This is something new. Kahn Design releasing a teaser? Must be something big. In all honesty, it is big. A Range-Rover Evoque kind of big. It’s will be called the RS250 and all we have for now is this sketch. The release date is set for sometime in July this year.
As we have established, the base product is an Evoque. And that’s a hard piece of motoring to ruin. The sketch looks good but those LEDs on the side of the bumper simply seem too much. But hey, it’s a fashion statement so why not.
Rather surprisingly however, the overhaul will go beyond that. Yes, there will be an engine upgrade which is still kept in secret. Also, the whole program will be divided into two stages – 1 and 2.
Stage 1 will include a front bumper complete with fog lights and 3d mesh inserts (the upper grille will also be new with 3d mesh). Count the LED in as well. For the back a bumper is intended, that has diffuser which houses the tips of the stainless steel twin central crosshair exhaust system. A bootlid spoiler complements the whole look. The Evoque’s stance should be lower as well. And meaner with the 22” RS-XF alloy wheels. As a finishing touch there’s going to be a hood/roof stripe painted on.
Stage 2 will further add wide wheel arches (as if the Evoque lacks that), side skirts and a roof spoiler.
This being Khan Design, one can imagine that the whole program can be rather flexible – additional components for the exterior and the interior as well, will be available.
You remember the Juke-R, don’t you? The one that puts to shame some of the most established brands out there on a track. Well, now you can have one…presumably. Nissan are putting it on a very limited run. In fact, they will set their production policies for it, on an on-demand manner.
The first time we saw the Nissan Juke-R was on a track in Dubai, trashing Lmaborghinis, Ferarris and alike. Nissan say, that the ensued interest was “enormous”. So enormous in fact that they now have…ahem…three orders for it. In the coming four weeks, the company is ready to tackle more requests and make it’s customers happy.
The one that debuted in Dubai, used various bits and pieces from the MY10 Nissan GT-R. These new ones however, are going to help themselves to the MY12 GT-R range. To put that in numbers: 3.8-liters of displacement, at least 530 hp, and 612 Nm of torque. A top speed of 315 km/h while 0 to 100 kph shouldn’t take more than 3.5 seconds. Smashing.
Gareth Dunsmore, Marketing Product Manager for the Juke, said: “The Juke-R was originally intended as a one-off concept to marry two of Nissan’s most innovative models. But the reaction we had to the car in Dubai was amazing – people were making offers for the original on the street!”
“With such a strong reaction, and with three genuine offers on the table, we decided we had to make the car a reality. We can’t let down enthusiasts who are this keen to add to their collection of cars. The Juke-R has become something of a phenomenon and I’m enormously proud of the impact it has had. There will be more news to come on Juke later in the year.”
Coincidentally, The Juke-R is also getting a sort of a promotional film. Titled Desert Nemesis, the motion picture depicts the Juke-R in all of its glory (that includes the sound). The director is the award-winning Rob Kaplan who has managed to capture all of that which makes a car enthusiast tingle (that includes the cars). Here it is:
It’s the latest BMW X1 – moderately facelifted, with a revised interior, mind boggling trim choices and a whole new range of super-efficient diesel engines. The lowest sum of money you need to get one is £24,660 but that won’t be until July 2012 when the sales kick off.
All of the models share the same 1,995cc, all-aluminum BMW four-cylinder power plant that comes with a common rail direct injection and the company’s TwinPower Turbo tech. The one for £24,660 is an sDrive18d. The ‘s’ prefix means rear-wheel drive. Power output amounts to 143 hp and 320 Nm of torque. 0 to 60 is done in 9.6 seconds and the top speed stands at 125 mph. In return, you get 57.6 mpg of combined fuel economy and 128 g/km of CO2 emissions. Keep in mind, we are talking about a flare arched, highish SUV. A compact SUV but an SUV nevertheless. The xDrive18d has the same engine but performs less impressive in all the other areas.
The mid-range engine is marked by 20d. It too can send it’s power trough an ‘s’ or an xDrive system. Amazingly, the sDrive20d manages 57.6 mpg on the combined cycle – almost a mile more per gallon when compared to the sDrive18d. All the while we get 184hp with 380 Nm of torque. That translates into 0-62mph in 7.8 seconds and a top speed of 136 mph. The xDrive20d, compared to the 18d counterpart, fares better in every respect, yet it still is inferior to the sDrive20d. There’s also an EfficientDynamics version of the 20d that is designed for the extra conscious. It’s strictly a rear-wheel drive with a manual setup and with 62.8 mpg it’s the most frugal one of the bunch.
To balance things out, there’s an xDrive25d. It harbors 218 hp under the hood and peals its tires with 450 Nm of torque. It gets from 0 to 60 in no more than 6.8 seconds while still retains a perfectly sensible economy of 51.4 mpg and spews out only 145 g/kg.
Model
Power? Hp
Torque Nm
0 – 62mph Seconds
Top Speed mph
Combined mpg
CO2 emissions g/km
Price from
OTR
BMW X1 xDrive25d
218
450
6.8
142 (141)
47.9 (51.4)
154 (145)
£31,860
BMW X1 xDrive20d
184
380
8.1
133 (132)
51.4 (52.3)
145 (143)
£27,580
BMW X1 sDrive20d
184
380
7.8 (7.9)
136 (135)
57.6 (56.5)
129 (132)
£26,090
BMW X1 sDrive20d EfficientDynamics
163
380
8.3
133
62.8
119
£26,090
BMW X1 xDrive18d
143
320
9.9 (10.1)
121
51.4 ( 52.3)
144 (143)
£26,150
BMW X1 sDrive18d
143
320
9.6 (9.9)
125
57.6 (56.5)
128 (132)
£24,660
As we mentioned above, the EfficientDynamics comes with an inseparable six-speed manual, but all the other models can be optionally fitted with BMW’s latest eight-speed Steptronic transmission.
BMW X1 (2013)
The fact that an electronic power steering replaces the hydraulic one in the ‘s’ models may explain why they are so much better at sipping fuel. However, in general all models do well at the gas station. That’s because Brake Energy Regeneration and Auto Start Stop systems come as default no matter the choice. The EfficientDynamics builds on top of that with low-resistance tires an on-demand operation of ancillary units and a climate control compressor that can be disengaged. There is of course a software present which tells you how you drive and how should you drive, change down, change up – a bit of harassment, no doubt.
The xModels on the other hand, get the full package of BMW X-series experience – a smart, adaptive AWD system fully integrated within the car’s Dynamic Stability Control. With the DSC come many other acronyms as standard – Advanced Braking System (ABS), Dynamic Traction Control (DTC), Cornering Brake Control (CBC) and Dynamic Brake Control (DBC).
BMW say that the X1’s body is stiff, lightweight and rigid but don’t expect magic on the corners. That’s the 1-series’s turf. The facelift mainly manifests itself on the headlights – if one goest with the optional Xenon light technology, a ton of LEDs come as a compliment. Inside, the center console is now shallower and covered in a higher quality material. Minor changes on the trim of the gearstick surround, cup holders and headlamp switch complete the look.
BMW X1 (2013)
In terms of equipment, even with the entry version (SE), one gets 17-inch alloy wheels, two-zoned climate control and a leather steering wheel. Stuff that didn’t come previously on the SE can also be seen – Bluetooth, USB radio and black roof rails.
The “Sport” line is the new one here. Its a level above SE and adds a dark chrome finish on the exhaust pipes, The kidney grille slats, bumper trims and side sills, along with the roof rails
are finished in a high gloss black. Inside, the Median upholstery in Anthracite with Coral Red highlights covers the set of sports seats. Pretty much, a hefty dose of cosmetic treats.
The other new package comes next: xLine. This time we get 18-inch alloy wheels, chromed exhaust tips and kidney grille slats. Some aluminum is used for the side sills and roof rails while the door sills now read xLine. Nevada leather wraps around the seats inside and an X is clearly visible on the headrests. Ambient lighting and floor mats with matching piping completes the package.
As usual, the M Sport trim line is the top of the top – super light 18-inch wheels, an aerodynamic kit, Nevada leather sports seats inside as well as a multifunction leather steering wheel.
CV stands for Commercial Vehicle and we usually do not muster much interest in such conventions. But every now and then, we stumble upon a pearl. It’s the IsuzuD-Max which apparently is proving to be a big hit over there. More than 250 expressions of interest have been directed at Isuzu’s stand. This can only help marque set itself apart from other manufacturers as a producer of reliable and durable pick-up trucks.
It’s versatile as well. One can go for the single cab design or the extended cab or even the double cab. Also, four specification trims, let you decide which is the perfect balance between value and equipment. The starting price in the UK stands at £14,499 ($23,447). Obviously, it’s an entry, 4×2, single cab version but a generously-equipped one nevertheless – electric windows, daytime running lights and air conditioning. If that turns out to be rather unsatisfactory, go for the top-of-the-line Isuzu D-Max Utah which adds 17-inch alloy wheels, leather upholstery, roof bars, iPod / Bluetooth connectivity and a six-speaker audio system £21,499 ($34,768). It’s also 4×4. The other two versions in between are called “Eiger” and “Yukon”.
All the D-Maxes use a 2.5-liter, twin-turbocharged common-rail diesel engine. Thus, 163 ps and 400Nm of torque are constantly available at a low cost – 38.2 mpg of combined economy and CO2 emissions rated at 194 g/km. The transmission can either be a newly-developed six-speed manual or a five-speed automatic.
Yes, it still sounds very commercial and rugged, but in a world full of SUVs (Sports Utility Vehicles), mere utility vehicles deserve a second chance. It may bring some diversity in your life.
Although already familiar in the US, the Chrysler 300C goes on sale in the UK this June while the prices are already out – £35,995 ($58,211) for a base one. For now, a sole diesel engine will be available in both of the planned trims.
The 300C aims at the top-line luxury segment, where it will hopefully bring some diversity:
“Production of this eagerly-awaited new executive saloon is well underway and I am delighted to be able to announce pricing,” says Nigel Land, brand director, Jeep Chrysler UK. “The 300C promises distinction and innovation, as the car sets a new course for the Chrysler brand in the UK.”
Typical European sensibility can be found under the hood – A V6 diesel with a displacement of 3.0-liters and a power output of 236 bhp and 540Nm of torque. With that in mind, we get 39.8 mpg of combined fuel economy. The CO2 figure is also on the lowish end with 185-195 g/km depending on wheel size.
The more American side of the Chrysler can be seen…well… on it’s sides. The profile of the new 300C is still reminiscent of its predecessor with muscular and edgy lines. At the same time, the sunroof and the touchscreen display inside are as big as an airfield. Cabin quietness has also been put on high priority.
Even at the entry-level Limited version, safety plays an important role – ESC, LED daytime running lights, hill start assist, active head restraints, and the only place that doesn’t hide an airbag is the trunk. Other treats include the heated seats (all of them), the load leveling suspension and the height control.
The 300C Executive is the better trim from the two. Actually, it’s the one more equipped. At the price of £39,995 ($64,679), you additionally get adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring system, forward collision warning, keyless entry, powered rear sunshade, and heated and ventilated Nappa leather seats.
Vorsteiner have released something like a teaser for a program, but have also spilled pretty much all the beans on what’s it going to be. The project in question is a “1M Coupe GTS-V“ Surely we have to be talking about a BMW. The debut is set for the end of May while for now, all we get to see are the pieces of kit that are supposed to go on the finished product. It still is worth a peek, this carbon fibery goodness.
We have a carbon fiber pre-preg front spoiler with ducts that channel air to the brakes, a carbon fiber rear diffuser with the fins and splitters and everything and an entire boot lid – lighter and with an integrated lip spoiler. What we don’t see in the gallery are the 19/20-inch forged concaved wheels, the cat back exhaust system and the floor mats… apparently. They will have orange piping – thrilling.
The 19th of May will see full reveal at the Bimmerfest 2012 in Pasadena, CA.
Scant pieces of news come forth from Toyota. An all new RAV4 EV is set to appear pretty soon. The venue intended for the debut couldn’t be more appropriate – the 26th International Electric Vehicle Symposium (EVS26) in Los Angeles. A news conference should elaborate on this fact. That would be Monday, May 7 at noon in the West Hall of the Los Angeles Convention Center.
That’s pretty much we know for now. To remind ourselves, two years ago, at the Los Angeles Auto Show, Toyota did bring out prototypes of the supposed second generation of EV RAV4s. They were developed jointly with Tesla (Tesla were responsible for the power plant and batteries). The earliest of them all had a 660-pound lithium-ion battery pack with 50 kWh capacity in total. The estimated single charge range varied from 80 to 120 miles.
Hopefully, those figures will be now even more impressive as the EV still has to win over many admirers of petrol and diesel RAV4 which are completely satisfactory on their own.
More on this topic will surely be coming next week.
Because of the 86, Toyota now enjoys an ever increasing popularity. Most recently, the Toyota 86 (or Subaru BRZ) has won the title “Car of the Year” on the 2012 Vehicle Dynamics International Awards. A bunch of engineers, technologists and journalists concluded that the 86 is the embodiment of the perfect race car formula. Chief engineer Tetsuya Tada has also been recognized as Dynamicist of the Year alongside his partner Toshio Masuda.
Simplicity is at the “base” of the 86 – literally. A 2.0-liter flat engine at the lower front provides perfect balance and ensures a low center of gravity. At the same time, 200 hp go through the back wheels and that’s it. No excess power, no IT certification needed and no strings attached. Graham Heeps, Vehicle Dynamics International magazine’s Editor puts it even better:
“In the face of rising power outputs and ever-greater levels of complication in the drivetrain, suspension and steering, cars from major manufacturers that take a less-is-more approach and offer fun at legal speeds have been thin on the ground. That’s why we believe the Toyota GT86, and its twin sister the Subaru BRZ, are deserved recipients of the 2012 VDI Car of the Year Award.”
Much praise was also directed at Akio Toyoda, Toyota CEO for steering the company in the right way for the past few years.
News from Cam Shaft. Yes, the company that ruined a rare Veyron with some silly wrapping. This time though, they seem to have done things properly. The car that has gone under the knife is a V8 Lotus Esprit made no earlier than 1996. Its standard output of 354 hp has been revamped, the gearbox has been replaced, the brakes are new and the bodywork serves as a tribute to the late Ayrton Senna.
The guys at Cam Shaft had a wonderful engine to work with right from the start – twin-turbocharged 3,506 cubic cm of power, 400 Nm of torque and 354 hp. The overall weight of the car amounted to just 1,380 kg which enabled it to accelerate to 100 km/h in 4.9 seconds and go on to a top speed of 282 km/h – monumental figures for the time.
By placing a Red Race control device on the car’s computer and by adding Forge adjustable cases inside the turbo compressor pumps, Cam Shaft manage to extract more juice from the Esprit’s V8. The intercooler has also been replaced and two 100-cell structure catalysts have been fitted so that now we have a 492 hp Lotus – quite up to today’s standards. Apparently, tests have shown that the zero-to-hundred time now stands at 4.3 seconds and the top speed stops counting at 305. Needless to say that, considering the new power surge, the gearbox needs to be up to standards as well. That’s why, at Cam Shaft, they have replaced it entirely with a 6-speed Dog-Engagement gearbox equipped with a longer total ratio. The brakes are also been replaced with ones that are bigger and more heat-efficient.
Finally, the wrapping – a black bodied trim that is pretty much reminiscent to Senna’s John Player Special 97T Formula 1 car. It even has his signature on it. It was the car with which he won his first championship. An honorable way to remember a racing legend.
The topic at Ford today apparently is fuel economy. The 2013 Ford Shelby GT500 they say, is 1 mpg more efficient than the 2012 model despite the fact that it has 112 more horsepower. Not only that, but there’s also a claim that the 5.8-liter engine under its hood is now the “world’s most powerful production V8” rated at 662 horsepower. Maybe they haven’t heard of the Gumpert Apollo or the Koenigsegg Agera R. But I guess they are in a class of their own.
The 5.8-liter in the GT500 is a typical, lazy rumbling muscle. 395 lb-ft of torque are already at disposal when the rev needle reaches 1000 rpm. More than 90 percent of the peak torque comes in between 2,200 and 5,800 rpm. That thrust availability might be mainly due to the fact that the supercharger alone is 2.3-liters
“Our goal is to create outstanding all-around performance cars, not just stoplight-to-stoplight sprinters,” said Jamal Hameedi, SVT chief engineer. “We’ve backed up this amazing powerplant with a more refined chassis tuning that helps keep the rubber on the pavement without punishing the driver’s spine and six-pot Brembo brakes that dissipate speed with ease stop after stop.”
Indeed, the chassis has been tuned to absorb the road imperfection that can cause instability at high speeds (200+ mph). As a 2013 model, the Ford Shelby GT500 gets a revised front fascia and splitter which improve aerodynamics at 160 mph with around 33 percent over the ones in the 2011 model.
As a result of all that refinement, the Shelby has an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 15 mpg in the city, 24 mpg on the highway and 18 mpg in combined. The 2012 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 is underpowered and 5 mpg less efficient. Checkmate.
The 2013 Ford Shelby GT500 will be built at AutoAlliance International Plant in Flat Rock, Mich
Not that a Mercedes-BenzSL is a very common sight on the streets but it’s owners will eventually become wary about the possibility of blending in. That’s not what Mercedeses are for. Loosing that character of exclusivity may be the worst thing that can happen to an SL. Luckily however, there is a solution… coming directly from Daimler’s cellar in Stuttgart – introducing the Mercedes-Benz original accessories.
The variety of things that can go on your SL is extensive. Extensive is the wheel selection – eleven stylish alloy wheels. Then there are the various docking stations and ports so you can plug-in just about any smoartphone that has ever been produced. A COMAND Online multimedia system includes a DVD changer and a media interface and is compatible with again numerous mobile devices.
Leaving functionality and entering style we find the elegant door sill made from brushed stainless steel that reads an illuminated “Mercedes-Benz”. Or how about taking a part of the SL wherever you go with the key ring which is a replica of the SL symbol on the boot lid?
AMG also contributes to the goody bag – aprons for the back and front, side skirts and a choice of three 19-inch five-spoke wheels.
Mercedes-Benz SL with incenio 19-inch multi-spoke wheel
Ford announced today that the all-new Ford Escape EcoBoost has been EPA-Certified and returns 33 mpg (at best). If that turns out to be true, the competition will have a hard time shining through it. Mind you, we are talking about the smallest engine mated to an automatic in a small SUV. The other two engines that come with the Escape boast 30 or above mpg.
“The fuel economy of the all-new Escape showcases the continued success of Ford’s development of smaller, yet more powerful engines, “ said Raj Nair, group vice president, Ford Global Product Development. “Ford understands people want fuel-efficient vehicles without sacrificing power and space requirements.”
The base EcoBoost then: its displacement stands at 1.6-liters, power output amounts to 178 horsepower and 184 lb-ft. of torque. That’s 20 more hp and 30 more torque than the Mazda CX-5. A mid-range choice offers a 2.0-liter EcoBoost with 240 horsepwer and 270 lb-ft. of torque. Estimated highway economy: 30 mpg. Urban: 22 mpg. The third one is a 2.5-liter iVCT unit. It develops 168 horsepower and 170 lb-ft. of torque. Fuel economy remains around the same (31 on the highway) when compared to the 2.0 EcoBoost.
EcoBoost engines are standard in the SE, SEL and Titanium editions. The SE and SEL models come with the 1.6L standard and the Titanium comes with the 2.0-liter. The 2.5-liter is available in the S edition.
Partly responsible for these reasonable figures, is the engine tech. Within the two EcoBoosts, direct fuel injection, turbocharging and variable camshaft timing (Ti-VCT) all contribute to adding power and frugality. They are then mated to a specially calibrated, six-speed SelectShift Automatic transmission which come as standard.
Further improving on the economy are the aerodynamics. The new Escape is helped by a new Active Grille Shutter System. Right between the radiator and the grille, this mechanism acts as a valve which monitors the engine’s running temperature and decides whether it should close or open. Thus, an ideal operating temperature is maintained at all times.
This is something new. Kahn Design releasing a teaser? Must be something big. In all honesty, it is big. A Range-Rover Evoque kind of big. It’s will be called the RS250 and all we have for now is this sketch. The release date is set for sometime in July this year.
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