Minor updates are in store for the 2012 Infiniti FX – a slight redesign at the front, some new color schemes and new wheels. At the same time, prices remain largely unchanged.
A new profile of the front bumper means a new look. The grille has also been altered and now resembles the one which was fist seen on the 2009 Infiniti Essence concept car. The GT and GT Premium line get new five double-spoke design 20-inch wheels. The S range on the other hand, remains with the previous, distinctive 21-inch set. That being said, S models are now available with Rear Active Steering (RAS) and a ton of other handling enhancing features. Iridium Blue and Graphite Shadow are the newly available body colors for all the FX models.
From here on the details about the models are kind of mushy but here goes nothing: The GT range comes with two V6 engines – one is a 3.0 liter diesel (FX30d GT) that develops 235bhp and the impressive 550Nm of torque. 31.4 mpg on the combined cycle make that one the choice for eco-minded customers. The second one is a 3.7 liter petrol unit (FX37 GT) that brings 316bhp to the wheels. Whichever FX GT you might choose, they will both have the complete luxury package.
The S range features those aforementioned as well with the addition of an FX50 S model which carries a V8 385bhp 5.0-litre. While every other choice, be that GT or S, can be further enhanced by a “Premium” package, the FX50 S comes strictly as a Premium. Overall, one can easily tell the difference between GT and S models – The driver oriented S have bigger rims, Rear Active Steering (except the FX37), and Continuous Damping Control. Smoked headlights, red S badging and dark chrome exterior air vent and sill strip just to name a few more S signs.
To wrap it up, we are going to end with something that all FX models share – an intelligent torque-sensing AWD system. It gets its power from the 7-speed adaptive shift automatic transmission and magnesium paddle shifters on the wheel make changing gear a charm. Get yourself a Premium version on whichever FX and there’s going to be a 30GB HDD navigation and Bose® Premium Sound System as standard.
Loder1899 claim to be one of the very few that have manged to properly honor the Range Rover SUV line. Their latest project involves the addition of “finishing touches” to the production Range Rover Evoque. Let’s have a closer look at their strictly visual final stroke of the brush.
There’s a body-styling kit dubbed “Horus” as in Horus the Egyptian god. Loder say it’s “discreet” but looking at the finished product, we assume they meant that only in comparison to a Horus temple. The entire front bumper has been replaced and so have the wheel arches. Massive is how we describe them. But then again, with wheels like these, they better be – 11×23-inch Elements IV wrapped with 315/35R23 Michelin Pilot Sport tires. Wide enough to hold a drag race on them. Loder1899 are reluctant to name a price for them but the body-style kit and the lowered suspension will set you back $3,985.
Have they really improved upon this symbol of luxury and style? We’ll leave that up to you to decide.
The standard petrol Range Rover Evoque carries a 2.0 liter 237 bhp turbocharged l4 engine – a derivative from Ford’s EcoBoost range. Along with a 6-speed automatic transmission, that setup can achieve a time of 6.7 seconds on the 0 to 60 run.
We will maintain that these days it’s rather rare to see a pumped up Opel. More specifically, an Insignia. That is why we deem this Insignia OPC by MR Car Design as a really good find. OPC is used to distinguish a production performance Opel Insignia from a standard model. But it is more than visible that someone has been tinkering with this one. At the very least, the ride is low. Way too low. In fact so low that even a roadkill will be seen as a threat while on the move.
It is, what it is then. With the Reil G-Ride suspension, one can scrape off tarmac with the car’s apron. Subsequently those wheel arches are well filled with 8,5×20 front and 9,5×20 rear Oxigin aluminum rims. Seemingly no other alterations have taken place on the inside.
As a standard OPC, the Opel Insignia, with its 2.8 liter V6, develops 321 hp and 435 Nm of torque. That’s sounds pretty brisk. By fiddling with the software of it, fitting a sports catalyst and a sports air filter, MR Car Design have pushed the engine’s limits even a bit higher – 375 hp and peak torque of 495 Nm.
Hyundai Motor America will be lead sponsor of the RMR Genesis Coupe driven by former Formula Drift champion and acclaimed stunt driver, Rhys Millen.
The road-going version of the model is already available on the market. It comes with aggressive powertrain and styling enhancements sure to appeal to purist, rear-drive sport coupe buyers.
The Formula Drift race car has been extensively drift-prepared by RMR, making more than 600HP (441 kW) to create the extreme drift angles and blinding smoke both fans and judges love to see. This race-prepared powertrain is further evidence of the engineering durability of core Hyundai production engine components used, including engine block, heads, and more.
“Formula Drift is the best race-fan oriented example of extreme car-control driving. It’s also the best competitive arena for us to highlight the rear-drive power and handling finesse of the new Genesis Coupe,” said Steve Shannon, vice president of marketing, Hyundai Motor America.
“It’s thrilling when a driver of Rhys Millen’s caliber combines tire-smoking power with surgical drifting precision. And, in addition to the intense drifting action, Hyundai will provide trackside interactive facilities where drift fans can check out its latest products, driving games, music partnerships and race fan gifts. With the thousands who joined us at our interactive area in 2011, we intend to expand our fan outreach even further in 2012.”, he added.
Check out the Formula Drift calendar for this year below.
2013 Hyundai RMR Genesis Coupe
2012 FORMULA DRIFT SCHEDULE
April 6-7: Streets of Long Beach, California
May 11-12: Road Atlanta, Georgia
June 1-2: Palm Beach International Raceway, Florida
The new 2012 Mazda2 Venture Edition is based on the best-selling five-door hatchback Tamura model. It now comes with enhanced technologies and a high-quality cabin feel.
The redesigned model features several new additional items of equipment and a choice of six special exterior colours, two of which are unique: Dolphin Grey and Burgundy Red.
What is more, the Venture Edition features 16-inch gunmetal alloy wheels, sports styling kit, front fog lamps, privacy glass and a rear bumper sports trim.
The interior is also modified, and includes new technologies as well. For instance such are the Sanyo TomTom navigation system with a 5.8-inch touch screen, integrated Bluetooth® hands-free kit, climate control air-conditioning and electric rear windows.
In short, this latest and significant model of Mazda2 combines superior ride comfort, superb handling and quality with the stylish, spirited and fun-to-drive attributes. And may be this is why it is one of the best-selling cars in its class.
Only 1500 examples of the new 2012 Mazda Venture Edition will be manufactured. They will come win two one-of-a-kind colours: Dolphin Grey Mica and Burgundy Red Mica, as well as the regular colours from Mazda2’s range: Crystal White Pearlescent, Brilliant Black, Aquatic Blue Mica and True Red.
2012 Mazda2 Venture Edition
Furthermore the Venture Edition model benefits from the standard equipment which includes plenty of features like: front, side and curtain airbags, remote central locking and dead locks, driver’s seat height adjustment, leather steering wheel with audio controls, CD radio with Auxiliary jack and four speakers, 60/40 split folding rear seats and a Thatcham Category 1 alarm.
Next to be mentioned is that the vehicle has a lightweight construction. This contributes to excellent fuel economy and remarkable performance.
The new 2012 Venture Edition also stands out with its exceptional handling and driving dynamics.
The model is also to offer a stiff bodyshell, softer mountings for the rear trailing arms and re-tuned rear dampers.
What is more to be highlighted is that the vehicle is powered by a 84 hp (62 kW) 1.3-litre MZR petrol engine. Thank to it, the Mazda2 is able to accelerate the 0 – 100 km/h sprint for 13.6 seconds. In addition the new model offers 56.5mpg (combined cycle) and has a CO2 emission rating of just 115g/km.
2012 Mazda2 Venture Edition prices start from £12 995.
STANDARD EQUIPMENT
Safety & Security
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System)
Electronic Brake-Force Distribution (EBD)
Emergency Brake Assist (EBA)
Front, side and curtain airbags
Driver and front passenger seatbelt reminder
Front seatbelt pre-tensioners with load-limiters
Three 3-point rear seatbelts
Twin ISOFIX child seat anchorages
Thatcham Category 1 alarm & immobiliser
Exterior
Sports styling kit (side skirts and rear spoiler)
Sports headlights
16-inch gunmetal alloy wheels with 195/45 R16 tyres
Front fog lights
Body-coloured bumpers
Body-coloured door handles and mirrors (electric, heated and folding)
Rear bumper sports trim
Privacy glass
Venture Edition badging
Comfort & Convenience
Remote central locking and dead locks
Two remote folding jack-knife keys
Electric front windows, with one-touch auto down (front only)
Electric rear windows
Climate control air-conditioning
Remote release fuel filler flap
Interior
Sporty black trim with red piping
Driver’s seat height adjustment
Front centre console with storage and cup holders
CD player with auxiliary jack and four speakers
Leather steering wheel with audio controls
Multi-function glovebox with magazine rack
Sanyo TomTom Satellite Navigation with 5.8-inch touch screen
The exceptional 2013 Mercedes-Benz G-Class has just recently received some significant upgrades. The G-Class is still one of the leaders among off-road vehicles. The interior now includes high-quality finishes made with exquisite materials. In addition, the instrument cluster and centre console have been absolutely transformed.
In addition driver’s field of vision is now encompassed by a colour screen. The 2013 G-Class also features the sophisticated COMAND Online infotainment system. It includes a navigation system and internet access.
What is more, new LED daytime driving lamps and new exterior mirrors also add to exterior appearance of the luxury off-roader.
And how about the range of safety features: it can be optionally enhanced with the addition of Blind Spot Assist, the parking aid PARKTRONIC and the adaptive cruise control system DISTRONIC PLUS.
Absolutely new to the range is the G 63 AMG model with an eight-cylinder biturbo engine with standard ECO start/stop system, and the G 65 AMG model with twelve-cylinder biturbo engine.
In fact, the G-Class today is one of the top models among luxury-class cross-country vehicles, and has provided the gene pool for the other very successful SUVs built under the Mercedes-Benz brand. This year the G-Class has been voted off-roader of the year, as it has been voted many years before.
In the new upgraded range there are new measures included, such as new engines, a significantly extended range of appointments, new luxurious interior and a few discreet external modifications.
2013 Mercedes-Benz G-Class
Although the exterior modifications have been “discreet”, the interior is compledtely transformed.
Fisrt, the external modifications include LED daytime running lamps and new exterior mirrors for all engine variants. In addition, the AMG versions also include new characteristic AMG radiator grille with double louvres, plus distinctive new bumpers with large air intakes, red brake callipers and 20-inch wheels.
But let us put more attention on the interior. Here the instrument panel and centre console have been entirely redesigned and now include new controls and new trim elements. The result is that the new G-Class now has fresh and classy look.
In addition, the TFT colour display is now on the the instrument cluster between the two round dials. And an additional large colour screen is conveniently positioned in the centre. It is part of the COMAND Online system and incorporates a DVD changer and the COMAND Controller. All this comes as a standard on all G-Class models.
The afore mentioned infotainment system includes also a navigation system with special additional off-road functions, the LINGUATRONIC voice-operated control system and Bluetooth wireless connectivity.
The G-Class however, retains the grab handle on the front-passenger side, the switches for the three differential locks – clearly aligned within the driver’s field of vision and highlighted in silver-coloured trim – and the redesigned shift lever in the lower section of the centre console.
Of course, there are also featured new optional extras: DISTRONIC PLUS, Blind Spot Assist and the parking aid PARKTRONIC with reversing camera, ESP® system withTrailer Stability Assist and a HOLD function.
2013 Mercedes-Benz G-Class Interior
More importantly, the range of engines included, has been futher optimized. It now includes: the G 350 BlueTEC and the G 500, both as a long-wheelbase station wagon, plus the G 500 as a short-wheelbase Cabriolet model. The basic version of the long-wheelbase station wagon model is the G 350 BlueTEC with V6 diesel engine and a displacement of 2987 cc. The four-valve engine has an output of 155 kW (211 hp) at 3400 rpm and has available torque of 540 Nm (397 lb-ft) across an engine speed range of 1600 to 2400 rpm.
Important note here is that the BlueTEC technology developed by Mercedes-Benz minimises its emissions effectively.
Furthermore, there is one alternative engine to the diesel one. Namely, it is the G 500, which has a powerful 5.5-litre V8 petrol engine with an output of 285 kW (388 hp) and offers excellent torque of 530 Nm (390 lb-ft).
Vehicles, equipped with the G 350 and the G 500 enines will also feature the 7G-TRONIC PLUS automatic transmission as standard. In particular, this is the sixth generation of the stepped automatic transmission that has been developed and produced by Mercedes-Benz.
What is absolutely new to the G-Class range is the G 63 AMG with V8 biturbo engine, which produces 400 kW (544 hp) and 760 Nm (559 lb-ft) of torque. In addition, this engine also features the ECO start/stop system as standard. In fact, the engine range has been extended by the addition of the G 65 AMG with V12 biturbo engine, which is able to create 450 kW (612 hp) and 1000 Nm (735 lb-ft) of torque.
The new G-Class Range will be available from June 2012 with a starting price of 85 311 Euros.
Since the new 2012 Mercedes-Benz A-Class debuted last month at the International Geneva Motor Show it made a big furor. What we saw in Geneva was that the car was completely redesigned and didn’t even look slightly similar to its predecessor.
The all-new A-Class is going to roll into European market in September this year as we are eagerly waiting to finally see it proudly riding through the streets.
There isn’t much similar to the previous designs of the A-Class; however it is important to mentione that the new 2012 Mercedes-Benz A-Class is 18 centimeters closer to the ground. The new radical design change reflects the new Mercedes-Benz design philosophy: a two-box design with a distinct character of its own, a sportily emotive exterior and an astounding high-quality feel to the interior.
In fact, no other car in its segment has made such a significant and progressive change. The result is that now the new A-Class bears the typical for Mercedes sculptural shape, character lines, in particular on its sides and the dynamic style.
The exterior of the vehicle is defined by definite edges and tautly drawn surfaces. The constant interplay between concave and convex surfaces is what makes a characteristic play of light, particularly along the sides of the car, which further emphasizes its unique appearance.
As we can easly see, now the new 2012 Mercedes-Benz A-Class has sportier look, due to its long front and pronounced V-shape, the separate headlamps, the radiator grille with central Mercedes star and double slats to either side of the star, the additional air intakes on the sides. The “dropping line” apparent in the side profile dissipates towards the vehicle’s front end. The design of the headlamps combined with the configuration of the light functions within them, is a crucial element of the new design concept.
The characteristic “flare effect” for the daytime running lamps and indicators is made thank to the arrangement of the light modules and LEDs behind the headlamp cover glass. The “flare” is made up of the feature line within the headlamp, the LED modules for the daytime running lamps and the bulb sets for the indicators. All this gives the car dynamic stance and moreover it completely transforms the design of the A-Class.
Furthermore, the 2012 A-Class is additionally defined by excellent aerodynamics. Firstly, one can see this in the roof, which has smooth surfaces and taut, arcing curve. The silhouette reveals smooth, flowing lines finishing in a flat edge. The roof spoiler, which conveniently hides all the aerials, provides an extra sporty touch and gives structure to the roof assembly. Next, the beltline rises to the rear to create a pronounced wedge-shape. Looked from the side, one can see that the car is distinguished by sensuously molded sculptural side panels and crisp lines. The front
structural edge, above the wing, falls in what is known as a “dropping line” in a gentle arc towards the rear.
All lines definte the new design philosophy applied on the A-Class, and had given it depth and more dynamism.
The tail end is consists of convex-concave surfaces and edges, and the tail lights continue the line of the muscular shoulders back towards the rear. At the same time their horizontal orientation highlights the car’s powerful breadth. The light functions are provided by fiber-optic cables and LED modules. And in addition, the surface finish is a design feature which improves the airflow around the vehicle due to the defined airflow break-away edges in the rear section.
2012 Mercedes-Benz A-Class
The interior of the new A-Class is worth to be looked-up more closely. The interior sculpture is completely changed as well. At first, the interior was inspired aircraft design. The instrument panel is divided into an upper part, inspired on a wing profile, and a muscular lower section.
What is more important here is that the interior design of the A-Class represents a big step forward in terms of quality. In addition, all trim elements have been given an electroplated finish, resulting in real metal surfaces with “cool touch” effect. The work has been performed with considerable attention to detail, as well.
Next, the instrument panel has five round vents. The outer rings have a high-quality electroplated finish. The airflow direction is governed by an insert that is reminiscent of an aircraft turbine and reveals a meticulous attention to detail. This too has an electroplated finish in silver-chrome. Furthermore, the free-standing display screen features a black piano-lacquer-look front panel and a flush-fitting silver frame.
How about the instrument cluster? It includes two large round instruments, each with a small dial set within it. The dial needles stand at 6 o’clock when it is not working. In addition, the pointer inlays are in white, although with the sportier design and equipment lines such as Urban and AMG Sport they are in red. The dials on the sporty equipment lines and packages are coloured silver with a chequered flag effect.
Furthermore, the three-spoke steering wheel is now equipped with 12 function buttons and an electroplated bezel.
An extensive range of seat coverings, in terms of material (e.g. leather, fabric, Artico/fabric), color combination and also geometry, provides scope for a broad range of individualization options.
For instance, the sports seats with integrated head restraints are available as an optional extra with all design and equipment lines. An opening between the upper edge of the seat backrest and the head restraint further emphasized the sporty nature of the seats. On the back of the front seats this opening is edged with a frame in silver chrome and, in conjunction with the Light and Sight package, can also feature ambient lighting.
Here is another very interesting video by Dragtimesinfo posted on Youtube. This time, the Sport, Leicht, Rennsport” McLaren Mercedes-Benz is coming against two slightly tuned sports cars – Nissan GT-R and Aston Martin DBS Mansory.
The SLR is powered by an all-aluminium supercharged SOHC 5.4 liter V8 engine delivering whopping – 626HP (460 kW) at 6500RPM and 780Nm (580 lb-ft) of torque at just 3250RPM. The engine runs on just 0.9 bar of boost. The engine is mated to a 5-speed automatic transmission delivering all that power to the rear wheels. The curb weight is 1 768 kg (3,900 lb).
Performance– 3.8 seconds 0-100 km/h, 10.7 seconds 0-200 km/h and 0-300 in 30.6 seconds.
The price of the beast is $750 000.
How the mighty SLR copes with the tuned beasts? Check out in the video below.
ABT Sportsline has released their tuning program for the new Volkswagen T5 Multivan.
“The car can manage a lot of (shopping) baskets and is fast and agile despite its XXL size.”, said Dirk Nowitzki, the world’s famous basketball player.
The ABT T5 comes with complete aerodynamics package including a new front grille, a new front spoiler, a pair of modified side skirts and a new rear bumper.
All components are perfectly matched; rear skirt and rear spoiler form a harmonious unit in combination with the exhaust system with its two double tail pipes, typical for the ABT Sportsline premium brand.
Suspension is also revised in order to handle the additional power and to deliver more comfort in sporty driving.
The exterior is completed by a set of new 19” DR sport rims wrapped in performance low-profile tires.
There are also some performance packages for the whole range of engines: The 2.0 liter TDI with 84HP (62 kW) is boosted to 110HP (81 kW) and the 102HP (75 kW) version now delivers 130HP (96 kW). The powerful 140HP (103 kW) is boosted to 170HP (125 kW) and 400Nm (295 lb-ft) of torque.
Last is the powerful 2.0 liter turbocharged TSI petrol having 240HP (176 kW) and 400Nm (295 lb-ft) of torque. 0-100 km/h in 9.4 seconds, which is pretty fast for a VAN.
There was a lot of commotion before the release of the Altima. Now, after the debut, Nissan continue rambling about it. We’ve got it, it’s the most magnificent, outstanding, best-in-class sedan there is. At a certain point, we do understand them however. The Nissan Alitma was the second the second best-selling car in the U.S last year. Promoting it properly is making sure that it stays as the company’s bread and butter product.
“This new Altima builds on the fundamental reputation earned over four generations for quality and reliability — and adds class-leading levels of value, innovation, dynamic performance and premium style,” said Nissan CEO Carlos Ghosn.
It would seem that most pride is taken when talking about the fuel economy. Nissan are adamant to put a stress on the 38 mpg highway efficiency figure. Again, provided that we are talking about the 2.5-liter, 182 hp baby engine.
Now here’s a video of Mr Carlos Ghosn himself, Nissan CEO, explaining some of the key ideas and features behind the fifth incarnation of the popular sedan:
httpv://youtu.be/GLm1zDFgsRw
The Nissan Altima goes on sale at Nissan dealers nationwide in June at a starting MSRP of $21,500
While Chrysler are reestablishing their presence on the Chinese market, Ferrari are merely marking their 20th anniversary there. But they too have a special edition in store – A “logma” themed Ferrari 458 Italia. Only 20 examples will be made and none of them will be sold outside China.
So what is “logma”? It’s an old Chinese idiom which means “the vigor and spirit of the legendary dragon-horse” (That was totally our guess). A dargon-horse – what are the chances? We have a prancing horse up and ready on any standard Italia you might think of. That’s why the livery needed for the logma special edition includes only the addition of a dragon. But what a dragon it is! Right there on the Marco Polo Red bonnet, enclosed in a black and gold racing stripe, twisty and windy as if it were a racing track.
The gold finished bendy winglets and rims do a fine job complementing the whole look which is sure remain in your field of view… especially if the driver inside isn’t brilliantly proficient in Chinese – the start button is all symbols. Gold embroidery decorates the car’s headrests and a plaque set into the dash lets you know that this is an Italia ‘20th Anniversary Special Edition’
On a side note, to mark the occasion, Ferrari are also setting up their first ever permanent brand exhibition outside of Maranello at the Italia Center of Shanghai World Expo Park. Think of it as a macro fair…that covers 900 square meters…and will remain open for 3 years. Besides the opportunity to marvel at various Ferrari icons, visitors will also have access to a selection of images and videos made especially for this exhibition.
Stick around as we might see this again, next week at the 2012 Beijing International Automotive Exhibition.
You might be not familiar with the fact that Superchips is the official Volkswagen Racing Tuning Partner in the United Kingdom for more than ten years now. For this reason the company has upgraded a model from the Polo Line-up, boosting its performance with ECU remap.
The result is the Superchips ECU Volkswagen Polo GTI 1.4 TSI Twincharge.
Being a standard Polo model, this VW delivers an excellent combination of light weight, small size and an economical, 1.4-litre, direct injection, petrol turbo / supercharged twincharge engine. More importantly this engine delivers the 180 hp (132 kW).
However, now this clasic Volkswagen Polo GTI 180PS 1.4 TSI Twincharge has better performance due to the exceptional tuning from the Superchips specialists.
In particular, the Buckingham based electronics experts have named this tuning package “ECU remap”. In general, the Superchips ECU remap gives the Volkswagen Polo GTI 1.4 TSI twincharge a healthy torque boosted from 2400 rpm upwards, which in addition now offers a maximum gain of 35Nm at 4315 rpm.
Hence, the performance of the tuned car is now sportier, considerably livelier than the standard model, and significantly more responsive to the throttle.
Superchips ECU Volkswagen Polo GTI 1.4 TSI Twincharge