Articles by Viknesh Vijayenthiran

Spyker, the Dutch sports car manufacturer that once owned Saab, has released the first teaser image of a new sports car concept the company plans to unveil at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show on March 5. The teaser image reveals the profile of the new concept, which will be called the B6 and appears to have a deliciously retro shape to it. It’s likely to be a two-seater coupe with an engine, possibly a six-cylinder unit, mounted in a mid-engine position and powering the rear wheels. As previously reported, Spyker is considering launching a new sports car to take on entry-level versions of the Porsche 911 and Audi R8, thus leaving its C8 Aileron free to challenge higher-end sports cars like Ferrari 458 Italia and McLaren MP4-12C. No other details about the B6 have been revealed, though Spyker CEO Victor Muller has previously revealed that his company is now ready to start building cars itself. Previously, Spyker was outsourcing production to British Coachbuilder CPP. www.motorauthority.com    

In the lead up to the reveal of the new 2014 Rolls-Royce Wraith at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show on March 5, more teaser photos of the car have been released, revealing parts of its interior for the first time.The earlier teasers showed the car’s profile and muscular flanks, confirming that the Wraith is in fact the long-awaited Ghost coupe seen testing in prototype form for the past several months and reported on for more than a year.Unlike the current Phantom Coupe, which features a boxy profile similar to that of the sedan on which it’s based, the new Wraith gets a fastback look that’s very sporting and sleek.The bold new styling hints at the extraordinary power and dynamic promise of the Wraith, which Rolls-Royce has already confirmed will be the fastest and most powerful model ever launched by the marque.Power is expected to come from the Ghost’s twin-turbocharged 6.6-litre V-12 engine, which in its latest application may be tuned to deliver more than 441 kilowatts. Rolls-Royce describes the output as “more than ample.”In addition to extra power, the Wraith will also benefit from a lighter chassis, stiffened suspension, and updated brakes and tires. As you’d expect from any model built by Rolls-Royce, the car will offer one of the finest cabins of any production car.As the teasers show, luxury and hand-craftsmanship are combined with contemporary design elements, complementing the dynamic poise and sporting nature of the vehicle.Wraith buyers will also be treated with materials that match the quality of those in the Phantom flagship, along with expanses of open pore wood named Canadel Panelling. The look, says Rolls-Royce, is said to be reminiscent of the interiors found on ultra-luxury yachts.Sales of the new Rolls-Royce Wraith will commence in the fourth quarter of 2013, and it’s almost certain a convertible version will follow the coupe.www.motorauthority.com 

French automaker PSA Peugeot Citroen revealed an air-hybrid drivetrain at a French tech day in January, and now it looks like the system is heading a step closer to the real world. The revolutionary technology, which is essentially a hybrid drive system that instead of using electric motors to support an internal combustion engine, uses compressed air, will be appearing at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show next month. It will feature in a Citroen C3 subcompact, which its makers claim is capable of returning a fuel economy of 3.4L/100km thanks to the technology. In addition to being much more fuel efficient than comparable gas-electric hybrids, and even some more advanced plug-in hybrids, the Citroen C3 Hybrid Air concept is said to be lighter and much cheaper to produce as there are no heavy and expensive batteries. It also operates at a constant level of efficiency, regardless of weather or driving conditions. The technology was developed by PSA Peugeot Citroen in cooperation with automotive supplier Bosch and draws from the Citroen brand’s historic expertise of hydraulic systems for cars. Citroen, of course, used pressurized air and hydraulic systems to manage the suspension, steering, braking and semi-automatic gearbox of the legendary DS as far back as 1955. The automaker also showcased one of its original 2CVs fitted with a hybrid setup that combined a gasoline engine and similar pressurized air and hydraulic system in 1958. Given the concerns about fuel costs and the environment, the French automaker is now investigating the use of the technology once again. The latest setup combines a gasoline engine with a compressed air storage unit, a hydraulic motor and an automatic transmission with an epicyclic design. An intelligent electronic management system manages input from the driver to optimize energy efficiency with three operating modes: Air Mode, Gasoline Mode, and Combined Mode. Optimising energy efficiency in this way cuts fuel consumption and allows the system to recharge the energy storage unit with compressed air, using regenerative forces to suck in air and compress it for later use. Air Mode is used for driving around town, at speeds of up to 69km/h. Here, the gasoline engine is not used.  The compressed air is transmitted to the wheels via the hydraulic motor and gearbox. Depending on traffic, this mode will be active between 60 and 80 percent of urban driving time. Maximum use of deceleration and braking energy will ensure efficient recharging of the compressed air unit. Gasoline Mode is used mostly on the highway or if there is no more compressed air. Again, the energy from deceleration and braking is recovered for use when in Air Mode or for the boost function in Combined Mode. Finally, in Combined Mode, the gasoline engine and hydraulic motor work together. This mode is used particularly during initial start and strong acceleration. If further tests prove successful, PSA Peugeot Citroen hopes to have the first production applications ready by as early as 2016. Note, its makers claim the technology is only suitable for cars in the subcompact and compact segments. www.motorauthority.com    

According to the results of a latest study, Ferrari is the world’s most powerful brand, outperforming much larger automakers such as BMW, Lexus, Mercedes-Benz and Volkswagen. The Prancing Horse also managed to outpace giants such as Apple and Coca Cola when it came to brand power, although it fell short when it came to overall brand value. Topping the list was Apple, with a brand value of $87.3 billion ($84.2 billion AUD), followed by Samsung with a value of $58.8 billion ($56.7 billion AUD) and Google with a value of $52.1 billion ($50.3 billion AUD) for their respective brands. By comparison, Ferrari’s brand value was only $3.6 billion ($3.5 billion AUD). The study, conducted by British research firm Brand Finance, compared the brands of the world’s top 500 companies. One of the key drivers of brand value is revenue, which, as an exclusive luxury brand, Ferrari cannot compete on compared to huge multinationals. However, when you factor in other important financial metrics such as net margins, average revenue per customer, marketing and advertising spend, along with qualitative measures such as brand affection and loyalty, the Prancing Horse comes out on top. According to the researchers, having a strong brand, though an intangible, is a key factor for driving profitable growth; something we’re sure will help Ferrari achieve more records in 2013. Crucially, having a strong brand helps with customer recognition, reputation and loyalty, as well as influence. “It is always a pleasure to top any list and still more so when the competition includes some of the world's most famous companies,” Ferrari chairman Luca di Montezemolo said in a statement. “This achievement proves that even in very tough economic times, Italy can still offer the world businesses of excellence.” Five Most Powerful Brands and their brand values (in billions): Five Most Valuable Brands and their brand values (in billions): www.motorauthority.com  

Despite only being formally announced six months ago, Maserati’s upcoming ‘baby’ sedan, the Ghibli, will reportedly be revealed as early as April’s 2013 Shanghai Auto Show.

While it's unlikely to win over the annual Deniliquin Ute Muster crowd -- or impress them in the circle work competition -- the Japanese automaker says the hybrid GR-HEV will be both sporty and tough. Hybrid technology is just one facet of vehicle electrification Mitsubishi is exploring as it works on reaching its self-imposed goal of offering some kind of electrified drivetrain technology on 20 percent of its lineup by 2020. We’ve already seen Mitsubishi launch the all-electric i-MiEV and plug-in hybrid Outlander PHEV, but now the automaker is previewing its future hybrid technology. Mitsubishi explains that hybrid technology, which is cheaper than all-electric and plug-in hybrid technology, is ideal for heavy-duty daily requirements of ute users, and this is one of the main reasons why it chose to feature its hybrid tech on such a vehicle. The GR-HEV concept combines a diesel engine with at least two electric motors, and features Mitsubishi’s featuring Super All Wheel Control (S-AWC) all-wheel-drive system. No other details have been revealed, though we can see that the GR-HEV will be a mid-size ute with a rugged look and advanced design features. Those side mirrors, by the way, are rearward-looking cameras instead of conventional mirrors. In addition to its hybrid ute concept, Mitsubishi will also unveil a new i-MiEV concept that was developed based on feedback from owners of the i-MiEV electric car. Called the CA-MiEV, the new concept is described as “suburban” electric car with a driving range of 300 kilometres. The CA-MiEV concept will also feature various technologies Mitsubishi plans to introduce on future production vehicles, such as magnetic resonance wireless charging technology and smartphone activated functions. www.motorauthority.com      

Last month it was confirmed Toyota and BMW would collaborate on a new platform that would form the basis of at least one sports car from each of the automakers.

The second image reveals its rear-end styling, while the first teaser showed the car’s profile -- confirming that the Wraith is in fact the long-awaited Ghost coupe seen testing in prototype form for the past several months and reported on for more than a year.Unlike the current Phantom Coupe, which features a boxy profile similar to that of the sedan on which it’s based, the new Wraith gets a fastback look that’s very sporting and sleek.The bold new styling hints at the extraordinary power and dynamic promise of the Wraith, which Rolls-Royce has already confirmed will be the fastest and most powerful model ever launched by the marquee.Power is expected to come from the Ghost’s twin-turbocharged 6.6-liter V-12 engine, which in its latest application may be tuned to deliver more than 440 kilowatts. Rolls-Royce describes the output as “more than ample.”In addition to extra power, the Wraith will also benefit from a lighter chassis, stiffened suspension, and uprated brakes and tires. Sales of the new Rolls-Royce Wraith will commence in the fourth quarter of the year, and it’s almost certain a convertible version will follow the coupe.www.motorauthority.com 

It was at the Geneva motor show just two years ago where Alfa Romeo first unveiled its stunning 4C concept car. Now, just a few weeks out from this year’s show, Alfa Romeo has revealed the production version of the 4C, which will herald the return of the illustrious Italian brand on U.S. soil when it lands in showrooms later this year. The production 4C, which will arrive as a 2014 model, looks every bit as breathtaking as the original concept, right down to its mid-engine layout and jet fighter-style cockpit. It also maintains most of the concept’s drool-worthy specs, including the turbocharged four-cylinder engine, four metre length and full carbon fiber monocoque chassis. Alfa Romeo hasn’t revealed just how much power the new 4C will deliver. If previous reports of 125 to 130 kilowatts are to be believed, we could be looking at a curb weight of just over 900 kilograms. That power will be delivered by a turbocharged 1.75-litre engine, composed of aluminium and powering only the rear wheels. The engine gets direct-injection technology, Fiat Group’s MultiAir variable valve timing and a new "scavenging" system that's said to reduce turbo lag. Previous performance estimates included a 0-100 time of around 4.5 seconds and a limited top speed of 250 km/h. Helping with those brisk performance numbers is the 4C’s new dual-clutch transmission, which offers full automatic or manual modes, the latter using paddle shifters located behind the steering wheel. The handling, meanwhile, is taken care of thanks to lightweight aluminium suspension frames that get mounted to the car’s carbon tub. These feature double-wishbone and MacPherson strut designs. The 4C also comes with a driving ‘DNA’ selector, which will allow the driver to select from Dynamic, Natural and All Weather modes, plus a special Race mode. Inside, the 4C, understandably, has just two seats. The design is driver focused and is accented by carbon fibre and aluminium. The center column, which is actually part of the carbon structure, has been left in full view to enhance the sense of uniqueness, of technology and light weight. As previously reported, production will take place at a Maserati plant in Modena, Italy. Numbers will be limited, with some suggesting just 2,500 will be built for worldwide consumption, which means pricing could be set higher than the original estimates of around US$45k. Around 1,000 are expected for the North American market. The good news is that a 4C convertible is also planned and should arrive next year. With the 2013 Geneva Motor Show kicking off on March 5, we'll have the full details on the 2014 Alfa Romeo 4C soon. www.motorauthority.com      

Volkswagen’s new MkVII Golf has already gone on sale overseas, and soon a new generation of the high-performance Golf R will be joining it. However, Volkswagen still has one more variant of its outgoing MkVI Golf to launch, and that’s the Golf R Cabriolet, which as its name suggest is simply the convertible version of the MkVI Golf R hatch. The new model will be making its world debut next month at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show, and European sales will commence before mid-year. Power for the Golf R Cabrio comes from Volkswagen’s familiar turbocharged and direct-injected 2.0-liter engine, which is rated at 188 kilowatts and 329 newton meters. This is the same engine found in the Golf GTI but with boost pressure turned up to a heady 17 psi. This engine is matched to a six-speed dual-clutch gearbox, which is standard on the Golf R Cabrio. All-wheel drive also comes standard, helping the car make the most of its power. With the pedal floored, 100 kph comes up after 6.4 seconds and the engine finally quits when you’ve reached a governed top speed of 250 kph. Key features of the Golf R Cabrio’s exterior include an aggressive front bumper, a unique 18-inch wheel pattern (also available in 19 inches), a soft-top roof and discrete R badging. There are also side sills, a blacked-out diffuser and chrome exhausts tips. Inside, buyers will find leather trim on the seats, steering wheel and handbrake grip, R logos embossed on the headrests, aluminium door sills and aluminium pedals. www.motorauthority.com