The new 2012 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 will be delivered at dealerships in the spring. More importantly it will come with improved performance because of the new mounted automatic transmission with the latest General Motors’ improved TapShift technology. Since its introduction, TapShift has allowed drivers to control up- and down-shifts with paddle shifters. Now, GM powertrain engineers made a patent-pending software algorithm which enhances tap response time by up to 60 percent in comparison to the previous system! No hardware changes were required for the upgrade. This upgrade results in the acceleration time of the new 2012 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1’s six-speed automatic transmission, which now for 0-60 mph is 3.9 seconds. This is a tenth of a second faster than the manual transmission time. In details, by staging hydraulic pressure in the clutch for the next gear, the new control module algorithm reduces tap delay for the 1-2, 2-3, 3-4, and 4-5 up-shifts by 200-300 milliseconds. The TapShift system waits for shift requests based on current gear, throttle, torque and speed. By pre-filling the clutch for the next gear, the tap up-shift response is almost momentary. This makes the new Camaro the most powerful production of the model ever, which gets the fullest potential out of the supercharged 6.2L engine that is SAE-rated at 580 horsepower (432 kW) and 556 lb.-ft. of torque (754 Nm).
2012 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1
Customers of the new ZL1 have the choice between an automatic 6L90 transmission with TapShift manual mode and a six-speed manual transmission, both unmatched in their class. With 0 to 60 taking 3.9 seconds, and a top speed of 184 mph (296 km/h), the power and acceleration of the ZL1 automatic outstrip many other supercars. The 2012 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 Coupe will go on sale this spring.
Just few days before the awaited 2012 Geneva Motor Show, the New Generation 2012 Hyundai i30 Wagon has been previewed in the web. The vehicle is going to make its world debut at the aforementioned show. This is the second member of the New Generation i30 family, next to the joins the five-door hatchback. In addition, the classy wagon will also share the engines and the running gear with the well-received New Generation i30 five-door. However, it has a longer body which opens significant increase in trunk space without compromising the model’s dynamic styling. To be more precise, the i30 wagon’s overall length is increased by 185 mm to its five-door sibling, and 10 mm longer than the original i30 wagon. Moreover, the wagon is expanded in trunk space from 378-litres to best-in-class 528-litres. Additionally, when the passenger seats are folded down, the cargo volume increases more than three times: up to 1642-litres.
2013 Hyundai i30 Wagon
Furthermore, the front of the new model can be easily distinguished by Hyundai’s hexagon-shaped grille and jewel-like headlamps. The roofline is extended rearwards over the flexible passenger/cargo area. This adds more dynamism to the car’s stance and keeps up with the fluidic sculpture ethos of a stationary car appearing to be in motion. Additional improvements to the wagon’s dynamic appearance are for example the pronounced swage line which runs horizontally along the sides of the body and rises all the way to the rear lights; or the rear windscreen which wraps around the D-pillars and improves interior luminosity and visibility; or the deep tailgate, which gives the car a clean look and opens to bumper-level for easy loading.
The New Generation 2013 Hyundai i30 Wagon will be available in Europe with the same three petrol direct injection engines and three diesel engines as the five-door hatchback. They produce from 95 hp (70 kW) to 135 hp (100 kW). At last, the New Generation i30 wagon will be unveiled alongside Hyundai’s other newcomers during 2012 Geneva Motor Show.
Toyota have released some teasers about their latest concept – the FT-Bh which actually means Future Toyota B-segment hybrid. It will be an ultralight supermini, built with clever materials and run by clever technology for the greater good of society.
It is said to weigh no more than 800 kg yet it will be a 5-door. So that leaves around 50 kg for all the other parts (Im not much good at maths). Anyway. One would expect it to be green considering the lightness and the hybrid genes inside and one would be right – 50% less CO2 emissions than a modern 5-door counterpart.
The FT-Bh will also make use of some industry friendly materials for its made. In other words, no animal lives will be sacrificed for the interior, no mahogany will be lacquered for the panels and no liquid gold paint will be wasted on the brake calipers. In fact even the drivetrain will be optimized, or more accurately – downsized.
The FT-Bh is scheduled for a reveal at the 82nd Geneva Motor Show on the 6th of March, early in the morning.
The latest Honda Civic has been rated 5 stars in safety by Euro NCAP. The NCAP tests are the comparable to the Oscars when it comes to automotive safety. Not only has the Civic achieved the highest possible score but, people at NCAP also want to highlight the car’s Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS) by extending Honda‘s Euro NCAPAdvanced reward because of it.
The NCAP tests take into account large amounts of data for overall pedestrian and occupant safety and announce the results in the form of easy to digest figures for the public. The Honda boasted some great qualities that won the hearts of the NCAP engineers. The “Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) Body Structure” might have something to do with the Civic’s safety charm. The idea with this is to cope better with eventual car-to-car frontal accidents. The car’s structure allows better distribution of the forces experienced upon impact, which means less stress for the cabin and its occupants. A car participating in an accident with an ACE Civic may also benefit from these properties.
Pedestrian safety has also been addressed by the Honda engineers. The windscreen wiper pivots, for example, are designed to breakaway easily upon impact. Also the front wing mounds and the hood hinges have greater absorbing properties while there is enough space between the hood and the oily bits underneath which means more deformation and felxiblity.
Then there’s the standard stuff – some seriously advanced restraining for the occupants and a multitude of airbags all around to keep you safe from harm. Seriously, it has so many airbags that should they deploy all at once, there will be little to no space for you inside.
Honda Civic (2012)
The thing is, it is hard to have a crash in a Honda Civic in the first place. Thanks to an integrated CMBS, the car can detect moving or stationary objects from around a 100m distance up ahead. After detection it quickly decides if there is going to be a collision and if so it sets your hair on fire. Well, what it actually does is send signals to you that .. hey… you might have an accident. If you fail to response, the car will then tighten the seat belts and start applying the brakes (around 2 seconds before estimated impact). If a collision is assessed as inevitable, the system stomps even harder on the brakes and straps you to the seat as harshly as possible. The really impressive thing is that this system is capable of acting upon even at speeds of up to 100km/h on a motorway for example.
So there you go – the Civic joins a family of NCAP veterans, 5 star Honda vehicles. So far, the brand might be one of the safest ever in Europe.
Honda Civic (2012)
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Afzal Kahn has always maintained that combining technical perfection with aesthetic brilliance is his true calling. Recently, in the arsenal of his arguments, he has added yet another example – the Kahn Q7 wide track.
A voluminous amount of exterior parts have been added to form the vision of Afzal Kahn – the front fenders are now with huge vents complemented by flaring wheel arches on both ends. The front bumper is also new with, again, more vents on it and gunmetal gray detailing. Sill plates in stainless steel complete the sides while a distinctive rear wing juts out from the top, back end. Things that feel a little bit excessive are the daytime running LED lights which sort of flood the headlights and also the liquid gold calipers. It’s a good thing that the provided Kahn RSX22” wheels, with their complex spoke patterns, are not too reveling. As a rounding feature, Kahn design have also thrown in a stainless steel exhaust system with neat tailpipes hidden discreetly behind the new rear bumper.
The interior has also been restyled with strong contrasting accents – The dials the seats are wrapped in black quilted perforated nappa leather red stitched and with a red line across them. The rev counter and the speedo are both respectively colored in red and cream as if the dashboard is suffering from heterochromia. However, this is the place where usually the Kahn people offer unlimited versatility. A customer is free to choose from the widest spectrum of colors imaginable for both the exterior and interior.
Power will come from the standard Audi 3.0-liter TDI which sends 233 bhp trough an 8-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission. The price for this model here is $96 995
Alpina has announced the new boosted 2012 B5 Bi-Turbo. The sports saloon comes with more power, better acceleration and performance and improved fuel efficiency.
2012 Alpina B5 Bi-Turbo is powered by the famous twin-turbocharged 4.4 liter V8 now delivering 540PS (397 kW) and 730Nm (538 lb-ft). This is an increase of 33PS (24 kW) and 30Nm (22 lb-ft) over the previous version. The acceleration to 100 km/h is faster with 0.2 seconds – 4.5 s and the top speed is 319 km/h (198 mph), which is 12 km/h (7 mph) more.
The overall weight of the car is 1920 kg, which is a lot, but the performance is brutal. The fuel consumption is 10.5 litres per 100 km (26.9 mpg imp) with 244 g/km of CO2 – combined cycle.
The ride sits on enormous 20” Alpina Classic alloys 8.5J x 20” with 255/35 ZR20 front and 9.5J x 20” with 285/30 ZR20 rear tires.
The new version of B5 Bi-Turbo will make its official debut at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show, next month.
Volkswagen has announced the new Caddy Match Special Edition, which is already available at the UK market. The pricing starts at £14 110 for the entry level Caddy Match 1.6 litre TDI 75PS and goes up to £17 960 for the Caddy Maxi Match 2.0 litre TDI 140PS.
The Caddy Match adds equipment for £1 750 over the normal model. It includes AC, Bluetooth connectivity, electric windows, electrically operated and heated door mirrors, cruise control, trip computer, body-coloured bumpers and door mirrors, plus exclusive wheel trims. The options list includes DSG dual-clutch gearbox.
Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles also offers fixed-price service plans from £250 (plus VAT) for three years or 30 000 miles.
The latest version of Ford Ranger has cemented its position as the Europe’s safest pickup. It did that by passing Euro NCAP’s toughest-ever safety assessment. There has been introduced a new scoring system for 2012 and the pickup achieved the maximum possible five-star rating! This means that the vehicle remains the only one which got the whole five stars rating. In addition, the best-selling Ford Focus also got its five stars after being reassessed. The 2012 Euro NCAP ratings are the safety barometer. Obviously, safety is a core value for Ford Motor Company Ranger and Focus proves this philosophy, by meeting the highest standards demanded by Euro NCAP. Ranger has unique features designed to improve pedestrian protection performance including an under-bonnet structure which reduces the potential for pedestrian head injuries. The front bumper incorporates energy-absorbing materials designed to further enhance safety. The new Ford Ranger is the only vehicle in its class, which has achieved the highest possible rating.
Ford Tourneo Custom Concept will be previewed for the first time in the world at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show in March. It will bring more dynamism, new level of energy and style. Tourneo Custom Concept has a dramatic new look that will appeal to customers seeking style, functionality and space. In addition, the Tourneo Custom Concept features a wide variety of exciting new features that give the vehicle strong car-like appeal. For example, the vehicle includes all-new interior design with driver-focused cockpit, a luxurious, fully trimmed cabin which has the ambience and high-quality materials of a modern multi-seat saloon car. The concept vehicle also features a number of smart innovations including multi-adjustable and removable rear seating, advanced SYNC voice-activated, in-car connectivity system and the latest Ford low-CO2 ECOnetic Technologies.
Ford Tourneo Custom Concept
Moreover, the new Ford Tourneo Custom Concept carries an advanced, streamlined appearance with sportier stance, bold rising shoulder line and flush glazing. The Signature Kinetic Design features help give the Tourneo Custom Concept its unique character, including the bold trapezoidal grille, strong and muscular shoulder line, prominent wheel lips and window lines with the distinctive kick at the rear. Furthermore, additional improvements are delivered by number of stylish details from the chrome grille surround and striking LED lighting on the front-end, to the dynamic looks of the 18-inch alloy wheels. The interior is all-new. Moreover, it is luxurious and car-like. The stylish instrument panel is orientated around the driver, and features technologies which are closely-related to those in Ford’s car range. The interior follows the same Kinetic Design approach as well. Passengers in the rear are surrounded by space and luxury, with a fully-trimmed cabin that incorporates bold Kinetic Design detailing on the side panels which are linked to the graphical themes from the front. Additionally, the rear seats carry completely new design, and can be easily folded into multiple configurations, or even removed completely. This unique luxurious and spacious feel of the interior is further improved by an exclusive two-tone color scheme, featuring hand-stitched leather seats with attractive cloth inserts.
Some smart and innovative features included on the FordTourneo Custom Concept are: ECOnetic Technologies – Ford’s advanced low-CO2 features including Auto-Start-Stop and Smart Regenerative Charging; SYNC voice-activated, in-car connectivity system – enables mobile phones and music players to be connected to the vehicle, and controlled using voice control; Emergency Assistance – enabled by SYNC, assisting occupants to contact the Emergency Services in the event of an accident, providing vehicle location information; Advanced restraint system – including driver, passenger, side and curtain airbags; Rear-view camera – integrated into the rear view mirror; Lane Departure Warning and Driver Alert.
Furthermore the new concept vehicle offers outstanding performance and fuel economy. It is powered by a further improved 155 PS (114 kW) version of Ford’s 2.2-litre Duratorq TDCi diesel engine family. The Tourneo Custom Concept is based on a new Ford global platform. The aim of the new design philosophy is to deliver deliver car-like dynamics, including agile, responsive handling, enhanced ride comfort and reduced noise-levels.
Ford Tourneo Custom Concept
The Tourneo Custom Concept is a forerunner of the arrival of a completely new generation of Ford commercial vehicles, which full range of models will be revealed during 2012. The new family range will be powered by enhanced versions of the new 2.2-litre Duratorq TDCi diesel engine and has Auto-Stop-Start technology fitted as standard. In this way Ford is targeting best-in-class fuel economy. Three power ratings will be available: 100 PS (74 kW), 125 PS (92 kW) and 155 PS (114 kW). All versions are paired with a six-speed manual transmission and feature front-wheel drive.
A successful day for Mia Electric today, because its all three of its vehicles got the qualification for the ‘Plug-In Car’ and ‘Plug-In Van’ Grants. The Office for Low Emissions Vehicles (OLEV) determined that mia electric’s vehicles meet all the safety, reliability, performance and warranty standards necessary for the UK market. The Mia-U is currently on trial with a major UK company that is considering the switch to electric for its sizeable fleet of commercial vans. The vehicle is designed specifically for inner-city environments and commercial vehicles account for a significant proportion of traffic in urban areas. On the other hand, the Mia box van is a key component of the product range and mia electric is considering bringing it to the UK market later this year. Cars and vans are vital people’s lives. Moroever, the climate change is a global challenge and it can not be ignored.
Mia Box Van
To go further into details, the cars come in three configurations – the standard short wheelbase model and two extended models, the Mia L and the Mia box van. The standard design concept Mia-U has a light-weight body and weighs only 765kg (extended models weigh 786kg). More importantly it has extremely economical power consumption and low running costs – approximately £1.30 per 100 kms. All three vehicles are powered by an 18kW electric motor at the rear of the car. The tops speed of the vehicle is 68 mph (100km/h), and a 120 to 130km range is available from the 12 kWh battery pack that comes as standard and the lithium iron phosphate batteries. The latter can be fully charged in five hours. This battery system is exceptionally safe and helps alleviate range anxiety by allowing “no memory effect” charging. To be more precise, the battery can be charged for short top-up periods with absolutely no adverse effect to the life of the battery. The standard short wheelbase Mia-U includes three seats in total, while the extended Mia L has four. Mia box van features a cargo capacity of 1,500 litres. The most interesting part of all three vehicles is the central driving position. With this design innovation, the driver can get in and out of the car on both sides. Moreover, this provides the driver with a perfect view of the city traffic and gives the cabin a unique office-style layout.
Mia’s standard short wheelbase model (Mia-U) will retail at approximately £21 000 and the two extended models, the Mia L and the Mia box van, will both retail at approximately £22 000.
The Mercedes-Benz Vito E-CELL is the world’s first electric van, which is now eligible for the Government’s new Plug-In Van Grant, reducing costs by 20%. There are several regulations needed to be fulfilled like emitting less than 75g/km CO2, be capable of at least 60 miles (100 km) between charges and a top speed of more than 50mph (80 km/h).
Vito E-CELL is powered by an electric motor with 82PS (60 kW) and 280Nm (207 lb-ft). It has 16 Lithium-ion battery modules with a combined capacity of 36 kWh. This means a maximum range of 130km (80 miles) on a single six-hour charge from a 380/400 volt input.
Although that the electric Vito is not so powerful, it comes with ESP (Electronic Stability Programme) as standard.
“With an enviable range, advanced safety systems and payload equal to a regular van, the zero-local emissions electric Vito E-CELL easily meets the criteria for the new Plug-In Van Grant, and we welcome its introduction.”, said Steve Bridge, Van Sales and Marketing Director for Mercedes-Benz UK.
“Schemes like this help businesses to do their bit – and to join us in working hard to lower vehicle emissions. It is our ultimate goal at Mercedes-Benz to achieve emission-free driving and our first-ever series produced electric van is testament to our commitment to deliver this.”, he added.
The new 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL 63 AMG is another masterpiece from Mercedes-AMG. This SL 63 AMG is available with a choice of two power outputs. The AMG 5.5-litre V8 ‘biturbo’ (twin-turbocharged) engine, which delivers 395 kW (537 hp) and 800 Nm (590 lb-ft) of torque. If the AMG Performance package is specified, these figures are increased to 415 kW (564 hp) and 900 Nm (664 lb-ft). The acceleration is from 0 to 100 km/h in only 4.3 or 4.2 seconds and to 200 km/h in 12.9 or 12.6 seconds respectively. Top speed is electronically limited 250 km/h. With the AMG Performance package on board it is raised to 300 km/h (likewise electronically limited). NEDC combined consumption comes in at 9.9 litres per 100 kilometres for both power outputs – a full 4.2 litres or 30 percent lower than for the outgoing model.
Behind the low fuel consumption is the lightweight construction of the SL 63 AMG. The vehicle is based on a lightweight all-aluminium bodyshell similar to that of the SLS AMG super sports car. The result is weight saving of around 110 kilograms. Moreover the components have been optimised in line with their specific purpose. For the cover, for instance, behind the tank, the engineers have used even lighter magnesium material in some cases. High-strength steel tubes are integrated into the A-pillars for safety reasons. The boot lid helps to further trim the weight: the inner support is made from lightweight carbon-fibre composite and is bonded to the plastic outer shell, resulting in a weight saving of five kilograms. Moreover, almost all of the multi-link independent rear suspension components are made of aluminium. The reduction in unsprung masses enhances both agility and the response of the spring and damper components. The all-new SL 63 AMG is equipped with an improved version of the AMG sports suspension based on Active Body Control as standard. As a result the car has exceptional sport characteristics with reduced roll angles and firm body damping (“Sport”) or more comfort-oriented settings for a high level
of comfort on long journeys (“Comfort”). In addition for greater agility and faster cornering speeds, the SL 63 AMG has fully revised elastokinematics. Furthermore, the model is equipped with the new, electro-mechanical AMG speed-sensitive sports steering, which now has a constant and more direct ratio, and variable power assistance which adjusts in line with the suspension settings. Further standard equipment features 3‑stage ESP®, a speciality exclusive to AMG with “SPORT Handling” mode for particularly keen drivers, while options available from the AMG Performance Studio include an AMG rear axle differential lock and AMG performance suspension.
More importantly the power transmission can be adapted to specific requirements. The AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed sports transmission has four modes to select from: “C” (Controlled Efficiency), “S” (Sport), “S+” (Sport plus) and “M” (Manual). To go furter into details, in “C” mode, the ECO start/stop function is active at all times and switches off the eight-cylinder engine when the vehicle is standing still. The engine and transmission are far more agile in “S”, “S+” and “M” mode. Here the stop/start function is deactivated. An automatic double-declutching function for downshifting and the RACE START function are also included as standard with the AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed sports transmission.
When it comes to braking, the new model got the freshly developed AMG high-performance compound brake system features 390 x 36 mm compound discs with six-piston fixed callipers at the front and 360 x 26 mm integral discs with single-piston floating callipers at the rear. In addition, an electric parking brake is fitted as standard, while options available from the AMG Performance Studio include red-painted callipers to denote the AMG Performance package. The SL 63 AMG sits on five-twin-spoke AMG light-alloy wheels painted titanium grey with a high-sheen finish, shod with 255/35 R 19 front and 285/30 R 19 rear tyres. There are also available of course, multi-spoke AMG forged wheels from the AMG Performance Studio with 255/35 R 19 front and 285/30 R 20 rear tyres.
The new SL 63 AMG has a dynamically distinctive AMG bodystyling. It features front apron with large air dams, AMG-specific LED daytime running lamps and a lower cross strut in silver chrome, new AMG radiator grille with a double louvre in silver chrome, the side sill panels and the “V8 BITURBO” logos on the vent grilles with fins in silver chrome, AMG spoiler lip, the two chromed twin tailpipes of the AMG sports exhaust system, the diffuser-style rear apron with body-coloured insert.
The sixth-generation SL retains the space-saving, electrohydraulically retractable vario-roof. It enables the the SL to transformed itself into a roadster or a coupé, as the mood takes the driver and depending on the weather, in under 20 seconds. More importantly there are three versions of this roof to choose from: painted roof, glass roof or the unique panoramic vario-roof with MAGIC SKY CONTROL.
2012 Mercedes-Benz SL 63 AMG
The interior of the 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL 63 AMG is as extraordinary and exciting as the exterior. It offers a lot of equipment: four air vents styled like jet engines, the E-SELECT lever, the AMG DRIVE UNIT. Standard equipment includes AMG sports seats in single-tone or two-tone nappa leather with a unique V8 seat upholstery layout and AMG badges in the seat backrests, a multicontour function and seat heating as well as AMG carbon-fibre trim, AMG illuminated door sill panels, ambient lighting and an IWC-design analogue clock, AMG performance steering wheel, AMG instrument cluster provides which includes a TFT colour monitor, AMG start-up display, AMG main menu and RACETIMER.
Further standard equipment for the SL 63 AMG include: ATTENTION ASSIST COMAND Online with 6-disc DVD changer, anti-theft alarm system, frontbass, remote-unlocking boot lid including power closing for boot lid, Intelligent Light System ILS, MAGIC VISION CONTROL adaptive windscreen cleaning system, NECK-PRO head restraints, PRE-SAFE® system, automatic, pop-up roll-over bars for driver and front passenger, draught-stop
The SL 63 AMG extensive range of optional extras comprises of: AIRSCARF neck-level heating, Active Parking Assist including PARKTRONIC, Bang & Olufsen BeoSound AMG high-end surround sound system, Driving Assistance package Plus (DISTRONIC PLUS including BAS PLUS, PRE‑SAFE® brake, Active Lane Keeping Assist and Active Blind Spot Assist), harman/kardon® Logic 7® surround sound system, KEYLESS-GO Convenience package (including remote-closing boot lid and HANDS-FREE ACCESS system), Exclusive nappa leather Climatised seats, Electric draught-stop.
Furthermore, it is now possible to add even more individuality to the SL 63 AMG, with more optional extras from the AMG Performance Studio: AMG Performance package (increase in maximum power of 20 kW (27 hp) and maximum torque of 100 Nm; AMG engine cover in genuine carbon fibre, AMG rear axle differential lock, AMG spoiler lip in genuine carbon fibre, red-painted callipers, AMG performance steering wheel in nappa leather/DINAMICA), AMG forged light-alloy wheels, AMG forged light-alloy wheels, painted matt black, rim flange with a high-sheen finish, AMG performance suspension, AMG ceramic high-performance compound brake system, AMG Exterior Carbon package (cross strut in front apron, exterior mirror housings and spoiler lip in genuine carbon fibre), AMG Performance Media with telemetry function, AMG performance steering wheel in nappa leather/DINAMICA.
To mark the launch of the new SL 63 AMG, AMG Performance studio is going to launch a special edition model of the vehicle, called “Edition 1” model. The “Edition 1” includes the following as standard: AIRSCARF neck-level heating, AMG forged light-alloy wheels, painted matt black, rim flange with a high-sheen finish, AMG Performance package, Exclusive leather in classic red or deep white with contrasting topstitching, headliner in black leather, harman/kardon® Logic 7® surround sound system, MAGIC SKY CONTROL panoramic vario-roof.
The new 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL 63 AMG will be launched in May 2012.
The new 2012 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 will be delivered at dealerships in the spring. More importantly it will come with improved performance because of the new mounted automatic transmission with the latest General Motors’ improved TapShift technology. Since its introduction, TapShift has allowed drivers to control up- and down-shifts with paddle shifters. Now, GM powertrain engineers made a patent-pending software algorithm which enhances tap response time by up to 60 percent in comparison to the previous system! No hardware changes were required for the upgrade. This upgrade results in the acceleration time of the new 2012 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1’s six-speed automatic transmission, which now for 0-60 mph is 3.9 seconds. This is a tenth of a second faster than the manual transmission time. In details, by staging hydraulic pressure in the clutch for the next gear, the new control module algorithm reduces tap delay for the 1-2, 2-3, 3-4, and 4-5 up-shifts by 200-300 milliseconds. The TapShift system waits for shift requests based on current gear, throttle, torque and speed. By pre-filling the clutch for the next gear, the tap up-shift response is almost momentary. This makes the new Camaro the most powerful production of the model ever, which gets the fullest potential out of the supercharged 6.2L engine that is SAE-rated at 580 horsepower (432 kW) and 556 lb.-ft. of torque (754 Nm).
Toyota have released some teasers about their latest concept – the FT-Bh which actually means Future Toyota B-segment hybrid. It will be an ultralight supermini, built with clever materials and run by clever technology for the greater good of society.
The latest Honda Civic has been rated 5 stars in safety by Euro NCAP. The NCAP tests are the comparable to the Oscars when it comes to automotive safety. Not only has the Civic achieved the highest possible score but, people at NCAP also want to highlight the car’s C
Afzal Kahn has always maintained that combining technical perfection with aesthetic brilliance is his true calling. Recently, in the arsenal of his arguments, he has added yet another example – the Kahn Q7 wide track.
Alpina has announced the new boosted 2012 B5 Bi-Turbo. The sports saloon comes with more power, better acceleration and performance and improved fuel efficiency.
Volkswagen has announced the new Caddy Match Special Edition, which is already available at the UK market. The pricing starts at £14 110 for the entry level Caddy Match 1.6 litre TDI 75PS and goes up to £17 960 for the Caddy Maxi Match 2.0 litre TDI 140PS.
The Mercedes-Benz Vito E-CELL is the world’s first electric van, which is now eligible for the Government’s new Plug-In Van Grant, reducing costs by 20%. There are several regulations needed to be fulfilled like emitting less than 75g/km CO2, be capable of at least 60 miles (100 km) between charges and a top speed of more than 50mph (80 km/h).
