The lowdown
Volkswagen has given its Touran MPV a welcome facelift, and a sprinkling of new features. The headline news is the introduction of Twincharge engines which employ both a turbo and a supercharger, as well as a park assist function that enables the seven-seater to slip itself into a space within 15 seconds. The revised model hits UK showrooms in early 2007.
VW has taken the plastic surgeon's scalpel to the Touran. The chrome grille and eye-shaped headlamps are lifted wholesale from the Eos coupe/convertible. At the back, the changes are harder to spot. Tweaked lamp graphics and a curvier rear bumper are the key differences. New 'Magny Cours' 16-inch alloy wheels are an optional extra. Overall, the look is less bland, but the van-like silhouette continues to cast a very unsexy shadow.
Thứ Bảy, 3 tháng 3, 2012
Honda Civic Type-R (2006): first official pictures
The lowdown
Honda's ultimate Civic – the Type-R – is unveiled today (Thursday 14). Set to go on UK sale in March 2007 for around £18,000, this Type-R attempts to mate the outgoing hot hatch's high-revving, wild child drivetrain with a more mellow driving experience – when the mood takes you. Indeed, Honda is billing the new cars as a 'refined superhatch', a concept Ford and VW have nailed successfully with the Focus ST and Golf GTi. The Type-R is no quicker than its predecessor, but it looks radically different, following the grafting of a butch bodykit onto the cooking hatch's already sci-fi styling.
Design: if aliens did cosmetic surgery
The boggo Civic is eye-catching; in Type-R guise, it's eye-watering. The body has been extended in every direction, by deep sills and bumpers with pouting lips. Mesh packs out the vents, with the nose ditching its plastic lens bar for a contoured grille seemingly modelled on mediaeval chainmail. At the rear, the triangular exhaust ports remain but a vast wing crowns the funky screen. The body hunkers down 15mm lower over the 18-inch wheels, packing out the arches beautifully. Honda admits that the styling of the last Type-R was an afterthought, but the designers have made amends with the new generation. All Type-Rs will have three doors.
Honda's ultimate Civic – the Type-R – is unveiled today (Thursday 14). Set to go on UK sale in March 2007 for around £18,000, this Type-R attempts to mate the outgoing hot hatch's high-revving, wild child drivetrain with a more mellow driving experience – when the mood takes you. Indeed, Honda is billing the new cars as a 'refined superhatch', a concept Ford and VW have nailed successfully with the Focus ST and Golf GTi. The Type-R is no quicker than its predecessor, but it looks radically different, following the grafting of a butch bodykit onto the cooking hatch's already sci-fi styling.
Design: if aliens did cosmetic surgery
The boggo Civic is eye-catching; in Type-R guise, it's eye-watering. The body has been extended in every direction, by deep sills and bumpers with pouting lips. Mesh packs out the vents, with the nose ditching its plastic lens bar for a contoured grille seemingly modelled on mediaeval chainmail. At the rear, the triangular exhaust ports remain but a vast wing crowns the funky screen. The body hunkers down 15mm lower over the 18-inch wheels, packing out the arches beautifully. Honda admits that the styling of the last Type-R was an afterthought, but the designers have made amends with the new generation. All Type-Rs will have three doors.
Audi reveals monster V12 diesel
Audi has revealed details of a flagship diesel Q7, which runs a V12 TDI inspired by the company's Le Mans-winning diesel racer.
Ingolstadt claims the engine is the world's most powerful production diesel. The blown 6.0-litre V12 kicks out 493bhp and a staggering 737lb ft at just 1750rpm. The Q7 may be the size of a train, but it will go like one too with the V12 TDI under the nose.
The announcement is timed to rain on the new Range Rover V8 diesel's parade, just driven by CARS GAMES Online and on sale in a few weeks. But punters will have to wait until next year to get their hands on a Q7 TDI, and probably pay around £55-60,000.
The V12 powers the Q7 from standstill to 62mph in just 5.5sec, and onto 155mph. Yet Audi claims 23.7mpg from pre-production prototypes. Power is sent to all four wheels via a strengthened, six-speed automatic 'box. The 6.0-litre unit employs twin turbochargers and the latest common rail injection system to produce such monster power, while reining in fuel consumption.
The boost pressure in the injection rail is 2000bar, some 300 up on the powerful Range Rover's. Audi claims the V12 TDI meets Euro V emissions standards – which don't even come into force until 2010.
Ingolstadt claims the engine is the world's most powerful production diesel. The blown 6.0-litre V12 kicks out 493bhp and a staggering 737lb ft at just 1750rpm. The Q7 may be the size of a train, but it will go like one too with the V12 TDI under the nose.
The announcement is timed to rain on the new Range Rover V8 diesel's parade, just driven by CARS GAMES Online and on sale in a few weeks. But punters will have to wait until next year to get their hands on a Q7 TDI, and probably pay around £55-60,000.
The V12 powers the Q7 from standstill to 62mph in just 5.5sec, and onto 155mph. Yet Audi claims 23.7mpg from pre-production prototypes. Power is sent to all four wheels via a strengthened, six-speed automatic 'box. The 6.0-litre unit employs twin turbochargers and the latest common rail injection system to produce such monster power, while reining in fuel consumption.
The boost pressure in the injection rail is 2000bar, some 300 up on the powerful Range Rover's. Audi claims the V12 TDI meets Euro V emissions standards – which don't even come into force until 2010.
Subaru Legacy/Outback (2006): first official pictures
The lowdown
Subaru is making over its Legacy saloon and Outback wagon for the 2007 model year. A subtle facelift, upgraded cabin, retuned suspension and three-mode 3.0-litre flat six – with sport, economy and normal options – are the big changes. The 2.0-, 2.5- and 3.0-litre range will cost from £17,995, with the cars coming on stream in the next few weeks.
Smarter engine
It's the drivetrain that marks the biggest change to the '07 range. Dubbed SI-Drive (Subaru Intelligent Drive) and standard on all 3.0-litre models, the new Legacy offers a choice of three settings to suit the driver's mood. It adjusts throttle response and gearshift points depending on conditions. 'Intelligent' mode appeases the economy conscious by feathering power and optimising fuel consumption of the 242bhp six-cylinder engine. For those in a hurry however, the sport modes offer quicker kickdown and holds onto the revs for longer. SI-Drive is available with both the manual and six-speed auto, with the latter now operated by wheel-mounted paddles. The 3.0-litre boxer six is also revised to provide more of the 219lb ft of torque at lower revs. As before, the Spec B saloon is the flagship, with a top speed of 151mph and a 0-60 mph time of 6.5sec.
Subaru is making over its Legacy saloon and Outback wagon for the 2007 model year. A subtle facelift, upgraded cabin, retuned suspension and three-mode 3.0-litre flat six – with sport, economy and normal options – are the big changes. The 2.0-, 2.5- and 3.0-litre range will cost from £17,995, with the cars coming on stream in the next few weeks.
Smarter engine
It's the drivetrain that marks the biggest change to the '07 range. Dubbed SI-Drive (Subaru Intelligent Drive) and standard on all 3.0-litre models, the new Legacy offers a choice of three settings to suit the driver's mood. It adjusts throttle response and gearshift points depending on conditions. 'Intelligent' mode appeases the economy conscious by feathering power and optimising fuel consumption of the 242bhp six-cylinder engine. For those in a hurry however, the sport modes offer quicker kickdown and holds onto the revs for longer. SI-Drive is available with both the manual and six-speed auto, with the latter now operated by wheel-mounted paddles. The 3.0-litre boxer six is also revised to provide more of the 219lb ft of torque at lower revs. As before, the Spec B saloon is the flagship, with a top speed of 151mph and a 0-60 mph time of 6.5sec.
Dodge Avenger (2006): first official pictures
The lowdown
Dodge plans to ambush the repmobile market with the production version of this Avenger concept. To be revealed at next week's Paris motor show and due in showrooms in July 2007, the Avenger will be spun off the new Chrysler Sebring's front-wheel drive platform. Power comes from four and six-cylinder engines.
Muscle car looks
The Avenger will go head-to-head with the new Mondeo and 2008's new Vectra, using its muscle car styling to stand out. The concept brims with testosterone, with a dose of extra aggression from its macho bodykit. The deep skirts, low front splitter and flared wheelarch extensions will feature on mid-range R/T versions, so expect the flagship SRT6 version to look even more in-your-face. The crosshair grille with 'red inferno' body-coloured inserts and piercing headlamps should prompt a few double takes in rear view mirrors. The wheelarches are packed with 19inch rims. The Avenger looks like a mini-Charger, Dodge's latest version of the Dukes of Hazzard's getaway car introduced Stateside in 2005. The nose and the haunch that sweeps up over the rear wheelarch are hugely faithful to its four-door big brother.
Dodge plans to ambush the repmobile market with the production version of this Avenger concept. To be revealed at next week's Paris motor show and due in showrooms in July 2007, the Avenger will be spun off the new Chrysler Sebring's front-wheel drive platform. Power comes from four and six-cylinder engines.
Muscle car looks
The Avenger will go head-to-head with the new Mondeo and 2008's new Vectra, using its muscle car styling to stand out. The concept brims with testosterone, with a dose of extra aggression from its macho bodykit. The deep skirts, low front splitter and flared wheelarch extensions will feature on mid-range R/T versions, so expect the flagship SRT6 version to look even more in-your-face. The crosshair grille with 'red inferno' body-coloured inserts and piercing headlamps should prompt a few double takes in rear view mirrors. The wheelarches are packed with 19inch rims. The Avenger looks like a mini-Charger, Dodge's latest version of the Dukes of Hazzard's getaway car introduced Stateside in 2005. The nose and the haunch that sweeps up over the rear wheelarch are hugely faithful to its four-door big brother.
Ford Mondeo teaser concept
The lowdown
This is another one of those ‘concept’ cars that isn’t a concept car at all. According to Ford the Paris motor show star gives a glimpse of what we might expect from the next Mondeo, but they’re not fooling anyone: the sheetmetal is pure production new Mondeo. Premium: that’s the look and feel Ford wanted. So the new car is better looking, better built and safer too. The real production car makes its debut at the Geneva salon next March before landing in showroom that spring priced from £16,000.
Design
Pretty bold isn’t it? Well, for a Mondeo anyway. It’s the first real example of Ford’s new design language, ‘kinetic’ design. The thinking is that recent Fords have all been great to drive but just haven’t managed to articulate that ability through their exterior design. The current Ford Focus is a case in point. So Ford phoned in SOS to Martin Smith, the man responsible for revitalising the Astra and, more recently, the Corsa. Smith joined Ford as design boss two years ago but the Mondeo is his first full project. Recognise the features? They’re straight from Smith’s Iosis concept car we first saw at Frankfurt this time last year but packaged in a slightly more sensible body. The twin trapezoidal front grilles, swept-back lights and kicked up waistline will all appear in future Ford models in some form or another. As will the taller, bluffer front end mandated by pedestrian impact rules that demand space between the bonnet and the engine. This one’s the estate – we’ll have to wait and see if ford gives it a poncy Avant-like tag – but the new Mondeo will come in four-door saloon and five-door hatch guises too. And just to stick it to the competition Ford will push all three body styles out at once.
This is another one of those ‘concept’ cars that isn’t a concept car at all. According to Ford the Paris motor show star gives a glimpse of what we might expect from the next Mondeo, but they’re not fooling anyone: the sheetmetal is pure production new Mondeo. Premium: that’s the look and feel Ford wanted. So the new car is better looking, better built and safer too. The real production car makes its debut at the Geneva salon next March before landing in showroom that spring priced from £16,000.
Design
Pretty bold isn’t it? Well, for a Mondeo anyway. It’s the first real example of Ford’s new design language, ‘kinetic’ design. The thinking is that recent Fords have all been great to drive but just haven’t managed to articulate that ability through their exterior design. The current Ford Focus is a case in point. So Ford phoned in SOS to Martin Smith, the man responsible for revitalising the Astra and, more recently, the Corsa. Smith joined Ford as design boss two years ago but the Mondeo is his first full project. Recognise the features? They’re straight from Smith’s Iosis concept car we first saw at Frankfurt this time last year but packaged in a slightly more sensible body. The twin trapezoidal front grilles, swept-back lights and kicked up waistline will all appear in future Ford models in some form or another. As will the taller, bluffer front end mandated by pedestrian impact rules that demand space between the bonnet and the engine. This one’s the estate – we’ll have to wait and see if ford gives it a poncy Avant-like tag – but the new Mondeo will come in four-door saloon and five-door hatch guises too. And just to stick it to the competition Ford will push all three body styles out at once.
Kia Proceed (2006): first official pictures
Kia Proceed: the lowdown
Shock! One of the most significant cars unveiled at today’s Paris show was a Kia. Not only was this Proceed concept sexy and sporty, a first for a Kia. But its relevance goes deeper than its skin. The Proceed is the three door version of Kia’s five-door Ceed hatchback, a car that will be built in eastern Europe, have a seven year warranty – the continent’s longest – and will give the Focus, Golf et al a serious run for their money with its spacious, high quality interior and good value prices. The five-door hatch goes on UK sale in January 2007 for just under £12,000, with a Peugeot 407-alike wagon following in September 2007 and the production Proceed in December 2007.
Kia gets sexy
The Proceed concept is almost identical to the production car, due in late 2007. The swooping roofline, scalloped sides, sleek window graphic, raked rear hatch and inverted radiator grille (compared with the five-door) are all the real deal. Only the aluminium details like the tailpipes, big 19inch wheels, lamp graphics and slim side mirrors will be dulled down. The bonnet and front wings are the only panels carried over from the five door, and the Proceed sits 30mm closer to the road, too. Kia reckons the chassis has been benchmarked against the Focus and Golf, but we’ll believe that only when we’ve driven it. And the pokiest Ceed engine at launch will muster just 143bhp, and Kia will have to do a lot better than that if the Proceed is to match cars like the Golf GTi. ‘It’s not enough; everybody agrees we need more power,’ said an insider. ‘We have something in the pipeline.’
Shock! One of the most significant cars unveiled at today’s Paris show was a Kia. Not only was this Proceed concept sexy and sporty, a first for a Kia. But its relevance goes deeper than its skin. The Proceed is the three door version of Kia’s five-door Ceed hatchback, a car that will be built in eastern Europe, have a seven year warranty – the continent’s longest – and will give the Focus, Golf et al a serious run for their money with its spacious, high quality interior and good value prices. The five-door hatch goes on UK sale in January 2007 for just under £12,000, with a Peugeot 407-alike wagon following in September 2007 and the production Proceed in December 2007.
Kia gets sexy
The Proceed concept is almost identical to the production car, due in late 2007. The swooping roofline, scalloped sides, sleek window graphic, raked rear hatch and inverted radiator grille (compared with the five-door) are all the real deal. Only the aluminium details like the tailpipes, big 19inch wheels, lamp graphics and slim side mirrors will be dulled down. The bonnet and front wings are the only panels carried over from the five door, and the Proceed sits 30mm closer to the road, too. Kia reckons the chassis has been benchmarked against the Focus and Golf, but we’ll believe that only when we’ve driven it. And the pokiest Ceed engine at launch will muster just 143bhp, and Kia will have to do a lot better than that if the Proceed is to match cars like the Golf GTi. ‘It’s not enough; everybody agrees we need more power,’ said an insider. ‘We have something in the pipeline.’
Đăng ký:
Bài đăng (Atom)