The new McLaren MP4-12C GT3 is ready for race debut in 2012, following an intensive development programme in 2011. The competitive race season begins for new McLaren GT customer teams in Germany on 31 March, with the opening rounds of the VLN and ADAC GT Masters championships at the Nürburgring Nordschliefe and Oschersleben respectively.
The MP4-12C sports car, on which the GT3 racer is based, will also make its debut as a safety car in the FIA GT1 World Championship race at the Nogaro circuit in France on 8-9 April.
The McLaren race cars will wear the unique liveries of ART, ASM, Boutsen Energy, Gulf Racing, Molitor Racing, United Autosports and Von Ryan Racing. The JAS team will also take part in selected rounds of the championship. Footage of the new 12C GT3s at the test event in southern France can be seen at “mclarenautomotivetv channel” vai Youtube.
Gemballa Racing and Doerr Motorsport will compete in the 12C GT3 in the German VLN series, which includes the famous 24 Hour Nürburgring endurance race in May.
McLaren MP4-12C GT3 at the race track
Molitor Racing and Gemballa Racing will run in ADAC GT Masters, and French FIA GT1 Champions Hexis Racing will line up on the grid of the FIA GT1 World Championship. Series Champions Apex Motorsport will enter a new 12C GT3 in selected rounds of this year’s British GT championship, while the Lapidus Racing team will contest the International GT Open series, and also compete in forthcoming 24-hour races at Spa-Francorchamps in Belgium and Circuit de Catalunya in Spain.
Teams racing the 12C GT3 in 2012 have enlisted the services of highly successful racing drivers for the 2012 season. Former Formula 1 drivers Mark Blundell and David Brabham (also a Le Mans 24hr winning driver) will race for United Autosports and 2011 Formula 2 competitor Jack Clarke will drive for Boutsen Energy. Rob Bell, Alvaro Parente and Alexander Sims, who recently joined the McLaren GT driver line-up for 2012, will be placed with customer teams, while McLaren Automotive Chief Test Driver Chris Goodwin will also contest selected races in a 12C GT3 throughout the season.
“I’m excited that we are so close to seeing the 12C GT3 in its first full race season. The feedback I have received from customers that have already taken delivery of the car is very positive.”, commented Andrew Kirkaldy, Project Manager for McLaren GT.
“The 2011 development programme was challenging, but had many highlights. We started with a pole position in qualifying at Spa-Francorchamps in the British GT Championship, and ended the race season with a third place finish in Macau. In one year, McLaren GT has taken the 12C GT3 from concept to race readiness. We will learn more about the car in the early part of the season – and expectations will naturally be high of a car full of Formula 1 technology – but our objective is to makes the 12C GT3 as much a pleasure to own and run as it is race.” , he added.
The 12C GT3 shares the same V8 twin turbo engine and carbon ‘MonoCell’ chassis as its road car sibling, and its aerodynamic package was developed by McLaren GT in partnership with specialist engineers and designers at McLaren Automotive.
Renault has priced the new Twingo Renaultsport 133. It is now available from £13 565 OTR coming with restyled exterior, new interior and a lot of standard extras.
The exterior of 2012 Twingo Renaultsport 133 features a new dynamic grille design with four lights and a front bumper incorporating an F1-style blade. At the rear, the model boasts a black rear spoiler, a special rear bumper incorporating a diffuser and aerodynamic extensions on the rear wheel arches.
The interior comes with Renaultsport yellow stitching on the steering wheel and seats, together with white detailing for the top of the steering wheel, seat backs and cushions, rev-counter surround and air conditioning controls.
The standard equipment includes 16” alloy wheels, Bluetooth™, cruise control, electric Gloss Black door mirrors, ESC (with on/off switch), speed limiter, extra tinted windows and tailgate, Renaultsport exhaust with chrome tailpipe, plus Twingo’s versatile independent sliding and folding rear seats.
The options list is also huge:
17” Anthracite or Gloss Black alloy wheels – £500,
curtain airbags – £250,
metallic paint – £460
Renaultsport Liquid Yellow i.d. paint – £1,300 (from end May 2012).
Renaultsport Monitor telemetry system – £125.
Anthracite Style – for the front blade, door mirrors covers and rear spoiler – £150
Cup chassis – £700
2012 Twingo Renaultsport 133
TwingoRenaultsport 133 is powered by a 1.6 liter naturally-aspirated powerplant with 133HP (98 kW) at 6750RPM and 160Nm (118 lb-ft) at 4400RPM. 0-100 km/h in 8.7 seconds and a top speed of 200 km/h (125 mph).The revised Twingo Renaultsport 133 boasts CO2 emissions of 150g/km, a saving of 3.2% compared to its predecessor and improved fuel consumption of 43.5 mpg combined cycle, up 3%.
The French brand Citroen has just released a new model of the C3 range, named 2012 Citroen C3 PS Vita. It is a racier version of the brand’s best-selling car and is equipped with running gear tuned for more hustle.
The 2012 Citroen C3 PS Vita made its first appearance in the beginning of the month at the 82d Geneva Motor Show. It was showcased under the name Citroen C3 Red Block. The new model in currently being launched in France, and has to offer even more athletic drive and stance.
The C3 PS Vita immediately stands out with its sportier running gear. The reason for this is that the suspension settings have been stiffened by about 50% and body roll reduced by nearly 25%. In addition, the power steering has been adjusted to the new suspension specifications for a more dynamic road feel. At the same time the body height has been lowered 25 mm. The consequence of all this is an improved on-road thrill.
The 2012 Citroen C3 PS Vita is offered with three engines, all mated to manual transmissions: VTi 120 petrol (CO2 emissions of 136 g/km); e-HDi 90 and e-HDi 110 diesels (CO2 emissions of 98 and 99 g/km respectively).
The body shell colors being offered are: Shark grey, Banquise white, Aluminium grey, Manitoba grey and Obsidien black. All color themes feature Obsidien black rearview mirror housings and door handles, along with black blades on the headlamps and a shorter radio antenna.
The car sits on 17-inch diamond-effect wheels with red centres, shod with 205/40 tyres.
2012 Citroen C3 PS Vita
How about the interior? When one goes inside, one immediately sees the fascinating dashboard insert and central console which are in gloss black. At the same time the pedal set, foot rests and window surrounds are in aluminium. Additional changes have been made with the steering wheel, which now is reduced by 20 mm. The goal is one – deliver even more driving pleasure.
In addition, the seats can be upholstered in special two-tone Fusion red and black leather.
The 2012 Citroen C3 PS Vita also comes with bespoke equipment, in which is included central armrest at the front, Connecting Box, front and rear mats and dark-tinted rear windows.
At last but not least, the model vehicle receives some additional equipment which will be strongly appreciated by younger passengers: the car comes with the latest PlayStation
console, which is PS Vita Wifi equipped and has a 4 GB memory card.
The prices for 2012 Citroen C3 PS Vita start at 17 900 Euro.
Mercedes-Benz is continuing its hybrid philosophy with the all new 2012 Mercedes-Benz E 300 BlueTEC HYBRID model. In fact, this is the world’s most economical luxury-class vehicle with a fuel consumption of just 4.2 l of diesel/100 km, and CO2 emmissions of 109 g/km. At the same time, efficiency champions such as the SLK 250 CDI, S 250 CDI, ML 250 BlueTEC 4MATIC and SL 350 BlueEFFICIENCY are showing that luxury brand aims to tale a leading role in the continuous improvement of vehicles with internal combustion engines in all classes. What bindes all these environmentalfriendly vehciles is their impressive efficiency without compromises.
These premium automobiles from Mercedes-Benz, which are not only economical but also environmentaly compatible, has all the necessaryattributes of a true Mercedes: safety, comfort and serene driving enjoyment. Further to the highly efficient internal combustion engines, add the hybrid drive systems, which are currently rounding off the mix of intelligent, need-related solutions for environmentalfriendly vehicles. The new 2012 Mercedes-Benz E 300 BlueTEC HYBRID is setting new standards for luxury-class business cars. This diesel hybrid will be available in the European market as a Saloon and Estate in the end of the year. Later the E 400 HYBRID powered by an electric motor and a V6 petrol engine will be launched in the American, Japanese and Chinese market.
Furthermore the intelligent, modular hybrid concept has a major advantage: no modifications to the bodyshell are required. In addition to that the hybrid module can be used flexibly in other model series and there will be right-hand drive versions apart from the diesel and petrol models.
What has to be highlighted here is that the vehicle has all the necessary equipment and functions for a hybrid – starting from the ECO start/stop function right up to the purely electrically driveable hybrid. This means that this model is undoubdtedly on its way to the sustainable mobility of the future. Moreover, Mercedes-Benz is also aims to optimize its vehicles with the very latest internal combustion engines: by downsizing, charging, direct injection, low-friction technology and BlueTEC. In addition to that the vehicles themselves are undergoing targeted optimisation with respect to aerodynamics, lightweight construction and energy management (BlueEFFICIENCY).
The 2012 Mercedes-Benz E 300 BlueTEC HYBRID not only delivers best-in-class luxury, but also combines it with outstanding fuel economy of the 4‑cylinder diesel engine over long distances. The reasons are several, but in short – it benefits of an efficient hybrid in city and stop & go traffic. Hence, it delivers impressive efficiency with no compromises. And not forgetting that thank to the compact hybrid concept there are no restrictions in terms of spaciousness, comfort and safety.
What is more important here is the technology used in the E 300 BlueTEC HYBRID. Mercedes-Benz has combined the 2.2-litre four-cylinder diesel engine, which develops 150 kW (204 hp) with a powerful hybrid module. The latter has a 15 kW electric motor, positioned between the internal combustion engine and the 7-speed automatic transmission, and assists the diesel engine when the car is accelerating (boost effect). In alternator mode, it is used for the recuperation of braking energy, although it is also suitable for driving under electric power alone. In summary, it is based on the modular hybrid principle developed by Mercedes-Benz. And the figures a worth mentioning again: the fuel consumption of the E 300 BlueTEC HYBRID is 4.2 litres per 100 kilometres with CO2 emissions of 109 g/km.
Next, in combination with 7G-TRONIC, a wet start-up clutch and the lithium-ion battery, the intelligent modular hybrid system requires little installation space and weighs around 100 kg. Of course, the hybrid components have all the features of the extensive “7-stage safety concept”.
The brand also aims to deliver fuel efficiency and environmental “attitude” to some of its iconic models. Across all the model series Mercedes-Benz offers powerful yet economical petrol and diesel models. They feature turbocharging and direct injection for enhanced performance but lower fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. What is more here is that these vehicles are very suitable for markets with CO2-based vehicle taxation, or for company and fleet customers.
Characteristics of the efficiency champions in brief:
Mercedes-Benz SLK 250 CDI: torque at the level of a V8 muscle-car, the fuel consumption of a compact. The world’s most economical (4.9 l/100 km) and powerful (150 kW/500 Nm) diesel roadster.
Mercedes-Benz S 250 CDI: the “five litres per 100 km S-Class” with serene long-distance comfort.
Mercedes-Benz ML 250 BlueTEC 4MATIC: full-size SUV with full on and off-road performance, a consumption of around six litres per 100 km and CO2 emissions of 158 g /km.
Mercedes-Benz SL 350 BlueEFFICIENCY: consumes 29 percent less fuel than the preceding model, mainly thanks to a BlueDIRECT engine, intelligent lightweight construction (- 140 kg) and outstanding aerodynamics.
The new and long awaited 2013 Chevrolet Traverse Crossover is now offering greater style, refinement and safety. The vehicle will go in production later this year and will deliver confidence, comfort and capability.
First to be seen in the crossover is its new athletic exterior design, complemented by a more expressive front end. The latter features a new shape supported by a powerdome hood, a three-bar upper and two-bar lower grille design, new lamps, chrome accents around the grille and fog lamps, and sculpted front corners. They remind very much of the new 2013 Chevrolet Malibu.
Observed from the back, the rear carries redesigned lamps. In addition the license plate pocket is positioned in the new liftgate for a sportier look.
2013 Traverse is all about spaciousness and comfort. It offers flexible seating for up to eight adults, and more cargo-carrying capacity than any other vehicle in its segment. Of course, no less than high-quality materials are used in the interior. This results soft-touch surfaces on the instrument panel and front door uppers. In addition, what is also uniquely featured in the interior is the contrasting stitching, chrome and silver accents, and available blue ambient lighting that flows through the cabin.
A new center stack has the 6.5-inch color touch radio, which of course has the latest Chevrolet MyLink infotainment system. The latter system allows customers to easily integrate their smartphones for hands-free calling through the audio system and Bluetooth streaming of popular internet radio favorites Pandora and Stitcher. The center stack also has large and illuminated climate controls.
The new 2013 Chevrolet Traverse is going to be offered in three interior color choices, in cloth or leather: Ebony and Mojave, Light Titanium and Dark Titanium, and Ebony.
2013 Chevrolet Traverse Crossover Interior
What is more important here is that the three rows of seating now come as a standard on all models. In addition, it delivers flexible seating configurations, class-leading people and cargo-carrying capacity, and family-friendly entertainment.
In details, the second-row seat comes with a pair of captain’s chairs or a three-passenger bench. It include SmartSlide feature which enables ease of access to the third-row bench seat with one hand.
On the other hand, the third-row seat can comfortably accommodate three adult passengers.
This leads to the conclusion that Traverse’s wheelbase dimensions has to be remarkable for the segment: it has a long 118.9-inch (3,019 mm) wheelbase, with a wide 67.8-inch (1,721 mm) front track and 67.4-inch (1,712 mm) rear track.
2013 Chevrolet Traverse Crossover Three Row Interior Space
Moreover, the vehicle is not only comfortably spacious for the passengers, but is also significantly fuel efficient. This efficiency comes from the advanced 3.6L V-6 with fuel-saving direct injection technology and continuously variable valve timing. The innovative engine is mated with a six-speed automatic transmission with improved shift feel. As a consequence, this results in more confident acceleration when the driver needs additional power to enter the highway or pass another vehicle.
In particular, the engine develops 288 horsepower (212 kW) at 366 Nm (270 lb.-ft.) of torque thank to it dual exhaust (281 hp/210 kW and 266 lb.-ft./361 Nm with single exhaust).
The crossover offers as well intelligent all-wheel-drive (AWD) system, which provides increased traction on slippery roads by actively managing the torque distribution between the front and rear axles.
2013 Chevrolet Traverse Crossover
As a matter of fact, 2013 Chevy Traverse is considered to be one of the safest vehicles in the world. The reasons for this are several. First of all, the model was the first one ever to include a front center airbag. The latter was engineered to provide additional restraint to drivers and front passengers in far-side impact crashes, where the affected occupant is on the opposite, non-struck side of the vehicle. Secondly, the vehicle is also equipped with Available Side Blind Zone Alert and Rear Cross Traffic Alert systems, which uses radar to watch spots the driver may not see. Then it provides visible and audible warnings to help prevent collisions. Thirdly, the Standard head curtain side air bags with rollover protection serves for outboard occupants in all seating rows. Next comes the StabiliTrak electronic stability control with rollover mitigation technology, which is standard on all models and incorporates full-function traction control. In addition, the Standard rearview camera system is designed to provide the driver with added capability to view what is in the rearward path of the vehicle. The Standard four-wheel-disc brake system with ABS include smooth, quiet operation, longer pad life and more resistance to brake pulsation. Safety belt pretensioners reduce forward movement during a collision. Next, come the Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children, which is a child seat attachment system included in outboard second-row seating positions. The Tire pressure monitoring system is standard on all models. In addition to all this, the Strong body structure in cases of accident, can absorb crash energy and provide a protective “safety cage” around occupants. At last, the Standard hill start assist brakes help reduce the tendency of a vehicle to roll forward or backward on a hill after the brake pedal is released by momentarily retaining pressure on the brake discs.
What is left to be mentioned about the all new Traverse is its innovative OnStar system, which goes as a standard on all models. To be more precise it uses GPS and cellular phone technology to automatically call for help in the event of a crash.
2013 Chevrolet Traverse Crossover is offered in LS, LT and LTZ models with two LT packages: 1LT and 2LT. It comes in both front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive configurations.
2013 Chevrolet Traverse Crossover Specifications:
Overview
Model:
Chevrolet Traverse
Body style / driveline:
crossover-utility vehicle / front-engine; front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive
Construction:
body-frame integral
EPA vehicle class:
sport utility vehicle
Manufacturing location:
Lansing Delta Township Assembly, Lansing, Mich.
Key competitors:
Honda Pilot; Ford Explorer
Engine
Type:
3.6L V-6 DI VVT
Displacement (cu in / cc):
217 / 3564
Bore & stroke (in / mm):
3.70 x 3.37 / 94 x 85.6
Block material:
cast aluminum
Cylinder head material:
cast aluminum
Valvetrain:
DOHC; four valves per cylinder; continuously variable valve timing
Fuel delivery:
direct, high-pressure fuel injection
Compression ratio:
11.3:1
Horsepower (hp / kW):
281 / 210 @ 6300 (single exhaust)*
288 / 215 @ 6300 (dual exhaust)*
Torque (lb-ft / Nm):
266 / 361 @ 3400 (single exhaust)*
270 / 366 @ 3400 (dual exhaust)*
Recommended fuel:
regular unleaded
Max. engine speed (rpm):
6700
Emissions controls:
dual close-coupled converters; two pre- and two post-oxygen sensors
Ford are contemplating a hardcore Explorer for the 2013 range – the Sport. Never before have the likes of an Explorer had a performance model but that’s about to change. Supposedly, Ford are planning to dominate the “gasoline-engine-powered, high performance SUV” category by focusing on fuel economy – 16 mpg in an urban environment and 22 mpg on the highway.
Mind you, those figures come from a twin-turbocharged EcoBoost® V6 engine that sends “at least” 350 bhp trough a paddle-shifting six-speed SelectShift Automatic box and an all-wheel-drive system. Recognizing it as a “Sport” version can also be done by looking at the exterior or the interior. And you have a fragile spine, you’ll notice that the suspension has been firmed up as well. Also, the brakes are bigger.
Roof rails painted in black, black head- and taillight motives, black wing mirror caps and 20-inch wheels all give away the SUV as a Sport member. The front lower fascia provides an additional opening for the engine to breathe. Various “EcoBoost” and “Sport” badges also suggest that this is not your run of the mill Explorer.
The inside offers some black leather that may or may not be paired with contrasting Sienna inserts. An exclusive design for the instruments, Sport-logo floor mats and illuminated scuff plates complete the overall Sport character.
Ford Explorer Sport (2013)
As for equipment, the standard stuff is as follows:
4WD with Terrain Management System
Dual-Zone Electronic Automatic Temperature Control
10-way power driver’s seat with power recline and lumbar
Six-way power passenger seat with recline and lumbar
First-row heated seats
First-row heated seats
Compass and exterior temperature display
Rear view camera
SYNC® with MyFord Touch® driver connect technology
Sony® Premium Audio System with HD Radio™ and 12 speakers
Whereas, as options these are listed:
Active park assist
Blind Spot Information System (BLIS®) with cross-traffic alert
Nissan GT-Rs have always been a favorite for ambitious tuners. What we see here can only support that theory. It’s a collaboration project between two companies – The American based PUR Wheels company and the Indonesian Premier Autowerkz… apparently. The whole project is rather obscure and not much information is available.
On what we can focus however, are those 3 piece “4OUR Depth“ PUR wheels they have fitted. Beautifully made 5 double spokes (that’s one way of putting it). It’s as if fragile twigs support the weight of the whole Nissan. The wheel arches are nicely filled in and the gold calipers certainly make a statement – “I like it a bit flashy”. Indeed, if I were to drive around in a car that has such a conspicuous racing strip across the hood, roof and trunk, one must assume that that I like flashy things, no doubt.
Other than that we can see some fascia work being done at the front and back. Also these exhaust tips do not look very stock. We’ll be on the lookout for more information about this. Otherwise we can play the guessing game all day long.
A production ready BMW 1-Series M135i 5-door hatchback was spied by BimmerToday.de. The painted in Estoril Blau car sits calm in a parking lot in Germany and doesn’t reveal any of its brutal characteristics.The performance vehicle was firstly introduced as the M135i Concept at the Geneva Motor Show earlier this month. The F20 135i M Performance comes with a sport-tuned suspension, a M-sport brake system, a set of Shadow Line 18” M light alloys with a double spoke design.Of course, the car comes with complete ///M-package consisting of an aggressive front bumper, modified side skirts and restyled rear bumper housing the single round chrome tailpipes at each end of it.The M135i is powered by the famous 3.0 liter straight-six N55 petrol engine featuring twin-scroll turbocharger. The exact figures are not mentioned, but probably it will have 306HP (225 kW) and 400Nm (295 lb-ft).Stay tuned for more information.BMW 1-Series M135iSource: bimmertoday.de
Toyota has announced their line-up for the new season. The Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship begins this weekend and the manufacturer will take place in it with independent racers Frank Wrathall, Tony Hughes and Adam Morgan.
The new race car is based on the latest update of the British-built road-going Avensis, introduced late last year. Like its showroom sister, the race car is produced at Toyota’s Burnaston factory in Derbyshire, making it a very British contender in the country’s most popular national racing championship.
The exterior is slightly changed by restyling the front, a fresh look at engine installation and cooling, and has also helped them improve chassis stiffness.
Dynojet’s Wrathall is hoping to build on the dramatic late-season form he showed in 2011 and believes the off-season works carried out in the team’s Lancashire workshops will make all the difference.
“The developments we have made will allow us to move on to the next level,” said the 25-year-old from Garstang, last season’s Rookie of the Year.”, he said.
“I hope it will mean that we can be regularly fighting for the podium. That is my aim, but of course the opposition will be strong and everyone else will be out to do the same thing.”, Mr. Wrathall added.
2012 Toyota BTCC Race Cars
Frank scored four podium results in 2011, the best of them a second, and three Independents Trophy wins on his way to championship 12th. His sterling efforts have been recognised by the British Racing Drivers’ Club, which has awarded him SuperStar status for the coming year.
The newest recruit to the Toyota ranks is 23-year-old Adam Morgan, who won his place on the BTCC grid thanks to his victory in the Ginetta Supercup – the richest prize in British motorsport, worth in excess of £200 000.
Both the Speedworks Toyotas are powered by the 2-litre ‘spec’ engine developed by BTCC organiser TOCA.
This year’s Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship starts and finishes at the Brands Hatch circuit in Kent, and between those 1 April and 21 October events will visit the Donington Park, Thruxton, Oulton Park, Croft, Snetterton, Knockhill, Rockingham and Silverstone circuits on its round-Britain tour. All 30 races will be screened live, with a minimum of six hours on ITV4 and ITV4 HD from each meeting, simultaneously broadcast on the itv.com website.
Alfa Romeo UK has announced the full specs and price list for the 2012 Giulietta TCT.
The Alfa Giulietta is a 5-door hatchback offering cheap and stylish ride. The car is the safest car in its class. It also features award winning MultiAir engine technology, five star Euro-NCAP safety ratings, Alfa Romeo’s unique D.N.A system, and now, in 2012, the technologically advanced ALFA TCT semi-automatic transmission becomes available in the Giulietta range. 2012 Alfa Romeo Giulietta TCT starts at £21 855 OTR.
There are two trim levels – Lusso or Veloce, and two engines: 1.4 TB MultiAir 170HP and 2.0 JTDM-2 170HP diesel.
The TCT transmission offers sporty driving pleasure and reduces the fuel consumption a lot. The transmission works in either all-automatic or sequential mode, as required by the driver. The user can manually manage the up and down position of the accurate, ergonomic shifter, with which steering wheel shift paddles may be combined. In addition, the driver can customise the car’s dynamics using the Alfa D.N.A. driving selector to enhance its features of comfort, performance, safety and efficiency.
The 1.4 liter TB MultiAir engine has 170HP enabling the car to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.7 seconds and a top speed of 184 km/h (135 mph). The fuel consumption is great – 54.3 mpg UK with 121 g/km CO2.
The 2.0 liter JTDM-2 diesel with 170HP is slightly slower – 7.9 seconds to 100 km/h, but the fuel consumption is better – 62.8 mpg UK with 119 g/km CO2.
Alfa TCT uses dry clutches allowing, in addition to other advantages, natural integration with Start&Stop, a function which is not always available with traditional automatic transmissions, and which guarantees a further benefit in terms of fuel consumption, particularly around town.
Lastly, a Wet automatic transmission requires approximately 4.8 litres more gearbox oil than a Dry version, again for reasons of clutch cooling. In this way, weight is added and losses are incurred due to an increase in splashing caused by the gears. When all these effects are combined, a Dry transmission, like the Alfa TCT, is found to be approximately 6% more efficient than the corresponding Wet one in terms of consumption.
Check out the full pricing and specifications below.
2012 Alfa Romeo Giulietta TCT
PRICING:
Basic Price
VAT
Retail Price
OTR Charges
Total OTR
BIK
1.4 TB MultiAir 170 bhp
ALFA TCT Lusso
£17,707.89
£3,541.58
£21,249.47
£605.53
£21,855.00
15%
1.4 TB MultiAir 170 bhp
ALFA TCT Veloce
£18,791.23
£3,758.25
£22,549.47
£605.53
£23,155.00
15%
2.0 JTDM-2 170 bhp
ALFA TCT Lusso
£19,120.39
£3,824.08
£22,944.47
£605.53
£23,550.00
17%
2.0 JTDM-2 170 bhp
ALFA TCT Veloce
£20,162.06
£4,032.41
£24,194.47
£605.53
£24,800.00
17%
TECHNICAL DATA:
1.4 TB MultiAir 170 bhp ALFA TCT
2.0 JTDM-2170 bhp
ALFA TCT
DIMENSIONS
Seats
5
5
Doors
5
5
Length/width (mm)
4350/1798
4350/1798
Height (mm)
1465
1465
Wheelbase (mm)
2634
2634
Front/rear track (mm)
1554/1554
1554/1554
Boot capacity (dm3)
350
350
Drag
0.31
0.31
ENGINE
Petrol
Diesel
No. of cylinders, arrangement
4 in line
4 in line
Bore x stroke (mm)
72 x 84
83 x 90.4
Displacement (cm3)
1368
1956
Compression ratio
9.8:1
16.5:1
Max power output: bhp (kW-EC) at rpm
170 (125) 5500
170 (125) 4000
Peak torque: Nm (kgm-EC) at rpm (NATURAL mode)
230 (23.4) 2250
320 (32.5) 1500
Peak torque: Nm (kgm-EC) at rpm (DYNAMIC mode)
250 (25.4) 2500
350 (35.6) 1750
Timing
Single overhead camshaft, 16 valves, toothed belt with hydraulic tappets and MultiAir direct lift/timing adjustment system
Dual overhead camshafts,
16 valves, toothed belt with hydraulic tappets
Supply
Electronic multipoint injection, turbocharger
with intercooler
MultiJet direct injection
at 1,600 bar, variable geometry
turbocharger with intercooler
Stop&Start system for automatic engine stopping/starting for short stops, to optimise consumption and emissions of CO2
Standard
Standard
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (12V)
Battery: capacity (Ah) / Generator (A)
63 / 450
72 / 600
TRANSMISSION
Drive
Front
Front
Gearbox
Automatic/sequential with dry dual clutch
Automatic/sequential with dry dual clutch
First
1:4.154
1:4.154
Second
1:2.269
1:2.118
Third
1:1.435
1:1.361
Fourth
1:0.978
1:0.978
Fifth
1:0.754
1:0.756
Sixth
1:0.622
1:0.622
Reverse
1:4.000
1:4.000
Final drive torque
1:4.118
1:3.579
WHEELS
Standard tyre size
205/55 R16
205/55 R16
Standard rim size
7J x 16
7J x 16
STEERING
Steering system
Rack and pinion with electro-mechanical power steering (Dual Pinion)
Rack and pinion with electro-mechanical power steering (Dual Pinion)
Turning circle (m)
10.9
10.9
SUSPENSION
Front
MacPherson independent with anti-roll bar
Rear
Multilink system
BRAKES – (DISCS)
Front (mm)
305
305
Rear (mm)
264
264
WEIGHTS –TANK CAPACITY
Fuel tank capacity (litres)
60
60
Kerb weight DIN (kg)
1305
1335
Max towable weight – Non-braked (kg)
500
500
Max towable weight – Braked (kg)
1300
1300
PERFORMANCE
Top speed mph (kh/h)
135 (218)
135 (218)
Acceleration 0-62 mph (s)
7.7
7.9
Pick-up in top gear from 50 to 75 mph (s)
6.5
6.4
FUEL CONSUMPTION – EMISSIONS (in accordance with 1999/100EC directive)
The German based auto-design and tuning company named Rigerhas just launched a new project. The work of the professionals was on an Opel Corsa, which now, after the modification, looks outstanding!
To be more precise 2012 Rieger Opel Corsa D has received a new bodykit. It gives the vehicle the following equipment: spoiler lip, spoiler splitter, side skirts and a rear skirt extension. What is specific here is that all parts are produced in ABS plastic. The spoiler splitter, the side skirts and the rear skirt extensions are also available in ABS / Carbon-Look.
The Rieger Tuning Company, which has 25 year old history, was founded by Tony Riegerand. However, now the team includes more than 40 people, passionately working on delivering a better look and performance for cars. The company’s main focus is on production of body accessories and aerodynamic parts.
The 2013 Infiniti JX is a 7-passenger luxury crossover which will join the brands line-up in spring 2012. The new model now offers even more interior flexibility and roominess, safety, and advanced hospitality features. Furthermore, the crossover delivers a real 3-row utility, including all premium features, performance and innovations.
Key features of the 2013 Infiniti JX include:Emotive styling and craftsmanship, featuring the new Infiniti design language direction initiated with the Essence concept; Segment-leading overall passenger volume; Segment-leading rear cargo volume (3rd row seats folded, 2nd row seats in forward-most slide position); More 2nd and 3rd row legroom than a Cadillac Escalade; Access to 3rd row without removing the 2nd row child seat; Infiniti Connection with Google Calendar and Drive Zone/Speed Alert; Around View™ Monitor (AVM) with Moving Object Detection; Extensive safety and security technologies, including available world’s first Backup Collision Intervention (BCI) system; Available Bose® Cabin Surround® 15-speaker sound system with digital 5.1-channel decoding and a new Acoustic Waveguide subwoofer.
2013 Infiniti JX has a 3-row 7-passenger seating and more importantly offers 3rd row roominess and provides a long 2nd row. With a long wheelbase and short overhangs, as well as a low roofline, the platform provides the benefits of a large family passenger. Furthermore, JX exterior is emphasized by the dramatic, double-arch front grille/headlight shape, double-wave hood, and crescent-cut D-pillar and greenhouse design. In addition to all this come the automatic on/off High Intensity Discharge (HID) bi-functional xenon headlights, which feature manual levelizers and standard fog lights. Large LED taillights add a distinctive touch to the rear. At the same time the standard power rear liftgate improves the utility.
Other features which are included in 2013 Infiniti JX exterior are: flat blade variable intermittent front windshield wipers, available rain-sensing front windshield wipers, rear window intermittent wiper and defroster with timer, power folding heated outside mirrors with available reverse tilt-down feature, front door handle courtesy lights, and UV-reducing solar glass and rear privacy glass.
There are also several body color choices: Emerald Graphite, Diamond Slate, Platinum Ice, Black Obsidian, Sangria Red and Aspen Pearl.
2013 Infiniti JX Luxury Crossover
Going forward, the new JX clearly sets a new standard for both space and hospitality in terms of interior innovations. The third row now offers enough headroom and knee room for adults or children. More importantly, the access to the third row is surprisingly easy thank to the wide door openings and long forward slide of the second row seat. Additionally, the multi-mode second row seat’s forward movement function overcomes the typical problem of having to remove a second row child seat for entry or exit.
Moreover, what has to be mentioned here is that the JX’s interior design combines elegance and fine craftsmanship. Some of the key design features are for instance signature driver-oriented cockpit, thin chrome accents. The color themes offered here are: Wheat, Graphite or Java leather appointments with Kasane Washi trim accent, or available through the Deluxe Touring Package – Maple trim accent.
Available as part of the Deluxe Touring Package is an Advanced Climate Control System (ACCS) with Plasmacluster™ air purifier, Grape Polyphenol filter and auto recirculation.
Other interior comfort and convenience items include: RearView Monitor®, sequential welcome lighting illuminated entry system, eight cupholders and six bottle holders, front and 2nd row armrests with storage, Bluetooth® Hands-free Phone System, six-speaker AM/FM/CD audio system, USB Connection Port for iPod® interface and other compatible devices, XM® Satellite Radio (XM® subscription required, sold separately), power windows with one-touch up/down with auto-reverse feature, power door locks with automatic locking feature, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob. The 2013 Infiniti JX also offers innovations in terms of technologies: 15-speaker Bose® Cabin Surround® sound system with Acoustic Waveguide bass technology, innovative Infiniti Connection telematics system. The latter provides navigation guidance to appointments and automatically synch the owner’s schedule through Google Calendar™. It also will be added to other Infiniti navigation-equipped models in the near future and will include Connection services such as: 24-hour Automatic Crash Notification, Emergency Call, Enhanced Roadside Assistance, stolen vehicle reporting, Remote Door Lock/Unlock, Alarm Notification, Maintenance Alert, Scheduled Maintenance Notification and My Schedule.
On the other hand the technology feature Backup Collision Intervention (BCI) will help the driver detect crossing vehicles and objects behind the JX, and, if necessary, the system can automatically engage the brakes to help avoid a collision.
Another advanced system the Around View™ Monitor (AVM) with Moving Object Detection (MOD). What this system basically does is that it shows the driver a virtual 360-degree image of the area around the JX. It serves to enhance the driver’s situational awareness by providing visual and audible warnings if the system detects moving objects within the displayed image.
More available technologies included in the crossover are Lane Departure Warning (LDW) and Lane Departure Prevention (LDP) systems, which use small camera installed behind the windshield. The camera detects lane markers in front of the vehicle, calculate its position relative to those lane markers and help warn the driver of a potential unintended lane departure with a visual indicator and audible signal.
Next comes the Blind Spot Warning (BSW) system, which illuminates an indicator light if another vehicle is detected in the blind spot area. In addition, there is also a Blind Spot Intervention™ (BSI) system. The latter provides selective braking if the vehicle approaches an adjacent lane while another vehicle is detected in the blind spot area to help the driver return the vehicle back toward the center of the lane of travel.
The advanced system, named Intelligent Cruise Control (Full-Speed Range), is another innovation included in the JX. It uses a combination of laser sensors, throttle and brake actuators. The JX’s braking system, measures the distance to the vehicle ahead and automatically adjusts the speed to help maintain a pre-selected following distance.
The Distance Control Assist (DCA) intuitively prompts the driver to release the throttle and applies the brakes in slowing traffic. Along with it are also being offered: Intelligent Brake Assist (IBA) with Forward Collision Warning (FCW) and front Pre-Crash Seat Belts.
The 2013 Infiniti JX’s has a full range of standard safety features which comprises of: an Advanced Air Bag System (AABS) with dual-stage supplemental front air bags with seat belt and occupant classification sensors; roof-mounted curtain side impact supplemental air bags with rollover sensor for outboard occupant head protection for all three rows; front seat-mounted side impact supplemental air bags; 3-point front seat belts with pretensioners, load limiters and seat belt reminder; 3-point seat belts for all rear seat occupants (including center position); LATCH System (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren), Zone Body construction with front and rear crumple zones and steel side-door guard beams.
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) comes as a standard and it features an individual tire pressure display and Tire Inflation Indicator. It serves to maintain proper tire pressure, thus handling performance, fuel economy and long tire life.
At last, there is also a Remote Engine Start System included, which allows the driver the option of starting the JX distantly with the help of a remote keyless entry system.
More importantly however, is the fact that the vehicle is offered with Intelligent All-Wheel Drive. The standard 3.5-litre DOHC V6 is mated to a sport-tuned Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT), thus providing high responsiveness and seamless, efficient shifting feel.
The engine is produces 265 hp (195 kW) @ 6,400 rpm and 336 Nm (248 lb-ft of torque) @ 4,400 rpm. The fuel economy is rated at 8.5 L/100km Highway, 11.5 L/100km City and a real-world 10.2 L/00km Combined.
Another feature is the Infiniti Drive Mode Selector, which utilizes a rotary switch mounted in the center console. With its help the driver can choose between four drive modes – Standard, Sport, Eco and Snow.
Moreover, JX’s braking system comprises of a 4-wheel vented disc design with Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist.
The crossover rides on 18-inch split 5-spoke aluminum-alloy wheels with 235/65R18 T-rated all-season tires. Al this comes as a standard. Polished 20-inch forged aluminum-alloy wheels are also available as an option. The JX os offered with an optional Premium Package, which consists of: Infiniti Hard Drive Navigation System with 8-inch WVGA colour touch-screen display, Infiniti Voice Recognition, XM NavTraffic® with Real-Time Traffic Information, and Zagat Survey® Restaurant Guide, Streaming Audio via Bluetooth®, Infiniti Connection, Around View® Monitor with Moving Object Detection and front and rear sonar sensors, and Bose® 13-speaker Premium sound system with Acoustic Waveguide bass technology; dual occupant memory system front driver’s seat, steering wheel and outside mirrors, entry/exit assist for driver’s seat and steering wheel, Enhanced Intelligent Key, outside mirrors with reverse tilt-down feature, and auto-dimming inside mirror with HomeLink® Universal Transceiver.
And if the customer chooses the Deluxe Touring Package, they will add to their JX the following equipment: Bose® Cabin Surround® 15-speaker sound system with digital 5.1-channel decoding and Acoustic Waveguide bass technology, Maple interior accents, 20-inch split 5-spoke aluminum-alloy wheels with 235/55R20 tires, panoramic moonroof with power rear sunshade, Advanced Climate Control System (ACCS) with auto recirculation, Plasmacluster™ air purifier and Grape Polyphenol Filter, climate-controlled front seats, and heated 2nd row outboard seats.
Another option being offered is the Driver Assistance Package, which will enrich the vehicle with the following characteristics: Backup Collision Intervention (BCI), Intelligent Cruise Control (Full Speed Range), Intelligent Brake Assist (IBA) with Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Blind Spot Warning (BSW) system, Distance Control Assistance (DCA), Active Trace Control, Eco Pedal, heated steering wheel and remote engine start.
At last, but not least comes the Technology Package which includes all of the features of the Driver Assistance Package, as well as Lane Departure Warning (LDW) and Lane Departure Prevention (LDP) systems, Blind Spot Intervention™ (BSI) system and front Pre-Crash Seatbelts.
The new McLaren MP4-12C GT3 is ready for race debut in 2012, following an intensive development programme in 2011. The competitive race season begins for new McLaren GT customer teams in Germany on 31 March, with the opening rounds of the VLN and ADAC GT Masters championships at the Nürburgring Nordschliefe and Oschersleben respectively.
Renault has priced the new Twingo Renaultsport 133. It is now available from £13 565 OTR coming with restyled exterior, new interior and a lot of standard extras.
A production ready BMW 1-Series M135i 5-door hatchback was spied by BimmerToday.de. The painted in Estoril Blau car sits calm in a parking lot in Germany and doesn’t reveal any of its brutal characteristics.The performance vehicle was firstly introduced as the M135i Concept at the Geneva Motor Show earlier this month. The F20 135i M Performance comes with a sport-tuned suspension, a M-sport brake system, a set of Shadow Line 18” M light alloys with a double spoke design.Of course, the car comes with complete ///M-package consisting of an aggressive front bumper, modified side skirts and restyled rear bumper housing the single round chrome tailpipes at each end of it.The M135i is powered by the famous 3.0 liter straight-six N55 petrol engine featuring twin-scroll turbocharger. The exact figures are not mentioned, but probably it will have 306HP (225 kW) and 400Nm (295 lb-ft).Stay tuned for more information.
Toyota has announced their line-up for the new season. The Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship begins this weekend and the manufacturer will take place in it with independent racers Frank Wrathall, Tony Hughes and Adam Morgan.
Alfa Romeo UK has announced the full specs and price list for the 2012 Giulietta TCT.
