Autos Tuning

Saturday, February 25, 2012

2013 Mazda cx5

2013 Mazda cx5

Specifications prices Modifications and Image 2011 Opel Tigra
If you were to ring Harrods and say you wanted to spend £100,000 in their luggage department, I wouldn't be at all surprised if they sent a car and gave you a genuflecting personal assistant with a PhD in obsequiousness.

But if you were to ring a car dealer and say you wanted to spend £100,000, they’d put you on hold for half an hour. After which you’d be put through to a disinterested yob with nasty hair and a cheap suit who would explain that they have no demonstrators at the moment so maybe you could pop in some time later on the off chance.

When you do, you’ll be told there are still no demonstrators, that the windscreen wipers are optional extras, that you can have it in a choice of only five colours — all of them ghastly — and that delivery is expected some time in 2008.

And this is for a car costing £100,000, so I dread to think how shabbily you are treated if you “only” want to spend £15,000. Frankly, I’d be surprised if you could get out of the showroom with your life.

Let me give you an example. Last week, while driving around in Vauxhall’s little Tigra, I ran over a screw. This meant the tyre went flat, which in turn meant I had to pull over and change the wheel. Hard, because there was no jack, and doubly hard because despite what it said in the handbook there was no spare wheel either.

All you get is a can of foam and a set of instructions that explain what to do with it. Step One, apparently, is to remove whatever it is that caused the tyre to go flat in the first place.

EXTERIOR
The Vauxhall Tigra offers excellent driver appeal, from sport suspension, low profile tyres to 15 or 16-inch alloy wheels, the Tigra provides a very enjoyable ride. It’s not a sportscar, but performs very well for a vehicle in this sector. The 1.8-litre Sport, has a chrome tailpipe, and a pleasantly sporty feel during acceleration. The car is able to 125bhp and has a 0-60mph time of 9 seconds.

This is not a family vehicle. The Tigra lacks the space necessary to be a practical family car. It could be used as a sedcond car, or an expensive teen car.

The Tigra would make a good first car. In many ways the Tigra would make an ideal first car. The majority of buyers are likely to be female, despite the fact that the Tigra is more masculine than the 206 CC or Ford Streetka. Image conscious young buyers on a limited budget will find the car’s blend of style and personality at an affordable price irresistable. Insurance rates will run high though.

Past generations of Vauxhalls have been boring and too predictable, leaving the newer more exciting generations the burden of countering that image. The cara are well made and cars like the Monaro, VX220 and now the Tigra coupe/cabriolet will definitely win more than a few buyers over. The lack of quality in the cabin will hurt matters even more though. The car might age quickly and ifso, that will lower resale values for the little Tigra.

INTERIOR
The drive & handling of the Opel Tigra wins an 8 on 10. The steering is firm and has a decent grip. There is no body roll, even around sharp corners. The ride is quite comfy at the same time has a twinge of peppiness to it. If over-assisted, the steering is sharp and quick. This is probably one car that you can enjoy roof down as well as on top. (That is if you don’t mind the wind blowing through your hair!).

I would probably rate the interiors only a 3.5 on 10, simply because you wouldn’t expect something that looks so great on the outside to be so old fashioned on the inside. The cabin is a bit drab, plasticy and looks aged. The driving position is not too great either, though it’s not completely unbearable.

My lowest score of 2 on 10, would easily go for the space & practicality of the Tigra. But then again, you wouldn’t select this car as a family wagon. There is very little space in the car even if you compare it to rivals in the same segment. The boot is super tiny and practically unfeasible.

ENGINE
In terms of the engines, I would give the Tigra car a 7 on 10. The only reason I have cut points is because of the minimal options. Performance wise, both the 90bhp 1.4 and the 70bhp 1.3 CDTi, are great. But if I had to choose, I would pick the 1.4 petrol as the better option. That’s honestly because I personally prefer the roof on top and the petrol version just adds that zing to a cabrio.

In terms of performance, I would give the Tigra only a 5 on 10. now, I have no particular complaints against the performance so much as I have against the speed. The Tigra is promoted as a sports car; but the 1.3 CDTi takes 15.5 seconds to reach 100km/h while the 1.4 needs about 12.4 seconds. I assure you no racers or adrenaline pumping youngster is going to opt for this car.

SAFETY
ABS, driver, passenger and side airbags, active head restraints, seatbelt force limiters and a pedal release mechanism are all thrown in to help you out in the event of an accident. Those with young children will be disappointed to note the absence of a passenger airbag cut-off switch, making it dangerous to fix a rear-facing child seat in the front. The roll bars and strengthened A pillars should be more than strong enough in the event of a roll over. Steering wheel-mounted audio controls eliminate the need to avert eyes from road to fiddle around with the stereo.
source:www.motorguidance.com,www.buyyourcar.co.uk,www.theaa.com

2012 Opel Corsa

Specifications prices Modifications and Image 2011 Opel Corsa
GM has just revealed the facelift version 2011 Opel Corsa which is now a bit more powerful and with 13 percent more fuel efficient.
The 2011 Opel Corsa Facelift is also featuring an improved chassis and steering while at the interior the level of comfort was increased.
On the Color Race, Color Edition and Color Wave 2011 Opel Corsa variants the manufacturer offers unique 17 inch wheels and body finishes and a 111 Limited Edition version that will get sold only in Europe is also on its way.
The 2011 Opel Corsa Facelift comes fitted with the standard 1.0-litre 3-cylinder unit that produces 65 HP while the most powerful version has the 1.6-litre OPC engine under the bonnet that is good for 192 HP.

INTERIOR
The Opel Corsa continues to offer one of the roomiest and most attractive interiors in its class. The welcoming nature of its cockpit has been given a substantial make-over. The layout of the attractive, user-friendly dashboard has been retained, but the surface treatments - a clever blend of matt and high-gloss materials - have been the subject of noticeable upgrades in quality and appearance.

The variety of available finishes, fabrics, and colors helps to differentiate between the trim levels and also ensures that all customers find the perfect trim to match their wishes. Key features of the interiors are the newly decorated center consoles, with the striking patterns and colors of the instrument panel pads, available in modern color combinations that give the interior a young and fresh character.

High quality begins in the Essentia entry level model, showing a premium Punch fabric quality and a new center stack color matt chrome. In addition to the classic charcoal interior, the Enjoy trim level adds a young fresh look with Steel Blue or is available in Tabasco Orange. The lively, colorful interiors are offset with contrasts in material applications such as pearl white on the console, the steering wheel and around the door handles. The colors and instrument panel patterns created through a two-tone effect add harmony to the overall appearance of the interior. The Sport execution shows a center stack held in elegant Japan Black with galvanized air vent decorations. The Cosmo has a new grey high gloss center stack bezel with a contrasting wing insert in the instrument panel, plus beautiful embossed seat fabric to give it a very elegant and upscale feel.

The new "Touch & Connect" infotainment system is a multi-media all-round unit with navigation system that is universally connectible and easy to use. Its many upscale features include dynamic navigation, Aux-in and USB and Bluetooth connectivity. The navigation is menu-driven via a touch screen.

EXTERIOR
The Opel Corsa's new looks build on the strong foundation of its successful design. It still retains its dynamic, friendly character, but now introduces a bold, sporty face in line with Opel's new design language.

The sporty execution is achieved by re-proportioning the upper and lower grilles. The lower grille has become wider and taller, thus visually widening the car. A high degree of attention has been paid to the three-dimensional mesh of the upper grille, which reminds one of the Astra and replaces the previous horizontal bars. The proud, new Opel logo is integrated into a redesigned, larger and sculptured chromed bar, adding to the expressive appearance of the front. Thanks to these changes, the Corsa now has an even more dynamic stance.

Chiseled Opel eagle eyes have been added to the new headlamps along with the typical wing-shaped daylight signature lamp that made its debut in the Insignia and is now featured in all new Opel products. The internals of the lamp have also been refined to create a very jewel-like execution that enhances the sporty look. The new fog lamp units with integrated chrome blade complete the more expressive presence of the Opel Corsa's new face. The look is further enhanced with six new alloy wheel designs and a large, redesigned Opel logo on the tailgate. Three new exterior colors are also integrated in the palette: a delicate off-white Guacamole, an eye-catching Grasshopper green and a warm Henna.

The side profile of the new Opel Corsa retains the charm that has already established it as a market favorite. The curved, aerodynamic silhouette is equally attractive in both coupé-like three and family-oriented five-door versions. The expressive front and rear design, the well-defined upswept waistline, and the optimal body-to-wheel relationship all work together to give a sleek, dynamic impression. Just like the radiator grille, the V-shaped tailgate with the trademark center crease and the large emblem carries unmistakable Opel design elements.

The Opel Corsa's wide stance and pronounced wheel arches clearly reflect the handling agility and driving fun the bestseller offers.

ENGINE
The powertrain line-up consists of a wide offer of gasoline enginefrom the 1-liter 3 cylinder (48 kW/65 hp ) entry level version to theturbo charged 1.6-liter on the Corsa OPC (141 kW/192 hp). On the dieselside, different versions of the 1.3 and 1.7 CDTI motors offer outputsranging from 55 kW/75 hp to 96 kW/130 hp all with fuel consumptionunder 5 liters per 100 kilometers. The Corsa ecoFLEX 1.3 l CDTI offers exceptionally low CO2 emissions of just 98 g/km for the 3-door variant,99 g/km for the 5-door.
Opel engineers have developed the engines to give greater torque,while at the same time reducing their appetite for fuel and loweringCO2 emissions. All gasoline engines, and the new 1.7 CDTI diesel,comply with Euro 5 emissions standards.
The most popular gasoline powertrains – 1.0, 1.2 and 1.4-liter withmanual and automated Easytronic transmissions – offer combined cyclefuel consumption between just 5.0 and 5.5 l/100 km, and CO2 ratingsfrom 117 to 129 g/km with manual transmission. With an average fuelconsumption of just 5.0 l/100 km and 117 g/km CO2, the Corsa 1.0 is thecleanest of all gasoline-powered entries in its segment. The 1.4 enginecomes in two variants, with 64 kW/87 hp and 74 kW/100 hp and isavailable with full automatic transmission in its most powerfulexecution. The 1.2 and 1.4-liter Twinport engines are now fitted withdouble cam phasing to allow variable valve timing on both inlet andexhaust sides for more efficient breathing.
Other measures that improve fuel consumption for all gasolineengines include a low friction oil pump, remapping of the enginethermostat and a ”shift up” indicator to help the driver change gearfor optimum fuel economy.
The 1.3 CDTI engine is also improved, giving the Corsa ecoFLEX modelexceptionally low CO2 emissions of just 98 g/km for the 3-door variant,99 g/km for the 5-door. The Corsa ecoFLEX is Opel’s lowest emittingcar, yet it is packed with 27 percent more power and 10 percent greaterfuel efficiency. A diesel particulate filter and the “shift up”indicator in the cluster are standard.
The top-of-the-line 1.7 CDTI diesel engine now offers more power andtorque – increased to 96 kW/130 hp and 300 Nm – as well as a ninepercent cut in CO2 emissions and fuel consumption, to 118 g/km and 4.5l/100km.
source:www.netcarshow.com,www.carsession.com

2012 Fiat 500

Almost every report on the 2012 Fiat 500 cites BMW's Mini and its highly successful rebirth as a boutique go-kart. While the reborn Cinquecento carries similar luster—European roots, a distant heritage that includes some racing lore, a cuteness factor usually reserved for babies and furry animals--Fiat's four-seat hipster is hardly the mechanical tour de force that makes Mini such a winner.

Our 500 is not exactly the same as the car sold in Europe. To pass more stringent crash regulations in the U.S., the 500 has a new rear structure and a slightly different torsion-beam rear-suspension design. Other differences between the U.S. and European versions are mostly related to comfort: wider and flatter seats, more sound-deadening material, and the addition of an armrest for the driver. Mechanically, a conventional six-speed automatic transmission will be available. Fiat’s tuning of the chassis and electric power steering are slightly different as well, with the latter actually being slightly quicker than the European steering.

That's not to say the car is a dud to drive. In the run-up to the 500's debut in February in U.S. showrooms, we enjoyed test drives from the winding back roads of New York's Hudson Valley to the hills and valleys surrounding San Diego in Southern California. While that's enough sampling to say definitively that the 500 is no Mini when it comes to carving up corners, the car does corner the market on other redeeming factors.

Pricing, for instance, starts at $16,000 for a well-equipped car, undercutting the Mini by about $4,000 and putting it up against other similarly equipped small entries such as the Ford Fiesta and the Nissan Juke. Content is solid, with seven airbags, active head restraints, antilock brakes, stability control and tire-pressure monitors all standard.

The suspension keeps the standard 15-inch or optional 16-inch tires planted in hard cornering. The steering can be a little too light in normal driving mode, but when you flick the dash-mounted sport-mode switch, it tightens the steering feel while improving throttle response and transmission mapping (on automatic models). The brakes are excellent, and overall, the car feels reasonably spry and is fun to drive.

Three trim levels will be available. The most basic will be called Pop, and it starts at $16,000. Standard equipment will include air conditioning, 15-inch steel wheels, stability and traction control, anti-lock brakes, seven airbags, power windows and locks, and a tire-repair kit. For those who demand more luxury in their tiny Italian cars—and who doesn’t?—Fiat will offer the $20,000 Lounge trim level, which adds a fixed glass roof, 15-inch aluminum wheels, satellite radio, fog lights, a Bose audio system, leather seats and steering wheel, cruise control, Bluetooth, and a USB port for MP3-player integration.

The version we’re most likely to plunk down our lira for is the $18,000 model. Fiat calls it Sport, but it’s not any more powerful than the other 500 models; the moniker comes from the firmer suspension tune. Additionally, the Sport is upgraded from the Pop with 16-inch aluminum wheels, red brake calipers, unique front and rear fascias, a Bose audio system, and Bluetooth. Options available among the various trim levels include heated seats, a removable navigation system by TomTom, an auto-dimming rear-view mirror, an $850 power sunroof, and the automatic transmission for $1000.

The 500 coming to the States is powered by a Dundee, Mich.-built 1.4-liter, 101-hp, 98-lb-ft inline-four-cylinder gasoline engine with Fiat's MultiAir--the first U.S. application of a technology that independently manages intake and exhaust valves. A hydraulic system operates the intake valves for a more precise amount of air allowed into the combustion chamber. The management helps return 30 mpg in the city and 38 mpg on the highway for the manual model, while the automatic returns 27 mpg city and 34 mpg highway. The engine pulls well for such a small-displacement mill, without a lot of collateral racket and without the aid of a turbocharger. Extra boost will come early in 2012, when Fiat brings us the 148-hp Abarth performance edition now enjoyed by enthusiasts in Europe. A battery-electric model will follow by the end of 2012.

The plant in Mexico can build 100,000 cars annually, with half slated for North America and the other half heading to South America, primarily Brazil. The concessions made for the U.S. market--a quieter cabin, larger seats, cup-holders big enough to swallow Big Gulps, not to mention a six-speed automatic transmission not available elsewhere--should all help make the reborn 500 a success here, just as it has been in other markets. To date, Fiat has sold 500,000 of the 500s in 80 countries.

As with the Mini, the 500's tiny-tot styling draws attention and smiles at every turn. While it might take a bit longer to get to those turns and through them than in a Mini, you will be doing so with Italian style, and that's one thing the Mini can't deliver.

2012 Fiat MOPAR 500 Chromed & Carbon

Informations Modification Specification Image Review 2012 Fiat MOPAR 500
The Fiat brand marks its return to the North American market with the 2012 Fiat 500 (Cinquecento). With its beautiful Italian styling, timeless functionality, efficient design and innovative technology – the same attributes that made the original version a timeless icon – the new Fiat 500 is relevant for an entirely new generation of drivers.Following is a list of Mopar accessories that will be featured on the 2012 Fiat 500:
• Door-sill guards with 500 logo
• Roof/hood decals feature a double-blue stripe
• Katzkin leather interior, black with blue accents
• Carbon fiber-style hand brake
• Carbon fiber-style shift knob with leather boot
• Rear window-mount rack
• Snowboard carrier
• Wheels, black gloss• Chromed exhaust tip

INTERIOR
Following is a list of Mopar accessories that will be featured on the 2012 Fiat 500:Door-sill guards with 500 logoRoof/hood decals feature a double-blue stripeKatzkin leather interior, black with blue accentsCarbon fiber-style hand brakeCarbon fiber-style shift knob with leather bootRear window-mount rackSnowboard carrierWheels, black glossChromed exhaust tipChromed mirror coversChromed fuel doorChromed grille surround, front and backWheel center capsKey fob coverStrut tower brace

EXTERIOR
It gets a variety of exterior mods, including a chrome exhaust tip, fuel door, mirror covers, snowboard carrier and glossy black wheels, as well as a roof decal with a blue double stripe that makes its way down the hood. Interior options include door-sill guards with the 500 logo, Katzkin black and blue leather interior, and carbon-fiber handbrake and gearshift levers with leather boots.

The new 200 midsize sedan also gets an enhanced exterior, including a gloss-black mesh grille, 3-inch suspension drop, foglight bezel with light bar, vented hood, front lip, 19-inch wheels, deck-lid spoiler, rear valance and exhaust tip. The color theme is black and tungsten, and buyers also have the option of a Katzkin leather interior just like with the Fiat.

Driving Impressions
The Mopar Ram Runner, inspired by Baja-style desert racing, is a 4×4 unlike any other Ram. the rigors of off-road racing require large tires, plenty of ground clearance, extreme durability and a sophisticated suspension system capable of withstanding tremendous impact. these features are combined into a package that is stable at speed and rock-solid in the corners. Inspired by trophy trucks, steel front fenders and rear bed-sides are replaced with fiberglass, allowing tremendous suspension articulation with zero interference. source:howtobreak-80.org,topgear.com,insideline.com

2012 Fiat 500c

2012 Fiat 500c

Thursday, February 23, 2012

2013 BMW M6 Coupe

Specification Modification Image Review 2013 BMW M6 Coupe
Out of a passion for elite performance and an appreciation of exclusive style comes the allure for which M Automobiles are renowned - and which can now be experienced in two new forms. The new BMW M6 Coupe and BMW M6 Convertible offer top-class performance attributes and an ambience defined by luxury and innovative comfort features. In so doing, the high-performance sports cars developed by BMW M GmbH exude a level of poise and assurance unmatched in the premium segment of the executive class - and reflected authentically in the expressive design of the two models. The precise interplay of their high-revving V8 engine with M TwinPower Turbo technology and 412 kW/560 hp, a seven-speed M Double Clutch Transmission with Drivelogic, Active M Differential, model-specific chassis technology, an ideal weight balance and optimised aerodynamic properties serves up a particularly full-blooded M experience.

The conceptual harmony characteristic of M Automobiles also incorporates the specific features of the two models' body structures. The new BMW M6 Coupe has a dynamically contoured, lightweight roof made from carbon fibre- reinforced plastic. The new BMW M6 Convertible, meanwhile, is fitted with a high-quality soft-top, complete with eye-catching "fin" styling and fully electronic opening mechanism. All of which allows the driver and passengers to enjoy the dynamic performance of a high-performance sports car in harmony with the natural forces of the sun and wind.

As with the previous M6, the new super duper two-doors share almost all mechanical components with BMW's venerable M5 sedan. Power for the new BMW M6 comes from the same drivetrain as the M5: an amped-up version of BMW's S63Tue twin-turbocharged, direct-injection, 4.4-liter V-8. Peak turbo boost of 21.7 psi helps produce 560 hp and 500 lb-ft of torque; the latter delivered in a flat band between 1500 and 5750 rpm. The new mill produces 10 percent more horsepower than the retired 5.0-liter V-10 and is 30 percent more efficient at the same time, BMW says.

A seven-speed dual-clutch transmission transmits that power to the rear wheels, complete with shift paddles on the steering wheel and a launch control mode. BMW claims the M6 coupe will hit 62 mph in 4.2 seconds and the M6 convertible in 4.3 seconds; both are electronically limited to 155 mph.

The four-seat 2013 BMW M6 Coupe and Convertible are both powered by the 4.4 liter high-revving V8 engine with M TwinPower Turbo Technology making 560 hp at 5,750 – 7,000 rpm with a maximum torque of 500 lb-ft (680 Nm) between 1,500 and 5,750 rpm. The rev limiter comes in at 7,200 rpm. Mated to a 7-speed M Double Clutch Transmission with Drivelogic, 0 to 62 mph comes in at 4.2 seconds for the coupe and 4.3 seconds for the convertible. 0 to 124 mph takes just 12.6 seconds for the coupe and 13.1 seconds for the drop-top M6. Top speed on both models is limited to 155 mph.

While the output and performance of the 2013 BMW M6 has been pumped up over its predecessors, the new model consumers roughly 30 percent less fuel due to the introduction of new BMW EfficientDynamics technologies including Brake Energy Regeneration and the Auto Start-Stop function.
The BMW M6 Convertible will hit dealerships in June 2012 as a 2012 model year, while the M6 Coupe will arrive in dealerships in the late summer of 2012 as a 2013 model year. Pricing, EPA fuel-economy ratings, standard and optional equipment will be announced at a later date.
source:netcarshow.com,egmcartech.com,motortrend.com