Victor Ivanov – Page 256 – Automobiles Review

Wald Lexus LX570 Sports Line Black Bison Edition

Wald International now offers a special tuning program for the Lexus LX570 from 2008. The SUV will join to the Black Bison series. Because the LX570 is a US version and it is not offered by the manufacturer in Japan, Wald had import one.

Lexus LX570 Sports Line Black Bison Edition received a full body kit consisting of a new front bumper with integrated LED daytime running lights, a modified rear bumper with quad sport exhaust system, which is specially developed for the big 5.7 liter engine. The side skirts are not modified.

The tuned LX570 stands on enormous 24” MAHORA M13 alloy wheels fitted with low profile tires. The stance of the SUV is also improved by the tuned suspension.

Wald didn’t release any price lists for now.

Lexus LX570 WALD Sports Line Black Bision Edition

Source: Wald International

April 22, 2011

2012 Fiat 500C

Fiat has introduced the new 2012 500C (Cabrio) at the 2011 New York International Auto Show (NAIAS). The vehicle is based on the US version 500 Coupe and features a roof-mounted spoiler and a power-retractable soft top that can be lowered at speeds up to 60 mph (97 km/h).

“Perfectly timed with the warm weather and excitement of spring, the new 2012 Fiat 500 Cabrio expands our product lineup while paying homage to the brand’s rich heritage of open-air cabrios that deliver style, value and driving enjoyment,” said Laura Soave, Head of FIAT Brand North America.

“The new Fiat 500c has been intelligently tailored for our market – now with an added dose of sunshine and panoramic views at the push of a button.”, she added.

2012 Fiat 500C US is powered by a 1.4 liter MultiAir engine with 102PS (75 kW) and 133Nm (98 lb-ft) of torque. The engine is available either with 5-speed manual or an optional 6-speed automatic gearbox. The all-new 6-speed automatic transmission has “Sport” mode, which enables quicker gear changes, a unique throttle map for improved engine responsiveness and allows each gear to be held for longer periods near the redline.

The interior boasts air conditioning (AC), power windows and locks, a leather-upholstered steering wheel and Bluetooth/USB connectivity. The TomTom Navigation with BLUE&ME Handsfree Communication system has an innovative 4.3” (10.9 cm) screen on top of the new 2012 Fiat 500c’s instrument panel.

500C is a small city car, so it has just 153 liters of luggage compartment, but it can be expanded to 663 liters with the rear seats folded down.

2012 Fiat 500C will hit the US market this spring with a price tag of $19 500.

2012 Fiat 500 Cabrio

Source: Fiat

April 22, 2011

2012 Mazda3

The new 2012 Mazda3 made its US debut today at the New York International Auto Show (NAIAS). The facelift version of the popular model features more refined exterior and interior, innovative SKYACTIV fuel-saving and performance-oriented technologies and some other interesting goodies.

“SKYACTIV is not just an engine; it is the next generation of advanced vehicle performance and efficiency,” commented Jim O’Sullivan, President and CEO, Mazda North American Operations (MNAO).

“SKYACTIV embodies Mazda’s philosophy of engineering only vehicles that are fun to drive, satisfying to own and environmentally responsible; and there is no better vehicle to start with than the Mazda3, one of the most exciting sport compact cars on the road.”, he added.

The exterior boasts a new front fascia, modified grille, new round fog lights and new models of alloy wheels. The Skyactive models will also include unique headlights, a metallic blue engine cover and the badging, of course.

The interior features a new instrument cluster, updated trim, and better seat upholstery. The Multi Information Display (MID) and liquid crystal display (LCD) also received color adjustments, so the red text and graphics of the current model are changed to white.

The engine range will include a new Skuactiv-G petrol with 157PS (116 kW) and 200Nm (148 lb-ft). The engine is mated to a 6-speed manual transmission and returns – 27 mpg in the city and 39 mpg on the highway. There is also an option for SKYACTIV-Drive six-speed automatic gearbox. Skuactiv-G will join the current MZR 2.0-liter dual-overhead-cam 16-valve four-cylinder engine.

Standard advanced safety features include 6 airbags – advanced dual front, front-seat mounted and full-length side curtain. with improved double chamber side airbags, anti-lock brakes (ABS) with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) with Brake Assist, Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) with a Traction Control System (TCS), front and rear stabilizer bars, a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), a “crushable” brake and accelerator pedal assembly and collapsible steering column, three-point safety belts for all seating positions, front seatbelt pretensioners with force limiters as well as Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH).

The options list includes a new Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) system, an Adaptive Front-Lighting System (AFS) with auto-leveling bi-xenon headlamps.

2012 Mazda3 will also come with retuned suspension for maximum comfort and stability.

Price list is not announced, yet!
2012 Mazda3

Source: Mazda

April 22, 2011

2011 Mercedes-Benz E 63 AMG

2011 Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG is powered by a new 5.5 liter bi-turbo V8, which is replacing the most powerful naturally aspirated V8 in the world – 6.2 liter AMG.

The new power unit has a code name – M 157, which produces 525PS (386 kW) and 557PS (410 kW) with the AMG Performance Package. The torque is 700Nm (516 lb-ft) and 800Nm (590 lb-ft), respectively. Because of the turbochargers, the new engine has a 22 percent improvement in fuel-economy over the predecessor. 2011 E63 AMG Saloon needs just 9.8 liters per 100 km and the Estate consumes 10 liters / 100km.

The engine is mated to the AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed sports gearbox, which has three driving modes – S, S+ and M.

The AMG Performance package rises the maximum charge pressure from 1.0 to 1.3 bar. It also includes AMG Performance steering wheel with black Alcantara, red-painted brake calipers, electric rear window blind and genuine carbon fibre AMG spoiler lip on the boot lid for the Saloon.

2011 E63 AMG stands on a 10-spoke 18” AMG light alloy wheels fitted with 255/R40 R 18 tyres on the front and 285/35 R 18 on the rear.

2011 Mercedes-Benz E 63 AMG

AMG Performance Studio:

AMG RIDE CONTROL Performance suspension
AMG light-alloy wheels in a new 10-spoke design, painted in titanium grey with a high-sheen finish, with 255/35 R 19 (front) and 285/30 R 19 (rear) tyres
AMG rear axle locking differential with 40 percent locking action
AMG ceramic high-performance composite braking system
AMG Exterior Carbon package
AMG trim elements in carbon fibre/black piano lacquer
Illuminated AMG door sill panels
AMG Driver’s Package (includes restriction of top speed to 300 km/h, participation in driver training course at the AMG Driving Academy)

Pricing:

E 63 AMG Saloon: 105,971 euros
E 63 AMG Estate: 108,409 euros
AMG Performance package: 8,306.20 euros
Driver’s package: 3,213 euros

2011 Mercedes E63 AMG:

	E 63 AMG	E 63 AMG Estate
Displacement	5461 cc	5461 cc
Bore x stroke	98.0 x 90.5 mm	98.0 x 90.5 mm
Compression ratio	10.0:1	10.0:1
Output	386 kW (525 hp) at 5250-5750 rpm 410 kW (557 hp) at 250-5750 rpm*	386 kW (525 hp) at 5250-5750 rpm 410 kW (557 hp) at 5250-5750 rpm*
Max. torque	700 Nm at 1750-5000 rpm 800 Nm at 2000-4500 rpm*	700 Nm at 1750-5000 rpm 800 Nm at 2000-4500 rpm*
Engine weight (dry)	204 kg	204 kg
Fuel consumption NEDC combined	9.8 l per 100 km	10.0 l per 100 km
CO2 emissions	230 g/km	234 g/km
Acceleration 0-100 km/h	4.3 s 4.2 s*	4.4 s 4.3 s*
Top speed**	250 km/h	250 km/h

* with AMG Performance package; ** electronically limited

2011 Mercedes-Benz E 63 AMG

Source: Mercedes

April 21, 2011

2012 Jaguar XK

2012 Jaguar XK now features an elegant new look with elements from XKR-S, which was unveiled at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show.

The new XK features revised slimmer headlights with subtle LEDs. They sit above a new larger grille framed in chrome. Apair of small air scoops feeding air to the brakes are mounted on each side of the car. At the rear, 2012 XK also features LED technology built in the taillights.

The interior boasts new trim finishes and leather sports seats. The luxury is all around the cabin, because of the expensive materials and nice touches.

The new XK and XKR will be available in both coupe and convertible variant. The sport version – XKR-S will be delivered in coupe form. All models will hit the UK market in September.

2012 Jaguar XK

2012 XK range at a glance

Coupé:

Engine	Power (PS)	Torque (lbs ft)	0-62 / max speed (mph)	Comb economy (mpg)/CO₂ (g/km)	Price (RRP, OTR)
5,000 cc, 32-valve, V8	385	380	5.5 / 155	25.2 / 264	£65,000
5,000 cc, 32-valve, V8, Supercharged	510	461	4.8 / 155	23.0 / 292	£78,550
5,000 cc, 32-valve, V8, Supercharged XKR-S	550	502	4.4 / 186	23.0 / 292	£97,000

Convertible:

Engine	Power (PS)	Torque (lbs ft)	0-62 / max speed (mph)	Comb economy (mpg)/CO₂ (g/km)	Price (RRP, OTR)
5,000 cc, 32-valve, V8	385	380	5.6 / 155	25.2 / 264	£71,000
5,000 cc, 32-valve, V8, Supercharged	510	461	4.8 / 155	23.0 / 292	£84,550

Source: Jaguar

April 21, 2011

2012 Jaguar XF and XFR

Jaguar has introduced several models at the 2011 New York Auto Show. Both XF and XFR feature fresh new look with slim new headlight units set into which are distinctive LED lighting strips sitting either side of a larger, more upright grille.

The bonnet line is lowered as well as the new look to the lower bumper section complete with a trio of airdams, the outside pair of which are now intersected by twisted chrome fins.

At the rear, the tail lamp units have been redesigned and now have LEDs. They are also extended further into the boot lid with a new chrome blade sitting below a simple Jaguar leaper badge.

The interior features a restyled steering wheel, a new switchgear for the ventilation systems and all-new colour central and dial-mounted screens relaying reprogrammed navigation and entertainment software. The seats are also new and now offer greater support.

The engine range for XF includes 2.2 litre common rail diesel with 190PS (140 kW) and 450Nm (332 lb-ft). The engine is mated to a 8-speed ZF automatic gearbox. This model also has an innovative Stop-Start system, so the engine returs 50mpg and CO2 emission of just 149 g/km. The more powerful 3.0 litre V6 has 240PS or 275PS for Diesel S. The powerful V8 is developing 385PS.

2012 Jaguar XFR is powered by a 5.0 liter supercharged V8 with 510PS and 622Nm (461 lb-ft) of torque. It features new sill extensions, a redesigned 20” wheels, adaptive dynamic suspension and full aerodynamic styling.

2012 XF will hit the market in September. The price is £30 950 for the 2.2-litre diesel engine and the range-topping XFR is priced at £65 350.

2012 Jaguar XF

2012 Jaguar XF:

Diesel engines:

Engine	Power (PS)	Torque (lbs ft)	0-62 / max speed (mph)	Comb economy (mpg)/CO₂ (g/km)	Price (RRP, OTR)
2,179 cc, 16-valve, 4cyl, turbocharged	190	332	8.5 / 142	52.3 / 149	£30,950
2,993 cc, 24-valve, V6, twin-turbocharged	240	369	7.1 / 149	44.8 / 169	£36,950
2,993 cc, 24-valve, V6, twin-turbocharged	275	442	6.4 / 155	44.8 / 169	£42,950

Petrol engines:

Engine	Power (PS)	Torque (lbs ft)	0-62 / max speed (mph)	Comb economy (mpg)/CO₂ (g/km)	Price (RRP, OTR)
5,000 cc, 32-valve, V8	385	380	5.7 / 155	25.4 / 264	£49,950
5,000 cc, 32-valve, V8, supercharged	510	461

Source: Jaguar

April 21, 2011

2012 Kia Soul at New York Auto Show

Kia has announced the new version of one of its most successful models – Soul. The 2012 Kia Soul features better exterior and more power, but the style remains the same, because of the customers appreciation.

“We have given the new Soul significant improvements in power, style and fuel economy, making this iconic vehicle the perfect package for consumers looking for something a little outside the box,” commented Michael Sprague, Vice President, Marketing & Communications, KMA.

“The Soul has always stood out from the crowd and is responsible for bringing new customers to the Kia brand. This mid-life refresh adds even more style and fun-to-drive performance to the vehicle that started our design-led transformation whilst also improving fuel economy by 10 per cent,” he added.

2012 Soul comes with a new 1.6 litre direct-injected petrol engine (GDI) with 140PS (103 kW) and 163Nm (121 lb-ft). The US market will also receive a new 2.0 litre four-cylinder with 162PS (119 kW) and 193Nm (143 lb-ft). The engine will be available with either 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic gearbox. The small 1.6 litre GDI achieves 34 mpg on the highway and the bigger 2.0 litre returns 33 mpg.

The exterior boasts new projector headlamps with LED daytime running lights, a redesigned bonnet and new front and rear bumpers.

The interior boasts in-car hands-free communication and infotainment system, heated front seats, leather seat trim, automatic climate control, navigation system and push-button start. There are also a three-dial instrument cluster, standard USB and auxiliary input jacks, steering wheel-mounted controls and a reversing camera.

2012 Kia Soul will hit the UK market in the autumn.

2012 Kia Soul

Source: KIA

April 21, 2011

Bentley Continental Supersports Convertible ISR

Bentley Continental Supersports Convertible ISR – Ice Speed Record is limited edition, which will be launched in just 100 units.

The luxury sports convertible is powered by a 6.0 litre V12 with 640 PS (471 kW) and 800Nm (590lb ft) of torque. The engine is mated to a Quickshift 6-speed automatic transmission. The performance is brutal – 0-100 km/h in 4.0s, to 160 km/h in 9.4 seconds and top speed of 321.6 km/h (199.83 mph) … on ice!

“Juha Kankkunen’s drive was a remarkable achievement and worthy of a very special car. The Continental Supersports ‘Ice Speed Record’ is a true driver’s car that captures that unique Bentley spirit. It offers extreme performance, agility and an extrovert personality, while retaining the refinement, handcrafted luxury and comfort our customers expect.”, commented Wolfgang Duerheimer, Bentley’s new Chairman and Chief Executive.

This is the most powerful Bentley, which the company has ever produced. All that additional engine power of the new convertible is the result of fine tuning of the engine to optimise the benefits of the new free-breathing air intake ducts, intercooler system and the exhaust system.

What is more, it runs on both petrol (gasoline) or E85 bio-ethanol or any combination of the two.

Bentley Continental Supersports Convertible ISR stands on 20” wheels fitted with Pirelli 275/35ZR20 ultra high performance tyres. Behined them, there are 420 mm front and 356 mm rear, carbon ceramic brake discs, with 8-piston callipers at the front provide fade-resistant stopping power.

Source: Bentley

April 21, 2011

Suzuki Kizashi Ecocharge Concept

Suzuki has unveiled Kizashi EcoCharge Concept at the 2011 New York International Auto Show (NYIAS).

“We are continuing to study the virtues of the gas-electric technology found in the Kizashi EcoCharge Concept,” commented Steve Younan, director of automotive marketing and product planning for American Suzuki Motor Corporation.

“Our basic concept was to attain substantial gains in fuel economy without the traditional sacrifices in drivability required with today’s mid-size hybrid sedans. The proof of our concept is that the Kizashi EcoCharge has the capability to deliver a 25% fuel economy gain in real-world driving through an electric charge to the powertrain system while still retaining the production Kizashi’s dynamic handling and braking advantages that make it a standout category performer.”, he added.

Kizashi EcoCharge is powered by a 2.0 liter four-cylinder petrol engine coupled with an advanced electric propulsion system, which consists of a liquid-cooled 15-kW motor/generator unit tied to a 115-volt air-cooled lithium-ion battery. The whole system is mated to an advanced 6-speed automatic transmission.

Kizashi EcoCharge also includes regenerative braking, automatic engine shut-off when the car comes to a stop, fuel cut-off during deceleration events and low-rolling resistance tyres.

The exterior boasts a specialised headlight treatment, as well as LED foglight illumination integrated into the front fascia. It also features lightweight aluminium wheels fitted with lowrolling resistance tires.

The interior is completed thanks to advanced seat materials, which require 84 percent less energy to produce, and create 80 percent fewer emissions than virgin material production.

The whole car is ECOfriendly, so Suzuki will save the planet… probably!

Check out the specs, below!

Suzuki Kizashi Ecocharge Concept

Kizashi EcoCharge Concept:

Engine

Type: J20B DOHC I-4

Displacement (cu in / cc): 1,998

Valvetrain: Intake-VVT

Horsepower (hp / kW @ rpm): 144 / 106 @ 6500 rpm

Torque (lb-ft / Nm @ rpm) 127 / 173 @ 4500 rpm

Fuel economy target (Hwy): 25% improvement over production Kizashi

Transmission

Type: 6-speed automatic

Electric Drive System

Type: Belt-driven, liquid-cooled induction motor/generator unit and lithium-ion battery system; air-cooled power electronics and battery pack

Maximum electric generating power: 15 kW @ 1,570-3,180 rpm

Maximum electric motor power (electric assist): 15 hp / 11.2kW @ 1000-2200 rpm

Lithium-ion battery: 115V, 0.5-kWh, 15 kW peak power

Source: Suzuki

April 20, 2011

2012 Kia K2 at Auto Shanghai 2011

KIA has exhibited the new 2012 K2 model at the Auto Shanghai 2011. The vehicle is specially created for the Chinese market. It is based on the all-new Kia Rio, which is scheduled to hit the European market in the late summer, this year.

The engine range includes а 1.4 liter four-cylinder with 109PS (80 kW) and 136Nm (100 lb-ft) and a 1.6 liter four-cylinder with 135PS (99 kW) and 165Nm (122 lb-ft). Both engines are available with either manual or automatic transmissions.

The dimensions of 2012 Kia K2 are – 4 370 mm in length, 1 700 mm in width, 1 460 mm in height and wheelbase – 2,570 mm, which is the longest in its class. The expanded dimensions allow K2 to claim best-in-class interior space and ample luggage capacity of 500 litres. The rear seats can be folded in 60:40.

The new Kia K2 will go into production in June and will be joined by a five-door hatchback in August. There will be six trim levels, so the vehicle will suit to every taste and pocket.

2012 Kia K2

Source: Kia

April 20, 2011

Vauxhall Corsa VXR Nurburgring Edition

Vauxhall has announced the most powerful Corsa ever. The VXR Nurburgring Edition will hit the market in the end of May.

Corsa VXR Nurburgring will be powered by a 1.6 litre turbocharged petrol engine with 205PS at 5750RPM and 280Nm of torque. The results are thanks to a modified engine management and turbocharger system, sports exhaust with reduced back pressure. The special edition Corsa will run on 98-octane fuel.

Furthermore, the small hot hatch comes with a mechanical LSD (limited slip differential) for maximum traction at all times. It will also reduce the understeer caused by excessive throttle loads during cornering, or changes in the texture of the road surface.

The suspension is also revised. This time it comes from Bilstein, who has developed bespoke spring and damper units for the new model. The vehicle is also lowered with 20mm at the front and 15mm at the rear.

The braking system comes from Brembo and it is 30 per cent lighter than before and has a 10 per cent larger area. In addition, the Corsa VXR features recalibrated ABS, TC (Traction Control) and ESC (Electronic Stability Control).

The performance is superb – 0 to 100 km/h in 6.5 seconds and top speed of 230 km/h (143 mph).

The exterior received several upgrades like stainless steel dual exhaust, newly designed forged aluminium wheels in high-gloss grey, and „Nurburgring” logos on the B-Pillars and front spoiler lip. There are also two new colours available – apple green „Grasshopper” and red „Henna”.

The interior boasts black and red „Nürburgring” lettering adorns the sill plates and front Recaro seat backs, with bespoke white stitching on all seats, as well as the handbrake and gearshift console.

Vauxhall Corsa VXR Nurburgring is priced at £22 295.

Vauxhall Corsa VXR Nurburgring Edition

Source: Vauxhall

April 20, 2011

2013 Chevrolet Malibu at Auto Shanghai 2011

GM has officially introduced the new 2013 Chevrolet Malibu at Auto Shanghai 2011. The company has also provided further details about their upcoming model.

“The current Malibu has left an award-winning impression and changed the way people think about Chevrolet,” commented Susan Docherty, vice president of GMIO sales, marketing and aftersales.

“This all-new Malibu delivers on the intangibles of today’s Malibu but gives customers even more: more style, fuel efficiency, content and features, craftsmanship, and dynamic capabilities rivaling high-end sedans.”, she added.

The new Malibu has shorter wheelbase than its predecessor by 114 mm, but the track is wider – 1 574 mm, front and rear. The interior space is also more than the previous version of the model with 113 liters.

The Malibu will be built in manufacturing facilities around the world, including the US and China.

2013 Chevrolet Malibu:

Dual-stage driver and front passenger airbags

Driver and front passenger pelvic/thorax side-impact airbags

Roof rail airbags with rollover protection

Rear park assist is available

Available rearview camera system

OnStar is also included in Malibu’s safety features and includes Automatic Crash Response, as well as improved voice recognition technology, remote diagnostics, remote door unlock, Stolen Vehicle Slowdown and six months of uplevel Directions and Connections service that includes Turn-By-Turn Navigation.

2013 Chevy Malibu

Source: Chevrolet

April 20, 2011

Author: Victor Ivanov