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Showing posts with label new cars. Show all posts
Showing posts with label new cars. Show all posts
Thursday, May 5, 2011
The BMW insider also addressed rumors about BMW working on a long-wheelbase M5 aimed at the Chinese market. "The long-wheelbase platform is reserved for standard versions of the 5-series sold in the Chinese market. There are no existing plans for an M5 on this structure," the source said.
The new BMW M5 will use a modified version of the 4.4-liter V8 twin turbocharged engine from the X5 M and X6 M, albeit in a more powerful state of tune than the 555 horsepower it develops on the two performance SUVs. BMW did not offer details on the engine output of the M5, as the company doesn't want to ruin the surprise ahead of the production car's reveal at the Frankfurt auto show later this year.
However, the carmaker said the new M5 will have significantly more power than its predecessor while also being at least 25 percent more fuel-efficient. The reduction in fuel consumption will be due to fuel-saving measures implemented by BMW's Efficient Dynamics department such as an automatic stop-start system, brake energy regeneration system and on-demand auxiliary functions for the water pump. Fuel economy will also benefit from a new seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.
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Friday, April 29, 2011
The IBX is Seat's second SUV concept after the Tribu shown at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 2007. The Tribu was initially supposed to spawn a production model but the project was canned due to the grim economic outlook at the time.
Now a Seat SUV is closer than ever to reality, even though the production version could differ from the three-door IBX design study. The series production model could feature a more conventional five-door bodywork and internal combustion engines, as opposed to the concept's full-electric setup. The IBX study uses an electric motor to power the front wheels and a battery package that offers a driving range of 45 kilometers (28 miles).
The road-going model is expected to adopt a variety of TSI and TDI engines offering buyers the choice of front-wheel or all-wheel drive. At 4.26 meters long, 1.80 meters wide and 1.62 meters tall, the IBX is very close in dimensions to the Audi Q3, which measures 4.39 meters in length, 1.83 meters in width and 1.60 meters in height.
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New for the 2012MY are the optional Michelin Pilot Sport Cup Zero Pressure tires, which are available for the 505HP Z06 and the supercharged 638HP ZR1 models. These competition-oriented tires promise to increase cornering and handling capability during warm, dry conditions. Combined with the Performance Traction Management (PTM) technology, the Michelins are said to offer an 8-percent gain in maximum lateral acceleration (more than 1.1 g) and shorter braking distances.
The new Michelins are included in the optional Z07 performance package for the Corvette Z06 and a new PDE performance package on the ZR1. The tires come with all-new aluminum Cup-style wheels in satin black or machined finishes that are about 5 lbs (2.2 kg) lighter and stronger than the 20-spoke wheel.
Another upgrade is the racing-style spoiler included in both Z07 and PDE packages. The Z06 will also get the Magnetic Selective Ride Control suspension technology and Brembo carbon ceramic brakes with the Z07 package. Additional optional extras include the carbon fiber hood on Z06 models and taller gearing for the ZR1 in 5th and 6th gear for a 2-mpg improvement in highway fuel economy.
Inside, all 2012 Corvette models will get new seat and steering wheel designs. Chevrolet says the seats will feature larger bolsters for improved lateral support and optional microfiber suede inserts. In addition, all models receive contrasting color stitching (red, blue and yellow), and padded center console and armrests.
In terms of equipment, there will be a new Bose audio system with nine speakers (compared to seven in 2011), better tuned to the cabin's acoustics. The 2LT trim level will feature a new Technology Package that includes navigation, head-up display, Bose premium audio system, Bluetooth wireless phone connectivity and a USB port. Finally, customers will be able to chose brake caliper colors from red, yellow, silver or gray.
Chevrolet will reveal the 2012 Corvette models alongside the Chevrolet Centennial Edition at a special event this weekend at the National Corvette Museum in Bowling Green, Kentucky. Production begins this July.
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Wednesday, April 27, 2011
The Super Sport model endeavors to recall the days of big block power. Chevrolet's website states that this 6.2 liter V8 can get a real world 19 miles per gallon in the EPA test cycle. But with 422 horsepower on tap, many will not be able to restrain themselves enough to see their best mileage. In fact, after driving the SS, it was hard to return it to the dealer. The SS does everything the RS does, but with more force. The handling is somewhat compromised by the heavier engine, but the suspension does a good job of reigning that in. Should understeer become an issue, judicious (not unbridled, particularly with the SS) application of the throttle will help that independent rear step out and correct the vehicles' direction.
Tintek says the Camaro is the first chrome application of this kind in the Czech Republic, as the effect is not obtained by painting the car but by applying a special 3-D foil over the original paintwork.
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
The two-minute long promotional film shows the Aventador LP 700-4 in an apocalyptic-like scene scrambling to get away as the earth crumbles under its tires. To be honest, it’s a bit too much on the fantasy side for our tastes, but we’ll let you be the judge of that.
VIDEO
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Saturday, April 23, 2011
The 2011 Toyota Yaris subcompact leverages light weight and modest power to achieve hybrid-like fuel economy. How does 29 mpg in the city and 35 on the highway sound? And that’s with automatic transmission and room for four adults. The 2011 Yaris is treated to some new colors and like all Toyotas – recalled or not – receives an electronic brake-override system. Prices for the 2011 Yaris start at a friendly $13,615. As the most desirable models tickle $16,000, however, you’ll need confidence in your priorities to resist the call of a larger car.
Should you buy a 2011 Toyota Yaris or wait for the 2012 Toyota Yaris? If you’re on a strict budget and need a new small car today, the 2011 Yaris won’t disappoint. The 2012 Yaris isn’t apt to get any compelling new features, but if you can wait for it you’ll be better positioned to compare Toyota’s smallest car against some compelling new rivals. One is the Ford Fiesta, which actually debuted as a 2011 model. Fiesta is impressive but can get a little pricey, easily costing $2,000-$3,000 more than a roughly comparable Yaris. The real rival for your attention is certain to be the all-new 2012 Hyundai Accent. Accent is already the best-seller in the subcompact class and Hyundai hopes to pad to its lead with the redesigned 2012 version.
PRICES
Base prices for the 2011 Toyota Yaris increase an average of $250, reflecting a boost of about 2 percent over 2010 Yaris starting prices. Base price range for the 2011 Toyota Yaris is $13,615-$15,175 (Base prices in this review include the manufacturer’s mandated destination fee. Toyota’s fee for the 2011 Yaris is $760 for 2009, but Toyotas sold in some Southeastern and Gulf states are delivered by independent distributors and may carry different destination fees.)
Base price for the 2011 Toyota Yaris two-door hatchback is $13,615 with the five-speed manual transmission and $14,425 with the four-speed automatic. The 2011 Toyota Yaris four-door hatchback starts at $13,915 with manual transmission and at $14,715 with automatic.
Base price for the 2011 Toyota Yaris sedan is $14,375 with manual transmission and $15,175 with automatic.
Among key 2011 Toyota Yaris options, the Convenience Package adds $840-$960 depending on model and transmission and includes the audio system with satellite radio capability and the split/folding rear seatback; on the hatchback, the rear seatback reclines and the rear seat itself slides fore and aft several inches to prioritize e cargo or passenger space.
The Power Package adds $1,525-$1,780 to a 2011 Yaris, depending on body style. It includes all the Convenience Package items, plus remote keyless entry, power mirrors and power door locks and windows with power driver’s-window auto down. Combined with alloy wheels the Power Package adds $1,915-$2,095, depending on body style.
The Sport Package option is priced at $2,665-$2,845, depending on body style, and includes the aforementioned special exterior and interior trim. Combined with alloy wheels the Sport Package costs $3,055-$3,235, depending on body style, and includes the USB iPod cable interface.
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