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  • 2012 Citroen DS5 – Price £22 400

    2012 Citroen DS5 is now available on the UK market. It is priced from £22 400 for the entry level Dsign e-HDi 110 Airdream EGS6 and the top-of-range model DSport Hybrid4 200 Airdream EGS6 costs £32 200.

    The car is inspired by the striking C-SportLounge concept car and completes the current DS line. An instantly recognisable range, the DS line appeals to both the emotional and rational decision-making process of today’s car buyer. All three models in the premium DS line offer creative design, outstanding quality and desirable technology.

    2012 DS5 measures 4.53m length, 1.85m width and 1.51m height, the five-door layout offers five full-size premium seats and a generous boot volume of up to 465-litres VDA.

    There are a lot of technologies in the 2012 DS5 including:

    • Keyless Access & Start, which uses Radio Frequency Identification (RFI) technology to allow drivers to unlock and start/stop DS5 whilst keeping the electronic key separate.
    • A colour head-up display, which projects essential driving information (speed, speed limiter and cruise control settings and navigation settings) in the driver’s direct line of sight. On Hybrid4 models, the display changes from white to blue during ZEV mode.
    • A reversing camera that sends a colour image of the car’s rear view to the navigation display screen.
    • A driver’s seat with electric lumbar adjustment and massage function.
    • Dual-zone automatic air conditioning with three air flow levels (soft, medium, intense).
    • An advanced programmable speed limiter and cruise control system.
    • A new Lane Departure Warning System, which uses an integrated camera to recognise the lines on the road and warns drivers of involuntary lane departure.
    • Smart beams that process images from the built in camera to trigger automatic activation and de-activation of the high beam lamps according to lighting and surrounding traffic conditions.

    New DS5 boasts a comprehensive range of audio and telematics equipment, including USB and Bluetooth® connectivity. Citroën’s latest-generation in-car eMyWay navigation comes as standard on level 2 DStyle models. The integrated system features a high-resolution 7-inch colour widescreen, internal memory for map data, speed limit sign reminders and Bluetooth® hands-free and audio streaming for listening to music files stored on mobile phones.
    DS5’s audio system features ARKAMYS acoustic processing for authentic sound playback. An optional premium 10-speaker DENON Hi-Fi has also been developed for an even richer soundscape within the cabin.

    2012 Citroen DS5 Interior
    2012 Citroen DS5 Interior

    DS5 is available from launch with a choice of four refined and efficient Euro V engines – THP 200, e-HDi 110, HDi 160 and the new 200BHP diesel electric Hybrid4.

    The e-HDi 110 Airdream features new-generation Stop & Start micro-hybrid technology that reduces CO2 emissions by up to 15% when driving in congested urban areas. The turbocharged, direct injection petrol engine, co-developed with BMW, delivers enjoyable power and performance.

    All powerplants are mated to either manual, automatic or EGS 6-speed gearboxes.

    HYBRID4

    DS5 is the first Citroen fitted with Hybrid4 technology. What is more, it is the first hybrid using diesel engine as main power unit, instead of a petrol one.

    Hybrid4 combines several technologies including:

    • A refined 2.0HDi 160 diesel engine delivering 163bhp
    • A permanent-magnet synchronous 27kW (37bhp) electric motor fitted on the rear axle
    • A Power Train Management Unit, automatically managing the operating modes of the diesel engine and electric motor to achieve the best possible fuel economy
    • A Stop & Start system with a second-generation reversible alternator
    • An automated manual 6-speed gearbox with optimised shifts

    Four different operating modes:

    AUTO – Activated by default on start up, the Auto mode optimises fuel consumption by automatically switching between the diesel engine and the electric motor.
    ZEV – For speeds up to 60km/h (37mph), the Zero Emissions Vehicle mode enables the car to be driven using the electric motor only.
    SPORT – This mode uses the electric motor in tandem with the diesel engine to provide extra power when the driver requires more responsive acceleration.
    4WD – On rough ground or in low-grip conditions, the 4WD mode increases traction delivering power through all four wheels. The front wheels are powered by the diesel engine, the rear wheels by the electric motor.

    New Citroen DS5 achieves a maximum 5-star rating in the latest Euro NCAP tests, including an impressive 97% score in the Safety Assist category.

    • ABS with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) & Emergency Braking Assistance (EBA)
    • Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) with traction control and hill start assist
    • Driver’s, front passenger’s, front lateral as well as front and rear curtain airbags
    • A cornering light function that increases visibility by up to 75° when turning
    • Citroën’s award-winning eTouch Emergency & Assistance system, which automatically or manually makes geo-localised emergency or assistance calls using a built-in SIM card, for rapid intervention in the event of an accident or if the car is immobilised
    2012 Citroen DS5
    2012 Citroen DS5

    Trim levels:

    New Citroen DS5 will carry one of three trim-level signatures – DSign, DStyle and DSport.

    DSIGN
    :

    • Driver’s, front passenger’s, front lateral, front and rear curtain airbags
    • Electrically foldable door mirrors with integrated kerb side LED
    • Front fog lights with cornering function
    • Daytime running LEDs
    • Keyless access and start
    • Cruise control with speed limiter and memory settings
    • Front and rear electric windows with ‘one-touch’ operation and anti-pinch
    • Automatic digital air conditioning with dual-zone temperature setting
    • Automatic rain-sensitive windscreen wipers, automatic illumination of headlamps and electrochrome rear view mirror
    • Automatic electric parking brake
    • Connecting Box – Bluetooth system® with USB socket


    DSTYLE
    adds:

    • Part Mistral ‘Claudia’ leather, part ‘Dinamica’ cloth upholstery
    • Cockpit roof with three electric sunblinds and aviation style toggle switches
    • Citroën eTouch Emergency & Assistance system
    • Analogue clock on dashboard
    • eMyWay – colour satellite navigation with live traffic information and European mapping
    • Rear parking sensors
    • Reversing camera

    DSPORT adds:

    • Mistral ‘Claudia’ leather upholstery
    • Front electric and heated sport seats
    • Driver’s seat with electric lumbar adjustment, massage function and memory settings
    • Xenon Dual-Function Directional headlamps with washer jets
    • Front parking sensors
    • Colour head-up display
    2012 Citroen DS5
    2012 Citroen DS5
    ENGINE CO2 (g/km) MRR OTR PRICE
    DSign e-HDi 110 Airdream EGS6 114 £22,400
    HDi 160 6-speed manual 129 £23,400
    HDi 160 6-speed automatic 154 £24,900
    Hybrid4 200 Airdream EGS6 99 £27,600
    DStyle e-HDi 110 Airdream EGS6 114 £24,900
    HDi 160 6-speed manual 133 £25,900
    HDi 160 6-speed automatic 158 £27,400
    Hybrid4 200 Airdream EGS6 107 £30,100
    THP 200 6-speed manual 155 £25,900
    DSport HDi 160 6-speed manual 133 £28,000
    HDi 160 6-speed automatic 158 £29,500
    Hybrid4 200 Airdream EGS6 107 £32,200
    THP 200 6-speed manual 155 £28,00

    Source: Citroen

    ENGINE    CO2 (g/km)    MRR OTR PRICE

    DSign    e-HDi 110 Airdream EGS6    114    £22,400
    HDi 160 6-speed manual    129    £23,400
    HDi 160 6-speed automatic    154    £24,900
    Hybrid4 200 Airdream EGS6    99    £27,600
    DStyle    e-HDi 110 Airdream EGS6    114    £24,900
    HDi 160 6-speed manual    133    £25,900
    HDi 160 6-speed automatic    158    £27,400
    Hybrid4 200 Airdream EGS6    107    £30,100
    THP 200 6-speed manual    155    £25,900
    DSport    HDi 160 6-speed manual    133    £28,000
    HDi 160 6-speed automatic    158    £29,500
    Hybrid4 200 Airdream EGS6    107    £32,200
    THP 200 6-speed manual    155    £28,000

  • JE Design Beetle

    JE-Design-VW-Beetle-2012-thumbThe newest VW Beetle is funky, hip and image laden. So one might think there is no real need to further personalize. Accessory house JE Design however, thing they can push the boundaries of individualism even more.

    The Beetle’s chassis for example has underwent JE specialty tuning by replacing the springs with ones that are more stiff so that body roll is reduced to minimum. Despite being shorter (around 30-35 millimeters) than the standard springs, no shock absorber change is needed, The JE Design spring kit is available for 219 euros ($289) in Germany.

    8 x 19 inch, exclusive black “Tornado” Volkswagen, multi-spoke alloys can be provided by JE Design. They can be fitted with the standard 235/40 R19 or to do the honor of those 16-spoke wheels one can fit them with even lower profile tires (235/35 R19). Four finishes are available for the rims: black mat spokes and a mat silver rim flange, graphite mat silver spokes with a mat silver rim flange, shadow silver and black shiny spokes with a shiny silver rim flange. The complete JE Design wheel set has a starting price of 2,810 euros ($3,702).

    Other distinctive features include a sporty apron insert (476 euros/$627) that comes with a diffuser and a centered air duct. Another thing is the steel muffler developed for the VW Beetle, with a round 90 millimeter large twin tailpipe as a four pipe design and is compatible with all gasoline and diesel motors. That will send you back further 952 euros ($1,254). Needless to say that all JE Design components come with TÜV certificates.

    For the VW Beetle Sport which already has 200HP 2.0 Golf GTI TFSI engine can also be tweaked by JE Design with an engine management module that kicks it up a notch to 240 HP while torque peaks at 310 newton meters. The time for a zero to sixty sprint stands at 6.9 seconds and top speed reaches 230 km/h. That privilege costs another 1,280 euros ($1,686). After the upgrade emission status remains the same so no road legal issues should follow. All is again TÜV certified.

    JE Design VW Beetle (2012)
    JE Design VW Beetle (2012)

    Source: JE Design

  • Hennessey McLaren Tune

    Hennessey-HP800-McLaren-MP4-12C-thumb“From mild to wild” goes the tagline of Hennessey Performance‘s latest project. It’s called the HPE800 and the subject is the mighty McLaren MP4-12C. It takes courage to call the Surrey originating performance car, mild. But Hennessey seem to be determined that the MP4-12C needs more power so that is just what they have done – ramped the power up to 800 bhp. The project also sees a more flamboyant aero package to the vehicle in order to improve downforce. The Hennessey CarbonAero bodywork makes use of a new, center-positioned frontal air inlet with hood extractor. This new design allows room for larger heat exchangers for improved engine intercooling as well as transmission cooling.

    “We’ve been taking fast cars and have been making them faster for over twenty years,” said company founder and president John Hennessey. “I spent a lot of time around the new 12C at the 2011 Goodwood Festival of Speed and was very impressed. We’re excited to have the opportunity to take a great car and give it our own special performance touch while giving 12C owners a uniquely aggressive appearance”.

    A more detailed look on things gives away what exactly Hennessey have done with the MP4-12C – upgraded intercooler and air intake systems, enhancement of the ball-bearing turbocharges and adding external wastegates and blow-off valves. Engine management has also been altered and so have the transmission cooler and the clutch systems. A new Hennessey titanum exhaust system has been fitted and finally the whole engine has underwent custom dyno-tuned calibration. All that comes with a warranty from Hennessay.

    Other side notes include the CarbonAero body kit, the Hennessey Monoblock wheels with Michelin Pilot Super Sport Tires and a feast of leather, carbon and Alcantra inside.

    No tweaks on the suspension have been made whatsoever as Hennessey mechanics find it hard to improve upon it any further. That rises the question: will it really handle all that new found power without any customization? All engine upgrades are set to be sold separately or as overall packs but prices have not been announced yet.

    Hennessey HP800 McLaren MP4-12C
    Hennessey HP800 McLaren MP4-12C
    Hennessey HP800 McLaren MP4-12C
    Hennessey HP800 McLaren MP4-12C

    Source: Hennessey

  • Ford B-Max at Geneva

    Ford-B-MAX-2012-thumbGood news for family people as Ford are planning to unveil a production-ready B-MAX at the upcoming Geneva Motor Show. It is a debut that comes exactly one year after the concept debut at the previous Geneva Show. The multipurpose vehicle will come with a sensible, clever drivetrain lineup and an even more clever design.
    The innovative 1.0 EcoBoost petrol unit we talked about a few days ago, will be available for the B-MAX range and so will be the Duratorq TDCi diesel plants. Sales in Europe are expected to start later this year.
    Ford CEO and President Alan Mulally himself will drop the curtain at the unveiling. Also present, will be the chairman and CEO of Ford Europe Stephen Odell who already sounds excited enough:

    “The B-MAX combines an exciting, innovative design with features that only previously have been found in bigger cars,” said Odell. “It’s a brand new car that responds to the needs of an increasing number of customers who want much more from their small cars.”

    It’s the design that gets us though. Ford say that the B-MAX boasts a class-leading load-space and flexibility, a highly configurable environment and clever pillar design but what we really can’t get enough of are the sliding rear doors which bring to mind other clever MPV’s such as the Peugeot 1007 and the bigger brother, Ford C-MAX.

    Ford B-MAX (2012)
    Ford B-MAX (2012)

    Source: Ford

  • 2012 F1 Season – McLaren MP4-27

    Vodafone McLaren Mercedes has unveiled the new Mp4-27 ahead of the 2012 FIA Formula 1 World Championship. The Formula 1 car was presented at the McLaren Technology Centre.

    Maintaining the belief in the validity of strengthened continuity, Vodafone McLaren Mercedes is the only team in Formula 1 whose driver line-up consists of two world champions: Jenson Button and Lewis Hamilton. Between them, they have scored 22 grand prix victories for Vodafone McLaren Mercedes and are the strongest and most consistent driver line-up in the sport. Maintaining the partnership into a third successive season was merely a formality.

    While the all-new Vodafone McLaren Mercedes MP4-27 closely resembles last year’s multiple race-winning car, the 2012 chassis has been substantially revised from the ground-up, with all major systems updated or re-designed for the new season. The most evident visual differences include more tightly waisted rear bodywork, developed to improve flow to the rear of the car, and a revised cooling system, which re-directs the gearbox oil-cooler. Last year’s U-shaped sidepods have also been re-designed – a legacy of the FIA’s new exhaust regulations that redefine the shape of the rear bodywork.

    On the technical front, our exemplary engineering trio Tim Goss (director of engineering), Paddy Lowe (technical director) and Neil Oatley (director of design and development programmes) once more remain at the forefront of the drawing office. For 2012, they will be joined by sporting director Sam Michael, whose arrival coincides with the re-organisation of our trackside personnel roster to ensure both growth and development within the group.

    Check out the technical specification below!

    2012 F1 Season - McLaren MP4-27
    2012 F1 Season – McLaren MP4-27



    MP4-27 technical specification
    :

    Chassis – Monocoque McLaren-moulded carbonfibre composite incorporating front and side impact structures
    Front suspension – Inboard torsion bar/damper system operated by pushrod and bell crank with a double wishbone arrangement
    Rear suspension – Inboard torsion bar/damper system operated by pullrod and bell crank with a double wishbone arrangement
    Electronics – McLaren Electronic Systems. Including chassis control, engine control, data acquisition, dashboard, alternator, sensors, data analysis and telemetry.
    Bodywork – Carbon-fibre composite. Separate engine cover, sidepods and floor. Structural nose with integral front wing, Driver-operated drag reduction system
    Tyres – Pirelli P Zero
    Radio – Kenwood
    Race wheels – Enkei
    Brake callipers – Akebono
    Master cylinders – Akebono
    Batteries – GS Yuasa Corporation
    Steering – McLaren power-assisted
    Instruments – McLaren Electronic Systems
    Paint solutions – AkzoNobel Car Refinishes using Sikkens products

    Engine

    Type – Mercedes-Benz FO 108Z
    Capacity – 2.4 litres
    Cylinders – 8
    Maximum rpm – 18 000
    Bank angle – 90°
    Piston bore maximum – 98mm
    Number of valves – 32
    Fuel – ExxonMobil High Performance Unleaded (5.75% bio fuel)
    Spark plugs – NGK racing spark plugs specially designed for Formula 1
    Lubricants – Mobil 1 – combining greater performance, protection and cooling with increased economy and lower emissions
    Weight – 95kg (minimum FIA regulation weight)

    KERS Hybrid

    Type – Mercedes-Benz
    e-Motor Engine-mounted electrical motor/generator
    ESS Integrated energy storage cells and power electronics
    Power – 60 kW

    Transmission

    Gearbox – McLaren-moulded carbon-fibre composite
    Integral rear impact structure
    Gears – Seven forward and one reverse
    Gear selection – McLaren seamless shift, hand-operated
    Clutch – Carbon/carbon, hand-operated
    Lubricants – Mobil

    Source: McLaren

  • Production Acura ILX and Revised RDX on Chicago Auto Show

    Acura-IXL-thumbA ready-for-production Acura ILX will premiere at the 2012 Chicago Auto Show, along with a redesigned Acura RDX SUV.

    The 2013 ILX luxury compact sedan is the latest offering from Acura which emits a sleek and sporty essence. The car will be available in three distinct powertrains, including Acura’s first ever hybrid. Inside it will all be about space and cleverness. High value luxuries will be in the form of a standard Keyless Access System with smart entry, an engine start button and Pandora® internet radio. The exterior on the other hand, speaks for itself.

    Acura ILX Concept
    Acura ILX Concept

    The 2013 RDX however, will be for those who want to make maximum use from their vehicles . It’s a compact crossover SUV that balances luxury and utility to a fine medium. The powertrain is a V6 with 3.5 liters of displacement that has 33 more horsepower than the previous one. In no way however, that increase has influenced the fuel economy, Acura say. In fact it is set to be the most fuel efficient SUV in its own class. Priority for the RDX is also spaciousness – it will now have larger door openings, more legroom, more headroom, more than ever cargo space (with a power tailgate) and better overall flexibility.

    2013 Acura RDX Prototype
    2013 Acura RDX Prototype

    Both vehicles will be on display in the Acura booth at McCormick Place, Chicago where the auto show is set to step in motion. Photos and more information are yet to come.

    Source: Acura

  • 2013 Lexus GS Super Bowl Commercial [video]

    Lexus_SB_ad ThumbLexus will lift the veil and air their first Super Bowl Commercial commercial, called “The Beast” prior to Super Bowl XLVI on 5th of February. Stay tuned!

    The advertisement is long 30 seconds and features the all-new 2013 Lexus GS, which breaks free from containment (as already seen in the teaser video, launched mid January). This is an illustration that the company is moving in a new design direction.

    From the spot can be also concluded that more new Lexus vehicles will be revealed later this year. The all-new 2012 Lexus GS is the first model to wear the new look of Lexus among nine new or updated models.

    An pre-look at the commercial can be seen below.

    2013 Lexus GS Commercial
    2013 Lexus GS Commercial

    httpv://youtu.be/pC8xjHulKA8

    Video Source: YouTube

    Source: Lexus

  • SUZUKI G70 and Suzuki Swift Range Extender at the 82nd GENEVA MOTOR SHOW

    ThumbThe 82nd Geneva Motor Show is going to take place in March, where Suzuki Motor Corporation will display the G70 Concept. The concept shows new vision for a compact car, which has to be with minimised weight and elaborated dynamics. To be more precise, the G70 weighs just 730kg and has a drag coefficient at least 10 per cent lower than that of a current Suzuki ‘A’ segment model. As a result of this weight reduction and in combination of the highly efficient petrol engine, the CO2 emissions are as low as 70g/km.

    In addition on display will be the Swift Range Extender, which is Suzuki’s latest development in hybrid vehicle technology. The vehicle was first exhibited at the Geneva Show in 2010. However, now it has gone through further development, as a result of which there is a 100 per cent improvement in battery driving range to 30km. Furthermore the Swift Range Extender utilises a generator and a highly efficient 660cc three cylinder petrol engine to power it. Another thing to be highlighted here is that the Range Extender has a more compact lithium-ion battery which is quicker to charge, weighs less, uses fewer resources and also costs less.

    Suzuki G70 Concept
    Suzuki G70 Concept
    Swift Range Extender Hybrid
    Swift Range Extender Hybrid

    Source: Suzuki

  • 2013 Toyota Land Cruiser at 2012 Chicago Auto Show

    2013 Toyota Land Cruiser ThumbThe 2013 Toyota Land Cruiser full-size sport utility vehicle (SUV) will make its first North American appearance on 8th of February at the 2012 Chicago Auto Show. The legendary vehicle has just celebrated its 60th birthday since its original launch in Japan. Since then it has remained constant in Toyota model lineup.

    The new 2013 Land Cruiser receives an array of new and updated exterior and interior. The exterior has been refreshed and includes an updated front grille and headlamps with HID low-beams. In addition there are also LED Daytime Running Lights, chrome side molding, redesigned outer side mirrors and tail lamps. Next to the exterior, the interior has also been refreshed. It is now available in two color choices: Sandstone or Black. Additional refinements include perforated leather trim with ventilated front seats, a higher gloss wood grain finish, brighter silver instrument-panel ornamentation, chrome-plated air registers, and updated meter-cluster lighting. Moreover there are also brand new features included: Multi-terrain Monitor with front, side or rear selectable views; a new Multi-information Display; an Eco Driving Indicator light and zone display; a heated steering wheel; Dynamic Radar Cruise Control; an additional 12V-DC power outlet at the rear of the center console; and a rear-cargo-deck power outlet that has been changed to AC 120V from AC 115V.

    2013 Toyota Land Cruiser
    2013 Toyota Land Cruiser

    The good news is that the Land Cruiser will now come with all features as standard equipment! They will also include new driving-performance components, and an array of significant safety and convenience features. Standard performance and safety features for example comprise of five-speed CRAWL control with Off-Road Turn Assist, Multi-Terrain Select, Multi-Terrain Anti-lock Brakes with Electronic Brake Distribution, Trailer Sway Control, Pre-Collision System, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, and a retuned suspension. Furthermore, as a standard now come the rear-seat DVD entertainment system, color-keyed rear spoiler, rain-sensing windshield wipers, center-console cooler box, headlamp cleaners, leather-trimmed steering wheel, multi-information display, voice and Bluetooth® hands-free controls, leather-trimmed shift lever and heated second row seats. And to all these features, Toyota has also included as a standard Toyota’s Premium Hard Disk Drive (HDD) Navigation with Entune multi-media system and JBL® audio.

    More importantly, the Land Cruiser has a 5.7-liter V8 DOHC engine, which produces 381 horsepower (280kW) at 5,600 rpm and 401 lb.-ft. (543 Nm) of torque at 3,600 rpm. The Land Cruiser uses regular-grade (87 AKI) gasoline and is ULEV-II certified.

    The 2013 Land Cruiser will be arriving at Toyota dealerships this month.

    Source: Toyota

  • 2012 Nissan Juke Shiro

    2012 Nissah Juke Shiro thumbThere is a new version of the Nissan Juke already available which is Shiro.

    It replaces the successful Japanese limited edition Kuro (which is painted in black), and more importantly moves to the opposite side of the color spectrum – white. In particular, the Juke hosts set of white details to mark it out from lesser models in the range. Furthermore, inside there’s a selection of tasteful white detailing. And the centre console, is shaped in motorcycle fuel tank, is also painted white, as are the door panels and window switch surrounds. Of course, the steering wheel is wrapped in leather with white stitching. Next, the seats themselves have a double layer fabric with a white background color visible through the perforated leather facing.

    2012 Nissan Juke Shiro
    2012 Nissan Juke Shiro

    The Shiro sits on stylish dark grey 17-inch alloy wheels. It is also designed in satin silver finish to the door handles and mirror caps plus a gloss black finish to the B-pillar. Although available in any of the colours offered on Juke models, Shiro does have one additional unique hue in its palette: Nightshade, a sophisticated deep aubergine colour.

    The vehicle is available with all three engine choices – a 110PS (80kW) 1.5-litre dCi; 117PS (86 kW) normally aspirated 1.6-litre petrol; and the range-topping turbocharged direct injection petrol 1.6-litre DIG-T with 190PS (140 kW). Moreover there are available 4×4 version and CVT automatics version.

    Source: Nissan

  • 2012 Smart ForTwo Price – € 10 275

    2012 Smart ForTwo ThumbSmart ForTwo has received a brand new facelift thus giving it striking new look, featuring an upgraded exterior and a fresh leather/fabric mix in the interior. It now has even more dynamic appearance, featuring a larger radiator grille with integrated logo, striking front aprons in a new design, horizontally arranged LED daytime driving lights, muscular side skirts and modified rear aprons. The chrome-coloured logo is now positioned straight on the black radiator grille. Moreover, the air inlets under the number plate have been combined into a single unit. The new, optionally available LED daytime driving lights are now arranged in horizontal fashion. There is also a choice of three new alloy wheels: the smart fortwo passion comes with a new 9-spoke alloy wheel; two additional alloy wheels fitted with wide tyres and featuring a 3-spoke and 3-twin-spoke design respectively round off the range. In addition, the choice of colours includes seven different options. , including matt anthracite for the first time.

    2012 Smart ForTwo
    2012 Smart ForTwo

    Although the general focus here is on the exterior, there are changes inside the car as well: new, high-quality interior package in crystal grey, including a fresh leather/fabric combination for the seats, an imitation leather/fabric mix for the door trims and black imitation leather for the instrument panel in combination with a grey knee pad.Thee front grille and the rear trim strip are in silver, while the front spoiler, side skirts and rear apron are painted in the car’s exterior colour.

    2012 smart fortwo will continue to be available as a coupé and cabrio version and with six engine and motor variants. The spectrum ranges from the environment-friendly electric power train in the fortwo electric drive and the efficient micro hybrid petrol engine through the powerful turbo petrol engine to the fuel-efficient cdi turbodiesel. Prices begin at € 10 275 for the smart fortwo 45 kW mhd pure.

    Here is an overview of the engine range:

    Model type cc Output kW/hp Maximum torque l/100 km CO2 g/km 0-100 km/h

    (s)

    Top speed km/h Purchase price in € (incl. 19% VAT)
    smart fortwo 40 kW cdi 799 40/54 130 Nm 3.3 (3.3) 86 (87) 16.8 135 from 12 095
    smart fortwo 45 kW mhd* 999 45/61 89 Nm 4.2 (4.3) 97 (98) 16.8 145 from 10 275
    smart fortwo 52 kW mhd 999 52/71 92 Nm 4.2 (4.3) 97 (98) 13.7 145 from 10 835
    smart fortwo 62 kW 999 62/84 120 Nm 4.9 (4.9) 114 (115) 10.7 145 from 12 885
    smart fortwo 75 kW
    BRABUS
    999 75/102 147 Nm 5.2 119 8.9 155 from 17 220
    smart fortwo electric drive – 35 kW constant
    55 kW peak
    130 Nm – – < 13 > 120 under 19 000

    The smart fortwo is available for ordering now. The first vehicles will reach dealers at the beginning of April.

    Source: Smart

  • 2012 Audi A6 Avant 3.0 BiTDI Quattro – Price £45 650

    A lot after the astonishing success of BMW’s 3.0 liter twin-turbocharged diesel, Audi has announced their new BiTurbo TDI, which is now available for A6 Saloon and Avant and A7 Sportback models.

    The manufacturer also announced the price list for these models – £43 810 OTR for 2012 Audi A6 Saloon with BiTurbo TDI, £45 650 OTR for A6 Avant with the same engine and £51 645 OTR for the premium A7 Sportback.

    The new BiTDI 3.0 liter V6 delivers 313PS (230 kW) at 3900RPM and 650Nm (480 lb-ft) at just 1450RPM. This means 0 to 100 km/h in 5.1 seconds and a top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph) – electronically limited. The combined cycle is 44.1 mpg and emissions of just 169 g/m CO2. The engine is mated to an 8-speed tiptronic automatic gearbox.

    Other interesting highlight is the Sound actuator, which is positioned in the auxiliary channel of the exhaust system. The actuator system essentially consists of a speaker which imposes a defined oscillation pattern on the exhaust flow and transforms the typical TDI exhaust note into a more sonorous roar that is closer to the output of a high-performance petrol engine.

    2012 Audi A6 Avant 3.0 BiTDI Quattro
    2012 Audi A6 Avant 3.0 BiTDI Quattro

    The mighty new BiTDI engine is available in conjunction with SE and S line specification in the A6 Saloon, A6 Avant and A7 Sportback. The forthcoming A6 Allroad Quattro, due to open for order in February, will also offer this exceptional unit.

    Stand-out features common to all these models include satellite navigation linked to a 6.5-inch retractable colour monitor, Milano leather upholstery, the Audi drive select adaptive dynamics system controlling throttle response, transmission shift points and steering feel, the Audi parking system plus, light and rain sensors, cruise control and keyless go push-button engine ignition.

    AUDI A6, A6 AVANT AND A7 SPORTBACK – UK OTR PRICING

    MODEL TRIM PS TRANSMISSION CO2
    (g/km)
    ECONOMY
    mpg
    (Combined)
    OTR
    A6 Saloon 3.0 BiTDI quattro SE 313 8 sp Tiptronic 169 44.1 £43,810
    A6 Saloon 3.0 BiTDI quattro S line 313 8 sp Tiptronic 169 44.1 £46,160
    A6 Avant 3.0 BiTDI quattro SE 313 8 sp Tiptronic 169 44.1 £45,650
    A6 Avant 3.0 BiTDI quattro S line 313 8 sp Tiptronic 169 44.1 £48,000
    A7 3.0 BiTDI quattro SE 313 8 sp Tiptronic 169 44.1 £51,645
    A7 3.0 BiTDI quattro S line 313 8 sp Tiptronic 169 44.1 £53,435

    Source: Audi