Articles by Matthew Hatton

BMW's revolutionary i3 electric and plug-in hybrid models arrive in local showrooms on November 21.After opening the order books in April, BMW's carbon-bodied and electric-powered i3 will finally hit Australian roads on November 21.The i3 will be the first of BMW's new 'i' range of electric and hybrid vehicles to be available for Australian delivery, with the $299,000 i8 petrol-electric coupe not due for delivery until early 2015.Australian i3s will be available in either pure-electric or plug-in hybrid form, with the $63,900 i3 battery electric vehicle (BEV), or the i3 with petrol range extender (REX) for $69,900.Both versions are visually identical, aside for a second fuel-flap on the REX's right-front and 20mm wider 175-section rear tyres.The i3 BEV uses a 125kW/250Nm 'BMW eDrive' electric motor that powers the rear wheels via a single-speed automatic transmission.Charging the 360-volt lithium-ion battery pack takes 11 hours with a standard 10 amp power outlet, or six hours with the optional $1750 'i Wallbox Pure' charge point installed.Charge times drop further when using a ChargePoint public charge point however, taking three hours using an AC point, or as little as 30 minutes with one of the three ChargePoint DC Fast Charger stations currently in Australia.The i3 BEV carries an official range of 160km in 'Comfort' driving mode, which steps up to 200km in the 'Eco Pro+' mode.The i3 REX adds a 650cc two-cylinder petrol engine, which cuts in to charge the batteries when needed and extends the official range to 300km.The i3 REX carries an official combined fuel consumption of 0.6L/100km, with a 9.0-litre fuel tank.Like most electric vehicles, additional battery charge is also harvested from the i3's brakes. The slowing effect of the regenerative braking delivers a side benefit of reduced braking inputs 75 per cent, according to BMW. This should bode well for the lifespan of the i3's brake pads.The i3 uses a similar construction to the more upmarket i8, with a carbon fibre body structure wrapped in plastic external panels, riding on an aluminium chassis.This clever design helps the i3 BEV to tip the scales at just 1195kg, with the petrol hardware of the i3 REX adding 120kg.Both versions of the i3 come with a practical 250-litres of boot space, which expands to 1100-litres with the 50/50 rear seats folded flat. An additional 35-litre storage space is under the bonnet where the engine would normally be found.Standard safety features include six airbags, ABS, stability control, traction control, cruise control, rear-view camera, automated parking assist and front and rear parking sensors.Standard cabin features include wool and leather trim with eucalyptus woodgrain details, 10.3-inch multimedia display,5.5-inch driver instrument display single-zone climate control, auto-dimming mirrors, ISOFIX child seat mounts and 19-inch alloys.BMW's ConnectedDrive system also incorporates voice control, satnav with real-time traffic information, digital radio, Bluetooth, embedded apps and emergency calling.A $2,200 'Driving Assistant Plus' option pack is available, that adds lane departure warning, forward collision and pedestrian warning with autonomous emergency braking (AEB), active cruise control and tyre pressure monitoring.Also available as options are a 20-inch alloys ($1,000), sunroof ($2,920), LED headlights ($1,400), heated front seats ($730), rapid charge adapter ($1,000) and heat pump climate control system ($1,300).

Hyundai Genesis sedan launches in Australia with $60,000 starting price.The new Genesis sedan will arrive in Australian showrooms mid-November, with a starting price of $60,000 and long list of standard features.The Genesis is Hyundai's attempt to build a luxury saloon to compete with European premium brands like BMW, Audi and Mercedes-Benz.While this is the first Genesis sold in Australia, the new model actually the second generation, with the first having been available in left-hand drive markets since 2008.DESIGNExternally, the new Genesis brings the second-generation of Hyundai's Fluidic Sculpture design language and features 18-inch alloys, LED indicators, daytime running lights, LED tail-lights, static cornering lights, auto-levelling headlights, puddle lights on the rear-view mirrors and courtesy lights in the door handles.STANDARD FEATURESFor those in the cabin there is dual-zone climate control, 14-speaker sound system, leather seats, heated front seats with 12-way power controls, mood lighting and a 9.2-inch touchscreen for the satnav and stereo.The cabin itself is also trimmed out with soft-touch and wood-effect materials.These are complemented by an auto-dimming rear-view mirror, electronic parking brake, 4.2-inch information display in the driver’s binnacle, push-button start and automatic wipers.SAFETYANCAP has awarded the Genesis 5-stars, with the highest individual test scores ever received by a tested vehicle earlier this year.This came about thanks to the Genesis’ standard nine airbags and numerous driver assist and safety systems including autonomous emergency braking (AEB), adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, ABS, stability and traction control, hill-start assist, emergency stop signalling, tyre pressure monitoring, rear-view camera and front and rear parking sensors.ENGINE / TRANSMISSIONThe rear-wheel drive Genesis sedan is powered by a 3.8-litre V6 petrol engine that produces 232kW and 397Nm. It's mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission, but gears can still be changed manually via the paddle shifters on the steering wheel.Hyundai says the Genesis can do 0-100km/h in 6.5 seconds, which would match a Volkswagen Golf GTI for pace.Combined fuel consumption is rated at 11.2L/100km.OPTIONSHyundai are offering two option packs for the Genesis: the $11,000 'Sensory Pack' and the $22,000 'Ultimate Pack'.The 'Sensory Pack' adds blind spot detection, lane change assist, rear cross-traffic alert, around view monitor, premium leather, memory system for the front seats, CO2 sensor, LED front fog lights, power adjust steering wheel and a heads-up display for the driver.The 'Ultimate Pack' has all the features of the 'Sensory Pack' and also adds in 19-inch alloys with Dunlop sports tyres, a moon roof, powered door latches and boot lid, ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, noise-reducing glass, and a 7-inch information display in the driver’s binnacle.

Kia unveiled concept versions of the Grand Carnival and Soul at this week's SEMA show.Most SEMA show cars are modified to go faster, but Kia has taken a marginally different approach with its 2014 concepts. Hyundai's efforts include a Genesis coupe that wouldn't look out of place in the Bathurst 12 Hour race, but Kia has unveiled a pub on wheels, an ice cream truck and a mobile garage based on the practical Grand Carnival and Soul models.Ballast Point SedonaThis Sedona has been transformed from a people carrier to a beer carrier. In our corner of the world, the Sedona is better known as the Grand Carnival, the third-generation of which is due to hit our shores next year.Featuring a redesigned, reinforced, heavy duty roof, plenty of mahogany and storage for up to four kegs of delicious craft beer, the Ballast Point Sedona (Grand Carnival) would be the perfect vehicle to have on the hill at Sydney Motorsport Park while you lap up a sunny afternoon of racing action.The only downside with the mobile pub is that the designated driver is the only one getting home, naturally all the passenger seats have been removed to maximise beer storage space.Smitten Ice Cream Soul EVNeed something to compliment the beer? How about nitrogen-chilled ice cream served from the back of an electric car?While nitrous-oxide is used to fuel high-performance cars, removing the oxygen from the equation means you can use nitrogen to fuel tasty treats.Much like the Ballast Point pub on wheels, the rear section of the all electric Soul has been gutted to make room for the ice cream equipment and storage space.It also has a custom trailer, which is joined to the tailgate of the Soul to make a bench from which the -196 degrees Celsius ice cream can be served.The Smitten Soul also has the traditional waffle-cone speakers on the roof so you can play Greensleeves, or something a bit more contemporary.Ultimate Karting SedonaIf all this sitting around watching racing and indulging in beer and ice cream has you feeling the need for speed, the Ultimate Karting Sedona concept car is what you need.Simply hitch the go-kart trailer, throw another go-kart on the roof, grab a mate and head off to the nearest track.The two of you will have all you need for a day of racing, with the back of the Sedona (Grand Carnival) transformed into a garage complete with tools, race gear and checkerboard rubber floor.You don't even need to bring a marquee, as the custom roof racks contain an awning to keep the sun and rain away while you prepare your machinery for the on-track battle.High-Performance K900The K900 (or Quoris as it's known in some parts) is Kia's equivalent of the Hyundai Genesis, and a car that isn't sold here. It's a bit of a shame, because this high-performance concept - developed by Kia racing drivers Mark Wilkins and Nic Jönsson - looks a bit swish.The 5.0-litre V8 engine has had twin turbochargers added underneath the boot (yup, underneath the boot. It helps reduce heat, they say) to bump the power output from 313kW to 485.The lowered sports suspension, 21-inch gloss black alloys and bright red brake callipers give the K900 a sleek, sporty look.Inside there are tan leather seats with black suede accents and 11-inch seatback monitors for the rear passengers that show footage from iRacing.com Motorsport Simulations. Which is grand if videos of motor racing video games are your thing.In the boot, along with a viewing porthole so you can see the turbochargers, are custom compartments to store your racing gear, presumably if you've run out of space in the Ultimate Karting Sedona.Pirelli World Challenge GTS OptimaSo why the focus on motorsport? Well, Kia are celebrating winning the manufacturer championship for the GTS class of the Pirelli World Challenge in the US this year.And joining the concept cars on display at the SEMA show is the No.30 GTS Optima that was driven by Mark Wilkins throughout the season, finishing third in the drivers' standings.Being a production series, the GTS Optima features the same 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine from the road-going Optimas available in the US. In Australia, the Optima only comes with the 148kW/250Nm naturally aspirated 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine.However the front-wheel drive Optima has been tuned so it produces 274kW, which is 126kW more than the Australian road-going models.The six-speed sequential transmission helps the 1300kg GTS Optima hit a top speed of 260km/h.

AMG puts the C63, E63 and G63 through their paces at a New Zealand ski field.With summer just around the corner, Mercedes-Benz AMG have taken the C63 coupe, E63 sedan and G63 SUV to the snow fields of New Zealand's south island to play with some of the country's finest winter sportsmen.The result is a mix of sports car power, agile skiing and a fair amount of displaced powder.

Hyundai unveiled tuned concept versions of the Sonata, Genesis Coupe and Genesis Sedan at this week's SEMA show.Getting into the SEMA spirit, Hyundai has taken the wraps off five new Genesis and Sonata-based concept cars, developed in conjunction with well-known tuning brands. Like most things SEMA, each bring significant performance boosts and styling tweaks to boost visual cred. The 2015 Genesis sedan - which arrives in Australia this week - has been taken to by both ARK Performance and Toca Marketing Group. Blood Type Racing have done a version of the Genesis coupe with Bisimoto and John Pangilinan presenting their takes on the Sonata sedan, a new version of which is due in Australia next year.ARK Performance AR550 Genesis SedanARK Performance has taken aim at the Mercedes-Benz AMG and BMW M models with their AR550 Genesis concept, their sixth car built for Hyundai's SEMA exhibits over the years.To start with, ARK have attached a supercharger to Hyundai's Tau 5.0-litre V8 engine to boost power to 410kW. They've also tweaked the engine management, built a new exhaust system, put in a race-spec driveshaft and placed a carbon fibre engine cover on top of it all.On the outside it features new wider carbon fibre bodykit featuring front and rear bumpers to accommodate the larger forged wheels. There's also an 'AR line' aero package developed specifically for the AR550 by Infinite Auto Design, aftermarket headlights and what ARK are calling 'exterior welcome lighting'.For those inside the car, ARK have replaced the Genesis' entertainment system with a new one powered by an onboard Apple Mac Mini computer. There are dual touchscreen displays for the rear seats, charging docks for Apple's iPhone, 110-240V power plugs, USB ports and a slot for a SIM to provide mobile data connectivity.The front passenger gets an 'executive private VIP' seat, while the remaining seats get 'AR Line Hex' stitching.Toca Signature Edition Genesis SedanChigaco-based Toca Marketing Group have also gone the luxury route with their Genesis concept, the Toca Signature Edition Genesis.Like the AR550, Toca have used the Tau engine, to which they have added twin turbochargers giving the sedan a total of 447kW. The Signature Edition also has a custom exhaust manifold paired with a performance dual-exhaust system borrowed from ARK.The chassis features digitally controlled air suspension and custom brakes.Toca have crafted an all-metal wide body for their Genesis concept featuring new front and rear with moulded side-skirts and bumpers.The wheels are 21-inches and shod in high-performance Toyo rubber.It's been covered in custom Grigio Silverstone blend paint with added gloss black and red candy accents.In the cabin there are black leather seats with contrasting white stitching. The headrests have the Toca Signature Edition logo embossed in them.The sound system has been boosted to include 500-watt mono and 400-watt 4-channel amps housed in custom enclosures.Blood Type Racing Genesis CoupeBlood Type Racing have taken a different route with their Genesis coupe concept. A nitrous route.Added to a Hyundai 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine is a nitrous injection kit. The result is 746kW.Giving the Coupe a proper racing look are 19-inch custom wheels, racing tyres, a widened body kit, F1-style rear diffuser and GT rear wing.Inside the car the racing theme is continued with fibreglass racing seats, racing harnesses, racing steering wheel, OLED gauges, roll cage and a weighted stick shifter.Bisimoto Engineering SonataPowertrain specialists Bisimoto Engineering have taken the front-wheel drive Sonata, completely rebuilt its engine and added a turbocharger to turn it into 528kW race car.The front of the car now features a splitter, the body styling has been tweaked with an added aero package, the whole thing has been covered in a custom laminated body wrap and it sits on 18-inch aluminium wheels.Inside there is a race-spec dashboard, racing harnesses and seating for four people.JP Edition SonataJohn Pangilinan has aimed for a balance between style and performance with his Sonata concept.Mechanical changes in the JP Sonata include a new air intake system, exhaust kit, sports suspension and 19-inch wheels.On the exterior a custom wide-body kit has been added with new V-LED highlights and custom vinyl art by street-artist, Mr 44.The interior features leather sports seats, more V-LED lights and a sound system by Alpine that's compatible with Apple's CarPlay technology.

New fourth-gen Mazda MX-5 to spawn global one-make racing series in 2016.Mazda has announced that the upcoming fourth-generation MX-5 will form the basis of a new global race series starting in North America, Europe and Asia in 2016.The track-prepped MX-5 racer was previewed at this week’s SEMA show in the US, with the showcar wearing a discreet aero bodykit, single outlet exhaust and larger wheels than the roadgoing example revealed in September.The interior has also been stripped out to make room for a race-spec rollcage, steering wheel and instruments, along with a racing seat and harness for the driver. What is shown may not be the final form that takes to the grid in 2016. Further development will occur over the coming months, with the final specifications confirmed when the car goes on sale in 2015.Mazda has confirmed that the Global MX-5 Cup racers will use the 2.0-litre Skyactiv-G petrol engine destined for the road car in some markets.Each regional series of the Global MX-5 Cup will run identical production-based machinery, and the season will culminate in with a Global Shootout grand final at the end of the year held at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca in the US.The prize for winning the Shootout will be a one-day test in Mazda's Skyactiv-D LMP2 prototype racer, which competed this year in the Tudor United SportsCar Championship in the US.Single-make global series like this are not new, with Porsche's Carrera Cup running in Australia for a decade and in Germany since 1986. However this is Mazda’s first tilt at a factory-backed single-make series.Previously, their involvement has been limited to the US-based MX-5 Cup and Spec Miata series. Mazda has also hoted the MX-5 Challenge since 2011, which pits motoring journalists from Australia and Europe against each other in conditions not typical of the topless sports car.There’s no mention of an Australian leg of the Global MX-5 Cup at this stage, but exact locations of circuits are yet to be confirmed.

Ken Block swaps Fiesta for Mustang with his latest gymkhana weapon.Size doesn't matter, they say. Tell that to Ken Block.The US stunt/racing driver/entrepreneur has upgraded his Ford Fiesta with its relatively puny 1.8-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine to a 1965 Ford Mustang sporting a 6.7-litre V8.While it might take its design cues from the iconic original Mustang that celebrates its 50th birthday this year, the only original components you'll find on Block's version are the head and tail lights, as well as the pony badge on the front. The rest - much like the recent Project Sandman - is 100 per cent modern race car.This is hands-down the best Gymkhana car I’ve had yetThe naturally-aspirated V8 engine produces 630kW and 975Nm which is put to the road by a bespoke 6-speed sequential transmission that distributes the power to all four wheels. Ford only ever put the power to the back two.The suspension is custom-built, and the 18" wheels are shod with Pirelli tyres in a compound made specifically for Block. Not even a Formula One team gets that sort of attention from the Italian rubber company.Motorsport connections don't stop there as Block says the design of the car has also been influenced by current generation WRC and DTM cars, bringing together the classic Mustang silhouette with all the performance benefits of modern aerodynamics and carbon fibre construction."The attention to detail with the fabrication and bodywork blows my mind," Block said."This is hands-down the best Gymkhana car I’ve had yet."The car is currently on display at the SEMA motor show in Las Vegas, but those unable to get there in person will see it in Block's upcoming ‘Gymkhana SEVEN’ video.Block's previous gymkhana efforts have seen him display immense car control and driving skill in a variety of different locations, including usually busy streets of downtown San Francisco.More recently, Block has been getting around the ski slopes of Canada in a Ford F-150 RaptorTRAX. It can also do burnouts, despite its lack of wheels.

Triple Eight takes us behind the scenes for the build of their V8 Supercar Holden Sandman tribute.Part trip down memory lane, part engineering masterpiece, all thoroughbred V8 Supercar. Red Bull Racing Australia's (RBR) Project Sandman certainly turned heads when it was unveiled at Gold Cost 600 V8 Supercar round in October.Now RBR take us into the workshop and give us a peek at the design and build process that brought the Sandman to life.

Honda announces February Australian debut for new HR-V small SUV.Honda's new Jazz-based HR-V SUV will be arrive in local showrooms from February 2015, representing the Japanese brand in the booming small SUV segment. Sitting beneath the mid-size CR-V SUV, the HR-V will go head to head with the likes of the Holden Trax, Nissan Juke and Ford EcoSport, along with the upcoming Renault Captur and Mazda CX-3.From launch, Australian HR-Vs will be equipped with a 105kW/172Nm 1.8-litre petrol engine, with fuel consumption ranging between 6.6-6.9L/100km, depending on spec. A turbodiesel version is expected to follow, but the hybrid model available in Japan - where the HR-V wears Vezel badges - remains unlikely.  The HR-V will also be the first Honda to feature City-Brake Active, the brand’s new autonomous emergency braking (AEB) system.In the cabin, Honda's clever Magic Seat system will offer similar cabin flexibility to the Tardis-like Jazz.The HR-V will also feature the Display Audio touchscreen entertainment and communications system that enables voice control of smart phones, music streaming via Bluetooth connection, and satnav via a downloaded app and HDMI-connected iPhone. Pricing and exact specs will be confirmed closer to the on-sale date.Watch the new Honda HR-V in action here.

Ken Block shows how easy it is to smoke the trax on his F-150 Raptor while its tethered to a wall.It's probably the least complicated piece of driving Ken Block has ever done. Forget gymkhanas through cities and elaborate displays of precision car control, just tie an F-150 RaptorTRAX to the wall and floor it.Smoke? You betcha. Noise? Oh yes.And if you think about what it costs to replace the rubber, well, there's another thing to bring water to your eyes.