Hyundai Motor America introduced the all-new 2012 Hyundai Accent with the best fuel in standard class and power in the 2011 New York International Auto Show. This marks the U.S. debut of the latest version of the popular subcompact sedan and a new top-of-the-line, more functional five-door Hyundai Accent. The Accent 2012 will be offered in three trim levels. The four-door GLS affordable, versatile, it is equipped GS five-door and five-door sporty SE. Entry-level Hyundai Accent three-door model has been discontinued for 2012. Although the technology shock and a significant increase in safety features, Hyundai will hold the line on prices than previous generations to continue to provide clear value to customers.

Chassis :

All Accents ride on a 101.2 inch wheelbase, 2.8-inches longer than the previous generation. The 66.9-inch width on all 2011 models increased by 0.2 inches for 2012. The Hyundai Accent 4-door’s overall length has increased by 3.5 inches to 172 inches. Total length of the new five-door version is 162 inches. As a result, Accent enjoys superior interior volume and passenger space.

The first step toward confident driving dynamics is a rigid structure. To this end, the 2012 Hyundai Accent employs high-tensile strength steel to deliver a strong, light and stiff body which is 22 percent stiffer than the previous generation. Increasing the stiffness of the structure allowed Hyundai engineers more flexibility in terms of suspension tuning. The end result is a better balance between handling precision and ride comfort. Accent employs a MacPherson strut front suspension with coil springs and twin-tube gas shock absorbers. The rear suspension is a torsion axle setup with coil springs and monotube shock absorbers.

All Accents have column-mounted, motor-driven electric power steering that adjusts instantly to changing driving conditions while improving fuel economy over a conventional steering system. Hyundai Accent’s turning diameter of 34.1 feet is better than Versa, Fiesta and Fit. The SE five-door model has a unique steering calibration for a sportier feel.

While the car’s exterior dimensions are consistent with those of traditional subcompacts, Hyundai Accent is classified by the EPA as a compact sedan thanks to its interior volume. Toyota Yaris and Ford Fiesta are classified as subcompact cars. In addition the Hyundai Accent five-door has best-in-class cargo volume and more cargo capacity than the Nissan Juke and Infiniti EX 35 crossover. The Accent has best-in-class front and rear shoulder room and the five-door also has more cargo volume than many of its compact five-door competitors.

Exterior Design :

The 2012 Hyundai Accent joins the Hyundai line-up sporting the company’s increasingly popular “Fluidic Sculpture” design. The vehicle’s exterior lines are intended to be futuristic, dynamic, and sleek. In a segment typically associated with staid designs, Accent stands out from the crowd. While the styling provides an attractive form, it’s also functional, featuring a slippery 0.30 coefficient of drag for Hyundai Accent sedan and .31 for Accent five-door. Hyundai’s signature hexagonal front grille and detailed swept-back headlights give Accent a compact athletic face. Five-door SE models include a sporty roof-mounted spoiler and vertical taillights. For an assertive stance, 16-inch alloy wheels are available on GLS and standard on SE.

The Hyundai Accent features a bold exterior color palette with both light and dark colors including Century White, Ironman Silver, Cyclone Gray, Ultra Black, Boston Red, Mocha Bronze, Marathon Blue, Clearwater Blue and Electrolyte Green.

Interior Design :

The 2012 Hyundai Accent GLS is available with gray or beige two-tone interior. The five-door GS and SE trims are available with a gray interior or a monotone black interior. All Accents have cloth-like pillar trim made of fibrous tissue and volcanic rock for a premium look and feel.

Engines :

The 2012 Hyundai Accent’s all-aluminum 1.6-liter Gamma four-cylinder engine utilizes the latest engine technology to deliver a class-leading 138 horsepower and 123 lb-ft of torque and a best-in-class standard 30 mpg city and 40 mpg highway fuel economy rating.

The engine’s most notable feature is its use of GDI, a first for the subcompact category. By precisely controlling the injection of fuel, GDI allows for better fuel economy, increased power and reduced emissions. The application of Dual Continuously Variable Valve Timing (D-CVVT) on both intake and exhaust camshafts allows for increased efficiency, improved fuel economy and reduced emissions. Other elements resulting in reduced fuel consumption include an Alternator Management System, an offset crankshaft design, variable induction system and electronic throttle control. To reduce lifetime operation costs and increase reliability, the Gamma features a maintenance-free silent roller timing chain. The Gamma also uses innovative anti-friction coatings such as CrN Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD) coating and Diamond Like Carbon (DLC) coating.

Several other systems have been improved over the outgoing model, each contributing to increased fuel efficiency. The 2012 Hyundai Accent can be equipped with a six-speed manual or automatic transaxle with SHIFTRONIC manual control, delivering smooth and efficient power delivery. Low-rolling resistance silica tires and a slippery shape (0.30 cd) reduce friction with the road and the air. This aerodynamic shape also includes a kicked up trunk edge, wheel arches which shield the tires and an optimized engine undercover. Finally, the ActiveECO function modifies engine and transmission control to smooth out throttle response. By turning on the ActiveECO function, drivers can realize up to a seven percent increase in real-world fuel economy.

Hyundai Accent offers the best power-to-weight ratio in its class by far, providing drivers with both low fuel consumption and responsive performance. Highlights which contribute to a low curb weight include the 1.6-liter Gamma GDI engine with aluminum block that is more powerful and 40 lbs lighter than the outgoing 1.6-liter Alpha engine, monotube shock absorbers, integrated parking brake and a super flat torque converter.

The 2012 Hyundai Accent’s highway fuel economy of 40 mpg is an 18 percent improvement over its predecessor’s 34 mpg highway manual transmission fuel economy rating. Hyundai Accent’s fuel economy is 30 mpg city and 40 mpg highway, with the six-speed automatic transmission or manual transmission. These figures give Hyundai Accent a highway-only driving range of up to 456 miles.

Safety :

Hyundai doesn’t believe consumers should have to pay a premium for safety, so a long list of safety features is included as standard equipment on all 2012 Accent models. A total of six airbags protect occupants in the event of a collision, including two front impact airbags, two front seat-mounted side impact airbags, and curtain side-impact airbags for front and rear passengers. Hyundai Accent’s new standard front-seat active head restraints help prevent whiplash by automatically reducing the space between a front occupant’s head and the head restraint during certain rear collisions and are highly recommended by safety organizations such as the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Active front head restraints are not available on Fiesta, Yaris, Aveo or Mazda2.

The Hyundai Accent’s underlying structure is engineered to protect occupants using a Collision Load Dispersion mechanism and the rear doors have internal beams. The vehicle’s structure distributes the force of an impact in three ways to minimize floor deformation and maintain the integrity of the cabin.

Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and Traction Control work together to help deliver confident handling in all conditions. Vehicle Stability Management (VSM) integrates control of the ESC and motor-driven power steering (MDPS) to provide handling assistance in slippery conditions or in sudden cornering scenarios. The system can deliver up to eight Newton-meters of counter-steering effort when required to assist the driver in maintaining control of the vehicle

Chassis :

Dimensionally, the race car features a 3.9-inch shorter wheelbase, is 0.8 inches longer and 6.7 inches wider. The most dramatic difference is height, with the Nismo RC sitting more than a foot (13.8 inches) lower than the production Nissan Leaf. Ground clearance is limited to 2.4 inches, compared to 6.3 inches for the road going car. And, at 2,068 pounds, the race car weighs in at about 40 percent less than the production vehicle.

The layout of the Nissan Leaf Nismo RC is also markedly different from the production sedan, offering a mid-ship location for the battery pack, electric motor and inverter – with drive to the rear wheels versus the production Nissan Leaf’s front-wheel drive. The Nismo RC also utilizes a double-wishbone suspension design front and rear and driver-adjustable brake balance. It rides on 18-inch 6-spoke wheels and P225/40R18 Bridgestone racing tires.

Performance :

The new electric race vehicle will likely make a series of special demonstration appearances at various motorsports venues in 2011, with the company exploring pioneer zero emission competition spec series in future years.

Like the production Nissan Leaf, the Nismo RC is powered by a lithium-ion battery composed of 48 compact modules and a high-response 80kW AC synchronous motor that generates 107 horsepower and 207 lb-ft of torque. It can be charged up to 80 percent of its full capacity in 30 minutes using the quick charging port located inside the rear cowl. And unlike other competition vehicles, the Nissan Leaf Nismo RC has no tailpipe, no emission of CO2 or other greenhouse gases while being driven, and no exhaust sound.

In preliminary testing the Nissan Leaf Nismo RC produces 0 to 62 mph acceleration in 6.85 seconds and a top speed of 93 miles per hour. It is projected tocar racing is really brought to zero emissions. Nissan Leaf Nismo RC is designed and built as a real racing machine, starting with full carbon fiber monocoque bodywork her. Bodywork three-piece front and rear covers removed, fixed windows, LED lights and rear lights and rear wing adjustable. As indicted by the “RC” – for Competition Racing – a new electric vehicle, which makes its world debut at the Show 2011 New York International Auto on April 20, is a purpose-built to bring new meaning to the term “Green Racing. Powertrain is zero 100% of emissions of advanced Lithium-ion battery designs, such as those found on vehicles in the world’s first mass-market affordable electricity. The name on the back panel, just below a large adjustable rear wing, said Nissan Leaf. have a running time of around 20 minutes under racing

MINI Coupé mission is one that is simple, to maximize the sensation of being behind the wheel. Keen drivers will be rewarded with a level of handling agility that is unmatched in the small car segment. Every aspect of the Coupé MINI – from the choice of engine and chassis set-up for weight distribution and aerodynamics – is focused on providing optimum dynamic performance. To prove his point, John Cooper Works MINI Coupé has the fastest acceleration and top speed of every MINI volumes produced to date.

Exterior Design :

The MINI Coupé is also an innovative new vehicle. It’s the first modern MINI to adopt the traditional ‘three-box’ body structure, splitting the car into distinct segments – the engine compartment, cabin and boot. While the overall length and width are almost identical to the dimensions of the MINI Hatch, the Coupé’s overall height is 29 millimetres lower. Visually, this and the stepped rear end give the car a more aggressive, forward-thrusting profile. The lower roofline doesn’t come at the expense of driver and passenger comfort, though. Oval recesses in the headlining provide extra headroom, perfectly illustrating MINI’s ‘no compromise’ ethos.

The most striking view is undoubtedly the profile, with horizontal layering of the car into three separate tiers – the body, the wrap-around glass and the eye-catching ‘helmet design’ roof. The A-pillars and windscreen are sharply raked by 13˚ compared to the MINI Hatch, resulting in a smaller frontal area that gives the MINI Coupé excellent aerodynamic properties.

Air flow is also optimised by the integrated spoiler at the rear of the roof, and via a unique active rear spoiler housed in the bootlid. It deploys automatically when the car reaches 50mph – and drops down again at 37mph – but can be operated manually via a button in the overhead control panel. The Coupé is the first MINI in history to feature an active rear spoiler, which reduces lift at the rear axle to improve aerodynamic balance and road grip.

Interior Design :

MINI enthusiasts will immediately recognise the interior of the Coupé. The much-loved large central circular speedo, chrome toggle switches and numerous other MINI trademark features are all present in the two-seater cabin.

Behind is a spacious 280-litre luggage area – 20 litres larger than the MINI Clubman – easily accessible by the driver or passenger from inside the cabin as well as externally via the boot. The large, high-opening tailgate makes for simple loading and the car offers excellent cargo-carrying possibilities that will suit a wide range of needs. Whether it’s for daily routine, fun weekend leisure trips or more adventurous touring for two, the MINI Coupé is ideal transport.

Engines :

Power for the MINI Coupé comes from the latest generation of BMW Group four-cylinder petrol and diesel engines. Outputs range from 122 hp/90 kW in the MINI Cooper Coupé to 211 hp /155 kW in the highly desirable flagship MINI John Cooper Works Coupé. The recently launched performance diesel engine, the 143 hp/105 kW Cooper SD, is also available and the line-up is completed with the Cooper S which offers 184 hp /135kW.

Fuel economy on the combined cycle stretches from 39.8mpg in the MINI John Cooper Works Coupé to a frugal 65.7mpg in the Cooper SD model, while CO2 emissions are as low as just 114g/km on the Cooper SD. Even the MINI John Cooper Works Coupé emits only 165g/km. The full technical specification for each model is given below.

The standard six-speed manual gearbox sets a new benchmark in the segment with its short-shift travel and precise action. A ready-to-drive weight of 44.8 kilograms makes this the lightest gearbox of its kind. The carefully considered ratios guarantee unbeatable agility in mid-range acceleration. In addition, the MINI Cooper S, John Cooper Works and Cooper SD Coupé models all come with an innovative self-adjusting clutch. Automatic readjustment ensures that the pedal feel you expect from a MINI is there to be enjoyed over the car’s entire life.

For drivers who prefer the simplicity offered by an automatic transmission, a six-speed gearbox with Steptronic function, available with shift paddles, can be ordered as an option for the MINI Cooper Coupé, MINI Cooper S Coupé and MINI Cooper SD Coupé.

All-New Fitures :

A low centre of gravity, a long wheelbase measuring 2,467 millimetres, and a front and rear track width of 1,459 mm and 1,467 mm respectively also contribute to the sure-footed handling. DSC (Dynamic Stability Control) is standard across the MINI Coupé range and makes an important contribution to safe and agile handling. The system includes integral ABS, EBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution), CBC (Cornering Brake Control), Brake Assist and Hill Start Assist. DTC (Dynamic Traction Control) and EDLC (Electronic Differential Lock Control) is on the options list but standard on MINI John Cooper Works Coupé.

Features such as Brake Energy Regeneration, Auto Start/Stop+, Shift Point Display+, Electric Power Steering and the need-based operation of ancillary components help to make efficient use of fuel with low emissions. Additional features include innovative thermal encapsulation of the drivetrain, which shortens the fuel-sapping warm-up period after a cold start.
The optional Sport Suspension has firmer damper settings and comes with uprated anti-roll bars front and rear. For a more ‘hard core’ racing experience, the MINI Coupé accessories range includes a John Cooper Works Suspension, with a 10 mm drop in ride height, ultra-firm damping and further upgraded anti-roll
One of the main attractions of owning a new MINI Coupé will be its straight-line speed. In the case of the MINI John Cooper Works Coupé, it’s a MINI record-breaking performance. With a 0-62mph sprint time of 6.4 seconds and a top speed of 149mph, it’s the fastest volume-produced MINI to date on both counts

In addition, a green Aston Martin V12 Zagato (nicknamed ‘Zig’) – car number 5 for the race – was prepared by the small team based at Aston Martin’s global headquarters in Gaydon, Warwickshire. Zig will be driven by One-77 Chief Engineer Chris Porritt, experienced sports car driver Oliver Mathai, automotive journalist Richard Meaden and experienced amateur racer Peter Cate.

Aston Martin is putting the final touches to its race preparations in readiness for the toughest 24 hour race of them all – the annual ADAC Nürburgring 24 Hours on 25 and 26 June, 2011 where a brace of new Aston Martin V12 Zagatos will compete.

Aston Martin’s presence at the Nürburgring marks the sixth successive time factory engineers complete a product sign-off test in what has been dubbed ‘the toughest 24 hour race’ under public scrutiny. Since 2006, the marque has used the race to prove the reliability and durability of its new models – first for V8 Vantage itself, then the new Sportshift transmission in 2007, the 4.7 litre engine V8 Vantage in 2008, the V12 Vantage in 2009, the four-door Rapide in 2010, and now, rather more ambitiously, for the first major test of a new concept car – the Aston Martin V12 ZagatoAston Martin’s Head of Motorsport, David King said: “Our entries this year extend our Nürburgring racing philosophy. For five years now we have signed-off our new products by entering a car which is as close to the road car as possible and subjecting it to the toughest 24 hour test on what best simulates the extremities of public roads. This year we go a step further by testing a car at prototype stage.”

At the Nürburgring the roofs of both V12 Zagatos will be sporting a ‘Heart for Japan’ dedication as part of Aston Martin’s support for the Tsunami victims of Japan. In May, Dr. Bez auctioned his company Rapide raising £100,000. During the build up to this year’s 24 hours Dr. Bez will hand the cheque to Toyota CEO, Akio Toyoda and their Donation Fund for Employees in the Affected Disaster Area charity.

Designed and built using proven formulas that improve the performance of SRT to an amazing level, by 2012 the new Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 goes from 0-60 mph in 4.8 seconds, 0-100-0 mph in the mid-16 second range, can cover quarter-mile in the mid-13 second range, has a top speed of 155 mph, and 60-0 mph braking in 116 feet.

Exterior Design :

The functional performance exterior of the 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 features the “planted” look of a high-performance sports car by being lowered 1 inch and adding new, SRT-exclusive, body-color wheel flares and side sill cladding.

A one-piece front fascia contains new LED multi-function daytime running lamps that result in an exclusive face for the new Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8, while a body-colored front grille with a unique black screen background and chrome bezel inserts adds to the aggressive look.

The integrated lower front grille is painted in gloss black and a newly designed underbody belly pan features integrated brake ducting to improve cooling and fade performance. Completing the new front end is a newly sculpted hood with functional dual black heat extractors for added engine cooling.

At the rear, the SRT performance influence continues with a new liftgate spoiler that reduces drag and improves downforce. A unique one-piece rear fascia includes a separate air diffuser along with an available trailer receiver and access cover. New for the 2012 version of the Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 is the dual-sport exhaust system featuring 4-inch exhaust tips.

An all-new, leather-wrapped, heated steering wheel features a unique rim section with a flattened bottom surface – evoking a race-inspired cockpit – that showcases the SRT logo. Standard paddle-shift controls flank both sides of the new contoured palm rests while all audio and Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) controls are accessible from the horizontal spokes on the steering wheel. A power tilt and telescoping steering column also is standard.

SRT-exclusive Performance Pages are new for 2012 and show instant feedback on steering input measurements, horsepower, torque, 0-60 mph time, 60-0 mph braking distance, g-forces, and one-eighth mile and quarter-mile times, along with expanded engine information.

New SRT-styled Nappa leather and suede seats, with sculpted bolsters and adjustable headrests, provide all the comfort for daily drives – and “grip” to keep the driver and passengers in place during spirited driving. The embroidered SRT logos and contrast stitching accent the two front seats. Heated (front and rear) and ventilated (front) seats are standard.

Carbon fiber accents are integrated into the instrument panel and door trim panels and new bright, racing style brake and pedal pads add to the high-performance look inside the cabin.

The Brabus 800 V12 Biturbo powertrain, lubricated with high-tech lubricants from technology partner ARAL, transforms the four-seater convertible into the most powerful and fastest of its kind in the world. 800 hp (788 bhp) / 588 kW at 5,500 rpm and peak torque of 1,420 Nm (1,047 lb-ft), limited electronically in the car to 1,100 Nm (811 lb-ft), are as unique as the driving performance this car delivers.

The power cabriolet is equipped with a Brabus high-performance limited-slip differential with a locking rate of 40 percent, and sprints from rest to 100 km/h (62 mph) in just 3.7 seconds. After 9.9 seconds the exclusive automobile already reaches a speed of 200 km/h (124 mph). The 300-km/h (186-mph) barrier shatters after 23.9 seconds. Depending on the final-drive ratio the Brabus E V12 Cabriolet has a top speed of up to 370 km/h (231 mph).

Sophisticated aerodynamic properties are essential for directional stability and active safety in a car capable of attaining such enormous speeds. The sporty yet elegant Brabus aerodynamic-enhancement components were fine-tuned in the wind tunnel, and like in Formula 1 racing they are made from ultra-light yet high-strength carbon fiber.

The Brabus front apron is shaped to reduce lift on the front axle and to guide a maximum amount of cooling air to the radiators and front brakes of the V12 model. Air outlets in the sides route the hot air away from the heat exchangers as quickly as possible. LED daytime running lights integrated into the apron give the Brabus E V12 Cabriolet an unmistakable appearance that can be quickly identified even in the rearview mirror.

For further improved directional stability at extremely high speeds and to further increase cornering speeds, Brabus widens the body of the E-Class Cabriolet. Newly designed front sport fenders widen the track and allow the installation of ultra-wide 9.5Jx19 wheels mounted with size 265/30 ZR 19 tires
The Brabus high-performance brake system easily masters the car’s incredible performance. It features 380 x 37 millimeter (15.0 x 1.45 in.), vented and grooved steel brake discs and 12-piston aluminum fixed calipers on the front axle. The rear stops on 360 x 28 millimeter discs with 6-piston aluminum fixed calipers.

Naturally the Brabus E V12 Cabriolet also features an especially exclusive interior. The first vehicle of the small-series production run, which celebrated its public debut at Brabus Middle East in Dubai, the company’s own branch in the United Arab Emirates, breaks the mold in this area as well. The cockpit is clad in a perfectly finished combination of lipstick-red and black leather.

The ergonomically shaped Brabus steering wheel and inlays made from genuine carbon fiber on dashboard, center console and side trim add sporty highlights. The speedometer with 400-km/h (250-mph) dial bears witness to the unique performance potential of the open-top four-seater

ntroduced as a vehicle office with high efficiency because it uses the power of the engine as a power push. Yet this is also a family vehicle that is compact and comfortable. Renault Frendzy concept is the fourth vehicle to illustrate the new design of Renault’s strategy, the series that began with DeZir Frendzy take the original and innovative attitude to the world of light commercial vehicles. Is also a vehicle for versatility, this efficient and modern as a working tool, but exercise and a warm welcome to families.

A fully fledged office on wheels with the introduction of the new BlackBerry guidelines tablets, a new design language featuring Frendzy electric-powered Renault. Renault concept Frendzy have multiple personalities. These days, professional and personal life very complicated interwoven that drivers find themselves permanently channel-hopping between one world and another. Frendzy role is to be a partner that takes the strain out of this lifestyle.The chief new feature of Renault Frendzy Concept as an electric vehicle is the extensive work that has gone into the sounds it produces. This work was carried out in conjunction with IRCAM (Institut de Recherche et Coordination Acoustique / Musique). Electric vehicles are silent, so one of the big challenges facing Renault is customizing the sound they produce for safety reasons, notably at slow speeds.

Like DeZir, which was unveiled at the 2010 Paris Motor Show, Frendzy is an electric vehicle. As for Frendzy’s powertrain, it is the same as that of Kangoo Z.E., although the charging point – located under the Renault logo at the front of the vehicle – is identical to that on ZOE Preview.

The collaboration between Renault and IRCAM began with the creation of a sporty sound for DeZir which conveys the driving enjoyment associated with the car. In the case of Frendzy, the aim was to produce a custom sound which corresponds with the new concept car’s calling as an “office on wheels”.

Exterior Design :

On the passenger’s side, there’s no glazing and no centre pillar, just one conventional door and one sliding side door which incorporates a 37-inch widescreen display. This is the world of work. The driver’s side, complete with side windows, still no centre pillar, but with centre opening doors represents the world of the family. Ease of loading and ease of entry go without saying in both worlds!

Exterior designer, Deyan Denkov: “The concept of an asymmetric body design was the most logical way to express this vehicle’s two roles. From the very start, I wanted to move away from the traditional format for commercial vehicles and, in doing so, show that this type of vehicle could also be more emotional, more dynamic and more attractive. I took inspiration from a wide variety of sources, including unconventionally shaped aircraft such as the Airbus Beluga and the Antonov The user-friendly layout of the driver’s environment and tablet turn Renault Frendzy Concept into a truly interactive and communicative tool. The BlackBerry® PlayBook™ tablet recently launched by Research In Motion (RIM), plugged into the dashboard, has enabled the concept of an office on wheels to become reality. BlackBerry PlayBook is ultra-portable (seven-inch touchscreen, 425g in weight, measuring 130mm x 194mm x 10mm), yet it delivers advanced performance, uncompromised web browsing with support for Adobe® Flash®, HD multimedia, advanced security features and out-of-the-box enterprise support.

BlackBerry PlayBook can allow users to benefit from an effective workplace and unrestricted mobility while on the go. This makes it particularly well suited to neighbourhood deliveries and local craftsmen, for whom it is a genuine work tool, both inside and outside of the vehicle. The tablet connects directly into the centre console, ensuring perfect convenience of operation once on the move. As soon as it is plugged in, it becomes an integral element of the vehicle and configures itself into the Renault environment. Continuity of work is assured once the device is removed, and it can of course be used for all of the renowned BlackBerry PlayBook tablet featuresDominant throughout is the sense that the interior forms a cosy cabin which echoes the simple yet practical world of camping, and this is further reflected by extensive use of wood. Indeed, as much a symbol of warmth as it is of strength and timelessness, wood forms a link between the two modes. The leather latticework seats and removable accessories also refer to the camping metaphor.

The driver’s side cockpit is designed along the theme of a futuristic ‘work bench’ featuring a structure which appears to be made from molten metal. Green light emanating from the dashboard brings this smooth and organic architecture to life. These lights signify the ‘work’ mode and tie in with the colour displayed on the exterior of the vehicle.

In the ‘family’ mode, the atmosphere becomes warmer as the green lights turn orange – a subtle reference to the colour of the previous concept car, the family-oriented R-Space.
On a practical level, the fabric roof adapts itself to the shape of bulky objects, magnetic fixings allow the load to be secured to the floor, and modular stowage systems are a practical bonus for business users. The single-piece rear seat is integrated into the floor, while the front seat folds forward in order to free up space. Thanks to its practical, modular interior, Frendzy lends itself perfectly to the requirements of traders and tradesmenWith Frendzy, Renault – as Europe’s light commercial vehicles’ market leader for the past 13 years – is once again able to showcase the practicality, modularity and versatility already proven by the Kangoo, Trafic and Master on our roads today

The overall length of the new BMW 1-Series is 85 millimetres greater than that of its predecessor, at 4,324 millimetres, while the wheelbase has been lengthened by 30 millimetres to 2,690 millimetres. The car also looks more powerful, as its overall width has increased by 17 millimetres to 1,765 millimetres while its height has remained unchanged at 1,421 millimetres. The rear seats have 21 millimetres more legroom, and the luggage compartment is now 30 litres bigger at 360 litres.

The new BMW 1-Series also offers much more storage space, with large door pockets, two cupholders on the centre console, a roomy glove compartment, and a compartment under the armrest. Bottles of up to one litre can be fitted into the lower door panel sections. The optional storage package includes compartments in the rear doors and nets on the front seatbacks. The luggage compartment expands to a maximum of 1,200 litres by lowering the 60/40 split-folding rear seats, giving a flat surface extending all the way to the front seats. The optional through-loading system has 40/20/40 split-folding rear seats.

The use of intelligent lightweight construction techniques in the body of the new BMW 1-Series improves both its responsiveness and the level of protection it provides for the occupants. High and ultra-high-strength steels are used at strategic points to maximize both the torsional rigidity and structural integrity of the passenger cell, without adding unnecessary weight. The average strength of the materials used is higher than in the predecessor model, meaning that the body can be made stiffer while actually using less materials, and therefore weighs less. The benefits of this are felt in terms of safety, responsiveness and fuel economy.

As a result, in spite of its increased levels of crash protectiThe front of the car is dominated by the large BMW kidney-shaped radiator grille, boldly shaped headlight units and three-section air intake. The grille is angled forwards, adding emphasis to the challenging stance of this most sporty of compact models, while the surrounding areas catch the light and create a strong sense of three-dimensionality, with four contour lines on the bonnet forming a V that points towards the grille.

The trademark BMW double-round headlights have accent trim across their tops. In combination with the optional bi-xenon headlights, this creates a strongly focused look, powerfully enhanced by the direction indicators set into the inner light rings of the headlights and an LED accent light. This is also the first BMW model to feature side indicator lights built into the exterior mirrorson and an enhanced specification that now includes air conditioning as standard, the weight-to-power ratio of the BMW 1-Series is now as much as 14 per cent better than that of its predecessor, depending on the model. For example, the figure for the BMW 116i has been improved from 13.9 to 12.9 kg/kW, and for the BMW 118i it is now 10.4 instead of 12.1 kg/kWto the excitement.

The panel van version now offers a choice of two wheelbases – 2,755 mm or 3,105 mm – giving an overall vehicle length of 4.39 and 4.74 meters respectively, as well as two roof heights, 1.85 m or 2.10 m. The new Opel Combo is also available as a versatile car-van, with five or seven seats and a paneled or glazed body.

The special load-carrying talents of the new Opel Combo are immediately apparent: with up to 3,800 liters of cargo space in short wheelbase form (with seat folded down) and 4,600 liters with the longer wheelbase, the Combo offers the largest load volume in both classes. Its low 54.4 cm loading height and spectrum of possible payloads up to one ton are best-in-class values, while the aperture width of the sliding door is also a top value in the segment. The short wheelbase version also offers a cargo deck with the greatest length, height and width between the wheel arches.

For easy access to the cargo area, van variants can be ordered with one or two optional sliding doors. The passenger car version has both sliding doors fitted as standard and comes with a top-hinged tailgate. An asymmetrical double wing door is also available. In certain panel van configurations, an additional rear roof hatch can be installed to transport ladders, for example.
Even the base specification of the new Combo generation includes generous standard equipment, including central locking, power steering, a height and reach adjustable steering column, electric windows, and a four-way adjustable driver’s seat (also optionally available with height adjustment), as well as a driver’s airbag, ABS brakes and a tire repair ki

After making its track debut at home in Fiorano, the Ferrari 458 Italia Grand Am will be back in action on 26 and 27 July, 2011 for a private test session at Florida’s Daytona International Speedway. Taking turns at the wheel will be the tried and tested duo of Jaime Melo and Toni Vilander who can pride themselves of having an extensive list of wins to their name in Ferraris. They will continue development work on the Ferrari 458 Italia Grand Am in preparation for its participation in the 2012 American The Ferrari 458 Grand Am is built to match the American regulations and is therefore different to the European car, especially in that it develops 500 horsepower and has less efficient aerodynamics than the GT version. It is also fitted with a 48 mm restrictor and maximum revs are 8000. Significant modifications have been made to the braking system, as the car has neither ABS nor traction control. Other differences to the GT3 include the roll-over bar which gives greater lateral protection to increase safety in a series in which collisions are rather more frequent. The car is fitted with tyres from Continental, the sole supplier to the series, featuring a very hard compound, again to conform with the series regulations. On its shakedown today, it completed a good number of trouble-free laps, 45 to be precise in the hands of Maurizio Mediani and Jaime Melo, as they took turns at the wheel. championship