Fun 2 Fun Extra

Audi A1 Sportback gets the Tuning Treatment from ABT Sportsline

noreply@blogger.com (S.M Indika madushan karunarathna) — Tue, 31 Jul 2012 00:33:00 -0700

After the three-door Audi A1, it's time for ABT Sportsline to show some tuning love to the five-door Sportback variant of Ingolstadt's premium supermini.
The German tuner offers a complete mix of cosmetic and performance enhancements, including a lite styling package as seen on the model in these pictures and which includes vents on the front fenders, side skirt décor parts, chrome tailpipes and a choice of 17- and 18-inch alloy wheels.
There are more parts available such as front lips, rear skirt inserts, a larger spoiler, and even a selection of wraps aptly named 'Aloha', 'Klecks' and 'High-voltage'.
Power upgrades include performance kits for the 1.4-liter TFSI, boosting the 120hp (122PS) version to 158hp (160PS), and the 182hp (185PS) model to 207hp (210PS) for a top speed close to 240km/h (149mph) and a 0-100km/h (62mph) sprint time of 6.6 seconds.

The base 1.2-liter TFSI petrol is bumped from 85hp (86PS) to 108hp (110PS), while the 1.6-liter TDI diesel with 104hp (105PS) delivers 123hp (125PS) and the 2.0-liter TDI with 141hp (143PS) churns out 167hp (170PS) after ABT's engineers install the upgrade kit.

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Peugeot Releases a Handful of New Photos of 301 Compact Sedan

noreply@blogger.com (S.M Indika madushan karunarathna) — Sun, 29 Jul 2012 07:48:00 -0700

Looking at the (evidently photoshoped) image posted above, you would be inclined to believe that Peugeot is marketing some sort of crossover model, which wouldn't hold true as the car you see here is nothing more than the French firm's mainstream 301 compact saloon.
Then why go into all that trouble to paste the 301 on a gravel path? Well, the answer to this question is Peugeot wants to convey the message that its new sedan is built tough and can handle the roughest of roads.

"From the start of the project, when the specification for the car was being drawn up, Peugeot’s engineers went out on long driving missions to build up mileage on the different sorts of roads that would be taken by the future 301 customers," says Peugeot.

"Roads with poor surfaces, hot climates, cold climates, humid climates… all of the possible situations have been tested and sometimes even with a customer at the wheel. In total, many tens of thousands of kilometres have been run in several continents," the French carmaker added.

So in which regions/countries will the 301 go on sale? Starting from November 1, the new Peugeot model will be available in Turkey and then in Central and Eastern Europe, Russia, Ukraine, Greece, the Maghred, the Middle East, the Gulf States and African countries, certain Latin American markets and China.

Depending on the market, the 301 will compete against cars in the likes of the new Skoda Rapid and Seat Toledo twins, as well as its own French sibling, the Citroen C-Elysee.

Available engine options will include a 70hp (71PS) 1.2-liter VTi petrol, a 91hp (92PS) 1.6-liter HDi turbo diesel and a 114hp (115PS) 1.6-liter petrol.

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Official: Volkswagen Presents Redesigned Gol Hatchback and Gol Voyage Sedan

noreply@blogger.com (S.M Indika madushan karunarathna) — Fri, 27 Jul 2012 11:20:00 -0700

While Volkswagen's European division is gearing up for the all-important world premiere of the brand-new Golf Mk7 at the Paris Motor Show, half way around the globe, the company's South American arm lifted the covers of the redesigned Gol hatchback and its sedan sibling named Voyage.
The Gol, which is the Portuguese and Spanish word for 'goal', is the best-selling car in South America since the mid-1980s, with more than 5 million units produced and sold in Brazil alone.

The mid-life facelift for both body styles brings Volkswagen's corporate face as seen on the latest Polo, Jetta and Passat models with a new grille, bumper and headlamp designs. At the back, there are new tail lamps and a restyled tail gate for the hatchback.

Changes inside are limited to the lighting and trim décor on the dashboard such as the chrome rings on the vents, the controls with improved feel and ergonomics plus upgrades to the car's equipment features.

Under the hood, the main news is the introduction of a new bi-fuel 1.0-liter engine rated at 72hp when using gasoline and 76hp with ethanol.

According to the manufacturer, when fueled with ethanol, the Gol 1.0 accelerates from zero to 100km/h (62mph) in 12.9 seconds and tops out at 165 km/h (103mph).

Story References: Volkswagen via NovidadesAutomotivas

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Nissan to Build Next Generation Rogue Crossover in South Korea as well as in the U.S. [Updated]

noreply@blogger.com (S.M Indika madushan karunarathna) — Thu, 26 Jul 2012 14:55:00 -0700

As it turns out, Nissan will split production of the new Rogue crossover between its Smyrna plant in Tennessee, USA, (starting from next year), and the Renault Samsung Motors factory in Busan, South Korea, (beginning in 2014).
Analysts believe that Nissan will benefit from a weak Korean won and recent free trade deals.

The French-Japanese firm said it will invest US$160 million (€130 million) to add 80,000 units of the Nissan Rogue production in Korea and "increase cost competitiveness of a key industrial base". The vehicles will be shipped to North America and select Asian countries.

"Adding production in Korea shows a commitment across the Alliance to helping Renault Samsung Motors achieve its targets for cost competitiveness and growth," said Renault-Nissan Alliance CEO Carlos Ghosn.

"The Busan announcement represents a unique ‘win-win-win’ for Renault, Nissan and RSM, demonstrating the flexibility and power of the Alliance for all partners -- and I am counting on every RSM employee to contribute to the successful completion of this project," he added.

The Busan factory has a total capacity of 300,000 units per year but is expected to build only 180,000 vehicles in 2012.

Renault said that it aims to achieve a 10 percent market share in Korea this year, up from 7 percent in 2011.

As part of the Renault Samsung Motors (RSM) Revival Plan, the company plans to introduce a new small crossover and the zero-emission SM3 ZE in 2013. RSM’s current lineup includes the SM3 compact, the SM5 midsize sedan, the SM7 large sedan (rebadged for China as Renault Talisman) and the QM5 SUV, which is sold as the Renault Koleos outside Korea.

Update: A previous version of this story said that Nissan would build the new Rogue only in South Korea. Travis Parman, Director, Corporate Communications of Nissan North America told us that production will be split between its Smyrna plant and the Busan factory.

"The Rogue will be produced in the United States as well," explained Parman. "The South Korea production is intended to provide additional global capacity for the new model, for which we anticipate increased demand. The plans to move Nissan Rogue production to Nissan’s Smyrna, Tenn. plant in 2013 remain in place. Over the past 24 months, we’ve seen demand for the Rogue in the U.S. increase about 50 percent—from just under 100K units in 2010 to 126K in 2011, and we’re on a trajectory to pass 150K units in 2012."

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Mercedes-Benz 1886 year, the first car from Charles Benz

noreply@blogger.com (S.M Indika madushan karunarathna) — Mon, 23 Jul 2012 02:00:00 -0700

The first-ever car (as well as the Daimler car), constructed in 1885 Charles Benz, the German inventor. On January, 29th, 1886 he took out the patent for the car, and on July, 3rd, 1886 on Ringshtrasse in Mannheim for the first time showed the car to general public. Benz managed to carry out old dream – to design and construct the first car. Benz’s car had three bicycle wheels. In movement it was resulted by means of the chain drive by the four-cycle gasoline engine located behind between wheels. The car has been patented in January, 1886, passed tests for roads, and in 1887 participated in the Parisian exhibition. Since 1888 Benz’s cars have been exposed on sale, but buyers were not. Position was rescued by Benz’s wife – Berta who and took earlier active part in work of the husband. As would tell now – made the advertising action. In August, 1888 Berta Benz together with sons of 15 and 13 years without the knowledge of Charles made on it a trip to the next city on distance of 106 km. On the way it was necessary to buy gasoline in drugstores (it was on sale there as cleaner), to replace the erased mouldings of a brake. Some times overcame liftings, pushing the car. On road people ran together crowds to take a look at such miracle. About this distant automobile race all Germany learn’t. And the press turned a close attention not only on travel, but also on Charles Benz’s car. From now on its way to glory and success also began.

Technical characteristics
On the car the one-cylinder internal combustion engine by a working volume of 954 cm ³ has been established. Real capacity of this car — 0,9 h.p. at 400 turns in a minute though in the patent for the invention 2/3 horse powers are specified at 250 turns. This engine had considerable weight (about 100 kg).Maximum speed is 13 kilometers per hour.
Proceeding from it we can understand that Mercedes-Benz is the most ancient mark on a planet.

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Future Cars: 2013 Seat Leon Cupra R Visualized

noreply@blogger.com (S.M Indika madushan karunarathna) — Sun, 22 Jul 2012 11:47:00 -0700

With the first juicy details and photos of the all-new Seat Leon Mk3 out in the open, it's time to imagine what the range-topping Cupra / Cupra R model, likely to be presented next year, could look like.
The design made by Khalil Bouguerra suggests that Seat will adorn the Cupra model with a black finish for the grille surround, alloy wheels and mirror caps while also adding a new rear bumper with side vents, a diffuser and a centrally mounted single exhaust pipe.
We think that the real Cupra may also feature a different front bumper than the Leon FR upon which this CGI is based, along with side skirts and possibly a roof spoiler.
In it is current form, the Leon Cupra R features the VW Group's 2.0-liter TSI turbocharged inline-four with 261hp (265PS) driving the hatchback's front wheels. We wouldn't be surprised if its replacement made use of the same powertrain, perhaps tweaked to improve its green credentials and fuel economy numbers.
Photo Credits: Khalil Bouguerra

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Volkswagen Charts its 2013MY Lineup, Announces New Beetle Convertible and Jetta Hybrid

noreply@blogger.com (S.M Indika madushan karunarathna) — Sun, 22 Jul 2012 04:40:00 -0700

It's that time of the year again when automakers provide details about their new model year lineups. For Volkswagen, the 2013MY brings new derivatives and changes to all vehicle ranges sold in the States except the Chrysler-based Routan minivan.
The new additions to the range are the next generation of the Beetle Convertible and a hybrid version of the Jetta.
Volkswagen tells us that the new iteration of the rag-topped Beetle, which has yet to be unveiled, will go on sale in the U.S. in late 2012. The German automaker added that it will "feature a fast-acting top that preserves the sleek lines of the coupe".
The convertible will be available with two gasoline units, a 2.5-liter naturally aspirated and a 2.0-liter turbocharged four, plus a 2.0-liter TDI Clean Diesel that will return an EPA estimated 41 mpg on the highway for the manual transmission model.
Moving on to the Jetta Hybrid that was revealed at the 2012 Detroit Auto Show in January, the sedan model goes on sale in late fall.
It features a 150hp 1.4-liter turbocharged gasoline engine and a 20 kW (27hp) electric motor that deliver a combined output of 168hp (170PS). A standard seven-speed dual clutch DSG transmission drives the front wheels.
The German carmaker says that the new Jetta Hybrid will return an estimated combined fuel consumption of 45 mpg.
As for the rest of VW's passenger car lineup, depending on the model, there are new trim levels, adde
d standard equipment features and other minor changes, all of which are described in detail in the official release that you will find right below the break.

[From Volkswagen]
CARS
Beetle
Beetle Convertible is added to the range. Beetle TDI coupe arrives in August. Beetle Fender Edition makes its debut in the fall of 2012. All Turbo models now have a standard armrest. Turbo with Sunroof, Sound, and Navigation gains new 19-inch “Tornado” aluminum-alloy wheels, Bi-Xenon headlights with LED Daytime Running Lights, and LED license-plate lighting.
The Beetle coupe went on sale in 2012 in 2.5-liter and 2.0-liter TSI® forms. In August, the Beetle coupe range will be rounded out with the 140-horsepower, 2.0-liter TDI Clean Diesel engine that will achieve an EPA estimated fuel economy rating of 41 mpg on the highway when equipped with the six-speed manual transmission.
Later in 2012, the Beetle Fender Edition will go on sale, in 2.5L and Turbo forms. As well as featuring the award-winning Fender® Premium Audio System, this special edition will also have a striking sunburst-style dashboard, Fender logos, special seat stitching, brushed chrome door mirrors, Bi-Xenon headlights with LED DRLs, and 18-inch “Disc” aluminum-alloy wheels. Additionally, Turbo models will get exclusive seat fabric inserts.
CC
New front and rear styling enhances an already dramatic design. High-luxury, high-quality interior now has seating for five. Bi-Xenon headlights and LED Daytime Running Lights are now standard. New exterior colors, wheels, and trim available. New LED taillights. The only four-door coupe in its class. R-Line design joins the range at the end of 2012.
The newly refreshed CC went on sale in March. There are two powertrain offerings: a 200-horsepower, turbocharged four-cylinder 2.0-liter TSI, mated to either a six-speed manual or six-speed dual-clutch transmission driving the front wheels; and a 280-hp VR6® engine driving all four wheels through a six-speed automatic transmission. Mated to the manual transmission, the 2.0T achieves EPA estimated fuel economy of 21 mpg city and 32 mpg highway, while the VR6 4Motion® model gets EPA estimates of 17 mpg city and 25 mpg highway.
The popular R-line trim line will return to the range at the end of 2012. With interior and exterior enhancements, this makes the CC an even sportier vehicle. Compared with the Sport model on which it is based, the R-Line gains a more aggressive front bumper design that incorporates a large lower air intake and projector-style foglights with a striking chrome motif. Side skirts and the R-Line logo on the grille further differentiate the R-Line from the Sport model, along unique 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels. Inside, there are stainless-steel R-Line scuff plates and a multifunction steering wheel that has paddle shifters for the DSG dual-clutch automatic transmission.
Eos
New Sport trim joins the lineup and gains: 18-inch “Vicenza” aluminum-alloy wheels; a lowered sport suspension; Bi-Xenon headlights with LED DRLs and Adaptive Front-lighting System (AFS); headlight washers; LED license-plate lights; “Black Peak” interior trim; brushed stainless steel pedals; multifunction steering wheel with paddle shifters; black exterior side mirrors; and a rear spoiler. Lux and Executive models receive Bi-Xenon headlights with LED DRLs and AFS, headlight washers, LED license-plate lights, and a new optional leather interior color: Atlantic Blue. The Lux also receives a lowered sport suspension and 18-inch “Chicago” aluminum-alloy wheels. Executive model also gains a rearview camera. New exterior color: Black Pearl.

Golf
For 2013, the Golf incorporates minor changes over the 2012 models.
A front center armrest, in addition to front and rear floor mats, is now standard on all models. Golf with Convenience trim features a standard leather-wrapped steering wheel, shift knob, and handbrake lever. Golf with Convenience and Sunroof models now feature a leather-wrapped multifunction steering wheel, shift knob, and handbrake lever. Four-door 2.5L is no longer available with a five-speed manual transmission.

GTI
For 2013, the GTI incorporates minor changes over the 2012 models.
A new 18-inch “Laguna” aluminum-alloy wheel now distinguishes the Convenience and Sunroof trim and Sunroof and Navigation trim from the rest of the lineup.

Golf R
For 2013, the Golf R continues in limited quantity with no changes over the 2012 models.

Jetta
VW’s most popular model receives extensive updates for model year 2013. Introduction of all-new Jetta Hybrid in late 2012. All Jetta models from S with Sunroof receive an adjustable front center armrest. SE trim level and above feature power recline for driver and front passenger seats. Launch control now standard on GLI models equipped with the DSG transmission.
Following record sales in 2011—the sixth-generation Jetta’s first full year on sale in the U.S.—the best-selling model in Volkswagen’s line-up receives a number of technology and interior comfort updates.
Starting with the popular 2.5-liter engine models, standard updates to the SE trim include power-recline driver and front passenger seats, new decorative metallic trim on the dash and door panels, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel, shift knob, and handbrake lever. Exterior enhancements include a chrome radiator grille and chrome window trim.
The SEL trim adds a six-way power driver seat with manual lumbar support, sport-comfort driver and front passenger seats, and a soft-touch dash. A two-tone black-and-beige interior complements the changes for 2013.
A new trim, SEL with Navigation, adds the acclaimed Fender Premium Audio System and the RNS-315 touchscreen navigation system.
Similar to the 2.5-liter gasoline trims, all TDI Clean Diesel models receive interior and exterior enhancements. All models now include power-recline driver and front passenger seats in addition to a leather-wrapped steering wheel, shift knob, and handbrake lever. A new iridium trim enhances the dash and door panels. The exterior now features a chrome radiator grille along with chrome window trim.
The top-of-the-line TDI Premium with Navigation trim includes a six-way power driver seat and a new 17-inch aluminum-alloy wheel.
The performance-driven Jetta GLI model now features Launch Control. All Jetta GLI models equipped with the DSG automatic transmission include a Launch Control program that can be engaged by the driver when the vehicle is at a stop, allowing for a perfect launch with controlled wheelspin. Technology updates to the sporty GLI Autobahn with Navigation trim include a rearview camera and Bi-Xenon headlights with LED DRLs.
Volkswagen’s first hybrid compact, the Jetta Hybrid, launches in the late fall. It will offer a manufacturer-estimated combined 45 mpg. Further detail on trims and pricing will be announced at launch.

Jetta SportWagen
For 2013, the Jetta SportWagen incorporates only minor changes over the 2012 models.
The S trim now features a leather-wrapped multi-function steering wheel and multi-function display.

Passat
For 2013, the Passat incorporates minor changes over the 2012 models.
The only German-Engineered sedan available in the mid-size segment, with class-leading rear-seat legroom. TDI Clean Diesel model with manual transmission has class-leading range of 795 miles. SE trim and above get a new center console that incorporates rear air vents, a new cupholder design, and a revised covered front stowage area. All SEL trim models get a rearview camera.
The Passat has been an instant success for Volkswagen, with more than 100,000 being built since it went on sale in September of 2011. The car has also been a hit with media, too, winning Motor Trend’s 2012 Car of the Year and multiple comparison tests in top U.S. publications. The popular TDI model also set a long-distance driving record, achieving 1626 miles on one tank of Clean Diesel fuel from Houston, Texas, to Sterling, Virginia, driven by acknowledged mileage experts John and Helen Taylor.
MINIVANS, SUVs
Routan
For 2013, the Routan carries over unchanged.

Tiguan
For 2013, the Tiguan incorporates only minor changes over the 2012 models.
All Tiguan trim lines get an electronic parking brake, hill-hold control, a leather-wrapped multifunction steering wheel, and a leather shift knob. SE trim receives a partial power passenger seat. SEL trim has a power passenger seat and a rearview camera.

Touareg
For 2013, the Touareg incorporates only minor changes over the 2012 models.
Touareg TDI Clean Diesel models get a power hike, from 225 horsepower to 240. 18-inch “Karakum” wheels are available on VR6 and TDI Sport trims. Executive and Hybrid trims get Vavona wood interior trim. Hybrid models receive LED taillights and rear license-plate light.

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Ford C-MAX Energi Plug-in Hybrid to Deliver 550-Mile Range, More than 20 Miles on Electric Power

noreply@blogger.com (S.M Indika madushan karunarathna) — Sat, 21 Jul 2012 22:29:00 -0700

Once again, the Blue Oval is on a bragging spree specifically targeting Toyota, which we don't know whether it should feel complimented or aggrieved.
Today, Ford said it expects its new 2013 C-MAX Energi plug-in hybrid minivan to achieve more than 20 miles (32 kilometers) of electric-only range, noting that's "nearly double the Toyota Prius plug-in hybrid".
The automaker added that C-MAX Energi has an overall driving range of 550 miles (885 kilometers), which in theory will allow a driver to go from Sacramento to San Diego on a single tank of gasoline.
"With a maximum electric-only speed projected to top that of Prius plug-in, C-MAX Energi drivers might be able to reach wherever they’re going a little faster, too," Ford added in a cheeky statement.
The C-MAX Energi is said to deliver a fuel economy that is the equivalent of 95 miles per gallon (MPGe) combined city/highway.
"We are proud C-MAX Energi is the first plug-in hybrid that can deliver a 550-mile overall range and more than 20 miles of electric range as it gives customers great flexibility to commute to work, then take off for a road trip while passing many gas stations along the way," says John Davis, chief engineer for Ford’s compact cars and utility vehicles.

The plug-in hybrid version of the C-MAX, which features a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and a battery-powered electric motor producing a combined output of 188-ponies, will go on sale this fall with pricing to be announced.
The non-plug-in C-MAX Hybrid with a projected 47 mpg city fuel economy and a base price of $25,995, including destination and delivery, is already on sale in the States.

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Suzuki Freshens Up Japanese Market Grand Vitara for the 2013MY

noreply@blogger.com (S.M Indika madushan karunarathna) — Tue, 17 Jul 2012 03:03:00 -0700

Along with the Toyota RAV4, the Suzuki Grand Vitara is one of the oldest mainstream models in the compact SUV segment having been in production in its current form since 2005.
In order to keep customer interest high, Suzuki has launched a new model year version of the domestic market Grand Vitara, which is called Escudo in Japan.
On the outside, the subtle facelift brings a newly designed front grille with twin-bars in the shape of wings, a tweaked bumper that gains black trim, black headlamp bezels and new alloy wheel styles, while Suzuki also discarded the spare rear wheel on the tailgate and moved the license plate holder.
The only changes to the interior are the new materials and colors for the seats and door panels.
There's also a new special edition model named "X-Adventure" that comes in a bespoke 'Bison Brown Pearl Metallic' finish, 18-inch wheels, a chrome front grille, privacy glass, a rear spoiler, additional standard equipment such as the sunroof and a suede interior with red accents on the seats, steering wheel and gear shifter.
Suzuki did not say if these changes will be applied on the Grand Vitara sold in markets outside of Japan.

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RQ-170 Sentinel USAF Unmanned Aerial Vehicle

noreply@blogger.com (S.M Indika madushan karunarathna) — Mon, 16 Jul 2012 15:25:00 -0700

RQ-170 Sentinel USAF Unmanned Aerial Vehicle The RQ-170 Sentinel is a low observable unmanned aircraft system (UAS) being developed, tested and fielded by the USAF. it'll offer reconnaissance and surveillance in support of the joint forces commander. The Air Force's RQ-170 program leverages the Lockheed Martin Advanced Development Programs (ADP) and government efforts to rapidly develop and produce a low observable UAS.

The RQ-170 Sentinel is fitted with an active electronically scanned array radar, synthetic aperture radar and signal intelligence in its belly fairings. The RQ-170 is powered by a single General electric TF34 turbofan engine that produces 9,275lbs of thrust. The TF34 is intended and built by US based engine manufacturer General electric Aviation.
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MQ-8B Fire Scout Navy Unmanned Aerial Vehicle

noreply@blogger.com (S.M Indika madushan karunarathna) — Mon, 16 Jul 2012 12:08:00 -0700

MQ-8B Fire Scout Navy Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Fire Scout is the Navy's vehicle take-off unmanned aerial vehicle (VTUAV), which is programmed to deploy aboard the Littoral Combat Ship and turn into operational in FY 09. through the summer of 2005 The fire Scout was re-designated from one RQ-8B to MQ-8B. This new designation, MQ, reflects the multi-mission functionality of these Fire Scout.

The Fire Scout UAS will provide day/night real time ISR and targeting as well as communication-relay and battlefield management capabilities to support core Littoral Combat Ship mission locations of ASW, MIW and ASUW for the Naval forces. The Navy is Obtaining the MQ-8B Fire Scout UAV to acomplish
the service's requirement for a tactical UAV capable of operating in the shipboard environment.
A baseline payload which includes electro-optical/infrared sensors plus a laser designator enables Fire Scout to look for tactical targets, track and designate targets, accurately provide targeting data to strike platforms and perform battle harm assessment. The fire Scout Vertical Take-Off and Landing Tactical Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (VTUAV) system is comprised of ground control stations, as much as three MQ-8B Fire Scout air vehicles, and associated control handling and support equipment.

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BMW Planning 10 Model Lineup for Mini, Closing in on Deal with Mitsubishi's NedCar Plant

noreply@blogger.com (S.M Indika madushan karunarathna) — Mon, 16 Jul 2012 01:18:00 -0700

The future looks bright for the Mini brand as parent company BMW is aiming to increase its model lineup to 10 vehicles in the mid-term and for this reason, the Bavarian group has officially announced a new investment in its UK operations while also looking to complete a deal to produce cars at Mitsubishi's NedCar plant in Holland.
The BMW Group said it will invest a further £250 million (US$388 million or €314 million) at its manufacturing plant in Oxford, steel body pressings operation at Swindon and engine plant at Hams Hall near Birmingham, which comes on top of the £500m (US$777 million or €628 million) UK investment announced in June 2011
"Over the last eleven years, MINI has been a unique global success and the BMW Group has even greater plans for the future development of the brand," said BMW Group board member Harald Krueger.
In order to handle the extra volume from the addition of new Mini models such as the Countryman coupe / Paceman and the Traveller small minivan, the BMW Group said that it will need a new contract manufacturing site, which it says will likely be the Mitsubishi facility in the Netherlands.
"Our preferred option is to establish a contract manufacturer as a satellite production as close to our UK operations as possible, at the Nedcar plant in The Netherlands, with whom BMW is in discussions," explained Krueger.
"Oxford will provide special Mini production expertise for any new operation, particularly in the areas of dealing with the high complexity and customer individuality which Mini demands and in operating state-of-the-art, multi-model production lines. Just as Munich is the centre of the BMW world, Oxford is and will remain the home and the heart of Mini," he added.

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United States Regains Title of Bentley's Biggest Market from China

noreply@blogger.com (S.M Indika madushan karunarathna) — Sun, 15 Jul 2012 22:00:00 -0700

In a sign that there are even better times ahead for the…financially well-off in the States, the U.S. has re-emerged as Bentley’s number one market in the first half of the year overtaking China.
Bentley saw its sales in the United States increase by 25.7 percent to 1,140 cars, marginally beating China, where the British carmaker recorded a 55.7 percent surge delivering 1,059 units.
The company said that China edged ahead at the end of the first quarter, but America retook the lead at the half year point.
Worldwide, Bentley's sales were up 32 percent to 3,929 cars in the first six months of 2012.
In Europe, the UK took the largest chunk with 557 units, up 4.5 percent over last uyear. In other markets, Bentley increased its sales by 47.9 percent in the Middle East to 346 cars, while results were also up some 52.6 percent in Asia Pacific and 114.3 percent in Japan.
"Our half year results show strong growth for Bentley in every single global region," said Bentley CEO Wolfgang Duerheimer. "The competition between the Americas and China continues and we are watching closely to see who will emerge as the largest region in 2012."
Bentley said that sales of its flagship Mulsanne sedan were up 30 percent, while deliveries of the updated Continental GT, which is now offered with both W12 and V8 engines, increased by 48.5 percent.

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Lexus to Reveal All-New LS Flagship Sedan on end of July.

noreply@blogger.com (S.M Indika madushan karunarathna) — Sun, 15 Jul 2012 18:43:00 -0700

With a very short statement, Lexus announced on its official website that it will hold the world premiere of its new LS flagship sedan at a "special invitation-only event" in San Francisco on Monday, July 30, (current, 2012MY LS pictured above).
The Japanese carmaker added that the new 2013 LS will be offered as the LS 460, LS 460 L long wheelbase, LS 600h L hybrid sedan and the all-new LS 460 F SPORT.
We suspect that the F-Sport version of the LS will boast similar chassis and styling upgrades to the new GS F-Sport, which comes equipped with an aero package, larger wheels, bespoke interior trim, a sports-tuned suspension and the Lexus Dynamic Handling (LDH) four-wheel steering system, without any improvements to the powertrain.
Lexus' challenger to the BMW 7-Series and Mercedes-Benz S-Class in the premium segment will adopt the brand's newest L-Finesse design language as seen on the concept and production GS models as well as the
new ES sedan.
The original LS was the first ever Lexus model and it was introduced in September of 1989. It was followed by three more generations, in 1994 (codenamed XF20), in 2000 (XF30) with the current model (XF40) presented in 2006 having received a subtle mid-life makeover in 2009.

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Volkswagen Announces New California Special Edition

noreply@blogger.com (S.M Indika madushan karunarathna) — Sun, 15 Jul 2012 00:01:00 -0700

At next month's Caravan Salon in the German city of Düsseldorf, Volkswagen will debut a new special edition version of its California camper van with the retractable canvas top inspired by the Multivan Edition25.
The cosmetic flourishes include a matte black finish for select trim pieces such as the new stripes on the doors, the lower part of the front bumper, the grille, the door handles and the roof, plus black headlamp bezels, and new alloy wheels.
Inside, the furniture for the stove, sink, and storage space is finished in white, while among other new additions is a sleeping pad.

When it goes on sale in Europe this fall, the California Edition will be available in Comfortline and Beach trims and a selection of engines including two petrol units with 148Hp (150PS) and 201hp (204PS), and three diesels delivering 101hp (102PS), 138hp (140PS) and 177hp (180PS).
In Germany, the California Beach Edition will start at €42,369.95 (US$51,700), while the California Comfortline Edition will begin at €56,287 (US$68,600).

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New Mitsubishi Proudia and Dignity Luxury Sedans Are…Proud Doppelgangers of the Infiniti M

noreply@blogger.com (S.M Indika madushan karunarathna) — Fri, 13 Jul 2012 20:40:00 -0700

After many years of absence from the luxury car segment, Mitsubishi is going to give it another try with the revival of the Proudia and Dignity nameplates for the Japanese market.
In a strange turn of fate, whereas the original Proudia and Dignity from the late 1990s - early 2000s were designed by Mitsubishi and co-manufactured with Hyundai, which marketed its own versions as the rebadged Centennial and Equus (not to be confused with the current Equus), Mitsubishi is now the one to rebrand the two models.
To explain, the Proudia and the more luxurious, long wheelbase Dignity are the products of an OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) deal with the Nissan Group and are based on the Infiniti M and the China-market Infiniti M35hL LWB (sold as the new Nissan Cima in Japan) respectively.
Mitsubishi tells us that the Proudia moniker is coined from the English words "Proud" and "Diamond" (referring to the company's logo), while the Dignity took its name from "the English word that describes the peerless grandeur and majestic stateliness of the model".
Mitsubishi's contributions to the Proudia and Dignity are limited to the waterfall front grille, the re-sculptured front bumper and the addition of badges.
The Proudia is offered with a choice of two engines, a 3.7-liter V6 delivering 328hp (333PS) in RWD or AWD versions and a 2.5-liter V6 with 222hp (225PS) exclusively with RWD.

The longer wheelbase (+ 5.9-inches or 150mm) and more luxuriously equipped Dignity features the same gasoline-electric hybrid powertrain found on the Infiniti M35h, which links a 3.5-liter V6 gasoline engine to an electric motor for a total system output of 359hp (364PS).
Both models are available for order in Japan with prices ranging from 4,022,000 Yen (US$50,400 or €40,700) for the Proudia 250 to 8,400,000 Yen (US$105,200 or €85,000) for the single-trim level Dignity VIP.

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New Range-Topping Kia Sportage KX-4 with a More Powerful Diesel Engine for the UK

noreply@blogger.com (S.M Indika madushan karunarathna) — Thu, 12 Jul 2012 19:12:00 -0700

When automakers announce a new top-of-the-range edition of one of their current models, it usually translates to added equipment and perhaps some new features but nothing much else.
In the case of the new UK market Kia Sportage KX-4, however, alongside the more improved level of specification, the South Korean automaker has also added a higher output turbodiesel engine.
Instead of the 134hp unit available on other Sportage models, the KX-4 uses an 181hp version of Kia’s 2.0-litre CRDi turbodiesel engine mated to a choice of six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmissions and standard all-wheel drive.
The 2.0-litre CRDi ‘R’ powerplant, which is unique to the KX-4, produces 383Nm (282lb/ft) of torque from 1,800rpm to 2,500rpm in manual guise and 392Nm (289 /b/ft) on the automatic model.
Kia says a revised variable geometry turbocharger, higher-pressure piezo injectors and software mapping are responsible for the 47hp and 63Nm/72Nm increase over the 134hp engine that the new version sits alongside.
The South Korean automaker quotes a 0-60mph (96km/h) dash in 9.4 seconds and, when fitted with the six-speed manual gearbox, top speed is 120mph (193km/h), CO2 emissions are 158g/km and 46.3mpg UK is achieved on the official combined cycle.
With the six-speed automatic, the Sportage KX-4 has a top speed of 121mph (195km/h) while CO2 emissions are 189g/km and the official combined cycle figure is 39.2mpg UK.
The range-topping Sportage builds on the specification of the KX-3 Sat Nav adding a Parallel Parking Assist System with sensors on all four corners, a keyless smart entry system and engine stop/start button and stainless steel door scuff plates.

Other standard amenities and features include a full leather upholstery, 18-inch alloys, tinted windows, 7-inch touchscreen navigation system with EU mapping, Xenon lights, automatic lights and wipers, panoramic sunroof, dual-zone climate control, heated front and rear seats, cruise control, iPod connectivity, colour reversing camera and a seven-speaker audio system.
Pricing for the KX-4 is set at £27,195 OTR for the manual model and £28,500 OTR for the automatic with both versions available for order now.

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Mazda Announces Refreshed 2013 MX-5

noreply@blogger.com (S.M Indika madushan karunarathna) — Wed, 11 Jul 2012 21:24:00 -0700

Less than a week after the presentation of the 2013 model year MX-5 Roadster in Japan, Mazda has lifted the veils off the European model that will make its debut at the Paris Motor Show in September before going on sale later in the fall.
The European MX-5 in both soft-top and retractable hard-top guises sports more or less the same changes as its JDM sibling with the front of the roadster model adopting a more aggressive front bumper design that houses a reshaped front grille and fog-lamp surrounds.
The 2013 model has been equipped with a new “active bonnet” pedestrian protection system that automatically raises the car's hood if a pedestrian impact is detected.
There's also a new Dolphin Grey exterior finish that replaces the Metropolitan Grey hue, while inside, the panel décor and matching steering wheel spokes have been upgraded.

Finally, Mazda engineers have tweaked the MX-5's throttle response on manual gearbox models to give the driver "more control when accelerating from a reduced speed", and revised the vacuum brake-booster characteristics to optimize brake return control.
Pricing for the 2013 MX-5 will be announced closer to the launch date.

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Defender XTech Special Edition

noreply@blogger.com (S.M Indika madushan karunarathna) — Wed, 11 Jul 2012 20:42:00 -0700

While Land Rover's designers and engineers are making plans for the next generation of the Defender, the firm's marketing division has set its sights on the current model with the presentation of a new special edition version called the XTech.

The new Defender XTech is a follow up to a special edition version with the same name from 2011.

Available in 90 Hard Top (three-door) and 110 Utility Wagon (five-door) body styles, the XTech is offered with a choice of two colors, Orkney Grey or Nara Bronze, which is unique to this model, contrasted by the Santorini Black roof and wheel arches and black chequer plate along the bumper and sills.

Other highlights of the exterior include the ‘DEFENDER’ decal above the rear LED lights, the black surround for the headlamps, a body colored front grille, a rear step bumper, and the Gloss Black Saw Tooth 16-inch alloy wheels wrapped around MTR off-road tyres.

Inside, the seats and the central panel are color matched to the body color, while the Land Rover logo is embossed on front headrests and carpet mats have the Defender logo woven in.

Standard features include Air Conditioning, Anti-Lock Brakes with Electronic Traction Control, central locking with remote control and heated seats and windscreen.

Power for the XTech comes from Land Rover's 2.2-liter turbo diesel with 120hp and 265 lb-ft (360Nm) of peak torque, linked to a six-speed manual transmission.

In the UK, the Defender XTech is available for order now with prices starting from £27,995.

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Trojan Armoured Vehicle Royal Engineers (AVRE)

noreply@blogger.com (S.M Indika madushan karunarathna) — Tue, 10 Jul 2012 23:49:00 -0700

The bulk of British military operations in Afghanistan are concentrated in central Helmand. But Royal Engineers have spent the past two months lending their awesome capabilities to Afghan and US forces clearing a key area of Kandahar province.

Since September, 5 Armour ed Engineer Squadron, part of 23 Engineer Regiment (Air Assault), have provided close engineering support to the 2nd Battalion of the US Army's 502nd Regiment, and their partnered Afghan National Army kandak, in Kandahar's Zharay district.

Zharay district contains the Horn of Panjwai, an insurgent stronghold from where attacks on Kandahar City have been enabled and supported, and Sangsar, the Taleban's spiritual birthplace and former home of Mullah Omar. Under this effort, known as Operation HAMKARI - or as the soldiers call it "The Battle of Kandahar" - the intent has been to defeat insurgent elements and increase Afghan government influence across the area, as well as enable development west of Kandahar City.

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Bv206S Sweden Armoured Personnel Carrier

noreply@blogger.com (S.M Indika madushan karunarathna) — Tue, 10 Jul 2012 20:17:00 -0700

The Bv206S is an armored personnel carrier adaptation of the tracked articulate all-terrain vehicle, Bv206, of which 11,000 accept been produced and are operational in over 40 countries worldwide.
The car can backpack 12 combat-equipped soldiers through difficult area and acute acclimate conditions. The car operates in temperatures from -32°C to +46°C, from Arctic to arid and boscage conditions.
The car provides top advancement and ballistic aegis and is accessible as an armored cadre carrier, burden carrier, battlefield ambulance, adhesive carrier, command column car and accretion vehicle.
The Bv206S car was developed accordingly by Alvis Hagglunds (now BAE Systems Land Systems Hagglunds) and the Swedish Army Materiel Command, initially for use by the Swedish armed forces. It is in account with the armed armament of France, Germany, Spain, Italy and Sweden. The Bv206S is aswell beneath appraisal by added armies. Orders accept been accustomed for 479 Bv206S vehicles.
The engine and manual are installed in the foreground cabin. The Steyr M16 six-cylinder in-line, 3,200cc, absolute bang agent engine provides 130kW ability at 4,000rpm and 350Nm torque at 2,300rpm. The ability to weight arrangement is 19.42hp/t.

The Mercedes Benz W5A-580 automated manual has 5 advanced and one about-face gear. The gearbox is affiliated by a shaft to a alteration gearbox bogus by Hagglunds Car AB. A disc anchor is installed advanced of the alteration gearbox and is adequate central the car body. Ability is transmitted via cardan shafts to the final drives at the foreground ends of the advanced and rear chassis.
The car is able with hydrostatic articulate and damped steering. Council is accomplished by a change of administration amid the foreground and rear chassis. The hydraulic arrangement uses bartering off the shelf components.
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Honda Jazz Si

noreply@blogger.com (S.M Indika madushan karunarathna) — Tue, 10 Jul 2012 19:25:00 -0700

After its world premiere at the Geneva Motor Show this past March, the new limited edition Honda Jazz Si is now available for order in Britain with an on-the-road price of £14,550 for the standard model and £15,545 for the Si-T that benefits from the addition of SD navigation and integrated Bluetooth.
The new member of the Jazz family (called Fit in Japan, China, and the Americas) is based on the 1.4 ES manual variant featuring additional sports-inspired features including a tweaked chassis.
On the outside, there's a styling package with bespoke front and rear sport bumpers and side skirts, as well as 16-inch alloy wheels, tinted windows, front fog lights and branding on the boot.
Inside, the Si treatment brings a leather-trimmed steering wheel, black and silver supportive seats and standard cruise control.
The Jazz Si is available in four shades named Milano Red, Crystal Black, White Orchid and Azure Blue.

To justify its sports moniker, Honda engineers revised the suspension settings and added new dampers combined with a larger front anti-roll bar to improve straight-line stability and body control. In addition, the electric power-steering system has also been modified for improved feel and response.

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Ivar Huitfeldt

noreply@blogger.com (S.M Indika madushan karunarathna) — Tue, 10 Jul 2012 09:42:00 -0700

The Ivar Huitfeldt Class frigates are being built by Odense Steel Shipyard for the Royal Danish Navy. Three frigates are appointed to access account amid 2012 and 2013. The chic is preceded by Niels Juel corvette. It is the navy's better accretion activity to date.
The keel for the aboriginal address in the class, Iver Huitfeldt (F 361), was laid in June 2008 and launched in March 2010. The frigate was transferred to the Defence Accretion and Logistics Organisation (FMT) in January 2011 for testing. It is accepted to access operational account in 2012. The additional frigate, Peter Willemoes (F362), was laid in March 2009 and launched in December 2010. The third and final ship, Niels Juel (F363), was laid in December 2009.
The frigates will be able with the Terma C-flex command and ascendancy system. The C-flex arrangement integrates Commercial, off-the-shelf (COTS) units including a server, a animate computer, an interface computer, a LAN about-face and an UPS assemblage in an environmentally adequate 19” ra
ck. It is based on the T-Core accessible architectonics platform.
The C-flex receives advice from address lath sensors and distributes the abstracts to weapon systems afterwards evaluation. The computer creates an cyberbanking angel of the real-time bearings about the frigate.
The frigate can barter advice with added units based at sea, air or land. The communications are conveyed through abstracts links and added computer networks.
The frigate will be adapted with Lockheed Martin mk41 multimissile vertical barrage arrangement (VLS) for the acquired Sea Sparrow missile (ESSM) and SM-2 IIIA missile.
The mk41 arrangement can blaze anti-air, anti-submarine and anti-ship missiles. Ivar Huitfeldt will aswell be armed with the Boeing Harpoon block II anti-ship missile arrangement and the Eurotorp MU90 failing abate accursed from a accompanying or amateur abate launcher.
The frigate's capital gun will be an Oto Melara 76mm Super Rapid gun. The Oerlikon Millennium 35mm argosy gun arrangement will onboard accommodate close-in air defence. It is based on the new Oerlikon 35mm blaster cannon land-based air defence system. A 12.7mm apparatus gun will aswell be accessible aboard the ship.
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BMW ActiveHybrid 3

noreply@blogger.com (S.M Indika madushan karunarathna) — Tue, 10 Jul 2012 08:16:00 -0700

The expansion of the new BMW 3-Series (F30) range in the U.S. continues with the ActiveHybrid 3 model, pricing of which was announced today ahead of the beginning of sales this fall.
The first-ever hybrid version of the 3-Series carries an MSRP of $49,300 (€39,800), excluding an $895 destination and handling fee (*) that raises the price to $50,195.
The ActiveHybrid 3's powertrain blends the 335i's TwinPower Turbo 3.0-liter inline 6-cylinder and 8-speed Steptronic automatic transmission with an electric motor powered by a high-voltage battery.
The 335i's output is already 300hp and 300 lb-ft, but with an electric motor helping out, those figures are lifted to 335bhp (340PS) and 332 lb-ft (450Nm), an increase of 13 percent and 11 percent respectively.
The synchronous electric motor develops a maximum output of 55hp and a constant peak torque of 155 lb-ft from a standing start.
BMW says that in addition to the power boost, the electric motor can drive the ActiveHybrid 3 by itself for speeds up to 45 mph (70 km/h) and for a distance up to 2.5 miles (four kilometers).
The ActiveHybrid 3 is capable of a 0-60mph (96km/h) acceleration time of 4.8 seconds and a limited top speed of 155mph (250km/h) when fitted with performance tires.
By comparison, the $42,800 (excluding handling and destination) 335i sedan with the automatic transmission completes 0-60mph in 5.1 seconds while topping out at 155mph.
The Bavarian company has not yet announced fuel economy figures for the U.S. model.
Across the pond, BMW says the ActiveHybrid 3 has an average fuel consumption of 6.4 lt/100 km
(36.7 mpg US), but keep in mind, this is on the European combined driving cycle which is not the same as EPA estimates.
On the outside, the hybrid variant can be identified by the “ActiveHybrid 3” lettering on its C-pillars, exclusive 18-inch Streamline alloy wheels and matt chrome exhaust tailpipes.
Inside, there's a selection of bespoke touches such as the “ActiveHybrid 3” lettering on the front door sills and on the gear lever knob in the center console, and the rev counter area that includes graphics detailing the electric motor’s boost function as well as the energy flow and recuperation display.
In the U.S., the ActiveHybrid 3 can also be ordered with the Sport, Modern or Luxury lines as well as the M Sport line.

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A-12 Avenger II

noreply@blogger.com (S.M Indika madushan karunarathna) — Mon, 9 Jul 2012 21:28:00 -0700

The US Navy Advanced Tactical Aircraft (ATA) program began in 1983 as a proposed long range, low observable, high payload medium-attack aircraft to switch the Grumman A-6 in the carrier-based, medium-attack role. On January 13, 1988 the McDonnell Douglas and General Dynamics team was selected over a Northrop team to develop the ATA.

Designated the A-12 Avenger II, the unique flying wing design was to be a long-range, subsonic aircraft with an outsized internal weapons load including air-to-surface and air-to-air weapons. Plans for the Navy's A-12 combat aircraft called for incorporating more advanced stealthy characteristics than were employed in the F-117A, as well as considerably greater payload capabilities.
The A-12 was designed to fly faster and further than the A-6E, and carry a large bomb-load in internal bomb-bays to reduce drag and maintain a low radar cross-section. as with the Advanced Tactial Fighter (ATF), the A-12 was expected to possess greater reliability than curr
ent aircraft (double that of the A-6E), and require half the maintenance manhours.

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