meCar.com.au

by Adam Hadhazy – Terrafugia’s Transition flying car and its chase plane during testing in May, 2009.

From correspondents in Los Angeles - AFP

An Australian model of the Toyota Prius Hybrid car. (The car referenced in the story is an American model of the Toyota Prius) / File Source: The Daily Telegraph

• Toyota Prius would not stop
• Reached speeds of 145km/h
• Police helped driver stop car

A TOYOTA Prius accelerated out of control on a busy California freeway overnight before police intervened to bring the vehicle to a standstill, police said.

James Sikes, 61, was driving on the busy Interstate 8 freeway outside San Diego when he noticed his car was starting to accelerate of its own accord, the California Highway Patrol said.

The terrified motorist was helpless as the car hurtled out of control along the road at speeds more than 90 miles per hour (145km/h).

However Mr Sikes was able to call police, and officers used a loudspeaker talked him through the process of slowing down by using his hand brake and then turning off the engine.

Police then pulled in front of the car as it decelerated and rolled to a stop and put the rear bumper of the police car against the front of the Prius.

The incident came as Toyota staged a technical demonstration overnight to attack allegations by a vocal critic that problems with its electronics may cause its cars to speed out of control.

In recent months, Toyota has recalled more than eight million vehicles worldwide due to acceleration issues.

The latest incident in California was a chilling echo of the incident last August where off-duty California Highway Patrol Officer Mark Saylor was killed along with his wife, her brother and the Saylors’ 13-year-old daughter when the accelerator of the Lexus ES350 they were in got stuck.

Minutes later, the Toyota-manufactured vehicle slammed into the back of a sport utility vehicle at about 100mph (160km/h), veered off the freeway, overturned and burst into flames. All four family members died.

In another case, Rhonda Smith had held politicians spellbound as she told a Whitehouse committee the harrowing tale of how her luxury Lexus car became an uncontrollable missile.

The Tennessee woman’s had recalled placing what she thought would be her last telephone call to her husband Eddie as her Lexus ripped forward on a highway at over 100mph (160 km/h).

Whether its top-speed or top-down, these new releases should have you covered. From the Fiat 500 range right up to a $900k Lamborghini, there are 25 confirmed starters in the convertible and sports car race for 2010.

ALFA ROMEO BRERA / SPIDER

Alfa Romeo will update the Brera coupe and Spider convertible in early 2010.

ASTON MARTIN RAPIDE

The race is on for the mantle of sexiest coupe-style sports sedan. Aston Martin will be bringing its effort – the Rapide – to Australia around April for dealers, with the first customer cars showing up in Aussie garages by May or June 2010.

Despite the presence of four doors, there’s no mistaking the Rapide for anything but an Aston. The sleek lines and low roofline give the car a silhouette that is more coupe than sedan. It should go like an Aston Martin, too, with a 355kW 6.0-litre V12 and a 6-speed automatic. Pricing for the Rapide will start from $366,000 (plus on-road and dealer delivery costs).

There will also be a range of updates to other models in the Aston range in September.

AUDI R8 SPYDER

Audi’s supercar, the R8, will be joined by a top-dropping Spyder model by the end of the year. The $400,000 convertible R8 will likely offer the same choice of V8 and V10 engines as the hardtop model.

AUDI S5 SPORTBACK

The Sports version of the A5, the S5 Sportback – with all-wheel drive to get the power from its 4.2-litre V8 to the ground – will also be in Australia during the second half of the year, and is expected to start at $80,000.

AUDI RS4 / RS5

Audi is keeping mum about the chances of the RS4 and/or RS5 making an Aussie appearance in 2010.

BMW Z4

A speedier model will be added to the Z4 range, with the sDrive35is coming in May. It will feature the same engine as the sDrive35i, but power is up to 250kW and 450Nm, with an overboost function freeing up 500Nm of torque. Expected to cost about $130,000, the Z4 sDrive35is will feature an M Sports suspension package and dual-clutch automatic as standard.

DODGE CHALLENGER

There have been rumours that the retro-inspired muscle-car Challenger will be coming to Australia, however Chrysler-Dodge could not confirm this.

FERRARI 458 ITALIA

The prancing horse stable will unleash the Ferrari 458 Italia in June. The Italian supercar maker says the car has been tuned by Formula One legend Michael Schumacher. The new 4.5-litre direct-injection V8 with an advanced dual-clutch automatic gearbox will help the 458 Italia sprint from 0-100km/h in 3.4 seconds, and 0-200km/h in just 10.4 seconds.

The other figures that Ferrari is justifiably proud of are the fuel consumption (13.3L/100km) and the carbon emission (305g/km) figures, which are impressive, given fact that the 458 is a supercar. The 458 Italia will hit the wallet hard at around $600,000, significantly higher than the F430 it replaces. It will officially hit our streets in 2010, but the chances of owning one before 2012 are slim, as it already has a two-year waiting list.

FIAT 500

Fiat will release the drop-top Fiat 500C in January. The tiny city car will combine practicality with open-top fun, and will be priced at a premium over the coupe, at about $29,000.

The other Fiat 500 scheduled to arrive in Australia in 2010 is the Abarth, developed by Fiat’s performance arm. With a 1.4-litre turbocharged engine producing 99kW and 180Nm, it doesn’t sound like it’ll win many races at the lights. But in sports mode, the 500 Abarth winds up the boost on the turbo, and torque increases to 204Nm. In 2009, a limited edition 500 Abarth 695 Tributo Ferrari showed up at the Frankfurt motor show sporting a 1.4 litre turbo with 135kW and six-speed paddle-shift. No word on whether that model will make it to Australia but pricing for the less powerful mode will start in the low-$30k range.

FIAT PUNTO

Fiat will also be sticking its Abarth nameplate on a Punto to be released in the third quarter of 2010. Called the Fiat Grande Punto Abarth SuperSport, it will be fitted with a 1.4 petrol turbo engine producing 111kW through a 6-speed gearbox. The Abarth ‘essesse’ can sprint from 0 to 100km/h in 8.2 seconds, and it looks the part too. Fitted with a sports kit and deep-dish inspired wheels, the car is bound to be a hit with the hot-fours enthusiasts

JAGUAR XK

Jaguar will release the updated XK and XKR in January. The sporty coupe has more power: 375kW and 625Nm in the new supercharged XKR, and 283kW and 515Nm in the XK model. It will be available in a range of coupes and convertibles, with prices ranging from $224,800 to $278,300.

LAMBORGHINI MURCIELAGO LP670-4 SV

The Murcielago LP670-4 Super Veloce is expected by February. The output of the 6.5-litre V12 has increased to 500kW (670hp – hence the name) and the car is also 100kg lighter. This sees the all-wheel drive LP670-4 sprint from 0 to 100km/h in just 3.2 seconds. Pricing is expected to sit around $899,000.

LAMBORGHINI GALLARDO LP550-2 BALBONI

The Gallardo LP550-2 Balboni will be out in January. The Balboni will have a slightly-detuned 550 hp (410kW) 5.2-litre V10 and the big news is that it will be rear-wheel drive – the first non-AWD Gallardo. The Balboni will be limited to 250 units globally, so you’ll have to be quick to get your order in for this one. Pricing for the rear-drive special is expected to be slightly less than the all-paw model, which currently sells in Australia for $475,000.

LAMBORGHINI GALLARDO LP570-4 SUPERLEGGERA

There are also whispers of the new LP570-4 Superleggera coming in June. Details are scarce about this model, however if the name is anything to go by, this super-lightweight Lambo will be 425kW (570hp) and all-wheel drive. Pricing is unknown.

LEXUS LFA

The first of five LFA supercars destined for Australia could conceivably sneak in at the end of 2010, but it’s more likely to arrive early in 2011. Equipped with a 4.8-litre V10 that churns out 412kW at a screaming 8700rpm, this exotic Japanese supercar will be capable of a 0-100km/h sprint in 3.7 seconds.

Only 500 of these circa-$750,000 super-coupes will be produced.

LOTUS EVORA

In late January, Lotus will release its first all-new model in more than ten years. The Evora will make use of a Toyota-sourced 3.5-litre V6, producing 208kW and 350Nm to power this super-light two-door coupe (it is a Lotus, after all). If you’re after a fuel-efficient sports car, the Evora may be for you. With a claimed combined fuel-use figure of 8.7 litres per 100km and a carbon emissions figure of 205g/km, the Evora will be available in both 2-seater ($149,990 plus on-road costs) and 2+2($156,990 plus on-roads) configurations.

LOTUS EXIGE S

Also from Lotus in 2010 is the face-lifted Exige S. The 2010 Model Year Exige S features a restyled front end and a larger rear wing, giving the car a more muscular stance. Out March 2010.

MASERATI GRAN TURISMO CONVERTIBLE

Italian maker Maserati will release the new convertible Gran Turismo. Originally named the Gran Cabrio, the car will be officially called the Maserati Gran Turismo Convertible. Monikers aside, the drop-top GT will be powered by a 4.7L V8 and 6-speed automatic transmission. Maserati claims the long wheelbase allows enough space to comfortably seat four adults.

Out in the third quarter, it is likely to cost a touch under $350,000.

MAZDA RX-7

There has been word of an all-new RX-7 – based on the MX-5 platform – being produced in 2010. The sports car is said to feature a rotary engine, producing a naturally-aspirated 201kW. Likely to debut (if it does come to fruition) in 2010 in Japan, there is still the slimmest of hopes that the new RX-7 will make it down under in 2010.

MERCEDES-BENZ SLS AMG GULLWING

The big news for Mercedes-Benz is the return of the ‘Gullwing’. The design of the SLS AMG is inspired by the 1950s 300SL, with a long bonnet and gull-wing doors. It is powered by 6.2-litre V8 engine mated to a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.

AMG grunt slingshots the SLS from 0-100km/h in a claimed 3.8 seconds. This, along with dramatic styling and a dramatic price tag – estimated at $500,000 – ensures that the SLS AMG will make a splash when it makes its Australian debut in June/July of 2010.

MERCEDES-BENZ E-CLASS CONVERTIBLE

The Mercedes-Benz drop-top version of its E-Class will be out early in 2010. The E-Class Cabriolet could well be the first convertible that won’t allow your hair to get messy. A clever windscreen air deflector is fitted for reduced drag, which impedes the flow of air into the cabin. The car will feature a fabric folding roof, saving weight over the metal origami-style top. It will make use of the same engine line-up as the current model, and will be priced at a premium over the hard-top model – approximately $95,000.

MINI JCW WC50

Australia can expect just 10 John Cooper Works World Championship 50 (or JCW WC50) Minis in 2010. With a very small global production run of just 250 cars, the limited edition commemorates John Cooper’s Formula 1 World Championship victory in 1959. On Aussie streets (if you get the chance to see one!) by the second quarter of 2010.

NISSAN 370Z ROADSTER

The 370Z Roadster will arrive in March 2010, fitted with a lightweight folding canvas roof. Performance will be slightly duller than the coupe, thanks to an extra hundred kilos from the soft-top. Mechanically, the car is the same as the hard-top coupe. The 370Z Roadster will be fitted with a 3.7-litre V6 engine and a 7-speed automatic transmission or close-ratio 6-speed manual. Pricing is anticipated to be higher than the $68,000 tag on the hardtop.

PEUGEOT RCZ

Peugeot will release the sporty RCZ coupe, which is the first-ever Peugeot to lose the zero or double-zero from its name. The RCZ is a 2+2 seater coupe with a remarkable glass and aluminium double-bubble roof.

A number of variants are expected, including a 147kW 1.6-litre turbo-charged four-cylinder that offers 255Nm of torque – which is boostable to 275Nm. Other engines are likely to include a de-tuned version of the 1.6-litre offering 115kW and 240Nm, as well as a 120kW 2.0-litre turbo-diesel. A hybrid version is also on the cards, but not for 2010. The coupe is expected to be cheaper than its main target, the Audi TT, at about $60,000. The RCZ will be in Australia in between July and September 2010.

PORSCHE 911 TURBO

For Porsche purists, a new 911 Turbo arrives early in the year. The new model is faster, lighter, and more fuel-efficient, and it will feature the first all-new engines since the 911 Turbo debuted in 1974. The extra speed comes from a power increase from 353kW to 368kW, and fuel consumption is down as well as emissions. Pricing is not yet finalised, but the coupe is expected to cost about $360,000 without any options, and the cabriolet should set you back $385,000 in standard guise.

PORSCHE BOXSTER SPYDER

The new Boxster Spyder will be out in the second quarter of 2010. Powered by a 235kW horizontally-opposed 3.4-litre 6-cylinder engine, the Spyder is 80kg lighter than the Boxster S, making for improved acceleration and better fuel consumption. Fitted with either a 6-speed manual or 7-speed PDK automatic gearbox, the Spyder is designed to be driven topless. But if need be, there is a manually-operated soft-top. The expected pricing is just over $140,000, and it will be on sale in Australia in May 2010.

RENAULT MEGANE RENAULTSPORT 250

The hot-hatch Megane RenaultSport 250 Coupe boasts a 186kW turbo-charged four-cylinder engine. It will be pitted against the reigning hot hatch king, the VW GTi.

RENAULT CLIO 200 SPORT

Continuing the hot-hatch theme is the Phase 2 Clio 200 Sport. In March, we’ll see the Clio’s nimble new incarnation, which will include some new limited editions, including a Gordini model – a more luxurious level of RenaultSport.

SUBARU WRX COUPE

For those awaiting the Impreza WRX Coupe, you’ll have to wait just a little longer. Subaru Australia says that it should be on sale sometime in 2011.

VOLKSWAGEN SCIROCCO

VW’s Scirocco coupe is unlikely to make it down-under next year, if at all.

The big news in the family car segment is the first Australian-built hybrid – the Toyota Camry Hybrid – though there are other notable mentions, including the Camry’s new challenger, the Suzuki Kizashi, the new Renault Megane, and a couple of budget options too.

DODGE CALIBER

There will be little change to both the Chrysler and Dodge line-ups, but the Dodge Caliber is set to undergo a model refresh, with changes to the interior and some minor exterior changes. The new Caliber should be on our streets in the middle of the year.

FORD MONDEO WAGON

Mid-year there will be an extension to the mid-sized Mondeo wagon range, putting another nail in the coffin of the Falcon wagon. A 2.2-litre turbo-diesel engine will deliver 129kW and 400Nm of torque, as well as better fuel economy than the petrol model. The diesel Mondeo is expected to target the Commodore Sportwagon. Pricing is expected to be set at about $40,000.

HOLDEN COMMODORE E85

No new Commodore in 2010, but there will be a new VE model named the E85 Commodore. What makes this Commodore different is that it can run on E85 (85% Ethanol fuel-blend) petrol. Out late in the year.

HYUNDAI YF

Hyundai will release the replacement for its Sonata in 2010. The all-new mid-sized sedan – codenamed YF – will likely be fitted with a choice of 2.4-litre 4-cylinder and 2.5-litre 6-cylinder engines, 6-speed automatic and manual transmissions, and possibly, a hybrid.

KIA MAGENTIS

The Korean brand will release an all-new Magentis in the fourth quarter of the year. The low-volume mid-sized sedan will receive the same styling treatment as the Cerato. A new range of engines and gearboxes is expected, including a 2.0-litre turbo-diesel and a 2.7-litre V6, teamed with 6-speed automatic or 5-speed manual options. Kia may also retain the 2.4-litre four-cylinder of the current model.

KIA GRAND CARNIVAL

The petrol-powered Grand Carnival people-mover will swap from a 3.8-litre V6 to a 3.5-litre V6 in the second quarter. Gearboxes will also change, with the 5-speed auto making way for an updated 6-speed.

PEUGEOT 3008

Peugeot will release the new 3008 crossover vehicle in the second quarter of 2010. The 3008 takes ideas from three different market segments: the SUV – a dual opening tailgate and high driving position; the people-mover – multiple seating configurations and lots of storage compartments; and the hatchback – through its body design and compact sizing. The 3008 will be powered by both petrol and turbo-diesel engines, and will cost about $40,000.

PROTON EXORA MPV

Proton’s Exora MPV is a seven-seat people-mover, fitted with dual airbags and dual zone air-conditioning as standard, and is likely to be powered by a 1.6-litre engine. No word on pricing yet, though as with most Protons, it’s likely to be sharply priced. The Exora is to be built on the same platform as the new Jumbuck ute.

RENAULT MEGANE

The most anticipated Renault release for 2010 is the new Megane, a competitor for Australia’s biggest sales segment. The Megane will offer multiple variants including sedan, hatch, cabriolet, and RenaultSport 250 Coupe. The new Megane will be more refined and eye-catching (but in a good way). It will offer a range of engines, both turbo-petrol and turbo-diesel, which are more powerful and more efficient than the current model. The base model Megane will be out in the second quarter of 2010, with all other variants available sometime after July.

SKODA SUPERB ESTATE

The Skoda Superb wagon will be on the market in Australia in the second quarter of 2010. Based on the luxury Superb sedan, the Estate will offer a range of engines and gearboxes, including a 1.8-litre turbo TSI engine with a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic (DSG) gearbox; a 2.0-litre turbo-diesel with a 6-speed DSG; and a 3.6-litre V6 all-wheel drive model also with a 6-speed DSG. Pricing will likely be slightly higher than the sedan, which starts at about $46,000.

SUZUKI KIZASHI

Suzuki’s long-awaited foray into larger cars, the new Kizashi, will be available during the second quarter of 2010. Expected to shape up against the Liberty, Camry and Mazda 6, the Kizashi has the looks to separate it from the pack. Both four-cylinder and V6 options are expected and pricing should start around the $30,000 mark.

TOYOTA CAMRY HYBRID

Australia’s first locally-made hybrid car will be on sale in February, with an expected price tag of about $35,000 plus on-road costs. As expected, there will be an improvement in fuel consumption, with the Camry Hybrid set to use somewhere in the range of 6.0L/100km – down from 8.8L in the petrol models. Emissions will also be lower. The Hybrid should also perform better, with sharper handling and a quieter cabin. On the down side, the new model will have a smaller boot.

VOLKSWAGEN VAN RANGE

The T5 Caravelle, Multivan, and Transporter range will see an update in March 2010. A more attractive front façade and new range of engines are expected.

Got half-a-million bucks to spare? This could be your year. There are two luxury cars that’ll set you back at least that much (Bentley Mulsanne, Rolls-Royce Ghost), but there are also more affordable luxury options starting at about $46,000 (Skoda’s Superb Estate).

AUDI A8

The arrival of the flagship A8 is slated for release in the second half of the year. The technological playground that is the new A8 will offer advanced systems such as handwriting recognition and speed-limit recognition. The A8 will likely offer two new V8 engines, with a new eight-speed automatic gearbox and Quattro all-wheel drive. Pricing is unconfirmed, though it is expected to be slightly higher than the current model which starts at about $165,000.

AUDI A5

The first new Audi model of 2010 will hit Aussie showrooms sometime in the first three months of the year, when the A5 Sportback, a mid-sized five-door lift-back, slots in to the line-up.

Engine variants will likely be based on the current A5 coupe, and will include a 3.2-litre FSI Quattro; 2.7-litre and 3.0-litre turbo-diesels (both with particulate filter); and a 2.0-litre TFSI and Quattro. The A5 Sportback will also include a mixture of front- and all-wheel drive models.

The Sports version of the A5, the S5 Sportback – with Quattro all-wheel drive to wrestle the 4.2-litre V8’s power to the ground – will also be in Australia during the second half of the year, and is expected to start at $80,000.

BENTLEY MULSANNE

The new Bentley Mulsanne, the British marque’s flagship model, is the best of British (even though the company is owned by Volkswagen). And it’s kind of a big deal. Literally. It’s more than 5.5-metres long, and almost two metres wide. Australia will receive Bentley’s successor to the Arnage in the third quarter. An all-new 6.75-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine will offer 371kW and a mind-boggling 1020Nm of torque, and will make use of a new eight-speed automatic to help move the 20-inch wheels. It is expected that buyers will pay about three-quarters of a mill for the new Mulsanne.

BMW 5-SERIES

BMW will release a new 5-series range, including the sedan mid-year, the Touring (or wagon, in Aussie-talk) by the end of year, and the GT – the part SUV, part limousine and part sports car niche-filler out in March 2010. Pricing is expected to start at $140,000.

Engines for the 5-series range are yet to be confirmed however it is expected that a petrol-powered 6-cylinder and V8 option will be likely, as well as a 6-cylinder turbo-diesel variant.

CITROEN C5

The Citroen C5 will receive a new twin-turbo 3.0-litre diesel engine from the Jaguar XF and Land Rover Discovery, replacing the 2.7-litre diesel in the first three months of 2010. 

JAGUAR XJ

Indian-owned luxury British marque Jaguar will release the all-new XJ in May. The flagship model for Jaguar will come in a variety of models.

The XJ Premium Luxury will come with a choice of 3.0-litre twin-turbo diesel or 5.0-litre V8, and will also come in standard and long-wheelbase versions.

The XJ Portfolio will be fitted with a choice of 5.0-litre V8, 5.0-litre supercharged V8 (producing 346kW) and will offer a wide range of interior leather and veneer choices.

The XJ Supersport will come with a 5.0-litre supercharged V8 capable of 375kW, and a choice of standard or long-wheelbase.

All models will be fitted with a 6-speed electronic automatic gearbox with sequential shift, and the pricing for the XJ will range from $193,800 to $362,800.

Rolls-Royce GHOST

The ‘baby’ Rolls-Royce Ghost is on sale in May 2010.  Based on the BMW 7-Series platform, the Ghost is powered by a 6.6-litre, twin-turbo V12 coupled to an 8-speed automatic gearbox. Rolls says that combination will haul the 2400kg monster from 0-100km/h in 4.9 seconds.

The Ghost will be priced at about $695,000.

SAAB 9-5

If Saab does make it through to be producing new cars in 2010, the elegant looking new 9-5 is expected sometime after January.

SKODA SUPERB ESTATE

For those in the market for a luxury wagon, the Skoda Superb Estate will be on the market in Australia in the second quarter of 2010. Based on the luxury Superb sedan, the Estate will offer a range of engines and gearboxes, including a 1.8-litre turbo TSI engine with a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic (DSG) gearbox; a 2.0-litre turbo-diesel with a 6-speed DSG; and a 3.6-litre V6 all-wheel drive model also with a 6-speed DSG. Pricing will likely be slightly higher than the sedan, which starts at about $46,000.

VOLVO S60

An all-new S60 from Volvo renew the Swedish car maker’s attack on Audi. Based on the same underpinnings as the C30 and S40, the new S60 has sporty styling and swooping lines. No word as yet on the engines that will be available, however there are whispers of a 3.0-litre turbo six-cylinder. It’s out in November 2010, and we won’t know pricing until closer to the launch. A wagon variant of the S60, called the V60, should also follow, though it’s looking more likely to be out in 2011.

VOLVO C70

The C70 will also receive a facelift and an updated range of engines, and should be out in March 2010.