Car Makes – Page 835 – Automobiles Review

DMC Lamborghini Aventador Molto Veloce

DMC Design has announced their tuning package for the “space ship” – Aventador. The project name is Molto Veloce, which from italian is “very fast” and sure it is.

Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4 is powered by a 6.5 liter V12 with 700PS (515 kW) at 8250 RPM and 690Nm (509 lb-ft) at 5500RPM. It is mated to a 7-speed ISR gearbox specially supplied by Graziano Trasmissioni Group. Combined fuel consumption – 17.2 l/100 km (13.5 mpg). 0-100 km/h in 2.9 seconds and a top speed of 350 km/h (217 mph).

The DMC Aventador received a new front spoiler and a pair of modified side skirts. The body kit also includes a new rear diffuser and a nice wing replacing the original. The exterior also got a new stripe in the middle of the front, top and rear.

Still, there is no information about performance packages, but who need them, when the Aventador is already one of the fastest street legal vehicles in the world.

Source: DMC Design

February 28, 2012

All-New Ford Fiesta PowerShift Automatic in India

Ford are going to delight the Indian market with a Fiesta that has a state of the art PowerShift automatic gearbox – a dual clutch system that helps with frugality and bets on efficiency and reliability. Ford are in fact so proud of it that they have placed a ‘seal-for-life‘ on it, rendering maintenance unnecessary… or impossible. Anyway. Ford argue that one does not need to change the fluids inside for 10 years or 240 000 km. A 2 year/100 000 km warranty is also provided.

The box can be found in two Fiesta trims – Style and Titanium+. The former will be generously equipped with enough technology such as auto AC, a leather steering wheel and some fog lights. The Titanium+ gets all of that plus leather seats, alloy wheels, park assist and electronically folding wing mirrors.

Power will come from an India special 1.5 L Ti-VCT engine unit that is fully compliant with the country’s emission standards. Working together with the lightweight (no torque-converters and oil sumps inside) PowerShift box, that engine will return around 38 mpg – A class leading fuel economy (the Fiesta in India is a sedan).

Other pearls of the Fiesta include the driver aids and safety features. It’s got Cruise Control, Hill-Assist and Grade-Assist (auto descent from a hill on a constant, comfortable speed), ABS, dual airbags and a thing called Creep Function. That sounds a bit disturbing but actually what it is, is a system that allows the car to move slowly without much effort from the driver when in traffic jam.

The car is sound, soundproof, rigid, compact yet spacious, technologically advanced and now, with the addition of the PowerShift automatic, it is also very easy to live with. Ideal for everyday life in India? Why not?

Source: Ford

February 28, 2012

Volvo V40 Premiere at 2012 Geneva Motor Show

Good news from Vovlo – the Swedish company that brings us everyday road safety and stability. At the 2012 Geneva Motor Show a new model will be revealed. Called the V40, it will be targeting a niche that goes under the category of “Premium hatchback”. What that basically means is that the V40 is expected to pock some big boy heat underneath a practical and sensible body.

When it comes to engine choice, one can go subtle and sensible. I am talking about Volvo’s first sub-100g/km CO2 diesel engine. Alternatively a turbocharged T5 unit will offer top of the range performance in terms of speed – 254hp good for a sprint from 0 to 60mph in a time of 6.7 seconds. Or anything in between will do just as fine No matter what engine and transmission, the cars will always carry a stop/start module and a brake energy recharging system.

Being Swedish, the V40 can’t roll out of the factory without ticking some safety technology features. The car is constantly aware of pedestrians and will automatically stop if it has to. The second line of pedestrian safety is the pedestrian airbag. A Lane Keeping Aid will keep you from veering in other people’s way while a City Safety low-speed collision detector will prevent bumps and crashes actually that occur within the 31mph range.

“The all-new V40 is the most intelligent and safe Volvo model so far. All its features are designed around the driver, helping him or her stay alert and well informed to avoid collisions and dangerous situations,” says Håkan Abrahamsson, Vehicle Line Director C Cars & V40 Vehicle Programme Manager. He adds: “With this class-leading safety package, including enhanced focus on pedestrian protection, the all-new V40 aims for a full star rating in the new, sharpened 2012 Euro NCAP safety tests.”

The company hopes to sell 90,000 V40 vehicles per year with as much as 85% of them going to the European markets. The debut is set for the Geneva Motor Show next week while sales are expected to start in May.

Source: Volvo

February 28, 2012

2012 Toyota Prius Plug-In Hybrid with the lowest CO2 emissions on the market

Toyota has just announced the exclusive news about the official EU CO2 emissions and economy figures for the new 2012 Toyota Prius Plug-In Hybrid and they are exceptional. The vehicle emits 49g/km of CO2 on the combined cycle and travel 134.5 miles on one gallon of petrol. These numbers makes it the most efficient Toyota on the market. The engineers in addition have improved the car’s EV driving range to 15.5 miles. This is an improvement of 24% versus the customer trial vehicle. Another thing which makes it unique is that it takes only 90 minutes to recharge the car, using a conventional plug. When the EV battery is depleted, the 2012 Toyota Prius Plug-In Hybrid automatically switches into HV mode. In this mode, the vehicle delivers CO2 emissions of 85 g/km and economy of 76.4mpg. This is an improvement on the emissions and fuel economy of the standard Prius. This leading performance helps to deliver a total driving range of 769 miles. The car continues to offer the same interior space as the standard Prius, with seating for five and 443 litres of bootspace. 2012 Toyota Prius Plug-In Hybrid will be launched in the summer of 2012.

Source: Toyota

February 28, 2012

LUMMA Design Porsche CLR 9 S to debut at 2012 Geneva Motor Show

The tuning company LUMMA Design is going to preview what they have done on the Porsche Carrera 911 S for the first time. The project carries the name CLR 9 S and has aerodynamic package, beautifully designs light alloy rims and an attractive interior. Of course, the tuners have put a lot of attention on the details and this was made with the help of their CLR aerodynamic components. In particular, the front spoiler lip with integrated cup-spoiler sword is now combined with the CLR-design front grill frame. This undoubtedly this gives the LUMMA Design CLR 9 S very unique appearance. In addition, there have been included stylish headlights which add even further to the design. The overhanging fenders at the rear of the CLR 9 S are additionally emphasized by a three-part spoiler lip, which also provides increased down force at the rear axle. This results in improvement of the handling at high speeds.

With the installation of LUMMA Design four-pipe sports muffler made from a high-quality V4A-alloy and the matching tailpipes with a 90-millimeter diameter, the vehicle is now even sportier. The tailpipes, with their unique “pipe-in-pipe” design are also available individually, just like the CLR 9 S aerodynamic components, which are produced in OEM quality. Additionally, the LUMMA Design rear sports muffler is also available with valve control, which produces the gritty flat engine sound in an even more dynamic fashion. Of course, all this comes with an attractive exterior racing stripe kit. Furthermore, the Porsche sits on the unique LUMMA Edition “GS/R” Edition Sports Rims which are forged light-metal alloy rims. With a weight of just 9.4 kilograms in the 9 x 20” version and 11.4 kilograms in the 12 x 20” variant, the “GS/R” forged rims are truly lightweight. They are also available in tow colors – silver and black. The wheels of the LUMMA Design CLR 9 S measure 9 x 20 inches at the front and 12 x 20 inches at the drive shaft. High-performance tires measuring 245/30-20 and 305/30-20 are installed at the front and rear respectively.

LUMMA Design has used of course only high-quality materials combined with the finest craftsmanship in the transformation of the interior. In details it is full leather interior: a mix of red leather and black alcantara. The two-color finish in leather and alcantara can be seen on the dashboard, sports steering wheel, roof, door panels, central console and the many other interior features. Everything is wrapped in leather and alcantara, except for the aluminum pedals and the white instrument panel. In addition, the range of sophisticated accessories from LUMMA Design is also exquisite: the door sill panels are made of aluminum, there is also include leather-trimmed velour mats and interior panels in embossed carbon leather. The aluminum pedals are fitted with rubber studs, rendering them highly slip-resistant. The steering wheel on the other hand is all covered with alcantara.

With the worldwide debut of the LUMMA Porsche CLR 9 S at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show, LUMMA Design will present a completely modified Porsche Carrera 911 while remaining true to the original Porsche design.

Source: LUMMA Design

February 28, 2012

Nissan Hi-Cross Concept Teaser [VIDEO]

Nissan is the one of the biggest leaders in the production of crossovers all over the world. What we are going to see from the brand at this year’s Geneva Motor Show is something spectacular.

There, we are promised to preview how Nissan explores new ideas and manifest them in reality. In addition, the brand is looking for an expansion in terms of award-winning range segment, and this is exactly where the attention will be put on the show in Geneva. A sneak peak of what is going to come and what we are going to see on 6^th of March is the exclusively released video teaser of the new Nissan Hi-Cross Concept vehicle. The video is so creatively made that after watching it you’ll be “hungry” to know more about the upcoming concept car. Of course, any other details than these are scarcity at the moment so we have to wait till the show next week.

So, let’s have a preview of the new Nissan Hi-Cross Concept:

httpv://youtu.be/yA1IOFx5S8A

Video Source: YouTube

Source: Nissan

February 28, 2012

TechART and the New Porsche 911

Last week it was Vorsteiner who announced a Geneva Porsche Carrera and now we’ve got news from TechArt. They also have a program for the 911 but this one seems to be having a bad case of jaundice. Being that yellow, the car is certain to be noticed at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show. It would be like staring into the sun. Just don’t squint your eyes too much or you won’t be able to see what’s new.

The TechArt 911 has a unique front bumper with an integrated splitter and two fins on the lower air intakes that probably don’t do much but they look cool. At the back, there seems to be too much downforce oriented features – a fixed rear spoiler, a rear wing, a diffuser? Other additions include the sideskirts, some new trim panels for the headlights and new mirror encasings.

Provided also are the TechArt Formula 5-spoke light alloy wheels in 20– and 21-inch sizes specially designed for the Carrera and Carrera S. Alternatively one can opt for the TechArt Formula III type of wheels which come in the same sizes. Either way, the 911 will be lighter and more dynamic when compared to a sibling with standard shoes. The five spokes on that particular Carrera are quite apart from each other and as a result we can see the callipers which are in what color?

All yellowishness aside, your hearing may also be provoked by the TechArt exhaust system that has remote valve control and dual oval pipes through which the car can sing its song.

The Carrera we have in our gallery will be at the show, but thankfully you can have the finish, inside and outside, custom made. Regardless of that, you get a lot of leather and Alcantra, carbon fiber, TechArt floor mats, TechArt steering wheel and paddle shifters. Let’s just hope, that there is some protective eyeware on the TechArt stand because my eyes are now hurting and I am not even close to the thing.

Source: TechArt

February 28, 2012

Range Rover Evoque Convertible Concept

Get ready for something new. Although the markets today are flooded with all kinds of SUV’s, Land Rover are going to introduce one that will fascinate the world. Welcome to the Land Rover Evoque Convertible Concept. A world debut is set for the 82nd Geneva Motor Show in no more than two weeks time.

The Convertible Concept is actually a standard Evoque Coupe that has sped through a really, really low bridge and the hard top was scraped clean off the car. Well, it is actually more complicated than that, but it will have the Evoque’s engine lineup – a 2.2-liter diesel with 150bhp or 190bhp, and a 240bhp 2.0-liter petrol unit. That may come as a disappointment for some as it is common knowledge that making a convertible takes some extra weight and strengthening. The soft-top retracting mechanism is neatly snug below the belt-line and the distinctive shape of the original has been preserved to near perfection.

Inside, one still gets a hefty amount of Evoquishness – Terrain Response, surround cameras, Park Assist, an 8-inch dual view touch screen and a Meridian sound system. Predominant colors in the passenger area are Lunar and Ivory while outside, the body work is Causeway Grey metallic, complemented by 21-inch wheels that have a Titan silver finish.

The Evoque Convertible Concept really does look like a bathtub with a windshield but in a sort of a cool way. We really like the uncanny feel that this car radiates and we hope other people like it too. Production is still questionable and most likely the Geneva Show will play a decisive role in the concept’s future. Should the reception turn out positive we might see it in a couple of years on the streets.

Source: Land Rover

February 28, 2012

2012 BMW 640d xDrive Coupe

BMW has added two interesting models to the new 6-Series line-up. The 2012 640d xDrive Coupe and Convertible will arrive in the showrooms this spring. The world’s most intelligent AWD system – xDrive teams up with a six-cylinder in-line diesel engine featuring BMW TwinPower Turbo technology to take driving pleasure to another new level.

The performance is insane – 0-100 km/h in 5.2 seconds and a top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph) – electronically limited. Furthermore, this performance comes with 5.7 liters per 100 km (49.6 mpg on combined cycle) with 149 g/km CO2.

The brilliant 3.0 liter six-cylinder twin-turbocharged diesel delivers 313PS (230 kW) at 4400RPM and 630Nm (465 lb-ft) at 1500RPM. The engine is mated to a 8-speed ZF automatic gearbox, which is tuned precisely to the performance characteristics of the power unit. In ECO PRO mode, the power reserves of the sporty diesel engine play a prominent role in ensuring a relaxed and extremely efficient driving style at low engine speeds.

The latest generation of the most powerful diesel engine boasts a low-weight all-aluminium crankcase and the latest development of BMW TwinPower Turbo technology. This package of technology comprises multi-stage turbocharging and common-rail direct injection whose piezo injectors work with maximum pressure of 2 000 bar. The car’s two-stage turbocharging generates instantaneous and forceful power delivery, while the injection system sprays the fuel into the cylinders in precisely measured quantities to ensure clean and efficient combustion.

The Driving Experience Control switch can also be used to call up SPORT, SPORT+ and COMFORT modes, and – if the optional Dynamic Damper Control or Adaptive Drive are selected – COMFORT+. As well as the accelerator progression, engine responses, power steering characteristics, intervention thresholds of the DSC stability control system and shift dynamics of the automatic transmission, this also allows the driver to adjust the damper settings and anti-roll control.

The new BMW 6 Series Coupe can also be equipped with a specially developed M Sport package. The aerodynamic, exterior and interior components designed in familiar M style clearly showcase the sports car character of the 6 Series Coupe. Equipment includes an M aerodynamics package with bespoke body components for the front end, side sills and rear apron, exhaust tailpipe embellishers in Chrome Dark, LED front fog lamps and 19-inch light-alloy wheels in M double-spoke design. 20” light-alloy wheels in M double-spoke design can also be ordered as an option. Inside, features such as M-specific Alcantara/leather sports seats in Anthracite with Blue contrast stitching, an M leather steering wheel with multifunction buttons and gearshift paddles, and Aluminium Hexagon interior trim strips all play their part in creating a full-blooded driving experience. The M Sport package also includes door sills bearing the M logo, as well as an M driver’s footrest.

The BMW 6 Series Coupe offers seating for four immersed in a luxurious ambience, while its 460-litre boot can accommodate three 46-inch golfbags or two medium-sized hard-shell suitcases plus a flight case. The comfort-enhancing equipment fitted as standard in the new BMW 6 Series Coupe includes 2-zone automatic climate control, a multifunction steering wheel, electric steering column adjustment, electrically adjustable and heated exterior mirrors, Cruise Control with braking function, a rain sensor with automatic headlight range control, a HiFi audio system and the control system iDrive with

Source: BMW

February 27, 2012

2012 Subaru Legacy Tourer – Price £26 865

Subaru UK has announced the price list for the new 2012 Legacy Tourer. The family vehicle starts at £26 865 OTR for the entry level 2.0 D S model and goes up to 31 375 for the top-of-range 2.5i SE Navplus*. The new Legacy Tourer comes with a lot of significant technical improvements and equipment upgrades. It will deliver more satisfaction to owners and in the same time, it will lower the running costs and environmental impact.

The next-generation Boxer diesel engine meets Euro 5 regulations with emission of just 149 g/km CO2 and astonishing fuel economy – 49.6 mpg (combined cycle). Importantly, the latter drops the car’s VED band down to level F, saving customers £35 per year. These figures are achieved thanks to a more efficient turbocharger, new exhaust-camshaft timing and lighter connecting rods, new oxidation catalytic converters and Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF).

In terms of power, the diesel is very good – 147PS (108 kW) at 3600RPM and 350Nm (258 lb-ft) at 1600RPM. 0-100 km/h in 9.6 seconds and a top speed of 193 km/h (120 mph).

The engine is mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox and a Lineartronic automatic is available as an option.

Suspension modifications for all 2012 Legacy models include new bushes for the front anti-roll stabiliser bar mounts to improve ride comfort, new pressed upper rear suspension arms to reduce weight (saving 2 kg per car), and new pillow-ball bushes in the rear wishbones to reduce friction and provide a smoother ride.

The exterior modifications of the new 2012 Legacy Tourer are minor – new door mirrors, a higher-resolution rear view camera (SE NavPlus only) and the availability of a new colour – Ice Silver Metallic. The interior benefits from a single-CD unit featuring a large LCD display screen together with USB and iPod connectivity and steering wheel-mounted controls. On diesel models (with manual transmission) the instrument cluster now has a ‘shift-up’ indicator to encourage an economical driving style.

Standard equipment includes cruise control, a glass ‘tilt-n-slide’ sunroof, dual-zone fully automatic air-conditioning, a premium audio system with six speakers (including two tweeters), automatic lights and wipers and a powered driver’s seat. A Bluetooth® hands-free system with voice activation is fitted as standard, while all but the S model are trimmed in black leather. Models with Lineartronic transmission feature steering wheel mounted paddle-shifters as standard.

SE and SE NavPlus models add a Sports Package which comprises a sports front bumper and front grille, dark tinted headlamps, larger 18” alloy wheels and special Bilstein dampers. SE NavPlus models also feature a new DVD navigation system as standard, with a high-resolution eight-inch display for optimum clarity.
In the UK, the 2012 Legacy is available in a selection of six exterior body colours – one new colour (Ice Silver Metallic) – alongside five popular carry-over colours, Satin White, Galaxy Blue Silica, Crystal Black Silica, Graphite Grey Metallic and Camellia Red Pearl.

2012 Subaru Legacy Tourer:

Model	£Price (OTR)	CO₂ g/km	VED band	Insurance group	£P11D value
Diesel
2.0D S	26,865	149	F	20E	26,680
2.0D SE	29,070	156	G	21E	28,850
2.0D SE NavPlus	31,370	156	G	21E	31,150
Petrol
2.5i SE*	29,075	196	J	19E	28,575
2.5i SE Navplus*	31,375	196	J	20E	30,875

*with Lineartronic transmission as standard

Source: Subaru

February 27, 2012

2012 Caterham SP 300 R

Finally, the mighty Caterham SP 300 R will be ready for testing by the customers. They will get the chance to put the new car through its paces for the first time on Thursday, 1 March. This race car is built with only one purpose – to give maximal thrills to its driver. The project is co-developed by Lola Cars and will sit alongside the legendary Seven in Caterham’s product portfolio.

“The SPR is very quick and a little like a formula car in that I could feel the downforce working and giving it lots of grip and balance. It was great fun to be able to give it a blast in Jerez and I look forward to testing Caterham’s road and race cars more often.”, commented Heikki Kovalainen.

“We can’t wait to see how our customers react to the SP/300.R, it’s a real thrill to drive and very engaging so we know they’ll love it. These coming weeks are the culmination of a massive effort from a big team of people and we are very close to achieving our objective, so it’s very exciting for everybody involved. Over the coming months, there will be numerous opportunities for people to experience the SP/300.R.”, Simon Lambert, Caterham Motorsport Manager added.

The SP 300 R is powered by a 2.0 liter Ford Duratec engine with 304PS (224 kW), which is coupled with a Hewland semi-automatic FTR gearbox. The overall weight is just 600 kg (1 323 lbs). This means a power-to-weight ratio of 500BHP per tonne.

The performance is astonishing – 0-100 km/h in 2.5 seconds and a top speed of 274 km/h (170 mph).

Other interesting point are the full race suspension, 13” race rims with Cooper Avon Tyres, an integrated roll-cage, a 6-point harness, a fire extinguisher and fuel cut-off switch. There are also AP racing brakes and steering wheel with data display.

The price for this toy is £60 000.

Source: Caterham

February 27, 2012

Mazda CX-5 with Smart City Brake Support

Mazda has announced their latest technology named Smart City Brake Support (SCBS). It practically helps a driver to avoid frontal collisions during city driving at low speeds. The all-new 2012 Mazda CX-5 compact crossover will be equipped with SCBS. The safety system uses a laser sensor to detect a vehicle or obstacle in front of the Mazda CX-5. If the driver fails to slow the vehicle appropriately, or to take avoiding action, SCBS automatically activates the brakes and reduces the engine output at the same time. In such way, the SCBS helps to avoid collisions rom rear-end collisions at low speeds, which are among the most common accidents in the city.

Actually, the system works at low speeds between 4 km/h (2.5 mph) and 30.5 km/h (19 mph). As we mentioned a laser sensor, which is mounted at the top of the windscreen detects a vehicle or obstacle in front of the car. It also monitors the gap between the two vehicles and the closing speed. If the SCBS calculates that there is a risk of a collision occurring and the driver were to take no action, the safety system pre-pressures the braking system. This ensures a faster response when the driver activates the brakes. Still, if there is no action from the driver, an automatic braking operation is activated. Remember, it is only effective within speeds from 4 km/h to 30.5 km/h.

Mazda Motor Corporation is working hard on its safety technologies. The manufacturer is aiming for the ultimate goal of realising an accident-free and safe motorised society. Mazda intends to extend its advanced safety technologies, such as SCBS, to future new models, following its debut on Mazda CX-5, to contribute to provide all customers with driving pleasure together with outstanding environmental and safety performance.

Mazda CX-5 with Smart City Brake Support

Source: Mazda

February 27, 2012

Category: Car Makes