Car Makes – Page 846 – Automobiles Review

Nissan at Geneva – What’s in store?

Nissan is offering some insight of what they have in store for us, the people at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show. Among the many production vehicles that will take part next month in the show, are also four premiering concepts – first seen in Europe are the e-NV200 and Juke Nismo concepts while first ever are the INVITIATION, on which we had news recently here, and another concept that is still a hard kept secret and a surprise, Nissan say.

The e-NV200 is based on the already successful NV200 which the small difference of being 100% electric. The e-NV200 is the next phase of Nissan‘s dominance on the EV market which began with the multi-award winning LEAF.

The Juke NISMO concept was fist seen on the 2011 Tokyo Motor Show back in December and now it will be in Europe for the first time. NISMO is Nissan’s motorsport branch which has taken up enhancing everyday mainstream production vehicles to give them that unmistakable feel of a NISMO performance car. They have certainly went the extra mile with the Juke and left it with with an outstanding character and plenty of grunt.

Production vehicles that will be making an appearance at the Nissan booth in Geneva represent a versatile bunch: From Pixos and Micras to Jukes and Qashqais and even Pathfinders and Navaras. The LEAF and the mighty GT-R will also be there to enchant the public. The common thing however, is that all participants will feature a minor MY2012 Innovation or a special edition.

The other thing that can be found in every single model is the shared Nissan DNA which is the reason for the company’s success – despite the economic downturn, Nissan in Europe enjoyed its best year in 2011. Sales were up by 25 percent in comparison to 2010. Who knows how much is that number going to climb this year.

Source: Nissan

February 7, 2012

2012 Porsche 911 Carrera and Carrera S in the US Showrooms

Porsche Cars North America have just released for sale the new 2012 Porsche 911 Carrera and Carrera S models across all showrooms in the United States. The latest 911 is probably the best of all 911 models ever made. The 911 Carrera and Carrera S are excellent choices for customers who want to experience driving fun and excitement of a true benchmark.

The 2012 the 911 has been completely redesigned. It preserves the classical 911 lines, but yet is improved in power and fuel economy. Although it is instantly recognizable Porsche 911, it hides a major secret: the new 2012 models have 90 percent of components are either new or fundamentally revised. First of all, the new Carreras are longer, lower and wider. In addition, they are 100 lbs. (43 kg) lighter, which make them faster and more efficient than previous models. Hence the new 911 is the ultimate blend of modern design, innovative and intelligent engineering and performance. Furthermore, both of the models as expected offer no less than excellent performance, due to some enhancements made. The 2012 911 Carrera includes brand new 350-horsepower (261 kW), 3.4-liter boxer engine which provides five more horsepower (HP) than the outgoing 3.6-liter engine. On the other hand the new 2012 Porsche Carrera S features a 400 HP (298 kW), 3.8-liter boxer engine. This makes improvement of 15 horsepower compared to its predecessor. The 911 Carrera with Porsche Doppelkupplung (PDK) accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in only 4.4 seconds, while the Carrera S sprints from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.1 seconds. The time for acceleration is further reduced to 3.9 seconds when 911 is equipped with the Sports Chrono Package Plus. Top-track-speeds for the 911 Carrera and Carrera S are 179 mph (288 km/h) and 188 mph (303 km/h), respectively.

The performance and efficiency are even further improved through systems such as the Automatic Start/Stop function, engine and transmission thermal management, electrical system recuperation, the world’s first seven-speed manual transmission and the ability to ‘sail’ or coast. At last but not least the new electro-mechanical power steering offers the ultimate Porsche precision and helps to increase the efficiency and reduce the fuel consumption. The new 911 Carrera Coupe has a base MSRP of $82 100, and the 911 Carrera S Coupe starts at $96 400.

Source: Porsche

February 7, 2012

Lexus wins three prestigious Intellichoice awards

Lexus has achieved a great success at this year’s prestigious Intellichoice awards, continuing the tradition and winning in three categories in the 2012 Best Overall Value of the Year (BOVY) section. Lexus CT 200h and Lexus RX 350 were recognized as value leaders in their respective segments. In addition the new CT 200h luxury hybrid hatch won the Premium Compact Passenger Car category. Moreover this same model won its class at 2011 Australia’s Best Car awards. On the other hand the Lexus RX 350 gained the leading ranking in the Premium Crossover/Wagon category for the second year in succession. The Best Overall Value of the Year awards appraise vehicles whose total cost of ownership is far much lower than expected relative to their peer models. Their aim is to help consumers in making better purchase decisions. And undeniably, by receiving these awards Lexus brand shows again their ability to deliver luxury vehicles at more than excellent value.

The award winners are selected after an in-depth, data-driven study that analyses nearly 1800 vehicles in 24 segments. Vehicles are being ranked based on the whole-of-life costs over the first five years of ownership and data obtained from automotive manufacturers, the US government and third-party resources. In addition, the accumulated expenses are taken into consideration, featuring repairs, insurance, depreciation, fees, fuel, financing, and insurance.

Source: Lexus

February 7, 2012

SR Ferrari 458 Italia Project Era

Ferrari 458 Italia in Rosso corsa red is probably the most emblematic car in Ferrari’s history. Today any color is delivered to the customer. Nonetheless the Rosso corsa red is the staple Ferrari color and it has captured and continues to capture many hearts.

Project Era is a fascinating tuning on a Ferrari 458 Italia made by SR Auto Team. It features a wheel design made by PUR ONE design company and which is significant for the 458 model. Here the wheels are further enhanced by a silver finish, which features a unique blue sheen. The sizes are also impressive: the Ferrari sits on twenty-one and twenty-two inch wheels.

Project Era’s by SR is an impressive modification, of which the auto team should be proud.

Source: SR Auto Team

February 7, 2012

2012 MINI Roadster: the first open-top two-seater model

2012 MINI Roadster will be launched this spring. It is the first open-top two-seater in MINI history and aims to bring more elegance, sportiness and compactness to the customers. Next to the stylish exterior design, the vehicle is also equipped powerful engine and precision suspension.

MINI has made a significant reproduction of its hallmark design language within the proportions of a roadster, bestowing on the open-top two-seater. Moreover the MINI Roadster’s soft-top can be easily opened by hand. In addition, the car has a 240-litre boot which offers versatility of loading options. The padded stainless steel roll-over bars and the windscreen frame are making the MINI look even more elegantly, while at the same functioning in safety terms.

What is more here, are the powerful engines in tandem with precisely tuned suspension systems. The front-wheel drive works in collaboration with the chassis technology thus ensuring excellent driving fun. In addition there is also included a standard-fitted Dynamic Stability Control system and optimal aerodynamics. And can you believe that even with the top down the MINI Roadster reaches 80 km/h (50 mph). This is due to the active rear spoiler.

The new MINI Roadster comes with an enhanced range of standard equipment, which features air conditioning, electrically adjustable exterior mirrors, Park Distance Control, height-adjustable seats and an MP3-capable audio system with CD player and AUX IN connection. The paintwork on the front of the exterior has a palette of two non-metallic and six metallic shades to choose from, as well as three Sport Stripes variants for the bonnet, boot lid and rear aprons. The soft-top is of course in black. On the other hand, on the inside, the MINI Roadster delivers again a big range of design options, with seat and upholstery variants ranging from sporty, to compact, to elegant. They include exclusive piped sports seats in the color shade Toffy, as well as black sports seats in Punch Leather with beige perforations, and any of six different trim strip options.

The model variants which are going to be available on the market are in four sporty versions, which feature: the ultra-sporty MINI John Cooper Works Roadster with a handsome 211 hp (157 kW), the elegant MINI Cooper S Roadster, the MINI Cooper Roadster, and MINI Cooper SD Roadster, which requires just 4.5 litres of fuel per 100 kilometres (62.77 mpg imp)!

Source: MINI

February 7, 2012

2012 Suzuki Alto Play Special Edition

Suzuki has announced the Alto Play Special Edition. It hits the market this week and with around 500 units being available.

The Special Edition Alto is based on the SZ3 trim level including air conditioning, pollen filter and side airbags as standard equipment. It adds a lot of value with a higher specification including front fog lamps and various exterior and interior upgrades. Among them, there are Oyster Blue metallic paint finish; unique blue seat fabric, silver accent on the front bumper and body coloured door handles and mirrors.

The price starts at just £7 595 including metallic paint. A flexible and very low deposit Personal Contract Purchase (PCP) is also available for customers wishing to purchase via Suzuki Financial Services.

Alto is one of the least polluting five-door City cars on the market with tailpipe emissions of 103g/km as well as offering 64.2mpg on the EC combined cycle. Cost of ownership is also very low with an annual VED charge of £20 and insurance group 4E classification. Alto is also one of the most manoeuvrable City cars in its class with a tight turning circle of just 9.0 metres.

Source: Suzuki

February 6, 2012

Mercedes SL Prior Design Aerodynamics

PriorDesign, the aerodynamic kit producing company for performance cars, is out with a new offer – the PD-BlackEdition Widebody kit for the Mercedes SL (R230)*. The Prior people are notable for going for the seamless and sublime but when it comes to an SL, words such as flamboyant and dramatic come to mind. And the kit is very striking indeed.

Prior’s products are made from quality Dura-Flex FRP (Fiber Reinforced Plastic). This material is characterized by an excellent surface finish that provides sufficient flexibility combined with high stability. The fitments are also user-friendly without any need to alter the standard body in order to bolt them in. The part’s surface is easy and inexpensive to paint on.

The PD-BlackEdition Widebody kit for Mercedes SL comprises of:

BlackEdition front bumper
BlackEdition front lip spoiler (for BlackEdition front bumper)
BlackEdition side skirts
BlackEdition rear bumper
BlackEdition rear diffusor
BlackEdition front fenders
BlackEdition rear widenings
BlackEdition front bonnet
BlackEdition mesh grille inserts
Mounting material
TÜV parts certificate included.

Optional:

BlackEdition rear trunk spoiler

Put all of that on the an SL and the results speak for themselves:

Prior PD BlackEdition Widebody Mercedes-SL (2012)

*Fits for all Mercedes SL R230 models. If your vehicle is a model before MOPF II (until 2008), it must be converted to 2008 MOPF II model

Source: Prior Design

February 6, 2012

Range Rover 10th Anniversary Editions

It has been ten years now since the third generation of Range Rovers was introduced by Land Rover, and to this day, these emblematic SUV’s still dominate the world of luxury, performance and style. To celebrate that fact, the company has released three new editions that further reinforce that superiority – welcome to the TDV8 Westminster, TDV8 Autobiography and Supercharged Autobiography.

Westminster Edition

The Westminster acts as a replacement for the Land Rovers Vogue and Vogue SE. It is a specification that goes further with even more comfort and convenience as standard. A Westminster can be recognized by a set of exterior features such as the front grille and side vents which are finished in bright “Noble” while the lower splitter bar and fog lamp bezels are in ‘Titan’ silver. 20-inch, 10-spoke alloy wheels bare the weight of the ‘Westminster’ badge riddled body of the vehicle. Inside, one would find that the tread plates are illuminated in order to complement the feast of luxury that is the interior of the Westminster – Grand Black lacquer trim elements and luxury carpets complete with bright-finished pedal finishers. Range Rover’s innovative Dual View infotainment screen redefines interactivity. Depending on the angle of looking at the screen, people can observe different things on the same monitor at the same time. The front seats can be either heated or cooled electronically which can probably be quite energy consuming. However, that worry fades against the fact that the entertainment system alone comprises of 19 speakers – 1200 Watts of power coming from the harman/kardon LOGIC7 surround sound system.

Power comes from a 4.4 TDV8 engine while an 8-speed automatic gearbox takes care of the smooth delivery. The end result is a 309 hp powerhouse that has the a torque figure of 700 N·m (516lb·ft).

Exterior finishes are in a choice of seven with five interior ones as a combination. Equipment is abundant with thing such as: electric sunroof, automatic headlights and windscreen wipers, Park Distance Control with rear-view camera, memory setting for the steering wheel, driver’s seat and rear-view mirror and a heated, leather trimmed steering wheel.

TDV8 Autobiography and Supercharged Autobiography

The Autobiography editions share features with the Westminster plus even more exclusivity: The Bumpers are new and integrated stainless steel ornaments the exhaust finishers and side skirts. The 20-inch alloy wheels are in Shadow Chrome. Inside, the rear seats have a recline and lumber adjust function, electric heated/cooling and aircraft-style headrests with wings for added support. Other than that, the Autobiography versions have the same grille and side vents finishes as the Westminster’s, the same illuminated treadplates and the same rocking LOGIC7 surround sound system. The 4.4 TDV8 Engine is also used in the Autobiography but in the Supercharged Autobiography a 5.0-litre LR-V8 petrol unit seems more appropriate (503hp).

To round things up, the Westminster offers more luxury and equipment than the former Vogue and Vogue SE for the price of £69,995 ($110 704). Topping the exclusivity scale however are the TDV8 Autobiography and the Supercharged Autobiography which cost £84,295 ($133 321) and £86,895 (137 433) respectively

Source: Land Rover

February 6, 2012

Yaris HSD – Small Outside Big Inside

With the introduction of the Yaris Hybrid, B-segment car fans will now be able to enjoy the low emission, refined Toyota Hybrid Synergy Drive® (HSD). It’s a small packed piece of engineering that offers no compromises in terms of driving experience.

The powertrain is a full hybrid composition consisting of a petrol engine and an electric motor with an end power output of 100 DIN hp. It is an engine that offers clients class leading CO2, NOx and particulate emissions, minimal fuel consumption and low cost of overall running costs.

Downsizing of various components gives the Yaris more efficiency agility and space. (Small Outside, Big Inside are the principles of the Yaris). The 1.5 liter Atkinson Cycle petrol engine in the Yaris, is 16.5 kg lighter and 10% more compact than the 1.8-litre unit found in the Auris Hybrid. The electric motor, the Power Control Unit (PCU) and the transaxle have also been put on a diet resulting in 20% more compactness for the electric motor, 12% less volume for the PCU in comparison with the Auris Hybrid. The transaxle is shorter by 6% and lighter by 11 kg.

Design also plays a role in the overall hybrid experience in the Yaris. The Nickel Metal Hydride battery and fuel tank have been placed under the rear seats so that there is no need to sacrifice passenger space or cargo area. The Yaris is all about looking like an everyday ordinary car and performing like the ultimate, extraordinary fuel saving machine.

Source: Toyota

February 6, 2012

Seven Seat Toyota Prius v for Australia

Australia will get a new seven-seater Toyota Prius v as an addition to the already established lineup that comprises of the Prius hatch and Prius c city car. Sales are expected to start in May this year with the idea to broaden the appeal of the hybrid family to the Australian public.

The seven-seat Prius v is 135mm longer, 30mm wider and 100mm higher than the Prius hatch. The wheelbase alone is 80mm lengthier in comparison, thus enabling the Prius to accommodate adults in all three rows.

“The Prius v is all about versatility – it is larger and roomier to meet the needs of growing families while retaining the Prius DNA of environmental performance and fuel economy,” said Australia’s sales and marketing executive director Matthew Callachor.

However, Toyota want to make it clear that this is not just a long-wheel base version of a former Prius. Design was made from scratch and all body panels are new. It will also be the first Toyota hybrid using Li-ion batteries in Australia. Spaced between the driver and passenger seat, under the center console, the battery pack is lighter and more efficient than the Nickel-metal Hydride one used in the past.

In order not to compromise luggage space, the third seat row can be folded for the sake of cargo space. If that doesn’t prove itself enough, the second row can also be contracted thus making the Prius v a versatile family hybrid.

Power will come from Toyota’s latest Hybrid Synergy Drive^® powertrain which incorporates a 73kW 1.8-litre Atkinson Cycle petrol engine in combination with a 60kW electric motor.

In Australia, Toyota and Lexus have sold more than 35,000 hybrids, 17,000 of which are Prius models.

Spource: Toyota

February 6, 2012

Honda NSX Concept

Honda NSX is the super sports car of the manufacturer and it has been produced for 15 years, from 1990 to 2005. It had a mid-engine, RWD layout. The engine was V-TEC all-aluminium V6 with superb power and torque.

Now however, Honda has announced the new NSX Concept vehicle, which will be on display at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show. It continues the line of the original conception – a V6 mid-mounted engine and rear-wheel drive. There will be also a number of technologies in the new NSX like the innovative Sport Hybrid SH-AWD® (Super Handling All Wheel Drive™) hybrid system.

The NSX Concept looks fantastic and hopefully, it will hit the world market in the next three years.

The Honda Press Conference will take place at 09.15 on Tuesday 6 March.

Source: Honda

February 6, 2012

2012 Seat Mii 5-door

Seat has revealed a five-door version of Mii super-compact city car. The additional rear doors turn Mii into a unique combination of exceptional driving fun, sporty design and outstanding functionality.
Mii Ecomotive
Thanks to a Start/Stop system, brake energy recovery and other measures to improve fuel economy,

The Mii Ecomotive 1.0 liter three-cylinder with 60PS achieves 4.1 liters / 100 km with 96 g/km, while the more powerful 75PS is “more” thirsty – 4.2 liters per 100 km with 98 g/km CO2. The top speed is 160 km/h and 171 km/h respectively.

“The new Mii has enjoyed a terrific start. Customer response in Spain is outstanding and we are now bringing the entire line-up to the other European markets – complete with the three-door, five-door and Ecomotive versions.”, commented James Muir, President of SEAT, S.A.

“With its distinctive SEAT identity, its youthful design and its high quality standards, the five-door i in particular is set to capture a significant share of the sub-compact segment. This makes the Mii an important factor in our corporate strategy. The Mii marks the start of the most extensive model offensive ever undertaken by SEAT.”, he added.

With a volume of 251 litres the Mii also boasts one of the largest luggage compartments in its class, expanding to an impressive 951 litres with folded rear seat.

The Mii is also a leader when it comes to innovative technologies. City Safety Assist delivers important added protection in town. Simply put, when a risk arises in city traffic the Mii brakes automatically to prevent a possible impact.

Full details and pricing will be announced soon.

Source: Seat

February 6, 2012

Category: Car Makes