2012 Audi A1 Sportback

The 2012 Audi A1 Sportback is a 5-door car and at just under 13 feet long is quite small.

Performance

Despite the name, the Sportback does not look especially sporty although you can get it with a hefty 2-liter gas engine that gives it lots of oomph, generating 185 horsepower and 184 lbs-ft of torque.

When equipped with the 2-liter engine the car is a serious performer and guaranteed to set the pulse racing. The turbocharged and supercharged engine can bring the car to 60 mph in less than 7 seconds and go all the way up to 141 mph.

At the lower end of the gas power range is a 1.2-liter version which produces less than half the power of its 2-liter big brother, generating just 85 horsepower. This model offers the best fuel economy at over 46 miles-per-gallon.

The middle option delivers 122 horsepower from a 1.4-liter engine. There are also three different diesel engines available whose performance ranges from 90 to 143 horsepower.

Transmission Options

The lower spec trims have a standard 5-speed or 6-speed manual transmission, depending on engine choice, while the higher specs have Audi’s S tronic automatic transmission as an option.

The driver can opt for fully automatic driving or switch between automatic and manual as required. Paddles on the steering wheel for gear changing are also an option.

Interior

The 2012 Audi A1 Sportback includes as standard a manual air conditioning unit, central locking and power-adjustable outside mirrors. The car is a four seater as standard but can be bought with five seats for no extra charge. Both the driver and passenger seats are height-adjustable.

More Features Overall

Audi make available an extensive range of options on all models, allowing the individual to essentially order their own customized version of the car. Choices include a top-end entertainment system, panoramic sunroof, Bluetooth connectivity and much more.

There is a very sophisticated navigation system available. The system includes a DVD player and a 6.5 inch monitor that displays crystal clear images using 3d graphics. The system can be operated completely from voice commands.

This allows the driver to get directions, answer the phone, and retrieve addresses and so on while keeping both hands on the steering wheel.

Specifications

General Info
Vehicle Type: Sport Base Price: £63,980.00
Fuel Tank Capacity: NA Miles Per Gallon: 46 combined
Dimensions
Length: 155.6 in. (395.4 cm) Wheel Base: 97 in. (246.9 cm)
Height: 56 in. (142.2 cm) Width: 68.7 in. (174.6 cm)
Curb Weight: 2348 lbs (1065 kg) Ground Clearance: NA
Luggage Capacity: 9.5 cu ft Maximum Seating: 5 people
Performance
Engine: Four Cylinder TFSI Displacement: 1.2 Liter
Horsepower: 86 HP Max RPM: NA
Torque: 184 lb-ft Transmission: 7-Speed S Tronic
0-60 mph: 7.0 seconds Maximum Speed: 141 mph (227 km/h)

January 23, 2012 at 3:02 pm | No comment

2013 Seat Ibiza

The 2013 Seat Ibiza is scheduled to be introduced to the market in spring 2012. This new car offers a notable array of inventive technologies, which complements its expressive design.

Exterior

The exterior look is that of sporty and yet high quality engine. The rear and front bumpers have been redesigned with a style that is specifically emphasized on the sporty Ibiza FR model. The headlamps are designed in an edgy style, while still being perfectly incorporated into its sculptural form.

These headlamps are offered in the halogen version or with elective bi-xenon lamps and LED daylight running lights.

Interior

This Ibiza model also comes with a premium interior which reflects its overall design. The seats are made of fine leather, while the steering wheel incorporates the new design of the climatronic.

The compartment has a storage space of 3.8 cu ft allowing storage of useful items. It can handle a luggage capacity of 10.0 cu ft and a variable back bench. Surprisingly, despite the sporty look of the SEAT Ibiza (2013), it offers ample room for its passengers.

Performance

The SEAT’s engine is also efficient, the petrol units range from 1.2 liter with 60 horsepower to 1.4 TSI with turbocharger and supercharger. The TDI engines are also efficient in fuel consumption, especially in the 1.2 TDI E-Ecomotive with a start or stop system.

The engines of the Ibiza are complemented by the usage of modern transmission. The transmissions range from the five and six manual gearboxes, to DSG transmissions which can either be standard or as an alternative.

Safety

The safety and comfort features of the SEAT Ibiza are also offered in plenty. Some of these includes: an authoritative brake system with ABS, XDS electronic, and ESP stability control among other features.

Specifications

General Info
Vehicle Type: 4 Door Hatchback Base Price: NA
Fuel Tank Capacity: 11.8 gallons (45 liters) Miles Per Gallon: NA
Dimensions
Length: 159.5 in. (405.2 cm) Wheel Base: 97 in. (246.9 cm)
Height: 56.8 in. (144.5 cm) Width: 66.6 in. (169.3 cm)
Luggage Capacity: 10.0 cu ft Maximum Seating: 5 people
Performance
Engine: TurboCharged 4-Cylinder Displacement: 1.4 Liter
Horsepower: 150 HP Torque: NA
0-60 mph: 7.6 seconds Maximum Speed: 131.7 mph (212 km/h)

January 22, 2012 at 5:53 pm | No comment

2011 Chevrolet Camaro Hot Wheels Concept

Kids have toys that they grow up looking up to as important during their childhood. Especially for those born in the 1960s, they often involve the Chevrolet Camaro and Hot Wheels. So just imagine if these 2 legendary brand names unite for one project? In 2011, they did just that, producing something that should bring forth nostalgia. This project is the 2011 Chevrolet Camaro Hot Wheels Concept.

Not Just a Toy

This unique Camaro concept is collaboration between General Motors and Hot Wheels design studios have united to create something that salute the origins of both the toy company and the car.

The inspiration for this project is a 1968 Camaro replica produced by Hot Wheels on the same year. This Camaro replica car is one of the 16 original Hot Wheels cars produced when they opened shop in 1968. The idea was to produce a real-life “Custom Camaro”, and they have accomplished just that.

Custom Graphics

The initial process was the sharing of ideas by the designers of both camps until they have arrived into what they think is the best design. This 2011 Camaro was a faithful replica of the ’68 “Custom”. The flat black graphics, the redline tires, and of course, the Spectraflame paint job, are all there.

Painting the car is quite a complicated process, because reproducing the chrome effect in such a large scale was difficult. But when it all came together, it was more than worth it. The 2011 Chevrolet Camaro Hot Wheels Concept made its debut in the 2011 SEMA Car Show, much to the joy of both Chevrolet and Hot Wheels fans.

Specifications

General Info
Vehicle Type: Coupe Base Price: NA
Fuel Tank Capacity: 19 gallons (71.9 liters) Miles Per Gallon: NA
Dimensions
Length: 190.4 in. (483 cm) Wheel Base: 112.3 in. (285 cm)
Height: 54.2 in. (137.6 cm) Width: 75.5 in. (191.7 cm)
Luggage Capacity: 11.3 cu ft Maximum Seating: 4 people
Performance
Engine: 16 Valve V8 OHV LS3 Displacement: 6.2 Liter
Horsepower: 580 HP Max RPM: 6000 RPM
Torque: 556 lb-ft @ 4200 rpm Transmission: 6-Speed Manual

January 22, 2012 at 4:00 pm | 1 comment

2012 Toyota Prius Hybrid

Toyota continues to impress its customers with the latest 2012 Toyota Prius.

It has improved its most memorable feature, the gas mileage rate, for a record of up to 51 miles per gallon of efficiency in average driving settings, making it definitively the most fuel efficient vehicle of its kind available in the United States today.

Performance

Some drivers managed to get beyond 60 miles to the gallon by driving at slower speeds, at level surfaces, in EV-only driving mode. This feature alone makes the Toyota Prius truly remarkable. It also continues to maintain its status as the lowest carbon emissions producing car in its class.

A fresh look at the Prius makes it highly aerodynamic, and it’s even safer to drive than before. It has built in sensors that automatically sense when a collision is about to take place, and activates automatic braking immediately for your protection.

Added Features

Bluetooth, USB ports and iPod ports for connecting to the large, high resolution, touch screen display, navigation and multimedia system

The multimedia system has the option of voice recognition to search for navigation destinations, make phone calls, and more…

The unique touch tracer system on the driver’s steering wheel responds to a quick swiping of fingers, letting the driver adjust climate controls and other settings more quickly and easily

Innovative new rooftop solar panel system runs special ventilation fans that keep the car cool while it’s parked, so the air conditioning system doesn’t have to use too much power later.

Comfort

The remote air conditioning control feature additionally allows you to turn on the Prius’ AC for up to three minutes before you occupy your vehicle, running on the unique Prius hybrid battery power.

Intelligent parking assist system now allows it to practically park itself, as it can automatically calculate the exact steering movements need to reverse back into its spot. The driver only really needs to focus on monitoring the speed of parking.

With this unequalled gas efficiency and great new technological features, the 2012 Toyota Prius makes an excellent companion for hybrid car lovers everywhere.

Specifications

General Info
Vehicle Type: Hybrid Sedan Base Price: $24,000.00
Fuel Tank Capacity: 11.9 gallons (45 liters) Miles Per Gallon: 51 city / 48 hwy
Dimensions
Length: 176.4 in. (448 cm) Wheel Base: 106.3 in. (270 cm)
Height: 58.7 in. (149 cm) Width: 68.7 in. (174.5 cm)
Curb Weight: 3042 lbs (1379 kg) Ground Clearance: 5.3 in. (13.4 cm)
Luggage Capacity: 21.6 cu ft Maximum Seating: 5 people
Performance
Engine: 16 Valve 4 Cylinder DOHC Compression Ratio: 13.0: 1
Horsepower: 98 HP Max RPM: 5200 RPM
Torque: 105 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm Transmission: ECVT
Electric Motor: Magnet AC Synchronous Motor Voltage: 650V
Horsepower: 80 HP Torque: 153 lb-ft
Battery: Nickel-Metal Hydride Power Output: 36 hp

January 22, 2012 at 3:58 pm | No comment

2012 Alpina BMW B6 Bi-Turbo Coupe

The 2012 Alpina BMW B6 Bi-Turbo Coupe is an excellent car from the BMW stables. Alpina, a company which believes in cutting edge technology and innovations, has engineered the Coupe for an unmatched drive.

Engine

The direct injection V8 engine is built of aluminum and produces 540 hp at only 5500 rpm, with maximum torque of 538 ft lbs at 3000 rpm. It has two turbo chargers which feed both cylinder banks. A specially designed large diameter exhaust drives the turbines for maximizing power output and torque.

Even at low rpm’s, the engine responds immediately to the accelerator. Innovative intercooler design using short intakes and larger volume of intercooler flow, coupled with a well designed water-air intercooler radiators, ensures maximum thermodynamic efficiency.

The engine is fitted with MAHLE pistons and these are specifically designed to work under high temperatures and pressures. The Coupe gives 9.52 kms/liter and has CO2 emissions of only 244 g/km.

Added Performance

The eight speed automatic transmission uses advanced Switch Tronic technology to give excellent driving comfort and performance. The gear changing is smooth, swift and without any noticeable loss of power. There is a manual control button in case the driver prefers to shift gears manually. The car accelerates from 0 to 60 in just 4.4 seconds.

The exhaust system is built from titanium, which makes it lightweight yet strong. The chassis is designed for maximum comfort under all driving conditions and uses a cutting edge electronic suspension system. To ensure perfect handling, the B6 Bi-Turbo uses 20″ light weight wheels fitted with conventional tires.

Exterior

The stylish exterior design not only imparts looks, but is also functional and aerodynamically efficient. The front spoiler and splitter makes air flow above and around the vehicle, while reducing the air flow beneath. This gives a better road grip and reduces understeer.

Interior

The interior of the Coupe is fitted with a clear, easy to read LCD display. It has a sporty, leather covered steering wheel. The Coupe comes in a wide range of colors and options. Leather upholstery, adjustable seats, heating system, navigation system compatible with blue tooth for mobile phones, USB music interface, Xenon lights and LED fog lights are all standard equipment.

The Alpina BMW B6-Bi Turbo Coupe is a well designed car which has sporty characteristics and excellent performance.

Specifications

General Info
Vehicle Type: Coupe Base Price: NA
Fuel Tank Capacity: 18.4 gallons (70 liters) Miles Per Gallon: 22 Combined
Dimensions
Length: 192.6 in. (489.4 cm) Wheel Base: 112.5 in. (285.5 cm)
Height: 54.2 in. (137.7 cm) Width: 74.5 in. (189.4 cm)
Curb Weight: 4122 lbs (1870 kg) Ground Clearance: NA
Luggage Capacity: 16.2 cu ft Maximum Seating: 4 people
Performance
Engine: Siemens MSD 85 V8 Displacement: 4395 cc
Horsepower: 540 HP Max RPM: 5200-6250 RPM
Torque: 538 lb-ft @ 2800-5000 rpm Transmission: 8-Speed Sport Automatic
0-60 mph: 4.3 seconds Maximum Speed: 198.8 mph (320 km/h)

January 22, 2012 at 3:04 pm | 1 comment

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