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BMW 3 series price features variants

2011-03-22T08:02:00.000-07:00

2011Audi A3 Concept

2011-03-01T01:56:00.001-08:00

Audi has revealed images of the new Audi A3 sedan concept we first previewed in sketch form last week. The A3 sedan is referred to as a ‘notchback’ and is shorter than both the Volkswagen Jetta sedan and Audi A4 sedan.

The first thing you’ll notice about the new concept is its dramatic front end. It features a large new grille similar to the one we saw on the Audi Quattro Concept, showcasing a new design language that could be seen on the upcoming range of new Audi A3s.

The Audi A3 sedan concept is 4.44m long, 1.84m wide and 1.39m tall, so it’s 15cm longer, 7cm wider and 3cm lower than the current second-generation five-door A3 hatchback. Although this is just the concept, an Audi A3 four-door sedan is expected to enter the market in 2013 sharing similar proportions to this concept.

2011Audi A3 Concept

JAGUAR E-TYPE AT GENEVA

2011-03-01T01:55:00.000-08:00

Ahead of the delegation of 50 owner-driven E-Types that are heading to Geneva from Britain this week, Jaguar lined up a juicy selection of cars at the Hotel du Parc des Eaux Vives yesterday to kick off local celebrations for the famous sportscar's 50th anniversary.

Legendary Jaguar development engineer Norman Dewis was guest of honour at a 50th anniversary dinner last night, and he entertained fellow guests with tales of his famous overnight dash from Coventry to Geneva for the E-Type's first motor show.

Setting off from Coventry at 7.45pm, he arrived the following morning at Hotel du Parc des Eaux Vives twelve minutes before his 10am deadline - averaging 68mph for a journey that pretty much pre-dated the motorway network. The hotel was used as a base for demo drives for potential customers wowed by the E-Type at the show - drives which according to Norman got faster andfaster as the E-Type competed with demo drivers from Mercedes and Ferrari. "At the end of the week we were really going for it, and customers were getting out with white knuckles," he quipped.

JAGUAR E-TYPE

Volkswagen Bulli Concept Debuts

2011-03-01T01:52:00.000-08:00

Volkswagen unleashed a thunderbolt at the 2011 Geneva Auto Show, debuting the electric Volkswagen Bulli Concept, a post-modern and eco-friendly take on the original Volkswagen Microbus.

But American consumers who envision parking one in front of their beach house may be in for a wait.

"At this point, it's just a concept," said Corey Proffitt, Volkswagen of America spokesman in a phone conversation Monday with Inside Line. "There are no production plans. Based on the reaction, we'll see where it goes." When asked if the compact Volkswagen Bulli Concept will be shown at the upcoming 2011 New York Auto Show, Proffitt said "no plans."

Rumors have been rampant in the European press that VW is working on a latter-day Microbus for introduction in 2013-'14. The automaker previously showed a Microbus concept 10 years ago at the Detroit show, but later canceled production plans, reportedly because of cost considerations. Instead, VW commissioned a mildly revised derivative of the Dodge Caravan, which it sells in the U.S. as the VW Routan.

Volkswagen Bulli

Koenigsegg Agera R at Geneva Motor Show

2011-03-01T01:50:00.000-08:00

Crazy Swedish supercar company Koenigsegg is featuring its latest supercar at the Geneva Motor Show – the Koenigsegg Agera R.

With a 5.0 liter V8 engine producing a whopping 1115bhp, the Agera R is the company’s most powerful ever vehicle.
Koenigsegg hasn’t revealed performance figures for the Agera yet but it is 500kg LIGHTER and 115bhp more powerful than the Bugatti Veyron which is capable of 253mph.
Acceleration will also be blistering – with 0-62mph expected to be south of three seconds.
The ‘R’ is a £ 132,000 optional package for the standard Agera model – taking the total price to a cool £1 million.
Wealthy motorists wanting a supercar with green credentials should definitely consider the Agera R with the 250mph-plus model capable of running on environmentally-friendly biofuel.

Koenigsegg is displaying the Agera R at the Geneva Motor Show with the optional ski box – a £17,593 extra which, when fitted, will make it the wildest vehicle in any Val d’Isère car park.

Koenigsegg Agera R

Lamborghini Aventador supercar

2011-03-01T01:49:00.000-08:00

The photos weren't available in time to publish with today's column on the UW's Lamborghini lab because the company was waiting for a press event at the Geneva Auto Show, where the Aventador LP 700-4 was just unveiled.
A few of the cars could show in the Seattle area this summer. They list for $370,000, or $379,700 with the gas-guzzler tax included.

Lamborghini Aventador

Maruti Kizashi MT Price in INDIA

2011-02-02T01:52:00.000-08:00

Maruti Suzuki Kizashi Luxury car/sedan is now available in India @ very attractive price. Kizashi launched in India with 2.4 Litre powerful petrol engine and offers rich feel & performance.

Suzuki Kizashi Sporty Luxury Car Features:

Available in two variants: Manual Transmission (MT) and Continuous Variable Transmission (CVT)
2.4 litre DOHC J-Series engine
Stylish looks, sporty performance and luxurious feel
Imposing front grille, compact and sleek exteriors coupled with exclusive interiors
Three color options Snow White Pearl, Premium Silver Metallic and Super Black Pearl
ABS with EBD, Airbags for Safety

Maruti Kizashi Mileage: 12.53 Kmpl (CVT) and 12.45 Kmpl (6-speed MT) fuel efficiency

Kizashi Sedan Technical Specifications:

2.4 liter, DOHC, 16-valve, digital fuel injection Engine
Max Power: 178 PS @ 6500 rpm
Max Torque: 230 Nm @ 4000 RPM
Bore x stroke: 3.62 x 3.54 inch
Compression Ratio: 10.0:1
Steering: Electronic power steering with rack & pinion
Suspension, front: MacPherson strut and coil springs
Suspension, rear: Multi-link
Brakes: Front-Vented disc and Rear- Solid disc
Wheels: 235 / 45 R18 + alloy wheels

Maruti Suzuki Kizashi Price in India – Ex-Showroom Delhi Price

Kizashi 6-speed Manual transmission (MT): 16.5 Lacs
Kizashi Continuous Variable Transmission (CVT): 17.5 Lacs

You can Book Kizashi with an initial deposit of Rs 50,000/- at any Maruti Suzuki Dealers, Deliveries will begin in March 2011.

Toyota Prius V MPV

2011-01-21T20:08:00.000-08:00

The idea behind the Prius V is pretty simply: It’s the Prius for on-the-go folks who demand more space for stuff, especially offspring, with 50-percent more interior cargo space than the current Prius. But Toyota insisted it wasn’t just a stretched up and out Prius – “It is a new vehicle designed from the ground up, with a shape that evolved from Prius rather than being an elongated version,” the company said.

image via Toyota

Toyota said the V has “an impressive 38-inch couple distance, providing generous rear legroom,” and noted that the rear hatch opens to reveal 34.3 cubic feet of cargo, “making it the most spacious dedicated hybrid vehicle on the market and better than some compact SUVs.” Reflecting its MPV status, the V has sliding second-row seats.
Toyota said it expects an EPA combined fuel economy of 40 mpg for the V – 38 on the highway and 42 in the city – “the best fuel economy ratings of any SUV, crossover, or wagon on the market.”

Saab 9-5 Sport Combi Wagon to Debut at Geneva Auto Show

2011-01-21T20:07:00.000-08:00

Saab 9-5 Sport Combi Wagon

Lately, wagons have been popping up on the market quicker than cupcake shops, with cars like the Acura TSXCadillac CTS Sport Wagons and being two of the newest examples. Now Saab will be the next automaker to unleash an upscale wagon, with a 9-5 wagon set to debut at the Geneva auto show. “The Swedish brand is showing the reborn 9-5 SportCombi, based on the latest 9-5 sedan, at the Geneva auto show in March,” says Car and Driver. “It goes on sale in the U.S. this fall, likely as a 2012 model.”
The 9-5 SportCombi may be tough competition for crossovers, as reports suggest that the new wagon will offer an impressive amount of utility. “In order to give the 9-5 SportWagon as much versatility as possible, the wagon is equipped with a number of cargo solutions, including an adaptable multi-fold floor, flexible U-rail load space configuration and under-floor stowage with a sealed wet storage compartment,” writes Left Lane News.

2011 Camaro SS Convertible Indy 500 Pace Car

2011-01-21T20:05:00.000-08:00

GM unveiled a special-edition Chevrolet Camaro Convertible to be this year’s Indy 500 race pace car. 2011 is the 100th anniversary of Chevrolet and the Indianapolis 500 and for that they’ve came up with a Camaro SS convertible in white with orange stripes and orange leather-trimmed interior evokes classic 1969 Camaro pace car model.

They will also make 50 units of this special car for sale, but the first will be auctioned off at Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale auction on Jan. 22 for charity, with all the proceeds going to David Foster Foundation, a charity devoted to supporting families with children in need of life-saving organ transplants.

As for the car, it gets a Summit White exterior accented with orange stripes and door graphics. The interior is trimmed in orange leather, including front seat headrests embossed with theIndy 500 logo, along with white door panels and instrument panel trim. The instrument panel trim features extensions of the orange exterior stripes. Powered by a 400-horsepower (298 kW) V-8 engine and six-speed automatic transmission, the actual pace car for the race requires no performance modifications to perform its duty in front of the racing field.

But it’s not about the appearance or the power with this particular model, it’s about legacy. This car is a legend and owning it is an honor! All 50 of the Festival Committees cars will be SS convertible models fitted with the 2SS equipment package, offering the following standard features:

Detroit Auto Show 2011 Green Car

2011-01-21T20:04:00.000-08:00

With the North American International Auto Show in Detroit winding down into its final days, it seems fitting at this point to take a look back at some of the green car announcements which made this year’s show stand out. What is perhaps most notable about this year’s Detroit Auto Show, however, is what wasn’t debuted there: the Ford Focus Electric, which the American automaker chose to unveil instead at the Consumer Electronics Show earlier in January.
The Ford Focus Electric aside, this year’s Detroit show did not disappoint. Ford had some other new green cars it was showing off, while Toyota unveiled some new Prius designs. Porsche also, among others, had a nice and flashy racing hybrid to showcase to show onlookers as well.
Toyota Prius v

image via Toyota

Toyota unveiled the Prius V, an extension of its popular hybrid, highlighting that it offers 50-percent more cargo space while getting 40 mpg.
Ford C-MAX Energi Hybrid

image via Ford

In Detroit, Ford introduces the C-MAX Energi, a production plug-in hybrid electric that the company says has an extended range of over 500 driving miles.

Rolls Royce Ghost EWB to Debut in 2011

2011-01-02T20:53:00.002-08:00

Rolls Royce Ghost EWB

Rolls Royce expects to roll out its Ghost Extended Wheelbase, or EWB, in the first half of 2011. It is expected to be at least 10 inches longer than the regular Ghost and is to be priced in the range of 200,000 to 300,000 Euros. The Ghost EWB will be powered by a BMW-sourced 6.6 liter V12 engine that can provide 563 hp and a peak torque of 575 lb-ft.
Further, power will be transmitted to the wheels via an eight-speed ZF automatic gearbox. The car is also expected to go from 0-60 mph in around five seconds or less as well as clock in a top speed of 155 mph.
Initially heard of at the 2006 Paris motor show, the Ghost marks a new line of cars for Rolls Royce that is anticipated to etch a new luxury niche presently catered to by Bentley, Mercedes-Benz, and BMW. The car reveals an altogether different style that mixes modern and traditional looks and has been designed as a smaller, more measured, more realistic car than the Phantom, aiming for a lower price category for Rolls Royce models.

Citroen DS3 Wins 2010 Top Gear ‘Car of the Year’ Awards

2011-01-02T20:53:00.000-08:00

Citroen DS3

Top Gear’s Awards issue hits newsstands today, and Citroen pulled off a winner with its Citroen DS3 winning the Car of the Year and Small Car of the Year awards. “Most cars feel like they’ve been edited down from something else. The DS3 does not. It is, for its completeness and rounded set of abilities, a bloody triumph…”
Other notable winners include the Koenigsegg Agera, the Maserati GranCabrio, the Bentley Continental GT, the Volkswagen Golf R, the BMW 520d Touring, the Peugeot RCZ and the Jaguar XJ. Fiat’s Twin Air managed to grab the award for the Engine of the Year

Lotus City Car Concept Confirmed for Production in 2013

2011-01-01T20:10:00.001-08:00

Lotus has stated that its City Car Concept has been given the green lights to enter into production and will be launched in 2013. The Lotus City Car concept was unveiled at the Paris Motor Show in October.
According to Car, Lotus Chief Executive Dany Bahar said, “We are doing this together with Proton and another OEM.”
The company said that it will build three variants namely an Asia model, a Europe model and a sport version.
Nonetheless, Lotus’ Technical Director Wolf Zimmermann affirmed that work on the supermini City Car has yet to commence as they focus their engineering resources on the new sports cars, especially the new 2013 Lotus Esprit.
The Lotus City Car is a hybrid 4-seater with a rear-wheel drive. Coupled to a single-speed transmission, the engine combines a 35 kW electric motor with a range-extending 1.2 litre three-cylinder petrol engine similar to the Lotus Evora 414E Hybrid concept.

Ford to Introduce Start-Stop Technology in Conventional Cars and Crossovers

2011-01-01T20:09:00.001-08:00

Ford Motors has recently announced that they will add the new fuel-saving technology, the ‘Start-Stop’ technology to its lineup of conventional cars, crossovers and SUV’s in North America. The ‘Start-Stop’ technology automatically shuts off the engine when the vehicle comes to a stop, a feature currently found on the Ford Fusion Hybrid and Ford Escape Hybrid.

The American automaker said that its patented new auto ‘Start-Stop’ system for gasoline engines can deliver fuel economy savings of as much as 10%. It will also reduce tailpipe emissions to zero while the vehicle is stationary or waiting at a stop light.
The company has more than 244 patents for its Auto Start-Stop technology. This technology will be showcased on a concept at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in January.
The auto ‘Start-Stop’ technology is the latest example of Ford moving aggressively to bring affordable advanced fuel-saving technologies to all customers. The global rollout of auto Start-Stop is under way in Europe.

Fiat 500 Tributo Ferrari Price

2010-08-03T19:34:00.003-07:00

It has already attracted critical acclaim in both hard top and convertible form, and as a potent esseesse version. Now the Abarth 500 is arriving in even more exclusive style – as the Abarth 695 Tributo Ferrari.

Every Abarth reflects the high performance brand’s direct connection with competition, and the new 695 Tributo Ferrari takes these links to a new level, with stunning performance matched to perfect day-to-day usability.

2010 Fiat 500 Blackjack Price

2010-08-03T19:34:00.001-07:00

Following on from the success of the Fiat 500 Pink, another unique limited edition version of the popular city car has been announced – the Fiat 500 BlackJack.

Just 200 examples of the matt black supermini will be available when it goes on sale next week. As with previous special edition 500 models, the BlackJack will initially be available on-line only at www.fiat.co.uk.

The BlackJack name reinforces the character of this car: irreverent and mysterious. The 500 BlackJack is the first vehicle in this segment to offer the special paint, and is one of several exciting Fiat 500 limited editions being introduced this year.

Based on the 1.2 and 1.4 Sport specification, the Fiat 500 BlackJack features:

-Individual matt black paint finish
-Mouldings, door handles, door mirrors and plate holder in metallic effect
-16-inch alloy wheels in matt black with red coach line
-Red brake callipers (1.4 only)
-Special carpet mats

Porsche Cayenne Diesel

2010-08-03T19:28:00.000-07:00

LUMMA Design proves that style and functionality do not have to be mutually exclusive. With its comprehensive range of accessories for the Porsche Cayenne, the car customiser from Winterlingen in Germany not only enhances the appearance of the Zuffenhausen-made SUV but also equips it for everyday use.

The D-Box for the Cayenne Diesel brings both reason and driving pleasure to the table in equal measure. This plug-and-play solution increases the diesel engine’s performance from 240 to an impressive 276 hp (203 kW) and raises the vehicle’s maximum torque from 550 to 630 Newton metres. This increased torque allows noticeable savings in fuel consumption to be made because it is precisely at low engine speeds that greater efficiency can be achieved. If required, the D-Box can be completely retrofitted.

In order to also enhance the engine bay’s aesthetic qualities, LUMMA Design offers an optics engine package consisting of red-coated covers and a crest logo made of metal, with the top-quality materials emphasising the increased power of the diesel engine. In addition, thanks to its headlight covers, the big Porsche now looks determinedly ahead.

The new light alloy wheels from the Winterlingen-based customiser appear similarly sporty – whether it’s the Mono 10x22-inch sports wheels with silver surface or the two-tone Mono 11x23-inch wheels with powerfully moulded spokes. Not only does the complete wheel set look really racy, it also ensures excellent road holding.

The twin exhaust pipe deflectors made from burnished and chrome-plated stainless steel give the Cayenne Diesel an individual touch while the two 90 millimetre pipes give the vehicle an especially sporty finish.

With that bit of extra agility, the SUV’s refined interior awaits the driver. Even as you open the doors, the matt aluminium door sill panels featuring the machined LUMMA logo showcase the classic character of the revised Cayenne.

The vehicle’s best example of the combination of style and functionality is the boot floor mat, with the LUMMA Design crest logo enhancing its appearance and the boot sill protector preventing unattractive scratches. For those who find all this to be a bit too much in the way of functionality, some of the Cayenne models come with the boot floor mat minus the foldable boot sill protector. Recesses for the lashing eyes are provided too, even for the version with the real leather edging.

2010 Citroen DS3 R3 Photo Gallery

2010-07-05T23:31:00.000-07:00

In addition to Citroen Racing’s official participation in WRC, where it has won five FIA World Championship Constructors’ titles, Citroen Racing has always offered products designed for customers. The champion team has now furthered this rich tradition with Citroen DS3 R3, a model set to make its rallying debut at the end of 2010. Versatile, high performance and yet affordably-priced, DS3 R3 is set to become the new leader in its category.

2010 Citroen DS3

2010 Fiat 500C Photo and Price

2010-07-05T23:30:00.000-07:00

The 2010 Abarth Fiat 500C Priced at £17,500 OTR, the Abarth 500C represents good value when compared with its main rivals. As well as the Abarth Competizione MTA gearbox with steering wheel paddle shift, and the electric hood with glass rear window and third brake light incorporated into the spoiler, the car receives, as standard, a host of other equipment.

2010 Fiat 500C

2010 Volvo V60 Photo Gallery

2010-07-05T23:28:00.000-07:00

New Volvo V60 sports wagon - as sporty as the all-new S60

2010 Volvo V60

2010 Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Super Sport photos

2010-07-05T23:26:00.000-07:00

Land speed world record with the Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Super Sport

The new Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Super Sport takes production sports cars to a whole new dimension

2010 Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Super Sport

Ford F-150 6.2 VelociRaptor By Hennessey

2010-06-25T23:24:00.000-07:00

Hennessey Performance has been planning to come up with something big for the version of Ford F-150 Raptor with 6.2 liter V8 engine. And now they are proudly present two super awesome power packages for it, called VelociRaptor 600 and VelociRaptor 800. Let’s cut straight to the chase and check out the some nerdelicious numbers! Veloci 600 has 605 bhp and 622 lb-ft torque, that’s for the boys. Real men will get the Veloci 800 which has 810 bhp and 745 lb-ft torque. 810 hp in a pickup truck… That sounds dangerously exciting!

2011 Honda Accord Sedan & Coupe

2010-06-25T23:23:00.000-07:00

Honda released pics and details of the 2011MY Accord Sedan and Coupe. If you are looking for new things on these models, we’re afraid there’s not much. The body is slightly revised with a new grille and bumper at front, a new trunk lid at the back and new wheels. The range of engines also remains the same as before, only they are more economical now.

2011 Smart Fortwo Electric Drive Official Detail

2010-06-22T02:21:00.000-07:00

Following the successful launch in European cities the new smart fortwo electric drive will take to the roads of North American cities from the autumn. The electrically powered trendsetter has been rolling off the production line since November 2009 – and due to the huge demand the initial production volume has been increased from 1000 to 1500 vehicles. The second generation smart fortwo electric drive is equipped with an innovative and highly efficient lithium-ion battery. It is neatly accommodated between the axles, which means that space is not compromised in any way in the intelligent two-seater vehicle. A 30 kW electric motor is fitted at the rear. This provides for very good acceleration and high agility with 120 Newton metres of torque that are immediately available. The smart fortwo electric drive can be charged at any normal household socket. The fully charged battery has sufficient power to cover approximately 135 kilometres in accordance with the New European Driving Cycle, making it ideal for urban use. smart has made electric drive a practical alternative for mobility with zero local emissions in urban areas. The first of the new smart fortwo electric drive vehicles were handed over to customers in Berlin at the end of 2009, and the environmentally friendly pioneer will now demonstrate its suitability for everyday use in further cities in Europe, North America and Asia. From 2012 the smart fortwo electric drive will be available to anyone interested in almost 40 smart markets.

Marc Langenbrinck, responsible for brand management at smart says "In 1998 smart revolutionised urban mobility with the unique smart fortwo vehicle concept. Now smart is once again taking on a pioneering role and redefining zero-emission urban mobility. We are the first manufacturer to launch a series-produced electric vehicle. Daimler is spearheading electric mobility with the smart fortwo electric drive. The smart fortwo electric drive is a further logical step in the evolution of the smart brand which boasts the fleet with the lowest fuel consumption anyway."

Environmental friendliness and state-of-the-art functionality have been defining features of the smart fortwo ever since it was launched more than ten years ago. Since then its innovative concept has combined sustainable, forward-looking technologies with individual urban mobility. With a length of just over two and a half metres the extremely compact vehicle can also park perpendicular to the flow of traffic. In addition, the space-saving and environmentally friendly two-seater currently has the lowest fleet consumption and it brings its occupants to their destination comfortably and safely. Its design is fresh, youthful, modern and yet sophisticated and has made it an automotive lifestyle icon which shows that mobility, responsibility to the environment and joie de vivre are compatible with one another. The smart fortwo has established a class of its own.

smart fortwo electric drive offers innovative driving fun

The new smart fortwo electric drive, which started rolling off the production line in November 2009, is a logical continuation of a very ambitious goal: the production of a well-engineered, attractive city car that has no local exhaust gas emissions i.e. a zero emission vehicle. In 2007 smart kicked off zero-emission motoring in London with its tough city traffic conditions. Since then 100 smart fortwo electric drives of the first generation have been in practical customer operation there. The feedback from the UK capital has been very positive and confirms the high degree of maturity of this vehicle concept.
In 2008 smart presented the second generation smart fortwo electric drive, a more advanced electric drive with an innovative lithium-ion battery. Lithium-ion technology has decisive advantages over other types of batteries including better performance, shorter charging times, a long life and high reliability. Marc Langenbrinck says "The second generation smart fortwo electric drive is based on a successful and accepted vehicle concept with character and inherent environmentally friendly characteristics. Its innovative electric battery drive makes it the perfect car for the city: it is agile, economical and climate-friendly. Motoring with zero local emissions in an urban environment has become a reality. This equates to driving fun with no compromises."

Electric drive factored in from the very first concept

The smart fortwo electric drive is a smart fortwo that does not make any compromises with regard to safety, agility, comfort and space. Electric drives have been part of the smart concept right from the start. The later integration of the components needed for electric drive was planned at a very early stage. For example, there is space for the battery in the underfloor between the axles where the tank is located in other smart models. The electric drive module does not limit the space available in the smart fortwo electric drive in any way; there is just as much interior and luggage compartment space as in a smart fortwo with a combustion engine.

Powerful drive

A 30 kW magneto-electric motor is installed at the rear of the new smart fortwo electric drive and reacts directly without delay. Powerful torque of 120 Newton metres is immediately available. This results in a surprising amount of power when pulling away. The smart fortwo electric drive accelerates from 0 - 60 km/h in 6.5 seconds – just as quickly as a petrol model which it initially leaves behind it. After a year of driving the first generation smart fortwo electric drive in everyday conditions on British roads one of the participants in the large-scale London trial said "You can beat anything at the lights". The maximum speed of the smart fortwo electric drive has been deliberately limited to 100 km/h, a suitable maximum speed for the city.

Thanks to the power characteristic of the electric motor, just one single fixed gear ratio is required. There is no need for any gear changing – a major advantage in dense city traffic. To reverse, the engine's direction of rotation changes. "Fantastic and easy to drive. You just get in, turn on and go" was how experienced users from London summed up the smart fortwo electric drive.

The second generation smart fortwo electric drive is powered by a lithium-ion battery developed by Tesla Motors Inc. with electrical energy of 16.5 kWh. It is simple to charge at any fused 220 Volt socket. A fully charged battery is sufficient for up to 135 kilometres of driving fun (NEDC). This range is more than enough for city traffic as studies have shown that cars drive an average of 30 - 40 kilometres per day in towns and cities. For this, the vehicle only needs to be charged for three hours. At an average speed of 25 - 30 km/h that is normal in city traffic the smart fortwo electric drive can drive for around four to five hours continuously before it needs to be recharged. Plugging the car in overnight will fully recharge the battery.

Generation differences

First generation smart fortwo electric drive Second generation smart fortwo electric drive
In everyday use in London since 2007 Production of a small series started at the end of 2009
Battery: NaNiCl (sodium-nickel-chloride), works at temperatures between 280 and 320 degrees Celsius, and therefore needs to be heated. Also has an insulated casing like a thermos flask. Battery: lithium-ion, works at normal temperatures. The lithium-ion battery enables a cold start at minus 25 degrees Celsius. More useable energy with the same size. The same battery size as for the first generation smart was chosen. The range has increased from 100 km to 135 km.
Power output: 20 kW Power output: 20 kW plus peak power output of 30 kW for approximately 2 minutes. The peak power can be called up with the kickdown function.

Electronics optimise the battery status and power consumption

Special electronics ensure that all is well with the battery. This battery management system constantly monitors voltage, electricity and temperature. If one of these parameters reaches a specified limit – for example when driving up long hills at constant peak power (kickdown) – the electronics reduce the power output. However, this is barely noticeable and it rules out the risk of battery overload.

The electronics also monitor the charging process and control the capacity display. The vehicle's power electronics supply the vehicle's electrical system with electric current from the battery via a DC/DC converter. In addition, they also control the heating and air conditioning, for example, to minimise the strain on the battery. Clever drivers can air condition their smart fortwo electric drive
in advance as long as their vehicle is being charged at home – the long-standing dream of stationary cooling becomes a reality! No other car offers this comfortable option.

Extensive equipment

The new second generation smart fortwo electric drive is based on the smart fortwo coupé/cabrio with high quality equipment. As well as air conditioning with automatic temperature control and pre-air conditioning, the equipment includes smart radio 9, electric power steering, electric windows, electrically adjustable and heated door mirrors, a two-spoke leather steering wheel, leather gear knob and 12-spoke alloy wheels. In addition to the battery indicator, an ammeter shows the consumption and the recuperated energy. Furthermore, all new second generation smart fortwo electric drives have green painted alloy wheels, green mirror caps, green contrast components and a green tridion cell created with green adhesive foil. The words "electric drive" on the rear and in the mirror triangle also draw attention to the vehicle's special status.

Very low costs

There are also numerous factors in different countries that make electric mobility attractive for customers. Tax relief and other government subsidies play an important role. For example, the state of Monaco offers tax relief of up to €9,000 to electric car owners. Other countries have also set up funding programmes for sustainable mobility. France grants a "super environment incentive" of €5000 for every vehicle emitting less than 60 grams of CO2 per kilometre. In Great Britain there is a bonus of up to ₤5000 and in Belgium of €4540. In Denmark such cars are exempt from the extremely high registration tax and there are lots of further examples in Europe. In the USA there is a federal tax benefit of up to $7500 plus additional benefits depending on the state or city. China and Japan have announced subsidies of €6,500 and €11,000 respectively.

The maintenance costs are considerably lower than those of a smart with a combustion engine as the battery, motor and other components of the electric drive are maintenance-free.

smart fortwo electric drive in major cities in Europe and the USA

Since the end of 2009 the second generation smart fortwo electric drive has been delivered to selected customers. Leases are offered for a period of four years and 60,000 kilometres. The first vehicles were handed over to customers in December within the framework of the "e-mobility Berlin" project. Here, in cooperation with the energy provider RWE and with the support of the German government and the city of Berlin, Daimler is creating ideal conditions for running battery-driven vehicles with no local emissions. This includes setting up a network of electricity charging stations that enable intelligent communication between electric vehicles and the power network so that the battery can be charged when electricity is cheapest. But as mentioned, the smart fortwo electric drive can also be charged at any household safety socket with a 16 amp fuse (standard in Germany and other countries).

Further new generation smart fortwo electric drive vehicles will take to the roads of Hamburg, Paris, Rome, Milan, Pisa, London and the Midlands, Madrid, Zurich, Portugal, Denmark, the Czech Republic, Austria, Belgium and the Netherlands during the first half of 2010. In the autumn of 2010 the smart fortwo electric drive will then also be launched in cities in the USA and Canada, and from 2011 in some Asian countries. There is already a very lively demand for the smart fortwo electric drive, and from 2012 it will be produced in large volumes as a normal part of the smart range and sold via the smart dealer network. This third generation will be fitted with a new lithium-ion battery which Daimler is developing to production maturity in cooperation with Evonik. The lithium-ion battery currently used comes from Tesla and represents state-of-the-art technology. However, further progress is anticipated. The main differences between the two batteries lie in the structural design. The Tesla battery consists of lots of cylinder-shaped cells. The Daimler battery will be made up of fewer but larger plate units. This will first and foremost enable a greater energy density to be achieved (with greater energy content for a higher range) and an even longer life.

With the smart fortwo electric drive the brand is underlining its pioneering role on the road to attractive individual mobility with no local emissions in cities and urban areas. Dr. Joachim Schmidt, Head of Sales and Marketing at Mercedes-Benz Cars says "All in all we believe that the outlook for electric mobility is good. Whilst our competitors are still presenting electric show cars, smart brought production models that are fully suitable for everyday use to the roads last year. This once again demonstrates our technical expertise and responsibility."

2011 Range Rover Vogue Official Revealed

2010-06-20T01:38:00.001-07:00

Introducing the 2011 Range Rover Vogue: the most capable and luxurious SUV in the world

-New 4.4-litre LR-TDV8
-Power 230kW (an increase of 15.1 percent)
-Torque increased by 9.4 percent to 700Nm
-14 percent reduction in CO2 (down to 253g/km)
-Fuel consumption improved by 18.5 percent to 9.4 litres/100km (combined cycle)
-0-100kph in 7.8 seconds
-80-120kph drops from 6.3 seconds to 5.1 seconds
-Top speed 210kph
-Meets EU4 emissions regulations
-New ZF 8HP70 automatic transmission
-First 8-speed gearbox ever fitted to a Range Rover Vogue (LR-TDV8 only)
-Closer ratios improve comfort
-Wider ratio spread improves efficiency
-Transmission Idle Control reduces fuel consumption
-Terrain Response® enhancements
-Gradient Acceleration Control
-Hill Start Assist
-Improved interior equipment levels with optional reclining rear seats and laminated privacy glass
-Revised exterior design features enhance Range Rover Vogue's classic looks
-Optional Exterior Design Pack in a choice of eight colours
-Optional Harman Kardon Logic 7 1200 watt 19 speaker audio system
-Choice of five new alloy wheels
-5.0-litre Supercharged LR-V8
-375kW, 625Nm torque, EU4

2011 Porsche Panamera

2010-06-20T01:36:00.000-07:00

The eight-cylinder Panamera models are entering the next model year as of August 2010 with an even higher standard of all-round efficiency and new options. Particularly the new brake energy recuperation system featured as standard, together with optional 19-inch all-season tyres offering reduced roll resistance, give the Panamera Turbo a further improvement of fuel consumption by 0.9 litres/100 km. As a result, the 500-horsepower top model now consumes just 11.3 litres instead of formerly 12.2 litres/100 km in the New European Driving Cycle, equal to 25.0 mpg imp (formerly 23.2 mpg imp) and a reduction of CO2 emissions by 21 grams per kilometre. The Panamera S and Panamera 4S now making do with just 10.3 ltr/100 km and, respectively, 10.6 ltr/100 km (equal to 27.4 and, respectively, 26.7 mpg imp in the NEDC), are likewise up to half a litre more efficient per 100 kilometres (equal to minus 11 grams CO2/km).

Aston Martin DB9

2010-06-20T01:10:00.000-07:00

Edo Competition released the conversion package for Aston Martin DB9 to DBS.

Power boost to 550 hp includes:
-Electronic voting of the control unit, sports air filter and new sports catalysts
-As a completely manufactured in stainless steel sport exhaust system with throttle control.
-All work will be monitored and adjusted on the Leistungspru?fstand.

Only a sports exhaust system with throttle control completely made of stainless steel

The volume of the exhaust system can be controlled by remote control.
By pressing a button are two volume levels (and Super Sound Series) adjustable.

edo competition Sport-brake system
VA: 405mm disc with six-piston monobloc caliper and sport brake pads,
Rear: 380mm disc with four-piston monobloc caliper and sport brake pads,
Steel braided brake line set.

Interior: Carbon shift gate
Interior: Carbon Shift Knob
Leather work custom made individually.

21 "Racing wheels, three-piece with artificially aged castings, hand polished Edelstahlflachaußenbett, 39 stainless steel screws. Tire size such as serial or optional front 255/30 ZR 21, rear 295/25 ZR 21 Continental

If desired, the rim-painted

Edo sport suspension with adjustable compression train-in High and low speed, adjustable height

Option: Sport spring set 30 mm lower than series

Some Canadian drivers would give up sex for cars

2010-06-09T08:11:00.000-07:00

A model stands beside Aston Martin V8 Vantage during a special media opening of the Beijing Auto Show on April 23, 2010 in Beijing, China.

I’m just re-reading that headline, and it makes us look like a nation of prostitutes.

Well, that’s not what I meant. What actually happened is that the World Wildlife Federation did a survey leading up to bike-to-work week (May 31 to June 4) that revealed some very interesting information about Canadian drivers.

Asked what they’d give up rather than hand over the keys, the True North Strong and Free said that 36 per cent would give up junk food, 14 per cent would stop drinking coffee, six per cent would turn off their televisions and two per cent would happily wave goodbye to nookie forever.

Interestingly, those most likely to go without sex were a) women and b) from Ontario. So there you go: one more reason to skip straight from Manitoba to Montreal.

More electric cars means finding new standards to measure fuel efficiency

2010-06-09T08:10:00.000-07:00

It used to be easy to know whether a car was a glutton for fuel. Federal standards defined miles per gallon and laid out precisely how the statistic should be measured.

But with the dawning of what enthusiasts hope is an era of electric cars, federal regulators are struggling to come up with a definition of auto efficiency for the next generation of technology. This year, two major auto manufacturers, General Motors and Nissan, will bring to market cars that plug in.

"There's no clear answer for how we should be informing the public about the efficiency of these new cars," said Mike Duoba, a research engineer at Argonne National Laboratory, outside Chicago. "The language we have been speaking -- mpg -- isn't sophisticated enough."

To fill the gap, researchers and Environmental Protection Agency officials have been conducting vehicle tests, researching driver habits and even running focus groups toward informing consumers about which cars are energy hogs.

Google Rolling Into Auto Industry Through Maps

2010-06-09T08:08:00.000-07:00

Google is making its way into the automotive industry in several deals. One could require the Mountain View, Calif. search engine to work more closely with rival Microsoft.

Ford plans to add Google Maps to its Sync in-car communications platform, available by June, on all 2010 and 2010 models equipped with the Sync system, powered by Microsoft software. The latest Send to Sync features allows drivers to send destinations over Bluetooth in Google Maps to their cars through an app called Sync Traffic, Directions, and Information.

But Ford isn't the only automaker giving Google deeper integration into their cars. OnStar subscribers now have an option to search for and identify destinations using Google Maps, and send them to the Turn-by-Turn Navigation Service in their vehicles. The feature becomes available later this month on all GM vehicles beginning with the 2006 model year. It integrates with OnStar Destination Download to send destinations directly to the vehicle's screen-based navigation system.

The deal expands on Google's relationship with OnStar and the automotive industry announced in May. The two unveiled mapping and navigation features on the Android platform for the Chevrolet Volt electric vehicle. From the map screen, owners can use Google search by voice to locate a destination with their Android handset, and see where that destination is relation to car.

2011 Saleen S302

2010-06-05T10:22:00.000-07:00

Saleen Performance Vehicles is unveiling the latest product in its premiere line of high-performance cars, the 2011 Saleen S302. The debut will take place this weekend at the Carlisle Ford Nationals in Carlisle, PA. This is the first Saleen vehicle launched this year, following the successful launches of the 435S and S281 in 2009.

The Saleen S302 is based on the 2011 Ford Mustang 5.0 and builds on the Saleen tradition of offering limited-edition, high-performance vehicles for enthusiasts who are looking for an exhilarating driving experience, with refined drivability for real-world road conditions.

Available in both coupe and convertible body styles, the S302 boasts a premium level of design consideration, both exterior and interior, with performance to match.

Michael Schumacher's Bugatti EB110 sale for 600,000 Euro

2010-05-22T13:05:00.001-07:00

Formula One legend Michael Schumacher put his Bugatti EB 110 SS (Sport Stradale) for sale for 600,000 Euro ($761,940). The supercar is supposed to be in better-than-new condition.

This striking yellow Bugatti EB 110 was bought by Schumi in 1994 who used it in his private life for almost ten years. But he apparently hardly ever used the car as the mileage seems to be not even 5000 km.

Based on the EB 110 which was unveiled in 1991, the Bugatti EB110 SS is a mid-engine supercar with 60-valve, featuring a 3.5-litre quad-turbo V12 engine and 6-speed manual transmission. The supercar delivers 661 hp at 8,000rpm and can sprint up to 100 km/h in only 3.2 seconds with a top speed of 355 km/h. Aerospatiale France helped develop the carbon fibre chassi while Michelin constructed the custom made tires. The seats can be equipped with 4-point harness.

This Bugatti car is the only EB 110 SS with the luxury interior of the GT model and it seems that only 33 units are believed to have been produced.

2010 Alfa Romeo Spider Design

2010-05-22T13:03:00.000-07:00

Three designers from the "Politecnico di Milano" University named Alberto Gaiani, Massimo Paparella and Michela Zedda have been Involved in a project in conjunction with Alfa Romeo and came up with this roadster that may be a thorn in the side of many cars should it come into production.

They come with a new project, which is a new and a smaller Alfa Spider. The design is a rougher, but still pleasing alternative.

According to Samuel Codegoni, who is a teacher at the university, "One of the main ideas that drove this project was to express a sense of tension in action. This decidedly moves away from the first production model takes as a reference: the iconic Duetto of the 1960's - the second reference was the Alfa Spider from the '90s, with its typical wedge-shaped profile."

India car sales growth at 10 year high

2010-05-10T07:43:00.000-07:00

India's car sales rose 39.5 percent in April over last year -- the biggest jump in a decade but headwinds from rising costs are starting to drag on India's auto boom.

April car sales hit 143,976, up from 103,227 vehicles a year earlier, the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers, a trade group, said Monday.

Overall passenger and commercial vehicle sales were 231,267 in April, up 39.4 percent from 165,868 vehicles a year earlier.

India's sustained auto boom has attracted auto majors from around the world, including Ford, Nissan and General Motors, who are all trying to build smaller, more affordable vehicles to tap growing appetite for cars in Asia's third-biggest economy.

Despite impressive annualized gains, 13.2 percent fewer vehicles were sold in April than in March, when sales hit 266,471 vehicles.

"There should not be euphoria," said Vishnu Mathur, the new director general of the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers. "We are seeing an initial process of moderation of growth rates. You cannot sustain such high growth rates forever."

For one thing, auto sales last April were unusually low, thanks to the global recession. For another, commodity prices are likely to continue to rise as the global economy recovers, despite efforts by the Indian government to contain costs, Mathur said.

"We expect double digit growth happening, but in more moderate quantities," he said.

Most Indian auto majors have passed higher costs -- from commodities used in manufacturing, a change in emissions norms and a tax hike -- on to consumers, Vaishali Jajoo, an analyst at Mumbai's Angel Broking, said in a research note.

Despite higher costs, strong consumer confidence, available credit and new vehicle launches -- like the Manza sedan from Tata Motors and the Eeco van from Maruti Suzuki -- helped sales, analysts said.

Maruti again dominated car sales, accounting for 47.7 percent of all cars sold in India in April.

Tata, India's largest commercial vehicle maker, reported 52.5 percent total volume growth, driven by a 63.1 percent surge in medium and heavy commercial vehicle sales.

Overall commercial vehicle sales jumped 64.5 percent in April to 49,086 vehicles, a reflection of India's rebounding economy and priority spending on infrastructure.

Toyota Aims for $50,000 Fuel-Cell Car by 2015

2010-05-10T07:42:00.000-07:00

Toyota says it has cut the cost of building fuel-cell vehicles by 90 percent and could sell its first hydrogen vehicle for $50,000 by 2015.

That’s still a big chunk of change, but a bargain compared to the six- or seven-figure price tags the cars are generally thought to cost now. The exorbitant cost has been among the technology’s greatest hurdles and one reason Honda, General Motors and others lease or loan — rather than sell — the few hydrogen-fuel-cell cars they have on the road.

But Toyota says it has cut the cost of building such cars by 90 percent in recent years. It hopes to cut that by another 50 percent in coming years, so it can can sell an “affordable” mid-sized hydrogen-fuel-cell vehicle. Such a car would offer the same range as a conventional auto “with some extra cost,” says Yoshihiko Masuda, Toyota’s managing director of advanced vehicles.

Maruti SX4 Prices

2010-05-05T04:46:00.001-07:00

Maruti SX4
Maruti SX4 Prices:

Maruti SX4 AT:

Rs 750,000 Maruti SX4 AT Price in new Delhi

Maruti SX4 Vxi BSIII :

Rs 646,126 Maruti SX4 Vxi BSIII price in new Delhi

Maruti SX4 Zxi BSIII :

Rs 714,129 Maruti SX4 Zxi BSIII price in new Delhi

Maruti SX4 Zxi with Leather BSIII:

Rs 747,651 Maruti SX4 Zxi with Leather BSIII price in new Delhi

New Toyota Corolla Altis Diesel to Deliver 21.42 Km per Litre

2010-05-05T04:44:00.000-07:00

Toyota Corolla Altis
Have you heard of Toyota’s latest diesel car, the Corolla Diesel? Wondering what is so special about the vehicle? The car possesses magical power under its bonnet. The engine is going to deliver a miraculous mileage of 21.42 kmpl. We aren’t faking. ARAI (Automotive Research Association of India) has certified the mileage figure. The new car is most likely to come out with a 1.4 liter diesel engine.

The power-packed 1,364 cc diesel engine can shake up 89 bhp at 3800 rpm and an impressive maximum torque of 205 Nm at a relatively low 2800 rpm. Do not be too sad that you may not be able to go faster than a Skoda Laura TSi driver. Just have a look at the torque figures once again. You will certainly be able to rush ahead of the traffic on the awfully crowded city roads. These figures will let you luxuriously lounge in the comfy rear seat of your Corolla Diesel. That’s not all. You can go twice as far as the one in that Skoda Laura. You will not have to worry about visiting the fuel pump as often as the rest.

Bmw may halt production at its U.S. factory due to the volcanic ash cloud

2010-04-20T02:28:00.002-07:00

If the volcanic ash cloud interrupts trans-Atlantic flights for another two days, BMW will be compelled to stop production at its US factory.

In an interview, spokesman Mathias Schmidt said that its Spartanburg, South Carolina plant, which builds the X5 and X6 sport-utility vehicles, gets its transmissions and other components from Germany factories by air. The April 14 eruption of Iceland’s Eyjafjallajökull volcano spewed dust across Europe’s airspace, causing about 63,000 flights in airports from Dublin to Moscow to be canceled. The International Air Transport Association said that the canceled flights are costing carriers up to $300 million in lost revenue each day. In its Web site, BMW said that its sole US factory, which started operating in 1994, has a capacity of about 600 vehicles a day. BMW officers also canceled a press trip to visit its factory in Shenyang, China, due to the air-travel restrictions.

2010 Mercedes-Benz Shooting Break Concept breaks cover

2010-04-20T02:28:00.001-07:00

As we said in this post, Mercedes-Benz unveiled its new Shooting Break concept car ahead of the Beijing Auto Show, a new vehicle that previews the upcoming CLS Shooting Break.

The new car uses the new design line introduced by the F800 Style Concept unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show but also shows elements which are mindful of the SLS AMG super sports car such as the radiator grille, with the large star and eye-catching, bionic slats. The new grille is situated between the two LED headlamps, which feature the LED technology for all of the usual dynamic light functions. The design is complemented by the 20-inch sterling silver wheels, featuring a special bionically arranged five-spoke filigree design and wrapped in 255/30 ZR 20 tyres on the front and 285/25 ZR 20 tyres on the rear.

Citroen Metropolis Concept: official photos, details and specs

2010-04-20T02:19:00.000-07:00

These are the first images that have come out of Citroen’s Metropolis concept, a big luxury saloon that will debut at the Shanghai Expo next month. At 5.3 meters long and being as wide as Maybach 62, the Metropolis is larger than a long-wheelbase Mercedes-Benz S-Class. The Metropolis is expected to appeal to a whole new market for Citroen. As a brief background, the Metropolis is the first car to be styled and created by the PSA Group’s Shanghai design studio. The themes used are from the Hypnos concept, such as the wide Citroen double chevron in the grille, the air intakes ahead of the front wheels and very similar door mirrors.

2010 Volkswagen T5 Multivan

2010-04-09T22:45:00.000-07:00

Volkswagen T5 Van (Transporter, Caravelle, Multivan and California) facelift review:

New generation of the Transporter, Multivan, Caravelle and California:

New versions of the best-selling series begin in autumn 2009

New Common Rail TDI drops fuel consumption by up to 1.9 litres
New front design in keeping with the stylistically refined Volkswagen Design DNA
New infotainment and driver assist systems for optimum comfort and safety
New generation of ESP including the hill-start assistant comes as standard in all vehicles

The Transporter, Caravelle, Multivan and California - these are the four basic versions of an internationally best-selling vehicle so popular that is has sold in the millions. For its huge fan base, people like service providers, trades people, families, business people and globe trotters, these multi-talented vehicles are an automotive way-of-life, a symbol for endless mobility and variety. A few weeks after the Multivan and California are premiered at the IAA in Frankfurt in September 2009, a new generation of Volkswagen Commercial Vehicle`s successful models will hit the roads. The new perfected version gives out even fewer emissions as well as being more efficient, economical, comfortable, elegant, intelligent and safer than ever before. Advance sales for all four basic versions will start at the IAA.

Refinement and high-tech features fit for a bestseller

The bestseller`s body design is now in line with Volkswagen`s new Design DNA. The new front design shows off the series in an even more elegant light. The series, which is known as the T5 by Volkswagen employees, has also been given a huge technical boost. Take the engines for example: the new Turbo diesel engines (TDI) are more efficient, exceptionally quiet and now fitted with a Common Rail Injection system. Thanks to the new TDI, fuel consumption levels have decreased by up to 1.9 litres and CO2 emissions have dropped by 52 g/km, so that all engines now fulfil the EU5 emission standards. What`s more, the new versions come with an optional 7-gear dual clutch gearbox (DSG) - an international first for this class of vehicle! As another optional extra, you can have the new four-wheel drive function (4Motion with 4th generation Haldex coupling), which allows you to drive off-road. Another revolutionary highlight from the new models is that, from the start of the year, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles will be offering a 4Motion version in conjunction with DSG. Safety features have been further improved thanks to the standard hill-start assistant, refined ESP, a new hazard warning light for the brake lights (emergency brake lights) and new optional driver assist systems. In addition, the interior is fitted with new instruments, steering wheels, radio/navigation systems and textures on top of ergonomic perfection.

Four new Common Rail TDI and dual clutch gearboxes

With the new four-cylinder diesel engines with Common Rail Injection, the best-selling series in both Germany and Europe sets new benchmarks for both its economy and its kindness to the environment. The TDI (1,968 cm³) comes as either 62 kW / 84 PS, 75 kW / 102 PS, 103 kW / 140 PS or 132 kW /180 PS. The 140 PS engine is boosted by a turbocharger with variable turbine geometry, while Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles has fitted a two-stage charger with bi-turbocharger in the top of the range 180 PS. This form of downsizing means that, for the first time in the Volkswagen Group, a compression ignition engine is being used in a vehicle of this performance range.

The greatest feature is the fuel-saving capacity. It is the first time in the world that a transporter, van or touring vehicle has been equipped with a 7-gear dual clutch gearbox (DSG), which allows fuel consumption in the 180 PS version to drop by up to 1.9 litres when compared with the previous 6-gear automatic. In the meantime, the 85 kW / 115 PS petrol engine will be carried over and now complies with EU5 emission standards. Compared to previous generations, Volkswagen were able to decrease CO2 emissions and fuel consumption levels by an average of 10 percent across the whole range. In vehicles with a manual gearbox and front-wheel drive, the CO2 emissions and fuel consumption levels* range from 7.2 litres / 190 g/km CO2 (84 PS and 102 PS) to 7.5 litres / 190 g/km CO2 (180 PS): that`s up to 0.9 litres less than ever before.

All four diesel engines respond extremely quickly and almost as soon as you have left idling speed as well! Even the smallest TDI engine with 84 PS has a maximum torque of 220 Newton metres from just 1,250 rpm. The 102 PS version goes to 250 Newton metres from 1,500 rpm, the 140 PS TDI hits a high of 340 Newton metres from 1,750 rpm while the 180 PS TDI propels into the crankshaft with an impressive 400 Newton metres from 1,500 rpm. And of course all versions are fitted with a particle filter.

VEHICLE TYPE: front-engine, front- or 4-wheel-drive, 4–5-door, 6–7-passenger van

BASE PRICE (GERMANY): $40,509

ENGINES:
DOHC 16-valve inline-4, iron block and aluminum head, port fuel injection, 115 hp, 125 lb-ft;

turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 16-valve diesel inline-4, iron block and aluminum head, direct fuel injection, 84 hp, 162 lb-ft;

turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 16-valve diesel inline-4, iron block and aluminum head, direct fuel injection, 102 hp, 184 lb-ft;

turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 16-valve diesel inline-4, iron block and aluminum head, direct fuel injection, 140 hp, 251 lb-ft;

twin-turbocharged DOHC 16-valve diesel inline-4, iron block and aluminum head, direct fuel injection, 180 hp, 295 lb-ft

TRANSMISSIONS: 5- or 6-speed manual, 7-speed dual-clutch automated manual

DIMENSIONS:
Wheelbase: 118.1–133.9 in
Length: 192.6–208.3 in
Width: 75.0 in Height: 77.6 in
Curb weight (mfr’s est): 4400–5000 lb

PERFORMANCE (MFR'S EST):
Zero to 62 mph: 11.4–22.2 sec
Top speed: 117 mph

FUEL ECONOMY:
European combined cycle: 22–32 mpg

Infiniti’s G series will receive a Mercedes-Benz engine

2010-04-09T22:44:00.000-07:00

Infiniti’s G series

Under the terms of the global alliance between Daimler AG and Renault-Nissan, Infiniti’s G series will be getting a Mercedes-Benz engine.

The G series, which represents Infiniti’s highest-volume line, will use a Mercedes inline four-cylinder from Daimler to improve fuel economy and curb emissions, according to Carlos Ghosn, CEO of Renault SA and Nissan Motor Co. Ghosn didn’t say when production of the engine will begin or at what extent this engine will replace Japanese-made four-cylinder and V-6 engines used in the G sedan and coupe. In some C-class cars in Europe, Mercedes uses a 1.8-liter four-liter engine.

Chinese sales of the Honda CR-V hit a record high in the SUV market

2010-04-09T22:43:00.000-07:00

Honda CR-V

Sales of the new Honda CR-V in March hit a record high in the SUV market, having sold nearly 12,000 units, according to a report by Dongfeng Nissan.

The overall sales increase was also able to raise Dongfeng Honda sales to 23573 units, a new monthly high. Being able to sell 12,000 units per month of a single vehicle model may not appear to be a monumental achievement in China’s car market but it truly is an astounding feat for the small SUV market. According to numerous dealer shops and from the sales personnel, the number of customers almost doubled at the end of March. This upsurge is attributed to the obvious advantages of the new CR-V.

2010 BMW 5-series Touring

2010-04-01T07:11:00.000-07:00

2010 BMW 5-series

Over the last 25 years or so, the story of station wagons in the U.S. has been a sad one. Sales plunged with the advent of the minivan in the early/mid 1980s, and the wagon’s fate was seemingly cemented when—of all things—the SUV picked up buyers tired of the sliding-door stigma.

It's not as if there‘s a shortage of capable station wagons on the global market. As you probably know, European customers often prefer spacious five-door wagons over the executive sedans on which they are based. Three of the most popular and luxurious models are the Audi A6 Avant, the BMW 5-series Touring (known here as the Sports Wagon), and the Mercedes-Benz E-class wagon. To renew the fight in Europe—but not here, since this Bimmer won’t be imported to the U.S.—BMW will launch its next-gen 5er Touring at the Leipzig, Germany, auto show in early April.

It‘s a pity that we won’t get it, because the look of the new Touring is an improvement over that of its funky predecessor; the new model is almost coupe/fastback-like, and it’s even more elegant than the handsome if somewhat bland sedan. Furthermore, it is certainly easier on the eye than the chunky 5-series Gran Turismo.

2011 Chevrolet Cruze Eco and Cruze RS

2010-04-01T07:09:00.000-07:00

The valiant mission of the 2011 Cruze Eco is to realize the magic 40-mpg highway fuel-economy number, thus giving Chevrolet a Cruze that offers what it calls hybrid-like efficiency without the expense of actually making a Cruze hybrid. (That, in a way, is the Volt, which utilizes Cruze architecture.) The Eco model pairs the 138-hp, 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with a six-speed manual transmission packed with what are likely to be some pretty tall ratios. An optimized axle ratio helps stretch the Eco model’s legs. And low-rolling-resistance tires also come along for the ride (if not the handling).

Automotive minutae-philes may remember that Chevy also pulled those same stunts to squeak an extra three to five mpg from the Cruze’s predecessor, the Cobalt, with its XFE model. With the Cruze Eco, however, aerodynamics have been made a bigger priority, resulting in less open space within the upper grille and a lower-grille shutter that closes at higher speeds to reduce drag. And—get this—the Eco model rides on a dropped suspension. Equipped thus, and riding on unique—and not altogether unattractive—multispoke 17-inch wheels, the Eco model actually winds up being one of the nicest-looking Cruze models we’ve yet seen.

Pure Luxury-Porsche Cayenne

2010-04-01T07:07:00.000-07:00

Porsche is a symbol of status, class, and luxury. With its unrelenting reputation, the Porsche Cayenne does not disappoint. The Cayenne is a mid-size luxury SUV for the sports car fanatic. Rather than your run of the mill sports utility vehicle, the Cayenne is powerful, sexy, and luxurious. It is a posh alternative to the mini van or other mid size SUVS.

The 2010 base model exemplifies sheer power with a 3.6 -liter, 290 horsepower, V6 engine. However, this is only the start. As one climbs the Porsche Cayenne luxury ladder the power climbs as well. The Cayenne S boasts a 4.8-liter, 385 horsepower, V8 engine. From there, it gets even better. The Cayenne GTS offers a 4.8 -liter, 405-horsepower, V8 engine, while the Turbo comes with a 4.8-liter, 500-horpsepower V8 twin-turbocharged engine. In addition, the Turbo S includes a whopping 550 horsepower! This power is almost unparalleled in any other SUV.

With its astonishing power also comes pure luxury and class. The Porsche Cayenne has a sexy, refined, and sophisticated style for those would rather be driving a sports car. The 2010 GTS Design Edition 3 model is equipped with racing stripes and tinted windows. The DE3 also features blacked out bi-xenon headlights, color matched 21-inch wheels, and an extended roof-mounted spoiler, all of which add to its menacing exterior.

Toyota’s Aygo Black City Car for UK

2010-03-19T10:45:00.000-07:00

A new version of Toyota’s friendly and economical city car Aygo Black is now available for order in U.K. , the Japanese automaker has announced. The range-topping version of Toyota’s European model has been built on the specification of the Aygo+ model.

The Aygo Black is powered by an award winning Toyota Optimal Drive 1.0-litre VVT-i petrol engine mated to a standard five-speed manual or optionally (only for the five door model), Toyota’s Multimode transmission. The combined cycle fuel consumption figures read 62.8 mpg while the CO2 emissions are not more than 106 g/km.

The car is available as three and five-door versions with air conditioning as an option. The pricing details list as follows:

Aygo Black 3dr 5MT with A/C: £9,960
Aygo Black 5dr 5MT with A/C: £10,31
Aygo Black 5dr Multimode with A/C: £10,810
Optional Aygo Xtra Protected pack: £390

Cadillac station wagon

2010-03-19T10:42:00.001-07:00

The dramatically-designed 2010 Cadillac CTS Sport Wagon makes its European premiere at Paris, followed by production launch in spring of 2009.

Porsche Tops in Dependability

2010-03-19T10:41:00.001-07:00

2010 Porsche 911.

Jaguar executives are most likely sitting around sighing and saying, “It was nice while it lasted.”

They would be referring to the fact that Jaguar, in a tie with Buick, was at the top of last year’s Vehicle Dependability Study from J. D. Power & Associates. It was a particularly sweet victory for Jaguar and Buick because they had edged Lexus from first place, where it had ruled for the previous 13 years. But in this year’s Vehicle Dependability Study, released Thursday morning, Jaguar plunged to 23rd place.

Porsche, meanwhile, was the highest-ranking brand. “The 911, the Boxster and the Cayman all performed well,” said Dave Sargent, vice president of automotive research at J. D. Power. “The 911 is one of the better vehicles in the industry.” It also helps that the 911 represents 60 percent of Porsche’s sales.

The Most Reliable Cars 2010

2010-03-19T10:36:00.000-07:00

Ford claimed two places in the 2010 long-term vehicle dependability survey, with Mercury ranking in at number 5.

In the midst of Toyota recall mania, the survey still ranked the controversial automaker 4th in overall reliability. The maker took home the most nameplate segment awards going to Highland, Prius, Sequoia, Solara, and Tundra.

Buick improved significantly in rankings and moved up to 3rd place from 6th in 2008. The survey found Buick owners less likely to replace car components than owners of other brands.

2010 Peugeot Hoggar

2010-03-13T01:28:00.000-08:00

2010 Peugeot Hoggar

A world first, it revives the historical savoir-faire of the Marque by merging it with the future. Peugeot Hoggar subtly combines the robustness and reliability of a pick-up with the design and dynamism that distinguishes the Marque. With Peugeot Hoggar, Peugeot brings a touch of seduction and emotion to the world of Pick-ups.

The comfort and quality of the finish of Peugeot Hoggar will seduce the most exacting customer because it does not compromise function for style. This is thanks to a load volume of 1151 litres and a payload of up to 742kg, which makes this vehicle a point of reference for the market.

The name Peugeot Hoggar, taken from a Peugeot concept car, evokes a world which combines strength, durability and action.

Peugeot Hoggar, the pick-up by Peugeot, seductive, dynamic and robust targets a mainly male customer base who are looking for a versatile vehicle with a distinctive style.

This vehicle will be manufactured at the Porto Real factory in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Equipped with a bold and modern design, Peugeot Hoggar is a new line in exclusive cars, 207 of Brazil, after the saloon, hatchback, SW and SW Escapade versions.

With this expanding range in the Brazilian market, which is expected to grow in 2010, Peugeot aims to have a 10% market share for pick-ups over the whole year.

Peugeot Hoggar will be launched in the Brazilian market on the 15th May, with three trim levels and two engine sizes : 1.4 and 1.6 liter.

2011 Nissan GT-R Price

2010-03-13T01:23:00.000-08:00

Nissan North America, Inc. (NNA) today announced U.S. pricing for the 2011 Nissan GT-R supercar, which is on sale now at select Nissan dealers.

For 2011, its third year of availability in the North American market, the Nissan GT-R features a number of enhancements and a simplified model lineup. The previous GT-R base model has been eliminated, leaving the GT-R Premium as the only available 2011 model. Other changes include slightly darker wheel center caps, double clear coat on the front and rear fascias and the addition of rear cooling ducts to improve cooling performance around the rear floor area.

The suspension has been retuned and the rear bushing strengthened to enhance ride comfort while still maintaining the GT-R’s outstanding handling. In addition, auto on/off headlights and speed-sensitive windshield wipers are now standard, along with a USB iPod interface, Streaming Audio via Bluetooth and DVD playback. The navigation system now includes XM NavTraffic and NavWeather capability.

The Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP)* for the 2011 Nissan GT-R equipped with standard 485-horsepower 3.8-liter twin-turbo V6 engine and high-performance, 6-speed, dual-clutch transmission is:

•Nissan GT-R Premium: $84,060 USD

Three options and one accessory are available for the 2011 GT-R: Cold Weather Package (no charge); special Super Silver paint ($3,000); Ultra-High Performance Tire Package (no charge); and carpeted GT-R logo floor mats ($280).

The 2011 GT-R is available only through officially certified Nissan retailers that have met a number of strict sales, service and facility commitments, including dedicating a master technician to GT-R service. A complete listing of the nearly 700 GT-R Certified Nissan dealers is available to consumers on NissanUSA.com.

Cadillac CTS-V SportWagon Spied

2010-03-11T09:24:00.000-08:00

Several spy photos that popped up on the net over the weekend have revealed what appears to be a production ready Cadillac CTS-V SportWagon. We shouldn’t be too surprised to see the car (caught during filming of a commercial in downtown LA) as Bob Lutz has confirmed it for production. But after Lutz’ G8 promise, it’s best to see it to believe it.

First Cadillac wagon in North America

2010-03-11T09:23:00.000-08:00

AP Photo / Cadillac

Station wagons have been passe in the United States for years, but this didn't stop Cadillac from launching its first U.S.-built wagon.

The 2010 CTS Wagon is a nicely sized, comfortable, five-passenger car with cargo space that's easier to reach than that of a sport utility vehicle.

The CTS Wagon also is arguably the most striking station wagon on the market, with sharp creases in its sheet metal, stylized, eye-catching vertical tail-lamps, and a recognizable Cadillac look.

Wiesmann GT MF4-S

2010-03-06T23:39:00.001-08:00

Wiesmann GT MF4-S sports car, available now at a starting price of 134,000 euros, accelerates to 100 kilometers per hour in 4 seconds and can hit at top speed of 300 km/h.

Porsche 911 GT3 Geneva Auto Show

2010-03-06T23:38:00.001-08:00

Porsche 911 GT3 hybrid racer has 480 horsepower and is set to be tested at the Nurburgring endurance race later this year.

Heuliez Mia : Geneva Auto Show

2010-03-06T23:35:00.000-08:00

The tiny Heuliez Mia, which holds three passengers, will go into production this year and be priced at 15,000 Euros.

2010 Geneva Preview: 2011 Porsche Cayenne S Hybrid

2010-02-25T10:13:00.002-08:00

Porsche has officially released details and images of the 2011 Porsche Cayenne, which will make its debut at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show next month. The biggest news for the 2011 model year is the availability of the Porsche Cayenne S Hybrid that features a parallel full hybrid drive system allowing it to return a combined fuel-economy of 29 mpg.

The 2011 Porsche Cayenne S Hybrid is powered by a 333-hp 3 liter supercharged V6 gasoline engine mated to a 47-hp electric-motor, allowing it to produce a total output of 380-hp and a maximum torque of 427 b-ft. Porsche says that that allows the same performance level of a V8 engine.

2012 Buick Regal GS

2010-02-25T10:13:00.001-08:00

While General Motors still hasn’t confirmed that it will offer a high-performance Buick Regal GS as a 2012 model year, the company can’t seem to be quiet about it – meaning we’re most definitely going to see the production model on roads sometime by next year (just consider it confirmed). However, some things may change on the Buick Regal GS concept we saw at that 2010 Detroit Auto Show.

According to Bob Lutz, GM’s Vice Chairman, the Buick Regal GS may not get all-wheel-drive as shown on the concept in Detroit. Lutz said that there have been numerous internal discussions about the direction of the Regal GS and that product planners are debating whether an all-wheel-drive option is worth the added cost and weight.

2010 Honda CR-Z

2010-02-25T10:02:00.000-08:00

As expected, Mugen, the well-known Honda tuner, revealed today its latest tuning kit for the CR-Z Sports Coupe, the latest hybrid car from the Japanese manufacturer released in January at the Detroit Motor Show.

As you can see from the photos, the new aerodynamic kit includes a front lip spoiler, front grille with integrated daytime running LEDs, new side sills, a rear wing and a new air diffuser with integrated exhaust system.

Hyundai i20 Automatic

2010-02-17T23:18:00.001-08:00

Hyundai i20 Automatic – Premium Small Car (Hatchback) with Automatic transmission at Premium Price.

Hyundai i20 Automatic Features:

1.4 Gamma Engine with Automatic Transmission
Latest 1.4 litre Gamma petrol engine (100 ps Power) with advanced VTVT technology
4 speed automatic transmission
6 drive modes
Cutting-edge variable line pressure system
Smooth Drive
Light aluminium alloy construction which enhances power, economy and engine life.

Hyundai i20 Automatic Price in India – Ex-Showroom Price Indian Rupee (INR)

Hyundai i20 Automatic Price in Delhi

i20 1.4 Asta (AT) – Rs. 7,31,438
i20 1.4 Asta (AT) with Sunroof – Rs. 7,72,609

Hyundai i20 Automatic Price in Bangalore

i20 1.4 Asta (AT) – Rs. 7,31,172
i20 1.4 Asta (AT) with Sunroof – Rs. 7,72,341

Hyundai i20 Automatic Price in Mumbai

i20 1.4 Asta (AT) – Rs. 7,66,568
i20 1.4 Asta (AT) with Sunroof – Rs. 8,09,729

Hyundai i20 Automatic Price in Chennai

i20 1.4 Asta (AT) – Rs. 7,31,130
i20 1.4 Asta (AT) with Sunroof – Rs. 7,72,302

Toyota Etios Price

2010-02-17T23:17:00.000-08:00

Toyota Etios is new car designed for India will available in 2010 at attractive price. Toyota Etios is powered by diesel (1.4 Litre) and Petrol (1.3 or 1.2L) Engine.

Etios will give competition to popular small cars like Maruti Swift, Ritz and Fiat Punto. Toyota will display this car alongside 13 concept and other vehicles at the Auto Expo, Delhi January 2010.

To make Toyota Etios affordable, it will feature limited sound-proofing, Durable interior, Basic seats and one windscreen wiper.

Toyota Etios Price in India: Approx 5 Lacs to 6 Lacs Indian Rupee (INR)

Porsche 911 GT3 R Hybrid Race Car

2010-02-14T23:32:00.002-08:00

Porsche will bring its latest hybrid know-how to the racetrack in the form of the new 911 GT3 R Hybrid, revealed for the first time prior to a planned public premiere at the Geneva Motor Show in early March.

Developed by a team of engineers at Porsche's Weissach R&D center, Porsche plans for the stripped-out race car to act as a rolling laboratory. The German carmaker wants to explore the potential of hybrid drivetrains in a racing environment before an expected announcement that it will return to the 24 Hours of Le Mans in a factory capacity, perhaps in 2012, with a race car boasting technology based on that used in the 911 GT3 R Hybrid.

Based on Porsche's recently revealed 911 GT3 RSR, the R Hybrid eschews conventional hybrid technology for an advanced new electro-mechanical flywheel system. Porsche sources said that the company is considering the system as a means of boosting the performance of its future race cars, and that the technology could end up on selected road cars, including a planned hybrid version of the 911. The new hybrid technology forms part of a broader program that goes under the name Porsche Intelligent Performance.

Mazda2 Will Get an Upgraded Interior

2010-02-14T23:32:00.001-08:00

Mazda Motor Corp. said Thursday that it is installing upgraded features for the North American launch of the 2011 Mazda2 this fall. The automaker unveiled the interior of the five-door hatchback at the Canadian International Auto Show in Toronto.

Compared to the current European edition, the North American model will have an upgraded audio head unit, higher-grade climate control knobs, and seats with higher-grade fabric and stylish piping. The look and feel of the top of the instrument panel appears to be less plasticky.

2010 Lexus IS C

2010-02-14T23:25:00.000-08:00

The Lexus IS C’s rectractable hardtop offers the fun of open-air driving with coupelike isolation in rain, cold and snow. However, most retractable hardtops do that, so the IS C will appeal to buyers who put a premium on price and Lexus cachet more than ultimate performance. The IS C isn’t as structurally rigid as the BMW or as elegant as the Infiniti, but it isn’t far behind. If you’re considering an IS C, we’d recommend the IS 350C because the IS 250C just doesn’t have the power we expect in a modern luxury car.
The 2010 Lexus IS C mirrors the IS sedan lineup, with IS 250C and IS 350C trims. Both are equipped the same; the only difference is in powertrains. Standard equipment includes leather upholstery, automatic climate control, a power tilt/telescoping steering column, an 8-speaker AM/FM stereo with 6-disc CD changer, XM Satellite Radio, a USB port, an auxiliary input jack, Bluetooth connectivity, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, a universal garage-door opener, fog lamps, and P225/45R17 front and P245/45R17 rear tires on aluminum wheels.

Safety features are plentiful, including dual front airbags, head- and torso-protecting front side airbags, a tire-pressure monitor, hill-start assist, anti-lock brakes with electronic brake-force distribution and brake assist, traction control and electronic stability control.

Options start with the Luxury Package, which comes with semi-aniline leather seats, HID headlights with Adaptive Front Lighting, memory for the front seats, heated and ventilated front seats, wood interior trim and one-touch power sliding front seats for rear seat access. Other options consist of a Mark Levinson surround-sound audio system with 12 speakers and 300 watts of power; a navigation system with voice command and a rearview camera; Intuitive Park Assist; Pre-Collision System with Dynamic Radar Cruise Control; 18-inch wheels and run-flat tires. The IS C is also offered with an assortment of Lexus' F-Sport dealer accessories, including 19-inch wheels, sport suspension, a cold-air intake, a cat-back exhaust, a sport shift kit and a high-performance clutch.

The 2011 Volkswagen Touareg

2010-02-14T23:24:00.000-08:00

Volkswagen is banking on the fuel-saving properties of a new gasoline-electric hybrid drivetrain and what it describes as a wholesale improvement in quality levels to bolster North American sales of its second-generation Touareg.

This new Touareg represents VW's first foray into the premium-hybrid-SUV market, which includes gasoline-electric entries from BMW, Lexus, Mercedes-Benz and Cadillac, among others. Further competition will come from a similarly powered version of the new Porsche Cayenne, alongside which the new Touareg was developed.

Despite the late entry of its hybrid, VW says it is confident the heavily reworked SUV will emulate the sales success of its seven-year-old predecessor--which recently raked up half a million sales worldwide--and register gains in many markets where it is sold.

Mercedes-Benz's All-New CLS

2010-02-14T23:19:00.000-08:00

The E-class based car will retain its coupe like roofline, but take styling cues from the E-class for its bumpers, the SLS's upright grille, and the more angular lights that are becoming a feature of the Mercedes
range.

Mercedes deign chief Gorden Wagener told Autocar at the Detroit motor show that the firm wants to take its future designs to a more artistic level.

"We want to elevate our design towards art and if any company can do it Mercedes can," he said.

A Mercedes CLS sculpture was shown at this year's Detroit motor show, and will be followed up by a more traditional concept car
at the Geneva motor show next month..."

Audi A5 cabriolet

2010-02-07T21:52:00.000-08:00

It will warm back or butt like many others, but what sets the Audi A5 cabriolet apart is that it will warm your melon as well.

Yup, turn on the seat heater, press the fan button along the side of the front seat and warm air is directed up and out a vent just below the headrest. Audi calls it a "heated scarf" so you can drive with the top down a little longer into the fall without brain freeze.

What next, heat ducts in the floor mats to toast the toes?

Sadly, the feature in the optional $2,400 comfort system only warms, not cools, the head, at least for now. We tested the 2010 Audi A5 cabriolet with head warmer and all-wheel drive, or quattro in Audi parlance.

The "A" doesn't stand for adorable, though it could. It's a neat-looking, low-slung, wide-body, soft-top convertible, which powers down at the push of a console button.

Since the top is thick cloth, you'll hear more wind and road noise than you would with a retractable hardtop, but not much thanks to its acoustic design. But the canvas must be kept out of heavy snows.

When down, the top slides into what looks like a slim drawer in the roof of the trunk. It stows so neatly you can load small packages and luggage in the trunk. Need a little more room? Levers drop either or both rear seatbacks flat for more cargo space.

The top folds and hides in 15 seconds, even if you're going 30 mph, so sudden storms won't force a detour to a detailer.

Acura ZDX Luxury Car

2010-02-07T21:51:00.000-08:00

Acura calls the ZDX "a four-door sports coupe for passionate getaways (and) designed primarily to provide a means of freedom and escape for two adults and their cargo."

No wonder the name carries an X.

ZDX is an all-wheel-drive car that provides all-season security and mobility for those who neither need nor want a bulbous SUV that takes TLC to park.

Acura aims the ZDX at those who don't have rug rats to haul, be they starting out or with an empty nest.

ZDX is loaded to the roof with luxury goodies, and that means whether passionate getaway or a simple trip, wise investing is necessary to have the funds to make it happen.

There are three versions: the base ZDX and then ones dressed with the Tech or Advance packages. The base ZDX starts at $45,495. Add the Tech package with leather seats, voice-activated navi with rearview camera, real-time traffic and weather reports, DVD audio system with AM/FM/satellite radio, Bluetooth and 10 speakers, and keyless entry with push-button start, and it goes to $49,995.

Go for the top-of-the-line Advance package: the Tech package plus goodies such as ventilated and heated front seats; adaptive cruise control that warns if too close to a vehicle ahead and eases off on the throttle and starts to apply the brakes; collision mitigation, which does the same as adaptive cruise control even when cruise isn't even engaged; blind-spot info system; and LED door-handle illumination, and watch the price swell to $56,045.

2010 Bufori CS

2010-02-04T20:19:00.000-08:00

Malaysian luxury car manufacturer BUFORI Motor Car Company (BMCC) is extending its model range and will soon be launching a new generation of modern sportscars.

The BUFORI CS, which stands for "Compact Sports", is a purist and powerful 2 door coupé. Unlike previous generations of BUFORI motorcars, the BUFORI CS is intentionally modern-styled. Powered by a 2.0L turbo-charged engine, the sportscar will feature a lightweight composite body and offer the typical BUFORI craftsmanship, attention to detail and quality. The BUFORI CS is expected to be launched in Malaysia at the beginning of 2010 and more details will be revealed towards the end of the year.
The BUFORI CS is fully designed and developed by BMCC in Malaysia. It was recently decided that BUFORI wanted to have a race version of the car, in order to prove the vehicles capabilities and performance under extreme conditions and directly apply proven racing technology to the on going development of the road car.
2010 Bufori CS

2010 Arash AF10 Photo

2010-02-04T20:17:00.000-08:00

Arash Motor Company was born out of a passion for cars, the allure of beauty and the thrill of driving the seemingly endless acceleration of a thoroughbred engine.

The engine, or better still, the soul of the AF10 is designed to withstand the punishment of motor racing and we're sure it will excite even the most accomplished of drivers.

The superlative handling of a chassis designed by leaders in their field combined with extraordinarily forceful braking performance will make you question whether the tyres will still be intact when you climb out. The AF10 seduces and excites on every level with it's distinctive silhouette and exceptional performance.
2010 Arash AF10
2010 Arash AF10
2010 Arash AF10
2010 Arash AF10
2010 Arash AF10
2010 Arash AF10
2010 Arash AF10
2010 Arash AF10

Volkswagen Beetle Review

2010-02-01T09:07:00.000-08:00

Photo: VW Beetle for India

European auto major Volkswagen has launched its most awaited luxurious small car model Volkswagen Beetle in Indian market in premium D-segment. The company has launched only one variant of Volkswagen Beetle which will be equipped with the 2.0L, petrol engine with six speed automatic transmission gearbox. The all new Volkswagen Beetle is a cute looking small car that carries unique and stylish exteriors. Volkswagen India has launched Volkswagen Beetle in India to compete with another D-segment luxurious small car Fiat 500 and another awaiting model Fiat Bravo, that might be launched in the Indian market in June 2010 in the same segment. The company officials announced that they will import the car as a CBU (Completely Built Unit) from its Mexican based manufacturing plant.

Volkswagen Beetle is powerful, luxurious and stylish car that offers the thrill of SUV (Sports Utility Vehicle) with size similar to Tata Nano. Volkswagen Beetle is available only with petrol engine option with six speed manual transmission gearbox. Volkswagen India has launched only one variant of Volkswagen Beetle which is powered by the 2.0L, 1984cc, petrol engine with six speed automatic transmission gearbox. This 2.0L power-plant produces 115bhp of maximum power with 172Nm of maximum torque. Its powerful engine makes it able to cross the mark of 100kmph in just 11.2 seconds and touch the top speed mark of 180kmph. The active safety features that Volkswagen Beetle includes are ABS with EBD, dual front and side impact airbags, sear belt alarm, and tyre pressure monitoring system.

Volkswagen Beetle is a very stylish and refined hatchback car which includes the German engineering and performance to get exceptional fit and finish. Volkswagen Beetle offers dashing and elegant interiors but its tight cabin space limits its appeal. Its exterior body shape makes its handling more comfortable. Volkswagen Beetle is a front wheel drive car which is built on MK4 generation Volkswagen Golf/Jetta platform.

Volkswagen Beetle PictureRaising and lowering the top of Volkswagen Beetle is pretty simple - just push a button on the instrument panel which will take it up or down. Other attractive features that a Volkswagen Beetle includes are 16" alloy wheels, full power accessories, heated front seats, remote keyless entry, tilt able and telescopic steering wheel, cruise control, in dash CD changer and steering mounted audio.

Volkswagen Beetle Models

Volkswagen India has launched only one variant of Volkswagen Beetle which is equipped with the high capacity 2.0L, 1984cc petrol engine and with six speed automatic transmission gearbox. Its automatic transmission gearbox makes the driving more comfortable in urban traffic.

Chevrolet Beat Review

2010-02-01T09:05:00.000-08:00

Chevrolet Beat Review

World’s largest auto manufacturer, General Motors has launched its most awaited small car model Chevrolet Beat in the Indian Auto market. Indian auto market is dominated by the small hatchback cars as more than 70% of car buyers fall in this segment and the with the launch of Chevrolet Beat the company plans to capture more market share. The company has launched only petrol variants of Chevrolet Beat with three variants. All three variants are powered by the same capacity engine that produces 80.5PS of maximum power. Chevrolet Beat carries sharp styling features for both its interiors as well as exteriors. The Chevrolet Beat price falls in the range of Rs 3.34 lacs to Rs 3.94 lacs. The front of Chevrolet Beat is very stylish and funky with its raked large headlamps and bold front grille. General Motors has made also the rear of Chevrolet Beat very attractive with chrome surrounds on its tail lamps. Chevrolet Beat has generated immense interest in the Indian auto market because of its stylish and funky looks, advanced features which is available at low price tag.

Electric cars struggle to spark enthusiasm

2010-01-16T08:43:00.000-08:00

Commuter Cars' Tango electric car on show at the 2010 North American International Auto Show. Photograph: Mark Blinch/Reuters

With a curiously squashed, elongated body, the Tango electrically-powered car is as narrow as a single passenger and as nippy as a motorbike. Billed as the world's fastest urban car, it can reach a speed of 130mph. Satisfied customers include the actor George Clooney, and its inventor describes the bizarre vehicle as a "chick magnet".

Built by a US start-up called Commuter Cars, the Tango takes up only half a traffic lane. It can carry two people tandem-style in slightly cramped comfort. Without the need for gears, its battery-powered engine can accelerate from zero to 60mph in four seconds and, with a racing car-style roll cage design, the Tango is supposedly as robust as a Volvo estate car.

"It's unequivocally the fastest car you can buy for an urban environment," says Commuter Cars' president, Rick Woodbury, who has sold 11 of the vehicles so far, at a hefty price of $150,000 (£90,000) each, including a recent delivery to a customer in Surrey. "I drove through Times Square and had girls throwing their arms around me."

2010 Honda Insight Sports Modulo Concept

2010-01-15T06:33:00.002-08:00

2010 Honda Insight Sports Modulo Concept

2010 Porsche 911 GT3 R Price

2010-01-15T06:33:00.001-08:00

Porsche keeps the focus on customer racing during the 2010 motorsport season. The new Porsche 911 GT3 R, delivered to customers ready-to-race, replaces the Porsche 911 GT3 Cup S in Porsche Motorsports’ model range. The Porsche 911 GT3 R will be raced in series based on international FIA GT3 regulations. In developing the vehicle, the emphasis was placed on improving driveability and making handling easier. The Porsche 911 GT3 R features a four-litre six-cylinder boxer engine delivering 480 hp (353 kW). A six-speed sequential gearbox transmits the power to the rear axle. The new Porsche 911 GT3 R celebrates its world debut on 14th January 2010 at the Racing Car Show Autosport International in Birmingham (Great Britain).

“Since we first announced our intention to launch the Porsche 911 GT3 R, demand has been huge,” says Uwe Brettel, Head of Motorsport Sales. “The number of GT3 R vehicles we had planned for 2010 is almost sold out.” From spring 2010, customer teams around the world will receive their new vehicles. The basic price is 279,000 Euro plus national VAT.

The development of the 1,200 kg lightweight Porsche 911 GT3 R is based on the Porsche 911 GT3 Cup presented in September 2009 for one-make cup racing. Thanks to a 0.2-litre increase in engine capacity, the GT3 R delivers 30 hp more than its Cup pendant. Both race vehicles are based on the extra-wide body of the street-legal Porsche 911 GT3 RS.

An anti-lock brake system (ABS), traction control and an e-gas with “throttle-blip” function help pilots familiarise themselves quicker to the new GT3 race vehicle compared to its predecessor, also making it easier for ambitious amateur racers to get used to the car. The flared wheel arches front and rear show the wider track compared to the previous model. The underbody of the vehicle is completely covered and features a rear diffuser. Compared to the forerunner model, the adjustment range of the rear wing has been increased.

The highly developed race suspension can be extensively adjusted: At the front are height-adjustable McPherson struts with variable SACHS two-way shock absorbers and double coil springs (main and auxiliary). At the rear, the GT3 R features a rigidly mounted sub-frame with a height-adjustable multi-arm axle, as well as adjustable SACHS two-way shock absorbers and double coil springs.

Modified Volkswagen Golf VI GTI

2010-01-09T08:18:00.000-08:00

After unveiling their styling kit for the standard Volkswagen Golf 6 month ago, the Belgian tuning company Caractere has decided to offer a similar body kit for the new Golf GTi. Finished in PURim technology, the new aero kit not only enhances the visual appearance of the already mean and subtle VW flagship, but also improvVolkswagees its safety.

Of course, the recently developed body kit from Caractere underlines the vehicle’s aggressive stance and the list of features includes a complete re-styled front bumper offering improved airflow through its larger air intakes, new rear spoiler with exhaust, sport or classic roof spoiler and a set of side skirts. The GTi’s visual impact is further maximized by the brand’s unique CW1 wheels available in 19 and 20-inch sizes.

Additionally, Caractere is offering a LED lights option. According to the Belgian manufacturer, the new kit will be available on the market in spring 2010.

Honda New Small Concept unveiled at New Delhi show

2010-01-06T01:19:00.000-08:00

Honda New Small Concept

India's Auto Expo 2010 kicked off this week and the first major concept to come out of New Delhi is this: the Honda New Small Concept.

Befitting its name, the New Small Concept is both compact and rather bland – particularly when compared to Honda's recent stylistic endeavors – but the five-door hatch is sure to find budget-minded buyers when it arrives in both India and Thailand in 2011.

Unfortunately, details on the proposed powertrain and interior are all but nonexistent, with Honda Siel Cars India Ltd. (Honda's Indian arm) simply stating that the HSC can fit five people and benefits from an "Efficient Energetic Exterior." For an inexpensive runabout, the HSC has potential to be a hit in emerging markets, but don't expect it to hit U.S. or European shores anytime soon. Make a break for the brief press release after the jump.

Maruti Suzuki, is set to launch Eeco

2010-01-06T01:17:00.000-08:00

Auto giant Maruti Suzuki, is set to launch Eeco - a brand new family car. The car is crafted by a team of designers from MSIL who have worked on the project for 3 years. Maruti Suzuki Eeco is slated to be the new replacement of Maruti Versa.

Speaking about the proposed launch, Mr. IV Rao, MSIL Managing Executive Officer said "The new car represents the growing expertise of our engineers to conceive, design and produce vehicles here. This is also in line with parent Suzuki Corp's vision of turning India into a global hub for small car research and development."

Hyundai i10 Electric

2010-01-06T01:10:00.000-08:00

Hyundai - the Korean auto giant is set to make public the electric version of its compact car 'i10'. The announcement would be made at the upcoming Auto Expo to be held in Delhi. Hyundai will also display the existing range of products and vehicles with a futuristic technology at the event which begins January 5.

Hyundai Motor India Ltd states "Hyundai i10 Electric is a zero-emission vehicle that reconciles motoring with the environmental aspirations of customers looking for a vehicle with the best possible ecological footprint." It also added "Hyundai Motor India's pavilion will also display its futuristic technology in the form of concept vehicles to highlight the superior and advanced technology that the company has pioneered."

Previously, in 2007, Hyundai had launched the Hyundai i10 with internal combustion engine in 2007.At present, HMIL is the country's largest car exporter and the second largest car manufacturer with a line up of alternate fuel technology in vehicles like the CNG and LPG versions of its small car Hyundai Santro. This would be followed with its sedan Accent and small car Hyundai i10.

GM India Launches Chevrolet Beat

2010-01-06T01:08:00.000-08:00

GM India today launched the much awaited Chevrolet Beat, the next offering from the 300 series after the Chevrolet Cruze, at a ceremony presided over by its President & Managing Director, Mr. Karl Slym. Based on GM's global mini-vehicle architecture, the experts took 27 months to develop the Beat. Chevrolet Beat will be launched in over 150 markets around the world including those in Europe, other parts of Asia and North America in the coming days.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Slym said "with its best-in-segment design, performance and safety, the Chevrolet Beat is destined to become an industry benchmark and a winner among consumers in India. Aimed at meeting the highest quality and performance standards in the most sophisticated markets in a competitive environment, the global vehicle was put through over 1 million kilometers of intensive durability tests in extreme weather conditions and crash tests both in India and abroad. It has high-strength and ultra-high-strength steel over key areas of the body to ensure segment-leading occupant protection. And with a revolutionary design, advanced technology, unique features and benchmark safety, the Beat offers much more than an ordinary mini, Mr. Slym added.

The Beat comes in three trim levels of 1.2, 1.2LS and 1.2LT. In addition, an Option pack is available on the LT variant which consists of ABS, Alloy wheels, Dual Airbags and Seatbelts with Load limiters.

Sexy Beat:
Segment-Leading Size and a Dynamic Exterior
The Beat is a car that is ideal for those with a modern lifestyle. With the styling of a sporty hatchback, it showcases the new direction of Chevrolet design and a new trend in the design of mini-cars. The clear goal from the very beginning was to create a revolution in size and design despite the restrictions of the mini segment. The vehicle is destined to make a statement with an innovative design that would go far beyond a typical mini-vehicle and set new standards for the segment.

The Beat's roomy proportions and dynamic styling are courtesy of its segment-leading length of 3,595 mm, height of 1,520 mm, wheelbase of 2,375 mm, and width of 1,595 mm combined with its "body-in/wheels-out” stance. Dramatically sized headlamps that literally stretch from the front fascia to the back of the hood, with clear polycarbonate lenses and chrome-coated bezels, resemble diamonds, adding an upscale appearance and glamour.

A window line that is slanted dynamically upward, an arching roofline and sharp sidelines bring a sporty yet edgy look, a rarity in the segment. Secret vertical rear door handles located in the C-pillar are another unusual feature in this car. They give the Beat a unique, sporty three-door coupe appearance without sacrificing five-door utility.

A first-in-segment offering of an integrated rear spoiler as standard equipment essentially extends the rear roofline, for enhanced aerodynamic performance and provides a stable stance in high-speed driving as well as increased fuel efficiency. Round tail-lamps with clear polycarbonate lenses add to the Beat's strong rear impression.

A chrome-coated radiator grille and fog lamps, outside mirrors with two-tone color, and a refined-looking roof rail are other design cues that transport the Beat's styling beyond that of a conventional mini.

Beat buyers have a larger palette of exterior colours to choose from. They may select one of the seven colours - Olympic White, Linen Beige, Caviar Black, Misty Lake, Moroccan Blue, Green Cocktail and Super Red.

Unique Interior Defined By Fun, Fashion and Functionality:
The design revolution continues inside the Beat. While pursuing a harmonious theme with the dynamic exterior, the interior is more about functionality. With its wider track and longer wheelbase, the Beat provides best-in-segment front legroom, rear legroom, front headroom and rear hip-room, resulting in generous space and comfortable accommodation for five adults.

The flowing interior weaves together the instrument panel, front seats and door trims, creating an environment that is harmonious, uninterrupted and inviting to the senses.

The most striking design element in the interior is a Steering Column mounted motorcycle-inspired dynamic meter cluster which is also a first-in-segment and combines analog and digital systems, contributing fun and unique styling as well as enhanced visibility and convenience. Adding to the refined look is an integrated center stack design that eliminates the traditional "picture framing” layout and results in a contemporary stylish relationship. LED-lit ice blue illumination which is a signature Chevrolet adds to the urban, edgy styling.

Pattern-printed semi-bucket seats provide a stable feeling when cornering. With high-quality materials and exceptional craftsmanship, they also enhance the luxurious interior atmosphere.

SMART Beat:
Segment leading fuel efficiency with high power output engine
Newly developed for the next-generation global mini, the S-TEC II engine - a 4-cylinder, 16-valve 1199cc DOHC engine delivers a best in class mileage of 18.6 kmpl. The Beat is Smart because it does no compromise on performance as it delivers an excellent peak power of 80.5ps. The S-TEC II engine includes a series of advanced features that enhance performance. The first-in-segment application of the PDA (Port De-Activation) system ensures high exhaust gas recirculation, resulting in combustion stability at low speeds and optimal performance at high speeds together with improved fuel efficiency. In addition, the PDA system contributes to a reduction in emissions, making the Beat a truly eco-friendly vehicle.

Another first-in-segment application is an automatic temperature controller inside the engine, which helps improve fuel efficiency by reducing unnecessary heat loss. A dome-type long-skirt cylinder block narrows the space between intake valves while the application of four resonators reduces engine noise. Mated with the efficient S-TEC-II engine is a 5-speed manual transmission tuned to GM's global standards that provides enhanced shifts for an outstanding ride.

Segment first & Premium Features Go "Beyond Mini":
The Beat features an array of premium comfort and convenience amenities that one would expect in more expensive vehicles, including:
- Automatic Climate Control
- Integrated Center Stack Audio with USB and Aux-in Port
- Tilt steering
- Steering Column mounted LED back-lit speedometer & LCD digital tachometer
- 60:40 Split folding seats
- Tubeless Tyres
- Satin Silver Roof rails

TOUGH Beat:
Solid Structure and Advanced Chassis Ensure Pleasurable Ride and Handling
The ride and handling of the Beat also set it apart from any other vehicle in its segment. Adopting the body-frame integral (BFI) system, the upper body structure and frame are engineered as a single unit, resulting in better feel of the road along with a heightened sense of firmness and stability, and enhanced connectivity between the driver and vehicle. A McPherson strut front suspension combined with a four-point mounted long engine cradle and a width power reduction spring enhances the solidity of the entire chassis, for improved crash safety and driving performance. A rear compound crank torsion beam incorporates a tubular V-beam for more effective tuning and dynamic performance.

A first-in-segment triple acoustic absorbent structure and special underbody structure prevent noise inflow from outside for optimal quietness. Wind noise is minimized through the Beat's aerodynamic body line and detailed door sealing structure.

Class-Transcending Use of High-Strength Steel:
A host of structural enhancements combined with a full offering of active and passive safety systems make the Beat a segment leader in its class.

Its body is the stiffest and toughest in the mini segment; 66.5 percent of its body is constructed of high-strength steel and over 16 percent is made of ultra-high-strength steel. This ensures the highest level of protection in the segment. The solid structure played a key role in securing EuroNCAP rating in crash tests.

In addition, ultra-high-strength steel applied to the side structure minimizes the chance of the structure deforming in the event of a crash. High-strength steel is also used in the rear body structure to protect passengers as well as the fuel tank, minimizing the possibility of fuel leakage during a collision. The four-point mounted long engine cradle protects passengers in the event of a head-on collision by optimally dispersing crash loads. The collapsible steering column helps protect driver's chest in frontal collisions

The use of H-spider type ultra-high-strength steel bars in the underbody prevents severe deformation caused by a side crash. The tailor-welded blanking method used in the B-pillar ensures maximum protection of passengers' upper bodies. High-strength steel in the rear and rear crash boxes minimize the impact of whiplash.

The roof is especially stiff, for maximum rollover protection. The Beat has been developed to withstand up to four times its weight - which goes far beyond industry regulations. Safety features include driver and front passenger air bags a 4-channel/4-sensor EBD-ABS system and seatbelt with load limiter.

The Chevrolet Beat comes with a high localization content and the parts have been very competitively priced in line with Chevrolet's philosophy to provide low cost of ownership experience to the owners. It also comes with a segment best warranty of 3 years or 100,000 kms (whichever is earlier).

2010 Lotus Exige S Type 72 Special Edition

2009-12-26T08:24:00.001-08:00

The Lotus Exige S Type 72 celebrates the most successful F1 car of all time, the Lotus Type 72 Formula One car, which achieved 20 Grand Prix victories between 1970 and 1975.

The Lotus Type 72 was driven by such Lotus greats as Jochen Rindt, Emerson Fittipaldi, Ronnie Peterson and Jacky Ickx and won three Formula One Constructorsâ€TM Championships (1970, 1972 and 1973) and two Driversâ€TM World Championships (the first being won by Jochen Rindt in 1970 and the second by Emerson Fittipaldi in 1972).

The colour scheme of the Exige S Type 72 commemorates the famous and easily recognisable black and gold Lotus Type 72 livery and is finished by the same sign writer who painted racing cars for Team Lotus.

Performance through light weight has long been a Lotus philosophy. The 935kg Exige S Type 72 sprints to 60 mph in just 4.5 seconds and to 100 km/h in 4.7 seconds, before reaching a top speed of 145 mph, 233 km/h. The Exige S Type 72 also offers class leading fuel economy and emissions, with fuel economy of 6.5 litres/100 km (43.5 mpg) on the Extra Urban Cycle and CO2 emissions of 199 g/km.

The Exige S Type 72 is a powerful supercharged mid-engined sportscar that is equally at home on the racetrack or open road. The intercooled engine has VVTL-i technology ensuring impressive performance all the way to the rev limiter at 8500 rpm.

The Sport Pack comes as standard on the Exige S Type 72 which has a bespoke high quality interior, including black micro fibre ProBax sports seats with gold stitching. Each car comes with a special build plate commemorating one of the F1 car's 20 Grand Prix victories. The exterior of the Exige S Type 72 features unique black and gold light weight wheels and is finished with hand-painted gold Type 72 and Exige S logos, (the Sport Pack also includes a T45 steel main roll hoop, Lotus Traction Control, twin oil coolers and an adjustable front anti-roll bar).

All Lotus cars offer outstanding handling and performance, and the Exige is no exception offering excellent dynamics and great driver involvement. Lotus ride and handling gives an inspiring driving experience and the mid-engined layout of the Lotus Exige S Type 72 offers fantastic balance and agility.

Luke Bennett, Operations Director for Lotus Cars Limited stated, "The Lotus Exige S Type 72 is an evocative sportscar, combining cutting edge handling and performance with the iconic Type 72 colour scheme, one of the most famous racing liveries of all time. The Exige provides an intense driving experience either on road or track and this limited edition is a worthy car to celebrate such a legendary racing car."

Clive Chapman, Director of Classic Team Lotus said, "The Type 72 was a very significant car for Team Lotus and indeed for the world of F1. It was a revolutionary design that pioneered the use of side mounted radiators to achieve its distinctive "wedge" profile, which delivered a significant aerodynamic advantage. Furthermore, by minimising unsprung weight and using a torsion bar, rising rate suspension, tyre performance was excellent. The Lotus Type 72 design was so advanced that it was competitive for an extraordinary six years."

The Exige S Type 72 options include: Air Conditioning, Limited Slip Differential and the Performance Pack, which includes a power increase to 240 PS, larger AP Racing brakes, enlarged roof scoop (compared to the standard Exige S) and Lotus variable traction control and Lotus launch control.

To commemorate the impressive number of Grand Prix wins the Type 72 achieved, Lotus will be producing 20 of this special edition for the UK, a further 20 cars for mainland Europe and there will be a limited run of cars in Japan and selected markets around the world.

Lotus Exige S Type 72 prices:

UK Price: £35,995 MRSP, excluding on the road costs of £950

Euro zone price: €40,332, including delivery and other on the road costs, excluding local country tax.

Exige S:
199 g/km CO2

8.5 l/100 km (33.2 mpg) Combined Cycle

11.9 l/100 km (23.7 mpg) Urban Cycle

6.5 litres/100 km (43.5 mpg) Extra Urban Cycle

First Drive: 2011 Toyota Sienna

2009-12-23T07:30:00.000-08:00

2011 Toyota Sienna minivan early next year.

The Sienna looks new inside and out, though careful reading of its spec sheet reveals it's got a lot in common with the last version. It just makes economic sense--though some shoppers will wonder if it made more sense to tear up the Sienna's floorpan and install fold-away second-row seats. The Sienna goes without that clever arrangement, while Chrysler and Dodge and Nissan tease shoppers with the promise of a two-seat, cargo-filled van.

To counter those come-ons, Toyota's putting a few spiffs in the Sienna. For one, you can haul a full 4x8 sheet of plywood inside, if you have to--even if you have to remove the second-row seats or scar them for life. If you treat your Sienna with more respect--and your passengers too--Toyota's seen fit to fit a pair of aircraft-style first-class seats on some Siennas. Tilt them back, tune in two videos on the 16.4-inch-wide LCD screen, and you could practically live in the Sienna, if you parked it on the right side of any Manhattan street. You could probably charge $1200 a month, in fact.

There are other arrows in its quiver, too. The Sienna still offers all-wheel drive, unlike every other minivan. A new SE edition has tighter tuning and 19-inch wheels, for those who refuse to give up the tendency to rub sidewalls for guilty pleasure. And for 2011, Toyota's turned back the clock to fit a four-cylinder engine in the Sienna--and with 187 horsepower and a six-speed automatic, the four-cylinder will give frugal shoppers a serious, convincing alternative to lavish V-6 power.

Toyota says the base price of the 2011 Sienna will come in below the current vehicle's $25,000 price point. At that point, it's a worthwhile investment that gives the Sienna a fighting chance against the plasticky Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town & Country, the price-cutter Kia Sedona, the also-ran Nissan Quest and TheCarConnection.com's favorite minivan, the Honda Odyssey.

2010 ART Mercedes G55 AMG G streetline

2009-12-21T09:44:00.000-08:00

2010 ART Mercedes G55 AMG G

2010 Ford Focus ECOnetic Pictures

2009-12-18T23:36:00.001-08:00

The new 2010 Ford Focus ECOnetic takes a successful formula to the next level by combining new technology with clever details, making the most fuel-efficient Ford Focus up to now.

2010 Ford Focus ECOnetic

Dedicated Ford Fiesta, Focus, Mondeo and Transit ECOnetic models have already established themselves as credible alternatives for customers prioritising low carbon motoring and high levels of fuel efficiency. Now, the next-generation Ford Focus ECOnetic changes the rules again, and introduces Ford of Europe’s first production application of the optional Ford Auto-Start-Stop system.

Ford Focus ECOnetic

Rinspeed's EV rental car-train combo

2009-12-17T01:39:00.002-08:00

Every year, Swiss tuner Rinspeed dreams up another wild car for the Geneva Auto Show, from tuned Porsches to a submersible Lotus to last year's iPhone-controlled EV.

This year's car is tame, even — gasp! — production-capable when it goes on display in March. At 8.2 feet long, the two-seat electric UC? (Urban Commuter, you see) is Smart-sized, yet takes design cues from the larger Fiat 500. The car's 75-mile range and 68-mph top speed don't break any EV barriers, a helpful way to trim costs for Rinspeed's grand plan: an electric car-sharing service integrated with an elaborate electric train network.

Should you wish to travel more than 75 miles, simply drive to a designated station and pull up to a reserved spot on-board, where the QC? can be charged as you're whisked away to your next leg. With Europe's high taxes and sophisticated mass-transit systems, it actually sounds practical.

So far, other companies have taken small steps. In October, an California fleet company said it would rent electric cars at Danish train stations by 2010. Last month, Daimler began producing its electric Smart ForTwo in France, and also started a pilot car-sharing service in Austin, Texas, of gasoline ForTwos. In June, Ontario battery manufacturer Electrovaya
offered hourly EV rentals in Baltimore, and Paris is trying to build a rental fleet of 2,000 electric cars by 2010.

Electric Renault Zoé Z.E. Confirmed for Launch in 2012

2009-12-17T01:39:00.001-08:00

Renault Zoé Z.E. EV Concept Picture

Renault's new electric-car concept, the Zoé Z.E, will go on the market in 2012.

Rinspeed UC Electric Concept Set To Jolt 2010

2009-12-17T01:38:00.000-08:00

Rinspeed UC? Picture

The two-passenger UC? electric concept car is slated for a Geneva show debut from Swiss specialty carmaker Rinspeed.
In what may be the first instance of a question mark's use in a vehicle nameplate, Rinspeed on Wednesday previewed its two-passenger UC? electric concept ahead of its debut at the 2010 Geneva Auto Show. The Swiss specialty house said the name is short for "Urban Commuter" or "You see?"

The UC? is described as a "lightweight lovebug" and bears a passing resemblance to a Volkswagen New Beetle. It has a top speed of 68 mph and a range of 75 miles. It is operated with a central joystick and delivers 91 pound-feet of torque, said Rinspeed in a statement.

"The most important aspect of the vehicle is that there is a good chance that it will be built in series production," Rinspeed said.

In an intriguing twist, the UC? is designed to link individual and public transport. Its makers envision that it can be loaded off and onto railway cars "to cover long distances by train, comfortably, without traffic jams and stress-free." Users would book time to recharge the UC? at a mobile carport with an integrated battery charging station.

Rinspeed said it envisions that large-volume manufacturers will build the car and says "intensive dialogues at the highest levels are already well underway" but does not disclose which companies could build the UC?.

Mini Beachcomber

2009-12-17T01:34:00.000-08:00

Gah! Are they serious? What were they smoking in the Mini design studio when they came up with this?

What you see here is the Mini Beachcomber Concept, the 1960’s Mini Moke reimagined through what had to have been a purple haze. BMW’s bringing it to the Detroit auto show, though why is anyone’s guess. There’s been a lot of talk about a Mini crossover utility vehicle in the pipeline, and we can only hope this isn’t what it will look like.

“MINI crosses borders, enters new dimensions of driving pleasure, and wins over additional target groups” is what BMW says about the concept car. Sounds like something the marketing wonks at Pontiac could have been saying at an Aztek product review meeting. Seriously guys, WTF? This kinda goes against everything the Mini embodies, no?

It’s not that the Beachcomber is without its merits. It has such usable features as all-wheel-drive (which Mini terms the “ALL4 all-wheel drive”) and the four seats can be shuffled around to allow you to do a variety of tasks. But Mini has seen fit to do away completely with the roof and doors. Mini says it did this so as not to “limit the intensity of the occupants’ encounter with their surrounding world. This makes the driver and up to three passengers one harmonious entity communicating directly with their surroundings – whether cruising through town, enjoying rough tracks in the mountains or breezing along the beach.”

Or getting whacked in the face by a branch, but don’t let us ruin your fun being one harmonious entity.

And this quote from the press release had us chuckling: “Access to the front and rear seats is nevertheless exceptionally convenient and easy thanks to the omission of doors and the entry cutouts extending all the way down to the seat bottoms, allowing the driver and passengers to get in and out in one smooth and flowing process.”

Yeah, notice how smoothly you flow through those entry cutouts when you hit that huge rock in the trail and the Mini Beachcomber comes to an abrupt halt.

But c’mon, that’s not really going to happen, is it? There’s no way Mini is going to produce this, although the all-wheel-drive and such will be in their upcoming production Mini-ute. Seriously, can you just imagine the reaction from other 4X4 owners at the rock crawling competition if you were to show up in the Mini Beachcomber?

Photos: BMW

Mini previews the Countryman with Beachcomber concept

2009-12-15T22:21:00.000-08:00

Mini provides the best clues yet to the appearance, size, interior layout and mechanical makeup of its upcoming small SUV at next month's Detroit auto show with the latest in a long line of production-based concept cars named the Beachcomber.

The flamboyantly styled off-roader borrows directly from Mini's upcoming Countryman--its new four-wheel drive planned to go on sale in North America in 2011, sharing key elements of its four-door steel body and four-seat interior together with its turbocharged 1.6-liter engine and newly conceived four-wheel-drive underpinnings.

Inspired by Mini's legendary Moke--a simple but robust, go-anywhere version of the original Alec Issigonis engineered Mini produced in small numbers between 1964 and 1968--the Beachcomber is not only being used to preview Mini's new urban off-roader but is also to explore design ideas that could find their way onto future derivatives of the Countryman, which is due to get its first public outing at the Geneva motor show next March.

“It's an ideas car that, depending on the sort of feedback we receive, may have a bearing on a future Mini production car,” Mini design boss Gerd Hildebrandt says of the Beachcomber. “It's based on our upcoming SUV but we've injected some added fun and off-road ability into it that we think could appeal to a certain type of Mini customer.”

Central to the Beachcomber's appeal are pillarless body sides and the lack of any real doors or central roof panel--a layout that takes from the Moke and aims to place the driver and passengers closer to the action. The new Mini also features a series of fabric and composite panels that clip into place to provide occupants with protection from the elements.

Despite giving the Beachcomber open-air appeal, it is clear the open body design would be hard to produce given today's tough safety regulations. Although Mini is renowned for producing rigidly structured cars, it would also require some major modifications to the floorpan. Still, Mini officials do not rule out the possibility of the upcoming Countryman receiving a full-length fabric roof arrangement like that featured on the new concept car as optional equipment when it goes on sale.

Along with the open body, the design of the Beachcomber also places a big emphasis on off-road ability with generous ground clearance, cladding within the wheel arches and lower body sides, sturdy kick plates front and rear and 17-inch wheels shod with chunky tires clearly suited more at churning through mud than whisking you down the street. Further enhancing the go-anywhere ambitions are traditionally short overhangs, which help provide excellent approach and departure angles.

Concept car flourishes aside, the Beachcomber's exterior styling combines the retro inspired appearance of the existing Cooper with a more technically orientated approach that Hildebrandt says will become more and more evident on upcoming Mini models. Eschewing the current trend toward edgy detailing and taut surfacing--as exemplified by parent company BMW's newly introduced X1, the exterior flaunts an almost old fashioned roundness, most notably within the front wheel arches, that is enhanced by modern detailing, as seen in the unusual shape and positioning of the headlamps, which have been taken from the Countryman in unchanged form.

Traditional cues include a negative radius grille and wrap around glass. Despite the apparent similarities with its existing siblings, however, the Detroit show car is much bolder and considerably larger than any Mini model that has gone before it. A body-colored grille, distinctively shaped headlamps and a high-set clam shell style hood dominate the front end. It also boasts a more heavily raked windscreen, a higher belt line and far greater ride height than any other Mini model down through the years. The side-opening tailgate mirrors that of Mini's early Cross concept shown at last year's Paris motor show and, in keeping with the robust nature of the Beachcomber, supports a spare wheel, although it will be replaced on the Countryman by a conventional hatchback.

At 160.2 inches long, the Beachcomber is 5.3 inches longer than Clubman--to date the longest Mini model to be placed into production. It also rides on a wheelbase that is 2.3 inches longer than the Clubman's at 102.6 inches. The increased dimensions might call into question the relevance of the Mini name sitting up front on the hood and projected in oversized form upon the spare wheel carrier at the rear, but they have also provided scope for a roomy four-seat interior with individual sliding rear seats and a generously sized boot.

The dashboard with its large central monitor and toggle switches, and seats with their rounded forms, mirror the themes established in other Mini models. In keeping with the Beachcomber's apparent ruggedness and open air design, it receives rubber floor mats and neoprene upholstery for the seats. However, they will be replaced by more conventional trim on production versions of the Countryman, which will be produced at Magna in Austria rather than Mini's traditional manufacturing plant in Oxford, England.

Bentley Azure T: imperious luxury

2009-12-09T04:02:00.000-08:00

A new high-performance version takes this classic cabrio to another level

Bentley has got luxury down to a 'T' - meet the Azure T, a new high-performance version of the ultimate money-no-object cabrio.

Under the expansive bonnet is the firm's long-serving 6.75-litre twin-turbo V8. However, power is now wound up to 500bhp – that's 11 per cent more than the standard Azure – and there's 1,000Nm of torque to play with, so acceleration is incredible.

Push your right foot to the thick carpet and, with little more than a whistle from the turbos, you're whisked from 0-62mph in 5.5 seconds. It's an amazing sensation considering the car's 2.7-tonne kerbweight, but you'll pay the price at the pumps. Single-figure economy is more than likely, especially if you cover significant miles in town.

Turn a corner and there's little evidence of chassis flex, thanks to new carbon fibre cross-members at the front and rear. There's no hiding the Azure's size and weight, though. Even with the suspension set to Sport mode, it is best to save the storming performance for when you're pointing straight ahead.

Electric Rolls-Royce Phantom Only a Year Away

2009-12-09T04:01:00.000-08:00

Rumors of an electric Rolls-Royce Phantom are back, with the word being the super-luxe automaker could have one on the road within 12 months.

We’ve been hearing mumbling about this car for more than a year. It started when CEO Tom Purves said an e-Rolls would be perfect for well-heeled city dwellers. The car, he said, could build upon the drivetrain in the Mini E. The rumors picked up again in September when a Rolls spokesman let slip that an electric Phantom was under consideration back in Goodwood (or, more likely, Munich, since BMW owns Rolls).

Now AutocarUK cites an unidentified “company source” saying the e-Phantom could be on the road by the end of next year. Why the rush? Because BMW is a big sponsor of the 2012 Olympics in London, and my wouldn’t it look green bringing a flotilla of electric land yachts to the games?

Personally, we think an electric Rolls makes perfect sense. Most owners simply tool around town, so range isn’t a big issue. It could save owners some serious coin on emissions and road taxes in cities like London. And electric motors provide boatloads of torque and they’re quiet — two hallmarks of a Rolls-Royce.

2011 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG straightens up

2009-12-09T03:59:00.000-08:00

On one hand, it may seem like an odd time for Mercedes to be jumping back into the ultra-premium end of the car market, particularly in light of its recent less-than-standouts efforts (think: McLaren SLR and the salesproof Maybach).
But this isn’t the case with the 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG. In fact, this isn’t really a Gottlieb and Karl joint at all – at least not by any traditional definition.

The SLS is actually an Aufrecht Melcher Großaspach project. Huh? It’s AMG’s first bumper-to-bumper, start-to-finish project – and having just torn around the California countryside and hot-lapped around Laguna Seca, we’re left wondering only one thing: Why did it take more than 40 years for this to happen? Well, perhaps we should cut Mercedes some slack, as it has only owned the high-performance arm since 1999, so perhaps the appropriate thing is to look at the SLS’ 2009 rollout as something of a tenth anniversary present to itself. In that light, the folks from Stuttgart know how to throw one hell of a party.

Chevrolet Cruze LTZ road test

2009-12-04T20:33:00.000-08:00

GM India intends to change the perspective of the Indian consumers by setting up Chevrolet as a young brand. The Cruze is the first one with the distinct new Chevrolet family look. The current Chevrolet range in India has different origins from different brands owned by General Motors across the globe like the Subaru, Holden, Chevrolet, Daewoo etc. Does the Cruze have what it takes to give GM a brand new identity?

The Chevrolet Cruze is based on the new Global Delta Platform or the 300 series platform with the Cruze’s project name being J300. This is GM’s new platform for compact front-wheel drive sedans and hatchbacks. The Delta platform uses independent suspension for the front and torsion-bar type suspension at the rear. The upcoming Chevrolet Beat is also based on the 300 series platform.

The Chevrolet brand in North America retains a family look which is what GM India is trying to do for the Indian market also. The new family look will retain a similar front fascia with a dual port grille with a new bowtie logo.

The Cruze carries a very bold and modern hood with a high crown and prominent strakes led by a large bowtie Chevrolet logo. The front grille is a black honeycomb mesh separated by a body-coloured crossbar with chrome surrounds, and dual bezel headlamps which protrude till the front fenders. The headlamps aren't capable enough considering the speeds the car is capable of. They need improvement.

The roofline of the Chevrolet Cruze is very coupe-like and the crisp swage line makes the shoulder of the Cruze look low. The apparently low shoulder and large wheels give the Chevrolet sedan a sportscar-like look, and the C-pillar reminds us of the old Audi TT. The sedan’s long wheelbase of 2685mm with little overhang front and rear, shallow greenhouse, flared wheelarches, seven-spoke alloys and the lightline above the rocker panels all make the Cruze look sporty.

The Cruze’s monocoque has a Body-Frame Integral structure made of high-strength steel. The Chevrolet Cruze has scored a 5-star rating in the Euro NCAP ratings. The Cruze scored well in both occupant and pedestrian safety. Look the EuroNCAP’s Chevrolet Cruze assessment video.

To enter the Cruze, all you have to do is walk up to the car with the key in your hand or pocket, and pull on the door handle. The PEPS system will detect the key and unlock the doors automatically! The Cruze's interior looks modern and eye-catching. The dashboard is clearly divided into sections for the driver and the passenger, with the passenger getting a clear two-tone light and dark blue expanse of plastic which looks good but doesn't feel so good to the touch. The instrument cluster is dominated by the speedometer and tachometer, which sandwich a multi-function display that gives the driver all the information he could require. Above the display are the temperature and fuel gauge.

From the driver's seat, everything feels good - the car doesn't feel big except for the long bonnet. The steering wheel feels meaty and is just as big as we'd like it to be. The mirrors are usefully large, but we'd have preferred them to be a little bit bigger for our crowded traffic conditions. We don't like the seats of the Cruze too much, because they seem to be bolstered a little too much at the sides - only thin people will not feel a little uncomfortable in these seats. However, the Passive Entry/Passive Start system makes the driver feel like a million bucks, with a button to start or stop the engine present on the dashboard to the left of the steering wheel. This feature is a segment first. There is an emergency slot in the cubbyhole behind the gear lever into which the key can be inserted, but getting that flap open can be quite a task, as we discovered when we tried it. We recommend keeping a flathead screwdriver handy if you own a Cruze.

The centre console is topped by the display for the audio system. This blue-on-black display is easy on the eyes, especially at night. The controls for the six-disc changer are situated underneath the display. The system plays clearly and loudly - however, we'd have liked more punch at the low frequencies. The audio system also has an auxiliary input in the centre armrest, but no USB or iPod connectivity. The design element that makes up the 'V' at whose centre the hazard button is is an eye-catching one. The door locks can be activated or deactivated with the button on the right and on the left the button is blank. We assume that it is for the ESP switch that other markets have. The last row houses the controls for the climate control, which is quite effective. It chills the cabin sufficiently in a reasonable period, but directing the airflow wasn't something easily achieved.

There is more than enough legroom and headroom for the front passenger, although a tall driver who likes to sit high might find his head quite close to the roof. It's a different story in the back, however - not only is getting in and out hard thanks to the car being low, the big wheel arch and dipping roofline contribute towards a shape which is not conducive to weak knees, bad backs or graceful exits. Once inside, things don't get much better - the roof is quite low, and the lack of legroom is quite shocking. This car will sell in a primarily chauffeur-driven segment in our market, which is something the Cruze needs to cater to as well if it needs to be popular. Boot space is reasonable, although the high sill can make putting heavy objects into the boot a task for short people.

A feature worth a special mention is the lighting: our test car's exterior color matched the ice-blue lighting of the dials, which looked good. The dashboard illumination looks good at night, and a nice touch are the backlit buttons on the steering wheel.

Powerplant

The Cruze is powered by a transverse 2.0-litre VCDi motor (engine code: RA 420 SOHC) which even does duty on the Chevrolet Captiva. This common-rail diesel engine is designed by V.M. Motori S.p.A. which is an Italian based manufacturer. The engine is currently produced under license by GM Daewoo and not V.M. Motori; and the engine is BS-IV ready and is already serving in European nations with Euro-IV norms. This is a 16-valve belt-driven SOHC 1991cc engine which churns out 150bhp@4000rpm power and produces a maximum torque of 327Nm @2600rpm powering the front wheels of the Cruze through a 5-speed manual transmission.

The turbo lag can be felt as the engine struggles to push when at speeds lower than 1800rpm. However, when the speed crosses 1800rpm and the variable geometry turbocharger spools up, the engine surges forward as it unleashes its power and it is highly responsive within its powerband. Twin gear-driven balance shafts and the four-point cradle engine mountings cut down on noise and vibration.

The engine is quite clattery at idle but is otherwise refined. During testing, the Cruze galloped from 0-100kph in 10.3 seconds which is only 0.2 seconds slower than a Civic and completed the quarter mile run in 17.5 seconds and clocked a top speed of 201.8kph.

Transmission

The Chevrolet Cruze in India is available only with a five-speed manual transmission (D33 transmission). The gearbox has been designed with tall gear ratios to obtain the maximum efficiency from the powerhouse of an engine.

Accelerating from very low engine speeds can become a problem and shifting to lower gears is the only option to overtake quickly. The short-throw lever makes shifting easy; however, due to a very close gate, the driver can mis-shift into the wrong slot. During our testing, the Cruze clocked 30-50kph in the third gear in 6.1 seconds and took 11.2 seconds in the fourth to attain the same speed, in the fifth gear in the 50-70kph, the Cruze took 15.3 seconds. The overdrive gear is a very tall gear and perfect for highway cruising.

Fuel Efficiency

The Chevrolet Cruze returned us an overall fuel efficiency of 11.2 kpl and in our test, which is mostly pedal to metal drive, the Cruze travelled 10.5 kilometres on a litre of diesel.

The suspension of the Cruze comprises front McPherson struts and rear torsion beam with gas-filled dampers which gives the occupants a firm and composed ride at both low and high speeds. The gas-filled shocks absorb most of the ruts and jounces well without affecting ride quality. Chevrolet India offers only a single tyre size (205/60/R16) compared to the Australian variants which have an additional option of 215/50/R17s.

The engineers in Chevrolet have tweaked the handling characteristics of the Cruze. The Cruze handles brilliantly and is one of the best handlers in its segment. Whether on straight roads, sweeping corners or winding hills, you won’t be let down. Our test car rode on JK Vectras which gripped well but squealed loudly at high cornering speeds, undermining driver confidence. However, the long wheelbase of 2685mm and a wide front track of 1544mm kept the Cruze firm on most surfaces. Even at speeds in excess of 190kph, the car felt well planted with no signs of nervousness. We would have loved to see the Cruze on a softer tyre compound like the Michelins or the Pirellis have which are also quieter on concrete roads compared to the Vectras. The U-shaped suspension with torsion beams at the rear help to reduce the body roll which is quite negligible due to the long wheelbase and low ride height; and the roll steer is designed to cut out tyre slip angle while cornering as the Cruze has wider rear track of 1558mm compared to the front track of 1544mm.

The steering wheel of the Cruze is connected to the wheels by a simple rack-and-pinion steering linkage system. The steering wheel is light at low speeds and weighs up a little at high speeds. Even though the steering is light, it doesn’t feel artificial at any point and is always responsive. The powerful motor along with excellent ride and handling characteristics make the Cruze stand out in its segment. The Cruze has a ground clearance of 165mm which isn’t bad; however the approach and departure angles of the car can cause some moments of worry for drivers.

The disc brakes at the front and rear of the Cruze are quite effective and brake progressively. Brake feel is good and in our brake test, the Cruze travelled 36.5 metres from 80kph to a complete halt.

2011 Chevrolet Cruze Live From Los Angeles 2009

2009-12-04T20:30:00.000-08:00

2011 Chevrolet Cruze Los Angeles 2009

The 2011 Chevrolet Cruze compact car promises to redefine fuel efficiency for the small-car segment, and its 1.4-liter four-cylinder range of engines could herald a new era of fun-to-drive cars for Americans, even if the SS version of the Cruze never materializes.

Europeans are, of course, neck-deep in such cars, but American buyers have only recently come to appreciate the virtues of such vehicles--and U.S. fuel economy regulations have only recently come to incentivize their production and sales.

But beyond the efficiency of the car, Chevrolet hopes to make the Cruze something of an enthsuiast car, seeking "excellent fuel efficiency and durability--while also being fun to drive." That bodes well for the Cruze-based Buick sedan also expected to be coming soon. That car will take its place below the recently revealed Regal in the new Buick lineup.

Leveraging Chevrolet’s design and engineering talent in Asia, Europe and North America, the Cruze brings to market a globally engineered and designed car with strong levels of quietness, quality and attention to detail.

There will be three different time levels, LS, LT and LTZ trims. The engine lineup includes both naturally aspirated and turbocharged engines, including a 1.4-liter turbo and a 1.8-liter naturally aspirated mill. Six-speed automatic and manual transmissions are available.

The turbo is standard on LT and LTZ models, with power ratings estimated at 138 horsepower and 148 pound-feet of torque. The 1.8-liter naturally aspirated mill, meanwhile, will be rated at 136 horsepower and 123 pound-feet of torque.

2010 Mercedes C-Class Facelift - Spy Shots

2009-11-29T19:43:00.003-08:00

The Mercedes C-Class W204 will be the end of 2010. This is mid-cycle facelift of 2010 Mercedes C-Class Spy Shots. The rear tail lights adorn future changes and also a revised rear apron. The interior will provide a small lift for marginal changes. Some of the changes will likely include the addition of new BluTec diesel powertrains and engine stop-start systems, as well as more direct-injected models.

2010 Wimmer RS Ferrari F430 Scuderia

2009-11-29T19:43:00.001-08:00

At the Essen Motor Show, Wimmer RS will present its tuning programme for the stunning Ferrari F430 Scuderia. The famous red sports car excels as a true race ride with striking sport characteristics and dynamics, which are taken to a whole new level with the new refinement programme from Wimmer.

The tuned F430 Scuderia gets a specially developed power kit, which can be heared and felt. It is consist of new Wimmer engine control software and sport valve exhaust system with remote control. Fitted with the new power pack, the Wimmer Scuderia’s 4.3L V8 petrol engine boosts 38 hp more than the stock output of 483 hp, which corresponds for a top speed increase to 321 km/h. With this performance data, the F430 Scuderia accelerates form zero to 100 km/h in just 3.84 seconds, to 200 km/h in 11.03 seconds and hits the 300 km/h in 34.9 seconds. The refined Ferrari is also fitted with a KW HLS system (Hydraulic Lift System) that lifts up the front axle with 45 mm if needed.

The F430’s ultimate sport appeal is further strenghtened by a 19” BBS FI alloy rims wrapped in speed tyres from Dunlop in dimensions 225/35 R 19 on the front axle and 305/30 R19 on the rear one.

Fiat 1.6 Sport Adventure

2009-11-24T19:39:00.000-08:00

Fiat 1.6 Sport Adventure is a car specially designed keeping Indian roads in mind. The car’s looks and interior suit Indian palate. It can move calmly on not-so-good roads and fuel consumption is all good. In short, it can be said that Indian consumers will overall find satisfaction with Fiat 1.6 Sport.

Design and Interior
The car flaunts several effective features like vanity mirror on the co-driver side sun visor, electrically adjustable door mirror; front and rear power windows, full door trims with fabric insert, windscreen with shade band, and kenwood music system with 6 speakers etc. It can move on rugged roads effectively. The body is spacious enough to accommodate enormous amount of luggage. Its tyres effectively stick to the ground and you have a sense of stability while driving. The car gains average points in terms of appearance, comfort, features, performance, and value for money.

Front Suspension has Independent Wheel, MacPherson type with lower wishbone anchored to cross member, coil springs, stabilizing bar and telescopic dual effect shock absorbers. Rear Suspension has Independent wheel with longitudinal wishbones anchored to rear axle and stabilizing bar, coil spring and telescopic dual effect hydraulic dampers.

Variants and Price
The car is available in the range of Rs 5.6 lakhs.

Safety
Standard safety equipments have been incorporated in the car including 3rd stop belt; collapsible steering column; instrument cluster with white dials and tachometer; height adjustable rear head restraints; side foot board stand; rear windshield defroster height adjustable front seat belts; child lock on rear window; bull bar with frog lamps etc. The car has ventilated discs front brakes and self-adjusting drum rear brakes.

Engine
The car has 1596cc 16 valve DOHC Torque engine and 32-bit microprocessor. It delivers an output of 100 bhp and the car can attain a maximum speed of 175 kmph. Fuel consumption is 12 km per litre.

Honda Accord

2009-11-24T19:37:00.000-08:00

Honda Accord is a mid-range sedan appreciated for inspiring luxury, superior performance and eye-catching design. It is a car which has just rewritten the meaning of luxury sedans in 'D' segments. It is among the most popular luxury cars in India. If it is grandeur what you want, you must go for Honda Accord. Having aggressive looks, it is a commanding sedan.

Design and Interior
Impressive front and rear fascia is an asset of Honda Accord. Features incorporated in Honda Accord are wide and well cushioned seats with power adjuster, exceptionally spacious leg room, tilt power steering, highly efficient air-conditioning system, high-end music system, which enhance your driving comfort. Intelligent VTEC engine, rigid chassis and independent suspension contribute towards maximizing performance. It has roomy cabin, which means enough legroom as well as sufficient bootspace.

Car’s front suspension system has Independent Double Wishbone with Coil Spring and Stabilizer, while its rear suspension system has independent 5-link Double Wishbone with Coil Spring and Stabilizer. Honda Accord comes with 5-speed Manual Transmission and 5-speed Automatic transmission with Paddle shift, which can give the sense of F1 racing.

Variants and Price
The car is available in the variants of

VTi L MT Petrol 2354 cc Manual
VTi L AT Petrol 2354 cc Automatic
V6 Petrol 2997 cc Automatic

Honda Accord has been priced in a tag of Rs.15-16 Lakhs.

Engine
Accord has a 2400 cc, i-VTEC DOHC engine that generates 142 BHP @ 5500 rpm and 20.0kgm of torque @ 4700 rpm.

Safety
Safety features of the car include Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS), Front & Rear Fog Lights, Dual SRS Airbag System with Intelligent Sensor Control, Keyless Entry, Engine Immobilizer, Engine Check Warning, Door & Trunk Ajar Warning, Key, Seatbelt & Lighting Alarm, and Whiplash Protection for Front Seat. The car is equipped with both active and passive safety measures.