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News for December 2014

MG GTS (2016): MG makes an SUV
Here's the latest entry to the ever-growing SUV/crossover market - and it wears an MG badge. This is the MG GTS, set to go on sale in China from spring 2015 with UK sales likely to follow in 2016.
From: CAR Magazine 30/12/2014

Best cars of 2014 - Range Rover Sport SDV6
If I were a car, I'd be an SUV, because I'm large, slow and fond of the outdoors, yet less brave than I want you to think.
From: Autocar 30/12/2014

UK driving licences to feature Union Flag
From next summer, all new or updated driving licences in the UK will feature the Union Flag.
From: Autocar 30/12/2014

New McLaren Sports Series aims for Porsche 911 Turbo
McLaren's entry-level supercar will be priced from £130,000 when it goes on sale next April.
From: Autocar 29/12/2014

Best cars of 2014 - Vauxhall VXR8 GTS
This year the pages of Autocar have been graced by many superb cars, from the affordable and charming Hyundai i10 to the costly and utterly enthralling Ferrari 458 Speciale.
From: Autocar 28/12/2014

Tesla reveals Roadster upgrade package
Tesla has revealed an upgrade package for its all-electric Roadster which endows it with a potential 400-mile range.
From: Autocar 27/12/2014

Audi confirms record new investment
Investment of £19 billion allocated for additional models, upgraded production facilities and new tech.
From: Autocar 27/12/2014

Best cars of 2014 - Renault Twingo
Small, funky and undoubtedly unique - the third-generation Twingo is set for a long and distinguished career.
From: Autocar 27/12/2014

Bugatti gears up for new luxury sports car in 2015
2015 is shaping up to be a big year for Bugatti, as its legendary, 250mph-plus Veyron supercar ceases production, its successor is prepared for launch, and the brand intensifies its retail push in fashion and accessories.
From: CAR Magazine 26/12/2014

AeroMobil 3.0: is the flying car nearing reality?
Is this the ultimate crossover? The AeroMobil 3.0 is a road-legal car that flies. It might be a prototype but this 'roadable aircraft' showed its airborne prowess at Vienna's Pioneers Festival. For Štefan Klein, chief designer and co-founder of Slovakian firm AeroMobil, this is more than just soaring above jams: it was inspired by his student dreams to escape from behind the Iron Curtain.
From: CAR Magazine 24/12/2014

New Ariel Nomad revealed - exclusive first pictures
The Ariel Atom's 'mucky brother' is a two-seat, 700kg off-roader with about 200bhp, and will be seen for the first time at the Autosport show in January.
From: Autocar 24/12/2014

Alfa 4C Spider production car spied
The Alfa Romeo 4C Spider has been spied in production form, ahead of an official unveiling early in 2015.
From: Autocar 23/12/2014

The weird and wonderful cars of 2014 - picture special
This year provided an eclectic mix of production and concept cars from motor shows all the world.
From: Autocar 23/12/2014

Hyundai snares key BMW engineer to head high performance division
Hyundai has appointed Albert Biermann to head up the test and development operations for a new line of high-performance Hyundai and Kia models planned for introduction from 2016.
From: Autocar 22/12/2014

2015 Skoda Superb - first official design sketch revealed
Skoda has released the first design sketch of its new Superb, which will make its debut in February 2015 before going on display at the Geneva motor show in March.
From: Autocar 22/12/2014

The 10 worst cars on sale in Britain today
A few weeks ago Andrew Frankel picked his top 50 best cars in sale in Britain today.
From: Autocar 20/12/2014

2013 Ford Fiesta ST hatchback review
Ford has an impressive history when it comes to fast hatchbacks. The Fiesta range has included gems like the XR2, the RS Turbo and of course, the previous ST. The chassis found under this generation of Fiesta is so good that it is one of the leading cars in the World Rally Championship.
From: CARkeys 19/12/2014

2010 Mitsubishi ASX crossover review
Launched in 2010, the Mitsubishi ASX was the first crossover from a manufacturer renowned for building traditional 4x4s like the Shogun. Compared to these mud-pluggers it's far better suited to driving on the road, with better handling and lower running costs.
From: CARkeys 19/12/2014

Alfa Romeo MX-5 is no more: confirmed as Fiat-Abarth instead
The forthcoming Alfa Romeo Spider will not be a rebodied Mazda MX-5, it has been confirmed to CAR magazine. In an interview published in the new January 2015 issue, the head of the Alfa brand revealed that its new Spider would be developed in-house, rather than in collaboration with the Japanese.
From: CAR Magazine 19/12/2014

Porsche 718 'baby Boxster' project cancelled
The Porsche 718 'baby Boxster' project will not happen, according to the firm's head of research and development Wolfgang Hatz.
From: Autocar 19/12/2014

Ferrari F40 leads iconic supercars at Autosport International
Ferrari's iconic F40 will head up a new 'Track Icons and Wild Road Cars' display at the Performance Car Show next month.
From: Autocar 19/12/2014

New Lamborghini Aventador Pirelli Edition revealed
Lamborghini has revealed a special Pirelli Edition of the Aventador.
From: Autocar 19/12/2014

How the new Volvo XC90 was designed - exclusive studio pictures
The striking new 2015 Volvo XC90 is a vehicle that represents a break from the past for the Scandinavian company.
From: Autocar 19/12/2014

2011 Toyota Yaris hatchback review
Toyota's third Yaris, launched in 2011, was criticised for being less adventurous than the previous two models, and for lagging behind many other superminis in several areas. The latter point was addressed in 2014, when Toyota's European division got to work on the previously substandard interior.
From: CARkeys 18/12/2014

Nissan Juke Nismo RS outpunches Golf GTI for £5k less
Prices for the Nissan Juke Nismo RS have been announced today - and it's going to have more power than a VW Golf GTI for £5k less. Nissan will sell the Juke Nismo RS for £21,995. UK deliveries start this week, making it the eighth new model launched by the brand in 2014
From: CAR Magazine 18/12/2014

All-new Jaguar XF spotted ahead of 2015 launch
This is our latest look at the all-new Jaguar XF, which is due to be unveiled at the New York motor show next April before going on sale in the early autumn.
From: Autocar 18/12/2014

Lexus previews new GS F ahead of Detroit motor show
Lexus has released the first preview images of its new performance model, which will make its debut at the Detroit motor show in January.
From: Autocar 18/12/2014

New Nissan Juke Nismo RS on sale for £21,995
The updated Nissan Juke Nismo RS has gone on sale in the UK, with prices starting at £21,995.
From: Autocar 18/12/2014

Spyker goes out of business
Dutch sports car maker Spyker has been declared bankrupt.
From: Autocar 18/12/2014

Hydrogen-powered 2015 Toyota Mirai - new price info and specs
Toyota has revealed more information on its upcoming hydrogen-powered car, which will be called Toyota Mirai. The model was previously known as FCV.
From: Autocar 18/12/2014

Maserati Alfieri coupe coming in 2016, cabrio in 2017
The gorgeous Maserati Alfieri is about to make the jump from catwalk to showroom virtually unchanged, the CEO of Maser has promised to CAR magazine.
From: CAR Magazine 17/12/2014

Honda NSX teased ahead of 2015 Detroit motor show
Honda has shown the new Acura NSX hybrid sports car in these restrictively photographed teaser images ahead of its debut at the 2015 Detroit motor show.
From: CAR Magazine 17/12/2014

New Lexus F performance car for 2015 Detroit show
At the 2015 Detroit motor show in January Lexus will unveil a new high-performance F-badged model. It'll be the second go-faster Lexus in the company's current line-up, alongside the brawny 465bhp V8-powered RC F Coupe.
From: CAR Magazine 17/12/2014

Lotus handling guru Matt Becker joins Aston Martin
Matt Becker, one of the handling aces who make Lotus cars steer so sweetly, has been poached by Aston Martin. He has been appointed to ensure the next generation of Aston Martins handle as well as they look, in his new role as chief engineer VAE.
From: CAR Magazine 16/12/2014

New MINI JCW Hatch
This isn't just any MINI, is the most powerful MINI ever.
From: AutoInsider 16/12/2014

The New Citroën C4
Available in the UK in Spring 2015 what can you expect from the new C4?
From: AutoInsider 16/12/2014

Bentley 'to double sales to 20,000 a year' - report
British upmarket brand Bentley is planning to double its sales to 20,000 a year, according to a newspaper report in Germany. Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung says CEO Wolfgang Duerheimer revealed the new target, set to be achieved by the end of the decade.
From: CAR Magazine 15/12/2014

Aston Martin Vanquish 60th Anniversary (2015): Aston's birthday present
Prefer your supercars tailored rather than off the peg? Aston Martin might have just the thing.
From: CAR Magazine 15/12/2014

Tired of blindspots? Check out Jaguar Land Rover's new virtual A-pillars
Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) hopes to banish blindspots caused by chunky structural pillars with a new head-up display system. Called the 360 Virtual Urban Windscreen, digital video technology creates what JLR calls 'transparent roof pillars' to get rid of blindspots forever.
From: CAR Magazine 15/12/2014

Jaguar Land Rover previews transparent pillar technology
High-tech augmented reality system offers 360deg view outside the car and 'ghost car' navigation.
From: Autocar 15/12/2014

Lamborghini Asterion could make production - plus exclusive studio pics
The Asterion previews the plug-in hybrid tech that's coming from Lamborghini. But don't panic: there's still a big V10 engine as well.
From: Autocar 15/12/2014

Mini bosses unsure on production Superleggera Vision
Though Mini's stretched Superleggera Vision concept has been a hit worldwide, company officials are still unsure on whether the model should make production.
From: Autocar 15/12/2014

BMW reveals new self-parking autonomous technology
Remote Valet Parking Assistant allows you to step out and let the car park itself in multi storey garages.
From: Autocar 15/12/2014

Car of the Year finalists announced ahead of Geneva motor show
Seven cars, including the BMW 2-series Active Tourer and Citroën C4 Cactus, are in the running to win the Car of the Year title for 2015.
From: Autocar 15/12/2014

2015 Mazda 2 revealed - full pricing, specifications and gallery
All-new Mazda 2 supermini gets the brand's SkyActiv series of technologies, as well as styling inspired by the Hazumi concept.
From: Autocar 15/12/2014

Jaguar C-X75 to star in upcoming James Bond film Spectre as villain's car
Cancelled 850bhp hybrid Jaguar supercar appears set to make its on-screen debut in new Bond film alongside the Aston Martin DB10.
From: Autocar 15/12/2014

Ian Callum's Jaguar Mark 2 driven - picture special
Ian Callum's pet project to reimagine the Jaguar Mark 2 is finally complete. He takes John Simister for a spin.
From: Autocar 14/12/2014

Audi readies more stylish A6 for 2017 launch
Design boss says Audi will look to offer greater design differentiation between its models, as the next A6 prepares to take on its BMW 5-series and Mercedes-Benz E-class rivals.
From: Autocar 13/12/2014

Lighter New Audi Q7
The second-generation Audi Q7 SUV will make its debut at the Detroit Show in January and go on sale in the UK next summer. Perhaps its most outstanding feature is the fact that it's up to 325 lighter than the current model, thanks partly to extensive use of aluminium, though the load-bearing parts of the bodyshell are still made of steel.
From: CARkeys 12/12/2014

2015 Mazda2 Details
Mazda is setting itself up to become a much bigger player in the supermini sector by introducing the new 2 hatchback.
From: CARkeys 12/12/2014

Jeep Renegade Pricing
The new Jeep Renegade, which was awarded a five-star rating by Euro NCAP earlier this week, will become available to order from £16,995 on January 6 and arrive in UK dealerships in mid-February.
From: CARkeys 12/12/2014

Fiat Revises The Doblo
The Fiat Doblo MPV, which looks like it's based on a van but isn't really, has been reworked for 2015, and you'll be able to place an order from next month.
From: CARkeys 12/12/2014

Faster Audi RS 3 Sportback
Audi will take the hot hatch arms race to a new level next year when it introduces the 2015 version of the RS 3 Sportback.
From: CARkeys 12/12/2014

Infiniti Q60 concept for 2015 Detroit show
Infiniti will unveil a show car at the Detroit motor show in January 2015 called the Q60 Concept. Billed as a 'premium sports coupe concept', a logical assumption could be that it's a forerunner to a replacement for the existing Q60 Coupe, formerly known as the G37 Coupe and rebadged as part of the company's naming structure shuffle some months ago.
From: CAR Magazine 12/12/2014

Limited-edition Aston Martin Vanquish models revealed
Aston Martin is to launch six new bespoke versions of its Vanquish to celebrate 60 years of its 'Works' brand in Newport Pagnell.
From: Autocar 12/12/2014

Renault reveals lightweight two-stroke diesel and more future tech
Renault has revealed a prototype version of a lightweight diesel engine that weighs significantly less than a regular diesel engine, plus a whole range of other future technologies.
From: Autocar 12/12/2014

Electric rental car scheme to land in London next year
The French electric car rental scheme Autolib' is heading for the UK. The company says it will open its second overseas franchise in London in summer 2015.
From: Autocar 12/12/2014

Renault working on basic small hatchback concept
Renault has created a secret concept that points to the future of its small car range, but it is unlikely ever to make it out of Renault's innovation centre in Paris.
From: Autocar 12/12/2014

New 2015 BMW X1 spotted - first spy pictures
These are the first spy pictures of the second-generation BMW X1, which is scheduled to come to market next Autumn and will form the basis of an even more sporting X2.
From: Autocar 12/12/2014

Citroën starts work on new crossover
Citroën appears to have started work on a new crossover-style SUV, judging by these early spy shots.
From: Autocar 12/12/2014

2015 Jaguar XE - pricing, specification, gallery and residual values
Jaguar's crucial new BMW 3-series arrives in UK dealers next May, powered by an advanced range of Ingenium engines and costing from £26,995. Highly competitive residual values.
From: Autocar 12/12/2014

Most Powerful MINI Ever
The new John Cooper Works hatchback will be the most powerful MINI ever put into production, with a maximum of 228bhp from its two-litre twin turbo petrol engine.
From: CARkeys 11/12/2014

2015 BMW 6-Series
The revised BMW 6-Series range will be introduced to the public at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit on January 9.
From: CARkeys 11/12/2014

The Next Skoda Superb
Early news of the next-generation Skoda Superb, which will be on sale here in less than a year's time.
From: CARkeys 11/12/2014

Volvo testing new DrivE three-cylinder engines
Volvo today confirmed it is testing its new DrivE range of three-cylinder engines. And small doesn't mean slender; Volvo's three-pots develop up to 180bhp.
From: CAR Magazine 11/12/2014

New Mini Cooper S John Cooper Works unveiled
Performance-orientated Mini gets 228bhp from its 2.0-litre turbocharged engine; reaches the UK next April.
From: Autocar 11/12/2014

Facelifted BMW 6 series and M6 revealed
Detroit motor show debut planned for updated 6-series and M6, with subtle styling changes and higher-quality interiors.
From: Autocar 11/12/2014

New Ford Focus RS confirmed
It's been a while coming - the last one was launched in 2009 - but it's been confirmed today that a new Ford Focus RS is on the way.
From: CAR Magazine 11/12/2014

BMW 6-series and M6 get a (mild) facelift for 2015
It's unusual for BMW to renew a whole model series in one go, but that's exactly what it's about to do: these are the first official pictures of the updated BMW 6-series, 6-series Convertible and 6-series Gran Coupe, with the new M6 thrown in for good measure.
From: CAR Magazine 11/12/2014

2015 Citroen DS3 Cabrio THP 165 DSport review
More power, improved efficiency and new equipment options lift the appeal of Citroen's characterful cabriolet.
From: Autocar 11/12/2014

Mercedes GLE Coupe (2015): first official pictures of Merc's X6 rival
If you're not a fan of niche-straddling 4x4 coupes, best look away now. This is the Mercedes GLE Coupe, a mash-up of fastback coupe lines and upright SUV architecture.
From: CAR Magazine 10/12/2014

Electric cars take top honours in Euro NCAP tests
Audi's A3 Sportback e-tron has been awarded a five-star safety rating by Euro NCAP in the safety body's last round of tests for 2014.
From: Autocar 10/12/2014

Citroen C4 Updated
A new version of the Citroen C4 will go on sale in the UK next spring. New front lights make it look significantly different from the current model, even though it's based on the same bodyshell, while other changes include a revised interior (following today's fashion of reducing clutter), better noise suppression and a 7" touchscreen for the media and satellite navigation functions.
From: CARkeys 10/12/2014

Hyundai Changes i20, i30 And i40
Busy day for Hyundai. The Korean company has announced details of a new body style for the i20 supermini and a revamp of the larger i30 and i40.
From: CARkeys 10/12/2014

Harald Krueger is BMW's new CEO: musical chairs in Munich
BMW today announced that Harald Krueger will be the company's next chief executive officer, replacing Norbert Reithofer who's been CEO since 2006.
From: CAR Magazine 09/12/2014

The Sound of Porsche opens at Westfield in London
Unique experiential environment features brand stories, 'virtual driving' and design challenge.
From: AutoInsider 09/12/2014

Suzuki Celerio UK prices and spec announced
On sale in the UK from February 2015 and available in SZ3 and SZ4 grades.
From: AutoInsider 09/12/2014

New XC90 Order Books Open
Volvo's Gothenburg factory accepts new orders for the first vehicle from the new SPA platform.
From: AutoInsider 09/12/2014

Suzuki Celerio Pricing
There are two trim levels, called SZ3 and SZ4. Both have alloy wheels, air-conditioning, DAB digital radio, a CD player, a USB port, Bluetooth connectivity and remote central locking. The wheels on the SZ4 are polished, and that car also comes with electric rear windows, front foglights, body-coloured door mirrors and a chrome front grille.
From: CARkeys 08/12/2014

CAR interviews Mitsubishi CEO Osamu Masuko: why the Evo's dying
Mitsubishi is killing the Evo in favour of electric cars, the new chief has confirmed to CAR magazine. In an interview with CAR, Mitsubishi chairman and CEO Osamu Masuko revealed that the legendary high-performance saloon series had come to an end.
From: CAR Magazine 08/12/2014

Pininfarina Ferrari Sergio (2014): here's the production version
No sooner had the covers been pulled from the spectacular Pininfarina Sergio concept at the 2013 Geneva motor show than well-heeled petrolheads were clamouring for a production version. And here it is - this is the first of just six examples of the now Ferrari-badged Sergio to be built, delivered to its new owner in Abu Dhabi last week.
From: CAR Magazine 08/12/2014

Volvo XC90 Orders Open
Ordering is now open for all versions the second-generation Volvo XC90 with the exception of the First Edition. If you haven't already booked one of those, you won't be able to, since the entire run of 1927 examples was snapped up within 47 hours.
From: CARkeys 05/12/2014

Electric Mercedes B-Class
The first electric production car created by Mercedes-Benz is on sale in the UK now, with customer deliveries scheduled to begin early next year.
From: CARkeys 05/12/2014

Willys AW 380 Berlinetta: a Porsche-based 'Alpine'
This striking-looking coupe is the Willys AW 380 Berlinetta, a limited-run sports car on display at the 2015 Bologna motor show. It's the fruit of a collaboration between Italian company Maggiora and Turin-based design studio Viotti.
From: CAR Magazine 05/12/2014

London motor show back for 2016
Prince Michael of Kent has announced that a major motor show is planned for London in 2016. Speaking last night at the Guild of Motoring Writers' annual awards dinner, HRH Prince Michael revealed that plans are underway for the revival of a major motor show in the capital.
From: CAR Magazine 05/12/2014

The re-styled 2015 Mazda6
The upgraded Mazda6 range will hit the shelves early 2015 in the UK market.
From: AutoInsider 05/12/2014

UK New Car Registrations November 2014
Something spectacularly amazing would have to happen in the next few weeks for the Ford Fiesta not to be confirmed as the most popular car in the UK for 2014.
From: CARkeys 04/12/2014

2015 Toyota Prius+
Toyota has confirmed the UK pricing and specification details for the revised Prius+ seven-seat hybrid, which made its debut at the Paris Show earlier this year.
From: CARkeys 03/12/2014

Twelve Euro NCAP Tests
Euro NCAP is bringing 2014 to a resounding close by publishing a dozen of its crash test results in one go.
From: CARkeys 03/12/2014

Vauxhall VIVA First Images
As if the city car sector weren't busy enough already, Vauxhall will be introducing its new contender to the UK next spring, and has just released the first official pictures as shown above.
From: CARkeys 03/12/2014

LaFerrari FXX K revealed (2015) - the ultimate track car?
These are the first official pictures and details of the Ferrari FXX K - LaFerrari's riposte to the 986bhp McLaren P1 GTR. You didn't think Ferrari was going to let McLaren have the ultra-rich track car crowd all to itself, did you?
From: CAR Magazine 03/12/2014

Vauxhall Viva unveiled: it's Opel's new 2015 mini
These are the first official photographs of the new 2015 Vauxhall Viva - the city car to slot beneath the Adam and Corsa in Vauxhall and sister brand Opel's urban line-ups.
From: CAR Magazine 03/12/2014

Volvo targets Mercedes, Audi and VW with 444bhp four-cylinder engine
Volvo's R&D boss Peter Mertens is confident that the company's experimental 444bhp triple-charged four-cylinder engine has a future in high-performance production models.
From: Autocar 02/12/2014

Spyker seeks to stave off financial collapse
Dutch sports car firm enters bankruptcy protection proceedings in its native country as it hits financial trouble.
From: Autocar 02/12/2014

Detroit motor show unveil for facelifted BMW 6-series
BMW's facelifted 6-series range will make its debut at the Detroit motor show in January next year, Autocar understands.
From: Autocar 02/12/2014

Renault to take on Nissan Qashqai with new SUV
French firm's new SUV model spotted testing ahead of a planned launch at the Geneva motor show in 2015.
From: Autocar 02/12/2014

Maserati Alfieri sports car to launch in 2016 - updated
Officials confirm Maserati's V6-powered Jaguar F-type rival will come to market in 2016, with a convertible to follow, and should retain the Alfieri name for production.
From: Autocar 02/12/2014

Maserati Levante SUV confirmed for 2015 launch
Maserati officials have confirmed the Levante SUV will launch at the end of 2015, with right-hand drive versions going on sale in early 2016.
From: Autocar 02/12/2014

2015 Mazda6
There are some exterior changes, along with a new centre console and instrument display. The engine line-up (143bhp and 163bhp two-litre petrol, 148bhp and 173bhp 2.2-litre diesel) is unchanged, but Mazda says it has worked on improving the noise levels and ride comfort.
From: CARkeys 01/12/2014

Mercedes S-Class Is Women's World Car
Voting in some of the classes was very close. The Range Rover Sport was named top SUV by a small margin from the Porsche Macan, while Audi's two wins for the A3 Saloon (Family) and S3 (Sports) were achieved despite close competition from the Volkswagen Golf SV and BMW M4 respectively. And, with the A8, Audi came within one tenth of a point of beating the S-Class in the Luxury category.
From: CARkeys 01/12/2014

How to fix a problem like VW in North America
It seemed a good idea for Volkswagen at the time. Build a new factory in America, launch a dedicated new model, watch US sales soar from 270,000 to 400,000 units. But in mid-2013, the ramped-up euphoria died a sudden death as VW of North America started to lose sales and market share, a process which has continued to the present day.
From: CAR Magazine 01/12/2014

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