BMW has facelifted the entire 5 Series line-up, including the Sedan, Touring and Gran Turismo ranges. We’ve seen this coming from a long way back with a series of spyshots and now we have full details of the 5-er mid-life refresher. Here’s the low down on all the updates made for the BMW 5 Series LCI.

Looks wise, BMW is taking the “if it ain’t broke…” path. All three bodystyles get a slightly different kidney grille, with redesigned bumpers and new front and rear light clusters with updated graphics. BMW Luxury and Modern Line packages are introduced to the 5 Series line-up for the first time. An M-Sport option is still around too.

All models now get Xenon headlights as standard, while Adaptive LED Headlights take their place on the options list alongside LED fogs. Elsewhere, the side indicator lights are now integrated into the exterior mirrors. New wheels complete the minor visual update. BMW anoraks will have a hard time with this one, when it comes to the sedan and the touring. The 5 Gran Turismo gets a sleeker, slimmed down version of the tail lamps.

Inside, all models get rejigged and more accommodating storage compartments and cup holders. The Gran Turismo gets a much-needed redesigned boot which now holds 500 litres of space, 60 up from before. More chrome is added all around, with a frame now surrounding the iDrive display. The ambient lighting option can now be alternated in tone between orange and white.

On the tech list is a new iDrive controller with a touch-sensitive surface. It allows character input as well as access to other function of the operating system. Meanwhile, the rear cabin can now be specified with a new rear-seat entertainment system with tablet-style displays.

The engine range has been updated too, and all options now meet the EU6 exhaust gas standard. They all come off cleaner, more efficient, and some with even more performance. Diesel models get nitrogen oxide-reducing BMW BluePerformance technology as standard. Smoother aerodynamics on all models help with the efficiency gains too.

A 518d variant is now the base diesel option for the 5 Series Sedan and Touring, using a reworked 520d engine that’s downtuned to 143 hp and 360 Nm of torque. Along with the 520d it records an impressive average fuel economy of 4.5 litres per 100 km and CO2 emissions of 119 grams per kilometre, matching the now-discontinued 520d EfficientDynamics Edition. The 518d’s 0-100 km/h time is 9.6 seconds.

On the other end of the scale is the 550i Sedan, Touring and Gran Turismo, which has now been updated to offer 450 hp and 650 Nm of torque as seen on the facelifted 7 Series. The full model line-up is as such: 518d (143 hp), 520d (184 hp), 525d (218 hp), 530d (258 hp), 535d (313 hp), M550d (381 hp), 520i (184 hp), 528i (245 hp), 535i (306 hp) and 550i (450hp).

For the Malaysian market expect to see these updates on local cars within the next year or so. The mechanical and aesthetic changes aren’t at all ground-breaking in any sense but the entry-level 518d model does sound rather interesting. Give us your opinion: how does BMW’s subtle Five updates compare to Mercedes-Benz’s bold E-Class revisions?

BMW 5 Series Sedan LCI

BMW 5 Series Touring LCI

BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo LCI

The post BMW 5 Series LCI – Sedan, Touring and Gran Turismo appeared first on Paul Tan's Automotive News.

Here’s one for gaming fans out there: Gran Turismo 6 has been announced for the PlayStation 3 and is set to be launched by the end of this year. The news came at an event celebrating the racing simulator’s 15th anniversary. Has it really been that long since we played the first Gran Turismo on the original PlayStation? Time flies when we’re having fun.

It’s a bit odd that the sixth instalment of Sony’s console series’ best-selling franchise won’t debut on the brand new PS4, which is due real soon. Then again, Gran Turismo creator Kazunori Yamauchi likes to work at his own pace. We had to wait a long five years to play a GT game on the PS3, and it looks like it’ll be the same story again for the next-generation console.

Gran Turismo 6 for the PlayStation 3 will feature a new rendering engine that pushes the limits of the machine for even more photo-realistic graphics, as well as more cars (1,200 at launch, with more to come through DLC packs), 33 locations and 71 layouts (seven and 19 more than GT5 respectively, including the revamped Silverstone circuit in the screenshots).

Gameplay will be different too with new aerodynamics, tyre, suspension and kinematics model with technical contributions from Yokohama Rubber and KW Automotive. Lots of other updates are also in store, including a new user interface with shorter load times. A demo version will be available in July, with the full game closer to the holiday season. Excited yet?

The post Gran Turismo 6 announced as the franchise turns 15 appeared first on Paul Tan's Automotive News.

Holden Special Vehicles has released details and some juicy pictures of its new Gen-F range, which comprises Maloo, Clubsport, Clubsport Tourer, Senator Signature and GTS models.

The members of the already-menacing HSV family gets a bodykit, side gills, LED DRLs and quad tailpipes, with the range-topping Gen-F GTS (pictured) donning reworked bumpers, a bigger spoiler and snazzy black alloys.

Their cockpits benefit from racy goodies such as carbon-fibre trim, additional gauges, a flat-bottomed steering wheel, alloy pedals and sports seats.

With a brutal 585 hp and 740 Nm of torque from a supercharged 6.2 litre LSA V8 (from the Chevrolet Camaro ZL1), the Gen-F GTS is the fastest Holden ever built. The others should draw either 425, 435 or 455 hp from a 6.2 litre LS3 V8, depending on the model.

The GTS Gen-F will reportedly begin Australian sales in September; the rest could hit showrooms in June.

The post Holden Special Vehicles Gen-F range revealed appeared first on Paul Tan's Automotive News.

Mercedes-Benz has released a huge range of genuine accessories for the recently-facelifted W212 E-Class. Among the 140 optional items are aesthetic-enhancing products from Mercedes-Benz Sport Equipment and advanced multimedia additions.

Exterior options include an illuminated Mercedes star for models with a centrally positioned Three-Pointed Star. If you think the E-Class’ night-time light signature isn’t distinctive enough, this one will surely create a big enough spectacle whenever you lock/unlock your car.

The E-Class can be further dressed up with a sporty front splitter, rear window and boot lip spoilers and wing mirror covers. New 19-inch wheels are also included in the long individualisation programme, as are a slew of genuine Mercedes-Benz carrier systems and roof boxes.

Technophiles get to enjoy a list of optional iPhone and iPad docking stations to access on board functions, and the rear seats can be turned into an entertainment hub with two 7-inch displays with integrated DVD player, USB and SD card slot and wireless headphones.

Availability of these add-ons here in Malaysia is unlikely though, at least through official channels. Watch the video below to see some of the accessories in action.

The post Official Mercedes-Benz E-Class accessories released appeared first on Paul Tan's Automotive News.

You’ve seen official pics of the exterior and interior, as well as several spyshots – now the W222 Mercedes-Benz S-Class gets teased in this video ahead of its debut on Wednesday in Hamburg, Germany.

According to various reports, known variants so far include an S 350 BlueTEC (258 hp/620 Nm 3.0 litre diesel V6, 0-100 km/h in 6.8 seconds), an S 500 (455 hp/700 Nm 4.7 litre petrol V8, 0-100 km/h in 4.8 seconds) and an S 400 Hybrid (306 hp/370 Nm 3.5 litre hybrid V6, 0-100 km/h in 6.8 seconds).

The W222 is said to be the most luxurious S-Class to date, to fill the void left by Maybach. The interior features LED ambient lighting, a Burmester sound system, 10-way adjustable seats, tray tables and soft-close doors, amongst many others. There’s even a perfuming system, with four scents to choose from! Being an S-Class, it’s not short on tech – more details on the arsenal of gadgets and safety systems here.

The exterior clearly borrows design cues from the CLS, with the twin body creases lending a touch of athleticism as well as aggression. As the facelifted E-Class has done, the new S-Class drops the prominent wheelarch haunches for a cleaner side profile. More details on Wednesday, which isn’t at all far away!

The post VIDEO: W222 Mercedes-Benz S-Class teased appeared first on Paul Tan's Automotive News.

Last week we reported that Michael Schumacher will be piloting a 2011 Mercedes Formula 1 car around the Nurburgring’s Nordschleife circuit. Now, new details have emerged confirming that the drive will in fact be a race between the GP racer and four other Mercedes-Benz AMG cars!

The competitors aren’t driven by nobodies either. Official F1 Safety Car driver Bernd Mayländer will take to the track first in an A 45 AMG, closely followed by Le Mans class winner Karl Wendlinger in an E 63 AMG S, current F1 star Nico Rosberg driving an SLS AMG Black Series and DTM legend Bernd Schneider in an SLS AMG GT3. Schumacher will start last in his F1 car.

Each driver’s starting time will be staggered to choreograph a photo finish, and as Rosberg says, “It will be interesting to see how long Michael can delay starting before catching up with us at the finish.”

This F1 vs AMG showdown isn’t the first of its kind, as Mercedes has organised numerous publicity stunts with its F1 partner McLaren before. Former Mclaren-Mercedes driver David Coulthard chased down Merc road cars twice before (read Paul’s posts on them here and here), and Fernando Alonso too did the deed in his short stint with the team in 2007.

The post Schumacher to star in new F1 vs AMG cars showdown appeared first on Paul Tan's Automotive News.

Sebastien Loeb is one busy chap isn’t he? Just last week he commandingly drove Citroen back into the WRC winner’s circle in Rally Argentina, and this coming weekend will see him back in the thick of the action racing a Martini Racing-liveried 911 in the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup series.

Come June, the on-demand superstar will be off to the clouds competing in the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb in this monster, the Peugeot 208 T16 Pikes Peak. Neither Sebastien or Peugeot is leaving anything to chance or pure talent, as they embark on an extensive test programme to extract the best out of the supreme combination.

The nine-time consecutive WRC world champion’s first experience with the 875 hp beast was filmed for us to watch. Loeb’s first comment? “It’s a rocket! The 208 package is a combination of the best of several worlds: it’s got the downforce of a Formula 1 car, the wide tyres of an endurance racing prototype and a differential, like a WRC car…”

It’s no ordinary 208, then. Now let’s see if he can beat Monster Tajima’s Toyota Super 86 and the all-time record set by Rhys Millen last year up Colorado’s 20-kilometre long, 4,301 metres high summit.

The post VIDEO: Loeb drives the Peugeot 208 T16 Pikes Peak appeared first on Paul Tan's Automotive News.

Something Vulcan for a change, and it’s definitely a hoot, with the help of the two Mr Spocks. Audi of America has come up with a video pitting the Audi S7 against the Mercedes-Benz CLS, injecting an element of Star Trek into the mix.

It’s a battle of wits between Leonard Nimoy and Zachary Quinto, both old and new Spock, all to showcase the updated Audi Typ 4G. Trek fans will undoubtedly find this one quite the gem.

The post VIDEO: Spock vs Spock, Audi S7 vs Mercedes CLS appeared first on Paul Tan's Automotive News.

McLaren is leaving no stone unturned in its quest to make the P1 the ‘best driver’s car in the world’. They are seen here testing the 916 hp hybrid hypercar on the dramatic frozen landscapes of the Arctic Circle in northern Sweden.

We’ve witnessed the McLaren P1 tested on track by Sergio Perez before, the car there sitting much lower to the ground than it is here on snow. That’s McLaren’s RaceActive Chassis Control (RCC) system working (or should we say Woking?) its magic.

Whether or not any of the 375 McLaren P1 owners will be executing elegant pirouettes in snow when their €1 million cars are delivered in a few months’ time, nobody knows, but we guess it’s good to know that they could. Plus, having a ‘Snow’ mode in a supercar is rather cool, don’t you think?

The post VIDEO: McLaren P1 on ice – tested to the extremes appeared first on Paul Tan's Automotive News.

The convertible with the world’s highest top speed is also very probably the car with the world’s longest name – the Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport Vitesse World Record Car Edition was unveiled at the recent Auto Shanghai. Only eight units will be built, and they’re up for a cool €1.99 million (RM8 million) each.

The special edition commemorates the Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport Vitesse‘s TÜV-certified 408.84 km/h achievement at the famed Ehra-Lessien test track earlier this month – making it officially the fastest convertible in the world. The Grand Sport Vitesse is essentially a Grand Sport with a Super Sport engine.

With an 8.0 litre quad-turbo W16 offering an otherworldly 1,200 hp and 1,500 Nm of twist connected to a seven-speed dual-clutch ‘box, the Vitesse takes an equally otherworldly 2.6 seconds to get to 100 km/h. In handling mode, it’s limited to a really-not-too-shabby 375 km/h.

“This was a very exciting moment. In our training sessions we exceeded 400 km/h but the fact that I could surpass this unbelievable speed once again and even higher has made me very proud,” said Anthony Liu, the Chinese racing driver who piloted the car.

“With an open top, you can really experience the sound of the engine and yet even at higher speeds I did not get compromised by the wind at all.”

This is actually a déjà vu of sorts – the first five Veyron Super Sports built were designated World Record Editions, in commemoration of the car’s record-breaking achievement of 431 km/h in 2010. And guess what – they were also in orange and black.

The post VIDEO: See the Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport Vitesse World Record Car Edition achieve 408.84 km/h appeared first on Paul Tan's Automotive News.

The mental Peugeot 208 T16 Pikes Peak and its master Sébastien Loeb have found a rival in the shape of Monster Sport’s Toyota Super 86, which will also contest in the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb‘s Unlimited Class. The pilot? Nobuhiro ‘Monster’ Tajima, the first person to record a sub-10 minute run in the event.

The Super 86 reportedly draws its might from a 3.0 litre twin-turbo V6 that develops 670 hp and 809 Nm of torque. A six-speed sequential ‘box is tasked with managing all that grunt, while a steel space frame and a body made out of a mixture of carbon and Kevlar contribute towards its 1.08 tonne weight.

That’s a power-to-weight ratio of 620 hp per tonne; in comparison, its French opponent manages 883 hp per tonne. Still, there’s no telling what’ll happen on June 30, as those of you who are familiar with the demanding conditions of Colorado’s Pikes Peak will know.

The incumbent Pikes Peak record holder is Team Rhys Millen Racing, who set a time of 9 minutes 46.164 seconds in a modified Hyundai Genesis Coupe last year. Click here for our string of Toyota 86-related posts, after you’re done treating your ears to that blown V6 thunder, and your eyes to that flame-spitting exhaust and all that glorious sideways action.

The post Toyota Super 86 by Monster Sport for Pikes Peak appeared first on Paul Tan's Automotive News.

Sharing the show floor with the new Chinese-market Yaris at this year’s Auto Shanghai is the Toyota Yundong Shuangqing II, a concept equipped with a hybrid powertrain that’s currently being developed at the Japanese firm’s R&D centre in Changshu. Toyota says the concept previews a production model that will be sold exclusively in China.

Its name tells us that it’s very probably an evolution of the Yundong Shuangqing concept (without the ‘II’ suffix) of last year’s Beijing show – but its outlook rather resembles that of the Corolla Furia concept from January’s Detroit show, down to that shoulder line upsweep at the C-pillar.

And guess what – its 4.62 metre length, 1.775 metre width, 1.45 metre height and 2.7 metre wheelbase are quite similar to the Furia’s, too. Which leads us to suppose that it’s the next Toyota Corolla this bling-wheeled beauty is pointing towards – will the upcoming iteration of the hugely-popular C-segmenter gain a hybrid variant?

See a set of spyshots here, Theophilus Chin‘s Furia-based speculative renderings here, or watch Korean superstar Hyuna pay a melodic tribute to one of the best-selling vehicle nameplates of all time here.

The post Toyota Yundong Shuangqing II concept debuts in Shanghai – will the next Corolla get a hybrid variant? appeared first on Paul Tan's Automotive News.

The wraps have come off the new China-spec Toyota Yaris at the ongoing Auto Shanghai. Measuring 4.113 metres long, 1.7 metres wide and 1.440 metres tall, with a wheelbase of 2.55 metres, the hatchback is a smidgen shorter both in length and height than the third-gen Toyota Vios sedan on which it’s based.

This Toyota Yaris has been designed specifically for China, and so differs from the current iterations of Japan’s Vitz and Europe’s Yaris - although these two may receive an aesthetic update along the same lines in time, since they’re now approaching three and two years of age in their respective markets.

Besides the obvious bodystyle and roofline differences between the Yaris and Vios, the hatchback gains a ‘handlebar moustache’ on the front grille that can be colour-contrasted with the body, different-shaped headlamps and a bigger front bumper cutout for the fog lamps.

The Yaris’ bonnet shut lines are different from the Vios’ too, and check out those C-shaped tail lamps! Blacked-out pillars help to create the ‘floating roof’ effect, while the interior seems to remain status quo where the Vios is concerned, at least from the pictures we have.

Details and specifications are scarce at the moment, but Toyota says the China-market Yaris and Vios are slated to enter production by the end of this year.

The post New China-market Toyota Yaris debuts in Shanghai appeared first on Paul Tan's Automotive News.

Here’s yet another sighting of the soon to be launched Proton Preve Hatchback. However, this time around we get to see the P3-22A doing some high speed runs on the NKVE, plus a bonus video of it in action, thanks to alert reader Farhan Akmal.

As a recap, the previous sighting was by our colleague William in Damansara last week, showing a group test with multiple units racking up urban miles together. One of the mules wore smaller steel wheels instead of the big alloys on today’s car – a hint that there will be multiple specs on offer.

You’ve seen the test mules before – in January, on the 6th, 10th, 16th and 28th – so this sighting reveals nothing new, just another sign that the P3-22A is coming soon. No one knows exactly how soon though, so in the meantime, have a look at Theophilus Chin’s renderings here.

The post VIDEO: Proton Preve Hatchback doing highway runs appeared first on Paul Tan's Automotive News.

Did the promise of the headline pique your interest? It did for us, the super-rare screamer that is the Lexus LFA and one of the sexiest recent concept cars, side-by-side, on track! It didn’t turn out that way, unfortunately, but it’s still good to see the duo together, living proof that Lexus can make desirable cars for those who love cars.

The Lexus LF-LC Concept was first shown at Detroit 2012, where the red stunner won the EyesOn Design Award for best concept car. Lexus then brought one to the Sydney Motor Show, wearing a handsome Opal Blue suit. So far this year, it has made stops at the Thai Motor Expo and Seoul Motor Show.

Recently, Wards’s Auto reported that the Lexus LF-LC has been pretty much green lighted for production as a coupe with a price tag similiar to the flagship Lexus LS limo, according to Lexus VP of marketing Brian Smith. They should, just because it looks so good. Gallery here.

The post VIDEO: Lexus LFA and LF-LC concept car on track appeared first on Paul Tan's Automotive News.

This quirky four-seater is the Nissan Friend-ME concept, which “addresses the social dynamics of Chinese men in their mid-20s.” In the words of product strategy division GM François Bancon, “(Generation Y) males are a huge cohort in the world’s largest market,” who are now “reaching their prime.”

The Nissan Friend-ME’s stance is low and wide; the overhangs short. Both head and tail lamps are boomerang-shaped, which seems to be fashionable these days. Inside, all four passengers share the same information as the driver: speed, navigation and so on.

A unique centre console splits the cabin along the length of the car, described rather hyperbolically as “an iconic monolith in an onyx-black finish.”

Screens visible from each seat blend seamlessly into the interior surfaces, and passengers can share content from their mobile devices to all on board. An efficient Pure Drive hybrid powertrain is mentioned, although no technical details have been released.

So, you Friend-Me or not?

The post Nissan Friend-ME concept shows up in Shanghai appeared first on Paul Tan's Automotive News.

And here it is, the first official video from BMW’s Auto Shanghai 2013 booth featuring our very own Harvinder Singh. BMW has this program where they pick different personalities to host their motorshow videos and we’re the third to be selected for this program, after Horatiu Boeriu for the NAIAS 2013 video and DTM champion Bruno Spengler at Geneva 2013. Malaysia boleh!

Harvinder interviews the Concept X4′s product manager and designer and asks some of the questions that you asked in our call for questions. As expected, the Concept X4 is a close indicator of what the production car will look like. BMW reveals that the BMW X4 will be put into production in 2014 and will be priced somewhere between the X3 and X5, but closer to the X3.

More details are in the video so check it out!

The post VIDEO: BMW Concept X4 at Auto Shanghai 2013 appeared first on Paul Tan's Automotive News.

Marvel’s Iron Man 3, the latest instalment to the super hero saga is poised for its official Malaysian debut on 26 April, and as revealed before, you have the chance of catching Robert Downey Jr’s latest flick before its premiere on 25 April by taking part in our Driven Movie Night contest.

The contest which is supposed to end on 19 April will now end on 21 April. With the extended contest deadline, lets talk about the man behind the suit, Tony Stark. He is known as a flamboyant billionaire philanthropist who loves technology and it is no secret that he loves his cars too. Here are some of the cars featured in the Iron Man’s saga:

Audi R8 and Audi R8 Spyder

It is pretty obvious that the Audi R8 is the star car for Tony Stark ever since the first instalment. The “four ring” brand seems to have a partnership with the series and sponsored a 2008 Audi R8, the brand’s signature high-end sports car model which is powered by a 420 hp 4.2 litre V8 powerplant for the first movie. In the second movie, Tony Stark drives an Audi R8 Spyder which uses a V10 5.2 litre FSI engine, pumping out 525 hp.

Shelby Cobra

For classic car junkies out there, the 1967 Shelby Cobra in Tony Stark’s garage is definitely a sight, until the car was destroyed following a malfunction with Stark’s suit. The Shelby Cobra was, at a time, the ultimate American sports car built by Carol Shelby and is powered by a massive 7.0 litre V8 powerplant with 427 hp. Interesting to note that to get over 400 hp in the 60′s, such a large engine capacity is required :) The car featured in the movie is said to be a dummy so no reason to shed a tear.

Ford Flathead Roadster

Yes, there was also a hot rod in Stark’s garage and apparently, this 1932 roadster is said to belong to the director of the movie, Jon Favreau. The 32′, famously tricked out to become hot rods, are powered by modern, much more powerful V8 engines. In original trim, this Blue Oval beauty should be motivated by a 65hp 3.6 litre V8.

Saleen S7

Also briefly featured in the first instalment of Iron Man is the Saleen S7. This sexy machine was produced between 2000 and 2004 in limited numbers. This American super car features a mid-engine, rear wheel drive configuration and is powered by a 7.0 litre Ford motor producing 550hp. There is also a variant called the Twin Turbo which makes up to 750 hp which hits 100 km/h in just 2.8 seconds!

Tesla Roadster

Being a man who loves technology, there is no surprise when you see an electric car in Tony Stark’s collection. At the time of filming the Tesla Roadster was still a prototype and only went into production at about the same time as the movie’s release. The Tesla Roadster is an all-electric roadster with a 248 hp electric motor and a range of 354 kilometres in range. The Tesla Roadster is said to be first production all-electric car to offer such a range.

Rolls-Royce Phantom

The Rolls-Royce Phantom was featured in Iron Man 2, which was destroyed by the villain played by Mickey Rourke. Apparently, the company built two identically spec-ed cars for the movie which is said to be the first for the BMW-owned brand. One unit was used specifically for the destruction scene while the other was the drivable unit. The Rolls-Royce Phantom runs a V12 engine making 460 hp.

Well there you have it, the cars behind the suit. As for Iron Man 3, we believe that Tony Stark will have the Audi R8 e-tron, an Audi A7 and the Honda NSX concept. Enjoy to movie!

The post The Iron Man trilogy: The cars behind the suit [AD] appeared first on Paul Tan's Automotive News.

Advanced aerodynamics play as big a part as mechanical prowess in making the McLaren P1 the automotive marvel that it is. Yes, the 916 hp hybrid drivetrain is beyond impressive in technical terms but power is nothing without control, and the P1’s finely honed active aero provides exactly that.

McLaren Automotive has just released this short video named ‘Designed by Air’ to preview its own two-part interactive web channel scheduled for a May release. The series will showcase the design pillars of the McLaren P1, starting from the all-important aerodynamics.

There’s not much to be seen in the clip, other than short glimpses of the P1’s active aero package in its road and track configurations (drop in ride-height, rear wing angle, etc.). The full web series will reveal an interactive 3D model of the McLaren P1 adapting itself to suit urban, alpine, highway and track environments to deliver optimum performance for differing road conditions.

Perhaps a more interesting watch is the second video, showing McLaren’s new recruit Sergio Perez having a go in the P1 at the infamous Top Gear track. The driver/circuit combo may not be quite as prestigious as Fernando Alonso driving the LaFerrari round Fiorano, but it makes for a good viewing nonetheless.

The post VIDEO: See McLaren P1′s active aerodynamics at work appeared first on Paul Tan's Automotive News.

Yesterday, we showed you teaser images of the Peugeot 208 T16 Pikes Peak, which will compete in the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb in June. Now we have a video and pics of the fully revealed racer. The monster 208 will be driven by none other than living rally legend Sébastien Loeb in the event’s top level Unlimited class.

This year marks the French team’s return to the classic American event after memorable victories there in 1988 and 1989. A winged Peugeot 405 T16 was terrorising the Colorado hill back then, with Ari Vatanen and Robby Unser respectively winning behind the wheel.

The 156-corner “Race to the Clouds” 20 km route is now entirely asphalt. The start line is located at an altitude of 2,800 metres, which means that competitors face an altitude difference of some 1,500 metres.

Meanwhile, the lack of oxygen is a challenge not only for the car engines – which can lose up to 30% of their power – but also for the drivers who must remained fully focused. Rhys Millen won last year’s climb in his Hyundai Genesis Coupe.

No specs of the 208 T16 were released, but among the details we can pick out are a carbon-fibre body with flared wheelarches, side exhaust, roof scoop and a big rear wing. The stripped-out, roll-caged, no-nonsense interior houses a carbon-fibre racing seat, a steering wheel flanked by shift paddles and a digital readout.

We were lucky to have covered the event live last year – read our Pikes Peak coverage here.

The post VIDEO: Peugeot 208 T16 Pikes Peak fully revealed appeared first on Paul Tan's Automotive News.

Another one that’ll be there next week at Auto Shanghai: the Icona Vulcano, an exotic one-off supercar which gets teased in this set of photos.

The Vulcano has a front-mounted hybrid V12 powertrain that develops 900 hp, affording a 0-200 km/h sprint time of under 10 seconds and a top speed of well over 300 km/h. Ex-Ferrari engine technical director Claudio Lombardi worked on the powertrain.

In charge of the looks department is French designer Samuel Chuffart, who previously worked for Nissan and Jaguar Land Rover before becoming head of the Icona studio.

Founded in 2010, Icona is a Shanghai-based Italian boutique carmaker and design house. It quietly debuted the Fuselage concept, an all-electric, gullwing-doored four-seater (second picture above), at Auto Shanghai 2011. The Vulcano is said to be an evolution of the Fuselage.

The post Icona Vulcano teased ahead of Shanghai premiere appeared first on Paul Tan's Automotive News.

It’s very probably the last vehicle on Earth you’d imagine as a taxi, but it must surely rank as one of the coolest. Yes, it’s for promotional purposes and therefore you’re very unlikely to hail the Renault Megane Trophy V6 you see in this clip on L’Avenue des Champs-Élysées.

Doesn’t stop us from wishing we could, though – what’d we give to hear that 400 hp/422 Nm 3.5 litre V6 at full pelt just behind our ears as the World Series car mercilessly doughnuts around the French capital’s Place de la Concorde. A few of its fares, however, clearly seem to be begging for merci.

A comparatively tamer relation is the Renault Megane RS 265 Cup (although still a right scorcher with 265 hp and 360 Nm of twist from its turbocharged 2.0 litre four-pot unit), which launched in Malaysia at the beginning of the year.

The post VIDEO: Renault Megane Trophy V6 as Paris taxi appeared first on Paul Tan's Automotive News.

When Ferrari unveiled the LaFerrari to the world in Geneva last March, it sent shockwaves throughout the automotive world. Many were left flummoxed by the absurd name more than its performance figures however, as everyone had expected it to be electrifyingly quick. But that name, now that was unexpected.

Back to the performance, so far Ferrari has withheld the specifics of it, releasing estimates rather than exact figures. The 0-100 km/h time for instance, is promised to be under three seconds. There’s a reason behind the secrecy of course, as Ferrari is still fine-tuning it to make it just that little bit faster.

Very crucial in the finalisation process of what is to be the most capable road car ever is input from the most capable driver of recent years – the one and only Fernando Alonso. Just as Michael Schumacher was looped in to the Ferrari Enzo’s development, Alonso got his grubby hands on the LaFerrari.

Watch the clip above to see the double-Formula One world champion take Ferrari’s new ultimate hypercar to its limit around the Fiorano track. Excuse the sloppy video editing and obvious fast-forwarding though, as it’s hard to make a perfectly driven lap look exciting on camera. Had it been Luca Badoer at the wheel, we’re sure the footage would be a lot more amusing. Perfection has its price.

The post VIDEO: Alonso drives the LaFerrari around Fiorano appeared first on Paul Tan's Automotive News.

The Ford Focus ST is a great hot hatch, but one thing that breaks the deal for me is the looks – the fish face, to be precise. But younger sister Fiesta ST is another thing altogether. The Aston-style nose may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but it’s growing on me. And the go-faster bits on the ST turns the three-door hatch into a sexy little thing.

It has substance, too. A 1.6 litre EcoBoost turbo engine with 182 PS and 240 Nm of torque is paired to a six-speed manual transmission (bucks the DCT trend) for 0-100 km/h in 6.9 seconds and a top speed of 220 km/h. That’s big performance for such a small car.

From a standard Fiesta, the ST adds on a modified front steering knuckle, adapted rear twist-beam with increased roll-stiffness, unique front and rear spring and damper settings, and a 15 mm lower centre of gravity. Also introduced are features like Torque Vectoring Control (eTVC) and 3-mode ESC (full system intervention, wide-slip mode with limited intervention and full ESC off).

The latter is demonstrated in this video by none other than Ken Block, the Monster World Rally Team driver that can do jaw droppingly amazing things with a car. Dancing on ice, the man makes the Fiesta ST more desirable, which is of course the point of the video.

Click here to view a gallery of the Fiesta ST from its international media drive currently being held in the south of France, and here to see it hooning around Ford’s proving ground in Belgium.

The post VIDEO: Ford Fiesta ST ice skating with Ken Block appeared first on Paul Tan's Automotive News.

After being teased in a recent video, the first official pictures of the Auto Shanghai-bound Citroen DS Wild Rubis concept surface. The DS5-based study previews a future DS crossover, and is “designed to be driven by full-hybrid plug-in technology” – although we have no powertrain details yet.

Perhaps not quite as Wild as we’d imagined, but it’s still captivating, what with those flashy 21-inch wheels, that 3D-effect front grille bestowed with the prominent DS emblem and those hypnotic claw-shaped LED signatures. The glass of the rear lamps is encased in chrome, while the broad twin tailpipes are bridged by a classy chrome bar.

The Citroen DS Wild Rubis concept is 4.7 metres long, nearly two metres wide and 1.6 metres tall, with a wheelbase of 2.9 metres. Expect more details to drop in soon – meanwhile, feast your eyes on the photos.

The post Citroen DS Wild Rubis concept is Shanghai-bound appeared first on Paul Tan's Automotive News.

For those of you who don’t have the release date of Fast and Furious 6 penned into your calendars, perhaps this will whet your appetite for a car-based film – two-time Academy Award-winning director Ron Howard’s latest project, Rush.

Rush portrays the exhilarating true story of two of the greatest Formula One rivals ever witnessed – charismatic and handsome English playboy James Hunt (played by Chris Hemsworth of The Avengers and Thor fame) in a McLaren and his methodical and perfectionist Austrian opponent, Niki Lauda (Daniel Brühl, Inglourious Basterds) driving a Ferrari.

Hunt and Lauda’s rivalry for the 1976 Formula One world championship intensified after the latter survived a terrifying crash at the Nürburgring Nordschleife circuit (you can see bits of this crash in the trailer above). His superhuman comeback mere weeks later, with half his face permanently disfigured, stunned his team, rivals, and the F1 world.

“Lauda and Hunt were rock stars of the racetrack: two absolute pros at the top of their game, in a time when sex was safe, driving was dangerous and all bets were off,” said Howard. “They were also complicated, fascinating men and born rivals. Rush will be as much about that personal rivalry as it will be about the thrill of the race.”

Rush will hit the theatres in September this year. We can hardly wait.

The post VIDEO: First trailer of Ron Howard’s new F1 film Rush appeared first on Paul Tan's Automotive News.

It’s not often that we feature promo videos on this site, as only the more interesting and less-self-aggrandising ones are allowed in. The latest effort by Peugeot Italia, which pits the facelifted Peugeot RCZ against a mountain bike down a snowy hill – we know, we know, a very original idea – is deemed worthy for our readers. Just.

The highly stylised RCZ gets a fittingly artful video adaptation, with a matching wicked soundtrack by Tommy Bass to boot. Be warned though, you might want to mute it if you’re in the anti-dubstep camp.

Driven by five-time Italian Rally champion Paolo Andreucci, the Peugeot RCZ slips and slides down the snowy hill with fellow Italian downhill bike racing ace Lorenzo Suding close in tow. Cue a few handbrake turns and Suding finds himself jumping over the car for the quickest line down. Oh so cliché but it makes a good viewing.

Watch the video to find out who wins. Just kidding, of course the RCZ triumphs. Why would anyone expect otherwise?

The post VIDEO: Peugeot RCZ vs a bicycle down a snowy road appeared first on Paul Tan's Automotive News.

It seems the Citroen DSX concept, which we told you about in February, has undergone a name change – the DS5-based study is now called the Citroen DS Wild Rubis concept, and its maker has duly released this teaser video before the wraps are officially cast aside in Shanghai next week.

While we’re not sure exactly what a Rubis is, we do not doubt that it’s going to be Wild. Citroen has already shown us how far away from convention it can fly with its new C4 Picasso – and that’s a production car.

The clip doesn’t show much, save for a prominent DS grille badge (a first for a DS model?) and claw-shaped headlamps, but expect more juicy details to trickle in soon, as Auto Shanghai is just around the corner!

The concept hints at a future premium crossover to rival the likes of the Range Rover Evoque and Audi Q5. The production car should hit China early next year before being introduced in Europe in late-2014.

It could be 4.7 metres long and could come with petrol, diesel and hybrid powertrains. Apparently only hybrid versions will have AWD available, and that they’re likely to be in the same vein as the diesel-electric DS5 HYbrid4.

Europe will get a diesel-hybrid version that will see PSA’s HDi 163 unit and an electric motor working together for a combined output of 200 hp, just like in the Peugeot 3008 HYbrid4, while China should get a 1.6 litre THP with 240 hp. The starting price in Europe is estimated at around €39k (RM165k).

The post VIDEO: Citroen DS Wild Rubis teased ahead of debut appeared first on Paul Tan's Automotive News.

The delectable Subaru WRX Concept, which recently surfaced at the 2013 New York International Auto Show, gets detailed in this video by design department GM Osamu Namba. You might very well agree though, that you wouldn’t need to understand its aesthetics to deem this Scooby one easy-on-the-eye brute.

All the same, the 57 year-old dissects the car from fore to aft, introducing you to distinctive elements such as the hexagonal grille, hawk-eye headlamps and how they fit into what he calls a “pulled-back” look. He also talks about the smooth coupe-like side profile, the sharp-edged boot lid and the yellow-ringed quad tailpipes.

If hope does indeed spring eternal, we hope very, very hard that the production version won’t stray too far from this looker here.

The post VIDEO: Design chief explains Subaru WRX Concept appeared first on Paul Tan's Automotive News.

Porsche is returning to the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2014 with a new LMP1 sports prototype that’s widely believed to be an endurance race-prepped version of the upcoming 918 halo car – already hinted by the 918 RSR concept shown as early as 2011.

What better way to look at the future than with a glimpse of the past, particularly at the Porsche 917 in 1971, arguably the greatest Le Mans racer of all time. What made it so significant? Because it was so ground breaking that it broke records too.

Its magnesium tube frame construction was by far the lightest of its kind and time at just 42 kg, allowing Jackie Oliver to lap the Circuit de la Sarthe with an average of 250 km/h, a record that stands to this day.

In the race, victors Helmut Marko (yes, Vettel’s guardian devil Dr Marko) and Gijs van Lennep covered 5,335.3 km while averaging 222.304 km/h (including lengthy pit stops) – a remarkable record that stood for 39 years until Audi’s R15 Plus broke it in spectacular fashion in 2010.

The clip ended with “Mission 2014. Our Return.” Simple words, a tough ask.

The post VIDEO: Porsche 917 in Le Mans 1971 – records broken appeared first on Paul Tan's Automotive News.