First four-seat Ferrari fitted with a turbo V8
Ferrari has unveiled its GTC4Lusso T - the first four-seater in its history to have a turbocharged V8.
Coming merely months after the launch of the V12 GTC4Lusso, the new car has an adaptive all-wheel- drive system powered by a 3.9-litre V8 turbo. It has 610bhp and 760Nm of torque.
To make the big car more agile, there is rear-wheel steering and side slip control.
Smart's new Electric Drive range in three body styles
The new Smart Electric Drive is a battery-powered micro- mini that tree-huggers can consider buying. The fourth-generation electric Smart, is now available in all three body styles - including, for the first time, a four-seater. This makes Smart the only car manufacturer to offer its model range with combustion engines and pure battery-electric drive.
With torque of 160Nm, its 60kW electric motor offers responsiveness in the city. Power consumption is 12.9 kWh/100km and range is about 160km.
Jeep Compass with 17 engine options
Jeep has launched its all-new Compass. The compact SUV, which comes with 17 engine options and 4x4 capability, will be available in North America in the first quarter of next year and in Europe, the Middle East and Africa from the second half.
Quickest Kia Soul
Kia's Soul is now available with a 201bhp 1.6-litre turbocharged direct-injection engine. Paired with a fast-shifting seven-speed double- clutch transmission, the Soul 1.6 T-GDI is the quickest Soul available, with an estimated century sprint of 7.7 seconds and a top speed of 195kmh. It comes with three drive modes.
Faulty Takata airbags linked to at least 16 deaths
Honda Motor has revealed that a driver in Malaysia died last week after a faulty Takata airbag ruptured. This brings the number of fatalities tied to the devices to at least 16 worldwide.
The driver's 2009 Honda City had been recalled in July last year, but a repair was never completed, Honda's Malaysia unit told Bloomberg. The death was the fourth in Malaysia this year involving Takata airbags. A global recall of more than 100 million airbags is underway. Takata is in talks with car-makers affected by its defective product on a cost-sharing scheme for the costly recall.
Bloodhound Project back on track, thanks to Geely
Chinese carmaker Geely has become the prime sponsor for the Bloodhound Project, a land speed record endeavour.
In a three-year agreement, Geely will provide technical as well as financial support to the project. Said to be the single largest sponsorship the project has ever received, it steers plans for challenging the World Land Speed Record next year back on track.
Kia Carens' most economical engine
The revised Kia Carens boasts a host of exterior cosmetic changes, and higher-quality materials and trim options in the cabin. Engine choices will include a 114bhp 1.7-litre turbodiesel with stop-start system, Michelin low-resistance tyres and a series of revised gear ratios. It is the most economical engine in the Carens line-up.
A more rugged Suzuki S-Cross
The Suzuki S-Cross has undergone a major facelift and looks a lot more rugged. Available with either a 1-litre or 1.4-litre turbocharged petrol engine or a 1.6-litre turbodiesel, the crossover comes with seven airbags and electronic stability programme. The car boasts a cargo space of 430 litres, with all-wheel-drive available as an option.
A racer based on Hyundai's i30
Hyundai has pulled the wraps off its latest high-performance N concept. The RN30 racer is based on the new Hyundai i30, but with a lower, wider stance for greater stability during high-speed driving and cornering.
Ford Fiesta ST five-door for added practicality
Ford's Fiesta ST hot hatch is available as a five-door for the first time. It offers additional practicality with easier access to the rear seats for passengers and for parents with small children, while retaining the performance and driving dynamics that earned the Fiesta ST more than 20 awards from around the globe during its first year on sale. Its 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine delivers 182bhp and 240Nm of torque, enabling a century sprint in 6.9 seconds.
Wait in line with Nissan's self-driving chair
Nissan has developed an autonomous motorised chair to make waiting in long queues more bearable.
The ProPilot Chair negotiates queues on behalf of its occupant, sparing him the hassle of standing in line. It detects and automatically follows the chair ahead of it, maintaining a fixed distance and travelling along a set path. This closely resembles how the ProPilot system for vehicles - available on the Serena minivan in Japan since August - maintains a safe distance.
Christopher Tan
