hot auto import: 2011

Thursday, October 13, 2011

Cadillac CTS Will Drive

Cadillac will reach the end of phase one of its launch in the UK at the end of this year, and the car that will spearhead phase two was launched at Detroit.

The all-new CTS will go on sale in the UK early 2008 in right-hand drive form, joining the European-built BLS and other models in RHD and giving Cadillac almost a complete RHD range.

The US luxury brand has started slowly in the UK, selling around 100 cars in 2005 and 200 in 2006. But GM has vowed to put some more muscle behind the brand in areas such as fleet sales, which should help it push on toward annual sales of 1,000 units by the end of the decade.

The new CTS is a more aggressively styled car than the old model, with a large, bold grille and characteristically angular lines, while the interior is more European in style, using metallic and wood detailing. The CTS will feature a 3.6-litre direct-injection V-6 engine, and it is designed to appeal to younger buyers.

Audi RS6 Luxury Cars Concept

The new Audi RS 6: The confidently superior sports sedan from quattro GmbH

* Twin-turbo V10 producing 426 kW (580 hp) and 650 Nm of torque
* Racing-inspired direct injection and dry-sump lubrication
* A wealth of high-tech for superior performance

426 kW (580 hp) and 650 Nm (479.42 lb-ft) of torque - with its twin-turbo V10 and quattro permanent all-wheel drive, the Audi RS 6 is a car without equal. Following on the heels of the RS 6 Avant, Audi now presents the sedan. It drives like a supercar thanks to its superior performance and thrilling dynamics, yet offers all of the everyday utility of a large business sedan.

The engine of the new Audi RS 6 is a high-tech work of art. The 4,991 cc V10 bundles a number of Audi's race-winning technologies - FSI direct fuel injection, dry-sump lubrication and two turbochargers. With up to 1.6 bar of boost pressure, these provide smooth, powerful thrust and an incomparable power band: The peak torque of 650 Nm (479.42 lb-ft) is available from 1,500 to 6,250 rpm and thus nearly over the entire rev range. Peak power of 426 kW (580 hp) is generated between 6,250 rpm and the maximum figure of 6,700 rpm.

With a power-to-weight ratio of 3.4 kilograms per hp, the Audi RS 6 performs like a supercar. It catapults to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in 4.5 seconds on its way to an electronically-limited top speed of 250 km/h (155.34 mph), which can be optionally raised to 280 km/h (173.98 mph). The V10 responds immediately and spontaneously to the throttle, and is very smooth while accelerating with a powerful roar.

The engine's power flows through the six-speed tiptronic, one of a new, dynamic generation of Audi automatic transmissions. Its reaction time has been reduced to one tenth of a second, shift time has been halved compared to units used in other models and transmission ratios are short. The driver can also manually change gears either using the shift lever or the paddles on the steering wheel. The tiptronic transmission transfers the power to an extremely sporty, rear-weighted quattro drive train.

Precision high-tech suspension

The technology bundled into the suspension of the Audi RS 6 guarantees an amazing performance experience. The front axle features four lightweight aluminum control arms per wheel, whose elastokinematics have been designed for particularly sporty performance. The characteristics of the speed-dependent servotronic power steering were retuned and the steering gear ratio is a direct 12.5:1. The rear suspension kinematics have also been modified.

The development engineers have also deployed an exclusive damping technology: Dynamic Ride Control DRC reduces pitch and roll using purely mechanical means. Hydraulic lines and valves connect diagonally opposed pairs of shock absorbers. When cornering, the flow of fluid to the damper of the compressing outside front wheel increases, providing firmer support and reducing roll. When combined with the sports suspension plus, DRC offers a choice of three selectable damper settings - sport, dynamic and comfort - which can be activated via the MMI.

The electronic stabilization system ESP offers maximum driving fun with uncompromised safety. Its relatively high activation threshold encourages a dynamic driving style. It offers a Sport mode and can also be deactivated entirely.

The new Audi RS 6 rolls on 19-inch alloy wheels shod with 255/40 tires. Up front, six-piston fixed aluminum calipers - painted black and decorated with RS badges - clamp down on 390 millimeter brake disks. The rear brake disks measure 365 millimeters in diameter. The rear axle features single-piston floating brake calipers. The floating steel disks feature large cooling ducts and axial perforations for enhanced performance and less weight.

9.5J x 20-inch wheels are offered as an option. These allow the use of a ceramic brake system. The 420 (front) and 356 (rear) millimeter disks weigh a total of 12.2 kilograms (26.90 lb) less than the steel disks. The calipers - up front with eight pistons - are painted anthracite and labeled "Audi ceramic."

The body of the 4.93 meter (16.17 ft) RS 6 also sports a number of distinctive features that immediately identify it as a dynamic, top-of-the-line model. These include the single-frame grill, the air intakes, the headlights featuring xenon plus, adaptive light and RS 6-specific LED daytime running lights, the flared fenders and deep side skirts, the rear diffuser, the spoiler integrated into the trunk lid and the two large oval exhaust pipes.

The finest of materials and uncompromised quality

Like all Audi RS models developed and built by quattro GmbH in cooperation with AUDI AG, the RS 6 is the embodiment of power, elegance, exclusivity and perfection. The interior is adorned with the finest of materials such as carbon fiber, aluminum, piano lacquer, leather and Alcantara in tried-and-tested Audi quality.

The deeply sculpted sports seats provide optimal support and firm hold. The power-adjustable seats are upholstered in Silk Nappa leather, with leather/Alcantara and Valcona leather available as options. Bucket seats with an even more sporty emphasis are also offered for both driver and front passenger. Standard equipment includes the dual-zone deluxe automatic air conditioning plus, a parking assistant at front and rear, an RS leather multifunction sports steering wheel with flat-bottomed rim and a Bose surround sound system. A boost pressure indicator for the two turbochargers in the driver information system rounds out the instrumentation.

The options are also pure hi-tech: Audi lane assist helps to keep the car in its lane, adaptive cruise control maintains a constant distance to the car ahead and Audi side assist helps the driver change lane safely. The Audi Bluetooth car phone integrates perfectly with the driver's cell phone to make even using the phone a luxurious experience. It is integrated into the standard MMI operating system, a new generation of which is making its debut in the Audi RS 6.

The Audi RS 6 will be launched on the market in mid-October. The starting price in Germany including VAT is 105,550 euros.

Tuesday, September 20, 2011

2012 VW Beetle Reviews

The car will launch in mainstay-selling 2-door hatchback sedan form. Like the car it replaces, the 2012 VW Beetle will be built exclusively at the company’s Puebla, Mexico complex, which is also the only plant in the company’s global system that turns out the Jetta compact sedan and wagon. What could change is the platform itself, as the 2012 VW Beetle is expected to move to the much-modified architecture of the larger, redesigned 2011 Jetta sedan. This could account for the fresh Beetle's larger dimensions. That height reduction stems from a flatter roofline that will be a major visual change for the 2012 VW Beetle.

The 2012 VW Beetle arrives in dealerships this fall. Volkswagen has combined retro and modern design cues in styling the 2012 Beetle.

The launch of Myvi 1.5

Perodua launches the Myvi SE and Myvi Extreme1.5-litre variants, which promises a combination of style, comfort and power.

A sporty 1.5-litre Myvi variant is priced in the mid RM60,000 range. Bookings for the Myvi are open from 12 September 2011.

There will be a total of 4 variants, both in the manual and automatic transmissions. It also comes in 5 colours including a new colour, “Majestic Yellow”.

Monday, September 19, 2011

BMW X6 get Individual Packages and Exclusive Edition

Additional equipment options, new exterior colours and an expanded choice of light alloy wheels will add even more sportiness to the exclusive look and sheer driving pleasure of the BMW X5 and BMW X6 in the autumn of 2011. Appealing refinements in the exterior and interior design of both models will be possible due to the enhanced range of options offered by the BMW Individual programme.

In addition, both the Sports Activity Vehicle and the Sports Activity Coupe will be available as Exclusive Edition models, offering customers an exclusive choice of unique options and materials enabling them to configure their BMW with an unmistakable personal touch. In the autumn of 2011, the BMW X5 xDrive30d will also be available with BMW BluePerformance technology and will fully meet all of the requirements of the EU6 exhaust emissions standard.

Ford Evos concept

Ford will show its new Evos Concept at the 2011 Frankfurt Motors Show. This concept signals a new design that represent the future of direction for Ford global design language.

The Ford Evos Concept is a plug-in hybrid with lithium-ion batteries. Exterior, the Ford Evos Concept is a four-door (gullwing style), four-seat concept, it measures 177-inches long, 77-inches wide and 53 inches high. Sits on a wheelbase that is 108 inches long.

Ford Evos concept front Ford Evos concept

Paul Mascarenas, the leader of Ford’s global Research and Innovation team was tasked with building Evos Concept around a technology experience as visionary as the design. The result signals how Ford intends to build on the momentum of innovations like the SYNC in-car connectivity system.

Inside, Ford Evos boasts a driver-oriented cabin with limited switchgear. The cabin reflects the trapezoidal grille with trapezoidal cut-outs, along with a red driver seat. The rear passengers get adjustable sports seats and touchscreen displays. Ford Evos will automatically change steering and suspension response in accordance to varying weather conditions, which might discern from cloud-based information sources.

Ford Evos concept side Ford Evos concept

Ford Evos Concept is powered by a lithium-ion plug-in hybrid engine, powertrain works in conjunction with or independently of a petrol engine to maximise efficiency. This system runs in all-electric mode before switching to charge-sustaining hybrid mode when required. Range is estimated at up to 800km.

Driver engagement technologies explore seamless enhancement of the driving experience, driver well-being and smart, electrified powertrain. Ford Evos Concept makes global debut at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show.

Ford Evos concept top door Ford Evos concept

The Dodge Journey Offers Impressive Residual Value

As well as undercutting rivals on price, and offering bags of family-friendly kit as standard, experts from EurotaxGlass’s predict that the Dodge Journey will be worth an impressive 41 per cent of its purchase price in three years time.

Maserati Reveals Detroit-made Kubang SUV

First luxury ute for Italian maker shares Jeep Grand Cherokee platform.

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It may sport the Italian automaker’s familiar trident logo on the oversized grille, but Maserati’s first sport-utility vehicle will be Made in Detroit, Fiat/Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne confirmed during a preview at the Frankfurt Motor Show.

Officially a concept, Maserati officials make no secret of their desire to get the new model into their showrooms as quickly as possible. It will share the same underlying platform as the current Jeep Grand Cherokee but feature more sporty tuning and higher-line features that are expected to better fit the expectations of Maserati buyers.

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The final version “will unmistakably be Maserati: style, engine, suspensions, brakes, handling and performance,” Maserati officials stressed.

A production version of the long-awaited Maserati Kubang will become the latest in a growing list of high-lux SUVs – a list which includes the Porsche Cayenne and will likely be followed by a Bentley sport-ute. Kubang is expected to become the single best-seller in Maserati ‘s U.S. line-up, company officials say.

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Significantly, the Maserati Kubang concept does not appear to be just a rebadged Jeep. It boasts a much more tapered and sexy body, with the Maserati trident anchoring a bold waterfall grille. Jewel-like headlamps flow from the nose onto the corners. The roofline curves almost coupe-like, in a style more similar to that of the current Maserati Quattroporte. And the SUV gets the trademark Maserati portholes on the front fenders.

The overall look is almost that of a fastback, rather than a conventional, Detroit-style sport-utility vehicle.

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As for powertrains, meanwhile, Maserati officials would only suggest that in production the Kubang would use “a new generation of proprietary engines” that sources indicate will be designed and built by sibling Italian brand Ferrari. There had been speculation at least some engines – notably including the U.S. maker’s Hemi — as well as a promised 8-speed automatic gearbox – would come from Chrysler.

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Maserati has long considered its SUV options, the new Kubang following eight years after an earlier prototype was shown in Frankfurt. But it took the tie-up between Chrysler and Maserati’s parent, Fiat SpA, to come up with a justifiable business plan, insiders report.

The new offering is expected to go into production next year at the Jeep plant in Detroit. The Maserati Kubang will be targeted at the U.S. market but should also be exported to Europe and other parts of the world.