Honda Civic Type R MUGEN EURO Version

Following media speculation, MUGEN EURO Co., Ltd has confirmed the development of a highly-tuned Honda Civic Type R 'MUGEN' concept prototype road car, using the same powertrain as the Civic MUGEN RR saloon launched in 2007 in Japan.

The car is being developed in Japan by MUGEN EURO - the Northampton-based subsidiary of Honda's long standing tuning partner MUGEN - and will be brought to the UK for testing later in the year. At this stage, the car is being prepared purely as a prototype model.

To enhance the performance of the already-impressive Civic Type R, MUGEN EURO will tune Honda's 2.0-litre i-VTEC engine to produce more power and torque, as well as developing the brakes, exhaust and suspension. Externally, the Civic will take on an even more aggressive appearance, with a new aerodynamic package including a larger rear boot spoiler.

"In standard trim, the Civic Type R is a thrilling machine to drive," said Hiro Toyoda, Vice President of MUGEN EURO. "It is a fantastic base model from which we hope to develop one of the quickest point to point front-wheel-drive road cars in the country."

There are currently no plans for a production model.

2009 Volkswagen Golf 1.6 TDI BlueMotion

Following the launch of the standard sixth generation Golf and the GTI and GTD performance models, Volkswagen is pleased to announce the ‘economy’ range, based on a new 1.6-litre common rail diesel engine, and which includes a BlueMotion variant.

All the new Golf models with this engine and five-speed manual gearbox achieve CO2 emissions of under 120 g/km, while the new Golf BlueMotion, the most efficient and technologically advanced iteration of the model yet produced, is capable of achieving 68.9 mpg on the combined cycle which equates to a theoretical range of over 800 miles, while emitting just 107 g/km of CO2.

Three versions of the 1.6-litre TDI engine are available to order. The first is an entry-level 90 PS – offered in S trim only – which returns 62.8 mpg on the combined cycle while producing 118 g/km of carbon dioxide. The second has more power at 105 PS and is available in S and SE trim. This has a combined economy figure of 62.8 mpg and a CO2 output of 119 g/km. This engine is also available with a seven-speed DSG automatic gearbox.

The third is the 105 PS in BlueMotion guise. This label is now well known as denoting the most efficient and least polluting model in Volkswagen’s range. Although it uses the same basic powerplant as the other new vehicles, the BlueMotion variant has significantly enhanced economy and carbon dioxide figures: 68.9 mpg and 107 g/km.

The gains in efficiency are made possible through a combination of subtle yet effective changes to the vehicle’s drivetrain and aerodynamics. The engine’s five-speed gearbox has longer ratios in third, fourth and fifth gears as well as regenerative braking.

A Stop-Start system is also fitted to the new Golf BlueMotion to improve efficiency further. The system allows the engine to shut down completely when at a standstill before automatically restarting as soon as the driver is ready to move off.

As with all BlueMotion variants, the new Golf features optimised aerodynamics with front-mounted cooling ducts moved to the underside of the vehicle, a ride height lowered by 15 mm and low rolling resistance tyres.

The gains in efficiency do not come at the expense of equipment or safety. The Golf BlueMotion is based on the SE model and as such is fitted with seven airbags, ABS, Electronic Stabilisation Programme, Climatic air conditioning, rain sensors, automatic lights, an iPod compatible CD stereo with eight speakers and cruise control.

All the models detailed here can be ordered now for imminent delivery. BlueMotion models are due to arrive in the UK in September. The 2.0-litre TDI 110 PS engine is no longer available to order in the Golf.

A second phase of Golf BlueMotion models will be introduced at the end of 2009 based on the entry-level S model. These cars are expected to have a CO2 output of 99 g/km and a combined economy figure of over 75 mpg.

Golf 1.6-litre TDI line-up and pricing



CO2, g/km Combined mpg Price, £ (RRP OTR)

S TDI 90 PS 5-spd manual 3dr 118 62.8 15,305

S TDI 90 PS 5-spd manual 5dr 118 62.8 15,890

S TDI 105 PS 5-spd manual 3dr 119 62.8 16,050

S TDI 105 PS 5-spd manual 5dr 119 62.8 16,635

SE TDI 105 PS 5-spd manual 3dr 119 62.8 16,755

SE TDI 105 PS 5-spd manual 5dr 119 62.8 17,340

SE TDI 105 PS 7-spd DSG 5dr 123 60.1 18,795

BlueMotion SE TDI 105 PS 5-spd manual 3dr 107 68.9 17,165

BlueMotion SE TDI 105 PS 5-spd manual 5dr 107 68.9 17,750

Volkswagen Golf 1.6-litre TDI engine specification

1.6-litre TDI 90 PS

Engine capacity (litres / cc) 1.6 / 1598
Power output (PS @ rpm) 90 @ 4200
Max torque (lbs ft / Nm @ rpm) 170 / 230 @ 1500
Top speed (mph) 110
0-62 mph (seconds) 12.9
Fuel economy (mpg) Urban – 49.6; Extra-urban – 74.3; Combined – 62.8

1.6-litre TDI 105 PS

Engine capacity (litres / cc) 1.6 / 1598
Power output (PS @ rpm) 105 @ 4400
Max torque (lbs ft / Nm @ rpm) 185 / 250 @ 1500
Top speed (mph) 117
0-62 mph (seconds) 11.3 (11.2 with 7-spd DSG)
Fuel economy (mpg) Urban – 49.6; Extra-urban – 72.4; Combined – 62.8 Urban – 50.4; Extra-urban – 67.3; Combined – 60.1 (DSG)

1.6-litre TDI 105 PS BlueMotion

Engine capacity (litres / cc) 1.6 / 1598
Power output (PS @ rpm) 105 @ 4400
Max torque (lbs ft / Nm @ rpm) 185 / 250 @ 1500
Top speed (mph) 118
0-62 mph (seconds) 11.3
Fuel economy (mpg) Urban – 54.3; Extra-urban – 80.7; Combined – 68.9

2009 Mazda Mazda5/Premacy in Japan

Mazda Motor Corporation has announced upgrades to its Premacy (known as the Mazda5 in overseas markets) compact minivan in Japan. Popular due to its sporty styling and driving performance, the freshened Premacy goes on sale today at all Mazda, Mazda Anfini and Mazda Autozam dealerships nationwide. Manufacturer’s suggested retail prices (including sales tax) for front-wheel drive (FWD) models range from 1,820,000 to 2,195,000 yen(19,000 USD to 23,000 USD).

Since its debut in 1999, the Mazda Premacy compact minivan has earned plaudits for its efficient seven-seat packaging, outstanding driving performance and sporty styling. Ten years later, the Premacy is currently sold in over 60 countries and has become Mazda’s best-selling minivan, with total global sales surpassing 710,000 units.

The range topping 20Z model grade now comes with specially designed aluminum alloy wheels and seat and door trim that enhance its sporty appearance. To highlight its sharp lines, exclusive Dark Plum Mica exterior body paint is also newly available for this model grade. In response to high demand, the mainstay 20CS grade has been augmented with a new fuel economy gauge and a freshly designed center panel. With the addition of these features and a full equipment review, the upgraded Mazda Premacy 20CS is even more affordable than before.

All Mazda Premacy FWD model grades qualify for Japan’s eco-car tax incentives, with 50 percent reductions on both the automobile acquisition tax and the automobile weight tax.

Main features of the freshened Mazda Premacy

-Sporty, high-quality dark grey 17-inch aluminum alloy wheels which are exclusive to the 20Z model grade.
-Eight exterior body colors are available, including the newly added Aluminum Metallic and Radiant Ebony Mica. The special exterior color Dark Plum Mica is also exclusively available for the 20Z model grade.
-Newly designed fabric seat and door trim which is exclusive to the 20Z model grade.
-The 20CS, 20S and 20Z model grades are equipped with a trip computer that includes a fuel economy gauge as standard equipment.
-All model grades feature a glossy piano black center panel.
-Side and rear view cameras are available as a factory-installed option for the 20CS, 20S and 20Z model grades.

2009 Pagani Zonda Cinque Roadster

The Pagani roadcar model range would not be complete without a Roadster version of the Zonda Cinque. As the name implies it is created in the Modenese Atelier in a limited production run of merely five exclusive pieces like its coupé sister.

All weight reduction measures adopted by Pagani to improve driving pleasure, performance and emission of the Zonda Cinque have found use in the Cinque Roadster as well. The Carbon-Titanium chassis has been redesigned for the compensation of a missing roof.

The Cinque experience is enhanced with the roof stored in the front bonnet, when the storm of air being fed to the 678hp Mercedes AMG V12 engine through the massive intake just inches over the passengers' ears, accompanies the exhaust note of the bespoke Zonda Cinque Inconel and Titanium exhaust system.

Whether you opt for a relaxed country drive in Tuscany's hills, visiting Florence and other centres of the Italian Renaissance, or a record hunt at the Nürburgring, this 1.3 milion Euro + taxes jewel will reward with every day driveability and ultimate performance thanks to the different drive modes of the sequential robostised gearbox and an adjustable suspension setup
that feels at home as well at the racetrack as on bumpy roads.

The constant efforts of Horacio Pagani and his team shows once again how art and engineering can be combined in the Zonda Cinque Roadster.

Technical Specifications:

-Mercedes Benz AMG engine, Power: 678 hp, Torque: 780 Nm
-Carbon-titanium monocoque
-ECU, Traction control, ABS by Bosch Engineering
-Inconel/titanium exhaust system coated with ceramic
-Suspensions in magnesium and titanium
-Cima sequential gearbox (6 speed), robotized by Automac enginnering
-APP monolitic wheels forged in aluminium and magnesium, Size: front 9x19 - rear 12,5x20
-Pirelli PZero tyres. Size: front 255/35/19 - rear 335/30/20
-Pagani leather/carbon fibre racing seats
-Brembo brakes in carbo-ceramic self ventilated with hydraulic servo brake, Size: front 380x34 mm, monolitic 6 piston caliper; rear 380x34 mm, monolitic 4 piston caliper
-Dry weight 1.210 kg
-Weight distribution in driving condition: 47% front, 53% rear
-Acceleration: 0-100 Km in 3.4 sec., 0-200 in 9.6 sec.
-Braking: 100-0 km in 2.1 sec., 200-0 km 4.3 sec.
-Maximum side acceleration: 1,45 G (with road tyres)
-Downforce at 300 kph: 750 kg

2009 Bentley Continental GT Pop Art

For his exhibition "Come to my World" in Berlin, the famous artist Romero Britto chose a Bentley Continental GT as a canvas for his cheerful and vivid signature motifs.

This is probably one of the most unusual Bentleys ever seen: a large, happy flower, little stars, squiggles and signs dance on the elegant hood and colourful, comic-like figures adorn the doors. The Continental GT - a static prototype built in 2003 - has become a truly unique work of art created by the world-renowned Brazilian artist Romero Britto. Bentley Motors donated the Coupe on the occasion of Britto´s Berlin exhibition "Come to my World" in the Automobil Forum Unter den Linden.

Britto, one of the most admired and popular artists currently working within Pop Art, creates pieces specifically to put a smile on people´s faces. Having grown up in poverty in Recife, Brazil, his work belies his background by creating a fantasy world inhabited by child-like creatures and optimistic, strong colours. "Since everything in life moves toward an end", says Romero Britto, "we should fill our life with colour and hope." His paintings, graphics and sculptures can be admired in many of the world's leading art galleries including the Museum of Modern Art and Guggenheim in New York. He counts the Kennedys, Rothchilds, California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, Steffi Graf and Elton John among his friends and collectors.

Romero was delighted to be given the chance to turn a Bentley into a Pop Art sculpture: "It is the most beautiful and elegant car in the world. The lines of the new design are perfect to paint as a clean canvas. What a way to start a fascinating and colourful journey."

Raul Pires, Head of Exterior Design at Bentley Motors and like Romero Britto, a Brazilian was central to the creation of the Continental GT. He thoroughly agrees with his countryman: "A Bentley holds the unique combination of exhilaration and relaxation in one package. An automotive sculpture with elegant powerful surfaces. The ultimate in craftsmanship."

The Romero Britto exhibition, hosted by the Automobil Forum Unter den Linden in cooperation with the Mensing Gallery, will take place from 10 July until 6 September 2009. In keeping with Britto's wider ideals, at the conclusion of the show, the "Britto-Bentley" will be put up for auction in aid of the Nathalie Todenhöfer Foundation for multiple sclerosis as well as Best Buddies, an organization dedicated to improving the integration of the mentally disabled within society.

2009 HURST Competition PLUS Dodge Challenger

Hurst Performance Vehicles, one of the most recognized and revered names in automobile history, kicked off its highly-anticipated Competition/PLUS series with the Hurst Competition/PLUS Challenger at the NHRA Museum’s Twilight Cruise Wednesday, July 1, 2009.

Hurst’s Competition/PLUS series pays homage to Hurst’s most popular and best-selling shifter of the same namesake. Over the past several decades, Hurst has sold approximately one million of these iconic Competition/Plus shifters.

Set to continue the brand’s long standing tradition of building some of the most sought-after collectible muscle cars, these numbered cars will be available based on both the R/T 5.7 Hemi or the 6.1 SRT8 Hemi. A variety of legendary color combinations including red, blue, white and silver will be available, all complete with matte black Hurst graphics and color-keyed, Hurst leather interiors.

The Competition/PLUS Challenger will also come with a traditional white, Hurst round-ball shift knob. An extra black shift knob will come in every car’s glove box, so that customer’s may choose which they like best.

“The Competition/PLUS is the newest series to expand the availability of Hurst cars through our authorized dealer network,” said Nate Shelton, Chairman of Hurst Performance. “The Hurst Competition/PLUS shifter is easily the most successful shifter in the history of racing and automotive performance. We’re proud to name our new series of limited edition vehicles after Hurst’s most famous product.”

The Competition/PLUS Challengers will also have Hurst polished, forged aluminum wheels, with graphite gray spokes and the traditional red and black Hurst “H” logos. They will come with BF Goodrich KDW performance tires, a Magnaflow stainless-steel exhaust, a K&N Air Filter and an Eibach Suspension with coil-over adjustable shocks, springs and sway bar.

“We’re just glad to be building cars with looks and attitude, and most importantly, the credentials to back it all up,” said Hurst President, Ron Flint. “It’s an amazing feeling to be building cars you actually want to build.”

Each Hurst limited production vehicle comes with a signed and numbered certificate of authenticity and an invitation to the owner, to pick up his vehicle at the factory.

The car unveiled at the NHRA event has already been sold to a private Hurst collector and features an optional Mopar hood scoop.

The Competition/PLUS Challenger will be available through authorized Hurst Dodge dealers nationwide. The suggested MSRP at authorized Hurst Dodge Dealers for the RT or SRT8 Competition/PLUS package is $18,495.00 (above the cost of the base vehicle.)

2009 Senner Audi A5 New Package

The Senner Tuning specialists has released a new styling package for the 2009 Audi A5 with various improvement options which includes both exterior and interior enhancements. The Senner Audi A5 sits on 21” 1/5 Evo DS Carlsson alloy wheels with high performance tires. The Senner Audi A5 package also includes a Bilstein B16 PSS10 coilover suspension which is fully adjustable with individual height adjustment and a new stainless steel exhaust system with 4 tailpipes.

The aerodynamics package of the Senner Audi A5 Black and White includes a carbon fiber front spoiler apron, carbon-fiber mirror housings, a rear spoiler and spoiler lip and a carbon fiber rear bumper.

For the 3.0 TDI engine, the Senner Audi A5 can be fitted with a power pack which takes the numbers up to 300 hp and 600 Nm of torque. The Senner Audi A5 3.0 TDI has a top speed of 280 km/h and the tuner offers an engine warranty.