Nother CarGuy

The Volkswagen Golf R has developed a cult-like following, and fans are in for a treat as the 2022 model is sportier and more powerful than its predecessor. Starting under the hood, the 2022 Golf R has a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 315 hp (235 kW / 319 PS) and 310 lb-ft (420 Nm) of torque. That’s an increase of 27 hp (20 kW / 27 PS) and 30 lb-ft (41 Nm). To the joy of driving enthusiasts, in the United States and Canada, the engine will be paired to a standard six-speed manual transmission. Customers will also be able to opt for a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox (DSG). Oddly, the European version will be offered exclusively with the DSG – sorry, no manual across the pond. Regardless of which transmission is selected, all models will come equipped with a performance-oriented all-wheel drive system with torque vectoring. Volkswagen says it helps to eliminate understeer and reduce the car’s cornering radius, while also making the model “noticeably more” agile...

Toyota have really outdone themselves with the new GR Yaris, a subcompact hot hatch with state-of-the-art engineering and power levels that broke cover at the 2019 Tokyo Auto Salon. Positioned against the Ford Fiesta ST, Renault Clio RS and Volkswagen Polo GTI in terms of size, the Japanese supermini is way more powerful and adds something its rivals lack: an all-wheel drive system. How was this possible? By combining the front end of the GA-B platform that debuted in the new-gen Yaris with the rear of the GA-C architecture. This allows the implementation of the all-wheel drive system, as well as a new suspension design, with double wishbone set-up, front strut system and rear torsion beam. Stopping power comes from the 356 mm (14 in) ventilated front discs with four-piston calipers and 297 mm (11.7 in) ventilated rear discs with two-pot calipers. Powering the GR Yaris is the 1.6-litre turbocharged three-cylinder that produces 261 PS (257 hp / 192 kW) and 360 Nm (266 lb-ft)...

MINI will be visiting the 2019 Los Angeles Auto Show to pull the covers off the John Cooper Works (JCW) GP, the brand’s fastest street-legal car ever and the most powerful in the subcompact hatchback class. Packing a 301 horsepower (306 PS / 225 kW) and 332 lb-ft (450 Nm) of torque, 2.0-liter TwinPower Turbo four, it has the ability to make your neck stiff in a fraction of a second. Nought to 62 mph (0-100 km/h) is dealt with in 5.2 seconds and the ungoverned top speed is 165 mph (265 km/h). Power is sent to the front wheels via an 8-speed Steptronic transmission with integrated differential lock. Peel away the bad-boy body kit and you will see lots of similarities to the regular Cooper S JCW. Nonetheless, the added parts contribute to the theatrical presence of the car and include CFRP fender flares that extend to the front and rear bumpers, as well as a huge roof-mounted wing, restyled diffuser that incorporates the central-mounted exhaust pipes, GP badging on the grille an...

Mercedes has finally pulled the covers off the new A45 and CLA45 AMG models at the Goodwood Festival of Speed. The new baby AMG models arrive with some seriously impressive figures that are set to redefine their class; both are powered by the turbocharged 2.0-liter M139 four-cylinder engine with up to 415hp (421PS), a 0-62mph (100km/h) in as little as 3.9 seconds and a headline-grabbing Drift mode. As before, customers will get to choose between two versions; the basic 45 model, which offers 382hp (387PS) and 354lb-ft (480Nm) of torque, and the more powerful 45 S with its 415hp (421PS) and 368lb-ft of torque. All models come fitted with the new eight-speed AMG Speedshift dual-clutch transmission and the fully variable Performance 4Matic+ all-wheel drive system. The basic A 45 model can achieve a 0-62mph (100km/h) in 4 seconds flat (CLA 45 in 4.1 sec) while the A 45 S requires just 3.9 seconds for the same procedure (CLA 45 S in 4.0 sec). Top speed for the basic 45 models is...

Abarth has two debuts for this year’s Geneva Motor Show and chances are both will send your heart racing. The first is the Abarth 595 esseesse (the Italian pronunciation of “SS”) which is inspired by the legendary 1960s tuning kit and the later Abarth 500 edition launched in 2009. The second is the Abarth 124 Rally Tribute, a limited edition of just 124 cars that celebrate the 2018 FIA R-GT Cup victory. Starting with the Abarth 595 esseesse, it places itself at the top of Abarth’s 595 lineup as it’s equipped with the brand’s most powerful engine, the 1.4-liter turbo-four rated at 180 PS (178 hp). It features performance-enhancing standard equipment including an Akrapovic exhaust system, Brembo front braking system with perforated, ventilated front brake discs and oversized red brake calipers, BMC air cleaner, as well as Koni FSD (Frequency Selective Damping) rear suspension. The latter is said to improve cornering abilities. On the tech front, the 595 esseesse gets the...

Following several test prototype sightings and no teasers whatsoever, Ford has lifted the veil off its all-new Focus ST hot hatch. Just like its predecessor, the new Focus ST is available with two engine and two body style flavors. The big news is the gasoline version ditches the 2.0-liter turbo-four for a larger, more powerful 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder unit that makes 280 PS (276 hp) at 5,500 rpm and 420 Nm (310 lb-ft) of torque from 3,000 rpm to 4,000 rpm. That’s 12 percent more power and 17 percent more torque compared with the previous Focus ST’s 2.0-liter gasoline unit. According to Ford, that results in a 0‑100 km/h (0-62 mph) sprint of under 6 seconds. For the first time, the Focus ST benefits from an electronic limited-slip differential (eLSD) that improves traction and stability, as well as Selectable Drive Modes. The all-aluminum 2.3-liter unit benefits from lessons learned with the Ford GT supercar and F-150 Raptor pickup as it features anti-lag t...

The A35 hot hatch represents the entry-point to Mercedes-AMG’s family of potent vehicles. It’s also the most powerful derivative of the new A-Class lineup, at least until the A45 arrives with some 100 PS (99 hp / 74 kW) more, a further upgraded chassis and a more aggressive body kit. Brought to the 2018 Paris Auto Show for its world premiere, the Mercedes-AMG A35 is a proper rival to the likes of the Audi S3 Sportback and Volkswagen Golf R. Power is provided by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 306 PS (301 hp / 225 kW) and 400 Nm (295 lb-ft) of torque. A seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and all-wheel drive system are standard fit, giving the new A35 a 0-100km/h (62 mph) in 4.7 seconds, while top speed is electronically capped at 250 km/h (155 mph). The chassis has been upgraded with additional braces and an aluminum plate to increase torsional stiffness up front while AMG has also installed their own steering knuckle, among other goodies....

Skoda has lifted the veils off its Vision RS concept at the Paris Auto Show during a preview event that also showcased the new Kodiaq RS. The compact study previews both the styling language of future RS models as well as one of those models from the compact class — rumored to be a larger successor to the current Rapid. The five-door hatchback concept is 4,356-mm long, 1,431-mm high, 1,810-mm wide, and has a 2,650-mm wheelbase. It’s a practical car with a 430-liter boot and space for four passengers — although the production model will likely accommodate five occupants. Design-wise, the Vision RS sports crisp edges and precise lines, as well as several motorsport-inspired features. At the front, highlights include the sculpted bonnet that features the Skoda logo made of illuminated crystal glass, the new radiator grille with high-gloss black carbon fiber slats (also illuminated), the angular LED headlights consisting of four glass stones, the carbon fiber spoiler, and...

The Mercedes-AMG lineup is growing as the automaker has officially unveiled the A35 4MATIC. Starting under the hood, the hatchback has a new turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 301 hp (225 kW / 306 PS) and 295 lb-ft (400 Nm) of torque. It is connected to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission and a performance-oriented all-wheel drive system.  This setup enables the car to accelerate from 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) in 4.7 seconds before hitting a limited top speed of 155 mph (250 km/h). Being a proper AMG model means the performance upgrades extend beyond the engine compartment.  In particular, the A35 has been equipped with additional braces and an aluminum plate to increase torsional stiffness up front. Elsewhere, engineers installed an AMG Ride Control suspension which uses lightweight aluminum components, an AMG-specific front steering knuckle and a handful of goodies lifted from the A45. Customers will also have the option of ordering an...