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  • MINI Soho Special Edition

    MINI has announced two new Soho Edition models – Hatch and Convertible. MINI Soho will be launched in limited edition and will be available in both Cooper and Cooper D models from July until March 2012.

    Thanks to the MINI Cooper D Hatch’s frugal credentials it is exempt from London Congestion charging with CO2 of just 99g/km and a whopping 74.3mpg fuel consumption on combined cycle.
    MINI Soho Edition comes in exclusive White Silver metallic paint, which is not available on any other current MINI Hatch or Convertible model. The car also boasts 17″ Black Star Bullet alloy wheels, Bi-Xenon headlights with black interior reflectors and white indicators.

    The interior includes Anthracite headlining, a 3-Spoke sport leather steering wheel and Piano Black interior surfaces.

    Check out the price list, below!

    MINI Soho Special Edition Front
    MINI Soho Special Edition Front

    Pricing

    Model OTR Price
    MINI Cooper Soho Hatch £16,765
    MINI Cooper D Soho Hatch £18,045
    MINI Cooper Soho Convertible £19,060
    MINI Cooper D Soho Convertible £20,135

    Source: MINI

  • CoverEFX MINI R53 Project One

    CoverEFX has introduced their tuning program for MINI R53. The German tuning house offers both styling as well as a performance package.

    The exterior boasts a full metal coating of the car using the special CoverEFX paints such as “teflon-gray-metallic” and “electro-red-metallic”. There are also some elements covered with shiny black lacquer.

    R53 ProjectONe stands on 17” Multispoke alloy wheels finished in matte black with an orange rim. The stance is further improved by a lowered sports suspension.

    The performance package boosts the small 1.6 liter turbocharged petrol engine to whopping 240PS. There is no data for the performance, but there is no doubt that this will be one fast MINI Cooper.

    The price for these upgrades was 8 000 Euro.

    All parts are tested and approved.

    CoverEFX MINI R53 Project One
    CoverEFX MINI R53 Project One

    Source: CoverEFX

  • 2012 BMW 1-Series 116i ES Price – £19 375

    2012 BMW 1-Series will hit the UK market on 17 September 2011, with a choice of three diesel and two petrol engines. The price tag is £19 375 otr for a BMW 116i ES. This is the second generation 1-Series as the first had huge success all over the world.

    However, this is a completely different car featuring a unique and rewarding combination of agile, precise handling, improved aesthetics and innovative technology.

    As we speaking for technology, the new 1-Series will be available with the superb 116d EfficientDynamics, which breaks the 100g/km mark.

    2012 BMW 1-Series remains the only rear-wheel drive car in its class and with its highly powerful and efficient TwinPower petrol and diesel engines, offers a sporty but fuel-efficient proposition boosted by BMW’s EfficientDynamics technologies fitted as standard.

    The previous generation BMW 1 Series has had enormous success selling more than 2.2 million units globally, as well as being the first car in the premium compact segment.

    Model Power
    HP
    Torque NM 0 to 100 km/h Top Speed km/h Combined mpg CO2 Emissions g/km Pricing
    OTR
    BMW 116i 136 220 8.5 209 49.6 132 £19375
    BMW 118i 170 250 7.4 225 47.9 137 £21985
    BMW 116d 116 260 10.3 199 62.8 117 £20195
    BMW 118d 143 320 8.9 212 62.8 118 £22030

     

    2012 BMW 1-Series FrontSide

    • Standard equipment
      Auto Start-Stop, six-speed manual transmission, 16-inch light alloy wheels, four airbags, DSC+, Drive Performance Control with ECO PRO, BMW Business radio with single CD player, air-conditioning, 60:40 folding rear seats, child seat ISOFIX attachments, Move cloth upholstery and leather steering wheel.
    • Other specifications– SE: Freestanding high-resolution 6.5” flatscreen monitor and iDrive controller, Bluetooth hands-free facility with USB audio interface and a multi-function leather steering wheel with speed limiting function.– BMW Sport: Sport style 17-inch star-spoke light-alloy wheels, Dark Chrome exhaust pipe and high-gloss black kidney grille, central air intake trim, side intake surrounds and rear bumper trim. Exclusive sport design sports seats, leather sports steering wheel, high-gloss black interior trim with Coral Red or grey accents.– BMW Urban: Urban style 17-inch V-spoke light alloy wheels, chrome kidney grille with white slat sides and trim bar for the central air intake, amongst a host of stylish design details. Inside, Metro cloth/leather seats, leather sports steering wheel and an acrylic glass interior trim in black or white with Oxide Silver accents.
    • Optional highlights High-beam Assistant, Adaptive Headlights, Park Assist, Reversing Assist Camera, Lane Departure Warning including Collision Warning, cruise control with brake function, speed-limit and no-passing information. In addition, occupants can benefit from internet connectivity, smartphone and music player integration, real-time traffic information, as well as web radio, Facebook and Twitter apps.

    2012 BMW 1-Series

    Source: BMW

  • Anderson Germany Maserati GranTurismo S Superior Black Edition

    Anderson Germany has introduced their tuning program for the stylish Maserati GranTurismo S. The name of the project is Superior Black Edition and as you may suggest, the car comes in a silky matte-black exterior.

    However, there are some shiny elemets like the window frames, grill and the rear logo. Matching to the whole ensemble both front and tail lamps are tinted.

    The aerodynamics kit includes a new bonnet, side mirror covers, tailgate lip spoiler as well as a
    front and rear aprons and side air inlets. All parts are made from carbon fiber, which is extremely light and strong.

    Finally, Anderson fitted a new stainless-steel sport exhaust system for better sound and more horsepower, of course.

    The tuner also provides a performance package, which boost the mighty 4.7 liter V8 to 492PS (362 kW), instead of the factory’s 440PS (324 kW).

    Anderson Maserati GranTurismo S stands on enormous glossy black 21” rims fitted with 265 low profile tires up front and 295 low profile tires at the rear. The stance is further improved by a set of lowering springs.

    The interior boasts complete carbon package consisting of the air inlets, door knobs, the switch desk in the roof liner, the door sill panels, the steering wheel, the seat regulation levers, the shifting paddles, as well as the radio mask.

    The black carbon leather combined with also black Alcantara are also present.

    Anderson Germany Maserati GranTurismo S Superior Black Edition Rear
    Anderson Germany Maserati GranTurismo S Superior Black Edition Rear

    Source: Anderson Germany

  • 2012 Honda Civic – more confident, clever and versatile

    Honda will exhibit the ninth generation hatchback for Europe at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show. Until then, the manufacturer has released two pictures, where the new Civic is completely covered.

    Still, Honda is aiming to create more confident, clever and versatile Civic, which will offer stand-out looks combined with class-leading space for passengers and luggage. Quality and comfort levels have improved dramatically over the outgoing model.

    2012 Honda Civic will hit the market sometime in the next year.

    The engineers in the company focused a huge amount of time and effort improving ride quality and handling of the Civic, and through significant changes to the suspension set-up they have enhanced both comfort and body control. Of course, the new car has been tested on public roads as well as race tracks.

    To give customers the biggest cabin and boot space in the C-sector, the Civic retains a rear torsion beam suspension system – but the latest set-up uses clever fluid-filled compliance bushes to improve overall ride performance and handling. It has also been strengthened to give better stability, particularly at high speeds.

    Stay tuned for more information about the engine range.

    2012 Honda Civic at the track
    2012 Honda Civic at the track
    2012 Honda Civic Development team
    2012 Honda Civic Development team

    Source: Honda

  • 2012 Mercedes-Benz B-Class Interior

    Mercedes-Benz has released some Interior pictures of the upcoming 2012 B-Class. The manufacturer will put high-quality materials and some additional extras in the hatchback.

    There will be various cabin finishes and the dashboard is available in stitched ARTICO man-made leather like in the S-class. Good!

    The steering wheel in all Benzes was awful, but we like the new three-spoke one, which is borrowed from the CLS. The instrument cluster panel is made up of four analogue dials with two small ones on the inside bottom-right of the speedometer and tachometer.

    2012 B-Class was designed at Mercedes-Benz’s Advanced Design Studio in Como, Italy, so we expect Italian perfection, which will take the “compact class to a whole new level”.

    The 2012 B-Class will be showcased at the 2011 Frankfurt auto show in September and hits the market Europe in November.

    Stay tuned for more details!

    2012 Mercedes-Benz B-Class Interior Dashboard
    2012 Mercedes-Benz B-Class Interior Dashboard

    Source: Mercedes-Benz

  • Aston Martin Cygnet at the 2011 Bridgestone Eco-Rally

    Aston Martin will take part at the 5th annual Bridgestone Eco-Rally this weekend.  The manufacturer will take two Cygnet models. The rally showcases the world’s best eco-friendly vehicles in association with “Start”, an initiative inspired by HRH The Prince of Wales to celebrate eco-friendly living.

    Aston Martin Cygnet is powered by a а 1.33 litre dual VVT-I four-cylinder petrol engine with 98PS (72 kW) at 6000RPM and 125Nm (92 lb-ft) at 4400RPM. 0 to 100 km/h takes 11.8 seconds and the top speed is 170 km/h (106 mph). The small city car returns 56.5 mpg, which is exactly 5 litres per 100 km.

    One of the Cygnets entering the event will be dressed in Seychelles Blue, the paint colour of the Aston Martin DB6 Mark II Volante recently driven by the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge on their wedding day.  Aside from the two formal entries, a third Cygnet will also be supporting the event in eye-catching “Flouro Orange”, the hallmark of London-based designer Tom Dixon.

    Driven by Aston Martin Racing regular, Darren Turner and David King, Aston Martin’s Director of Special Projects and Motorsport, the two Cygnets will be on the extended route from Exeter College, Oxford to The Mall, London.

    The rally begins on Broad Street, Oxford at 10:00 and concludes at 14:30 on the 31st July.

    “I have been a fan of Cygnet from the start.  It’s a great city car, easy to manoeuvreand park and a lot of fun to drive.”, commented Darren Turner.

    “To drive Cygnet in a busy city is to experience a car ideally suited to its environment.  Cygnet is tiny, with impressively low emissions but with all the style and craftsmanship of the finest luxury cars.”, said David King.

    “I’m looking forward to demonstrating Cygnet on the Bridgestone Eco-Rally, maybe it’s my one and only chance to beat Darren Turner!”, he finished.

    Aston Martin Cygnet 2011 - Bridgestone Eco-Rally
    Aston Martin Cygnet 2011 – Bridgestone Eco-Rally

    Source: Aston Martin

  • BMW i8 and i3

    BMW has introduced the first series-production all-electric vehicle by the brand. Two vehicles will be exhibited at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show in September.

    The first is BMW i3 Concept, which is based on Mega City Vehicle concept. The small city car boasts RWD and an electric motor producing up to 170PS (125 kW) and 250Nm (184 lb-ft) of torque. 0 to 60 km/h in 3.9 seconds and to 100 km/h in just 7.9 seconds. Not bad for an all-electric vehicle. The range of the vehicle is 130 to 160 km (80 to 100 miles).

    The dimensions of i3 Concept are 3845 mm in length, 1537 mm height and 2011 mm width. The wheelbase is just a bit smaller than 1-Series – 2570 mm. The kerb weight is just 1250 kg, so the vehicle will be easy to drive with good dynamics.

    The luggage compartment is satisfying – 200 litres.

    BMW i3 Concept Front

    Second is the i8 Concept, which is a plug-in hybrid sports car. The same electric motor is mounted on the front axle and is couple with a 1.5 liter three-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine. The overall power is staggering – 353PS (260 kW) and 550Nm of torque.

    As you may suggest, the performance is awesome – 0 to 100 km/h in 4.6 seconds and top speed is limited to 250 km/h (155mph). Still, the vehicle manages to return 104 mpg, which is 2.7 litres per 100 km. The range on electricity is 35 km (20 miles).

    The dimensions of i8 Concept are 4632 mm in length, 1280 mm height and 1955 mm width. The wheelbase is 2800mm. The kerb weight is just 1480 kg.

    The luggage compartment is 150 litres.

    Check out the pictures, videos and full specifications, below!

    BMW i8 Concept Side

    BMW i3 Concept Specifications:

    Length/Height/Width L 3845 mm, H 1537 mm, W 2011 mm
    Wheelbase 2570 mm
    No. of seats 4
    Kerb weight 1250 kg
    Output 125 kW / 250 Nm
    Top speed 150 km/h / 93 mph
    Acceleration 0-60 km/h / 37 mph 3.9 s0-100 km/h / 62 mph 7.9 s

    80-120 km/h / 50-75 mph 6.0 s

    Electric range Everyday range: 130-160 km / 80-100 milesFTP72 cycle: 225 km / 140 miles
    Battery charge time Standard: 6 h for 100% chargeOptional: 1 h for 80% charge
    Luggage compartment approx. 200 litres

     

    BMW i8 Concept Specifications:

    Length/Height/Width L 4632 mm, H 1280 mm, W 1955 mm
    Wheelbase 2800 mm
    No. of seats 2 + (2)
    Kerb weight 1480 kg
    Output 260 kW /550 Nm system output of which petrol engine: 164 kW / 300 Nmof which electric motor: 96 kW / 250 Nm
    Top speed 250 km/h / 155 mph governed
    Acceleration 0-100 km/h / 62 mph 4.6 s80-120 km/h / 50-75 mph 4.0 s
    Fuel consumption (EU cycle): 2.7 l/100 km / 104 mpg imp (66 g CO2)
    Electric range approx. 35 km / 20 miles
    Battery charge time Standard: 1:45 h for 100% charge
    Luggage compartment approx. 150 litres

    Source: BMW

  • 2012 ABT Volkswagen Tiguan

    Abt Sportline now offers full tuning program for the latest Volkswagen Tiguan. Although, the crossover has been on the market for several months, the tuner are ready with a number of modifications, which can make your vehicle unique.

    The exterior package includes ABT front grill, ABT door strip attachements, ABT rear skirt set   with exhaust system and ABT rear wing. The stance is improved by installing ABT suspension springs, which lower the vehicle. There are also different ABT designer light alloy wheels in 18” to 20” available also as complete set of wheels with sports tyres.

    The tuner provides a wide range of engine upgrades for: the 2.0 liter TDI, the 1.4 liter TSI and the 2.0 liter TSI.

    The 2.0 liter TDI diesel can be boosted to 170PS and 195PS. The small 1.4 liter turbocharged petrol can develop up to 210PS. The mighty 2.0 liter TSI can produce either 210PS or whopping 250PS. Really an impressive results.

    The new Tiguan is part of the SUV family of ABT – and like the Touareg, the Q7 and the Q5, as well as the Q3 which is currently still in the starting blocks, the driver can look forward to the fact that his/her car can do a bit more.

    Check out the specifications, below!

    2012 ABT Volkswagen Tiguan FrontSide
    2012 ABT Volkswagen Tiguan FrontSide



    The new ABT Tiguan:

     

    • ABT ENGINE TECHNOLOGYEngine: 2.0 TDI, 1.968 ccm capacity
      Performance tuning: ABT POWER
      Performance: 170 HP/125 kW (standard: 140 HP/103 kW)
    • ABT ENGINE TECHNOLOGYEngine: 2.0 TDI, 1.968 ccm capacity
      Performance tuning: ABT POWER
      Performance: 195 HP/143 kW (standard: 170 HP/125 kW)
    • ABT ENGINE TECHNOLOGYEngine: 1.4 TSI, 1.390 ccm capacity
      Performance tuning: ABT POWER
      Performance: 210 HP/154 kW (standard: 160 HP/118 kW)
    • ABT ENGINE TECHNOLOGYEngine: 2.0 TSI, 1.984 ccm capacity
      Performance tuning: ABT POWER
      Performance: > 210 HP/154 kW (standard: 180 HP/132 kW)
    • ABT ENGINE TECHNOLOGYEngine: 2.0 TSI, 1.984 ccm capacity
      Performance tuning: ABT POWER
      Performance: 250 HP/184 kW (standard: 210 HP/154 kW)
    • ABT AERODYNAMICSABT front grill
      ABT door strip attachements
      ABT rear skirt set with exhaust system
      ABT rear wing
    • ABT SUSPENSIONABT suspension springs
    • ABT WHEEL TECHNOLOGYABT designer light alloy wheels in 18 to 20 inch
      Available also as complete set of wheels with sports tyres
  • Cosa Design Lamborghini Gallardo

    Cosa Design has announced their tuning project, which is based on Lamborghini Gallardo. The tuner provides performance modifications as well as exterior upgrades.

    The 5.0 liter hi-revving V10 is boosted to 540PS (397 kW) and 550Nm (407 lb-ft) of torque. The top speed is 317 km/h (197 mph). The results are thanks to a new sport exhaust system made of stainless steel.

    The aerodynamics package includes a front skirt, side sills and a rear apron featuring a diffusor, which is fitted to the chassis.

    Cosa Gallardo also comes with a special adjustable coilover suspension. The brake system is also revised – 8-piston calipers at the front and 6-piston calipers at the rear with generously sized discs.

    The car stands on enormous 9.5J x 20” rims at the front and 11.0J x 20” at the rear fitted with 245/30 ZR20 and 295/25 ZR20 Continental Sport Contact tyres, respectively.

    Pricing is not announced.

    Cosa Design Lamborghini Gallardo Front
    Cosa Design Lamborghini Gallardo Front

    Source: Cosa Design

  • 2012 Renault Twingo

    Renault has unveiled the new 2012 Twingo a little earlier than its official premiere, which is expected to be at the 2011 Frankfurt motor show on September 13.

    The new Twingo incorporates bold design including an enlarged Renault badge on the front fascia and a bigger grill than on the previous model.

    There are no additional information about the engine range or price list as well as equipment, but all this information will be available soon, because 2012 Twingo will hit the market later this year.

    Stay tuned for more information and photos of the small city car.

    2012 Renault Twingo Front
    2012 Renault Twingo Front

    Source: Renault

  • Senner Tuning Audi A7 3.0 TDI

    Senner Tuning has announced their tuning upgrades for the Audi A7 Sportback 3.0 TDI. The tuner offers both performance and styling upgrades.

    As you know, the latest diesel engines are extremely fuel efficient and powerful, so the tuner decided to provide some extra horsepower for the 3.0 liter V6 TDI. The Ecu re-map gains additional 61PS (45 kW) and 120Nm (88 lb-ft) of torque, so the total power is 306PS (225 kW) and 620Nm (457 lb-ft). However, the fuel consumption is not harmed. The V-max limiter is raised to 280 km/h (174 mph), instead of the factory’s 250 km/h (155mph).

    Senner also offers a new stainless-steel sport exhaust system with twin 90mm shiny tailpipes.

    The stance is also improved, because of the lowering kit, which cuts 30 mm from the height of the vehicle.

    A set of Varianza T1S rims 9.5J x 20” fitted with 275/35 R20 performance tires are also added.

    No words about pricing.

    Senner Tuning Audi A7 3.0 TDI
    Senner Tuning Audi A7 3.0 TDI

    Source: Senner Tuning