Yet another teaser from Nissan – thrilling. This time we get a verification that the upcoming Altima has doors… four of them (or two on one side). Then they say that they have an image as well, but it’s just a still shot from the video. What good is that?
The company’s marketing strategy really is an unorthodox one. First we had a teaser which was sort of uninformative, then there was a second one which was ok-ish. The third one started to feel banal and now this. For how long do we have to piece together all of that information. At the very least, we would have to wait for the New Your Auto show which is due in April. This Altima will be the fifth-generation from a family of mid-sized, sensible saloons. It better be good as the fuss about is seems tremendous.
Good news for those who have always fancied the Cehvy Sonic Turbo but were never too keen about the idea of a stick-shift. The Ecotec 1.4L Sonic will now be available also with an automatic.
“Providing the option of a turbocharged engine to our non-stick driving Chevy customers allows us to offer everyone the thrill and power of a fuel-efficient Ecotec 1.4L powerplant,” said Jim Danahy, vehicle line director and vehicle chief engineer for North American small cars. “Both in the Sonic and Cruze, the engine enables better fuel economy without sacrificing power or performance. It’s really a winning combination.”
Yes, no sacrifice in terms of power, but a skillful person behind the wheel of a manual Sonic Turbo can get from off the line, to 62mph in 7.8 seconds whereas the automatic will make that run for “about” 8.0 and there’s nothing you can do about it. Still, it’s hardly end of the world this issue.
Here’s the funny thing however – most companies nowadays claim that their automatic transmissions return better mpg than manuals even. This is not the story here. The 6-speed automatic is said to deliver an EPA-estimated economy of 37 mpg on the highway and 27 mpg in the city. The manual fares a little bit better than that: 40 mpg highway and 29 mpg urban.
Nevertheless, all is a small price to pay for the benefits of an automatic gearbox – convenience and comfort.
Chevrolet Sonic Turbo2012 Hydra-Matic 6T40 (MH8) transmission unit
Nissan GT-R is one of the best drag racing vehicles currently available on the market. It’s time attack qualities are also astonishing, but almost nothing can compete versus a tuned GT-R. Here, we have one of the fastest GT-Rs in the world – The Hulk. It is a creation of the United Kingdom’s tuning company Severn Valley Motorsport.
The Hulk has completely rebuilt engine with more than 1250HP (932 kW) and still it is a street legal car. The displacement of the twin-turbocharged V6 growth to 4.2 liters. It also gets two enormous GTX GT35 Garrett turbochargers, Radec Full race front mounted Intercooler, 1600 ID Injectors and many more upgrades.
The gearbox is also different as well as the chassis, the electronics, the exterior boasts a complete wide-body kit, a set of new wheels and tires and last, but not least – restyled interior.
You can check all upgrades in the list below, but until then see how easy the Hulk hits over 350 km/h (218 mph). The data was recorded by GPS data acquisition system VBOX by Racelogic, which is completely precise.
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EV6JHAAyZiY
Nissan GT-R – The Hulk
Engine
SVM HULK Spec Forged Blueprinted Unit 4.2L
92.4 Billet Greddy Crankshaft assembly & boost logic Crank damper/ rotating mass dynamically balanced
98mm Darton modular Integrated deck system (wet liners)
SVM specification longer Carrillo connecting rods
SVM Custom CP Comp Pistons & Higher Quality wrist pins & ARP bolts
ARP L19 Head Extra high Strength Bolts
Ferrera Valve Package with larger inlet and exhaust valves and titanium retainers
Tomie 280 Profile cams with 11.3 lift
CNC 5 angled valve pockets and CNC Balanced Porting
Ported and Matched Inlet Manifolds
GTC Billet winged engine sump
HKS 45ml colder spark plugs
Okada plasma Direct coil packs
Induction
Large Greddy Throttle housings (awaiting first delivery from Greddy)
Greddy modified steel manifolds/modified with v bands couplings & SVM support system
GTX GT35 Garrett Turbo Chargers with ball bearing core assemblies & V Band Fitment
Tial 44mm external waste gates V Band Fitment
Custom 80mm down pipes Zercoated
80mm hard pipe kit with SVM Green pipe couplers and murray hose clamps
80mm MAF pies with HPX MAF sensors
HKS Blow off Valves
GTC 102mm Titanium Exhaust system with 102mm GTC Y pipe fully resonated
KN High flow air filter system with ram pipes & 90mm intakes
Cooling
Radec Full race front mounted Intercooler incorporating Martons Light Weight Aerospace technology (only one of two ever made for an R35 GTR)
Radtec high capacity engine and gearbox radiators housed into bumper
Radtec alloy power steering reservoir
Radtec water high pressure header tank and combi cam breathers with braided lines
Radtec Race Spec radiator
Radtec central block breather catch tank
GTC water hoses and ECU Rad program
65 deg thermostat and housing
Fueling
1600 ID Injectors High flow injectors
Billet 12mm fuel rails with twin Dash 8 fuel lines
Triple 1200bhp SVM Designed fuel pump system with swirl pot
Fuel lab fuel regulator with braided lines
Engine Detailing
Mines carbon engine cover
Carbon battery and brake servo cover
Titek carbon cooling panel
Hulk imperial pearlescent colour coded 1200bhp engine with specialist detailing
Colour Coding of various parts
Transmission
Albins 1st to 6th Gear set kit Uprated & High Strength
GTC 14 plate clutch system
Upgraded 4wd Gearlock system
Uprated Diff’s
SVM gearbox cooler kit with additional fan and thermal control/motul pump and braided lines
GTC Billet gearbox high capacity oil pan
SVM synthetic 13lts duel clutch oil
Shell helix racing oils
Chassis
KW coil overs Variant 3
KW club sport suspension with alloy top mountings
Eibach billet spacer pack with titanium wheel nuts
Eibach front and rear “hollow” light weight anti roll bars
GTC rose jointed top arms
400mm Top Secret Big Brake conversion front and rear (This is only used for Road and track use not Drag)
Electronics
45psi digital boost gauge
HKS AFR and knock meters with twin additional oxygen sensors
COBB ap with
GTC steering wheel maps race and road fuels
COBB ap nis 06 upgrade with launch control
Willhall Racing shift light
All mapping by Ben linnley GTC (2 fuel maps: Road 99 ron Race fuel 120 ron)
Exterior
Complete inside out re-spray in metallic imperial green pearlescent, eleven coat system & sponsors decals
Top racing carbon racing front bumper (part painted)
GTC Carbon bonnet (part painted) gold heat protection
Top Secret carbon gas bonnet lifts
Top Secret Front Towing eye for Track use.
Aeromotion’s S2 Active split wing
WALD Rear carbon diffusers
WALD side skirts (painted black and green))
WALD rear arch extensions (painted black)
GTC carbon boot lid
GTC Carbon Race mirrors mounted on pillars
Carbon exhaust surrounds
Carbon/Black wrapped roof
MCR front and rear side markers
L.E.D front and rear GTR badges
L.E.D angle eye day light running lights
LSD doors
Privacy Glass
Wheels & Tyres
3 sets of wheels and tyres – show/road/track
Show
22″ i forged carbon coated show wheels/ green pin stripe / bar code graphics
22″ Pirelli Tyre package. R 295/25/22 F 265/30/22
Road/Track
20″ Volks Racing light weight wheels Toyo R888 315/30/20 tyres
Track
18″ Rota drag wheels with hossier non expanding drag tyres
Interior
Cobra front carbon ultra light race seats / technology foam /alcantara fabrics & Custom Logo’s
6 point Roll Cage Custom built to SVM Spec with removable bars
TAKATA 4 point race harnesses
Full carbon interior package ( 12 piece kit) inc Carbon rear speaker shelf
Ferrari World has released a nice video presenting the 599XX Evo, which hits Suzuka race track in Japan. The model is strictly reserved for Ferrari Corse Clienti, who participate in the track-based research and development program. In other words, if you are not a race client, you can’t drive such machine.
The 599XX boasts active aerodynamics package, redesigned rear diffuser and special compound Pirelli tires for insane traction at the race track. The engine has 750PS (552 kW) and 700Nm (516 lb-ft) of torque, which is just enough to move the Earth. However, this is an increase of 20PS thanks to a new exhaust system redirected to the sides of the vehicle.
Last, but not least, the 599XX Evo is 35 kg (77 lbs) lighter and has a shorter final gear ratio for improved acceleration.
Check out the full HD video below, where you’ll see nice moments from the race track and the amazing sound of the cars.
Here’s a Lamborghini Mercielago LP 640. Beautiful isn’t it? Wait! Are you looking at the wheels? Because if you are, PUR Wheels have done their job properly – captivating onlookers with their rose gold concept monoblock wheels titled ’6IX’. Yes, concept wheels are a thing and we are not sure if this is coming out or is it just showing off.
Either way, one has to admit that they look stunning on this dying breed of V12 hypercars. Here, on this rather static gallery, their five, dobule-spoked design can be seen in it’s full glory. Alternatively, in motion, one can imagine that the Lambo’s 640 hp will render them into blurry swirls of golden magnificence. The body/wheel contrast of the whole thing, can only help the appeal. It’s as if blackberry jam is being smeared on honey crusted Pop-Tarts. Or am I simply hungry?
Pur 6IXL wheels on a Lamborghini Murcielago LP 630Pur 6IXL concept wheel
There’s something going on behind the curtain at Citroen‘s. Supposedl a DS9 is on its way. We don’t have much information to thrive on but rumor has it that we are talking about a replacement fot the C6 based on the Metropolis concept revealed 2 years ago at the Shanghai World Fair. Oh, and then there are these two images. So, estate it is.
The Metropolis then. It was based on a C6 platform, only longer and had a 2.0-litre V6, 272 bhp petrol engine that was backed up with a 95 bhp electric motor. Pretty standard hybrid stuff: all-electric mode, petrol mode and dual mode. A 7-speed double clutch transmission crunched whatever power was coming from the drivetrains and powered up all fours. The Metropolis was not only showcased in Shanghai, but it was also designed there (in Citroen’s Shanghai studio).
So let the guessing game begin. Will the newcomer be anything even close to the Metropolis or a completely new idea? Which markets will benefit from it?
Mazda has unveiled their new racing car – MX-5 GT 2.0 litre, which will take part in the British GT Championship in 2012. Sponsored by SMH Fleet Solutions, Mazda Financial Services and Jota Aviation, the Mazda MX-5 GT will compete in the GT4 class against Lotus, Aston Martin, Ginetta and Nissan.
The 2012 Mazda MX-5 GT4 weighs just 1 000kg. It is powered by a 2.0 liter four-cylinder racing engine delivering 315HP. The engine is mated to a 6-speed Hewland gearbox enabling the car to accelerate to 60mph in 3.0 seconds. The top speed is 258 km/h (160 mph). This makes the car the fastest and most powerful MX-5 in the World.
The outstanding handling that has made the MX-5 a favourite amongst drivers looking for an outstanding drive experience has been further developed through the race programme in 2011 with the help of MIRA, the Motor Industry Research Agency. The MX-5 GT4 demonstrates high levels of stability under all loads making the car easy and fun to drive, an important feature for the longer endurance races.
Last season the Mazda MX-5 GT demonstrated its strengths in endurance racing, while it is not as powerful as rivals it uses less fuel and is easier on tyres. This translates to less time in the pits and more time on the track which is a winning formula.
The British GT Championship is nine rounds over seven weekends. The first race is at Oulton Park in Cheshire on Easter weekend, 7 and 9 April.
“We are looking forward to taking on the supercar brands this year and winning,” said Jeremy Thomson, Managing Director for Mazda UK.
“Last year was a valuable development year when we established the strengths of the car and then developed the power and handling to best exploit those strengths. We are excited and optimistic about our first year in British GT and fully expect the Mazda MX-5 to upset a few established marques.”, he finished.
Renault Avantime Grand Tourer Coupe celebrates its 10th anniversary in the UK. To mark the occasion a special meeting is being held for owners and enthusiasts next month.
The vehicle was super-luxurious back in 2002, when it hit the market. It was designed by Patrick le Quément. To commemorate the car’s latest milestone, the Avantime Owners Club will drive their iconic cars to the Transport Museum in Coventry on April 7 to chat about the Renault design classic, share stories and admire plenty of pristine examples of the eye-catching models on display.
Renault Avantime combines comfort, style and performance wrapped in a distinctive, innovative, attention-grabbing body, with design project manager Thierry Metroz admitting at the time he “wanted someone walking around the car to be continually astonished”.
It is one of a few concept cars produced by a volume manufacturer that has gone straight into production within a year of first being seen by the general public, and redefined luxury travel and passenger safety at the time.
The combination of performance and driving enjoyment, the luxury of interior space and comfort, heightened by the panoramic glass roof and four windows which could all be lowered at the touch of a button –advanced on-board technology and a powerful engine put Avantime at the top of the wish list of anyone seeking to stand out from the crowd, see and be seen, in style and in comfort.
2012 Renault Avantime
Avantime is powered by a powerful 3.0 liter 24-valve V6 with 210PS (155 kW) capable of doing 225 km/h (140mph). It is mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox.
Production only lasted 12 months due to Matra being unable to find a replacement model for Espace III production that was coming to a close leaving them with too much excess capacity. This has made Avantime, which was also available in a 2.0 Turbo in Dynamique guise and a 3.0 V6 automatic on the flagship Privilege version, something of a rarity on the roads and helped to build a cult following among current and past owners and enthusiasts of these iconic design classics.
The Avantime Owners Club 10th anniversary meeting takes place at the Coventry Motor Museum on Saturday, April 7 from 9am.
Scion has just announced pricing for the 2013 Scion FR-S compact rear-wheel drive sports car, which start at $24 200 (MSRP). The vehicle is equipped with a six-speed manual transmission. However, it has a version that comes with a six-speed automatic transmission that features paddle shifters and rev-match technology and is priced at $25 300. The Scion will go on sale this spring.
The FR-S acronym in the name of the car stands for Front-engine, Rear-wheel drive, Sport. It delivers an authentic rear-wheel-drive sports car with very well balanced performance and handling, compelling style, flexible utility and surprising fuel efficiency. Moreover, the vehcle is designed around the core goal of achieving “Pure Balance”, which begins with the strategic use of the world’s only flat boxer engine in a front-engine, rear-wheel drive configuration. The engine has a compact size and flat shape, which allows to be mounted extremely low, giving the car a dynamically favorable front-to-rear weight ratio of 53:47 and a low center of gravity. Furthermore, the Scion has a 2.0-liter, naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine, which comes as a result of a joint development between Toyota and Subaru. In this work of collaboration Subaru’s newly developed, horizontally opposed engine will be combined with Toyota’s cutting edge D-4S injection system that incorporates both direct and port injection. The D-4S system, partnered with a high 12.5:1 compression ratio, results in 200 hp (147 kW) and 151 pound-feet of torque. This engine is mated to a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic transmission. The manual offers quick, precise shifts with a short-throw; while the automatic features aggressive up shifts and sporty rev-matched down shifts that are initiated by steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters. Power is transferred to the pavement via a standard Torsen® limited-slip differential.
2013 Scion FR-S
In addition to this, the “Pure Balance” idea is further manifested by the FR-S’s lightweight design and compact size. This unique combination allows the car to be quick and with h dynamic high maneuverability, and confident handling. The coupe’s weight is minimized by using a lightweight aluminum hood, a solid roof, and by featuring a trunk design instead of a hatchback. This low weight is matched with a dynamically tuned suspension setup consisting of MacPherson struts up front and a double wishbone system in the rear. In addition, lightweight 17-inch alloy wheels and ventilated disc brakes are standard on all four corners.
The exterior of the car is really powerful: it reveals a hood and roof-line that is remarkably sleek and low, giving it an aerodynamic shape that channels air cleanly over to the top. In addition, the aggressive front fenders protrude upward and boast the iconic ‘86’ piston emblem. The rear fascia sits low and wide, with aerodynamic lower treatments that surround the sporty dual exhaust system. Of course, a today model can’t go without LEDs. Here they illuminate the edgy taillights, while center-mounted backup lights finish the muscular design. The 2013 Scion FR-S will be available in seven colors including Raven, Asphalt, Hot Lava, Argento, Ultramarine, Firestorm and Whiteout.
What about the interior: the FR-S’s interior includes a 2+2 seating configuration. The front seats include deep bolsters, they are mounted extremely low, while the rear seat folds down flat, creating flexible space. The large center-mounted tachometer is the focus of the three-gauge cluster and features a programmable shift-indicator. Here, the speed is being monitored by both digital and analog gauges. The 2013 FR-S features a sporty leather-trimmed steering wheel with tilt and telescopic adjustment. As a standard in the vehicle are included eight-speaker AM/FM/CD/USB 300-watt maximum output Pioneer™ audio system, HD Radio™ technology, Bluetooth® connectivity.
Furthermore, regarding thee safety features, the FR-S comes with six airbags, including dual-stage advanced driver- and front-passenger airbags, front-seat-mounted airbags and side-curtain airbags. In addition, it also includes the Star Safety System with Traction Control (TRAC), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Enhanced Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Brake Assist (BA), an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), and Smart Stop Technology (SST).
The new 2012 Mercedes-Benz GLK will offer excelent driving dynamics to all its customers. In addition to that is its outstanding driving safety and ride comfort. What is visible at first sight is the new design interpretation that the SUV got. The body combines classic elements of all-terrain vehicles: stringent lines, expansive surfaces and the smooth-surfaced, volume-emphasizing front and rear areas harmonise with the hallmark GLK body features. The functional exterior features also include: short overhangs, the upright front end, slender roof pillars, a steep windscreen and taut roof line. The neatly designed body and the good all-round visibility combined with the seat position improve suitability for everyday use, but also provide excitement in driving.
Furthermore, beneath the newly designed headlamps, all models offer LED daytime driving lights in a chrome clasp as standard. The radiator follows the design idiom of all current passenger car models. The basic model comes with reflection-type headlamps. On models featuring the Intelligent Light System (ILS), the headlamp comprises the projection unit, a reflector and the torch with LED fibre-optic cables for the position light, above which the turn signal indicators consisting of individual LEDs are located. The roof rails in a totally new design are particularly striking in the side view. Next, the rear bumper gives sporty character to the GLK’s rear. At the rear, the tail lights have undergone a complete transformation: fibre-optic cables and LEDs are also employed to provide the GLK’s rear end with a unique and characteristic night design. Next, what is new in the 2012 GLK are the newly developed wheels in size 43.2 cm (17-inch), 48.3 cm (19-inch) and 50.8 cm (20-inch), which are available in various paint finishes or with a high-sheen finish.
There is of course an AMG Sports package for the GLK featured. First an AMG Exterior Sports package is available and in details it includes: AMG front and rear apron, the specific radiator grille with two chrome slats, AMG LED daytime driving lights, 48.3 cm (19-inch) AMG 5-spoke light-alloy wheels and a sporty suspension setup.
2012 Mercedes-Benz GLK
And what about the interior of the GLK interior? As you might conclude yourself, the newly designed GLK interior offers design, a quality feel and a choice of high-quality materials. The designers had given a complete makeover of the dashboard: wide trim in aluminium or optionally in wood spans the entire width of the dashboard; the new round vents and additional trim elements in silver shadow are also included; a high-end colour display is optionally available for the instrument cluster; a three-spoke sports steering wheel, new upholstery colours and seat designs plus indirect ambient lighting featuring LED fibre-optic technology. The Interior Sports package which was available for the predecessor model has been also upgraded, with sports seats, three-spoke multifunction steering wheel in nappa leather, black sports seats in ARTICO man-made leather/DINAMICA microfibre with stitching in alpaca grey (alternatively real black leather upholstery), door centre panels in ARTICO man-made leather with diagonal stitching, shift lever in nappa leather with chrome surround and sports pedals in brushed stainless steel. Furthermore, the 2012 Mercedes-Benz GLK is fitted with the Audi 20 CD radio as standard. It has the following functions and tools: Twin tuner, TFT display with 14.7 cm (5.8″) diagonal, mp3/wma/aac-compatible CD drive, USB interface incl; CD cover display, AUX-IN socket in the centre armrest, Bluetooth® interface with hands-free function and audio streaming for music transfer; telephone keypad.
2012 Mercedes-Benz GLK Interior
Further improvements in the GLK are possible thank to the assistance systems featured, which is similar to those from the S- and E-Class. It works in terms of active safety and driver-fitness safety. The optional equipment includes the ATTENTION ASSIST drowsiness detection system or the PRE‑SAFE® anticipatory safety system. There are also additional assistance systems, including active variants, such as the Active Parking Assist, which enables fully automatic manoeuvring into and out of parking spaces. Other system packages are for instance Driving Assistance package Plus, which comprises DISTRONIC PLUS including BAS PLUS, PRE-SAFE® Brake, Active Lane Keeping Assist and Active Blind Spot Assist.
Of course, this new and modern 2012 GLK comes with wide range of engines, which provide driving comfort and attractive performance. More importantly, they also low emissions and fuel consumption. All in all there are six diesel model engines and a petrol one.
Model
Cyl.
cc
kW/hp
at rpm
Nm from
rpm
0-100
km/h (s)
Vmax
km/h
l/100 km
NEDC combined
CO2
g/km
GLK 200 CDI
BlueEFFICIENCY
4
2143
105/143
3200-4600
350
1200-2800
10.8
(10.3)
190
(195)
5.6-6.0
(5.5-5.6)
145-156
(143-147)
GLK 220 CDI
BlueEFFICIENCY
4
2143
125/170
3200-4200
400
1400-2800
8.7
(8.5)
205
(205)
5.6-6.0
(5.5-5.6)
145-156
(143-147)
GLK 220 CDI 4MATIC BlueEFFICIENCY
4
2143
125/170
3200-4200
400
1400-2800
8.8
205
6.1-6.5
159-168
GLK 220 BlueTEC 4MATIC
4
2143
125/170
3200-4200
400
1400-2800
8.8
205
6.1-6.5
159-169
GLK 250 BlueTEC 4MATIC
4
2143
150/204
4200
500
1600-2800
8.0
210
6.1-6.5
159-169
GLK 350 CDI 4MATIC BlueEFFICIENCY
V6
2987
195/265
3800
620
1600-2400
6.4
232
6.9-7.0
179-183
GLK 350 4MATIC BlueEFFICIENCY
V6
3498
225/306
6500
370
3500-5250
65
238
8.1-8.6
189-199
Furthermore, the GLK 250 BlueTEC 4MATIC boasts the most powerful four-cylinder diesel engine in the SUV world. It has a direct-injection engine which is rated at 150 kW (204 hp) and generating 500 Nm (369 lb-ft) of torque from 2143 ccSome of the key merits are the engine’s torquey character, its top speed and its flexibility. What needs to be highlighted here is the extremely low fuel consumption: the compression-ignition engine consumes 6.1 to 6.5 litres of diesel per 100 kilometres! The CO2 emissions stand at 159-169 grams per kilometre. Similarly to the GLK 220 BlueTEC 4MATIC model, it also complies with the EU6 emissions standard and the US BIN 5 standard.
Next, the two rear-wheel drive models GLK 200 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY and GLK 220 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY with six-speed manual transmission are even more fuel-efficient! Both versions deliver 5.5 – 5.6 litres of diesel per hundred kilometres (143 – 147 g CO2/km) of fuel consumption. However, the top performer among the diesel versions is the GLK 350 CDI 4MATIC BlueEFFICIENCY: it has the whole 620 Nm (458 lb-ft) of torque which come from the V6 compression-ignition engine with exceptional power delivery from low revs. At the heart of the BlueDIRECT technology package is the third-generation spray-guided direct petrol engine with piezo injectors. In combination with multi-spark ignition, this technology offers further potential for fuel savings. Not only this comprehensive package of BlueEFFICIENCY contributes for the low fuel consumption, but also the ECO start/stop function that comes as standard. These measures include the seven-speed 7G-TRONIC PLUS automatic transmission, which comes as a standard on all 4MATIC models of the GLK. In addition, the standard-fit ECO display in the instrument cluster also enables the driver to check his driving style with regard to the prevailing fuel consumption level.
Next to be mentioned is the safety equipment featured in the GLK, which includes as a standard: airbags for driver and front passenger, kneebag for driver, pelvis bag
for driver and front passenger, sidebag for driver and front passenger, windowbag for driver, front passenger and rear passengers; seat occupancy recognition for front passenger seat; crash-responsive pedals; ISOFIX child seat anchorage points in the rear and Top Tether attachment points on the rear of the rear seat backrest; 5 head restraints, height- and tilt-adjustable for driver, front passenger and in the rear, crash-responsive NECK-PRO head restraints for driver and front passenger; 3-point seat belts including mechanical belt height adjustment and belt force limiter for driver and front passenger plus automatic belt height adjustment on the outer rear seats, belt status display for rear seats in the instrument cluster; pedestrian protection with active bonnet. The active safety equipment package includes: ADAPTIVE BRAKE including Hill-Start Assist, HOLD function, brake drying in the wet and priming, AGILITY CONTROL suspension with selective damping system, Antilock Brake System (ABS), Acceleration Skid Control (ASR), Brake Assist (BAS), assisting the driver with additional brake power
when emergency braking is detected, Direct-Steer system with speed-sensitive power assistance and variable steering ratio; STEER CONTROL, which supports the driver in unstable driving conditions by triggering an impulse which can be felt on the steering wheel, prompting countersteering by the driver in the correct direction; ESP® Electronic Stability Program including trailer stabilization; 4MATIC permanent all-wheel drive with 4ETS electronic traction system (except for GLK 200/220 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY); Tyre pressure loss warning.
2012 Mercedes-Benz GLK Interior
All seven models of the GLK come as standard with range of equipment designed to optimise safety, comfort and agility for the occupants and driver. The standard features of the interior includes electrically adjustable front seats with height and backrest adjustment, a folding armrest for driver and front passenger with stowage compartment, a folding rear armrest with double cup holder and stowage compartment, THERMATIC 2-zone automatic climate control, 12 V sockets in the centre console and the luggage compartment, power windows all-round with one-touch control and automatic reversing function and a trip computer with current consumption indicator. There are also available as a standard: rain sensor, Headlamp Assist, central locking with infrared radio remote control, cruise control with SPEEDTRONIC variable speed limiter (except for GLK 200/220 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY) and outside temperature indicator, green-tinted heat-insulating glass all-round, heated, electrically adjustable exterior mirrors in body colour with aspherically curved glass and integrated indicator and 43.2 cm (17-inch) 7-spoke light-alloy wheels. The individual options include broad choice of metallic and non-metallic paints and the vast range of interior options. There is a choice of ten metallic and non-metallic paints and two special paint finishes in diamond white BRIGHT metallic and luzonite grey. The interior can be further customized and appointed in a variety of styles ranging from sporty to classically elegant. The range of single-tone interior options includealpaca grey, various beige tones, black; in addition the range of the available two-tone design leather finishes are black/corteccia, black/porcelain and black/light brown.
The 2012 Mercedes-Benz GLK is being offered in seven model versions with starting price of 36 235 Euros.
2012 Kia Rio 1.1 CRDi EcoDynamics has been named “Best sub-100g/km business car” in the Business Car Manager Best Business Car 2012 Awards.
It emits just 85 g/km CO2, which is the lowest of any non-electric vehicle currently on sale. The Rio 1.1 CRDi EcoDynamics impressed the Business Car Manager judges as an overall ownership proposition and not just for its class-leading green attributes.
2012 Kia Rio starts at just £9 995 OTR and the 1.1 CRDi EcoDynamics model is available from £11 895. The entire Rio range is available with Kia’s fixed price servicing plans, Care-3 and Care-3 Plus, which offer 3 or 5 years servicing from just £269.
“Any Kia Rio is a good car – but the EcoDynamics version is a champion. It returns a staggering 88mpg and emits just 85g/km of CO2 thanks to a punchy and characterful 1.1-litre three-cylinder diesel engine.”, said Commenting on the Rio’s win, Ralph Morton, Editor, Business Car Manager.
“As well as those cheap running costs, the Rio boasts an ownership experience that is anything but. This is a compact hatchback that looks just as smart as its Ford Fiesta and Vauxhall Corsa rivals – while inside there’s plenty of space, the cabin is really well made and there’s lots of equipment. It’s precise to drive too. You certainly don’t feel like a second-class citizen in a Rio; it’s a genuine class-beater.”, Mr. Morton added.
The Business Car Manager award is the Rio EcoDynamic’s third so far in 2012 having already scooped CarBuyer’s 2012 Green Car of the Year Award as well as having been singled out for special praise in Kia’s What Car? 2012 Ultra-Low-Carbon Award.
The all-new 2014 Chevrolet Impala full-size sedan will debut at this year’s New York International Auto Show which is going to take place next month. Chevrolet is also going to exhibit a transformed version of the 2013 Cehvrolet Traverse crossover utility vehicle. The only information that we have about those models are these two exclusively released teaser pictures, showing just a little peace of the vehicles. The new Impala model will further empower Chevrolet’s passenger car lineup by offering consumers a full-size sedan. In fact, Impala has been one of Chevrolet’s best-selling models since 1958. The all-new version of the Impala builds on that heritage.
On the other hand the refreshed 2013 Chevrolet Traverse was designed to deliver to families a new gathering space. It includes elements of style and refinement both inside and outside. It is also going to offer new and industry-exclusive safety features. Moreover Traverse model is among the safest vehicles on the road today. In this 2013 model, Chevrolet has added to the Traverse industry’s first front center air bag, which is engineered to protect drivers and front passengers in far-side impact crashes. What basically happens is that the air bag deploys in milliseconds and inflates between the driver and front passenger, providing added protection for both front occupants. Furthermore, the new edition of the crossover offers a wide variety of improvements in terms of ride and handling, interior materials and exterior styling.
Yet another teaser from Nissan – thrilling. This time we get a verification that the upcoming Altima has doors… four of them (or two on one side). Then they say that they have an image as well, but it’s just a still shot from the video. What good is that?
Good news for those who have always fancied the 
Nissan GT-R is one of the best drag racing vehicles currently available on the market. It’s time attack qualities are also astonishing, but almost nothing can compete versus a tuned GT-R. Here, we have one of the fastest GT-Rs in the world – The Hulk. It is a creation of the United Kingdom’s tuning company Severn Valley Motorsport.
Ferrari World has released a nice video presenting the 599XX Evo, which hits Suzuka race track in Japan. The model is strictly reserved for Ferrari Corse Clienti, who participate in the track-based research and development program. In other words, if you are not a race client, you can’t drive such machine.
Here’s a 
There’s something going on behind the curtain at 
Mazda has unveiled their new racing car – MX-5 GT 2.0 litre, which will take part in the British GT Championship in 2012. Sponsored by SMH Fleet Solutions, Mazda Financial Services and Jota Aviation, the Mazda MX-5 GT will compete in the GT4 class against Lotus, Aston Martin, Ginetta and Nissan.
Renault Avantime Grand Tourer Coupe celebrates its 10th anniversary in the UK. To mark the occasion a special meeting is being held for owners and enthusiasts next month.
2012 Kia Rio 1.1 CRDi EcoDynamics has been named “Best sub-100g/km business car” in the Business Car Manager Best Business Car 2012 Awards.
