Auto News – Page 1009 – Automobiles Review

Pininfarina Bluecar

Cecomp and Bollore will buil 4000 Bluecars for France’s Autolib car sharing service.

Pininfarina Bluecar features a Lithium Metal Polymer (LMP) battery, which can supply a range of 250km (155 miles) on a single charge. The company didn’t release any official data, but the EV will accelerate from 0 to 60 km/h in 6.3 seconds and it will be limited to 130 km/h (80 mph).

Autolib will offer the Bluecar for rent in Paris and 40 other municipalities starting in October 2011.

Really an interesting move by Pininfarina and we are eager to see, how this will work.

Source: Pininfarina

March 15, 2011

Amari Design Bentley Continental GT

Amari Design has revealed a tuning program for Bentley Continental GT. The name of the project is GT Evolution.

The exterior package includes a front bumper, lip spoiler, hood, fenders, side skirts, quarter panel extensions, rear bumper, rear diffuser, rear spoiler and exhaust. All components (except the exhaust, of course) are made from high quality plastic and carbon fiber.

GT Evolution stands on Amari Design AD1 rims.

The engine is boosted to the hefty 760PS (559 kW) thanks to a new hybrid supercharger with an ECU re-map and a sport exhaust system.

The interior get some more carbon fiber on the dash paneling, steering wheel and door grabs. The seats received new upholstery – Napa leather and Alcantara.

Price list is not announced, yet.

Source: amarisupercars.com via worldcarfans.com

March 15, 2011

2011 Lexus CT 200h Price – £23 845

2011 Lexus CT 200h
Lexus CT 200h full hybrid is finally on the market. The car hits directly the premium compact segment with brute force. CT 200h features technical innovation, style, quality and driver appeal.

The car is available in three trim levels – SE-I, SE-L and SE-L Premier. However, the base version is priced at just £23 485 OTR.

The table below sets out the launch on-the-road prices, insurance groups and Vehicle Excise Duty bands for the CT 200h.

MODEL	OTR PRICE	INSURANCE GROUP	VED BAND
CT 200h SE-I	£23 485	15E	A
CT 200h SE-L	£25 200	15E	A
CT 200h SE-L Premier	£30 635	17E	A

The standard equipment of CT 200h includes – 16” or 17” rims, dual-zone climate control, a USB port and Aux socket for connecting portable music players, Bluetooth for mobile phone connection and audio streaming, front fog lights, automatic wipers and dark-tinted rear privacy glass.

SE-I	SE-L adds	SE-L PREMIER adds
16/17in alloy wheels	Leather upholstery	LED headlamps
USB port	Heated front seats	Convenience Pack (cruise control and electrochromic rear view mirror)
Active brake lights	Front and rear parking sensors	Smart Entry and Start
Dual-zone climate control		Electric front seat adjustment
Push button start		Electrochromic door mirrors
Leather steering wheel trim		Mark Levinson 13-speaker audio system
Front fog lights		HDD satellite navigation
LED daytime running lights		Remote Touch control
Rear privacy glass		Rear parking monitor
Rain-sensing wipers		Rear parking monitor

Source: Lexus

March 15, 2011

FAB Design Porsche Cayenne II

Porsche Cayenne II received another tuning package, but this time from the Swiss tuner FAB-Design. They offer both – styling and performance upgrades.

The new wide-body kit includes widened fenders and wheel arches, a new front bumper with large air intakes, side skirts, a rear skirt with integrated diffuser for quad tailpipes. All elements are made from carbon fiber.

The engine is boosted to 550PS (405 kW) and 800Nm (590 lb-ft), which is a gain of 50PS and 100Nm over the factory power. The result is thanks to an ECU re-map of the mighty 4.8 liter turbocharged V8.

On the top of this, FAB-Design offers a stainless-steel sport exhaust system and enormous 22” rims. The stance is improved by lowering the whole vehicle with the help of an electronic suspension module.

The interior boasts leather and Alcantara, carbon and aluminum elements.

Source: FAB Design

March 15, 2011

Panzani Design Jaguar X Type R Supercharged

Jaguar X Type R received a tuning package called Vintage GT from the Italian tuning company Panzani Design.

The styling package includes a new wide body kit consisting of extended wheel arches and wide bumpers. The result is an extended stance of X Type R by 100 mm. Other exterior upgrades are the new front bumper with air intakes, LED lights and a new carbon fiber bonnets. At the rear – LED taillights, enormous diffuser and 100mm double exhaust tips.

The exterior package also comes with new side skirts and air intakes behind the front wheel arches. The car is finished in gray lava color specially created by Panzani.

Vintage GT stands on 10J x 20” at the front fitted with 255/35 ZR20 tires and 12J x 20” rims at the rear with 305/30 ZR20 tires. The car is lowered by 40mm.

The interior is a perfect match to the sporty exterior. The cabin boasts leather and Alcantara finish.

Source: vintagegt.it via Worldcarfans

March 15, 2011

Fiat 500 Prima Edizione US deliveries started

Fiat North America has exclusively announced that the first deliveries of the limited edition urban mini – Fiat 500 Prima Edizione have already started. (more…)

March 15, 2011

2012 Ford Focus UK sales

According to the latest research by Ford Britain, the newly premiered 2012 Focus is expected to continue the successful story of the UK’s favorite ride, the Ford Focus. (more…)

March 15, 2011

HAMANN TYCOON EVO M

At the last week’s finished Geneva Motor Show, Hamann-Motorsport has undoubtedly gave the crowd something unforgettable – the HAMANN TYCOON EVO M, an extremely restyled BMW X6 M that boast stunningly powerful exterior look, highly boosted performance figures and top-end interior ambience with exotic flavour. (more…)

March 15, 2011

Chevrolet Captiva Sport US

Chevrolet will offer Captiva Sport in the United States. Variants of the compact crossover are sold in more than 50 markets across Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia, the Middle East and South America.

“It says a lot about our ability to draw on international programs and proven, quality crossovers that we were able to identify and federalize a strong new entrant such as Captiva Sport for the U.S. market,” commented Alan Batey, US vice president, Chevrolet Sales and Service.

“We turned to our global network for a solution to quickly meet the rising demand from local fleet customers and continue to meet strong retail demand for the Equinox.”, he added.

Chevy Captiva Sport will be available for delivery in the end of 2011, as a 2012 model.

The standard equipment boasts air conditioning, power locks and windows, a six-speaker audio system and 17” aluminum wheels.

There are two engines available – 2.4 liter Ecotec with 185PS (136 kW) and 233Nm (172 lb-ft) and 3.0 liter V6 with 268PS (197 kW) and 301Nm (222 lb-ft). Both engines are mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission and AWD system is optional.

“The range of features offered by the Captiva Sport is as rich as any Chevrolet vehicle,” said Batey.

“Our fleet customers will find it to be a versatile vehicle that gives them the cargo capacity they need, in a fuel efficient package that will help keep their ownership costs in check.”, he finished.

Chevrolet Captiva Sport US

Overview

Model:	Captiva Sport (LS and LT)
Body style / driveline:	5-door, 5-passenger front engine transaxle, FWD, AWD compact sport-utility vehicle
Construction:	steel body-frame integral
EPA vehicle class:	sport utility vehicle
Manufacturing location:	Ramos Arizpe, Mexico

Engines

Type:	2.4L DOHC I-4 DI	3.0L DOHC V-6 DI
Displacement (cu in / cc):	145 / 2384	183 / 2994
Bore & stroke (in / mm):	3.46 x 3.85 / 88 x 98	3.50 x 3.15 / 89 x 80.2
Block material:	cast aluminum	sand-cast aluminum with cast-in bore liners
Cylinder head material:	cast aluminum	cast aluminum
Valvetrain:	DOHC, four valves per cylinder; variable valve timing	DOHC, four valves per cylinder; variable valve timing
Fuel delivery:	direct sequential fuel injection with electronic throttle control	direct sequential fuel injection with electronic throttle control
Compression ratio:	11.4:1	11.7:1
Horsepower (hp / kW @ rpm):	182 / 136 @ 6700	264 / 197 @ 6950
Torque (lb-ft / Nm @ rpm):	172 / 233 @ 4900	222 / 301 @ 5100
Recommended fuel:	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
Emissions controls:	close-coupled catalytic converters; Quick-Sync 24x ignition system; returnless fuel rail; fast-response O 2 sensor	close-coupled catalytic converters; Quick-Sync 24x ignition system; returnless fuel rail; fast-response O2 sensor
Estimated fuel economy (city / hwy):	TBD	TBD

Transmissions

Type:	Hydra-Matic 6T45 six-speed automatic electronically controlled with electronic range select	Hydra-Matic 6T50 six-speed automatic electronically controlled with electronic range select
Application:	2.4L	3.0L
Gear ratios: (:1):
First:	4.58	4.58
Second:	2.96	2.96
Third:	1.91	1.91
Fourth:	1.45	1.45
Fifth:	1.00	1.00
Sixth:	0.75	0.75
Reverse:	2.94	2.94
Final drive ratio:	3.23	3.23

Chassis/Suspension

Front:	independent, strut-type with specifically tuned coil springs, direct-acting stabilizer bar (27-mm with all engines)
Rear:	independent, trailing arm with three lateral locating links and one trailing link, indirect-acting stabilizer bar, specifically tuned coil springs
Traction control:	all-speed using engine torque reduction and brake intervention
Steering type:	2.4L: specifically calibrated hydraulic-power-assisted (HPS) rack-and-pinion 3.0L: specifically calibrated hydraulic-power-assisted (HPS) rack-and-pinion
Steering ratio:	2.4L: 17.2:1 3.0L: 17.2:1
Steering wheel turns, lock-to-lock:	2.4L: 2.7 3.0L: 2.7
Turning circle, curb-to-curb (ft / m):	40 / 12.2

Brakes

Type:	front and rear vented disc with power assist and ABS; traction control and stability control; dual piston caliper front/single piston caliper rear
Rotor diameter x thickness (in / mm):	front: 11.7 x 1.14 / 296 x 29 rear: 11.9 x .78 / 303 x 20
Total swept area (sq cm):	front: 67 rear: 38

Wheels/Tires

Wheel size and type:	17 x 7-inch aluminum alloy
Tires:	P235/60R17

Dimensions
Exterior

Wheelbase (in / mm):	106.6 / 2707
Overall length (in / mm):	180.1 / 4576
Overall width (in / mm):	72.8 / 1850
Overall height (in / mm):	67 / 1704
Track (in / mm):	front: 61.4 / 1562 rear: 61.8 / 1572
Minimum ground clearance (in / mm):	7.8 / 200
Step-in height (in / mm):	front: 17.8 / 453 rear: 18.0 / 458
Approach angle (degrees):	18.2
Departure angle (degrees):	22.7
Curb weight (lb / kg):	2.4L: TBD 3.0L: TBD
Weight distribution (% front / rear):	58 / 42

Interior

	Front	Rear
Seating capacity:	2	3
Headroom (in / mm):	40.2 / 1023	39.3 / 1000
Legroom (in / mm):	40.7 / 1036	36.9 / 939
Hip room	52.6 / 1338	52.9 / 1344
Shoulder room (in / mm):	56.0 / 1424	55.9 / 1422

Capacities

EPA interior volume: (cu ft / L):	126.9 / 3596
Cargo volume (cu ft / L):	56.4 / 1598 (behind front seat) 29.2 / 827 (behind second-row seat at normal position
Passenger volume (cu ft / L):	97.7 / 2769 (est.)
Trailer towing maximum (lb / kg):	2.4L: 1500 / 680 3.0L: 3500 / 1588
Fuel tank (gal / L):	FWD: 19.2 / 73 AWD: 16.7 / 63
Engine oil (qt / L):	2.4L: 5.0 / 4.7 3.0L: 6.0 / 5.7
Cooling system (qt / L):	2.4L: 9.0 / 8.5 3.0L: 10 / 9.5

Source: GM

March 14, 2011

WTCC 2011 Chevrolet Cruze 1.6 turbo

Chevrolet had an awesome racing year and now it is time for 2011 WTCC Cruze to be taken on another season after its victorious run. The brand won both the Drivers’ and Manufacturers’ cups in the 2010 WTCC with the Cruze.

For this season, Chevrolet has unveiled the 2011 spec version, which meets FIA’s regulations.

The most important is the switching from naturally aspirated 2.0 liter engines to turbocharged 1.6 liter units.

So, the 2011 WTCC Chevrolet Cruze now comes with a 1.6 liter turbocharged petrol with 310PS (228 kW) and 335Nm (247 lb-ft) of torque. The car is completely redesigned to put in order the new cooling and ancillary engine systems, front suspension, brakes, aerodynamics and weight distribution.

The driver lineup includes world champion Yvan Muller and Rob Huff.

The 2011 WTCC Chevrolet Cruze will make its debut next weekend in Brazil at the Curitiba race.

Source: Chevrolet Europe

March 14, 2011

Porsche 911 GT3 RS Limited Edition

Porsche will introduce a limited edition of 911 GT3 RS. There are not full details, but the new car will have bigger engine and more extreme suspension.Porsche 911 GT3 RS Limited Edition will be powered by 4.0 liter flat-six with 500HP, which is 50HP more than the current version. It will be lighter and there are rumors, that it will feature a double-clutch gearbox, which is not bad, at all. As we know, Porsche is the first automaker, who managed to create a car, which is faster from 0 to 100 km/h with automatic gearbox, instead of manual.911 GT3 RS Limited Edition is expected to have bigger brakes and some aerodynamic modifications.Stay tuned for more information about the new beast.

source: Autoblog

March 14, 2011

2014 Mercedes BLS Concept

Mercedes-Benz will probably introduce a smaller version of CLS, which is called BLS. The vehicle is not a surprise considering that the company is preparing B-Class sedan.

However, we can expect BLS in 2014 and until then we can only suggest, how it will look. The styling is inspired by the bigger CLS and F800 concept, which was exhibited at the Geneva Motor Show. Moreover, BLS will be on the new MFA platform and will feature FWD system.

The engine range includes 2.0 liter petrol with 203PS (149 kW) and 2.2 liter diesel with 172PS (127 kW). There will be either 6-speed manual or 7-speed double-clutch automatic gearbox. Of course, Mercedes are planning to fit a hybrid system in the future cars.

March 14, 2011

Category: Auto News