Articles by Karla Pincott

You don't get much idea of the storyline from the teaser footage -- despite it being a long-ish 2.5 minutes -- but there's enough of a taste to let you know what's in store when the film is released in June.The action kicks off with Optimus Prime in a very sorry semi-truck state being hauled to a barn, where a probe into the vehicle's materials, and some jolts of power, reawaken the transformer mode. At that stage, he looks in severe need of a wash and wax as well.However, a bit of barn-busting action when the men in sunglasses turn up to take him proves he's been restored to ...erm, prime condition.Other cars appear in the trailer, including the black and orange Chevrolet Camaro SS (Bumblebee) transforming in a museum and later out and about but in four-wheeled form. And there are also some fuzzy cameos from a green Corvette Stingray we think will be the autobot Crosshairs, what looks to be an Audi R8, and another SS -- concept matt black with orange trim that seems to be a later incarnation of Bumblebee. This fourth in the Transformers franchise stars Mark Wahlberg as struggling inventor -- and autobot reviver -- Cade Yeager, and the continuing voice of Peter Cullen, the original and still only tones for Optimus Prime from the 1980s TV series through all four movies.This reporter is on Twitter: @KarlaPincottWatch the car bot action of the new trailer on our desktop site. 

VW unveiled the facelifted Scirocco at the recent Geneva motor show with fresh styling and revisions to the engine line-up. But while overseas markets will get a four-cylinder choices of 110kW turbo diesel and turbo petrols ranging from a 92kW 1.4-litre to three tunes of a 2.0-litre turbo: 132kW, 162kW and 206kW, it's likely we won't see all of those here.We only get one Scirocco version here, but the good news is that the one that currently reaches our showrooms is the top-spec ‘R’ variant, carrying the presently 188kW mill that has been uprated to 206kW. That suggests the incoming sports coupe is likely to best the outgoing version's 6-second sprint to 100km/h, while still being more frugal with fuel.Rather than being underpinned by Volkswagen's new MQB platform used for the Golf 7 among others, the Scirocco is based on the Golf 6 platform, with the major changes apart from the engines being cosmetic and instrumentation.The new face sports a GTI-echoing redesigned front bumper and sharper grille flanked by bi-xenon headlights and LED daytime running lamps, while the interior also gets GTI cues with a new leather-covered flat-bottom steering wheel and instrument binnacle, extra gauges for turbo boost pressure, oil temperature and a timer, plus premium finishes.Volkswagen Australia has confirmed that the new Scirocco is under consideration, but say it's too early to suggest timing for its arrival. However with it rolling into European showrooms in August, you could start looking for it here either in the final quarter of 2014 or early next year.This reporter is on Twitter: @KarlaPincottWatch the New VW Scirocco in action on our desktop site. 

You'll see some cues from Subaru's Legacy/Liberty concept in the face of the Viziv 2 crossover show car unveiled in Geneva, but there's also a strong resemblance in parts to the Tribeca it will replace.The Viziv name is a contraction of the phrase "vision for innovation" and like the previous Viziv concepts that precede it, the Geneva car is intended to give us a clearer view of what's coming down the line for the brand.And while some of this won't make it into production -- particularly the suicide and scissor door treatment, and the imposing LED front and rear foglight treatment -- the proportions are  realistic and the interior looks largely ready to go.The Viziv 2 is powered by a similar diesel-electric Hybrid SI-Drive system to its 2013 predecessor, but with a 1.6-litre engine replacing the previous 2.0-litre four-cylinder. However, there's the same set-up on the electric side, with three motors -- one helping power the engine and charge up the lithium-ion battery pack, and the other two sending extra drive to each of the rear wheels as needed with torque vectoring to aid cornering.A continuously-variable automatic transmission feeds Subaru's all-wheel drive system, and the Viziv 2 can perform on electric power alone from start-up and during low-demand urban running. Subaru says the SI-Drive technology integrates with the Eyesight safety system's cameras to monitor the road ahead and adjust the engine output to give optimum efficiency.While it's unlikely we'll see the drivetrain in this form in future production vehicles, it's probable that aspects will feed into the technology for coming crossovers.This reporter is on Twitter: @KarlaPincott 

Mercedes is making things hard for its prestige competition with strategic pricing on several models, the latest of which is the GLA-Class arriving in a couple of months with an attractive entry level of $47,900.That gets you into the front-wheel drive 2.2-litre GLA200 CDI diesel, which for the price delivers 100kW of power, 300Nm of torque and an admirable 4.3-litres/100km fuel economy.Sitting above that is the $57,900 GLA250, carrying a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine with outputs of 165kW/350Nm, delivered to Merc's 4-Matic all-wheel drive with the seven-speed dual clutch transmission shared by all variants. On the top shelf there's the $79,900 GLA45AMG with a hand-built 265kW/450Nm turbocharged petrol four.All engines have stop-start technology, while the 4-Matic gets downhill speed assist and an on-demand offroad transmission mode. Options packages include some offroad capability for the GLA200 and driver assistance features for both it and the GLA250, plus AMG extras that add sharper dynamics, sportier suspension and larger wheels.Mercedes says the new arrival will have particular appeal to a younger demographic. "Our new GLA-Class reinterprets the compact SUV segment," CEO Horst Von Sanden says. "Continuing the success of our range in the compact class, the GLA broadens our offering to a youthful, more dynamic target market. Its expressive design, practicality and versatility, and superb performance will ensure that the GLA-Class is highly desired in our local market." 

Audi has revealed the new TT and TTS sports coupes at a special preview event before the official Geneva motor show reveal tomorrow.We've already seen the modernised interior -- with its new digital instrument panel -- which starred for the German luxury brand at the Consumer Electronics show in Las Vegas back in January, and now the result of the more recently released design sketches can be seen in the metal.And while it conforms to the blueprint set by the first TT, the third generation looks fresher and sharper while still retaining the unmistakeable geometric cues of its predecessors. The new body is 18mm shorter and 10mm narrower, but has the axles pushed 37mm further apart -- making for shorter overhangs, and Audi is claiming there's more room boot capacity at 305 litres -- a rise of 13 litres on the outgoing model.The bonnets lift on three four-cylinder engines, kicking off with the TT's 169kW/370Nm turbocharged 2.0-litre, which Audi says will get to 100km/h in 5.3 seconds with the six-speed dual-clutch transmission driving the quattro all-wheel version, and 6.0 seconds with the six-speed manual delivering to the front-wheel drive variant. The TTS carries a higher tune of the same engine, delivering 228kW and 380Nm and claiming 4.7 seconds for the 0-100km/h run. The fuel hero is the 135kW/380Nm 2.0-litre turbodiesel with just 4.2L/100km economy figure -- but a relaxed 7.2 second attitude to the 0-100km/h time.Weight has been saved with both the flexible MQB architecture (used on several cars across Audi's parent Volkswagen Group) and the use of aluminium in the McPherson suspension system on the TT , while the optional Audi magnetic adjustable damping system is standard on the TTS.The switchable ESC works in concert with a new torque vectoring system that sends more drive to the  relevant outside wheel to aid cornering.There's no confirmation yet of whether there will be any shift in prices when the TT range reaches Australia, and we'll have more information closer to its arrival early in 2015. 

Digital rearview mirrors are already in use on race cars -- giving drivers a clear view of what's coming up behind them -- but Nissan is set to move the technology to the street, rolling it out on models around the world next year.And their 'smart' system incorporates a world-first feature that lets you toggle between the digital and normal mirror view.The world-first technology uses a high-definition camera mounted on the rear of the car to feed an LCD monitor mirror, which can be switched over to a normal mirror at any time while driving.Nissan says the digital view is wider and clearer than the standard one -- and also counters visual obstructions like rear headrests, passengers and luggage that often undermines the driver's view."Smart rearview mirror will give our customers the best possible view no matter how tall the passengers in the back seat, or the road conditions," Nissan vice-president and chief planning officer Andy Palmer says."It also offers the possibility of new and exciting designs for our upcoming models because the Smart rearview mirror system is an alternative to a very wide rear window for good visibility. We'll have the flexibility to create new shapes and to further improve aerodynamics for better fuel efficiency."After being presented at the Geneva motor show, the smart rearview mirror will be launched as an option on the Nissan X-Trail in overseas markets later this year, and will roll out into other countries in 2015.This reporter is on Twitter: @KarlaPincott 

Jeep will be taking the wraps off their new baby SUV at the Geneva motor show this week, but we're getting an early look at the vehicle thanks to a leak on the internet.While previous rumours suggested the new model would be called the Jeepster or Laredo, the photos posted by US site Jalopnik show it's badged as the Renegade -- a name Jeep has applied to several variants over the years and also to the concept unveiled at the 2008 Detroit motor show.The new Jeep is a compact crossover reportedly built on the same platform as the Fiat 500X, its SUV sibling under the Fiat-Chrysler group umbrella, and will be built alongside it in Italy -- and is also likely to share some drivetrains from the Italian side of the family.Jeep has already revealed it will roll the new arrival out in two versions, with suggestions there will be a front-drive version and a tougher four-wheel-drive one. As Jalopnik points out, with the leaked images featuring an offroad setting, and the Renegade sporting similar cues to the Cherokee Trailhawk, it's likely this early sighting is of the all-paw version.There's been no confirmation yet of a right-hand drive program, but it's unlikely the brand would ignore potential markets such as Australia and South Africa in their plans.This reporter is on Twitter: @KarlaPincott 

Nascar racer Jeff Gordon was the star for a viral video ad last year in which he donned a disguise and then took an unwitting car salesman for the scariest test drive of his career.But some media called BS on the hit video, saying it was faked. Chief critic was Jalopnik's Travis Okulski who claimed Gordon was not behind the wheel, and every person who appeared in the video was a paid actor.However Gordon's now had the last word and some sweet revenge, setting Okulski up -- with the more than willing help of his friends. The critical writer is lured from New York down to the southern state of North Carolina, where Gordon picks him up in the guise of an ex-criminal taxi driver - driving the US Chevrolet Caprice version of our own Holden Caprice.Cue a mock police car, an abandoned factory and some white-knuckle action accompanied by a soundtrack of Okulski pleading to be let out of the car. Directed by the same team as last year's video, this one turns into a great payback -- and Okulski takes it with class when the prank is outed.He attests on Jalopnik: "I can say with total certainty that this second ... test drive ad is unequivocally, one hundred percent, totally, absolutely real."Watch the desktop version of the Race driver's revenge on car journo video here. This reporter is on Twitter: @KarlaPincott

Ford has secured some prime product placement with their new Mustang winning a starring role in the coming Need for Speed film. And we're already getting a taste of the action with the car's commercial. "Do you really think that when you've been set up, accused and convicted, a new car can put it all behind you?" the ad asks, before giving the answer you've already guessed... "Depends on the car".Ford tapped Need for Speed director Scott Waugh for the ad, which shows the movie's star Aaron Paul going to prison and then racing along a desert road in the new Mustang.According to Motor Authority Waugh describes the Ford as being perfect as the hero car. "The best movie cars combine tons of power, rear-wheel drive, great handling and the ability to be easily flung around corners,” he says. “As we’ve seen hundreds of times over the years -- from ‘Bullitt’ to ‘Gone in Sixty Seconds’ -- Mustang fits the bill perfectly."Ford is using the new ad to launch the social media hashtag #InaMustang, which fans will be urged to use in sharing their own pony car stories and wishlists, with the carmaker intending to use the content to seed more storytelling via a dedicated website.The rear-wheel drive Ford Mustang will arrive in Australia by the end of next year in two versions. The entry level priced from about $45,000 will be powered by a 2.3-litre turbocharged four-cylinder developing 227kW of power at 5500rpm and 407Nm of torque at 2500 to 4500rpm. The Mustang V8 will be priced from about $55,000 and carry a 5.0-litre engine developing 313kW at 6500rpm and 529Nm at 4250rpm. Both versions will have transmission choices of a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic.Watch the desktop version of the Ford Mustang ad taps Need for Speed video here.This reporter is on Twitter: @KarlaPincott

We're still waiting for the Alfa Romeo 4C to hit Australian showrooms, with overseas demand for the beautiful sports coupe meaning delivery down under will be delayed for a while. And now it seems like we'll be left hankering after another variant of the Alfa halo car, with an open-top Spider said to be heading for a global unveiling at Geneva motor show next week -- three years after the 4C concept was first shown there.Reports suggest the 4C Spider won't have a folding convertible roof but a removable panel -- there's no suggestion yet about whether there will be onboard storage for the roof section once you unlatch it, but it may be a fold-and-stow design.The Italian carmaker has previously said taking the top off the 4C would be comparatively easy, given the torsional stiffness gained from the car's largely carbon-fibre chassis. However Alfa Romeo development chief Guglielmo Caviasso has signalled that the car would target a light weight, meaning a mechanised folding roof is off the table.There's talk of the headlight design of the coupe being dumped for styling that reverts more to that of the original concept, while a fresh alloy wheel wardrobe is also on the cards.However the 4C Spider is likely to be powered by the coupe's mid-mounted 1.7-litre turbo four-cylinder, with two levels of tune -- a 176kW/350Nm version and a Launch Edition with the horses geed up to 179kW -- matched to a dual-clutch automatic.The big question for Australia will be supply. Alfa is producing only 4500 of the 4C coupe in its first year -- of which 1000 will be Launch Edition models -- and the local HQ has previously said the Australia-Pacific region would get around 10 per cent of that, but how many of those are allocated for our shores is yet to be revealed. The cars were scheduled to arrive in the second quarter of this year, but in 2013 Alfa Romeo Australia put a hold on orders until the final quota is known -- and with more than 100 expressions of interest in hand.This reporter is on Twitter: @KarlaPincott