Tag: suv

  • Improving on Perfection With the Toyota Land Cruiser MY 2013

    Land Cruiser, the ultra luxurious SUV from Toyota, has received some enhancements for the 2013 model year. Both the interior and the exterior have been revised and a bag full of features, formally optional, are now standard.

    On the outside we get an updated front grille, headlights with HID low-beams, chromed side moldings and restyled side view mirrors and taillights. To further affirm the rigid image of the Cruiser, the front and rear fenders have also been enlarged. The A-pillars are specially filled with foam and the molding between the windscreen and the body is “bifacial”. Because of that wind noise is significantly reduced. A new Pearl White paint finish is available for the MY 2013, making a total of 7 color options. Under the chassis, guards extend throughout the engine bay and also behind the rear axle to provide extra protection from rocky terrains.  The wheels that carry the Cruiser measure at 18 inches and are wrapped with P285/60 R18 heavy duty tires. The 13.4 inch  ventilated brake disks are equally impressive with their four-piston brake calipers.

    Inside small tweaks complement the overall redesign – a perforated leather trim on the ventilated front seats, an even more glossy wood grain finish and enhanced meter-cluster lighting. Additional technology includes a Multi-terrain Monitor which allows pretty much a 360-degree view around the vehicle, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, a heated steering wheel and even a DC 12V power socket at the end of the central console along with the 120 AC one back at the cargo deck. DVD screens behind the front seat headrests will pacify rear-seat passengers. Sixteen JBL speakers can tear shatter glass from a mile as Toyota’s Premium Hard Disk Drive (HDD) Navigation with Entune multimedia system can keep keep people occupied for hours should they decide to fiddle with it. The gauge instruments are accompanied by a screen showing gear selection, fuel economy, tire pressure, and cruising range. The center console on the other hand, houses a gate-type shifter with a sequential shift mode, a parking brake, a cooler box , a USB port and cup holders.

    Toyota Land Cruiser (2013)
    Toyota Land Cruiser (2013)

    Power still comes from the state of the art 5.7-liter, 381 horsepower V8 DOHC. Peak torque is at 3.600 rpm, measuring up to 401 lb-ft. Toyota’s Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i) operates both intake and exhaust valves in such a way, so that power, fuel efficiency and emissions are fully optimized. For a more precise toque delivery, The Acoustic Control Induction System (ACIS) decides how long should a valve stay open, depending on rpm and throttle angle. The exhaust system, along with the exhaust manifolds, enjoys a stainless steel build. The six-speed automatic transmission handles the demanding job of processing ginormous amounts of power while remaining smooth and subtle.

    Along with the ten airbags, there is also a handful of blisteringly complex array of systems that work together to keep all four wheels on the ground, ensure the safety of the biological unit inside (driver really), and deliver traction whenever and wherever needed. Just to give you a clue of what the Cruiser employes we can talk about the pre-collision detection system which can further restrain seat-belts should it detect a forthcoming impact.

    This car truly is an off-road going palace riddled with luxury and technology and with prices starting at  $68.000 it should be.

    Source: Toyota

  • 2011 JE DESIGN Audi Q7 S-Line

    2011 JE DESIGN Audi Q7 S-Line thumbThe car-tuning manufacturer JE DESIGN is offering all Audi Q7 S-Line models of the Facelift generation an astonishing enhancement in exclusivity with a multipart bodywork kit and 22-inch alloy wheels. Thus the result is that is being provided more individuality and more prestige!

    The JE DESIGN bodywork kit includes door trims and aligns harmoniously with the Audi Q7’s contours and more importantly – enhances the SUV’s design. The high-class wheel arches were glued to the bodywork. Therefore the vehicle is now widened by 30 millimeters per side at the front and 40 millimeters per side at the rear. The sporty look of the Audi Q7 S-Line comes as a result of the fender extensions on the rear axle with their vent holes. Additionally there are included front-spoiler corners, a PDC-suitable (Park Distance Control) rear-apron extension, and two JE DESIGN double-tailpipe covers, all of which are fashioned from highly polished stainless steel in an attractive diamond-shape design. Moreover there is a dynamic roof wing with side covers above the C pillars. It adds more emphasis to the sporty look of the JE DESIGN “Widebody”. And if you are interested of purchasing the complete styling package, including tailpipe covers, it is available directly from the tuning manufacturer with a starting price of 7,438 euros.

    2011 JE DESIGN Audi Q7 S-Line
    2011 JE DESIGN Audi Q7 S-Line

    To make it more appealing, the designers made the wheel arches beneath the broad fenders filled out by single-part 10 x 22 inch SUV Select alloy wheel rims. To make it even more individual, the five-spoke design wheels are available in three different color schemes: matte-black, front silver matte / shadow silver, front polished / graphite matte, polished lip, and are fitted 295/30R22 tires. On the other hand there is also another option: the new JE DESIGN complete wheel set SCORPIO which is available in 10 x 22 inches. The set offers a completely new interpretation of the popular double-spoke design and is also available in the size 9 x 20 inches in matte-black with polished-silver rim flange. For both 22-inch complete wheel sets (which are available from 5,190 euros) JE DESIGN installs 30-millimeter-thick (front) and 40-millimeter-thick (rear) wheel spacers (409 euros) under the expansive wheel-arch extensions of the widebody kit. Furthermore the wheels can be made with a lowered suspension which will cost the additional 1,428 euros. To be more precise, an electronic adjustment of the Audi “adaptive air suspension” lowers the chassis by around 35 millimeters. It is of course still present the functionality of the smooth-adjustment damping system with its five different damping modes (“automatic, “comfort”, “dynamic”, “lift”, and “offroad”).

    Additional enhancements are made in terms of performance. For example, the Q7 4.2 TDI tiptronic’s 250 kW (340 PS) standard series power is increased to up to 302 kW (410 PS). This is possible thanks to optimized programming of the control electronics, which this also increase the maximum torque to 895 NM (660 lb-ft). Hence, with its new power, the SUV accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in only 6.1 seconds! In addition for only 1,499 euros you can get the JE DESIGN new control-system software. For this price you will get one-year guarantee for the engine, turbocharger, transmission, and drive train, which can be extended by a further year for just 199 euros. However this is possible only if the Audi Q7 is not older than two years and has less than 100,000 kilometers on the clock.

    The high-quality JE DESIGN accessories have received many awards in international specialist publications, are supplied with TÜV certificates, and can be entered easily into the vehicle documents. Following the performance enhancement, the Audi Q7 4.2 TDI meets statutory emissions requirements, ruling out any difficulties in the emissions test.

    Source: Je DESIGN

  • Prices For The Toyota RAV4 and Prius

    Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc. have released their manufacturer’s suggested retail prices (MSRP) for the 2012 RAV4 and the Prius Liftback. They will both hit the showrooms today and on the in January 2012 respectively.

    Toyota RAV4

    The RAV4 SUVs can be ordered in three different trim levels – RAV 4 (base), Sport and top-of-the-range Limited. Whatever the class, all vehicles can carry a 2.5 four-cylinder engine or a 3.5 V6 which develops 269 hp. Even further, either engine can be paired with a front-wheel drive or an electronic on-demand four-wheel drive. That makes a total of 12 possible combinations and thus 12 price listings. When compared to the old model, the RAV4 MY 2012 differs little in price which will preserve Toyota’s rock-solid image on the market – the base and Sport editions get an overall 0.7% increase while the Limited RAVs actually get a decrease in price by 0.5%. The cheapest of all is the 2.5 liter, front-wheel drive, 4 ratio automatic gearbox base model standing at $22,650 as the Limited V6 4WD model with a five-speed automatic transmission receives a price tag of $28,650.

    Toyota RAV4 (2010)
    Toyota RAV4 (2010)

    All models include as standard equipment hands-free phone capability, phone book access and music streaming via Bluetooth® wireless technology. RAVs from the Limited range get an extra Display Audio with Navigation and Entune™. Optional extras come in the form of a 6.1-inch touch-screen CD player with MP3/WMA compatibility, six speakers, SiriusXM Satellite Radio,  HD Radio™ with iTunes ® Tagging, auxiliary audio jack, and USB port with iPod® connectivity and control.

    Toyota Prius

    The Toyota Prius segment  has managed to stay on top of it’s competition in terms of hybrid technology mainly because of the midsized Prius Liftback. Up until know it has been shipped to over a million environmentally conscious customers. And now the 2012 MY has received a minor update – revised front fascia and tail lights, freshly styled 15 inch wheel covers and LED Daytime Running Lights with an on/off function.

    There will be four available trim grades in the U.S. (the Two, Three, Four and Five) all of which have overall increased MSRP listings with around 3.3%. with the cheapest one standing at $24 000 while the Prius Five $29 805. You still get your money’s worth though because whatever you choose, it will be packed full of technology.

    Toyota Prius (2012)
    Toyota Prius (2012)

    All models come with a 6.1-inch Display Audio system including a USB port for iPod® connectivity and control, Bluetooth® with phone book access for hands-free calling and a more advanced Multi-Information Display. Owners of the previous Prius model will be able to recognize some carryover technology as well. There’s a Touch Tracer Display, driver door Smart Key with Push Button Start and remote illuminated entry, Star Safety System and an adjustable steering wheel with controls on it for the audio and climate systems as well as controls for the phone.

    The Prius Three has its Display Audio system enhanced by the EntuneTM and Navigation pack. It also gets an integrated backup camera and three-door Smart Key.

    The Prius Four implements a more powerful audio system consisting of eight JBL® GreenEdge™ speakers and an amplifier. SofTex-trimmed seats, headlamps with auto on/off feature and an eight-way power adjustable driver’s seat with lumbar power support are also included.

    As optional extras the Four and Five can be equipped with Toyota’s Premium HDD Navigation with EntuneTM and JBL®, which features an exclusive seven-inch touch-screen with split-screen capability. These two models are also the first of their kind to be offering a Head-up Display (HUD) which projects information such as speed, fuel etc. on the windscreen.

    Here is the complete list of the manufacturer’s suggested retail prices in comparison to the previous 2011 model year counterparts:

    TOYOTA 2012 MY

    MODEL CODE

    SERIES

    DESCRIPTION

    2011 MSRP

    MSRP INCREASE ($)

    MSRP INCREASE (%)

    2012 NEW MSRP

    2012 4430 RAV4 Base 2WD 4AT

    $22,475

    $175

    0.8%

    $22,650

    2012 4431 RAV4 Base V6 2WD 5AT

    $24,510

    $175

    0.7%

    $24,685

    2012 4440 RAV4 Sport 2WD 4AT

    $24,175

    $175

    0.7%

    $24,350

    2012 4441 RAV4 Sport V6 2WD 5AT

    $26,105

    $175

    0.7%

    $26,280

    2012 4450 RAV4 Limited 2WD 4AT

    $25,465

    ($135)

    -0.5%

    $25,330

    2012 4451 RAV4 Limited V6 2WD 5AT

    $27,385

    ($135)

    -0.5%

    $27,250

    2012 4432 RAV4 Base 4WD 4AT

    $23,875

    $175

    0.7%

    $24,050

    2012 4433 RAV4 Base V6 4WD 5AT

    $25,910

    $175

    0.7%

    $26,085

    2012 4442 RAV4 Sport 4WD 4AT

    $25,575

    $175

    0.7%

    $25,750

    2012 4443 RAV4 Sport V6 4WD 5AT

    $27,505

    $175

    0.6%

    $27,680

    2012 4452 RAV4 Limited 4WD 4AT

    $26,855

    ($135)

    -0.5%

    $26,720

    2012 4453 RAV4 Limited V6 4WD 5AT

    $28,785

    ($135)

    -0.5%

    $28,650

    TOYOTA 2012 MY

    MODEL CODE

    SERIES

    DESCRIPTION

    2011 MSRP

    MSRP INCREASE ($)

    MSRP INCREASE (%)

    2012 NEW MSRP

    2012 1221 Prius One (fleet only) Five-door Liftback

    $22,120

    $895

    4.0%

    $23,015

    2012 1223 Prius Two Five-door Liftback

    $23,520

    $480

    2.0%

    $24,000

    2012 1225 Prius Three Five-door Liftback

    $24,520

    $1,045

    4.3%

    $25,565

    2012 1227 Prius Four Five-door Liftback

    $27,320

    $915

    3.3%

    $28,235

    2012 1229 Prius Five Five-door Liftback

    $28,790

    $1,015

    3.5%

    $29,805

    *Prices do not include the delivery, processing and handling (DPH) fee on neither of the cars. The fee comes as an additional expense standing at $810 for the RAV and $760 for the Prius.

    Source: Toyota

  • Eterniti Hemera – The World’s First Super-SUV

    Eterniti is an independent, boutique British luxury carmaker, uniquely based in London. The company aims to satisfy a growing demand for additional luxury, personalised specifications and exclusivity among car buyers, particularly in major cities and global wealth centres.

    The company’s first car will reflect this. The Hemera will be the world’s first Super-SUV, providing new levels of luxury, space and performance in an SUV to create a new niche. It will feature a limousine-like rear cabin, including twin reclining seats, iPads and a drinks chiller, giving customers the option of being chauffeured as well as driving. But with compact dimensions, 4×4 ruggedness and dynamic performance, it is also both practical and retains driver appeal.

    The Hemera will be shown in Frankfurt as a prototype, with production and deliveries to start in 2012. It is based on the latest generation of the best large SUV platform available, which will undergo a chassis-up rebuild, with a new, repackaged interior, carbon-composite body panels and additional performance.

    Eterniti Hemera
    Eterniti Hemera

    Eterniti is backed by a group of international investors and has been established by people who have a passion for cars. The team has extensive experience in retailing some of the most prestigious British and European luxury and high-performance car brands, in markets from the UK to Asia-Pacific. It has further experience in the development and manufacture of high-end components and motor sport.

    The engineering team is led by Alastair Macqueen, who was responsible for the development of the Jaguar XJ220 supercar to production and has won the Le Mans 24-Hour race with both Jaguar and Bentley. Eterniti also has its very own F1 driver, Johnny Herbert, like Macqueen victorious at Le Mans but in addition a winner of three Grands Prix during a 10-year Formula 1 career. Johnny will have an active involvement in developing Eterniti vehicles as well as serving as an ambassador for the brand.

    Eterniti is establishing a London hub featuring a showroom, car build and service centre, and a separate atelier where customers can discuss their requirements and create a bespoke specification for their cars, which will be hand-built on site by British craftsmen and technicians. The London facilities will open later this year, with further showrooms in key international cities to follow from 2012.

    Source: Еterniti Motors

  • To SUV or not to SUV?

    Chevrolet-Suburban-1937-thumbSo, what is actually the SUV? According to the manufacturers this is a “Sport Utility Vehicle”. It is 4 wheel drive, or maybe not? It can take you off-road, or maybe not? What is the difference between a crossover and a SUV?

    How it all began? The SUV was actually extremely popular in the 1930s for many years on. They were mostly bought by rural people who were able to take advantage of the good off-road capabilities of these vehicles.

    During the late 1990s when these vehicles were gaining popularity, they used to be based on pick-ups. However in the beginning on 2000s the prices of oil, gas and maintenance pushed towards using automobile platforms and Crossovers started to take over.

    What is the situation today? In Europe these cars are losing popularity more and more. They are gradually replaced by crossovers because of their lower maintenance fees, better mpg figures and smooth design. In North America people are still using SUVs for farms or in case the family owns something that needs hauling like trailers, caravans etc..

    The father of all SUVs  Chevrolet Suburban 1937
    The father of all SUVs Chevrolet Suburban 1937

    In Europe, however, the SUV vehicles seem to be doomed.  Not too many manufacturers bother developing new models anyway. At least not in the way we know SUVs.  VW for example has the TIGUAN.  It is based on the VW golf platform and shares the same engines and transmissions. Having 17” alloys and low profile tires, despite the optional 4motion all it will not take too far away from the tarmac roads. Being higher than the golf and heavier than the Golf, it does worse MPG wise.  So basically you could get a VW Golf Variant with better dynamics, better MPG figures and better price and only lose the great possibility of climbing small curbs in the city.

    So, what is the conclusion? Is it cheaper, not really. Is it comfortable, maybe, if you love boats. Just get yourself a nice saloon or a huge van. It is better to have one or two features right, rather than having all wrong.

  • 2010 Hyundai Santa Fe won Best Value 4×4 of the Year award

    2010 Hyundai Santa Fe wins a prestigious award for towing capabilities. The position of the SUV is further enhanced with this award and it is a popular choice for British buyers. The family 4×4 is named as the „Best Value 4×4 of the Year” by a panel of judges from the Caravan and Camping Club and from magazines What Car? and Practical Caravan.

    “The Santa Fe thoroughly deserves its award as the best value 4×4. You know the Santa Fe is a good towcar after just a few miles, but it’s easy to miss just how good until you consider the price.”, said What Car?’s Editor-in-Chief, Steve Fowler. (more…)

  • Luxgen7 SUV is not only the largest, but the most intelligent

    Taiwan’s car maker – Luxgen is presenting its second model the LUXGEN7 SUV. The previous model LUXGEN7 MPV had huge success after its debut at the Dubai motor show. It achieved awesome sales volume which surpassing the sales volume of the entire Hyundai brand in Taiwan. Luxgen7 MPV is the first automobile ever to win the prestigious Taiwan Excellence Award.

    The dimensions of Luxgen7 SUV measure at 4.8 meters long, 1.93 meters wide and 1.76 meters in height, which put the vehicle on the top of its segment. (more…)

  • Infiniti QX56 make its debut at 2010 Beijing Automobile Exhibition

    2010 Infiniti QX56 made its debut at the Beijing International Automobile Exhibition, which is held April 23 to May 2. The exhibition of the automaker will also include 2010 FX sport utility vehicle, EX25 coupe crossover, G37 convertible and G25 premium sport sedan.

    Infiniti’s luxury SUV – QX56 is offering a good combination of advanced technology, power, roominess and refinement. The complete lineup of engines is still now available, but it is expected in late 2010 to hit the Chinese market. For now the big SUV is offered with 5.6 liter V8 developing 441 hp, which are put on the road through Infiniti All-Mode 4WD system. (more…)

  • Overfinch Holland & Holland Range Rover

    Holland & Holland created the ultimate luxury off-roader. It is based on either the 5.0 litre 503 bhp Supercharged or TDV8 versions.

    The exterior is slightly changed. There are discreet styling modifications, all manufactured from OEM grade thermoplastic polymers, which offer excellent quality and durability. The option for bodywork paint is between four unique colours, including Holland & Holland Tintern Green. The SUV comes out with 20” Tiger wheels (fitted with all season Mud & Snow tyres) and there will be 22” wheels in the option list. The picture is completed by the special cast exhaust outlets. (more…)

  • European showcase of new Mazda CX-7 at Frankfurt Motor Show

    The Mazda stand at next month’s Frankfurt International Motor Show (IAA) will exhibit the new Mazda CX-7, featuring Mazda’s new ‘family face’ as seen on Mazda6 and Mazda3. Also offering a bolder stance, the new Mazda CX-7 is powered by a high-output diesel engine.

    Under the bonnet, the clean-running and highly efficient MZR-CD 2.2-litre turbo diesel engine will offer customers eco-friendly performance twinned with a sporty drive already familiar to the current model. New Mazda CX-7 complies with Euro Stage V emissions regulations, despite being a roomy SUV, achieving a significant reduction in fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. (more…)

  • Kumho Fortis – Outline of the Future SUV

    Kumho is a tyre manufacturer that produces millions of tyres for today’s SUVs, and for that reason they are aware that such vehicles will have to change dramatically if they want to survive the upcoming greener vehicular legislation. (more…)

  • Lexus Takes The Pain Out Of Parking

    When it comes to parking manoeuvres, a moment’s inattention can cause a costly mistake. Scraped alloy wheels and dented bumpers might seem part-and-parcel of modern driving, but with the new RX 450h Lexus has gone further to make life easier and safer when it comes to navigating tight spaces.

    The new full hybrid luxury SUV is available with three different monitor systems that eliminate blind spots and provide handy guidelines to ensure drivers keep on the right track as they negotiate parking spaces. (more…)