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Volvo has revealed the first sketches of the new Volvo XC90 that have been etched out by the designers. Showcased in California at Volvo’s forward-thinking Concept Centre, the sketches provide a rough idea of what the all new model will look like.
The all-new model could be launched in 2014 and will feature an ultra-low CO2 diesel-electric hybrid version as part of its line-up. Volvo has confirmed that the new Volvo XC90 will be the first production car to be built on the firm’s upcoming scalable platform architecture with a new four-cylinder-only engine range as part of the plan as well as the use of hybrid and electric powertrains.
source: Autocar
German manufacturer Audi, who has won the 24 hrs 10 times in the last 12 years, showcases the very best of how motor sport technology programs that they develop directly effect the cars that are produced for the street. The tie between the track and the street is unmistakable for Audi and this evolution is also echoed by two companies with the same motorsport centric vision, BBS and Michelin, the technologies of which are developed for customer use.
Baumgartner, Brand, Schiltachi, more affectionately known the world over as BBS, was born from the last names of the two founders and the city in Germany where the company was founded in 1970. BBS pioneered the develoment of the three-piece racing wheel and today, with the knowledge, experience, technology and product line, are the dominant choice for track and street use. A relatively new wheel from BBS is the CH-R that incorporates many of the technologies and design features established in the BBS Motorsport program, with specific attention paid to strength and weight savings. The milling, spoke design, rim flange and production methods are all ideals learned for the track and leveraged for the street. The result is a thinner rim wall thickness and a lighter wheel.
Audi has officially unveiled its R8 LMS Ultra on Thursday, set to replace the current R8 LMS GT3 sports car. The updated version features a new hood, a larger rear wing and improved underbody aerodynamics. There are also carbon fiber reinforced plastic doors, enlarged side blades and wider Michelin tires.
The new model was improved with the help of Audi’s customers who provided valuable suggestions and input. Werner Frowein, Quattro managing director said in a statement that We have close ties to our customers and analyzed their suggestions and wishes worldwide and subjected the R8 LMS to further development in many details.”
Other new features include: a new PS1 safety seat developed by Audi, now part of the standard equipment, that provides protection and surpasses the mandatory minimum requirements under extreme loads; an updated transmission to better handle long-distance runs; a new exhaust system that enables the 5.2-litre V10 engine to produce 570 PS and larger side air vents.
While all 2012 vehicles will be upgraded based on the specs above, all previous models will be offered conversion kits.
First deliveries will begin in March 2012 with pricing starting at at €329,900 (about R3, 658 591)
source: autoweek
The Los Angeles Motor Show was the platform for the debut of Porsche’s new Panamera GTS. Based on the Panamera 4S, the latest model is tougher, faster and sportier.
The engine has been upgraded t0 the 4.8-litre naturally aspirated V8, making a total of 424bhp and 384lb ft with an additional 30 horsepower. Torque has been increased from 360 lb-ft to 384 lb-ft and the motor is coupled with a 7-speed Porsche Doppelkupplungsgetriebe (PDK) transmission in the Sport Chrono package.
The Porsche GTS weighs in at 1920kg which explains the 25.9mpg combined fuel economy and 256g/km of CO2 released. Porsche has also dropped the body by 10mm, tightened the damping system and tuned the chassis with Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM). Handling is improved by the body drop, 19 inch Turbo wheels, Porsche Ceramic Composite Breaks (PCCB) and bigger brake discs.
Ford’s new 2013 Escape will go on sale as the new five-seater Kuga crossover 2012 in Europe, revealed at this year’s Los Angeles Motor Show. The all-new Kuga/Escape will be Ford’s first ‘unified’ SUV and, previewed by the European designed Vertrek concept from this year’s Detroit Auto Show, takes much of its design inspiration from the 2012 Focus. The new vehicle is the latest development in Ford chief Alan Mulally’s ‘One Ford’ philosophy.
The cars are almost identical save for a few changes. In terms of styling, the grille and foglamps will change for the 2012 Kuga and there will be more chrome elements for the European models as well with minor changes to the dashboard and centre console. The Kuga’s most significant alteration will be in its 100mm increase in length improving legroom and boot space.
Mercedes has revealed its new 2012 ML 63 AMG in order to compete effectively with BMW’s M division SUVs and Porsche’s Cayenne Turbo.
The new 4X4 is installed with AMG’s new 5.5-litre V8 Biturbo engine that cranks out 518bhp and 516lb ft. Although limited to 155mph, the ML63 will surpass 62mph in just 4.8 seconds. It is also offered with a performance package and if selected, turbo pressure is increased from 1.0 to 1.3 bar to unleash 415kW and 760Nm, making it possibly the most powerful production SUV in the world.
With speed also comes conscientious driving as Mercedes has fitted the vehicle with a number of fuel saving technologies. There’s stop-start, the latest piezo-managed direct injection and a seven-speed auto transmission for a CO2 rating that decreases fuel consumption by 27% from its predecessor. Average economy is also trimmed with a decrease in weight of 40kg. Four-wheel drive, Airmatic air suspension with three selectable modes, adaptive dampers and a choice of 20 inch or 21 inch alloys comes standard.
This is a spy shot of the new Volvo V30, in full camouflage, that is said to slot in between the C30 hatch and V50 estate and is rumoured to rival VW’s Golf. The new model, unofficially named the V30, will offer the flexibilty of five doors, as demanded by most customers, and a full tailgate. The new model is set to launch in mid to late 2012.
General Motors has just unveiled its next generation Chevrolet TrailBlazer for 2013 at the Dubai International Motor Show.
The new seven-seater is powered by a 2.8-liter Duramax turbo-diesel engine and has second and third row seats that fold down to provide a space that functions as a cargo area. The TrailBlazer combines the hauling and towing capability of a body-on-frame SUV with the comfort and efficiency of a crossover. In terms of styling, the vehicle gets a power dome in the hood, high-mounted dual projector headlamps, tri-coat pearlescent white paint and polished 20-inch aluminum wheels.
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