Fisker Karma | First Drive

Fight Global Warming in Style
Spend 5 minutes looking at the car and it is evident that this is a product of a designer. It is one of those cars that barely changed from concept design to final production. It’s got strong lines running along the long hood of the 4 door coupé, muscular looking fenders that bulge out the side and massive 22 inch wheels that would make Lil Wayne jealous. With the Z8 inspired nose and the Aston inspired body style, the Fisker Karma definitely makes its presence felt.

This car rides on green credentials, starting from the paint that uses crushed recycled glass instead of metal flakes to add glitter, to the wood trim in the car that is lacquer free and only from trees destroyed in Forest fires. As with any luxury car brand, the interior is a very nice place to be. Fisker claim the Ireland sourced leather is the best leather that can be had.  An animal free interior (sans leather) is an option too. The roof has a solar panel on it that can generate enough energy to power your iPod, interior lights and the likes. While parked, the solar panel powers the fans in the car to circulate the inside air to ensure your bottom does not have to rest on hot leather

 Get into the car and press the engine start button and you are greeted with…..silence. The car switches on in electric mode with absolutely no sound making it feel like a library. On full charge, the Karma can go up to 80kms without using any precious fossil fuel. However, the Fisker Karma is slightly different to other electric cars and hybrids in that it has a Ford acquired 2.0 Litre petrol engine that does not power the car but acts as a generator to top up the batteries instead. The car is powered by the 2 electric motors in the back capable of 403bhp and 951 lb-ft of torque. This type of setup ensures you don’t suffer 'range anxiety'. The petrol engine makes sure you can comfortably reach your charging station to load up on volts.

In ‘Stealth’ mode the car runs purely on battery power with the only audible sound being a UFO like exhaust note inspired by Hollywood, playing through the speakers placed on the outside. There is no concept of a gearbox here. Floor the (not so loud) pedal and all 403 e-horses will pull you to the 100kph mark in less than 6 seconds. There is no kickback from switching to a lower gear or an upshift for that matter. The power is constant, starting from 0 all the way to the claimed top speed of 200kph. It feels strange. Very strange. Tap the left paddle and the 2.0L force fed petrol engine fires up engaging sport mode. The dials turn red and you can finally hear a traditional engine under the hood. A not so good sounding engine though. The suspension is nicely sprung and the ride is very comfortable with little compromise to the handling. The car was designed to be a GT and it feels and drives like one. Everything about the car says GT. Except for the driver space which felt a little cramped due to the centre console running all the way from the dash to the back of the car. Rear passenger space is further limited by the sloping roof, a problem common with most 4 door coupés.

The Fisker Karma is not a driver’s car. It is a car for an individual that is concerned about offsetting the carbon footprint of an entire industrial town in China. In bespoke style of course. It has attempted to rewrite automotive manufacturing. It has its shortcomings and it will be a while before it finally catches on and is perfected, but it is a fantastic first attempt. It wins at being a beautiful piece of art and a great example of engineering. It fails at winning the hearts of petrolheads though. Maybe it could give birth to a new generation of Watt-heads, sounds apt for the internet generation?

Land Rover introduces first 9-speed automatic gear box

Land Rover has announced that it’ll use the Evoque to debut ZF’s new nine-speed transmission, known as the 9HP. It’ll replace the six-speed automatic that was previously available as an option on most Evoque models.

The 9HP will feature a plethora of technological wizardry which, Land Rover says, will improve the automatic version of the Evoque considerably. More gears, it says, mean smaller steps between the ratios, resulting in improved response – ZF claims that the new gearbox’s changes are “below the threshold of perception” – as well as shift quality and refinement. There’s also a higher top gear that reduces fuel consumption as well as noise.

Nevertheless, Land Rover says that the 9HP is “extremely robust”, and as such that it “perfectly complements Land Rover’s rugged all-terrain ability”. As you’d expect, it’s also being touted as offering a “significant improvement in fuel economy and a corresponsding reduction in CO2 emissions.”

All of which sounds just marvellous. But there is of course, just one issue we have with it. And we reckon you’ve probably guessed what it is by now. Nine ratios? Really? Seven seemed quite a few when Mercedes debuted the 7G-Tronic back in 2003; eight seemed a little excessive with ZF’s last effort, as good as it is. Nine... well, it could be a case of 'the more, the merrier', and the proof of the pudding will be in the eating, but we can’t help but wonder where it’ll stop. Will we end up with a 20-speed by 2020?

Top 5 Mercedes C63 AMG Tuning Jobs

A range of comprehensive tuning packages for the Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG are on the market. Here’s a look at some of the best.

As one of the tuning community's most popular cars, there are plenty of Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG aftermarket packages available for those that want to restyle their rides or give them an added injection of power and pace. AMG's 6.3-liter V8 is no slouch, mind you, and with 451 horsepower and 443 pound-feet of torque at its disposal, the high-performance coupe can sprint from 0-60 mph in 4.4 seconds. But there will always be drivers out there wanting to join the 500-hp club, and that's where tuning firms come in.

Italian tuner Romeo Ferraris is synonymous with tuning packages for Abarth and Alfa Romeo, but once turned its hand to the C63 AMG, dubbing the project WhiteStorm. The exterior has been given a matte white finish, while other enhancements include a carbon fiber roof and trunk lid lip, black fog light surrounds, a black grille, black diffuser and a set of 5-spoke design black AMG alloy wheels. The cabin has been fitted with red leather seating. Romeo Ferraris also altered the ECU, which, combined with the sports-tuned exhaust, provides an additional 79 horsepower over the standard car

HMS Tuning offers a range of performance packages for C63 AMG, made up of a modified ECU, sports filter, Y-Pipes with sports catalytics, a performance valve exhaust system and three supercharger kits, the most potent of which increases power to 690 hp and 646 lb-ft of torque. The body kit for the C63 AMG consists of a carbon-fiber rear diffuser, rear fin, a front bumper in either carbon-fiber or fiberglass with LED daytime running lights, and rear fender flares. 19-inch bi-colored 5-spoke alloys, brake upgrades and a KW Clubsport Coilover suspension complete the tuning kit. If you want the entire list of upgrades, it will cost in the region of €50,000.

German tuning firm Edo Competition took a C63 AMG Wagon, and by adding a new exhaust system complete with headers and high-flow catalytic converters, high performance air filters and an ECU revamp, upped output to 600 hp and 501 lb-ft of torque. Top speed is now measured at over 211 mph thanks to a speed-limiter override. Edo's interior for the Mercedes C63 AMG Wagon is fully-customizable and can be lavished in carbon fiber, Alcantara and leather. The exterior features a body wrap wrap and a set of ridiculously aggressive multi-piece 19-inch wheels.

California-based tuning company Vorsteiner created a body kit for the German coupe made entirely out of carbon fiber in order to keep the weight down while adding plenty of style. The kit includes a front add-on lower spoiler, badgeless front grille and front fender grille covers, front vent louver covers, side skirts, trunk-lid with integrated spoiler wing and diffuser. It sits on a set of either 19- or 20-inch forged aluminum wheels, blacked out for a stunning contrast with its white exterior finish. Vorsteiner subtly influenced the interior, adding bespoke floor and trunk mats available in a wide variety of colors. An optional titanium or stainless sport exhaust system completes the kit.

Wheelsandmore introduced a tuning package dubbed the 5.7 Edition Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG adding power and slick styling. Designed to give the coupe a racing-car feel, it features an adjustable coilover suspension, special 4-in-1 manifolds, sport air filters, stainless-steel exhaust system, and 20-inch blacked-out 6Sporz forged alloys. Total power output has been measured at 570 hp and 509 lb-ft of torque, creating a new top speed just shy of 200 mph

Paris Motor Show 2012: Cars of the future

The biennial Paris Motor Show is back in town, and as usual there's a glut of drool-worthy cars and concepts on show.
2010's Paris Motor Show wowed us with some stunning cars - the Lamborghini Sesto Elemento, Audi's new Quattro concept, the Renault DeZir and many others all managed to drop thousands of jaws two years ago.
Paris Motor Show 2012 has been no different thus far, and so we've pulled together a list of our ten favourite cars for your perusal. Scroll on...

Audi Crosslane

1. Audi Crosslane Coupe
This concept from the German auto giants packs a 116bhp electric engine, that claims an all-electric range of 80 miles, alongside a 1.5 litre, 130bhp engine that takes over when the battery runs dry. The Crosslane is in essence a coupe SUV, as it's much smaller and lower than the Audi Q3, whilst being only slightly larger than Audi's 3-door A3 coupe.
Price: TBC | Available: 2015

Ferrari FF

2. Ferrari FF
Ferrari has claimed that all it's new models are around 100bhp more powerful than previously, which is nice. But the main change to the sleek Ferrari FF is an enormous panoramic sun-roof. The special reflective glass is designed to make you feel as though you're driving in the open air, without being cold, wet or any of the other things that we normally associate with open-topped cars.
Price: > $300,000 | Available: 2012

Land Rover Range Rover 4

3. Land Rover Range Rover 4
The fourth-generation of this iconic range is set to take the Land Rover brand into the realms of elite luxury vehicles. Range Rover has added to its box of tricks, and is now capable of doing 0-62mpg in 5.1 seconds, thanks mainly to a new aluminium chassis which has taken 420kg off the SUV's shoulders. Added luxury inside the car means the price has hiked up a bit, but its well worth the cash - the Range Rover is still the world's top SUV.
Price: TBC | Available: 2013

Maserati GranCabrio MC

4. Maserati GranCabrio MC
Yet another beautiful automobile from Maserati. But for once the body isn't the star of the show here, because underneath the sleek exterior this Italian stallion is packing a massive 4.7 litre V8 that generates 454bhp and 384lb ft of torque. The MC is also 5cm longer than the original GranCabrio, and that change combined with a bit of trickery means that the new version is available as a four-seater.
Price: TBC | Available: 2013

McLaren P1

5. McLaren P1
A natural and stylistic successor to the McLaren F1, the P1 has been designed to be 'the best driver's car in the world on road and track'. McLaren hasn't released any specs for the innards of the supercar, but the P1 is lighter than the McLaren MP4-12C and likely to be more powerful, so we wouldn't be against their claims that this will be the 'ultimate supercar'.
Price: TBC ($1.5 million+) | Available: 2013

Mini Paceman

6. Mini Paceman
The Paceman is a 3-door coupe version of the Mini Countryman, with firmer suspension and shock absorbers designed to give it a sportier feel. The entry-level Paceman packs a turbocharged 1.6 litre engine that generates 119bhp, whereas the higher spec S model generates 181bhp, and is considerably nippier with a 0-62mph of 7.5 seconds. Ultimately, there are options for everyone, as the Paceman comes in multiple petrol and diesel customizations and you can have it with front or all-wheel drive.
Price: $28000 | Available: March 2013

Nissan Terra

7. Nissan Terra
Nissan are very much leading the way in eco-friendly car technology, thanks in part to the ingenious Nissan Leaf. The Terra introduces even newer hydrogen fuel-cell technology, which works in tandem with the electric motors installed in each of the rear wheels. Though the styling is reminiscent of the Qashqai, the Terra is proof that Nissan are ready to unleash a new generation of hydrogen-fuelled cars in the near future.
Price: TBC | Available: TBC

Peugeot Onyx

8. Peugeot Onyx
Peugeot are not normally renowned for striking supercar design, but the Onyx is proof that the French manufacturer is capable of stunning a large crowd. The Onyx is based on Peugeot's Le Mans cars and packs a whopping 600bhp, 3.7 litre V8 hybrid, and has comfortably made 180kph in testing. This car is a total one-off of course - with a dashboard made of recycled newspapers, doors made from sheet copper and a stitchless, single-piece, compressed felt passenger compartment, we're not surprised.
Price: TBC | Available: Dream on...

Porsche Panamera Sport Turismo

9. Porsche Panamera Sport Turismo
We'll have to wait four years to see Porsche's latest plans come to fruition, but this hefty, 5-door hybrid ought to be worth the wait. The electric motor gives the Sport Turismo an all-electric range of 18.6 miles, and is supported by a supercharged, 3 litre V6 petrol engine that gives the car a combined 410bhp.
Price: TBC | Available: 2016

Jaguar F-Type

10. Jaguar F-Type
The new Jaguar F-Type is - as the styling suggests - the long-awaited successor to the gorgeous E-Type, and you won't have long to wait to get your hands on one. The coupe is around tow years away, but the convertible model will land in May next year and is available in multiple engine combinations, from an entry-level, 335bhp V6 to a monstrous 488bhp V8 that boasts a 0-60mph of 4.5 seconds and a 186mph top speed.
Price: $90,000 | Available: May 2013

2013 Cadillac ATS launched in the Middle East

The 2013 Cadillac ATS has been launched in the Middle East. The all new car marks a significant step for the American luxury car maker in its quest to increase Cadillac's global foot print. With an all new entry level luxury car, Cadillac is setting its sight on a new, younger audience base.
Two engines are being offered at launch - a 2.5 liter 202 horsepower inline 4 cylinder unit and a more powerful 3.6 liter V6, that can crank out 321 horsepower. The V6 unit is also seen in the Cadillac SRX and CTS.
The rear wheel drive 2013 Cadillac ATS is squarely aimed at the global segment leader, the 3 Series from BMW.
Prices for fully loaded versions of the 2013 Cadillac ATS stand at AED135,000 for the 2.5 liter version. The more powerful 3.6 liter engine powered car is cometatively priced at AED175,000.

2013 Cadillac ATS

2013 Honda Civic first images released

The highly anticipated refreshed model of the ninth-generation Honda Civic is finally here. Honda has revealed the first look of the 2013 Honda Civic Sedan in advance of its debut at the 2012 Los Angeles Auto Show on November 29.
The vast majority of updates for the 2013 Honda Civic are only skin-deep and Honda says that the Civic has been 'honed to make the segment's best-selling car even better.' Up front there is a new open-mouth lower bumper with a horizontal chrome accent and a sportier, black honeycomb mesh grille anchored by new integrated fog lights on upper trims. The grille is flanked by new clear-lens corner lights to provide a better look. The more sculpted front end flows into a new, more deeply faceted hood, complemented by a collection of sharp new wheel designs.

 n the back, a new rear bumper design and new rear trunk lid are capped by a clean, horizontal chrome trim piece. The all-new design of the jewel-like taillights now carries into the trunk face, providing a more upscale look. The rear bumper features integrated reflector treatments and a new lower diffuser panel finished with a honeycomb mesh vent. A host of new alloy wheels will also be offered.
Honda has not yet revealed any other details regarding the aforementioned 'safety, feature, comfort, chassis and interior styling enhancements' or even the mechanical changes that will round-out the 2013 Honda Civic. We certainly do hope there is more to offer as far as engine, chassis and suspension set-up is concerned.

2012 Nissan Extrem compact crossover sports concept

Nissan-This little bundle of bright orange aggression is the Nissan Extrem - a concept for a brand new kind of sporty compact crossover coupe. Designed and built in Brazil, it's just debuted at the 2012 Sao Paulo Motor Show. Seems we guessed mostly right.CJ Hubbard, MSN UK Cars

Nissan-Nissan says the Extrem is a unique new fun-to-drive breed: the urban sports car. It combines rakish looks, clearly influenced by everything from Nissan's GT-R supercar to its Esflow all-electric coupe concept, with a tall, crossover-style stance. Sexy but protective, no? The design team nicknamed it the 'Baby Beast', and calls it an 'urban rally car'.CJ Hubbard, MSN UK Cars

Nissan-While other carmakers have certainly built good looking three-door crossovers - take the BMW X6, Range Rover Evoque and the MINI Paceman to name but three - none of those go quite as far towards sporting coupes as this. It's like a miniature Lamborghini Urus. Sort of.CJ Hubbard, MSN UK Cars

Nissan-The Extrem is quite a bit smaller than the Lambo, though, at less than 3.9m long and 1.8m wide. In fact, it's remarkably similar in size to the other major new crossover concept at the Sao Paulo Motor Show, the Volkswagen Taigun. Slightly different emphasis, however...CJ Hubbard, MSN UK Cars

Nissan-Whereas VW has deliberately chosen to bring us a quite clearly production viable compact crossover, it seems unlikely Nissan is really planning to launch such a jacked-up sports coupe. It's 'strictly a concept' at this stage, but the Japanese firm is king of the SUV niche, so you never know.CJ Hubbard, MSN UK Cars

Nissan-Brazil is a coming global economic power, and has so far ridden out the recession with little difficulty. The Extrem demonstrates Nissan's understanding that there's a new generation of car buyers here looking for affordable individuality - the sporting emphasis an extension of the already hugely popular crossover market.CJ Hubbard, MSN UK Cars

Nissan-Makes you wonder why Nissan doesn't sell the Juke in Brazil already. Given the similarities, the Juke sounds like the ideal starting point for the Extrem, too. But instead the concept is based on the newer Micra platform - perhaps what we're actually looking at here is the Juke 2?CJ Hubbard, MSN UK Cars

Nissan-Nissan hasn't given any performance figures for the Extrem, but says it's powered by the 1.6-litre DIG-T turbo petrol that produces 190hp in the range-topping Juke. Similarly, front-wheel drive and four-wheel versions could be offered, with Torque Vectoring for extra agility on the latter.CJ Hubbard, MSN UK Cars

Nissan-The overlapping surface treatment is supposed to create 'a feeling of layered armoured toughness', but it's the details that really appeal. The Extreme has unusual see-through A-pillars for improved visibility, there's a strut brace in the rear and brightly coloured accents throughout.CJ Hubbard, MSN UK Cars

Nissan-The Extrem rides on 19-inch wheels, is finished in Solar Cortex orange and has a roof that mixes matte and gloss textures in what's described as an 'iconic' Brazilian graphics pattern. Nissan's California-based designers worked very closely with Brazilian designers to make it appropriate for the country. Looks like they succeeded to us.CJ Hubbard, MSN UK Cars