Apparently, pushing the boundaries of fuel efficiency is a thing these days. Motoring journalist Donn Anderson recently took a Suzuki Swift DDiS (diesel) on a journey with Auckland (the Northern part of the North island of New Zealand) as a starting point and an end point at the bottom of it, in Wellington. No petrol stations were harmed during the trip. In fact he turned around and started for home afterwords. The fuel tank came 60 km short before finishing the whole epic journey.
The total distance covered turned out to be 1,240 km (764 miles). The fuel tank has a capacity of 42 liters so that would mean an average fuel consumption of 3.36 liters/100 km or 83.4 mpg. Wherever possible, Mr Anderson tried to keep the car cursing between 50 and 60 mph and would have managed even more miles if it wasn’t for the torrential rains and high winds that he encountered during the marathon.
This isn’t the first time a Suziki Swift DDiS proves stunning frugality. Last year, in the UK a Swift 1.3 achieved 86.4 mpg while a second one came close with 84.6. The records were taken from the local MPG Marathon.
The DDiS engine is actually a JTD Fiat engine in disguise. It’s 1.3 liters of displacement give an output of 74 hp and 107 lb-ft of torque. As proven, the mpg figure is bigger than the power output. Eco-minded people can now celebrate with some organic waffles.
2012 Peugeot 208 is one of the best cars for urban environment due to its smaller dimensions, but spacious cabin. Furthermore, the new Peugeot model now delivers even more comfortability.
Another advantage that it has is that it now features a new architecture which makes the 208 lighter by 110 kg on average compared to the 207. This leads of course to lower CO2 results and excellent fuel consumption.
It is also advantageous n terms of safety performance, which is now proven by the Five Star Rating it got by Euro NCAP. In fact, the new 208 is the first car in its segment to get the five stars.
2012 Peugeot 208
One of the main reasons for this is not only the improvements of the body architecture made in the 208, but also the standard equipment it now features: ABS, ESP, six airbags, rear Isofix fixings, speed limiter, front seat belt warning, collapsible steering column, and more.
The structure contributes further to occupant’s protection. It is made of aluminium absorption beam, very high strength steel and ultra-high strength steel panels.
In fact, the Euro NCAP result is the best proof of the high 208’s level of safety protection in active and passive conditions.
2013 Mazda CX-5 is surprisingly lightweight, high-rigid, and at the same time safe. The safety performance of the model was recognized by Euro NCAP, which awarded the vehicle after the latest crash tests with five starts!
The new CX-5 was launched in Europe in February 2012 and in addition to the maximum rating was also proclaimed as “Top Safety Pick 2012” by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) in the United States.
The reason for all of these achievements is Mazda‘s new lightweight, highly rigid SKYACTIV-BODY. Thank to it this Mazda model is one of the safest cars in the world.
2013 Mazda CX-5 with Five Star Euro NCAP Safety Rating
In particular, Euro NCAP rating system awards an overall rating from zero to five stars. The rating is consists of scores in four categories:
• adult occupant protection(50%);
• child occupant protection(20%);
• pedestrian protection(20%);
• safety assist(10%).
Next, the ratings in each category are given after the following tests are made: frontal impact at 64km/h, Car-to-car side impact at 50km/h, Pole side impact at 29km/h, Whiplash from rear end impact and pedestrian protection, and evaluation of the Electronic Stability Control (ESC).
The five starts that the CX-5 just got mean that it has achieved very high scores in all of the four categories. In fact, the 2013 Mazda CX-5 scored amongst the top performers in the small off-road 4×4 category.
The secret of the success lies in the fact that the CX-5 is the first of Mazda’s new generation of products which employs the lightweight, highly rigid SKYACTIV-BODY.
Mazda engineers redesigned the body from scratch. They have pondered on all of the fundamental principles of structure, materials, and manufacturing methods and then made the necessary transformation. The aim was to develop the ideal vehicle body, which is now proven to be so by the Euro NCAP rating.
2013 Acura ILX has just been released for sale at Acura dealerships with a starting price of $25 900. The all-new ILX will come to offer more luxury, wide array of premium features and premium appeal.
The new Acura ILX can offer its customers a choice of three powertrain options. One of them is Acura’s first-ever gasoline-electric hybrid. The latter has spacious interior and deliver sporty driving experience.
In addition, the ILX will offer a number of new, premium features included as a standard: Keyless Access System with smart entry and pushbutton start, Pandora® internet radio interface and SMS text message function, power moonroof, aluminium wheels and Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink®.
2013 Acura ILX
The entry-level of the model ILX is powered by a 2.0-liter inline 4-cylinder engine producing 150 horsepower (110 kW) mated to a Sequential SportShift 5-speed automatic transmission.
For the customers who want dynamic driving experience, the ILX engine range includes the 2.4-liter engine ($29 200, includes the Premium Package). It has an output of 201 horsepower (154 kW) and includes a close-ratio, six-speed manual transmission.
Next, the ILX Hybrid (with a price starting at $28,900) utilizes 1.5-liter inline engine and an Integrated Motor Assist® electric motor. They are mated to a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). More importantly, the ILX 1.5L Hybrid has an EPA estimated city/highway/combined fuel economy rating of 39/38/38 mpg.
In details, the Premium Package includes: leather seating surfaces, heated front seats, a power driver’s seat, an upgraded 360 watt stereo system with XM® radio, HID headlights, foglights, 17-inch aluminium wheels, a multi-view rearview camera and an Active Sound Cancellation system to make for a quieter cabin.
The Technology Package adds further to the Premium one the following: ELS Surround® audio system and a full complement of relevant technologies, including AcuraLink® Satellite Communication System, Acura Navigation System with Voice Recognition™, AcuraLink Real-Time Traffic with Traffic Rerouting™, AcuraLink Real-Time Weather™ with radar image maps and HomeLink®.
OETTINGER has announced their tuning package for Audi TT-RS. The car brings pure excitement and is specially created to celebrate 20 years Tuner Grand Prix.
TT-RS S-tronic is powered by a 2.5-litre TFSI engine with 340HP (250kW) and 450Nm (331 lb-ft). The performance is more superb – 0-100km/h in 4.3 seconds with new launch-control function. This means a 0.3 seconds faster than the 6-speed model. Top speed is electronically limited to 250 km/h (155 mph). The average fuel consumption is just 8.5 litres per 100km and 197 g/km of CO2 emissions.
After the performance modifications, the mighty engine delivers whopping 400HP (295 kW) at 5900RPM and 550Nm (405 lb-ft) at 3800RPM. 0-100 km/h in 4.4 seconds and a top speed of 275 km/h (170 mph).
The performance package includes recalibration of the engine management and removing the V-max limiter.
Of course, the fuel consumption remains the same. The price is €2290 including installation.
Much like in a pre-earthquake situation, subtle seismic activity is currently jolting the realm of the automotive industry. This is a render of the supposed incoming Alpine A110-50 Renault based concept. We might know for sure however, this weekend at the Monaco F1 round.
As a company, Alpine has been around for more than a half of a century. In 1973 however, Renault acquired what most of it with the idea to introduce a high performance range of cars to the world. Sadly, the last thing ever to come out as an Alpine was the A610 back in 1991. Renault are now using the facilities to built their Megane and Clio Renault Sport models there but, evidently the Alpine badge is not in ashes just yet.
Not much is out yet on the A110-50 Concept but roomer has it that it will be based on the Renault Megane Coupe Trophy and that it will have a 3.5-liter, mid-mounted V6 engine. Expect around 400 bhp and a weight of less than a ton.
This could have been here earlier but the global financial downfall of 2009 tended to freeze ambitious ideas like that.
You remember the Abarth 695 Maserati Edition, right? The one that is based on a Fiat 500c? It now has a price tag and a full list of specs. Both of them are big.
The Abarth 695 Maserati Edition is a followup of the Abarth 695 Tributo Ferrari project which was a big hit three years ago. There will be only 499 examples of this new one and as the name suggests, it will carry a Gran Turismo feel wherever it goes.
First, the oily bits: under the hood hides a 1.4 Turbo T-Jet 16v engine that sends 180 bhp trough an Abarth Competizione gearbox. Pass the 3000 rpm mark and your years will have the pleasure to endure the aria sung by the variable back-pressure “dual-mode” exhaust pipes. Stomp on the brakes and a set of Brembo monoblock brake calipers will squeeze the front 305 mm floating discs so hard, that afterwards you’ll have to feel your way under the seat in search of your face. All the while, Koni shock absorbers make sure you come home with an intact spine.
As a trademark, the Abarth 695 Maserati comes in a characteristic Pontevecchio Bordeaux – a three-layered shade from Maserati’s catalog that we can only describe as red. The thing that sticks out as gray is the fabric of the soft top. Another mark of Maserati engineering represents the wheels – Neptune design alloy wheels, 17-inches in size and wrapped up in performance tires.
Inside, the predominant theme is beige which sounds a bit tasteless, but the overall effect is quite surprising. A 695 logo is embossed on the headrests, the dashboard and console trim has a lining of carbon fiber and the door panels and rear panels have been treated with UV-LUX for that extra gray “flocking” effect. In front of you, there’s a black-leather steering wheel with patches of beige, flappy paddles for the gearbox, an instrument panel by Jaeger and aluminum pedals in the foot well.
Final summation – £32,000 or $50,553
Abarth 695 Maserati Edition Fiat 500
ENGINE
4 cylinder in line, 4 valves per cylinder, 1368cc
Power: 180bhp (132 kW) at 5500rpm
Maximum torque 250 Nm in sport mode at 3000rpm
Supercharged with Garrett 1446 turbo
TRANSMISSION
Abarth Competizione gearbox with 5 speeds, C510 gearbox family with gear paddles on the steering wheel
SUSPENSION
Front Abarth Koni shock absorbers with FSD valvesRear Abarth Koni shock absorbers with FSD valves
Lowered ride
STEERING
Electric power steering with sport mode
BRAKES
Floating, perforated and self-ventilating front discs ø 305mm × 28mm
Ventilated rear discs ø 264mm × 22mm
TTC – Torque Transfer Control
Special ‘Pontevecchio Bordeaux’ paint from MaseratiXenon headlights
Titanium Grey soft top
Automatic climate control
Leather steering wheel with radio controls
Blue&Me TomTom satnav
Beige leather seats
Dashboard, fascia and gearbox trim in matt carbon
Door panels, console and tunnel in ‘Flocked’ UV-Lux
Dual mode exhaust with Maserati-inspired design
JBL hi-fi system
Bag set by Tramontano
2012 Buick Regal GS luxury sport sedan just won a second place in the 135-mph class of this month’s Nevada Open Road Challenge. It finished within 0.4 seconds of their 40-minute target time.
The success was achieved by the Buick team – driver Bill Rietow and navigator John Townsend, which have managed it through right balance between low-speed sections of the course with running the Regal at top speed for a period of time.
Of course, the machine has a contribution to this achievement as well. The all-new 2012 Regal GS delivers a 270-horsepower (201 kW) thanks to its Ecotec 2.0L turbo engine mated to a six-speed manual transmission.
The car also comes equipped with responsive Interactive Drive Control System suspension technology with exclusive GS-mode, Brembo front calipers and other features which in fact make the Buick one of the most balanced performance sedans ever.
After the finish line Rietow said: “The Regal GS is an incredibly capable performance sedan. In addition to the strong acceleration from the engine, the chassis maintained its composure well while running across these closed public roads at high speeds. Likewise, the Brembo brakes were easy to trust coming hot into a corner.”
2012 Buick Regal GS competing at Nevada Open Road Challenge
Furthermore, the production car comes equipped with Buick’s exclusive Interactive Drive Control System. What it does is that it allows driver to choose from three operating modes – Standard, Sport and GS Mode. They in turn change the suspension settings and steering sensitivity according to driver preferences.
Regal GS also inclues a four-wheel independent suspension with a unique High Performance Strut (HiPer Strut) front suspension design. The latter minimizes torque steer and improves grip and cornering power.
The lower ride height also contributed for the major success. In particular, the Buck runs on 19-inch 5-Twin Spoke alloy wheels combined with the four-piston Brembo front calipers also make the car closer to the ground.
2012 Isuzu D-Max pick-up goes on sale with a starting price for the market in the United Kingdom of £14 499. In addition to that all the customers there will benefit from a unique-in-class five-year / 120 000-mile warranty offered by Isuzu.
The exact date when the new D-Max will be seen on roads is the 1st of July. This is when the first deliveries will take place. And with the amazing warranty it has it will undoubtedly satisfy its customers, by giving them peace of mind for longer than any other pick-up.
Furthermore, the new Isuzu D-Max will be available with four specification levels and three cab configurations – extended cab, single cab and double cab. And even the basic model offers huge array of standard equipment, which includes air conditioning, daytime running lights, electric windows and front, side and curtain airbags.
The pick-up is propelled by a highly fuel efficient 2.5-litre twin-turbo common rail diesel engine. This one is mated to a newly-developed six-speed manual transmission or five-speed automatic one. The unit generates 163 hp (120 kW) and peak torque output of 400 Nm (295 lb-ft) at 1400 rpm. This means that this Isuzu is one of the most comprehensively developed and most efficient Isuzu pick-up ever created.
2012 Toyota Prius v is the next model to join the Prius family. It comes to offer spaciousness, economy and excellent performance.
If you wonder what the “v” behind the Prius stands for, well it stands for “versatility”. This is because this Toyota model is the first one to offer the flexibility and roominess of seven seats combined with a hybrid powertrain.
What differs the Prius v from a standard Prius model is that it is longer, wider and taller and has an extended wheelbase. This is what makes possible for the vehicle to accommodate adults in all three rows. The latter were successfully added to the car, because its design now saves space from the highly compact, space-saving lithium-ion battery pack, which is placed under the centre console between the front seats.
In particular, the new car’s seven-seat format includes three independent sliding, reclining and split-folding second-row seats and a 50:50 split-folding third tier. This ensures large range of seating and cargo-carrying combinations.
Moreover, Prius v comes equipped with array of advanced features including a 6.1-inch display-screen audio system, automatic air-conditioning, 16-inch alloy wheels, energy monitor, head-up display, keyless entry and ignition, daytime-sensing headlamps, electric power steering, cruise control and daytime running lamps.
The interior equipment of the car includes multi-information display, four-spoke premium steering wheel with Touch Tracer sensitive controls for audio, air-conditioning temperature and trip display, and a tilt/telescopic-adjustable column.
2012 Toyota Prius v
In terms of safety and security, the future customers will be delighted to hear that this model has seven airbags, a reversing camera, hill-start assist, stability and traction control, and anti-skid brakes with brake assist and electronic brakeforce distribution are standard.
More importantly, Prius v includes the latest and best generation of Toyota’s Hybrid Synergy Drive® powertrain. It uses 1.8-litre Atkinson cycle petrol engine and a powerful 60kW (82 hp) electric motor for a combined system output of 100kW (136 hp).
The Prius v 1.8-litre Atkinson cycle 2ZR-FXE engine delivers alone 73kW (99 hp) of power at 5200rpm and 142Nm (105 lb-ft) of torque at 4000rpm. On the other hand the vehicle’s 650V electric drive motor has 60kW of power and 207Nm (199 lb-ft) of torque. This results as already mentioned in combined maximum power of 100kW (136 hp).
In details, the engine uses the Atkinson cycle, which has a higher expansion ratio than a conventional Otto cycle engine. This basically means that it offers improved fuel economy and emissions.
This unique system ensures low fuel consumption and CO2 emissions as well. It is supported by low weight and strong aerodynamic performance, thus offering class-leading fuel economy of 4.4 litres/100km and CO2 emissions of 101g/km.
In addition, at the convenience of the drivers is the 6.1 inch display-audio screen, where they can observe the power flow between the engine, motor generators, battery and wheels on an energy monitor.
Being a true Prius, the “v” one includes three “on-demand” drive modes which increase the capabilities of the full hybrid powertrain. The first one – EV mode, runs alone the electric motor ultra-quietly for up to two kilometers. This of course effects in zero fuel consumption and emissions.
The second Eco mode prioritizes fuel economy by slightly damping throttle response and restricting power consumption from the air-conditioning system. The last one, the Power mode boosts system performance.
2012 Toyota Prius v starting price is $ 35 990.
2012 Toyota Prius v Interior
2012 Toyota Prius v Specifications:
ENGINE
Type
Petrol
Capacity (cc)
1798
Code
2ZR-FXE
Description
Four cylinder Atkinson cycle, DOHC, four valves per cylinder with variable intake valve timing and cooled EGR
Bore x stroke (mm)
80.5 x 88.3
Compression ratio
13.0:1
Max. power
73kW @ 5200rpm
Max. torque
142Nm @ 4000rpm
Fuel system (petrol)
Electronic multipoint fuel injection with Electronic Throttle Control System
Independent, MacPherson struts, L-arms, coil springs, gas dampers and stabiliser bar
Rear
Semi-independent torsion beam, coil springs, gas dampers
FRICTION BRAKES
Front
296mm x 28mm ventilated discs, with sliding callipers
Rear
290mm x 12mm solid discs
Stability control
Electronically Controlled Braking (ECB), ABS with Brake Assist (BA), Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), Traction Control (TRC), Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) and Body Control with Torque Demand
Mercedes-Benz and AMG provided a Golden fleet for the Cannes Film Festivalquality in order to celebrate the awarding of the 65th Palme d’Or (Golden Palm). The vehicles as you can see were all with gold exterior and shining outstandingly next to the stars seen at the International event.
In fact, Mercedes-Benz fleet will serve as an exceptional shuttle service fot the VIP guests at the famous film Festival. These cars were made as a tribute to the 65th anniversary of the Palme d’Or. In addition to that a very special edition of Mercedes-Benz will „attend“ the iconic Cinema Against AIDS Gala evening.
Golden Mercedes-Benz AMG at the Cannes Film Festival
Namely, this one is a gold Mercedes-Benz SL 65 AMG “45th Anniversary“. This legendary sports car celebrates this year its 60th birthday and at the same time AMG turns 45. All shuttle vehicles provided by Mercedes-Benz will ensure that all the film stars will make a more than spectacular appearance when they arrive on the red carpet.
Furthermore, the new Mercedes-Benz SL 65 AMG “45th Anniversary” will also be exhibited at the “IWC Filmmakers Dinner”. But this is not all, every day throughout the festival, Mercedes-AMG will give their guests and visitors the chance to experience true “Driving Performance” on individual test drives along the French Riviera in various current AMG models.
Golden Mercedes-Benz AMG Fleet at the Cannes Film Festival
Here’s a treat from Anderson (Düsseldorf, Germany). It’s called the Aston Martin Casino Royale DBS – an evident reference to the James Bond franchise. And it certainly looks exclusive enough to bare that image – shady, sleek and, inside, a bit over the top but don’t worry. That’s why the windows are tinted – it will be your dork secret.
Anderson are quick to announce that because of the ECU tweak, the new manifolds and exhaust system with sports catalysts, the power of the Casino DBS is up by 55 ps. So that’s 572 ps and 569 Nm of torque coming from the Aston’s epic sounding V12. However, for the guys at Düsseldorf, epic is not enough. That’s why there’s a remote controlled valve somewhere down the line so that there are three sound levels. Also, the complete mass of the exhaust system is around 21 kg less than the standard one. Has it been made with tinfoil?
As for the body, we can clearly see that predominant matte gray color. Anderson claim however, that there are two shades of it – various components such as the window borders, tailgates block and radiator case are more “shiny gray”. Right…. As additional components there’s a front lip spoiler and a rear diffuser. All the while, 21-inch Anderson wheels complement the whole look while 255 tires at the front and 295 at the back give the necessary grip.
The brake calipers and some external logos bare a bronze motive which continues inside. Bronze stitching on the Alacantra upholstery and bronze embossing. Otherwise, almost everything else is carbon fiber – black, gray, you name it. If you stare at its patterns long enough your eyes will start to bleed. That being said, we will most definitely not decline an overnight stay inside because at the end of the day – it’s an Aston Martin… with a James Bond feel on it. What more does one need?!
Apparently, pushing the boundaries of fuel efficiency is a thing these days. Motoring journalist Donn Anderson recently took a Suzuki Swift DDiS (diesel) on a journey with Auckland (the Northern part of the North island of New Zealand) as a starting point and an end point at the bottom of it, in Wellington. No petrol stations were harmed during the trip. In fact he turned around and started for home afterwords. The fuel tank came 60 km short before finishing the whole epic journey.
2012 Peugeot 208 is one of the best cars for urban environment due to its smaller dimensions, but spacious cabin. Furthermore, the new 
2013 Mazda CX-5 is surprisingly lightweight, high-rigid, and at the same time safe. The safety performance of the model was recognized by Euro NCAP, which awarded the vehicle after the latest crash tests with five starts!
OETTINGER has announced their tuning package for Audi TT-RS. The car brings pure excitement and is specially created to celebrate 20 years Tuner Grand Prix.
You remember the 
2012 Buick Regal GS luxury sport sedan just won a second place in the 135-mph class of this month’s Nevada Open Road Challenge. It finished within 0.4 seconds of their 40-minute target time.
2012 Toyota Prius v is the next model to join the 
Here’s a treat from 
