Citroën C3 Red Block Special Edition (First Look)

Citroën C3

The  C3 Red Block Special Edition retains its 17-inch diamond-effect rims that are fitted with 205/40 tires and features a revised chassis with a 25mm lowered ride height and stiffer springs along with an uprated steering wheel system and in addition, ESP comes as standard.

Engine options include the VTi 120 petrol, e-HDi 90 diesel and e-HDi 100 diesel, all mated to manual gearboxes.

On the inside, the C3 Red Block gains a gloss black dashboard fascia, a smaller sports steering wheel and optional red leather upholstery, while the pedals and front door surrounds are finished in aluminum.

The car comes in five different colors including Shark Blue body paint that is combined with a bumper strip in the same finish, and the Banquise White, Aluminium Grey, Manitoba Grey and Obsidian Black paints with a gloss black bumper strip.

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New Volvo V40 (First Look)

Volvo officially revealed details of the 2013 Volvo V40 which will be available with a diverse engine range, from Volvo's very first diesel engine boasting CO2 emissions of 94g/km to the turbocharged T5 gasoline engine with 254hp and a 6.7-second 0-62mph time.

Volvo have revealed that all engine versions will feature start/stop and braking energy regeneration, regardless of whether customers opt for the manual or automatic transmission. 

Safety and driver support package  includes Pedestrian Detection with Full Auto Brake, a world-first pedestrian airbag, Lane Keeping Aid with haptic auto steering and Park Assist Pilot.The acclaimed City Safety low-speed collision avoidance system also features but has been further developed to be operational at speeds up to 50kph. 

Inside there's a fully graphic instrument cluster with personalized layout and information and a 'super-comfortable cockpit with outstanding ergonomics and technology.'

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Facelifted Twingo Gordini R.S & Twingo R.S from Renault

Twingo Gordini R.S

€18,100

Twingo Gordini R.S. features a gleaming Malte Blue lacquered metallic finish, plus two white racing stripes, in keeping with tradition. The front and rear bumpers are enhanced by gloss black details, while the foglamp surrounds, exterior mirror housings and lip spoiler are all picked out in a contrasting white finish. This exclusive exterior styling package is rounded off by a choice of either blue or black diamond-effect 17-inch aluminium alloy wheels.

To ensure that it befits Gordini's glorious motor sport heritage, the latest addition to the Twingo range is based on the same performance/equipment package as the Renault Sport version- powered by a 1.6-litre 133hp petrol engine with a distinctive, specially-tuned engine pitch under acceleration and features a Sport chassis with 17-inch wheels.

Twingo R.S

€16,900

New Twingo R.S. made its world premiere at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show.

The model, developed by RenaultSport features a “sporting interpretation of Renault’s new styling identity”.  The Twingo R.S. features a dynamic grille design with four lights and a front bumper incorporating an F1-style blade. The rear sees the addition of a tailgate-mounted spoiler, rear wheel arch extensions and a diffuser incorporated into the rear bumper.

Inside, the Twingo RS has the trademark Renault Sport yellow stitching on the steering wheel, seats and dashboard cowl and gloss black inserts in the dashboard,  radio console, rev-counter housing and lateral air vents . The top of the steering wheel, seat backs, dial surrounds and heater controls carry white detailing.
Powered by a  1.6 16V R.S. engine that peaks 133hp/98kW at 6,750rpm, and 160Nm of torque at 4,400rpm, New Twingo R.S. boasts low CO2 emissions (150g/km, a saving of 3.2 percent compared to the former version) and fuel consumption (6.5 litres/100km, a saving of 3.0 percent).

The optional R.S. Monitor onboard telemetry system and the optional Cup chassis that lowered the ride height by 4mm with 280mm-diameter front discs and 240mm-diameter rear discs  can also be ordered as an option.

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Opel Mokka (First Look)

Opel Mokka

With the new Mokka, Opel becomes the first German manufacturer to launch a contender in the growing sub-compact SUV segment.

It can be fitted with an all-wheel drive technology that seamlessly shifts torque to the rear wheels when required for better traction and handling. Power is provided by three efficient engines. All manual transmissions are equipped with the fuel saving Opel Start/Stop system. The gasoline offer comprises an 85 kW/115 hp, 1.6 liter naturally-aspirated engine as well as a 103 kW/140 hp 1.4 l Turbo with 200 Nm of torque. On the diesel side, there is a 93 kw/130 hp 1.7 CDTI turbo diesel with 300 Nm of torque. Both the 1.4 Turbo and the 1.7 CDTI can be combined either with six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmissions.

The Opel Mokka introduces new technologies to the SUV B-segment, such as a string of Driver Assistance Systems based on the Opel Eye front camera system, as well as a rear view camera. Furthermore, the Opel Mokka carries ergonomic seating that has been certified by AGR - the German healthy back expert organization "Aktion Gesunder Rücken e.V."  Mokka offers the fully integrated, latest generation Flex-Fix bicycle carrier that is exclusive to Opel.

The Mokka's sporty character is also re-enforced by its higher ground clearance as well as its 1540 mm wide tracks. Its looks are further enhanced by 18" alloy wheels which are standard in the Enjoy and Cosmo trim levels.

The Opel Mokka provides up to 1,372 liter of loading space, as well as up to 19 storage locations. Loading capacity of the Mokka can be complimented with the new generation rear bicycle carrier Flex-Fix .

Front-Wheel and All-Wheel-Drive are both available in the new Opel Mokka. The All-Wheel Drive System ensures a high level of stability and safety, while also extending Mokka's capabilities to more rugged environments. When handling and traction are put to the test, the system automatically and seamlessly transfers power to the rear wheels.

Standard features includes the Electronic Stability Control (ESC), the Traction Control (TC) as well as the Hill Start Assist (HSA) and Hill Descent Control (HDC) systems - which improve driving comfort and safety in uphill or downhill terrain.

The Advanced Adaptive Forward Lighting (AFL+) which increases driving safety is based on the 3rd generation Bi-Xenon lighting system that includes High Beam Assist (HBA). The new generation Opel Eye front camera is also available on board. It gives the driver access to several functions including Lane Departure Warning (LDW) and the second generation of Traffic Sign Recognition. No other sub-compact SUV offers such a system that increases safety and driving comfort.

The Opel Mokka will be available at Opel dealerships end of 2012.

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Honda NC700X (First Look)

Unveiled at the New York International Motorcycle Show, the Honda NC700X is a multi-purpose, versatile machine with a big emphasis on utility, perfectly timed for today’s tight economic climate.

Most impressive is the NC700X’s price, starting at an incredibly low $6999 with choice of three models: D for regular use; S for sport riding; and MT for full manual gearshift control via bar-mounted toggles.

The standard NC carries a conventional 6-speed manual transmission transmitting power via a chain final drive. However, Honda is offering a second-generation dual-clutch semi-automatic transmission as an optional upgrade. The NC700 uses two hydraulically controlled clutches to automatically pull away from a stop and to seamlessly deliver gear shifts and has a 270-degree firing interval that mimics a V-Twin feel and use a biaxial counterbalancer to quell vibes inherent from a parallel-Twin. Four valves per cylinder are activated by a single camshaft, and fuel is delivered by EFI through just one 36mm downdraft throttle body.

The engine’s long-stroke, undersquare (73 x 80mm bore/stroke) design and mild tuning emphasize efficiency rather than high performance. Honda claims a peak of 51 hp at a modest 6250 rpm rated at the crankshaft, which will likely translate into about 45 horses at its 160/60-17 rear tire. The Versys cranks out a relatively whopping 60 fillies. The NC’s torque rating of 45.7 ft-lb. at a low 4750 rpm is more impressive, promising a broad and linear powerband. Honda claims the NC700X gets a remarkable 63.5 mpg, which may translate into a range of up to 235 miles from its 3.7-gallon fuel cell.

700X also has a reasonable suspension travel, 6.0 inches from the 41mm conventional fork and 5.9 inches from the preload-adjustable rear shock. The long-travel suspension vaults the seat height from 31.1 inches to 32.7.

It has a chassis geometry of a 27.0-degree rake, 4.3 inches of trail and a 60.6-inch wheelbase. Its nimbleness is credited to its low center of gravity and mass centralization created by its inclined engine, diamond-shaped steel frame and underseat fuel tank. Its full-up curb weight is a reasonable 472 pounds while braking is supplied by a 320mm rotor up front and a 240mm disc in back

Honda has designed the NC700s to be easy to live with, especially for urban types who want a versatile commuter. Its lockable, 21-liter storage area under the ersatz fuel tank can carry lunch for 10 or a full-face helmet, and it can be augmented by optional saddlebags and a tail trunk.  Other optional equipment includes heated grips, wind-deflector kits, a 12-volt socket and centerstand.

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Kia cee'd (First Look)

Kia cee'd

Price: From £11,495.00

New Kia cee'd combines styling typically found on a sporty coupé with the space and functionality of a five-door hatch.

Exterior design with details like chrome framed windows and muscular lines on the bonnet, is complemented by an ergonomic, driver oriented dashboard and refined interior, with a strong focus on quality of materials.

The new Kia cee'd is a technically sophisticated, highly competitive, C-segment entry wrapped up in Kia's award-winning design and industry leading seven year warranty.

The engine line-up for the cee'd includes a 1.4 litre and a 1.6 litre petrol, or a 1.6 litre diesel engine and comes with a 7-year Manufactures warranty

The ceed's safety comes with six airbags, anti-lock braking system (ABS) with electronic brakeforce distribution (EBD), front seat active headrests and rear ISOFIX child seat anchors.
Fitted with electronic stability control (ESC), brake-assist system (BAS), plus speed and impact sensing auto door locking/ unlocking. 

Exterior

With its body coloured bumpers, black bezel headlights and tinted glass windows as standard features of the Kia cee’d exterior specification, this award winning car exudes style without compromising practicality.

Exterior Features

• 16” Alloy Wheels (205/55 R16V)
• Michelin Tyres
• Chrome Front Grille
• Tinted Glass
• Black Bezel Headlights
• Electrically Adjustable Door Mirrors
• Heated Door Mirrors Heated Rear Window
• Reversing Sensors
• Speed Variable Front Wipers

Interior

It features a smart new-look steering wheel, new design centre fascia and 60:40 split folding 2nd row seats for space efficiency and comes with an in-built Trip Computer as standard calculating; the distance to empty, fuel consumption, average speed, trip mileage and journey time elapsed

Interior Features

• Black & Silver Cloth Upholstery
• Air Conditioning
• Cooled Glove Box
• Front Electric Windows with Auto Up/Down Function
• Cruise Control
• Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel Adjustment
• Eco-Shift Indicator (Manual Models Only)
• Dash Illumination Dimmer Switch (Rheostat)
• Metallic Finish Centre Fascia
• Metallic Finish Steering Wheel Audio Controls
• Centre Console Storage Box with Armrest
• Sunvisors with Vanity Mirrors
• Front 12v Power Socket

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Chevrolet Tru 140S Concept (First Look)

Chevrolet Tru 140S Concept front

Price: $20,000

Chevrolet Tru 140S, the second Chevrolet concept is a front-wheel-drive, "affordable exotic" four-seat sporty coupe. Shown in an all-new matte white with Chevy performance chrome wheels featuring crossflag emblems, Tru 140S was designed to look confident, exotic and fast

Chevrolet Tru 140S Concept rear

Tru 140S is powered by a 1.4L Turbo Ecotec engine with approximately 150 hp and comes with direct injection and a starter-based stop-start technology, balancing internal combustion and electrification to deliver high value and improved fuel economy of 40 MPG

It also features innovative storage, WiFi, smart phone integration with Chevrolet MyLink and heads-up display

Chevrolet Tru 140S Concept side

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Bentley V-8 (First Look)

Bentley V-8

The version was originally slated for a late-2011 debut but got bumped back to this month's 2012 North American International Auto Show.
According to the automaker's numbers, the new 4.0-liter twin-turbo V-8 engine offers 500-bhp and 487 lb-ft (660 Nm) of torque and  hits 60 mph in 4.4 seconds and with its top speed at 198 mph (319 km/h).

Bentley V-8 doesn't gain efficiency solely from less cylinders and lower displacement numbers, but also from its greater design. Bentley starts by cutting weight and maximizing engine efficiency to deliver better mileage. 

 The automaker also uses cylinder deactivation technology, which cuts out the number of cylinders used when drivers are decelerating or driving at a steady speed. The system calculates up to 180 million instructions per second and can quickly cut the number of active cylinders in half during low-demand situations. When the driver accelerates, the engine quickly restores all eight cylinders to active duty and puts the full power of the V-8 at his toe-tips. According to Bentley, the cylinder deactivation process is seamless and undetectable by drivers.
The V-8 option will be available on both the Continental GT and Continental GTC with a few design elements, including a chrome-rimmed black grille, black mesh lower grill with distinctive "sharks' teeth" appearance, figure eight tailpipes and a new red Bentley B emblem.
Bentley has indicated that the models will be slightly less expensive than the W-12 versions.

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2013 Porsche Boxster (First Look)

2013 Porsche Boxster

With a new lightweight body and a completely revamped chassis, the new Boxster weighs less  and rides on a longer wheelbase and a wider track.  The new Boxster boasts superior performance and is also up to 15 percent more fuel-efficient than previous models on the European cycle.
 The interior concept offers the occupants more space and reflects the new Porsche outline with a raked center console. The passengers are enclosed by the completely redesigned, fully electric top, which now dispenses with a convertible top compartment lid.

Porsche unveiled the pair of  Boxster and Boxster S, both powered by flat-six engines with direct fuel injection, thermal management and start/stop function. The base model's new power unit delivers 265 hp from a 2.7 liter displacement, while the 3.4-liter engine of the Boxster S delivers 315 hp.

Both models feature a manual six-speed gearbox as standard with the seven-speed Porsche Doppelkupplungsgetriebe (PDK) available as an option.With gear changes without interruption to the power flow, the Boxster sprints from zero to 60 mph in 5.4 seconds, the Boxster S in 4.7 seconds.

Porsche also offers the Sport Chrono Package as an optional extra for the Boxster, featuring dynamic transmission mounts for the first time. Also new in the Boxster is Porsche Torque Vectoring (PTV) with a mechanical rear axle differential lock.
The basic list price will be $49,500 for the Boxster and $60,900 for the Boxster S and by March 2012, they'll be available in the US Showrooms

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New Subaru BRZ Sports Coupe (First Look)

Subaru BRZ Sports Coupe

Price: £26,000-28,000.

BRZ that stands for Boxer Renaissance Zenith or Boxer Rear Zenith will be produced on the same assembly line as the Impreza. Its flat-four engine will help give it one of the lowest centers of gravity—and hopefully, some of the best handling dynamics—of any current small sports car.

There are no door frames. With the frameless doors comes an especially strong application of Subaru’s ring structure, with more high-tensile-strength steel than even other recently introduced models.
Toyota has been responsible for the design and has lent its “D-4S” direct injection technology to the  engine, which is rated at 200-horsepower and 205Nm (151 lb-ft) of peak torque and has a perfectly square 86-cm bore and stroke.

Subaru BRZ Sports Coupe

The  2.0-liter horizontally opposed (‘flat’) four-cylinder engine is mounted so low, Subaru believes it has a lower centre of gravity than a Ferrari 458.  Subaru boasts that this is the world’s smallest four seat rear-wheel drive coupe Transmissions are Toyota (Aisin) units—a six-speed automatic and a six-speed manual, both adapted by Subaru for the brand’s longitudinal layout and flat-four engines.

It’s light with 1,220kg,  has worked-up torque whose peak is between 6,400-6,600rpm. Power is transferred to the rear wheels through a six-speed manual gearbox with a short stroke shift lever or an optional six-speed automatic with paddle shifts on the steering wheel, while the BRZ also gets a specially tuned electronic stability control. The basic model will ride on 17-inch wheels wrapped around 215/45R17 rubber.

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Honda EV-STER (First Look)

Honda EV-STER

Announced at the 2011 Tokyo Auto Show,  Honda's EV-STER Concept  is being described as "a next-generation compact EV sports model, fun to drive while achieving excellent environmental performance." It is an all-electric vehicle that combines the pleasure of driving with zero CO2 emissions.

The new EV-STER Concept is made of carbon materials that help reduce the vehicle’s total weight contributing to the vehicle's high driving performance and range of approximately 160km. It is powered by an electric engine combined with a RWD system and a 10kWh lithium-ion battery that ensure a driving range of approximately 100 miles. The concept will sprint from 0 to 60 mph in 5 seconds and will be capable of a top speed of 100 mph.

Honda EV-STER Pic(2)

The instrument panel features not only meters, but also the vehicle information display which provides network display used for the audio and navigation systems and  internet access. Furthermore, it enables the driver to make his/her own adjustments to some vehicle characteristics such as motor output and suspension settings,

Honda CEO Takanobu Ito has said that the roadster is headed to production and could be offered as early as next year in both standard gasoline and electric powertrains

Key specifications

• Vehicle length: 3,570mm
• Vehicle width: 1,500mm
• Vehicle height: 1,100mm
• Wheelbase: 2,325mm
• Maximum speed: 160km/h
• Acceleration 0-60km/h: 5.0 sec
• Maximum range: Approximately 160km (JC08 mode)
• Battery: 10kWh lithium-ion battery
• Maximum battery output: 58kW
• Charging time
• 200V: under 3 hours
• 100V: under 6 hours

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2012 Dodge Charger Redliner (First Look)

2012 Dodge Charger Redliner

Mopar Division's 2012 Dodge Charger Redline, scheduled to go on sale later this year offers  a choice of three different tuning kits that can be combined.

The Stage One kit is all about looks adding a full-width carbon fiber chin spoiler, a two-piece  body-color painted-grille, a three-piece carbon fiber rear spoiler and 20-inch Black Envy alloy wheels. Interior modifications are limited to the aluminum shift bezel and aluminum instrument panel bezel with Redline perimeter accents plus stainless steel pedals with a rubberized pattern.

The second stage kit promises to offer improved power and handling though a cat-back performance exhaust system, a front-tower cross-brace and front tower brace caps, plus a high-performance braking system from Mopar.

The third and final kit, the race-oriented Stage III includes a high-output aluminum-block Gen III 426 HEMI V8 crate engine . The non-street legal 7.0-liter V8 engine features aggressive roller camshaft with .639 intake and .628 exhaust lift and special cylinder heads for a maximum output of 590 horsepower.

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