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  • Bugatti Grand Sport Middle East Editions

    At the Dubai International Motor Show the legendary French brand presents three very special models of the Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport, which is the fastest, most powerful and exclusive open top car in the world.

    There will be three models, which fully stand in the tradition of Ettore Bugatti’s constant strive to use new colour schemes and materials to provide his clientele with unique cars for its exclusive taste. Today Bugatti is still expanding the possibilities of options to offer more and more sophisticated individualisation.

    The first Grand Sport on display at Dubai Motor Show has a horizontal colour split with a bright yellow body and a underside in visible black carbon, including black-tinted wheels. The striking contrast of black and yellow, Ettore Bugatti’s favorite colours, is continued by seats finished in yellow-colored leather with black stitching. The middle console is in black carbon, while the dashboard, steering wheel and gearshift are encased in black leather with yellow stitching. This Grand Sport model comes at a price of €1 580 000

    The second individualized Grand Sport model is also presented in a two-tone horizontal colour split consisting of visible blue carbon, framed in polished, anodised aluminium. The rims are highlighted in an aluminium polished and Diamond Cut two-tone finish. The grills at the front and the air intakes are in aluminium with a mirror shine finish. The interior of this car is finished with tangerine leather throughout. Only the door panels, dashboard, steering wheel and console are covered in dark blue Indigo leather or exposed blue carbon fibre, with tangerine stitching on the steering wheel and gearshift knob. This special edition model has a price of €1 740 000.

    The third Grand Sport comes in the newly developed green carbon fibre tone with polished aluminium. This special model takes up the traditional Bugatti two-tone-specification. The rims, the exterior rearview mirrors and even the EB-logo at the rear are of polished aluminium to create an elegant and harmonious overall appearance. The interior, especially and tastefully selected, is also dominated in green and silver which matches perfectly with the flamboyant exterior. The third Dubai Motor Show 2011 special edition model will be delivered at a price of €1 740 000.

    Bugatti Grand Sport Middle East Editions
    Bugatti Grand Sport Middle East Editions

    Source: Bugatti

  • BRABUS 800 Coupe

    For a long time, 700PS barrier was not a challenge for the German tuner Brabus. Now, the tuning specialists will introduce  Brabus 800 Coupe , at the 2011 Dubai International Motor Show. The sport luxurious coupe is based on the Mercedes-Benz CL 600. In addition to its unique performance, the two-door car’s most impressive highlights are its exclusive sporty-elegant design and its high-class interior.

    The mighty twin-turbo 5.5 litre V12 engine has been reworked to 6.2 liters with the help of a special BRABUS crankshaft with longer stroke, larger cylinder bore and correspondingly larger forged pistons. There are also a high-end turbocharging system, two custom exhaust manifolds and four water-to-air intercoolers.

    The result is staggering – 800PS (588 kW) and 1420Nm (1047 lb-ft) of torque, instead of factory’s 517PS (380 kW) and 800Nm (590 lb-ft). All that power is send the rear wheels via a 5-speed automatic gearbox. The BRABUS high-performance limited-slip differential with a locking rate of 40% takes care about the traction.

    BRABUS 800 Coupe
    BRABUS 800 Coupe

    The performance is spectacular – 0 to 100 km/h in 3.9 seconds and to 200 km/h in 10.3 seconds. The top speed has to be electronically-limited to 350 km/h (217-mph) as well the torque, which is 1100Nm (811 lb-ft), because the gearbox can’t handle the other 320Nm (236 lb-ft).

    Brabus 800 Coupe stands on Monoblock 21-inch wheels, available as Monoblock VI, E or F designs fitted with Continental, Pirelli and YOKOHAMA supply tried and tested high-performance tires in size 265/30 ZR21 in front and size 295/25 ZR21 on the rear axle.

    Behind the wheels, there is BRABUS high-performance brake system consisting of  6-piston calipers and vented and cross-drilled discs measuring 405 x 34 mm up front and 4-piston calipers with 380 x 34 mm at the rear.

    For better handling and unique stance, the car is lowered by 25 mm (1 inch) thanks to BRABUS ride-height lowering module.

    Brabus aerodynamics body kit include front spoiler that attaches to the production fascia, rear spoiler on the trunk lid and a rear fascia insert.

    The interior boasts white leather and black Alcantara, each with contrasting seams and diamond-pattern topstitching. There are also a lot carbon-fiber elements and matte surfaces in “checkered flag”. An ergonomically shaped sport steering wheel is also part of the extraordinary BRABUS interior refinement as are scuff plates with backlit BRABUS logo, and aluminum pedals, foot rest and shifter.

    BRABUS 800 Coupe Interior
    BRABUS 800 Coupe Interior

    Source: Brabus

  • 2012 Jaguar XJ Sport

    Jaguar has announced the new 2012 XJ Sport Saloon combining elegance, drama and sporting fortitude. There is also a Speed Pack to further emphasise the performance aspect of its character.

    The Sport Pack – available throughout the XJ range – comprises a number of exterior and interior design options that clearly underline the assertive side of the car’s personality. Externally the appearance of the XJ has been made even more dramatic with the addition of aerodynamically optimised changes to the bodywork and an alloy wheel design specific to the Sport Pack.

    The functional aerodynamic changes of the Sport Pack allow supercharged XJ models to be additionally offered with the Speed Pack, which raises the limited top speed from 250km/h (155mph) to 280km/h (174mph).

    2012 Jaguar XJ is offered with twin-turbo diesel, a 3.0 liter V6 petrol and naturally-aspirated 5.0 litre AJ-V8. On supercharged AJ-V8 models, the Sport pack can be combined with the Speed Pack.

    The XJ benefits from superb aerodynamics and Jaguar’s innovative lightweight aluminium architecture to offer weight savings of up to 150kg over its competitors. This offers tangible benefits in terms of economy, emissions, driving dynamics, agility and, of course, performance.

    The Sport Pack is available on nearly all engine variants, including the muscular twin-turbo diesel, market-specific 3.0 V6 petrol and naturally-aspirated 5.0-litre AJ-V8 where it serves to emphasise the sporting character and driver involvement that are core strengths of every XJ model.

    The Sport Pack includes an aerodynamic splitter beneath the bumper, bootlid lip and new 20” Venom alloy wheels with a diamond-turned sparkle silver finish.

    Inside the vehicle offers changes that give driver and passengers a heightened sense of occasion and an indication of the dynamic abilities available. There are sports front seats trimmed in softgrain leather and active ventilation. There are also stainless steel pedals engraved with the Jaguar name, eye-catching Piano Black trim and carbon-fibre highlights.

    2012 Jaguar XJ Sport
    2012 Jaguar XJ Sport

    Source: Jaguar

  • Kia Ray – A city car for Korea

    Small and ugly? No, it’s not SMART, at least not this time. The answer is an all-new Kia Ray compact vehicle. Fortunately, the vehicle will be sold exclusively in the Korean home market.

    2012 Kia Ray City Car is aimed to provide its customers economical travelling and spacious interior. Of course, the exterior paid the huge price. It looks exactly like a lunch box. There are no words about powertrain options, which will be announced closer to the yet-to-be confirmed launch date, but you haven’t expect a lot.

    Kia Ray has sliding rear passenger side door, which has to enable easier entry and exit in tight parking spaces, but it looks really bad, because the symmetry is broken.

    From the rear, Ray presents a wide and stable stance, highlighted by prominent LED rear combination lamps and vertically positioned bumper reflectors. So, you’d rather look this thing from behind.

    In conclusion,  Kia Ray is a very bad copy of Scion xB and we are kind of happy, that it will never reach the European or US market.

    Kia Ray
    Kia Ray

    Source: Kia

    Kia Ray is a very bad copy of Scion xB and we are kind of happy, that it will never reach the European or US market.
  • Honda Concepts at the 42nd Tokyo Motor Show

    Honda will exhibit several interesting concept cars at the 42 Tokyo Motor Show.

    As a part of “SMART MOBILITY CITY 2011”, a themed project that Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association, Inc. (JAMA) will hold at the motor show venue, Honda will showcase the FCX Clarity advanced fuel cell electric vehicle, EV-neo electric scooter, EV-MONPAL electric cart, as well as the Honda Smart Home System which features several Honda-developed energy production technologies, including a gas engine cogeneration unit and a solar powered system to reduce household and mobility CO2 emissions. The progress Honda has been making in its testing programme of these technologies also will be showcased.

    The Tokyo Motor Show will take place at Tokyo Big Sight from Saturday 3 December to Sunday 11 December 2011.

    Detail about all concepts are available, below!

    Honda Small Sports EV concept
    Honda Small Sports EV concept

    Car concept models

    • Small Sports EV Concept: A next-generation compact EV sports model, fun to drive while achieving excellent environmental performance.
    • AC-X: A next generation plug-in hybrid vehicle offering a comfortable and enjoyable driving experience in urban and long-distance motoring. With the choices of an “engine drive mode” for more spirited driving or an “automatic drive mode” for more relaxed driving.
    • Micro Commuter Concept: A micro-sized, futuristic, electric city commuter vehicle which will become a highly accessible form of mobility. It also features a HONDA MOTOR COMPO two-wheel EV slotted inside this vehicle.

    Motorcycle concept models

    • Motor Compo: A compact EV commuter which offers the casual and convenient mobility of a two-wheeler, but also strives to be useful even when it’s not being ridden. This model can be loaded in the MICRO COMMUTER CONCEPT, with the battery that drives this commuter detachable and designed to be used as a power source in everyday life.
    • E-Canopy: A quiet and comfortable next-generation commuter developed by installing an EV system on Honda’s unique three-wheeled scooter. This vehicle can be utilised for business use such as a delivery service by adopting a rear trunk which can be built-in.
    • RC-E: An EV version of a super sports bike that pursues the joy of riding. A powerful and smooth ride unique to an EV model is achieved with the 250cc-class compact body.

    Power Product concept model

    • Townwalker: Urban mobility which combines simplicity and nimbleness that enables everyone to enjoy mobility in urban areas. It can easily be loaded in a car by folding away the steering and seat.

    Honda will also be showcasing the ‘N Concept’, a new mini-vehicle series that emphasises the use of space, and the first production model in the series, the N BOX. Other production models on display in the car area include the Accord, Insight, Jazz and CR-Z.

    Source: Honda

  • 2012 Nissan NV3500 HD

    Nissan has revealed a very interesting vehicle – an all-new 2012 NV3500 HD passenger van, which is specially created for USA. The van is based on the NV3500 HD, which was recently released. Offered for both personal and fleet use, the four-row/12-passenger Nissan NV3500 HD features the most flexible seating configurations in the full-size passenger van segment, along with one of the highest standard horsepower and torque ratings.

    2012 Nissan NV3500 HD Passenger Van is powered by a huge V6 DOHC with 4.0 liters of displacement. It delivers 261PS (192 kW) and 380Nm (281 lb-ft) of torque. There is also a choice for the powerful DOHC 32-valve V8 with 317PS (233 kW) and 520Nm (385 lb-ft). Both engines include Nissan’s Continuous Valve Timing Control (C-VTC) for improved efficiency and are matched with a refined, heavy-duty 5-speed automatic transmission.

    The Nissan NV3500 HD Passenger Van is built on a foundation of a rugged fully boxed ladder frame with independent front strut/solid rear axle with rigid leaf springs suspension, heavy-duty disc brakes with Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) and engine-speed-sensitive power steering. Also standard is a 28-gallon fuel tank.

    A number of option packages are offered, including a Power Basic Package (S models only), with power windows and door locks; a Tow Package (V8 only), with extendable heated outside mirrors and Class-IV receiver hitch, wiring and heavy duty battery; the Power Basic Package + Tow Package (S-grade V8 only); and the Technology Package with Rear Camera (SV and SL only), featuring XM® Satellite Radio (XM® subscription required, sold separately), 5” touch-screen SD navigation system, Bluetooth® Hands-free Phone System (standard on SL-grade) and RearView Monitor.

    2012 Nissan NV3500 HD
    2012 Nissan NV3500 HD

    2012 Nissan NV3500 HD Passenger Van:

    • Safety – integrated seat belts for all rear seating positions; standard headrests for all seating positions; and segment-exclusive standard side curtain air bags for all four rows of passengers

    • Seating flexibility – 12-person seating capacity with up to 324 possible seat configurations; large 1st row seats to optimize comfort, completely removable and repositionable 2nd and 3rd row seats; 50/50-split 4th row seat than can be partially or completely removed as needed

    • Mobile office support – large center console with storage for laptop computer and charger, business cards, hanging files, pens and paper; available 120V outlets; seat wear patch; fold-down front passenger seat with underseat storage; no engine intrusion into the cabin area

    • Enhanced utility – low step-in height, easy ingress and egress without intrusive seat belts (integrated into rear seats); wide door openings; rear 50/50-split French doors with 243? rear opening

    • Comfort and convenience – rear HVAC system, available personal lamps for 2nd, 3rd and 4th rows; rear cargo lamp behind 4th row; available 3rd row 12V outlet; numerous cupholders and bottle holders

    • Technology – available navigation system, Bluetooth® Hands-free Phone System, telematics pre-wiring, XM® Satellite Radio (XM® subscription required, sold separately); and integrated rear view camera

    • Modern style – Nissan truck twin strut signature grille; pickup truck style front end design; large windows with privacy glass; styled-steel 17-inch wheels

    Source: Nissan

  • Mitsubishi Concept PX-MiEV II

    Mitsubishi will reveal Concept PX-MiEV II at the 42nd Tokyo Motor Show.

    The vehicle is practically the same as the first PX-MiEV, but the new model comes with revised front and rear bumpers, new headlights and taillights. There are also different wheels and hatch-door.

    Mitsubishi Concept PX-MiEV II is a plug-in hybrid featuring a 2.0 liter MIVEC four-cylinder petrol engine with 95PS (70 kW) and two 90PS (66 kW) electric motors, one on each axle. PX-MiEV II has an all-electric range of 50 km (31 miles) and an overall range of a nice 800 km (497 miles). This means 169 mpg – 1.66 litres per 100 km.

    Mitsubishi Concept PX-MiEV II stands on big 18” alloy wheels fitted with 235/55 R18 low-resistance tires.

    The dimensions are – 4660 mm in length, 1830 mm in width and 1680 mm height.

    Mitsubishi Concept PX-MiEV II
    Mitsubishi Concept PX-MiEV II

    Mitsubishi Concept PX-MiEV II Specification:

    Overall length 4660 mm
    Overall width 1830 mm
    Overall height 1680 mm
    Occupants 5
    Motors

    (front and rear)

    Type Permanent magnet synchronous
    Max. output 60kW each
    Engine Type 2.0L MIVEC 4-cylinder
    Generating capacity 70kW
    Target motor-only driving range > 50 km
    Target combined cruising range > 800 km
    Target combined fuel efficiency > 60 km/L
    Drivetrain Twin-motor 4WD with S-AWC
    Tires 235/55R18

    Source: Mitsubishi

  • BMW 7-Series Luxury Edition Price – £58 920

    BMW has announced a special enhanced package, worth £7 785, which is available for an additional £1 500, making the 7-Series Luxury Edition available from just £58 920 OTR. It is really a great price for such premium vehicle.

    The BMW 7 Series Luxury Edition offers customers an enhanced specification and is available on all diesel powered 7-Series models.  The Luxury Edition adds 19” light alloy multi-spoke wheels, powered bootlid operation, comfort seats, BMW Professional loudspeaker system, rear seat heating, soft-close doors, sports leather steering wheel, exclusive Nappa Leather upholstery and a choice of Azurite or Moonstone BMW Individual metallic paintwork.

    Check out the additional equipment featured, below!

    BMW 7 Series M Sports Package
    BMW 7 Series M Sports Package

    Non M Sport models:

    • 19″ light alloy wheels Multi-spoke style 235
    • Exclusive Azurite or Moonstone BMW Individual metallic paintwork
    • Bootlid operation, powered
    • Comfort seats, front
    • Exclusive extended Nappa Leather upholstery
    • Loudspeaker system – BMW Professional
    • Seat heating, rear
    • Soft-close doors
    • Sport leather steering wheel, three spoke

    M Sport models:

    • 20″ light alloy wheels Double-spoke style 303 M
    • Exclusive Azurite or Moonstone BMW Individual metallic paintwork
    • Bootlid operation, powered
    • Comfort seats, front
    • Exclusive extended Nappa Leather upholstery
    • Loudspeaker system – BMW Professional
    • Seat heating, rear
    • Soft-close doors

    Source: BMW

  • Fleet News – 2010 BMW 3-Series is the most reliable car

    The most reliable car is the BMW 3-Series, according to the survey, retaining its number one position from 2010, while the Honda Accord retains its second place from 2010. What is more, German brands have caught up with Japanese cars when it comes to reliability. In other words – six German brands appear in the top 10 as three of them in the top five.

    The final two places in the table are taken by two cars absent from the top 10 last year, with the Mazda6 taking ninth place and the BMW 5 Series securing 10th place. BMW also takes the top spot as the most reliable car manufacturer, with Audi taking second place.

    “We are delighted to have won the overall honour in the FN50 reliability survey. The outgoing BMW 3 Series Saloon and the 3 Series range overall has been and continues to be an outstanding success for us.”, commented Tim Abbott, managing director at BMW UK.

    “Awards such as this ensure customers can buy a class-leading vehicle safe in the knowledge that only years of enjoyable, hassle free motoring in a premium car await.”, he added.

    The annual analysis is commissioned by Fleet News.

    Check out all rankings, below!

    BMW 320d EfficientDynamics Saloon
    BMW 320d EfficientDynamics Saloon

    Most reliable cars

    1. BMW 3 Series
    2. Honda Accord
    3. Volkswagen Golf
    4. Audi A3
    5. Toyota Avensis
    6. Nissan Qashqai
    7. Volkswagen Passat
    8. Audi A4
    9. Mazda6
    10. BMW 5 Series

    Most reliable car manufacturers

    1. BMW
    2. Audi
    3. Honda
    4. Volkswagen
    5. Toyota
    6. Nissan
    7. Mercedes-Benz
    8. Ford
    9. Lexus
    10. Skoda

    Most reliable vans

    1. Mercedes-Benz Sprinter
    2. Ford Transit Connect
    3. Volkswagen Caddy
    4. Ford Transit
    5. Volkswagen Transporter

    Most reliable van manufacturers

    1. Volkswagen
    2. Ford
    3. Mercedes-Benz
    4. Fiat
    5. Renault
  • Pivo 3 Concept

    Nissan will reveal the PIVO 3 EV Concept at the 42nd Tokyo Motor Show. More interesting is that, this is not just a show car – PIVO 3 is what Nissan envisions to be a more “realistic” EV of the near future.

    “PIVO is one of the answers for active urbanists living in mature markets. Through the three PIVO proposals, we have gained a deep understanding of their needs in such large, metropolitan areas.”, said Francois Bancon, Deputy Division General Manager of Product Strategy and Product Planning Division.

    Each of the eight concepts that we have created address different needs, different communities, different lifestyles for different markets. That makes zero emission mobility an ambitious statement for the company… At Nissan, we believe that the world is changing and mobility has a role to play to make it better.”, he added.

    As part of Nissan’s long-term commitment to lead the way in mass-marketed zero-emission mobility, PIVO 3 stands alongside the Nissan LEAF as a practical approach to sustainability for the real world. Nissan LEAF is a compact hatchback; PIVO is an ultra-compact city commuter targeting singles and couples living in and enjoying an urban lifestyle.

    PIVO 3 is a remarkably compact package, measuring just under 3m in length and seating three in a 1+2 layout. The most remarkable about the car is a legal U-turn in a road only 4m wide. Considering that most public roads around the world are at least 4m in width, this means that a U-turn is almost always possible because of its 2m minimum turning radius.

    Here, once again, Nissan demonstrates its commitment as a responsible corporate citizen to zero emission mobility with an inspired vision of the way we will live and drive in the near future.

    Pivo 3 Concept
    Pivo 3 Concept

    Source: Nissan

  • Lorinser Infiniti FX

    Lorinser has announced tuning package for Infiniti FX. The specialist of vibrant refinements of Mercedes-Benz vehicles provides the SUV with a spectacular body design. The tuned Infiniti FX is developed initially exclusively for the Russian market, but the mization programme is also considered to be sold in other markets. We hope so, because Lorinser Infiniti FX look fantastic.

    The body kit includes new front and rear bumpers, modified side skirts and nice LED daytime running lights. There are also a roof spoiler and special quad sport exhaust system.

    The SUV stands on enormous Lorinser monoblock 22” alloys fitted with high-performance tires Continental CROSS CONTACT in size 285/35 R22.

    The interior can be entirely reworked to customer demands. As a supplement to the existing production-type interior features, there is everything your heart’s desire – from personalized floor mats to complete leather furnishings.

    No words about pricing or performance modifications.

    Lorinser Infiniti FX
    Lorinser Infiniti FX

    Source: Lorinser

  • 2012 BMW E92 M3 Competition Edition

    BMW of North America has announced the 2012 M3 Competition Edition with Frozen Silver exterior paint and other nice upgrades. The vehicles is specially created to celebrate 40 years of the M division. As you may suggest, only 40 units of the special E92 M3 will be created and sold to U.S. customers.

    The unique exterior treatment also includes black hood intakes and dark chrome exterior trim, including the kidney grills, the M side gills and the exhaust tips. Black 19” M3 GTS wheels complete the striking exterior.

    The interior comes with black Extended Novillo Leather with unique palladium silver accents and palladium silver-contrast stitching on front seats, headrests, door trim panels / handles, center console, and center armrest. There is also an Alcantara-covered multi-function M steering wheel with M3 Checkered Flag logo inlay. Finally, genuine Carbon Fiber trims the dash and center console are added.

    2012 BMW E92 M3 Competition Edition Interior
    2012 BMW E92 M3 Competition Edition Interior

    The E92 M3 Competition Edition is powered by a 4.0 liter naturally aspirated hi-revving V8 with 420PS (309 kW) and 400Nm (295 lb-ft). It is mated to a M-DCT (M Double Clutch Transmission). The acceleration to 60 mph is in 4.5 seconds and top speed is electronically limited to 250 km/h (155 mph).

    The included Competition Package consists of lowered suspension -by 10mm, M3 GTS 19″ wheels in black with wider offset for enhanced stability, standard Electronic Damping Control with enhanced programming, and higher-threshold programming for the M Dynamic Mode.

    The 2012 BMW M3 Competition Edition is priced at $81 060 including destination and handling.

    Check out the full specs, below!

    2012 BMW E92 M3 Competition Edition
    2012 BMW E92 M3 Competition Edition



    2012 BMW M3 Competition Edition

    Exterior

    • Frozen Silver exterior paint
    • Black hood intakes
    • Dark Chrome exterior trim
    o Kidney Grills
    o M side gill elements
    o Exhaust tips
    • Black M3 GTS 19-inch wheels

    Interior

    • Extended Black Novillo leather upholstery with Palladium Silver accents
    • Palladium Silver stitching on front seats, headrests, door trim panels / handles, center console, and center armrest
    • Alcantara multi-function M steering wheel with M3 Checkered Flag logo inlay
    • Carbon Fiber interior trim, including dashboard and center console.
    • Door sill finishers with M3 Checkered Flag logo.
    • Handbrake lever with embroidered M Power logo.

    Packages

    • Competition Package
    o Dynamic Damper Control
    o M3 GTS 19-inch light alloy Y-spoke wheels (black)
    o Competition package suspension with 10mm lower ride height
    o Modified programming for the M Dynamic Mode
    • Cold Weather Package
    o Ski-bag
    o Heated front seats
    o Retractable headlight washers
    • Premium Package
    o Power folding auto-dimming mirrors
    o Universal garage-door opener
    o Comfort Access keyless entry
    o Power rear sunshade
    o Power front seats with driver seat memory
    o Interior rearview mirror with compass
    o Rear Park Distance Control

    Options

    • M Dual-Clutch Transmission with Drivelogic
    • Navigation System with Real-time Traffic Info.
    • Bluetooth connectivity
    • iPod and USB Adapter
    • BMW Apps iPhone integration

    Source: BMW