Victor Ivanov – Page 250 – Automobiles Review

2012 Hyundai Genesis Prada

Hyundai has released a special edition Genesis – Prada, which is developed specially for Korean market. The project is completed in cooperation with Italian fashion label Prada.

2012 Genesis Prada is designed to be one of the most luxurious models on the market. It is available in three colors – Black Nero, Blue Baltico and Brown Moro. It also Dark chrome is applied to the radiator grille, emblem and door handles to reflect the unique palladium-coated buckles on Prada’s bags, a wedge shape GPS antenna and stylish 19” alloy wheels.

Inside, the dashboard and the upholstery have also been revised and artisan-crafted in “saffiano” leather – Prada’s signature top quality leather – to obtain a luxurious and sophisticated finish.

2012 Hyundai Genesis Prada is powered by a 5.0 liter V8 with 430PS (316 kW) and 510Nm of torque. It is mated to an 8-speed automatic gearbox. There are no performance data, but the big saloon is superbly fast.

The car will be launched in limited series – 1 200 units, which will be available in South Korea. However, few lucky customers will get their cars in China and the Middle East.

2012 Hyundai Genesis Prada

Source: Hyundai

May 17, 2011

Oakley Design Lamborghini Aventador LP760-2

Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4 is just brutal sports car. Not every manufacturer launches an every-day road-going model with such power a specifications. However, Oakley Design is preparing new tuning program for the beast.

The name of the project is LP760-2 and the model is only rear wheel drive. The vehicle has been stripped of its front differential and related components, so its much lighter – totally 85 kg (187 pounds).

Futhermore, the 6.5 liter V12 engine is upgraded to gain another 71PS and 55Nm. The total output is 771PS (567 kW) and 745Nm (550 lb-ft). The result is thanks to an ECU remap optimising a larger airbox, intake feed pipe diameter and a titanium exhaust system that will also save over 30kg.

LP760-2 stands on enormous Oakley Design P40 wheels with dimensions 9.0J to 9.5J x 19” at the front, and from 12.0J to 13.0J x 20” at the rear fitted with ultra-performance 255/35ZR19 and 355/30ZR20 Pirelli PZero tyres.

The aerodynamics package includes modified front bumper, new side skirts, revised rear bumper with a new diffuser. The car also comes with a carbon fiber roof for further weight saving and stylish improvement.

The tuning company didn’t release any information about the prices, but Lamborghini Aventador LP760-2 will be limited to just 5 units and three of them have already been sold.

Oakley Design Lamborghini Aventador LP760-2

Source: Oakley Design

May 17, 2011

Aston Martin Cygnet configurator

Aston Martin has launched the online configurator for its new super-mini Cygnet. The car is based on Toyota iQ, but it is far more stylish and luxurious.

Aston Cygnet is powered by а 1.33 litre dual VVT-I four-cylinder petrol engine with 98PS (72 kW) at 6000RPM and 125Nm (92 lb-ft) at 4400RPM. 0 to 100 km/h takes 11.8 seconds and the top speed is 170 km/h (106 mph). The small city car returns 56.5 mpg – 5 l / 100 km.

The engine is mated to a 6-speed manual with Stop & Start technology and gear shift indicator and there is an optional Constantly Variable Transmission (CVT) with Eco Driving Indicator.

Cygnet is offered with a vast range of exterior paint schemes and a choice of four 16” sets of wheels. There are also go-faster stripes, which can be painted in either the same color as the body or in gloss black.
Aston Martin Cygnet configurator

2012 Aston Martin Cygnet:

Body

Two door body style with full width tailgate and 4 seats
Bright Aluminium front upper and lower grilles
Bright Metal side strakes with Magnum Silver mesh
Bi-halogen headlights
LED tail lamps
Rear spoiler and diffuser blade
Body coloured door mirrors, heated and electrically retractable
Side turn indicators on outer door mirrors
Rain sensing wipers
Dusk sensing headlamps
Front fog lamps
Rear privacy glass with washer jet and wiper
Rear Parking sensors
Rear tailgate Bright finisher

Performance

Max Power 72kW(97bhp/98PS) at 6000rpm
Max Torque 125 Nm (92 lb ft) at 4400 rpm
Max Speed 106 mph(170km/h)PREDICTED
Acceleration 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) 6-speed manual: 11.8 seconds PREDICTED
Acceleration 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) CVT: 11.6 seconds PREDICTED
Fuel economy – Combined cycle (mpg)6-speed manual: 56.5 mpg / 5 l/100km
Fuel economy – Combined cycle (mpg)CVT: 54.3 mpg / 5.2 l/100km
CO2 emissions – Combined cycle 6-speed manual: 116 g/km
CO2 emissions – Combined cycle CVT: 120 g/km [CVT]

Transmission

6-speed manual (with Stop & Start technology and gear shift indicator)
Optional Constantly Variable Transmission (CVT) (with Eco Driving Indicator)
Front mounted differential

Engine

1.33 litre Dual VVT-i engine
4 in line cylinders
16 Valve DOHC (Double Overhead Camshaft) chain drive
Electronic fuel injection
Front mounted engine and differential
Front-wheel drive
Fully catalysed stainless steel exhaust system
Compression ratio 11.5:1

Source: Aston Martin

May 17, 2011

Jaguar XJ220 – The Inside Story

Jaguar XJ220 is an iconic car. It was produced between 1992-1994 and totally 281 units were made. The original idea for the super car is to feature mighty V12 engine and 4WD. However, the engineers dropped the idea for V6 and RWD. Definitely a good idea.

XJ220 is powered by a 3.5 liter twin-turbocharged V6 with 550PS (404 kW) at 7000RPM and 645Nm (476 lb-ft) of torque at 4500RPM. It is mated to a 5-speed manual gearbox and sends the power to the rear wheels. The curb weight of the sports car is just 1372 kg (3 024 lb). The top speed is a record – 349 km/h (217 mph).

The price is a record, too – $650 000 (£403 000).

1992 Jaguar XJ220

So, if you are in France for Le Mans you might like to know that Mike Moreton, author of ‘Jaguar XJ220 – The Inside Story’ published by Veloce, is hosting a gathering of Jaguar enthusiasts to celebrate the recent publication of his fascinating book.

The meeting will be at L’Aubergeade, a beautiful restaurant in the village of Diou (postcode 36260), near Vierzon on June 14th. Mr. Moreton will be on hand to sign books and to talk about his time directing the XJ220 project.

Cost per person will be c.90 euros. To make a booking call or fax Jackie or Carolyn at L’Aubergeade 0033 (0)254 492288. There will be only 60 gueasts.

Still, if you can’t go personally, you can order the book online.

Jaguar XJ220 – The Inside Story
By Mike Moreton

ISBN: 9781845842505
UPC: 636847042509
Available now.
UK £24.99, USA $49.95

1992 Jaguar XJ220

Source: Jaguar

May 17, 2011

2012 Audi Q3 compact SUV price – £24 560 OTR

2012 Audi Q3 compact SUV will be available to order in the beginning of June. Deliveries will start in November, this year. Q3 is priced at £24 560 OTR and features superb technologies and innovations.

The engine range includes four power units all combining direct fuel injection with turbo charging and all backed up by start-stop and energy recuperation systems. The 2.0 litre TFSI with either 170PS or 211PS and 2.0 litre TDI with 140PS and 177PS. The 2.0-litre TDI 140PS unit will power the front-wheel-drive model only at launch, deliveries of which will start in December, shortly after the rest of the range.

All other powerplants will deliver to torque to quattro AWD, but regardless of the configuration secure handling will be assured by the sophisticated Electronic Stability Program with electronic differential lock, which effectively regulates torque distribution by braking individual wheels when they start to slip.

The 2.0 TDI 140PS and 2.0 TFSI 170PS engines will be mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox as standard, while the 2.0 TDI 177PS and 2.0 TFSI 211PS units will feature a new development of the acclaimed 7-speed S tronic transmission.

The trim levels available are : Standard, SE and S line.

2012 Audi Q3 interior

SE trim level includes 17” alloy wheels, contrasting exterior trim, chrome window trims, aluminium roof rails and rear parking sensors, and inside dual-zone climate control, a Concert audio system with 6.5” manually retractable colour display screen, Bluetooth interface, Audi Music Interface iPod connection and light and rain sensors .

For a premium of £2 750 in each case, the new Audi Q3 can be upgraded to the S line specification, which includes 18” alloy wheels, S line exterior and interior styling enhancements, and xenon headlamps with LED daytime running lamps and LED rear tail lights.

Options list features adaptive light technology for the xenon plus headlights, a high-beam assistant to intelligently illuminate the road ahead, the hard drive-based navigation system plus with seven-inch colour screen and 3D mapping and the side assist blind spot warning and lane assist lane departure warning driver aids.

Check out the pricing in the tables, below!

2012 audi q3

2012 Audi Q3 Pricing:

SE model pricing

Engines	Drive	Power	Transmission	Recommended OTR
2.0TDI	front	140PS	6-speed Manual	£24,560.00
2.0TDI	quattro	177PS	7-speed S tronic	£28,460.00
2.0TFSI	quattro	170PS	6-speed Manual	£25,690.00
2.0TFSI	quattro	211PS	7-speed S tronic	£28,610.00

SE specification

As standard all Audi Q3 models feature the following equipment:

Engine

Automatic start-stop function
Recuperation for optimal energy utilisation
Efficiency tips feature in the DIS, including gearshift indicator for manual models

Wheels, tyres and suspension

17-inch 10-spoke design alloy wheels with 235/55 R17 tyres
Tyre mobility system
Locking wheel bolts

Audio and communication

Concert radio with single CD player (with MP3, WMA, AAC file playback functionality) and SD card reader – 8 speakers
6.5 inch display screen – manually retractable
Audi Music Interface
Bluetooth interface – for telephone connectivity and audio streaming
Voice dialogue system
Preparation for SD navigation (for SD card navigation retro-fit)

Seats

Standard seats in ‘Initial’ cloth upholstery
Driver and front passenger seats with manual height, forward and backward adjustment
ISOFIX child seat mounting for front passenger (with airbag deactivation) and outer rear seats
Split folding rear seats

Safety and security

Light and rain sensor with automatic headlight and windscreen wiper activation
Rear parking sensors
Thatcham Category 1 alarm and immobiliser
Remote central locking
Driver, front passenger and front side airbag system and sideguard airbags

Exterior equipment

Contrasting exterior trim in anthracite metallic finish
Aluminium roof rails
Aluminium window trim framing the exterior side windows
Electrically adjustable and heated door mirrors with heated windscreen washer jets
Front fog lights

Interior equipment

Four-spoke leather trimmed multi-function steering wheel
Front centre armrest
Driver’s Information System in monochrome
Dual-zone electronic climate control
Door sill trims with aluminium inlays
Luggage compartment sill protection in stainless steel
Monometallic inlays

S line specification

Wheels, tyres and suspension

18-inch five-twin-spoke design alloy wheels with 235/50 R18 tyres
Standard suspension (S line sports suspension, lowered by 20mm, available as a no cost option)

Seats

Front sports seats including electrically adjustable lumbar support
Black ‘Sprint’ cloth/leather upholstery with embossed S line logo in front seats

Exterior equipment

Xenon headlights with LED daytime running lights and LED rear tail lights
S line badges on the front wings
S line bodystyling including S line front and rear bumpers with platinum grey rear diffuser
Full body colour paint finish
Chrome-plated trims for the exhaust tailpipes

Interior equipment

S line inlays in matt-brushed aluminium
Three-spoke leather multi-function steering wheel

S line model pricing

Engines	Drive	Power	Transmission	Recommended OTR
2.0TDI	front	140PS	6-speed Manual	£27,310.00
2.0TDI	quattro	177PS	7-speed S tronic	£31,210.00
2.0TFSI	quattro	170PS	6-speed Manual	£28,440.00
2.0TFSI	quattro	211PS	7-speed S tronic	£31,360.00

2012 Audi Q3 quattro S line

Source: Audi

May 17, 2011

Saab and Spyker enter into MOU with Pang Da Automobile

Saab live its ninth life. Every time, when the company is about to collapse, there is a “Messiah”, who stands behind the manufacturer and helps.

This time, the “Mesiah” is the Chinese auto distributor Pang Da Automobile Trade Co Ltd that will save Saab from bancruptcy. The owner of Saab – Dutch company Spyker Cars has announced a new deal with Pang Da Automobile. The deal is worth €65 million over the medium term. But Saab will get a much needed cash infusion of €30 million right away with another €15 million coming at a later date. Not bad, at all!

The MoU between Spyker, Saab Automobile and Pang Da contains the principles on which the parties will establish a 50/50 joint venture for the distribution of Saab-branded vehicles in China.

However, for these 65 million Euro, Pang Da will receive a 24 percent stake in parent company Spyker. Over the long-term the deal could be worth up to €110 million.

“Both parties are confident that this partnership allows Saab Automobile and Pang Da to create a strong business, initially in the distribution and subsequently in the manufacturing of Saab vehicles in China.”, commented Victor Muller, CEO of Spyker and Saab Automobile.

“Pang Da is a forward-looking, profitable and well-capitalized public company that, as the single largest automobile distributor in China, sees enormous potential for our brand in their home market. We will work hard to finalize the relevant agreements and firmly establish Saab in the world´s fastest growing car market. Pang Da taking a substantial equity stake in Spyker underlines their confidence in our plans for the future and China in particular.”, he added.

“This partnership allows us not only to distribute Saab, the iconic European premium brand, in China but also to set up a manufacturing joint venture which will further enhance the competitive position of the Saab brand in China.”, finished Mr. PANG Qinghua, CEO of Pang Da.

2011 Saab 9-4X

Source: Saab

May 16, 2011

2011 Fiat Bravo MyLife

2011 Fiat Bravo Mylife comes with better equipment and some exterior modifications, which are aimed to appeal to European customers. Bravo is not the best selling hatchback at the old continent, moreover it is one of the worst in the segment with only 44 850 units sold last year while the leader in its segment, the Volkswagen Golf, sold 501 671 units.

With the improvements, Fiat will attract more customers. However, the Bravo is set to be replaced with the crossover in 2012.

2011 Bravo Mylife is available in two colors – Distinct Grey and Superb Red. The styling upgrades include upper and lower grilles in a glossy black finish, fog light framings, a set of new 16” two-tone alloy wheels, chromed door handles and grille borders.

The equipment includes Blue&Me infotainment system with Instant NAV SAT system, Bluetooth phone connectivity and USB ports for music devices, manual air conditioning, 6 airbags, ESP with Hill Holder function, fog lights with cornering function, leather covered steering-wheel and gearshift lever, and electric windows.

2011 Fiat Bravo Mylife 1.4 liter 90HP petrol is priced at €14 900 in Italy. The more powerful 1.4 liter T-Jet with 120HP and the 1.4-liter Multiair Turbo, which develops 140hp and has the standard Start & Stop system. The diesel variant 1.6 liter with 120HP comes with a price tag of €17 600.

2011 Fiat Bravo Mylife

Source: Fiat

May 16, 2011

2011 Dodge Caliber Mopar Edition

Dodge Caliber Mopar Edition will be launched in South Africa.

It is powered by a a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with some modifications provided by Mopar. There is CAI (Cold Air Induction) system as well as a dual sport exhaust. There are no data about the improvements, but the vehicle develops 156PS (115 kW) and 190Nm (140 lb-ft) of torque before them.

Caliber Mopar Edition stands on enormous 18” black powder-coated alloy wheels fitted with low profile tires. The suspension is lowered with 50mm for better stance and handling.

Finally, the tuner added Sporty bonnet, beltline decals and Mopar decals.

2011 Dodge Caliber Mopar Edition is priced at R259 990 ($37 130).

Mopar upgrades:

Cold-air induction kit
Performance manifold and exhaust system
18″ black powder-coated alloy wheels
2″ lowering kit
Sporty bonnet and beltline decals
Mopar decals

2011 Dodge Caliber Mopar Edition

Source: Dodge

May 16, 2011

BMW at the Plus X Award 2011

BMW Group took four awards for ConnectedDrive in the annual, internationally renowned “Plus X Award”. The jury honoured the manufacturer with top awards in in the categories Innovation, Design, Operating Comfort and Best Technology of the Year 2011 with an additional “Plus X Award” seal of quality.

To select these products, an international, industry-neutral jury of 134 specialised journalists and market experts from 32 countries evaluates extraordinary design, innovative technologies as well as intelligent and straightforward operating concepts. Ergonomic and ecological product attributes, the use of high-quality materials and their processing are other equally important factors that go into the decision of a “Plus X Award” honour.

BMW ConnectedDrive assumes the role of a personal driving assistant and – by networking intelligently with the environment – gives the driver access to vehicle-specific information according to the situation and whenever it is required.

The company is already demonstrating to what extent a vehicle can become an integral part of a networked world in the future on the concept vehicle BMW Vision ConnectedDrive. The two-seater roadster communicates with the driver and the passenger as well as with the environment and the Internet and integrates numerous future-oriented functions and thinking approaches. B

Still, there is a lot of work for the engineers, who are already working on turning the range of functions demonstrated in the framework of BMW ConnectedDrive into reality.

bmw ConnectedDrive

Source: BMW

May 16, 2011

Skoda Fabia Greenline II – 2006 km on a single tank of fuel

Skoda Fabia GreenLine II has achieved 2006km (yes, two thousand and six), which is 1246 miles on a single tank of fuel. The driver was Gerhard Plattner, who started in Reutte, Austria, Plattner drove to Bov, Denmark and back. The Austria-based economy driving world champion used Germany’s longest motorway, the A7, for his trip from Austria to Denmark and back.

The fuel consumption is just amazing – 127.8 mpg – 2.2 liters / 100km (although the official consumption figure is 83.1 mpg (combined cycle).

“We work hard to reduce the fuel consumption in our vehicles. The primary goal of these efforts is to offer efficient technology in all of our models at affordable prices, and our second-generation GreenLine models meet this requirement perfectly. The Fabia GreenLine is going to show what can be achieved by combining refined technology with economy driving.”, commented Dr. Eckhard Scholz, head of technical development for Skoda Auto.

The trip was supervised by the International Police Motor Corporation (IPMC) who also sealed the fuel tank before Plattner set out from Reutte.

“The Škoda GreenLine models are perfect for fuel-efficient driving. In light of the current fuel prices, not only is that important for one’s own wallet, but also for lowering environmental pollution. With a fuel consumption well below the specified norm, I want to show that besides the car manufacturers, every driver can contribute to further reduce this environmental pollution. It already starts with small details such as the proper tyre pressure.”, Gerhard Plattner finished.

The new Fabia GreenLine II is powered by a 1.2 litre TDI diesel with 75bhp and is fitted with technological advancements such as a Stop/start system, gear change recommendation, and energy recuperation, improving economy and lowering CO2 emissions even further.

With these systems, the small hatch emits just 89 g/km CO2, with a combined fuel economy of 83.1 mpg making it the most economical Skoda ever!

Skoda Fabia Greenline II

Source: Fabia

May 16, 2011

2011 Hyundai i40 sedan

Hyundai has finally unveiled the new i40 sedan at the Barcelona Motor Show. The i40 is 4-door variant of the i40 wagon, which the manufacturer has already unveiled at the Geneva Auto Show in March.

The i40 sedan boasts a purely European identity having been designed and engineered at the European R&D headquarters of Hyundai in Rüsselsheim, Germany. The car is the latest model to be unveiled under the company’s new brand slogan – “New Thinking. New Possibilities.”

The engine range features 2.0 liter direct injection petrol with 177PS (130 kW) and 213Nm (157 lb0ft) of torque. The 1.7 liter diesel comes in two variants – 115 PS (84 kW) and 255Nm (188 lb-ft) and a more powerful 136PS (100 kW) version. The diesel power unit features Blue Drive technology, so the fuel economy is just great – 4.3 liters per 100km and 113 g/km of CO2.

Hyundai i40 sedan can be specified with Bluetooth phone connection, lane-departure warning, smart-parking assistance and a rear-view camera. There are also heated rear seats, heated steering wheel and air-ventilated front seats.

2011 Hyundai i40 sedan

Hyundai i40

Diesel engines

1.7-litre 115 ps

Type / capacity	U-II, DOHC, four-cylinder, 16-valve with HLA / 1685 cc
Power / torque	115 ps (85 kW) @ 4000 rpm / 260 Nm (26.5kgm) @ 1250-2750 rpm
Emissions	122 g/km (113 g/km when fitted with ISG)

1.7-litre 136 ps

Type / capacity	U-II, DOHC, four-cylinder, 16-valve with HLA / 1685 cc
Power / torque	136 ps (100 kW) @ 4000 rpm / 325 Nm (32,0kgm) @ 2000-2500 rpm
Emissions	124 g/km (119 g/km when fitted with ISG)

Gasoline engines

1.6-litre 135 ps

Type / capacity	Gamma GDI, four-cylinder, 16-valve with MLA / 1591 cc
Power / torque	135 ps (99 kW) @ 6300 rpm / 164 Nm (16,8kgm) @ 4850 rpm
Emissions	149 g/km (140 g/km when fitted with ISG)

2.0-litre 177 ps

Type / capacity	Nu GDI, four-cylinder, 16-valve with HLA & Swing ARM / 1999 cc
Power / torque	177 ps (130 kW) @ 6500 rpm / 208 Nm (21,7kgm) @ 4700 rpm
Emissions	156 g/km

Transmissions

	1.7 / 115	1.7 / 136	1.6 / 135	2.0 / 177
Manual / speeds	6	6	6	6
Automatic / speeds	—-	6	—-	6

Suspension & Damping

Front	Fully independent subframe-mounted MacPherson struts, with coil springs and gas-filled shock absorbers. Anti-roll stabiliser bar.
Rear	Fully independent subframe-mounted multi-links, coil springs and gas-filled ASD shock absorbers.

Steering

Type	MDPS (Motor Driven Power Steering)
Gearing	2.88 turns lock-to-lock
Turning radius	5.46 metres

Brakes

Front	320 mm ventilated discs
Rear	300 mm solid discs

Wheels & Tyres
Standard
	7,0Jx16	205/60 R16 tyres
	7,5Jx17	215/50 R17 tyres
	8,0Jx18	225/45 R18 tyres

Dimensions (mm)

Exterior

Overall length	4,74
Overall width	1,815 (excluding door mirrors)
Overall height	1,47
Wheelbase	2,77
Front overhang	920
Rear overhang	1,05
Front track	1,591
Rear track	1,597

Interior	Front	Rear

Head room	1,025	965
Leg room	1,17	850
Shoulder room	1,455	1,42

Capacities (litres)

Fuel tank	70 l
Luggage	503

Performance* (manual transmission)

	1.7/115	1.7/136	1.6/135	2.0/177
Top speed (kph)	190	198	195	210
0-to-100 kph (sec)	12,9	10,6	11,6	9,7

Economy (manual transmission)

	1.7/115	1.7/136	1.6/135	2.0/177
Litres / 100 km**	4,3 (ISG)	4,5(ISG)	6,0(ISG)	6,8
CO₂ (g/km)	122	124	149	156
CO₂ (g/km) with ISG	113	119	140	—

* Figures stated are manufacturer’s estimates

Source: Hyundai

May 13, 2011

HAMANN BMW 5 Series Touring F11

Hamann Motorsport are ready with the special aerodynamics package for the latest BMW 5-Series Touring – F11. The tuning is based on the M-technology package and features four integrated LED daytime running lights and larger air inlets.

The body kit includes new front lip spoiler, modified side skirts, new rear bumper with diffuser and two spoilers at the rear and at the roof. The car stands on enormous 21” light alloy wheels – Anodized Edition Race Design. They feature matt black central boss and high-gloss rim and are fitted with 255/30 ZR21 tires at the front and stunniong 295/25 ZR21 at the rear. The price of the set is €8390.

Furthermore, Hamann offers Anniversary Evo alloys that comes in 20” or 21” sizes with a choice of silve or matt black.

The F11 has been lowered with 35mm with the use of progressively-wound suspension springs. With such enormous wheels and lowered ride height, the car has seriously aggressive stance.

There are no performance packages, besides the sports metal catalyzer with middle silencer for the 550i Touring.

HAMANN BMW 5 Series Touring F11