Victor Ivanov – Page 191 – Automobiles Review

2012 Isuzu D-Max [teaser]

Isuzu has released a teaser picture of the all-new pick-up – Isuzu D-Max. It will hit the market in June, this year. The truck combines good performance, quality, efficiency and refinement. Isuzu D-Max is the result of the most comprehensive new product development programme in the Japanese company’s history.

The pick-up features aggressive and imposing exterior styling that reflects its exceptional load-lugging capacity, towing capabilities and off-road performance. The interior boasts more space for driver and passengers as well as featuring high-quality materials and an impressive standard specification.

Isuzu’s new pick-up sees the introduction of extensively redeveloped common-rail diesel engines, which will deliver significantly improved emissions and fuel economy together with more flexible and accessible power and torque.

“The result of an exhaustive development process that included extensive research amongst customers around the world, the all-new Isuzu D-Max is an incredibly appealing package that will deliver in every key area that matters to those in farming, construction and other outdoor industries,” commented William Brown, General Manager of Isuzu UK.

“Available from June through a dedicated, expanding dealer network, this new model will reinforce Isuzu’s strong reputation as the pick-up professionals. I’m confident that the new Isuzu D-Max will continue the record of impressive year-on-year sales growth that has seen the UK become the brand’s number one European market,” finished Mr. Brown.

2012 Isuzu D-Max [teaser] — 2012 Isuzu D-Max teaser

Source: Isuzu

February 20, 2012

2012 Chrysler Ypsilon Black&Red

Chrysler has introduced the new special edition Ypsilon Black&Red to the UK market. The styling modifications will attract new and different customers to the model range and also to the Chrysler brand, which has just been relaunched in the UK.

“We’re delighted to be launching this new addition to the popular Ypsilon line-up,” said Nigel Land, brand director, Jeep Chrysler UK.

“With additional equipment worth more than £3000 packed into a car that starts from just £12,750, we believe Black&Red will become a valuable member of the Ypsilon family.”, he added.

The engine range includes – 0.9-litre TwinAir and 1.2-litre petrol, and 1.3-litre MultiJet diesel.

The exterior boasts new paint – black and red, 16” multi-spoke alloy wheels, fog lamps, black glass and body-coloured side skirts.

The interior changes include black and red fabric seat upholstery, dashboard and door linings, air conditioning, Blue&Me Bluetooth, and a 360-degree hi-fi system.

Price list:

2012 Chrysler Ypsilon Black&Red 1.2 Petrol – £12,750
2012 Chrysler Ypsilon Black&Red 0.9 TwinAir – £13,950
2012 Chrysler Ypsilon Black&Red 1.3 MultiJet – £14,950

Source: Chrysler

February 16, 2012

2013 Porsche Macan [sketch]

Porsche has announced that they will put in production a new sports car in the SUV segment. It is called Macan, which is derived from the Indonesian word for tiger. The vehicle combines power, fascination and dynamics – core characteristics of this new all-terrain car.

“The Macan combines all sports car characteristics with the benefits of an SUV and is a genuine Porsche”, commented Bernhard Maier, Executive Vice President Sales and Marketing of Porsche AG.

“The name of a new Porsche has to fit with the brand, sound good in very many languages and dialects and evoke positive associations.”, he added.

The new car will start coming off the production lines at the Porsche factory in Leipzig, Saxony, in 2013.

Porsche names have an indelible connection with the corresponding model and its characteristics: the name Boxster describes the combination of ‘boxer’ engine and ‘roadster’, Cayenne stands for sharpness, the Cayman is snappy and agile and a Panamera is more than a Gran Turismo, capable also of winning the Carrera Panamericana long-distance race.

Source: Porsche

February 16, 2012

2012 Lexus GS 250 SE – Price £32 995

The new 2012 GS range is already available on the UK market. It starts at £32 995 for the entry-level GS 250 SE and goes up to whopping £44 995 for the Luxury model – full hybrid GS 450h.

The engine range includes a 2.5-litre V6 Dual VVT-i petrol with 206PS (154 kW) and a 3.5 litre V6 hybrid with overall power 340PS (253 kW).

The standard equipment includes 17” alloy wheels, automatic bi-xenon headlamps and windscreen wipers, LED daytime running lights and a rear-view camera with parking guide monitor. Cabin comfort is assured with leather upholstery, dual-zone climate control and electrically adjustable front seats (10-way, with memory setting for the driver’s seat) with heating and ventilation functions. The steering wheel is electrically adjustable, too, and incorporates paddle shifts. On-board entertainment is provided by a 12-speaker audio system with CD player, DAB tuner, Bluetooth and USB/Aux ports for connecting personal music players.

Both the GS 250 and full hybrid GS 450h are offered in Luxury and F Sport grade. The former builds on the SE specification with the introduction of 18-inch alloys, front and rear parking sensors, an auto-dimming rear-view mirror and an HDD satellite navigation system with Remote Touch controller. Luxury grade also provides a new blind spot detection system integrated into the folding/auto-dimming door mirrors.

F Sport versions of GS make a bolder style statement thanks to 19” rims, a boot-lip spoiler and sports-styled bumpers and front grille. In addition to the Luxury specification, the F Sport has bi-xenon headlights with an automatic high beam function, as well Lexus’s Adaptive Front-lighting System, which adjusts the beam direction as the car approaches bends and turns at junctions.

The F Sport look carries through to the cabin with sports pedals and perforated leather-trimmed sports steering wheel and gear knob. The front sports seats gain further adjustment functions – 16-way for the driver, plus four-way lumbar support.

The F Sport benefits from Adaptive Variable Suspension and selectable drive modes plus, on the 450h model, the Lexus Dynamic Handling System, which brings together a comprehensive array of steering and handling features, including Dynamic Rear Steering, electric power steering, Variable Gear Ratio Steering and Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management.

At the top of the range, the GS 450h Premier is fitted with 18-spoke 18-inch alloy wheels and the same bi-xenon headlamp system as the F Sport models. The F Sport’s adaptive suspension and selectable drive modes are also part of the Premier’s specification.

In the cabin the seats are upholstered in semi-aniline leather, with both front seats benefiting from 18-way electric adjustment and memory settings. The passenger seat offers extra leg support and a rear easy access function.

The sophisticated climate control system is divided three-ways between the front left and right and rear sections of the cabin, and is equipped with an ioniser to help maintain an ideal environment.

The HDD navigation and premium Mark Levinson sound system are linked to a 12.3-inch central display screen, the largest on the market. Other details include automatic boot closing, sunshades for the rear windows (electrically operated for the back window) and a tyre pressure warning system.

Options list include a premium surround system with 12.3” navigation and multimedia screen, a sun roof, LED headlamps and a preventive safety package featuring Adaptive Cruise Control and Pre-Crash Safety. Metallic or mica paint is an option across the board, while full-map navigation is available for the GS 250 SE.

Nine exterior colours are available for SE, Luxury and Premier versions of the new GS: Arctic Pearl, Sonic Silver, Velvet Black, Mercury Grey, Meteor Blue, Crimson Red, Atlantic Blue, Celestial Black and, for GS 450h only, Obsidian Black. The F Sport models have a different range of colours: Arctic Pearl, Sonic Silver, Velvet Black, Mercury Grey and Crimson Red.

In the cabin SE and Luxury models have gloss black dash inserts, with aluminium used for the F Sport; Walnut, Ebony or Bamboo wood trims are used in the GS450h Premier, according to the choice of leather upholstery shade.

There are six leather colours, with a Garnet red exclusive to the F Sport.

Source: Lexus

February 15, 2012

ASMA Design Lamborghini Aventador

ASMA Design has announced their latest project based on the hypercar – Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4.

The superfast car is powered by a 6.5 liter V12 with 700PS (515 kW) and 690Nm (509 lb-ft). It is mated to a 7-speed ISR gearbox specially supplied by Graziano Trasmissioni Group. It shifts in just 50 milliseconds, which guarantees perfect performance.

The kerb weight is just 1575 kg (3 472 lbs), thanks to a carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) monocoque structure with total weight of only 147.5 kg.

The tuning company has released a single picture (rendering) of the tuned Aventador, which will come with complete styling package, new paint and enormous wheels.

Stay tuned for more information about this interesting project.

Source: ASMA Design

February 15, 2012

1968 Chevrolet C-10 V8 10.0 liter vs Ferrari 599 GTB and Porsche 911 Turbo Rinspeed

Dragtimesinfo has released a new video with two interesting drag battles.

The first one is between a mighty 1968 Chevrolet C-10 powered by huge V8 with 10.0 liters of displacement and 850PS (625 kW) and Porsche 911 Turbo Mk.2 tuned by Rinspeed with 530PS (390 kW). The run covers 1 mile and both cars hit speeds of around 250 km/h (155 mph). Which is best? Check out in the video below.

The C-10 takes part in the second run, too, but this time against a powerful Ferrari 599 GTB powered by a naturally aspirated 6.0 liter V12 with Aluminium Head and Block. The power is 611BHP (456 kW) at 7600RPM and 607Nm (448 lb-ft) at 5600RPM. 0 to 100 km/h in 3.7 seconds, to 200 km/h in 11.0 seconds and a top speed of 330 km/h (205 mph).

Enjoy the video!

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dv9rQjEUYxo

Porsche 911 Turbo Rinspeed vs Chevrolet C-10 V8 10.0 liter

Source: Dragtimesinfo via Youtube

February 15, 2012

BMW X3 xDrive28i and BMW X5 M Sport Edition

BMW has announced the X3 xDrive28i, which is powered by the new twin-turbocharged 2.0 liter four-cylinder petrol engine with superb power and torque. The manufacturer will also launch the M Sport Edition of the BMW X5 aimed to satisfy the most demanding customers of the luxury SAVs.

Furthermore, the choice of optionally available driver assistance systems featured by BMW ConnectedDrive is being further extended for the BMW X3.

2012 BMW X3 xDrive28i boasts 245PS (180 kW) and incredible 350Nm (258 lb-ft) at just 1250RPM meaning that pressing gas pedal, your body will be pressed to the seat immediately. The technology package employed in this engine comprises a supercharging system operating according to the Twin Scroll principle, High Precision Injection with direct fuel injection, VALVETRONIC variable valve control and double VANOS variable camshaft control.

The performance suits more to a sports car from medium class, instead of a crossover – 6.7 seconds to 100 km/h, which is 0.2 faster than the predecessor model. The fuel consumption is also cut to 7.5 liters per 100 km in the EU test cycle and a CO2 emission level of 175 g/km.

The new power unit comes as standard paired with ZF 8-speed automatic gearbox. The intelligent four-wheel drive system BMW xDrive with electronically controlled and variable power distribution between the front and real wheels provides optimum transfer of torque to the road and off-road terrain.

Moreover, in future, all BMW X3 model variants will be equipped as standard with the Driving Experience Control feature. At the press of a button located on the centre console next to the gearshift lever or gear selector lever respectively, the driver is able to vary the vehicle setting. There is a choice between the “COMFORT”, “SPORT” and “SPORT+” modes as well as the ECO PRO mode. Driving Experience Control has an effect on the settings of the stability control function DSC, the characteristic maps of the accelerator pedal and Servotronic power steering and, depending on how the vehicle is equipped, also the gearshift characteristics of the automatic transmission and the control map of the Dynamic Damper Control system.

In the spring of 2012, the BMW X5 model range will be boosted by a M Performance Automobile, which in addition to a 383PS (281kW) diesel power plant with innovative three-stage turbocharging, also features an M-specific suspension setting and a particularly impressive and aerodynamically optimised design. Simultaneously with the market launch of the BMW X5 M50d, the new M Sport Edition will be offered for all further model variants. It contributes effectively towards a further enhancement of the supremely powerful and agile characteristics of the Sports Activity Vehicle, thereby also emphasising its visual qualities.

The M Sport Edition comprises M exterior features for optimising air guidance, 20-inch M light alloys including tyre mix, BMW Individual High Gloss Shadow Line, Xenon lights (standard on the BMW X5 xDrive50i and the BMW X5 xDrive40d) and Adaptive Cornering Headlights. The BMW X5 xDrive50i is also equipped with pneumatic rear wheel suspension including automatic levelling. For all other model variants, the M Sport Edition offers a sporty suspension setting.

The sporting ambience in the interior is emphasised by the M leather-clad steering wheel with shift paddles, BMW Individual anthracite roof lining, BMW Individual interiors trim strips in black piano lacquer, doorsills boasting the M logo, stainless steel pedals and the M footrest for the driver. The M Sport Edition also includes electrically adjustable sports seats. The new M Alcantara/Black Nappa leather combination is available exclusively in conjunction with the M Sport Edition.

Over and above that, the range of special equipment for the BMW X5 will in future also include the optional heated steering wheel in conjunction with the M leather-clad steering wheel. From the spring of 2012, the colour variant Orion Silver metallic will be available as a new exterior paint finish.

Source: BMW

February 14, 2012

2012 Mazda CX-5 – Price £21 395

Mazda has announced the new 2013 CX-5 at the Frankfurt Motor Show, last year. The all new vehicle is now available on the UK market with a competitive price starting from £21 395 and rising to £28 795 OTR.

The engine range offers a 2.0 litre SKYACTIV 165PS petrol and 2.2 litre SKYACTIV 150PS or 175PS diesel variants. All are offered with either manual or automatic transmissions, 2WD or AWD, and four equipment levels – SE-L, SE-L Nav, Sport and Sport Nav.

Depending on model, the all-new Mazda CX-5 will return a fuel consumption figure of 61.4 to 47.0mpg (combined cycle) and achieve remarkably low CO₂ emissions for a compact SUV of 119 to 144g/km. With a rating of 119g/km the Mazda CX-5 150ps diesel 2WD model is significantly below the class average of 147g/km measured across 11 rivals.

The standard equipment (SE-L) includes 17” alloy wheels, front fog lights, dual‑zone climate control air-conditioning, Smart City Brake Support and privacy glass, plus front and rear parking sensors. Moving up the CX-5 range, Sport grade models will feature 19-inch alloy wheels, Bi-Xenon headlights with Active Front Lighting System, full leather trim, heated front seats, powered driver’s seat and a reversing camera.

While production for the UK market is likely to be limited this year, Mazda has established a pre-ordering facility that will enable customers to order a Mazda CX-5 via their local dealership, allowing them to become one of the first customers to own a vehicle featuring SKYACTIV technology.

Mazda CX-5 / Price List – February 2012

2WD SKYACTIV-G	‘On the road’ Retail	CO₂ (g/km)	RFL Band	Insurance Group	P11D Value	Annual BIK 20 / 40%
2.0 SE-L	£21,395	139	E	TBD	17%	£722 / £1,443
2.0 SE-L NAV	£21,795	139	E	TBD	17%	£735 / £1,471
2.0 Sport	£23,595	139	E	TBD	17%	£796 / £1,593
2.0 Sport NAV	£23,995	139	E	TBD	17%	£810 / £1,620
2WD SKYACTIV-D
2.2 SE-L (150)	£22,995	119	C	TBD	13%	£596 / £1,193
2.2 SE-L NAV (150)	£23,395	119	C	TBD	13%	£607 / £1,214
2.2 SE-L Auto (150)	£24,295	139	E	TBD	20%	£965 / £1,930
2.2 SE-L NAV Auto (150)	£24,695	139	E	TBD	20%	£981 / £1,962
2.2 Sport (150)	£25,195	119	C	TBD	13%	£654 / £1,307
2.2 Sport NAV (150)	£25,595	119	C	TBD	13%	£664 / £1,328
AWD SKACTIV-D
2.2 SE-L (150)	£24,695	136	E	TBD	20%	£981 / £1,962
2.2 SE-L NAV (150)	£25,095	136	E	TBD	20%	£997 / £1,994
2.2 SE-L Auto (150)	£25,895	144	F	TBD	21%	£1,080 / £2,160
2.2 SE-L NAV Auto (150)	£26,295	144	F	TBD	21%	£1,097 / £2,193
2.2 Sport (175)	£27,195	136	E	TBD	20%	£1,081 / £2,162
2.2 Sport NAV (175)	£27,595	136	E	TBD	20%	£1,097 / £2,194
2.2 Sport Auto (175)	£28,395	144	F	TBD	21%	£1,185 / £2,370
2.2 Sport NAV Auto (175)	£28,795	144	F	TBD	21%	£1,202 / £2,403

NB‘On the road’ prices include 20.0% VAT, number plates, delivery, 12 months road fund licence, first registration fee, 3 year or 60,000 mile warranty and 3 years European Roadside Assistance.

All models are available with free 7-day drive away insurance.

Source: Mazda

February 14, 2012

Twingo Renaultsport R2 Evo

Justin Dale and -driver Andrew Bargery will drive a Twingo Renaultsport R2 Evolution on the opening round of the 2012 MSA British Rally Championship. The race car is based on the successful 1.6 litre model, but it doesn’t have many familiarities. The road going car is entirely modified to meet all rally regulations.

Dale has already complimented the Twingo, having driven Pajunen’s car at a sponsor’s day last year and the R1 variant at this year’s BRC Media Day. He and Bargery will team up after last contesting the BRC in a Clio in 2006 to showcase the new Twingo R2 Evo, which will make its UK debut on the Dorset & Hampshire based event.

Renault UK’s recent registration to this year’s British Manufacturers Rally Championship and the new Twingo Renaultsport Trophy coupled with around a third of the entries on this year’s opening round, underlines the French marque’s commitment to UK rallying.

“We are keen to show off the new Evo version of the Twingo R2 and evaluate its performance on gravel. The British Rally Championship’s move to a two wheel drive formula is important to Renault and we intend to be at the forefront with our range of cars,” commented Renault Sport Technologies Sales Manager Jean-Pascal Jocou, who will attend the event to keep an eye on not only Dale’s progress, but all the Renault competitors.

Rallye Sunseeker International starts on Poole Quay on Friday 24^th February at 18.00hrs with stages throughout Saturday in the forests north of Bournemouth.

Source: Renault

February 14, 2012

BMW xDrive – World’s Most Intelligent AWD System

BMW xDrive is claimed to be the world’s most intelligent all-wheel-drive system. It was firstly introduced back in 2003 with the previous BMW X3 (E83). Since then, it has been offered with X1, X3, X5 and X6 as standard and in 3-Series (E90,F30), 5-Series (E60, F10) and the latest 7-Series (F01) as an option.

The xDrive system helps providing perfect traction at any driving conditions. It works just perfectly no matter you drive your BMW at snow, rain, mud or dry asphalt.

The world’s most intelligent all-wheel-drive system operates by using data from the DSC (Dynamic Stability Control) sensors and from the gas pedal. It continuously monitors the car’s driving condition and when wheel spin is detected, the electronically controlled multidisc clutch (situated at the rear end of the gearbox) reacts immediately to transfer drive force wherever is needed – front or rear axle. Everything happens in only few milliseconds so drivers can hardly feel it. The system optimizes the torque split based on the available traction. Furthermore, brakes can be applied as needed to prevent unnecessary wheel spin. As you may suggest, the xDrive is connected to the ABS and DSC systems.

The xDrive doesn’t have limited slip differentials, so it relies on brake application by the DSC system to transfer power from the slipping wheel to the wheel with traction.

The most fascinating thing about xDrive is that the driver can enjoy all the advantages of rear drive like precise control, neutral cornering behavior and a good separation between the operation and management.

In normal driving conditions, the xDrive sends 60% of the torque to the rear axle and 40% to the front. However, it can draw up to 100% of power to either front or rear axle.

Remember to keep the DSC system always on, which will guarantee supreme safety combined with the xDrive. Still, in some cases, you can turn of the DSC system and to have a lot of fun the world’s most intelligent all-wheel-drive system – BMW xDrive!

February 13, 2012

2012 Subaru XV TD Premium

Subaru has recently announced the new XV, which is priced from €34 995. The vehicle is also the safest model in its class with certified 5 star Euro Ncap award for child occupant safety. It combines city style with urban and offroad ability.

2012 XV comes with Symmetrical All-Wheel-Drive and unique Boxer Diesel engine ensuring the satisfaction of all driver’s needs. Whether for business or pleasure, the Subaru XV is well capable whatever the weather.

All models marketed by Subaru Ireland come with the reassurance of a three year or 160,000 kilometres warranty, plus twelve year anti-corrosion cover and three year paintwork warranty. This is in addition to three year’s membership of Subaru Assist – a comprehensive home and roadside repair and recovery package throughout Ireland and Europe administered by Mapfre Asistencia.

Check out the full specs, below!

Standard Specification	2.0TD XV
	Premium
Exterior
Auto on/off headlamps + DRL	S
HID lights	S
Pop-up type headlamp washers	S
Front fog lamps	S
Rear fog lamp	S
Power-folding door mirrors with built-in LED turn signals	S
UV protection glass; Windshield, front and rear side windows	S
Variable intermittent windshield wipers (Designed blade)	S
Privacy Glass	S
Intermittent rear window wiper	S
17″ aluminium alloy wheels	S
Side claddings	S
Power sliding, tilt-adjustable glass sunroof	Optional Extra
Carrier installation brackets	S
Roof spoiler	S
Roof antenna	S
Seating / Trims
Leather wrapped steering wheel and gearshift knob	S
Leather seats	Optional Extra
6-way manual adjustable driver’s seat	S
Front seat heaters	S
60/40 split folding rear seats	S
Seat back pocket (front passenger side only)	S

Comfort / Convenience
Electric windows (front & rear)	S
Remote control key system	S
Map lamps	S
Luggage space lamp	S
Vanity mirrors with lids (for driver and front passenger)	S
Centre tray	S
Centre console box	S
2 front cup holders (in the centre console)	S
Door pockets with bottle holders (on all side doors)	S
Interior fuel lid lock release	S
Two 12-volt power outlets (in the instrument panel and centre console box)	S
Cargo hooks	S
Luggage hooks	S
Retractable cargo cover	S
Box sub-trunk (under cargo storage)	S
Tyre repair kit	S
Climate control
Dual-zone automatic air-conditioning system with anti-dust filter	S
Heater ducts for rear passengers	S
Windshield wiper de-icer	S
Automatic rain-sensing windshield wipers	S
Heated door mirrors	S
Front and side defrosters	S
Electric rear window defogger with timer	S
In-car Entertainment
2-Din audio system with Bluetooth® system: 1-CD and 6 speakers	S
Steering wheel mounted audio remote control switches	S
Bluetooth® compatible hands-free system	S
USB and auxiliary audio input jack (in the centre console box)	S
Rear Vision Camera System	S
Control / Instruments
High-Grade type Multi-Function Display	S
Shift up indicator	S
Tilt-adjustable / telescopic steering wheel	S
Cruise control	S
Drivability
Vehicle Dynamics Control System	S
Hill Start Assist	S
Safety
Front SRS airbags	S
Front side SRS airbags (for driver and front passenger)	S
Curtain SRS airbags (front, rear and both sides)	S
Knee SRS airbag	S
Side-door reinforcement beams (front and rear, both sides)	S
Steering column support beam	S
Whiplash reducing front seats	S
Rear seat headrests for 3 seating positions	S
Seatbelt indicator (for driver and all passengers)	S
Front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters	S
Height adjustable seatbelt anchors (for driver and front passenger)	S
Rear 3-point seatbelts for 3 seating positions	S
Safety pedal system	S
4-sensor/4-channel ABS with Electronic Brake-force Distribution	S
Brake assist system	S
Brake Override	S
ISO-FIX adapted child seat anchors (with tether anchors)	S
Child-proof rear door locking (both sides)	S
Anti-theft security system with engine immobiliser	S

Item			SUBARU XV
			Symmetrical AWD (All-Wheel-Drive)
			2.0TD-S Premium
			6MT
ENGINE
Type			Horizontally-opposed, 4-cylinder, 4-stroke, turbocharged, diesel engine

			DOHC 16-valve
Bore/Stroke		mm	86/86
Capacity		cc	1,998
Compression ratio			16
Fuel system			Common rail
Fuel tank capacity		lit.	60
PERFORMANCE
Max. output (DIN)		kW (PS)/rpm	108 (147)/3,600
Max. torque (DIN)		Nm (kgfm)/rpm	350 (35.7)1/1,600 – 2,400
Max. speed		km/h	198
Acceleration (0-100 km/h)		sec.	9.3
Fuel consumption	Urban	lit./100 km	6.8
	Extra-urban	lit./100 km	5
	Combined	lit./100 km	5.6
CO2 emissions	Urban	g/km	179
	Extra-urban	g/km	131
	Combined	g/km	146
DRIVETRAIN
AWD type			Centre differential gear coupled with viscous LSD
DIMENSIONS & WEIGHT
Overall length		mm	4,450
Overall width		mm	1,780
Overall height		mm	1,570
Wheelbase		mm	2,635
Track	Front	mm	1,525
Track	Rear	mm	1,525
Minimum road clearance (at kerb weight)		mm	220
Seating capacity		persons	5
Kerb weight		kg	1,440
Towing capacity		kg	1,600
TRANS-AXLE
Gear ratio	1st		3.454
	2nd		1.750
	3rd		1.062
	4th		0.785
	5th		0.634
	6th		0.557
	Reverse		3.636
Final drive axle ratio			4.111
CHASSIS
Steering			Pinion-assist type electric power steering system
Suspension	Front		MacPherson strut type
(4-wheel independent)	Rear		Double wishbone type
Minimum turning circle at tyre (radius)		m	5.3
Brakes	Front		Ventilated disc brakes
Brakes	Rear		Disc brakes
Tyre/wheel size			225/55R17, 17 x 7″ J

Source: Subaru

February 13, 2012

Mazda Takeri concept car

Mazda will exhibit its Takeri concept car for the first time in Europe at the Geneva International Motor Show, next month. This is Mazda’s next-generation mid-sized saloon featuring unique i-ELOOP regenerative braking technology. It will also be joined by CX-5 compact crossover SUV and MX-5 Special Edition Spring 2012.

The Takeri Concept Car boasts Mazda’s KODO – Soul of Motion’ design theme, bringing a new level of strength and allure to saloon styling. It is truly remarkable even in stand-still position. The engine is also a new SKYACTIV-D diesel engine with a fuel-saving i-stop system and 6-speed SKYACTIV-Drive automatic gearbox.

Furthermore, the Takeri is the first Mazda car to be equipped with i-ELOOP – short for “Intelligent Energy Loop”. It is advanced technology using regenerative braking system to convert kinetic energy to electricity during deceleration and stores it in an electric double-layer capacitor. The power is used to run the vehicle’s electric components, thereby reducing the load on the engine and increasing fuel economy by up to 10%. This contributes to the Mazda Takeri’s outstanding fuel economy, which is achieved at no sacrifice to performance or comfort.

Mazda’s display at the 82^nd Geneva International Motor Show will also showcase the company’s brand-new SKYACTIV technology as well as the full range of current models. Press days are 6-7 March, and the show is open to the public from 8-18 March.

Mazda’s exhibits at the 2011 Geneva International Motor Show

Reference exhibits	Mazda Takeri (European premiere) Mazda CX-5 Mazda MX-5 Special Edition Spring 2012 (Premiere)
Technology exhibits	SKYACTIV-D clean diesel engine SKYACTIV-G direct-injection petrol engine SKYACTIV-Drive automatic transmission SKYACTIV-MT manual transmission i-ELOOP regenerative braking system CX-5 ‘X-ray’ display
Vehicles currently on sale	Mazda2, Mazda3, Mazda5, Mazda6, Mazda MX-5

Source: Mazda

February 13, 2012

Author: Victor Ivanov