Automobiles Review – Page 942 – Car News, Car Reviews, Auto Shows, Car Photos, Car Videos

2012 Kia Rio 3-door – Price £9 995

Kia has announced the new 3-door version of Rio. It will hit the UK market with a £600 saving, compared to equivalent five door models.

The engine range includes two petrol and two diesel power units. The 1.1 CRDi delivers 75PS (55 kW) and 170Nm (125 lb-ft) at 1500RPM. It boasts CO2 emissions of 99g/km or below and fuel economy of at least 74.3mpg. Nice!

EcoDynamics technologies, such as Intelligent Stop & Go, will be a standard feature with all new Rio diesels, including the 1.4-litre models. The 1.4 CRDi is a four-cylinder diesel engine delivers 90PS (66 kW) and 220Nm (162 lb-ft) of torque. Economy and emissions figures are 70.6mpg combined and just 105 g/km of CO2.

The petrol variants are 1.25 litre Kappa engine with 84PS (61 kW), 121Nm (89 lb-ft) and a 1.4 litre Gamma engine with 108PS (80 kW) and 137Nm (101 lb-ft). All petrol manual versions of the new Rio comfortably exceed 50mpg, with CO2 emissions below 130g/km.

Rio 3-door is offered in four trim grades – badged 1, 1 Air, 2 and 3 – as the five door version.

The standard equipment includes daytime running lights, body-coloured bumpers, door handles and door mirrors, speed-variable front wipers, headlamp levelling, front electric windows, 15-inch steel wheels, a height-adjustable driver’s seat, two-way steering column adjustment on the petrol model (height-adjustable only on the entry level diesel), a tachometer and trip computer, split folding rear seats, a boot light, a 12-volt power socket and an MP3-compatible RDS radio and CD player with USB and AUX ports. Bluetooth is also standard on the petrol entry model, and on all versions with other trim grades.

The 1 Air grade is for buyers who want the comfort of air conditioning without upgrading to level 2.

The 2 is distinguished by 16” alloy wheels, front fog lights and a chrome radiator grille surround. Inside, there is premium black cloth upholstery, a cooling glovebox, electrically adjustable heated and folding door mirrors with side repeaters, leather trim on the steering wheel and gearshift and a centre console armrest.

The luxurious level 3 specification adds 17” alloys with low-profile tyres, LED daytime running and rear combination lamps, automatic air conditioning with auto de-fog, rain sensing wipers, cruise control, automatic projection-type headlights, heated front seats and six speakers instead of four.

The safety is granted by electronic stability control (ESC), electronic brake-force distribution (EBD), emergency brake assist (EBA) in addition to emergency stop signalling (ESS). The new Rio also includes the helpful feature of Hill-start Assist Control (HAC).

2012 Kia Rio 3-door is priced from £9 995 OTR.

Source: Kia

January 25, 2012

Vorsteiner VS-130 Series for Ferrari 458 Italia And BMW F10 5 Series

The tuning company Vorsteiner has just revealed some new upgrades. Namely, they have introduced one of their latest wheel designs as part of Vorsteiner 2012 Collection VS-130 Series – the new super lightweight 5 spoke monoblock wheels. They are prepared for the owners of Ferrari 458 Italia And BMW F10 5 Series. This incredibly beautiful design feature includes lightweight spoke design, which utilizes Vorsteiner’s latest spoke scalloping and undercutting technology. This is done in order to optimize strength to weight ratios. In addition VS-130 Series also features optimized conclave profiling. To be more precise, the technical specifications are 21 inch forged wheels (Front: 21x9JF and Rears: 21x11J), and the exceptional Michelin PS2 Tires 255-30-21F / 305-30-21R.

Source: Vorsteiner

January 25, 2012

2012 Kahn Range Rover Evoque Red

Here’s a presentation of the first Range Rover Evoque which was recently tuned by A.Kahn Design. Afzal Kahn received much appreciation for fashioning this unique vehicle. It is interesting fact that over 90 percent of Evoque customers are ‘newcomers’ to the product. More importantly they tend to be younger, living in the city and among them are far more women than man. Therefore this Evoque has already been snapped up by glamour model Katie Price’s protege – Amy Willerton.

To go further into details, the magic that has been put on the Evoque by Afzal Kahn’s, includes even excitement, which brings the vehicle to brand new level. First of all 2012 Kahn Range Rover Evoque Red features the red smooth contour, by which it is immediately recognizable. Moreover it offers astonishing styling package, which consists of a lowered suspension (35mm), yellow calipers, aluminum pedals, (full body color coding/detailing available), privacy glass, touch screen sat nav and adaptive front headlamps all draw you in like a guiding light. And what about the interior of the vehicle? Of course, it also has been touch with bespoke professionalism. However, A. Kahn offers the unique opportunity to every customer to express their own individuality. Afzal Kahn could, for example, design for you a vehicle with an exterior the color of your jeans and an interior with seats the same shade of lets say, a grey T-shirt. Furthermore Evoque the unique unique RS600 wheels, which are available in 20” 21” 22” size. Nonetheless, additional wheels are also available.

This brilliantly tuned Range Rover Evoque, is the perfect example of the philosophy of A.Kahn Design – to bring together the artistic innovation and state-of-the art manufacturing and materials technology. At last to be emphasized is that the tuning company is all about creating something unmatchable then before by refining and enhancing every aspect of the vehicle.

Source: Kahn Design

January 25, 2012

Alfa Romeo 2uettottanta Concept at Qatar Motor Show

Attenders at this month’s Qatar Motor Show are in for a treat because a Pininfarina Alfa will be taking part as an exhibition. It is the truly delightful Alfa 2uettottanta concept – a familiar face not only because it has been around for a while (barer of the 2010 Car Design of the Year Award) but also because it is a direct descendant to the historic Pininfarina Alfa Romeo Spider, also known as “Duetto”

The genetic code of the roadster icon can be detected easily by those who know where to look at. The 2uettottanta‘s engine for instance is a 1750 cc unit positioned longitudinally that echos the 1968 Spider “Veloce” – one of the many incarnations of the Duetto. The Alfa Romeo shield is still as emblematic as ever and so is the red paint that acts as a definitive characteristic in all Alfas. Most of all however, the thing that brings up the Duetto name is the idea itself – It still is a 2 seated, simple roadster, a passion on wheels and a joy to drive.

Alfa Romeo Pininfarina 2uettottanta (2011)

While it does stay true to its ancestors, in no way we can call it ancient. Dimensions stand at 1797 mm in width, 4212.6 mm in length and 1280 mm in height – wider but just a bit shorter and lower than the original Duetto. The body exhibits a multitude of curves and dimples which give an overall feel of slipperiness and elegance. There are no materials in excess, no protrusions. Instead, it is smooth as a soap bar. A line slashes trough the whole car horizontally which in a way improves the road stance (visually).

Will this superb piece of work become a production reality or will it remain a monument that marks the immaculate alliance between Pininfarina and Alfa Romeo, we’ll just have to wait and see.The Qatar Motor Show goes public on the 25th of January and it will host a number of companies among which four Italian ones, including Pininfarina.

Source: Pininfarina

January 24, 2012

Pininfarina Cambiano Concept Update

New teasers coming from Pininfarina about their Cambiano concept and the prognosis is looking good. We still can’t be sure however, that this will be a whole car for so far we have only seen halves of it. No worries though, because what we see here leaves a decent amount of space for pondering and speculation.

Judging from the pictures down below we have a sleek sporty coupe with a remarkably short engine bay. The design ergonomics, with all those curves and lines, feel slippery and dynamic. Also, that tiny wing-mirror hints a great deal of aerodynamic conscientiousness. Then there’s the party piece – a full sized panoramic roofline held together by something that looks like an exoskeleton. Neat! The interior boasts a roomy cabin with seating for four (or two if it really turns out to be a half-car) and there are some wooden veneers in the luggage department, so that’s interesting. The steering wheel brings to mind an airplane’s techy analogue cockpit while the cappuccino color patterns counter with the aesthetics of an Italian coffee shop.

Cambiano is the name of the small town which houses Pininfarina‘s works. This year the community is to mark two anniversaries: 30 years with the Pininfarina Styling Centre (called, back in1982, the “Pininfarina Studi e Ricerche/Pininfarina Study and Research”) and 10 years of development with the Pininfarina Engineering Center.

Source: Pininfarina

January 24, 2012

Chevrolet Camaro Military Tribute Auctioned – 175 000$

A very special Chevrolet “Military Tribute Camaro” has been auctioned at Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auction. The Achilles Freedom team will benefit from the final bid which reached $175,000. It is an association that helps wounded war veterans to overcome their physical and psychological trauma by engaging them in various sports activities, athletics and marathons.

The 2010 Camaro itself boasts an impressive paint job. It has been done by the renown artist Mickey Harris who has been airbrushing things for 33 years now. He has spent most of his childhood on military installations and one can notice that just by looking at his works.

“The Military Tribute Camaro was designed to honor our armed forces heroes. Now, thanks to its generous new owner, it will help our injured veterans rebuild their lives through the excellent work of the Achilles Freedom Team,” said Chris Perry, vice president, Global Chevrolet Marketing and Strategy.

The other impressive thing about this car is that before the auction, it has toured over 30 military camps within the USA including the Pentagon. And now, last Sunday its journey ended at the Barrett-Jackson auction with a novel cause.

The whole project was supported by the GM Military Discount Program – one of the most generous military discount programs in the industry. Through it, GM offers GM Preferred Pricing (the same price extended to GM suppliers) on any Chevrolet (except Volt), Buick or GMC.

Other US soldier aid programs, supported by Chevrolet include the Cell Phones for Soldiers – This program provides phone cards to service men and women. In 2011, Chevrolet raised $212,000 (worth 100,000 hours of talk time) from the auction proceeds of a 2012 Honor and Valor Camaro SS and Chevrolet donations of $100 for every car and truck sold during Military Appreciation Month in May. Since 2010, Chevrolet has collected more than 70,000 used cell phones, worth 70,000 hours of talk time. Then there’s the Travis Manion Foundation – named after First Lt. Travis L. Manion who was killed in battle in Iraq 2007, this association has received by GM 250 000$ intended to relief families of fallen soldiers and veterans. There is also a number of events sponsored by GM, which involve active and retired military servicemen annually.

Chevrolet Camaro Military Tribute (2010)

Source: Chevrolet

January 24, 2012

Rolls-Royce Ghost – Individual models

Rolls-Royce Ghost is one of the most luxurious saloons in the world. However, the manufacturer will further offer several individual programs to make the Ghost even more special.

“It is always our goal to exceed our clients’ highest expectations and fulfill their innermost desires,” said Torsten Müller-Ötvös, Rolls-Royce CEO.

“With highly bespoke Phantom and Ghost models, we are able to achieve this. The passion with which our bespoke craftspeople create these beautiful cars is reflected in some truly outstanding examples delivered across the globe last year.”, he added.

In August 2011 Rolls-Royce announced an expansion of its bespoke operation to meet growing demand, doubling the number of bespoke experts working at the Home of Rolls-Royce in Goodwood by the end of the year. The company is also about to expand its manufacturing facility, partly due to the increase in demand for bespoke cars. Work will begin next month.

Stay tuned for more information!

Source: Rolls-Royce

January 24, 2012

2012 Hyundai i30 5-door – Price £14 495

Hyundai has released the full price list for the new Generation five-door i30 hatchback. The car will hit the UK market in March. 2012 i30 5-door is priced from £14 495 OTR for the entry level Classic model.

The new generation Hyundai i30 will be available in four main trim levels including Classic, Active, Style and Style Nav.

The engine range includes 1.6 CRDi manual with Intelligent Stop & Go Technology. It is available in outputs of 110PS and 128PS.

“The new generation i30 represents another leap forward in terms of Hyundai’s design, refinement and build quality. Coupled with Hyundai’s generous standard specification along and industry leading back-up service and support in the form of the Five Year Triple Care assurance, the new generation i30 truly represents the complete package for customers looking for a high-quality vehicle at an affordable price.”, commented Tony Whitehorn, President and CEO Hyundai Motor UK.

The standard equipment includes voice-activated Bluetooth®, LED daytime running lights, multi-function steering wheel, electrically adjustable and heated door mirrors and one-touch indicators. Safety systems added as standard across the range include Vehicle Stability Management, Emergency Stop Signal and Hill-start Assist Control. Active trim level, adds 15” alloys, cruise control, rear parking sensors and Hyundai’s new dynamic Flex SteerTM system, which gives the driver the option of three settings namely: Comfort, Normal and Sport.

The Style trim level adds 16” alloy wheels, dual zone climate control, front parking sensors, rain sensing wipers, cornering lights, automatic headlights, automatic de-fog system for front windscreen and electrically folding door mirrors with LED indicators.

The Style Nav brings a fully integrated touchscreen satellite navigation system and rear view parking camera.

Source: Hyundai

January 24, 2012

2012 Jaguar XF SE Business & Sport models

Jaguar has announced two new models that are set to join the award-winning line-up in the form of the SE Business and Sport editions.

The SE Business model is offered with the 2.2 litre Diesel 163 PS engine. It adds SAT NAV system with 7” touchscreen and HDD mapping. This is in addition to the standard specification which includes intelligent start stop, a 400W sound system with DAB digital radio, leather and suedecloth seats and bi-Xenon headlights.

The Sport model is based on the 2.2 Diesel 190 PS engine and adds the full aerodynamic pack debuted on the Diesel S. This includes a revised front bumper, a black grille element, side sill extensions, a subtle rear boot lid spoiler and a black rear valance to create an elegant yet imposing look.

The interior of the Sport features half leather suedecloth seats, bond grain trim and dove contrast stitch as well as electric driver and passenger adjustment. Piano black trim with ‘Sport’ decals on the centre console are joined by stainless steel foot pedals. Practical additions include a heated front windscreen and front seats, a front parking aid plus a reversing camera and 60/40 folding rear seats.

Both the SE Business and Sport can be ordered now with prices starting at £31 500 and £34 950, respectively.

Source: Jaguar

January 24, 2012

2012 Carlsson Smart

2012 Carlsson Smart is now the newest tuning that a Smart can get. And as you view the pictures below, I am sure you think it’s worth it. Carlsson now offer this modification of the vehicle, which includes aerodynamic components, light alloy wheels in up to 17“ and complete interior enhancements in finest Carlsson Nappa leather. Besides those various possibilities for exterior refinements, the tuners now offer also performance kit for the Smart, called CK10.

The CK10 enhances the overall performance of the vehicle. In details, it endows the small city runabout with 82kW (112hp) and 158Nm (117 lb-ft) of torque. This was made possible thank to the special set-up of the engine management system and a sport air filter. Moreover the Carlsson engineers not only obtained a considerable increase in power output and torque, but also they have increased the number of the top speed.

Source: Carlsson

January 24, 2012

Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport at Qatar International Motor Show

The legendary European manufacturer Bugatti took part in this year’s Qatar International Motor Show. This is the second time, in which the brand takes part in the Motor Show. This time, Bugatti has just presented an exclusive and uniquely colored model of the Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport. In details this is the fastest, most powerful and most luxurious open top car in the world.

The model has a unique color and is made from unique materials, thus making it unique car. It has a horizontal color split with a bright yellow body framed in visible black carbon, including black-tinted wheels. This impressive color contrast is continued inside in the interior of the car with seats finished in yellow-colored leather with black stitching. Additionally, the middle console is in black carbon, while the dashboard, steering wheel and gearshift are made of black leather with yellow stitching. And if you wonder how much such piece of art would cost, well you have to be prepared to hear the sum of 1.58 million Euros. Not a car for anyone, isn’t it?

To go further into details, the last sale of Bugatti Veyron coupé was in June 2011. With this it marked an end to the successful era and exclusive production run of 300 units of the supercar and its even faster cousin the Super Sport. Now the Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport includes supreme technology. For example when the roof is on, the vehicle can reach a top speed of 407 km/h, while speeds of up to 350 km/h are possible with the roof off. It is not a surprise therefore, that this makes the Grand Sport the fastest roadster in the world! Moreover the Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport 16.4 will be assembled by hand at the company’s headquarters in Molsheim, France. Of course, the customers will have the opportunity to tailor their vehicles to their personal preferences and taste by choosing from a broad array of exquisite materials and colors. This model which is on display in Qatar, demonstrates an ever growing number of options. However Bugatti Automobiles S.A.S. has limited the Grand Sport to only 150 units of which 105 slots are still open.

Source: Bugatti

January 24, 2012

2012 Bentley Continental GTC Convertible and Bentley Mulsanne at the Qatar International Motor Show

Bentley Motors has just revealed their new 2012 Bentley Continental GTC. The luxury vehicle was presented for its first time at Qatar International Motor Show in Doha.

The all new Bentley GTC Convertible includes even more spacious cabin, which is of course hand-crafted. Moreover it is made from soft-touch leather hides, an extensive range of wood veneers, cool-touch metals and deep-pile carpets. Furthermore the new vehicle is now wit even more powerful 575PS 6.0 litre, twin-turbocharged W12 engine. It also has the new QuickShift transmission, enabling faster gear changes. In addition Bentley’s design and engineering professionals have improved and upgraded every aspect of the convertible with an uncompromising quality.

2012 Bentley Continental GTC Convertible

Another luxury car was presented at the Motor Show. Namely, it was the famous Bentley Mulsanne, which is one of the most appreciated vehicles in the Middle East. The new Mulsanne definitely got everything essential from the Bentley marque. You can see all the elegance in it, combined with distinctly sportiness. Moreover it delivers effortless performance thank to the classic 6.75 litre V8 engine. Of course its interior is hand-crafted and delivers more luxury than ever.

Bentley sales were up 37% globally in 2011, which equals 7003 sold cars more than the previous year. For example, December saw 1059 cars delivered to customers (up 69% on the same month in 2010), the best month since Bentley’s pre-recession record of 2007 and the second best month ever. In addition the Middle East region remained stable in terms of sales. In details, from June to October there was even an increase of around 3%. Therefore, Qatar retained its position as the third largest market in the Middle East with 70 cars sold during 2011. This growth in sales predetermined Bentley strategy – obviously there is a strong demand for the new Continental GT and the Bentley Mulsanne. Moreover the Middle East remains one of the most important markets in the world in terms of interest in the vehicles. Hence, the demand for these cars is expected to continue in this year.

Source: Bentley

January 24, 2012

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