Victor Ivanov – Page 228 – Automobiles Review

Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) at the IAA Frankfurt

Toyota will exhibit the production version of the Prius Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) at this year’s IAA Frankfurt on 15^th September.

The new Prius Plug-in Hybrid comes with more compact lithium-ion battery. It offers extended range and enables the Prius PHEV to achieve 128.4mpg and CO2 emissions of just 49g/km.

The idea is simple – extended EV driving range for shorter destinations in town and efficient hybrid petrol engine for longer travelling. Still, the result of the new vehicle is just amazing, practically it is twice efficient than the normal Prius.

The Prius Plug-in Hybrid represents the latest development of Toyota’s Hybrid Synergy Drive (HSD) system. This trusted and reliable full hybrid technology has a track record earned through worldwide sales of over two million cars and billions of miles of driving.

In 2012 it will join an expanded Toyota hybrid range consisting of the Prius, the British-built Auris hybrid, the new, seven-seat Prius+ and the new Yaris hybrid, demonstrating Toyota’s commitment to introduce Hybrid Synergy Drive technology to the wider market.

Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle - PHEV — Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle – PHEV

Source: Toyota

August 12, 2011

2012 Land Rover Defender Price £20 995

Land Rover has announced its new 2012 Defender, which comes with EURO 5 2.2 litre common rail diesel engine replacing the old EU4 2.4 litre unit.

Still, besides the smaller capacity, the new engine delivers the same amount of power, torque and the economy is even better. In EU5 markets, the new engine comes with a DPF (diesel particulate filter) to ensure the lowest possible levels of regulated emissions.

“The substantial improvements to the Defender in 2007 transformed its on-road refinement and comfort whilst extending its legendary capability off-road for which Defender is synonymous. With the introduction of the new 2.2-litre diesel engine and two option packs, the Defender for 2012 now offers greater customer choice than ever before,” said John Edwards, Land Rover Global Brand Director.

The new 2.2 litre diesel delivers 122PS (90 kW) at 3500RPM and 360Nm (266 lb-ft) at 2000RPM. The top speed is 144 km/h (90 mph). The engine is mated to a GFT MT 82 6-speed gearbox.

2012 Land Rover Defender is priced at £20 995 OTR and it will hit the UK market in November this year.

Two new option packs

Comfort Pack – Air conditioning, CD Player with auxiliary input, electric windows and remote central locking. The Comfort Pack costs £1650.
Off-Road Pack – ABS, heavy duty rim and MTR tyre, tow ball and under-ride protection bar. The Off-Road Pack costs £1500.

Check out the full price list, below!

	List Price	CO₂ Offset	VAT 20%	Max Rec Retail Price	P11D Price	Road Fund Licence & 1st reg fee	On the Road Price
90
Hard Top	£17,905.00	£120.00	£3,605.00	£21,630	£21,630	£265	£21,895.00
Pick Up	£17,155.00	£120.00	£3,455.00	£20,730	£20,730	£265	£20,995.00
Station Wagon	£19,488.33	£120.00	£3,921.67	£23,530	£23,530	£265	£23,795.00
County Station Wagon	£21,321.67	£120.00	£4,288.33	£25,730	£25,730	£265	£25,995.00
XS Station Wagon	£24,238.33	£120.00	£4,871.67	£29,230	£29,230	£265	£29,495.00
110
Chassis Cab	£17,895.00	£130.00	£3,605.00	£21,630	£21,630	£265	£21,895.00
Hard Top	£19,228.33	£130.00	£3,871.67	£23,230	£23,230	£265	£23,495.00
Pick Up	£18,561.67	£130.00	£3,738.33	£22,430	£22,430	£265	£22,695.00
High Capacity Pick Up	£19,145.00	£130.00	£3,855.00	£23,130	£23,130	£265	£23,395.00
Station Wagon	£21,395.00	£130.00	£4,305.00	£25,830	£25,830	£265	£26,095.00
County Station Wagon	£23,145.00	£130.00	£4,655.00	£27,930	£27,930	£265	£28,195.00
XS Station Wagon	£26,561.67	£130.00	£5,338.33	£32,030	£32,030	£265	£32,295.00
Utility Wagon	£21,395.00	£130.00	£4,305.00	£25,830	£25,830	£265	£26,095.00
County Utility Wagon	£23,145.00	£130.00	£4,655.00	£27,930	£27,930	£265	£28,195.00
XS Utility Wagon	£25,728.33	£130.00	£5,171.67	£31,030	£31,030	£265	£31,295.00
Double Cab	£19,978.33	£130.00	£4,021.67	£24,130	£24,130	£265	£24,395.00
County Double Cab	£21,478.33	£130.00	£4,321.67	£25,930	£25,930	£265	£26,195.00
XS Double Cab	£24,228.33	£130.00	£4,871.67	£29,230	£29,230	£265	£29,495.00
130
Chassis Cab	£20,645.00	£130.00	£4,155.00	£24,930	£24,930	£265	£25,195.00
Double Cab Chassis Cab	£22,395.00	£130.00	£4,505.00	£27,030	£27,030	£265	£27,295.00
Double Cab	£24,061.67	£130.00	£4,838.33	£29,030	£29,030	£265	£29,295.00

Source: Land Rover

August 12, 2011

2012 James Bond Vehicle Exhibition

Everybody knows James Bond movies and most of us have been watching the series for a long time. James Bond’s cars are very interesting part of the plot.

Now, we will have the chance to see all James Bond vehicles in large exhibition to celebrate the fiftieth year of the Bond franchise. The National Motor Museum, Beaulieu and EON Productions will run the event through whole 2012.

On display, there will be 2008 Aston Martin DBS from Quantum of Solace, the 2002 Jaguar XKR with SFX weapons from Die Another Day, the 1964 Aston Martin DB5 from Goldeneye and the 1937 Phantom lll Rolls-Royce from Goldfinger and many more. Totally 50 vehicles that will be on display at the National Motor Museum in Beaulieu.

“Following the success of the first Bond cars exhibition staged at Beaulieu in 2001, we are delighted to be working with EON again on this new display, bringing together the world’s largest collection of Bond vehicles.”, said Beaulieu’s Commercial Director, Stephen Munn.

So, if you are James Bond fan and a petrol head or both, you’d definitely visit the National Motor Museum during the next year.

Source: beaulieu.co.uk

August 12, 2011

2012 Ssang Yong Korando Price – £16 995

SsangYong has announced its new 2012 Korando, which will hit the UK market in September this year. The model line-up features a range of high quality, top value models starting at just £16 995.

There are five three levels: S, ES, EX as the first is only available with manual gearbox and second and third can be optioned with automatic transmission. As an option is also available AWD system.

“Korando is a great value proposition, and arrives in the highly competitive crossover market at absolutely the right time.”, said Paul Williams, CEO of the UK importer, SsangYong Motor UK.

“Very keenly priced, a comprehensive list of standard equipment, excellent towing capability and thanks to its long wheelbase a spacious and airy interior, Korando is the clever choice for families and those who tow a caravan, horsebox or trailer.”, he added.

The entry level variant comes equipped with cruise control, ESP with Hill Start Assist and reverse parking sensors as standard. The ES and EX come with a sunroof, climate control, leather upholstery and heated front and rear seats.

Check out the pricing, below!

2012 SsangYong Korando Pricing:

Korando
Specification	S	ES	ES	EX	EX
Transmission	Manual	Manual	Auto	Manual	Auto
Transmission	2WD	2WD	2WD	4WD	4WD
On the road price	£16,995	£19,495	£20,945	£21,445	£22,995

Source: Ssang Yong

August 11, 2011

2012 Lexus IS-F Price – €70 600

Lexus has released further details for the new 2012 IS-F sports car, which is now more powerful and dynamic. The high-performance saloon comes with revised chassis and new individual equipment options.

2012 Lexus IS-F will still compete against the brutal BMW E90 M3 and the elegant Audi RS4, but the new IS-F has a little advantage – 5.0 liter naturally aspirated high-revving V8 delivering 423PS (311 kW) and 505Nm (372 lb-ft) of torque. 0 to 100 km/h in 4.8 seconds and top speed of 270 km/h (167 mph). Nice performance!

The options list includes: BBS individual 19” alloy wheels with 14-spoke design. There are also crimson and black interior.

Still, the new IS-F is a bit pricy starting at €70 600, so we have to expect that it is brilliant?

Stay tuned for more information and test videos!

Source: Lexus

August 11, 2011

ABT 2012 Audi Q3

ABT has created a special tuning package for the new 2012 Audi Q3. The small crossover received both styling and performance packages.

The aerodynamics kit includes new front bumper, new front grille, door strip attachments, rear diffuser housing exhaust tailpipes and a rear wing.

There are also a set of lowering sport springs and a number of CR and DR design light alloys in dimensions between 18” and 20”. The sets are available with low profile sport tires.

The performance upgrades includes ECU re-map for the 2.0 liter TSI, which is boosted to 250PS (184 kW), instead of the stock 211PS (155 kW). The 170PS version now delivers 210PS (154 kW). The 2.0 liter TDI with 140PS is bumped up to 170PS and the more powerful 177PS version now boasts 195PS.

Check out the specifications, below!

ABT 2012 Audi Q3 Specifications:

ABT ENGINE TECHNOLOGYEngine:                2.0 TDI, 1.968 ccm capacity
Performance tuning:            ABT POWER
Performance:                170 HP/125 kW (standard: 140 HP/103 kW)

ABT ENGINE TECHNOLOGYEngine:                2.0 TDI, 1.968 ccm capacity
Performance tuning:            ABT POWER
Performance:                195 HP/143 kW (standard: 177 HP/130 kW)

ABT ENGINE TECHNOLOGYEngine:                2.0 TSI, 1.984 ccm capacity
Performance tuning:            ABT POWER
Performance:                210 HP/154 kW (standard: 170 HP/125 kW)

ABT ENGINE TECHNOLOGYEngine: 2.0 TSI, 1.984 ccm capacityPerformance tuning: ABT POWER
Performance: 250 HP/184 kW (standard: 211 HP/155 kW)

ABT AERODYNAMICSABT front grillABT front skirt
ABT door strip attachments
ABT rear skirt set with exhaust inserts
ABT rear wing

ABT SUSPENSIONABT suspension springs

ABT WHEEL TECHNOLOGYABT CR and DR designer light alloy wheels in 18 to 20 inch
Available also as complete set of wheels with sports tyres

August 11, 2011

Electric Supercars at 2011 EcoVelocity

Several green super cars will take place at the 2011 Eco Velocity show hosted in the grounds of Battersea Power Station. As you may suggest, all Eco-cars are slow and ugly, but not these.

The line-up includes the Bluebird Electric, fresh from its British Electric Land Speed Record attempt in South Wales as well as the Tesla Roadster, the first highway capable electric car in serial production.

Other interesting vehicles are The Delta Motorsport E-4 Coupe with whopping range of 200 miles (more than 320 km) on a single charge. There will be also the superfast Evelio – 0 to 60 mph in 3.2 seconds; The Lightning GT which produces 700 HP; The Nemisis Electric Sports Car and Westfield Sport E – 0 to 100 km/h in 7 seconds.

“The addition of the green supercar paddock might well be a little bit unexpected for some visitors and will definitely grab a lot of attention, but that is the whole point, changing perceptions.”, commented Giles Brown, EcoVelocity Event Director.

“We are here to educate people about eco friendly motoring which is evolving all the time.”, he added.

EcoVelocity will run from September 8-11^th at the Battersea Power Station.

Source: EcoVelocity

August 11, 2011

2012 Wald Mercedes-Benz CLS Black Bison

2012 Mercedes CLS Black Bison received unique tuning package from Wald International. The car is just staggering and we can’t wait to see it in action.

The exterior is finished in black and boasts complete aerodynamics package consisting of a new front bumper, a new rear bumper and a pair of side skirts. There are also daytime running LED lights, new front fenders and a new boot lid spoiler.

The wheels are finished in matte black to complete the aggressive vision.

CLS Black Bison is based on CLS 63 AMG, so it comes with the new 5.5 liter V8 Bi-turbo engine delivering 525PS (386 kW) and 700Nm (516 lb-ft). 0 to 100 km/h in 4.4 seconds and top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph). However, the engine can be boosted with the AMG Performance package, which adds another 33PS (24 kW) and 100Nm (84 lb-ft). The top speed is 299 km/h (186 mph).

2012 Wald Mercedes-Benz CLS Black Bison Front Side

Source: Wald International

August 10, 2011

Subaru XV [teaser]

Subaru XV European specification will actually go in production. The vehicle will be exhibited at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show, September 13 – 25.

Until then, the manufacturer has released a teaser image, where we can see the headlight, a part from the front bonnet and front grille. The Subaru XV defines a whole new generation of Subaru crossover vehicle.

The final production version of the XV remains true to the Concept and Subaru is confident that it will bring something fresh, as well as a new level of engineering excellence, to the segment.

Subaru also expects the XV will bring a new type of customer to the Brand, people who are confident in the knowledge of the company’s AWD and engineering expertise and who are also looking for the flexibility and lifestyle statement that owning a crossover brings.

The Subaru XV is set to hit the market in the UK in the beginning of 2012.

Source: Subaru

August 10, 2011

MRS Porsche GT3

Molitor Racing Systems has introduced their performance package for Porsche GT3 R. The race car will take place at the ADAC GT Masters, at Red Bull Ring, coming weekend.

Two former MRS pilots, Norbert Siedler and Christian Engelhart, will be driving the stunning vehicle. They will be pushing the envelope and fight for their place on the podium, during both runs on Saturday and Sunday.

The race car is completely wrapped in matt blue foil, which doesn’t differ from paintwork, even at a closer look. It also comes with highly tuned engine, Michelin slick tires fitted on ultra-light alloy wheels, a huge rear spoiler and a roll-cage for further stiffness and safety.

Source: Molitor Racing Systems

August 10, 2011

2012 Suzuki Swift Sport ahead of Frankfurt Motor Show

2012 Suzuki Swift Sport will be exhibited at this year’s Frankfurt Motor Show in September.

The small hatchback is powered by a 1.6 liter M16A engine developed exclusively for the Swift Sport. It is mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox boasting nice performance that is both exciting and environmentally responsible. The four-cylinder delivers 136 PS (100 kW) and 160Nm (118 lb-ft).

The new Swift Sport offers superior cornering stability and brisker, more responsive handling thanks to struts with internal rebound springs and an exclusive rear-suspension design.

High levels of safety are assured by features such as a light, stiff, impact-absorbing body, 7 airbags including curtain airbags and a driver’s knee airbag; and ESP (Electronic Stability Program).

The new Swift Sport will hit the market later this year. Stay tuned for more information and price list.

Check out the specification, below!

: 2012 Suzuki Swift Sport FrontSide

2012 Suzuki Swift Sport Specification:

Overall length 3,890mm

Overall width 1,695mm

Overall height 1,510mm

Wheelbase 2,430mm

Treads Front 1,470mm

Rear 1,475mm

Piston displacement 1,586cm³

Maximum output 100kw/6,900rpm *²

Maximum torque 160N-m/4,400rpm *²

*¹ The show will be open to the press on 13 and 14 September. It will be open to the general public from 15 to 25 September. The Suzuki stand will be located in hall 3.1, stand no A07.

*² The data is provisional pending the results of homologation procedures.

Source: Suzuki

August 10, 2011

Audi Urban Concept

Audi has published some renderings of the new Urban Concept car, which is based on the strict principles of lightweight construction, efficiency and reduction. The vehicle is 1+1-seat combining elements of a racing car, a roadster, a fun car and an urban car. We are not sure, if this will work, but it looks promising.

Audi Urban Concept boasts LED lights, adjustable the steering wheel and pedals, sliding roof and enormous 21” alloy wheels.

The technology in the Audi urban concept reflects the full capabilities of the brand, especially when it comes to ultra-lightweight construction. The cockpit consists of carbon fibre-reinforced polymer (CFRP), which integrates the undercarriage of both seats.

Two e-Tron electric motors provide the propulsion – providing the ultra-light Audi urban concept with the ability to accelerate powerfully. A lithium-ion battery supplies the energy, so the car will be ideal for extended city tours.

Stay tuned for more information about this interesting project!

Source: Audi

August 10, 2011

Author: Victor Ivanov