Articles by Karla Pincott

Fans of BMW’s M performance line will need to look elsewhere than the X4 for a high-performance SUV. The German carmaker says it’s unlikely to build an X4M to add to the line-up, with concern it would cannibalise sales from the X6M.“It’s not yet decided, but …  it would always come back to the business case,” BMW product communications manager Bernhard Ederer told Carsguide.“It’s really something of a chess game: what customer are we talking to? Are we talking to someone who's willing and able to afford the X6 -- who would switch to the X4M but to who we could easily sell the X6M? So … I would not bet on there being an M performance version of the X4.”However Ederer suggested there was a strong chance we will see a plug-in hybrid X4, following in the path of the Concept X5 eDrive that was revealed at the recent Frankfurt motor show. “We've communicated in the past that we are planning to offer a plug-in hybrid in each and every model series,” Ederer said.“This is really the next step in terms of our ‘efficient dynamics’ strategy. At the other end we have our i3 and i8 and the i8 … which really show you both ends of the bookshelf and have been made (that way) for a good reason -- to really show what is possible (with hybrid technology).”However Ederer says any plan for the hybrid X4 would depend on customer response and demand. “Obviously for each and every car, BMW has to have a business case. And at the end of the day, the answer to this question will come from the customer -- whether they are willing to accept this car, whether they are asking for that kind of a car.”And there may even be potential for the i3 and i8 to be joined by an SUV under that sub-brand. “Never say never,” Ederer says.  “If it makes (business) sense we will do it.”This reporter is on Twitter: @KarlaPincott 

Volvo has taken to turning out more stunts than Cirque du Soleil. The usually sensible Swedish brand has been promoting their trucks with a series of daredevil ventures that saw a woman tightrope-walking between two trucks, and the CEO dangling from a hook. Now they've enlisted a hamster to steer a 15-tonne Volvo FMX truck along a narrow quarry road, to show how user-friendly -- and presumably pet-friendly -- their new electric steering system is. Volvo converted the truck's steering wheel into a hamster wheel, and let a 173g bundle of fur called Charlie loose -- after a few weeks of training -- to pilot the rig along the steep road in a northern Spain quarry.  Charlie's co-driver was stunt expert Seon Rogers, who did duty on the pedals -- which would have been something of a stretch for the little hamster to reach -- and lured the creature in the right direction with a carrot. This reporter is on Twitter: @KarlaPincott Watch video here.  

Audi has revealed the first images and video of its new Quattro Concept unveiled at the Frankfurt motor show, and its realistic detailing could seed a production vehicle. If that happens, expect it to be in a fairly limited edition, and to be priced towards the top of the Audi stable.The new hybrid drivetrain consists of a 412kW/700Nm four-litre twin-turbo V8 from the RS6 and RS7, plus an electric motor -- powered by a 14.1-kWh lithium-ion battery -- that tips in 110kW and 400Nm.Watch video here. 

Holden has confirmed the Barina RS will be launched before the end of the year – and that the first shipment has already hit our shores for final evaluation at the Lang Lang proving grounds and out on our roads. There are no details yet on price or specification. And while the overseas model is powered by a 103kW/200Nm 1.4-litre turbo four-cylinder, there are also rumours the newcomer might be getting the new 132kW/230Nm 1.6-litre turbocharged four that now tops the Cruze range. Dressing it up will be a sporty body kit with a large rear spoiler, front and rear fascias and side skirts, 17-in alloy wheels and a new RS-only hero colour: Orange Rock.   The interior gets RS-badged sports seats and a flat-bottomed steering wheel. Holden has put the Barina RS through extensive validation, and undertaken local engineering development on an electric power steering system unique to the Australian showroom. The current Barina range tops out at $20,990, so we can expect the price to be a few thousand above that, but still strategically positioned against the competition in an increasingly competitive segment. Its main rival will be the $24,990 Ford Fiesta ST, but with strong bids from the European contenders in the form of the $27,790 Volkswagen Polo GTI and $29,990 Peugeot 208 GTI. This reporter is on Twitter: @KarlaPincott  

What do you park in your carport when you can afford anything you want? A solid gold Lamborghini Aventador that will cost $8 million, perhaps. And that's just for what will be the most expensive model car ever made.Get your credit card ready, because the car is being planned, and will be carved from a single 498kg block of solid pure gold, with a finished weight estimated at 25kg. The interior will be finished in platinum and gemstones.It's the creation of engineer and artist Robert Gulpen, who has built several luxury car models from gold, silver and platinum over the past decade. However, while this is set to be his most ambitious project, it's serious enough to have earned partnership from Lamborghini.Gulpen first mooted the model in 2011, but now it seems plans are well under way, with the finished work intended to head for an auction that will see about $700,000 donated to charities chosen by Lamborghini.Gülpen's process will use computer-modelling of the real Aventador to feed data to a five-axis milling machine that will carve an aluminum mold, from which he will produce a carbon fibre 'maquette' of the model. The winning bidder at the auction will then be able to designate and personalise details for the finished piece.Gülpen hopes to create three new Guinness Book of Records entries for himself and the buyer: the most expensive model, the most secure container and show case, and the most expensive Lamborghini logo.But he also wants it to stand as a salute to the 'legend of the automobile', he says. "The most expensive and precious model car in the world. It is to be an icon, expressing the fascinating historical development of the automotive industry and the appreciation of people for cars all over."This reporter is on Twitter: @KarlaPincott 

People generally buy SUVs for their presumed practicality. Which makes this Nissan Patrol modification one of the strangest things we've seen. The entire driving control set-up has been moved into the

Honda is streaming ahead with the next Civic Type-R hot hatch -- which is on the wishlist for Honda Australia, but with no confirmation yet that we'll get it here. However with the US also being a gap in the Civic Type-R markets, we could see the new car's platform being used for the second generation of the CR-Z, giving it a sports performance boost.According to Motor Authority, the US will again miss out on the Civic Type-R because the Civic sold there is different to the rest of the world, and is positioned as an economy car -- which makes it hard to market a performance variant. So there are plans to beef up the next CR-Z to get more of a foothold in that market, and a prototype is reported to already have been built.It's said to carry a direct-injected and turbocharged 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine mated with the CR-Z’s Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) hybrid system, developing combined power of about 165kW -- a big step up from the current CR-Z's 84kW engine and 10kW motor effort.A seven-speed dual-clutch transmission is reported to be taking over from both the CVT auto and the six-speed manual gearboxes, with the CR-Z able to be launched within two years if production is approved. Meanwhile, we'll be keeping an eye on the Civic Type-R rolling out overseas in 2015 with a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, delivering at least 210kW: a considerable 62kW more than the last version we saw here in 2011.The new engine will use direct-fuel-injection technology rather than relying on the high revs of the previous model to generate power. Honda hasn't released performance figures yet, but with them stating they're aiming for a Nurburgring record, expect the newcomer to blast past the 2011 car's 6.6 seconds for the 0-100kmh sprint. 

We loved the Honda Civic Type-R, one of the best hot hatches we've seen in Australia. Sadly, it exited here a couple of years ago. Happily, there's a new one on the horizon. Frustratingly, it hasn't been confirmed for Australia yet, although the local HQ has said it's on their wishlist. The new Civic Type R will launch overseas in 2015. We've already seen spy shots and prototypes, and now Honda has trickled out some more details. Honda has confirmed the Civic Type-R will pack a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, delivering at least 210kW. That's a considerable 62kW more than the last version we saw here. The new engine will use direct-fuel-injection technology -- of a departure from the previous model, which depended on high revs for its power. No performance figures have been released yet, but expect it to trim the 193Nm 2011 car's 6.6 seconds for the 0-100kmh sprint. Honda has already set its sights on a Nurburgring record, aiming to claim the crown for the fastest front-wheel-drive car to tackle the circuit. In the lead-up to this, they've had famed WTCC driver Garbriele Tarquini out on the Nurburgring warming the car up -- and having it star in some footage for a teaser video. Watch the Honda Civic Type-R video here. This reporter is on Twitter: @KarlaPincott  

Throw a skateboard, tank, ATV and jetski into a workshop blender and what comes out? An extreme new power toy that looks like a Segway after a course of banned anabolic steroids. Called the DTV Shredder, it's been designed as a go-anywhere vehicle, and already has the interest of the military and some celebrity performance fans. The Shredder rolls on two tank-like treads, powered by a 200cc petrol engine delivering 10kW and a top speed of 50kmh. You don't have to change gears, with a dual CVT (continuously-variable automatic transmission) taking care of the gearshifts. It has you standing on -- and steering with -- a skateboard-like platform. You use your feet to steer, with the handlebar only there to give you something you can hang on to. Tightly, we imagine. Watch DTV Shredder video here. It's the brainchild of a small US firm called BPG Werks, who say they could make it go faster, but have corralled the speed to 50kmh because that's the limit at which most people feel comfortable while standing up. The 90kg Shredder can tackle just about any terrain -- including water up to 25cm deep -- and folds up to fit into a ute tray. Also see: Electric offroad skateboard | video Selling for just US$4000 ($4300), it has already attracted the attention of the US military, who are looking at its potential for use in the field. And the Crown Prince of Dubai, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, has ordered two. His will be modified with 30kW rotary engines and hit a top speed of 100kmh. Also see: Gnarboard vs Corvette | video Expect to see some extreme sand-busting from the 30-year-old thrillseeker, who is adding the Shredders to a stable that includes supercars and jetpacks. This reporter is on Twitter: @karlapincott

Toyota has created a Lego animation to promote their sponsorship of the AFL, and to launch a competition based on the Legendary Moments campaign from the sport. The Lego re-enactment shows the 1970 stoush between Carlton and Collingwood, in which Blues player Alex Jesaulenko took what has become known as "the mark of the century".AFL fans can win a Toyota Hilux SR5 and the chance to a lap of honour around the MCG at the AFL grand final. All they have to do is grab a video camera or phone camera and recreate your own version of an AFL 'legendary moment' in your own way. It doesn't have to be done with Lego. But if you want to go down that yellow-peopled path, you should be aware that the ones in the Blues v Pies video were created specially for the task at Lego's Chicago HQ, and aren't available in stores. At least, not yet. Watch the video here. This reporter is on Twitter: @KarlaPincott Go to http://www.toyota.com.au/afl for more information.