Victor Ivanov – Page 249 – Automobiles Review

2011 Aston Martin V12 Zagato

Aston Martin has revealed the new V12 Zagato endurance racer concept. The car will make its official debut at the Villa D’Este Concours in Italy.

“The Zagato design language is a perfect complement to our design and engineering expertise. After 50 years of the two companies being associated with each other the partnership has produced some of the world’s most iconic cars.”, commented Dr Ulrich Bez, CEO of Aston Martin.

“Of course, fifty years ago Italian design houses were widely seen as leading the way with new designs but now and supported by our independency, Aston Martin has its own in-house design ability so this new venture with Zagato is more collaborative than it perhaps would have been in the past.”, he added.

“The task for us has been to create a concept that is a natural successor to those iconic cars that have gone before. Matching the technology of the age with the traditional skills vital to deliver such a bespoke and exclusive sports car will lead to a strictly limited run of road going V12 Zagatos.”, Mr. Bez fisnished.

The project started in 2010, when Aston Martin and Zagato had initial meetings and took the decision to proceed with the project.

V12 Zagato features a new handcrafted aluminium body, a mighty 6.0 liter V12 with 517PS (380 kW) and 570Nm (420 lb-ft) of torque, and specially developed chassis for maximum performance.

The racing debut of the V12 Zagato will be at the 53. ADAC ACAS H&R-Cup VLN round at the Nurburgring on 28^th May with a view to two cars racing at the 24 hour race on 25/26 June. The cars will be driven by an experienced driver team, led for the sixth year by Chief Executive Dr. Ulrich Bez.

The Aston Martin V12 Zagato will be exhibited for the first time at the Villa D’Este Concours on Saturday 21st May 2011.

2011 Aston Martin V12 Zagato

Source: Aston Martin

May 20, 2011

Fiat 500byGucci Price – £14 565

Fiat 500 by Gucci is a creation of two of Italy’s most respected brands, which represents the perfect combination of craftsmanship and style.

The small city car is priced at £14 565 OTR for the 1.2 litre engine and the masterpiece 0.9 litre TwinAir is tagged at £15 765 OTR.

The Italian manufacturer has released a very interesting program – selling vehicles online. It turned to be very successful for cars such as the special edition Fiat 500 Pink and Fiat 500 Matt Black. The program offers fully automated on-line sales scheme, which allows customers to configure a 500byGucci, pay a deposit, order it directly from the factory, track the car’s progress, make a final payment and even arrange special delivery of the car to their home.

Practically, you can sit in your comfy sofa at home behind the laptop and to purchase a brand new special edition car, which will be delivered to your door. Nice!

“The 500byGucci will enlarge the audience for the already successful Fiat 500, reaching those fashionista customers who want to have a unique car to distinguish themselves,” commented Elena Bernardelli, marketing director, Fiat Group Automobiles UK.

“And the on-line sales process adds another dimension to the individuality of this special model, creating an even greater sense of exclusivity and exceptional customer service.”, she finished.

Fiat 500 by Gucci

Source: Fiat

May 19, 2011

Ferrari Superamerica 45

Superamerica 45 is a unique one-off model, which is styled internally by Ferrari Design and engineered and built in-house.

It will be collected by Ferrari enthusiast Peter Kalikow, who will celebrate 45 years since he first became a Ferrari client and will make its public debut on the 20th of May at the Villa d’Este Concorso d’Eleganza.

The style is simply superb featuring a carbon-fibre rotating hard-top with a rear screen and an entirely new boot from carbon fiber.

The side view is distinguished by double air vents on the front wing. Ferrari Superamerica 45 also has a chromed front grille and special burnished aluminium A-pillars, wing mirrors and door handles. All this chrome makes the car a little more overdressed to our taste, but it is explicitly specified by the owner.

Superamerica 45 has an exclusive Blu Antille paint, body-coloured wheels with a contrasting diamond finish to the spokes.

The bodywork has a lot of carbon fiber components – front splitter, side skirts and rear diffuser.

The interior also boasts dark blue carbon-fibre dash trim and driver zone. The cockpit features combination of Cuoio leather trim and Blu Scuro carbon fibre and a latest-generation touch-screen SAT NAV system.

Ferrari Superamerica 45

Source: Ferrari

May 19, 2011

2011 Volkswagen Transporter Sportline

Volkswagen has announced the latest 2011 Transporter Sportline, which offers great versatility at decent price. It is available on both panel van and kombi models, in both short- and long-wheelbase. The entry-level version is priced at £28 220.

All models come with superb 2.0 litre Bi-turbo TDI engine delivering 180PS. The power unit is mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox as standard and the 7-speed DSG is available as an option on all models for a £1 400 premium.

The exterior boasts a striking gloss black grille with chrome detailing and revised headlights. The redesigned colour-coded bumper has incorporated front fog lights. There are also polished stainless steel side bars and unique 18” Sportline 5-spoke coming in either silver or satin black. The smoked rear light units and a rear roof spoiler further differentiate the Sportline models.

Last, but not least, the new Transporter Sportline can be finished in Reflex Silver metallic, Deep Black pearlescent or, the optional, Candy White with a contrasting gloss black roof.

The interior is superb, too. There are exclusive two-tone leather upholstery, semi-automatic air conditioning, multimedia system with 7” colour touch-screen with full European SAT NAV, rear parking sensors, built-in Bluetooth connectivity and electric windows.

The safety is granted by the ABS, ESP (Electronic Stabilisation Programme) and EBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution).

There is no doubt that 2011 Volkswagen Transporter Sportline is the ultimate van that you can buy! Check out the price tables, below.

Volkswagen Transporter Sportline

Panel van T32 2.0-litre BiTDI 180PS

	Short-wheelbase		Long-wheelbase
	6-spd manual	7-spd DSG	6-spd manual	7-spd DSG
Basic RRP ex. VAT	27,385.00	28,785.00	27,875.00	29,275.00
VAT	5,477.00	5,757.00	5,575.00	5,855.00
Total RRP inc. VAT	32,862.00	34,542.00	33,450.00	35,130.00
OTR package	949.00	949.00	949.00	949.00
Total RRP inc. OTR ex. VAT	28,220.00	29,620.00	28,710.00	30,110.00
Total RRP inc. OTR inc. VAT	33,811.00	35,491.00	34,399.00	36,079.00
Top speed (mph)	119	119	119	119
0-62 mph (seconds)	9.9	10.0	9.9	10.0
Fuel economy, combined (mpg)	36.2	34.9	36.2	34.9
CO₂ (g/km)	205	214	205	214

kombiT32 2.0-litre BiTDI 180PS

	Short-wheelbase		Long-wheelbase
	6-spd manual	7-spd DSG	6-spd manual	7-spd DSG
Basic RRP ex. VAT	29,265.00	30,665.00	29,755.00	31,155.00
VAT	5,853.00	6,133.00	5,951.00	6,231.00
Total RRP inc. VAT	35,118.00	36,798.00	35,706.00	37,386.00
OTR package	949.00	949.00	949.00	949.00
Total RRP inc. OTR ex. VAT	30,100.00	31,500.00	30,580.00	31,990.00
Total RRP inc. OTR inc. VAT	36,067.00	37,747.00	36,655.00	38,335.00
Top speed (mph)	119	119	119	119
0-62 mph (seconds)	10.3	10.2	10.3	10.2
Fuel economy, combined (mpg)	36.2	34.9	36.2	34.9
CO₂ (g/km)	205	214	205	214

Source: Volkswagen

May 19, 2011

Renault Grand Scenic – 1.6-litre Energy dCi 130

Renault has announced a new state-of-the-art 1.6-litre 130hp “Energy” diesel engine with just awesome results. It powers the Scenic and Grand Scenic, pricing starts at just £20 900 OTR. The cars also come with Dynamique TomTom.

The 1.6 litre dCi delivers 130PS (96 kW) at 4000RPM and 320Nm (237 lb-ft) at just 1750RPM. But the power is not everything! The new engine returns 64.2 mpg and emits just 115 g/km of CO2. An impressive results, which reflect not only on your pocket for fuel, but the taxing is dropped significantly.

These amazing results are thanks to a number of advanced technologies. The engine comes with EGR and Stop&Start technology. It complies with Euro5 emissions legislation and is Euro6 ready.

This engine will be manufactured in France at Renault’s Cléon plant which is acclaimed for its production expertise in the field of technologically-advanced diesel engines like – the V6 dCi, 2.0 dCi and the new 2.3 dCi which powers the Master van.

Once again, the new 1.6 Energy dCi 130 is available with Scenic and Grand Scenic Dymanique TomTom versions. The prices start at £20 900 and £22 200 OTR and the first deliveries are expected in July 2011.

Source: Renault

May 19, 2011

Superchips MINI Cooper S R56

Superchips has revealed a tuning program for the performance R56 MINI Cooper S Turbo. The ECU re-map for “Phase 2” versions of the hot hatchback boosts the 184PS 1.6 litre turbocharged engine, produced from 1st March 2010 onwards.

The ECU re-map adds 25PS at 5444RPM and 32Nm at 3765Nm. The total power of the vehicle is 209PS and around 290Nm of torque.

Of course, the fuel economy remains the same – 48 mpg on combined cycle.

Customers can be assured the Superchips conversion is covered by a full Customer Service Guarantee and an industry-leading 12 month / 30,000 supplementary full vehicle warranty.

The ECU re-map is suitable for all “Phase 2” 184PS R56 MINI Cooper S models produced from March 2010 onwards. The performance package is now available directly from Superchips and its UK dealer network. The price tag is at £455.00, including VAT. Really, a great price for such modification.

So, if you have Phase 2 R56 MINI – don’t compromise, optimise.

Superchips MINI Cooper S R56

Source: Superchips

May 19, 2011

Fiat with Best New Engine at the 2011 International Engine of the Year Awards

Fiat scooped Best New Engine award at the 2011 International Engine of the Year Awards. The small 875cc two-cylinder TwinAir engine impressed judges with its extremely low emissions, high fuel economy and impressive power of 85BHP.

“Fiat has now produced one of the all-time great engines. Who would have thought that a two-cylinder unit could have won the International Engine of the Year title when we launched the Awards in 1999? Its triumph is a clear signal that less is more: people want low-emission, fuel-efficient yet powerful engines, and just two cylinders certainly seems to provide a comprehensive solution!”, commented Dean Slavnich, editor of Engine Technology International and co-chairman of the International Engine of the Year Awards.

The TwinAir has also taken the awards for Best Sub 1-litre and Best Green Engine. It even managed to beat zero-emission pure electric vehicle engines from Nissan and Mitsubishi.

Check out the other winning engines in the table, below!

Fiat with Best New Engine at the 2011 International Engine of the Year Awards

The category winners are:

Best New Engine 2011
Fiat 875cc two-cylinder (Fiat 500 (85bhp))

Best Green Engine 2011
Fiat 875cc two-cylinder (Fiat 500 (85bhp))

Best Performance Engine 2011
Ferrari 4.5-liter V8 (458 Italia 570bhp)

Above 4-liter
Ferrari 4.5-liter V8 (458 Italia 570bhp)

3-liter to 4-liter
BMW 4-liter V8 (M3 420bhp)

2.5-liter to 3-liter
BMW 3-liter DI Twin Turbo (135i, 1 M Coupe, 335i, 535i, X3 35i, X5 35i, X6 35i, Z4 (306bhp, 340bhp), 640i (320bhp), 740i (326bhp))

2-liter to 2.5-liter
Audi 2.5-liter five-cylinder turbo (Audi TT RS, RS3 340bhp))

1.8-liter to 2-liter
BMW Diesel 2-liter Twin Turbo (123d, X1 (204bhp))

1.4-liter to 1.8-liter
BMW 1.6-liter four-cylinder Turbo (Mini Cooper S, Clubman Cooper S, Countryman Cooper S (184bhp), Mini Works, Clubman Works (211bhp))

1-liter to 1.4-liter
Volkswagen 1.4-liter TSI Twincharger (VW Polo 180bhp), Golf, Scirocco, Eos, Jetta, Tiguan, Skoda Fabia RS (180bhp), Touran (140, 170bhp), Seat Ibiza/Cupra (150bhp, 180bhp), Alhambra (150bhp), Audi A1 (185bhp))

Sub 1-liter
Fiat 875cc two-cylinder (Fiat 500 (85bhp))

Source: Fiat

May 18, 2011

Ferrari with Best Performance Engine at the 2011 International Engine of the Year Awards

The brilliant 4.5 liter naturally aspirated V8 powering the Ferrari 458 Italia has won two prizes at the 2011 International Engine of the Year Awards.

The two awards are in categories – Best Performance Engine and Above 4.0-litre. The awards were received by Jean Jacques His, head of Ferrari powertrain department. The jury has also praised the brutal unmistakable sound of the power unit.

The engine is dry-sump, flat-crank 90 degree naturally aspirated V8 with a volume of 4499 cc. It has a high 12.5:1 compression ratio and maximum power output of 570PS. This means an outstanding power output of 127 PS/litre. The red line is at whopping 9000RPM.

The engine also creates a lot of torque – 540Nm at 6000RPM, with over 80% available from 3250RPM. The specific torque output of 120 Nm/l is another record.

Last, but not least, the 4.5 liter V8 produces a best-in-class 275 g/km of CO₂ with fuel consumption of just 11.8 l/100 km.

Just brilliant! Check out the engine specifications, below!

Ferrari 458 Italia

458 Italia engine technical specifications

Engine
Type	V8 – 90°
Total displacement	4499 cc/274.5 cu in
Bore/stroke	94×81 mm/3.7×3.2 in
Maximum power	425kW* (570CV*) @ 9000 rpm
Maximum torque	540Nm (398lbs/ft) @ 6000 rpm
Specific output	127 CV/litre/1.55 kW/cu in
Maximum revs per minute	9000 rpm
Compression ratio	12.5:1
Performance
Maximum speed	>325 km/h/>202 mph
0-100km/h (0-62mph)	<3.4s
0-200km/h (0-124mph)	10.4s
0-400m (0-437 yards)	11.3s
0-1000m (0-1093 yards)	20.3s
100-0 km/h (62-0 mph)	32.5 m/106.6ft
Dry weight/power ratio	2.42 kg/CV/7.16lb/kW
Fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions
Fuel consumption** (European market version)	11.8 l/100km
CO₂ Emission** (European market version)	275g CO₂/km
* Including 3.7 kW by ram effect
** ECE+EUDC combined cycle with HELE system

The category winners are:

Best New Engine 2011
Fiat 875cc two-cylinder (Fiat 500 (85bhp))

Best Green Engine 2011
Fiat 875cc two-cylinder (Fiat 500 (85bhp))

Best Performance Engine 2011
Ferrari 4.5-liter V8 (458 Italia 570bhp)

Above 4-liter
Ferrari 4.5-liter V8 (458 Italia 570bhp)

3-liter to 4-liter
BMW 4-liter V8 (M3 420bhp)

2.5-liter to 3-liter
BMW 3-liter DI Twin Turbo (135i, 1 M Coupe, 335i, 535i, X3 35i, X5 35i, X6 35i, Z4 (306bhp, 340bhp), 640i (320bhp), 740i (326bhp))

2-liter to 2.5-liter
Audi 2.5-liter five-cylinder turbo (Audi TT RS, RS3 340bhp))

1.8-liter to 2-liter
BMW Diesel 2-liter Twin Turbo (123d, X1 (204bhp))

1.4-liter to 1.8-liter
BMW 1.6-liter four-cylinder Turbo (Mini Cooper S, Clubman Cooper S, Countryman Cooper S (184bhp), Mini Works, Clubman Works (211bhp))

1-liter to 1.4-liter
Volkswagen 1.4-liter TSI Twincharger (VW Polo 180bhp), Golf, Scirocco, Eos, Jetta, Tiguan, Skoda Fabia RS (180bhp), Touran (140, 170bhp), Seat Ibiza/Cupra (150bhp, 180bhp), Alhambra (150bhp), Audi A1 (185bhp))

Sub 1-liter
Fiat 875cc two-cylinder (Fiat 500 (85bhp))

Source: Ferrari

May 18, 2011

Honda CR-Z MUGEN – first official images

Honda and Mugen EU have revealed the first official images of the CR-Z Mugen. The project is to create the higher-performance hybrid coupe, which is suitable for both – race track and everyday driving.

However, the supercharged Honda CR-Z is expected to have staggering performance qualities. Not only in straight line, but in the corners, too. Early tests with a prototype car based on a standard CR-Z and a mid-tune engine have given 0 to 100 km/h times around that of the Civic Type R, which is just perfect considering the fuel consumption.

There will be a 15% increasing in power over this “Stage 1” engine. Furthermore, the hybrid coupe will lose over 50kg from the chassis and the overall performance is set to meet MUGEN’s original targets.

“Early fuel consumption tests have also been encouraging,” commented Colin Whittamore from MUGEN Euro.

“We’ve retained the three driving modes from the standard car and economy ranges from 50+mpg in ‘eco’ mode to mid-30 mpg when tapping into the supercharged power in a special ‘MUGEN’ mode.”, he finished.

2012 Honda CR-Z MUGEN

Source: Honda

May 18, 2011

Nissan 370Z GT Edition

Nissan has released a special GT Edition of 370Z in the UK to to celebrate the manufacturer’s global success in GT racing and 40 years of Z.

370Z GT boasts special body colours, unique GT stripes, darkened 19” RAYS forged alloy wheels and a lot of significant suspension and equipment modifications.

The suspension is improved by retuning the dampers provide the ideal balance between ride comfort and high-speed handling. The set-up is made by technicians from Nissan Technical Centre Europe (NTCE).

Equipment upgrades include a rear view parking camera as part of the Premium Connect SAT NAV system and a tyre pressure monitoring system. As an options, you can order 7-speed automatic option with a snow mode.

“The 370Z is an iconic sports car and the GT Edition underlines its appeal to enthusiasts everywhere,” commented Pierre Loing, Vice President Product Planning, Nissan International SA.

“The combination of outstanding performance and the dramatic looks of this very special 370Z more than lives up to the heritage of its illustrious forebear while its strong links to the race track shows its true pedigree.”, he added.

Nissan 370Z is powered by 3.7 liter naturally aspirated V6 engine with Variable Valve and Lift Control. It develops 337PS (248 kW) and 365Nm (269 lb-ft) of torque. It is mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox or an optional 7-speed automatic. The power is send to the rear wheels. The sports package features a viscous LSD (limited slip differential)

The new GT Edition 370Z is available to order. The price tag is £35 000.

Source: Nissan

May 18, 2011

2012 Vauxhall Zafira Tourer

Vauxhall has revealed 2012 Zafira Tourer, which will hit the market in the beginning of the next year. The new model will sit above the current Zafira model in Vauxhall’s line-up and is set to raise the bar for design, luxury, flexibility and innovation in the MPV sector. Good word, but we shall wait a while to see that.

The MPV will continue to use Flex7 seating, but it will offer better comfort, improved materials and more cabin space.

2012 Zafira Tourer will also have a new chassis, using key components from the Insignia, with a longer wheelbase – 190mm increase in overall length of the vehicle. It will also have wider tracks, FlexRide adaptive damping system, which will be available as an option.

There will be two new engines in the line-up. The first one is a small 1.4 litre turbocharged petrol and a 2.0 CDTi with totally three outputs. These two will join the current 1.8 litre petrol to offer a wide range of power options – 110PS to 165PS.

2012 Vauxhall Zafira Tourer will make its official debut at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show on September 15th to 25th.

2012 Vauxhall Zafira Tourer

Source: Vauxhall

May 18, 2011

2012 Mercedes CLS US price – $71 300 USD

Mercedes-Benz USA priced the latest 2012 CLS 4-door coupe, today. The price list includes CLS550, CLS550 4MATIC and the high-performance CLS 63 AMG.

2012 Mercedes CLS550 is powered by a new 4.6 liter direct-injected twin-turbo V8 with 402HP (296 kW) and 600Nm (443 lb-ft) of torque. 2012 CLS550 4MATIC has the same power unit, but sends the torque to all four wheels. The new engine offers better mileage with a total of 26% over the previous CLS550. The new twin-turbocharged engine returns 18 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway.

Among the stadard equipment, there are PRE-SAFE, ABS anti-lock brakes with Brake Assist, ATTENTION ASSIST, traction control and the ESP electronic stability control. The options list includes Active Blind Spot Assist and Active Lane Keeping Assist systems.

The top-of-line CLS 63 AMG is powered by a 5.5 liter direct-injected V8 with 518HP (381 kW) and 700Nm (516 lb-ft). It is mated to a 7-speed MCT (multi-clutch technology) sport gearbox. Additionally, the AMG Performance Package can be ordered. It improves the engine performance qualities of the engine – 550HP (405 kW) and 800Nm (590 lb-ft). Despite all that power, CLS 63 AMG manages to return 15 mpg in the city and 23 mph on the highway.

2012 Mercedes CLS550 US is priced at $71 300 USD, CLS550 4MATIC is tagged at $73 800 USD. 2012 Mercedes CLS63 AMG US has a price tag of $94 900 USD.

2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS 63 AMG

CLS-Class Four-Door Coupe (June)

New-generation four-door coupe debuts with dramatic styling, two new V8 engines, electromechanical steering, aluminum doors and world-first active LED headlights.
CLS550 new direct-injection 4.6-liter biturbo V8 (402 hp, 443 lb.-ft) with more fuel-efficient 7-speed automatic transmission, AIRMATIC suspension and available with 4MATIC all-wheel-drive (Sept).
CLS63 AMG new direct-injection 5.5-liter biturbo AMG V8 (518 hp, 516 lb-ft) with ECO Stop/Start technology, AMG 7-speed MCT and AIRMATIC rear suspension. Optional Performance Package yields 550 hp/590 lb-ft.
Other new technology includes a color instrument cluster display, multicolor ambient lighting and central controller
LED taillamps and PARKTRONIC with Active Parking Assist