THE car world is awash with discussion, speculation, and internet vitriol over Tesla’s recently revealed Roadster 2.0.
Tesla chief executive Elon Musk clearly revelled in the surprise reveal last week, making some bold claims in relation to the prototype’s performance capabilities.
Musk stated the Roadster 2.0 would launch from a standstill to 60mph (97km/h) in 1.9sec before pushing past 100mph (160km/h) in 4.2sec. The quarter mile will apparently disappear in 8.9sec.
While we will have to be patient for that opportunity, Tesla was offering ride-alongs in a prototype shortly after the vehicle was revealed to the world.
There was a catch though. Anyone wanting to hitch a ride had to pony up a significant chunk of cash – the equivalent of $A66,315.
The payments were taken as a deposit for the car, which the company states will cost $US265,380.
Videos of the Roadster 2.0 launching and accelerating using what Tesla has dubbed “Plaid Mode” have lit up social media, but those going for a ride paid a pretty penny for the privilege.
The truly dedicated Tesla enthusiast could secure a limited edition (just 1000 will be built) “Founders Series” Roadster, but a full deposit of $A331,750 is required. If the full allocation is sold, which is likely, it’s an injection of $US331 million into Tesla’s bank accounts. That’s more than the electric car manufacturer raised when it floated on the US stock exchange in 2010.
Essentially Tesla can use the money from the deposits as it chooses.
The first examples of the reborn Roadster aren’t expected to roll off a Tesla production line until 2020 at the earliest.
It has been a full year since Ford Falcon production ended, and Highway Patrol police fleets around the country are now trickling onto auction forecourts around the country.
Around a year ago MOTOR reported of the hammer falling on former NSW Highway Patrol examples of both the Falcon XR6 Turbo and XR8 (and their Commodore SS equivalents) from under $25,000 – or less than half the price new, for a three-year-old vehicle.
Now, however, most of the FG Mark II fleet has been exhausted, with – from the Waratah state’s fleet at least – a single 2014 XR6 Turbo this week filing into the Pickles auction house in Belmore, New South Wales, with 94,000km on the clock and selling for $19,750.
But otherwise full service history is assured, plus you get FPV alloys with Brembo brakes behind them, which weren’t standard on an XR6 Turbo.
While that three-year-old FG Mark II price hasn’t come down much from last year, the following – and better looking, and better all-round – FG X XR6 Turbo has dropped.
Modern classics proving popular at auction
Alternatively, another two-year-old 2015 XR6 Turbo in the same colour was on the floor with 76,000km, but sold at auction with the hammer coming down at $25,750 – so, essentially, $2500 extra to reduce kilometres by a quarter.
Either way, the police fleet of Ford Falcons is continuing to dwindle, and they remain a dirt cheap way to access 270kW of power and 533Nm of torque. Or, if you’re a Holden fan, a one-year-old Commodore SS managed to notch up 93,000km within a calendar year on New South Wales’ finest fleet, and it shifted at auction for $29,750 – or the price of a new Camry.
FOOTBALL, meat pies, kangaroos and Holden cars… Holden’s relationship with Australia is powerful and unique, and Wheels magazine has been sharing that story with its readers since 1953.
To celebrate, we have collated some of our greatest and most iconic stories from over the years into a one-off special edition.
We’ve trawled the extensive Wheels archive, and put together 146 pages of dedicated Holden content.
From our exclusive modern-day drive of the 48-215, following Holden’s original 1947 test route; to our 2016 ‘Last Supper’ with some of Holden’s most influential engineers, designers, and marketers, this is a selection of the very best Wheels stories about Holden’s new and old in one compelling, magazine compendium.
Take a trip down memory lane as we revisit the lion brand’s rich local manufacturing history, with reprints of original stories on iconic models such as the EH sedan, HK Monaro, and original VB Commodore.
There is also a selection of our epic drives around Australia and the US.
Motorsport greats Allan Moffat, Jim Richards, and Win Percy also feature in a selection of our best road tests.
The special one-off limited-edition magazine is available online through MagShop, for delivery straight to your door.
Aston Martin’s insane Valkyrie is the most extreme car the company has built, until it finished the AMR Pro versions that is.
In 2020, 25 of AM’s customers should find themselves in the possession of their new Aston Martin Valkyrie AMR Pros, a track-focused version of Aston’s ultimate road car. With more power and torque pumping through the 6.5-litre V12 (though we don’t know how much yet), an aerodynamic redesign, and LMP1-spec racing Michelins, extreme seems like an understatement.
Aston Martin Vanquish Ultimate revealed
The AMR Pro will also aim for a top speed over 400km/h, and the ability to sustain “cornering forces in excess of 3.3g and braking deceleration of more than 3.5g.”Aston CEO Andy Palmer says the aim of the AMR Pro is to test the bounds of what Aston Martin can do in terms of performance.
“Valkyrie has always been about pushing the limits and redefining the possible,” Palmer says.
“The road car will set new benchmarks for performance, engineering and technology – a hypercar in the truest sense – and with the track-only Valkyrie AMR Pro those limits will be pushed further still.
Red Bull Technology chief technical officer says the Valkyrie should still retain its ability to be a useable road car after the changes have been implemented. “While it is endowed with extraordinary performance, it has always been vitally important to me that the Valkyrie functions well as a true road car, and that naturally comes with some constraints,” says Newey.
Aston Martin launches AMR sub-brand
“However, with the track-only Valkyrie AMR Pro we have the freedom to create an extreme evolution that makes no such concessions. “While the core elements of the road and track versions are shared, every aspect of the AMR Pro – aerodynamics, chassis, powertrain and weight – has been optimised to significantly extend the performance envelope.
“It offers a level of track performance significantly beyond any previous two seat closed roof car.”
Mazda is now accepting expressions of interest from customers keen to order one of a restricted number of MX-5 RF Limited Edition models coming to Australia.
Only 110 examples of the special edition will be sold locally, with premium upgrades not available on any other version added to the range-topping Mazda MX-5 RF GT, at a drive-away price of $55,790.
The RF Limited Edition includes 17-inch BBS alloy wheels in charcoal grey, Bilstein shock absorbers, four-piston Brembo brake calipers painted red, Recaro seats trimmed in leather and Alcantara, a strut brace under the bonnet for increased body rigidity, and a sportier-looking Kuroi body kit comprising front, rear and side under-spoilers.
Buyers will have the choice between five exterior colours (red, silver, white, blue and grey) with a black roof.
Those taking delivery will also receive a gift pack including a limited edition watch and a signed letter from the Mazda MX-5 program manager.
All RF Limited Editions will feature a six-speed manual transmission. Engine performance remains the same as the RF GT on which the Limited Edition is based, with 118kW and 200Nm from a 2.0-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder petrol engine.
RF stands for Retractable Fastback, and denotes this model’s folding metal hard-top, which takes the place of the regular MX-5’s soft-top and gives a more mature, coupe-like appearance.
The upgraded equipment featured in these rare roadsters is identical to that seen in the Japanese-market MX-5 RF RS, revealed this time last year.
Mazda Australia initially offered its rationed allocation of RF Limited Editions in late September to current MX-5 owners and members of its Kizuna loyalty program, and 10% were sold. It is now taking expressions of interest online, and will place any unsold vehicles in select showrooms from March next year.
TELL ME ABOUT THIS CAR
The Audi Q2 2.0 TSFI quattro Sport is a more powerful, performance orientated petrol version of Audi’s luxury small SUV. The Audi Q2 arrived at the beginning of 2017 with two variants, the front-wheel-drive turbo petrol 1.4 TFSI Design and turbo-diesel 2.0 TDI quattro Sport, and this new model introduces Audi’s 2.0 TFSI petrol engine to the range, which is already found in the A3 and A4 models.
As with the other two Q2 models, the 2.0 TFSI comes as a well-equipped single variant that can be enhanced with a range of option packs. Its base price is $48,500 which puts it between the 1.4 TFSI design ($41,800) and 2.0 TDI quattro Sport ($49,100).
STRENGTHS
- The 2.0-litre turbocharged engine is the most powerful you can get in Audi A3 or A4 without an S or RS performance badge. It produces140kW and 320Nm of torque, compared to the 1.4 TFSI’s 110kW/250Nm, which results in a 2.0-second quicker 0-100km dash time of 6.5 seconds. In practical terms there’s plenty zip off the line with no turbo lag, and you’re never caught short on power when overtaking.
- Despite the increase in power and capacity, the 2.0-litre engine is reasonably fuel efficient, drinking just 6.5L/100km according to official combined figures.
- The chassis, quattro all-wheel-drive system and multi-link suspension combine to make the Q2 2.0 TFSI feel planted. It’s composed over bumps and potholes and lateral forces are also well contained resulting in remarkably little body roll for an SUV. This allows you to use a bit more of that extra power through bends.
- Exterior styling gives it a more youthful appearance than the staid looking Q3, while maintaining Audi elegance. It’s based on a ‘Polygonal Design’, which you see in the headlights, grille and even the chiselled shoulder line.
- The cabin is spacious for a small SUV. While the middle back seat is only suitable for kids, head and knee room in the outboard positions are ample for grown-ups and the long doors making getting in and out simple.
- Standard equipment includes autonomous emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, LED headlights and taillights, MMI Navigation infotainment with a bright 7-inch screen, wi-fi hot spot, smartphone interface, rear view camera, front/rear parking sensors and dual-zone air-conditioning, leather sports seats.
WEAKNESSES
- Road noise was a little high, especially on the optional 19-inch wheels. Best stick with the 18-inch stock wheels which also provide a slightly better ride and won’t cost you an extra $2100.
- The interior looks good, but Audi’s desire to appeal to well-healed youth robs the Q2 of the wow-factor you get when stepping in more eminently styled models such as the A4.
- Features that are standard in more affordable mainstream SUVs – such as adaptive cruise control, hill-hold assist, push button start and digital radio – are optional extras that can be purchased individually or part of a package. Each pack is reasonably priced, but start ticking a few boxes and you’ll be paying well north of the $48,500 base price. The model we drove was equipped with a $900 Assistance Package (with additional active safety), $1900 Comfort package, $2500 Technik package (which includes Audi Virtual Cockpit) and some exterior bling including 19-inch alloys, which drove the price up to $59,240.
ARE THERE ANY RIVALS I SHOULD CONSIDER?
Audi holds up the Mini Countryman SD All4 as the closest rival, but you can also include the Mercedes-Benz GLA 250, BMW X1 25i, Volkswagen Tiguan 162 TSI Highline and Jaguar E-Pace 2.0T when it arrives.
Tell me about this car:
The E-Pace is Jaguar’s take on the Land Rover Evoque, a compact SUV with four-cylinder engines, sharp looks and front- or all-wheel drive.
The Jaguar E-Pace is a pretty compelling proposition, with neat exterior design, an F-Type-inspired interior and enough space for family duties. Despite a disappointing kerbweight, the E-Pace feels agile and engaging to drive quickly, though the top-spec petrol’s pricing throws it under the wheels of the Mercedes GLA 45 AMG – a rival that offers significantly more bang for your buck.
Strengths
- Shod with Pirelli P Zero rubber, the E-Pace is sure-footed if far from lacking in humour: throw a bung of steering at the apex and you’ll feel the front bite hard and the rear adopt a frisky few degrees of angle.
- The 2.0-litre turbo/nine-speed auto combo is impressively punchy – flexible and smooth low-down, responsive when you gun it, eager when you hold out for the high notes.
- Thankfully the suspension calms with speed, introducing longer, more supple movements for comfort with unruffled control.
- Ian Callum’s design is pert and purposeful and riffs on the F-Type sports car, a theme that’s carried into the interior with its fast angles, signature features and comparatively low-slung – for an SUV – driving position. The showroom appeal that propelled Evoque to stardom is definitely in evidence here.
Weaknesses
- Our test car rode on 20-inch rims with fixed dampers, though 21s and adaptive dampers are incoming. The low-speed ride is very firm, so much so that I’d fear for young ’uns tums in a package that’s otherwise family-friendly.
- Hang-on panels as well as the roof are aluminium, but the bodyshell is steel and the kerbweight heavy at around 1800kg – a like-for-like F-Pace actually weighs less.
- It’s just that a Merc GLA 45 AMG costs little more, weighs far less and punches that much harder. For some, that could be the decider, but there’s little doubt that the E-Pace drives as sweetly as it looks.
Are there any rivals I should consider?
Audi Q3, BMW X1, Land Rover Evoque, Mercedes-Benz GLA
Oh, Ford’s built a special Focus RS.
Yep, and the news is good and bad. The good? This is probably the fastest Focus yet. The bad bit is it’s the final act. RS factory lines in Saarlouis, Germany, will power down next year and the Limited Edition will be the last for a while.
Ford ain’t saying. Or whether the RS will appear early or late in the next model’s lifecycle. Seeing it off will be 500 Limited Editions in Australia for $56,990.
And that comes with?
Eight changes. The boring stuff includes autonomous emergency braking, window tint, and a black finish on the spoiler, mirror caps, and roof. While the Recaro seat bolsters beam in blue.
No one has complained about power, according to Ford, so its 2.3-litre turbocharged four endures untouched, bringing 257kW and 470Nm (on overboost) to the party.
The same driveline sophistication as an AMG A45, then.
Except the Focus RS all-wheel drive system seems advanced enough now to moonlight as WRC hardware. Only Subaru and its WRX STI come close to this level of weaponry.
The Focus RS hardly needed more grip, but Ford says so many customers do track days it was a no-brainer. So the new front diff is a helical type, while the rear item works like LSDs in cars three times as expensive.
Quite the parting gift.
On a Sydney Motorsport Park caked with rubber and coated with a fine drizzle, conditions were perfect for revealing what’s changed.
But this isn’t a problem for the Limited Edition. It digs in and fires out from corners with more velocity. That LSD settling down the chassis by absorbing more of its bulky 470Nm.
That’s surely the tyres.
There’s no doubting their effect on braking distances, mid-corner speeds, and overall lap times.
The smooth, rounded Cup 2 tyre should hate water more than cats, however, even during warm-up the Limited Edition boasted superior traction, balance, and precision.
Does it still drift?
The Limited Edition struggled on a wet skidpan. Where the base car holds half-baked arcs, with forceful provocation, the LE grips up and start to push. It battled so much it would need an occasional breather to let its systems rest. The extra adhesion making it harder for the rear differential to overspeed the rear boots.
Should I buy one?
If you’re set on the Focus RS you don’t really have a choice. This is now the only variant available. And all are Nitrous Blue. Nor do the upgrades themselves represent excellent value. As you could previously option the same wheel and tyre package for $2500 and buy the same Quaife LSD through Ford Performance for US$1199.
At its core, the Focus RS is a honed apex-eating animal. A very rapid thing that lives to thrill. It dominated Bang For Your Bucks last year. And while the Limited Edition’s price rise isn’t welcome, the extra pace means there’s every chance it’ll repeat the feat. There are few as fast for the money.
4.5 stars out of five
Ford Focus RS Limited Edition specifications: Engine: 2261cc inline-four, DOHC, 16v, turbo Power: 257kW @ 6000rpm Torque: 440Nm @ 2000-5000rpm (470Nm on overboost) Weight: 1521kg 0-100km/h: 4.7sec (claimed) Price: $56,990
These are the three most cost-effective mid-size executive cars on sale in Oz
1st: BMW 318i Sport line
You might think a 1.5-litre three-cylinder BMW 3 Series sedan would kill the premium medium class on fuel economy alone, but that doesn’t allow for the fact Munich’s cross-town rival has a formidable foe in its entry-level Audi A4 1.4 TFSI.
Despite identical 56 percent three-year resale forecasts, it was on depreciation that the BMW landed its first blow, because it’s $600 less costly to buy. At 5.4L/100km the 318i is also officially 0.1L/100km more economical than the A4 – negligible in the grand scheme, but another win all the same.
The pair progressed with identical three-year, unlimited-kilometre warranties and 12-month service intervals, while the Audi costs $101 more to insure for a year, at $1082. A photo finish, then, which might leave brand and model preference as the real reasons to choose one over the other.
2nd: Audi A4 1.4 TFSI
Despite stating similar value cases, the front-drive, four-pot, dual-clutch entry Audi A4 represents a fundamentally different mechanical package to the rear-drive, three-pot, conventional automatic BMW.
A $10K-lower purchase price offsets 46 percent three-year resale, resulting in similar dollar figure deprecation for the Peugeot, while a robust 2.0-litre turbo-diesel keeps it in the economy hunt, with grunt.
TOYOTA has surprised industry observers with lower-than-anticipated recommended retail pricing for its all-new, and now fully-imported, Camry.
Kicking off from $27,690 before on-road costs for the Altise-replacing Ascent, the eighth-generation midsizer was expected to only just sneak in under $30,000 due to its Japanese sourcing and increased standard specification, which includes AEB Autonomous Emergency Braking and Lane Departure Warning, adaptive cruise control, LED headlights and upgraded multimedia system.
Additionally, the expected bestselling Ascent Hybrid enters at $29,990, which is $500 less than the outgoing equivalent despite gaining a completely new petrol-electric powertrain system offering significantly more power as well as much lower fuel-consumption figures.
Toyota is also predicting big things of the newly-minted Ascent Sport with private buyers, as it also bumps in at a tenner under $30K. It adds niceties like a body kit, larger touchscreen, sat-nav, parking sensors all-round, dual-zone climate control and keyless entry/start.
However, it is worth noting that the latest model’s recommended retail pricing is $1200 more than before – and up to $4000 above the more-realistic promotional prices touted for the runout model; for well over a year the Australian-built Altise was advertised at $26,990 driveaway.
While Toyota acknowledges the new Camry will struggle to match its predecessor’s volume numbers – year-to-date sales are actually up nearly 10 percent to just under 20,500 registrations, compared to just 3000 units for the second-placed Mazda 6 – it still expects to comfortably lead the medium segment in Australia.
“Camry will continue to play an integral role in our sales aspirations going forward,” according to Toyota Motor Company Australia sales and marketing manager, Sean Hanley.
“We did have a very aggressive pricing position with [the old Camry]. [We are prepared] for some volume reduction, and there is no doubt about that, [but] this car will continue to drive Camry to be the number-one selling mid-sized sedan in Australia.”
As reported previously, the 2018 Camry scores the box-fresh Toyota New Generation Architecture first seen in last year’s Prius and the C-HR small SUV, gaining all-new suspension (including a double-wishbone rear set-up) as well as a completely re-engineered 3.5-litre V6/eight-speed auto combination delivering 224kW of power and 362Nm of torque.
The latter, replacing the Aurion in the Camry line-up, begins at $37,290 plus on-road costs for the SX, stretching to $43,990 for the range-topping SL.
2018 Toyota Camry pricing
4-cyl petrol
- Ascent – $27,690 – (plus $1200)
- Ascent Sport – $29,990 – (minus $200)
- SX – $33,290 – (minus $200)
- SL – $39,990 – (plus $2550)
- Ascent – $29,990 – (minus $500)
- Ascent Sport – $31,990 – (minus $1200)
- SL – $40,990 – (plus $550)
- SX – $37,290 – (minus $6700 over Aurion)
- SL – $43,990 – (minus $6,450 over Aurion)
