Author: Lidia Todorova

  • 2012 Ford B-MAX to Debut at Mobile World Congress

    Ford_B-MAX Ford Motor Company executive chairman Bill Ford will unveil for the first time the all-new 2012 Ford B-MAX on 27th of February at the 2012 Mobile World Congress, which takes place in Barcelona. Ford actually is going to be the first manufacturer, which will present a car for the first time at the leading mobile industry event. In addition, the there will be also announced significant new technologies for Europe, which will be featured for the first time in the new B-MAX. As Ford promises, these innovations, will make the vehicle one of the continent’s most technologically advanced small cars. Bill Ford also will become the first automotive leader who will make a keynote speech at MWC. There, he will discuss the company’s vision for mobility in the future, which has the aim to explore the potential for mobile technology and vehicles to play more integrated roles. B-MAX will raise the bar for small vehicles in Europe, with the combination of technology and premium engineering into a compact frame vehicle. Later this year, on 6th of March at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show, Ford President and CEO Alan Mulally will introduce the B-MAX to the automotive world.

    2012 Ford B-MAX
    2012 Ford B-MAX

    B-MAX is a promising new vehicle, which will bring a unique Easy Access Door System with central body pillars integrated into the sliding rear doors to provide unrivalled access for passengers and luggage. Moreover, it will be powered by a versatile engine range, which will include the new 1.0-litre 120PS EcoBoost petrol engine and the 1.6-litre TDCi diesel engine. Both are expected to offer class-leading fuel economy and CO2 emissions.

    2012 Ford B-MAX with unique Easy Access Door System
    2012 Ford B-MAX with unique Easy Access Door System

    Source: Ford

  • 2012 Citroen DS4 Just Mat Limited Edition

    CITROTN_DS4_Just_Mat_Thumb2012 Citroen DS4 Just Mat is the first limited series based on the second model in the DS model line. This is a limited edition version which, to be more precise comes, nine months after the official release of the CITROËN DS4. Moreover it is based on the Sport Chic finish with an original body colour, named Hickory Mat Brown.

    In particular, the DS4 was launched last year in May 2011 and since then got circa 30,000 orders. It is undeniably an appealing raised four-door coupé, which combines the elegance and compactness of the coupe, with the versatility and space of a compact saloon. The new limited series are based on the same approach; however they are additionally based on the Sport Chic trim. Like the DS3 Matière Grise and DS3 Série Noire limited versions, the new 2012 CITROËN DS4 Just MAt has now the same Hickory Mat Brown bodywork, with colour-coordinated door rubbing strips and exterior door mirror housings. This limited edition sits on 19” Cairns alloy wheels and has xenon dual-function directional headlights.

    2012 Citroen DS4 Just Mat Limited Edition
    2012 Citroen DS4 Just Mat Limited Edition

    The limited series of 2012 Citroen DS4 Just Mat will be produced in only 500 units. This automatically leads to the consequence that there is also a lot of attention put in the interior of the car. The interior design features leather Club Habana upholstery, including the ‘watch bracelet’, which is a design specific to the DS line. In addition, the vehicle gains the eMyWay navigation system.

    The CITROËN DS4 Just Mat ships with the THP 200 or HDi 160 engine, mated to a six-speed manual gearbox. Prices start at €34,950.

    Source: Citroen

  • 2012 Ford Focus 1.0-litre EcoBoost available for order in Europe

    Ford Eco Boost thumbThe 2012 Ford Focus 1.0-litre EcoBoost is Ford’s most fuel efficient petrol-engine production vehicle ever created! The good news around it is that it is now available to order from dealerships in Europe. The first vehicles have been produced in the plant in Saarlouis, Germany and they are both 100 PS (74 kW) and 125 PS (92 kW) models. More importantly, it offers leading fuel economy of 4.8l/100km and CO2 emissions of 109g/km and 5.0l/100km (56.5mpg) with CO2 of 114g/km, respectively.

    In details, the 1.0-litre EcoBoost uses turbocharging and direct fuel injection to extract impressive levels of power and fuel efficiencies from a three-cylinder engine block. Hence, this combination of power and low CO2 emissions makes it the best of all other competing engines. Moreover, the engine has a torque of 170Nm between 1,400rpm and 4,500rpm. The new 1.0-litre EcoBoost engine will be offered in the C-MAX, the all-new B-MAX, as well as other models, later this year. Furthermore the Focus 1.0-litre EcoBoost will join the 1.6-litre EcoBoost petrol and 1.6-litre TDCi diesel engines in wearing the ECOnetic Technology badge. This is a recognition given by Ford, only to those models which are class-leaders among the very best in their segment – of course, speaking in terms of fuel economy.

    2012 Ford Focus 1.0-litre EcoBoost
    2012 Ford Focus 1.0-litre EcoBoost

    Source: Ford

  • “Let your body drive” – the call of the 2012 Peugeot 208

    2012 Peugeot 208 ThumbThe new 2012 Peugeot 208 has been designed with the aim to be one with the driver. According to the designers and the engineers, only in this way the driver will experience more intuitiveness, more sensations and more pleasure. Firmly grounded in its era, it now awakens all of the senses. However, it now triggers more new emotions too! For example, such feeling is the immediate desire to grab the wheel. This is due to the energy it gives to the body of the person driving the vehicle. In particular, it energizes the body and offers an unmatched driving experience. Hence, the Brand Peugeot has chosen to present the new 2012 Peugeot 208 as the car which allows your body to fully express itself! And in addition next to it, it has launched the slogan “Let your body drive”.

    The “Let Your Body Drive” signature was developed as of the initial communication phases in the run-up to the world debut of the 2012 Peugeot 208 at the Geneva Motor Show, which will take place next month. In the presentation of the car is featured, a discovery of the new 208 via an interactive game. Moreover, the 208 communication campaign is now being boosted by a new and original interactive experience, which is the launch of a film. The film generates high emotion by presenting a series of situations in which the body and its sensations are placed at the very heart of the action. The aim is to deliver the message of a Peugeot 208 which is aimed at thrill-seekers. This interactive film will go on line on 16 February 2012, so we recommend you to stay tuned and experience the promising and yourself.

    2012 Peugeot 208
    2012 Peugeot 208

    Source: Peugeot

  • Lexus CT 200h is the safest small car according to Forbes

    Lexus CT 200h ThumbLexus CT 200h, which is a luxury hybrid hatch, has just received very prominent award given by the respected American business magazine “Forbes”. It is crowned by it as “The Safest Small Cars guide for 2012”. The luxury vehicle is featured in the Forbes guide and had previously achieved the status “Top Safety Pick” by the US-based Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), which is a non-profit organization backed by the insurance industry. To achieve this success the car must have the highest rating of “good” in the IIHS’ side, rollover, and rear impact evaluations, and in addition it must be equipped with electronic stability control.

    Furthermore the Lexus CT 200h also won high praise from “Forbes” judges for the active and passive safety systems it includes. They help protect occupants and prevent collisions. These awards will definitely influence in a positive manner the customers, because they will now have in mind that they have the highest possible safety, while enjoying the ride in the vehicle. In addition, we have to make the reminder, that the last years CT 200h has also achieved the highest rating of five stars for all-round safety performance. This time the award was given by the Australia’s respected ANCAP crash testing.

    Lexus CT 200h
    Lexus CT 200h

    The safest small car – Lexus CT 200h, features standard fitment of eight airbags including driver and front-passenger knee airbags, and whiplash-injury lessening (WIL) front seats. Moreover, it also has an electronically controlled brake system with ABS, Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Traction Control (TRC), emergency LED brake lights and daytime running lamps as standard. In the models from the Sports Luxury segment, is also  featured Active Cruise Control and Pre-Collision Safety technology (PCS), which detects an imminent collision and primes the front seatbelts and emergency braking to reduce the risk of injury and damage.

    Source: Lexus

  • Most Collectible Cars from the Present

    2013-bugatti-veyron-ThumbHere is a short list of some of the most collectible cars from the present, which in my opinion, are going to cost even more amount of money in the near or distant future. They are unique in several aspects, including style, speed, expense and produced examples of their particular model. Such cars are driven for prestige and are considered as a symbol for high status.

    Let’s start with Dodge Viper, which undeniably is one of the most famous cars ever produced. Its production started back in 1992 and continues till now. The vehicle has 6 speed manual transmission which allows the person behind the wheel to experience the excitement of driving. Moreover it is usually equipped with very powerful engine which produces a pleasant roaring sound and in some versions achieves the whole 600 hp (442 kW). Therefore, if you seat behind the steering wheel with the aim to achieve the top speed, then you’ll get up to 202 mph (325 km/h). Undoubtedly, this model is an emblematic one for the American automotive history and I am sure that one day models will cost a lot.

    2010 Dodge Viper SRT10 ACR-X
    2010 Dodge Viper SRT10 ACR-X

    Next comes the Chevrolet Corvette ZR1, which production started in the near past – in 2009 and since then it is still being produced. Although it has a short history, it is the most powerful Corvette ever made. It includes six speed manual transmission, but unlike the previous discussed vehicle, it can produce the astonishing 638 hp (470 kW) at 6,500 rpm of torque. The top speed here is 205 mph (325 km/h)! It definitely deserves the investment, because it is going to be one of the most desirable collectables in the future.

    2012 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1
    2012 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1

    Here comes the luxury Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren without which the sport car industry wouldn’t be the same. Its production began in the 2003 and lasted till 2010. Unlike the Corvette and the Viper, it has five speed automatic gearbox. Here the Mercedes achieves the 617 hp (454 kW) at 6,500 rpm, but its maximum speed is higher than Corvettes. This vehicle can reach up to 208 mph (335 km/h). And the price as well is far grater than the ZR1’s. The last one costs around $100 000. The Mercedes however, is estimated around $ 450 000. What is so typical and emblematic about this model, are its unmistakable gullwing doors.

    Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren
    Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren

    There is a real rarity present to our attention – the two door coupe named Lamborghini Reventón, which production lasted just one year (from 2008 till 2009). What makes this car so special and priceless is that you can’t see it on the streets very often. And this isn’t due to its high price (which by the way is estimated around $1.6 million dollars), but due to the fact that there is only twenty of it produced! This beauty, has a six speed manual or six-speed paddle shift transmission, and as you expect its engine is a powerful V12 6,5 liter one. Hence, it produces the astonishing 650 hp (478 kW) at 8,000 rpm of torque. The top speed is exactly 211 mph (340 km/h).

    Lamborghini Reventón
    Lamborghini Reventón

    Without a doubt a collectible one is Bugatti Veyron, for anyone who can afford it of course. It costs around 1,7 million dollars and since 2005, when it production started, is one of the most appealing cars to the famous people. Its acceleration, which for only 2.5 seconds goes from 0 to 100 km/h, is due to the unbelievable 1001 hp (736 kW) at 6,000 rpm! And not to forget the maximum speed of 268 mph (431 km/h) which makes the car one of the fastest cars in the world! But wait this is not all! The new hyper car model, which is going to make its debut in 2013, will be also powered by the famous 8.0 liter W16 quad-turbo engine mated to a 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox. Moreover, it is expected to achieve more than 1200 hp (895 kW)! This makes it a real collectable car even before its official release, isn’t it!

    2013 Bugatti Veyron
    2013 Bugatti Veyron

  • Some of the most wanted and expensive collectible cars from the past

    1937 Mercedes-Benz 540K ThumbHave you ever wondered which are some of the most desirable cars from the past? “Which models collectors are crazy for?” is the question asked here. And there goes the answer, including five of the most wanted and expensive cars made in the past.

    The first car to be mentioned here is the 1931 Bentley 4 1/2-Liter model. This particular vehicle has only 49 similar to it, which means that there were only 50 ever produced. Hence, the immediate consequence is that the price of the model is very high. For example, sever years ago, such vehicle was sold for the amount of $ 4 510 000. In details, the car includes 2/3-passanger boat-tail body. Bentley 4½ Liter however, is a heavy car, with a total weight of 1 625 kg (3 580 lb). And although it included a manual transmission, one had to be very skillful to operate with the four gears, due to their unsynchronization. The engine contributed for the overall heavy weight of the model, because it was a heavy cast iron inline-four engine. The engine, modern for that particular period, included two double carburetors and dual ignition with Bosch magnetos. Thus it was possible for it to produce the impressive 130 hp (97 kW) at that time. Therefore, you can imagine how easy it was for this model to race in competitions.

    1931 Bentley 4,5 -Liter
    1931 Bentley 4,5 -Liter

    Next comes the 1935 Dusenberg SJ model, which will surprise you in many ways. First of all, it has the whole 320 hp (239 kW)! Can you believe a car that fast in the 30’s of the last century? It included 3-Speed Manual transmission, but due to the heavy weight of 2 608 kg / 5 750 lbs, it accelerated from 0 to 100 km/h in more than 10 seconds. Secondly, there are only two vehicles of this particular model, built in the 1935. Another interesting fact about it is that one of them belonged to the famous actor Gary Cooper and the other – to Clark Gable. The model was equipped by two special carburetors and inlet ports of special shape named “ram’s horn”.

    1935 Dusenberg SJ
    1935 Dusenberg SJ

    In 1937 the luxury brand came out with the Mercedes-Benz 540K model, which now is considered to be one of the most expensive Mercedes-Benz road-going cars. A model of it was a few years ago sold for the amount of $8 235 112. In the late 30’s this model was a development of the Mercedes SSK, and was offered not only as a two seater cabriolet, but also as a four seater coupé or seven seater limousine. The 540K has the unique for that time straight 8-cylinder engine increased to 5n401 cubic centimeters. It was aspirated by twin pressurized updraft carburetors. This made possible for the vehicle to develop 115 hp (86 kW). Moreover it included four-speed or five speed manual gearbox, which had synchromesh on the top three gears. The hydraulic brakes were also vacuum-assisted. What is interesting here, is that people such as Jack Warner (from the Warner Brothers) were owners of this model.

    1937 Mercedes-Benz 540K
    1937 Mercedes-Benz 540K

    1955 Jaguar D Type is a factory-built race car, which has 3.8 liters engine. Beside the engines it includes some of the most important innovations achieved at this time of the 20th century. What I have in mind here are the use of disc brakes and the monocoque chassis. The latter was the first type of aircraft-style engineering which was featured in a race-car design. This special monocoque technology is made using some basic principles typical for it. First the cabin and the part where the driver sat, was made from alluminium allow sheets, to which was mounted an aluminium tubing subframe. The latter par carries the bonnet, the engine, the front suspension, and the steering assembly. Eventually the rear suspension and final drive were mounted straightly to the monocoque. Another innovation included in this model, is that the fuel was carried in deformable bags inside cells within the monocoque. As you can see, another aspect of this car is the highly aerodynamic body, which was stabilized through large vertical stabilizer mounted behind the head of the driver. This D Type from 1955 has in addition larger valves (than the models in the years before) which were accommodated through a cylinder head with asymmetrical design. D-Type served its purpose well, and won a lot of top places at racing competitions. At last, probably you know the iconic Jaguar E-Type. What you might miss here is that the D Type is the actual predecessor of the aforementioned icon.

    1955 Jaguar D Type
    1955 Jaguar D Type

    I am sure you have already wondered where the Ferrari model in this article is. Well, here comes the 1961 Ferrari 250 GT California, which is an evolution of the 250 GT Tour de France and includes 12-cylinders engine which achieves the whole 280 hp (209 kW) and has three carburetors. On this model were also introduced for the first time disc brakes. A replica of this particular model was also featured in the movie from the 1986 – Ferris Bueller’s Day Off. What is particularly interesting here is that few years ago a black Ferrari of the model was sold for nearly 11 million dollars.

    1961 Ferrari 250 GT California
    1961 Ferrari 250 GT California
  • 2012 Ford B-MAX’s Easy Access Door System

    Ford B-Max Thumb2012 Ford B-MAX features unique Easy Access Door System which will bring to its customers unrivalled ease of access. In particular it integrates the central body pillars into the doors of its multi-activity vehicle and thus creating 1.5-metre wide unobstructed openings on either side of the car. The development of the concept, the designers spent several days observing drivers in their daily routine. Hence, they got the understanding, what exactly will customers really want from a compact car. Engineers then start producing a safe and practical vehicle which is in alliance with those needs. What they did is that they moved the high-strength body-structure from the central body pillars and integrated it directly into the doors. This ensures high level of crash protection in the event of a side impact. Up to five times the strength of conventional mild steel is delivered through special ultra-high-strength steel. This is used in key parts of the body and doors, thus creating an extremely strong and stiff structure without adding extra weight.

    In addition the process involved intense testing and analysis at every stage. More than 1,000 detailed computer simulations were conducted over three years to optimize side impact crash performance. In addition, the B-MAX interior is packed with features which take optimal advantage of the new Easy Access Door System. The rear seats and the front passenger seat, for instance, can be folded flat. In this way it creates a large, convenient load platform, which can accommodate everything from bicycles to flat-pack furniture.

    The All-New Ford B-MAX will make its first appearance in Geneva next month. Eventually, it will go for sale later this year.

    2012 Ford B-Max
    2012 Ford B-Max

    Source: Ford

  • 2012 SEAT Exeo

    2012 SEAT Exeo ThumbThe new 2012 SEAT Exeo is now available in all UK showrooms nationwide and now delivers even more style, economy and refinement available. The new model has a refreshed new look with a revised face: it features exclusive new bi-xenon headlights and LED daytime running lights. Furthermore the styling enhancements feature new alloy wheel designs. The interior is improved as well and in it is high-quality leather on the steering wheel and revised upholstery. At the same time, the new SEAT model also offers a premium power with its 2.0 TDI which has the emissions of only 129 g/km.  The fuel efficiency is also improved: it now has 58.9 mpg on the EU’s combined cycle.

    In the 2012 the Exeo family will expand with an Ecomotive version of the model. The forthcoming Exeo Ecomotive will boast many of the same technologies that make its Ecomotive siblings such frugal propositions.  For instance, SEAT’s effortless Start/Stop technology will assist in the delivering of even more fuel efficiency. The aim is to achieve only 120 g/km CO2 emissions.

    The new 2012 SEAT Exeo pricing starts from £19 480.

    2012 SEAT Exeo
    2012 SEAT Exeo

    Source: SEAT

  • 2012 Citroen C4 AIRCROSS SUV

    2012 Citroen C4 Aircross ThumbCitroën is expanding its range with a new vehicle named 2012 Citroën C4 AIRCROSS, which is a fresh take on conventional compact SUV design. The new Citroën C4 AIRCROSS will make its world debut at the Geneva Motor Show in March this year. The new vehicle speaks loudly about its new styling – the Citroën C4 AIRCROSS combines the elegance of brand saloons with the more muscular lines of an off-roader. When one looks it from the front, one sees the wide chrome grille displaying the chevron badge, giving the vehicle a strong identity. Viewed from the side one sees a chrome compass, identifying this car as a member of the Marque’s SUV family. This SUV sits on wide 18-inch alloy wheels and has rear lights, inspired by the Citroën C4 hatchback and Hypnos concept car. This was made in order to optimize air flow and cut CO2 emissions. Of course, the designers of Citroen have put a lot of attention on the details, thus making it delivering even more style and efficiency. At the front, for example, the daytime running LED lights are integrated vertically into the aerodynamic vents. In addition, the door mirrors have built-in indicator repeater lights, while the rear light clusters feature light guides. Another interesting instance is that a rearview camera is concealed in the chrome trim of the tailgate.

    The 2012 Citroën C4 AIRCROSS has a brand new new-generation four-wheel drive transmission, which will make the drive even more enjoyable. This is an innovational technology, which takes in account the driver input, road conditions and vehicle speed, and thus distributing torque optimally between the front and rear wheels at all times. This system also minimizes fuel consumption by using low-viscosity oil in the transfer box. Depending on the driving conditions, customers can select one of three possible transmission modes using a control behind the gear lever: a 4-wheel drive (4WD) mode, which automatically distributes torque between the front and rear axles; a “Lock” mode, which maximizes traction in extreme conditions, increasing the torque transmitted to the rear wheels by 50% compared with 4WD mode; and a 2-wheel drive (2WD) mode, which minimizes fuel consumption by reducing the number of moving parts (only the front axle is engaged).

    The new Citroën C4 AIRCROSS ranks among the best in its segment for low CO2 emissions. We are speaking here about the model with HDi 115 engine, which is mated to a six-speed manual gearbox. In a 2-wheel drive version it emits just 119 g of CO2/km and in 4 wheel drive version emitting just 129 g of CO2/km. This 1.6 litre engine delivers 115 hp (85 kW) for maximum torque of 270 Nm (199 lb-ft) from 1,750 rpm, and up to 280 Nm (207 lb-ft) with the temporary overboost function. There is also a 1.8 litre engine included in the lineup, which is the only diesel on the market to feature variable valve timing, which gives it a lower compression ratio (14:1) than any other diesel engine. The 1.6 litre engine features a double overhead camshaft, 16 valves and variable valve timing. It combines high standards of performance with low emissions, developing 115 hp (85 kW) for CO2 emissions of just 135 g/km.

    2012 Citroen C4 Aircross
    2012 Citroen C4 Aircross

    There is also a 150 hp (110 kW) 2.0i petrol engine included in the lineup. It has a five-speed manual gearbox or continuously variable transmission (CVT). It also includes 16 valves, an aluminium cylinder block and variable valve timing. All these engines feature technologies designed to cut CO2 emissions: Stop&Start technology; an electronically controlled alternator that recovers energy during braking and deceleration; electric power steering that consumes energy only when the steering wheel is turning.

    The new Citroen model offers compact dimensions. It is 4.34 m long, 1.80 m wide, 1.63 m tall. Moreover the Citroën C4 AIRCROSS is surprisingly spacious, with a cabin worthy of the next class up. With five seats and a boot volume of 442 litres, it is very convenient for everyday use. Furthermore, to enhance the joy from driving, the Citroën C4 AIRCROSS is fitted with MacPherson type front suspension and a multi-link set-up at the rear. It also offers an great safety level by combining driving aids such as ESP with skid control ABS, electronic brakeforce distribution, hill-start assist.

    What about the new design of the exterior? First of all the new 2012 Citroën C4 AIRCROSS features a large glazed panoramic sunroof with UV protection and a one-touch electric blind. It also has LED light guides built into the roof turn it amber. The steering wheel is leather-covered and adjustable for height and reach, with controls for the audio system, cruise control and hands-free kit. The front seats provide excellent support and multi-way adjustment. They are available in two versions: electric and heated. The driving comfort is further improved by the automatic headlights, automatic wipers and an electrochrome interior door mirror. The cabin includes a host of storage compartments and the large glovebox is lit and chilled. The front and rear central armrests feature two ergonomic beaker-holders and a compartment equipped with a 12V socket, a USB port and auxiliary audio jack.

    The Citroën C4 AIRCROSS is all about technological innovation, and includes a top-level hi-fi system worthy of a saloon. It delivers total power of 710 watts and comprises of eight loudspeakers placed around the cabin, a 25-centimetre woofer with a dual voicecoil, and a20-litre cabinet installed on the left-hand side of the boot. There is also included a high-performance GPS navigation system with a 7-inch touch screen. For even more safety the navigation system is associated with a color rearview camera and rear parking sensors. The all-new Citroën C4 AIRCROSS also includes a Bluetooth hands-free telephone function.

    The SUV offers as well a high level of passive safety, thank to its extremely stiff body structure. A high level of passive safety keeps the survival cell intact and sets high standards in vibration comfort for all the occupants. Moreover, the Citroën C4 AIRCROSS is equipped with a safety system on the brake pedal, which prevents protrusion of the brake pedal in the event of high-speed impact. The vehicle includes as well seven airbags as standard.

    Source: Citroen

  • 2013 BMW 640i Gran Coupe Pricing – $76 895

    2013 BMW 6-Series Gran Coupe thumbBMW of North America has just announced the price tag for their all-new 2013 BMW 640i Gran Coupe. It starts from $76 895 which includes as well the destination charge. The TwinPower Turbo 6-cylinder powered 640i Gran Coupe is the initial model of the range and will be at dealerships across the U.S, in the early summer of this year. Later in the summer will be also launched the TwinPower Turbo V-8 powered 2013 BMW 650i Gran Coupe and the 2013 BMW 650i xDrive Gran Coupe.

    The BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe comes with 4+1 seats, thus making it with a 113-millimetre longer wheelbase than the BMW 6 Series Coupe. Additionally, a through-loading facility and folding rear seat backrests give a further improvement to practicality and increase boot capacity from 460 litres to 1,265 litres. Moreover the BMW TwinPower Turbo engines are making the car more sporty and efficient. The six-cylinder in-line petrol engine in the BMW 640i Gran Coupe develops 235 kW/320 hp. It comes with harmonious proportions, precise lines and sleekly contoured surfaces – this is the ultimate luxury drive. The all-new BMW 6 Series Gran coupe will make its first appearance at this year’s Geneva International Auto Show in March. In April it will be presented at North American New York International Auto Show.

    2013 BMW 640i Gran Coupe
    2013 BMW 640i Gran Coupe

    Source: BMW

  • Ford B-MAX delivers Best-In-Class Fuel Economy and CO2 emission

    Ford_B-MAX ThumbThe new Ford B-MAX compact multi-activity vehicle achieves best-in-class fuel economy and CO2 emissions for both the diesel and petrol versions. The new 1.0-liter EcoBoost 120PS (88 kW) petrol engine and the 1.6-liter TDCi 95PS (70 kW) diesel engine both beat the rivals on fuel economy and on CO2 emissions.

    Obviously, the all-new Ford B-MAX which is going to make its debut this year is setting a new standard in its class. To be more precise, the new B-MAX, powered by 1.6-liter TDCi delivers 104 g/km CO2 emissions and 4.0 l/100km (70.6mpg). The B-MAX with a 1.0-liter EcoBoost petrol engine (120PS/88 kW) will offer 114g/km CO2 emissions and fuel economy of 4.9 l/100km (57.6mpg). All B-MAX’s petrol rivals trail behind with 134-149g/km CO2 emissions and 5.7 l-6.4 l/100km fuel consumption. The goal of Ford here was to redefine the segment through technology and ingenuity, which includes delivering the very best fuel economy.

    Furthermore B-MAX features also a range of technologies which help reducing the fuel consumption and the CO2 emissions. They include: Auto-Start-Stop, which automatically shuts down the engine when the vehicle is at idle; the Ford Eco Mode driver information system, which helps drivers adopt a more economical driving style; Gear Shift Indicator, to highlight the most efficient gear changing points; and Smart Regenerative Charging, which charges the battery at the most economical points in a journey.

    In the production of the all-new B-MAX was featured a brand innovative approach to door construction, which resulted in wide-open access for drivers, passengers and luggage. It includes the center pillars integrated into the doors themselves. The B-MAX was also designed with high quality materials, which are rarely to be found on an affordable compact car, together with flexible-seating and class-leading load-space.

    The all-new B-MAX will debut at the Geneva Motor Show in March and go on sale across Europe later this year.

    Ford B-MAX - A Compact Multi-Activity Vehicle
    Ford B-MAX – A Compact Multi-Activity Vehicle

    Source: Ford