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.

Michael Schumacher Jumps Behind The Wheel Of Ferrari 599 GTB HGTE

WHAT HAPPENS when you put one of Ferrari’s hottest new models on the track with one of Ferrari’s legendary F1 drivers behind the wheel?

Ferrari faithful were given the answer when seven-times F1 Champion, Michael Schumacher, took to the track at the wheel of Ferrari’s new 599 GTB HGTE. The drive was part of the most recent factory-offered Pilota Ferrari driving course at the company’s Fiorano track.

Schumacher was on-hand to demonstrate the improved capabilities of the Handling Gran Turismo Evoluzione (HGTE) package now offered on the 599 GTB.

HGTE customers will get lower, stiffer suspension, a grippier tyre compound, an exhaust which offers a sportier aural experience and revised settings for the magnetorheological dampers.

Also included in the HGTE package is a more aggressively styled grille, HGTE-specific 20-inch alloy rims and extensive use of carbon-fibre throughout the interior.

Ferrari’s Pilota driving courses are offered to Ferrari owners and span four different levels of difficulty: Basic, Advanced, Evolution and Challenge.

Specific courses are also offered for ice driving and also for drivers wishing to take part in Ferrari’s one-make racing series.

Pilota courses take place in Italy, the USA China and now Japan, however even if you are lucky enough to get the chance to attend, you may not find Schuey at yours.

Check out Ferrari.com to watch a video of the on-track action or click below for the full press release.

Volkswagen Golf Plus BiFuel Goes On Sale In Europe

FIRST SHOWN IN late 2008, the 2009 Volkswagen Golf Plus was designed to lift sales of the pumped-up hatchback while visually aligning the new Plus with the Mk VI Golf.

To add to the appeal of the larger Golf variant, Volkswagen is now offering a BiFuel version (LPG and Petrol), which makes this the second dual-fuel capable Volkswagen on offer in Europe.

When running on LPG, the Golf Plus cuts emissions by more than 10 percent while also saving German commuters €6.10 per 100 kilometres (AUD $10.37). These savings are thanks in part to the reduced tax on LPG in Germany.

The 1.6 litre four-cylinder engine is good for 72kW (96hp) and requires just 9.8 litres of LPG per 100 kilometres. That figure drops to 7.5 litres per 100 kilometres when running on petrol.

With a 55 litre petrol tank and 43 litre LPG tank on board (which takes up the entire spare wheel well), the Golf Plus has a maximum possible range of around 1100 kilometres.

Available in either the Trendline or Comfortline trim levels, Volkswagen’s 2009 Golf Plus starts at €22,460 (around AU$38,000).

As for a local release, it’s unlikely that we’ll see the Golf Plus on our roads; there is also no word from Volkswagen as to whether we will see here its other dual-fuel model, the Golf BiFuel.

Citroën Introduces 3.0 HDi V6 For Europe

IN EUROPE, where diesel engines means big business, Citroën has just announced its biggest-hitting diesel engine yet. Coming later this year, Citroën’s new 3.0 litre HDi V6 will take the place of the current 2.7 HDi V6 in the C5 and C6 saloon.

With 179kW of power and 450Nm of torque, the new 3.0 HDi V6 represents Citroën’s most powerful production engine ever. The real trick, however, is reduced fuel consumption and exhaust emissions.

Technology such as Citroën’s third generation direct injection system and a diesel particulate filter system help the engine to reach Euro V emissions compliance ahead of the regulation’s 2011 debut. CO2 output is down to just 195g/km which represents a 15 percent improvement over the outgoing C6 2.7 HDi.

Fuel comsumption for both cars is down to 7.4 l/100km or an improvement of 13 and 17 percent for the C5 and C6 respectively. The zero to 100km sprint is covered in 7.9 seconds in the C5, while the slightly heavier C6 takes 8.5 seconds.

As before, both cars are fitted with a six-speed automatic transmission as standard. Citroën promises the new engine will be quieter than the outgoing unit; progress too should be effortless with maximum torque coming on board from just 1600 rpm.

Although no word has been offered yet about the engine’s availability in Australia, the shared 2.7 litre engine as used by Jaguar and Land Rover is in the process of being replaced with the new 3.0 litre unit, so Citroën (and stablemate Peugeot) has no reason to drag its heels.

2010 T6 Ford Ranger Dual Cab Spied

EARLIER THIS YEAR Ford’s Ranger ute received a minor cosmetic update, but further changes are already in store for the medium-weight commercial load lugger.

These spy photos show a front treatment that’s almost unchanged (this mule appears to be wearing a front bumper purloined from the current Mazda BT-50 range), however it’s the subtler differences that will make the new Ranger a more practical, more robust beast.

Those rather pronounced wheelarch bulges won’t make it to the production version, but they do hide a body that’s wider and longer than the current model.

The increase in width will also translate into improved stability, as track width will also grow slightly. Cabin space will benefit too, with the rear seats expected to be more spacious.

We’ve yet to hear any solid word on the new Ranger’s engine range, but word on the street is that the 3.0 litre diesel presently used will carry over.

Both diesel and petrol engines are said to be under test, and T6 Ranger mules have been spotted in dual-cab, king-cab and LHD form.

The new Ranger will be a global car for Ford, and Ford Australia is taking the lead in the car’s development. Development of the new Ranger will supposedly benefit Ford Aus to the tune of $700 million, while approximately 450 local engineers are involved in the project.

The T6 Ranger will go on sale globally, with production to be carried out in South Africa, Thailand and the USA. No local production is planned.