BMW 1-Series M Coupe – third teaser video released
BMW has released a third teaser video of the upcoming 1-Series M Coupe. The video depicts a covered orange-red coupe with a couple of exposed areas. It ends with a view that shows us the front-left corner of the high-performance vehicle. The powerful 1-Series is slated to be revealed in December before it’s world debut at next year’s Detroit Motor Show.
As mentioned earlier, the 1-Series M which centers around the “fascination of driving” will be launched with a modified version of the engine used on the 135i. Power is expected to be improved to 322hp, up from 302hp with the 3.0 liter twin-turbo in standard trim. As with other M models, this new variant also features a reworked suspension, different brakes and exhausts, an aggressive yet functional bodykit and more. Continue reading to watch the teaser video.
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Citroen DS4 officially revealed – full details!
As previously reported this is the Citroen DS4. We now have more details to share with you regarding the company’s new DS model. The DS4 which measures 4.27m long, 1.81m wide and 1.53m high has a visibility-friendly seating position along with a panaromic roof and hidden rear door handles. There are also LED daytime running lights and up to 19-inch wheels.
As with the DS3, the interior in this new model is also ‘fancier’ compared to non-DS models. There are up to five leather combinations, including two-tone options. Top of the line versions also get leather on the dashboard and door panels along with a ‘Bracelet’ design on the seats. There are also chrome detailing on the air vent surrounds, instrument cluster, gear lever and parts of the central console.
It would not be considered as a DS model if it does not have aluminum pedals, embossed leather door handles and ambient lighting. Also in the list is a chilled compartment which can hold up to four 50-cl bottles, a 370-litre boot, Citroen’s eTouch Assistance System, a blind-spot monitoring system and more.
Suspension wise the DS4 uses MacPherson struts up front with a flexible transverse beam at the rear. The power steering features an electric pump and in terms of safety, it comes with ABS with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) and Emergency Brake Assist (EBA) as well as intelligent traction control with ESP, among others that is.
As mentioned there are three petrol engines and two diesel units. The petrol family is made up by a 120 PS VTi, a 155 PS THP as well as a range-topping 200 PS THP. A 110 PS and a 160 PS HDi make up the diesel range. All engines are available with either a manual transmission or an EGS (automated manual) 6-speed gearbox.
The Citroen DS4 also has an e-HDi micro hybrid model in it’s line-up, utilizing the 110 PS HDi coupled with an energy efficient alternator, brake energy regeneration, an EGS transmission as well as an engine start/stop system. Sales in the UK are expected to begin by autumn next year after it’s debut at the Paris Motor Show next month.
You will find an image gallery after the jump.
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All-new Citroen DS4 – Initial images and details!
As expected, Citroen has officially unveiled the DS4. Initial images and details of the vehicle have been released ahead of it’s world debut at the upcoming motor show in Paris. The good-looking DS4 becomes the second DS model in Citroen’s line-up which is treated to a slightly more premium finishing.
The DS4 comes with a panoramic windscreen which is said to offer the driver an upward view of up 45 degrees. This means that the driver would enjoy a taller driving position for better visibility. The five-door hatch also sports rear door handles that hide in the window surround, more commonly seen with certain Alfa Romeo models.
We also have information about the vehicle’s drivetrains. There are three petrol engines and two diesel units. The petrol family is made up by a 120 PS VTi, a 155 PS THP as well as a range-topping 200 PS THP. A 110 PS and a 160 PS HDi make up the diesel range.
The Citroen DS4 is also expected to feature a micro hybrid model, utilizing the 110 PS HDi coupled with an energy efficient alternator, brake energy regeneration as well as an engine start/stop system. Sales in the UK are expected to begin by autumn next year.
Continue reading to view more images while we wait for high-res ones and more details.
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Suzuki to show off Kizashi Sport in Paris
Suzuki has revealed that it will bring the Kizashi Sport to the Paris Motor Show, happening next month. The sportier Kizashi will make it’s European debut following it’s American debut at the New York Motor Show. Unfortunately the US-spec model is more of an esthetics upgrade, meaning no work have been carried under the hood. This is likely to be the same for the Euro-spec Kizashi Sport.
The US model features light weight 18-inch alloy wheels, a ride height that is lower by 10mm, a honeycomb lower grille, slightly different front bumper, a boot lid spoiler as well as side skirts. The interior sports, among others, a steering wheel with perforated leather, leather seats with contrasting stitching and aluminum accents.
Along with the Kizashi Sport the company will also debut the all-new Swift hatchback – a car that looks pretty much like the model it replaces but completely new underneath and inside.
Citroen to reveal DS High Rider-based DS4 tonight?
Citroen has announced that it will reveal a new vehicle online on August 30th. Along with the announcement the company also released a 29 second-long teaser video which doesn’t reveal much. However we did notice a DS logo which goes to indicate that a DS model will be revealed.
We suspect that it could well be the production version of the DS4 based on the Citroen DS High Rider concept. The concept was shown at this year’s Geneva Motor Show and it featured a hybrid drivetrain which was made up by a HDI diesel and a rear-mounted electric motor.
In fact sources have confirmed to Carscoop that the DS4 will be unveiled this week. At the same time, the blog reports that the sources did not confirm if the vehicle in the teaser video is the DS4. It could be that Citroen plans to show off two models this week although that is very much likely. If I were a betting man, I would put my money on a single vehicle, the DS4 specifically to be revealed.
Citroen brought back the DS designation with the DS3 compact. It was launched in August last year and it was inspired by the DS3 Concept. While we wait for the next DS model, you can continue reading to watch the teaser video. Pictured above is the DS High Rider concept.
Source.
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Supercharged Lotus Evora S and Evora auto revealed early
This was pretty much expected following a leaked email from Lotus recently. The Proton-owned company has released images and details regarding the high-performance Evora S and the Evora auto (officially known as the Evora IPL) ahead of the Paris Motor Show. A supercharger is mounted on the Evora S’ Toyota-sourced 3.6 liter V6 engine which bumps up horsepower to 350hp.
Apart from the supercharger the S also comes with a sport package inclusive of a sport button that adjusts throttle response and activates a bypass valve on the exhaust. Also included is a different rear diffuser, heads-up display as well as better brakes. The Lotus IPL, which boringly stands for “Intelligent Precision Shift” is simply a standard 276hp Evora fitted with an automatic transmission.
It is a 6-speed transmission to be exact and according to Lotus, it caters to a number of customers in Asia, the US as well as the Middle East. From the images, we can tell that one would have to press buttons to switch between Park, Reverse, Neutral and Drive. To change gears manually, there are steering-mounted paddle shifters.
More information and images will be released closer to it’s world debut in Paris. Meanwhile continue reading to check out some high-res images.
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2011 Ford Mondeo revealed in Russia: full details!
This is the facelifted Ford Mondeo mid-sized sedan which made it’s debut at the Moscow International Motor Show just hours ago. Ford has updated it’s flagship model with a variety of upgrades but lets check out it’s exterior design first. The refreshed Mondeo now has a modified front grille, revised hood design as well as the introduction of LED daytime running lights that make up the upgrades up front.
The side profile sports new fully chromed window surrounds (for the range-topping models) while the revised LED taillights round up the exterior changes. Overall the Mondeo looks that much better now, while there weren’t much to complain about the pre-facelift model.
Work has been carried out on the inside as well. The Mondeo now has a revised centre console along with a different door card design. There is also a central overhead console fitted with LED ambient lighting, a woven headliner, new ‘jewel’ detailing on the switches, satin chrome vents as well as the introduction of new interior colour schemes, which according to Ford, help to offer a more premium feel – something that was not really there with the pre-facelift.
Potential buyers will be happy to know that Ford has introduced new features on the Mondeo. They include Lane Departure Warning, Auto High Beam as well as a Driver Alert system. Ford says that these three features utilize a camera located at the top of the windscreen in front of the rear view mirror. Also in the list is a Blind Spot Information System, Speed Limiter, Rear Door Power Child Locks and a Rear View Camera.
Now lets move on to the drivetrain. The 2011 Mondeo debuts a new engine from Ford, which is a 240 PS 2.0 liter EcoBoost engine which joins the existing 203 PS 2.0 liter EcoBoost. Ford has also updated the 2.2 liter Duratorq TDCi diesel unit. It now makes 200 PS which marks a 12% increase over it’s previous guise. Also in the diesel family are 115 PS, 140 PS and 163 PS versions of the 2.0 liter Durotorq.
The current Duratec engines are maintained and they are made up by a 120 PS 1.6 liter and a 145 PS 2.0 liter. Ford revealed that it plans to introduce new 1.6 liter engines from the EcoBoost and Duratorq engine families in the near future. Transmission wise, both a 6-speed manual transmission and Ford’s PowerShift dual-clutch transmission are offered, depending on the trim level of course.
The new Mondeo is also offered with ECOnetic technologies that include Smart Regenerative Charging, Ford Eco Mode driver information system as well as an Active Grille Shutter system that regulates the airflow through the radiator and engine compartment. The 2011 Ford Mondeo which is available in both sedan and estate forms will go on sale starting from next month. Prices will start from £17,295 in the UK.
You can check out a high-res image gallery after the jump and watch a video.
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Fiat denies Alfa Romeo sale to Volkswagen
We all know that Volkswagen Group is very firm with it’s plans to become the world’s No. 1 auto maker. The German auto giant already has Audi, Seat, Skoda, Lamborghini, Bentley, Bugatti as well as Porsche under it’s belt. It also owns Italdesign, Karmann, Volkswagen’s Light Commercial Vehicles (LCV) arm as well as having a 19.9% stake in Suzuki, among others.
According to Autonews, Volkswagen has set it’s eyes on Fiat’s Alfa Romeo, despite Volkswagen CEO Martin Winterkorn saying earlier that “Our appetite for buying in Italy is fully satisfied.” The automotive news site claims that two executives at Volkswagen have confirmed that the company is “seriously interested” in acquiring the Italian brand. An unidentified high-ranking manager at Volkswagen also revealed to Automobilwoche, an Autonews sister publication, “Alfa is a globally recognized brand with sporty genes and a great tradition. If such a treasure could be had, we must not hesitate… too long.”
However despite Volkswagen’s deep interest in Alfa Romeo, a high ranking Fiat executive revealed to Autonews that the company is not interested in selling the brand. “We have no intention at all of selling the brand to Volkswagen,” he specifically said. It was also revealed that Fiat intends to stick with the turnaround plan set for Alfa Romeo, which was announced by Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne in April.
Marchionne aims to sell up to 500,000 Alfa Romeos a year, an ambitious goal according analysts. Arndt Ellinghorst, global head of automotive research at Credit Suisse told Autonews in June, ”Maybe Alfa could get to a half million unit sales a year, but only after the brand is sold to Volkswagen.” ”Alfa plans to sell 85,000 units in the United States in 2014, therefore Fiat’s plan really means it wants to boost sales in Europe from 100,000 units to more than 400,000. I do not see how they will be able to steal so many buyers from their German competitors,” said Massimo Vecchio, head of industry research at Mediobanca in Milan.
It was also said that Alfa Romeo has been reporting losses of between 200 million Euro to 400 million Euros a year for the past ten years. Definitely a huge ambition by Marchionne if you ask me. Looks like Volkswagen may have to knock on Fiat’s door later in the future.
