Car Makes – Page 842 – Automobiles Review

The new modern incarnation of Chevrolet Camaro

There no other muscle car like Detroit muscle one. A modern and brand new incarnation of one of the greatest muscle cars of all time Chevrolet Camaro is going to reach the dealerships in the U.S. and UK. The prices for the Coupe start at £34 995 and for the soft-top Convertible model start at £39 995. In the new Camaro are featured all of the attributes that made the original muscle cars famous. That automatically means – great performance, stunning looks and incredible value for money. An additional model, next to the coupe and the cabriolet, there is also offered a limited one – namely the the 2012 45^th anniversary Camaro. The vehicle is finished in striking Carbon Flash Black with bespoke red and silver anniversary stripes, dark silver 20-inch alloys, a unique 45^th anniversary leather interior with red, white and blue stitching and a one-off white-backed instrument panel. It’s priced at £36 495 for the Coupe or £41 495 for the Convertible. And it will go on sale only for limited time.

All offered models have six-speed manual gearbox. However, they are also available with six-speed automatic transmission. The power of the car comes from its 6.2-litre V8 engine, which delivers the 432PS (317 kW). The new Camaro accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in only 5.2 seconds. All Camaros have an electronically limited top speed of 155mph.

Source: Chevrolet

February 15, 2012

2012 Lumma CLR 558 GT Porsche Cayenne

LUMMA DESIGN has recently released one of their latest tunings of the Porsche Cayenne Turbo under the name CLR 558 GT and now is aiming towards the diesel versions. It was improved to the performance power of the 600 hp (441 kW), and in it was mounted a broader CLR 558 GT aerodynamic kit. The exterior of the vehicle is painted in gloss black and is complemented with the CLR 22-inch wheels by LUMMA Design, also in black. LUMMA Design is also made modifications on the chassis, the sound and the interior.

The German tuners are offering now increased performance for this Cayenne Diesel. The tuning group improved the diesel engine with D-Power-Box, which is an additional electronic system and now draws out a whopping 280 hp (206 kW) instead of the standard 245 hp. Hence, the torque increases from 550 to the tremendous 630 Nm (464 lb-ft). As usual, LUMMA Design continues to offer an increased performance for the 4.8-liter V8 turbo gasoline engine by a moderate 100 hp (74 kW) or by considerably more horsepower to 600 hp (441 kW). In addition, LUMMA Design sports muffler guarantees a sportier rear appearance, thank to the highly-visible and centrally-positioned 80- and 100-mm-diameter tailpipes. For vehicles with a tow bar, the tuner will soon offer a 4-pipe exhaust system with left and right 4x100mm tailpipes. Moreover, for gasoline engines, there is provided a complete, stainless steel sport exhaust system.

To go further into details, the LUMMA Design Body Kit CLR 558 GT consists of a front spoiler with fog lights and LED daytime lights in extravagantly-formed air inlets plus racing grill, a rear valance with diffuser optics, powerful front and rear fender extensions, new side skirts and the lettering “CLR 558 GT”. All components are largely made of PUR-RIM in OEM quality. In addition, this body kit can be improved by other supplementing components, such as tailgate spoiler that can be easily adhered to the tailgate. Furthermore, the high-quality, new-styled LUMMA Design sport-look lightweight engine hood is available from carbon/Kevlar composite material as well as from the motor sport material. Next, the headlights of the CLR 558 GT are refined by a set of headlight covers. There is also a set of covers for the rear lights. In addition, the tuners have included four LED’s on the vehicle floor on the left and right sides. They light up when the doors are opened or unlocked and show the passengers the way into the vehicle.

For the complete wheel sets there is a choice of two 22-inch options. The first wheel set includes new 10- or 12×22-inch sports rim LUMMA “CLR 22” in matte black or silver; and the second wheel set, named “Racing 3”, has a single-piece rim featuring a multi-piece look and glossy polished stainless steel outer rim.

Furthermore, LUMMA Design achieves a slightly lower center of gravity and more agile handling. This is due to the installation of an electronic lowering module or lowering springs, depending on which option the Cayenne has.

The interior of the Cayenne is improved by two-tone leather and Alcantara upholstery. There is also featured a wide range of additional accessories. Designed ergonomically and produced with elegant. The bicolor black-red leather interior, combined with Alcantara with contrasting color stitching, captures the attention immediately. The classic red seat belt completes the perfect look. The cockpit includes colored instrument dials in red as well as stainless steel door scuff plates with an illuminated LUMMA logo. The pedals and the foot rest are also transformed with aluminum. There is also included a foot mat made of high quality velour with an embroidered emblem and real leather edging.

2012 Lumma CLR 558 GT Porsche Cayenne Interior

Source: Lumma Design

February 15, 2012

2012 Kia Cee’d to debut at Geneva Motor Show

2012 KIA Cee’d is going to make a major come back at this years Geneva Motor Show. The all new version of the vehicle now has even more elegance and is expecting to achieve great success. It offers a combination of dynamism, sophisticated styling. The all new 2012 Kia Cee’d five-door hatchback is longer, wider and lower than its predecessor. However, it retains the same long wheelbase. The elegant coupe-like proportions are emphasised by a steeply raked A-pillar, a very low belt-line in the front and lengthened side windows. The front part of the exterior represents the latest interpretation of Kia’s trademark – the ‘tiger-nose’ grille and aggressive, wraparound headlamp clusters housing signature LED daytime running lights.

Next, when looked from the side the vehicle impresses with its wide track and solid stance. At the same time the strongly sculpted door surfaces, the steeply raked A-pillar, sweeping roofline and integral rear spoiler emphasize the sporting aesthetics of the cars generous glasshouse. Moreover the entire exterior is improved by numerous small yet highly significant detail touché. They add to the prestige and premium feel of the new Kia Cee’d. In details, they include new sophisticated Kia badge, the indicator blade protrusion in the front headlamps, the Kia-signature windscreen head castellations, the chrome side glazing surround and the cee’d-unique, aerodynamic shaping of the tail lamp which extends into the bodywork.

The interior of course, has been completely remade. It now offers more premium look and feel, higher quality, improved switchgear, touch-screen technology and enhanced driving position ergonomics. In particular, the dashboard layout features a cockpit-like design with an aircraft-themed, driver-oriented frontal look. In addition, the main control panel wraps around the steering wheel, placing all switchgear within easy reach of the driver, and the main control groups such as audio and air-conditioning have been segregated to bring a more premium, luxurious, big car feel to the interior.

Soft touch high quality materials were used in the creation of the interior, and they add a new tactility to the driving environment. Instruments and switchgear are picked out in very thin chrome, the door handles are built up in a layered sandwich of high quality materials and the door opener itself has a sculpted, one-piece, shell-like quality.

Source: KIA

February 15, 2012

BMW X3 xDrive28i and BMW X5 M Sport Edition

BMW has announced the X3 xDrive28i, which is powered by the new twin-turbocharged 2.0 liter four-cylinder petrol engine with superb power and torque. The manufacturer will also launch the M Sport Edition of the BMW X5 aimed to satisfy the most demanding customers of the luxury SAVs.

Furthermore, the choice of optionally available driver assistance systems featured by BMW ConnectedDrive is being further extended for the BMW X3.

2012 BMW X3 xDrive28i boasts 245PS (180 kW) and incredible 350Nm (258 lb-ft) at just 1250RPM meaning that pressing gas pedal, your body will be pressed to the seat immediately. The technology package employed in this engine comprises a supercharging system operating according to the Twin Scroll principle, High Precision Injection with direct fuel injection, VALVETRONIC variable valve control and double VANOS variable camshaft control.

The performance suits more to a sports car from medium class, instead of a crossover – 6.7 seconds to 100 km/h, which is 0.2 faster than the predecessor model. The fuel consumption is also cut to 7.5 liters per 100 km in the EU test cycle and a CO2 emission level of 175 g/km.

The new power unit comes as standard paired with ZF 8-speed automatic gearbox. The intelligent four-wheel drive system BMW xDrive with electronically controlled and variable power distribution between the front and real wheels provides optimum transfer of torque to the road and off-road terrain.

Moreover, in future, all BMW X3 model variants will be equipped as standard with the Driving Experience Control feature. At the press of a button located on the centre console next to the gearshift lever or gear selector lever respectively, the driver is able to vary the vehicle setting. There is a choice between the “COMFORT”, “SPORT” and “SPORT+” modes as well as the ECO PRO mode. Driving Experience Control has an effect on the settings of the stability control function DSC, the characteristic maps of the accelerator pedal and Servotronic power steering and, depending on how the vehicle is equipped, also the gearshift characteristics of the automatic transmission and the control map of the Dynamic Damper Control system.

In the spring of 2012, the BMW X5 model range will be boosted by a M Performance Automobile, which in addition to a 383PS (281kW) diesel power plant with innovative three-stage turbocharging, also features an M-specific suspension setting and a particularly impressive and aerodynamically optimised design. Simultaneously with the market launch of the BMW X5 M50d, the new M Sport Edition will be offered for all further model variants. It contributes effectively towards a further enhancement of the supremely powerful and agile characteristics of the Sports Activity Vehicle, thereby also emphasising its visual qualities.

The M Sport Edition comprises M exterior features for optimising air guidance, 20-inch M light alloys including tyre mix, BMW Individual High Gloss Shadow Line, Xenon lights (standard on the BMW X5 xDrive50i and the BMW X5 xDrive40d) and Adaptive Cornering Headlights. The BMW X5 xDrive50i is also equipped with pneumatic rear wheel suspension including automatic levelling. For all other model variants, the M Sport Edition offers a sporty suspension setting.

The sporting ambience in the interior is emphasised by the M leather-clad steering wheel with shift paddles, BMW Individual anthracite roof lining, BMW Individual interiors trim strips in black piano lacquer, doorsills boasting the M logo, stainless steel pedals and the M footrest for the driver. The M Sport Edition also includes electrically adjustable sports seats. The new M Alcantara/Black Nappa leather combination is available exclusively in conjunction with the M Sport Edition.

Over and above that, the range of special equipment for the BMW X5 will in future also include the optional heated steering wheel in conjunction with the M leather-clad steering wheel. From the spring of 2012, the colour variant Orion Silver metallic will be available as a new exterior paint finish.

Source: BMW

February 14, 2012

SR Scion IQ Project

Interestingly enough, another custom company has undertaken a Toyota IQ project. Well, when we say Toyota we actually mean a Scion. And, yes, last week was an Aston Martin but this is all just badge talk. So today we have the SR autogroup made IQ – sporty, aggressive and with big wheels.

For a body kit, SR have chosen Fiveaxis components. They account for the front lip, side skirts, rear lip, and the roof spoiler. But a body kit does not look complete if it isn’t almost grinding on the ground. So that is why we also have a set of Tein lowering springs which, according to SR, do not in any way compromise performance and ride comfort.

An overall custom look is achieved only when we add four matte black 17-inch Sparco wheels held by titanium red lug bolts. We are not sure why they have to be titanium but they look great as a contrasting agent. Does it work for you?

Source: SR autogroup

February 14, 2012

Arden Range Rover Evoque

“Auto Motor und Sport” is one of the well known automotive magazines in Germany and recently its readers voted the Range Rover Evoque as the most popular import SUV in the country. That is good news for Arden, a tuning house based in Germany that has more than 40 years of experience with British carmakes. Naturally, now they have introduced some enhancements for the Evoque which will give that extra character a good SUV deserves.

In a frontal view, the Arden Evoque makes an impression with its new, handmade, stainless steel mesh grill that has the company’s typical patterns. A party piece further back is the addition of illuminated side stainless steel pipes. They have been specially designed for the Evoque and subsequently they fit perfectly. You can use a remote control to turn them on for that instant glamor and functionality as well – light can come in handy when getting in or out.

Sadly the Arden Evoque won’t be too fit for off-roading for the springs are also of a special kind – the 30mm lower kind – while that might be viewed as a slight disadvantage, it does give the SUV an attractive road stance.

It’s not all shell decorations with the Arden people. The Evoque’s 2.2 Diesel engine has underwent an ECU tweak with an end result of 30 hp more power and 50 Nm additional torque. That may not sound a lot but it will certainly be felt at low and medium engine speeds.

Source: Arden

February 14, 2012

Vorsteiner Rolls-Royce Ghost [Teaser]

Vorsteiner have undertaken an ambitious project and have released a bit of a teaser. It will be the Rolls Royce Ghost that’s going under the knife. But , in true spirit of the ultra-executive, the company intends to keep it simple and clean. In fact nothing is to be replaced but rather clipped on.

The end goal for Vorsteinier is to add a great deal of functionality and a little bit of character. That’s why the Ghost here gets some additional downforce by a front spoiler with a replaceable splitter chin. Supposedly further back there will be side skirts blade attachments with integrated wing elements. (although they don’t seem to be present in this picture, but it is, after all, a teaser). Then at the back end, one would find that there is going to be a carbon fiber rear decklid spoiler and a diffuser at the bottom (not a replacement part but an add-on). All of the body kit components are made trough an Autoclave pre-preg carbon fiber technology that guarantees durability and strength.

It all looks and sound very subtle indeed. The one thing sticking out in the Vorsteiner Ghost however, will be the massive 24-inch 3-Piece forged aluminum wheels that barely leave room for tires under the arches. Plans are to release the program this Summer.

Source: Vorsteiner

February 14, 2012

2012 Mazda CX-5 – Price £21 395

Mazda has announced the new 2013 CX-5 at the Frankfurt Motor Show, last year. The all new vehicle is now available on the UK market with a competitive price starting from £21 395 and rising to £28 795 OTR.

The engine range offers a 2.0 litre SKYACTIV 165PS petrol and 2.2 litre SKYACTIV 150PS or 175PS diesel variants. All are offered with either manual or automatic transmissions, 2WD or AWD, and four equipment levels – SE-L, SE-L Nav, Sport and Sport Nav.

Depending on model, the all-new Mazda CX-5 will return a fuel consumption figure of 61.4 to 47.0mpg (combined cycle) and achieve remarkably low CO₂ emissions for a compact SUV of 119 to 144g/km. With a rating of 119g/km the Mazda CX-5 150ps diesel 2WD model is significantly below the class average of 147g/km measured across 11 rivals.

The standard equipment (SE-L) includes 17” alloy wheels, front fog lights, dual‑zone climate control air-conditioning, Smart City Brake Support and privacy glass, plus front and rear parking sensors. Moving up the CX-5 range, Sport grade models will feature 19-inch alloy wheels, Bi-Xenon headlights with Active Front Lighting System, full leather trim, heated front seats, powered driver’s seat and a reversing camera.

While production for the UK market is likely to be limited this year, Mazda has established a pre-ordering facility that will enable customers to order a Mazda CX-5 via their local dealership, allowing them to become one of the first customers to own a vehicle featuring SKYACTIV technology.

Mazda CX-5 / Price List – February 2012

2WD SKYACTIV-G	‘On the road’ Retail	CO₂ (g/km)	RFL Band	Insurance Group	P11D Value	Annual BIK 20 / 40%
2.0 SE-L	£21,395	139	E	TBD	17%	£722 / £1,443
2.0 SE-L NAV	£21,795	139	E	TBD	17%	£735 / £1,471
2.0 Sport	£23,595	139	E	TBD	17%	£796 / £1,593
2.0 Sport NAV	£23,995	139	E	TBD	17%	£810 / £1,620
2WD SKYACTIV-D
2.2 SE-L (150)	£22,995	119	C	TBD	13%	£596 / £1,193
2.2 SE-L NAV (150)	£23,395	119	C	TBD	13%	£607 / £1,214
2.2 SE-L Auto (150)	£24,295	139	E	TBD	20%	£965 / £1,930
2.2 SE-L NAV Auto (150)	£24,695	139	E	TBD	20%	£981 / £1,962
2.2 Sport (150)	£25,195	119	C	TBD	13%	£654 / £1,307
2.2 Sport NAV (150)	£25,595	119	C	TBD	13%	£664 / £1,328
AWD SKACTIV-D
2.2 SE-L (150)	£24,695	136	E	TBD	20%	£981 / £1,962
2.2 SE-L NAV (150)	£25,095	136	E	TBD	20%	£997 / £1,994
2.2 SE-L Auto (150)	£25,895	144	F	TBD	21%	£1,080 / £2,160
2.2 SE-L NAV Auto (150)	£26,295	144	F	TBD	21%	£1,097 / £2,193
2.2 Sport (175)	£27,195	136	E	TBD	20%	£1,081 / £2,162
2.2 Sport NAV (175)	£27,595	136	E	TBD	20%	£1,097 / £2,194
2.2 Sport Auto (175)	£28,395	144	F	TBD	21%	£1,185 / £2,370
2.2 Sport NAV Auto (175)	£28,795	144	F	TBD	21%	£1,202 / £2,403

NB‘On the road’ prices include 20.0% VAT, number plates, delivery, 12 months road fund licence, first registration fee, 3 year or 60,000 mile warranty and 3 years European Roadside Assistance.

All models are available with free 7-day drive away insurance.

Source: Mazda

February 14, 2012

Twingo Renaultsport R2 Evo

Justin Dale and -driver Andrew Bargery will drive a Twingo Renaultsport R2 Evolution on the opening round of the 2012 MSA British Rally Championship. The race car is based on the successful 1.6 litre model, but it doesn’t have many familiarities. The road going car is entirely modified to meet all rally regulations.

Dale has already complimented the Twingo, having driven Pajunen’s car at a sponsor’s day last year and the R1 variant at this year’s BRC Media Day. He and Bargery will team up after last contesting the BRC in a Clio in 2006 to showcase the new Twingo R2 Evo, which will make its UK debut on the Dorset & Hampshire based event.

Renault UK’s recent registration to this year’s British Manufacturers Rally Championship and the new Twingo Renaultsport Trophy coupled with around a third of the entries on this year’s opening round, underlines the French marque’s commitment to UK rallying.

“We are keen to show off the new Evo version of the Twingo R2 and evaluate its performance on gravel. The British Rally Championship’s move to a two wheel drive formula is important to Renault and we intend to be at the forefront with our range of cars,” commented Renault Sport Technologies Sales Manager Jean-Pascal Jocou, who will attend the event to keep an eye on not only Dale’s progress, but all the Renault competitors.

Rallye Sunseeker International starts on Poole Quay on Friday 24^th February at 18.00hrs with stages throughout Saturday in the forests north of Bournemouth.

Source: Renault

February 14, 2012

Hyundai Sonata featured in the 2012 Greener Choices List

According to “Greener Choices List” for 2012, Hyundai Sonata was recognized for seventh year in a row by the creator of the list, namely – the American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy (ACEEE). In addition, the Sonata will be featured in the ACEEE’s Green Book® Online, which resembles an annual consumers’ guide to environmentally-friendly cars and trucks. This is a great acknowledgement for the vehicle and given that it is given to it for the seventh time, makes the model a class-leading car in fuel-efficiency. In addition, the Sonata offers class-above interior volume compared to its key competitors and provides the best fuel economy in the EPA Large Car segment with the exceptional 28 mpg combined fuel economy rating. The “Greener Choices” list is restricted to widely available gasoline-powered cars and light trucks with automatic transmissions. In this way it highlights the widespread availability of environmentally friendly vehicle choices in many segments of the market.

Furthermore the 2012 Hyundai Sonata achieves even more fuel economy. In addition it incorporates more thoughtful and convenient technology, and includes features which are improving the drivers experience from the vehicle. For instance, the Blue Link®, which is a full-service telematics offering, delivers information and access, which were never before found in a Hyundai. What is more in the Sonata, is the large seven-inch touchscreen navigation with HD Radio Technology®. There is also featured a full panoramic sunroof which offers additional amenities within an already well-equipped vehicle.

Source: Hyundai

February 14, 2012

2012 Ford B-MAX to Debut at Mobile World Congress

Ford Motor Company executive chairman Bill Ford will unveil for the first time the all-new 2012 Ford B-MAX on 27^th of February at the 2012 Mobile World Congress, which takes place in Barcelona. Ford actually is going to be the first manufacturer, which will present a car for the first time at the leading mobile industry event. In addition, the there will be also announced significant new technologies for Europe, which will be featured for the first time in the new B-MAX. As Ford promises, these innovations, will make the vehicle one of the continent’s most technologically advanced small cars. Bill Ford also will become the first automotive leader who will make a keynote speech at MWC. There, he will discuss the company’s vision for mobility in the future, which has the aim to explore the potential for mobile technology and vehicles to play more integrated roles. B-MAX will raise the bar for small vehicles in Europe, with the combination of technology and premium engineering into a compact frame vehicle. Later this year, on 6^th of March at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show, Ford President and CEO Alan Mulally will introduce the B-MAX to the automotive world.

B-MAX is a promising new vehicle, which will bring a unique Easy Access Door System with central body pillars integrated into the sliding rear doors to provide unrivalled access for passengers and luggage. Moreover, it will be powered by a versatile engine range, which will include the new 1.0-litre 120PS EcoBoost petrol engine and the 1.6-litre TDCi diesel engine. Both are expected to offer class-leading fuel economy and CO₂ emissions.

2012 Ford B-MAX with unique Easy Access Door System

Source: Ford

February 14, 2012

BMW xDrive – World’s Most Intelligent AWD System

BMW xDrive is claimed to be the world’s most intelligent all-wheel-drive system. It was firstly introduced back in 2003 with the previous BMW X3 (E83). Since then, it has been offered with X1, X3, X5 and X6 as standard and in 3-Series (E90,F30), 5-Series (E60, F10) and the latest 7-Series (F01) as an option.

The xDrive system helps providing perfect traction at any driving conditions. It works just perfectly no matter you drive your BMW at snow, rain, mud or dry asphalt.

The world’s most intelligent all-wheel-drive system operates by using data from the DSC (Dynamic Stability Control) sensors and from the gas pedal. It continuously monitors the car’s driving condition and when wheel spin is detected, the electronically controlled multidisc clutch (situated at the rear end of the gearbox) reacts immediately to transfer drive force wherever is needed – front or rear axle. Everything happens in only few milliseconds so drivers can hardly feel it. The system optimizes the torque split based on the available traction. Furthermore, brakes can be applied as needed to prevent unnecessary wheel spin. As you may suggest, the xDrive is connected to the ABS and DSC systems.

The xDrive doesn’t have limited slip differentials, so it relies on brake application by the DSC system to transfer power from the slipping wheel to the wheel with traction.

The most fascinating thing about xDrive is that the driver can enjoy all the advantages of rear drive like precise control, neutral cornering behavior and a good separation between the operation and management.

In normal driving conditions, the xDrive sends 60% of the torque to the rear axle and 40% to the front. However, it can draw up to 100% of power to either front or rear axle.

Remember to keep the DSC system always on, which will guarantee supreme safety combined with the xDrive. Still, in some cases, you can turn of the DSC system and to have a lot of fun the world’s most intelligent all-wheel-drive system – BMW xDrive!

February 13, 2012

Category: Car Makes