MNAO (Mazda North American Operations) will introduce the 2012 MX-5 Miata Special Edition at the upcoming 2012 Chicago Auto Show.
The roadster will feature a black-only Power Retractable Hard Top as well as other exclusivities such as two new exterior colors, new 17” black gunmetal alloy wheels, black exterior accents, black heated leather seats and piano black interior finishes.
Available with either the 6-speed manual transmission with short-throw shifter or 6-speed Sport automatic transmission with steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters, the Special Edition model is based off the Grand Touring model.
Both Premium and Suspension packages will be standard on the MX-5 Special Edition and include features such as a Bluetooth® hands-free phone system, SIRIUS® Satellite Radio, Bilstein shocks and a sport-tuned suspension.
After McLaren and their MP4-27 F1 car, Ferrari have also unveiled theirs called F2012 – very “original”.
As always at Ferrari, a great deal of time has been devoted to the performance and optimisation of the materials used, right from the design stage of each of around six thousand components that make up the car. In part, this is done to ensure that all operations carried out at the race track are as efficient and effective as possible. Obviously, quality control remains a crucial aspect, as does the goal of reaching maximum levels of performance and reliability, while maintaining the highest possible safety standards.
With a reduction in the number of days available for track testing before the start of the Championship, which has dropped from fifteen to twelve, preparatory work on the test beds prior to the car’s track debut, has taken on even more importance. The three test sessions – at Jerez de la Frontera and Barcelona – will serve to get a picture of the handling of the F2012 and to adapt it to the Pirelli tyres. Indeed, getting the most out of the tyres has been an area that has seen a lot of work both at the design stage and in how the activities at the track are to be managed. The car is due to undergo a very intensive development programme over the first part of the season, especially on the aerodynamic front.
Audi has announced two new TDIe engines, where the “e” means efficiency. The manufacturer will hit the market with A5 Coupe and A5 Sportback powered by 2.0 liter TDIe engine with two outputs – 136PS (100 kW) and 163PS (120 kW). The price is very competitive, too – £27 320 OTR for 2012 Audi A5 Sportback 2.0 TDIe with 136PS.
The performance is not too bad and the car is perfect for everyday drive – 0 to 100 km/h in 9.5 seconds and a top speed of 212 km/h (132 mph). The impressive is the fuel consumption – 64.2 mpg according to the official combined cycle test and emission of 117 g/km CO2.
The 163PS is slightly faster to 100 km/h – 8.7 seconds with better top speed 220 km/h (137 mph) and a little more thirsty – 62.8 mpg with 118 g/km CO2.
Last, in the Coupe variant, the 163PS engine accelerates to 100 km/h in 8.4 seconds with a top speed of 225 km/h (140 mph) with fuel economy of 64.2 mpg with 115 g/km CO2.
All cars have 6-speed manual gearbox.
In both Sportback and Coupe models all the four-cylinder TDI engines can be combined with a new, highly cost effective SE Technik specification. For just £1 000 on top of the SE model for Sportback and £500 for Coupe, it adds DVD SAT NAV, Audi Music Interface (AMI) iPod connection, the Audi Parking Plus system with front and rear sensors and cruise control.
2012 Audi A5 Sportback 2.0 TDIe
A5 Sportback 2.0 TDIe 136PS
Standard £27,320 OTR
SE £29,090 OTR
SE Technik £30,090 OTR
S line £31,390 OTR
A5 Sportback 2.0 TDIe 163PS
Standard £27,825 OTR
SE £29,595 OTR
SE Technik £30,595 OTR
S line £31,895 OTR
A5 Coupe 2.0 TDIe 163PS
Standard £28,775 OTR
SE £30,545 OTR
SE Technik £31,045 OTR
2012 Toyota Camry has been already available in the US dealerships. The price starts at just $21 955.
The new Camry features restyled front with sharp line and new headlights. Furthermore, the SE model boasts a complete aerodynamics package as well as a three-spoke sports steering wheel with paddle shifters and metallic trim.
The interior is also revised. It features new dashboard and seats. There are also Bluetooth/USB connectivity and a 6.1” Entune Infotainment system. As options you can specify for a GPS SAT NAV, a JBL premium audio system and a back-up camera.
The engine range includes a 2.5 liter four-cylinder with 180PS (133 kW) and 230Nm (170 lb-ft). It returns up to 35 mpg on the highway and 25 mpg in the city. The more powerful 3.5 liter V6 has 272PS (200 kW) and 336Nm (248 lb-ft). Still, it returns 30 mpg on the highway and 21 mpg in the city.
Last is the hybrid model with a 2.5 liter four-cylinder engine delivering 158 PS (116 kw) and a 143PS (105 kW) electric motor. The fuel consumption is very good – 39 mpg in city and 43 mpg on the highway. From 0 to 100 km/h in 7.6 seconds.
You can also check the latest commercial of 2012 Camry below.
Peugeot has announced the new 2012 Expert. It boasts new style codes, new equipment and a Euro 5 engine range which makes it a front-runner on its segment (PC and LUV) when it comes to CO2 emissions.
It is available in two different models – a compact LUV van and a PC combi (Tepee). Other highlights include a restyled new front, original high-tech equipment for the segment, a 6-speed automatic transmission on the 2.0 litre HDi 163PS engine and particularly well equipped ‘Shuttle’ versions.
The engine range includes a 1.6 liter HDi FAP with 90PS (66 kW) and a 2.0 liter HDi with 98PS/128PS and 163PS.
The production has already started in France and the first vehicles will hit the European market in spring 2012.
2011 Suzuki Kizashi Sport was introduced at the 2010 New York International Auto Show. Since then, it is available in two trim levels – GTS and SLS.
The Kizashi Sport is powered by a 2.4 liter in-line four-cylinder petrol with 177PS (130 kW) at 6500RPM and 230Nm (169 lb-ft) at 4000RPM. It is mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox sending all power to the front wheels.
Mentioning the wheels, they are 18” both front and back fitted with 235/45 R18 tires. The total weight of the car is just 1495 kg meaning 8.4 kg/PS.
The performance is at decent level – 0 to 100 km/h in 7.8 seconds and a top speed of 215 km/h (133 mph). Furthermore, the Kizashi Sport needs just 7.9 liters per 100 km (29 mpg) on combined cycle with emission of 183 g/km CO2.
2012 Citroen DS5 is now available on the UK market. It is priced from £22 400 for the entry level Dsign e-HDi 110 Airdream EGS6 and the top-of-range model DSport Hybrid4 200 Airdream EGS6 costs £32 200.
The car is inspired by the striking C-SportLounge concept car and completes the current DS line. An instantly recognisable range, the DS line appeals to both the emotional and rational decision-making process of today’s car buyer. All three models in the premium DS line offer creative design, outstanding quality and desirable technology.
2012 DS5 measures 4.53m length, 1.85m width and 1.51m height, the five-door layout offers five full-size premium seats and a generous boot volume of up to 465-litres VDA.
There are a lot of technologies in the 2012 DS5 including:
Keyless Access & Start, which uses Radio Frequency Identification (RFI) technology to allow drivers to unlock and start/stop DS5 whilst keeping the electronic key separate.
A colour head-up display, which projects essential driving information (speed, speed limiter and cruise control settings and navigation settings) in the driver’s direct line of sight. On Hybrid4 models, the display changes from white to blue during ZEV mode.
A reversing camera that sends a colour image of the car’s rear view to the navigation display screen.
A driver’s seat with electric lumbar adjustment and massage function.
Dual-zone automatic air conditioning with three air flow levels (soft, medium, intense).
An advanced programmable speed limiter and cruise control system.
A new Lane Departure Warning System, which uses an integrated camera to recognise the lines on the road and warns drivers of involuntary lane departure.
Smart beams that process images from the built in camera to trigger automatic activation and de-activation of the high beam lamps according to lighting and surrounding traffic conditions.
New DS5 boasts a comprehensive range of audio and telematics equipment, including USB and Bluetooth® connectivity. Citroën’s latest-generation in-car eMyWay navigation comes as standard on level 2 DStyle models. The integrated system features a high-resolution 7-inch colour widescreen, internal memory for map data, speed limit sign reminders and Bluetooth® hands-free and audio streaming for listening to music files stored on mobile phones.
DS5’s audio system features ARKAMYS acoustic processing for authentic sound playback. An optional premium 10-speaker DENON Hi-Fi has also been developed for an even richer soundscape within the cabin.
2012 Citroen DS5 Interior
DS5 is available from launch with a choice of four refined and efficient Euro V engines – THP 200, e-HDi 110, HDi 160 and the new 200BHP diesel electric Hybrid4.
The e-HDi 110 Airdream features new-generation Stop & Start micro-hybrid technology that reduces CO2 emissions by up to 15% when driving in congested urban areas. The turbocharged, direct injection petrol engine, co-developed with BMW, delivers enjoyable power and performance.
All powerplants are mated to either manual, automatic or EGS 6-speed gearboxes.
HYBRID4
DS5 is the first Citroen fitted with Hybrid4 technology. What is more, it is the first hybrid using diesel engine as main power unit, instead of a petrol one.
Hybrid4 combines several technologies including:
A refined 2.0HDi 160 diesel engine delivering 163bhp
A permanent-magnet synchronous 27kW (37bhp) electric motor fitted on the rear axle
A Power Train Management Unit, automatically managing the operating modes of the diesel engine and electric motor to achieve the best possible fuel economy
A Stop & Start system with a second-generation reversible alternator
An automated manual 6-speed gearbox with optimised shifts
Four different operating modes:
AUTO – Activated by default on start up, the Auto mode optimises fuel consumption by automatically switching between the diesel engine and the electric motor. ZEV – For speeds up to 60km/h (37mph), the Zero Emissions Vehicle mode enables the car to be driven using the electric motor only. SPORT – This mode uses the electric motor in tandem with the diesel engine to provide extra power when the driver requires more responsive acceleration. 4WD – On rough ground or in low-grip conditions, the 4WD mode increases traction delivering power through all four wheels. The front wheels are powered by the diesel engine, the rear wheels by the electric motor.
New Citroen DS5 achieves a maximum 5-star rating in the latest Euro NCAP tests, including an impressive 97% score in the Safety Assist category.
ABS with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) & Emergency Braking Assistance (EBA)
Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) with traction control and hill start assist
Driver’s, front passenger’s, front lateral as well as front and rear curtain airbags
A cornering light function that increases visibility by up to 75° when turning
Citroën’s award-winning eTouch Emergency & Assistance system, which automatically or manually makes geo-localised emergency or assistance calls using a built-in SIM card, for rapid intervention in the event of an accident or if the car is immobilised
2012 Citroen DS5
Trim levels:
New Citroen DS5 will carry one of three trim-level signatures – DSign, DStyle and DSport.
DSIGN:
Driver’s, front passenger’s, front lateral, front and rear curtain airbags
Electrically foldable door mirrors with integrated kerb side LED
Front fog lights with cornering function
Daytime running LEDs
Keyless access and start
Cruise control with speed limiter and memory settings
Front and rear electric windows with ‘one-touch’ operation and anti-pinch
Automatic digital air conditioning with dual-zone temperature setting
Automatic rain-sensitive windscreen wipers, automatic illumination of headlamps and electrochrome rear view mirror
Automatic electric parking brake
Connecting Box – Bluetooth system® with USB socket
DSTYLE adds:
Part Mistral ‘Claudia’ leather, part ‘Dinamica’ cloth upholstery
Cockpit roof with three electric sunblinds and aviation style toggle switches
Citroën eTouch Emergency & Assistance system
Analogue clock on dashboard
eMyWay – colour satellite navigation with live traffic information and European mapping
Rear parking sensors
Reversing camera
DSPORT adds:
Mistral ‘Claudia’ leather upholstery
Front electric and heated sport seats
Driver’s seat with electric lumbar adjustment, massage function and memory settings
Xenon Dual-Function Directional headlamps with washer jets
Vodafone McLaren Mercedes has unveiled the new Mp4-27 ahead of the 2012 FIA Formula 1 World Championship. The Formula 1 car was presented at the McLaren Technology Centre.
Maintaining the belief in the validity of strengthened continuity, Vodafone McLaren Mercedes is the only team in Formula 1 whose driver line-up consists of two world champions: Jenson Button and Lewis Hamilton. Between them, they have scored 22 grand prix victories for Vodafone McLaren Mercedes and are the strongest and most consistent driver line-up in the sport. Maintaining the partnership into a third successive season was merely a formality.
While the all-new Vodafone McLaren Mercedes MP4-27 closely resembles last year’s multiple race-winning car, the 2012 chassis has been substantially revised from the ground-up, with all major systems updated or re-designed for the new season. The most evident visual differences include more tightly waisted rear bodywork, developed to improve flow to the rear of the car, and a revised cooling system, which re-directs the gearbox oil-cooler. Last year’s U-shaped sidepods have also been re-designed – a legacy of the FIA’s new exhaust regulations that redefine the shape of the rear bodywork.
On the technical front, our exemplary engineering trio Tim Goss (director of engineering), Paddy Lowe (technical director) and Neil Oatley (director of design and development programmes) once more remain at the forefront of the drawing office. For 2012, they will be joined by sporting director Sam Michael, whose arrival coincides with the re-organisation of our trackside personnel roster to ensure both growth and development within the group.
Check out the technical specification below!
2012 F1 Season – McLaren MP4-27
MP4-27 technical specification:
Chassis – Monocoque McLaren-moulded carbonfibre composite incorporating front and side impact structures Front suspension – Inboard torsion bar/damper system operated by pushrod and bell crank with a double wishbone arrangement Rear suspension – Inboard torsion bar/damper system operated by pullrod and bell crank with a double wishbone arrangement Electronics – McLaren Electronic Systems. Including chassis control, engine control, data acquisition, dashboard, alternator, sensors, data analysis and telemetry. Bodywork – Carbon-fibre composite. Separate engine cover, sidepods and floor. Structural nose with integral front wing, Driver-operated drag reduction system Tyres – Pirelli P Zero Radio – Kenwood Race wheels – Enkei Brake callipers – Akebono Master cylinders – Akebono Batteries – GS Yuasa Corporation Steering – McLaren power-assisted Instruments – McLaren Electronic Systems Paint solutions – AkzoNobel Car Refinishes using Sikkens products
Engine
Type – Mercedes-Benz FO 108Z Capacity – 2.4 litres Cylinders – 8 Maximum rpm – 18 000 Bank angle – 90° Piston bore maximum – 98mm Number of valves – 32 Fuel – ExxonMobil High Performance Unleaded (5.75% bio fuel) Spark plugs – NGK racing spark plugs specially designed for Formula 1 Lubricants – Mobil 1 – combining greater performance, protection and cooling with increased economy and lower emissions Weight – 95kg (minimum FIA regulation weight)
KERS Hybrid
Type – Mercedes-Benz
e-Motor Engine-mounted electrical motor/generator
ESS Integrated energy storage cells and power electronics Power – 60 kW
Transmission
Gearbox – McLaren-moulded carbon-fibre composite
Integral rear impact structure Gears – Seven forward and one reverse Gear selection – McLaren seamless shift, hand-operated Clutch – Carbon/carbon, hand-operated Lubricants – Mobil
A lot after the astonishing success of BMW’s 3.0 liter twin-turbocharged diesel, Audi has announced their new BiTurbo TDI, which is now available for A6 Saloon and Avant and A7 Sportback models.
The manufacturer also announced the price list for these models – £43 810 OTR for 2012 Audi A6 Saloon with BiTurbo TDI, £45 650 OTR for A6 Avant with the same engine and £51 645 OTR for the premium A7 Sportback.
The new BiTDI 3.0 liter V6 delivers 313PS (230 kW) at 3900RPM and 650Nm (480 lb-ft) at just 1450RPM. This means 0 to 100 km/h in 5.1 seconds and a top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph) – electronically limited. The combined cycle is 44.1 mpg and emissions of just 169 g/m CO2. The engine is mated to an 8-speed tiptronic automatic gearbox.
Other interesting highlight is the Sound actuator, which is positioned in the auxiliary channel of the exhaust system. The actuator system essentially consists of a speaker which imposes a defined oscillation pattern on the exhaust flow and transforms the typical TDI exhaust note into a more sonorous roar that is closer to the output of a high-performance petrol engine.
2012 Audi A6 Avant 3.0 BiTDI Quattro
The mighty new BiTDI engine is available in conjunction with SE and S line specification in the A6 Saloon, A6 Avant and A7 Sportback. The forthcoming A6 Allroad Quattro, due to open for order in February, will also offer this exceptional unit.
Stand-out features common to all these models include satellite navigation linked to a 6.5-inch retractable colour monitor, Milano leather upholstery, the Audi drive select adaptive dynamics system controlling throttle response, transmission shift points and steering feel, the Audi parking system plus, light and rain sensors, cruise control and keyless go push-button engine ignition.
AUDI A6, A6 AVANT AND A7 SPORTBACK – UK OTR PRICING
Street & Racing Technology would be teasing the new 2013 Dodge Viper on Facebook, but there is one condition – 10 000 likes before 1st February. It is pretty good advertising for Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge.
Still, the task wasn’t so hard and the page has even more likes, that’s why the teaser was released even earlier. It is hard to say anything about the car, because we can see only several lines, which are most likely from a hand drawn picture, instead of a real car.
The new 2013 Dodge Viper is expected to be at the 2012 New York Auto Show in April. Can’t way too see it’s real shape and more important – the performance characteristics.
Renault has announced the new price tag for 2012 Fluence ZE, which is now offered for £17 495 OTR after the Plug-In Car Grant, plus battery hire from just under £70 per month.
The 2012 Fluence ZE is powered by a synchronous electric motor with rotor coil – 95PS ( 70kW) at 3 000RPM and 226Nm (167 lb-ft) of torque. Its range is more than 115 miles (178 km).
The car features electronic driving aids – ABS and ESC, which have been recalibrated to match the different weight distribution resulting from the addition of the battery. Fluence Z.E. is extensively equipped for its segment, with safety features including double seat belt pretensioners and 6 airbags as standard.
The last of Renault’s bold four-model Z.E. range, ZOE, is primed to cause a stir this Autumn.
BMW has released full specs of the new F10 ActiveHybrid 5. The highly efficient executive saloon has which a combustion engine and electric motor providing perfect dynamics at decent price.
The powertrain includes a BMW TwinPower Turbo six-cylinder in-line engine, an electric drive system and an 8-speed automatic gearbox. The latest generation of BMW ActiveHybrid technology also adds precisely controlled – and therefore extremely effective – intelligent energy management to the mix.
The result is more than satisfying – 340PS (250 kW) and 450Nm (332 lb-ft); from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.9 seconds and a top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph) or 60 km/h (37 mph) only on electric power. The average fuel consumption is 6.4 to 7 liters per 100 km (40-44 mpg imp.) and CO2 emissions: 149 – 163 g/km.
The combustion engine is the famous twin-turbocharged 3.0 liter in-line six-cylinder petrol with 306PS (225 kW), while the electric motor develops 55PS (40 kW), which is supplied by a high-performance lithium-ion battery integrated into the luggage area.
The ActiveHybrid 5 comes with ECO PRO mode including coasting and intelligent energy management. Charging of the high-performance battery primarily takes place during coasting or braking, the electric motor performing the role of a generator feeding energy into the high-voltage battery.
The selection of interior colours, upholstery and interior trim elements reflects the range offered for the other BMW 5 Series Sedan variants. And added to the standard-fitted array of comfort-enhancing features is not only the Navigation system Professional, but also a 4-zone climate control system with stationary air conditioning. A wide range of driver assistance systems and BMW ConnectedDrive mobility services, as well as virtually all the other optional extras available for the conventionally powered BMW 5 Series Sedan, can also be specified for the BMW ActiveHybrid 5.
The BMW ActiveHybrid 5 will be produced at BMW Plant Dingolfing – the BMW Group’s largest production plant worldwide – alongside the other BMW 5 Series models, ensuring that it benefits from the same high standards of quality and production efficiency. The integration into the production process of BMW ActiveHybrid technology is underpinned by the intelligent combination of state-of-the-art automated process engineering and the skilled craftsmanship of specially trained employees.
2012 BMW F10 Active Hybrid 5
2012 BMW F10 ActiveHybrid 5:
Six-cylinder in-line petrol engine, BMW TwinPower Turbo technology with twin-scroll turbocharger, High Precision Direct Injection and VALVETRONIC;
Displacement: 2,979 cc, output: 225 kW/306 hp at 5,800 rpm,
Max. torque: 400 Nm (295 lb-ft) at 1,200 – 5,000 rpm.
Synchronous electric motor; output: 40 kW/55 hp,
Max. torque: 210 Nm (155 lb-ft);
Combined output: 250 kW/340 hp,
Max. combined torque: 450 Nm (332 lb-ft).
Acceleration [0 – 100 km/h (62 mph)]: 5.9 seconds,
Top speed: 250 km/h (155 mph),
Top speed purely on electric power: 60 km/h (37 mph).
Average fuel consumption*: 6.4 – 7.0 litres/100 kilometres (40 – 44 mpg imp), CO2 emissions*: 149 – 163 g/km, exhaust standard: EU5.
*As per the EU test cycle, figures may vary according to the tyre format specified
MNAO (Mazda North American Operations) will introduce the 2012 MX-5 Miata Special Edition at the upcoming 2012 Chicago Auto Show.
After McLaren and their MP4-27 F1 car, Ferrari have also unveiled theirs called F2012 – very “original”.
Audi has announced two new TDIe engines, where the “e” means efficiency. The manufacturer will hit the market with A5 Coupe and A5 Sportback powered by 2.0 liter TDIe engine with two outputs – 136PS (100 kW) and 163PS (120 kW). The price is very competitive, too – £27 320 OTR for 2012 Audi A5 Sportback 2.0 TDIe with 136PS.
2012 Toyota Camry has been already available in the US dealerships. The price starts at just $21 955.
2012 Citroen DS5 is now available on the UK market. It is priced from £22 400 for the entry level Dsign e-HDi 110 Airdream EGS6 and the top-of-range model DSport Hybrid4 200 Airdream EGS6 costs £32 200.
Vodafone McLaren Mercedes has unveiled the new Mp4-27 ahead of the 2012 FIA Formula 1 World Championship. The Formula 1 car was presented at the McLaren Technology Centre.
A lot after the astonishing success of BMW’s 3.0 liter twin-turbocharged diesel, Audi has announced their new BiTurbo TDI, which is now available for A6 Saloon and Avant and A7 Sportback models.
Street & Racing Technology would be teasing the new 2013 Dodge Viper on Facebook, but there is one condition – 10 000 likes before 1st February. It is pretty good advertising for Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge.
Renault has announced the new price tag for 2012 Fluence ZE, which is now offered for £17 495 OTR after the Plug-In Car Grant, plus battery hire from just under £70 per month.
BMW has released full specs of the new F10 ActiveHybrid 5. The highly efficient executive saloon has which a combustion engine and electric motor providing perfect dynamics at decent price.
