With gas prices soaring, day-to-day consumers are seeking out the cars with best mileage. Nissan Qashqai 2012 will have an advanced 1.6L diesel engine which gives one of the best fuel economy in the crossover market, 62.8 mpg. Qashqai seems an appealing choice for UK consumers as the pricing starts at £16,000 and up
EMISSIONS DOWN AND TECHNOLOGY UP IN REVISED QASHQAI RANGE
Advanced new 1.6-litre diesel engine brings enhanced efficiency to Qashqai and Qashqai+2 range
119g/km CO2emissions deliver dramatic cost savings and environmental benefits
New engine is more refined and offers stronger in-gear acceleration than the outgoing 2.0 dCi
Around View Monitor also added to Qashqai range offering luxury class visual parking
Additions set to further enhance the growing appeal of British designed, British engineered and British built Qashqai
Having created one of the fastest growing sectors in the UK car market, Nissan's Qashqai is ready to move even further ahead of the competition. The next evolution for the top selling crossover comes in the form of an all-new diesel engine that lets drivers enjoy the best of both worlds - greatly reduced emissions with improved in-gear performance.
With fuel prices pressing ever higher and the motorist not only looking to save on running costs but also reduce their environmental impact, Qashqai's new 1.6-litre dCi engine arrives at the perfect moment. Replacing the 2.0dCi manual, the new four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine delivers dramatically enhanced economy and emissions in the Qashqai and Qashqai+2.
Like every Nissan producing less than 130g/km, the 1.6 dCi wears Nissan's Pure Drive badge. The first Qashqai models to benefit from the new engine are available to order now for delivery in October, and offer CO2 emissions of only 129g/km. Early next year Nissan will add its latest Stop/Start system, automatically turning off the engine when stationary to bring the Qashqai's emissions down to an even more impressive 119g/km.
The savings for Qashqai drivers will be immediately felt. A 31 per cent improvement in fuel economy results in 62.8mpg (+14.9mpg) on the combined cycle while the first year's VED is free of charge. Company car drivers will also enjoy significant savings with a benefit in kind tax banding of just 13 per cent, for stop start versions, further broadening the appeal of Qashqai to the important fleet sector. What's more, the 1.6 dCi without stop and start costs £250 less to buy than the equivalent 2.0 dCi.
Nissan Motor GB Managing Director Jim Wright said "Current financial pressures for both the individual and company car buyers mean costs are constantly being analysed so it is good to see how Nissan's technical innovations, introduced on this engine, help to minimise overall running costs."
Unlike some eco-friendly diesel models, the new 1.6dCi doesn't forget the importance of performance, either. Engineers have not only been able to make the 130PS engine quieter and more refined than its 2.0-litre predecessor, but they have also reduced the number of engine revs required to reach peak 320Nm torque from 2,000rpm to only 1,750rpm. What this means to the driver is that despite all of the savings offered by the 1.6 dCi, acceleration in the crucial 30-50mph bracket is also quicker, taking only 6.29 seconds.
And remember, there's more to Qashqai than just a pretty face. Coping with harsh winter weather and slippery campsites is no problem for the all-wheel drive version, which becomes one of the lowest CO2 emitting crossovers on sale in the UK, while the Qashqai+2 offers the lowest CO2 emissions of any seven seat crossover on the UK market.
"This is a remarkable engine, best in class in so many respects. It provides the dynamic driving performance which matches that of the outgoing 2.0-litre dCi yet produces fuel consumption and emission figures equal to or better than our existing 1.5-litre dCi unit," said Paul Willcox, Senior Vice President, Nissan Europe.
In addition to its efficient new engine, Qashqai has also benefited from a number of innovative items of equipment including for the first time in its class, Around View Monitor. Up until now this type of advanced visual parking aid is more usually found in the luxury car class, but Nissan's commitment to delivering the latest technology to its customers means Around View Monitor will be fitted as standard to all Qashqai and Qashqai+2 Tekna variants.
Using a set of discrete external cameras, Around View Monitor makes manoeuvring and parking as safe and easy as possible by giving the driver a real-time bird's eye view of the surrounding environment. Working seamlessly with the popular Nissan Connect touch screen navigation system, Around View Monitor adds three additional cameras to the Qashqai's existing rear view system to create the ultimate 360° overview. What's more, the driver can choose to focus on the image feed from any particular camera when looking out for a particular obstacle in front, behind or to either side of the Qashqai.
These enhancements are set to underline Qashqai's dominance in the crossover class. More than one million Qashqai and Qashqai+2 models have now been built at Nissan's Sunderland factory, where on average 1,200 roll off the production line every day.
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Honda Civic Type-R Mugen debuted in 2010 with a limited production run of 20 hand-built units that were sold to enthusiasts in UK. For the year 2011, the cylinder bore and stroke have been increased to create an overall capacity of 2,156cc, which gives the car the name, Honda Civic Type-R Mugen 2.2. The result of the change is a boost in engine output from 240 to 260PS, and additional torque is available throughout the rev range. Peak torque is now 240Nm at 6,000rpm. Compared to a standard Honda Civic Type R, both power and torque are up 30 per cent.
Honda Civic Type-R Mugen 2.2 2011
One of the most exclusive and explosive hot hatches of recent years has been given an extra dose of MUGEN power.
The Honda Civic Type R MUGEN debuted in 2010 to near-universal acclaim, and a 20-strong limited edition production run of the hand-built, motorsport-derived machines went on sale to UK enthusiasts.
Now technicians at Northampton-based MUGEN Euro have worked their magic again, producing a unique version with even more power and torque.
The cylinder bore and stroke have been increased to create an overall capacity of 2,156cc, so the car has been christened the Honda Civic Type R MUGEN 2.2.
The result of the change is a boost in engine output from 240 to 260PS, and additional torque is available throughout the rev range. Peak torque is now 240Nm at 6,000rpm. Compared to a standard Honda Civic Type R, both power and torque are up 30 per cent.
When coupled to the host of motorsport-derived components created exclusively by MUGEN – including sports suspension, uprated brakes and a stunning performance bodykit – the MUGEN 2.2 represents the ultimate expression of the Honda Civic Type R philosophy.
It has been created as a fitting tribute to the highly successful Honda K20 2.0-litre petrol engine, which has ceased production in Japan. Homologated by MUGEN as an FIA Group N race series engine, the K20 has long been the powerplant of choice with tuners and motorsports competitors who want the very best in naturally aspirated performance.
Moreover, it has been at the very heart of everything MUGEN Euro has achieved since the company was formed in 2006. Its skilled engineers have built or tuned almost 400 examples for race and rally competitors around the world.
The Honda K20 engine has also powered the only two complete road cars produced by MUGEN; the Honda Civic MUGEN RR four-door saloon sold in Japan, plus the limited Honda Civic Type R MUGEN sold in the UK.
Hiro Toyoda, vice-president of MUGEN Euro, commented: “Environmental pressures mean naturally aspirated engines are rapidly being superseded by other engine architectures and technologies. We may never see the like of the K20 in a mainstream production car again, so felt it only fitting we mark the occasion with this special 2.2 version of the Honda Civic Type R”.
Plans for the 2.2 car have yet to be finalised. Of the 20 limited edition 2.0-litre cars launched in 2010, four remain unsold and it’s possible MUGEN Euro may offer them with the reworked engine. Existing owners could also be invited to return their cars for an upgrade. A decision on these two proposals is expected to be made shortly.
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Lexus CT 200h F-Sport will have its European debut at the Frankfurt Auto Show along with the GS 450h full-hybrid performance saloon. The F-Sport features bolder styling elements and handling adjustments, increasing its appeal to customers seeking a more dynamic and engaging drive.
World debut for new full hybrid GS 450h
European debut for new CT 200h F-Sport
The new Lexus GS 450h full hybrid performance saloon will make its world debut at the Frankfurt motor show on September 13. Equipped with second-generation Lexus Hybrid Drive, the new GS is set to deliver improvements in both environmental and driving performance.
The GS 450h will be sharing the limelight with the new CT 200h F-Sport. The first development of Lexus’s full hybrid luxury hatchback since its launch earlier this year, the F-Sport features bolder styling elements and handling adjustments, increasing its appeal to customers seeking a more dynamic and engaging drive.
These newcomers will be joined on the Lexus stand in Hall 8 by models from the current IS 250, IS 250C, CT, RX and LS ranges.
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SKODA MissionL Concept car will have its world-premier at the Frankfurt Auto Show. Close to the final production-ready design, this concept car reveals the look of the ŠKODA's sixth model line that is to become symbolic of the Czechcarmaker's planned model offensive. The new compact five-door vehicle will be launched in Europe, Russia and China. In line with the brand’s internationalisation principles, this compact ‘liftback’ will feature specific modifications in each of these regions. In addition,the Indian market will have its own version, a compact sedan.
ŠKODA to present the MissionL concept carat Frankfurt, a close to production-ready
concept car
› The MissionL includes key elements of ŠKODA's up-coming model line
› The brand's sixth model line
› ŠKODA starts its “model offensive”
› Worldwide brand sales planned to reach 1.5 million vehicles by 2018Mladá Boleslav, 5 September, 2011 - ŠKODA will present a world-premierdesign concept called MissionL at this year's Frankfurt International MotorShow. Close to the final production-ready design, this concept car reveals thelook of the ŠKODA's sixth model line that is to become symbolic of the Czechcarmaker's planned model offensive.
The new compact five-door vehicle will be launched in Europe, Russia andChina. In line with the brand’s internationalisation principles, this compact‘liftback’ will feature specific modifications in each of these regions. In addition,the Indian market will have its own version, a compact sedan. These steps arein line with the goals of ŠKODA's 2018 growth strategy that were set last year.
The brand intends to increase its sales to 1.5 million vehicles by 2018.“Revealing the look of our new compact model, the MissionL shows exactly the directionour brand is going to take,” says ŠKODA Board Chairman Prof. Dr. h.c. Winfried Vahland.“The world premiere in Frankfurt gives a clear signal that ŠKODA is going full steamahead now. We are going to present a new vehicle every six months over the next two orthree years.”In line with its 2018 growth strategy, the brand is gearing up, investing heavily in newmodels, markets and production capacities. Starting in mid 2013, the Yeti will belaunched in the Chinese market and will be produced locally. Furthermore, ŠKODA (incooperation with Shanghai Volkswagen) will produce a new compact model for thismarket from 2013, increasing the number of models produced in China to five.
The brand will also expand production in Russia through the Volkswagen Group'spartnership with the Russian-based car manufacturer GAZ Group. The GAZ plant in
Nizhny Novgorod will start producing the Yeti in the last quarter of 2012. In India,ŠKODA will start production of a brand new compact sedan this year. The brand alsoremains focused on its traditional markets – Europe and the Czech Republic, its homemarket. Beside the Fabia and Octavia, ŠKODA's main plant in Mladá Boleslav will producea third model; the brand is already increasing the capacity of its production lines.
Starting in late 2012, ŠKODA will also manufacture the automatic twin-clutch gearbox
DQ200 in its plant in Vrchlabí.
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ABT Sportsline loves the red color and you got to love it too on the ABT Audi R8 GT S. The car was presented at the Geneva Auto Show earlier this year. With the ABT Power of 620HP, the R8 GT S sprints from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.6 seconds and has a top speed of 320 km/h. The cabrio with the 5.2 litre V10 engine is fully compatible for everyday use and is real fun for cruising on country roads. After all the “hot open-top sports car” is open to anything.
ABT Audi R8 GT S 2011
ABT R8 GT S – The hot open-top sports car
Red is the colour of love – and the Spyder ABT R8 GT S is on display in an elegant, self-confident red chrome tone at the Motorshow Geneva. A contrast is provided by the middle section of the car with carbon dominating from the bonnet to the rear wing. When designing the car, the Motorsport Department of ABT Sportsline paid attention to weight reductions and the perfect distribution of weight. With its dynamic carbon inlays at the side and on the covers of engine and convertible-top the cabrio signalises that it is one of the fastest around. The front skirt, rear skirt, windscreen frame cover, red air scoops, engine bonnet or even the mirrors are not just design, they are made of carbon fibre reinforced plastic (CRP) and are correspondingly light. The sports car is the perfect weight to achieve highest performance.
The dream car from Bavaria now brings 620 HP (456 kW) onto the road thanks to ABT POWER. This is compared to 525 HP (386 kW) on standard models. A performance improvement of almost 20% is a statement in the super sports car class: the ABT R8 GT S sprints from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.6 seconds and has a top speed of 320 km/h. The cabrio with the 5.2 litre V10 engine is fully compatible for everyday use and is real fun for cruising on country roads. After all the “hot open-top sports car” is open to anything. And thanks to the ABT Suspension the setup is optimal at all times. The Sports exhaust system provides good acoustics and is an important part of the design concept, it harmonises with the diffuser, rear wing and trapeze-shaped rear skirt. The car is not just extremely quick, but also looks like it is. It makes hearts skip a beat, especially when the light metal alloy ABT BR in 20 or the CR Superlight in 19 inch announce the car’s inherent power even when stationary.
With the ABT R8 GT S the love of detail continues in the interior: ABT Sportsline has “dressed” the sports steering wheel, the centre console, the shifting gate and parts of the door panels in red carbon. As a contrast the remaining parts of the doors and the dashboard were covered with new leather. The texture of the material is expressive and elegant. The red and black leather of the seats perfectly harmonises with this styling. Red safety belts and illuminated door sill panels round off the powerful appearance of the ABT R8 GT S.
The new ABT R8 GT S – data and facts
ABT ENGINE TECHNOLOGY
Engine: 5.2 FSI, V10, 5.204 ccm capacity
Performance tuning: ABT Power
Performance: 620 HP/456 kW (standard: 525 HP/386 kW)
ABT TECHNOLOGY
ABT suspension
ABT sports exhaust system (stainless steel)
ABT AERODYNAMICS
ABT front skirt (weight-optimized, CRP)
ABT rear skirt (weight-optimized, CRP)
ABT side skirt (weight-optimized)
ABT rear wing (weight-optimized, adjustable, CRP)
ABT air scoops (weight-optimized, CRP)
ABT engine bonnet (weight-optimized, CRP)
ABT exterior mirrors (weight-optimized, CRP)
ABT front spoiler plate (adjustable)
ABT windscreen frame cover (CRP)
ABT carbon inlays for covers of engine and convertible-top
ABT carbon inlays for the outside of the doors
ABT chrome foil red
ABT SPORTS WHEELS AND TYRE EQUIPMENT
Front axis: ABT BR, 9 x 20 inches
Rear axis: ABT BR, 11 x 20 inches
Front axis: ABT CR Superlight, 9 x 19 inches
Rear axis: ABT CR Superlight, 11 x 19 inches
ABT INTERIOR
ABT sports steering wheel (CRP)
ABT leather seats
ABT centre console with red carbon and leather
ABT shift gate in red carbon with engraving
ABT dashboard with leather
ABT door panels with red carbon and leather
ABT door sill panel illuminated
ABT Floormats
ABT safety belts in red
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Ferrari released official pictures of the all-new Ferrari FF 2011, the company’s most powerful, versatile four-seater ever, as well as its first ever four-wheel drive car. The FF - an acronym for Ferrari Four (four seats and four-wheel drive) - ushers in an entirely new GT sports car concept. A decisive break with the past, the new car represents not so much an evolution as a true revolution.
This new V12 melds to an unprecedented level an extremely sporty, high-performance character with incredible versatility, superb comfort and sophisticated elegance, guaranteeing both driver and passengers an absolutely unique driving experience. (Pictures Update : June 18, 2011)
Ferrari FF 2011
A revolutionary four-seater, four-wheel drive V12 Ferrari: exceptional performance and versatility
Maranello, 21st January 2011 – The official Prancing Horse web site, Ferrari.com, has revealed the first photographs of the new FF, the company’s most powerful, versatile four-seater ever, as well as its first ever four-wheel drive car.
The FF - an acronym for Ferrari Four (four seats and four-wheel drive) - ushers in an entirely new GT sports car concept. A decisive break with the past, the new car represents not so much an evolution as a true revolution.
This new V12 melds to an unprecedented level an extremely sporty, high-performance character with incredible versatility, superb comfort and sophisticated elegance, guaranteeing both driver and passengers an absolutely unique driving experience.
Designed by Pininfarina, the shape and proportions perfectly interpret the FF’s harmonious blend of sporting DNA and extraordinary usability.
The FF features the company’s first ever four-wheel drive system. Ferrari’s exclusive, patented 4RM (four-wheel drive) weighs 50 per cent less than a conventional four-wheel drive system, maintaining perfect weight distribution (53 per cent over the rear axle). Completely integrated with the car’s electronic dynamic control systems, the four-wheel drive technology delivers record levels of performance on all terrains and in all conditions via continuous and intelligent predictive torque distribution to all four wheels. The FF is also equipped with the latest magnetorheological damping system (SCM3), as well as the most recent development in carbon-ceramic brakes from Brembo.
Exceptional performance levels come courtesy of the new 6,262 cc direct injection engine which develops 660 CV at 8,000 rpm. In tandem with its transaxle dual-clutch F1 gearbox, stunning acceleration figures (0-100 km/h in 3.7 sec.) are guaranteed. The new model’s class-leading weight-to-power ratio of 2.7 kg/CV, along with its ideal weight distribution, ensures exceptionally responsive handling. The result is that owners will be able to enjoy the FF’s prowess over a wide range of uses: city driving, on low grip or snow-covered surfaces and on the track. Performance aside, Maranello’s latest model also offers standards of passenger space, comfort, in-car spec and equipment previously unheard of in such a high-performance car. It can comfortably accommodate four people and their luggage, thanks to the best cabin space and boot capacity (450 litres extendable to 800) figures in its category, including four-door cars.
A vast array of personalisation options and accessories has been developed for the FF. These include six model-specific exterior colours and sumptuous interior trim incorporating specially selected and treated aniline leather.
The FF, which will make its official debut in occasion of the upcoming Geneva Motor Show, is presented today with the first three photos from a dedicated shoot by Giovanni Gastel.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Engine
Type: 65-degree V12
Overall displacement: 6,262 cc
Maximum power: 660 CV @ 8,000 rpm
Maximum torque: 683 Nm @ 6,000 rpm
Dimensions and weight
Length: 4907 mm
Width: 1953 mm
Height: 1379 mm
Dry weight: 1790 kg
Weight distribution: 47% front, 53% rear
Weight/power ratio: 2.7 kg/CV
Performance
Maximum speed: 335 km/h
0-100 km/h: 3.7 sec
Fuel consumption and emissions (ECE+EUDC)
Fuel consumption: 15,4 l/100 km
Emissions: 360 g/km
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