Articles by Daniel Bishop

The new family of engines will give 15 Toyota and Daihatsu models an efficiency gain of up to 30%, including Toyota's new Yaris due in 2015.The Yaris will be battling for top spot in light car sales with the upcoming Mazda 2 and Ford Fiesta, which will have similar efficiency gains from its skyactiv and EcoBoost technology respectively. The new engines could also help the rumoured upcoming Toyota Rush become the one of the most efficient SUVs in Australia.The 1.3-litre and 1.0-litre power plants have been co-developed with Toyota's small car brand, Daihatsu. Both units take advantage of an Atkinson cycle, which increases the compression ratio and reduces waste heat to operate more efficiently. However, the Atkinson cycle produces less power than ordinary engines, which has limited its use mainly to Hybrid cars until now.But Toyota has packed both engines with technology to help retain maximum power while optimising economy. A range of new developments will help the engines breathe better, achieving optimal efficiency. For example, the 1.3-litre will have a cooled exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system, a redesigned intake port and electronically controlled variable valve timing (VVT-iE).Both engines are designed to be compatible with stop-start technology, which cuts out the engine in traffic to save fuel. This system is currently limited in small cars to premium offerings, such as the Mini Cooper or the Volvo C30. However, Toyota and Daihatsu could be utilising this feature in the most basic entry level cars.Both engines will commence production in coming weeks, but we may only get the larger 1.3-litre engine in Australia initially. However the efficiency gains in the 1.0-litre engine could increase the incentive for Toyota to offer a cheap entry level car sourced from Daihatsu, to rival the Suzuki Alto, Nissan Micra and Mitsubishi Mirage. 

Tata is known for making cheap, rudimentary cars – including the Nano, the cheapest car in production today. However, some help from Land Rover will bring a premium modern feeling to Tata's upcoming SUV.The Indian company, which bought Jaguar and Land Rover from Ford eight years ago, will use the current generation Freelander's platform to develop a new family SUV, primarily for the Indian domestic market. The new SUV will compete with Japanese, Korean and European rivals, meaning Tata has set the bar for quality and refinement very high.With a new Freelander replacement due in 2015, possibly named Discovery Sport, the Tata SUV would use the outgoing model's architecture. This means that development costs for the platform will have already been amortised, and tooling would be readily available to be shipped to India, reducing Tata's development costs.But despite the age of the architecture, Tata could benefit from a 5 star safety rated platform to produce what could be its most modern and safe family car yet. While the Tata may share many components with the outgoing baby Landy, it's likely the Tata will look and feel very different, as it will be specifically developed to suit Indian conditions.The project is called the Tata Q5 for now, and is expected to feature 7 seats, placing the Tata SUV in competition of the likes of the Hyundai Santa Fe and Toyota Fortuner in India, as well as 5 seater compact SUVs. Tata is also likely to take advantage of some of Land Rover's ruggedness and capability to deliver a robust off roader for all terrain conditions.The combination of a low cost, relatively modern structure, rugged capability and a premium feel should generate plenty of demand – particularly in India and other developing countries. Tata's ambition to become a truly global company and its presence in Australia means there is a small chance we will see the SUV in our local market. If so, the Tata could become Australia's cheapest 7 seater SUV, and become a credible alternative in the family SUV segment. 

The Land Rover Vision Concept will be presented at the New York motor show later this month, previewing the upcoming replacement for the Discovery. But it also heralds a new sub-brand, spawning a separate group of family four-wheel drives.With Range Rover covering the premium end of the market, the Discovery sub-brand will target more family focused buyers. The new Defender, released a few years later, will also become its own sub-brand, dedicated to 'lifestyle adventure' style 4WDs. With all vehicles placed under the three families in Land Rover's lineup, the British manufacturer will be able to fill more niches and target different buyer groups.The Vision Concept is the showcase for the full sized Discovery, due in 2015, but the new sub-brand will also cover the third generation Freelander that will arrive next year – possibly bearing the nameplate  Discovery Sport and expected to feature an optional third row of seats. Further Discovery sub-models may emerge soon after.The Vision Concept teaser video shows all the Discovery's trademark design cues – an escalated roof, stadium seating, flat surfaces and a prominent grill. However, the teaser shows a more modern shape and feel, and a softer interior design with Land Rover's rotary gear selector and terrain response, chrome detailing and a large touch screen mounted on the dashboard. A highly versatile interior with rear seats that slide and tilt individually signals intentions to appeal to families who enjoy the outdoors.Details are scarce on technical specifications on the new Discovery, but the big news is the move to a monocoque platform, which should shave up to half a tonne off the current model's weight. However, the 183kW/600Nm 3.0-litre twin-turbo diesel V6 is expected to continue, as well as the 276kW/510Nm 5.0-litre V8 and the new 250kW/450Nm V6 petrol engine.Watch the Land Rover Vision Concept video op our desktop site. 

The powerful new AMG version adds V8 twin turbo lunacy to the elegant S class coupe range, with a range-topping version that will be unveiled at New York motor show next month. Powered by a twin turbo 5.5-litre V8, which now puts out 436kW (up 6kW from the sedan) and an astonishing 900Nm, delivery is to the rear wheels, or all four wheels on 4MATIC versions.Equipped with four-wheel drive, the car constantly sends two-thirds of the torque to the rear wheels, to assist with balance and weight distribution. Both versions use a seven-speed SPEEDSHIFT MCT automatic.The car’s aluminium panels and a lighter lithium battery, alloy wheels and brakes have contributed to a weight reduction of 65Kg, compared to the CL class coupe it replaces. The weight loss may not significantly reduce the car’s 2-tonne weight, but combined with the urge of the twin turbo V8 sends the S63 AMG sprinting from standstill to 100km/h in just 4.3 seconds. Opt for all wheel drive and the run is reduced to just 3.9 seconds, on the way to an electronically controlled 300km/h top speed.To help keep things tidy around corners, AMG engineers have fitted an AIRMATIC air suspension, with adaptive dampers, stiff anti-roll bars and a custom frame at the back to enhance the handling characteristics. Buyers can chose to up-spec from ceramic brakes to carbon ceramic brakes too, and lighter, 20 inch alloy wheels to reduce weight and increase visual impact.The four exhaust tips and gloss finish rear diffuser are helped by wide guards, unique grill and bumper, and “V8 BI-TURBO” badges to make the S63 AMG coupe stand out from the rest of the range. Nappa leather trimmed sports seats, embossed with an AMG logo, exclusive AMG dials and three spoke sports wheel make the interior a special place too.The S63 AMG coupe is expected to arrive in Australia later this year, with prices yet to be advised. But an S65 AMG coupe is also being developed. The flagship coupe will be powered by the brand’s monstrous V12 engine, and command a significant specification and price increase on the S63 AMG.

Toyota-owned badge Daihatsu retired from our market in 2005, but a void in Toyota’s line-up could see some of the Daihatsu product return in the form of the small Terios SUV rebadged as a Toyota Rush.Toyota is keen to capitalise on a growing sub $25,000 compact SUV market segment. Sales are thriving, with a new Nissan Juke, Suzuki SX4, Holden Trax, Ford EcoSport and Fiat Panda all joining the Mitsubishi ASX in the search for a slice of the market. Toyota doesn’t currently have a competitor in this segment, with the bigger RAV4 starting at $28,490.But Toyota has an advantage in this rivalry: It owns Daihatsu – Japan’s oldest car manufacturer and small car specialist. The first generation Daihatsu Terios sold in Australia between 1997 and 2005, creating the same compact 5-door SUV segment that is now thriving. But the current model never made it to our shores due to Daihatsu’s local retirement.Toyota has successfully sold the Rush in overseas markets for over a decade, and the current model since its introduction in 2006. It is powered by an 80kW, 141Nm 1.5-litre VVT-I engine, featuring a five speed manual and four speed automatic. But unlike other cars in this segment, it has permanent four-wheel drive and a central differential lock, which combined with short overhangs, gives the Rush more offroad credibility than most of its competitors.However, a two wheel drive version is also on offer, for buyers who prefer the extra height and space but not the extra capability of a small SUV. With a kerb weight of just 1180kg for the four wheel drive model, the Rush is a relative lightweight, which should help keep running costs low.If Toyota Australia decides to tackle the compact SUV market with the Rush, it will be the first time a car manufactured by Daihatsu is sold in Australia since 2005. However, a new Rush is expected sometime next year, featuring improvements to power, safety and refinement. This means it’s likely Toyota Australia will wait until then to introduce the Rush into Australian showrooms. 

McLaren's legendary F1 hyper car was recently superseded by the P1, a 673kW twin turbo V8 hybrid speed monster. But it doesn't follow the F1 in the spirit of driving purity, according to the earlier car's creator, Gordon Murray.Murray designed and engineered the 1992 F1, but he is not excited by his former employer's new P1 hypercar. The heavy electric motors and computer assisted components don't excite his passion for driving, and nor does the relative weight of the P1 and its closest rivals – LaFerrari and Porsche 918.Instead he's planning a lightweight supercar, focused entirely on the driving experience. "I've got one more supercar left in me" he said to Motor Sport Magazine. The new Supercar would be limited to similar numbers as the F1, and would follow the same ethos.Murray designed and engineered the F1 as a driver focused, lightweight driving machine that held the title for fastest production Supercar until the Bugatti Veyron took over – more than a decade later. It had a central driving position, Formula 1 style, to maximise the driving experience. It also featured a manual transmission, and a 468kW, 6.1-litre BMW V12 engine with no turbos so as to not detract from the immediacy of power delivery.More importantly, it featured one of the first uses of a carbon fibre tub, which multiplied passenger cell strength while reducing weight – a technology that was still new in Formula 1 back then, and is still used in today's supercars. This resulted in a car that weighs just 1062kg, achieving a top speed of 391km/h, making it the fastest production McLaren yet – with the new P1 being limited to 350km/h.Before he left McLaren, Murray penned a strategy for the British supercar company, where the F1 would get replaced by a smaller, lighter naturally aspirated driving machine. However, technological advances, the need for more efficiency, safety and lower emissions lead to the creation of the P1 Hybrid hypercar instead.Murray expressed excitement at the challenge of a light new supercar that carries the spirit of the F1. "The fun and new challenge to me would be looking at this new brace of supercars, one-and-half-to-two tonnes, full of electrics and stuff, would be to dump all that and build a driver's car again", he said.But those who think Murray completely disdains electric power should know that among his his nine other car projects underway is a city car called MOTIV.e, powered by a 25kW, and 896Nm electric motor, capable of 105km/h. Plastic panels on a lightweight frame keeps mass down to 730kg, and allow for a 160km range. Yamaha intends to produce it, having shown the world a preview at the Tokyo Motor Show last November.For those who are excited by Murray's motivations but can't afford a new supercar, a cheaper sports car designed by Murray is due in 2017. The lightweight car will have similar simplicity and lightweight ideals as its supercar sibling, and will be joined later by several other cars, including an offroader. 

The seven seater four wheel drive will likely be named ‘Everest’. Like the Ranger ute it’s based on, it’s developed by Ford Australia, whose design, research and development capability is expected to continue operating locally beyond manufacturing close down in 2016.The Territory rear end on this production test mule disguises a shorter wheelbase than the Ranger, which should make the Everest more manoeuvrable and agile on and off road. Like its rival, the Holden Colorado 7, the Ford is expected to upgrade the Ranger’s leaf springs and drum brakes to a live axle coil suspension setup and rear disc brakes.This should make the ride more passenger friendly, with the possibility of Ford adopting an independent rear suspension setup also an option. This would make the development more costly, but would favour passenger comfort and handling on road.A passenger version of the previous generation Ford Ranger has been in production in Thailand for several years, carrying the Everest name in that local market. But this is the first time the Everest SUV, which will be assembled in Thailand, will feature a smaller wheelbase and the expected suspension, brake and cabin refinement and passenger safety updates to make the SUV a competitive product in the global Ford portfolio.Like the Ranger, the Everest will be sold in European, American and Asia-pacific countries. No details have been revealed about engine and powertrain options, but expect little or no change to Ford’s 147kW 3.2-litre 5 cylinder Turbo diesel unit and 6 speed manual and automatic transmissions for our market. Ford’s 110kW 2.2-litre Turbo diesel, and 122kW 2.5-litre petrol may also feature in overseas models, but both are unlikely to make it to Australian showrooms.Low range is almost certain to continue too, making the Everest the most off road capable passenger four wheel drive offered by Ford Australia since the late 80s Maverick. A rear wheel drive model may also be on the cards, lowering the entry level price for families who don’t need the extra off road capability.Expect the Everest to launch in the second half of 2014, when the new model will need to win over the hearts of families and off road enthusiasts alike. The segment is currently dominated by the Toyota Prado with over 1000 sales per month, but it’s the soft roaders like the Ford Territory, Toyota Kluger, Holden Captiva 7 and Hyundai Santa Fe that make up the majority of sales combined, making passenger accommodation an important success factor.However, it’s the other ute-based passenger SUVs that will feel the heat of increased rivalry, with the Holden Colorado 7, Isuzu MU-X and Mitsubishi Challenger squarely on Ford’s radar. Ford may gain some sales from Territory buyers too, once manufacturing of the local SUV stops in 2016. Territory’s likely replacement, the Ford Edge, is not available with a Diesel engine, meaning customers wishing to buy a diesel four wheel drive Ford will need to turn to the Everest. 

Renault's Twingo is the latest in a line of iconic city cars from the French manufacturer. But the next generation Twingo, to be released later this year, will also carry the legendary Renault 5 Turbo’s DNA, courtesy of a rear-engined, rear wheel drive layout.The unusual engine placement is the result of a partnership of Renault-Nissan with Smart, which will see the French city car share its underpinnings with the upcomingSmart Fortwo and Forfour. While no engine and transmission details have been released, it’s expected the Twingo could borrow its sibling’s 1.2-litre 66kW turbocharged three cylinder engine, as seen in the entry level Clio.Enthusiasts will be excited about the handling characteristics and agility of a rear-engined Twingo, but the layout also offers smart benefits for those looking for practicality instead. The Twingo is expected to offer plenty of storage space front and rear, and a very sharp turning circle, which would be hard to achieve with a front wheel drive car.Twingo’s modern and fresh lines also hide the fact that for the first time in its 22-year history, the little city car will be available with five doors. But the French Fiat 500 competitor will not lack appeal for it, with proportions of the third generation Twingo evoking the legendary “people’s car” Renault 4 from the 1970s, and first generation Twingo, which were big hits in Europe and in developing countries alike.Inside, the colourful character is expected to continue, with a modern, cheerful dashboard and upholstery to complement the Pop-inspired four colour exterior palette. But Renault wont release the interior look until March 4 at Geneva show, when we will also get more details on personalisation options.Sleek detailing, and playful, customisable character should make the Twingo a winner – but the little French pocket rocket doesn’t have a go ahead for Australia yet.If the business case stacks up for Renault Australia, the Twingo may challenge the $17,990 Great Wall V240 ute as Australia’s cheapest rear wheel drive model. More importantly, it could be a very hard-hitting rival for the Fiat 500 and Volkswagen Up. 

Nissan unveiled the concept version of the Frontier – known as the Navara in Australia -- at the motor show with a new Cummins 2.8-litre turbodiesel engine and a ZF eight-speed automatic. The Cummins is being used to gauge reaction to a diesel mill in the US, where the big ute is sold only with a 4.0-litre V6 petrol engine.However, of more interest to us is the appearance of the ZF automatic, with an eight-speed currently the province largely of premium vehicles – with the upmarket Volkswagen Amarok the only ute to sport it in Australia.The addition of the transmission to the Navara would give it an extra selling point over rivals in the field, where the Nissan is second only to the Toyota Hilux in the 4x4 category, but trails not only Hilux but also Ford Ranger, Mitsubishi Triton, Mazda BT-50 and Holden Colorado in the 4x2 category.There would also be some advantage in the Frontier concept’s all-round disc brakes, which could give it an edge over even the Amarok, which like the Colorado, Ranger, BT-50 and other rivals have stuck with rear drum brakes – although without threatening their 5-star safety ratings.However it’s unlikely the concept’s four-cylinder Cummins will ever appear in our Navara. While the new diesel’s 149kW and 475Nm has a slight output superiority over the Renault-sourced 2.5-litre 140kW and 450Nm in our current Navaras, it’s no match for our flagship ST 550, which will deliver 170Nm and 550Nm from the 3-litre V6 with a seven-speed automatic – although at a hefty cost of A$62,990.But if Nissan's alliance with Cummins did bear Navara fruit, it could give our ute the grunt to outgun rivals like the Ranger / BT50 and Colorado, without recurring to the thirst - and price tag - of the V6 diesel. This could also be an opportunity for the Navara to match rivals' 3500kg towing capacity, where even the V6 diesel Navara is only rated at 3000kg despite having the most power and torque in its segment.

Porsche’s next generation four wheel drive flagship due in 2017 will take advantage of weight savings and safety gains from a new platform while gaining new styling inspired on Porsche’s entry level SUV.The new MLB platform is shared with Audi’s upcoming Q7, Lamborghini’s and Bentley’s planned four wheel drives and the next generation Volkswagen Touareg. The modular architecture will allow weight savings of more than 100kg. An increase in torsional rigidity and safety is also expected. Importantly, the modular structure will keep costs down by spreading development costs across a large number of models in VW Group’s portfolio.Stylistically, Porsche’s familiar DNA continues, with wide wheel arches and oval headlamps. But the new look Cayenne will borrow its smaller sibling’s cues, with a clam shell bonnet and rising creased shoulder line running the length of the sides.Engines are likely to be revised versions of the current power plants, raising the output from 221kW V6, 294kW V8 in the Cayenne S, and flagship V8 Cayenne Turbo delivering a stonking 368kW. Carry over V6 Diesel with 179kW, and 279kW V6 petrol-electric hybrid power plants are also expected to continue. But those who don’t want to wait until 2017 for a new Cayenne will be happy to hear that next year we’ll see a facelift of the current model, intended to keep the SUV looking fresh until the next generation arrives.