Auto News – Page 947 – Automobiles Review

2012 Volkswagen Golf VI GTI Price – £25 305

Volkswagen now offers more goodies for the latest GT, GTI, GTD or R models. From today, the leather upholstery will be offered as standard as well as Bluetooth phone preparation. This means that customers benefit from over £2 000-worth of extra value.

Luxurious black ‘Vienna’ leather upholstery was previously a £1,890 option, and offers more than just a fine hide seat covering. Both passenger and driver get electrically operated lumbar support and heated seats, which should receive a warm welcome in the coming winter months.

The GT, GTI and GTD all feature sports seats with bolsters to hold occupants securely in place, while the sports seats in the Golf R have even deeper bolsters, as befits the R’s extra performance. Recaro sports seats remain an option for Golf R customers.

Bluetooth phone preparation was previously a £255 option, which integrates compatible mobile telephones with the Golf’s in-car entertainment system, allowing users to access many of their phone’s features using buttons on the radio or via the standard leather-trimmed multifunction steering wheel.

This upgrade is offered for just £140 on GT models, and for no extra cost on GTD, GTI and R.

2012 Golf VI GTI is powered by a 2.0 liter turbocharged four-cylinder petrol delivering 210PS (154 kW) at 5300RPM and 280Nm (207 lb-ft) at just 1700RPM. 0 to 100 km/h in just 6.7 seconds and a top speed of 240 km/h (149 mph)

The price list starts from just £21 310 for 2012 Volkswagen Golf VI GT. The GTD model costs £24 635 and the GTI is a bit pricy £25 305.

However, if you want the top-of range Golf VI R, you’ll have to pay £31 420.

Source: Volkswagen

October 4, 2011

2012 Lexus Special Edition Models: LS 460, ES 350 and CT 200h

Lexus has introduced three new special edition models for the upcoming 2012 – LS 460, ES 350 and CT 200h.

The small 2012 CT 200h F Sport Special Edition comes with an F-sport suspension and nice interior featuring Ocean Blue NuLuxe seats. It also boasts some exterior improvements like a rear spoiler and a mesh grille. The price is $37 995 and only 900 units will be produced.

The bigger ES 350 Touring Edition can be ordered in two colors: Stargazer Black and Starfire Pearl. It stands on 17” ten-spoke rims in Liquid Graphite paint finish. The interior features saddle-tan leather seats with a wood and leather finish for the steering wheel and gear shifter. 2000 units will be available as each is priced at $40 475.

Finally, the luxurious LS 460 Sport Special Edition is coming with enormous 19” ten-spoke alloy wheels fitted with low profile tires. The interior boasts two-tone finish in black and topaz beige with contrasting stitches. The production is just 250 units and the price is a lot higher – $77 000.

Check out the specifications and pictures, below!

CT 200h F Sport Special Edition

The popular CT 200h hybrid premium compact model will expand its line with a 2012 CT 200h F Sport Special Edition. Available for only the Premium model, the 2012 CT 200h F Sport Special Edition is offered in three colors, Nebula Gray Pearl, Starfire Pearl and Tungsten Pearl, and includes the following features:
· F Sport 17-inch alloy wheels with Liquid Silver finish
· F Sport suspension with anti-sway bar and springs
· Ocean Blue NuLuxe trimmed seats
· Black F Sport floor mats with blue contrast stitching
· TUMI tote and backpack both with F Sport embossed logo and Ocean Blue NuLuxe zippers and lining
· F Sport Package
o Unique front mesh grille
o Larger rear spoiler
o F Sport exterior badge
o Metal front scuff plates
o Aluminum sport pedals
o Metallic trim added to dash panel
o Perforated leather-trimmed steering wheel with F Sport logo
o Leather-trimmed shift knob
o Black headliner
· Navigation Package
· Premium Audio Package

ES 350 Touring Edition

The 2012 ES 350 Touring Edition, only available in two colors, Stargazer Black and Starfire Pearl, will be set apart from other ES models by the following elements:
· 17-inch 10-spoke wheels in Liquid Graphite finish with full-size spare wheel and tire
· Wood and leather-trimmed steering wheel and shift knob
· Heated and ventilated front seats
· Lexus HDD Navigation System
· Saddle Tan leather-trimmed seats, center console lid and door armrest
· Brown Walnut wood trim

LS 460 Sport Special Edition

The LS 460 Sport package was introduced for 2010MY and is the first of its kind for the LS and exudes sporty exterior styling with a distinctive look. Available only for the 2012 LS 460 Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) model, the 2012 LS 460 Sport Special Edition will include all existing Sport package performance and appearance elements, and a distinctive interior package. It will be distinguished from other LS models by an Obsidian exterior and the following features:
· Two-tone black and topaz beige interior with contrast stitching on black leather trim
· Lexus HDD Navigation System
· Sport and Comfort Packages
o 19-inch, split 10-spoke forged alloy wheels with summer tires
o Brembo brakes
o Sport-tuned air suspension with Variable Gear Ratio Steering (VGRS)
o Sport exterior trim and grille
o Sport front seats with climate control
o Leather-trimmed heated steering wheel with paddle shifters
o Headlamp washer
o Intuitive Parking Assist
o Matte Dark Brown Ash Burl wood trim
o One-touch open/close power trunk
o Power door closers
o Heated rear seats
o Rear power sunshade

Source: Lexus

October 4, 2011

Prior Design BMW 3-series E90 PD-M

Prior Design has announced a complete styling package for all BMW E90 models except the M3, of course. The Widebody-Kit not only gives the saloon more aggressiveness, but improves the airflow as well.

All parts are made from Dura-Flex, which is a high quality material, characterized by exccelent surface structure that provides sufficient flexibility and stability. Furthermore, all parts are easy to paint, so you won’t have any problems with matching the original colour of the car.

The package consists of Front Bumper, a pair of Side Skirts, a pair of Front Fenders, Rear Bumper, a peir of Rear Widenings and all mounting materials. TÜV parts certificate is also included.

If this is not enough, you can always order PD-M Front Bonnet, Rear Trunk and Mirror Panels.

Source: Prior Design

October 4, 2011

Nissan Juke-R

Nissan has created a real Frankenstein. The strange vehicle is a cross between Juke and GT-R. This is the first ever super crossover without analogue all over the world.

However, the vehicle is currently under development, the bold design of the Juke is clear to see. The aerodynamics package includes flared wheel arches, revised front and rear bumpers plus a unique split rear wing.

Juke-R is powered by a a 3.8-liter twin-turbo V6 engine with whopping 530PS. It is mated to a 6-speed gearbox with the front and rear ends joined by a modified GT-R 4WD driveline and prop shaft.

The monster stands on enormous 20” RAYS forged alloy rims fitted with high-performance low-profile tires.

The interior boasts new gauges, dials and 7-inch customisable LCD display from the GT-R. There are also twin race-seats with five-point harnesses sit inside a visible roll cage that gives FIA safety standards as well as enhanced rigidity to provide the ultimate performance.

“Nissan Juke is one of the most exciting cars on the market today. Its bold crossover design has captured the imagination of car buyers all over Europe; after just a year on sale we are celebrating sales of more than 100,000 units,” said Paul Willcox, Senior Vice President, Sales and Marketing for Nissan in Europe.

“Juke lends itself perfectly to a sports derivative and Juke-R explores that territory. Equally at home on road and track, Juke-R showcases two of the most exciting cars in our range and highlights the technical innovation that drives Nissan. This car will more than live up to the dynamic driving experience we engineer into all our cars.”, he finished.

Source: Nissan

October 4, 2011

2012 Seat Mii

Seat has announced the new Mii small city car. The vehicle will hit the home market in the end of this year, with the rest of Europe following in Spring 2012. Firstly, a three-door variant will be available and the five-door version follows in 2012.

The engine range includes all-new 1.0-litre petrol engines of 60 PS and 75 PS powering the 854 kg Mii. The Mii Ecomotive has a CO₂ figure of just 97 g/km. The combined cycle is measured at 4.5 and 4.7 litres per 100 kilometres, respectively.

The City Safety Assist for instance, adds an extra dimension of safety in the city, while the SEAT Portable System brings together entertainment, navigation, phone and vehicle functions in an entirely new way.

There will be three equipment lines, two Style Packs and a wide array of optional equipment and accessories, the Mii can be adapted perfectly to suit individual lifestyles and preferences.

The standard equipment includes ABS, an adjustable steering column, side airbags and Isofix points with Top Tether. Reference and Style are the names of the two other equipment lines in Spain, with Style offering features such as power windows and central locking.

The two equipment packages Chic and Sport offer the choice, with special colour and trim elements for interior personalisation. Alloy wheels and a leather steering wheel are always part of the package – the chrome package in the Chic version adds a special touch, while the Sport version offers tinted windows and a sporty suspension set-up for an even more.

“The new Mii is the perfect partner for everyday urban life. It is young and fresh, thought through to the very last detail and built to the finest quality. The Mii brings clear SEAT identity to the sub-compact segment and is set to win a significant share of the market,” said James Muir, President of SEAT S.A.

“This is why the Mii is an important addition to the SEAT portfolio and a clear next step in our company strategy. With the Mii, we are starting the most comprehensive model offensive in SEAT history.”, he finished.

Source: Seat

October 3, 2011

2012 Kia Soul Price – £12 495

Kia will launch the all-new 2012 Soul from 3^rd October and the price is as low as £12 495. The model will come with revised 1.6-litre engines and the introduction of a six-speed gearbox on all models improve performance while lowering fuel consumption, emissions and running costs.

The engine range includes two 1.6-litre engines.

The first is a direct-injection (GDi) petrol with 138BHP. It returns 44.1 mpg on combined cycle and accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 10 seconds. The emissions are just 149g/km, which saves owners £35 a year compared with the previous model.

The second is a 1.6-litre CRDi with 126BHP, which is capable of doing 57.6mpg and emissions of just 129 g/km of CO2. 0 to 100 km/h in 10.3 seconds, which is 0.6 seconds faster than previous version.

Soul comes as standard with electronic stability control (ESC) and anti-lock brakes (ABS) with electronic brake force distribution (EBD). ESC intervenes to prevent skids by braking one or more wheels, reducing engine power or both if sensors detect the car may be in danger of going out of control. EBD, meanwhile, automatically ensures that stopping power is directed to the four wheels in such a way as to ensure the car is brought to a halt in the shortest possible distance.

Kia Soul – Performance and Economy figures

Version	Power (bhp)	Torque (lb/ft)	Top Speed (mph)	0-60 mph	Combined mpg	CO₂ (g/km)
1.6 GDi	138 @ 6300 rpm	122 @ 4850 rpm	112	10.0	44.1	149
1.6 CRDi	126 @ 4000 rpm	192 @ 1900-2750 rpm	112	10.3	57.6	129
1.6-litre CRDi auto	126 @ 4000 rpm	192 @ 1900-2750 rpm	110	11.3	47.9	155

Kia Soul – Pricing

Version	Price – On the Road
1.6 GDi 1	£12,495
1.6 GDi 2	£13,595
1.6 CRDi 2	£14,695
1.6 CRDi 2 auto	£15,795
1.6 GDi Hunter	£15,095
1.6 CRDi Hunter	£16,195
1.6 CRDi Hunter auto	£17,295
1.6 GDi Quantum	£15,595
1.6 CRDi Quantum	£16,695
1.6 CRDi Quantum auto	£17,795

Source: KIA

October 3, 2011

2012 BMW Active Hybrid 5

BMW has introduced a new hybrid version of the latest 5-Series – F10. The BMW ActiveHybrid 5 combines the famous TwinPower Turbo six-cylinder petrol engine, an electric drive system and an 8-speed automatic gearbox.

The BMW ActiveHybrid 5 is powered by a 3.0 liter twin-turbocharged I6 with 306PS (225 kW) and 400Nm (295 lb-ft) of torque coupled to a 56PS (40 kW) and 210Nm (155 lb-ft) electric motor. The interesting about the drivetrain is that the electric motor is integrated into the housing for the 8-speed automatic gearbox. The car have an auto Stop/Start system as well as an ECO PRO mode. The Active Hybrid 5 can also coast with the engine shut off at speeds of up to 160 km/h (100 mph).

So, the combined power is 340PS (250 kW) and 450Nm (332 lb-ft), which is enough to catapult the car from stand still to 100 km/h in just 5.9 seconds, so this is more like a sports car not a family saloon with hybrid powertrain.

The lithium-ion battery pack provides range up to 4 km (2.5 miles) only on electricity with maximum speed of 35 km/h (22 mph). This is perfect, if you have incredibly short trips to the neighbourhood store for example.

The fuel economy is just great – 6.4 liters per 100 km (44 mpg) with only 149 g/km of CO2 emission.

To further enhance comfort and individuality, the standard-specification includes 4-zone automatic climate control and navigation system Professional. You can also order active seats, active seat ventilation, Comfort Access, the Smart Opener for the tailgate, the Soft Close Automatic function for the doors, a power-operated glass roof and high-end audio and rear entertainment systems.

Source: BMW

October 1, 2011

Anderson Germany Porsche Panamera Red

Anderson Germany has released another tuning package for Porsche Panamera Turbo.

It includes radiator cowl, as well as the corresponding pendant on the top, the side channel bar and the almost obligatory antiwing. The underlined sports air intakes on the left and right, by the way, in a brilliant black display the product to the best advantage, while the border of the headlights create a “leer” of a special type. The exclusive hood, made of carbon, with its air intakes and boot lid of that ultralight, but prohibitively expensive material were in the end for the benefit of the weight saving. The bright headlights with light emitting diodes, the rear lights and all without exception glasses can be ordered in tinted version.

The car stands on enormous 10J x 22” rims fitted with 265/30 R22 at the front and 295/25 R22 at the rear. It also stands 40 mm lower to the ground thanks to the special height adjustable suspension.

The ANDERSON professionals painted the turbo-bolide in an incomparably dim red, the poetry on four wheels.

The engine is boosted to 585PS (430 kW) by installing exhaust system, equipped with sports accelerators and an ECU re-map.

The interior boasts ANDERSON monitors, easy-to-use sports steering wheel with carbon fiber, carbon fiber mouldings, red logo sill pads in a black border, carbon leather with black alcantara with keder on the edges and diamond-shaped seams. There are diamond-shaped seams in alcantara upholstery. The legroom in front and back is illuminated with red light emitting diodes with DIMM-module.

The guard bars, as well as the lights covering on the ceiling is made in lacquered black. And the most remarkable is the sound system with lockable monitor with the PS3 and DVD functions, which ensures the proper sound.

Source: Anderson Germany

October 1, 2011

Senner Audi S5 Sportback

Senner tuning has announced their tuning program for Audi S5 Sportback. It includes a set of new wheels, lowered suspension, carbon fiber interior elements and some performance modifications.

First, the tuning specialists fitted the stylish S5 Sportback with huge SENNER-Elegant TS-7 wheels in sizes 9.5J x 20” up front and 11J x 20” at the rear fitted with Conti Sport Contact 5P tires in dimensions 255/30 R20 and 295/25 R20, respectively.

The car is finished in black mettalic paint with matt black gitter with bright borders, as well as moldings and racks for windows, including a fog-light frame in the same “color”.

The suspension received adjustable screw thread B16 PSS10 from Bilstein with the possibility of height, pull rate and pressure adjustment in “Senner-tuning”, which is responsible for the low suspension: about 40 mm on the front axle and 35 mm on the rear axle.

The engine is boosted to whopping 445PS (327 kW) and 530Nm (393 lb-ft) of torque, instead of the factory’s 333PS (245 kW) and 440Nm. The results are thanks to a complete Performance Kit air filter, sport exhaust system including an additional muffler and X-Pipe of stainless steel with the enlarged pipe diameter to 63.5 mm and 4 exhaust pipes of 90×70 mm, and of course an ECU re-map.

Together with the carbon-fiber interior the tachometer of this material, as well as the Power Converter – the tuning for the electric foot-throttle can be ordered.

The total cost of the upgrades is 15 000 EURO.

Source: Senner

October 1, 2011

Clio Renaultsport 200 Raider

Renault has announced the special Clio Renaultsport 200 Raider, which is a limited series of the famous hot hatchback. It comes with a lot of extra equipment over the standard Renaultsport version on which it is based. Clio Renaultsport 200 Raider will be limited to just 50 cars specially for the UK market.

The car is finished in either matt Stealth Grey or Diavolo Red. The main colour is contrasted by a gloss black finish to the roof, rear spoiler, F1-style front blade, rear diffuser and door mirrors. This gloss black finish is also applied to the 18” ‘Interlagos’ alloy wheels

The rims are wrapped in Bridgestone RE 050A tyres, as used on the record-breaking Megane Renaultsport 265 Trophy.

Naturally, the acclaimed Cup chassis is standard featuring a lower ride height, stiffer springs and dampers, quicker steering ratio and red finish to the Brembo brake callipers. The exterior finish is rounded off by extra-tinted rear side and tailgate windows and a Raider badge.

The interior boasts leather Recaro seats, zinc grey finish to the centre console and fascia inserts. There are also a white rev counter, bluetooth, USB connectivity, automatic climate control and Renaultsport carpet mats.

A numbered plate identifies the number in the 50 production run. The Clio Renaultsport 200 Raider will be available to order from the end of October. Price list is not announced, yet!

Source: Renault

October 1, 2011

2012 Ford F-150

Ford has introduced the all-new 2012 F-150 pick-up truck. It is available with a new FX appearance package and several driveline updates and new technologies to further improve and refine the driving experience

The FX appearance package includes set off with black fender and tailgate badges that feature red lettering as well as a red-stitched steering wheel. There are also black leather seats with red perforations and red piping. Unique interior touches include black-painted dash accents, brushed-metal surfaces, and satin shifter knob, door handles and air conditioning vent bezels. The package is available with all FX colors.

Also new for 2012, the FX luxury package now offers cooled front seats, which combine with the previously available heated seats.

The set of 20” six-spoke wheels with a flat-black paint are just one of the specialized styling cues on the exterior. A unique bodyside decal is matte black with color read-through for a distinctive appearance. A chrome exhaust tip, black-finished grille, and blacked-out headlamps and taillamps round out the exterior upgrades.

“The new FX package delivers a distinctive style that truck buyers are looking for without compromising on any of the F-150’s rugged qualities,” said Raj Sarkar, F-150 Marketing manager.

“It expands our range of specialty vehicles with custom elements that customers previously could find only in the aftermarket.”, he added.

The new F-150 EcoBoost 4×4 is powered by a 3.5 liter turbocharged V6 with 370PS (272 kW) and 570Nm (420 lb-ft) of torque. It has a unique range of 756 miles (1200+ km) on a single tank of fuel (136 liters). It also has Best-in-class 11 300 pounds maximum trailer tow vs. all competitors and Best-in-class 3 060 pounds payload vs. all competitors.

All of the changes for 2012 complement a powertrain lineup that debuted in 2011. The powertrain lineup delivers a mix of best-in-class horsepower, torque, capability and fuel economy. Each new engine is mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission. Ford is the first and only manufacturer to equip its entire full-size pickup truck lineup with fuel-saving 6-speed automatic transmissions as standard.

Additional updates:

Light-duty SuperCab 163-inch-wheelbase option on XL and XLT
Heavy-duty payload CrewCab 157-inch-wheelbase option on XL, XLT and Lariat
Electronic shift-on-the-fly 4×4 now standard on XL to FX4 trim levels
Fuel-efficient and powerful offerings

Engine range:

3.7-liter four-valve Ti-VCT V6

Best-in-class 302 horsepower at 6,500 rpm vs. V6 competitors
Unsurpassed 278 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,000 rpm vs. V6 competitors
Best-in-class 17 mpg city and best-in-class 23 mpg highway (4×2)
Best-in-class 6,100 pounds maximum trailer tow vs. V6 competitors

5.0-liter four-valve dual-overhead-camshaft Ti-VCT V8

Best-in-class 360 horsepower at 5,500 rpm vs. standard V8 competitors
Best-in-class 380 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,250 rpm vs. standard V8 competitors
21 mpg highway, unsurpassed 15 mpg city (4×2)
Best-in-class 10,000 pounds maximum trailer tow vs. standard V8 competitors

6.2-liter two-valve single-overhead-camshaft V8

Best-in-class 411 horsepower at 5,500 rpm vs. all competitors
Best-in-class 434 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,500 rpm vs. all competitors
13 mpg city, 18 mpg highway (4×2)
Best-in-class 11,300 pounds maximum trailer tow vs. all competitors

3.5-liter Ti-VCT EcoBoost

365 horsepower at 5,000 rpm on regular fuel
Best-in-class 420 lb.-ft. of torque at 2,500 rpm vs. premium V8 competitors
Up to 90 percent peak torque available from 1,700 rpm to 5,000 rpm
Best-in-class 11,300 pounds maximum trailer tow vs. all competitors
Best-in-class 3,060 pounds payload vs. all competitors

Source: Ford

October 1, 2011

G-Power BMW M3 Tornado RS

G-Power has unveiled the fastest road legal BMW M3. The M3 Tornado RS now is equipped with SK III “Sporty Drive” supercharger system and the results are really mind blowing.

G-Power BMW M3 Tornado RS produces 720PS (529 kW) at 8100RPM, which is exactly 300PS more than the original E92 M3. The torque is 700Nm (519 lb-ft), which is also 300Nm increase over stock.

The performance as you may suggest is brutal – 0 to 100 km/h in 3.7 seconds and to 200 km/h in just 9.5 seconds. The top speed is somewhere over 330 km/h (205mph+).

All this is achieved thanks to a new crankshaft increasing the displacement of SK III-equipped M3s by 15%, from 4.0 to 4.6 litres. The powerful ASA T1-723 supercharger makes just 0.5 bar pressure. There is also an optional carbon fiber airbox weighing just 4 kg.

Finally, the specialists from G-Power fitted the tuned M3 with a titanium exhaust system featuring free-flowing 100 cpsi metallic catalytic converters.
The price for this pleasure is € 35 000 including installation.

This is The Devil itself.

Source: G-Power

September 29, 2011

Category: Auto News