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2012 Porsche Panamera Turbo S Review

The new Porsche Panamera Turbo S is to raise the bar for luxury sports cars four doors. The newest addition to the Gran Turismo series offers a unique combination of performance and efficiency, driving dynamics and comfort. The 4.8-liter V8 bi-turbo delivers 550 hp (410 kW), an increase of ten percent or 50 hp (37 kW) more than the Panamera Turbo. Torque also increases from 700 to 750 Nm and the Sport and Sport Plus "mode of the Sport Chrono Package Turbo standard - and during the kick-down in normal mode - the eight-cylinder engine delivers 800 Nm of Courtesy overboost function.

This engine delivers both improved Sprint's record for the new high end of the Panamera. When you use the launch control, 0-62 mph (0-100 km / h) is achieved in 3.8 seconds with a top speed of 191 mph (306 kmh) as possible. However, despite the increase in performance, fuel consumption Panamera Porsche Turbo S is maintained at a moderate level of the Panamera Turbo 24.6mpg combined NEDC - an example of intelligent performance of Porsche.

The improved performance compared Panamera Turbo can be attributed to two improvements. Improved turbo with titanium turbine wheel and aluminum-modified engine management. Use of titanium-aluminum alloy to reduce weight innovative turbine wheels and compressor. This results in a lower moment of inertia, and thus better and more responsive acceleration.

Porsche Panamera Turbo S has an overall level of equipment. In accordance with the Panamera sports concept, high performance, Turbo S offers a number of dynamic driving control system as a major standard. For example, increases the Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control (PDCC), a system of active roll stabilization, stability during cornering and thus increases both driving dynamics and comfort to the same degree. Porsche Torque Plus guide (PTV More) uses a variable torque split to the rear wheels in combination with a locking rear differential, electronically controlled limited provides superior traction and therefore more flexibility in every situation. Sport Chrono Package Turbo, which adjusts the suspension settings and engine control, makes the car even more sporting when the additional "Sport Plus" button. End of the development is a dynamic that offers a sport exhaust engine sound very emotional.

The distinctiveness of the new Porsche Panamera Turbo S is not manifested only in performance, but also outside. The 20-inch alloy II Turbo widest rear axle, side skirts Porsche Exclusive and adaptability to four lanes extending rear spoiler, color coordinated body looks help set appropriate focus on performance. The merger of exclusivity and sportiness is transported into the leather upholstery in two standard tones. Two new option combinations black / cream and agate gray and cream are offered exclusively for the new Panamera Turbo S will be available this fall.

Porsche Cayenne Turbo S goes on sale in June and is priced at £ 122,623. Installed in all the Panamera Turbo S Porsche Vehicle Tracking System (VTS), a sophisticated vehicle security package approved to Thatcham Category 5 standard, and guests can also explore the possibilities of their new car by participating in a free course Porsche experience in manufacturing, Silverstone.

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2011 Porsche Cayman R

At its launch in September 2005, redefined the concept mid-engine Cayman sports coupe that combines the dynamic chassis with brilliant sporting levels characteristic of the reactivity of its standard six engines. Now, with the introduction of the Cayman S, Porsche has developed further by car to reduce weight, increase strength and increase flexibility and handling to new heights. The new model will be the third version of the zone Cayman Cayman and Cayman S bond

55 kg less than the equivalent Cayman S weighs, and has the most power available in a mid-engine Porsche 330 hp Porsche Cayman S created for one reason: pure, distilled driving dynamics. With its sport suspension very attentive and careful attention to weight savings, the new model offers a Cayman driving experience even more accurate than the popular Cayman S.

Tracing its ancestry to the famous engine of 904 mid-cut 1960s, the famous Porsche Cayman S World Premiere at the 2010 Los Angeles Auto Show November 17, 2010.

Lightweight and powerful

The newest member of the family has mid-engine driving the Cayman highly efficient 3.4-liter, flat six-cylinder boxer direct injection of fuel (DHA) found in the Cayman S, but it has been to produce an extra 10 hp. With a gearbox six-speed manual, Porsche Cayman S sprints from a standstill to 62 mph in 5.0 seconds, two tenths of a second faster than the Cayman S. With the optional seven-speed dual-clutch PDK (PDK) transmission and the Sport Chrono Package, the exercise is reduced to 4.7 seconds. Top speed with a manual gearbox is up 3 to 175 mph (282 kmh), 174 mph (280 km / h) with the KDP.

The main objective in the design and implementation of the Porsche Cayman S has been to improve the already dynamic two-seater with a systematic reduction in weight and thus increase performance, driving dynamics and agility. With a curb weight of 1295 kg. Porsche's engineers have managed to obtain a power to weight ratio of 255 hp and 250 hp per tonne per tonne by the PDK.

More With Less

The largest savings in the use of lightweight components and find the level of equipment to those associated with driving performance. In addition to removing the air conditioning and stereo, the pilot based on the Porsche Cayman R uses a fuel tank just a little smaller than 54 liters and a sport suspension that lowers the Porsche Cayman A 20 mm, allows a central gravity.

The R Porsche Cayman also comes standard with a limited slip differential to improve cornering grip and alloy wheels 19 "(the first time in the Boxster Spyder) that reduce the weight of 5 kg. Skins Lightweight aluminum door for 911 Turbo and GT3, carbon fiber sport bucket seats and distinctive interior door panels of the 911 GT3 RS will also contribute to weight reduction.

Outside the Cayman Aerokit distinctive style sports - defines the Cayman S on the other, and halogen headlights black frame, mirrors and decorative contrasting "Porsche" sidebands provide additional distinction - with a fixed rear wing in a contrasting color. For customers seeking to differentiate itself further from the crowd another opportunity Peridot Metallic paint is available (as seen on photos.)

The Porsche Cayman goes on sale in UK I February 2011, prices of £ 51,731 in January. Included in the purchase price is an invitation for guests to explore the dynamic attributes of R and Porsche Cayman develop their driving skills through a program on the experience of the Porsche Driving Experience Centre at Silverstone.

The origin of R

Historically, the specific Porsche models are optimized for sports performance, was the moniker "R" for racing. Estimated in the model of this type is 911 R, 1967. This special edition coupe light of 911 was 210 hp flat six-cylinder engine parts Carrera 6 sports competitor, and weighed only 830 pounds. Only 19 examples were built.

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Acura TSX car preview and picture gallery

Acura TSX car preview and picture gallery

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Novo Renault Sandero com c�mbio autom�tico

O Novo Sandero Privil�ge 1.6 16V Hi-Flex vem equipado com c�mbio autom�tico com op��o de troca sequencial de marcha.

�Este lan�amento vai ao encontro da proposta da Renault: pensar nas pessoas e suas necessidades antes de produzir um autom�vel. O Sandero � um sucesso comercial desde o seu lan�amento e agora oferece esta mais op��o para o consumidor�, afirma Jean-Michel Jalinier, Presidente da Renault do Brasil.

O c�mbio autom�tico de quatro marchas, com op��o de troca seq�encial, est� dispon�vel na vers�o topo de linha, batizada de Privil�ge, equipada com o motor 1.6 16V Hi-Flex. Vale ressaltar que as vers�es Expression e Privil�ge com caixa de c�mbio manual contam com motor 1.6 8V Hi-Torque.

A escolha do motor 1.6 16V Hi-Flex para trabalhar em conjunto com a caixa autom�tica que equipar� o Novo Sandero deve-se a sua adaptabilidade, performance e baixo consumo de combust�vel. O propulsor desenvolve a pot�ncia m�xima de 112 cv com etanol e 107 cv com gasolina.

O Novo Sandero Privil�ge 1.6 16V Hi-Flex com c�mbio autom�tico ter� pre�o sugerido a partir de R$ 43.900,00, enquanto a vers�o manual, equipada com motor 1.6 8V Hi-Torque, � comercializada a partir de R$ 40.400,00.

O equipamento � auto-adapt�vel, ou seja, modela-se ao estilo de condu��o do motorista. A caixa autom�tica do Novo Sandero disp�e de nove programas diferentes, que v�o desde uma condu��o mais suave at� uma performance mais esportiva.

Esta caixa de c�mbio autom�tico possui uma central eletr�nica "inteligente", que avalia, a todo instante, qual a melhor marcha para determinada situa��o ou o melhor momento para a troca de marchas, em fun��o do estilo de condu��o do motorista.

O c�mbio autom�tico do Novo Sandero conta com a fun��o �Kick down�. Acionada quando o motorista pisa at� o fim e de forma r�pida o pedal do acelerador, a central eletr�nica avalia e realiza a redu��o de uma ou duas marchas, conforme dos dados avaliados por ela. Essa opera��o melhora a acelera��o dispon�vel, como, por exemplo, na realiza��o de ultrapassagens.

O c�mbio autom�tico do Novo Sandero possui a op��o de troca seq�encial de marchas. Para isso, basta mudar lateralmente a posi��o da alavanca. Desta maneira, as machas podem ser passadas com leves toques: para cima (aumenta a marcha) e para baixo (redu��o de marchas).

O c�mbio conta ainda com recurso de condu��o em pisos de baixa ader�ncia, acionado por um bot�o localizado na alavanca. Com a marcha selecionada em Drive (D), este dispositivo permite que o ve�culo saia da imobilidade em 2� marcha ao inv�s de 1� marcha, permitindo uma melhor adequa��o do torque dispon�vel na roda, evitando, desse modo, que o ve�culo patine ao trafegar por um terreno escorregadio, como lama ou grama molhada.

O c�mbio autom�tico do Novo Renault Sandero tamb�m incorpora importantes dispositivos de seguran�a. A partida do carro ocorre apenas com a alavanca de c�mbio nas posi��es P (Park) ou N (Neutro), ainda assim com o pedal do freio pressionado. J� a sele��o das marchas D (Drive) ou R (R�) deve ser feita exclusivamente com o ve�culo parado e o pedal de freio acionado.


Fonte Renault

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Ford Ka 2012 chega em agosto

O Ford Ka 2012 chega �s lojas em agosto, e traz um novo visual e nova vers�o Sport.

A principal modifica��o fica por parte da dianteira que teve farol e para-choque redesenhado, frisos nas laterais, novas rodas e calotas e pisca opcional nos retrovisores.

No interior os bancos tem novos revestimentos, as sa�das de ar s�o na cor prata e o painel tem novo desenho.

O motos continuam os mesmos 1.0 e 1.6 flex . O motor 1.6 vem somente na vers�o Sport que alem do motor vem com faixas decorativas, rodas aro 15 e a cor Laranja Ibiza.

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Renault Master 2012

A Renault apresenta a linha 2012 da gama de ve�culos utilit�rios Renault Master com a amplia��o da lista de equipamentos de s�rie, que, a partir de agora, incluir� o trio el�trico (vidros, travas das portas e espelhos retrovisores).

Outra novidade est� na linha de ve�culos transformados desenvolvidos a partir do modelo Renault Master, que conta com mais um integrante. Trata-se do Master Minibus L3H2* (chassi longo e teto alto) Executivo, destinado, principalmente, a atender �s necessidades e exig�ncias espec�ficas do segmento de transporte urbano.

�O segmento de comerciais leves ganha cada vez mais import�ncia na estrat�gia de expans�o da Renault no mercado nacional, por isso estamos investindo em uma linha de ve�culos utilit�rios que tem na versatilidade, robustez e baixo custo de manuten��o as suas principais caracter�sticas�, destaca o Vice-Presidente Comercial da Renault do Brasil, Gustavo Schmidt.

O Pack Climatiza��o tiveram redu��o no pre�oe e inclui ar condicionado dianteiro e traseiro, passa de R$ 9.300 para R$ 8.700. O Pack Seguran�a, composto de freios ABS e airbag duplo, cai de R$ 4.300 para R$ 2.900.

Renault Master passa a contar com mais uma op��o: o Master Minibus L3H2 Executivo. Voltado principalmente para o segmento de transporte de passageiros Executivo ou Urbano. Ele conta com duas vers�es: com bancos fixos revestidos de curvim automotivo ou com bancos reclin�veis com revestimento misto


Fonte Renault

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Boeing unveils new 747-8 Intercontinental

There are aircrafts and then there is the Boeing 747. Over many decades, this super successful jumbo jet from Boeing has become one of the most popular long-haul aircrafts for airlines across the globe and 'the' most recognizable aircraft for the general public, putting it a league apart from all the other aircrafts. For 42 long years since its launch until 2005, the legendary Boeing 747 was also the largest aircraft in the world when the Airbus A380 came and took the crown and the attention from Boeing.

So, when a new and improved version of such an aircraft is making its debut, the event is as important as it can get for the aviation industry. At the recently concluded 2011 Paris Air Show, Boeing debuted a new version of 747, called the 747-8 Intercontinental. The new aircraft is longer than the original 747, which is identifiable by the extended hump at the top. Though the seating capacity of the new 747-8 Intercontinental is still less than that of the Airbus A380, Boeing claims that the new aircraft is lighter and more fuel efficient than its cut-throat competitor.

Unlike the original 747 which had upward pointing winglets at the ends, the 747-8 Intercontinental has slightly raked wings that slopes upwards. Boeing says that this reduces wind resistance and hence fuel consumption. As the 747 legacy is all set to continue, the competition between Airbus and Boeing is all set to heat up further with this launch. The fight for the big long-haul segment dominance between the A380 and 747-8 Intercontinental is going to get very interesting over the next decade or so. Watch out for this space!

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2011 Bugatti Veyron Super Sport

Sun-sopped Andalusia, house to Picasso and also the flamenco, is really a solitary landscape of rolling cordovan-hued hills stitched by vineyards and olive orchards and very best explored about the back of the donkey. At 204 mph, Andalusia sprays at you in a brown and green smear.

At 204 mph, even freshly rolled pavement, paid for with lavish European Union loans, feels perilously lumpy as the subtle mounds and sags which are invisible at sane speeds grow to be terrifying whoop-de-dos. At 204 mph, when you search down to examine your speedometer for just 1 second, you’ll skip the following 299 ft. Our cerebral cortexes flirt with signal overload at 204, but a Bugatti Veyron 16. four Tremendous Activity is just obtaining its wind up and will speed up yet another 54 mph before tripping its digital pace limiter. Drop-down oxygen masks and lighted placards more than the emergency exits just may well make this thing FAA certifiable.

Apparently, it is simply because the standard Veyron is this type of pansy jellyfish of a car that Bugatti brings forth the Tremendous Sport. The product will probably be the last phrase in Veyrons, representing the final forty cars inside a complete creation run of 300. Cost: one hundred thousand trillion billion bucks, or it may possibly as well be.

For the $2,426,904 a Super Sport expenses ( at the time of this printing), you can also get 10 Ferrari 458 Italias and have $127,654 left over for lunch. In its quest to create the best stroke job for the super-rich, the Molsheim operatives do not appear quite involved with pragmatic constraints such as fiscal prudence or, without a doubt, the legal guidelines of physics.

As an example, the Tremendous Sport required much more than just a different 20 horsepower to separate alone through the $1. 7 million rental-fleet Veyron with its piddly 1001 ponies. Why not yet another thou? Bugatti most likely considered it. However it was decreed that a twenty percent bump in output, to 1200 horsepower and 1106 pound-feet of torque is genug. Enough. So say the Germans who operate Volkswagen’s crazy-bus subsidiary, plus they don’t say that really typically.

Take into consideration these facts: Bugatti costs the Super Sport at one.65 million euros and will cost the 10 to twelve expected American purchasers based on the spot exchange charge. Therefore, if your dollar softens by a mere cent versus the euro, the car’s window sticker jumps additional than $16,000.

Each and every U.S. Tremendous Activity buyer also pays a two.71 % import duty, or about $62,000, plus a $51,000 delivery cost and $6400 in federal gas-guzzler tax. Adding an additional year to a normal Veyron’s two-year factory warranty expenses about $70,000, though Super Sport purchasers get it free.

A set with the Tremendous Sport’s special Michelin tires expenses $42,000 and may perhaps final ten,000 miles if you’re cautious, though they final only fifteen minutes at the car’s top velocity (at that pace, having said that, the 26.4-gallon tank is sucked dry in just ten minutes, and there’s no place on Earth to securely go that quickly that lengthy anyway, so no concerns). At the 3rd tire replacement, Michelin needs which you also swap out the $69,000 wheels-coincidentally, the only wheels that fit those tires-to make sure a proper bead seal.

Personal touches are out there, for example your personal initials as opposed to Ettore Bugatti’s etched in to the fuel cap. 1 buyer compensated for illuminated doorsills with “words that can’t be repeated,” said a Bugatti staffer. For those who want the Tremendous Sport’s body finished in clear-coated carbon fiber as an alternative to paint, include $428,180-just a bit extra than the price of a brand new Rolls-Royce Phantom Coupé.

Let’s be blunt: This vehicle is entirely psychological. At the Tremendous Sport drive in the dusty hills close to Jerez de la Frontera, even its chief engineer, Wolfgang Schreiber, admitted that it is simpler to come across an honest hedge fund-manager than locations to use 1001 horsepower, let alone 1200.

“Most of our consumers drive very regular. Really, sluggish,” mentioned Schreiber. “So we necessary modifications you could see and really feel at any pace.”

Since 2005, Bugatti has put 243 Veyrons into consumer fingers, enough to constitute a concentrate group of sorts. According to Schreiber, the buyers say they’d like a skosh extra edge towards the car’s handling. We feel their pain. Every Veyron we’ve encountered has accelerated like a line drive off the cricket bat of Shiva but has steered no much better than your average Lexus. Perhaps that is why that guy in Texas made Youtube history by driving his into a lagoon. Both that or he’s just an idiot.

Whatever. Bugatti says the Super Sport embodies every thing it’s discovered concerning the Veyron and its customers over 5 years. No, it doesn’t include an inflatable dinghy, but the revised shock tuning and stiffer sway bars do help to elevate the driver’s connection and involvement. The nose dives for turns with far more enthusiasm, and body movement is far better controlled, giving the pilot a clearer sense of exactly where the threshold lies among acing a quickly corner and flying off into lower orbit.

That is fairly vital in a hypercar that will easily triple its pace between mailboxes. So are brakes, plus the Tremendous Sport’s carbon-composite discs ( 15. 7 inches in front) are actually breathtaking. Should a truck suddenly develop into your lane, you could drag down the Bug from 140 mph to, say, 53. 7 with astonishing alacrity and enough foot control to go away a gap two times the width of your entrance license plate need to you need to trigger cardiac dysrhythmia inside your passenger.

To obtain the Tremendous Activity to its 268-mph production-car land velocity world document ( actual production Tremendous Sports activities are restricted to a tire-saving 258 mph), Bugatti did a little smoothing of the Veyron’s Humpty Dumpty shape. Most noticeably, the polished aluminum bazookas in the common Veyron’s back again that sluice air to the engine are gone. In their location is a type of carbon-fiber turtle shell that forms a tunnel via which the driver sees what he just left much behind and that is lower with flush-fitting twin NACA ducts.

For those who want to exhibit off the engine, it takes two skilled technicians about thirty minutes to remove the couple-dozen fasteners holding down the shell. Nonetheless, Schreiber says the ducts boost energy by creating a higher ram-air impact than the bazookas although also offering reduced drag.

Additional, Bugatti opened up the entrance radiator nostrils, additional a pair of slots below the headlights that feed wind directly for the entrance brakes, and reshaped the entrance splitter and rear diffuser for elevated downforce. Using the reprogrammed rear wing deployed, the physique generates 882 pounds of downforce at its top pace. At 204 mph, we can report that it feels slot-car stable.

The additional output-199 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque-comes by way of 4 turbos which are ten percent larger and bolted to the in any other case unchanged 16-cylinder warp drive in back. A less restrictive exhaust contributes too. Fuel pressure is turned up, and an additional pair of in-tank fuel pumps-there are two in the base automobile, four inside the Tremendous Sport-do the juicing. The seven-speed, dual-clutch automated manual drives beefier prop shafts by way of a reinforced 2nd and third gear along with a taller seventh gear, which tends to make for a claimed ten percent highway-mileage bump.

With its carbon-fiber outer panels, the Super Sport is 110 pounds lighter than the base, aluminum-bodied Veyron. A new, stiffer carbon-fiber weave is employed in the tub and saves fifty five pounds on your own. Bugatti also relocates the rear-differential cooler in the passenger-side gill for the rear diffuser, which minimizes plumbing hardware, and special wheels shave a net 25 lbs.

The Super Activity is still a lot too huge and way as well hefty to feel like a 2nd pores and skin. With its large sills and dash, it feels far more like a truly rapidly Jacuzzi. It is loud inside-and not the scrumptious type of loud you obtain inside a Ferrari. The tires moan oppressively at any speed, along with the engine’s voice is mainly a white noise of whirring and whooshing.

It exists primarily as an objet d’art for its owner and a one-car circus parade for the fawning general public. It can be maybe the apogee of internal-combustion overall performance, the final phrase before the dawning dictatorship of electric pods. It really is a Bugatti.

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Land Rover Range Rover Sport

On the road price: £53,995 – £70,995

Driving:
The Range Rover Sport is fitted with Terrain Response, a low-ratio gearbox and height adjustable air suspension, so can venture into places most rivals fear to tread. Fortunately, as it’s an urban SUV intended mainly for on-road use, it doesn’t fare badly in handling terms, either. With very light steering, the British off-roader feels vague turning into corners, but once loaded up it grips well and stays level. The Range Rover Sport is responsive to gearbox and brake inputs too. The auto transmission has a good manual mode and the brakes are resistant to fade. However, even on motorways the ride is a touch unsettled and doesn’t isolate you from bumps as well as you might expect. But V8 petrol engines provide searing pace, particularly the 4.2-litre Supercharged model. The Jaguar unit burbles beautifully and proves fast. The V6 diesel, also supplied by Jaguar, is slower but just as smooth and refined.

Marketplace:
Queues of customers are waiting to get their hands on the Range Rover Sport. It’s therefore a shame the styling is toned down compared to the show-stopping Range Stormer concept. It’s too similar to the Range Rover. The single five-door bodystyle comes with a choice of three engines, all sourced from Jaguar: 4.4-litre and 4.2-litre supercharged V8 petrols, and a 2.7-litre V6 diesel. All variants are costly, even entry-level S variants, and the options list can add £1,000s to those figures with ease.

Owning:
Sharing the Discovery 3′s underpinnings, the Range Rover Sport sits on a shorter wheelbase, which saves a little weight – but it still tips the scales at over two-and-a-half tons. A tall car, the driver has a great seating position in a fine interior. We particularly like the raised centre console that puts the gearlever close at hand. It’s button-laden but easy to get on with; the instruments, however, are confusingly labelled. The unconventional split tailgate – both halves open upwards – reveals a giant boot that extends to more than 2,000 litres with the seats folded. Rear occupants have little to complain about when the bench is in place, ether. It’s very well equipped, but then so it should be, given heady list prices. At least it retains a very high percentage of that figure – good job as petrol models have an insatiable thirst, while servicing is hideously expensive too.

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Peugeot RCZ HDi Review

Peugeot’s brilliant RCZ coupe couldn’t quite topple the VW Scirocco and Audi TT when we tested the trio last year in diesel form. Now we’ve tried the 197bhp petrol RCZ 200 to see if it’s good enough to be the coupe of choice.

197bhp, you say? Has the Peugeot RCZ 200 bought in a load of hot Clio engines from arch rival Renault?

No. This is the 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine Peugeot shares with BMW’s fast Minis. There’s a milder 154bhp RCZ available too, but this range-topping blown 1.6-litre petrol is much better. As well as that 197bhp, there’s 188lb ft of torque available in normal conditions and up to 203lb ft with overboost. While not as fast as its rivals – 62mph takes 7.6sec, the RCZ still feels plenty quick and easily outpaces its petrol (154bhp; 8.3sec) and diesel (161bhp; 8.7sec) sisters. And unlike many blown cars, it pulls hard to the redline too. Even makes a stirring noise. Well actually it’s more of a whisking sound, and we like it. Economy’s not bad either: 40mpg according to the combined-pie-in-the-sky cycle.

RCZ 200 – how does it drive?

The rest of the drive is just as good as the engine. Teamed up with stiffer springs and dampers, the RCZ 200 gets a different anti-roll bar to improve agility, and it definitely seems to work judsging by the way the Pug dives into corners. The steering feels a little sticky at low speeds but then loosens up nicely, something that front-end grip rarely does. This is a seriously grippy coupe. Stops well too, thanks to larger 340mm front brakes (up from 302mm).

On the downside the ride is more bobbly than your favourite jumper, while not delivering the same degree of handling finesse you get from the TT or Scirocco. Peugeot builds its own dampers, and used to be masters of combining a relaxed ride with razor-sharp responses – but good as the RCZ is, the German coupes on adaptive dampers offer a better balance of comfort and body control.

So far so good… what’s the RCZ 200 like inside?

The cabin quality is good, with the £515 optional leather-trimmed dashboard bringing an extra sense of occasion to an interior that feels more durable than the frangible French stereotype. But once you get past the low-slung seating position and the drama of those arching side windows, you start to notice the flaws. Like the long arms-short legs driving position straight out of a ’70s Alfa. The back seats are useless too, the price you pay for the RCZ’s swoopy roofline. But that same unusual styling has spectators’ heads turning like a windmill in a hurricane. And it’s good value: £23k buys the basic 200 Sport and £26k a top-trim GT.

Verdict

The RCZ is at its best in 200 GT spec and a hugely desirable coupe, but that doesn’t make it best in class. Our gut feeling is that the faster, roomier, more comfortable VW would still triumph in a rematch, but it certainly would be closer.

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2011 Nissan Leaf Review

With its new Leaf, Nissan is blowing within the wind, as well as the wind nowadays blows toward electric vehicles. Scheduled to arrive in minuscule numbers (fewer than 500 cars) at the end of 2010, the Leaf will be the totally electric commuter vehicle Nissan has been promising for numerous years. The Japanese automaker says the Leaf is the lead vehicle in a full line of electric cars now on the drawing board.

Slightly larger than the smallest Nissan, the Versa, the Leaf ?hatchback utilizes a one of a kind platform that bears a 24-kWh lithium-ion battery pack (recharged via a plug inside the nose) also as an electric motor with 107 horsepower and 207 pound-feet of torque. Nissan says the Leaf ought to have the ability to go 100 miles between charges and that it has ultraquick charging capability-it takes an 80-percent charge in about 25 minutes-with a 220-volt home-charging station.

Onboard electronics will enable the owner’s mobile phone to control when the auto is drawing electricity to charge its batteries and also to turn on the air conditioning or heat in anticipation of a drive. For those with range anxiety, the navigation system, taking into account the vehicle’s range, will show a reachable location on its map. We’re finding hints of a base cost about $25,000, which would make it essentially the most accessible pure electric from a significant automaker-at least for a while-although the chances of making a profit at that cost are practically nil. Ford, Mitsubishi, and others have claimed they’ll be within the market by late 2011 or 2012.

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2011 Chevrolet Sail

Shanghai GM introduced the new Chevrolet Sail sedan, the very first passenger auto developed in China by a Sino-foreign joint venture. The new tiny vehicle was developed by Shanghai GM plus the Pan Asia Technical Automotive Center (PATAC), both GM-SAIC joint ventures. Additionally to being sold in China, the Chevrolet Sail will also be exported to other emerging markets.

Shanghai GM provides five variants of the Chevrolet Sail with the base model priced around RMB 60,000 (US$8,800). This marks a breakthrough in the under-RMB 70,000 (US$10,300) tiny car segment, where Chinese brands have traditionally been dominant.

“Our mission has constantly been to enable a lot more people and families to understand their dream of owning a auto,” said Kevin Wale, President and Managing Director of the GM China Group. “With the Chevrolet Sail, we are setting a new standard for the lower-end small automobile segment even though fully living up to the global standards of Chevrolet, 1 of the world’s leading vehicle brands. The fact that the Chevrolet Sail will be exported is really a testament to the capabilities of our product development organization in China.”

Class-Leading, Fuel-Efficient Powertrains

The Chevrolet Sail is offered with a selection of class-leading 1.2-liter S-TEC II and 1.4-liter S-TEC III engines. The 1.2-liter engine achieves ideal in class fuel economy under comprehensive road conditions of 5.7 L/100 km. It also generates power of 53.1 kW/L, enabling the Chevrolet Sail to go from 0 to 100 km/h in 12.9 seconds. The 1.4-liter engine offers power per liter of far more than 54.3 kW/L, goes from 0 to 100 km/h in 11.9 seconds, and has fuel economy under 5.9 L/100 km.

The engines incorporate the Variable Geometry Intake System (VGIS), which gives smooth power delivery and torque across all engine speeds. Lightweight materials are utilized within the engine, transmission and body, further growing fuel efficiency. The optimized friction coefficient within the transmission and tire rolling coefficient reduce energy loss caused by mechanical operation. In line with Shanghai GM’s Drive to Green strategy, both engines meet China’s Phase IV emission standard (as well as the Euro IV standard) and may be upgraded to meet China’s Phase V emission standard.

Even though it really is classified as a small automobile, the Chevrolet Sail ensures a enjoyable driving experience. Its five-speed manual transmission provides smooth gear shifting. The sporty-looking steering wheel delivers pinpoint handling and effortless control, even though the sporty yet solid chassis provides comfort and outstanding handling. The driver enjoys maximum visibility courtesy of the Chevrolet Sail’s huge windshield, seats created for local users and no-blind-spot rearview mirror....

Stylish Exterior, Spacious Interior

Like other vehicles wearing the Chevrolet bowtie, the Chevrolet Sail is sporty, enjoyable to drive and offers very good value for cash. The Sail features Chevrolet’s trademark horizontal split grille with the gold Chevrolet emblem showcased in the middle. 3 muscular sidelines supply the automobile a three-dimensional look. A unique short-in-front, long-in-back suspension brings a sporty edge to the exterior. The streamlined shape of the vehicle adds a dynamic styling element even though reducing drag, for lower fuel consumption. The Chevrolet Sail is initially available in six exterior colors: Crescent Silver, Jasmine White, Sky Blue, Coral Red, Amber Orange and Starfish Blue.

The interior is likewise unique and all Chevrolet. It consists of the brand’s twin-cockpit design as well as a flexible, modern central control panel equipped with a radio, CD player and MP3 interface. Designers have added a sporty touch by way of a double-digital screen and chrome plating. The Chevrolet Sail’s adoption of a central fuel tank, a short front and rear suspension, and arch-shaped doors maximizes interior space for up to five people. You will find 24 interior storage compartments for added convenience.

Advanced Safety

The Chevrolet Sail is expected to obtain four stars in China New Automobile Assessment Program (C-NCAP) testing. The Chevrolet Sail’s safety cage construction with crumple zones offers class-leading passenger protection. A steel frame surrounds the fuel tanks, for added safety. Dual air bags in front, a retractable steering column, antilock brakes with electronic brake-force distribution, child safety locks along with a stronger child seat system are standard. The Chevrolet Sail also provides outstanding pedestrian protection.

Developed in China for Emerging Markets

The Chevrolet Sail was jointly developed by Shanghai GM and PATAC off a new architecture in accordance with GM’s Global Vehicle Development Procedure (GVDP) and worldwide standards for engineering and top quality. The development team for the Chevrolet Sail factored in local climate and driving conditions also as local fuel high quality and Chinese driving habits in the new model’s design. The vehicle’s assembly followed the DTS global C-BOB (finest of best) standard.

The Chevrolet Sail was put by way of far more than 2 million kilometers of testing in extreme hot and cold weather conditions.

To ensure that parts and components meet Chevrolet’s international standards in terms of quality, service, technologies and price, 95 percent of components were supplied by members of GM’s global supply chain, with more than 40 percent coming from industry-leading component groups or their joint ventures.

GM’s global top quality management processes and regulations had been also applied in R&D, procurement, high quality recognition and manufacturing. Shanghai GM’s paint shop adopted Generation 6 Zero-Emission Painting for the Chevrolet Sail. The vehicle meets all European Union environmental protection standards in terms of heavy metal proportion plus the recycling rate of the full vehicle.

World-class Chevrolet Gold Tie Service will be offered to Chevrolet Sail buyers by Shanghai GM. Approximately 380 dealers in extra than 200 cities across China will offer customers nine free services too as 24-hour emergency assistance.

According to Shanghai GM President Ding Lei, “Several years ago, Shanghai GM made the strategic decision to broaden our customer base by developing the Chevrolet Sail. We improved cost efficiency while setting new high quality, fuel efficiency and value standards for economical family cars. With the arrival of the Chevrolet Sail, we now have an entry in every major passenger auto segment.”

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