Articles by Neil McDonald

It has showed off its all-electric DeZir gull-wing supercar ahead of this year's Paris Motor Show.  With Mercedes-Benz already well advanced on an electric SLS and customers lining up for the Porsche 918, the DeZir is in good company. Although just a concept at this stage the two-seater coupe will lay the foundations of the future styling cues of other Renault production cars. The DeZir project is being led by design head Laurens van den Acker.  It will be one of a sequence of concept cars that will provide an insight into Renault Design's new vision for the future. The "Z'' in the name DeZir refers to Renault's zero-emission signature.  The light-weight Kevlar coupe's recessed, linear styling of the front air intake and the entire rear-end not only convey an impression of lightness but have an important function as well. The front intake design efficiently channels cooling air for the batteries, which are located in the car's mid-section.  The car's front-end design also previews a new front-end identity that is poised to become a feature of all Renault models in the future. The electric motor is mounted in the car's mid-rear position for better weight distribution over the 21-inch front and rear wheels.  The vertically-mounted 24kW lithium-ion battery is located behind the benchseat and provides the car with a range of 160km/h. The engine develops 110kW/226Nm, which gives the car a top speed of 180km/h and zero to 100km/h sprint time of 5 seconds.  "DeZir is a statement of our new formal design language which conveys notions such as movement, sensuality and emotion through ideal proportions, in much the same way as an object whose forms have been honed by nature, Renault's head of concept cars, Axel Breun, says. The car has three different battery-charging methods.  A standard charge facility using a conventional household plug takes eight hours. There is also a 20-minute fast charging option or a fast batter exchange thanks to Renault's Quick Drop technology.  It also uses Formula 1 KERS kinetic energy recovery technology.  When the car decelerates, kinetic energy is recovered and stored in the battery. The driver can then use this energy for a temporary power boost via a button located on the steering wheel.  Apart from the Kevlar body, the car uses a tubular steel frame is similar to that employed for the Megane Trophy race car. The double wishbone suspension is also shared with the Megane Trophy.  DeZirs aerodynamics have been carefully honed, too, thanks to full underbody fairing and a rear diffuser.  The car has a drag coefficient (Cd) of 0.25.

It has released prices for a select number of 50th anniversary Falcons.  The company is building 4000 XR sedans and utes and 750 luxury G-Series anniversary sedans, with between $9500 and $12,000 extra value.  The bargain-buy birthday Falcons have dealers scrambling for more cars. Ford Australia vice president marketing, sales and service, Beth Donovan, says the response to the anniversary program has been strong."We are already looking at building additional vehicles to ensure we can satisfy demand," she says. Each 50th-anniversary model gets special exterior design touches, exclusive interior finishes and more standard equipment.  The G6E, G6E Turbo, XR6 sedan, XR6 Turbo sedan, XR6 ute and XR6 Turbo ute all benefit from the upgrades. The Falcon XR 50th-anniversary sedans will get "dark stealth" colour accents on the grille, foglight bezels and rear bumper insert, and "medium stealth" accents on the alloys, along with high series side mirrors with integrated indicators and G6-style tail lights. Other anniversary features include XR50 graphics, stripes and special badging.  Inside there is an embroidered XR50 logo on the seats, carpet mats and door scuff plates and 50th-anniversary instrument graphics. Other highlights include special interior trim on the centre console, dashboard and front doors, along with standard dual-zone climate control, premium audio system and high series sports leather steering wheel. Features specific to the XR6s include new partial leather seat trim and special 18-inch XR alloy wheels.  The XR6 Turbo receives new leather-detailed seat trim, reverse sensors and 19-inch XR alloys. Donovan says 50 years of continuity in any industry is remarkable, "but it's especially rare in a dynamic field like the car industry".  The Falcon's heritage is unmatched by any other car in the history of Australian motoring.  It turned 50 on June 28.Driveaway birthday cars XR6 six-speed manual $36,950XR6 Turbo six-speed manual $45,950G6E six-speed auto $47,950G6E Turbo six-speed auto $54,950XR6 Ute six-speed manual $32,950XR6 Turbo Ute six-speed manual $38,950

A concept version of the company's Megacity zero emission city car is expected to be one of 4000 vehicles to be provided by BMW for the Olympics.  BMW Australia spokesman, Piers Scott, says as one of the official automotive partners to the 2012 Olympics, the Munich-based carmaker will push the brand's ‘efficient dynamics’ message. "It is a wonderful opportunity to showcase our credentials," he says.  Scott says he expects the Olympic small car to be a showcase concept more than an actual production model. "Obviously it there will be an emphasis on our technologies," he says.  Apart from the Megacity concept, other Olympic cars are likely to include the 3 Series sedan and wagon and possibly the hydrogen-powered 7 Series. The cars will be used to chauffeur athletes, officials and media during the London Games and Paralympics.  BMW will also provide a range of low-emission and electric vehicles, bicycles and motorbikes. Some of the BMW Olympic fleet will be wheelchair-accessible too.  The company plans to convert a number of vehicles for use by disabled drivers and passengers. The Megacity boasts a futuristic design with a light-weight carbon fibre reinforced plastic body.  At 4m long, the two-door four-seater coupe will be slightly longer and higher than the Mini Cooper. It will be powered by a rear-drive electric motor with a lithium-ion battery pack.  BMW estimates the Megacity will have a range of at least 160km and a top speed of 153km/h. The car is being developed as part of ‘Project I’.  It will be available from 2013 under a sub-brand of BMW.  Although the company has not chosen a name, some European media outlets have suggested BMW could resurrect the dormant Isetta brand.  Eventually, other Megacity models will be unveiled. A second model, dubbed ICV for Intracity Vehicle, will be launched in 2015.  It will retain the two-door layout, but drop the rear seats. Around 2017, BMW will unveil the UCV for Urban Commuter Vehicle, which features an extended wheelbase, four doors and seating for five.

When the first-generation BMW X5 arrived back in the late 1990s it was among the first of a new breed of svelte Euro expresses. It also coined the term SAV - sports activity vehicle - which meant it was fast, civilised and capable of tackling most road conditions. Even though it was a hulking four-wheel drive, the

Volvo has donated an original 1961 three-point safety belt and the seat it was attached to, to the museum as part of a larger collection from eight different donors covering 75 years of safety-enhancement work in the car industry. Volvo created automotive history when the first car fitted as standard with three-point safety belts was delivered on August 13, 1959.  Since then, the Swedish inventor Nils Bohlin's invention has been fitted to millions of cars globally and is recognised with saving millions of lives. Today, the three-point belt still plays a vital role in helping to reduce the number of injuries and road fatalities, along with airbags, anti-skid brake systems and stronger car bodies with crumple safety zones.  Volvo's participation is the result of long and hard work on the part of Volvo Cars in the US, and it all began with a phone call over two years ago. "The three-point safety belt turned 50 and fortunately there were already plans under way to show a collection of innovations relating to the automobile's history,'' says Dan Johnston, product communications manager at Volvo Cars of North America. Acceptance of new items for the museum's collection is preceded by a long and complex process whereby each object's authenticity is thoroughly verified.  The belt that was donated is an original fitting from a 1961 Volvo PV 544, and it is on display with the accompanying seat original seat. The belt's authenticity was verified all the way to the previous owner and to the factory, which has confirmed that the car was manufactured and delivered with the safety belt fitted.

Although the car has some links with the first-generation car, the newcomer borrows visual cues from the latest X models, gains more useable interior space and enhanced performance with a new range of engines. BMW Australia spokesman, Piers Scott, says the newcomer is expected to arrive into local showrooms early next year.  Initially two engines will be available at launch in Europe, a 135kW 2.0-litre turbo-diesel and 225kW 3.0-litre petrol six, both adopting BMW's "efficient dynamics'' principles. However, Scott believes that once the car arrives here, more engine variants will be available.  "But are really not in a position to confirm which variants they will be,'' he says.  However, the company does plan other turbo-diesel and petrol engines and a hybrid version, which could also make it to Australia if right-hand drive hybrids are available. Apart from new engines, some higher performance models will get a new eight-speed automatic.  Like BMW's sedan range, the new off-roader will get auto stop/start for the first time in conjunction with the six-cylinder engine as well as the eight-speed auto. BMW's xDrive four-wheel drive technology is standard across the range with a "performance control'' function available.  The car gets newly conceived suspension technology, electric power steering and for the first time in an X model, variable sports steering, which will be optional in some markets. It will also be the first X model with optional damper control and dynamic drive control.  The all-wheel drive splits torque 40:60 front-to-rear thanks to an electronically controlled multi-disc diff and a host of other techno features. The MacPherson front struts have been redeveloped along with the multi-link rear suspension, while an optional electronic damping control adapts to the road and driver inputs. Normal, Sport and Sport-Plus modes are mounted next to the gear selector. The Sport controls sharpen throttle response, transmission shifts, steering assist, DSC settings and suspension firmness. The "performance control'' feature shuffles 80 per cent of the torque to the rear under steady acceleration.  Inside the cabin gets new materials and added versatility with a 40/20/40-split rear seat. With the seats folded, the maximum luggage capacity is 1600 litres.  A range of BMW ConnectedDrive options will be available, including head-up display, internet access, reversing camera with top view. Follow the Carsguide blog on Twitter  

General Motors' Fleet and Commercial division has stepped up the campaign to make a heavy duty version of the 6.0-litre V8 Statesman the No1 choice of law enforcement agencies across America.  It has released a 12-page brochure with detailed specifications of the car, which will be a rebadged version of the Statesman Caprice, called the Chevrolet Caprice. The car will be available in two police packages, a "black and white" patrol car and a "detective" police version.  GM-Holden spokesperson, Emily Perry, says although the company does not yet have confirmed orders the specifications are "the next step in getting the cars into North America". "It's a specification manual to provide a guide for the police forces," she says.  Perry says GM-Holden will not begin exports "until we get confirmed orders". She says if orders start flowing through soon, exports will happen later this year.  GM-Holden is aiming to export upwards of 20,000 police cars and is confident the powerful rear-drive V8 will win over the good guys. The deal could also renew the export potential of Holden's large car line-up to the US.  After unveiling a concept police car last year, GM-Holden has taken on board the specific needs of the police cars. Among the options are hard-wearing vinyl seats and floors as well as "stealth" mode lighting.  Each will also be built with beefed up electrical systems to cope with on-board computers and the emergency sirens and lights, as well as an optional remote start function. The "stealth" function allows police to close and unlock and lock the car doors without activating exterior lights or making any audible sounds.  However, in keeping with its domestic duties the "black and white" the car has optional vinyl rear seats and floor coverings.  The cloth-covered front seats are moulded with heavy duty foam and sculptured for gun belts worn by officers. GM-Holden has had some export success with the Commodore, which was sold as the Pontiac G8 until the American brand sank under the weight of General Motors' bankruptcy last year.  The police deal comes after a successful pitch last year ago by a Holden team led by former president Mark Reuss, who is now president of GM North America. The sleek 6.0-litre Caprices are likely to replace the Los Angeles Police Department's ageing fleet of Ford Crown Victoria sedans.  The deal means GM-Holden also stands a good chance of becoming a global supplier of cop cars for other countries.  Canada's police departments have already expressed interest. Become a fan of Carsguide on Facebook

The 508, which arrives here mid-2011, continues the three-digit tradition set by the 40 series and 50 series sedans. It will be unveiled in October at the Paris Motor Show. The car's design closely follows the SR1 concept car, and features a new high-tech interior and high quality finish.  Under the bonnet, the 508 will get a new range of petrol, diesel and hybrid engines. The range will be equipped with new technologies, including Peugeot's e-HDi system, essentially a new-generation stop/start system with improved driveability and economy.  The company is also planning a HYbrid4 version with a 147kW diesel and all-wheel drive potential. with a rate of emissions of just 99 g/km of CO2. Like past Peugeot's the suspension has been set up for both high comfort levels and roadholding.  Like the 407, the 508 will be available as a sedan and wagon, which Peugeot calls the SW. At 4790mm, the sedan is 99mm longer than the 407 while the 4810mm long SW is 45mm longer.  Based on PSA-Peugeot Citroen's platform 3 shared with the Citroen C5, the 508 will be produced in Rennes-La-Janais, in France, for the European market.  From 2011, it will also be built in Wuhan, in China.

But one of today's key models in the M family was almost an afterthought back in the 1980s.  According to what has now become a BMW legend, after production of the M1 mid-engine sportscar was discontinued, the then CEO Eberhard Kuenheim casually mentioned to Motorsport GmbH engineers in 1985 that the 3 Series needed a sportier engine. Kuenheim subsequently commissioned a design for a successor to the M1.  It became known as the M3 project with German car magazines speculating about the car's handling and performance. Kuenheim's expectations were in good hands.  The key data revealed a 150kW sportscar that would punch way above its class with a top speed of more than 230km/h and a zero to 100 km/h sprint inside 6.7 seconds. However, drivers had to wait until mid-1986 to get behind the wheel of one of the most dynamic BMW 3 Series cars.  The job of building the M3 fell to Motorsport GmbH's managing director of technical development Paul Rosche. Rosche had already demonstrated its expertise with the legendary 5 Series driven by M engines as well as developing the Formula 1 turbo engine that powered Brazilian Nelson Piquet to win the World Championship in the Brabham BMW in 1983. The new 3 Series engine had something in common with the racecar - the crankcase.  It originated from volume production and actually formed the basis for the four-cylinder 2.0-litre engine. Four cylinders meant less weight and high torque, an ideal platform for a sports engine in the projected displacement class.  Naturally enough, the normal series production four-cylinder was far too tame for a sports engine. A comprehensive power boost was called for to turn the plucky daily workhorse into an athletic and sporty power unit.  BMW engineers increased the displacement to 2.3 litres and added four-valve engineering. However, there was also another reason for the decision to opt for a four-cylinder engine rather than the 3 Series six-cylinder engine.  The longer crankshaft in the big engine started to vibrate much earlier than the shorter four-cylinder shaft. The design engineers therefore designed the crankshaft drive of the BMW M3 with sufficient torsional stability to achieve more than 10,000 revolutions a minute.  Compared to the normal production four-cylinder engine, this represented an increase of more than 60 per cent. The rated speed for the road version of the BMW M3 was still significantly below the critical range at 6750 revolutions a minute and therefore offered sufficient scope for further development.  Rosche remembers the work on the engine. "We started work immediately,'' he says. "One advantage was that the big six-cylinder engine originally had the same cylinder gap as the four-cylinder engine. "We therefore cut two combustion chambers off the four-cylinder head of the M88 and bolted a panel over the hole on the rear side.'' This meant that the new four-cylinder engine had a second forebear.  The six-cylinder engine that had initially created a sensation in the M1 and had then transformed the M635CSi into one of the fastest coupes in the world. "Whether you believe it or not we had created an outstanding four-cylinder engine for the 3 Series within the space of two weeks,'' Rosche says.  "Under the development name S14, this engine was to generate headlines in sport and in volume production over the years to come.  One Sunday, I drove to von Kuenheim's flat and gave him the car for a test drive.  When he came back he said: `Good, I like it'. And that's how the M3 came into being.'' Subsequently, the BMW M3 became the most successful touring car in European motorsport history.

The car, although camouflaged, was rolled out for a special M drive day at the Ascari race track in Spain this week.  The production 1 Series M is expected to be unveiled at the Paris Motor Show and go on sale in Europe early next year.The president of BMW's M Division, Dr Kay Segler, is already spruiking the car, but has revealed little about the newest M machine, except to say enthusiasts will be lining up.Although based on the 1 Series coupe he says it will be a "pure M'' car.  "The 1 Series M coupe is so powerful, it's just outstanding,'' he says.Despite the chequered camouflage the 1 Series M coupe has distinctive styling, from the muscled flared wheel-arches to the quad exhausts, high-performance brakes and tyres.The car is expected to get an upgraded version of BMW's N55 in-line six-cylinder turbocharged engine developing around 250kW, which will push the car to a limited top speed of 250km/h.