NEW: 2014 Jeep Cherokee & Harman Kardon High Efficiency Audio System

Our staff snapper Neil Denham just got back from Italy to test out the brand new Jeep Cherokee – fitted with the Harman Kardon High Efficiency Audio System. See a range of his ace images on our Facebook page.

The new Jeep features a raft of ace new features including: New exterior design with LED headlamps and enhanced, handcrafted interiors, a brand new eight-speed automatic transmission with multiple off-road modes to suit any surface including three 4x4 systems, Quadra-Lift air suspension and Jeep Selec-Terrain and Selec-Track traction management systems, new 8.4-inch touchscreen with 7-inch customer configurable cluster display and advanced UConnect (designed by Harman) with voice commands, "the most complete array of advanced safety features" including new Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop, Forward Collision Warning with Crash Mitigation and new Selec-Speed Control and a brand new model range with Laredo, Limited, Overland and SRT - now complemented by a more exclusive Summit top-of-the-range model.
The Uconnect system by Harman enables off-board connectivity to entertainment and other content through the Connected Media Centre (CMC). It is faster and has increased voice recognition capabilities – so much so, AOL Autos in the US named it Technology of the Year in 2012. It is set to be rolled out in other models including the Viper and some Fiats later this year.
The new Cherokee also has a wide choice of engines including one diesel and three petrol lumps: An efficient 3.0-litre turbo, direct-injection V-6 Common-rail diesel engine fitted with Multijet II Technology and the 3.6-litre Pentastar V-6, the legendary 5.7-liter V-8 and the powerful 6.4-liter HEMI® V-8 engine that powers the high-performance SRT model, as tested. 

We were impressed by the finish of the new car, the styling and, as usual, the of-road ability. That SRT model is rapid too – propelling the heavy Jeep superbly. 

On top of this there's also a brand new Premium Harman Kardon surround sound audio system, offering unbelievable sound quality – and volume! Jeep say: "Harman Kardon contributes to the unique driving experience delivered on-board the new 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee. Harman engineers have ensured an exclusive approach in the development of the sophisticated audio system that surrounds the occupants of Grand Cherokee in high-definition sound." 

The system is a brand new 7.3, 825-watt Harman Kardon Surround Sound audio system with Logic 7 technology is an exclusive feature of both the top-of-the-range Summit model and the high-performance SRT model. The system delivers maximum audio performance, innovative technology and engineering excellence. It features: 19 High Performance, High Efficiency GreenEdge Loudspeakers in a 7.3 speaker playback architecture including 9 Tweeters, 5 Mid-Range Speakers, 2 Mid-Woofers and 3 subwoofers. High Voltage Class D amplifier with Tracking Power Supply (TPS) and 11 channels of amplification with Logic 7 multichannel surround-sound technology.

NEWS: Next Generation Honda NSX Concept

More stunning pictures of Honda's replacement of a true motoring legend – the Honda NSX – have been revealed today, with the development of the NSX Concept, seen out in America at the North American International Auto Show. And it look marvellous! Inside and out... 

Honda says: "The new NSX Concept showcases the evolution of the next-generation supercar’s styling and design, including a first look at the possible direction for its interior design, as unveiled at the 2013 North American International Auto Show. The design stays remarkably true to the original concept styling, maintaining its low and wide stance with the dynamic and alluring proportions that are highlighted by clean, modern and simple surfacing, and edgy details that communicate supercar attitude and a high-tech feel."
The new, clean, slick press images are particularly focused on the typically Honda futuristic interior – boasting "outstanding visibility, a strong driving position, and an intuitive “Simple Sports Interface” that minimises interior clutter, allowing the driver to focus on the driving experience. Consistent with the spirit of the original NSX, Honda’s designers have strived to deliver synergy between man and machine."
Honda's new NSX will aim to deliver "a new sports car experience that combines supercar dynamic capabilities with advanced environmental performance." And the car will be powered by a mid-mounted, direct-injected V6 engine mated to Honda’s Sport Hybrid SH-AWD (Super Handling All-Wheel Drive) system, which sounds fabulous.
As previously announced, the new NSX is being developed by a global R&D team led by designers and engineers at Honda R&D Americas, Inc. located in Los Angeles, California, and Raymond, Ohio. And the new car will also be manufactured at a new production facility in central Ohio. 

European car fans will be able to see the NSX concept on the Honda stand at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show in March.

See more images on our Facebook page here.

NEWS: Lotus Evora 'Sports Racer' Updates

Lotus have been busy in 2012, despite all the confusion surrounding the brand and its future. They've released the Exige S, were a featured marque at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, opened a new flagship retail store in Regent Street, nailed third place in the F1 Drivers’ Championship and fourth in the F1 Constructors’ Championship and got another series win for a Lotus with an Evora GTC taking the MSA British Endurance Championship. Not bad!

And now they've updated the Evora – with a the new ‘Sports Racer.’ It's a visually enhanced and optimised version of the mid-engined 3.5 litre V6 sports car, available in both naturally-aspirated or supercharged variants, delivering "phenomenal performance, exclusive style, incredible excitement and genuine affordability!"
Essentially, what the 'Sports Racer' package means is a unique exterior colour scheme with an optimised interior to match, loaded 'Lotus’ ultimate specification' interior and better value, priced in the UK at £57,900 for the Evora with 280 PS or £65,900 for the 350 PS supercharged Evora S. So, for UK customers, the cost benefits are clear; by opting for the pre-packaged Evora ‘Sports Racer’ savings range from £6,450 to £7,150 respectively. Impressive.
Lotus expand on the detail:

"The Evora ‘Sports Racer’ is available in a choice of four colours: Aspen White, Carbon Grey, Nightfall Blue and Ardent Red. To stand out from the crowd, the ‘Sports Racer’ receives unique contrasting accents of gloss black across the roof, front splitter, rear diffuser and side sills, exaggerating the Evora’s aggressive stance and sleek silhouette. Further black elements include black rear badging, black door mirror pods and gloss black forged wheels with a choice of either red or black brake calipers which all work to give the ‘Sports Racer’ a more dramatic and focused appearance.
"Inside, the 2+2 seating option is standard and comes adorned with black leather ‘Premium Sports’ seats trimmed with red contrast piping and stitching. The dash, doors and centre console receive a liberal dose of Slate Grey SuedeTexTM with red contrast stitching, highlighting the car’s sporting character.
"Like your interiors a bit louder? Go for Venom Red leather ‘Premium Sports’ seats with black contrast piping and stitching. All Evora ‘Sport Racer’ interiors are complemented by gunmetal dashboard panels, as is standard in the Evora S.
"The Evora ‘Sports Racer’ comes loaded with optional extras as standard. The ‘Sports Pack’ provides switchable sports mode with sharper throttle response, increased rpm limit and sportier setting for Dynamic Performance Management (DPM), sports diffuser and cross-drilled brake discs. The ‘Tech Pack’ provides upgraded speakers and stereo system, DVD player, 7" WVGA touch screen display, Bluetooth® mobile phone connection, USB connection for various iPod® models, MP3 players and memory sticks, tyre pressure monitoring, cruise control and rear parking sensors. This is topped of with electric power-fold mirrors and a reversing camera as standard."

Looking good for sales in 2013, or even Christmas?! 

NEWS: New 175mph Radical RXC To Launch @ Autosport International

The brand-new, 175mph, 380bhp, 900KG Radical RXC will be launched at the 2013 Autosport International Show at the NEC in Birmingham, January 10-13th. We would like to say it looks good, but this render (and colour) are awful! Sure the real thing will be nicer though! 

The new Radical Xtreme Coupe supercar – Radical’s first model with an enclosed cockpit – will be available for only £89,500+VAT for the first ten customers.

Radical already holds the production car lap record at the Nürburgring Nordschleife – and the RXC is said to be "faster and more performance-focused than anything built in its sector before." .
It is powered by a 3.7-litre Ford V6 producing 380bhp and tips the scales at just 900kg, offering 0-62mph in just 2.8 seconds, and is capable of a top speed of 175mph. A space frame chassis is coupled with an aggressive, Le Mans-styled body including a full-width, carbon bi-plane rear wing and gullwing doors.
Three-and-a-half years in the making, the RXC will be available in both road and race versions from summer 2013.
"In the history of Radical I don’t think I’ve been more excited about a new car than I am now with the RXC," said Phil Abbott, Radical Sportscars Managing Director. "It’s the car we’ve always wanted to make, and by applying our extensive knowledge and understanding we have produced a GT car that, just like our other products, will outperform machinery costing many times more. But more important than that, it’s going to be incredibly thrilling to drive."
Since the company’s formation in 1997, Radical Sportscars has sold over 1,600 cars. The world’s favourite racing car, the 800th Radical SR3 RS will join the new RXC on display at Autosport International, along with the 200th SR8 constructed at its Peterborough factory.
"Radical Sportscars is one of the real success stories of the British motorsport industry," said Ian France, Autosport International Show Director. "It’s a real market-defining manufacturer, continuing to evolve its product range and offering to customers, including track days and its own race series’ around the world. As the first enclosed Radical, the RXC is another example of this growth, I’m looking forward to seeing it launched."
The Radical RXC joins a host of sensational machinery on show at the NEC. Running alongside Autosport International in Hall 19, The Performance Car Show: Powered by www.pistonheads.com will feature a multi-million pound collection of exotic supercars and rare and historic models.
The likes of Lamborghini’s 700bhp, V12 Aventador, the fastest Ferrari ever built, the F12berlinetta, Audi R8 V10 Spyder and Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG will headline the stunning showcase, while local manufacturers Ariel Motor Company, Hawk Cars, GKD Sports Cars and MK Sports Cars will all exhibit their latest road and race models.
Tickets for the show are on sale now. Adult tickets are available from £31 and children’s tickets available from £20. For more information call 0844 581 1420 or visit www.autosportinternational.com.

You going? Looks like one not to be missed... 

VIDEO: Jaguar F-Type

Wonderful viral video from Jaguar here of the forthcoming F-Type two-seater sports cat – with 3-litre V6 and 5-litre V8, and supercharged options. Looks set to be another cracker from the re-born Jaguar stables, with increased agility, composure and trick aerodynamics to aid downforce and brake and engine cooling. The all-new aluminium two-seater sports car will make its global debut in production form at the Paris Motor Show on 27th September.
Adrian Hallmark, Global Brand Director, Jaguar Cars, said: "The unveiling of the F-TYPE in Paris will be a truly significant day in Jaguar's history as it will mark the company's return to the sports car market, a market it originally helped to create. "As its sporting forebears did in their era, the F-TYPE will break new ground by delivering stunning sports car performance while vividly demonstrating Jaguar's cutting-edge engineering technologies and world-class design excellence. The next step in Jaguar's sporting bloodline is about to become reality."
The F-TYPE will be launched as a convertible with a choice of three petrol engines: 340PS and 380PS versions of Jaguar's all-new 3.0-litre supercharged V6, and a new derivative of its existing supercharged 5.0-litre V8. All will drive the rear wheels through an eight-speed transmission and will be equipped with Stop/Start technology and much, much more. We can't wait...
Following the F-TYPE's 'camouflaged' public drive at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in June of this year, testing of the final verification prototypes has continued in some of the harshest environments in the world. As its name suggests, this test programme is designed to verify the staggering amount of design work that was carried out by Jaguar's engineers in the 'virtual world', a process in which the company is an industry leader.
More than half-a-million separate F-TYPE design analyses were carried out comprising 10-million CPU hours of processing, creating more than 300TB of data. Had that same amount of initial design analysis been completed on physical cars, the number of prototype F-TYPEs built would have filled the majority of the UK's motorway network bumper-to-bumper.
The result of all that 'virtual' design work is that Jaguar's engineers are currently concentrating on honing the performance of the physical verification prototypes, to ensure the production F-TYPE delivers truly focused sports car driving reward.
Said Ian Hoban, Jaguar's Vehicle Line Director: "When you are working on a Jaguar sports car the expectations of the world are huge. We're really pleased how the attributes have translated from the virtual simulation work we've done into the physical world. "Now, we're refining and adding those last few percentage points - that true element of honing which the Jaguar test team are delivering - which will turn a great sports car into an exceptional one."

Lovely stuff!