Britain’s answer to the Ferrari Enzo gives a choice of power outputs

World exclusive: If you thought 2009 was an eventful time for British manufacturers, just wait until you see what they have in store for 2010! Auto Express is kicking off the New Year by gathering together a home-grown crop of the coolest coupés and supercars around. And at the very top of this list is the sleekest big cat to emerge since the legendary XJS…
Jaguar XJ - See it: 2010
The dust has barely settled on the unveiling of Jaguar’s flagship XJ saloon. However, design director Ian Callum has already let slip that a two-door XJ Coupé has been drawn up by his team. Our exclusive renderings show for the first time how such a car might look.

Enthusiasts will recall the ultra-rare XJC, made from 1975 to 1978. This came with a 4.2-litre straight-six or a 5.3 V12, and was based on the Series II Jaguar XJ – and only 8,378 were built. The new car will revive the XJC’s badge and a selection of its distinctive design cues.

More steeply raked front and rear windscreens give a classic coupé profile, while a full-length sunroof adds to the flowing lines. Body-coloured B-pillars help to visually elongate the XJ’s already
substantial footprint on the road.

The car is likely to be offered with supercharged and naturally aspirated versions of Jaguar’s 5.0-litre V8, as well as the 3.0 V6 diesel producing 600Nm of torque. It will go head-to-head with Mercedes’ two-door CL-Class replacement – to be renamed the S-Class Coupé – when it goes on sale in 2011.

Lotus Esprit - See it: 2010
even though the firm’s new Evora has won plaudits for its laser-like handling and refined nature, bosses aren’t resting on their laurels. Lotus is developing a successor to the mighty Esprit – the mid-engined flagship sold between 1976 and 2004. And with a choice of six, eight and 10-cylinder engines, the model has the Ferrari 458 and Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4 firmly in its sights.

The wedge-like styling is clearly inspired by the shovel-nosed original, but the similarities end there. Lotus plans to exploit its close links with Toyota and make use of three of the firm’s most powerful engines. Entry-level cars will have a 300bhp version of the Evora’s 3.5-litre V6. Meanwhile, V8 fans can opt for the 414bhp 5.0-litre from the Lexus IS F. The range-topper will use the 550bhp 4.8-litre V10 from Lexus’ LFA.

A longer and wider version of the Evora’s platform should preserve Lotus’ trademark agility and driveability. But with the V10 version scorching from 0-60mph in less than four seconds and on to more than 200mph, the new Esprit promises to be like nothing seen before from the brand when sales start in 2011.

MINI Coupé JCW - See it: 2010
The MINI plant in Oxford is already one of the success stories of the UK auto industry, churning out more than 1.4 million new cars since 2001. And with the introduction of a new Coupé in 2011, its workforce
is preparing to be busier than ever.

The MINI Coupé Concept wowed visitors to last year’s Frankfurt Motor Show with its dramatic floating roof, and the maker soon confirmed production of the two-seater will begin this October.

Its most potent format will be the John Cooper Works variant shown in our image above. Yet while the bonnet stripes and ground-hugging bodykit could have been predicted, there’s a surprise package under the bonnet.

Our sources say MINI might rekindle its engine supply partnership with Peugeot. And as the British firm jointly developed the new range of EcoBoost units with Ford, these powerplants could find their way into the MINI Coupé, too.

Expect a 1.6-litre turbo with around 250bhp to make the Coupé JCW the fastest MINI to date – but with lower emissions than any JCW before it. For fans of the Coupé, there’s even more good news on the horizon.

A Roadster is also on the way, with a production-ready version slated to appear in 2011. And let’s not forget the firm’s first 4x4, the Crossman, is due in showrooms in September, too.
Fenix - On sale: 2011
Like a ‘Fenix’ from the ashes, Lee Noble has left the company bearing his name to rise again at the helm of Fenix Automotive – and this is the first official picture of the firm’s new model.

The as-yet-unnamed supercar features a basic design that is, ironically, reminiscent of the Noble M600. However, where that styling is relatively simple, the Fenix gets aggressive and angular lines, similar to those of the fighter jet-inspired Lamborghini Reventón.

Under the bonnet is a choice of two Corvette engines, giving 480bhp and 638bhp. The latter is lifted from the supercharged ZR1, and is said to propel the Fenix from 0-100mph in just under seven seconds.
Noble M600 - On sale: 2010
although founder Lee Noble has moved on to an exciting new project (see above), the Brit maker’s latest model is aiming for the supercar elite.

Featuring a Volvo-sourced 4.4-litre V8 boosted by two turbos, the M600 produces a huge 650bhp. That’s enough for 0-60mph in three seconds and 225mph – leaving the Ferrari 458 trailing. Yet a £200,000 price could make stealing loyal customers from the Italian legend trickier than Noble thinks.
Jaguar C-type - On sale: 2012
It’s the big cat’s small car! In the new C-Type, Jaguar is looking to reinvent an old name to take the fight to German rivals such as the Audi TT, Mercedes SLK and Porsche Cayman. As with the XK, the new C-Type’s chassis will be a lightweight yet incredibly strong and stiff aluminium monocoque, which should make the model as nimble as its competitors. Power will come from the latest 380bhp 5.0-litre V8. A supercharged 500bhp R model is also likely to be built.
McLaren MP4-12C - On sale: 2011
While its F1 predecessor was the ultimate supercar, McLaren’s latest model is described as “the most efficient, driveable, high-performance sports car in the world”. With a 600bhp twin-turbo 3.8-litre V8 and carbon fibre monocoque, the MP4-12C should prove itself a worthy competitor to Ferrari’s upcoming 458 Italia. At £150,000, it’s £10,000 cheaper, too. Log on to www.autoexpress.co.uk to see US chat show host Jay Leno taking a ride.
Climax sport racer - On sale: 2010
Coventry-based Climax Cars has confirmed its stunning two-seater Ariel Atom rival, the Sports Racer, for 2010. It will have a 345bhp 4.6-litre V8, plus a hand-crafted aluminium body. There’s even a 450bhp supercharged version. Prices start from £92,000 – and with only 200 set to be built, exclusivity is guaranteed.
Aston Martin One-77 - On sale: 2010
The One-77 really is the Best of British; it’s the fastest, most desirable Aston ever, and with a limited run of only 77, it looks set to take a place in the supercar hall of fame. The intricately detailed body – which has already won an Auto Express design award – hides a 7.3-litre V12 that produces 690bhp. Weighing only 1,500kg, the One-77 will sprint from 0-62mph in around 3.5 seconds, and in a recent high-speed run it was clocked at more than 220mph. Owning Britain’s best comes at a price, though: the newest Aston sells for £1.2million.
Arash AF-10 - On sale: 2010
Britain’s answer to the Ferrari Enzo gives a choice of power outputs. A 550bhp version of the AF-10, costing £320,000, will be joined in 2011 by an 800bhp supercharged variant, at £450,000. Arash is also said to be considering a £1.6m Bugatti beater with 1,200bhp.

MyFord Touch-equipped mockup vehicle

Hands on with MyFord Touch and SYNC App Ecosystem – Click above for high-res image gallery

You've read the PR, seen the press shots and probably snickered a little at the quote from Ford's Derrick Kuzak indicating that his company's latest tech "will cause people to fall in love with their vehicles again." After getting a chance to play with a few entrants into the company's so-called SYNC App Ecosystem, and getting behind the wheel of a MyFord Touch-equipped mockup vehicle, we're not laughing – but we are smiling. It's impressive tech, so follow the jump to see some videos and check our impressions.

Ford Sync App Ecosystem and MyFord

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Freelander 2 Sport is powered by 2.2-liter TD4 diesel engine

Land Rover is not going to make a full blooded Sport model of the Freelander with big V8 engine, like the Range Rover. That’d be too expensive and no one would buy it. Instead, from 2010 they offer a Sport Edition, which comes with unique styling, more luxury, efficient engine and great value for money.

Going on sale form January next year, the Freelander 2 Sport has a distinctive appearance to set it apart form the regular models. It comes in two colors: Santorini Black and Lago Grey and features 19″ limited edition diamond-turned alloy-wheels, rear spoiler and two-tone interior trim.

The interior of Freelander can be had in cloth/leather as standard or exclusive fine leather in contrasting Ebony and Storm with the sport styling pack. It also has an Ebony-coloured centre-console and lower fascia complemented with two-tone door casings. There is also embossed Sport emblem on the front and outer rear seat head restraints.

Freelander 2 Sport is powered by 2.2-liter TD4 diesel engine which is mated to a manual gearbox and features start/stop system. At 42 MPG and 179g/km CO₂ emissions, it is one of the most economical and green cars in this segment.

2010 Land Rover Freelander 2 Sport pricing starts from £26,695 on-the-road.

imports make up less than five percent of all new car sales in Japan

Like everywhere else on the planet, new car sales are down in Japan (17 percent versus 2008 levels, to be exact). And, like a number of other countries, Japan has decided to spur automobile sales by creating a cash-for-clunkers-style program at a cost of $3.7 billion. Unlike similar programs from other countries, including the one that ended late last year in the U.S., Japan has drafted a set of rules that strongly favors its own automakers – in effect precluding American cars from qualifying for sales incentives of up to $2,830 per vehicle. Eighty-seven percent of all Japan's domestic models qualify.

By way of comparison, there were multiple C4C bills considered by U.S. policymakers, and the program that eventually went into effect allowed any and all sufficiently fuel efficient vehicles to qualify for its incentives, regardless of their country of origin. After it was all said and done, 319,300 out of a total of 677,000 (just about half) of all C4C sales were Japanese cars.

According to the Detroit News, a number of American lawmakers, including Rep. Betty Sutton, D-Ohio, have called Japan's program "discriminatory and fundamentally unfair... unacceptable and outrageous." To highlight her displeasure over Japan's insular auto market – to wit, imports make up less than five percent of all new car sales in Japan – Sutton has introduced a bill this week urging President Obama to attempt to force Japan into including American automobiles in its C4C program. What are the chances of it passing? Something about snowballs comes to mind...

The Japanese firm has announced the WRX 'R205'

If the Impreza WRX isn't tough enough for you, Subaru may just have the answer. The Japanese firm has announced the WRX 'R205'- boosted to produce 312bhp thanks to a re-mapped ECU and a new exhaust and turbo.

Elsewhere, the newcomer is fitted with newly tuned suspension and a stiffer chassis that should answer criticism of the WRX's shifting weight balance. Larger, more powerful brakes have also been added.

Outside, the R205 is set apart by new front and rear spoilers and exclusively designed 18-inch alloy wheels.

Unfortunately, the limited run of 400 models can only be ordered through Japanese dealerships.

the Black Line adds a touch of class to the budget cars

Dacia Logan, Logan MCV and Sandero Black Line – Click above for high-res image gallery

These days it seems like every color is being claimed for one cause or another. Medical research has laid claim to a few (pink and yellow come to mind), but so has the automotive industry: red for performance, green for hybrids, blue for clean diesels... Mercedes adopted black as the label for its most extreme AMG models, but now the shade is being used for something decidedly more low-rent: Renault's budget brand and Romanian subsidiary, Dacia.

Available on the Logan, Logan MCV and Sandero – though not, apparently, on the Logan pick-up or the upcoming new Duster crossover – the Black Line adds a touch of class to the budget cars. The package, based on the Laureate trim level, adds such "special" touches as metallic paint, visible top-stitching on the black fabric upholstery, MP3-capable CD player and a leather-trimmed steering wheel. Nothing ground-breaking here, and it's not going to outshine an SL63 by any means, but finally a car Top Gear's James May can drive to the symphony. Details in the press release after the jump and photos in the gallery below.

Dacia Black Line

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BMW has stated several times that it has no plans to do an official M version

2011 Alpina B7 - Click above for high-res image gallery

BMW has stated several times that it has no plans to do an official M version of the current F01 7 Series, but that doesn't mean it won't offer a hotter version of its flagship sedan courtesy of Alpina.

At next month's Chicago Auto Show, BMW will be reviving the Alpina B7, and while the sweet 4.4-liter twin turbocharged V8 remains under the hood, the dial has been turned up from the stock 400 horsepower to a full 500 hp, along with 516 pound-feet of twist. That should be enough to catapult the big sedan to 60 mph in just 4.5 seconds.

By itself, big power is useless unless spend all your time at the drag strip and the 7 Series is capable of so much more. Handling has long been a BMW hallmark and the 21-inch, 20-spoke Alpina wheels wrapped in Michelin PS2 rubber should provide plenty of grip for directional changes and positive and negative acceleration. A deeper front air dam and a rear decklid spoiler help keep the car glued to the pavement at autobahn level velocities, while inside the B7 coddles its occupants in upgraded leather and wood trim.

The B7 goes on sale this spring in both standard and long wheelbase formats, although pricing has yet to be announced. Make the jump for all the details.

2011 Alpina B7

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Cars and Coffee roadshow headed for New England

Cars and Coffee, the informal and inclusive wheeled hootenanny originated in Irvine, California has been spreading across the country faster than swine flu. There's no stage with bad cover bands, not a trophy in sight, but you're always likely to see some astounding vehicles.

Herb Chambers, New England dealership juggernaut, has thrown his support behind a New England gathering. "Herb himself is a super car enthusiast," says John Covell, Director of Marketing for the Herb Chambers Companies, "He thought that others would enjoy it." A new BMW dealership in Sudbury, MA, where the event is being held this Saturday, October 10th, is a supporting cast member.

Cynics may dismiss this as another ploy akin to inflatable dinosaurs, but when was the last time you were invited out by a car dealership to drink free coffee and ogle a McLaren F1 on a Saturday morning? Running from 7-10 AM, the inaugural event will be over before many people's days get under way. "Herb is passionate about cars and he's passionate about this business. If our customers understand that we share their passion, that's a good thing," sums up Covell. Hey, if he doesn't mind us drooling all over his McLaren, we'll agree.

Volkswagen CC Gold Coast

VW Passat CC Gold Coast Concept: Incredibly Sexy

The VW Passat CC Gold Coast concept debuted at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance, but the Chicago Auto Show is the first time we've seen it. We only have one thing to say, day-um.

Passat CC Gold Coast Hotness

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The Gold Coast Concept doesn't get much in the way of go fast parts, with 280 HP mated to a six speed DSG. It does get some serious whoa parts though, sporting giant ceramic brakes under those gorgeous wheels. Volkswagen, make this car so.

VW CC Gold Coast Edition at SEMA

VW CC Gold Coast Edition SEMA 2010

The term Goldcoast no doubt comes from the German term Goldküste, which is used to refer to the wealthier neighborhoods in a coastal setting. In the U.S. it is probably taken to mean California. And why not? Who wouldn't want to take a drive down the Pacific Coast Highway in something like this.

VW has tried over the years to take its brand a little up-market. They did so with models such as the Touareg and the Phaeton. This did not always make business sense, since they brushed up against their own Audi premium brand and consumers were a little taken aback about the price tags on what are supposed to be the "people's car". But the cars were great and critics appreciated them.

So VW's latest offering to confuse our sense of their humble roots is the CC which they have taken to SEMA to show off their lux credentials.

And the highlights aren't just the paint job to tie into the "gold" theme. Using DuPont's Pepe Pepper in a tri-coat mix of brown, gold and silver tones the car looks its name. But it is also a real sports sedan, with interior finish names like Latte Machiatto, 19-inch wheels in propeller form, and the engine beneath the bonnet to provide the proper boogie.

The Passat-based CC Gold Coast Edition features a 3.6 liter FSI engine with 280 hp and 265 lb-ft (360 Nm) of torque, married to the VW Group's DSG twin-clutch 6-speed automatic gearbox -- a respectable amount of power for such a mid-sized sports sedan.

That 3.6 liter CC will see the streets. But this Gold Coast Edition is eye candy only.

VW shows off CC Gold Coast in Monterey

Click above for high-res gallery of the VW CC Gold Coast

Volkswagen has used the occasion of this year's Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance to unveil its new CC Gold Coast edition. The most obvious change that sets the CC GC apart from more plebian CCs is the tri-coat paint – DuPont's light brown 'Pepe Pepper' to be specific, which reportedly has gold, brown and silver tones all mixed in for your ocular pleasure. Of course, such a high-end exterior color must be paired with an equally special interior hue, in this case it's leather done up Starbucks-style in 'Latte Macchiatto Cornsilk' with Bronze Piping on the seats and matching accents on the dash and door trim. Also on the docket are 19-inch propeller style wheels that fill the wheel arches rather nicely. A unique ground effects package rounds out the visual mods. Underhood is the familiar 3.6-liter TFSI engine with 280 horsepower and 265 lbs.-ft of torque mated to the automaker's stellar DSG double-clutch 6-speed automatic transmission. We know the regular CC is arriving this fall with a starting price tag around $27,000, but no details on the availability or pricing of the Gold Coast edition have been released yet.

Gallery: VW CC Gold Coast

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SPECIAL EDITION CC GOLD COAST DEBUTS AT PEBBLE BEACH

Volkswagen's new CC four-door coupé provides sports car dynamics with a luxury touch

PEBBLE BEACH, Calif. – To kick off the market launch of the new CC, Volkswagen of America, Inc. will debut a CC Gold Coast edition at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance, August 15-17. The CC Gold Coast highlights the luxury sports coupe with powerful performance, strong lines and luxury touches combining the emotional and expressive stance of a sports coupé with the convenience of a luxury sedan.

"The CC Gold Coast builds upon the luxury sports coupe that debuted at the 2008 North American International Auto Show," said Derek Jenkins, Chief Designer at Volkswagen's Santa Monica, California Design Center. "We've added luxury and performance extras like tri-coat paint, high-end interior appointments, and ground affects that enhance the sportiness of our newest sedan."

The unmistakable Volkswagen front-end, with two cross-struts and a centrally placed Volkswagen logo between trapezoidal headlamps is highlighted by the ground effects on the CC Gold Coast. A high-end tri-coat paint, DuPont's Pepe Pepper, features a rich mix of gold, brown and silver tones that compliment the cars design characteristics.

The rear end of the coupé is also marked by large-surface dual taillights that produce an unmistakable visual image day and night. A spoiler with additional rear-end ground effects helps further enhance the vehicle's sporty nature. The CC Gold Coast sits on 19 inch propeller style wheels, which provide a combination of sharp style and improved curb appeal.

Volkswagen's attention to detail is shown off in the interior of the CC Gold Coast with four ergonomically formed sport seats wrapped in luxurious leather, a combination of Latte Macchiatto, Cornsilk with Bronze Piping on the seats with matching accents on the dash and door trim.

The CC Gold Coast edition features the 3.6L TFSI, rated at 280 horsepower and 265lbs.-ft of torque, with the innovative DSG double-clutch 6-speed automatic transmission with Tiptronic, yet another example of the car's dual nature. The DSG system not only offers the driver the advantage of choosing between fully automatic operation or full manual selection, DSG also changes gears more quickly and smoothly than a conventional transmission, while improving fuel economy.

The CC comes to U.S. market in the fourth quarter of 2008, with a starting price under $27,000.

Volkswagen of America, Inc.

Volkswagen of America, Inc. recently announced Electronic Stability Program (ESP) as standard equipment on all its 2009 vehicles. As a result, Volkswagen is one of the only original equipment manufacturers to offer an electronic stability control system on their entire product line – ahead of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's (NHTSA) deadline requiring vehicles in the 2012 model year to include stability control systems. Volkswagen's ESP technology works in conjunction with anti-lock brakes and helps reduce loss of control and rollovers to avoid crashes. NHTSA predicts nearly 10,000 lives could be saved each year if automakers included stability systems as standard equipment.

Founded in 1955, Volkswagen of America, Inc. is headquartered in Herndon, Va. It is a subsidiary of Volkswagen AG, headquartered in Wolfsburg, Germany. Volkswagen is one of the world's largest producers of passenger cars and Europe's largest automaker. Volkswagen sells the Rabbit, New Beetle, New Beetle convertible, GTI, Jetta, Jetta SportWagen, GLI, Passat, Passat wagon, Eos, Tiguan and Touareg through approximately 600 independent U.S. dealers. Visit Volkswagen of America online at vw.com.