Automobiles Review

Author: autoview

  • Next generation Porsche 911 Targa combines an electric glass roof with electronically-controlled all-wheel drive system

    Porsche 911 Targa 4SWith the introduction of the new 911 Targa this autumn, Porsche is completing the fastest ever generation change in the 911 model series. Two new power units with Direct Fuel Injection (DFI) improve both the performance and economy of the car, the fast-shifting Porsche Doppelkupplungsgetriebe (PDK) – or double-clutch gearbox – replaces the optional Tiptronic S automatic transmission, and electronically-controlled Porsche Traction Management (PTM) takes the place of the former viscous-coupling all-wheel drive system. (more…)

  • Volvo announces full technical specification for the new XC60

    Volvo XC60Volvo Car UK can now announce full technical and specification details for the new XC60 crossover which arrives in dealer showrooms this autumn. The XC60 is available to order now with prices starting at £24,750 OTR for the 2.4D S model and offers innovative standard features such as a low speed autobrake City Safety and versatile 40/20/40 split folding rear seats as well as sub 200g/km CO2 engine options. (more…)

  • Cooper Tire bolts on to Lightning GT for Motor Show debut

    Cooper Zeon 2XS rubberCooper Tire will be unveiled as the official OE tyre supplier for one of the stars of this year’s British International Motor Show – the Lightning GT, a new electric sportscar.

    The firm’s ultra-high performance Cooper Zeon 2XS will be fitted in 20 inch rim size as standard equipment on every Lightning GT built, and its superb cornering ability and steering response is a perfect fit for the 700bhp, 130mph sportscar. (more…)

  • Renault unveils Megane Renaultsport R26.R

    The Mégane Renaultsport 230 F1 Team R26 was launched in November 2006 and has enjoyed a great success.  Using this base, Renaultsport launch an extreme version, the Mégane Renaultsport R26.R.  Developed by Renault Sport Technologies, the Mégane R26.R joins the family that also comprises the Clio Renaultsport 197, Mégane Renaultsport 225, Mégane Renaultsport dCi 175 and, from September, the Twingo Renaultsport 133.  Since the launch in April 2004, the family of Mégane Renaultsport has sold more than 20,000 units in almost 30 countries. (more…)

  • Toyota Auris TR now available with 1.4 D-4D 90 engine

    Toyota has doubled the diesel choice in its Auris TR range with the introduction of its lightweight, economic 1.4 D-4D 90 engine to the line-up. Lightweight, smooth and highly efficient, the unit delivers strong fuel economy and low emissions.

    It takes the engine choice in the best-selling TR grade to four, joining the 1.4 VVT-i and 1.6 VVT-i petrol units and the 2.0 D-4D 130 diesel. (more…)

  • Mastretta MXT

    Bristling with design flair, the all-new Mastretta MXT is the exciting and exclusive new sports car that will put Mexico on the map and offer UK drivers performance and more choice in the sub £40,000 sector.

    The lightweight two-seater weighs just 900kg. And with top speed of 150mph, it is aimed at thrill seekers who also have an eye to the environment, who want to have fun and enjoy driving without causing damage through their car’s excessive weight and power.

    Mastretta MXT is the first car to be designed and built in Mexico, and the aggressive and sculpted sports coupé makes its debut here at the British International Motor Show.

     

    Mastretta MXT
    Mastretta MXT
    Mastretta MXT
    Mastretta MXT
    Mastretta MXT
    Mastretta MXT

     

    This unique, rear-wheel drive two-seater’s 2.0litre turbocharged Duratec engine develops nearly 240bhp pushing it on to 60 mph from rest in less than 5.0secs.

    Constructed from bonded aluminium, the semi-monocoque chassis features aircraft style technology. Closed mould techniques sculpt the distinctive body from high quality fibreglass and the air-conditioned interior is leather-trimmed.

    Direct racecar feel comes through rack and pinion steering – 2.8 turns lock to lock. And 293mm ventilated brake discs with ABS as standard slow the car with eye-popping power, when necessary. Mastretta MXT has double wishbone suspension front and rear.

    Lifestyle Automotive is the company licensed to import and distribute the cars in Europe and company boss Tom Martin is confident of success with Mastretta MXT.

    “Customers who place orders at the show will be able to register their cars in May next year,” he says. “The Mastretta MXT on display at ExCeL 22 July – 3 August is the penultimate prototype,” Martin says. “We should complete Vehicle Certification Agency testing by October and RHD production, which is limited to 80 cars in the first full year, will start by January.”

    National pride as well as burning ambition for their new car motivates the Mastretta brothers who have taken the car from idea through concept to reality.

    “We needed to create a great car because Mexico has no tradition of sophisticated sports car manufacturing,” says designer Daniel Mastretta. “It is most important that our customers are delighted by the new MXT. That’s what we aimed to do from the first drawing of the car, but we also want to make our country proud of the MXT and to show the world what we can do.”

    Come and see the sensational Mastretta at the British Motorshow and decide for yourself.

    Mastretta MXT – the figures
    Price (rrp) £32,999 Weight 900 kg
    Engine 1999 cc Power/weight 267/tonne
    Aspiration Supercharged Length 3900 mm
    Power 240 bhp Width 1790 mm
    Torque 184 lb ft Height 1150 mm
    Transmission 5 speed manual 0-60 mph < 5 secs (est)
    Front tyres 205/45 R17 Rear tyres 235/45 R17

  • BMW goes into the model year 2009

    BMW Group further extends its leading position in the reduction of fuel consumption and exhaust emission levels – 23 models with a CO2 level of maximum 140 grams/kilometre – 23 models fulfil the exhaust emissions norm EU5 as of autumn 2008, new BMW 330d with BMW BluePerformance Technology even at EU6 level. (more…)

  • Kia bares more Soul at the BIMS

    Kia Motors has put more of its Soul on show with the release of new official images of its segment-busting model at the British International Motor Show.

    Kia is releasing the photographs of the fun and design-conscious Soul as it also brings the three stunning SOUL concept cars to its display in London. (more…)

  • Mazda Kazamai concept to premiere at Moscow

    Mazda has confirmed it will unveil an all-new concept – a sporty, compact crossover vehicle, called the Mazda Kazamai – at the Moscow International Automobile Salon (MIAS) on Tuesday 26 August. (more…)

  • Here’s the Ze-O from NICE

    Affordable, practical, with low running costs and zero emissions; NICE Car Company today presents the first image of the all-new Ze-O. Making its global debut at the British Motor Show next week, this MPV is the first all-electric car available within a family budget. (more…)

  • Ensational Furai concept heads Mazda line-up for bims

    The sensational Mazda Furai concept car, which made its world premiere at the Detroit Show in January and performed at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, will head a line-up of 18 Mazda cars on display at the British International Motor Show from 23 July. (more…)

  • Porsche Cayenne S Transsyberia – from Moscow to Ulaanbaatar

    This morning, July 11, the Porsche Cars GB-entered Cayenne S Transsyberia driven by professional rally driver, Martin Rowe, and fellow rally driver and automotive engineer, Richard Tuthill, drove out of Moscow, the capital city of Russia, to begin the 2008 Rallye Transsyberia. (more…)