The Week In Motoring #4

Ferrari California Goes Turbo

Ferrari have released details of their latest model and successor to the California, the California T. This is the first Ferrari to be fitted with a turbo engine since the F40 hypercar went out of production in 1992.

So, how does the turbo compare to its predecessor? The 3.8litre V8 engine produces 552bhp and 556lb or torque, which is 62bhp more and double the torque of the previous model. This all results in the ability to go from 0-62mph in 3.6 seconds, 0.2 seconds faster than the California. The turbo also produces 15% less CO₂ at 250g/km CO₂.

Time to start saving the pennies if you want to get your hands on one as the entry price is £155,000! Nonetheless, we can’t wait to see this beauty out on the roads.

Set to be unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show in March.

Average LCV Value Rise in January

January has seen the value for second hand light commercial vehicles marginally increase to an average of £5,322, an £11 increase on December 2013. It signals the 6th month in a row that the average value has exceeded £5,000 and is the highest value since Pulse started reporting in 2005.

Values are up 13.9% from last year, an increase of £653.

Duncan Ward, BCA General Manager for commercial vehicles has said, ‘January essentially delivered more of what we saw throughout the previous 12 months – a shortage of stock allied to decent levels of demand that generated exceptionally strong prices in the used van market. With stock remaining thin on the ground, buyer demand is focused on the best quality commercial vehicles and this is driving values up.’

Renault Unveils 3rd Gen Twingo

The next generation Twingo has been released by Renault and it will feature extra doors and a rear-mounted engine in a joint development with Smart. The French car manufacturer claims that the main benefit that occurs to the car as a result of the newly positioned engine is a considerable improvement in the turning circle.

A smaller engine, the positioning of the wheels and the rear mounted engine all contribute towards improved cabin space.

Renault’s head of design said that the Twingo ‘was inspired not only by the original Twingo but also by the Renault 5. It is a modern take on the city car genre with the accent on innovation in terms of its lines and architecture. New Twingo is a fun, playful and vibrant city car.’

As is the case with the Ferrari, the new Twingo will be given its public debut at the Geneva Motor Show… but you can take a look at it in this teaser video:

Car of the Week

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