2011 Suzuki Kizashi Sport was introduced at the 2010 New York International Auto Show. Since then, it is available in two trim levels – GTS and SLS.
The Kizashi Sport is powered by a 2.4 liter in-line four-cylinder petrol with 177PS (130 kW) at 6500RPM and 230Nm (169 lb-ft) at 4000RPM. It is mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox sending all power to the front wheels.
Mentioning the wheels, they are 18” both front and back fitted with 235/45 R18 tires. The total weight of the car is just 1495 kg meaning 8.4 kg/PS.
The performance is at decent level – 0 to 100 km/h in 7.8 seconds and a top speed of 215 km/h (133 mph). Furthermore, the Kizashi Sport needs just 7.9 liters per 100 km (29 mpg) on combined cycle with emission of 183 g/km CO2.
The Ford Focus with the 1.0-liter EcoBoost engine production is already being launched. The highlight here is that this model is Ford’s most fuel efficient petrol-powered vehicle. In details, the Focus 1.0-liter EcoBoost 100PS (74 kW) has the unique fuel economy of 4.8l/100km (58.9mpg); and more importantly the CO2 emissions it releases are 109g/km. In addition there is also a turbocharged direct injection engine available for the Focus in a 125PS (92 kW) version that has in turn 5l/100km (56.5mpg) with CO2 of 114g/km.
The Focus 1.0-liter EcoBoost achieves diesel engine standards of performance thanks to the engine torque of 170Nm between (125 lb-ft) 1,400rpm and 4,500rpm. The new 1.0-liter EcoBoost engine is produced at Ford’s engine plant in Cologne, Germany. More importantly, Ford invested €134 million ($200 million) in the development of this special high-tech line at the Cologne Engine Plant to build the engine.
This engine is a true example of the demands of the market for improved internal combustion engine, which delivers low consumption and has low Co2 emissions. For the development of the 1.0-liter EcoBoost engine, Ford gathered experts from Europe, including engineers at
Ford’s European Research and Advanced Engineering Centre in Aachen, Germany, and the Dunton Technical Centre, UK.
Production of Ford Focus 1.0-liter EcoBoost Engine
Citroen Berlingo Multispace and Citroen Dispatch Combi have just received new styling and equipment upgrades. They are now even more aesthetically and economically attractive.
Let’s start with the new upgrades which the new Berlingo Multispace has received. It now receives wider, more defined grille, a new chevron badge and a new headlight arrangement. The indicators are to the side of the main light units and are underlined by blue segments. The lower part of the grille can be fitted with static cornering lights integrated with the fog lights and LEDs. In addition the side mirrors have been aerodynamically upgraded. New ‘Airflow’ wheel embellishers are also available to help improve fuel and CO2 efficiency. Inside the cabin, colours and materials have been revised on all levels of trim. Moreover, the new refreshed Berlingo Multispace is going to be available with two new body colours, Nocciola and Belle Ile Blue. Additionally to all those interior and exterior changes, this model now can be specified with up to seven independent seats. These wide interior dimensions can be fitted with the Modutop®, which combines a glazed roof with multiple stowage compartments, a dual access boot, individually controlled ventilation and additional lighting for passengers in the rear. The Modutop® integrated boot is easily accessible, with a rear window that can be opened from the outside for easy loading. Furthermore, the vehicle is now available with a range of efficient engines and gearbox options, such as: Citroen’s e-HDi micro-hybrid powertrain with Stop & Start and a six-speed automated manual gearbox – e-HDi 90 Airdream EGS6 versions deliver CO2 emissions of just 125g/km. On five-seat versions, the HDi 75 and HDi 90 models now has lower emissions – only 135g/km. This is thanks to the aerodynamic upgrades. On the other hand the HDi 110 engine is upgraded to HDi 115, providing extra performance.
2012 Citroen Berlingo Multispace
Secondly, there is the Citroen Dispatch Combi, which has received some upgrades as well. It is one of the largest passenger vehicles in the Citroen range: it has space for nine passaangers and more importantly it offers great levels of comfort. The updates on the vehicle new front end with a wide chromed grille including the brand’s updated chevron design, new body colour (Hickory Brown), Grip Control (with the driver choosing one of four modes – normal, all-terrain, snow or sand); an optional tyre pressure monitor is also introduced. In addition the new Dispatch Combi also becomes available with a new six-speed automatic gearbox, which is mated to the HDi 160 engine. On the other hand six-speed manual gearboxes are also available with the HDi 95, HDi 125 and HDi 160 engines. And for a comfortable and convenient driving experience all versions feature a dashboard-mounted gear selector. The highlight here is that special efforts have been made in order to reduce model’s CO2 emissions. For example there have been added aerodynamic panels underneath the body and a ‘volt control’ function to optimise battery charge management by the alternator.
Volvo Car Corporation achieved great success in the safety ratings with full star results on both sides of the Atlantic. First, the Volvo V60 received five stars and is named now the best car in the Large Family category in the 2011 Euro-NCAP rating. On the other side of the Atlantic, in the U.S., Volvo S60 achieved an overall five star NHTSA crash test rating as well. Obviously Volvo is keeping their promise to the customers, by offering them the safest cars on the market. This is now confirmed by several independent evaluations on different continents! But the exciting news about the V60 model doesn’t end here – it was also rewarded for the low-speed collision avoidance system City Safety. In addition to this, the model S60 was rewarded in the U.S. with an overall five stars in the NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration). No other car has received the whole 5-Star Safety Rating from the US-NCAP (New Car Assessment Program) in each of the three crash tests (frontal, side pole and side barrier), and in addition it also received a five-star rollover rating. The S60 is currently the only European luxury car in the U.S. that has these top NHTSA ratings, an IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) Top Safety Pick, and is available with all of the active safety technologies recommended by NHTSA.
2012 Citroen DS5 is now available on the UK market. It is priced from £22 400 for the entry level Dsign e-HDi 110 Airdream EGS6 and the top-of-range model DSport Hybrid4 200 Airdream EGS6 costs £32 200.
The car is inspired by the striking C-SportLounge concept car and completes the current DS line. An instantly recognisable range, the DS line appeals to both the emotional and rational decision-making process of today’s car buyer. All three models in the premium DS line offer creative design, outstanding quality and desirable technology.
2012 DS5 measures 4.53m length, 1.85m width and 1.51m height, the five-door layout offers five full-size premium seats and a generous boot volume of up to 465-litres VDA.
There are a lot of technologies in the 2012 DS5 including:
Keyless Access & Start, which uses Radio Frequency Identification (RFI) technology to allow drivers to unlock and start/stop DS5 whilst keeping the electronic key separate.
A colour head-up display, which projects essential driving information (speed, speed limiter and cruise control settings and navigation settings) in the driver’s direct line of sight. On Hybrid4 models, the display changes from white to blue during ZEV mode.
A reversing camera that sends a colour image of the car’s rear view to the navigation display screen.
A driver’s seat with electric lumbar adjustment and massage function.
Dual-zone automatic air conditioning with three air flow levels (soft, medium, intense).
An advanced programmable speed limiter and cruise control system.
A new Lane Departure Warning System, which uses an integrated camera to recognise the lines on the road and warns drivers of involuntary lane departure.
Smart beams that process images from the built in camera to trigger automatic activation and de-activation of the high beam lamps according to lighting and surrounding traffic conditions.
New DS5 boasts a comprehensive range of audio and telematics equipment, including USB and Bluetooth® connectivity. Citroën’s latest-generation in-car eMyWay navigation comes as standard on level 2 DStyle models. The integrated system features a high-resolution 7-inch colour widescreen, internal memory for map data, speed limit sign reminders and Bluetooth® hands-free and audio streaming for listening to music files stored on mobile phones.
DS5’s audio system features ARKAMYS acoustic processing for authentic sound playback. An optional premium 10-speaker DENON Hi-Fi has also been developed for an even richer soundscape within the cabin.
2012 Citroen DS5 Interior
DS5 is available from launch with a choice of four refined and efficient Euro V engines – THP 200, e-HDi 110, HDi 160 and the new 200BHP diesel electric Hybrid4.
The e-HDi 110 Airdream features new-generation Stop & Start micro-hybrid technology that reduces CO2 emissions by up to 15% when driving in congested urban areas. The turbocharged, direct injection petrol engine, co-developed with BMW, delivers enjoyable power and performance.
All powerplants are mated to either manual, automatic or EGS 6-speed gearboxes.
HYBRID4
DS5 is the first Citroen fitted with Hybrid4 technology. What is more, it is the first hybrid using diesel engine as main power unit, instead of a petrol one.
Hybrid4 combines several technologies including:
A refined 2.0HDi 160 diesel engine delivering 163bhp
A permanent-magnet synchronous 27kW (37bhp) electric motor fitted on the rear axle
A Power Train Management Unit, automatically managing the operating modes of the diesel engine and electric motor to achieve the best possible fuel economy
A Stop & Start system with a second-generation reversible alternator
An automated manual 6-speed gearbox with optimised shifts
Four different operating modes:
AUTO – Activated by default on start up, the Auto mode optimises fuel consumption by automatically switching between the diesel engine and the electric motor. ZEV – For speeds up to 60km/h (37mph), the Zero Emissions Vehicle mode enables the car to be driven using the electric motor only. SPORT – This mode uses the electric motor in tandem with the diesel engine to provide extra power when the driver requires more responsive acceleration. 4WD – On rough ground or in low-grip conditions, the 4WD mode increases traction delivering power through all four wheels. The front wheels are powered by the diesel engine, the rear wheels by the electric motor.
New Citroen DS5 achieves a maximum 5-star rating in the latest Euro NCAP tests, including an impressive 97% score in the Safety Assist category.
ABS with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) & Emergency Braking Assistance (EBA)
Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) with traction control and hill start assist
Driver’s, front passenger’s, front lateral as well as front and rear curtain airbags
A cornering light function that increases visibility by up to 75° when turning
Citroën’s award-winning eTouch Emergency & Assistance system, which automatically or manually makes geo-localised emergency or assistance calls using a built-in SIM card, for rapid intervention in the event of an accident or if the car is immobilised
2012 Citroen DS5
Trim levels:
New Citroen DS5 will carry one of three trim-level signatures – DSign, DStyle and DSport.
DSIGN:
Driver’s, front passenger’s, front lateral, front and rear curtain airbags
Electrically foldable door mirrors with integrated kerb side LED
Front fog lights with cornering function
Daytime running LEDs
Keyless access and start
Cruise control with speed limiter and memory settings
Front and rear electric windows with ‘one-touch’ operation and anti-pinch
Automatic digital air conditioning with dual-zone temperature setting
Automatic rain-sensitive windscreen wipers, automatic illumination of headlamps and electrochrome rear view mirror
Automatic electric parking brake
Connecting Box – Bluetooth system® with USB socket
DSTYLE adds:
Part Mistral ‘Claudia’ leather, part ‘Dinamica’ cloth upholstery
Cockpit roof with three electric sunblinds and aviation style toggle switches
Citroën eTouch Emergency & Assistance system
Analogue clock on dashboard
eMyWay – colour satellite navigation with live traffic information and European mapping
Rear parking sensors
Reversing camera
DSPORT adds:
Mistral ‘Claudia’ leather upholstery
Front electric and heated sport seats
Driver’s seat with electric lumbar adjustment, massage function and memory settings
Xenon Dual-Function Directional headlamps with washer jets
The newest VW Beetle is funky, hip and image laden. So one might think there is no real need to further personalize. Accessory house JE Design however, thing they can push the boundaries of individualism even more.
The Beetle’s chassis for example has underwent JE specialty tuning by replacing the springs with ones that are more stiff so that body roll is reduced to minimum. Despite being shorter (around 30-35 millimeters) than the standard springs, no shock absorber change is needed, The JE Design spring kit is available for 219 euros ($289) in Germany.
8 x 19 inch, exclusive black “Tornado” Volkswagen, multi-spoke alloys can be provided by JE Design. They can be fitted with the standard 235/40 R19 or to do the honor of those 16-spoke wheels one can fit them with even lower profile tires (235/35 R19). Four finishes are available for the rims: black mat spokes and a mat silver rim flange, graphite mat silver spokes with a mat silver rim flange, shadow silver and black shiny spokes with a shiny silver rim flange. The complete JE Design wheel set has a starting price of 2,810 euros ($3,702).
Other distinctive features include a sporty apron insert (476 euros/$627) that comes with a diffuser and a centered air duct. Another thing is the steel muffler developed for the VW Beetle, with a round 90 millimeter large twin tailpipe as a four pipe design and is compatible with all gasoline and diesel motors. That will send you back further 952 euros ($1,254). Needless to say that all JE Design components come with TÜV certificates.
For the VW Beetle Sport which already has 200HP2.0 Golf GTI TFSI engine can also be tweaked by JE Design with an engine management module that kicks it up a notch to 240 HP while torque peaks at 310 newton meters. The time for a zero to sixty sprint stands at 6.9 seconds and top speed reaches 230 km/h. That privilege costs another 1,280 euros ($1,686). After the upgrade emission status remains the same so no road legal issues should follow. All is again TÜV certified.
Good news for family people as Ford are planning to unveil a production-ready B-MAX at the upcoming Geneva Motor Show. It is a debut that comes exactly one year after the concept debut at the previous Geneva Show. The multipurpose vehicle will come with a sensible, clever drivetrain lineup and an even more clever design.
The innovative 1.0 EcoBoost petrol unit we talked about a few days ago, will be available for the B-MAX range and so will be the Duratorq TDCi diesel plants. Sales in Europe are expected to start later this year.
Ford CEO and President Alan Mulally himself will drop the curtain at the unveiling. Also present, will be the chairman and CEO of Ford Europe Stephen Odell who already sounds excited enough:
“The B-MAX combines an exciting, innovative design with features that only previously have been found in bigger cars,” said Odell. “It’s a brand new car that responds to the needs of an increasing number of customers who want much more from their small cars.”
It’s the design that gets us though. Ford say that the B-MAX boasts a class-leading load-space and flexibility, a highly configurable environment and clever pillar design but what we really can’t get enough of are the sliding rear doors which bring to mind other clever MPV’s such as the Peugeot 1007 and the bigger brother, Ford C-MAX.
Vodafone McLaren Mercedes has unveiled the new Mp4-27 ahead of the 2012 FIA Formula 1 World Championship. The Formula 1 car was presented at the McLaren Technology Centre.
Maintaining the belief in the validity of strengthened continuity, Vodafone McLaren Mercedes is the only team in Formula 1 whose driver line-up consists of two world champions: Jenson Button and Lewis Hamilton. Between them, they have scored 22 grand prix victories for Vodafone McLaren Mercedes and are the strongest and most consistent driver line-up in the sport. Maintaining the partnership into a third successive season was merely a formality.
While the all-new Vodafone McLaren Mercedes MP4-27 closely resembles last year’s multiple race-winning car, the 2012 chassis has been substantially revised from the ground-up, with all major systems updated or re-designed for the new season. The most evident visual differences include more tightly waisted rear bodywork, developed to improve flow to the rear of the car, and a revised cooling system, which re-directs the gearbox oil-cooler. Last year’s U-shaped sidepods have also been re-designed – a legacy of the FIA’s new exhaust regulations that redefine the shape of the rear bodywork.
On the technical front, our exemplary engineering trio Tim Goss (director of engineering), Paddy Lowe (technical director) and Neil Oatley (director of design and development programmes) once more remain at the forefront of the drawing office. For 2012, they will be joined by sporting director Sam Michael, whose arrival coincides with the re-organisation of our trackside personnel roster to ensure both growth and development within the group.
Check out the technical specification below!
2012 F1 Season – McLaren MP4-27
MP4-27 technical specification:
Chassis – Monocoque McLaren-moulded carbonfibre composite incorporating front and side impact structures Front suspension – Inboard torsion bar/damper system operated by pushrod and bell crank with a double wishbone arrangement Rear suspension – Inboard torsion bar/damper system operated by pullrod and bell crank with a double wishbone arrangement Electronics – McLaren Electronic Systems. Including chassis control, engine control, data acquisition, dashboard, alternator, sensors, data analysis and telemetry. Bodywork – Carbon-fibre composite. Separate engine cover, sidepods and floor. Structural nose with integral front wing, Driver-operated drag reduction system Tyres – Pirelli P Zero Radio – Kenwood Race wheels – Enkei Brake callipers – Akebono Master cylinders – Akebono Batteries – GS Yuasa Corporation Steering – McLaren power-assisted Instruments – McLaren Electronic Systems Paint solutions – AkzoNobel Car Refinishes using Sikkens products
Engine
Type – Mercedes-Benz FO 108Z Capacity – 2.4 litres Cylinders – 8 Maximum rpm – 18 000 Bank angle – 90° Piston bore maximum – 98mm Number of valves – 32 Fuel – ExxonMobil High Performance Unleaded (5.75% bio fuel) Spark plugs – NGK racing spark plugs specially designed for Formula 1 Lubricants – Mobil 1 – combining greater performance, protection and cooling with increased economy and lower emissions Weight – 95kg (minimum FIA regulation weight)
KERS Hybrid
Type – Mercedes-Benz
e-Motor Engine-mounted electrical motor/generator
ESS Integrated energy storage cells and power electronics Power – 60 kW
Transmission
Gearbox – McLaren-moulded carbon-fibre composite
Integral rear impact structure Gears – Seven forward and one reverse Gear selection – McLaren seamless shift, hand-operated Clutch – Carbon/carbon, hand-operated Lubricants – Mobil
A ready-for-production Acura ILX will premiere at the 2012 Chicago Auto Show, along with a redesigned Acura RDX SUV.
The 2013 ILX luxury compact sedan is the latest offering from Acura which emits a sleek and sporty essence. The car will be available in three distinct powertrains, including Acura’s first ever hybrid. Inside it will all be about space and cleverness. High value luxuries will be in the form of a standard Keyless Access System with smart entry, an engine start button and Pandora® internet radio. The exterior on the other hand, speaks for itself.
Acura ILX Concept
The 2013 RDX however, will be for those who want to make maximum use from their vehicles . It’s a compact crossover SUV that balances luxury and utility to a fine medium. The powertrain is a V6 with 3.5 liters of displacement that has 33 more horsepower than the previous one. In no way however, that increase has influenced the fuel economy, Acura say. In fact it is set to be the most fuel efficient SUV in its own class. Priority for the RDX is also spaciousness – it will now have larger door openings, more legroom, more headroom, more than ever cargo space (with a power tailgate) and better overall flexibility.
2013 Acura RDX Prototype
Both vehicles will be on display in the Acura booth at McCormick Place, Chicago where the auto show is set to step in motion. Photos and more information are yet to come.
Lexus will lift the veil and air their first Super Bowl Commercial commercial, called “The Beast” prior to Super Bowl XLVI on 5th of February. Stay tuned!
The advertisement is long 30 seconds and features the all-new 2013 Lexus GS, which breaks free from containment (as already seen in the teaser video, launched mid January). This is an illustration that the company is moving in a new design direction.
From the spot can be also concluded that more new Lexus vehicles will be revealed later this year. The all-new 2012 Lexus GS is the first model to wear the new look of Lexus among nine new or updated models.
The 82ndGeneva Motor Show is going to take place in March, where Suzuki Motor Corporation will display the G70 Concept. The concept shows new vision for a compact car, which has to be with minimised weight and elaborated dynamics. To be more precise, the G70 weighs just 730kg and has a drag coefficient at least 10 per cent lower than that of a current Suzuki ‘A’ segment model. As a result of this weight reduction and in combination of the highly efficient petrol engine, the CO2 emissions are as low as 70g/km.
In addition on display will be the Swift Range Extender, which is Suzuki’s latest development in hybrid vehicle technology. The vehicle was first exhibited at the Geneva Show in 2010. However, now it has gone through further development, as a result of which there is a 100 per cent improvement in battery driving range to 30km. Furthermore the Swift Range Extender utilises a generator and a highly efficient 660cc three cylinder petrol engine to power it. Another thing to be highlighted here is that the Range Extender has a more compact lithium-ion battery which is quicker to charge, weighs less, uses fewer resources and also costs less.
There is a new version of the Nissan Juke already available which is Shiro.
It replaces the successful Japanese limited edition Kuro (which is painted in black), and more importantly moves to the opposite side of the color spectrum – white. In particular, the Juke hosts set of white details to mark it out from lesser models in the range. Furthermore, inside there’s a selection of tasteful white detailing. And the centre console, is shaped in motorcycle fuel tank, is also painted white, as are the door panels and window switch surrounds. Of course, the steering wheel is wrapped in leather with white stitching. Next, the seats themselves have a double layer fabric with a white background color visible through the perforated leather facing.
2012 Nissan Juke Shiro
The Shiro sits on stylish dark grey 17-inch alloy wheels. It is also designed in satin silver finish to the door handles and mirror caps plus a gloss black finish to the B-pillar. Although available in any of the colours offered on Juke models, Shiro does have one additional unique hue in its palette: Nightshade, a sophisticated deep aubergine colour.
The vehicle is available with all three engine choices – a 110PS (80kW) 1.5-litre dCi; 117PS (86 kW) normally aspirated 1.6-litre petrol; and the range-topping turbocharged direct injection petrol 1.6-litre DIG-T with 190PS (140 kW). Moreover there are available 4×4 version and CVT automatics version.
2012 Citroen DS5 is now available on the UK market. It is priced from £22 400 for the entry level Dsign e-HDi 110 Airdream EGS6 and the top-of-range model DSport Hybrid4 200 Airdream EGS6 costs £32 200.
The newest VW Beetle is funky, hip and image laden. So one might think there is no real need to further personalize. Accessory house JE Design however, thing they can push the boundaries of individualism even more.
Good news for family people as Ford are planning to unveil a production-ready B-MAX at the upcoming Geneva Motor Show. It is a debut that comes exactly one year after the concept debut at the previous Geneva Show. The multipurpose vehicle will come with a sensible, clever drivetrain lineup and an even more clever design.
Vodafone McLaren Mercedes has unveiled the new Mp4-27 ahead of the 2012 FIA Formula 1 World Championship. The Formula 1 car was presented at the McLaren Technology Centre.
A ready-for-production Acura ILX will premiere at the 2012 Chicago Auto Show, along with a redesigned Acura RDX SUV.
