2012 Volvo V70, XC70 and S80 get Revised Diesel Engines and New Features

Volvo announced that it will offer a number of upgrades for its new model year V70, XC70 and S80, including the introduction of the latest iteration of its infotainment system as well as refined D5 and D3 diesel engines with increased performance and lower fuel consumption.

The V70, XC70 and S80 are the first Volvos to feature higher performance versions of the five-cylinder D5 and D3 turbodiesels. The 2.4-liter D5 diesel unit now develops 215 horsepower and 440 Nm (324.5 lb-ft) of torque (up 10HP and 20 Nm respectively), while posting an 8 percent reduction in fuel consumption.

For example, the S80 D5 with manual gearbox returns a combined figure of 4.9 liters/100 km (48 mpg US) and emits 129 g of CO2 per kilometer, which are identical figures to the D3-powered S80.

The 2.0-liter D3 engine continues to develop 163HP and 400 Nm of torque, but Volvo claims the driveability has been improved thanks to the fine-tuning of the turbocharger.

Styling changes are discreet and include revamped headlamps with optional active xenon lights, LED turn indicators integrated into the door mirrors (for the V70 and S80), two new wheel designs for the V70/S80 and one for the XC70, plus new colors

The new model year brings the refreshed Volvo Sensus infotainment system with a five-inch or seven-inch color screen in the upper part of the center console through which the driver can access a range of settings, such as for the Collision Warning and Pedestrian Detection systems, the Active Cruise Control, lighting, climate unit and audio system. The larger 7-inch version also displays information and images from the navigation system, phone, reversing and panorama cameras, DVD player and digital TV.

Safety upgrades include the addition of the Pedestrian Detection system with Full Auto Brake, previously presented in the S60, V60 and XC60 models. The system uses radar and a camera to monitor pedestrians in front of the car and can automatically brake the car to avoid a collision.

Other additions include the City Safety system that can help avoid low-speed rear-end collisions, offered as standard on all three models, and also the Adaptive Cruise Control system.

 

2012 Volvo V70, XC70 and S80 get Revised Diesel Engines and New Features

Volvo announced that it will offer a number of upgrades for its new model year V70, XC70 and S80, including the introduction of the latest iteration of its infotainment system as well as refined D5 and D3 diesel engines with increased performance and lower fuel consumption.

The V70, XC70 and S80 are the first Volvos to feature higher performance versions of the five-cylinder D5 and D3 turbodiesels. The 2.4-liter D5 diesel unit now develops 215 horsepower and 440 Nm (324.5 lb-ft) of torque (up 10HP and 20 Nm respectively), while posting an 8 percent reduction in fuel consumption.

For example, the S80 D5 with manual gearbox returns a combined figure of 4.9 liters/100 km (48 mpg US) and emits 129 g of CO2 per kilometer, which are identical figures to the D3-powered S80.

The 2.0-liter D3 engine continues to develop 163HP and 400 Nm of torque, but Volvo claims the driveability has been improved thanks to the fine-tuning of the turbocharger.

Styling changes are discreet and include revamped headlamps with optional active xenon lights, LED turn indicators integrated into the door mirrors (for the V70 and S80), two new wheel designs for the V70/S80 and one for the XC70, plus new colors

The new model year brings the refreshed Volvo Sensus infotainment system with a five-inch or seven-inch color screen in the upper part of the center console through which the driver can access a range of settings, such as for the Collision Warning and Pedestrian Detection systems, the Active Cruise Control, lighting, climate unit and audio system. The larger 7-inch version also displays information and images from the navigation system, phone, reversing and panorama cameras, DVD player and digital TV.

Safety upgrades include the addition of the Pedestrian Detection system with Full Auto Brake, previously presented in the S60, V60 and XC60 models. The system uses radar and a camera to monitor pedestrians in front of the car and can automatically brake the car to avoid a collision.

Other additions include the City Safety system that can help avoid low-speed rear-end collisions, offered as standard on all three models, and also the Adaptive Cruise Control system.

 

MINI by Rolls Royce: Posh Limited Edition Model Revealed Ahead of Shanghai Show

A couple of years back, we shared some scoop photos of a prototype MINI with styling elements from Rolls Royce models. A company spokesman had then confirmed that the car was real, but to the dismay of many fans, he said that it was a one-off for a special dealer event. If you happened to like the idea of a Rolls-Royce-flavored MINI we have some good news for you as the British company will premiere a special edition model at the upcoming Shanghai Auto Show next week.

The limited production model is called “Mini Inspired by Goodwood”, with the name paying tribute to Rolls Royce’s headquarters. Only 1,000 examples of the special Mini will be built at the British firm’s Oxford plant, with first deliveries to take place in the spring of 2012.

Offered exclusively as a three-door hatchback, the Rolls Royce-inspired Mini is based on the Cooper S model and comes with a 1.6-liter twin-scroll turbocharged engine pumping out 184HP and 240Nm (177 lb-ft) of peak torque for a 0-100km/h (62mph) sprint time of 7.0 seconds and combined fuel consumption of 5.8lt/100km (40.6 mpg US).

Developed under the guidance of the Rolls-Royce Motor Cars designer team, the Mini Inspired by Goodwood features bespoke styling cues and trim options. On the outside, the Rolls Royce treatment translates to an exclusive Diamond Black metallic hue or alternatively, an optional Reef Blue metallic, 17-inch light alloy wheels sporting a multi-spoke design, and of course, the necessary logos. The car’s front and rear apron are the same as those found on the MINI Cooper S, but are combined with the bonnet from the MINI Cooper D without the air scoop.

The cabin is where Rolls Royce design team spent most of their time dressing up the Mini’s interior with select materials and trim. The dashboard, including the surrounds of the central instrument and the air vents, the centre console, carpet surfaces, the Lounge leather seats, the roof lining as well as the door, side and body pillar cladding boast the exclusive Rolls-Royce co lour Cornsilk. The dashboard and doorhandle surfaces, which are manufactured in Goodwood, are trimmed in Walnut Burr veneers.

Other highlights include the black nappa leather dashboard top, Leather Cornsilk door linings, Piano Black surface finishes for the buttons, Cashmere roof linings, a Rolls Royce inspired typeface for the instruments and lambswool floor mats.

Standard equipment features include Xenon Adaptive Headlights, Park Distance Control, automatic air conditioning, an onboard computer and the audio system Radio MINI Visual Boost, which includes the Harman Kardon hi-fi speaker system.

Pricing details are to be released at a later date, but expect to pay a hefty premium over the standard Mini Cooper S.

MINI by Rolls Royce: Posh Limited Edition Model Revealed Ahead of Shanghai Show

A couple of years back, we shared some scoop photos of a prototype MINI with styling elements from Rolls Royce models. A company spokesman had then confirmed that the car was real, but to the dismay of many fans, he said that it was a one-off for a special dealer event. If you happened to like the idea of a Rolls-Royce-flavored MINI we have some good news for you as the British company will premiere a special edition model at the upcoming Shanghai Auto Show next week.

The limited production model is called “Mini Inspired by Goodwood”, with the name paying tribute to Rolls Royce’s headquarters. Only 1,000 examples of the special Mini will be built at the British firm’s Oxford plant, with first deliveries to take place in the spring of 2012.

Offered exclusively as a three-door hatchback, the Rolls Royce-inspired Mini is based on the Cooper S model and comes with a 1.6-liter twin-scroll turbocharged engine pumping out 184HP and 240Nm (177 lb-ft) of peak torque for a 0-100km/h (62mph) sprint time of 7.0 seconds and combined fuel consumption of 5.8lt/100km (40.6 mpg US).

Developed under the guidance of the Rolls-Royce Motor Cars designer team, the Mini Inspired by Goodwood features bespoke styling cues and trim options. On the outside, the Rolls Royce treatment translates to an exclusive Diamond Black metallic hue or alternatively, an optional Reef Blue metallic, 17-inch light alloy wheels sporting a multi-spoke design, and of course, the necessary logos. The car’s front and rear apron are the same as those found on the MINI Cooper S, but are combined with the bonnet from the MINI Cooper D without the air scoop.

The cabin is where Rolls Royce design team spent most of their time dressing up the Mini’s interior with select materials and trim. The dashboard, including the surrounds of the central instrument and the air vents, the centre console, carpet surfaces, the Lounge leather seats, the roof lining as well as the door, side and body pillar cladding boast the exclusive Rolls-Royce co lour Cornsilk. The dashboard and doorhandle surfaces, which are manufactured in Goodwood, are trimmed in Walnut Burr veneers.

Other highlights include the black nappa leather dashboard top, Leather Cornsilk door linings, Piano Black surface finishes for the buttons, Cashmere roof linings, a Rolls Royce inspired typeface for the instruments and lambswool floor mats.

Standard equipment features include Xenon Adaptive Headlights, Park Distance Control, automatic air conditioning, an onboard computer and the audio system Radio MINI Visual Boost, which includes the Harman Kardon hi-fi speaker system.

Pricing details are to be released at a later date, but expect to pay a hefty premium over the standard Mini Cooper S.

Lancia Opens Order Book for Ypsilon, Prices Start at €12,400 ($17,890) in Italy

Starting from today, the all-new Lancia Ypsilon is available for order in Italy with first deliveries scheduled for June in major European markets and September for the Chrysler badged model that will be offered in the UK and Ireland.

Available for the first time in a five-door body style, the fourth generation Ypsilon will be offered in three trim levels (Silver, Gold and Platinum), 17 body colors (four of which are two-tone schemes), six different upholsteries, three types of alloy wheels and three engine choices. All of these options will allow for a total of 600 different model combos.

The 3.84-meter long supermini will be offered with two petrol engines, a 69HP 1.2-liter and a 85HP 0.9-liter TwinAir, with the latter also being available with a DFN semi-automatic gearbox. A third engine option is the 1.3-liter Multijet diesel engine that develops 95 horsepower, with Lancia to offer later on a bi-fuel 67HP 1.2-liter unit that will run on petrol and LPG. All engines are fitted with the Stop&Start technology as standard.

The starting price in Italy for the new Ypsilon is €12,400 ($17,890) for the 1.2-liter petrol Silver version, which is equipped with remote central locking, two-way adjustable steering column, electric front windows, 15-inch steel wheels, 50/50 folding rear bench seat, height adjustable driver seat, fabric upholstery and heated tailgate window.

For €1,300 buyers can upgrade to the Gold version, which adds air conditioning, radio-CD with MP3 reader, electrically adjustable mirrors, leather covered steering wheel and gearshift lever, Castiglio upholstery and a Comfort Pack.

Add another €1,300 and you can get the Platinum model that is enhanced with electric rear windows, fog lights, 15-inch alloy wheels and leather upholstery. The most expensive model of the range will be the 1.3-liter diesel Platinum version, priced at €17.300 ($24,960).

Lancia will continue to offer the older-generation three-door Ypsilon Diva, which is priced at €12,400 ($17,890).

Lancia Opens Order Book for Ypsilon, Prices Start at €12,400 ($17,890) in Italy

Starting from today, the all-new Lancia Ypsilon is available for order in Italy with first deliveries scheduled for June in major European markets and September for the Chrysler badged model that will be offered in the UK and Ireland.

Available for the first time in a five-door body style, the fourth generation Ypsilon will be offered in three trim levels (Silver, Gold and Platinum), 17 body colors (four of which are two-tone schemes), six different upholsteries, three types of alloy wheels and three engine choices. All of these options will allow for a total of 600 different model combos.

The 3.84-meter long supermini will be offered with two petrol engines, a 69HP 1.2-liter and a 85HP 0.9-liter TwinAir, with the latter also being available with a DFN semi-automatic gearbox. A third engine option is the 1.3-liter Multijet diesel engine that develops 95 horsepower, with Lancia to offer later on a bi-fuel 67HP 1.2-liter unit that will run on petrol and LPG. All engines are fitted with the Stop&Start technology as standard.

The starting price in Italy for the new Ypsilon is €12,400 ($17,890) for the 1.2-liter petrol Silver version, which is equipped with remote central locking, two-way adjustable steering column, electric front windows, 15-inch steel wheels, 50/50 folding rear bench seat, height adjustable driver seat, fabric upholstery and heated tailgate window.

For €1,300 buyers can upgrade to the Gold version, which adds air conditioning, radio-CD with MP3 reader, electrically adjustable mirrors, leather covered steering wheel and gearshift lever, Castiglio upholstery and a Comfort Pack.

Add another €1,300 and you can get the Platinum model that is enhanced with electric rear windows, fog lights, 15-inch alloy wheels and leather upholstery. The most expensive model of the range will be the 1.3-liter diesel Platinum version, priced at €17.300 ($24,960).

Lancia will continue to offer the older-generation three-door Ypsilon Diva, which is priced at €12,400 ($17,890).

New Audi Q3 SUV Officially Revealed: High-Res Gallery with 67 Photos

The wait is finally over. A mere week after the release of the teaser sketches, Audi has come out with official photos and details on its new Q3 compact SUV, which will receive its first public outing at the Shanghai Auto Show.

The Q3 is Audi’s third SUV model after the larger Q5 and Q7 and will compete against the BMW X1. Those familiar with the VW Group’s strategy won’t be surprised to find out that the Q3 is based on the platform architecture of the Volkswagen Tiguan. Audi’s interpretation of a compact SUV model measures 4.39 meters in length (14.4 ft), 1.83 meters in width (6.0 ft), and 1.60 meters (5.25 ft) in height with the roof rails, meaning its 240mm shorter, 50mm narrower and 53mm lower than the Q5.

The exterior styling is pure Audi with the design loosely inspired by the Ingolstadt firm’s Cross Coupe Quattro Concept from the 2007 Shanghai Auto Show. Compared to the Q5, Audi’s smaller SUV model introduces a sharper front design with wedge-shaped headlamps and a roofline that slopes gently towards the back for a more dynamic profile.

 

New Audi Q3 SUV Officially Revealed: High-Res Gallery with 67 Photos

The wait is finally over. A mere week after the release of the teaser sketches, Audi has come out with official photos and details on its new Q3 compact SUV, which will receive its first public outing at the Shanghai Auto Show.

The Q3 is Audi’s third SUV model after the larger Q5 and Q7 and will compete against the BMW X1. Those familiar with the VW Group’s strategy won’t be surprised to find out that the Q3 is based on the platform architecture of the Volkswagen Tiguan. Audi’s interpretation of a compact SUV model measures 4.39 meters in length (14.4 ft), 1.83 meters in width (6.0 ft), and 1.60 meters (5.25 ft) in height with the roof rails, meaning its 240mm shorter, 50mm narrower and 53mm lower than the Q5.

The exterior styling is pure Audi with the design loosely inspired by the Ingolstadt firm’s Cross Coupe Quattro Concept from the 2007 Shanghai Auto Show. Compared to the Q5, Audi’s smaller SUV model introduces a sharper front design with wedge-shaped headlamps and a roofline that slopes gently towards the back for a more dynamic profile.

 

Kia Adds Some Luxury to Facelifted Pro_Cee’d with New UK Market Version

A new high-grade version of Kia’s recently facelifted Pro_Cee’d model has been introduced in the UK. The three-door Pro_Cee’d ‘4’ comes with added standard features and is powered by the latest version of Kia’s 1.6-liter turbo diesel producing 126bhp or 13bhp more than the previous engine for a 0-60mph (96km/h) sprint time of a little over 10 seconds and a top speed of 122 mph (196 km/h).

The new Pro_Cee’d ‘4’ rides on 17-inch alloy wheels and features black bezel headlights and privacy glass. Inside, the interior has full black leather upholstery combined with front heated seats and a leather trimmed steering wheel, while other standard features include cruise control and in a first in the Cee’d range, a fully integrated Sat-Nav system with a seven inch full color touch screen system and a reversing camera.

The Pro_Cee’d 4 is available in the UK with on the road pricing of £18,495.

 

Kia Adds Some Luxury to Facelifted Pro_Cee’d with New UK Market Version

A new high-grade version of Kia’s recently facelifted Pro_Cee’d model has been introduced in the UK. The three-door Pro_Cee’d ‘4’ comes with added standard features and is powered by the latest version of Kia’s 1.6-liter turbo diesel producing 126bhp or 13bhp more than the previous engine for a 0-60mph (96km/h) sprint time of a little over 10 seconds and a top speed of 122 mph (196 km/h).

The new Pro_Cee’d ‘4’ rides on 17-inch alloy wheels and features black bezel headlights and privacy glass. Inside, the interior has full black leather upholstery combined with front heated seats and a leather trimmed steering wheel, while other standard features include cruise control and in a first in the Cee’d range, a fully integrated Sat-Nav system with a seven inch full color touch screen system and a reversing camera.

The Pro_Cee’d 4 is available in the UK with on the road pricing of £18,495.

 

Mercedes-Benz Launches New Ad Campaign for 2012 C-Class, Releases 70 Photos

Mercedes-Benz has kicked off a major advertising campaign for its facelifted C-Class series under the tagline “A Class Ahead”. The new model will be promoted across print media, TV, radio stationsa nd the Internet. While the TV advertisements are filmed in rural environments, the print ads put the C-Class in urban settings. Each advertisement highlights a specific feature of the 2012MY C-Class, such as the 20-second commercial called “Souvenir” (view below) that underlines the estate's 1,500-liter load capacity and the “Rocker”, dedicated to the interior of the car. In addition, the German automaker released a new photo gallery of the 2012My C-Class, which you can check out below.

Mercedes-Benz Launches New Ad Campaign for 2012 C-Class, Releases 70 Photos

Mercedes-Benz has kicked off a major advertising campaign for its facelifted C-Class series under the tagline “A Class Ahead”. The new model will be promoted across print media, TV, radio stationsa nd the Internet. While the TV advertisements are filmed in rural environments, the print ads put the C-Class in urban settings. Each advertisement highlights a specific feature of the 2012MY C-Class, such as the 20-second commercial called “Souvenir” (view below) that underlines the estate's 1,500-liter load capacity and the “Rocker”, dedicated to the interior of the car. In addition, the German automaker released a new photo gallery of the 2012My C-Class, which you can check out below.

Kia Adds 256HP 2.0-liter Turbo to Sportage Range, Priced from $26,490

Kia has released details and pricing on its new turbocharged 2011 Sportage SX compact CUV, scheduled to arrive in the firm's U.S. showrooms later this month. The Sportage SX is Kia's second vehicle in the States to feature the company's 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with direct-injection technology and a twin-scroll turbocharger that delivers 256 horsepower and 264 pound-feet of peak torque.

The 2.0L Turbo is linked to a six-speed automatic transmission and is available in both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive versions. Kia said the FWD model returns 22mpg in the city (10.7 lt/100km) and 27mpg on the highway (8.7lt/100km).

In addition to the new powertrain, the Sportage SX also gets a sportier-tuned suspension with firmer shock and strut rates for improved handling over the standard versions along with several bespoke styling features such as the unique 18-inch alloy wheels and grille trim, dual exhaust, and special side sill moldings. The exterior updates are complemented by SX-specific interior appointments including standard aluminum door sills and a modified gauge cluster.

Prices for the 2011 Sportage SX start from $26,490 for the front-wheel drive (FWD) model and from $27,990 for the AWD model, with both MSRPs including a $695 destination and handling fee.

 

 

 

Kia Adds 256HP 2.0-liter Turbo to Sportage Range, Priced from $26,490

Kia has released details and pricing on its new turbocharged 2011 Sportage SX compact CUV, scheduled to arrive in the firm's U.S. showrooms later this month. The Sportage SX is Kia's second vehicle in the States to feature the company's 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with direct-injection technology and a twin-scroll turbocharger that delivers 256 horsepower and 264 pound-feet of peak torque.

The 2.0L Turbo is linked to a six-speed automatic transmission and is available in both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive versions. Kia said the FWD model returns 22mpg in the city (10.7 lt/100km) and 27mpg on the highway (8.7lt/100km).

In addition to the new powertrain, the Sportage SX also gets a sportier-tuned suspension with firmer shock and strut rates for improved handling over the standard versions along with several bespoke styling features such as the unique 18-inch alloy wheels and grille trim, dual exhaust, and special side sill moldings. The exterior updates are complemented by SX-specific interior appointments including standard aluminum door sills and a modified gauge cluster.

Prices for the 2011 Sportage SX start from $26,490 for the front-wheel drive (FWD) model and from $27,990 for the AWD model, with both MSRPs including a $695 destination and handling fee.

 

 

 

GM President Says Chevrolet will Debut Two New Models at Chicago Including a Camaro-Based Car

Speaking at a J.D. Power forum in Detroit, General Motors North American President Mark Reuss announced that Chevrolet will unveil two new models at the upcoming 2011 Chicago Auto Show, which kicks off on February 9. Mr. Reuss said one of the models will be a new vehicle based on the Camaro-platform, however, he declined to divulge further details about the car.

"It will be fun," Mr. Reuss told reporters in regards to the Camaro-based model. "I'm not going to give you guys any product information other than what I gave (in the presentation.) I'd ruin the whole show."

Now, the inevitable question that arises is, what are the two models Chevy is planning to introduce in Chicago?

GM President Says Chevrolet will Debut Two New Models at Chicago Including a Camaro-Based Car

Speaking at a J.D. Power forum in Detroit, General Motors North American President Mark Reuss announced that Chevrolet will unveil two new models at the upcoming 2011 Chicago Auto Show, which kicks off on February 9. Mr. Reuss said one of the models will be a new vehicle based on the Camaro-platform, however, he declined to divulge further details about the car.

"It will be fun," Mr. Reuss told reporters in regards to the Camaro-based model. "I'm not going to give you guys any product information other than what I gave (in the presentation.) I'd ruin the whole show."

Now, the inevitable question that arises is, what are the two models Chevy is planning to introduce in Chicago?

2012 Volkswagen Tiguan Update Revealed

volkswagen has revealed its facelifted 2012 Tiguan this week, following a run of spy photos over the past year that hinted at the small SUV's updated styling.

The tiguan joins the recently revealed 2011 passat and Eos convertible as one of few volkswagen models to be updated rather than replaced by an all-new model.

Bringing the Tiguan in line with the rest of the volkswagen range is a new face and rear, with a sharp new headlight design, letterbox grille and slimmer tall-lights

inside the tiguan remains largely unchanged gaining at least the new steering wheel featured across the VW range.

2012 Volkswagen Tiguan Update Revealed

volkswagen has revealed its facelifted 2012 Tiguan this week, following a run of spy photos over the past year that hinted at the small SUV's updated styling.

The tiguan joins the recently revealed 2011 passat and Eos convertible as one of few volkswagen models to be updated rather than replaced by an all-new model.

Bringing the Tiguan in line with the rest of the volkswagen range is a new face and rear, with a sharp new headlight design, letterbox grille and slimmer tall-lights

inside the tiguan remains largely unchanged gaining at least the new steering wheel featured across the VW range.

Chevy Camaro platform underpins new GM vehicle in Chicago

General Motors has big plans for the upcoming Chicago Auto Show. At the exposition opening this week, GM will unveil a pair of new vehicles, although details on what form they'll take remain scarce.

The news comes from reports quoting GM's North American president Mark Reuss. All he's revealed at this point is that one of the two cars will be based on the Chevrolet Camaro's platform. That tells us it will be a front-engine/rear-drive vehicle, but little else. So, commence speculation: Camaro Z28? Chevy Zeta-platform sedan? (Which we think should be called Chevelle, because hey, if Dodge can call its sedan Charger...)

As for the second car slated for the Windy City salon, your guess is as good as ours. So we'll just have to sit tight and see what the General has got in store for us.

Chevy Camaro platform underpins new GM vehicle in Chicago

General Motors has big plans for the upcoming Chicago Auto Show. At the exposition opening this week, GM will unveil a pair of new vehicles, although details on what form they'll take remain scarce.

The news comes from reports quoting GM's North American president Mark Reuss. All he's revealed at this point is that one of the two cars will be based on the Chevrolet Camaro's platform. That tells us it will be a front-engine/rear-drive vehicle, but little else. So, commence speculation: Camaro Z28? Chevy Zeta-platform sedan? (Which we think should be called Chevelle, because hey, if Dodge can call its sedan Charger...)

As for the second car slated for the Windy City salon, your guess is as good as ours. So we'll just have to sit tight and see what the General has got in store for us.