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2011 Fiat 500 First Edition

The Fiat 500 “First Edition” made exclusively for the Chinese. It features different graphics and nice equipment. There will be just 100 numbered units available to order from July 12 to September 15.

“The start of the pre-order stage is a fundamental stage for the 500 launch in China and will mark an important step forward in the joint project of Fiat and GAC”, said Lorenzo Sistino.

“The objective of the 500 is to position our brand on this market because it is the model that best expresses the values of Fiat”., he added.

The First Edition is based on the 500 Lounge and comes with a 1.4 litre MultiAir, the petrol engine – 101 HP (75 kW) at 6500 rpm and a torque of 133 Nm at 4000 rpm.

The 500 will have many versions and special series, in addition to the 100 “First Edition” models. Next year we will be launching the 500C convertible and the exclusive “500 by Gucci” special series.

Source: Fiat

July 12, 2011

Aston Martin Cygnet – birthday present

Sir Stirling Moss has made a very nice present to his wife – Lady Moss. The culmination of six months planning and “secret” correspondence between Sir Stirling and Aston Martin to plan a surprise birthday present for Lady Moss.

“My greatest partner in everything that I do, Susie is an amazing person and frankly the best wife a man could have. Since seeing a pre-production Cygnet in January I knew that it was the perfect car for Susie; a proper little piece of British luxury and perfect for our life in town.”, commented Sir Stirling Moss.

Aston Martin Cygnet shares much in terms of design and craftsmanship with the company’s sports cars. It is of course hand-crafted at Aston Martin’s headquarters in Gaydon, taking 150 hours to complete. Furthermore, specifications for Lady Moss’s car include Sir Stirling’s choice of Aston Martin Racing Green, harking back to the company’s sports cars that Sir Stirling raced in the 1950s, as the paint colour. This iconic exterior has been complemented by a simple and elegant interior hand crafted in Obsidian Black leather with a contrasting coarse silver stitch, forming a typically understated combination.

Sir Stirling’s own driving career with Aston Martin saw him drive a number of the company’s racing cars including the famous DB3S and DBR1 models with great success. This culminated in being part of the factory team that in 1959 secured the company the World Sportscar Championship following victories in the DBR1 at such prestigious races as the Le Mans 24-hour.

Aston Martin Cygnet - birthday present — Aston Martin Cygnet – birthday present

Source: Aston Martin

July 12, 2011

New vs Old – what changed through the years?

Most of you have strong memories from your father’s or grandfather’s car. “One day I will have one for myself”– we thought. Unfortunately most cars have no more than 10 years on the production line meaning that whatever it was that you fancied as a kid is now about 30-40 years old and looks like(or actually is) scrap or costs an amount of money with a lot of zeroes. Luckily someone thought of all these enthusiasts. So, who did?

Chevrolet Camaro

The first Camaro was built back in 1966/1967. Very long front end, massive rear tires and wide arches made the Camaro look really inspiring. It also had engines to make the picture even better. Top versions boasted 8 cylinder engine, 7+ litres and more than 400 hp. How about 5.2 seconds for 0-60 and less than 13 seconds for a quarter mile – impressive results for its time and not only. So back to reality, what is available today? In 2009 the fifth generation Camaro was introduced.

Having plenty of new gadgets and modern stuff, it has something very important – the spirit of Camaro – 550 hp, V8 and shares a lot of the curves from its predecessor – same large arches, same aggressive and appealing look – you can simply never mistake this car. If you want to celebrate Camaro’s 45^th anniversary, wait for the special edition in 2012 – one-of-a-kind badges, unique interior and something more maybe.

Volkswagen Beetle

This model has about 73 years of history and has played a huge role in German car manufacturing as a whole. This car was ordered by Adolf Hitler and its task was to be a car for the people (Volks Wagen – German). Being almost airtight, this car could even stay afloat for a couple of minutes and its aircooled flat-4 engine turned to be very suitable for the conditions in Africa’s deserts. The beetle was not meant to beat records.

The 1200 model was capable of 100 km/h in 37 seconds and the diesel model with 1,3 N/A did 100 in 1 minute! What not too many people know is that the last year of manufacturing of the Beetle as we know it from black and white pictures is 2003 – In Mexico. The entirely new Beetle was announced in 1997 and the design was definitely inspired by the original. Apart from this however it does not share too much – Engine is in the front, the car is FWD. What is more, this is no more a car for the people – the top model costs $ 58 000 – not something everyone can afford.

Mini Cooper

The original was introduced in 1959 and was a great hit back then. This was a really small car with wheelbase of just 2 metres and the FWD set up would save a lot of space for passengers and luggage. There is a reason why this car was voted the second most influential car of the 20^th century after the Ford Model T.

The weight distribution and the size of the car made it also very successful in sports. Not too many cars have won the Monte Carlo rally 4 times in a row. A famous car magazine awarded the Mini “Car of the century” in 1995. More than 5 000 000 were sold on the market making it the most successful UK car for the moment. The main drawback of the Mini Cooper is its safety – it also has some awards about this – in the negative aspect. In 2000 BMW (the new owner) presented the new Mini. Take a magnifying lens, look at the old one and you will see the new one. Exterior is quite similar, yet the new one is really sleek and has modern curves and styling. In terms of power the new generation offers a good range of engines 75-204 hp. Similar to the original, the new Mini Cooper will try to participate in the world rally championship and be just as successful. Good luck!

July 12, 2011

Monster MK1 – “Frankenstein” car

Here is an interesting car – Monster MK1. Practically, it is an experiment to see, which the worst combination of car parts, ever is. As you may suggest, there are part from the whole bunch of premium models currently on the market.

The ‘body parts’ of the ‘Nightmare MK1’

Make and Model	Car part
Audi A8	Brakes
BMW M3	Suspension
MG TF	Engine
Land Rover Freelander	Gearbox
Mercedes-Benz V-Class	Ignition
Renault Megane	Electrics
SEAT Alhambra	Air-conditioning
SEAT Toledo	Heating & Cooling systems
Volvo C70	Steering system

The Warranty Direct-inspired horror vehicle would break down every other month and cost an average of £2,050 to fix each year.

The Reliability Index is a unique tool that measures car reliability by considering average cost of repair, frequency of failure, age and mileage. Overall, the Monster Mk1 claims a Reliability Index figure of over 500 – more than five times that of the average car.

“The Monster Mk1 represents the worst-performing vehicles in every sector, from suspension to electrics, on our roads today.”, commented Warranty Direct managing director, Duncan McClure Fisher.

“The wide range of cars included in our special blend highlights how mostly reliable cars can be dragged down by one problem part.”, he added.

July 12, 2011

2012 BMW 3-series and 1-series Performance Editions

BMW has released two special edition models exclusively for the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. The manufacturer hits the market with two new Performance Edition models based on the popular BMW 1 Series and 3 Series.

The 2012 BMW 1-Series Performance Edition comes with an M aerodynamic package, dark chrome 18” M light alloy wheels, High-gloss Shadowline exterior trim, dark chrome exhaust tailpipe and dark line rear lights. There are also M Sport Suspension, sport seats with Royal Blue stitching, M Sport multi-function leather steering wheel and gearshift leaver, floor mats with Royal Blue piping and London 2012 exterior badges complete the sporty look.

The Performance Edition is available on the 116i, 116d and 118d three- and five-door models. Prices start at £19 530 OTR for a BMW 116i Performance Edition three-door.

The 2012 BMW 3-Series Performance Edition also comes with M aerodynamic body kit, M sport multi-function leather steering wheel, sport seats, floor mats with blue piping, 18-inch light alloy wheel, chrome exhaust finisher and London 2012 exterior badges.

Prices start at £23 195 OTR for the BMW 318i Performance Edition Saloon.

The BMW Performance Editions are available in a choice of four colours; Alpine White, Titanium Silver, Bluewater and Black Sapphire, and are on sale now.

Source: BMW

July 12, 2011

2011 Vauxhall Corsavan EcoFlex Price – £13 048.33

Vauxhall has price the new Corsavan 1.3 CDTi 16v with 95PS ecoFLEX, which boasts Start/Stop system and achieves sub-100g/km of CO2.

The result is also thanks to a variable geometry turbocharger, lowered chassis, aerodynamic wheel covers and optimised gear ratios with a shift up indicator. These upgrades help the Corsavan ecoFLEX achieve Euro 5 compliancy as well as an impressive 78.3mpg on the combined cycle and 65.6mpg urban driving. The CO2 figure is just 95 g/km.

“It’s great news that the Corsavan ecoFLEX is top of its class for CO₂ emissions,” commented Steve Bryant, Vauxhall’s Commercial Vehicle Brand Manager.

“Griffin-badged vans are well known for their low running costs and Vauxhall’s most economical commercial vehicle ever is further proof of this.”, he added.

The new Coravan ecoFLEX model is priced at £13 048.33 OTR and orders can be placed from 11^th July.

Source: Vauxhall

July 11, 2011

2011 Suzuki Swift SZ2 Price – £8 495

Suzuki GB PLC has announced nice price tags for the Alto SZ2 and Swift SZ2 until the end of September. The Alto SZ2 is available for just £6 495 and Swift SZ2 three door for £8 495, representing customer savings of £1 325 on Alto; £1 715 on Swift SZ2 three door and £1 775 on SZ2 five door.

2011 Suzuki Alto SZ2 comes with four airbags, electric front windows and remote central locking as standard. It also returns up to 64.2mpg and emissions of 103g/km meaning they qualify for an Annual VED charge of just £20.

2011 Suzuki Swift SZ2 starts at just £156 per month, payable over three years. Suzuki’s popular low rate PCP Driveplans are also included in the VAT free campaign. This scheme assists customers preferring a small deposit, with 36 monthly payments from just £149 for Swift SZ2 and a final balloon payment to keep the car at the end of the agreement.

The manufacturer also offers 2011 Suzuki Splash 1.0-litre SZ3 model for £198 per month over three years. For just £10 per month more, a Splash SZ3 with a new and more powerful 1.2-litre engine is available with low emissions of 119g/km and only £30 in annual VED charges.

Source: Suzuki

July 11, 2011

Kelleners Sport BMW 1-Series M Coupe KS1-S

Kelleners Sport has revealed a stunning tuning package for BMW 1-Series M Coupe. The project name is Kelleners Sport KS1-S and includes both – styling and performance upgrades.

The high-revving inline six-cylinder engine with twin-turbochargers now produces whopping 410PS (301 kW), instead of the factory’s 340PS (250 kW) and a hefty torque – 550Nm (from 450Nm). The result is a decline in weight to power ratio from 4.4 to 3.8 kg per hp. The results are achieved thanks to a stainless-steel system and probably an ECU re-map.

Kelleners Sport KS1-S stands on enormous Hamburg or Berlin design wheels in dimensions 9J x 20” at the front and 10J x 20” at the rear fitted with 245/30 R20 and 265/30 R20, respectively.

The stance as well as the handling is improved with an adjustable coil-over suspension system.

The exterior boasts decorative strips on the bonnet, roof and side sills. New front spoiler lip and a 3-part MS grill insert made of stainless-steel.

The interior boasts top-quality perforated leather and velvety Alcantara in contrasting black and white, logos on the headrests and floor mats and a lot of aluminum elements. The sports steering wheel is fitted with Alcantara applications.

Kelleners Sport BMW 1-Series M Coupe KS1-S

Source: Kelleners Sport

July 11, 2011

2012 Peugeot 508 RXH

Peugeot has announced the new 508 RXH, which boasts styling elegance, high-level build quality and attention to detail.

The exterior features LED lights, “floating” grille, interesting fog lights and aggressive front end. Finally, Peugeot let go the “big smile”, which looked ridiculous. Still, the 508 looks rather normal. It doesn’t have the spirit of the previous models.

Otherwise, the 508 RXH benefits from special features with distinctive colours and luxurious materials, like the premium quality interior and upholstery. The top-of-range model comes with Open & Go Keyless system, electric front seats, head up display, 18″ wheels, panoramic glass roof, dark-tinted acoustic laminated side windows, latest generation audio and satellite navigation unit as standard.

The 508 RXH is powered by a 2.0-litre HDi HYbrid4 drive train, which offers 200BHP and 450Nm. The power is put on the road through four-wheel drive. Furthermore, it opens up new perspectives in the segment, offering a 100% electric mode (Zero Emissions), ideal for driving in town and for reducing consumption in the Combined Cycle to 67.2 mpg, with emissions of 109 g/km of CO₂

The 508 RXH will be unveiled as a world premiere at the Frankfurt International Motor Show in September 2011, and will be on sale in Spring 2012.

If we get used to the new vision of Peugeot, the 508 RXH will be rather good choice for everyday car with its nice qualities. Still, we have to wait and see the price, which according to us won’t be low at all.

Source: Peugeot

July 11, 2011

Twingo Renaultsport 133 and Clio Renaultsport 200 Silverstone GP

Renault has recently introduced the flagship 265PS Trophy version of Megane Renaultsport and it is time for the two smaller performance siblings – Twingo and Clio Renaultsport.

The Silverstone GP limited editions have been already on sale – the prices are 14 995 and £19 995, respectively. However, only 50 units will be produced of each model.

Both cars sit on lowered Cup Chassis with a striking combination of silver metallic paint and contrasting Deep Black details, 17” alloy wheels (Speedline on the Clio), roof and door mirrors.

There are also tinted rear windows and Silverstone GP B-pillar badges inscribed with the new grand prix circuit map. The Twingo also benefits from a matching Deep Black rear spoiler and fog light surrounds.

The pocket-rocket Twingo boasts an all-new Renaultsport full stainless steel exhaust system, providing a suitable throaty soundtrack to match its visual presence.

The Twingo is powered by a 1.6-litre petrol engine with 133PS, while the Clio has naturally aspirated 2.0 liter 16 valves petrol with 200PS.

Twingo Renaultsport 133 Silverstone GP and Clio Renaultsport 200 Silverstone GP Renault

Source: Renault

July 11, 2011

2012 Audi TT-RS Price – $56 850

Audi US priced the 2012 TT RS at 56 850 -excluding destination charges, taxes, title, options and dealer charges.

It is powered by a 2.5 liter turbocharged five-cylinder TFSI engine with 360PS (265 kW) and 465Nm (343 lb-ft) between 1 650 and 5 400RPM. The engine comes with forged six-bearing crankshaft, weight optimized connection rods, sodium cooled exhaust valves and lightweight pistons with specifically adapted ring assembly.

The engine is mated to a six-speed manual transmission and quattro all-wheel drive as standard. 0 to 60 mph (96 km/h) takes just 4.1 seconds, so the 2012 TT-RS is the fastest in its class.

The suspension features magnetic ride, which constantly adapts to the current driving situation. A sport mode stiffens the magnetic ride, enhances throttle responsiveness, and activates a more striking engine sound via flaps in the exhaust system.

The aluminum and steel hybrid ASF® technology also found on the TT and TTS models, reduces weight while helping increase rigidity and safety. The total weight of the car is 1500 kg (3 306 lb) .

The exterior features high gloss black diamond-patterned Singleframe® grille and large front air inlets giving notice of the vehicles performance, as does the fixed rear wing spoiler that provides increased down force. There are also oval exhaust pipes, rear diffuser, unique 19” rotor wheels, prominent body sills and exterior mirror housings in matte aluminum finish round out the RS-specific design elements.

The interior boasts contoured 3-spoke sport multifunction steering wheel, aluminum door sills with the RS logo, and RS-specific interior door handles. Other interior features include 10-way power sport front seats with three-step heating, leather seat coverings, brushed aluminum interior inlays, and available LED ambient lighting.

The Audi TT RS offers electronic features one expects from Audi, including Audi concert radio with single CD player and MP3 reading capability, and AM / FM / SAT radio with a complimentary 3-month subscription to SiriusXM® Satellite Radio. Available advanced electronics offer an increased level of sophistication for the premium sports car, including technologies like Audi navigation plus with real time traffic, MMI® inspired controls, a BOSE® sound system, and Audi music interface.

The 2012 Audi TT RS is a unique car that will appeal to Audi enthusiasts and performance vehicle purists alike. The Audi TT RS goes on sale this summer.

Check out the specs, below!

2012 Audi TT-RS Specifications:

ENGINE:
Type: 2.5 liter turbocharged, in-line five-cylinder, spark-ignition engine with TFSI direct injection, four valves per cylinder, double overhead camshafts [DOHC], turbocharger with intercooler.
Arrangement: Front mounted, transverse
Bore: 3.25 in (82.5 mm)
Stroke: 3.65 in (92.8 mm)
Displacement: 151 / 3.25 / 3.65 (2480 / 82.5 x 92.8)
Compression ratio: 10:01
Fuel: Unleaded Super, 95 RON (unleaded regular, 91 RON, as an alternative with slight reduction in performance)
Horsepower (SAE): 360 hp @ 5,500 – 6,700 rpm (265 kW)
Max. torque: 343 lb-ft @ 1,650 – 5,400 rpm (465 Nm)

ENGINE DESIGN:
Cylinder block: Cast iron
Cylinder head: Aluminum
Valve train / intake: DOHC, 4 valves/cylinder

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:
Battery: 380 amp, 80 amp/hr
Alternator: 140 amp

DRIVETRAIN:
Transmission: 6-speed manual, fully synchronized
Gear ratios:
1st      3.570
2nd     2.160
3rd     1.890
4th     1.430
5th     1.160
6th     0.097
Reverse 4.500

STEERING:
Type: Eletromechanical steering with speed-dependent power assistance
Ratio: 16.9 : 1
Turns (lock-to-lock): 2.9
Turning circle
(curb-to-curb): 35.96 ft (10.96 m)

SUSPENSION:
Front: MacPherson strut (gas charged) with aluminum 3-point lower control arm, aluminum sub frame, tubular anti roll bar, track stabilizing steering roll radius
Rear: Four-link rear suspension with separate spring/shock absorber arrangement

BRAKES:
Service brake: Dual-circuit brake system with diagonal split, ESC, hydraulic brake assistant, front and rear disc brakes ventilated
Front size: 14.6 in (370 mm)
Rear size: 12.2 in (310 mm)
Parking brake: Mechanically actuated at the rear wheels

WHEELS (standard only):
Size: Aluminum, 9Jx19

TIRES (standard only):
Size: 255/35 R19 Y

BODY:
Material: Hybrid ASF construction: Lightweight construction concept, which is a mixed construction using aluminum and steel
Corrosion protection: Multi-step anti-corrosion protection

CAPACITIES:
Engine oil: 6.9 qt (6.5 l)
Fuel tank: 15.90 gal (60 l)

EXTERIOR DIMENSIONS:
Wheelbase: 97.2 in (2,468 mm)
Track front / rear: 61.2/ 60.9 in (1,555/ 1,546 mm)
Overall length: 165.3 in (4,198 mm)
Overall width: w/o mirrors 72.5 in (1,842 mm)
Height: 53.1 in (1,348 mm)
Curb weight, quattro: 3306 lb (1500 kg)
Drag coefficient: 0.32

INTERIOR DIMENSIONS:
Seating capacity: 2 + 2
Head room
front / rear: 37.7/ 32.6 in (957/ 829 mm)
Shoulder room
front / rear: 53.2/ 47.5 in (1,352/ 1,206 mm)
Leg room
front / rear: 41.1/ 29.3 in (1,044/ 743 mm)
Int. vol. (EPA)
front / rear: 47.7/ 26.2 cu ft
Luggage capacity
standard / seats folded: 13.1/ 24.7 cu ft (290/ 700 l)

PERFORMANCE:
0-60 mph 4.1
Top speed 174 mph

EFFICIENCY/ENVIRONMENT:
EPA estimate:
City mpg: Not available at present time
Highway mpg: Not available at present time
Combined mpg: Not available at present time

Source: Audi US

July 8, 2011

KICHERER CLS Edition Black

Kicherer now offers a performance package for the latest CLS 500 Coupe, which is powered by a 5.5 liter bi-turbo V8 engine with 408PS (300 kW) and 600Nm (444 lb-ft). 0 to 100 km/h takes 5.5 seconds and the top speed is limited at 250 km/h (155 mph).

However, the tuning company installed a software update and a sports exhaust system to increase the power of the CLS with 62PS and 90Nm. There are no performance data, but a tenth or two of a second will be cut off.

The car stands on hand-made KICHERER RS-1 20” forged wheels fitted with high-performance tires. There are also 6-piston callipers at the front and 4-piston at the rear of the high performance braking system. With its compound discs and the flexible stainless steel hoses this ensures the appropriate negative acceleration for the performance is produced.

The interior boasts highest quality materials like door sills in piano lacquer.The chassis was refurbished to match the exterior character of the car with a HighEnd Foliation in matte black and carbon.

Kicherer CLS looks stunning and it is a great way to improve your boring Merc.

Source: KICHERER

July 8, 2011

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