Auto News – Page 881 – Automobiles Review

Efficient Volvo Revolution

It would seem that Volvo is now turning to efficiency after mastering the art of safety. Preparing for the Geneva Motor Show, the company has innovated (also downsized) a great deal of its technological arsenal. Now, some of the economy figures coming from the Volvo C30, V60 Plug-in hybrid and even the latest Volvo V40 are stunning. The cars will still be safe though.

Within the Volvo fleet, overall four models will soon spew out less than 100 g/km of CO2. This spring the C30 will join the all-new V40 at 94 g/km. The other, D2 versions are the Volvo S40 and Volvo V50. They both have emissions of 99g/km. In addition, there are currently another four models with CO2 emissions below 120 g/km: the Volvo S60 (114 g/km), Volvo V60 (119 g/km), Volvo V70 (119 g/km) and Volvo S80 (119 g/km).

Later on this year Volvo will also start selling the V60 Plug-in hybrid that boasts a fuel economy of 1.9 liters/100km (49 g CO2 /km) when in Hybrid mode. Alternatively, it run on pure electricity for at least 50 km or it can utilize both engine and motor. That means a combination of power that measures up to 215+70 BHP and 440+200 Nm of torque.

“The V60 Plug-in Hybrid boosts our pole position in electrification. None of our competitors can offer customers an equally ingenious car. It elevates hybrid technology to an entirely new level,” says Stefan Jacoby. “It is the perfect choice for the uncompromising customer who wants minimum carbon dioxide emissions and maximum driving pleasure.”
“We have also established a strong partnership with Siemens in developing the next generation of pure electric cars after the Volvo C30 Electric,” continues Stefan Jacoby.

The most important car here however is the all-new V40 – Volvo’s first 5-door proper hatchback. It looks dynamic and from what we hear it is dynamic. With a D2 diesel setup, you only get 3.6 l/100 km and, as we said earlier, 94 g/km of CO2 emissions.

In 2013, Volvo is planning to launch a new 4 cylinder engine range that is based on a platform called VEA (Volvo Environmental Architecture). Both petrol and diesel engines will fall into that category and there will be something for everyone, assure us from Volvo.

“”It is time for the industry to stop counting cylinders. We will develop four-cylinder engines with higher performance than today’s six-cylinder units and lower fuel consumption than the current four-cylinder generation,” says Peter Mertens, Senior Vice President Research and Development at Volvo Car Corporation.

Source: Volvo

March 2, 2012

Audi R18 e-Tron Hybrid Quattro

Audi R18 e-Tron Quattro is the world’s first LMP1 car to combine a highly-efficient TDI with a hybrid system. The race car will make its official debut on May 5 in the six-hour race at Spa-Francorchamps in Belgium and will compete for overall victory at the famous 24 Hours of Le Mans in France on June 16/17.

“Audi has always consciously selected championships and categories in racing that have a close relationship to production and therefore have technical relevance for the Audi customers,” said Head of Audi Motorsport Dr. Wolfgang Ullrich, who personally drove the new Audi R18 e-tron quattro onto the stage on Wednesday evening during its world premiere in the Audi Training Center at Munich airport – electrically and almost silent.

“Quattro, TFSI and TDI are three excellent examples of how motorsport has stimulated production development. A similar tendency is apparent with the e-tron quattro: we test a completely new technology on the race track before it’s introduced to the Audi production line.”, he added.

The R18 e-tron quattro uses recovered kinetic energy, which is fed as electric into a flywheel accumulator before being retrieved under acceleration again above a speed of 120 km/h. The extremely efficient V6 TDI diesel produces 510PS (375 kW) powering the rear wheels. Both systems complement each other to create the new drive principle e-tron quattro.

“The TDI engine invented by Audi is still the most efficient drive in the world,” said Dr. Wolfgang Ullrich.

“We are convinced that the TDI has even more potential. This is why Audi not only supports the hybrid in motorsport as it does in production, but in parallel also the further development of the conventional drive.”, he added.

Audi Sport Team Joest will field two R18 e-tron quattro and two R18 ultra prototypes in the Le Mans 24 Hours on June 16/17. The two hybrid cars are driven by last year’s winning trio Marcel Fässler (CH), André Lotterer (D) and Benoît Tréluyer (F) as well as Dindo Capello (I), Tom Kristensen (DK) and Allan McNish (GB) who boast a total of 13 Le Mans wins between them. New signing

Source: Audi

March 2, 2012

Vorsteiner V-GT Porsche 991 Coupe

Vorsteiner has released several pictures of one of their latest tuning projects – the new V-GT program for the Porsche 991. The tuning elements will fit both Carrera and Carrera S models and are made of carbon fiber.

The exterior upgrades include: a new add-on spoiler with integrated brake duct collectors, a front GT replaceable center splitter for more downforce, a pair of side skirts with integrated carbon fiber blade extension, a new lightweight carbon-fiber bonnet, a rear add-on diffuser with integrated aero fins, a rear add-on ducktail wing spoiler, a lightweight replacement carbon fiber roof panel and sets of different forged alloy wheels in dimensions 20” or 21”.

Last, but not least, Vorsteiner offers Stainless & Titanium sport exhaust systems with valve control for better sound and some more power.

Source: Vorsteiner

March 2, 2012

2012 Audi A3 world premiere in Geneva

Audi is going to air live broadcast of the world premiere of their new 2012 Audi A3 from Geneva Motor show, which is going to start next week. The debut is scheduled for Tuesday (6th of March) 8.45 a.m. (CET). With this step Audi brand is making possible the world debut to be witnessed by many more people. The live broadcast will be via satellite and web streaming, thus giving the opportunity to the public to watch Audi Press Conference. In addition, an array of digital formats will be making their world premiere together with the Audi A3, paving the way for a new way of exchanging information with journalists. The ultimate aim of this approach to communications is to show the 2012 Audi A3 from unusual perspectives.

For more information on how you can be part of all this, please visit the official Audi web site.

Source: Audi

March 2, 2012

2012 Mercedes-Benz CL Grand Edition

Mercedes-Benz is going to mark the 60^th anniversary of “S-Class Coupé” with the launch of the 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL Grand Edition model. Since the start of the production of the sensational 300 S in 1952, the brand has established the lineage of today’s CL-Class. Hence, ever since then, the large S-Class Coupés have been considered the epitome of automotive refinement. These exceptional two-door luxury-class coupés deliver premium comfort of a prestige luxury saloon, in combination with the dynamics of a sports car. All this: in the form of an exceptionally elegant tourer. For the new “Grand Edition”, Mercedes-Benz has further enhanced the sophistication of the design of the iconic vehicle.
In details, to emphasise further the exceptional, hand-finished character of the limited edtion CL‑Class, the designer has furnished the “Grand Edition” with some of the finest ingredients from the exquisite designo range. Therefore, this makes possible for customers to choose between the three designo paint finishes: platinum black metallic, mocha black metallic and magno cashmere white. And to maket with even sportier appeal, there has been also added the AMG Sports package, with powerful front and rear aprons and distinctive side sill panels. This exclusive version sits on 20-inch light-alloy wheels in a choice of five-spoke or filigree 10-spoke designs. A “Grand Edition” badge provides a discreet indication of the CL Coupé’s exclusive-edition status.

Next, the interior of the Mercedes was exquisitely handcrafted and comes with high-quality aniline leather. Three leather colours are available: designo aniline leather armagnac, designo aniline leather deep black and the lighter designo aniline leather porcelain. The full range of CL trim finishes is available, including black ash and high-gloss burr walnut.

2012 Mercedes-Benz CL Grand Edition (Interior)

Speaking in technical terms, the CL Grand Edition is no less exceptional than any other CL model. For instance, the active suspension system Active Body Control (ABC) with crosswind stabilisation sets the benchmark for driving dynamics and comfort on all rear-wheel drive CL models. In addition, exclusive safety systems are also included: drowsiness detection system ATTENTION ASSIST, PRE-SAFE^® automatic emergency braking, Active Blind Spot Assist, Active Lane Keeping Assist, and Adaptive Highbeam Assist systems. To go even further into details, let’s review the engline range. The current V8 biturbo with a displacement of 4.6 litres and sophisticated spray-guided direct petrol injection system in the CL 500 BlueEFFICIENCY delivers 320 kW (435 hp), provides torque of 700 Nm. More importantly, it offers great fuel efficiency of only 9.5 l/100 km combined; and Co2 emissions of just 224 g/km. The same engine is also used in the CL 500 BlueEFFICIENCY with 4MATIC all-wheel drive. The pinnacle of the engine range is provided by the CL 600 with its astonishing 380 kW (517 hp) 12-cylinder biturbo engine.

Source: Mercedes-Benz

March 2, 2012

2012 Lexus RX and 2012 Lexus RX F Sport to debut in Geneva

Exclusive news has just arrived from the Lexus brand. It is preparing a great exhibit at this years’ Geneva Motor Show, where it is going to showcase for the first time its “hot” new and exclusive models of 2012 Lexus RX and 2012 Lexus RX F Sport.

Unfortunately, there isn’t any additional information (except for the picture-teaser below), concerning these models, so we have to patiently wait till 6^th of March. However, the main attention in Geneva will be put on the European premiere of the Lexus LF-LC Concept Car. More vehicles to be previewed at the show are the all new Lexus GS 450h and of course – Lexus GS 450h F Sport.

Source: Lexus

March 2, 2012

2012 Hartmann Mercedes-Benz Sprinter SP5 Conference

The new tuning made by Hartmann is based on a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter model. The interior of the vehicle is absolutely spectacular and combines luxury and refinement in every possible level. At its core the vehicle is a salon with two single seats and two swivel chairs. In addition, they are also covered with the best genuine Mercedes-Benz nappa leather in “Sunset red” colour or fine Alcantara in “Java” colour.

Furthermore, they are heated as well. In the centre of this Sprinter is a seat and table rail system, which were created in colaboration with TÜV Nord. The side panels and the canopy were also covered in the high-quality leather.

In the rear part of the interior, Hartmann tuners installed different furnishings made of non-distorting boat plywood, which was additionally covered with makassar veneer on both sides, a 6-fold coat of paint and polished. Moreover, there are two highly luxurious roller front cupboards suitable for wardrobe and files, including two 12-Volt connections and an external 220-Volt connection for an additional power supply.

Adding to the spectacular interior there were also installed a catering cabinet for some dishes, a cabinet with an integrated compressor cooling box and a Nespresso coffee bar. The entire setup is lit by ambience lighting with warm-light LED lamps in the canopy and lighting under the rear worktables. Of course, the Sprinter was fully insulated to enhance even further the privacy.

2012 Hartmann Mercedes-Benz Sprinter SP5 Conference — Hartmann Mercedes-Benz Sprinter SP5 Conference Interior (2012)

Another refinement with leather and alcantara was made on the drivers and passengers area. In addition, the technicians installed a Pioneer head unit with route planner, Bluetooth phone, DVD-/CD-changer and Ampire low-range bass, as well as a sophisticated speaker system. The tuners didin’t miss the steering wheel: it was covered in special leather in black and sunset red.

There were also included individual carpets in dark red wool velour. In addition to all this, 2012 Hartmann Mercedes-Benz Sprinter SP5 Conference comes with aluminium wheel set, equipped with 265/40R20 tyres; aerodynamics construction set, including front spoiler skirt, a side sill set and tail skirt create a skilfully sportive appearance.

Source: Hartmann Tuning

March 2, 2012

Brabus Smart Electric Drive and Smart ebike

Brabus have been known to the world as a company that produces mad, torque bursting Daimler cars (Mercedes-Benz cars mostly). But they also have 10 years of experience with the Smart label and this year at the Geneva Motor Show, the public will be presented with the Brabus Smart Fortwo electric drive and the Brabus Smart ebike – ideas for future sports mobility.

“Like all smart Brabus vehicles these two new models follow our philosophy of more style, more power and more exclusiveness”, says Bodo Buschmann, CEO of the Bottrop customiser Brabus. “In addition to classic Brabus customers they also appeal to smart electric drive customers who attach importance to environmental friendliness and also want even more sportiness and exclusiveness. Or to put it another way: we give the sporty soul a green heart.”

With the Brabus Fortwo electric drive, the company has further improved on its principles – maximum driving fun, now with zero emissions. The electric motor in the Brabus product is based on the standard forwto unit but with 60 kW of power it takes the lead among conventional Smarts. Torque is also up to 135 Nm and constantly available as expected from an EV. The ride has been lowered thanks to a Brabus suspension and with the addition of Brabus “Monoblock VII” alloy wheels measuring 16″ at the front and 17″ the sporty feel is almost complete. The thing that could have been left behind is the sound module – a device that produces fake engine noises is as useful as a smartphone Zippo application.

Other than that the exterior and interior is very pleasant. Those green and black motives on the finish and the trimmings make the Fortwo look like a training shoe… or an energy drink can. Dark Brabus headlamps add a dash of aggression while Brabus Xclusive aerodynamic body styling parts (a front spoiler and a special rear apron insert with double reflectors) complete the outside look. Inside, leather covers the seats and instrument and door panels. The dashboard and the hand-brake handle are custom made by Brabus (and so is the clock). A sports stearing wheel and gear lever leave the cockpit distinctive and compleate.

The Smart Brabus ebike also ticks out all the Brabus essentials for a successful project – more style, more power and more exclusiveness. An overall black frame with green leather handles and a green seat leaves the impression that the Fortwo and the ebike are related. Also in contrasting green are the pedals and the various nuts and bolts scattered all over the bike. A four-piston calliper is fixed upon the the front wheel disk while the wheels themselves have a unique four-spoke design made from carbon fiber. Other ways to tell that this isn’t your everyday Smart ebike is by looking at the Sport Contact tyres, weight-optimised cranks and pedals and the carbon seatpost.

With 500 watts the electric motor is twice as powerful as that on the Smart ebike. Because of all the carbon fiber components, the ebike is also 10 percent lighter. The assistance from the motor is regulated by four level with the forth one being the highest. Ultimately the ebike is capable of speeds of up to 45 km/h – a road legal bike!

Source: Smart

March 2, 2012

MR Car Design Volkswagen Golf VI R32

MR Car Design has introduced their pimped Golf VI R32. The athlete is co-developed with BTS-Racing and the result is impressive. The engine conversion includes reinforced DSG gearbox and R 32 HPG Turbo-Kit. The result is whopping 465PS (342 kW) and 550Nm (406 lb-ft).

MR R32 also has a KW Clubsport suspension, a Stoptech 4-piston braking system with 355×32 mm discs. There are also H&R stabilizers – front and back as well as reinforced engine, transmission and suspension components. The chassis received polyurethane Superpro bushes.

The mighty tuned Golf R32 stads on OZ Ultraleggera HLT matt and powder-coated in two colours – 9J x 19“ ET45 with 225/35 ZR19 high-performance tires.

Last, but not least, a valve controlled 3“ sports exhaust system has been mounted, which delivers very good sound characteristics.

Car Design offers a wide range of the storage possibilities for interested customers, both in summer and in winter. When it comes to the maintenance of the sport cars it is extremely convenient service.

Source: MR Car Design

March 2, 2012

2012 SEAT Toledo Concept

At the 2012 Geneva Motor Show, SEAT brand will proudly present their new concept vehicle, named Toledo, which combines the proportions of a classic saloon car with a sporty, almost coupe-like design. This is a next-generation of the SEAT Toledo, which in addition is an extraordinary combination of emotion, excellent design quality and rational usability. It carries powerful and solid stance, clear surfaces and lines, and new headlamp form which is a signature feature of SEAT’s new design DNA. Furthermore the new 2012 SEAT Toledo Concept also offers spaciousness and usability within compact dimensions. Within its length of 4.48 metres, and wheelbase of 2.60 meters, the new Toledo delivers spaciousness for five people, a luggage compartment of more than 500 litres and large rear hatch and folding rear bench. These dimensions make the vehicle perfect for city driving as well as for long journeys and family transportation needs. Moreover, the luggage compartment is equally spaciously proportioned, with impressive volume. In addition, the new concept vehicle possesses a large rear hatch for optimum loading. Eventually, the folding rear seats facilitate an exceptionally long load length and give the Toledo a usability that is almost on par with that of an estate car.

With the new 2012 SEAT Toledo Concept, SEAT Design is adding an extra portion of sophistication into the design language. At first sight, one can see that the vehicle got a fine figure with its stretched proportions, clean surfaces and sculpted edges. The grille is with honeycomb mesh and retains its trapezoidal form. However its look now is wider and lower. The same pattern is applied on the large air inlet beneath the bumper. One of the characteristic elements of the new SEAT design language is the pentagonal form of the broad front headlamps. The light units come with the chromed “wing” between main headlamp and daytime running light. The broad rear lights also received the same styling, thus contributing to the entire rears impression of quality and solidity. Observed from the side, the new Toledo Concept has taut and dynamic look. This impression is achieved, thank to the clean edge runs from the headlamps across the shoulders to the rear lights. In addition to that the area around the sills has a simple, sculptural feel. Nonetheless, the most important element here is the roofline, which carves an elegant arc all the way to the powerful breadth of the C-pillar, emerging seamlessly from the rear side panel.
At last the interior of the 2012 SEAT Toledo Concept portrays the modern lines of the exterior and gives a feel for spaciousness. The cockpit delivers a feeling of ergonomic clarity, with the top of the dashboard seeming to float effortlessly above the air vents and trim elements. Furthermore, the light coloring of the interior comes with stitching of the leather seats and the leather cladding on the cockpit and doors. All this emphasizes the superb character of the new Toledo Concept.

Source: SEAT

March 2, 2012

2012 Suzuki Swift Sport – Best Hot Hatchback

Suzuki Swift Sport has been named Best Hot Hatchback at the Carbuyer.co.uk Awards. The small performance car was comprehensively judged by the editorial team and was the clear winner against some strong competition. 2012 Swift Sport managed to score 5 out of a possible 5 overall with the judges all agreeing that the new model combines agile handling, sparkling performance and an affordable price in perfect quantities.

The new Swift Sport is powered by a 1.6 liter VVT engine with 136PS (100 kW) and 160Nm (118 lb-ft). 0-100 km/h in 8.7 seconds and a top speed of 195 km/h (121 mph). The fuel economy is 6.4 l /100 km with 147 g/km CO2. The engine is mated to a new 6-speed manual gearbox. Furthermore, the car is in Insurance Group 19, which down four groups over previous Sport model.

2012 Suzuki Swift Sport is priced from £13 499. It comes with a very high standard equipment specification including 7 airbags, auto air conditioning, cruise control, Bluetooth connectivity and USB port, rear privacy glass, 17“ alloy wheels – as well as metallic paint finish. HID Projector headlamps for both low and high beam are also fitted as standard.

“We are of course really pleased with our award from Carbuyer.co.uk which reinforces the message to our customers that Suzuki offers a great value and fun to drive new Swift Sport with higher standard specification, lower emissions and even better fuel consumption than before”, said Dale Wyatt, Sales and Marketing Director, Suzuki GB PLC.

Source: Suzuki

March 2, 2012

Mansory McLaren MP4-12C

Mansory has introduced the customised McLaren MP4-12C, which received both styling and performance modifications.

The exterior comes with complete body kit including ultralight bonnet with exposed carbon-fibre sections, front and rear aprons as well as mirror housings and wheel arch extensions, which widen the vehicle by 60 mm. All components are made of carbon fibre and hardened in the autoclave under high pressure and temperature.

The performance mods include a high-performance exhaust system, a new engine-management system and a sports air filter with increased air throughflow. The result is 670PS (493 kW) at 7100RPM and 675Nm (498 lb-ft) at 3000RPM. This is an increase of 62PS and 75Nm over the factory power. After the modifications, the top speed is 353 km/h (219 mph).

The Mansory MP4-12C sits on enormous 9.0J x 20” with 245/30 ZR20 at the front and 11J x 21” with 305/25 ZR1 tires at the rear axle. The wheel set guarantees perfect traction even at speeds over 300 km/h.

The interior boasts newly designed airbag sports steering wheel, the aluminium pedals and the real carbon-fibre elements.

Source: Mansory

March 2, 2012

Category: Auto News