Articles by Neil McDonald

The silver 1964 DB5 used in the Bond movies Goldfinger and Thunderball goes under the gavel in London in October. It is expected to fetch more than $5 million.  The Aston is one of only two cars left from the original 007 DB5s driven by Sean Connery in the two Bond movies. It even has its original UK registration number, FMP 7B. The DB5 has has travelled about 48,000km and has rarely been seen in public since it was bought in 1969 by American radio broadcaster and philanthropist Jerry Lee. Lee paid $US12,000 for the purpose-built movie car. "The James Bond car has brought me much enjoyment for some 40 years," Lee says. Lee will use the auction funds to help the Jerry Lee Foundation, a charity aimed at solving social problems associated with poverty. The Bond car comes with a full complement of accessories, including machine guns, bullet-proof shield, revolving number plates, tracking device, removable roof panel, oil slick sprayer, nail spreader and smoke screen, all controlled from factory installed toggles and switches hidden in the centre arm-rest. The DB5 was originally loaned to EON Productions for the Bond films and returned to the Aston Martin Lagonda factory after a promotional tour. It is described as being in original condition and has recently been overhauled to returning it to running condition. The managing director of RM Auctions in the UK, Max Girardo, says the Aston is one of the world's most significant collector cars.

And in traditional French fashion, the newest Citroen is designed to pamper its occupants.  Among some of its gimmicks is an in-car choice of different colours for the instrument display and a function that allows the driver to select their own polyphonic sound alerts.Some models will even be available with a massage function on the front seats.  Like other new European cars the C4 gets a host of new technologies, including a blind-spot monitoring system, a cornering light system, cruise control and speed-limiter with road speed memory settings and an innovative new service called eTouch.eTouch enables drivers to monitor their driving patterns and fuel consumption and receive advice on how to improve their fuel economy.  The system also constantly monitors the car's technical status and remind drivers of any maintenance or servicing requirements.The French newcomer ditches the quirky design of the current car, including the fix-centre steering wheel, opting for a more conventional look and a more upmarket cabin.  The hatch is 50mm longer, 20mm wider and 30mm taller than the current car and will be available in Europe with a range of new micro-hybrid e-HDI engines.These have the latest generation stop/start ignitions and C02 emissions as low as 109g/km.  Michelin Energy Saver tyres are also specified to help achieve these low emissions and to boost fuel economy.The latest C4 gains a 408-litre boot, which Citroen says is the biggest in its class, with square dimensions and a lower sill to make loading even easier.  The C4 also uses 15 per cent green materials to enhance its environmental credentials.The hatch will be unveiled at the Paris Motor Show in September and is expected on sale here next year.

Despite the fact it has not even gone on sale in its key markets it is a sell-out in the United States and Japan.  Nissan dealers in the US hold 13,000 pre-orders for the cars, with customers putting down $US99 refundable deposits to reserve a vehicle.  In Japan 6000 people have put deposits on cars. The plug-in Leaf goes on sale in both countries later this year and is due to hit local Nissan showrooms some time in 2012.  The company is aiming to sell 50,000 electric cars in the US, Europe and Japan next year.  It is currently installing fast-charging stations at all 2200 Nissan dealerships in Japan, which allows the car to be charged to 80 per cent capacity in 30 minutes. The Tiida-size Leaf hatch is the first of several Nissan and Renault EV vehicles planned.  By 2013, the company has plans to build eight electric vehicles, including sedans and commercial vehicles. Nissan has just announced pricing for the Leaf in Europe.  In most of its European launch markets it will cost under $45,000 after government incentives, about the same as a comparably-equipped diesel or hybrid car. The Leaf uses a lithium-ion electric motor to produce 80kW/280Nm. It has a range of about 160km and top speed of 140km/h.  The Nissan-Renault chief executive officer, Carlos Ghosn, told the Detroit Economic Club last week that it wants to sell 500,000 electric cars by 2012. However, some critics argue that he is being overly optimistic, given obvious shortcomings of pure-EV cars like their higher cost and range compared to conventional petrol or diesel vehicles.  "We understand that when you go into innovation or new technology, some people are more bullish and some are more bearish," Ghosn says. "Five hundred thousand units is only 0.8 percent or 0.9 percent of the car market."  Ghosn is trying to sell more electric cars through both companies than the sales forecasts of its rivals. General Motors is aiming to built 45,000 of its Volt electric car, which also uses petrol, annually by 2012. California-based start-up Tesla Motors Inc, which already builds the electric Roadster, wants to sell about 20,000 of its Model S family sedan in 2012.

Known for its heavy gas-guzzlers Land Rover is planning a diesel hybrid and two-wheel drive. The company is also spending more than $1 billion to design and build more eco-friendly off-roaders that are lighter and more fuel efficient to help combat tougher emission regulations. The two-wheel drive version of the Land Rover LRX off-roader will arrive in local showrooms around September next year.Land Rover Australia spokesman, Tim Krieger, says the small off-roader will wear a Range Rover badge when it arrives. However, he says the final name of the car and product line-up is still "under review"."It will sit above the Freelander and below the Range Rover Sport," he says. "For us it will also give buyers who don't really need four-wheel drive an opportunity to get into a Land Rover product."It will also help expand the carmaker's customer base and give it a serious competitor in a growing two-wheel drive crossover segment, he says. The LRX will emit less than 130g/km of CO2, making it the most fuel efficient and lightest, Range Rover ever.The company's first diesel electric hybrid Range Rover Sport is planned for 2013. But far from walking away from its off-road heritage, Land Rover's managing director Phil Popham says the company remains committed to making "the world's finest all-terrain vehicles" for customers who need a four-wheel drive. "But we'll also now offer an alternative to those that don't," he says.Testing of the diesel hybrid prototype, called the "range-e", will start using a Range Rover Sport later this year. The Sport will use an existing 3.0-litre V6 turbodiesel engine with an eight-speed ZF automatic transmission. The goal is to achieve a range of 32km using electric power only as well as emit less than 100 g/km of CO2 emissions.

Its prototype two-seater electric city car called the Nido EV is a showcase of alternative energy and light-weight construction techniques. The car has been built as part of the Nido Development Program, which is exploring 21st century solutions to motoring. The Nido is marginally bigger than a Smart ForTwo and powered by a 30kW/125Nm rear mounted electric motor. When fully charged the car can travel 140km and will reach 60km/h in 6.7 seconds. has a top speed of 120km/h and will reach 60km/h in 6.7 seconds. It uses a tubular steel frame that weighs around 900kg. Pininfarina CEO Silvio Pietro Angori says the styling house will continue to "dress technology". "And we will offer even more industrial design services, continuing to play a key role as a design house and an innovative partner with unique skills, able to provide solutions that can translate into competitive advantage for our clients," he says. Pininfarina plans other versions with a final prototype to use a light-weight aluminium space frame body. The Nido's structure has been designed to accommodate four different electric or hybrid vehicles. Apart from the two-seater it can also support a 2+2 configuration, ute or small van. The prototype is powered by a Zebra Z5 nickel and sodium chloride battery. When fully charged, it provides the car with a range of 140km, enough for city commuting. The high-tech battery pack was chosen for its environmental compatibility. Performance is on a par with similar-sized commuters. It will accelerate to 60km/h in 6.7 seconds and has top speed of 120km/h. The car does not produce any harmful emissions and is 100 per cent recyclable at the end of its life. The prototype is also equipped with low-cost and environmentally sustainable green tyres developed by Pirelli. Even the cabin's automatic electric heating system cabin has been designed to reduce power consumption. "Consistent with our industrial plan, we will maintain our commitment to sustainable mobility," Angori says. "In other words both the development and production of electrical vehicles (cars and buses), and research into both alternative components and materials and aerodynamic shapes that can help to make vehicles lighter and reduce their consumption and emissions." Nido was developed to celebrate Pininfarina's 80th anniversary.  

Called Eyesight, the idiot-proof high-tech safety system is currently being tested by Subaru Australia.  It is expected to be rolled out locally next year on high-end Liberty/Outback models. The Subaru device is similar to Volvo's City Safety in its ability to recognise potential road hazards and alert the driver.  However, unlike Volvo's system, Subaru uses two cameras located near the rear view mirror rather than a laser. "The reason it's called Eyesight is because the stereo cameras replicate human eyesight," according to Subaru Australia technical services manager, Derek Ashby.  Its inventors say the cameras are better able to recognise the complex road environment, from white lines, to barriers, people and bicycles. Eyesight can avoid frontal collisions, lane drifting and low-speed impacts.  It is currently available in Liberty, Outback and Exiga models in Japan for about $1200.  Like humans, the system requires clear weather to work properly. In rain or bright direct sunlight its performance is diminished.  "It needs clear vision just as people do," Ashby says. Subaru has been testing a third-generation version here for the past nine months to program more local driving conditions into it.  They have towed a caravan with it and driven the Outback test car extensively on dirt roads. Eyesight's two digital cameras feed information into a micro-processor above the windscreen.  It locks on to any vehicle in front and when used with the adaptive cruise control, will slow, stop or accelerate the car. Like City Safety, it will also apply the brakes in stop-start traffic to prevent crashing into the back of other vehicles.  Other party tricks include lane departure warning and sway warning.  It will also stop a driver from accidentally driving into a carpark wall if they accident hit the accelerator instead of the brake, even if a forward gear is engaged. The system will also beep at inattentive drivers to let them know the vehicle in front has moved away from traffic lights or an intersection.  A pre-crash function will brake the car to a complete stop below 30km/h to avoid low-speed collisions. Subaru also says it will also work at speeds above 30km/h and up to 50km/h with minimal damage.  Eyesight has been developed in conjunction with Hitachi.

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 warsHolden Commodore 3.0 V6 six-speed - 9.3 litres/100km, 221g/km C02. 5.5 greenhouse ratingFord Falcon XT six-cylinder six-speed - 9.9 litres/100km 236g/km C02. 5.5 greenhouse ratingToyota Aurion V6 six-speed - 9.9 litres/100km 233g/km C02. 5.5 greenhouse rating

The recall was prompted after two drivers reported problems with mats jamming the accelerator. Ford Australia spokesman, Todd Nissen, said the drivers were able to slow their vehicles and were not injured."We had two reports that drivers weren't able to stop the vehicle because of the mat," he said. "So we looked into and determined that it was one of three mats we sell that could have caused the problem."The carpet mat set can be identified by its black colour with silver "Territory" lettering and rubber backing material. It is sold as an accessory with a Ford parts number 5R7J A13002 AA and is not a standard fitting on the car. Nissen said because it was an accessory, Ford dealers are being asked to contact purchasers directly."Unlike a vehicle recall we don't have a database of names," he said. "But what we do have is a good dealer network that can contact owners."The mats have been available since last June.Anyone who bought one of the 4990 mat sets as an accessory are being urged to return it to a Ford dealer in exhange for a free replacement of another design. Nissen said the mat set was one of three available. The others are not affected, he said.Ford has placed ads in newspapers and is posting notifications with dealers to alert Territory drivers.Earlier this year Toyota in North America was forced to recall millions of cars globally because of a similar floor mat-related problem that was found to jam the accelerator, causing cars to accelerate suddenly and uncontrollably."It's also important to note that there are no issues with accelerators or brakes or any other part of the Territory," Nissen said.

For a company best known for its rugged Patrol, Nissan's "other" off-roaders have had a hard job stealing a second glance from buyers. Between them the Patrol and even mid-size X-Trail share the limelight, leaving the Dualis and Murano as second placegetters in the must-have stakes.But since the new Murano arrived just over 15 months ago, there are more on the road as families discover its attributes. Like the Dualis, it is gaining momentum among buyers. More than 3500 have been sold since it went on sale and Nissan Australia expects a solid result this year given the car has just received some new features.EQUIPMENTThe ST gets keyless entry and start, which was previously only available on the Ti. It also adds Bluetooth phone controls with steering wheel mounted switches. Like similar systems locking or unlocking the car is simply a matter of touching the door handle, and to start or stop the engine, simply push the start/stop button on the dash.The Ti now gets a large dual-panel electric sliding sunroof with a proper shade to block out harsh sunlight. The large, full-width front glass panel slides open or can be raise slightly to assist ventilation, while the rear panel is a fixed skylight, which allow plenty of light into the airy interior.Gone are the days when Nissan's interiors looked a little down-market. The Ti has soft-touch quality plastics, sensibly placed switchgear, double stitched leather and alloy highlights that impart a luxury feel.The standard kit on the Ti includes an 11-speaker Bose sound system, satellite navigation system, electric rear hatch and rear 60/40 split seatbacks that can be lowered electrically too.Other standard features include leather upholstery, an intuitive climate control system, six-spoke and 18-inch alloys. From the outside the new Murano appears to have a roof made mostly from darkened glass.BODY AND MECHANICALLittle else has changed for the Murano and the ‘sculpture in motion’ design still remains contemporary. Underneath the smooth sheetmetal is a powerful 191kW 3.5-litre V6 engine, which remains one of Nissan's best-ever engines from the VQ family.In addition to the silky V6 the Murano gets Nissan's Xtronic continuously variable transmission which is now quicker and more intuitive. The Ti throws in electric tailgate, high-end sound system, electric raise rear seats and a reversing camera with predictive path technology. Like the X-Trail, the Murano uses Nissan's AllMode all-wheel drive system.A full suite of electronic safety systems, including electronic stability control and a rigid bodyshell earned the Murano a top safety pick award at launch from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety in the United States.DRIVINGWe kept having to recheck the fuel consumption in our Murano. After a week dicing with peak hour traffic and a cross-country burst on the freeway in the Ti the reset trip computer refused to budge off 8.5 litres/100km, no matter how unkindly the car was driven.For a big luxury off-roader, that's an impressive figure and says a lot about the combination of a CVT automatic and Nissan's superb V6 engine works. Even if the figure was a little optimistic - in our experience most trip computers are - the Murano stacks up as a reasonably economical family crossover wagon.Nissan's official fuel economy reading is a combined highway and city figure of 10.9 litres/100km so a sub-10 is likely at constant highway speeds. When we last tested it the average was 11.9 litres/100km so maybe gentle driving is the key to a frugal fuel economy figure.The V6 remains one of our favourite engines and is more than a match for the best Europeans. It's incredibly smooth and silent, yet when you call upon it to haul the car quickly, it responds easily and without drama.The CVT behaves almost like a conventional automatic but as there are no normal gearchanges – it just keeps the car on the boil. Enthusiastic drivers also get a six-speed manual mode. This gearbox is also good for economy because it allows the V6 to loaf along at highway speeds at modest revs. Where the CVT is caught out sometimes is at the traffic lights. It can hesitate ever-so-briefly but is no worse than some modern dual-clutch transmissions.For $57,890 the Ti presents a surprisingly good deal and is well equipped when lined up against its key rivals. Audi snobs will enjoy the high-end sound system. The rear parking camera is a useful addition but on an up-market model like the Ti front sensors should also be standard because it is hard to judge the protruding snout when parking.Inside the Ti is spacious and suitably well equipped for the price. The twin glass roofs add to the cabin's airy feel, particularly with the light tan leather interior. Both front and rear occupants enjoy plenty of legroom and headroom but the tapered rear end and full-size spare compromises luggage space a bit. It's a trade-off we're happy with, particularly given that full-size spares are a rare commodity among off-roaders these days. A full-size spare has become a selling point in itself.Some buyers might bypass the Murano because it only comes with five-seats, but Nissan has an answer to that with the new Dualis+2 seven-seater. However, its more direct competition like the seven-seater Mazda CX-9, Toyota Kluger and even the Ford Territory ace the Murano in the accommodation stakes. But the latest Ti adds some nice luxury touches to keep it in the game.THE BOTTOM LINE: Class-leading V6 and CVT make it a standout but some families might balk at the lack of seven seats.SCORE: 80/100NISSAN MURANO TiPrice: $57,890Engine: 3.5-litre V6Power: 195kW at 6000 revsTorque: 336Nm from 4400 revsTransmission: CVT automaticBody: Five-door wagonSeats: FiveDimensions: Length 4835mm, Width 1885mm, Height 1730mm, Wheelbase 2825mm, tracks front/rear 1610mm/1610mmSteering: Speed sensitive power-assisted rack and pinion power steeringSuspension: Independent front struts; multi-link rearFuel tank: 82 litresFuel type: Premium unleadedFuel consumption: 0.9l/100km combinedWeight: 1832kgSpare: Full-size alloyBrakes: Anti-skid all-round discsWheels: 18-inch alloysTyres: 235/65R R18Safety: Dual front, side and curtain airbags, electronic stability control, traction control, anti-skid brakes, brake assist, seatbelt pretensioners, anti-theft alarm, active front headrestsCO2 emissions: 261g/kmRIVALSJeep Grand Cherokee LaredoRating: Four starsPrice: $45,000Engine: 3.6-litre V6 petrol, 210kW/347NmTransmission: Five-speed automaticBody: Five-door wagonThirst: 11 litres/100km 91 RON, 256g/km CO2A better dual-purpose package and there's a turbodiesel option. Land Rover Freelander 2 Rating: Three and a half starsPrice: $49,990Engine: 3.2-litre six-cylinder petrol, 171kW/317NmTransmission: Six-speed automaticBody: Five-door wagonThirst: 10.7 litres/100km, 255g/km CO2Still the choice for off-road enthusiasts but doesn't have the looks.Toyota Kluger - 2003-2007Price new: $43,990 to $58,990Engine: 3.3-litre V6; 172 kW/328 NmTransmission: 5-speed auto, AWDEconomy: 12.3 L/100 kmBody: 5-door wagonVariants: CV, CVX, GrandeSafety: 4-star ANCAPThe safe-but-boring bet in terms of dynamics, space and resale.

His eyesight isn't the best and his hearing is shot but the motor racing great has been getting writer's cramp in the past few months.  The three-times world Grand Prix champion launched a signed scale model of his famous Repco Brabham BT19 race car last week. The famous race car forms the cornerstone of model car maker Top Gear's new Legends series.  Just 1000 "signature edition" models will be made, all personally signed by Brabham. Brabham designed and built the BT19 with the help of Repco, winning the 1966 word driver's championship in the car.  The BT19 also helped Brabham score points in his Constructor's Championship wins in 1966 and 1967. The Top Gear BT19 is No1 of the series, which will recognise the outstanding achievements of legendary Australians in their respective fields.  Top Gear plans model tributes for five-times world motorcycle champion Mick Doohan and aviation pioneer Charles Kingsford-Smith. Brabham, 84, took time out last week from following his grandson Matthew's burgeoning Formula Ford career to launch the Legend series at the National Sports Museum in Melbourne.  He says the model BT19 is faithful to the original, right down the the paint. "It's fantastic. It's a beautiful little model. It's very much like the actual car," he says.  Brabham reckons the BT19 was the last of the 1960s Grand Prix cars that actually look stylish.  "This BT19 was before the wings," he says. "Unfortunately when the wings came good-looking motor cars didn't happen any more."  The BT19 remains one of his favourite cars, partly because of the involvement of Repco in helping develop the V8 race engine for the car. "They came up with an engine that went out and won the world championship straight off," Brabham says.  "Really it was mostly a very nice engine to drive.  "It was torquey. For driving around short circuits it was ideal.  There were cars around with more horsepower but we were still able to beat them." Brabham is proud of his achievements but says the motor racing dynasty he has spawned is his biggest achievement.  The Brabham racing genes have passed down to his sons Geoff, Gary and David and now grandson, Matthew, is taking the family name to Formula Ford. "It pleases me more than my actual racing career," he says.  "I have three sons who've all done very well in motor racing, particularly Matthew's father, Geoff who's done very well in the States. and of course my son David is doing well now in America. "He's leading the American Le Mans series now and he's going to come out here for three races in Australia, which is great."  But it is grandson Matthew that is clearly now the apple of the Sir Jack's eye. "He's been driving since he was 7 and he finished go-karts last year with four State championships to his name and he's already had one win in the Formula Ford."