Volkswagen Amarok pricing announced (UK)

Volkswagen has announced prices on the firm's new large Amarok pick-up truck. The entry-level Startline is priced from �21,333, rising to �26,829 for the range-topping Highline.

Initially, the Amarok will be available as a double cab, with a single cab due for 2012. Three trim-levels will be offered; Startline, Trendline, and Highline, in addition to two diesel engines; an entry-level 2.0 TDI with 122bhp (120PS/91kW) and a more powerful 2.0 BiTDI with 163bhp (161PS/122kW).

A standard 4MOTION selectable four-wheel drive system offers a choice between rear-wheel drive, four-wheel drive and low range four-wheel drive via a button mounted on the dashboard. All models fitted with this adjustable system have a gross vehicle weight of 3,170kg and more robust suspension which results in a payload of over 1,045kg.

Additionally to the 4MOTION Selectable system, the Highline model is also available with the option of permanent 4MOTION. This permanent four-wheel drive system reduces payload to below 1,045kg but, thanks to comfort suspension which uses a two plus one leaf spring system, offers a more car-like driving experience with improved ride and refinement.

Base Startline models are equipped with the lower-powered 122bhp 2.0TDI, and 16� alloy wheels, x4 electric windows, air conditioning, CD/radio w/MP3 input, ESP, traction control system (TCS), electronic differential lock (EDL), hill start assist, electrically adjustable/heated door mirrors, hill descent control, trailer stability control, off-road ABS, 4MOTION selectable 4WD, and x6 airbags.

Mid-spec Trendline features 17� alloy wheels, body-coloured door mirrors and bumpers, cruise control, climate control, leather steering wheel, gearknob, and handbrake, multi-function trip computer, wheelarch extensions, and front fog laps.

The flagship Highline model comes lavished with 18� alloy wheels, chrome highlights on grille, door mirrors, and rear bumper, chrome side-steps, privacy glass, rear parking sensors, and leather interior w/heated front seats.

A comprehensive range of optional equipment is offered. These include satellite navigation systems, additional protection for the load bay and underbody components, 19� alloy wheels, surround sound systems, and bi-xenon headlights.

All Amarok's are produced in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

GM announces Astra convertible for 2013

GM has made official that it will released a convertible variant of the Astra in 2013, alongside a city car at the same time. With the VW Golf Cabriolet in its sights, we expect Vauxhall/Opel to ditch the retractable hardtop in favour for a soft-top.

The newcomer will share the same platform as the outgoing Astra and will be produced in Gliwice, Poland.

�The new Convertible will be a great addition to our product lineup,� said Opel/Vauxhall CEO Nick Reilly. �It follows the long-standing tradition of highly emotional and legendary Opel/Vauxhall Cabrios that provided important halo effects on our brand. With its sleek and elegant design, our new Convertible will fully deliver on that same promise.�

Morgan 3 Wheeler official pictures

Return of Morgan�s classic 3 Wheeler confirmed, with prices starting from �30,000.

The Morgan 3 Wheeler is back! For the first time in 58 years, Morgan is planning to offer its classic motorbike-engined 3 Wheeler for sale again next year. Thoroughly updated, with new technology, materials and engines, the 3 Wheeler costs from �30,000.

Around 30,000 examples of the original model were built between 1909 and 1953. But while the new version retains the old school looks, Morgan has thoroughly updated the design. For a start, power is now delivered to the single rear wheel by a 115bhp V Twin engine built by specialists S&S, which is mated to a five-speed gearbox sourced from Mazda.

Thanks to the fact that the 3 Wheeler weighs in at around 500kg, Morgan predicts that the car will complete the 0-60mph sprint in 4.5 seconds and hit 115mph flat out.

The car is features an aircraft-style cockpit, including details like a bomb-release starter button, which Morgan claims �indulges the feeling of flying through the air.� The chassis is built from tubular steel, with twin roll bars for safety, and clad in aluminium body panels.

Buyers get the choice of eight colours, gloss black detailing and a choice of black or tan leather interiors. As with all of Morgan�s cars, a high degree of personalisation will be offered, including polished brightwork and aircraft-inspired decals. Prices will be announced after the car�s launch at the Geneva Motor Show.

Sponsored By : CHAUDHRI ELECTRODE ENGINEERING. AL-MUQIT STEELS. Q.A.M INTERNATIONAL. Manufacturing : welding electrodes, steel wirerope, wirerope, pvc cables, all sort of metal and hard ware tools.
Also trading in generators. load banks and all sort of metal.
Dealing in Real Estate (Turkey.Pakistan.Malaysia.Dubai)
For Contact: mustakeem@gmail.com Cell # +9(0531)9204077
Location :Istanbul /Lahore

www.car-evolutioncars.blogspot.com

Geneva 2011: Jag reveals hardcore XKR-S

Jaguar�s subtle rocket gets a less subtle bodykit and power upgrade

This is the new Jaguar XKR-S - an uprated version of the quietly legendary XKR. Due to make its debut at next week's Geneva motor show, the XKR-S still sports the 5.0-litre supercharged V8, but power is up from 510bhp to 542bhp. There's also a boost in torque to 501lb ft (up from 461lb ft).

Related content

Car Verdict

Honda Accord Tourer

Manufacturer

Jaguar - Car Reviews

Manufacturer

Lexus - Car Reviews

The hardcore XKR-S gets a new version of Jag's brilliant adaptive dynamics suspension with uprated dampers, active sports exhaust system, and new aero to reduce lift and assist the massive brakes, which measure 380mm at the front and 376mm at the rear - bigger than a Lamborghini Murcielago's. It needs them too because top speed is 186mph, and it should hit 62mph in 4.2 seconds. Jaguar also tells us the XKR-S will emit less than 300g/km of CO2, which means it'll be top of its class in the cleanliness stakes.

 

Sponsored By : CHAUDHRI ELECTRODE ENGINEERING. AL-MUQIT STEELS. Q.A.M INTERNATIONAL. Manufacturing : welding electrodes, steel wirerope, wirerope, pvc cables, all sort of metal and hard ware tools.
Also trading in generators. load banks and all sort of metal.
Dealing in Real Estate (Turkey.Pakistan.Malaysia.Dubai)
For Contact: mustakeem@gmail.com Cell # +9(0531)9204077
Location :Istanbul /Lahore

www.car-evolutioncars.blogspot.com

Concept Car: Vauxhall/Opel Zafira Tourer Concept

Following the first image of the Zafira Tourer Concept that appeared from an iPad, GM has published fresh images of the Zafira Tourer Concept.

The concept is apparently a show car and will strongly hint at the production Zafira. It'll move upscale to rival the Ford Galaxy, which will leave the current Zafira, in facelifted form, to proceed.

Combining �lounge-on-wheels� luxury with the same high degree of flexibility, the concept�s cabin has a light, airy feel and generous space for rear-seat passengers.

�We have transferred the idea of a relaxing lounge to a vehicle and created an automobile oasis, a place to relax and enjoy,� said Mark Adams, Vauxhall/Opel Vice President of Design. �The Zafira Tourer Concept�s exterior design also makes a bold statement with its sleek, flowing lines and premium feel.�

The Zafira Tourer Concept underpins GM's Delta II chassis and takes design cues off the Ampera range-extending vehicle. Additionally, the front is home to adaptive bi-xenon headlamps with LED daytime running lights. The large panoramic glass sunroof features LED lighting in the second pane, in which tiny metallic particles are embedded in the cabin�s upper sections to reflect the light and give off a warm glow that can be varied in different shades of yellow. The concept also boasts 20� alloy wheels and electrically adjustable rear headrests.

Inside the vehicle, GM's Flex 7 makes a welcome return. With two rows in place, providing five-seat capacity, the Zafira concept can be transformed at the push of a button into a four-seater with limousine levels of space. A clever new folding mechanism allows the centre section of the second row to fold down, revealing two armrests for occupants in the outer seats. These seats can then slide back and towards each other, creating generous levels of space around passengers. Extended footrests complement the seating system still further.

The front cabin houses a large touch-screen display on the fascia, above which a covered storage compartment can hold a tablet PC like an iPad. The heating can be controlled using two turn knobs below the display, and air conditioning via touch-buttons. Thanks to the flexible and pivot-mounted tablet PCs on the front seat backs, passengers in the second row can comfortably surf the Internet or control multi-media applications.

Sleeping in the engine compartment is a 1.4 turbocharged petrol engine with stop/start. The production model will go on sale in Autumn.

CORGI CLASSIC 1/50 SHERMAN M4A2 - FRENCH ARMY

An extremely good World War II model (Across the Western Front). Features include a rotating turret and full track configuration. One of a Limited Edition of 5,000 worldwide and includes a Limited Edition Certificate and information booklet. Model presented in a presentation box. The decoration is particulary effective, and the detailing is equally fine. Shop here

SPY VIDEO: 2013 Mercedes-Benz S-Klasse

This spy video featuring several test prototypes of the future S-Klasse (W 222) was shot in the icy cold landscapes of Sweden, in the northern part of Scandinavia. The one who was filming the cars managed to grab key hints about certain exterior design elements to be showcased on the flagship limousine. For instance, the headlights, still heavily hidden under thick black cloth, will make use of state-of-the-art, full LED technology. The traditional Mercedes-Benz chromed radiator grille will become more upright and angled towards the front, as in the case of the new CLS. The new S-Klasse will boast a very smooth, sleek and very elegant side profile dominated by a lowered roof line and elongated hood and trunk sections.

Source of the video >> Gmotors.co.uk


Copyright � 2011, car-evolutioncars. All rights reserved.

Porsche Semper Vivus Hybrid?Video?

German car manufacturer has even released a video preview of the Porsche Semper Vivus Hybrid.

From concept cars to new technology, these events are held as a big show and tell for the world�s automakers. So, when a company brings out something that�s over 100 years old to debut at one of these events, it seems a bit odd.

They spent four years at Porsche Museum recreating this magnificent vehicle so it can once again, after 111 years on, drive into the limelight at the Geneva Motor Show 2011 followed by future appearances as part of the Porsche Museum collection in Stuttgart.





Press Release

SENSATIONAL PORSCHE WORLD PREMIERE IN GENEVA

• Porsche presents first functional, full hybrid car in the world, the Semper Vivus, 111 years after its World Premiere in 1900. http://origin.porsche.com/uk

• Recreation of ground-breaking car will make its debut on March 1 at Geneva Motor Show

• European debut of 918 RSR concept underlines �Porsche Intelligent Performance' philosophy

The name Porsche has been associated with pioneering innovations in automotive engineering since the beginning of the last century. In 1900, Ferdinand Porsche, founding father of the present-day Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG, Stuttgart, entered unchartered territory. With the first functional, full hybrid car in the world, the Semper Vivus ('always alive') http://origin.porsche.com/uk, the principle of the serial hybrid drive had been born.

In a stunning four year project the Porsche Museum in Stuttgart has had the Semper Vivus recreated. Next week, 111 years after this ground breaking innovation by Ferdinand Porsche, the Semper Vivus will again drive into the limelight at the Geneva Motor Show 2011 followed by future appearances as part of the Porsche Museum collection in Stuttgart.

Appropriately, Porsche is putting the spotlight of its presence at the 81st Geneva Motor Show on the world premiere of a contemporary parallel full hybrid model. In the wake of the success of the Cayenne S Hybrid it signals a new chapter in the Stuttgart company's �Porsche Intelligent Performance' philosophy. Along with the Semper Vivus, the new hybrid model is being unveiled on March 1, 2011 at the press conference to be held on the Porsche stand in Hall 1, stand number 1050, starting at 07:30.

These world premieres in Geneva are being complemented by the 918 RSR hybrid racing car concept, making its first public appearance in front of a European audience. The mid-engine coup� combines the design of the 918 Spyder with the technology of the 911 GT3 R hybrid racing car.

Porsche is also showcasing the 330 hp (243 kW) Cayman R in Europe for the first time, alongside the the 911 Black Edition, limited to 1,911 units, based on the 345 hp (254 kW) 911 Carrera, and the Boxster S Black Edition, limited to 987 units worldwide.

2011 Geneva Preview: Lexus LFA Nurburgring Package

Lexus just releases new photos and details for the Lexus LFA Nurburgring Package ,which will debut at the Geneva auto show next week.

The package celebrates Lexus� class victories at the 24 Hours of N�rburgring last May. Lexus isn�t actually adding to LFA production; instead, the automaker says that 50 of the 500 cars set to be built will be equipped with the package.

Available in Matte Black, Black, White or Orange, the interior can be had in Black and Red, Black and Pur�ple or all Black. Plus, all Nurburgring editions get added carbon� fiber interior bits, plus carbon racing seats.

Power is also on the up. From the standard 4.8-litre V10 with 560 PS (412 kW / 553 bhp) comes a new power figure of 570 PS (419 kW / 562 bhp) and reduced gearshift times. Performance times are also down; 0 - 62mph flashes by in 3.7 seconds and top speed is 325 km/h (202 mph).

The automated manual six-speed transmission�s shift regime has been recalibrated too, swopping gears in only 15 miliseconds, thereby enabling the LFA N�rburgring package to sprint from 0-100km/h in only 3.7 seconds.




Press Release

LEXUS PRESENTS LFA N�RBURGRING PACKAGE

• Lexus reveals special performance package for its LFA supercar at the Geneva motor show
• N�rburgring Package offered as an option on a maximum of 50 cars - just 10 per cent of the total LFA production run
• Designed for more track-focused performance through additional aerodynamic elements, lowered suspension and engine revisions
• 10bhp increase in power from V10 engine to 562bhp ensures LFA's 0-62mph acceleration time of 3.7 seconds is maintained
• LFA production underway since December, with one hand-crafted car completed per day
• Use of advanced, automated Carbon Fibre Reinforced Plastic (CFRP) production processes serves as a test bed for future models

To celebrate the LFA's hat-trick of class wins at the N�rburgring 24 Hours race, Lexus has created the N�rburgring Package, an array of aerodynamic features, suspension adjustments and revisions to the 4.8-litre V10 engine that give the supercar a more track-focused profile. Shown in public for the first time at the Geneva motor show, the performance option is available on just 50 of the 500 cars that will be built. These versions will be crafted during 2012, the second full year of LFA production.

To sharpen the car's circuit driving performance even further by increasing downforce at high speed, the N�rburgring Package introduces modifications and additions to several key carbon fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) components. These include a larger front spoiler, fin-type side spoilers, a canard fin and a fixed rear wing.

To ensure the LFA maintains its 3.7-second acceleration time from nought to 62mph, in spite of the increased drag, the V10 engine has been revised to increase maximum power by 10bhp to 562bhp. Shift times in the six-speed sequential transmission are just 0.15 seconds.

In terms of handling modifications, the package features suspension tuning and a 10mm reduction in the ride height. Exclusive mesh-type wheels are introduced, fitted with dedicated high-grip tyres.

Exterior colour choices are restricted to matte black, black, white or orange, with interiors finished in black and red, black and purple and all-black. Cars delivered in Europe will feature a carbon fibre centre console and door trims, with carbon fibre sports seats finished in Alcantara.

Customers who specify the package will also be offered one-to-one driving tuition from a N�rburgring chief instructor and a year's pass to enjoy their car on the famous Nordschleife circuit.

CFRP parts manufacturing

LFA production began in December with just one hand-crafted car completed per day. A team of 175 people are involved in CFRP parts manufacturing, vehicle assembly and painting.

CFRP is exceptionally strong, rigid and lightweight, and accounts for about 65 per cent of the LFA's body structure weight. This amounts to a saving of about 100kg, compared an equivalent all-aluminium body.

Lexus is producing and assembling the CFRP components in-house, with a view to future development of the technology. It is a time-consuming process, compared to working with steel or aluminium, but the LFA project provides a valuable test bed for new, automated processes which will be used in the manufacture of future Lexus and Toyota models.

Different manufacturing technologies are used according the shape, role and required properties of each component.

• Pre-preg: this is an industry-standard composite sheet material made of carbon fibre, pre-impregnated with epoxy resin. It is used for the LFA's main structural elements, such as the dash, side and cross-members and panels.

• Resin Transfer Moulding (RTM): this is dry sheet fabrication, with epoxy resin injected into the mould. It is mainly employed in the LFA's secondary main frames, such as the crash boxes, roof side rails and vehicle floor.

• Carbon fibre - Sheet Moulding Compound (C-SMC): this is used for fabricating the upper body components and frames that have complex geometries.

Adhesive bonding

The LFA assembly line moves through five consecutive processes, each of which has been digitally validated. For the first four - sub-assembly, underbody, small aluminium parts and main body - adhesive bonding is used. Final assembly of the aluminium parts is by mechanical fastening.

This is the first time Lexus has used adhesive bonding for main body assembly, a process that has required new quality control measures to be implemented to ensure each of the five stages involved in the bonding meets the required criteria.