Motoring September 2014 by The Malta Independent

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The Malta Independent on Sunday • 28 September 2014

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Toyota to present new C-HR crossover Concept at the Paris Motor Show oyota will unveil its new CHR Concept at the Paris motor show, a vision for a hybrid-powered compact crossover that displays an emphatic new design language. The show car gives an early hint of a kind of vehicle Toyota would like to bring to market. The C-HR Concept introduces an expressive new design approach with a diamond styling theme. Beneath the flowing cabin profile, the lower bodywork has been sculpted to create faceted surfaces, like the precision cutting of a gemstone. The frontal treatment marks a

development of Toyota’s current design cues and the introduction of themes which signal a future direction for Toyota vehicles. In profile, the facetted treatment of the lower body, the muscular wheel arches and angular rear shoulders are juxtaposed with an exceptionally sleek cabin profile At the rear, distinctive, aero-inspired floating rear lamp clusters add further emphasis to the vehicle’s broad-shouldered look. The unveiling of the C-HR Concept and a press conference will take place on the Toyota stand in Hall 4 of the Paris motor show, at 8am local time on 2 October.

Feasting the senses: Infiniti Q80 Inspiration • Infiniti unveils four-door concept that will lead to future model • Q80 Inspiration embodies the invigorated Infiniti brand • Fastback saloon showcases autonomy and powertrain technologies

he Paris Auto Show is fast approaching and companies are jockeying for position in the eye of a media storm. Infiniti presents Q80 Inspiration: Infiniti’s vision of categorybreaking, supreme luxurious driving; a top-of-the-line four-seat fastback that rises above the crowd. It’s an audacious and elegant step forward for Infiniti as a global player; designed to shake up the status quo in the premium large four-door club; a no-compromise ambassador of drivercentric powertrain and on-board technologies.

At 15:30 on October 2nd in Hall 5 of the Parc des Expositions de Versailles in Paris, Infiniti will introduce the progressive Q80 Inspiration to the media and

provide a glimpse into its highperformance and efficient hybrid-electric powertrain implementation as well as additional technologies. In profile, Infiniti Q80 Inspiration extends to 5052 millimetres (198.9 inches) with a long wheelbase of 3103 mm (122.2 in) framed by custom 22-inch five-dual-spoke lightweight alloys. It strikes an imposing stance with its width of 2027 mm (79.8 in) and height of 1350 mm (53.1 in). “After showing Q30 Concept and Q50 Eau Rouge, Infiniti is eager to show the upper range of our portfolio expansion,” says Infiniti Executive Design Director, Alfonso Albaisa. “In Q80

Inspiration, we wanted to capture that unforgettable feeling when you experience something important, something beautiful, something magnetic for the first time.” The Q80 Inspiration’s expansive, edgy,

sensual interpretation of the Infiniti brand really makes a statement. There are no side-door mirrors to break up the aesthetics of the unmistakable profile, the full roof length of the teardrop passenger greenhouse is accentuated by lightweight acoustic glass, and its doors open portal style which allows the stunning cabin to be fully on display while driver and passengers step in and out with ease. A concept as impactful as Q80 Inspiration is set to push boundaries in more ways than through the beauty of its attention-grabbing skin. The cabin is able to bring together the four occupants in a highly stylised and personalised ambiance of the highest quality. Carbon-fibre, aluminium, and leather surround those inside in spacious “1 + 1 + 1 + 1” seating. Earmarked for an advanced adaptive suspension, the light and rigid chassis combines with the acoustic glass all around and additional sound deadening to promise a driving and ride experience among the very best. A design and technological highlight to which Infiniti’s four worldwide design studios will refer regularly in coming years, the Q80 Inspiration four-door fastback is to be taken as clear intent to have an entry into the newly defined premium fastback segment.

The Malta Independent on Sunday • 28 September 2014

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The first-ever BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe – pure driving pleasure

Text and pictures by John Peel nce in a while motoring journalists get a chance to experience a unique driving experience. Having to test most new cars released on the local market it is only a small niche of exquisite cars that I will remember with a smile. The BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe looked more than inviting at its launch yet spending a couple of hours alone with such a sleek machine was simply pure driving pleasure. With more style than a 3 Series and more practicality than a 4 Series Coupe the new BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe fills yet another must-have niche for BMW. This new 4 Series Gran Coupe uses four doors, flowing curves and more space to offer the most complete package of the 4 Series range. Although the looks would have you believe this BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe is a sleek saloon the design hides a hatchback tail, which opens to reveal 480 litres of space. There’s more headroom

for rear passengers as well, thanks to a higher roofline and longer than that of the 4 Series Coupe; the car’s length, width and wheelbase remain identical. The vehicle on test was a 420d equipped with a 2.0-litre fourcylinder single turbo unit producing 184bhp. Its key appeal low emissions and high fuel economy. Making a favoured engine choice the 420d provides extra horsepower and torque allowing for more relaxed acceleration and easier overtaking. Driven on twisty and slightly bumpy roads along the south east cliff roads, the 4 Series Gran Coupe handled very much like a 3-series sedan, which is to say very athletic. Pushing the Sport+ button next to the shifter brings heightened agility and gear changes are effected at much higher revolutions. The car’s nearly even front-to-rear weight balance helps it respond to every driver inputs, yet it doesn’t take a lot of effort to get the Gran Coupe’s tail to drift into a corner, all part of the driving pleasure as long as the driver is competent. With other drive modes selected, the BMW behaved in a far more docile manner, naturally losing some of its sporty character especially in eco mode. The car is also exceptionally quiet, a plus for some although I felt too quiet and isolated and makes the car feel slower than it actually is. Though a bit of engine sound is always welcome in my book the impressively refined engines and strong noise insulation make the 4 Series Gran Coupe is every inch the serene long distance car. There's more to it than just the ride quality though. This is a BMW after all, so you get well weighted steering and great handling. The Gran Coupe is the same length as the 4 Series Coupe and feels just as agile and as surefooted with great grip

through corners. Once behind the wheel of the 4 Series Gran Coupe you realise that the Gran Coupe has almost identical dimensions to the Coupe and the same overall length and wheelbase, but what's impressive is how spacious it feels inside, particularly in the back. In fact it's hard to believe it's the same size as the twodoor. There's a low slung driving position with plenty of adjustment in the steering column and seat. It feels very much a driver's car with all the controls focused on the driver. Sit in the back and you'll find plenty of legroom and, perhaps more surprisingly, generous headroom and despite the coupe-like roofline you don't feel hemmed in while the frameless doors add an extra touch of style. All models come with an electric tailgate as standard, an impressively upmarket feature, and the hatchback opening makes this a very practical alternative to a conventional saloon. The quality is everything we've come to expect from BMW with a premium feel throughout and an impeccable level of fit and finish. Standard equipment levels are good too so along with the electric tailgate all models come with leather upholstery, heated front seats and DAB digital radio. I must also mention the BMW Heads up display which is simply outstanding. It is one optional ‘extra’ I would not want to be without. Apart for its ‘wow’ factor in having digital readout in front of your eyes projected onto the windscreen, not having to take your eyes off the road contributes greatly to road safety. I also drove through the Kirkop tunnel 3 times just to enjoy it transformation from a bright white to a pastel peach colour once the lights are on!

The Malta Independent on Sunday • 28 September 2014

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Mdina Grand Prix is the motoring event once again this October there shall also be offered, as in previous years, cultural tours throughout the Island of Malta and its sister Island, Gozo.

By Ivan Bartolo n October, 2007 a French entrepreneur and classic car enthusiast by the name of Thierry Giovannini successfully organized Malta’s first ever Classic Car Grand Prix on the ring road circling the capital city of Valletta. On that occasion, Malta saw some of Europe’s finest classic cars touring around our Islands and bringing the event to a climax with a weekend of breathtaking wheel to wheel racing on the Valletta circuit. There was an incredible array of cars ranging from 1920’s

The following is an overview of the 2014 programme and 1930’s Bugattis to 1950’s Ferraris and a Maserati, Jaguars, an Alfa Romeo P2, a Ford GT40, all prestigious cars, and many others.

Such was the interest generated by this singular event amongst local classic car enthusiasts that a number of them got together and, on 19th April, 2009, the Valletta Grand Prix Foundation was set up for the purpose, primarily, of carrying on with what Thierry Giovannini had started: the holding of an annual classic car racing event round the Valletta ring road. The Foundation’s first of such events for local participants was held that same year, with the backing of local authorities and a handful of adventurous sponsors, and it proved to be a great success among participants, enthusiasts and the public at large. This was then followed by a larger and equally successful event on the Valletta circuit, this time with overseas participants taking part, in 2010. The following year, however, owing to the commencement of massive construction works undertaken by Government on the approach roads and the entrance to Valletta, which has been selected to be the 2018 European Capital for Culture, the Foundation was forced to seek another suitable venue for its annual event. It was no surprise that the choice fell on Mdina, the old capital city of Malta, which proffered a 2.2km circuit that seemed to have been purposely laid out for street car racing. Starting off from the old

train station beneath the majestic walls of the medieval city, crossing the valley to beneath Mtarfa, a small town that housed British military barracks and a military hospital for almost a century, and returning to beneath the walls of Mdina, this circuit offered challenging corners, a hill climb and narrow winding roads, with sufficient straights to allow overtaking and provide as many thrills as any driver could wish for. With the backing of local authorities, the Foundation’s event was transferred in 2011 to this new circuit, where it has remained in the two years that followed, growing in stature and popularity, with the participation of prestige local and foreign vehicles, being well backed by more and more sponsors of repute and attracting ever increasing numbers of spectators, both local and foreign. Now, in its fourth year, the Mdina Grand Prix again promises to be yet another fantastic event, offering local and overseas participants a weekend of street racing and hill climbing on a separate track, as well as a Concours d’ Elegance held in the main square of the Medieval City, in which the finest local period cars and motorbikes will vie for trophies with the swelling numbers of overseas participants’ entries. For those who are interested,

Sunday 5 October 2014 0900hrs to 1600hrs Scrutineering at the Malta National Aquarium – Qawra

Thursday 9 October 2014 0900hrs to 1600hrs Thomas Smith Mellieha Hill Climb

Friday 10 October 2014 1100hrs to 1600hrs Mdina Glass Concours d’Elegance. Following the fantastic success of the Mdina Glass Concours d’Elegance last year, this glamorous event will once again be held in Mdina. The Island’s best classic cars will be joined by our overseas participants, and a festive atmosphere is guaranteed, with live classical music and owners in period attire.

Saturday 11 October 2014 0900hrs to 1600hrs – Practice + Qualifying 1600hrs to 1700hrs – Paddock Area open to the general public

Sunday 12 October 2014 0900 to 1600hrs – Race day

The Malta Independent on Sunday • 28 September 2014

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Faster, greener, leaner, meaner: the all-new Mercedes-AMG C 63

clear the wider front track) feature subtle ‘V8 biturbo’ badges above a set of similarly discreet sill extensions. The rear bumper is also new, designed to house the new quad exhaust pipes below a small wing mounted on the bootlid and above the tailgate glass on the Estate. Inside, the changes are immediately apparent, with deep, contoured seats set behind a small, unique AMG wheel and recalibrated AMG dials. The option

he all-new MercedesAMG C 63 Saloon and Estate are revealed for the first time today.

Using the 205 series aluminium and steel chassis structure as its basis, the new C 63 adds an allnew 4.0-litre biturbo engine to endow it with phenomenal performance while unique, threestage adjustable dampers and a bespoke steering setup allow it to retain the agility that made the model it replaces the most popular AMG ever created. The technology applied to the new Mercedes-AMG C 63 is focussed on enhancing the performance of the car – to make it as exhilarating as possible yet viable to be used every day. The dynamic engine mounts fitted to the C 63 are a good example. They reduce unwanted vibration from the engine and gearbox by softening during normal driving conditions – when greater agility is required, they stiffen to improve responses through the speedsensitive, electromechanical steering system and limit unwanted movement in the drivetrain. Likewise, the C 63 uses a unique suspension setup. At the front it uses four-link suspension, independent steering knuckles and a wider track to improve stability, while at the rear the multilink

system uses independent mounts and an increase in negative camber. Both are linked to AMG RIDE CONTROL system, operating through electronicallycontrolled three-stage dampers – ranging from comfort through to track settings. Useful for when the latter is engaged, a mechanical locking rear differential is fitted to the C 63, with an electronic version for the C 63 S. Every C 63 is fitted with 245/40 R18 (front) and 265/40 R18 (rear) tyres while the ‘S’ model gains 245/35 R19 (front) and 265/35 R19 (rear) tyres. A new braking system uses 390 mm discs at the front and 360 mm at the rear with the option of enhanced ceramic discs available for track-orientated driving. At the heart of any AMG is its

hand built engine. The MercedesAMG C 63 uses the M177 engine – a sister unit to the M178 found in the new Mercedes-AMG GT – displacing 3,982 cc and equipped with twin turbochargers neatly packaged in the ‘V’ of the cylinder banks and cooled via a special duct built in the bonnet of the car. The C 63 produces 476 hp and, in C 63 S guise, 510 hp. It’s nearly a third more efficient than the engine it replaces yet, in ‘S’ form, produces more power and emits less CO2 – now from 192 g/km. The combination makes it the most efficient performance engine of its kind. A heavily revised version of the AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed transmission features on the C 63 - now with significantly quicker shift times to improve responses.

In Saloon form, the C 63 AMG weighs from 1,715 kg while the Estate weighs from 1,785 kg (including fuel and the driver). Matching the changes under the skin are extensive changes to the appearance of the car – both outside and in. New front bumpers with deep airdams to feed the intercoolers are joined by the unique AMG grille and a new bonnet with subtle power domes. Unique, wider front wings (to

of AMG sports seats can be specified along with a range of different leather treatments and trim finishes – from piano black to carbon and aluminium. The buttons for the AMG RIDE CONTROL, the optional active AMG performance exhaust system and the three-stage gearbox modes are grouped around the standard Touchpad controller, above which is an AMG badge and an IWC timepiece.

The Malta Independent on Sunday • 28 September 2014

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New CITROËN C1 advertising film: naturally urban ollowing its arrival in the showrooms a few weeks ago, the new CITROËN C1 can now be seen in an advertising campaign that reflects its personality. Cheerful and confident, this new city car makes light work of the challenges of urban driving. The film for the new CITROËN C1 takes a light-hearted look at the qualities of this new model, designed and built for the city. The film features a man driving his new C1 round a deserted car park. Surprisingly, despite all the empty spaces available, he decides to park between two other vehicles in the car park’s only narrow space. After completing the parking manoeuvres with astonishing ease, he gets out of his car looking visibly pleased with himself. This advert reflects the qualities of the new CITROËN C1, a car ideal for city life, turning challenges into fun: naturally urban. Taking a fresh look at the city and its challenges, the new CITROËN C1 is available in 3- and 5-door versions. Just 3.46m long, it ships with a choice of two body styles: a hatchback and the open-top “Airscape”. Nippy and compact, the new

CITROËN C1 also makes life easier with useful technologies that are easy to use. A reversing camera, hill-start assist and keyless entry and start are just three of the functions contributing to a relaxed driving

experience. It also features a 7” touch drive interface and extended connectivity with mirror screen technology. The new CITROËN C1 ships with innovative, efficient and economical technologies. These

include latest-generation petrol engines such as the PureTech 82 3-cylinder engine (116 Nm of torque), contributing to its ability to head out of the city, when necessary. Available from Michael Attard

Ltd, the new CITROËN C1 is part of the renewal of the CITROËN brand, an optimistic response to the urban mobility requirements of today. View the video on Facebook.com/CitroenMalta.