Articles by Neil McDonald

Lotus will give the new Evora flagship its southern hemisphere debut in Melbourne. Expected to go on sale here this year, the Evora has generated extensive interest — and orders — since it was unveiled at the British International Motor Show in July 2008. The mid-engined 2+2 sports car is designed to deliver 21st-century performance with practicality and economy. It will complement the existing four-model Lotus range of Elise, Exige, Europa and 2-Eleven, and embodies the traditional Lotus combination of light weight and high performance. The rear-drive Evora is powered by a Lotus-tuned all-alloy 3.5-litre V6 with variable valve timing mated to a six-speed manual transmission. The car’s aluminium chassis and powerful engine enable it to go from zero to 100km/h in five seconds, with a top speed of around 270km/h. The car is designed to be both a luxury coupe and a practical high-performance sports car. Because one of the roles of the Evora is to attract new customers to the Lotus brand, much attention has been paid to its ease of use. Wider, taller door apertures and narrower sills make it easier to get in and out of the cabin than it is in Lotus’s smaller sports cars like the Elise, Exige, Europa and 2-Eleven, while the design of the cabin itself will accommodate two tall adults in the front seats. The convenience factor of the Evora extends to less obvious areas of the car. Beneath the skin, the entire front-end structure is a hi-tech aluminium crash box attached to the main extruded aluminium tub. This modular unit is designed to deform for maximum safety and to reduce repair costs in the event of a frontal impact. The Evora has been designed with global automotive regulations in mind and future derivatives include plans for a convertible. It will be hand-crafted and built on a dedicated new assembly line within Lotus’s advanced manufacturing facility at Hethel in the east of England. Because of capacity limitations, Lotus only expects to build 2000 cars a year, which will ensure the car’s rarity and exclusivity. With 2+2 seating, small children can be put in the back. Lotus is not talking price just yet, but it is expected to rival the BMW Z4 and Porsche Boxster.   The 2009 Melbourne International Motor Show...  

The wholesale restructuring of the US car industry has yielded some little gems of information, some of them from Chrysler.

The new 9-3X all-wheel drive wagon follows the proven path pioneered by the Subaru Outback and joins a legion of new Euro softer-roaders battling in the recreational lifestyle market.The jacked up, chunky Swede debuts at next month's Geneva Motor Show and could hit local Saab showrooms next year.For the downtrodden Saab brand locally, GM Premium brands director, Parveen Batish, says the 9-3X is not too little too late."I don't think so, I think the brand is moving forward and we've been talking about other cars and they will come," he says."Things have been tough but we can see some light."The cues we've seen from some of the concept cars are a real eye-opening in terms of where the brand is going."Last year Saab sold just 1158 vehicles locally, mostly 9-3s.The 9-3X and its bigger, still secret 9-4X off-roader, could be a sales savior.Batish says the 9-3X does not go into production until towards the end of the year "so that gives us plenty of time to investigate where it would fit and how it would fit"."Regardless of the brand, we've got to make sure it's the right thing for Australia," he says.In Europe the 9-3X will be available with both front and all-wheel drive.GM Premium Brands will investigate both options, Batish says."But being a small market we can't take everything," he says.Using the 9-3 SportCombi as its base, the 9-3X gets a 35mm higher ground clearance and Saab's cross-wheel drive (XWD) system, as well as some stirdy plastic trim.For the first time, Saab's E85-capable BioPower engine technology is mated to its XWD system.In Europe buyers will have a choice of the 155kW/300Nm 2.0-litre BioPower four-cylinder as well as petrol 2.0-litre four cylinder.The 2.0-litre petrol turbo has a similar output to the BioPower unit.A front-wheel drive 132kW/400Nm 1.9-litre TTiD two-stage turbo diesel will also be available.There is little difference between the all-wheel drive and front drive.The front drive gets the same styling but its suspension is only raised by an extra 20mm.Visually the soft-road wagon uses a proven formula of grey plastic body trim, wheel arches and sill panels and beefier bumpers.This treatment is complemented by matt aluminium skid panels.Black roof rails are standard, along with multi-spoke 17-inch alloys and dual exhausts.The XWD system is an active, intelligent system that continuously distributes engine drive torque between the front and rear axles.The hardware includes an electronically-controlled torque transfer system that varies power delivery between the axles.

Which is perhaps why Mazda chose the relatively small Toronto motor show last week to fly under the global automotive radar with its facelifted CX7. Apart from the United States, Canada is one of Mazda's biggest export markets. Along with an exterior freshen, Mazda has added a new front-drive CX7, powered by the same 2.5-litre naturally aspirated engine from the Mazda6 and new Mazda3 SP25. Mazda Australia spokesman, Glenn Butler, says the company is very keen on the front drive four-cylinder version. "It's something we're looking at and are very interested in," he says. "There is obviously some potential for a vehicle under the current price point. "It's all about price." The 2.5-litre front wheel drive four produces 125kW at 6000 revs and 226Nm at 4000 revs and is mated to a five-speed automatic. The 2.3-litre direct-injection turbo CX7 all-wheel drive starts at $41,140. A front-wheel drive model could be up to $3000 cheaper, although Butler says it is still too early to speculate on prices or specification. He describes the current two-model CX7 turbo as “top-heavy" with performance and equipment levels, which leaves some room for a lower-specced model. Apart from a front-drive CX7, Mazda Australia is also believed to be looking at a turbo-diesel CX7, using the same 136kW/400Nm 2.2-litre engine as the Mazda6. Visually Mazda stylists left the car's overall silhouette alone but tidied up the front grille and rear bumper and tail-lights. The front gets the five-point `family face’ grille treatment seen on everything from the RX8 and Mazda3 to the MX5. Apart from the engine and visual updates, there have been improvements to the car's chassis. Mazda has increased body rigidity and lowered noise, vibration and levels as well as reduced wind noise. To help improve fuel economy in the 2.3-litre CX-7, the six-speed Activematic gearbox gets an improved shift pattern and torque converter lockup control. On the inside the soft-roader gets higher quality materials, Bluetooth compatibility and a new design for the gauges including blackout meters that feature three-dimensional dials and a small colour information display unit at the top of the instrument panel. In some markets, a blind spot monitoring system similar to that fitted to some Volvo models, will be available. The revised CX7 is due in local showrooms in the second half of the year.

However, Ateco Automotive chief, Ric Hull, is confident Chinese cars and light commercial vehicles will be in local showrooms by June.Ateco had originally aimed to launch some Chinese cars into our market last month.Hull says the delay "is purely a function of exchange rates at the moment".He's hoping the Australian dollar will recover or "market pricing levels will adjust to the exchange rates".For Ateco, the first cab off the rank will be four vehicles from Great Wall Motors.The lineup is tipped to be two light commercial pickups with 2.2 and 2.4-litre engines, a small 1.3-litre hatch and a 2.4-litre four-wheel drive off-roader.GWM has right-hand drive versions of the Wingle and Sailor pickups ready to go, as well as the stylish Hover off-roader."In tough times the light commercial segment is not a bad place to be," Hull says.In the third quarter, once its cars meet tough Australian Design Rules, the Chery brand will follow.Ateco has previously expressed interest in the Chery Tiggo off-roader A1 hatch and A5 sedan.News that China cars are still on the local agenda is worrying for marginal importers like Proton, SsangYong and recently launched Mahindra, all fighting for market share.Hull has a proven track record with start-ups, having been behind Hyundai, Daewoo and Kia in Australia.He is heading to China in April for the Shanghai Motor Show to meet with both GWM and Chery executives."Great Wall is talking about launching several new models this year, so we'll be interested in talking to them about those," he says.Like GWM, Chery will concentrate on the volume hatch and sedan small car segment, as well as the compact four-wheel drive segment.Hull says Ateco's strategy will aim at the rival Korean brands but add more equipment in the Chinese cars.This means buyers can expect safety and comfort features normally found on more expensive cars.Things like electronic stability control, anti-skid brakes, curtain airbags, a full suite of in-car electronics and high-end stereos are likely to be standard."The Koreans are an uncertain benchmark at the moment because the Won is one of the least affected currencies by the depreciation in the Australian dollar," Hull says.By comparison the Australian dollar has lost 40 per cent against the Japanese Yen.Ateco has signed 60 dealers, mostly metropolitan, to sell GWM cars."They are quite unperturbed by the delays; they understand completely," Hull says.

Mitsubishi Motors Australia boss, Robert McEniry is urging Federal and state governments to back all-electric cars, which are already in use in many countries.McEniry's views have gained some support from the car industry's peak body, the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries.The chamber's chief executive, Andrew McKellar, says the whole EV issue "is clearly on our agenda".However, he shies away from promoting any up-front tax incentives to lure buyers into EV cars."Such incentives could lead to a distortion in the marketplace," he says."We'd much prefer to see the marketplace dictate how these cars go."At present there are few incentives for private buyers to choose alternative-powered cars like hybrids or all-electric cars.McKellar says EVs face some hurdles, including infrastructure development to help push widespread buyer acceptance.He believes, green tax incentives and parking incentives would go some way to accelerating buyer interest.Next month Mitsubishi Australia will bring in two plug-in i-MIEV electric cars for evaluation and Subaru is also showing off one of its electric cars.McEniry says the company wants to be a leader with zero-emission cars like the i-MIEV."A lot of people are talking about them but we want to take a leadership position with this new technology," he says.The electric revolution is here and Australia needs to step up, he says.McKellar accepts that technology is driving change in the car industry."It is important that the industry is starting preparatory work with government," he says.The FCAI is pushing for talks between government and those car brands with electric vehicles.Mitsubishi Australia has wasted little time in securing the all-electric i-MIEV four seater for evaluation.The car is due to go on sale in Japan soon with a local roll out as early as next year.Mitsubishi is not talking price for the i-MIEV but it is likely to cost more than $25,000."Every manufacturer will have an electric car at some stage," McEniry says."But we want to leverage it."Subaru is also testing the local market, bringing in the Stella EV car in for appraisal before the Melbourne Motor Show.Subaru spokesman, David Rowley, says the company is happy with a "cohesive industry approach" by the FCAI on EV cars.Mitsubishi Australia's i-MIEV initiative is not getting any financial support from Japan to do the i-MIEV evaluation."We're doing this ourselves, but with the endorsement of Japan," McEniry says."If the feasibility study is positive, which we're pretty certain it will be, then Mitsubishi will come into play."McEniry says the i-MIEV will be shown to state and local governments, key stakeholders and green companies, including power companies, in Brisbane, Sydney, Canberra and Melbourne.It will also be part of Mitsubishi's Melbourne Motor Show display, which kicks off on February 27. 

The overwhelming response to the Victorian Chamber of Automotive Industries' future car competition, is prompting the chamber to take it national. About 100 school and university students entered this year's "Target 2020" competition to design the car of the future. Now in its fourth year, the competition has some significant design muscle behind it from the car industry. The man behind the VE Commodore wagon and spectacular Efigy concept hotrod, GM-Holden chief designer Richard Ferlazzo is on board as one of the chief judges. "This year's entrants are of an incredibly high standard," he says. "It's also a great initiative." Ferlazzo also singled out the quality of the entries from secondary school students. "They are particularly good," he says. The VACC's generation manager, communications and marketing, Tim O'Brien, says the award is gaining widespread credibility among young designers. "It is now becoming a valid stepping stone," he says. The entries were received across three disciplines, three-dimensional models, designs or essays. O'Brien says some of detailing and the thought processes of the candidates were exceptionally good. He says the students have not shied away from the economic, environmental and energy challenges facing all manufacturers. "There is a green theme through a lot of them and that's inspiring to see," he says. Secondary and tertiary entrants had a choice of three categories in Target 2020, model making, drawing/design or an essay. Ferlazzo says the winner of the model making category, Kevin Lee from Monash University, answered the critical questions of mobility in the future. Lee's space-saving Pendulous pod uses two gyroscopic wheels for movement and when stationary, can be mounted in a special space-saving pod when parked. "He has really thought out the whole process of how we move around in 2020," Ferlazzo says. Ferlazzo also applauded the Cub entry from Nishant Mathur of the Melbourne High School. Mathur's entry won the secondary school drawing/design category. "Great presentation and execution," Ferlazzo says. Ferlazzo applauds the VACC for getting behind young designers. "Competitions like this are a big help," he says. "When they come through as graduates they tend to have a real feel for the car brands." Last year, as with the previous year, the winning tertiary students found employment with Holden and Ford. Winners for the model making and drawing/design categories receive $3000, while the essay winner receives $500. Each winning entrant's school, TAFE or university also receives a similar amount. Visitors to the Melbourne Motor Show will be able to check out the winners and the finalists. The 11-day show starts on February 27.   The Winners Secondary Design Category   Car: Cub Nishant Mathur Melbourne High School Secondary Model Making Category   Car: Aero Cameron Newnhan Scotch College Tertiary Design Category   Car: Velos Matt Blythman Swinburne University Tertiary Model Making Category   Car: Pendulous Kevin Lee Monash University

Although it has confirmed the hot turbocharged hatch, apart from these teaser photos, performance details are scarce.

It is believed to be the first time the brand has grabbed number one sales spot for a month.

However, Korean carmaker Kia could step into the breach, admitting that the Soul'ster concept shows promise.But could it become a replacement for the venerable Subaru Brumby?"That's a tough question," Kia Australia's head of product planning, Nick Reid, says.Kia Australia executives like the look of the Soul'ster but are playing down its future.Reid is reluctant to speculate on what could happen with the show car, but there is a clear push in North America for the concept to become a production reality.The two-door, four-seater Soul'ster received an enthusiastic public response when it was unveiled at last year's Los Angeles Motor Show and aired at the Detroit Motor Show last month.The vice president of sales at Kia Motors America, Tom Loveless, added his weight behind the ute, saying at Detroit the company is "studying the possibility" of a production version.That's potentially good news for Australia, which has not had a low-cost all-wheel drive ute since the original Brumby.When sales ended in March 1994 there was a collective sigh from Aussie farmers.The Brumby had become a national farm favourite and even today commands strong prices in the used market.Over its 17-year model life, Subaru Australia sold more than 30,000 but in recent years the company has resisted calls to build a replacement.Company executives say it has moved on from the budget end of the market.The absence of a low-cost rural ute left the way open for Proton to flog its front-wheel drive Jumbuck ute as the farmers' friend.The $14,990 1.5-litre Jumbuck has been a stalwart for Proton, filling a gap left by the Brumby.Now, the Jumbuck is scheduled for replacement next year and is a prime candidate for a turbo-diesel engine and all-wheel drive.However, Proton Australia managing director, John Startari, has hosed down speculation on its replacement in the current economic climate."We're still doing feasibility studies," he says.Startari says the biggest problem facing the company is cost, because an all-wheel drive variant would add substantially to the bottom line.He still believes there is strong interest in Australia, South Africa and even Thailand for a small, purpose-built low-cost ute.But getting approval for such a car would be tough in today's climate, he says.The Soul'ster may be a likely candidate but its biggest problem is that it uses the Soul front-wheel drive platform, which was not developed with all-wheel drive in mind.