Victor Ivanov – Page 198 – Automobiles Review

2013 Honda Accord Coupe Concept – NAIAS

Honda has revealed the Accord Coupe Concept today at the North American International Auto Show. The new ninth-generation 2013 model is set to go on-sale this fall. It boasts cutting edge technologies combined with bold design and nice powerful engines.

“Marking the 30th anniversary of U.S. production, this new ninth-generation Accord will raise the bar again through a tour de force of new Honda powertrain and safety technologies, geared to ensure that Honda and the Accord continue to lead in fuel economy, safety and fun-to-drive performance,” commented John Mendel, executive vice president of sales for American Honda.

The engine range includes a new 2.4 liter Earth Dreams with 184PS (135 kW) and 240Nm (177 lb-ft). It is coupled with a 6-speed manual or a new Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). There is also a hybrid model with a 163PS (120 kW) electric motor and a 2.0-liter four-cylinder Atkinson-cycle engine. Last, but not least, Accord can be power by a mighty 3.5-liter V6 with 314PS (231 kW) and 359Nm (265 lb-ft). It can be connected to a 6-speed manual or a new 6-speed automatic.

The new Accord will be available with Honda’s first application of Lane Departure Warning (LDW) and Forward Collision Warning (FCW) technology. Both systems use a camera mounted behind the windshield to alert drivers if the car is moving out of its lane or to warn drivers of a potential collision in front of them.

The standard equipment is amazing, but the most interesting features are the Bluetooth 3 HandsFreeLink phone interface, a full-color intelligent Multi-Information Display (i-MID) and an SMS text messaging function. Another standard feature and first for the Accord is the introduction of a Pandora Internet Radio interface4, compatible with the Apple iPhone, which works with the vehicle’s audio controls and i-MID.

Source: Honda

January 10, 2012

Toyota NS4 Advanced Plug-in Hybrid Concept

Toyota has revealed the NS4 advanced plug-in hybrid concept at the 2012 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit. The new vehicle exemplifies Toyota’s vision for future mobility, with a focus on next generation connectivity and safety.

“In this digital age, cars are becoming another spoke in the wheel of our electronic connectivity. NS4 demonstrates Toyota’s take on the human connection to the car with technology that considers both emotional and rational relationships, person-to-car and car-to-society.”, commented Jim Lentz, president and chief executive officer of Toyota Motor Sales US (Inc.).

The NS4 boasts advanced in-car connectivity, next evolution of Toyota safety systems and Glass Technology.

The NS4 concept’s human-machine interface (HMI) is centred around a multi-touch screen with the look and feel of a smartphone. The simple, intuitive operation conveys information quickly while minimizing distractions and maximizing driver awareness. The multimedia and vehicle-controls enhancement will also direct air conditioning, audio, battery-charge and navigation functions. The HMI system is even capable of “learning” driver preferences to anticipate driver responses in specific environments and situations.

Toyota NS4 Advanced Plug-in Hybrid Concept

The NS4 features Toyota’s latest safety system developments, including next generation pre-collision system (PCS), adaptive driving beam (ADB) headlights, and blind spot monitor (BSM). PCS features lane departure and pedestrian collision avoidance technologies designed to predict collisions under certain circumstances and help avoid them. Adaptive Driving Beam (ADB) headlights help to prevent vision-impairing glare to oncoming drivers and pedestrians. Using sub-millimeter wave radar, the Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) detects a vehicle in the adjacent lane and visually alerts the driver using visual indicators placed in the upper dash.

Four new glass technologies are integrated into the windscreen, front and rear windows to improve driver visibility, fuel economy and electric driving mode mileage efficiency:

•   Rain-resistant ‘hydrophobic’ coating – Fluorine coated glass causes rain drops to form intosemispherical shapes for improved visibility and rain drop elimination.
•   ‘Anti-fog’ coating – High performance resin material with anti-fogging characteristics and increased durability.
•   High ultraviolet (UV) absorbing inner-layer – Removes 99 percent of harmful UVA and UVB rays
•   Anti-solar film with radio-wave transparency – Reduces the internal vehicle temperature and improves electronic device functionality

Source: Toyota

January 10, 2012

Nissan Juke-R – 0 to 100 kmh in 3.7 seconds

Nissan has officially confirmed the performance figures for Juke-R. The ultimate crossover has been developed by Nissan and built by leading motorsports outfit RML with advice from Nissan Technical Centre Europe (NTC-E).

Juke-R is powered by a 3.8-litre V6 twin turbo engine with 480BHP (353 kW) and 588Nm (434 lb-ft). From 0 to 100 km/h in 3.7 seconds and a top speed of 257 km/h (160 mph). Not bad performance for a compact crossover.

The vehicle also features big 20-inch RAYS forged alloy wheels fitted with low-profile performance tires. Suspension from Nissan GT-R as well as an FIA-specification roll cage and unique split rear wing.

The interior boasts OMP race seats, all the controls and instruments from GT-R and a 7” touch-screen display is in the centre of the dashboar.

During the 22 week project, Nissan ‘opened the doors’ on the creation of Juke-R, documenting the development story from day 1 and releasing a series of 10 videos on You Tube and via the Nissan Juke Facebook page – a series which has achieved over 2.2 million views in just 10 weeks.

Today marks the release of the wrap-up video bringing together the full development story, showing the car in all its dynamic glory. The next installments are scheduled for January when the Nissan Juke-R hits the road.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y_BIAuT7bN4

Source: Nissan

January 10, 2012

2012 Vauxhall Mokka

Vauxhall has announced their new small SUV, which is expected to hit the market in the end of this year. The new Mokka will make its official debut at the Geneva Motor Show in March. The vehicle will enter the growing sub-compact SUV B-segment.

“The Mokka takes its design cues from larger SUVs and integrates them into a compact, yet modern form,” commented Duncan Aldred, Vauxhall’s Chairman and Managing Director.

“We are growing a compelling and diverse range of products that appeal both to retail and fleet customers, and the Mokka will complement this perfectly.”, he added.

The engine range includes a 1.6 liter naturally aspirated petrol with 115PS (85 kW) and a 1.4 liter turbo petrol with 140PS (103 kW) and 200Nm (148 lb-ft). The diesel variant is a 1.7 CDTI with 130PS (96 kW) and 300Nm (221 lb-ft). Both the 1.4 Turbo and the 1.7 CDTI can be combined either with 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmissions.

The new Vauxhall Mokka will be available in Front-Wheel and All-Wheel Drive . The All-Wheel Drive System ensures a high level of stability and safety, extending Mokka’s capabilities to more rugged environments. When handling and traction are put to the test, the system automatically and seamlessly transfers power to the rear wheels.

Standard features that enhance the driving experience across all models include Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Traction Control (TC) as well as Hill Start Assist (HAS) and Hill Descent Control (HDC ) systems – which improve driving comfort and safety in uphill or downhill terrain.

The Vauxhall Mokka brings cutting-edge upmarket technologies to the SUV B-segment. The Advanced Adaptive Forward Lighting (AFL+) which increases driving safety is based on the 3rd generation Bi-Xenon lighting system that includes High Beam Assist (HBA). The new generation Vauxhall front camera system is also available, giving the driver access to a number of functions including Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Forward Collision Alert (FCA) and second generation Traffic Sign Recognition.

The Mokka will be available at Vauxhall dealerships in the end of 2012.

Source: Vauxhall

January 10, 2012

2012 Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid

2012 Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid is exhibited at the 2012 North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

The new highly efficient Jetta is powered by astonishing powertrain including a 1.4-litre TSI 150 PS petrol engine and a 27PS (20 kW) electric motor. This result in great improvement of the range – 45 mpg US (54 mpg Imp.) and nice performance – 0 to 60 mph in just below 9 seconds.

Furthermore, the Jetta Hybrid can go up to 2 km on pure electricity with speeds up to 70 km/h (44 mph).

The battery is made up of 60 individual cells, each with an energy capacity of five Ah. Together they produce a nominal voltage of 220 Volts and an energy capacity of 1.1 kWh and weigh 38.5 kg. Cooling is provided by an integrated fan, operated by the battery’s own management system that performs diagnostic, monitoring and safety functions, including disconnecting the battery in the event of an accident.

The Jetta Hybrid weighs only 100 kg more than the non-hybrid Jetta at less than 1 500 kg in total.

Externally, the Jetta Hybrid can be identified by aerodynamic modifications including a new front spoiler, a rear diffuser and a rear spoiler that help to improve the car’s Cd value by 10 per cent. There are also new headlights with LED running lights, LED rear lights and unique 15-inch alloy wheels with low rolling resistance tyres. ‘Hybrid’ badges adorn the front wings, bootlid and modified front grille, where the Volkswagen logo is presented on a blue background for the first time.

The interior of the Hybrid is very much like that of any other Jetta, although the electric drive, along with a newly designed exhaust system, an acoustic windscreen and thicker front side windows help to make this the quietest vehicle Volkswagen has ever offered in this class.

One key interior difference is in the instruments. If the driver selects the ‘Hybrid’ menu in the multifunction display, the current drive mode is shown, while a meter indicates energy flow via arrows. The same screen also shows the battery charge state. Beneath the energy flow diagram is what is known as the ePower meter, which indicates the power provided by the electric motor.

The tachometer is replaced by the Power meter, a multifunction display on the left of the instrument cluster. This informs the driver of the operation of the hybrid system: Ready, Charge, Eco, Boost or TSI. The audio system, meanwhile, has a zero emissions menu. This offers a graphical display of the past 30 minutes of driving time, with a bar showing emissions each minute: a full, 100 per cent bar represents no emissions at all.

Standard equipment on SE model features a 2Zone climate control system that works without the TSI engine running, a Premium 8 sound system, Bluetooth phone integration, MDI interface for iPod connectivity and a leather-wrapped multifunction steering wheel. Moving up to SEL1 specification adds 16-inch alloy wheels, a glass sunroof, RNS 315 satellite navigation, electric driver’s seat adjustment, heated front seats and keyless entry. The top SEL2 specification adds to this further, with 17” wheels, fog lights, bi-xenon headlights with cornering function, a reversing camera and a 400-Watt Fender sound system.

Source: Volkswagen

January 9, 2012

Audi Q3 Vail Concept

Audi has unveiled the Q3 Vail Concept in Detroit. The vehicle will share the limelight with the new generation Audi A4 at the North American International Automobile Show (January 14-22), and will combine striking, harder-edged styling with a suitably brawny 2.5-litre TFSI petrol engine delivering extreme power.

The Q3 Vail Concept is developed for young fans of winter sports who love skiing or snowboarding. It is finished in Energy Red with golden pearlescent particles. The colour is really striking, especially when it is combined with matt grey quartz-based paint for some elements.

Vertical bars made from aluminium are integrated in the single-frame grille. They extend across the full height of the grille.

The struts feature a bi-colour theme developed specifically for the Q3 Vail: their lateral edges are painted in matt quartz-based paint, and the slim front faces have a high-gloss finish.

In the headlights the zones in the lower area of the light-guide elements, which generate the daytime running lights, are painted anthracite. The side air inlets further emphasize the themed vehicle’s powerful appearance; their top areas are covered by solid aluminium panels. The underbody guard beneath the front end is also made from aluminium.

The Audi Q3 Vail is powered by a 2.5 litre five-cylinder TFSI engine with direct injection and turbocharging – 314PS (231 kW) and 400Nm (295 lb-ft). The performance is superb – 0 to 100 km/h in 5.5 seconds and a top speed of 262 km/h (163 mph).

The Q3 Vail stands on 255/45 section off-road tyres and 20” five-arm wheels whose visible edges have a high-gloss finish which mirrors the single-frame grille. Track width has increased by 40 mm at the front and rear compared to series production models, and the body is 30 mm higher. At the rear, the two tailpipes of the dual-branch exhaust system are integrated into the diffuser and underbody guard area.

The interior of the Audi Q3 Vail has a fittingly sporty black, grey and red colour scheme. The headlining is made from titanium grey Alcantara; large parts of the interior, including the carpet, are black. The black, ribbed floor mats are edged with narrow strips of red velvet-finish leather.

Source: Audi

January 9, 2012

Nissan e-NV200 Concept

Nissan has revealed the e-NV200 Concept, which will makes its official debut at the 2012 North American Auto Show in Detroit. The vehicle is based on the popular Nissan NV200 multi-usage vehicle and features a full electric drivetrain.

“With its ‘no gas, no tailpipe, no emissions’ powertrain, the Nissan e-NV200 Concept combines a quiet, comfortable driving experience with a large, highly versatile, functional interior space within a compact overall body length,” commented Hideto Murakami, corporate vice president, Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.

“A potential game changing vehicle in its segment, the battery capacity will support a driving range similar to the Nissan LEAF, while payload and cargo space will offer the same level as the current NV200. The production version would be targeted mainly at businesses, but also at private users or families in major regions.”, he added.

The Nissan e-NV200 Concept shares its major drivetrain components with the innovative Nissan LEAF. The e-NV200 includes an 80kW AC synchronous motor that generates 280Nm of torque.
Silent, zero emission power is supplied by a lithium-ion battery composed of 48 compact modules and a high-response 109 PS (80kW) AC synchronous motor that generates 280Nm of torque. Unlike a conventional internal combustion engine, the motor delivers 100% of its torque from start with immediate response bringing excellent acceleration and smooth, comfortable driving feel.

And, like the Nissan LEAF, the Nissan e-NV200 Concept offers a highly responsive, fun-to-drive experience that is in keeping with what consumers have come to expect from traditional, gasoline-powered vehicles. In line with the Nissan LEAF, the Nissan e-NV200 Concept offers excellent projected fuel economy – a critical factor for commercial vehicle operators.

Source: Nissan

January 9, 2012

Vilner Mercedes Vito 120 CDI

Vilner has announced their new project. It is based on Mercedes Vito 120 CDI, which is turned to a real eye-catcher, instead of an ordinary family van. The big vehicle received unique interior and some exterior modifications.

Firstly, the interior looking exactly like one in a private airplane. It features seats from Mercedes CL with mahogany armrests, luxurious tables and extra soundproofing. Other upgrades include an Amareta-covered rear-view mirror, an ergonomic steering wheel, and extra built-in chargers for mobile phone, a huge 19″ LCD display, a hi-fi multimedia system, ambient lighting, a refrigerator and a minibar. Basically, it has whatever you need to feel comfortably during long trips across the country or the continent, especially with the superbly efficient diesel engine.

Mercedes Vito 120 CDI is powered by a 3.0 litre V6 common-rail turbodiesel engine with 204PS (150 kW) and 440Nm (325 lb-ft). From 0 to 100 km/h in 8.3 seconds and average fuel consumption of 9.2 litres per 100 km. Not bad specs for a family van!

Lastly, the exterior of Vilner Vito comes with a set of big alloy wheels fitted with lowprofile tires, Bi-xenon headlights with brows and LED daytime running lights.

Source: Vilner

December 28, 2011

Senner Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG

Senner Tuning has unveiled their program for the famous Mercedes SLS AMG. It includes performance modifications and some improvement of the stance.

The new Gullwing is powered by the most powerful naturally aspirated V8 in the world – AMG’s 6.2 liter beast with 571PS (420 kW) and 650Nm (479 lb-ft). It is boosted to 606PS (446 kW) and 690Nm (509 lb-ft). The results are thanks to a number of upgrades – an ECU re-map, optimized air-flow and new stainless steel sports exhaust system.

The sports coupe stands on enormous Corniche Vegas wheels – 9J x 20” with 255/30 R20 tires on the front axle and 11J x 20” with 285/30 R20 on the rear. The stance is further improved by a set of adjustable coilovers from KW.

The price for these upgrades start at €19 500.

Source: Senner

December 28, 2011

Manhart BMW MH3 V8RS Clubsport

Manhart Racing has revealed the most brutal E92 3-Series, which you can imagine. After the previous project – MH3 V8R with 655PS (482 kW), the tuning company is ready with the new one – the MH3 V8 RS Clubsport.

Firstly, the exterior is entirely modified in order to get maximum downforce. The aerodynamics package includes a front spoiler, modified hood, a pair of side skirts, wheel arch extensions, trunk li, an enormous adjustable rear wing and a rear diffuser. All parts are made from carbon fiber for maximum strength and lightness.

The look is completed by enormous the ultra-light Concave One “Black Edition” forged wheels 9J x 20” with 255/30 ZR20 Continental Sport Contact 5 high performance tires on the front and 12J x 20” with 325/25 ZR20 tires on the rear. The stance is further improved by adjustable coilover suspension.

The interior boasts new seats from carbon fiber and a Wiechers roll cage. There is also a Manhart Racing display showing all data that the pilot needs.

The E92 M3 received the brutal engine from BMW X5 M – a 4.4 liter twin-turbocharged petrol with 555PS (408 kW). Still, the tuners decided that this is not enough power for a small 3-Series car and boosted the monster to whopping 750PS (551 kW) and 910Nm (671 lb-ft) of torque. So , they made the car really hard to drive. The engine is mated to a 6-speed M Sport automatic transmission sending all that power to a LSD from E60 M5. The weight of the car is 1590 kg (3505 lbs) meaning that it has power to weight ratio of 2.25 kg/hp.

Performance – 0 to 100 km/h in 3.2 seconds and a top speed of more than 350 km/h (217 mph).

Manhart Racing also took care about the brakes. They have installed MOVIT brake system with 6-piston calipers on the front with 396×34 mm discs and 4-piston calipers with 380×32 mm discs on the rear.

Undeniably, Manhart Racing have built a unique sports car.

Source: Manhart Racing

December 22, 2011

2012 Audi A1 Quattro – 333 units worldwide

Audi A1 Quattro will be released in limited series of just 333 examples worldwide. The special edition premium subcompact car comes with superb equipment, brutal turbocharged petrol engine, and exclusive exterior and interior.

The A1 Quattro is powered by a directly injected, turbocharged 2.0 litre four-cylinder petrol engine with 265PS (195 kW) at 6000RPM and 350Nm (258 lb-ft) of torque from just 2500RPM. With such power, the performance is exceptional – 0 to 100 km/h in 5.7 seconds and a top speed of 245 km/h (152 mph). Furthermore, the small sports car returns up to 33.2mpg (combined cycle). The engine is mated to a quick-shifting 6-speed manual transmission.

The electronic stability program (ESP) also includes a sport mode which sets a higher threshold for intervention, and can be switched off entirely for track use.

The chassis of the Audi A1 quattro has been adapted to suit the dynamics of the drivetrain, and the multi-plate clutch has also been positioned on the rear axle in the interest of optimum weight distribution.

The exterior is finished in Glacier White metallic with a high-gloss black roof. It also boasts 18” turbine alloy wheels, redesigned bumpers, grille, red painted ‘wings’ within the headlights, a large two-colour rear spoiler and two 100 mm polished exhaust tailpipes.

A1 Quattro also has tinted LED rear lights, tinted rear windows and a contrasting black colouring for the rear hatch and rear diffuser.

The interior features black Silk Nappa leather with contrasting red stitching. There are also multi-adjustable front S sport seats, integrated head restraints and Quattro logos on their backrests.

Among the standard equipment you’ll find Xenon plus headlights, high-beam assistant, adaptive brake lights, an LED interior lighting package, light and rain sensors, the acoustic rear parking system, automatic air conditioning, a storage package, the convenience key and cruise control.

The options list includes exceptional Infotainment kit with a CD changer, DAB digital radio, Audi Music Interface, hard disk-based MMI NAV plus, a 465 Watt 14-speaker Bose sound system with illuminated woofers in the doors and Mobile Phone Preparation High with Online Services.

The Audi A1 Quattro will be available in Europe in the second half of 2012.

Source: Audi

December 21, 2011

2011 Subaru Forester 2.0D XS NavPlus Price – £29 070

The latest version of Subaru Forester has been named “Junior Crossover of the Year“ by the famous -roading magazine – Total 4×4. In other words, this is the perfect vehicle for going to a picnic with your family. It offers a good combination of quality, practical usability, value and driving fun.

2011 Forester competes against Toyota Urban Cruiser, Suzuki SX4 and Skoda Octavia Scout. The Forester has a Symmetrical All-Wheel-Drive configuration and good fuel efficient petrol and diesel power units.

The engine range includes a 2.0-litre Boxer diesel and a 2.0 liter Boxer petrol. The diesel has 150PS (110 kW) and 350Nm (258 lb-ft). It returns up to 47.9 mpg on combined cycle and the performance is not very bad – 0 to 100 km/h in 10.4 seconds and a top speed of 186 km/h (116 mph). The petrol variant also has 150PS (110 kW), but only 196Nm (145 lb-ft). It returns 30 mpg on combined cycle. From 0 to 100 km/h in 11.9 seconds and a top speed of 190 km/h (119 mph).

There are three trim levels – X, XC and XS. 2011 Forester 2.0X is priced at just £21 370 and the price goes all the way up to £29 070 for the range-topping 2.0D XS NavPlus.

Source: Subaru

December 21, 2011

Author: Victor Ivanov