Showing posts with label new cars. Show all posts
Showing posts with label new cars. Show all posts

Friday, May 6, 2011

Jaguar to build C-X75

Jaguar has announced that its C-X75 supercar is to make it to production, with the project getting assistance from the Williams F1 team.



Jaguar C-X75 Concept (2010) Front Side 1


Although the micro-turbine of the original 2010 Paris Motor Show concept will be swapped for a small capacity internal combustion engine, the C-X75 remains a hybrid thanks to a pair of electric motors powering an axle each.



That arrangement is claimed to offer an astonishing combination of performance and efficiency.



The targets are a 0-60 mph (96 km/h) acceleration time of under three seconds and a top speed of over 200 mph (321 km/h), combined with CO2 emissions of less than 99 g/km. What’s more, the C-X75 should be able to operate as a pure electric vehicle for at least 30 miles (50 kilometres).



Jaguar C-X75 Concept (2010) Side


Williams F1’s involvement is to focus on aerodynamics, hybrid technologies and the use of carbon composites for the Jaguar’s chassis.



Only 250 examples of the Jaguar C-X75 are going to be built, and prices will be between £700,000 and £900,000 depending on local taxes. That’s around €800,400 - €1,030,000 or US$1,146,000 - US$1,473,400 based on today’s exchange rates.



Jaguar C-X75 Concept (2010) FrontJaguar C-X75 Concept (2010) Rear Side
Jaguar C-X75 Concept (2010) Front Side 2Jaguar C-X75 Concept (2010) Rear

Thursday, April 28, 2011

Alfa Romeo TZ3 Stradale

Following on from last year’s TZ3 Corsa, Zagato has unveiled the TZ3 Stradale.



Although both models have been created to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Alfa Romeo, conceptually there are some key differences. As the names imply, the one-off TZ3 Corsa was strictly a track car, whereas the TZ3 Stradale - which will have a limited production run of just nine examples - is street-legal.



Alfa Romeo Zagato TZ3 Stradale (2011) Front Side
Alfa Romeo Zagato TZ3 Stradale (2011) Rear Side


Underneath the carbon fibre body of the TZ3 Stradale sits a chassis and drivetrain borrowed from the defunct Dodge Viper ACR, so it gets an 8.4 litre V10 engine developing 600 bhp (447 kW / 608 PS). Unfortunately, no performance figures have been released to gauge how effective this combination is.



Stylistically the striking TZ3 Stradale is defined by its prominent Kamm tail, and there’s no escaping the resemblance to the TZ3 Corsa. But are the two Zagato cars better looking than the gorgeous Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione? The answer has to be no.



Related posts:

Viper production ends

Alfa Romeo TZ3 Corsa

Viper Final Edition

Tuesday, April 26, 2011

Mahindra Verito launched

The Renault Logan has been renamed the Mahindra Verito for the Indian market.



It follows the termination in April 2010 of the joint venture that had been established by Mahindra & Mahindra and the French manufacturer to build the Logan locally in Nashik.



Under the terms of the restructure, M&M bought out Renault’s 49 percent share in order to fully own the operation, and Logan production has continued in India via a licensing arrangement. However, it was also agreed that the Renault branding would eventually have to disappear.



Mahindra Verito (2011) FrontMahindra Verito (2011) Front Side 1
Mahindra Verito (2011) Front Side 2Mahindra Verito (2011) Side


So, switching to the Mahindra badge comes as no surprise. The Verito model name is meant to allude to honest dependability, as it’s derived from the Latin word ‘veritas’ meaning ‘truth’.



To go with the new name, Mahindra has taken the opportunity to introduce a few cosmetic tweaks. These include the fitment of roof rails, revised fog lights, side cladding and extra chrome decoration at the rear, while the interior gets new upholstery.



Carried over from the Logan are the two engines, both of which are sourced from Renault. Cheapest is the 1.4 MPFI petrol unit, which is priced at Rs. 4.82 lakh for the BS3 version - that’s around £6,560 or €7,380 at today’s exchange rates.



Alternatively, buyers can opt for the 1.5 DCi CRDi diesel. It’s more expensive at Rs. 5.62 lakh (about £7,650 or €8,600), but it does have an ARAI fuel economy rating of 59.4 mpg (4.8 l/100km / 21.03 km/l).



Rajesh Jejurikar, Chief Executive, Automotive Division, Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd said: “The Verito, with its unique value proposition aligns with the Mahindra DNA of offering tough, rugged and sporty vehicles. For the first time, we are using social media platforms to unveil a new product, reflecting alternative thinking. The earlier Logan will continue to get complete service and spares support from us.”



Related post:

Toyota reveals 2011 Etios

Monday, April 25, 2011

North American Fiat 500C

Fiat has unveiled the 2012 North American-spec 500 Cabrio at the New York International Auto Show.



Fiat 500C (2012 North American Spec) Front Side


Distinguishing the 500C is its powered dual-layer cloth roof that features a glass rear window and a spoiler with built-in central brake light. Retractable to multiple positions, it can even be folded fully back while driving at speeds of up to 50 mph (80 km/h).



Fiat describes the interior of the 500C as ‘airy and roomy’, although that probably depends on how many people are sat inside at the time, and the size of those people. Claimed interior space is 76.2 cubic feet (2,157 litres), while the luggage compartment is 5.4 cubic feet (152 litres).



Perhaps to distract from the its petite size, Fiat is offering a myriad of colour permutations that allow 500C owners to create a potentially unique car. There are fourteen paint finishes, three roof colours, two interior colour themes and twelve seat colour and material combinations for them to choose from.



Fiat 500C (2012 North American Spec) Rear Side 1Fiat 500C (2012 North American Spec) Rear Side 2
Fiat 500C (2012 North American Spec) Rear Side 3Fiat 500C (2012 North American Spec) Rear Side 4


Like the hatchback, only one engine is available for the 500C: a 101 bhp (75 kW / 102 PS) 1.4 litre unit that produces 133 Nm (98 lb/ft) of torque.



Thanks to MultiAir valve gear technology, it allows the 500C to achieve reasonable EPA ratings of 30 mpg US (36.0 mpg UK / 7.8 l/100km) for City and 38 mpg US (45.6 mpg UK / 6.2 l/100km) for Highway when paired to the five-speed manual transmission. Alternatively, there’s a six-speed automatic for those not keen on changing gear themselves.



Fiat is offering two trim levels for its new convertible. The entry-level 500C Pop includes the five-speed manual gearbox, Bluetooth telephone connectivity, air conditioning, heated powered door mirrors, tyre pressure monitoring, seven air bags and a trip computer. But, rather meanly, it only gets 15” steel wheels.



The premium 500C Lounge comes with the six-speed automatic transmission plus Sirius Satellite Radio, automatic climate control, Bose audio system with six speakers, chrome door mirror caps, security alarm and 15” aluminium wheels.



Just because the 500C is small, it doesn’t mean it’s cheap. When sales start in late spring, the Pop will have an MSRP of $19,500 and the Lounge is going to cost $23,500.



To put those amounts into perspective, sister brand Chrysler sells the 200 Touring Convertible at an MSRP of $26,445. It may not be as chic as the Fiat, but it’s much larger, more practical and its EPA Highway fuel economy of 31 mpg US (37.2 mpg UK / 7.6 l/100km) isn’t too bad.



Related posts:

American spec Fiat 500

Fiat 500C by Diesel

Wednesday, April 20, 2011

Corsa Nürburgring Edition

A hotter version of the Vauxhall Corsa VXR / Opel Corsa OPC is due in dealers this May. Called the Nürburgring Edition, it gets more grunt, chassis tweaks and a higher price tag.



Vauxhall Corsa VXR Nürburgring Edition (2011) Front Side 2


The 1.6 litre engine benefits from a revised turbocharger and management system, as well as a sports exhaust with reduced back pressure. Interestingly, though, the two GM subsidiaries are reporting different results from these modifications.



Opel claims that power increases from 189 bhp (141 kW / 192 PS) to 206 bhp (154 kW / 210 PS), whereas Vauxhall reckons it only rises to 202 bhp (150 kW / 205 PS). That anomaly is possibly explained by the OPC car being optimised to run on 100 octane petrol, while the VXR has been set up for slightly tamer 98 octane fuel.



What both manufacturers do agree on is the extra torque, which improves from 230 Nm (266 Nm) to 250 Nm (280 Nm). The figures in brackets apply to the turbo overboost function, which can only be used in short bursts.



Vauxhall Corsa VXR Nürburgring Edition (2011) Rear


The effect on performance is a 0-62 mph (100 km/h) time of 6.8 seconds, while top speed improves to 143 mph (230 km/h).



Significantly, that makes the Nürburgring Edition marginally quicker than the model that’s widely acknowledged as one of the best hot hatches on the market - the Renault Clio Renaultsport 200. But only just, as the Clio sprints to 62 mph in 6.9 seconds before going onto 141 mph (225 km/h).



Vauxhall Corsa VXR Nürburgring Edition (2011) Sill Detail


Of course, how that tiny numerical advantage translates into real world driving will depend on how the Corsa handles the added power. To help, a mechanical multi-plate limited-slip differential is fitted that should hopefully improve traction and keep the dreaded understeer in check.



Replacing the stock spring and damper units are bespoke Bilstein items, which have been engineered to sharpen up the handling while reducing ride height by 20 mm at the front and 15 mm at the rear. The traction control, electronic stability control and anti-lock braking systems have all been recalibrated, too, and completing the chassis make-over are lightweight brakes from Brembo with high performance linings.



Distinguishing the Nürburgring Edition are new 18” high-gloss grey aluminium wheels, a front lip spoiler, the new exhaust and Nürburgring logos on the B-pillars, sill plates and front seat backs.



Vauxhall Corsa VXR Nürburgring Edition (2011) Front Side 1


Buyers are certainly going to have to pay for the upgrades, though. In the UK a standard Corsa VXR costs £18,640, but the Nürburgring Edition will be £22,295.



That’s an awful lot for a Corsa, especially considering that £22,330 would buy the faster - and undoubtedly more desirable - Mini John Cooper Works. It also makes the £17,810 Renault Clio Renaultsport 200 seem rather a bargain by comparison.



In Germany, the Opel Corsa OPC Nürburgring Edition will have a recommended retail price of €27,650 (including VAT).



Images © GM Corp.

Four-cylinder Z4 coming

BMW is set to launch the Z4 sDrive28i later this year. Unlike the rest of the variants in the current Z4 line-up, which all have six-cylinder engines, this new addition gets a two litre, four-cylinder unit.



But the loss of a couple of cylinders doesn’t mean it’s going to be an underpowered entry-level model because, thanks to twin turbochargers, the sDrive28i will have 236 bhp (176 kW / 240 PS).



BMW Z4 (2011) Front Side


That’s still quite a bit down on the 254 bhp (190 kW / 258 PS) of the existing sDrive30i, which features a normally aspirated 2,996 cc in-line six. However, BMW is claiming that the sDrive28i will actually be quicker due to its extra torque.



Critically, it’ll also have better fuel consumption and pump out less CO2 (although no figures have been released yet). And, in the end, that increased efficiency is why BMW is introducing the new motor.



Purists might not be too keen on the idea that such a move could signal the beginning of the end for BMW’s six-cylinder engines, but the reality is that most Z4 buyers probably won’t even notice or care.

Tuesday, April 19, 2011

2012 Volkswagen Beetle

Volkswagen is describing its 2012 Beetle, just unveiled in Shanghai, as ‘masculine’.



In a word, that could sum up the shift in direction applied to the new car. Out goes the cutesy retro shtick of the previous generation model, defined for many by the presence of a flower vase stuck on the dashboard. Even Barbie had one of those Beetles, in bright pink of course.



Volkswagen Beetle (2012) Front Side 2


The looks of the 2012 Beetle don’t come as a huge surprise, as they were previewed by the Ragster concept of a few years ago. Longer, wider and shorter, its change in dimensions results in a squat, purposeful stance that should help to broaden the Beetle’s appeal.



It’s also a more practical proposition, as the roof line extends further back which should make things less cramped for rear seat passengers. Luggage space has increased too, rising from a paltry 209 litres to a much better 310 litres.



When UK sales start in early 2012, buyers will be able to choose from three trim levels - basic Beetle, Design or Sport - although exact specifications and prices have yet to be confirmed.



As expected, the engine line-up for the European, Asian and Australian / New Zealand versions is borrowed from the existing Golf and Jetta ranges.



Petrol fans will be able to go for a 103 bhp (77 kW / 105 PS) 1.2 litre TSI, a 157 bhp (117 kW / 160 PS) 1.4 litre TSI or a 197 bhp (147 kW / 200 PS) 2.0 litre TSI which comes with an XDS electronic differential lock.



There’ll only be one diesel though, a 103 bhp (77 kW / 105 PS) 1.6 litre unit with BlueMotion Technology that’s anticipated to deliver 65.7 mpg (4.3 l/100km) and CO2 emissions of 112 g/km.



For North America, the petrol alternatives are either a 167 bhp (125 kW / 170 PS) 2.5 litre five-cylinder engine, or the same 197 bhp (147 kW / 200 PS) 2.0 litre TSI motor as offered elsewhere.



Additionally, Volkswagen is going to attempt to sell a diesel Beetle in those markets for the first time. Quite how popular the 138 bhp (103 kW / 140 PS) 2.0 litre TDI option will be remains to be seen, however.



Volkswagen Beetle (2012) SideVolkswagen Beetle (2012) Rear Side 2
Volkswagen Beetle (2012) Interior 1Volkswagen Beetle (2012) Interior 2
Volkswagen Beetle (2012) Rear Side 1Volkswagen Beetle (2012) Front Side 1

Friday, April 15, 2011

Radical SR3 RS Limited

Radical Sportscars has launched a special edition to celebrate ten years of its SR3. Aimed directly at track-day enthusiasts, the SR3 RS Limited will have a production run of just twenty-five units.



Radical SR3 RS Limited (2011) Front Side


Running gear comprises a 210 bhp (156 kW / 212 PS) 1,340 cc RPE-Suzuki engine, connected to a six-speed sequential gearbox and driving through a Quaife ATB differential. Braking is taken care of by 260 mm x 25 mm ventilated discs front and rear, while a high downforce rear diffuser should help to keep the thing on the tarmac.



Included in the specification is a track-day silencing kit, plus there’s a spares pack made up of different filters and a spare set of wheels shod with wet weather tyres.



The UK price for the Radical SR3 RS Limited is £49,850, including VAT. Colour choice is restricted to Rosso Red, Tangerine or Spice Yellow, all of which come with unique matt vinyl graphics.

Thursday, April 14, 2011

Mopar ’11 Charger

Dodge has announced a limited edition, high performance Mopar version of its 2011 Charger.



Appropriately named the Mopar ’11 Charger, only 1,000 examples are going to be built. 100 of those are destined for Canada, while the rest will be for the US market.



Dodge Mopar '11 Charger (2011) Front Side


Power comes from the same 5.7 litre Hemi V8 as used in the R/T models, which means 370 bhp (275 kW / 375 PS) and 535 Nm (395 lb/ft) of torque. However, acceleration is improved thanks to a 3.91:1 final drive ratio and a recalibrated ECU. Consequently, the claimed zero to 60 mph (96 km/h) time for the Mopar edition is ‘in the low five-second range’.



The chassis set-up has also received attention, with the package featuring the Super Trac Pac which includes upgraded brakes, sports suspension and performance steering. Also fitted are thicker anti-roll bars, as well as cross-car braces that join the suspension turrets front and rear for extra rigidity.



It shouldn’t be too hard to spot a Mopar ’11 Charger. Only available in Pitch Black paintwork with a pair of Mopar Blue stripes running the length of the body, the look is completed by a rear spoiler and 20” Envy five-spoke wheels finished in gloss black.



On the inside, the seats are covered in Katzkin black leather with Mopar Blue stitching and details, and there are premium floor mats and door sill guards that both feature the Mopar logo. As a finishing touch, the dashboard gets a special plaque to commemorate the car’s limited edition status.



Dodge Mopar '11 Charger (2011) Console DetailDodge Mopar '11 Charger (2011) Seats Detail


MSRP in the US for the Mopar '11 Charger is $39,750, including destination fee. That’s $4,580 more than the current Charger R/T Max.



Related posts:

2012 Dodge Charger SRT8

2011 Dodge Charger

Mopar ’10 Challenger

Monday, April 11, 2011

Caterham Seven Supersport

Caterham has announced a track-focussed addition to its Seven range. Called the Supersport, it has been developed directly from the version used in the Caterham Supersport championship.



Caterham Seven Supersport (2011) Front Side 1


Power comes from a 140 bhp (104 kW / 141 PS) 1.6 litre Ford Sigma engine, connected to a five-speed gearbox with ‘sprint’ ratios. A fairly modest output but, as the Supersport weighs only 520 kg (1,146 lbs), it’s enough for a zero to 60 mph (96 km/h) time of 4.9 seconds. Claimed top speed is 120 mph (193 km/h).



The chassis set-up features uprated dampers and springs, a limited slip differential and 13” wheels shod with Avon CR500 tyres. Completing the race-inspired package are composite race seats, four-point harnesses, dash-mounted gear change up lights, a lightened flywheel and an aero screen.



Caterham Seven Supersport (2011) Front
Caterham Seven Supersport (2011) Front Side 2


UK price for the Caterham Seven Supersport is £22,995, although those seeking the satisfaction of building their own car can order it in component form for £19,995.



Related post:

Caterham Seven Monaco

Friday, April 8, 2011

Centennial Edition Corvette

Chevrolet is celebrating its 100th anniversary by launching the 2012 Centennial Edition Corvette. Essentially an appearance package, it will be available on all current Corvette variants, including the ZR1.



Chevrolet Corvette Z06 Centennial Edition (2012) Front Side
Chevrolet Corvette Z06 Centennial Edition (2012) Interior


Distinguishing the Centennial Edition is Carbon Flash Metallic paintwork, satin black aluminium wheels (19” front / 20” rear for the Z06 and ZR1-based versions, 18” front / 19” rear for everything else), red brake callipers, satin black graphics and a unique Corvette badge. Magnetic Selective Ride Control is also included in the specification.



The black colour theme continues on the inside, where the instrument panel and doors are covered in Ebony leather, and the seats are upholstered in the same leather with suede micro-fibre inserts. Completing the look is plenty of red stitching and embossed centennial logos on the headrests.



Chevrolet Corvette Z06 Centennial Edition (2012) B Pillar Graphic DetailChevrolet Corvette Z06 Centennial Edition (2012) Wheel Detail
Chevrolet Corvette Z06 Centennial Edition (2012) Rear SideChevrolet Corvette Z06 Centennial Edition (2012) Badge Detail


Pricing has yet to be confirmed, but the 2012 Chevrolet Centennial Edition Corvette will be available in dealers this summer.



Before that though, a Z06 Centennial Edition - the 100th 2012 Corvette produced - is going to be put up for auction at the Barrett-Jackson event in West Palm Beach, Florida, on the 9th of April. All proceeds from the sale will go to the Austin Hatcher Foundation for Pediatric Cancer.



Images © GM Corp.



Related post:

Corvette UK-bound?

Wednesday, April 6, 2011

80 mpg Focus ECOnetic

Ford has announced that the 2012 Focus ECOnetic is expected to achieve 80 mpg (3.5 l/100km), while producing just 95 g/km of carbon dioxide.



That would be good enough to make it a viable alternative to hybrids such as the Toyota Prius, which currently manages 72.4 mpg (3.9 l/100km) on the combined cycle and CO2 emissions of 89 g/km.



Ford Focus ECOnetic (2012) Front Side
Ford Focus ECOnetic (2012) Instruments
Ford Focus ECOnetic (2012) Rear Side


Power for the Ford will come from a specially developed version of the 1.6 litre Duratorq TDCi diesel. With an output of 103 bhp (77 kW / 105 PS), it gets a new turbocharger, a revised fuel injection system and a water-cooled intercooler instead of an air-to-air item. The engine’s internals have also been modified to minimise friction.



Alongside the fuel-saving measures common across the rest of the new Focus range - stop/start system, gear shift indicator, regenerative battery charging and Eco Mode driver information system - the ECOnetic additionally benefits from a revised final drive ratio with raised gearing and low rolling resistance tyres.



Tweaked aerodynamics also play a part in enhancing efficiency. The underfloor features various shields and deflectors which are there to improve airflow and reduce drag. Up front, an active grille shutter controls airflow into the engine compartment, opening only when needed.



A European market launch for the Focus ECOnetic is scheduled for early 2012. It will be available as either a hatchback or estate.

Tuesday, April 5, 2011

Free upgrade for WRX STI

The 2011 WRX STI hasn’t been around for long, but already Subaru is tempting potential buyers in the UK with a no-cost upgrade package.



Subaru WRX STI Type UK Hatch (2011) Side
Subaru WRX STI Type UK Saloon (2011) Side


Enhancements to the 2.5 litre boxer engine lift power from 295 bhp (220 kW / 300 PS) to 315 bhp (235 kW / 320 PS), while maximum torque rises by a useful 43 Nm (31 lb/ft) to 450 Nm (331 lb/ft) at 3,400 rpm.



As a result, the car’s zero to 62 mph (100 km/h) time falls from 5.2 to 4.9 seconds. There’s no word on whether top speed, fuel consumption or emissions are affected.



Also included in the deal is a Pioneer satellite navigation unit which features Bluetooth, a touch screen and an MP3 player connection.



The WRX STI upgrade offer runs from the beginning of April until the end of June, and applies to the hatch and saloon models. Both cost £32,995 on the road but, unless you like red or white paint, £460 will have to be added to that amount for a metallic finish.



Regardless of colour choices, that seems like good value. However, anyone wanting a rapid all-wheel drive saloon at a special offer price might want to consider the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X GSR FQ-300 SST, which is currently £29,699. It’s also marginally quicker, with a 0-62 mph time of 4.7 seconds.



Related post:

2011 Subaru WRX STI

Thursday, March 31, 2011

Jaguar XF 2.2 litre diesel

Jaguar’s XF saloon will soon be getting a 2.2 litre, four-cylinder diesel engine, a crucial addition to the range that should help steal further sales from its competitors.



Jaguar XF 2.2 Diesel Prototype (2011) Front Side


Connected to an eight-speed ZF automatic gearbox, the longitudinally mounted 187 bhp (140 kW / 190 PS) motor is claimed to be good for a 0-62 mph (100km/h) time of 8.5 seconds and a top speed of 140 mph (225 km/h).



The car’s target customers - especially fleet users - are probably going to be more concerned about efficiency rather than performance, though. And they shouldn’t be disappointed, because the XF will manage 52.3 mpg (5.4 l/100km) on the combined cycle while producing 149 g/km of CO2.



Fuel saving devices include an intelligent stop-start system, which has been engineered to reduce the time taken during the shut-down and start-up phases, and high seventh and eighth gear ratios that effectively act as an overdrive facility.



But how does the new Jaguar compare to some of its diesel rivals? Well, judging by the figures, it seems right on the money, although the BMW 5 Series remains marginally quicker, more frugal and less polluting.















Manufacturer Jaguar BMW Volvo Mercedes-Benz
Model XF 2.2 Diesel 520d Auto S80 D5 Geartronic E 220 CDI Auto
Capacity (cc) 2,179 1,995 2,400 2,143
Power (bhp / kW / PS) 187 / 140 / 190 181 / 135 / 184 202 / 151 / 205 167 / 125 / 170
Torque (Nm / lb/ft) 450 / 332 380 / 280 420 / 309 400 / 295
Acceleration 0-60 mph (100 km/h) 8.5 secs 8.1 secs 8.0 secs 8.8 secs
Top Speed (mph / km/h) 140 / 225 140 / 225 140 / 225 141 / 226
Fuel Consumption (mpg / l/100km) 52.3 / 5.4 54.3 / 5.2 44.8 / 6.3 48.7 / 5.8
CO2 Emissions (g/km) 149 137 166 154
UK Company Car BIK Rate* 22% 20% 26% 23%
*2011-12 tax year.


The introduction of the 2.2 litre XF will coincide with a facelift for the car, hence the disguise seen in the image.



Full production specifications and market launch dates are due to be announced at the New York International Auto Show, which opens to the public on the 22nd of April.

Wednesday, March 23, 2011

Top 10: Efficient petrol cars

The one pence reduction in fuel duty announced in today’s UK Budget won’t be enough to stop lots of car buyers searching out the most fuel efficient offerings.



For many, that will automatically mean a diesel or a hybrid, simply because those technologies deliver the best miles per gallon. But that doesn’t necessarily mean that those types of car will appeal to everyone.



For starters, they tend to cost more, which is enough to put off some. Combine that with the higher price of diesel, and it often means that mega miles have to be driven before the extra initial outlay is offset by better fuel economy.



So, for some drivers it will still make financial sense to go for a petrol-powered car. According to the Vehicle Certification Agency, these are the ten models currently on sale that use the least petrol (based on the combined cycle measure).






Fiat 500 & 500C TwinAir (2011)
Most fuel efficient petrol-powered car: The Fiat 500 / 500C TwinAir with Dualogic transmission.


The good news is that all will better 60 mpg (4.7 l/100km), and all except the Suzuki and Nissan emit 100 g/km or less of CO2, qualifying them for zero road tax and exemption from the London Congestion Charge.



However, as would be expected, every one is a small city car which somewhat limits their practicality.















Rank Manufacturer Model Transmission CO2 mpg (l/100km)
1 Fiat 500 / 500C TwinAir Dualogic SAT5 92 70.6 (4.0)
2 Fiat 500 / 500C TwinAir M5 95 68.9 (4.1)
3= Smart fortwo coupé (MY 2011) 71 bhp mhd w/ Softip & 15" rear wheels 5 AMT 97 67.3 (4.2)
3= Hyundai I10 Blue 1.0 litre SOHC M5 99 67.3 (4.2)
5= Smart fortwo cabrio (MY 2011) 71 bhp mhd w/ Softip & 15" rear wheels 5 AMT 99 65.7 (4.3)
5= Smart fortwo coupé (MY 2011) 71 bhp mhd w/ Softouch & 15" rear wheels 5 AMT 98 65.7 (4.3)
7= Suzuki Alto 1.0 SZ-L / SZ-2 / SZ-3 / SZ-4 M5 103 64.2 (4.4)
7= Toyota iQ (MY 2011) 1.0 VVT-i 5 speed manual M5 99 64.2 (4.4)
7= Smart fortwo cabrio (MY 2011) 71 bhp mhd w/ Softouch & 15" rear wheels 5 AMT 100 64.2 (4.4)
7= Nissan Pixo 1.0 M5 103 64.2 (4.4)


Related posts:

Smart fortwo nightorange

Zero Congestion Charge

Top 10: Cheapest new cars

Fiat 500 TwinAir arrives

Monday, March 21, 2011

C 63 AMG coupé revealed

Hot on the heels of the facelifted C 63 AMG saloon and estate, Mercedes-Benz has announced a coupé version to complete its C-Class performance line-up.



Mercedes-Benz C 63 AMG Coupé (2011) Front Side 3


Under the skin, the coupé uses the familiar 450 bhp (336 kW / 457 PS) 6.2 litre V8 engine, connected to an AMG Speedshift MCT seven-speed multi-clutch transmission. On paper, performance is exactly the same as the saloon, which means a 0-62 mph (100 km/h) time of 4.5 seconds and an electronically limited top speed of 155 mph (250 km/h). Even a combined fuel consumption figure of 23.5 mpg (12.0 l/100km) and CO2 emissions of 280 g/km are identical to what the four-door achieves.



The AMG Performance Package Plus will also be available for the C 63 AMG coupé, an unsurprising move given its popularity with buyers of the saloon and estate. Output rises to 480 bhp (358 kW / 487 PS), but that increase doesn’t seem to translate into more performance: the 0-62 mph time is only reduced by a tenth of a second and top speed remains unchanged.



Mercedes-Benz C 63 AMG Coupé (2011) Rear Side 1Mercedes-Benz C 63 AMG Coupé (2011) Front Side 2
Mercedes-Benz C 63 AMG Coupé (2011) Interior 1Mercedes-Benz C 63 AMG Coupé (2011) Interior 2


However, those figures may mask a useful improvement in mid-range response, plus the package also includes composite front brake discs, red painted brake calipers, a bespoke AMG steering wheel and a carbon fibre boot lid lip spoiler.



Market launch of the C 63 AMG coupé is scheduled for July 2011, and its arrival should give prospective BMW M3 Coupé and Audi RS 5 Coupé owners something to think about.



Mercedes-Benz C 63 AMG Coupé (2011) Rear Side 2Mercedes-Benz C 63 AMG Coupé (2011) Front Side 1


Although UK prices have yet to be confirmed, in Germany they are €72,590 for the standard car and €77,231 for the ‘Edition 1’ version, including 19% VAT. The AMG Performance Package Plus is an extra €7,116.20.



While many manufacturers will use special editions to help shift run-out models, Mercedes-Benz appears to have done the opposite by using the ‘Edition 1’ to support a product launch. Technically there’s no difference, but it does come with some extra kit including leather upholstery, piano black lacquer trim, a different steering wheel and a matt black finish for the alloy wheels.



Related posts:

C 63 AMG facelift

C-Class DR 520 launched
 

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