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2012 Toyota Yaris – 5 Star Euro NCAP rating

2012 Toyota Yaris has earned top five-star rating for all-round safety performance by passing through Euro NCAP independent crash testing. The small city car meets all high standards for the 2011 test programme and its were good enough to comply with the higher five-star threshold that will be introduced in 2012.

2012 Yaris comes with seven airbags as standard, including a driver’s knee airbag. The driver and front passenger side airbags have a new two-chamber design that improves protection with larger cushions – eight litres for the thorax/abdomen area and 4.5 litres for the pelvis.

There are also numerous features designed to reduce the risk of injuries to pedestrians. The front bumper contains energy absorbing materials that reduce the impact energy directed at a pedestrian’s legs, and a pantograph bonnet structure also absorbs energy to protect the head and body in a collision. There is a crushable cowl louvre at the rear edge of the bonnet, and the front wings have an impact absorbing brackets.

The small car also benefits from a comprehensive package of active safety systems, including ABS, Electronic Brakeforce Distribution, Corner Stability Control, Brake Assist, Traction Control and Vehicle Stability Control.

2012 Toyota Yaris is available with 1.0 and 1.33-litre petrol units and a 1.4-litre D-4D turbodiesel. It also can be opted with Multidrive S, Toyota’s latest continuously variable transmission (CVT), features a manual override, sequential seven-step mode that the driver can operate using either the gearshift lever or paddle shifts on the steering wheel.

The pricing starts at just £11 170.

Source: Toyota

October 26, 2011

2012 Ford Ranger Price – £15 515

The all-new Ford Ranger comes with more powerful engines, better fuel economy and nice vision.

The engine range includes a new 2.2 liter Duratorq TDCi four-cylinder diesel engine with 150PS (110 kW) and 375Nm (278 lb-ft) of torque. There is also a mighty 3.2 liter Duratorq TDCi five-cylinder diesel engine with a hefty torque of 470Nm (348 lb-ft) between 1700RPM and 3500RPM and 200PS (147 kW).

The Ford Ranger is available in either two- or four-wheel drive versions with 6-speed transmissions in both manual and automatic. All the engines have also been calibrated to meet the most stringent emission standards worldwide, including Euro Stage V.

“The most basic requirement a customer wants from a pickup is torque and power,” said David Mitchell, powertrain development manager, Ford Asia Pacific and Africa.

“Ranger not only delivers all that and more but is also able to do it in a way that sips less fuel.”, he added.

The mighty 3.2 liter TDCi returns up to 28.3mpg on combined cycle with 4×4 and manual gearbox. The more economical 2.2 liter TDCi returns a nice 34.0mpg in a combined cycle.

The entry level 2012 Ford Ranger is priced from just £15 515, which makes it perfect value for money.

Integrated into the ESP are other new control features that assist vehicle stability and control:

Hill Descent Control: Helps the driver on steep downhill grades
Hill Launch Assist: Helps the driver pull away on steep climbs
Trailer Sway Control: Provides stability control when towing a trailer
Adaptive Load Control: Optimal vehicle stability regardless of vehicle load
Emergency Brake Assist: Provides additional brake pressure in emergency stopping manoeuvres
Emergency Brake Light: Signals to other drivers by flashing the indicators when the vehicle decelerates quickly
Roll-Over Mitigation: Helps prevent the vehicle getting into a roll-over situation

Source: Ford

October 26, 2011

2012 Ford Ranger – 5 Star Euro NCAP rating

2012 Ford Ranger has achieved a maximum 5 Star rating under the Euro NCAP crash test protocol.The Ranger scored 89% for overall safety, which is the best score ever earned by a pick-up truck.

“Vehicle safety is a core value at Ford Motor Company and these independent test results confirm that not only is Ranger the highest rated vehicle in its class, it is also one of the highest rated vehicles ever assessed by Euro NCAP,” said Stephen Odell, chairman and CEO, Ford of Europe.

“No one wants to be involved in an accident but if the worst were to happen, the new Ranger is proven to provide outstanding protection to occupants of all ages as well as pedestrians.”, he added.

“With such good pedestrian protection, the Ford Ranger is undoubtedly raising the bar of safety in the category of pick-up trucks, which had until now not proven to be the safest.”, finished Michiel van Ratingen, Euro NCAP secretary general.

Using sophisticated computer modelling, engineers assessed more than 9 000 virtual crash tests before any of the 110 actual vehicle crash tests or 410 system sled tests were undertaken. These virtual simulations allowed the engineers to optimise the vehicle structure and safety systems to provide the maximum levels of protection possible in a wide-range of real-world collisions. All this was achieved before any real prototype vehicle was built and subjected to crash testing.

2012 Ranger comes with side curtain airbags, new side airbags, front airbags and driver’s knee airbag. All these come as standard as well as three-point safety belts for all seating positions, with pre-tensioners and load limiter for the front seats.

On top of the occupant safety technologies, the all-new Ranger has been engineered with the latest pedestrian protection features. This includes a “hexageneous” under-bonnet structure to reduce the potential for pedestrian head injuries, and a pedestrian-friendly front bumper design incorporating energy-absorbing materials.

Last, but not least, the new Ranger features Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) that uses advanced sensors to constantly monitor the vehicle’s behaviour and assist stability and control. There are also Adaptive Load Control provides additional stability assurance for drivers dealing with heavy payloads and Hill Descent Control ensures that the brakes will be applied to control the vehicle at a set speed. Or when stopping on a steep grade, Hill Launch Assist helps the driver to pull away confidently without creeping backwards, even when fully laden.

Source: Ford

October 26, 2011

Chevrolet Sonic Z-Spec Concepts

Chevrolet will exhibit several small cars at the 2011 SEMA Auto Show. Pimped Sonics and Cruzes will show off the personalization possibilities for a new generation of performance enthusiasts.

“The heritage of Chevrolet cars like the Corvette and Camaro is being expressed in smaller packages for the next generation,” said Chris Perry, vice president, global marketing and strategy for Chevrolet.

“The Sonic and Cruze concepts demonstrate that performance comes in all shapes, sizes and displacements at Chevrolet.”, he added.

Four Sonic models will be exhibited at the 2011 SEMA Auto Show – Sonic Z-Spec #1, Sonic Z-Spec #2, Sonic Z-Spec 4D and Sonic Dusk. The will be accompanied by two Cruzes – Cruze Z-Spec and Cruze Dusk.

You can check the full details for all cars, below!

Full details:

Sonic Z-Spec #1 – Designers took a turbocharged Sonic five-door and dressed it with concept Z-Spec accessories. They added Z-Spec ground effects, a spoiler, unique grille and graphics package – then finished it off with a Torch Red exterior and Z-Spec concept 18-inch wheels. Inside, the Cobalt Red cabin features custom trim, including perforated black suede seat inserts, a Z-Spec sport pedal kit, sport shift knob and a racing-style flat-bottom steering wheel. Additional upgrades include performance brakes with four-piston calipers, a new high-flow exhaust system and performance suspension parts.

Sonic Z-Spec #2 – The next Sonic concept – in Flat White with Torch Red accents – builds on concept Z-Spec accessories with a more aggressive ground effects package, unique grille, rear spoiler and graphics package. It rides on Z-Spec concept 18-inch wheels and also includes a re-trimmed interior with Z-Spec sport pedal kit, Z-Spec sport shift knob and a flat-bottom steering wheel. It also features custom racing seats with the Z-Spec logo. The factory powertrain features the 1.4L turbo engine and six-speed manual transmission. Performance upgrades include brakes with four-piston calipers, a high-flow exhaust system and suspension parts.

Sonic Z-Spec 4D Concept – The more formal look of the Sonic sedan lends itself to a touring car-style motif, which this Ashen Grey Metallic concept picks up with concept Z-Spec ground effects, rear spoiler, grille, “Chevrolet” graphics and larger Z-Spec concept 18-inch wheels. As with its five-door counterparts, this Sonic features a re-trimmed interior – in Dark Titanium with Cobalt Red accents – Z-Spec sport pedal kit, aluminum sport shift knob and a flat-bottom steering wheel (trimmed with Cobalt Red suede). The factory turbo 1.4L engine and six-speed manual transmission are complemented by performance upgrades that include four-piston caliper brakes, a high-flow exhaust system and suspension parts.

Sonic Dusk – The most subtle of the Sonic concepts is the Dusk. It features a Berlin Blue exterior, with a mild concept ground effects package, unique grille treatment and 18-inch concept wheels in dark Galvano Silver. Even the lights are tinted blue for a sophisticated statement. The Mojave leather interior has custom seat inserts, Z-Spec shift knob with satin chrome trim, Z-Spec sport pedals and accessory interior trim kit. The Sonic Dusk also features a suede-trimmed, flat-bottom steering wheel, custom audio system and brake and suspension upgrades.

Cruze Z-Spec – Wearing concept Z-Spec ground effects, 18-inch custom wheels, an accessory spoiler and a high-flow grille, the Cruze Z-Spec has the looks and feel of a taut touring car. The exterior appearance of this Cruze is enhanced with a new stripe package that will be available soon, while on the inside are special seat inserts, a racing-style pedal kit, accessory shift knob and interior trim, as well as a new steering wheel.

Cruze Dusk – Complementing the Sonic Dusk concept, the Cruze Dusk suggests a more subtle and sophisticated approach to personalization, including a mild concept ground effects package, a unique grille treatment and dark-tinted wheels. The interior has custom seat inserts, along with an accessory shift knob, sport pedals, interior trim kit, a suede-trimmed steering wheel and a custom audio system.

Source: Chevrolet

October 25, 2011

2012 Lexus GS F-Sport

Lexus will exhibit the new GS F-Sport at the 2011 SEMA Motor Show in Lav Vegas, which will be opened from 1^st November.

2012 GS F-Sport comes with complete aerodynamics package including a new front bumper, modified side skirts, chrome mouldings, a sporty rear bumper with diffuser and a trunk lip spoiler. The car also has a wider track and stronger appearance. It stands on huge dark metallic finish 19” alloy wheels wrapped in 235/40 ZR19 at the front and 265/35 ZR19 at the rear.

The interior boasts matching door and seat upholstery that will be available in a new Garnet shade that is exclusive to the F Sport. There are also aluminium trim elements, 16-way adjustable F Sport front seats, a black headliner and pillar finish, dimple perforated leather steering wheel and gear knob covers and aluminium pedals. The scuff plates bear the F Sport logo in black and the F Sport badge is also featured on the steering wheel.

GS F-Sport has Adaptive Variable Suspension to maximise body control and steering response, so improving overall vehicle agility. There are two damper settings: Normal, for everyday driving and Sport S+ for maximum performance.

Last, but not least GS F-Sport comes with larger, 356 x 30mm ventilated front disc brakes. In a world-first design, the hat section of the braking system’s two-piece rotor is made of aluminium, which reduces weight and suppresses heat deformation.

Source: Lexus

October 25, 2011

Mazda TAKERI Concept Saloon

Mazda will exhibit the impressive TAKERI concept mid-size saloon at the 42^nd Tokyo Motor Show on Wednesday, 30 November. The manufacturer will also reveal CX-5 crossover SUV – equipped with the full array of Mazda’s breakthrough SKYACTIV Technology. Other new technologies and a full line-up of production models will also be on show.

The TAKERI concept car features KODO – Soul of Motion, which will bring a new level of strength and allure to mid-size saloon styling. Under its appealing exterior is benchmark SKYACTIV Technology, including Mazda’s first regenerative braking system. This technology converts kinetic energy to electricity during deceleration, stores it in capacitors and then uses it to power the vehicle’s electrical equipment – reducing load on the engine and saving fuel. Combined with the new SKYACTIV-D diesel engine, Mazda i-stop, new lightweight structure, aerodynamic and chassis technologies, regenerative braking – enables the Mazda TAKERI to achieve excellent fuel economy together with vigorous performance and a comfortable high-quality ride.

The 2011 Tokyo Motor Show will be held at the Tokyo International Exhibition Centre. The show will be open to the public from 3-11 December 2011.

Exhibits at Tokyo Show

Reference exhibits	Mazda TAKERI concept	Global premiere
	Mazda CX-5 (Japan specification)	Japanese premiere
	Mazda SHINARI concept	Japanese premiere
Market models	Mazda Demio (Mazda2), Mazda Verisa, Mazda Axela/Axela Sport (Mazda3), Mazda Premacy (Mazda5), Mazda Biante, Mazda Roadster (MX-5) and others (17 vehicles)
Technology exhibits	SKYACTIV-D, SKYACTIV-G (2.0L and 1.3L), SKYACTIV-DRIVE, regenerative braking system

Source: Mazda

October 25, 2011

Perodua Ebony Black Myvi SXI Price – £6 999

Perodua now offers a new Ebony Black Myvi SXI with a fantastic customer saving of over £480. Customers opting for the Myvi SXI in metallic Ebony Black finish will receive a set of 14” Milano Titanium alloy wheels fitted completely free of charge.

2011 Perodua Ebony Black Myvi SXI is priced at just £6 999. It comes generously equipped with air conditioning, four electric windows, power steering and an integrated radio/CD player as standard. There are also colour-matched bumpers, door handles and electrically adjustable door mirrors with integral indicators.

The £1 000 retail incentive offer remains in place across the Myvi range until 31^st December, which means that the Myvi is still available from as little as £6 999.

For those customers looking for something a bit different, Perodua are also continuing to hold the VAT increase on its added value Myvis making the popular Myvi Lux still available from just £7 399 and the Myvi Sport just £7 799 until the end of this year. If these offers were not tempting enough, all customers buying a new Myvi will also receive remote central locking free of charge, representing a further saving of over £160.

Source: Perodua

October 25, 2011

Nissan Juke-R unveiled

Nissan will actually produce the ultimate compact crossover: Juke-R. The vehicle was unveiled at a Nissan Crossover media launch in Malaga, Spain. As you may suggest, the vehicle will be the world’s fastest, most innovative, crossover.

Just two versions of the Nissan Juke-R are being created, one in each of left-hand and right-hand drive. The cars have been developed by Nissan and are being built by leading motorsports outfit RML with input from Nissan Technology Centre for Europe (NTC-E). Testing of the car will begin in November.

Nissan Juke-R will be powered by the same hand-built 3.8 liter twin-turbo V6 with 523BHP (385 kW) at 6400RPM and 610Nm (452 lb-ft) of torque at 6000RPM. It is mated to a 6-speed twin-clutch automatic transmission with steering wheel mounted paddle shifters.

The ultimate crossover will also come with improved sports suspension and huge brake system by Brembo.

Stay tuned for full details about this interesting creation.

Source: Nissan

October 25, 2011

2012 BMW Z4 sDrive28i

Here is a little riddle! Rear-wheel drive, wind in the hair, aggressiveness, style, unique driving pleasure and 245PS?

Volkswagen Eos? No! Mazda MX-5 Miata? No, again! There is only one answer having all these qualities – 2012 BMW Z4 sDrive28i. Although the car is not an entirely new model, it received BMW’s brand new 2.0 liter twin-scroll turbocharged petrol engine with a nice power of 245PS (180 kW) and a train-pulling 350Nm (260 lb-ft) of torque. This new engine replaces the well-known 3.0 liter six-cylinder petrol in 25i and 30i.

2012 Z4 sDrive28i accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.7 seconds and still returns a nice 41.5 mpg on combined cycle with emissions below 160 g/km. This is possible thanks to a number of modern technology – Double-VANOS variable camshaft timing and VALVETRONIC variable valve opening. The top speed of the roadster is 250 km/h (155 mph), doesn’t matter whether the roof is up or down.

The latest BMW’s roadster has a lot of advantages over the other rivals, but price will not be one of them. Stay tuned for more details and full pricing list of 2012 BMW Z4 sDrive28i.

Model	Power Hp	Torque Nm	0 – 62mph Seconds	Top Speed Mph	Combined Mpg	CO₂ Emissions g/km
BMW Z4 sDrive28i	245	250	5.7	155*	41.5	159
* Electronically limited

Source: BMW

October 24, 2011

BMW 520d EfficientDynamics Saloon – 62.8mpg

Do you remember BMW E39 525TDS Automatic? Yep, this old huge saloon, which was meant to go at long journeys with minimal fuel consumption. Fail! The car was so heavy and underpowered that it was a nightmare to drive. Still, there are thousands of them even now and they still work or kind of…

Now, you’ll be able to buy the brand new BMW F10 520d EfficientDynamics Saloon, which is also meant to be driven for a huge distance with minimal expenses. This time, BMW created a very nice drivable machine having decent dynamics and extremely low fuel consumption.

The sixth-generation of 5-Series sets a class-leading figures with its 520d EfficientDynamics model. The car comes with Auto Start-Stop, an 8-speed automatic ZF transmission and a double-wishbone front suspension. Furthermore, it returns whopping 62.8 mpg, which is below 4 litres diesel per 100 km and this is on combined cycle. The harmful emissions are also very low – only 120 g/km.

And if all this is not enough, check this – 184PS (135 kW) and 380Nm (282 lb-ft) of torque meaning 0 to 100 km/h in 8.2 seconds and a top speed somewhere around 232 km/h (144 mph). Not bad, not bad at all for big family saloon, which will carry you, your children and even the dog through more than a thousand kilometres with a single tank of fuel.

Source: BMW

October 24, 2011

Roush Ford Focus Performance

Another tuned 2012 Ford Focus will be exhibited at the 2011 SEMA Show. Roush Performance Products will introduce the vehicle to the audience between November 1^st and 4^th in Las Vegas.

Roush Ford Focus Performance comes with complete body kit and some engine modifications, which will boost the 2.0 liter petrol engine under the hood.

The body kit includes a new front bumper with enormous air intake, new front grille and new front hood. There are also a chin splitter, new side skirts and exterior graphics.

To complete the exterior look, Rousch added new alloy wheels finished in black paint.

The performance mods include a new Roush R900 TVS supercharger, modified high-flow air induction system and dual high performance exhaust system. All these upgrades will power the 2.0 liter Ti-VCT four-cylinder petrol engine, which originally produces 160PS (118 kW) at 6500RPM and 190Nm (140 lb-ft) of torque at 4450RPM. There are no further data, but we expect more than 250PS from the tuned engine.

Source: Roush

October 24, 2011

3dCarbon Ford Focus

3dCarbon will exhibit a specially prepared 2012 Ford Focus at this year’s SEMA.

The car will feature a complete body kit consisting of a new front spoiler, a pair of side skirts, a new roof spoiler and lowered suspension by Eibach spring set. The car stands on nice BBS wheels fitted with performance tires by Pirelli. The alloy wheels are finished in red to match the other accents. There will be also a 3M wrap and tinted windows.

The top-of-range 2012 Focus ST is powered by a 2.0-litre EcoBoost engine with 250PS (184 kW) and 360Nm (267 lb-ft) of torque. It is definitely a nice match to 3dCarbon look.

However, a base version of 2012 Focus is priced from $18 200, which is not bad at all and, if you need more styling, 3dCarbon will provide it.

Source: 3dCarbon

October 24, 2011

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