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Upgraded Mazda 2 to Premier at Paris Motor Show
by Aman ChaudhryNo Comments
At this year’s Paris Motor Show, Mazda will be focusing on low fuel consumption and reduced emissions, with three new model introductions.
Mazda’s lightweight, Mazda2 – voted World Car of the Year 2008 – has received an upgrade and will be given its European premiere in Paris, revealing the following key changes:
- New front styling features Mazda’s unique family face
- Upgraded interior
- Upgraded Euro V compliant powertrain line-up
- Upgraded chassis for even better ride comfort
- Automatic transmission version introduced
Joining the upgraded Mazda2 will be the all-new Mazda5 premiering with a new, more economical MZ-CD 1.6 diesel engine. The Mazda5 C-MAV people carrier is especially economic and family-friendly and offers:
- A frugal and powerful 1.6-litre diesel engine (5.2 l/100km, 115ps)
- A 15 percent CO2 emissions reductionin comparison to previous 2.0-litre diesel
- New lightweight 6-speed manual transmission
- An eye-catching design that sets it apart in the C-MAV segment
- Enhanced Karakuri interior flexibility for up to seven people plus sliding rear doors
The new Mazda3 with an upgraded MZ-CD 1.6 diesel engine will also be introduced. Offering more power and torque, while lowering fuel consumption and emissions, the new version features:
- 6ps more maximum power
- 12 percent higher maximum torque
- 4.4 l/100km and 117g/km CO2
- New lightweight 6-speed manual transmission
Press data & images: Mazda
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2011 Nissan Juke priced at $18,960*
by Aman ChaudhryNo Comments
Nissan North America has recently released pricing for the 2011 Nissan Juke sport cross. The all-new Juke is the company’s CUV that goes on sales in October starting at MSRP of $18,960 USD.
“We believe JUKE’s unique combination of motorsports-inspired exterior and interior design and unexpected levels of technology – along with a starting MSRP under $19,000 is going to propel JUKE into the heart of the fast-growing compact hatchback/crossover market,” said Al Castignetti, vice president and general manager, Nissan Division, Nissan North America, Inc.
The Nisaan Juke will be offered in eight different variants powered by a standard 1.6-liter Direct Injection Petrol Turbo engine, which results in producing 188 horsepower and 177 pound-feet of torque. This engine comes in two transmissions – an advanced Xtronic CVT with S-mode or a 6-speed manual transmission (SV FWD and SL FWD models only), which will start at $20,260. Nissan has claimed fuel efficiency figures of 27 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway.
This baby CUV is a nice blend of sporty and sleek looks. The car looks powerful, bold and is ready to attract the young drivers. Interiors look almost comic like with a center console inspired by a motorcycle fuel tank in high-gloss plaint.
With low pricing, many on-board equipments, youth-oriented styling, Nissan is making sure that we see enough of Jukes on the road post October.
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Suzuki Releases New Images of the 2011 Swift
by Aman ChaudhryNo Comments
Suzuki is pleased to announce the release of some further images of the new, third generation Swift which goes on sale in autumn. Images include action; profile and a view of the interior design.The all-new Swift is positioned as Suzuki’s latest world strategic model and makes further developments in design, impact safety, driving performance, handling, improved fuel consumption and significantly lower emissions at 116g/km which will make it one of the very cleanest petrol engine Superminis on sale.
Extensive use of higher strength steel makes the new car lighter and stiffer than before as well as offering refinement in underbody design. The latest body structure has also helped improve impact safety for pedestrians as well as occupants.
Variable gear ratio steering, increased track and larger diameter wheels with lower profile tyres allow for even better handling than the highly acclaimed outgoing Swift that first went on sale five years ago.
New Swift has grown in length (+90mm) with a 50mm increase in wheelbase and a slight increase in height of 10mm.
For the powertrain; a new 1.2-litre petrol engine incorporating Dual VVT (Variable intake and exhaust valve timing) is utilised which produces 94PS at 6,000rpm, slightly more than the outgoing 1.3-litre unit. Torque is also improved to 118Nm at 4,800rpm.
Fuel consumption on the combined cycle is now 56.5mpg for the manual transmission model, an improvement of 7.8mpg over the previous 1.3-litre unit.
A 1.3-litre diesel engine is planned for introduction in early 2011; this engine emits 109g/km (down from 119g/km) and has an impressive combined fuel consumption of 67.3mpg, an improvement on the already highly credible 62.8mpg from the outgoing Swift DDiS.
Press data & images: Suzuki
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Audi Confirms 4.2 V8 R8 Spyder
by Aman ChaudhryNo Comments
It’s official! Audi has finally revealed the details of the new Audi R8 V Spyder. In addition to the V10 model Audi will now offer a 4.2-liter V8. This version will be available with a six-speed manual in addition to the R-Tronc semi automatic gearbox.
The 4.2 Spyder comes with the standard Quattro all-wheel drive along with top of the line fabric unit found in the V10. The ones going in for V8 would have to settle for standard dampers and 18-inch alloys, whereas the fancier magnetic ride dampers and 19-inch alloys which comes as a standard feature with the V10 can be available, but at a higher price.
Audi has not revealed any official pictures of the 4.2 Spyder yet and we are forced to believe that there would be no visual changes except for the badging and wheels.
Unfortunately Audi has not specified if this 4.2 Spyder V8 will be available in the U.S. although, it goes on sale in Europe in the third quarter of this year.
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Hurst Camaro series 5
by Aman Chaudhry1 Comment
Hurst performance vehicles are known for their exclusive tuning and mods for muscle cars and they have just released the Chevrolet Camaro Series 5 Limited-edition. The first-ever super-charged Camaro was released by the company at a press conference at the 46th annual SEMA Trade Show in Las Vegas.
The limted edition 5 series Camaro will be seen in Hurst’s iconic colors of white and gold with a special feature which is a gold mica in the white and painted gloss black graphics with gold stripe elements.
The car sits on 20-inch black chrome Hurst forged alloy wheels, which are a trademark of the company, are quite striking too.
To add the sporty look Hurst has added an AIR-SPEED deck spoiler at the rear of the Camaro.
Power has been derived from Hurst/Magnuson Supercharger and the Magnaflow polished exhaust system. The Camaro has also gets a Hurst shifter and a Eibach suspension. The car can be ordered with both an automatic and a manual gearbox.
Inside the car you can find graphite leather finish with gold stitching and embroidered Hurst logos, a metal numbered interior dash plaque and bespoke floor mats.Hurst plans to build only 50 of these every year to maintain the high level of exclusivity.
“You just can’t get closer to living out your high school dreams than driving a righteous Camaro with a Hurst shifter, tons of tire smokin’ power and the exhaust rumble to back it up” quips Nate Shelton, Chairman of Hurst and Hurst Performance Vehicles. “One of the reasons our Hurst cars deliver is that we’re making ‘em just like we used to… one at a time as if each one is our own personal car.”
Hurst Camaros can be found exclusively at Hurst Authorized Dealers.
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2011 Ford Mustang V6 DUB Edition
by Aman ChaudhryNo Comments
Ford has collaborated with DUB magazine and Roush Industries to come out with the new DUB Edition 2011 Mustang. This aggressive macho looking Mustang is directed for the young enthusiastic urban drivers.
The DUB edition of 2011 Mustang is based entirely on the 305 hp V6 and 280 pound feet of torque mated with either an automatic or manual six-speed gear box, and will be available in coupe, convertible or glass-roof variants. Comes with a Roush front fascia and splitter, Roush quarter window louvers and windshield banner, twenty-inch TIS wheels which are standard, Roush lowering springs, 3.31 rear axle ratio is fitted out back to provide more acceleration, DUB-embroidered headrest and DUB stripe package.
This DUB edition Mustang will be on sale this fall and there’s a choice of four exterior colors – Black, Grabber Blue, Ingot Silver or Race Red, while the interior remains black.
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2011 SMS 302 Ford Mustang by Steve Saleen
by Aman Chaudhry1 Comment
Steev Saleen, well known racing driver and tuner of SMS Supercars launched a new version of the 2011 Ford Mustang GT, named the 2011 SMS 302 Mustang. This is the second release of the trilogy of Amrican Supercars by SMS as it follows the release of 2010 SMS 570 Challenger and later this year we will see the release of the 2011 SMS 620 Camaro.
The 2011 Mustang GT was launched last week marking Ford Mustang’s 46th birthday at the company headquarters in Corona, CA. Perfect timing we say.
Two engine variants will be offered, namely the SMS 302 4V and the SMS 302 SC. Thanks to a few powertrain tweaks the naturally aspired 4V model along with a 5 litre V-8 engine will produce 440 horsepower and 400 lb of torque. The high flow exhaust system, an all-new four-valve head design, an optimized pulley drive system and performance filtration, all together will give surely give exciting results. The 302 4V Mustang will cover 0-60 mph in 4.5 seconds.
On the other hand the more powerful SMS 302 SC will be capable of producing over 535 horsepower and 450 lb of torque with the help of SMS 296 Supercharger Sytem. Combined with a 6-speed automatic or manual transmission, SC will dash from 0-60 mph in 4.2 seconds only.
Other standard features include a new performance suspension system, Pirelli PZero tires covering 20-inch wheels, cross-drilled brakes and a custom bodykit. The interiors have been also given a special treatment with lots of leather and a two toned color scheme. The vehicles will also come with aluminum SMS doorsill plates and embroidered floor mats.
“Many automotive enthusiasts have embraced our SMS 570 Challenger, but I know our core fans have been waiting for the first Mustang to come from the new company, SMS Supercars,” said Saleen. “Our line of SMS Mustangs will be the only Mustangs authorized to bear my name, to use the benefit of my heritage and to incorporate performance innovations derived from my over thirty years of racing and manufacturing experience.”
The 2011 SMS 302 Mustang is priced at $54,990 and will hit the showrooms by May.
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Gear Shifting
by Aman Chaudhry1 Comment
All those who agree with me that manual transmission cars are (sometimes) more fun than automatic will probably be the ones who’ll buy this thing.
It’s called a Gear Shift FM Radio and it’s for those people who can’t get enough of changing gears in their cars (or who miss manual transmissions)
It works just like any normal radio, can receive short wave broadcasts and can automatically scan FM frequencies.
The best part is that you can change FM channels just like you change gears and well that is the only fun part.
This funky looking radio is portable, works on 2 AAA batteries and I believe is available for less than $50 in gadget stores.
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