Auto News – Page 884 – Automobiles Review

2012 Jaguar XF Sportbrake

Jaguar has unveiled the new 2012 XF Sportbrake, which will have its official debut at the Geneva Motor Show in several days. The manufacturer claims that the XF Sportbrake will be the most versatile Jaguar ever created.

The model has the same chassis like the XF saloon, but the overall length grows by just 5mm. Still, the weight is 70kg less, so the Sportbrake can closely match the acclaimed handling of the XF saloon yet offers a large and highly practical load space.

The exterior is entirely new meaning that every panel on the XF Sportbrake, from the B-Pillar rearwards is newly developed. Furthermore, the car’s C-Pillar is finished in gloss black, a trait shared with the XJ saloon. Slim rear light units extend into a strong chrome crossmember that dominates the rear of the car. The result is a car that blends style and function with the rear seat occupants benefitting from 48mm of extra rear headroom. The large, practical tailgate can be specified with power struts, opening to reveal a wide and highly versatile load space. Measuring 550 litres with the rear seats up, the boot is framed by a set of useful cubby compartments. With the seats folded, the total volume grows to whopping 1 675-litres.

The standard equipment includes a lot of practical touches like remote fold levers mounted within the boot to lower the rear seats, powerful LEDs and splitting boot floor into three sections.

Beneath the car there are extensive changes to the rear suspension. Self-levelling air suspension aids driving dynamics and means the Sportbrake can serve as an accomplished tow vehicle.

The 2012 XF Sportbrake is powered by the award-winning 2.2 litre four-cylinder diesel and a 3.0 litre six-cylinder diesel. Both send their power to the rear wheels via an advanced 8-speed automatic gearbox.

Price list and full specs will be announced soon. 2012 Jaguar XF Sportbrake is set to launch in the third quarter of this year.

Source: Jaguar

February 29, 2012

2012 BMW M550d xDrive [new pics]

BMW has released 98 new high resolution pictures of the 2012 M550d xDrive Saloon. The M-performance vehicle is expected to hit the European market in May. It is powered by the new updated tri-turbocharged diesel with staggering 127PS per liter.

The new N57D30 features three turbocharges, high pressure piezo injectors and a lot of aluminum elements. The result is 381PS (280 kW) and 740Nm (546 lb-ft) of torque. 0-100 km/h in 4.7 seconds and a Vmax of 250 km/h (155 mph). The fuel economy is 6.3 l/100km with 165 g/km of CO2. The power is put on the road through a ZF 8-speed automatic gearbox and the world’s most intelligent AWD system – BMW xDrive.

The 2012 F10 M550d xDrive is priced from €80 800.

You can check the HD pictures in the gallery. Almost all details of the vehicle are revealed including different gauge illumination, engine bay images, different angel eye lighting and some nice interior images.

Source: BMW

February 28, 2012

DMC Lamborghini Aventador Molto Veloce

DMC Design has announced their tuning package for the “space ship” – Aventador. The project name is Molto Veloce, which from italian is “very fast” and sure it is.

Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4 is powered by a 6.5 liter V12 with 700PS (515 kW) at 8250 RPM and 690Nm (509 lb-ft) at 5500RPM. It is mated to a 7-speed ISR gearbox specially supplied by Graziano Trasmissioni Group. Combined fuel consumption – 17.2 l/100 km (13.5 mpg). 0-100 km/h in 2.9 seconds and a top speed of 350 km/h (217 mph).

The DMC Aventador received a new front spoiler and a pair of modified side skirts. The body kit also includes a new rear diffuser and a nice wing replacing the original. The exterior also got a new stripe in the middle of the front, top and rear.

Still, there is no information about performance packages, but who need them, when the Aventador is already one of the fastest street legal vehicles in the world.

Source: DMC Design

February 28, 2012

Bertone Nuccio Concept

Bertone has released several pictures of their latest concept vehicle, which will be exhibited at the the Geneva Motor Show, next month. The project name is Nuccio and it reminds a lot to sports vehicles from the 1980’s like Lotuses, Lamborghini, etc.

The Nuccio vehicle is created to celebrate company’s founder and also to show the brand’s identity for the future, showing their new design language.

Nuccio Concept will be a mid-engine, RWD sports car with sharp design. More images and information about this interesting vehicle will be released in Geneva.

Source: Bertone

February 28, 2012

All-New Ford Fiesta PowerShift Automatic in India

Ford are going to delight the Indian market with a Fiesta that has a state of the art PowerShift automatic gearbox – a dual clutch system that helps with frugality and bets on efficiency and reliability. Ford are in fact so proud of it that they have placed a ‘seal-for-life‘ on it, rendering maintenance unnecessary… or impossible. Anyway. Ford argue that one does not need to change the fluids inside for 10 years or 240 000 km. A 2 year/100 000 km warranty is also provided.

The box can be found in two Fiesta trims – Style and Titanium+. The former will be generously equipped with enough technology such as auto AC, a leather steering wheel and some fog lights. The Titanium+ gets all of that plus leather seats, alloy wheels, park assist and electronically folding wing mirrors.

Power will come from an India special 1.5 L Ti-VCT engine unit that is fully compliant with the country’s emission standards. Working together with the lightweight (no torque-converters and oil sumps inside) PowerShift box, that engine will return around 38 mpg – A class leading fuel economy (the Fiesta in India is a sedan).

Other pearls of the Fiesta include the driver aids and safety features. It’s got Cruise Control, Hill-Assist and Grade-Assist (auto descent from a hill on a constant, comfortable speed), ABS, dual airbags and a thing called Creep Function. That sounds a bit disturbing but actually what it is, is a system that allows the car to move slowly without much effort from the driver when in traffic jam.

The car is sound, soundproof, rigid, compact yet spacious, technologically advanced and now, with the addition of the PowerShift automatic, it is also very easy to live with. Ideal for everyday life in India? Why not?

Source: Ford

February 28, 2012

Volvo V40 Premiere at 2012 Geneva Motor Show

Good news from Vovlo – the Swedish company that brings us everyday road safety and stability. At the 2012 Geneva Motor Show a new model will be revealed. Called the V40, it will be targeting a niche that goes under the category of “Premium hatchback”. What that basically means is that the V40 is expected to pock some big boy heat underneath a practical and sensible body.

When it comes to engine choice, one can go subtle and sensible. I am talking about Volvo’s first sub-100g/km CO2 diesel engine. Alternatively a turbocharged T5 unit will offer top of the range performance in terms of speed – 254hp good for a sprint from 0 to 60mph in a time of 6.7 seconds. Or anything in between will do just as fine No matter what engine and transmission, the cars will always carry a stop/start module and a brake energy recharging system.

Being Swedish, the V40 can’t roll out of the factory without ticking some safety technology features. The car is constantly aware of pedestrians and will automatically stop if it has to. The second line of pedestrian safety is the pedestrian airbag. A Lane Keeping Aid will keep you from veering in other people’s way while a City Safety low-speed collision detector will prevent bumps and crashes actually that occur within the 31mph range.

“The all-new V40 is the most intelligent and safe Volvo model so far. All its features are designed around the driver, helping him or her stay alert and well informed to avoid collisions and dangerous situations,” says Håkan Abrahamsson, Vehicle Line Director C Cars & V40 Vehicle Programme Manager. He adds: “With this class-leading safety package, including enhanced focus on pedestrian protection, the all-new V40 aims for a full star rating in the new, sharpened 2012 Euro NCAP safety tests.”

The company hopes to sell 90,000 V40 vehicles per year with as much as 85% of them going to the European markets. The debut is set for the Geneva Motor Show next week while sales are expected to start in May.

Source: Volvo

February 28, 2012

2012 Toyota Prius Plug-In Hybrid with the lowest CO2 emissions on the market

Toyota has just announced the exclusive news about the official EU CO2 emissions and economy figures for the new 2012 Toyota Prius Plug-In Hybrid and they are exceptional. The vehicle emits 49g/km of CO2 on the combined cycle and travel 134.5 miles on one gallon of petrol. These numbers makes it the most efficient Toyota on the market. The engineers in addition have improved the car’s EV driving range to 15.5 miles. This is an improvement of 24% versus the customer trial vehicle. Another thing which makes it unique is that it takes only 90 minutes to recharge the car, using a conventional plug. When the EV battery is depleted, the 2012 Toyota Prius Plug-In Hybrid automatically switches into HV mode. In this mode, the vehicle delivers CO2 emissions of 85 g/km and economy of 76.4mpg. This is an improvement on the emissions and fuel economy of the standard Prius. This leading performance helps to deliver a total driving range of 769 miles. The car continues to offer the same interior space as the standard Prius, with seating for five and 443 litres of bootspace. 2012 Toyota Prius Plug-In Hybrid will be launched in the summer of 2012.

Source: Toyota

February 28, 2012

Citroen and the 2012 Geneva Motor Show

At the 2012 Geneva Motor Show Citroen will showcase a wide range of their new and stylish models. Some of the vehicle will make their world wide debut, while other will be already known by the public. The visitor will see the complete DS line, along with a new DS4 Racing concept and new special editions – DS4 and DS5 Paris Rendez-Vous and DS3 Racing S. Loeb. More over, this year Citroen brand is putting highlight on the improvement of the ecological performance of its vehicles through the reduced average CO₂ emissions of its range. In particular, it is reduced with 5g/km in a year due to the use of e-HDi micro-hybrid, full electric and full hybrid diesel technology.

First of all Citroen will display all three models in the DS line, starting with the New DS5. The new DS offers bold and creative design, premium quality and innovative technologies. As with DS3 Racing, Citroen engineers have taken their multi WRC winning expertise and put their unique stamp on Citroen DS4. This resulted in the creation of the new concept, which will make its debut in Geneva. Citroen DS4 Racing Concept features new carbon fibre components including an air diffuser, front splitter and wheel arch extensions. It is powered by 1.6-litre turbo petrol engine, which develops up to 256 bhp (188 kW). This exclusive performance is accompanied by CO₂ emissions of just 155g/km! In addition, the engineers of the car have transformed the chassis and running gear with the utmost precision. Now, the chassis is lowered by 35mm and the track widened by 55mm at the front and 75mm at the rear. The braking system boasts fixed four-piston callipers at the front together with special 380mm diameter discs. The concept is also fitted with larger diameter 19-inch wheels and 235/40 tyres. Another grabbing-attention feature in the new concept is the textured-effect matt grey paint, which catches the light to further enhance the lines of the car. Additional exterior refinements include a two-tone roof and two-tone wheels with a special DS4 Racing design.

Citroen DS3 Ultra Prestige is the next model from the DS line, which will be showcased in Geneva. It represents a confident foray into the world of luxury, combining sophisticated style, premium specification and distinctive personality. It is powered by a punchy THP 155 petrol engine or a fuel and CO₂ efficient e-HDi 110 diesel with Stop & Start.

CitroEn is introducing two limited edition versions of DS4 and DS5, which are under the title Paris Rendez-Vous limited edition. The models include pearlescent white paint, chrome-finished door mirrors, chrome trim and black diamond-effect 19-inch alloy wheels. Moreover, the club leather interior is finished with the DS line’s signature ‘watchstrap’ design in a warm brown colour with striking blue overstitching. The leather upholstery is of high-quality and the club leather finish on the dashboard of the Citroen DS4 Paris Rendez-Vous is in the same brown colour to match the seat upholstery.

Another Geneva debut, Citroen DS3 Racing S. Loeb, is very special edition of series and limited in number as well. There are only 200 examples of it. This edition is based on the DS3 Racing and is fitted with Citroen’s MyWay navigation system, and features a distinctive use of colours and materials. The body is painted in matt black colour with textured effect. This special finish is not only robust, but also highlights the lines of the car. The roof, door mirrors, grille, dashboard fascia and gearstick base all feature a contrasting shade of red. The new model also features special decals and, as an exclusive limited series, sports a numbered identification plate on the roof lining.

Citroen DS5 Hybrid4 is the first Citroen with a full hybrid drivetrain. It combines an HDi diesel engine with electric power delivering a performance of up to 200 bhp (147 kW). It is a four wheel drive with zero emissions for urban use and an acceleration boost function in the ‘Sport’ setting – with low CO₂ emissions from just 99 g/km.

A premiere is making the new Citroen C4 Aircross which is is a fresh take on the compact SUV and brings together contemporary styling and technological innovation. Citroen C4 Aircross offers the following features: strong and elegant styling, which clearly draws on Citroën’s design DNA; flexible transmission system with three manually selected settings; 2WD, 4WD & LOCK; just 119g/km of CO₂ with the HDi 115 version in two-wheel drive form; compact exterior dimensions (4.34m long), combined with a spacious interior & a 442-litre boot; all the driving pleasure and serene comfort of a traditional Citroën hatchback; raised driving position with a panoramic glass roof; wide range of equipment, including NaviDrive satnav with touch screen & reversing camera, hands-free access & ignition, a Rockford Hi-Fi system & an integrated server for storing music. On display will be the exclusive Citroen C4 Aircross with all-new Vapor Gray frosted-texture paint. The roof bars, door mirrors and door handles are all chrome-finished to match the new colour, while the two-tone diamond-effect wheel rims sport the same Vapor Gray tone as the interior.

A legend is going to be on display too: the compact, economical and ecological Citroen C1 city car, which now has been refreshed for the year of 2012. The new version of Citroen C1 offers CO₂ emissions from just 99g/km, LED daytime running lights, a CD audio system with Citroën’s integrated Connecting Box (Bluetooth® system with USB socket) and an Electronic Gearbox System with steering-mounted paddles.

Citroen is also showcasing the production version of Citroen C3 Red Block, which debuted in concept form at 2011 Geneva Motor Show. The model includes improved dynamics and more muscular look. The C3 Red Block comes with more dynamic suspension settings – roughly 50% more stiffness and nearly 25% less roll – with the steering adapted to the new suspension settings for a more defined road feel. The body height has been lowered 25mm and ESP has been fitted as standard for more verve and control. Citroen C3 Red Block is available with three engines: VTi 120 petrol, e-HDi 90 diesel and e-HDi 100 diesel, mated to manual gearboxes. The body of the vehicle is painted with a Shark Blue body paint which is combined with a bumper strip in the same colour. There are also other body colours available: Banquise White, Aluminium Grey, Manitoba Grey and Obsidian Black – they all come with a gloss black bumper strip. The door mirrors and door handles are finished in Obsidian black. The 17-inch diamond-effect wheels are fitted with 205/40 tyres. The interior of the Citroen C3 Red Block features a gloss black dashboard fascia, while the pedals and front door surrounds are aluminium. The diameter of the steering wheel has been reduced by 20mm to further enhance driving pleasure with a tighter feel. The special red leather seat upholstery is optional.

At last, at the Geneva Motor Show will be presented the refreshed Citroen Berlingo Multispace. It includes new styling whith wider, more defined grille, a new chevron badge and a new headlight arrangement. The indicators, for example, are now to the side of the main light units and are underlined by blue segments for an even stronger personality. The lower part of the grille can be fitted with static cornering lights integrated with the fog lights and LEDs provide an eye-catching daytime lighting signature. A customised Onyx Black trim can be seen on the top of the front bumper, side mirrors, side rubbing strips and rear number plate moulding. The interior includes colours and materials that have been revised on all levels of trim. New Berlingo Multispace is also available with two new body colours: Nocciola and Belle Ile Blue. This is one of the most robust, practical and spacious models in its segment. It specified with up to seven independent seats. Moreover, model’s generous interior dimensions can be fitted with the Modutop®: a glazed roof with multiple stowage compartments, a dual access boot, individually controlled ventilation and additional lighting for passengers in the rear. The new Berlingo Multispace is available different types of engines, including the e-HDi micro-hybrid powertrain with Stop & Start and a six-speed automated manual gearbox. The e-HDi 90 Airdream EGS6 version delivers CO₂ emissions of just 125g/km.

Source: Citroen

February 28, 2012

LUMMA Design Porsche CLR 9 S to debut at 2012 Geneva Motor Show

The tuning company LUMMA Design is going to preview what they have done on the Porsche Carrera 911 S for the first time. The project carries the name CLR 9 S and has aerodynamic package, beautifully designs light alloy rims and an attractive interior. Of course, the tuners have put a lot of attention on the details and this was made with the help of their CLR aerodynamic components. In particular, the front spoiler lip with integrated cup-spoiler sword is now combined with the CLR-design front grill frame. This undoubtedly this gives the LUMMA Design CLR 9 S very unique appearance. In addition, there have been included stylish headlights which add even further to the design. The overhanging fenders at the rear of the CLR 9 S are additionally emphasized by a three-part spoiler lip, which also provides increased down force at the rear axle. This results in improvement of the handling at high speeds.

With the installation of LUMMA Design four-pipe sports muffler made from a high-quality V4A-alloy and the matching tailpipes with a 90-millimeter diameter, the vehicle is now even sportier. The tailpipes, with their unique “pipe-in-pipe” design are also available individually, just like the CLR 9 S aerodynamic components, which are produced in OEM quality. Additionally, the LUMMA Design rear sports muffler is also available with valve control, which produces the gritty flat engine sound in an even more dynamic fashion. Of course, all this comes with an attractive exterior racing stripe kit. Furthermore, the Porsche sits on the unique LUMMA Edition “GS/R” Edition Sports Rims which are forged light-metal alloy rims. With a weight of just 9.4 kilograms in the 9 x 20” version and 11.4 kilograms in the 12 x 20” variant, the “GS/R” forged rims are truly lightweight. They are also available in tow colors – silver and black. The wheels of the LUMMA Design CLR 9 S measure 9 x 20 inches at the front and 12 x 20 inches at the drive shaft. High-performance tires measuring 245/30-20 and 305/30-20 are installed at the front and rear respectively.

LUMMA Design has used of course only high-quality materials combined with the finest craftsmanship in the transformation of the interior. In details it is full leather interior: a mix of red leather and black alcantara. The two-color finish in leather and alcantara can be seen on the dashboard, sports steering wheel, roof, door panels, central console and the many other interior features. Everything is wrapped in leather and alcantara, except for the aluminum pedals and the white instrument panel. In addition, the range of sophisticated accessories from LUMMA Design is also exquisite: the door sill panels are made of aluminum, there is also include leather-trimmed velour mats and interior panels in embossed carbon leather. The aluminum pedals are fitted with rubber studs, rendering them highly slip-resistant. The steering wheel on the other hand is all covered with alcantara.

With the worldwide debut of the LUMMA Porsche CLR 9 S at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show, LUMMA Design will present a completely modified Porsche Carrera 911 while remaining true to the original Porsche design.

Source: LUMMA Design

February 28, 2012

Nissan Hi-Cross Concept Teaser [VIDEO]

Nissan is the one of the biggest leaders in the production of crossovers all over the world. What we are going to see from the brand at this year’s Geneva Motor Show is something spectacular.

There, we are promised to preview how Nissan explores new ideas and manifest them in reality. In addition, the brand is looking for an expansion in terms of award-winning range segment, and this is exactly where the attention will be put on the show in Geneva. A sneak peak of what is going to come and what we are going to see on 6^th of March is the exclusively released video teaser of the new Nissan Hi-Cross Concept vehicle. The video is so creatively made that after watching it you’ll be “hungry” to know more about the upcoming concept car. Of course, any other details than these are scarcity at the moment so we have to wait till the show next week.

So, let’s have a preview of the new Nissan Hi-Cross Concept:

httpv://youtu.be/yA1IOFx5S8A

Video Source: YouTube

Source: Nissan

February 28, 2012

Prior Mercedes-Benz CL kit – “Black Edition”

Last time we checked, Prior were having some fun with the Mercedes-Benz Roadster SL by sticking their bespoke “Black Edition” body kit on it. Now it is the CL‘s turn to go under the careful knife of Prior Design. The body kit is suitable for all models of the C216 series.

Now, the luxury class coupe is bulky and majestic thanks to a wide body kit that consists of new front mud wings, side skirts, a roof scoop that looks like a mohawk hairpiece and front and rear bumpers. The matte black finish of the car can do nothing but help the aggressive appearance that has taken over baby coupe. At the front we have 10×20” alloy wheels, while at the back an even wider pair (13×20”). They complement the overall look of the kit and also suffocate their sheer vastness.

The Prior Design products are manufactured from Duraflex. Through its excellent surface structure and high level of stability, this high grade material enables easy and cost-effective lacquering. Everything is easy to install yet Prior are willing to help you with the process as well as take orders for a few special items and carbon fiber goodies

Source: Prior design

February 28, 2012

TechART and the New Porsche 911

Last week it was Vorsteiner who announced a Geneva Porsche Carrera and now we’ve got news from TechArt. They also have a program for the 911 but this one seems to be having a bad case of jaundice. Being that yellow, the car is certain to be noticed at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show. It would be like staring into the sun. Just don’t squint your eyes too much or you won’t be able to see what’s new.

The TechArt 911 has a unique front bumper with an integrated splitter and two fins on the lower air intakes that probably don’t do much but they look cool. At the back, there seems to be too much downforce oriented features – a fixed rear spoiler, a rear wing, a diffuser? Other additions include the sideskirts, some new trim panels for the headlights and new mirror encasings.

Provided also are the TechArt Formula 5-spoke light alloy wheels in 20– and 21-inch sizes specially designed for the Carrera and Carrera S. Alternatively one can opt for the TechArt Formula III type of wheels which come in the same sizes. Either way, the 911 will be lighter and more dynamic when compared to a sibling with standard shoes. The five spokes on that particular Carrera are quite apart from each other and as a result we can see the callipers which are in what color?

All yellowishness aside, your hearing may also be provoked by the TechArt exhaust system that has remote valve control and dual oval pipes through which the car can sing its song.

The Carrera we have in our gallery will be at the show, but thankfully you can have the finish, inside and outside, custom made. Regardless of that, you get a lot of leather and Alcantra, carbon fiber, TechArt floor mats, TechArt steering wheel and paddle shifters. Let’s just hope, that there is some protective eyeware on the TechArt stand because my eyes are now hurting and I am not even close to the thing.

Source: TechArt

February 28, 2012

Category: Auto News