Articles by CarsGuide team

Few other automobiles in the world can look back on such a long tradition and such continuity as the Porsche 911. It has been inspiring car enthusiasts the world over since its debut as the model 901 at the Frankfurt International Automotive Show in September 1963. Today it is considered the quintessential sports car, the benchmark for all others. PHILOSOPHY The 911 is also the central point of reference for all other Porsche series. From the Cayenne to the Panamera, every Porsche is the most sporting automobile in its category, and each one carries a piece of the 911 philosophy. Over 820,000 Porsche 911s have been built. For each of its seven generations the engineers in Zuffenhausen and Weissach have reinvented it, time and time again demonstrating to the world the innovative power of the Porsche brand. Like no other vehicle, the 911 reconciles apparent contradictions such as sportiness and everyday practicality, tradition and innovation, exclusivity and social acceptance, design and functionality. SUCCESS STORY It is no wonder that each generation has written its own personal success story. Ferry Porsche best described its unique qualities: "The 911 is the only car you could drive on an African safari or at Le Mans, to the theatre or through New York City traffic." In addition to its classic yet unique lines, the Porsche 911 has always been distinguished by its advanced technology. Many of the ideas and technologies that made their debut in the Porsche 911 were conceived on the race track. The 911 was committed to the performance principle from the start, and motor racing is its most important test lab. From the very beginning it has been at home on circuits all over the world, earning a reputation as a versatile and dependable winner. Indeed, a good two thirds of the 30,000 race victories achieved by Porsche to date were notched up by the 911. THIS YEAR For Porsche, the 50th anniversary of this iconic sports car is the central theme of 2013. There will be a wide variety of anniversary events, starting with the ‘Retro Classics’ automobile show in Stuttgart. From 7 to 10 March, the Porsche Museum will ring in the anniversary year with four special exhibits, an early-model 911 Turbo Coupe, a 911 Cabriolet study from 1981, a 1997 road-going ‘street’ version 911 GT1 and the pre-series Type 754 T7. The company is also sending an authentic 1967 model 911 on a world tour. Over the course of the year, this classic car will travel to five continents where it will be shown in places like Pebble Beach, California, China, Goodwood in the UK, Paris and Australia.  

Based on the 208 hatch, the 2008 joins the larger 3008 and 4008 softroaders which have been attracting new customers to the French marque. Its arrival will probably see the demise of the slow-selling wagon in this segment, with the 207 Touring model currently in runout. Peugeot says the 2008 is the first vehicle to be designed and developed simultaneously for several geographic markets. At just 4.16m long, the 2008 combinesg the driving characteristics of a hatchback and the strength of an SUV. "The all-new 2008 takes Peugeot into an emerging crossover SUV segment that gives customers a car that is the size of a regular hatchback but offers the functionality and practicality that an SUV gives," Peugeot Australia boss Bill Gillespie said.  With its higher-driving position the 2008's beefed up wheel arches house 17 inch `Diamond' wheels fitted with `Mud&Snow' tyres. The black bumpers and body sills serve to protect it from abrasions with the addition of front and rear body protection and side mouldings in stainless steel. The front face adopts the latest Peugeot style codes. The innovative headlamps are sharp and precise, combining with the bodywork to give the outline appearance of a eye's pupil. This look is emphasised by LED daytime running lamps. The new 2008 has elegant and sophisticated sculpted wings and sides, indicating clear athletic qualities. The generous glazed surfaces, including the panoramic roof, promise a spacious interior open to its surroundings. Inspired by the RCZ, the roofline has dynamic curves while the wide tailgate is framed by lamps secured to the bodywork. Floating inside their housing, the three luminous claws are lit at their base by LEDs that appear suspended. The latest-generation engines offer an exceptional driving experience combined with a true breakthrough in terms of fuel economy.  Due to the technology of the e-HDi Diesel and new 3-cylinder petrol engines, the 2008 urban crossover stands out from the competition with CO2 starting from 99g/km.  

   

   

The Aston Martin Rapide S is a GT car that's been redesigned and re-engineered to reassert its position at the top of the GT car tree.Rapide S replaces the outgoing Aston Martin Rapide and is now more refined thanks to a range of additions to the four-seater's interior. There's an imposing new ‘face’ featuring a striking new grille. The front and rear ends have been revised for improved aerodynamics and aesthetics.The visual appeal of the Aston Martin Rapide S is matched by a much more powerful and yet more efficient engine. Changes under the new Rapide's skin are comprehensive, with a version of the new AM11 naturally-aspirated 6.0-litre V12 powerplant.Power jumps significantly from the previous model - by 17 per cent 410kW at 6750rpm. Peak torque increases, too, up from 600Nm to 620Nm at 5000rpm. As a result performance is boosted -- with the 0-100km/h sprint now passing in 4.9 seconds.The naturally aspirated V12 boasts race car technology developments derived directly from Aston Martin Racing. These include lighter, hollow, cam shafts and computer cut combustion chambers.Dual variable camshaft timing, knock sensing, even the fully catalysed stainless steel exhaust system are all engineering advances developed to preserve the V12's position as a mainstay of the Aston Martin range. Fuel economy averages 14.1-litres/100km. Carefully conceived engineering changes give Rapide sharper agility and quicker responses to driver input. Aston Martin's hi-tech Adaptive Damping System (ADS) is fitted offering three settings: ‘Normal’, ‘Sport’ and ‘Track’. The new car boasts a host of new luxury- or sports-orientated options, allowing buyers to more precisely tailor the car to their specific style. 

A car dealership in the Adelaide suburb of Frewville will be forced to take down its latest marketing after complaints were raised with Burnside Council. Belcar Chrysler Jeep Dodge dealership, on Glen Osmond Rd, erected a bright orange jeep that rotates atop a 12m pole last month. Burnside Council received two complaints about the jeep last month. The council's communications adviser, Jenny Barrett, said the dealership did not apply for approval. The dealership has been given until February 28 to take it down, otherwise council would take legal action. Belcar Chrysler Jeep Dodge general manager Grant Jasper said the dealership did not apply for approval as it believed it was unnecessary for a temporary structure. He said Belcar offered to submit a retrospective application and lower the pole's height. "We spoke to the council and we were just shut down," Mr Jasper said. "We were flatly told if we made an application it would be denied." Belcar staff were disappointed the "Jeep on a stick", which would have been on display for six months, would be removed.  

   

With the opening of Peninsula Fiat-Chrysler in Mornington, the Peninsula now has its own dedicated Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge dealership, and soon Italian iconic brands Fiat and Alfa Romeo will join it.