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Royal College of Art Future Car Challenge 2021

Students from the RCA’s Vehicle Design programme have been set the challenge of creating an artwork which encapsulates the spirit of the Future Car Challenge in the year 2021.

The result is really interesting and you’ll be able to see it at the RAC Future Car Challenge 2011, which takes place on Saturday 5 November and requires entrants to drive a 60-mile route from Brighton to London using the least amount of energy.

Vehicle Design at the RCA is the world’s leading centre for vehicle design education and research. The Master of Arts two-year programme remains the only established and dedicated postgraduate course in vehicle design in the world and has an enviable graduate employment record. Alumni include: Ian Callum (Design Director, Jaguar), Simon Cox (Advanced Design, General Motors), Ken Melville (Renault Design), Peter Stevens (International Car Design Consultant) and Nick Talbot (Transport Design Director, Seymour Powell).

The Royal Automobile Club has a close association with the RCA vehicle design programme, having run exhibitions of students’ work in the past. This latest exhibition emphasises the essential link between the young designers of today and the cars of tomorrow – as seen at the annual Future Car Challenge.

“The Royal Automobile Club is very keen to support and encourage the talented designers on the RCA’s programme. The skills and genius of these students will be essential to achieve the developments in motor vehicle technology necessary for a sustainable future.”, commented Ben Cussons, Chairman of the Royal Automobile Club Motoring Committee.

Royal College of Art Future Car Challenge 2021

October 19, 2011

Edo Competition Porsche Panamera S Hellboy

Edo Competition has announced tuning program for Porsche Panamera S. The tuned version is called Hellboy and that suits to it – perfectly.

The mighty 4.8 liter V8 engine is boosted to 465PS(342 kW), instead of factory’s 400PS (294kW) and 550Nm (406 lb-ft). 0 to 100 km/h in 4.6 seconds and the top speed is 305 km/h (190 mph).

The results are thanks to new pressure-monitoring and self-adjusting exhaust system with butterfly valves, high-performance catalytic converters, high-flow mufflers and new tail pipes. There are also an ECU recalibration tuned on the dyno and a set of high-flow air filters.

The body kit consists of a a new carbon fiber front skirt with integrated daytime running lights, new carbon fiber front lip, elegant side skirts, a new carbon fiber rear skirt along with the diffuser, new side mirrors and fender vents. Finally, Edo added a ducktail spoiler.

The vehicle stands on 9.5J x 21” rims at the front and 11J x 21” at the rear fitted with 265/35 ZR 21 and 305/30 ZR 21, respectively.

For better stance and improved handling – an electronic lowering module that can bring the body up to 30 mm closer to the ground can be fitted on request.

Verdict: Definitely straight from hell!

Edo Competition Porsche Panamera S Hellboy

Source: Edo Competition

October 18, 2011

Vorsteiner V-CT Porsche Cayenne II [preview]

Vorsteiner will soon reveal full details about their new project, which is based on Porsche Cayenne II. The name of the project is V-CT.

The full body kit includes a front fascia, side skirt extensions, a rear bumper that has a diffuser, and a roof spoiler. The specialists from Vorsteiner will also fit a titanium exhaust system, and custom rims that have a multi-spoke design. The exhaust system is exclusively offered for the Cayenne S and Cayenne Turbo.

Most likely, Cayenne II S and Cayenne II Turbo will get ECU modifications for better response and more power.

More pictures and specifications will be available for the end of 2011, until then check out the two pictures, below.

Source: Vorsteiner

October 18, 2011

Citroen DS5 at Top Gear Live

Citroen will exhibit the new DS5 at at Top Gear Live this November. This will be the official UK premiere of Citroen’s flagship. The car has unique style with beautiful lines. It is the first production Citroen to feature full-hybrid diesel technology, combining nice performance with extremely low CO₂ emissions – just 99g/km.

Citroen DS5 has a large chrome-finished grille and a new LED light. There are also an enormous air intake, two tail pipes built into the rear bumper and highlighted by a rear signature featuring six light guides. The vehicle is available with huge 19” alloy wheels fitted with low profile tires.

Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond, James May and of course The Stig will take part in Top Gear Live, which runs from 11^th to 13^th November at NEC Birmingham and 24-27 November at ExCeL London.

Many interesting celebrities and guests will be also at the show.

Source: Citroen

October 18, 2011

2012 Volvo V60 Plug-in Hybrid

Volvo will actually hit the market with the new 2012 V60 Plug-in Hybrid. The vehicle will have carbon dioxide emissions below 50 g/km. The Plug-in Hybrid, which will be launched on the market in 2012, is the result of close cooperation between Volvo Car Corporation and Swedish energy supplier Vattenfall.

What is more, it will bring astonishing performance. V60 Plug-in Hybrid is powered by a 2.4 liter five-cylinder diesel engine and an ERAD (Electric Rear Axle Drive) motor and a 12 kWh lithium-ion battery.

The power of the diesel is 215PS (158 kW) and 440Nm (324 lb-ft) and the electric motor has 70PS (51 kW) and 200Nm (149 lb-ft), which means a total output of 285PS (210 kW) and 640Nm (472 lb-ft), which is not bad for family touring car. The acceleration – 0 to 100 km/h in 6.9 seconds.

The most staggering about the car is its fuel consumption – 1.9 litres per 100 km (148.7 mpg) with CO2 emissions of 49 g/km. This is achieved on “hybrid mode”, which is default driving setting, but you can also run on pure electricity for up to 50 km (31 miles).

“One important aspect of the project was to retain the Volvo V60’s excellent driving pleasure, high safety standard and luxurious comfort. At the same time, average CO2 emissions and fuel consumption will be halved compared with what is available on the market today,” says Stefan Jacoby.

“We’re taking a step forward towards our “DRIVe Towards Zero” vision, that is to say the hunt for zero emissions. In fact, when the V60 Plug-in Hybrid is run solely on electricity and recharged using renewable energy, we’ve already reached that goal.”, he added.

Source: Volvo

October 17, 2011

2012 Volkswagen Passat Exclusive

Volkswagen has announced the new 2012 Passat Exclusive, which is available as a sedan and Variant. The 4-door version starts from €32 450, while the 5-door model costs €33 625. Both are based on the highly equipped Highline trim level.

The exterior of Passat Exclusive is boosted by new 18” light alloy Vicenza wheels and lowered suspension with 15mm.

The interior boasts a Nappa leather seats in “chocolate brown” with colored stitching and piping in contrasting colors “Pepper White”. There is also wood trim and a black leather multifunction steering wheel.

Standard equipment includes side also on the function-oriented speed-dependent Servotronic steering controlled. Optionally, the exclusive trade with among others a titanium black roof liner and active air-conditioned seats (front) ordered.

Source: Volkswagen

October 17, 2011

2012 Volkswagen Polo R-Line

Volkswagen has introduced the new 2012 Polo R-Line. Polo R-Line will be offered in two different packages – the R-Line Exterior and the R-Line Plus.

The R-Line Exterior includes a complete exterior body kit including new R-line front and rear bumpers, fog lights, R-line side skirts, rear diffuser, chrome exhaust tips, R-line roof spoiler and LED license plate illumination. There are also 16” light alloy “Mallory” wheels as the 17” are optional and a black high-gloss grille.

The R-Line Exterior costs additional €1 450, if you have Polo Comfortline and €1 010, if you opted for Polo Highline.

The R-Line Plus comes with sport seats wrapped in leather and Alcantara. There are also leather steering wheel, R-line logo, sill plates with R-Line logo and aluminum pedals. The R-Line Plus package is priced at €855 on the Comfortline and €450 on the Highline model.

Source: Volkswagen

October 17, 2011

2012 Vauxhall Combo Panel Van

2012 Vauxhall Combo Panel Van is ready to hit the market. The vehicle is set to become a firm favourite of owner-drivers and large fleets alike with its combination of state-of-the-art technology and class-leading features.

It is available in two wheelbases, two heights, two gross vehicle weights (2,000kg and 2,300kg) two trim levels and with four engine choices.

The engine range includes four diesel engines. The first one is a 1.3 CDTi with 90PS and 1.6 CDTi with 90PS. There is also a variant with 105PS for 1.6 CDTi. The powerful 2.0 CDTi engine provides 135PS. The 1.3 CDTi engines are fitted with 5-speed manual gearbox, while the more powerful CDTi units have a 6-speed manual. The 1.6 CDTi is also offered with Vauxhall’s Tecshift automated 5-speed manual transmission. With the exception of the Tecshift units, all powertrains are available with Start/Stop functionality to deliver even lower fuel consumption and emissions.

Standard equipment icnludes remote central door locking with deadlocks, full-steel bulkhead, trip computer, electric power steering, driver’s airbag, ABS with EBD, CD/radio and a 12 volt power outlet in the dashboard.

The Sportive trim level adds air conditioning, metallic paint, body-colour bumpers and door mirrors, nearside sliding door, driver seat with height adjustment, armrest and lumbar support and full wheel covers.
Check out the full price list, below!

L1H1 Panel Van	Price (£) exc. VAT	On-the-road RRP (£) exc. VAT
COMBO
2000 1.3CDTI 16v (90PS)	13,855.00	14,703.33
2000 1.3CDTI 16v (90PS) Start/Stop ecoFLEX	13,990.00	14,838.33
2000 1.6CDTI 16v (90PS) Start/Stop Tecshift	15,490.00	16,338.33
2000 1.6CDTI 16v (105PS) Start/Stop	14,790.00	15,638.33
2300 1.3CDTI 16v (90PS)	14,050.00	14,898.33
2300 1.3CDTI 16v (90PS) Start/Stop ecoFLEX	14,185.00	15,033.33
2300 1.6CDTI 16v (90PS) Start/Stop Tecshift	15,685.00	16,533.33
2300 1.6CDTI 16v (105PS) Start/Stop	14,985.00	15,833.33
SPORTIVE
2000 1.3CDTI 16v (90PS)	15,125.00	15,973.33
2000 1.3CDTI 16v (90PS) Start/Stop	15,260.00	16,108.33
2000 1.6CDTI 16v (105PS) Start/Stop	16,060.00	16,908.33
2000 2.0CDTI 16v (135PS) Start/Stop	17,160.00	18,008.33
2300 1.3CDTI 16v (90PS)	15,320.00	16,168.33
2300 1.3CDTI 16v (90PS) Start/Stop	15,455.00	16,303.33
2300 1.6CDTI 16v (105PS) Start/Stop	16,255.00	17,103.33
2300 2.0CDTI 16v (135PS) Start/Stop	17,355.00	18,203.33

L1H2 Panel Van
COMBO
2000 1.6CDTI 16v (90PS) Start/Stop Tecshift	16,240.00	17,088.33
2000 1.6CDTI 16v (105PS) Start/Stop	15,540.00	16,388.33
2300 1.6CDTI 16v (90PS) Start/Stop Tecshift	16,435.00	17,283.33
2300 1.6CDTI 16v (105PS) Start/Stop	15,735.00	16,583.33
SPORTIVE
2000 1.6CDTI 16v (105PS) Start/Stop	16,810.00	17,658.33
2300 1.6CDTI 16v (105PS) Start/Stop	17,005.00	17,853.33

L2H1 Panel Van
COMBO
2300 1.3CDTI 16v (90PS)	14,855.00	15,703.33
2300 1.3CDTI 16v (90PS) Start/Stop	14,990.00	15,838.33
2300 1.6CDTI 16v (90PS) Start/Stop Tecshift	16,490.00	17,338.33
2300 1.6CDTI 16v (105PS) Start/Stop	15,790.00	16,638.33
SPORTIVE
2300 1.3CDTI 16v (90PS)	15,940.00	16,788.33
2300 1.3CDTI 16v (90PS) Start/Stop	16,075.00	16,923.33
2300 1.6CDTI 16v (105PS) Start/Stop	16,875.00	17,723.33

Source: Vauxhall

October 17, 2011

Alfa Romeo TCT transmission

Alfa Romeo has announced their new twin dry clutch semi-automatic transmission called “Alfa TCT”. The gearbox is now available to order on the five-door Alfa Giulietta hatchback. This transmission can be opted with shift paddles behind the steering wheel.

Available with either the 1.4 TB MultiAir 170BHP petrol or the 2.0 JTDM-2 170BHP diesel engine, the ALFA TCT range increases the Giulietta’s appeal in both the fleet and consumer sectors.

The 1.4 TB MultiAir 170BHP Giulietta with ALFA TCT transmission accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.7 seconds and has a top speed of 217 km/h (135 mph). The combined cycle is exceptional – 54.3 mpg and 121 g/km of CO_2.

The 2.0 JTDM-2 170BHP diesel engine accelerates from 0 to 62 mph in 7.9 seconds, fuel consumption is 62.8 mpg, while CO₂ emissions are just 119 g/km.

Available to order now at Alfa Romeo dealerships – alongside the sporty compact Alfa MiTo 1.4 TB MultiAir 135BHP ALFA TCT which was launched earlier this year – the Alfa Giulietta 1.4 TB MultiAir 170BHP ALFA TCT and the 2.0 JTDM-2170BHP ALFA TCT are available in Lusso and Veloce trim levels, with prices starting from £21 855 OTR.
Check out the full specifications, below!

Alfa Romeo Giulietta TCT:

CHARACTERISTICS	1.4 TB MultiAir 170 bhp ALFA TCT	2.0 JTDM-2 170 bhp ALFA TCT
No. of cylinders, arrangement	4 in line
Bore x stroke (mm)	72 x 84	83 x 90.4
Displacement (cc)	1368	1956
Compression ratio	9.8 : 1	16.5 :1
Max. power output: bhp (kW-EC) at rpm	170 (125) 5500	170 (125) 4000
Peak torque: Nm (kgm-EC) at rpm (NORMAL mode)	230 (23.4) 2250	320 (32.5) 1500
Peak torque: Nm (kgm-EC) at rpm (DYNAMIC mode)	250 (25.4) 2500	350 (35.6) 1750
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (12V)
Battery: capacity (Ah) / Generator (A)	63 / 450	72 / 600
TRANSMISSION
Drive	Front
Number of gears	6 + 1R
TYRES
Standard version	205/55 R16
STEERING
Steering system	Rack and pinion with electro-mechanical power steering (Dual Pinion)
Turning circle (m)	10.9
SUSPENSION
Front	MacPherson independent with anti-roll bar
Rear	Multilink system
BRAKES – (DISCS)
Front (mm)	305
Rear (mm)	264
WEIGHTS – TANK CAPACITY
Fuel tank capacity (litres)	60
Kerb weight DIN (kg)	1305	1335
Max towable weight (kg)	1300
PERFORMANCE
Top speed mph (km/h)	135 (218)
Acceleration (driver + 30 kg): 0 to 62 mph (s)	7.7	7.9
FUEL CONSUMPTION – EMISSIONS#
urban cycle mpg (l/100km)	42.2 (6.7)	53.3 (5.3)
extra urban cycle mpg (l/100km)	65.7 (4.3)	70.6 (4.0)
combined cycle mpg (l/100km)	54.3 (5.2)	62.8 (4.5)
Exhaust emissions – CO2 (g/km)	121	119
Emissions Standard	EURO 5

Source: Alfa Romeo

October 17, 2011

2012 Renault Fluence ZE

Renault has recently introduced Fluence Z.E. and Kangoo Van Z.E, which are a historic turning point. In the near future, this form of power will see the development of a range of vehicles that deliver a holistic gain in terms of respect for the environment.

Fluence ZE was firstly unveiled as a concept car at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September 2009 and now the car is available to buy at decent price. It is aimed at private customers and fleet operators looking for a four-door saloon which is both economical and more respectful of the environment.

2012 Renault Fluence ZE is powered by a synchronous electric motor with rotor coil – 95PS ( 70kW) at 3 000RPM and 226Nm (167 lb-ft) of torque, which is available immediately. Having maximum torque available every time you press the throttle guarantees a safe and enjoyable drive. It’s a unique, astonishing feeling, and perfectly suited to today’s mobility needs and driving challenges. You no longer need to shift gear, either; you just concentrate on the road ahead.

The car features electronic driving aids – ABS and ESC, which have been recalibrated to match the different weight distribution resulting from the addition of the battery. Fluence Z.E. is extensively equipped for its segment, with safety features including double seat belt pretensioners and six airbags as standard.

The combined cycle of the vehicle is 115 miles, which is more than 178 km. Some 87% of daily journeys involve driving less than 60km (37 miles), so the range is more than satisfying. However, in extreme conditions – combining severe weather, a sporty driving style, hilly terrain, range can fall to around 50 miles.

So, Fluence ZE is a perfect city car for everyday use and if you don’t need a stylish Mercedes or sporty BMW to go to work, this may be your next car.

Summary of purchase and battery hire prices

Fluence Z.E. Prime Time £22,850 on the road

Less PiGC £5,000

Net price £17,850

Monthly battery hire (3 years, 9,000 miles per annum) £81.00

Source: Renault

October 17, 2011

2012 BMW 3-Series Sedan F30

BMW has revealed the all new 2012 3-Series F30 Sedan. This is the sixth generation of the world’s best-selling premium saloon. The car will hit the market in February next year and it will build on the current model’s position as the ultimate drivers’ car in its sector. It will also be the most logical business proposition, thanks to new powertrains and additional EfficientDynamics fuel-saving, emissions-reducing technologies.

BMW F30 is larger and more spacious than E90. It is also lighter and quicker, more fuel-efficient; and more nimble and agile while even safer. There have been big steps forward in style, quality, comfort and specification for only a minimal price increase. A wider choice of trim levels and an extensive personalisation programme will allow 3 Series Saloon buyers to order virtually a bespoke car.

F30 continues to be the ultimate driver’s car by featuring rear-wheel-drive layout, near-perfect 50:50 front-to-rear weight distribution, agile chassis set-up and responsive engines.

The engine range includes a new four-cylinder 2.0-litre petrol unit with whopping 245PS and 350Nm of torque. This engine is installed in 328i and replaces the six-cylinder 3.0-litre engines in the previous 325i and 330i. 0 to 100 km/h in 5.9 seconds and a staggering 44 mpg on combined cycle with CO₂ emissions below 150g/km. The new unit features High-Precision Direct Injection, BMW’s new TwinScroll turbocharging, Double-VANOS variable camshaft timing and VALVETRONIC variable valve opening technology. The other petrol engine on offer is the 3.0-litre six-cylinder TwinPower Turbo unit in the 335i.

The diesels are an improved 2.0-litre in 320d with 184PS and 320d EfficientDynamics with 163PS, which is capable of doing 68.9mpg fuel consumption and just 109g/km CO₂. Previously only available as a manual, the 320d EfficientDynamics is also now available with the new 8-speed automatic transmission.

Less than a month after launch, three new engines will be added. There will be 316d and 318d diesels, powered respectively by 116PS and 143PS variants of the 2.0-litre diesel engine, plus another version of the 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine. This will slot into the new 320i, and will be tuned to deliver 184PS and 270Nm of torque, with the same free-revving, supremely flexible character of all other BMW TwinPower Turbo petrol engines.

BMW UK can confirm that towards the end of 2012 it will introduce four-wheel-drive and hybrid powertrains to the 3 Series Saloon for the first time in the UK. BMW’s xDrive all-wheel-drive system has been available on the 3 Series in some markets previously, and has now been engineered for right-hand-drive cars. It will be of particular benefit to owners who live in areas prone to extremes of bad weather, and will be available with selected petrol and diesel engines.

The ActiveHybrid 3 will arrive at roughly the same time, and will use the powertrain recently announced for the ActiveHybrid 5. This pairs the 335i’s 306PS six-cylinder engine with an up to 40kW electric motor in a particularly intelligent and efficient way.

Check out the price list, below!

Model	Price OTR from	Power Hp	Torque Nm	0 – 62mph Seconds	Top speed Mph	Combined Mpg	CO₂ Emissions g/km
BMW 328i Saloon	£29,060	245	350	5.9 (6.1)	155*	44.1 (44.8)	149 (147)
BMW 335i Saloon	£35,525	306	400	5.5 (5.5)	155*	35.8 (39.2)	186 (169)
BMW 320d Saloon	£28,080	184	380	7.5 (7.6)	146 (143)	62.8 (64.2)	120 (118)
BMW 320d EfficientDynamics Saloon	£28,080	163	380	8.0 (8.1)	143 (141)	68.9 (68.9)	109 (109)

*Electronically limited.

Source: BMW

October 14, 2011

Hofele Design Audi SR 8

Hofele Design has revealed their tuning program for Audi’s flagship – the A8 D4. The name of the project is SR8 suits perfect to the mighty look of the big car.

Hofele-Design Audi SR8 comes with an aggressive body kit including a complete front bumper with original RS5 mesh inserts, a rear apron with diffuser, a 4-tube sports muffler and a rear trunk spoiler.

The car stands on enormous 9J x 20” or 10J x 22” alloy wheels fitted with low profile performance tires. The electronic speed-related lowering module ETS lowers the Audi A8 with air suspension up to 40mm. The system is only active on speeds under 70 km/h, on speeds over 70 km/h the system is deactivated to give the chassis its full comfort and security.

The mighty 4.2 liter V8 FSI is boosted from 372 PS to 390 PS and the 4.2 TDI CR is tuned from 350 PS to 390 PS and sensational 900 NM.

The interior boasts a bi-colour leather interior. The two-coloured seats have a quilted stripe made of soft nappa leather which crosses the seats in the middle. This wonderful masterpiece is available with special stitching and as a combination of different premium materials like smooth leather, rough leather or Alcantara (ecsaine / ultrasuede). Also available are leather-covered door panels and a steering wheel.

Source: Hofele Design

October 14, 2011

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