Auto News – Page 971 – Automobiles Review

Suzuki SX4 X-EC Special Edition

Suzuki has announced Special Edition SX4 model – the X-EC will hit the market later this month. It is based on SZ4 grade and competitively priced at £13 430.X-EC comes with metallic paint and is available in two wheel drive format with 120PS 1.6-litre petrol engine and manual transmission only.

Among the other extras, there are including colour SAT NAV system with Bluetooth connectivity, USB Port, unique alloy wheels, electric folding door mirrors with built in turn signal lamps, rear privacy glass and a new design seat fabric.

The 1.6 litre petrol engine complies with EURO 5 regulations and returns 45.6mpg with emissions of just 141g/km. It accelerates the SX4 2WD with manual transmission from 0 to 62 mph in 10.7 seconds.

X-EC is available in three metallic colours; Galactic Grey, Cosmic Black Pearl and Cool White Pearl.

Source: Suzuki

July 8, 2011

Infiniti JX Concept [teaser]

Infiniti has released a teaser picture of the JX Concept model, just ahead of its debut at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance on August 18. The Seven-Passenger Luxury Crossover will start the “Power of 7” Campaign.

The JX Concept is inspired by the FX and Etherea Concept car both looking fantastic. In typical Infiniti style, the JX boasts aggressive styling with sharp curves and recessed headlights.

“Families don’t have many luxury vehicle options today. The new Infiniti JX will be the 7-passenger antidote to the ho-hum luxury crossovers that are out there right now,” commented Ben Poore, vice president of Infiniti Americas.

The manufacturer will introduce the production model at the Los Angeles Auto Show, before launching in the spring of 2012.

Source: Infiniti

July 7, 2011

2011 Chrysler Grand Voyager

Chrysler has introduced the new 2011 Grand Voyager.

The people carrier features more premium looking front end, featuring a revised grille, bonnet and lower fascia. It also boasts LED tail lamps, new rear bumper and revised tailgate.

2011 Chrysler Grand Voyager offers comfort for 7 adults, because of the new second row Stow ‘n Go seats, which are larger, more comfortable captain’s chairs and feature a new fold-into-the-floor one-touch mechanism.

The interior boasts a new leather wrapped steering wheel, steering wheel audio controls and cruise control as standard.

As an option, you can order Uconnect Phone bluetooth connectivity with voice recognition, auto dimming rear view mirror, AM/FM/CD/DVD radio with a 6.5” touch screen, 30Gb hard disk drive and rear reversing camera. Limited models also receive blind spot monitoring, crosspath detection and new Nappa leather upholstery.
The new Grand Voyager is powered by a 2.8-litre CRD diesel engine with 161BHP (118 kW) at 3800RPM and 360Nm (265 lb-ft) of torque. 0 to 100 km/h in 12.8 seconds and a top speed of 185 km/h (115mph). Still, the car can return 33.6mpg (combined) fuel economy, and has a CO₂ figure of 222g/km.

“The sales figures speak for themselves – the Chrysler Grand Voyager has been a hugely successful story,” commented Nigel Land, brand director, Jeep Chrysler UK.

“This latest list of features and enhancements will further increase the desirability of this powerful, versatile and luxurious vehicle.”, he finished.

2011 Chrysler Grand Voyager price list:

LX	£27,995
Touring	£29,995
Limited	£35,995

Source: Chrysler

July 7, 2011

2011 Volkswagen Polo Match

2011 Volkswagen Polo Match joins the model’s range and offers perfect value for money. The new Match model replaces the existing SE and Moda trim levels and also provides £650 worth of equipment.

2011 Polo Match is priced at £11 300 for the 1.2-litre 60 PS manual

The exterior boasts 15” “Castille” alloy wheels, front fog lights and heat-insulating tinted rear windows. Inside, there are air conditioning, an RCD 310 radio / CD player, multifunction computer and MDI (Multi Device Interface) with iPod connectivity. The model is also fitted with electric windows and a comfort pack, incorporating remote central locking and electrically adjustable exterior mirrors.

The safety is granted by four airbags, ABS and ESP (Electronic Stabilisation Programme).

The engine range includes two petrol units – a 1.2-litre three-cylinder with 60 PS and a 1.4-litre 85 PS. The diesel is a 1.2-litre 75 PS. All engines come with a 5-speed manual transmission as standard. A 7-speed DSG option is also available with the 1.4-litre petrol engine.

Check out the pricelist, below.

2011 Polo Match pricelist:

Model	CO₂ emissions, g/km	RRP ‘on the road’, £
1.2-litre 60 PS 3-door 5 spd manual	128	£11,300
1.2-litre 60 PS 5-door 5 spd manual	128	£11,920
1.4-litre 85 PS 3-door 5 spd manual	139	£12,605
1.4-litre 85 PS 5-door 5 spd manual	139	£13,225
1.4-litre 85 PS 3-door 7 spd DSG	135	£13,865
1.4-litre 85 PS 5-door 7 spd DSG	135	£14,485
1.2-litre TDI 75 PS 3-door 5 spd manual	102	£13,520
1.2-litre TDI 75 PS 5-door 5 spd manual	102	£14,140

Source: Volkswagen

July 7, 2011

Renault FRENDZY Concept

Renault FRENDZY Concept car boasts unique style with its original and innovative stance and strange design.

The exterior features no glazing or centre pillar, just one conventional door and one sliding side door which incorporates a 37” widescreen display. The driver’s side, complete with side windows, still no centre pillar, but with centre opening doors, represents the world of the family.

“FRENDZY is the fourth vehicle to illustrate Renault’s new design strategy, a series which started with DeZir. It takes an original and innovative stance on the world of light commercial vehicles – a key part of Renault’s activities”, commented Laurens van den Acker, Senior Vice President, Design Renault.

“FRENDZY is the must-have vehicle for flexibility and versatility. It is efficient and modern as a work tool, yet sporting and warmly welcoming for the family”, added Axel Breun, Design Director, Concept and Show Cars.

The interior features interesting cockpit designed around the theme of a futuristic “work bench” featuring a structure which appears to be made from molten metal. Green light emanating from the dashboard brings this smooth and organic architecture to life.

“Our research into materials centred on the area where the technology of industry meets the cosy softness of the family nest. This modern combination of wood and metal picks up on Renault’s strategic design values of simplicity, sensuousness and warmth.”, said Antoine Génin, Design Director, Interior and Colour/Materials.

The extras are a lot, but the most interesting is the BlackBerry®PlayBook™ tablet recently launched by Research In Motion (RIM), plugged into the dashboard, which is ultra-portable -7” touchscreen, 425g in weight, measuring 130mm x 194mm x 10mm. It supports Adobe® Flash®, HD multimedia, advanced security features and out-of-the-box enterprise support.

Dimensions (mm)

Length	4,091
Width	1,872 (excluding mirrors) 2,172 (including mirrors)
Height	1,743
Ground clearance (laden)	200
Wheelbase	2,691
Front track	1,640
Rear track	1,640
Load capacity (litres)	2,250

Technical data

Motor	Electric
Power (kW /hp)	44 / 60
CO₂ emissions (g/km)	0 (in road use)
Batteries	Lithium – ion
Peak torque (Nm)	226
Top speed (kph)	130
Transmission	Direct drive, with reverse
Tyres	Concept 205/45 R19
Kerb weight (kg)	1,420

Partners

Body construction	ProtoStyle
Tyres	Michelin
Mobile interface	Research In Motion (RIM)
Optics	Gaggione
Sound	IRCAM

Source: Renault

July 7, 2011

2012 Range Rover Sport

2012 Range Rover Sport comes with improved fuel economy and an increase in power. The well-known 3.0-litre SDV6 diesel engine is boosted to 256HP, while the CO₂ emissions have been reduced to 230g/km

The SUV also comes with new ZF 8HP70, 8-speed automatic gearbox, combining smooth shifting and improved fuel economy. It now returns 32.1 mpg (7.3 liters per 100 km). Range Rover Sport SDV6 comes equipped with the Drive Select rotary gear shift and steering wheel-mounted paddle shift.

Still, if you like the performance – the 5.0 LR-V8 Supercharged (510hp and 625Nm) brings supreme driving pleasure and 0 to 60 mph in under 6.0 seconds.

The 2012 Range also boasts next generation 7” touch-screen system with optional Dual View technology, allowing the driver to view the navigation display whilst the passenger watches TV or a DVD whilst listening on WhiteFire^TM headphones.

Hi-ICE and Premium audio systems, offering a staggering 825W of power through 17 speakers on the Premium Harmon Kardon LOGIC 7.

“The enhancements to the 2012 Range Rover Sport will ensure this car retains its position as one of the most economical and dynamic high performance SUVs on the market today. With greater levels of diesel engine efficiency, lower fuel emissions and exciting new features, the Range Rover Sport continues to live up to its reputation for power and refinement,” commented Colin Green, Land Rover UK Managing Director.

HSE Luxury Pack

A Luxury Pack is also available on the 3.0 SDV6 HSE bringing equipment levels close to that of Supercharged models. The pack includes contrast stitching on selected upholstery, 20″ alloy wheels, Premium ICE, extended leather pack, HSE Luxury badge, heated steering wheel and adaptive cruise control. The Luxury Pack costs £3 065 – pretty decent value.

The 2012 Model year Range Rover Sport is on-sale in the UK from October and available from £48 795 on the road.

Check out the table, below!

2012 Range Rover Sport

2012 Range Rover Sport:

	5.0 LR-V8 SC	3.0 LR-SDV6 256hp
Height mm (in)	1784 (70.2)	1784 (70.2)
Width mm (in)	2158 (85.0)	2158 (85.0)
Length mm (in)	4972 (195.7)	4972 (195.7)
Wheelbase mm (in)	2745 (108)	2745 (108)
Turning Circle m (ft)	11.9 (39.04)	11.9 (39.04)
Drag coefficient Cd	0.38	0.37
EU Kerb Weight kg (lb)	2590-2679 (5710-5906)	2535-2670 (5589-5886)
Front suspension	Air sprung Independent double wishbone	Air sprung Independent double wishbone
Rear suspension	Air sprung Independent double wishbone	Air sprung Independent double wishbone
Brakes Front	6 piston sliding calliper, 380mm ventilated disc	4 piston sliding calliper, 360mm ventilated disc
Steering	Speed proportional rack & pinion	Speed proportional rack & pinion
Four Wheel-Drive system	Full time 4 wheel drive with std locking centre differential & Terrain Response^TM	Full time 4 wheel drive with std locking centre differential & Terrain Response^TM
Engine type	Longitudinal V8, 32 valve, four OHC, supercharged	Longitudinal V6, 24 valve, four OHC, direct injection diesel, parallel sequential turbochargers
Displacement cc (cu in)	4999 (305.1)	2993 (182.6)
Bore/stroke mm (in)	92.5×93 (3.64×3.66)	84×90 (3.30×3.54)
Compression ratio	9.5:1	16.1:1
Max power hp (kW)	510 (375)@6000-6500rpm	256 (188)@4000rpm
Max Torque Nm (lbft)	625 (461)@2500-5500rpm	600 (443)@2000rpm
Fuel consumption EU urban/extra urban/combined (mpg-L/100km)	13.0/26.3/19.0 – 21.8/10.7/14.9	28.8/34.9/32.1 – 9.8/8.1/8.8
Emissions	EU5	EU5
CO₂ g/km	348	230
Transmission	ZF 6HP28 6-speed auto	ZF 8HP70 8-speed auto
Fuel tank capacity litres/imp gals/US gals	88.1/19.4/23.3	84.1/18.5/22.2
Range (EU), miles (km)	367(590)	603 (914)*
0-60mph (sec)	5.9	8.5
0-100kph (sec)	6.2	8.9
Top speed mph (km/h)	140 (225)	124 (200)

Source: Land Rover

July 7, 2011

2011 Ford Fiesta Sport Special Edition

Ford will sell a new special edition Fiesta Sport in Europe. The vehicle will offer dynamic style and strong performance at decent price.

The three-door hatchback comes with an aerodynamic package consisting of a new front and rear bumpers, a pair of modified side skirts, a dual sport exhaust system with deep sound and a set of 17” Panther Black alloy wheels.

The interior boasts heated leather sports seats with silver contrast stitching, air conditioning with automatic temperature control as well as a leather handbrake and gear knob, alloy metal pedals, gloss black instrument bezels, bespoke floor mats and silver scuff plates.

Ford Fiesta Sport is powered by a 1.6-liter Ti-VCT with 134PS (99 kW) and 160Nm (118 lb-ft) of torque. 0 to 100 km/h in 8.7 seconds and a top speed of 195 km/h (122 mph). There is also a 1.6-liter Duratorq TDCi with 95PS (70 kW), which returns whopping 68.9mpg (4.1 liters per 100 km) and CO2 emissions of 107 g/km.

“The Fiesta boasts a rich sporting heritage and the combination of the free-revving 1.6-litre Duratec Ti-VCT petrol engine and dynamic, contemporary styling inside and out means the Fiesta Sport Special Edition is a worthy addition to Ford’s roll-call of performance models,” commented Roelant de Waard, Vice President, Marketing, Sales & Service, Ford of Europe.

“Of course, the option of a 1.6-litre Duratorq-powered version also means customers not requiring such high performance can still enjoy a sporty character with improved economy, while reaping the benefits of the Fiesta Sport Special Edition’s great looks and excellent equipment levels.”, he added.

Available in most markets across Europe – including the UK, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Belgium, Netherlands and Switzerland – the Fiesta Sport Special Edition is the latest addition to the current Fiesta line-up, which has sold more than one million examples since going on sale in late 2008.

Source: Ford

July 7, 2011

ABT 2012 Volkswagen Beetle

ABT has introduced a styling and a performance packages for the latest 2012 Beetle. Still, these are just two renderings, but the car will look exactly the same.

There will be performance mods for the 1.2TSI boosted to 140PS (103 kW), the 1.4TSI will have 210PS (154 kW) and the top-of-range 2.0TFSI will have 240PS (176 kW). The 1.6TDI will gain additional 20PS (15 kW) and the bigger 2.0TDI will have 170PS (125 kW), instead of 140PS (103 kW).

The styling package consists of a new front bumper, a rear diffuser with oval exhaust pipes and a pair of side skirts. There will be also headlight brows and some nice graphics.

The stance is improved by installing a set of lowering springs.

The car stands on Abt DR wheels fitted with low profile tires.

Everything is good, but still we think that the modified Beetle looks rather sad, mainly because of the ridiculous headlight brows. We hope that ABT will reconsider some touches and make the small city car better.

Source: Abt Sportsline

July 6, 2011

Mazda MX-5 Karai Special Edition

Mazda has introduced a new limited edition MX-5. Karai will be available exclusively for the German market. Mazda MX-5 Karai will be produced in just 165 units and the price is €30 000.

MX-5 Karai boasts Metis Green Metallic paint finish. The limited edition is based on the top-of-range sport-line package. It comes with black leather and Alcantara Recaro sports seats, electric folding roof and nice 17” alloy wheels finished in matte black fitted with low profile tires.

The interior features silver trim elements and black steering wheel trim. There are also some black elements outside – front grill, fog light surrounds and mirrors housings.

The limited edition MX-5 Karai includes sport mufflers, a lowering spring kit and an iPod and USB adapter and an exclusive floor mats.

All customers will also get a special Sinn chronograph in a matching green-black color design.

Mazda MX-5 is one of the most appreciated roadsters in the world. There are over 800 000 units sold worldwide, so the new special edition will further boost the interest of the fans.

Source: Mazda

July 6, 2011

Bentley Continental SuperSports Convertible at the 2011 GoodWood

Bentley took a part at the Goodwood Festival of Speed with the impressive Continental Supersports convertible, which recently has set a new world ice-speed record.

Bentley Continental Supersports Convertible is powered by a 6.0 litre W12 with some upgrades like a new air intake, bigger intercooler and a sport exhaust system. The result is 640PS (471 kW) and 800Nm (590 lb-ft). The engine is mated to a Quickshift 6-speed automatic gearbox. 0 to 100 km/h in 4 seconds, flat and top speed of 325 km/h (202 mph).

“Driving this very special Bentley Continental in front of the packed Goodwood grandstands was a special experience for me,” said Juha Kankunnen, four-time world rally champion.

“Driving on a frozen sea was a unique challenge and only a few Bentley engineers and my support crew were there to witness the new world record. So it was a pleasure to provide a glimpse of the capabilities of this Bentley to a huge audience of motorsport enthusiasts on a beautiful summer’s day.”, he added.

2011 GoodWood - Bentley Continental SuperSports Convertible — 2011 GoodWood – Bentley Continental SuperSports Convertible

Source: Bentley

July 6, 2011

Twingo Renaultsport R2

RenaultSport has announced a special version of Twingo. R2 Trophy will run alongside the MSA British Rally Championship, following each event across England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Isle of Man from 2012.

The car is based on the 133HP Twingo Renaultsport and is aimed at budget conscious buyers, coming in the form of motorsport kits featuring all the required parts.

“Renault Sport Technologies intensifies its presence in UK rallying and the creation of a Trophy for Twingo in R1 and R2 categories makes me very happy. The remarkable road holding abilities of Twingo Renaultsport 133 will help young rally drivers to compete in a national championship, at an affordable price. This new trophy will reinforce the image of Renaultsport cars in the UK market which is extremely important for our brand and where Renault Sport Technologies has been enjoying a constant growth in the recent years.”, commented RENAULT Sport Technologies’ CEO, Patrice Ratti.

Source: Renault

July 6, 2011

2011 Infiniti M37S

Red Bull Racing driver Mark Webber began his preparations for the British Grand Prix early this week. He had some fun at the race track with a high performance Infiniti M37S.

Webber demonstrated the true performance of the road car, lapping at high speed in varying conditions. He also completed an in-depth interview looking ahead to this weekend. Last year, Mark took a memorable victory in Red Bull Racing’s home, so the expectations this year are huge.

Infiniti M37S is powered by a 3.7-litre V6 petrol with VVEL delivering 320ps (235 kW) at 7000RPM. The engine is mated to a 7-speed automatic transmission with manual mode & magnesium paddle shifts and all power is put on the road through the rear wheels. 0 to 100km/h takes 6.2 seconds.

2011 Infiniti M37S

2011 Infiniti M37S

Engine:
3.7-litre V6 petrol VVEL (Variable Valve Event & Lift)

Power:
235kw (320ps) at 7 000RPM

Transmission:
7-speed automatic transmission with manual mode & magnesium paddle shifts
Rear-wheel drive with four-wheel active steer (4WAS)

Performance:
0-100km/h: 6.2 seconds

Source: Infiniti

July 6, 2011

Category: Auto News