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KTM X-BOW R Price – €58 795

KTM has officially released the brutal version of X-Bow. The R model is completely revised and now even more powerful. True to the KTM “Ready to Race” motto the “R” model was driven on the road straight from the assembly line in Graz directly onto the racing circuit.

X-Bow R is powered by a 2.0 litre TFSI petrol engine from Audi, which has been reworked with bigger turbocharger, an altered fuel injection system and engine electronics have been additionally updated by Bosch Engineering Group (BEG) to make sure that all components work in perfect balance. However, the result is more than satisfying – 300PS (220 kW) and 400Nm (295 lb-ft) of torque at just 3300RPM, which is an increase of 60PS over the standard X-Bow.

Because of the new power, the suspension has been also revised. The engineers installed a new torque arm that is directly connected to the carbon monocoque chassis. With this, the torsional stiffness is significantly increased, especially when accelerating out of corners and the KTM X-BOW R handles even better. Furthermore, the vehicles is lowered with 19mm, which means that X-BOW R can create lateral acceleration of more than 1.5 g.

Finally, the engineers installed a set of stiffer springs and new dampers.

All that pleasure comes at staggering price – € 58 795. This is way too much, because X-Bow R is not suitable for everyday driving. Still, if the price doesn’t matter, this is the thrill you need.

KTM X-BOW R 01

KTM X-BOW R 02

KTM X-BOW R 03

KTM X-BOW R:

– Carbon fiber racing monocoque with crash box in visible carbon fiber
– Audi 2.0 TFSI engine with direct fuel injection and 220 kW (300 hp)
– Mechanical limited slip differential
– Smooth surface racing underbody with a rear diffuser in aluminium composite
– Individually adjustable pedals
– Adjustable and removable multi functional steering wheel
– Sports suspension, adjustable in rebound and compression damping
– Keyless go system
– Painted rims
– 4-point safety belt
– Special paint work in “R” design

Source: KTM

May 23, 2011

G-Power BMW M3 GTS SK II

G-Power has released another staggering car with BMW badge. This time the platform is the latest E92 M3 in GTS variant. This is a stripped version of the regular E92 M3 with a little bigger engine. However, the naturally aspirated hi-revving V8 has a huge potential, so G-Power added SK II “Sporty Drive” supercharger kit.

The result is simply brutal – 635PS (467 kW) and 630Nm (465 lb-ft) of torque, instead of the factory’s 450 PS (331 kW) and 440 Nm (325 lb-ft).

The performance date is staggering, too. 0 to 100 km/h takes 4.2 seconds, to 200 km/h in 11.9 seconds and a top speed of 323 km/h – a little over 200 miles per hour.

The suspension of M3 GTS is already on of the best in the world, so G-Power didn’t touched it. The body kit stays untouched, too.

The price for the pleasure is €23 500 including installation.

G-Power BMW M3 GTS SK II

G-Power BMW M3 GTS SK II:

635 hp / 467 kW @ 7,800 r/min (+ 185 hp / 136 kW)
630 Nm 3,900 r/min (+ 190 Nm)
Top speed: 323 km/h
0-100 km/h: 4.2s
0-200 km/h: 11.9s
G-POWER SK II “Sporty Drive” supercharger system: € 23,500.00 (excl. tax) plus installation

Source: G-Power

May 20, 2011

SkyActiv-G 1.3 by Mazda

Mazda Motor Corporation has continued to develop superbly efficient SkyActiv engines. The new one is a small 1.3 liter direct injected petrol, which will be unveiled at the Automotive Engineering Exposition that will be held from May 18 through 20, 2011, at the Pacifico Yokohama convention center near Tokyo, Japan.

The new SKYACTIV-G 1.3 features a record high compression ratio of 14.0:1, direct-injection, piston cavities and multi-hole injectors. With these technologies, the engine achieves fuel economy of 3.3 litres per 100 km.

SKYACTIV-G 1.3 deliver 84PS (62kW) at 5 400RPM, 112Nm at 4000RPM and will power the facelifted Mazda Demio. The small city car comes with i-stop and CVT gearbox.

Main features of the SKYACTIV-G 1.3 engine

Highly efficient automobile gasoline engine and the world’s first to achieve a compression ratio of 14.0:1
Multi-hole injectors enable precise fuel injection control for ideal combustion
Mazda’s first dual sequential valve timing system (dual S-VT with electronically-operated intake) in combination with the high compression ratio achieves an unconventional Miller cycle (extremely delayed closure of intake valves) that improves efficiency
Compact combustion chambers have a longer stroke for better efficiency
Piston cavities are specially designed to support ideal combustion
30 percent less mechanical friction, due to a narrower crankshaft, new roller followers and low-tension piston rings that also reduce oil consumption
Various countermeasures to prevent knocking, including a cooled EGR system
An updated version of Mazda’s innovative idling stop system, i-stop, improves fuel economy by eight percent. It operates with a higher frequency, requires less fuel to restart, and achieves a smoother restart
A lightweight and highly rigid aluminum alloy engine block

Major specifications of the SKYACTIV-G 1.3

Inline four-cylinder 1.3-liter direct-injection engine (with i-stop)
Engine displacement: 1.298?
Bore and stroke: 71.0mm x 82.0mm
Compression ratio: 14.0:1
Maximum output (net): 62kW@5,400rpm (84ps@5,400rpm)
Maximum torque (net): 112Nm@4,000rpm

Source: Mazda

May 20, 2011

Prior Design BMW E92/E93 M3-style wide body kit

Prior Design now offers a full m3-style wide body kit for the latest BMW 3er – E92 and E93 (Coupe and Convertible).

The aerodynamics package includes a new front bumper with PDC and SRA possible, a pair of modified side skirts, a pair front fenders, completely restyled rear bumper with PDC, a widening rear side wall and modified hood. The kit also includes all mounting materials.

All parts are made from high quality Dura-Flex material, which is superbly flexible and strong.

The package also has a simple cost-effective installation.

The M3-style wide body kit gives unique style to the BMW 3er and significantly boosts its presence on the road.

Prior Design didn’t mention anything about performance packages or price of the wide body kit.

Prior Design BMW E93 M3-style

Prior Design BMW E92/E93 M3-style wide body kit:

– Prior-Design PD-MET front bumper for all BMW E92/E93 models (PDC and SRA possible)
– Prior-Design PD-MET pair of side skirts (. R / l) for all BMW models E92/E93
– Prior-Design PD-MET front fender pair (. R / l) for all BMW models E92/E93
– Prior-Design PD-MET rear bumper for BMW E92/E93 models (PDC also be fitted in)
– Prior-Design PD-MET widening rear side wall (right / left.) Fits all models of BMW E92/E93
– Prior-Design PD-hood for all models of BMW E92/E93
– Mounting material
– Includes TÜV parts certificate for easy entry of the body panels

Source: Prior Design

May 20, 2011

Hyundai i10 Blue – Most Genuinely Economical Petrol Engined Car

Hyundai i10 Blue is powered by a new ultra-efficient 1.0 litre petrol engine withIntelligent Stop & Go technology. The three-cylinder power unit delivers 68BHP, which is not enough for fast overtaking, but it is superb for everyday driving in the city.

Mainly, because of the great fuel economy – 67.3MPG and the low CO2 emission – 99 g/km. 0 to 100 km/h takes 14.8 seconds, which is a whole second quickere than the previous model. Hyundai i10 stands on small 13” wheels fitted with low-rolling resistance tires.

Furthermore, the small city car is priced at just £9 195.

“Nothing gets our users going quite like fuel economy: when consumption in real life fails to live up to the official published figure, they soon let us know about it. So it’s good to be able to reward the models which come closest to matching – or improving on the official fuel consumption figure and the Hyundai i10 Blue is one of the best examples of this by genuinely delivering over 60mpg in real-world driving.”, commentedDan Harrison, Editor, HonestJohn.co.uk.

Tony Whitehorn, Hyundai Motor UK managing director: “Hyundai is committed to researching and developing cleaner, more efficient powertrains to reduce fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions. The Blue drive system – which includes an ultra-efficient 1.0-litre petrol engine and Intelligent Stop & Go technology – ensures that the i10 Blue is one of the cheapest cars to buy and run on sale today.”, he added.

The interior has a few changes to the Blue to mark it from other i10s, save for some BlueDrive badging on the doors and tailgate.

The standard equipment includes Air-conditioning and an iPod connection. i10 Blue is a perfect choice, if you need small city car.

Source: Hyundai

May 20, 2011

2011 Aston Martin V12 Zagato

Aston Martin has revealed the new V12 Zagato endurance racer concept. The car will make its official debut at the Villa D’Este Concours in Italy.

“The Zagato design language is a perfect complement to our design and engineering expertise. After 50 years of the two companies being associated with each other the partnership has produced some of the world’s most iconic cars.”, commented Dr Ulrich Bez, CEO of Aston Martin.

“Of course, fifty years ago Italian design houses were widely seen as leading the way with new designs but now and supported by our independency, Aston Martin has its own in-house design ability so this new venture with Zagato is more collaborative than it perhaps would have been in the past.”, he added.

“The task for us has been to create a concept that is a natural successor to those iconic cars that have gone before. Matching the technology of the age with the traditional skills vital to deliver such a bespoke and exclusive sports car will lead to a strictly limited run of road going V12 Zagatos.”, Mr. Bez fisnished.

The project started in 2010, when Aston Martin and Zagato had initial meetings and took the decision to proceed with the project.

V12 Zagato features a new handcrafted aluminium body, a mighty 6.0 liter V12 with 517PS (380 kW) and 570Nm (420 lb-ft) of torque, and specially developed chassis for maximum performance.

The racing debut of the V12 Zagato will be at the 53. ADAC ACAS H&R-Cup VLN round at the Nurburgring on 28^th May with a view to two cars racing at the 24 hour race on 25/26 June. The cars will be driven by an experienced driver team, led for the sixth year by Chief Executive Dr. Ulrich Bez.

The Aston Martin V12 Zagato will be exhibited for the first time at the Villa D’Este Concours on Saturday 21st May 2011.

2011 Aston Martin V12 Zagato

Source: Aston Martin

May 20, 2011

Fiat 500byGucci Price – £14 565

Fiat 500 by Gucci is a creation of two of Italy’s most respected brands, which represents the perfect combination of craftsmanship and style.

The small city car is priced at £14 565 OTR for the 1.2 litre engine and the masterpiece 0.9 litre TwinAir is tagged at £15 765 OTR.

The Italian manufacturer has released a very interesting program – selling vehicles online. It turned to be very successful for cars such as the special edition Fiat 500 Pink and Fiat 500 Matt Black. The program offers fully automated on-line sales scheme, which allows customers to configure a 500byGucci, pay a deposit, order it directly from the factory, track the car’s progress, make a final payment and even arrange special delivery of the car to their home.

Practically, you can sit in your comfy sofa at home behind the laptop and to purchase a brand new special edition car, which will be delivered to your door. Nice!

“The 500byGucci will enlarge the audience for the already successful Fiat 500, reaching those fashionista customers who want to have a unique car to distinguish themselves,” commented Elena Bernardelli, marketing director, Fiat Group Automobiles UK.

“And the on-line sales process adds another dimension to the individuality of this special model, creating an even greater sense of exclusivity and exceptional customer service.”, she finished.

Fiat 500 by Gucci

Source: Fiat

May 19, 2011

Ferrari Superamerica 45

Superamerica 45 is a unique one-off model, which is styled internally by Ferrari Design and engineered and built in-house.

It will be collected by Ferrari enthusiast Peter Kalikow, who will celebrate 45 years since he first became a Ferrari client and will make its public debut on the 20th of May at the Villa d’Este Concorso d’Eleganza.

The style is simply superb featuring a carbon-fibre rotating hard-top with a rear screen and an entirely new boot from carbon fiber.

The side view is distinguished by double air vents on the front wing. Ferrari Superamerica 45 also has a chromed front grille and special burnished aluminium A-pillars, wing mirrors and door handles. All this chrome makes the car a little more overdressed to our taste, but it is explicitly specified by the owner.

Superamerica 45 has an exclusive Blu Antille paint, body-coloured wheels with a contrasting diamond finish to the spokes.

The bodywork has a lot of carbon fiber components – front splitter, side skirts and rear diffuser.

The interior also boasts dark blue carbon-fibre dash trim and driver zone. The cockpit features combination of Cuoio leather trim and Blu Scuro carbon fibre and a latest-generation touch-screen SAT NAV system.

Ferrari Superamerica 45

Source: Ferrari

May 19, 2011

2011 Volkswagen Transporter Sportline

Volkswagen has announced the latest 2011 Transporter Sportline, which offers great versatility at decent price. It is available on both panel van and kombi models, in both short- and long-wheelbase. The entry-level version is priced at £28 220.

All models come with superb 2.0 litre Bi-turbo TDI engine delivering 180PS. The power unit is mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox as standard and the 7-speed DSG is available as an option on all models for a £1 400 premium.

The exterior boasts a striking gloss black grille with chrome detailing and revised headlights. The redesigned colour-coded bumper has incorporated front fog lights. There are also polished stainless steel side bars and unique 18” Sportline 5-spoke coming in either silver or satin black. The smoked rear light units and a rear roof spoiler further differentiate the Sportline models.

Last, but not least, the new Transporter Sportline can be finished in Reflex Silver metallic, Deep Black pearlescent or, the optional, Candy White with a contrasting gloss black roof.

The interior is superb, too. There are exclusive two-tone leather upholstery, semi-automatic air conditioning, multimedia system with 7” colour touch-screen with full European SAT NAV, rear parking sensors, built-in Bluetooth connectivity and electric windows.

The safety is granted by the ABS, ESP (Electronic Stabilisation Programme) and EBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution).

There is no doubt that 2011 Volkswagen Transporter Sportline is the ultimate van that you can buy! Check out the price tables, below.

Volkswagen Transporter Sportline

Panel van T32 2.0-litre BiTDI 180PS

	Short-wheelbase		Long-wheelbase
	6-spd manual	7-spd DSG	6-spd manual	7-spd DSG
Basic RRP ex. VAT	27,385.00	28,785.00	27,875.00	29,275.00
VAT	5,477.00	5,757.00	5,575.00	5,855.00
Total RRP inc. VAT	32,862.00	34,542.00	33,450.00	35,130.00
OTR package	949.00	949.00	949.00	949.00
Total RRP inc. OTR ex. VAT	28,220.00	29,620.00	28,710.00	30,110.00
Total RRP inc. OTR inc. VAT	33,811.00	35,491.00	34,399.00	36,079.00
Top speed (mph)	119	119	119	119
0-62 mph (seconds)	9.9	10.0	9.9	10.0
Fuel economy, combined (mpg)	36.2	34.9	36.2	34.9
CO₂ (g/km)	205	214	205	214

kombiT32 2.0-litre BiTDI 180PS

	Short-wheelbase		Long-wheelbase
	6-spd manual	7-spd DSG	6-spd manual	7-spd DSG
Basic RRP ex. VAT	29,265.00	30,665.00	29,755.00	31,155.00
VAT	5,853.00	6,133.00	5,951.00	6,231.00
Total RRP inc. VAT	35,118.00	36,798.00	35,706.00	37,386.00
OTR package	949.00	949.00	949.00	949.00
Total RRP inc. OTR ex. VAT	30,100.00	31,500.00	30,580.00	31,990.00
Total RRP inc. OTR inc. VAT	36,067.00	37,747.00	36,655.00	38,335.00
Top speed (mph)	119	119	119	119
0-62 mph (seconds)	10.3	10.2	10.3	10.2
Fuel economy, combined (mpg)	36.2	34.9	36.2	34.9
CO₂ (g/km)	205	214	205	214

Source: Volkswagen

May 19, 2011

Renault Grand Scenic – 1.6-litre Energy dCi 130

Renault has announced a new state-of-the-art 1.6-litre 130hp “Energy” diesel engine with just awesome results. It powers the Scenic and Grand Scenic, pricing starts at just £20 900 OTR. The cars also come with Dynamique TomTom.

The 1.6 litre dCi delivers 130PS (96 kW) at 4000RPM and 320Nm (237 lb-ft) at just 1750RPM. But the power is not everything! The new engine returns 64.2 mpg and emits just 115 g/km of CO2. An impressive results, which reflect not only on your pocket for fuel, but the taxing is dropped significantly.

These amazing results are thanks to a number of advanced technologies. The engine comes with EGR and Stop&Start technology. It complies with Euro5 emissions legislation and is Euro6 ready.

This engine will be manufactured in France at Renault’s Cléon plant which is acclaimed for its production expertise in the field of technologically-advanced diesel engines like – the V6 dCi, 2.0 dCi and the new 2.3 dCi which powers the Master van.

Once again, the new 1.6 Energy dCi 130 is available with Scenic and Grand Scenic Dymanique TomTom versions. The prices start at £20 900 and £22 200 OTR and the first deliveries are expected in July 2011.

Source: Renault

May 19, 2011

Superchips MINI Cooper S R56

Superchips has revealed a tuning program for the performance R56 MINI Cooper S Turbo. The ECU re-map for “Phase 2” versions of the hot hatchback boosts the 184PS 1.6 litre turbocharged engine, produced from 1st March 2010 onwards.

The ECU re-map adds 25PS at 5444RPM and 32Nm at 3765Nm. The total power of the vehicle is 209PS and around 290Nm of torque.

Of course, the fuel economy remains the same – 48 mpg on combined cycle.

Customers can be assured the Superchips conversion is covered by a full Customer Service Guarantee and an industry-leading 12 month / 30,000 supplementary full vehicle warranty.

The ECU re-map is suitable for all “Phase 2” 184PS R56 MINI Cooper S models produced from March 2010 onwards. The performance package is now available directly from Superchips and its UK dealer network. The price tag is at £455.00, including VAT. Really, a great price for such modification.

So, if you have Phase 2 R56 MINI – don’t compromise, optimise.

Superchips MINI Cooper S R56

Source: Superchips

May 19, 2011

Fiat with Best New Engine at the 2011 International Engine of the Year Awards

Fiat scooped Best New Engine award at the 2011 International Engine of the Year Awards. The small 875cc two-cylinder TwinAir engine impressed judges with its extremely low emissions, high fuel economy and impressive power of 85BHP.

“Fiat has now produced one of the all-time great engines. Who would have thought that a two-cylinder unit could have won the International Engine of the Year title when we launched the Awards in 1999? Its triumph is a clear signal that less is more: people want low-emission, fuel-efficient yet powerful engines, and just two cylinders certainly seems to provide a comprehensive solution!”, commented Dean Slavnich, editor of Engine Technology International and co-chairman of the International Engine of the Year Awards.

The TwinAir has also taken the awards for Best Sub 1-litre and Best Green Engine. It even managed to beat zero-emission pure electric vehicle engines from Nissan and Mitsubishi.

Check out the other winning engines in the table, below!

Fiat with Best New Engine at the 2011 International Engine of the Year Awards

The category winners are:

Best New Engine 2011
Fiat 875cc two-cylinder (Fiat 500 (85bhp))

Best Green Engine 2011
Fiat 875cc two-cylinder (Fiat 500 (85bhp))

Best Performance Engine 2011
Ferrari 4.5-liter V8 (458 Italia 570bhp)

Above 4-liter
Ferrari 4.5-liter V8 (458 Italia 570bhp)

3-liter to 4-liter
BMW 4-liter V8 (M3 420bhp)

2.5-liter to 3-liter
BMW 3-liter DI Twin Turbo (135i, 1 M Coupe, 335i, 535i, X3 35i, X5 35i, X6 35i, Z4 (306bhp, 340bhp), 640i (320bhp), 740i (326bhp))

2-liter to 2.5-liter
Audi 2.5-liter five-cylinder turbo (Audi TT RS, RS3 340bhp))

1.8-liter to 2-liter
BMW Diesel 2-liter Twin Turbo (123d, X1 (204bhp))

1.4-liter to 1.8-liter
BMW 1.6-liter four-cylinder Turbo (Mini Cooper S, Clubman Cooper S, Countryman Cooper S (184bhp), Mini Works, Clubman Works (211bhp))

1-liter to 1.4-liter
Volkswagen 1.4-liter TSI Twincharger (VW Polo 180bhp), Golf, Scirocco, Eos, Jetta, Tiguan, Skoda Fabia RS (180bhp), Touran (140, 170bhp), Seat Ibiza/Cupra (150bhp, 180bhp), Alhambra (150bhp), Audi A1 (185bhp))

Sub 1-liter
Fiat 875cc two-cylinder (Fiat 500 (85bhp))

Source: Fiat

May 18, 2011

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