Mercedes launches the All-New E-CLass Estate, with pricing beginning at £38,000, it comes well kitted out.

• Prices start at £37,935 for the E 220 d SE
• Pricing for E 350 d and Mercedes-AMG E 43 to be announced later in the year
• New 150 hp entry-level diesel engine added to E-Class Saloon line-up – the E 200 d 

The new Mercedes-Benz E-Class Estate is now available to order, priced from £37,935 for the E 220 d SE and £40,430 for the E 220 d AMG Line.

Initially, only the diesel-powered four-cylinder E 220 d will be available, with the six-cylinder E 350 d and petrol 3.0-litre V6 Mercedes-AMG E 43 joining the range later this year. Pricing for the E 350 d and E 43 will be announced when ordering opens in October.

The E 220 d features Mercedes-Benz’s all-new four-cylinder 2.0-litre turbo-charged engine, which produces 194 hp and 400 Nm. A 9G-Tronic automatic gearbox comes as standard. It offers a combined fuel consumption of 67.3 mpg and CO₂ levels from just 109 g/km, and it can reach 62 mph from standstill in just 7.7 seconds.

The E 200 d has been added to the E-Class Saloon line-up. It features a 2.0-litre engine with an output of 150 hp. It emits just 102 g/km of CO₂ and delivers up to 72.4 mpg on the combined cycle.

As standard, SE models come with Garmin Map Pilot navigation system; Agility Control suspension; Easy-Pack automatic powered tail gate; Parking Pilot including Parktronic and reversing camera; chrome roof rails; 64-colour selectable LED interior lighting; Keyless-Go starting function; heated front seats; DAB radio; and 17-inch alloys with a five-spoke design.

For an extra £2,495, AMG Line adds AMG exterior styling with 19-inch alloy wheels in titanium grey; upper dashboard finished in Artico leather; black ash wood trim; brushed stainless steel AMG sports pedals with black rubber studs; and a three-spoke AMG steering wheel wrapped in Nappa leather.

Premium and Premium Plus packages are also available. The Premium pack (£2,795) includes Keyless-Go Comfort package; Memory package; and a panoramic glass sunroof. For an additional £1,100, Premium Plus adds the Burmester surround sound system with 13 speakers; and a Multibeam LED Intelligent Light System.

Next-generation driver assistance systems include a Lane Tracking Package (£595) that includes Passive Blind Spot Assist and Active Lane Keeping Assist; and the more comprehensive Driving Assistance Plus Package.

The Driving Assistance Plus package costs £1,695, and includes Drive Pilot, which combines three innovative assistance systems; Steering Pilot, Distance Pilot Distronic, and Speed Limit Pilot. Steering Pilot detects road markings and actively assists the driver by one-sided braking, guiding the car to stay within its lane. Distance Pilot Distronic uses radars to maintain a set distance from the car in front, while Speed Limit Pilot detects a change in speed limit and automatically alters the car’s speed without intervention from the driver.

Active Brake Assist with cross-traffic function, Evasive Steering Assist, and Pre-Safe Impulse Side are also included in the Driving Assistance Plus package.

Comand Online is available for £1,495 and increases the standard 8.4-inch navigation screen to 12.3 inches. Customers can opt for the 12.3-inch cockpit display – creating a widescreen effect inside the cabin for just £495.

Audi debuts the World Premiere of the new A5 Coupe - bigger, faster, more efficient and still totally bonkers.

World premiere of the latest two-door, four-seat Audi icon 

• Intelligent multi-material construction method trims 60kg from its predecessor, making it the lightest body in its class
• More interior space, a longer wheelbase and a larger luggage capacity
• Two TFSI and three TDI engines, with outputs ranging from 190PS to 286PS, are up to 17 per cent more powerful and as much as 22 per cent more efficient
• Turbocharged V6 TFSI in the all-new S5 Coupé delivers 354PS and 0-62mph in 4.7 seconds
• Powerful six-cylinder engines for more driving pleasure and efficiency
• High tech interior with optional Audi virtual cockpit and Audi connect
• quattro with ultra technology  can be specified for four-cylinder manual TFSI and TDI engines
• Predictive efficiency assistant and traffic jam assist now available, along with cross traffic assist rear, collision avoidance and an exit warning system
• UK ordering expected to open towards the end of the summer 

Nine years after it first cut a dash and subsequently established itself as a modern-day Audi design icon, the all-new Audi A5 Coupé has undergone both a technological transformation and an artfully crafted styling evolution that brings it absolutely up to date and introduces a fresh, contemporary look while still retaining the graceful presence and elegant character of the original.

Its beautifully flowing bodywork has been aerodynamically optimised to deliver a drag coefficient of just 0.25, while beneath the skin is a new platform that reduces weight by up to 60kg over its predecessor. 

A range of powerful TDI and TFSI engines and an even more advanced suite of infotainment and driver assistance systems that are at the cutting edge of Vorsprung durch Technik also converge on the new Audi A5 Coupé.  

Body

The new Audi A5 Coupé sports a modern and honed look. It is nevertheless true to its DNA with the dynamic and elegant character being passed down to the new version. The best example is the wave-shaped shoulder line that already characterised the previous model. The precisely sweeping line with pronounced bulges over the wheel arches emphasises all four wheels – a cue to the quattro all-wheel drive.

The perfectly balanced proportions that comprise the long bonnet, the stretched wheelbase and short overhangs underscore the muscular presence of the new A5 Coupé. The sculpted Singleframe grille is significantly flatter and wider than in the previous model. The LED rear lights and optional LED or Matrix LED headlights with dynamic turn signals make high-end technology visible even after dark.

The Audi A5 Coupé is significantly more efficient than its predecessor. This is due in large part to a reduction in weight and a design that goes hand in hand with sophisticated aerodynamics. The engineers were able to trim kerb weight by as much as 60 kilograms. The body is the lightest in the competitive field thanks to an intelligent mix of materials and lightweight design. With a drag coefficient of 0.25, the A5 Coupé is also the segment leader with respect to aerodynamics.

Engines

The new Audi A5 Coupé will launch in the UK with five engines: two TFSI and three TDI units. Their power output has increased considerably and is now between 190PS and 286PS. Compared with the previous model, they offer up to 17 percent more performance while consuming as much as 22 percent less fuel. All of the engines combine high efficiency with impressive power and smooth running – especially the two 3.0 TDI six-cylinder engines.

With its newly developed 3.0 TFSI, the Audi S5 Coupé is now in a league of its own. The turbo V6 exhibits highly efficient, sports car performance. From its 2,995 cc of displacement, the boosted six-cylinder engine produces 354PS of power, which is 21PS more than the engine in the previous model. 

Drivetrain

The new Audi A5 Coupé comes with a drivetrain solution tailor-made for each engine variant. The manual six-speed gearbox and the seven-speed S tronic are used with the four-cylinder engines as well as the 218PS 3.0 TDI with front- or all-wheel drive. The eight-speed tiptronic is reserved for the top diesel with 286PS and the S5 engine. Both engines come standard with quattro all-wheel drive. Audi also offers the optional rear-axle sport differential for even more dynamic driving and precision.

The new quattro with ultra technology, which debuted on the new Audi A4 allroad quattro 2.0 TFSI, is also available on the Audi A5 Coupé. At the moment it can be combined with the four-cylinder TFSI and TDI engines with manual transmission. Optimised for efficiency, the drive system does not exhibit any perceptible differences to permanent systems in terms of traction and driving dynamics.

Chassis

The all-new chassis is among the strengths of the Audi A5 Coupé. It offers the driver optimal comfort combined with a high degree of agility. The A5 thus handles narrow, winding mountain roads and long trips on the motorway with equal aplomb. Audi offers a suspension with damper control as an option. This is integrated into the dynamic handling system known as Audi drive select, which enables the driver to modify the basic characteristic in multiple steps.

A new electromechanical power steering setup adapts according to the vehicle’s current speed and provides highly precise road feedback. Optionally available is the dynamic steering, which varies its gear ratio depending on the speed and steering angle.

Interior

The interior benefits from the increased dimensions and longer wheelbase. Space for driver and passengers is more generous. The horizontal architecture of the instrument panel and the continuous air vent strip create a wide sense of space.

As is typical for Audi, interior build quality is uncompromisingly high. High-quality materials in a wide range of colours provide for a particularly pleasant ambiance and underscore the premium character of the mid-sized model. Optional ambient lighting highlights the interior with a choice of 30 adjustable shades.

The new A5 Coupé also redefines the class benchmark for aeroacoustics. The acoustic comfort is almost that of a luxury class model.

The luggage compartment offers a volume of 465 litres, 10 litres more than with the previous model. The rear seat has a 40:20:40 split and can be easily folded forward using levers in the luggage compartment. Audi also offers the two-door coupé with optional gesture control for opening the luggage compartment lid via a foot motion. The optional trailer hitch is electrically released at the press of a button.

Display and controls

The A5 Coupé is now available for the first time with the optional Audi virtual cockpit, a 12.3-inch TFT display with a resolution of 1,440 x 540 pixels. Together with the MMI navigation plus including 8.3-inch monitor on the centre console, it forms the central information unit. The focal point of the MMI terminal is the round rotary pushbutton. Its surface is home to the touch-sensitive touchpad. The touchpad is used to input characters and also for multifinger gestures, enabling the driver to zoom in on the map, for example. The whole MMI control logic is similar to that of a smartphone, including the intelligent free text search function. The new, more natural voice control system can recognise input made using everyday language, such as: “I would like to call Peter.” 

Infotainment and Audi connect

When Audi connect is specified, a separate SIM card is permanently installed in the car with a flat rate data plan. The new Audi A5 Coupé uses this to connect to the Internet via the ultrafast LTE network. Use of the versatile Audi connect services is complimentary for three months, and can be extended via a subscription beyond this period. The respective national provider is selected automatically as needed in most European countries as needed, eliminating roaming charges when driving abroad.

The A5 will also be available with the Audi connect safety & service package. This includes such functions as an automatic emergency call in the event of an accident, online roadside assistance and Audi service request as well as remote functions that can be used with the MMI connect app on a smartphone, smartwatch or – in conjunction with the fourth generation Apple TV – from a television.

Examples include locking and unlocking the car, checking where the car is parked and calling up the vehicle status.

With the standard Audi smartphone interface, Apple Car Play and Android Auto bring the familiar smartphone environment to the car, if desired. The optional Audi phone box with wireless charging in the centre armrest uses near-field coupling to link smartphones wirelessly to the vehicle’s antenna and enables inductive charging according to the Qi standard.

For very discerning hi-fi fans, the Bang & Olufsen sound system with its innovative 3D sound is available as an option.

Driver assistance systems

An intelligent combination of different technologies enhances the safety, comfort and efficiency of the new Audi A5 Coupé. At the same time, Audi is also taking the next step toward piloted driving. The broad choice of innovative driver assistance systems sets standards in the segment. Compared with the previous model, nearly all of the systems are either completely new or have been extensively updated.

The predictive efficiency assistant helps the driver save fuel, Audi active lane assist helps keep the car on track in the driving lane, and the Stop&Go adaptive cruise control including traffic jam assist offers the driver relief in slow-moving traffic.

New and important safety features include the park assist, cross traffic assist rear, exit warning, collision avoidance assist and turn assist as well as the Audi pre sense systems. Camera-based recognition of traffic signs rounds out the lineup.

The new Audi A5 Coupé will launch in the UK in winter 2016. Compared with the previous model, the list of standard equipment is even more generous. Among the features included are xenon headlights with LED daytime running lights and LED rear lights, LED interior lights, the Audi MMI radio plus with 7-inch MMI colour display, Bluetooth and USB charging function, the three-spoke multifunction steering wheel (including shift paddles in models with automatic transmission), height-adjustable belt feeds, the Audi drive select dynamic handling system and Audi pre sense city.

The Audi S5 Coupé

The new Audi S5 Coupé combines dramatic elegance with the performance of a sports car. Its newly developed, turbocharged V6 engine produces 354PS and is capable of 62mph from rest in 4.7 seconds. The sharper S exterior design and the S-specific details in the interior underscore the dynamic character of the Audi two-door sports coupé.

BMW wins Three classes and the overall best Engine of the year Award 2015.

BMW Group overall winner at the Engine of the Year Awards 2015. As well as being declared overall winner, the BMW Group picked up three class wins in the world’s leading engine competition.

Four wins in the latest International Engine of the Year Awards plainly demonstrate the BMW Group’s engine-building prowess. The drive unit in the BMW i8 earned two class wins as well as being declared overall winner, with a further class win being garnered by the engine of the BMW M3 and BMW M4.

The BMW i8 unit was voted class winner for its BMW TwinPower Turbo three-cylinder petrol engine, while the overall drive unit of the BMW i8 claimed a further class win as the best “new engine”. 

Its combination of electric motor and petrol engine also earned it overall victory. In the 2.5 to 3.0-litre displacement category, the M TwinPower Turbo six-cylinder in-line petrol engine of the BMW M3 and BMW M4 came out on top.

This fourfold success for the BMW Group at the International Engine of the Year Awards 2015 furnishes further evidence of the performance potential of the Efficient Dynamics technology package, which since 2007 has enabled a continuous enhancement of driving pleasure while at the same time cutting fuel consumption and emissions.

The International Engine of the Year Awards were launched in 1999, since when 66 class and overall wins have gone to engines developed for BMW models. 

Each year an expert panel of judges, this time comprising 65 motoring journalists from 31 countries, selects the best engines in numerous categories. The prize-winners were presented with their awards on Wednesday, 17 June 2015, against the backdrop of the Engine Expo trade fair in Stuttgart.

The three-cylinder combustion engine in the BMW i8 develops 170 kW/231 hp and drives the rear wheels, while the 96 kW/131 hp electric motor draws its energy from a lithium-ion battery, which can be charged from a conventional domestic power socket, and sends its power to the front axle.

This bespoke plug-in hybrid system, developed and produced by the BMW Group, enables a range of up to 37 kilometres (23 miles) in the EU test cycle and a top speed of 120 km/h (75 mph) on electric power alone, coupled with a “glued-to-the-road” all-wheel driving experience headlined by powerful acceleration and a dynamically-biased distribution of power through keenly taken corners. 

The more powerful of the two sources drives the rear wheels and uses the electric boost from the hybrid system to deliver hallmark BMW driving pleasure while at the same time offering ground breaking levels of efficiency. 

The sprint from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) takes just 4.4 seconds, yet combined fuel consumption – as calculated in the EU test cycle for plug-in hybrid vehicles – stands at 2.1 litres per 100 kilometres (approx. 135 mpg imp) plus 11.9 kWh of electricity. This equates to CO₂ emissions of 49 grams per kilometre.

The M TwinPower Turbo six-in-line petrol engine in the BMW M3 and BMW M4 is exceptionally high-revving for a turbocharged engine, resulting in linear power delivery over a wide engine speed range and a unique engine note. 

M TwinPower Turbo technology ensures that peak torque is on tap over a broad rpm range. A further hallmark of this engine is its outstanding efficiency.

GENEVA - New Porsche 911 GT3 RS unveiled: the definitive track car for everyday use.

New high-performance sports car celebrates world premiere at Geneva International Motor Show

New Porsche 911 GT3 RS unveiled: the definitive track car for everyday use

The new Porsche 911 GT3 RS, which is announced today, once again blurs the boundary between road-going sports cars and race cars. It is equipped with the maximum degree of motorsport technology currently possible in a street-legal 911, yet retains supreme suitability for everyday driving.

Extensive modifications to the drive system, aerodynamics and lightweight design enhance performance beyond that of even the 911 GT3. Indeed, the RS has set a lap time around the 14 mile Nürburgring Nordschleife of 7 min 20 secs; an achievement which also trumps the historic record value of the Carrera GT super sports car of just under 7 min and 29 secs. As a consequence, this clearly qualifies the 911 GT3 RS as the benchmark in its class – directly at its launch.

As befits the tradition at Porsche, motorsport expertise is the reason for this superior performance. The 911 GT3 RS is powered by a 4.0-litre six-cylinder engine with 500 hp (368 kW) of power and 460 Newton metres of torque, combined with a specially developed PDK transmission. The engine, which has the largest displacement and most power of any naturally-aspirated power unit with direct fuel injection in the 911 family, accelerates the high-performance sports car from 0 to 62 mph in 3.3 seconds and on to 124 mph (200 km/h) in 10.9 seconds. Combined NEDC fuel consumption is 22.2 mpg.

Functions such as de-clutching by the ‘paddle neutral’ facility – which is comparable to depressing the clutch with a conventional manual gearbox – and speed limiting by the ‘Pit Speed’ centre console button have been customised for motorsport use. These features give drivers more freedom in terms of exploiting the driving dynamics, while also providing them with more assistance when driving on a race circuit.

The 911 GT3 RS is also a masterpiece of intelligent lightweight design. For the first time, the roof panel is made of magnesium; carbon fibre is used for the engine and luggage compartment lids, and other lightweight components are made of alternative materials. This makes the RS model around 10 kg lighter than the 911 GT3. In addition, the lightweight roof lowers the sports car's centre of gravity which improves its excellent lateral dynamic reponses. The distinctive, wide-arched bodyshell is derived from the 911 Turbo, and it signifies its status as a race track-oriented driving machine with a number of RS-specific aerodynamic add-on components. The front spoiler lip, which extends nearly to the road, and the large rear wing, reinforce its dominant look.

The front luggage compartment lid features a unique contoured surface structure, a strip-like 30 cm wide recess which runs upwards through the middle of the CFRP bonnet and the magnesium roof. This styling cue is reminiscent of the similar feature that was a tradition on the front lid of classic 911 models with air-cooled engines; today, it identifies the two largest lightweight components of the 911 GT3 RS.

Another striking characteristic are the unique front wheel arch air vents that extend into the upper section of the wings – just like a pure-bred race car. Again, as is traditional at Porsche, form follows function and this feature increases downforce on the front axle.

The chassis of the 911 GT3 RS has been tuned for maximum driving dynamics and precision. Rear-axle steering and Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus with fully variable rear limited slip differential increase agility and dynamics, and the wider front and rear track widths enable even higher roll stability than in the 911 GT3.

In addition, the 911 GT3 RS features the widest tyres of any 911 model as standard. The result: even more agile turn-in characteristics and even higher cornering speeds.

The interior design of the 911 GT3 RS with Alcantara elements is based on the current 911 GT3. Another key feature are the sports seats, which are now based on the carbonfibre ‘bucket’ seats of the 918 Spyder super sports car. Other standard features are the Club Sport Package with a bolted-in roll cage behind the front seats, preparation for a battery master switch, and a separately provided six-point safety harness for the driver and fire extinguisher with mounting bracket.

The optional Sport Chrono Package features – in addition to its integrated timers – the Porsche Track Precision app for a smartphone. The Track Precision app can be used to have lap times automatically measured via GPS, and to log data on a smartphone for many driving parameters such as vehicle speed, lateral acceleration as well as acceleration and deceleration in the driving direction. It manages this data and lets the driver share and compare it with other drivers.

The new 911 GT3 RS is available to order now from Porsche Centres in the UK and Ireland priced from £131,296. First cars arrive in showrooms during May.

Standard equipment includes bi-Xenon headlights, sports exhaust, dynamic engine mounts, Alcantara interior trim, sports bucket seats, 20-inch diameter front and 21-inch diameter rear centre-lock forged alloy wheels, Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM), Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus (PTV) with rear limited slip differential, CDR audio system with 7-inch colour touchscreen, universal audio interface offering MP3 connectivity, automatic climate control, Porsche Stability Management (PSM), Porsche Vehicle Tracking anti-theft system, three-year warranty and three-year roadside assistance package.

Customers will also be able to explore the potential of their new car by participating in a complimentary course at the Porsche Experience Centre, Silverstone.

Storming Nissan 370Z NISMO get a raft of upgrades.

• New 370Z NISMO features a host of design and engineering updates
• Incorporates new features developed for GT-R NISMO flagship
• Improved refinement, seating and equipment levels across the 370Z range
• On sale in Europe from September 2014

Nissan has strengthened its NISMO road car range with the release of a comprehensively updated 370Z NISMO. Following hot in the wheel-tracks of the flagship GT-R NISMO, the new 370Z incorporates a host of design and engineering improvements and is the sportiest and most focused 370Z to date.

In keeping with all Nissan NISMO models, the new 370Z NISMO encapsulates the essence of performance motoring, placing the driver at the heart of the action. Harnessing 30 years of NISMO spirit and engineering knowledge, the new 370Z NISMO has been extensively reworked to deliver a sharper and more engaging driving experience.

Design changes and new aero package

The 370Z NISMO has always been a head-turner, and with the introduction of a bolder, more powerful new look, it has even greater kerb appeal. The front bumper has been completely redesigned and features a larger air intake, additional air inlets ahead of the wheel arch and new LED daytime running lights. Other updates include the introduction of black headlamp bezels, special red NISMO trim at the base of the bumper, redesigned side sill and door mirror and special NISMO badging.  The revised 370Z NISMO also features new 19-inch Rays alloy wheels finished in black and silver.

At the rear, Nissan has introduced a new bumper and spoiler design that typifies the brand's approach to design and engineering. As part of a complete rework of the 370Z NISMO's aero package, the new version features a smaller rear spoiler that works in tandem with the new front bumper to create significantly more downforce when driving at speed. What's more, the force is now more evenly distributed over the front and rear axles, giving a more balanced feeling on the road. Nissan's calculations confirm that the new aerodynamic system introduced on the 370Z NISMO gives it more downforce than any of its sector rivals.

Racing-inspired interior

Nissan knows that NISMO drivers have a passion for performance driving. To meet the demands of owners who like to fully exploit the 370Z performance and chassis, the new model features new Recaro seats that offer significant improvements in support and comfort.

Based on the acclaimed Recaro Sportster, the new seats have been tailored specifically for use in the 370Z NISMO and feature a host of detail changes to deliver maximum support for drivers. Every aspect of the seat and its position within the car has been analysed by Nissan to create the perfect driving position.

By adopting a new shell-based construction in preference over a traditional tubular frame seat, Nissan has also been able to improve rigidity and reduce weight at the same time. To complete the interior makeover, the seats are trimmed in red and black leather and Alcantara to match the steering wheel.

Incredible performance and improved chassis

The new 370Z NISMO is powered by a 344PS, 3.7-litre six-cylinder engine that delivers a raw and unforgettable driving experience. With exceptional torque at low revs and a broad power band, the 370Z NISMO can sprint from 0-100kph in just 5.2 seconds. Breathing through a NISMO dual exhaust system, the 370Z NISMO also delivers the perfect sporting soundtrack.

Available only as a coupe with a six-speed manual gearbox, the new 370Z NISMO features a number of suspension enhancements introduced as part of the 2015 MY updates (see section below for more details). To improve ride comfort, the rear spring and damper rates have been altered, while changes to the carpets and inner rear wheel arch protector have further reduced road noise.

Enhancements across the whole 370Z range

In addition to introducing a significant update package to the flagship NISMO model, Nissan has also made a raft of design and engineering improvements to the rest of the 370Z range - enhancing the driving experience and offering customers even better value for money.

Among the many detail changes for the 2015 Model Year are 18-inch wheels finished in Gun Metallic. Fitted as standard on standard and Pack models, they further improve the sporty appearance of the 370Z, giving it even more standout appeal.

Another significant improvement is the introduction of new seats. Designed to offer improved support and rigidity, the new Spinal seats use a shell construction that is both stronger and lighter than the previous metal frame units. The result is an improved driving position, enhanced comfort through high-speed corners and a sportier look.

Completing the 370Z's update package is a revised suspension set-up that delivers improved ride quality and reduced cabin noise. Introduced across the range (including NISMO), the changes include revised rear spring and damper rates, a new inner wheel arch and new carpets. Combined, these improvements allow the driver to enjoy the 370Z's strong performance without compromise.

Naturally, the 370Z retains all the features that have helped it become one of the strongest contenders in its sector. Power is supplied by a 328PS, 3.7-litre V6 engine that drives the rear wheels via a six-speed manual or a seven-speed automatic transmission. The 370Z also remains the only car in the sector to offer Syncro Rev Control - the world's first fully synchronised down/up shift rev control system.

Individual market prices and specifications will be announced closer to the launch later this year.