Unofficial Picture: 2012 Suzuki SX-4 Sedan

These are some recent pictures of the face-lifted Suzuki SX4, recently surfaced on a Chinese website.
The images show an overall refresh to the current SX4 styling; there is a new chromed-lined grill on the front. The headlamps are slightly re-styled which makes the front gives a little more shaper stance. The front bumper is also all new. On the rear, there are extensive changes to the boot lid, restyled tail-lamps which now look similar to the newly-launched Kizashi saloon.
There is not much information on engines but we can expect an inclusion of a diesel motor in future.

New Car: 2011 Citroen C3 Picasso Blackcherry

Citroen has popped its cherry! The French firm has just released details of a new limited edition special model which coincides with a number of updates to the supermini MPV range.

Called the BLACKCHERRY, the newcomer is based on the VTR+ model and is powered by the firm’s 1.6-litre HDI diesel engine. Modifications include cherry red and gloss black exterior and interior detailing to compliment the metallic black exterior paint. The C3 Picasso also gets body colour roof bars and 17-inch cherry red diamond-tipped alloy wheels.

Standard equipment includes air conditioning, cruise control with speed limiter, Citroen’s Connecting Box (USB socket and Bluetooth system), electrically adjustable door mirrors and front electric windows.

Changes to the rest of the C3 Picasso range include a new Euro 5-compliant HDi 110bhp engine and six-speed transmission. The new engine returns just under 59mpg, with CO2 emissions falling by 5g/km over the previous Euro 4 unit to 125g/km. The remaining engines in the Picasso line-up have been rehomologated to reach full Euro 5 levels, with tweaks delivering more miles for every gallon of fuel consumed.

The firm has also made Michelin’s low rolling resistance Energy Saver tyres standard kit across the range, while the Connecting Box is now fitted as standard on VTR+ and Exclusive trim levels. For more details click here.
Thanks to: Auto Express

revised diesel engine - obtain in Mazda3 (EU)

revised diesel engine - obtain in Mazda3 (EU)
Mazda has modified its 1.6 litre diesel engine, which is offered in the 3 compact family car. The engine is now Euro5 compliant offers better fuel economy and lower emissions and is more powerful than the outgoing unit. The 1.6D now has 115bhp, compared to 109bhp over the previous engine.

The revised 3 will now cover 64.2mpg (4.4l/100km) and emit just 117g/km. Torque is increased by 30Nm (22lb-ft), to 270Nm (199lb-ft). For the first time, a 6 speed manual transmission is available.

The maintenance-free diesel particulate filter (DPF) reduces running costs because it no longer needs an additive to burn off the particulate substance.
In the UK, the saloon bodystyle has been killed-off due to meagre sales.

2011 review Hyundai Elantra

2011 review Hyundai Elantra

This is the U.S.A specify of Hyundai Elantra which debuted at the Los Angeles motor car show this month. Unlike the KDM Avante, the American variant is powered by a Nu, 4-cylinder 1.8 litre petrol engine, replacing the 2.0 litre Beta.
The 1.8 kicks out 148bhp and produces 186Nm (138ft-lbs) of torque. The engine is mated to either a 6 speed manual or 6 speed automatic and returns 40mpg on the motorway. In the city, 29mpg is achievable. In some states, the Elantra will have 145bhp and 176Nm (130 lb-ft) of torque, earning the classified PZEVs (Partial Zero Emission Vehicles) badge.

The Alabama-built Elantra will hit dealerships before the end of 2010, with a sticker price of $14,830 (before a $730 delivery fee).

Standard equipment on the entry-level GLS includes electronic stability control w/traction control, 15” steel/16” alloy wheels, electrically adjustable/heated door mirrors w/indicator lights integrated into the door mirrors, remote central locking, air-conditioning, 6 speaker audio system w/USB/AUX and iPod input, x4 electric windows, active front headrests, tyre pressure monitoring system, 60/40 split rear seats, and x6 airbags.

Limited models will have 17” alloy wheels, electric panoramic glass sunroof, chrome exterior door handles, front fog lamps, climate control, leather steering wheel w/audio controls, cruise control, Bluetooth, keyless entry & start and leather interior w/heated front and rear seats as standard. Optionally, a 7” touch-screen satellite navigation system w/360w sound system, auto-dimming rear-view mirror w/HomeLink, and metallic paint will be offered.

interior HYUNDAY ELANTRA

"Too early" for Volvo flagship by Stefan Jacoby

"Too early" for Volvo flagship by Stefan Jacoby
Volvo CEO, Stefan Jacoby, has responded to Geely’s CEO, Li Shufu for wanting a large executive sedan in the Volvo line-up, saying it is “too early” for Volvo to be designing a BMW 7 Series and Mercedes S-Class rival.

Shufu obtained Volvo from Ford earlier this year. Shufu would like to see Volvo create more “high-level cars that compete with the Mercedes S-Class and BMW 7 Series”.

Jacoby said such a car “is a step too early” and could only be considered once “we have reached our goal of 800,000 sales”.
Shufu thinks Volvo has the technology and research capabilities to contend at the top end of the market as well as demand higher retail prices. Shufu has made it obvious that a push into the booming Chinese car market would demand luxury that Chinese customers could “see through their eyes and touch with their hands”.

2012 : Fiat planning for car sports roadster

2012 : Fiat planning for car sports roadster
Fiat is working hard on bring a sports coupe to the market by 2012. The sports car, dubbed Primo is being co-developed with Fiat’s sporty sibling, Abarth and will compete against the Mazda MX-5/Miata. While the sports car will be all-new, its size and transverse, mid-engined design will be similar to the Lotus Elise. The interior is also thought to use the same outline as the Elise; a fixed rear window with a simple, lift-out roof panel.
An internal source said speculation on the Internet is “wide of the mark”. It was suggest the forthcoming sports car will underpin the hugely expensive KTM X-Bow, which would contradict the fact the Fiat/Abarth sport car is predicted to start from under £25,000.Abarth will be design the car in-house, guided by CEO Head of design, Rubén Wainberg. Abarth is also developing its own tubular space frame for the car, which means Abarth can make good use of Fiat/Alfa modular suspension components and lightweight engines like the turbocharged 1.4 litre MultiAir, with around 170bhp. Fiat/Alfa is also launching its own 6 speed dual-clutch gearbox, although, a 7 speed dual-clutch is a possibility for the future.
The car is yet to be sign-off by CEO Sergio Marchionne, despite being at an advanced stage of engineering and design. One good point might be the size of the investment needed for a car that will demand global sales of no more than 5,000 units.
We expect the Fiat Primo is be launched first, with the racier Abarth variant arriving a year later.

Brabus Mercedes SLS AMG Widestar Wallpaper

Brabus Mercedes SLS AMG Widestar Wallpaper

For most people, the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG 'Gullwing' looks just fine in factory tune. But not for Brabus. The German tuning house chose this week's Essen Motor Show to present its "wide-body" take on the Gullwing model.

The aero package is called Widestar and it encompasses a front spoiler, a rear apron with a new diffuser, blistered rear wheel arches with air inlets and outlets, and a boot lid spoiler. Engineers also sculpted the rocker panels, optimizing airflow between axles, and added bigger air outlets for the front fenders.

All components are made from carbon fiber and have been tested in the firm's wind tunnel. Clients can choose between a matte or glossy clear-coated finish for the body parts. If that's not their thing, optionally, the company can paint them in the body's color or in a contrasting tone.

Brabus Mercedes SLS AMG Widestar Wallpaper

Brabus Mercedes SLS AMG Widestar Wallpaper

To complement the SLS' new look, the ride height was lowered by 30 mm and a new, height-adjustable suspension was developed in collaboration with Bilstein. The driver can adjust the suspension's height with the touch of a button to make the car sportier or more comfortable than the stock SLS. Stiffer sway bars are also on the [optional] menu.

There's no Brabus without a proper set of wheels and the Widestar SLS is no exception. The Germans offer custom tailored ultra-light 20- and 21-inch front and rear Monoblock F Platinum Edition forged wheels, wrapped around in 275/30 ZR20 and 295/25 ZR21 Yokohama rubber. The new rims are bigger and lighter reducing unsprung weight and, thus, improving handling, the tuner claims.

Under the bonnet you'll find the same 6.2-liter V8 engine, albeit fitted with a high-performance and lighter (-12 kg or -26 lbs.) titanium exhaust system with sound management, which increases power by 10 hp.

As for the interior, Brabus offers a plethora of custom options, ranging from carbon fiber inlays in any desired color to an ergonomically shaped steering wheel. Premium upholstery is also offered, made from the fine leather and Alcantara.

Brabus Mercedes SLS AMG Widestar Wallpaper

Aston Martin Racing Vantage GT4 Wallpaper

Aston Martin Racing Vantage GT4 Wallpaper

Two years after it made its introduction, Aston Martin Racing has given its Vantage GT4 racecar an update. The firm has reworked the car by enhancing the aerodynamics and increasing the car’s downforce. The 4.7 litre V8 has also been remapped to offer increased levels of power and torque.

The car now features a new front splitter, which increases downforce at the front of the car and improves channelling of cool air to the brakes and radiator. At the rear, the GT4 gains the V12 Vantage’s larger boot ‘flip’. This works together with a new carbon fibre diffuser and rear underfloor, which creates an area of low pressure under the rear of the car, to increase downforce.

Aston Martin Racing Vantage GT4 Wallpaper

Aston Martin Racing Vantage GT4 Wallpaper

The redesigned underfloor also channels more air through a new rear-mounted high capacity transmission oil cooler. In addition to the engine and aero upgrades, competitors can now choose to include a race-developed Bosch ABS and traction control system from Bosch Motorsport to enhance performance in both wet and dry conditions.

More than 80 Vantage GT4s have been built and sold globally since 2009, and the car has certainly been successful plying its trade in its GT4 competition class – it won the European GT4 Cup this year, as well as the GT4 class at the Dubai 24 Hours, the Nürburgring 24 Hours and the Spa 24 hours.

Aston Martin Racing Vantage GT4 Wallpaper

Vauxhall Antara facelift Wallpaper

Vauxhall Antara facelift Wallpaper

Following the reveal of its Opel counterpart in mainland Europe, Vauxhall has released pricing and specifications on the UK market Antara facelift, which boasts a barely noticeable makeover and a refreshed engine lineup. Prices for the updated SUV now start from £19,995 for the 2.2 CDTi (163PS) Exclusiv front-wheel drive model, which according to Vauxhall, represents a saving of £2,835 over the outgoing base version.

On the outside, styling changes for the 2011 Antara include the updated front grille with the new Griffin logo, enhanced by fog lights finished with chrome bezels on SE models, new 19-inch alloy wheels and modified rear lights.

Vauxhall Antara facelift Wallpaper

Vauxhall Antara facelift Wallpaper

Inside, the new Antara's cabin features a revised centre console with extra storage and higher-quality materials, in addition to improved instrument graphics and better interior lighting.

The 2011 model's revised Euro-5 compliant engine line-up includes a newly-developed 2.2-liter CDTI turbodiesel in two states of tune with 163HP or 184HP. The 163HP version is available in front-wheel drive with a six-speed manual transmission only or all-wheel drive hooked up to either a manual or six-speed auto gearbox. The more potent 184HP variant also offers a choice of manual or automatic transmissions, and comes with all-wheel drive as standard. All transmissions have been revised to improve efficiency.

The Vauxhall Antara will not be offered in the UK with the revised 170HP 2.4-liter gasoline engine of its Opel sibling.

GM Europe's engineers have also re-worked the SUV's chassis with revised spring and damper settings.

Finally, Vauxhall has improved safety and comfort features with the addition of an electric parking brake, a Hill Assist System as well as a "shift-up" fuel economy indicator on all models.

"At less than £20k, the new Antara is set to be highly competitive in today's SUV market," said Peter Hope, Vauxhall's Marketing Director. "Its lower emissions, higher output diesel engines and refreshed design will offer renewed appeal to both retail and fleet customers."

Senner Tuning's Audi TT RS Roadster POWER Wallpaper

Senner Tuning's Audi TT RS Roadster POWER Wallpaper

Based on the Audi TT RS roadster, Senner Tuning's POWER TT certainly lives up to its name boasting a 2.5-liter turbocharged engine with 430 ponies. The German tuning firm's package also include interior and exterior appointments, alongside new alloy wheels and suspensions tweaks.

The TT RS' 5-cylinder powerplant, which is also found under the bonnet of the new Audi RS3, was upgraded with a customized ECU, a sport air filters and a high performance exhaust system. The latter can be ordered for all TT models and features dual tailpipes.

Senner Tuning's Audi TT RS Roadster POWER Wallpaper

Senner Tuning's Audi TT RS Roadster POWER Wallpaper

The standard alloys were ditched in favor of 7-spoke 20-inch Varianza T1S rims, shod in 255/30 tires, while the car now rides lower thanks to a new sports suspension.

Senner applied various carbon fiber parts to the body, such as the mirror housings and the rear wing, while the tuner also used the same material inside on the steering wheel, door handles and center console.

Senner Tuning's Audi TT RS Roadster POWER Wallpaper

Saab 9-4X Wallpaper

Saab 9-4X Wallpaper
Saab chose the city of Angeles to hold the world premiere of its second all-new model after the recent 9-5 sedan and the company's first compact crossover vehicle, the 9-4X. The Swedish automaker says the new 9-4X is aligned in looks and size between the 9-3X crossover and new 9-5 sedan.

A crucial model to Saab's recovery after the Swedish brand changed hands, the 9-4X is one of the last vehicles to be co-developed with its former owner, General Motors. It is based on the Cadillac SRX and will be built alongside its American counterpart at GM's Ramos Arizpe plant in Mexico.

Saab 9-4X Wallpaper

Saab 9-4X Wallpaper

Under the hood, North American buyers will have a choice of naturally-aspirated or turbocharged V6 engines. The entry-level powerplant is a 265HP 3.0-liter V6 with direct-injection that can be ordered with FWD or AWD, while at the top of the range sits a 300HP 2.8-liter V6 with twin-scroll turbocharging and standard AWD. Both engines are mated to six-speed automatic transmissions under adaptive, electronic control.

"We are now embarking on the biggest new product offensive in Saab's history," says Saab Automobile CEO Jan Åke Jonsson. "The 9-4X is the second new car we have introduced this year and it will significantly broaden the appeal of the Saab brand by giving us entry to the fast-growing crossover segment with a vehicle that is sporty and unmistakably a Saab."

The Saab 9-4X will hit U.S. dealerships in May 2011, with sales in Europe and other global markets due to begin from August of the same year.



Saab 9-4X Wallpaper