Hunger Strike TD tower defense

tower defense games

 Hunger Strike TD tower defense

Description Game:

Destroy the Hunger pangs before they reach the end of the track
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How to play Game:

Crazy Kimono Doll Assault

scary maze game

 Crazy Kimono Doll Assault

Description Game:

A party-based dungeon crawl tactical RPG. Create a party of up to four heroes, from five distinct character classes

How to play Game:

Underground Racers

cars games

 Underground Racers

Description Game:

Underground Racers is a cool online car racing game. It is one of those simple free racing games that everyone loves to play in their spare time. At the beginning of each level, you get to choose the car that you will be racing with.

How to play Game:

Arrows to drive.

Micro Madnetics

Kiz games

 Micro Madnetics

Game description: Game Info - Launch the Hot Wheels cars on to the different ramps. Accuracy counts! Send 'em up ramps to score mega points. Launch fewer cars and get a bigger bonus at the end. When the game is done, check to see if you made it to the high scores!  
Game controls: Game controls - Use the mouse to aim the launcher.

Trick Blast Billiards

pool games online

 Trick Blast Billiards

Description Game:

A pool game with bombs but, with this one, there is a trick shot challenge at the end of each level.
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How to play Game:

Mouse

Armored Soldiers 2

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  gun games 2
  
  

   Armored Soldiers 2

  Description Game:

  Shoot all the enemies that appear on the screen in this 3D shooter with dual guns.
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  How to play Game:

  Mouse - Aim / Right Fire. D - Left Fire. Spacebar - Double Sight.

Supernatural Fighters

fighting games online

 Supernatural Fighters

Description Game:

A two player only stick fighting game.

How to play Game:

Player 1: AWD - to move. RTY - to quick attacks. FGH - to hard attacks. Player 2: Arrow keys - to move. 456 - to quick attacks 123 - to hard attacks.

Batman Spot The Difference

batman games online

 Batman Spot The Difference

Description Game:

You have 2 same pictures of Batman, but it’s not completely true, the pictures are not 100% identical. Find the differences between the both images, and click with your mouse when you find them. Do not mistake too much or you will lose.
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How to play Game:

Use your mouse to play and find the differences.

Viste A Barbie

Game Info - You have many clothing and complements to put good-looking Barbie. Combine the colors and the textures and make your own fashion collection.
Game controls - Use Mouse to interact.

Connect4

Game Info - Get four in a row before your opponent does.
Game controls - use mouse to interact

Toys For Boys And Girls

Game Info - Give your clients what they ordered, and keep them satisfied.
Game controls - This game is played with mouse only.

Aqua Turret

Game Info - Destroy entire waves of war boats with your turret. How long can you survive?
Game controls - Mouse- To move your turret, left click to shoot.
Space bar- To charge the secondary weapon.

The Missile Game 3D

Game Info - Like games with missiles? How about being the missile itself! Try to reach your target intact. 
Game controls - In this game you are piloting a missile through a large tunnel,and you must avoid crashing to make it to the end in one piece!

My Bags

Game Info - Dress her an outfit that will fit to he bags.
Game controls - Use mouse to interact.

Makos

Game Info - Pull the lines or collumns on order to form groups of at least three makos of the same color. Fill the starbar before the time expires to advance to the next level.
Game controls - Mouse- Click and drag Makos.
P- Pause.
S- Sound ON/OFF.

Devilish Trick

Game Info - Her tricky spells can't pull the magic over your eyes...

Find all 6 differences between each pair of images to progress through the story.

If you need a hint, click the magnifying glass. Using a hint costs 10 points; every wrong guess costs 5.
Game controls - This game is played with mouse only.

Sni[p]r 3 - Apocalypse

Game Info - Defend your position as you upgrade your sniper rifle and base. Don't let anything pass.
Game controls - This game is played with mouse only.

Girl Dressup 4

Game Info - Help this young little girl dress up like a real lady. Enjoy!
Game controls - Mouse - To interact.

Monkey King

Game Info - Train all your three characters, defeat the enemies and their bosses, and solve the riddles of the ancient Chinese fairy tale!
Game controls - Arrow Keys - Move.
A, S - Attack.

Battle Tanks

Game Info - Online Tank Battle

Urban Slug 2

Game Info - Destroy all your enemies and free hostages!
Game controls - Left / Right Arrow Keys - Move.
Down Arrow Key - Cover.
CTRL Key - Fire.
] ( Right Bracket) Key - Reload.
Shift Key - Grenade.
\\ ( Backslash) Key - Change Weapon.
Up Arrow Key - Enter / Exit Vehicle.

Kiss Evolution

Game Info - Kiss for as long as possible. Reach your quota!
Game controls - Use Mouse to interact.

Harry the Hamster 2

Game Info - Make your way through pipes and labyrinths collecting stuff and using it, because you can only hold one item at once!
Game controls - Arrow Keys - Move.
Spacebar - Pickup or drop object.
M - Show / Hide map.

National Clothes

Game Info - Dress this cute girl in a variety of clothes from around the world. Simply click on the country flags on the right hand side to view the traditonal clothes from that country. Then drag and drop the clothes onto the girl once you have chosen what you like.
Game controls - This game is played with mouse only.

Party Decorator

Game Info - Fun Time! I'm giving a great party at home tonight but i have no time for decoration. Heard you are a real good designer. Can you give it a touch ple
Game controls - This game is played with mouse only.

Winter Walking Dress Up

Game Info - Bundle Amy up for a winter walk!
Game controls - Use Mouse to interact.

Scooby Doo - River Rapids Rampage

Game Info - Guide Shaggy and Scooby through a series of interactive action and logic based puzzles. Watch the scenes for valuable clues. Collect items to help you get through obstacles. Keep your coolness until the end of the episode. Good luck!
Game controls - Arrow Keys - Walk.
Spacebar - Action.
T - Exchange selected item.

Dress Shoppe

Game Info - best outfit shop in the town and you must satisfy your customers. Click on the customers and then on a chair to serve them. Bring their needs and guide newcomers to the empty chairs. Collect the money to upgrade your shop.
Game controls - This game is played with mouse only.

Black Navy War 2

Game Info - Black Navy War 2 is a naval battle simulation game. Create units and destroy the enemy base and the enemy flagship. After each level you will unlock new units and skill points.
Game controls - Left / Right Arrow Keys - Scroll.
Up / Down Arrow Keys - Adjust battery target.
Spacebar - Start / Stop battery's firing.
Mouse - Build unit.

Santa Rockstar

Game Info - Prove your guitar skills in this awesome guitar battle against the Grinch. Press 1-5 to pick the strings, hit ENTER to strum the guitar and press SPACE to activate Fever Time mode.
Game controls - 1-5 number keys- To pick the strings.
Space bar- Activate fever time mode.

Naive Girl Dressup

Game Info - Naive is a young fashion statement. Do you like it?
Game controls - This game is played with mouse only.

RPG Boss Battle 2

Game Info - Fight in this turn based RPG fighter against a computer controlled boss. Try to stay alive!
Game controls - Use mouse to interact.

2 Billiards 2 Play

Game Info - Billiards game with 2 rules mode - 8-Ball and Straight Pool.
Play against computer controlled opponent or with your friend in player-vs-player hot seat mode.
Game controls - This game is played with mouse only.

Endless War 3

Game Info - Nice and addicting strategy war game!
Game controls - AWSD for movement R to reload Q to command G to drop gun SPACE for alternate weapon 1234 to change weapon

Wedding Shoppe

Game Info - Lady Rosa is the best studio to try the best wedding gowns you can ever dream of! Young and pretty girls come and visit Lady Rosa to turn into a fairy-like bride in their wedding ceremonies. How fast can you keep this enthusiasm?
Game controls - This game is played with mouse only.

Crazy Flasher 3

Game Info - The king of death match is on his mission to be the ultimate street fighter. You can play the story mode or the death match to earn some money to buy new weapons. Be amazed with the original fighting stunts this game has to offer. Have fun!
Game controls - W/A/S/D - To move.
B - Attack / Pick up.
N - Jump.
M - Special.
Space - Choose weapon.

Running Punch - A,A (or D,D) to run then B
Flying Kick - A,A (or D,D) to run then N,B
Alternate Flying Kick - A,A,D,D,N,B or D,D,A,A,B,B

Ancient Jewels

Game Info - Clear the background tiles as you align 3 of the same jewels together. Later levels include locks.
Game controls - This game is played with mouse only.

Christiano Ronaldo Dressup

Game Info - Christiano Ronaldo prepares for the great football match and needs you to help him find the perfect decision for his apparel. Can you give him some suggestions.
Game controls - This game is played with mouse only.

Strategy Defense 5

Game description:
The series continues on with a few changes made, but the same great strategy continues. Defend!
Game controls: Mouse - Action.
1, 2, 3 - Start Position.

Everyday Happy Dressup

Game description:
Help this girl choose casual clothes that are in fashion.
Game controls: Use mouse to interact.

Angel Land Dressup

Game description:
Dress up this lovely little angel just as you like!
Game controls: Use mouse to interact.

Murphy's love Laws

Game description:
Find out certain ways in how to win a girls heart.
Game controls: Use mouse to interact.

Bestfriend Dressup 2

Game description:
Give the girl a fabulous makeover and help her surprise her best friend!
Game controls: Use mouse to interact.

Ninja Kid

Game description:
Slice and dice the fireballs and other crazy creatures. Some of which throw their eyeballs at you.
Game controls: Up Arrow Key - Jump.
Down Arrow Key - Block.
Left / Right Arrow Keys - Move.
Spacebar - Attack.
X - Special Attack.

Rockoblox

Game description: Rocks and blocks can be a mind-boggling, but at least there are special abilities to get you out of any bind.  
Game controls: This game is played with mouse only.

Spongebob And Patrick Coloring Game

Game description: Paint your Spongebob and Patrick Coloring Game with your favorite colors.  
Game controls: This game is played with mouse only.

Magical Doll Power Dress Up

Game description: This doll has some amazingly magical powers, just looking at it might melt your mind. Its lucky she has asked you for some help, you must be on her good side! Help the magical doll choose the right outfit for her status.
 Game controls: This game is played with mouse only.

Fairy 28

Game description: What's not to love about fairies? They have the magic power that we dream for, the looks we envy and the wings that are not only accessories. So bring on the magic power and give this fairy the look she deserves.  
Game controls: Use mouse to interact.

Girl Makeover 19

Game description: Help this girl get a beauty make over, choose the right dress, new hair style and beauty kit combination for her to achieve the beautiful new look.  
Game controls: Use mouse to interact.

Rock Girl Dress Up

Game description: Dress up a cute rocker girl.
 Game controls: Use Mouse to interact.

Lovele: The Beginning of the End of the Party

Game description: The party Lovele cover girl is in the scene.
Game controls: This game is played with mouse only.

Pantheon

Game description: Click on the group of 2 or more gems of the same type.
Game controls: Use Mouse to interact. 

Eogeu Footprints in the Nunwi

Game description: Try different kinds of winter clothes and boots.
Game controls: Use mouse to interact. 

Happy Makeup

Game description: Make our cute lady happy by deciding what dress and accessories to wear.
Game controls: Use mouse to interact. 

Charming Hair Styles

Game description: Attractive and charming hair styles will make her be top girl in the world.
Game controls: Use Mouse to interact. 

Summer Beauty Dressup

Game description: Summer is hot but this cute lady wants to enjoy the summer heat. It's up to you to choose the right outfit for her.
Game controls: Use mouse to interact. 

Sylvie Sunset Dressup

Game description: Change this girl's image in a way you like.
Game controls: Use mouse to interact. 

Cowboy Boots Dressup

Game description: Help the girl choose nice clothes and boots.
Game controls: Use mouse to interact. 

Cartoon Print Dressup 2

Game description: Dress up this girl and choose for her a bag and other accessories.
Game controls: Use mouse to interact. 

Cubis Gold 2

Game description: Pump up your mental muscles with this sequel to the award-winning hit! Stack, push and wedge colored blocks into groups of three or more in four uniquely exciting game modes. Beat the clock in Arcade mode, outwit Puzzle modes, or watch the blocks fly in the two Morph-fun modes. Even create and share your own Cubis levels with the Game Editor! Cubis Gold 2 is the logical
Game controls: This game is played with mouse only. 

Christmas Love Kiss

Game description: Though it is Christmas Time, You need to kiss your girlfriend to win her heart.
Game controls: Use mouse to kiss your girlfriend. 

CrazyBricks

Game description: Crazy Bricks is a puzzle game.Use move to move the board.click the left mouse button to fire .
Game controls: This game is played with mouse only. 

Abduction

Game description: Upgrade your ship & abduct cows and rednecks into your UFO and grind them up for alien profit.
Game controls: Use WASD keys or Arrow keys to move. Use mouse to abduct Earthlings. 

My Wonderful Farm

Game description: Can sowing seeds, watering plants, and harvesting crops be any fun? You can bet the farm on it!
Game controls: This game is played with mouse only. 

Sami's Pet Care

Game description: Help cute Sami to run her own pet daycare. Pickup the pets from their bosses, treat them with care, and return them to their bosses, when they come back from their busy lives!! Try to make it through each round to unlock fancy new upgrades for your pet shop.
Game controls: This game is played with mouse only. 

Mickey House Escape G2R

Game description: Mickey House Escape is another new point and click room escape game from games2rule.com. You are trapped inside a Mickey house. The door of the room is locked. You want to escape from there by finding useful object, and hints. Find the right way to escape from the Mickey house. Have a fun game play.
Game controls: This game is played with mouse only. 

Snowman Christmas Decor

Game description: Whether Christmas holidays have begun or not, let's not keep the Snowman waiting. Shall we dcorate this Snowman and put a smile on everybody's lips, including Santa?
Game controls: This game is played with mouse only. 

Pool Practice

Game description: In this game there will be a pool table with 10 randomly placed red balls. First you need to decide the position of the white ball, then you need to hit the white ball with the cue and let the white ball hit the red balls into the pockets. You score higher when you can pop in red balls for consecutive cues. Use the mouse to control the direction and speed of the white ball.
Game controls: This game is played by mouse only. 

Princess Room Decoration

Game description: Any little girl would love to have a princess themed bedroom. Create the fairytale land of a princess chamber using these realistic pieces of furniture and accessories. Try different combinations using these great pastel colors to get the design of your dreams. Now every little girl would be delighted to sleep in this wonderful bedroom. Use your mouse and click on the category tabs to choose the items you like the most. Enjoy!
Game controls: This game is played with mouse only. 

Uphill Rush 2

Game description: In your own customized vehicle, can you score all the stuntacular titles?
Game controls: Up/Down = Accelerate/Reverse. Left/Right = Lean Back/Forward. Space = Jump. P = Pause. M = Minimap On/Off. 1-4 = Special Stunts. 5 = Use Nitro Power. 

Seedz

Game description: The nasty fruits are after your pumpkin seedz, gather your vegetable forces and fight back on your patch. Plant wisely or your seedz may be stolen. This is a remake of Plants vs Zombies.
Game controls: This game is played with mouse only. 

Rinspeed sQuba (2007): first official pictures

It had to happen. Manufacturers are fighting to fill every possible niche these days, but only Rinspeed has thought to make an underwater zero-emissions car. Due to be unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2008, Rinspeed says the aptly named sQuba is the ‘world’s first real diving car’. And we don’t think even James Bond is going to argue with them.

The Swiss manufacturer, which has previously made a 911 Turbo pick-up, claims the sQuba can dive to a depth of 10 metres. Not bad for an Elise lookalike with Aston Martin rear lights.
So what’s this car all about then?

The sQuba automatically switches from car to a submarine as it enters or exits the water. An electric motor either drives the rear wheels on land, or two propellers and two jets underwater.

Being powered by giant batteries means the vehicle doesn’t emit any emissions or pollutants, so the birds, bees - and fish - won’t be harmed directly by the sQuba.
Er, it looks like an open-top....



It is, but an on-board breathing system means you can breathe underwater. Unless you pull on a full wetsuit, we can’t imagine straying beyond the barmy waters of the Bahamas is a good idea.

Apparently, the sQuba opens up a new and fascinating world to its occupants, but Rinspeed doesn’t say how the manoeuverability is affected underwater.

Land Rover LRX concept

Here is Land Rover’s riposte to the anti-SUV brigade: the long-awaited baby Landy – a hybrid 4x4 so small it shares a footprint with a Ford Focus. The LRX will be shown at the Detroit Motor Show in January 2008 and presages a new, compact Land Rover due on sale in the next decade.

Think shrunken Freelander coupe and you’ve got the LRX in a nutshell. It’s just 4351mm long (149mm shorter than a Freelander) and 1535mm high (-205mm). Land Rover calls it a ‘cross-coupe’ and in the metal this cars games looks surprisingly compact – every inch as small as a Focus or Golf.

Smaller dimensions won’t bring smaller prices, however. The LRX will be pitched as a replacement for the three-door Freelander and priced accordingly. This is a car for people who deride the unnecessary heft of large SUVs, but want to retain the visual presence of 4x4s. It’s Land Rover lite.
So when’s Land Rover going to build the LRX?

That’s the $64,000 question. Forget all the chat about ‘gauging interest’ and the usual concept-car nonsense. Land Rover is deadly serious about stretching its range down into smaller segments, as the market turns against big, lumbering off-roaders cluttering up city streets.

The LRX concept is equipped with the necessary green technology to get the right message across. There’s a 2.0-litre hybrid diesel powertrain that has been Federalised for US sales (a detail that makes it sound like it’s heading for production) and E-RAD, Land Rover’s new system for electric rear axle drive.

This is the first car to be designed under new Land Rover design director Gerry McGovern. He references cars like the Mini, Audi TT and VW Beetle, saying ‘they all appeared at motor shows as concepts, but the production cars were very faithful to those designs. That was unusual back then, but not anymore. There’s no reason why any of what you see on the LRX can’t happen – interior included.’

A solid hint that the LRX will be built in similar form, then. Our advice is to expect something as toned down as the transition from Range Stormer to Range Rover Sport.

Mitsubishi Evo X prices announced

Mitsubishi has just announced prices for the tenth evolution of its Lancer, and it will cost considerably more than its rival from Subaru. The cheapest Evo X will be £27,499, £2504 more than the Subaru Impreza WRX STi.

But if you’re not in the market for the all-out, all-paw Lancer then fear not, because the base 1.5-litre front-wheel drive model will cost only £12,499, just £4 more than the equivalent Scooby. A five-door Sportback model will follow, going on sale on 1 September 2008.
And what if I want something to fill the gap between the shopping trolley and supercar-slaying models?

There’s now a mid-range Evo to answer your prayers, and to take on the WRX Impreza. Called the Lancer Ralliart, it comes with a 237bhp 2.0-litre turbocharged engine, four-wheel drive and a twin-clutch transmission. No word on prices yet, but expect it to cost at least £22,000, over two grand more than the manual Subaru.
But what about the full-on Evo X?

Oh yes, that little chestnut. There are three trim levels; GS, GSR, and GSR SST. GS only gets you a five-speed manual, whereas GSR means six forward gears, while the aptly named GSR SST gives you the twin-clutch Sport Shift Transmission. The Evo X makes 290bhp from its turbocharged 2.0-litre engine, although it's called the FQ-300.
Any other FQ models?

Available from launch will be both FQ-330 and –360 models with HKS power upgrades. The FQ-330 gets an ECU re-map amongst other tweaks, while the FQ-360 gets even more go-faster goodies, including a Sonic hedgehog-esque vortex generator on the roof.

Power outputs and performance figures will be available shortly, but prices have been announced. The 330 model will start at £30,499 in GS-spec, while the 360 will be £35,499. GSR-spec will set you back a further £2k, and the twin-clutch transmission is currently not available on the FQ models.

Nissan Forum concept

Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the Forum. No, not that Forum where Kareem Abdul-Jabbar did his best work, but Nissan’s new minivan concept.

Due to be unveiled at Detroit in January 2008 the concept is, according to Nissan, 'a forum for family gatherings'. Very clever, but even better is the turntable seating. The second row of seating can rotate, so you can face forwards, sideways, or towards the third row of passengers.

The interior also features wireless monitors, and a console-mounted microwave, so you can heat your own motorway service station food. The carpet is one-inch thick ‘modern shag’ which Nissan says is easy to clean.

There are speakers for each row of seats, cameras to monitor the second and third rows, and a ‘one-button audio muting system’. That’d be a mute button, then.

The outside gives hints to the next Quest, though the lack of a B-pillar is pure concept car fantasy, but hopefully the sliding doors that do without the unsightly tracking rail will make production. The Forum also features Nissan’s Around View Monitor parking system.

Honda Pilot concept (2007): first official pictures

Honda will show a concept of the next-generation Pilot at the Detroit Motor Show in January 2008. Although the Americans call it ‘midsize’ the current car is hardly small: at 4775mm long it’s over 200mm longer than a BMW X3 so expect the new car to be as big as the X5. However, that means the concept can offer seating for eight.

That styling is clearly more 4x4 than crossover, and in line with that Honda claims the next Pilot will have ‘all-weather, medium-duty off-road capabilities’.

The Pilot won’t be coming to the UK, but looks set to cost under $30,000 on the other side of the Pond. The current car starts at $27,595, which is less than £14k in our money.

Also on the Honda stand will be the company’s production hydrogen fuel-cell car, the FCX Clarity, and the hybrid CR-Z concept, which looks set to make production.

Kia Borrego (2007): first official pictures

Kia will show its new, mid-size (by American standards) SUV at Detroit in January 2008. Called the Borrego, after a Californian bighorn sheep, the styling is derived from a previous Detroit concept, the 2005 Mesa.

The SUV will be available with either a V6, or Kia’s first V8. It'll seat seven, and the construction isn't a monocoque, but a body-on-frame set-up. Much of the architecture is shared with sister company Hyundai's Veracruz, and the V8 will also feature in the Hyundai Genesis saloon, which also takes a bow at Detroit in January 2008.

The Borrego goes on sale in Korea (where it will be built) at the start of 2008, before reaching the States in summer 2008. There are no plans to bring the car to Europe.

Mercedes SLK facelift (2007): first official pictures

Mercedes has given its SLK a spruce-up just in time for Christmas. Blink and you most certainly will miss it – but the company claims there are 650 modified parts on its renowned roadster, which gets freshened looks inside and out, and fettled engines to take it into 2008.

Anoraks will spot the facelifted two-seater by its reshaped bumper and front air dam, and the large three-pointed star is given more prominence on the SLK’s snout. At the rear, a faux diffuser is grafted onto the car’s behind, alongside trapezoidal tailpipes and smoked, AMG-style rear lights.

Bigger door mirrors sprout from the flanks – now illuminated with arrow-shaped indicator repeaters, and new designs of alloy wheel evolve the look originally penned by Brit designer Steve Mattin, now design chief at Volvo.
New engines

The four-strong engine line-up will continue, led by the SLK55 V8. The three smaller engines are all revised for lower consumption and emissions: the SLK200 Kompressor (up 21bhp to 182bhp), SLK 280 (unchanged at ) and SLK350 (up 33bhp to 301bhp).

Also new is a variable ratio steering system called Direct-Steer. It’s optional on the three base models and standard on the AMG, and is wholly mechanical, meaning a much more direct ratio when just 5deg of lock is applied for quicker responses. Merc claims the turns lock to lock has reduced by a quarter as a result.

Changes inside include a new instrument cluster and three-spoke steering wheel design. Merc’s latest telematics system has been shoehorned in, letting owners use Bluetooth and operate their iPod remotely through the usual stereo controls.

The revised SLK goes on sale in Britain in April 2008. Pricing will be announced in the new year. Despite being the priciest car in its segment, the SLK remains a strong seller – Merc has flogged nearly half a million since its debut in 1997, nearly a tenth of those in the UK.

Subaru Forester (2009): first official pictures

This is Subaru's all-new Forester estate, set to be unveiled at January's Detroit motor show. Devoted fans won't be disappointed, because the 2009 model year Forester dogmatically sticks to the Forester formula: a jacked up, four-wheel drive wagon, but with a newish look, more refinement and improved safety levels, says Subaru.
I see why you're calling it a newISH look...

Today's boxy, oldschool Volvo-look makes way for a boxy, newschool Mitsubishi Outlander-look. The lamps, grille and glasshouse are slightly more expressive than on the current car, but Subaru isn't breaking any new ground for car design. Good job, because last time that happened, the Tribeca MPV was inflicted on the world. It's all about functionality, hence the big tailgate, raised ride height/seating position and plastic underbody protection.
What's the story beneath the skin?

Naturally, the Forester employs Subaru's trademark four-wheel drive system, split 50:50 front:rear, to get countryfolk to the parts other estate cars can't reach. Subaru has only confirmed Foresters running the 2.5-litre petrol engine. The turbocharged unit currently kicks out 230bhp and 236lb ft, but tweaks will produce more low-end torque and mid-range mettle, claims Subaru. But the big news for Europe is the first Forester diesel. The diesel boxer engine, with a 2.0-litre capacity and outputs of 163bhp and 251lb ft, is being rolled out across the Subaru range, with the Forester in the queue behind the Legacy and Impreza.

G-Power Hurricane (2008): first official pictures

M5 not powerful enough for you? German tuner G-Power has announced a frankly ludicrous supercharged version of the fast BMW. The Hurricane is an apt name for the blown Beamer – it produces a scarcely credible 720bhp and has been certified at 211mph.

G-Power uses two belt-driven compressors for each bank of the 5.0-litre V10; using two smaller superchargers keeps the weight down and makes them more efficient – each uses 0.5 bar of boost pressure. And it’s not just a bolt-on-and-leave-the-rest-alone job. The German tuners have also fitted new forged pistons, a new intercooler, bigger oil cooler and revised engine mapping.

Peak power lands, with considerable force, at 7500rpm while maximum torque of 516lb ft arrives at a heady 7200rpm. Sounds worryingly peaky, but G-Power claims the Hurricane out-pulls the M5’s maximum thrust by 3800rpm.

End result? The two-tonne saloon scampers to 62mph in 4.2 seconds (half a second faster than the regular M5) and by 124mph the gap has stretched to five seconds. G-Power has a barrage of performance claims, and says the Hurrican will keep on accelerating all the way to 211mph.

The sort of people who’ll buy the maxed-out M5 will love the styling accoutrements. There’s a new front apron (crafted from carbonfibre upon request), rear diffuser and spoilers to channel air to the correct places, while 21-inch wheels wear chunky 30-section Dunlop high-speed rubber and house bigger, six-piston brakes.

All this excess carries a price, of course. The finished item costs a faintly ridiculous £178,000, or you can convert an existing car for £66,000. Which is the same as the M5 costs in the first place…

We’d dispute G-Power’s claim that the Hurricane is the most powerful street-legal BMW on sale. Californian tuner Currency Motors produces a twin-turbocharged M5 that develops 800bhp. Just goes to show you can have too much of a good thing.

Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 (2008): first official pictures

The Corvette ZR1 is back. Affectionately known by GM as ‘King of the Hill’, this range-topping ‘Vette will be powered by a supercharged 6.2-litre V8. And before you complain about the lack of the 7.0-litre V8 from the Z06, you should know that the ZR1’s forced-induction lump will kick out 620bhp and 607lb ft. That’s 108bhp and 137lb ft more than the Z06 and, at 1519kg, it's only 98kg heavier than its 7.0-litre brethren.

The 620bhp comes courtesy of a Roots-type supercharger developed by Eaton. The engine, designated LS9, is hand-built at GM’s Performance Build Centre, while drive is through a six-speed manual. The ZR1 should be the first production Corvette to officially top 200mph.
What else is new on the ZR1?

Twenty-spoke 19-inch front and 20-inch rear wheels, carbon-ceramic brakes measuring 394mm up front and 380mm rear, and magnetic dampers. There's car games bonfibre everywhere: the front spoiler, bonnet and removable roof panel are all made of the black stuff, and there’s a polycarbonate window in the bonnet through which to view the intercooler.

WRC Mini Concept (2010) first official pictures

While the Mini Countryman might be destined for suburban mumsville, BMW has confirmed the new model will also terrorise the countryside in the form of the WRC Mini from 2011, with IRC champ Kris Meeke at the wheel.

Officially launched at the 2010 Paris motor show in concept guise, the WRC Mini will be engineered and run by motorsport doyen Dave Richards and his Prodrive outfit, although customer packages will be available too, allowing independents to compete in the car.
A Mini rally car? Just like the good old days?

Not so much – this is no time for misty-eyed Paddy Hopkirk odes. The WRC Mini is a far cry from the front-wheel drive, blood, sweat and tears lightweight of the 1960s. Permanent four-wheel drive (like the Countryman All4), BMW Motorsport’s 1.6-litre Di-turbo four-pot and an Xtrac six-speed sequential ’shift mean this dirt devil hides some punchy kit under its Countryman body shell.

Prodrive had been brewing a new rally competitor since early 2009, and when the Countryman was announced, it sized up the platform and decided to sign up with Mini: 'A few quick measurements and we soon realised it would be a great base for a World Rally Car', said Richards.
A Prodrive Mini? I want a go. Can I?

Yes, sir, by all means. That’ll be £346,000 plus VAT, please. Oh come now, don’t close your chequebook, that includes a parts pack, warranty and the services of an engineer on race days. See, it’s a bargain.

So it’s not cheap, but compliance with the Super2000 FIA regulations means the WRC Mini will be eligible to compete in other championships, too. Around 25-30 cars will be built each year, and privateers will benefit from efficient engineering that includes interchangeable anti-roll bars and uprights.
Will Prodrive’s Mini compete for the WRC title?

Not in 2011, because the car will run in less than half of the scheduled events, but Richards considers that a stepping stone to the 2012 championship, and says the timing is ideal for an all-new contender to challenge Citroen and Ford: 'If you are going to be a new entrant to any championship, there is no better time to join than when there’s a new set of technical regulations and a new tyre supplier.'

BMW sales and marketing heavyweight Ian Robertson hopes the WRC Mini will reinforce the road car’s sporty image, and admits the Super2000 regulations have made rallying a commercially viable option for manufacturers once more, citing the estimated 25 percent drop in costs as a 'huge influence'. Income from independent runners also 'had a positive effect' on the decision to race.

Nissan’s EV onslaught continues with Townpod

Nissan’s Townpod will be the company’s third electric vehicle (a battery-powered version of the NV200 commercial vehicle will slot in after the Leaf) and is slated for a late 2012 arrival in the UK.

Looking remarkably like a character from Pixar’s Cars film, the Townpod takes the lithium-ion battery-powered drivetrain of the Leaf and cloaks it in urban friendly sheetmetal.

The long wheelbase and zero overhangs results in a huge cabin, accessed by some trick doors – rear-hinged rear doors and a vertically split rear door. The lack of B-pillar means it’s perfect for loading families and flatpacked furniture. Or pallets – the layout could easily be adopted for an urban-based delivery van.

There’s no detail yet on range and performance, but expect it to better the Leaf in all areas, given the leaps and bounds in battery technology we can expect over the next 24 months. Bear in mind though, that this will be pitched and sold as a pure urban vehicle, so expect performance to make way for range.

Key to the Townpod’s urban integration is its advanced digital interactivity – as well as letting you know your range and the location of the nearest recharging stations en route, the Nissan’s touch-screen connectivity system will sync with your smartphone so it knows where to take you for your first appointment of the day and even juggle meetings should congestion delay you. Clean and <itals> clever.

Nissan also showed off a luxury version of its giant-slaying GT-R. Complete with a swish burgundy leather interior (looks better than it sounds) and an awesome new sound system, the car also previewed the design changes expected on the 2011 model. Which as far as I could make out were restricted to the subtlest of subtle tweaks to the front and rear.

Which seems a lot of money for the anticipated £10k price increase, but there’s also a raft of suspension and mechanical tweaks that gently boost power and soften off some off the Nissan’s sharper ride qualities.

Although it’s a goer in Japan, Nissan Europe is still umming and ahhing over whether to greenlight the luxury model, which in turn will determine whether it will appear in UK showrooms. If it doers it will be in limited numbers and will be very expensive. Go with the standard car – even at £10k more than before, it’s still an absolute performance bargain.

Lotus explosion: Elise, Esprit, Elan, Elite & Eterne (2010)

It’s only a few days since Lotus shocked us with details of the all-new Lotus Elite – a 5.0-litre supercharged V8 GT with a folding hardtop, the engine up front, and all-aluminium construction.

Now, at the 2010 Paris motor show, the Norfolk firm is unveiling four more cars: Elise, Elan, Esprit and Eterne.
Lotus Elise (2015) – change of character for baby roadster

On sale in 2015, the Elise is furthest from production, but we already know it will be a radical shift from today’s car. Yes, it’s still rear-wheel drive, still mid-engined, and the chassis will be based on a development of the VVA architecture that underpins the current Evora. But the body will be a combination of fixed composite body panels and aluminium closures, there’ll be an optional robotised manual gearbox (in fact, the Elise is the only future Lotus to get the option of a manual transmission) and the 2.0-litre four pot engine will be either turbo- or supercharged to 300bhp – good for 4.5sec runs to 62mph. The £34k price tag will put it bang in the Porsche Boxster’s bull’s eye.
Lotus Elan (2013) – the new Evora

Next up the range is the Elan. This is effectively a replacement for today’s Evora – a mid-engined V6 with an optional 2+2 seating layout – and arrives in 2013 priced £75k. That’s a big leap from today’s Evora, hence, no doubt, the decision not to recycle the same name. Going head-to-head with the 911 Carrera S, it will have its work cut out, but a heavily reworked and supercharged version of the Evora’s V6 will yield 400bhp and 450bhp power outputs and a 3.5-3.9sec 0-62mph dash. More impressively, this all-aluminium sports car should be less polluting than the Evora, with a C02 target below 200g/km. An optional KERS hybrid system will also be offered, while the Elan will debut the seven-speed dual-clutch auto that’ll come as standard on all models bar the Elise.

Lotus Esprit (2013) – the supercar Lotus

We’ve been catching the Esprit supercar testing for aeons now, but here’s a first official glimpse, one that confirms our Gallardo-inspired renderings were on the money. The Esprit lands in 2013, will cost around £110k, and marks the production debut of the Lexus ISF-derived 5.0-litre supercharged V8 we first heard about in the forthcoming Elite. With 550bhp (or 620bhp in R tune) it promises to be a riot, and it’s composite body panels and aluminium closures help it to tip the scales at a relatively lithe 1495kg before fluids. Result? 0-62mph in a whisker over 3sec. Watch your back, Ferrari.

Lotus Elite (2014) – the California rival

From here it goes slightly bonkers with the Elite and Eterne. The Elite is a 2+2 folding hard-top (£115k, on sale 2014) with the same 5.0-litre supercharged V8 as the Esprit, but the KERS hybrid system will come as standard, and be a lot different to the ones offered in Hethel’s mid-engined future cars: here the lithium ion battery is in the boot (not mounted low in the transmission tunnel), and there’ll be a fully integrated epicyclic transmission. The constant power flow this creates means entirely seamless gear changes, and a 40% reduction in C02: the target is 215g/km.

Lotus Eterne (2015) – Hethel does a Panamera

The Eterne is essentially the same as the Elite underneath, but it’s a Porsche Panamera rival on top: a four-door, four-seat supercar. You’ll see it in 2015.

And the Lotus supermini? 

Finally, there’s distant murmurings of a Lotus City Car. It may appear in 2014, if it appears at all. Billed as a Smart rival, it would be sold as either a fully electric car, or an electric car with a 1.2-litre, three-cylinder range extender engine to power up the electric motor – not to drive the wheels – when it runs out of juice, just like the Chevy Volt.

>> Read on for the full spec on each of the proposed new cars from Lotus
Lotus Elise

On sale: 2015
Price: £34k (est)
Engine: 2.0-litre 16v four-cylinder turbo or supercharged, 300bhp (350bhp R)
Transmission: Six-speed manual or automated manual, rear-wheel drive
Suspension: Double wishbones all round, continuously variable dampers
Length/width/height in mm: 4000/1850/1250mm
Bodystyles: Coupe and convertible
Performance: Sub 4.5sec 0-62mph, sub-150g/km
Weight/made from: 1095kg dry/composite body sides, aluminium closures
Lotus Elan

On sale: 2013
Price: £75k (est)
Engine: 3956cc 24v supercharged V6, 400bhp (450bhp R), plus optional KERS hybrid system
Transmission: Seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox, rear-wheel drive
Suspension: Double wishbones all round, continuously variable dampers
Length/width/height in mm: 4450/1900/1280
Bodystyles: Coupe and convertible, plus optional 2+2 seating
Performance 3.5-3.9sec 0-62mph, sub-200g/km
Weight/made from: 1295kg dry/aluminium
Lotus Esprit

On sale: 2013
Price: £110 (est)
Engine: 4969 32v supercharged V8, 550bhp (620bhp R) @ 8000rpm (approx), plus optional KERS system
Transmission: Seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox, rear-wheel drive
Suspension: Double wishbones all round, continuously variable dampers
Length/width/height in mm: 4550/1950/1250
Bodystyles: Coupe and convertible
Performance: 3.2-3.5sec 0-62mph, 250g/km
Weight/made from: 1495kg dry/carbon fixed panels, aluminium closures
Lotus Elite

On sale: 2014
Price: £115
Engine: 4969 32v supercharged V8, 550bhp (620bhp R) @ 8000rpm (approx), plus standard KERS hybrid system
Transmission: Seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox with integrated epicyclic hybrid transmission, rear-wheel drive
Suspension: Double wishbones all round, continuously variable dampers
Length/width/height in mm: 4600/1900/1320
Bodystyles: Folding hardtop 2+2
Performance: 3.5-3.7sec 0-62mph, 215g/km
Weight/made from: 1680kg dry/aluminium (TBC)
Lotus Eterne

On sale: 2015
Price: £120k
Engine: 4969 32v supercharged V8, 550bhp (620bhp R) @ 8000rpm (approx), plus standard KERS hybrid system
Transmission: Seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox with integrated epicyclic hybrid transmission, rear-wheel drive
Suspension Double wishbones all round, continuously variable dampers
Length/width/height in mm: 5000/1900/1430mm
Bodystyles: Four-door saloon
Performance: 4sec 0-62mph, 215g/km
Weight/made: from 1850kg dry/aluminium
Lotus City Car Concept

On sale: 2014 (if at all)
Price: £20k
Engine: Either full electric plug-in or plug-in hybrid with 1.2-litre three-cylinder range extender petrol engine
Transmission: Single-speed with six-step simulated manual mode, rear-wheel drive
Suspension: TBC
Length/width/height in mm: 3400/1720/1500
Bodystyles: supermini
Performance: Sub-9.0sec 0-62mph, sub-4.5sec 0-31mph
Weight/made from: TBC

Rolls-Royce gets Personal at 2010 Paris show

Cars  games like the Fiat 500 and Mini may be available with pick ’n mix customisation options, but those are mere bolt-on Mr Potatohead additions compared to the kaleidoscopic wizardry available to Roller owners.

Showcasing its ‘personalization programme’ (personalization with a ‘z’ for the Americans, programme with an ‘mme’ for us stick-in-the-muds) at the 2010 Paris motor show, Rolls-Royce has served up five bespoke examples of its current range.
So what are these personalised Rollers like? Have they ‘done a Mansory’?

Heavens, no. But some of the details are quite, well, niche. A flagship extended-wheelbase Phantom in gunmetal grey is trimmed with logo-embroidered ‘sunrise’ leather, while its white dials and clock face sport mother of pearl centres. Custom-inscribed kick plates complete the tweaks, appropriately reading ‘Mondial de l’Automobile Paris 2010’, although ‘Drive on the Right’ wording is another option for gin-soaked rosbif seniors en route to Antibes.

A Phantom Drophead in metallic white with red leather, a Phantom Coupe, and two Ghosts round off the line up of cars, and there’s a bespoke Rolls-Royce picnic set on show, too.

Such productions are, to some extent, a reaction to what company boss Torsten Müller-Ötvös calls the “a totally new type of customer”, attracted to Rolls-Royce by the “more approachable” Ghost.

Lamborghini Sesto Elemento (2010): the all-carbonfibre concept car

Finally, after much teasing, here it is, Lamborghini’s carbonfibre concept car – the Lamborghini Sesto Elemento. Unveiled on the eve of the 2010 Paris motor show at the Volkswagen Group’s massive pre-show party, it’s a sub-1000kg supercar with a 562bhp V10, and previews the future lightweight construction methods that Lambo will use on its next V12 supercar and other future models.
Lamborghini Sesto Elemento – what does that mean?

Sesto Elemento is Italian for sixth element, which is carbon. And much of the Lamborghini Sesto Elemento is constructed from carbonfibre, helping to keep the kerbweight under 1000kg. The Sesto Elemento weighs just 999kg – incredible for a car that features four-wheel drive and a 5.2-litre V10.

The basis of the Sesto Elemento is a carbonfibre monocoque, with CFRP crash structures and body panels – the latter are visible through a clear-coat paint with nano technology-added red crystals providing a shimmer effect. The suspension components, the wheels and brakes are also made from carbon, the propshaft is CFRP, and the tailpipes are constructed from Pyrosic, a glass and ceramic composite that can withstand 900-deg. The rear subframe and rear axle suspension points are aluminium.

Combine that low, low weight with the 562bhp 5.2-litre V10 from the Gallardo Superleggera, plus that car’s four-wheel drive system, and you get a Veyron-beating 563bhp/tonne and 2.5sec 0-62mph time. The added benefit of weighing 340kg less than a Gallardo Superleggera is an improvement in fuel consumption and CO2 figures too, but more excitingly, the Sesto Elemento will stop and steer better as well.

'The Lamborghini Sesto Elemento shows how the future of the super sports car can look – extreme lightweight engineering, combined with extreme performance results in extreme driving fun. We put all of our technological competence into one stunning form to create the Sesto Elemento,' said Lamborghini president and CEO Stephan Winkelmann. 'Systematic lightweight engineering is crucial for future super sports cars: for the most dynamic performance, as well as for low emissions. We will apply this technological advantage right across our model range. Every future Lamborghini will be touched by the spirit of the Sesto Elemento.'
Of course it’s a Lamborghini, and a concept car, so it was always going to look absolutely outrageous – talk me through the styling please…

Let’s start with the back of the Sesto Elemento, and if you look closely you can see that the Pyrosic exhausts exits through the rear deck, right behind the supports for the big wing. The huge rear deck also incorporates two air scoops and ten hexagonal openings, all of which help feed fresh air to the direct-injection 5.2-litre V10. At the front cooling air is also fed to the brakes and nose-mounted radiator, and then exits via vents in the bonnet and just ahead of the front wheels. The front and rear bodyshells are each manufactured in a single piece, and the rest of the Sesto Elemento is a riot of sharp creases.
And inside?

Very minimalist, and the whole interior is very much influenced by the shape of the carbon tub. The tub actually forms the basis for the seats (there’s no conventional frame) with the cushions fixed directly to the carbon monocoques – reach and rake adjustable steering, plus an electrically adjustable pedal box, make sure you can get comfortable. There’s no interior trim either, just lots of bare and functional CFRP, while the carbon dash is pockmarked with triangular holes to cut the weight; there are just three buttons on the centre console, to start the engine, select reverse and turn on the lights.

Obviously not all of the technologies on this concept will make production, but the next V12 supercar will have a carbonfibre tub (and the Murcielago already has CFRP panels) so the Sesto Elemento does preview the lightweight future of Lamborghini.

Audi Quattro concept (2010): the 21st century ur-Quattro

This is the new Audi Quattro concept, just unveiled by Ingolstadt at the VW Group party on the eve of the 2010 Paris motor show. Built to celebrate 30 years of Quattro, it’s based on a shortened Audi RS5 platform (but built from aluminium and carbon) and features a tuned engine from the TT RS.

This new Audi Quattro concept looks rather like a beefed-up Audi E-tron concept – is it?

Nope, it’s actually based on the Audi RS5. But this is an RS5 with a difference: the wheelbase has been shortened by 150mm, the roofline has been lowered by 40mm, it’s now a two-seater, and rather than the RS5’s steel construction, the Quattro concept is primarily aluminium, with a carbon bonnet and rear hatch. Audi claims that the ‘know-how and technologies of the Quattro concept body will characterize Audi’s entire production model portfolio in the future.’ No more lardy cars from Ingolstadt, then.

And rather than a big 4.2-litre V8, the Quattro concept uses a turbocharged five-cylinder engine like the original. The 2.5-litre engine in the new Quattro is lifted from the TT RS, and tweaked up from 335bhp to 402bhp, and from 332lb ft to 354lb ft.

Result? With the shortened, lighter chassis, ceramic front brakes, and the smaller engine the Quattro concept weighs just 1300kg – an RS5 tips the scales at a hefty 1725kg. Combine it all with a six-speed manual and four-wheel drive and the result is 0-62mph in 3.9 seconds. There’s also the promise of 33.2mpg, while the four-wheel drive system uses the RS5’s new crown-gear centre diff, plus its rear-mounted Sport diff, which distributes torque between the back wheels.

Anything else?

Of course. All four wheelarches are massively flared, and each contains a 20-inch centre-lock alloy. A vent in the right-hand side of the bonnet feeds extra air to the turbo’d five-pot, and Audi’s four rings are stamped into the sides of the Quattro concept’s C-pillar’s. There’s no chrome on the car, all the lights are LEDs, and the pop-up rear spoiler is carbon.

The interior is very clean and uncluttered, with a just single screen mounted ahead of the steering wheel, which is controlled by an MMI dial on the transmission tunnel. Lightweight bucket seats (complete with four-point belts) help keep the kilos down, and there’s a shelf in the back on which to store his and her helmets.

There is talk of a limited production run, but it’ll be a while yet before any announcement is made.

Jaguar C-X75 concept (2010) diesel electric supercar

Jaguar delivered one of the surprises of the 2010 Paris motor show with the new C-X75 supercar  gamesconcept car. The C-X75 is designed to showcase Jag’s new design direction now that the modern Ian Callum-led look has been rolled out across the Jag XF, XJ and XK sports cars games.

But the new Jaguar C-X75 (‘C’ for concept, ‘X’ for experimental, ’75’ to mark the brand’s 75th anniversary) is also a technological statement. Jag has spotted the kudos granted to Porsche for stealing the Geneva 2010 show with the 918 Spyder – and realises that its graceful, paceful cars require a green balance. The C-X75 is that car.

Jaguar C-X75 at the Paris motor show 2010: the lowdown

Take good note of these first official pictures of the C-X75. It’s markedly different from the XJ/XF set. At the rear, you’ll spot hints of the E-type, particularly in the relationship between the back window and swollen hips. But only a fool would call this Jag supercar retro; it’s a thoroughly modern aesthetic, crisp and elegant and feels right for Jaguar.

The C-X75 is a two-seater supercar, but it’s biggest surprise is hidden under the bonnet.

A diesel range-extender Jaguar supercar!

You read that right. The C-X75 uses a pair of micro-turbines acting like a diesel-fed range-extender and Jaguar claims this solution means this concept car is even cleaner than contemporary hybrids with carbon dioxide emissions of just 28g/km.

No prizes for guessing the C-X75 is far from a production-ready concept car. This is an ideas model, one that will influence future design and tech but you won’t see it nestling in the corner of your nearest Jaguar dealer any time soon.

Tell us more about this turbine propulsion system in the Jag

The concept has been trialled before in the 1970s by American and Japanese car makers. But the C-X75 has a different take on turbine power, using the jets to charge the batteries in a range-extender fashion like the Chevy Volt; they rarely drive the four wheels, but can be called upon to provide more electricity for the four 145kW motors.

Each of the four electric motors nestles in the wheel hub (each weighs just 50kg) and the supercar element of the C-X75 becomes apparent when you look at the claimed performance figures: there’s 780bhp on tap and a frankly bonkers 1578lb ft. Figures we’re slowly getting used to in this electric age.

And here’s the clever bit: the batteries are charged by the pair of tiny turbines, which spin independently or in sequence at up to 80,000rpm to deliver a more modest 95bhp each and consequently are responsible – claims Jaguar – for just 28g/km of CO2. Clean, rabid fast performance? Yes please.

Sounds too good to be true. Can Jaguar do it?

Ah yes. Back in the real world, the turbine tech on the Jag C-X75 is far from ready. But speak to the engineers, as we have done, and you realise they’re deadly serious. Give it years – or a decade – of R&D and this could be a feasible solution, they suggest. The turbines suck in air (up to 40,000 litres a minute) from sill level and the C-X75 has been spotted with a ‘Beware of Blast’ sticker on the rear apron warning that bystanders might feel a 737-spec breeze if they get too close.

The C-X75 can travel nearly 70 miles on zero-emissions e-drive mode, but Jag says that stretches out to nearer 560 miles with the turbines spooled up. Simply refuel with diesel to top up the range, or plug in for a recharge to bring the batteries back up to maximum charge.

What’s the Jag C-X75 made from?

Bodywork is carbonfibre, wrapped around an extruded and bonded Jag-spec aluminium chassis. The show car at the 2010 Paris show is in fact loosely based around the suspension of an XKR and the C-X75 stretches to 4647mm long. It weighs around 1350kg.

The doors rise like swan wings and the huge wheels are 21in alloys. Peer inside the rims and you’ll see the electric motors which are governed by Jaguar’s own proprietary software (it’s developing such systems for its production hybrids coming from 2013).

The 15kWh battery pack is a lithium ion unit weighing 185kg, snuggling mid-engined style between the two axles.

Jaguar C-X75: CAR’s verdict

One of of the surprises of the show: 0-62mph in 3.4sec, 205mph top speed and the shape of a supermodel, the C-X75 is one of the most intriguing new cars to come along this year.

Take a look inside, too. There’s no wood, no chrome, but a lot of polished and shot-blast aluminium. It’s very modern – reminds us of a newer take on the RD-6 concept car from a decade ago. It’s a line in the sand for Jaguar and we can’t wait to see the production cars that it sires.

Subaru Impreza WRX STI (2010) – the saloon is back!

Subaru has today confirmed it is bringing the US-spec four-door Impreza saloon bodystyle back to the UK. In news that will hearten Scooby fans, Subaru will again offer a sedan bodystyle alongside the five-door hatchback.

Why is the bodystyle so important? Because Subaru built its reputation as a maker of sturdy four-wheel drive Impreza saloons – topped by the icing of the affordable performance versions such as the WRX and STI – but then pulled a gigantic U-turn in 2007 when it announced the current hatchback shape.
Subaru Impreza WRX STI (2010): first details

That’s why the new WRX STI announced today will be music to some fans’ ears. After a three-year hiatus, the boxy look is back and comes equipped as a range-topping £32,995 STI high-performance variant.

Are people still interested? We worry that many fans of fast Subarus and Mitsubishi Evos may have moved on, but there’s still plenty to digest here.

The new WRX STI has a stiffer bodystyle and a new Spec C suspension set-up, including lower ride height and wider tyres on 2kg lighter alloys.
Powering the new Scooby

The 2.5-litre boxer turbo four is present and correct, tuned to produce 296bhp and 300lb ft from 4000rpm. Nought to 62mph takes 5.2sec and the four-wheel drive system has been upgraded, claims Subaru, with new differential settings to apportion torque 41%/59% front/rear or as per the driver’s instruction (four different settings can be selected).

If you actually liked the five-door Impreza, fear not. You can order the 2011 model year WRX STI as a hatch or saloon – the price is the same for both.

VW Eos facelift (2011) first pictures

The new face of the facelifted VW Eos is unveiled today ahead of its public debut at the LA motor show 2010. The design takes a modest step away from the 2006 Eos convertible, with shades of the new VW design language seen across the Polo, Passat and Sharan.

There's a stronger emphasis on the horizontal lines carried throughout the new design becoming stronger and more obvious towards the rear: a new corporate grille complete with chrome highlights is joined by LED daytime running lights that make the Eos look a shade wider and lower than its predecessor.
Still got the clever folding metal roof?

Yep. The five-piece folding roof remains the same. If you opt for keyless entry then the roof will be lowered in just 25 seconds while you walk to the car, and now you can play clever clogs via the key fob. Mind you, with the roof down you’ll lose 175 litres of boot space – nearly half its  nominal 380-litre capacity. Just leave the husband’s luggage at the side of the road when the sun’s out.

The 2011 VW Eos’s interior has also seen a change with a leather multi-function steering wheel, air-con, an eight-speaker CD stereo and sports seats now standard across the range.
So what engines will be available on the 2011 VW Eos?

You won't see the Eos in UK showrooms until spring 2011 and by then there will be a range of more fuel-efficient petrol and diesel engines available: from a 1.4-litre TSI producing 122ps, a 2.0-litre TSI with 210ps and a 2.0-litre TDI engine mustering 140ps.

Auto start/stop on the diesel means the fettled Eos can hit a claimed combined economy figure of 58.8mpg. Full prices and specs announced in November 2010.

Aston Martin Cygnet: 2011 production car revealed

This is the new 2011 Aston Martin Cygnet. No concept car this - here's Aston's official production supermini. The Cygnet will be the smallest Aston Martin ever at just 3m long.

Little has changed since the idea was first mooted in 2009 as a concept car. Aston Martin is importing factory-ready Toyota iQs from Japan and applying a wholly cosmetic face pack at the Gaydon HQ.

Just one Aston Martin Cygnet will be sold: the 1.3-litre petrol four-cylinder. Customers will be able to personalise it every which way, although the wilder and more luxurious options will surely send the price spiralling to scary territory north of £40k.
I beg your pardon? How much will Aston Martin's supermini cost?

The base Aston Cygnet will be priced at £30,000. That is roughly three times the cost of the donor Toyota iQ, but Aston will reskin the nose and rump, and layer on a whole new interior feel, as you can see from these first official photographs.

It's worth noting that our earlier news stories on the Cygnet speculated the price would be nearer £20,000. What price luxury? Every Cygnet will be hand-finished in Gaydon with 'an almost unlimited palette of materials, colours and textures.' No two Aston superminis will be identical.

Although Aston Martin isn't announcing full specs until later this autumn, it's safe to assume the figures will be almost identical to the Toyota iQ 1.3 starting point. Aston is making no engineering changes at all. So that means a 1.3-litre four-pot developing 97bhp and 92lb ft. CO2 stands at 113g/km, average fuel economy 59mpg. It will however be the slowest Aston Martin ever, at 106mph flat and 11.8sec in the 0-62mph sprint (explaining why Aston shunned the cleaner, 99g/km 1.0 engine).
Is the Aston Martin Cygnet a CO2 cheat?

Well, there's no denying a humble supermini will help offset all those V8 and V12 supercars. As a lowly independent, Aston Martin has no group efficiencies to fall back upon and selling a stash of £30k superminis could go a long way to lowering its fleet average CO2 emissions.

You'll see from our earlier blogs (see related articles, left), that the Cygnet has already attracted some ire on these pages. But if it makes good business sense, will we allow Aston Martin some leeway?

'It is time to think differently,' says Ulrich Bez, Aston's German CEO. 'Whatever we do, we do right. If we do performance, we do performance; we don't downsize or compromise our sports cars. The Cygnet needs to satisfy the demands of emissions and space. It is a car without compromise, like every other Aston Martin. Our customers need a small car for urban and city use, and they want the right tools for the right job.'

The Aston Martin Cygnet goes on sale in late spring 2011. Existing Aston customers will be offered the car first, with general sales following.

Skoda Citigo five-door (2012) first official pictures

Skoda will show this slightly more practical Citigo five-door at the 2012 Geneva motor show. Mirroring the VW Up five-door, the Czechs buck the tradition of offering a single body derivative in the bargain basement city car sector.

It's only in recent years that more manufacturers began to offer a choice of three or five doors in the smallest car segment. The five-door Citigo has no more actual space inside than the three-door - it's just easier to slide into the rear pews.
Skoda Citigo 5dr: the lowdown

Both the three- and five-door Citigos arrive in Skoda showrooms in mid May 2012. The UK is somewhat late compared with its Czech homeland, where the Citigo went on sale at the end of 2011.

The Citigo is an identikit badge-engineered version of Volkswagen's diminutive Up. Just a pair of 999cc triple-cylinder petrol engines are available at launch:

• 1.0 petrol 59bhp, 70lb ft, 99mph, 13.9sec 0-62mph, 62.8mpg, 105g/km CO2
• 1.0 petrol 74bhp, 70lb ft, 106mph, 12.7sec 0-62mph, 60.1mpg, 108g/km CO2

Spec the Greentec version and you can trim that CO2 figure down to a scant 96g/km.

This is a tiny city car with clever packaging: it's just 3560mm long yet a long wheelbase means you can just about fit adults in the back row. Note also that this is the first Skoda to feature the brand's new face and logo.
Skoda: on a sales mission

The Citigo is one of the instruments by which Skoda aims to double sales to at least 1.5 million by 2018 - in line with the Volkswagen group's masterplan to soar to the global number one spot within the next six years.

That'd take Skoda to 1.5 million sales annually, up from the record 879,200 vehicles it sold last year.

Ford B-Max (2012) - first photos of the production car

Ford will slide the covers off this production B-Max mini MPV at the 2012 Geneva motor show. It's little changed from 2011's B-Max concept car.

The B-Max essentially replaces the fuddy-duddy (but quite strong-selling) Fusion in Europe and is one of the key reasons why we're not getting the EcoSport baby SUV shown at the Delhi motor show in January 2012.

Instead, the Blue Oval's betting on Europeans wanting a mini-MPV. It goes on sale in September 2012.
The new Ford B-Max (2012): the lowdown

The B-Max is like a baby shrunken C-Max, incorporating all the latest Ford design cues like the molten headlamps and trapezoidal grille.

It's unusual in this class in boasting sliding rear doors to make boarding in tight spaces such as multi-storey car parks a doddle.

Under that stubby bonnet Ford's new 1.0-litre Ecoboost engine will be offered, as well as regular Duratorq TDCI diesels.

Ford hasn't issued all the details yet ahead of its Geneva debut, but it promises 'flexible seating and class-leading load space.' Sounds like the B-Max should be pretty versatile for one so small.
The boss speaks

'The B-Max combines an exciting, innovative design with features that only previously have been found in bigger cars,' said Stephen Odell, chairman and CEO at Ford of Europe. 'It’s a brand new car that responds to the needs of an increasing number of customers who want much more from their small cars.'

His boss, Ford's global bigwig president and CEO Alan Mulally, will unveil the B-Max in Switzerland on 6 March 2012.

Fiat 500L (2012) first official pictures

Fiat will show its new addition to the 500 range at the 2012 Geneva motor show: the new 500L mini MPV.

It's designed to squeeze MPV practicality into the footprint of a B-segment city   car games  with a sprinkling of SUV style raised ride height.

Turin says the 'L' badge stands for large. So, you guessed it, this is a larger, more practical version of the chic 500 city car. Do they look similar enough to warrant the same badge? The jury's out on that one…
Fiat 500L: what we know about it

This is a five-seater stretching the tape measure out to 4140mm long, 1780mm wide and 1660mm tall. That makes it a similar footprint to a Skoda Yeti.
Fiat says the cab-forward stance is reminiscent of the original Fiat 600 Multipla, 'a precursor to the concept of the compact people carrier.'
When does the 500L go on sale?

Expect it on sale in Europe in the final quarter of 2012. Engine choices will mirror those in the 500 city car.

Pick from a pair of petrol engines: the 875cc Twinair two-cylinder and a 1.4, or a 1.3 Multijet turbodiesel.

The 500L is built in Fiat's Kragujevac, Serbia factory.

Nissan Invitation concept car (2012) first pictures

Nissan will unveil the new Invitation concept car at the 2012 Geneva motor show. It's a vision of what the company's B-segment tallboy could become. Yes, it's a snapshot of a future Nissan Note.

The Japanese say 'the Invitation concept underlines Nissan's commitment to the compact car segment,' indicating that they aren't going to abandon every conventional bodystyle for another crossover.

The Invitation will join the Micra hatch and Juke compact SUV in the B-segment. Effectively, this will replace the Note.
When will the Nissan Note be replaced?

In spring 2013, in Europe at least.

It's a much less slabby-sided affair than the Note. And take note of the body sculpting; there are swooshes and slashes aplenty, Nissan even naming the scalloped flanks 'the Squash Line'.

Looks a bit like Vauxhall/Opel's scooped-out line on the side of an Astra or Insignia.
Nissan on the new Invitation

François Bancon, deputy division general manager of product strategy and product planning division - that's one helluva of a business card - said: 'The name we have given to this concept is self-explanatory… the key benefit of this compact car is to be inviting.

'It is inviting thanks to its sensuous exterior design and generous and comfortable interior space, cleverly packaged within compact overall dimensions. It is Nissan’s invitation to buyers in the compact hatchback segment.'

The Invitation uses the Renault-Nissan B-segment architecture and Nissan says it is targeting a sub-100g/km CO2 rating.

Big car features will be available, including Nissan's Around View Monitor (its first appearance on a car in this sector).

Kia Track'ster concept car (2012) first official photos

Kia will show the new Track'ster at the 2012 Chicago motor show. It's a concept car designed to show what a harder, faster Kia Soul hatch could be like.

Scant information is available at present, but Kia has confirmed the Track'ster was designed by Kia's Californian studio, led by Tom Kearns - and today it issued a new photograph of the Track'ster, after last week's design sketch.
Kia Track'ster concept car: a pocket rocket

The Track'ster has a 248bhp petrol engine, apparently. Enough to make this rollerskate a proper hot hatch tearaway, says Kia.

We're still not sure about the name, though: Kia loves a bit of grammatical violation, and the Track'ster has the same apostrophe nonsense as the Ceed range. CAR's sub-editors always remove the rogue apostrophe and don't allow the Cee'd style used by Kia...

It's a classic tactic to give an ageing model – the Soul is now four years old – a bit of a fillip. We hear development of the next Soul is well underway and it may be slightly less boxy, to swell its appeal globally.

Is that a shame, which may yet destroy the chunky appeal of the Soul? Or a clever marketing wheeze to broaden its customer base. We thought the Soul was deliberately more idiosyncratic, aimed at Mini buyers. Otherwise you'd just buy a Picanto if you wanted a sensible Kia supermini, wouldn't you?
Kia Soul convertible and hot hatch

The Californian studio was originally responsible for the Kia Soul hatchback; the American design team has also drawn up a Soul'ster convertible which is under assessment for final approval and production, according to Kia.

Americans bought 102,000 Souls in the US in 2011 – that's a record for Kia in the US.

There are, however, no plans for Track'ster production. Could be just the thing to give the Soul more sporting appeal.

BMW unveils its 2012 Olympic Games pavilion

BMW has unveiled its new pavilion for the 2012 Olympic Games in London. The winning design came from British architects Serie after bids from six companies.

As the sole automotive sponsor, BMW is allowed to build a pavilion at the Olympic Park during the London 2012 Olympic & Paralympic Games and it expects to draw 8000 visitors a day.
What's the BMW Olympic pavilion for?

For entertaining VIPs and sponsorship schmoozing, surely. But the good news is that any visitor to the Olympic Park can visit the double-decker building.

It'll be worth dropping in if you're lucky enough to be at the 2012 Olympics; the BMW pavilion's top floor will showcase the latest models including the i8 supercar judging by this artist's impression. The lower floor will have future mobility exhibitions and events with BMW-sponsored athletes.

The 800sq m site is situated above the Waterworks River, between the Olympic stadium and Aquatics Centre. River water will be used to cool the building before cascading down in a 'water curtain' back into the river. Unsurprisingly for a brand like BMW, sustainability is at the heart of this project.

BMW is providing around 4000 vehicles, including Minis and BMWs, to transport athletes and officials during the Games. Electric, hybrid and clean diesel tech will ensure that the fleet produces an average of less than 120g/km of CO2, although the exact make-up of the fleet won't be announced until spring 2012.

There won't be any Rolls-Royces, sadly. Not even the 102EX electric concept car. We were rather looking forward to seeing our gold medal winners lording it up silently around London's streets in a big, spookily quiet Phantom...
The BMW boss speaks

Tim Abbott, managing director of BMW Group UK, said: 'As a major investor, manufacturer and employer in the UK, BMW Group is deeply proud to be an official partner for Britain’s first Olympic & Paralympic Games since 1948.

'This commitment to the UK is also reflected in our choice of a home-grown architecture practice to design our pavilion and we’re delighted that Serie’s final design reflects our commitment to sustainable thinking in such an innovative and eye-catching manner. We believe it provides a truly worthy addition to the Olympic Park.'

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