New Cars Company: January 2009

Spied: 2012 Jaguar XK Diesel

Jaguar has a V6 diesel-engined version of its XK sports car in development.
The company has tested the car at the Nürburgring, where Autocar’s spy photographers heard the engine’s diesel rattle.
The Jaguar XK D is powered by the new 272bhp twin-turbo 3.0-litre V6 that’s due to be launched in the XF this spring.
Despite putting the engine through its paces on the track, Jaguar has chosen to monitor sales of the new 5.0-litre V8-powered XK before deciding whether to put the XK D into production.
A decision is now unlikely before the end of 2009, so the XK D wouldn't go on sale until at least 2011.
Jaguar is concerned that the XK D might scavenge sales from the naturally aspirated 5.0-litre V8 XK, on which it can make a greater profit.
A sales analysis of the BMW 6-series supports these worries. Sales of the twin-turbo 635d have displaced those of the 630i and 650i.
A Jaguar XK D would be a potent tool. Powered by the highest-output version of Jaguar’s new twin-turbodiesel, which develops 442lb ft, it could match the XF 3.0D’s 0-60mph in 5.9sec, 50-70mph in 3.2sec and 42mpg combined economy.
That would put the Jaguar XK D close to the new 5.0-litre V8 XK’s 0-60mph in 5.2sec and 50-70mph in 2.5sec, themselves impressive figures, since they match those of the outgoing XKR.
Another possibility is for the diesel to be held in abeyance until an all-new XK arrives in 2014 or 2015.
That car could grow in size to become a full four-seater like the Maserati Gran Turismo, leaving space for the Boxster-chasing front-engined XE two-seater.

Thanks to: Autocar

Unofficial Picture: 2010 Volkswagen Golf GTi

VW wants to hype the smallish Polo at the Geneva auto show this March, but we don't really care. The significant news for us is the next-generation GTI, of which production-version pictures have now been leaked courtesy of worldcarfans.com.
The GTI was previewed with a concept car at the 2008 Paris auto show, and we are pleased to report that VW executives were truthful when they told us the concept was 99-percent true to the series production model. The only things that may differ from the Paris concept are minor interior trim details.
The new GTI comes with the current model's 2.0-liter turbocharged, direct-injected four, but it is upgraded to 210 hp from 200. That's not class-leading, but smooth power delivery in a well-tuned package has made the GTI one of our favorites for years. It even made its third consecutive appearance on our 10Best list in 2009, despite the imminent model changeover.
While U.S. models will likely stay governed at 130 mph, the GTI is capable of speeds up to 149 mph. We expect 0–60 times in the upper fives. Buyers will be able to choose between a six-speed manual and a six-speed dual-clutch transmission that blips the throttle ever so sweetly on downshifts. We will give you first driving impressions of the new GTI in early March, and the European market will be served shortly thereafter. The U.S. will get the GTI in late 2009, in both three- and five-door configurations.
The GTI has always been cool and we here at C/D like the regular Golf, too (currently called Rabbit in North America). The forthcoming MkVI Golf is lower, wider, and more premium inside than its predecessor, and it has pleased us on the road. The GTI should be even better.
That said, there's one competitor against which the GTI doesn't stand a chance: The upcoming R version of the Golf/Rabbit. Stay tuned.

New Fiat 500 - Car Magazine (Mexico)

New Fiat 500 - virtual tuning

New Fiat 500 - virtual tuning
by cjdesigner

New Fiat 500 "genius"

New Fiat 500 "genius"
© steve

New Fiat 500 - "Chrysler's Mini"

New Fiat 500 - "Chrysler's Mini"
Source: Popular Mechanics

New Fiat 500 "Number Five"

New Fiat 500 "Number Five"
© Richard RR

New fiat 500 "past&future"

New fiat 500 "past&future"
© Karl

New Abarth 500 wheel

New Abarth 500 wheel
© Trasosworld Photography

New Fiat 500 "orange"

New Fiat 500 "orange" - © JT

New Fiat 500 - First Drive 052

New Fiat 500 - First Drive
Source: autokrata

New Fiat 500 "pianeta rosso"

New Fiat 500 "pianeta rosso"
© Maxime Bermond

Unofficial Picture: 2010 Renault Clio

Auto Express has got its hands on the clearest images yet of the eagerly anticipated Renault Clio III.
First shown on the website http://www.planeterenault.com/, the images reveal the Geneva Motor Show car - set to be unveiled on March 4th - being prepared for transport
While the lights are barely changed, new front and rear bumpers will give the model a fresh look when the car hits dealers in June.
But you needn’t wait until next month’s expo to see the supermini undisguised – as we’ll have official pictures on the www.autoexpress.co.uk website from 5 February.
The Clio is only the start of the firm’s plans for Geneva. Sport Tourer and Renaultsport versions of the Mégane will be revealed, adding practicality and pace to the range.
The estate is due early in the autumn, with the hot model appearing at the end of the year. And as if that wasn’t enough, the new five-seater Scenic and seven-seater Grand Scenic MPVs will debut in Switzerland, ahead of their arrival here at the end of May. For more details click here.

Thanks to: Auto Express

Spied: 2011 McLaren P11

Here are the pictures that prove McLaren's new supercar is almost showroom ready. Spied undergoing winter testing in Sweden, the stunning machine is entering one of the final phases in its development ahead of a projected unveiling in Spring this year. Following in the wheeltracks of the original F1 road car and replacing the joint venture McLaren-Mercedes SLR, the new model will target rivals such as Ferrari's F430 and Lamborghini's Gallardo with a price tag of between £150,000 and £200,000. Codenamed P11, Auto Express was the first to spy the newcomer when we caught it testing outside McLaren's factory in Surrey. As you can see, this latest prototype is slightly different to the original shakedown mule we spied in Woking, wearing re-profiled panels at the rear and a longer nose to disguise the real look. Although it's heavily-camouflaged, you can still make out the distinctive profile and compact proportions of the mid-engined machine, which draws much of its inspiration from the original McLaren F1. Power is rumoured to come from a Mercedes AMG-tuned 550bhp 6.2-litre V8, hooked up to a semi-automatic paddleshift gearbox. Lightweight composite body panels will keep weight down to around 1,250kg, ensuring the P11 will boast awesome performance. Although it's thought that the newcomer will be unveiled later this year, sales won't start until 2010. For more details click here.

Thanks to: Auto Express

New Car: 2010 Aston Martin Rapide

These are the first official images of the Aston Martin Rapide super-saloon, released ahead of its launch this autumn.
Based on a long-wheelbase DB9 chassis and powered by a 480bhp, 6.0-litre V12, the £140k Aston Martin Rapide should slot between the DB9 and DBS in the company’s range. It will have a six-speed ZF auto with Aston’s Touchtronic control.
These CAD images show a production car very faithful to the concept shown at Detroit in 2006.
The exaggerated styling line running along the front wing and door is new, but otherwise the Rapide’s skin follows the handsome, swooping look of the concept, but with crisper shoulders and bonnet creases.
The front apron also features a cleaner look, with a single wide lower air intake. The concept — and prototypes — featured flanking inlets either side of the lower air intake.
Aston’s engineers have stretched the DB9’s wheelbase by 255mm, making the car five metres long, the benchmark for luxury saloons like the Mercedes S-class.
Despite the swooping roofline, the Aston Rapide is 63mm higher than a DB9, an increase that ensures the styling retains its balance, yet also offers practical rear headroom.
The Rapide will be heavier than a DB9, tipping the scales at around 1940kg, a 130kg increase in kerb weight. The extra power should compensate for this, giving it a 0-60mph time of around 4.5secs and top speed of more than 180mph.
The Aston Rapide’s rear cabin is designed to seat a pair of young adults in individual buckets. Access is through rear doors that hinge with a wider version of the swan-neck operation on the front doors.
Aston has created more space under the front seats to allow passengers to slide their feet under the seat base, and enhanced the practicality with a foldable bulkhead and parcel shelf.

Thanks to: Autocar

Hot News: BMW Z10 ED. The Eco-Supercar

Plans for an advanced green BMW supercar, the BMW Z10 ED, have been revealed.
The two-seat BMW Z10 ED, a product of the company’s secretive Technik division, will be BMW’s flagship. It is being developed as a showcase for new drivelines, electronic technologies, body construction and auxiliary components.
The Z10’s ‘ED’ suffix stands for Efficient Dynamics, BMW’s suite of fuel-saving technologies that also cut carbon emissions.
Technology proved on the Z10 will trickle down to volume models in the next decade.
The BMW Z10 ED will be built in limited numbers and sold for around £80,000 in today’s money.
It was originally planned as a one-off concept, but when bosses in Munich abandoned plans for a V10-powered mid-engined rival to the Audi R8 last year, a decision was made to make green technology a primary focus by advancing the Z10 to production.
“The idea is to bring all the very latest technology together in a way that will allow a high level of performance without overburdening the environment in a way that the current crop of supercars do,” said an insider privy to BMW’s plans. “There is no reason why they need to be mutually exclusive when you consider the sort of technology that exists today. It is just a matter of applying it correctly.”
BMW has a history of using its Technik division to bolster the image of its line-up. Previous models to head straight from its workshops to the showroom include the 3-series-based Z1 and, more recently, the E39 M5-based Z8.
Drawing on the carbonfibre construction techniques used on BMW’s one-off Z22 show car, plus the extensive use of aluminium chassis components, the BMW Z10 ED is intended to weigh no more than 1400kg.
Moving on from simple carbonfibre body panels, Munich engineers have patented a process that combines several parts into a single sub-assembly.
BMW is exploring integrated door frames and sill panels for the Z10, a move designed to ensure a low kerb weight and high bodyshell rigidity.
BMW will also use the Z10 ED to highlight its engine downsizing plans. “With recent advances in turbocharging, direct injection and thermal technology, we can now produce petrol engines with a comparatively small swept volume without any drop in performance over our existing powerplants,” a source told Autocar.
Among the engines said to be under consideration for the green supercar is a new high-pressure turbocharged direct-injection straight six. It would replace the 3.0-litre unit that’s used across the current BMW line-up.
The new motor has been conceived in two different guises; one uses a conventional mechanical valve system in combination with BMW’s double VANOS variable valve timing system, and another features electronic valve control that allows a variable compression ratio.
Expect the new engine to deliver in the region of 400bhp and drive through BMW’s recently introduced seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox.
In conjunction with stop-start, an integrated starter/generator and a refined version of today’s brake energy regeneration system, the new engine could boost efficiency by nearly 15 per cent.
The brake energy regeneration system will be modified to store energy in an additional lithium-ion battery, in effect making the BMW Z10 ED a hybrid.

Thanks to: Autocar

Unofficial Picture: 2010 Opel/Vauxhall Insignia OPC/VXR

The Vauxhall Insignia VXR has finally broken cover! This production ready prototype, spied at a secret gathering of top executives, shows a hatchback version finished in white.
The pictures, first revealed at evo.co.uk, prove just how commited the Luton firm is to producing high performance variants of all its cars.
Both saloon and estate car variants will also be available, all of which will be fitted with vertical front air intakes that were a striking feature of the Opel GTC Concept coupé that debuted at the 2007 Geneva motor show. The car also gets wider wheel arches and a special bodykit.
Set to make its debut sometime in March, the car is tipped to go on sale later this year.According to one insider, the twin-turbo V6 engine produces around 320bhp - while test cars have lapped the Nürburgring in a little over eight minutes.
With its four-wheel drive and 255/35 R20 tyres it's claimed to have progressive, secure handling and a huge amount of grip. Wheels have five concave spokes, are painted in dark metallic grey and have polished rims and spoke outlines. For more details click here.

Thanks to: Auto Express

New Car: 2010 Porsche 911 GT3

If the 911 is the quintessential Porsche, then the weight-optimized and more powerful—yet naturally aspirated—GT3 is the quintessential 911. But its aficionados needed patience; while the more humble versions of the 911 were updated last summer, the GT3 and Turbo have soldiered on without changes.
Now, Porsche has released pictures and information on the latest GT3, which debuts at the Geneva auto show in March. The Turbo will have to wait until the Frankfurt show in September, and then it may still be some time before the Turbo Cabriolet and the Turbo-based GT2 are updated. Porsche clearly intends to keep us busy.
Changes to the GT3’s exterior are subtle but clearly recognizable. Front LED daytime running lights and LED taillights are taken directly from the regular 911. The exterior mirrors have grown in size to conform to upcoming European regulations. We think the front has lost some of its aggressive edge. Two vertical strips in the lower central air intake are now painted black and thus seem to vanish; the small air intake just below the hood now is body colored to blend in more smoothly. The rear end, on the other hand, gets additional horizontal slits for ventilation. The provocative spoiler looks less stylized and more business-like, the GT3’s business being racing. The vertical slits on the extreme corners of the rear bumper are now uninterrupted—again, for a cleaner look.
The styling changes make sense insofar as they bring about aerodynamic improvements. Porsche says total downforce has been doubled. The wheels are now of the super-cool center-lock variety and weigh less than those they replace. Porsche’s active suspension remains standard.
Power output rises from 415 to 435 hp, achieved mainly by increasing displacement from 3.6 to 3.8 liters. The exhaust camshafts are now adjustable with Porsche’s VarioCam variable valve-timing system; previously, only the intake camshafts were so equipped. Porsche’s goal was to improve mid-range torque, but sheer performance figures have been improved as well: 0-to-60-mph times drop from 4.1 to 4.0 seconds, and 0–100 mph comes in 8.2 seconds, down from 8.7. Top speed climbs ever so slightly from 193 mph to 194 mph. The GT3’s engine still has true dry-sump lubrication and is still related to the motor in the Turbo; this family is distinct from the series powering other naturally aspirated 911s.
Porsche has been savvy enough to recognize that the cool-looking GT3 is not bought exclusively by experts and racers. To make the GT3 safe even for clumsy drivers, the stability control system is available on this 911 version for the first time. Beware: Once it’s turned off, there is no safety net. Unlike with other 911 models, PSM does not reintroduce itself when you hit the brakes—unless you push the button again very quickly (not something we’d recommend trying mid-skid). The GT3's standard brakes are larger, lighter, and better-ventilated, with carbon-ceramic discs continuing as an option.
Porsche has come up with two more innovations that make sense to us: An active drivetrain mount—called PADM—recognizes racing conditions and stiffens the engine mounts, which are usually elastic to keep the GT3’s chassis comfortable in normal driving. And there is an optional lift, similar to the Lamborghini Gallardo’s system, that lets you raise the front end by just over an inch. It keeps your chin spoiler happy on poor roads or when encountering a steep bump. Porsche is considering offering the system on other 911 versions but wants to prove it on the low-volume GT3 first.
What the GT3 doesn’t get: A dual-clutch transmission, which would be out of place in this racer, and, surprisingly, the automaker’s direct-fuel-injection technology. Expect future GT3 models to switch to the fuel-saving technology.
Europe gets the new 911 GT3 in May, but we will have to wait until October. It will be priced at $112,200 when it hits the States, a $4700 over the current model.

Unofficial Picture: 2011 Peugeot 408

Here’s the picture that proves Peugeot’s all-new 408 is purring into production! The undisguised black Lion was caught out in the open by our spies, giving the best indication yet of how the firm’s Ford Mondeo and Vauxhall Insignia rival will look when it hits UK showrooms in 2010.
With its steeply raked roof, swooping bonnet and narrow, swept-back headlights, the new model has plenty of French flair. But that was to be expected when you consider it was previewed by the handsome RC HYmotion4 Concept, seen at last year’s Paris Motor Show.
There was more than simply style to admire about that car, though. Under its sculpted body was Peugeot’s innovative petrol-electric hybrid powertrain – and this is set to be offered for the first time on the 408. It drives all four wheels, with a gutsy 1.6-litre THP engine sending power to the rear, and a 70KW motor turning the fronts. The set-up generates 313bhp, with 109g/km emissions and Toyota Prius-rivalling 62.7mpg economy.
Despite its green credentials, the RC Concept is claimed to cover 0-60mph in 4.4 seconds – giving most supercars a run for their money. An all-electric mode offers the possibility of zero-emissions motoring, too.
Since Peugeot revealed its 308 diesel-electric hybrid – capable of 83mpg fuel returns and 90g/km emissions – at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 2007, rumours have been circulating that the hatch would be the first full hybrid offered by the firm.
But with the appearance of this production-ready 408 – and the feasibility of the RC Concept’s powertrain – it seems Peugeot will launch the larger 408 hybrid first, possibly by 2011. After that, the technology will filter down to smaller cars in the range. For more details click here.

Thanks to: Auto Express

Sneak Peek: Bentley 'Biofuel'

Bentley has released the first image and precious few details about a new model it claims will be its fastest, most powerful production car ever. The unnamed supercar will debut at the 2009 Geneva Motor Show on March 3.
Nearly all we know about this Bentley we've gleaned from the supplied picture. The car appears to be based on the Bentley Continental GT, as the only noticeable differences are the small hood vents and the new front fascia, which features a reshaped lower grille and brake-cooling ducts. Beyond that, Bentley tells us that the car will deliver supercar performance while running on biofuel.Hopefully, more images and details will come to light as the Geneva Motor show approaches. For now, we can only speculate that this new monster Bentley will be more powerful than the existing 602-hp Continental GT Speed, which can hit 60 mph in 4.3 seconds and reach 202 mph.

Advertiser

Categories

Blog Archive

Followers

Traffict

Total Pageviews