2011 Chevrolet Cruze Hatchback: Production Version's Shape Trademarked

At the 2010 Paris Motor Show in early September, General Motors unveiled a near-production version of the Chevrolet Cruze five-door hatchback. Now, the Detroit automaker has registered trademark filings with the European patent office revealing the shape and details of the actual production model which is set to reach dealerships in Europe as a Chevrolet and in Australia as a Holden, in mid 2011.

The images here show that the production model wont' change much since we last saw it at the Paris Salon, with the most visible differences concerning the redesigned and less snazzy front bumper featuring round fog lights, and the smaller size alloy wheels. Though it can't be seen in these illustrations, also expect to see more conventional headlamps and tail lights.
At least in Europe, the 5-door model will most likely be available with same engine options as the regular Cruze, including 113-horsepower 1.6-liter and 141-horsepower 1.8-liter gasoline units, and a 123-horsepower 2.0-liter turbodiesel. There are no current plans to offer GM's Ford Focus hatchback contender in North America.

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Hyundai Confirms New Veloster Coupe for Australian Market

The all-new Hyundai Veloster revealed at the North American International Motor Show in Detroit earlier this week will make its way to Australia, the South Korean automaker announced today. Hyundai said it still working on the timing of the launch but added that it will most likely go on sale in Australia towards the end of the year with details of Australian specification and pricing to be revealed at a later date.

In North America, the new Veloster will be available with a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine with direct-injection pushing out 138-horsepower. Power is transferred to the front-wheels through a six-speed manual gearbox or an optional double clutch transmission.

Unlike the MINI Clubman, Hyundai has confirmed that the Veloster will have the single rear door placed on the left-hand side for right-hand-drive markets such as Australia and the UK.

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2011 Ford Territory: Redesigned Australian Crossover Teased

Ford Motor Corp.'s Australian division has released a teaser illustration of its new-look 2011 Territory, some six months ahead of the crossover's market launch. The current Territory is based on the underpinnings of the local market Falcon sedan and was first introduced in Australia in 2004 having received some subtle updates throughout its production life.

It is believed that the 2011 Territory will continue to make use of current model's platform adding fresh styling inside and out, plus a number of technology highlights, including the introduction of turbo-diesel power.

"The Ford Territory set a new benchmark when it was first released and it is set to achieve this again – and more," said Bob Graziano, President and CEO of Ford Australia. "This is an exceptional SUV. It wears an exciting new look and will boast an extensive list of technical highlights. The Ford Australia team is taking the Territory to an all-new level of performance, refinement and quality, and customers will definitely experience these advancements when they drive it."

Although Ford did not get into any details on the powertrain options in the press release, the company had previously announced that the updated Territory would benefit from the introduction of the Ford and Peugeot-Citroen PSA co-developed 2.7-liter V6 turbo diesel engine.

There's also a strong possibility that Ford may add its 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder EcoBoost engine to the range, as the new powerplant has already been confirmed for the Australian market Falcon.

The company also noted that in the next 18-months, approximately 85 percent of the entire Ford Australia new-model catalog will either be replaced or updated. New models planned for Australia include the latest iteration of the Focus and the Aussie-designed Ranger pickup truck, which was recently revealed at the Sydney Motor Show.

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Unbelievable, but True: Man Booked for Same Offence in Two Different Continents by the Same Policeman!

What are the odds of receiving a ticket for the same offense, by the same officer, in two different continents? Well, as policeman Andy Flitton recently discovered, it's not as impossible as it sounds. Back in 2009, shortly before migrating to New Zealand, Constable Flitton ticketed an unnamed man for speeding in England. At the time, Mr Flitton was an officer for the Metropolitan Police in London for about 26 years.

Fast forward to 2010, and Mr. Flitton is working for the Rangiora police department in New Zealand. In late September, the 47-year-old officer stopped a speeding driver near Leithfield. Upon asking for details, the driver showed his South African and British licences and told the police officer that he had recently emigrated from England where he had lived for 12 years.

Mr. Flitton went back to his car to write up the ticket. When he returned he saw the man smiling.

"He asked if I had worked in London. I said, yes," Flitton said. "He asked if I used to operate the laser gun on the A5 in North London. I said, yes. And he said, 'I thought it was you. You gave me my last speeding ticket there two years ago'."

Mr. Flitton told reporters that at first he didn't recognize the man. " The minute he said it though, I remembered the whole thing. We both just had a laugh."

"We must have some sort of connection," Mr Flitton added. "He only ever broke the law twice and both times I was the one to give him a ticket. It cost him £60 over there and $120 over here so it wasn't cheap. It just shows what a small world it really is."

Via: NZ Herald , Photo: Wikipedia

Hat tip goes to Nick. M!

VIDEO: Race Driver Fast Laps NZ Circuit in New Volvo S60 Blindfolded!

And you thought your latest weekend track race was adrenaline-filled... Enter the realm of Jonny Reid, one of New Zealand's top racing drivers. The 27-year-old Kiwi put a brand new 2011 Volvo S60 to the test around Hampton Downs raceway in Auckland. Nothing spectacular there you say? How about if we told you that he did it blindfolded? Yes, that's right; the young racing driver couldn't see a thing.

According to the promo event's organizers, it took Reid more than one try but in the end, he managed to return a lap time of 1:28 with a top speed of 193km/h (119 mph). "He was guided only by the feel of the car, his knowledge of the track, and co-driver Earl Bamber's voice," said Volvo. Pretty neat, though we're not sure who was the bravest of the two; the driver or the co-driver... Scroll down to watch the clips.

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VIDEOS: Mazda's All-New 2011 BT-50 Pickup Truck

At the end of last week, Mazda lifted the covers off its all-new BT-50 pickup truck at the Australian Motor Show in Sydney. Now, the Japanese automaker has released three videos with static shots as well as footage from the motor show reveal. As a reminder, the BT-50 was co-developed with Ford, which also presented its proposal in Sydney, the new Ranger. The BT-50 shares its powertrains, including four- and five-cylinder diesel units and new six-speed automatic and manual transmissions, with Ford's pickup truck. Follow the break to watch the videos.

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Sydney Show Subaru Forester S-Edition Study Hints at Sportier Production Model

At the 2010 Australian International Motor Show in Sydney, Subaru unveiled the Forester S-Edition, a concept study that points to a new Forester variant for 2011. Built on the existing turbocharged Forester XT, the S-Edition produces an additional 32 hp and 20 lb ft (24 kw and 27 Nm) over the Australian market XT's 227 hp and 236 lb ft (169 kw and 320 Nm) lifting the 2.5-liter boxer engine's output to 259-horsepower.

A flappy-paddle 5sp automatic gearbox, revised sports suspension and Variable Torque Distribution (VTD) all-wheel drive round out the mechanical package, whilst new styling and comfort features including STI sourced 17-inch alloys, Alcantara interior trim and drilled alloy pedals help further differentiate the S-Edition from the XT.

Subaru Australia's Managing Director is quite pleased with the Forester S-Edition concept: "We're delighted and honoured that Fuji Heavy Industries (FHI) have chosen Sydney for the worldwide unveil of this Forester concept. It points towards an exciting development in our Forester range early next year." he said.

At the time of writing, the Forester is Australia's best selling compact sports utility vehicle, with its major rival - Toyota's RAV4 - trailing close behind. Carscoop will have more information on the possible production model variant of the S-Edition study as we get it.

By Tristan Hankins

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New Lexus CT 200h F-Sport Receives World Premiere at 2010 Sydney Show

Lexus chose this week's Australian International Motor Show (AIMS) for the world premiere of its CT 200h F Sport model ahead of the car's introduction to Australia in the first half of 2011 as well other markets around the world.

As with other Lexus models, the F Sport treatment adds a number of visual and performance goodies to the firm's dedicated hybrid. On the outside, the CT 200h gets a sportier looking front bumper along with a honeycomb upper grille, beefier side skirts, and a reworked rear bumper that incorporates a diffuser.

The larger alloy wheels in a gunmetal finish and the option of a unique Flame Blue color round off the exterior upgrades.

Inside, those that opt for the F Sport-badged CT 200h will receive unique dashboard and door panel trims, plus F Sport steering wheel with a thicker rim, sports pedals, scuff plates, instrument panel and privacy glass.

While there are no changes to the CT 200h's hybrid powertrain, which comprises a 1.8-litre VVT-i petrol engine, an electric motor and an electronically-controlled continuously variable transmission (E-CVT), Lexus says the F-Sport features an up-rated suspension.

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Mercedes-Benz Shows C63 AMG (Not-Much-of-a) Concept 358 in Sydney

After a two year absence from the Australian International Motor Show, Mercedes-Benz is returning to this year's edition of the event that takes place in Sydney from October 15th to 24th with a [supposedly] special C63 AMG. Called the Concept 358, the show car was co designed by Mercedes-Benz Australia and built by AMG.

The Stuttgart-based marque claims it's the only C63 AMG in the world to be painted in designo Pearl Orange paint from the AMG factory in Affalterbach. Bright orange paintwork aside, the Concept 358 features an AMG Performance Package Plus which lifts the 6.2-liter V8 engine's output from 336 kW (457-hp) to 358 kW (480-hp).

Other parts included in the Performance Package Plus are unique 19-inch multi spoke alloy wheels in black, KEYLESS-GO and extended designo leather appointments in the cabin.

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