainly promise the same for buyers who think the 3-Series casts too large a shadow. The 3 - and especially the M3 - has a history that means big boots to fill, but maybe a smaller footprint would be a great fit.  

The $8,490 NC700SA is the product of a simple requirement; to deliver a motorcycle that encourages the fun of two-wheeled mobility while offering intuitive handling and versatility for all types of riding. Powered by a new, purpose-built, liquid-cooled, 670cc engine, the NC700SA promises usable power delivery with excellent torque at low to medium engine rpm. While being lightweight and compact and with a low centre of gravity, the engine also combines low exhaust gas emissions and an outstanding level of fuel efficiency. Light in weight and swift in its handling responses, the NC700SA is fun and easy to handle thanks to the combination of the steel diamond frame, cast aluminium 17-inch wheels, and sporty steering geometry setup. The NC700SA uses a riding position similar to that of traditional naked motorcycles, which is ideal for almost every kind of environment. Key to the machine's ease of use is its low seat position and the accessible width of the handlebars which combine to offer excellent control at low and high speeds. Feeling balanced and manageable the NC700SA also ensures pillion passengers are comfortable, with twin grab handles for comfort and security. Adding to the motorcycle's versatility, the Honda features an internal storage space large enough to hold a full-face helmet _ unusual for a traditional motorcycle. To ensure powerful braking performance, the NC700SA comes standard with a Combined Antilock Braking System (C-ABS). The NC700SA fuses striking, futuristic design with a true naked look, with minimal styling to emphasise its urban usability. It's available here in two sleek colour options, Magna Red and Pearl Sunbeam White.  

Young drivers in Europe and here in Australia are now, more than ever, feeling the financial challenge of owning a car and this, along with ever increasing costs associated with motoring, means fewer young people are buying and maintaining vehicles.A new survey in Europe indicates that young driver car ownership dropped 12 per cent between 2010 and 2011 and with a break in the increasing cost of motoring seeming unlikely, this figure is set to drop even further. In an attempt to support young drivers and keep them on the road, Peugeot is extending its Europe only "Just Add Fuel" scheme to include drivers from 21 years of age.Just Add Fuel is a simple car ownership solution that allows drivers to purchase a brand new Peugeot by covering all the major motoring costs in one single fixed monthly payment. Previously only available to those drivers aged 25 and above, Peugeot has extended the age range so that anyone over the age of 21 can now take advantage of the scheme.The all-inclusive, inflation proof three year package provides comprehensive motor insurance, road tax, vehicle servicing, roadside assistance and warranty all in a three year finance package with one single monthly payment. Monthly payments are determined by three factors: the vehicle chosen, the postcode of where the owner lives and the age of the youngest named driver.Customers who buy a car under the Just Add Fuel scheme will have the total cost of their package spread over a three year period with a fixed monthly payment and as with any finance package, customers will also have the option to upgrade their vehicle once this existing agreement expires. Sounds like a good idea.... 

The Nuance Communications technology uses a Siri-like voice calibrated especially for cars. Nuance says it will allow drivers to use more natural language, rather than having to mimic the flat tones and formal grammar of the standard satnav.For example, instead of trying to slowly grind out “send---text---to---John---I---am---on---my---way---home---now” you can just tell the system “send a text to John… I’m on the way”. Of course, Dragon Drive! (yes, there’s an exclamation mark) will also read you incoming texts and emails.Nuance says the product is the first to market that seamlessly integrates with cloud-based in-car infotainment systems and the car’s onboard. The company is also behind the Dragon Naturally Speaking software that has been leading in voice-to-text dictation software for the past decade, and more recently with Dragon Go for mobile devices.The US-based company says Dragon Drive! Will be on the market overseas before the end of the year in overseas markets. So drivers will be able to go on happily chatting away with their hands more firmly on the wheel – although possibly with the minds no more firmly on the task. 

It now trails BMW after being slugged hard by the aftermath of 2011's earthquake, tsunami and nuclear disasters and recalls in previous years. In the BrandZ Top 100 Most Valuable Global Brands study released by market research company Millward Brown last night, BMW won top spot after "being able to effectively communicate what sets it apart from other carmakers, while backing up its message with a very decent product'', the survey says. US-based Millward Brown global brand director Peter Walshe says BMW has "been absolutely consistent in the long-term regarding what is meaningfully different about their brand, in highly competitive market places.'' Mercedes-Benz, Volkswagen and Audi improved their brand value. BMW was also the most valuable auto brand in 2010, while Toyota held the top spot from 2006 until 2009 as well as last year. "Toyota is certainly seen as a good value, very reliable and very trustworthy, which are all tremendous qualities, especially for mid-range buyers,'' Walshe says. "The problem with Toyota has to do with its financials, not brand, due to the disasters, which were clearly out of its control.'' The disasters in Japan last year also negatively affected the brand-value rankings of Honda, Nissan and Lexus, but all three remained in the top 10. Mercedes-Benz, Volkswagen and Audi were able to rise in the ranking successfully expanding their presence in Asia, especially in China. "The reason these three German brands are doing well is because German cars are benefitting tremendously from exports to Asia,'' Walshe says. Hyundai is the first Korean brand to enter the automotive top 10, taking ninth in the ranking. Walshe says Hyundai's brand value benefits from customers worldwide who seek quality and style at a better price than that charged by the premium brands. The 2012 Top 100 ranking of all brands is led by Apple, which has a brand value of $182.9 billion and ranks first for the second year in a row. IBM, with a brand value of $116.0 billion, took the No. 2 from Google, which now ranks third and is valued at $107.9 billion. Millward Brown measures brand equity based on interviews with more than 1 million consumers globally and an analysis of the financial and business performance of each company using data from Bloomberg and Datamonitor. WORLD'S MOST VALUABLE CAR BRANDS IN $US BILLION (rank in top 100; % change from 2011) 1. BMW $24.6 -- (23) 10 2. Toyota $21.8 -- (28) -10 3. Mercedes $16.1 -- (46) 5 4. Honda $12.7 -- (65) -11 5. Nissan $9.9 -- (81) -2 6. VW $8.5 -- (95) 15 7. Ford $7.0 -- * -5 8. Audi $4.7 -- 23 9. Hyundai $3.6 -- -- 10. Lexus $3.4 -- -7 * Did not qualify for the top 100 Source: Millward Brown  

The rebirth will see it known as Sydney Motorsport Park to reflect the wider range of activities and events it will target. The $12 million revamp – jointly funded by the NSW state government and official venue manager Australian Racing Drivers' Club (ARDC) -- includes a 830m extension to the existing 32-year-old Grand Prix circuit, transforming it into a 4.5km track designated the Long Circuit. Construction of other sections has resulted in a modular system that can be used for four separate shorter configurations, ARDC said. "There are now four different track configurations, with the ability for the North GP and South GP layouts to operate at the same time, which significantly increases our capacity," ARDC CEO Glenn Matthews said in a statement. To allow two simultaneous events, a second pit lane and control tower are under construction on turns four and five, while the current ones are being upgraded. This year marks the 60th anniversary of the ARDC, which said the changes would reflect its growth and the recent growth in demand at the circuit – the only permanent one in the Sydney area since Oran Park closed in 2010 to make way for a housing development. "We are extremely proud of our long and distinguished history, but looking towards the future we have made these changes to ensure that the ARDC and Sydney Motorsport Park brands remain strong and relevant for a very long time," Matthews said. "We no longer see ourselves as just a track-for-hire operation, but rather a strong, flexible and willing partner to all those involved in Australian motorsport. "Together we want to create the best environment for all of our stakeholders, be they racers, or race-goers." This year will see the return of a V8 Supercar Championship round – which moved to the Homebush street circuit in 2009, while the revamped facility will also host safety, driver and motorcycle training.  

The 1976 Stutz Blackhawk is one of just 617 examples built during the Blackhawk's 25 years in production and one of just a handful that made their way to Australia.Launched in 1970, the re-born Stutz combined opulent Italian coachwork with American mechanical components to recapture the bygone golden era of the original Stutz sports and luxury cars produced from 1911 until 1935. New York banker James O'Donnell revived the Stutz Motor Company in 1968, joining forces with retired Chrysler stylist Virgil Exner to produce the new Blackhawk.Exner's outrageous design included a spare tyre that protruded through the boot lid, with faux-fur lining for the luggage compartment, a massive grille, freestanding headlamps and decorative side-exiting exhaust pipes. Like its 1930s predecessor, the new model was an instant magnet for the rich and famous.Elvis Presley beat Frank Sinatra for the honour of purchasing the first Blackhawk, when he paid US $26,500 for the second prototype on October 9, 1970. This dark blue fourth generation left hand drive example is a very original 1976 model, with just 6355 miles on the clock.Based largely on General Motors components, it features a massive 455-cubic inch V8 engine. It will be on the block in Shannons Melbourne auction on June 4. Because of its rarity, very original condition and very low indicated mileage, it's expected to sell in the $42,000-$50,000 range. 

With the next-generation RS6 wagon picking up a new 4-litre twin-turbo V8 engine packing around 410 kiloWatts......with 20-inch alloys and aggressive suppression, to ensure you're never late to Bunnings on a Saturday morning.