Articles by Viknesh Vijayenthiran

Though British track specialist Caterham is determined to branch out into the world of production cars, the company hasn’t forgotten its roots and is still developing models based on the legendary Lotus Seven chassis.Its latest is the 2013 620R, which replaces Caterham’s previous R500 range-topper. The 620R makes its official debut on Thursday at the 2013 Goodwood Festival of Speed, which runs from July 11-14 on the grounds of Goodwood House in the U.K.Powering the car is a supercharged version of Ford’s 2.0-litre Duratec four-cylinder engine. Caterham fans will recall that this is the same engine featured in the previous R400 and R500 models but in its latest guise the engine has been tuned to deliver 232 kW and 296 Nm of torque.This makes the 620R the most powerful road-going Caterham to date, though it doesn’t come close to matching the 372 kW of Caterham’s track-only RS Levante of 2008.Still, we doubt there will be few complaining about the 620R’s lack of power. With the car likely to tip the scales at under 550 kg (a final figure is yet to be announced), 232 kW should ensure it reaches 100 km/h in just 2.79 seconds.Unique features of the 620R include its nosecone, which has been reshaped to optimize airflow around the car and for cooling purposes. It also gets carbon fiber interior panels, a Q/R race steering wheel and 13-inch wheels shod with Avon ZZR tires.In case you’re interested, pricing is set at 49,995 British pounds (approximately $81,000 in straight conversion to Aussie dollars, but expect an extra whack if it arrives here). If this is a bit steep for you, Caterham is also working on an entry-level Seven that is expected to cost roughly one third the price of the 620R. In addition to this, Caterham is also working on a less hardcore 620S model equipped with many of the 620R’s goodies but the same engine.On hand to drive the new 620R at its launch this Thursday will be Caterham’s Formula One reserve driver Charles Pic. A display model will also be on Caterham’s stand throughout the Goodwood Festival of Speed.www.motorauthority.com 

Mercedes-Benz’s performance arm AMG is working on a new sports car that many are predicting to be the successor to the current SLS AMG.Spy shots of prototypes confirm that the new sports car, code-named the C190, will be significantly smaller than the SLS AMG, so the two could potentially be sold side by side with the newcomer being christened the SLC AMG.A two-car lineup makes sense as it will allow AMG to capture more of the performance market, primarily by making the range more accessible. The C190 sports car will target the likes of the Audi R8, Nissan GT-R and Porsche 911, which means a pricetag of around $100k, roughly half that of the SLS AMG’s sticker.At the same time, AMG will be able to spread development costs by sharing components between the two cars. In fact, the C190 sports car is believed to be developed around a shortened version of the SLS AMG’s aluminum spaceframe chassis. Other costly parts that could be shared include transmissions and electronic systems.Whether the C190 sports car replaces the SLS AMG or simply complements it in an expanded AMG lineup, we do know the two cars will be sold side by side initially.AMG is working on a mild facelift for its SLS AMG for introduction in the 2015 model year, about the same time that the C190 sports car is expected to land.www.motorauthority.com 

Volvo is hard at work developing its next-generation XC90 SUV, which the automaker promises to launch at the end of 2014, most likely as a 2015 model. While there’s still a significant gap until the new SUV’s launch, Volvo is providing numerous details to keep audiences primed.Today, the automaker has revealed just some of the new safety technology that will appear on its next-generation XC90. In the video, Volvo has outlined six new technologies that are planned for the next-generation XC90, though all of them may not be available at next year’s launch.Pedestrian Detection In Darkness: This is a world-first technology that enables a vehicle to detect objects ahead, such as other vehicles, pedestrians or cyclists, even in the dark. A warning will first be provided and if this is still not sufficient the vehicle will be able to automatically apply the brakes to prevent an impact.Road Edge And Barrier Detection With Steer Assist: Similar to lane-departure warning systems, this feature will detect if a vehicle is about to drive off the road edge and automatically straighten its path by adjusting the steering. The benefit over current lane-departure warning systems is that it even works on roads without side markings.Adaptive Cruise Control With Steer Assist: Similar to autonomous systems already launched or being tested by other automakers, this technology helps a vehicle stay in the lane and follow the rhythm of the traffic by constantly monitoring its surroundings.Animal Detection: Similar to current pedestrian detection systems, this technology is able to detect a variety of animal shapes and movement patterns, in both daylight and in the dark. The technology will provide warnings in advance and slow a vehicle so that the speed of impact is minimised if a crash is unavoidable.Car 2 Car Communication:  As part of its Vision 2020 goal to eliminate death or serious injury for anyone riding in one of its cars, Volvo will start launching technology that allows its cars to communicate with other vehicles and their surroundings. Volvo has already outlined a long list of benefits of such technology.Autonomous Parking: Volvo recently demonstrated technology that will eventually allow a driver to drop his or her car off at the entrance of a parking garage and then, via smartphone, tell the car to go park itself. Before you get too excited, Volvo’s autonomous parking system won’t work in any car park. It relies on communication between the car and the car park infrastructure in order to find a vacant spot. Importantly, it will be able to avoid objects or pedestrians already in the car park.As most of these technologies are being developed in conjunction with Volvo’s new SPA platform that will underpin the next XC90 as well as Volvo’s future mid- to large-size cars, it means that more models, including future versions of the popular S60 and XC60 crossovers as well as the eventual replacement for the S80, will also feature many of them.www.motorauthority.com

Late last month Mark Webber announced his intention to retire from Formula One at the end of the current season and enter the 2014 World Endurance Championship together with Porsche.This came as no major surprise given Webber’s relationship of late with his current employer Red Bull Racing, but the question on everybody’s lips is who will replace him.Red Bull Racing has now given the biggest indication yet as to who may end up being Sebastian Vettel’s team-mate next season. Vettel has already signed a contract for two more years with the Milton Keynes-based squad.  The team has posted a poll on its Facebook page listing three potential drivers: Jean-Eric Vergne and Daniel Ricciardo from Red Bull’s feeder team Scuderia Torro Rosso, as well as Kimi Räikkönen of Lotus.While Räikkönen is by far the favorite judging by the poll’s results, the final decision will likely come down to who most strategically fits with the team. As World Car Fans points out, Vettel has revealed to media that he will also have a say on who is ultimately picked. Stay tuned for an update.www.motorauthority.com 

We’ve been reporting for several years on Mercedes-Benz’s plans to launch a new compact crossover based on its ‘MFA’ small car platform, which is currently found in the latest A Class and B Class models as well as the 2014 CLA Class four-door coupe arriving later this year priced from about $50,000. Mercedes-Benz then made its compact crossover official last July, announcing at the start of production of its new A Class that the MFA platform will eventually span five different models, including the crossover. The latest spy images of the 2014 Mercedes-Benz GLA reveal the shape of the vehicle better, with previous thick plastic cladding now absent, and in its place, simple black and white camouflage. The shape revealed is as you might expect of a compact Mercedes-Benz crossover, though with pronounced haunches and an undisguised glass roof. The roofline arches slightly, sloping quickly at the rear to adopt an almost hatchback-like shape. Previous shots of the GLA Class showed it testing in taxi cab form, complete with a sign on the roof, but still wearing camouflage. Much of the car's detail remained obscured, but the overall proportions were clear, blending some of the new A-Class's style with a more crossover-like stance. Even earlier spy shots showed a prototype for the German carmaker’s baby crossover in civilian trim. The new crossover is expected to go on sale towards the end of the year as a 2014 model. No name has been formally announced, though we’re expecting it to be called the GLA Class. To compete against the likes of the Range Rover Evoque, BMW X1, upcoming Lincoln MKC and, to a lesser extent, the MINI Countryman, expect the GLA to be a bit more sporting in appearance than the average crossover, although engines are likely to be pulled from current A and B class offerings. In other words, expect the GLA to look fast but not go so fast (unless, of course, you opt for the planned AMG version). As the spy shots reveal, the styling is similar to that of the A Class hatchback, though the vehicle is wider and its grille larger. We can also see the tail-light graphics, which appear to combine elements from both the A-Class and latest CLA. The base engine in the U.S. should be the same turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder found in the base CLA. Rated at 155 kW and 350 Nm of torque, this engine will be able to send drive to either the front or all four wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. Other markets will receive less powerful units as well as diesels. An AMG version, most likely labelled a GLA45 AMG, is also in the works, and will be coming with the same turbocharged 2.0-litre four with more than 246 kW that will be fitted to the upcoming A45 AMG and CLA45 AMG models. 2014 Mercedes-Benz CLA Class interior Inside, owners will find something similar to that found in the CLA. This means standard Bluetooth, cruise control, a powered-driver seat, and MB-Tex trim. A 5.8-inch screen will come standard, with Mercedes’ COMAND interface and a 7.0-inch screen offered as an option. A Multimedia package will add items such as a DVD changer, 10 GB music drive, backup camera and voice control. Stay tuned for updates on the 2014 Mercedes-Benz GLA Class as development progresses. Note, to make way for this new compact crossover, Mercedes’ existing offering, the GLK Class, is expected to grow in size for its next-generation. www.motorauthority.com  

Joining the updated Opel Insignia range at the 2013 Frankfurt show in September will be the all-new Insignia Country Tourer, revealed today as the Opel brand’s new flagship. The vehicle is based on the Insignia Sports Tourer station wagon but gets some off-roading attributes such as taller ground clearance and protective body elements.Opel was prompted to develop the car following the European success of the smaller Mokka crossover – which arrives locally later this year. The Insignia Country Tourer now meets the demand of Opel customers seeking a toughened-up vehicle with a little extra cargo capacity.Opel is yet to confirm the Country Tourer for Australia, but Opel Australia spokesperson Michelle Lang suggests that any decision will be influenced by the upcoming Mokka's local success. "Given the Australian market's appetite for SUVs and crossovers, we think the Insignia Country Tourer would be an interesting option for Australia, but any local arrival would still be a long way off."Ms Lang suggested that a right-hand-drive version would likely make it to the UK wearing Vauxhall badges, which would significantly aid Australia's chances of seeing the Country Tourer.   In mainland Europe, the Opel Insignia Country Tourer will come standard with all-wheel drive and a range of torquey turbocharged engines, the most powerful of which is a turbocharged and direct-injected 2.0 litre four-cylinder with 187kW and 400Nm on tap. Transmission choices include a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic.Drive is sent to all four wheels via a Haldex-based all-wheel-drive system incorporating an electronic limited-slip differential. The system constantly adapts to changing road conditions and varies torque distribution from 0- 100 per cent between the front and rear axles, as well as between the rear wheels.Onlookers will be able to easily recognize the Insignia Country Tourer by its taller ground clearance, underbody guards front and rear, and prominent wheel-arches with body cladding. A set of dual-exhaust tips round out the unique visual touches.Inside, the vehicle gets all the latest goodies introduced for the Insignia’s 2013 update. The highlight is a new centre console with an 8-inch touch-screen display. A touchpad surface common to many luxury cars has also been installed, just below the gear lever.www.motorauthority.com 

Michael Bay, director of the upcoming Transformers 4 movie, has thrown up another wild card, this time revealing a striking new Chevrolet Camaro concept to be used as the vehicle mode for the Autobot Bumblebee. It was previously thought that Bumblebee in this fourth instalment of the Transformers movie franchise would use a classic 1967 Chevrolet Camaro SS but it now looks like he’ll be sticking with more modern metal. A partially covered modern, fifth-generation Camaro had been spotted on one of the movie sets, so today’s announcement doesn’t come as a complete surprise. Furthermore, Bumblebee was originally a 1977 Camaro in the first film before changing into the fifth-gen model, albeit a concept version as well. What is surprising is the unique styling treatment applied to this Camaro concept, which is based on the latest 2014 model. Could the styling be a preview of the next-generation, Alpha-based Camaro? Possibly, or perhaps it was designed that way simply for the movie. Sadly, this looks like the last Transformers 4 vehicle reveal from Bay. On his personal blog, the director said that this Camaro concept was the “final jewel” in the Transformers 4 crown. The new movie is set to premiere nationwide on June 27, 2014. It will take place roughly four years after the events of 2011's Transformers 3 - Dark of the Moon, though none of the previous human characters are expected to return. The lead character, Flynn Vincent, will be played by Mark Wahlberg. In addition to the Camaros, other vehicles announced for the movie include a Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport Vitesse, a Corvette Stingray and Sonic RS rally car from Chevrolet, a Lamborghini Aventador LP 700-4, a Pagani Huayra, a military truck from Oshkosh Defense, as well as Freightliner Argosy and Western Star trucks from Daimler Trucks North America. www.motorauthority.com

Earlier this month it was confirmed that the remnants of British sports car manufacturer TVR had been sold to a consortium of investors led by entrepreneur Les Edgar, a previous owner of a TVR Cerbera.At the time, Edgar wasn’t willing to reveal any details about his future plans for TVR due to confidentiality agreements, but now, in one of his first interviews, he has dropped some hints. Speaking with Autocar, Edgar said he and his partners plan to launch two TVR sports cars starting from 2015.The cheaper of the two cars will be priced from about 50k British pounds (approximately $82k) and there’s a possibility that existing TVR sports car platforms may be used. Edgar explained that starting from scratch was also a possibility, though understandably this would push back the launch date.Crucially, Edgar and his partners are keen to take off where long-time TVR owner Peter Wheeler left off. The plan is to keep the cars free of electronic aids and comforts and focus on performance, driving feel and character. Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive configurations will be maintained, as will some of TVR’s storied nameplates.Further down the track, a return to racing, particularly Le Mans, is foreseeable. TVR has a history at Le Mans and Edgar has some experience at the famous French race, too. He was part of the team that helped get Aston Martin back into endurance racing.www.motorauthority.com 

Now that Steve Saleen, founder of tuning firm Saleen Autosport and creator of the original Saleen S7 supercar, has won back the right to the legal use of his name on new products, the former racer-turned-automotive-entrepreneur is keen to get back to what he loves doing most, building some of the best performance cars on the market.California-based Saleen’s new company is Saleen Automotive and it has just finalised the 100 per cent merger of Saleen's SMS Signature Cars offshoot and the original Saleen Autosport, which Saleen resigned from in 2007. Concurrent with the merger, Saleen Auto has also announced that it has raised approximately US$3 million in investment to help fund its future products.In addition to new versions of existing products, like tuned Ford Mustangs, Dodge Challengers and Chevrolet Camaros, Saleen Auto will also sell aftermarket specialty parts and lifestyle accessories. The company has also announced plans for a new-generation supercar as well as electric cars for commercial and consumer markets."We are excited to become a publicly-traded company and enter into the next stage of our growth, as we bring these automobiles into the mainstream and grow our retail presence into new markets in the U.S.,” Steve Saleen said in a statement. “We are also developing high-performance electric vehicles targeting the zero-emissions segment.”It’s not clear yet what Saleen Auto’s electric car plans are, however, we do have some clues as to what the new-generation supercar may end up like. The company in 2008 showcased a supercar concept that was originally pegged for production. Called the S5S Raptor, the supercar was billed as the spiritual successor to the S7 and was designed around a mid-mounted supercharged 5.0 litre V8 that produced  485kW and 854Nm of torque.www.motorauthority.com 

The struggling French automaker has been crippled by shrinking sales in its home market of Europe, a problem compounded by its lack of exports.The latest reports from Reuters, citing inside sources, say the Peugeot family has offered to give control of PSA to General Motors Company in return for fresh capital needed to maintain operations through to the end of the year.The same sources said that PSA’s Chinese partner Dongfeng was also a possibility. Spokespeople for all three companies have denied the claims, however.GM last year formed an alliance with PSA Peugeot Citroen, buying up 7 per cent of the French automaker and announcing plans to share platforms and engines. Both automakers face overcapacity at plants in Europe, though PSA’s links with the French government has made job cuts hard to pass.For any deal to work, GM, or perhaps Dongfeng, will need assurances that they will be able to make some job cuts.  “PSA will need to present a new industrial plan for people to underwrite a capital increase, and the only hope is GM," one of the sources said. "They (GM) are ready to inject more money if they can control the business, integrate Peugeot and Opel and rationalise production.”PSA burned through roughly US$3.9 billion in cash last year and lost as much as US$6.5 billion including asset writedowns. Recently, sales in Europe reached a 20-year low and prediction for next year is just as dire.The Peugeot family, which founded Peugeot in 1810 as a coffee mill manufacturer, holds a 25.4 per cent stake in the company but commands 38.1 per cent of the voting rights.In related news, China's Beijing Auto recently formed a unit to spearhead its acquisitions abroad and said it was looking at three medium-size European automakers. Tipsters suggest the three could be Peugeot, Citroen and Opel -- playing within the proposed PSA-GM alliance. Stay tuned for an update.www.motorauthority.com