2011 Bentley Mulsanne

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 2011 Bentley Mulsanne“I have been in this industry for 30 years and I have done a lot of cars,” said Bentley CEO Franz-Josef Paefgen at the reveal of the all-new 2011 Bentley Mulsanne at Pebble Beach. “And this,” he said, pointing at the elegant champagne-colored Mulsanne in front of us, “is all I can do.” For Paefgen and his senior management team, including engineering chief Ulrich Eichhorn, and designer Dirk van Braeckel, the new Mulsanne represents nothing less than the sum total of their considerable automotive knowledge, experience, and car-guy passion.The Mulsanne is a car that was never meant to be. While Paefgen and his team fought hard to keep the Arnage alive after Volkswagen Group’s purchase of the storied British marque, there was never a plan -- nor the money -- to replace the flagship Bentley with an all-new vehicle. As recently as four years ago, the Arnage successor was to be a pumped up Continental Flying Spur. Paefgen was never completely happy with the idea, and when the reworked CFS fared poorly in clinics, he abruptly canned it, and sold the VW Group board on developing an all-new vehicle that retained two key elements of the Arnage’s DNA -- rear drive with the front axle centerline pushed as far forward as possible, and a 6.75-liter pushrod V-8 with twin turbochargers.You can fit the number of Mulsanne components carried over from the Arnage in a reasonably sized briefcase, say Crewe insiders. Despite rumors the new big Bentley would be based on the forthcoming A8, its platform is unique; a mixture of high-strength steel and lightweight aluminum. The engine shares its basic architecture with the Arnage’s legendary L410 V-8, whose design dates back half a century, but apart from the two turbochargers, every single component is new. The Mulsanne’s V-8 is lighter, more powerful and much more fuel efficient than the L410, and drives the rear wheels through an eight speed automatic.Dirk van Braeckel’s elegant exterior design looks deceptively simple. A strong, sharply creased bone line defines the car’s profile, emphasizing the prominent hips over the rear wheels. The Mulsanne’s bodysides are clean and simple below that line; above it, however, are complexly rendered surfaces that give the car an emotional presence Rolls-Royce’s new Ghost sedan doesn’t have. There are also strong elements of the Brooklands coupe in the low roofline and rakish C-pillars. The most controversial styling elements are likely to be the front bumper and giant inboard headlights, though there’s no mistaking the front end graphic for anything other than a Bentley. Standard wheels are formal looking 21 inchers; sportier five-spoke 22s will also be available.

Audi e-tron Concept

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Audi e-tron ConceptAlthough photos of the Audi e-tron concept leaked onto the internet days before its official debut at the 2009 Frankfurt Auto Show, Audi managed to keep a tight lid on its technical details until the cover was taken off at the show.From a design standpoint, the e-tron looks like an R8 that has gone backwards through the concept-to-production process, receiving futuristic-looking headlights, taillights, and wheels on the outside and a spartan, futuristic cockpit featuring an LCD display in the middle of the gauge-cluster inside. At 167.7 in. long, 74.8 in. wide, and 48.43 in. tall, the e-tron is slightly smaller than the R8 and its 102.4-in. wheelbase is slightly shorter.Powering the 3527-lb all-electric sports car are four electric motors generating a combined 313 hp and a semi-truck-like 3319 lb-ft of torque, which propel it from 0-62 mph in 4.8 seconds though top speed is limited to just 124 mph. Power for the motors comes from a lithium-ion battery rated for 42kWh that provides a range of approximately 154 miles.

2010 AstonMartin Rapide

2010AstonMartinRapide

2010 Aston Martin RapideDon't call it a sedan. The 2010 Aston Martin Rapide is, according to company insiders, "the world's most elegant four door sports car". And for once the PR hype is right -- the first production Rapide, unveiled at a private party the night before the first press day at the Frankfurt Show, looked damned elegant under the lights at the hip Roomers Hotel. And it is a sports car.Let's cut to the chase: The Rapide's back seats are nowhere near as roomy as those of the Porsche Panamera. Elegance has a price -- whereas my 6'2" frame will fit behind a driver's seat set to my optimum driving position in Porsche's four-door with an inch of kneeroom to spare, my knees are brushing the backrest in the close-coupled Aston. Surprisingly, I have an inch or so of headroom in the Rapide, but that swoopy greenhouse means I can't see much out the side window without stooping. And getting my big feet out from the deep footwells involves some ungraceful contortions.Okay, so it's not like a limo back there. But does that mean the Aston Rapide is a failure? Not for a moment. The reality is that the Rapide, like most S-class Benzes and 7 Series BMWs, will only occasionally carry four adults, and then only for relatively short trips. "This is perfectly okay for a half hour trip to a nice restaurant," says Aston CEO Ulrich Bez of the Rapide's rear cabin. And he's right.The rest of the time, the Rapide owner can bask in the warm glow that, unlike the Porsche Panamera, his fast four-door is turning heads for all the right reasons. You can bet he won't be spending a lot of time explaining why the Aston looks the way it does. It's viscerally gorgeous.The car is built on Ulrich Bez's clever VH flexible architecture, which means it shares a lot of hardware under the skin with existing Astons. Front and rear suspension is similar to DB9. Only one engine -- the 6.0-liter V-12, tuned to develop 470 hp and 443lb ft of torque -- will be available, driving the rear wheels through an upgraded "Touchtronic 2" version of the ZF six-speed automatic.

New Ford Fiesta Cars

Ford has made a smooth-shifting new addition to the Fiesta range, in the form of the new Durashift automatic transmission models, to match the new 1.4-litre, 96PS Duratec petrol engine, with a responsive character that benefits from new Fiesta’s lighter yet stronger body structure, being approximately 40kg lighter than the car it replaced.

This ensures ‘auto’ convenience does not significantly compromise performance or economy, with new Fiesta automatic achieving 0-62mph in 13.9sec, while delivering 43.4mpg and a CO2 rating of 154g/km on the EU combined driving cycle1.

ford fiesta cars

ford fiesta cars

ford fiesta cars

ford fiesta cars

2010 Porsche 911 GT3 RS

2010 Porsche 911 GT3 RS

The Porsche 911 GT3 RS may have been one of the best road-legal sports cars on the market, but that didn't stop Porsche from making it even better. For 2010, Stuttgart tweaked GT3 RS, giving it more power, better handling, and reducing its weight, making it an even meaner street and track machine.

Starting in the back, Porsche punched-out the previous GT3 RS's 3.6L naturally aspirated flat-six to 3.8L, resulting in a 15-hp increase for a total of 450 hp. A revised six-speed transaxle features shorter throws and closer ratios for increased performance and, like the outgoing model, the entire exhaust system continues to be built from lightweight titanium.

Moving forward, Porsche widened the front and rear tracks to fit nine-inch-wide wheels in front and 12-inch-wide wheels at the rear wrapped in 245/35 ZR 19 and 325/30 ZR 19 tires respectively. Porsche Active Drivetrain Mounts are standard and minimize drivetrain weight transfer in hard cornering.

Other changes include a lowered ride height, a larger carbon-fiber rear wing, new bodywork to reach around the wider tires, new paint and graphics schemes and an optional lithium-ion battery that is more than 22 lbs lighter than a standard lead-acid battery.

The updated Porsche 911 GT3 RS is slated to go on sale in Europe following its Frankfurt debut and in the U.S. next year. In the states, pricing will start at $132,800 before delivery and other charges.

Electric Love: Renault DeZir EV Sports Coupe Coming to Paris

Electric Love: Renault DeZir EV Sports Coupe Coming to ParisRenault's new DeZir all-electric sports concept is a "passionate" signal of the French automaker's new design direction, thanks in large part to the efforts of Laurens van den Acker. The Dutch designer recently left the top design post at Mazda to take a similar position at Renault, and the DeZir is his team's first showcase effort.DeZir, which will make its world debut at the upcoming 2010 Paris motor show, is a two-door, all-electric-powered sports coupe with a unique gullwing door setup. Several automakers have trotted out sexy-looking EVs lately, and not surprisingly, Renault says the DeZir "is proof that electric vehicles and a love of cars are by no means incompatible."Renault says the DeZir, which drew inspiration from Renault's past, is also the first of several concepts to production vehicles that will further explore the brand's new, more expressive design direction. DeZir reportedly features front end design cues that will find their way to future production Renaults.The DeZir's electric motor is rated at 110 kilowatts (150 horsepower) and 166 pound feet of instantly available torque. It's a minor evolution of the setup found in Renault's zero-emission Z.E. series of cars, which employ roughly the same powertrain as the Nissan Leaf thanks to the Nissan/Renault alliance.The motor of the rear drive DeZir is mounted in a mid-rear position to optimize weight distribution. The DeZir's vertically mounted 24kWh lithium-ion battery pack is located behind the seat. Renault says the DeZir can shoot from 0 to 62 mph in 5 seconds flat onto a top speed of 112 mph. The 1830-pound car's range is pegged at 100 miles and charge times vary depending on connectionIn order to keep weight down, the DeZir's body is made from Kevlar and its sleek shape scores it a drag coefficient (Cd) of just 0.25. Its tubular steel frame is similar to the setup of its Megane Trophy race car, as are elements of its double wishbone suspension. DeZir also employs a kinetic energy recovery system along the lines of the KERS (Kinetic Energy Recovery System) from Formula 1. When the car decelerates, kinetic energy is recovered and stored. When enough energy is available, the driver can get a temporary power boost by pushing a button on the steering wheel.Van den Acker was one of the chief architects of Mazda's Nagare design language (which the Japanese automaker is reportedly abandoning), and there are some similarities to recent Mazda concepts, such as lots of flowing lines all over the car from front to back. And then there are the cross-drilled aluminium side panels that evoke the Audi R8.But the DeZir has plenty of its own character, including the left- and right-hand opening gullwing doors that Renault says symbolize a "ying and yang-style amorous harmony." There are the requisite 21-inch concept wheels, roof and headlight "eyelids," and a Renault logo designed to float in the middle of the grille. The front and back lines are supposed to be reminiscent of ripples on water. Its bright red color is contrasted by a white and red interior that Renault says evokes "the idea of an amorous encounter" (no, we're not making this up, read the press release below) and features a unique white bench seat with red ripples.Under the leadership of Laurens van den Acker, Renault's Design Department has taken its inspiration from the brand's new signature 'Drive the Change' and explores Renault's styling roots to express the company's powerful human dimension via a new strategy founded on the notion of the 'life cycle'. This vision also builds on the bonds that are gradually forged between the brand and its customers at watershed moments of their lives, such as when they fall inlove, begin to explore the world, start a family, begin work, take time out to play and gain wisdom.This approach coincides with the introduction of a new Renault design language that takes its inspiration from the three keywords which communicate the brand's vision, namely 'simple', 'sensuous' and 'warm'.In keeping with this strategy, Renault's concept cars will progressively express this vision, paving the way for a product plan based on a range of rational, user-friendly cars.To implement this, Renault Design has revised its methodology, and a single team of designers will now be responsible for each new concept car and for the subsequent production model it previews.DeZir is the first project to be led by Laurens van den Acker and exemplifies the brand's new philosophy with regard to design. It also marks the implementation of the strategy based on the notion of a 'life cycle'. The first step involves falling in love, an experience that is perfectly illustrated by DeZir's powerful, sensuous styling and bright red finish; red being the colour associated with passion."DeZir is a statement of our new formal design language which conveys notions such as movement, sensuality and emotion through ideal proportions, in much the same way as an object whose forms have been honed by nature. The result is a warm, stimulating design that says 'Renault'," explains Axel Breun, Renault's Director of Concept Car and Show Car Design.Fluidity was an overriding theme from the initial preliminary sketches, and was expressed by a blend of simple forms and generous volumes. "My early source of inspiration stemmed from the liquid sensation, wave-like movement and contrasts in light associated with certain rippled surfaces," observes Yann Jarsalle, who was in charge of DeZir's exterior styling. "By directly laying out volumes and not just joining together a number of surfaces by lines, I felt more in tune with the world of sculpture than with that of architecture."The result is a two-seater coupe which is both sculptural in spirit yet perfectly harmonious.DeZir's shape features prominent wheel arches that accommodate 21-inch wheels, the design of which took its inspiration from the notion of movement.Meanwhile, the sides feature a combination of flush and recessed forms that play on contrasting light patterns.The 'Z' in the name DeZir is a direct reference to Renault's zero-emission Z.E. signature, and several features of its design are suggestive of two qualities readily associated with electric mobility, namely advanced technology and light weight. Indeed, the recessed, linear styling of the front air intake and the entire rear-end convey an impression of lightness in addition to efficiently channelling battery-cooling air from the front to the rear.To provide rhythm and balance to the overall package, this smooth, fluid skin contrasts with the ripple effect seen on the aluminium side panels, roof and headlight 'eyelids'. The design of these features alludes to the ripples which can form when a breeze blows over water, while the geometric pattern adds an unmistakable high-tech feel. The prevailing bright red colour of the body interacts with the graphical forms of the cross-drilled aluminium side panels which equally exude a sense of light weight and technology.The geometric forms of the glazed areas also contribute to DeZir's overall design and are reminiscent of a fighter-plane cockpit or certain endurance racing prototypes. The absence of a rear window is overcome by the fitment of two rear-facing cameras which provide the driver with a panoramic view of what is happening behind the car.The creative thinking behind the design of the front end was aimed at recalling Renault's styling heritage, while at the same time paving the way for the design trends of the brand's forthcoming models.DeZir's front end features a full-width air-intake which strikes out either side of a large, vertically-positioned Renault logo that proudly displays the car's brand pedigree. Meanwhile, the chrome finish of the lozenge contrasts with the dark aspect of the grille to express the statement still further. The air scoops situated at the outer extremities of the front air intake are a legacy of Renault's formal styling language and form an integral part of the air intake's design, as do the headlights which sit above these scoops.The front-end design previews the new front-end identity that is poised to become a feature of all Renault models in the future.The headlights take the form of backlit prisms, which make them a highly graphic feature. The perforated 'eyelids' add to this high-tech feel and contribute to DeZir's specific lighting signature. Rear lighting is provided by an illuminated, seemingly floating strip that extends across the full width of the car. The Renault logo is highlighted by backlighting through the fins of the grille and consequently appears to hover in the middle of this space.The gull-wing doors are another feature that embody automotive passion and reveal a refined interior, while the fact that the left- and right-hand doors open in opposite directions symbolises a ying and yang-style amorous harmony.The interior design also suggests lightness. "Love is a sentiment that lifts you; gives you wings," says Stephane Maiore, who was in charge of DeZir's interior styling. "Inside DeZir, you feel like you're floating on a cloud," adds Stephanie Petit, Colours and Materials Designer.The forms are soft and light, while the predominant colour is white, although there are also echoes of the same passionate red used for the exterior. The materials employed for the interior, like the senses they awaken, are precious, with white leather upholstery and trimming for the seats, dashboard and floor, along with a red lacquered finish for the console and accessories.The one-piece, two-seater front benchseat provides cocoon-like comfort. To emphasise the sensation of shared passion and lightness, it comprises a number of interlocking elements trimmed in white leather, with a quilted pattern on the passenger's side, and a contrasting uniform finish on the driver's side, as if to suggest an inexorable attraction between the two.The embroidered pattern on the leather is based on a graphical representation of the Renault logo and is an example of refined of couture a la francaise. This technique also provides an indication of the forthcoming trend for future production models.The interior styling takes its inspiration from the idea of an amorous encounter and is based on a coming together of opposites:the cockpit-style driver's environment contrasts with the ethereal lightness of the dashboard and the feel of the white leather bench seatthe driver's door features a bright red lacquered finish, while the panel of the passenger-side door is trimmed in white leatherthe dashboard, too, features contrasting finishes, with one part trimmed in white leather and another which exudes a more high-tech feel, with a rippled effectthe white benchseat seems to float on a red-hued bed of light which, once again, symbolises passion. This lighting gently pulses to a rhythm that suggests a beating heartBut couples also seek to protect one another, and the forms of the interior are suggestive of this notion of protection:the centre console houses the transmission-mode selection leverthe housing of the transmission-mode selection lever reveals luminous petals which indicate the selected modethe steering column is shrouded in a red housing that extends up to the steering wheel hub itselfDeZir is powered by an electric motor mounted in a mid-rear position to optimise weight distribution over the front and rear wheels. The vertically-mounted 24kWh lithium-ion battery is located behind the benchseat and provides the car with a range of 100 miles.Batterycooling is ensured not only by the air channelled from the front to the back of the car, but also - and above all - by the flow of air that enters through the lateral scoops concealed behind the aluminium panels on either side of the body.The basic motor is the same as the unit used for Renault's production electric cars, although an evolution has enabled its power and torque to be uprated to 110kW (150ch) and 226Nm respectively.Three battery-charging methods can be employed:a standard charge using a conventional household plug (fully charges the battery in eight hours)a fast charge using a 400V three-phase current (charges the battery to 80 per cent of its capacity in 20 minutes)a fast battery exchange thanks to Renault's Quick Drop technologyIn order to optimise range and dynamic performance, Renault Design's technical teams have kept DeZir's weight to a minimum: its body is made from Kevlar, while its tubular steel frame is similar to that employed for the Megane Trophy race car.DeZir's suspension also shares certain features with that of Megane Trophy - including a double wishbone arrangement - to deliver a particularly high standard of handling precision.DeZir's aerodynamics have been carefully honed, too, thanks to full underbody fairing and a rear diffuser. The result of this work is a drag coefficient (Cd) of 0.25, as well as outstanding acceleration, with DeZir capable of accelerating from rest to 62mph in just five seconds.DeZir's energy efficiency package also includes the recovery of deceleration energy. The technology it employs is based on the same principles as the KERS (Kinetic Energy Recovery System) seen in Formula 1. When the car decelerates, kinetic energy is recovered and stored in the battery. In the case of DeZir, this energy can then be employed by the driver to provide a temporary power boost at the moment he or she chooses, using a button located on the steering wheel.Driving pleasure is further enhanced by the design of the driver interface. The dashboard visually mirrors the sensations felt at the wheel by means of a graphic display of data received from the accelerometer and speed sensors.The central touchscreen display incorporates a smart navigation system that synchronises journey information with the driver's diary in order to optimise task management and itineraries. Software incorporated in the dashboard provides drivers with a real-time indication of their energy management ability via a fun interface that uses video-game style graphics.

Lamborghini reventon roadster

Lamborghini reventon roadster

At this very same Frankfurt show two years ago, Lamborghini unveiled the Reventon -- the Raging Bull's stunning, range-topping super model. With all 20 copies of the Reventon gone and the Murcielego nearing the end of its long lifespan, Sant A'gata Bolognese has one more trick behind the curtain in the form of the Reventon Roadster.

In all, the Reventon Roadster is essentially a Reventon with a removable roof. It's powered by the same 6.5L V-12, though it now makes 670 hp and 487 lb-ft of torque and can hit 62 mph in just 3.4 secs and a top speed of 205 mph, but this time with the wind in your hair. A dry-sump oiling system keeps the engine lubricated and mounted as low as possible for optimal weight distribution, which, at 42/58 front/rear is optimal, according to Lamborghini. Lamborghini's E-Gear single-clutch six-speed automated manual transmission sends power to all four wheels and, when the rear wheels are just spinning, can send up to 35% of the power to the front.

Like other Lamborghinis, the Reventon is a carbon-fiber masterpiece. The main tub is made of carbon-fiber with steel reinforcements while the bodywork is all carbon-fiber, save for the steel door skins. Lamborghini found that the structure of the original Reventon was so strong that minimal reinforcement was needed when they removed the roof. As a result, the Reventon Roadster checks in at 3,725 lbs, just 55 lbs heavier than the original.

BMW Gran Coupe concept green-lighted for production

BMW will inveterate that the Gran Coupe Concept will reach production. The design of the Audi A7-rival will be shared with the forthcoming 6 Series Coupe.

Speaking at an event in Munich, Klaus Draeger, an associate of BMW's Board of Management, said that the GCC will become a 6-Series "four-door coupe". He implied the car would launch in late 2012.

To be sold as the BMW 6-Series Gran Coupe, several engines and models will be offered: two petrols & diesels, a hybrid, and an M variant. So expect a 300bhp (304PS) 3.0 litre 6 cylinder (hybrids will have a 54bhp (55PS) electric motor), 400bhp (406PS) 4.4 litre V8 petrol, 3.0 litre diesel with 204bhp (207PS) and 245bhp (248 PS), and a twin-turbo V8 with 555bhp (563PS) to 570bhp (578PS).

Other than talking about the production GCC, Draeger mentioned BMW has designed and built a 6 Series Shooting Brake. It hasn't been confirmed for production, but market evaluation studies are currently in progress.

Infiniti M37 pricing announced

Infiniti has confirmed prices of the M37. The M37 will be available in five different trim-levels, priced from £35,150. The M30d will arrive in October and the M35 hybrid in Spring 2011, with prices and specifications for these variants to be announced at a later date.

The M37 is powered by a 3.7 litre V6 petrol, kicking out 316bhp (320PS) that thrusts the four-door saloon from 0-62mph in 6.2 seconds with an electronically limited top speed of 155 mph. Combined fuel economy is 27.7mpg, while it pumps out CO2 emissions of 235g/km.

The entry-level M37 is priced at £35,150 and comes equipped with a 7 speed automatic transmission, bi-xenon lights, 10 way electrically adjustable front seats, reversing camera, hard disk drive (HDD) sound system and Drive Mode Selector – that adapts key driving parameters to Sport, Normal, Snow and Eco settings.

Lower mid-range M37 GT starts from £37,650 and adds semi-aniline leather, heated and ventilated front seats and White Ash wood trim with silver powder finish.

Upper-mid range is the M37S, which costs £39,650 and adds 4 Wheel Active Steering (4WAS), sports suspension, sports seats w/heat and ventilation function, gearshift paddles and 20” alloy wheels.

Flagship Infiniti GT & S Premium models start from £45,000 and £43,000. These acquire a Dynamic Safety Shield package, Forest Air, 16 speaker BOSE sound system and the Connectiviti+ information and entertainment platform comprising 30GB HDD navigation. Premium models also feature a "Eco Pedal", which helps reduce fuel consumption by pushing back the accelerator pedal on the driver's foot when it detects excess pressure and poor fuel efficiency.

2011 Hyundai Equus specification announced

Hyundai have revealed extra information regarding engines and specifications for the all-new 2011 Equus. The Equus will be offered in just two trim-levels, Equus Signature and Equus Ultimate.

The Equus Signature features a 4.6 litre 385bhpTau® V8 petrol engine w/ 6 speed automatic, 608w Lexicon® sound system w/17 speakers, electronically controlled air suspension with continuous damping control, Vehicle Stability Management with pre-collision warning, Smart Cruise Control, bi-xenon headlamps w/ LED day-time running ligths, front and rear parking sensors w/rear-view camera, premium leather seating, Alcantara suede headliner, heated and cooled front seats w/ drivers massage function, heated wood and leather steering wheel, and other lavish luxuries.

The Equus Ultimate adds a grille-mounted front camera, power bootlid, electrically reclining rear seats with powered headrests, cooled rear seats, rear seat massage and leg support function, rear seat refrigerator and rear seat entertainment system.

"When you're spending this much for a new car, you don't want to feel like you've been short-changed on engineering, technology or features," said John Krafcik, Hyundai Motor America president and CEO. "Equus Signature has the technology and content of fully-optioned flagship models from Lexus and BMW, while Equus Ultimate delivers a specification approached only by our competitors' low-volume, special-order models."

Hyundai's novel perspective on intelligent luxury, features "Your Time, Your Place," the industry's first at-home vehicle demonstration program, the Valet Service program, which provides at-home pickup for Equus service and maintenance and the industry's first iPad-based interactive owner's manual.

A 5.0 litre Tau 429bhp V8 petrol engine will join the range at a later date, mated to an all-new in-house 8 speed automatic. Prices are expected to start around $58,000.

EQUUS SIGNATURE KEY STANDARD FEATURES:

4.6 litre DOHC Tau V8 engine, 6 speed automatic transmission with SHIFTRONIC® , electro-hydraulic power steering (EHPS), electronically controlled air suspension with continuous damping control (CDC), 19” chrome alloy wheels with P245/45R19 (front) / P275/40R19 (rear) tyres, four-wheel disc brakes with Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) and EBD, electronic stability control (ESC) with TCS and brake assist, vehicle stability management (VSM) system with pre-collision warning, 9 airbags; x2 front airbags, front and rear seat-mounted side-impact airbags, driver knee airbag, and roof-mounted side-curtain airbags, electronic active front head restraints with power controls, electronic seatbelt pretensioners, tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS), lane departure warning system (LDWS), smart cruise control, adaptive high intensity discharge (HID) headlights with LED turn signal indicators w/auto-levelling, fog lights and automatic headlights, front and rear parking assistance system w/rear-view camera, electric-folding heated auto-dimming mirrors w/ turn signal indicators and approach lamps, twin asymmetrical exhaust tips integrated with rear bumper, proximity key entry w/push-button start, illuminated scuff plates, inside door handles and door armrest, premium leather seating surfaces and Alcantara® suede headliner, 12 way power driver seat plus lumbar adjustment and 10 way power front passenger seat, driver seat massage system, heated and cooled front seats, heated, wood-trimmed and leather-wrapped steering wheel, power tilt-and-telescopic steering wheel, integrated memory system (IMS) for driver-side seat, mirror and steering wheel, leather-wrapped dash and real wood interior trim, electroluminescent cluster (Supervision) with 3.5-inch TFT LCD screen, electronic parking brake with automatic vehicle hold, power windows with auto-down/up, navigation system w/ DIS and multimedia controller, Apple iPad interactive owner's manual, 608w Lexicon 7.1 Discrete surround-sound system with 17 speakers, iPod/USB and MP3 auxiliary input jacks and iPod connection cable, XM® Satellite Radio & NavTraffic® with trial subscription, Bluetooth® hands-free phone system, dual automatic temperature control with air quality system, windshield-wiper de-icer, rain-sensing wipers and auto-defogging windshield with humidity sensor, electrochromic auto-dimming inside rear-view mirror with HomeLink® and compass, acoustic laminated windshield , front and rear side windows, power tilt-and-slide glass sunroof, 60/40 power reclining and heated rear seats, power rear sunshade and rear side-window sunshades, luggage net, premium-grade floor mats, premium-grade trunk cargo mat and first-aid kit (PIO).

EQUUS COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGES:

Tau V8 engine, rated one of Ward's "Ten Best Engines" for 2009 and 2010

First-class seating available on Equus Ultimate (competitors' best seating options come only on the long-wheelbase variants)

Standard Smart Cruise Control

Standard Lane Departure Warning System

Standard heated steering wheel

Standard power reclining rear seats

Standard heated rear seats

Standard premium Lexicon 7.1 Discrete surround sound audio system with 17 speakers

Available rear console refrigerator (only available on some competitors' LWB models)

EQUUS ULTIMATE ADDS ULTRA LUXURY FEATURES:


Equus Ultimate adds or replaces:

50/50 split rear seats (four-passenger seating) with reclining function, rear passenger leg support and massage system, cooled rear seats, rear-seat entertainment system w/ 8” monitor, thermoelectric rear center console refrigerator, rear-seat power up/down head restraints w/ manual tilt, rear-seat illuminated vanity mirrors, forward-view cornering camera and a power trunk lid.

The Equus Ultimate replaces the 60:40 rear seat of the Equus Signature with a 50:50 power reclining seating configuration. The seat-back of this 50:50 seat massages and vibrates with heat - the perfect relaxation therapy for extended cruising. It is operated by its own remote control unit.

Equus offers four exterior colours and three interior theme choices. Exterior colours are White Satin Pearl, Black Noir Pearl, Granite Gray and Platinum Metallic. Interior themes are Cashmere with genuine Birch Burl wood, Jet Black with genuine walnut wood and Saddle with genuine walnut wood.

2011 Mazda Verisa

Mazda has subtly revised the Verisa crossover (MPV & SUV) for the Japanese market for the 2011 MY. Some may recognise the Verisa, that's because it underpins the 2002 Ford Fiesta/Fusion. The Verisa will still be sold alongside it’s younger sibling, the Demio (Mazda2 in overseas market).

The minor changes consist of new colours for both the fabric and leather seats, revised instrument panel that includes a fuel consumption gauge and an "eco-lamp" to support economical driving, restyled steel wheels and improved standard equipment on some model grades. Sales have already begun.

Main features of the refreshed Verisa

Design:

• The Verisa C features new Coral Brown fabric seats, which are brown in the middle and beige on the sides

• The Verisa L has new Cool Black leather seats with a black and sand-coloured two-tone design.

• To match the new seats, the Verisa L has a black and sand-coloured leather-wrapped steering wheel.

• Both grades have a newly designed instrument panel with blackout metres.

• Newly designed hub caps for both the 14” and 15” wheels.

Equipment:

• Automatic headlights and front rain sensing wipers (which automatically switch on according to ambient conditions), and water-repellent coating (on the front door windows and door mirrors) are standard equipment on the Verisa L grade.

• A fuel consumption gauge (showing average fuel consumption) and an eco-lamp have been added to the instrument panel on all model grades.

BMW to recall 5 Series GT

BMW USA is to recall in excess of 6,000 2010 and 2011 5 Series GT built between 12th January – 1st July, due to a faulty fuel gauge. BMW owners are being cautioned by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration about the problem.

According to NHSTA, the 5 Series GT’s level sensor within the fuel tank can become wedged against the tank. If this happens, the fuel gauge in the instrument cluster will display a larger amount of fuel than what's in the actual tank.

BMW has not yet provided details on when the fix or notification schedule will take place. Concerned owners of the affected models can contact BMW on 1-800-525-7417.

Kia allegedly abandons Soul

When the KIA Soul’ster Concept premiered at the 2009 North American International Auto Show, it turned heads. Even though the 2dr open-top SUV design was well-received by the media and public, rumours surfaced of a production model, planned for the near future. Apparently, Kia has now cancelled its plans to build the Soul'ster for production.

In order for Kia approve the Soul’ster, Orth Hedrick, director of product planning, said “You have to have broader appeal” to justify the development time and money it would take to bring the model to market. He added that a production Soul'ster would be an “almost all-new vehicle,” due to structural and weight differences from the regular Soul.

“The business case is really what we have to keep studying all the time,” said Hedrick, noting developing and selling Soul variants would be a challenge, “especially in this environment.”

Hedrick also confirmed that the Soul will undergo revised front and rear fascias, as well as receive more upmarket features for the mid-cycle change in 2012.

Nissan X-Trail facelift

Nissan has revised the X-Trail SUV with extensive updates to keep up with competition in the European market.

Like the JDM (Japanese Domestic Market) X-Trail, the European model receives a remodeled grille, headlights and bumper assembly. The X-Trail is available with both bi-xenon and halogen headlamps and the background of the headlamp cluster is painted black on all grades and fog lamps are mounted below the headlights, recessed in the bumper.

At the rear, the X-Trail’s distinctive vertical lights have been updated to incorporate LED light technology for the running lights and braking, improving visibility and, therefore, safety. The indicator is incorporated into the lower portion of the light assembly, with the running/brake lights to the outside of it.

The new X-Trail now gets 10 spoke 18” alloy wheel design, to give more presence on the road. A small increase in tyre width has led to a slight widening of the wheelarch moulding. X-Trail Acenta obtains new double 5-spoke 17” alloy wheels. Due to the external changes, the newcomer is 10mm longer at the front and 10mm taller due to the increase in tyre width and diameter.

Internally, improved materials and better colour coordination at to an upscale feel. The materials used for the switch surrounds on the steering wheel, around the gear selector and on the door-mounted armrest have all been improved for better touch feeling, while thicker, soft-touch materials have been chosen for the cloth seats.

The stitching on the leather interior gives a more premium feel than before. A revised speedometer is bigger and clearer and engine speed readouts at enhanced quality. A new drive computer with a white-on-black display is added for maximum clarity. The computer offers a series of useful information for the driver, including: fuel economy, outside temperature (including ice warning function), cruising range, average speed and a reminder to take a break. The drive computer screen can also display additional information such as warnings for low fuel, parking brake, undetected Intelligent Key and open door, as well as vital maintenance information, such as tyre maintenance, low oil and a service reminder.

Vitally, rear occupant comfort has been improved thanks to redesigned front seats, creating an additional 10mm of knee-room, without negotiating on comfort for the front seat occupants. Even the rear tonneau cover material has been upgraded.

The heated and cooled glovebox and cupholders have been reworked to offer quicker heating and cooling. Heated rear seats are now fitted as standard on Tekna models.

Nissan-Renault’s 2.0 dCi 173bhp diesel engine has significant updates to comply with Euro5 emission regulations. A key innovation is the addition of an extra injector port, taking the total number to seven, while the piston bowl has been adapted for the new injector configuration.

The manual gearbox has revised ratios for a better compromise between acceleration, fuel economy and emissions, while the automatic gearbox has been modified for reduced friction. An additional feature is the gearchange indicator function in the drive computer screen, showing drivers when to change gear for optimised economy. Thanks to better underbody aerodynamics, X-Trail’s Cd is reduced from 0.36 to 0.35.

Speaking about the updates to Nissan’s X-TRAIL, Vincent Wijnen Vice President, Sales and Marketing, Nissan Europe, said: “All of these changes will reinforce the X-TRAIL as one of the few genuine compact SUVs which can just as comfortably tackle the demands of everyday family life, as it can a muddy, slippery track when it transports a family for a weekend of adventure. X-TRAIL customers love it for its ease and convenience of daily use, no matter what situation they find themselves in. With these revisions to Nissan’s X-TRAIL, there is even more to love about X-TRAIL.”

Deliveries for the revamped X-Trail start in October.

Japanese models receive similar updates, in addition to new colour options and more standard features. While the petrol engine hasn’t been touched, the X-Trail 20GT 2.0 litre diesel now gets a 6 speed automatic transmission. The 173bhp engine produces 360Nm (265lb-ft) of torque. Nissan has also updated its "Advanced Hill Descent Control" which is now fitted with a speed-setting function.

Japanese prices start at ¥2,239,650 (£16,300), rising to ¥3,139,500 (£22,800).

2011 Nissan X-Trail facelift (Japan):