Sleek yet roomy MPV
Renault's latest Grand Scenic seven-seater is more sleek and roomy. The MPV is 24cm longer, which means third-row occupants get more legroom and families get more cargo space. To be precise, the car has 718 litres of stowage, 222 litres more than before. Debunking the notion that MPVs are boring soccer mum carriers, the car comes with standard 20-inch wheels. It is the only MPV fitted with such big wheels.
Also for the first time, the Grand Scenic will come with a hybrid variant. Its array of amenities is also wider than what is available today.
E-axle for hybrids
Components maker GKN Driveline has come up with all-wheel-drive for its plug-in hybrid drivetrains.
This e-axle is an evolution of systems developed for hybrid supercars which use electric all-wheel- drive to boost performance and efficiency.
The first application is in the BMW 2-series Active Tourer PHEV.
Most advanced Peugeot
Peugeot says its new 3008 SUV is the most advanced vehicle offered by the brand. It also offers more interior space and class-leading safety features.
Yet, at just 4,450mm in length (80mm longer than its predecessor), the new 3008 is one of the most compact models in its segment.
Rear occupants have 24mm more legroom, 4mm elbow room and 36mm headroom.
Front elbow space has also increased by 17mm despite the width of the new model being identical to the outgoing version at 1,840mm, and height being 19mm lower at 1,620mm.
More colours for BMW i8
BMW is expanding the palette of its i8 hybrid sports car. New colours include Java Green, Speed Yellow, Solar Orange, Twilight Purple Pearl, Frozen Grey, Frozen Black, San Marino Blue and Grigio Telesto Pearl. Finishes can be metallic, non-metallic or Xirallic, which uses a mixture of synthetic mica or aluminium flakes to produce scintillating effects. There is even a matte option.
More luxurious Touareg
Volkswagen Touareg is now available in R-Line Plus trim. The SUV's alloy wheels are upgraded from 20 to 21 inches. Inside, it is fitted with Area View technology, which utilises wide- angle cameras to provide a 360- degree bird's-eye exterior view of the SUV. The centre console, dash and air-vent surrounds are finished in "piano black", and the cabin features luxurious "Vienna" leather upholstery. The front comfort seats are 14-way electronically adjustable and the front head restraints include four-way adjustment.
New digital mobility head at Porsche
Porsche has hired Mr Thilo Koslowski to head its digital mobility department.
He was from leading technology advisory company Gartner Inc and is known for his extensive knowledge of the automotive as well as Internet and technology industries.
In his new role, he will implement innovative technologies, especially in the areas of connectivity, digital customer experiences, smart mobility and autonomous vehicles.
Emissions-free karts
Components maker Bosch has developed an electric powertrain for racing karts. The 48-volt 20kW system makes karting emissions- free, quiet and agile. The lithium battery-powered kart has a whopping 300Nm of torque powering its rear wheels. It hits 100kmh in less than five seconds and has a top speed in excess of 130kmh.
C-class coupe is here
The new Mercedes-Benz C-class Coupe has arrived, looking even more beautiful than its sedan sibling. The car is 95mm longer and 40mm wider than its predecessor. Three variants are available here - a 156bhp 1.6-litre C180, 184bhp 2-litre C200 and 2-litre 245bhp C300, all turbocharged four- cylinders. Prices start from $183,888 for the C180.
Old electric cars on auction
Want to own two of the world's oldest electric cars? UK classic car auction specialist Historics at Brooklands is putting up a 1906 Pope Waverley Victoria Phaeton and 1907 Victor High Wheel Electric Runabout up for bidding on June 11.
Immensely rare, the two plied the roads more than 100 years ago, disappearing only with advances in the internal combustion engine and the mass production of cheaper petrol vehicles arrived.
Maserati drives for dads
Regent Hotel is packaging its Father's Day meal with a Maserati test-drive. Dads dining at Basilico, Summer Palace, Tea Lounge or Manhattan on June 19 can have a 20-minute drive in a Maserati.
Zagato design for Aston Martin again
Aston Martin and Italian design house Zagato have produced the Vanquish Zagato concept, a mouth-watering creation which was displayed at the Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este last weekend. The Vanquish Zagato concept is the fifth car to emerge from a collaboration that stretches back over five decades.
Homage to BMW R5
Eighty years ago, BMW presented the BMW R5. To mark its anniversary, BMW is honouring this icon at the Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este 2016 with a special model: the BMW R5 Hommage. At its core, it has an original 500cc two-cylinder Boxer engine. Numerous components such as the valve cover and the breastplate of the engine were machined from billet aluminium based on sketches, giving the historical core a dash of modern flair.
Driverless Uber
Motorists who have just entered a high-loan car purchase with Uber and hope to pay for the vehicle by picking up fares, this is probably not the best of news.
The ride-hailing app has just put its first driverless car on the road in the United States. Although still in the testing phase, it will not be long before a fleet of driverless Uber cars start picking up fares everywhere.
Christopher Tan
