Articles by Viknesh Vijayenthiran

But for those readers who can’t wait any longer, and that probably means you, these computer-generated renderings provide a clue as to how the new Ferrari flagship will look. Based on prototypes spotted in the wild, as well as insider information, the renderings allow us to look past the heavy camouflage and see the stunning beast that’s residing within. They show a mid-engine exotic that’s immediately recognisable as a modern Ferrari, though one that’s significantly wilder than anything that’s yet to leave the halls of the Maranello factory. They show that the new F70 will benefit from an advanced aerodynamics package, which is likely to include active flaps in the front bumper, like on the F12 Berlinetta, as well as additional flaps and new intakes in the rear section. In charge of the styling is Italian designer Flavio Manzoni, who is said to be planning a three-curve profile (one curve for the front fender, one sweeping curve for the roof and one final curve for the rear fender) and extensive glass area for the car. The overall proportions appear similar to those of the Enzo, though the prototypes we’ve seen suggest the F70 could in fact be both longer and wider. The extra length is necessary to accommodate the F70’s new hybrid drivetrain, which is called HY-KERS and based on technology derived from Ferrari’s Formula 1 racing efforts.  The particular setup in the F70 will consist of a high-displacement V-12 engine matched to a dual-clutch transmission and electric motor driving the rear axle. A second electric motor will be used to power ancillary features, thus reducing the load on the engine. A kinetic energy recovery system (KERS) will ensure the car’s lithium-ion batteries, which are being supplied by Samsung, stay charged. The system’s combined output could be as high as 920 horsepower, while emissions will be around 40 percent lower compared to a non-hybrid solution, Ferrari has confirmed. Additionally, Ferrari is going all carbon for the F70’s platform, utilising some of the most advanced composites for everything from the central monocoque structure to the individual body panels. The end result is an expected curb weight as low 1133kg -- a phenomenally light number with 920 horsepower on tap. The marginally more powerful Bugatti Veyron, for example, weighs about 680kg more than the 1133kg target. Even McLaren's carbon monocoque MP4-12C--rated at “just” 616 horsepower--weighs a portly 500 pounds or so more. The F1 tech doesn’t end there, however. Technological transfer from racing is also fundamental to the design, engineering and construction of the F70, specifically, its ability to optimise longitudinal and lateral dynamic characteristics, and thus improve handling. This will be achieved via torque management, traction control and brake distribution. Next year is shaping up to be huge for supercar fans, as well as fans of advanced powertrain technology. Not only will we see the launch of the hybrid Ferrari, but arch rival McLaren is planning to launch its successor to the legendary F1, and it's tipped to also feature a hybrid system. On top of this, the Porsche 918 Spyder plug-in hybrid is set to go on sale, as is the production version of Jaguar’s stunning C-X75 concept. Motor Authority

Since its reveal last year the new 991-series Porsche 911 has been winning accolades all around the world. So far, however, we’ve only been treated to the base Carrera and its slighter sportier Carrera S variant. But now, almost a year out since its reveal, Porsche is expanding the 991-series family with the all-wheel drive Carrera 4 and Carrera 4S variants, which start delivery early next year as 2013 models. And just like the Carrera models we’ve seen thus far, the new Carrera 4 range promises a combination of improved performance and economy. All four Carrera 4 variants will be available at launch, including the Carrera 4 and sportier Carrera 4S, as well as their respective Cabriolet counterparts, and all will be fitted with Porsche’s latest rear-biased all-wheel drive system and Porsche Traction Management (PTM) nanny. From the outside, the styling is almost identical to the rear-wheel drive Carrera models, though in Carrera 4 tradition the rear fenders extend further outwards, adding an additional 22mm of width on either side. Filling these are wider rear tires, which are 10mm wider than the tires on the rear-wheel drive models. The traditional red light band that connects the two tail-lamps of the Carrera 4 has also taken on a new form. As for the hardware of the 2013 Porsche 911 Carrera 4 line-up, it benefits from the same lighter body, suspension and drivetrain as that found in the rear-wheel drive models, netting an overall weight saving of about 65 kilograms over its predecessor. According to Porsche, this contributes towards an improvement in fuel economy of as much as 16 percent for some variants. The Carrera 4 features a 3.4-litre flat-six engine with 257 kW on tap and the choice of either a seven-speed manual or seven-speed ‘PDK’ dual-clutch transmission. The manual 911 Carrera 4 Coupé sprints from zero to 100 km/h in as little as 4.5 seconds (Cabriolet: 4.7 secs), while the PDK brings the time down to 4.3 seconds. The Carrera 4 has a top speed of up to 285 km/h (Cabriolet: 282 km/h). Fuel consumption with PDK is 8.6 L/100 kms (CO2 203 g/km) for the Coupé and 8.7 L/100 kms (CO2 205 g/km) for the Cabriolet. Opt for the Carrera 4S and you get a 294kW 3.8-litre engine, enabling acceleration to 100 km/h in 4.1 secs (Cabriolet: 4.3 secs) and a top speed of 299 km/h (Cabriolet: 296 km/h). Fuel consumption with PDK is 9.1 L/100 kms (CO2 215 g/km) for the Coupé and 9.2 L/100 kms (CO2 217 g/km) for the Cabriolet. A special item of the new all-wheel drive Porsche 911 models is a menu in the instrument cluster that informs the driver how the PTM is distributing engine power to each of the four wheels. Of course, there’s also Porsche’s Sport Chrono package, which turns many of the car’s settings up a notch to deliver even better performance. Note, with the arrival of the 2013 model year 911, Porsche is introducing the optional Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) to the entire model range. This feature controls distance to traffic ahead and vehicle speed. When ordered with PDK, the ACC system adds the safety function Porsche Active Safe (PAS), which helps to prevent front-end collisions by warning the driver and priming the brakes. Pricing (add $5950 for PDK) 911 Carrera 4 Coupe $255,400 911 Carrera 4S Coupe $289,400 911 Carrera 4 Cabriolet $280,900 911 Carrera 4S Cabriolet $315,000 Look out for the debut of the new 2013 Porsche 911 Carrera 4 range at the 2012 Paris Auto Show next month. Its launch is crucial for Porsche as the all-wheel drive models, which include the high-performance 911 Turbo, represented roughly one third of all 911s sold for the previous 997 series and we don’t expect things changing much with the new 991. Motor Authority  

It’s been a while since we last heard from British sports car manufacturer Trident, the company behind the unique Iceni diesel-powered sports car. Today, however, the company has announced that it will be showing an updated version of the car, the Iceni Grand Tourer, at Salon Privé 2012 taking place in London early next month.  The Trident Iceni, named after an ancient tribe that inhabited the area of modern-day Norfolk, England, Trident’s current home, is a low-slung sports car built in the same vein as other British classics, but with one major difference: it’s packing a 6.6-litre turbodiesel V8. The mighty engine is sourced from General Motors and modified to run on biodiesel.In the latest Iceni Grand Tourer, the engine is tuned to deliver 316 kW and a staggering 1288 Nm of torque. Trident says it's good for a 0-100 km/h time of just 3.7 seconds and a top speed of almost 320 km/h, but where the Iceni Grand Tourer really shines is in its fuel economy.The company says that the Iceni Grand Tourer's engine runs at approximately 980 revs when the car travels at a constant speed 110 km/h, such as cruising on a highway. In this way, it can return an average fuel economy of 4.1 litres of fuel and cover a range of over 3,200 km on a single tank of diesel.If this sounds interesting to you, Trident will build you one for £75,000 (approximately $114,000 AUD), though the company hasn’t mentioned if left-hand drive versions are available. It has, however, mentioned that power upgrades for the Iceni Grand Tourer are available, including one kit that lifts output to 485 kW and 1424 Nm of torque.Salon Privé 2012 kicks off on September 5 in the UK.Motor Authority

Bugatti's Veyron Grand Sport Vitesse is the fastest, most powerful roadster ever released to the public. The Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport Vitesse is the combination of the record-breaking Veyron Super Sport with the more lifestyle-oriented Veyron Grand Sport, and it retails for about $2.3 million, should Bugatti decide to build you one. This guarantees it’ll remain one of the most exclusive cars ever produced, however, should you desire more, there are things even more special than a ‘regular’ Veyron Grand Sport Vitesse. Just today a special edition example of the stunning supercar was rolled out at The Quail in Monterey, CA, one of the lead-up events to the 2012 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. The special edition features a unique Bianco and New Light Blue colour scheme, which is designed to mimic the look of the famous Bugatti Type 37A that was built in 1928 and is notable for its numerous Grand Prix wins. The upper area of the body is finished in Bianco, including the roof area and the air scoops. The lower body panels (side skirting, front spoiler, radiator grille frame and rear apron with diffuser), the inner surfaces of the wheel rims and the underside of the automatically extending rear spoiler are in the light blue. Like all Veyrons, and in particular the Veyron Grand Sport Vitesse model, carbon fiber is, along with stainless metals such as aluminium and magnesium, the dominant material for the cabin. Numerous interior parts are made from the lightweight stuff in this special roadster, including the center console extension, a cover with the EB logo between the seats and the side portions of the seats themselves. Leather trim abounds on nearly every other surface, in this case a cognac colour has been chosen. No changes have been made to the powertrain, which means you still have a quad-turbocharged 8.0-liter W-16 engine rated at 880kW of power and 1500Nm of torque--enough for 0-100km/h acceleration in just 2.6 seconds and a top speed of 255mph (410km/h). The original Type 37A was also on display, on loan from the collection of comedian and all round car nut Jay Leno. Looking at the two cars side by side, it’s clear where designers drew their inspiration. Motor Authority  

Driving simulators such as Forza Motorsport, Gran Turismo and Need for Speed are well-known--and well-loved--here at Motor Authority.However, there is a new title in the works that may upset these video game heavyweights, and that’s GRID 2 from Codemasters.The sequel to 2008’s GRID, the focus of the new game is having arcade-style fun rather than creating a totally realistic driving experience.Nevertheless, the graphics are still as realistic as that of any of the rival games and the lineup of cars looks promising.The list includes the likes of the Chevrolet Corvette, Ford Mustang, McLaren MP4-12C and the Pagani Huayra. The game’s creators say the total list of cars spans four decades and three continents.GRID 2 will be released early to mid-2013 and will be available for the Sony PlayStation 3, Microsoft Xbox 360 and PC.Motor Authority  

Ford is about to embark on an ambitious plan to streamline all of its car plants around the globe in order to boost their efficiency and see them introduce a set of common practices. Ford calls this ambitious plan the “One Manufacturing” system and hopes to have it fully implemented by 2015. At the same time, Ford plans to add capacity around the world, including a broad expansion in the Asia Pacific Africa region, where the company will be adding nine new plants, particularly in China, over the coming years. The facilities will increase the region’s capacity to produce 2.9 million vehicles a year, part of a global plan to meet Ford’s goal of selling 8 million vehicles a year by mid-decade. Following on from its One Ford strategy where the automaker sells one common model in each vehicle segment it competes in around the world, the new One Manufacturing system is aimed primarily at improving efficiencies and reducing costs at its plants. Ford describes the system as a single production system with the advantages of standard processes for tasks such as tracking material, delivery and maintenance, as well as greater flexibility and improved investment efficiency primarily through the use of virtual tools. This latter feature alone is said to reduce vehicle development costs by as much as 8 percent per year. Ford is also hopeful that its new system will help it tackle over-capacity issues in certain regions such as Europe without having to shut a factory. Producing common vehicles at more locations around the globe means underutilized plants can more easily be used to produce vehicles for other markets. One important aspect for the One Manufacturing system is a reduction in the number of vehicle platforms and components.  Ford says using fewer platforms means it will be able to produce 25 percent more vehicle derivatives per plant by 2015, though it means we’ll likely lose unique vehicles like the Ford Falcon currently sold in Australia. The beloved sedan, as well as its ute and SUV variants, are speculated to be ending production in 2016 whereby they’ll be replaced by global models such as the Taurus and Explorer.   Motor Authority

One of the biggest concerns for riders is a lack of attention from car and truck drivers who often fail to notice the smaller, two-wheelers out on the roads. It could simply be a car driver merging into another lane occupied by a motorcycle and its rider, entering a road with an oncoming bike, or in the case of this latest video attempting a U-turn when there is an oncoming motorcycle. After two vehicles successfully complete the U-turn, the driver of a third vehicle attempts to follow them despite a lone motorcycle and its rider approaching. By the time the car driver realises and stops, it’s too late and the motorcycle crashes into the side of the car, with its driver then flipping over it. Fortunately, the speed of the motorcycle wasn’t too high. Despite the rider flipping over the car and landing on the other side, he can clearly be seen standing up and walking after the crash. This video serves as an important reminder to be extra cautious of motorcycles and bikes when out on the road. Motor Authority

If you’re driving around in a chromed out Fisker Karma extended-range electric car, chances are somebody’s going to spot you. If you’re driving at speeds of up to 160 km/h through Los Angeles, there’s pretty much no chance of getting away with it. It turns out singer Justin Bieber found that out the hard way, with the teen idol given a citation by L.A. police on Friday morning after allegedly being pulled over for speeding on a road in Studio City. It was L.A. City Councilman Dennis Zine who first spotted Bieber and his chromed out Fisker Karma before calling the police. Speaking with reporters from KABC-TV, Zine said Bieber appeared to be going about 160 km/h. "It was like a rocket ship coming by, I'm not exaggerating when I say that," he said. "When it passed me, it had to be going close to 160 km/h. Every time when there was a little space, it would make a lane change, then there were all these cars following."  L.A. police have confirmed they gave the young star a ticket, but haven’t revealed how fast he was actually going. At the time of the alleged event, Bieber was said to be driving away from several paparazzi vehicles. Perhaps if he wants to avoid the paparazzi, driving around in a Fisker Karma covered in chrome isn’t the greatest idea. Motor Authority

... one that’s forward-looking yet still hinting at the past. That new model, we can confirm today, is the AM 310 Vanquish, the first images and details of which have just hit the Web. Aston Martin’s new model, which will serve as the marque’s flagship now that the One-77 supercar is officially sold out and sales of the DBS are wrapping up, has been one of the worst kept secrets of the year. A concept version dubbed the AM 310 was quietly rolled out at the recent 2012 Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d'Este in Italy, and then a completed car bearing the “Vanquish” name on its trunk was spotted just outside Aston Martin’s headquarters in Gaydon, England. Now information on the car has surfaced on Aston Martin’s main website one day prior to the official reveal. The decision to call it a Vanquish is fitting considering the new car is being launched as part of Aston Martin’s centenary celebrations, though at the same time it is also thoroughly modern, featuring the aggressive new look that will appear on the automaker’s future models--just like the previous Vanquish. Under the body panels are heavily revised versions of Aston Martin’s venerable VH platform and 6.0-litre V-12 engine, developing 421kW of power at 6750rpm and 620Nm of torque at 5500rpm, with drive sent to the rear wheels via a ‘Touchtronic 2’ six-speed automatic with paddle shifters. Aston Martin predicts the new Vanquish will accelerate from 0-100 km/h in just 4.1 seconds and reach a top speed of 295 km/h. Yet the brand’s team of engineers has also been working towards economy and emissions improvements. Using knowledge attained during development of the One-77, each body panel on the new Vanquish is constructed from carbon fiber because of its high strength-to-weight ratio and flexibility of form. Meanwhile, torsional rigidity is improved by more than 25 percent. Inside the cabin stylists have also drawn inspiration from the One-77. The sweeping center console, for example, is almost identical to the design seen on the former flagship. Customers will be able to choose from 2 or 2+2 seating configurations, and at the rear they’ll find much more space than in the DBS, with designers managing to increase trunk space by 60 percent. First sales of the AM 310 Vanquish are scheduled to start in Europe towards the end of the year, with pricing set at £189,995 (approx. $295,000 AUD). U.S. launch and pricing information should be announced shortly. Motor Authority  

While in the U.S. firms such as Google are attempting to revolutionize mobility by doing away with the driver completely, over in Europe researchers are taking smaller steps towards making autonomous driving a reality. For the past couple of years we’ve been bringing you details about the SARTRE (Safe Road Trains for the Environment) initiative being conducted by Volvo and several other partners. As its name suggests, the initiative aims to provide vehicles with the ability to drive themselves in long road trains on highways. The technology has the potential to improve traffic flow and journey times, offer greater comfort to drivers, reduce accidents, and improve fuel consumption and hence lower CO2 emissions. After conducting its first real world test on a closed-off road back in January of 2011, the SARTRE system has now successfully completed its first test on a public road among other road users. The test fleet consisted of a lead truck being driven by a professional driver and three following vehicles consisting of a Volvo XC60 crossover, V60 wagon and S60 sedan. The fleet was driven successfully over a distance of 200 kilometres and at speeds in excess of 80km/h on a highway near Barcelona, Spain. Researchers found that while participants were initially uneasy about driving at highway speeds just several feet behind another vehicle and relying solely on technology, the participants acclimatized very quickly. While this test was used to determine how people would react to the cars being driven autonomously, both those in the SARTRE vehicles and other road users, the next phase will focus on analysis of fuel consumption. There’s still no word as to when the technology will be ready for the mainstream though the SARTRE project is scheduled to be completed by the end of this year. Motor Authority