Audi’s second-generation R8 has been sprung stripped of almost all its camouflage while testing in Germany ahead of its expected launch in Australia in 2016.
Looking more like the sleek and futuristic R8 etron prototype launched at the Frankfurt motor show in 2009, we can already tell that this test mule features a similar slammed glasshouse and dropped nose that featured on the battery-powered show car.
Once again, the R8 is expected to gulp air via a deep front air dam framed on either side by squared intakes feeding air to the front brakes.
The show car’s distinctive “blades” also remain, channelling air into the engine bay via sharply creased channels cut into the R8’s door skins.
While the last R8 featured an all-aluminium body, this generation of the $270,000-plus supercar is expected to also make higher use of lightweight carbon fibre, hidden inside plastic forms, to strip performance-sapping heft from the current generation’s almost 1700kg kerb weight.
However, it’s what will end up under the glass-panelled engine bay sitting behind the driver’s shoulder that holds the most interest.
Despite strong suggestions that the R8 will continue to use a 300kW-plus mid-mounted twin-turbocharged V8 and Lamborghini-sourced atmo V10 spitting out more than 400kW, Audi will also need to hedge against the geekiest kid on the supercar block – BMW’s hybrid i8.
We’re also told to not rule out the possibility of Audi using a 300kW-plus twin-turbo V6 that, if it makes it to production, will be shared with the first V6-engined RS4 in more than a decade.
Speculation is rife that the new R8 will also spawn a plug-in hybrid similar to the 1.5-litre three-cylinder, electric-drive i8 that arrives in Australia in early 2015, and priced to go head-to-head with the Audi.
In terms of the interior, the R8 is expected to take cues from Audi’s recently revealed third-generation TT coupe.
That’s likely to mean a much cleaner look, with a slender instrument cluster and a much smaller hub on the now trademark square-bottomed steering wheel thanks to an advance in airbag packaging that reduces its size without reducing its effectiveness.
Audi’s current R8 was facelifted last year, suggesting the current version of the sports car still has a couple of years to run before its Australian run will end and the new model arrives.
BMW has announced that its new i-branded electric city cars will hit local showrooms in November, with the all-electric i3 BEV priced from $63,900 and the range-extended i3 REx from $69,900.
The two i3 models will be joined in early 2015 by BMW’s sleek i-brand flagship, the plug-in hybrid i8 sports car.
The environmentally friendly range, which is expected to expand beyond the i3 and i8, will initially be sold through a national network of six BMW i dealerships, with service provided by an additional 10 service-only dealers.
Charged with the task of launching the i brand flag into the fierce Australian new-car market, BMW Australia managing director Phil Horton said the new i3 was BMW’s first dedicated zero-emissions electric vehicle designed from the ground up.
He said both vehicles employed new manufacturing initiatives focused around sustainability and the use of world-first technology.
The all-electric i3 BEV requires recharging while the i3 REx is fitted with an extra two-cylinder 647cc petrol engine to help eliminate range anxiety.
BMW claims the electric-only i3 can achieve up to 170km on a single charge, while the range-extender can push that to more than 300km.
There will be three choices interior choices and six exterior paint schemes.
Although the hybrid i8 will not go on sale here until early next year, BMW hopes to have demonstrator models in each of its BMW i dealerships when they open with the new i3 in November.
The i8 – which was revealed at the Frankfurt motor show last September and will go on sale in Europe in June – features a wide, low and sleek aerodynamic shape, topped off with scissor doors.
Its rear wheels are powered by a three-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine producing 170kW and 320Nm.
Powering the front wheels are an electric motor with a rechargeable battery that can provide up to 35km of electric-only driving.
The i8 will hit 100km/h in just 4.4 seconds and top out at 250km/h (when the electric and petrol motors are used in unison).
While BMW Australia was not prepared to discuss local pricing at the Sydney launch this week, a figure of about $300,000 is expected for the i8.
With electric and hybrid cars yet to be embraced by Australian motorists, Horton was conservative when discussing projected sales for the new i3.
“We have pre-orders for 20 vehicles at the moment,” he said.
“We have a limited number of vehicles available to us (so) I would say 50-60 sales in the first year.
“This is not a volume-selling car for us in Australia, but that’s not to say we won’t be able to get more if we need them.
“For the i8, we actually have pre-orders for 15, which probably says more about the instant appeal of the hypercar. We have about 2000 enquiries on both.”
MOTOR is giving away a Volkswagen Golf GTI, and you could could be the winner! Entering the competition is simple. Click here to pick up a subscription to MOTOR and receive 100 free entries!
Volkswagen Golf GTI 2014 Car Giveaway
Terms and Conditions
1. Instructions on “How to Enter” and prizes form part of these Terms and Conditions. By participating, entrants agree to be bound by these Terms and Conditions.
2. Entry is open to residents of Australia over 18 years of age. Employees of the Promoter and their immediate families and agencies associated with this promotion are ineligible to enter.
3. The Promoter reserves the right, at any time, to verify the validity of entries and entrants (including an entrant’s identity, age and place of residence) and to disqualify any entrant who submits an entry that is not in accordance with these Terms and Conditions or who tampers with the entry process. Errors and omissions may be accepted at the Promoter’s discretion. Failure by the Promoter to enforce any of its rights at any stage does not constitute a waiver of those rights.
4. Incomplete, indecipherable, or illegible entries will be deemed invalid.
5. Competition commences on 10/04/14 at 0:01am AEDST and closes on 1/10/14 at 23:59pm AEST. The draw will take place at 11.am AEST on 18/11/14 at Storacall Technology LTD T/a X-on, 7 Salamander Court, Mermaid Waters, QLD 4218. The winner will be notified in writing and by telephone using the contact details given in their entry. The winner’s name will be published in the public notices section of The Australian Newspaper on 20/11/14.
6. Entry is via one of the following ways:
• Subscriptions are to be sent to Wheels magazine and/or Motor magazine by mail at Reply Paid 4967, Sydney, NSW 2001;
• by phone 131 116 (Mon – Fri 8am AEDST – 8pm AEDST)
• on-line at www.magshop.com.au/motor or www.magshop.com.au/wheels
• Magazine Entries are to be posted to Bauer Trader 2014 Car giveaway Promotion, Bauer Media, Locked Bag 12, Oakleigh, VIC, 3166.
Entry is subject to a valid credit card payment or, if payment is made by cheque, the cheque must be cleared for payment by the close date of the promotion.
7. Multiple entries are permitted, subject to the following: (a) each entry must be submitted separately and in accordance with entry requirements; (b) only one entry is permitted through all website entries; (c)
• Subscription to Wheels magazine and/or Motor magazine – 100 automatic entries
• Free entry coupon in Wheels magazine and/or Motor magazine – 10 automatic entries
• Show entries – Entries will be available at all shows that are attended by the Bauer Trader 2014 car giveaway Promotion from 10/04/14 through to 01/10/14 – 1 free entry
8. The judges’ decision in relation to any aspect of the conditions will be final and binding on every person who enters. No correspondence will be entered into. No responsibility is accepted for late, lost or misdirected mail.
9. The first (1) valid drawn entry from all entries received will win:
1 x Volkswagen Golf GTI valued at $48,670 (AUD). Prize also includes delivery within Australia and registration.
Prize does not include comprehensive insurance, other ancillary costs and any accessories.
10. The colour of the vehicle is white and will be determined by the promoter at its complete discretion.
11. If the winner lives within 100 km of Melbourne will have a choice of either the picking up the vehicle from a point in Melbourne or having the vehicle delivered to their place of residence (via being driven by a nominated person by the promoter) The winner takes full responsibility and knowledge that if they choose this option, the vehicle will have more kilometres on the speedometer than advertised during the promotional period. For all other states that prize will be trucked to the winner’s place of residence.
12. Major prize does not include additional insurance, options, accessories, fuel (petrol) any ancillary costs associated with redeeming this prize. These are the responsibility of the Winner. In acceptance of the prize, the winner acknowledges that they may incur ongoing costs associated with the prize which are the entire responsibility of the winner.
13. Any costs associated with the transport of the vehicle to an alternate location will be responsibility of the winner.
14. It is a condition of winning that the prize winner provides the Promoter with their full name, address, license and a copy of their current Australian driver’s license prior to the awarding of the prize.
Winner must have a current valid Australian driver’s license. If the winner is, through any legal incapacity or otherwise, unable to register the vehicle in their own name, then such winner may assign the vehicle prize to another person (who consents to such assignment) with legal capacity for the purpose of registration. The Promoter takes no responsibility for any such arrangements between the winner and the assignee. The winner must provide the Promoter with certified copies of all required documentation as required by the Promoter before the vehicle is awarded.
15. All prizes must be taken as offered. The prize, or any unused portion of the prize, is not transferable, exchangeable and cannot be redeemed as cash. The prize is not valid in conjunction with any other offer. The prize is valued in Australian dollars. The Promoter accepts no responsibility for any variation in the prize value. Prize winners are advised that tax implications may arise from their prize winnings and they should seek independent financial advice prior to acceptance of their prize.
16. Prize value is correct as at the date of printing. The Promoter accepts no responsibility for change in prize value between now and the ultimate date on which the prize is taken.
18. Prize is subject to the standard terms and conditions of individual prize and service providers.
19. Prize is non-redeemable for cash, non-transferable and cannot be on-sold to a third party.
20. If the prize (or part of the prize) is unavailable, the Promoter, in its discretion reserves the right to substitute the prize (or part of the prize) with a prize to the equal value and/or specification, subject to any written directions from a regulatory authority.
21. If for any reason the winner does not take the prize (or an element of the prize) at the time stipulated by the Promoter, then the prize (or that element of the prize) will be forfeited.
22. In the event of war, terrorism, state of emergency or disaster, the Promoter reserves the right to cancel, terminate, modify or suspend the promotion, subject to any written directions from a relevant regulatory authority.
23. A draw for the prize, should it remain unclaimed, may take place on 24 February, 2015 at 11.00am, at Trader Classifieds 73 Atherton Road Oakleigh, VIC 3166. The winner will be notified by phone and in writing using the contact details given in their entry. The winner’s name will be published in the public notices section of the Australian on 26 February, 2015.
24. Nothing in these Terms and Conditions limits, excludes or modifies or purports to limit, exclude or modify the statutory consumer guarantees as provided under the Competition and Consumer Act, as well as any other implied warranties under the ASIC Act or similar consumer protection laws in the States and Territories of Australia (“Non-Excludable Guarantees”). Except for any liability that cannot by law be excluded, including the Non-Excludable Guarantees, the Promoter (including its respective officers, employees and agents) excludes all liability (including negligence), for any personal injury; or any loss or damage (including loss of opportunity); whether direct, indirect, special or consequential, arising in any way out of the promotion.
25. Except for any liability that cannot be excluded by law, including the Non-Excludable Guarantees, the Promoter (including its respective officers, employees and agents) is not responsible for and excludes all liability (including negligence), for any personal injury; or any loss or damage (including loss of opportunity); whether direct, indirect, special or consequential, arising in any way out of: (a) any technical difficulties or equipment malfunction (whether or not under the Promoter’s control); (b) any theft, unauthorised access or third party interference; (c) any entry or prize claim that is late, lost, altered, damaged or misdirected (whether or not after their receipt by the Promoter) due to any reason beyond the reasonable control of the Promoter; (d) any variation in prize value to that stated in these Terms and Conditions; (e) any tax liability incurred by a winner or entrant; (f) participation in the promotion and/or; (g) taking of the prize.
26. If this promotion is interfered with in any way or is not capable of being conducted as reasonably anticipated due to any reason beyond the reasonable control of the Promoter, including but not limited to technical difficulties, unauthorised intervention or fraud, the Promoter reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to the fullest extent permitted by law (a) to disqualify any entrant; or (b) subject to any written directions from a regulatory authority, to modify, suspend, terminate or cancel the promotion, as appropriate.
27. All entries become the property of the Promoter. The collection, use and disclosure of personal information provided in connection with this competition is governed by the Privacy Notice (see Contents Page for location in this issue). The Promoter collects personal information in order to conduct the promotion and may, for this purpose, disclose such information to third parties, including but not limited to agents, contractors, service providers, prize suppliers and, as required, to Australian regulatory authorities. Entry is conditional on providing this information.
28. The Promoter of the competition is Bauer Trader Ltd ABN 18 053 273 546, at 73 Atherton Road, Oakleigh, Vic 3166,
Permit numbers: NSW Permit Number: LTPS/14/01565, Vic Permit Number: 14/3610, ACT Permit Number: TP 14/00816, SA Permit Number: T14/378
Wheels is giving away a Volkswagen Golf GTI, the 2013 Wheels Car of the Year. Entering the competition is simple. Click here to pick up a subscription to Wheels and receive 100 free entries!
Volkswagen Golf GTI 2014 Car Giveaway
Terms and Conditions
1 Instructions on “How to Enter” and prizes form part of these Terms and Conditions. By participating, entrants agree to be bound by these Terms and Conditions.
2 Entry is open to residents of Australia over 18 years of age. Employees of the Promoter and their immediate families and agencies associated with this promotion are ineligible to enter.
3 The Promoter reserves the right, at any time, to verify the validity of entries and entrants (including an entrant’s identity, age and place of residence) and to disqualify any entrant who submits an entry that is not in accordance with these Terms and Conditions or who tampers with the entry process. Errors and omissions may be accepted at the Promoter’s discretion. Failure by the Promoter to enforce any of its rights at any stage does not constitute a waiver of those rights.
4 Incomplete, indecipherable, or illegible entries will be deemed invalid.
5 Competition commences on 10/04/14 at 0:01am AEDST and closes on 1/10/14 at 23:59pm AEST. The draw will take place at 11.am AEST on 18/11/14 at Storacall Technology LTD T/a X-on, 7 Salamander Court, Mermaid Waters, QLD 4218. The winner will be notified in writing and by telephone using the contact details given in their entry. The winner’s name will be published in the public notices section of The Australian Newspaper on 20/11/14.
6 Entry is via one of the following ways:
* Subscriptions are to be sent to Wheels magazine and/or Motor magazine by mail at Reply Paid 4967, Sydney, NSW 2001; * by phone 131 116 (Mon – Fri 8am AEDST – 8pm AEDST) * on-line at www.magshop.com.au/motor or www.magshop.com.au/wheels * Magazine Entries are to be posted to Bauer Trader 2014 Car giveaway Promotion, Bauer Media, Locked Bag 12, Oakleigh, VIC, 3166.
Entry is subject to a valid credit card payment or, if payment is made by cheque, the cheque must be cleared for payment by the close date of the promotion.
7 Multiple entries are permitted, subject to the following: (a) each entry must be submitted separately and in accordance with entry requirements; (b) only one entry is permitted through all website entries; (c)
* Subscription to Wheels magazine and/or Motor magazine – 100 automatic entries * Free entry coupon in Wheels magazine and/or Motor magazine – 10 automatic entries * Show entries – Entries will be available at all shows that are attended by the Bauer Trader 2014 car giveaway Promotion from 10/04/14 through to 01/10/14 – 1 free entry
8 The judges’ decision in relation to any aspect of the conditions will be final and binding on every person who enters. No correspondence will be entered into. No responsibility is accepted for late, lost or misdirected mail.
9 The first (1) valid drawn entry from all entries received will win:
1 x Volkswagen Golf GTI valued at $48,670 (AUD). Prize also includes delivery within Australia and registration.
Prize does not include comprehensive insurance, other ancillary costs and any accessories.
10. 100 entries will be given to print subscribers only. Entries cannot be given to digital subscriptions of Bauer Trader titles due to Apple Inc.’s sharing of data policy. Bauer Trader cannot gain details of those who subscribe to our digital products and therefore, cannot gain entry into this promotion.
11. The colour of the vehicle is white and will be determined by the promoter at its complete discretion.
12. If the winner lives within 100 km of Melbourne will have a choice of either the picking up the vehicle from a point in Melbourne or having the vehicle delivered to their place of residence (via being driven by a nominated person by the promoter) The winner takes full responsibility and knowledge that if they choose this option, the vehicle will have more kilometres on the speedometer than advertised during the promotional period. For all other states that prize will be trucked to the winner’s place of residence.
13. Major prize does not include additional insurance, options, accessories, fuel (petrol) any ancillary costs associated with redeeming this prize. These are the responsibility of the Winner. In acceptance of the prize, the winner acknowledges that they may incur ongoing costs associated with the prize which are the entire responsibility of the winner.
14. Any costs associated with the transport of the vehicle to an alternate location will be responsibility of the winner.
15. It is a condition of winning that the prize winner provides the Promoter with their full name, address, license and a copy of their current Australian driver’s license prior to the awarding of the prize.
Winner must have a current valid Australian driver’s license. If the winner is, through any legal incapacity or otherwise, unable to register the vehicle in their own name, then such winner may assign the vehicle prize to another person (who consents to such assignment) with legal capacity for the purpose of registration. The Promoter takes no responsibility for any such arrangements between the winner and the assignee. The winner must provide the Promoter with certified copies of all required documentation as required by the Promoter before the vehicle is awarded.
16. All prizes must be taken as offered. The prize, or any unused portion of the prize, is not transferable, exchangeable and cannot be redeemed as cash. The prize is not valid in conjunction with any other offer. The prize is valued in Australian dollars. The Promoter accepts no responsibility for any variation in the prize value. Prize winners are advised that tax implications may arise from their prize winnings and they should seek independent financial advice prior to acceptance of their prize.
17. Prize value is correct as at the date of printing. The Promoter accepts no responsibility for change in prize value between now and the ultimate date on which the prize is taken.
18 Prize is subject to the standard terms and conditions of individual prize and service providers.
19 Prize is non-redeemable for cash, non-transferable and cannot be on-sold to a third party.
20 If the prize (or part of the prize) is unavailable, the Promoter, in its discretion reserves the right to substitute the prize (or part of the prize) with a prize to the equal value and/or specification, subject to any written directions from a regulatory authority.
21 If for any reason the winner does not take the prize (or an element of the prize) at the time stipulated by the Promoter, then the prize (or that element of the prize) will be forfeited.
22 In the event of war, terrorism, state of emergency or disaster, the Promoter reserves the right to cancel, terminate, modify or suspend the promotion, subject to any written directions from a relevant regulatory authority.
23 A draw for the prize, should it remain unclaimed, may take place on 24 February, 2015 at 11.00am, at Trader Classifieds 73 Atherton Road Oakleigh, VIC 3166. The winner will be notified by phone and in writing using the contact details given in their entry. The winner’s name will be published in the public notices section of the Australian on 26 February, 2015.
24 Nothing in these Terms and Conditions limits, excludes or modifies or purports to limit, exclude or modify the statutory consumer guarantees as provided under the Competition and Consumer Act, as well as any other implied warranties under the ASIC Act or similar consumer protection laws in the States and Territories of Australia (“Non-Excludable Guarantees”). Except for any liability that cannot by law be excluded, including the Non-Excludable Guarantees, the Promoter (including its respective officers, employees and agents) excludes all liability (including negligence), for any personal injury; or any loss or damage (including loss of opportunity); whether direct, indirect, special or consequential, arising in any way out of the promotion.
25 Except for any liability that cannot be excluded by law, including the Non-Excludable Guarantees, the Promoter (including its respective officers, employees and agents) is not responsible for and excludes all liability (including negligence), for any personal injury; or any loss or damage (including loss of opportunity); whether direct, indirect, special or consequential, arising in any way out of: (a) any technical difficulties or equipment malfunction (whether or not under the Promoter’s control); (b) any theft, unauthorised access or third party interference; (c) any entry or prize claim that is late, lost, altered, damaged or misdirected (whether or not after their receipt by the Promoter) due to any reason beyond the reasonable control of the Promoter; (d) any variation in prize value to that stated in these Terms and Conditions; (e) any tax liability incurred by a winner or entrant; (f) participation in the promotion and/or; (g) taking of the prize.
26 If this promotion is interfered with in any way or is not capable of being conducted as reasonably anticipated due to any reason beyond the reasonable control of the Promoter, including but not limited to technical difficulties, unauthorised intervention or fraud, the Promoter reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to the fullest extent permitted by law (a) to disqualify any entrant; or (b) subject to any written directions from a regulatory authority, to modify, suspend, terminate or cancel the promotion, as appropriate.
27 All entries become the property of the Promoter. The collection, use and disclosure of personal information provided in connection with this competition is governed by the Privacy Notice (see Contents Page for location in this issue). The Promoter collects personal information in order to conduct the promotion and may, for this purpose, disclose such information to third parties, including but not limited to agents, contractors, service providers, prize suppliers and, as required, to Australian regulatory authorities. Entry is conditional on providing this information.
28 The Promoter collects personal information (“PI”) in order to conduct the promotion and may, for this purpose, disclose such PI to third parties, including but not limited to agents, contractors, service providers, prize suppliers and, as required, to Australian regulatory authorities. Entry is conditional on providing this PI. The Promoter will also use and handle PI as set out in its privacy policy, which can be accessed by visiting http://www.bauer-media.com.au/privacy.htm. In addition to any use that may be outlined in the Promoter’s Privacy Policy, the Promoter may also, for an indefinite period, unless otherwise advised, use the PI for promotional, marketing, publicity, research and profiling purposes, including sending electronic messages or telephoning the entrant. Entrants should direct any request to opt out, access, update or correct PI to the Promoter and direct any complaints regarding treatment of their PI according to the Privacy Policy. All entries become the property of the Promoter.
29 The Promoter of the competition is Bauer Trader Ltd ABN 18 053 273 546, at 73 Atherton Road, Oakleigh, Vic 3166,
Permit numbers: NSW Permit Number: LTPS/14/01565, Vic Permit Number: 14/3610, ACT Permit Number: TP 14/00816, SA Permit Number: T14/378
Toyota Australia’s longstanding reputation for reliability has taken a hit this morning after the Japanese company recalled about 300,000 cars due to safety concerns.
It’s part of a major global recall by the brand that will see 6.39 million cars returned worldwide due to varying issues.
In Australia, the recall affects about 179,000 HiLux utes built between April 2004 and December 2009 to replace a spiral cable fitted between the steering wheel and steering column.
Toyota said the cable can become damaged with repeated turning of the steering wheel and could cause the airbag to fail during an accident.
More than 116,000 Yaris models built between June 2005 and May 2010 have also been recalled to replace a spring in the driver’s seat that could become faulty due to repeated sliding back and forth.
If broken, the spring can prevent the seat from moving or give the false impression the seat is locked in place. In an accident, the seat could then move and increase the risk of injury.
Toyota Australia said it has received no reports of accidents or injuries as a result of the issues, and that the recall is a preventative measure only.
Affected customers will be notified of the recall by mail and asked to make an appointment at an authorised Toyota dealer.
Northern Territory transport minister Peter Styles is looking to expand its no-speed-limit trial to more sections of major highway.
A 200km stretch of Stuart Highway between Alice Springs and Barrow Creek has been operating without a speed limit for two months as part of a 12-month trial.
“We’ve always said and [told] people that it’s their responsibility to drive to the conditions of the road, the condition of their vehicle, to their own capabilities,” Styles told the ABC.
“I believe it’s been a success so far.
“Anecdotal evidence that I’ve received is that people are behaving themselves. The police have indicated that everyone seems to be doing the right thing out there.”
There have been no reported accidents as a result of the trial.
Nevertheless, concerns have been raised about high-speed suitability of the roads and driver safety.
Consultants are conducting assessments and will advise the government about permanent implementation when the trial concludes.
Mini’s biggest, fastest and boldest Cooper hatchback will also be its cheapest yet, carving $5000 off the price of the model it will replace, along with a cylinder from the engine.
The all-new – though difficult to distinguish from the old – Mini is due on sale later this month, with three variants initially being offered: an entry-level petrol-engined Cooper, a mid-pack diesel-engined version, and the range-topping (for now) turbocharged petrol Cooper S.
But it is the entry-level pricing of just $26,650 that headlines the new Mini’s arrival later this month, well down on the $31,650 that the current model commands.
The standard Mini saves money by shedding a cylinder, moving away from its traditional 1.6-litre atmo four-pot to a 1.5-litre turbocharged triple.
In terms of performance, the new Mini produces 10kW more power than before at 100kW, with 220Nm of torque, up by a hefty 60Nm (or 70Nm when calling on the overboost function).
The three-pot engine cuts more than a second off the Cooper’s 0-100km/h sprint time to 7.9sec.
Fuel use, meanwhile, improves to 4.7 litres per 100 kilometres, down from 5.8L/100km.
The $31,800 Cooper D ($3000 cheaper than the old model) also uses a turbo three-cylinder engine, with the 1.5-litre unit producing 85kW – almost the same as the old Cooper’s petrol engine – and 270Nm, accelerating from 0-100km/h in 9.2sec, only 0.1sec outside the old petrol-engined car’s figure.
Its 3.7L/100km official fuel figure shames even Toyota’s environmental poster car, the Prius, but because it burns diesel fuel it is not as clean as the petrol-electric hybrid.
The $36,950 Cooper S (down $3750) remains as the only Cooper, for now, to feature a four-cylinder engine under the bonnet.
Its turbocharged 2.0-litre powerplant – up from the old engine’s 1.6-litre capacity – produces 141kW/280Nm (up from 135kW/240Nm), with an overboost function delivering bursts of up to 300Nm of torque.
Using only 5.9L/100km, the new Cooper S lopes from 0-100km/h in 6.8sec, knocking only 0.2sec off the time despite the bigger displacement.
Mini’s latest Cooper also promises to turn the three-door hatchback into even more of a driver’s car. According to the brand, this generation of the car adds features such as variable driving modes and electronically adjustable dampers for the first time.
General Motors has given Wheels unprecedented access to its Australian design operations in a bid to convince Australia it has a future beyond the end of local car manufacturing in 2017.
“We’re here to stay for the long term,” studio boss and vice-president of GM International Design Mike Simcoe told Wheels and a select group of media.
“It’s important that we get this message out, that people hear this – both outside General Motors and within … We have a strong future … The doubt that everyone has is ill-founded. We are not going anywhere.”
During an extensive tour of General Motors’ Australian design operations, Simcoe told Wheels the future of the studio – one of 10 GM design studios around the world – had been questioned repeatedly since GM announced manufacturing would cease in 2017.
“Why should Holden Design still exist? Why invest in a design facility so far from the mothership [in Detroit]? We were constantly fielding these questions.”
At its peak in the 2000s the studio employed 250 people. Today that number is about 140 and, while that number is not likely to grow, Simcoe said “the future is secure”.
He said the message that GMA Design has “support from GM leadership” is important on a number of levels.
“Yes, my guys need to hear that, but so does the public. It’s important that Australians are aware we as a country are still contributing to the automotive industry on a global level.
“It’s also important that schoolkids know there is a future for them as automotive engineers and designers in this country.
“This year is the 50th anniversary of the Port Melbourne-based Holden Design Studio.
“Today, this studio delivers. It is a very capable studio, one of the most mature in the region and in the GM world.
“It has been a breeding ground for some of the best design talent in the GM world. Many designers that have passed through here now carry huge influence in North America … And dollar for dollar we are one of the most effective design centres in the GM world.”
Simcoe said GM’s new boss, Mary Barra, had pledged her support to the operation. He said she would visit soon, but declined to say when. “She’s a busy lady (but) we have her full support.”
GM’s Australian design studio is currently headed by Richard Ferlazzo, the father of the striking Efijy concept.
It is one of only two studios in the GM world with the capability to take a concept from sketch to full-size reality in-house.
The first car to emerge from the studio, which opened in 1964, was the HD Holden in 1966.
Among the studio’s biggest critical successes are the 2006 VE Commodore and 2002 Monaro. It also took a lead role in designing the Chevrolet Camaro and Cruze for international markets.
GMA Design will continue to play a design role primarily in cars for China, India and North America.
HOLDEN wants to be number one as a full-line importer by 2020, according to new chairman and managing director Gerry Dorizas – significantly, the first appointee from outside the GM family to head the brand.
Speaking publicly for the first time since taking office on 1 March, the Greek national believes an energised dealer network, the right products and “delighting customers” are key to achieving this ambitious goal.
Dorizas’ revelation that Holden aspires to be number one again didn’t come as a surprise to sales and marketing boss Phillip Brook, the man charged with achieving that goal, though his decision to reveal it publicly certainly did.
“Can I say this?” Dorizas asked, looking towards Brook, before continuing. “The point where we want to go is to go back to number one.”
Toyota has held the top spot since taking it from Holden in 2003. Last year, the Japanese brand sold 214,630 new vehicles, giving it 18.9 percent share of the market. By comparison, Holden sold 112,059 last year (9.9 percent share), of which almost half were Commodore and Cruze models built at the Elizabeth factory scheduled to close in 2017.
Dorizas believes the days of one brand dominating the market are coming to a close. He agrees that Australia is one of the world’s most competitive new-car markets and expects that a 15 percent market share will secure top spot in 2020.
“The market [leader] at this time is Toyota at 18 percent. [It] was 21 percent the year before, so as you can see market shares are going to start levelling out. I can’t see that we’re going to be 20 percent. But I believe that it will be 15 percent one brand, 14 percent the other. Everything will come closer together.”
He considers himself a commercial guy and says that, while “Holden will always historically be Australian”, there is a need to redefine the brand for its future as a full-line importer.
“I’ve got a fair amount of understanding where we are and what has to be done. [We must] redefine the brand of Holden, not in terms of what the DNA is, but to make it more young, more modern.”
The way to do that, says Dorizas, is with consistent communications and the right product portfolio – which he declined to reveal.
“We will tell you when we’re ready. We’re working on it.” Wheels understands Europe will be a prime source of product for Holden, including the Opel Astra and Corsa. How this fits with the Korean-sourced Barina and soon-to-be Korean-sourced Cruze remains to be seen.
Dorizas sees upside in Holden’s massive ‘car park’, its owner base. “It’s a market reality here that our dealers do not take care of their customers. We don’t service the car park that we have in Australia. That’s something that we have to work on, to get our customers back. We have to delight our customers. Work with our dealers in training, from the technicians, service advisors, sales people, right up to me. We will innovate this market, and we will get our customers back.
“All companies proclaim that they are very customer oriented. Well, at Holden we really want to be customer oriented. We want to have the best customer satisfaction.”
This focus on customer satisfaction may be new for Holden, but it’s nothing new to the wider car industry. Importers such as Subaru, Mazda and many others depend on returning customers for a large portion of sales, as much as 60 percent with some models.
According to a 2013 JD Power survey of American customer service experiences, 38 percent of owners ‘satisfied’ with the purchase and servicing experience indicated they “definitely will” purchase their next vehicle from the same brand.
That figure rises to 59 percent for ‘delighted’ owners. Still, the sales potential for Holden is huge, because Holden’s car park is so big. Dorizas knows he must have dealer commitment to pull this off.
“This is an industry that is changing. It’s going to become like Europe, like anywhere else in the world. From a sales-oriented market, it will become a service-oriented market.
“[To achieve this] it’s important to have the best – satisfied – dealer network. If the dealers are satisfied and profitable, they tend to invest with customers. It’s very important for us to be partners and work together with the network.”
Current new-car pricing levels are not sustainable, says Dorizas, and probably not sufficient to bankroll his planned customer service revolution.
“It is incredible to see the prices of cars here in Australia are less than the prices in Europe, with the cost of living being more expensive, if not double, that of Germany. That is not sustainable. And, by the way, there are quality issues. If the whole industry doesn’t make money, how are they going to invest into products, into training, into the quality issues?”
So, even with the prospect of a tariff removal in the near future, Dorizas believes new-car prices are destined to rise.
“I believe they will go up at some particular time … How profitable are the dealers today with these sales? With the pushing of the market that is happening? With some companies pushing cars in order to do numbers? At some particular point, this competition of prices will create a problem in the network – I’m talking about the total market. The whole situation will change. Every market will go through this.
“Our business is to satisfy our customers – whether that is to have a great product – it is to bring the customers back to our service. That is the way you keep the customers. High quality, high satisfaction.”
Toyota has blurred the line between the real world and the virtual one, fitting its low-slung 86 sports coupe with a data logger that replays a thrash around a race track inside a game.
However, Australian buyers will have to wait until local race circuit data – possibly including the iconic Mount Panorama track near Bathurst – is added to the software before it will make its way here.
The Japanese car maker announced overnight that domestic versions of the 86 would come fitted with the Sport Drive Logger, which uses the coupe’s GPS and telemetry systems to paint a virtual picture of the driver’s lap around a race track.
The data can be downloaded onto a USB stick and integrated with a PlayStation3 gaming console, where the hot lap can be recreated on a digital version of the track in the driving simulation game Gran Turismo 6.
Toyota launched a virtual version of the 86 on GT6 even before the car arrived in global showrooms.
“We believe the Toyota 86 is the perfect match for this exciting technology,” Toyota Australia product public relations manager Steve Coughlan said.
“Having the opportunity to experience this driver-focused car in both the real and virtual worlds is an exciting proposition.
“That said, the system is currently only configured for Japan and only works in conjunction with circuits such as Fuji Speedway.
“Tracks outside of Japan have not been mapped at this stage,” he said. “For this reason, the technology is not currently applicable to Australia.”
The latest instalment of the long-running Gran Turismo game includes Mount Panorama for the first time, so if the 86 telemetry logger does come to Australia, owners could one day record their own hot lap of the circuit and replay it virtually – provided they can get access to the iconic track when it’s not a low-speed tourist drive.
The lack of the software’s availability in Australia is one of a string of disappointments for local 86 owners.
Despite availability in other markets, the car maker does not sell any TRD performance enhancement kits in Australia as they have not been homologated for use on our roads.
Likewise, Australia misses out on a stripped-out, cut-price version of the two-door coupe known as the 86 RC, which features matte black plastic body panels that can be easily and cheaply replaced.
We also miss out on the TR 86, a race-ready version of the car featuring uprated brakes, adjustable suspension and sets of slick and wet tyres.
The TR 86 sells in other markets for about double the price of a regular 86, which would make it about $60,000 if it came here.
Click here to read the full range review of the Toyota 86
