Car News

The 2017 Alpina B7 Bi-Turbo has arrived in Australia, serving as the brand's new flagship starting at $369,720 plus on-road costs. Based on the plush BMW 7 Series, the B7 is powered by a 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 that pumps out a meaty 447kW of power and 800Nm of torque, sent to the rear wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission. Alpina claims the 2110kg limousine is capable of sprinting from 0-100km/h in 4.2 seconds, on its way to a top speed of 330km/h.

The upcoming Range Rover Velar will blow away the competition because of its unique design and position and help attract a new buyer type and change perceptions, the brand’s chief designer claims. Speaking to the media at the launch of the new Land Rover Discovery in Utah, USA, today, Land Rover and Range Rover’s head of design, Gerry McGovern, said the Velar’s success story will come from its expected sales.

A concept sedan branded as the Mercedes-AMG GT4 will reportedly be unveiled at the Geneva motor show, taking place in early March, to kick off the tuner's 50th anniversary celebrations. Sources have told Autocar that the GT4 concept has a shape that's very much like a five-door version of the Mercedes-AMG GT coupe. The GT4 concept is said to preview a new and unique model for the Mercedes-AMG sub-brand.

Better late than never. The Renault Trafic mid-sized van will get a much-needed automatic transmission in current-generation guise, the company has confirmed. A firm timeline is not clear because it’s a bit of a moving feast internally, but Renault Australia light commercial line manager Lyndon Healey says the self-shifter has at least been green lit. A time time frame of about 18 months from now has been mooted, however.

The 2017 Skoda Superb Sportline is now officially on sale, and the brand has added the comprehensive styling pack – including interior and exterior features – for just $1000 over the regular Superb 206TSI upon which it's based. The Skoda Superb Sportline version, then, is priced at $51,990 plus on-road costs (or $55,290 drive-away) for the sedan version while the Sportline wagon continues to attract a $1700 premium, placing it at $53,690 plus on-roads (or $56,990 drive-away).