BMW confirms UK diesel trade-in plan

BMW has verified particular UK details for a new EU broad diesel trade-in scheme, called the lower Emissions Allowance.
BMW UK is providing clients a £2,000 subsidy to upgrade to a new Euro-6 compliant vehicle, as well as all new BMW as well as small vehicles with emissions under 130g/km will be offered with the discount rate up until the end of the year. vehicles from BMW’s i variety as well as the small Countryman PHEV are likewise available, with the discount rate stacking on top of present government subsidy.
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To qualify for the discount, clients can trade in any type of diesel-powered vehicle from any type of brand, so long as it’s Euro-4 basic or older. BMW likewise promises that clients will get a fair, typical cost for their trade-in vehicle.
Harald Krüger, BMW’s Board Chairman, said: “For practically two years now, diesel innovation which is cutting-edge, extremely effective as well as prominent with clients has been intentionally as well as publicly discredited. This has triggered remarkable uncertainty among millions of chauffeurs as well as it’s not going to get us anywhere”.
In terms of particulate, hydrocarbon as well as carbon monoxide emissions, BMW declares that contemporary diesels are now just as efficient, if not much more efficient, than petrol vehicles. Addressing the questionable subject, BMW specified in its release that the problem had been “resolved” as well as that diesels “no longer have any type of adverse impact on air quality”.
Would you trade in your BMW or small with the guarantee of a £1,700 discount? let us understand below!

Aston Martin developing all-new platform for DB9

Aston Martin is working on an all-new architecture that will underpin a new generation of sports cars, beginning with the DB9 replacement in 2016, auto express has learned. It spells the end for the ageing aluminium VH architecture that has underpinned every Aston, barring the One-77 and Cygnet, since the original Vanquish in 2001.
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In an official press release this week, announcing 2013 total revenue up 13 per cent to £519m and global volumes up 11 per cent to 4,200, Aston’s chief financial Officer, Hanno Kirner revealed Aston was working on “a completely new architecture and technologies to ensure that our next generation of sports automobiles is at the forefront of design, performance and technology.”
He added: “The strategic partnership with Daimler AG will bring with it cutting edge electrical and electronic expertise, and the shared development of world-class bespoke V8 powertrains.”
Initial reports suggested this new architecture was simply a revised version of the VH architecture with new electrical systems taken from the strategic partnership with Mercedes, but it now appears the platform will be a clean sheet design. specific details on its construction aren’t yet available, but given Aston’s knowledge in bonded aluminium structures, it’s safe to say that’s the route it will take. expect it to be significantly lighter, more rigid and highly flexible in terms of wheelbase and track width.

New Volkswagen T-Roc SUV: first UK prices and specs revealed

The first UK prices and specs for the new Volkswagen T-Roc – the firm’s newest small SUV – have been revealed, with purchase books for select models open from today. 
A total of five trim levels will eventually be available, but for now, buyers will be limited to three. Entry-level T-Roc S models and range topping R-Line automobiles will go on sale at a later date, but orders for the T-Roc SE, design and SEL can now be placed.
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The T-Roc SE starts from £20,425, making use of Volkswagen’s newest 1.0-litre TSI three-cylinder engine producing 113bhp. Volkswagen claims it’s capable of 55.4mpg, with CO2 emissions of 117g/km. The same automobile is available with a 1.5-litre TSI EVO unit, pushing power up to 148bhp and priced from £22,200.
Design trim level automobiles are provided with the same two engine choices, priced from £21,125 and £22,900 respectively. For now, SEL models are priced from £24,520 for the automobile with a 1.5-litre TSI EVO unit, while a 2.0-litre TSI producing 187bhp and mated to a seven-speed DSG gearbox driving a 4MOTION all-wheel-drive system will also be among the options for early T-Roc adopters, priced from £31,485. Diesel automobiles will go on sale at a later date, with 114bhp 1.6-litre TDI and a 148bhp 2.0-litre TDI options lined up.
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Specific details concerning the equipment provided on each trim level are mostly under wraps for now, but dual-zone climate control, an eight-inch infotainment system, Bluetooth, DAB radio, USB connectivity, 16-inch alloy wheels and a suite of chauffeur assists and safety equipment will be conventional across the range. The active info display will be conventional fit on SEL automobiles upwards.
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New Chevrolet Volt spied

The Chevrolet Volt was the first car to bring plug-in hybrid technology to the masses when it launched back in 2011, so while the rest of the industry is just getting to grips with the tech, the second-generation Volt is already deep into development.
Spotted here for the first time wearing full camouflage the new Volt – which will also spawn new versions of the Vauxhall Ampera and Cadillac ELR – is expected to go on sale in 2016, with production at GM’s Hamtramck factory in Detroit beginning in summer 2015.
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Any fresh design details have been covered up, but it’s clear the Volt’s overall proportions will be evolutionary, with the same low nose and steeply rising waistline. Under the skin however, GM is ringing the changes with a new front-wheel drive platform – believed to be based on the Chevrolet Cruze to cut costs – and a revised powertrain.
While the building blocks of the hybrid system – such as the 1.4-litre petrol engine and electric motor – will be similar to the outgoing model, GM is expected to reduce the size of the battery pack, for a smaller electric-only range, to reduce costs and cut weight.
“The Ampera has one of the highest customer satisfaction ratings of any car, but it’s simply too expensive,” Steve Girsky, Vice Chairman of GM and interim president of GM Europe, told us. “If you want to make money it’s not about the cleverest technology, but who can deliver fuel economy at a lower cost.”
Currently the Ampera is capable of travelling up to 50 miles on battery power, which is key to its 235.4mpg fuel economy. but the battery pack alone costs more than £12,000 to produce.
“In the coming years I don’t think you will need 100km [62 miles] of electric range,” revealed Thomas Sedran, GM’s Vice president of strategy and Operations. “Around 30 to 50km [18 to 30 miles] should be enough to get you in and out of town and after that you still have the range-extender engine to help.”
This first sighting of the new Volt coincides with GM’s announcement last week that will be investing $449m (£267m) in the Hamtramck factory in Detroit where next generations of the Volt, Ampera and ELR will all be built. According to a SM statement $384m will go towards new tooling and equipment, while the remaining $65 will go towards a nearby battery assembly plant.

New Gordon Murray project two supercar to sit below T.50

Gordon Murray has already started work on the follow-up to his spectacular T.50 supercar – and he has revealed to car express that the next model will be much more budget-friendly while still using the T.50’s high-revving, typically aspirated V12 engine.
The T.50 and its T.50s track version are both now sold out, despite before-tax price labels of £2.3m and £3.1m respectively. The first examples of the road model, which is limited to 100 units, ought to arrive in customers’ hands in 2022.

New track-only Gordon Murray T.50s Niki Lauda arrives with 725bhp

But as his Gordon Murray group announced a £300m investment plan that will allow it to develop its own pure-electric car architecture, the former F1 designer revealed that his team is already formulating the automobile that will follow the two Gordon Murray Automotive fan-assisted supercars.
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Referred to as project Two, the automobile will have a much more conventional two-seat layout instead of the T.50’s three-seat configuration – and this implies that its construction will need to be developed from scratch. “The T.50’s powertrain feeds back into project Two,” Murray said. “But it is a brand new platform; we’re starting again on that. The T.50 was a distinct monocoque because of the fan and the central driving position, and it’s very challenging to take that and adapt it to a two-seater.

Call for £500 government autobrake grant

A government cash incentive for motorists who get cars with autonomous emergency braking (AEB) technology could save 60 lives and cut severe injuries by up to 760 in just three years.
That’s according to the insurance industry’s automotive research centre, Thatcham. It claims that this figure would increase to 1,220 lives saved and 136,000 casualties avoided over 10 years.
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The research body is calling for the government to introduce a £500 grant for any individual getting a car with the kit. At present, 23 per cent of new cars either have it fitted as an option or standard. but less than 10 per cent of buyers select it.
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An insider explained that the idea had been presented to road ministers in government and that while they had been receptive to it, they questioned where the money for such an incentive could come from.
“A responsible motorist who pays extra to minimize the potential impact of their car must benefit from a helping hand from the Government,” explained Thatcham chief executive Peter Shaw.
“The time is ideal to demonstrate to consumers that automobiles with AEB must be their natural choice, and we calculate that with a£500 cash incentive – about half the additional cost of the AEB system – the government would be meeting the motorist halfway.”
Road safety summit talks new safety tech
The rapid growth of technology will be a help and hindrance to road safety over the next five to 10 years, say safety bosses and researchers.
Talking at the UK road safety Summit, roads minister Robert goodwill and shadow roads minister Richard problem both marked out autonomous emergency braking (AEB) as a crucial aspect in future road safety. However, Richard Cuerden of the transport research laboratory alerted that MoT testing will need to keep up with the rise of this kind of tech as garages make sure systems such as AEB are working correctly.
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The summit also touched on autonomous driving, and although the views were mainly positive, all speakers questioned legislation and laws. chief Constable Suzette Davenport, association of chief police Officers national roads policing lead, questioned how the policies would work relating to drink-driving and licences in these vehicles. but she said: “Remote stopping will be a real benefit. We have to balance the risk of pursuing people if they’re doing something wrong.”

However, she also said legislation needs to be brought up to date for current technology, such as Internet in cars and the impending arrival of Google Glass.

Mercedes-AMG G 63 as well as G 65 special Editions debut at Frankfurt

Mercedes has exposed two new special edition G-Class SUVs at the Frankfurt motor Show, positioned as new variety topping versions of the firm’s old-school off-roader.
Both V8 powered G 63 as well as V12 powered G 65 variations will soon be offered in special edition trim levels, however we won’t be getting them right here in the UK – British purchasers aren’t even provided the routine G 65 in the very first place. 
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Exclusive edition cars and trucks are marked out by a number of style as well as trim revisions inside as well as out. Protective stainless steel plating runs around the underside of the car, while distinct AMG racing stripes run down the sides of the doors. around the back, the spare wheel cover is completed in the primary body colour, too.
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Both cars and trucks trip on a set of 21-inch five-twin spoke alloy wheels, completed in matt black on G 63 cars and trucks or ceramically polished on the G 65 model. together with these wheels, both cars and trucks can be completed in a distinct monza grey magno matt paint finish.
In the cabin, the Designo special interior trim bundle is included as common together with two-tone leather upholstery. The Seat comfort bundle is likewise bundled in, introducing multicontour as well as climate-controlled seats for the chauffeur as well as front passenger. costs in Germany will begin at €163,125.20 – approximately £150,000. 
What do you make of the new special edition Mercedes-AMG G-Wagens? tell us in the comments…

New Kia Sedona revealed

This is the new Kia Sedona, officially revealed ahead of its debut at the new York motor show this week. As suspected, the mid-size MPV has been given a radical design overhaul following teaser images released earlier this month.
Up front, the revised front fascia is a lot more pronounced, featuring Kia’s trademark ‘Tiger Nose’ grille, which merges with the raked-back headlights. The rear also gets an updated look, with new horizontal taillights now integrated into the boot lid and echoing the wraparound design at the front. A bumper guard and roofing spoiler also adds a sportier dimension.
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The new Sedona is also a lot more angular than its predecessor, and benefits from a sleeker profile with minimized front and rear overhangs. The wheelbase is nearly 41mm longer than before, helping create an airier cabin with improved motorist visibility.
Inside, there’s room for either seven or eight passengers depending on the configuration, as well as a range of storage options. customers can also spec Kia’s ‘First Class’ lounge seating for the middle row, which comes with retractable leg rests and can slide backwards for added room.
The new look continues inside, with the Sedona getting a distinctive and sophisticated layout. The interior comes in a choice of three colours, while the new flagship SXL model is trimmed in Nappa leather as standard.
There’s a revised version of Kia’s next-generation UVO Infotainment system, too, which now includes motorist aids such as Geo-fencing, speed Alert, Curfew Alert and Driving Score. Kia’s app store is also available, allowing motorists to download content from iTunes or Google Play for use within the car. 
Standard safety equipment is fairly comprehensive, including features such as ESC, traction control, ABS, Hill-start assist Control, cornering brake control and roll over mitigation technology. customers can also option a forward collision alerting system, blind spot detectors and rear cross traffic Alert.
Kia has also replaced the previous generation’s 3.5-litre V6 with a a lot more powerful 272bhp 3.3-litre GDI V6 petrol engine, twinned with a six-speed automatic gearbox. A range of diesel CRDi engines are also likely to be made available. The chassis is also stiffer, with Kia claiming it’s 36 per cent greater than its closest segment competitor.

There are currently no plans to bring the new Sedona to the UK, but it is to go on sale in the us later this year, with prices to be announced closer to the launch date.

New Vauxhall Crossland griffin shows up to increase SUV’s charm

Vauxhall has added a new trim level to its Crossland SUV line-up. Called the Crossland Griffin, the new variant aims to increase the car’s charm next to rivals like the Ford Puma as well as Volkswagen T-Cross by bringing a lower starting cost as well as added set over the entry-level Crossland SE model. 
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The British brand’s compact SUV got a comprehensive upgrade in 2020, with updates to its suspension, steering as well as tech, together with an exterior redesign that incorporated Vauxhall’s ‘Vizor’ household face.

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The 2020 facelift added a new touchscreen infotainment system, bundled with Apple CarPlay as well as Android Auto, in addition to Bluetooth connectivity as well as a DAB radio. However, the new griffin design looks to bring much more basic devices for less money than the entry-level SE, improving value.
The Crossland griffin features the exact same seven-inch touchscreen as other designs in the line-up, however the cabin now features ambient lighting, heated front seats as well as a heated steering wheel. 
Automatic windscreen wipers as well as LED headlights are likewise fitted, together with security tech such as lane departure cautioning as well as speed indication recognition.
Outside, the Crossland griffin boasts black 17-inch twin-spoke alloy wheels, black door mirrors as well as a contrasting colour roofing system for additional visual impact. There are likewise chrome-effect upper window mouldings. 
Vauxhall’s newest addition to the Crossland household is offered with the exact same engines as the rest of the range. beginning the line-up is a 1.2-litre petrol establishing 82bhp, with a turbocharged variant upping power to either 108bhp or 128bhp. 
Buyers can likewise select between two diesel options, with a 1.5-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel creating either 108bhp or 118bhp.
Prices for the Crossland griffin begin from £17,555, undercutting the entry-level SE by a considerable £2,000 in spite of it boasting much more equipment. Vauxhall is likewise providing the Crossland griffin on a PCP scheme, with monthly payments starting from £215.
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Stirling Moss Maserati 450S on sale for £4.5m

A 1956 Maserati 450S Prototype, famously driven as well as crashed by Stirling Moss, is set to be auctioned in Monaco next month for between £3.3 million as well as £4.5 million.
Originally developed as a six-cylinder 350S for the 1956 Mille Miglia race, the cars and truck was terribly damaged when a brake failure required Moss as well as his navigator off the road just outside Rome, narrowly avoiding a ravine in the process.
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Following a return to the Maserati factory for repairs, the 350S was transformed into a prototype for the 450S programme, featuring an prolonged wheelbase to fit a new 5.7-litre V8 engine. A new Fantuzzi body was likewise fitted, as well as the cars and truck was evaluated at the Swedish Grand Prix in August 1956.
After a number of even more outings, Maserati retired the 450S Prototype into storage, from which it was offered without an engine in 1965. A new Ferrari transmission as well as Corvette V8 engine were fitted to make the cars and truck roadworthy, before it was exported to the United States.
Imported back to its native Italy in the early 80s, a full restoration returned the cars and truck to 450S specs in 1987, maintained to the present day save for a redesigned transaxle. According to RM Auctions, it’s because of go on sale in may together with a 1966 Ferrari 275 GTB/C as well as a 1967 Ferrari 330 GTS.