mardi 29 mars 2011
Continental travaille sur la console centrale du futur
Pour faire simple, la console affiche avec un éclairage dédié - dont la couleur peut être personnalisée - les infos dont a besoin le conducteur à un instant T, et seulement les infos désirées. S'il veut régler la climatisation, il va y accéder par une commande séparée. Du bout des doigts, il pourra alors faire apparaître les fonctions annexes comme le réglage de la température, le niveau du ventilateur... Autant de fonctions qui, en temps normal, ne viennent pas encombrer l'attention du conducteur. Les couleurs viennent guider le conducteur (plus chaud, plus froid). Autre point fort : tout est sous contrôle dans une même zone tactile.
En jouant la carte de la simplicité, avec des menus simples et des codes couleur, Continental pense pouvoir rendre l'expérience de conduite plus ludique. L'équipementier utilise des LEDS RGB et blanches pour le rétro-éclairage. Ce concept intéresse déjà des constructeurs, qui l'ont intégré dans des avant-projets. La console centrale rétro-éclairée peut par exemple adapter ses couleurs en fonction de l'identité de la marque.
La Nouvelle: BMW M5 2012

Nouvelle Audi A6 2012 3.0 TDI - Photos et Info
Suavement en forme, rapide sur la piste, et sophistiqué dans la gestion, la technologie, et de commodités, de 2012 Ford Focus a une route difficile devant essayant de faire tourner un profit pour son auteur. Pourquoi?
La tâche de la mise au point est presque impossible. Il s'efforce d'être un "voiture du monde " où le monde ne veut pas vraiment la même voiture. La mise au point est considéré comme un véhicule moyennes et grandes pour les familles et les cadres moyens des entreprises en Europe. Il est souvent la seule voiture dans un ménage continental, afin que les acheteurs sont prêts à dépenser plus. Le prix de transaction moyen pour une Focus européenne est l'équivalent d'environ $ 28,000.
En Amérique, vous le plus souvent trouver une Focus stationné dans une maison de sororité ou derrière les gradins lors d'un match de football de haute-école. Ici, les gens de l'acheter car il est petit et relativement bon marché et souvent l'ajouter à un foyer déjà ras de voitures. Prix de transaction moyen: environ 18 grand. La base 2012 Focus S commence à 16,995 $.
Pour résoudre cette disparité, Ford Focus dumbed le précédent américain avec des matériaux moins chers et moins de contenu. Mais si le modèle 2012 est plus bête que son homologue européen, les ingénieurs-vous ont été intelligemment cacher. Notre Focus se sent solide, anormalement calme, stable et à un rythme rapide ou autoroute lors de la coupe une ligne nette le long d'une route d'enroulement. Il a été en grande partie conçu et raffiné en Allemagne, et il en a envie.
Vous savez la nouvelle Focus quand il vient à vous. Le visage a voiture de rallye écrit sur elle. La gueule béante de conduits de radiateur est, lorsque vous regardez de près, presque entièrement faux. Il s'avère que le 2,0-litres à quatre cylindres fait 160 chevaux et 146 lb-pi, même si elle est à injection directe, n'a pas besoin de trois ouvertures du radiateur expansive, la plupart de ce qui ressemble à l'espace ouvert est bloqué. Mais ce n'est pas grave. Le regard vif est cool et porte encore mieux sur la cinq portes à hayon. Une performance fougueuse est cool aussi, et notre pleine charge, SEL 3045 livres coup de vent passé 60 mph en 7,6 secondes. Pour une voiture économique, c'est rapide.
Le 2012 dispose de deux Ford Focus PowerShift embrayage automatique à six vitesses (de série sur la SEL, 1095 $ en bas niveaux de finition), mais la technologie pourrait avoir été tiré hors du four quelques minutes plus tôt. C'est un de nos saisines peu de la voiture. Les changements peuvent se sentir transparente si le conducteur est tout à fait tranquille, mais ils sont plutôt lent s'il ya une tentative de faire monter le tempo. Il y avait d'autres problèmes, aussi. Avec plus de 3000 miles sur notre voiture d'essai, les griffes sont déjà un peu bavard et vitrage, avec des vibrations de travail jusqu'à la colonne de direction quand on est sorti avec de faibles accélérations. Et une fois, tout en maintenant environ 35 km / h sur terrain plat, le SEL a fait un rétrogradage de cinq à trois, sans raison évidente. Un grain de sable dans un modèle de production au début, peut-être.
En règle générale, la programmation de transmission est biaisé pour l'économie de carburant (nous sommes toujours en attente de chiffres officiels de l'EPA, mais nous avons vu une moyenne de 21 mpg en conduite agressive, ce qui est bien en dessous de la cote de la ville même prévu). Il rétrograde à contrecoeur, ce qui rend la mise au point semble un peu paresseux si vous n'êtes pas debout sur elle tout le temps. Le contrôle manuel est disponible via un interrupteur à bascule sur le côté de la manette. Il fait le travail mais il est à peu près aussi satisfaisant que faire vos impôts avec une calculatrice de poche.
Sur une route sinueuse, la petite Ford est plus agréable. Sa manipulation est, ainsi, porté. Bien qu'il se sent grand derrière le volant (c'est en fait la moyenne de sa catégorie et légèrement inférieur à la Cruze Chevrolet), il ne balancent pas trop dans les coins, obéit aux commandes de la direction experte pondérés et linéaire avec des réponses animée et un tiraillement rassurant de les mouvements du corps. A 0,86 g, rendement skidpad est dans la moyenne pour la classe-faire étonnant, c'est que 0,86 g est dans la moyenne pour les berlines compactes?-même si elle pourrait être plus élevé si le système de contrôle de stabilité ont été defeatable comme le contrôle de traction est. «moyen» décrit également la distance d'arrêt Focus 173-pied de 70 mi / h à 0.
Le trajet est certainement euro-entreprise, en particulier par rapport aux mollassons comme la Toyota Corolla et la Cruze. Mais la cabine est isolée des impacts de roues, et le sentiment est l'un de solidité, à la différence dans la nouvelle et beaucoup plus léger Hyundai Elantra, qui se répercute relativement aux ondes de choc sur frappant un chuckhole. Bien que nous apprécions sens robuste de la Focus, ceux qui recherchent un crémeux tour voudront rester à l'écart des jantes de 17 pouces qui viennent avec le paquet de SEL Premium.
Chef-et les jambes ne sont décents pour la classe, surtout dans le dos. Etre une petite voiture, les sièges arrière sont serré avec quatre adultes à bord, et si l'M. et Mme veulent être confortables à l'arrière, ils feraient mieux de mettre les enfants à l'avant-er, attendez. Presque chacun des concurrents de la Focus fournit une plus grande marge à l'arrière, et à 13 pieds cubes, le coffre de la Focus aussi des terres sur le petit côté de son segment.
Mais si ce n'est pas le plus spacieux, il est facilement l'un des habitacles les plus audacieux dans la classe. Le style intérieur Focus imite la Batcave, avec des fusées éclairantes en matière plastique noire réfléchissante et des arcs de garniture argent, et son mélange de beaux matériaux et la conception de premier ordre s'étend dans les moindres détails. Interrupteurs à bascule Même le volant monté sur le régulateur de vitesse de fonctionnement et les fonctions d'info-divertissement sont élégantes.
Notre autre plainte majeure provient du système MyFord Touch. Même sur le haut-plateau SEL, la mise en place, avec son écran central de huit pouces, est livré avec une chaîne stéréo Sony 10 haut-parleurs pour 1170 $ ou dans un paquet de 2755 $ qui comprend les sièges en cuir. Les capacités du système pour offrir un spectacle et de l'information sont énormes, mais l'écran occupé est encombrée de commande demande. Plomberie les profondeurs de ses sous-menus de nombreux prend du temps les yeux de la route, et les boutons de l'écran tactile chaude ne sont pas toujours évidentes, parfois vous appuyez sur un mot flottant pour passer à l'étape suivante, parfois une zone de couleur à l'ombre, parfois un définis forme de bouton.
Opel Astra Tuning Par "EDS Motorsport"
STaSIS Engineering Launches 710HP Audi R8 V10 in the UK

North American aftermarket specialist STaSIS Engineering has introduced its Challenge Extreme Edition package for the Audi R8 V10 to Britain. Available in the US since 2010, the performance kit includes powertrain, suspension and brake upgrades that transform the R8 V10 into an even more ferocious supercar, capable of accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h [62mph] in 3.1 seconds, 0.6 seconds faster than the stock model.
Chrysler Teases 2011MY 300, 200 and Town & Country “S” Concepts at LX Spring Festival

Chrysler found the perfect opportunity to preview its upcoming range of ‘S’ models at the 6th Annual Spring Festival of LXs in Irvine, California this past weekend. The Detroit automaker showed off the “S” trimmed 2011MY 300 sedan, 200 Convertible and Town & Country in concept forms, though all three models are scheduled to enter production later this year starting with the 200 this spring.
According to Chrysler, the “S” treatment is a cosmetic package designed to appeal to younger customers that want something more “edgy” in terms of style. On the 300, this translates to a bespoke gunmetal finish, a new front grille, smoked headlamps and taillights, beefier alloy wheels in a unique design, a boot lid spoiler and if we’re not mistaken (since Chrysler has not released any official details), a lowered suspension. The interior also receives a makeover with red leather seats sporting the “S” logo and bespoke trim.
Report: Seat to Launch Four New Models in 2012 including a Four-Door Sedan

VW's Spanish subsidiary is expecting a 10 percent rise in sales this year and aims further growth in 2012, when it will launch four new models. According to CEO James Muir, new products such as the Ibiza ST and the Alhambra will boost Seat sales in 2011.
"We want to increase our 340,000 unit sales from last year – by 8 to 10 percent – thanks to existing models. We aim to sell 45,000 units of the Ibiza ST (station wagon) this year. And the Alhambra already is well above plan so we expect a full-year volume of 20,000 units. This proves that our brand is gaining strength," Muir was quoted as saying by Autonews Europe.
For 2012, the company has even bigger plans, fueled by the launch of four new models. "We will launch four new cars: the new Leon, a totally new entry-level model, a four-door sedan and a major Ibiza facelift," said Muir, who was appointed head of Seat in 2009.
Porsche to Unveil New 550HP Panamera Turbo S this Week
There have been rumors floating around the internet lately about a new flagship version ofPorsche’s Panamera sports saloon named the Turbo S. We asked around and according to Carscoop sources, the new Panamera Turbo S is in fact real and it will be revealed by the end of this week.
The most potent model of the Panamera series to date is based on the Turbo model. It features a modified 4.8-liter turbocharged V8 engine delivering around 50 more ponies for a total output of approximately 550HP. Top speed is pegged at 307 km/h (191mph) and it will hit 100km/h (62mph) in 3.8 seconds. That’s compared to the standard Panamera Turbo’s 303km/h (188mph) top speed and 4.2 sec. sprint time.
Wimmer RS’ Colorful Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Packs 601 Ponies

The standard Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG sedan with its 457HP 6.2-liter naturally aspirated V8 lump is by no means a slow car, but when it comes to the tuning industry, the more ponies under the hood, the merrier. Bypassing the colorful body wrap, which is optional anyway, German tuning firm Wimmer RS starts by upgrading the C63 AMG’s eight-cylinder engine.
The massaging includes a sports camshaft, reworked cylinder heads, a new manifold and down pipe, high flow catalytic converters and a reconfigured ECU that help nudge output from 457HP and 600Nm to 601HP and 720Nm (531 lb-ft) of peak torque. Wimmer RS also removes the electronic speed limiter allowing the modified C63 AMG to reach a maximum velocity of 329 km/h (204.6 mph). The engine conversion by Wimmer RS costs €19,900 or about US$26,700.
2011 VW Jetta Recalled in the States Over Wiring Glitch

Volkswagen has announced a voluntary recall for its 2011 model year Jetta sedan in the USA due to a defect in the wiring system controlling the anti-theft alarm system and horn. The German company said that in some instances an electric short in the horn could, which in turn could cause the engine to stall, adding that no injuries or accidents have been reported as a result of this problem.
CSR Automotive Adds Some Aggression to VW Scirocco Coupe

If the Volkswagen Scirocco coupe doesn’t look wild enough for your taste, you may want to take a look at CSR Automotive’s aesthetic treatment. The exterior mods include a new honeycomb lower grille in a matte black finish, a front apron, headlamp trims, side skirts and a rear apron with a diffuser that houses the new exhaust outlets. There’s also a rear spoiler and a matte black foil wrap in a carbon fiber look that partially covers the hood and the roof, as well as the exterior mirrors.
SCOOP: 2012 BMW 1-Series Caught with Less Camouflage


As BMW is getting closer to launching the second generation of the 1-Series, more and more scantily disguised prototypes are being spotted out testing. These latest scoop pictures afford us our clearest view yet of the five-door hatchback version, not only because BMW has reduced the amount of swirly sheeting but also due to the fact that the cars appear to be final prototypes with production headlamps and tail lights.
As you can see, the Bavarian automaker sticks with the tradition of keeping a design for two generations before radically changing the styling. This means the next 1-Series hatchback takes an evolutionary styling step keeping the basic shape of the current model.
samedi 26 mars 2011
Mazda, Honda Suspend U.S. Orders for Japan-Made Models

Mazda has suspended all US orders for cars built in Japan as the carmaker is preparing to shut down its plants once again after a short reopening period. According to the automaker’s American spokesman Jay Amestoy, the decision will affect shipments of cars that were due to arrive in the U.S. in May. The Mazda official added that it was uncertain when normal activity will resume.
Mazda USA imports almost all its range from the Japan, except the U.S.-built Mazda6 and Tribute. The models produced in Japan are the Mazda2, Mazda3, Mazda5, MX-5 / Miata, RX-8, CX7 and CX9. Mazda halted production at its Hiroshima and Hofu plants from March 14 through March 21, but three days ago, it resumed temporary production using parts it had in its inventory.
Toyota FT-86 Sports Concept II: New Pictures and Video from Brussels Photo Shoot

We’ve already seen and gone over all the juicy bits of the near-production Toyota FT-86 II sports coupe, but the Japanese automaker’s social media crew went over to the firm’s European headquarters in Brussels, Belgium, for a new photo shoot last week offering us a fresh batch of pictures as well as a behind-the-scenes video.
The second iteration of the FT-86 study made its first public outing at the Geneva Motor Show earlier this month. Its main purpose is to preview actual production model that will go on sale in late 2012. The well-received styling of the original concept model evolved gaining new front and rear ends, more pronounced surfaces and a host of other fresh details, with Toyota claiming that the design changes were made for safety regulations as well as for practical reasons.
Toyota Postpones Prius V Launch in Japan after Earthquake, Tsunami and Nuclear Crisis
Volkswagen, Audi and Porsche Donate €2.5 Million for Japan Earthquake Relief

Bulgaria’s Vilner Dresses Up Mercedes ML 350

New Mazda MX5-GT Racer with 275HP Completes 0-60mph Sprint in 3.0 Seconds

SCOOP: 2012 MINI Coupe JCW Remains Remarkably Faithful to Concept Model

mercredi 16 mars 2011
The Weirdly Awesome 1970 Nissan Skyline GT-R Microcar Replica

We know what you’re thinking but stop right there. What you are looking at here isn’t the result of some crafty photoshop business - it’s the real deal; an actual factual microcar replica of a 1970 Nissan Skyline GT-R coupe that was created by Japanese tuning firm Liberty Walk Performance. The scaled down, single-seater clone of Nissan’s first-generation Skyline GT-R is based on a quad-bike and it’s perfectly drivable.
This is not the first time we’ve shown you a microcar replica from Liberty Walk Performance as some of you may remember the…Lambormini Murcielago snapped by our own Phil Alex at last year’s Tokyo Auto Salon.
GM Design Grandisimo Approves Design of Next Holden Commodore Due in 2013
Holden is said to be looking into lightening the VF’s components to improve fuel economy with the new model, and is also putting a strong emphasis on improving drivetrain efficiency. Though Mr. Welburn refused to comment on whether the Commodore would come to the U.S. badged as a Chevy, he did say:
“They are doing work for Holden and for other projects around the world. They are a very talented team – very talented – and I want to take full advantage of that. So, they are responsible for the look and feel of all Holden products, but they are doing work on Chevrolets, they have done some wonderful Buick work, and I could not be more proud of the work that they do.”
Skoda Reportedly Reading Up-based City Car for 2011 and Low-Cost Sedan for 2012

Volkswagen Group's new strategy for Skoda is beginning to show its first results. In order to avoid competition between VW and Skoda products and to get a piece of the low-cost market, the German company’s plans for the Czech automaker include a new affordable model.
According to reports from the UK, Skoda has confirmed that the new addition will be a small sedan positioned between the Fabia supermini and the Octavia and will target developing markets. The sedan, which could be a competitor to Renault’s Dacia Logan, is scheduled for launch in 2012, but first Skoda will introduce a city car based on Volkswagen’s forthcoming Up series.
Laurence Gartel Turns Ferrari F430 Scuderia into a Rolling Piece of Art

Would you turn a supercar into a piece of art? Well, the answer to that question really depends on your definition of art. For some, a Ferrari F430 Scuderia is already a piece of art on its own, but for Laurence Gartel, this translates to a psychedelic looking vinyl wrap designed on a computer.
New Lexus CT 200h Hybrid Hatch goes on Sale in the UK Priced from £23,845

Created with the European market in mind, the new Lexus CT 200h hybrid hatchback has made its way to UK shores. Priced from £23,485 OTR, it costs £1,380 less than the next least expensive model in the Japanese firm’s UK lineup, the IS 200d that comes equipped with a 150HP 2.2-liter turbo diesel engine.
dimanche 13 mars 2011
2012 BMW 6-Series Coupe Officially Revealed, 118 High-Res Pictures for Your Viewing Pleasure

B
MW has put the top on its all-new 2012 6-Series with the presentation of the Coupe model ahead of its world premiere at the Shanghai Auto Show in China in April. The new 6-Series Coupe comes shortly after the convertible model that received its public debut at this year’s Detroit Motor Show in January.
Based on last year’s ‘BMW Concept 6 Series Coupe’, the styling of the Bavarian firm’s premium GT is the work of BMW design boss Adrian van Hooydonk, who replaced Chris Bangle in 2009. The new 6er feature s a far less controversial but somewhat more bland styling that its predecessor with a pronounced front end sporting a busy set of headlamps and auxiliary lights and a relatively low roofline.
Jaguar XK8 Costumed up as an Aston Martin DBS [with Video]

Is the Jaguar XK8 not good enough for you? Then how about turning it into something with a bit more pizazz like an Aston Martin DBS? At least that’s what an eBay seller is proposing in our latest replicar find. The DBS doppelganger is based on a 1998 Jaguar XK8 and was up for sale on eBay with a ‘Buy it Now’ price of $50,000, but received no bids.
Not surprising, given the fact that you can find examples of the XK8 for as low as $8,000, with KBB suggesting a retail value of around $12,000 for a pristine 1999 model with the same mileage (95,000 miles). Heck, for under 50 grand you can actually get a real Aston Martin as we found 2002/2003 DB7s going for around $45,000 on eBay. Photos and video follow after the break.
Swiss Treat: Mazda MX-5 '55 Le Mans' Limited Edition

In a nod to its memorable Le Mans victory in 1991, Mazda has launched a special edition version of its MX-5 roadster model in the land of smooth chocolates and punctual watches. The MX-5 ’55 Le Mans’ is named after the Mazda 787B No.55. Driven by Johnny Herbert, Volker Weidler, and Bertrand Gachot, the 787B No.55 won the 24-hours of Le Mans in 1991 claiming the first ever victory for a Japanese automobile and the rotary engine in the famed endurance race.
Volkswagen Routan Subject to the Same Recall as Chrysler Minivans

Given that the Volkswagen Routan is built on the Chrysler Town & Country and Dodge Grand Caravan platforms in a Chrysler plant, it comes to no surprise that the German model is being subject to the same recall as its American twins. In a filling to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Volkswagen said some vehicles may experience inadvertent ignition key displacement from the run to accessory position while driving causing the engine to shut off.
BMW i8 Hybrid Sports Coupe Spied Testing on the Snow [with Videos]
In this series of spy videos, we see the test driver sub-brand’s halo car, the i8 hybrid sports coupe, which is based on the 2009’s Vision Efficient Dynamics concept model, undergoing cold weather tests in Northern Europe. 
Up until now, it was believed that the i8 would keep the concept model’s mechanical hardware with a 163HP 1.5-liter three-cylinder diesel engine located behind the back seats, and two electric motors, one positioned between the diesel engine and the six-speed double clutch transmission, and the other in the front of the vehicle.
Saturn Vue Comes Back to Life as the Chevrolet Captiva Sport for Rental Fleets

Meet General Motor’s newest offering in the world of rental vehicles; the Even though GM makes no word of the in the press release, most of you will probably see the Vue hiding behind the Chevy bow-tie on the grille. And that’s about the only difference between the Vue and the 2012MY Captiva Sport, which is also sold under various nameplates in more than 50 markets across Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia, the Middle East and






