Volvo Boosts Power With R-Design S60, XC60 2012

Car Name: Volvo R-Design S60

Brand Name: Volvo

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Volvo is increasing the power in the R-Design-trimmed S60 and XC60 for the 2012 model year. Both vehicles now have a power rating of 325 horsepower and 354 pounds-feet of torque. The turbocharged inline-six-cylinder in both models is the same one found on each trim’s T6 model, but here the engine produces an additional 25 horsepower to better match the sporting aspirations of the more expensive R-Design trim level.

Each model comes with standard all-wheel drive and a six-speed automatic transmission. The S60 R-Design will have a starting price of $42,275 and the XC60 R-Design will start at $43,150 when they both go on sale this summer. The R-Design trim is new for the second-generation S60; the last time it was available on the model was in 2007. It's essentially a sportier, more aggressive-looking S60 T6. The suspension has been lowered on the model, and the chassis has been stiffened with a front strut brace and rear monotube dampers.

Exterior changes on the S60 include a new lowered front end design. The rear bumper gets the same treatment. Unique 18-inch alloy wheels and dual exhaust designs are also included. On the inside, there are front seats with larger bolsters and unique color combinations.

We already thought the S60 T6 had enough performance for the casual driver for a lower starting price of $37,700. It’ll be interesting to see whether these changes can help the model better compete with the BMW 3-Series for performance buyers. Check out our shots of the two models from the New York International Auto Show. Tell us in the comment section below if you think the changes are worth the cash.

 Volvo R-Design S60

  Volvo R-Design S60

 

  Volvo R-Design S60

 Volvo R-Design S60

  Volvo R-Design S60

  Volvo R-Design S60

 Volvo R-Design S60

Car Name: Volvo R-Design XC60

Brand Name: Volvo

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 Volvo R-Design XC60

 Volvo R-Design XC60

 Volvo R-Design XC60

 Volvo R-Design XC60

 Volvo R-Design XC60

 Volvo R-Design XC60

Toyota Yaris HSD Concept Vitz 2012 Model

Car Name: Yaris HSD Concept Vitz

Brand Name: Toyota

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Here are, Yaris HSD concept confirmed for 2011 Geneva Motor Show. Toyota stepped in to take full hybrid technology to a B segment which is the largest segment in Europe. Toyota likely will have severe competition with the existence of this hybrid, because the buyer may prefer a high-efficiency diesel engines. Toyota says the Yaris Concept HSD will use some suggestions for very specific hybrid design, so expect more than a little outside influence Prius. However, Toyota seems to have a strong stance that the full hybrid technology is the key to sustainable mobility in the future. Let’s see the Yaris HSD concept confirmed for 2011 Geneva Motor Show press release below.

 Toyota Yaris HSD Concept Vitz 2012 Front  

  Toyota Yaris HSD Concept Vitz 2012 Backside 

  Toyota Yaris HSD Concept Vitz 2012 Interior Seats 

  Toyota Yaris HSD Concept Vitz 2012 Interior Staring

  Toyota Yaris HSD Concept Vitz 2012 Track View 

  Toyota Yaris HSD Concept Vitz 2012 Show View 

Toyota Yaris HSD Concept 2011 Model

Car Name: Toyota Yaris HSD Concept 

Brand Name: Toyota

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Toyota has revealed the Yaris HSD Concept at 2011 the Geneva motor show. To be followed by production model due for launch in Europe in 2012, Yaris HSD will bring Hybrid Synergy Drive to the supermini B-segment, which accounts for the largest share of the European new car market.

The exterior of Yaris HSD concept inherits the clever packaging that has historically been a fundamental of element of Yaris. The upper grille opening is shallow, flanked by highly contoured headlamps, promoting a smooth airflow over the upper body. The Toyota emblem is fully integrated into the front lip of the bonnet.

Yaris HSD concept features a number of styling cues that identify the car as a Toyota full hybrid. Flat, vertical ‘aero’ corners minimize air turbulence and house front foglamps and matching rear reflectors. Airflow is also managed by a large, integral rear spoiler, underbody covers and 18-inch aero wheels with enlarged gaps to promote cooling. 

The hybrid-specific white pearl paintwork is exclusive to the concept car and shows off a new development of this finish, with sparkling blue metallic accents created using multi-layering application techniques. Fuel efficiency and low CO2 emissions are established attractive qualities in the B-segment. In all-electric EV mode the system produces zero CO2, NOx and particulates tailpipe emissions.

The production model which will follow the Yaris HSD concept will be launched throughout Europe during the second half of 2012. Cars will be built at Toyota Motor Manufacturing France’s Valenciennes plant.

 Toyota Yaris HSD Concept 2011 Model Front

 Toyota Yaris HSD Concept 2011 Model Side

 Toyota Yaris HSD Concept 2011 Model Back

 Toyota Yaris HSD Concept 2011 Model Straight 

 Toyota Yaris HSD Concept 2011 Model Back Straight

  Toyota Yaris HSD Concept 2011 Model Rim 

 Toyota Yaris HSD Concept 2011 Model Interior 

 Toyota Yaris HSD Concept 2011 Model Front Straight

 

Toyota Yaris HSD Concept 2011 Model TopClass View

BMW 1-Series M Coupe 2012 Model

Car Name: BMW 1-Series M Coupe

Brand Name: BMW

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To create a new dimension of sports-style compact vehicle developed for everyday use, BMW has unveiled the 1-Series M Coupe. This 2-door model will come to embody the unmistakable M feeling in a highly concentrated form, with outstanding sporty flair resulted from the athletic character of its body design.

The 1-Series M Coupe uses in-line 6-cylinder engine with M TwinPower Turbo and petrol direct injection that develops a maximum output of 250 kW/340 bhp with an engine-speed-oriented characteristic curve typical of BMW M cars. The engine offers acceleration in 4.9 seconds from zero to 100 km/h and reaches the 200 km/h mark after 17.3 seconds. 

The M TwinPower Turbo Technology used in the BMW 1 Series M Coupe consists of two relatively small superchargers which, because of their low inertia moment, are active even at low engine speeds, each providing three cylinders with compressed air. The transmission of propulsion power in the BMW 1 Series M Coupe is taken care of by a 6-speed manual transmission. 

BMW 1 Series M Coupe is the shortest and the flattest model in the BMW M range, measuring 4,380 millimeters in length and 1,420 millimeters in height. It is 55 millimeters wider than the BMW 135i Coupe.

The BMW 1 Series M Coupe is fitted as standard with bi-xenon headlamps. The twin circular headlights characteristic of the brand are truncated in the upper section by an LED-fed positioning light. The exterior paint finishes Alpine White non-metallic; Sapphire Black metallic and the exclusive Valencia Orange metallic are available to be matched with the standard 19-inch M light alloy wheels in Y-spoke design.

 BMW 1-Series M Coupe 2012 Side

BMW 1-Series M Coupe 2012 Back Straight

BMW 1-Series M Coupe 2012 Front Straight

BMW 1-Series M Coupe 2012 Rim

BMW 1-Series M Coupe 2012 Interior Seats

BMW 1-Series M Coupe 2012 Interior Staring

BMW 1-Series M Coupe 2012 Side View

BMW 1-Series M Coupe 2012 Engine

BMW 1-Series M Coupe 2012 TopClass View

BMW Z4 GT3 2011 Model

Car Name: BMW Z4 GT3 

Brand Name: BMW

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BMW has unveiled the modified version of the Z4 GT3, which has completed successful trial program in a series of intensive tests in recent weeks. The modification was primarily intended to improve the Z4 aerodynamic efficiency in order to ensure the car’s competitiveness in the GT3 classes.

A difference between the 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 4.4-litre eight-cylinder engine.

For the electronics, the private teams can look forward to innovative BMW solutions: The modern ECU408 takes over the engine management, while the Power400 electronic control unit is responsible for controlling all the actuators. The power is transmitted through a six-speed, sequential gearbox. Gearshifts are now initiated using two paddles.

The steel body of the modified Z4 GT3 comes from BMW Plant Regensburg. A safety cell made of extremely rigid, precision steel tubing is then welded into the body. The engine block of the V8 engine is produced in the BMW foundry in Landshut. Front and rear wings, bonnet, roof, fenders and many other components are made of carbon fiber reinforced plastics (CFRP).

BMW Z4 GT3 2011 Front Straight

BMW Z4 GT3 2011 Side 

BMW Z4 GT3 2011 Front Top

BMW Z4 GT3 2011 Back Straight 

BMW Z4 GT3 2011 Front Straight

BMW Z4 GT3 2011 Interior Seats

BMW Z4 GT3 2011 Interior Staring

BMW Z4 GT3 2011 Back TopClass View

Suzuki Swift S Concept 2011

Car Name: Suzuki Swift S Concept

Brand Name: Suzuki

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Suzuki Motor Corporation is exhibiting a new concept car named the Suzuki Swift S Concept at the 2011 Geneva International Motor Show. The Suzuki Swift S Concept is based on the new Swift, which Suzuki began marketing in Europe in autumn 2010. In line with Suzuki's brand philosophy of delivering excitement, its overall development concept was to create a stylish sport compact with premium performance. A "more sporty and exciting" design theme is reflected by a stylish look.

The Swift S-Concept has dimensions of 3.89 meters long, 1.755 meters wide, 1.475 meters high, with a wheelbase of 2.43 meters and a special ’Lightning Pearl Yellow’ paint finish that was specifically used for the Geneva Motor Show. Unlike the standard Swift, the S-Concept rides lower and is 60 mm wider than the base model. To make it look sporty and aggressive, Swift gave the S-Concept some aerodynamic upgrades, including new front and rear bumpers, remodeled headlights and rear lights with high-tech accents, a huge rear spoiler at the rear, and a set of 18" wheels to complete the exterior set-up. Over at the interior, the modifications continue with a set of two-tone bucket seats, redesigned meter clusters, a sporty steering wheel, and carbon fiber trims on the car’s center console, giving the Swift S-Concept a touch of luxury to go with the sporty package.

The Swift S-Concept is powered by Suzuki’s very own 1.6-liter M16A engine mated to a six-speed manual transmission. Oddly enough, the Japanese automaker didn’t release the official power output of the engine, opting only to give people like us the opportunity to speculate on it. So as far as our educated guesses are concerned, we think that the S-Concept’s engine output would be similar, or at least somewhere close to what the Swift R-Concept produces, which is somewhere around 155 horsepower.

There are plenty of challengers lining up to take a swipe at the Suzuki Swift with one of them being the highly-popular Ford Focus. Talking about powertrains, if the S-Concept’s performance output is anywhere near what the R-Concept produces, then it’s going to compete favorably with the Focus’ 2.0-liter four cylinder engine that produces 155 horsepower and 145 lb/ft of torque.

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Honda Civic Si Coupe 2012

Car Name: Honda Civic Si Coupe

Brand Name: Honda

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The all-new 2012 Honda Civic represents the ninth generation of one of the company's most popular and globally recognized products. Having earned a reputation for being a fun-to-drive compact that is simultaneously fuel efficient, sporty, stylish and durable, the Honda Civic has become a beloved and relied-upon member of the worldwide transportation family. Cumulatively, the Civic has reached 8.8 million customers in the United States through 2010 since its launch as a 1973 model.

Beneath the aerodynamic skin of every 2012 Civic is Honda's commitment to its foundational pillars of safety, fun-to-drive performance, style, comfort, convenience, durability, quality and refinement. The end result is a vehicle that's not only a smart decision when new, but can also provide long-term joy of ownership unique to this class of vehicle.

The 2012 Civic Si is powered by a new 2.4-liter inline 4-cylinder engine that is the largest and most powerful of any Civic introduced in the United States. The dual overhead cam (DOHC) engine is an all-aluminum design that uses four valves per cylinder (16 valves total), a high-performance version of the i-VTEC® system and a specially tuned high-volume intake manifold. The Civic Si produces 201 horsepower - up four horsepower from the 2.0-liter engine it replaces. The i-VTEC® "intelligent" valve-control system, new friction-reducing technologies and extensive weight control measures helps the Civic Si deliver exhilarating acceleration, improved fuel economy and low exhaust emissions.

The new larger displacement engine in the Civic Si delivers peak power at a more accessible 7000 rpm compared to the previous Si engine's 7800 rpm power peak. The engine's increased displacement results in a substantial 22-percent increase in peak torque. The new 170 lb-ft rating occurs at just 4400 rpm, 1700 rpm lower than the previous engine's 139 lb-ft at 6100 rpm. Even with its increase in displacement, horsepower and torque, the 2012 Civic Si has an estimated EPA city rating of 22 mpg (up 1 mpg compared to the 2011 Civic Si) and increases highway fuel economy with a rating of 31 mpg (up 2 mpg compared to the 2011 Civic Si). In addition, the Civic Si engine meets strict Ultra-Low Emission Vehicle (ULEV-2) emissions standards.

The Honda Civic Si is available exclusively with a 6-speed manual transmission with a short-throw shifter. Designed to be compact and lightweight, the 6-speed has also been engineered to provide quick and precise shift action. The Civic Si also includes a clutch with a torsion mechanism that enhances refinement in terms of engagement and feel.

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