Articles by Nelson Ireson

Last week we brought you the first images of the upcoming Toyota FT-86 Open Concept, which previews what a soft-top FR-S might look like.

The KTM X-Bow is an unflinchingly stripped-down track car that coincidentally happens to be street legal in some countries -- although not sold in Australia for road use. The latest iteration of the X-Bow, the GT, could be heading more for road than track, with the addition of creature comforts like doors and windows. Rumours of just such a car have been circulating for over a year now, but today, we get confirmation. Still eschewing a roof of any sort, the KTM X-Bow GT adds windows and (very small) doors to the open-top's package. No solid details on the X-Bow GT have been released just yet--only a picture and a confirmation of its scheduled debut in Geneva next week--but we expect the windows and doors will be removable for track use, as that is still any X-Bow's primary mission in life. For those keeping track, this isn't the first X-Bow to sport the extras: Italian company Montenergy has been selling a full hardtop kit for the car for nearly two years. Look for the full details on the X-Bow GT live from the show next week. www.motorauthority.com  

Sitting across the table from Porsche AG CEO Matthias Mueller once, we asked why the 911 had changed so little in its design over time. He answered simply: you don't mess with what works. Corporate groupmate Volkswagen holds to the same philosophy with its Golf, and the Mark VII model is very close to its predecessor -- at least visually. The all-new GTI brings several important upgrades, however -- and very closely mirrors the concept shown in Paris last year. Most obvious is the upgrade in power from the 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder to the new GTI's 162kW at 4500 rpm. Torque is now 350Nm at just 1500 rpm. An optional factory performance pack -- a first for VW -- can boost that to 169kW, and adds a torque-sensing limited-slip differential plus upgraded performance brakes, with larger vented rotors on all four wheels (13.4-inch in front, 12.2-in at the back).  A six-speed manual transmission is still standard, and a six-speed DSG dual-clutch transmission is also available with either power configuration. With the manual, the 0-100km/h run takes 6.5 seconds (or 6.4 with the performance pack) and top speed is 264km/h (250km/hh with the performance pack). Performance figures for the DSG version haven't yet been released. A new start-stop system give around an 18 per cent improvement in efficiency, and enables both to reach combined fuel economy of 6.0 L/100km with the manual transmission, while the DSG scores a bit worse at 6.4L and 6.5L for the Performance Pack. Curb weight for the base GTI is 1351kg. Other standard equipment includes 17-inch "Brooklyn" GTI wheels shod with 225/45 tires, red-painted brake calipers, twin chrome tailpipes, and, of course, a lowered, tauter GTI-tuned suspension. Aesthetic differences from the standard Golf include special aerodynamics at the front, sides, and rear of the car; and smoked LED tail lights. Inside, the new GTI gets "Clark" tartan pattern on the seats; a black headliner; red ambient lighting; a sport steering wheel; GTI-badged shifter knob and instrument cluster; special trim inserts; and stainless steel pedals. All GTIs will also include a "progressive" steering system, automatic climate control, park assist, touchscreen infotainment system, and a winter pack with heated front seats. Three colors are available for the GTI: "Tornado Red," "Black," and "Pure White." The new GTI hits Germany in May, with deliveries to other markets -- including Australia -- starting sometime later this year. There's no firm word yet on local prices, but don't expect it to stray too far from the current model's starting price of $38,990. www.motorauthority.com  

While we're not sure why the sketched profile of the top half of the car would be of any additive value to the photographic profile of the same released ahead of its Geneva debut, we're glad Rolls-Royce has decided to give the Wraith's form a name: the fastback.Fastbacks are a familiar form, and while essentially a spin on the coupe body style, the name helps guide the onlooking world toward Rolls-Royce's idea for the car as much as toward its final appearance.By calling the Wraith a fastback, the company is clearly putting an emphasis on the car's performance nature--though still undeniably bringing a velvet-gloved fist down on the luxury front as well.What we suspect of the Wraith so far also leans in the sport-oriented direction, too, as befits a car with the Bentley Continental GT, and its Speed derivatives, as its most likely competition. Power for the Wraith could come from a twin-turbocharged 6.6-liter V-12 shared with the Ghost sedan, but tuned to more than 440 kilowatts--right on the GT Speed's heels.Whether the Wraith will be able to hang with the proven, albeit decade-old, Bentley remains to be seen on the road--but we'll have our first full look at the car, and its specs, in just a couple of weeks with our live coverage from the 2013 Geneva Motor Show.www.motorauthority.com

BMW's Gran Turismo take on a roomier, more useful vehicle somewhere between a sedan and a wagon wasn't all that well received, at least aesthetically, when it first showed up as a conceptual variant of the 5 Series in 2009. Now, the 3 Series has its own Gran Turismo.Does it work any better in this form? For the most part, yes, but it still won't suit everyone. The smaller proportions of the 3 Series give the hatchback profile a less massive, bulbous look--from the front 3/4 view, it's almost sleek.From the rear 3/4 view, the shape is a bit less compelling, but it's well-executed, with all of the BMW shapes, angles, and cues you'd expect.Like the 3 Series Sedan it shares part of its name with, the 2014 3 Series Gran Turismo will be offered in the U.S. in both 176 kW 328i and 221 kW 335i forms. An eight-speed automatic transmission is standard.But compared to the 3 Series Sports Wagon, the 3 Series Gran Turismo is rather large: it's 200 mm longer, 81 mm taller, and has a 110 mm longer wheelbase. Those figures push it into 5-Series sedan territory in overall footprint--just as the 5-Series Gran Turismo is closer to the 7-Series in its overall size.Along with the taller ride height, the seating position of the 3 Series Gran Turismo is also higher: 58 mm, to be exact. BMW says this improves visibility as well as ingress/egress--and we think it also lends the 3 Series GT some of the feel of a higher-riding crossover American drivers prefer. In the second row, passengers gain 7 cm of leg room, a very welcome extension for full-size adults. Headroom is greater all around.In the cargo area of the 3 Series GT, BMW has applied all of its engineering powers and creativity to making a space that's as useful and customizable as possible. A 40:20:40 split-folding rear seat can combine gear and occupants, while a two-piece parcel shelf, an array of tie-down points, underfloor storage compartments, and LED illumination make the cargo space that much more user-friendly. Total cargo area is about one cubic foot greater than that of the 3 Series Sports Wagon, according to BMW. (See examples of the configurability of the cargo space in the gallery above).Subtle visual cues differentiate the 3 Series GT from the Sedan and Sports Wagon as well, even when viewed head-on:a smoother hood, larger headlights, up-sized air intakes, and "blades" inset into the front apron.2014 BMW 3 Series Gran TurismoLike the 3 Series Sedan, the Gran Turismo is available in a range of standard trim lines, including the Sport Line, Luxury Line, Modern Line, and M Sport. Sport Line models get a black kidney grille with nine bars, black air intakes, interior color accents, and sport seats among other details.Luxury Line models get an 11-slat chrome grille with matte black accents, chrome exterior details, and a combination of chrome and high-gloss wood accents inside. The Modern Line 3 Series Gran Turismo also gets an 11-slat grille, double trim strips around the air intakes, and a light-colored dashboard inside, with pearl-effect chrome accents. All models are available with a range of 18- or 19-inch alloy wheels, unique to each trim line.M Sport models get a new aerodynamic package, including front and rear aprons, diffuser, and side skirts; a high-gloss Shadow Line trim package from BMW Individual; M door sill, leather steering wheel, and driver's footrest; sport seats; and a lowered M Sport suspension.Sport Line and M Sport models get a special version of the eight-speed automatic transmission, which quickens shift times, and adds shift paddles to the steering wheel.www.motorauthority.com 

MINI calls it "Not Normal." We've been known to call it "creepy." Wherever it lands on your personal spectrum, MINI's ad flavour is definitely unusual. The latest, for the new Paceman, is called "Street Attitude". Showing a guy that's in a hurry to grab some vinyl, pick up dinner, and flash his girlfriend--with his lights--as he pulls into his living room/garage, we're not entirely sure what's going on here. Par for the course with MINI. Three versions of the ad are offered, with the primary ad featuring a run-in at an intersection with another Paceman--later revealed to be the first driver's bird-flipping girlfriend. Not that it's the first time MINI has flipped us the bird. The second version has a happier ending, and the third version ends with a much lonelier scene. Almost loser status. So what do you think of these ad spots? Is MINI out in left field again, or do they resonate with you? If so, could you please tell us what sort of person you are, because we still can't figure out who the typical Paceman buyer is. Thanks.   www.motorauthority.com    

We're not immune to the err…charms…of Kate Upton, but at the same time, we can't really figure out how she became famous. Regardless, here she is tricking some guys in football jerseys into washing a new Mercedes-Benz CLA Class. Presumably it's hers. The video is a new Super Bowl ad from the brand that claims to seek The Best or Nothing, and while we're not sure a pinup girl and a front-wheel drive compact four-door coupe quite meet that mark, we're sure the ad will be a hit with most of the beer and brats Super Bowl crowd.  

The 2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray was just unveiled at the 2013 Detroit motor show, and unless you've been hiding under a very large rock, you already know what it looks like and every other detail, too. Now, it seems the coupe's convertible alternative has leaked about a year ahead of its expected arrival.The images, posted by The Auto Insider, look to be authentic. In fact, if they are a digital manipulation of the coupe photographs, they're the best we've ever seen--and we see dozens of attempts daily.So, ogle to your heart's content--this is, if not the real deal, so close as to make no difference.It's worth noting, however, that we're disappointed these images leaked. It doesn't require much imagination to envision what a convertible version of the 2014 Corvette Stingray would look like, but there's something to be said for mystery, anticipation, and that mixture of fear and excitement over the unknown.Early leaks spoil the magic. By the time the actual Stingray Convertible rolls across an auto show stage, likely some time in late 2013 or early 2014, it'll be old hat.And that's just sad.www.motorauthority.com 

We've seen the leaked patent images, the spy shots, and even the almost-ready-for-prime-time concept, but today, we get our first official look at the Volkswagen Golf R Cabriolet--the drop-top version of Volkswagen's hottest hatch. With 201kW of power and 350Nm of torque on tap from a turbo 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, 4Motion all-wheel drive, and classically understated Golf looks, the Cabriolet is sure to be one quick little convertible. But does it make sense for the enthusiast? Perhaps. The Golf R in America is crippled by an always-on traction control system that has annoyed owners since its launch. The Golf R's European owners don't have to deal with this lawyerly bit of intrusion into the driving experience. Fortunately, some enthusiasts have found ways to circumvent the system by hacking the ABS code--though VW of America still hasn't come forward with an official resolution. With that in mind, Golf Rs of any flavor are likely to see little in the way of serious track duty, so why not cut the top off and make one fast and furious little cabrio? It will still be blisteringly quick, likely hitting 100km/h in well under six seconds. And as our experience with MX-5s and R8s has shown, taking the top off almost always results in more fun, even if it's not the quickest way to do things. Look for more official information and details soon. www.motorauthority.com

The "new" 2014 Z4 gets updates that include: full access to ConnectedDrive features; three new paint colours; updated trim and stitching for the interior; a new 18-inch wheel design; and a new side indicator light that "adds a dynamic sweep to the gills on the front side sections of the car" according to BMW. Yep, that's it in a nutshell. Updates to the Z4's ConnectedDrive system include: High Beam Assistant, Park Distance Control, and in navigation-equipped cars, internet-based information and entertainment features, including BMW Online portal, Real Time Traffic Information, and iPhone-based BMW apps to scan Twitter and Facebook posts or listen to MOG, Pandora, Aupeo, or Stitcher internet radio. BMW's TeleServices, Remote Services, Concierge Services, and Automatic Collision Notification features are also now included in the Z4's ConnectedDrive package. The interior updates include standard high-gloss black surrounds for the air vents and iDrive's folding Control Display (part of the optional navigation package); optional Fineline Anthracite wood trim; Kansas leather trim; and the Hyper Orange package, which includes a black-and-orange theme for the cabin, including Alcantara door trim, black leather seats with Valencia Orange stitching, an accent stripe on the backrests and seat cushions, and a "metal weave" trim strip. The Hyper Orange package replaces the previous Citrus Yellow package. Powertrains and models are unchanged for the 2014 model year, with the 180 kilowatt 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbocharged Z4 sDrive28i, the 225 kilowatt six-cylinder turbo Z4 sDrive35i, and the 250 kilowatt turbo-six Z4 sDrive35is all carrying forward. The sDrive35is is available only with the seven-speed DCT dual-clutch transmission, as last year, while the sDrive28i offers a six-speed manual or an eight-speed automatic and the sDrive35i gets a choice of six-speed manual or the seven-speed DCT. MotorAuthority