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2006 Fisker Tramonto sold for £50 000 at BCA

On the 10^th of January Lex Autolease and BCA have gathered together in order to make a special sale at BCA Bedford. There have been featured 400 end-of-lease cars, in which were also included a special selection of prestige and sporting models. The sale attracted over 300 buyers. Moreover there were other 533 people logging on to bid via BCA’s Live Online internet bidding service. The sale achieved great success-over 90% of the cars were sold for around £3 million – plus turnover that achieved 99% of CAP Clean.

The highlight of the show was the 2006 Fisker Tramonto. In details the model of the vehicle is the only one with right hand drive in existence and it is one of just 15 built. Without a doubt the Tramonto is a true supercar, which is based on the Mercedes-Benz SL 55 AMG. It was created by the Californian based company founded by former Aston Martin head designer Henrik Fisker. Moreover the model was painted in Titanium Quartz Metallic with two-tone Sand interior in finest Italian leather and finished with Aluminium and bare Carbon Fibre touches. In other words – a true master piece! Hence it is not a surprise that after some very competitive bidding in the auction hall and online, it was sold for £50,000, calculated as 172% of CAP!

2006 Fisker Tramonto sold for £50 000 at BCA

Another notable seller was the 0858 Hummer 2 6.2 Lux at 17,000 miles and finished in an eye-catching combination of orange and black with lots of chrome trim. The price it was sols is the far less £28,850 (equivalent to 112% of CAP). In addition other strong sellers were: 0858 Range Rover Sport 2.7 at 33,000 miles, sold at the price of £23,800 (105% CAP); 1010 BMW 520D 2.0SE – at 32,000 miles, sold for £19,100 (106% CAP); 1111 Audi Q5 2.0 QS – at 6,000 miles, for £32,300 (107% CAP); 0858 Mini Cooper 1.6 – at 40,000 miles, for £7,100 (106% CAP).

Hence we can make the assumption that there is still a very strong demand in the used car market early. BCA once again delivered plenty of buying power – both in the auction hall and online.

Source: BCA

January 16, 2012

2012 BMW All-Electric ActiveE

The electromobility strategy of BMW today has been finally revealed with the delivery of the first all-electric ActiveE model in the US. More importantly BMW are happy to confirm that with the electric vehicles can absolutely serve one’s daily driving needs without compromise. The launch of the new all-electric BMW i model is expected in 2013.

To go further into details, the BMW’s electromobility development strategy began with the MINI E Field Trial in the summer of the year 2009. There were a lot of questions going on along with the launch of the MINI E. For instance, could a private individual live with an electric vehicle on a daily basis without changing their driving habits? The results were spectacular, because not only all of the MINI E pioneers proved without unquestioningly that it could be done, but also that doing so required no change in their daily routine! The only exception and difference was the plugging-in instead of stopping at the gas station.

The Moloughneys today became the first dealership who will lease a BMW ActiveE for a two year period. Deliveries will continue over the next several weeks. As already tested – the MINI E provided valuable information about the life with an EV; now is the BMW ActiveE lease period is prepared to be used to gather feedback that will be part of the development of the BMW i3 (the latter will come to market in 2013). More importantly, the ActiveE is the only car that is 100% Electric and 100% BMW. And it will definitely provide the performance and efficiency everyone has come to expect from The Ultimate Driving Machine^®. It has an output of 170 hp (125 kW) and maximum torque of 184 lb-ft (250 Nm) from a standstill. Hence, it is possible for the BMW ActiveE to accelerate from 0–60 mph in under nine seconds. Moreover, newly developed lithium-ion batteries facilitate a driving range of up to 100 miles on a full charge.

BMW Group makes a big step towards an emission-free, mass-produced electric vehicle with the launch of this BMW ActiveE. Within the framework of project i, the BMW Group is carrying out research and development work on the development of electrically powered vehicles. The next step will be the BMW i3, which is prepared for launching in 2013. The design of the vehicle will meet the demands of a sustainable mobility solution for congested urban areas. Therefore the drive components and battery technology that are going be used in the BMW i3 are now being tested in the BMW ActiveE. However the ongoing field tests involving more than 600 MINI E cars, have already given important information about the demands on future electrically powered production vehicles. Beginning with year in the US, Europe and China, a test fleet of over 1100 BMW ActiveE vehicles, produced at BMW’s Leipzig plant, will provide further valuable insights into the everyday use of the vehicle. Furthermore, the feedback from customers driving the MINI E and the BMW ActiveE will be used directly into series production of the BMW i3.

Source: BMW

January 16, 2012

2013 LEXUS LX 570

The new sporty and bold face of the refreshed model of Lexus LX 570 SUV is at hand. Modifications start from Lexus’ signature spindle grille, new 20-inch alloy wheel design, exterior styling and at the new onboard technologies included. This all-new Lexus LX 570 SUV will be launched at the second quarter of 2012.

In particular, there is new LED daytime running lights, which complement a new headlamp design and new larger fog lamp bezels. Both front and rear bumpers are refreshed, and the rear bumper protector is improved by a stainless steel accent. In addition tail lamps and the tow hitch cover also have received some make over. The spacious, eight-passenger cabin of the LX 570 also receives a number of upgrades and changes. Moreover the driver’s seat gets a new Easy Access system: the steering wheel and driver’s seat automatically retract when the ignition is turned off.

But this is not the end: front seats include improved ventilation, and a 220-volt power outlet, which has been added to the cargo area. Furthermore there is an updated instrument panel which now has new color multi-information display. The instrument panel looks additionally refreshed due to the metallic finish for the centre instrument cluster and front side air vents, along with a new metallic accent above the glove box. The cabin of the new-look LX 570 also includes a mahogany woodgrain-look trim, while ivory and black leather-accented interior trim are also available on the revised model. How abut the exterior: of course there have been new colors added: the new Mercury Gray and Sleek Ecru are now replacing the Rhodium and Metallic Beige.

More importantly, the LX 570’s 5.7-litre V8 delivers the punch and towing power demanded in this segment, producing 270kW (367 hp) of power at 5,600rpm and peak torque of 530Nm (718 lb-ft) at 3,200rpm. Now the 90 per cent of peak torque is available at just 2,200rpm. There are also the newly adopted steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters**, controlling a six-speed automatic transmission. In thus way the driver customers can make the best use of this power, on and off-road. An interesting addition is the sequential shift mode, which also allows the driver to select gears manually.

Even at very low speeds, such as trail driving, the transmission operates smoothly and imperceptibly. Furthermore the LX 570’s transfer case provides full-time four-wheel drive which handles perfectly the rigors of slippery winter weather, mud or snow. In details this system uses a TORSEN® limited-slip locking centre differential with front to rear variable torque distribution, directing more power to the wheels, when a slippage could occur. Additionally the four-wheel Active Traction Control (A-TRAC) employs both brake and throttle intervention to help control wheel spin.

There is also included the famous Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), which helps maintain directional control during cornering and can be turned off via the “VSC off” switch. There is an update in the Crawl Control or off road cruise control, which now increases the number of preset speeds from three to five steps, for greater off-road control.

On the other hand the new Turn Assist feature tightens the turning circle by adding more brake force to the inside rear wheel. Another new feature is the Multi-terrain Select function, which allows the driver to optimize vehicle performance by choosing from five types of terrain: rock, rock and dirt, mogul, loose rock, mud and sand. Hence, it delivers the ideal combination of stability and traction control assistance over different surfaces.

Without a doubt the LX 570’s has an extremely capable chassis, which is equipped with an advanced suspension system. The high-mount, independent double-wishbone front suspension allows for 230mm of total front wheel travel for outstanding articulation over rough roads and impediments. In addition the four-link trailing-arm rear suspension retains the solid-axle configuration for strength and durability. On the other hand there is the body-on-frame construction, which provides ruggedness and durability in challenging driving conditions, plus impressive ride isolation characteristics and a 3,500kg towing capability. Moreover the Active Height Control (AHC) system lowers the chassis for easy entry and exit and returns automatically to its normal height when the vehicle begins to accelerate. There is also improvement in the aerodynamics on-road stability, thank to the AHC system, which also lowers the vehicle when traveling at higher speeds. This AHC system raises the vehicle to provide additional ride height in driving situations where chassis clearance is at a premium. The hydro-pneumatic Adaptive Variable Suspension system has three modes to control the spring rate and shock absorber damping force to provide optimal handling and comfort for on-road or trail driving. For example, the Comfort mode will provide the driver and the passengers with an easy ride and softer response on extremely bumpy roads. Then the Normal and Sport modes help provide increasingly greater levels of control for driving a heavily loaded vehicle, at higher speeds on paved or unpaved roads. In addition the new design standard features five-spoke, 20-inch alloy wheels with 285/50R20 tyres. There is also a multi-terrain ABS system, which determines road-surface conditions and automatically selects the suitable level of ABS control for on and off-road driving surfaces.

Furthermore the LX 570 is equipped with standard safety/security features: 10 airbags ( including driver and front-passenger knee airbags, front and second-row seat-mounted side airbags in the outboard seating positions, and roll-sensing side curtain airbags that cover all three rows); three-point seatbelts (for all eight seating positions); second-row seatbelts with integrated pre-tensioners for the outboard seats and an ALR/ELR (Automatic Locking Retractor/Emergency Locking Retractor) seatbelt for all three second row passengers; Active Front Headrests which moves upward and forward in the event of certain low speed rear-end collisions when the force of the occupant’s body is applied to the seat back; an advanced radar-based Pre-Collision System with radar Active Cruise Control; Multi-terrain monitor, which includes a greater number of exterior cameras.

The new 2013 Lexus LX 570 is full of luxury, comfort and convenience. It features a full array of standard luxury amenities: four-zone independent climate control, a reversing camera with guide assist, Lexus Navigation System; 19-speaker Mark Levinson® Reference Surround Sound audio with 450-watts maximum power and 16 channels. The system also features iPod®”/USB connectivity. In order to deliver even more luxury and entertainment, the LX 570 will also offer dual rear seat entertainment screens mounted behind the front seat head rests.

Additionally, the standard power-sliding second-row seat slides forward and back 45mm for passenger comfort and cargo storage versatility. The second-row seatbacks provide a convenient 40/20/40 split. There is also featured a power retractable third-row seat as a standard. The split rear tailgate features a power upper door, while the bottom section raises and lowers with minimal effort.

Source: Lexus

January 16, 2012

Volkswagen with four awards from What Car?

Volkswagen managed to get four awards from the prestigious What Car? contest. The famous 2012 Volkswagen Up! claimed Car of the Year as well as the best City Car award. Other two victories are for Small Family Car – Volkswagen Golf VI and the coveted Safety Award.

“The Volkswagen up! sets new standards for a car at £10,000. It’s a city car that can seat four adults, while offering new levels of refinement, quality and maturity at this price; none of its rivals feels quite so grown-up. Buyers will be looking for even more for their money than ever in 2012, so the up! is a worthy winner of the What Car? Car of the Year.”, said What Car? editor-in-chief Chas Hallett.

The Safety Award was in large part the result of the availability of Volkswagen’s innovative City Emergency Braking system on the Up!. Although safety features are no longer the preserve of larger, more expensive models, the judges were impressed by this particular example of ‘big car’ technology filtering down to a smaller model. The system uses sensors to scan the space ahead, then applies the brakes automatically if it detects that the car is about to hit an object in front. City Emergency Braking costs from just £225.

The Up! is available to order now, with prices starting at £7 995 (RRP OTR) and with the first models arriving in showrooms in March.

Source: Volskwagen

January 13, 2012

BMW has won two awards from What Car?

BMW has earned 1st places in two categories at the What Car? Awards event. The new BMW 3-Series Saloon has topped Best Compact Executive Car category, while the 2012 BMW X3 took home the accolade of Best SUV of the year.

2012 BMW 3-Series F30 with EfficientDynamics package is the most economical car in its class. However, it was not just the BMW 3 Series’ outstanding economy that stood out for the judges; it was commended for being smooth and refined whilst still offering that sheer driving pleasure.

“The new BMW 3 Series is great to drive, with sharp steering and a well judged chassis. But the biggest gains are in efficiency; it delivers 60mpg and CO2 emissions so low that it falls into the cheapest 13 per cent company car tax band for diesels. It’s a convincing winner of our Executive Car of the Year award.”, commented Chas Hallett, What Car? editor-in-chief.

“It is a testament to the quality and refinement of the BMW 3 Series to win this prestigious award for seven consecutive years. To have this consistent recognition, across the generations, for all of the hard work that goes into producing BMW’s core model is a great honour.”, Tim Abbott, Managing Director of BMW UK added.

On the other hand, the superb 2012 BMW X3 xDrive20d was awarded the top honour in recognition of its exceptional blend of efficiency, practicality and quality. It has achieved incredible results – 50.4 mpg on combined cycle with emissions of just 147g/km CO2.

“There’s more competition than ever among SUVs, but the BMW X3 wins the category award by offering lots of space, excellent fuel efficiency and a beautifully finished cabin. It’s a great family car, really – and its running costs are around those of a regular hatchback.”, Chas Hallett, What Car? editor-in-chief finished.

Source: BMW

January 13, 2012

LF-LC Sport Coupe Concept Big Hit in Detroit

Some news from the NAIAS – Designers at the Lexus studio in Calty, California can take a much deserved vacation now as the much anticipated Lexus LF-LC Hybrid Sport Coupe Concept is proving itself a big success with an ‘EyesOn Design Award’ for a best concept. Innovative approach has been kept in mind when designing the 2+2 Hybrid which incorporates a certain emotive charge combined with cold blooded technology.

Elements of the new Lexus way, seen in the new GS 450h, can be encountered in the concept, particularly the “spindle“-like grille form and the rear architecture.

Kevin Hunter, Calty President, said: “The LF-LC was a dream car to design and a true collaborative effort at Calty. It is an honour to have that work recognised by our peers and to receive the award.“

In the mean time, Mark Templin, Lexus US Group Vice President and General Manager, commented: “The LF-LC is a striking design and breathtaking in its beauty. The team at Lexus quickly fell in love with this concept vehicle and it’s rewarding to see that the industry agreed. Receiving the EyesOn Design Award is a great start to what promises to be a fantastic year for Lexus.”

Both concept and production vehicles can be honored with the ‘EyesOn Design Award’ which is given after a group of world leading automotive designers and design academics approve the product. Creativity in different areas of design is appreciated which includes aesthetics and innovation, concept implementation, functionality and the spirit of industrial design.

Source: Lexus

January 13, 2012

Alonso and Massa’s Ferrari Way of Skiing

The F1 championship is a demanding, treacherous challenge. For mere preparation, drivers spend weeks in training by submitting themselves to stress which comes in both forms – physical and psychological. So when it comes to blowing off some steam with recreation, Fernando Alonso and Felipe Massa decide to add more stress. The slaloms at the Madonna di Campiglio resort are used to having champions skiing over them but yesterday something was different. There were two Ferrari FF”s lined at the track’s starting point with Alonso and Massa behind the wheels. What followed was a heated, downhill parallel race between two of the world’s best F1 drivers which ended up in a tie.

So why the, four door FF’? Well, on paper the FF is pretty much ideal for the job: it has a 4WD traction system that sends carefully calculated amounts of torque to each wheel independently and its weight balance is good thanks to the front-mid engine layout and the transmission at the back. Besides, were the cars anything other than Ferraris it would have been a bit embarrassing.

Alonso could not hide his enthusiasm: “It’s incredible how easy it is to drive the FF even on a such a demanding surface and at the same time, how high a performance level you can reach in it.” Massa was of a similar opinion: “the most incredible thing about the car is the fact there is no need to compromise maximum performance and useability, whatever the driving environment,” reckoned the Brazilian. “And on top of that, it’s perfect for everyday use with the whole family in the car.”

Alonso and Massa's Ferrari Way of Skiing

Source: Ferrari

January 13, 2012

2013 Corvette 427 Convertible – Rare and Commemorating

Chevrolet have announced that a 2013 Corvette 427 Convertible Collector Edition will make it’s debut on January the 21st and will go on sale this summer. This is big news for we are talking about the first Chevy ever, that can be both a collector and a commemorative edition at the same time Yes, Chevrolet are celebrating their 60th birthday this year and what better way to mark the occasion than producing a convertible, more powerful than the gravity of Jupiter.

Under the hood one can find an LS7, 7.0 liter (427 cubic-inches) engine, rated at 505 horsepower (377 kW) which sends 470 lb.-ft. of torque (637 Nm) trough a compulsory 6-speed manual. The connecting rods in the LS7 are all titanium and so are the intake valves while high-flow cylinder heads and a dry-sump oil pump add to the performance. The 427 is rear-wheel driven just like the Z06, the battery is at the back for better weight distribution and it comes with a Magnetic Selective Ride Control so the suspension is clever too. The front 19-inch and back 20-inch machine-face Cup wheels (ZR1 Black Cup or chromed also available) are fitted with ZR1 Michelin PS2 tires. To save weight, the hood, fenders and floor panels are all made from carbon fiber. That diet has resulted in the Corvette weighing only 3,355 pounds (1,522 kg) which by itself means a power-to-weight ratio of 6.64 – or one horsepower for every 6.64 pounds of vehicle mass. That’s more power than any other convertible can offer including the Ferrari California Convertible, the Audi R8 5.2 RSI Spyder, the Aston Martin DBS Volante Convertible and even the Porsche 911 Turbo S Cabriolet. Predictions suggest a 0 to 60 mph sprint time of just 3.8 second and top speeds exceeding 190 mph.

Corvette 427 Convertible Collector Edition (2013)

For the commemorative spec on any Chevrolet, one does need to opt for the 60th Anniversary Package which includes a color theme of “Arctic White” on the outside with Blue Diamond leather seats inside and gray-painted brake calipers. Convertibles will also get a blue rooftop. Other enhancements include a ZR1 rear spoiler, a “CFZ” carbon fiber front splitter and rocker panels and branding on various places to let you know you are driving a novelty. If one feels the need to spend even more money a graphics package includes racing stripes that slice trough the whole car while a Build Experience option allows customer participation in the construction process of the vehicle… which, doesn’t make any sense if the customer is as inapt as me when it comes to technology.

Here is a full spec-list of the 427:

Overview

Overview
Model:	Chevrolet Corvette 427 Convertible Collector Edition
Body styles / driveline:	two-door convertible; rear-wheel drive
Construction:	composite body panels, hydroformed steel frame with aluminum and magnesium structural and chassis components
Manufacturing location:	Bowling Green, Ky.

Engines

Engines	7.0L V-8 LS7 (Z06)
Displacement (cu in / cc):	427 / 7008
Bore & stroke (in / mm):	4.125 x 4 / 104.8 x 101.6
Block material:	cast aluminum
Cylinder head material:	cast aluminum
Valvetrain:	overhead valve, two valves per cylinder
Fuel delivery:	SFI (sequential fuel injection)
Compression ratio:	11.0:1
Horsepower (hp / kW @ rpm):	505 / 377 @ 6300*
Torque (lb-ft / Nm @ rpm):	470 / 637 @ 4800*
Recommended fuel:	premium required
Estimated fuel economy (city / hwy):	15 / 24 (no guzzler tax)

Transmission

Transmission	six-speed manual
Application:	std.
Gear ratios (:1):
First:	2.66
Second:	1.78
Third:	1.30
Fourth:	1.00
Fifth:	0.74
Sixth:	0.50
Reverse:	2.90
Final drive ratio:	3.42

Chassis/Suspension

Front:	short/long arm (SLA) double wishbone, cast aluminum upper and lower control arms, transverse-mounted composite leaf spring, monotube shock absorber; Magnetic Selective Ride Control
Rear:	short/long arm (SLA) double wishbone, cast aluminum upper and lower control arms, transverse-mounted composite leaf spring, monotube shock absorber; Magnetic Selective Ride Control
Traction control:	electronic traction control; Active Handling

Brakes

Type:	front and rear power-assisted disc with ABS with six-piston front and four-piston rear calipers, cross-drilled rotors;
Rotor diameter x thickness (in / mm):	front: 14 x 1.3 / 355 x 32 rear: 13.4 x 1 / 340 x 26
Brake swept area (sq in / mm):	front: 309 / 1994 rear: 269 / 1735

Wheels/Tires

Wheel size:	front: 19-inch x 10-inch aluminum rear: 20-inch x 12-inch aluminum
Tires:	front: 285/30ZR19 rear: 335/25ZR20

Dimensions

Exterior

Wheelbase (in / mm):	105.7 / 2685
Overall length (in / mm):	175.6 / 4460
Overall width (in / mm):	75.9 / 1928
Overall height (in / mm):	48.7 / 1236
Curb weight (lb / kg):	3355/ 1522
Weight distribution (% front / rear):	50 / 50

Interior

Seating capacity	2
Interior volume (cu ft / L):	52 / 1475
Headroom (in / mm):	38 / 962
Legroom (in / mm):	43 / 1092
Shoulder room (in / mm):	55 / 1397
Hip room (in / mm):	54 / 1371

Capacities

Cargo volume (cu ft / L):	11 / 295 (top up); 7.5 / 212 (top down)
Fuel tank (gal / L):	18 / 68.1
Engine oil (qt / L):	10.5 / 9.9

Source: Chevrolet

January 13, 2012

GRMN Toyota iQ 130G MT

Several interesting Toyota models are showcased at the 2012 Tokyo Auto Salon. The new interpretations of the cars include from off-the-wall concepts to race-tuned specials.

One of the most interesting is the small GRMN Toyota iQ 130G MT. It comes with a supercharged 1.33-litre engine delivering 128PS (95 kW) and 180Nm (133 lb-ft). The engine is connected to a 6-speed close ratio transmission.

The sporty iQ also features bigger brake system, a sports tuned suspension and a nice dual exhaust system for more power and incredible sound.

The exterior boasts complete body kit including new front and rear bumpers, a pair of side skirts and a rear spoiler. The stance is completed by a set of 16” Enkei alloy wheels. The interior is also upgraded with sports seats and instruments.

Actually, the model is scheduled for a limited 100 units production run later this year.

Other interesting tuned Toyota cars at the show are – a new Yaris Turbo with 1.5 liter turbocharged engine delivering 180PS (132 kW); the new GT 86 in two styling interpretations from TRD and Modellista and Gazoo Racing FT-86.

Source: Toyota

January 13, 2012

2013 SEAT Ibiza

The new 2013 SEAT Ibiza captures the heart with its young, emotional design and fun-to-drive zest, innovative technologies and quality. The new line is developed to match even more the indvidual taste of the customer. The range includes the compact and sporty three-door Ibiza SC, the dynamic and universal five-door Ibiza, the elegantly practical Ibiza ST estate car, the extremely efficient Ibiza E-Ecomotive, the exceptionally sporty Ibiza FR with 110 kW (150 hp). However there is something in common for all the models and it is the high standard of quality and outstanding value for money. The introduction to the market of the new models will be in the spring of 2012.

Of course the new models will offer again its expressive and unique design. However beneath it the new Ibiza offers an impressive array of innovative technologies, such as the latest-generation state-of-the-art TDI and TSI power units, the DSG transmissions and the start/stop system, which combines dynamics with exceptional efficiency and exciting driving. Furthermore in it is included the Portable Media System with touchscreen monitor, which combines the functions of a navigation system, on-board computer, audio system and hands-free device. While it is fully integrated into the Ibiza’s on-board electronics, it is also removable for use on-the-go.

In details the sporty character and high product quality can be seen all over the new Ibiza’s exterior. The distinctive centrepiece is the trapezoidal grille featuring the SEAT logo. The flatter proportions and horizontal honeycomb structure of the grille and the lower air intake emphasise the width of the new Ibiza. A redesign in the front and rear bumpers give the a look that is particularly accentuated on the sporty Ibiza FR version. Standard equipment on the FR and available as an option on other models are the large fog lamps with integrated cornering light. With these models SEAT has proved again that it has put again a great attention to the details. Take as an example the sophisticated design of the headlamps. In details, the edgy style of the lamps is a hallmark feature of the new SEAT design language, while being perfectly integrated into the Ibiza’s sculptural form. The headlamps are available in two halogen versions or with optional bi-xenon lamps and LED daytime running lights. The latter trace the form of the headlamps to deliver a unique light signature, as do the optional LED rear lights. Moreover the new Ibiza looks like a piece of art on wheels. The characteristic “Línea Dinámica” runs from the headlamps over the powerfully drawn wheel arches to the rear. A second, equally sharp character line runs across the muscular rear shoulders to the rear lamps. These powerful lines and the interplay of taut surfaces give the Ibiza an athletic character – on both the coupé-like three-door and the universal five-door. And even the functional estate car conveys an unmatched look of dynamism – without any restriction to its exceptional utility.

The interior on the other hand is as exquisite as the exterior. First of all it has a forceful but extremely minimalist and clearly structured cockpit design. The feeling of quality, the high precision of the workmanship, the wide choice of colours and materials ranging all the way to fine leather upholstery serve to underline SEAT’s standards. Here we also have a great attention and effort put on the detaisl. It can be sensed through the steering wheel, in the new design of the climatronic, in the new paint surfaces. Nevertheless the main focus here remains on functionality –for instance take the new instrument binnacle with its improved display or the significantly larger glove compartment. In details it now has a generous storage volume of 10.7 litres and thus offers more space for a lot more accessories and useful items.

Furthermore the new Ibiza is offered in three body styles to fit perfectly to every lifestyle. There are the three-door Ibiza SC and the five-door Ibiza, which are not only design masterpieces, but are also very well equipped to cope with the practical challenges of everyday life. They has an interior that is generous for this class of vehicle, a luggage volume of 284 or 292 litres and a variable rear bench. Undeniably the bodyshell of the Ibiza ST offers a very high degree of functionality. Despite its sporty design, the load volume of 430 to a maximum of 1,164 litres is surprisingly generous.

2013 Seat Ibiza - Front Ange

More importantly the engines included are a cmbination of sportiness and efficiency. The range of petrol units extends from the economical 1.2 litre with 44 kW (60 hp) to the immensely perky 1.4 TSI with supercharger and turbocharger. 110 kW (150 hp) and the standard-fit DSG transmission catapult the Ibiza to 100 km/h in just 7.8 seconds, and onwards to an impressive top speed of 212 km/h. In the new Ibiza, this power unit is now also available for the ST estate version. A highlight here is the Ibiza 1.2 TSI Ecomotive – the state-of-the-art power unit with 77 kW (105 hp) delivers refined drive with its maximum torque of 175 Newton metres at just 1,550 r/min, yet sips on an average of just 5.1 litres/100 km – thanks also to the start/stop technology that is fitted as standard. Additionally the TDI engines are even more efficient when it comes to fuel consumption and emissions. The efficiency highlight is the Ibiza 1.2 TDI E-Ecomotive (also with a start/stop system). Its average fuel consumption is the almost unbeliavable 3.4 litres, equating to a first-class CO2 figure of 89 grams/km! Nevertheless the compact hi-tech TDI delivers attractive performance with its 55 kW (75 hp) and its very respectable torque of 180 Newton metres. The sporty pinnacle of the Ibiza diesel line-up is the 2.0 TDI with 105 kW (143 hp). No competitor in this segment offers such a powerful diesel; no other masters the combination of performance and efficiency so perfectly – a top speed of 210 km/h comes with an average fuel consumption of just 4.6 litres. And how about the transmitions which fit to those modern engines? There are featured perfectly spaced five and six-speed manual gearboxes. Moreover a number of engines are offered with DSG transmissions either as standard equipment or as an option. This dual-clutch transmission offers not only the comfort of an automatic, but also the advantage of compelling efficiency. The running gear of the new Ibiza shows sophisticated layout that has been carefully fine tuned, giving the compact model handling characteristics that are as sporty as they are safe. In addition the precise steering and the perfectly tuned ESP stability control, as well as the XDS electronic differential lock (as of 100 hp) offer safety in hazardous situations. Next to be mentioned is the powerful brake system with ABS, which is also included. Last but not least, the new Ibiza runs on wheels ranging in size from 15 to 17 inches and sporting a new design.

Source: SEAT

January 13, 2012

Nissan March Nismo Concept

Nissan Motor Co. has just revealed the brand new March Nismo Concept at Tokyo Auto Salon 2012. This is the third premium sports compact vehicle released by Nismo, following on the Juke Nismo Concept and the LEAF Nismo Concept. The car is based on Nissan March and features the exclusive Nismo parts. The result is March Nismo Concept which is an extraordinary and excellent expression of the combination of a premium sports compact car and practical but exciting driving performance.

First of all the exterior of the concept includes a lower stance and bolder styling thanks to a modified front grille design. In addition there are also featured efficiency-enhancing aeroparts which were developed as part of Nismo’s racing technology. Moreover, the door mirror design has been tailored, and a rear lip spoiler added, to further enhance the car’s aerodynamic performance. What about the interior: Nismo designers have created purpose-designed seats. Additionally the steering wheel has been adapted to aid smooth interaction between the driver and the car. The March Nismo Concept comes with pearl white paint finish with red highlights, and the signature Nismo colors for performance-focused premium sports models. The vehicle is also fitted with several of Nismo’s vaunted racing technologies. For instance, such are the high-performance suspension and large-diameter lightweight wheels, thank to which the March Nismo Concept will deliver superior handling and stability that adds to the pleasure of sporty driving.

Source: Nissan

January 13, 2012

World premiere of the new BMW M Series at the International Geneva Motor Show 2012

The new vehicles from the BMW M Series, which are going to make a world debut at the International Geneva Motor Show 2012 (8-18 of March), are promised to offer even more sporting characteristics, exclusive engine line-up, enhanced agility, precise chassis tuning and astonishing design. Few months are left till the disclosure of the new product range, which was especially developed for drivers seeking sporty driving experience and at the same time count on comfort and practicality. First of all the BMW M Performance Automobiles are equipped with exclusive engine variants. Moreover they have noticeably enhanced agility and outstanding precision on the road, plus design laced with emotional appeal. The harmonious interplay of engine output, power transfer, chassis technology and aerodynamic balance are also provided by the new models.

Moreover the BMW M Performance Automobiles represent a totally new model category, which will offer inspirational driving dynamics. “We are targeting our efforts at customers looking for more emotionality and more performance, but who don’t want to forgo the everyday usability of their cars,” said Dr Friedrich Nitschke, President of BMW M GmbH. Furthermore, Nitschke announced that there are going to be more improvements and additions to the new models, such as for example, both petrol and diesel-engined variants. In addition, the intelligent all-wheel-drive system BMW xDrive would also play a significant role in the BMW M Performance Automobiles. The continuation of the last year’s success of BMW will be made possible through the arrival of the BMW M6 in 2012. Moreover, the President of BMW M GmbH also added, that BMW Group subsidiary can call on decades of motor sport experience when it comes to translating outstanding engine power into excellent dynamics. This development expertise also imbues the BMW M Performance Automobiles with their distinctive character.

The models in the new product category will continue the steps of the famous BMW M535i. The latter model was unveiled in 1980 and since then it captured the hearts of performance-minded customers thank to its extra power, precisely tuned chassis technology and subtly modified design. A fresh addition to the BMW 5 Series ranks, the Sedan remained a highly successful member of the line-up through two model generations and – up to 1987 – with the BMW M5 for company within the range. Obviously this year the tradition will continue, thank to the new BMW M Performance Automobiles.

Dr. Friedrich Nitschke, Vice President BMW M GmbH

Source: BMW

January 13, 2012

Category: Auto News