Victor Ivanov – Page 210 – Automobiles Review

Citroen C3 e-HDI 70 Airdream EGS VTR+

Citroen has announced the new C3 e-HDi 70 Airdream EGS VTR+ emitting just 87g/km of CO2. This is the lowest CO2 emitting diesel model to date, so the manufacturer should be extremely proud with this achievement.

Furthermore, the small city car returns whopping 83.1 mpg on combined cycle, which now Citroen’s most fuel and CO₂ efficient diesel powered car, ranking it amongst the very best in its class.

These results are thanks to an innovative e-HDi micro-hybrid Stop & Start technology, combined with a refined and efficient 68HP HDi diesel engine.

The model was introduced at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show in September and now it is available to order with a price of just £15 290 OTR with the C3’s renowned panoramic Zenith windscreen.

“Citroën is committed to driving down the cost of motoring and this new model is a perfect example of that. With impressive fuel economy, low CO₂ emissions, a BIK rate at just 13%, free VED and the benefit of no London Congestion Charge, this stylish model is a financially and environmentally attractive addition to the Citroën range.”, said Jules Tilstone, Citroën UK’s Marketing Director.

“Underlining the brand’s firm environmental commitment, a full 50% of Citroën cars sold this year emit under 130g/km of CO₂ and there has been a five-gram decrease in average CO₂ emissions for the European range as a whole.”, Mr. Tilstone finished.

Source: Citroen

November 7, 2011

2012 MINI Cooper Avenue

MINI now offers to a new level of sophistication with the launch of a stunning collection of premium options, called MINI Yours.

MINI Yours is pure differentiation by design, a vast catalogue of exclusive and design-led exterior paints, tattoos, interior trims and upholsteries that are completely new to MINI. It will ensure a bespoke and truly stand-out result for every owner.

Buyers can select a MINI limited edition such as the MINI Inspired by Goodwood, MINI Soho, Clubman Hampton or the recently announced London 2012 edition. These have all now been integrated into the MINI Yours programme.

And for a genuinely bespoke design, customers can select as much or as little as they like from the extensive range of exclusive MINI Yours options.

“The introduction of MINI Yours underlines MINI’s reputation as the benchmark car brand in customisation. The sheer number of options available through MINI Yours means customers can tailor-make their MINI using exclusive colours, designs and materials like never before; creating a MINI like no other on the road,” commented Jochen Goller, Director of MINI UK.

The MINI Avenue package is available with either Highclass Grey or Laguna Green metallic paint. Both feature an identical interior with an exclusive Soda repeating design motif.

The standard equipment includes Satellite Grey Soda Lounge leather with matching black floor mats, Bi-colour Sport leather steering wheel with multi-function controls, Soda mirror caps and special effect white bonnet stripes. There is also a set of 17” twin-blade spoke alloy wheels.

The price of the exclusive MINI Avenue package is £4 880 on a MINI One or One D, Hatch, Convertible or Clubman.

2012 MINI One D Avenue is priced at £19 360 OTR.

Source: MINI

November 7, 2011

Superchips Abarth 500

Abarth 500 get some more boost from SuperChips ltd. The specialists has worked its magic on the Abarth’s Bosch MED7.9.10 engine management system to enable the 500’s 1.4-litre turbocharged engine to deliver some more power.

Still, the reliability doesn’t suffer at all, because everything is carefully tested on dyno. The ECU remap gives enhanced performance without any side effects.

Originally, the 1.4 litre turbocharged petrol engine delivers 135PS (99 kW) at 5500RPM and 180Nm (130 lb-ft) or 206Nm (152 lb-ft) in sport mode at 3000RPM. The tuning gives another 22PS (16 kW) and 46Nm (34 lb-ft), meaning that you’ll have 167PS (115 kW) at 5654RPM and 226Nm (164 lb-ft) at 2942RPM.

On the road, this means significantly improved in-gear acceleration, making journeys more exciting, overtaking safer and fast driving more fun. In conjunction with Superchips attention to detail to ensure sharper throttle response, the end result is an Abarth 500 that feels considerably sharper than before!

The Superchips Abarth 500 upgrade requires installation at one of approximately 80 Superchips performance centres and is covered by a full Customer Service Guarantee and an industry-leading 12 month / 30 000 supplementary full vehicle warranty.

The Superchips ECU remap is available now directly from Superchips and its UK dealer network, priced at £455 and will fit on all Abarth 500 cars from February 2009 onwards.

Superchips – don’t compromise, optimise.

Source: Superchips

November 7, 2011

Audi R18 TDI at the 6-Hour Race in China

Audi wants to boost their positions in motorsport in China, that’s why they will bring Audi R18 TDI at the 6-Hour Race in Zuhai.

In 1985 and 1986, the legendary Audi quattro won the Hong Kong-Beijing Rally two consecutive times. Audi competed with the A4 DTM at Shanghai twice. And on the debut of the sports prototypes at Zhuhai last year the spectators were thrilled by the Audi R15 TDI.

Audi R18 TDI is a true masterpiece with a number of genius engineering solutions for the ultra-lightweight design.

The big V10 is replaced with a 3.7 litres V6 TDI with sensational 540PS (397 kW). It is connected to a new 6-speed gearbox made of carbon-fiber composite material.

Weight is saved even from the headlights, which feature LED technology. Because the gearshift is no longer activated pneumatically but rather electrically, the R18 TDI requires no more pneumatic system. Optimized airflow through the cockpit should make air-conditioning redundant.

Audi fans around the world will be able to watch the ILMC finale live on the internet on Audi.tv. The broadcast from Zhuhai will start at 11 a.m. local time (4 a.m. CET) on November 13. Eurosport will broadcast the final stages of the race live from 8:30 to 10:00 a.m. (CET).

Source: Audi

November 6, 2011

Volkswagen Tiguan R-Line Upgrades

In order to get all your money, Volkswagen has announced a number of nice R-Line accessories for the 2012 Tiguan. The manufacturer assumed that the most successful SUV on the German market will need some upgrades both for exterior and interior.

The exterior R-Line package includes a new front front and rear bumpers painted in body colour, modified side skirts with Matt chrome inserts and an R-Line roof edge spoiler. There is also a a black textured rear diffuser, aluminium door sill plates with R-Line logo and another R-Line logo on the radiator grille.

Last but not least, you can get a huge 19” Mallory alloy wheels painted in Sterling silver fitted with 255/40 tires.

The exterior package costs €2 460, without the wheels of course.

The interior R-Line package includes sport front seats, with lateral supports in San Remo microfibre fabric, head restraints with integrated R-Line logo and a multifunction steering wheel with aluminium accents and R-Line badge.

The price of the interior package is a real bargain – €840.

You can also order Vienna leather seats for €2 120, R-Design rear spoiler – €150 and Titan black roofliner – €180.

Source: Volkswagen

November 6, 2011

2012 Volkswagen Passat CC

The Passat CC was extremely successful vehicle. It featured a unique style both inside and outside at decent price and some of the clients, who wanted Mercedes-Benz CLS went to get Passat CC, because it looked rather the same.

Now however, there is a new version of the 4-door coupe – 2012 Passat CC, which will be officially unveiled at the Los Angeles Auto Show on November 16.

The new highlights are modified radiator grille, new bi-xenon headlights and topped with a reprofiled bonnet. The bumper is different, too, with a new extra air intake, and silver-coloured winglets that frame the fog lights.

At the rear, the car is completely redesigned, with more emphasis on horizontal lines and a reworking of the characteristic chrome strip. There are new taillights with LEDs and LED numberplate lights.

An interesting thing is that the “Passat” has been dropped from the name. Rather radical idea, but we like it, because this is completely different car.

The standard equipment list is huge, but some of the safety features include driver alert system and front head restraints with four-way adjustment. A lot of option extras are now available – High Beam Assist, Side Assist, ane Assist and adaptive cruise control with City Emergency Braking function; front climate seats with massage function; and an electrically deployed towbar.

The engine range includes 1.8 liter TSI with 160PS and 2.0 litre TSI with 210PS. The diesel range includes 2.0 liter engine with either 140 or 170 PS. All models with 170 PS or more also now get a standard XDS differential, an electronic cross-axle traction control system for improved traction and handling.

The CC will make its world debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show before going on sale in the US in early 2012.

Source: Volkswagen

November 6, 2011

2012 Vauxhall Astra VXR – 280HP and 400Nm

The new Vauxhall Astra VXR is not only hot hatchback… It is extremely hot and brutal vehicle. 2012 Astra VXR will hit the market in the beginning of the next year as one of the most powerful cars in its class and the fastest production Astra in Vauxhall’s history.

It is powered by the famous 2.0-litre turbocharged direct injection engine, which now delivers whopping 280PS (206 kW) and 400Nm (296 lb-ft) of torque. 0 to 100 km/h is not mentioned, but it will in less than 6 seconds, but the top speed is 250 km/h (155 mph).

2012 Astra VXR comes with unique chassis modifications, transforming it into a focused, high-performance coupe. It also comes with a specially developed mechanical limited slip differential, which grants maximum stability and grip at any conditions.

Other improvements include Brembo performance brakes and fully adaptive FlexRide system. In the Astra VXR, FlexRide features not only a Sport button, but a VXR button, offering drivers the choice of two, more focused stages of damper, throttle and steering control.

The aerodynamics include new front and rear bumpers, side skirts, an aerodynamic roof spoiler and two exhaust tail pipes in a trapeze shape.

The interior boasts bespoke performance seats with embossed logos in the backs, a flat-bottomed VXR steering wheel and upgraded instruments.

We can’t wait to see the new Astra VXR in action!

Source: Vauxhall

November 6, 2011

2012 Ford Focus Electric Price – $39 200

Ford has announced the new 2012 Focus Electric, which now can be ordered for $39 200 not including deliver charge of $795 and a federal income tax credit of $7 500.

“Today is an historic day, as Ford opens up the order banks for the company’s first full production, all-electric passenger vehicle – the Focus Electric,” said Chad D’Arcy, Focus Electric Marketing Manager, Ford Motor Company.

“The all-new Focus Electric is an important part of Ford’s overall strategy, bringing still another option to customers who want a car that is fun-to-drive, easy to own and fully electric.”, he added.

Focus Electric comes standard with: MyFord Touch with 8” touchscreen; two driver-configurable 4.2” color LCD displays in cluster for unique EV driving screens; MyFord^TM Mobile App – for remotely monitoring and scheduling battery charging with owners’ smartphone as well as remote start; HID Headlamps; 17” aluminum wheels, ambient lighting, seats made from 100-percent recycled material; Rear Camera with Rear Parking Sensor; Intelligent Access with Push-Button Start; MyKey®; voice-activated Navigation System; Particulate Air Filter; hands-free SYNC® Bluetooth telephone connectivity with Traffic, Direction and Information Services; electronic traction control; Sony®-Branded audio with nine speakers; SIRIUS® Satellite Radio and HD Radio^TM.

The only options on well-equipped Focus Electrics are leather seats and two paint colors.

A limited number of Focus Electrics will first be available in California and the New York/New Jersey regions. Availability of the Focus Electric will expand next year to the remaining 15 launch markets as production ramps up.

The 19 launch markets include: Atlanta, Austin and Houston, Texas; Boston, Chicago, Denver, Detroit, Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego, New York, Orlando, Fla., Phoenix and Tucson, Ariz.; Portland, Ore.; Raleigh Durham, N.C.; Richmond, Va., Seattle, and Washington, D.C.

Source: Ford

November 3, 2011

2012 Fiat Sedici

Fiat has released 2012 Sedici, which is already available to order. The model is very successful with its more than 76 000 units registered from 2006 until now. The vehicle is actually the best-selling compact SUV in Italy. Still, we wonder why?

2012 Sedici comes in three trim levels – Dynamic, Emotion and Experience and is available with two engines – 1.6 16v 120PS (88 kW) and 2.0 16v Multijet diesel engine with 135PS (99 kW).

2012 Fiat Sedici is available in either front-wheel drive with the only – for those who appreciate line, space and functionality without the need for 4×4 – wheel-drive version is in “on demand” system that lets you the freedom to switch from 4×2 to 4×4, in fact, thanks to the electronic traction, the system automatically adjusts torque distribution on the two axes, further reducing fuel consumption compared to other off-road vehicles in this category, up to a 4×4 with locked differential and torque split 50% front and 50% on the rear axle.

The standard equipment includes air conditioning, CD radio, fog lights, ESP, four airbags.

The addition of the ESP from the preparation from Dynamic, the windows and the bag MP3 player from the Emotion version, and, for the top version of Experience The new navigator 5 “touch with CD/MP3 player, Bluetooth, USB and control connnessione iPhone / iPod.

Source: Fiat

November 3, 2011

2012 Ford Focus ST US

Ford will hit the US market with its global performance car – Focus ST in the beginning of the next year. North American drivers will be able to own a performance car previously unavailable on this continent.

“Focus ST has not come around by chance,” commented Jost Capito, director of Global Performance Vehicles.

“What came first was our global performance strategy, which has been developed with North America, Europe and Asia together. With this, the core DNA attributes – steering, driving dynamics, sound quality and power enhancements for all ST models – have been defined to the extent that our engineers can take that global DNA fingerprint and use it to create the new Focus ST.”, he added.

Nothing is mentioned about the power, but the American version of Focus ST will be also powered by the famous 2.0 liter turbocharged EcoBoost, which has 250PS (184 kW) and 360Nm (265 lb-ft) of torque in Europe. The engine is mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox.

2012 Ford Focus ST US also comes with a sport tuned suspension, big 18” alloy wheel fitted with low-profile performance tires – 235/40 R18 Goodyear Eagle F1. There is also a nice limited-slip differential on the front wheels making the cornering of so powerful FWD car way better.

“The same tires will be offered on the Focus ST in every country,” said Matthias Tonn, chief program engineer for the Focus ST.

“They are designed to extract the best performance from the car on all road conditions. They don’t compromise on performance, and they get the best out of the chassis and driver systems of the car.”, he added.

The interior boasts sporty Recaro seats – available in partial or full leather, specially designed pedals, steering wheel and gearshift. The darker headlining and trim on the pillars, an integral part of the ST’s design DNA, adds to the performance feel.

2012 Ford Focus ST US — Ford Focus ST US (2012)

Source: Ford

November 3, 2011

Chevrolet Sonic Super 4 Concept

Chevrolet has unveiled the Sonic Super 4 at the 2011 SEMA Show. The vehicle is a race car concept that demonstrates Chevrolet’s new small car performance potential. The Sonic Super 4 joins other Chevy performance cars this week in the Chevrolet display at the SEMA Show.

“This is an exciting example of Chevrolet’s small-car performance capability,”, commented Jim Campbell, U.S. vice president, Performance Vehicles and Motorsports.

“Sonic has the soul and specifications to be a winner.”, he added.

Sonic measures 2 525 mm – wheelbase, 1 509 mm – front and rear tracks. Its body-frame-integral structure ranks among the stiffest in the global small-car segment, with some of the steel in it delivering tensile strength of 145 000 psi (1 000 MPa) or higher.

The Sonic Super 4 concept features a suspension modified for racing and a lower restriction intake and exhaust system to provide enhanced on-track performance. The interior comes with a chrome moly roll cage built to SCCA specifications, as well as other safety equipment. It looks the part, too, with a lowered stance and 18” racing wheels and tires. It also wears Chevrolet Z-Spec concept accessories, including ground effects and a high-wing spoiler.

Chevrolet Sonic Super 4 Concept:

Exterior

Chevrolet racing graphics
Carbon fiber lower splitter
Carbon fiber rocker panel extensions
Carbon fiber rear diffuser
Tinted headlamps and taillights
Concept Z-Spec high wing rear spoiler
Tow hooks
18×7.5-inch satin black wheels with street-legal racing tires

Interior

SCCA-approved 1¾ -inch chrome moly roll cage
SCCA-approved inner and outer window nets
Z-Spec pedal kit
Racing instrumentation
Racing seat with five-point harness
Fire suppression system
Rearview camera system
Racing steering wheel with quick disconnect

Performance

Ecotec 1.4L turbo engine and six-speed manual transmission
Adjustable coil-over struts and spring kit
Performance brakes: four-piston front calipers with two-piece drilled rotors, front; and two-piston rear calipers with one-piece drilled rotors, rear
Low-restriction air intake and filter
Two-inch cat-back straight-pipe exhaust

Source: Chevrolet

November 3, 2011

Chevrolet Captiva 2.2 VCDi LT 7-seat Price – £21 695

Chevrolet has announced special Christmas offers. Customers will be able to save up to £6,000 on certain Chevrolet models ordered between November 10^th and November 30^th 2011, at participating dealers.

The new Captiva 2.2 VCDi LT seven-seat SUV is priced at just £21,695 during the sale period, it offers the luxury and accoutrements of many much more expensive SUVs for less than many smaller, five-seat rivals.

2011 Chevrolet Captiva comes with electronic climate control, Bluetooth, rain-sensing wipers, automatic headlights, 17-inch alloys and rear parking sensors.

The audio system includes Aux-in, USB-port and Bluetooth connectivity. Furthermore, the SUV can be ordered with touch-screen navigation system with rear view camera for parking assistance.

2011 Captiva has ESC – Electronic Stability Control, TCS – Traction Control System and BAS – Braking Assist System. All these systems come as standard for granted high level of safety.

Source: Chevrolet

November 3, 2011

Author: Victor Ivanov