2011 Mercedes SLR by Wheelsandmore

Earlier today we brought news of a Wheelsandmore tuning package for the Mercedes SLS AMG, now it’s time for its ancestor to get our attention. Well, actually, it got the attention of the very same tuner, who seems to show the same interest for the old McLaren SLR, both the standard and the SLR 722 S.

Out of the two vehicles featured, the most impressive package belongs to the 722 S version, where the addition of optimized control electronics, a change in compression ratio, and a completely hand-made, improved exhaust system with radio remote-controlled exhaust valves, the vehicle’s output is increased to an impressive 730 HP (up from standard 650 HP). However, the increase for the standard SLR isn;t too shabby either with a bump to 680hp. Top speed for the 722 S is now 213 mph and 211 mph for the standard SLR.

Next to these amazing engine upgrades, the tuner is also offering a racing chassis, new 20" in-house forged wheels, and carbon fiber components for the interior.

2012 Mazda3

2012 Mazda3 sedan and five-door hatchback models that are making their world premiere at this week’s 2011 Canadian International AutoShow in Toronto. In addition to receiving a cosmetic pick-me-up, the refreshed Mazda3 gains the Japanese firm’s new Skyactiv-G gasoline engine and Skyactiv-Drive automatic transmission.

The new powertrain, 2012 Mazda3 get the first application of its Skyactive engine and transmission technologies in a production vehicle. All we know for now is that the engine will feature direct-injection tech and a high compression ratio, while the transmission is said to be compact in size and light in weight, with both contributing to an improved fuel efficiency and reduced CO2 emissions.

The car receives reworked front and rear bumpers with a redesigned front grill, fog bezels and front headlamps. Newly designed 16- and 17-inch alloy wheels round off the cosmetic changes for the 2012 model. The 2012 Mazda3 will arrive in U.S. showrooms this fall.

2012 Hyundai i40

2012 Hyundai i40 will make world premiere at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show on March 1. The car is four-door sedan model, designed and engineered at Hyundai’s R&D headquarters in Rüsselsheim, Germany, Hyundai says the i40 is the company’s “first D-segment vehicle to be developed specifically for the European market, with a package of powertrains, equipment and technology tailored for European tastes.”

Exterior styling of 2012 Hyundai i40 than it is to the latest Sonata, and encompasses design cues from Hyundai’s ‘fluidic sculpture’ design language. The flowing roofline and accentuated profile line help to visually lighten the design of the estate model.

While in interior gets a sculpted dashboard with a prominent screen display mounted high up and flanked by a pair of small air vents, underneath which nestle a bank of push buttons for ventilation and minor controls.

The i40 mid-size model will be offered with a variety of modern powertrains including Hyundai’s new 1.7-liter four-cylinder turbo diesel engine that emits just 113 g/km of CO2 emissions. The Korean automaker did not release any other details on the engine lineup, but it is believed that the Veloster’s 1.6-liter gasoline engine and a 2.0-liter four-cylinder petrol with direct injection and an output of around 170-horsepower, will also be on offer.

“Offering more for less has always been a fundamental principle at Hyundai, and now we are advancing this with our new brand direction under the ‘New Thinking. New Possibilities.’ slogan. The i40 is a perfect example of how we are offering the best and making it accessible to everyone. From stunning design and specification, to industry-leading technology and aftersales care – the i40 sets itself apart from its competitors.” Allan Rushforth, Senior Vice President and COO of Hyundai Motor Europe said.

2012 Lotus Elise Club Racer

The new 1.6 Lotus Elise Club Racer by the bright engineers at Lotus put even the lightest of Lotus’ modern cars on a diet and managed to shed a further 24kg. So how did Lotus manage to make one of the lightest models on the market even lighter? Read more please!!

The engineers behind the Lotus Elise Club Racer took a stripped-to-the-bare-bone approach visualised by the body-coloured seats but materialised in many ways such as the motorsport derived lightweight battery and the deletion of noise insulation. Attention to even the smallest of details has ensured that Lotus’ passion for performance through lightweight has been translated throughout the car.

For 2012 Club Racer, an Elise variant comes complete with a Sport setting for the DPM (Dynamic Performance Management) allowing even the less experienced sports car drivers to feel at the top of their game, while the ability to switch it off completely will please the more established track orientated drivers. DPM combined with improved agility courtesy of Lotus finely tuned sport suspension and an adjustable anti-roll bar will make the Lotus Elise Club Racer equally versatile for both road and race track fun.

The Lotus Elise Club Racer offers choice of six striking colours (Sky Blue, Saffron Yellow, Ardent Red, Aspen White, Matt Black and Carbon Grey) and bespoke design elements that emphasise the character of the car.

It’s pocket pleasing too, at £27,500 / €34,450 / CHF48,900, the Lotus Elise Club Racer marks the new entry level sports car from Lotus. And with the Elise standard of just 149g CO2/km plus the weight reduction, the new Club Racer provides maximum fun without so much of the green-guilt usually associated with high performance driving.

2012 Nissan Micra DIG-S

The all-new Nissan Micra DIG-S with CO2 emissions of only 95 g/km is one of the cleanest petrol engines in the world. The Japanese firm’s engineers used a 1.2-liter three-cylinder unit fitted with a supercharger and direct injection, which can be coupled either to a manual transmission or a CVT automatic gearbox.

Nissan will showcase the DIG-S at the Geneva Motor Show in March with European sales set to debut this summer. It will be only available in a five-door body style and with three trim levels. Besides the supercharged engine, the Japanese automaker is offering an 80HP 1.2-liter naturally aspirated variant as well.

The result is powerplant uses the Miller cycle and with a peak output of 98HP and 142 Nm (105 lb-ft) of torque, it’s said to be on par with a conventional 1.5-liter four-cylinder unit. Other technical highlights include the 13:1 compression ratio that increases combustion efficiency, the reduced heat, friction and pumping losses thanks to fewer moving parts, and advanced engine management systems with Start/Stop feature and energy regeneration capabilities.

The entry-level trim grade of the Micra DIG-S can hit a top speed of 180 km/h (112 mph) when equipped with a manual transmission, while returning estimated fuel consumption of 4.1 lt/100 km (57.4 US mpg) on the combined cycle with 95 g/km of CO2.

2012 Nissan Micra DIG-S offers manual variants with higher trim levels (Acenta and Tekna) emit 99 g/km due to the added equipment. The CVT version is the least efficient of the pack, but with CO2 emissions of 115 g/km is still a proper tree hugger’s car.

2012 Land Rover Range_e diesel-electric plug-in hybrid

The Range_e is said to be one of several working prototypes currently being developed at Land Rover’s design and engineering centre in the UK. It is based on the Range Rover Sport model and features a 3.0-litre V6 turbocharged diesel engine with an eight-speed ZF automatic transmission mated to an, as-of-yet unspecified, electric motor and battery pack.

The new Land Rover Range_e diesel-electric plug-in will make its motor show debut at next month’s Geneva Salon. The all-wheel drive prototype can run purely on electricity for up to a distance of 20 miles or approximately 32 kilometers and emits as low as 89g/km of CO2. The Range_e also has a top speed of 120 mph or 193 km/h and a combined driving range of 690 miles or 1,110 kilometers.

The Range_e will be joined at Land Rover’s Geneva Motor Show stand by two new Limited Editions, the Range Rover Autobiography Ultimate and the 2011 Discovery 4 ‘Landmark’ with Black and White themes.

2012 Volvo V60 Plug-in Hybrid More Photos and Info

Today, the Swedish automaker Volvo released a full set of photos and additional information on V60 Plug-in Hybrid than previous post, which will be launched in the market in 2012. Pegged as the world’s first diesel plug-in hybrid, the eco-friendly V60 is the result of close co-operation between Volvo Cars and Swedish energy supplier Vattenfall, and it promises to offer low fuel consumption and CO2 levels, combined with long range and high performance.

2012 Volvo V60 Plug-in Hybrid powered by five-cylinder 2.4-litre D5 turbo diesel with 215 horsepower and maximum torque of 440 Nm that drives the front wheels, and a 70HP-strong electric motor that receives its juice from a 12 kWh lithium-ion battery pack and motivates the rear wheels. The car also features a six-speed automatic transmission.

Its offers the battery package can be recharged via a regular power socket (230V/6A, 10A or 16A), with the charging time depending on the level of the current. A full 10A charge takes 4.5 hours. The time is shortened to 3 hours with 16A, while a charge in a 6A socket takes 7.5 hours.

“The second-generation hybrid is the perfect choice for the uncompromising buyer who wants a superbly carbon dioxide-lean car packed with driving pleasure. To get drivers to think green, we have offered both, in one traditional genuine sports wagon” said Stefan Jacoby, President and CEO of Volvo Cars.

Also offers option three different modes via a set of push buttons on the center console: Pure, Hybrid and Power. In Pure, the car runs only on its electric motor as much as possible, with the maximum driving range being up to 32 miles or 51 kilometers with zero emissions of carbon dioxide. There also an AWD button in the centre stack that activates electric four-wheel drive. In this case, the central control unit manages torque distribution to the diesel-driven front wheels and the electrically powered rear axle.

In Hybrid mode, which is the default setting whenever the car is started, makes use of both the diesel engine and electric motor. In this mode, V60 Plug-in Hybrid returns a fuel economy of up to 125 mpg US (equal to 150 mpg UK and 1.9 lt/100km) with CO2 emissions of just 49 g/km, and a total driving range of up to 746 miles or 1,200 kilometers.

While Power mode, the system is optimized to give the car the best possible performance, with the diesel engine and electric motor producing a combined power output of 215 + 70 horsepower and maximum torque of 440 + 200 Nm. According to Volvo, the station wagon model completes the 0 to 62 mph (100 km/h) sprint in just 6.9 seconds.

There are some subtle styling differences over the standard V60 such as the modified instrument panel that offers information about diesel and electricity consumption, battery charge level and remaining range, the restyled bumpers and the lightweight alloy wheels wrapped around in low rolling resistance Pirelli tires.

2012 Maserati GranCabrio Sport

Maserati will use the 2011 Geneva Motor Show to take its grand-touring convertible to a new level of performance and handling with the Maserati GranCabrio Sport. Conceived to give the GranCabrio a harder-edged model to sit alongside the GranTurismo S and the Quattroporte Sport GT S.

The new exterior’s red Italian national colours, the Maserati GranCabrio Sport is characterised by a more-pronounced dynamic look. This look begins at the GranCabrio’s distinctive nose with a black grille and a Trident with red accents. The headlights now have a black look with white sidemarks, while front corner splitters and the redesigned side skirts are both body coloured.

2012 Maserati GranCabrio Sport uses a more powerful and fuel-efficient version of Maserati’s, all-alloy 4.7-litre V8, coupled with the ZF six-speed automatic transmission. This naturally aspirated engine produces in this configuration 331 kW (450 horsepower) and has 510 Nm at the peak of its rich, thick torque curve. Maserati’s Friction Reduction Program has made the Maserati GranCabrio Sport’s engine more reactive to the driver’s most-nuanced inputs, while reaching a 6% reduction in fuel consumption. The top speed of the Maserati GranCabrio Sport is 285 km/h.

This six-speed transmission is equipped with the super-fast MC Auto Shift software and has been developed for the Maserati GranCabrio Sport directly from the transmission in the Quattroporte Sport GT S. The MC Auto Shift provides optimised gearshift response resulting in an even-greater engagement.

Also get an upgrade and revision of the Skyhook active-suspension system – now with a sportier tuning – and the adoption of grooved and drilled dual-cast brake discs.

2011 Edo Lamborghini Murcielago LP750

The Edo competition team hands on a Lamborghini Murciélago LP750, Edo successfully achieve to top speed of up to 365 km/h is possible. The engine’s power output was increased to an impressive 750 horsepower and the torque output now stands at 740 Nm (546 ft-lb). The edo Lamborghini Murciélago LP750 hits 100 km/h (62 mph) in 3.1 seconds, 200 km/h (124 mph) in 9.7 seconds and the magical 300 km/h (186 mph) mark in 24.5 seconds.

To achieve the enormous boost in power, the cylinder heads were modified and a high flow airbox was installed. The completely revised intake system for this engine features a new hand-made intake manifold as well as modified air ducts. This system helps to increase the intake air mass and velocity, an effect that becomes even more pronounced at higher speeds. High performance exhaust headers, high flow catalytic converters, more aggressive camshafts, bucket tappets, mufflers, exhaust tips and high flow air filters were developed from the ground up and installed on the vehicle. The ECU was reprogrammed to make ideal use of these modifications.

Edo also complementing the engine modifications is an optimized aerodynamics package which improves high-speed stability and adds to the dynamic and elegant appearance of the vehicle. A re-designed, beautifully shaped rear wing, now featuring an adjustable lip spoiler, rounds off the package.

2011 Edo Lamborghini Murcielago LP750 using ultra-lightweight 18/19 alloy wheels with special Michelin 265/35 ZR 18 front and 345/30 ZR 19 rear tires. A new edo competition high performance exhaust system made from stainless steel, along with a revised exhaust tip, provides a great soundtrack and adds to the rear of the car. A butterfly valve system is optional and a remote control is available on request.

In addition, Edo competition has also developed a new single plate clutch to fortify the drivetrain in light of the extra power. On request, the edo Lamborghini Murciélago LP750 can be converted from all-wheel to rear-wheel drive, resulting in weight savings of 40 kg (88 lbs) and even more agile handling.

2012 Honda Civic

2012 Honda Civic is designed to even better meet the diverse needs of the compact-vehicle buyer when it launches in the spring of 2011. The entire redesigned ninth-generation Civic lineup will become more fuel efficient with two models – the all-new Honda Civic HF and the Civic Hybrid – each delivering fuel economy estimates of more than 40 mpg on the highway.

“The Civic is the only model in the industry that can deliver on all fronts – fuel economy, sporty performance, smart packaging, alternative fuel and long-term value,” said John Mendel, executive vice president of sales for American Honda Motor Co.,Inc. “For the ninth-generation Civic, we are emphasizing improved fuel economy across the board, from the hybrid sedan to the sporty Si model.”

The Honda Civic HF fuel-efficient gasoline-only is equipped with a 1.8-liter i-VTEC engine. It is will be the most fuel-efficient targeted to earn EPA-estimated fuel economy of 41 mpg on the highway. The 2012 Civic Hybrid, which will be outfitted for the first time with a lithium-ion battery and a larger 1.5-liter i-VTEC engine, is expected to achieve an EPA-estimated city/highway combined fuel economy of 45 mpg, an improvement of 4 mpg compared to the current Civic Hybrid.

Both the Honda Civic HF and Civic Hybrid models will be equipped with aerodynamic components for improved efficiency and Honda ECO Assist™ technology, an innovation that can enhance efficient vehicle operation while providing feedback to promote more efficient individual driving styles.

In addition, the Civic Sedan, Civic Coupe and Civic GX Natural Gas models are also estimated to achieve improved fuel economy compared to the current models. The Honda Civic Sedan and Civic Coupe achieve an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 39 mpg on the highway, an improvement of 3 mpg when compared to the current model. The Civic Natural Gas vehicle is anticipated to earn a 7 percent improvement in fuel economy compared to the current model. The Civic Sedan, Civic Coupe and Civic Natural Gas models will all be equipped with the Honda ECO Assist technology.

While the Civic Si sedan and coupe models will be equipped with a larger, more powerful 2.4-liter engine as well as a new 6-speed manual transmission. The new engine is anticipated to deliver 200 horsepower with 170 ft-lb of torque. Even with the larger engine and a 22 percent increase in torque, Civic Si is targeted to achieve an EPA-estimated highway fuel economy of 31 mpg; an increase of 2 mpg when compared to the current model.

The 2012 Civic lineup includes a sedan and a coupe with conventional gasoline models, a new “HF” high fuel economy version, two sporty “Si” performance versions, along with one hybrid and a natural gas alternative-fuel variant.

2012 HONDA CIVIC SPECS DATA

Civic HF, Sedan, Coupe and Natural Gas Specifications

• 140 horsepower, 1.8-liter i-VTEC™ 4-cylinder engine
• 5-speed automatic transmission
• ECO Assist technology
• EPA-estimated Civic HF highway fuel economy: 41 mpg
• EPA-estimated Civic Sedan and Civic Coupe highway fuel economy: 39 mpg

Civic Hybrid Specifications

• 110 horsepower, 1.5-liter i-VTEC™ 4-cylinder engine (combined gasoline + electric)
• Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)
• Lithium-ion battery
• ECO Assist technology
• EPA-estimated Civic Hybrid city/highway combined fuel economy: 45 mpg

Civic Si Specifications

• 200 horsepower and 170 lb-ft, 2.4-liter i-VTEC™ 4-cylinder engine
• 6-speed manual transmission
• EPA-estimated Civic Si highway fuel economy: 31 mpg

2012 Ford Territory

The new Territory wears a stylish suit cut from Ford’s kinetic design language and its bold new look makes it instantly recognisable as a member of Ford’s comprehensive model family. Successfully presenting these two functional roles in an exciting visual form was the responsibility of the Ford Australia design team, headed by Chris Svensson, Design Director for Ford Asia Pacific and Africa.

Exterior of Ford Territory, at the front uses an all-new tri-plane front-end architecture. The new trapezoid-shaped main grille is one of the new Ford Territory’s most noticeable updates. New slim-line headlights with projector beam technology are another stand-out feature of the new Ford Territory’s frontal styling. The high-series Titanium variant takes this a step further with the introduction of LED (Light-Emitting Diode) position lamps integrated into its redesigned front bumper. At the bottom of Territory’s new face is a U-formed lower chin skid plate.

The new Territory sports a sculpted new bonnet and subtle flutes for the front guards. Bold wheel lips emphasise its athletic stance. A new C-pillar design smooths the transition from front to rear. Resurfaced door cladding and a lower rocker moulding combine to give Ford Territory a lower, athletic stance.

At the rear, Svensson’s highly skilled team has made a number of enhancements. New Territory sports sleek horizontal tail lights that wrap around the rear of the vehicle that create a seamless visual link to the rear of the vehicle. Connecting them is a new rear lift-gate appliqué. Finishing the new rear styling is a redesigned bumper and new lower-level valence panel.

In interior of Ford Territory is displaying sporty and sophisticated. In an Australian Ford-first, the new Territory will be available with Ford’s advanced eight-inch colour touch screen – a technology milestone for an Australian-built Ford vehicle. This stylish and simple-to-use feature will be fitted to the Territory TS and Titanium models as standard equipment. The Ford Territory TX will be fitted with a 5.8-inch monochromatic display screen.

This stylish and functional feature uses a smooth-action tambour door which adds to the interior’s equally smooth style. It is here the new IP connects with Territory’s stylish and functional centre console. Versatile cup holders, deep console bin storage and USB / iPod connectivity exemplify Ford Territory’s famed user-friendliness.

2011 Smart Forspeed Concept

Smart is presenting an unconventional study, the Forspeed Concept combines contemporary urban mobility with the fun factor typical of smart. The two-seater has no roof or side windows and it features a low wind deflector instead of a windscreen in the style of a classic propeller aircraft. The result is an incomparable fresh air driving experience.

Daimler’s minicar maker is bringing an all-electric, roofless version of the Smart ForTwo to the Geneva Motor Show, and the Forspeed concept looks surprisingly similar to the the Smart Speedster we got a peek at a few weeks ago.

Smart Forspeed is a pure concept, it comes equipped with some interesting taillights, no external door handles and since it’s sans-roof, there’s a toneau cover that can either coat the entire interior or just the passenger side if you get caught in the rain.

2011 Smart Forspeed Concept support by 41-hp electric motor can yawn the car all the way up to 37 miles per hour in 5.5 seconds and provide a top speed of 75 mph. That’s not excatly “speedy” as the name implys, but the boost button you see on the dash offers another seven ponies. More important is the ED part of the clumsy “ForspeED” name; it refers to the Electric Drive powertrain that we also find in the Fortwo ED. At least the concept hits 37 mph a second sooner than the standard Fortwo ED.

The range for the Forspeed is estimated to be 85 miles, with an 80-percent charge possible in 45 minutes.