Auto News – Page 892 – Automobiles Review

2012 Lexus GS 250 SE – Price £32 995

The new 2012 GS range is already available on the UK market. It starts at £32 995 for the entry-level GS 250 SE and goes up to whopping £44 995 for the Luxury model – full hybrid GS 450h.

The engine range includes a 2.5-litre V6 Dual VVT-i petrol with 206PS (154 kW) and a 3.5 litre V6 hybrid with overall power 340PS (253 kW).

The standard equipment includes 17” alloy wheels, automatic bi-xenon headlamps and windscreen wipers, LED daytime running lights and a rear-view camera with parking guide monitor. Cabin comfort is assured with leather upholstery, dual-zone climate control and electrically adjustable front seats (10-way, with memory setting for the driver’s seat) with heating and ventilation functions. The steering wheel is electrically adjustable, too, and incorporates paddle shifts. On-board entertainment is provided by a 12-speaker audio system with CD player, DAB tuner, Bluetooth and USB/Aux ports for connecting personal music players.

Both the GS 250 and full hybrid GS 450h are offered in Luxury and F Sport grade. The former builds on the SE specification with the introduction of 18-inch alloys, front and rear parking sensors, an auto-dimming rear-view mirror and an HDD satellite navigation system with Remote Touch controller. Luxury grade also provides a new blind spot detection system integrated into the folding/auto-dimming door mirrors.

F Sport versions of GS make a bolder style statement thanks to 19” rims, a boot-lip spoiler and sports-styled bumpers and front grille. In addition to the Luxury specification, the F Sport has bi-xenon headlights with an automatic high beam function, as well Lexus’s Adaptive Front-lighting System, which adjusts the beam direction as the car approaches bends and turns at junctions.

The F Sport look carries through to the cabin with sports pedals and perforated leather-trimmed sports steering wheel and gear knob. The front sports seats gain further adjustment functions – 16-way for the driver, plus four-way lumbar support.

The F Sport benefits from Adaptive Variable Suspension and selectable drive modes plus, on the 450h model, the Lexus Dynamic Handling System, which brings together a comprehensive array of steering and handling features, including Dynamic Rear Steering, electric power steering, Variable Gear Ratio Steering and Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management.

At the top of the range, the GS 450h Premier is fitted with 18-spoke 18-inch alloy wheels and the same bi-xenon headlamp system as the F Sport models. The F Sport’s adaptive suspension and selectable drive modes are also part of the Premier’s specification.

In the cabin the seats are upholstered in semi-aniline leather, with both front seats benefiting from 18-way electric adjustment and memory settings. The passenger seat offers extra leg support and a rear easy access function.

The sophisticated climate control system is divided three-ways between the front left and right and rear sections of the cabin, and is equipped with an ioniser to help maintain an ideal environment.

The HDD navigation and premium Mark Levinson sound system are linked to a 12.3-inch central display screen, the largest on the market. Other details include automatic boot closing, sunshades for the rear windows (electrically operated for the back window) and a tyre pressure warning system.

Options list include a premium surround system with 12.3” navigation and multimedia screen, a sun roof, LED headlamps and a preventive safety package featuring Adaptive Cruise Control and Pre-Crash Safety. Metallic or mica paint is an option across the board, while full-map navigation is available for the GS 250 SE.

Nine exterior colours are available for SE, Luxury and Premier versions of the new GS: Arctic Pearl, Sonic Silver, Velvet Black, Mercury Grey, Meteor Blue, Crimson Red, Atlantic Blue, Celestial Black and, for GS 450h only, Obsidian Black. The F Sport models have a different range of colours: Arctic Pearl, Sonic Silver, Velvet Black, Mercury Grey and Crimson Red.

In the cabin SE and Luxury models have gloss black dash inserts, with aluminium used for the F Sport; Walnut, Ebony or Bamboo wood trims are used in the GS450h Premier, according to the choice of leather upholstery shade.

There are six leather colours, with a Garnet red exclusive to the F Sport.

Source: Lexus

February 15, 2012

ASMA Design Lamborghini Aventador

ASMA Design has announced their latest project based on the hypercar – Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4.

The superfast car is powered by a 6.5 liter V12 with 700PS (515 kW) and 690Nm (509 lb-ft). It is mated to a 7-speed ISR gearbox specially supplied by Graziano Trasmissioni Group. It shifts in just 50 milliseconds, which guarantees perfect performance.

The kerb weight is just 1575 kg (3 472 lbs), thanks to a carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) monocoque structure with total weight of only 147.5 kg.

The tuning company has released a single picture (rendering) of the tuned Aventador, which will come with complete styling package, new paint and enormous wheels.

Stay tuned for more information about this interesting project.

Source: ASMA Design

February 15, 2012

1968 Chevrolet C-10 V8 10.0 liter vs Ferrari 599 GTB and Porsche 911 Turbo Rinspeed

Dragtimesinfo has released a new video with two interesting drag battles.

The first one is between a mighty 1968 Chevrolet C-10 powered by huge V8 with 10.0 liters of displacement and 850PS (625 kW) and Porsche 911 Turbo Mk.2 tuned by Rinspeed with 530PS (390 kW). The run covers 1 mile and both cars hit speeds of around 250 km/h (155 mph). Which is best? Check out in the video below.

The C-10 takes part in the second run, too, but this time against a powerful Ferrari 599 GTB powered by a naturally aspirated 6.0 liter V12 with Aluminium Head and Block. The power is 611BHP (456 kW) at 7600RPM and 607Nm (448 lb-ft) at 5600RPM. 0 to 100 km/h in 3.7 seconds, to 200 km/h in 11.0 seconds and a top speed of 330 km/h (205 mph).

Enjoy the video!

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dv9rQjEUYxo

Porsche 911 Turbo Rinspeed vs Chevrolet C-10 V8 10.0 liter

Source: Dragtimesinfo via Youtube

February 15, 2012

The new modern incarnation of Chevrolet Camaro

There no other muscle car like Detroit muscle one. A modern and brand new incarnation of one of the greatest muscle cars of all time Chevrolet Camaro is going to reach the dealerships in the U.S. and UK. The prices for the Coupe start at £34 995 and for the soft-top Convertible model start at £39 995. In the new Camaro are featured all of the attributes that made the original muscle cars famous. That automatically means – great performance, stunning looks and incredible value for money. An additional model, next to the coupe and the cabriolet, there is also offered a limited one – namely the the 2012 45^th anniversary Camaro. The vehicle is finished in striking Carbon Flash Black with bespoke red and silver anniversary stripes, dark silver 20-inch alloys, a unique 45^th anniversary leather interior with red, white and blue stitching and a one-off white-backed instrument panel. It’s priced at £36 495 for the Coupe or £41 495 for the Convertible. And it will go on sale only for limited time.

All offered models have six-speed manual gearbox. However, they are also available with six-speed automatic transmission. The power of the car comes from its 6.2-litre V8 engine, which delivers the 432PS (317 kW). The new Camaro accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in only 5.2 seconds. All Camaros have an electronically limited top speed of 155mph.

Source: Chevrolet

February 15, 2012

2013 Ford Fusion Hybrid is the Most Fuel-Efficient Sedan in the U.S.

The new 2013 Ford Fusion Hybrid is expected to be America’s most fuel-efficient non-rechargeable sedan. This success can be traced back to Ford’s electrified vehicle team and the nearly 500 patents Ford now holds for its hybrid technology. Innovations can be found throughout Ford’s transformed lineup, one-third of which will feature a model with 40 mpg or further by giving fuel-efficiency-minded customers the power of choice. Key components such as Ford’s innovative powersplit architecture system are included on vehicles like the new Ford Fusion Hybrid and Fusion Energi plug-in hybrid.

In details the all-new 2013 Ford Fusion Hybrid is expected to deliver 47 mpg city and 44 mpg highway. At the same time, these expectations for the new 2013 Ford Fusion Energi, which arrives this fall in the U.S. dealerships, are more than 100 MPGe. In addition, one patent covers the display system for the Fusion Energi plug-in hybrid that shows how efficiently the power of the car is being used. Fusion Energi is projected to achieve a better miles per gallon. In other words the levels of innovation are set very high for the new upcoming models.

Source: Ford

February 15, 2012

2012 Lumma CLR 558 GT Porsche Cayenne

LUMMA DESIGN has recently released one of their latest tunings of the Porsche Cayenne Turbo under the name CLR 558 GT and now is aiming towards the diesel versions. It was improved to the performance power of the 600 hp (441 kW), and in it was mounted a broader CLR 558 GT aerodynamic kit. The exterior of the vehicle is painted in gloss black and is complemented with the CLR 22-inch wheels by LUMMA Design, also in black. LUMMA Design is also made modifications on the chassis, the sound and the interior.

The German tuners are offering now increased performance for this Cayenne Diesel. The tuning group improved the diesel engine with D-Power-Box, which is an additional electronic system and now draws out a whopping 280 hp (206 kW) instead of the standard 245 hp. Hence, the torque increases from 550 to the tremendous 630 Nm (464 lb-ft). As usual, LUMMA Design continues to offer an increased performance for the 4.8-liter V8 turbo gasoline engine by a moderate 100 hp (74 kW) or by considerably more horsepower to 600 hp (441 kW). In addition, LUMMA Design sports muffler guarantees a sportier rear appearance, thank to the highly-visible and centrally-positioned 80- and 100-mm-diameter tailpipes. For vehicles with a tow bar, the tuner will soon offer a 4-pipe exhaust system with left and right 4x100mm tailpipes. Moreover, for gasoline engines, there is provided a complete, stainless steel sport exhaust system.

To go further into details, the LUMMA Design Body Kit CLR 558 GT consists of a front spoiler with fog lights and LED daytime lights in extravagantly-formed air inlets plus racing grill, a rear valance with diffuser optics, powerful front and rear fender extensions, new side skirts and the lettering “CLR 558 GT”. All components are largely made of PUR-RIM in OEM quality. In addition, this body kit can be improved by other supplementing components, such as tailgate spoiler that can be easily adhered to the tailgate. Furthermore, the high-quality, new-styled LUMMA Design sport-look lightweight engine hood is available from carbon/Kevlar composite material as well as from the motor sport material. Next, the headlights of the CLR 558 GT are refined by a set of headlight covers. There is also a set of covers for the rear lights. In addition, the tuners have included four LED’s on the vehicle floor on the left and right sides. They light up when the doors are opened or unlocked and show the passengers the way into the vehicle.

For the complete wheel sets there is a choice of two 22-inch options. The first wheel set includes new 10- or 12×22-inch sports rim LUMMA “CLR 22” in matte black or silver; and the second wheel set, named “Racing 3”, has a single-piece rim featuring a multi-piece look and glossy polished stainless steel outer rim.

Furthermore, LUMMA Design achieves a slightly lower center of gravity and more agile handling. This is due to the installation of an electronic lowering module or lowering springs, depending on which option the Cayenne has.

The interior of the Cayenne is improved by two-tone leather and Alcantara upholstery. There is also featured a wide range of additional accessories. Designed ergonomically and produced with elegant. The bicolor black-red leather interior, combined with Alcantara with contrasting color stitching, captures the attention immediately. The classic red seat belt completes the perfect look. The cockpit includes colored instrument dials in red as well as stainless steel door scuff plates with an illuminated LUMMA logo. The pedals and the foot rest are also transformed with aluminum. There is also included a foot mat made of high quality velour with an embroidered emblem and real leather edging.

2012 Lumma CLR 558 GT Porsche Cayenne Interior

Source: Lumma Design

February 15, 2012

2012 Kia Cee’d to debut at Geneva Motor Show

2012 KIA Cee’d is going to make a major come back at this years Geneva Motor Show. The all new version of the vehicle now has even more elegance and is expecting to achieve great success. It offers a combination of dynamism, sophisticated styling. The all new 2012 Kia Cee’d five-door hatchback is longer, wider and lower than its predecessor. However, it retains the same long wheelbase. The elegant coupe-like proportions are emphasised by a steeply raked A-pillar, a very low belt-line in the front and lengthened side windows. The front part of the exterior represents the latest interpretation of Kia’s trademark – the ‘tiger-nose’ grille and aggressive, wraparound headlamp clusters housing signature LED daytime running lights.

Next, when looked from the side the vehicle impresses with its wide track and solid stance. At the same time the strongly sculpted door surfaces, the steeply raked A-pillar, sweeping roofline and integral rear spoiler emphasize the sporting aesthetics of the cars generous glasshouse. Moreover the entire exterior is improved by numerous small yet highly significant detail touché. They add to the prestige and premium feel of the new Kia Cee’d. In details, they include new sophisticated Kia badge, the indicator blade protrusion in the front headlamps, the Kia-signature windscreen head castellations, the chrome side glazing surround and the cee’d-unique, aerodynamic shaping of the tail lamp which extends into the bodywork.

The interior of course, has been completely remade. It now offers more premium look and feel, higher quality, improved switchgear, touch-screen technology and enhanced driving position ergonomics. In particular, the dashboard layout features a cockpit-like design with an aircraft-themed, driver-oriented frontal look. In addition, the main control panel wraps around the steering wheel, placing all switchgear within easy reach of the driver, and the main control groups such as audio and air-conditioning have been segregated to bring a more premium, luxurious, big car feel to the interior.

Soft touch high quality materials were used in the creation of the interior, and they add a new tactility to the driving environment. Instruments and switchgear are picked out in very thin chrome, the door handles are built up in a layered sandwich of high quality materials and the door opener itself has a sculpted, one-piece, shell-like quality.

Source: KIA

February 15, 2012

BMW X3 xDrive28i and BMW X5 M Sport Edition

BMW has announced the X3 xDrive28i, which is powered by the new twin-turbocharged 2.0 liter four-cylinder petrol engine with superb power and torque. The manufacturer will also launch the M Sport Edition of the BMW X5 aimed to satisfy the most demanding customers of the luxury SAVs.

Furthermore, the choice of optionally available driver assistance systems featured by BMW ConnectedDrive is being further extended for the BMW X3.

2012 BMW X3 xDrive28i boasts 245PS (180 kW) and incredible 350Nm (258 lb-ft) at just 1250RPM meaning that pressing gas pedal, your body will be pressed to the seat immediately. The technology package employed in this engine comprises a supercharging system operating according to the Twin Scroll principle, High Precision Injection with direct fuel injection, VALVETRONIC variable valve control and double VANOS variable camshaft control.

The performance suits more to a sports car from medium class, instead of a crossover – 6.7 seconds to 100 km/h, which is 0.2 faster than the predecessor model. The fuel consumption is also cut to 7.5 liters per 100 km in the EU test cycle and a CO2 emission level of 175 g/km.

The new power unit comes as standard paired with ZF 8-speed automatic gearbox. The intelligent four-wheel drive system BMW xDrive with electronically controlled and variable power distribution between the front and real wheels provides optimum transfer of torque to the road and off-road terrain.

Moreover, in future, all BMW X3 model variants will be equipped as standard with the Driving Experience Control feature. At the press of a button located on the centre console next to the gearshift lever or gear selector lever respectively, the driver is able to vary the vehicle setting. There is a choice between the “COMFORT”, “SPORT” and “SPORT+” modes as well as the ECO PRO mode. Driving Experience Control has an effect on the settings of the stability control function DSC, the characteristic maps of the accelerator pedal and Servotronic power steering and, depending on how the vehicle is equipped, also the gearshift characteristics of the automatic transmission and the control map of the Dynamic Damper Control system.

In the spring of 2012, the BMW X5 model range will be boosted by a M Performance Automobile, which in addition to a 383PS (281kW) diesel power plant with innovative three-stage turbocharging, also features an M-specific suspension setting and a particularly impressive and aerodynamically optimised design. Simultaneously with the market launch of the BMW X5 M50d, the new M Sport Edition will be offered for all further model variants. It contributes effectively towards a further enhancement of the supremely powerful and agile characteristics of the Sports Activity Vehicle, thereby also emphasising its visual qualities.

The M Sport Edition comprises M exterior features for optimising air guidance, 20-inch M light alloys including tyre mix, BMW Individual High Gloss Shadow Line, Xenon lights (standard on the BMW X5 xDrive50i and the BMW X5 xDrive40d) and Adaptive Cornering Headlights. The BMW X5 xDrive50i is also equipped with pneumatic rear wheel suspension including automatic levelling. For all other model variants, the M Sport Edition offers a sporty suspension setting.

The sporting ambience in the interior is emphasised by the M leather-clad steering wheel with shift paddles, BMW Individual anthracite roof lining, BMW Individual interiors trim strips in black piano lacquer, doorsills boasting the M logo, stainless steel pedals and the M footrest for the driver. The M Sport Edition also includes electrically adjustable sports seats. The new M Alcantara/Black Nappa leather combination is available exclusively in conjunction with the M Sport Edition.

Over and above that, the range of special equipment for the BMW X5 will in future also include the optional heated steering wheel in conjunction with the M leather-clad steering wheel. From the spring of 2012, the colour variant Orion Silver metallic will be available as a new exterior paint finish.

Source: BMW

February 14, 2012

SR Scion IQ Project

Interestingly enough, another custom company has undertaken a Toyota IQ project. Well, when we say Toyota we actually mean a Scion. And, yes, last week was an Aston Martin but this is all just badge talk. So today we have the SR autogroup made IQ – sporty, aggressive and with big wheels.

For a body kit, SR have chosen Fiveaxis components. They account for the front lip, side skirts, rear lip, and the roof spoiler. But a body kit does not look complete if it isn’t almost grinding on the ground. So that is why we also have a set of Tein lowering springs which, according to SR, do not in any way compromise performance and ride comfort.

An overall custom look is achieved only when we add four matte black 17-inch Sparco wheels held by titanium red lug bolts. We are not sure why they have to be titanium but they look great as a contrasting agent. Does it work for you?

Source: SR autogroup

February 14, 2012

Arden Range Rover Evoque

“Auto Motor und Sport” is one of the well known automotive magazines in Germany and recently its readers voted the Range Rover Evoque as the most popular import SUV in the country. That is good news for Arden, a tuning house based in Germany that has more than 40 years of experience with British carmakes. Naturally, now they have introduced some enhancements for the Evoque which will give that extra character a good SUV deserves.

In a frontal view, the Arden Evoque makes an impression with its new, handmade, stainless steel mesh grill that has the company’s typical patterns. A party piece further back is the addition of illuminated side stainless steel pipes. They have been specially designed for the Evoque and subsequently they fit perfectly. You can use a remote control to turn them on for that instant glamor and functionality as well – light can come in handy when getting in or out.

Sadly the Arden Evoque won’t be too fit for off-roading for the springs are also of a special kind – the 30mm lower kind – while that might be viewed as a slight disadvantage, it does give the SUV an attractive road stance.

It’s not all shell decorations with the Arden people. The Evoque’s 2.2 Diesel engine has underwent an ECU tweak with an end result of 30 hp more power and 50 Nm additional torque. That may not sound a lot but it will certainly be felt at low and medium engine speeds.

Source: Arden

February 14, 2012

Vorsteiner Rolls-Royce Ghost [Teaser]

Vorsteiner have undertaken an ambitious project and have released a bit of a teaser. It will be the Rolls Royce Ghost that’s going under the knife. But , in true spirit of the ultra-executive, the company intends to keep it simple and clean. In fact nothing is to be replaced but rather clipped on.

The end goal for Vorsteinier is to add a great deal of functionality and a little bit of character. That’s why the Ghost here gets some additional downforce by a front spoiler with a replaceable splitter chin. Supposedly further back there will be side skirts blade attachments with integrated wing elements. (although they don’t seem to be present in this picture, but it is, after all, a teaser). Then at the back end, one would find that there is going to be a carbon fiber rear decklid spoiler and a diffuser at the bottom (not a replacement part but an add-on). All of the body kit components are made trough an Autoclave pre-preg carbon fiber technology that guarantees durability and strength.

It all looks and sound very subtle indeed. The one thing sticking out in the Vorsteiner Ghost however, will be the massive 24-inch 3-Piece forged aluminum wheels that barely leave room for tires under the arches. Plans are to release the program this Summer.

Source: Vorsteiner

February 14, 2012

2012 Mazda CX-5 – Price £21 395

Mazda has announced the new 2013 CX-5 at the Frankfurt Motor Show, last year. The all new vehicle is now available on the UK market with a competitive price starting from £21 395 and rising to £28 795 OTR.

The engine range offers a 2.0 litre SKYACTIV 165PS petrol and 2.2 litre SKYACTIV 150PS or 175PS diesel variants. All are offered with either manual or automatic transmissions, 2WD or AWD, and four equipment levels – SE-L, SE-L Nav, Sport and Sport Nav.

Depending on model, the all-new Mazda CX-5 will return a fuel consumption figure of 61.4 to 47.0mpg (combined cycle) and achieve remarkably low CO₂ emissions for a compact SUV of 119 to 144g/km. With a rating of 119g/km the Mazda CX-5 150ps diesel 2WD model is significantly below the class average of 147g/km measured across 11 rivals.

The standard equipment (SE-L) includes 17” alloy wheels, front fog lights, dual‑zone climate control air-conditioning, Smart City Brake Support and privacy glass, plus front and rear parking sensors. Moving up the CX-5 range, Sport grade models will feature 19-inch alloy wheels, Bi-Xenon headlights with Active Front Lighting System, full leather trim, heated front seats, powered driver’s seat and a reversing camera.

While production for the UK market is likely to be limited this year, Mazda has established a pre-ordering facility that will enable customers to order a Mazda CX-5 via their local dealership, allowing them to become one of the first customers to own a vehicle featuring SKYACTIV technology.

Mazda CX-5 / Price List – February 2012

2WD SKYACTIV-G	‘On the road’ Retail	CO₂ (g/km)	RFL Band	Insurance Group	P11D Value	Annual BIK 20 / 40%
2.0 SE-L	£21,395	139	E	TBD	17%	£722 / £1,443
2.0 SE-L NAV	£21,795	139	E	TBD	17%	£735 / £1,471
2.0 Sport	£23,595	139	E	TBD	17%	£796 / £1,593
2.0 Sport NAV	£23,995	139	E	TBD	17%	£810 / £1,620
2WD SKYACTIV-D
2.2 SE-L (150)	£22,995	119	C	TBD	13%	£596 / £1,193
2.2 SE-L NAV (150)	£23,395	119	C	TBD	13%	£607 / £1,214
2.2 SE-L Auto (150)	£24,295	139	E	TBD	20%	£965 / £1,930
2.2 SE-L NAV Auto (150)	£24,695	139	E	TBD	20%	£981 / £1,962
2.2 Sport (150)	£25,195	119	C	TBD	13%	£654 / £1,307
2.2 Sport NAV (150)	£25,595	119	C	TBD	13%	£664 / £1,328
AWD SKACTIV-D
2.2 SE-L (150)	£24,695	136	E	TBD	20%	£981 / £1,962
2.2 SE-L NAV (150)	£25,095	136	E	TBD	20%	£997 / £1,994
2.2 SE-L Auto (150)	£25,895	144	F	TBD	21%	£1,080 / £2,160
2.2 SE-L NAV Auto (150)	£26,295	144	F	TBD	21%	£1,097 / £2,193
2.2 Sport (175)	£27,195	136	E	TBD	20%	£1,081 / £2,162
2.2 Sport NAV (175)	£27,595	136	E	TBD	20%	£1,097 / £2,194
2.2 Sport Auto (175)	£28,395	144	F	TBD	21%	£1,185 / £2,370
2.2 Sport NAV Auto (175)	£28,795	144	F	TBD	21%	£1,202 / £2,403

NB‘On the road’ prices include 20.0% VAT, number plates, delivery, 12 months road fund licence, first registration fee, 3 year or 60,000 mile warranty and 3 years European Roadside Assistance.

All models are available with free 7-day drive away insurance.

Source: Mazda

February 14, 2012

Category: Auto News