Articles by Neil Dowling

It will use the Melbourne show to display its concept car, Blue2 – pronounced blue-squared and codenamed HND-6 – a mid-sized sedan that will shape future Hyundai models. Hyundai’s continuing development of fuel-cell propulsion is shared by Honda, with its Clarity sedan now on trial in the US, and the Mercedes-Benz F-Cell, a fuel-cell version of the B-Class that just completed a 30,000km, 70-day round-the-world drive to demonstrate its ability to be a viable alternative to conventional electric vehicles and internal-combustion cars. Hyundai says it is aiming at gaining early leadership of the fuel-cell electric vehicle (FCEV) market. The electric system that powers Blue2 delivers 90kW and hydrogen fuel economy of 2.8L/100km. Wrapped in an aerodynamic shell, the Blue2 also has low-resistance tyres and alloy wheels to minimise air drag. Along with its low emissions and fuel efficiency, the concept car uses eco-friendly materials. It also has roof and side-mounted cameras to replace conventional side mirrors; has a welcome system that recognises the driver; and an automatic opening door system for driver convenience. The infotainment system is operated by a motion sensor that responds to the driver’s touch and hand movements. Closer to the Australian showroom are four new Hyundai models. They include the asymmetrically-styled coupe, the Veloster, which was recently shown in Australia but won’t go on sale until later in the year. The long-awaited Elantra goes on sale and follows the styling cues of the ix35 SUV and the i45 sedan. Planned to go on sale in the third quarter of this year, the Elantra will sit between the new Accent and the i45 and become a vital car for Hyundai in Australia’s booming small-car sector. The Elantra sedan is powered by a new direct-injected 102kW/166Nm 1.6-litre petrol engine paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. Beneath the Elantra in the Hyundai range is the four-door Accent. Based on the i20 hatchback and using the same 1.4-litre and 1.6-litre engine choices, the Accent is also due for launch in the third quarter of the year. Hyundai shows that the market for station wagons remains solid with the Australian debut of the European-designed i40 wagon. It goes on sale here later this year. To show the breadth of Hyundai’s marketing and styling, the company will display its Veloster coupe which also goes on sale this year. The unusual coupe has one driver’s door plus two doors on the left side for passenger convenience. It is powered by the same 1.6-litre engine as the Elantra, but boasts a new six-speed dual-clutch transmission.

They are Australia’s first showing of the XF 2.2-litre diesel (below) – rated at 5.4L/100km and priced at about $80,000 – and the 405kW XKR-S (above) that will cost about $340,000.Jaguar says the XF 2.2 – which uses the same basic engine as the Land Rover Freelander 2 and Evoque – and XKR-S will go on sale before the end of the year. The final price and specification of the baby diesel will be revealed closer to its on-sale date, but will need to rival comparative models from Mercedes-Benz, BMW and Audi.The engine develops 140kW of power and 450Nm of torque, yet is capable of 5.4L/100km and CO2 emissions of 149g/km. The 2.2’s fuel efficiency is pared back thanks partly to the standard eight-speed automatic transmission. By comparison, the current XF 3.0-litre diesel has a 177kW/500Nm engine rated at 6.8L/100km and 179g/km CO2.The XKR-S is Jaguar’s most potent series production car yet. It features an uprated supercharged V8 engine, overhauled suspension – including a reprogrammed Adaptive Dynamics system that allows less electronic intervention –and a new aerodynamic design. The XKR-S produces 405kW and 680Nm of torque, enough power to offer a top speed of 300km/h and a 0-100km/h time of just 4.4 seconds.Jaguar claims the XKR-S is not just the quickest Jaguar but has a strong, lightweight aluminium body architecture to maximise handling and economy. In addition, Jaguar says the XKR-S is the only car in its class that emits less than 300g/km CO2.Jaguar will also display limited edition models of the XF 3.0-litre diesel – with a boost to 600Nm from 500Nm – and XKR, expected to go on sale in late October.

 The latest Lexus concept, the LF-Gh, showcases a commitment to hybrid power, but more importantly unveils a spindle-shaped grille that will become a feature of all future Lexus designs.Lexus says it’s the next stage in Lexus’ finesse design philosophy that was first seen in 2001. The concept is the result of a "clean sheet of paper" design exercise and aims to blend style, performance, efficiency and environmental compatibility. Lexus Australia chief executive Tony Cramb says the LF-Gh reaffirms that hybrids can be sleek and stylish."The LF-Gh grille really is a powerful design element in its own right – it will become a signature Lexus design element," he says. "Our latest vehicle, the CT 200h, hinted at where we were taking our L finesse design philosophy, but LF-Gh leaves no questions about what is next for Lexus. "The grille is more than just a design element; it also plays a substantial role in airflow control and stability."Melbourne is only the second venue to host the LF-Gh after its launch in New York earlier this year.

….but this car is a Subaru Liberty. Well, sort of.

... as a selection of the world’s most desirable cars are wheeled out in Melbourne.For some, it’s their first visit to Australia and the first time visitors to the Australian International Motor Show can see some of the hero cars of today – and in some cases, the future.Supercar fans get their first glimpse of the stunning Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4, which replaces the Murcielago and that now sets the standard for exotic cars.Named after a champion Spanish bull, the carbon-fibre and alloy version of the Aventador rushes to 100km/h from rest in only 2.9 seconds and has a claimed top speed of 350km/h.The powerplant responsible for this is a 6.5-litre V12 with 515kW and 690Nm of torque running through all four wheels.But the exceptional performance pales against the coupe’s styling. It is all low-slung wedge and razor-sharp edges – a work of art that mesmerises from every angle.Lamborghini Melbourne managing director Andrew Smith says the car is two generations ahead in terms of design and technology."The Aventador is a truly exceptional package of design, style and technical perfection," he says.  "Its performance is simply astonishing and is unrivalled in the super sports car arena. It looks amazing in photographs but that is nothing to seeing it in the flesh."Sister company Audi won’t be outdone. It has unwrapped its fiercest R8 supercar, the GT, bristling with 412kW of power and 540Nm of torque from its 5.2-litre direct-injection V10. The all-wheel drive coupe has a price tag of $470,700 and even if you had the cash, Audi Australia says only five examples are allocated for our country."And they’re all spoken for," a spokesperson says.Audi will also show its new A6 that has taken Europe and the US by storm. The sleek sedan will enter Australia with a range of engines that all include fuel-saving systems, including stop-start and energy recovery technology.At the other end of the scale, the baby Audi A1 in its diesel form will make its debut in Melbourne. This will be available this year and become the third engine in the A1 franchise. Audi claims the 66kW 1.6-litre turbo-diesel will sip just 3.8L/100km and expects it to account for 25-30 per cent of the A1 sales.The Germans continue to dominate the performance stands with two Mercedes-Benz models on show for the first time. The first Australian showing of the breathtaking C-Class Coupe and C63 Coupe pair is so impressive they even overshadow the awesome CLS63 AMG – finished in a spectacular red paint and also on display for the first time.The CLS63 impresses with its 386kW/700Nm bi-turbo 5.5-litre V8 that averages 10L/100km – not much more than a Holden Commodore V6. In the AMG version, its output jumps to 410kW and 800Nm. Mercedes-Benz Australia says that despite the leap in power, the fuel consumption is 31 per cent – equal to 4.6L/100km – better than its predecessor.The two C-Class coupes are extensions of the recently upgraded C-Class range, but the styling exercise is condensed and the effect is a startling change from the previous models.Output for the C63 AMG Coupe’s 6.3-litre V8 is 336kW and 600Nm which pushes the two-door to 100km/h in 4.5 seconds. Yet it is surprisingly low on fuel consumption and emissions, recording an average of 12L/100km.These Mercedes newcomers are joined by 15 other models, including another first – the debut of the new SLK range – before it hits the showrooms in late July. For many prospective buyers, this will be the first time they can come face to grille with the latest Mercedes convertibles.The SLK will initially arrive with three engines – two four-cylinder turbo models, a 135kW SLK200 BlueEfficiency and 150kW SLK250 BlueEfficiency, and the 225kW SLK350 V6. New equipment includes a panoramic roof called "Magic Sky Control" that is made of glass and switches between light and dark at the press of a button.

…in South Australia aged 96. Kruse and his wife Valma were the subject of John Heyer's 1954 prize-winning film "The Back of Beyond''. He also featured in a film about the restoration of his original mail truck, a Leyland Badger, and its commemorative mail run in 1999. His Leyland Badger, which he used to deliver the mail from 1936 until it broke down in 1957, remains on display at the National Motor Museum. Kruse delivered the mail and supplies every fortnight to stations between Marree and Birdsville. Tom Kruse was awarded an MBE in 1955 for services to the community in the outback. In 2000 he was inducted into the National Transport Hall of Fame and in 2003 he was officially acknowledged as an Outback Legend by Australian Geographic magazine.

... with its first showing in Australasia of the new Continental GT. Celebrating its eighth year of production, the GT has been restyled with bolder haunches, a flatter stance and more kick from its W12 engine. Bentley Australia spokesman Ian Churchill says this is the first time the coupe has been shown in the Asia-Pacific region. He says the GT has been given a stronger look thanks to a fresh design and new manufacturing techniques that allow sharper lines. The car’s matrix grille is restyled to be more imposing, the headlights have a jewelled effect and the tail lights are now wraparound LED units. From the back – where most traffic will be – you’ll find a new double horseshoe motif borrowed from Bentley’s flagship Mulsanne and flared elliptical exhaust pipes. A touchscreen and blood-orange dash illumination have been added to the leather and timber veneer cabin, while power rises to 423kW/700Nm and drives through a six-speed sequential automatic and an all-wheel-drive system. Bentley’s stand will also have the Continental Flying Spur – the most powerful saloon it has ever made with 412kW/650Nm – and the brand’s flagship Mulsanne. The Mulsanne, costing $657,000, retains Bentley’s awesome 377kW/1020Nm 6.75-litre V8, but thanks to engine adjustments and the addition of an eight-speed automatic transmission claims a 15 per cent drop in fuel consumption.

It’s the all-new, trade-tough and leisure-ready Holden Colorado.The dual-cab hero was designed and built in Melbourne by the Holden Design team and is also going to be engineered by local experts to prepare it for action next year.To be built in Thailand and on sale in the first quarter of 2012, the second-generation workhorse to wear a Colorado badge also marks the official split between General Motors and Isuzu – its long-term Japanese partner – on development of future workhorse utes.The Colorado four-wheel-drive dual-cab at the show is a one-off, not a production vehicle, and follows similar vehicles that have been shown in Bangkok and Buenos Aires.Holden says its Colorado design delivers a unique look to a vehicle that will be sold in Australia and up to 100 countries.The top-secret Colorado project was led by 26-year-old creative designer Ben Last, who applied Holden’s sports-performance design flair to the new-look ute.Last, an industrial design graduate from Monash University, worked on the Australian show car project for more than a year and collaborated with the car’s global "home room" in Brazil and design studios in the US and Thailand. He applied Holden’s design touches to the Colorado by playing heavily on the vehicle’s stance and wide proportions.Working to a brief of "refined ruggedness", the Colorado gets locally-styled panels, including the front fascia, bonnet, fenders and tailgate. Designers also introduced a series of machined aluminium details to the vehicle, including side steps, bumpers, rear step plates and side mirror attachment arms, as well as striking 20-inch satin-finished wheels.The exterior is further enhanced by unique LED head and tail lamps, custom rear-vision mirrors with integrated turn signals, hard tonneau cover and a brilliant Red Rock metallic paint finish.

Subaru Australia’s managing director Nick Senior says feedback from the Concept unveiled on the 2011 Australian motor show stand "will gauge the level of possible customer interest in such a car". First shown at the Shanghai Motor Show in April, the XV follows in the off-road tyre tracks of the Forester and Outback."It promises to be a totally new offering. The XV Concept was warmly received in Shanghai and based on the long-term success of Forester and Outback, we can see this type of vehicle could have huge potential in pursuing a new niche in Australia,’’ Senior says. "The XV Concept is fashionable, practical and underpinned by new-generation Subaru technology and we’re hopeful there will be a lot of interest."Compared with the Forester, the XV Concept is 110mm shorter at 4450mm, 5mm wider (at 1800mm), 50mm lower (at 1620mm) and has a wheelbase that is 20mm longer at 2635mm. The XV Concept is powered by the latest generation 2.0-litre engine and drives all wheels through a CVT system.The XV Concept will also make its debut with the first showing of Subaru’s third-generation safety system, EyeSight. Australia will become the first overseas market for the advanced technology, which has already achieved major sales success in Japan. EyeSight is a driver assistance system combining active, passive and preventative safety technologies.It uses minute stereo cameras located in a single compact unit near the rear-view mirror to recognise a variety of potential road hazards and alert the driver. Senior says Subaru is the first Japanese brand to offer such a comprehensive camera system. "There are some aspects of the technology that have previously only been available in premium cars that are around four times more expensive," he says. 

It debuted the fifth-generation premium 4WD wagon in January, classing it "the most capable and refined Grand Cherokee ever" with a new V6 petrol and the big-bore Hemi V8. Now, it adds a diesel. Not surprisingly, the Italian-made 3-litre V6 oiler comes from within the family. It's built by VM Motori - half owned by Fiat - and Fiat Powertrain, part of Fiat which in turn owns 52 per cent of Jeep's parent, Chrysler. Though it is the first time the basic engine has found a volume-production home since its 2004 birth, it has recently been modified and appears now to be a better proposition than the similarly sized Mercedes-sourced V6 turbo-diesel. It is also planned for the Chysler 300C sedan next year. Jeep Australia calls the arrival of the diesel "the icing on the cake" for the Grand Cherokee. Jeep spokesman Dean Bonthorne says Australians preferred a torquey, fuel-efficient diesel in this category and that this engine "has exceeded all expectations". He says the diesel - now on sale - will grab up to 60 per cent of Grand Cherokee sales. But he says Australia has been crippled by poor supply of the model. "We could have sold three or four times the number of Grand Cherokees this year," he says of the 617 units sold year-to-date to May. "We have lots of stock coming through over the next couple of months and then you'll see big sales - I think double or triple because of the new diesel." Bonthorne says diesel versions of the past Grand Cherokees were the biggest sellers and bcause of the features of the new engine, that trend would increase. He says the new diesel gets significantly improved performance and economy because of the Fiat "MultiJet" cylinder head design. It has 177kW at 4000rpm and torque of 550Nm at 1800-2800rpm, compared with 160kW/510Nm of the previous engine. Bonthorne says it averages 8.3 litres/100km (previously 10.2 l/100km) and has CO2 emissions of 218g/km, down from 275g/km, to meet Euro-5 standards. Improved performance is matched by an increase in towing capacity. The diesel matches the haul rating of the Hemi V8 at 3500kg, up on the current V6 petrol's 2268kg maximum. The MultiJet system includes a common-rail system with 1800-bar injectors with solenoid valves capable of eight injections of fuel per crank revolution. Jeep says this lowers fuel consumption and emissions by about 2 per cent and reduces engine noise. The engine mates to the ongoing five-speed automatic with Selec-Terrain traction control offering five modes and the Quadra-Trac all-wheel drive with two-speed transfer case. The Overland model ups the specifications with standard air suspension and the Quadra-Drive electronically-enhanced drivetrain. Prices for the diesel are $5000 above the 3.6-litre V6 petrol models - the same premium as the Hemi V8 engine. They start at $50,000 for the diesel Laredo, $60,000 for the Limited and $69,500 for the Overland. The diesel is not available in the limited-edition 70th Anniversary model. If Jeep's 5.7-litre Hemi V8 and new turbo-diesel aren't enough for you, the SRT-8 version is due in a Jeep showroom near you early in 2012. The 6.4-litre V8 (replacing the 6.1-litre) pumps 347kW for a 0-100km/h sprint of 4.9 seconds, topping out at 249km/h. But treat her gently and Jeep claims its SRT8 will get 13 per cent better fuel economy than its predecessor. That equates to about 14 litres/100km, down from the old 6.1-litre V8's figure of 16.1 l/100km. Fuel thirst is down thanks to a new active exhaust system that lets the cylinder-deactivating Fuel Saver Technology operate over a wider rev range. Jeep says the SRT-8 can now travel up to 800km on a single tank. If you love the engine but prefer it in a sedan, the 300C version of the SRT-8 is here in the third quarter of next year.