Victor Ivanov – Page 189 – Automobiles Review

2012 Jaguar XF Sportbrake

Jaguar has unveiled the new 2012 XF Sportbrake, which will have its official debut at the Geneva Motor Show in several days. The manufacturer claims that the XF Sportbrake will be the most versatile Jaguar ever created.

The model has the same chassis like the XF saloon, but the overall length grows by just 5mm. Still, the weight is 70kg less, so the Sportbrake can closely match the acclaimed handling of the XF saloon yet offers a large and highly practical load space.

The exterior is entirely new meaning that every panel on the XF Sportbrake, from the B-Pillar rearwards is newly developed. Furthermore, the car’s C-Pillar is finished in gloss black, a trait shared with the XJ saloon. Slim rear light units extend into a strong chrome crossmember that dominates the rear of the car. The result is a car that blends style and function with the rear seat occupants benefitting from 48mm of extra rear headroom. The large, practical tailgate can be specified with power struts, opening to reveal a wide and highly versatile load space. Measuring 550 litres with the rear seats up, the boot is framed by a set of useful cubby compartments. With the seats folded, the total volume grows to whopping 1 675-litres.

The standard equipment includes a lot of practical touches like remote fold levers mounted within the boot to lower the rear seats, powerful LEDs and splitting boot floor into three sections.

Beneath the car there are extensive changes to the rear suspension. Self-levelling air suspension aids driving dynamics and means the Sportbrake can serve as an accomplished tow vehicle.

The 2012 XF Sportbrake is powered by the award-winning 2.2 litre four-cylinder diesel and a 3.0 litre six-cylinder diesel. Both send their power to the rear wheels via an advanced 8-speed automatic gearbox.

Price list and full specs will be announced soon. 2012 Jaguar XF Sportbrake is set to launch in the third quarter of this year.

Source: Jaguar

February 29, 2012

2012 BMW M550d xDrive [new pics]

BMW has released 98 new high resolution pictures of the 2012 M550d xDrive Saloon. The M-performance vehicle is expected to hit the European market in May. It is powered by the new updated tri-turbocharged diesel with staggering 127PS per liter.

The new N57D30 features three turbocharges, high pressure piezo injectors and a lot of aluminum elements. The result is 381PS (280 kW) and 740Nm (546 lb-ft) of torque. 0-100 km/h in 4.7 seconds and a Vmax of 250 km/h (155 mph). The fuel economy is 6.3 l/100km with 165 g/km of CO2. The power is put on the road through a ZF 8-speed automatic gearbox and the world’s most intelligent AWD system – BMW xDrive.

The 2012 F10 M550d xDrive is priced from €80 800.

You can check the HD pictures in the gallery. Almost all details of the vehicle are revealed including different gauge illumination, engine bay images, different angel eye lighting and some nice interior images.

Source: BMW

February 28, 2012

DMC Lamborghini Aventador Molto Veloce

DMC Design has announced their tuning package for the “space ship” – Aventador. The project name is Molto Veloce, which from italian is “very fast” and sure it is.

Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4 is powered by a 6.5 liter V12 with 700PS (515 kW) at 8250 RPM and 690Nm (509 lb-ft) at 5500RPM. It is mated to a 7-speed ISR gearbox specially supplied by Graziano Trasmissioni Group. Combined fuel consumption – 17.2 l/100 km (13.5 mpg). 0-100 km/h in 2.9 seconds and a top speed of 350 km/h (217 mph).

The DMC Aventador received a new front spoiler and a pair of modified side skirts. The body kit also includes a new rear diffuser and a nice wing replacing the original. The exterior also got a new stripe in the middle of the front, top and rear.

Still, there is no information about performance packages, but who need them, when the Aventador is already one of the fastest street legal vehicles in the world.

Source: DMC Design

February 28, 2012

Bertone Nuccio Concept

Bertone has released several pictures of their latest concept vehicle, which will be exhibited at the the Geneva Motor Show, next month. The project name is Nuccio and it reminds a lot to sports vehicles from the 1980’s like Lotuses, Lamborghini, etc.

The Nuccio vehicle is created to celebrate company’s founder and also to show the brand’s identity for the future, showing their new design language.

Nuccio Concept will be a mid-engine, RWD sports car with sharp design. More images and information about this interesting vehicle will be released in Geneva.

Source: Bertone

February 28, 2012

2012 BMW 640d xDrive Coupe

BMW has added two interesting models to the new 6-Series line-up. The 2012 640d xDrive Coupe and Convertible will arrive in the showrooms this spring. The world’s most intelligent AWD system – xDrive teams up with a six-cylinder in-line diesel engine featuring BMW TwinPower Turbo technology to take driving pleasure to another new level.

The performance is insane – 0-100 km/h in 5.2 seconds and a top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph) – electronically limited. Furthermore, this performance comes with 5.7 liters per 100 km (49.6 mpg on combined cycle) with 149 g/km CO2.

The brilliant 3.0 liter six-cylinder twin-turbocharged diesel delivers 313PS (230 kW) at 4400RPM and 630Nm (465 lb-ft) at 1500RPM. The engine is mated to a 8-speed ZF automatic gearbox, which is tuned precisely to the performance characteristics of the power unit. In ECO PRO mode, the power reserves of the sporty diesel engine play a prominent role in ensuring a relaxed and extremely efficient driving style at low engine speeds.

The latest generation of the most powerful diesel engine boasts a low-weight all-aluminium crankcase and the latest development of BMW TwinPower Turbo technology. This package of technology comprises multi-stage turbocharging and common-rail direct injection whose piezo injectors work with maximum pressure of 2 000 bar. The car’s two-stage turbocharging generates instantaneous and forceful power delivery, while the injection system sprays the fuel into the cylinders in precisely measured quantities to ensure clean and efficient combustion.

The Driving Experience Control switch can also be used to call up SPORT, SPORT+ and COMFORT modes, and – if the optional Dynamic Damper Control or Adaptive Drive are selected – COMFORT+. As well as the accelerator progression, engine responses, power steering characteristics, intervention thresholds of the DSC stability control system and shift dynamics of the automatic transmission, this also allows the driver to adjust the damper settings and anti-roll control.

The new BMW 6 Series Coupe can also be equipped with a specially developed M Sport package. The aerodynamic, exterior and interior components designed in familiar M style clearly showcase the sports car character of the 6 Series Coupe. Equipment includes an M aerodynamics package with bespoke body components for the front end, side sills and rear apron, exhaust tailpipe embellishers in Chrome Dark, LED front fog lamps and 19-inch light-alloy wheels in M double-spoke design. 20” light-alloy wheels in M double-spoke design can also be ordered as an option. Inside, features such as M-specific Alcantara/leather sports seats in Anthracite with Blue contrast stitching, an M leather steering wheel with multifunction buttons and gearshift paddles, and Aluminium Hexagon interior trim strips all play their part in creating a full-blooded driving experience. The M Sport package also includes door sills bearing the M logo, as well as an M driver’s footrest.

The BMW 6 Series Coupe offers seating for four immersed in a luxurious ambience, while its 460-litre boot can accommodate three 46-inch golfbags or two medium-sized hard-shell suitcases plus a flight case. The comfort-enhancing equipment fitted as standard in the new BMW 6 Series Coupe includes 2-zone automatic climate control, a multifunction steering wheel, electric steering column adjustment, electrically adjustable and heated exterior mirrors, Cruise Control with braking function, a rain sensor with automatic headlight range control, a HiFi audio system and the control system iDrive with

Source: BMW

February 27, 2012

2012 Subaru Legacy Tourer – Price £26 865

Subaru UK has announced the price list for the new 2012 Legacy Tourer. The family vehicle starts at £26 865 OTR for the entry level 2.0 D S model and goes up to 31 375 for the top-of-range 2.5i SE Navplus*. The new Legacy Tourer comes with a lot of significant technical improvements and equipment upgrades. It will deliver more satisfaction to owners and in the same time, it will lower the running costs and environmental impact.

The next-generation Boxer diesel engine meets Euro 5 regulations with emission of just 149 g/km CO2 and astonishing fuel economy – 49.6 mpg (combined cycle). Importantly, the latter drops the car’s VED band down to level F, saving customers £35 per year. These figures are achieved thanks to a more efficient turbocharger, new exhaust-camshaft timing and lighter connecting rods, new oxidation catalytic converters and Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF).

In terms of power, the diesel is very good – 147PS (108 kW) at 3600RPM and 350Nm (258 lb-ft) at 1600RPM. 0-100 km/h in 9.6 seconds and a top speed of 193 km/h (120 mph).

The engine is mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox and a Lineartronic automatic is available as an option.

Suspension modifications for all 2012 Legacy models include new bushes for the front anti-roll stabiliser bar mounts to improve ride comfort, new pressed upper rear suspension arms to reduce weight (saving 2 kg per car), and new pillow-ball bushes in the rear wishbones to reduce friction and provide a smoother ride.

The exterior modifications of the new 2012 Legacy Tourer are minor – new door mirrors, a higher-resolution rear view camera (SE NavPlus only) and the availability of a new colour – Ice Silver Metallic. The interior benefits from a single-CD unit featuring a large LCD display screen together with USB and iPod connectivity and steering wheel-mounted controls. On diesel models (with manual transmission) the instrument cluster now has a ‘shift-up’ indicator to encourage an economical driving style.

Standard equipment includes cruise control, a glass ‘tilt-n-slide’ sunroof, dual-zone fully automatic air-conditioning, a premium audio system with six speakers (including two tweeters), automatic lights and wipers and a powered driver’s seat. A Bluetooth® hands-free system with voice activation is fitted as standard, while all but the S model are trimmed in black leather. Models with Lineartronic transmission feature steering wheel mounted paddle-shifters as standard.

SE and SE NavPlus models add a Sports Package which comprises a sports front bumper and front grille, dark tinted headlamps, larger 18” alloy wheels and special Bilstein dampers. SE NavPlus models also feature a new DVD navigation system as standard, with a high-resolution eight-inch display for optimum clarity.
In the UK, the 2012 Legacy is available in a selection of six exterior body colours – one new colour (Ice Silver Metallic) – alongside five popular carry-over colours, Satin White, Galaxy Blue Silica, Crystal Black Silica, Graphite Grey Metallic and Camellia Red Pearl.

2012 Subaru Legacy Tourer:

Model	£Price (OTR)	CO₂ g/km	VED band	Insurance group	£P11D value
Diesel
2.0D S	26,865	149	F	20E	26,680
2.0D SE	29,070	156	G	21E	28,850
2.0D SE NavPlus	31,370	156	G	21E	31,150
Petrol
2.5i SE*	29,075	196	J	19E	28,575
2.5i SE Navplus*	31,375	196	J	20E	30,875

*with Lineartronic transmission as standard

Source: Subaru

February 27, 2012

2012 Caterham SP 300 R

Finally, the mighty Caterham SP 300 R will be ready for testing by the customers. They will get the chance to put the new car through its paces for the first time on Thursday, 1 March. This race car is built with only one purpose – to give maximal thrills to its driver. The project is co-developed by Lola Cars and will sit alongside the legendary Seven in Caterham’s product portfolio.

“The SPR is very quick and a little like a formula car in that I could feel the downforce working and giving it lots of grip and balance. It was great fun to be able to give it a blast in Jerez and I look forward to testing Caterham’s road and race cars more often.”, commented Heikki Kovalainen.

“We can’t wait to see how our customers react to the SP/300.R, it’s a real thrill to drive and very engaging so we know they’ll love it. These coming weeks are the culmination of a massive effort from a big team of people and we are very close to achieving our objective, so it’s very exciting for everybody involved. Over the coming months, there will be numerous opportunities for people to experience the SP/300.R.”, Simon Lambert, Caterham Motorsport Manager added.

The SP 300 R is powered by a 2.0 liter Ford Duratec engine with 304PS (224 kW), which is coupled with a Hewland semi-automatic FTR gearbox. The overall weight is just 600 kg (1 323 lbs). This means a power-to-weight ratio of 500BHP per tonne.

The performance is astonishing – 0-100 km/h in 2.5 seconds and a top speed of 274 km/h (170 mph).

Other interesting point are the full race suspension, 13” race rims with Cooper Avon Tyres, an integrated roll-cage, a 6-point harness, a fire extinguisher and fuel cut-off switch. There are also AP racing brakes and steering wheel with data display.

The price for this toy is £60 000.

Source: Caterham

February 27, 2012

Mazda CX-5 with Smart City Brake Support

Mazda has announced their latest technology named Smart City Brake Support (SCBS). It practically helps a driver to avoid frontal collisions during city driving at low speeds. The all-new 2012 Mazda CX-5 compact crossover will be equipped with SCBS. The safety system uses a laser sensor to detect a vehicle or obstacle in front of the Mazda CX-5. If the driver fails to slow the vehicle appropriately, or to take avoiding action, SCBS automatically activates the brakes and reduces the engine output at the same time. In such way, the SCBS helps to avoid collisions rom rear-end collisions at low speeds, which are among the most common accidents in the city.

Actually, the system works at low speeds between 4 km/h (2.5 mph) and 30.5 km/h (19 mph). As we mentioned a laser sensor, which is mounted at the top of the windscreen detects a vehicle or obstacle in front of the car. It also monitors the gap between the two vehicles and the closing speed. If the SCBS calculates that there is a risk of a collision occurring and the driver were to take no action, the safety system pre-pressures the braking system. This ensures a faster response when the driver activates the brakes. Still, if there is no action from the driver, an automatic braking operation is activated. Remember, it is only effective within speeds from 4 km/h to 30.5 km/h.

Mazda Motor Corporation is working hard on its safety technologies. The manufacturer is aiming for the ultimate goal of realising an accident-free and safe motorised society. Mazda intends to extend its advanced safety technologies, such as SCBS, to future new models, following its debut on Mazda CX-5, to contribute to provide all customers with driving pleasure together with outstanding environmental and safety performance.

Mazda CX-5 with Smart City Brake Support

Source: Mazda

February 27, 2012

Front Wheel Drive vs. Rear Wheel Drive

It is very difficult to say which is better between a front wheel drive (FWD) and a rear wheel drive (RWD). The conception is quite different. Actually, both have nothing in common in road behavior. When you get at the limit of your car, the pros and cons appear the most.

The FWD is famous with its understeer, while the RWD with its oversteer. Both understeer and oversteer are quite shocking in everyday or normal driving conditions and should be avoided. Often the electronic safety systems take care for this, but some old cars do not have them and even in a brand new one, there is always a possibility to get yourself in trouble.

Simply put, understeer is when the car does not turn enough and leaves the road in straight line and the over steer is when the car turns sharper than intended and could get into a spin. For experienced drivers managing with oversteer is easier, because it is more predictable, especially when the car is equipped with limited slip differential (LSD). If the car goes understeering just release the throttle and apply some brakes, if needed. If the car goes oversteering you have two options. First is to powerslide the corner, if the car has enough power and the second option is the same like the understeering situation. Powersliding is extremely hard and should be done only at the racetrack and never on public roads. In a few words, it means to apply the throttle in a turn enough to make the rear wheels break traction and slide out. All this is made with a proper countersteering.

Other very important thing is that the RWD has a lot more losses in power compared to the FWD mainly because of the more moving parts. The FWD layout is engine -> clutch -> gearbox -> differential -> axle shafts and the RWD layout is engine -> clutch -> gearbox -> joint -> driveshaft -> joint -> differential -> axle shafts. As you see, the torque should “go” more way to reach the rear tires, instead of reaching the front. Again, simply written is that you lose about 12% of your engine power, if you have FWD car and about 15%, if the car is RWD. That’s why you will see the notion – wheel horse power – WHP. For example often a 150HP FWD car is a lot faster than a 150HP RWD car because the second has a lot more losses in power through the drivetrain.

Obviously the RWD cars are very fun to drive, because each axle has to do its own task – front to steer and rear to power. The FWD cars are safer for beginner drivers, especially in low traction conditions (rain or snow). They are also more economical, because they put more power on the road and often are lighter. Other important thing is that the manufacturers can’t make very small RWD cars or they shouldn’t because they are very unstable.

So, next time you are seeking a new car be sure what you are searching for.

February 26, 2012

1985 Audi Sport Quattro S1 E2

Audi Sport Quattro S1 E2 is a legendary car. It was introduced back in 1985 as a better and more powerful version of the Sport Quattro model. The brutal car is still known as the most powerful rally car ever competed in an international competition. With Walter Röhrl behind the steering wheel, the S1 E2 won the Pikes Peak in 1987. The monster rally car produced the unbelievable 600PS (441 kW).

However, the officially stated power of the inline 2.1 liter five-cylinder turbocharged engine was 480PS (350 kW). A recirculating air system helping the turbocharger spinning at high RPM, when the driver does not apply the throttle allowed the engine to resume full power immediately after the resumption of full throttle. This was extremely good move, because it reduced the turbo lag a lot and boosted the engine to 507PS (373 kW) at 8000RPM.

Furthermore, the overall weight of the rally car was just 1 090kg (2403 lbs) meaning a stunning power-to-weight ratio of 2.15 kilograms per horsepower. The performance is incredible even nowadays. 0 -100 km/h in 3.1 seconds and the top speed depended on the selection of gears. Some of the car had a special power-shift gearbox, which resembles the double-clutch technology.

With such power, the S1 E2 needed an aggressive aerodynamic kit including huge front and rear bumpers, wheel arch extensions and a massive rear wing to keep the car on the ground. The down force and the grip were sensational.

With such figures and technology back in 1980’s, the success was imminent. The race-drive Walter Röhrl and Christian Geistdörfer won the 1985 San Remo Rally. The car was also driven by the famous driver Michèle Mouton. The S1 E2 was the final Group B car produced by Audi, because the team left the Championship in 1986.

Even nowadays, all motorsport fans remember Audi Sport Quattro S1 and talk about the fearless race drivers in Group B back in 1980’s. Because of the accidents, these rallyes no longer exist.

February 25, 2012

Volkswangen ABT Up!

ABT Sportsline has introduced the tuned version of the small city car – Volkswagen Up!. It looks very nice and quite sporty. Actually, the car reminds Abt of the Fiat 500 Abarth, which is a great vehicle.

“Which does also mean that this baby is supposed to be fun as well“, commented Hans-Jürgen Abt. ABT Sportsline’s managing director

“It is huge fun to drive it through the narrow streets here in downtown Kempten!“, he added.

There is no doubt that the Up! is a real ABT meaning that it is assertive without losing its ecological and economic qualities. All components are of the highest quality and very stylish, of course, but also very affordable.

The exterior boasts carbon-look stripes with aggressive red ones across the entire surface. The mix of retro and modern age is really successful. Window frames and side skirts are the “common thread” leading straight to the strong back of the ABT up!, where rear masks, an exhaust pipe tunnel and the sporty double exhaust pipe form a unit. There are also mirror caps or red hub covers with ABT logo.

Last, but not least, VW ABT Up! benefits from a new suspension springs bringing the ride lower to the ground. There is no information about performance packages, but probably there will be several ECU updates.

Source: ABT Sportsline

February 24, 2012

2012 Mazda3 Upgraded – UK Price £13 495

Mazda UK has announced the price list for the new upgraded Mazda3, which starts at just £13 495 OTR meaning a £2 300 saving for the 1.6 TS model.

The 2012 Mazda3 Upgraded features a new face, new rear bumper and new twist-spoke alloy wheels. The interior boasts new materials and colours, improved ease-of-use for the driver, new equipment and a quieter cabin.

“We anticipate that the upgraded Mazda3 will enable us to increase sales of our C-segment contender during 2012. Mazda3 was already a great car and the changes to the upgraded model are subtle but every one makes a difference to either fuel economy or driving feel.” said Peter Allibon, Sales Director, Mazda UK.

“The outgoing Mazda3 was the second-best selling Mazda model in the UK and took us into different segments of the retail and fleet markets. The 1.6 diesel has been hugely popular and the 2.2 diesel with 185ps is still the highest power C-segment diesel model of any brand available in the UK market place. The introduction of the more sporty exterior, more premium interior and two new Sport models with the 1.6 diesel powertrain for 2012, plus worthwhile fuel consumption and CO₂emissions reductions, means we are confident that the upgraded Mazda3 will attract a growing number of consumers to our brand”, he added. .

The new Upgraded model also features fine-tuned suspension and steering to deliver better handling and comfort. The super-efficient Mazda 1.6-litre diesel, available in six versions of Mazda3, is a lightweight, compact and extremely efficient unit.

The standard equipment includes manual AC and electric front windows (entry-level S model), TS adds dual-zone climate control, TS² specification features a heated windscreen and integrated Bluetooth hands-free system, Sport models are fitted with 17” alloy wheels and a Bose audio system with 10 speakers, and Sport Nav models have a fully integrated, SAT NAV system.

The Launch Edition Mazda3 Tamura is also available from £15 955 OTR. It exceptional value with a sports styling pack, front fog lights and unique 17” black gloss diamond cut alloy wheels. Available in a choice of four colours including: Aluminium Silver Metallic, Autumn Bronze Mica, Black Mica and Crystal White Pearlescent.

Check out the full specs here!

Source: Mazda

February 24, 2012

Author: Victor Ivanov