Showing posts with label auto shows. Show all posts
Showing posts with label auto shows. Show all posts

Thursday, December 9, 2010

2011 Vauxhall Antara Facelift Prices Start Under £20k in the UK

2011 Vauxhall Antara Facelift FrontFollowing the reveal of its Opel counterpart in mainland Europe, Vauxhall has released pricing and specifications on the UK market Antara facelift, which boasts a barely noticeable makeover and a refreshed engine lineup. Prices for the updated SUV now start from £19,995 for the 2.2 CDTi (163PS) Exclusiv front-wheel drive model, which according to Vauxhall, represents a saving of £2,835 over the outgoing base version.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

2011 Vauxhall Antara Facelift Turing Photo
2011 Vauxhall Antara Facelift Back Side
Vauxhall Antara Facelift Prices Image

2011 Vauxhall Antara Facelift Prices Start Under £20k in the UK

2011 Vauxhall Antara Facelift FrontFollowing the reveal of its Opel counterpart in mainland Europe, Vauxhall has released pricing and specifications on the UK market Antara facelift, which boasts a barely noticeable makeover and a refreshed engine lineup. Prices for the updated SUV now start from £19,995 for the 2.2 CDTi (163PS) Exclusiv front-wheel drive model, which according to Vauxhall, represents a saving of £2,835 over the outgoing base version.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

2011 Vauxhall Antara Facelift Turing Photo
2011 Vauxhall Antara Facelift Back Side
Vauxhall Antara Facelift Prices Image

Sunday, September 12, 2010

2010 Paris Motor Show: Mastretta MxT Sports Car

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If you've never heard of Mastretta Cars, you're not alone. However, the Mexican company made a small splash in the autosphere a couple of years ago with the MXT prototype. Now the company has announced it will debut the production version at this year's Paris Motor Show.


Few details have been released on the production-spec car, but if the final MXT is anything like the early pre-production prototypes, expect performance to be brisk. Early prototypes reportedly used a twincharged version of Volkswagen's 2.0-liter I-4, but later demonstrators used Ford's 2.0-liter turbocharged Duratec I-4, which will reportedly make its way into the production car. The turbo-Duratec produces a solid 240 horsepower, and coupled with a curb weight of 1980 pounds (courtesy of both a fiberglass body and an aluminum frame), the MTX could possibly post 0-60 mph times in roughly five seconds.

Enthusiasts and Mastretta officials alike likely wish the road to production passed as quickly. The car first debuted at the 2008 British International Auto Show, where officials announced they'd build eighty cars the following year, all destined for the U.K. market. Plans now see 70 percent of the 150-car annual production run will be exported to the U.S. and Europe.


Source: Autocar courtesy of Motor Trend Staff

Tuesday, April 27, 2010

2010 Beijing Auto Show debuts the BMW Gran Coupe Concept

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The BMW Group took us by surprise today with the world premiere of the Concept Gran Coupe.


The Bavarian automaker calls it a four-door coupe which is fancy marketing talk for a saloon with sportier body proportions...

Read more at CarScoop.com

2010 Beijing Auto Show reveals many ambitious Local Chinese Brands

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Beijing -- China's biggest domestic auto brand signaled its ambition today to become a global player by signing Argentine football star Lionel Messi as an international ambassador to promote its brands.


Chery Automobile Co. made the announcement at the Beijing auto show, where it plans to show 29 vehicles including four alternative fuel models...


Read more inside The Detroit News

2010 Beijing Auto Show reveals the 2011 Chevrolet Volt MPV5 EV Crossover Concept

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At 2010 Auto China motorshow in Beijing, General Motors revealed a crossover version of their yet to be launched Chevrolet Volt...


Press Release:

GM Unveils Chevrolet Volt MPV5 Electric Concept at Auto China 2010

Crossover with Extended Range Capability Builds on Volt’s Foundation


Beijing – Chevrolet has made a major commitment to providing world-class, fuel-efficient vehicles to its customers around the world. In recent months, through GM’s Shanghai GM joint venture, Chevrolet has introduced the fuel-efficient Cruze and New Sail in China. It will introduce the Volt electric vehicle with extended range capability in 2011.

In preparation for the Volt’s arrival, Chevrolet is leveraging Auto China 2010, which starts today in Beijing, to introduce the Volt MPV5 electric concept. The five-passenger multi-purpose crossover concept demonstrates the potential of the Voltec propulsion system by utilizing the same foundation as the Volt, for gas- and tailpipe emissions-free electric driving.

Maximizing Efficiency and Style


The styling of the Volt MPV5 concept borrows design and aerodynamic cues from the Chevrolet Volt. The front fascia is among the most aerodynamic of any crossover thanks to its closed grille and aero-optimized lower air dam, both of which help improve fuel efficiency. A full-underbody belly pan, along with rocker claddings, creased tail lamps and specially designed blades on the rear quarter, also help the Volt MPV5 concept cut through the wind with ease. The intense focus on improved aerodynamics enables greater all-electric range.

The exterior of the Volt MPV5 concept isn’t solely about efficiency. Its Sonic Blue Metallic paint provides a contemporary appeal, while the dual skylight panels and 19-inch Volt-inspired wheels build the Volt MPV5 concept’s sporty credentials.

The Volt MPV5 concept’s dimensions provide added passenger comfort. While the 2,760-mm wheelbase of the Volt MPV5 concept is a mere 15 mm longer than the wheelbase of the Chevrolet Volt, its body is 181 mm longer (4,585 mm), 73 mm wider (1,871 mm) and 182 mm taller (1,612 mm) than the Volt.

Inside, the Volt MPV5 concept adopts the Volt’s center stack and gauge cluster along with its striking two-tone leather seats. Thanks to the Volt MPV5 concept’s size, passenger comfort doesn’t take a backseat. Typical for Chevrolet crossovers, the Volt MPV5 concept’s seating position allows for maximum comfort and flexibility, including improved entry and egress.

When it comes to cargo, the Volt MPV5 concept carries on the crossover tradition thanks to its flip-and-fold second row seating, which provides up to 1,764.1 liters of cargo space with the seats folded and 863.7 liters of space behind the second row.

Voltec Power Boosts Green Credentials

The Volt MPV5 concept utilizes the same Voltec propulsion system found in the Chevrolet Volt, including the added capability of an engine generator to extend the driving range and eliminate “range anxiety.” A 16-kWh T-shaped lithium-ion battery pack powers the electric drive unit.

The flexibility of the Voltec system enables the Volt MPV5 concept to meet full vehicle speed and acceleration requirements while driving the vehicle and its five occupants up to 51.5 km on pure electric propulsion. This is double what the average urban commuter in China travels each day. When the battery is depleted, a 1.4-liter engine generator sustains the battery charge and provides up to 482 km of electric propulsion.

“The Volt MPV5 concept demonstrates the flexibility of the Voltec propulsion system, which can produce enough electric power to propel a range of vehicles. from a compact sedan like the Volt to a crossover like the Volt MPV5 concept,” said Doug Parks, Global Vehicle Line Executive and Global Vehicle Chief Engineer for Electric Vehicles at GM.

“Rapidly growing demand for personal transportation across China is creating new environmental and energy security challenges,” said Kevin Wale, President and Managing Director of the GM China Group. “GM is committed to finding and adopting solutions, which include the electrification of the automobile. The world premiere of the Volt MPV5 concept in Beijing demonstrates GM’s desire to make China a global focus of its advanced technology strategy.”

GM continues to advance electrification in China through research and development. It has launched the China Automotive Energy Research Center (CAERC) in Beijing. The venture with SAIC and Tsinghua University is developing a comprehensive automotive energy strategy for China. The GM China Science Lab, which opened last November, is carrying out advanced automotive-related research, including battery development. In March, GM introduced the EN-V (Electric Networked-Vehicle) concepts in Shanghai. A centerpiece of the SAIC-GM Pavilion at World Expo 2010 Shanghai, EN-V embodies GM’s vision for personal urban mobility in 2030. In addition, GM is supporting its Shanghai GM joint venture’s “Drive to Green” strategy, which is focused on developing green products, supporting green manufacturing and undertaking a green responsibility.



SOURCE: General Motors

Read more at MotorWard.com

BMW at the 2010 Beijing Auto Show

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“Ni hao (Hello),” from the Middle Kingdom.


Although press days for the Beijing Auto Show don’t start until Friday, BMW invited us out a few days early for an update on its operations in China. It was to be a grand affair, complete with a tour of BMW’s factory in Shenyang, until the volcanic ash cloud over Europe kept several key executives from attending and scuttled that side trip. We did manage to check out BMW’s Chendebao dealership, one of five dealerships in the Beijing area, and it was quite an eye-opening experience. From the outside, BMW Chendebao looks like any modern, big city sheetmetal dealer. Floor-to-ceiling windows cover a structural steel lattice on the outside of this large two-story structure...

Friday, January 8, 2010

2010 Detroit Auto Show Preview - 2011 Buick Regal GS Concept Car

2004 Buick Regal

Price Range
N/A
Fuel Economy
18 city / 28 highway
Base Engine
240-horsepower V6
Value Rating

Below Average
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Ever since the Opel Insignia based Regal sedan made its debut at the 2009 LA Auto Show, we’ve been crossing our fingers for an Insignia OPC based Regal GS...


Press Release:

Buick Unveils Regal GS Show Car

  • 21st-century successor to Buick’s Gran Sport heritage
  • Bold, sporty design with unique exterior details and an aggressive stance
  • High-output Ecotec 2.0L turbocharged engine and six-speed manual transmission
  • Adaptive all-wheel-drive system and electronic limited-slip rear differential
  • 0-60 in less than 6.0 seconds
  • Buick’s class-exclusive Interactive Drive Control System

DETROIT – With an estimated 255 turbocharged horsepower (190 kW), a six-speed manual transmission and an advanced, adaptive all-wheel-drive system, the Buick Regal GS show car is a high-tech, high-performance version of the brand’s newest sport sedan. It was introduced at the 2010 North American International Auto Show.

The mechanical elements were developed with the aim of delivering a driving experience that is sporting, confidence-inspiring and refined. It has a performance-oriented drivetrain, a lowered body and lower center of gravity. Exterior and interior cues include two additional vertical front air intakes; large, forged aluminum 20-inch wheels and performance tires; a racing-inspired sport steering wheel and metal pedals. Recaro high-performance front seats feature four-way lumbar support and cushion extensions.

The Regal GS exterior is distinguished by vertical air inlets in the front fascia, as well as unique rocker panels, an integrated rear spoiler, dual exhaust outlets, Olympic White paint and satin metallic accents.

“The idea behind the Regal GS was taking the production model in a more aggressive direction to appeal to performance enthusiasts,” said John Cafaro, Buick design director. “But along with its aggressive stance, there’s sophisticated style in the design that complements the driving experience.”

Inside, the Regal GS varies from the standard Regal by featuring a completely jet black interior, including the pillars and headliner, sport shifter for the six-speed manual transmission and a suede-covered, flat-bottom steering wheel reminiscent of those used in international racing series. The instrument panel glows ice blue when the driver engages the sport mode of the Interactive Drive Control System (IDCS).

Turbocharged AWD performance

Power for the Regal GS comes from a high-output 2.0L Ecotec turbocharged engine with direct-injection technology. It is based on the engine that will be offered on Regal CXL models later this summer, but the engine and turbocharger are tuned to deliver greater boost pressure in the GS. The output is estimated at 255 horsepower (190 kW) and 295 lb.-ft. of torque (400 Nm).

The engine is mated to a six-speed manual transmission that directs torque to an adaptive all-wheel-drive system calibrated for performance driving. An electronic, limited-slip rear differential helps ensure the engine’s power is distributed effectively during cornering.

The high-performance drivetrain is expected to enable the Regal GS to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in less than 6 seconds. That performance is complemented by a four-wheel-independent suspension, with a unique High Performance Strut (HiPerStrut) design in front. The HiPerStrut system helps reduce torque steer and maintain negative camber during cornering. This improves ultimate grip levels in dry and wet conditions, as well as improves the direct feel of the road, while isolating undesirable feedback. Behind the wheel the driver experiences reduced torque steer, improved grip and increased cornering power, along with crisper handling, steering precision and feedback.

The Regal GS features a high-performance Brembo brake system with 14 x 1.2-inch (355 x 32 mm) cross-drilled rotors; four-piston, high-strength aluminum calipers, and high-performance pads.

The Regal GS is also equipped with Interactive Drive Control System (IDCS) chassis technology (also offered on Regal CXL models with the 2.0L turbo engine). It delivers enhanced vehicle stability and greater driving safety, while also adapting the driving characteristics of the car to the driver’s preferences. The driver selects among three operating modes – normal, sport and GS – that change the suspension settings, throttle response and steering sensitivity through the variable-effort steering system.

SOURCE: Buick

Read more at eGMcarTech.com

Thursday, September 17, 2009

2009 Frankfurt Auto Show - 2010 Renault Fluence ZEC Electric Vehicle

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FOLLOWING YESTERDAY’S TEASER image of four electric concepts Renault will have on show at Frankfurt, Renault has now released the first images of its Fluence Zero Emissions Concept.


Based on the production Fluence, an internal combustion powered sedan expected to succeed the Megane sedan in Renault’s line-up, the Fluence ZEC shows the direction Renault’s electric vehicle range might follow...


Read more inside The Motor Report