Frankfurt Preview: New Suzuki Swift Sport with 135HP

It's been a long time in the making, but Suzuki is finally ready to add a sporty variant to the Swift's range. The Japanese automaker released a single photo and details of the Swift Sport ahead of its official debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show next month.

The new Swift Sport is powered by a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine with an output of 135HP at 6,900 rpm and maximum torque of 160 Nm (118 lb/ft) at 4,400 rpm. The four-cylinder engine was developed especially for the Swift Sport and it transmits power to the front wheels via a newly developed six-speed manual gearbox.

According to Suzuki, the new Swift Sport is more refined than its predecessor that was launched in 2006. The company says it will also be more responsive thanks to struts with internal rebound springs and a redesigned rear suspension.

While it has a more aggressive look than the regular versions thanks to the large honeycombed front grille, the redesigned front bumper with the big fog lights and the side skirts, it isn't as wild as the Swift S-Concept we saw at the Geneva Show last March.

Although Suzuki has not released any photos of the interior, the company claims that “it combines essential sportiness with a high-quality look and feel”.

If you want a preview of the cockpit, take a look at the photo of the S-Concept as we reckon most parts including the sport seats will make it into production.

Suzuki Swift Specifications
Overall length: 3,890mm
Overall width: 1,695mm
Overall height: 1,510mm
Wheelbase: 2,430mm
Treads Front: 1,470mm
Treads Rear: 1,475mm
Engine
Piston displacement: 1,586cm3)
Maximum output: 135HP (100kw)/6,900rpm

Maximum torque: 160Nm/4,400rpm

SUZUKI S-CONCEPT

source: carscoop.blogspot.com

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All-New Hyundai i30 Heading to 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.

PHOTO GALLERY

carscoop.blogspot.com

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Rare Ferrari 599 GTO Bites the Dust

While we are happy to see that at least some owners of the rare Ferrari 599 GTO (of which only 599 examples will be built) take their cars out to their natural habitat on the racetrack, it’s always a sad sight when one of those exotics ends up like this.

The Youtube poster of the video says that the driver lost control of the car “at the end of the straight at 250km/h (155mph)”, but given the relatively modest damages to the 599 GTO, we reckon that he either had a lot of space in front of him or the crash occurred at much lower speeds, perhaps even both.

 source: carsmagazineonline.com

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Audi RS3 Sportback Takes on BMW 1 M Coupe in Quarter Mile Duel

The Audi RS3 Sportback and the BMW 1 M Coupe represent two very different approaches on the compact sport model segment.

Ingolstadt’s proposal is a five-door model that looks more like a hotted-up small station wagon than a hatchback. It features a 2.5-liter turbocharged inline-five producing 340-horsepower and 450 Nm (331.90 lb-ft) linked to Audi’s all-wheel drive quattro system and a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox.

Munich’s proposition on the other hand is a more traditional take on the category boasting a coupe body style and a 3.0-liter turbocharged straight-six pushing out an identical 340-horses (in EU-specification) and 450 Nm (331.90 lb-ft) to the rear wheels through a six-speed manual gearbox.

UK car magazine Autoexpress brought the two Germans sport models to the track to see which one is the king of straight-line performance. Even though their mechanical layouts should give you a hint about the winner, we won’t spoil the surprise. Scroll down to watch the duel for yourself. 

 

source: carsmagazineonline.com

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2012 Audi A5 Coupe, Convertible and Sportback Receive a Mild Facelift

Audi today unveiled the facelifted versions of its A5 range which includes the Coupe, the Sportback and Cabriolet models. The company’s goal was to freshen up the A5’s exterior looks and to improve both their driving dynamics and fuel economy.

The 2012 Audi A5 range is available exclusively with direct injection engines featuring forced induction and stop-start and energy regeneration system as standard. As a result, Audi says fuel consumption has been decreased across the range by 11% on average and CO2 emissions by as much as 22%.

The base engine for all body styles is the redesigned 4-cylinder 1.8-liter TFSI petrol, which produces 170HP and 320 Nm (236.02 lb-ft) of torque. The revised four-pot is more frugal with the Coupe returning 5.7 liters/100 km (41.27 mpg) on the combined cycle, or 21% lower than its predecessor, and CO2 emissions of 134 gr/km.

The 2.0 TFSI with 211HP remains unchanged, while a new 3.0-liter supercharged V6 with 272HP has been added to the A5’s line-up.

The diesel range comprises of four engines, one four cylinder and three V6s. The base 2.0 TDI has an output of 177HP and, in the Coupe, consumes 4.7 liters/100 km (50.05 mpg) with CO2 emissions of 122 gr/km.

Next in line is the 3.0-liter TDI with 204HP. In the A5 Coupe with the Multitronic auto transmission, it consumes an average of 4.9 liters/100 km (48 mpg) and emits 129 gr of CO2 per km. The second diesel is a more powerful variant of the 3.0 TDI with 245HP, while later on, the A5 will also be offered with a new low-emissions diesel engine that will make the A5 the first coupe to meet the Euro 6 diesel standard.

Audi has made chassis tweaks across the range to improve the driving dynamics of the A5. These include a new electromechanical steering, new damper settings and revised rear suspension bearings for more precise handling as well as greater comfort. The base models come equipped with 17-inch alloy wheels, while buyers have the option of fitting their cars with alloy wheels up to 20-inches in size.

Exterior changes are restrained with the re-sculptured “wave” LED headlamps that have become a signature of recent Audi models being the most noticeable upgrade. Other revisions include the modified front grille, the redesigned front bumper with larger air intakes, a new rear bumper and tweaked rear lights with optional continuous LED light strips.

On the inside, the most significant upgrade is the introduction of an available three rear-seat configuration for the A5 Sportback. The new steering wheel and auto gearbox lever designs, the different finishes on the instrument panel and console, the new trim options and an available MMI system with 3D imaging, Google Earth navigation and a WLAN hotspot, complete the changes for the 2012MY.

Despite the improvements, Audi says the new A5 is only marginally more expensive than its predecessor is. For example, in Germany the price increase for the A5 Coupe 2.0 TFSI is just €200, while the base A5 Sportback 1.8 TFSI starts from €33,350.

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Video: Rare Ferrari 599 GTO Bites the Dust

While we are happy to see that at least some owners of the rare Ferrari 599 GTO (of which only 599 examples will be built) take their cars out to their natural habitat on the racetrack, it’s always a sad sight when one of those exotics ends up like this.

The Youtube poster of the video says that the driver lost control of the car “at the end of the straight at 250km/h (155mph)”, but given the relatively modest damages to the 599 GTO, we reckon that he either had a lot of space in front of him or the crash occurred at much lower speeds, perhaps even both. 

source: carscoop &  youtube

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Ever see one of those stupid competitions where a group of people try and see who can keep their hands on a car or a truck the longest, and the person who does actually wins that car or truck?

If you haven’t, there’s a documentary called Hands on a Hard Body that covers this in detail, but suffice to say it’s like watching American Idol if all the contestants were unemployed hicks and weren’t required to do anything but stand up there on stage.

So French carmaker Peugeot, never being one to shy away from reinventing something old for the internet age, took the concept and turned it into an interactive webpage.

Swedish ad firm Volt Stockholm was responsible for the campaign, which has rapidly taken off thanks to the ability to post your best time on Facebook. All the while, the site is pumping out facts and figures and advertising spin for contestants to read.

The winner gets their selected car for one week, and so far the longest time anyone’s clocked is 15 hours. And it’s not like you can just tape down the mouse button either: every so often the site will prompt you to press a random letter key on the keyboard to keep the contestants honest.

You can check out the video below, as well as the trailer for Hands on a Hard Body for those who are curious.

source: carscoop.blogspot.com & youtube

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Former U.S. Ford Police Interceptors find New Life in Britain as "Rare American Muscle"

You know what they say: “One man’s trash is another man's treasure”. While police forces in the U.S. are rapidly replacing their Ford Crown Victoria Interceptors with the latest batch of patrol vehicles from Detroit’s Big 3 including the Ford Taurus, Chevrolet Caprice and Dodge Charger, the Blue Oval’s geriatric model is finding a new life in the UK as a quirky alternative to those who want to stand out from the crowd.

The perpetrator in this case is a UK-based company named “USA Cop Cars Ltd”, which has recently started bringing fully refurbished 2009 and 2010 Ford P71 Police ‘Interceptor’ law enforcement cars into Britain.

The British firm describes the Crown Victoria as a rare “muscle car with a difference”. If that hasn’t put a smile to your face, maybe this will: the used Ford Police Interceptors carry a price tag between £23,000 and £29,000 or about US$37,000 and US$46,700!

USA Cop Cars Ltd says all vehicles come complete with all the usual police goodies including roof-lights, PA systems, and even detailed recreations of US law-enforcement liveries to individual customers’ requirements.

The company also states that the Ford Interceptors are not sold to the public in the U.S., though to our knowledge, this does not appear to be true as we’ve seen plenty of alleged ex-police cars available in the secondhand market. Perhaps the firm means not directly. In any case, if any of you can elaborate on whether or not this is true, we’d appreciate it.

Here’s what Mr Lindsay Groves from USA Cop Cars said on the matter:

“Neither Ford or US Agencies are allowed to sell ‘Interceptors’ to civilians – most see post-police service as cabs or with other US agencies. There are also many other hurdles to overcome before they are legal to drive here in Europe, which explains their rarity here.”

“You don’t need to be a fan of Americana to own one,” Groves continued. “They are tremendous fun to drive – the reactions from men and women, young and old alike is amazing – they love them! They are also very safe - the only car in America that withstands a 75mph rear impact, whilst the civilian version received the maximum 5-star crash resistance rating from the American federal road safety organisation for 14 successive years,” he added.

source: carscoop.blogspot.com

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New Exclusive and M Sport Editions Join BMW 3-Series Coupe and Convertible Range

You didn’t think BMW would leave its bread-and-butter 3-Series untouched for the new model year just because it’s actively working on a replacement, did you? Of course not. The changes to the 3-Series range are of far less importance than on the 6-Series and 5-Series lineups, and are mostly limited to the presentation of new special edition models and packages.

These include a Special Edition package for the 320d EfficientDynamics Edition Touring, M Sport and Exclusive Editions for the 3 Series Coupé and 3 Series Convertible plus an BMW Individual hardtop option for the cabrio.

The Exclusive iterations of the coupe and convertible are offered with bespoke exterior colors including a Mineral Grey shade combined with exterior mirror caps in Oxide Silver and 18-inch V-spoke light-alloy wheels painted in Space Grey. The interior is distinguished by the Dakota leather upholstery in Pearl Grey with darker grey contrast stitching, or in Black with white contrast stitching, plus Bamboo Grain Anthracite trim strips.

Moving on to the M Sport Editions, aside from the aerodynamic package with new front and rear bumpers, there’s a Silverstone paint finish familiar from the M3 and 18-inch Ferric Grey light-alloy wheels in double-spoke design, black-painted exterior mirrors and in the case of the Coupe, an optionally available boot lid spoiler.

On the inside, there are sports seats with M detailing and blue contrast strips, an M Sport steering wheel, stainless steel pedals and an M aluminium driver’s footrest plus Model-specific interior strips in Aluminium Glacier Silver dark and floor mats with blue piping.

For the 3-Series Convertible, the company offers a new BMW Individual hardtop in contrasting in contrasting Black or Titanium Silver metallic that can be combined with a total of 15 different body colors. 

source: carscoop.blogspot.com

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Report: Owners Leasing Cars May Be Able to Make a Profit

With the recent surge in used car prices in the U.S., many people leasing vehicles have discovered the surprising fact that the market value of their automobiles is greater than the dealer’s quoted residual (buyout) price.

All a would-be lessee needs to do is buy the car from the dealer and sell it on privately. The dealer gets the residual amount and the former lessee pockets a tidy sum.

Take the example of a 2008 Volvo XC90. With more than twelve months left on the lease, the dealer’s buyout price was a quoted US$18,500. Compare this to the amount the lessee was likely to get by selling the car privately: a far more substantial US$27,000. That’s a profit of US$8,500!

Paul Taylor, chief economist for the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) describes the situation thusly:

“What’s likely to happen now is [dealers have] underestimated the value of the car. So the residual price is low, and [lessees] have more incentive to purchase it. Or, buy it and then sell it.”

It’s all thanks to the undersupplied, overinflated used car market in the U.S. at the present time. Add to that the fact many lease contracts are agreed on months or even years in advance, there’s nothing the lessees can do about it.

And owners are taking notice. 21.8% of lessees now buy their cars, up from a historical average of 16.4%. Additionally, 40% of those who do buy their cars resell their cars within six months, up from 27.3%. We are living in interesting times, indeed.

By Tristan Hankins

Via: NY Times

source: carscoop.blogspot.com

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Audi Q3 RS Rumors give Birth to Rendering

The latest news from Audi is that the Ingolstadt automaker is working on a high-performance version of its new Q3 compact SUV. According to inside sources quoted by Auto Motor und Sport magazine in its most recent issue, the brand with the four rings has even decided on the powertrain, which is none other than the 340HP 2.5-liter turbocharged inline-five found under the hood of the TT RS and RS3 hot hatch.

Power of course would be transferred to all four wheels through Audi’s quattro system and a seven-speed S tronic dual-clutch transmission.

These yet to be officially confirmed rumors have lead photoshop resident and Carscoop reader L il-k Amaru to use his talent on the creation of two renderings depicting the possible styling of the Q3 RS.

The artist’s proposal includes all the usual design cues of Audi’s RS models such as the prominent front bumper with a honeycomb grille, side skirts, five-spoke alloy wheels, aluminum trim accents and a rear apron with a diffuser. 

Thanks go to L il-k Amaru from Virtuel-car!

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New MINI JCW Coupe Racer to Debut at 24h of Nurburgring

Well, that was quick. Just three days after unveiling the MINI Coupe, the firm’s first-ever two-seater coupe model, and even though its flagship version won’t be available to the public before autumn, the company presented the MINI John Cooper Works Coupe Endurance (yes, that’s quite a mouthful, so we’ll just call it JCW) racer.

And, what’s more, its public debut will be in one of the most demanding endurance races of the world, the Nürburgring 24 hours at the legendary Nordschleife, the place which Jackie Stewart has famously christened “the Green Hell”.

The MINI JCW Endurance is powered by a tuned version of the standard 4-cylinder, 1.6-litre engine that features a twin-scroll turbocharger as well as direct injection.

Power is up to 250 hp, which results in a top speed in excess of 240 km (150 mph), while maximum torque -with the overboost function- reaches 330 Nm (33,6 kgm).

If there’s one thing, other than styling, that the MINI is famous for is its go-kart feeling behind the wheel. Of course, the British firm’s engineers have enhanced it by adding stiffened and adjustable dampers as well as the (obligatory) roll cage, racing seat, 6-point seatbelts and HANS system.

According to MINI the front spoiler, the rear diffuser and the adjustable rear wing of the JCW package generate increased downforce, while the Coupe’s more raked windscreen, compared to the 3-door version, reduces drag.

Last, but not least, and unusually for a racer, the MINI JCW Coupe Endurance features electronic stability control (DSC: Dynamic Control System), which is specially tuned for the track, and the Race ABS from the MINI Challenge. 

source: carscoop.blogspot.com

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2012 Corvette Z06 Smashes Previous Model’s ‘Ring Time by 20 Seconds [with Video]

As promised, GM released the Nürburgring lap time of its modestly tweaked for the 2012 model year, Corvette Z06. The most important change for the 2012 model is the available competition-orientated Michelin Pilot Sport Cup Zero Pressure tires, which helped the Z06 turn around the ‘Ring in just 7:22.68.

The lap time is 20 seconds faster than the previous-best Z06 lap time, recorded in 2005, and just 3 seconds behind the 638-horsepower 2012 ZR1, a video of which you can see in our previous posting here.

However, GM noted that in 2005, the Z06 was timed from a standing start instead of the rolling start technique used on the latest Z06 and ZR1 models.

The 505HP Corvette Z06 that was tested at the Nürburgring was fitted with the Z07 chassis package that includes the new optional Michelin Pilot Sport Cup Zero Pressure tires, Brembo carbon ceramic brakes, Performance Traction Management and Magnetic Selective Ride Control, plus an array of carbon fiber components such as the hood, front splitter and rockers, and aerodynamic improvements. 

source: carscoop.blogspot.com

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BMW Launches Lighter and More Powerful New M3 CRT Special, Limited to 67 Units

This is BMW’s new hardcore M3 sedan, the CRT, which stands for Carbon Racing Technology. To be produced in a limited run, the M3 CRT was unveiled during a pre-race BMW M event ahead of this weekend’s Nürburgring 24-hour race.

The special edition model combines the body style of the M3 sedan with technology from the M3 GTS coupe, topped off with the use of carbon-fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) to further reduce the car’s weight.

BMW said the M3 CRT represents the worldwide debut of a new production process for carbon-fibre reinforced plastic components in the automotive industry, adding that we will see the same materials on the upcoming i3 EV hatchback and i8 hybrid sports coupe, due to enter volume production in 2013.

In the M3 CRT, CFRP is used to make both the rear spoiler and front airdam, as well as the bonnet, the bucket seats for the driver and front passenger. Along with the use of a sports titanium exhaust system and other lightweight materials, BMW M engineers have managed to shave 45 kg or 99.2 pounds from the regular M3 saloon bringing the total weight down to 1,580kg or 3,483 lbs.

Interestingly, BMW said that if you take into account the equipment on board the weight saving is more like 70 kg or 154.3 pounds.

Under the carbon-fiber bonnet of the CRT lies the M3 GTS’s upgraded 4.4-liter V8 that pumps out 450-horses at 8,300 rpm and peak torque of 440 Nm (324.5 lb-ft) on tap at 3,750 rpm.

Transferring the V8 lump’s power to the rear wheels is a 7-speed M doubleclutch transmission with Drivelogic. BMW says the CRT can go from zero to 100km/h (62mph) in just 4.4 seconds with the electronic capping its top speed at 290 km/h (180mph).

Other features include a modified rear suspension, the addition of six-piston, fixed-calliper high-performance brakes, a specially tuned DSC (Dynamic Stability Control) system and new 19-inch lightweight alloy wheels wrapped in performance tires size 245/35 R 19 up front and 265/35 R 19 at the rear.

The M3 CRT is offered in an exclusive Frozen Polar Silver metallic exterior paint shade in combination with Melbourne Red metallic applications and a special treatment for the kidney grille.

Inside, apart from the two-tone sports seats, the M3 special features bespoke door sill strips, door panels and trim strips in aluminium grain structure, while the steering wheel is covered in Alcantara.

BMW will build only 67 examples of the M3 CRT worldwide.

BMW M3 CRT SPECIFICATIONS:

Construction / Cosmetics

• M3 "CRT" = Carbon Racing Technologies
• Limited production - 67 units
• Priced in Germany at EUR 130,000 - incl. VAT
• Debuts new production process for CFRP (carbon fiber reinforced plastic) components
• Hood and bucket seats made from cellular carbon honeycomb
• Hood has strength of conventional steel hood, but at 1/4 of its weight. 50% weight saving over M3 aluminum hood.
• Frozen Polar Silver metallic exterior paint
• Melbourne Red metallic applications and special treatment for the BMW kidney grille
• Exclusive door sill strips, door panels and trim strips in aluminium grain structure
• Special Sakhir Orange and Black dual colored covers for the front and individual rear seats
• Alcantara-covered M steering wheel

Powertrain / Performance

• 450hp @ 8,300 RPM
• 324lb-ft torque @ 3,750 RPM
• 180mph / 290kmh top speed
• 4,360 cc displacement
• 0-100km/h (0-62mph) - 4.4 seconds
• Sports exhaust system with extremely lightweight titanium muffler
• Bedplate crankcase construction in special aluminum-silicon alloy
• Individual throttle butterflies
• Knock control system with ion current technology
• Dynamically-optimized wet sump oil supply

Body

• 3,483 pounds / 1,580 kilograms = [100lb (45kg)] lighter than standard sedan / [154lb (70kg)] lighter when equipment on board taken into account
• Proportion of car's weight over rear axle raised to 48.4%
• 7.74 lb-per-hp weight-to-power ratio
• 3.5 kg-per-hp weight-to-power ratio

Wheels/Suspension

• 19-inch M light-alloy wheels in Y-spoke design
• 245/35 R 19 front tires and 265/35 R 19 rear tires
• Front and rear axle enhanced by rigid rear axle subframe
• Coilover suspension with individually adjustable dampers
• 6-piston fixed calipers with low-weight compound construction
• 378x32 mm front brake rotors / 380x28 mm rear rear rotors
• Stahflex brake lines

Tech

• Sound-proofing configured specially for low-weight construction
• Two individual rear seats
• M DCT w/ Drivelogic
• Navigation System Professional
• BMW Individual High End audio system
• Alarm system with PDC sensors

Source: BMW via M3Post

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