Volkswagen and Suzuki end four-year legal battle

The technology-sharing partnership and subsequent dispute between VW and Suzuki is formally ended following a ruling by the International Chamber of Commerce

Volkswagen and Suzuki have formally settled a long-running dispute over shares as a result of its technology-sharing deal.

The International Chamber of Commerce has ruled that Volkswagen should sell its current 19.9% stake in the Japanese car maker, bringing to a close a legal dispute dating back to 2011 and the two firms’ partnership, which first began in 2009.

Originally it was thought that Volkswagen would use the partnership to launch a new Up-based microcar for the Asian market. The brief for the project, according to Volkswagen, was “to cooperate on the joint development of innovative and eco-friendly budget cars and on expanding their presence in dynamic emerging automotive markets”.

As part of the legal dispute, Suzuki alleged that Volkswagen tried to suppress its interests by representing it as a subsidiary of the VolkswagenGroup, while VW was said to have been angered when Suzuki signed a deal with Fiat for the supply of diesel engines.

When asked whether his company would consider working with Volkswagen again, Suzuki chairman Osamu Suzuki said: “You will not remarry someone you have divorced.

“It used to feel as if a small bone were stuck in my throat. I feel so refreshed now.”

Suzuki will now attempt to buy back its shares from Volkswagen, which analysts have told Reuters could be worth about £2.5 billion.

In a statement, Volkswagen said it “welcomes the clarity” given by the ruling.

Despite the formal dissolution of its partnership with Suzuki, Volkswagen is moving ahead with plans to launch its own budget brand for the Asian market.

The first vehicles to launch under the new brand, which is as yet un-named, will be seen in 2018. The initial line-up will include an SUV, a hatchback and a saloon. All three will be sold in China with starting prices ranging from €8-11,000 (£5670-£7800).

Get the latest car news, reviews and galleries from Autocar direct to your inbox every week. Enter your email address below:

Source: Autocar RSS Feed http://bit.ly/1Vtitkc

Read More

2016 Audi R8 Spyder spotted - new pictures

Audi's open-top R8 will go on sale early next year following its planned debut at the LA motor show in November

Audi's second-generation R8 supercar will receive an open-top Spyder sibling early next year, as these latest spy pictures show the new model in testing ahead of its planned debut at the LA show in November.

The biggest styling changes to the Spyder occur at the rear, where these prototypes have been fitted with a flatter rear deck in order to accommodate the folding soft-top roof. The glass panel seen on the coupé has also been removed, while new air vents to help cool the R8's V10 engine have been added.

Like the R8 Coupé, the Spyder is set to be offered in two states of tune. Power will come from a 5.2-litre V10 engine, which in standard form produces 532bhp at 8000rpm and 398lb ft at 6500rpm. In V10 Plus form, power is increased to 601bhp and 8150rpm and torque to 413lb ft - the same as the Lamborghini Huracán, with which the new R8 shares some of its components, including its chassis.

Expect the R8 Spyder to closely match its Coupé sibling in terms of performance. The coupé is capable of reaching 62mph in 3.5sec and has a top speed of 201mph. In top-spec V10 Plus form, the same sprint is acheived in 3.2sec, with a top speed of 205mph. 

Power will be sent through Audi's Quattro four-wheel drive system, via a seven-speed S tronic dual-clutch automatic transmission.

By comparison, the near-£200,000 Ferrari 488 Spider gets 660bhp from its 3.9-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine, is able to reach 62mph in 3.0sec and has a top speed of 203mph.

The new Spyder is expected to use the same lightweight aluminium and carbonfibre-reinforced plastic spaceframe structure that underpins the coupé. At the Coupé's launch in Geneva, Audi claimed the new structure had shaved 66kg off the car's kerb weight, meaning the the V10 Plus model weighs in at 1454kg. The German manufacturer will be looking to make similar savings for the Spyder.

Prices for the second-generation R8 Spyder are expected to rise over those of the R8 Coupé, which costs £119,500 in standard form, or £137,500 for the V10 Plus.

Get the latest car news, reviews and galleries from Autocar direct to your inbox every week. Enter your email address below:

Source: Autocar RSS Feed http://bit.ly/1UoKkzQ

Read More

Checking Valve Lash

Checking valve lash on pedestal mount roller rockers. I had a couple valves slightly off that needed a .0215 shim installed under the pedestal. Marking how far I had to turn to get to the proper torque spec, so that I could calculate the lash.

source: Fox Body Mustang Restoration http://bit.ly/1Jzd7P7

Read More

2016 Bentley Bentayga SUV - hot version spied

High-performance version of Bentley's first SUV spotted undergoing testing. Bentayga is due on sale in 2016 for a starting price upwards of £130,000

Bentley is preparing a high-performance version of its forthcoming Bentayga, judging by these spy pictures of a more extreme version of the company's first SUV.

We've already seen lots of spy shots and 'leaked' official testing pictures of the Bentayga. But now a new version of the car has been caught on camera. It features a different front bumper incorporating larger air intakes and a lower air splitter, plus a small spoiler mounted at the top of the hatchback and more aggressive side skirts. Our photographers also reported that the car sounded considerably more aggressive than other test mules - a sign that it features a more sporty exhaust set-up.  

Bentley has already released a teaser video for the Bentayga, ahead of the car's public debut at September's Frankfurt motor show.

The footage was shot during high-altitude off-road testing in Spain. It shows the car undergoing low-speed manoeuvres on rocky terrain - although the test mule does not appear to have shed any of the mild disguise that remained in the most recent spy shots. You can watch the video below.

Those spy pictures, taken during hot weather testing in Death Valley, showed the car with a less disguised front.

The round headlights were still camouflaged but the rest of the front was totally undisguised. These pictures were the first time that all air intakes in the front bumper were on show.

2016 Bentley Bentayga: passenger ride

2016 Bentley Bentayga: eight key rivals it must beat

The spy pictures reveal that the production Bentayga will bear little resemblance to the EXP 9 F concept, after that car divided opinion at its 2012 Geneva motor show debut. The Bentayga is due to go on sale early next year and is claimed to combine "pinnacle luxury and performance". 

The new "ultra-luxury" SUV is now in its final test phase, Bentley chairman and CEO Wolfgang Dürheimer recently told Autocar, and the model will come in W12, V8 and plug-in hybrid guises.

He revealed that the hybrid would be capable of covering 30 miles on battery power alone, to cope with future zero-emissions legislation in cities. "This will be a very luxurious model," he said, "but it will also be very fast and very capable." Hybrid versions of the Bentayga are expected to follow around a year after the launch of conventional models.

Bentley has previously revealed the luxurious cabin of the upcoming Bentayga SUV in a video.

The video revealed that the Bentayga will come with a touch-sensitive driving mode selector, which also incorporates the engine's starter button. The driver's display has also been shown, revealing that - in this early depiction at least - the Bentayga's speedometer ends at 320km/h (200mph). That could prove relevant, as from the early stages Bentley bosses were said to have set an ambitous 200mph top speed target for the SUV. 

An advanced night-view assistance package is also showcased as part of the video, as well as a multi-function instrument cluster display that appears to be configurable by the driver.

The Bentayga's unusual name comes from the Roque Bentayga, a dramatically rugged mountain landscape on Gran Canaria in the Atlantic. Initial speculation suggested the model might take the 'Falcon' name.

The Bentayga was previewed by the EXP 9 F concept car at the 2012 Geneva motor show, although rumours of the SUV project go as far back as 2011. Confirmation that Bentley would build the model came in July last year as part of an £800 million investment in the firm's Crewe headquarters.

The final design, which has been aerodynamically optimised to ensure stability at high speeds, is said to have an overall width of around two metres. 

Last summer, Bentley design chief Luc Donckerwolke revealed that the production car's shape had been signed off, saying: "The concept is completely set apart and was done separately. After Geneva 2012, I was told to do a new one. It's completely different from the concept car.

"The concept was only intended to pose the question, 'Can we do a Bentley SUV?', rather than showing a production car. I started with new parameters and a clean sheet [of paper]." Indeed, Donckerwolke has never seen the EXP 9 F concept in person.

From the outset, Bentley officials are understood to have targeted the car towards emerging but profitable markets such as China and Russia.

Reviewing results of the company's fifth straight record year, which show a 9% increase in sales to 11,020 cars, 87% of which were exported, Dürheimer also hinted at a smaller Bentley SUV model in the future. He said he had great enthusiasm for the SUV market, which was "expanding three times faster than the market as a whole".

Previous predictions of annual sales of 3000 for the full-size SUV "could be conservative", said Dürheimer, who is working towards building 20,000 cars a year at Crewe by 2020. The company says it already has 4000 serious "expressions of interest" in the big SUV, which is yet to be seen by customers. The starting price of the Bentayga is likely to be around £130,000.

Initially, it was understood that Bentley would look to build the SUV in Bratislava, Slovakia, if production at Crewe could not be confirmed.

To reach its aggressive production targets, Bentley will spend £280m this year on building a new R&D centre, across the road from its traditional Pyms Lane site, and plans to add 300 new jobs to its workforce, making 1300 in all. By 2016, total expenditure to ensure that capacity at Crewe "is no longer an issue" will amount to £840 million, Dürheimer said.

See footage of the Bentley Bentayga testing in the video below:

Get the latest car news, reviews and galleries from Autocar direct to your inbox every week. Enter your email address below:

Source: Autocar RSS Feed http://bit.ly/1Fff9jo

Read More

Aston Martin to take centre stage at Classic & Sports Car The London Show

Event showcasing classic and veteran cars will celebrate Aston Martin, which will be bringing with it the original A3 from 1921

Aston Martin will take centre stage at Classic & Sports Car The London Show this autumn, and will display its oldest surviving model - the 1921 A3 - at Alexandra Palace.

As well as the A3, which has recently undergone a three-year restoration, Aston Martin will also be showcasing its newest models and unique examples from its historic collection. The A3 is powered by a 1486cc monobloc engine and has been donated by the Aston Martin Heritage Trust.

Classic & Sports Car will also name the best British car of all time at The London Show, and Jaguar's E-type is currently the favourite to take the title.

The final result is being decided by a public vote, with the eventual winner coming from a shortlist of 10 finalists. The E-type is currently in first place by a narrow margin, but faces competition from other finalists including the Austin Seven, Bentley Speed Six, Ford GT40, Jaguar's XK SS, Lotus Seven, McLaren F1, Mini Cooper S, Range Rover and the Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost.

As many as 100 key figures from the classic car world were polled to decide the shortlist, including the likes of McLaren F1 designer Gordon Murray, Lotus head of design Russell Carr, Pink Floyd drummer and classic car collector Nick Mason, Dire Straits frontman and classic car enthusiast Mark Knopfler and motor racing author and commentator Simon Taylor.

The decision process was led by the Classic & Sports Car editorial team, and the discussion took in classics such as Aston Martin DB5, Bristol 405, Ford Escort Mexico, Jaguar D-Type, Rover SD1 and even the Gordon Keeble.

“It’s enormously exciting that we will be crowning the best British car ever at Classic & Sports Car – The London Show,” said Classic & Sports Car group editor James Elliott.

"The E-type is without doubt one of the most beautiful and desirable British cars ever. I’m not surprised to see that it’s currently leading the thousands of votes we’ve received. It is a true icon."

More than 300 classic and vintage cars will be on display at Alexandra Palace when the show takes place.

Taking place from 30 October to 1 November, the event is being supported by private collectors, classic car dealers and motor manufacturers.

The show is timed to coincide with a number of classic motoring events taking place in the capital, including the London to Brighton veteran car run, the Regent Street motor show and the Bonhams veteran car auction.

Elliott said: “Classic & Sports Car - The London Show is the essence of our magazine written large on the international stage and broadcast from one of London’s most dramatic venues.

"We are putting everything we know about classic cars into this show – and as a result it’ll be a must-attend event. At Classic & Sports Car, passion counts for everything, so whether you’re one of the world’s richest collectors, a classic car dealer or simply a classic car enthusiast, you’ll be warmly welcomed at Alexandra Palace.”

Among the famous faces lending support to the show is Sir Stirling Moss OBE, who said: “To me, London is the centre of the world and it is essential that it has a top-quality classic car show. Alexandra Palace is the perfect venue and, with Classic & Sports Car being the world leader in its field, it is an event people should definitely add to their diaries.”

Racing legend John Surtees added: “With events such as Goodwood, Britain has established itself as the centre of the classic car world. It therefore seems only fitting that the capital, though rich in world-beating veteran events, has so far been starved of a fixture showcasing post-war cars that reflects its status. Now it’s getting one.”

A selection of the best classic car dealers in the world have been confirmed as exhibitors at the show.

Classics from manufacturers such as Jaguar, Rolls-Royce and Bentley will all be on display at the event. The line-up of dealers that will be exhibiting includes JD Classics, Hexagon Classics, Frank Dale & Stepsons, New Forest Classic Cars, Maranello Classic Parts, Graypaul Classic Cars and DD Classics, with more set to join before the show commences.

These dealers are all set to bring several models from their stock, with JD Classics promising to display a high level of cars. It has sold cars from manufacturers such as Aston Martin and Ferrari in the past, and JD Classics owner Derek Hood said of the event: “We’re very excited to be involved in Classic & Sports Car – The London Show. Alexandra Palace is a sensational location for this event. Rest assured we will more than match its drama with a display of the finest historic cars.”

Paul Michaels, chairman of Hexagon Classics, also spoke of the company's excitement at being involved with the event. “We’re huge fans of Classic & Sports Car magazine, so we’re very proud to be involved with this exciting new London event," he said. "I have no doubt it will be extremely well attended - and the fact that it is being held at such a majestic location as Alexandra Palace is the icing on the cake.”

Hexagon Classics is likely to display some of its traditional stock, including Porsche models, although it has recently become an official Lotus dealer, so it will also feature an original Lotus Elite on its stand.

If more luxurious models are your thing, Bentley and Rolls-Royce specialist Frank Dale & Stepsons will most likely have something of interest, as the company specialises in everything from pre-war Wraiths to 1960s Silver Clouds.

New Forest Classic Cars specialises in restored examples of the Jaguar E-Type Series 1, and Daniel Smith, senior team leader, said: “We will be showing off what we think are the finest-prepared E-Types in the world.”

More information on Classic & Sports Car - The London Show can be found here. See the results of Autocar's poll to find the best-ever British car here.

Get the latest car news, reviews and galleries from Autocar direct to your inbox every week. Enter your email address below:

Source: Autocar RSS Feed http://bit.ly/1NUzOAv

Read More

2015 Infiniti Q30 - new interior pictures revealed

The production version of Infiniti's all-new crossover hatchback has been revealed ahead of its public unveiling in Frankfurt

New pictures of the Infiniti Q30 have been released ahead of the car's global debut at the Frankfurt motor show later this month.

These latest images show the interior of the new car for the first time, and show the Q30 will receive a different cabin design to Infiniti's other models. Described as having a range of crafted trims and expressive interiors, the interior is dominated by a large central infotainment screen, while the instrument cluster also includes a separate driver's display screen.

Infiniti boss Roland Krueger said: "Q30’s sculpted exterior and asymmetric cabin design are unmistakably Infiniti.

"With the Q30, we are entering a new segment for Infiniti and broadening the offer to our customers. This vehicle is a vital part of our strategy to be a top tier global manufacturer of premium cars."

Infiniti has kept the final version of the Q30 close to the concept car, which was first shown at the Frankfurt show in 2013. It has been described as “category breaking” and is officially referred to as an Active Compact car.

The company claims that it will offer dynamic driving characteristics, which were honed as a result of testing in Europe. The car itself will be built at the Nissan/Infiniti plant in Sunderland. Orders will be taken after the car is revealed at the Frankfurt show but deliveries will not start until early 2016.

The all-new Q30 hatchback will be the brand's first model to be built in Europe. The Sunderland plant has a new body shop and a larger trim and chassis assembly line thanks to a £250 million investment by Nissan.

Colin Lawther, senior vice president for manufacturing, purchasing and supply chain management in Europe, said: “Infiniti production heralds the beginning of a new era for our operations in the UK.”

Later in the Q30's life cycle, a high-performance version is expected to arrive to top off the range, extending the line-up to three models by around 2016/2017.

Details of the Q30's powertrain are scarce, but one possibility for the performance model is to use a high-output version of Infiniti’s new, 208bhp 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine, just launched in the Q50 saloon. Performance versions of rival engines are producing around 300bhp from a similar capacity.

The rapid Q30 - which could also feature the Eau Rouge name used on the performance Q50 - is expected to sit on a lowered chassis that will drop the high-riding Q30 hatch closer to the road in order to improve handling. 

Get the latest car news, reviews and galleries from Autocar direct to your inbox every week. Enter your email address below:

Source: Autocar RSS Feed http://bit.ly/1Ibg6cE

Read More

Renaultsport Megane gets power boost for 2016

New 271bhp 275 Nav model replaces the old 265, and will go on sale in November

Renault is boosting the power and cutting the starting price of the Mégane Renaultsport for the 2016 model year.

The cheapest Mégane Renaultsport model available now is the 275 Cup-S, which not only gets a boost of 10bhp to 271bhp compared with the outgoing 265 model but also now starts at £23,935.

As with previous Renault 
Cup models, the new version comes with an uprated chassis that features stiffer suspension. It also gets a mechanical limited-slip differential, red brake calipers and a stiffer anti-roll bar.

These tweaks come in exchange for some of the higher-level equipment, such as satellite navigation, rear parking sensors and camera, auto lights and wipers and 
dual-zone climate control.

The 275 Nav gets all of this and directly replaces the old 265. The pricing is unchanged from the previous version’s and starts at £24,935.

Deliveries will start at the beginning of November.

Get the latest car news, reviews and galleries from Autocar direct to your inbox every week. Enter your email address below:

Source: Autocar RSS Feed http://bit.ly/1JtZYof

Read More