Daily Car Pictures

Tuesday, May 29, 2012

2011 Vauxhall Antara

Vauxhall Antara is immediately recognisable by its updated front grille and distinctive new Griffin logo, enhanced by fog lights finished with chrome bezels on SE models. New 19-inch alloy wheels (standard on SE) give the Vauxhall Antara a more aggressive look, while modified rear lights give the back of the vehicle a more robust appearance.

In addition, the revised Euro-5 compliant engine line-up offers increased performance as well as significantly reduced fuel consumption and emissions. The latest entry to the engine range is a newly-developed 2.2 CDTI turbodiesel, producing either 163PS or 184PS. The engine variants come with variable camshaft phasing, optimising torque and performance as well as reducing fuel consumption and emissions.

The 163PS variant is available in front-wheel drive with a six-speed manual transmission only or all-wheel drive mated to either a manual or six-speed auto gearbox. The 184PS 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 new Vauxhall Antara’s cabin features a revised centre console with extra storage and new materials, in addition to improved instrument graphics and interior lighting. Vauxhall has improved safety and comfort features in the Antara including a standard electric parking brake, a Hill Assist System as well as a “shift-up” indicator that optimises fuel economy.

2011 Buick GL8

Buick GL8 has a graceful exterior design highlighted by Buick’s distinctive double sweep spear running from front to back. Decorative metal bands add a sense of smooth, modern elegance. Its classic waterfall grille and chrome portholes further underscore the new GL8′s Buick heritage.

With a length of 5,256 mm, a width of 1,878 mm, a height of 1,800 mm and a wheelbase of 3,088 mm, the new Buick GL8 provides a spacious ride for all occupants. The dignified interior merges Eastern and Western aesthetics. It features ice-blue atmosphere lighting and a 360-degree wraparound design inspired by luxury yachts.

Among the other amenities available are two-tone ergonomic genuine leather seats; a two-piece panorama sunroof; an electric anti-pinch sliding door and one-touch electric lift rear door; a 10-speaker, 5.1-channel Bose sound system; a 7-inch touch screen up front and 10.2-inch WVGA HD display in back; and the OnStar in-vehicle safety, security and communication service.

The new Buick GL8 comes with a choice of a 3.0-liter V-6 SIDI intelligent direct injection engine or a 2.4-liter Ecotec engine with segment-leading fuel efficiency. GM’s advanced 6-speed automatic transmission comes standard, providing unrivaled power in the luxury MPV segment.

The new Buick GL8 luxury MPV has a retail price of between RMB 288,000 and RMB 388,000. Shanghai GM is also introducing an upgraded 2011 model of the current Buick GL8 in December 2010, targeting the upper-medium MPV segment. It includes a new 2.4-liter Ecotec engine and a 6-speed automatic transmission. This “dual-vehicle strategy” will enable Shanghai GM to more fully address the MPV market, from the upper-medium to luxury segments.

2012 Infiniti M Hybrid

The Infiniti M35h features the all-new Infiniti Direct Response Hybrid™ system, an advanced one-motor, two-clutch parallel hybrid design that combines precise, high-speed motor control technology, which, enabled by the powerful Lithium-ion battery, allows power to be delivered directly to the vehicle’s 7-speed automatic transmission. The system also utilizes an innovative Hybrid Electric Power Steering system and Electric Driven Intelligent Brake regenerative braking system, both which help conserve energy and provide a natural, enjoyable driving feel.

The Infiniti M Hybrid’s exhilarating driving performance also greatly benefits from use of Infiniti’s proven 3.5-liter DOHC 24-valve V6 engine, which paired with the 50 kW electric motor, provides a hybrid system net power of 360 horsepower.

Torque figures are equally impressive, with the V6’s 258 lb-ft of toque combining with the electric motor’s immediately available 199 lb-ft of torque to provide strong performance. The result is a vehicle that first and foremost delivers a refined driving experience, along with expected best-in-class Combined fuel economy (estimated fuel economy 30 mpg Highway, 25 mpg City and 27 mpg Combined).

In addition, the new Infiniti M35h can drive on electric power alone at speeds up to 62 mph and can travel on electric propulsion for up to 1.2 miles at a time. Tests have shown that in mixed diving, the Infiniti M35h is able to drive in electric only mode for as much as 50% of the time. And, with its compact hybrid system design, the new Infiniti M35h also delivers uncompromised interior space and competitive trunk space.

The M35h also embraces the essence of all things Infiniti – style, performance, luxury, craftsmanship and technology. The Infiniti M’s dramatic, sports styling is matched with a roomy, comfortable interior environment featuring standard leather-appointed seating, Japanese Ash wood trim or available silver powdered genuine White Ash wood trim, and available premium audio and climate control systems.

2012 Audi A6

The design of the new Audi A6 embodies athleticism and elegance. The sedan is 4.92 meters (16.14 ft) long and 1.87 meters (6.14 ft) wide, but just 1.46 meters (4.79 ft) high – sporty proportions that are unrivaled by the competition. The long engine hood, the low, sweeping roofline and the prominent lines on the flanks create a dynamic overall appearance. Optional LED headlights emphasize the striking expression at the front.

Audi offers the A6 with a choice of five powerful, highly efficient engines: two gasoline engines and three TDI units. These powerplants develop between 130 kW (177 hp) and 220 kW (300 hp). All of these engines make use of important technologies from the brand’s modular efficiency platform – the start-stop system, the energy recovery system, and the innovative thermal management concept.

The most powerful unit in the range is the 2.0 TDI. In conjunction with a manual transmission, it requires on average just 4.9 liters of fuel per 100 km (48.00 US mpg) and emits just 129 g CO2 per km (207.61 g/mile). The Audi A6 hybrid will be available from Audi at a later date. Serving up 180 kW (245 hp) of system performance, its 2.0 TFSI plus electric motor will achieve efficient and sporty acceleration with an average fuel consumption of only 6.2 liters per 100 km (37.94 US mpg) (provisional figure).

As was the case with the previous model, the new Audi A6 is also available with a wide range of drivetrains. The choice, based on the engine version, will include a manual six-speed transmission, the continuously variable multitronic, and the brand-new, sporty S tronic. Each unit is precisely tuned and features a wide gear-ratio spread, thereby making a significant contribution to the sedan’s efficiency.

Tuesday, May 22, 2012

2011 Fiat Bravo

Fiat Bravo arrives with two potent motorizations – the national 1.8 16V E.torQ with mechanical transmission or Dualogic, and the imported 1.4 T-Jet with 6-gear transmission – and three finishing versions – Essence, Absolute and T-Jet – very well equipped.

Fiat Bravo, for example, can be equipped with up to seven airbags – two frontal, two front sides, two for the protection of occupants’ heads, besides one for protection of the driver’s knees. With Dual Drive® electric steering, it arrives with avant-garde technology like fog lights with cornering system, NAV™ Radio, Xenon headlights, front parking sensor, folding external rearview mirrors and a new Skydome sunroof.

The two available motorizations for the new Fiat Bravo offer excellent performance, fuel economy and low emission levels. Both are compact and modern.

The E.torQ 1.8 16V engine puts together high performance and economy, with excellent torque at low rotations. Driving only with gasoline, its power is 130 hp at 5,250 rpm; with ethanol, 132 hp at the same rotation. And the maximum torque of 18.4 kgfm with gasoline and 18.9 kgfm with ethanol, is reached at 4,500 rotations. But at 2,500 rpm, the engine already produces 93% of its torque.

Now the 1.4 16V T-Jet engine equips the sportive version of the hatchback. This compact gasoline turbo engine produces no less than 152 hp of power and 21.1 kgfm of torque at 2,250 rpm.

2011 BMW 1-Series M Coupe

BMW 1-Series M Coupe has been developed for near-perfect balance and a large, square footprint. It is 71 inches (1803mm) wide – 4.8 inches (122mm) wider than its 1988 M3 ancestor – yet only 1.3 inches (33mm) longer at 172.4 inches (4379mm) long. The new BMW 1-Series M Coupe weighs in at 1,495kg DIN (3,296 lbs, preliminary), and features a 104.7-inch (2659mm) wheelbase, three inches longer than the 1988 M3. Front and rear track widths are exactly the same on the BMW 1-Series M Coupe at 60.7 inches (1542mm) each. Compared to the 2011 BMW 135i Coupe, the BMW 1-Series M Coupe is 0.2 inches (5mm) longer, 2.1 inches (53mm) wider, 0.5 inches (13mm) taller, and rides on the same 104.7 inch (2659mm) wheelbase. It features a track 2.8 inches (71mm) wider up front and 1.8 inches (46mm) wider in the rear, and weighs 35kg DIN (77 lbs, preliminary) less.

BMW 1-Series M Coupe features a high-strength steel unibody, with unique, widened fenders and rear quarter panels to house the substantially widened track. It also features a metal roof panel which saves about 35 lbs (15kg) compared to BMW 1-Series models equipped with a moonroof. The 2011 BMW 1-Series M Coupe, constructed as one of BMW’s most performance-oriented vehicles in recent years, will not be offered with a moonroof. This weight savings – at the tallest point of the vehicle – provides a corresponding drop in the center of gravity, which contributes to improved driving dynamics. It also helps maximize head room (or helmet room, as the case may be).

The BMW 1-Series M Coupe is equipped with the M-specific, light-alloy cross-spoke wheels from the M3 Competition Package and limited-production M3 GTS. They measure 19 x 9 inches with 245/35/R19 low-profile tires at the front and 19 x 10 inches with 265/35/R19 tires at the rear, and are silver in color.

The heart of every BMW is the engine, and so an inline-6 with outstanding performance, free-revving behavior, and endless thrust propels the BMW 1-Series M Coupe. The concept is familiar: in the model history of BMW M, the high-revving inline-6 is one of the classic engine formats. In the second and third generations of BMW M3, the inline-6 became famous for combining high output, razor-sharp response, and sonorous sounds. In the BMW 1-Series M Coupe, the inline-6 engine concept is realized in its most up-to-date form.

The twin-turbocharged, all-aluminum, 3.0-liter inline-6 engine is characterized by instantaneous response to the accelerator pedal, fantastic sounds, and a free-revving spirit. The combination of twin low-mass turbochargers and BMW’s High Precision direct injection offers an output a naturally-aspirated engine would only be able to provide through more cylinders and larger displacement.

The turbocharger system developed for the engine of the new BMW 1-Series M Coupe maintains a high output throughout the entire engine speed range. Maximum output of 335 hp (250 kW) is delivered at 5,900 rpm. Nominal peak torque is 332 lb-ft (450 Nm) from 1,500 rpm to 4,500 rpm. Redline is 7,000 rpm. The enhanced engine management system of the BMW 1-Series M Coupe includes an electronically-controlled overboost function to briefly increase torque under full load by another 37 lb-ft (50 Nm). This temporary torque peak of 369 lb-ft gives the car a substantial increase in acceleration. The BMW 1-Series M Coupe will complete the sprint from a standstill to 60 mph in just 4.7 seconds (0-100 kmh in 4.9 seconds). The standing quarter-mile mark comes up in 13.2 seconds. Top speed is limited electronically to 155 mph (250 kmh).

2011 Renault Megane RS N4

Renault Sport Technologies is now to add Renault Mégane RS N4 to its line-up. Developed for racing on asphalt, it is set to establish a new standard.

With the same intrinsic qualities as the Mégane Renaultsport 250, the new model draws on a heritage of group N-homologated Renaults stretching back over a quarter of a century: 5 GT Turbo, R11 Turbo, R21 2l Turbo, R19 16V, Clio Williams and Clio RS.

One of the major strengths to be carried over from MéganeRenaultsport 250 is the F4Rt 1998 cc 16-valve turbocharged engine. With no specific preparation performed on its internal parts, Renault Sport Technologies guarantees control over budget and engine reliability. The main developments are to the engine flywheel and the electronic engine management system developed by Cosworth Electronics to enhance performance despite the adoption of a regulation 33mm turbo restrictor. The engine on the Mégane Renaultsport N4 generates a maximum power output of 265hp from 4000 rpm and maximum torque of 470 Nm at 3000 rpm. In order to optimise performance on special stages, the air intercooler can be sprayed with water. The specific exhaust line incorporates a catalytic converter compliant with FIA standards and an expansion chamber.