Aston Martin has officially confirmed the stage of the upcoming Salon Prive 2011 for the UK premiere of its Aston Martin Virage luxury GT sportscar. (more…)
Blog
-
Aston Martin Virage UK premiere
-
Suzuki Kizashi Ecocharge Concept
Suzuki has unveiled Kizashi EcoCharge Concept at the 2011 New York International Auto Show (NYIAS).“We are continuing to study the virtues of the gas-electric technology found in the Kizashi EcoCharge Concept,” commented Steve Younan, director of automotive marketing and product planning for American Suzuki Motor Corporation.
“Our basic concept was to attain substantial gains in fuel economy without the traditional sacrifices in drivability required with today’s mid-size hybrid sedans. The proof of our concept is that the Kizashi EcoCharge has the capability to deliver a 25% fuel economy gain in real-world driving through an electric charge to the powertrain system while still retaining the production Kizashi’s dynamic handling and braking advantages that make it a standout category performer.”, he added.
Kizashi EcoCharge is powered by a 2.0 liter four-cylinder petrol engine coupled with an advanced electric propulsion system, which consists of a liquid-cooled 15-kW motor/generator unit tied to a 115-volt air-cooled lithium-ion battery. The whole system is mated to an advanced 6-speed automatic transmission.
Kizashi EcoCharge also includes regenerative braking, automatic engine shut-off when the car comes to a stop, fuel cut-off during deceleration events and low-rolling resistance tyres.
The exterior boasts a specialised headlight treatment, as well as LED foglight illumination integrated into the front fascia. It also features lightweight aluminium wheels fitted with lowrolling resistance tires.
The interior is completed thanks to advanced seat materials, which require 84 percent less energy to produce, and create 80 percent fewer emissions than virgin material production.
The whole car is ECOfriendly, so Suzuki will save the planet… probably!
Check out the specs, below!
Kizashi EcoCharge Concept:
Engine
- Type: J20B DOHC I-4
- Displacement (cu in / cc): 1,998
- Valvetrain: Intake-VVT
- Horsepower (hp / kW @ rpm): 144 / 106 @ 6500 rpm
- Torque (lb-ft / Nm @ rpm) 127 / 173 @ 4500 rpm
- Fuel economy target (Hwy): 25% improvement over production Kizashi
Transmission
- Type: 6-speed automatic
Electric Drive System
- Type: Belt-driven, liquid-cooled induction motor/generator unit and lithium-ion battery system; air-cooled power electronics and battery pack
- Maximum electric generating power: 15 kW @ 1,570-3,180 rpm
- Maximum electric motor power (electric assist): 15 hp / 11.2kW @ 1000-2200 rpm
- Lithium-ion battery: 115V, 0.5-kWh, 15 kW peak power
Source: Suzuki -
2013 Ford Taurus
Ford has exclusively released detail specifications and high-end images of the refined for 2013 model year – 2013 Ford Taurus.Housing improvements in the areas of efficiency, technology and styling, the 2013 Taurus large sedan is also showcasing significantly bettered driving dynamics, achieved thanks to the addition of an EPAS system, which improves the steering response by speeding up the steering ratio and rigidly mounting the steering rack to the subframe.
Mark Fields, Ford’s president of The Americas, stated: “We have significantly upgraded Ford’s flagship sedan through obsessive attention to detail. The new Taurus builds on the transformation we achieved in the 2010 model. Delivering so many upgrades so soon further underscores Ford’s leadership and commitment to delivering high-quality, fuel-efficient cars for our customers.”
For 2013 model year, Ford Taurus’ power compartment offers a choice of two extremely well balanced units, the turbocharged 2.0 litre EcoBoost engine with gasoline direct injection, which produces 237 horsepower and 250 lb.-ft. of peak torque yet estimates best-in-class highway fuel economy of at least 31 mpg, and the standard Taurus 3.5 litre V6 unit that delivers total output of 290 horsepower. Both engines will be linked to Ford’s unique -speed automatic transmissions that offer optimized gear selection for off-the-line power delivery in lower gears, while benefiting fuel economy with higher gears that keep the engine turning efficiently at lower revolutions while cruising.
In technology terms, 2013 Taurus full-size sedan hosts the latest version of SYNC with MyFord Touch system, which offers customers simplified operating, replacing many traditional buttons, knobs and gauges with clear, colorful LCD screens and steering wheel-mounted five-way toggles. Additionally, the new Taurus will be also packed with some amazing sense-pleasing features, including:
- New heated steering wheel adds to the comfort of the heated and cooled leather-trimmed seats
- Multicontour seats with Active Motion™, a Taurus class-exclusive offering, help to reduce driver and first-row passenger fatigue with a subtle rolling massage pattern
- Intelligent Access with push-button start, allowing the driver to enter the car and start the engine via push button simply by having the key fob in his or her possession
- Auto high beams employ a sensor to switch headlamps to high beam when no oncoming traffic is detected
- Rain-sensing wipers use an advanced optical sensor to detect the intensity of rain and/or snowfall to automatically adjust wiper speed
- Rear view camera activates when reverse gear is selected, projecting via the center stack-mounted 8-inch screen
- Rear window power sunshade, a luxury-class feature that shades the rear glass at the touch of a button, helping to keep the cabin cooler
Source: Ford
-
2012 Kia K2 at Auto Shanghai 2011
KIA has exhibited the new 2012 K2 model at the Auto Shanghai 2011. The vehicle is specially created for the Chinese market. It is based on the all-new Kia Rio, which is scheduled to hit the European market in the late summer, this year.The engine range includes а 1.4 liter four-cylinder with 109PS (80 kW) and 136Nm (100 lb-ft) and a 1.6 liter four-cylinder with 135PS (99 kW) and 165Nm (122 lb-ft). Both engines are available with either manual or automatic transmissions.
The dimensions of 2012 Kia K2 are – 4 370 mm in length, 1 700 mm in width, 1 460 mm in height and wheelbase – 2,570 mm, which is the longest in its class. The expanded dimensions allow K2 to claim best-in-class interior space and ample luggage capacity of 500 litres. The rear seats can be folded in 60:40.
The new Kia K2 will go into production in June and will be joined by a five-door hatchback in August. There will be six trim levels, so the vehicle will suit to every taste and pocket.
Source: Kia
-
Maserati GranTurismo MC US launch
Maserati has just added its top performance, road-legal beast – Maserati GranTurismo MC to the brand’s new stand-alone showroom in the prestigious TriBeCa area of New York.
Representing the fastest series Maserati ever offered on the US market, the GranTurismo MC tops a maximum speed of 298km/h yet is capable to accelerate from standstill to 100km/h in 4.9 seconds flat. These amazing figures are all possible thanks to the GranTurismo MC’s ultra-fast transmission and the 4.7 litre all-alloy V8 power unit, which delivers the exceptional 331 kW at 7000 rpm and 510 Nm of peak torque at 4750 revs.
Inspired by both the GranTurismo MC Stradale and the GranTurismo MC Trofeo race car, the new Maserati addition at the US market boasts tighter damping control and generate increased aerodynamic efficiency to improve ride height at higher speed without increasing the drag.
Source: Maserati
-
Vauxhall Corsa VXR Nurburgring Edition
Vauxhall has announced the most powerful Corsa ever. The VXR Nurburgring Edition will hit the market in the end of May.Corsa VXR Nurburgring will be powered by a 1.6 litre turbocharged petrol engine with 205PS at 5750RPM and 280Nm of torque. The results are thanks to a modified engine management and turbocharger system, sports exhaust with reduced back pressure. The special edition Corsa will run on 98-octane fuel.
Furthermore, the small hot hatch comes with a mechanical LSD (limited slip differential) for maximum traction at all times. It will also reduce the understeer caused by excessive throttle loads during cornering, or changes in the texture of the road surface.
The suspension is also revised. This time it comes from Bilstein, who has developed bespoke spring and damper units for the new model. The vehicle is also lowered with 20mm at the front and 15mm at the rear.
The braking system comes from Brembo and it is 30 per cent lighter than before and has a 10 per cent larger area. In addition, the Corsa VXR features recalibrated ABS, TC (Traction Control) and ESC (Electronic Stability Control).
The performance is superb – 0 to 100 km/h in 6.5 seconds and top speed of 230 km/h (143 mph).
The exterior received several upgrades like stainless steel dual exhaust, newly designed forged aluminium wheels in high-gloss grey, and „Nurburgring” logos on the B-Pillars and front spoiler lip. There are also two new colours available – apple green „Grasshopper” and red „Henna”.
The interior boasts black and red „Nürburgring” lettering adorns the sill plates and front Recaro seat backs, with bespoke white stitching on all seats, as well as the handbrake and gearshift console.
Vauxhall Corsa VXR Nurburgring is priced at £22 295.
Source: Vauxhall
-
Rolls-Royce Ghost Extended Wheelbase
Rolls-Royce has just added another noble, ultra-luxury ride to its stellar line-up of exclusive hand-built masterpieces dubbed Rolls-Royce Ghost Extended Wheelbase. (more…) -
Volvo Concept Universe
Volvo Car Corporation has took-off the wraps on its ”masterpiece of Scandinavian Design” – Volvo Concept Universe at the display of Auto Shanghai 2011. (more…) -
2012 Cadillac CTS
Cadillac has announced that its famous, sharp styled CTS luxury sport Sedan, Coupe and Wagon models are about to receive an improved V6 powerplant, new grille and new Touring Package for the 2012 model year. (more…) -
2013 Chevrolet Malibu at Auto Shanghai 2011
GM has officially introduced the new 2013 Chevrolet Malibu at Auto Shanghai 2011. The company has also provided further details about their upcoming model.“The current Malibu has left an award-winning impression and changed the way people think about Chevrolet,” commented Susan Docherty, vice president of GMIO sales, marketing and aftersales.
“This all-new Malibu delivers on the intangibles of today’s Malibu but gives customers even more: more style, fuel efficiency, content and features, craftsmanship, and dynamic capabilities rivaling high-end sedans.”, she added.
The new Malibu has shorter wheelbase than its predecessor by 114 mm, but the track is wider – 1 574 mm, front and rear. The interior space is also more than the previous version of the model with 113 liters.
The Malibu will be built in manufacturing facilities around the world, including the US and China.
2013 Chevrolet Malibu:
- Dual-stage driver and front passenger airbags
- Driver and front passenger pelvic/thorax side-impact airbags
- Roof rail airbags with rollover protection
- Rear park assist is available
- Available rearview camera system
- OnStar is also included in Malibu’s safety features and includes Automatic Crash Response, as well as improved voice recognition technology, remote diagnostics, remote door unlock, Stolen Vehicle Slowdown and six months of uplevel Directions and Connections service that includes Turn-By-Turn Navigation.
Source: Chevrolet
-
2011 Toyota Auris Edition
Toyota has introduced a new Auris Edition, which will replace the previous T2. Auris Edition will keep the low price, but the extras will be significantly more. TR and SR grades have also been revised, so they will offer more features as standard. New exterior colours have been introduced, together with new-look interior trim details.Toyota Auris Edition includes 16” alloy wheels, heated, retractable door mirrors that are colour-matched to the car’s bodywork and similarly colour-keyed doorhandles as standard. All this specs come in addition to the AC and a four-speaker sound system with USB port. Island Blue is a new metallic paint option for Edition models, and owners can also specific Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) with Traction Control (TRC) and a Protection Pack for the five-door version – floor mats, mudflaps, boot liner and scuff plates.
The engine is 1.33 litre VVT-i petrol with Stop & Start system and 6-speed manual transmission. It returns awesome 48.7mpg on combined cycle and 135g/km CO2 emissions.
Auris TR includes rear parking sensors, Bluetooth with voice control and cruise control. The interior received sporty trim in dark grey with silver detailing and analogue meters. The exterior features a set of new five-spoke 16” alloys and a new metallic colour choice – Deep Titanium. All this come in addition to the AC, six-speaker audio with USB, electric windows and front fog lamps.
Auris SR is powered by a 1.6 Valvematic engine and 6-speed manual gearbox. It also adopts cruise control and Bluetooth as standard for 2011, plus the new Deep Titanium metallic paint option. This spec includes 17” alloy wheels, a rear spoiler, dark-tinted rear privacy glass and darkened headlamp lenses.
2011 Toyota Auris:
MODEL OTRPRICE Edition 1.33 VVT-i 6MT 3dr £15,225 Edition 1.33 VVT-i 6MT 5dr £15,730 TR 1.33 VVT-i 6MT 3dr £16,055 TR 1.33 VVT-i 6MT 5dr £16,560 TR 1.4 D-4D 6MT 5dr £18,025 TR 1.4 D-4D M/M 5dr £18,580 TR 1.6 Valvematic 6MT 5dr £16,935 TR 1.6 Valvematic M/M 5dr £17,775 SR 1.6 Valvematic 6MT £17,435 
Source: Toyota
-
Audi A3 e-Tron at the Auto Shanghai 2011
Audi is currently exhibiting A3 e-Tron Concept at the Auto Shanghai 2011. It is a four-seat sedan, which is not full electric, but features a plug-in hybrid system. A3 e-Tron Concept is based on the A3 sedan Concept, which was recently introduced at the Geneva Auto Show.The plug-in hybrid drivetrain includes a highly-efficient 1.4 liter TFSI four-cylinder petrol engine delivering 211PS (155 kW) coupled to an electric motor with 27PS (20 kW). The total maximum power is 238PS (175 kW). All power is put on the road through 7-speed S-tronic transmission, wihch grants smooth gear-changing and perfect response.
The performance is grat – 0 to 100 km/h in 6.8 seconds and top speed of 231 km/h (144 mph). Furthermore, the A3 e-Tron features the intelligent Audi thermal management system, a start-stop system and an energy recovery system.
Audi A3 e-Tron plug-in hybrid can go only on electricity with the help of the 12 kWh lithium-ion batteries located behind the rear seats. The range is perfect for everyday driving – up to 54 km (34 miles).
The chassis is derived from the current RS3 Sportback, so it is capable of handling the power from the drive system at all times. The front suspension has a MacPherson construction with a separate axle support. The four-link rear suspension is likewise fixed to a subframe. The shock absorbers and coil springs are mounted separately from each other. The ESP stabilization system has a Sport mode and can be completely deactivated, if desired.
A3 e-Tron stands on enormous 20” light alloy wheels fitted with 245/30 ZR20 tires at the front and rear.
Audi A3 e-Tron Concept is amazing on paper, but whether it will go in production?
Source: Audi
