Chevrolet Corvette 427 Convertible, 2013

 

 

 

•  Chevrolet Corvette 427 Convertible, 2013

The Chevrolet unveiled the 2013 Chevrolet Corvette 427 Convertible Collector Edition - the fastest, most capable convertible in Corvette's history - as well as a 60th Anniversary Package that will be available on all 2013 Corvette models.

Chevrolet Corvette 427 Convertible Collector Edition
The Chevrolet Corvette 427 Convertible blends elements of the Z06 and ZR1 models to create the fastest and most-capable convertible in Corvette's history.

Its heart is the 427-cubic-inch (7.0L) LS7 engine from the Corvette Z06. Rated at 505 horsepower (377 kW) and 470 lb.-ft. of torque (637 Nm), it is the most powerful engine ever installed in a production Corvette convertible - and, like the Z06, the 427 Convertible is only available with a six-speed manual transmission.

The LS7 was co-developed with the Corvette Le Mans-winning GT1 engine and features lightweight titanium connecting rods and intake valves, as well as racing-inspired high-flow cylinder heads and a dry-sump oiling system. It is assembled by hand at GM's Performance Build Center, where customers who purchase the 427 Convertible Collector Edition can purchase the Corvette Build Experience option and assemble the engine that will power their new car.

Supporting performance elements in the Chevrolet Corvette 427 Convertible include the driveline and rear axle system from the Corvette Z06, a rear-mounted battery and standard Magnetic Selective Ride Control. The standard 19-inch front and 20-inch rear wheels are wrapped in ZR1-style Michelin PS2 tires. Lightweight machine-face Cup wheels - introduced on the 2012 Corvette Z06 with Z07 and Corvette ZR1 with PDE performance packages - come standard and include unique gray-painted pockets. Black Cup wheels or chrome ZR1-style wheels are also available.

The 427 Convertible also features several carbon-fiber components that help reduce weight:

• Carbon fiber raised hood (introduced on the 2011 Z06 Carbon Edition)
• Carbon fiber Z06-style fenders
• Carbon fiber floor panels
• The "CFZ" carbon fiber front splitter and rocker panels are optional on the 427 Convertible, and included with the 60th Anniversary package

The weight reduction brings the 427 Convertible's curb weight to 3,355 pounds (1,522 kg). Combined with its 505-horsepower LS7 engine, it gives the 427 Convertible a power-to-weight ratio of 6.64 - or one horsepower for every 6.64 pounds of vehicle mass. That's better than:

•     Porsche 911 Turbo S Cabriolet - 6.90
•     Audi R8 5.2 FSI Spyder - 7.58
•     Aston Martin DBS Volante Convertible - 7.82
•     Ferrari California Convertible - 8.31

The combination of low mass and high output will make the 427 Convertible one of the fastest convertibles in the world, delivering estimated 0-60 performance of 3.8 seconds, quarter-mile performance of 11.8 seconds, lateral acceleration of 1.04 g and a top speed of more than 190 mph.

The 427 Convertible is available in 2LT, 3LT and 4LT trim levels and will carry a unique vehicle identification number sequence, similar to the Corvette ZR1.

Corvette 60th Anniversary Package
All 2013 Corvette models, including the 427 Convertible, will be available with a 60th Anniversary Package, featuring an Arctic White exterior with a Blue Diamond leather-wrapped interior with suede accents. Convertible models will have a blue top.

Additional content includes a ZR1-style rear spoiler, special badging, gray-painted brake calipers and the "60th" logo on the wheel center caps, steering wheel and seat headrests. An optional graphics package adds full-length racing stripes in Pearl Silver Blue, including a tonal stripe stitched into the convertible top, extending the graphic theme over the roof.

For 2013, all Corvettes will feature 60th Anniversary badges on the fascias and the "waterfall" panel on convertible models, as well as 60th logos in the instrument panel gauge cluster and on the sill plates.

Charity Auction at Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale
The first Chevrolet Corvette 427 Convertible offered to the public will go to the highest bidder at the Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale collector car auction, on Saturday, Jan. 21, 2012. Proceeds from the sale will benefit the Drive to End Hunger food relief program.

Chevrolet and Hendrick Motorsports are teaming up for the auction, including Hendrick team driver and four-time NASCAR Sprint Cup Champion Jeff Gordon. Team owner Rick Hendrick helped launch the Drive to End Hunger program with AARP and the AARP Foundation.

The Drive to End Hunger is part of a multi-year sponsorship for Gordon's No. 24 Chevrolet. It calls on racing fans, corporations and charitable organizations to raise money, build awareness, and engage Americans who face the threat of hunger.

A legacy of 427-powered Corvettes
Early 427-powered Corvettes, particularly convertibles, offered from 1966 to 1969 are some of the most-coveted and collectable Corvettes ever produced.

The first 427-powered Corvette rolled off the assembly line for the 1966 model year. Two performance levels of the 427 were initially offered - an "L30" version rated at 390 horsepower and the "L72," which cranked out 425 horsepower. Both were rated at 460 lb-ft. of torque.

The range of 427 engines grew in 1967, with the addition of the "L71" and "L88" options. The L71 added a unique triple-carburetor induction system that helped boost output to 435 horsepower. Known to collectors as "427/435" cars, these '67 models - especially the convertibles - are especially sought-after collector cars.

The "L88" delivered 430-horsepower (with a single four-barrel carburetor) thanks to racing-tuned aluminum heads. Intended for customers who would immediately transform their new Corvette into a race car, the L88 was installed in just 216 production Corvettes between 1967 and 1969.

In 1969, a special "L89" 427 engine combined the L71's induction system with the L88's aluminum heads, offering maximum horsepower with an approximately 100-pound weight advantage over the standard iron heads. Also in 1969, Chevrolet built two "ZL1" 427 Corvette coupes. The ZL1 engine was essentially an all-aluminum version of the L88, with the aluminum cylinder block and heads offering a tremendous weight advantage for racing. More of the engines were sold as crate engines to racers.

By 1970, the big-block engine grew to 454 cubic inches, just as the trend in high-compression, high-performance engines was beginning to wane. The four-year run of 427 Corvettes was already established as the golden era of performance

Commemorative Collector Edition and Anniversary Edition models
Rare and low-production examples of the Corvette have been around since its 1953 introduction, but Chevrolet didn't begin building commemorative models until 1978, when the 25th Anniversary model - also known as the Silver Anniversary Corvette - was offered. The Corvette was in its third generation then and at the close of that epoch in 1982, a Collectors Edition was offered, as well.

Those special models launched what has become a tradition for the Chevrolet Corvette, which has offered milestone anniversary and generational collector-edition models ever since. The 2013 Corvette 427 Convertible represents the first time a Collector Edition and Anniversary Edition are being offered in the same year - and available on the same car.

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Ford Eco Sport, 2013

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

• Ford Eco Sport, 2013

Expanding its relentless push into the heart of Asia's car market, Ford introduces the all-new Ford Eco Sport at Auto Expo 2012. The new compact SUV will further augment Ford's offering in India, as well as in many other markets across the globe.

Modern and innovative, the all-new Ford Eco Sport was designed to combine best-in-class design, technology, quality and safety aimed at attracting a new generation of consumers in different global markets.

Created as the latest One Ford global product, the Eco Sport will be a key model in expanding Ford's presence in major worldwide growth markets, including India, Brazil and the ASEAN markets. It has been developed in South America at one of Ford's eight global product development centres in conjunction with teams from Asia, Europe and North America to meet the needs of markets across the globe.

The all-new Ford Eco Sport exemplifies the DNA of Ford global vehicles and its versatility broadens the horizons of mobility and use. Its genuine SUV confidence starts in the stability of the chassis, reinforced by the body's robust build, high torsional stiffness and high levels of protection for its occupants. Yet, its innovative design reduces the weight and ensures good fuel efficiency.

Contemporary new Eco Sport shape
The all-new Ford Eco Sport's contemporary shape conveys confidence while combining refinement and an adventurous spirit in an intelligent and modern package. It sports key SUV cues such as the confident stance, command driving position and signature spare wheel mounted on a swing-gate at the rear of the vehicle.

The Eco Sport's hardy character and strong stance give it the appearance of a larger vehicle, while retaining the agility and practicality of a compact car. It features high ground clearance and integrated lower body cladding for robustness.

The back of the vehicle is marked by a large rear window which wraps around to the sides and oblique shaped taillights. This characteristic defines the striking personality of the Ford Eco Sport family: a sporty and casual car, for consumers who want to stand out and who want more from life, but in an intelligent and sustainable way.

New global products for growth markets
Previewing the vehicle design first at the 11th Annual Auto Expo in New Delhi gives Ford the opportunity to introduce Eco Sport to consumers in one of the world's biggest automotive growth markets ahead of its future global rollouts.

The new Eco Sport was developed on Ford's new global B-segment platform, which will be the basis for an array of new small-car products from Ford in the coming years. By mid-decade, the new Ford B-platform family of vehicles will represent more than 2 million units of annual production as compact cars continue to drive global growth.

The Ford Eco Sport has been a market phenomenon since it was launched in South America in 2003 as the region's first affordable SUV, selling 700,000 vehicles in nine years. It created a new segment and popularized features that many consumers had wanted.

The Ford EcoSport will be produced at ultra-modern, flexible assembly plants in Brazil, India, and other markets to be announced at a later time. The Eco Sport as a global vehicle is an example of the technical ability of Ford's global engineering and high level of integration of the design and engineering centres around the world.

The project was led by Ford's Development Center in Camaçari, Brazil, one of the most specialized in the development of compact cars. The team leveraged Ford engineering strength and SUV expertise from around the world to create the all-new Ford Eco Sport.

Fuelling expansion in Asia and beyond
The all-new Eco Sport is a significant linchpin in Ford's aggressive global plan to achieve its goal of increasing worldwide sales by nearly 50 percent by mid-decade to 8 million vehicles a year. Of that figure, 60 to 70 percent is expected to come from the Asia Pacific and Africa region.

The Ford Eco Sport is the second of eight products slated to be launched in India by mid-decade and will bring about further momentum in a business transformation that was kick started by the Ford Figo and strengthened by the new Ford Fiesta sedan. Ford India's shift from niche automaker to volume player is supported by several new investments in the country.

Ford recently broke ground in Sanand, Gujarat as part of an investment of approximately USD 1 billion to build new vehicle manufacturing and engine plants. Ford also announced earlier an investment of USD 72 million by this year (2012) to expand its already operating powertrain facility in Chennai. Ford's total investment in India to date is approximately USD 2 billion.

The new Eco Sport will be produced in the integrated Chennai manufacturing facility which has been transformed with an annual production capacity of 200,000 units and is now positioned as a Ford regional centre of excellence for compact-car engineering and production. Ford EcoSport models will be also produced at the plant for export to international markets.

Strengths Under Eco Sport's New Shape
Designed to offer balanced performance on paved roads as well as off-road terrain, the all-new Ford Eco Sport is ideal for the urban consumer who wants the versatility to escape the city.

Developed to world-class product standards via the Ford global product development system, the next-generation model delivers on key traits customers all around the world demand:

• Smart - New technology and features from Ford will be central to the all-new Ford Eco Sport ownership experience. It will offer innovative equipment normally not found in this class of vehicle.
• Green - Fuel efficiency was a key factor in the development process, as Ford targets the Eco Sport to deliver leading fuel economy in its segment.
• Safe - The all-new Ford Eco Sport has been engineered to meet the most demanding safety standards in the various markets where it will be sold. Its weight-optimized, highly resistant body, developed with advanced software and design tools, combines zones aimed to absorb the forces of impact with an extremely rigid cell to protect its occupants.
• Quality - The all-new Ford Eco Sport will deliver impressive levels of quality and craftsmanship, reflecting its new world-class design and engineering story, and has endured rigorous developmental testing around the globe. Low maintenance costs and great durability were also key objectives in the development process.

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Smart fortwo, 2013

 

 

 

• Smart fortwo, 2013

The spring of 2012 will see the smart fortwo making its mark in a striking new look, featuring an upgraded exterior and a fresh leather/fabric mix in the interior. The smart fortwo is available for ordering now. The first vehicles will reach dealers at the beginning of April 2012.

The substantially revamped smart fortwo sports a markedly more dynamic appearance, featuring a larger radiator grille with integrated logo, striking front aprons in a new design, horizontally arranged LED daytime driving lights, muscular side skirts and modified rear aprons. "The way in which the fortwo now displays the smart logo more prominently stands for the brand's new self-confidence," notes smart boss Dr Annette Winkler." The smart fortwo has long become an icon that is a defining feature of urban traffic throughout the world."

The chrome-coloured logo is now positioned directly in the black radiator grille. The air inlets under the number plate have been combined into a single unit, lending the smart fortwo a bolder appearance. The new, optionally available LED daytime driving lights are now arranged horizontally. There is also a choice of three new alloy wheels: the smart fortwo passion comes with a new 9-spoke alloy wheel; two additional alloy wheels fitted with wide tyres and featuring a 3-spoke and 3-twin-spoke design respectively round off the range. The choice of colours comprises seven options, including matt anthracite for the first time. The smart fortwo Brabus Xclusive is now also optionally available in white. In addition to the three soft top colours for the smart cabrio which were previously available from the smart programme (black, red, blue), the smart Brabus tailor made programme offers six other soft top colours.

While the main focus of this facelift is on the exterior, there are changes inside the car, too. These include a new, high-quality interior package in crystal grey, comprising a fresh leather/fabric combination for the seats, an imitation leather/fabric mix for the door trims and black imitation leather for the instrument panel in combination with a grey knee pad.

The pulse and passion equipment lines are generally more colourful options than the basic pure model. pulse and passion highlight the frame of the front grille and the rear trim strip in silver, for example, while the front spoiler, side skirts and rear apron are painted in the car's exterior colour. The door mirror caps are finished in the tridion colour. On the smart pure, these components are black.

The five lines - pure, pulse, passion, Brabus and Brabus Xclusive - are to be retained. Similarly, the smart fortwo will continue to be available as a coupé and cabrio version and with six engine and motor variants. The spectrum ranges from the particularly environment-friendly electric power train in the fortwo electric drive and the efficient micro hybrid petrol engine through the powerful turbo petrol engine to the fuel-efficient cdi turbodiesel. Prices begin at € 10,275 for the smart fortwo 45 kW mhd pure.

The new model generation represents the continuation of a unique success story for smart: as a trendsetter the smart fortwo has been redefining individual urban mobility for more than ten years now. It combines responsibility to the environment and high ecological standards with joie de vivre and a high fun factor. With its compact dimensions the two-seater takes up less road and parking space than any other car around.

More than 1.3 million smart fortwos have been delivered to customers since the first model was launched in 1998. 101,996 smart fortwos were handed over to customers worldwide in 2011 - 4.6 percent more than in the previous year.

The car2go mobility service is also attracting growing numbers of fans. Over 2000 smart fortwos are currently in operation for 60,000 customers in seven cities around the globe. car2go is already successfully up and running in Ulm and Hamburg (Germany), Austin and San Diego (USA), Vancouver (Canada), Vienna (Austria) and Amsterdam (Netherlands). car2go will be launching in Lyon (France), Düsseldorf, Stuttgart, Washington D.C. and other cities in 2012.

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Nissan Micra DIG-S, 2012

 

 

 

 

 

 

•  Nissan Micra DIG-S, 2012

The Nissan's focus on reducing emissions is not restricted to creating zero emission electric vehicles like the pioneering and award-winning Nissan LEAF.

Developing advanced technologies as part of Nissan's PURE DRIVE strategy is driving the company's efforts to reduce emissions and fuel consumption from all its cars, and, has resulted in the launch of a new engine with one of the lowest CO2 figures in the world.

Powering the newest version of the popular Nissan Micra city car - the DIG-S - this advanced petrol engine produces just 95 g CO2/km and underlines Nissan's leadership in both zero and low emissions mobility.

A direct injection unit with a supercharger - hence the car's name: Direct Injection Gasoline-Supercharger (DIG-S) - the engine is the embodiment of Nissan's PURE DRIVE strategy, delivering sparkling performance, frugal economy and exceptionally low emissions. It has been designed to meet and exceed the everyday driving demands of the modern world and is the ideal partner for Micra, Nissan's small city car.

As well as reducing emissions, this new engine will reduce the cost of motoring in many European countries. In the UK, for example, cars producing less than 100g/km of CO2 attract no annual road tax and are exempt from the capital's daily congestion charge.

In France, customers buying a car producing less than 110 g/km receive a €400 bonus payment from the Government while in Holland cars like the Nissan Micra DIG-S are exempt from the country's BMP tax, saving around €1,000.

Technical innovation has been packed into the engine. The DIG-S uses the Miller cycle and direct petrol injection to raise the compression ratio to 13 to 1 for greater combustion efficiency and a supercharger for instant throttle response and added power. As well as delivering ultra low CO2 emissions, the lightweight, low-friction 1,198cc three-cylinder unit produces the power expected from a conventional 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine.

By minimising heat, friction and pumping losses as much a possible, Nissan's engineers have created an engine that sets the standard for the rest of the industry. Its three-cylinder configuration gives many benefits including less weight and further reductions in friction loss, thanks to having fewer moving parts. Further gains are made thanks to the adoption of advanced engine management systems with Start/Stop and energy regeneration.

The results are spectacular. The Direct Injection Gasoline-Supercharger (DIG-S) engine produces 72kW (98PS) and 142Nm, while CO2 emissions are 95 g/km for the manual version and 115 g/km for the CVT version. Maximum speed is 180km/h for manual. Combined cycle fuel economy figures for the manual Visia version is 4.1 l/100kmh .

In common with industry practice, these headline figures refer to the entry-level version - Visia - as higher levels of equipment found in plusher models mean extra weight which affects emissions performance. But such is the efficiency of the unit that the most popular version, Acenta, also promises an outstanding CO2 figure: just 99 g/km in manual form.

Low running costs are guaranteed not just by the excellent fuel economy but also thanks to tax concessions based on its emissions granted in many European countries and to lower servicing bills from the smaller engine.

The remarkable engine makes sub 100 g/km emissions performance easily accessible while low cost of ownership make it a serious alternative to a comparable diesel... with the added bonus of greater refinement. Its first appearance powering the new Micra makes for an irresistible combination.

Micra's city car credentials have been honed over decades of class leading models. Bristling with new technologies and based on a brand new platform, Europe-bound examples of the fourth generation Micra are built at an entirely new facility in India. It is also built in China, Mexico and Thailand and is sold in 160 countries around the world.

Launched late last year, it is the perfect city car being compact on the outside but spacious inside. City driving is eased by the class leading all-round visibility and by technology that is not only innovative but actually useful, too. Available either as standard or an option are features such as Nissan Connect, a fully integrated entertainment and information package incorporating touch screen satellite navigation.

But perhaps the most useful feature for a city car - and technology that's rarely found on much larger cars - is the Parking Slot Measurement (PSM) system. As its name implies, the system measures potential parking spaces and lets the driver know whether it is large enough for the car or not.

It is available in one body five-door body style, three trim levels - Visia, Acenta and Tekna - and with a choice of two petrol engines. As well as the DIG-S, there's a normally aspirated version of the 1.2-litre engine, developing 59kW (80PS).

The Nissan Micra DIG-S  given its European debut at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show (March 3-13) with sales starting over the summer of 2011.

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Renault Koleos, 2012

 

 

 

 

 

• Renault Koleos, 2012

A renewed version of Renault Koleos is to be released in late 2011. The chief changes concern the model's exterior styling and interior trim, plus appreciable CO2 and fuel consumption savings in the case of its diesel engines. The model reasserts its high-end status by building on the strengths that were widely acclaimed at the time of its launch in 2008, namely its remarkable comfort, versatility and modularity, as well as the speed with which owners are able to familiarise themselves with their new car.

Robust, more dynamic looks
The front end of Renault Koleos has been revised with a view to reasserting its forceful character. The air-intakes positioned either side of the Renault logo on the previous version have made way for an elegant chrome grille, while the dynamism of the model has been reinforced by new, slimmer headlights. The more modern door mirrors now incorporate LED indicators.

The side view expresses the robustness associated with the world of 4x4 motoring thanks to cues such as high ground clearance, prominent wheel arches and new, modern, sporty wheels. The initial version's distinctive rear-end styling has been carried over, including the steeply-raked rear window which suggests forward movement and provides the model with a particularly original stance. New Renault Koleos will also be available in a new dynamic body colour: Cayenne Orange.

Careful attention has been paid to the quality and finish of the cabin. A selection of new upholsteries and trims have enhanced the original vehicle's elegance and refinement, while the dashboard and instrument lighting have evolved, too, with the introduction of a modern, more stylish speedometer housing and display.

CO2 emissions savings for a safe crossover which is at home on all types of road
Depending on market, new Renault Koleos can be ordered with the 150hp or 175hp version of the M9R diesel engine, or with the 170hp (TR25) petrol engine. All three deliver dynamic, high-quality performance under the bonnet of this crossover which measures 4.52m in length and 1.85m in width.

Work on the vehicle, engine and gearbox has produced appreciable CO2 emissions savings for the diesel versions of Koleos. The CO2 emissions of the 4x2 version powered by the dCi 150 engine are just 148g/km, which means it is no longer subject to the eco-surtax applicable in France. The emissions of the bigger dCi 175 engine have also been reduced to 166g/km.

The versatility of new Koleos means that it is as much in its element on city streets as it is on twisty country lanes. The Nissan-developed all-wheel drive transmission of the 4x4 version ensures genuine off-road ability, while the model's carefully-honed volumes, precise steering and stability ensure surefooted agile handling in and about town.

Meanwhile, Renault's expertise in the realm of active and passive safety saw the brand's crossover earn a five-star EuroNCAP crash test rating at the time of its launch thanks to features such as ESP, emergency brake assist, programmed structural deformation, six airbags and seat belt pretensioners.

Exemplary comfort and modularity, plus high-end technologies
New Renault Koleos boasts segment-leading cabin space and comfort, while the interior layout benefits from the extensive expertise of the MPV's pioneer. Everything has been thought through to make sure that all five occupants feel perfectly at ease, including segment-topping headroom and knee room in the front, and an excellent balance between elbow room and headroom for rear passengers.

Practical and modular. The interior of new Renault Koleos features stowage space of up to 70 litres. Access to the large boot (450dm3 VDA) is facilitated by the split-opening tailgate, the bottom section of which forms a robust bench when lowered. The 60/40-split rear bench seat is equipped with the Easy-Estate system, which means it can be folded in one quick movement to free up a flat floor and boot space of 1,380dm3 VDA. The panoramic opening roof makes the cabin even brighter and more enjoyable.

Technologies for enhanced comfort and safety. New Renault Koleos is available with a raft of useful, reassuring and user-friendly high-end features, including hands-free entry and ignition, an electronic parking brake, automatic headlight and windscreen wiper activation and a joystick-operated Carminat TomTom navigation system. The 4x4 versions of new Renault Koleos also incorporate Hill Start Assist and Hill Descent Control.

Use of the audio, navigation and dual-zone climate control systems is perfectly intuitive and their controls fall readily to hand. Meanwhile, careful attention has been paid to eliminating mechanical and road noise which means that occupants are able to fully appreciate the premium Bose sound audio system which has been tailor-engineered to match the characteristics of the cabin.

Renault Koleos: an international calling and an image-building flagship for the brand
Renault Koleos is marketed in some 40 countries on five continents. It was the first vehicle to benefit from Alliance-wide input since it was designed by Renault, features Nissan technologies and is manufactured at the Renault Samsung Motors plant in Busan, South Korea. Thanks to this fruitful collaboration, it has emerged as a spearhead of the Renault range in several markets.

Renault's first crossover has carved out a place in what is a constantly expanding and fiercely competitive segment:

•     An international calling. Thanks toKoleos, Renault enjoys a real place in this growing, image-enhancing segment, notably in China and Latin America. More than 70 percent of Koleos sales were outside of Europe in 2010.
•     In Europe, where its strengths are readily recognised,Koleos has succeeded in defending its position. Indeed, sales have increased significantly over the first four months of 2011 with a 65 percent rise in Koleos registrations across Europe between January and April over the same period in 2010.

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