After three years of waiting for the Aston Martin Rapide’s arrival, most of us were pretty impressed with the car’s sleek, proportioned look. The English coach builder put a lot of thought into the lines and dimensions of the car that would make everyone forget about the 4-door Lagonda that was the saloon for Aston Martin during the mid-seventies to late-eighties. Of course, not everyone could appreciate the new 4 door just as it was and that is why Cargraphic has merely whispered a few changes into the Rapide to tweak its near-perfect status.
Cargraphic began the Rapide’s minimalistic transformation with a tail diffuser, wing mirror caps, and a spoiler at the front apron. Then they added a remote-controlled, high-grade, steel flap exhaust with a polished shield. Exhaust counterpressure is lowered by adding a 200 cell catalyst. This system enables the Rapide to produce a few more horsepower, although we assume, since the number is not mentioned, that it is by an insignificant amount.
Finally, Cargraphic replaced the current tire setup with their very own 21 inch light alloy rims surrounded by 255/35R21 tires in the front and 295/30R21 tires in the back. Additional rim designs are available in 20 and 22 inch options with the GT, I-10, and SPORT.
The modest changes in the 2010 Aston Martin Rapide aren’t something to go crazy about, but if one was looking for a Rapide that promotes a tad more style and function then this would be the way to go.
The fiat Grande Punto debuted in 2005 and received a first facelift in 2008. It comes with a number of significant changes, Fiat’s Blue&Me hands-free entertainment and communications system as standard equipment across the range, the introduction of a new ‘GP’ version, and the addition of Fiat’s acclaimed 1.4 8v engine to Active and Dynamic specification cars.
The new Grande Punto features a unique sporty interior trim, sports instruments, new ‘dark’ headlights, foglights, rear spoiler and new, larger 16-inch alloy wheels. The car also gets three new exterior color: Rap Yellow, HillBilly Azure and Ska Red and all-new sporty interior trim.
Under the hood there is a choice of 1.4 16v, 1.3 and 1.9 MultiJet turbo diesel engines, but also a new 1.4 8v engine that develops 77bhp.
The Fiat Panda is the perfect car for those leaving in crowed cities, but who, in the same time want to enjoy the comfort of a 4x4 model. The model is offered in two versions: 4x4 and 4x4 Climbing, with a range of two engines, two interior specifications and ten body colors.
Under the hood there is a choice of two engines: a 1.2 that develops a maximum power of 60 bhp at 5000 rpm and a torque of 102 Nm at 2500 rpm and the 70 bhp 1.3 Multijet at 4000 rpm and torque of 145 Nm at 1500 rpm. When equipped with the first power unit, the Panda 4x4 accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 20 seconds and reaches a top speed of 145 km/h (when equipped with a second-generation turbodiesel engine, the figures are 16 seconds and 155 km/h respectively).
The 2010 Panda is offered with a Nav Plus infotelematic system, headlight washers and a Dualdrive electric power steering system (the latter is standard over the range). The new car is also unequalled when it comes to safety. Beginning with its outstanding braking system: on versions equipped with the 1.2 Fire power unit, all wheels are fitted with 240 mm diameter discs (the front ones are ventilated) that rise to 257 mm on Multijet versions. The Panda 4x4 offers as standard ABS with EBD complete with an antislip function during deceleration (MSR).
For the big families out there Fiat has created the new Doblo - vehicle designed to meet a need for functionality and comfort that makes the most of interior space and can accommodate up to seven people.
The new Doblo will be offered with a choice of 4 power units at its launch: a 95 HP petrol engine and three diesel Multijet engines, 90, 105 and 135 HP, which will later be joined by a Natural Power engine with dual fuel system (petrol and methane) and an additional diesel engine with Dualogic robotized gearbox.
It features a a central shield and side bumpers perfectly integrated with the body, pronounced wheel arch and sloping shoulder. The interior was designed to offer functionality and create attractive, welcoming environments through combination of colors, materials and trims.
The Sedici is one of the best sold models among Fiat’s range. And with the new generation unveiled it got even better. The new Sedici will be offered in three versions (Dynamic, Emotion and Experience), two drive systems (4x2 and 4x4), 8 bodywork colors and two new engines, so customers will have a lot to choose from.
The New Sedici is equipped with two brand new engines (120 HP 1.6 16v and 135 HP 2.0 Multijet 16v) mated to a five and a six gears respectively. The New Sedici 135 HP 2.0 Multijet boasts performances at the top of its class: it has a top speed of 190 km/h and goes from 0 to 100 km/h in 10.5 seconds (the figures for the 4x4 version are 180 km/h and 11.2 seconds respectively). In addition, the flexibility of the vehicle has been enhanced due to 320 N/m torque which reaches a maximum delivery at 1,500 rpm.
The new Sedici gets a larger front with new “off-road” protection and fog lights with new chromed frames that emphasise the front and enrich the imposing bumpers, lending the vehicle greater elegance and refinement in terms of detail. There will be two new exterior colors added: pearly white and a new grey tone and new 16” alloy rims.
A new hatchback will be rocking its sporty side soon as Ford revealed a new special edition Fiesta, based on the Zetec-S model, for the UK market (of course). The new Fiesta S1600 will be limited to only 650 units and will be priced at £16,665.
The Fiesta S1600 will be distinguished by a number of motorsport details including a unique front bumper with flared lower valence panel, extended side skirts, large rear spoiler and rear diffuser, finished with 17" white alloy wheels (16-in on diesel models). This special edition will be painted in Frozen White or Performance Blue, with contrasting motorsport stripes.
On the interior, the Fiesta will get heated, stitched leather sports seats with standard side-airbags, leather steering wheel, handbrake cover, and gearknob, plus Motorsport-branded floor mats and scuff plates.
The Ford Fiesta S1600 will be offered with a 1.6-litre, 120PS Duratec Ti-VCT petrol engine, or improved 1.6-litre Duratorq TDCi engine with 95PS. Ford has also announced that their tuning partner, Mountune, will be adding an exquisite engine upgrade package although details have yet to be revealed on that option.
Volkswagen has decided that out of the many markets available, they would choose China as the place to, not only introduce their electric vehicle, but to launch an e-mobility program. Sounds like a good decision to us. China is so grossly overpopulated that, based off of a 2008 census, one out of every five people in the world lives in China. So, the decision of many to introduce hybrids and electric vehicles to China isn’t a big shocker. Volkswagen’s choice is the E-Lavida which made its debut at the Beijing Auto Show as one of the first previews for the future Volkswagen’s strategy for e-mobility on the Chinese market. The first electric models on the Chinese market will be revealed between 2013 and 2014.
"The Volkswagen Group has its global strategy for the development of e-Mobility launched in March this year and will soon begin mass production in the e-mobility," said Prof. Dr. Martin Winterkorn, CEO of Volkswagen AG, at the Auto Fair. "The heart of the brand will soon also beat electric. Our goal is market leadership in the e-Mobility 2018. China is the world’s most important market for the Volkswagen Group, and the success of e-mobility in China is crucial to the global implementation of e-mobility strategy."
The Volkswagen E-Lavida is based on a Golf MKIV platform and is powered by an electric motor and batteries, but there are no other details on it just yet.
"The e-mobility strategy for China is perfectly tailored to local needs. Volkswagen will provide its entire BlueMotion technology to the two Chinese joint ventures for local production. The Volkswagen Group China has a hundred percent committed to the aim of providing Chinese consumers with innovative, energy-saving and environmentally friendly technologies available to achieve sustainable development. We are confident that will develop the Volkswagen Group China through our commitment to the market leader for e-mobility technologies in China," said Winfried Vahland, CEO of Volkswagen Group China.
Over the weekend Zagato unveiled the official details on the new Alfa Romeo TZ3 Corsa - a "race car that honors 100 years of races and victories across the whole 20th century." It is part of the "TZ Project" issued by Andrea Zagato and has received the Concept Design Award at the 2010 Villa d’Este Concours.
The TZ3 Corsa is a one-off project commissioned by Martin Kapp - who owns an Alfa Romeo TZ and TZ2 - while he was attending the Zandvoort Tribute. It is based on a mono shell carbon fiber tubular chassis, coupled with a tubular frame, and a body which has been formed by handbeaten alloy panels. With a total weight of 850 kilos, the TZ3 is powered by a 4.2-liter Maserati V8 engine with dry sump lubrication that delivers a total of 420 hp and is mated to a 6 speed sequential tractive gearbox.
According to the first specifications unveiled by Zagato, the TZ3 can sprint from 0 to 60 mph in 3.5 seconds and can hit a top speed of more than 186 mph.
Alfa Romeo and Zagato have been partners since their beginning races at the Mille Miglia. Together, they achieved victories with the 1500 6C, the 1750 GS and the 8C 2300 Zagato of the Scuderia Ferrari. Other notable victories would be the 1964 12 hours of Sebring, the Targa Florio, the Nurburgring, and the 24 hours of Le Mans. These victories, and many more, illustrate the effective partnership between Alfa Romeo and Zagato.
Another simple, itty-bitty car to quench the spacial thirst of the ever-growing population. MG unveiled the Zero Concept today at the Beijing Auto Show and according to the official press release "the MG ZERO concept previews the design direction of the brand and demonstrates how MG can expand into this high-volume sector of the market." Really it is just another answer to the question of how we are going to make space for the crowded world. Their portion of the answer; a car that is 4 meters in length and which looks similar to the Ford Start Concept revealed yesterday.
The concept uses high-tech materials inspired from ultra high-performance sports equipment. The interior features the latest technology touch screens to allow occupants to interact with the world around them and features a striking ‘floating console’ design around the driver.
Commenting on the exterior style, Design Director Tony Williams said “This concept shows a bold, individual soul. The bonnet is formed around the famous octagonal badge, the graphics flow into striking lamps and the large lower grille completes the confident, sporty character. The body-side has a strong shoulder, a dynamic scalloped feature in the doors and flared arches to give a wide stance and strong road presence. The feature lines have been designed to give a strong relationship to the wheel arch demonstrating the fun nature of the cars dynamics."
MG is certainly speeding up and attempting to produce more than its solitary model. Right now, the MG TF is the only MG in production and will see North American sales in 2014. Later this year, however, the four- and five-door MG6 will emerge and the rumormill is producing an idea about an MG3 family car that will rival the Volkswagen Golf. The MG Zero is expected to go on sale in the UK in 2012 for about £9000.
Fiat Bravo is entering the 2010 model year with a new exterior and an improved standard equipment list. Starting with the exterior, the 2010 Bravo gets a new black and metallic grids, mirrors and handles in matching body color. There are two new exterior colors added: Melodic Grey and Ballad Pearl. The interior also features a new carbon-look dashboard, more modern and elegant.
The equipment list includes: Active Sound pack (for Active) includes fog lights, CD radio, and MP3 player; the Blue Dynamic pack (for Dynamic) includes Blue&Me, rear parking sensors and rear electric windows; the Blue Emotion pack (for Emotion) includes Blue&Me, front and rear parking sensors, light and rain sensor and electrically folding mirrors; and finally, the Blue Sport pack (for Sport) includes Blue&Me, 18” alloy rims, tinted back seat windows and rear window.
