Category: Car Makes

Range Rover_e – 20 miles with zero emissions

If you want to be a green-oriented person, you no longer need to ride a bicycle. Why, because the new Range_e is at hand. The Jaguar Land Rover’s technology concept for a plug-in hybrid diesel-electric powertrain just received the 2011 Award for Automotive Innovation by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). And there are many reasons about this accomplishment. The innovative system was first revealed at the Geneva motor show in March. It has been acclaimed by the auto industry as the most significant achievement of the year and as a great development for the world-wide market.

The first reason for all these achievements is that the Range_e marks the globe as a luxury all-wheel drive vehicle, which is powered by a plug-in hybrid system: equipped both with a 94PS (69kW) electric motor and 14.2kWh lithium-ion battery with Land Rover’s 245PS (180 kW) 3.0-litre TDV6 diesel engine. This fascinating eco-friendly vehicle is based on the Range Rover Sport and what is important it can be driven for more than 20 miles on its electric power creating zero tailpipe emissions(isn’t it stunning). Furthermore, to optimize the CO₂ emissions, the diesel hybrid drivetrain takes care about it. Can you even imagine that the overall CO₂ output is only 89g/km and all goes with 85mpg fuel economy, while at the same time the system’s combined power of 339PS (249 kW) delivers a top speed of around 193 km/h (120mph). And if you wonder about the battery recharging – it can be accomplished simply and efficiently by connecting the system to an external 240V power source!!!

The award that has been given is sponsored by GKN, was presented to Jaguar Land Rover at the SMMT annual dinner by Norman Baker (Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport), and Rob Rickell (GKN Global Engineering Director).

May be you don’t know that the Range_e is one of a number of Land Rover projects supported by the UK Government’s Technology Strategy Board. In addition five more prototype models are currently engaged in a test program with Land Rover’s fellow members of the CABLED (Coventry and Birmingham Low Emissions Demonstrators – consortium). There’s no doubt that this technology is the future and it is destined to be deployed in production vehicles. For this reason Land Rover is planning an introduction of its first diesel-electric hybrid model in 2013. Stay tuned … and eco!

2012 Tata Nano

The new Tata Nano comes with a number of improvements: better fuel efficiency, new premium interiors, new vibrant colours, best-in-class air-conditioning, lowest CO2 emission, among cars in India and most important all this at the same price.

2012 Nano is powered by a 624cc engine with 38PS (28 kW) and 51Nm (38 lb-ft), which is an increase of 3PS (2 kW) and 3Nm (2 lb-ft). Seems like nothing, but in car with such dimensions, it is a lot. The fuel efficiency is 59.7 mpg – 3.9 litres per 100 km. The top speed is 105 km/h, which is just enough for everyday city driving.

The ride and handling are also improved by revising the suspension with a front anti-roll bar, new steering system and booster-assisted brakes. All this comes as standard on the entry-level model.

The exterior is now available in different 10 colours, 8 of them new – Pearl White, Rouge Red, Aqua Blue, Neon Rush, Serene White, Meteor Silver, Mojito Green, Papaya Orange, Sunshine Yellow, and Champagne Gold.

There are three trim levels: Standard, CX and LX. It is priced from just 1.40 lakhs (€1 980) and comes with 4-year warranty. Check out the full equipment, below!

2012 Tata Nano equipment:

Tata Nano Standard: The standard version comes with three colour options — Rouge Red, Aqua Blue, Serene White — along with clear headlamps, tubeless tyres and tip-tap driver side mirror, booster-assisted brakes and front suspension with anti-roll bar. The interiors comprise dual-tone vinyl seats and fold-down rear seat.

Tata Nano CX: The Nano CX comes in six colour options — Rouge Red, Champagne Gold, Neon Rush, Meteor Silver, Papaya Orange and Serene White. The interiors have been refreshed with trendy black fabric seats, ebony black interiors, fold-down rear seat with nap rest. Besides these, the variant offers best-in-class air-conditioning with heating (optional), parcel shelf, booster-assisted brakes, tip-tap mirrors on driver and passenger side and half wheel covers.

Tata Nano LX: The top-end variant comes loaded with features like premium beige fabric seats, central locking, door handles, front power windows, cup holder in front console, provision for 12V socket, body coloured bumpers, fog lamps, electronic trip meter, rear spoiler, full wheel covers and tip-tap mirrors on driver and passenger side and booster-assisted brakes. The Nano LX comes in six premium colours — Pearl White, Papaya Orange, Mojito Green, Sunshine Yellow, Meteor Silver and Champagne Gold.

Source: Tata

2012 Volkswagen Passat Alltrack

2012 VW Passat Alltrack will make its official debut at the 42^nd Tokyo Motor Show next week. The vehicle will hit the market in the beginning of the 2012. Alltrack is based on Passat Estate and features some very useful improvements.

2012 Passat Alltrack comes with 4MOTION four-wheel drive and a raised ride height that give it greater agility off-road, along with stylish body enhancements. There are stainless steel-look front and rear underbody protection panels and flared side sills. Other highlights are matt chrome roof rails, window surrounds, grille and exterior mirror casings.

The suspension is raised to increase ground clearance from 135 to 165 mm.

On the Passat Alltrack, the front axle is usually driven, with only 10% of propulsive power going to the rear axle. This saves on fuel, but if necessary, almost 100% of power can be sent to the rear wheels, through use of an electrohydraulic Haldex clutch.

The new Alltrack has hill descent assist, ABS and EDS. For vehicles fitted with DSG dual-clutch transmission, the shift pattern is also altered when off-road mode is engaged, with higher shift points to give more power, a flatter and easier to manage accelerator pedal movement and no automatic upshifting in manual mode.

The engine range includes a 2.0 liter TDI with 140PS (103 kW) and a 2.0 liter TDI with 170PS (125 kW) mated to a 6-speed manual and 6-speed DSG gearbox, respectively.

Standard equipment includes Alcantara upholstery, 2Zone electronic climate control, cruise control, tyre pressure monitoring system, MDI iPod connectivity, Bluetooth telephone preparation and 18” alloys.

The first deliveries are scheduled for next July. Price list is not announced, yet!

Source: Volkswagen

Mansory Audi R8 V10 Spyder

Audi R8 V10 Spyder has received special refining program from Mansory tuning. The company’s latest stroke of genius impressively proves that once again.

The performance is also boosted by Mansory. The mighty 5.2 liter V10 engine from Gallardo now has 552PS (406 kW) and 550Nm (406 lb-ft) of torque, which is an improvement of 27PS (20 kW) and 20Nm (15 lb-ft).

The exterior modifications include a complete aggressive body kit consisting of a new front spoiler, modified side skirts, a nice rear wing, a new rear apron and perfectly integrated rear diffuser.

The stance is completed by a set of huge 20” alloy wheels fitted with ultra-low-profile performance tires – 8.5J x 20” up front with 245/30 ZR20 tires and 11.0J x 20” at the rear with 305/25 ZR20. There is also a lower suspension setting of the sports drop-top.

The interior is even more stunning, than the exterior. It comes with complete reupholstered seats, steering wheel and some carbon fiber elements. There are also personalised floor mats, aluminium pedals and illuminated sill plates.

Source: Mansory

Koenigsegg Agera R with MOV’IT

Koenigsegg Agera R was introduced at this year’s Geneva Motor Show. The hyper-car is set to dethrone the Veyron Grand Sport on every known discipline.

Agera R is powered by a unique 5.0 liter twin-turbo V8 with 1115PS (820 kW) at 6900RPM, which is a bit less than the mighty Veyron Grand Sport, but the Agera R is much lighter. The maximum torque is 1200Nm (885 lb-ft) at 4100RPM as over 1000Nm are available from just 2700RPM. The performance is brutal – from 0 to 100 km/h in 2.9 seconds and to 200 km/h in 7.5 seconds. The top speed is theoretical 440 km/h (273 mph), but the car is electronically limited to “just” 375 km/h (233 mph).

Other impressive result is 0-200-0, which is covered in 12.7 seconds and the stopping distance from 100 km/h to stand still is just 30.5m. However, this is improved by MOV’IT GmbH from Ottersweier in Baden-Wuerttemberg. The manufacturer produces braking systems for Formula 1, so the expectations are huge.

“We are pleased to present both our system expertise and our ability to be an industry partner once again. It is underpinned by our new strategic direction which began together with our reorganization in 2010. The MOV’IT got its name making high-performance braking systems in the field of tuning and aftermarket in the past, but we have managed to gain confidence of small volume manufacturers and special series of major automobile manufacturers as the real alternative in the course of a very short time. Current accounts, numerous interviews and projects with the most premium German manufacturers emphasize this.” said Frank Scherer, director of the MOV’IT GmbH and CEO of the MOV’IT Group.

The MOV’IT-ceramic braking system helped Agera R to set a new world record for the shortest stopping time from 300 km/h to 0 km/h – 6.66 seconds.

Source: MOV´IT

CoverEFX Mini Cooper

The CoverEFX & CFC StylingStation company in Erftstadt has two tuned MINIs.

The first one is foiled in Sunflower yellow and the second is finished in Smurf-blue. Both MINIs have all attached parts painted black, including the interior lights and Wiecher’s cage. The plastic wheel arches had to be reworked after the assembly of the suspension and brakes.

The performance upgrades include a modified PreKat and an ECU re-map giving the engine additional 17PS (13 kW) and 22Nm (16 lb-ft). The hand-crafted and dynamic pressure-optimized exhaust system with stainless steel manifolds and down pipe by the KBR Motorsports.

The stance is thanks to a Bilstein B16 suspension. There are also n OMP strut brace and a supporting arm, and an adjustable rear stabilizer – 17 mm by H & R. Both MINIs stand on Crono rims by OZ Racing 7J x 17” fitted with 205/40 R17 Toyo tires.

The interior boasts RECARO seats upholstered with Alcantara.

Source: CoverEFX

DMC Ferrari California 3S Silver Carbon Fiber

German Luxury Tuner DMC has announced their tuning package for Ferrari California. The name of the project is 3S Silver Carbon Fiber. It boasts unique body kit and performance package.

The aerodynamics package includes – a silver carbon fiber splitter, a silver carbon fiber rear diffuser, refined license plate bay, which now includes a silber carbon fiber apron.

The engine of DMC California is boosted to 606PS (446 kW), which is an increase of 146PS (108 kW), so the performance is extreme – 0 to 100 km/h in 3.9 seconds and a top speed of 325 km/h (202 mph). Impressive results for a big four-seater GT car. The additional power is thanks to a number of mods – a turbo-loader in combination with physically enlarged injection nozzles and a new tailor made crankshaft. It is supported by a new exhaust sytem that is made if T309 stainless steel. It comes with 200 cell catalysts and an improved X-Pipe and is fully controlable via an on-board valve control system.

The California 3S Silver Carbon Fiber stands on enormous ADV1 wheels – 9J x 21” at the front and 11.5J x 22” at the rear fitted with ultra-performance tires.

This combination adds an aggressive wedge look to the overall appearance, accompanying the dynamic look of DMC’s styling package.

DMC Ferrari California 3S Silver Carbon Fiber

Source: DMC

Aston Martin V12 Vantage GT3

What happens, when you put 600BHP V12 engine in 1250kg car? The answer is very simple – it happens something really good and nice to drive and in this case to watch.

Aston Martin V12 Vantage GT3 is not only extremely fast race car, but it is incredibly beautiful, too. The tests of the vehicle has just began and the racing team has already covered almost 1000 kilometres in just two days. The majority of the mileage was conducted by factory driver Darren Turner.

“The car ran like clockwork throughout and we’ve managed really good mileage already. The feeling of the V12 Vantage GT3 is a massive step forward from the DBRS9. Being based on the smaller Vantage it is more responsive and feels more nimble, giving the driver plenty of confidence to extract all the performance from the V12 engine while also being light on its tyres. It isn’t too physical to drive and I didn’t even break into a sweat during the test!”, said mr. Turner, after two days behind the wheel.

“With the clean styling and the amazing sounding V12, it’s closer to the core values of Aston Martin’s road cars than any of the racing cars we’ve ever built. I’m certain it’ll become a favourite among motorsport fans in no time at all.”, he added.

The V12 Vantage GT3 is a direct replacement for the Aston Martin DBRS9, which first competed in 2006 and went on to score many race and championship wins including the 2007 British GT Championship and the 2009 FIA GT3 Teams’ Championship.

The engine is the most staggering element in the V12 Vantage GT3. It is 6.0 liter twelve-cylinder naturally aspirated monster with 600BHP (445 kW) and 700Nm (517 lb-ft) of torque. All that power is sent to the limited slip differential at the rear wheels through Xtrac 6-speed sequential transmission.

Aston Martin Racing will continue with the V12 Vantage GT3’s comprehensive testing programme into the New Year and beyond.

You can check the full specs, below!

Aston Martin V12 Vantage GT3 Specs:

Engine
Lightweight V12
Dry sump oil system
Power >600bhp
Torque >700Nm

Transmission
Xtrac 6 speed sequential transmission with semi-auto gear change
Limited slip ramp/plate differential
Carbon fibre propshaft

Chassis
Lightweight aluminium chassis
Steel roll cage to FIA safety standards
High speed pneumatic jack system

Suspension
Double wishbone with uniball bearings
2-way adjustable dampers front and rear
Optimised geometry for lower race ride height

Steering
Hydraulic power assisted steering

Fuel system
110-litre fuel cell to FIA safety standards
Twin quick release couplings

Brakes
6 pot front & 4 pot rear calipers with ventilated steel discs
Manually adjustable front/rear brake bias
Adjustable motorsport ABS and traction control

Wheels & Tyres
Front 12.5” x 18” 30/68-18
Rear 13” x 18” 31/71-18

Cockpit
Six-point safety harness
Adjustable seat & pedal box position
Lightweight battery
Carbon fibre dash
Fire extinguisher system
Driver display and shift lights

Body & Aero
Removable carbon-fibre body panels & aluminium roof
Front splitter
Adjustable full width carbon fibre rear wing
Aerodynamically optimised bumpers, side sills and rear fenders

Weight
Dry weight 1250kg

Source: Aston Martin

2012 MINI Cooper Hardtop B-Spec Racer

A new MINI Cooper B-Spec race car will take place in the 2012 race season in USA. B-Spec vehicles are production-based cars that are equalized on power and weight to make the racing as competitive as possible and all four of the major racing sanctioning bodies will host B-Spec races in 2012.

“B-Spec racing is a great fit for MINI because the car is developed with racing heritage in mind and the races are run with vehicles very similar to those already sitting in the driveway,” said Jim McDowell, Vice President – MINI USA.

“Getting involved with B-Spec racing offers a fun and competitive race environment without requiring MINI drivers to make a large financial investment to make their car a serious competitor.”, he added.

The race car is built by MINI of Charleston and features minor upgrades – a coilover suspension, Carbotech brake system and 15” light alloy wheels fiited with Hoosier racing tires.

The engine is not extremely powerful, but it brings good performance. Despite that performance specs are not released, the factory version accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 8.4 seconds and a top speed of 203 km/h (126 mph). The power unit is 1.6 liter four-cylinder petrol with 123PS (90 kW) and 154Nm (114 lb-ft) of torque.

2012 MINI Cooper Hardtop B-Spec Racer:

HP: 121 @ 6,000, factory rated

TQ: 114 @ 4,250, factory rated

Steering: Electric power-assisted rack and pinion, 14.1:1 ratio

Weight: 2,535 pounds, 60.4%/39.6% F/R, factory rated

Length / Wheelbase / Height: 146.6″/ 97.1″ / 55.4″

Suspension: KW V1 Coilover Struts and Shocks/ Vorshlag front camber plates

Brakes: Standard MINI Brake system with Carbotech Brake Pads and Way Motorworks Stainless Steel Braided hoses.

Safety Equipment: Kirk Racing Roll Cage with Kirkey Intermediate Road Racing Seat and Schroth Hybrid III Harnesses, Cage Nets and Window Net.

Wheel / Tire: 15 x 7 Kosei K1 aluminum alloy / Hoosier SM6 205-50-15

Performance-enhancing electronics standard on all MINIs:

•   Dynamic Stability Control (DSC)
•   Four-wheel disc Anti-Lock Brakes (ABS)
•   Cornering Brake Control (CBC)
•   Brake Force Distribution (BFD)

Source: MINI USA

2012 Lexus GS 250

Lexus has unveiled the GS 250 at the Guangzhou International Automobile Exhibition.

The GS 250 is powered by a 2.5-litre V6 petrol engine with D-4S direct port injection and Dual VVT-i intelligent valve timing. The power is satisfying – 210PS (154 kW) at 6400RPM and 253Nm (187 lb-ft) at 4800RPM. 0 to 100 km/h in 8.6 seconds and a top speed of 228 km/h (142 mph). The engine returns 31.7 mpg on combined cycle with emissions – 207 g/km of CO2. The power unit is mated to a Super ECT-i close-ratio intelligent 6-speed automatic transmission, with a sequential manual shift function.

Compared the current GS, the new model has a more spacious interior, with notably more head and legroom for rear seat passengers. It will be offered with a range of new technology features, including a 12.3” multimedia screen – the largest on the market. It will be available with a new S-flow air conditioning system with nanoe air purifying technology, and a new Mark Levinson audio system with up to 17 speakers.

The new GS is 14% more rigid and has front and rear suspension revisions and an optimised seating position for the driver. The driver can also adjust vehicle behaviour to suit road conditions and driving preferences using the Drive Mode Select. This gives the option of Eco, Normal and Sport S modes, while versions equipped with Adaptive Variable Suspension offer a further Sport S+ mode for even more dynamic performance.

Safety provisions will include Lexus’s advanced Pre-Crash Safety system, combined with Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management, and a series of other systems designed to reduce the risk of an accident, including Lane Keep Assist, Blind Spot Monitor and Lexus Night View.

The new GS 250 will be launched in the UK at the same time as the full hybrid GS 450h in June 2012; the range will include a performance-themed F Sport version. Further details will be announced nearer the time of launch.
Check out the specs, below!

2012 Lexus GS 250 Specs:

ENGINE
Engine type	V6, 24-valve
Capacity (cc)	2,500
Max. power (bhp/kW @ rpm)	206/154 @ 6,400rpm
Max. torque (Nm @ rpm)	253 @ 4,800rpm
TRANSMISSION
Type	Six-speed sequential-shift, intelligent Electronically Controlled (ECT-i) automaticTransmission
BRAKES
Type	Discs (front and rear)
Additional features	ABS, Electronic Brakeforce Distribution, Brake Assist, Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management
DIMENSIONS
Overall length (mm)	4,850
Overall width (mm)	1,840
Overall height (mm)	1,455
Wheelbase (mm)	2,850
Luggage capacity (l)	566 (with tyre repair kit)
PERFORMANCE
Acceleration 0-62mph (sec)	8.6
Max. speed (mph)	142
Fuel consumption – combined (mpg)	31.7mpg
CO₂ emissions (g/km)	207

Source: Lexus

2013 Mazda CX-5

Mazda North American Operations has unveiled its all-new 2013 CX-5 compact SUV at the Los Angeles Auto Show. CX-5 embodies the perfect balance between the best of all worlds: captivating design, dynamic handling, unexpected efficiency, flexible functionality and first-class safety, with a dash of Zoom-Zoom.
“The 2013 CX-5 is the vehicle compact SUV shoppers have been asking for – that only Mazda can build,” commented Jim O’Sullivan, president and CEO, MNAO.

“Entering an extremely competitive segment, the all-new CX-5 has to offer more than just flash and features, but also has to perform and provide consumers with the dynamic response they’ve come to expect from Mazda – and it does. With its SKYACTIV underpinnings and best-in-class fuel economy, CX-5 proves that fun needn’t be sacrificed for fuel efficiency and that compact doesn’t equate compromise.”, he added.

The new CX-5 is powered by a SKYACTIV 2.0 liter petrol engine with 157PS (116 kW) at 6000RPM and 203Nm (150 lb-ft) of torque at 4000RPM.The choice of transmissions includes the SKYACTIV-MT 6-speed manual or SKYACTIV-Drive 6-speed automatic. The power unit returns 26mpg in city cycle and 33 mpg on the highway for a FWD model.

Standard safety equipment includes six airbags – front, side and full side-curtain, four wheel disk brakes, ABS, daytime running lights, active headrests, DSC (Dynamic Stability Control), a TCS (Traction Control System) and a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS). Also available are a Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) system, Adaptive Front-Lighting System (AFLS) with auto-levelling bi-xenon headlamps and a rear view camera with distance guide lines.

2013 CX-5 will hit the market in the next year and the price list is not announced, yet.

Source: Mazda