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2012 Nissan Sunny unveiled

Posted: 03 Jan 2011 06:24 AM PST

Japanese car manufacturer – Nissan has revealed their new sedan which will sold globally. The Nissan Sunny had it’s world premiere at the 8th China (Guangzhou) International Automobile Exhibition.


Nissan’s new sedan will be sold under the name Sunny in China but may receive a different name in the other 170 countries it is due to be sold in. The 2012 Nissan Sunny will hit the Chinese market in January 2011 and gradually be introduced around the globe throughout the rest of the year.

Nissan are targeting young families in their 30s who are wanting a medium sized sedan that offers plenty of interior space. It will be powered by a 1.5-liter HR15DE engine with dual injectors coupled with a Xtronic CVT and an auxiliary transmission.

The performance figures have not been announced yet and we will bring more news on the Nissan’s new sedan as soon as it becomes available.

For more information read the Nissan press release below





Nissan Press Release:

Nissan Unveils New Global Sedan at the 8th China (Guangzhou) International Automobile Exhibition

Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. today unveiled an all-new sedan model at the 8th China (Guangzhou) International Automobile Exhibition. Using the famed 'Sunny' name in China, this new model will go on sale first in China in January 2011 and then progressively across 170 countries worldwide under different vehicle brand names.

The Nissan Sunny was first introduced in China in 2003 and was significant as the first locally built model from the new Dongfeng Nissan partnership. Acclaimed by consumers for its combination of quality, space and driving performance, the Sunny quickly help establish a foundation for the Nissan brand in the passenger vehicle market in China.

A projected class leader in fuel economy, the all-new Sunny is expected to appeal to young families in their 30s looking for a medium sized sedan that combines a dynamic upscale design with the space, quality and features associated with the Sunny and Nissan brand.

Combining the proven Nissan 1.5-liter HR15DE engine with dual injectors and a new-generation Xtronic CVT with an auxiliary transmission, both of which are newly introduced in China, Sunny delivers ease in handling for city driving where there's frequent acceleration and deceleration, and superior environmental performance as a projected class leader in fuel economy.

MacPherson struts are used for the front suspension and a torsion beam for the rear suspension, making for sporty and agile driving at low speeds, and steady and stable driving at higher speeds.

The new Sunny will be produced in Dongfeng Nissan's Huadu Plant in Guangzhou.

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McLaren MP4 12C GT3 Race Car Sketch

Posted: 03 Jan 2011 05:58 AM PST

Supercar maker – Mclaren have released the first image and preliminary details of the racing version of the Mclaren MP4 12C. This new racing car was developed in partnership with CRS Racing and is expected to hit the race track in 2012.


The McLaren MP4-12C GT3 features the same lightweight one-piece molded carbon chassis MonoCell as the production car and will probably be powered by the same engine. However, no official details regarding any specifications has been released yet.

The McLaren MP4-12C GT3 will compete in a limited number of European GT races in 2011, as part of its development program and testing. The car maker plans to offer a limited number for customers to participate in the 2012 European FIA GT3 Series.

Martin Whitmarsh, Vodafone McLaren Mercedes Team Principal said: "Racing is in our blood – it was natural to develop a GT3 car alongside the 12C road car. We have a legendary history in global motorsport, including GT racing, and we aim to maintain that reputation with this GT3 programme, and any future sports car projects that may evolve.

"The 12C's architecture and design was always aimed at high-performance and ease of maintenance – two key criteria for potential customers. Combine that with the vast amount of racing experience in our automotive team, and CRS Racing's specialist development experience, and the 12C GT3 should be an exciting proposition for the top teams planning to race in GT3 from 2012."

Andrew Kirkaldy, Team Principal, CRS Racing said: "It is a rare opportunity to work with a company like McLaren and we are proud to be involved. Together, we aim to produce the highest quality GT car on the grid. The level of engineering experience at McLaren is unparalleled and this will be reflected in the 12C GT3. One of the most important aspects of this program will be customer service and for that reason we will be building a limited number of cars at a competitive price. The result will be an incredible GT car with manageable running costs and good residual value that will provide its owner with an unrivaled experience."

We will bring more information on Mclaren’s new race car as soon as its available.





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MINI Paceman concept car

Posted: 03 Jan 2011 05:40 AM PST

BMW has revealed to the world the new MINI Paceman concept car which is due to debut at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in January 2011. The MINI Paceman concept car previews the world’s first Sports Activity Coupe in the premium small segment of the market and will probably head for production sometime in the near future.


The MINI Paceman concept car is powered by a 1.6-litre twin-scroll turbocharged engine branded by MINI John Cooper Works. It kicks out 211 hp and 260 Nm of torque and also benefits from an Overboost function that manages to increase the torque to 280 Nm.

If this new concept car goes into production it will probably be available with a wider range of engines and a choice between front-wheel-drive and the new ALL4 all-wheel-drive system.

This new version of the iconic MINI measures 4,110 millimeters in length, 1,789 millimeters in width and 1,541 millimeters in height and has the usual short front and rear overhangs. The car maker states that the MINI Paceman concept still offers go kart characteristics that are experienced on the other models.

BMW has announced that a decision regarding the production of the MINI Paceman concept has not been made yet, but there’s a strong possibility it will go on sale at some point.

For more information read the Mini press release below





Mini Cooper Press Release:

MINI KEEPS UP THE PACE WITH THE NEW PACEMAN CONCEPT

First Sports Activity Coupe in the small premium segment
Paceman Concept reinforces the MINI brand's unconventional creativity
Sporting, masculine appearance blends with versatile character
Paceman could be another building block in the development of the MINI brand.
A new MINI design concept will make its debut at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) which will be held between January 10 and 23, 2011. The MINI Paceman Concept is the first Sports Activity Coupe in the premium small segment of the market.

The MINI Paceman Concept study establishes a new category of car combining the fundamental MINI DNA – dynamic capability, individual design – and gives them a fresh twist with the help of cutting edge technology and an innovative new body concept. The Paceman combines the classical MINI concept with the defining features of the MINI Counrtyman and the style of a coupe. The result is a MINI with visual 'muscle car' design cues, displaying its dynamic capability from every angle.

Although no decision has been made about a future production version, Paceman could form yet another building block in the development of the MINI brand.

It is ten years exactly since the new MINI was launched to the US market so there is a happy symmetry in presenting an all-new concept at the Detroit Show," said Jochen Goller, MINI Director for BMW UK Ltd. "Following last year's launch of the MINI Countryman and the forthcoming launches of the MINI Coupe and Roadster, the Paceman Concept shows once again not only the innovative spirit and adventure among its design team, but also the potential breadth of the MINI brand as it grows and develops."

World premiere of the new MINI Paceman Concept.

MINI is marking an important milestone in its history by once again presenting a fascinating new vehicle concept for the MINI family – the MINI Paceman Concept. Exactly 10 years ago, visitors to the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit witnessed the relaunch of the MINI brand in North America, which signaled the beginning of an unparalleled success story. And now the brand is also preparing to celebrate this landmark anniversary at the NAIAS – taking place from 10-23 January 2011 – with the world premiere of the MINI Paceman Concept. This spectacular study vehicle establishes a totally new category of car with its potential for providing even more driving fun and an even greater range of usage. The MINI Paceman Concept could become another building block in the ongoing development of the brand and its product portfolio.

The MINI Paceman Concept takes the fundamental strengths of MINI – its uniqueness, go-kart handling, agility, dynamic capability and individual design – and gives them a fresh twist with the help of cutting-edge technology and an innovative body concept. It combines a sporty, masculine appearance, versatility and coupe looks with the dimensions of the four-door MINI Countryman. And it brings together the classical MINI concept, the defining features of the MINI Countryman and the style of a coupe to harmonious effect. The result is a MINI with visual "muscle car" design cues, which displays its dynamic capability from every angle and showcases it impressively both when viewed from the side and in the design of the rear.

The MINI Paceman Concept, whose crossover design makes it the first Sports Activity Coupe (SAC) in the small car segment, blends lifestyle elements with premium quality. It is the ideal car for young, modern, extrovert urbanites who love the hallmark MINI go-kart feeling, enjoy stand-out individuality, place great importance on the personality of a brand and buy into its character and ethos. They are confident types, who live according to their own style and express their distinctive individuality in a MINI, who use the big-city mobility the MINI provides to embark on voyages of discovery through the urban jungle, and who experience driving fun in its most concentrated form thanks to the excellent ride comfort of the MINI both in everyday driving and over long journeys.

The masculine design language of the MINI Paceman Concept spotlights both the stand-alone identity of the concept and its membership of the MINI family. The four-seater study, whose two large doors and a wide-opening tailgate mark it out unmistakably as a MINI, imbues the sporty, cutting-edge Sports Activity Coupe (SAC) category with undeniable appeal. The platform of the MINI Countryman, with its hallmark MINI proportions, increased ground clearance and raised seating position, defines the study's compact dimensions

A MINI Sports Activity Coupe – urban and masculine.

The MINI Paceman Concept retains the familiar MINI family frontal appearance but adds its own distinctive flavor. Large headlights with chrome surrounds extend deep into the front wings and, together with the distinctively contoured bonnet, emphasize the imposing nose of the Paceman. The radiator grille is essentially the same as that of the Cooper S Countryman barring additional air intakes in the bumper to deliver improved brake ventilation and the incorporation of new deep set fog lights.

From the side the MINI Paceman Concept features a fresh interpretation of the front wing and side indicator that attracts the eye from the A-pillars down to the unique design 19 inch front wheels. This rugged and sturdy design element is complemented by dark wheel arch surrounds with matching side skirts that emphasize the masculine, sporting nature of Paceman.

The familiar MINI shoulder line that rises towards the rear of the Paceman Concept also hints at its sporting intent. Less familiar is the glass and roof treatment. As the waistline rises the flat roofline flows into a wide C-pillar that appears to be transparent. The windows appear to wrap around the car like a band of glass with the roof 'suspended' on top and painted in a striking, contrasting color. This is known as the 'helmet' roof. The coupe-style windows taper towards the rear and the whole effect is one of a dynamic wedge shape.

"In contrast to the more vertical design of the MINI Countryman, we've given the MINI Paceman Concept a horizontal emphasis and accentuated the width of the car rather more to underline the powerful appearance of the study," explained Marcus Syring, Head of MINI Exterior Design.

A new interpretation of the classic coupe design has given the MINI Paceman Concept a distinctive coupe tail that complements the athletic character of the car Loading …. New rear lights positioned at the outer edges of the broad, muscular rear wings underline the dominance of horizontal lines, which run parallel to one another and emphasize the wide track of the rear axle.

As with the MINI Cooper S Countryman, the rear apron of the MINI Paceman Concept features a diffuser that channels the airflow between the twin exhausts and further enhances the car's aerodynamic properties. Even the license plate recess echoes the form of the front air intake in order to forge a stylistic link between the front and rear of the car.

The MINI Paceman Concept measures 4,110 millimeters in length, 1,789 millimeters in width and 1,541 millimeters in height. In archetypal MINI style, the Paceman has extremely short front and rear overhangs to facilitate the familiar go kart driving responses.

Interior: a blend of modern function and luxurious character.

The interior of the MINI Paceman Concept deliberately draws on MINI's unique and distinctive design language, yet it also imparts a refreshing new look. Behind the study's masculine exterior lies an elegant yet sporty interior environment that exudes premium quality and funky design. The instrument panel of the MINI study is defined by its distinctive, concave forms and the sporting yet functional impression it creates. The central air vents, Central Speedo and gearshift lever feature outer rings in a contrasting color while large side air vents underline the MINI character still further.

The slim center console, which maximizes legroom for the driver and front passenger, coalesces into the Center Rail pioneered by the MINI Countryman, thereby creating a visual and functional link between the front and rear seats. This unique and innovative U-profile rail system runs along the centerline of the passenger compartment as far as the rear seat backrests. Light shades of leather lend an expression of luxurious allure to the interior of the MINI Paceman, while a new interpretation of the brand's familiar elliptical door and side trim extends along the length of the cabin, taking in the B-pillar and emphasizing the length of the interior. Shaped armrests with large stowage compartments, ergonomically designed door pulls and the speakers for the sound system are embedded in the main element of this ellipse.

Behind the front sports seats are two comfortably-shaped individual rear seats designed with backrests that merge distinctively into the seat sides in order to create fully contoured passenger support. The "club lounge" character thus created underlines the individual and unconventional nature of the MINI Paceman Concept and helps turn every journey into an experience for the rear passengers every bit as much as it is for those in the front.

Drive system: powerful and efficient.

The MINI Paceman Concept has been designed to allow the deployment of the most powerful engine currently available in the MINI palette. The MINI John Cooper Works 1.6-litre twin-scroll turbocharged engine gives the MINI Paceman Concept the capacity to deliver the outstanding performance its appearance promises. This 16 valve, four cylinder unit develops 211 hp and generates maximum torque of 260 Nm (192 lb-ft), the latter value having the capacity to reach 280 Nm (207 lb-ft) in brief bursts thanks to the Overboost function.

Its MINI Countryman roots give this new MINI concept study an ideal platform for the MINI ALL4 permanent all-wheel-drive system. ALL4 features an electromagnetic center differential positioned directly on the final drive which varies the distribution of power seamlessly between the front and rear axles. In normal driving conditions up to 50 per cent of the drive is sent to the rear wheels, but in extreme situations as much as 100 per cent can be directed to the rear.

The MINI Paceman Concept is, of course, also available in two wheel drive form but harnessing the power of the punchy four-cylinder engine in all-wheel-drive form offers an extra dose of driving fun through a traction-led, sporting expression of the agile handling for which MINI is famed.

Chassis: the best handling characteristics in the segment.

MINI chassis technology has been especially developed for the MINI Paceman Concept to transform the potential of its potent engine into a driving experience that offers inspiring agility, impressive poise and always in complete safety. While it delivers precise and sporting handling it is the high standard of compliant ride comfort that truly sets the MINI Paceman Concept apart.

The front axle features MacPherson spring struts with lower track control arms which, combined with Electric Power Steering with speed-sensitive power assistance, plays a major role in delivering the response and agility customers expect from a MINI. The Paceman's multi-link rear axle was developed using proven BMW Group chassis expertise and is designed for use in both the front-wheel-drive and the ALL4 all-wheel-drive versions of the car.

MINI Paceman Concept: an idea ahead of the game – once again.

The MINI Paceman Concept embodies the idea of an incomparable driving experience in a way that meets the needs of modern, lifestyle-oriented customers but it also remains true to the character of the MINI brand.

"With the MINI Countryman having already opened up a fascinating new avenue in the expansion of the brand family, the designers are now tapping into the potential of its state-of-the-art drive technology and flexible space concept to develop additional market opportunities in a coupe sibling," explained Jochen Goller.

"The MINI Paceman Concept aims to deliver a particularly emotional driving experience and demonstrates this ability in a style typical of the brand. I believe we are offering clear evidence of how totally new vehicle concepts can still be developed through unconventional creativity," he concluded.

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Ken Block testing in a Ford Escort Mk2: Video

Posted: 03 Jan 2011 05:05 AM PST

This video shows the Gymkhana master – Ken Block rallying a classic Ford escort Mk2. The YouTube sensation races through a New York forest in the rally prepped Escort and enters corners sideways.


In the video Ken Block is driving a 1978 Ford Escort Mk2 rally car. The RS1800 Escort is powered by a 1.8 Cosworth BDA engine which was developed especially for rallying. The Ford Escort Mk2 RS1800 had wider wheel arches, and massive headlights and later went on to receive a larger 2.0-liter engine.

Watch Ken churn up the gravel in the video below. Enjoy!





If you want to know more about the Rally winning Mark 2 Escort then click here.

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2011 Volkswagen Touareg by ABT

Posted: 03 Jan 2011 04:38 AM PST

German car tuning specialists – ABT Sportsline have recently revealed an upgrade package for the 2011 Volkswagen Touareg which offers various cosmetic upgrades and a power increase for the VW SUV.


The ABT Volkswagen Touareg is still powered by the 3.0 TDI engine but now it produces 282hp instead of the standard 240hp. If thats still not enough power for you, then there is also an ABT POWER S package that offers even more horses at 310 HP and 610 Nm of torque.

For the 4.2 TDI Touareg, the power has been increased to an even higher 385 HP and a massive 870 Nm of torque.

The ABT 2011 Volkswagen Touareg aerodynamics package includes a new front bumper, a newly designed front grille, side skirts and a rear apron with an integrated diffuser. To finish off this customized SUV sits on a set of 22 inch wheels and comes with a custom exhaust system with two double tailpipes.

For more information read the ABT press release below.





ABT Sportsline Press Release:

One for all conditions – the new ABT Touareg

Those who want their car to have it all choose the Touareg. This car is not just a real off-roader, but also looks confident and superior on the road. All the more so if the SUV has been tuned by ABT Sportsline. The Bavarian company has also refined the latest version of this a special automobile without diluting its character. "More power wouldn't hurt with a car as diverse as this, but it was important for us that the tuning suited the characteristics of the Touareg”, explains Christian Abt. The General Manager, who is responsible for technical development at ABT, knows what buyers of a premium vehicle expect: "Since its launch in 2002 the Touareg has been a huge success for us. We have systematically worked on our interpretation of the SUV since then, whereby it is clear, in our opinion, that there should be special emphasis on sport."

Because a 2.5 tonne car needs powerful engines, ABT Sportsline offers performance improvements that make the great car from Wolfsburg seem even more superior: more horsepower and more torque – the ABT Touareg is a mountaineer, a workaholic, an elegant glider, a fast touring car and an agile XXL sports car all in one: with the 3.0 TDI, ABT POWER provides 282 HP (207 kW) compared to the series standard 240 HP (177 kW). The ABT POWER S technology even makes 310 HP (228 kW) available, while the torque is increased from 550 Nm to 580 Nm or 610 Nm. For the silky-smooth V8 turbo diesel with its 4.2 litre cubic capacity, 385 HP or 283 kW (series standard: 340 HP / 250 kW) and a torque of 870 Nm (series standard: 800 Nm) are available.

The impression that the ABT Touareg is a formidably dominant automobile, which comes across as elegant and dominant, is further underlined by the designer wheels ABT BR and CR. Both alloys are available in different sizes up to a powerful 22 inch version.
It goes without saying that ABT also offers combinations with high-performance tyres, where the performance and the load index agree. Both the BR and CR wheels underline the contours of the Touareg and harmonise with the bodywork elements, which ABT has developed for the premium SUV: the sporty front grill and rear wing blend well into the vehicle's design and the incorporation of the rear apron and the 4-pipe exhaust unit show exactly where the classy Touareg comes from.

The new ABT Touareg – dates and facts

ABT ENGINE TECHNOLOGY

Engine: 3.0 TDI, 2967 ccm, V6
Performance tuning: ABT POWER
Performance: 282 PS/207 kW (standard: 240 PS/177 kW)

Engine: 3.0 TDI, 2967 ccm, V6
Performance tuning: ABT POWER S
Performance: 310 PS/228 kW (standard: 240 PS/177 kW)

Engine: 4.2 TDI, 4134 ccm, V8
Performance tuning: ABT POWER
Performance: 385 PS/283 kW (standard: 340 PS/250 kW)

ABT AERODYNAMICS
ABT front grille
ABT rear spoiler
ABT rear skirt

ABT EXHAUST SYSTEM
ABT 4-pipe-exhaust-system

ABT SPORTS WHEEL TECHNOLOGY
ABT BR and CR up to 22 inch

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