Updated Hyundai ix35 Arrives in the UK Priced from £16,995

 After its European premiere at the Geneva Motor Show in March this year, the mildly facelifted Hyundai ix35 has landed in the UK with on-the-road prices starting from £16,995 for the base 1.6-liter petrol 2WD to £27,755 for the 2.0L diesel AWD. First deliveries will commence on September 1st. 
Along with the soft cosmetic revisions to the crossover's front and rear ends, the new ix35 also gains chassis and suspension upgrades that promise to improve both ride and handling, plus new standard and optional equipment such as LED Daytime running and positioning lights, Tyre Pressure Monitoring System and Trailer Stability Assist.
Hyundai has realigned the ix35's lineup that now comprises five specification trims, including the entry-level S, mid-range SE and SE Nav and two range-topping grades called ‘Premium’ and ‘Premium Panorama’.

The S includes 16-inch alloy wheels, remote central locking with alarm, USB and AUX connections, air conditioning, glove compartment with cooling function, Trip Computer, Hillstart Assist Control (HAC) and Downhill Brake Control.

 




















The SE enhances the standard specification with 17-inch wheels , Bluetooth connectivity, cruise control,  front foglights, heated front and rear seats, LED taillights, rear parking sensors, auto dimming rearview mirror and leather steering wheel and gearknob.
Moving up to the SE Nav adds a navigation system, rearview parking camera, upgraded seven-speaker sound system and ‘sharkfin’ antenna.
The two top trims are the Premium and the Premium Panorama, both of which come with 18-inch wheels, Bi-Xenon headlights with self-levelling system, chrome door handles and headlamp washers, keyless entry, leather seats and privacy glass. The Panorama adds an electric tilt and slide panoramic sunroof.
Engine options for the revised ix35 include the 1.6-litre GDi petrol and 1.7-litre and 2.0-litre CRDi diesel engines, with the addition of Hyundai's offer Intelligent Stop & Go (ISG) as an option on the 1.7-litre CRD, while the company has replaced the 179hp (181PS) 6sp auto model with a 134hp (136PS) 6sp auto AWD version with decreased performance but better fuel economy (41.5mpg combined versus 39.3mpg combined previously) and lower CO2 (179g/km versus 189g/km previously).

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BMW’s 2014 Upgrades Include New xDrive Models and 8-Speed Auto Across the Board

BMW has announced a number of model upgrade measures that will be effective starting this summer in Europe. With the EU6 exhaust emission standard coming into effect in September 2014, BMW will increase the number of models that already fulfill the EU6 emission regulations.

Beginning the summer of 2013, almost all models featuring the BMW TwinPower Turbo petrol engine will comply with the EU6 classification as standard. At the beginning of the 2014 model year, the BMW M automobiles as well as the six-cylinder versions of the BMW Z4 will also comply with the EU6 classification. As for the diesel engines, BMW will increase the number of units which are equipped as standard with BMW BluePerformance and as a result also achieve the EU6 classification.

Another measure implemented by BMW is the addition of five more four-wheel drive variants for the BMW 1 Series and 3 Series. These new variants are the BMW 118d xDrive 3-door and 5-door, the 318d xDrive Sedan and 318d xDrive Touring – all powered by the 2.0-liter 143 PS (141 hp) four-cylinder diesel unit. The fifth new xDrive model is the 335d xDrive Sedan, powered by the 3.0-liter straight-six cylinder diesel engine that develops 313 PS (308 hp). This model comes as standard with an eight-speed automatic transmission.

Speaking of the 8-speed auto, BMW says it is now available for models across its range, with the 1 Series, 3 Series and 6 Series also getting a new Launch Control function. The equipment range for the sports automatic transmission also includes shift paddles on the steering wheel and a specific gear selector switch. For the 7 Series, the optional leather sports steering wheel with shift paddles will be available from the summer of 2013. 

Other new upgrades announced are the Eco Pro Mode of the EfficientDynamics system that now has a "sailing" function and anticipation assistant that help achieve better fuel efficiency. At speeds of between 50 and 160 km/h in the Eco Pro Mode, the drive train is disconnected as soon as the driver lifts the foot from the accelerator pedal without applying the brakes. The anticipation assistant informs the driver of the ideal time to slow down when approaching bends and stretches of road where speed limits are in force in order to obtain better fuel efficiency.
Finally, BMW ConnectedDrive will gain new options as the Driving Assistant and Driving Assistant Plus.

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Shelby Supercharges Ford F-150 SVT Raptor to a Mighty 575-Horses

 

  What do you think is missing from a 411hp sport truck like the Ford F-150 SVT Raptor? Why, more horses and stickers, of course. Welcome to Shelby's interpretation of the Raptor that was introduced today at the New York Auto Show and which will set you back $17,995 (€14,000) for the special items alone, excluding the price for the truck itself that currently stands at $43,630 (€34,000). 



Shelby begins from the engine bay where it bolts on a 2.9 liter supercharger to the huge 6.2-liter V8 and then adds a Borla sports exhaust system to push output from 411-horses to a 575-horsepower.




The standard package also includes, boost and fuel pressure gauges, a custom interior, numbered engine and dash plaques, side fender heat extractors, and a choice of five different 'Shelby' graphics.




Optionally and at an extra cost, Shelby can upgrade your Raptor with specific alloy wheels, a roof-mount light bar, revised bumpers and other accessories.

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Buick Says 40 Percent of First-Generation Enclave Owners Choose the New Model

Buick’s redesigned 2013 Enclave luxury crossover is the brand’s best-selling model in the first quarter of this year, with retail sales almost 40 percent up. According to GM, many of the new model’s buyers are former owners of the previous-generation Enclave, with statistics showing that four in 10 owners trade-in their first-generation Enclave for the new model.

Buick says the Enclave is not only building loyalty for the brand, it is also attracting first-time Buick buyers. "In previous years we’ve talked about the new, younger, luxury-minded buyers coming to Buick for the first time," explains Tony DiSalle, vice president of Buick Marketing. "With the redesigned Enclave, we’re still seeing those new buyers, but we’re now also seeing the buyers who gave us a try with the first Enclave stay with us."

According to the company, when the first-generation Enclave launched in 2007, customer surveys revealed that the main reasons for which buyers were choosing Buick were “value/price” and “familiarity with dealer”. However, Buick says Enclave owners consistently list things like “overall quality of the vehicle”, “ride comfort” and “overall exterior styling” as their top reasons for purchase.

According to DiSalle, “If you want a bellwether for the where the Buick brand is heading, look no further than the Enclave. It’s a very modern, very smart crossover that delivers what our luxury-minded customers want.”

Since the new model landed in dealerships in November, Enclave had its best retail sales month on record in December, with retail growth in January and February standing at 57 percent and 22 percent respectively.

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New Shelby Mustang 1000 S/C Gets a Bugatti-Rivaling 1,200HP for NY Auto Show

As if the 2013 Shelby GT500, with its 662 hp, was not quick enough, Ford and partner Shelby deemed it necessary to add an even more powerful variant to their high performance range. In 2012, Shelby debuted the GT500-based 1000 at the New York Auto Show, and this year's edition of the event has been chosen as the venue for the unveiling of an even madder 1000 S/C with a mind-boggling 1,200 hp.

We'll remind you that the 2012MY 1000 gets around 950-horses for the street-legal version and over 1,100HP for the track oriented S/C edition.
Displacement for the 2013 Mustang 1000 S/C is up from 5.4-liters to 5.8-liters, courtesy of a revised engine, which retains the strengthened pistons, rods and crank of the old unit, as well as the supercharger system and extensive cooling needed to keep everything running at optimum temperature.

In addition, in order to keep you pointing in the right direction as well as to stop, the 2013 Shelby Mustang 1000 S/C gets an adjustable suspension and beefier brakes. No mention is made of the live rear axle, so we suspect the car retains it, despite the $154,995 (€119,300) price tag.
Performance figures have not been released yet. However, while it may very well be the most powerful street-legal muscle car in existence, we can't help but think that for the money, you could buy your own GT500 (or a more nimble 2013 Boss 302), then spend the difference on making it just as fast. 

You will probably save a lot of money in the process, while also getting a car tailored specifically for what you need. Furthermore, they're only making 100 of them, so chances are that even if you are willing to buy one, you won't be able to.

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BMW M7 Sports Saloon Speculatively Rendered

If you take a look at BMW's current range of models, the closest thing you can get to a high-performance 7-Series model is the 540hp Alpina B7, which was not only created with the blessings of the Bavarian automaker (like all Alpina models), but in some countries, including the U.S., it’s also distributed by BMW itself.
While the idea of an M7 performance saloon has crossed the minds of BMW's M division more than once, it has yet to be realized, perhaps in part due to the fact that the M5 has grown considerably in size over the years, while there's also the new M6 Gran Coupe.
We're not here to answer the question if BMW actually needs an M7 (though, you're free to tell us your opinion in the comments below), but to share a rendering made by Auto Projeções, which we think is pretty close to what a performance version of the F01 7-Series would look like.
The speculative take on the M7 F01 rides on a lowered suspension and features all the trademark styling cues of an M model, from the wheels to the front bumper, and from the side skirts to the carbon fiber roof.

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Renault Zoe Priced at £13,650 in the UK After Incentives

 Renault’s EV supermini, the Zoe, is priced from £13,650 (€16,040) in the UK after the government’s Plug-in Car Grant deduction. The new hatchback is already available to order now and will arrive in UK showrooms from June 7.
On top of the retail price that is similar to the diesel Clio, buyers will also have to pay from £70 (€82) a month for the battery lease. Starting April 5, Zoe’s base price will increase to £13,995 (€16,450), to align with Renault’s price hike on all of its models.

 The Zoe has an NEDC (New European Driving Cycle) homologated range of 130 miles (209 km). However, Renault admits that in real conditions and in suburban use, the Zoe will offer a driving range of around 60 miles (96.5 km) in cold weather and 90 miles (145 km) in warmer conditions.

Power comes from a 65kW (87HP) synchronous electric motor with rotor coil which delivers 220 Nm of torque, that allows the Zoe to reach a limited top speed of 84 mph (135 km/h).
Renault’s electric supermini is available in three trim levels – Expression, Dynamique Zen and Dynamique Intens. The latter two versions start from £14,750 (€17,345) now, but will cost £15,195 (€17,870) from April 7. The base Expression trim comes with 15-inch Aerobase wheel trims, the R-Link multimedia system, a 4x20W radio with USB input, jack, SD multimedia and Bluetooth, climate control, cruise control, hill start assist system and traction control, among others.

 Dynamique Zen and Intens have additional features, including 16-inch wheels, hands-free keycard, remote battery charging and climate control activation, auto lights and wipers, 4x35W Arkamys 3D digital sound system, leather steering wheel, electric rear windows and rear parking sensors.

Every Zoe features "Range OptimiZEr", a package that combines bi-modal regenerative braking, a heat pump and Michelin Energy E-V tyres in order to increase driving range.
The EV is also fitted as standard with the Chameleon charger, which is compatible with all power levels from 3kW up to 43kW. Using a Rapid Charger 43kW AC power source, the batteries can be charged 80 percent in 30 minutes. Full battery charge can take up to nine hours though.

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Toyota Releases 2013 Corolla LE and S Special Edition Models Priced at $20,550

With the 2014 Corolla just around the corner, Toyota is applying some equipment makeup to its 2013 model by launching two special editions, the luxury-oriented Corolla LE and the sportier Corolla S. Both bring extra standard features and are aimed at different categories of customers. 
With the 2014 Corolla just around the corner, Toyota is applying some equipment makeup to its 2013 model by launching two special editions, the luxury-oriented Corolla LE and the sportier Corolla S. Both bring extra standard features and are aimed at different categories of customers.
The 2013 Toyota Corolla LE Special Edition offers equipment targeted at consumers who want comfort and entertainment from their car. It comes with standard 16-inch alloy wheels, Display Audio with Navigation and Entune (three-year subscription), electrically adjustable and heated Beige leather seats, Special Edition floor mats and exterior badging. The LE is also easily recognizable due to its unique Black Currant Metallic exterior paint. 

For customers who are more into sporty looks, Toyota offers the Corolla S Special Edition. The S offers a more dynamic styling, with 17-inch alloy wheels, unique Hot Lava exterior, a rear spoiler and exterior badging. On the inside, the 2013 Corolla S Special Edition comes with Sport fabric seats, Special Edition floor mats and Display Audio with Navigation and Entune.

 Toyota will build a total of 2,250 LE and 5,250 S models during a two-month period beginning in April. Both will arrive at dealerships in late April for an MSRP price of $20,550 (€15,930), which excludes a delivery, processing and handling fee of $795.

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Kia Optima Hybrid Updated for 2013, Has Less HP but More Torque

Kia has slowly been etching upmarket around the world, and most of their latest crop of models are considered among the top picks in their class. The Optima Hybrid, which is priced from under $26,000, is one of those vehicles, and in an effort to keep it up to date, the Korean automaker has announced several updates for the 2013 model year car.

The Koreans claim the revised car is more "performance-driven" and fuel efficient, despite the fact that its overall power figure is down from the previous model's 206 hp, to 199 hp. However, thanks to a new revised 47 hp electric motor, torque is up from 195 to 235 lb-ft (264 to 318 Nm), and this makes the car more responsive in every-day driving conditions.

 The 2013 Optima Hybrid is also predictably a bit more efficient than the previous model, achieving 36 mpg in the city, 40 on the highway, for a combined overall rating of 38 mpg. It also features more trunk space than before, despite having no exterior body changes.

This has been achieved with the installation of a more compact Lithium Polymer battery, which benefits from better packaging techniques.
A new set of more aerodynamic rims are also now installed as standard – 16-inch on the base model and 17-inch on the EX. It also rides lower than before, in an effort to reduce drag.

Buyers can specify a panoramic glass roof, a reversing camera, an 8-speaker Infinity audio system and heated and cooled leather front seats, to name but a few of the available options.

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Audi A1 and A3 get New 1.4 TSI with Cylinder Deactivation System and Up to 60.1mpg in the UK

 Audi is welcoming the addition of the VW Group's new 1.4-liter turbocharged petrol engine (TFSI) with Cylinder-on-Demand (CoD) technology in the A1 and A3 hatchback ranges in Britain.

The new 1.4 TSI CoD unit can run on two-cylinders under low and intermediate loads and when coasting, at engine speeds between 1,400 and 4,000 rpm, and torque between approximately 25 and 75 Nm, to greatly improve fuel economy.
When applied to the four-cylinder engine, the CoD system shuts down the second and third cylinders, which are reactivated as soon as the driver calls for strong acceleration by pressing hard on the gas pedal. 

According to Audi, the switch between two cylinder and four cylinder operations take place in 13 to 35 milliseconds, depending on engine speed, and are carried out "virtually imperceptibly" to the driver and passengers. The 1.4-liter unit is also fitted with a start-stop system.
The 1.4-liter engine itself puts out 138hp (140PS) at 5,000 rpm and 184 lb-ft (250Nm) of torque between 1,500 and 3,500 rpm.
It allows for 0-62 mph (100km/h) acceleration times of 7.9 and 8.0 seconds in the A1 and five-door A1 Sportback equipped with S tronic transmission, and 8.3 and 8.4 seconds in the A3 and A3 Sportback models, respectively. Top speeds are 132mph (212km/h) in all cases.
At launch, Audi will offer the A1 CoD models only with the seven-speed S tronic twin-clutch automatic transmission, and the A3 CoD range exclusively with the six-speed manual gearbox, however, later in the year, both transmissions will become available on all CoD models. 

On the combined cycle test, the three door A1 1.4 TFSI CoD Sport, S line and Black Edition and the five door A1 Sportback Sport can return up to 60.1mpg UK (50mpg US or 4.7 lt/100km) with CO2 emissions of 109g/km, while the S line and Black Edition versions of the five-door, 57.6mpg UK and 113g/km.
The three-door A3 CoD models match the A1's number with a combined fuel economy of 60.1mpg and CO2 output at 109g/km, with the five-door Sportback marginally behind at 58.9mpg UK (49mpg US or 4.8 lt/100km) and 112g/km.

 

Available to order from this week in the UK, the A1 CoD starts at £16,740 OTR and the A3 CoD from £20,055 OTR. According to Audi, the 1.4 TFSI CoD 140PS models carry a premium of £850 over the respective versions of their continuing 1.4 TFSI 122PS equivalents in both ranges.

 

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Brabus Butches Up Mercedes SL65 AMG with 800 Roadster

For most drivers, the last thing missing from the latest Mercedes-Benz SL65 AMG is power, since the R231-codenamed hardtop roadster comes with more than enough oomph, thanks to its 6.0-liter twin-turbocharged V12 engine rated for 621hp (630PS) and 1,000Nm (737 lb-ft). 

Nevertheless, if you're one of those few heavy-pocketed individuals who disagree and don't mind messing your hair with the top down, Brabus has just the right solution with its new 800 Roadster model that made its world premiere this week at the Geneva motor show. 

After dipping their hand into the engine bay, Brabus' engineers lifted the V12's output to 788-horses (800PS) and peak torque to 1,420 Nm (1,047 lb-ft), available from a low 2,100 rpm, though, for safety reasons, it's limited to 1,100 Nm (811 lb-ft).

The V12 continues to be connected to an AMG SPEEDSHIFT PLUS 7G-TRONIC transmission driving the rear wheels, but thanks to the power boost, the 2.2 ton roadster now sprints to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 3.7 seconds (versus 4.0"), and reaches 200 km/h (124 mph) after 9.8 seconds. Top speed is electronically limited to 350 km/h (217 mph).

Brabus complements the engine performance gains with a specially developed control module for the ABC suspension that lowers the ride height by about 25 millimeters (1.0 inches) and a limited-slip rear differential with a locking rate of 40 percent.

Also included in the package are a stainless-steel high-performance exhaust system, an aero kit comprising a front spoiler, front fender and side skirt trims, boot lid spoiler, and a diffuser insert, plus interior trim upgrades and a new set of 20-inch wheels wrapped in tires size 255/30 ZR 20 on the front axle and 305/25 ZR 20 on the rear.

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New Flying Spur and 2014 Mulsanne Highlight Bentley's Geneva Motor Show Presence

For a niche brand in the luxury car segment, Bentley sure has plenty to offer to visitors at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show that runs until March 17, as it chose the Swiss event for the world premiere of the new Flying Spur and the enhanced 2014 model year Mulsanne flagship, as well as the European debut of the GT Speed Convertible. 

Arguably, the most important introduction is the Flying Spur, which is the sedan model of the renewed Continental series.Besides the crispier bodywork incorporating the British firm's latest design cues and the revamped interior that gains all sorts of gadgetry, such as a touch-screen infotainment and mobile connectivity, Bentley overhauled the platform and coupled a new 8-speed automatic transmission to the tweaked 6.0-liter twin turbocharged W12 engine that now delivers 616hp (625PS).

"The new Bentley Flying Spur marks a big step forward. We have re-designed and re-engineered almost every part of the car," said Bentley boss Wolfgang Schreiber during the company's press gathering in Geneva.

"In simple words, we have created the best luxury sedan in the world – a perfect combination of exquisite refinement, effortless performance, elegant styling and state of the art technology," he added. 

The other two models at Bentley's Geneva motor show booth are the 2014 Mulsanne offering a new suite of entertainment and communication system options, and the 202mph (325km/h) GT Speed Convertible featuring a 616hp (625PS) twin-turbocharged 6.0-liter W12, which promises to deliver a 15 per cent improvement in fuel efficiency over the outgoing model.

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Mercedes-Benz Announces New Sport Products for the A-Class in Geneva v

The CLA front-wheel drive compact sedan was the single most important model from Mercedes-Benz’s extensive range that debuted at this year’s Geneva Motor Show. We’d rate the A 45 AMG a (very) close second, though; plus, the three-pointed star also decided to spray some of the 355HP mega-hatch sporty sparkle on the rest of its premium B-segment contender.

In order to showcase its new Sport Genuine Accessories products for the A-Class, Merc displayed an A 180 in “Polar Silver” with detachable body parts such as a front spoiler lip, rear diffuser and roof spoiler in “Jupiter Red”, along with a chequered flag sticker kit.
In order to showcase its new Sport Genuine Accessories products for the A-Class, Merc displayed an A 180 in “Polar Silver” with detachable body parts such as a front spoiler lip, rear diffuser and roof spoiler in “Jupiter Red”, along with a chequered flag sticker kit.

The Sport options also include the “Night” styling package, front and rear trim, a “Diamond” front grille, illuminated door sills bearing the Sport logo and 18-inch black and high-sheen alloys on the exterior and a sports, flat-bottomed steering wheel and sports pedals in the cabin.

Moreover, buyers will be able to further personalize their compact Mercedes-Benz with items such as a sports suspension kit, a sports brake kit with perforated discs and red front calipers and, if they feel like going for the full racing look, a “Track” sticker kit with numbers on the bonnet and doors.

 

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