Victor Ivanov – Page 195 – Automobiles Review

2012 Nissan Note Price – £11 200

Nissan is going to attract more buyers for Note in the UK by offering further upgrades for 2012. The supermini-MPV is very successful with over 100 000 units sold.

During 2012, the Note will benefit from better equipment and style. The popular Acenta model will now feature two-tone 16” alloy wheels, chrome-effect door mirror covers and front fog light surrounds. There is also new seat fabric with blue stitching, climate control, automatic headlights and rain-sensitive wipers all now come as standard.

The best-selling N-TEC model also comes with increased equipment – rear parking sensors, darkened rear privacy glass and the touch screen Connect SAT NAV system.

The Connect includes CD/radio, iPod gateway, Aux-in, USB connection and Bluetooth phone connection.

The 2012 Note Visia is priced at £11 200. The new Acenta at £13 000 and the new N-TEC+ a further £500.

The engine range includes a 1.4 liter and a 1.6 liter petrol and 1.5 liter dCi power units. The Pure Drive badged 1.5dCi emits a CO2 level of just 110g/km with a combined economy figure of 67.3mpg.

Source: Nissan

January 25, 2012

Vauxhall 18-way adjustable ultimate hot seats

Vauxhall will introduce their most powerful Astra VXR at the Geneva Motor Show with front seats that are substantially lighter thanks to cutting-edge technology. The hot seats have a lower seating position and enhanced side support to cater for increased cornering loads.

The special technology includes an injection moulded sheet in the seat shells, which reduces their weight by 45% compared with a conventional shell. The sheet is filled with a composite material made from polyamide and fibreglass, and its strength and agility means that it only needs to be 2-3 mm deep, and therefore a lot lighter.

Bringing driver and front passenger lower to the Astra VXR’s centre of gravity, the new seats are mounted 17 mm lower than in the Astra GTC, and 40 mm lower than in the Astra Hatch. In addition, the new seats can be adjusted up to 18 ways, depending upon specification:

•   Entire seat backwards and forwards (2)
•   Entire seat upwards and downwards (2)
•   Seat backrest forwards and backwards (2)
•   Seat cushion angle adjustment (2)
•   Seat cushion length adjustment (2)
•   Four-way lumbar support adjustment (4)
•   Adjustable side bolster support in back (2)
•   Adjustable side bolster support in seat cushion (2)

Pneumatically adjustable cushions, found in the seats’ flanks, add further levels of adjustability at the push of a button, and provide ‘tailor-made’ seating comfort and security normally reserved for competition drivers.

The new 2012 Vauxhall Astra VXR will come with extremely powerful engine with 280PS and 400Nm. It will also feature LSD on front wheels and Brembo brake system.

Vauxhall 18-way adjustable ultimate hot seats

Source: Vauxhall

January 25, 2012

2012 Kia Rio 3-door – Price £9 995

Kia has announced the new 3-door version of Rio. It will hit the UK market with a £600 saving, compared to equivalent five door models.

The engine range includes two petrol and two diesel power units. The 1.1 CRDi delivers 75PS (55 kW) and 170Nm (125 lb-ft) at 1500RPM. It boasts CO2 emissions of 99g/km or below and fuel economy of at least 74.3mpg. Nice!

EcoDynamics technologies, such as Intelligent Stop & Go, will be a standard feature with all new Rio diesels, including the 1.4-litre models. The 1.4 CRDi is a four-cylinder diesel engine delivers 90PS (66 kW) and 220Nm (162 lb-ft) of torque. Economy and emissions figures are 70.6mpg combined and just 105 g/km of CO2.

The petrol variants are 1.25 litre Kappa engine with 84PS (61 kW), 121Nm (89 lb-ft) and a 1.4 litre Gamma engine with 108PS (80 kW) and 137Nm (101 lb-ft). All petrol manual versions of the new Rio comfortably exceed 50mpg, with CO2 emissions below 130g/km.

Rio 3-door is offered in four trim grades – badged 1, 1 Air, 2 and 3 – as the five door version.

The standard equipment includes daytime running lights, body-coloured bumpers, door handles and door mirrors, speed-variable front wipers, headlamp levelling, front electric windows, 15-inch steel wheels, a height-adjustable driver’s seat, two-way steering column adjustment on the petrol model (height-adjustable only on the entry level diesel), a tachometer and trip computer, split folding rear seats, a boot light, a 12-volt power socket and an MP3-compatible RDS radio and CD player with USB and AUX ports. Bluetooth is also standard on the petrol entry model, and on all versions with other trim grades.

The 1 Air grade is for buyers who want the comfort of air conditioning without upgrading to level 2.

The 2 is distinguished by 16” alloy wheels, front fog lights and a chrome radiator grille surround. Inside, there is premium black cloth upholstery, a cooling glovebox, electrically adjustable heated and folding door mirrors with side repeaters, leather trim on the steering wheel and gearshift and a centre console armrest.

The luxurious level 3 specification adds 17” alloys with low-profile tyres, LED daytime running and rear combination lamps, automatic air conditioning with auto de-fog, rain sensing wipers, cruise control, automatic projection-type headlights, heated front seats and six speakers instead of four.

The safety is granted by electronic stability control (ESC), electronic brake-force distribution (EBD), emergency brake assist (EBA) in addition to emergency stop signalling (ESS). The new Rio also includes the helpful feature of Hill-start Assist Control (HAC).

2012 Kia Rio 3-door is priced from £9 995 OTR.

Source: Kia

January 25, 2012

Rolls-Royce Ghost – Individual models

Rolls-Royce Ghost is one of the most luxurious saloons in the world. However, the manufacturer will further offer several individual programs to make the Ghost even more special.

“It is always our goal to exceed our clients’ highest expectations and fulfill their innermost desires,” said Torsten Müller-Ötvös, Rolls-Royce CEO.

“With highly bespoke Phantom and Ghost models, we are able to achieve this. The passion with which our bespoke craftspeople create these beautiful cars is reflected in some truly outstanding examples delivered across the globe last year.”, he added.

In August 2011 Rolls-Royce announced an expansion of its bespoke operation to meet growing demand, doubling the number of bespoke experts working at the Home of Rolls-Royce in Goodwood by the end of the year. The company is also about to expand its manufacturing facility, partly due to the increase in demand for bespoke cars. Work will begin next month.

Stay tuned for more information!

Source: Rolls-Royce

January 24, 2012

2012 Hyundai i30 5-door – Price £14 495

Hyundai has released the full price list for the new Generation five-door i30 hatchback. The car will hit the UK market in March. 2012 i30 5-door is priced from £14 495 OTR for the entry level Classic model.

The new generation Hyundai i30 will be available in four main trim levels including Classic, Active, Style and Style Nav.

The engine range includes 1.6 CRDi manual with Intelligent Stop & Go Technology. It is available in outputs of 110PS and 128PS.

“The new generation i30 represents another leap forward in terms of Hyundai’s design, refinement and build quality. Coupled with Hyundai’s generous standard specification along and industry leading back-up service and support in the form of the Five Year Triple Care assurance, the new generation i30 truly represents the complete package for customers looking for a high-quality vehicle at an affordable price.”, commented Tony Whitehorn, President and CEO Hyundai Motor UK.

The standard equipment includes voice-activated Bluetooth®, LED daytime running lights, multi-function steering wheel, electrically adjustable and heated door mirrors and one-touch indicators. Safety systems added as standard across the range include Vehicle Stability Management, Emergency Stop Signal and Hill-start Assist Control. Active trim level, adds 15” alloys, cruise control, rear parking sensors and Hyundai’s new dynamic Flex SteerTM system, which gives the driver the option of three settings namely: Comfort, Normal and Sport.

The Style trim level adds 16” alloy wheels, dual zone climate control, front parking sensors, rain sensing wipers, cornering lights, automatic headlights, automatic de-fog system for front windscreen and electrically folding door mirrors with LED indicators.

The Style Nav brings a fully integrated touchscreen satellite navigation system and rear view parking camera.

Source: Hyundai

January 24, 2012

2012 Jaguar XF SE Business & Sport models

Jaguar has announced two new models that are set to join the award-winning line-up in the form of the SE Business and Sport editions.

The SE Business model is offered with the 2.2 litre Diesel 163 PS engine. It adds SAT NAV system with 7” touchscreen and HDD mapping. This is in addition to the standard specification which includes intelligent start stop, a 400W sound system with DAB digital radio, leather and suedecloth seats and bi-Xenon headlights.

The Sport model is based on the 2.2 Diesel 190 PS engine and adds the full aerodynamic pack debuted on the Diesel S. This includes a revised front bumper, a black grille element, side sill extensions, a subtle rear boot lid spoiler and a black rear valance to create an elegant yet imposing look.

The interior of the Sport features half leather suedecloth seats, bond grain trim and dove contrast stitch as well as electric driver and passenger adjustment. Piano black trim with ‘Sport’ decals on the centre console are joined by stainless steel foot pedals. Practical additions include a heated front windscreen and front seats, a front parking aid plus a reversing camera and 60/40 folding rear seats.

Both the SE Business and Sport can be ordered now with prices starting at £31 500 and £34 950, respectively.

Source: Jaguar

January 24, 2012

Nissan GT-R NISMO GT3

Nissan has announced the GT3 version of GT-R. The new model meets all FIA GT3 regulations. It is produced by Nissan, NISMO and JR Motorsports (JRM), which have been jointly developing the car during 2011.

The car is powered by the same 3.8 liter twin-turbo V6 delivering 530PS (390 kW) and 612Nm (451 lb-ft) of torque. It is mated to a 6-speed semi-automatic transmission. The car weighs just 1300 kg (2 866 lbs).

The racing GT-R features everything that a professional driver needs – perfect aerodynamics consisting of new carbon fiber package; stripped interior; new racing suspension and a set of new rims and tires.

It is interesting that the car will actually hit the global market at “decent” price of 298 000 Euro (which is more than $383 000).

The car will appear alongside the GT1 Nissan GT-R that won the 2011 FIA GT1 World Championship. To celebrate the launch, JRM will simultaneously run the Nissan GT-R NISMO GT3 as an official Nissan Europe entry in the Dubai 24-hour race, where it will be driven by four Nissan Champions from 2011: Michael Krumm, Alex Buncombe, Tom Kimber-Smith and Franck Malliaux.

Source: Nissan

January 23, 2012

B&B Audi A7

Audi has been offering the A7 for more than two years and it doesn’t have too many tuning packages, so B&B Automobiltechnik decided to give it a little more individuality.

The exterior package doesn’t restyle the car too much. It includes a new front fender vents, performance braking system with red calipers, a set of huge 21” alloy wheels fitted with low-profile tires and for perfect stance – lowered suspension by 30 mm.

The real deal is the performance package for the mighty 3.0 liter V6 TFSI model boosted to 385PS (283 kW) and 490Nm (361 lb-ft). There is also a Stage II giving another 23 PS and 30Nm – overall power of 408PS (300 kW) and 520Nm (383 lb-ft). The result is thanks to a high-flow air filter, new intercooler and an ECU re-map. If you need more power, the 3.0 TFSI can become brutal – 425PS (313 kW) and 540Nm (398 lb-ft), which is Stage III.

The 3.0 liter TDI can also be upgraded to 325PS (239 kW) and a staggering torque of 640Nm (472 lb-ft).

Source: B&B and Autoblog.nl

January 23, 2012

Wald Porsche Panamera S Black Bison

Wald International has announced their Black Bison package for Porsche Panamera. The project is based on the S model.

It is powered by a 4.8 liter naturally aspirated V8 with 400PS (294 kW) at 6500RPM and 500Nm (369 lb-ft) at 3500RPM.

The Black Bison package consists of a new front bumper, modified side skirts and new fenders. There is also a new rear bumper with an integrated diffuser, a tailgate-mounted spoiler and a four-tailpipe sports exhaust system.

The tinted front and rear lights are also part from the package.

The stance is further improved by a lowered sports suspension and nice big alloy wheels finished in dark paint fitted with performance tires.

Source: Wald International

January 23, 2012

Alcon CCX SuperKit for Nissan R35 GT-R

Alcon has announced the Carbon Ceramic Xtreme (CCX) Superkit for Nissan R35 GT-R. The specially created brake system includes lightweight brake technology and is half the mass of a similarly sized iron disc. It also boasts significant improvements in vehicle performance and agility and everything is track tested by Alcon’s in-house R&D department.

The results are more than satisfying. The new brake system is fade free and has excellent initial bite from hot or cold. It provides extreme stopping power and features low wear rates of both discs and pads.

The CCX discs are available in numerous sizes to suit customers’ individual requirements, while a number of standard supercar kits are in development and one is now ready for sale.

The Nissan kit fits perfectly to the original 20” wheel rims. It also comes complete with all hardware that you need for installation.

This is the ultimate fast road/track conversion kit for the stunning R35 GT-R and features:

•   400mm front ventilated, cross-drilled CCX discs mounted to stainless steel bells
•   385mm rear ventilated, cross-drilled CCX discs mounted to stainless steel bells
•   New 6-piston, monobloc billet front calipers fitted with Alcon CCX-1 pads
•   6-piston, monobloc billet rear calipers fitted with Alcon CCX-1 pads

Source: Alcon

January 23, 2012

2012 Volkswagen up! 5-door

Volkswagen has announced the five-door up! model, which is expected to hit the market in the second half of this year. The small city car has a 2.42 m long wheelbase that makes for impressive interior space, a capacious 251-litre boot, an efficient three-cylinder engine, new-to-the-class safety features and an innovative infotainment system.

The safety features front and side airbags, ABS with Hydraulic Brake Assist, Isofix child seat preparation in the rear and standard ESP on all models, except the entry level Take up!

The up! has received a five-star rating and the Advanced Award from Euro NCAP, the European New Car Assessment Programme. It is the first vehicle in this class to receive these awards.

The up! was named Car of the Year for 2012, and has also been named TopGear magazine’s Small Car of the Year.

The prices are not confirmed yet, but the three-door version is very competitive at just £7 995 OTR.

Source: Volkswagen

January 23, 2012

2013 Nissan GT-R US Price – $96 820

Finally, Nissan has announced the price tag for 2013 GT-R US model. The sports car hits the US market with a competitive price of $96 820 for GT-R Premium, while the Black Edition model is nearly ten grand more – $106 320.

The new 2013 GT-R is powered by a twin-turbo 3.8-liter V6 with 553PS (406 kW) and 627Nm (463 lb-ft) of torque, which is an increase of 15PS and 20Nm. It is not much, but at least it is something. In addition, the suspension has been retuned to enhance both performance and comfort. Other changes for the 2013 model year include a standard RearView Monitor and the Black Edition receives a new dry carbon fiber rear spoiler.

The braking system comes from Brembo and includes full-floating cross-drilled rotors, low steel high stiffness brake pads and Brembo monoblock 6-piston front and 4-piston rear calipers.

The rims are lightweight 10-spoke forged 20” RAYS with a premium dark finish. They are fitted with Dunlop Sports Max GT 600 DSST CTT tires – P255/40 ZRF20 in front and P285/35 ZRF20 in the rear. The Black Edition features special metallic black six-spoke RAYS lightweight wheels with the same tires.

Six exterior colors are available for 2013: Deep Blue Pearl, Jet Black, Solid Red, Gun Metallic, Pearl White and a 4-stage metallic Super Silver.

The interior boasts performance bucket seats, a cockpit-style instrument panel with a large center-mounted tachometer and multi-function display. The Black Edition adds custom red and black Recaro leather-appointed seats, red and black interior trim and a dark headliner.

An 11-speaker Bose sound , is standard. Additional standard equipment for 2013 includes a RearView Monitor, Nissan Navigation System with XM NavTraffic® with Real-Time Traffic Information and NavWeatherTM capabilities, and Bluetooth® Hands-free Phone System.

Source: Nissan

January 20, 2012

Author: Victor Ivanov