Articles by Mark Hinchliffe

However, this will be a one-spec van with plenty of go and plenty of stuff.Costing about $70,000, the new V70 will come with all-wheel drive, but will not qualify for the SUV import duty exemption.The van will be powered by a 210kW/400Nm three-litre twin-scroll turbo six-cylinder engine based on the 3.2-litre naturally aspirated engine in the XC70 and XC90.It will be packed with goodies such as 18-inch alloys, FOUR-C adaptive suspension, personal car communicator, premium 6-CD sound system, front and rear park assist and auto tailgate.The V70 will arrive in Australia early in 2008. Other new vehicles will accompany it in the first quarter of the year, including the much-awaited diesel version of the cute 2+2 C30, which this year was a Carsguide Car of the Year finalist.The C30 D5 will come in five-speed auto first up, followed by a six-speed manual shortly after.There will also be a 'poverty pack' C30 S for around $34,950.Volvo Australia's new public affairs manager Laurissa Mirabelli said it would not have leather seats or some of the other more expensive creature comforts of the C30.“It will be a safe and stylish vehicle for young people wanting to get into a premium brand," she said.Volvo Car Australia is on an upward trend with a 37 per cent increase in sales last year, about 22.5 per cent this year.Managing director Alan Desselss said the bulk of the sales increase was from the XC90, but the C30 would be a major contributor when the diesel engine variant arrived. 

They call it the Cross Cabriolet quattro concept, unveiled at the Los Angeles Auto Show.While other off-roader soft tops from Suzuki and Jeep have found a niche, they are more biased towards off-road duties. This one looks a little too petite and genteel to be tramping through the scrub.Still, it's a concept and not necessarily bound for production. But at least some of the innovations are bound to move into other models, especially convertibles.Innovations include Google Earth software, internet radio, intercom so occupants don't have to yell when the roof is down, and an airscarf to combat wind turbulence.Audi also claims to have produced its cleanest diesel yet which will start to filter through to production models from 2010.Audi Australia corporate communications general manager Anna Burgdorf said the concept car could change if it went into production."If the concept is successful and the feedback strong from customers, the network, media and all the involved parties; then it is likely to turn into a production vehicle," she said.The target demographic for such a car would be a young and active."It is based on an A4-sized car and is therefore likely to be targeted at a younger audience, possibly a couple with one or two small children," she said. "Age range around 30-45 is likely. It would also be a good fit for active, sporty types who like the great outdoors. Again, the age range is the same.""If there's a market for the vehicle then the likelihood (of a production model) is strong."Burgdorf said Audi used concept models to "show possibilities and as a technology showcase.""That being said, our chairman has certainly stated that Audi's future growth lies in niche models and therefore you have a prime example here."The Cross Cabrio introduces several innovations including internet connection.Google Earth three-dimensional internet mapping software is used in the concept car's satellite navigation system featuring high-resolution, photorealistic 3D maps.By connecting to the internet, it will also be possible for traffic and weather information to be downloaded on the run.Using Google Earth's search function, the driver can also find addresses or services such as restaurants or cinemas.There is no longer any need to enter the address by hand, just click on an image in the Google Earth user interface.Internet connection also features in the digital sound system which provides access to international radio stations broadcasting over the Web.Users can also personalise their listening by bushing a button to give a positive or negative verdict to music tracks. The system then only offers the user music styles that match those preferences, creating a customised virtual radio station.It will also provide a graphic display of the CD cover of the track and information about the track and the artists.Audi has used the Cross Cabrio concept to overcome many of the problems associated with open-top driving.Occupants will no longer have to yell to be heard above the wind noise because Audi has provided an intercom system with four microphones that pick up voices and relay them through the audio system. There is also a sound processor to filter out background noise.To overcome the problem of buffeting, all four seats are equipped with an airscarf function where air vents on the head restraints compensate for wind turbulence around the occupant's neck.Being a cabriolet for the scrub, Audi engineers had to ensure the chassis was even stronger than normal convertibles.This was achieved by reinforcements to the A-pillar, the rear seat cross member, the sill area, and an SUV-style double underbody that turns the open profile of a convertible body into a closed structure without the addition of much weight.The A-pillar and the top edge of the relatively shallow windscreen also have been heavily reinforced to aid roll-over protection.Two roll-over bars, normally lowered out of view, are located behind the rear seats and are preloaded by powerful springs.If the vehicle is in danger of rolling over, the sensor system releases the spring retaining mechanism, deploying the bars within milliseconds to provide protection together with the A-pillars for the occupants.Audi has used LED running lights on some production models, but could be on the way to introducing them as full headlights and fog lights, judging by their use in this concept.LEDs are more expensive, but are longer lasting, use less power and are claimed to provide a better spread of light and more realistic daylight effect.Another innovation that could flow through to production models is the boot which opens high on gas springs, taking the glass rear window with it, providing a large cargo area opening.Inside are heatable and coolable cup holders, one for each occupant.The 4.62m two-door, four-seater concept is powered by a 180kW/500Nm three-litre six-cylinder turbo direct-injection diesel engine with exhaust emissions that satisfy stringent Euro 6 levels.It is driven by an eight-speed auto with quattro permanent four-wheel drive and electric ride height adjustment.Cleaner dieselAudi claims an exhaust additive called AdBlue makes its Cross Cabriolet quattro concept the cleanest diesel yet.It claims the exhaust after treatment system cuts emissions of oxides of nitrogen (NOx) by as much as 90 per cent.Audi says the new technology will be introduced to models from 2010 and that by 2012 its models will reduce CO2 emissions by some 20 per cent.It works by injecting small amounts of the additive, an aqueous solution of carbamide, ahead of the DeNOx catalytic converter.The solution breaks down in the hot exhaust gas into ammonia, which splits the oxides of nitrogen into nitrogen and water.AdBlue is biodegradable and only needs to be topped up when the car is serviced.The new 180kW/500Nm three-litre six-cylinder turbo direct-injection diesel engine not only satisfies stringent Euro 6 levels, but is also claimed to offer modest fuel consumption.Audi engineers used a new common-rail system with piezo injectors operating at a pressure of 2000 bar, high-efficiency exhaust gas recirculation and optimised turbocharging.No economy figures were provided. 

National Transport Commission safety spokesperson Tim Eaton said engine braking noise on heavy vehicles fitted with worn, defective or inferior mufflers had been a community concern for some time.“During consultation, the community broadly supported the regulation, while the trucking industry's views ensured that it is practical and targets only the small number of operators who do the wrong thing,” he said.Engine brakes are engaged on the release of the accelerator to help slow the vehicle down and are used to reduce wear and tear on the vehicle's brakes.Drivers believe that engine brakes also improve vehicle safety by reducing the load on brakes during a steep descent.Eaton said trucks fitted with purpose-designed mufflers in good condition were reasonably quiet in any case, and would not be impacted by the new regulation.“Noise problems emerge when mufflers deteriorate or are replaced with an inferior product, so fixing the problem is as easy as replacing the muffler,” he added.“Once it has been implemented by states and territories, this regulation will help to ensure a minority of noisy vehicles do not result in community-led truck curfews and restrictions, which could impact on productivity.”The development of a national regulation and enforcement technology involved government and industry and was unanimously supported by the Environment Protection and Heritage Council.Eaton said New South Wales identified the characteristic 'bark' of an engine brake from other surrounding traffic noises and measured it, while South Australia has developed 'noise camera' technology that could be used to enforce noise regulations and Victoria helped to trial it.The Regulatory Impact Statement can be seen at the NTC website  How does Truck engine braking work?  A change to the sequencing of the valves allows the engine to work as a compressor.As each piston reaches 'top dead centre' with the valves closed, one valve opens, allowing the compressed air to be vented at very high speed.This creates a 'pulsing' noise which, on a typical six-cylinder truck engine operating at about 1500 revolutions per minute, causes the characteristic 'bark,' which the community finds annoying. 

Companies as varied as Volvo, Citroen, Nissan and several truck manufacturers have come up with systems that alert the driver by shaking their seat, steering wheel or sounding audible alerts if the car or truck swerves from its lane.However, Saab is now developing a system that prevents the driver swerving in the first place.Their Driver Attention Warning System (DAWS) is designed to counter two of the most common causes of road accidents; driver drowsiness and inattention at the wheel.DAWS alerts the driver by using a combination of text and voice messages, or vibrations in the seat cushion, as soon as the risk of drowsiness or inattention is detected by infra-red cameras.Research has shown that not only are more than a quarter of accidents in Australia caused by fatigue, but death tolls from sleep-related incidents are three times higher than other accidents, presumably because the drivers do not swerve or apply their brakes.A driver who gets behind the wheel after 17 hours without sleep is impaired to the same extent as if driving with a blood alcohol content of 0.05.Unlike the Citroen and Volvo systems, DAWS does not rely on measuring an erratic change in the direction of the vehicle. It is designed to detect the cause, rather than the consequences.It uses two miniature infra-red cameras, one installed at the base of the driver's A-pillar and the other in the centre of the dashboard, focused on the driver's eyes.Software measures the driver's rate of eye blinking. When the cameras detect a pattern of long eye-lid closures, indicating drowsiness, a series of three warnings is initiated.The first warning is a chime and a text message “Tired?” displayed on the instrument panel.If the driver's eye-lid movement does not immediately revert to a normal wide-awake pattern, a speech message “You are tired” is delivered through the car's audio system.If there is still no response, a stronger warning tone and the message, “You are dangerously tired, stop as soon as it is safe to do so!” will come over the audio.This can only be cancelled when the driver presses a reset button. The system is then immediately reactivated.The cameras are also able to monitor the driver's eye-ball and head movement.If the driver's gaze moves away from the windscreen, a timer starts counting.If the driver's eyes and head do not return to the straight ahead position within about two seconds, the driver's seat cushion will vibrate. This will stop once the driver's eyes and head are consistent with the vehicle's direction of travel.However, the system software can detect when the driver is looking in the rear-view mirror, the door mirror or turning a corner, but retaining peripheral vision of the road ahead. On these occasions, it allows a slightly longer time before vibrating the seat.However, the system will differentiate if the driver is distracted by other passengers, using a mobile phone, or changing a CD or radio station.The system has been installed in a Saab 9-3 SportCombi for an eight-month test; supervised by the Road and Transport Research Institute in Sweden.It is part of a development and validation process that could see the system become available in future Saab cars. 

While the national fleet grew 12.2 per cent from 13 million in 2003 to 14.8 million this year at an annual rate of 2.9 per cent, Queensland's vehicle fleet grew 18.9 per cent from 2.5 to 3 million at a rate of 4.4 per cent.Next highest were Western Australia, Northern Territory and Tasmania, up 16.5 per cent.The average age of registered vehicles is now 10 years, compared with 10.4 in 2003.There are now 11,462,400 registered passenger vehicles in Australia, an increase of 10.6 per cent over five years at an annual rate of 2.5 per cent.However, passenger vehicles recorded the slowest increase in registrations.Motorcycles had the fastest rate of growth, rising 7.9 per cent a year.In 2003, there were 377,271 registered motorcycles in Australia. This year there are 511,966, a 35.7 per cent rise.Queensland recorded the biggest motorcycle growth at 49.9 per cent to leapfrog Victoria with the second highest registrations behind NSW.These figures do not take into account sales of thousands of off-road motorcycles, which are never registered for road use.Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries chief executive Andrew McKellar said; the continuing popularity of road bikes such as cruisers and scooters held the Australian motorcycle market on course to grow for the fifth consecutive year.The FCAI is forecasting total motorcycle sales to top 130,000 by the end of the year compared with last year's record total of 119,210.McKellar said the FCAI was also tipping the total market to hurdle the one million mark this year with motor vehicle sales to the end of October up almost 70,000 or 8.6 per cent on the same period last year. 

A Monash University Accident Research Centre study, commissioned by 13 state and federal road agencies and automobile clubs, has confirmed stability control's effectiveness in local conditions.It found a reduction in the risk of single-vehicle crashes of 25 per cent for ESC-equipped cars, 51 per cent in sports utility vehicles and 28 per cent across all vehicle types.In single-vehicle crashes where the driver was injured, there were even bigger reductions; 28 per cent for cars, 66 per cent in SUVs and 30 per cent across all vehicles.The RACQ has urged consumers to insist that ESC is fitted to any new vehicle they purchase, particularly four-wheel-drives.RACQ executive manager of vehicle technologies Steve Spalding said ESC currently was being fitted to only 40 per cent of new vehicles in Australia.Often it is an extra-cost option, but some new releases, such as the new Holden Ute and Toyota Camry range, have it fitted as standard across the range.“This is life-saving technology and the safety specifications set for vehicles today will affect crash risk and injury outcomes for the next 20 years because that is how long these vehicles are likely to remain on the road,” Spalding said.The study analysed crash patterns of 7700 ESC-equipped vehicles manufactured from 1997 to 2005 that were involved in crashes across Australia and New Zealand between 2001 and 2005.These were compared with the crash patterns of about 203,000 vehicles without ESC during the same period.Previous international studies have shown ESC effective in preventing single-vehicle crashes.In Queensland, single-vehicle crashes accounted for 49.5 per cent of driver fatalities in 2006.The US has made ESC mandatory for the 2012 model year, while the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has labelled stability control the most significant development since the seat belt.Commonly referred to as ESC, but also with a number of different trade names, electronic stability control works to avoid the loss of control in an emergency.It anticipates a skid with a set of sensors, which then engages the brakes at one or more wheels individually and employs the anti-lock system to restore stability.In 2006, 43 per cent of all newly registered cars in Europe were fitted with stability control.Bosch, a maker of ESC systems, said stability control was largely standard equipment among mid-size and luxury vehicles from Europe. 

The Maybach Landaulet concept car returns to the traditional '30s style of limousine, featuring a rear compartment that can be converted to a topless cabin; while the front 'chauffeur' driving area remains under cover.Rear passengers are seated in opulent surroundings, including white leather reclining armchairs, white velour carpet, piano lacquer, black granite and gold trim, voice-control DVD/CD entertainment and information unit, cooler and a drinks space to hold champagne glasses.Peter Fadeyev, DaimlerChrysler Australia's corporate communications manager, says the Landaulet concept has been based around the Maybach 62 S vehicle, which is not offered for sale in Australia.“The Maybach Landaulet study is a concept vehicle that showcases this new Maybach variant for the first time,” he says.“It is expected to move into production some time soon."“Currently there are no plans for this unique car to come to Australia as it is not yet in production, but we will naturally consider making this car available according to our customers' requests.”'The word 'landau' means carriage and 'landaulet' generally refers to a simulated convertible vehicle.When the Landaulet's roof is in its folded-down mode the side walls remain fixed, and have been reinforced with an integral tubular steel structure.This means that the silhouette of the luxury saloon; as well as the big doors; will remain unchanged.When closed, the black soft-top of the Landaulet rests on the frame formed by the roof bows, and is wind and weather-proof.When requested by the passengers behind him, the chauffeur operates a switch in the centre console that electro-hydraulically opens the roof, which will fold back on to the parcel shelf in 16 seconds.Landaulet has completed the traditional limousine look with gloss white paintwork and 20-inch traditional white-walled wheels with glossy spokes.Despite all the opulence of the interior, the traditional exterior styling and floating on air suspension, under the bonnet is a modern twin-turbo V12 engine which has been developed at Mercedes-AMG.The 5980cc V12 develops a maximum output of 450kW between 4800 and 5100rpm, delivering 1000Nm of torque between 2000 and 4000rpm.The Maybach marque was launched in Australia at the end of 2002.“At present, nine Maybachs have been sold in Australia since its local market release,” Fadeyev said.Australia sells three different models; the Maybach 57 ($945,000), 57S ($1,050,000) and the 62 ($1,150,000). 

But one Detroit plant is producing hand-built performance vehicles.The Conner Avenue Assembly Plant will hand-build the 2008 Dodge Viper SRT10 and new 8.4-litre SRT V10 engine using 26 work stations on a 214m assembly line.Chrysler Australia says the Viper is only available in left-hand drive and will not be coming here.Each vehicle will be hand assembled by 48 workers, remaining stationary for up to 49 minutes per work area while the workers make adjustments.The process is normally performed only on race cars and eliminates traditional repair stations as the workers verify all work on all parts.An alignment machine sets caster and camber at normal ride height and at the upward and downward travel of suspension; while most factories set caster and camber in the normal ride-height position only.The V10 engine is built next to the vehicle on a 24-station circular line by nine workers; who assemble and certify each engine before it is installed in the chassis.Each Dodge Viper is tested in place on the assembly line using special rollers.At this stage, the vehicle is a rolling chassis without its body panels.During this roll test, it is driven through all six speeds of the transmission, up to 145km/h to verify vehicle function.The Dodge Viper was introduced as a concept car at the 1989 North American International Auto Show in Detroit.Its V10 engine produces 450kW of power and 760 Nm of torque, propelling the car to 100km/h in less than four seconds.  

Research reveals the shocking fact that more than six out of 10 young people admit to riding in overcrowded cars.One in seven even admitted they had ridden in a car boot.The NRMA Insurance survey, conducted by Woolcott, also shows that almost a third of 16-24 year olds had travelled with a driver who they believed was over the legal blood alcohol limit.NRMA Insurance state manager Brett Robinson said; these figures should encourage parents to drive their children to schoolies week celebrations to reduce the risk of over-crowding and driver distractions."A lot of young people will be testing their new-found freedom this weekend, starting with road trips to schoolies celebrations with their friends," he said.Susan Hawkins is taking her company's advice to heart.The NRMA Insurance corporate affairs manager got together with parents of her daughter's friends and worked out a car pooling arrangement to transport them to Schoolies Week."Our biggest fear for our kids was not what goes on at Schoolies Week, but the trip there and back," Hawkins said."So I'm driving the six down to Brooms Head in the Kia Grand Carnival which seats eight so no one has to sit on the floor, and another lot of parents is driving them back."Her daughter, Samantaha Convey, 16, said she had wanted to go with a friend."I guess I was a little bit frustrated and annoyed when mum told me she was going to take us, but I can see her point of view about safety," she said."Some kids have only just got their licences."The survey also found that one in five young people confessed they had driven while intoxicated, eight out of 10 admitted to driving above the speed limit, nearly three out of 10 had travelled in a car with an unlicensed or disqualified driver and more than six out of 10 admitted to driving an overcrowded car.Car crashes are the leading cause of death among Australians aged 16-25 years.NRMA Insurance is also funding a special Defensive Driving Course this weekend (November 24) at the Mt Cotton Training Centre.Sixteen young drivers, aged 18-25 years, will participate with eight from the Queensland Police Citizens Youth Welfare Association and eight from smash repair shops- those who are young smash repair apprentices.Local police will also be involved on the day.The young drivers will spend a whole day covering theory and practical on-road exercises, which focus on:• Attitudes and behaviour on the road - special focus on road rage.• Defensive driving techniques - vehicle control, following distance and driver fatigue.• Driving risks - in-car distractions like mobile phones, i-pods and other passengers.Funding for the course comes from NRMA Insurance's Community Help Grants program, which offers grants of up to $5000 to community groups and local organisations who are pro-active in the areas of crime prevention, injury prevention, emergency services and the environment.NRMA Insurance hopes to address the over-representation of young drivers in road crashes and believed it relevant to run the course at this time of year, keeping safety front of mind for new drivers on our roads, especially around schoolies celebrations.According to Queensland Transport, young drivers aged 17-24 are twice as likely to be involved in fatal crashes than drivers aged between 25-29. And, while young drivers make up only 13 per cent of motorists on Queensland roads, they comprise around 35 per cent of the road toll. Schoolie drive tips Safety tips for young people who are driving to schoolies celebrations;• Don't drink.• Make sure your friends are all wearing seat belts and never overcrowd the car.• Follow the new peer passenger rules if you are a P1 driver on the road 11pm-5am.• Never allow anyone to ride in the boot.If you are a passenger;• Speak up if you feel unsafe.• Have a back-up plan to get home if you believe the driver has consumed drugs or alcohol.  

But a new 3.5-litre V8 has been added to the fleet in an attempt to bolster sales.Jaguar Australia marketing communications manager Tim Krieger confirmed the 3-litre V6 was “uncompetitive in the segment”.“The key player in this segment is the 7 Series (BMW) and to be taken seriously you clearly need a V8 in the petrol derivatives,” he said.“With the size of the vehicle it really needs a V8 and that's the thinking in putting in the 3.5-litre.”The new V8 engine produces 190kW power and 335 Nm of torque.The 2.7-litre twin-turbo diesel remains the only six-cylinder engine in the XJ range.“The diesel is going fine and is very competitive, but in the petrol segment for that size vehicle we need a V8,” Krieger said.The 3-litre XJ6 started at $149,900, so with it gone, the new entry level is the XJ6 diesel at $154,900.The XJ8 3.5-litre V8 comes in at $159,900, joining the short-wheelbase 4.2-litre XJ8 at $174,900 and the long-wheelbase XJ8 at $179,900, the XJR at $219,900 and the short- and long-wheelbase Super V8s ($229,900 and $234,900) completing the range.The 2008 model XJ also gets some exterior styling updates around the front, side power vents, rear spoiler and full-width chrome signature blade and new rear bumper. They now sit on 19-inch Polaris alloy wheels.The XJR and Super V8s get 20-inch alloys.XJR also now comes with aluminium-finish power vents and black painted brake calipers.Inside, there are new seats, increased rear leg and foot room thanks to redesigned front seat backs and the latest Bluetooth connectivity which allows up to five approved phones to be paired to the in-car telephone system.Krieger said Jaguar sales were “on track” for this year's budget.But the October figures show Jaguar has sold 763 cars this year, which is down 153 or 18.5 per cent on last year, while the whole market is up 8.6 per cent.The biggest loser is the S-Type, which is down 22 per cent but is in run-out mode to make way for the new XK, arriving in May.Krieger said they would be out of S-Type stock by early next year and that they already had about 80 orders for the XF.“That's doing a little bit better than where we thought we'd be at this stage,” he said.Four different XF models will be available: 2.7-litre V6 turbodiesel, 3-litre petrol V6, 4.2-litre petrol V8 and 4.2-litre supercharged petrol V8 (SV8).Meanwhile, Ford Motor Company is believed to have attracted six offers to buy Jaguar and Land Rover which they are keen to sell in an effort to bolster a faltering bottom line.Leading bidder is said to be India's largest car manufacturer, Tata Motors.