Renault Clio RS: baby hot-hatch uncovered

CarAdvice’s spy photographers have captured the all-new Renault Clio RS and what is believed to be the sportier Gordini variant almost entirely undisguised as the French hot-hatch enters the final stages of testing.

Differentiating the new Renaultsport model from the standard Renault Clio range is a broad front lower air intake that once again incorporates an F1-inspired aero splitter, as well as the car’s lower ride height, larger wheels and brakes and sportier rear end with a bigger spoiler and diffuser.

The black prototype appears to be the standard Clio RS, while the white vehicle is believed to be the hotter Clio Gordini RS given its split tailpipe layout and larger matt black wheels.

The new 2013 Renault Clio RS will be a very different car to the city-sized Renaultsport hatchback it replaces.

The new model will trade the existing car’s naturally aspirated 2.0-litre engine for a turbocharged 1.6-litre powerplant.

As it has over the previous four generations, power is expected to climb marginally, while the new forced induction arrangement is rumoured to boost torque to as high as 270Nm.

Renaultsport has pulled another 180 in the transmission department, switching from exclusively manual gearboxes to a six-speed dual-clutch automatic unit with steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters.

More torque, faster gearshifts and a reduced body weight (the standard Clio IV shed around 100kg compared with the old model) should see the new model improve markedly over the outgoing car’s 6.9-second 0-100km/h sprint.

Unlike the current Clio RS200 that comes only as a three-door, all new Clio Renaultsports will be five-doors, with the rear door handles concealed in the C-pillars to mimic a coupe profile.

The new Clio Renaultsport is expected to hit Australian showrooms around the end of 2013, following the reintroduction of the standard Clio range in the middle of the year.

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Mini Paceman: official details of 4WD coupe

Full details and images of the Mini Paceman have been released, revealing the brand’s first ever four-wheel drive two-door model ahead of the compact SUV’s 2012 Paris motor show world premiere later this month.

The Mini Paceman, a two-door variant of the Mini Countryman and Mini’s seventh model line, is being hailed by Mini as the world’s first ‘Sports Activity Coupe’ in the premium small and compact vehicle segment.

Seating four and with lowered sports suspension – regular suspension and ride height are available as a no-cost option – the Mini Paceman will launch with four of the brand’s usual engine suspects, comprising two petrol and two diesel powerplants.

The petrol engines include the top-spec Mini Cooper S Paceman’s 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder, with 135kW of power and 240Nm of torque (260Nm available on overboost), that will see 0-100km/h come up in 7.5 seconds (7.8 seconds automatic) before hitting a top speed of 217km/h, and the naturally aspirated Cooper Paceman’s 90kW/160Nm motor delivering a 0-100km/h sprint of 10.4 seconds (11.5 seconds auto) and a 192km/h top speed.

As for the diesels, the Cooper SD Paceman scores a 105kW/305Nm 2.0-litre while the Cooper D Paceman relies on a 1.6-litre for the manual and a 2.0-litre in automatic trim, both providing 82kW and 270Nm. Brake energy regeneration, gear shift indication and auto stop/start function also feature to improve the Paceman’s efficiency, regardless of its drivetrain, while an optional ‘Sport’ button tweaks engine and steering response.

A six-speed manual gearbox is standard for the Paceman with the option of a six-speed Steptronic automatic transmission available, the latter linked with paddle shifters for Cooper S and Cooper SD variants.

Following in the all-paw tracks of the four-door Mini Countryman, the Mini Paceman is the second only Mini to offer the company’s ALL4 all-wheel-drive system meaning it can take advantage of an electromagnetic centre differential that distributes drive between front and rear axles. Available on all but one variant – the Cooper Paceman misses out – ALL4 comes with dynamic traction control and Mini’s electronic differential lock control to enhance traction.

As recently leaked photos show, the Mini Paceman is clearly distinguishable from its siblings with its large headlights, sculptured bonnet and upright hexagonal radiator grille with chrome surround.

Its canopy tapers towards the rear of the car, mirroring the ‘helmet’ look of the Mini Coupe models, before flowing into the integrated rear spoiler.

Moving down, the newly designed horizontal tail-lights – a first on a Mini – feature chrome surrounds that match a chrome strip wrapping around the car’s waistline and tailgate.

The Mini Paceman is also the first member of Mini’s line-up to be stamped with a rear nameplate sitting on the tailgate below the company badge.

Inside sees classic touches like the mandatory Mini central speedo – now sitting in a matt Carbon Black border – remain but mixed with fresh ideas such as the window buttons being moved to the door trim rather than the centre console and newly designed air vent surrounds.

Driver and front passenger sports seats are standard and are joined by the two foldable rear seats that, when laid down, increase the Paceman’s load capacity from 330 litres to 1080 litres providing the two-door with relative practicality.

Safety is also addressed with front, side and curtain airbags and ISOFIX child seat attachments for the rear. Adaptive xenon headlights, rain sensing wipers and park assist are all available as options.

Customisation remains a priority for Mini, with alloy wheels ranging in size from 16-inch – standard on Cooper Paceman and Cooper D Paceman – 17-inch – for Cooper S Paceman and Cooper SD Paceman – and 18- and 19-inch alloy wheels as options.

Eight exterior colours are available including the new Brilliant Copper, Blazing Red and Starlight Blue – the latter an exclusive Paceman hue – and both the roof and wing mirror caps can be finished in body colour, white or black.

The release of the Mini Paceman also comes with confirmation that a John Cooper Works version is in the pipeline.

The Mini Paceman is due to join Australia’s current Mini range when it arrives in early 2013.

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BMW Concept Active Tourer debuts new front-wheel-drive platform

BMW has given the world its first look at its front-wheel drive future, revealing the BMW Concept Active Tourer ahead of its debut at this month’s 2012 Paris motor show.

The small car-sized BMW Concept Active Tourer rides on an all-new vehicle architecture, and for the first time in BMW’s history features a transversely mounted 1.5-litre three-cylinder petrol engine that powers only the front wheels.

The Active Tourer is technically an all-wheel-drive concept, as its drivetrain incorporates an electric motor that turns the rear wheels, although the new front-wheel-drive platform and engine layout previews the configuration that will find its way into a number of new compact BMWs as well as the third-generation Mini Cooper range from 2014.

The BMW Concept Active Tourer is expected to preview the design of the upcoming BMW 1 Series Gran Turismo, which will follow in the footsteps of the BMW 5 Series GT and soon-to-be-released BMW 3 Series GT in offering a chunkier design and added interior space and versatility. The 1 Series GT will become Bavaria’s answer to the popular Mercedes-Benz B-Class compact MPV.

At 4350mm long, 1834mm wide, 1560mm tall and riding on a 2670mm wheelbase, the Active Tourer is 26mm longer, 69mm wider and 139mm taller than the current BMW 1 Series hatch, and is 20mm shorter between the wheels, while its front-wheel-drive layout promises to enhance cabin space.

The Concept Active Tourer is a plug-in hybrid and previews much of the technology that will be applied to the BMW i8 sports car from 2014.

The brand-new three-cylinder engine teams with the rear-mounted electric motor and a lithium-ion battery pack. The system produces a combined output in excess of 140kW, while the electric motor can send 200Nm of torque instantaneously to the rear wheels.

BMW says the Active Tourer can run in zero-emissions electric-only mode for more than 20km and estimates average fuel consumption less than 2.5 litres per 100km and average CO₂ emissions below 60 grams per kilometre.

The concept’s impressive efficiency is matched by solid performance, with a sub-8.0-second 0-100km/h acceleration time and a top speed of approximately 200km/h.

The BMW Concept Active Tourer abandons the polarising bulbous styling of the 1 Series hatch for a broader, more mature look reminiscent of the brand’s larger and pricier models.

The minimalistic cabin sports a cockpit layout, incorporating a head-up display, large central screen and iDrive controller all directed towards the driver. The rest of the space is designed to enhance passenger comfort, with seatback-mounted screens for the rear passengers and a full-length panoramic glass roof adding to the sense of spaciousness.

The BMW Concept Active Tourer will debut at Paris on September 27.

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Peugeot Oynx concept: 507kW French supercar revealed

The Peugeot Onyx supercar concept is guaranteed to be one of the stars of the 2012 Paris motor show, with the French manufacturer today revealing the awesome performance potential of the coupe’s V8 diesel hybrid powertrain.

Rather than preview a future production supercar model, the Onyx concept is a development project intended to showcase the imagination and skill of Peugeot’s designers and engineers.

The result is impressive nonetheless, with the oil-burning Onyx concept producing almost as much power as the Lamborghini Aventador.

The mid/rear-mounted 3.7-litre V8 diesel engine produces 447kW (600hp), which is sent to the rear wheels via a six-speed sequential transmission.

Peugeot’s Hybrid4 technology recovers kinetic energy during braking and stores it in a lithium-ion battery pack. The energy is released automatically under hard acceleration, boosting power by 60kW for a total output of 507kW.

Peugeot is yet to reveal the Onyx’s sprint time or top speed, but with a total weight of just 1100kg – almost 475kg lighter than the Aventador – it’s guaranteed to fly.

At 4650mm long, 2200mm wide and 1130mm tall, the Peugeot Onyx concept is 130mm shorter, 170mm wider and 6mm taller than the Lambo.

Peugeot’s R&D department developed the car’s carbonfibre chassis in collaboration with Peugeot Sport. The central structure consists of only 12 parts, eliminating connecting plates, improving torsional stiffness, and keeping weight down to just 100kg.

The wings and doors are handcrafted pure copper sheets while the rest of the body is carbonfibre painted matt black.

The cabin is formed as a one-piece pod with no stitching or joins, creating a cocoon-like environment, which Onyx interior designer Julien Cueff said was inspired by an egg carton.

“With remarkable economy of material, it protects very fragile items,” Cueff said.

The dashboard is constructed from ‘newspaper wood’, a material composed of recycled newspaper that is assembled and compressed to create ‘logs’ that are then carved into shape, creating a wood grain effect.

A head-up display houses the standard instrument cluster information, while the hybrid data is displayed on the car’s digital screens.

A series of aluminium toggles sit above the driver’s head in front of a strip displaying images from the three rear-facing cameras: two in the side ‘mirrors’ and the third providing a panoramic view out the rear.

If it all seems a little too good to be true, be sure to check back on September 27 when the Peugeot Onyx concept is unveiled in the flesh on the stand in Paris.

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Peugeot 2008 concept: three-cylinder baby SUV set for production in 2013

Official photos and details of the Peugeot 2008 concept – due to be unveiled at this month’s 2012 Paris motor show – have been released just a day after identical images leaked online.

The fluorescent matt yellow Peugeot 2008 concept features a unique tune of the company’s new 1.2-litre turbocharged three-cylinder petrol engine, which debuted in the all-new Peugeot 208 city car.

The direct-injection 1.2-litre unit is said to combine 81kW of power with low fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.

Measuring 4140mm long and 1740mm wide – 245mm shorter and 91mm narrower than an Audi Q3 – the compact SUV features dark chrome details, a ‘floating grille’, and a roof spoiler and roof bars constructed of aluminium.

Taking inspiration from the Peugeot SXC concept car shown at the Shanghai Motor Show in 2011, the new 2008 concept is intended to merge the style and ideas behind the 208 and 3008 crossover to create “a small vehicle combining agility, compactness, versatility and a striking style for young-minded city dwellers who love the city, while also loving to escape from it”.

Peugeot says the 2008 has its own unique identity born out of the marriage of the elegance and refinement of hatchbacks, and the impertinence and mischievousness of SUVs.

The Peugeot 2008 concept will start production in France in 2013 ahead of being manufactured in China, with Brazil to follow later as it tackles the strong field of rival compact SUVs such as the all-new Ford EcoSport and Holden Trax/Opel Mokka.

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2013 Peugeot RCZ: updated styling for sporty French coupe

Official images and details of the 2013 Peugeot RCZ have been revealed ahead of the updated French coupe’s unveiling at the Paris motor show later this month.

The 2013 Peugeot RCZ sports an entirely new front-end design. The ‘smiley face’ grille of the original RCZ makes way for a more modern two level arrangement, with the brand’s new signature hexagonal upper grille bordered by a flowing lower intake that incorporates the new LED daytime running lights.

The inside corners of the headlights are now rounded and the lenses are tinted to create a darker, sportier appearance.

The cabin gets a more modest upgrade with a few subtle changes to trim materials and textures.

Peugeot is stepping up the personalisation potential with the 2013 RCZ. Those purchasing the updated model can select from black or satin chrome grille bars; aluminium, sand and matt black roof arches; a matt or satin carbon roof; a ‘Black Pack’ with matt calipers and black exterior mirror caps; 10 different alloy wheel designs; and three body decals with RCZ lettering in black, grey or red.

Also available is the new ‘Sound System’ technology, which amplifies the sound of the engine through a controlled diaphragm, with the vibration noise becoming louder as the engine revs rise.

While there are no upgrades to the existing petrol and diesel powertrains for the 2013 model, a high-performance variant is on the way to appease fans after even more power.

The Peugeot RCZ R concept will appear alongside the updated range in Paris on September 27 before the production car goes on sale at the end of 2013.

The Peugeot RCZ R is powered by a 194kW version of the brand’s 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine – 47kW more than the current flagship – yet promises to be almost as clean from a fuel consumption and emissions perspective, with both rated at approximately 6.9 litres per 100km and 155 grams of CO₂ per kilometre.

Enhancing the RCZ R’s performance credentials is a sports suspension tune, Torsen limited slip differential and unique alloy wheels. A range of interior and exterior highlights will further differentiate it from the standard range.

Full Australian specifications of the 2013 Peugeot RCZ will be revealed closer to it local introduction next year.

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Ferrari 599 FXX delivered to Google executive in Monza

The ultra-rare Ferrari 599 FXX Evolution that was the highlight of a Ferrari auction designed to raise money for victims of Italy’s May earthquakes, has been delivered to the winning bidder at a presentation at the recent Italian Grand Prix at Monza.

Google vice president of engineering Benjamin Sloss has been handed the keys to his bright yellow 552kW/700Nm 6.0-litre V12-powered Ferrari 599 FXX Evolution that he acquired with a winning donation of 1.4 million euros ($1.7 million) to the Italian earthquake fund.

Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo presented the car to Sloss, joined by Ferrari Formula One drivers Fernando Alonso and Felipe Massa.

The charity auction took place in June, following two earthquakes that hit northern Italy on May 20 and 30 of 2012.

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