Lap records at Germany’s Nurburgring circuit are usually shouted from the rooftops. But Volvo kept its time in the S60 Polestar sedan quiet for a year or so. “Being Swedish, we didn’t want to shout about the record,” the narrator in this video says. What happened was that Cyan Racing, the Volvo racing team, was at the Nurburgring last year for a round of the WTCC. After the … [Read more...] about Volvo keeps quiet about record lap in S60 Polestar
China’s Geely gets Lotus in a deal with Malaysia’s Proton
The Chinese conglomerate that owns Sweden’s Volvo Cars is now planning to breathe new life into its latest acquisition, famous British sports car brand Lotus. Geely’s holding company has bought a 49 per cent stake in Malaysian carmaker Proton, which owns Lotus. Part of the deal will include Geely taking a majority 51 per cent share in Lotus. The takeover will allow Geely … [Read more...] about China’s Geely gets Lotus in a deal with Malaysia’s Proton
VW debuts safety ‘first’ with Arteon, the CC coupe replacement
Volkswagen’s replacement for the four-door CC coupe will land in New Zealand in October with the carmaker’s new occupant protection system, a proactive package that can take control of the car from an incapacitated driver. It is called Emergency Assist 2 and will be standard equipment in the new Arteon, the coupe version of the current Passat sedan. It introduces an … [Read more...] about VW debuts safety ‘first’ with Arteon, the CC coupe replacement
Porsche RSR with 10km on clock set to fetch NZ$3m at auction
This rare Porsche 911 might look dirty, but only because it’s covered in the original Cosmoline, a rust protectant. Another thing about it is that it was bought last century, driven 10km, and then locked up in a private garage. And that’s where this Type 964 Carrera RSR has been sitting untouched since 1993. It is one of only 51 such models ever built and goes up for … [Read more...] about Porsche RSR with 10km on clock set to fetch NZ$3m at auction
First Kodiaq, now Karoq as Skoda moves to expand SUV range
Skoda’s new Kodiaq SUV has clearly influenced the design of the smaller Karoq – and it will clearly shape future vehicles from the Czech carmaker. Kodiaq went on sale in NZ a week or so ago, priced from $39,990. Karoq – replacement for the Yeti – will be here around April next year. A smaller Karoq, dubbed baby Karoq, is under development. Think of it as a rival for the … [Read more...] about First Kodiaq, now Karoq as Skoda moves to expand SUV range