Holden Commodore The Car Of Choice For Thieves

THE HOLDEN COMMODORE, the best-selling large sedan in Australia, is officially the most popular car for Australian thieves. That’s not according to any thieving spokesperson, of course, but new insurance claims data released by AAMI shows that the numbers don’t lie.

An analysis of claims figures, undertaken by the insurer, shows that various generations of the Commodore accounted for 62 percent of the top 15 vehicles stolen from AAMI customers in 2008 - with three Commodore models in the top five.

The VT Commodore proved to be the most popular, with four of the nine models listed being different trim levels of the VT model.

One Ford model made the list - the 1999 AU Falcon Forte - along with three Hyundai Excel Sprint models (1996, 97, 99), the 2002 Toyota Rav 4 Cruiser and the 1999 Nissan Pulsar SS.

AAMI Corporate Affairs Manage Mike Sopinski said it wasn’t surprising that 1990s makes and models featured so prominently on the list, nor was the prevalence of Holden Commodores.

“Vehicle theft has dropped remarkably over the past 10 years, primarily because of advances in technology and theft deterrents such as engine immobilisers increasingly a standard feature on new cars,” Sopinski said.

“Commodores are not the vehicle of choice for car thieves because they’re easier to steal - if anything they are a victim of their own popularity with professional thieves seeking to cash in on strong demand for spare parts.”

Mr Sopinski said that efforts to make cars harder to steal, through active and passive theft deterrents, was paying dividends with insurance, police and other industry statistics showing a dramatic decline in car theft.

“National Motor Vehicle Theft Reduction Council figures suggest car theft in Australia has almost halved in the past five years.”

“At a very basic level, drivers can be doing a lot more to keep their car safe and secure, such as parking in well-lit visible places, always locking doors and windows, and keeping personal items like sunglasses, handbags and portable music devices hidden from view,” Mr Sopinski said.

2011 Jaguar XE Hybrid Option In The Works?

REPORTS OF a new dedicated roadster from Jaguar, to be named the XE, first surfaced back in early January, and the story has done nothing but build momentum since then.

The XE was initially expected to debut at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show, but according to Motor Trend, that date is now looking less likely, thanks to the impact of the global financial crisis on Jaguar’s resources.

However, it’s not all bad news, as the XE is now believed to include a new plug-in hybrid option, similar to that featured in the Chevrolet Volt.

Jaguar's F-Type concept debuted back in 2000, previewing the company's early plans for a new roadster.

The heads at Motor Trend say the hybrid powertrain will feature a fuel-efficient three-cylinder petrol engine, paired with an electric motor powered by lithium-ion batteries - a more advanced battery type than the nickel-cadmium type used in many current hybrids, including the all-new Toyota Prius.

This news follows an April report that Jaguar is working on an electric version of the upcoming 2010 Jaguar XJ four-door saloon, and talk that the Tata-owned British manufacturer may benefit from a sizeable loan from the UK government.

The regular, traditionally-powered XE is expected to be powered by Jaguar’s new 5.0 litre V8 engine, developing 287kW, while a 380kW supercharged version is expected to appear in the range-topping model.

Alfa Romeo 169 To Be Based Off Chrysler 300C Platform: Rumours

ALFA ROMEO’S planned successor to the 166 executive saloon, the 169, is reportedly going to be built off Chrysler’s LX large-car platform, the very same platform that underpins the Dodge Charger and Chrysler 300C.

Talk of a Chrysler-based Alfa isn’t new, though. We first spoke of such plans earlier this month, and the idea of the LX platform being exploited by Alfa Romeo has existed almost since the Fiat-Chrysler alliance was first mooted.

Now, analysts IHS Global Insight says it’s got the rundown on Fiat Sp.A’s plans for the LX floorpan. According to IHS, the new Alfa 169 will be built atop the Chrysler-sourced platform sometime in 2011, with production to be centred in Canada.

The Fiat-Chrysler hookup is a major boon for the 169 project, as prior to the alliance being finalised a suitable RWD platform was proving difficult to find. The Maserati Quattroporte’s underpinnings were prohibitively expensive, and talks with Mercedes Benz for the E-Class platform and discussions with Tata Motors for the Jaguar XF platform failed to secure a deal.

Pricing for the 169 is expected to sit around US$62,000 (AU$78,000), however further details are scarce and Alfa Romeo is keeping its mouth shut about the project. Driveline selection is a mystery, however with Fiat expected to make use of Chrysler’s flex-fuel Pentastar V6 odds, are high a version of that engine will see service in the 169.

Fiat’s upcoming Multiair V6 is also tipped to be fitted to the 169, as is a Maserati-sourced V8. Styling is the biggest question mark for now, but word around town is to expect something markedly different - and much more ‘premium’ - than Alfa’s current offerings.

Porsche Entry-Level Model Still Under Consideration

FIRST IT WAS ON, then it was off. Now it appears that a low-cost lightweight Porsche model could be back on the cards again, with German media outlet Automobilwoche reporting that the marque is still considering a ‘cheap n’ cheerful’ (well, relatively) entry-level model to sit beneath the Boxster.

Rumblings of such a car have existed since March, however the plans were assumed to have been put on the backburner after the global financial crisis scuttled VW’s BlueSport roadster project: the car that was expected to form the basis for the ‘Baby Porsche’.

But now, with development of the Volkswagen BlueSport (pictured) back in full swing, it appears Porsche is giving serious thought about whether it wants to capitalise on the mid-engined, rear-drive architecture on offer.

While nothing has been locked in as yet, a BlueSport-based Porsche would likely weigh around the 1000kg mark and utilise one of the Volkswagen Group’s many four-cylinder engines. The Bluesport platform is designed to accomodate anything up to a V6, but transverse engines are a must - thus eliminating the prospect of Porsche utilising its own engine lineup.

With the project yet to receive the green light don’t expect it to land anytime soon. Is the world ready for a modern-day successor to the 914? It’s a gamble that Porsche may just be willing to take.

Koenigsegg Looking To Saab To Build Quant?

WITH THE SALE of Saab moving closer to completion, and a private consortium led by Swedish supercar manufacturer Koenigsegg looking likely to be the new owners, the question has been asked: just what does Koenigsegg stand to gain from the acquisition?

Reports have surfaced in Sweden today that, according to sources close to the matter, Koenigsegg is looking to Saab’s production facilities to turn its Quant electric supercar concept into a showroom reality.

Swedish news service Realtid has reported that Koenigsegg is eager to get the previously concept-only electric supercar - which develops 382kW and 715Nm through its twin electric motors - into production, and the company views Saab’s knowledge and facilities as the key.

Developed in partnership with Swedish company NLV Solar AG, specialists in photovoltaics and electrical power technology, the Quant began as a concept intended for nothing more than to demonstrate the energy company’s vision for the supercar of the future.

Koenigsegg is expected to make the most of the government guarantees that come with the acquisition of Saab.

Along with producing the Quant in small numbers, the manufacturer reportedly aims to boost production of Saab vehicles from 130,000 to 150,000 per year by 2011.

2010 Jaguar XF Range Updated, Three New Engines To Be Offered

JAGUAR HAS ANNOUNCED changes to the XF’s engine range, with three new engines set to arrive later this year boasting more displacement, more power and more efficiency .

The head-stomping 5.0 litre supercharged v8 of the XFR sits atop the revised engine line-up, churning out 375kW and generating 625Nm of torque between 2500 and 5500rpm. A naturally-aspirated version of the XFR’s bent-eight mill will be on offer too, with 283kW and 515Nm emanating from its crankshaft.

A 3.0 litre twin-turbo diesel V6 will be released around the same time as the XFR, and will replace the existing 2.7 litre diesel in the XF range. Despite being larger, the new diesel six will drink less fuel, requiring just 6.8l/100km compared to the outgoing motor’s 7.5l/100km.

At 202kW and 600Nm, power output for the 3.0 diesel is pretty respectable too. So much so that the diesel is almost a full two seconds faster to 100km/h than its 3.0 litre petrol V6 stablemate. With a 0-100km/h sprint time of just 6.8 seconds the diesel isn’t too far off the pace of the brawnier 5.0 naturally-aspirated V8 either, which hits triple digits in 5.7 seconds.

The XFR? That storms to 100 in just 4.9 seconds.

Retail pricing for the XFR will be set at $208,450 when it’s released in the third quarter of this year, while the supercharger-less 5.0 V8 will flaunt a $147,900 sticker price.

The 3.0 V6 diesel is expected to be the volume seller of the range, and will cost $116,250 when it arrives around the same time as the XFR. The current 3.0 V6 petrol remains unchanged mechanically, however price rises $1100 to $109,450.

The local XF range will also benefit from subtle cosmetic enhancements, as well as new alloy wheels. The satellite navigation system has also been updated, now offering turn-by-turn instructions.

2011 Audi R8 Spider Spied Testing In Germany

THE AUDI R8 SPIDER has been a hot topic since way back in 2007. Now, finally, the days until its debut - likely at the upcoming Frankfurt Motor Show in September - are running down.

What will it look like? Something, you’d expect, like these photos of a mystery convertible version spied out testing around the Nurburgring in Germany (where else?). These may be the clearest shots yet of the upcoming soft-top monster.

With weight-saving being a primary goal, Audi has opted to go with a soft-top rather than a folding hard top.

Perhaps the most obvious design elements separating the Spider from its hardtop brother-in-arms are the absent ‘blades’ that run from the side skirts to the roof of the hardtop, and the addition of a longer, more prominent intake cut deep into the sides of the car.

The fuel cap has been relocated to the top of the rear guard, as opposed to the rear pillars (absent from the convertible R8).

While it’s likely to be somewhat distant from the production version, the R8 Spider shown in these photos features a roll-cage running through the inside of the car, up and along the line of the windscreen. (Audi will have other plans there.)

The Audi R8 Spider is expected to be powered initially by the hardtop’s 313kW 4.2 litre V8, with a 5.2 litre V10 version expected to follow some months later.

Joss Supercar Nearing Debut

AUSTRALIA’S HOME-GROWN Joss Supercar is just a little over two months away from making its debut, with potential buyers and investors alike lining up at Joss’s door.

Ten solid orders have been locked in thus far, and Joss has been reorganised into an unlisted private company to fully exploit growing interest from investors.

The Joss Supercar has been five years in the making, but now its creator Matt Thomas should soon see his project come to fruition and give Australia its first real competitor to the likes of the Ferrari Enzo and Lamborghini Murcielago.

“This is now not just about producing an Australian first and world-class supercar, but ensuring the business is resourced adequately to meet pent-up production demand,” Mr Thomas said.

“We have been refining the mechanics of the business model and the car and are now satisfied that we have the right product and systems in place to move forward.”

A V8 of unannounced origin will generate over 373kW and propel the Joss to 100km/h in a lightning-fast 2.98 seconds. Top speed is claimed to be over 340km/h.

Joss expects to build 25 of the supercars at its Victorian facility in its first year, and anticipates all of these will be sold in very short order. The asking price is estimated to be around $600,000, but considering the rarity - and sheer speed - of the Joss Supercar, it should make an enticing buy for super-wealthy car buffs.

Joss also plans on taking its Supercar racing, with the eventual goal being a place on the grid at Le Mans.

2010 Hyundai Santa Fe Facelift Revealed In Korea, New R Diesel Engines

THE 2009 HYUNDAI SANTA FE CRDi Elite won its share of friends at the TMR office for its pleasant interior, driving comfort, versatility and value-for-money pricing. Now, images and details of the 2010 facelift have been revealed in Korea, Hyundai’s home ground.

Only the one image has been revealed thus far, but it’s clear at least that the main focus of the facelift has been to the fascia, with a sportier grille and more aggressive fog-light housings surrounding the bottom centre air intake, while the headlights appear unchanged.

It remains to be seen if any changes have been made to the interior or rear end, but all will likely be revealed soon.

As expected, the 2010 Hyundai Santa Fe benefits from the addition of Hyundai’s new ‘R’ range of diesel engines, consisting of two four-cylinder engines weighing in at 2.0 and 2.2 litres, the first developing 137kW and 392Nm of torque, while the second produces 149kW and 436Nm of torque.

Both engines are paired with a new six-speed automatic transmission that Hyundai claims will improve fuel economy by more than 12 percent. Hyundai is only the third manufacturer in the world to develop its own six-speed automatic transaxle, with Toyota and a GM/Ford joint venture rounding out the trio.

The new transmission, which weighs in at 12kg lighter and with 62 fewer parts than the company’s current five-speed automatic, has been developed for transverse engine application in passenger vehicles.

The European market version will likely debut at Frankfurt before going on sale in the last quarter of this year, with other markets, including Australia, to follow.

2010 Alfa Romeo Milano Spied Testing

WITH CHRYSLER and Fiat’s alliance now official, speculation as to which of each company’s cars and platforms will appear in each other’s respective home markets will be a hot topic for a while to come.

Now, the 2010 Alfa Romeo Milano has been spied testing near the Nurburgring in Germany, ahead of its expected debut at the upcoming Frankfurt Motor Show in September.

Alfa Romeo CEO Luca De Mao confirmed that the Milano would arrive on the market in the fourth quarter of 2009, and these images indicate that the new Alfa is right on schedule.

Covered head to toe in camouflage, it’s difficult to make out any specific details in the Milano’s design.

Nonetheless, the profile and raked belt line are distinctly Alfa, while the outline of the headlights and the protruding grille border indicate that the Milano will bear a style similar to that of the Alfa Romeo Mito.

The 2010 Alfa Romeo Milano is expected to utilise Fiat’s C-Evo platform, which it will share with the Lancia Delta and the Alfa Romeo Bravo, as well as a new Chrysler sedan for the US market.

Power is expected to come from Fiat’s main engine line, starting with a four-cylinder petrol engine developing 90kW, through to a 198kW 3.2 litre V6 mill.

The Milano will feature Fiat’s Q2 front-wheel-drive system as standard, while the Q4 all-wheel-drive system will appear as an option.

A GTA model is expected to join the line-up as well.

2009 Lexus RX 450h World’s Most Efficient Luxury Hybrid SUV, On Sale July 13

LEXUS AUSTRALIA has today announced the Australian release of the petrol-electric hybrid 2009 Lexus RX 450h, the world’s most efficient luxury hybrid SUV (first previewed in 2007 at the Tokyo Motor Show as the LF-Xh).

Arriving in showrooms on July 13, the Lexus RX 450h will offer fuel economy and emissions figures not far off those achieved by small four-cylinder hatchbacks, with a fuel consumption of 6.4 l/100km, and CO2 emissions of 150g/km.

The RX 450h achieves its low consumption and emissions figures thanks to the Lexus Hybrid Drive system, which works in unison with an Atkinson Cycle V6 engine, delivering 220kW from the combined petrol-electric system.

Lexus Chief Executive, John Roca, said the RX 450h signalled the most significant advance in Lexus’ hybrid technology since the launch of the marque’s first hybrid.

“RX 450h really solidifies the importance and relevance of hybrid technology for global motorists - it is the world’s most efficient luxury SUV,” Roca said.

“With RX 450h we have diesel competitors firmly in our sights, and with Lexus’ unique blend of power, efficiency, practicality and pricing, we are certain that RX will remain our top selling model,” said Mr Roca.

In addition to its economy and emissions figures, the RX 450h features 10 air bags for improved protection in a collision, along with the Lexus Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management stability system.

In what can only be good news for buyers, the Lexus RX 450h is exempt from the Federal Government’s Luxury Car Tax (LCT), thanks to its official fuel consumption figures coming in at 0.6 l/100km lower than the LCT’s 7.0 l/100km cut-off.

“It makes complete sense that RX qualifies for an LCT exemption, as its C02 figures alone are something that even diesel powered vehicles cannot achieve using the same amount of fuel,” Roca said.

Thanks to the exemption, the Lexus RX 450h Prestige will enter the market with an RRP of $89,900 (this figure includes GST, but excludes dealer delivery and charges, as will other prices listed in this article) - around $4000 less than if the Luxury Car Tax were applied.

The Sports model will start at $96,900, while the range-topping Sports Luxury will enter at $107,900.

Lexus Australia Chief Executive John Roca said that the pricing structure reflects the popularity of hybrid technology.

“We expect strong demand for RX 450h as consumers look for the most suitable mix of practicality and efficiency, without the sacrificing the comforts they expect from a luxury vehicle.

“The Prestige and Sports models will represent the bulk of sales,” Roca said.

“RX 450h’s pricing and fuel figures demonstrate Lexus’ commitment to ensuring hybrid technology remains at the forefront of vehicle efficiency and accessibility.”

Honda Jazz, City To Get Stability Control As Standard Next Year

HONDA AUSTRALIA has announced that the Honda Jazz and City will be fitted with stability control as standard from late next year onwards.

When we tested a Honda City VTi-L last month, we thought it an unusual oversight that electronic stability control (or Vehicle Stability Assist, as Honda calls it) was not available anywhere in the range, even as a cost option.

Given both cars share the same platform and drivetrain setup, the Jazz suffers from the same omission and has attracted some negative press because of it.

However, Honda Australia has now confirmed that the Jazz and City will benefit from the skid-stopping technology from late 2010 onwards, when VSA will become standard equipment across both line-ups.

The base model Jazz GLi currently has a four-star ANCAP safety rating, however Honda Australia says that if a Jazz GLi fitted with the optional Safety Pack (which includes side and full-length curtain airbags) were tested, the car would score a full five stars - even without stability control.

The Honda City has yet to be tested by ANCAP.

The Jazz is currently available in the UK with VSA as standard on upper spec models, while lower-rung variants are able to be optioned with it as a cost extra.

Honda Australia’s plan to make it available across the range at no additional expense is commendable, but the delay in its roll-out has perplexed some in the road-safety community.

But, as the old adage goes, it’s better late than never.

F1: Breakaway Threat Gathers Momentum

THE THREAT of a breakaway elite racing championship has inched ever-closer after the European Automobile Manufacturers Association entered the Formula 1 budget cap row in defence of its members.

In a statement, the Association (ACEA) slammed FIA President Max Mosley’s governance of Formula 1, expressing its support for calls of a complete overhaul aimed at slashing the Briton’s ability to make unilateral decisions without consulting stakeholders.

“Today, the members of the Board of the European Automobile Manufacturer’s Association discussed the current situation prevailing in Formula 1, and have concluded that the current governance system cannot continue,” the statement read.

“ACEA has come to the conclusion that the FIA needs a modernised and transparent governance system and processes, including the revision of its constitution, to ensure the voice of its members, worldwide motorsport competitors and motorists are properly reflected.”

The ACEA also announced its wish for the custodians of Formula 1 – CVC Capital Partners and Bernie Ecclestone – to increase the level of funds distributed among teams participating in the world championship.

The organisation proceeded to announce its support for the formation of a Formula One Teams Association-led breakaway series, which would seek to rectify and eliminate the perceived problems plaguing F1.

The statement continued: “The ACEA members support the activities and objectives of the Formula One Teams’ Association to establish stable governance, clear and transparent rules which are common to all competitors to achieve cost reductions including a proper attribution of revenues to the F1 teams, in order to deliver a sustainable attractive sport for the worldwide public.

“Unless these objectives are met, the BMW, Ferrari, Mercedes, Renault and Toyota along with the other teams are determined to find an alternative way to practice this sport in a manner which provides clarity, certainty of rules and administration, and a fair allocation of revenues to the competing teams.”

Ferrari's Kimi Raikonen during Qualifying at the 2009 Spanish F1 Grand Prix.

ACEA’s claims received further weight after Ferrari and FOTA President Luca di Montezemolo said the FIA would have to decide between commencing a reform of the sport or a split at the elite level.

Di Montezemolo’s anger at the FIA increased over the weekend after the governing body entered Ferrari – in addition to Red Bull and Toro Rosso - in the 2010 championship as an unconditional entrant despite its wishes.

The FIA believes Ferrari and the Red Bull duo are contractually bound to participate until 2012, while the teams believe the rule changes nullify any agreements.

“In a couple of years the problem with Formula 1 will be solved - as I really hope, with a responsible FIA, as we want, or, as happens in other sports, organising our own championship. Because when you have engines, gearboxes, brands, technology, organisation, capability to invest, it is not difficult. So the problem will be solved, I hope very soon,” he said during the Le Mans weekend.

“We want not only to maintain but also to improve the F1 DNA, technology, innovation, and competition. We want to cap in a very important way the cost, because everybody has been too far, and I think FOTA has done a strong demonstration to be able to cut costs in 2009 for 50 per cent more of the general cost for engine and gearbox.

“We will continue in this direction. We are together and we want to find a solution, and I am sure that inside the FIA there will be people responsible enough to understand that now it is absolutely necessary not to create trouble, to destroy Formula 1, but to solve the problem,” Mr di Montezemolo said.

The FIA awarded conditional entries for next year to all FOTA members excluding Ferrari, Red Bull and Toro Rosso, while the places of Williams and Force India were also confirmed.

A bigger shock though surrounded the confirmation of the three new outfits set to enter the sport, with established names Lola and Prodrive snubbed.

Australian Peter Windsor’s entry Team USF1 received the go-ahead, while the Dallara-backed Campos Grand Prix and surprise packets Manor Grand Prix received the final spots on the grid.

Le Mans: Aussie David Brabham Wins Le Mans 24 Hour in Diesel Peugeot 908 HDI FAP

L-R: David Brabham, Pedro Lamy, Marc Gene.

WITH MARK WEBBER in Formula 1, Daniel Ricciardo in F3, Marcos Ambrose in NASCAR and David Brabham in the 24 Hours of Le Mans (after stints in other codes), Australia is well represented in the international racing scene.

Now, we can add the 43 year-old Brabham’s first place Le Mans finish with Peugeot this weekend to the national trophy case - a win which also marks Peugeot’s first win in the classic endurance race since 1993, and its third ever.

After placing a dismal 13th at the Spa-Francorchamps 1000km race in early May, the diesel-powered No.9 Peugeot 908 HDI FAP of David Brabham, Marc Gene and Alexander Wurz led the race almost flag to flag.

The No.7 of Nicolas Minassian, Pedro Lamy and Christian Kliencar rounded off Peugeot’s dream weekend, finishing sixth after fighting back from a pit lane incident early in the race.

“I think it might take a few days for this to sink in – it’s all quite unbelievable. What can I say?” Brabham said.

“It’s such a great feeling to have won.”

Brabham’s car marked a race record on the weekend, finishing with 382 laps of the 13.6km track, for a total of 5206km.

“Peugeot Sport did a tremendous job; they really did,” Brabham said in response to the record.

“It’s a great team – they gave us a 100 percent reliable car and the three of us drove a faultless race.”

Brabham’s win comes in the year of the 50th anniversary of his famous father Sir Jack Brabham’s first Grand Prix victory, while his brother Geoff also won Le Mans in 1993 - coincidentally the same year as Peugeot’s last Le Mans victory.

Peugeot Sport Director, Olivier Quesnel believed the team faced a huge challenge ahead of the event.

“We were here as challengers, and our mission was to try to topple the favourites, and that is exactly what we did – essentially by steering clear of the different potential pitfalls in our path.

“It turned out to be a terrific race, and Peugeot Sport is a truly magnificent team.

“I am so proud of all the people who were involved in this project – this win is Peugeot Sport’s win,” Mr Quesnel said.

Bruno Famin, Technical Director, Peugeot Sport, said of the diesel Peugeots:

“We didn’t have any technical problems this weekend; just a few racing incidents which upset certain gameplans.

“The Peugeot 908 HDi FAP has demonstrated its reliability by winning against Audi which has been an invincible force here for practically a decade.

“This is the result of not just one, but four years’ hard effort.”

Underbelly Monaro GTS 327 To Hit The Auction Block

THE UNDERBELLY TV SERIES has garnered critical acclaim in Australia for its first two instalments, and now one of its quiet performers (or not so quiet, depending on your perspective) is set to enter the spotlight in its own right.

Driven as a getaway car in an episode of Underbelly: A Tale of Two Cities, a mint Holden HK Monaro GTS 327 Brilliant Blue will go under the hammer at Shannons Classic Vehicle Auction on July 12.

With only two owners in its history, build number 312 of the HK Monaro GTS 327 - surely one of our Australia’s collectable muscle cars - bears only 143,000km (89,000 miles) on the clock.

The legendary Holden features of the desirable ‘Bathurst’ Monaro features, including its original 327-cid Chevrolet V8, four-speed manual transmission, limited slip differential, sports suspension with rear radius rods, power front disc brakes and a long-range 95 litre (25 gallon) fuel tank.

Shannons says the car, which the current owner acquired in 2002, is in top mechanical condition and is one of the nicest GTS 327 models it’s ever driven.

While it may be debateable whether the car’s value is positively or negatively affected as a result, the Monaro has had its glovebox lid signed by actress Kate Richie, who played Judy Kane in Underbelly. It also features ‘UBELLY’ plates registered in New South Wales.

The car is expected to sell for between $130,000 to $160,000, thanks to its excellent mileage and owner care.

Shannons will also be auctioning a left-hand-drive 1969 Ford Mustang Boss 429 Fastback:

“The car comes with the usual Boss 429 options, including the four-speed close ratio gearbox, Traction Lok diff, Visibility Group, F60×15 tyres with raised lettering, console, power front disc brakes, power steering, Deluxe Interior Decor Group, AM radio, Deluxe belts with warning light, colour-keyed racing mirrors, competition suspension, function front air spoiler and trunk-mounted batter.

The Boss 429 has been in Australia for the past four years and is in show condition with all matching numbers. It is accompanied by documentation including the original sales invoice, a Deluxe Marti report and old US titles.”

Shannons are quoting a guiding range of $200,000-$240,000.

2010 Suzuki Alto Scores 4-Star ANCAP Rating

SUZUKI’S TINY ALTO city car has achieved a respectable four-star rating under the Australasian New Car Assessment Program’s rigorous crash testing regime.

The Alto, which goes on sale nationwide on August 1, will come standard with a segment-leading six airbags, with two front, two side and two full-length curtain airbags keeping passengers out of harm’s way.

ABS brakes with electronic brakeforce distribution and brake assist are also standard kit on all models, however electronic stability control is an option that’s only available on higher-spec variants.

Under testing the Alto scored well for head and neck protection in both frontal and side impacts, however leg protection was “weak” for the driver. While overall occupant protection was good, pedestrian protection was poor by comparison - the Alto scored just two out of four stars in this area.

“Alto will be the answer for budget conscious customers who aren’t willing sacrifice on style, safety or performance,” said Suzuki Australia General Manager Tony Devers.

“It matches the lifestyle needs of today’s motorists whilst meeting the pressing global need for environmental efficiencies.

“Suzuki is proud to be the first local car company to offer a vehicle with not only the fuel economy of a hybrid at one third of the price but with such high levels of safety as well.

“Every passenger car in the Suzuki Australia line-up has achieved a minimum four star rating, and the Alto maintains the company’s proud safety record,” Mr Devers said.

2010 Rolls Royce Ghost To Spawn Variants

BRITISH LUXURY MARQUE Rolls Royce expects its upcoming 2010 Rolls Royce Ghost to nearly double sales for the company, but it won’t be kicking back while the money rolls in.

In a recent chat with UK car rag Autocar, the Ghost’s exterior stylist, Andreas Thurner, revealed that the prestige manufacturer is working on a family of models based on the Ghost.

“The Ghost was designed in a way to make other body styles,” Thurner told Autocar. “We have to build up a family for the Ghost just as we did for the Phantom.”

No new Ghost-based models have been specifically approved for development or production, but Thurner’s comments indicate that growing the Ghost line is being discussed at Rolls Royce.

Likely directions for expanding the Ghost name would include a convertible - a soft-top or folding hardtop - and a two-door coupe.

Exploring the idea of introducing smaller cars to the Rolls range - such as a BMW 3 Series equivalent - Thurner was clear that it wasn’t likely.

“The Ghost is about as small as you could go for an authentic Rolls-Royce,” Thurner told Autocar. “Any smaller and it would lack the presence, comfort, space and stance that we want.”

The 2010 Rolls Royce Ghost is set to be a technological tour de force for the British marque, with a highly sensitive multi-link independent suspension system applied at both the front and rear, with four electronically-controlled airbags ensuring a smooth ride.

Cornering should be just as smooth, with Active Roll Stabilisation keeping the body upright through the turns.

Audi A7 Sedan And Cabrio Details Emerge

The Audi Sportback concept revealed at the Detroit Auto Show this year.

AUDI HAS THIS WEEK revealed new information on its upcoming A7 four-door coupe and cabrio. Production is likely to begin towards the end of 2010, which would see the first examples of the A7 hitting the road in early 2011.

While Audi boss Rupert Stadler would not be drawn on an exact launch date, details concerning the A7’s engine, gearbox and suspension systems have been revealed.

Beginning with the base model A7, a 152kW (204hp) 2.8 litre V6 and a 223kW (300hp) supercharged 3.0 litre V6 engine will be on offer.

From there, buyers can step up to S7 trim, which will see a 294kW (394hp) 4.0 litre V8 fitted as standard equipment. The range-topping RS7 will leave the lesser models behind with its 373kW (500hp) 5.0 litre twin turbo V10.

Reports suggest that a diesel-electric hybrid engine may also appear on the options list, though a petrol-electric could take its place.

Transmission options will consist of a six-speed manual and eight-speed auto in the less powerful models, while a seven-speed dual clutch gearbox is expected to appear in the S7 and RS7 models.

Audi’s Quattro AWD system is expected to come as standard with European models to have RWD also on offer. Audi’s torque-vectoring system may also be a feature.

Traditional spring-based suspension has been relegated to the parts bin, with an air-suspension setup to take its place.

With sales expected to top no more than 40,000, the major benefit of the A7 to Audi will come in the way of improved perception of the brand. Expect the A7 to cater for premium buyers seeking a car with ‘presence’ and performance in equal measure.

Official pricing and imagery is yet to be seen, but we can gain an insight into the design direction from the Audi Sportback concept images in the gallery below.

Expect further information to trickle out of Ingolstadt in the next 18 months.

HSV Range To Feature LPi Fuel System

FOR THE MOST PART, your garden-variety LPG system isn’t synonymous with tyre-smoking or track days. HSV would like to change all that; its engineers have been busily working on an integrated LPG system to add some environmental and ‘hip-pocket’ benefits to its high-performance catalogue.

The HSV system, dubbed LPi (liquid propane injection), takes an advanced approach to dual-fuel conversion. Forget what you know about traditional LPG, this is a world apart from the add-on systems commonly seen running Australia’s taxi fleet.

The benefits of LPG are simply too good to ignore. The fuel itself is around half the price of regular unleaded and the octane rating is higher than even premium fuel.

CO2 emissions are also lower; all of which means HSV has a ball-tearing engine on its hands which is not only cheap to run but also kinder to the environment.

Conversely, the specific energy content of LPG is lower than petrol, which means fuel consumption is tipped to rise by about 10 to 15 percent. Lower running costs will make this a suitable compromise to live with (you’d expect).

The new LPi system is still under development, but essentially it adds eight additional injectors to the inlet manifold, which deliver fuel to the engine in its liquid form. Previously, LPG has been delivered to the engine as a gas, making it harder to precisely control the fuel-air mixture.

The LPG injectors to be used in the system are still in the prototype stage and will be unique to HSV (with no other manufacturer, either factory or after-market LPG, offering such a system as yet).

To ensure that HSV owners still enjoy the performance potential from their V8 bruisers, the system is designed to seamlessly switch back to petrol power above 4800 rpm.

HSV’s LPi system also includes a separate fuel return line to send unburnt fuel back to the LPG tank, eradicating the gaseous smell often associated with an LPG conversion. Other traditional LPG issues like high running temperatures, burnt valves and poor cold-weather operation should also be but a distant memory with the LPi system.

While HSV is developing the LPi system independently of Holden, much of the engineering should be adaptable to other GM engines and with growing concern over CO2 emissions the export potential for the technology is high.

For now though, HSV is focused on delivering the system to Australian consumers first.

HSV hasn’t yet hinted at an expected cost or arrival date for the new system but watch this space for more info as it comes to hand.