Articles by Neil McDonald

One cashed-up European has just paid $408,000 for a rusty 1925 Bugatti that sat on the bottom of a lake in Switzerland for 73 years.  The price for the Type 22 Brescia Roadster was even more astonishing given that auction house Bonhams had put a reserve of $140,000 on the car.It was one of several six-figure prices paid for classics at the Bonhams Retromobile sale in Paris.  Over in the USA, organisers of the annual Barrett-Jackson classic auction in Scottsdale, Arizona also saw record prices paid for some classic American muscle cars.Top-sellers included a 1929 Hamilton Metalplane, which fetched $755,000, a 1964 Shelby Cobra went for $607,700 and another rare 1963 Shelby Cobra CSX2091 made $443,600.  In a sign the economic blues may be over, Barrett raised more than $30 million this year, up 2 per cent over last year.In Paris other Bonhams sale highlights were a 1935 Hispano-Suiza T56 Torpedo that sold for $742,700.  A record-breaking $622,100 was paid for a 1970 Monteverdi 450SS Hia Berlinetta and an iconic Citroen DS Decapotable - convertible - from the early 1970s sold for $295,500.A spokesman for Bonhams says the sale raised $10.4 million, with 75 per cent of the lots sold.  Analysts in Europe and North America say the results of both auctions say that serious collectors are emerging from the global economic crisis.The winning Bugatti bidder, who was a European collector representing the Peter Mullin Collection in California, plans to show the car as it is at his museum.  A spokesman for Bonhams says that if it is restored only 20 per cent of the original car is reusable.The Bugatti was stuck in deep mud in Lake Maggiore, Switzerland until last July.  It was rescued by a local diving club to be sold to raise money for a local charity.  The Bugatti's original owner has been traced to a Marco Schmuklerski, who is believed to have been unable to pay duty on the car to Swiss authorities back in 1936.He subsequently left Switzerland, leaving the car behind.  Local customs police destroyed the car by throwing it in the lake in about 50m of water.Because it sat there for so long much of the car's body has deteriorated.  Most components have corroded, particularly on the car's exposed right-hand side.  Other materials like wood, aluminium, brass and rubber survived in a much better condition.

As momentum builds for Toyota's newest green machine, it has released fuel economy figures that show the hybrid Camry will achieve a combined fuel economy figure ‘in the low 6.0-litres per 100km range’. Despite being about 70kg heavier than the petrol Camry, the hybrid is tipped to be the most fuel efficient locally built car in the country.  The equivalent petrol four-cylinder Camry delivers 8.8 litres/100km.  Toyota says that compared to its bigger, locally-built six-cylinder rivals, the hybrid is expected to save at least 1100 litres of fuel in a year of city driving. Toyota's corporate manager of product planning, Peter Evans, expects the car's fuel consumption and emissions to rival many small and compact cars.  Evans says motorists could save at least 1100 litres or $1320 in a year of city driving with the hybrid. This is based on a metro pump price of $1.20 a litre for regular unleaded petrol.  Fleets operating more than several vehicles stand to save far more, he says.  Servicing costs will be the same as the petrol version. Hybrid Camry owners will pay $130 for up to four standard scheduled services during the first three years or 60,000km.  The hybrid will be powered by a 2.4-litre four cylinder and electric motor developing about 140kW and mated to a continuously variable transmission.  Apart from economy, the hybrid will emit less than 150 g/km of greenhouse gases. Although it is built at Altona, the car's hybrid components come from Japan.  Much of the car has been locally re-engineered for Australian driving styles, ride and handling expectations. Although it looks similar to the petrol car, it gets a sleeker underbody and other aerodynamic aids to maximise fuel economy at highway speeds.  Toyota Style Australia senior designer, Paul Beranger, says the car's design is an amalgamation of the global car with local tastes, particularly with the interior. He says it must communicate the advance technology without alienating buyers "from the face that Camry represents".  "We are integrating mainstream with new technology," he says.  "We have to ensure that the car appeals to existing owners as well as early adopters." Extensive local research by Toyota shows that customers interested in hybrids were aware of that technology, he says.  Toyota plans to sell 10,000 hybrid Camrys in the first year, with many going to governments and fleets but it is also targeted at families.  It goes on sale within a month, with a entry price around $33,000.Economy wars Holden Commodore 3.0 V6 six-speed - 9.3 litres/100km, 221g/km C02. 5.5 greenhouse rating Ford Falcon XT six-cylinder six-speed - 9.9 litres/100km 236g/km C02. 5.5 greenhouse rating Toyota Aurion V6 six-speed - 9.9 litres/100km 233g/km C02. 5.5 greenhouse rating

However, it is still unclear how Fiat's control of Chrysler will affect Chrysler Australia's local operations.  Fiat chief executive, Sergio Marchionne, has just outlined an extensive product-sharing strategy.Fiat engines are destined for Chryslers and there is even a possibility of Chrysler-branded Lancias arriving in Australia.  Chrysler emerged from bankruptcy last June when Fiat took a 20 percent stake in the ailing company.Marchionne sees 2010 as a year of rebuilding confidence in Chrysler in North America and other markets.  He is also laying foundations for the reintroduction of Fiat and Alfa Romeo brands to the US.Marchionne told journalists at the recent Detroit Motor Show that there is an opportunity to rebadge Italy's premium Lancia brand as Chryslers.He recently unveiled a Lancia Delta hatch wearing a Chrysler grille and badge at the recent Detroit Motor Show.However, Ateco Automotive currently holds the rights to distribute Lancia in Australia but would not cover Lancia cars built and sold as Chryslers.  Ateco is already the country's largest distributor with a portfolio that includes Alfa Romeo, Maserati, Fiat and Ferrari - all Fiat brands - as well as Citroen and Great Wall Motors.Changes are already occurring at Chrysler Australia.  It is about to move in with Fiat-owned truck brand Iveco in Dandenong from its current headquarters in the Mercedes-Benz compound at Mulgrave.In Europe, Lancia is considered an up-market brand but it has not been sold here in any form since the 1970s.  The Delta uses four-cylinder petrol and diesel engines for the European market ranging in size from 1.4-litres to 2.0-litres.  It, like the smaller Ypsilon, are both engineered for right-hand drive.The Ypsilon shares its mechanical package with the Fiat 500 and Punto.  Apart from the Delta and Ypsilon, Lancia also builts the Musa MPV and seven-seat Phedra.The Fiat chief is already streamlining expensive powertrains and platforms across the Fiat-Chrysler group.  The US-carmaker has already announced that it will take some of the latest-generation four-cylinder engines from Fiat."Many new Chrysler cars will soon be built on Fiat platforms," he says.  "Fiat engines will appear in many Chrysler vehicles too."Chrysler is about to start building Fiat's 1.4-litre FIRE engine in Michigan to go into smaller Chryslers.  It will also use Fiat's new six-speed dual clutch transmission in its mid-size cars."We are combining Fiat's expertise in the smaller car segments with Chryslers in the medium and large segments. And most important, we are achieving economies of scale that will generate substantial benefits for us both," Marchionne says.  Chrysler Australia managing director, Gerry Jenkins, was unavailable for comment.

As he drove into the hotel he stumbled across two camouflaged cars.  Hyundai engineers from the company's South Korean headquarters had parked a disguised new mid-size sedan and a Ford Fusion hybrid in the hotel carpark.Further checks revealed the mid-size Hyundai - codenamed the YF - was a hybrid too.  Hyundai Australia spokesman Stephen Howard, confirmed the Koreans were doing hot weather testing around Bright but he could not reveal details."HMC research and development use Australia as one of its prime hot testing grounds for new vehicle development program. In this case we can confirm that the car you saw was a hot test car," he says.  Howard was coyer about the hybrid powertrain, referring Carsguide to details of a proposed hybrid model for the US.The Sonata Hybrid Blue is due to go on sale in the US at the end of the year, along with a 2.0-litre turbocharged four cylinder petrol engine.Howard did confirm what we already knew, that the mid-sized sedan goes on sale locally soon.Although specification and pricing is yet to be announced the car is expected to be close in price to the outgoing Sonata models.  The company is yet to confirm the car's name but it could follow Hyundai's new ‘I’ naming policy that has delivered the i30, iMax and iLoad.When the sleek sedan does hit Australian showrooms it is tipped to get a new direct injection GDI Theta II 2.4-litre four cylinder with continuous variable valve timing.The equivalent front drive US model delivers 148kW at 6300 revs and 250Nm at 4250 revs.  It comes with a new six-speed automatic, six airbags and electronic stability control.The newcomer marks a radical styling departure for the company's family sedan.  It is more rakish, in keeping with Hyundai's new ‘fluidic sculpture’ design language which debuts in the ix35 soft-roader in a few weeks.The new Sonata has already been a sales hit in Korea. More than 100,000 have been sold since the car went on sale in September.

Mitsubishi Australia wants feedback from potential buyers on what to christen its entry crossover.  In its home market of Japan the small wagon will be known as the RVR but Europe has just opted for ASX.There is also a third possibility, which Mitsubishi Australia spokesperson, Lenore Fletcher, declines to discuss.  The choice of names will be presented in clinics planned by the company ahead of the car's arrival around June.Fletcher says consumer feedback will be critical.  "Apart from finalising specifications and pricing, we'll also be looking at the name," she says.  "We need to understand what the audience want from this car, including the name."Although guided by the buyer feedback, senior Mitsubishi Australia executives, including Mitsubishi chief Rob McEniry, will make the final decision.  The different names challenge the company's previously held global naming policy for all its vehicles.Fletcher recognised that if ASX was chosen the car will share its name with the Australian Securities Exchange.  "Obviously both are on the up and up and there's real room for growth," she says.With an entry price well under $30,000, the RVR/ASX will challenge the Nissan Dualis, Suzuki Grand Vitara and the next-generation Hyundai Tucson and Kia Sportage.  Mitsubishi sees the RVR/ASX as an important feeder into the Outlander, Challenger and Pajero family and give the company some bottom-end strength in its all-wheel drive portfolio.Until now it has not had a small off-roader in its lineup, which starts with the $33,240 Outlander.  The RVR moniker already has some history with the company.  It was the name given to a small multi-purpose wagon in the 1990s.Fletcher says the unlike many concepts, the final production design of the little off-roader has not been compromised.  "It is a good looking vehicle," she says.  The ASX differs slightly from the RVR with its black plastic sills and under-bumper protection.The wagon will also miss out on the concept's split folding tailgate like the Outlander.  Australia will get both petrol and turbo-diesel powerplants, including an all-new Euro 5-compliant 1.8-litre turbocharged direct-injection diesel as well as a 2.0-litre petrol four cylinder shared with the Lancer.In Europe it will get automatic stop and go technology.  A six-speed manual will be available, along with a five-speed sequential automatic.

Ford Australia chief, Marin Burela, fresh from the Detroit motor show, says the Falcon will remain a part of the local scene despite speculation that it was facing the end of the road as Ford moves to a global strategy.Ford has confirmed that the next-generation Falcon has a role in the "One Ford" global structure and could share its underbody architecture with other cars like the rear-drive Mustang.  Arriving back in Australia early this week Burela attacked speculation that the Falcon was dead in the water."It was completely unwarranted," he says.  "We have been very vocal about our `One Ford' policy and the great things it has done for Australia to date.  There was nothing new that was said in Detroit that deserved the attention, particularly the negative attention that it received."  Burela says Ford Australia continues to take a lead role in engineering and design in the region and this will not change.The Broadmeadows team are in the final development phase of a global medium pickup, called the T6, which will be sold in more than 100 countries.  "We're the engineering and design and development for that here in Australia and for the Figo hatch," he says.  "Our position on Falcon and the future it has in Australia really hasn't changed at all."Burela says reports that the company will drop its four and five-speed gearboxes — and move to a six-speed automatic only — are premature.  "Sometimes I think that people read too much into things that are taking place around us," he says.  "We have had nothing but great feedback about the four-speed and five-speed. We have no immediate change in mind right now."However, the four-speed could be phased out towards the end of the year when the Falcon gets a high-tech liquid-injection LPG system for its six-cylinder.  Burela says like all carmakers, Ford Australia would continue to make "any tweaks or changes to our lineup that are necessary"."You continue to evolve your lineup to deliver the best possible combination of driving and finesse," he says.  After the car industry's global battering last year, Burela is optimistic about 2010.  "Coming off 2009 it gives us confidence," he says.He says the Federal Government's stimulus package was timely "just as the global financial crisis was shaking confidence".  For 2010, the Ford executive sees the local market quiet in the first quarter but then pick up for the rest of the year."Our view is that the industry will be as strong, if not stronger," he says.  It will be a busy year for the blue oval brand with Falcon and Ford Performance Vehicle products getting mechanical and engine updates.Falcon prototype mules are up and running with the new Ecoboost four-cylinder engine and Territory turbo-diesel, both of which arrive next year to compete against newer rivals.  Ford has used the Falcon nameplate on its large car since 1960.

The Chevrolet Camaro is a sell-out across North America, making an early arrival in local Holden showrooms models unlikely.  GM-Holden vice chairman, Alan Batey, now says the sexy two-door will arrive in 2011 ‘at the earliest’.Other right-hand drive markets like the UK and South Africa will also have to go into bat for the car so that GM-Holden can make a strong business case locally.  "The original plan was that it would go to us and the UK and a small volume to South Africa as a halo Chevy," he says."It will help if they want the car too."However, Batey says that because of the strong North American demand, lower volume right-hand drive markets are now a low priority.  "The car won't happen in 2010. And we've got our hand up saying we want to do it but we'll have to watch it really closely," he says.  "It would be 2011 at the earliest."The Camaro was engineered and designed in Australia both as a right hand and left-hand drive car, using Commodore underpinnings.  "If you like, the car is right hand drive enabled," Batey says.  However, the global financial crisis and GM's bankruptcy challenges got in the way of the sleek coupe becoming a true global car."It was decided that from a prioritisation perspective it wouldn't hit the priority lists so it fell backwards," Batey says.  "From our perspective we've always wanted to do the car."However, Batey says that like the Monaro "all those type of cars have a very limited lifespan".  "They're very, very hot and then they go off," he says.  "They do go off fast as the must-have latest thing."Batey says the car is still on Holden's wishlist "but it's really not in our court, it's really in the court of America".  "They are in the situation where the car is red hot over there and the plant is at full capacity," he says.The Camaro is built at GM's Oshawa plant in Canada.  Both V6 and V8 models are available but demand has been strongest for the high end SS V8 models.  Currently 80 per cent are V8s.The plant also builds an entry level direct injection 227kW 3.6-litre V6 that powers some Australian Commodores. A SS shares its 6.2-litre V8 with HSV models sold locally. In the Camaro it develops 318kW.More than 70,000 Camaros have been sold since it went on sale in March last year. A convertible version is expected to go on sale this year.

Only 40-odd lucky Australian buyers will get the chance to slide into Lotus's most ambitious new model in years, the Evora 2+2.  Globally it will be the company's most desirable car, with just 2000 being built this year.Some cars already have names to them and Lotus Cars Australia general manager sales and marketing, Jonathan Stretton, says anyone ordering now will have a six-month wait.The newest Lotus, which flew by the codename of Project Eagle during its development, is the company's break-through car.  Its brief is to go head-to-head against some fancied German rivals, particularly the benchmark Porsche Cayman.Stretton wants the Evora to attract new customers to the brand.  "We're hoping to lure buyers across from other premium brands," he says.  The car's small production number is a key component important for the car's image, he says.  "It is a low-volume car so it is something that will stand out from the crowd," he says.  The cost of that exclusivity is $149,990 for the two-seater and $156,990 for the 2+2.Although the Evora is more than sum of its parts, some the pieces that go into the mid-engine sportscar are not so exclusive.  The engine is a Japanese 3.5-litre V6 that will be familiar to Toyota Aurion drivers.However, Lotus has tweaked the V6 so it now pumps out 206kW/350Nm with the help of a remapped engine management system, freer flowing exhaust and Lotus designed racing flywheel and AP Racing clutch.  Unlike the Aurion, the car gets a six-speed manual gearbox from a UK-model Toyota Avensis diesel.  A six-speed sequential automatic with paddle shifters is not due to arrive until later this year.Sourcing a well respected drivetrain has its advantages.  The car's light weight and composite bonded body panels helps deliver a combined fuel economy figure of 8.7 litres/100km from the V6.  Even the flat bottom steering wheel is made from forged magnesium to reduce weight and the interia of the wheel.As expected of a sportscar the suspension uses light-weight forged double wishbone suspension, Eibach springs and Bilstein dampers tuned by Lotus.  Engineers have also stuck with a hydraulically assisted power steering setup in favour of an electric system.Stretton says the Evora will also allow existing Lotus owners to upgrade into a bigger, more refined car.  "It will also help broaden the audience," he says.  Initial cars will come fully loaded in "launch edition" specification which includes tech pack, sports pack, bi-xenon headlights, premium audio system, reversing camera and electric mirrors.The tech pack is normally $8200 and the sports pack $3095.  Despite its compact dimensions - it's 559mm longer than an Elise - the mid-engine 3.5-litre V6 is a true 2+2, with rear seats large enough to accommodate smaller folk in the back and soft luggage in a 160 litre boot.  "It also has a proper boot and is more accommodating that some of its competitors," Stretton says.Visually the Evora takes some design cues from the Elise but at the front has a more modern take on the Lotus grille and headights.  Lotus executive engineer, Matthew Becker, admits there are elements of the famous Lancia Stratos rally cars in the Evora's design."One of the key elements was not to make the car too big," he says.  To ensure it has enough room for four, the Evora is 559mm longer, slightly wider and higher and sits on a 275mm longer wheelbase than the Elise.  The chassis uses the same structure as the Elise, which is extruded aluminium but is longer, wider stiffer and safer."The Elise chassis was designed 15 years ago," Becker says.  "So we've taken the good bits of that chassis and developed it."  The car is the first example to use Lotus's low volume versatile vehicle architecture and is expected to support more models in coming years.It uses removable front and rear subframes so they can be replace and repaired easily after an accident.  Three other new Lotus models, including the 2011 Esprit, are expected to use a similar platform over the next five years.Lotus has always held aspirations beyond just being a small niche sportscar carmaker. And while we love driving the Elise and Exige they will never crossover into the mainstream.  They are pure sportscars for hard-core enthusiasts. Weekend warriors.The Evora is a very different proposition.  It has been designed with comfort in mind without sacrificing the Lotus pedigree for performance and handling.  Every aspect that marks the Elise and Exige down for occupants has been addressed in the Evora.  The sills are lower and slimmer and the doors are taller and open wider, making entry and exits less of a contortionist's nightmare.It looks like a serious sportscar but Lotus recognises that to compete against the likes of a Porsche Boxster, it has to be more user friendly.  They have succeeded.  Slipping into the Evora is like putting on a well-tailored Armani suit. It fits very well yet in a snug, reassuring way.Once seated in the hip-hugging sports seats there is still plenty of leg and headroom without any sense of claustrophobia.  That's the first hurdle overcome.  The second hurdle is the hugely variable quality of past Lotuses and their "kit-car" reputation.  The Evora goes a long way to dispel such preconceptions.Design-wise it feels different to a thoroughly efficient and Germanic Boxster. Probably our only gripe about the interior is that some of the minor switchgear still feels as if it's come for a Toyota parts-bin.  But the quality is the best we've seen from the British carmaker for ages, from the headlining to the well-crafted leather seats.All is forgiven though when you turn the key and hit the road.  The steering is sharp, there is a good balance between ride and handling and the mid-engine V6 has a sweet note.  Like some of its rivals, the Evora gets a "sports" setting, which heightens driver involvement by limiting some of the in-built safety nannies.Lotus has wisely stuck with a hydraulic steering rack, rather than an electric system, for better feel and feedback.  Like the Elise, the Evora benefits from lightweight high-tech manufacturing technology, which is the key to the car's sparkling performance.At 1380kg the low-slung sportscar is on a par with average Japanese hatch, yet the worked over Toyota-sourced 3.5-litre six provides plenty of grunt.  The six is efficient and smooth, delivering seamless power and plenty of low-down urge that builds quickly once the revs go beyond 4000 revs.On full song, the engine has a wonderful note yet at highway speeds it is composed and quiet.  For some enthusiasts, the V6 might not have a big enough soundtrack to identify it as a car that hits 100km/h in 5.1 seconds or reach 261km/h but the crispness and urgency of the six's delivery is still impressive.Equally impressive are the massive brakes - 350mm front and 330mm rear - and grip from the Pirelli P-Zero tyres.  The V6 is mated to a Lotus-tweaked Toyota-sourced six-speed manual gearbox.  At first the gearshift feels a little notchy between first and second but familiarity helps smooths the changes.Once mastered, you can confidently push the Evora well beyond normal handling threshholds.  We didn't get anywhere near the car's very high dynamic limits.  Yet even without sports mode activated, it remains utterly entertaining.There is no doubt the Evora feels like a more grown up Elise.  It might just have enough cache to lure some performance buyers across from the more established German brands.  It is an every day Lotus you can finally live with.

Photos of the production car, which is expected to be unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show in March, show a connection with the Mini Beachcomber concept shown at the recent Detroit show.Apart from the high-riding stance, the car has “All4” badging to indicate that it’s all-wheel drive.  Unlike the barn-style rear doors in the Clubman, the four-wheel drive appears to have a conventional rear opening hatch.Like the front-driver, the all-paw version is expected to have petrol and turbo-diesel engines.  The car is expected to go on sale in Europe later this year and possibly Australia early next year.

Although Kia has not officially confirmed it as a production car, or even as a concept, the handsome vehicle shows all the hallmarks Kia design chief, Peter Schreyer.  Like other new generation Kias, the imposing off-roader gets several distinctive Schreyer touches, from the corporate `family' H-grille to the slimline headlights.Unfortunately for Kia, the leaked undisguised images came from the European patent office, known as the Office for Harmonisation in the Internal Market for the European Union.  There's no word on its debut but the wraps could come of the newest Korean at the Geneva Motor Show in March.The Sportage is scheduled to hit Korean showrooms later this year and possibly Australia early next year.  Clearly inspired by the just-launched Sorento, the smaller off-roader is expected to share much of its architecture — engines and suspensions — with the stylish new Hyundai ix35.Only the body will be different.  Like Hyundai, Kia Australia is likely to have both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive models of the Sportage, with the entry version being front-wheel drive.It is expected to share the Hyundai's 124kW/197 Nm 2.0-litre Theta II engine paired with a newly developed six-speed automatic.  A turbo-diesel engine is also expected.  Kia will be hoping for good things from the new Sportage.Unlike Hyundai, Kia's compact off-roader is not a strong seller locally.  Last year Kia sold 1911 Sportages compared to 11,405 Hyundai Tucsons.