2012 Audi E-tron Concept

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2012 Kia Picanto revealed

Kia has released the first details of its next generation Picanto, which will debut at this March’s Geneva International Motorshow.

Few technical specifications have been released, but from launch power will come from a choice of 1.0 or 1.2 litre petrol engines, both of which are brand new. A 1.1 litre diesel will join the line-up later.



A big change from the current model is that, in Europe at least, a three-door version will be offered alongside the usual five-door hatchback body style.



Judging by the images, the styling is a huge advance on the current Picanto. The front end seems particularly dramatic and - unsurprisingly - shares its look with other recent Kia models, such as the Venga.

Cadillac drops turbo SRX

Cadillac is discontinuing the turbo versions of its SRX crossover, due to low demand.

Dropping the 300 bhp (223 kW / 304 PS) 2.8 litre V6 turbo motor means that the only engine now available for the SRX is a normally aspirated 3.0 litre V6, which produces 265 bhp (197 kW / 268 PS).



The reason for dropping the more powerful option can’t be because buyers are put off by its fuel consumption. Indeed, the EPA Highway rating of 22 mpg US (26.4 mpg UK / 10.6 l/100km) for the SRX turbo is barely any worse than the 23 mpg US (27.6 mpg UK / 10.2 l/100km) recorded by the 3.0 litre V6 with all-wheel drive.

Rather, it seems that Cadillac got the pricing wrong. Whereas the base non-turbo version with front-wheel drive has a price tag of $34,705 (including destination charges), the cheapest turbo SRX costs $50,790 - almost 50% more.



It’s unclear how this move will affect the forthcoming Saab 9-4X. Due to be launched in North America during May 2011, the 9-4X is based on the SRX and was going to share its engine line-up.



Images © GM Corp.



Related post:

Saab 9-4X unveiled

The Powerful Version of Audi A3

Audi company declassified the most powerful version of five-door hatchback A3 — RS3.

2011 Audi RS3

The novelty received the 2,5-litre five-cylinder engine (340HP, 450 Nm), working together with 7-step S-tronic gear box. From 0 to 100 km/h, Audi RS3 equipped with firm system of an all wheel drive, can be accelerated for 4,6 seconds, and its maximum speed is limited by electronics on a mark of 250 km/h. According to Audi company, average fuel consumption makes 9,1 l/100 km of run. Level of CO2 — 212 grammes/km.

Also the most powerful Audi A3 received the new suspender underestimated on 25 mm, powerful four-piston brake gears with 370-mm disks on a front axle and with 310-mm on the rear.

Besides, the charged car has 19-inch wheel disks from an aluminium alloy, and completely disconnected system of a sports stabilisation mode.

Sales of a new Audi RS3 in the European car market start in this year. Cost of car in Germany — 49,900 euro.

New Generation of Audi A6

Audi company published official photos and characteristics of a new 2012 Audi A6. The body of a luxury sedan more than on 20% is made of aluminium, and its design continues a theme of unification of the "senior" and "younger" models, therefore the novelty simultaneously reminds both A4, and A7, and A8.

2012 Audi A6 will be offered to buyers with five engines: two petrol engine (204 and 300HP), and three diesel engine (177 to 245HP).

2012 Audi A6 (sedan)

One of the most interesting versions of the car will be hybrid: its power-plant consists of the 2,0-litre petrol motor (211HP) and the auxiliary 45-strong electric motor.

Audi A6 sales begin in the first months 2011, a bit later there will be universal Avant and sports version S6.

2010 BMW Sports Cars Z4 GT3

2010 BMW Sports Cars Z4 GT3

The German company BMW has been considered as one of the top manufacturers ever since it was first introduced in 1916, they have been an expert when it comes to creating new and innovative vehicles to cater to the market. GT3 BMW Z4, which is officially launched and completed the first test drive in early March, already enjoying great popularity among customers of BMW Motorsport. The first cars delivered to private teams, BMW will prepare them for use in national and international championships.

2010 BMW Sports Cars Z4 GT3

BMW Z4 production model is impressive: with a long hood, wheel arches are lit, the long wheelbase and narrow projection, this car offers a unique look. BMW Motorsport engineers two passengers provide a good basis to develop close to GT3 racing car production.

“Information about the 2010 BMW Sports Cars Z4 GT3 very positive,” said BMW Motorsport Director Mario Theissen. ‘Round these sports cars in the range of our products, and provides drivers and teams a chance to compete at the championships in accordance with the GT3 regulations – such as the FIA GT3 European Championship, the International GT Open or Masters ADAC GT – and 24-hour endurance races." In addition, the BMW M3 GT2, the BMW 320si WTCC, which complies with Super2000 regulations, and the close-to-production BMW M3 GT4 are also available to customer teams from all over the world at BMW Motorsport Distribution.

2010 BMW Sports Cars Z4 GT3

The largest difference between production and racing car can be found under the bonnet: while the production version of the BMW Z4 is driven by a six-cylinder engine, the GT3 car is powered by a 4.0-litre eight-cylinder engine similar to the unit used in the BMW M3 GT2. This powerful heart produces over 480 bhp. Its excellent performance characteristics and good torque curve make the base engine from the production version of the BMW M3 predestined for use in motorsport.

Front and rear wings, bonnet, roof, fender and many other components are made of carbon fibre reinforced plastics (CFRP). Using this lightweight, torsion-resistant material contributed significantly to reducing the weight of the 2010 BMW Sports Cars Z4 GT3 to 1,200 kilograms. As with all cars in the BMW customer racing range, the emphasis was also put on cost-efficiency when developing the 2010 BMW Sports Cars Z4 GT3. As a result, the car offers an excellent cost / quality ratio and gives the team a chance to participate personally in the affordable sports car at the highest level.

2010 BMW Sports Cars Z4 GT3

The BMW Z4 GT3 is available as a racing version is available from the second quarter of 2010 at an estimated price of 298,000 Euro (plus VAT).

Small 3-door Crossover by MINI

Company MINI declassified the new conceptual car — three-door compact crossover Paceman. This car will be presented to general public in the middle of January of next year on Detroit Motor Show. About it it's told in the official press release.

2012 MINI Paceman from a Countryman platform

The novelty is constructed on a Countryman, however the prototype overall length on 13 mm is more (4110 mm), than at MINI Countryman, and the height — on 20 mm is less (1541 mm). Besides, at Paceman similar registration of a front part of a body, including a windshield, headlights, radiator and bumper.

The crossover prototype is equipped by the 211-strong four-cylinder gasoline engine in volume of 1,6 litres which is established on tuning versions MINI by John Cooper Works studio, and system of all wheel drive All4.

According to representatives of the British manufacturer, the decision on possibility of serial release of a three-door crossover MINI for the present is not accepted. However if the general management gives to the project a "green light" on the conveyor the similar car appears in two years and, as experts assume, becomes the most expensive MINI model.