Author: Victor Ivanov

  • 2012 Lexus CT 200h F-Sport Price – £27 850

    Lexus CT 200h F-Sport is a full hybrid premium compact car, which is targeted to young people, who know what they want. The individuality and style of the machine are unique.

    The exterior boasts 17” dark-finish alloys, a larger rear spoiler, flared side skirts, a mesh front grille and new aero-styled bumpers front and rear. The interior includes F-Sport steering wheel with a flat bottom section and aluminium pedals and scuff plates.

    F-Sport is based on SE-L grade and adds cruise control, F-Sport black leather upholstery, heated front seats, electric driver’s seat adjustment, auto-dimming (electrochromatic) electrically retractable door mirrors and a rear parking camera that links to a display in the rear-view mirror.

    You can also opt for HDD navigation system combined with Lexus’s Remote Touch control, an auto-dimming rear-view mirror, back guide monitor and 10-speaker audio package. Front and rear parking sensors and a sunroof are also available.

    CT 200h F-Sport comes with upgraded suspension with lateral damping system as standard. Coil spring rates have been changed and the standard Showa shock absorbers replaced with Kayaba dampers that give more sports-oriented performance.

    The most staggering about the vehicle is its fuel consumption – 68.9mpg official combined cycle. It also emits just 94g/km CO2 emissions. And, as the only full hybrid in its class, it can run for up to a mile in slow moving traffic on its electric power alone, reducing fuel use and tailpipe emissions to zero.

    2012 Lexus CT 200h F-Sport will hit the market in January as the prices start at £27 850 OTR.

    2012 Lexus CT 200h F-Sport
    2012 Lexus CT 200h F-Sport

    Source: Lexus

  • 2012 Volkswagen Beetle Price – £16 490

    Volkswagen UK has announced the price list for the new 2012 Beetl.

    Firstly, two engines will be available: the small 1.2 litre TSI with 105PS mated to a 7-speed DSG gearbox and a 1.4 litre TSI with 160PS mated to a 6-speed manual.

    There are three trim levels: Beetle, Design and Sport. The standard equipment includes air conditioning, remote central locking, an RCD 310 CD system with DAB radio and rear Isofix seat preparation.

    Design adds 17” alloy wheels in a choice of two styles, Bluetooth telephone preparation with MDI iPod connectivity, front fog lights, an alarm, an RCD 510 DAB CD/radio, multifunction leather-wrapped steering wheel and body-coloured door and dashboard panels.

    The top-of-range Sport specification brings 18” alloys in a choice of two styles, tinted glass, cruise control, sports seats, parking sensors, gloss black door mirrors, dashboard and door panel and 2Zone electronic climate control.

    The options list includes Keyless Access, satellite navigation systems, a panoramic sunroof and bi-xenon headlights.

    Check out the price list, below!

    2012 Volkswagen Beetle
    2012 Volkswagen Beetle

    2012 Volkswagen Beetle:

    Trim
    level
    Engine
    derivative
    CO2,
    g/km
    Combined mpg Price, £
    RRP OTR
    Beetle 1.2-litre TSI 105 PS 7 spd DSG 137 47.9 16,490
    Design 1.2-litre TSI 105 PS 7 spd DSG 137 47.9 18,895
    Design 1.4-litre TSI 160 PS 6 spd manual 153 42.8 19,470
    Sport 1.4-litre TSI 160 PS 6 spd manual 153 42.8 21,220

    Source: Volkswagen

  • 2011 Mazda2 1.5 TS2 Automatic

    Mazda now offers Mazda2 automatic model with no advance payment. The customers also can choose the compact Mazda3 1.6 TS hatchback, with manual or automatic transmission, for an advanced payment of just £499.

    This year the stylish Mazda2 small car has been at the heart of the brand’s Motability programme, with the five-door, automatic model proving especially popular.  This TS2 model features a powerful 1.5-litre 102PS engine and a 4-speed automatic transmission.  0 to 100 km/h in 11.9 seconds, while the CO2 rating is a modest 146g/km.  Standard equipment includes alloy wheels and air-conditioning.

    The 1.6 liter petrol engine returns up to 37.2mpg and has 105PS. The emissions are just 176g/km of CO2. The standard equipment includes alloy wheels, dual-zone climate control air-conditioning, electric front and rear windows and a leather steering wheel with integrated audio controls.

    “There are more than 700 Mazda3 models on Motability contracts which are due for renewal in the final quarter of 2011 and our autumn deals will provide our customers with another compelling reason to stay with the Mazda brand, whilst our dealers can also offer a much stronger proposition to other Motability drivers, in particular on the Mazda3 1.6 TS Automatic.”, said Steve Jelliss, Mazda Fleet and Remarketing Director responsible for the Motability programme.

    2011 Mazda2 1.5 TS2 Automatic
    2011 Mazda2 1.5 TS2 Automatic

    Source: Mazda

  • Royal College of Art Future Car Challenge 2021

    Students from the RCA’s Vehicle Design programme have been set the challenge of creating an artwork which encapsulates the spirit of the Future Car Challenge in the year 2021.

    The result is really interesting and you’ll be able to see it at the RAC Future Car Challenge 2011, which takes place on Saturday 5 November and requires entrants to drive a 60-mile route from Brighton to London using the least amount of energy.

    Vehicle Design at the RCA is the world’s leading centre for vehicle design education and research. The Master of Arts two-year programme remains the only established and dedicated postgraduate course in vehicle design in the world and has an enviable graduate employment record. Alumni include: Ian Callum (Design Director, Jaguar), Simon Cox (Advanced Design, General Motors), Ken Melville (Renault Design), Peter Stevens (International Car Design Consultant) and Nick Talbot (Transport Design Director, Seymour Powell).

    The Royal Automobile Club has a close association with the RCA vehicle design programme, having run exhibitions of students’ work in the past. This latest exhibition emphasises the essential link between the young designers of today and the cars of tomorrow – as seen at the annual Future Car Challenge.

    “The Royal Automobile Club is very keen to support and encourage the talented designers on the RCA’s programme. The skills and genius of these students will be essential to achieve the developments in motor vehicle technology necessary for a sustainable future.”, commented Ben Cussons, Chairman of the Royal Automobile Club Motoring Committee.

    Royal College of Art Future Car Challenge 2021
    Royal College of Art Future Car Challenge 2021
  • Edo Competition Porsche Panamera S Hellboy

    Edo Competition has announced tuning program for Porsche Panamera S. The tuned version is called Hellboy and that suits to it – perfectly.

    The mighty 4.8 liter V8 engine is boosted to 465PS(342 kW), instead of factory’s 400PS (294kW) and 550Nm (406 lb-ft). 0 to 100 km/h in 4.6 seconds and the top speed is 305 km/h (190 mph).

    The results are thanks to new pressure-monitoring and self-adjusting exhaust system with butterfly valves, high-performance catalytic converters, high-flow mufflers and new tail pipes. There are also an ECU recalibration tuned on the dyno and a set of high-flow air filters.

    The body kit consists of a a new carbon fiber front skirt with integrated daytime running lights, new carbon fiber front lip, elegant side skirts, a new carbon fiber rear skirt along with the diffuser, new side mirrors and fender vents. Finally, Edo added a ducktail spoiler.

    The vehicle stands on 9.5J x 21” rims at the front and 11J x 21” at the rear fitted with 265/35 ZR 21 and 305/30 ZR 21, respectively.

    For better stance and improved handling – an electronic lowering module that can bring the body up to 30 mm closer to the ground can be fitted on request.

    Verdict: Definitely straight from hell!

    Edo Competition Porsche Panamera S Hellboy
    Edo Competition Porsche Panamera S Hellboy

    Source: Edo Competition

  • Vorsteiner V-CT Porsche Cayenne II [preview]

    Vorsteiner will soon reveal full details about their new project, which is based on Porsche Cayenne II. The name of the project is V-CT.

    The full body kit includes a front fascia, side skirt extensions, a rear bumper that has a diffuser, and a roof spoiler. The specialists from Vorsteiner will also fit a titanium exhaust system, and custom rims that have a multi-spoke design. The exhaust system is exclusively offered for the Cayenne S and Cayenne Turbo.

    Most likely, Cayenne II S and Cayenne II Turbo will get ECU modifications for better response and more power.

    More pictures and specifications will be available for the end of 2011, until then check out the two pictures, below.

    Vorsteiner V-CT Porsche Cayenne II
    Vorsteiner V-CT Porsche Cayenne II
    Vorsteiner V-CT Porsche Cayenne II
    Vorsteiner V-CT Porsche Cayenne II

    Source: Vorsteiner

  • Citroen DS5 at Top Gear Live

    Citroen will exhibit the new DS5 at at Top Gear Live this November. This will be the official UK premiere of Citroen’s flagship. The car has unique style with beautiful lines. It is the first production Citroen to feature full-hybrid diesel technology, combining nice performance with extremely low CO2 emissions – just 99g/km.

    Citroen DS5 has a large chrome-finished grille and a new LED light. There are also an enormous air intake, two tail pipes built into the rear bumper and highlighted by a rear signature featuring six light guides. The vehicle is available with huge 19” alloy wheels fitted with low profile tires.

    Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond, James May and of course The Stig will take part in Top Gear Live, which runs from 11th to 13th November at NEC Birmingham and 24-27 November at ExCeL London.

    Many interesting celebrities and guests will be also at the show.

    2012 Citroen DS5
    2012 Citroen DS5

    Source: Citroen

  • 2012 Volvo V60 Plug-in Hybrid

    Volvo will actually hit the market with the new 2012 V60 Plug-in Hybrid. The vehicle will have carbon dioxide emissions below 50 g/km. The Plug-in Hybrid, which will be launched on the market in 2012, is the result of close cooperation between Volvo Car Corporation and Swedish energy supplier Vattenfall.

    What is more, it will bring astonishing performance. V60 Plug-in Hybrid is powered by a 2.4 liter five-cylinder diesel engine and an ERAD (Electric Rear Axle Drive) motor and a 12 kWh lithium-ion battery.

    The power of the diesel is 215PS (158 kW) and 440Nm (324 lb-ft) and the electric motor has 70PS (51 kW) and 200Nm (149 lb-ft), which means a total output of 285PS (210 kW) and 640Nm (472 lb-ft), which is not bad for family touring car. The acceleration – 0 to 100 km/h in 6.9 seconds.

    The most staggering about the car is its fuel consumption – 1.9 litres per 100 km (148.7 mpg) with CO2 emissions of 49 g/km. This is achieved on “hybrid mode”, which is default driving setting, but you can also run on pure electricity for up to 50 km (31 miles).

    “One important aspect of the project was to retain the Volvo V60’s excellent driving pleasure, high safety standard and luxurious comfort. At the same time, average CO2 emissions and fuel consumption will be halved compared with what is available on the market today,” says Stefan Jacoby.

    “We’re taking a step forward towards our “DRIVe Towards Zero” vision, that is to say the hunt for zero emissions. In fact, when the V60 Plug-in Hybrid is run solely on electricity and recharged using renewable energy, we’ve already reached that goal.”, he added.

    2012 Volvo v60 Plug-in Hybrid
    2012 Volvo v60 Plug-in Hybrid

    Source: Volvo

  • 2012 Volkswagen Passat Exclusive

    Volkswagen has announced the new 2012 Passat Exclusive, which is available as a sedan and Variant. The 4-door version starts from €32 450, while the 5-door model costs €33 625. Both are based on the highly equipped Highline trim level.

    The exterior of Passat Exclusive is boosted by new 18” light alloy Vicenza wheels and lowered suspension with 15mm.

    The interior boasts a Nappa leather seats in “chocolate brown” with colored stitching and piping in contrasting colors “Pepper White”. There is also wood trim and a black leather multifunction steering wheel.

    Standard equipment includes side also on the function-oriented speed-dependent Servotronic steering controlled. Optionally, the exclusive trade with among others a titanium black roof liner and active air-conditioned seats (front) ordered.

    2012 Volkswagen Passat Exclusive
    2012 Volkswagen Passat Exclusive

    Source: Volkswagen

  • 2012 Volkswagen Polo R-Line

    Volkswagen has introduced the new 2012 Polo R-Line. Polo R-Line will be offered in two different packages – the R-Line Exterior and the R-Line Plus.

    The R-Line Exterior includes a complete exterior body kit including new R-line front and rear bumpers, fog lights, R-line side skirts, rear diffuser, chrome exhaust tips, R-line roof spoiler and LED license plate illumination. There are also 16” light alloy “Mallory” wheels as the 17” are  optional and a black high-gloss grille.

    The R-Line Exterior costs additional €1 450, if you have Polo Comfortline and €1 010, if you opted for Polo Highline.

    The R-Line Plus comes with sport seats wrapped in leather and Alcantara. There are also leather steering wheel, R-line logo, sill plates with R-Line logo and aluminum pedals. The R-Line Plus package is priced at €855 on the Comfortline and €450 on the Highline model.

    2012 Volkswagen Polo R-Line
    2012 Volkswagen Polo R-Line

    Source: Volkswagen

  • 2012 Vauxhall Combo Panel Van

    2012 Vauxhall Combo Panel Van is ready to hit the market. The vehicle is set to become a firm favourite of owner-drivers and large fleets alike with its combination of state-of-the-art technology and class-leading features.

    It is available in two wheelbases, two heights, two gross vehicle weights (2,000kg and 2,300kg) two trim levels and with four engine choices.

    The engine range includes four diesel engines. The first one is a 1.3 CDTi with 90PS and 1.6 CDTi with 90PS. There is also a variant with 105PS for 1.6 CDTi. The powerful 2.0 CDTi engine provides 135PS. The 1.3 CDTi engines are fitted with 5-speed manual gearbox, while the more powerful CDTi units have a 6-speed manual. The 1.6 CDTi is also offered with Vauxhall’s Tecshift automated 5-speed manual transmission.  With the exception of the Tecshift units, all powertrains are available with Start/Stop functionality to deliver even lower fuel consumption and emissions.

    Standard equipment icnludes remote central door locking with deadlocks, full-steel bulkhead, trip computer, electric power steering, driver’s airbag, ABS with EBD, CD/radio and a 12 volt power outlet in the dashboard.

    The Sportive trim level adds air conditioning, metallic paint, body-colour bumpers and door mirrors, nearside sliding door, driver seat with height adjustment, armrest and lumbar support and full wheel covers.
    Check out the full price list, below!

    2012 Vauxhall Combo Panel Van
    2012 Vauxhall Combo Panel Van
    L1H1 Panel Van Price (£)
    exc. VAT
    On-the-road
    RRP (£)
    exc. VAT
    COMBO
    2000 1.3CDTI 16v (90PS) 13,855.00 14,703.33
    2000 1.3CDTI 16v (90PS) Start/Stop ecoFLEX 13,990.00 14,838.33
    2000 1.6CDTI 16v (90PS) Start/Stop Tecshift 15,490.00 16,338.33
    2000 1.6CDTI 16v (105PS) Start/Stop 14,790.00 15,638.33
    2300 1.3CDTI 16v (90PS) 14,050.00 14,898.33
    2300 1.3CDTI 16v (90PS) Start/Stop ecoFLEX 14,185.00 15,033.33
    2300 1.6CDTI 16v (90PS) Start/Stop Tecshift 15,685.00 16,533.33
    2300 1.6CDTI 16v (105PS) Start/Stop 14,985.00 15,833.33
    SPORTIVE
    2000 1.3CDTI 16v (90PS) 15,125.00 15,973.33
    2000 1.3CDTI 16v (90PS) Start/Stop 15,260.00 16,108.33
    2000 1.6CDTI 16v (105PS) Start/Stop 16,060.00 16,908.33
    2000 2.0CDTI 16v (135PS) Start/Stop 17,160.00 18,008.33
    2300 1.3CDTI 16v (90PS) 15,320.00 16,168.33
    2300 1.3CDTI 16v (90PS) Start/Stop 15,455.00 16,303.33
    2300 1.6CDTI 16v (105PS) Start/Stop 16,255.00 17,103.33
    2300 2.0CDTI 16v (135PS) Start/Stop 17,355.00 18,203.33
    L1H2 Panel Van
    COMBO
    2000 1.6CDTI 16v (90PS) Start/Stop Tecshift 16,240.00 17,088.33
    2000 1.6CDTI 16v (105PS) Start/Stop 15,540.00 16,388.33
    2300 1.6CDTI 16v (90PS) Start/Stop Tecshift 16,435.00 17,283.33
    2300 1.6CDTI 16v (105PS) Start/Stop 15,735.00 16,583.33
    SPORTIVE
    2000 1.6CDTI 16v (105PS) Start/Stop 16,810.00 17,658.33
    2300 1.6CDTI 16v (105PS) Start/Stop 17,005.00 17,853.33
    L2H1 Panel Van
    COMBO
    2300 1.3CDTI 16v (90PS) 14,855.00 15,703.33
    2300 1.3CDTI 16v (90PS) Start/Stop 14,990.00 15,838.33
    2300 1.6CDTI 16v (90PS) Start/Stop Tecshift 16,490.00 17,338.33
    2300 1.6CDTI 16v (105PS) Start/Stop 15,790.00 16,638.33
    SPORTIVE
    2300 1.3CDTI 16v (90PS) 15,940.00 16,788.33
    2300 1.3CDTI 16v (90PS) Start/Stop 16,075.00 16,923.33
    2300 1.6CDTI 16v (105PS) Start/Stop 16,875.00 17,723.33

    Source: Vauxhall

  • Alfa Romeo TCT transmission

    Alfa Romeo has announced their new twin dry clutch semi-automatic transmission called “Alfa TCT”. The gearbox is now available to order on the five-door Alfa Giulietta hatchback. This transmission can be opted with shift paddles behind the steering wheel.

    Available with either the 1.4 TB MultiAir 170BHP petrol or the 2.0 JTDM-2 170BHP diesel engine, the ALFA TCT range increases the Giulietta’s appeal in both the fleet and consumer sectors.

    The 1.4 TB MultiAir 170BHP Giulietta with ALFA TCT transmission accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.7 seconds and has a top speed of 217 km/h (135 mph). The combined cycle is exceptional – 54.3 mpg and 121 g/km of CO2.

    The 2.0 JTDM-2 170BHP diesel engine accelerates from 0 to 62 mph in 7.9 seconds, fuel consumption is 62.8 mpg, while CO2 emissions are just 119 g/km.

    Available to order now at Alfa Romeo dealerships – alongside the sporty compact Alfa MiTo 1.4 TB MultiAir 135BHP ALFA TCT which was launched earlier this year – the Alfa Giulietta 1.4 TB MultiAir 170BHP ALFA TCT and the 2.0 JTDM-2170BHP ALFA TCT are available in Lusso and Veloce trim levels, with prices starting from £21 855 OTR.
    Check out the full specifications, below!

    Alfa Romeo Giulietta TCT
    Alfa Romeo Giulietta TCT

    Alfa Romeo Giulietta TCT:

    CHARACTERISTICS 1.4 TB MultiAir 170 bhp ALFA TCT 2.0 JTDM-2 170 bhp ALFA TCT
    No. of cylinders, arrangement 4 in line
    Bore x stroke (mm) 72 x 84 83 x 90.4
    Displacement (cc) 1368 1956
    Compression ratio 9.8 : 1 16.5 :1
    Max. power output: bhp (kW-EC) at rpm 170 (125) 5500 170 (125) 4000
    Peak torque: Nm (kgm-EC) at rpm (NORMAL mode) 230 (23.4) 2250 320 (32.5) 1500
    Peak torque: Nm (kgm-EC) at rpm (DYNAMIC mode) 250 (25.4) 2500 350 (35.6) 1750
    ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (12V)
    Battery: capacity (Ah) / Generator (A) 63 / 450 72 / 600
    TRANSMISSION
    Drive Front
    Number of gears 6 + 1R
    TYRES
    Standard version 205/55 R16
    STEERING
    Steering system Rack and pinion with electro-mechanical power steering (Dual Pinion)
    Turning circle (m) 10.9
    SUSPENSION
    Front MacPherson independent with anti-roll bar
    Rear Multilink system
    BRAKES – (DISCS)
    Front (mm) 305
    Rear (mm) 264
    WEIGHTS – TANK CAPACITY
    Fuel tank capacity (litres) 60
    Kerb weight DIN (kg) 1305 1335
    Max towable weight (kg) 1300
    PERFORMANCE
    Top speed mph (km/h) 135 (218)
    Acceleration (driver + 30 kg): 0 to 62 mph (s) 7.7 7.9
    FUEL CONSUMPTION – EMISSIONS#
    urban cycle mpg (l/100km) 42.2 (6.7) 53.3 (5.3)
    extra urban cycle mpg (l/100km) 65.7 (4.3) 70.6 (4.0)
    combined cycle mpg (l/100km) 54.3 (5.2) 62.8 (4.5)
    Exhaust emissions –  CO2 (g/km) 121 119
    Emissions Standard EURO 5

    Source: Alfa Romeo