The next Ultimate McLaren is as quick as the P1, Lighter and more aggresive.

• New road legal hypercar set to be faster than all but the P1 GTR on track
• Second model in firm’s Ultimate Series after the P1, powered by an 800PS version of McLaren’s 3.8-litre twin-turbo V8
• Extremely light at 1,300kg with race-inspired pared-back interior
• Autocar images point to how the new extreme machine could look, featuring function-led all carbon bodywork
• More extreme than legendary F1 and P1, the full story on this incredible machine is in today’s Autocar magazine and online at http://bit.ly/2uu2L2Z

The most extreme road car in McLaren’s history is set to make its debut later this year – and Autocar has the full exclusive story.

Codenamed ‘P15’ and said to feature an 800PS engine with a strippedout interior and overall weight of less than 1,300kg, the new model will be the second in McLaren’s Ultimate Series range after the hybrid P1.

Designed to be the most extreme, track-ready but still road legal car in the line-up, McLaren’s engineers have reportedly been given the freedom to prioritise performance over everything else and the P15 is said to be faster on a racing circuit than any McLaren, bar the track-only P1 GTR.

At its heart is a tweaked version of McLaren’s 3.8-litre twin turbo V8 said to produce around 800PS (789bhp) – making it more powerful than the 727bhp produced by the road-going P1’s engine, but below the 903bhp peak achieved when the P1’s electric motor is also in operation.

However, the car’s weight is said to have been slashed by the use of McLaren’s latest Monocage II one-piece carbonfibre tub (which now includes the roof structure), and when combined with a race-inspired two-seater interior and no P1-style electrical powertrain, that should mean the P15 tips the scales at less than 1,300kg.

Against the 1,547kg P1, that would give the P15 an even better power-to-weight ratio, a crucial factor in achieving the goal of outstanding performance on the track. Straight-line performance is expected to match, if not beat, the P1’s figures of 0-60mph in 2.7 secs and a quarter mile time of 10.2 seconds. 

The car’s brutal styling is said to be the ultimate distillation of form following function with carbon bodywork used only where it delivers a performance, rather than aesthetic, benefit. Active aerodynamics, with self-adjusting spoilers (knowledge gleaned from McLaren’s F1 experience), not to mention a huge diffuser are also expected to dominate. Autocar has produced a set of images to give a first glimpse at how the P15 could look.

The official reveal will take place later this year, restricted to existing McLaren customers and potential buyers, followed by an official public debut at March 2018’s Geneva Motor Show. A price tag of around £700,000 plus tax (£840,000 in the UK) is mooted with production set to be limited to just 500 cars.

While other McLaren models such as the 675 have spawned Longtail (LT) and Spider open-top variants, the track focused natured of the P15 has ruled these out. However, as it will be a road car, there is the potential for a track-only GTR version as McLaren did with the P1 and P1 GTR.

Autocar editor Mark Tisshaw said: “McLaren has always been relentless in the pursuit of performance – but with Aston Martin’s upcoming Valkyrie and the Mercedes-AMG Project One set to redefine the rules of the hypercar market, it has to keep ahead of the game. Hence the P15.

“There’s no doubt that this will be an incredible machine, but what McLaren has learned of late is to create a car with a broad dynamic brief. With track performance as its goal, the P15 will obviously be outrageous on a racing circuit, but with that low weight, pared-back cabin and non-hybrid powerplant, it promises to be exceptional on the road too. If it does that, it will have created arguably an even better car than the P1 - some achievement.

“These are certainly exciting times for the Woking-based firm as the P15 will also joined by a three-seat, F1-inspired hyper-GT – another story broken exclusively by Autocar. Codenamed BP23, the car will be revealed next year and arrive in 2019.”

Not Since the Vetra "C" has there been a GSi model, but today Vauxhall announces the return of this famous nameplate.

• Precise performance thanks to FlexRide chassis, Brembo brakes and AWD
• New design cues reinforce performance with comfort
• Eight-speed automatic gearbox delivers efficiency across four driving modes
• Vauxhall brings back familiar GSi trim last seen on the Vectra C

With its debut set for the 2017 Frankfurt Motor Show, Vauxhall has released first pics of the all-new Insignia GSi, which will deliver high levels of performance through all-wheel drive, a new chassis and Brembo brakes, and will be powered by a refined 2.0-litre turbo petrol engine.

The performance variant of Vauxhall’s latest flagship model has an eight-speed automatic gearbox, which can be operated via a paddle-shift on the steering wheel to provide a more active and responsive driving experience. Staying true to the latest-generation Insignia range, the GSi combines lightweight design and a low centre of gravity with turbocharged power. These factors result in excellent balance and a favourable power-to-weight ratio.

Exterior design updates include chrome air intakes at the front and a rear spoiler for the required levels of downforce, while on the inside the full-leather sports seats, a leather sports steering wheel and aluminium pedals add the finishing touches.

The GSi’s chassis has been fine-tuned to create the most poised and composed yet, taking the already fine dynamics of the regular Insignia Grand Sport to another level. The benefits of these chassis developments are not just in the improved driving experience though, with the GSi proving to be faster than its predecessor on the track too. Having undertaken parts of its development on the iconic Nürburgring circuit, the GSi is 160kg lighter than the comparable Insignia, which, when combined with the low centre of gravity, creates more traction and leads to faster times on the race track.

Performance & Handling

Vauxhall has developed an all-new chassis for the GSi, supported by shorter springs that lower the model by 10mm, while specially developed sports shock absorbers reduce body movement significantly. Powerful Brembo four-pot calliper front brakes have been incorporated to work in conjunction with the Insignia GSi’s mechatronic FlexRide chassis, which adapts the suspension and steering instantly. The chassis control unit also changes the calibration of the accelerator pedal and the shift points of the eight-speed transmission to refine the steering and throttle response to suit the situation.

Drivers can choose from three key driving modes, Standard, Tour and Sport, while Vauxhall has also developed a fourth setting exclusively for the Insignia GSi, ‘Competition’. With a double press of the ESP button, the GSi switches the traction control off and allows more yaw, giving skilled drivers the chance to realise the car’s full potential.

Excellent handling is guaranteed thanks to the sports chassis, Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S tyres and 18-inch wheels (20-inch wheels available), delivering exceptional levels of grip to make the GSi more responsive. That is supported by all-wheel drive with torque vectoring, which replaces the conventional differential on the rear axle with two clutches to accelerate each rear wheel individually as required by the driving situation. This ultimately prevents understeer.

The Insignia GSi is powered by a 2.0 litre turbo petrol engine, producing 260PS and generating 400Nm of torque (NEDC fuel consumption: 25.2mpg urban, 39.7mpg extra-urban, 32.8mpg combined, and 197g/km CO2). The four-cylinder unit is mated to an all-new eight-speed automatic transmission, and the driver can manually determine the shift points of the system in Standard and Sport modes to suit their personal driving style.

Design

The sporty performance of the Insignia GSi is matched by new design features, technology highlights and exclusive accessories inside and out. On the inside, new AGR-certified sports seats developed by Vauxhall provide increased lateral support and long-distance comfort. Similar to those found in the Insignia Grand Sport, the premium seats offer ventilation, heating, massage and adjustable side bolsters. Customers can specify the seats in one of two leather combinations, each featuring the prominent GSi emblem.

The interior strikes the perfect balance between comfort and performance, featuring a leather steering wheel with a flattened lower, aluminium pedals and a stylish black headlining.

The GSi logo can also be seen at the rear of the car, which carries a spoiler to deliver additional levels of downforce to the rear axle. The rear also features two chrome-edged exhaust pipes, and chrome air intakes can be found near the front wheels to assist the vehicle’s performance further.

Aston Martins wildest ever car the Vulcan gets the AMR Package with F1 track driving.

• Upgrade package for track-only supercar forms pinnacle of the AMR performance brand
• Focus on increased downforce via extensive aerodynamic enhancements
• Gear ratios shortened to deliver intensified acceleration
• AMR package available to current owners of the 24 Aston Martin Vulcans

Aston Martin’s wildest-ever car - the track-only Aston Martin Vulcan - has been taken to breathtaking new extremes with a performance upgrade package developed by the luxury marque’s new performance brand, AMR. 

Making its public debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, the Aston Martin Vulcan AMR Pro sports extensive aerodynamic enhancements and shortened gearing to produce increased downforce, greater responsiveness and reduced lap times - improvements that underline its status as one of the world’s most extreme and exclusive track cars.

Built in a strictly limited run of just 24 cars and delivered to customers throughout 2016, the 820BHP Aston Martin Vulcan was conceived and engineered to deliver the excitement and exceed the performance of Aston Martin’s Le Mans-winning race cars. 

Over the last two years, Aston Martin Vulcan owners have received step-by-step driver training by Aston Martin’s expert team of instructors - among them Aston Martin Racing works driver and three-time Le Mans winner, Darren Turner.

The lucky customers have participated in exclusive driving events held at some of the world’s best Formula One circuits, including Circuit of the Americas in the USA, Spa-Francorchamps in Belgium, Yas Marina in Abu Dhabi and, naturally, Aston Martin’s home circuit, Silverstone. By enhancing its already prodigious capabilities the Aston Martin Vulcan AMR Pro offers customers the chance to further develop their driving skills and enjoy an even more intense driving experience.

The Aston Martin Vulcan AMR Pro’s aerodynamic enhancements begin at the front-end with louvred panels added above the front wheel arches to extract high pressure air and reduce aerodynamic lift. 

A sizeable pair of dive planes have been added to each side of the nose to help pin the front-end to the track and the huge front splitter has turning vanes fitted to its underside to improve steering response. Weight has also been saved with optimisation of the carbon fibre lay-up and core form reducing the weight of the engine cover by 5kg.

Changes to the rear are equally effective and even more dramatic, courtesy of a new rear wing. Now of dual plane design, rather than the original single plane item, the main element of this enormous rear wing features a 20mm ‘Gurney’ flap - a simple but hugely effective upstand on the wing’s trailing edge - which is supplemented by slotted wing endplates that sport additional 15mm Gurneys to maximise the amount of downforce.

The combined effect of these aerodynamic changes is a major increase in downforce, from the standard Aston Martin Vulcan’s 3150Nm to a colossal 4000Nm. This compares to 3104Nm generated by the 2017 Le Mans winning Aston Martin Racing Vantage GTE. 

The aero changes have also improved the aerodynamic balance of the Aston Martin Vulcan, shifting its Centre of Pressure forwards bringing it closer to the middle of the car (47% compared with 41.5% for the standard Aston Martin Vulcan) to improve traction, steering response and front-end grip.

Aston Martin Racing works driver, Darren Turner, said of the Aston Martin Vulcan AMR Pro: “I’ve been fortunate to drive the Aston Martin Vulcan throughout its development programme and at the numerous customer events held since the cars were delivered. It’s an incredible car in every respect - looks, sound and of course, performance. 

We worked hard to ensure it’s not a monster to drive, so it was important the AMR Pro upgrade remains true to that objective. By increasing the overall level of downforce front and rear, but also improving the balance of the car we’ve done just that. 

Together with the shortened gearing, which makes it even more punchy when you accelerate through the gears, the Aston Martin Vulcan AMR Pro feels more agile and responsive to steering inputs. When you get the aero working through a fast corner it really is an unbelievable feeling. I can’t wait to see the customers’ faces when they experience it for themselves!”

Aston Martin Vice President and Chief Special Operations Officer, David King, said of the Aston martin Vulcan AMR Pro: “When we first conceived the Aston Martin Vulcan it was to create something that expressed Aston Martin’s wilder side. 

The result was an ultimate track car - one free from the regulations and constraints of World Championship competition. A flight of fantasy, if you like. But one we could share with our keenest customers. Like anything with a motorsport mindset, once we’d built and delivered all 24 Vulcans we started thinking about how to make it quicker. 

And so the Aston Martin Vulcan AMR Pro was born. The shorter gearing makes for truly explosive acceleration between the corners, while the aero package’s increased downforce and improved balance gives our customers the all-important confidence to explore the extraordinary performance on offer.”

The Aston Martin Vulcan AMR Pro upgrade package will be installed by Q by Aston Martin Advanced Operations. Work is already underway on the first upgrades, with the first customer cars expected to be completed in the Autumn. The Aston Martin Vulcan AMP Pro will make its dynamic debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed today.

Alfa Romeo to have a host of new and historic cars on the hill & on display at the Goodwood Show.

Alfa Romeo will debut the eagerly-anticipated Alfa Romeo Stelvio in the UK for the first time at this year’s Goodwood Festival of Speed, 29th June – 2nd July.

The marque’s first SUV in its 107-year history will swap the Stelvio Pass for the famous 1.6 mile Goodwood Hillclimb for its inaugural UK dynamic first glance.

Having first been unveiled at the LA Auto Show, those attending the Festival of Speed will be lucky enough to witness the Stelvio’s distinctive Italian styling, thrilling performance and Q4 all-wheel drive at close quarters.

It’s the second year in a row that Alfa Romeo has unveiled a new model at the iconic automotive event, after the marque uncovered the award-winning Alfa Romeo Giulia sports saloon on its stand in 2016.

The range topping Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio, powered by a 510hp Bi-Turbo V6 engine, will appear on the Alfa Romeo stand alongside the recently launched 280hp 2.0-litre petrol engine Alfa Romeo Giulia Veloce.

Showcasing the full power of the Italian manufacturer, the modern line-up will be completed by the Alfa Romeo Giulietta and the high-performance Alfa Romeo 4C Spider.

While the launch of Giulia and Stelvio signify the start of a new era for Alfa Romeo, fans will still be able to experience Alfa Romeo’s iconic motorsport heritage. Transported over specially from Alfa Romeo’s official museum, Museo Storico, the Alfa Romeo GTAm, Alfa Romeo 33/3 Le Mans and Alfa Romeo 155 DTM will all take on the Goodwood Hillclimb during the weekend. As an extra treat for life-long F1 fans, the Alfa Romeo Brabham F1 will be on static display in the Martini paddock.

Andrew Tracey, Country Manager, Alfa Romeo UK, commented: “Goodwood Festival of Speed encapsulates the Alfa Romeo spirit of being inspired by the past whilst looking to the future, so as with Giulia last year, it made perfect sense for the UK reveal of our hotly anticipated Alfa Romeo SUV, Stelvio, to take place at this year’s festival.

 “With a modern range of cars spanning from supermini, to hatchback, to saloon, to sports coupe and now SUV, we really do have an exciting line-up of cars all deserving of the iconic Alfa Romeo badge.”

Historic cars at Goodwood Festival of Speed

Alfa Romeo GTAm

• Maximum power: 210hp
• Max speed: 143 mph
• Production year: 1970

The 1750 GTAm is derived from the American version of Alfa Romeo’s famous Giulia GTA coupé. Unlike the model sold in Europe, the GTAm was equipped with Spica indirect mechanical fuel injection making it more suitable for competition. The main differences in the bodywork were the extensive use of steel instead of aluminium and the fibreglass extensions riveted on the wheel arches, which gave the car an even more aggressive and race-bred appearance. Modifications to the engine were just as important, with the overall displacement increasing to 1985cc.

The GTAm soon reaped success in the European Touring Car Championship, with Toine Hezemans winning in Monza, Budapest and Jarama. The hat-trick of victories led to Hezemans taking the championship crown at the end of the season. Italian drivers Andrea de Adamich and Gian Luigi Picchi won at the Nürburgring, while Picchi also won at Dutch circuit, Zandvoort.

Alfa Romeo 33/3 Le Mans

• Maximum power: 400 hp
• Max speed: 193 mph
• Production year: 1970

The 33/3, produced in 1969, featured a new box-section structure made of Avional, with the gearbox cantilevered beyond the rear axle. Various configurations were tested for the body and often changed according to the track: in most cases the open version was used, but there were also several closed cars.

Despite the car taking the chequered flag at Zeltweg and Pergusa in 1969 it continued undergoing work to improve its performance. Two years later an even better version hit the tarmac boasting an incredible 420 hp. It also featured a redesigned gearbox with five speeds and was reduced in weight, down to just 650kg.

The modified car proved to be a fierce competitor from its first race, claiming victories in the Brands Hatch 1000 Kilometres and The Six Hours of Watkins Glen. However, its most memorable performance of the season was its victory at the iconic Targa Florio.

Alfa Romeo 155 DTM

• Maximum power: 420 hp
• Max speed: 130 mph
• Production year: 1993

After the 1992 racing season, Alfa Corse, Alfa Romeo’s factory racing team, decided to increase their range of vehicles by working on several racing versions of the 155. One of the most ambitious targets was to be competitive in the hugely popular and challenging DTM (Deutsche Tourenwagen Meisterschaft), the German Touring Car Championship.

The 155 underwent a drastic modification process in order to be fit for purpose for the championship. The standard 60° V6 engine in light alloy was transformed while still observing two main limitations: both the distance between the cylinders and the material used for the engine block had to be the same as in the production versions. Additionally, the bodywork was made of carbon fibre and the chassis was reinforced with a roll cage.

Unbelievably the car was victorious on its debut at the Belgian circuit in Zolder. It was the first of many victories for Nicola Larini who went on to win the championship in 1993. Incredibly, Larini chalked up 10 out of the 20 races that year, the most race victories in the history of a DTM campaign. Alessandro Nannini contributed two victories that year, too.

Alfa Romeo Brabham BT-45B F1

• Maximum power: 500hp
• Max speed: 200 mph
• Production year: 1977

In 1975, the 33’s engine gave Alfa Romeo the chance to return to Formula 1 in style. That was the season in which Autodelta finally managed to take the World Championship for Makes with the Tipo 33 TT12, winning a phenomenal seven races out of eight. From there an agreement was reached with Bernie Ecclestone’s Brabham Martini Racing Team, one of the highest profile teams at the time, for Alfa Romeo to supply 12-cylinder engines, slightly modified to fit the monocoque of the BT 45.

The integration of Alfa Romeo’s class-leading engineering attracted the likes of Carlos Pace, John Watson and World Champion Niki Lauda to the team. Lauda went on to win two races in 1978.

About Alfa Romeo’s official museum, Museo Storico

The four vehicles on display are borrowed from Alfa Romeo’s incredible heritage collection and are often on display at the recently-reopened Alfa Romeo museum in Arese, Milan. Completely refurbished this year, the museum has more than 70 of the collection’s 250-plus cars on display at any given time (69 of the most significant pieces in Alfa Romeo’s historic collection within the museum plus various temporary exhibitions), grouped together in sections titled “Timeline”, “Beauty” and “Speed”. 

For more details on the museum, which is open from 10am to 6pm every day (closed Tuesdays, open to 10pm on Thursdays) please visit www.museoalfaromeo.com.

Caterham enlists a new regional distributor in Latin America to push sales further ahead.

• Caterham appoints respected automotive distributor, Global X-Sports

Caterham has increased its global sales network by appointing respected automotive provider, Global X-Sports, as the Latin American regional distributor.

It’s the first time in Caterham’s history there has been a distributor for the whole Latin America region.

With over 19 years of automotive distribution experience, Global X-Sports will be offering the full Caterham EU range of lightweight sports cars including the Seven 165, 275, 355 and the range-topping 485 to Latin American customers.

It’s another exciting development for Caterham following a record-breaking year in 2016 which saw the car manufacturer toast its best sales in 20 years.

Caterham Chief Commercial Officer, David Ridley, said: “To increase our presence in Latin America is an exciting step. Following a record 600 sales in 2016, we want to carry the momentum into 2017.”

“As we celebrate 60 years of the Seven this year, we want people across the world to experience the pure, driving thrill the Seven provides.”

Fabrice Odeide, Managing Director, Global X-Sports Group said “The opportunity to bring Caterham to Latin America is one that is very exciting to us. We believe that there is a real demand for this desirable product that represents British automotive heritage and offers boundless joy behind the wheel.

“We look forward to bringing Caterham to a growing a network of dealers throughout the whole region, highlighting the unique, driving experience that comes with owning a Seven.”

The 2017 Nissan Rogue loses it's wheels and gains tracks to make the Trail Warrior Project.

• Rogue Trail Warrior Project features full snow track system, special camo exterior wrap
• Based on redesigned 2017 Rogue crossover, Nissan's best-selling model
• Takes “family adventure ready” Rogue design to the next level
• One of two special Rogue project vehicles making debuts at the 2017 New York International Auto Show

Nature tells us that hiding in plain sight can, at times, be a species' best defense. For the new Nissan Rogue Warrior Trail Project, camouflage is likely not enough – especially while hiding in the Nissan display at the 2017 New York International Auto Show, April 14 through 23 at the Jacob Javits Convention Center. 

The special one-off project vehicle is one of several unique takes on Nissan's best-selling Rogue crossover created exclusively for the New York show.

Two features dominate the appearance of the Rogue Trail Warrior. First, the exterior design treatment that combines a custom camouflage body wrap, khaki-painted tracks system and military-style yellow glassworks.

And then there are the snow/sand tracks. The DOMINATOR® Tracks, from American Track Truck, Inc., are 48 inches long, 30 inches high and 15 inches wide, and they replace the Rogue's regular wheels and tires. 

The suspension and wheel wells were modified to fit the track system, but otherwise all drivetrain components, including the 2.5-liter DOHC 16-valve inline 4-cylinder Rogue powerplant and Xtronic transmission, are standard factory issue. 

The engine is rated at 170 horsepower and 175 lb-ft of torque, more than enough for climbing snow banks or sand dunes.

Filling out the Rogue Trail Warrior adventure equipment list are tinted headlights, custom fender flares, ARB Gear Basket, LED lights and a Warn 4K winch.

"This new Rogue Trail Warrior adds a new dimension to family adventures with its snow/sand tracks, gear basket, winch and camo paint," said Michael Bunce, vice president, Product Planning, Nissan North America, Inc. 

"If you want to stand out from the crowd during a day on the slopes or the beach, this is the vehicle to take."

Skoda to launch the first of many new Electric vehicles at the Shanghai Motor Show.

• World premiere: ŠKODA’s first electric-study VISION debuts at Shanghai Motor Show 2017
• Looking to the future: VISION E gives an insight into ŠKODA’s electromobility strategy 
• Wide range: Five electric vehicles in various segments by 2025
• Start: ŠKODA SUPERB with plug-in hybrid drive coming in 2019 
• Autonomous Driving: ŠKODA VISION E meets level-3 requirements 

ŠKODA’s appearance at the Shanghai Motor Show 2017 (19 – 28 April) is characterized by electric change: With the Vision E study, the company provides its first brand-specific outlook on the future of individual mobility. 

The emotionally designed five-door SUV coupé can travel up to 500 kilometres on purely electric power and meets the level 3 requirements for autonomous driving. 

ŠKODA is intensively pursuing the electrification of its model range, and will be offering five purely electric models in various segments by 2025. 

Tomorrow's mobility – planning and development is in full swing at ŠKODA. The first purely electrically driven and autonomous driving concept car in the company's history embodies the brand’s interpretation of electric vehicles. 

At 4,645 mm long, 1,917 mm wide and 1,550 mm tall, the ŠKODA VISION E has great road presence. Thanks to the long wheelbase of 2,850 mm, as well as the short overhangs at the front and rear, the designers have created an extremely spacious interior – as always with ŠKODA. In the future-oriented vehicle concept, the elevated seating position typical of SUV models and the generous space combine with a dynamic silhouette and gently sloping roof line in the style of a coupé. 

Thanks to the system output of 225 kW, the ŠKODA VISION E accelerates instantaneously and dynamically. The top speed is 180 km/h (112mph). The powerful lithium-ion batteries and optimal recuperation allow a range of up to 500 kilometres (311 miles). Thanks to intelligent management, the two electric engines cooperate with maximum efficiency and drive the ŠKODA VISION E over all four wheels. The front- and rear-wheel drive is suitably adjusted to ensure the highest degree of stability, dynamism and safety at all times. 

With the VISION E, ŠKODA is also providing an outlook on the forms of autonomous driving coming soon. According to the latest surveys, around 15 percent of all new cars could be driving completely autonomously in 2030. The concept car ŠKODA VISION E achieves the prerequisites for level 3 autonomous driving: It can operate independently in traffic jams, go into autopilot on motorways, stay in lane and swerve, carry out overtaking manoeuvres, independently search for free parking spaces and park and leave parking spaces alone. To enable this, various sensors with different ranges and numerous cameras constantly monitor the traffic situation. 

Electric mobility strategy

Electromobility plays a key role in the company's global growth strategy. ŠKODA develops its own vehicle concepts for purely electric mobility on the basis of the MEB Group platform.

The electrification of ŠKODA’s model range will begin as early as 2019 with the launch of the ŠKODA SUPERB with plug-in hybrid drive. ŠKODA’s first purely electric series-produced vehicle will be released shortly afterwards in 2020. By 2025, the brand will have expanded its range to include five purely electric cars in various segments. 

Skoda to give the global debut to the new Kodiaq Scout at the 2017 Geneva Motor Show

• Premiere in March 2017 at the Geneva International Motor Show
• Model-specific front and rear sections as well as 19-inch wheels
• Specific equipment features accentuate robust character
• Four engines available ranging from 150 PS to 190 PS
• Infotainment and assistance systems set benchmarks within the SUV segment
• Travels safely off-road with all-wheel drive as standard

ŠKODA continues its campaign in the SUV segment. With the ŠKODA KODIAQ SCOUT, the Czech car manufacturer will present a model variant at the Geneva International Motor Show (7 to 19 March 2017) that exerts its off-road capabilities both visually and in terms of technology. 

The rugged and robust appearance is accentuated by silver-coloured design details including distinctive underbody protection at the front and rear. 

The 19-inch alloy wheels specially created for the ŠKODA KODIAQ SCOUT also contribute to its powerful appearance. A choice of two petrol and two diesel engines is available for the new model variant, which comes with all-wheel drive in all versions.

With a length of 4.70 m, up to seven seats as well as the largest interior and boot within its class, the ŠKODA KODIAQ has celebrated a debut that has attracted a lot of attention. 

The design reflects the brand’s design identity and represents a good combination of emotiveness and rationality. The ŠKODA KODIAQ SCOUT model variant clearly underlines robustness and strength with its distinct design features.

Design – silver as a reflection of its powerful character

Besides the underbody protection, the ŠKODA KODIAQ SCOUT is recognisable from the outside by the tinted rear window and rear side windows and silver-coloured details, creating a robust impression and highlighting the powerful character of the Czech manufacturer’s new large SUV.

The radiator grille is framed by a silver-coloured trim. The roof rails, housing of the wing mirror, the side window trims as well as the front and rear underbody protection, which is positioned beneath the bumpers and visually split into three parts, are also silver in colour.

The side view of each of the ŠKODA KODIAQ models is characterised by short overhangs, their sloping roofline that is visually extended by a line in the D-pillar, and the tapered rear. The ŠKODA KODIAQ SCOUT is also fitted as standard with 19-inch alloy wheels specially created for this model variant. Furthermore, it bears a small badge with the model designation on the front wing and the glove compartment.

Equipment

The equipment and interior design are also tailored to the robust character. They are based on the SE trim level. 

The ŠKODA KODIAQ SCOUT comes with Off-Road Assist, a Rough-Road package with underbody and engine protection as well as a front and rear Park Assist. The generous array of standard equipment includes Driving Mode Select (Eco, Comfort, Normal, Sport, Individual, Snow), which can be used to control the engine, automatic transmission, power steering and air conditioning. Snow mode adjusts the ABS, ASR, ACC (where present) systems and the engine management to the specific conditions of the snow-covered or slippery road.

Standard equipment in the interior includes a multifunction steering wheel, LED ambient lighting in ten colours, a Modular Infotainment Matrix (MIB) with eight speakers, Alcantara-covered seats with the KODIAQ logo, door trims in the Alcantara design, steel pedals, textile floor mats and the KODIAQ logo in the front door sills.

Range of engines

There is a choice of two petrol and diesel engines:

• 1.4 TSI 150-PS 4×4, top speed 122 mph, 0-62 mph in 9.8 seconds, combined consumption 41.5 mpg, 153 g CO₂/km
• 2.0 TSI 180-PS 4×4, top speed 128 mph, 0-62 mph in 8.0 seconds, combined consumption 38.7 mpg, 168 g CO₂/km
• 2.0 TDI 150-PS 4×4, top speed 122 mph, 0-62 mph in 9.5 seconds, combined consumption 53.3 mpg, 139 g CO₂/km
• 2.0 TDI 190-PS 4×4, top speed 130 mph, 0-62 mph in 8.9 seconds, combined consumption 49.6 mpg, 150 g CO₂/km

All-wheel drive

The centrepiece of the all-wheel drive is an electronically controlled multi-plate clutch that is located directly in front of the rear differential, i.e. at the end of the drive shaft, for optimal distribution of the load on the axles. The all-wheel-drive system works quickly and intelligently, its control unit constantly calculates the ideal driving torque for the rear axle. 

Loss of traction is virtually eliminated due to a control system that is dependent on driving status. In normal driving conditions, especially with a light load and when coasting, the multi-plate clutch transfers the engine power in an efficient way mainly to the front wheels.

Off-road capabilities

The ŠKODA KODIAQ SCOUT also feels at home on off-road terrain. With a ground clearance of 194 mm, it can even negotiate larger bumps with ease. 

It has a ramp angle of 19.7 degrees; the approach and departure angles are an impressive 22.0 and 23.1 degrees due to the short overhangs. In addition, the Rough-Road package, which comes as standard, protects against damage to the underbody, engine, brake and fuel lines as well as cables. 

When the road ends, the driver can select off-road mode simply by pressing a button. The optional DCC shock absorbers change their mode of operation accordingly; the throttle response is somewhat slower. The ABS anti-lock braking system permits a certain amount of slip in order to create a wedge effect in front of the wheels. 

In order to improve traction in off-road mode, ASR allows a greater amount of slip, and electronic differential lock (EDL) reacts more quickly. When required, the Hill-Hold Control and Hill-Descent Control functions are activated – the latter maintains the car’s speed at the level at which the driver enters the slope.

Driver assistance systems

With their wide range of driver assistance systems, all variants of the ŠKODA KODIAQ set benchmarks within their segment. New functions include Trailer Assist, Blind Spot Detect, which warns of any vehicles in the blind spot, and Rear Traffic Alert, which monitors traffic coming from the sides and behind when manoeuvring etc. 

The Crew Protect Assist function, which closes windows and the sunroof in the event of an impending accident and tensions the seat belts of the front seats, works in conjunction with the improved Front Assist function, which includes the City Emergency Brake and predictive Pedestrian Protection functions. Park Assist’s functions have been further perfected. 

The Area-View system is also a first for the brand: the surround-view cameras, which are located in the front and rear sections as well as in the wing mirrors, come with wide-angle lenses and allow views of the area immediately surrounding the vehicle to be displayed on the monitor. 

These include a virtual top-down view and 180-degree images from the areas to the front and rear. This makes it easier to drive in confusing situations or on rough terrain.

Infotainment and ŠKODA Connect

The ŠKODA KODIAQ SCOUT is equipped with all the modern infotainment systems of the new large SUV. The capacitive touch displays feature a glass design (except for the standard Swing sound system). 

The top-of-the-range version, the Columbus navigation system, has a 9.2-inch monitor, a Wi-Fi hotspot and an LTE module. The automatic Emergency Call function comes as standard. The mobile online services from ŠKODA Connect are the perfect addition for the state-of-the-art infotainment system. 

They set new benchmarks in terms of navigation, information, entertainment and assistance, and can even be configured using your home computer or via the app.

World premiere at the Geneva Motor Show

The ŠKODA KODIAQ SCOUT will make its debut at the 2017 Geneva International Motor Show. 

The world-renowned motor show is open to the public from 9th to 19th March 2017. ŠKODA will present the new model variant of the large SUV and numerous other novelties in hall 2 on the first floor of the Palexpo Exhibition Centre.