Tuesday 28 August 2012

2013 Infiniti M35h GT


The choice for the world's fastest-accelerating hybrid saloon has just got easier. A new M35h GT version of the record-breaking Infiniti V6 saloon delivers all the performance and low emissions for which the M35h is known - but at a considerably more attractive starting position. The additional model costs 3,970 GBP ($6,100) less than the M35h GT Premium in the UK which until now was the sole version available.


The Infiniti M35h GT arrives in Infiniti Centres across the UK from July, and in common with every new M the line-up benefits from a highly competitive new price structure as well as several enhancements, including a soft-closing boot function.

The additional entry model ensures Infiniti's "no compromise" hybrid approach reaches as large a market as possible. A recent reduction in CO2 emissions further cuts running costs with both versions of the M35h falling below the important 160g/km tax threshold.

"Cost of ownership is an important consideration in any new car purchase. With the M35h GT grade it now means that the P11D values have been reduced and along with the recently improved CO2 rating there are lower bills for companies and for their drivers," said Infiniti UK Fleet Sales Manager, Simon Lewis.

Previously the navigation system was available only as part of a package with 16-speaker Bose surround sound. But, in response to customer wishes, a new separate option of Connectiviti+, Infiniti's navigation/entertainment system, has been introduced on GT and S models at a highly competitive price that also includes the innovative Forest Air air conditioning.

The option, if taken, will add to the famously generous specification expected from any Infiniti product. On an 'M' these include such items as semi-aniline leather seat facings, heated and ventilated front seats, bi-Xenon headlights with Adaptive Front-Lighting System (AFS), alloy wheels and White Ash wood trim finished with real silver powder.

As before, M30d S, M30d S Premium and M37 S Premium add a sporting focus with larger alloy wheels, 4-Wheel Active Steering, and sports suspension, brakes and seats, along with black lacquer trim in the cabin.

Now well established in the range, Infiniti's top-selling 'Premium' models are equipped with Infiniti's complete suite of safety and convenience technologies including Blind Spot Intervention, Intelligent Cruise Control (ICC) and Lane Departure Warning (LDW) and Prevention (LDP).

The overall quality of the Infiniti M has also been recognized within the latest American J.D. Power Initial Quality Study. The Infiniti M came top of the Midsize Premium Car segment ahead of the Mercedes-Benz E-Class.

Specifications
Key: AT - automatic transmission, MT - manual transmission, F/R/AWD - front/rear/all wheel drive
Powertrain
Type V6 + Electrical Engine
Displacement 214 cu in (3498 cc)
Power 306 hp (225 kW) at 6800 rpm
Torque 258 lb-ft (350 Nm) at 5000 rpm
Redline n/a
Electric Power 68 hp
Electric Torque 200 lb-ft
Driveline Rear Wheel Drive
Transmission 7 Speed Automatic
Brakes & Tires
Brakes Front - Rear Ventilated Discs - Ventilated Discs
Tire Size Front - Rear 245/50 R18
Exterior Dimensions & Weight
Length 194.7 in (4945 mm)
Width 72.6 in (1845 mm)
Height 59.1 in (1500 mm)
Curb Weight 4035 lbs (1830 kg)
Performance
0-60 mph (0-100 km/h) 5.3 s (5.5 s)
1/4 Mile n/a
60-0 mph Braking n/a
Top Speed n/a
Fuel Economy
EPA Fuel Mileage - City/Highway n/a
Origin & Price
Manufacturer's Origin Japan
Where Built n/a
Base Retail Price (MSRP) n/a

Saturday 25 August 2012

BMW, Zagato unveil their first roadster



The BMW Zagato Roadster concept is pictured in this handout image made available by BMW AG.

MUNICH, — Three months after they unveiled their first coupé, BMW and Italian coachbuilder Zagato debuted their first roadster, dubbed Z4 E89, at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, last Sunday.

This second concept stemming from the collaboration of the two brands once again seamlessly blends Italian design and German automotive tradition.

The design is a drop-top version of the original coupé, with a few differences. The trunk now hides a soft-top roof, and the sports car’s bumper and twin exhaust pipes have also been tweaked.

Neither brand has confirmed yet that the one-off concept could be headed for production. — AFP/Relaxnews








Tuesday 21 August 2012

Really… it’s like oil and water

Warning lights and other pesky signals... maybe one should consult the manual?

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 16 ― Women and all things mechanical, I reckon, have a love-hate relationship.

On the one hand, I’m sure they love the mechanical bibs and bobs when it makes their lives easier.

Food processors. Irons. Clothes dryers.

But I’m almost certain that love turns to hate pretty quickly when these things act up. Or rather, when the fairer gender THINK they’re acting up.

Like when my mom endlessly complained about her brand new fridge not being cold enough. After a short peep into the innards of the offending appliance, my brother and I found out that the thing was stuck on permanent defrost no thanks to a rogue banana jamming against the switch.

On a side note, as to WHY fridges have all their controls INSIDE the refrigerated compartment baffles me to no end. Imagine a car with the accelerator and brake pedals IN the engine compartment. Makes no sense. Absolutely no sense at all.

Or when my dear ol’ colleague Liz was screaming at her computer mouse because the damn thing wasn’t working. Or at least she THOUGHT it wasn’t working. Turns out the thing wasn’t even plugged in to her PC.

When it comes to cars, however, the amusement factor literally goes through the roof.

My old college friend, Ms P, got herself behind the wheel of a brand new Toyota Corolla Altis a year ago. At the car’s 5000km service, she moaned and groaned about how the car felt sluggish and simply felt underpowered. After throwing an epic hissy fit at the service centre and threatening to sue the pants off Toyota, the engineers took a peek inside the car and within minutes realised that the three extra layers of carpet mats which she placed on the floor of her brand new car was wedged solid behind the accelerator pedal, preventing the pedal from doing what it was supposed to.

The Toyota technicians smirked. She shrugged the whole incident off and got a few free umbrellas in appreciation of her antics.

Then of course there was JJ, who upon taking delivery of her new Vios, complained endlessly to me that something was obviously wrong with her new ride. A little warning light had lit up on her dash and would not, no matter what she tried, go off. I was on the phone with her when she threw a bitch-fit about the little blinking annoyance in her car. The conversation went a little something like this:

Me: So how does this warning light look like exactly?

JJ: It’s red. And it’s damn annoying. Won’t stop blinking!

Me: Yes yes. But how does it look like? Describe it to me.

JJ: I dunno lah. It’s red, looks like a man with a slash across his chest.

Me: Urm… darling, are you wearing your seatbelt?

JJ: Why?

Me: Try putting it on.

JJ: What the heck does my seatbelt have to do with the light.

Me: Just try it.

JJ: It won’t work lah. Why would the….*click*….OH.

Me: Did it go off?

JJ: Shut up and stop smirking. I know you are.

For the record, I was. Smirking, that is. Lesson of the day, folks. Buckle up at all times!

So perhaps it should come as no surprise that my friend Emily had a somewhat similar issue with her car a couple of days back.

It was 6pm. I get a call from her asking me to troubleshoot why her car wouldn’t start. For a moment there, I found myself respecting those online support hotline operators a WHOLE lot more, for troubleshooting anything by remote is like trying to score a goal by instructing a player on the pitch from half the world away. It is simply mind-numbingly tough.

Anyway, being the ever-gracious friend, I headed down to the car park where she was stranded with her dead vehicle and started poking and prodding in the engine compartment, checking the battery and everything electrical under the hood.

Then a bulb lit up in my head.

I went into the car, took a peep at the gear lever and it all became clear.

I got into the driver’s seat, popped the selector from “Drive” to “Neutral”, turned the key and VOILA! The damn thing started .

I rolled my eyes.

She smirked.

We went our separate ways.

Women and all things mechanical. Like oil and water, I tell ya.

Sunday 19 August 2012

Audi R8 e-tron introduces the first ‘digital rear-view mirror’

File photo of the Audi R8 e-tron’s digital rear-view mirror. — Picture courtesy of Audi

LONDON, Aug 14 — Audi is launching the first production model in automotive history with a digital rear-view mirror. The high-tech device will grace the R8 e-tron, located where the central rear-view mirror is usually set up.

Samsung’s 7-inch colour AMOLED screen will display a high-resolution, high-contrast picture, which will have the same high definition day and night. The carmaker is now considering adding other data to the display.

The screen is connected to an innocuous camera set up at the back of the vehicle, and the whole device will be able to display what’s going on behind the car at a wider angle than with classic rear-view mirrors.

The device was successfully tested out during the French endurance race 24 Hours of Le Mans, on the Audi R18 that ended up winning it.

The Audi R8 e-tron is expected to be revealed at the Paris Motor Show, which runs from September 29 to October 14. — AFP-Relaxnews


Tuesday 14 August 2012

Lexus HS fuel cell test bed (2015) spied


A week after Toyota confirmed a hydrogen fuel-cell project, a Lexus HS has been spied testing in the heat of Death Valley, USA. Unremarkable, you say? The car may look conventional, true enough, but it appears there's a radical new powertrain under the skin.

Spotted refuelling from a hydrogen-labelled truck, Lexus could be about to embark on a sea-change in the way its cars are powered.
Wait, aren't Lexus a hybrid-centric brand?

Correct - everything from the CT200h hatch to RX450h SUV proudly wears its status as a 'premium luxury hybrid' on its sleeve, or rather on little badges fitted on the rear doors. The Lexus HS in these pictures has the same tell-tale recess, but no badge. The question is, what will the badge read: hybrid, or hydrogen?

The Lexus HS was the brand's US-centric compact hybrid saloon, but suffered such an alarming sales drop that it was quietly dropped from the line-up. It's therefore the perfect secret test bed to slip past all but the beadiest eyes of spy photographers...

Toyota announced earlier in August 2012 that it is wiorkingt on a hydrogen saloon, due to launch in 2015, though it's not yet clear if it'll be badged as a Toyota or Lexus. Neither company were able to confirm our query when contacted by CAR.
Would this Lexus be the world's first hydrogen fuel cell-equipped car?

Nope - Japanese rivals Honda beat everyone to the game back in 2008. Until now, the main hydrogen-fuelled automobile to gain any real public recognition was the Honda FCX Clarity - a normal-looking four-door which boasted no harmful emissions and internal combustion-equivalent performance.

Although a promising stab at the world of hydrogen-powered cars, the project was hampered by the scarcity of hydrogen-equipped filling stations, limiting the leases to only around 50 vehicles, split between Southern California, Europe and Japan.
So what's the point in Lexus building a hydrogen-powered saloon?

The real point of Honda's FCX Clarity was not the car itself, or the very shaky business case, but more the vindication of an idea. Because of that, more hydrogen stations are popping up on the West Coast of the US, which could make hydrogen cars a far more viable proposition. The environmental case remains the same: hydrogen fuel cells create electricity to propel a motor - it's currently the holy grail of the industry, thanks to petrol-rivalling performance, the ability to refuel on the go and zero-emissions (other than H2O).

If Lexus - and Toyota - could assist in bringing hydrogen cars back into the public eye, and into mainstream car buyers' crosshairs, it could catalyse the motive power revolution the car has been crying out for - without succumbing to the blind alley of rechargeable battery cars...

Ford C-Max Hybrid beats Toyota Prius V



FORT WAYNE, Aug 8 — Ford Motor Co said yesterday its 2013 C-Max Hybrid crossover surpassed Toyota Motor Corp’s Prius V on fuel economy, with EPA ratings of 47 miles per gallon (20 kilometres per litre) in the city and on the highway.

The Prius V is rated by the US Environmental Protection Agency at 44 mpg in city driving and 40 mpg on the highway.

Ford Motor Co said its 2013 C-Max Hybrid crossover surpassed Toyota Motor Corp’s Prius V on fuel economy, with EPA ratings of 47 mpg (20 kml) per in the city and on the highway.
Also, Ford announced that the plug-in version of the C-Max Hybrid, called C-Max Energi, will be sold this fall in 19 metro markets in 16 US states and will be at approved electric-vehicle dealers in all 50 states by the early 2013.

The five-passenger crossover will be Ford’s first plug-in hybrid. Later, Ford will have plug-in hybrid versions of the Fusion sedan and the Lincoln MKZ sedan.

The Prius V is rated by the US Environmental Protection Agency at 44 mpg in city driving and 40 mpg on the highway.

The C-Max Hybrid, which goes on sale this fall, has a combined EPA rating of 47 mpg, compared with a combined rating of 42 mpg for the Prius V.

Ford said the 2013 C-Max Hybrid will be priced from US$25,995 (RM80,700), including shipping. The 2012 Toyota Prius V starts at US$27,395, including shipping; prices have not been released for the 2013 model.

Ford also said that the C-Max Energi will have a top all-electric drive speed of 85 miles per hour (137 kilometres per hour), which it says is 20 mph faster than the Toyota Prius plug-in hybrid.

Pricing of the C-Max Energi will be US$29,995, including shipping charges and incentives, Ford said.

The C-Max Energi has a battery pack and a hybrid transmission that are made by Ford at plants near Ford’s Michigan Assembly Plant in Wayne, Michigan, where the vehicle will be assembled.

The C-Max Energi will allow drivers to choose whether to drive solely on electric power, solely on gasoline-hybrid power, or by allowing the vehicle’s computer to use a blend of electric power and hybrid-gasoline power based on the state of the battery’s charge.

The C-Max Energi will have an electric-drive range of more than 20 miles. — Reuters

Sunday 12 August 2012

Bugatti Veyron Vitesse


A major auto show isn’t complete these days without the presence of the supremest of all supreme super cars: the Bugatti Veyron. So it’s no surprise that Bugatti has taken to the 2012 Geneva Motor Show to introduce yet another special iteration of the Veyron Grand Sport, this time called the Grand Sport Vitesse. In case you’re wondering, "Vitesse" translates to "speed" in our language.
Suffice to say, there’s really just one description apt for the Grand Sport Vitesse: it’s the fastest serially produced convertible in history. It’s hard to believe Bugatti can keep raising the ante to ridiculous heights with the Veyron, but they always seem to get the job done.
"Once again our engineers worked hard to demonstrate that Bugatti is able to constantly redefine the boundaries of what is technically feasible," said. Bugatti President Wolfgang Dürheimer.
"We gave our all to transfer the achievements of the Super Sport over to the Grand Sport, thereby turning open-top driving itself into an extraordinary experience at high speed."
Judging from what they’ve created, we’re guessing that Bugatti is quite pleased with how the Veyron Grand Sport Vitesse turned out.
UPDATE 04/11/2012: Bugatti has unveiled a very cool video presenting the new Veyron Grand Sport Vitesse in action. Enjoy!
Find out more about the Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport Vitesse after the jump.

Exterior

For the all-carbon fiber Grand Sport Vitesse, Bugatti developed a new roof spoiler that drastically cuts down on the wind noise and buffeting in the interior, a pretty important element considering the car is a convertible. In addition, Bugatti also installed a windbreak that owners can just as easily stow away compactly in the luggage compartment when not in use.
As a Grand Sport with the soul of a Super Sport, the Vitesse also gets the benefit of getting some transplanted aerodynamic components from its SS brother, particularly at the front with the larger air intakes just between the radiator grille. There’s also the presence of a new bottom air vent that stretches sideways into the wheel housing. Just below it, there’s a refined front spoiler that has been designed in a similar way to the splitters used in motor racing. The xenon headlights on the Grand Sport Vitesse are also a new addition, something that was also taken from the Super Sport.
Over at the back, the Veyron Vitesse gets even more Super Sport-like, courtesy of a double diffusor and a centrally positioned twin tailpipe. The car also has two redesigned air scoops on the left and right of the engine cover, fulfilling the purpose of pulling in air for the engine, as well as being an elegantly integrated part of the anti-roll protection system.

Interior

Carbon fiber is the general theme of the Veyron Vitesse’s interior. Of course, Bugatti didn’t neglect other luminary materials like Aluminum and Magnesium, but going back to the carbon fiber, the Veyron Vitesse has loads of it, on the center console extension, the cover with EB logo in the rear-bulkhead leather trim, and the belt outlet covers on the seats. Even the decoration on the center console, the door inserts, and the adjoining trim on the instrument panel are all made from carbon fiber.
For this particular model, Bugatti fitted a special seat design with two-tone leather seat covers enhanced by contrasting stitching between the seat base and the side sections. The contrast stitching pattern is also present on the leather armrest between the seats, which comes without the typical quilting. Other new goodies that are part of the Veyron Vitesse’s interior package include knee pads in the center tunnel area, an additional 12 V socket in the glove box, restraint systems, an illuminated start and parking lock button that was also jacked form the Super Sport, an instrument cluster with shift-up information, and a power gauge that now reads up to - you guessed it - 1,200 horsepower.

Performance

Just like everything that Bugatti does with the Veyron lately, the Grand Sport Vitesse is completely ridiculous and over-the-top. Think of it as a Veyron Grand Sport in skin and Veyron Super Sport in heart. According to Bugatti, there’s a reason why the model is considered the most powerful serial produced convertible in the world: underneath that convertible body lies an additional four enlarged turbochargers and intercoolers to aid the Grand Sport’s monstrous 7.9-liter 16-cylinder engine in producing an output of 1,200 horsepower and 1,106 lb/ft of torque, a substantial spike from the model’s otherwise erstwhile 1,001 horsepower and 922 lb/ft of torque figures.
That increase in output is largely attributed to the aforementioned four larger turbochargers with intercoolers, but that’s not the entire equation. In order to safely transfer the immense forces that came as a result of the added power, Bugatti extensively reinforced all drivetrain components, particularly the seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox (DSG), which has been adapted to the new requirements. As a matter of consequence of the larger turbochargers and the overall reduced back pressure, Bugatti managed to fit a four-pump tank - the same one used in the Super Sport - to reduce the fuel consumption slightly despite the increased output.
All told, the Grand Sport Vitesse is capable of hitting 0-62 mph in just 2.6 seconds while achieving a top speed of 255 mph on closed tracks, fully stamping its designation as the fastest production roadster ever. As far as "road" speeds are concerned, the Veyron Grand Sport Vitesse "only" does 223 mph.

Chassis

3.
Fitting even more power to an already astoundingly powerful supercar requires some tedious work to ensure that every little thing is on the up-and-up. In this particular case, careful attention was paid to reconfiguring the chassis of the Vitesse. Thanks to the quick-responding dampers that have been adapted from motor racing, the control of the vehicle has been further improved and perfectly balanced. Wheel-load fluctuations have also been optimized, cutting down on the supercar’s understeer while allowing a maximum level of active safety.
All told, the supercar’s chassis, all-wheel-drive system, and the revised ESP work hand-in-hand to ensure that the Grand Sport Vitesse becomes as dynamic a Bugatti supercar as there is without turning into a bonafide race car.

Price

2.
As for the price tag: Those numbers are Veyron-like, too, which is to say that they’ll sell of around €2 million, which is about $2.64 million based on current exchange rates.

Competition

Think of the Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport Vitesse as a car that has no peer. Consider all the convertible super cars in the world right now - really, there aren’t that many - and you’d be hard-pressed to find one that produces anywhere close to the 1,200 horsepower output of this special edition Veyron.
4.


2011 Lexus CT 200h

Expert Reviews


By Kelsey Mays

Cars.com National July 13, 2011
Americans love hybrid hatchbacks, but mostly for the hybrid part; overall, we're still lukewarm on traditional hatchbacks. Lexus added a third ingredient — budget luxury — to create the CT 200h. With a starting price just over $29,000, it's the least expensive Lexus in nearly two decades, and it shows.
The 2011 CT 200h feels at times like a cut-rate Lexus, but its combination of fuel efficiency and handling should win the brand some much-needed younger buyers.
The front-wheel-drive CT's styling is the closest yet to Lexus' LF-Gh concept, and it comes in base and Premium trims, which you can compare here. We evaluated a CT 200h Premium.
Thrust vs. Thrift
Thanks to the drivetrain's immediate thrust, the CT 200h has adequate oomph for driving solo: It scoots from a stoplight well enough and maintains highway speeds with little trouble. But it lacks the reserves to pass on a whim, and barreling up to 60 or 70 mph from an on-ramp runs the poor thing out of steam. (And kilowatts, as it were.) Confident acceleration should be a given in any luxury car, even an entry-level one. Were it not for the instant power starting out — a characteristic of most hybrids, thanks to their torque-rich electric motors — I'd deem the CT a dog. As it stands, many luxury shoppers will indeed find the Lexus too poky.

At least the pokiness pays off in gas mileage. The CT has the same 1.8-liter four-cylinder and 60-kilowatt electric motor as the Prius hybrid (from Lexus parent Toyota). Total output for the engine and motor matches the Prius' 134 horsepower, and the CT's EPA-estimated combined mileage is 42 mpg. That's 8 mpg short of the more aerodynamic Prius but well ahead of the diesel-powered Audi A3 TDI (34 mpg), the Volvo C30 (24 mpg) and the BMW 128i (22 mpg). What's more, the CT runs on regular unleaded gas — not the norm for luxury cars. Based on my experience, the EPA figures seem conservative: On a 129-mile highway trip into the wind, I observed 43.5 mpg on the CT's trip computer. With a stiff tailwind on the return leg, another editor reported nearly 60 mpg. Temperatures both legs were in the high 40s.
Like most full hybrids, the CT can cruise on electric power alone at low speeds. An EV button maximizes the distance it can go on just electric — about a mile, if the hybrid battery is full — but requires featherweight acceleration, low overall speed and a near-comatose driver behind you. Other driving modes include Eco, Normal and Sport; our observed mileage came largely in Normal mode. Sport mode hastens drivetrain response and holds engine revs longer. It's enough to give illusions of power around town, but the fun is short-lived. Stand on the gas, and the drivetrain's shallow limits show.
Handling, Braking & Ride Quality
If the CT stumbles in acceleration, it shines in handling. The steering wheel turns with a light touch at low speeds in Eco and Normal mode, but it wanders too much on the highway. Sport mode dials back the assist, improving feedback and highway stability a great deal. It also relaxes the threshold of the CT's standard stability system, which intervenes smoothly when it must. (Alas, there's no way to deactivate the stability system.) Drive the CT hard, and the nose pushes mildly, but the tail follows soon after — a dynamic that belies the car's nose-heavy 60/40 (front/rear) weight distribution. Nicely done, Lexus.

Like its competitors, the CT rides firmly. We detected no flex, and the car stays planted on broken pavement, but the suspension doesn't isolate very well. Major bumps produce loud ka-thunks, and too often the car surrenders to the plane of the road — up, down, up, down. Driving enthusiasts won't mind, but the typical Lexus buyer will find the experience too much like an econocar.
Like all hybrids, the CT employs regenerative brakes that help recharge the battery. Lexus says it tuned the brakes for better refinement than the Prius. Indeed, the CT's pedal feels more linear than the Toyota's, but our test car's pedal had a lot of hydraulic noise in the first inch or so of travel. A Toyota spokesman said the brakes should work noise-free, so that might have been an anomaly with our car. See for yourself on your test drive, and click the link at the bottom of the page to send me an assessment.
The Inside
Cabin materials are inconsistent for a Lexus — too much faux-metal plastic, a cheaper headliner than usual — but the same could be said for most sub-$30,000 luxury cars. For its league, the CT scores a few hits. The stitched upholstery around the instruments and center console evoke a pricier interior, and the optional navigation system's mouse-like knob controller is a cinch to use. The automatic transmission's springy electronic shifter mirrors that of the Prius: left and down into Drive, with a button for Park.

Several editors noted our car's tight headroom — at 37.8 inches, it trails the A3, 1 Series and C30. Hemmed in by a high center console and narrow overall cabin, knee and hip room are also tight. The standard eight-way power driver's seat slides far back, but the tilt/telescoping steering wheel has limited range.
Faux leather is standard; our tester's optional heated leather seats felt as rich as in any Lexus. The seats are well-cushioned yet supportive, but larger drivers may find them too narrow. The backseat, meanwhile, is as inhospitable as an econocar's: shoddier finish, no center armrest or reading lights, tiny doors, cramped legroom. The C30 has another 1.3 inches of backseat legroom, and it doesn't even have rear doors.
Cargo room behind the rear seat measures 14.3 cubic feet. With the 60/40-split seats folded, maximum volume totals 32.3 cubic feet. Those figures split the difference between the cargo-deprived C30 and the roomier A3.
Safety, Features & Pricing
The CT 200h achieved top scores in all four crash tests by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, earning the car a Top Safety Pick designation. The CT has not been tested by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Click here for a list of standard safety features, or here to see our evaluation of the CT's child-seat provisions.

Optional features include adaptive cruise control with a collision warning system.
The $29,120 CT 200h comes well-equipped. Standard features include dual-zone automatic climate control, faux leather upholstery, 17-inch alloy wheels, a power driver's seat, keyless access with push-button start, and a USB/iPod-compatible stereo with steering-wheel audio controls and Bluetooth audio streaming. The CT 200h Premium adds a moonroof and heated seats — too little to justify its $1,780 price hike. Unfortunately, tacking on all other options, from a navigation system to genuine leather and an upgraded audio system, require stepping up to the Premium. Bah.
Load up the CT 200h with factory options, and the sticker tops out around $38,500. Curiously, even at the top end a power passenger seat isn't available.
CT 200h in the Market
Lexus says CT 200h buyers cross-shop the Audi, BMW and Volvo competition — and the budget-luxury field is set to swell. Expect Mercedes and Infiniti to throw their hats in the ring, too.

But are the cars that swell? Most are what you'd expect: A half-step down from the brands' usual fare, but appealing on their own strengths. So it goes with the CT 200h, which combines Lexus touches with a Toyota driving experience. The wild card is styling, where conservative Lexus took a radical leap. It paid off. The car looks sharp, which should draw as many car shoppers as its gas mileage. It may not live up to every tenet of the Lexus badge, but the CT's prospects seem as bright as our test car's nuclear-gold paint job.

Wednesday 8 August 2012

Audi R8 TDI Le Mans Concept: Another Hint at a Diesel-Powered Audi R8 Supercar

The Audi R8 TDI Le Mans concept luxury sports car is a technology and styling showcase coming from the German automaker of the storied R8 luxury supercar. Part of an Audi trend in offering true high performance diesel models with engine performance characteristics and raw power that rival, or exceed, those of their gasoline counterparts, the R8 TDI Le Mans offers subtle but meaningful body modifications over the current 2008 Audi R8, but the surfaces are just the beginning.

Inside the R8 TDI Le Mans is a diesel-powered, twin turbo V12 that is derived from the motor used in the Audi R10 TDI racer, winner of multiple 24 Hours of Le Mans victories and the hottest car on the endurance racing circuit today.

With its race-bred diesel technology, the 12 cylinder diesel engine in the R8 TDI Le Mans promises staggering performance numbers unlike anything coming from an oil burner to date.

Known for their outstanding torque numbers, diesel engines are moving more and more into the mainstream beyond use in heavy trucks and anemic economy cars.With German luxury car makers Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Volkswagen and especially Audi leading the charge toward clean burning diesel engines, even the American car buying public is beginning to accept that diesel motors are not just for hauling boats or huge cargo containers of quacking chickens.

There is no reason why Audi cannot build a production version of the R8 TDI Le Mans, as this engine is fully tuned and ready to go. Build cost could be very high in the early stages of pushing through a diesel engine with this output, but this makes the R8 supercar a natural platform to try it out on. The car world is eagerly anticipating an all-but-assured announcement that a diesel-powered R8 TDI will be in showrooms sooner rather than later.

Audi R8 TDI Le Mans Concept Specifications
Drivetrain
LayoutMid-Engine, AWD
Transmission5 Speed Manual
Engine
Torque737.56 lb-ft. @ 1750 rpm
Horsepower500 hp
Engine TypeTwin Turbo TDI Diesel V12
Displacement5934 cc
Compression Ratio16.0:1
Boost Pressure2.6 bar
Performance
0-100 km/h (0-62 mph)4.2 sec.
Top SpeedWell Over 300 km/h (186.41 mph)
Base Price: Audi R8 TDI Le Mans Concept: - N/A







New Continental GT Speed

A coupé called Speed.

The name says it all. And from your first glimpse of the fastest, most powerful two-door coupé that Bentley makes, you know it’s the perfect description. With 21" wheels and lowered suspension, darkened grille and front bumper intakes glinting in the light, the Continental GT Speed makes no secret of its intent. If you love to drive far and fast, if the exhilaration of a 625PS, 800Nm engine and eight-speed close-ratio transmission makes your heart race, this is your car.

And yet this exceptional sports coupé, the newest, most powerful addition to the Continental stable still displays the refinement that makes a Bentley unique. Its all-wheel-drive transmission, biased 60:40 in favour of the rear, offers reassuring stability all year-round, come rain or shine. Its hand-crafted interior, which can be trimmed in a variety of materials from Burr Walnut to Dark Tint Aluminium, is supremely comfortable over long distances.

Bentley’s new Continental GT Speed coupé is capable of fast lap times, but it’s a real-world supercar, not a track special. Distinctive it may be, but it’s also the latest in a long line of devastatingly fast, smooth and rewarding Bentley grand tourers.

Volkswagen Jetta TSI : First Drive


Superfluously, their timing couldn’t have been worse. We’ve just seen what is probably the steepest rise in petrol prices ever and this more exciting of fossil fuels isn’t really garnering public support much. General opinion has swung towards buying diesel powered cars and to come out with a petrol version of the Jetta now may seem a tad foolish on Volkswagen’s part. Considering all that you’d probably ask yourself what on Earth they were thinking! 1.4 TSI – that’s what!

When we first heard of the TSI engine a few years back we were superlatively excited, so much so that we thought Volkswagen would get it in the Polo in its 1.2 litre capacity. Well, that never happened but the TSI badge has now made it to the Jetta after making the car a smash hit with the TDI emblem. It seems a little odd though at first glance that a car of its segment has to make do with a 1390cc engine, but then you’ve got to know what the TSI badge stands for to really appreciate the beauty of the arrangement. Technically it means Turbocharged Stratified Injection, but the way any petrolhead would like to interpret that is ‘Turbocharged and Supercharged Insanity’!


New Volkswagen Jetta TSI engine



Exciting as it is, Volkswagen is pulling us back down to firm ground with the 1.4 TSI though because this engine making it to India seems to have shed its supercharger on the way from Germany. So the new mill in the Jetta is making about 120 horses peaking at 5000rpm – which isn’t quite on par with the competition. But thanks to that turbocharger the Jetta TSI puts down 200Nm or torque that stays at its maximum potential between 1500 and 4000rpm and considering that this is the bit that really matters when you’re driving casually to work as opposed to burning rubber at three-digit speeds, the Jetta seems pretty able on paper at least.




New Volkswagen Jetta TSI driver display



Translate that into the real world and the Jetta is actually quite driveable, pulling that big 1403kg body (all fuelled up) with relative ease. It will even power the car up to 120km/h without bursting a sweat but beyond that the engine does start to let you know that it is being stressed just a tad. The car does seem to die out a bit at lower revs though and you have to give it more gas to get it moving especially when you’ve had to slow down for whatever reason and then are looking to get back up the speedometer – which is where that supercharger would have been very handy on this low-capacity engine. So as far as performance goes, Volkswagen seems to have cut it fine despite the 1.4 litre capacity thanks to being turbocharged. In fact the presence of that little turbine does have another advantage – fuel efficiency.

Tuesday 7 August 2012

Photo 20 Luxury Cars Euro 2012 Football Star

 

1. Artem Milevsky - Mercedes-Benz G 55 AMG

2. Cristiano Ronaldo - Ferrari 599 GTO

3. Dirk Kuyt - Aston Martin Rapide

4. Franck Ribery - Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4 Spyder

5. Gregory van der Wiel - Mercedes-Benz ML 63 AMG W164

6. Jeremy Menez - Mercedes-Benz CLS 63 AMG C218

7. Jerome Boateng - Mercedes-Benz CLK 63 AMG Black Series

8. John Terry - Bentley Continental GT

9. Karim Benzema - Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren

10. Khalid Boulahrouz - Bentley Continental GT Speed

11. Mario Balotelli - Bentley Continental GT

12. Mathieu Valbuena - Lamborghini Murcielago LP640-4

13. Mesut Özil - Ferrari 458 Italia Anderson Germany Black Carbon Edition

14. Nani - Land Rover Hamann Range Rover Sport

15. Nicklas Bendtner - Audi Q7 V12 TDI

16. Nigel de Jong - Porsche Cayenne TechArt Magnum

17. Robin van Persie - Audi S5 Sportback

18. Steven Gerrard - Jaguar's XKR Convertible

19. Wayne Rooney - Mercedes-Benz CLK DTM AMG

 
20. Wesley Sneijder - Dodge Challenger SRT-8