Victor Ivanov – Page 201 – Automobiles Review

Honda AC X Concept

Honda has introduced the AC X Concept at the 2011 Tokyo Motor Show. The interesting vehicle has a plug-in hybrid drivetrain and futuristic exterior, and interior design. The “AC-X” comes from Advanced Cruiser Experience.

The AC X Concept is designed for long trips as the comfort is at first place, which also means that the vehicle has automatic driving mode. Clearly, this is not possible these days, but Honda will work on this. Actually, the manufacturer plans to produce the AC X in a limited edition series and all cars will be used for public testing.

Up front, the vehicle looks a lot like the old civic and the rear end is borrowed from CR-Z, so the cruiser can use the same powertrain as the CR-Z model.

Stay tuned for further details about the futuristic AC-X Concept.

Source: Honda

December 8, 2011

BRABUS ULTIMATE Electric Drive Smart ForTwo Convertible

BRABUS ULTIMATE electric drive is based on Smart ForTwo convertible. It will hit the market in spring 2012 with more power and better performance than its production brethren. Still, there are no exact figures for the ecofriendly city sports car.

Originally the electric drive vehicles has a less than thrilling sound and is particularly heard to hear for pedestrians and bicyclists alike. However, a BRABUS sound generator lends the ULTIMATE electric drive the sound of a V8 engine or space-age soundscapes whose volume is dependent on the position of the accelerator pedal. Great! First, we have to drive underpowered small electric cars and now we will make them to sound like a real car. No thanks!

The exterior comes in matte white and features BRABUS WIDESTAR fender flares front and back to make space for the large BRABUS Monoblock VI in dimensions 7J x 18” with 205/35 R 18 high-performance tires up front and 8.5J x 18” with 235/30 R 18 for the rear.

The wider track of the widened two-door car contributes to its agile and safe handling as does the height-adjustable coilover suspension.

The front spoiler reduces lift on the front axle and the WIDESTAR side skirts of the wide version create a visually and aerodynamically harmonious transition between the fender flares front and back.

The interior boasts all-leather upholstery including seats, door panels and dashboard. The white leather is sewn with the finest green thread. Green trim and green accessories in the cockpit add further contrasts.

BRABUS ULTIMATE Electric Drive Smart ForTwo Convertible

Source: Brabus

December 8, 2011

2012 Nissan GT-R Track Pack

The new GT-R will be even more faster with the special “Track Pack” offering some very nice goodies. Furthermore, the 2012 Nissan GT-R Track Pack is fully road legal.

The exterior modifications includes a new lightweight six-spoke RAYS alloy wheels with gloss black painted centres. The brakes receive additional cooling by ducts built into the front bumper reducing the operating temperature of the front brake discs by as much as 100 degrees during track use. Similar ducts, hidden behind the rear wheels, channel cooling air over the rear discs. With improved stopping performance, the GT-R Track Pack is even more brutal, when it is driven hard.

The suspension is also improved by revising the spring rates for optimal track use. The dampers are adjustable to offer more comfort when the car is being used on the road.

The interior boasts nice Recaro front seats trimmed with blue bolsters and an innovative high grip material. The rear seats have been removed to save weight. A “Track Pack” emblem on the centre console identifies this model as a special GT-R.

The brilliant 3.8-liter twin-turbo V6 is not improved, because it already has 550PS (404 kW) at 6400RPM and 652Nm (483 lb-ft) at just 3200RPM, which is enough to stop the clock at 2.8 seconds from stand still to 100 km/h.

The Track Pack is priced at £10 000, which means that 2012 Nissan GT-R Track pack has a price tag of £84 450. The model is already available to order in 21 Nissan High Performance Centres around the UK as the first deliveries are expected in March, next year.

Source: Nissan

December 8, 2011

2012 Renault Laguna Coupe

The new 2012 Renault Laguna Coupe was revealed at the Bologna Motor Show in Italy. The stylish coupe comes with a brand new lighting signature with LED daytime running lights now fitted as standard equipment. There are also new 17” diamond-effect alloy wheels.

The Pearlescent White exterior finish can now be specified for the GT 4Control and Initiale equipment levels. A two-tone livery featuring a Pearlescent Black roof combined with all the catalogue’s metallic finishes has been extended to the include the GT 4Control version. More than ever, these new styling appointments highlight the elegance and sportiness of Renault’s high-end coupé.

The interior boasts standard visible dashboard stitching. Mixed TEP/fabric upholsteries are also available for all versions.

The engine range includes a new 2.0 Energy dCi 150 engine with start/stop technology and Energy Smart Management. It delivers 150PS (110 kW) and returns CO2 emissions of 118 g/km. There are also turbocharged petrol version with either 170PS or 205PS or a powerful V6 delivering 240PS.

The 2012 Laguna Coupe is priced at €31 500.

Check out the equipment, below!

The former limited-edition Monaco GP version has now become an equipment level in its own right. Laguna Coupé Collection 2012 comes with LED daytime running lights, Carminat TomTom® Live navigation, Plug&Music analogue/digital connectivity (jack + USB) and Bluetooth® connectivity (hands-free telephone, audio streaming) as standard equipment.

Black Edition equipment level:

Six airbags, including thorax/pelvis front airbags
Rear parking sensors
Plug & Music analogue/digital connectivity (jack + USB)
Carminat TomTom Live navigation, connected Live services, French mapping
Renault hands-free entry
Chrome side window surrounds
Dual-zone automatic climate control (three modes: Soft / Auto / Fast)
Twin chrome exhaust tail pipes
ESC, ABS (with emergency brake assist)
Automatic windscreen-wiper and headlight activation
LED daytime running lights
LED rear lights
Electronic parking brake
Isofix anchorage for outer rear seats
17-inch Sari diamond-effect alloy wheels
Metallic paint
Dashboard with visible stitching
Bi-xenon headlights with headlight washers
4x45W “3D Sound by Arkamys” radio-CD with MP3 playback, Bluetooth connectivity and eight loudspeakers
Cruise control with speed limiter
Electrochrome rear view mirror
Electric, heated door mirrors
Mixed black fabric/TEP upholstery with grey stitching
Height- and fore/aft- adjustable sport front seats
Leather-trimmed three-spoke steering wheel and gear lever knob

Monaco GP equipment level = Black Edition equipment level, plus:

Monaco GP exterior badging
Pearlescent Black door mirror housings
Pearlescent White interior details (dashboard and centre console)
Black 18-inch alloy wheels
Aluminium pedal covers
Aluminium gear lever knob (manual gearbox)
Monaco GP-badged, mixed black fabric upholstery
Pearlescent White version with black roof, or completely Pearlescent Black
Leather-trimmed flat-bottomed GT steering wheel with visible stitching

GT 4Control equipment level = Black Edition equipment level, plus:

4Control exterior badging
Renault hands-free entry and engine starting
4Control chassis (four-wheel steering)
Pearlescent Black door mirror housings
Guilloché-patterned aluminium dashboard trim
Black 18-inch alloy wheels
Aluminium pedal covers
Metallic paint, with Pearlescent Black roof
Aluminium gear lever knob
Electrically-folding door mirrors with memory setting
Heated electrically-adjustable front seats, with memory settings for driver’s seat
Black leather upholstery

Tyre pressure monitoring system

Initiale equipment level = Black Edition equipment level, plus:

Front parking sensors
INITIALE exterior badging
Bose® Sound System with 10 loudspeakers and six-CD multi-changer
Carminat DVD Bluetooth® navigation with seven-inch display and European mapping
Renault hands-free entry and engine starting
Black Lacquer interior trim details
18-inch Celsium alloy wheels
MBL directional bi-xenon headlights
Electrically-folding door mirrors with memory setting
Heated electrically-adjustable front seats, with memory settings for driver’s seat
Beige or black leather upholstery
Front and rear carpet mats
Tyre pressure monitoring system

Principal options available for Laguna Coupé (tax-paid prices in France)

Front parking sensors: €300
Bose® Sound System, single-CD player, mp3 playback and 10 loudspeakers: €800
Carminat DVD Bluetooth, seven-inch display, European mapping, Bose Sound System and six-CD multi-changer: €1,500
European mapping: €120
18-inch alloy wheels: €500
Comfort Pack (Renault hands-free entry and engine starting + electrically folding door mirrors): €500
Heat-reflecting windscreen: €200
Special Pearlescent White metallic paint: €200
Directional bi-xenon headlights: €350
16-inch spare wheel: €110
Monaco GP black leather upholstery: €1,500
4Control system: €2,000
Tyre pressure monitoring system: €200

4Control chassis: an innovation exclusive to Renault Laguna

Source: Renault

December 7, 2011

Ferrari Tailor-Made: New Personalisation Programme from Maranello

Ferrari has announced the exclusive new personalisation programme from Maranello – Tailor-Made. It is developed for clients wishing to create a truly bespoke car that will be a clear expression of their own unique personalities and tastes.

The client’s personal wishes and aspirations lie at the very heart of the Tailor-Made Programme. Owners are assisted and guided through the selection process by their own Personal Designer who is charged with guaranteeing that the resulting cars are both unique and consistent with the Ferrari brand and its tradition. Once the car’s details have been defined, the client can then track all of the various processes involved in its creation, right up until they take delivery. Naturally, they are very welcome to come to Maranello to pick up their car in person if they so wish.

Creativity, research, original materials, superb craftsmanship and attention to detail are the cornerstones of the Tailor-Made programme which offers three collections inspired directly by Ferrari’s DNA: Scuderia, Classica and Inedita.

The Tailor-Made Collections

Maximum performance, tradition, innovation. These are the Ferrari brand core values that underpin all three collections created by the Styling Centre to inspire clients interested in the Tailor-Made programme. Scuderia, Classica and Inedita are the three different “worlds” to choose from to create bespoke Ferraris through unique combinations of the many options available.

Guided and advised by their Personal Designer, new owners can make their selections from the collections to reflect their own personal tastes. They are also welcome to suggest innovative, new solutions and materials which the Styling Centre will then assess for compatibility.

Scuderia

Racing has always been the lifeblood of Ferrari which has enjoyed unparalleled success on the world’s circuits since its earliest days. The Scuderia collection is therefore very much homage to the track, a fact reflected in the materials and finishes it includes. The list of options in the Scuderia collection ranges all the way from carbon-fibre trim to technical fabrics, chamois and rubberised leather, Alcantara, microfibres, Kevlar, satin-finish and matte metals. Clients can work with the Scuderia collection to ensure their Ferraris epitomise the very pinnacle of sportiness.

The 250 Testa Rossa, which sold at auction at Pebble Beach in August 2011 for a record $16.4 million, provided the inspiration for the 458 Spider sporting blue and white NART stripes over an historic Rosso Racing body colour. The latter’s seats are upholstered in the same leather used in the Formula 1 cars of the past – a trim that’s light, breathable and feels very much like chamois leather to the touch. The original 250 Testa Rossa had an aluminium dashboard which has now been given a innovative twist in the form of Alutex, an extremely tough, light fibreglass and aluminium material. The cabin is also trimmed with a diamond-quilted fabric inspired by the original Testa Rossa motif.

Classica

In the Classica collection, the styling cues and features of Maranello’s iconic GTs are given a more modern yet still classic look, through the use of the latest materials and production techniques. Elegant pastel colours of the past; the use of vintage leather, or wool, cashmere or velvet; special treatments for the hard areas of the cabin to match the exterior; chromed elements, stitching details and more natural leathers – these are just some of the options available from this collection.

Another icon that’s been given a modern reworking in the Classic collection is the FF inspired by the 250 Europa: it has three-layer Ingrid silver paintwork with dark grey sills and rims. The cabin is a hymn to classicism with a few unusual flourishes mixed in: pinstripe cloth and dark brown semi-aniline leather seats, cashmere roof lining, grey carpet mats, interior trim inserts in the same colour as the exterior, teak-trimmed boot. The overall result is a sublimely classic atmosphere harking back to the original 250 Europa without detracting in any way from its uniqueness and elegance.

Inedita

Inedita does exactly what its name suggests: it introduces novel, innovative styling cues which nonetheless respect the marque’s core values. This is the most experimental of the three collections and we feel it may well give rise to some of the classic trims and finishes of the future. Denim, bold leather upholstery, suit fabrics and technical fabrics are just a few of the innovative and intriguing options available to owners who choose to personalise their cars from the Inedita collection.

The denim-trimmed Ferrari California is a good example of what the collection offers: pale blue leather alternates with denim trim in certain areas of the cabin and seats as well as on the door panels and lower part of the dash. The areas of the cabin normally trimmed in aluminium are now dark blue carbon-fibre. The car sports a Blu Scozia livery, a historic Ferrari colour here given an all-new matte finish. The wheel rims are unusual too as their external surface is dark blue while the inside is pale blue in a nod to the contrast seen in the cockpit. A proposal that, from a point of view of styling, really does push the boundaries and sets a new benchmark in the automotive sector today.

Source: Ferrari

December 7, 2011

2012 LUXGEN Sedan: The Family Car of the Future

LUXGEN has already announced several vehicles featuring unique technologies. The LUXGEN7 MPV and LUXGEN7 SUV were only the start and the manufacturer is now setting its sights on the battleground of the medium-large sedan market.

The LUXGEN5 Sedan, equipped with the latest innovative hTC technology, can be considered a milestone in the history of international auto design. The styling and design of the next-generation sports sedan will embody everything that has been developed for future cars. A first look of LUXGEN5 Sedan will be available at the LUXGEN exhibit during the 2012 Taipei Auto Show.

The Luxgen5 Sedan has a superb 0.28 drag-coefficient, while successfully capturing the essence of a 2-door coupe. The perfect 2:1 ratio between the side panels and windows exemplifies the pursuit of “Surfacing Performance” in the styling.

The engine range includes a 1.8 litre turbocharged petrol and a 2.0 liter turbocharged petrol engine.

The new 1.8L VVT turbo is mated to an intelligent 5-speed automatic gearbox. A sophisticated hydraulic control system improves fuel consumption and power, which is 150PS (110 kW).

The all-new 2.0L VVT turbo engine has 170PS (125 kW). It is coupled to an intelligent 6-speed automatic transmission. 0 to 100 km/h in 8.5 seconds and a top speed of 210 km/h (131 mph). The 6-speed gearbox also comes with Slip Control, minimizing wear and tear on the transmission and reducing fuel consumption.

The LUXGEN THINK⁺ Touch system’s five key functions include Multimedia, Phone, Safety, Information and hTC mode. Apart from using the touch screen itself, shortcut buttons are provided below the screen for convenience. The most innovative feature is to access the NAVI GPS navigation function using the hTC mode. The user can therefore check the map and set routes in the car or on the road. The hands-free Bluetooth system means users can also make calls using the car’s convenient hands-free interface.

The luxurious saloon has Intelligent Aerospace Cockpit with High-tech LCD/LED Dashboard and Jet Fighter HUD, Intelligent EPB Braking, LUXGEN’s Advanced Technology including Active Eagle View⁺ 360 surround imaging system, Europeanised Chassis Targets Safety and Comfort and the Best Crash Protection and Pedestrian Safety.

Source: Luxgen

December 7, 2011

Kylie Minogue and the Lexus CT 200h

The personal car of Kylie Minogue – Lexus CT 200h was sold for £29,000 for the NSPCC as the star item in a fund-raising auction for the charity’s helpline.

“I would just like to say a huge thank you to the generous bidder who bought my personalised Lexus CT 200h, which I have been driving around for the past year.”, said Kylie.

“We were delighted to team up with Kylie Minogue to donate a Lexus CT 200h to the auction. Kylie, who is the face of the Lexus CT 200h, has been driving the car throughout 2011 so it really is a unique prize, and I’m delighted it has raised so much money for the NSPCC.”, added Richard Balshaw, Lexus Director.

The special vehicle was used by the singer as her day-to-day transport and this special association was marked by the addition of personalised headrests with Kylie’s signature picked out in the upholstery stitching.

The CT 200h is powered by a 1.8 litre VVT-I four-cylinder petrol engine with 99PS (73kW) and 142Nm (105 lb-ft) of torque. The powertrain also features an electric motor and the combined power bumps to 136PS (100 kW) and 207Nm (153 lb-ft). The performance is decent – 0 to 100 km/h in 10.3 seconds, but the fuel consumption is amazing – 3.7 litres /100 km on city cycle.

The standard equipment of CT 200h includes – 16” or 17” rims, dual-zone climate control, a USB port and Aux socket for connecting portable music players, Bluetooth for mobile phone connection and audio streaming, front fog lights, automatic wipers and dark-tinted rear privacy glass.

Source: Lexus

December 7, 2011

Vorsteiner BMW X5 M

Vorsteiner has announced their tuning program for BMW X5 M. The sports SUV is already a class act but with the addition of Vorsteiner’s aero components, it gives a fashionable appearance while keeping an aggressive look.

The aerodynamics package from Vorsteiner consists of add-on front spoiler, vented race hood and a new rear diffuser. All parts are made from Carbon Fiber Autoclave Pre-Preg to add strength and durability while maintaining a high class look.

There are no words about performance package for the mighty 4.4 liter twin-turbocharged V8 delivering 555PS (408 kW) at 6000RPM and 680Nm (500 lb-ft) from just 1500RPM. The engine is mated to a 6-speed M Sports Automatic gearbox with aluminum paddleshifters on steering wheel. 0 to 100 km/h in 5 seconds and top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph) – electronically limited.

The X5 M comes with 10 mm lower Adaptive Drive suspension, 4-piston calipers at the front with huge 396mm brake discs.

Vorsteiner X5 M stands on enormous alloy wheels in aggressive design.

The X5M aerodynamic components is available now through an authorized Vorsteiner dealer center near you.

Source: Vorsteiner

December 6, 2011

BRABUS Mercedes CL 500

Brabus has announced the special tuning program for Mercedes-Benz CL 500 BlueEFFICIENCY. The big luxury coupe gets both styling and performance modifications.

The 4.7 liter twin-turbocharged V8 can get two performance packages – BRABUS B50 – 490 and BRABUS B50 – 520.

The first one boosts the engine to 490PS (360 kW) and 780Nm (575 lb-ft) of torque. The results are thanks to optimized engine electronics – recalibrating mapping for ignition, injection and the electronic boost pressure control.

The more powerful variant features an additional intercooler and the result is astonishing – 520PS (382 kW) at 5250RPM and 820Nm (604 lb-ft). This is an increase of 85PS (63 kW).

The all-wheel-drive coupe accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.5 seconds. The BRABUS Vmax unit eliminates the standard 250-km/h (155-mph) speed limit. The two-door car equipped with Vmax unit and BRABUS B50 – 520 PowerXtra performance kit reaches a top speed of 300 km/h (186 mph). The new top speed requires the installation of a BRABUS speedometer with 360-km/h (220-mph) dial.

The BRABUS stainless-steel sport exhaust system with butterfly valve and four distinctive BRABUS-design tailpipes provide the V8 engine with a sportier exhaust note that never becomes intrusive.

The aerodynamics package features BRABUS front spoiler, a pair of side skirts with integrated LED entrance lights. There are also BRABUS rear fascia with features a central reflector and a custom-tailored cutout on each side for the two dual tailpipes of the BRABUS sport exhaust system.

The CL 500 can be equipped with BRABUS Monoblock wheels in various designs and with diameters between 18 and 22 inches. The Monoblock F cross-spoke design is available in size 9J x 21” mounted with tires in size 265/30 ZR 21 from BRABUS technology partners Continental, Pirelli and YOKOHAMA.

The BRABUS lowering module for the standard ABC suspension is specifically calibrated to these ultra-low-profile tires. The module lowers the ride height of the two-door car by some 25 mm.

A BRABUS high-performance brake system that comes in various versions. Version IV, the largest one, consists of vented and cross-drilled discs measuring 405 x 35 mm and 6-piston aluminum fixed calipers on the front axle. The rear axle stops on steel discs measuring 380 x 34 mm and 4-piston aluminum fixed calipers.

The interior of the all-wheel-drive Mercedes coupe also offers numerous possibilities for exclusive BRABUS refinement. The list of accessories ranges from scuff plates with backlit BRABUS logo and an ergonomically shaped sport steering wheel to aluminum pedals, footrest and shifter.

The BRABUS upholstery shop offers countless exclusive options for trimming the interior of the CL-Class to suit the owner’s personal taste. A giant selection of especially soft yet durable BRABUS Mastik leather and finest Alcantara in any desired color is available for that purpose.

Source: BRABUS

December 6, 2011

2012 Vauxhall Insignia BiTurbo Diesel Price – £27 120

Vauxhall has announced the new Insignia BiTurbo coming with the most powerful diesel engine the manufacturer has ever produced. Furthermore it has CO₂ emissions as low as 129g/km.

2012 Vauxhall Insignia BiTurbo is now available on the market with a choice of five-door Hatch and Sports Tourer bodies in SRi, SRi Vx-line and Elite trims. The price starts at – £27 120 OTR.

The 2.0 liter bi-turbo diesel produces 190PS (140 kW) and 400Nm (295 lb-ft) of torque from just 1750RPM. The performance is superb – 0 to 100 km/h in 8.2 seconds and including standard Start/Stop across the range – the FWD Hatch achieves a combined cycle of 57.6mpg.

The Vauxhall’s clever FlexRide adaptive damping is standard on all Insignia BiTurbos, which is normally a £790 option on front-wheel drive models. The system reacts within milliseconds to driver inputs and can ‘learn’ how the car is being driven and adapt damper settings accordingly. Drivers can also select Tour and Sport buttons, and configure the throttle, steering and damper settings in Sport mode separately.

On 4WD models, FlexRide is integrated with the car’s Torque Transfer Device (TTD) and the rear axle’s electronically controlled Limited Slip Differential (e-LSD). These features allow torque to be automatically transferred between front and rear wheels, and between left and right wheels on the rear axle, offering exceptional levels of traction, grip and control.

In common with other models in the Insignia range, the BiTurbo has the option of Vauxhall’s new Front Camera System, with traffic sign recognition and lane departure warning, and Adaptive Cruise Control, which allows the driver to maintain a set distance from the car in front.

Check out the full specs and price list, below!

2012 Vauxhall Insignia BiTurbo Diesel

Cylinders:	4
Bore/Stroke:	83mm/90.4mm
Displacement:	1956cm³
Max Output:	195PS @ 4000rpm
Max Engine Torque:	400Nm @1750-2500rpm
Compression ratio:	16.5:1

Performance

0-60mph	Manual FWD	Manual AWD	Automatic FWD
Hatch	8.2 secs	8.4 secs	8.3 secs
Sports Tourer	8.4 secs	8.6 secs	8.7 secs

Fuel Efficiency and CO₂

Hatchback	Manual S/S FWD	Manual S/S AWD	Automatic FWD
Urban	46.3	42.2	35.8
Extra-Urban	67.3	58.9	60.1
Combined	57.6	54.4	47.9
CO₂	129	146	155

Sports Tourer	Manual S/S FWD	Manual S/S AWD	Automatic FWD
Urban	43.5	40.4	33.2
Extra-Urban	65.7	60.1	50.4
Combined	55.4	51.4	42.2
CO2	134	149	158

BiTurbo List Price

Hatchback	List	VAT	Total	OTR
SRi 2.0CDTi (195PS) S/S	£21,970.83	£4,394.17	£26,365.00	£27,120.00
SRi 2.0CDTi (195PS) 4X4 S/S	£24,033.33	£4,806.67	£28,840.00	£29,725.00

SRi Vx-line 2.0CDTi (195PS) S/S	£22,987.50	£4,597.50	£27,585.00	£28,340.00
SRi Vx-line 2.0CDTi (195PS) 4X4 S/S	£25,050.00	£5,010.00	£30,060.00	£30,945.00

Elite 2.0CDTi (195PS) Automatic	£25,837.50	£5,167.50	£31,005.00	£31,925.00

Sports Tourer	List	VAT	Total	OTR
SRi 2.0CDTi (195PS) S/S	£23,120.83	£4,624.17	£27,745.00	£28,615.00
SRi 2.0CDTi (195PS) 4X4 S/S	£25,183.33	£5,036.67	£30,220.00	£31,105.00

SRi Vx-line 2.0CDTi (195PS) S/S	£24,137.50	£4,827.50	£28,965.00	£29,835.00
SRi Vx-line 2.0CDTi (195PS) 4X4 S/S	£26,200.00	£5,240.00	£31,440.00	£32,325.00

Elite 2.0CDTi (195PS) Automatic	£27,000.00	£5,400.00	£32,400.00	£33,320.00

Source: Vauxhall

December 5, 2011

Renault Megane Coupe-Cabriolet Floride Price – €33 100

Renault will exhibit the new Megane Coupe-Cabriolet Floride at the 2012 Brussels Motor Show in January. The special edition Megane has become even more chic thanks to a new, two-tone red and ivory leather upholstery.

The Megane Floride is inspired by the classic 1960’s model and will come with a number of extras – a Floride Ivory exterior featuring a gloss black roof, badges and 17” diamond-effect alloy wheels. There are also two-tone leather seats, ivory trim and a metal gear knob as well as GPS SAT NAV, unique floor mats and every model comes with an individually-numbered plaque.

2012 Megane Coupe-Cabriolet Floride is powered by a dCi 130 engine with 130PS (96 kW) and 300Nm (221 lb-ft). It is mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox to guarantee maximum driving pleasure and sporty moments behind the steering wheel. From 0 to 100 km/h in 10.6 seconds and a top speed of 205 km/h (127 mph).

This exclusive limited edition version is restricted to just 1 600 numbered examples, of which 250 are exclusively made for France. The price starts at €33 100.

Standard equipment for Mégane Coupé-Cabriolet Floride:

Comfort: Renault hands-free key card; dual-zone automatic climate control; wind deflector mesh screen; glass wind deflector; electrically-folding door mirrors; ‘easy entry’ access to the rear seats with position memory function for the front seats.
Driver aids: front and rear parking sensors; electronic parking brake; automatic headlight and windscreen wiper activation; cruise control with speed limiter.
Safety: six airbags (front, lateral and anti-submarining airbags); ABS with emergency brake assist; anti-whiplash head rests; ESC; tyre pressure monitoring system; spare wheel.
Multimedia: Carminat TomTom® Live satellite navigation; ‘3D Sound By Arkamys’ audio with steering wheel-mounted fingertip remote control, MP3 playback, and Bluetooth and Plug&Music digital connectivity.

Source: Renault

December 2, 2011

Romeo Ferraris Alfa Brera

A beautiful car needs a powerful engine, that’s why the Italian tuner Romeo Ferraris take the stunning Brera and put a supercharger kit under the hood. Furthermore, the stylish vehicle received a nice exterior package.

The supercharger kit includes a compressor, an intercooler, special piping, an ECU re-map and new full sport exhaust system including a 200 cell catalytic converter. The result is very nice – additional 98PS (72 kW) and 120Nm (89 lb-ft), so the total power of the supercharged 3.2 liter V6 is 358PS (263 kW) and 440Nm (325 lb-ft) of torque. The performance is superb – 0 to 100 km/h in 5 seconds flat and a top speed of 260 km/h (162 mph).

The body kit includes a new front bumper, a pair of side skirts and a modified rear bumper. The stance of the Brera is further optimized by an adjustable sports suspension kit.

All components, including the supercharger, have been developed by Autodelta and Romeo Ferraris is distributor and authorized service center for Italy.

Source: Romeo Ferraris

December 2, 2011

Author: Victor Ivanov