Auto News – Page 965 – Automobiles Review

2012 Mercedes-Benz B-Class Interior

Mercedes-Benz has released some Interior pictures of the upcoming 2012 B-Class. The manufacturer will put high-quality materials and some additional extras in the hatchback.

There will be various cabin finishes and the dashboard is available in stitched ARTICO man-made leather like in the S-class. Good!

The steering wheel in all Benzes was awful, but we like the new three-spoke one, which is borrowed from the CLS. The instrument cluster panel is made up of four analogue dials with two small ones on the inside bottom-right of the speedometer and tachometer.

2012 B-Class was designed at Mercedes-Benz’s Advanced Design Studio in Como, Italy, so we expect Italian perfection, which will take the “compact class to a whole new level”.

The 2012 B-Class will be showcased at the 2011 Frankfurt auto show in September and hits the market Europe in November.

Stay tuned for more details!

2012 Mercedes-Benz B-Class Interior Dashboard

Source: Mercedes-Benz

July 29, 2011

Aston Martin Cygnet at the 2011 Bridgestone Eco-Rally

Aston Martin will take part at the 5th annual Bridgestone Eco-Rally this weekend. The manufacturer will take two Cygnet models. The rally showcases the world’s best eco-friendly vehicles in association with “Start”, an initiative inspired by HRH The Prince of Wales to celebrate eco-friendly living.

Aston Martin Cygnet is powered by a а 1.33 litre dual VVT-I four-cylinder petrol engine with 98PS (72 kW) at 6000RPM and 125Nm (92 lb-ft) at 4400RPM. 0 to 100 km/h takes 11.8 seconds and the top speed is 170 km/h (106 mph). The small city car returns 56.5 mpg, which is exactly 5 litres per 100 km.

One of the Cygnets entering the event will be dressed in Seychelles Blue, the paint colour of the Aston Martin DB6 Mark II Volante recently driven by the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge on their wedding day. Aside from the two formal entries, a third Cygnet will also be supporting the event in eye-catching “Flouro Orange”, the hallmark of London-based designer Tom Dixon.

Driven by Aston Martin Racing regular, Darren Turner and David King, Aston Martin’s Director of Special Projects and Motorsport, the two Cygnets will be on the extended route from Exeter College, Oxford to The Mall, London.

The rally begins on Broad Street, Oxford at 10:00 and concludes at 14:30 on the 31^st July.

“I have been a fan of Cygnet from the start. It’s a great city car, easy to manoeuvreand park and a lot of fun to drive.”, commented Darren Turner.

“To drive Cygnet in a busy city is to experience a car ideally suited to its environment. Cygnet is tiny, with impressively low emissions but with all the style and craftsmanship of the finest luxury cars.”, said David King.

“I’m looking forward to demonstrating Cygnet on the Bridgestone Eco-Rally, maybe it’s my one and only chance to beat Darren Turner!”, he finished.

Aston Martin Cygnet 2011 - Bridgestone Eco-Rally — Aston Martin Cygnet 2011 – Bridgestone Eco-Rally

Source: Aston Martin

July 29, 2011

BMW i8 and i3

BMW has introduced the first series-production all-electric vehicle by the brand. Two vehicles will be exhibited at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show in September.

The first is BMW i3 Concept, which is based on Mega City Vehicle concept. The small city car boasts RWD and an electric motor producing up to 170PS (125 kW) and 250Nm (184 lb-ft) of torque. 0 to 60 km/h in 3.9 seconds and to 100 km/h in just 7.9 seconds. Not bad for an all-electric vehicle. The range of the vehicle is 130 to 160 km (80 to 100 miles).

The dimensions of i3 Concept are 3845 mm in length, 1537 mm height and 2011 mm width. The wheelbase is just a bit smaller than 1-Series – 2570 mm. The kerb weight is just 1250 kg, so the vehicle will be easy to drive with good dynamics.

The luggage compartment is satisfying – 200 litres.

BMW i3 Concept Front

Second is the i8 Concept, which is a plug-in hybrid sports car. The same electric motor is mounted on the front axle and is couple with a 1.5 liter three-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine. The overall power is staggering – 353PS (260 kW) and 550Nm of torque.

As you may suggest, the performance is awesome – 0 to 100 km/h in 4.6 seconds and top speed is limited to 250 km/h (155mph). Still, the vehicle manages to return 104 mpg, which is 2.7 litres per 100 km. The range on electricity is 35 km (20 miles).

The dimensions of i8 Concept are 4632 mm in length, 1280 mm height and 1955 mm width. The wheelbase is 2800mm. The kerb weight is just 1480 kg.

The luggage compartment is 150 litres.

Check out the pictures, videos and full specifications, below!

BMW i8 Concept Side

BMW i3 Concept Specifications:

Length/Height/Width	L 3845 mm, H 1537 mm, W 2011 mm
Wheelbase	2570 mm
No. of seats	4
Kerb weight	1250 kg
Output	125 kW / 250 Nm
Top speed	150 km/h / 93 mph
Acceleration	0-60 km/h / 37 mph 3.9 s0-100 km/h / 62 mph 7.9 s 80-120 km/h / 50-75 mph 6.0 s
Electric range	Everyday range: 130-160 km / 80-100 milesFTP72 cycle: 225 km / 140 miles
Battery charge time	Standard: 6 h for 100% chargeOptional: 1 h for 80% charge
Luggage compartment	approx. 200 litres

BMW i8 Concept Specifications:

Length/Height/Width	L 4632 mm, H 1280 mm, W 1955 mm
Wheelbase	2800 mm
No. of seats	2 + (2)
Kerb weight	1480 kg
Output	260 kW /550 Nm system output of which petrol engine: 164 kW / 300 Nmof which electric motor: 96 kW / 250 Nm
Top speed	250 km/h / 155 mph governed
Acceleration	0-100 km/h / 62 mph 4.6 s80-120 km/h / 50-75 mph 4.0 s
Fuel consumption (EU cycle):	2.7 l/100 km / 104 mpg imp (66 g CO2)
Electric range	approx. 35 km / 20 miles
Battery charge time	Standard: 1:45 h for 100% charge
Luggage compartment	approx. 150 litres

Source: BMW

July 29, 2011

2012 ABT Volkswagen Tiguan

Abt Sportline now offers full tuning program for the latest Volkswagen Tiguan. Although, the crossover has been on the market for several months, the tuner are ready with a number of modifications, which can make your vehicle unique.

The exterior package includes ABT front grill, ABT door strip attachements, ABT rear skirt set with exhaust system and ABT rear wing. The stance is improved by installing ABT suspension springs, which lower the vehicle. There are also different ABT designer light alloy wheels in 18” to 20” available also as complete set of wheels with sports tyres.

The tuner provides a wide range of engine upgrades for: the 2.0 liter TDI, the 1.4 liter TSI and the 2.0 liter TSI.

The 2.0 liter TDI diesel can be boosted to 170PS and 195PS. The small 1.4 liter turbocharged petrol can develop up to 210PS. The mighty 2.0 liter TSI can produce either 210PS or whopping 250PS. Really an impressive results.

The new Tiguan is part of the SUV family of ABT – and like the Touareg, the Q7 and the Q5, as well as the Q3 which is currently still in the starting blocks, the driver can look forward to the fact that his/her car can do a bit more.

Check out the specifications, below!

The new ABT Tiguan:

ABT ENGINE TECHNOLOGYEngine: 2.0 TDI, 1.968 ccm capacity
Performance tuning: ABT POWER
Performance: 170 HP/125 kW (standard: 140 HP/103 kW)

ABT ENGINE TECHNOLOGYEngine: 2.0 TDI, 1.968 ccm capacity
Performance tuning: ABT POWER
Performance: 195 HP/143 kW (standard: 170 HP/125 kW)

ABT ENGINE TECHNOLOGYEngine: 1.4 TSI, 1.390 ccm capacity
Performance tuning: ABT POWER
Performance: 210 HP/154 kW (standard: 160 HP/118 kW)

ABT ENGINE TECHNOLOGYEngine: 2.0 TSI, 1.984 ccm capacity
Performance tuning: ABT POWER
Performance: > 210 HP/154 kW (standard: 180 HP/132 kW)

ABT ENGINE TECHNOLOGYEngine: 2.0 TSI, 1.984 ccm capacity
Performance tuning: ABT POWER
Performance: 250 HP/184 kW (standard: 210 HP/154 kW)

ABT AERODYNAMICSABT front grill
ABT door strip attachements
ABT rear skirt set with exhaust system
ABT rear wing

ABT SUSPENSIONABT suspension springs

ABT WHEEL TECHNOLOGYABT designer light alloy wheels in 18 to 20 inch
Available also as complete set of wheels with sports tyres

July 28, 2011

Cosa Design Lamborghini Gallardo

Cosa Design has announced their tuning project, which is based on Lamborghini Gallardo. The tuner provides performance modifications as well as exterior upgrades.

The 5.0 liter hi-revving V10 is boosted to 540PS (397 kW) and 550Nm (407 lb-ft) of torque. The top speed is 317 km/h (197 mph). The results are thanks to a new sport exhaust system made of stainless steel.

The aerodynamics package includes a front skirt, side sills and a rear apron featuring a diffusor, which is fitted to the chassis.

Cosa Gallardo also comes with a special adjustable coilover suspension. The brake system is also revised – 8-piston calipers at the front and 6-piston calipers at the rear with generously sized discs.

The car stands on enormous 9.5J x 20” rims at the front and 11.0J x 20” at the rear fitted with 245/30 ZR20 and 295/25 ZR20 Continental Sport Contact tyres, respectively.

Pricing is not announced.

Source: Cosa Design

July 28, 2011

2012 Renault Twingo

Renault has unveiled the new 2012 Twingo a little earlier than its official premiere, which is expected to be at the 2011 Frankfurt motor show on September 13.

The new Twingo incorporates bold design including an enlarged Renault badge on the front fascia and a bigger grill than on the previous model.

There are no additional information about the engine range or price list as well as equipment, but all this information will be available soon, because 2012 Twingo will hit the market later this year.

Stay tuned for more information and photos of the small city car.

Source: Renault

July 28, 2011

Senner Tuning Audi A7 3.0 TDI

Senner Tuning has announced their tuning upgrades for the Audi A7 Sportback 3.0 TDI. The tuner offers both performance and styling upgrades.

As you know, the latest diesel engines are extremely fuel efficient and powerful, so the tuner decided to provide some extra horsepower for the 3.0 liter V6 TDI. The Ecu re-map gains additional 61PS (45 kW) and 120Nm (88 lb-ft) of torque, so the total power is 306PS (225 kW) and 620Nm (457 lb-ft). However, the fuel consumption is not harmed. The V-max limiter is raised to 280 km/h (174 mph), instead of the factory’s 250 km/h (155mph).

Senner also offers a new stainless-steel sport exhaust system with twin 90mm shiny tailpipes.

The stance is also improved, because of the lowering kit, which cuts 30 mm from the height of the vehicle.

A set of Varianza T1S rims 9.5J x 20” fitted with 275/35 R20 performance tires are also added.

No words about pricing.

Source: Senner Tuning

July 28, 2011

Mercedes-Benz Viano Vision Pearl Concept

Mercedes has released two pictures of the Viano Vision Pearl Concept, which will be exhibited at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show.

The vehicle boasts a full leather interior in white and grey, wood floor, brushed aluminium trim, chromatically tinting windows and the Bang & Olufsen high-end sound system make a journey in the Viano Vision Pearl a memorable experience for up to 6 occupants.

“BeoSound Viano” includes totally 18 specially hand-built loudspeakers with total power of 1320 Watts.

The exterior includes matte grey paint finish with a unique front fascia and LED daytime running lights.

“We want to show what can be done with the Viano. The Viano Vision Pearl is not merely a functional van, but also a stylishly designed living space,” commented Volker Mornhinweg, Head of Mercedes-Benz Vans.

“We have created a vehicle which combines generous spaciousness with an impressive design. Anybody who attaches importance to stress-free and at the same time stylish travel will find that the Viano Vision Pearl is the ideal companion. The interior design and technical features make the Viano Vision Pearl the S-Class among vans.”, he added.

Mercedes-Benz Viano Vision Pearl Concept

Source: Mercedes-Benz

July 28, 2011

Volkswagen Polo BlueMotion at 2011 EcoVelocity

Volkswagen will exhibit several vehicles from the BlueMotion range at the 2011 EcoVelocity held from 8 to 11 September. The visitors will be encouraged by Volkswagen to “Think Blue”, as they get up close and personal with some of the company’s latest BlueMotion products, both on the stand and on the track.

The BlueMotion range includes Touareg Hybrid and Scirocco BlueMotion as well as the small Polo BlueMotion. Golf VI BlueMotion will also be at the event.

2012 Volkswagen Scirocco BlueMotion is powered by a 2.0-litre TDI 140 PS diesel engine. It comes with a Stop/Start system to save fuel when the vehicle is stationary, along with battery regeneration, which recovers energy which would otherwise be lost to recharge the battery.

The Touareg Hybrid combines a 3.0-litre V6 TSI engine and 47PS (34.3 kW) electric motor and can travel on electric drive alone at speeds of up to 50 km/h (31mph).

Golf BlueMotion can return up to 74.3 mpg on the combined cycle and emits just 99 g/km of CO2.

The new Polo BlueMotion comes with an advanced 1.2-litre TDI three-cylinder common rail diesel engine developing 75 PS (55 kW) and 180 Nm (133 lb-ft). 0 to 100 km/h in 13.9 seconds and a top speed of 171 km/h (107 mph). It achieves an impressive 80.7 mpg on the combined cycle. This grants the new Polo BlueMotion a theoretical range of over 800 miles on one tank of diesel.

2011 Volkswagen Polo BlueMotion is priced at £14 445 RRP on the road for the three-door, and £15 045 for the five-door model.

“We’re delighted to have Volkswagen at EcoVelocity as it is one of the game-changing brands that really started the movement towards no-compromise ultra-low carbon motoring. Its BlueMotion range set the industry benchmark and we look forward to getting a further insight into their ground-breaking technology at EcoVelocity in September.”, commented Giles Brown, EcoVelocity Director.

Source: Volkswagen

July 28, 2011

Porsche 911 GT3 RS 4.0 UK

Porsche has unveiled a new interesting video of the staggering 911 GT3 RS 4.0. Other important news are that the model will be offered in the United Kingdom. 2012 Porsche 911 GT3 RS 4.0 is priced at £128 466.

The car is the most brutal road going model, which the company offers. It’s naturally aspirated flat-6 boasts whopping 125PS (92 kW) hp/liter. The engine is 4.0 liter with total power of 500PS (368 kW) and 460Nm (339 lb-ft) of torque. It is mated to a 6-speed sport gearbox.

However, 911 GT3 RS 4.0 will be limited to a run of just 600 units.

The curb weight of the vehicle is just 1370 kg (3000 lbs). It doesn’t have air-conditioning, radio and some other important extras, but it is fast… extremely fast. 0 to 100 km/h in 3.9 seconds and top speed of 311 km/h (193 mph).

Enjoy the video!

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EJwaVjo63aM

Source: Porsche via Youtube

July 27, 2011

2012 Honda Pilot

2012 Honda Pilot has new fascia, redesigned lower edge and fog lights. The big SUV also boasts better fuel efficiency thanks to the new 6-speed automatic gearbox that replaces the old 5-gear transmission.

The interior has been also improved. It received SAT NAV and new premium audio system. 2012 Honda Pilot is able to carry up to 8 occupants and their luggage. The vehicle has plenty of interior room and good comfort.

The 2012 Pilot is available in different paint finishes as well as a new wheel design. 2012 Honda Pilot will hit the market in September, this year. There is no information about the price list, but the big family vehicle will be affordable compared to the expensive BMW X5 and Mercedes-Benz M-class.

Source: Honda

July 27, 2011

2012 Maserati GranCabrio Sport

Maserati has introduced the new 2012 GranCabrio Sport coming with more power, a faster gearshift and a distinctively aggressive look.

2012 Maserati GranCabrio Sport is powered by a staggering 4.7 liter naturally aspirated V8 with 450HP (331 kW) at 7000RPM and 510Nm (378 lb-ft) of torque at 4750RPM. 0 to 100 km/h takes 5.2 seconds and the top speed is 285 km/h (177 mph). It is mated to a 6-speed super-fast gearbox featuring MC Auto Shift mode.

The engine is rather thirsty – 22.5 litres / 100 km in the city, 9.8 liters / 100 on the highway and 14.5 liters / 100 on combined cycle. The CO₂ emissions are 337 g/km.

Everything in 2012 GranCabrio Sport has been improved. The handling and the Skyhook active-suspension system. The brake system has been revised, too.

The options list is huge, but the interesting extras are: interior and exterior carbon fibre features, Astro-design 20” wheels, Chrome-line including door handles, the capote mouldings and the exhaust tips.

While introducing the GranCabrio Sport, Maserati has also refreshed the detailing of the GranCabrio.

The MY2012 GranCabrio now receives a chromed front grille and side vents, while it also receives adjustable lumbar support for the front passenger as standard equipment.

It has also added the options of a new, anodized matt red brake caliper for the GranCabrio.

The car is priced at £102 615 on the road. The first right-hand drive vehicles will reach UK clients in October 2011.

Check out the specifications, below!