Victor Ivanov – Page 188 – Automobiles Review

2012 Suzuki Swift Sport – Best Hot Hatchback

Suzuki Swift Sport has been named Best Hot Hatchback at the Carbuyer.co.uk Awards. The small performance car was comprehensively judged by the editorial team and was the clear winner against some strong competition. 2012 Swift Sport managed to score 5 out of a possible 5 overall with the judges all agreeing that the new model combines agile handling, sparkling performance and an affordable price in perfect quantities.

The new Swift Sport is powered by a 1.6 liter VVT engine with 136PS (100 kW) and 160Nm (118 lb-ft). 0-100 km/h in 8.7 seconds and a top speed of 195 km/h (121 mph). The fuel economy is 6.4 l /100 km with 147 g/km CO2. The engine is mated to a new 6-speed manual gearbox. Furthermore, the car is in Insurance Group 19, which down four groups over previous Sport model.

2012 Suzuki Swift Sport is priced from £13 499. It comes with a very high standard equipment specification including 7 airbags, auto air conditioning, cruise control, Bluetooth connectivity and USB port, rear privacy glass, 17“ alloy wheels – as well as metallic paint finish. HID Projector headlamps for both low and high beam are also fitted as standard.

“We are of course really pleased with our award from Carbuyer.co.uk which reinforces the message to our customers that Suzuki offers a great value and fun to drive new Swift Sport with higher standard specification, lower emissions and even better fuel consumption than before”, said Dale Wyatt, Sales and Marketing Director, Suzuki GB PLC.

Source: Suzuki

March 2, 2012

Mansory McLaren MP4-12C

Mansory has introduced the customised McLaren MP4-12C, which received both styling and performance modifications.

The exterior comes with complete body kit including ultralight bonnet with exposed carbon-fibre sections, front and rear aprons as well as mirror housings and wheel arch extensions, which widen the vehicle by 60 mm. All components are made of carbon fibre and hardened in the autoclave under high pressure and temperature.

The performance mods include a high-performance exhaust system, a new engine-management system and a sports air filter with increased air throughflow. The result is 670PS (493 kW) at 7100RPM and 675Nm (498 lb-ft) at 3000RPM. This is an increase of 62PS and 75Nm over the factory power. After the modifications, the top speed is 353 km/h (219 mph).

The Mansory MP4-12C sits on enormous 9.0J x 20” with 245/30 ZR20 at the front and 11J x 21” with 305/25 ZR1 tires at the rear axle. The wheel set guarantees perfect traction even at speeds over 300 km/h.

The interior boasts newly designed airbag sports steering wheel, the aluminium pedals and the real carbon-fibre elements.

Source: Mansory

March 2, 2012

2012 Bentley Mulsanne Executive Interior

Bentley has announced that they will produce the special edition Mulsanne Executive Interior, which was first showcased at the 2011 Frankfurt Show.

“The original Mulsanne multimedia concept was previewed at several special customer events across the globe and the reaction was immensely encouraging. Bentley has now created two bespoke Specifications, Theatre and iPad, and we’re confident they will meet the expectations of customers needing a business-focussed environment or simply a relaxing space where films, music, television and the internet can be enjoyed,” says Alasdair Stewart, Bentley’s Member of the Board for Sales and Marketing.

Both the Theatre and iPad Specifications are seamlessly integrated into the Mulsanne’s sumptuous and supremely comfortable cabin, which takes Bentley’s craftsmen and women over 170 hours to create. When not required, features like the drop-down screen or picnic tables retract and are stowed both quickly and discretely.

The Theatre Specification includes a wide range of entertainment for the passengers at the rear seats – DVD movies, television programmes, or music. This is offered via a 15.6” centrally located HD LED screen. There are also two 8” screens on each of the headrests, enabling passengers to select their own entertainment and listening in private through high quality Bluetooth headphones. Business users can take full advantage of the powerful processing capability and connectivity of the boot-mounted Apple Mac computer which is selectable for display via the HD LED screen. Twin USB ports positioned in the centre console provide easy access to the Mac to upload films, music and data or documents for use either in the cabin or once the journey ends.

Finger-tip control is provided via an iPod touch allowing navigation of the technology by means of a unique Bentley ‘App’ and bespoke reading lights have been designed to provide optimum illumination for viewing documents.

2012 Bentley Mulsanne Executive Interior

The iPad Specification includes two beautifully crafted, electrically-deployed veneered picnic tables for rear passengers provide a soft hide writing surface, colour-matched to the seats of the Mulsanne, and at the press of a button twin iPads with wireless keyboards are revealed. Both rear passengers can work on documents or files independently, email, browse the internet, make video calls or play music or games. The picnic tables are cleverly designed so that the keyboards can be easily removed and placed on the user’s lap for added comfort.

Both the Theatre and iPad Specifications of Mulsanne Executive Interior can be specified with a range of finishing touches including a Tibaldi fountain pen from its specially commissioned Collection which will be hand veneered to match the car and is discretely stowed in a dedicated dock in the centre armrest.

And seen on a Bentley for the first time, a distinctive Yachting-style veneer of either Dark Wenge with a Maple Pinstripe or Maple using the Dark Wenge as the pinstripe motif. Both of these Yachting veneers are available in a Satin or Gloss Lacquer finish.

Reflecting the technical character of the Executive Interior Mulsanne the car can be specified with unique 21” multi-spoke wheels, each cut from a solid, forged aluminium billet by computer-controlled lathes and milling machines. Each billet initially weighs 85 kg, and, like a sculpture emerging from a block of marble, is transformed in around three hours into a light-weight wheel weighing 13.4 kg.

Source: Bentley

March 1, 2012

Chevrolet at the Geneva Motor Show

Chevrolet will reveal several exciting new vehicles at the 82nd International Geneva Motor Show, next week. The new Cruze Station Wagon will make its official debut and two youth concept cars – the Code 130R and Tru 140S. Last, but not least, the future of on-board infotainment will be displayed in the form of Chevrolet MyLink.

The Station Wagon will strengthen the Cruze line-up with its natural appeal to families and people who want a compact car with more carrying space to fit an active lifestyle. There will be five different powertrains including a new 1.4 liter turbocharged petrol and a new 1.7 liter diesel as well as an updated 2.0 liter diesel. All engines are EURO5 compliant.

New equipment and features on the Cruze include keyless entry and start, rear view camera, Chevrolet MyLink infotainment system (see below) and start-stop functionality depending on trim and engine choice.

The two concepts Code 130R and Tru 140S will also make their first appearance in Europe at the Geneva Motor Show. The turbocharged Code 130R is a RWD four-seat coupe with an upright profile while the FWD Tru 140S is an affordable exotic four-seat sport coupe. The interior of the concepts is very enjoyable, too. The British designers of the concepts, Nicholas David and Joe Baker from GM’s North Hollywood Design Center, will attend the event to explain how the cars were created following the styling and functionality this group of new buyers says they want in a car.

Do not miss the opportunity to check out other vehicles from Chevrolet, which will be exhibited in Geneva.

Source: Chevrolet

March 1, 2012

2012 Bugatti Grand Sport Vitesse

Bugatti has celebrated the world premiere of Grand Sport Vitesse in Geneva Molsheim. 2012 Bugatti Grand Sport Vitesse is the most powerful roadster of all time.

It is powered by an 8.0-liter sixteen-cylinder quad-turbo engine with 1200HP (882 kW) at 6400 RPM and 1500Nm (1107 lb-ft) at 3000RPM. The official top speed is 415 km/h and 0 to 100 km/h is just 2.5 seconds. However, the Grand Sport is able to top 431 km/h.

The Vitesse therefore also ensures the supreme range of excellent features one would expect of a Bugatti super sports car, from precise driving dynamics to extraordinary acceleration and braking.

“The rapid success of the Super Sport convinced us to increase the performance of the Bugatti roadster. Once again our engineers worked hard to demonstrate that Bugatti is able to constantly redefine the boundaries of what is technically feasible,” commented Bugatti President Wolfgang Dürheimer.

“We did our utmost to transfer the achievements of the Super Sport over to the Grand Sport, thereby turning open-top driving itself into an extraordinary experience at high speed.”, he finished.

Source: Bugatti

March 1, 2012

Gemballa at the Geneva Motor Show: Tornado Cayenne II, Mistrale Panamera and Racing MP4-12C GT3

Gemballa are ready to introduce several pimped cars at the Geneva Motor Show, next week. Actually, they will introduce three vehicles – Tornado Cayenne II, Mistrale Panamera and Racing MP4-12C GT3. The SUV and the sports saloon are extremely updated, while the McLaren features minor changes and a lot of badges.

Gemballa Tornado is based on Porsche Cayenne II and features full body kit including new front and rear bumpers, wheel arch extensions and a pair of side skirts. There are also two performance packages boosting the mighty twin-turbocharged V8 to 700HP and 1000Nm. There are also Brembo brake system including 420mm vented discs with 6-piston calipers at the front and 405mm with 4-piston at the rear. The SUV stands on a set of huge rims – 10J x 22” with 295/35 ZR22 at the front and 12J x 22” with 335/30 ZR22 tires at the rear. Only 30 units are planned to be produced.

The Mistrale Panamera is as insane as the Tornado or maybe more. It also features complete body kit, but this time almost everything is reworked even the rear lights. It also rides on the same 22” multi-spoke lightweight foged wheels, but the brake system is slightly smaller – 411 mm discs at the front axle with 6-piston calipers and 380mm discs at the rear axle with 4-piston calipers. The performance packages are the same – Stage I – 610PS and 850Nm and Stage II – 700PS and 1000Nm. The interior is also entirely reworked – there is Alcantara all over the place – dashboard, steering wheel, seats, etc.

Last is the Racing MP4-12C GT3 coming with a new paint and a lot of badges. The only exterior modification is the vented front hood, because a GT3 car is expected to be perfect, especially, when it is priced from £310 000. However, because of the mods, Gembala Racing MP4-12C GT3 is expected to be more expensive.

Source: Gemballa

March 1, 2012

Hyundai i-Oniq Concept Car

Hyundai has released the first image of the new i-Oniq concept car, which will showcase feature technology and design. Essentially, it is an electric sports hatchback with a range-extending petrol engine. The idea was well appreciated, because only electric vehicles are not so useful as they appear.

The i-Oniq is intended to convey the latest thinking from Hyundai’s designers and engineers. The car features gentle feature lines and muscular surface treatment, conveying both premium and sporty qualities evident in both the exterior and interior of the car. Other highlights include penthouse roof and LED headlights.

The vehicle measures 4.4 metres in length meaning a lot of inner space for four occupants. High-tech equipment in the driver interface and controls reflects contemporary and future premium consumer electronics technology.

The drivetrain includes a 1.0-litre, 3-cylinder petrol engine, which is mated via a generator, to a lithium ion electric motor which produces 109PS (80 kW). In electric-only mode, i-oniq has a range of 120 km, but the petrol engine extends the range up to 700 km, producing just 45 g/km of CO₂ in the process.

“The i-oniq concept has been created to reflect the new thinking that runs through the Hyundai brand. It has a bold design, inside and out, that provokes contemplation on the future of automotive possibilities, and a powertrain that highlights one of the ways in which we could power future products – wrapped in a package that exudes premium qualities.”, commented Senior Vice President and COO of Hyundai Motor Europe, Allan Rushforth.

The Hyundai i-Oniq concept car will be exhibited at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show, next week.

Hyundai i-Ioniq Concept Car — Hyundai i-Oniq Concept Car

Source: Hyundai

March 1, 2012

Ferrari F12berlinetta

Ferrari has announced the F12berlinetta, which is the successor of 599 GTB Fiorano. It is also the fastest car Ferrari has ever built. Its new exceptional V12 engine combined with innovative design that redefines classic themes along with extreme aerodynamics. The vehicle is in preparation for its official debut at the Geneva International Motor Show.

The car is finished in an attractive new Rosso Berlinetta three-layer colour. It represents the very cutting-edge of mid-front-engined sports cars. The F12berlinetta is not only the most powerful Ferrari, but it is extremely efficient – in terms of mechanical, combustion and fluid-dynamics efficiency. Combined with advanced vehicle architecture, aerodynamics, components and electronic controls, guarantee unsurpassed driving involvement whatever the road or track.

The ase has been shortened and the engine, dashboard and seats have been lowered in the chassis, while the new layout of the rear suspension and gearbox enabled Ferrari’s engineers to make the rear volume of the car smaller. The overall result is fantastic looking compact car with a lower centre of gravity that is further back in the chassis, and a level of aerodynamic efficiency that sets new standards.

An all-new spaceframe chassis and bodyshell using 12 different kinds of alloys, some of which have been used here for the first time in the automotive sector, and employing new assembly and joining techniques. The result is 20% increase in structural rigidity while reducing weight to just 1525 kg, which is 70 kg less than GTB. The balance between axles is 46:54.

The F12berlinetta is powered by a 6.3 liter 65° V12 engine with incredible 740PS (544 kW) and 690Nm (509 lb-ft). The engine is mated to the F1 dual-clutch transmission, which has closer gear ratios developed specifically for this car’s performance. The power-to-weight ratio is sensational – 2.1 kg/PS. Furthermore, the fuel consumption has been reduced by 30%, with CO₂ emissions of just 350 g/km.

The performance is extreme – 0-100 km/h – 3.1 seconds and 0-200 km/h in 8.5 seconds. The car also laps Fiorano in 1 minute and 23 seconds dead. Benchmark performance and maximum driving involvement are guaranteed by immediate turn-in, with smaller steering wheel angles, and increased cornering speed. Stopping distances have also been drastically reduced.

The car comes with latest generation CCM3 (carbon-ceramic brakes) and the evolution of the SCM-E (magnetorheological suspension control system). It also features E-Diff, ESP Premium, F1-Trac, and high-performance ABS, which are all fully integrated.

The downforce has been boosted by 76% (123 kg at 200 km/h) while drag has been significantly reduced – the Cd is just 0.299. These results come courtesy of two new solutions. The first of these is the Aero Bridge which uses the bonnet to generate downforce by channelling air away from the upper part of the car to its flanks where it interacts with the wake from the wheel wells to decrease drag. The second is Active Brake Cooling, a system that opens guide vanes to the brake cooling ducts only at high operating temperatures, again reducing drag.

The all-new Frau leather interior highlights the balance of advanced technology and sophisticated, handcrafted detailing. In the middle of the light and lean dashboard, there are new carbon fibre and aluminium air vents clearly inspired by the aeronautic field. The cabin has been optimised to ensure maximum usability of the interior space with additional luggage capacity behind the seats, which can also be easily reached thanks to the large aperture offered by the tail-gate. With the cockpit designed around the driver, typical of all Ferraris, the Human Machine Interface approach is emphasised, grouping all the major commands within immediate reach to guarantee maximum ergonomics for the most involving driving experience.

There is question that this is our new favourite Ferrari.
Check out the full specs below!

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Engine Type Total displacement Maximum power output Maximum torque	65-degree V12 6262 cc 740 CV at 8500 rpm 690 Nm at 6000 rpm

Dimensions and weight Length Width Height Dry weight* Weight distribution Weight-power ratio	4618 mm 1942 mm 1273 mm 1525 kg 46% front, 54% rear 2.1 kg/CV

Performance Maximum speed 0-100 km/h	over 340 km/h 3.1 seconds

Fuel consumption and emissions (ECE + EUDC combined cycle)
Consumption CO₂	15l/100 km 350 g/km

*With lightweight options

**With HELE System

Source: Ferrari

February 29, 2012

2012 Toyota Avensis T Spirit Tourer D4-D – 1456 km on a single tank of fuel

Joe Clifford and Andrew Biddle managed to go 1456 km (905 miles) on a single tank of fuel in a brand new Toyota Avensis T-Spirit Tourer D4-D. This is the distance from one end of Britain to the other. This was a long distance economy challenge taken up by two journalists for Banzai magazine.

The superb efficiency of the engine and 6-speed manual transmission, and the pair’s eco-conscious driving style helped the Avensis to achieve whopping 71.5 mpg, which is just 3.95 litres per 100 km. This is just a shade less than the car’s official extra urban consumption figure.

The journey included a stop-off at Toyota’s Burnaston plant – home of the Avensis – where they saw first hand the attention to quality and the commitment to the environment throughout the manufacturing process.

At the beginning, the two drivers filled the Avensis’s 60 litre tank and programmed their route on the car’s Touch & Go navigation system. The on-board computer calculated a driving range of just 580 miles, but that limit was comprehensively smashed: the car covered more than 170 miles on the last bar of the fuel gauge alone, in spite of having to tackle mountain climbs, pouring rain and high winds.

“The Toyota shrugged off the mileage with ease and showed such frugality for fuel that we wouldn’t hesitate to recommend it highly. That it is also comfortable, roomy, tax-friendly for business users, bursting with kit and beautifully built are simply bonuses.”, said Joe Clifford.

2012 Toyota Avensis T Spirit Tourer D4-D - 1456 km — 2012 Toyota Avensis T Spirit Tourer D4-D – 1456 km

Source: Toyota

February 29, 2012

2013 MINI Countryman John Cooper Works

MINI has introduced the new 2013 Countryman John Cooper Works, which will make its official debut at the Geneva Motor Show in March. This is the most powerful member of the new generation.

The Countryman JCW has a 1.6 liter four-cylinder turbocharged petrol with 218PS (160 kW) at 6000RPM and 280Nm (207 lb-ft) of torque at 2000RPM, and 300Nm in overboost mode. The engine sends all that power to 6-speed manual gearbox an ALL4 AWD system to the road. There is an option for 6-speed automatic transmission. The Countryman is heavy, but fast – 0-100 km/h in 7.0 seconds flat and a top speed of 255 km/h (140 mph). Furthermore, it needs 7.2 l / 100km on combined cycle (39.2 mpg UK) with 167 g/km CO2. The automatic version is more thirsty – 8.0 l/ 100km with 187 g/km CO2.

The exterior comes with complete aerodynamics package including front and rear bumpers and a pair of side skirts. Of course, there are also some JCW badges. The ride is lowered by installing a sports suspension and sits 18” alloy wheels fitted with low-profile tires (19” light-alloy wheels are available as an option). There is also a high performance brake system and a sports exhaust system bringing deeper and sporty sound.

The interior boasts sports leather seats, a sports multifunction steering wheel and piano black or Chili Red trim. The instrument cluster is revised and there are John Cooper Works door sills.

The price list is not announced, yet.

Source: MINI

February 29, 2012

2013 Cadillac XTS Lighting – Luxury and Inspiration

The all-new 2013 Cadillac XTS luxury sedan boasts more than 20 separate light sources that “greet” the driver in a carefully choreographed sequence when the key fob is pressed. It includes embedded in the door handles, Cadillac-signature vertical LEDs in the headlights and taillights and ambient lighting in and around. The lighting provides convenience and helps provide additional security to drivers in parking lots at night. The interior also boasts cooler blue lights for the car’s controls and instrumentation, while warmer lights highlight passenger areas.

“The new LED offerings now provide a new palette of color to bring more dramatic lighting effects that have never been available before. We sketched each phase of the process to carefully choreograph how every important area inside and outside of the vehicle would come up and fade back down, similar to a production crew lighting a theater stage.” said Christos Roustemis, Cadillac interior designer.

“In cars, just as in architecture, lighting defines how we feel about a space. It is both artistry and user experience. For me, the beauty is in the blends, how you layer the affects, mix the light sources, and how you package it into the final product.” said Rosemarie Allaire, a California-based architectural lighting designer.

The 2013 XTS lighting choreography is timed to the fraction of a second by the car’s central control system. It is cued by various triggers, such as the key fob, the doors and ignition switch.

2013 Cadillac XTS Lighting

Source: GM

February 29, 2012

2012 Volkswagen Golf GTI Cabriolet

2012 Volkswagen Golf Cabriolet will be presented at the Geneva Motor Show, next week. It features four-seats, electrically powered fabric roof, performance and practicality.

The Golf GTI Cabriolet features all performance GTI design cues including radiator grille has a honeycomb structure with red edging and the GTI badge, a new front bumper incorporating incorporates a deep honeycomb air dam and distinctive vertical fog lights. There are also side sill extensions, a bespoke rear diffuser with a chrome tailpipe on either side. Last, but not least, the smoked LED tail lights complete the aggressive look. The ride is lowered and sits on 17” Monza alloy wheels.

The interior boats classic tartan Jacara cloth upholstery, while the Vienna leather is optional. There is a bespoke GTI multifunction steering wheel wrapped in leather as well as the handbrake and gear lever gaiter, all finished with contrasting red stitching. The pedals are in brushed aluminum and the doors and facia have black Edge decorative inlays.

The new GTI Cabrio is powered by the same 2.0 litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine found in the GTI hatchback. It is mated to a 6-speed manual as standard and there is an option for 6-speed dual-clutch DSG gearbox. The engine produces 210PS (154 kW) at 5300RPM and 280Nm (207 lb-ft) at 1700RPM. 0-100 km/h in 7.3 seconds and a top speed of 237 km/h (147 mph).

A standard EDS electronic differential lock and XDS transverse differential lock help to ensure that the power is easily transferred to the road and the driver has maximum traction at every conditions.

Like all Golf Cabriolet models, the GTI comes with automatically deploying rollover protection, front and side head/thorax airbags and a driver’s knee airbag as standard, all of which helped it to achieve a five-star (96%) rating for adult occupancy in Euro NCAP crash tests.

2012 Golf GTI Cabriolet will hit the UK market in the second half of the year.

Source: Volkswagen

February 29, 2012

Author: Victor Ivanov