Archive for Automakers
2010 Peugeot Hoggar breaks cover
Posted by: | CommentsPeugeot released the 2010 Peugeot Hoggar pick-up based on the Peugeot 207.
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.
VATH V58 based on Mercedes-Benz SLK 55 AMG
Posted by: | CommentsVATH has released the VATH V58 based on Mercedes-Benz SLK 55 AMG program which offers more power and new looks.
Understatement cannot be qualified as one of the advantageous features of VÄTH V58. This is considered to be the same as with SLK AMG R171. Not only the outside appearance of VÄTH V58 cannot be ignored, but also the SLK performance cannot be recognized under the motor hood. A high-performance 565 hp and 770 Nm engine is running in the motor compartment. The increase in performance and thus engine upgrading is achieved by cylinder capacity improvement by 5.8 liters combined with a compressor.
These upgrades include sports pistons, sports distribution shafts, exhaust manifolds, catalysts of high-grade steel, sports exhaust silencers, polished cylinder heads, a sports air filter and a long-stroke crankshaft. Together with fine adjustment of electronics, this is enough to launch the cabriolet with a speed of 310 km/h. The cost of such performance improvement amounts to 30,785 Euro including installation works and technical inspection fees.
Optionally, the VÄTH tuning company supplies a locking differential for 5,224 Euro and its home-produced and patented fuel cooler for 2,070 Euro.
19-incher wheels guarantee an impressive appearance with mirror polished rim wells of high-grade steel. They are available off-the-shelf in silver, black or the car colour at your choice. High durability tyres with the front size of 235/35 and 275/30 at the back axle ensure excellent contact with the road.
Custom-made threaded sports chassis (3,677 Euro including installation works and wheel alignment) draws the car nearer to the road surface – from 20 to 65 mm (user adjustable).
To improve stoppage characteristics, VÄTH provides high-performance brake system (6,009 Euro including installation works and technical inspection fees). Six-piston saddles with 378-millimeter brake disks are provided at the front.
What is more, VÄTH has made SLK more streamlined thanks to carbon components. The aerodynamic package includes carbon front spoiler lips (1,404 Euro), varnished in black here, and a rear diffuser (1,952 Euro) with visible carbon Finns and prolongation of the underside.
Interior package (2,975 Euro) consists of climate control system, ashtray protective coating, gear shift gate, gear knob, light-reflecting door coatings and left/right seat position control coverings. To be in harmony with the car’s interior climate, VÄTH offers sports steering wheel, if desired, with leather, carbon or fine wood trimming for 1,416 Euro.
2010 Lexus IS 350C F-Sport Pricing Announced
Posted by: | CommentsLexus Introduces 2010 IS 350C F-Sport Special Edition
- Only 100 Units Will Be Produced
- Features F-Sport Performance Accessories and Unique Grille
- Interior with Numbered Badging and Blue Contrast Stitching
Lexus today announced the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $57,500 for the 2010 IS 350C F-Sport Special Edition which will arrive at dealerships later this month. The MSRP does not include a delivery, processing and handling fee of $875.
This 2010 IS 350C Special Edition was designed to engage driving enthusiasts with the performance and styling enhancements from the F-Sport accessories line. This IS 350C, only available in two colors, Tungsten Pearl or Obsidian, can be distinguished from other IS convertibles by the following F-Sport equipment:
- Newly designed 19-inch forged alloy wheels with a wheel lock set and Michelin Pilot Sport 225/35ZR19 tires in the front and 255/35ZR19 tires in the rear;
- Front and rear brake upgrade for a firmer pedal feel and enhanced fade resistance;
- New and unique F-Sport grille not previously available;
- Shock set developed in cooperation with Bilstein®;
- Lowering springs that reduce the ride height approximately one-inch in the front and rear;
- Sway bar set that helps reduce body roll and provide flatter cornering;
- Embroidered floor mats with F-Sport logo;
- Leather-wrapped shift knob with F-Sport logo;
- And exterior badging and an individually numbered badge on the center console complete the uniqueness of this vehicle.
The IS 350C F-Sport Special Edition also comes with black leather-trimmed seats with sporty blue contrast stitching. Other Special Edition standard features include heated and ventilated front seats with wood trim; Bi-Xenon HID headlamps with Adaptive Front lighting System (AFS); headlamp washers; and Lexus Navigation. The hard disk drive (HDD) navigation system has a seven-inch VGA touch-screen, Bluetooth® phonebook download capabilities, a rear back-up camera, Voice Command casual-language voice recognition system, Lexus Enform, XM® NavTraffic, XM® NavWeather, and XM® Sports and Stocks. XM services include a complimentary 90-day trial subscription. It is also features the new telematics system Lexus Enform™ with Safety Connect™ (includes complimentary one-year trial subscription).
2010 Infiniti G37 Anniversary Pricing Announced
Posted by: | CommentsInfiniti released the pricing of the 2010 Infiniti G37 Anniversary limited edition.
While every 2010 Infiniti G Sedan, Coupe or Convertible seems special to those who design, engineer, manufacture or market them – and also to their owners – Infiniti has just released four new G Anniversary Editions that stand apart from every other Infiniti G ever created. These uniquely equipped Anniversary G37s, built in commemoration of Infiniti’s 20th anniversary, will be available in very limited numbers – 350 G Sedans and 200 each for the G Coupe and G Convertible. They are scheduled to go on sale at Infiniti retailers nationwide in mid-April.
“These unique and very limited editions represent what Infiniti is all about – Inspired Performance,” said Ben Poore, vice president, Infiniti Business Unit. “Building on the popularity of the Monaco Red Leather and special Red-toned Maple interior that helped launch the G Convertible, the Anniversary Editions add a number of new styling touches that will make them instantly recognizable on the showroom floor and on the road.”
The Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Prices (MSRP)* for the four available 2010 Infiniti G Anniversary Editions are:
G37 Sedan Anniversary Edition - $43,350 USD
G37 Sedan AWD Anniversary Edition - $43,550 USD
G37 Coupe Anniversary Edition - $50,550 USD
G37 Convertible Anniversary Edition - $54,900 USD
The Anniversary Editions are based on the G Sedan Journey and AWD, G Coupe Journey and G Convertible and come standard with a 3.7-liter V6 engine and 7-speed automatic transmission. Premium and Navigation Packages are included on all of the Anniversary Editions.
The Anniversary Edition Sedans and Coupe also receive the Sport Package and 4-Wheel Active Steer (not available on Sedan AWD).
The Convertible is offered with the highly desirable climate-controlled seats.
Each Anniversary Edition comes in a new Graphite Shadow exterior color that was just added for 2010, with the interiors appointed with Monaco Red Leather. The Coupe and Convertible interiors are accented with special Red-toned Maple and the two Sedans have the new Shodo-finish aluminum trim.
Other Anniversary Edition equipment includes special aluminum-alloy wheels, W-rated summer performance tires, Midnight Black grille, unique front chin spoiler or front fascia, sport side sills (Coupe and Convertible) and rear spoiler (except Convertible). The Coupe also receives an updated rear fascia.
“We wanted to ensure that the G Anniversary Editions are the sportiest and most distinctive Infinitis offered,” added Poore. “Though they won’t arrive until April, we wanted to release pricing early to allow interested buyers to reserve the Anniversary Sedan, Coupe or Convertible of their choice before they are all gone.”
2010 Mercedes E-Class Coupe by Kicherer
Posted by: | CommentsKicherer released the 2010 Kicherer E 50 Coupe based on 2010 Mercedes E-Class Coupe.
The new ex-works 500 E-class coupé is in itself not underpowered. With 388 PS and 530 Nm torque it’s the currently most powerful production model coupé that the company can offer its customers. However, those who like it a touch more dynamic can find what they want with the traditional refiner Kicherer in Stockach. Engineers, technicians and designers have taken on the E-Class derivative and accentuated it in all things sporty, technically and optically. By means of an software update and a sports exhaust system the performance of the V8 was increased by 42 PS and 20 Newtonmetres. So taht the 430 horsepower can freely run the V/max block was raised from 250 km/h to xxx km/h. In addition after the alteration the speedometer can reach speeds of up to 330 km/h.
In order to give the aerodynamics the final polish with regards to performance and looks a “Kicherer Performance Series Package” was employed. This set comprises a front lip, side skirts, a rear diffusor and special mirror casings. All components are made of top quality and ultra-light carbon. The same can also be said of the optionally available three-bladed sports grill.
At the rear both eye and ear can delight in every sense in a lovely exhaust system. On the one hand it is convincing with ist modern, almost rectangular tail pipe design and on the other hand it produces an exciting but not obtrusive sound.
The elegant side view of the coupé is perfected by the sportily filigree Kicherer RS-1 20 inch wheels, behind which you get hints of the braking power of the 6 and 6 piston high performance brake system. With its composite discs and modified flexible steel tubes this ensures a suitable negative acceleration.
The noble interior with its interior elements and entry strips in epoxy resin laqueur complements the outer appearance of the Kicherer E50 Coupé. Thus Kicherer has been able to create an almost perfect balance between dynamism and elegance.
2010 Lexus IS F-Sport Package Announced for UK
Posted by: | Comments-Improvements across the Lexus IS range for 2010 model year
-Introduction of new F-Sport grade, inspired by the ultra-high-performance IS F
-Lowered suspension (IS 250 only)
-18-inch alloy wheels
-Bootlid spoiler
-Sports seats, steering wheel and aluminium pedals
-Alcantara and leather upholstery
-New HDD navigation system
-New DAB-ready audio system featuring USB connectivity and Bluetooth
-17-inch alloy wheels now standard feature on IS 250 SE and IS 220d SE
-Improvement in fuel consumption and emissions performance
-Revised range on sale now, on-the-road prices from £24,350
Sharper looks and new high-tech on-board features are central to Lexus’s revision of its best-selling IS sports saloon for 2010.
Inspired by the ultra-high-performance IS F, the IS range has been extended with a new F-Sport grade that focuses on highly desirable sports styling features.
New F-Sport grade
The new F-Sport grade, available for both IS 250 and 220d models, takes its cue from the high impact styling of the IS F and is positioned in the IS line-up between the established SE-I and SE-L models.
The dedicated F-Sport exterior features include lowered suspension (IS 250 only), exclusive 18-inch wheels and an IS F-style front grille and rear bootlid spoiler. In the cabin there are aluminium sports pedals, IS F-style sports seats, steering wheel and (on the IS 250 automatic) gear lever. The seats are finished in a combination of Alcantara upholstery with leather side bolsters.
A black-on-black interior colour scheme is complimented by a black headlining and grey stitching detail on the front seats and steering wheel.
F-Sport models share a number of premium equipment features with SE-L grade, including rain-sensing wipers, HID headlights with AFS, 13-speaker audio system and memory settings for the front seats and door mirrors.
Navigation and audio systems
Lexus has developed one of the most accurate and fast-responding navigation systems on the market. Using a 40GB hard disc drive (HDD), it provides Europe-wide coverage and is able to gather live local traffic intelligence in each country to help plot the most efficient route, wherever you may be.
A further benefit of the HDD system is its “sound library” function. Up to 10GB of disc space is available for owners to store audio tracks from CD - room enough for about 2,000 songs.
The touch-screen, full-map system is available as an option on SE and SE-I models as part of package that also includes a rear park assist monitor.
For F-Sport and SE-L versions of IS, it is included in the optional Multimedia Package, together with a 14-speaker Mark Levinson Premium Surround Sound System and the rear park assist monitor.
All Lexus IS audio systems can be upgraded to receive DAB digital broadcasts and are equipped as standard with USB and audio jack plug connection for fully controlled use of portable music players, and Bluetooth with an audio streaming function.
The Mark Levinson audio package now features a “sound library” function, using the navigation system’s HDD to transfer and store music files from CD up to 10GB capacity.
Larger wheels for SE grade
Lexus IS 250 SE and 220d SE have been given more street appeal for 2010 with 10-spoke 17-inch alloy wheels fitted as standard, in place of the previous 16-inch rims.
Improved fuel efficiency and CO2 emissions
The revisions made to the IS 250 for the 2010 model year have yielded improvements in fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. With manual transmission, combined cycle economy is now 29.1mpg, compared to 28.8mpg for the 2009 model; the new figure for the automatic is 31.7mpg (from 31.0mpg). CO2 emissions have fallen from 231 to 227g/km for the manual and 214 to 209g/km for the automatic.
Lexus IS prices, insurance and VED
MODEL OTR PRICE INSURANCE
50 group VED BAND
IS 220d SE £24,350 27 F
IS 250 SE manual £24,625 29 L
IS 250 SE automatic £25,285 29 K
IS 220d SE-I £26,610 28 F
IS 250 SE-I manual £26,885 29 L
IS 250 SE-I automatic £27,545 29 K
IS 220d F-Sport £28.290 TBA F
IS 250 F-Sport automatic £29,365 TBA K
IS 220d SE-L £29,075 29 F
IS 250 SE-L automatic £30.150 30 K
Option prices
HDD navigation £2,350
Multimedia package £3,120
ACC/PCS (250 SE-L only) £2,640
DAB audio £360
18-inch Hoshi wheels £1,425
18-inch Baransu wheels £1,425
18-inch Tsuki wheels £1,550
Metallic/mica paint £595
2011 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 Carbon Edition
Posted by: | CommentsWhen the 2006 Corvette Z06 was introduced, it represented the closest connection to the Corvette race cars ever. The 2009 Corvette ZR1 closed the gap between racing and production even further. This year, Corvette continues its tradition of track-to-street technology transfer with the 2011 Corvette Z06 Carbon Limited Edition.
“Designed to further incorporate technology developed through racing, the Corvette Z06 Carbon Limited Edition is a tribute to the 50th anniversary of Corvette’s first race in the 24 Hours of LeMans,” said Jim Campbell, Chevrolet General Manager. “With a limited production of 500 units, this car is a must-have for the true Corvette collector and driving enthusiast.”
The Corvette Z06 Carbon Limited Edition is another example of the expanded Corvette line-up. Five years ago, customers had the choice of a Corvette coupe or convertible. With the addition of the Z06, Grand Sport coupe and convertible and ZR1, Corvette enthusiasts now have more choices than ever.
“For track use, the Corvette Z06 Carbon is the best balanced Corvette yet. It combines the lightweight and naturally-aspirated Z06 engine with the road-holding and braking of the ZR1,” said Tadge Juechter, Corvette Chief Engineer. “For technical tracks like Laguna Seca, the Corvette Z06 Carbon could shave up to three seconds off the Z06 lap time.”
This limited edition Z06 will boast Brembo carbon ceramic brakes with specific dark gray metallic calipers. These powerful brakes were first introduced on the ZR1. Black 20-spoke 19-inch front/20-inch rear wheels complement the car’s Michelin PS2 tires. Other mechanical features include Magnetic Selective Ride Control for the first time on the Z06 and enhanced cooling. The car also features a special carbon pattern engine cover.
The Corvette Z06 Carbon will be available in two colors: Inferno Orange and the all-new Supersonic Blue. Black headlamps and mirrors, a ZR1-style body color spoiler, body color door handles, carbon fiber raised hood, and black carbon fiber rockers and splitter enhance the Z06’s dynamic design and reduce mass and aerodynamic lift. For track events, customers can also install the Euro-styled racing numbers that come with each car.
The Corvette Z06 Carbon’s ebony leather and suede interior is complemented by blue or orange seat stitching to match the exterior color chosen. Other features include a unique steering wheel emblem, sill plate and logoed headrest. The suede used on the steering wheel, shifter, seat inserts, armrests and doors add to the luxury of this limited edition Z06.
An optional Z07 performance package that includes the mechanical upgrades introduced on the Corvette Z06 Carbon can be added to a regular 2011 Z06. This package also includes Competition Gray 20-spoke wheels and all the chassis and cooling upgrades.
The CFZ Corvette Z06 Carbon fiber package includes black carbon fiber rockers, splitter and roof panel with the full-width body color spoiler. It can also be purchased with or without the Z07 package on regular Z06 models.
The 2011 Corvette Z06 Carbon Limited Edition, as well as the new Z07 and CFZ Z06 option packages will be available in late summer.
Vorsteiner VR7 based on 2010 BMW 7 Series
Posted by: | CommentsVorsteiner is proud to announce the release of the BMW VR-7 Sportiv Aero Package for the BMW F01 & F02 7 Series. Vorsteiner specializes in developing aero enhancements that complement BMW’s line of vehicles and the VR-7 Sportiv Aero Package continues Vorsteiner’s philosophy of sporty yet understated elegance. The Vorsteiner Package enhances the shape and form of the BMW 7 Series with the addition of the VR-7 Carbon Fiber Add-On Front Spoiler, the VR-7 Carbon Fiber Add-On Rear Spoiler, and the change to VR-7 Carbon Fiber Replacement Rear Diffuser.
The VR-7 Add-On Front Spoiler lends its more aggressive lines to the front fascia of the elegant 7 Series giving the vehicle a more commanding front profile and sense of sportiness. Not only does the VR-7 Add-On Front Spoiler provides for a more prominent and confident tone in the overall front-end design but it also adds an increase in front-end downforce and stability.
The VR-7 Replacement Diffuser takes on a new motif, featuring subtle contours, edges, and indentations that complement the body lines of the new 750i yet contribute to its new sportive attitude . Its bold undertones perfectly embody Vorsteiner’s traditional of blending purpose, function, and distinctive style.
The featured BMW 750i is equipped with 21 inch Vorsteiner V-102 Forged Monoblock wheels highlighting a concave split five-spoke design that extends to the outer edge of the wheel, which continues to exemplify Vorsteiner’s goal to create a stature of sportiness.
The front and rear wheel dimensions are more assertive and measure in at 21″ x 9″ (front) and 21″ x 10.5” (rear). The wheels shown are fitted with Vorsteiner recommended Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 tires. Tire Specs come in at 255/30-21 for the front and 285/30-21 for the rear. The stance of the vehicle was further enhanced by H&R’s super sport suspension package, lowering it by 48 mm.
The V-102 is available in the following finishes:
· Brushed Aluminum
· Chrome
· Gunmetal
· Black
· Silver
· Textured Black
· Texture Gunmetal
Custom finishes are available on request.
The V-102 includes Vorsteiner anodized aluminum carbon fiber center caps.
2010 Audi R8 LMS Evolution Version Announced
Posted by: | CommentsWith the delivery of the first customer cars, Audi AG’S GT3 customer sport programme has reached the next phase. By mid-April, 20 Audi R8 LMS vehicles will have been handed over to the teams that are planning to run the GT3 race sportscar in various national and international racing series and in the two 24-hour races at the Nürburgring and at Spa-Francorchamps in the 2010 season.
After its successful 2009 debut year in which Audi Sport partners clinched three championship titles and 23 victories in 76 racing commitments, the Audi R8 LMS will now be handed over to customers for its second season, as planned. Last week, the American-owned United Autosports team that operates out of Yorkshire in England, was the first team to receive its two R8 LMS cars.
To offer customer teams a perfect a race car as possible, Audi Sport is making use of the opportunity offered by the GT3 regulations and will obtain FIA homologation of an evolution-version of the R8 LMS which features numerous technical improvements compared with last year’s model. The previous vehicles will be brought up to the current level by an update kit and teams can thus continue to run them.
“During our evolution project we primarily focused on service life and maintenance-friendliness,” explains Head of Audi Motorsport Dr. Wolfgang Ullrich. “All the experience we gathered last season with the help of our partners has been fed into the evolution-version. We’re convinced that we’re handing over a reliable and easy to handle vehicle to our customers that embodies the high quality standards of the Audi brand.”
Certain details of the chassis and suspension have been revised. The capacity of the engine’s cooling system has been improved even further so that the R8 LMS can also be used in extreme ambient temperatures without any problems. The complex electronics as well as the exhaust system have been optimized for use in racing. The newly developed six-speed racing transmission is particularly maintenance-friendly. It allows wearing parts to be inspected through an opening in the housing. The transmission does not have to be dismantled for this purpose.
Over the past few months the evolution-version of the Audi R8 LMS was extensively tested on various race tracks and rigs and its durability proved in several endurance tests.
The final version of the Audi R8 LMS is available at a price of 298,000 Euros plus VAT. The annual production for 2010 is already sold out. The delivery of vehicles for the 2011 season will start at the end of this year.
Teams fielding the Audi R8 LMS in the 2010 season
ABT Sportsline (D): ADAC GT Masters, Nürburgring 24 Hours, VLN *
Audi race experience Team Joest (D): VLN *
Audi Sport Italia (I): Italian GT Championship
Black Falcon (D): VLN, 24-hour race at the Nürburgring, FIA European
GT3 Championship
Brinkmann Racing (D): International GT Open
Mark Eddy (AUS): Australian GT Championship **
ORECA (F): French GT Championship
Phoenix Racing (D): VLN, International GT Open, Nürburgring 24 Hours, Spa 24 Hours
Team Rosberg (D): ADAC GT Masters, FIA European GT3 Championship
United Autosports (USA/GB): FIA European GT3 Championship,
Spa 24 Hours, British GT Championship *
W Racing Team (B): Belcar, French GT Championship
