Articles by CarsGuide team

It shows in their brilliant interiors, their finessed details, and in every activity to which they attach their four-ringed logo -- from high-profile sponsorship of yachting and the arts, to quiet support for charities like Mission Australia. So it's no surprise they've been involved with the InStyle Women of Style awards right from the start four years ago. "The award fits perfectly with Audi’s brand values of sophistication and progressiveness, and we support the award to celebrate the achievements of Australian women," Audi corporate communications general manager -- and former awards judge -- Anna Burgdorf says. "For us, style is about much more than beauty – it is about elegance, achievement, personal style, inner strength and confidence and therefore the awards are designed to celebrate the achievements of inspirational women in Australia, and to recognise these women in our society. "We strongly believe the leadership of women in Australian society should be supported and celebrated, as successful women are inspirational to younger generations." While some of the winners are fashion setters and household names, Burgdorf says it would be a mistake for people to think the awards are just another vacuous beauty pageant or fawning celebrity session. "The award is not about fame, celebrity or beauty but more about the many women who quietly go about their daily lives and work doing extraordinary things," she says. "We know that Australia is home to many stylish women who are unsung heroes, who are largely unrecognised for the work they do which, when recognised, provides inspiration and is aspirational to many other people who would like to follow in their footsteps but need that extra encouragement to reach for their goals." And Burgdorf says Audi is well aware of the role women play in the brand's sales. "Women make up a large part of Audi’s ownership base," she says. "While in many households it is often a male partner who might negotiate the actual purchase, our research shows that women have a large impact on the purchase decision for a new vehicle. "Women tend to buy cars for practical reasons, rather than emotional ones, and therefore have a very definite say about the type and brand of car that is purchased in the household." More than 300 people attended the fourth annual InStyle and Audi Women of Style awards in Sydney last night. In total, 14 women were recognized for their contribution to the Australian community through their work in nine categories including Environment, Charity/Community, Beauty, Fashion, Arts/Culture, Business, Design, Lifestyle and News/Entertainment. The overall Reader’s Choice award was presented to Australian supermodel and businesswoman, Miranda Kerr, founder of KORA Organics. In addition, the InStyle and Audi Style Scholarship award was presented by Audi’s General Manager, Marketing, Janet Markus, to Alyssa McClelland. With acting roles on Home and Away and All Saints, McClelland is no stranger to lighting up the camera, but her lifelong dream is to be behind one. After forming production company ‘Pickled Films’ in 2009, McClelland’s first short film, Emilia Eckle, was shown at 10 film festivals worldwide. “The hardest thing for me, and most film-makers, is getting funding for projects,” McClelland said. After winning the Scholarship at last night’s award, a thrilled McClelland said she plans to invest the $10,000 prize into her film Sleep Tonight, a short romantic script she’s written and plans to direct. Audi Australia marketing director, Janet Markus -- who serves on the judging panel --says the brand is proud to support young, talented women in their career progression. “Alyssa has already achieved great success as an actor, and with the scholarship she will now be able to complete her next film project, further boosting her career as a film-maker. She also plans to study comedic directing in Chicago,” Markus says. The full list of InStyle and Audi Women of Style Award winners are: Readers’ Choice: Miranda Kerr Beauty: Co-winners Miranda Kerr and Rebecca Morrice Williams News & Entertainment: Asher Keddie Fashion: Pamela Easton & Lydia Pearson (Easton Pearson) Arts & Culture: Nikki Gemmell and Lally Katz Lifestyle: Indira Naidoo Charity & Community: Alison Thompson Business: Kate Weiss Design: Liane Rossler Environment: Abigail Forsyth

Unless you throw a ribbon into the equation. At least there wasn’t a piece of string nearby.  

The platform – to be called the Omega, according to a report on Car and Driver in the US – will replace the aging Sigma platform that has been the basis for several models in the Cadillac range.The report says while the Omega will underpin a replacement for the current Cadillac XTS and other future large cars, it will include aspects of GM’s smaller Alpha platform to aim for production savings.However it looks unlikely to get anywhere near a Commodore nameplate in the future.Holden is already working on the next iteration of the large rear-wheel Zeta platform, Zeta II, that will be used for the next-generation Commodore and possibly elsewhere in the GM world – with the most likely overseas jobs to be for Chevrolet in the US and GM brands in China.

Reports overnight from Germany said the sedan -- with the current working title of Pajun (for Panamera Junior) -- would be on the market by 2017.Germany's AutoBild magazine said the new project is being lined up to face off against the Mercedes-Benz E-Class and CLS luxury sedans, and is likely to be armed with a strategic price of between 65,000 to 100,000 euros.That translates into about $85,000 to $150,000 Australian, and the E-Class starts here at $79,900 for the new E200, but you can expect the Porsche to sit higher against the sportier versions of the E-Class.Porsche currently has four models:  the Boxster/Cayman two-seaters, 911 sports car, Cayenne SUV and the Panamera sedan, with a fifth model -- the compact Macan SUV in the works.However Porsche boss Matthias Mueller has previously said the German carmaker may look at expanding the line-up further -- even up to seven models -- as it moves towards its 'Strategy 2018' goal of doubling global sales to 200,000 over the next six years.Reuters news agency put that question to Porsche spokesman Hans-Gerd Bode, who confirmed there were ideas about a sixth model, but no firm decisions had been made.A smaller Porsche was always looking more likely as they kept a close eye on the small-car scene, particularly as it boomed in Europe. Previously, Porsche had been rumoured to be involved in a three-way tie-up with Volkswagen and Audi that would result in a sub-Boxster runabout for the brand and similar-sized sports convertibles for its German partners.At the time, Porsche's Eckhard Eybl said the brand was particularly interested in the success of the Audi A, and would not dismiss the idea of a smaller Porsche.  "I think it would be a very good idea," Ebyl said."But this will not be the next step - maybe three or four steps away. I think it's possible to do a very, very good design if you have the heritage of a very clear brand design. And if you are then free to realise the vision." 

Photographers in Europe caught the Macan while testing in Germany. The images show the Macan has stayed true to the earlier Porsche renderings, with styling that echoes the larger Cayenne SUV.Previously carrying the ‘working title’ of Cajun (for Cayenne Junior) the Macan will be based on the mid-sized Audi Q5 platform and is also likely to carry over some of the engine and transmission choices from both the petrol and diesel drivetrains.Following the pattern of the Cayenne, there is also almost certainly going to be a hybrid version. The smaller SUV will target a growing trend towards smaller vehicles with better economy, and Porsche will be looking to add higher-tuned and sportier models to the line-up.The Macan will come from the same plant in Leipzig -- in Germany’s Saxony region -- that produces the larger SUV and also the Panamera, although the sibling Audi Q5 and Volkswagen Touareg are built elsewhere.

BMW has upped the ante on its M models with the M Performance Editions. Following on the recent tease of the BMW M3 M Performance, the UK headquarters of the German brand has moved onto the M5.BMW will roll out an extremely limited edition of just 30 BMW M5 M Performance Editions, fitted with an enviable specification of standard equipment and sporting a choice of three unique Frozen paintwork colors -- ten of each in Frozen Red, Frozen Blue and Frozen White matte paint. 

The project aims to lead to a device that auto workers and astronauts can wear to help do their respective jobs better -- while potentially reducing the risk of repetitive stress injuries. The Human Grasp Assist device, known internally in both organizations as the K-glove or Robo-Glove, resulted from GM and NASA's Robonaut 2 (R2) project, which launched the first human-like robot into space in 2011. R2 is a permanent resident of the International Space Station. When engineers, researchers and scientists from GM and NASA began collaborating on R2 in 2007, one of the design requirements was for the robot to operate tools designed for humans, alongside astronauts in outer space and factory workers on Earth. The team achieved an unprecedented level of hand dexterity on R2 by using leading-edge sensors, actuators and tendons comparable to the nerves, muscles and tendons in a human hand. Research shows that continuously gripping a tool can cause fatigue in hand muscles within a few minutes. Initial testing of the Robo-Glove indicates the wearer can hold a grip longer and more comfortably.  

An electric sportscar with a five-speed manual gearbox has been designed by Morgan with the support of British technology specialists Zytek and Radshape.Shown as a concept to test market reaction, the radical new roadster could enter production if there is sufficient demand. "We wanted to see how much fun you can have in an electric sportscar, so we have built one to help us find out," explained Morgan operations director Steve Morris."The Plus E combines Morgan's traditional look with high-technology construction and a powertrain that delivers substantial torque instantly at any speed. With the manual gearbox to increase both touring range and driver involvement, it will be a fantastic car to drive."The Plus E is based on a tailored version of Morgan's lightweight aluminium platform chassis clothed in the revised traditional body from the new BMW V8-powered Plus 8, also launched at Geneva. Power is delivered by a new derivative of Zytek's 70kW  300Nm electric engine, which is already proven with US vehicle manufacturers.Mounted in the transmission tunnel, the Zytek unit drives the rear wheels through a conventional five-speed manual gearbox. The clutch is retained, but because the motor provides torque from zero speed the driver can choose to leave it engaged when coming to rest and pulling away, driving the car like a conventional automatic."A multi-speed transmission allows the motor to spend more time operating in its sweet spot, where it uses energy more efficiently, particularly at high road speeds," explained Zytek Automotive managing director Neil Heslington."It also allows us to provide lower gearing for rapid acceleration and will make the car more engaging for keen drivers."The program will deliver two engineering concept vehicles. The first, with the five-speed manual box and Li-ion batteries, will be used for preliminary engineering assessment while the second will be closer to potential production specification, with alternative battery technologies and possibly a sequential gearbox."The superb capability of the finished car reflects the passion with which the Zytek team has applied their considerable expertise," adds Morris. "The project is a true collaboration aimed at delivering as much driving pleasure as possible in a zero emissions vehicle. It worked really well, with aluminium fabrication specialistRadshape paying particular attention to retaining chassis stiffness and weight distribution to ensure excellent dynamics and ride quality with good steering feel."The collaborative research and development project is part-funded by the UK Government's Niche Vehicle Network Program, which is managed by CENEX to promote the development and commercialisation of new low-carbon vehicle technologies. 

Powered by the same Mitsubishi-sourced 2.4-litre four cylinder petrol engine that is used by Great Wall, the Grand Tiger will be imported and distributed by Chinese Automotive Distributors, based in Perth.  A diesel option is offered in China although it is not clear whether it will be available in Australia. CAD is not ready to discuss pricing, but the Grand Tiger is expected to be close to the Great Wall product. Other models including dual cabs and cab-chassis models in two and four-wheel-drive will follow, including diesel versions using Toyota-derived engines. The company says Prodrive, which part owns Ford Performance Vehicles, has helped make some alterations to the aid the ride and handling of the Grand Tiger.        

Carsguide doesn't advocate scaring people, unless it will stop them doing something stupid. Or unless it's fun. This video is both. The campaign comes from Belgium, where they seem to be facing the same problem as Australia with drivers -- largely young drivers, but not exclusively -- texting and chatting while they're driving.The video has had a huge amount of traffic on the internet, and comes at a time when the latest report from the US shows that young drivers there continue to text and make phone calls despite knowing it is dangerous.A Consumer Reports survey of drivers aged 16  to 21 found eight in 10 knew phoning and texting was unsafe, but 29 per cent reported texting and 47 per cent admitted making a phone call while driving -- without a hands-free device.The survey also found that 48 per cent said they had seen one or both their parents using a phone while driving, without a hands-free device.