Victor Ivanov – Page 248 – Automobiles Review

2011 Suzuki Swift DDiS Price – £12 890

Suzuki has announced the new Swift DDiS, which features the new 1.3 litre turbocharged diesel engine with extremely low emissions – 109 g/km of CO2 and returns staggering 67.3mpg. This means a driving range of more than 500 miles (800 km) with a single tank of fuel.

The new 1.3 litre DdiS develops 75PS (55 kW) at 4000RPM and 190Nm (140 lb-ft) of torque at just 1750RPM. The performance is satisfying – 0 to 100 km/h in 12.7 seconds, top speed is 103 mph (165 km/h).

2011 Suzuki Swift DdiS is priced at £12 890 for a 5-door SZ3 variant including seven airbags, air conditioning, 16” alloy wheels, USB port and heated electric door mirrors as standard equipment.

There is also a choice for petrol power unit – Dual VVT 1.2 litre, which starts at just £10 210 for the SZ2 Three door up to £13 525 for the SZ4 Five door with automatic transmission.

2011 Suzuki Swift DDiS

2011 Suzuki Swift DDiS:

Engine type	D13A
Number of Cylinders	4
Number of valves	16
Cubic capacity	1,248
Maximum output PS (kW) / rpm	75(55) / 4,000
Maximum torque Nm (lbft)	190 (140) / 1,750
EU Emissions compliance	5
Transmission type	5 M/T
Tyre size	185/55/R16
Kerb weight with full options (kg)	1,125
Gross vehicle weight (kg)	1,560
Maximum towing weight – braked (kg)	900
Maximum towing weight – unbraked (kg)	400
Maximum speed (mph)	103
0-62mph (secs)	12.7
CO₂ Emissions (g/km)	109
Urban fuel consumption (l/100km)	55.4 (5.1)
Extra Urban (l/100km)	78.5 (3.6)
Combined (l/100km)	67.3 (4.2)

Source: Suzuki

May 26, 2011

2012 Kia Picanto Price – £7 995

2012 Kia Picanto will hit the market on 17 June. This is the second-generation of the model and it is set to prove better quality at decent price. 2012 Picanto offers extremely low fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions as well as good performance. It is slightly larger than it predecessor and has more space and great comfort.

The engine range includes 1.0 and 1.25-litre petrol power units. The 1.25 litre is also available with an Intelligent Stop & Go (ISG) engine stop/start system as well as an automatic gearbox.

The three-cylinder 1.0 litre develops 68BHP and 95Nm and returns amazing 67.3 mpg. The bigger 1.25 litre four-cylinder has 84BHP and 121Nm and averages 60.1mpg. It available with both 5-speed manual and a four-speed automatic transmission. The EcoDynamics version is with fuel consumption at 65.7mpg.

2012 Picanto vs previous model (standard five-speed manual)

	New	Previous	New	Previous
	1.0	1.0	1.25	1.1
0-60mph (sec)	13.9	15.8	11.0	14.6
Top speed (mph)	95	93	106	96
Combined mpg	67.3	58.8	60.1	58.8
CO₂ (g/km)	99	114	109	114

Standard specification includes body coloured bumpers, mirrors and door handles, electric front windows, Radio/CD player, trip computer and an immobiliser. There are also a height-adjustable driver’s seat and tilt-adjustable steering column, six airbags, a 60:40 split folding rear seat.

2012 Kia Picanto 07

Picanto 1 Air adds air conditioning, and the fantastic value of the 1 specification, but without upgrading to the well specified mid-grade 2 version.

Picanto 2 offers Bluetooth connectivity, with voice recognition and full iPod control with USB & AUX ports – both of which can be operated by the steering wheel controls – and electrically operated, heated and folding door mirrors with integrated LED side repeaters. Air conditioning, rear electric windows, 14” alloy wheels, front fog lights, a leather steering wheel and gear lever, an alarm system, premium black upholstery and chrome exterior detailing complete the comprehensive spec package.

The top-of-the-range 3 spec adds automatic air conditioning, heated front seats, a 6-speaker stereo system, 15” alloy wheels, body-coloured side skirts and automatic headlights with LED daytime running lights and unique LED rear lamps.

The safety is at very high level. 2012 Picanto electronic stability control (ESC), anti-lock brakes (ABS), electronic brake-force distribution (EBD) to apportion stopping effort to the wheels with most traction, and emergency brake assist system (BAS). There are also 6 airbags and seat-belt pre-tensioners and load limiters brace occupants against a crash impact while reducing the risk of chest injury.

As with all new Kias, a 7 year or 100 000 miles fully transferable warranty is standard on every new Picanto.

2012 Kia Picanto UK 5-door model range:

Powertrain	Trim	Power – bhp	Torque – lb/ft	CO₂	Combined mpg	Price
1.0-litre	1	68 @ 6,200 rpm	70 @ 3,500 rpm	99	67.3	£7,995
1.0-litre	1 Air	68 @ 6,200 rpm	70 @ 3,500 rpm	99	67.3	£8,595
1.0-litre	2	68 @ 6,200 rpm	70 @ 3,500 rpm	99	67.3	£9,595
1.25-litre ISG	2 EcoDynamics	84 @ 6,000 rpm	89 @ 4,000 rpm	100	65.7	£10,195
1.25-litre Auto	2	84 @ 6,000 rpm	89 @ 4,000 rpm	125	53.3	£10,795
1.25-litre	3	84 @ 6,000 rpm	89 @ 4,000 rpm	109	60.1	£11,195

2012 Kia Picanto

Source: Kia

May 25, 2011

Prior Design Mercedes E-Class Coupe C207

The latest E-Class Coupe (C207) from Mercedes Benz is simply beautiful car. However, Prior Design has made it even more exclusive.

The tuning company has installed specially developed aerodynamics package, which fit to all E-Klasse Coupe C207 models. It includes a new mofied front bumper, a pair of side skirts, a revised rear bumper with carbon fiber diffuser, which houses 4 tail pipes. There are also a rear trunk spoiler also made from carbon fiber and a roof spoiler.

All parts have TÜV certificate included. The mounting materials are also included in the package.

The price list for the parts is not announced, yet. Also nothing is mentioned about performance packages, but probably there will be some ECU re-maps, especially for the mighty diesels.

Prior Design Mercedes E-Class Coupe C207

Package includes:

– Prior-Design front bumper (fits all E-Klasse Coupe c207 models)
– Prior-Design side skirts (2X) (fits all E-Klasse Coupe c207)
– Prior-Design rear bumper (fits all E-Klasse Coupe c207)
– Prior-Design rear trunk spoiler (fits all E-Klasse Coupe c207)
– Prior-Design roof spoiler (fits all E-Klasse Coupe c207)
– Mounting material
– TÜV parts certificate included.

Source: Prior Design

May 25, 2011

Porsche Boxster E

Recently, Porsche has introduced some very uncommon vehicles like Diesel powered Cayenne and Panamera as well as a hybrid powered car.

Porsche Boxster E will feature both RWD and AWD with power coming from an electric motor. In true Porsche spirit, the roadster will be also suitable for time attack on the race track. The car was showcased at the Michelin Challenge Bibendum in Berlin, last week.

The AWD Porsche Boxster E will be powered by two electric motors with total output 245PS (180 kW) and a staggering 540Nm at a maximum engine speed – 12 000RPM. The performance is just great – 0 to 100 km/h in 5.5 seconds and the top speed is limited to 200 km/h (124 mph).

The RWD Porsche Boxster E will have just one electric motor with 122 PS (90 kW) and 270Nm. 0 to 100 km/h takes 9.8 seconds and a top speed of 150 km/h (93 mph).

The electrically powered Porsche is completely silent, but the engineers have designed an Active Sound Design system that provides drivers with acoustic feedback as well as alerting pedestrians and other road users. Definitely a great idea!

The battery pack weighs a lot – 341 kg, so the overall weight of the car is 1600 kg. However, the capacity is 29 kWh, which is enough for a range of approximately 170 kilometres (107 miles). When the “juice” is over, the charging will take 9 hours.

Porsche Boxster E

Source: Porsche

May 25, 2011

PRIOR-DESIGN Bentley Continental GT Cabriolet

Prior Design has released a staggering style package for the impressive Bentley Continental GT Cabriolet. The aerodynamics construction kit was a real challenge for the designers, but they managed to make the luxurious convertible even better.

The package consists of a new front bumper, a modified rear bumper with integrated diffuser and a set of traditional side sills. The hood is also revised and two air inlets that evacuate used hot air from the motor space are added.

A stainless steel sports exhaust system was cleanly integrated into the tail with its light and truly imposing sound.

It is powered by a W12 6.0 liter Bi-turbo with 575PS (423 kW) and 700Nm (519 lb-ft) of torque at just 1700RPM.

The interior boasts carbon fibre elements, which replaced the old wooden decoration. However, due to the customer’s wishes, there are have no limits.

2011 PRIOR-DESIGN Bentley Continental GT Cabriolet

Source: Prior-Design

May 23, 2011

BMW 328 Hommage

The BMW 328 is considered the most successful and best-looking sports car of the 1930s. That’s why the manufacturer has revealed the 328 Hommage, which had its official debut at the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este near Lake Como, Italy last weekend.

The car is based on the Vision Connected Drive Concept revealed in Geneva, but 328 Hommage is a modern version of the classic sports car. It boasts lightweight construction featuring carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP). The curb weight of the vehicle is just 780 kg (1720 lbs).

The exterior features vertically positioned double kidney grille imitates the slim, vertical kidney design of the early BMW models. The headlights are very interesting, too. Their round shape is reminiscent of the headlamps featured on the BMW 328.

BMW 328 Hommage follows in the footsteps of the M1 Hommage, which was revealed in 2008. However, the new model didn’t get so much attention.

The interior boasts a lot of elements derived from motor racing.

“With the BMW 328 Hommage, we wish to pay homage to the passion and inventiveness of the fathers of the BMW 328”, commented Karl Bäumer, CEO of BMW Group Classic.

“They created an icon, which is considered a milestone in the history of the automobile.”, he added.

The BMW 328 Hommage translates the principles and the character of the vehicle of that time into present times and offers a possible interpretation of how the designers of that time, Fritz Fiedler and Rudolf Schleicher, might have built the BMW 328 in the present day using current technology.

BMW 328 Hommage

Source: BMW

May 23, 2011

DSQUARED Life Ball MINI 2011

DSQUARED is a Canadian design studio created by Dean and Dan Caten. The twin brothers have announced a restyled version of MINI Cooper S.

It features front guard, rally headlamps, tinted side windows with grilles and the spare tyre on the tailgate. There are also a set of deep-tread all-terrain tyres, a compass and floormats made of structured aluminium. All these elements antly evoke a sense of adventure.

Every year, MINI supports Europe’s biggest AIDS charity event. And every year a one-off MINI is created for the Life Ball, the proceeds of which support projects combating HIV/AIDS. Since 2001 more than half a million euros has been generated by these specially styled Life Ball MINI models on behalf of Aids Life.

“MINI has been a partner of the Life Ball for 11 years and each year it demonstrates anew its creativity, enthusiasm and passion for this good cause. This year’s Life Ball MINI designed by DSQUARED² provides further persuasive evidence of this.”, commented Gery Keszler, the founder and organiser of the Life Ball.

DSQUARED Life Ball MINI 2011

Source: MINI

May 23, 2011

KTM X-BOW R Price – €58 795

KTM has officially released the brutal version of X-Bow. The R model is completely revised and now even more powerful. True to the KTM “Ready to Race” motto the “R” model was driven on the road straight from the assembly line in Graz directly onto the racing circuit.

X-Bow R is powered by a 2.0 litre TFSI petrol engine from Audi, which has been reworked with bigger turbocharger, an altered fuel injection system and engine electronics have been additionally updated by Bosch Engineering Group (BEG) to make sure that all components work in perfect balance. However, the result is more than satisfying – 300PS (220 kW) and 400Nm (295 lb-ft) of torque at just 3300RPM, which is an increase of 60PS over the standard X-Bow.

Because of the new power, the suspension has been also revised. The engineers installed a new torque arm that is directly connected to the carbon monocoque chassis. With this, the torsional stiffness is significantly increased, especially when accelerating out of corners and the KTM X-BOW R handles even better. Furthermore, the vehicles is lowered with 19mm, which means that X-BOW R can create lateral acceleration of more than 1.5 g.

Finally, the engineers installed a set of stiffer springs and new dampers.

All that pleasure comes at staggering price – € 58 795. This is way too much, because X-Bow R is not suitable for everyday driving. Still, if the price doesn’t matter, this is the thrill you need.

KTM X-BOW R 01

KTM X-BOW R 02

KTM X-BOW R 03

KTM X-BOW R:

– Carbon fiber racing monocoque with crash box in visible carbon fiber
– Audi 2.0 TFSI engine with direct fuel injection and 220 kW (300 hp)
– Mechanical limited slip differential
– Smooth surface racing underbody with a rear diffuser in aluminium composite
– Individually adjustable pedals
– Adjustable and removable multi functional steering wheel
– Sports suspension, adjustable in rebound and compression damping
– Keyless go system
– Painted rims
– 4-point safety belt
– Special paint work in “R” design

Source: KTM

May 23, 2011

G-Power BMW M3 GTS SK II

G-Power has released another staggering car with BMW badge. This time the platform is the latest E92 M3 in GTS variant. This is a stripped version of the regular E92 M3 with a little bigger engine. However, the naturally aspirated hi-revving V8 has a huge potential, so G-Power added SK II “Sporty Drive” supercharger kit.

The result is simply brutal – 635PS (467 kW) and 630Nm (465 lb-ft) of torque, instead of the factory’s 450 PS (331 kW) and 440 Nm (325 lb-ft).

The performance date is staggering, too. 0 to 100 km/h takes 4.2 seconds, to 200 km/h in 11.9 seconds and a top speed of 323 km/h – a little over 200 miles per hour.

The suspension of M3 GTS is already on of the best in the world, so G-Power didn’t touched it. The body kit stays untouched, too.

The price for the pleasure is €23 500 including installation.

G-Power BMW M3 GTS SK II

G-Power BMW M3 GTS SK II:

635 hp / 467 kW @ 7,800 r/min (+ 185 hp / 136 kW)
630 Nm 3,900 r/min (+ 190 Nm)
Top speed: 323 km/h
0-100 km/h: 4.2s
0-200 km/h: 11.9s
G-POWER SK II “Sporty Drive” supercharger system: € 23,500.00 (excl. tax) plus installation

Source: G-Power

May 20, 2011

SkyActiv-G 1.3 by Mazda

Mazda Motor Corporation has continued to develop superbly efficient SkyActiv engines. The new one is a small 1.3 liter direct injected petrol, which will be unveiled at the Automotive Engineering Exposition that will be held from May 18 through 20, 2011, at the Pacifico Yokohama convention center near Tokyo, Japan.

The new SKYACTIV-G 1.3 features a record high compression ratio of 14.0:1, direct-injection, piston cavities and multi-hole injectors. With these technologies, the engine achieves fuel economy of 3.3 litres per 100 km.

SKYACTIV-G 1.3 deliver 84PS (62kW) at 5 400RPM, 112Nm at 4000RPM and will power the facelifted Mazda Demio. The small city car comes with i-stop and CVT gearbox.

Main features of the SKYACTIV-G 1.3 engine

Highly efficient automobile gasoline engine and the world’s first to achieve a compression ratio of 14.0:1
Multi-hole injectors enable precise fuel injection control for ideal combustion
Mazda’s first dual sequential valve timing system (dual S-VT with electronically-operated intake) in combination with the high compression ratio achieves an unconventional Miller cycle (extremely delayed closure of intake valves) that improves efficiency
Compact combustion chambers have a longer stroke for better efficiency
Piston cavities are specially designed to support ideal combustion
30 percent less mechanical friction, due to a narrower crankshaft, new roller followers and low-tension piston rings that also reduce oil consumption
Various countermeasures to prevent knocking, including a cooled EGR system
An updated version of Mazda’s innovative idling stop system, i-stop, improves fuel economy by eight percent. It operates with a higher frequency, requires less fuel to restart, and achieves a smoother restart
A lightweight and highly rigid aluminum alloy engine block

Major specifications of the SKYACTIV-G 1.3

Inline four-cylinder 1.3-liter direct-injection engine (with i-stop)
Engine displacement: 1.298?
Bore and stroke: 71.0mm x 82.0mm
Compression ratio: 14.0:1
Maximum output (net): 62kW@5,400rpm (84ps@5,400rpm)
Maximum torque (net): 112Nm@4,000rpm

Source: Mazda

May 20, 2011

Prior Design BMW E92/E93 M3-style wide body kit

Prior Design now offers a full m3-style wide body kit for the latest BMW 3er – E92 and E93 (Coupe and Convertible).

The aerodynamics package includes a new front bumper with PDC and SRA possible, a pair of modified side skirts, a pair front fenders, completely restyled rear bumper with PDC, a widening rear side wall and modified hood. The kit also includes all mounting materials.

All parts are made from high quality Dura-Flex material, which is superbly flexible and strong.

The package also has a simple cost-effective installation.

The M3-style wide body kit gives unique style to the BMW 3er and significantly boosts its presence on the road.

Prior Design didn’t mention anything about performance packages or price of the wide body kit.

Prior Design BMW E93 M3-style

Prior Design BMW E92/E93 M3-style wide body kit:

– Prior-Design PD-MET front bumper for all BMW E92/E93 models (PDC and SRA possible)
– Prior-Design PD-MET pair of side skirts (. R / l) for all BMW models E92/E93
– Prior-Design PD-MET front fender pair (. R / l) for all BMW models E92/E93
– Prior-Design PD-MET rear bumper for BMW E92/E93 models (PDC also be fitted in)
– Prior-Design PD-MET widening rear side wall (right / left.) Fits all models of BMW E92/E93
– Prior-Design PD-hood for all models of BMW E92/E93
– Mounting material
– Includes TÜV parts certificate for easy entry of the body panels

Source: Prior Design

May 20, 2011

Hyundai i10 Blue – Most Genuinely Economical Petrol Engined Car

Hyundai i10 Blue is powered by a new ultra-efficient 1.0 litre petrol engine withIntelligent Stop & Go technology. The three-cylinder power unit delivers 68BHP, which is not enough for fast overtaking, but it is superb for everyday driving in the city.

Mainly, because of the great fuel economy – 67.3MPG and the low CO2 emission – 99 g/km. 0 to 100 km/h takes 14.8 seconds, which is a whole second quickere than the previous model. Hyundai i10 stands on small 13” wheels fitted with low-rolling resistance tires.

Furthermore, the small city car is priced at just £9 195.

“Nothing gets our users going quite like fuel economy: when consumption in real life fails to live up to the official published figure, they soon let us know about it. So it’s good to be able to reward the models which come closest to matching – or improving on the official fuel consumption figure and the Hyundai i10 Blue is one of the best examples of this by genuinely delivering over 60mpg in real-world driving.”, commentedDan Harrison, Editor, HonestJohn.co.uk.

Tony Whitehorn, Hyundai Motor UK managing director: “Hyundai is committed to researching and developing cleaner, more efficient powertrains to reduce fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions. The Blue drive system – which includes an ultra-efficient 1.0-litre petrol engine and Intelligent Stop & Go technology – ensures that the i10 Blue is one of the cheapest cars to buy and run on sale today.”, he added.

The interior has a few changes to the Blue to mark it from other i10s, save for some BlueDrive badging on the doors and tailgate.

The standard equipment includes Air-conditioning and an iPod connection. i10 Blue is a perfect choice, if you need small city car.

Source: Hyundai

May 20, 2011

Author: Victor Ivanov