Auto News – Page 901 – Automobiles Review

Production Acura ILX and Revised RDX on Chicago Auto Show

A ready-for-production Acura ILX will premiere at the 2012 Chicago Auto Show, along with a redesigned Acura RDX SUV.

The 2013 ILX luxury compact sedan is the latest offering from Acura which emits a sleek and sporty essence. The car will be available in three distinct powertrains, including Acura’s first ever hybrid. Inside it will all be about space and cleverness. High value luxuries will be in the form of a standard Keyless Access System with smart entry, an engine start button and Pandora® internet radio. The exterior on the other hand, speaks for itself.

The 2013 RDX however, will be for those who want to make maximum use from their vehicles . It’s a compact crossover SUV that balances luxury and utility to a fine medium. The powertrain is a V6 with 3.5 liters of displacement that has 33 more horsepower than the previous one. In no way however, that increase has influenced the fuel economy, Acura say. In fact it is set to be the most fuel efficient SUV in its own class. Priority for the RDX is also spaciousness – it will now have larger door openings, more legroom, more headroom, more than ever cargo space (with a power tailgate) and better overall flexibility.

Both vehicles will be on display in the Acura booth at McCormick Place, Chicago where the auto show is set to step in motion. Photos and more information are yet to come.

Source: Acura

February 1, 2012

2013 Lexus GS Super Bowl Commercial [video]

Lexus will lift the veil and air their first Super Bowl Commercial commercial, called “The Beast” prior to Super Bowl XLVI on 5^th of February. Stay tuned!

The advertisement is long 30 seconds and features the all-new 2013 Lexus GS, which breaks free from containment (as already seen in the teaser video, launched mid January). This is an illustration that the company is moving in a new design direction.

From the spot can be also concluded that more new Lexus vehicles will be revealed later this year. The all-new 2012 Lexus GS is the first model to wear the new look of Lexus among nine new or updated models.

An pre-look at the commercial can be seen below.

httpv://youtu.be/pC8xjHulKA8

Video Source: YouTube

Source: Lexus

February 1, 2012

SUZUKI G70 and Suzuki Swift Range Extender at the 82nd GENEVA MOTOR SHOW

The 82^nd Geneva Motor Show is going to take place in March, where Suzuki Motor Corporation will display the G70 Concept. The concept shows new vision for a compact car, which has to be with minimised weight and elaborated dynamics. To be more precise, the G70 weighs just 730kg and has a drag coefficient at least 10 per cent lower than that of a current Suzuki ‘A’ segment model. As a result of this weight reduction and in combination of the highly efficient petrol engine, the CO₂ emissions are as low as 70g/km.

In addition on display will be the Swift Range Extender, which is Suzuki’s latest development in hybrid vehicle technology. The vehicle was first exhibited at the Geneva Show in 2010. However, now it has gone through further development, as a result of which there is a 100 per cent improvement in battery driving range to 30km. Furthermore the Swift Range Extender utilises a generator and a highly efficient 660cc three cylinder petrol engine to power it. Another thing to be highlighted here is that the Range Extender has a more compact lithium-ion battery which is quicker to charge, weighs less, uses fewer resources and also costs less.

Source: Suzuki

February 1, 2012

2013 Toyota Land Cruiser at 2012 Chicago Auto Show

The 2013 Toyota Land Cruiser full-size sport utility vehicle (SUV) will make its first North American appearance on 8^th of February at the 2012 Chicago Auto Show. The legendary vehicle has just celebrated its 60^th birthday since its original launch in Japan. Since then it has remained constant in Toyota model lineup.

The new 2013 Land Cruiser receives an array of new and updated exterior and interior. The exterior has been refreshed and includes an updated front grille and headlamps with HID low-beams. In addition there are also LED Daytime Running Lights, chrome side molding, redesigned outer side mirrors and tail lamps. Next to the exterior, the interior has also been refreshed. It is now available in two color choices: Sandstone or Black. Additional refinements include perforated leather trim with ventilated front seats, a higher gloss wood grain finish, brighter silver instrument-panel ornamentation, chrome-plated air registers, and updated meter-cluster lighting. Moreover there are also brand new features included: Multi-terrain Monitor with front, side or rear selectable views; a new Multi-information Display; an Eco Driving Indicator light and zone display; a heated steering wheel; Dynamic Radar Cruise Control; an additional 12V-DC power outlet at the rear of the center console; and a rear-cargo-deck power outlet that has been changed to AC 120V from AC 115V.

The good news is that the Land Cruiser will now come with all features as standard equipment! They will also include new driving-performance components, and an array of significant safety and convenience features. Standard performance and safety features for example comprise of five-speed CRAWL control with Off-Road Turn Assist, Multi-Terrain Select, Multi-Terrain Anti-lock Brakes with Electronic Brake Distribution, Trailer Sway Control, Pre-Collision System, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, and a retuned suspension. Furthermore, as a standard now come the rear-seat DVD entertainment system, color-keyed rear spoiler, rain-sensing windshield wipers, center-console cooler box, headlamp cleaners, leather-trimmed steering wheel, multi-information display, voice and Bluetooth® hands-free controls, leather-trimmed shift lever and heated second row seats. And to all these features, Toyota has also included as a standard Toyota’s Premium Hard Disk Drive (HDD) Navigation with Entune multi-media system and JBL® audio.

More importantly, the Land Cruiser has a 5.7-liter V8 DOHC engine, which produces 381 horsepower (280kW) at 5,600 rpm and 401 lb.-ft. (543 Nm) of torque at 3,600 rpm. The Land Cruiser uses regular-grade (87 AKI) gasoline and is ULEV-II certified.

The 2013 Land Cruiser will be arriving at Toyota dealerships this month.

Source: Toyota

February 1, 2012

2012 Nissan Juke Shiro

There is a new version of the Nissan Juke already available which is Shiro.

It replaces the successful Japanese limited edition Kuro (which is painted in black), and more importantly moves to the opposite side of the color spectrum – white. In particular, the Juke hosts set of white details to mark it out from lesser models in the range. Furthermore, inside there’s a selection of tasteful white detailing. And the centre console, is shaped in motorcycle fuel tank, is also painted white, as are the door panels and window switch surrounds. Of course, the steering wheel is wrapped in leather with white stitching. Next, the seats themselves have a double layer fabric with a white background color visible through the perforated leather facing.

The Shiro sits on stylish dark grey 17-inch alloy wheels. It is also designed in satin silver finish to the door handles and mirror caps plus a gloss black finish to the B-pillar. Although available in any of the colours offered on Juke models, Shiro does have one additional unique hue in its palette: Nightshade, a sophisticated deep aubergine colour.

The vehicle is available with all three engine choices – a 110PS (80kW) 1.5-litre dCi; 117PS (86 kW) normally aspirated 1.6-litre petrol; and the range-topping turbocharged direct injection petrol 1.6-litre DIG-T with 190PS (140 kW). Moreover there are available 4×4 version and CVT automatics version.

Source: Nissan

February 1, 2012

2012 Smart ForTwo Price – € 10 275

Smart ForTwo has received a brand new facelift thus giving it striking new look, featuring an upgraded exterior and a fresh leather/fabric mix in the interior. It now has even more dynamic appearance, featuring a larger radiator grille with integrated logo, striking front aprons in a new design, horizontally arranged LED daytime driving lights, muscular side skirts and modified rear aprons. The chrome-coloured logo is now positioned straight on the black radiator grille. Moreover, the air inlets under the number plate have been combined into a single unit. The new, optionally available LED daytime driving lights are now arranged in horizontal fashion. There is also a choice of three new alloy wheels: the smart fortwo passion comes with a new 9-spoke alloy wheel; two additional alloy wheels fitted with wide tyres and featuring a 3-spoke and 3-twin-spoke design respectively round off the range. In addition, the choice of colours includes seven different options. , including matt anthracite for the first time.

Although the general focus here is on the exterior, there are changes inside the car as well: new, high-quality interior package in crystal grey, including a fresh leather/fabric combination for the seats, an imitation leather/fabric mix for the door trims and black imitation leather for the instrument panel in combination with a grey knee pad.Thee front grille and the rear trim strip are in silver, while the front spoiler, side skirts and rear apron are painted in the car’s exterior colour.

2012 smart fortwo will continue to be available as a coupé and cabrio version and with six engine and motor variants. The spectrum ranges from the environment-friendly electric power train in the fortwo electric drive and the efficient micro hybrid petrol engine through the powerful turbo petrol engine to the fuel-efficient cdi turbodiesel. Prices begin at € 10 275 for the smart fortwo 45 kW mhd pure.

Here is an overview of the engine range:

Model type	cc	Output kW/hp	Maximum torque	l/100 km	CO₂ g/km	0-100 km/h (s)	Top speed km/h	Purchase price in € (incl. 19% VAT)
smart fortwo 40 kW cdi	799	40/54	130 Nm	3.3 (3.3)	86 (87)	16.8	135	from 12 095
smart fortwo 45 kW mhd*	999	45/61	89 Nm	4.2 (4.3)	97 (98)	16.8	145	from 10 275
smart fortwo 52 kW mhd	999	52/71	92 Nm	4.2 (4.3)	97 (98)	13.7	145	from 10 835
smart fortwo 62 kW	999	62/84	120 Nm	4.9 (4.9)	114 (115)	10.7	145	from 12 885
smart fortwo 75 kW BRABUS	999	75/102	147 Nm	5.2	119	8.9	155	from 17 220
smart fortwo electric drive	–	35 kW constant 55 kW peak	130 Nm	–	–	< 13	> 120	under 19 000

The smart fortwo is available for ordering now. The first vehicles will reach dealers at the beginning of April.

Source: Smart

February 1, 2012

2012 Audi A6 Avant 3.0 BiTDI Quattro – Price £45 650

A lot after the astonishing success of BMW’s 3.0 liter twin-turbocharged diesel, Audi has announced their new BiTurbo TDI, which is now available for A6 Saloon and Avant and A7 Sportback models.

The manufacturer also announced the price list for these models – £43 810 OTR for 2012 Audi A6 Saloon with BiTurbo TDI, £45 650 OTR for A6 Avant with the same engine and £51 645 OTR for the premium A7 Sportback.

The new BiTDI 3.0 liter V6 delivers 313PS (230 kW) at 3900RPM and 650Nm (480 lb-ft) at just 1450RPM. This means 0 to 100 km/h in 5.1 seconds and a top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph) – electronically limited. The combined cycle is 44.1 mpg and emissions of just 169 g/m CO2. The engine is mated to an 8-speed tiptronic automatic gearbox.

Other interesting highlight is the Sound actuator, which is positioned in the auxiliary channel of the exhaust system. The actuator system essentially consists of a speaker which imposes a defined oscillation pattern on the exhaust flow and transforms the typical TDI exhaust note into a more sonorous roar that is closer to the output of a high-performance petrol engine.

The mighty new BiTDI engine is available in conjunction with SE and S line specification in the A6 Saloon, A6 Avant and A7 Sportback. The forthcoming A6 Allroad Quattro, due to open for order in February, will also offer this exceptional unit.

Stand-out features common to all these models include satellite navigation linked to a 6.5-inch retractable colour monitor, Milano leather upholstery, the Audi drive select adaptive dynamics system controlling throttle response, transmission shift points and steering feel, the Audi parking system plus, light and rain sensors, cruise control and keyless go push-button engine ignition.

AUDI A6, A6 AVANT AND A7 SPORTBACK – UK OTR PRICING

MODEL	TRIM	PS	TRANSMISSION	CO₂ (g/km)	ECONOMY mpg (Combined)	OTR
A6 Saloon 3.0 BiTDI quattro	SE	313	8 sp Tiptronic	169	44.1	£43,810
A6 Saloon 3.0 BiTDI quattro	S line	313	8 sp Tiptronic	169	44.1	£46,160
A6 Avant 3.0 BiTDI quattro	SE	313	8 sp Tiptronic	169	44.1	£45,650
A6 Avant 3.0 BiTDI quattro	S line	313	8 sp Tiptronic	169	44.1	£48,000
A7 3.0 BiTDI quattro	SE	313	8 sp Tiptronic	169	44.1	£51,645
A7 3.0 BiTDI quattro	S line	313	8 sp Tiptronic	169	44.1	£53,435

Source: Audi

January 31, 2012

MTM Tweaks for Audi 4.2 TDI V8

Diesel engines – the workhorses of the automotive industry have been undergoing a status update for several years now. It’s not that unusual to find them in executive saloons, SUV’s and even performance cars. And when one thinks about it, what’s not to like about them? They burst with torque, run smoothly, remain loyal and reliable and are very economical. All these qualities even seem to intensify when we are talking about the magnificent Volkswagen AG TDI units.

German tuning company MTM are well aware of that but being a tuning company, they always see the potential of even more performance. Now their eyes are on the epic 4.2 TDI V8 that can be found in the Audi A8, Q7 and Touareg. The standard 350 bhp are far from insufficient but by applying an MTM special V-Cantronic, the company is able to get rid of the speed limiter and thus take the top speed up to 282 km/h. It’s a delicate procedure this and to whomever might be interested, it costs $1845 to do it (only on the A8). For a total of $2372 one can step it up a notch and amp the power to 410 bhp and 930 Nm of Torque on all vehicles with some MTM technology. Also, again only for the A8, there can be a combination of two Cantronics (an M and a V) which will break the torque barrier of 930 Nm and go even further.

To round things up, MTM are also offering different varieties of wheels, brakes, exhaust systems and chassis components which all give the A8, Q7 and the Touareg some extra character.

Source: MTM

January 31, 2012

2013 Dodge Viper SRT [teaser]

Street & Racing Technology would be teasing the new 2013 Dodge Viper on Facebook, but there is one condition – 10 000 likes before 1st February. It is pretty good advertising for Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge.

Still, the task wasn’t so hard and the page has even more likes, that’s why the teaser was released even earlier. It is hard to say anything about the car, because we can see only several lines, which are most likely from a hand drawn picture, instead of a real car.

The new 2013 Dodge Viper is expected to be at the 2012 New York Auto Show in April. Can’t way too see it’s real shape and more important – the performance characteristics.

Stay tuned!

Source: Chrysler

January 31, 2012

New Honda Civic Super Bowl Spot [VIDEO]

Evert tought what would it be to have an actual “brainstorm”. Well it seems that the people at Honda are having one on a daily basis and the results are quite dramatic. What made us think so is the new Honda Super Bowl 00.30 second spot about how a Civic is born.

It is a nice composition of CGI graphics, deep and serious narration and clever metaphors. The spark which can be seen as passion and innovation starts off from the basis of the factory and goes trough daring leaps, fears, challenges and obstacles until it culminates into the great reality that is the Civic. But lets not get too literary – Now in its ninth generation, the 2012 Civic is available from just $26 027 for the entry level (SE) 1.4-litre 100PS i-VTEC.

“We have timed the launch of the TV advert to coincide with the first cars arriving in showrooms to really maximise awareness. The advert is a synopsis of the unknown journey the engineers took to continuously improve the Civic and is brought to life in a dramatic reveal of the new model at the end.” commented Martin Moll, Head of Marketing, Honda (UK)

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UhcpsWBZWNU&feature=channel_video_title

Source: Honda

January 31, 2012

Jaguar XJ220 20 Years Later

It has been 20 years since the first XJ220 rolled out from it’s own factory in Bloxham and even by today’s standards it still is a masterpiece. In 1992, the fastest one could go was 213 mph, in an XJ 220. That threshold is a challenge for today’s M5.

Originally conceived as a concept car, designed by Keith Helfet, the XJ220 was showcased on the 1988 British Motor Show. It was the kind of concept that nobody believed that it would be built but an year later production was given a green light and the TWR company was appointed as a partner.

The XJ engineers started off with some goals and then set on to build the car that can meet them. The ideas back then were visionary, daring and some even sounding impossible – it had to be light, it had to be RWD and it had to do 220 mph (hence the name XJ220). The obvious thing to do to reach such heights in velocity was to throw in a gigantic engine and let it do its job. However, fitting a V12 proved tricky (mechanically) and also because of the emissions regulation there was no way for this car to be street legal and that powerful if it were with 12 cylinders. The next best thing was turbocharging – two massive Garrett T3 turbines were bolted on the modest 3.5 L, V 6 engine and the end result was just mesmerizing: 550 PS and 475 lbs ft of torque surging trough a 5-speed gearbox and space devouring 345/35 Bridgestones. Other highlights included the AP racing twin-plate clutch and AP disc brakes with four-pot callipers. They were a bit of a handful for the ordinary everyday driver for one had to be fairly built to operate them but it all worked as charm nevertheless.

Jaguar XJ220 (1993) — Jaguar XJ220 (1992)

Despite the positive reaction of various critics and motoring enthusiasts, the XJ was a commercial failure. Production ceased in 1994, by which time only 275 cars had been built. The price was a bit too steep (740 861 U.S. Dollars) and undoubtedly it was hard to live with.

The point of this car however, was to prove how with the apt engineers of Jaguar, there are no boundaries. The silver car in attendance at the recent Jaguar Experience Day held at the Heritage Motor Centre, Gaydon is chassis 004, one of 10 pre-production vehicles. This example was used for extensive tyre and high speed testing at Fort Stockton, Texas, in 1991. Andy Wallace achieved a maximum speed of 213 mph in the car during the testing process.

The XJ220 S was another daring project which was basically built from scrap (Le Mans spare parts really). It had single-piece carbon fibre front and rear clamshells, tweaked suspension and a claimed power of 700 PS. Inside the otherwise luxurious trim was sacrificed for the sake of Kevlar bucket seats and carbon fibre panels. It was a true sporting breed. And today it is a classic on top of that.

Source: Jaguar

January 31, 2012

SEAT Alhambra with the “Best imported MPV” award

The German trade magazine “Auto motor und sport” has hosted recently the awards for „The best cars in 2012“in Stuttgart. According to it the SEAT Alhambra is the “Best imported MPV”. Moreover the model wins this award for a second year in a row. Of course, to be highlighted here is that this multifunctional family car achieves the17.7 per cent of the reader’s votes in a clear-cut win. In addition more awards went for the brand SEAT. It is namely the SEAT Ibiza which got 10.1 per cent of the votes and hence got the third place in the category of imported small cars. This is the 36th edition of “The best cars” awards. In this year’s edition, more than 116,000 readers of “Auto motor und sport” participated in order to choose their favorites of 311 car models in ten categories. The award that the Alhambra got is an obvious sign for its outstanding quality and functionality. Moreover the SEAT Alhambra sustains its winning streak which started from the very start of its launch at the end of 2010. Additionally, it also was named the “Best MPV of the year” by the prestigious British trade magazine “What car?”, and even more: it also won the “AutoTrophy”, which is the readers’ award of the German “Auto Zeitung”. It also has to be highlighted the both awards are also for the second year in a row.

Source: SEAT

January 31, 2012

Category: Auto News