Lexus Adds Optional F-Sport Package to CT 200h 2012

Lexus’ fifth hybrid vehicle and second dedicated hybrid after the HS sedan, the CT 200h, is cruising into its second model year with a few minor updates, the most important of which is the U.S. introduction of the optional F-Sport Package.
Unveiled for the first time at the 2010 Sydney Motor Show in Australia before making its North American debut at last year's SEMA gathering, the F-Sport Package for the CT 200h adds a limited number of visual and performance goods.
These include a sportier tuned suspension, 17-inch alloy wheels and front grille with a mesh pattern. Inside, the package adds metal front scuff plates, perforated leather steering wheel, leather shift knob, aluminum sport pedals and metallic trim on the dash panel. Buyers can further enhance the cabin with Black NuLuxe trimmed seats or perforated black leather-trimmed seats.
In addition to the sport kit, the 2012 model year CT 200h gains a new Vehicle Proximity Notification System that helps alert pedestrians and cyclists of an oncoming vehicle under certain conditions by emitting a low audible warning sound, while Nebula Gray Pearl replaces Smoky Granite Mica finish.
Otherwise, there are no differences with the 2011MY CT 200h with the compact-sized hatchback powered by a hybrid powertrain that includes a 94HP 1.8-litre VVT-i petrol engine and an electric motor producing a combined system output of 134HP and allowing the car to accelerate from 0-60 mph in 9.8 seconds.
Lexus has not yet released any photos of the 2012 CT 200h with the F-Sport Package. The images you see below are of the Australian market version (blue colored model) and the SEMA show car (white finish).

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Fiat 500 by Gucci Series at NY Fashion Week

A stylish car associated with one of the most exclusive names in fashion needs the appropriate introduction. And that’s why Fiat chose to launch the 500 by Gucci edition of its subcompact car in the US at next month’s New York fashion week.
The special edition, which has been available in Europe since July, is mechanically identical to the run-of-the-mill US edition of the 500, but Gucci's creative director Frida Giannini customized its styling, adding the brand’s famous red and green pattern, a two-tone leather interior as well as its double-G logo in places like the wheels and the gearlever.
The Fiat 500 by Gucci will be available both as a hatchback and as a convertible, in black or white finishes.
Expect pricing of both models to be equivalent to Gucci’s other products. Just to get an idea, in Europe the hatchback starts from €17,000 (US$24,200 and the 500C convertible from €20,000 (US$28,800).

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New Mercedes-Benz SLK 250 CDI

For the first time in the SLK's history, Mercedes-Benz is offering a diesel-powered version of its small hardtop roadster that will be available for order in Europe from September 13, 2011.
The new SLK 250 CDI makes use of the Stuttgart-based automaker's 2.1-liter turbocharged four-cylinder diesel engine delivering 204-horses (150kW) and a hefty 500Nm (368.8 lb-ft) of peak torque.
Power is transferred to the rear wheels through a standard 7G-TRONIC PLUS automatic transmission, but Mercedes said a six-speed manual gearbox will also be available in the second quarter of next year.
With the 7sp auto, the SLK 250 CDI can go from zero to 100km/h (62mph) in 6.7 seconds, accelerate from 80 to 120km/h in 4.3 seconds, and reach a top speed of 243 km/h (151mph).
And while performance is on par with the gasoline-powered SLK 250 BlueEfficiency that features a 1.8-liter turbocharged four-pot with 204HP (0-100km/h in 6.6 sec, 243 km/h top speed), the diesel SLK really shines when it comes to fuel economy.
According to Mercedes, the SLK 250 CDI returns a combined fuel consumption of 4.9lt/100km (48mpg US or 57.7mpg UK) versus the SLK 250 BlueEfficiency's 6.2 lt/100 km (38 US mpg or 45.6mpg UK).
Like all third-generation SLK models, the SLK 250 CDI also features a start/stop system as standard, and is available with a choice of three versions of the vario-roo, including the panoramic glass roof with MAGIC SKY CONTROL that allows it to be changed from dark to transparent at the touch of a button.
In Germany, the new Mercedes SLK 250 CDI is priced from €41,828.50 (US$60,065). Mercedes did not say if it has any plans to offer the diesel-powered SLK in the States, but we wouldn’t hold our breath.

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All-New Hyundai i30 At the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show

Hyundai plans to unveil a brand-new C-segment model to replace the first-generation of its i30 at the Frankfurt Motor Show next month. Like the current model, the 2012 i30 is a product of Hyundai’s design and engineering center in Russelsheim, Germany and is designed exclusively for the European market.
Hyundai's European design boss Thomas Burkle says the i30's styling represents the next evolution of the firm's form language, ‘fluidic sculpture’. What this means is that it shares a lot of common design features with Hyundai's more recent models like the ix20, the ix35, the Veloster and the i40.
Recent spy photos suggest that the interior will also share many elements with the i40 and the Veloster coupe.
“When designing the new i30, we used strong, fluid lines to sculpt a car which looks athletic while exuding a sense of constant motion, even when stationary," said Burkle.
"From the rendering, you can see how we managed to give the car a bold stance, transmitting a confident attitude through sporty characteristics and dynamic proportions. In this way, the car is very close to the recently unveiled i40, and we want people to recognise the Hyundai design DNA on those two models,” continued Burkle.
Under the fresh sheetmetal, the i30 will likely feature MacPherson struts up front and a multi-link arrangement at the rear. Even though Hyundai is keeping its cards close to its chest, the engine line-up is believed to include the 140HP direct injection 1.6-liter gasoline unit from the ix35 as well as a more fuel efficient "Blue" edition.
Allan Rushforth, Senior Vice President and COO of Hyundai Motor Europe, commented, “We expect this next-generation i30 to play a significant role in developing our brand image in Europe and strengthen the vehicle’s position as our best-seller in Europe.
Hyundai's Ford Focus and VW Golf rivaling i30 will be manufactured at the firm's plant in the Czech Republic before going on sale early next year.













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2012 Opel Insignia, With 140HP 1.4 Turbo and 250HP 2.0 Turbo

The Opel Insignia is entering the 2012 model year with some modest upgrades that include the broader availability of the 1.4-liter and 2.0-liter turbocharged gasoline engines in more markets across Europe and new technology systems.
Even though Opel makes word of a new 1.4-liter Turbo petrol that replaces the naturally aspirated 1.8-liter unit with the same output, as well as a new 2.0-liter turbocharged petrol for the 4x4 model with 30 more horses for a total of 250HP, we know for a fact that both engines were already available in certain market.
That said, we reckon Opel means it will roll out the new engine options to all markets across Europe with the 2012 Insignia.
As a reminder, the 1.4-liter Turbo ecoFLEX offers the Insignia a 0-100km/h (62mph) sprint time of 10.9 seconds and a top speed of 205km/h, while returning a combined fuel efficiency of 5.9lt/100km (39.9mpg US with CO2 emissions of 134g/km.
The 250HP (184kW) 2.0-liter Turbo accelerates the Insignia 4x4 from zero to 100km/h) in 7.5 seconds and on to an electronically limited top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph). It consumes 8.9 lt/100 km (26.4mpg US) on average with CO2 emissions of 209g/km.
For the new model year, Opel will also enhance the 220HP 2.0-liter Turbo Insignia with front-wheel drive and six-speed manual transmission, with a start/stop system, aerodynamic underbody paneling and rolling-resistance-optimized tires, all of which will help reduce fuel consumption by 0.5 to 7.6 liters per 100km and CO2 emissions from 189g/km to 179g/km.
Throughout the range, Buick Regal's European counterpart benefits from the new Navi 600 and Navi 900 Europa infotainment systems featuring SD cards, a revised front camera that adds a Following Distance Indication function to the traffic sign recognition and lane departure warning systems, new available leather trims and a new dark metallic lacquer “Luxor" exterior color.
The updated for the 2012 model year Opel Insignia will make its first public appearance at the Frankfurt Motor Show.

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NHTSA Says No to Pagani Huayra Because it Doesn’t Comply with New Airbag Rules

Pagani’s new supercar, the V12-powered 700HP Huayra, will not be sold in the United States unless its maker conforms to the latest airbag regulations.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) denied Pagani’s request for an exemption to the 11-year old safety rule that mandates the existence of “smart” airbags.
These airbags, which are mandatory the last 11 years for all new cars under US regulations, have sensors that adjust the deployment force depending on the seat occupant’s weight and height. Only limited-production carmakers have been granted a waiver in the past five years, including Lamborghini and Tesla, based on financial grounds.
Pagani claims that, at best, it well sell five of its $1.1 million supercars in the US next year, whereas developing the advanced airbags demanded by US federal law would cost €4.0 million.
In addition, the loss of net income due to NHTSA’s denial of a waiver would cost it an additional $4.5 million (€3.2 million) until 2015.

NHTSA Notice Summary:

"This notice denies the petition of Pagani Automobili SpA (Pagani) for exemption from certain advanced air bag requirements of FMVSS No. 208, for the Huayra model.
The basis for the application is that the petitioner avers compliance would cause substantial economic hardship and that it has tried in good faith to comply with the standard. The agency has determined that Pagani has failed to demonstrate that compliance would cause substantial economic hardship.
Furthermore, the agency is unable to find that an exemption would be consistent with the public interest or the objectives of the Safety Act. This action follows our publication in the Federal Register of a document announcing receipt of Pagani’s petition and soliciting public comments.

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2012 Ford Harley-Davidson F-150

Since teaming up in 1999, the brand alliance between Ford and Harley-Davidson has produced 10 F-150 models, six Super Duty F-250 and F-350 models, as well as the first Harley-Davidson F-450 edition truck in 2009, resulting in more than 70,000 sales.
The latest Ford model to wear the Harley Davidson badge is the 2012 F-150, which like its predecessors, gains distinctive design tweaks and added standard features.
This year's F-150 H-D is offered in the traditional Tuxedo Black color or a new White Platinum Tri-Coat finish combined with fresh bodyside graphics executed in a snakeskin texture.
The brand-new 22-inch machined-aluminum wheels with painted accents and unique center cap shod in low profile tries, along with the smoked out headlamps and tail lights, as well as the six-bar billet-style bright chrome grille and “Harley-Davidson” badging, complete the exterior mods.
Inside, the trim panels are covered in high-gloss Tuxedo Black paint, while the console lid and upper steering wheel are dressed in snakeskin leather.
Ford's reptilian love affair continues with the scuff plates featuring brushed aluminum trim with snakeskin texture, as well as the snakeskin leather-trimmed seats with accent color inserts and unique cloisonné badge.
Standard features include a 4.2-inch LCD productivity screen, voice-activated Navigation System, power moonroof, rear view camera, second-row heated seats, ambient lighting, remote start system, a 110-volt power inverter and power-adjustable pedals.
The 2012 F-150 H-D is powered by Ford's 6.2-liter V8 engine that delivers 411 horsepower and 434 lb.-ft. of torque and provides a maximum trailer towing capability of 7,500 pounds.
Pricing and availability have not yet been announced. 

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Audi Preparing Q6 Crossover to Battle BMW's X6 in 2016

As already reported, the success of Audi's Q-series has convinced company officials to expand the firm's presence in the SUV/Crossover segment. In 2010, sales of the Q7 increased by 37.1% compared to 2009 rising to 47,700 units while the Q5 recorded a 32.4% growth to 155,000 deliveries.
Add to that another 100,000 annual sales that Audi expects from the recently launched Q3 and it’s pretty clear why Ingolstadt's bosses want to double the luxury brand’s range of crossover models.
Sources from within Audi have hinted at the development of three new production models. The first one to be launched in 2014 or 2015, will be the sporty Q4 based on the revised version of the Q5 that will rival the likes of the Range Rover Evoque. In addition, a Q2 model build on a smaller platform is also under consideration.
However, as CAR magazine reveals, it is the Q6 that could be the most interesting of Audi’s new crop of SUVs. The British publication says the Q6 will also be loosely based on the Q5, and while Audi could launch it as soon as 2013, the report claims the Germans will most likely wait for the unveiling of the second generation Q5 to use an extended version of its updated platform architecture.
What prompted Audi to develop the Q6 is the same thing that made Mercedes-Benz plan a new, sporty SUV for 2015: the success of BMW’s X6, which last year alone sold 44,000 units. Car says Audi intends to outperform its rivals by offering a more spacious and practical interior. And although platform sharing with other SUVs in VW Group’s empire sets certain restraints, Audi’s designers have opted for an aggressive stance with a low roofline and raked windshield and rear window.
The Q6 is said to be offered with a wide range of engines from Audi’s more than ample portfolio. The base version will likely be powered by an updated version of the 2.0-liter four-cylinder TFSI with an output of around 220HP.
Further up the range there will be a new 3.0-liter petrol V6 similar to the one found in the S5, but with a turbocharger replacing the supercharger and a maximum output of 300HP.
Consumption-conscious buyers who don't want to sacrifice performance will be able to opt for Audi's 3.0-litre TDI V6 diesel with 250HP and 550 Nm (406 lb/ft) of torque or the plug-in hybrid version that will combine the 2.0-liter TFSI with a 100HP electric motor.

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Audi Reboots its 1.8-liter TFSI Engine

Last month, Audi divulged the facelifted versions of its A5 range, which include the Coupe, Convertible and Sportback models.
While the cosmetic changes were minor, the Ingolstadt-based company introduced a new 1.8-liter TFSI 4-cylinder engine that will power the entry-level A5 models. Now, Audi decided to share the full details of its new, more powerful and at the same time more frugal gasoline unit.
The new 1.8 TFSI has a displacement of 1,798 cc. It produces 170HP at a rather low 3,800 rpm and, more importantly, 320 Nm (236 lb/ft) of peak torque from 1,400 rpm until 3,700 rpm. When equipped with a manual-gearbox, the A5 Coupe 1.8 TFSI accelerates from 0-100 km (0-62 mph) in 7.9 seconds and reaches a top speed of 230 km/h (143 mph).
Audi says the four-cylinder engine is much more fuel efficient than its predecessor as average consumption has been reduced by 21% to just 5.7 lt/100 km (41.27 mpg), while CO2 emissions are the lowest in its class, with 134 g/km.
Naturally, the force-fed 1.8-liter unit meets the Euro 6 standards which will be implemented in 2015.
Audi has achieved this by paying particular attention to the combustion behavior of the engine. For example, the new unit features direct fuel injection (FSI) but with rail pressure increased from 150 to 200 bar. At the same time, it also uses indirect injection where fuel is sprayed at the end of the intake manifold when the engine operates at part-load. The direct injection system operates at start up and at higher engine loads. In addition, the variable valve system operates on the exhaust side and adjusts the camshafts in 2 angles, 30 or 60 degrees.
The new 1.8 TFSI is lighter by 3.5 kg (to 131.5 kg) than the previous unit and features an all-new turbocharger with a maximum boost pressure of 1.3 bar. The turbine wheel is manufactured by a new alloy that can withstands temperatures up to 980 degrees Celsius and the electronic boost pressure controller adjusts pressure immediately in order to reduce fuel consumption.
It also has a fully electronically regulated cooling system that aims to bring the oil to operating temperature as fast as possible. This is done by operating the main radiator only at the last possible moment and by keeping the coolant in the crankcase for a long time. The exhaust manifold is integrated into the water-cooled cylinder head, reducing exhaust gas temperature and thus doing away with the need to use a rich fuel mixture at full engine load, further reducing consumption.

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