Victor Ivanov – Page 219 – Automobiles Review

2012 Seat Mii

Seat has announced the new Mii small city car. The vehicle will hit the home market in the end of this year, with the rest of Europe following in Spring 2012. Firstly, a three-door variant will be available and the five-door version follows in 2012.

The engine range includes all-new 1.0-litre petrol engines of 60 PS and 75 PS powering the 854 kg Mii. The Mii Ecomotive has a CO₂ figure of just 97 g/km. The combined cycle is measured at 4.5 and 4.7 litres per 100 kilometres, respectively.

The City Safety Assist for instance, adds an extra dimension of safety in the city, while the SEAT Portable System brings together entertainment, navigation, phone and vehicle functions in an entirely new way.

There will be three equipment lines, two Style Packs and a wide array of optional equipment and accessories, the Mii can be adapted perfectly to suit individual lifestyles and preferences.

The standard equipment includes ABS, an adjustable steering column, side airbags and Isofix points with Top Tether. Reference and Style are the names of the two other equipment lines in Spain, with Style offering features such as power windows and central locking.

The two equipment packages Chic and Sport offer the choice, with special colour and trim elements for interior personalisation. Alloy wheels and a leather steering wheel are always part of the package – the chrome package in the Chic version adds a special touch, while the Sport version offers tinted windows and a sporty suspension set-up for an even more.

“The new Mii is the perfect partner for everyday urban life. It is young and fresh, thought through to the very last detail and built to the finest quality. The Mii brings clear SEAT identity to the sub-compact segment and is set to win a significant share of the market,” said James Muir, President of SEAT S.A.

“This is why the Mii is an important addition to the SEAT portfolio and a clear next step in our company strategy. With the Mii, we are starting the most comprehensive model offensive in SEAT history.”, he finished.

Source: Seat

October 3, 2011

2012 Kia Soul Price – £12 495

Kia will launch the all-new 2012 Soul from 3^rd October and the price is as low as £12 495. The model will come with revised 1.6-litre engines and the introduction of a six-speed gearbox on all models improve performance while lowering fuel consumption, emissions and running costs.

The engine range includes two 1.6-litre engines.

The first is a direct-injection (GDi) petrol with 138BHP. It returns 44.1 mpg on combined cycle and accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 10 seconds. The emissions are just 149g/km, which saves owners £35 a year compared with the previous model.

The second is a 1.6-litre CRDi with 126BHP, which is capable of doing 57.6mpg and emissions of just 129 g/km of CO2. 0 to 100 km/h in 10.3 seconds, which is 0.6 seconds faster than previous version.

Soul comes as standard with electronic stability control (ESC) and anti-lock brakes (ABS) with electronic brake force distribution (EBD). ESC intervenes to prevent skids by braking one or more wheels, reducing engine power or both if sensors detect the car may be in danger of going out of control. EBD, meanwhile, automatically ensures that stopping power is directed to the four wheels in such a way as to ensure the car is brought to a halt in the shortest possible distance.

Kia Soul – Performance and Economy figures

Version	Power (bhp)	Torque (lb/ft)	Top Speed (mph)	0-60 mph	Combined mpg	CO₂ (g/km)
1.6 GDi	138 @ 6300 rpm	122 @ 4850 rpm	112	10.0	44.1	149
1.6 CRDi	126 @ 4000 rpm	192 @ 1900-2750 rpm	112	10.3	57.6	129
1.6-litre CRDi auto	126 @ 4000 rpm	192 @ 1900-2750 rpm	110	11.3	47.9	155

Kia Soul – Pricing

Version	Price – On the Road
1.6 GDi 1	£12,495
1.6 GDi 2	£13,595
1.6 CRDi 2	£14,695
1.6 CRDi 2 auto	£15,795
1.6 GDi Hunter	£15,095
1.6 CRDi Hunter	£16,195
1.6 CRDi Hunter auto	£17,295
1.6 GDi Quantum	£15,595
1.6 CRDi Quantum	£16,695
1.6 CRDi Quantum auto	£17,795

Source: KIA

October 3, 2011

2012 BMW Active Hybrid 5

BMW has introduced a new hybrid version of the latest 5-Series – F10. The BMW ActiveHybrid 5 combines the famous TwinPower Turbo six-cylinder petrol engine, an electric drive system and an 8-speed automatic gearbox.

The BMW ActiveHybrid 5 is powered by a 3.0 liter twin-turbocharged I6 with 306PS (225 kW) and 400Nm (295 lb-ft) of torque coupled to a 56PS (40 kW) and 210Nm (155 lb-ft) electric motor. The interesting about the drivetrain is that the electric motor is integrated into the housing for the 8-speed automatic gearbox. The car have an auto Stop/Start system as well as an ECO PRO mode. The Active Hybrid 5 can also coast with the engine shut off at speeds of up to 160 km/h (100 mph).

So, the combined power is 340PS (250 kW) and 450Nm (332 lb-ft), which is enough to catapult the car from stand still to 100 km/h in just 5.9 seconds, so this is more like a sports car not a family saloon with hybrid powertrain.

The lithium-ion battery pack provides range up to 4 km (2.5 miles) only on electricity with maximum speed of 35 km/h (22 mph). This is perfect, if you have incredibly short trips to the neighbourhood store for example.

The fuel economy is just great – 6.4 liters per 100 km (44 mpg) with only 149 g/km of CO2 emission.

To further enhance comfort and individuality, the standard-specification includes 4-zone automatic climate control and navigation system Professional. You can also order active seats, active seat ventilation, Comfort Access, the Smart Opener for the tailgate, the Soft Close Automatic function for the doors, a power-operated glass roof and high-end audio and rear entertainment systems.

Source: BMW

October 1, 2011

Anderson Germany Porsche Panamera Red

Anderson Germany has released another tuning package for Porsche Panamera Turbo.

It includes radiator cowl, as well as the corresponding pendant on the top, the side channel bar and the almost obligatory antiwing. The underlined sports air intakes on the left and right, by the way, in a brilliant black display the product to the best advantage, while the border of the headlights create a “leer” of a special type. The exclusive hood, made of carbon, with its air intakes and boot lid of that ultralight, but prohibitively expensive material were in the end for the benefit of the weight saving. The bright headlights with light emitting diodes, the rear lights and all without exception glasses can be ordered in tinted version.

The car stands on enormous 10J x 22” rims fitted with 265/30 R22 at the front and 295/25 R22 at the rear. It also stands 40 mm lower to the ground thanks to the special height adjustable suspension.

The ANDERSON professionals painted the turbo-bolide in an incomparably dim red, the poetry on four wheels.

The engine is boosted to 585PS (430 kW) by installing exhaust system, equipped with sports accelerators and an ECU re-map.

The interior boasts ANDERSON monitors, easy-to-use sports steering wheel with carbon fiber, carbon fiber mouldings, red logo sill pads in a black border, carbon leather with black alcantara with keder on the edges and diamond-shaped seams. There are diamond-shaped seams in alcantara upholstery. The legroom in front and back is illuminated with red light emitting diodes with DIMM-module.

The guard bars, as well as the lights covering on the ceiling is made in lacquered black. And the most remarkable is the sound system with lockable monitor with the PS3 and DVD functions, which ensures the proper sound.

Source: Anderson Germany

October 1, 2011

Senner Audi S5 Sportback

Senner tuning has announced their tuning program for Audi S5 Sportback. It includes a set of new wheels, lowered suspension, carbon fiber interior elements and some performance modifications.

First, the tuning specialists fitted the stylish S5 Sportback with huge SENNER-Elegant TS-7 wheels in sizes 9.5J x 20” up front and 11J x 20” at the rear fitted with Conti Sport Contact 5P tires in dimensions 255/30 R20 and 295/25 R20, respectively.

The car is finished in black mettalic paint with matt black gitter with bright borders, as well as moldings and racks for windows, including a fog-light frame in the same “color”.

The suspension received adjustable screw thread B16 PSS10 from Bilstein with the possibility of height, pull rate and pressure adjustment in “Senner-tuning”, which is responsible for the low suspension: about 40 mm on the front axle and 35 mm on the rear axle.

The engine is boosted to whopping 445PS (327 kW) and 530Nm (393 lb-ft) of torque, instead of the factory’s 333PS (245 kW) and 440Nm. The results are thanks to a complete Performance Kit air filter, sport exhaust system including an additional muffler and X-Pipe of stainless steel with the enlarged pipe diameter to 63.5 mm and 4 exhaust pipes of 90×70 mm, and of course an ECU re-map.

Together with the carbon-fiber interior the tachometer of this material, as well as the Power Converter – the tuning for the electric foot-throttle can be ordered.

The total cost of the upgrades is 15 000 EURO.

Source: Senner

October 1, 2011

Clio Renaultsport 200 Raider

Renault has announced the special Clio Renaultsport 200 Raider, which is a limited series of the famous hot hatchback. It comes with a lot of extra equipment over the standard Renaultsport version on which it is based. Clio Renaultsport 200 Raider will be limited to just 50 cars specially for the UK market.

The car is finished in either matt Stealth Grey or Diavolo Red. The main colour is contrasted by a gloss black finish to the roof, rear spoiler, F1-style front blade, rear diffuser and door mirrors. This gloss black finish is also applied to the 18” ‘Interlagos’ alloy wheels

The rims are wrapped in Bridgestone RE 050A tyres, as used on the record-breaking Megane Renaultsport 265 Trophy.

Naturally, the acclaimed Cup chassis is standard featuring a lower ride height, stiffer springs and dampers, quicker steering ratio and red finish to the Brembo brake callipers. The exterior finish is rounded off by extra-tinted rear side and tailgate windows and a Raider badge.

The interior boasts leather Recaro seats, zinc grey finish to the centre console and fascia inserts. There are also a white rev counter, bluetooth, USB connectivity, automatic climate control and Renaultsport carpet mats.

A numbered plate identifies the number in the 50 production run. The Clio Renaultsport 200 Raider will be available to order from the end of October. Price list is not announced, yet!

Source: Renault

October 1, 2011

2012 Ford F-150

Ford has introduced the all-new 2012 F-150 pick-up truck. It is available with a new FX appearance package and several driveline updates and new technologies to further improve and refine the driving experience

The FX appearance package includes set off with black fender and tailgate badges that feature red lettering as well as a red-stitched steering wheel. There are also black leather seats with red perforations and red piping. Unique interior touches include black-painted dash accents, brushed-metal surfaces, and satin shifter knob, door handles and air conditioning vent bezels. The package is available with all FX colors.

Also new for 2012, the FX luxury package now offers cooled front seats, which combine with the previously available heated seats.

The set of 20” six-spoke wheels with a flat-black paint are just one of the specialized styling cues on the exterior. A unique bodyside decal is matte black with color read-through for a distinctive appearance. A chrome exhaust tip, black-finished grille, and blacked-out headlamps and taillamps round out the exterior upgrades.

“The new FX package delivers a distinctive style that truck buyers are looking for without compromising on any of the F-150’s rugged qualities,” said Raj Sarkar, F-150 Marketing manager.

“It expands our range of specialty vehicles with custom elements that customers previously could find only in the aftermarket.”, he added.

The new F-150 EcoBoost 4×4 is powered by a 3.5 liter turbocharged V6 with 370PS (272 kW) and 570Nm (420 lb-ft) of torque. It has a unique range of 756 miles (1200+ km) on a single tank of fuel (136 liters). It also has Best-in-class 11 300 pounds maximum trailer tow vs. all competitors and Best-in-class 3 060 pounds payload vs. all competitors.

All of the changes for 2012 complement a powertrain lineup that debuted in 2011. The powertrain lineup delivers a mix of best-in-class horsepower, torque, capability and fuel economy. Each new engine is mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission. Ford is the first and only manufacturer to equip its entire full-size pickup truck lineup with fuel-saving 6-speed automatic transmissions as standard.

Additional updates:

Light-duty SuperCab 163-inch-wheelbase option on XL and XLT
Heavy-duty payload CrewCab 157-inch-wheelbase option on XL, XLT and Lariat
Electronic shift-on-the-fly 4×4 now standard on XL to FX4 trim levels
Fuel-efficient and powerful offerings

Engine range:

3.7-liter four-valve Ti-VCT V6

Best-in-class 302 horsepower at 6,500 rpm vs. V6 competitors
Unsurpassed 278 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,000 rpm vs. V6 competitors
Best-in-class 17 mpg city and best-in-class 23 mpg highway (4×2)
Best-in-class 6,100 pounds maximum trailer tow vs. V6 competitors

5.0-liter four-valve dual-overhead-camshaft Ti-VCT V8

Best-in-class 360 horsepower at 5,500 rpm vs. standard V8 competitors
Best-in-class 380 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,250 rpm vs. standard V8 competitors
21 mpg highway, unsurpassed 15 mpg city (4×2)
Best-in-class 10,000 pounds maximum trailer tow vs. standard V8 competitors

6.2-liter two-valve single-overhead-camshaft V8

Best-in-class 411 horsepower at 5,500 rpm vs. all competitors
Best-in-class 434 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,500 rpm vs. all competitors
13 mpg city, 18 mpg highway (4×2)
Best-in-class 11,300 pounds maximum trailer tow vs. all competitors

3.5-liter Ti-VCT EcoBoost

365 horsepower at 5,000 rpm on regular fuel
Best-in-class 420 lb.-ft. of torque at 2,500 rpm vs. premium V8 competitors
Up to 90 percent peak torque available from 1,700 rpm to 5,000 rpm
Best-in-class 11,300 pounds maximum trailer tow vs. all competitors
Best-in-class 3,060 pounds payload vs. all competitors

Source: Ford

October 1, 2011

G-Power BMW M3 Tornado RS

G-Power has unveiled the fastest road legal BMW M3. The M3 Tornado RS now is equipped with SK III “Sporty Drive” supercharger system and the results are really mind blowing.

G-Power BMW M3 Tornado RS produces 720PS (529 kW) at 8100RPM, which is exactly 300PS more than the original E92 M3. The torque is 700Nm (519 lb-ft), which is also 300Nm increase over stock.

The performance as you may suggest is brutal – 0 to 100 km/h in 3.7 seconds and to 200 km/h in just 9.5 seconds. The top speed is somewhere over 330 km/h (205mph+).

All this is achieved thanks to a new crankshaft increasing the displacement of SK III-equipped M3s by 15%, from 4.0 to 4.6 litres. The powerful ASA T1-723 supercharger makes just 0.5 bar pressure. There is also an optional carbon fiber airbox weighing just 4 kg.

Finally, the specialists from G-Power fitted the tuned M3 with a titanium exhaust system featuring free-flowing 100 cpsi metallic catalytic converters.
The price for this pleasure is € 35 000 including installation.

This is The Devil itself.

Source: G-Power

September 29, 2011

speedART Porsche Panamera PS9-300D

Porsche Panamera Diesel is one of the perfect choices on the market, if you want economic GT car. It is powered by a 3.0 liter V6 turbo-diesel with 250 PS (184 kW) and 550Nm (406 lb-ft) of torque.

However, the German tuning specialists from speedART made some modifications for the stylish Porsche.

First, the engine received an ECU re-map, which means additional 50PS (37 kW) and 100Nm (73 lb-ft) of torque. Originally, the car accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.8 seconds and has a top speed of 242 km/h (150 mph), so the time will be significantly dropped and the top speed will be a lot more. The fuel consumption of 6.3 liters per 100 km will remain unchanged.

Second, PS9 aerodynamic kit is fitted. It includes a front spoiler, a pair of side skirts, rear diffuser, a double wing rear spoiler. There are also new front and rear air intakes. The 22” Five Spoke Competition mono-block wheels fitted with performance tires complete the exterior look.

Source: speedART

September 29, 2011

Ford Transit SportVan Metallic

Ford Transit SportVan will get a new special Moondust Silver paintwork with graphite bonnet stripes.

“Demand for our Transit SportVan has been exceptional so we are delighted to now offer this latest edition. Transit remains as popular as ever with more than 40,000 sales so far this year and this SportVan gives customers the chance to own a really special Transit.”, commented Ford of Britain’s marketing director, Anthony Ireson.

Transit SportVan is powered by a 2.2-litre TDCi diesel engine delivering 140PS. It is paired to a 6-speed manual gearbox sending all power to the front wheels.

The exterior boasts Moondust Silver paintwork, Le Mans-style graphite bonnet stripes, twin exhausts, 18” graphite colour alloy wheels fitted with low profile 235/45 R18 tires, front and rear lower spoilers, side skirts and extended wheel arches. Standard safety features include ABS, ESP and driver and passenger airbags.

The interior includes velour trim, air conditioning, Sony radio/CD with DAB with remote steering-column-mounted controls, Bluetooth, cruise control, power windows, powered and heated mirrors, leather steering wheel, tinted glass, leather gearshift knob and a perimeter alarm are also standard.

Additional standard equipment includes power deadlocks, rain-sensing wipers, auto headlights, front fog lights and a load area protection kit. Optional are leather seats, Satellite Navigation FX system with 5in colour screen and a rear view camera with cab-mounted 7in LCD colour display monitor. LED cargo lights in rear and LED daytime running lights are available as a dealer-fit accessory.

Ford Transit SportVan Metallic is priced at £23 670.

Source: Ford

September 29, 2011

MINI London 2012 Edition

MINI will launch 2 012 units of its new London 2012 special, limited edition model to celebrate the monumental London Olympic Games, next year.

There will be just 2,012 of these special edition models built, which are available in Cooper, Cooper D, Cooper S and Cooper SD trims and come in the Union Jack themed colours; Chilli Red, White Silver or Lightning Blue. All models boast white mirror caps and a white roof featuring the iconic London 2012 Olympic graphic.

The exterior boasts a Union Jack single sport stripe which runs over the bonnet, roof and rear tailgate of the car. The side scuttles also bear the London 2012 Olympic graphic. To finish off the dynamic look, the MINI London 2012 edition features unique grey 17” conical spoke alloy wheels – unavailable on any other MINI model.

The interior comes with piano-black dashboard. Silhouetting some of London’s most iconic landmarks, including Tower Bridge, Battersea Power Station and the London Eye, the dashboard also displays the words “London 1 of 2012”.

All London 2012 special edition models come packed with a bundle of extra options like Lounge Leather sports seats, DAB radio, air conditioning, cruise control and chrome interior touches. MINIMALISM technology also comes as standard; helping to make the 99g/km CO₂ emitting Cooper D models exempt from London Congestion Charging.

MINI Cooper Hatch                             £17,800
MINI Cooper D Hatch                         £19,080
MINI Cooper S Hatch                          £20,125
MINI Cooper SD Hatch                       £20,860

Source: MINI

September 29, 2011

Skoda Superb Estate TDI DSG Price – £26 400

Skoda Super Estate repeat triumph in the 2012 Caravan Club Towcar of the Year Awards. The famous 2.0-litre TDI DSG model took top honours in the £25 000 – £32 000 category. What is more, the car is currently on the market for just £26 400.

“Winning any honour once is a great achievement but to do it again is testament to the outstanding engineering, and quality of the ŠKODA range. We know the caravanning community is an enthusiastic supporter of the Superb Elegance Estate. Its powerful 2.0-litre diesel engine and efficient DSG transmission create a refined and stable base for stress-free long-distance towing.”, said SKODA UK Brand Director, Robert Hazelwood.

Other interesting choices of Superb Estate are these with Laurin & Klement design package. They are offered with a choice of three engines: a 2.0 litre TSI with 200PS (147 kW), the mighty 3.6 litre FSI V6 with 260PS (191 kW) and the exact diesel – 2.0 litre TDI CR DPF – 170PS (125 kW).

As you may suggest, Skoda Superb is one of the best family cars in the world. Not only because of its capabilities and quality of materials, but for its incredibly low price.

The car is perfect value for money and if you need an estate, this is the best choice – Skoda Superb Estate TDI DSG.

Source: Skoda

September 29, 2011

Author: Victor Ivanov