Automobiles Review – Page 997 – Car News, Car Reviews, Auto Shows, Car Photos, Car Videos

Lotus Exige Matte Black

Lotus will exhibit the Exige Matte Black Final Edition at the 2011 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. The car is developed specially for the US market and only 25 units will be produced.

Lotus Exige Matte Black Final Edition features matte black paint, extra equipment and Alcantara sport bucket seats.

It is powered by a 1.8 liter turbocharged petrol engine with 260PS (191 kW) and 236Nm (174 lb-ft) of torque at 6000RPM. The engine is mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox and as you may suggest the acceleration is just brutal – 0 to 100 km/h in 3.9 seconds and to 160 km/h in 9.9 seconds, with a top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph).

Exige weighs just 890kg, so it is extremely fast not only in straight line, but in the corners, too.

Stay tuned for more information!

Source: Lotus

August 15, 2011

Project Kahn Range Rover Vesuvius Edition Sport 300

Project Kahn has released unique tuning package for Range Rover Sport. The project name is Vesuvius edition Sport 300 and it comes with staggering exterior.

Project Kahn Range Rover Vesuvius Edition Sport 300 boasts black metallic paint with orange roof, front hood, side skirts and front lip. The colours match perfectly to the orange optics as well as the rims of the big alloy wheels fitted with low profile performance tires.

The interior also has some orange trim. Range Rover is one of the most luxurious SUVs on the market, but Project Kahn manages to make it even better.

There are no words for performance tuning, but an ECU re-map will give some extra life to the mighty twin turbocharged engine.

Project Kahn Range Rover Vesuvius Edition Sport 300 FrontSide

Source: Project Kahn

August 15, 2011

Project Kahn Jeep Wrangler

Jeep Wrangler received a new tuning package, but this time from Project Kahn. The tuning company puts some style and fashion on rough vehicles like this pure off-roader.

The upgrades include a targa roof, new headlights and side lights. The exterior is completed by big 18” or 20” rims in special design. So, the main character of the vehicle remains the same.

The interior boasts red dials and red quilted perforated leather. Project Kahn Wrangler is much cozier with the new upholstery.

Afzal Kahn, the owner of the tuning company also owns a Jeep Wrangler, so we understand his commitment to the expedition vehicle. He also said, that there will be some new vehicles in the next months, which will continue this range.

Stay tuned!

Source: Project Kahn

August 15, 2011

2012 KIA Picanto 3-door

KIA will hit the market with the new 2012 Picanto 3-door joining the line-up for the first time since the model appeared in 2004. The small city car will also come with several new trim levels, and CO2 emissions from 99g/km – VED and Congestion Charge exempt.

Still, both 5-door and 3-door versions are identical in order to ensure the same levels of interior space and crash safety. However, the new 3-door model boasts bigger grille, restyled front bumper with large black-bezelled foglamps with the two upper trim grades. The rear bumper has a rectangular black central section in place of body colour.

2012 Kia Picanto 3-door will be offered in four trim levels – 1, 1 Air, Halo and Equinox

The engine range includes brand-new 1.0-liter with 68BHP and 95Nm of torque. The bigger 1.25-litre has 84BHP and 121Nm of torque. The average fuel consumption is 60.1mpg. With a 4-speed automatic gerbox – 53.3mpg and the EcoDynamics version returns 65.7mpg.

All versions have electronic stability control (ESC), anti-lock brakes (ABS), electronic brake-force distribution (EBD) to apportion stopping effort to the wheels with most traction, and emergency brake assist system (BAS), ensuring maximum stopping power regardless of the pressure applied to the pedal by the driver.

2012 Kia Picanto 3-door goes on sale on September 1^st and it is priced at £7 795 OTR for the entry-level version.

Check out the price list, below!

Variant	Power (BHP)	Torque (lb-ft)	Combined mpg	Price OTR
1.0 ‘1′	68 at 6200RPM	70 at 3500RPM	67.3	£7 795
1.0 ‘1 Air’	68 at 6200RPM	70 at 3500RPM	67.3	£8 395
1.25 ‘Halo’ EcoDynamics	84 at 6000RPM	89 at 4000RPM	65.7	£11 695
1.25 ‘Halo’ Auto	84 at 6000RPM	89 at 4000RPM	53.3	£12 295
1.25 Equinox	84 at 6000RPM	89 at 4000RPM	60.1	£11 695

Source: KIA

August 15, 2011

BMW Vision ConnectedDrive. Jewellery spot.

BMW has released a nice video of the amazing Vision ConnectedDrive.

The vehicle concentrates on communication, infotainment and safety. It is a two-seater roadster with aggressive lines and a flat sporting and dynamic silhouette. There are some transparent surfaces providing a cool light show.

Vision ConnectedDrive resembles a Vision EfficientDynamics roadster and features a wide grille, huge air intakes, a frameless windscreen and a transparent area in the hood.

The interior is split into two main sections as the driver and passenger are separated by a flowing center console. The Passenger Information Display in the instrument panel can come to life with a single touch.

The Emotional Browser gives you the ability to easily filter the information to meet your requirements, to organise it and change the layout of the display. You will see that in the video.

Still, there is no official information about this beautiful car. We hope that it will go into production, because it deserves that.

Enjoy the video!

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=25uXyE8T6zU

Source: BMW via Youtube

August 12, 2011

Mercedes-Benz CLC Shooting Brake goes into production

Mercedes will hit the market with the CLC Shooting Brake. The vehicle is inspired by the Mercedes-Benz Shooting Brake Concept and is set to make its official debut in 2012.

The car will compete against the beautiful Audi A5 Sportback and the upcoming BMW 3-Series GT. Nothing is mentioned about the price, but the new CLC Shooting Brake will be cheaper than the CLS-Class.

CLC Shooting Brake will be offered with front-wheel drive, which is definitely a minus and the AWD system will be available as an option.

The new CLC Shooting Brake is set hit the US market in 2014. Probably, there will be whole new range of direct-injected petrol engine as well as some sporty diesels.

Stay tuned for more information!

Mercedes-Benz CLS Shooting Break Concept FrontSide

Source: Automotivenews

August 12, 2011

2012 Honda Civic 2.2-litre i-DTEC

Honda has announced that the new 2012 Civic will come with a powerful diesel engine.

The new 2.2 liter i-DTEC boasts carefully managed oil flow through the engine, reduced friction and Idle Stop (start/stop) technology. The engine delivers 150PS (110 kW) and 350Nm (260 lb-ft) of torque, and emits just 110 g/km of CO2.

Extensive wind tunnel testing was carried out to improve the car’s aerodynamics, reduce drag and refine high speed stability, all of which contribute towards lowering emissions.

“To achieve a good CO₂ figure, you need to optimise every aspect of the car,” commented Katsushi Watanabe, Development Leader for the engine.

“Reducing the emissions was our key target and we’re proud to say that we have achieved this without compromising the high performance character of the engine. We want our customers to have fun when they drive this car.”, Katsushi Watanabe finished.

Source: Honda

August 12, 2011

Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) at the IAA Frankfurt

Toyota will exhibit the production version of the Prius Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) at this year’s IAA Frankfurt on 15^th September.

The new Prius Plug-in Hybrid comes with more compact lithium-ion battery. It offers extended range and enables the Prius PHEV to achieve 128.4mpg and CO2 emissions of just 49g/km.

The idea is simple – extended EV driving range for shorter destinations in town and efficient hybrid petrol engine for longer travelling. Still, the result of the new vehicle is just amazing, practically it is twice efficient than the normal Prius.

The Prius Plug-in Hybrid represents the latest development of Toyota’s Hybrid Synergy Drive (HSD) system. This trusted and reliable full hybrid technology has a track record earned through worldwide sales of over two million cars and billions of miles of driving.

In 2012 it will join an expanded Toyota hybrid range consisting of the Prius, the British-built Auris hybrid, the new, seven-seat Prius+ and the new Yaris hybrid, demonstrating Toyota’s commitment to introduce Hybrid Synergy Drive technology to the wider market.

Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle - PHEV — Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle – PHEV

Source: Toyota

August 12, 2011

2012 Land Rover Defender Price £20 995

Land Rover has announced its new 2012 Defender, which comes with EURO 5 2.2 litre common rail diesel engine replacing the old EU4 2.4 litre unit.

Still, besides the smaller capacity, the new engine delivers the same amount of power, torque and the economy is even better. In EU5 markets, the new engine comes with a DPF (diesel particulate filter) to ensure the lowest possible levels of regulated emissions.

“The substantial improvements to the Defender in 2007 transformed its on-road refinement and comfort whilst extending its legendary capability off-road for which Defender is synonymous. With the introduction of the new 2.2-litre diesel engine and two option packs, the Defender for 2012 now offers greater customer choice than ever before,” said John Edwards, Land Rover Global Brand Director.

The new 2.2 litre diesel delivers 122PS (90 kW) at 3500RPM and 360Nm (266 lb-ft) at 2000RPM. The top speed is 144 km/h (90 mph). The engine is mated to a GFT MT 82 6-speed gearbox.

2012 Land Rover Defender is priced at £20 995 OTR and it will hit the UK market in November this year.

Two new option packs

Comfort Pack – Air conditioning, CD Player with auxiliary input, electric windows and remote central locking. The Comfort Pack costs £1650.
Off-Road Pack – ABS, heavy duty rim and MTR tyre, tow ball and under-ride protection bar. The Off-Road Pack costs £1500.

Check out the full price list, below!

	List Price	CO₂ Offset	VAT 20%	Max Rec Retail Price	P11D Price	Road Fund Licence & 1st reg fee	On the Road Price
90
Hard Top	£17,905.00	£120.00	£3,605.00	£21,630	£21,630	£265	£21,895.00
Pick Up	£17,155.00	£120.00	£3,455.00	£20,730	£20,730	£265	£20,995.00
Station Wagon	£19,488.33	£120.00	£3,921.67	£23,530	£23,530	£265	£23,795.00
County Station Wagon	£21,321.67	£120.00	£4,288.33	£25,730	£25,730	£265	£25,995.00
XS Station Wagon	£24,238.33	£120.00	£4,871.67	£29,230	£29,230	£265	£29,495.00
110
Chassis Cab	£17,895.00	£130.00	£3,605.00	£21,630	£21,630	£265	£21,895.00
Hard Top	£19,228.33	£130.00	£3,871.67	£23,230	£23,230	£265	£23,495.00
Pick Up	£18,561.67	£130.00	£3,738.33	£22,430	£22,430	£265	£22,695.00
High Capacity Pick Up	£19,145.00	£130.00	£3,855.00	£23,130	£23,130	£265	£23,395.00
Station Wagon	£21,395.00	£130.00	£4,305.00	£25,830	£25,830	£265	£26,095.00
County Station Wagon	£23,145.00	£130.00	£4,655.00	£27,930	£27,930	£265	£28,195.00
XS Station Wagon	£26,561.67	£130.00	£5,338.33	£32,030	£32,030	£265	£32,295.00
Utility Wagon	£21,395.00	£130.00	£4,305.00	£25,830	£25,830	£265	£26,095.00
County Utility Wagon	£23,145.00	£130.00	£4,655.00	£27,930	£27,930	£265	£28,195.00
XS Utility Wagon	£25,728.33	£130.00	£5,171.67	£31,030	£31,030	£265	£31,295.00
Double Cab	£19,978.33	£130.00	£4,021.67	£24,130	£24,130	£265	£24,395.00
County Double Cab	£21,478.33	£130.00	£4,321.67	£25,930	£25,930	£265	£26,195.00
XS Double Cab	£24,228.33	£130.00	£4,871.67	£29,230	£29,230	£265	£29,495.00
130
Chassis Cab	£20,645.00	£130.00	£4,155.00	£24,930	£24,930	£265	£25,195.00
Double Cab Chassis Cab	£22,395.00	£130.00	£4,505.00	£27,030	£27,030	£265	£27,295.00
Double Cab	£24,061.67	£130.00	£4,838.33	£29,030	£29,030	£265	£29,295.00

Source: Land Rover

August 12, 2011

2012 James Bond Vehicle Exhibition

Everybody knows James Bond movies and most of us have been watching the series for a long time. James Bond’s cars are very interesting part of the plot.

Now, we will have the chance to see all James Bond vehicles in large exhibition to celebrate the fiftieth year of the Bond franchise. The National Motor Museum, Beaulieu and EON Productions will run the event through whole 2012.

On display, there will be 2008 Aston Martin DBS from Quantum of Solace, the 2002 Jaguar XKR with SFX weapons from Die Another Day, the 1964 Aston Martin DB5 from Goldeneye and the 1937 Phantom lll Rolls-Royce from Goldfinger and many more. Totally 50 vehicles that will be on display at the National Motor Museum in Beaulieu.

“Following the success of the first Bond cars exhibition staged at Beaulieu in 2001, we are delighted to be working with EON again on this new display, bringing together the world’s largest collection of Bond vehicles.”, said Beaulieu’s Commercial Director, Stephen Munn.

So, if you are James Bond fan and a petrol head or both, you’d definitely visit the National Motor Museum during the next year.

Source: beaulieu.co.uk

August 12, 2011

2012 Ssang Yong Korando Price – £16 995

SsangYong has announced its new 2012 Korando, which will hit the UK market in September this year. The model line-up features a range of high quality, top value models starting at just £16 995.

There are five three levels: S, ES, EX as the first is only available with manual gearbox and second and third can be optioned with automatic transmission. As an option is also available AWD system.

“Korando is a great value proposition, and arrives in the highly competitive crossover market at absolutely the right time.”, said Paul Williams, CEO of the UK importer, SsangYong Motor UK.

“Very keenly priced, a comprehensive list of standard equipment, excellent towing capability and thanks to its long wheelbase a spacious and airy interior, Korando is the clever choice for families and those who tow a caravan, horsebox or trailer.”, he added.

The entry level variant comes equipped with cruise control, ESP with Hill Start Assist and reverse parking sensors as standard. The ES and EX come with a sunroof, climate control, leather upholstery and heated front and rear seats.

Check out the pricing, below!

2012 SsangYong Korando Pricing:

Korando
Specification	S	ES	ES	EX	EX
Transmission	Manual	Manual	Auto	Manual	Auto
Transmission	2WD	2WD	2WD	4WD	4WD
On the road price	£16,995	£19,495	£20,945	£21,445	£22,995

Source: Ssang Yong

August 11, 2011

2012 Lexus IS-F Price – €70 600

Lexus has released further details for the new 2012 IS-F sports car, which is now more powerful and dynamic. The high-performance saloon comes with revised chassis and new individual equipment options.

2012 Lexus IS-F will still compete against the brutal BMW E90 M3 and the elegant Audi RS4, but the new IS-F has a little advantage – 5.0 liter naturally aspirated high-revving V8 delivering 423PS (311 kW) and 505Nm (372 lb-ft) of torque. 0 to 100 km/h in 4.8 seconds and top speed of 270 km/h (167 mph). Nice performance!

The options list includes: BBS individual 19” alloy wheels with 14-spoke design. There are also crimson and black interior.

Still, the new IS-F is a bit pricy starting at €70 600, so we have to expect that it is brilliant?

Stay tuned for more information and test videos!