The small premium saloon market has expanded exponentially over the past few years with each of the big three German manufacturers attempting to better each other. Mercedes-Benz have the CLA, Audi produce the A3 saloon and BMW are undoubtable cooking up a 2 Series Gran Coupe. With AMG already finished with their work on the CLA and BMW’s potent M division poised waiting to tune the next big thing, Audi have shown what could evolve into an RS3 saloon in the form of a Audi A3 Clubsport Quattro Concept.
It is a pretty angry looking machine, isn’t it? With vast mesh grills and creases sharp enough to cut diamonds, the Audi A3 Clubsport Quattro Concept is the hardcore Audi saloon we have been expecting for a while now. Packing biblical 518BHP into a compact shape like this is surly a winner… That power comes from a 2.5 litre turbocharged engine that also kicks out 443lb ft of torque. Its power to weight ratio is the same as the 5.2 litre V10 Audi R8 supercar. 0-62MPH takes just 3.6 seconds and the Clubsport will reach a terminal velocity of 193MPH.
The Audi A3 Clubsport Quattro Concept is to be unveiled at the Wörthersee show in Austria.
As every car manufacturer looks to extend their marketshare, expansion into areas where they don’t currently exist is a good way to go about it. This sometimes results in some brands taking on competitors that they wouldn’t usually in any other circumstance. In Beijing a new concept car from VW may see them battle the likes of Mercedes for sales. As more “everyday” manufacturers attempt to move upmarket, it is the premium brands that are beginning to feel the squeeze. Volkswagen NMC Concept to take on Mercedes CLA.
Based upon the VW MQB platform, this is the Volkswagen NMC. The rather seductive saloon has a prominent stance that makes it stand out from other models in the Germans range. It still retains that VW family resemblance, but is clearly from the upper classes of the motor world. Wearing some snazzy alloy wheels and a contrasting roof panel, it looks the part. Seating 5 the NMC retains much of the practicality of the Jetta it shares components with. The engine for this concept car is a 2.0 litre petrol unit which produces 217BHP. Sitting below the CC, the Volkswagen NMC may be a concept car for now, but it is highly likely to see production.
The Ford Escort was an absolute peoples champion in Europe. Introduced in 1968, the Escort succeeded the Ford Anglia and proved to be a real benchmark in its segment. All-in-all there were six generations of this car that not only saw fame in the showroom, but also in motorsport. Cosworth tuned variations became the stuff of legends and were so popular that more were reported stolen than were ever sold. However, production ended in 2002 and the nameplate has not been seen again since it was replaced by the Focus. The Ford Escort Returns!
Ford are breathing new life into the Escort, although not for the European market. The growing automotive sector in China has presented a prime opportunity for the blue oval to revive the name and use it to do battle as a new compact saloon. Its design is simple and clean but some chrome trim does add a bit of class to it. Powered by a 1.5 litre petrol engine, Ford say that is car is aimed at people who are looking for practicality and prioritise safety. Making its debut at the 2014 Beijing motor show, Ford could well be onto a winner for developing markets.
The Audi RS7 is quite a special car in its own right. The sleek fastback shape of this saloon is very appealing with its deep vents also giving an air of distilled aggression. It is both executive and sporting in a bid to compete with BMW’s Gran Coupe. However, Audi have felt the need to make it a bit more special with the introduction of the Dynamic Edition at the New York motor show. Audi RS7 Dynamic Edition takes a bite of the Big Apple.
Whilst the New York Intonational Auto Show is playing host to a fair few special edition cars already, Audi join the party with a new RS7. The Audi RS7 Dynamic Edition does not differ from the standard RS7 mechanically, other than a few suspension tweaks, and so it features a 560HP 4.0 litre V8 engine that will get it from 0-60MPH in just 3.7 seconds. Visually the car sports red brake callipers within 21 inch gloss black alloy wheels in conjunction with carbon fiber splitter, diffuser and engine cover. Inside the cabin the Dynamic Edition has red stitching to separate it from the standard car.
Very few nameplates last more than 10 years. To get to 15 is impressive and sign that the car has done well throughout its life. The 25 years that the Mazda MX-5 has endured is remarkable, but the BMW M5 has been around for a staggering 30 years next year! Arguably the ultimate “sleeper” this often manic saloon has been one of the greatest driving machines for three decades and to celebrate BMW has burnt some rubber. Happy 30th Birthday BMW M5.
The video featuring the latest turbocharged M5 has plenty of tail happy moments packed into it along with a nod to M5’s of the past. Some feel that the BMW M5 of this generation has lost its slightly bonkers appeal, what with its predecessor packing a V10 engine, but make no mistake because this 4.4 litre twin-turbo V8 packs 567BHP in Competition Package trim.
The up and coming European emissions laws that will see much stricter regulation on the motor industry will not just aim for mainstream manufacturers, but also those in more premium sectors. Hybrid technology is a good method for such companies to bring their fleet wide pollutants down whilst maintaining a product portfolio befitting of the brand. Bentley Mulsanne Hybrid Concept is Eco Friendly Stately Home.
The Bentley Mulsanne Hybrid concept is to make its debut at the Beijing motor show bringing with it a new drivetrain for the luxury badge. According to Bentley this Mulsanne offers a 25% increase in power whilst reducing CO2 emissions by 70%. The plug-in hybrid can travel over 31 miles on pure electrical power and is a forerunner for the companies 2017 SUV model that will feature this technology. Inside the car is what you would come to expect from any Bentley with lavish materials and no shortage of luxury for rear occupants.
Bentley also say that the hybrid power train will be available in 90% of their products within the next 10 years. Changing with the times or bullied into submission? It is the age old battle between the purist and the realist.
Peugeot are having something of a renaissance producing some good cars that are even battling for class leadership. The 208, 2008, 308 and RCZ R represent the French company being back on form and with their current models sporting an edgy look, they are well equipped to chase Peugeot’s “upmarket” ambitions. Their latest concept car continues to impress…
Making its debut at the Beijing motor show, this is the Peugeot Exalt concept. The highly sculpted saloon continues Peugeot’s current design language and builds upon features from the Onyx concept seen in 2012. Also taken from the Onyx is the artistic statement of bare metals and unusual materials. The exterior is said to have the same texture as shark skin. The cabin seats four and its minimalist architecture is made from natural wool, aged leather, bare steel and ebony. The Peugeot Exalt concept car is poured by a petrol hybrid drivetrain producing 335BHP.
We all know the brand AMG today as the performance arm of Mercedes-Benz. The German tinkerers are credited with building some of the most characterful cars to ever wear the three pointed star. Founded by former Mercedes engineers Hans Werner Aufrecht and Erhard Melcher, their boosting of Mercedes performance to customers garnered the attention of Mercedes-Benz itself which started to buy and invest in AMG. This eventually resulted in the company being sold in its entirety by 2005 to Mercedes-Benz. But where did the fame and success come from? The big moment for AMG can be traced back to one car… AMG and The Red Pig.
The Mercedes-Benz 300 SEL was a big luxurious German saloon powered by a 250HP 6.3 litre engine. It was in fact Germany’s fastest production car at the time of being new, but that was on the autobahn and nowhere near a race track. Why should it ever venture onto a track? It is about as far from a racing car as you can get! That was until the 1971 24 hours of Spa endurance race.
Built for a private owner, the AMG prepared 300 SEL became known as The Red Pig. However, beauty is only skin deep and this car was a beast in every respect not just appearance. Now with a displacement of 6.8 litres and producing 420HP, this AMG packed a punch. Aluminium doors, flared arches and racing suspension were all part of package. When this Mercedes-Benz 300 SEL 6.8 AMG rolled onto the grid people laughed at it and poked fun. Little did they know what would happen next!
AMG’s Red Pig not only won its class at Spa, but finished second overall beating race bred cars driven by the very best drivers. It would have won outright if it were not for its thrust for fuel and tyres. An incredible achievement, one that shot AMG to fame.
A trip to Mercedes-Benz World Brooklands revealed the racing car on display for a short period. Thanks to the very kind staff we were allowed to get a bit closer than most to the fabled creature. It is an astonishing machine to look at with a demanding presence and awe-inspiring girth. Yet, this car before me was not the real thing, although as close as you can get to it. Built by AMG in 2006 following the exact plans of the original, this example stands in the place of the Spa legend. The reason? The racer was sold to an aircraft manufacturer to test landing gear at the high speeds it could achieve. It was destroyed and no longer exists. A very great shame, but at least this exacting replica stings as a testimony to the originals achievements.
When you think about it, the BMW 3 Series has had it all its own way for quite a while now. Whilst competitors have come close to what the Germans have been refining for decades, none have really surpassed it as an overall package. Jaguar are taking a big gamble on their next new model and are putting everything into taking on the 3 Series. Named the XE, only one image has been published of it so far, but today we know a little more about its beating heart. Jaguar XE to get V6 Power.
We already know that the car will launched with a range of all-new four cylinder engines, but confirmation today revealed that it will also get a V6 option. The supercharged 3.0 litre unit is the same one that has been put to good use in the excellent Jaguar F-Type. In that car it churns out 335BHP, but as for the Jaguar XE’s output we shall have to wait and see. We expect later in the XE’s lifecycle that an R and RS model will attempt to challenge BMW’s M3. The aluminium bodied four door saloon is set to go on sale next year followed by a planned SUV.
Once upon a time Skoda were something of a punchline in automotive jokes, however, today under the guidance of Volkswagen their products provide very well priced and ultimately dependable alternatives to their competitors. Parts sharing keeps the costs low, whilst they also benefit from German reliability. Skoda are looking to expand their model range by fitting a new saloon into the line-up. A concept car at this years Geneva motor show reveals all. Skoda VisionC Concept has all the right angles.
Well, this car has something to say for itself doesn’t it? The Skoda VisionC Concept is a lift-back saloon with a very bold design language. The hard body lines and steep angles define the overall look of the car. Tasteful chrome trim and some very interesting alloy wheels complete the exterior of the lean mean green machine. It definitely looks like a premium product and being based on Volkswagens MQB platform it should drive like one too. This car has the potential to shift Skoda’s competitors from being Ford’s and Renault’s to Mercedes with their CLA and BMW with an up and coming 2 Series saloon.
