Victor Ivanov – Page 190 – Automobiles Review

BMW Concept M135i

BMW will exhibit the Concept M135i at the Geneva Motor Show, next month.

The new BMW performance car features a twin-turbocharged straight six-cylinder petrol engine. It will produce more than 300PS (220 kW), which will be sent to the rear wheels. This makes the M135i a unique vehicle in its class ensuring unsurpassed driving pleasure so typical of a BMW.

But the M135i will also benefit from a new sports suspension technology that includes an M sports braking system and is perfectly adapted to match the supreme road performance. A set of 18” M light alloys with a double spoke design are fitted with low profile performance tires.

The exterior features new front apron, large air intakes, new rear apron and double tailpipe sports exhaust system in dark chrome.

Thanks to a distinctively sports-oriented appearance, the BMW Concept M135i offers attractive prospects for the further development of the BMW 1 Series model range. At the same time, a clear signal has been given for the expansion of the new product category of BMW M Performance automobiles. The BMW M Performance automobiles being presented at the Geneva Motor Show and shortly to be launched are powered by the world’s most high-performing six-cylinder diesel engine available for series production vehicles. The petrol-fuelled models in this product category will also assume a similar unique position.

The pre-series concept car BMW Concept M135i offers a fascinating outlook on a corresponding offer in the premium compact segment.

Source: BMW

February 24, 2012

Mercedes-Benz iPhone on wheels – A-Class interior [pictures]

Mercedes-Benz will fully integrate Apple iPhone into their vehicles. This means that Mercedes-Benz is now able to offer the Facebook generation its natural home on four wheels, in the form of the new A-Class. Along with Facebook, Twitter and so on, the “Digital DriveStyle App” developed by Daimler offers further services and content to suit the digital lifestyle and will be available to download free of charge from the Apple iTunes store. Its highlights include:

Personalised internet radio by AUPEO! Personal Radio, which offers radio stations that compile an individual program for listeners and recommend similar music by genre or artists based on personal taste.
The advanced navigation software from Garmin, with internet-based real-time traffic information, online POI searches and 3D map display, all of which work even in combination with the entry-level multimedia system Audio 20
A socially interactive experience involving “sharing”, “posting” and the integration of music and other content from social networks including text-to-speech.
An intuitive ‘Car Finder’ which automatically stores the vehicle’s location. Pedestrian navigation makes it completely easy to find your way back to the car.
Access to the voice-based intelligent companion Siri™.

The manufacturer has also released two official images of the interior of the new A-Class. The smallest Mercedes will have in its engine range five petrol and four diesel engines with power from 109PS (80 kW) to 204PS (155 kW). There will be also an AMG version of the new A-Class with a turbocharged 2.0 liter petrol delivering 355PS (261 kW). It is aimed to compete against the masterpiece – BMW 1-Series ///M.

Full iPhone integration is not only possible in conjunction with the COMAND Online multimedia system. All functions, including navigation, can also be used even with the entry-level Audio 20 system. Mercedes-Benz is thus making it possible for the A-Class’s younger target group in particular to continue their digital lifestyle seamlessly inside the vehicle. Both the “Digital DriveStyle App” and the “Drive Kit Plus for the Apple iPhone” will be making their debut in the new A-Class. 2012 Mercedes-Benz A-Class will make its official debut at the Geneva Motor Show, next month.

Source: Mercedes-Benz

February 23, 2012

AC Schnitzer BMW 3-Series F30

The official tuning company of BMW – AC Schnitzer has revealed some small pictures of the new updated 3-Series F30. The AC Schnitzer F30 will make its official debut at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show, next month. Until then, you can check the images below to get some information about it.

The exterior is slightly touched with adding new front and rear skirts and sets of different wheels in dimensions from 18” to 20” fitted with proper tires. There is no information about the interior, but the owners won’t be disappointed. A set of aluminum ACS pedals are planned as well as ACS floor mats and sports steering wheel and knob.

Performance packages will be available for the new turbocharged petrol and diesel engines. The new 28i is expected to develop more than 300PS with just an ECU re-map and sports exhaust system. The twin-turbocharged 2.0 liter four-cylinder petrol now delivers 245PS (180 kW) and 350Nm (258 lb-ft) of torque.

Stay tuned for more pictures and information about the ACS F30.

Source: AC Schnitzer

February 23, 2012

2012 Alpina B5 Bi-Turbo – 540PS and 730Nm

Alpina has announced the new boosted 2012 B5 Bi-Turbo. The sports saloon comes with more power, better acceleration and performance and improved fuel efficiency.

2012 Alpina B5 Bi-Turbo is powered by the famous twin-turbocharged 4.4 liter V8 now delivering 540PS (397 kW) and 730Nm (538 lb-ft). This is an increase of 33PS (24 kW) and 30Nm (22 lb-ft) over the previous version. The acceleration to 100 km/h is faster with 0.2 seconds – 4.5 s and the top speed is 319 km/h (198 mph), which is 12 km/h (7 mph) more.

The overall weight of the car is 1920 kg, which is a lot, but the performance is brutal. The fuel consumption is 10.5 litres per 100 km (26.9 mpg imp) with 244 g/km of CO2 – combined cycle.

The ride sits on enormous 20” Alpina Classic alloys 8.5J x 20” with 255/35 ZR20 front and 9.5J x 20” with 285/30 ZR20 rear tires.

The new version of B5 Bi-Turbo will make its official debut at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show, next month.

Source: Alpina

February 22, 2012

2012 Volkswagen Caddy Match Special Edition – Price £14 110

Volkswagen has announced the new Caddy Match Special Edition, which is already available at the UK market. The pricing starts at £14 110 for the entry level Caddy Match 1.6 litre TDI 75PS and goes up to £17 960 for the Caddy Maxi Match 2.0 litre TDI 140PS.

The Caddy Match adds equipment for £1 750 over the normal model. It includes AC, Bluetooth connectivity, electric windows, electrically operated and heated door mirrors, cruise control, trip computer, body-coloured bumpers and door mirrors, plus exclusive wheel trims. The options list includes DSG dual-clutch gearbox.

Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles also offers fixed-price service plans from £250 (plus VAT) for three years or 30 000 miles.

Caddy Match line-up

Engine	1.6-litre TDI 75 PS	1.6-litre TDI 75 PS BMT*	1.6-litre TDI 102 PS	1.6-litre TDI 102 PS BMT*	1.6-litre TDI 102 PS DSG	2.0-litre TDI 140 PS
Basic RRP (ex VAT)	£14,110	£14,510	£14,810	£15,210	£16,210	£16,710
Unladen weight, kg	1494	1498	1494	1498	1512	1506
Payload, kg	681	686	681	686	681	624

(* BMT denotes BlueMotion Technology)

Caddy Maxi Match line-up

Engine	1.6-litre TDI 102 PS	1.6-litre TDI 102 PS BMT*	1.6-litre TDI 102 PS DSG	2.0-litre TDI 140 PS
Basic RRP (ex VAT)	£16,060	£16,460	£17,460	£17,960
Unladen weight, kg	1576	1580	1594	1590
Payload, kg	739	762	756	76

2012 Volkswagen Caddy Match Special Edition

Source: Volkswagen

February 22, 2012

Mercedes-Benz Vito E-CELL

The Mercedes-Benz Vito E-CELL is the world’s first electric van, which is now eligible for the Government’s new Plug-In Van Grant, reducing costs by 20%. There are several regulations needed to be fulfilled like emitting less than 75g/km CO2, be capable of at least 60 miles (100 km) between charges and a top speed of more than 50mph (80 km/h).

Vito E-CELL is powered by an electric motor with 82PS (60 kW) and 280Nm (207 lb-ft). It has 16 Lithium-ion battery modules with a combined capacity of 36 kWh. This means a maximum range of 130km (80 miles) on a single six-hour charge from a 380/400 volt input.

Although that the electric Vito is not so powerful, it comes with ESP (Electronic Stability Programme) as standard.

“With an enviable range, advanced safety systems and payload equal to a regular van, the zero-local emissions electric Vito E-CELL easily meets the criteria for the new Plug-In Van Grant, and we welcome its introduction.”, said Steve Bridge, Van Sales and Marketing Director for Mercedes-Benz UK.

“Schemes like this help businesses to do their bit – and to join us in working hard to lower vehicle emissions. It is our ultimate goal at Mercedes-Benz to achieve emission-free driving and our first-ever series produced electric van is testament to our commitment to deliver this.”, he added.

Source: Mercedes-Benz

February 22, 2012

Volvo S60 TTA [first picture]

Volvo will switch to TTA – the Swedish Racing Elite League ahead of 2012 and today the first picture is released of the new racing car.

The new S60 TTA is entirely reworked. It comes with complete aerodynamic package, a new ventilated hood and enormous rear wing. The 18” ultralight wheels are wrapped in race slick tires. There is also a performance brake system.

The race car is powered by a V6 petrol and an electric motor with combined power 426PS (313 kW). The power is put on the road through 6-speed sequential transmission.

“We have had a big pressure on us from many curious Volvo enthusiasts as it is a new championship and a new racing car. That is why we chosen to reveal the car now. Our final team colors are going to be shown later, but this is our S60 in TTA racing specification,” said Alexander Murdzevski, Commercial Director of Volvo Motorsport Sweden.

“We can’t go in to that today. We are negotiating with three drivers, but we have other things that are more time pressing. Polestar and TTA are conducting the final tests at the same time as we are working on the hybrid system, producing the carbon fibre body shells and calibrating the aerodynamics for all cars in our wind tunnel,” said Derek Crabb, Director of Volvo Motorsport.

“Motorsport must be cool, exciting and fair. We must fight our meanest competitors in our best selling models. We must be able to win by doing the best job and it should be easy for importers in the country to change racing car when changing model without the need of a heavy factory programme. We are really looking forward to the TTA – Racing Elite League 2012,” finished Anders Gustafsson, Managing Director of Volvo Cars Sweden.

Calendar – TTA Racing Elite League

12/05 – Karlskoga
02/06 – Anderstorp
16/06 – Gothenburg
07/07 – Falkenberg
18/08 – Karlskoga
01/09 – Anderstorp
15/09 – Tierp Arena
29/09 – Gothenburg

Technical specification – Volvo S60 TTA

Length: 470 mm
Width: 1970 mm
Height: 1205 mm
Wheelbase: 2750 mm
Track width: 1660 mm front/1630 mm rear
Suspension: Double wishbone, three-way dampers, etc.
Body: Carbon fibre
Engine: V6 with hybrid system
Drive: RWD
Power: 420 BHP
Gearbox: 6-speed sequential with paddles on steering wheel
Hybrid system: Kinetic Energy Recovery System (KERS)
Rear wing: 1600 mm width/300 mm depth
Brakes: Front: 4-piston calipers, 370 mm ventilated discs
Rear: 4-piston calipers, 360 mm ventilated discs
Rims: 18″ with centre wheel nut
Tyres: Front: 260/660-18 Rear: 280/660-18

Source: TTA

February 21, 2012

Honda Civic NGTC

Honda has presented the new Civic Next Generation Touring Car (NGTC). Both Gordon ‘Flash’ Shedden and triple-BTCC champion Matt Neal will be pushing the car to the limit to make it is as competitive as possible ahead of the season debut on 1 April 2012.

“This is the first opportunity we have had to get behind the wheel to really see what the car has got. The team are really pleased with the results from the test at MIRA last week and I can’t wait to finally start putting the car through its paces. It will be interesting to see how the car performs, but I’m optimistic that we’ll walk away from today confident we have a championship winning car.”, said Matt Neal.

“The feedback on the new Civic NGTC car so far is incredibly promising and I’ve been itching to get into the car since the end of the 2011 season. Like Matt mentioned, this is the first time we have had to really push the car and I’m looking forward to putting it into action.”, Gordon ‘Flash’ Shedden added.

“The team have all been working incredibly hard since the start of the NGTC programme back in August so everybody’s very excited to see the new car on track for the first time. It’ll be interesting from the point of view of both drivers and engineers to see how the car behaves on a track where we were very competitive with the S2000 Civic and we can really start to understand and develop the new car.” Team Manager, Peter Crolla concluded.

The next testing session takes place at Donington Park circuit on Thursday 23 February.

Source: Honda

February 21, 2012

2012 Toyota Aygo – Price £8 495

Toyota has announced the price list for the new 2012 Aygo starting from just £8495 for the entry level Aygo 1.0 VVT-i 3-door with 5-speed manual as the price is going up to £10950 for Aygo Fire 1.0 VVT-i 5-door plus AC.

As well as adopting the new “face” of Toyota’s latest generation of small cars, Aygo’s engine has been revised so that emissions drop below the 100g/km threshold, which means no annual road tax and no London congestion charge. At the same time owners can expect even more miles per gallon.

Leading the new range are the special Fire and Ice models: for Fire the focus is on sporty details, while for Ice the theme is comfort and on-board connectivity.

There is only one engine – 1.0-litre VVT-I petrol achieving 65.7 mpg and just 99 g/km of CO2.

Aygo Fire comes equipped with 14” alloys, front foglights and LED daytime running lights, rear privacy glass, leather steering wheel and gear knob trim and a rev counter. Owners can also ramp up the hotter look with a new Burnt Orange paint finish, with matching side protection mouldings and interior trim.

Price list - 2012 Toyota Aygo — Price list – 2012 Toyota Aygo

Aygo Ice’s specification puts the emphasis on in car comfort, entertainment and connectivity, featuring air conditioning, Alcantara and leather trim, a more powerful four-speaker sound system that is DAB-ready, Bluetooth and a USB port for connecting digital music players.

An Xtraprotected Pack is available to prepare Aygo Fire and Aygo Ice inside and out for the scuffs and scrapes of everyday driving, with rear parking sensors, mud flaps, carpet mats, a rear bumper protection plate and side protection mouldings. For those wanting to add a few extra style flashes, Aygo Ice can be specified with a Style Pack offering rear chrome trim, aluminium scuff plates and a chrome exhaust pipe, or the Style Pack Plus with all of the aforementioned plus 14” alloy wheels.

Air conditioning can be specified as an option on Aygo+ and Aygo Fire, and metallic paint is available for all models apart from the entry level Aygo.

Source: Toyota

February 21, 2012

2012 Audi RS5 – UK Price £58 725 OTR

Audi has announced its V8-powered coupe flagship from A5 range – the 2012 RS5 mode, which is already available at the UK market. The prices start at “just” £58 725 OTR. The new RS combines new styling, mechanical and specification revisions with characteristically extreme performance from a high-revving 450PS V8.

Styling upgrades include a slight revision to the single frame grille design, sharper and more pronounced bonnet contours, new solid band wraparound LED daytime running lights and LED rear lights, new look front and rear bumpers and a new ten-spoke design for the 19” alloy wheels.

The interior benefits from Bluetooth mobile phone preparation, cruise control, DVD-based satellite navigation and Audi Music Interface iPod connection. The cruise control system can also now be upgraded at extra cost to the adaptive system with braking guard, which uses radar sensors to control distance from traffic in front of the car between 19mph and 155mph, and can also initiate partial braking or full deceleration if its sensors detect an impending collision.

Interior design changes extend to a new flat-bottomed RS three-spoke steering wheel and detail improvements to the air conditioning, Multi Media Interface, mirror adjustment and electric window switchgear, the gear lever and the instrument stalks. New look optional inlays are also now available.

The engine is a naturally-aspirated 4.2 litre V8 with 450PS at 8250RPM and 430Nm at 4000RPM. 0-100 km/h in 4.5 seconds and a top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph) – electronically limited, which can be elevated to 174mph if the extra cost speed limit de-restriction option is specified. The fuel consumption is really low for such power – 26.9 mpg and CO2 emissions of 246 g/km.

Like all RS models, the RS 5 Coupé applies its power to the road with quattro permanent all-wheel-drive, which in this instance is further enhanced by the crown-gear centre differential that can vary the distribution of torque between the front and rear axles at lightning speed and over a wide range. Up to 70% can flow to the front or as much as 85 percent to the rear, as necessary. The default 40:60 ratio of the rear-biased configuration ensures sporty handling. The electronic stability program (ESP) also integrates a sport mode which ensures that it intervenes at a later stage. It can also be switched off entirely.

The optional Sport Package also includes larger 20” rotor design titanium-look alloy wheels, a sports exhaust system. It is priced at £2 250.

Source: Audi

February 20, 2012

2012 Aston Martin V8 Vantage – Price £84 995

Aston Martin has announced its range for this year. It includes V8 Vantage Coupe and Roadster models, Vantage S, V12 Vantage and the exclusive V12 Zagato, which will join the range later this year.

The entry-level V8 Vantage is powered by a 4.7 liter naturally aspirated engine with 426PS (313 kW) mated to a 6-speed manual, but 7-speed Sportshift™ II automated manual is available as an option. With an additional gear, closer ratios, lower final drive and a quicker, refined shift quality, this new gearbox – designed and manufactured specifically for Aston Martin – provides faster and more precise shifts, optimises acceleration and delivers a sporting driving experience. The starting price is 84 995 or €108 500 in Germany.

The powerful Vantage S has a price tag of £99 995 or €128 500 in Germany. It has the same engine, which is slightly boosted to 436PS (321 kW) at 7300RPM and 490Nm (361 lb-ft) at 5000RPM. It also has Sportshift™ II close-ratio 7-speed automated manual transmission as standard, a sports exhaust system and carbon fibre detailing.

The V12 Vantage has a 6.0-litre V12 engine producing 517PS (380 kW) and 570Nm (420 lb-ft). Top speed of 305 km/h (190 mph) and 0-100 kp/h time of 4.2 seconds.

The exotic V12 Zagato, created in 2011 to celebrate the 50^th anniversary of the iconic DB4GT Zagato, will be delivered later this year.

Combining iconic styling, thrilling performance, true craftsmanship and exclusivity the revitalised Vantage range boasts unprecedented breadth and appeal. The revised V8 Vantage together with the rest of the range is available to order now from Aston Martin’s global dealer network.

Source: Aston Martin

February 20, 2012

MOV’IT and Lotus

MOVIT and Lotus MOV’IT have been specializing in creating ultra-performance brake systems. That’s why they was nominated by the famous British car maker Lotus as a brake supplier and technology partner.

“We always start from scratch with a “blank piece of paper”, because no car is exactly like the other: Power, weight, maximum speed, mounting suspension, power transmission or dynamic – everything has to be factored in accurately, and only after that the final design can be brought to paper, and subsequently on the road.”, said Guido Frensemeyer.

“The serial nomination by Lotus supports the development and the performance of our company and represents the next landmark in our company’s development. The continuous further development in all areas along with the underlying process landscape allows us to be a competent partner, even for the most demanding automobile manufacturers. The fact that we are already working with some of the leading German car manufacturers on specific projects, and that we are in the process of being approved as series supplier as well, emphasizes this. We are looking forward to experience the fruits of our work on the road – in the next car models from Lotus.”, added Frank Scherer, Director of the MOV’IT GmbH and CEO of the MOV’IT Group.

Lotus is aiming to compete with one of the best on the market – Ferrari, Porsche and Lamborghini. Because of this, they won’t only need superb engines like the new 5.0 litre V8 with 620PS, but superb braking systems. MOV’IT has both solutions – steel and ceramic.

Source: MOV’IT

February 20, 2012

Author: Victor Ivanov