Articles by Peter Barnwell

Arguably the best looker in Audi's inventory, the S5 Coupe is a bit of a sleeper in the range because there's such a wide choice of appealing models. There's also the question of the price at $135,900 plus options that could add a lot more to the bottom line.The S5 Coupe is one of about 15 A5 variants that include a bunch of four door sportbacks (four door coupes), cabriolets and two door coupes. Audi doesn't really have a direct competitor for its `5' range of cars and they are carving a tidy niche with buyers wanting more style than the average Audi.That's a big ask but well addressed in this athletic and swoopy looking two door with the best front daytime running lights and possibly the best frontal look in the business.UNDER THE BONNETIt has recently scored the generic 3.0-litre, supercharged, petrol V6 engine featured in a number of other Audis and also gains a seven speed, dual clutch, S-tronic manumatic transmission.The direct injection engine passes EU5 emissions regs and is good for 245kW/440Nm output while sipping fuel at an impressively low 8.1-litres/100km. That's despite being capable of putting away a 0-100kmh sprint in 5.8 seconds.Power goes to all four wheels via Audi's quattro drive and it rolls on meaty 18-inch rubber with chunky five spoke alloys. Regenerative braking aids engine efficiency as does switchable engine stop/start which we found a little tardy on the start-up.INSIDEThe car is superbly equipped and beautifully styled inside complete with multiple fascia materials and two tone Nappa leather sports seats. The audio is brilliant and the multi media interface system with navigation is handy and easy to use.Drive select offers a number of dynamic choices including comfort, auto and...dynamic. It has a push button start with proximity key and a driver information system.ON THE ROADPerformance is never lacking thanks to the torquey V6 capably harnessed by that slick- shifting dual-clutch transmission. It has a delightful exhaust pop on upchanges and fairly hammers off the line right up to high speed. Mid range roll on is strident and it even sounds good for a V6. We set the Drive Select to auto which covered all bases. A stint in Dynamic proved wearing after the corners were done.We really like the S5's steering which offers super quick response at low speed and plenty of feel. The brakes are sensitive and take some getting used to. left foot braking is not recommended because it shuts down the engine. It's no lightweight at 1675kg  but can easily transport four adults and their luggage in GT luxury style.VERDICTLoved driving this car because it's such a handsome beast that goes so well. Access to the rear seats is relatively easy and you are cocooned in luxury that even smells good. It rampages along when you dial it up and can behave like a luxury cruiser at the other end of the spectrum. Fuel economy is impressive for a big-ish car with this amount of performance.Audi S5 Coupe 3.0 TFSiPrice: $135,900Warranty: 3 years roadsideSafety Equipment: seven airbags, ABS, EBD, EBA, TC.Crash rating: N/AEngine: 245kW/400Nm, V6, 3.0 Litre petrolBody: 2 Door CoupeDimensions: 4640mm (L); 1854mm (W); 1369mm (H); 2751mm (WB)Weight: 1675kgTransmission: Sports Automatic Dual Clutch, Four Wheel DriveEconomy: 8.1 / 100Km, 190g/km CO2

This is only the third totally new 911 platform since the model started decades ago. The S gets a higher level of standard kit that includes six pot brakes and other goodies.We got to drive the manual Carrera Cabrio and the S with PDK and frankly, prefer the PDK because it's a more engaging drive and has much quicker gear changes. You can also hold onto the wheel with both hands all the time - a distinct benefit at 200kmh plus on the racetrack. Purists will probably like the manual.TECHNOLOGYIt's a rear drive naturally aspirated sports car with the latest technology and thinking Porsche has to offer. That includes a downsized 3.4-litre flat six in the Carrera (with more power and torque rated at 257kW/390Nm) and a power enhanced 3.8-litre flat six in the S model rated at 294kW/440Nm. Redline in both engines is up by 300rpm to 7800.The direct injection engines are a development of the previous 997 model with revised gas flow, reduced friction, ignition upgrade, integrated stop/start, quicker throttle action and earlier torque peak. And like the coupe, there's a choice of seven-speed manual (the first of its kind) and a seven-speed dual clutch PDK manumatic.DESIGNAs you'd expect, the new 911's dynamics are finely honed making it a better thing to drive in all environments - including at the limit on a race track. The body is a hybrid of aluminium and steel and helps make the new model some 45-60kg lighter than the previous 911 Cabrio.It sits 5mm lower has, a 100mm longer wheelbase, wider track, is stiffer and more aerodynamically efficient. The soft top can be deployed at speeds up to 50kmh and it takes around 13 seconds.DRIVEHowling down the long, sloping straight at Sydney Motorsport Park (formerly Eastern Creek) sees 220 - 230kmh click over on the Porsche Carrera Cabriolet speedo. It's seriously fast when you have to peel off left into the big sweeper at the end.But the straight also served to demonstrate just how far soft top "cabriolets" have come in terms of roof integrity. With the roof up, you simply can't tell this is a soft top sports car, even at extremely high speed. There's no bulging, flapping or whooshing as you might expect from lesser brands.No, the 911 Cabrio is tight as a drum at any speed and that applies to water too. It has a clever magnesium frame with three support panels guaranteeing a smooth, tight roofline that mimics the lines of the Carrera coupe almost exactly.Then of course, you can take down the roof and enjoy the climate "au naturale" bat the same speeds but with a degree of buffeting. This is the 991 version of the Porsche 911 Carrera Cabriolet and it arrives not long after the tin top coupe models in the same Carrera and Carrera S variants -- for the time being.The PDK is faster in both models by a couple of tenths over a 0-100kmh sprint and uses only slightly more fuel. That number is an incredible 9.2-litres combined in the Carrera Cabriolet -- in a vehicle with near supercar performance. It will knock off a 0-100kmh sprint in 4.8 seconds with the PDK. The S with PDK does it in 4.5, quicker with the Sports Chrono pack that includes launch control.VERDICTAs expected, the Cabrio is a superb driver's vehicle, engaging, flattering and with that superb flat six howl _ all the better with the roof down.  We love the evolved styling, the luxury interior, the exhaust pop on gear changes -- pretty much everything about this car.

It's been around for a few years now but the E-Class Benz remains a favourite because of its looks, size, style and what's on offer. WHAT IS IT? The E-Class is a rear wheel drive "saloon" offering plenty of interior room for five and a large boot. The styling is distinctively Mercedes-Benz and probably rates as the

I’ll use it to closely inspect any advertisements that show people walking, to see if they are walking in a dangerous manner. Or a manner that could be considered dangerous if it were happening, say, on the edge of a cliff. Or in a manner that looks like they’re having fun. Or just in any manner I don’t like.We'll get a letterhead drawn up, buy a printer, fax machine, phones, computer and get a contacts list of all the media and pollies in the country -- the shakers and movers -- so we can hit them relentlessly with our press releases.These will relate to anything remotely connected to driving a vehicle, oh, and road safety, and we will tell everybody we represent the broader driving community even though we are just a bunch of mates. We will get on the blower and start lobbying for a seat on various government and non-government road safety bodies to generate a "profile'' and access (public) funding.We will harangue car companies about their advertising and accuse them of killing women and children, and everyone else. We will drive (no pun) them into the ground if we deem it necessary. We will punish them relentlessly because they are evil doers. We will have an opinion on everything including the Aussie flag and will be the first reference point for all the flaky news outlets that want an opinion on something or other to fill holes in their thin news lists. I will become their go-to man on all matters relating to driving.I will enjoy being called a serial pest because of all the good I am doing. Though the Driver Council of Australia isn’t expert (at anything except lobbying and talking through our hat) we will become respected and will cultivate connections in high places to ensure we are always heard. After all, we represent the interests of all drivers in the state. No, in the country. No, wait .. the world. 

The rampaging Benz SLK 55 AMG roadster has no competition in the compact Euro' sports car class - it's the only V8 and out-powers the six and five cylinder competition - by a long shot.But the price is competitive at $155,000, so as far as we are concerned, it's a no-brainer. We'd go the V8 Benz every time, for a whole raft of reasons.EXHAUSTINGNot the least of these is how it sounds. There's a dual mode exhaust down the back with flaps that progressively open or close according to throttle position - with the obvious effect.When you drive a V8 you want to know about it, especially one like this that revs to 7200rpm and sounds like World War III at full noise.ENGINEThe direct injection, 5.5-litre, V8 engine is similar to the new twin-turbo V8 used in other AMG cars _ without the turbos and with a different cylinder head and other changes.It has auto stop/start and cylinder deactivation in `eco' mode and is good for a healthy 310kW/540Nm output. Fuel economy is the best of any petrol V8 currently available rated at 8.4-litres/100km _ yes, amazing. The change from four cylinder to eight cylinder running is almost imperceptible.Drive to the rear wheels is by a slick-shifting seven-speed auto with paddle shift and three change modes. It will blip the throttle on down changes and utters a neat exhaust pop at full throttle up changes.CREDENTIALS"Green" influences see low friction engine internals and demand-related alternator and oil pump along with other technologies to reduce enviro impact.THE DRIVEIt's a fabulous car to drive with incredible handling and brutal performance, or it can be a smooth groove depending on your mood. The ride/handling package is brilliant - not rock hard but totally controlled.Handling, is nothing short of sensational thanks in part to the torque vectoring brakes that selectively apply to keep the SLK tracking true. The large wheels/tyres and brakes also help a tad as does direct steering that changes gearing to provide optimum feel and response.THE LOOKIt looks like a scaled down Benz SL with SLS influences and is strictly a two seater. The cabin is luxurious and the hard roof deploys quickly. Our drive car had the Magic Sky roof with variable blue tint _ magic.SAFETYSafety is top notch with all manner of active and passive systems including attention assist and radar cruise control as well as active headlights with auto dip and see round corner function.VERDICTYes please.Mercedes-Benz SLK 55 AMGPrice: from $155,000Warranty: 3 years/unlimited kmResale: 53 per cent (Source: Glass's Guide)Service interval: 25,000km/24 monthsSafety: rating five NCAP starsSpare: mobility kitEngine: 5.4-litre 32-valve V8, 310kW/540NmTransmission: 7-speed automatic; RWDBody: 4.1m (L); 1.8m (w); 1.3m (h)Weight: 1610kgThirst: 8.51/100km, on test 16l/100km,  tank 70 litres; 197g/km CO2

We turn the spotlight on the car world's newest and brightest stars as we ask the questions to which you want the answers. But there's only one question that really needs answering -- would you buy one?What is it?Ford has a bunch of powertrain alternatives in its Falcon these days — including a new 2.0-litre turbo four called the EcoBoost. There are naturally aspirated and force fed 4.0-litre petrol sixes and the EcoLPi gas burning 4.0-litre six though it doesn't really burn gas, it consumes LPG in a liquid state.How much?The EcoLpi range starts at $39,735 for the base XT model. We drove the next model up G6 at $43,335. Is it worth the extra dosh? Not really.What are competitors?Holden's new LPG Commodore as of now and possibly the Toyota Hybrid Camry which is a smaller car — with the same mind-set.What's under the bonnet?Plenty of poke comes from the 4.0-litre straight six that's been extensively modified to run liquid phase gas — a system that runs very much like the normal Falcon petrol injection system. The EcoLPi scores different pistons, higher compression, altered transmission, fuel line upgrade and other techo stuff.How does it go?Really well, significantly better than the petrol six offering strong off the line and mid-range response, quiet and smooth running, no hiccups or backfiring thank you very much.Is it economical?Goes through about 12.3-litres of LPG/100km but running costs are low due to the price of LPG, currently around the 80 cent mark or about half what you pay for petrol. The Federal Government is looming with progressive exise on the fuel — just to make it less attractive. Boot space is compromised.Is it green?Somewhat better than petrol but you use more so.....Is it safe?Falcon FG is a five star car augmented on the MkII model with reverse sensors and more air bags as well as other detail changes.Is it comfortable?It's an excellent car to cover long distances, supple, smooth, quiet, powerful and it won't break the bank at the bowser.What's it like to drive?Still a big barge but roomy and comfortable. The brakes feel a bit mushy , the steering is fairly direct and the ride is compliant. Ideal family hack dynamics.Is it value for money?The G6 is getting up there closing on 45 grand so we'd be happy with the XT even though spec' is less. Four grand is nothing to sneeze at.Would we buy one?Yes, in front of the Commodore every day and certainly in front of the Falcon Ecoboost which would be about the same in fuel useage as the standard six.FORD FALCON FG MKII EcoLPI Price: from $39,735Warranty: 3 year, 100,000kmSafety: Five star, ANCAPEngine: 6 Cylinder, 4.0 Litre, LPG, 198kW/409NmTransmission: Sports Automatic, Rear Wheel DriveBody: 4 Door SedanThirst: 12.3 / 100Km, CO2 199g/kmWeight: 1718kg 

Plenty of people would think business execs would have little or no conscience because they suppress emotion in favour of the corporate good.It would be a handy attribute in the corporate jungle, that's for sure. But now, Lexus has provided an outlet for the softer centre of hard nosed execs to show through, allowing them to express a concerned "green'' side if they chose to drive the new Lexus GS450h Hybrid luxury sedan.It will cost them though — quite a premium over the "normal'' V6 petrol GS but for that investment, they get to use less fuel, considerably less and also generate a lot fewer emissions thereby being good custodians of our children's future. Oh and by the way, the GS450h is quite the performance packaged too showing a clean pair of rears to a good percentage of cars out there.This is the second generation GS450h and far surpasses the first model which was good in parts. The drivetrain is 20 per cent more efficient this time around, it's a roomier car despite sharing similar external dimensions and dynamically, they are like chalk and cheese with the new model being more of a GT car.Though encumbered with additional weight from a (stacked) battery pack (for less boot intrusion) and two electric motors in the transmission case, the new GS has a similar feel to the regular petrol GS range albeit with a stepped CVT transmission featuring paddle shift.They've made the body/chassis stiffer by a considerable degree and lighter too though the car still weighs in over 1900kg. Weight balance is a neat 50/50 which explains why it feels so planted on variable road conditions. And, remember, it's a rear wheel drive so no cheating with all wheel drive here thank you.What is somewhat perplexing is the use of a Nickel Metal Hydride battery instead of the new tech Lithium Ion which is lighter. But Lexus reckons the older type is "mature'' technology less prone to failure. Infact, Lexus has yet to replace a hybrid battery in this country — enough said. Because it's a totally new car from the wheels up, Lexus has been able to adopt refinements across the board including the suspension, steering, brakes and powertrain.The 3.5-litre petrol V6 uses the Atkinson Cycle which delays valve closure allowing a reduction in pumping losses inside the engine and a higher compression ratio for output gains. It has a direct injection system with two nozzles per cylinder. Variable valve timing operates on the inlet and exhaust sides so it's a fairly complex device. But the upside of this is a 0-100kmh sprint time of 5.9 seconds and fuel economy in the region of 6.3-litres/100km — phenomenal. This low fuel consumption is aided in the city by auto stop/start.Maximum output with the petrol and electric engines combined is difficult to nail but Lexus says it's good for 254kW/352Nm a figure that seems about right — perhaps a little under stated. The important thing is the electric motor kicks out 275Nm from zero. You can feel it off the line.There are three variants available, Luxury, F-Sport and Sports Luxury priced at $99,900, $111,900 and $121,900 respectively which is a $3000 reduction on the previous model despite all the extra stuff.All three are generously specified with all manner of luxury kit, premium audio, climate control, leather, electric assistance and five star safety rating.Though a tad noisy under full acceleration, the trademark Lexus silent running is evident most of the time in the GS450h thanks in part to new engine mounts. It's surprisingly good to drive and quite adept in tight going. Multi drive modes are available for the powertrain and other dynamic functions. And the GS is quite good to fire up using the paddle shift and full sport on all settings. The active rear steering system on the top model further sharpens responses.There's a definite European feel to its dynamics even if you can't get around that slurring CVT noise. It's supremely comfortable over a long drive with supple, fully adjustable seats and adaptive suspension.The active cruise control system where fitted will run right down to a stop then accelerate away again when it's clear. Like the look of it too particularly the new spindle grille.The new GS450h is a strong competitor for the turbodiesel Europeans offering similar fuel economy using petrol, superior performance and comparable dynamics and feel. It's a good thing to put on your remuneration "package.''

After persevering with the Noddy-style 3008 “mum-bus'' for a long time, Peugeot now has a butt-kicker in the small SUV segment thanks to an alliance with Mitsubishi.The “model sharing'' arrangement has already yielded the 4007 for Peugeot built on the Mitsu' Outlander platform, and from that was spawned another, smaller vehicle called the 4008 due here in July.VALUEPeugeot Australia's pricing for the newcomer starts at $28,990 for the 2WD, manual base model. The Allure is available in 4WD with CVT only for $38,490. Generous comes instantly to mind as Peugeot Australia strives to get on buyer's shopping lists, as both models get a full size steel spare but satnav is optional in a package costing an additional $1495.The Active model features stuff like 16-inch alloys, multiple steering wheel controls, Bluetooth phone and audio, auto wipers and headlights,  auto dim mirror, climate control, cruise, privacy glass and a full size spare. The Allure gets more including leather, xenon headlights, 18-inch alloys, power adjust heated front seats and more.DESIGNThough considered “European'' the new 4008 actually rolls off a Mitsu' factory in Japan with its own distinctive style and character. It represents the best of both worlds Euro style and flavour/Japanese build quality you can't really go wrong. The lineup is fairly simple... two grades, Active and Allure, one engine, two transmissions and 2WD or AWD. Peugeot offers a couple of optional “packages'' specific to each grade.It has to rate right up there in the style department along with Kia's handsome Sportage and well ahead of the others. Not as macho-looking as Subaru's XV the 4008 shows a more sophisticated, elegant look to its flanks. The front looks powerful, the profile dynamic and the rear athletic. It's stands out on the road with chrome body hardware highlights and LED daytime running lights.The interior has a typical classy European look to it with a stylish dash featuring chrome highlights and piano black fascia, soft touch panels at every point and comfortable seats. There's room inside for four, five at a pinch and a reasonable amount of luggage.TECHNOLOGYThe engine is straight out of a Mitsubishi catalogue a 2.0-litre, twin cam, four cylinder, petrol four with variable valve timing on the inlet and exhaust sides for efficiency gains but no direct fuel injection. Maximum outputs are 110kW/197Nm with the best fuel economy from the base 2WD manual car rated at a respectable 7.7-litres/100km.A diesel powerplant is under consideration possibly with a six-speed auto option. The transmissions are a five-speed manual in Active only and a stepped CVT optional in Active and standard in Allure which is also only available all wheel drive. The AWD system has a four wheel lock-up mode for slippery conditions as well as 2WD and variable split torque 4WD It's all selected by a dial on the centre stack.SAFETYPeugeot has put safety at the top of its 4008 agenda with all variants scoring five stars and a reversing camera. This is on top of numerous other primary and secondary safety features.DRIVINGSurprisingly good for a little petrol SUV offering decent performance and fuel economy, easy highway cruising and low interior noise levels thanks to liberally applied noise suppression material within the body. It offers a comfortable ride with a sporty edge though cornering limitations are clearly defined.We found the CVT equipped model to be a more satisfying drive as it efficiently captures available power and is almost imperceptible in operation. You feel good driving 4008 partly because of the handsome “expensive'' appearance that puts the compact Pug ahead of the Audi Q3 and BMW X1 at half the price. Can't argue with that.VERDICTYummy mummies are gonna love this one and so will the dads. Low-cost fixed-price servicing is a major consideration. The 4008 is a bit of class at an affordable price.

The recent Federal Budget completely failed to look at the "Luxury" Car Tax despite the impost deperately needing an overhaul.Many consider the LCT an inappropriate imposition on vehicle purchases that should be removed or, at the very least, the $57,466 threshold should be doubled.Many vehicles in this price range are family vehicles (eg. Toyota's Prado GXL) featuring important safety technologies.The generally held perception of a luxury is an indulgence which is exclusively available to the rich and famous, for example, a private jet or helicopter, yachts, jewellery, or works of art, and yet, these extravagances are not subjected to an additional tax.In the case of the LCT, many carmakers -- and car buyers -- would argue that the tax is more accurately a tax on safety than on luxury, and penalises people who want a safe vehicle for their family.They see it as unfair. And they're right. 

We’d just turned out of Rodeo Drive in Beverley Hills, Los Angeles and were waiting at traffic lights when this thunderous rumble came within earshot. Heads pivotting, we looked for the source of the commotion.Seconds later, a metallic grey and gold apparition appeared next to us, low slung, mean, wicked and nasty looking. It was a new Dodge Challenger SRT8 Group 2 Widebody. What a name. What a car....HSV BEATERAussies love their HSVs and FPVs but nothing from either of these comes remotely close to the Group 2 Challenger. It is one of the most muscled muscle cars on the streets in the US possibly outgunned only by the forthcoming Ford Mustang Shelby GT500. Who cares, we love the Dodge.Old and new muscle cars are huge business in the US right now with manufacturers delivering a tasty V8 metal feast to enthusiastic Prius-weary buyers.The Group 2 rampaged away from the lights with a sound that could shatter windows at 1000 paces, the rear wheels wiggling as the tyres struggled to cope with massive power and torque produced by the supercharged V8. Then the driver pulled up at the next lights. Ha! What a show.The standard Challenger SRT8 is a good thing equipped with a 350kW/640Nm, 6.4-litre, V8 engine and sundry go-fasts goodies.WHO'S RESPONSIBLEThe Group 2 version is a considerable step up, built from bits supplied by CDC (Classic Design Concepts) in Michigan. CDC has been adding its visual touch to cars since 1990 but cut loose with the Challenger on the outside and under the bonnet.CDC's high quality components are favoured by premium tuning houses like Saleen and Roush. They do not build complete cars prefering customers to create cars for themselves. But the Group 2 looks like it rolled off the factory floor.Inspiration for the brutal-looking beast goes way back into the 1970s Chrysler muscle cars — the Plymouth Hemi Barracuda and earlier Challengers including race versions that competed in Group 2 events of the era. The bulging rear quarter panel extensions have a direct link to the 1971 Plymouth Hemi Barracuda.THE PACKAGEWhat does the Group 2 package comprise? New composite front guards, left and right spoiler canards (side wings) and rear ``billboard'' panel and mudguard well extensions. The new body panels add 12cm to the width of the Challenger.The visual effect is awesome — and functional allowing the use of much bigger 20-inch wheels and tyres for improved traction and cornering grip. Other CDC options include a stainless steel wire mesh grille, sequential tail lights and a fully functional shaker bonnet system.CDC can also point you in the right direction for engine mods including a Vortech supercharger that works in conjunction with the shaker system to boost the Hemi V8 to 430kW (575 horsepower) with something like 800Nm.And out the back, a Corsa exhaust system is essential to deliver  that muscle car sound. Also available is a KW coil over suspension system for better handling together with six pot Brembo brakes on large diameter drilled discs.BIG TICKThe car we saw ticked all the boxes and would retail in the US for around $72,820 — a mere snip when you look at what HSV and FPV charge for lesser cars. The Group 2 is beautiful in its own way and has more eyeball pulling power than any Ferrari you care to mention.It's bold and brash topped of with corona ring daytime running lights in the grille surrounding amber blinkers. Woo hoo. We couldn't wangle a drive but reports suggest the performance matches the looks — take no prisoners off the line for a potentially sub 4.0 second 0-100km/h time.Owners say it delivers capable handling and braking and a sound to rival the Benz SLS on full song. It comes with either a six speed manual or six speed auto. Hope it comes here.