Auto News – Page 897 – Automobiles Review

Lexus wins three prestigious Intellichoice awards

Lexus has achieved a great success at this year’s prestigious Intellichoice awards, continuing the tradition and winning in three categories in the 2012 Best Overall Value of the Year (BOVY) section. Lexus CT 200h and Lexus RX 350 were recognized as value leaders in their respective segments. In addition the new CT 200h luxury hybrid hatch won the Premium Compact Passenger Car category. Moreover this same model won its class at 2011 Australia’s Best Car awards. On the other hand the Lexus RX 350 gained the leading ranking in the Premium Crossover/Wagon category for the second year in succession. The Best Overall Value of the Year awards appraise vehicles whose total cost of ownership is far much lower than expected relative to their peer models. Their aim is to help consumers in making better purchase decisions. And undeniably, by receiving these awards Lexus brand shows again their ability to deliver luxury vehicles at more than excellent value.

The award winners are selected after an in-depth, data-driven study that analyses nearly 1800 vehicles in 24 segments. Vehicles are being ranked based on the whole-of-life costs over the first five years of ownership and data obtained from automotive manufacturers, the US government and third-party resources. In addition, the accumulated expenses are taken into consideration, featuring repairs, insurance, depreciation, fees, fuel, financing, and insurance.

Source: Lexus

February 7, 2012

SR Ferrari 458 Italia Project Era

Ferrari 458 Italia in Rosso corsa red is probably the most emblematic car in Ferrari’s history. Today any color is delivered to the customer. Nonetheless the Rosso corsa red is the staple Ferrari color and it has captured and continues to capture many hearts.

Project Era is a fascinating tuning on a Ferrari 458 Italia made by SR Auto Team. It features a wheel design made by PUR ONE design company and which is significant for the 458 model. Here the wheels are further enhanced by a silver finish, which features a unique blue sheen. The sizes are also impressive: the Ferrari sits on twenty-one and twenty-two inch wheels.

Project Era’s by SR is an impressive modification, of which the auto team should be proud.

Source: SR Auto Team

February 7, 2012

2012 MINI Roadster: the first open-top two-seater model

2012 MINI Roadster will be launched this spring. It is the first open-top two-seater in MINI history and aims to bring more elegance, sportiness and compactness to the customers. Next to the stylish exterior design, the vehicle is also equipped powerful engine and precision suspension.

MINI has made a significant reproduction of its hallmark design language within the proportions of a roadster, bestowing on the open-top two-seater. Moreover the MINI Roadster’s soft-top can be easily opened by hand. In addition, the car has a 240-litre boot which offers versatility of loading options. The padded stainless steel roll-over bars and the windscreen frame are making the MINI look even more elegantly, while at the same functioning in safety terms.

What is more here, are the powerful engines in tandem with precisely tuned suspension systems. The front-wheel drive works in collaboration with the chassis technology thus ensuring excellent driving fun. In addition there is also included a standard-fitted Dynamic Stability Control system and optimal aerodynamics. And can you believe that even with the top down the MINI Roadster reaches 80 km/h (50 mph). This is due to the active rear spoiler.

The new MINI Roadster comes with an enhanced range of standard equipment, which features air conditioning, electrically adjustable exterior mirrors, Park Distance Control, height-adjustable seats and an MP3-capable audio system with CD player and AUX IN connection. The paintwork on the front of the exterior has a palette of two non-metallic and six metallic shades to choose from, as well as three Sport Stripes variants for the bonnet, boot lid and rear aprons. The soft-top is of course in black. On the other hand, on the inside, the MINI Roadster delivers again a big range of design options, with seat and upholstery variants ranging from sporty, to compact, to elegant. They include exclusive piped sports seats in the color shade Toffy, as well as black sports seats in Punch Leather with beige perforations, and any of six different trim strip options.

The model variants which are going to be available on the market are in four sporty versions, which feature: the ultra-sporty MINI John Cooper Works Roadster with a handsome 211 hp (157 kW), the elegant MINI Cooper S Roadster, the MINI Cooper Roadster, and MINI Cooper SD Roadster, which requires just 4.5 litres of fuel per 100 kilometres (62.77 mpg imp)!

Source: MINI

February 7, 2012

2012 Suzuki Alto Play Special Edition

Suzuki has announced the Alto Play Special Edition. It hits the market this week and with around 500 units being available.

The Special Edition Alto is based on the SZ3 trim level including air conditioning, pollen filter and side airbags as standard equipment. It adds a lot of value with a higher specification including front fog lamps and various exterior and interior upgrades. Among them, there are Oyster Blue metallic paint finish; unique blue seat fabric, silver accent on the front bumper and body coloured door handles and mirrors.

The price starts at just £7 595 including metallic paint. A flexible and very low deposit Personal Contract Purchase (PCP) is also available for customers wishing to purchase via Suzuki Financial Services.

Alto is one of the least polluting five-door City cars on the market with tailpipe emissions of 103g/km as well as offering 64.2mpg on the EC combined cycle. Cost of ownership is also very low with an annual VED charge of £20 and insurance group 4E classification. Alto is also one of the most manoeuvrable City cars in its class with a tight turning circle of just 9.0 metres.

Source: Suzuki

February 6, 2012

Mercedes SL Prior Design Aerodynamics

PriorDesign, the aerodynamic kit producing company for performance cars, is out with a new offer – the PD-BlackEdition Widebody kit for the Mercedes SL (R230)*. The Prior people are notable for going for the seamless and sublime but when it comes to an SL, words such as flamboyant and dramatic come to mind. And the kit is very striking indeed.

Prior’s products are made from quality Dura-Flex FRP (Fiber Reinforced Plastic). This material is characterized by an excellent surface finish that provides sufficient flexibility combined with high stability. The fitments are also user-friendly without any need to alter the standard body in order to bolt them in. The part’s surface is easy and inexpensive to paint on.

The PD-BlackEdition Widebody kit for Mercedes SL comprises of:

BlackEdition front bumper
BlackEdition front lip spoiler (for BlackEdition front bumper)
BlackEdition side skirts
BlackEdition rear bumper
BlackEdition rear diffusor
BlackEdition front fenders
BlackEdition rear widenings
BlackEdition front bonnet
BlackEdition mesh grille inserts
Mounting material
TÜV parts certificate included.

Optional:

BlackEdition rear trunk spoiler

Put all of that on the an SL and the results speak for themselves:

Prior PD BlackEdition Widebody Mercedes-SL (2012)

*Fits for all Mercedes SL R230 models. If your vehicle is a model before MOPF II (until 2008), it must be converted to 2008 MOPF II model

Source: Prior Design

February 6, 2012

Range Rover 10th Anniversary Editions

It has been ten years now since the third generation of Range Rovers was introduced by Land Rover, and to this day, these emblematic SUV’s still dominate the world of luxury, performance and style. To celebrate that fact, the company has released three new editions that further reinforce that superiority – welcome to the TDV8 Westminster, TDV8 Autobiography and Supercharged Autobiography.

Westminster Edition

The Westminster acts as a replacement for the Land Rovers Vogue and Vogue SE. It is a specification that goes further with even more comfort and convenience as standard. A Westminster can be recognized by a set of exterior features such as the front grille and side vents which are finished in bright “Noble” while the lower splitter bar and fog lamp bezels are in ‘Titan’ silver. 20-inch, 10-spoke alloy wheels bare the weight of the ‘Westminster’ badge riddled body of the vehicle. Inside, one would find that the tread plates are illuminated in order to complement the feast of luxury that is the interior of the Westminster – Grand Black lacquer trim elements and luxury carpets complete with bright-finished pedal finishers. Range Rover’s innovative Dual View infotainment screen redefines interactivity. Depending on the angle of looking at the screen, people can observe different things on the same monitor at the same time. The front seats can be either heated or cooled electronically which can probably be quite energy consuming. However, that worry fades against the fact that the entertainment system alone comprises of 19 speakers – 1200 Watts of power coming from the harman/kardon LOGIC7 surround sound system.

Power comes from a 4.4 TDV8 engine while an 8-speed automatic gearbox takes care of the smooth delivery. The end result is a 309 hp powerhouse that has the a torque figure of 700 N·m (516lb·ft).

Exterior finishes are in a choice of seven with five interior ones as a combination. Equipment is abundant with thing such as: electric sunroof, automatic headlights and windscreen wipers, Park Distance Control with rear-view camera, memory setting for the steering wheel, driver’s seat and rear-view mirror and a heated, leather trimmed steering wheel.

TDV8 Autobiography and Supercharged Autobiography

The Autobiography editions share features with the Westminster plus even more exclusivity: The Bumpers are new and integrated stainless steel ornaments the exhaust finishers and side skirts. The 20-inch alloy wheels are in Shadow Chrome. Inside, the rear seats have a recline and lumber adjust function, electric heated/cooling and aircraft-style headrests with wings for added support. Other than that, the Autobiography versions have the same grille and side vents finishes as the Westminster’s, the same illuminated treadplates and the same rocking LOGIC7 surround sound system. The 4.4 TDV8 Engine is also used in the Autobiography but in the Supercharged Autobiography a 5.0-litre LR-V8 petrol unit seems more appropriate (503hp).

To round things up, the Westminster offers more luxury and equipment than the former Vogue and Vogue SE for the price of £69,995 ($110 704). Topping the exclusivity scale however are the TDV8 Autobiography and the Supercharged Autobiography which cost £84,295 ($133 321) and £86,895 (137 433) respectively

Source: Land Rover

February 6, 2012

Yaris HSD – Small Outside Big Inside

With the introduction of the Yaris Hybrid, B-segment car fans will now be able to enjoy the low emission, refined Toyota Hybrid Synergy Drive® (HSD). It’s a small packed piece of engineering that offers no compromises in terms of driving experience.

The powertrain is a full hybrid composition consisting of a petrol engine and an electric motor with an end power output of 100 DIN hp. It is an engine that offers clients class leading CO2, NOx and particulate emissions, minimal fuel consumption and low cost of overall running costs.

Downsizing of various components gives the Yaris more efficiency agility and space. (Small Outside, Big Inside are the principles of the Yaris). The 1.5 liter Atkinson Cycle petrol engine in the Yaris, is 16.5 kg lighter and 10% more compact than the 1.8-litre unit found in the Auris Hybrid. The electric motor, the Power Control Unit (PCU) and the transaxle have also been put on a diet resulting in 20% more compactness for the electric motor, 12% less volume for the PCU in comparison with the Auris Hybrid. The transaxle is shorter by 6% and lighter by 11 kg.

Design also plays a role in the overall hybrid experience in the Yaris. The Nickel Metal Hydride battery and fuel tank have been placed under the rear seats so that there is no need to sacrifice passenger space or cargo area. The Yaris is all about looking like an everyday ordinary car and performing like the ultimate, extraordinary fuel saving machine.

Source: Toyota

February 6, 2012

Seven Seat Toyota Prius v for Australia

Australia will get a new seven-seater Toyota Prius v as an addition to the already established lineup that comprises of the Prius hatch and Prius c city car. Sales are expected to start in May this year with the idea to broaden the appeal of the hybrid family to the Australian public.

The seven-seat Prius v is 135mm longer, 30mm wider and 100mm higher than the Prius hatch. The wheelbase alone is 80mm lengthier in comparison, thus enabling the Prius to accommodate adults in all three rows.

“The Prius v is all about versatility – it is larger and roomier to meet the needs of growing families while retaining the Prius DNA of environmental performance and fuel economy,” said Australia’s sales and marketing executive director Matthew Callachor.

However, Toyota want to make it clear that this is not just a long-wheel base version of a former Prius. Design was made from scratch and all body panels are new. It will also be the first Toyota hybrid using Li-ion batteries in Australia. Spaced between the driver and passenger seat, under the center console, the battery pack is lighter and more efficient than the Nickel-metal Hydride one used in the past.

In order not to compromise luggage space, the third seat row can be folded for the sake of cargo space. If that doesn’t prove itself enough, the second row can also be contracted thus making the Prius v a versatile family hybrid.

Power will come from Toyota’s latest Hybrid Synergy Drive^® powertrain which incorporates a 73kW 1.8-litre Atkinson Cycle petrol engine in combination with a 60kW electric motor.

In Australia, Toyota and Lexus have sold more than 35,000 hybrids, 17,000 of which are Prius models.

Spource: Toyota

February 6, 2012

Honda NSX Concept

Honda NSX is the super sports car of the manufacturer and it has been produced for 15 years, from 1990 to 2005. It had a mid-engine, RWD layout. The engine was V-TEC all-aluminium V6 with superb power and torque.

Now however, Honda has announced the new NSX Concept vehicle, which will be on display at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show. It continues the line of the original conception – a V6 mid-mounted engine and rear-wheel drive. There will be also a number of technologies in the new NSX like the innovative Sport Hybrid SH-AWD® (Super Handling All Wheel Drive™) hybrid system.

The NSX Concept looks fantastic and hopefully, it will hit the world market in the next three years.

The Honda Press Conference will take place at 09.15 on Tuesday 6 March.

Source: Honda

February 6, 2012

2012 Seat Mii 5-door

Seat has revealed a five-door version of Mii super-compact city car. The additional rear doors turn Mii into a unique combination of exceptional driving fun, sporty design and outstanding functionality.
Mii Ecomotive
Thanks to a Start/Stop system, brake energy recovery and other measures to improve fuel economy,

The Mii Ecomotive 1.0 liter three-cylinder with 60PS achieves 4.1 liters / 100 km with 96 g/km, while the more powerful 75PS is “more” thirsty – 4.2 liters per 100 km with 98 g/km CO2. The top speed is 160 km/h and 171 km/h respectively.

“The new Mii has enjoyed a terrific start. Customer response in Spain is outstanding and we are now bringing the entire line-up to the other European markets – complete with the three-door, five-door and Ecomotive versions.”, commented James Muir, President of SEAT, S.A.

“With its distinctive SEAT identity, its youthful design and its high quality standards, the five-door i in particular is set to capture a significant share of the sub-compact segment. This makes the Mii an important factor in our corporate strategy. The Mii marks the start of the most extensive model offensive ever undertaken by SEAT.”, he added.

With a volume of 251 litres the Mii also boasts one of the largest luggage compartments in its class, expanding to an impressive 951 litres with folded rear seat.

The Mii is also a leader when it comes to innovative technologies. City Safety Assist delivers important added protection in town. Simply put, when a risk arises in city traffic the Mii brakes automatically to prevent a possible impact.

Full details and pricing will be announced soon.

Source: Seat

February 6, 2012

Nissan INVITATION Concept

The Invitation Concept is one of the latest projects of Nissan. The dynamic concept will be unveiled at this year’s Geneva International Motor Show. It shows some of the innovation and excitement promised for the new model, which is due to be launched in the UK from 2013.

The INVITATION has interesting and energetic design with nice fresh style. The clean fluidity of the silhouette hints at its dynamic potential and showcases class-leading aerodynamics for enhanced efficiency. The interior combines practicality and modernity with impressive levels of quality and purposeful technology features.

Nissan is aiming for an ultra-low CO₂ emission target of under 100g/km for the most frugal model and with all versions eligible to wear Nissan’s Pure Drive badge.

At the same time, responsive agile handling will ensure that when it comes to driving dynamics, INVITATION will compete with the top performers in the segment.

But INVITATION is more than just a great looking car that’s fun and frugal to drive. The concept packs some of the most advanced technology ever seen in the B-segment, all of which is designed to ensure the car is as safe as possible.

Among the features is Nissan’s advanced Around View Monitor (AVM) safety technology – seen for the first time on a B-segment car – which makes reversing and parallel parking as stress-free as possible. In addition, INVITATION also incorporates the Nissan Safety Shield Technologies, which interacts with the driving environment keeping the driver aware of what is happening around the car.

INVITATION’s combination of exterior, interior, advanced safety features and class-leading emissions, fuel economy and dynamic performance demonstrates Nissan’s commitment to offering innovation and excitement to all car buyers, no matter what type of car they are looking to buy.

Source: Nissan

February 6, 2012

2012 Overfinch Evoque Olympus [VIDEO]

The new 20″ Evoque Olympus alloy wheel will give more beauty to the latest edition of the Overfinch wheel range.

The 20″ Olympus alloy wheel is available in tree different variations including black, titanium and anthracite.

They have been especially designed and engineered for Overfinch Range Rover Evoque and certified to TUV standards. As you can see below, they give even more elegance to the classy and already enhanced Overfinch Range Rover. With stylish curves it will make every driving experience more exciting. The special tuned wheels and more specifications about it will be available after 1^st of March this year. After this date every Evoque customer will have the privilege to enhance the exterior of their vehicle.

httpv://youtu.be/ZJglnYJhujM

Video Source: YouTube

Source: Overfinch

February 6, 2012

Category: Auto News