Articles by Neil McDonald

What does this signify? As one might expect with the high performance sportscar maker, everything has a purpose and the nomenclature is no exception.'MP4' is the chassis designation for all McLaren Formula 1 cars since 1981. It stands for McLaren Project 4, resulting from the merger of Ron Dennis' Project 4 organisation with McLaren. The '12' refers to McLaren's internal Vehicle Performance Index through which it rates key performance criteria both for competitors and for its cars.The criteria combine power, weight, emissions, and aerodynamic efficiency. The coalition of all these values delivers an overall performance index that has been used as a benchmark throughout the car's development. The `C' refers to Carbon, highlighting the car's all carbon fibre body. If that doesn't give you indigestion then the MP4's performance will.The car gets a McLaren-built “M838T” 3.8-litre, V8 twin-turbo engine with dual variable valve timing producing around 448kW/600Nm, driving through a McLaren seven-speed Seamless Shift dual clutch gearbox (SSG) and powering up to 8500 revs.A staggering 80 per cent of torque is available at below 2000 revs, ensuring great drivability. A dry sump and flat plane crankshaft allow the engine to be placed extremely low in the chassis thereby lowering the centre of gravity and improving handling.It also has composite cam covers and intake manifolds, which reduce weight and heat transmission into the charge air, as well as Nikasil-coated aluminum liners for further lower weight.The car features a system called Brake Steer, a development of an electronic system used by the F1 team that brakes the inside rear wheel when the car is entering a corner too quickly. It works to stop the car understeering.Like the McLaren SLR and Bugatti Veyron, the 12C gets an air brake to assist with high-speed stopping power.Inside, driver and passenger sit close to minimise the car's width. The dashboard is an exercise in minimalism.Each scissor-action door houses climate controls and there is a digital display and huge central rev counter, a Volvo-style free-floating console with transmission buttons and a launch control, and cupholders.McLaren calls the centre console gear an “active dynamics panel”, which can tailor power and handling to three different settings, normal, sport and high performance modes.The McLaren is clearly aimed at Lamborghini, Bentley, Porsche, Ferrari and Aston Martin. The company will make just 1000 cars a year with a pricetag of more than $350,000. It goes on sale in Europe in 2011.McLaren Automotive chairman, Ron Dennis, says it has been a dream of his to develop a range of high-performance sportscars `that set new standards in the industry'. 

Little separates the Subaru twins, except for some extra body cladding and the Outback's high-riding look. As it is based on the Liberty the Outback gains all the equipment and safety improvements of its urban sibling.Like the Liberty, the Outback is more spacious in every key dimension. It is 65mm longer, 50mm wider, 70mm higher and the wheelbase is up 75mm compared to the previous model. The flowing headlight design integrates with the indicators, while fog lights are standard across the range.Highlighting Outback's road presence are flared wheel arches and projector-style low-beam headlights.PricingOutback 2.5i manual $37,990Outback 2.5i Lineartronic CVT automatic $40,490Outback 2.5i Premium manual $41,490Outback 2.5i Premium Lineartronic CVT automatic $43,990Outback 2.5i Premium with SatNav manual $43,990Outback 2.5i Premium with SatNav Lineartronic CVT automatic $46,490Outback 3.6R automatic $48,490Outback 3.6R with SatNav automatic $55,990 

A new 2.0-litre turbo-diesel available in Europe will arrive in November in the Outback first. However, Subaru Australia plans to gauge buyer reaction before looking at other models like the Liberty and Forester.In the meantime the local operations are pushing ahead with the launch of the new four and six-cylinder Liberty and Outback models. The fifth-generation Subaru Liberty is bigger, safer and has made gains in the areas of fuel economy and lowering emissions. The larger, significantly quieter cabin offers more comfort and better cabin and luggage space.Subaru Australia managing director, Nick Senior, says the fifth-generation Liberty improves in all areas. “It offers outstanding ride and handling, and every variant in the range offers better fuel efficiency and lower emissions,” he says. “Interior space is improved too in every key dimension.”Senior says safety has been improved in critical areas, with addition of the driver's knee airbag to complement the dual front side and curtain airbags. He said the energy-absorbing engine cradle and framed door windows aided cabin strength. ”That's in addition to standard electronic stability control and ABS brakes, plus a raft of other detailed safety features shows that Subaru isn't resting on its laurels, despite being a leader in this field.”Senior says Subaru has aimed to add equipment but keep prices down. “Every Liberty is keenly priced. The fact that none have increased and some have actually decreased, while specification is enhanced in so many key areas, makes these vehicles an attractive proposition,” he says.ChangesThe Liberty has a number of firsts for the model — a Lineartronic continuously variable transmission and a 3.6-litre horizontally opposed boxer engine, the Liberty's largest engine yet, as well as the addition of a Sports models to the 2.5i range and a six-speed manual gearbox.Fuel consumption has improved across the range, with an 11 per cent gain in automatic Liberty GT models and 9.7 per cent in automatic 2.5i models, in the combined cycle. Emissions have also been lowered. The automatic Liberty GT's CO2 emissions have been reduced by 31 g/km to 228 in the combined cycle.Pricing and variantsPrices for some variants have decreased by up to 7.8 per cent while others cost the same as the superseded variants. Entry-level Liberty 2.5i starts from $33,990, with the CVT auto adding $2500 to the price.The range-topping Liberty GT Premium is $52,990, $4500 less than the superseded GT spec.B, while the new Liberty 3.6R Premium is the same price as the superseded Liberty 3.0R Premium.Features and equipmentFuji Heavy Industries, which owns Subaru, has looked to Europe for inspiration for its new range. Among the features are seven airbags — including driver’s knee airbag - electronic stability control, dual zone air conditioning, Hill start assist, multi-function trip computer, cruise control, six-stacker in-dash CD stereo and 17-inch alloys (2.5i).The 2.5i Premium adds sunroof, leather, CVT automatic, electric driver's seat and rear air vents. The 2.5i Sports opens the standard package with the Lineartronic CVT , 18-inch alloys, Bilstein suspension, sports grille and bumper, alloy pedals and Xenon headlights with washers.Premium models add dusk sensing headlights, rain sensing wipers, McIntosh stereo systems, reversing camera, SI-Drive, satellite navigation, keyless access and push-button start.Apart from being bigger and roomier, the Liberty range is also stronger and safer, achieving a five-star ANCAP crash rating thanks to the addition of a front engine `cradle' and extensive use of high-tensile steel.The Lineartronic CVT on the entry-level and 2.5i Sports Liberty contributes to impressive fuel economy and requires no transmission fluid replacement, unless being driven in severe conditions continuallyAll automatics are available with steering-wheel mounted paddle shifters.Pricing Liberty 2.5i manual sedan $33,990Liberty 2.5i Lineartronic CVT sedan $36,490Liberty 2.5i manual wagon $35,990Liberty 2.5i Lineartronic CVT wagon $38,490Liberty 2.5i Sports Lineartronic CVT sedan $39,490Liberty 2.5i Sports Lineartronic CVT Premium sedan $43,490Liberty 2.5i Sports Premium Lineartronic CVT SatNav sedan $46,990Liberty 2.5i Sports Lineartronic CVT wagon $41,490Liberty 2.5i Sports Lineartronic CVT Premium wagon $45,490Liberty 2.5i Sports Premium Lineartronic CVT SatNav wagon $48,990Liberty 2.5i Premium Lineartronic CVT sedan $39,990Liberty 2.5i Premium Lineartronic CVT SatNav sedan $42,490Liberty 2.5i Premium Lineartronic CVT wagon $41,990Liberty 2.5i Premium Lineartronic CVT SatNav wagon $44,490Liberty 2.5 GT Premium manual SatNav sedan $52,990Liberty 2.5 GT Premium auto SatNav sedan $54,990Liberty 2.5 GT Premium manual SatNav wagon $54,990Liberty 2.5 GT Premium auto SatNav wagon $56,990Liberty 3.6R Premium auto SatNav sedan $51,990 

The remarkable thing about the Toyota Camry hybrid is how unremarkable it is. And that's not meant to sell the clean and green sedan short either.The efforts of Toyota Australia's local engineering boffins have delivered a car that is fun to drive and economical, yet has practical real-world space for a family and kids. Compared to the regular 2.4-litre petrol model, the hybrid feels more secure on the road, quieter, and more confident when pushed through corners.Toyota's operations manager, engineering, Phil King, says the company took the best from the Thai-built version of the car and engineered it for Australian conditions. The suspension settings are not quiet Sportivo but a cut above the entry Altese petrol model."We did discuss at the start of planning what a hybrid should be, in the sense of whether it should be a comfort car or sporty," King says. "We decided we were not going to do a Sportivo and the car will be highly specced, not a bare bones vehicle."King and Toyota chassis engineer Paul Diamandis were among the team who fine tuned the car, throwing some Australian dynamic know-how to the suspension, steering and handling. The move has transformed the car into what King describes as the best execution of the global Camry hybrid. "We've tried to get more control with the body, which makes it a more pleasant drive," King says.The new electric power steering, recalibrated suspension and better weight distribution all contribute to greater on-road poise. "It's certainly better than the American version," King says.The addition of the 50kg battery pack in the boot has added some weight but it now helps the car's balance. The hybrid is between 60kg and 70kg heavier than the standard petrol car, depending on the spec. With the battery pack in the boot Toyota has almost achieved the holy grail of vehicle dynamics - perfect weight distribution.The standard 2.4-litre four cylinder front wheel drive petrol version's weight split is 60/40, while the hybrid is closer to 55/45. This translates into a more secure turn-in into corners and the extra weight evens out the ride over rougher roads.In side-by-side standing starts the hybrid accelerates as quick, if not quicker than the petrol car, thanks to the seamless power delivery of the CVT gearbox. There's 30 per cent more torque on tap which translates into better zero to 100km/h acceleration. The bonus of a better ride and more dynamic feel through the steering and suspension does come at a cost though. The battery pack eats into boot space.You can still load through items but the opening is restricted. The petrol fuel tank has also slimmed down in size from 70 litres to 65 litres.King is clearly proud of Toyota's efforts with its version of the global green car. "It's a green car but still a family car," he said. "I suspect there are some large-car buyers who wouldn't be seen in a Camry but this will change their minds," King says.The fuel-miser sedan arrives in showrooms next February with pricing from around $33,000. It is tipped to be available in two models, an entry Altise-based model and a luxury version, similar to the Prius i-Tech. 

With the current model 9-5 now more than 10 years old, the newcomer signals the dawn of a new era for the brand. Supercar maker Koenigsegg is stepping in to buy the embattled General Motors-owned carmaker and it will return to Swedish control after more than 20 years. This makes the arrival of the newest 9-5 critical to pave the way for future models, according to Saab Automobile's managing director, Jan-ke Jonsson. The 9-5 is sleek, sophisticated and unmistakably Saab and gets its first airing at the Frankfurt Motor Show in two weeks. It will go on sale here next year. The car's styling is influenced by the award-winning Aero X concept car and pays homage to some traditional Saab design cues. Like Saabs of old, it will have a range of aircraft-inspired innovations like a head-up information display and the car's cabin is an evolution of its cockpit design. Like its rivals, it will get adaptive bi-Xenon headlights, adaptive cruise control, adaptive chassis tuning, keyless entry and starting, dual-zone climate control and dynamic parking assistance. Saab's all-wheel drive, called XWD, and its eLSD limited slip differential will also be available. The range kicks off in Europe with a 134kW 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo diesel with CO2 emissions of 139g/km, as well as a 164kW 2.0-litre petrol turbo engine. All-wheel drive will be available on the top-of-the-line 223kW/400Nm 2.8-litre V6 turbo. Later a smaller 120kW 1.6-litre petrol turbo will be introduced, together with a 2.0-litre BioPower E85 engine. All transmissions will be six-speed. Jonsson says the company has leveraged its heritage in key areas of the car's design. Visually the front is defined by a deep grille flanked with curving, eyebrow headlights. The ‘disguised’ windshield and side A-pillars are reminiscent of the classic 900 model. Other Saab design cues are evident in the hockey stick belt-line, the strong rear C-pillars and the flowing roofline into the boot. Inside the cabin there is more leg and shoulder room, particularly in the back. The driver-focused cockpit is traditional Saab with a stop/start button replacing the ignition key on the centre console next to the gearshift.

Popular campaigns against drink driving and speeding are overshadowing an equally important message of vehicle safety, according to the chamber's executive director, David Purchase. "I think that there is too great an emphasis on road safety at the expense of vehicle safety," he says. He says the road safety message is too narrowly focused.Purchase says it is too easy to push "glamorous" high-profile road safety campaigns at the expense of rudimentary safety. Although he applauded the initiatives undertaking by the Victorian Government, Police and VicRoads "there is not a commensurate effort in ensuring that our vehicles are safe"."What's the bloody use of having our roads as safe as anything and our vehicles unsafe?" He says unroadworthy vehicles are becoming an increasing problem as the economic downturn forces people to cut corners with vehicle maintenance.Purchase believes there is a good reason to have compulsory annual vehicle checks, particularly for small commercial vehicles. "They're a business vehicle," he says. "They should be treated as part of the occupational health and safety process." Purchase accepts that his views are politically unpopular. "It's not a vote winner," he says. "But we've been campaigning for mandatory checks for 30 years but the time has come to put it back on the agenda."Purchase says the current safety campaigns, although valid, do not address the whole motoring message. "You can't knock what they're doing on road safety but you can say there is too much emphasis on it at the expense of vehicle safety," he says."Look at the irony of the Victorian Government compelling electronic stability control and yet they do nothing about bald tyres?" he says. "We know ESC will work on bald tyres but it won't work as well. What point is having stability control if other parts of the car are unsafe?"VACC research shows a growing number of vehicles with faulty brakes, steering, lights, tyres and seatbelts. Its recent findings show that 25 per cent of Victorian vehicles failed a five-point safety check involving tyres, steering, seatbelts, headlights and brakes. Alarmingly, its most recent figures reveal that almost 20 per cent of relatively new cars under 100,000km failed the check.In the past government agencies have believed that the incidence of unroadworthy vehicles contributing to the road toll were quite low. "The government owes it to the community to do more about educating drivers that their vehicles must be safe," he says.The VACC will continue to push its own five-point safety check for consumers and will also add to its research data on vehicle safety. "It's about education," he says. "Most people don't know when their tyres are bad or brakes are not as good as they should be."

Volvo is destined to use a version of the 2011 Falcon's 2.0-litre direct-injection turbo-charged EcoBoost four cylinder engine in some of its own cars late next year. The global Ford engine is rolling out across Ford, Volvo and Mazda cars around the world.A powerful 2.0-litre version of the Volvo engine, called GTDi and developing more than 150kW, is due to appear in the XC60 in the Netherlands. A smaller 1.6-litre version is also planned for other models.Volvo Cars Australia spokesperson, Laurissa Mirabelli, says the first GTDi engines, mated to a Powershift six-speed dual clutch gearbox, will roll out in Europe later this year but are not scheduled to arrive here until 2010. "We are still to look at positioning though and which specific models will get the engine," she says.Volvo is joining Volkswagen and Audi as newer hi-tech engines allow carmakers to downsize capacity to increase fuel economy and pass tougher European tax regimes on emissions. Direct-injection technology, combined with turbocharging, helps reduce engine displacement without any performance loss, but with about 20 per cent lower fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.First seen on the S60 concept with 1.6-litre capacity, the GTDi produces 134kW yet returns an average fuel economy figure of 5.0l/100km and C02 emissions of 119 g/km in the concept sedan. Mirabelli says the face-lifted C70 cabrio, which arrives next March, will be too early for the GTDi powerplants.Visually, the C70 will receive Volvo's new family face, as previewed in the S60 concept earlier this year. The refreshed tin-top convertible will be launched at the Frankfurt Motor Show in two weeks with the C30, S40 and V50 following later.As the C70 shows, the range will get more angular headlights, a low-set grille, larger air intakes and repositioned foglights. The front mudguards have been redesigned to accommodate the more aggressive, wedged-shaped nose. At the back the convertible gets high-tech LED tail-lights, shared with the XC60.Although most of the changes are external, the cabin has come in for a makeover too. The instrument panel has been redesigned, giving it a wider, sleeker look and the materials are improved to lift quality against its key German rivals.The C70's already strong safety credentials carry over with the rollover protection system, side curtain airbags that inflate in the door, side airbags and seatbelt pre-tensioners for all seats.In Europe the C70 is available with three petrol and two turbo-diesel engines but Australia will carry over the 169kW/320Nm T5 and 125kW/230Nm 2.4i five-cylinder engines only. 

The images show a strong resemblance to renderings the company has already released. The new Sonata, codenamed YF, is a radical styling departure for the brand. The sedan takes on a more rakish look that is low and lean.At the front the headlights sweep around the car's flanks and deep into the grille while ridge-lines in the grille carry over across the bonnet. The coupe-like roofline blends seamlessly into the short boot and the strong shoulder line cuts through the door handles, ending above the tail-lights.Hyundai has not only improved the car's looks. The newcomer gets a new six-speed automatic mated a 2.0-litre Theta II engine and electronic stability control is expected to be standard.In keeping with the current European trends the car will be available with a panoramic sunroof, steering wheel mounted gearshift paddles and a push-button starting system.Hyundai says the flowing coupe-like lines express the company's “fluidic sculpture” design language, a new design direction that is expected to pop up on other Hyundais, like the new Tucson replacement, the ix35 crossover. Since the first-generation Sonata was launched in 1985, more than 4.4 million have been sold globally.

The best-selling Japanese van now lags behind the Hyundai iLoad and Mercedes-Benz Vito van for crash safety. Both the iLoad and Vito rated well in recent Australian New Car Assessment Program crash testing. The iLoad scored four-stars and the Vito five-stars, the first local commercial to get the top mark. However, the HiAce, launched in 2005, managed just three stars when it was tested in 2006.The company's senior executive director sales and marketing, David Buttner, admits that the HiAce needs attention. "We do have a plan to introduce increased safety technology into all our vehicles," he says. "Given that commercial has always been such a stronghold for us we can't sit back. We have to watch it very closely and keep Japan informed to ensure that we have those developments."Buttner is keen to see the HiAce either match or exceed its competition in crash safety. Toyota is the dominant local player in the light commercial van sales. This year it has sold 4585 HiAces and last year it blitzed its opposition with 9493 sold to businesses and private operators.The HiAce has dual airbags but unlike the five-star Vito, no curtain airbags or electronic stability control and anti-skid brakes are an option. The iLoad gets dual airbags and anti-skid brakes as standard. Buttner denied that Toyota's commercial vehicles were being overtaking in the safety stakes. "We're not standing still," he says. "I can't always tell you everything you'd like to know."Toyota has however, just upgraded safety equipment on its venerable 70 Series ute. The trusty workhorse now has a driver and passenger airbag but anti-skid brakes are still not available. Buttner says Toyota is looking at anti-skid brakes for the rural favourite but some rural customers had expressed concerned they should be able to switch it off for farm work. "We have some concerns from some customers," he says. "We're focused on that but there is no timetable."Toyota Australia leads the push for the dual airbags in the 70 Series."It's expensive development in that proven chassis," Buttner said. Engineers had to change the ute's steering rack angle and lengthen the front bumper to be more compatible with the airbags' deployment cycle. A side benefit is that the new four-spoke steering wheel is now adjustable for reach.Prices for the seven-model 70 Series range have risen $600, or about 1 per cent, because of the extra safety kit. The range starts from $57,640 for the cab-chassis, $58,540 for the wagon and $64,540 for the troop carrier.

The company's first hybrid version of the Camry headed down the Altona production line on Monday, ahead of full-scale production starting in November. Initially 60 pilot cars will be built to test components and assembly procedures. But buyers will have to wait until February until it hits showrooms. Victorian Premier John Brumby and Federal Industry Minister Kim Carr were on hand with company executives at Altona to spruik the Toyota achievement. Carr said the newest hybrid was a significant step towards a greener, more sustainable automotive industry. The hybrid version of Toyota's successful four-cylinder sedan is expected to cost about $33,000, $3000 more than the standard car. However, it will be 20 per cent more economical and have lower operating costs than the petrol version. The sales forecast is 10,000 a year with 300 to be exported to New Zealand. The company's senior executive director sales and marketing, David Buttner, said the car would help the environment "as well as the hip pocket of Australian motorists. "The Camry hybrid will save owners $10 a week in fuel costs and cut their car's harmful CO2 emissions by one tonne a year," he said. A driver travelling 50,000km a year could save up to more than $26 a week and 2.5 tonnes of CO2, he said. Buttner said securing local production was a significant milestone for the company. It would pave the way for helping secure local Camry production into the future and protect jobs and local manufacturing, he said. "There are only five Toyota plants in the world that build this car," Buttner said. Buttner said the car would be pitched to environmentally conscious Australians. He expects 25 per cent of Camry hybrid buyers to be mums and dads, with the rest government and fleet buyers. Like the company's small Prius hatch, the Camry hybrid uses a four-cylinder engine and small electric motor, called Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive system. The hybrid battery recharges itself while driving and it will run on the electric motor alone at low speeds. Initially most of the hybrids components, including its electric motor, will be sourced from Japan. Critics have slammed the taxpayer-funded investment in the car and its lack of local sourcing of components. The Federal Government has committed $35 million as part of its green car innovation fund while the Victorian Government is believed to have pledged $15 million. Butter said to achieve necessary economies of scale, hybrid production would have to reach 35,000 to 40,000 before there was any significant local sourcing of components. "But there is no reason that down the track, as we expand the hybrid range, that there can't be more local suppliers bought on board," he said. Toyota is planning to introduce eight new hybrids over the next four years and aims to have a hybrid model available in every model by 2020.