Victor Ivanov – Page 207 – Automobiles Review

2012 BMW F10 M5 Saloon UK Price – £73 040

BMW UK has announced the new 2012 F10 M5 Saloon, which is available to order from this month with price – £73 040 OTR. This is the 5^th-generation of the famous five series and it is simply fantastic. This is also the most powerful road-legal BMW, which the manufacturer has ever produced.

2012 F10 M5 comes with unique exterior design dictated by the technical requirements of the car, while the luxurious sports car-like cockpit offers an extensive range of innovative driver assistance systems and mobility services.

The performance is simply astonishing – 4.4 seconds to 100 km/h, 13 seconds to 200 km/h and a top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph) – electronically limited and over 200 mph (322 km/h) without the speed governor.

All these figures are possible thanks to the staggering 4.4 liter twin-turbo V8 under the front hood. It delivers 560PS (412 kW) at 5750RPM and 680Nm(502 lb-ft) at just 1500RPM. The most powerful ///M engine features twin-scroll turbochargers, high-precision direct fuel injection, VALVETRONIC variable valve control and a cross-bank exhaust manifold. Despite the brutal performance, the engine is not so thirsty – 9.9 liters per 100 km on combined cycle (28.5 mpg) and CO2 emissions of 232 g/km.

The engine is mated to a new 7-speed M Double Clutch Transmission Drivelogic and Efficient Dynamics technology, including engine Auto Start-Stop and Brake Energy Regeneration.

The transmission offers manual (S) and fully automated (D) shift options, with three programmes in each, allowing the driver to select the most sporty, relaxed or efficient driving style at will via a rocker switch.

The DSC system is linked to the anti-lock brakes (ABS), Cornering Brake Control (CBC), Dynamic Brake Control (DBC), Brake Assistant, Brake Fade Compensation, Brake Drying function and Start-off Assistant. By pressing the DSC button the driver can override the basic settings and select M Dynamic Mode (MDM), which raises the intervention thresholds or turns them off completely.

The new M5 has 6-piston caliper brakes featuring a further development of BMW’s remarkable compound construction so that they resist fade even under repeated heavy loads and deliver an exceptional degree of feel. They are mounted within 19” M light alloy wheels with 265/40 R19 tyres at the front and 295/35 R19 tyres at the rear. Forged 20” alloys can be specified as an option.

The interior of the car boasts M Sports seats, Merino leather upholstery, Aluminium Trace interior trim strips and the BMW Individual roof liner in Anthracite, plus the BMW iDrive control system with a 10.2” Control Display. M5 lettering on the sill panels is standard.

The instrument cluster with black-panel technology includes classic BMW M circular dials with red needles and white illumination. The multifunction buttons on the M leather steering wheel operate the cruise control, radio and telephone. On the left-hand side the driver will now find two M Drive buttons which can call up a pre-configured setting for the car – for example, a sports or a more comfort-orientated set of driving characteristics.

Standard equipment in the UK includes Head-up Display, DAB digital radio, front and rear Park Distance Control, four-zone air-conditioning, Xenon headlights, Adaptive Headlights and front seat heating. With Professional Multimedia Navigation system and BMW Assist, a new real-time traffic information service provides accurate traffic bulletins and diversion suggestions. Furthermore, with Bluetooth and USB audio interface as standard, the integration of Smartphones and music players keep occupants entertained and informed.

Optional equipment including a rear-view camera, High-Beam Assistant, Speed Limit information, Lane Change and Lane Departure warnings, Surround View and BMW Night Vision ensure the driver is aware of anything and everything happening within the vicinity of the car. A Mobile Application preparation allows iPhone owners to receive web radio stations and display Facebook and Twitter posts on the Control Display.

Source: BMW

November 16, 2011

BMW Concepts at the 42nd Tokyo Motor Show

BMW will bring the two famous concepts – i3 and i8 at the 42^nd Tokyo Motor Show, next month. With the “i series”, the BMW Group is adopting an all-embracing approach, redefining the understanding of personal mobility with purpose-built vehicle concepts, a focus on sustainability throughout the value chain and a range of complementary mobility services. Both vehicles were introduced at the Frankfurt Motor Show, this year.

BMW i3 Concept is a small 5-door city car, which can carry up to four occupants. It is powered by an electric motor with 170PS (125 kW) and 250Nm (184 lb-ft) of torque. 0 to 100 km/h in 7.9 seconds and top speed of 150 km/h (93 mph). The lithium-ion battery pack delivers enough energy for range up to 160 km (100 miles). It can be recharged in just 6 hours to 100%. The overall weight of the vehicle is 1250 kg (2755 lbs).

BMW i8 Concept is a sports car, which comes with a three-cylinder turbocharger petrol engine combined with an electric motor. The total power is 353PS (260 kW) and 550Nm (406 lb-ft) of torque, so the performance is superb – 0 to 100 km/h in 4.6 seconds and top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph). The car weighs just 1480kg. The i8 can go on electricity alone up to 32 km (20 miles). The fuel consumption is amazing for such amount of power – 2.7 l per 100 km with CO2 emissions of 66 g/km.

An additional range of mobility services – which can also be used independently of the cars – will be an integral component of BMW i alongside the vehicles themselves. A totally new development in this area will be vehicle-independent mobility services.

Source: BMW

November 16, 2011

2012 Mercedes-Benz ML 63 AMG

Mercedes-Benz has announced the new ML 63 AMG. The SUV is not only superbly powered, but it now features efficiency and performance, exclusivity and an awesome driving experience. The vehicle boasts a 28% improvement in efficiency over its predecessor.

2012 Mercedes ML 63 AMG is powered by a new 5.5 litre bi-turbo V8 engine with 525PS (386 kW) and 700Nm (519 lb-ft). The optional AMG Performance package boosts the V8 engine’s power output to 557PS (410 kW) and its maximum torque to 760Nm (563 lb-ft).

“Like its predecessors, the new ML 63 AMG sets new standards in terms of performance, exclusivity and a superlative driving experience – plus the efficiency factor, which is acquiring ever greater emphasis at Mercedes-AMG. As the inventor of the high-performance SUV, we remain true to the philosophy which we introduced in 1999 with the ML 55 AMG and continued in 2005 with the ML 63 AMG.”, commented Ola Källenius, Chairman of Mercedes-AMG GmbH.

The newly developed ACTIVE CURVE SYSTEM for active roll stabilisation, the AMG-specific design and the broad scope of standard equipment and appointments provide for a highly attractive overall package.

The AMG 5.5-litre V8 biturbo engine features spray-guided direct petrol injection with piezo injectors, ECO start/stop system, an all-aluminium crankcase, four valves per cylinder with camshaft adjustment, air-water charge air cooling and generator management. All this mean that you’ll have more power, better torque and less fuel consumption, which is 23.9 mpg. 0 to 100 km/h in 4.8 seconds and 4.7 seconds if fitted with the AMG Performance Package, while the top speed stands at 250 km/h (155 mph) – electronically limited.

The engine is mated to AMG SPEEDSHIFT PLUS 7G-TRONIC system, which is 7-speed automatic gearbox with several functions – C (Controlled Efficiency), S (Sport) and M (Manual).

The AMG Performance package includes an engine cover in high-quality real carbon, callipers in red painted finish and the AMG Performance steering wheel in nappa leather/DINAMICA.

2012 ML 63 AMG stands on enormous five-spoke light-alloy wheels – 9J x 20” with 265/45 R 20 up front and 10J x 21” with 295/35 R 21 at the rear axle.

The AMG high-performance braking system provides for the shortest possible braking distances and high fade resistance, featuring ventilated and perforated brake discs all-round in size 390 x 36 mm – front and 345 x 26 mm – rear.

The interior boasts electrically adjustable AMG sports seats, four-spoke AMG Performance steering wheel with aluminium shift paddles. There are also aluminium trim elements, leather upholstery and a lot AMG badges. The distinctively designed instrument cluster with colour TFT monitor, AMG welcome logo and AMG main menu is exclusive to the ML 63 AMG.

The designo Exclusive package features Nappa leather upholstery on the AMG sports seats with an unusual diamond pattern. It is available in designo marron, designo porcelain and designo black. There are also AMG badges in the backrests of the front seats and the outer rear seats as well as velour floor mats with designo metal badges and black designo leather edging. A designo roof lining in DINAMICA black rounds off the designo Exclusive package.

Further optional items include designo trims in black piano lacquer and the designo wood/leather steering wheel in black piano lacquer.

The new Mercedes-Benz ML 63 AMG will launch in the UK in Spring 2012.

	ML 63 AMG
Displacement	5461 cc
Bore x stroke	98.0 x 90.5 mm
Compression ratio	10.0 : 1
Output	525 hp at 5250 rpm 557 hp at 5750/rpm*
Max torque	700 Nm at 1750-5000 rpm 760 Nm at 2000-5000 rpm*
Engine weight (dry)	204 kg
Fuel consumption, NEDC combined	23.9 mpg
CO₂ emissions	276 g/km
Acceleration 0-62 mph	4.8 s 4.7 s*
Top speed	155 mph**

* with AMG Performance package; ** electronically limited.

Check the standard and optional equipment, below!

2012 Mercedes-Benz ML 63 AMG standard equipment:

• AMG door sills in stainless steel

• AMG sports pedals in brushed stainless steel with rubber studs

• Audio 20 CD radio with Bluetooth and USB interface

• Tyre pressure monitoring system

• Electric sliding glass roof

• Heated seats for driver and front passenger

Exclusive optional extras are also available from the AMG Performance Studio:

• AMGfloor mats

• AMG light-alloy wheels (10 x 21) in 5-spoke design, painted in titanium grey with a high-sheen finish, fitted with tyres in size 295/35 R 21

• AMG Performance steering wheel in nappa leather/DINAMICA

• AMG Performance package with increase in power of 32 hp and 60 Newton metres more torque, AMG engine cover in high-quality real carbon, AMG Performance steering wheel in nappa leather/DINAMICA, callipers in red painted finish

Optional equipment:

• Trailer coupling with electric unlocking

• Becker^® MAP PILOT

• Electrically operated EASY PACK tailgate

• Rear Seat Entertainment System

• harman/kardon^® Logic 7^® surround sound system

• Wood/leather steering wheel in nappa leather

• THERMOTRONIC luxury automatic climate control

• Light package including Intelligent Light System

• Media interface

• Memory package

• COMAND Online multimedia system

• Electrical panoramic sliding glass sunroof

• Aluminium-look running boards with rubber studs

• TV tuner

• Wood trims

Source: Mercedes

November 15, 2011

Toyota Concepts at the 42nd Tokyo Motor Show

Toyota will exhibit several concept cars at the 2011 Tokyo Motor Show. The three concepts feature a lot of interesting technologies and are divided by the time they will appear – one near future, one mid term and one way out there.

The FT-EV III , which is short from Future Toyota – Electric Vehicle III is based on Toyota iQ. This is a small four-seater electric vehicle concept suitable for short-distance trips. FT-EV III comes with a lithium-ion battery and can go up to 65 miles on a single charge.

The seconds Concept is FCV-R meaning Fuel Cell Vehicle – Reality & Revolution, which is 4700mm long, practical, family sized vehicle powered by hydrogen. This concept model represents the next step towards the commercial launch of a Toyota fuel cell vehicle by 2015. The fuel-cell unit is located beneath the specially designed bodyshell and the vehicle can accommodate up to four passengers. It also boasts impressive luggage space. The fuel cell stack, with a 70 MPa high-pressure hydrogen tank, has been improved to provide a cruising distance of approximately 430 miles.

Lastly, The Toyota Fun-Vii – Fun-Vehicle interactive internet is a herald of future where people, cars and society are linked.

The 42^nd Tokyo Motor Show will take place at Tokyo Big Sight from Saturday 3 December to Sunday 11 December 2011.

Source: Toyota

November 15, 2011

2012 Jaguar XF 2.2 Diesel – Epic Journey over 2 884 miles

An epic journey from New York to Los Angeles was made by a British team with 2012 Jaguar XF 2.2 Diesel, which achieved an incredible 62.9 mpg over the course of 2 884 miles ( 4640 km).

The journey started eight days ago and finished in November 14. It includes crossing of 11 states, three time zones. Yet the XF only required four stops for fuel – its peak economy of 67 mpg being achieved on the penultimate day of the trip.

2012 Xf 2.2 litre disel has a four-cylinder engine with 190PS and 500Nm of torque. The performance – 0 to 100 km/h in 8.5 seconds and a top speed of 225 km/h (140 mph). The XF 2.2 emits just 149 g/km of CO₂. Further improving efficiency, the new 2.2-litre engine is connected to a new 8-speed ZF automatic gearbox and an innovative Stop-Start system.

The project has been broadcast live on Twitter and on Facebook as Jaguar’s Senior Press Officer, Faye Goldstraw, travelling in a support vehicle, charted the progress of the car as it crossed America.

2012 Jaguar XF 2.2 Diesel - Epic Journey behind the wheel — 2012 Jaguar XF 2.2 Diesel – Epic Journey behind the wheel

2012 XF 2.2 Diesel was driven by independent testers – David and Alexander Madgwick . In the course of the coast to coast adventure, the car maintained an average speed of 53 mph (85 km/h) incorporating a multitude of real-life scenarios including the busy roads exiting New York and, towards the end of the trip, entering Los Angeles, road works, high winds and a climb to 7 275 feet above sea level.

“This project was designed primarily to test the potential economy of the XF 2.2. The incredible figures achieved by the car were accomplished through making every element of the new XF as efficient as possible – from its aerodynamics to its four-cylinder 2.2-litre diesel engine linked to an eight-speed gearbox. The whole XF team is incredibly proud of what’s been achieved and it’s a graphic demonstration of the strength, engineering integrity and efficiency of the car.”, has commented Paul Alcock, XF Project Manager, Jaguar Cars, who was present throughout the journey.

2012 Jaguar XF 2.2 Diesel - Epic Journey New York — 2012 Jaguar XF 2.2 Diesel – Epic Journey New York

Source: Jaguar

November 15, 2011

2012 Jaguar XJ Price – £55 515

The Jaguar XJ 3.0 litre Diesel has received a Green Apple Environment Award. The luxury saloon is being named Gold Winner for Luxury Green Vehicles. The award was voted for by members of the Midlands Group of Motoring Writers and presented by its Chairman, Ian Donaldson.

The XJ was launched in 2010 and has since become Jaguar’s award winning flagship saloon, with its Advanced Aluminium Architecture it’s capable of achieving 39.2 mpg. Still, it delivers nice performance with the 3.0 litre twin-turbo V6 diesel developing 275PS (202 kW) and 600Nm (440 lb-ft) of torque. 0 to 100 km/h in 6.4 seconds and a top speed of 266 km/h (165 mph).

“This award recognises the XJ’s ability to achieve high levels of economy and efficiency without compromising on luxury and quality. The XJ has and continues to receive awards across the board – we are delighted with its success.”, said Jeremy Hicks, Managing Director, Jaguar UK

This month has seen the launch of XJ Sport and Speed pack at the Dubai Motor show – in supercharged form, the fastest and most dynamic XJ ever created.

2012 Jaguar XJ is priced from £55 515.

Model	Displacement	power, torque at rpm	acceleration (0–100 km/h) (s)	top speed
3.0 Litre V6 twin turbo Diesel	2 993 cc	275 PS (202 kW) at 4000RPM, 600 Nm (440 ft-lb) at 2000RPM	6.4	250 km/h (155 mph)
5.0 Litre V8 Petrol	5 000 cc	385 PS (283 kW) at 6500RPM, 515 N-m (380 ft-lb) at 3500RPM	5.7	250 km/h (155 mph)
5.0 Litre V8 Petrol Supercharged	5 000 cc	470 PS (346 kW) at 6000RPM, 575 N-m (424 ft-lb) at 2500RPM	5.2	250 km/h (155 mph)
5.0 Litre V8 Petrol Supercharged	5 000 cc	510 PS (375 kW) at 6000RPM, 625 N-m (461 ft-lb) at 2500RPM	4.9	250 km/h (155 mph)

Source: Jaguar

November 15, 2011

Skoda Yeti E 2.0 TDI CR Price – £16 170

Skoda Yeti has been awarded by The Green Organisation, an independent group dedicated to promoting the positive side of environmental behavior. The compact SUV has won International Green Apple Environment Award.

The award was judged by members of the Midland Group of Motoring Writers, who were invited to nominate their favourite contender from a shortlist of four. The Yeti E 2.0-litre TDI CR’s outstanding environmental performance – 52.3mpg on combined cycle and only 140g/km CO₂ emissions – coupled with its practicality and versatility, edged out the competition.

“It does everything you need a car to do and you get a lot of car for the money. This is actually that rare beast, an SUV with luggage space,” commented the judges. The awards presentation took place at a special event at the House of Commons on Monday 14 November.

“The Yeti has been a game-changing car for ŠKODA and to win an award based around its environmental credentials is fantastic. That we’re the first winner of this honour makes it doubly special.”, said Skoda UK Product Marketing Manager, Chris Horrell.

The Skoda Yeti E 2.0-litre TDI CR is price at just £16 170. You can check E grade specification, below!

E Grade Includes:

Safety

Driver, passenger front, side and curtain airbags
Passenger airbag with switch-off function
Rear disc brakes
Alarm system with interior monitoring and back-up horn

Function

Height and reach adjustable four spoke steering wheel
Halogen projector headlights with DE-module

Equipment

Varioflex seating
Black roof rails
Tyre repair set (compressor 12 V + bottle with the adhesive filling)
Front electric windows
Electrically adjustable and heated door mirrors

Comfort

Remote central locking (with 2 keys)
Manual air conditioning with automatic regulation
Height-adjustable driver and passenger seat
Radio Stream – 2 DIN with integrated single CD player

Design

16″ ‘Rif’ steel wheels 7Jx16
Black door mirrors and door handles
Black protective side mouldings
Decorative ‘Graphite’ inserts on dashboard

Source: Skoda

November 15, 2011

2012 Fisker Karma Price – €85 500

Fisker Automotive has announced the all-new 2012 Karma coming with exclusive interior.

Fisker Karma EcoStandard™ and EcoSport™ now include seats, steering, dash, door-casings and centre-console trim wrapped in low carbon leather.

The four-door Karma coupe can accelerate to 60 mph in just 5.9 seconds and to achieve an impressive consumption of more than 100 miles per gallon and 83 g/km CO₂ emissions. 2012 Karma is priced at €85 500. Bridge of Weir will also go on to supply low-carbon leather to the full Fisker range, including the recently announced Surf model.

With a production process supported by Bridge of Weir’s innovative new thermal energy plant in Scotland, Fisker vehicles can boast that even the interior leather is low carbon and manufactured with zero waste. Opened in 2010, the thermal energy plant is the only one of its kind in the world leather industry, and takes what was previously waste sent straight to landfill and converts it directly to energy for heating the huge volumes of recycled water required in the manufacturing process.

“Bridge of Weir produce the finest leather I have seen in a car, and now that they can do this with zero waste, their low-carbon leather just had to feature in Fisker cars.”, finished Henrik Fisker, Fisker Automotive co-founder, CEO and executive design director.

Source: Fisker

November 15, 2011

dp Motorsport 1973 Porsche 911

1973 Porsche 911 is a stunningly beautiful car and what is more, it is fantastic to drive not only because it has magnificent engine, but it is super lightweight. Still, the dp Motorsport has “added” some additional equipment to the small Porsche or we should say “deleted”…

The rear-engined 911 is powered by a 3.6 litre flat-six with 310PS (228 kW). The car also comes with open air filters, a programmable advance curve double fuse combined with a G-50 Gearbox and limited slip differential are the decisive engine/transmission characteristics.

The tuned 911 also features a dp11 RS 2011 bodykit manufactured from carbon, including front bumper and hood, fenders, lightweight doors, rear fender flares, rear bumper and rear spoiler.

There are also green heated windscreen, a set of green-toned Plexiglas windows, as well as lightweight lamp lenses, were installed for the sake of weight saving. Reduced-weight tail light lamp holders, as well as air conditioner cover and underride protection from carbon, help chop the weight down to the desired figure. The carbon roof panel has been manufactured using the sandwich vacuum technique, and both hoods are equipped with quick release fasteners.

dp Motorsport 911 stands on superwide 9J x 15” at the front and 13J x 15” Fuchs alloy wheels fitted with 225/50-15 and 345/35-15 tires, respectively.

Apart from the dp coilovers, adjustable stabilizers, as well as head bearing, the spring plates and rear-axle independent arms with Uniball bushings are definitely worth a mention. A braking system originating from a 964 model and adjusted for the 911-G-Modell provides appropriate deceleration.

The interior boasts dp 935 bucket seats, the light carbon dashboard, a special knee bar set and the raised central tunnel catch the eye at first glance. In contrast to the body colour, the interior is dominated by black Alcantra. A welded safety cage, a varnished sports steering wheel with Porsche horn button, a lid instead of the clock and a carbon underbody are impossible to overlook. Finally, such specials are featured as a dp Clubsporttank with the capacity of 70 litres, a 25-amp gel battery starter, a smaller windshield cleaning liquid tank, light electric interior airing system, a middle oil cooler with front hood ventilation, as well as a brake cooling housing made of carbon.

All these modifications ultimately result in bringing the unladen weight of this 911 down to 870 kg, so you have to expect amazing performance.

Source: dp Motorsport

November 14, 2011

Dacia Lodgy Glace

Dacia has introduced Lodgy Glace – the sports variant of the new family road car which will be launched at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2012. Two Lodgy Glace will will take to on the grid for every race as the first will be driven by Alain Prost and the second by Nicolas Prost and Evens Stievenart.

The Lodgy Glace has been designed specifically for this unique racing series, which is renowned as one of the most challenging in motorsport. The technical regulations of the Trophée Andros are extremely strict, and impose restrictions on all aspects of the vehicle – chassis dimensions, gearbox, tyres, including the materials employed. Everything is done to limit the use of complex and costly technical solutions: instead, this series is all about finding simple, ingenious solutions, a measure which fits perfectly with the Dacia brand. The series also brings the car‘s reliability to the fore, combined with driver skill.

Custom-prepared by the teams at Tork Engineering – design, production, assembly and Sodemo – engine.

The Lodgy Glace is fully checked by Renault Sport Technologies (RST). Throughout the project, RST has contributed its technical and sporting expertise from the world of motorsport: it acts like a conductor, perfectly coordinating the different technical partners and disciplines – design, engineering, the Dacia brand and the drivers.
Check out the full specs, below!

Dacia Lodgy Glace Specs:

CHASSIS
Type: tubular steel
Suspension: double wishbones; adjustable Öhlins integrated springs/damper units

ENGINE
Type: VQ 30 developed from the Renault-Nissan Alliance 24-valve V6
Position: mid-rear
Cubic capacity (cc): 2,987
Bore x stroke (mm): 93 x 73.3
Maximum power: 355hp @ 7,500rpm
Maximum torque: 360Nm @ 5,500 rpm

TRANSMISSION
Type: four-wheel drive
Gearbox: SADEV 6-speed sequential
Differentials: limited slip front and rear

BRAKES
Front: 300mm Ø steel discs
Rear: 265mm Ø steel discs
Calipers: Beringer 4 pot

WHEELS
Rims: 5.5’’ x 16’’ magnesium
Tyres: Continental Ice Racing Contact 3

DIMENSIONS/WEIGHT
Length: 4,001mm
Width: 1,900mm
Front/rear track: 1,690mm
Wheelbase: 2,500mm
Weight: 950kg
Fuel tank: 25 litres

STEERING
Type: 4 wheel steering
Hydraulic power steering
Cam-adjustable rear steering

Source: Dacia

November 14, 2011

BMW Individual X5M and X6M in Asia

BMW Asia has announced two more ///M models: Individual X5M and Individual X6M, which are now available with BMW Individual Paintwork, BMW Individual Extended Leather Trim Merino, BMW Individual Interior Trim, Soft Close function for doors, DVD system at rear, 6 DVD Changer and BMW Internet. The BMW Individual X5 M further comes with a panorama glass roof, while the BMW Individual X6 M comes with an electric glass roof and is available as a 4+1 seater version.

BMW Individual Paintwork includes Azurite Black metallic, Ruby Black metallic and Citrine Black metallic and Pearl Silver metallic.

The interior boasts Merino leather in five color choices: Platinum, Champagne, Slate, Criollo Brown and Amaro Brown. There are also several trimmings: Eucalyptus, Walnut or Piano Finish Black.

BMW X6 M and X5 M are powered by a 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 with 555PS (408 kW) at 6000RPM and 680Nm (500 lb-ft) between 1500RPM and 5650RPM. The power is put on the road through 6-speed M Sports Automatic transmission 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.

Both vehicles come also with 10 mm lower Adaptive Drive suspension, 4-piston calipers at the front with huge 396mm brake discs.

They stand on 20” alloy wheels with fitted with 275/40 R20 at the front and 315/35 R20 at the rear run-on-flat tires.

Source: BMW

November 14, 2011

Toyota Avensis with Touch and Go Plus

Toyota now offers Toyota’s innovative and affordable Touch and Go integrated multimedia and navigation system as a standard feature on all models bar the entry level T₂ grade. The new Avensis takes in-car connectivity to an even higher level by bringing more functionality and versatility of the system to include features such as access to email, advanced traffic data improved mapping, and voice recognition.

Having the ability to keep connected to key communications channels while on the move will further strengthen the appeal of new Avensis to business customers, in addition to the attractive company car tax position enjoyed by the new 119g/km 2.0 D-4D diesel engine, which makes its debut in the 2012 Avensis.

Touch and Go Plus

Avensis is the first Toyota to offer Toyota Touch and Go Plus. It is designed for quick and easy use, with an advanced voice recognition system for inputting navigation addresses and “one-shot” destination entry. The on-board entertainment functions include a music search-and-play and, using a Gracenote database, a ‘Play More Like This’ music function.

Email can be sent and received and, for convenience on the move, there is a text-to-speech message function and a phonebook search-and-call facility.

The more sophisticated satellite navigation mapping incorporates 3D city modelling and landmarks, and an additional Traffic Patterns database which shows the average speed on sections of a programmed route, according to the time, day and month.

The system includes three years’ free map and software updates.

Future upgrades will enable text messages and emails to be dictated, and for the screen to display Google Search Street View.

Toyota Touch and Go – key features

6.1-inch touchscreen
Pan-European satellite navigation
Motorway-style signposting
Eco-route option
Driver can enter and store personal points of interest (POI)
Stop-over function (route navigation resumes after a break in a journey, such as an overnight hotel stop)
Detailed live traffic information
Speed limit and safety camera warnings
SMS/text message sending and receipt
Bluetooth
Connection via Bluetooth and compatible mobile phone to Google Local Search and downloadable applications*
Rear-view camera
Phone book integration with pictures of contacts displayed on-screen.
Audio streaming from iPods and other portable music players
iPod album cover display

* Requires a Bluetooth compatible phone with data connection enabled and tethering permitted by the mobile network operator. Connection requires customer log-in via the Toyota customer portal.

Toyota Touch and Go Plus – additional features

Advanced voice recognition
Enhanced mapping with 3D city modelling and landmarks
Email and calendar integration
Text to speech function
Music search and play
“Play more like this” music function
Traffic patterns database

Source: Toyota

November 14, 2011

Author: Victor Ivanov