Victor Ivanov – Page 216 – Automobiles Review

2012 Renault Fluence ZE

Renault has recently introduced Fluence Z.E. and Kangoo Van Z.E, which are a historic turning point. In the near future, this form of power will see the development of a range of vehicles that deliver a holistic gain in terms of respect for the environment.

Fluence ZE was firstly unveiled as a concept car at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September 2009 and now the car is available to buy at decent price. It is aimed at private customers and fleet operators looking for a four-door saloon which is both economical and more respectful of the environment.

2012 Renault Fluence ZE is powered by a synchronous electric motor with rotor coil – 95PS ( 70kW) at 3 000RPM and 226Nm (167 lb-ft) of torque, which is available immediately. Having maximum torque available every time you press the throttle guarantees a safe and enjoyable drive. It’s a unique, astonishing feeling, and perfectly suited to today’s mobility needs and driving challenges. You no longer need to shift gear, either; you just concentrate on the road ahead.

The car features electronic driving aids – ABS and ESC, which have been recalibrated to match the different weight distribution resulting from the addition of the battery. Fluence Z.E. is extensively equipped for its segment, with safety features including double seat belt pretensioners and six airbags as standard.

The combined cycle of the vehicle is 115 miles, which is more than 178 km. Some 87% of daily journeys involve driving less than 60km (37 miles), so the range is more than satisfying. However, in extreme conditions – combining severe weather, a sporty driving style, hilly terrain, range can fall to around 50 miles.

So, Fluence ZE is a perfect city car for everyday use and if you don’t need a stylish Mercedes or sporty BMW to go to work, this may be your next car.

Summary of purchase and battery hire prices

Fluence Z.E. Prime Time £22,850 on the road

Less PiGC £5,000

Net price £17,850

Monthly battery hire (3 years, 9,000 miles per annum) £81.00

Source: Renault

October 17, 2011

2012 BMW 3-Series Sedan F30

BMW has revealed the all new 2012 3-Series F30 Sedan. This is the sixth generation of the world’s best-selling premium saloon. The car will hit the market in February next year and it will build on the current model’s position as the ultimate drivers’ car in its sector. It will also be the most logical business proposition, thanks to new powertrains and additional EfficientDynamics fuel-saving, emissions-reducing technologies.

BMW F30 is larger and more spacious than E90. It is also lighter and quicker, more fuel-efficient; and more nimble and agile while even safer. There have been big steps forward in style, quality, comfort and specification for only a minimal price increase. A wider choice of trim levels and an extensive personalisation programme will allow 3 Series Saloon buyers to order virtually a bespoke car.

F30 continues to be the ultimate driver’s car by featuring rear-wheel-drive layout, near-perfect 50:50 front-to-rear weight distribution, agile chassis set-up and responsive engines.

The engine range includes a new four-cylinder 2.0-litre petrol unit with whopping 245PS and 350Nm of torque. This engine is installed in 328i and replaces the six-cylinder 3.0-litre engines in the previous 325i and 330i. 0 to 100 km/h in 5.9 seconds and a staggering 44 mpg on combined cycle with CO₂ emissions below 150g/km. The new unit features High-Precision Direct Injection, BMW’s new TwinScroll turbocharging, Double-VANOS variable camshaft timing and VALVETRONIC variable valve opening technology. The other petrol engine on offer is the 3.0-litre six-cylinder TwinPower Turbo unit in the 335i.

The diesels are an improved 2.0-litre in 320d with 184PS and 320d EfficientDynamics with 163PS, which is capable of doing 68.9mpg fuel consumption and just 109g/km CO₂. Previously only available as a manual, the 320d EfficientDynamics is also now available with the new 8-speed automatic transmission.

Less than a month after launch, three new engines will be added. There will be 316d and 318d diesels, powered respectively by 116PS and 143PS variants of the 2.0-litre diesel engine, plus another version of the 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine. This will slot into the new 320i, and will be tuned to deliver 184PS and 270Nm of torque, with the same free-revving, supremely flexible character of all other BMW TwinPower Turbo petrol engines.

BMW UK can confirm that towards the end of 2012 it will introduce four-wheel-drive and hybrid powertrains to the 3 Series Saloon for the first time in the UK. BMW’s xDrive all-wheel-drive system has been available on the 3 Series in some markets previously, and has now been engineered for right-hand-drive cars. It will be of particular benefit to owners who live in areas prone to extremes of bad weather, and will be available with selected petrol and diesel engines.

The ActiveHybrid 3 will arrive at roughly the same time, and will use the powertrain recently announced for the ActiveHybrid 5. This pairs the 335i’s 306PS six-cylinder engine with an up to 40kW electric motor in a particularly intelligent and efficient way.

Check out the price list, below!

Model	Price OTR from	Power Hp	Torque Nm	0 – 62mph Seconds	Top speed Mph	Combined Mpg	CO₂ Emissions g/km
BMW 328i Saloon	£29,060	245	350	5.9 (6.1)	155*	44.1 (44.8)	149 (147)
BMW 335i Saloon	£35,525	306	400	5.5 (5.5)	155*	35.8 (39.2)	186 (169)
BMW 320d Saloon	£28,080	184	380	7.5 (7.6)	146 (143)	62.8 (64.2)	120 (118)
BMW 320d EfficientDynamics Saloon	£28,080	163	380	8.0 (8.1)	143 (141)	68.9 (68.9)	109 (109)

*Electronically limited.

Source: BMW

October 14, 2011

Hofele Design Audi SR 8

Hofele Design has revealed their tuning program for Audi’s flagship – the A8 D4. The name of the project is SR8 suits perfect to the mighty look of the big car.

Hofele-Design Audi SR8 comes with an aggressive body kit including a complete front bumper with original RS5 mesh inserts, a rear apron with diffuser, a 4-tube sports muffler and a rear trunk spoiler.

The car stands on enormous 9J x 20” or 10J x 22” alloy wheels fitted with low profile performance tires. The electronic speed-related lowering module ETS lowers the Audi A8 with air suspension up to 40mm. The system is only active on speeds under 70 km/h, on speeds over 70 km/h the system is deactivated to give the chassis its full comfort and security.

The mighty 4.2 liter V8 FSI is boosted from 372 PS to 390 PS and the 4.2 TDI CR is tuned from 350 PS to 390 PS and sensational 900 NM.

The interior boasts a bi-colour leather interior. The two-coloured seats have a quilted stripe made of soft nappa leather which crosses the seats in the middle. This wonderful masterpiece is available with special stitching and as a combination of different premium materials like smooth leather, rough leather or Alcantara (ecsaine / ultrasuede). Also available are leather-covered door panels and a steering wheel.

Source: Hofele Design

October 14, 2011

Toyota LMP1 Hybrid Sports Car

Toyota has announced that will compete in the Le Mans 24 Hours in 2012 with a new hybrid power sports car. The manufacturer will return to the world’s most famous endurance race will be with a new LMP1 chassis designed, developed and produced by Toyota Motorsport in Germany, equipped with a hybrid petrol powertrain engineered by Toyota in Japan.

“Toyota has entered Le Mans before, but by using our hybrid technology this time will be a completely new challenge. We want to write a new chapter in the history of the Le Mans 24 Hours, as in the FIA World Endurance Championship, through our use of hybrid technology.”, commented Tadashi Yamashina, Toyota Motor Corporation Senior Managing Officer and Toyota Motorsport Chairman.

“In addition, we aim to learn from the experience of competing in such a challenging motorsport environment to enhance our production car technology. Le Mans is a legendary race and I would like to thank the ACO and the FIA for their constructive and positive co-operation over the last few months.”, he added.

Toyota last competed in the Le Mans 24 Hours as a manufacturer in the late 1990s racing the GT-One, a car which famously established a new race lap record in 1999.

Source: Toyota

October 14, 2011

2012 Hyundai Veloster Coupe Price – £17 995

Hyundai has revealed the new 2012 Veloster Coupe, which is priced at just £17 995 on the road with an insurance group rating of 16E.

The Hyundai Veloster will be available in two trim levels and powered by an efficient 1.6-litre four-cylinder GDI petrol engine with 140PS. The option for transmission is either 6-speed manual or dual-clutch gearbox. Hyundai’s Blue drive technologies – incorporating Intelligent Stop & Go technology and low rolling resistance tyres – will feature in the Veloster line-up ensuring competitive CO₂ emissions of 137g/km and a combined fuel economy of 47.9mpg.

Standard equipment includes 17” alloy wheels, a 7” Touch screen media centre with capability of playing games through consoles and films from smart phones, Bluetooth Connectivity with voice recognition, climate control air conditioning, reversing sensors, front and rear fog lights and striking LED daytime running lights. The Veloster also features a stereo RDS Radio/CD Player with MP3/WMA compatibility and an iPod connection, with the ability to control all functions on the leather steering wheel for added convenience.

The Veloster Sport benefits from 18” alloy wheels with colour inserts, black leather upholstery with heated front seats, a panoramic sunroof with tilt and slide function, cruise control, keyless entry with engine start/stop button and sporty alloy pedals.

A media pack – containing touch screen satellite navigation with rear view parking camera, Parking Guidance System and 7 speakers including Amp and subwoofer – and red leather interior are available as options on the Sport derivative only.

Model Prices	Fuel Type	CO2 Emissions	Insurance Group	VED Band	Price (OTR)
Veloster 1.6GDi 4-door	Petrol	148	16E	F	£ 17 995.00
Veloster 1.6GDi 4-door Blue Drive	Petrol	137	16E	E	£ 18 345.00
Veloster 1.6GDi 4-door DCT	Petrol	145	16E	F	£ 19 245.00
Veloster Sport 1.6GDi 4-door	Petrol	148	16E	F	£ 20 495.00
Veloster Sport 1.6GDi 4-door DCT	Petrol	145	16E	F	£ 21 745.00

Source: Hyundai

October 14, 2011

Vilner Saturn Sky

Vilner has introduced the unique tuned Saturn Sky. The Bulgarian tuners specializes in developing bespoke, high end interiors.

Vilner Saturn Sky boasts nice oriental blue exterior combined with a red interior. The tuner also offers LED daytime running lights for the front bumper.

The interior is the real deal. It includes black Alcantara and carbon fiber trim parts, as well as new dials, a carbon fiber steering wheel and a new upholstery. There is also a newly fitted high-end Ground Zero sound system.

Saturn Sky is powered by a 2.0 liter four-cylinder turbocharged engine with 260PS (194 kW) and 353Nm (260 lb-ft) of torque. 0 to 100 km/h in just 5.5 seconds and to 160 km/h in 14.7 seconds. The ¼ mile is covered in 13.9 seconds at 100 mph (161 km/h). However, the engine is rather economical – 12 liters per 100 km in city and just 8.4 liters per 100 km on the highway.

No words about pricing.

Source: Vilner

October 13, 2011

Kia Rio B-Spec Race Car

Kia has announced Rio B-Spec Race car, which will have its official debut at the 2011 SEMA Auto Show in Las Vegas. The vehicle is developed by Kia as 5-door version model is being used for base. The project is finished thanks to Kinetic Motorsports.

Kia Rio B-Spec Race Car comes with a pair of sport bucket seats, 5-point seatbelts, a roll cage and ultra-light rims fitted with performance tires. There are also new adjustable coilover suspension and sport brake system. Carbon fiber components are also used for weight reduction and more balance.

The manufacturer didn’t release any further information about the engine or performance, but more details will be available soon.

Source: Kia

October 13, 2011

Hyundai Genesis Hurricane SC Coupe [teaser]

Hyundai has published the first teaser picture of the Genesis Hurricane SC Coupe. The sports car will have its official debut at the SEMA Motor Show.

The Hurricane SC Coupe comes with new front and rear bumpers, modified grille and a carbon fiber hood for low weight and better balance. There is also a new rear diffuser. The headlights feature LED technology and the car stands on enormous 19” alloy wheels fitted with Hankook performance tires.

The interior boasts Katzkin leather and suede sport seats and nice Harman Lexicon audio system.

Genesis Hurricane SC Coupe is powered by a 3.8-liter supercharged V6 engine with 456PS (336 kW). The performance is staggering, that’s why Hyundai fitted the sports vehicle with adjustable coilover suspension, Brembo brake system and torsen-type limited-slip differential for perfect traction.

Source: Hyundai

October 13, 2011

2012 Audi TT Coupe 1.8 TFSI Sport Price – £24 070

Audi now offers the new Audi TT Coupe 1.8 TFSI model generously equipped to either Sport or S line specification, and available with either 6-speed manual or 7-speed S tronic transmissions.

The 1.8 litre turbocharged petrol engine delivers 160PS (118 kW) at 4500RPM and 250Nm (185 lb-ft) of torque at just 1500RPM. 0 to 100 km/h in 7.2 seconds with the manual gearbox and 7.1 seconds with the S-tronic transmission. The top speed is 225 km/h (140 mph). The fuel consumption is superb – 44.1 mpg on combined cycle.

The extensive equipment list already offered by Sport models, and further embellished in S line versions, is carried over unchanged to the new 1.8 TFSI. For Sport models it includes 17” alloy wheels, electronic climate control, leather and Alcantara combination upholstery and a Concert audio system with single CD player and MP3/iPod connectivity.

S line versions upgrade with features including 18” alloy wheels, lowered S line sports suspension, a short-shift gearbox for manual versions, S line exterior and interior detailing and xenon headlights with LED daytime running lamps.

The top-of-range Black Edition specification takes S line as its basis and is available exclusively for 2.0-litre TFSI and TDI versions. It adds 19” alloy wheels, a black styling treatment for the single frame grille surround and number plate holder, dark tinted rear privacy glass for Coupe models, acoustic rear parking sensors for Roadsters, a Bluetooth phone interface and an upgraded Symphony audio system linked to a BOSE premium sound system.

Check out the full price list, below!

2012 Audi TT Price:

TT Coupe	OTR
1.8 TFSI Sport manual	£24,070
1.8 TFSI S line manual	£26,060
1.8 TFSI Sport S tronic	£25,550
1.8 TFSI S line S tronic	£27,540
2.0 TFSI Sport manual	£27,140
2.0 TFSI Sport S tronic	£28,620
2.0 TFSI S line manual	£29,130
2.0 TFSI S line S tronic	£30,610
2.0 TFSI Black Edition manual	£30,380
2.0 TFSI Black Edition S tronic	£31,860
2.0 TFSI quattro Sport S tronic	£30,150
2.0 TFSI quattro S line S tronic	£32,140
2.0 TFSI quattro Black Edition S tronic	£33,390
2.0 TDI quattro Sport manual	£28,300
2.0 TDI quattro S line manual	£30,290
2.0 TDI quattro Black Edition manual	£31,540
2.0 TDI quattro Sport S tronic	£29,795
2.0 TDI quattro S line S tronic	£31,785
2.0 TDI quattro Black Edition S tronic	£33,035

TTS Coupe 2.0 TFSI manual	£35,605
TTS Coupe 2.0 TFSI S tronic	£37,085
TTS Coupe Black Edition 2.0 TFSI manual	£36,855
TTS Coupe Black Edition 2.0 TFSI S tronic	£38,335

TT RS Coupe 2.5 TFSI manual	£45,840
TT RS Coupe 2.5 TFSI S tronic	£47,185

Source: Audi

October 13, 2011

2013 Chevrolet TrailBlazer [teaser]

Chevrolet has revealed the first teaser image of the 2013 TrailBlazer. The SUV will have its debut at the Dubai International Motor Show.

The first TrailBlazer was produced back in 1999 as an upscale trim line of the Blazer. In 2002, it was upgraded to a new platform – GMT360 for 5 passenger models, GMT370 for 7 passenger, and GMT305 for the Envoy XUV.

The new TrailBlazer is based on Chevrolet Colorado Concept, which was introduced in March this year.

Colorado Concept boasts big grille, polished aluminum accents and LED headlights. There are also an extended-cab, a body-color tonneau cover and 20” alloy wheels with Cooper Zeon off-road tires.

The interior comes with a motorcycle-inspired instrument cluster, leather seats, dark wood trim, and chrome accents. There are also a dual-zone climate control system and a multimedia system with a 7” touchscreen display.

2013 Chevrolet TrailBlazer will hit the market in the beginning of the next year.
”] 2013 Chevrolet TrailBlazer [teaser]

Source: GM

October 13, 2011

Fisker Karma auctioned for £140 000

Fisker Karma was sold at a charity auction held in Camden’s famous Round House performing arts venue. The price was £140 000 for the very first Fisker Karma to be offered for sale in the United Kingdom.

Fisker Karma is powered by 408PS (300 kW) hybrid system. The car accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.9 seconds and the fuel consumption is just 2.4 liters per 100 km, which is 100 mpg and emissions of 83 g/km of CO2. The top speed is 201 km/h (125 mph).

The car has two drive modes: Stealth and Sport. In Stealth Mode the efficiency is maximized, while in sport you’ll feel the full power of the beautiful vehicle.

Fisker Automotive’s engineering team designed the Karma’s space frame around the car’s unique powertrain, filing for multiple patents in the process. Benefitting from four-wheel independent SLA (double-wishbone) suspension that also employs aluminum components, the Karma has been specifically tuned to run on standard 22” aluminum wheels, a first for a production car.

Pratham UK is an overseas chapter of the children’s charity founded in Mumbai by UNICEF in 1994. Its mission is to ensure that every child in India has the opportunity to attend school and receive an education. Since its inception, the organisation has helped over 36 million Indian children with its literacy campaign.

Source: Fisker

October 13, 2011

Hennessey 20th Anniversary HPE650 Supercharged Camaro

Hennessey has revealed a limited edition HPE650 Camaro especially for their 20^th anniversary. The tuning specialists have been modifying vehicles for two decades and they have decided to create something amazing.

In this case it is tuned Chevy Camaro coming with a body kit including a CarbonAero front splitter and new side skirts. There is some exterior badging, too and of course a black metallic paint. The stance is improved by installing a lowered coilover suspension as the car is standing on monoblock alloy wheels fitted with low-profile tires.

The interior boasts embroidered headrests, special floor mats and an individually-numbered plaque for each model.

HPE650 Camaro is powered by a supercharged 6.2-liter V8 with 664PS (488 kW), which means only 3.7 seconds to 60 mph and a ¼ mile in 11.7 seconds with 196 km/h (122 mph) terminal speed.

Only twenty units will be produced as each starts at $79 500 for the coupe and $84 500 for the convertible.

Check out the full specification, below!

Hennessey 20th Anniversary HPE650 Supercharged Camaro

Hennessey 20th Anniversary HPE650 Supercharged Camaro Engine

Vehicle Specifications:

• 2012 Camaro 2SS/RS
• Coupe or Convertible
• 6 Speed Manual or Automatic Transmission
• Black Exterior
• Black Leather Interior

Performance:

• 0-60 mph: 3.7 seconds
• 1/4 mile: 11.7 @ 122 mph

Power:

• 655 bhp @ 6,300 rpm

The 20th Anniversary HPE650 Camaro Includes:

• TVS2300 Supercharger System (Black or Chrome)
• HPE Air Induction System
• High Flow Cylinder Heads
• HPE650 Camshaft Upgrade
• Stainless Steel Long Tube Headers
• High Flow Catalytic Converters
• Stainless Steel Mid-Pipes
• High Flow Fuel Injector Upgrade
• 160 Degree Thermostat
• All Necessary Gaskets & Fluids
• Professional Installation
• HPE Engine Management Calibration
• Lowered Coilover Supsension System (1 inch)
• CarbonAero Front Splitter and Side Skirts
• Hennessey Monoblock Wheels (Chrome or Silver Finish)
• Hennessey HPE650 Exterior Badging
• Hennessey 20th Anniversary Edition – Serial Numbered Dash & Engine Plaques
• Hennessey 20th Anniversary Edition Floor Mats
• Hennessey Embroidered Headrests
• HPE Modified Engine Cover
• 3 Year / 36,000 Mile Limited Warranty

Source: Hennessey

October 12, 2011

Author: Victor Ivanov