Ford are contemplating a hardcore Explorer for the 2013 range – the Sport. Never before have the likes of an Explorer had a performance model but that’s about to change. Supposedly, Ford are planning to dominate the “gasoline-engine-powered, high performance SUV” category by focusing on fuel economy – 16 mpg in an urban environment and 22 mpg on the highway.
Mind you, those figures come from a twin-turbocharged EcoBoost® V6 engine that sends “at least” 350 bhp trough a paddle-shifting six-speed SelectShift Automatic box and an all-wheel-drive system. Recognizing it as a “Sport” version can also be done by looking at the exterior or the interior. And you have a fragile spine, you’ll notice that the suspension has been firmed up as well. Also, the brakes are bigger.
Roof rails painted in black, black head- and taillight motives, black wing mirror caps and 20-inch wheels all give away the SUV as a Sport member. The front lower fascia provides an additional opening for the engine to breathe. Various “EcoBoost” and “Sport” badges also suggest that this is not your run of the mill Explorer.
The inside offers some black leather that may or may not be paired with contrasting Sienna inserts. An exclusive design for the instruments, Sport-logo floor mats and illuminated scuff plates complete the overall Sport character.
Ford Explorer Sport (2013)
As for equipment, the standard stuff is as follows:
4WD with Terrain Management System
Dual-Zone Electronic Automatic Temperature Control
10-way power driver’s seat with power recline and lumbar
Six-way power passenger seat with recline and lumbar
First-row heated seats
First-row heated seats
Compass and exterior temperature display
Rear view camera
SYNC® with MyFord Touch® driver connect technology
Sony® Premium Audio System with HD Radio™ and 12 speakers
Whereas, as options these are listed:
Active park assist
Blind Spot Information System (BLIS®) with cross-traffic alert
Nissan GT-Rs have always been a favorite for ambitious tuners. What we see here can only support that theory. It’s a collaboration project between two companies – The American based PUR Wheels company and the Indonesian Premier Autowerkz… apparently. The whole project is rather obscure and not much information is available.
On what we can focus however, are those 3 piece “4OUR Depth“ PUR wheels they have fitted. Beautifully made 5 double spokes (that’s one way of putting it). It’s as if fragile twigs support the weight of the whole Nissan. The wheel arches are nicely filled in and the gold calipers certainly make a statement – “I like it a bit flashy”. Indeed, if I were to drive around in a car that has such a conspicuous racing strip across the hood, roof and trunk, one must assume that that I like flashy things, no doubt.
Other than that we can see some fascia work being done at the front and back. Also these exhaust tips do not look very stock. We’ll be on the lookout for more information about this. Otherwise we can play the guessing game all day long.
A production ready BMW 1-Series M135i 5-door hatchback was spied by BimmerToday.de. The painted in Estoril Blau car sits calm in a parking lot in Germany and doesn’t reveal any of its brutal characteristics.The performance vehicle was firstly introduced as the M135i Concept at the Geneva Motor Show earlier this month. The F20 135i M Performance comes with a sport-tuned suspension, a M-sport brake system, a set of Shadow Line 18” M light alloys with a double spoke design.Of course, the car comes with complete ///M-package consisting of an aggressive front bumper, modified side skirts and restyled rear bumper housing the single round chrome tailpipes at each end of it.The M135i is powered by the famous 3.0 liter straight-six N55 petrol engine featuring twin-scroll turbocharger. The exact figures are not mentioned, but probably it will have 306HP (225 kW) and 400Nm (295 lb-ft).Stay tuned for more information.BMW 1-Series M135iSource: bimmertoday.de
Toyota has announced their line-up for the new season. The Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship begins this weekend and the manufacturer will take place in it with independent racers Frank Wrathall, Tony Hughes and Adam Morgan.
The new race car is based on the latest update of the British-built road-going Avensis, introduced late last year. Like its showroom sister, the race car is produced at Toyota’s Burnaston factory in Derbyshire, making it a very British contender in the country’s most popular national racing championship.
The exterior is slightly changed by restyling the front, a fresh look at engine installation and cooling, and has also helped them improve chassis stiffness.
Dynojet’s Wrathall is hoping to build on the dramatic late-season form he showed in 2011 and believes the off-season works carried out in the team’s Lancashire workshops will make all the difference.
“The developments we have made will allow us to move on to the next level,” said the 25-year-old from Garstang, last season’s Rookie of the Year.”, he said.
“I hope it will mean that we can be regularly fighting for the podium. That is my aim, but of course the opposition will be strong and everyone else will be out to do the same thing.”, Mr. Wrathall added.
2012 Toyota BTCC Race Cars
Frank scored four podium results in 2011, the best of them a second, and three Independents Trophy wins on his way to championship 12th. His sterling efforts have been recognised by the British Racing Drivers’ Club, which has awarded him SuperStar status for the coming year.
The newest recruit to the Toyota ranks is 23-year-old Adam Morgan, who won his place on the BTCC grid thanks to his victory in the Ginetta Supercup – the richest prize in British motorsport, worth in excess of £200 000.
Both the Speedworks Toyotas are powered by the 2-litre ‘spec’ engine developed by BTCC organiser TOCA.
This year’s Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship starts and finishes at the Brands Hatch circuit in Kent, and between those 1 April and 21 October events will visit the Donington Park, Thruxton, Oulton Park, Croft, Snetterton, Knockhill, Rockingham and Silverstone circuits on its round-Britain tour. All 30 races will be screened live, with a minimum of six hours on ITV4 and ITV4 HD from each meeting, simultaneously broadcast on the itv.com website.
Alfa Romeo UK has announced the full specs and price list for the 2012 Giulietta TCT.
The Alfa Giulietta is a 5-door hatchback offering cheap and stylish ride. The car is the safest car in its class. It also features award winning MultiAir engine technology, five star Euro-NCAP safety ratings, Alfa Romeo’s unique D.N.A system, and now, in 2012, the technologically advanced ALFA TCT semi-automatic transmission becomes available in the Giulietta range. 2012 Alfa Romeo Giulietta TCT starts at £21 855 OTR.
There are two trim levels – Lusso or Veloce, and two engines: 1.4 TB MultiAir 170HP and 2.0 JTDM-2 170HP diesel.
The TCT transmission offers sporty driving pleasure and reduces the fuel consumption a lot. The transmission works in either all-automatic or sequential mode, as required by the driver. The user can manually manage the up and down position of the accurate, ergonomic shifter, with which steering wheel shift paddles may be combined. In addition, the driver can customise the car’s dynamics using the Alfa D.N.A. driving selector to enhance its features of comfort, performance, safety and efficiency.
The 1.4 liter TB MultiAir engine has 170HP enabling the car to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.7 seconds and a top speed of 184 km/h (135 mph). The fuel consumption is great – 54.3 mpg UK with 121 g/km CO2.
The 2.0 liter JTDM-2 diesel with 170HP is slightly slower – 7.9 seconds to 100 km/h, but the fuel consumption is better – 62.8 mpg UK with 119 g/km CO2.
Alfa TCT uses dry clutches allowing, in addition to other advantages, natural integration with Start&Stop, a function which is not always available with traditional automatic transmissions, and which guarantees a further benefit in terms of fuel consumption, particularly around town.
Lastly, a Wet automatic transmission requires approximately 4.8 litres more gearbox oil than a Dry version, again for reasons of clutch cooling. In this way, weight is added and losses are incurred due to an increase in splashing caused by the gears. When all these effects are combined, a Dry transmission, like the Alfa TCT, is found to be approximately 6% more efficient than the corresponding Wet one in terms of consumption.
Check out the full pricing and specifications below.
2012 Alfa Romeo Giulietta TCT
PRICING:
Basic Price
VAT
Retail Price
OTR Charges
Total OTR
BIK
1.4 TB MultiAir 170 bhp
ALFA TCT Lusso
£17,707.89
£3,541.58
£21,249.47
£605.53
£21,855.00
15%
1.4 TB MultiAir 170 bhp
ALFA TCT Veloce
£18,791.23
£3,758.25
£22,549.47
£605.53
£23,155.00
15%
2.0 JTDM-2 170 bhp
ALFA TCT Lusso
£19,120.39
£3,824.08
£22,944.47
£605.53
£23,550.00
17%
2.0 JTDM-2 170 bhp
ALFA TCT Veloce
£20,162.06
£4,032.41
£24,194.47
£605.53
£24,800.00
17%
TECHNICAL DATA:
1.4 TB MultiAir 170 bhp ALFA TCT
2.0 JTDM-2170 bhp
ALFA TCT
DIMENSIONS
Seats
5
5
Doors
5
5
Length/width (mm)
4350/1798
4350/1798
Height (mm)
1465
1465
Wheelbase (mm)
2634
2634
Front/rear track (mm)
1554/1554
1554/1554
Boot capacity (dm3)
350
350
Drag
0.31
0.31
ENGINE
Petrol
Diesel
No. of cylinders, arrangement
4 in line
4 in line
Bore x stroke (mm)
72 x 84
83 x 90.4
Displacement (cm3)
1368
1956
Compression ratio
9.8:1
16.5:1
Max power output: bhp (kW-EC) at rpm
170 (125) 5500
170 (125) 4000
Peak torque: Nm (kgm-EC) at rpm (NATURAL mode)
230 (23.4) 2250
320 (32.5) 1500
Peak torque: Nm (kgm-EC) at rpm (DYNAMIC mode)
250 (25.4) 2500
350 (35.6) 1750
Timing
Single overhead camshaft, 16 valves, toothed belt with hydraulic tappets and MultiAir direct lift/timing adjustment system
Dual overhead camshafts,
16 valves, toothed belt with hydraulic tappets
Supply
Electronic multipoint injection, turbocharger
with intercooler
MultiJet direct injection
at 1,600 bar, variable geometry
turbocharger with intercooler
Stop&Start system for automatic engine stopping/starting for short stops, to optimise consumption and emissions of CO2
Standard
Standard
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (12V)
Battery: capacity (Ah) / Generator (A)
63 / 450
72 / 600
TRANSMISSION
Drive
Front
Front
Gearbox
Automatic/sequential with dry dual clutch
Automatic/sequential with dry dual clutch
First
1:4.154
1:4.154
Second
1:2.269
1:2.118
Third
1:1.435
1:1.361
Fourth
1:0.978
1:0.978
Fifth
1:0.754
1:0.756
Sixth
1:0.622
1:0.622
Reverse
1:4.000
1:4.000
Final drive torque
1:4.118
1:3.579
WHEELS
Standard tyre size
205/55 R16
205/55 R16
Standard rim size
7J x 16
7J x 16
STEERING
Steering system
Rack and pinion with electro-mechanical power steering (Dual Pinion)
Rack and pinion with electro-mechanical power steering (Dual Pinion)
Turning circle (m)
10.9
10.9
SUSPENSION
Front
MacPherson independent with anti-roll bar
Rear
Multilink system
BRAKES – (DISCS)
Front (mm)
305
305
Rear (mm)
264
264
WEIGHTS –TANK CAPACITY
Fuel tank capacity (litres)
60
60
Kerb weight DIN (kg)
1305
1335
Max towable weight – Non-braked (kg)
500
500
Max towable weight – Braked (kg)
1300
1300
PERFORMANCE
Top speed mph (kh/h)
135 (218)
135 (218)
Acceleration 0-62 mph (s)
7.7
7.9
Pick-up in top gear from 50 to 75 mph (s)
6.5
6.4
FUEL CONSUMPTION – EMISSIONS (in accordance with 1999/100EC directive)
The German based auto-design and tuning company named Rigerhas just launched a new project. The work of the professionals was on an Opel Corsa, which now, after the modification, looks outstanding!
To be more precise 2012 Rieger Opel Corsa D has received a new bodykit. It gives the vehicle the following equipment: spoiler lip, spoiler splitter, side skirts and a rear skirt extension. What is specific here is that all parts are produced in ABS plastic. The spoiler splitter, the side skirts and the rear skirt extensions are also available in ABS / Carbon-Look.
The Rieger Tuning Company, which has 25 year old history, was founded by Tony Riegerand. However, now the team includes more than 40 people, passionately working on delivering a better look and performance for cars. The company’s main focus is on production of body accessories and aerodynamic parts.
The 2013 Infiniti JX is a 7-passenger luxury crossover which will join the brands line-up in spring 2012. The new model now offers even more interior flexibility and roominess, safety, and advanced hospitality features. Furthermore, the crossover delivers a real 3-row utility, including all premium features, performance and innovations.
Key features of the 2013 Infiniti JX include:Emotive styling and craftsmanship, featuring the new Infiniti design language direction initiated with the Essence concept; Segment-leading overall passenger volume; Segment-leading rear cargo volume (3rd row seats folded, 2nd row seats in forward-most slide position); More 2nd and 3rd row legroom than a Cadillac Escalade; Access to 3rd row without removing the 2nd row child seat; Infiniti Connection with Google Calendar and Drive Zone/Speed Alert; Around View™ Monitor (AVM) with Moving Object Detection; Extensive safety and security technologies, including available world’s first Backup Collision Intervention (BCI) system; Available Bose® Cabin Surround® 15-speaker sound system with digital 5.1-channel decoding and a new Acoustic Waveguide subwoofer.
2013 Infiniti JX has a 3-row 7-passenger seating and more importantly offers 3rd row roominess and provides a long 2nd row. With a long wheelbase and short overhangs, as well as a low roofline, the platform provides the benefits of a large family passenger. Furthermore, JX exterior is emphasized by the dramatic, double-arch front grille/headlight shape, double-wave hood, and crescent-cut D-pillar and greenhouse design. In addition to all this come the automatic on/off High Intensity Discharge (HID) bi-functional xenon headlights, which feature manual levelizers and standard fog lights. Large LED taillights add a distinctive touch to the rear. At the same time the standard power rear liftgate improves the utility.
Other features which are included in 2013 Infiniti JX exterior are: flat blade variable intermittent front windshield wipers, available rain-sensing front windshield wipers, rear window intermittent wiper and defroster with timer, power folding heated outside mirrors with available reverse tilt-down feature, front door handle courtesy lights, and UV-reducing solar glass and rear privacy glass.
There are also several body color choices: Emerald Graphite, Diamond Slate, Platinum Ice, Black Obsidian, Sangria Red and Aspen Pearl.
2013 Infiniti JX Luxury Crossover
Going forward, the new JX clearly sets a new standard for both space and hospitality in terms of interior innovations. The third row now offers enough headroom and knee room for adults or children. More importantly, the access to the third row is surprisingly easy thank to the wide door openings and long forward slide of the second row seat. Additionally, the multi-mode second row seat’s forward movement function overcomes the typical problem of having to remove a second row child seat for entry or exit.
Moreover, what has to be mentioned here is that the JX’s interior design combines elegance and fine craftsmanship. Some of the key design features are for instance signature driver-oriented cockpit, thin chrome accents. The color themes offered here are: Wheat, Graphite or Java leather appointments with Kasane Washi trim accent, or available through the Deluxe Touring Package – Maple trim accent.
Available as part of the Deluxe Touring Package is an Advanced Climate Control System (ACCS) with Plasmacluster™ air purifier, Grape Polyphenol filter and auto recirculation.
Other interior comfort and convenience items include: RearView Monitor®, sequential welcome lighting illuminated entry system, eight cupholders and six bottle holders, front and 2nd row armrests with storage, Bluetooth® Hands-free Phone System, six-speaker AM/FM/CD audio system, USB Connection Port for iPod® interface and other compatible devices, XM® Satellite Radio (XM® subscription required, sold separately), power windows with one-touch up/down with auto-reverse feature, power door locks with automatic locking feature, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob. The 2013 Infiniti JX also offers innovations in terms of technologies: 15-speaker Bose® Cabin Surround® sound system with Acoustic Waveguide bass technology, innovative Infiniti Connection telematics system. The latter provides navigation guidance to appointments and automatically synch the owner’s schedule through Google Calendar™. It also will be added to other Infiniti navigation-equipped models in the near future and will include Connection services such as: 24-hour Automatic Crash Notification, Emergency Call, Enhanced Roadside Assistance, stolen vehicle reporting, Remote Door Lock/Unlock, Alarm Notification, Maintenance Alert, Scheduled Maintenance Notification and My Schedule.
On the other hand the technology feature Backup Collision Intervention (BCI) will help the driver detect crossing vehicles and objects behind the JX, and, if necessary, the system can automatically engage the brakes to help avoid a collision.
Another advanced system the Around View™ Monitor (AVM) with Moving Object Detection (MOD). What this system basically does is that it shows the driver a virtual 360-degree image of the area around the JX. It serves to enhance the driver’s situational awareness by providing visual and audible warnings if the system detects moving objects within the displayed image.
More available technologies included in the crossover are Lane Departure Warning (LDW) and Lane Departure Prevention (LDP) systems, which use small camera installed behind the windshield. The camera detects lane markers in front of the vehicle, calculate its position relative to those lane markers and help warn the driver of a potential unintended lane departure with a visual indicator and audible signal.
Next comes the Blind Spot Warning (BSW) system, which illuminates an indicator light if another vehicle is detected in the blind spot area. In addition, there is also a Blind Spot Intervention™ (BSI) system. The latter provides selective braking if the vehicle approaches an adjacent lane while another vehicle is detected in the blind spot area to help the driver return the vehicle back toward the center of the lane of travel.
The advanced system, named Intelligent Cruise Control (Full-Speed Range), is another innovation included in the JX. It uses a combination of laser sensors, throttle and brake actuators. The JX’s braking system, measures the distance to the vehicle ahead and automatically adjusts the speed to help maintain a pre-selected following distance.
The Distance Control Assist (DCA) intuitively prompts the driver to release the throttle and applies the brakes in slowing traffic. Along with it are also being offered: Intelligent Brake Assist (IBA) with Forward Collision Warning (FCW) and front Pre-Crash Seat Belts.
The 2013 Infiniti JX’s has a full range of standard safety features which comprises of: an Advanced Air Bag System (AABS) with dual-stage supplemental front air bags with seat belt and occupant classification sensors; roof-mounted curtain side impact supplemental air bags with rollover sensor for outboard occupant head protection for all three rows; front seat-mounted side impact supplemental air bags; 3-point front seat belts with pretensioners, load limiters and seat belt reminder; 3-point seat belts for all rear seat occupants (including center position); LATCH System (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren), Zone Body construction with front and rear crumple zones and steel side-door guard beams.
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) comes as a standard and it features an individual tire pressure display and Tire Inflation Indicator. It serves to maintain proper tire pressure, thus handling performance, fuel economy and long tire life.
At last, there is also a Remote Engine Start System included, which allows the driver the option of starting the JX distantly with the help of a remote keyless entry system.
More importantly however, is the fact that the vehicle is offered with Intelligent All-Wheel Drive. The standard 3.5-litre DOHC V6 is mated to a sport-tuned Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT), thus providing high responsiveness and seamless, efficient shifting feel.
The engine is produces 265 hp (195 kW) @ 6,400 rpm and 336 Nm (248 lb-ft of torque) @ 4,400 rpm. The fuel economy is rated at 8.5 L/100km Highway, 11.5 L/100km City and a real-world 10.2 L/00km Combined.
Another feature is the Infiniti Drive Mode Selector, which utilizes a rotary switch mounted in the center console. With its help the driver can choose between four drive modes – Standard, Sport, Eco and Snow.
Moreover, JX’s braking system comprises of a 4-wheel vented disc design with Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist.
The crossover rides on 18-inch split 5-spoke aluminum-alloy wheels with 235/65R18 T-rated all-season tires. Al this comes as a standard. Polished 20-inch forged aluminum-alloy wheels are also available as an option. The JX os offered with an optional Premium Package, which consists of: Infiniti Hard Drive Navigation System with 8-inch WVGA colour touch-screen display, Infiniti Voice Recognition, XM NavTraffic® with Real-Time Traffic Information, and Zagat Survey® Restaurant Guide, Streaming Audio via Bluetooth®, Infiniti Connection, Around View® Monitor with Moving Object Detection and front and rear sonar sensors, and Bose® 13-speaker Premium sound system with Acoustic Waveguide bass technology; dual occupant memory system front driver’s seat, steering wheel and outside mirrors, entry/exit assist for driver’s seat and steering wheel, Enhanced Intelligent Key, outside mirrors with reverse tilt-down feature, and auto-dimming inside mirror with HomeLink® Universal Transceiver.
And if the customer chooses the Deluxe Touring Package, they will add to their JX the following equipment: Bose® Cabin Surround® 15-speaker sound system with digital 5.1-channel decoding and Acoustic Waveguide bass technology, Maple interior accents, 20-inch split 5-spoke aluminum-alloy wheels with 235/55R20 tires, panoramic moonroof with power rear sunshade, Advanced Climate Control System (ACCS) with auto recirculation, Plasmacluster™ air purifier and Grape Polyphenol Filter, climate-controlled front seats, and heated 2nd row outboard seats.
Another option being offered is the Driver Assistance Package, which will enrich the vehicle with the following characteristics: Backup Collision Intervention (BCI), Intelligent Cruise Control (Full Speed Range), Intelligent Brake Assist (IBA) with Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Blind Spot Warning (BSW) system, Distance Control Assistance (DCA), Active Trace Control, Eco Pedal, heated steering wheel and remote engine start.
At last, but not least comes the Technology Package which includes all of the features of the Driver Assistance Package, as well as Lane Departure Warning (LDW) and Lane Departure Prevention (LDP) systems, Blind Spot Intervention™ (BSI) system and front Pre-Crash Seatbelts.
The latest ground braking innovation from Honda is the Solar Hydrogen Station on Grounds of Saitama Prefectural Office. This initiative is part of the Electric Vehicle Testing Program for Honda’s next-generation personal mobility products.
Furthermore, Honda also equipped the HondaFCX Clarity fuel cell electric vehicle with an outlet to function as a 9kW power source. How it works: the FCX Clarity uses a chemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen to create power with zero CO2 emissions. This new outlet will help the vehicle to serve as a zero-emission mobile electric generator.
In particular, this is the first installation in Japan which produces stores and dispenses hydrogen with ZERO CO2 emissions.
A uniquely developed high pressure water electrolysis system by Honda produces hydrogen. It has no mechanical compressor, and in addition operates silently and with high energy efficiency. Utilizing Solar and grid power, the system is capable of producing 1.5kg of hydrogen within 24hours, which enables an FCX Clarity to run approximately 150km (90miles).
The goal of the brand is to develop in the future a system which offers clean energy sources for the home in the future, to help replace fossil fuels, reduce emissions and combat climate change.
Honda FCX Clarity uses the new Solar Hydrogen Station in SaitamaHonda FCX Clarity uses at new Solar Hydrogen Station in Saitama
Skoda brand is releasing limited-edition version of its Yeti compact SUV, whihch is named 2012 Skoda Yeti Urban Limited Edition. The model is based on the already highly popular SE trim. However, it features some worthy equipment. The Yeti model achieved great success after its launch in 2009 and won in fact 12 independent products awards. It has overtaken the public by its high-quality on-road performance, family orientated practicality and rugged styling. The new Yeti Urban LE is restricted to just 750 cars, which will expand that appeal to younger and more style-conscious customers.
What is more in that particular model is that in it are featured some new and exclusive technologies. For instance, DAB digital radio comes now as standard. In addition, Yeti Urban includes Amundsen+ satellite navigation, Bluetooth connectivity and a multi-function steering wheel to control the audio system and telephone.
2012 Skoda Yeti Urban Limited Edition
Fascinating design features are also included: 17-inch black-and-chrome ‘Matterhorn‘ alloys, wheel arch extensions, chrome side strips, silver door mirror caps, silver roof rails and stylish eye-catching roof stripes. For the interior customers can choose between red or black sports seats and sunset glass in the rear.
Furthermore, the Yeti Urban is available in two-wheel-drive with manual transmission only, and comes with a choice of two engines. The first one is the petrol engine 1.2-litre TSI 105PS (77 kW), which offers fuel economy of 44.1mpg (combined) and CO2 emissions of 149g/km. Of course, there is a diesel version as well: the popular 2.0-litre TDI CR 110PS (81 kW) DPF, which offers figures of 52.3mpg (combined) and CO2 emissions of 140g/km.
The exterior body paint of the model is offered in several different colors: Black Magic pearl effect, Candy White, Brilliant Silver metallic and Steel Grey metallic.
Skoda retailers have a number of accessories worthy of mention: stainless steel pedals, sports exhaust trim, and Nextbase Click 9 Lite Duo portable DVD player with twin 9-inch screens.
Yeti Urban standard features are: 17-inch black-and-chrome Matterhorn alloy wheels; Amundsen+ satellite navigation; Bluetooth GSM II telephone preparation; DAB Digital radio; Chrome exterior side moulding strips; Decorative interior insert; Silver door mirror covers; Multi-function steering wheel for radio and telephone; Roof stripes; Silver roof rails; Sports seats – red or black; Sunset glass; Wheel arch extensions; Metallic paint; Acoustic rear parking sensors; Cruise control; Dual-Zone air conditioning; Maxi-dot trip computer; Fog lights; Front centre armrest with storage compartment.
2012 Skoda Yeti Urban Limited Edition will go on sale from the beginning of April this year with a starting price of £16 900 for the petrol model and £18 330 for the diesel.
Jeep Wrangler Apache Concept is extremely rough off-road vehicle. It is powered by a new Mopar 6.4 liter HEMI V8.
The engine delivers 470HP (346 kW) and 637Nm (470 lb-ft) of torque. The engine is mated to a Chrysler Group’s W5A580 5-speed automatic transmission. However, a 6-speed manual gearbox will be also available.
Other highlights include Mopar Pro 60 5.13 front and rear axles, a 4.5” Stage 3 long arm lift kit and off-road bead-lock wheels. There are also high-clearance flat fenders, front and rear half-door kits, rock rails and a Stinger front bumper.
A Warn 9.5ti XP winch, a locking center console box, Katzkin leather seats, and a Mopar branded interior complete the package.
The Mopar Wrangler V8 conversion kit will be available this summer.
Here’s a video of a Ford GT setting up a record on the Texas Mile Event at Chase Field Industrial Complex in south Texas: 257.7 mph – full 4.6 mph faster than the previous champion.
As you might have guessed, this is no ordinary Ford GT. It’s a Hennessey job this. Owned by Mark Heidaker, driven by Sean Kennedy this overhauled beast wrote some history. But before that, some professional help was needed. That’s when Hennessey Performance glued 34 psi Precision Turbochargers to the 5.4 liter Ford engine. The engine and power management as well as the data acquisition system were all installed and tuned by MoTeC people. Add some high-octane racing gasoline and you’ve got yourself a record breaking formula.
“I think I can do better in the lower gears next time and we can run an even better speed.” said Kennedy – ambitious. So, next stop: the Texas Mile Event on October the 26th 2012. Goal: 260 mph.
Autocar.co.uk has released a test review of the strange Nissan Juke-R, which is claimed to be the ultimate crossover. Practically, the car is a GT-R with different body, because everything from the sports car is taken and put in the Juke.
The Juke-R is powered by a twin-turbo 3.8 liter V6 with 485HP (357 kW) at 6400RM and 588Nm (434 lb-ft) at 3200RPM. The engine is mated to a 6-speed dual-clutch gearbox enabling the car to accelerate to 100 km/h in just 3.7 seconds and having a top speed of 258 km/h (160 mph).
There is no doubt, that the Juke-R is very interesting, fun and spectacular, but all in all it is a marketing trick aiming to boost Nissan’s sales.
The car have been developed by Nissan and are being built by leading motorsports outfit RML with input from Nissan Technology Centre for Europe (NTC-E).
The ultimate crossover also features sport suspension, huge wheels and performance brake system. The interior is also coming from GT-R. You’ll see the same dashboard, dials, steering wheel and many more.
What are the impressions? Check in the video below.