Articles by Viknesh Vijayenthiran

One of the most anticipated cars of the near future is the 2015 Ford Mustang, the sixth generation of the iconic muscle car and the first to be sold in global markets.Ford global boss Alan Mulally announced in September that the Mustang would be built in right-hand drive and would finally hit European and UK markets -- which gives it a solid chance for Australia. Ford Australia has so far not confirmed they're looking at the Mustang, but has not ruled it out either.So do some of these photos sourced by enthusiast site Mustang 6G show depict clay models for the 2015 Ford Mustang, presumably being shaped at a Ford Motor Company studio.While the clay models are far from complete, they do provide numerous hints towards the styling of the new Mustang, if they do in fact depict the new Mustang.The main photo, in particular, also shows what appear to be possible sketches for various Ford models, which feature clear influences from Ford’s Evos concept car of 2011. As previously reported, the Evos is expected to directly influence the styling of the new Mustang.Other shots show a classic fastback design, a raised hood and a squared-off front. Interestingly, one of the shots also shows a clay model for what appears to be a Fiesta coupe.Ford is currently testing some early mules for its 2015 Mustang. Under the test car’s crude sheet metal, the outgoing model's rear live axle suspension is said to have made way for a fully independent setup.It’s too early to determine what Ford has planned for the Mustang’s V-6 and V-8 engines, though we’re guessing the company will be keen to retain the 5.0 badge on its Mustang GT. A new EcoBoost 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine is also expected, though it’s not clear yet whether this option will be available in the U.S.We are expecting the 2015 Mustang to be lighter than the model it replaces, so even without significant increases in power, the new car should be a considerably better performance. Look for the Mustang to debut at the 2014 Detroit Auto Show next January.www.motorauthority.com  

Norwegian rally driver Mads Østberg has entered the record books by completing the longest jump on snow, smashing his previous record set last year. The 25-year-old piloted a current Ford Fiesta WRC car up a ramp and over a distance of 60.48 metres to secure the record. In the approach to the ramp, Østberg’s Fiesta WRC reached speeds of up to 145km/h. As the video shows, his co-driver, Jonas Andersson, was also in the car. Fortunately, the duo made it to the other side unharmed. The stunt occurred at Norway’s largest ski resort located in Trysil. However as noted by World Car Fans, Travis Pastrana still holds the record for the longest jump in a car: an impressive 82 metres that he set behind the wheel of a Subaru rally car back in 2009. www.motorauthority.com  

The wraps have only just come off the new 2014 Porsche 911 GT3, the track focused version of the latest 991 family of 911 models, but already we have details on its more hardcore cousin, the 911 GT3 RS. From the Carrera RS 2.7 of 1973 right up to the Type 997 911 GT3 RS launched in 2010, Porsche’s ‘Rennsport’ models have held the reputation for being some of the best examples of race cars built for the road. They’ve also continued to carry their outlandish paint jobs, with the most recent model offering color combinations such as bright orange and black or matte gray and red. Speaking with CAR, Andreas Preuninger, the head of Porsche’s GT production car department, said work was already well underway on a new 911 GT3 RS and that we could expect to see the car as early as next year. This suggests we’ll see it launched for the 2015 model year. “The RS is always three-quarters of a year behind the GT3, so we’ve already begun,” he said. While there were some hoping to see a proper three-pedal manual offered on this model, Preuninger revealed the car will stick with Porsche’s PDK dual-clutch transmission. However, while the PDK in the new 2014 Porsche 911 GT3 shifts gears in about 100 milliseconds, the unit in the 911 GT3 RS could be tuned for even faster shifts. On top of this, the electronic steering may also be tweaked so that it matches the brilliance of the previous GT3 RS 4.0 limited-edition model, which came with regular hydraulic steering. Preuninger explained that the slightly tamer nature of the 2014 Porsche 911 GT3 meant that its RS variant could be made even more extreme to help further differentiate it. Expect a lighter curb weight, more aggressive aerodynamics and increased output from its engine. A figure of around 500 horsepower is likely. Stay tuned for an update. www.motorauthority.com  

With news that Jeep’s reborn Cherokee will be adopting a car-based platform, there have been fears the new vehicle might not live up to the qualities of the famous offroading nameplate.Jeep has set out to reassure would-be buyers that its new Cherokee, which goes on sale here late this year following a debut next week at the 2013 New York Auto Show, will be just as capable as previous generations by showing it tackle some rough terrain in this new video.As the video reveals, the 2014 Cherokee has no trouble traversing rough terrain, including climbing steep inclines covered in loose sand or solid rock.Jeep has previously stated that its 2014 Cherokee will offer best-in-class capability and has described it as a “no-compromise” vehicle. Expect it to come with all-wheel drive (perhaps as an option) and Jeep’s famous Trail-Rated classification.Jeep has also confirmed that its 2014 Cherokee will be 45 percent more fuel efficient than the model it’s set to replace, the Liberty SUV, which in its final year returned 14.7/10.7 litres per 100km city/highway and 13.1 mpg combined. Key to its economy will be a nine-speed (yes, nine forward speeds) automatic transmission. Power is expected to come from a V-6 engine.www.thecarconnection.com 

One of the standouts of the recent 2013 Geneva Motor Show was the Pininfarina Sergio speedster based on the running gear of a Ferrari 458 Spider.Unfortunately, the Sergio was built purely as a one-off showpiece honoring the late patriarch of the Italian design firm that shares his name. That may change as Pininfarina is considering building a small run of road-going Sergio speedsters, should demand be sufficient.Pininfarina CEO Silvio Angori said his company was considering building a run of around five to six examples, which could be sold to the public at around 3 million euros (approximately $3.75 million) a piece.When developing the concept, the team at Pininfarina envisaged building a road-going version, so all homologation requirements are already known to the firm. In addition, a small windshield could even be installed so that anyone driving a Sergio wouldn’t require a helmet. Being based on the Ferrari 458 Spider, the Sergio benefits from a 4.5-litre V-8 engine tuned to deliver 413 kW and 542 Nm of torque to the rear wheels. However, at only 1280kg, the Sergio is around 150kg lighter than the 458 Spider, which means it should be considerably faster. Pininfarina quotes a 0-100 km/h time of 3.4 seconds and a top speed of 322 km/h.Last year, rival Italian design firm Bertone unveiled a similar outlandish concept car, the Nuccio, which did eventually spawn a road-going version that was sold to wealthy collector. Hopefully, the same will happen with the Sergio as it will be a shame to see this beauty left dormant in some showroom or museum.www.motorauthority.com 

The second generation of Audi’s handsome A5 range is expected to arrive in time for the 2016 model year, which puts its debut date at a major motor show sometime in the second half of 2015. This means the current model still has a few more years of shelf life, though a recent refresh means it still looks contemporary when next to rivals like the BMW 3-Series, Lexus IS C and Mercedes-Benz C Class Coupe. A new report from Automobile reveals some of the details we can expect on the next-generation, 2016 Audi A5, whose development will focus on refinement, lightening measures and vehicle electrification. The new A5 will ride on an updated version of the MLB platform underpinning the current model. The MLB is the Volkswagen Group’s modular platform for mid- to large-size cars and comes primarily with transversely mounted engines. At Audi, it’s used in everything from the A4 right up to the A8 flagship sedan. The updated version of the MLB, the MLB Evo, was first previewed in Audi’s quattro concept from 2010 and benefits from the increased use of lightweight materials. This means that the new A5 could weigh in around 100 kg less than the current model, which has a curb weight of almost 1633 kg. For additional weight saving, a hard-core ‘Ultra’ version with special lightweight components is said to be in the works as well. Current model lines will carry over, with the base model continuing with a 2.0-litre TFSI engine but with output lifted slightly to 165 kilowatts. The S5 will stick with a supercharged 3.0-litre V-6, with its output tuned to around 246 kilowatts, while the successor to the recently launched RS 5 will drop its naturally aspirated 4.2-litre V-8 in favour of Audi’s latest twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre mill. Expect power on this model to reside around 350 kilowatts. A new eight-speed dual-clutch transmission is said to be coming, trumping Audi's current S tronic dual-clutch which uses seven forward gears. The biggest change to the A5, however, will be the availability of an electrified version. Audi will probably go with a plug-in hybrid setup, which it previewed in 2011 with its A5 e-tron quattro concept.  This concept used a four-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor to drive the front axle and a second electric motor on the rear axle to create a ‘through-the-road’ hybrid all-wheel drive system. Currently, Audi only uses this electric all-wheel drive system in motorsport but the technology will eventually be available in the automaker’s production cars. With the 2016 Audi A5 set to debut in coupe form late in 2015, we should expect to see its convertible variant approximately six months later. Further down the track, a new A5 Sportback will also appear. www.motorauthority.com  

The man responsible for the design of stunning cars like the new Jaguar F-Type and the original Aston Martin Vanquish, Ian Callum, like many in the industry, has an appreciation for the cars of yesteryear. Many classic cars have a purity that’s often hard to find in modern cars, and for a designer like Callum that trait is probably easy to spot. Little wonder then that when it comes to Callum’s own classic car pursuits, a Jaguar MKII fits the bill. One of the most timeless and quintessentially British designs of any car from the past 50 years, the Jaguar MKII is a much sought-after classic and a beautiful piece to add to any collection. But for Callum, an ordinary MKII just won’t do. That’s why he’s commissioned the build of a very special example at Classic Motor Cars, of Bridgnorth, England. The design specification for the car, which will also involve some fundamental engineering changes, is currently being put together by Callum and the crew at CMC. “This is the first classic Jaguar I have ever owned,” Callum said in a statement. “I have greatly admired the Jaguar MKII since I was a boy. Now I have the chance to ‘build’ one to my exact design specifications.” Though he acknowledges that the MkII is one of the most beautiful sedans ever produced, being the designer that he is, Callum wanted a few changes. Some of the areas he will be tweaking will include the stance of the car, simplifying some of the external trim pieces and adding a few new touches to the interior. We’ll bring you an update as the project continues to take shape. www.motorauthority.com  

One of the next major growth areas for automakers in the premium arena is the subcompact crossover segment, which currently has only a few players and is experiencing strong growth. The segment is especially popular in emerging markets where buyers enjoy the benefits of traditional SUVs, such as their taller ground clearance and improved visibility, but are deterred by their higher fuel consumption.  One of the first models in this segment was the MINI Cooper Countryman, but since then its expanded to include the Nissan Juke and a new Fiat 500X is also just around the corner. It should come as little surprise then that several major automakers are readying tall-riding minis of their own. According to reports out of the UK, both Land Rover and Mercedes-Benz have already started work on their own subcompact SUVs. For Land Rover, its new subcompact SUV will be developed with parent company Tata, Autocar reports. The vehicle will be aimed primarily at emerging markets such as China and India and will be powered by an engine of “around a 2.0-litre” capacity. Such a vehicle has previously been hinted at by Land Rover design boss Gerry McGovern, who said the company could certainly go smaller than its current smallest model, the Range Rover Evoque. The path for Mercedes-Benz isn’t so clear. The German automaker is working on a new compact crossover that’s on track for debut later this year and confirmed for U.S. sale. It will be called the GLA Class and share its underpinnings with Mercedes’ other compact cars like the A Class and new CLA. However, CAR is reporting that Mercedes is planning a new subcompact crossover positioned below the GLA. A more likely scenario, however, would be the company expanding its family of Smart cars. The next-generation of the Smart ForTwo will include a new ForFour model complete with four doors and four seats, and the platform of this vehicle could be used for a new crossover. Whatever the outcome, it’s clear the world’s automakers will be bringing out a range of new subcompact crossovers in the very near future, so better get used to seeing them on your local roads. www.greencarreports.com  

The 2014 Alfa Romeo 4C sports car has finally made its public debut in production trim, but the 4C shown in Geneva isn’t a regular model but a special ‘Launch Edition’ that will be built in a limited run of just 1000 cars. The 4C Launch Edition will sell in Europe for 60,000 euros (approximately $75,980 AUD), however there's now word on what pricing might be for Australia if it made it here -- and Alfa Romeo has already indicated we could wait years before seeing the 4C in any form. The Alfa Romeo 4C is a mid-engine, two-seat sports car built around a carbon fibre monocoque structure. Power comes from a turbocharged and direct-injected 1.75-litre four-cylinder engine, which is rated at 176 kilowatts and 350 Newton metre of torque, and paired to it is a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. Those numbers might not seem all that impressive at first, but remember that the 4C weighs about 952kg. With a curb weight this light, it’s no surprise that the car will cover the 0-100km/h sprint in 4.5 seconds or less and easily reach a governed top speed of 250 km/h. Alfa Romeo says owners can also expect the car to support up to 1.1 g of side acceleration on corners and 1.25 g of braking force. The brakes, by the way, are from Brembo and feature four-piston aluminium callipers on the front axle. The 4C Launch Edition is identical to the regular 4C that will eventually be offered, except that it comes in the choice of two available colours: Carrara White or Alfa Red. It also comes with special badging, a dark finish on the rear diffuser, full LED headlights with blacked-out surrounds and special alloy wheels measuring 457mm up front and 483mm in the rear. The interior also gets some special touches, including Alcantara trim, a numbered plaque and contrast stitching. www.motorauthority.com  

One of the highlights of this week’s 2013 Geneva Motor Show turned out to be Pininfarina’s new Sergio concept car, which was built not only to showcase the latest trends and talents of the Italian design house but to also honour its late patriarch Sergio Pininfarina. The Sergio concept lends its name from the man who led Pininfarina for 40 years and conceived some of the greatest cars to ever see production, plus many that have remained pure show pieces. These include the Alfa Romeo Spider Duetto, Peugeot 406 Coupe, the Ferrari Testarossa and F40, and more recently the Ferrari Enzo and Sintesi concept. Throughout the years, there has been one brand that has so marked the history of Pininfarina, and that is Ferrari. It is only fitting, then, that that the Sergio be branded with the famous prancing horse logo. In addition, the Sergio, which is a true two-seat barchetta, is actually built around a Ferrari, in this case the 458 Spider. But apart from the interior, you’d hardly guess the two cars had anything in common. The Sergio is distinguished by a very simple yet elegant style, which is a trademark of Pininfarina’s creations. The concept also expresses a link to Ferrari models from the 1960s, with its bulging and sensual wings inspired by those of sports cars and racing cars of that era. While it’s amazing to look at, most of the lines also provide functional benefits in terms of aerodynamics. The dual spoiler up front, for example, helps provide downforce as well as channelling air to the brakes and engine intakes. The aerodynamic deflector in front of the cockpit also creates a virtual windscreen through the deviation of the air flow, protecting the passengers from turbulence. The roll bar, designed as a wing surface, is perfectly tuned to meet the air flow coming from the front, adding a further downforce effect. And even the rear-view mirror takes on a fluid form that, given the flow of the front baffle, helps to further divert air from the heads of the passengers. This is all very good, as you’ll want to drive the Sergio fast considering the powertrain hidden beneath its sultry shape. Being based on the Ferrari 458 Spider, the Sergio benefits from a 4.5-litre V-8 engine tuned to deliver 420 kilowatts and 542 newtown metres of torque to the rear wheels. However, at only 1280 kilograms, the Sergio is around 150 kilograms lighter than the 458 Spider, which means it should be considerably faster. Pininfarina quotes a 0-100 kmh time of 3.4 seconds and a top speed of 322 kmh. www.motorauthority.com