Auto Review

BMW Z1 Club makes stopover in Munich
To mark the 25th anniversary of the series of the BMW Z1 Club hosted this week on a long trip. One of the highlights is the stopover in Munich on Friday, where a visit is planned for BMW.

In addition to a program for the participants it is also an "exhibition" of a special kind of type: Throughout the day, the BMW Z1 about a hundred participants from all over Europe and the USA are presented in front of the BMW museum and be publicly available. As part of the Clubs visit will be renamed for the day the M1 cafe at the BMW museum in the Z1-cafe.

In addition to visiting the museum and not publicly accessible collection of BMW Group Classic get the club members the opportunity, 25 years after the launch of the BMW Z1 at the IAA in Frankfurt, the birthplace of the car - the BMW Technik GmbH - Munich to visit .

The BMW Z1 is the only vehicle that developed in the BMW Technology GmbH is not only, but also being built. In addition to the visit of the wind tunnel, which was then developed for the lines of the BMW Z1, the vehicle owner may also meet people who were involved in the development of the Roadster.

As a car loving fool who is lucky enough to be an automotive journalist, it should come as no shock that Ive had my nose in car magazines since I was in grammar school. Growing up, and still today one of my favorite writers is Peter Egan, whose column in Road & Track magazine has been a personal favorite of mine for years. But as East Coast Editor here at The Garage, I had been confounded that no one in my generation had really stepped up and made their mark in the automotive press. That changed when Ezra Dyer joined Automobile and got his own op-ed spot. Dyer is hilarious, and is always a joy to read.

Then Ezra did something really weird. He wrote in Automobile that he bought a Lincoln MKT. It made no sense. This guy is like me-a Generation X New Englander, married, with kid in tow. But really, a Lincoln? So, I had to find out for myself. Fords public relations office in New York City informed me a freshly minted 2013 Lincoln MKT was available for my review.

The Lincoln MKT has been around since 2010. Positioned as Lincolns top crossover, the MKT shares its mechanicals with the Ford Flex. For 2013 the MKT is treated to a mild refresh, including a revised interior, and new front fascia. To say the MKT has bold styling is a bit of an understatement. The enormous waterfall grill is imposing, and not all that elegant. Taken as a whole, the MKT is one large car-which it needs to be, as it is the successor to the Lincoln Town Car. But apart from the front end treatment, Lincoln kept it simple but classy for a three-row crossover. Finished in Tuxedo Black Metallic, my wife likened the MKT to a hearse. While I wouldnt be that harsh, the MKT may not be everyones cup of tea, but you would be a fool to ignore the beauty within.

The cabin of the MKT offers first class seating. The quality of materials, fit and finish and available features are outstanding. If you have been dismissing Lincoln as a tired old luxury automaker, its time to wake up and see that Lincoln has finally reawakened and is getting serious about delivering the goods. The MyLincoln touch interface that controls navigation, audio and other functions is a revision over the original, and it seemed to work ok, but there is a bit of a learning curve. Still, there is no denying the MKT offers an extraordinarily comfortable cabin. With second row captains chairs, my six year old lorded over the rest of the MKTs passenger area, loving the plethora of features, storage space, and especially the built-in window shades on the doors. I take home a brand new car every week, but my son declared the MKT was the coolest car ever. Perhaps Ezra was  on to something.

What didnt hurt as the Dad and driver was what lurked under the hood. Base MKTs come standard with a 3.7L V-6 rated at 300hp, paired to a six-speed automatic, and is front-wheel drive. Our test car was the MKT EcoBoost, which houses a 3.5L twin turbo V-6, good for 355hp. Also paired to a six-speed automatic, the EcoBoost MKT comes standard with all-wheel drive. For a huge, heavy crossover, the MKT was positively remarkable to drive. On a grey Saturday I whisked my family up to the old city of Waterbury, CT, famous for its clock making industry that is sadly just a memory now. The Lincoln had power to spare on the twisting turns of Route 8 as we made our way through the Valley. The second half of our trip consisted of fun to drive backroads to farmers markets and such, and the big Lincoln felt amazingly nimble, credit its adaptive suspension for great handling.

As a member of the small but growing group of premium three-row crossovers, the Lincoln MKT is priced accordingly. Our all-wheel drive EcoBoost MKT has a standard price of $47,280USD, with an array of standard equipment including power liftgate, leather interior with heated seats for the two front rows, and ventilated seats for the front, three-zone climate control satellite radio and rear view camera. Our test car added the Elite Package (power folding third row seat, blind spot monitoring, navigation, THX audio), Technology Package (Sirius Satellite radio, Sync voice activated systems, adaptive cruise control), second row captains chairs, panoramic vista roof, refrigerator console, rear inflatable seatbelts (awkward and uncomfortable) and 20 polished alloys. Total tally came to $58,045, including delivery. Hardly cheap, but consider the luxury, power and tech you are getting, and suddenly the German competition looks very overpriced.

Now that Ford has finally righted itself, attention is being paid now to Lincoln, which has been a once proud, but neglected luxury brand. The MKT shows me Lincoln is capable of building world class luxury cars that are also fun to drive. Yes, the styling is controversial. But it is bold, and the MKT has the luxury and performance to back it up. While it may not be for everyone, the Lincoln MKT is a premium crossover that deserves a serious look before signing a check for a Buick Enclave or Infiniti JX35. Having driven all three, I prefer the looks of the Infiniti, but from the drivers seat, the Lincoln is the clear winner.

Related posts:

1. Review: Lincoln MKS EcoBoost
2. Driven: 2010 Lincoln MKS Ecoboost
3. Review: 2013 Hyundai Genesis Coupe
4. Review: 2013 Infiniti JX35
5. Lincoln Remains off the Mark

•  Skoda Rapid, 2013

TECHNOLOGY TO SERVE PEOPLE
The Škoda Rapid proves it: cars sporting the winged arrow offer technology, safety, efficiency and comfort at the highest level as well as for the best price. The new Czech compact saloon is a case in point.

"In the Škoda Rapid, we have achieved a optimal combination of special qualities," says Eckhard Scholz, Škoda board member for technical development. "Namely supreme functionality and safety standards coupled with light weight, and reliable technology in connection with the most modern and environmentfriendly engines. In short: simple, practical, dependable technology that simply makes sense."

Active and passive safety writ large
The Škoda Rapid is big on safety. As befits a good European, this compact saloon comes with a comprehensive safety package in all EU countries.

In terms of active safety, the ABS and ESP systems are the central elements. ESP including ABS is standard equipment for the Škoda Rapid in EU countries. While the ABS anti-lock braking system prevents wheels locking up in heavy braking, the ESP electronic stability programme will keep the car from swerving in extreme situations through focussed intervention in the braking process and in the engines management.

The Škoda Rapids stable handling greatly contributes to active safety. Its long wheelbase, precise chassis and its stiff body structure form the basis for good driving dynamics and setup. The Škoda Rapids chassis has been precisely laid out to the demands of the A segment and will provide high agility in curves while preserving ample ride comfort. The combination of optimally-distributed vehicles low weight, and modern, powerful TSI and TDI engines results in extremely agile handling. The cars excellent aerodynamics is also noteworthy.

The front wheels are suspended by wishbones and McPherson struts. A robust cross stabiliser with a diameter of 20 mm provides load balancing and limits body inclination. Rear suspension is a compound-link crank axle, the tubular stabiliser has a dimension of 18×3 mm. As an option, the Škoda Rapid is available with a rough-roads package. This will raise the chassis by 15 mm at the front and by 12 mm at the rear. A skid plate protects the engine and the transmission from damage on ground contact when driving in rutted terrain. Also, all versions feature a "cW package which prevents vortices underneath the car liable to increase drag, but also provides protection to the underbody.

Active safety is enhanced by additional systems available optionally. For instance, the Škoda Rapid can be fitted with "corner function" fog lamps. Here, turning the steering wheel will automatically switch on the left or right fog lamp, improving the drivers sight and the cars visibility. The tyre pressure monitor will recognise loss of air, triggering a warning sound and a warning light to alert the driver. "Hill-Hold-Control" (HHC), another option, also increases active safety. The system permits starting up a slope without danger of rolling back. No operation of the hand brake is necessary as HHC will automatically activate it for about two seconds when switched on in case of a slope of more than three per cent.

The Rapid also features a rich passive safety package. In the event of a collision, different systems cooperate to minimise the risk of injury to driver and passengers. All occupants are protected by adjustable-height three-point safety belts with tighteners. Within just a few milliseconds, these tighteners will eliminate any slack in the belts. Force limiters then prevent excessive strain in occupants chest areas. Front and side airbags will cushion their torsos. The front passenger seat airbag can be deactivated in case a baby carrier is being transported. Large head airbags will protect front seat and lateral rear seat passengers heads in case of a side impact. In such events, the airbags inflate from out of the roof covering in front of the side window. Isofix child seats can be anchored by apposite fasteners, as can be TopTether protectors. Both of these firmly fasten child seats to the car.

In an accident and on inflation of airbags, the fuel supply will be automatically cut off, as will be selected electrical circuits, reducing the risk of seeping fuel catching fire. The central locking systems will release the door locks, easing passengers way out of the car. The cars interior lights will switch on automatically, helping occupants find their way in the dark, while hazard flashers will also automatically activate to warn oncoming traffic. As a matter of course, the Škoda Rapid is also very well equipped to reduce pedestrian injuries to a minimum given that it meets the European Unions demanding Phase 2 pedestrian protection requirements.

In a collision, the Rapids extraordinarily stiff body provides excellent deformation behaviour in the front end. The result is that the passenger cabin will remain largely intact and stable. Impacting forces will be deflected and thus neutralised via defined load paths.

Broad engine offering: powerful and efficient
Six different EU-5 engines will be available for the Škoda Rapid, including four petrol and two diesel versions. The Rapid comes with engines putting out between 55 kW and 90 kW - from a three-cylinder MPI via a fourcylinder TSI to a four-cylinder common-rail diesel, manual transmissions being available as is a DSG doubleclutch transmission.

From market launch in autumn of 2012, selected Green tec variants will be part of the offering. In the 1.6 l 77 kW diesel, the Green tec package will result in an excellent CO2 emission figure of only 104 g/km. For the four-cylinder TSI, the figure is 124 g/km.

The entry-level petrol engine is the three-cylinder 55 kW (75 hp) 1.2 l MPI with a combined mileage of 6.1 l/100 km and emissions of 137 g CO2 per km. Optimised engine setup and modifications to the intake manifold and exhaust have permitted raising the engines power compared to the one available in other Škoda models.

The next level in petrol engines is the 1.2 l 63 kW (86 hp) TSI with a mileage of 5.1 l/100 km and CO2 emissions of 119 g/km. These two 1.2 l engines come with a manual transmission.

A more powerful variant is the 1.2 l 77 kW (105 hp) TSI, emitting 125 g CO2 per km and consuming 5.4 l/100 km. This engine comes with a manual six-speed transmission.

The top-of-the-line petrol engine is the 1.4 l 90 kW (122 hp) TSI, consuming 5.8 l/100 km and producing CO2 emissions of 134 g/km. This engine comes with the automatic seven-speed DSG double-clutch transmission.

The 1.6 litre diesel engine operates with common-rail injection, is fitted with a particulate-matter filter and will be available in two performance variants: the basic diesel version puts out 66 kW (90 hp) and will be available in the second half of 2013, with the seven-speed DSG on offer as an option. The more powerful 1.6 TDI will put out 77 kW (105 hp) (114 g CO2-emissions per km, fuel consumption 4.4 l/100 km) and will be available from market launch.

The Škoda Rapids five Green tec versions (three petrol, two diesel) are extremely efficient. Four variants will come to market in 2012. Green tec will be available for the 1.2 TSI/63 kW, 1.2 TSI/77 kW and 1.4 TSI/90 kW petrol engines as well as for the two diesel variants. A combination of start-stop automation, kinetic energy recuperation and tyres optimised for low rolling resistance results in a fuel savings potential of between five and eight per cent. This makes the Škoda Rapid one of the most economical and fuel-efficient compact saloons on the market. The Green tec models CO2 emission is between 104 g/km and 124 g/km, mileage is between 3.9 and 5.3 litres of fuel.

The most important technological step in reducing fuel consumption significantly is the start-stop system. This is especially effective in pure urban driving. In idle phases as when the car is stopped at a red light, the engine will switch itself off automatically and thus not consume any fuel. All the driver needs to do to achieve this is to slow down to a halt, shift into neutral and take the foot off the clutch (or step on the brake in case of an automatic transmission). As soon as the driver presses the clutch (or releases the brake), the engine will restart automatically.

Recuperation is another intelligent function. Here, energy employed to drive the car is used as efficiently as possible. Whenever the driver decelerates or brakes - during coasting and braking phases - the generators voltage is raised and used to reload the cars battery. On later acceleration or when driving at constant speed, the generators voltage can be lowered again, easing the load on the engine and reducing fuel consumption. In addition, a fully charged battery will power the cars network during the engines stopped phases. Recuperation involves special energy management software and modified software for the engines management.

A CENTRAL PILLAR OF THE 2018 GROWTH STRATEGY
The Škoda Rapid is a central pillar of Škodas growth strategy. The new compact saloon will play an important role in generating the growth forecast by the company from the present through the year 2018, by which time the brand intends to sell more than 1.5 million cars worldwide. Autumn 2012 will see the market launch of the brands seventh model line in Central and Western Europe. At the same time, the new model is also a global project: in China, the Rapid will be sold from the year 2013 in a locally adapted version. The Indian version of Škoda Rapid was launched at the end of 2011.

Market
Today, Škoda is one of the strongest suppliers of compact cars, the so-called A segment, in important markets. In the new Škoda Rapid, the company will now be offering another attractive automobile to fit between the Škoda Fabia and Octavia models. "The Rapid will perfectly complement our model line-up and target customers looking for an attractive and roomy car in between the Fabia and the Octavia," says Škoda CEO Winfried Vahland. "As an additional offering in the compact car segment and thus in one the largestvolume vehicle class of all, our model is a central pillar of our growth strategy and will provide lasting strength to our good position on international markets," says Vahland.

In 2011, around 18.5 million compact cars were sold. In Eastern Central Europe alone, their share, split up into hatchback, notchback, fastback and estate, currently is 43 per cent of the total market, in Western Europe, it is about 37 per cent. By the year 2020, experts estimate the market for compact cars in Western Europe to grow by almost 15 per cent in volume, with growth reaching as much as 75 per cent in Eastern Europe. Within this class, saloons have a share of around 42 per cent. Industry experts estimate the number of cars of this type sold worldwide will rise by about 50 per cent by the year 2020.

The car will be launched successively on European markets from autumn of this year. First will be customers in the Czech Republic, where the car will be available from early October 2012. Next will be Germany from mid-October 2012 and other European markets from late 2012. Market launch of the Škoda Rapid will continue in Europe in early 2013. The Škoda Rapid will be produced at Škodas main plant in Mladá Boleslav (Czech Republic).

The Škoda Rapid will also play an outstanding role in securing Škodas further growth in China. From 2013, a Chinese variant built by Shanghai Volkswagen will be available, making the Rapid the fifth Škoda model line to be sold in China after the Fabia, Octavia, Superb and Yeti (Škodas SUV will also launch in China in 2013), further bolstering the brands growth in China.

Customers
In marketing the Rapid, Škoda is mainly targeting families wanting a practical, roomy and safe car at an affordable price. "The Rapid is a car for the whole family in Škodas accustomed quality and with a large boot," says marketing chief Jürgen Stackmann.

Largest model in companys history
The new Rapid is another model that is a part of the largest worldwide model offensive in the history of Škoda. In the years to come, the company will be introducing a new model every six months on average, the aim being to raise worldwide sales to 1.5 million units by 2018. In pursuing this aim, the company is betting even more strongly on international growth markets such as Russia, India and China. "Today, we are selling 60 per cent of our cars in Europe and 40 per cent in the growth markets. We expect this proportion to reverse by 2018," says Winfried Vahland.