Articles by Viknesh Vijayenthiran

The newest addition to the 2015 Audi A3 lineup is this stylish convertible, a “Cabriolet” in Audi-speak, and it makes its debut Tuesday at the 2013 Frankfurt Auto Show. The new model has grown slightly, stretching 4420mm in length compared to the previous model’s 4237mm, and this has resulted in more space in the cabin as well as extra storage in the boot. For performance fans, Audi says the bigger size also allows wheels ranging up to 19 inches in diameter to be fitted for the first time. In terms of styling, the A3 Cabrio is virtually identical to other 2015 A3 models up until its A-pillar, after which much of its sheet metal is unique. Underpinning the car is the Volkswagen Group’s flexible MQB platform, which also underpins the 2015 Volkswagen Golf and the rest of the A3 range. A key advantage of the MQB is lightweight design, which should make the new A3 Cabrio more fuel-efficient as well as more dynamic than the outgoing model. The lightest variant tips the scales at 1365kg, around 50kg less than the outgoing car. The roof is an automated soft-top and requires just 18 seconds to go up or down, even at speeds of up to 50km/h. It has a glass rear window and comes in several colours, though black is standard. An active rollover protection system protects the occupants in case of a rollover accident. It consists of two spring-loaded plates that are recessed into the body. The interior echoes the rest of the A3 range, with the same layout and features. Audi's latest MMI interface system handles the media and navigation functions, with displays of either 5.8 or 7 inches available. 4G LTE broadband connectivity is also offered. An optional lighting package includes a touch-sensitive switch for the reading lights--a feature being offered for the first time. The 2015 A3 Cabrio has so far been announced with 1.4- and 1.8-litre TFSI engines, delivering 103 and 132kW, respectively. A 2.0-litre TDI is also offered, delivering 110kW. More options will be announced at a further date. Transmission options include a six-speed manual and seven-speed S tronic dual-clutch ‘box. Audi is also planning a high-performance S3 Cabriolet. This will get the same 2.0-litre TFSI engine found in other S3 variants, good for 220kW and 379Nw of torque, as well as standard quattro all-wheel drive. Sales of the 2015 Audi A3 Cabriolet begin in Europe not long after the show, and we can expect to see the car in Australia early next year. www.motorauthority.com  

Ford CEO Alan Mulally, the man primarily credited with turning around the automaker's fortunes by streamlining operations and implementing the 'One Ford' policy, may step down from the top job earlier than planned.  The 68-year-old exec is scheduled to resign at the end of 2014 but reports claim he may step down earlier to explore other roles.The information was revealed to Reuters by two people familiar with the plans of the board of directors at Ford. The sources also revealed that Mulally was considering a new role outside the car industry, with suggestions including a post in the Obama administration as well as a possible replacement for outgoing Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer.Mulally originally came to Ford in 2006 from Boeing. At the time, Ford had posted a loss of $12.7 billion and was struggling to maintain control of several different brands include Aston Martin, Jaguar, Land Rover and Volvo. His mastermind move was securing a $23 billion loan prior to the financial crisis of the last decade, helping it avoid bankruptcy and a federal bailout. While Mulally insists he is focused on his job at Ford, the carmaker has prepared for his departure and has a succession plan in place. First in line to receive the top job is widely believed to be current COO Mark Fields.www.motorauthority.com 

Fiat is celebrating the 50th anniversary of the unveiling of the original Abarth 595 at the 1963 Turin Motor Show by launching a tribute edition based on its latest 500 hatch.  And we can expect to see the newcomer here next year."We are hoping to get some of the Abarth 595’s in Australia, but exact volumes are still to be confirmed," Fiat-Chrysler spokesperson Karla Leach says.  "We expect to have them in Australia by mid-year,  2014."The modern version will don the famous red and white livery of the original but will make its debut at the 2013 Frankfurt motor show this week, following which just 299 examples will be built.The modern Abarth 595 carries the same engine as the current Abarth 695, a 132kW/250Nm turbocharged 1.4-litre four-cylinder matched to what’s referred to as an “Abarth Competizione” gearbox -- an automated manual unit that channels drive to the front wheels. Other specs include 17-inch alloy wheels, uprated Brembo brakes and new shock absorbers. There’s also a sports exhaust system dubbed the Record Monza.Just as the exterior has been designed to match that of the original, so has the cabin, which sports red leather trim, red stitching and a dashboard that is also red. The historical logo adorns both the black leather steering wheel with red inserts, and custom door sills have also been fitted.The original Abarth 595 helped put the Abarth brand on the map. It proved an immediate success thanks to its strong performance, unusual for such a small car, and helped deliver many race victories.www.motorauthority.com 

Rumblings about a Jaguar SUV or crossover date back several years but never really made the headlines until a few weeks ago when it was revealed the British carmaker was planning a landmark announcement at the upcoming 2013 Frankfurt Auto Show.There’s little doubt as to what Jaguar is planning to announce anymore, as the carmaker has confirmed plans to reveal a new crossover concept at Tuesday's show, and now we have several photos of it thanks to a leak on the internet.We won’t have to wait too long to see the covers come off -- officially -- as the new concept, labelled the C-X17, will be revealed online within hours. These initial images give us an idea of what to expect: a muscular crossover with a tail-light design similar to that found on Jaguar’s F-Type sports car.But the C-X17 hints at more than just Jaguar’s future model plans. Underpinning the vehicle is a modular platform composed of lightweight aluminium. This platform is believed to be a variation of Jaguar Land Rover’s Premium Lightweight Architecture (PLA) that debuted in the latest Range Rover SUV and should also feature in a new Jaguar sedan aimed at the BMW 3-Series as well as the next XF.While Jaguar has been quiet on production plans, we’ve already seen a test mule for the 3-Series rival and similar test mules for Jaguar’s crossover have also been spotted in the U.K. recently.What the vehicles will be called is still up in the air, though we know Jaguar has registered "XQ" and "Q-Type" with the European Union's trademark agency. Given the carmaker’s naming cadence, the new sedan is likely to be called the XQ while the crossover should get the Q-Type moniker.www.motorauthority.com 

Earlier this year we told you Maserati was teaming up with fellow Italian luxury label Ermenegildo Zegna to help promote the design and manufacturing excellence of their homeland. The companies’ first combined product is to be a Maserati Quattroporte featuring materials and colours inspired by Zegna’s fine suits. It won’t go on sale until next year but we’ll get a taste of the car at next week’s 2013 Frankfurt Auto Show in the form of the Maserati Quattroporte Ermenegildo Zegna Limited Edition concept car. The car is the result of a close collaboration between the two companies and features a unique look in colour scheme, materials and finish. The exterior features a special effect paint finish whose ultra-fine aluminium pigments give the car a metallic lustre. A glossy black primer amplifies the effect and helps create a sense of depth. Inside is where the real Zegna touches come into play. Components such as the seats, door panels and roof lining are finished in genuine soft leather, in addition to a velvet-smooth, bright fabric similar to what Zegna uses in its clothing line. Colours such as Moka and Greige are used to add warmth and a sense of tradition. As mentioned, the production Maserati Quattroporte Ermenegildo Zegna Limited Edition will go on sale next year. By 2015, Maserati will start offering Zegna-inspired trim across its range, and in 2016 the automaker will launch a new personalisation department to help capitalise on the growing demand for tailor-made products. www.motorauthority.com  

Smart will be providing us with our best look yet at its third-generation Fortwo with the unveiling of the Fourjoy concept car at next week’s 2013 Frankfurt Auto Show.The Fourjoy is the latest in a string of concepts that hint at the styling of the next Fortwo and a new Forfour, both of which are under development and due out late next year as 2015 models.It features a number of details from previous show cars that proved popular, such as the square-shaped lights, lightweight construction and minimalist cabin.The honeycomb structure of the air intakes also emphasise the link with previous Smart concepts such as the For-us (2012 Detroit Auto Show) and Forstars (2012 Paris Auto Show).The four-seat configuration, meanwhile, hints directly at the layout planned for the four-door, four-seat Forfour. The original Forfour was built between 2004 and 2006 and only spawned a single generation.The Fourjoy has a length of 3.5m, a width of 2.0m and a height of 1.5m, and the turning circle is just under 9.0m. Driving the rear wheels is an electric motor, rated at 55kW. It draws its power from a 17.6-kW/h lithium-ion battery that takes around 7 hours to charge using an ordinary household power outlet.The concept’s designers are keen to stress some of the more premium features, suggesting that Smart will be repositioning its new Fortwo and Forfour models slightly more upmarket to target the likes of Mini.The signature tridion cell is finished in aluminium and the raised smart lettering milled from more aluminium on the side skirts is a further sign of the top quality. As with the first-generation Fortwo, the rear lights are integrated in the tridion cell, and the lights, both in the front and the rear, all feature LEDs.Inside, there are organic, sculptural shapes reminiscent of modern lounge furniture. The rear of the seats is made of dark chrome, while perforated and smooth surfaces alternate on the vehicle floor. A continuous structure runs down the middle of the vehicle and features a convex surface with touch-sensitive operating functions.As mentioned, the new Smart Fortwo and Forfour go on sale late next year. Underpinning them will be the new platform jointly developed by Smart and alliance partner Renault (the French automaker will use it for its next-generation Twingo). The new platform will be flexible enough to spawn a variety of models including a high-riding crossover. As for production, the Smart plant in Hambach, France will be responsible for the two-door Fortwo, while the Renault plant in Novo Mesto, Slovenia will be the production base for the Forfour as well as the new Twingo.www.motorauthority.com 

Vignale (pronounced: Vin-ya-lay) will make its formal debut at the Frankfurt motor show next week. Vignale will provide Ford with upmarket offerings in markets where its Lincoln brand isn’t sold, whic

Lexus’ concept car for the 2013 Frankfurt Auto Show is a preview of the automaker’s new compact crossover due to go on sale next year. That compact crossover will be called the NX and a stylised version of it will be on display next week in Frankfurt in the form of the LF-NX concept car.The LF-NX has an aggressive look to it that’s reminiscent of Lamborghini’s recent crossover concept, the Urus, but it’s not just about looks as many of the lines are actually functional and improve the aerodynamic properties of the vehicle. For example, the vertical lines at the front serve as an air curtain and help channel air flow to the front brakes.At the rear, the light clusters are designed to project downwards to the full depth of the bumper, creating a sharp, aerodynamic trailing edge to the vehicle. Lexus says the design is the latest evolution of its “L-finesse” design language, though don’t expect the production NX to look as aggressive as this concept.That’s because the vehicle will be based on the humble Toyota RAV4 and the two may even share some panels. Inside, there’s a minimalist design with plenty of premium materials and several digital displays. High-tech features include touch-sensitive electrostatic switches and a new touch pad Remote Touch Interface (RTI) system located just ahead of the gear selector.Powering the LF-NX is said to be a new version of the Lexus Hybrid Drive system, which may be matched to an all-wheel-drive setup. Lexus tells us the new system is designed for “SUV performance.” The production NX is expected to feature two powertrain options: a new turbocharged four-cylinder in a NX 200t and a hybrid setup in a NX 300h.www.motorauthority.com 

At the 2013 Frankfurt Auto Show on September 10, Toyota will present a new concept car based on its Yaris hatchback that leverages the automaker’s hybrid technology developed for its TS030 Hybrid Le Mans prototype.We’ve already had our first look at the concept, dubbed the Toyota Yaris Hybrid-R, and learned that it will feature a complex hybrid system combining a gasoline engine with an electric drive system. Now we have an in-depth look at the technology.The Yaris Hybrid-R develops a total 313kW from a gasoline-electric hybrid powertrain, consisting of a turbocharged 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine working in parallel with two electric motors to form a through-the-road all-wheel-drive system. The setup also makes use of a supercapacitor to harvest and store energy, just like the TS030 Hybrid prototype.The engine, which rates at 224kW on its own, is a turbocharged four-cylinder unit with direct injection and was developed by Germany’s TMG in accordance with various international sporting regulations. While the engine drives the front wheels, each rear wheel is powered by a 45kW electric motor--the same as that used in the Prius C hybrid. The two electric motors work as electric generators when the car is braking, and supplement the gas engine’s performance under high load.As mentioned, energy recovered under braking is stored in a supercapacitor. Compared to the standard nickel metal-hydride battery used in the Prius C, the supercapacitor has a higher power density and a fast power charge/discharge speed. This makes it perfectly suited to the demands of track driving in delivering brief, immediate bursts of power.The level of power depends on the duration of energy delivery required. So, when Yaris Hybrid-R is running in “road” mode, the supercapacitor releases energy for a maximum 10 seconds per charge, and the total power of the two electric motors is reduced to 30kW. In “track” mode, the motors reach a combined maximum of 90kW for up to five seconds per charge, reflecting the more frequent braking and acceleration in circuit driving.But the Yaris Hybrid-R has one more electric motor. This third unit, also rated at 45kW, is located between the engine and six-speed sequential transmission. This operates as a generator, both during deceleration to feed power to the supercapacitor, and during acceleration to power the rear electric motors. The latter only happens when engine power and torque exceed the front wheels’ grip limit.Thus, the generator works like an advanced traction control system, redirecting torque as electric energy to the rear wheels, to boost acceleration and improve handling rather than simply to limit engine power. A similar system is utilised in Ferrari’s LaFerrari supercar. The rear electric motors also improve handling; each motor can be used independently as a generator or a motor to achieve the same effect as a torque vectoring differential. Such electrical systems will become commonplace in performance cars. Not only do they reduce fuel consumption but they also improve performance and handling.www.motorauthority.com 

Bentley is expanding its Continental range with two new sporty editions based on its GT V8 coupe and GTC V8 convertible. These V-8 models are positioned as the sportier option for drivers, thanks to the lighter weight of their V-8 engines compared to the big W-12 mills also offered in the Continental, and the associated improvement in dynamics that come with carrying less weight over the front axle. The new editions, the GT V8 S and GTC V8 S, heat things up further by stiffening the suspension, sharpening the steering, freeing up the exhaust and raising output. The cars also get unique ‘S’ styling cues to set them apart from their regular GT V8 and GTC V8 brethren. At the heart of Bentley’s V-8 Continental models is a twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V-8 engine. Normally, this engine delivers 373kW and 660Nm of torque but in the new S models output is increased to 389kW and 680Nm of torque, the latter of which is delivered at a mere 1,700 rpm. Delivered via a ZF eight-speed automatic and standard all-wheel drive, the increased power is said to offer effortless performance and smoother power delivery. There is also an S mode for the transmission, which sharpens the throttle response, speeds up shift times and allows gears to be held for longer.  Bentley claims a 0-100km/h in 4.5 seconds and top speed of 309km/h for the GT V8 S and figures of 4.5 seconds and 308km/h, respectively, for the GTC V8 S. Simply incredible figures considering the coupe weighs 2295kg and the convertible a hefty 2470kg. 2014 Bentley Continental GT V8 S despite the gain in performance, Bentley is confident the engine will still be able to carry the big bruiser that is the Continental GT over a distance of 805km on a single tank of gas. EPA-rated fuel economy will be announced closer to market launch, though owners can expect a combined rating of about 10.6L/100km for the coupe and 10.9L/100km for the convertible. As mentioned, stiffened suspension has been installed and sees the cars lowered by about 10 millimetres. Spring rates, damper settings, the bushes and stabiliser bars have all been stiffened. Self-levelling air suspension is still featured, along with 20-inch wheels. Unique styling cues include more aerodynamic fascias front and rear, discrete side sills and a subtle rear diffuser finished in Beluga gloss. The 20-inch wheels are also unique to the S models and are also available in 21-inch dimensions. Subtle “V8 S” badges are applied to each front fender, and as with the other members of the Continental V8 family, the famous Bentley Wings badges feature a red centre and the exhaust tips have a 'figure 8' shape. Two exterior colours (Kingfisher Blue and Monaco Yellow) are unique to the cars. Inside, you’ll find all the Bentley hallmarks, such as soft-touch leathers, wood veneers and knurled chrome detailing. Additional “V8 S” badges are displayed on each sill tread plate. Most of the options are customisable and buyers can also opt for Bentley’s Mulliner Driving Specification, which adds a number of touches to both the exterior and cabin. Following a debut at the 2013 Frankfurt Auto Show next week, the Continental GT V8 S and its GTC convertible sibling will go on sale in early 2014. www.motorauthority.com