There’s something going on behind the curtain at Citroen‘s. Supposedl a DS9 is on its way. We don’t have much information to thrive on but rumor has it that we are talking about a replacement fot the C6 based on the Metropolis concept revealed 2 years ago at the Shanghai World Fair. Oh, and then there are these two images. So, estate it is.
The Metropolis then. It was based on a C6 platform, only longer and had a 2.0-litre V6, 272 bhp petrol engine that was backed up with a 95 bhp electric motor. Pretty standard hybrid stuff: all-electric mode, petrol mode and dual mode. A 7-speed double clutch transmission crunched whatever power was coming from the drivetrains and powered up all fours. The Metropolis was not only showcased in Shanghai, but it was also designed there (in Citroen’s Shanghai studio).
So let the guessing game begin. Will the newcomer be anything even close to the Metropolis or a completely new idea? Which markets will benefit from it?
Mazda has unveiled their new racing car – MX-5 GT 2.0 litre, which will take part in the British GT Championship in 2012. Sponsored by SMH Fleet Solutions, Mazda Financial Services and Jota Aviation, the Mazda MX-5 GT will compete in the GT4 class against Lotus, Aston Martin, Ginetta and Nissan.
The 2012 Mazda MX-5 GT4 weighs just 1 000kg. It is powered by a 2.0 liter four-cylinder racing engine delivering 315HP. The engine is mated to a 6-speed Hewland gearbox enabling the car to accelerate to 60mph in 3.0 seconds. The top speed is 258 km/h (160 mph). This makes the car the fastest and most powerful MX-5 in the World.
The outstanding handling that has made the MX-5 a favourite amongst drivers looking for an outstanding drive experience has been further developed through the race programme in 2011 with the help of MIRA, the Motor Industry Research Agency. The MX-5 GT4 demonstrates high levels of stability under all loads making the car easy and fun to drive, an important feature for the longer endurance races.
Last season the Mazda MX-5 GT demonstrated its strengths in endurance racing, while it is not as powerful as rivals it uses less fuel and is easier on tyres. This translates to less time in the pits and more time on the track which is a winning formula.
The British GT Championship is nine rounds over seven weekends. The first race is at Oulton Park in Cheshire on Easter weekend, 7 and 9 April.
“We are looking forward to taking on the supercar brands this year and winning,” said Jeremy Thomson, Managing Director for Mazda UK.
“Last year was a valuable development year when we established the strengths of the car and then developed the power and handling to best exploit those strengths. We are excited and optimistic about our first year in British GT and fully expect the Mazda MX-5 to upset a few established marques.”, he finished.
We lived to see Hyundai to win an award in Business Car Manager’s annual competition. Originally, the manufacturer has been creating affordable and reliable cars, but now their models are not cheap, at all. 2012 Hyundai i40 can be priced up to £25 895 as it starts from £18 395. Nearly 25 thousand pounds for Hyundai is a lot.
However, the i40 Tourer is named Best Estate Car as it outrun the competition by far. Among them you’ll find Ford Mondeo Estate, Volvo V50 DRIVe and Skoda Octavia Estate.
“To take the Best Estate Car award is a huge honour for us and it bears testimony to just how well the i40 Tourer performs. The lowest BiK tax rates coupled with ultra-efficient engines, premium levels of equipment and space and practicality make the i40 Tourer the ideal business estate car.”, commented Tony Whitehorn, President and CEO Hyundai Motor UK.
“We’ve brought together the very best and while they straddle a mix of classes and sectors, they’re united by one attribute – they’re all great additions to your business. Hyundai’s continued growth in the UK has seen it launch several new top-quality cars for business users. The i40 Tourer is one such car that fully deserves this award as it provides a compelling alternative to the established rivals. If you also factor in low running costs and a 5 Year Triple Care warranty you get an estate car that’s a cut above.”, Ralph Morton, Editor of Business Car Manager added.
The Business Car Manager Best Estate Car Award is the third major honour that the i40 Tourer has won since its launch in September last year. It has already won the Best Estate Car title at the 2011 Scottish Car of the Year Awards along with the Golden Award at the 2011 EuroCarBody Conference.
Renault Avantime Grand Tourer Coupe celebrates its 10th anniversary in the UK. To mark the occasion a special meeting is being held for owners and enthusiasts next month.
The vehicle was super-luxurious back in 2002, when it hit the market. It was designed by Patrick le Quément. To commemorate the car’s latest milestone, the Avantime Owners Club will drive their iconic cars to the Transport Museum in Coventry on April 7 to chat about the Renault design classic, share stories and admire plenty of pristine examples of the eye-catching models on display.
Renault Avantime combines comfort, style and performance wrapped in a distinctive, innovative, attention-grabbing body, with design project manager Thierry Metroz admitting at the time he “wanted someone walking around the car to be continually astonished”.
It is one of a few concept cars produced by a volume manufacturer that has gone straight into production within a year of first being seen by the general public, and redefined luxury travel and passenger safety at the time.
The combination of performance and driving enjoyment, the luxury of interior space and comfort, heightened by the panoramic glass roof and four windows which could all be lowered at the touch of a button –advanced on-board technology and a powerful engine put Avantime at the top of the wish list of anyone seeking to stand out from the crowd, see and be seen, in style and in comfort.
2012 Renault Avantime
Avantime is powered by a powerful 3.0 liter 24-valve V6 with 210PS (155 kW) capable of doing 225 km/h (140mph). It is mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox.
Production only lasted 12 months due to Matra being unable to find a replacement model for Espace III production that was coming to a close leaving them with too much excess capacity. This has made Avantime, which was also available in a 2.0 Turbo in Dynamique guise and a 3.0 V6 automatic on the flagship Privilege version, something of a rarity on the roads and helped to build a cult following among current and past owners and enthusiasts of these iconic design classics.
The Avantime Owners Club 10th anniversary meeting takes place at the Coventry Motor Museum on Saturday, April 7 from 9am.
Scion has just announced pricing for the 2013 Scion FR-S compact rear-wheel drive sports car, which start at $24 200 (MSRP). The vehicle is equipped with a six-speed manual transmission. However, it has a version that comes with a six-speed automatic transmission that features paddle shifters and rev-match technology and is priced at $25 300. The Scion will go on sale this spring.
The FR-S acronym in the name of the car stands for Front-engine, Rear-wheel drive, Sport. It delivers an authentic rear-wheel-drive sports car with very well balanced performance and handling, compelling style, flexible utility and surprising fuel efficiency. Moreover, the vehcle is designed around the core goal of achieving “Pure Balance”, which begins with the strategic use of the world’s only flat boxer engine in a front-engine, rear-wheel drive configuration. The engine has a compact size and flat shape, which allows to be mounted extremely low, giving the car a dynamically favorable front-to-rear weight ratio of 53:47 and a low center of gravity. Furthermore, the Scion has a 2.0-liter, naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine, which comes as a result of a joint development between Toyota and Subaru. In this work of collaboration Subaru’s newly developed, horizontally opposed engine will be combined with Toyota’s cutting edge D-4S injection system that incorporates both direct and port injection. The D-4S system, partnered with a high 12.5:1 compression ratio, results in 200 hp (147 kW) and 151 pound-feet of torque. This engine is mated to a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic transmission. The manual offers quick, precise shifts with a short-throw; while the automatic features aggressive up shifts and sporty rev-matched down shifts that are initiated by steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters. Power is transferred to the pavement via a standard Torsen® limited-slip differential.
2013 Scion FR-S
In addition to this, the “Pure Balance” idea is further manifested by the FR-S’s lightweight design and compact size. This unique combination allows the car to be quick and with h dynamic high maneuverability, and confident handling. The coupe’s weight is minimized by using a lightweight aluminum hood, a solid roof, and by featuring a trunk design instead of a hatchback. This low weight is matched with a dynamically tuned suspension setup consisting of MacPherson struts up front and a double wishbone system in the rear. In addition, lightweight 17-inch alloy wheels and ventilated disc brakes are standard on all four corners.
The exterior of the car is really powerful: it reveals a hood and roof-line that is remarkably sleek and low, giving it an aerodynamic shape that channels air cleanly over to the top. In addition, the aggressive front fenders protrude upward and boast the iconic ‘86’ piston emblem. The rear fascia sits low and wide, with aerodynamic lower treatments that surround the sporty dual exhaust system. Of course, a today model can’t go without LEDs. Here they illuminate the edgy taillights, while center-mounted backup lights finish the muscular design. The 2013 Scion FR-S will be available in seven colors including Raven, Asphalt, Hot Lava, Argento, Ultramarine, Firestorm and Whiteout.
What about the interior: the FR-S’s interior includes a 2+2 seating configuration. The front seats include deep bolsters, they are mounted extremely low, while the rear seat folds down flat, creating flexible space. The large center-mounted tachometer is the focus of the three-gauge cluster and features a programmable shift-indicator. Here, the speed is being monitored by both digital and analog gauges. The 2013 FR-S features a sporty leather-trimmed steering wheel with tilt and telescopic adjustment. As a standard in the vehicle are included eight-speaker AM/FM/CD/USB 300-watt maximum output Pioneer™ audio system, HD Radio™ technology, Bluetooth® connectivity.
Furthermore, regarding thee safety features, the FR-S comes with six airbags, including dual-stage advanced driver- and front-passenger airbags, front-seat-mounted airbags and side-curtain airbags. In addition, it also includes the Star Safety System with Traction Control (TRAC), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Enhanced Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Brake Assist (BA), an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), and Smart Stop Technology (SST).
The new 2012 Mercedes-Benz GLK will offer excelent driving dynamics to all its customers. In addition to that is its outstanding driving safety and ride comfort. What is visible at first sight is the new design interpretation that the SUV got. The body combines classic elements of all-terrain vehicles: stringent lines, expansive surfaces and the smooth-surfaced, volume-emphasizing front and rear areas harmonise with the hallmark GLK body features. The functional exterior features also include: short overhangs, the upright front end, slender roof pillars, a steep windscreen and taut roof line. The neatly designed body and the good all-round visibility combined with the seat position improve suitability for everyday use, but also provide excitement in driving.
Furthermore, beneath the newly designed headlamps, all models offer LED daytime driving lights in a chrome clasp as standard. The radiator follows the design idiom of all current passenger car models. The basic model comes with reflection-type headlamps. On models featuring the Intelligent Light System (ILS), the headlamp comprises the projection unit, a reflector and the torch with LED fibre-optic cables for the position light, above which the turn signal indicators consisting of individual LEDs are located. The roof rails in a totally new design are particularly striking in the side view. Next, the rear bumper gives sporty character to the GLK’s rear. At the rear, the tail lights have undergone a complete transformation: fibre-optic cables and LEDs are also employed to provide the GLK’s rear end with a unique and characteristic night design. Next, what is new in the 2012 GLK are the newly developed wheels in size 43.2 cm (17-inch), 48.3 cm (19-inch) and 50.8 cm (20-inch), which are available in various paint finishes or with a high-sheen finish.
There is of course an AMG Sports package for the GLK featured. First an AMG Exterior Sports package is available and in details it includes: AMG front and rear apron, the specific radiator grille with two chrome slats, AMG LED daytime driving lights, 48.3 cm (19-inch) AMG 5-spoke light-alloy wheels and a sporty suspension setup.
2012 Mercedes-Benz GLK
And what about the interior of the GLK interior? As you might conclude yourself, the newly designed GLK interior offers design, a quality feel and a choice of high-quality materials. The designers had given a complete makeover of the dashboard: wide trim in aluminium or optionally in wood spans the entire width of the dashboard; the new round vents and additional trim elements in silver shadow are also included; a high-end colour display is optionally available for the instrument cluster; a three-spoke sports steering wheel, new upholstery colours and seat designs plus indirect ambient lighting featuring LED fibre-optic technology. The Interior Sports package which was available for the predecessor model has been also upgraded, with sports seats, three-spoke multifunction steering wheel in nappa leather, black sports seats in ARTICO man-made leather/DINAMICA microfibre with stitching in alpaca grey (alternatively real black leather upholstery), door centre panels in ARTICO man-made leather with diagonal stitching, shift lever in nappa leather with chrome surround and sports pedals in brushed stainless steel. Furthermore, the 2012 Mercedes-Benz GLK is fitted with the Audi 20 CD radio as standard. It has the following functions and tools: Twin tuner, TFT display with 14.7 cm (5.8″) diagonal, mp3/wma/aac-compatible CD drive, USB interface incl; CD cover display, AUX-IN socket in the centre armrest, Bluetooth® interface with hands-free function and audio streaming for music transfer; telephone keypad.
2012 Mercedes-Benz GLK Interior
Further improvements in the GLK are possible thank to the assistance systems featured, which is similar to those from the S- and E-Class. It works in terms of active safety and driver-fitness safety. The optional equipment includes the ATTENTION ASSIST drowsiness detection system or the PRE‑SAFE® anticipatory safety system. There are also additional assistance systems, including active variants, such as the Active Parking Assist, which enables fully automatic manoeuvring into and out of parking spaces. Other system packages are for instance Driving Assistance package Plus, which comprises DISTRONIC PLUS including BAS PLUS, PRE-SAFE® Brake, Active Lane Keeping Assist and Active Blind Spot Assist.
Of course, this new and modern 2012 GLK comes with wide range of engines, which provide driving comfort and attractive performance. More importantly, they also low emissions and fuel consumption. All in all there are six diesel model engines and a petrol one.
Model
Cyl.
cc
kW/hp
at rpm
Nm from
rpm
0-100
km/h (s)
Vmax
km/h
l/100 km
NEDC combined
CO2
g/km
GLK 200 CDI
BlueEFFICIENCY
4
2143
105/143
3200-4600
350
1200-2800
10.8
(10.3)
190
(195)
5.6-6.0
(5.5-5.6)
145-156
(143-147)
GLK 220 CDI
BlueEFFICIENCY
4
2143
125/170
3200-4200
400
1400-2800
8.7
(8.5)
205
(205)
5.6-6.0
(5.5-5.6)
145-156
(143-147)
GLK 220 CDI 4MATIC BlueEFFICIENCY
4
2143
125/170
3200-4200
400
1400-2800
8.8
205
6.1-6.5
159-168
GLK 220 BlueTEC 4MATIC
4
2143
125/170
3200-4200
400
1400-2800
8.8
205
6.1-6.5
159-169
GLK 250 BlueTEC 4MATIC
4
2143
150/204
4200
500
1600-2800
8.0
210
6.1-6.5
159-169
GLK 350 CDI 4MATIC BlueEFFICIENCY
V6
2987
195/265
3800
620
1600-2400
6.4
232
6.9-7.0
179-183
GLK 350 4MATIC BlueEFFICIENCY
V6
3498
225/306
6500
370
3500-5250
65
238
8.1-8.6
189-199
Furthermore, the GLK 250 BlueTEC 4MATIC boasts the most powerful four-cylinder diesel engine in the SUV world. It has a direct-injection engine which is rated at 150 kW (204 hp) and generating 500 Nm (369 lb-ft) of torque from 2143 ccSome of the key merits are the engine’s torquey character, its top speed and its flexibility. What needs to be highlighted here is the extremely low fuel consumption: the compression-ignition engine consumes 6.1 to 6.5 litres of diesel per 100 kilometres! The CO2 emissions stand at 159-169 grams per kilometre. Similarly to the GLK 220 BlueTEC 4MATIC model, it also complies with the EU6 emissions standard and the US BIN 5 standard.
Next, the two rear-wheel drive models GLK 200 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY and GLK 220 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY with six-speed manual transmission are even more fuel-efficient! Both versions deliver 5.5 – 5.6 litres of diesel per hundred kilometres (143 – 147 g CO2/km) of fuel consumption. However, the top performer among the diesel versions is the GLK 350 CDI 4MATIC BlueEFFICIENCY: it has the whole 620 Nm (458 lb-ft) of torque which come from the V6 compression-ignition engine with exceptional power delivery from low revs. At the heart of the BlueDIRECT technology package is the third-generation spray-guided direct petrol engine with piezo injectors. In combination with multi-spark ignition, this technology offers further potential for fuel savings. Not only this comprehensive package of BlueEFFICIENCY contributes for the low fuel consumption, but also the ECO start/stop function that comes as standard. These measures include the seven-speed 7G-TRONIC PLUS automatic transmission, which comes as a standard on all 4MATIC models of the GLK. In addition, the standard-fit ECO display in the instrument cluster also enables the driver to check his driving style with regard to the prevailing fuel consumption level.
Next to be mentioned is the safety equipment featured in the GLK, which includes as a standard: airbags for driver and front passenger, kneebag for driver, pelvis bag
for driver and front passenger, sidebag for driver and front passenger, windowbag for driver, front passenger and rear passengers; seat occupancy recognition for front passenger seat; crash-responsive pedals; ISOFIX child seat anchorage points in the rear and Top Tether attachment points on the rear of the rear seat backrest; 5 head restraints, height- and tilt-adjustable for driver, front passenger and in the rear, crash-responsive NECK-PRO head restraints for driver and front passenger; 3-point seat belts including mechanical belt height adjustment and belt force limiter for driver and front passenger plus automatic belt height adjustment on the outer rear seats, belt status display for rear seats in the instrument cluster; pedestrian protection with active bonnet. The active safety equipment package includes: ADAPTIVE BRAKE including Hill-Start Assist, HOLD function, brake drying in the wet and priming, AGILITY CONTROL suspension with selective damping system, Antilock Brake System (ABS), Acceleration Skid Control (ASR), Brake Assist (BAS), assisting the driver with additional brake power
when emergency braking is detected, Direct-Steer system with speed-sensitive power assistance and variable steering ratio; STEER CONTROL, which supports the driver in unstable driving conditions by triggering an impulse which can be felt on the steering wheel, prompting countersteering by the driver in the correct direction; ESP® Electronic Stability Program including trailer stabilization; 4MATIC permanent all-wheel drive with 4ETS electronic traction system (except for GLK 200/220 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY); Tyre pressure loss warning.
2012 Mercedes-Benz GLK Interior
All seven models of the GLK come as standard with range of equipment designed to optimise safety, comfort and agility for the occupants and driver. The standard features of the interior includes electrically adjustable front seats with height and backrest adjustment, a folding armrest for driver and front passenger with stowage compartment, a folding rear armrest with double cup holder and stowage compartment, THERMATIC 2-zone automatic climate control, 12 V sockets in the centre console and the luggage compartment, power windows all-round with one-touch control and automatic reversing function and a trip computer with current consumption indicator. There are also available as a standard: rain sensor, Headlamp Assist, central locking with infrared radio remote control, cruise control with SPEEDTRONIC variable speed limiter (except for GLK 200/220 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY) and outside temperature indicator, green-tinted heat-insulating glass all-round, heated, electrically adjustable exterior mirrors in body colour with aspherically curved glass and integrated indicator and 43.2 cm (17-inch) 7-spoke light-alloy wheels. The individual options include broad choice of metallic and non-metallic paints and the vast range of interior options. There is a choice of ten metallic and non-metallic paints and two special paint finishes in diamond white BRIGHT metallic and luzonite grey. The interior can be further customized and appointed in a variety of styles ranging from sporty to classically elegant. The range of single-tone interior options includealpaca grey, various beige tones, black; in addition the range of the available two-tone design leather finishes are black/corteccia, black/porcelain and black/light brown.
The 2012 Mercedes-Benz GLK is being offered in seven model versions with starting price of 36 235 Euros.
2012 Kia Rio 1.1 CRDi EcoDynamics has been named “Best sub-100g/km business car” in the Business Car Manager Best Business Car 2012 Awards.
It emits just 85 g/km CO2, which is the lowest of any non-electric vehicle currently on sale. The Rio 1.1 CRDi EcoDynamics impressed the Business Car Manager judges as an overall ownership proposition and not just for its class-leading green attributes.
2012 Kia Rio starts at just £9 995 OTR and the 1.1 CRDi EcoDynamics model is available from £11 895. The entire Rio range is available with Kia’s fixed price servicing plans, Care-3 and Care-3 Plus, which offer 3 or 5 years servicing from just £269.
“Any Kia Rio is a good car – but the EcoDynamics version is a champion. It returns a staggering 88mpg and emits just 85g/km of CO2 thanks to a punchy and characterful 1.1-litre three-cylinder diesel engine.”, said Commenting on the Rio’s win, Ralph Morton, Editor, Business Car Manager.
“As well as those cheap running costs, the Rio boasts an ownership experience that is anything but. This is a compact hatchback that looks just as smart as its Ford Fiesta and Vauxhall Corsa rivals – while inside there’s plenty of space, the cabin is really well made and there’s lots of equipment. It’s precise to drive too. You certainly don’t feel like a second-class citizen in a Rio; it’s a genuine class-beater.”, Mr. Morton added.
The Business Car Manager award is the Rio EcoDynamic’s third so far in 2012 having already scooped CarBuyer’s 2012 Green Car of the Year Award as well as having been singled out for special praise in Kia’s What Car? 2012 Ultra-Low-Carbon Award.
The all-new 2014 Chevrolet Impala full-size sedan will debut at this year’s New York International Auto Show which is going to take place next month. Chevrolet is also going to exhibit a transformed version of the 2013 Cehvrolet Traverse crossover utility vehicle. The only information that we have about those models are these two exclusively released teaser pictures, showing just a little peace of the vehicles. The new Impala model will further empower Chevrolet’s passenger car lineup by offering consumers a full-size sedan. In fact, Impala has been one of Chevrolet’s best-selling models since 1958. The all-new version of the Impala builds on that heritage.
On the other hand the refreshed 2013 Chevrolet Traverse was designed to deliver to families a new gathering space. It includes elements of style and refinement both inside and outside. It is also going to offer new and industry-exclusive safety features. Moreover Traverse model is among the safest vehicles on the road today. In this 2013 model, Chevrolet has added to the Traverse industry’s first front center air bag, which is engineered to protect drivers and front passengers in far-side impact crashes. What basically happens is that the air bag deploys in milliseconds and inflates between the driver and front passenger, providing added protection for both front occupants. Furthermore, the new edition of the crossover offers a wide variety of improvements in terms of ride and handling, interior materials and exterior styling.
Porsche will celebrate the 40th anniversary of the iconic 911 RS 2.7 at Techno Classica, in Essen, Germany, from March 21-25.
Techno Classica is the world’s largest trade fair dedicated to classic cars, and this year’s event will see Porsche Classic showcase its wide range of customer services on a stand more than twice as large as last year’s.
To mark the occasion, two racing versions of the 911 Carrera RS from the Porsche Museum in Stuttgart are on display. The first is a 1973 911 Carrera RSR delivering 330HP, which is joined by the ultimate RS variant, the 1974 911 Carrera RSR Turbo. It produces 500HP from a small 2.1 liter turbocharged flat-six engine.
The RS-themed display is completed by a 911 Carrera RS 2.7 road car, which has been restored by the Porsche Classic workshop specialists. Also on show is an early Porsche 911, which is currently being restored for a customer at Porsche Classic.
1973 Porsche 911 RSR
Experts from Porsche Classic will be on hand to provide advice and practical assistance to visitors regarding the preservation and maintenance of their historic vehicles. They will also provide information on the availability of Porsche Classic original spare parts. Especially noteworthy, for example, is the coveted “orange” Porsche bonnet badge of the 911 models from 1965 to 1973, which has been not been available since 1974. In 2012, this will be re-released once more.
Together with a Porsche Museum information stand, Porsche Exclusive & Tequipment will also be represented on the spacious 600 plus square metre stand. A custom-equipped 911 Carrera of the current 991 model series is being used to showcase the comprehensive personalisation options.
Porsche Design Driver’s Selection rounds off the varied offering on the Porsche stand with a wide selection of Porsche.
Autocar has released a new video review of Mercedes-Benz SL500 (R231). The SL-class is firstly launched in 1952 and this year the model celebrates its 60th anniversary.
The 2012 SL-class features entirely changed exterior, chassis, drivetrain and interior. That’s why, when Mercedes states “all-new”, they mean it. The platform is different and the model is the first to get all-aluminum body shell, which weighs a 110 kg less than if it was built from steel. The folding hard-top is also lighter, because it is made from magnesium. Other innovation is the Magic Vision Control, which consists of washing nozzles in the wipers of the car.
So, the new SL is lighter, faster and more efficient. It is simply a better car, than the outgoing version. Still, we don’t appreciate the exterior look, but hopefully we will get used to it.
2012 Mercedes-Benz SL500 is powered by a 4.7 liter twin-turbocharged V8 with 430HP (316 kW) and 699Nm (516 lb-ft) of torque. 0-100 km/h in 4.6 seconds and a top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph) – electronically limited. Despite all that power, it will return 31 mpg on combined cycle. The engine is mated to a 7-speed automatic gearbox with three modes – Manual, Sport and Economy.
The standard suspension of the vehicle includes semi-adjustable dampers delivering comfort ride.
The SL500 is expected to cost around £82 000, when it hits the UK market.
Check out the full video review made by Vicky Parrot.
In response to current events (the arrival of the all-new SL), Prior Design are widening their portfolio. This particular program, the PD-BlackEdition Widebody, still concerns the old, face lifted R230 SL. And we have actually seen this before, but lo and behold, a new photo shoot has been made.
Not having to do anything with AMG Black series, this PD-Black Edition Widebody kit consists of a multitude of aerodynamic parts which greatly alter the SL’s stance. There’s a Black Edition front bumper and a spoiler for it. The side skirts act as an extension for the front bumper and at the back we have another Black Edition bumper with a ferocious looking diffuser. Most kits would refrain from reaching out to anything else, but the PD-Black Edition Widebody dares to replace the front fenders with ones that have more flare in them. Additionally. the rear has been widened as well. There are mesh grill inserts here and there and the hood is new. As an option, one can go for the trunk spoiler which costs $795
Every part from the kit is TÜV certified and made from quality Dura-Flex FRP (Fiber Reinforced Plastic) – flexible and paint friendly. All materials need for the fitment process are also included. Should an SL be pre-2008, one has to convert it to post-2008 (MOPF II). That can also be done by prior. The price for the kit however, is a bit steep – $17,130 (excluding the spoiler). What do you think? Worth it?
Chevrolet has announced the all-new 2013 Trailblazer, which will make its official debut at the 33rd Bangkok International Motor Show in Thailand. First previewed in concept form at last year’s Dubai International Motor Show in the Middle East, the Trailblazer will go on sale around the world, beginning with Thailand in June.
The new Trailblazer is based on Colorado and features new rough styling and body-on-frame construction offering nice riding quality as well as good off-road skills.
The interior features leading interior space and intuitive three-row tumble and fold-flat seating, representing Chevrolet’s most significant play in the competitive body-on-frame midsize SUV segment.
The engine range includes two diesel units – a 2.5 liter with 150PS (110 kW) and 350Nm (258 lb-ft) and a 2.8 liter developing 180PS (132 kW) and 470Nm (346 lb-ft). Both are mated to a 5-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic as an option. The new Trailblazer comes out with only two-wheel-drive, but AWD is available as an option.
2013 Chevrolet Trailblazer
“True to its name, the Trailblazer will blaze the trail for new Chevrolet vehicles coming into the market. It has been built tough to offer Chevrolet customers everything they need from a heavy-duty SUV,” , commented Martin Apfel, president, GM Southeast Asia and Chevrolet Sales Thailand.
The Trailblazer range boasts an impressive array of active and passive safety features, including:
Electronic Stability Control
Anti-lock Braking System
Hydraulic Brake Assist
Traction Control
Dynamic Rear Brake Proportioning (first use of Rear Drive Brake in the market)
Electronic Brake-force Distribution
Panic Brake Assist
Engine Drag Control
Hill Descent Control
Driver and Occupant Air Bag Protection
Pricing, full specifications and features will be released shortly, so stay tuned.
There’s something going on behind the curtain at Citroen‘s. Supposedl a DS9 is on its way. We don’t have much information to thrive on but rumor has it that we are talking about a replacement fot the C6 based on the Metropolis concept revealed 2 years ago at the Shanghai World Fair. Oh, and then there are these two images. So, estate it is.
Mazda has unveiled their new racing car – MX-5 GT 2.0 litre, which will take part in the British GT Championship in 2012. Sponsored by SMH Fleet Solutions, Mazda Financial Services and Jota Aviation, the Mazda MX-5 GT will compete in the GT4 class against Lotus, Aston Martin, Ginetta and Nissan.
We lived to see Hyundai to win an award in Business Car Manager’s annual competition. Originally, the manufacturer has been creating affordable and reliable cars, but now their models are not cheap, at all. 2012 Hyundai i40 can be priced up to £25 895 as it starts from £18 395. Nearly 25 thousand pounds for Hyundai is a lot.
Renault Avantime Grand Tourer Coupe celebrates its 10th anniversary in the UK. To mark the occasion a special meeting is being held for owners and enthusiasts next month.
2012 Kia Rio 1.1 CRDi EcoDynamics has been named “Best sub-100g/km business car” in the Business Car Manager Best Business Car 2012 Awards.
Porsche will celebrate the 40th anniversary of the iconic 911 RS 2.7 at Techno Classica, in Essen, Germany, from March 21-25.
Autocar has released a new video review of Mercedes-Benz SL500 (R231). The SL-class is firstly launched in 1952 and this year the model celebrates its 60th anniversary.
In response to current events (the arrival of the 
Chevrolet has announced the all-new 2013 Trailblazer, which will make its official debut at the 33rd Bangkok International Motor Show in Thailand. First previewed in concept form at last year’s Dubai International Motor Show in the Middle East, the Trailblazer will go on sale around the world, beginning with Thailand in June.
