Inside Lane Magazine: Issue 36 "Geneva 2012"

Inside Lane

Issue 36 Geneva 2012

Geneva 2012

Welcome to issue 36 of the Inside Lane Magazine and what an issue we have for you! This moth we cover the biggest motor show of the year in Geneva where every manufacturer under the sun has something noteworthy on their stand. Ferrari unveiled their new V12 beast, Lamborghini came bearing gifts, but don’t go thinking they were the only surprises...

It’s all waiting for you over the page.

“Teeing Off...”

It’s an alluring proposition a convertible but when you need practicality and reliability it

doesn’t seem very logical. A Golf GTI with all its refinement and German engineering is a

much more sensible option. Even drives with vigor. But if you still crave that open air

experience VW might just have something for you.

We saw a Concept for a GTI Cabriolet a while ago but this is the 100% production ready

machine. Powered by the same 2.0 litre turbocharged engine that the hatchback uses, the

Cabriolet is no slouch and even comes with serious kit such as a limited-slip diff and

optional DSG gearbox. 0-62MPH is completed in 7.3 seconds.

MINI MONSTERA paradox is the coming together of two

things that should never be, for example

traveling back in time and meeting

yourself. If science fiction has taught us

anything it is that paradoxes should be

avoided at all costs. Actually sci-fi and

BMW’s X6 have reinforced this come to

think of it. So When the not so mini Mini

actually because a functioning machine

that we really liked, we were very

surprised. Now it gets better…

This is the Mini Countryman JCW, or John Cooper Works to give it it’s full name. This rather

angry looking motor is what you get when you turn the standard car up to 11. Its 1.6 litre turbo

engine provides all fur wheels with 215BHP and 207lb-ft of torque. 0-62MPH is completed in just

7.1 seconds and the aggressive revisions to the bodywork makes sure people know about it. The

cars top speed is 140MPH but the best part is its “overboost” function. Just like something out of

Knight Rider, one push of a button gives you a further 14lb-ft of torque.

Want one? The Mini Countryman JCW hits showrooms this September for £27,800.

Volvo V40

Volvo don’t really do things by halves. When they set a goal

they tend to achieve it to very high standards. They are

leaders in safety on the road and various models such as

the XC90 lead their class overall. The Swedish company

now plan to take on the Germans in a market that will be

hard to break.

This is the Volvo V40 and it shall enter the premium

hatchback market later this year. It certainly looks the part

with clean swooping lines and a clear elegant stance.

Seating five in comfort, the V40 is squarely aimed at the

likes of BMW’s 1 Series and Audi’s A3. The Volvo features a

rather interesting 2/3 glass roof that provides high levels of

natural light in the cabin.

Big Cat

It has been a long time coming. The Jaguar XF has a wide range of engines and trims but

everyone knows there has been a missing variation. An estate has been in the works for a

few years now, kept as quiet as possible for its big entrance. We got our first look a few

days ago via a leaked image but now it is time for the big cat to pounce.

Named the Sportbrake, this wonderfully penned design is genuinely good looking. I’m going

to stick my neck out here and say it is the best looking estate car ever! Sticking with the

XF’s ethos of power meets elegance, the Sportbrake is very much the cat that got the

cream. Not only can you cram 1,675 litres of what ever you can think of in the back, but you

also get the choice of four 2.2 litre diesels as well as a 3.0 litre 6 cylinder.

The XF Sportbreak goes on sale later this year.

The Evoque Goes Topless Today you can go out and buy a convertible of almost

anything. Chop-top supermini’s, rag roofed sports

cars, and even topless supercars can all be

purchased. Think long enough about it and the only

segment that hasn’t really dabbled in the convertible

market is the 4X4 or crossover. Range Rover’s highly

successful Evoque hopes to capitalize on this niche.

Though just a concept for now the Evoque Convertible, if received well, is a

safe bet for production. Just like the standard car, this Evoque would get

the option of both front or all wheel drive. Seating four in a familiar cabin,

this luxury SUV would come to market in 2014 after extensive testing to

insure it kept the rugged capabilities of the hard top.

TWINGO SAYS “GRRR!”

We love pocket sized hatchbacks in Europe! The way they

fizz around town, ducking and diving though busy car parks,

it makes them fun to drive even at low speeds. They get

even more exciting when the manufacturer make spicier

variations with more power and even keener handling.

Renault’s little Twingo has recently been refreshed and with

it comes the very eager RenaultSport model.

Powered by a naturally aspirated 1.6 litre engine, the sporty

Twingo produces 133BHP and 118lb-ft of torque. 17 inch

rims and a more aggressive body foreshadows the

seriousness of which this little car takes itself. It will even

manage 43.5MPG combined leaving very few reasons why,

if you in the market for such a car, you would choose

anything else.

Sit Down...SHUT UP...I HAVE ARRIVED

BMW’s M badge is something the

Germans are very proud of. It is a

performance benchmark in the

automotive world and so they wont

just pin it to any old road going

model. The BMW M6 is a behemoth

of car car with the power to

overthrow a country. Now the 2012

model has arrived and with its new

offerings promises to be bigger and

badder than its predecessor.

And here it is in all of its orange ostentatiousness. Now powered by the same twin-turbo 4.4 litre

V8 as the M5, the new M6 produces an earth moving 560BHP. The run, or should we say warp,

from 0-62MPH takes just 4.2 seconds. Sporting an attractive double-bubble carbon roof, this

menacing machine threatens to drive as aggressively as it looks.

A convertible will also be offered that shall arrive in showrooms in June, the coupe will follow

soon after.

Maserati GranTurismo Sport

A couple of years ago Maserati were lost in a sea on confusion. What did their brand signify? Their cars

simply lived in Ferrari’s shadow and seemed purposely half hearted to keep them that way. Then came the

GranTurismo, a brilliant GT that put the legendary trident back on the map. Now there is a new one…

The very popular GranTurismo S model is the companies biggest seller, but for 2012 it is being replaced with

this, the Sport. Its Italian 4.7 litre V8 produces 454BHP and promises to deliver a 0-62MPH time of under 5

seconds. That is impressive and impressing is exactly what Maserati need to continue to do with up and

coming models. The GranTurismo Sport comes with two gearbox options, one is the standard 6 speed

automatic and the other is a manual sequential gearbox. New front architecture and LED lights make an

appearance for 2012 making this Maserati an even more handsome package.

“2012? It’s Not The End of The World...”

Now here is a manufacturer who has endured and indeed thrived during this global economic

downturn. Aston Martin have a near faultless range, we will forget about the Cygnet for now, bringing

forth style and elegance in a truly British performance package. Aston have previewed the 2012 V8

Vantage.

This is quite an important update for the V8 Vantage as it represents the biggest in changes since

the cars launch. Being Aston Martins largest seller means that it has to impress, and going by past

experiences they have nothing to worry about. Starting at £84,995 the standard V8 Vantage gets a

revised 420BHP motor and much more aggressive styling that includes a rear diffuser and lower

front splitter. The breaks have also been improved as well as a 7 speed gearbox being made an

option. With a new Vantage comes a newer Vantage S with a price tag of £99,995. For that the V8

will muster 430BHP driven to the rear wheels via the previously mentioned 7 speed box. Both

variants are avalible as both coupe and convertible models.

GTi

A Hot hatchback isn’t a complicated recipe. Take a fairly standard family hatchback that would be found

in any supermarket car park, add a generous helping of power normally via turbo, stiffen the chassis a

little, finish with swollen bodywork that looks like it belongs in a behavioral correction centre, and there

you have it! Peugeot want to return to their hot hatch roots with the new 208 GTi.

The French company were once kings of this segment, oh how the mighty have fallen, but now the new

208 GTi wants to stand top of the pile once more. Though currently a concept, but more than likely to go

into production within the next year, the car is powered by a twin-cam turbocharged 1.6 litre engine.

Producing 197BHP and 203 lb-ft of torque the GTi will get to 60MPH in under 7 seconds. Top speed is

pegged at 140MPH.

“White-Van-Man’s Stock Just Went Up”

The Mini range over the past 6 years has boomed. Once the simple

hatchback was all that was on offer but now a vast range consisting

of convertibles, coupes, crossovers and estates populate the

showroom. Mini have taken a look back at their past once again for

inspiration and come up with this… The Clubvan.

Based on the rather obscure Mini Clubman estate, the Clubvan

aims to be a classy alternative for businesses needing to carry

“stuff” (technical term) from location to location. That said, the

Clubvan doesn’t have the capacity to store Narnia behind its doors

and so trades much more on its image. Fitting a human cargo of

two and retaining it’s third door, the new Concept takes centre stage

for Mini at Geneva.

M is for MadnessI’ll be honest with you. I have never really liked the BMW 1 Series. I felt that the badge didn’t really suit

a car of that size and that overall it was a little on the dull side. That was until BMW unleashed the

incredible 1M Coupe. It was the perfect combination of German engineering, performance and overly

aggressive design. The second generation 1 Series looks like a guinea pig that has been disgruntled.

But yet again my opinions changed when I saw the new M135i Concept.

Powered by the same glorious 3.0 litre 6 cylinder as the 1M, this car promises over 300BHP running

through the rear wheels. The concept is not even a full M car and an even hotter version has been

promised! The M135i is capable of a 0-62MPH dash of just 4.9 seconds! 0-124MPH in 17.3 seconds

and it wont stop until it reaches its electronically governed killjoy of 155MPH.

If BMW can put this plan into production, I may just have to change my opinion of the 1 Series for

good.

IT’S HERE!

Ferrari F12 Berlinetta

A Ferrari is a very special machine. Fueled by passion, powered by devotion to ultimate

performance. The Italian’s give their all in both motorsport and out on the road. Today we

see the birth of an all-new Italian stallion that replaces the much loved 599 GTB. This new

machine has a lot to live up to but becoming the most powerful road going Ferrari ever, we

are confident it will fill these big shoes well.

Named the Ferrari F12 Berlinetta, it is exactly what my perfect supercar ideal is. Big V12 up

front producing 730BHP powering the rear wheels. A perfectly sculpted body that not only

provides the world with an art form to look upon, but its science provides the downforce to

tame those rampant horses. 0-62MPH is done in a blistering 3.1 seconds, 0-124MPH in 8.5

seconds and it wont stop until it hits its top speed of 211MPH. Despite all this performance

it will still achieve over 18MPG.

It has been a long with but one that has been worth it. The Ferrari F12 Berlinetta.

Out With The Old...

The Mercedes SL over the years has become more and more refined, bringing luxury touches once

exclusive to saloons. However, the byproduct of all this lavish equipment is that the SL is a little porky

on the scales. This has been rectified with the latest model shown a few month ago with its extensive

use of aluminium. But let’s be honest… The AMG is the one we have all been waiting for.

Launched next to Mercedes-Benz’ brand new 2012 Formula One car, the new AMG packs quite the

punch. Gone is the 6.2 litre V8 and in its place sits a twin-turbo 5.5 litre unit. Bolt on the AMG

Performance Pack and the numbers begin to speak for themselves. 557BHP and 664lb-ft of torque

propel this convertible to 62MPH in just 4.2 seconds. The top speed with this option is 186MPH (limited

to 155MPH without). Uprated suspension, also features in the new car.

RS4Efficiency is something all manufacturers, to varying degrees, strive for. Be it in

performance, economy or another form, it is hard to obtain and even harder to

maintain. The Germans are arguably the most efficient manufacturers of the motor

car in the world and Audi is a prime example of this. Their new RS4 literally drives the

point home.

With an appearance of solidified aggression, the 2012 RS4 instantly looks like a brute. Those

angular hunches are merely a warning, like a dog showing its teeth, that this machine has some

serious firepower. Loaded with a 4.2 litre V8 the Avant only model packs a monstrous 450BHP and

ruthless figure of 317lb-ft of torque. 0-62MPH in banished in just 4.7 seconds and it wont stop until it

reaches 174MPH. Despite all this lunacy under the body you still, at the end of the day, have a

practical luxury estate. Inside the leather bathed sports seats sit proudly surrounded in subtle carbon

fibre.

an inSPECTER calls...

If you want the very best in off-roading you buy a Land Rover. If you want the a performance machine to

turn heads you buy a Ferrari. And if you want the ultimate in automotive luxury you buy a Rolls-Royce.

The hand built British brand is unquestionably the worlds benchmark for road going royalty. Now the

double R shows the world its new Phantom and they still maintain that the loudest thing in the cabin at

100MPH is the ticking of the clock.

The Rolls-Royce Phantom Series II takes the success of its predecessor and enhances it. Spawning

multiple models across the range, from Coupe to Long Wheelbase, each car is built to order and to your

exact specification. Refinements for 2012 include a slightly reworked body incorporating LED lights, 3D

maps for the sat-nav, a new 8 speed automatic gearbox, and a V12 that produces 10% less CO2.

If you have to ask the price, odds are you probably can’t afford it.

You may remember a few months ago that a new Bentley SUV was on the cards and all but

confirmed. Well now you have your official confirmation with this, the EXP 9 F Concept. A super SUV,

something we have never seen before from a manufacturer. So naturally we were very excited to find

out all about this British brute…

Unfortunately we were disappointed in almost every respect. Yes it is powered by a 6.0 litre W12 with

twin turbos that can do 180MPH, that is indeed “super.” But what is not super is that it has a name

that was invented by someone who has been playing lucky dip with a bag of scrabble tiles, and an

appearance so vomit inducing that if you had to look at it for an hour you would be inside out. I am

very aware that I am being rude about this car but I was expecting great things from the winged B.

It may contain every luxury under the sun but for potentially £150,000 it is a case of try harder

“Don’t Stare At It”

Bull in a china shop

Remember when you were a kid where a blank sheet of paper and a pencil were the greatest

inventions. You could draw whatever your imagination came up with. Lamborghini are the masters

of these beyond creative designs and the Lamborghini Aventador certainly captured the attention of

the 6 year old within us. With the Aventador J, the Italians have fed their designers plenty of E

numbers.

It looks like something fresh from fiction, the Lamborghini Aventador J is in fact a functioning

machine. It is not a concept car but it is a one-off. Take the standard Aventador and hack off its

roof, remove any form of luxury item, and add carbon fibre. The 700BHP 6.5 litre V12 now lives 4

inches from your ear and with a lack of a roof, or windscreen for that matter, it will be screaming

directly into your eardrum to over 186MPH.

Aventador J

Pocket Rocket!

At the end of the day, when you put your childhood dreams aside, here in the UK it is unlikely your

dream supercar won’t really work out on a day-to-day basis. Speed bumps, lack of practicality and

continual fear of curbing those £2,000 alloys whilst struggling to park would taint your ownership. This

is why we love the hot hatch! It has all the performance thrills of a supercar but without the bills that

come with it.

This is the finished production ready Ford Fiesta ST that will come to market next year. At £16,500 it is

1.6 litre turbocharged bargain. 0-62 is complete in under 7 seconds and it is said to do more than

136MPH. Power is rated at 178BHP with 177lb-ft of torque as an accompaniment. The ST is 15mm

lower than standard and Ford’s RS division even tuned the chassis.

What’s That Coming Over The Hill???

Within the world of supercars there are a handful of upstart

companies that try to take on the big boys. Very rarely do they

stick around long enough for you to catch their name, but every

now and then they beat Ferrari or Lamborghini at their own game

and for that they are immortalized. Think about Mr Pagani and

his Zonda. Gumpert are halfway there as their performance

machines are unquestionably fast, however, they also only have

faces a mother could love.

This menacing machine is the Gumpert Apollo Enraged, and as

its name suggests, it is quite an angry character. Those scowling

looks haven’t got any better but if it hears you say that it might

just give you a taste of the 4.2 litre V8 under the bonnet.

Producing 780BHP and weighing only 1,175KG the Enraged is

no toy, more a street legal race car. Only 3 units will be

produced.

Audi A3

Every nation that produces a car tends to have a stereotype attached to it. A car built in Italy tends to

be involving, a Brit encourages exuberant driving, a French car will just break down. The Germans,

well lets just say it is unlikely to go the way of the French. Audi’s brand new A3 looks to be another

reliable addition to the four rings portfolio.

Come spring the all-new A3 can be ordered for your collection in September. Starting at £19,000 the

very well finished hatchback has a range of 3 engines; a 1.4 and 1.8 petrol as well as a 2.0 litre TDI. It

certainly isn’t the most exciting car at Geneva, but it genuinely is a step up from its predecessor and

that is saying something as the old A3 was a very well rounded machine.

A-class actWhat market segment is the most competitive? That is a difficult question to answer but in my view,

especially in the current economic climate, I would say manufacturers are all fighting to build a good

selling hatchback. Mercedes have shown their brand new A-Class and despite the new A3 being fresh

out of the blocks, Audi should watch their backs.

A dramatic improvement from the rather sub-standard predecessor that we all know, this 2012 car looks

fresh and dynamic. With bold styling up front that is sculpted and tamed by sweeping lines by the rear, it

is a good looking machine. Inside the interior looks to be of a quality that its main rivals, the A3 and 1

Series, have yet to attain. Power comes from a wide range of engines with petrols ranging from a 1.6 litre

113BHP base to a 208BHP motor. Diesel begins with a 1.8 litre with 107BHP and ends with a top 2.2 litre

168BHP unit.

Also next year expects to see the arrival of a 2.0 litre turbocharged AMG model. It is civil war in the

German automotive arena… AND WE LOVE IT!

Infiniti Emerg-E

Infiniti are a reasonably

new brand to British soil

and incase you didn’t

know they are Nissan’s

luxury brand. Think of

them as what Lexus is to

Toyota. Mainly they build

big, slightly obscure,

luxury saloons but they

have brought something

very new to Geneva.

Something that we like

very much.

Named the Emerg-E

Concept, this delectable

shape that you see before

you could just be the best

way to save the planet

yet. Packing 400BHP the

craft can bolt to 60MPH in

four seconds, but thanks

to its extended range

powertrain, it can achieve

a range of 300 miles.

Though just a concept for

now we could well see the

Emerg-E go the way of

the Lexus LF-A.