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2012 Bentley Mulsanne Diamond Jubilee Edition brings even more luxury

2012 Bentley Mulsanne Diamond Jubilee Edition is a model which Bentley Motors has produced in order to celebrate The Queen’s Birthday and her Diamond Jubilee year.

The model is designed with great precision, perfection and craftsmanship. From it will be produced only 60 examples.

What is very characteristic about these models is that they are distinguished by a range of exquisite, handcrafted features. For instance some of them bespoke embroidery to all four headrests with gold stitching, veneered picnic tables in the rear cabin decorated with a gold overlay depicting a royal carriage used for great occasions of state as well as luxurious, hide cushions featuring the same motif.

In addition to this these special models also include two beautiful, highly-polished stainless steel treadplate plaques featuring the famous ‘Bentley Mulliner, England’ script and ‘Diamond Jubilee Edition’.

2012 Bentley Mulsanne Diamond Jubilee Edition

Furthermore, the Diamond Jubilee Edition vehicles include a spectrum of paint and hide colours that set them apart from other Bentleys and which stylishly uses various combinations and shades of red, white and blue. Hand-applied Single Fine Lines with the same three colours can be seen on two distinctive Bentley ‘B’ badges positioned on each ‘D’ pillar.

In particular, Bentley Mulsanne incorporates the source of the Bentley marque. It shows elegance and yet it is sporty in heart. It delivers effortless performance, while within its sumptuous cabin, advanced technology sits discreetly with handcrafted luxury.

2012 Bentley Mulsanne Diamond Jubilee Edition Interior

2012 Bentley Mulsanne Diamond Jubilee Edition overview and features:

• Twin-turbocharged, 6.75 litre V8 engine

• Power: 512 PS / 505 bhp / 377 kW at 4200 rev/min

• Torque: 1020 Nm / 752 lb ft at 1750 rev/min

• 0-60 mph in 5.1 secs (0-100 km/h in 5.3 s)

• 0-100 mph in 11.6 secs (0-160 km/h in 11.5 s)

• Max Speed: 184 mph (296 km/h)

• 21″ Classic Alloy Wheel

• Flying ‘B’ Radiator Mascot

• Jewel Fuel Filler Cap

• Bright Stainless Steel Matrix to Lower Bumper Apertures and Wing Vents

• Six paint options including – Beluga over Claret (duo tone), Black Sapphire, Claret, Pale Sapphire over Black Sapphire (duo tone), Pale Sapphire, White Sand

• Hand-applied fine lining

• Bentley ‘B’ badges on ‘D’ Pillar

• Burr Walnut Veneer

• Two Plain Hide Loose Cushions with ‘Diamond Jubilee’ Embroidery

• Diamond Quilted, Perforated Seat Inserts & Door Panels

• Lambswool Rugs (in addition to standard overmats)

• Veneered Gear Lever

• Veneered iPod Drawer & Minor Gauge Panel

• Diamond Jubilee Overlay to Fascia & Picnic Tables

• Ambient Interior Mood Lighting

• Rear Quarter Vanity Mirrors with Veneer Surround

• Drilled Alloy Sports Foot Pedals

• Seat Ventilation & Massage to Front & Rear Seats

• Rear Seat Entertainment Package

• ‘Naim For Bentley’ Premium Audio System

• Hide colours – Linen, Burgundy and French Navy

• Personalised Embroidery with Gold Thread

Source: Bentley

April 21, 2012

2012 Hyundai i20 Prices Announced

2012 Hyundai i20 debuted a more than a month ago at the Geneva Motor Show. And now Hyundai is announcing full pricing and specification for the new model. It will be available for purchase starting from 7th of May.

The new Hyundai i20 prices start from £9 995, which goes for the three-door 1.2 petrol Classic model. On the other hand the most expensive – 90ps (66 kW) 1.4 CRDi Style model costs £14 295.

What is new in the i20 is the enhanced interior, which includes new wheel designs plus a hexagonal front grille. Additional design changes to the front end feature new rounded front wings while the reshaped bonnet and headlights continue the theme along with new fog light clusters and daytime running lights.

Observed from behind, i20 has a redesigned rear bumper and taillights.

The interior of the Hyundai model is entirely made from high-quality materials, which deliver soft-touch plastics. It also includes a revised and classier centre consol along with updated seat trims.

2012 Hyundai i20 is available in three main trim levels: Classic, Active and Style. In each model is included broad list of standard specification featuring remote central locking, six air bags, air conditioning, ESP and, for the first time on i20, Vehicle Stability Management.

In addition to this the brand has added inside even more value with the feature of Active trim, which adds 15-inch alloy wheels, Bluetooth with voice recognition, electric/heated door mirrors, front fog lights, leather steering wheel and gear knob and electric rear windows (five door bodystyle) when compared with Classic.

Thirdly, the range-topping Style comes with 16-inch alloy wheels, automatic headlights, rain sensing front wipers, climate control along with an automatic dimming rear view mirror with an integrated reversing camera.

There is also available the optional Convenience Pack, which encompasses keyless entry, engine Start/Stop button, chrome exterior door handles and supervision cluster.

Another important highlight is that the i20 range will feature the cleanest internal combustion diesel engine in terms of CO2 emissions with the 1.1-litre unit emitting just 84g/km.

In details the improved 1.2-litre petrol engine, is now cleaner, more efficient and more powerful than the model it replaces. The maximum output it creates is now 85 ps (67 kW). Additionally, it delivers improvements in fuel consumption estimated from 55.4mpg to 57.7mpg on the combined cycle, plus emissions reductions from 119g/km CO2 to 114g/km CO2.

All these facts make the 1.2 petrol engine one of the most efficient ones in the world.

Moreover, the 1.2-litre petrol i20 is now available in Style trim.

The Blue Variant of the i20 is powered by Hyundai’s ultra-efficient 1.1-litre “U-ll” three-cylinder diesel engine. The latter is combined with Intelligent Stop and Go and low rolling resistance tyres emits a mere 84g/km.

Source: Hyundai

April 21, 2012

2013 Acura ILX Base Price: $25,900

The 2013 Acura ILX will hit the showrooms in May 22 with a manufacturer’s suggested retail price starting at $25,900. It sounds like a bargain and with three engine setups and two optional packages available there seems to be a great deal of flexibility as well

This 5-passenger, “windswept” saloon will offer a number of new and classy features such as Keyless Access System with smart entry and a start button. The Pandora internet radio is also an option and so is the SMS text message function. As standard equipment, the ILX comes with a power “moonroof”, aluminum wheels and Bluetooh HandsFreeLink.

The base model, the one that costs $25,900 gets 150 hp of power from a 2.0-liter inline 4-cylinder engine. Add to that a Sequential SportShift 5-speed automatic and you have e perfectly decent saloon. Those who think otherwise can then go for the 2.4-liter version ($29,200 with the Premium Package) – 201 hp and a close-ratio, six-speed manual transmission.

For the first time on an ILX, there’s a petrol hybrid alternative as well. Starting at $28,900, the Acura ILX Hybrid uses a 1.5 liter engine and an Integrated Motor Assist electric unit. The power goest trough a Continously Variable Transmission (CVT). As expected, this is the most economical of the bunch with an EPE estimated city/highway/combined fuel economy of 39/38/38 mpg. (strangely constant no matter the environment).

Regardless of trim or setup, the Acura ILX gets front, side and side-curtain airbags, 4-channel anti-lock brakes and Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA®). It’s worth noting that the car’s body features the company’s Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) structure so it should do well on carsh tests.

The Premium Package is the mid-range stuff ($3,300, not available on the Hybrid) – leather seating surfaces, heated front seats, a power driver’s seat, an upgraded 360 watt stereo system with XM® radio, HID headlights, foglights, 17-inch aluminium wheels, a multi-view rearview camera and an Active Sound Cancellation for a reduced cabin noise.

The Technology Package is an extension of the Premium one which adds an ELS Surround audio system, AccuraLink Satellite Communication System, a sat nav and all kinds of technology bits that sound too complicated for a mortal to understand them.

The company’s state-of-the-art plant at Greensburg, Indiana will have the noble task to assemble the 2013 Acura ILX. It’s an award winning establishment, being one of three plants in the world honored with a J.D Power and Associates’ 2011 Platinum Award for outstanding product quality. Well done!

Here’s a quick list of all the setups and prices:

TRIM	MSRP*	EPA**
ILX	$25,900	24/35/28
ILX with Premium Package	$29,200	24/35/28
ILX with Technology Package	$31,400	24/35/28
ILX 2.4 L with Premium Package	$29,200	22/31/25
ILX Hybrid	$28,900	39/38/38
ILX Hybrid with Technology Package	$34,400	39/38/38

Source: Acura

April 20, 2012

Lamborghini Urus Crossover SUV at Auto China 2012

Lamborghini will exhibit the interesting Urus Crossover SUV at the 2012 Auto China in Beijing, next week. The ultimate crossover will be probably powered by a 5.2 liter V10 with 592HP (435 kW), but nothing is mentioned for now.

However, several pictures has been published by autoforum.cz and as we can see, the Urus is astonishing. The design reminds the Aventador J, but with serious clearance and sloping roof. Most of the manufacturers chase the coupe-like profile for their SUVs and Lamborghini is not an exception.

The interior is typical for the new Lamborghini models. It comes with futuristic elements, nice and expensive materials and a lot of gadgets to play with.

Still, this is not the first try of Lamborghini to create an SUV. The LM002 was presented in the late 1980s, but it didn’t have any success, because first – it looked ridiculous and second – the price was ridiculous, too. However, the new Urus is expected to have far greater success, but only the time will show.

Stay tuned for more information about the Urus.

Source: autoforum.cz

April 20, 2012

Citroen at the 2012 Beijing Motor Show

Citroen Numro 9 Concept
Much like Ferrari, this year Citroen are also marking their second decade of presence on the Chinese market. Seemingly, the best way to celebrate that fact is to strive for a terrific appearance at the 2012 Beijing Motor Show. We are looking forward to seeing, among many, the restyled C-Quatre three-box, the C4 Aircross there. The people at China should be excited about the planned launch of the DS line at and pretty much everyone should be thrilled to see the Numero 9 concept car.

The carmaker’s first Chinese joint venture is known as Dong Feng Citroen. For 20 years now, they have established 360 dealerships across the country, produced and sold 1.6 million cars and just last year, set a new invoicing record with nearly 220,000 sales.

Here’s what to look out for:

The C-Quatre family three-box model which has been restyled for the 2012 range
The Citroen C5 which has been most fruitful in China since its launch there in 2010
The Citroen C4 Aircross – a new compact SUV that’s been around in Europe end set to appear on the Chinese market in May
The Citroen C-Zero is the company’s electric city car. This one will be passing trough China this summer as a part of its own Electric Odyssey – an around-the-world tour with zero emissions left behind. The journey is already in motion as, the C-Zero left France on the 11th of February.

Other highlights include the Citroen Tubik concept car and a C-Quatre VTS – an “athletic” concept car based on the former mentioned, new three-box C-Quatre.

Citroen did make a debut of the DS5 last year at the Shanghai Motor Show. This year, with the help of Changan (Citroen’s second joint venture since last November) the DS4 and DS5 will be launched by the end of June. Shortly after that the DS3 is also expected to appear, while local production of the DS5 is set for 2013

During the time between June and December this year, Citroen and Changan in tend to open 24 DS dealerships. Added to the already existing 9, the Chinese market will end up with 33 before 2013 strikes.

At Beijing, the three DS line models will be presented on a stand in different versions – the DS 5 Hybrid4, the DS3 Racing. The DS3 WRC etc. There’s even going to be a Citroen DS 23 as a blast from the past.

Last but not least, the world debut of the Numero 9 concept car is pretty much bound to astonish the show’s attenders. To contrast the DS 23, this one points to the future of the DS range and bares the eventual genetic code of the following DS vehicles.

Source: Citroen

April 20, 2012

Renaultsport – 2012 Trackday Calendar

Renault has announced the calendar for 2012. It will offer to enthusiasts a lot of ways to sharpen up their driving skills by booking on to one of this year’s exclusive trackday events at world famous circuits like Silverstone and Brand Hatch.

The popular events give participants the opportunity to drive their own award-winning Renaultsport machine on a race track and receive expert tuition with the emphasis on improving driving technique.

These trackdays are the ultimate for all Renaultsport enthusiasts, with professional instructors on-hand to listen to your views and questions and share their tips, plus they can get the most out of their high-performance car without the fear of speed cameras and traffic jams.

“Our trackdays are the ideal way of letting our customers share our passion for Renaultsport, as well as giving them the opportunity to realise the full potential of their cars in a safe and relaxed atmosphere. The tuition provides invaluable experience to improving skill levels.”, said Thierry Sybord, Renault UK’s Managing Director said.

At each event, owners will be able to try the latest Renaultsport models with the new Twingo Renaultsport 133, Clio Renaultsport 200 Cup and Mégane Renaultsport 265 Cup. At Silverstone, you can even hire a Clio or Mégane Renaultsport to use on track.

Prices for the trackdays, which have been running for 10 years, are subsidised by Renault UK to help participants to improve their driving skills, and additional instruction on each of the days can be purchased for just £10. First time and experienced trackday drivers are all welcome at each of the prestigious venues.

Check out the calendar below.

The season-opening event in April at Spa-Francorchamps was a sell-out, so owners should move fast to guarantee their place on the UK trackday dates for 2012:

4 May Evening trackday at Bedford Autodrome (£95)
10 May Trackday at Silverstone (£199)
23 August Trackday at Oulton Park (£199)
31 August Evening trackday at Bedford Autodrome (£95)
4 October Trackday at Brands Hatch (£189)

Source: Renault

April 20, 2012

2012 Kahn Jeep Wrangler now enhanced with sport seats

kahnjeepsportseatsTHUMB 2012 Kahn Jeep Wrangler is an exceptional tuning, made by Kahn Design tuning company, as we all remember. Now this project is going to be further expanded by the British tuners.

In order to stay true to the philosophy it incorporates, the tuning company decided to give the Wrangler not only external and mechanical perfection, but also took responsibility for the interior of the vehicle.

As a consequence of this aim, an innovative set of Kahn sport seats for the Wrangler Jeep was born.

In details, they are available not only one variant, but in wide range of fabrics, trims and colors. Undoubtedly, these seats can make the perfect solution for people who are looking for style and comfort.

Given this wide range of outstanding designs and excessive build quality, now anyone who has a Wrangler, will have the opportunity to be unique. In particular, the seats are completed with great flexibility with built in reclining mechanisms. They can also be utilized with original seat belts.

2012 Kahn Jeep Wrangler with new sport seats — Kahn Jeep Wrangler with new sport seats (2012)

Source: Kahn Design

April 20, 2012

2012 SR Fisker Karma ES – the debut of the White Knight

2012 SR Fisker Karma ES White Knight is an exceptional enhancement of the ECO innovative and revolutionary vehicle Fisker Karma.

When this inspirational luxury vehicle first appeared it made a furore in the hearts of many. It has also opened a whole new realm in the automotive world.

What it basically did is to combine in the same sentence the words hybrid and super car. No one before its appearance could imagine that hybrid technologies could be successfully applied to the super vehicles, and still deliver exceptional performance.

What the tuners from SR Auto Group done on this outstanding luxury car is to give it new super car set of wheels. Of course, the wheels were delivered by PUR Wheels.

The SR Auto Group professionals have selected a set of PUR 2WO’s in a twenty-two inch fitment. However, they didn’t apply to them the standard black or silver finish just. In fact, the faces were machined down to their raw aluminum core and sealed with a clear coating.

In addition to that, the inserts were color matched with the exterior to create a flawless design that is completely tailored to the Fisker vehicle.

Source: SR Auto Group

April 20, 2012

Lexus LFA Supercar and Lexus IS F Performance Sedan Competing at Nuerburgring

Lexus LFA Supercar and Lexus IS F Performance Sedan are going to compete at Nuerburgring 24 Hour Racing. The Race will take place from 17th till 20th of May.

This is not the first appearance of Lexus in this race but in fact – the sixth one.

The 2012 Lexus LFA Sportscar comes equipped with especially developed for the event Nuerburgring Package and will take class honours in shakedown event. Both vehicles will compete in the SP8 class. In this class only naturally-aspirated engines are allowed to join the competition.

This model is unmatched in its track-focused performance and hand-crafted quality.

As a basis for this model are used the speed and handling of the Lexus LFA. Nevertheless the Nürburgring Package adds further a number of elements which enhance the downforce for sharper circuit performance.

More importantly, the car is equipped with the 4.8-litre V10 engine, form which it draws maxim power of 562bhp (420kW). This means that the LFA accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in only 3.7-second. The tops speed is 202 mph (325 km/h).

Recently the LFA model achieved great success at the German VLN2 series three-and-a-half hour endurance race. In fact, it was head of the Ferrari 458 Italia and Aston Martin Vantage.

The Lexus IS F performance sedan will be driven by Gran Turismo 5 creator Kazunori Yamauchi.

Source: Lexus

April 20, 2012

Alpina B3 GT3 408 HP 0-309 km/h [HD video]

Cool video with the new Alpina B3 GT3 race car tested by Sport Auto’s drive editor Christian Gebhardt.

The B3 GT3 is based on BMW 3-Series E92 335i, which is boosted to 408HP (300 kW) and 540Nm (398 lb-ft) of torque, which is 102HP and 140Nm more than the original factory power. The car also comes with an Akrapovic titanium exhaust system. 0-100 km/h in 4.6 seconds and a top speed of 309 km/h (192 mph), which you can see in the video below.

The B3 GT3 can be ordered with an optional Comfort Package including BMW Professional Multimedia Navigation System and PDC (Park Distance Control).

The price will be exactly €90 000 in Germany. In the clip you’ll also see a sensational acceleration from stand still to 309 km/h (192 mph)

Enjoy the video.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1xJYTJWoC54

Source: cc8186 via Youtube

April 19, 2012

2012 BMW E92 M3 Coupe Frozen Silver Edition

After the presentation of BMW M3 Coupe Frozen Gray Edition, the manufacturer has released a new version – Frozen Silver Edition, which will be produced in limited series of just 100 units available to UK customers.

It is powered by the same hi-revving 4.0 liter V8 with 420HP (309 kW) at 8300RPM and 400Nm (295 lb-ft) at 3900RPM. 0-100 km/h in 4.6 seconds and a top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph) – electronically limited. Without the limiter, E92 M3 can easily pass 300 km/h (186 mph). The power transferred to the road via the standard 7-speed M DCT transmission and variable M differential.

The car comes with a 10 mm lowered suspension featuring a three-stage Electronic Damper Control, 19” light alloy wheels and a revised DSC+ system.

The Frozen Silver metallic paint, not seen before on any BMW, matt black alloy wheels, Dark Chrome exhaust, side gills and kidney surrounds, and Jet Black bonnet intakes that set the car apart. A High-gloss Shadowline exterior trim completes the exterior look.

The interior boasts Black Novillo leather with contrast stitching and Palladium leather armrests and inserts. The steering wheel is sheathed in Alcantara and comes complete with an M3 chequered flag motif, while the door sills feature a similar logo. Carbon fibre is liberally applied to the interior to underscore the sporting credentials, the handbrake has M Power stitched onto it and there is a plaque to highlight the limited edition nature of the car.

The new BMW M3 Coupé Frozen Silver Edition adds nearly £9 000 of equipment to a standard M3, but all for an on-cost of just £4,000. The car will hit the UK market on 1 June 2012.

Model	Price OTR	Power Hp	Torque Nm	0 – 62mph Seconds	Top Speed Mph	Combined Mpg	CO₂ Emissions g/km
BMW M3 Coupé Frozen Silver Edition	£58,720	420	400	4.6	155*	25.2	263

* Electronically limited. M DCT transmission is standard.

2012 BMW E92 M3 Coupe Frozen Silver Edition

Source: BMW

April 19, 2012

BMW M3 by ATT-TEC

An open top BMW M3 with 520 hp at hand, you say? Try the ATT-TEC guys from the city of Rastatt in Baden. They might just have what you are looking for. Oh, look! That matte black, rather inconspicuous looking thing here does fit the picture – 520 hp! Okay, so how do they do it? Simple. Spend a bag of money on it and then when you think it’s had enough, spend some more.

That orange bulk over the engine looks like an alien that’s sapping away the power of the engine but in fact, it’s the other way round – That’s a compressor kit by G-Power that costs €11,430 ($15,013). It does however, do the job by itself. It adds 100 hp on top just like that. 2 x 90 mm diameter stainless steel mufflers provide the appropriate escape route of the exhaust but that costs a further sum of €1,455 ($1,904).

The suspension has been overhauled with an Inox Line III Variant coilover kit which cost another €1,929 ($2,524). Then there are the wheels – Vredestein Ultrac Sessanta tires, 245/30R20 at the front and 295/20R20 at the back, wrap themselves around a set of one-piece forged ADV.1 wheels 8,5×20 and 11×20 respectively. But before they can start rolling, one has to pay the staggering sum of €7,150 ($9,356) for them.

Enough money to make your head spin? Maybe, but obviously not enough for the complete program. Throw in €2,600 ($3,402) more and you get a two colored special filming complete with a carbon wrapping foil. Final summation: the whole thing will set you back with €26,573 ($34,773) in total (including installation costs). Steep, but ATT-TEC are adamant that “individuality has its price”.

Source: Miranda-Media

April 19, 2012

Category: Auto News