2010 Porsche 911 Sport Classic: Video, More Photos Released Ahead Of Frankfurt Debut

PORSCHE HAS RELEASED a video and fresh photos of the new limited edition 911 Sport Classic set to make its debut at the upcoming Frankfurt Motor Show on September 15.

The new retro-style 911 will join the updated 997 Turbo and GT3 RS on the German automaker’s podium.

A tribute to the classic 911s of the 1960s and 1970s, and foregoing the marque’s more sophisticated drivetrain technology in favour of a purer retro-style driving experience, the Porsche 911 Sport Classic has “collectible investment” written all over it.

Based on the 911 Carrera S, the Sport Classic receives a modest 17kW power boost to its 3.8 litre naturally-aspirated inline six, bringing total output to 300kW.

A new variable-resonance intake manifold is largely responsible for the Sport Classic’s improved power figure, and also increases peak torque to 420Nm. The engine bay is dressed up by the addition of a carbon fibre airbox, and polished exhaust tips cap off the tuned-length exhaust system.

A six-speed manual transmission is the only gearbox offered with power delivered to the rear wheels via a limited slip differential.

Porsche’s grip-promoting PASM (Porsche Active Suspension Management) system is fitted to the Sport Classic, which, in conjunction with a 20mm lower stance, promises enhanced cornering performance.

Ceramic brakes are standard, and hide behind 19-inch alloys designed to evoke the iconic Fuchs wheels of classic 911s.

The Sport Classic’s mechanical package provides enough grunt to propel the car from rest to 100km/h in just 4.6 seconds - one-tenth faster than the standard Carrera S manual upon which it’s based.

Top speed is a heady 302km/h and fuel consumption on the European combined cycle is 10.6 l/100km.

But mechanical muscle is just one facet of the 991 Sport Classic’s appeal. The car’s retro-inspired styling with double-domed roof, ducktail rear spoiler and unique front and rear bumpers (pinched from the AWD 911 variants), are certain to appeal to Porsche buyers.

Only one paint colour - Sport Classic Grey - is available.

Inside, Porsche has treated the Sport Classic to acres of brown leather. Cow-hide adorns virtually every surface - even the air vent louvres - and a special woven leather/yarn material has been applied to the seat centre panels.

A 13-speaker BOSE sound system is standard on the Sport Classic, as is Porsche’s Sport Chrono lap timing/launch control system.

Only 250 cars will be produced, and European sales will commence later this year/early next year. Australian availability has not been confirmed, but expect to see more of Porsche’s newest special-edition model at the Frankfurt Motor Show on September 15.

2010 Citroen C3: New Photos Reveal Citroen’s Chic Approach To The New Hatch

ARRIVING IN AUSTRALIA around the middle of next year, the 2010 Citroen C3 joins the recently revealed 2010 Citroen DS - also coming to Australia next year - as the ambassadors for Citroen’s new styling themes.

Officially revealed back in June, the all-new Citroen C3 stars in a new series of photos released today, clearly targeting a fashion-conscious (and… umm… female) demographic with an eye for chic style .

Borrowing the idea from its larger C4 Picasso sibling, the 2010 Citroen C3 - set to land in Australia around the middle of next year - will feature a panoramic front windscreen that reaches up along thinner A-pillars to the diminutive hatch’s B-pillar.

Designed to let natural light into the cabin and improve visibility, the ‘Zenith’ windscreen features a progressive tint that ensures occupants are amply protected against harmful UV rays.

“With the new C3, Citroën is opening up a new automobile universe. A universe where reason and responsibility leave room for a new driving pleasure and new sensations,” Vincent Besson, Products and Markets, Citroën, said.

While no specific power details have been revealed at this early stage, new engines will power the 2010 Citroen C3, including a range of four-cylinder petrol and diesel units.

Aside from the engine specifics, Citroen is holding its cards close to its chest on the question of price, but the all-new C3 is expected to be come in at around the price of the current model: $23,990.

The new C3 has been given a sportier vibe than its predecessor, featuring sharp character lines merged with the smooth curving profile of the new design.

High quality materials feature inside and out, including a thermo-coated dash highlighted with a cross strip in satin grey or gloss brushed aluminium, with chrome detailing.

Citroen has worked to optimise overall interior space, offering greater knee room and medium-height seats for improved access.

Despite its small stature, the 2010 C3 offers 300 litres of boot space, along with the usual console, glove compartment and centre armrest storage solutions.

Interior features include USB, iPod and Bluetooth connectivity, along with satellite navigation as an option.

Measuring a mere 3940mm in length, 1710mm wide and offering a 1020mm turning circle, Citroen says the new C3 is the perfect car for the city dweller.

While the C3 has sold more than two million units globally, Australian sales in 2008 languished at 423, compared to 696 in 2007. With the stylish new 2010 C3, Citroen will no doubt be expecting big changes on the sales front here.

Pricing and details for the all-new C3 will be revealed closer to the car’s launch next year.

2010 Ford Fiesta Sedan Spied In The US, Australian Release Unclear

OFFICIALLY UNVEILED at last year’s Guangzhou Auto Show in China, the sedan variant of the new generation Ford Fiesta has been spied undergoing final testing for its United States release.

Revealing a front bumper designed specifically for the US market, the new photos suggest that the four-door Fiesta is nearing its American launch.

With the three- and five-door hatch versions of the Fiesta recently launched in Australia, the question becomes whether we’ll see the sedan version locally.

Justin Lacy, Ford Australia Product Communications Manager, confirmed to TMR today that while the Fiesta sedan is being watched by Ford worldwide, he was not prepared to comment on a local release.

The Fiesta sedan will be built at Ford’s new manufacturing plant in Nanjing, China, and is so far expected to be sold in both China and the US.

“Launching the all-new Fiesta sedan to the world in China signals the importance of China and the Asian region in Ford’s global strategy, ” John Parker, Executive Vice President for Ford Asia Pacific and Africa said.

“This is a sophisticated small car. Design combines with advanced technology to deliver very high levels of refinement, safety and class-leading fuel efficiency. This new Fiesta proves Ford’s leadership in small car design and development. “

MINI Coupe Concept Confirmed For Production

IN THE SPACE OF two weeks, MINI has unveiled its ambitious Coupe Concept, and today comes the announcement from the British brand’s owners BMW that it will form the basis of one of two new production models.

Speaking with workers at MINI’s factory in Oxford England this week, BMW boss Dr Norbert Reithofer confirmed that the Coupe will be joined by a second new model - likely to be the rumoured Speedster - to be revealed at Frankfurt this month.

MINI has confirmed that the production Coupe is likely to be powered by the same turbo-charged 1.6 litre petrol engine that drives the MINI John Cooper Works, developing 155kW and 260Nm of torque (up to 280Nm through the JCW MINI’s Overboost function).

No specific production or launch date has been offered, but more information is likely to be revealed during the Frankfurt Motor Show.

The news of the Coupe Concept’s future production confirmation comes on the heels of MINI Communications Manager, Natalie Bauters, telling Automotive News, “There are no plans for this vehicle at the moment, but obviously we are looking at expanding the Mini brand in the future.”

But hints that the Coupe was a genuine prospect for production came when a MINI spokesman said this week: “The crossover launch has been pushed back, as we wish to first explore differentiation within future MINI smaller models and get feedback.”

MINI has this week confirmed that its crossover - likely using the Countryman name - will miss its planned Frankfurt debut, postponed to some time in 2010.

With the Coupe Concept due for its ‘in the metal’ unveiling at next month’s Frankfurt Motor Show, MINI will be closely watching media and public response to the car.

VFACTS August 2009… And The Big Winners Are Hyundai, Audi, BMW And Saab. Saab?

VFACTS SALES FIGURES for the month of August show some interesting sales trends. Not the least the performance of the German premium brands, and the feature-laden barnstormer from Korea, Hyundai.

For Audi, forget any notions of a flat market. The fourth ‘big German’ has seen sales grow by 14.6 percent year-to-date (YTD), and, recording 1009 sales for August 2009, is up 34 percent compared to the same period last year.

At BMW, the story is similar. BMW sales are up 2.9 percent for August, with 1290 sales for the month. And, although the brand is down 10.2 percent YTD, the 3 Series is up 21.5 percent for the month, and the X3 and X5 up 30.4 and 27.6 percent respectively.

Also look at Mercedes. With 1400 sales for August it is down just 2.7 percent for the month, and down just 6.7 percent YTD. And we thought that times were tough?

Interestingly, in the context of its German competitors, Lexus has not fared so well. It is up 3.9 percent for the month, but recorded only 402 sales and is down 26.1 percent YTD.

At the other end of the price scale is the barnstorming Hyundai. But is it so different? Like Audi and BMW, everyone knows what is embodied in the brand.

With a solid fit and feel across the range, feature laden, with uncomplicated style and a recognised value-for-money offering, Hyundai showrooms have become revolving doors.

Recording 5980 sales for August, the Korean brand is up 32.5 percent YTD, and up 64.6 percent for the month of August compared to the same period last year.

Talk about making hay… no sunshine needed here… Hyundai has managed to do it in the gloom of a global recession.

There are other brands that have conspicuously not fared so well. Some, like Jeep, down 48.6 percent for August, SsangYong, down 43.6 percent, Dodge down 37.6 percent and Citroen down 35.3 percent, are up to their arm-pits in vipers.

But, proving that anything is possible with statistics, Saab has emerged as a grinner for the month. It’s up 33.9 percent for August. But it only sold 75 cars, which shows just how badly it was faring last August rather than how well it fared in the same month this year.

Skoda is also up by a huge margin: up 93 percent compared to last August, but recorded that statistic against just 145 sales.

So, to help you with the verbal arm-wrestle at the lunch table, here are the top fifteen brands in Australia for the month of August and their year-to-date position compared to last year’s sales.

1. Toyota: 15,994 sales for August, down▼ 23.4 percent YTD
2. Holden: 9505 sales for August, ▼ 14.7 percent YTD
3. Ford: 7623 sales for August, ▼ 14.7 percent YTD
4. Hyundai: 5980 sales for August, ▲ 32.5 percent YTD
5. Mazda: 5863 sales for August, up▼ 7.9 percent YTD
6. Mitsubishi: 4551 sales for August, ▼ 17.8 percent YTD
7. Nissan: 3657 sales for August, ▼ 16.1 percent YTD
8. Honda: 2841 sales for August, ▼ 25.3 percent YTD
9. Subaru: 2602 sales for August, ▼ 8.7 percent YTD
10. Volkswagen: 2115 sales for August, ▼ 5.1 percent YTD
11. Kia: 1638 sales for August, ▼ 6.7 percent YTD
12. Suzuki: 1559 sales for August, ▼ 17.0 percent YTD
13. Mercedes-Benz: 1400 sales for August, ▼ 6.7 percent YTD
14. BMW: 1290 sales for August, ▼ 10.2 percent YTD
15. Audi: 1009 sales for August, ▲ 14.6 percent YTD

You don’t need a telescope to spot the stars in that group.

2010 Range Rover Vogue Australian Pricing And Specs Released

LAND ROVER HAS RELEASED pricing and specification details for the Australian-market 2010 Range Rover Vogue line-up. The upper-crust offroader now boasts more equipment, improved visuals, two new petrol V8 engines and slightly higher price-tags.

The biggest change is the dumping of the old 4.2 litre supercharged petrol V8 and its replacement with a 276kW 5.0 V8 and a 375kW supercharged 5.0 V8.

Although slightly down on power compared to the outgoing 4.2 litre v8, the naturally-aspirated V8 gives buyers an entry-level petrol model which sits just above the base 3.6 litre turbodiesel V8 at the lower end of the Vogue range.

The 3.6 litre LR-TDV8 engine carries over unchanged, and still boasts 200kW and 640Nm from its eight cylinders.

Consuming 11.1 l/100km on the combined cycle, it’s also the most frugal engine in the line-up, contrasting with the naturally-aspirated and supercharged 5.0 V8s which consume 14.0 l/100km and 14.9 l/100km respectively.

All powertrains are bolted to a six-speed tiptronic auto and all models feature permanent four-wheel drive.

An electronically-controlled dual range transfer case improves off-road tractability, and adaptive air suspension is standard.

Braking hardware is upgraded for the diesel and naturally-aspirated petrol models and now features 360mm front rotors gripped by two-piston sliding calipers. The Supercharged V8 gets an even beefier system, scoring 380mm front rotors and six-piston Brembo calipers.

Exterior updates are mild, mainly consisting of new bumper designs, a refreshed grille and updated headlamp clusters. The most noticeable changes are on the inside.

The Range Rover Vogue TDV8 and 5.0 V8 come with leather upholstery and a leather-clad dash, steering wheel and gear selector.

The instrument panel has now been replaced by a 12-inch TFT display, which is driver-configurable and can display a wider variety of vehicle information.

Bluetooth, a sunroof, satellite navigation and an 11-speaker Harmon Kardon stereo system are also standard.

But it’s the up-spec models that get the most gizmos. The Vogue TDV8 Luxury gets a 14-speaker Harmon Kardon stereo, heated and cooled front seats, heated rear seats, a heated leather steering wheel, two headrest-mounted rear DVD screens and Range Rover’s “Venture Cam” around-car camera monitoring system.

A set of 20-inch alloy wheels also replace the 19-inch items worn by the based TDV8 and 5.0 V8.

In addition to the TDV8 Luxury’s features, the top-of-the-range Range Rover Vogue Autobiography and 5.0 V8 Supercharged Autobiography get a rear limited-slip differential; even more lashings of leather and wood trim; a “vision assist” package that monitors blind spots, plus Range Rover’s Dual View touchscreen interface.

The Dual View screen is similar to the screen featured in the upcoming 2011 Jaguar XJ, and enables the driver to view the sat-nav screen and the passenger to watch a movie simultaneously on the same screen. The touchscreen’s voice control system has also been upgraded for 2010.

The 2010 Range Rover Vogue range kicks off at $155,000 for the base TDV8, and rises to $229,500 for the 5.0 V8 Supercharged Autobiography. Full pricing is below.

TDV8 - $155,000
TDV8 Luxury - $179,500
TDV8 Autobiography - $208,900
5.0 V8 - $158,000
5.0 V8 Supercharged Autobiography - $229,500

NOTE: All prices indicate retail pricing and do not include on-road costs

Order books are open now with deliveries are slated to commence around the middle of this month.