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Against a background of nervous suppliers, production stoppages and Chinese investment, Saab has announced a series of improvements to its 9-5 Saloon for 2012. As expected, it has also confirmed the introduction of the 9-5 SportWagon.



A series of changes are being introduced to make the 9-5 more fuel efficient and environmentally friendly. All engines have been tweaked, and devices such as automatic stop-start and a gearshift indicator are now fitted. The headline result is that the Saloon equipped with the 157 bhp (118 kW / 160 PS) 2.0 litre TiD diesel engine and manual transmission now emits 125 g/km of CO2. Before, the figure was 139 g/km.



Significantly, that means the Saab just betters the 129 g/km of the fleet managers’ favourite, the BMW 520d. However, it should be remembered that the 9-5 still has 23 bhp (17 kW / 24 PS) less than its German rival.

Another important area which has received attention is the chassis, something that was criticised when the 9-5 was first launched. This time around, extensive testing was done on the rough tracks that pass for UK roads to help smooth out the ride characteristics. The result is revised spring rates, dampers and suspension bushings, plus the promise from Saab of a much more enjoyable drive.



Standard equipment levels have been enhanced by the addition of a hard disk satellite navigation system with 8” touch screen, DAB radio and revised interior trims for all variants. Making it onto the options list for the first time are a rear reversing camera and adaptive cruise control.



The SportWagon models will carry a £1,200 premium over their Saloon equivalents, meaning on the road prices will be between £26,995 and £39,195.





Unfortunately the new arrival lacks the visual elegance of the Saloon, especially when viewed side-on. That’s mainly because the upper profile of the doors features a strong rearward down slope, which then results in an odd clash of shapes and a lack of flow towards the back.



Nevertheless, those strange lines conceal a generous enough load bay. Cargo capacity is 527 litres with the rear seats up, rising to 1,600 litres with them folded down.



That’s similar to competitors such as the Audi A6 Avant (565 / 1,680 litres), Volvo V70 (575 / 1,600 litres) and BMW 5 Series Touring (560 / 1,670 litres). But if luggage space is the absolute priority, buyers would be better looking at the Mercedes-Benz E-Class Estate (695 / 1,950 litres) or the Škoda Superb Estate (633 / 1,865 litres).



Dealers are accepting orders for the 2012 Saab 9-5 range now, and the first customer deliveries are expected during autumn 2011.



Related post:

Saab 9-5 range expands

Against a background of nervous suppliers, production stoppages and Chinese investment, Saab has announced a series of improvements to its 9-5 Saloon for 2012. As expected, it has also confirmed the introduction of the 9-5 SportWagon.



A series of changes are being introduced to make the 9-5 more fuel efficient and environmentally friendly. All engines have been tweaked, and devices such as automatic stop-start and a gearshift indicator are now fitted. The headline result is that the Saloon equipped with the 157 bhp (118 kW / 160 PS) 2.0 litre TiD diesel engine and manual transmission now emits 125 g/km of CO2. Before, the figure was 139 g/km.



Significantly, that means the Saab just betters the 129 g/km of the fleet managers’ favourite, the BMW 520d. However, it should be remembered that the 9-5 still has 23 bhp (17 kW / 24 PS) less than its German rival.

Another important area which has received attention is the chassis, something that was criticised when the 9-5 was first launched. This time around, extensive testing was done on the rough tracks that pass for UK roads to help smooth out the ride characteristics. The result is revised spring rates, dampers and suspension bushings, plus the promise from Saab of a much more enjoyable drive.



Standard equipment levels have been enhanced by the addition of a hard disk satellite navigation system with 8” touch screen, DAB radio and revised interior trims for all variants. Making it onto the options list for the first time are a rear reversing camera and adaptive cruise control.



The SportWagon models will carry a £1,200 premium over their Saloon equivalents, meaning on the road prices will be between £26,995 and £39,195.





Unfortunately the new arrival lacks the visual elegance of the Saloon, especially when viewed side-on. That’s mainly because the upper profile of the doors features a strong rearward down slope, which then results in an odd clash of shapes and a lack of flow towards the back.



Nevertheless, those strange lines conceal a generous enough load bay. Cargo capacity is 527 litres with the rear seats up, rising to 1,600 litres with them folded down.



That’s similar to competitors such as the Audi A6 Avant (565 / 1,680 litres), Volvo V70 (575 / 1,600 litres) and BMW 5 Series Touring (560 / 1,670 litres). But if luggage space is the absolute priority, buyers would be better looking at the Mercedes-Benz E-Class Estate (695 / 1,950 litres) or the Škoda Superb Estate (633 / 1,865 litres).



Dealers are accepting orders for the 2012 Saab 9-5 range now, and the first customer deliveries are expected during autumn 2011.



Related post:

Saab 9-5 range expands

Buick has confirmed some technical specifications for its forthcoming 2012 Regal GS - and the big news is that it’s going to have slightly more power than originally thought.



When first announced in November last year, it was estimated that the 2.0 litre Ecotec turbocharged, four-cylinder, direct injection engine would produce 255 bhp (190 kW / 258 PS).



However, the GS has now been SAE certified at 270 bhp (201 kW / 273 PS). Peak torque, which is achieved at 2,400 rpm, remains at the previous figure of 400 Nm (295 lb/ft).

That’s plenty for a front-wheel drive car, and it adds up to a 0-60 mph (96 km/h) acceleration time of just 6.7 seconds. Anticipated Highway fuel economy is a fairly respectable 28 mpg US (33.6 mpg imperial / 8.4 l/100km), vindicating the decision to use a small capacity turbo engine rather than a normally aspirated six-cylinder unit.



Anticipating that torque steer could be an issue, Buick has fitted the GS with its High Performance Strut front suspension system. This is also engineered to maintain a negative camber during cornering, thereby helping the tyres grip better.



Other chassis elements include the Interactive Drive Control System, which allows the driver to choose from three modes that control suspension settings and steering response. ‘Standard’ is for everyday use, ‘GS’ is for press-on hard driving, and ‘Sport’ is somewhere in the middle of those two. Computer Damping Control meanwhile constantly adjusts the damping in response to changing road conditions.



Sales of the Buick Regal GS are due to begin this autumn.



Related post:

2012 Buick Regal GS

Buick has confirmed some technical specifications for its forthcoming 2012 Regal GS - and the big news is that it’s going to have slightly more power than originally thought.



When first announced in November last year, it was estimated that the 2.0 litre Ecotec turbocharged, four-cylinder, direct injection engine would produce 255 bhp (190 kW / 258 PS).



However, the GS has now been SAE certified at 270 bhp (201 kW / 273 PS). Peak torque, which is achieved at 2,400 rpm, remains at the previous figure of 400 Nm (295 lb/ft).

That’s plenty for a front-wheel drive car, and it adds up to a 0-60 mph (96 km/h) acceleration time of just 6.7 seconds. Anticipated Highway fuel economy is a fairly respectable 28 mpg US (33.6 mpg imperial / 8.4 l/100km), vindicating the decision to use a small capacity turbo engine rather than a normally aspirated six-cylinder unit.



Anticipating that torque steer could be an issue, Buick has fitted the GS with its High Performance Strut front suspension system. This is also engineered to maintain a negative camber during cornering, thereby helping the tyres grip better.



Other chassis elements include the Interactive Drive Control System, which allows the driver to choose from three modes that control suspension settings and steering response. ‘Standard’ is for everyday use, ‘GS’ is for press-on hard driving, and ‘Sport’ is somewhere in the middle of those two. Computer Damping Control meanwhile constantly adjusts the damping in response to changing road conditions.



Sales of the Buick Regal GS are due to begin this autumn.



Related post:

2012 Buick Regal GS

Toyota has released the first details and images of its third generation Yaris supermini.



The new car’s design comes as no surprise, as it’s essentially a re-badged version of the Japanese market Vitz that was launched at the end of last year. It was also previewed by the Yaris Hybrid Concept, as seen at the Geneva Motor Show in March.

Like its predecessor, the new Yaris will be built at Valenciennes in France. Power will come from a choice of 1.0 litre VVT-i petrol, 1.33 litre dual VVT-i petrol or 1.4 litre D-4D diesel engines, but no performance or economy figures have been released.



Similarly, equipment specifications are yet to be confirmed, except that Toyota is saying the majority of variants will come with the ‘Touch and Go’ multimedia system which features a 6.1” touch screen.



UK sales of the new Toyota Yaris are due to begin this summer.



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Toyota has released the first details and images of its third generation Yaris supermini.



The new car’s design comes as no surprise, as it’s essentially a re-badged version of the Japanese market Vitz that was launched at the end of last year. It was also previewed by the Yaris Hybrid Concept, as seen at the Geneva Motor Show in March.

Like its predecessor, the new Yaris will be built at Valenciennes in France. Power will come from a choice of 1.0 litre VVT-i petrol, 1.33 litre dual VVT-i petrol or 1.4 litre D-4D diesel engines, but no performance or economy figures have been released.



Similarly, equipment specifications are yet to be confirmed, except that Toyota is saying the majority of variants will come with the ‘Touch and Go’ multimedia system which features a 6.1” touch screen.



UK sales of the new Toyota Yaris are due to begin this summer.



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BMW has taken the wraps off its new M5 which, unsurprisingly, is virtually identical to the Concept M5 that was seen at April’s Shanghai motor show.

As was revealed then, the 2012 F10 M5 gets a 4.4 litre twin-turbo V8 instead of the 5.0 litre normally-aspirated V10 unit that powered its E60 M5 predecessor.



With Twin Scroll turbo technology and Valvetronic variable valve control, the new engine generates 552 bhp (412 kW / 560 PS). Peak torque is a substantial 680 Nm (502 lb/ft), which crucially is available from just 1,500 rpm.



Although there have been rumours that North American variants might get a manual transmission, for now drive to the rear wheels is via a seven-speed M Double Clutch Transmission. This comes with various driver aids including low-speed assistance, traction-optimised automatic gear selection and launch control.





The result of all that is a zero to 62 mph (100 km/h) time of 4.4 seconds. Top speed is limited to 155 mph (250 km/h), although this rises to 190 mph (305 km/h) with the M Driver’s Package. Don’t expect it to take too long for an aftermarket tuner to crack the magic 200 mph (321 km/h) barrier.



Even the M5 benefits from BMW’s Efficient Dynamics programme, and the new model arrives complete with fuel-saving devices such as a stop-start function and brake energy regeneration. They undoubtedly help to achieve a fairly respectable combined cycle fuel consumption figure of 28.5 mpg (9.9 l/100km) and CO2 emissions of 232 g/km.





To put those figures into perspective, the Mercedes-Benz E 63 AMG Saloon is down on power compared to the BMW, making do with 517 bhp (386 kW / 525 PS) and 630 Nm (464 lb/ft). That deficit isn’t really reflected in the performance figures though, as 0-62 mph (100 km/h) takes 4.5 seconds and the AMG has the same limited top speed as the M5. However, economy is where the Mercedes really loses out, as it manages only 22.4 mpg (12.6 l/100km) with CO2 emissions of 295 g/km.



The new M5’s chassis features specially recalibrated suspension with Dynamic Damper Control, DSC stability control with M Dynamic Mode, M Servotronic steering and an Active M Differential for the rear axle which is there to maximise traction.



Naturally, being an M5, the driver gets the opportunity to fiddle with a multitude of settings before the car even turns a wheel. For instance, there’s the gearshift program, steering response, traction control mode, accelerator sensitivity and dynamic damper firmness to choose. To help simplify things a little though, two set-ups can be memorised and then recalled using the steering wheel-mounted M Drive buttons.





Available from November 2011, the UK price for the new BMW M5 has been set at £73,040 on the road. By a very strange coincidence, that just undercuts the E 63 AMG Saloon, which costs £73,465.



Cheaper than both though, and a slightly left-field alternative, is the £71,950 Alpina B5 Bi-Turbo.



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BMW has taken the wraps off its new M5 which, unsurprisingly, is virtually identical to the Concept M5 that was seen at April’s Shanghai motor show.

As was revealed then, the 2012 F10 M5 gets a 4.4 litre twin-turbo V8 instead of the 5.0 litre normally-aspirated V10 unit that powered its E60 M5 predecessor.



With Twin Scroll turbo technology and Valvetronic variable valve control, the new engine generates 552 bhp (412 kW / 560 PS). Peak torque is a substantial 680 Nm (502 lb/ft), which crucially is available from just 1,500 rpm.



Although there have been rumours that North American variants might get a manual transmission, for now drive to the rear wheels is via a seven-speed M Double Clutch Transmission. This comes with various driver aids including low-speed assistance, traction-optimised automatic gear selection and launch control.





The result of all that is a zero to 62 mph (100 km/h) time of 4.4 seconds. Top speed is limited to 155 mph (250 km/h), although this rises to 190 mph (305 km/h) with the M Driver’s Package. Don’t expect it to take too long for an aftermarket tuner to crack the magic 200 mph (321 km/h) barrier.



Even the M5 benefits from BMW’s Efficient Dynamics programme, and the new model arrives complete with fuel-saving devices such as a stop-start function and brake energy regeneration. They undoubtedly help to achieve a fairly respectable combined cycle fuel consumption figure of 28.5 mpg (9.9 l/100km) and CO2 emissions of 232 g/km.





To put those figures into perspective, the Mercedes-Benz E 63 AMG Saloon is down on power compared to the BMW, making do with 517 bhp (386 kW / 525 PS) and 630 Nm (464 lb/ft). That deficit isn’t really reflected in the performance figures though, as 0-62 mph (100 km/h) takes 4.5 seconds and the AMG has the same limited top speed as the M5. However, economy is where the Mercedes really loses out, as it manages only 22.4 mpg (12.6 l/100km) with CO2 emissions of 295 g/km.



The new M5’s chassis features specially recalibrated suspension with Dynamic Damper Control, DSC stability control with M Dynamic Mode, M Servotronic steering and an Active M Differential for the rear axle which is there to maximise traction.



Naturally, being an M5, the driver gets the opportunity to fiddle with a multitude of settings before the car even turns a wheel. For instance, there’s the gearshift program, steering response, traction control mode, accelerator sensitivity and dynamic damper firmness to choose. To help simplify things a little though, two set-ups can be memorised and then recalled using the steering wheel-mounted M Drive buttons.





Available from November 2011, the UK price for the new BMW M5 has been set at £73,040 on the road. By a very strange coincidence, that just undercuts the E 63 AMG Saloon, which costs £73,465.



Cheaper than both though, and a slightly left-field alternative, is the £71,950 Alpina B5 Bi-Turbo.



Related posts:

BMW Concept M5

Alpina B5 UK sales start

BMW has announced the 2011 Frozen Black Edition M3 Coupe for the United States market.

The Frozen Black Edition’s distinguishing feature is its matte black bodywork. Rather than using a vinyl wrap, the effect is achieved by the use of a special BMW Individual paint finish which involves spraying a silk matte clear coat over a metallic black base coat. BMW claims the result meets all of its durability and longevity standards, although it does take the precaution of providing owners with special care guidelines.



Not that there will be many owners, as production of the Frozen Black Edition is to be strictly limited to just twenty examples - and BMW of North America is going to be keeping one of those, at least for now.



Anyone wanting one of the remaining nineteen cars had better keep Thursday, 16th June 2011 free, because that’s the day on which the order line opens (and probably closes, too). The number is 1-800-245-4269, but BMW doesn’t want anyone calling before 11:30AM Eastern Time / 8:30AM Pacific. Delivery of cars to successful applicants will then follow during June and July 2011.







As well as having the order number on speed dial, potential customers will also need $79,650 at their disposal to actually buy the Frozen Black Edition.



That MSRP is substantially higher than the $61,075 (including destination charges and gas guzzler tax) of the standard M3 Coupe, but the specification of the special edition features much more besides just that paintwork.



Although the 4.0 litre V8 engine is unchanged, it does come equipped with the seven-speed M Double Clutch Transmission, reducing the 0-60 mph time from 4.7 to 4.5 seconds. The usually optional Competition Package is also included, which comprises lowered suspension, Electronic Damping Control and revised mapping for the traction control.



The interior gets Extended Novillo Leather with contrast red stitching, heated front seats, a BMW Individual enhanced audio system (including satellite radio), plus both the Premium Package 2 and Convenience Package.



Finally, the exterior look is completed by gloss black trim elements, 19” alloy wheels borrowed from the M3 GTS and red brake calipers.



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BMW has announced the 2011 Frozen Black Edition M3 Coupe for the United States market.

The Frozen Black Edition’s distinguishing feature is its matte black bodywork. Rather than using a vinyl wrap, the effect is achieved by the use of a special BMW Individual paint finish which involves spraying a silk matte clear coat over a metallic black base coat. BMW claims the result meets all of its durability and longevity standards, although it does take the precaution of providing owners with special care guidelines.



Not that there will be many owners, as production of the Frozen Black Edition is to be strictly limited to just twenty examples - and BMW of North America is going to be keeping one of those, at least for now.



Anyone wanting one of the remaining nineteen cars had better keep Thursday, 16th June 2011 free, because that’s the day on which the order line opens (and probably closes, too). The number is 1-800-245-4269, but BMW doesn’t want anyone calling before 11:30AM Eastern Time / 8:30AM Pacific. Delivery of cars to successful applicants will then follow during June and July 2011.







As well as having the order number on speed dial, potential customers will also need $79,650 at their disposal to actually buy the Frozen Black Edition.



That MSRP is substantially higher than the $61,075 (including destination charges and gas guzzler tax) of the standard M3 Coupe, but the specification of the special edition features much more besides just that paintwork.



Although the 4.0 litre V8 engine is unchanged, it does come equipped with the seven-speed M Double Clutch Transmission, reducing the 0-60 mph time from 4.7 to 4.5 seconds. The usually optional Competition Package is also included, which comprises lowered suspension, Electronic Damping Control and revised mapping for the traction control.



The interior gets Extended Novillo Leather with contrast red stitching, heated front seats, a BMW Individual enhanced audio system (including satellite radio), plus both the Premium Package 2 and Convenience Package.



Finally, the exterior look is completed by gloss black trim elements, 19” alloy wheels borrowed from the M3 GTS and red brake calipers.



Related posts:

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BMW ‘M1’ here at last

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Renault has announced the Mégane Renaultsport 265 Trophy, a car that it’s touting as a serious rival to the Volkswagen Golf R.

As the name implies, the new arrival has had a modest power increase compared to the existing Mégane Renaultsport 250. Its 2.0 litre engine now produces 261 bhp (195 kW / 265 PS) and 360 Nm (265 lb/ft) of peak torque, courtesy of a revised air intake and a rise in turbo boost pressure from 2.3 to 2.5 bar.



The effect on performance isn’t spectacular, though. Top speed rises from 156 mph (251 km/h) to 158 mph (254 km/h), while the Mégane’s zero to 62 mph (100 km/h) time falls from 6.1 to 6.0 seconds. Perhaps surprisingly there’s no adverse effect on efficiency, with average fuel consumption and CO2 emissions remaining at 34.4 mpg (8.2 l/100km) and 190 g/km respectively.



By contrast, the all-wheel drive Golf R will ‘only’ hit 155 mph (250 km/h), but its 0-62 mph time of 5.7 seconds (or 5.5 seconds with the optional DSG transmission) comfortably surpasses that of the Renault. Volkswagen’s offering is marginally less economical though, managing 33.2 mpg (8.5 l/100km) on the combined cycle, while its CO2 figure with the standard manual gearbox is a high 199 g/km.







Another important area where the Mégane beats its opponent is price. In the UK, the three-door Golf R has a price tag of £31,115 on the road, but the Mégane Renaultsport 265 Trophy costs £27,820.



So quite a saving, but it assumes potential customers will actually be able to get their hands on the Renault. That’s because only 500 examples of the 265 Trophy are going to be built, of which just fifty are coming to the UK. The rest will be divided between Austria, Belgium, France (where it’ll be priced at €35,500), Germany, Italy, Portugal, Slovenia, Spain and Switzerland.



Specification includes the Cup chassis - with its stiffer springs, dampers and anti-roll bar - plus a mechanical limited slip differential and the PerfoHub front suspension set-up that is designed to overcome the inevitable torque steer. The black 19” alloy wheels are shod with Bridgestone Potenza RE050A tyres, which are claimed to have Formula 1 inspired tread patterns.



On the inside of the Mégane, there are Recaro seats with yellow seatbelts as well as the Renaultsport Monitor data logging system. It records and displays various parameters in real time, something that’s probably useful for track days if not the daily commute.



Whereas other markets get a choice of yellow, black, white or grey paintwork, UK buyers will be restricted to just the first two colours. However, as compensation, their cars will come complete with a numbered plaque and, more importantly, owners will also get free access to the full 2012 Renaultsport UK track day calendar.



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Renault has announced the Mégane Renaultsport 265 Trophy, a car that it’s touting as a serious rival to the Volkswagen Golf R.

As the name implies, the new arrival has had a modest power increase compared to the existing Mégane Renaultsport 250. Its 2.0 litre engine now produces 261 bhp (195 kW / 265 PS) and 360 Nm (265 lb/ft) of peak torque, courtesy of a revised air intake and a rise in turbo boost pressure from 2.3 to 2.5 bar.



The effect on performance isn’t spectacular, though. Top speed rises from 156 mph (251 km/h) to 158 mph (254 km/h), while the Mégane’s zero to 62 mph (100 km/h) time falls from 6.1 to 6.0 seconds. Perhaps surprisingly there’s no adverse effect on efficiency, with average fuel consumption and CO2 emissions remaining at 34.4 mpg (8.2 l/100km) and 190 g/km respectively.



By contrast, the all-wheel drive Golf R will ‘only’ hit 155 mph (250 km/h), but its 0-62 mph time of 5.7 seconds (or 5.5 seconds with the optional DSG transmission) comfortably surpasses that of the Renault. Volkswagen’s offering is marginally less economical though, managing 33.2 mpg (8.5 l/100km) on the combined cycle, while its CO2 figure with the standard manual gearbox is a high 199 g/km.







Another important area where the Mégane beats its opponent is price. In the UK, the three-door Golf R has a price tag of £31,115 on the road, but the Mégane Renaultsport 265 Trophy costs £27,820.



So quite a saving, but it assumes potential customers will actually be able to get their hands on the Renault. That’s because only 500 examples of the 265 Trophy are going to be built, of which just fifty are coming to the UK. The rest will be divided between Austria, Belgium, France (where it’ll be priced at €35,500), Germany, Italy, Portugal, Slovenia, Spain and Switzerland.



Specification includes the Cup chassis - with its stiffer springs, dampers and anti-roll bar - plus a mechanical limited slip differential and the PerfoHub front suspension set-up that is designed to overcome the inevitable torque steer. The black 19” alloy wheels are shod with Bridgestone Potenza RE050A tyres, which are claimed to have Formula 1 inspired tread patterns.



On the inside of the Mégane, there are Recaro seats with yellow seatbelts as well as the Renaultsport Monitor data logging system. It records and displays various parameters in real time, something that’s probably useful for track days if not the daily commute.



Whereas other markets get a choice of yellow, black, white or grey paintwork, UK buyers will be restricted to just the first two colours. However, as compensation, their cars will come complete with a numbered plaque and, more importantly, owners will also get free access to the full 2012 Renaultsport UK track day calendar.



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