Citroen C4 Picasso: the lowdown
Citroen’s new five-seater compact MPV has arrived on UK shores to take on the likes of the Renault Scenic and the Toyota Verso. The C4 Picasso is essentially a stubbier version of the (subtly renamed) Grand C4 Picasso, Citroen’s seven-seater MPV which went on sale last year. And you could be forgiven for confusing the two - at the front, there’s not much difference apart from an extra couple of slashes in the bumper. However, this C4 is 120mm shorter than the Grand version, and the rear end has been completely redesigned. The tail-light clusters are now positioned neatly below the newly sloping rear windscreen and there’s a dinky roof spoiler to add a 'sporting' touch.
Any changes inside?
Not really, apart from having two fewer seats than the Grand C4 Picasso. Expect Citroen’s usual quirky bits and bobs, such as the fixed centre steering wheel and huge panoramic windscreen. The C4 Picasso is available with five engine options ranging from a 1.8-litre petrol with a five-speed manual gearbox to the range-topping 2.0-litre HDI with an electronic paddleshift ‘box. Prices start at £14,495 for the entry-level 1.8 LX and top out at £21,195 for the kitted-out HDi Exclusive. They're all on sale now.
Thứ Bảy, 3 tháng 3, 2012
Fiat 500 (2007): first official pictures
Is it a Trepiuno, Cinquecento or 500?
Welcome to the new Fiat 500 - due to launched 50 years to the day after the unveiling of the original 500. That car became an icon, and Fiat is hoping for more of the same with this modern interpretation, the most exciting launch in Turin for a generation. On 4 July 1957, the original 500 marked the culmination of the Italian manufacturer’s post-war revival: the new car will again be crucial to Fiat, consolidating the success of the Panda, Grande Punto and Bravo.
So what’s changed since the Trepiuno concept?
Not a lot. Massive public interest after the car was shown at the 2004 Geneva Motor Show convinced Fiat to put the 500 into production, and thankfully it remains faithful to the concept. So it's pretty cool, then. There have only been detail changes: the Trepiuno's door handles and indicators have been replaced by more conventional items, the rear lights are no longer smoked, and the exhaust has been moved from its central position. The rest of the exterior is near identical, especially the wonderful proportions.
Welcome to the new Fiat 500 - due to launched 50 years to the day after the unveiling of the original 500. That car became an icon, and Fiat is hoping for more of the same with this modern interpretation, the most exciting launch in Turin for a generation. On 4 July 1957, the original 500 marked the culmination of the Italian manufacturer’s post-war revival: the new car will again be crucial to Fiat, consolidating the success of the Panda, Grande Punto and Bravo.
So what’s changed since the Trepiuno concept?
Not a lot. Massive public interest after the car was shown at the 2004 Geneva Motor Show convinced Fiat to put the 500 into production, and thankfully it remains faithful to the concept. So it's pretty cool, then. There have only been detail changes: the Trepiuno's door handles and indicators have been replaced by more conventional items, the rear lights are no longer smoked, and the exhaust has been moved from its central position. The rest of the exterior is near identical, especially the wonderful proportions.
Caparo T1 (2007): first official pictures
Not another super cars games?
Afraid so, though that’s hardly a bad thing. And unlike the numerous other sketches and concept cars that seem to appear by the day, deliveries of the Caparo T1 will start in May. It will also be running up the hill at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in June. However, since the car was first unveiled last year it has undergone a few changes. Read on to find out what the team in Basingstoke has done to create the British Bugatti...
So what’s new then?
Gone is the supercharged 2.4-litre V8, and in comes a bespoke, all-aluminium, naturally aspirated 3.5-litre V8. Of course, this means more power. Rather than a measly 480bhp, especially in the days of 600bhp S-classes, the new engine promises up to 200bhp per litre. That’ll be 700bhp, then. Oh, and it’ll run on sustainable fuels too.
Afraid so, though that’s hardly a bad thing. And unlike the numerous other sketches and concept cars that seem to appear by the day, deliveries of the Caparo T1 will start in May. It will also be running up the hill at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in June. However, since the car was first unveiled last year it has undergone a few changes. Read on to find out what the team in Basingstoke has done to create the British Bugatti...
So what’s new then?
Gone is the supercharged 2.4-litre V8, and in comes a bespoke, all-aluminium, naturally aspirated 3.5-litre V8. Of course, this means more power. Rather than a measly 480bhp, especially in the days of 600bhp S-classes, the new engine promises up to 200bhp per litre. That’ll be 700bhp, then. Oh, and it’ll run on sustainable fuels too.
Infiniti G37 Coupe (2007): first official pictures
Infiniti G37: the lowdown
Infiniti has so far been a brand best known in the US, but over the next few years Europeans are going to hear a lot more about them. The brand is to Nissan what Lexus is to Toyota - the Japanese firm’s luxury brand. But while Lexus does luxury, Infiniti is chasing BMW. A range of saloons, 4x4s, and this sleek G37 coupe will be launched over here in autumn 2008.
So tell me more about the G37
As you can tell from the G37 badge, this coupe is related to the G35 saloon we recently tested. It's aimed at the Mercedes-Benz CLK and BMW 3-series coupe and has a 3.7-litre V6 under the bonnet. Derived from the 350Z engine, it’s bored out to give 330bhp and 270lb ft. It will be officially unveiled at April’s New York Motor Show and we’ll get behind the wheel soon after. It should be a cracking drive. When we tested its G35 sibling, we called it ‘as rewarding as anything a 3-series can deliver’, whilst the ride and steering were little short of ‘brilliant’. That's not bad for an upstart brand that's starting from scratch in Europe.
Infiniti has so far been a brand best known in the US, but over the next few years Europeans are going to hear a lot more about them. The brand is to Nissan what Lexus is to Toyota - the Japanese firm’s luxury brand. But while Lexus does luxury, Infiniti is chasing BMW. A range of saloons, 4x4s, and this sleek G37 coupe will be launched over here in autumn 2008.
So tell me more about the G37
As you can tell from the G37 badge, this coupe is related to the G35 saloon we recently tested. It's aimed at the Mercedes-Benz CLK and BMW 3-series coupe and has a 3.7-litre V6 under the bonnet. Derived from the 350Z engine, it’s bored out to give 330bhp and 270lb ft. It will be officially unveiled at April’s New York Motor Show and we’ll get behind the wheel soon after. It should be a cracking drive. When we tested its G35 sibling, we called it ‘as rewarding as anything a 3-series can deliver’, whilst the ride and steering were little short of ‘brilliant’. That's not bad for an upstart brand that's starting from scratch in Europe.
Hyundai Genesis Concept
Hyundai Genesis Concept: the lowdown
The first official pictures of Hyundai’s Genesis concept confirm that the company will soon be snapping at the heels of Lexus and Infiniti. The new executive saloon will be unveiled at the New York Show in April. There’s a 32-valve, 4.6-litre V8 under the hood sending power through a ZF six-speed auto and limited-slip diff to the rear wheels; we’re promised a 0-60mph time of less than 8.0 seconds. The rear end could be taken for a BMW at first glance, while the front could be a Lexus as it approaches and the sloping rear roofline is a homage to Infiniti. No interior pictures have been revealed, but this car is guaranteed to be loaded with kit for a sub-Infiniti price.
Will buyers warm to Hyundai?
They have so far. Hyundai celebrated its 20th year in the US in 2006, and sold 500,000 cars in its anniversary year. It has an enviable 56% loyalty from buyers and its large Azera sedan, a rival to the Toyota Avalon, did well in the Vehicle Satisfaction Awards presented by industry analysts AutoPacific. Like Toyota, it aims almost to be seen as a domestic brand. Its designers work at Irvine in California and it has recently invested $1.6bn in its plant in Alabama.
The first official pictures of Hyundai’s Genesis concept confirm that the company will soon be snapping at the heels of Lexus and Infiniti. The new executive saloon will be unveiled at the New York Show in April. There’s a 32-valve, 4.6-litre V8 under the hood sending power through a ZF six-speed auto and limited-slip diff to the rear wheels; we’re promised a 0-60mph time of less than 8.0 seconds. The rear end could be taken for a BMW at first glance, while the front could be a Lexus as it approaches and the sloping rear roofline is a homage to Infiniti. No interior pictures have been revealed, but this car is guaranteed to be loaded with kit for a sub-Infiniti price.
Will buyers warm to Hyundai?
They have so far. Hyundai celebrated its 20th year in the US in 2006, and sold 500,000 cars in its anniversary year. It has an enviable 56% loyalty from buyers and its large Azera sedan, a rival to the Toyota Avalon, did well in the Vehicle Satisfaction Awards presented by industry analysts AutoPacific. Like Toyota, it aims almost to be seen as a domestic brand. Its designers work at Irvine in California and it has recently invested $1.6bn in its plant in Alabama.
Infiniti EX Concept (2007): first official pictures
Infiniti EX Concept: the lowdown
Infiniti is Nissan’s answer to Lexus, a wannabe aspirational and luxurious brand aimed squarely at Audi, Mercedes and BMW's home turf. Nissan has enjoyed a reasonable success with Infiniti in the US, and they're coming to Europe next year. The new EX, shown today for the first time in concept form, is to be unveiled at the New York Motor Show in April - and it will spearhead the launch in Europe in 2008. This is Infiniti's bid to lure us away from their BMW X3 and Lexus RX rivals. Are we impressed? Well, on first acquaintance it looks like a slick crossover - with more than a hint of its big brother, the ultra-cool FX45...
So what’s the EX got that the X3 hasn’t?
At least an extra 500cc. The EX will come with the 3.5-litre V6 currently found under the bonnet of the Nissan 350Z, so it’s likely to be packing some healthy horsepower. We're talking around 300bhp, and Infiniti is promising a barrage of technology as standard, including blind-spot cameras and lane departure warning systems. The downside to the EX is that there will be no diesel option available for the first two years of production, which is pretty crucial for the European market. Infiniti has a Renault-derived V6 TD unit lined up for 2010, and it can't come soon enough.
Infiniti is Nissan’s answer to Lexus, a wannabe aspirational and luxurious brand aimed squarely at Audi, Mercedes and BMW's home turf. Nissan has enjoyed a reasonable success with Infiniti in the US, and they're coming to Europe next year. The new EX, shown today for the first time in concept form, is to be unveiled at the New York Motor Show in April - and it will spearhead the launch in Europe in 2008. This is Infiniti's bid to lure us away from their BMW X3 and Lexus RX rivals. Are we impressed? Well, on first acquaintance it looks like a slick crossover - with more than a hint of its big brother, the ultra-cool FX45...
So what’s the EX got that the X3 hasn’t?
At least an extra 500cc. The EX will come with the 3.5-litre V6 currently found under the bonnet of the Nissan 350Z, so it’s likely to be packing some healthy horsepower. We're talking around 300bhp, and Infiniti is promising a barrage of technology as standard, including blind-spot cameras and lane departure warning systems. The downside to the EX is that there will be no diesel option available for the first two years of production, which is pretty crucial for the European market. Infiniti has a Renault-derived V6 TD unit lined up for 2010, and it can't come soon enough.
Hummer H2 (2007): first official pictures
Hummer H2: the lowdown
It’s best not to look directly at the new Hummer H2 in sunlight; you’ll be blinded by bling. New bits of glitz have appeared on the 2008 model, going on sale later in the year, including newly chromed door handles and a larger, lower grille. This grille, along with larger gaps in the seven-slot full-frontal smirk, helps to cool the more powerful 6.2-litre V8. Otherwise the exterior remains much the same, but the interior has been seriously plushed-up. The all-aluminium small-bock V8 delivers 393bhp, an increase of 20 percent, while torque swells to 415lb ft from 365. We’re promised that variable-valve timing and the six-speed transmission increase efficiency although no figures are given. But then, any improvement over 15mpg would be good...
What’s inside?
The rap stars and moms who so frequently drive this macho beast will appreciate the all-new interior. Instead of the previous austere environment, we’re promised improved materials, leather seats with smart piping and interior gap tolerances of 1mm or less. Kids in the back get a new rear-seat overhead DVD system and a full third-row seat for two with its own heating and cooling vents. The H2 will be able to clamber over rocks just as before, and new safety features for on or off-road include a new electronic stability control system with roll-over mitigation and roof-rail head curtains. It can tow 8000lb, too, and a rear-view camera will help hitch the trailer. Clearly, the H2 is aimed squarely at the US market, and other space-abundant markets; only its smaller H3 brother is deemed small enough to be sold in the more congested European market.
It’s best not to look directly at the new Hummer H2 in sunlight; you’ll be blinded by bling. New bits of glitz have appeared on the 2008 model, going on sale later in the year, including newly chromed door handles and a larger, lower grille. This grille, along with larger gaps in the seven-slot full-frontal smirk, helps to cool the more powerful 6.2-litre V8. Otherwise the exterior remains much the same, but the interior has been seriously plushed-up. The all-aluminium small-bock V8 delivers 393bhp, an increase of 20 percent, while torque swells to 415lb ft from 365. We’re promised that variable-valve timing and the six-speed transmission increase efficiency although no figures are given. But then, any improvement over 15mpg would be good...
What’s inside?
The rap stars and moms who so frequently drive this macho beast will appreciate the all-new interior. Instead of the previous austere environment, we’re promised improved materials, leather seats with smart piping and interior gap tolerances of 1mm or less. Kids in the back get a new rear-seat overhead DVD system and a full third-row seat for two with its own heating and cooling vents. The H2 will be able to clamber over rocks just as before, and new safety features for on or off-road include a new electronic stability control system with roll-over mitigation and roof-rail head curtains. It can tow 8000lb, too, and a rear-view camera will help hitch the trailer. Clearly, the H2 is aimed squarely at the US market, and other space-abundant markets; only its smaller H3 brother is deemed small enough to be sold in the more congested European market.
Đăng ký:
Bài đăng (Atom)