Victor Ivanov – Page 223 – Automobiles Review

BMW Alpina D5 Bi-Turbo

Alpina has introduced one more vehicle – D5 Bi-Turbo based on 535d. It comes with one of the most powerful diesel engines in the world.

In other words – 350PS (257 kW) coming from a 3.0 liter twin-turbo straight-six diesel, which has the same fuel-economy rating as the 530d with 245PS (180 kW) – 6.2 liters per 100 km on combined cycle. Not bad for such amount of power, not bad at all! 0 to 100 km/h in just 5.2 seconds and a top speed of 270 km/h (168 mph). That is the reason why 535d is called ///M diesel.

The mighty engine is mated to the new ZF SWITCH-TRONIC 8-speed Sport Automatic gearbox. It is further improved to handle all new torque.

The stance is improved by adding a set of lowering springs. There are also a set of 20” Alpina alloy wheels fitted with Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires in dimensions – 255/35 ZR20 at the front and 285/30 ZR20 at the rear.

Source: Alpina

September 14, 2011

Maybach 57 S Edition 125

Maybach has created a special Edition 125 limited edition model based on 57 S to celebrate the manufacturer’s 125^th anniversary. For sure, 125 years is a lot of time and the company managed to keep up creating high-end saloons.

Edition 125 comes in either Tahiti Black or Patagonia Silver and matte-black 20” wheels. There are modified bonnet and given it sharply defined contours. It has a contoured edge and appears distinctly arrow-shaped. A restyled, horizontally structured bumper trim gives the Maybach saloons an even broader look. Daytime driving lights featuring LED technology and bordered with a chrome insert have been integrated into the outer air intakes.

The interior boasts SWAROVSKI® ELEMENTS, “MAYBACH MANUFAKTUR” lettering, , high-resolution cinema screen with a 19” diagonal, 9.5” monitors in the rear, an overview camera and many more.

The power is also increased with 18PS (13 kW) to 630PS (463 kW). The fuel consumption is decent for such heavyweight car – 15.0 liters per 100 km and 350 g/km of CO2. All the Maybach twelve-cylinder engines meet the EU5 standard/LEV2.

Source: Mercedes-Benz

September 14, 2011

BMW Alpina B6 Bi-Turbo Convertible

One of the most interesting and eagerly awaited cars was revealed at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show. BMW Alpina B6 Bi-Turbo Convertible is based on the well known 650i model.

The all-aluminium bi-turbo V8 power plant boasts 507PS (373 kW) and staggering 700Nm (516 lb-ft) of torque, which is an increase of 100PS (74 kW) and 100Nm (74 lb-ft). So, there is no coincidence. 0 to 100 km/h in 4.8 seconds and a Vmax of 311 km/h (193 mph). Still, the vehicle manages to achieve an average 10.9 litres per 100 km and 255 g/km of CO2.

Alpina B6 Bi-Turbo Convertible also comes with complete aerodynamic package including front and rear bumpers and side skirts. There are also a four-tailpipe Akrapovic sports exhaust system and huge 20” alloy wheels in the well-known design fitted with Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires.

The B6 Bi-Turbo Convertible features an extensive range of standard equipment, including leather upholstery, fully adjustable comfort seats with heating system, navigation system with preparation for Bluetooth mobile phone, USB audio interface, Xenon lights and LED fog lights.

Source: Alpina

September 14, 2011

2012 Subaru XV

Subaru has announced its XV model at the 64^th Frankfurt Motor Show. The vehicle will hit the market in just 2 months with pre selling, and first deliveries mid January 2012. The price list is not announced, yet.

The fundamental product concept that Subaru adopted for the XV is “Urban Adventure.” In specific terms, a vehicle that would be perfectly suited to exciting, lively, yet stress-free use in the city. Thus, Subaru balanced optimal performance factors such as fuel efficiency and enjoyable driving (Fun to Drive) with a stylish, highly distinctive exterior design.

The exterior boasts a stylish, flowing form with a high body and side cladding that enhances the sense of functionality of SUV. There are a hexagon grille and hawk eye headlights at the front.

The corners of the front and rear bumpers were designed with special edges that enhance the aerodynamic performance of the vehicle and also contribute to better fuel efficiency

Inside, you will find horizontally styled instrument panel, luxury materials – leather, metal, and cloth. There is a large 4.3” full-colour LCD equipped with advanced infotainment such as eco-driving display and vehicle information display which supports the driver in a great many ways.

The engine range includes 1.6-litre and 2.0-litre petrol models. Together with the adoption of the new Lineartronic (CVT), a newly developed “Auto Start Stop System”, the fuel efficiency was further improved. Also the Subaru Boxer Diesel, which was specially developed for the European market and received very favourable reviews, is featured in the XV line-up and is the most likely model to arrive in Ireland.

Safety:

By integrating the partition windows into the front doors and putting the door mirrors on the door panels, top-level forward visibility in this class was achieved, and blind angles were reduced. A stylish profile with a more streamlined rear roof edge was designed without impairing the rear field of view.
In addition to SRS driver’s/passenger’s airbags, SRS side airbags and SRS curtain airbags, SRS driver’s knee airbag are installed as standard in all models.
VDC (Vehicle Dynamics Control) is installed in all models as standard. Its intervention timing was optimised and incorporates control logic that demonstrates effectiveness in danger avoidance situations. A brake assist function is also incorporated into the VDC system. This provides the XV with world leading danger avoidance performance and increases driving confidence.

Major Specifications:

Overall Length x Width x Height (mm): 4,450 x 1,780 x 1,570

Wheelbase (mm): 2,635

Track Front/Rear (mm): 1,525 /1,525

Minimum road clearance (at kerb weight)(mm): 220

Seating Capacity: 5

Source: Subaru

September 13, 2011

Peugeot 508 RXH Limited Edition

Peugeot 508 RXH will be available as Limited Edition model, which will hit the market in 2012. The Peugeot 508 RXH is a distinctive vehicle characterised by its HYbrid4 powertrain and high specification, as Peugeot continues its upmarket trend.

The Diesel-electric hybrid powertrain combines highly effective 2.0-litre HDi FAP diesel engine with 163BHP and 37BHP electric motor driving at the rear axle.

The 508 RXH Limited Edition comes with Copper metallic paintwork, Lama leather and Alcantara upholstery, Peugeot Open & Go system, Xenon headlamps, motorised tailgate and electric powered, heated and memory position seats. It also features front parking aid, automatic quad-zone air conditioning, JBL Hi-Fi and distinctive Attila 18” alloy wheels with every car carrying an individually numbered plaque.

The 508 RXH Limited Edition is priced at £36 000 OTR.

2012 Peugeot 508 RXH Limited Edition:

A total combined output of 200bhp
ZEV – Zero Emissions Vehicle mode for silent running
Four-wheel drive – with grip to all four wheels
CO₂ emissions of just 109 g/km with economy at 67MPG

Source: Peugeot

September 13, 2011

Maserati Kubang Concept

Maserati Kubang is a strange concept, which is also shown at the Frankfurt Motor Show, this year.

The idea of a sport luxury SUV is naturally not totally new to Maserati. Many will remember the Kubang concept that was unveiled at the Detroit Auto Show in 2003. At a time in which few other brands were going in the direction of a sport luxury SUV, Maserati was already thinking to build one.

Kubang Concept comes with big front fender vents, LED headlights and a prominent front grille. It also boasts nicely done tailgate and a sloping roofline.

An AT 8-speed automatic transmission and specific performance settings such as suspensions, brakes, steering will be exclusively developed in Modena for the Maserati sport luxury SUV by the Maserati Product Development Department.

This is a nice step that Maserati will going to make, because they need a sport luxury SUV in the model line-up.

Source: Maserati

September 13, 2011

Fisker Surf Concept

Fisker exhibits Surf model at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show. The vehicle is luxury sports saloon with an active and eco-friendly lifestyle. Nice words, but is it true? Actually, Fisker is planning to hit the market with Surf in 2013.

Fisker Surf is powered by two electric motors with combined power of whopping 408PS (300 kW) and 1330Nm (981 lb-ft) of torque. Despite of these figures, 0 to 100 km/h is in 5.9 seconds and top speed of only 200 km/h (125 mph). There is a 20 kWh lithium-ion battery pack, which guarantees 80 km (50 miles) only on electricity. When the battery is depleted, it comes a turbocharged 2.0-liter petrol engine acts as a generator to extend the range an additional 400km (250 miles).

The vehicle will be priced at €85 500.

“The Surf is a first-of-its-kind eco-friendly lifestyle vehicle that offers space, performance and luxury design for people who live an active, environmentally conscious lifestyle and like to drive beautiful cars,”, said Henrik Fisker, CEO/Executive Design Director, Fisker Automotive.

“The BMW engine was an obvious choice for us, as BMW is known for producing the best and most fuel efficient gasoline engines in the world. We are very pleased to have signed this agreement with BMW.”, he added.

Source: Fisker

September 13, 2011

Ford Fiesta ST Concept

Ford has introduced the staggering Fiesta ST at the 2011 IAA Frankfurt Motor Show. The vehicle shows the strategy of the manufacturer, how a future Fiesta ST performance model might look when it joins the Focus ST in the global Ford small car portfolio.

The small hot hatchback combines eye-catching, muscular and sporty styling with a dynamic sports chassis and a high-performance powertrain capable of delivering impressive fuel economy with low CO₂ emissions.

Ford Fiesta ST Concept is powered by a 1.6-litre EcoBoost engine with 180PS and 240Nm of torque. 0 to 100km/h in less than 7 seconds and a top speed of more than 220km/h.

Yet the advanced design of the turbocharged, 4-cylinder engine – connected to a 6-speed manual transmission – means the Fiesta ST Concept is also able to deliver target CO₂ emissions of lower than 140g/km.

“The Fiesta has a rich history of high-performance models so a new ST performance model is a logical next step in our performance vehicle strategy for our global small cars,” said Derrick Kuzak, Ford group vice president, Global Product Development.

“The Fiesta ST Concept continues that tradition by showing how a global performance version of our best-selling B-car can be both technically advanced and dramatically styled.”, he added.

“With a racing silhouette inspired by the global Fiesta race and rally cars currently competing on the world stage, and influenced by the unique appearance of the all-new Focus ST, the new Fiesta ST Concept is an exciting demonstration of the road-going Fiesta’s future potential.”, Mr. Kuzak finished.

Source: Ford

September 13, 2011

2012 Lexus GS 450h Full Hybrid

Lexus also exhibits the 2012 GS 450h full hybrid at the IAA Frankfurt, this year. The premium saloon comes with an all-new exterior and interior which reflect development of Lexus’s L-finesse design philosophy. The bold and dynamic exterior design includes a stronger frontal treatment which gives the new GS a commanding road presence that is appropriate for a Lexus performance saloon.

The interior boasts high quality materials and advanced interface technologies to help keep the driver alert and everyone on board comfortable over long periods of time.

2012 GS 450h features a new, energy saving air conditioning system with S-Flow and ‘Nano-e’ technologies; a second-generation Remote Touch Interface (RTI) linked to the world’s largest on-board multi-information display screen; and a choice of audio systems that offer unparalleled power and clarity.

It is powered by a V6 Atkinson cycle petrol engine, with a two-motor hybrid system in a front-engine/rear-wheel drive configuration.

The vehicle also has a new re-engineered bodyshell, new suspension, more powerful brakes and leading-edge technologies such as Active Variable Suspension (AVS) and Dynamic Rear Steering (DRS).

The Lexus Dynamic Handling System provides a world-first integration of AVS, DRS, Variable Gear Ratio Steering (VGRS) and Step 5 of Lexus’s Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management, to co-ordinate every aspect of front and rear wheel control and provide agile, sharp and confident driving behaviour with more direct response to driver inputs.

The new GS is equipped with the most technologically advanced active safety and driver assistance systems available on the market today. VDIM Step 5 now integrates the new DRS system, while the Advanced Pre-Crash Safety system (PCS) incorporates a Driver Monitor Camera and a complementary Adaptive Cruise Control system (ACC). On the new GS, the ACC will function at all speeds down to 0mph.

Additional active safety features include Lane-Keep Assist (LKA), a Blind Spot Monitor (BSM), the Lexus Night View system and a Head-Up Display (HUD) with an expanded content menu.

Source: Lexus

September 12, 2011

2012 Lexus CT 200h F-Sport

Lexus has unveiled the new CT 200h F-Sport at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show. The new F-Sport version is specially designed to extend the model’s appeal to an even wider customer base.

It comes with nice exterior featuring revised body kit including front and rear bumpers and side skirts. There are also bigger rims and tinted glass. The interior boasts improved dashboard and new door panel trim. Among the new features in the interior, CT 200h F sport includes a sporty steering wheel and new pedals.

Lexus also retuned the suspension and added Flame Blue color to the option list.

Stay tuned for full information and price list.

Source: Lexus

September 12, 2011

2012 Ford Focus ST 5-door and Wagon

Ford has finally revealed official details about 2012 Focus ST both 5-door and Wagon version. The stylish sports hatchback is revealed at the Frankfurt Motor Show. Both models will hit the European market in 2012.

Focus ST is one of the most successful performance vehicles of the company. With innovative design and technology throughout, the new Focus ST will be more powerful and surprisingly fuel efficient, raising the bar once again when it comes to handling too.

“The new Focus ST is a really exciting car for Ford,” said Jost Capito, director of Global Performance Vehicles.

“It’s the first performance model to build upon the design and technology strengths of one of our new global production vehicles. It’s a car built for driving enthusiasts all around the world and they will not be disappointed.”, he added.

2012 Focus ST is powered by a 2.0-litre EcoBoost engine with 250PS (184 kW) and 360Nm (267 lb-ft) of torque. The new engine replaces the brilliant 2.5 liter 5-cylinder power plant. The EcoBoost 2.0 in the Focus ST is expected to cut both CO₂ emissions and fuel consumption by more than 20% from the previous-generation European model when fuel consumption data is certified.

The engine is mated to a 6-speed manual transmission, which has specially revised gearing to produce the maximum punch from each throw of the gear shift.

“This is the first time we have used a 4-cylinder Ford EcoBoost engine in a high performance model and the results are phenomenal,” said Capito.

“Drivers will have a lot of power and torque throughout the rev range to use. For everyday driving, though, the characteristics of this car will let them drive in a more fuel efficient way than previously, which is an essential part of the ST’s DNA.”, he finished.

Source: Ford

September 12, 2011

2012 Honda Civic – Official Pictures

Honda has finally revealed official pictures of the brand new Civic. These images show the dynamic and aggressive exterior design as well as the high quality interior.

The 2012 Civic boasts sporty elements and executive features. Sources of inspiration included a blended wing body aeroplane in which the fuselage and wings blend into a single body for superior aerodynamic performance.

The main tasks the new Civic are better ride and handling, reduced CO₂ emissions, nice design and interior quality and of course class-leading cabin, boot space and practicality.

Designed and developed specifically for the European market, the new Civic will be offered as a five-door hatchback and will reach UK showrooms in early 2012.

The new Honda Civic will be launched tomorrow at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show (IAA).

Source: Honda

September 12, 2011

Author: Victor Ivanov