Bentley Flying Spur V8, 2015

 

 

 Bentley Flying Spur V8, 2015

A new V8 powertrain is being introduced to the Bentley Flying Spur, giving customers the option of a new interpretation of this luxury sedan. Complementing the Flying Spur flagship W12 model, the V8 sedan provides the opportunity to experience the Flying Spur's unique blend of sculpted, sleek coachwork, exquisite craftsmanship and advanced on-board technology. The Flying Spur V8 will draw new customers to Bentley, looking to upgrade from a premium sedan.

Bentley's renowned 4.0-litre twin turbo V8 engine develops 507 PS (500 bhp / 373 kW) and 660 Nm, powering the Bentley Flying Spur V8 to 60 mph in 4.9 seconds (0-100 km/h in 5.2 seconds) and on to a top speed of 183 mph (295 km/h). This impressive performance comes with a fuel range of 520 miles (840 km), thanks to the highly efficient engine that includes cylinder deactivation, intelligent thermal management and electrical recuperation.

As in the Flying Spur W12, the engine feeds power through a ZF eight-speed automatic transmission to a continuous all-wheel drive system that provides reassuring stability and traction in all road and weather conditions. With ride comfort of vital importance, the independent computer-controlled air suspension of the Flying Spur V8 maximises impact absorption and isolation.

Subtle styling differentiates the Bentley Flying Spur V8 from its flagship W12 sibling. Figure of eight chromed exhaust finishers signify the alternative powertrain, while the famous Bentley winged badge receives the usual red centre to denote the V8 engine. The front bumper grilles are finished in black, with a black "wing" insert.

The Bentley Flying Spur V8 comes complete with a suite of on-board technology to make it an ideal place for work or relaxation on the move. An innovative Touch Screen Remote, deployed from the veneered rear centre console at the touch of a button, allows control of the car's climate and infotainment systems from the comfort of the rear seat, while the optional Multimedia Specification brings an extensive Rear Seat Entertainment system.

The Bentley Flying Spur V8 has a monotone interior colour split, Dark Fiddleback Eucalyptus wood veneer, a single-piece three-person rear seat, single front armrest, 19" Classic alloy wheels in a painted finish and a choice of seven exterior paints and four interior colours.

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Audi A8L, 2014

 

 

 

 

 Audi A8L, 2014

A superior design, hand-built quality, systematic lightweight construction and an abundance of high-end technologies. The A8 makes Audi among the innovation leaders in the worldwide luxury segment, the most demanding automobile category. One great strength of the big sedan is its low weight. The Audi A8 3.0 TFSI with the normal wheelbase has a curb weight of just 1,830 kilograms (4,034.46 lb) - best-in-class for models with all-wheel drive.

The key factor in its lightweight construction is the body, which except for the B-pillars is made entirely of aluminum. An Audi Space Frame (ASF) design, it tips the scales at just 231 kilograms (509.27 lb), roughly 40 percent less than a comparable steel construction. The ASF body also makes it possible to reduce weight in many other areas, from the brakes to the fuel tank.

Length (5.14 meters [16.86 ft]), wheelbase (2.99 meters [9.81 ft]), width (1.95 meters [6.40 ft]) and height (1.46 meters [4.79 ft]) remain unchanged, giving the Audi A8 the sportiest look in the segment. The A8 L gains an additional 13 centimeters (5.12 in) in both length and wheelbase. Equipped with a TDI engine, both body variants have a drag coefficient of just 0.26. This same figure with a TFSI engine is 0.27.

The A8 Audi paid great attention to the acoustics. Additional noise damping measures reduce the already low interior noise level even further. The trunk now has a maximum of 520 liters (18.36 cubic feet) and can be loaded substantially better thanks to the altered layout. The optional power trunk closing assist means that the entire car can be locked at the touch of a button.

Dynamic, yet harmoniously elegant - the big sedan's design has become even more expressive. The engine hood, the single-frame grille and the front bumper are even more sculptured and precise; the lower edge of the headlights is straight. In the German market, LED headlights are standard in all models with a V8 engine.

The Audi headlights with optional Matrix LED technology, which sets new benchmarks with respect to design and technology. With these headlights, the high-beam unit is made up of 25 individual segments. The small light-emitting diodes, which work in conjunction with lenses and reflectors connected in series, are activated and deactivated or dimmed individually according to the situation. This enables the system to react precisely to other cars, which it recognizes using a camera, and always illuminate the road brightly. Additional features of the new headlights are the intelligent cornering light, new-look daytime running lights and dynamic turn signals.

The LED lights at the rear of the new Audi A8 have also become flatter and are joined together by a continuous chrome strip. In all models except the S8, the redesigned bumper houses two rhomboid tailpipes. Chrome strips in the lower section of the body, fine inserts in the door handles and high-gloss black window frames round out the distinctive features. There is a choice of 12 exterior colors, including five new ones. Wheels are available in sizes up to 21 inches with 275/35-series tires.

The engines: more power with greater efficiency
Besides the S8, A8 L W12 quattro and A8 hybrid models, the new Audi A8 will be offered in the German market with two TFSI gasoline engines and two TDI units. A package of measures to reduce friction reduce fuel consumption by as much as ten percent, and most engines have also seen an increase in power. All engines already satisfy the requirements of the Euro 6 standard.

Under the hood of the A8 3.0 TFSI quattro is a V6 engine whose mechanical compressor can be deactivated. Power output is now 228 kW (310 hp), an increase of 15 kW (20 hp). The V6 accelerates the standard wheelbase version of the sedan from 0 to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in 5.7 seconds. Top speed is electronically restricted to 250 km/h (155.34 mph). It consumes on average 7.8 liters per 100 kilometers (30.16 US mpg), corresponding to 183 grams CO2 per kilometer (294.51 g/mile).

The twin-turbo V8 in the A8 4.0 TFSI quattro now produces 320 kW (435 hp), 11 kW (15 hp) more than before. Key performance data: from 0 to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in 4.5 seconds; average fuel consumption 9.1 liters per 100 kilometers (25.85 US mpg), corresponding to 213 grams CO2 per kilometer (342.79 g/mile). The Audi cylinder on demand (COD) system plays a major role in this efficiency by deactivating four of the eight cylinders under part load.

With average fuel consumption of 5.9 liters per 100 kilometers (39.87 US mpg), corresponding to 155 grams CO2 per kilometer (249.45 g/mile), the 3.0 TDI clean diesel set a new record in the all-wheel-drive luxury segment. The V6 diesel engine's output has been bumped up 6 kW (8 hp) to 190 kW (258 hp). It now accelerates the sedan from 0 to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in 5.9 seconds.

The 4.2 TDI clean diesel tops the A8 lineup, delivering 850 Nm (626.93 lb-ft) to the crankshaft. Audi has boosted its output by a whopping 25 kW (34 hp) to 283 kW (385 hp). Equipped with the powerful V8 diesel, the A8 completes the standard sprint in 4.7 seconds, and average fuel consumption is 7.4 liters per 100 kilometers (31.79 US mpg), which corresponds to 194 grams CO2 per kilometer (312.21 g/mile).

Powertrain: tiptronic and quattro
All variants of the model series are equipped with a fast and smooth-shifting, eight-speed tiptronic. The transmission, which can be controlled electronically using an elegant selector lever as well as paddles on the steering wheel, works in conjunction with the quattro permanent all-wheel drive system. The latter is standard in the A8 series (except for the A8 hybrid). If desired, Audi will combine quattro all-wheel drive with the optional sport differential on the rear axle. The power can then be distributed between the rear wheels as needed for even more agile handling. The sport differential is standard in the S8 and the A8 4.2 TDI clean diesel quattro.

The Audi A8 owes its sporty character in large part to the sophisticated chassis. Axle load distribution is balanced, and all wheel control arms are aluminum. The Audi drive select system, which enables the driver to influence the function of various technical modules such as the steering and the accelerator characteristic, is standard. It also controls the adaptive air suspension with adaptive damping, which adjusts the body's ride height to the speed driven. Audi also offers the air suspension with a sporty setup upon request.

The power steering now uses an efficient electromechanical drive that reduces fuel consumption and also enables the use of numerous assistance systems. The optional dynamic steering varies its ratio with the car's speed. All brake discs are internally vented. Carbon fiber ceramic brake discs are available for V8 models, the S8 and the A8 L W12.

One new component of Audi's lightweight construction technology are the 9J x 20 aluminum-technology wheels. These are based on forged support wheels that are joined via a special process to a ten-spoke design element of high-strength polymer. This technology gives designers the freedom to use large-area, yet three-dimensional designs.

Elegant and airy: the interior
The interior of the Audi flagship enchants with its elegant, airy lines. The instrument panel is lean and low, and below the windshield is a long arc - the wrap-around. Space is generous in every seat. The broad range of options for the front seats includes ventilation and massage functions with five programs and intensities each.

Audi offers electrically adjustable, individual rear seats as an option for the A8 and the A8 L. The A8 L is also available with a continuous, leather-covered center console. Equipped with every available luxury feature, the relaxation seat with electrically adjustable footrest is the first-class solution here.

Among the numerous individual options available for the A8 family are four-zone deluxe automatic air conditioning, the panorama glass roof, convenience key with power door closing assist, privacy windows, a cooler, folding tables and an ionizer to improve air quality.

Audi quality knows no compromise. All of the materials in the new A8 have been carefully chosen and precisely worked. Lovingly executed details document the hand-built character, from the barely visible gaps in the two-piece inlays to the ambient lighting with its adjustable LED light to the seat covers in premium grades of leather. The best of these is the new Unicum leather in nutmeg brown, which is particularly natural-looking, soft and breathable.

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Aston Martin DB9 Carbon Edition, 2015

 

 Aston Martin DB9 Carbon Edition, 2015

The style and visual drama are the special editions hallmarks as they perfectly emphasise the timeless GT's sporting nature. The Aston Martin DB9 Carbon Edition is led by two distinctive specifications; Carbon Black and Carbon White or alternatively customers are afforded the choice of the Aston Martin colour palette to personalise their own carbon creation.

The new Carbon Black accentuates the 183 mph DB9's 6.0-litre V12 potential through a strong dark theme underpinned by a unique combination of lightweight carbon fibre features. Meanwhile, the contemporary Carbon White special edition creates a dramatic visual effect with the carbon fibre and dark elements contrasting strongly against the Stratus White paint and accented caliper colour.

Striking exterior additions for both Carbon Black and Carbon White editions include carbon fibre side strakes, rear lamp infills and black meshes and window surrounds reinforcing the powerful visual themes. The carbon theme can be extended further with optional carbon fibre front splitter, rear diffuser and mirror cap/arm features. Standard exterior equipment also include 10-spoke diamond-turned alloy wheels available with either silver or satin black finishes and a choice of red, yellow, grey or black brake calipers.

The inside, a strong black styling theme with a choice of accent colours in line with the caliper shade showcases carbon fibre details and new black hardware. Bespoke sill plaques with the Carbon logo, communicate the cars' rarity, too.
The styling changes don't alter the DB9's inherent grand touring capabilities, qualities that make it the world's most admired and desired GT.

The DB9 features the modern AM11 V12 engine which uses 'Gen4' VH architecture and hardware, tuned to suit the character of a classic GT. The result is an engine with effortless torque of up to 457 lb ft and peak power of 510bhp.
Priced from $199,995 RRP first deliveries of the new Aston Martin DB9 Carbon Edition.

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Volvo V60 Plug-in Hybrid, 2014

 

 

 Volvo V60 Plug-in Hybrid, 2014

The successful introduction in its high-specification 'Pure Limited' guise, the ingenious Volvo V60 Plug-in Hybrid is now available with a full range of colours and specifications, including most of the design and technology upgrades of the standard V60, while retaining its unique and class-leading 48 g/km emissions.
The tailgate on the world's first diesel plug-in hybrid still displays the D6 AWD badge, hinting at the high levels of performance under its skin. The front wheels are powered by a five-cylinder 2.4-litre turbodiesel engine producing 215 hp and maximum torque of 440 Nm, all conveyed through six-speed automatic transmission.

The rear axle is powered by an electric motor producing 70 hp and 200 Nm. The electric motor is supplied with power from an 11.2 kWh lithium-ion battery pack installed under the floor of the load compartment.
The driver selects the required driving mode via three buttons that give the car three entirely different temperaments: Pure, Hybrid or Power.

• In Pure mode, the car is powered solely by its electric motor as much as possible. The range is up to 50 kilometres.
• Hybrid is the standard setting whenever the car is started. The diesel engine and electric motor cooperate to achieve CO2 emissions (NEDC, mixed driving cycle for certification) of 48 g/km (1.8 l/100km).
• In Power mode, the technology is optimised to give the car the maximum possible power. The diesel engine and electric motor combine to deliver a total power output of 215+70 hp and maximum torque of over 600 Nm. The car accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.1 seconds.

Connection is made either via a car-mounted 3G/4G dongle or the driver's mobile phone.
The user has access to full Internet browsing (except when driving), Internet streaming of music, Internet radio (TuneIn and Orange Live Radio) with thousands of channels from all over the world, on-line (Google) Map and Search, Embedded Connected 3D navigation with online traffic info and dangerous zone warnings, Free Parking locator, weather information, a number of native and web applications, App Store for new functions and updates as well as a Volvo service locator.

The Adaptive Digital Display
The Adaptive Digital Display, which debuted in the all-new V40, is now available in the new S60, V60 and XC60. This active TFT (Thin Film Transistor) crystal display takes the interaction between car and driver to a new dimension, always displaying the most important information in any given situation.

The driver can choose between three graphic themes:

• The Elegance theme is the base mode with a traditional and calm aura.
• The Eco theme features green background illumination, designed to create an environmentally inspired look. An Eco meter is displayed on the left. The current and accumulated fuel consumption figures are displayed - and the driver is rewarded with a green E light when eco-driving is optimal.
• The Performance theme has red background illumination, creating a sporty atmosphere. In the centre, a rev counter scale replaces the speedometer displayed in the Elegance and Eco versions. Vehicle speed is shown digitally in the centre of the display. The right display includes a power meter - a gauge that informs the driver how much power is available and how much power is being used at any given moment in time.

The V60 Plug-in Hybrid also comes with an additional Hybrid Theme with blue illumination. It includes hybrid and battery information that supports energy-efficient use of the ingenious driveline.

Lower fuel consumption
Volvo Car Group continues to push the boundaries of fuel efficiency and CO2 actions across the model and engine range.

The fuel consumption of the 115 hp, four-cylinder D2 diesel in the new Volvo S60 with a manual gearbox has been improved to a class-leading 4.0 l/100 km (EU Combined, preliminary figures), translating into CO2 emissions of only 106 g/km. The corresponding figures with the automatic gearbox are 4.1 l/100 km and 107 g/km (preliminary figures).

Its estate cousin, the new Volvo V60 D2, also has class-leading fuel consumption at 4.1 l/100 km (109 g/km) with the manual and 4.2 l/100 km (110 g/km) with the automatic gearbox (preliminary figures).
The automatic D3 (136 hp) and D4 (163 hp) versions of the new Volvo S60 and V60 now come with CO2 emissions of 129 g/km (4.9 l/100 km).

The new Volvo XC60 has also been improved, with both the D5 (215 hp) and the D4 (163 hp) versions with a manual gearbox and All Wheel Drive, delivering a combined fuel consumption of 5.3 l/100 km (139 g/km).

There are improvements with petrol power too, with the S60 with the 1.6-litre GTDi (Gasoline Turbocharged Direct Injection) engine T4 (180 hp) or T3 (150 hp) and automatic gearbox now offering fuel consumption at 6.8 l/100 km (159 g/km). The corresponding figure for the V60 T4 and T3 is 7.2 l/100 km (167 g/km).

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Volkswagen Golf GTD, 2014

 

 

 

 Volkswagen Golf GTD, 2014

GTD. They stand for "Gran Turismo Diesel" - the long-distance express car of the Golf range. Now there is a new Volkswagen Golf GTD. With 135 kW / 184 PS, up to 380 Nm torque, a combined fuel consumption of just 4.2 l/100 km and CO2 emissions of just 109 g/km, this sporty and sharply designed GTD is more powerful, fuel-efficient and lower-emitting than ever. Compared to the previous model, it offers 14 more PS, 30 Nm more torque, 0.9 l/100 km less fuel consumption and a 25 g/km improvement in CO2 emissions. As an option, Volkswagen offers the GTD with an automatic dual-clutch gearbox (DSG); here too, a low fuel consumption value of 4.5 l/100 km (CO2: 119 g/km) shows the diesel to be a highly efficient car. In both gearbox versions, the new Golf GTD conforms to the Euro-6 emissions standard that takes effect in 2014.

Stop/start system and 7.5 seconds
This Golf is the first GTD to have a stop/start system on board as standard, and in battery regeneration mode it utilises deceleration phases to charge the battery. The 2.0-litre common rail turbo-diesel of the EA288 engine series was not only networked with these "BlueMotion Technologies"; it was also completely redesigned. The results: pure efficiency. The Volkswagen Golf GTD accelerates to 100 km/h in just 7.5 seconds. In fourth gear, this Volkswagen handles the classic overtaking manoeuvre (80 to 120 km/h) in a safe 6.0 seconds. Its top speed of 230 km/h (DSG: 228 km/h) demonstrates that it is a genuine sports car as well. The same applies to its noted maximum torque of 380 Nm, which is available at a constant value from 1,750 to 3,250 rpm.
 

The superior handling properties
Attributes of its special position as a sporty car also include standard features such as the further advanced XDS+ vehicle dynamics function, progressive steering that is as direct as it is comfortable, sport suspension (15 mm lower) and 17-inch ("Curitiba") wheels with size 225 tyres. This combination produces handling properties that advance into the range of high-class and high-priced sports cars.

Sound actuator and driving profile selector
An optional sound actuator exclusively developed for the VW Golf GTD can add acoustic emphasis to the work of the TDI. Based on the engine speed and mode of the selected driver profile selector? an option that is automatically paired with the sound actuator ? is controlled via CAN bus and generates either a comfort-oriented sound ("Normal" and "Eco" modes) or a powerful and sonorous timbre ("Sport" mode). The engine noise is routed over the actuator integrated in the engine compartment and into the interior via the windscreen, and from there it is experienced as a sound generated from the outside via the exhaust system. However, it is actually inaudible outside of the car. The faster the GTD drives, the quieter the sound, so that long-distance comfort is unaffected.

Cornering lights in front spoiler
Like the new Golf GTI, the Golf GTD also leaves the factory in Wolfsburg with bi-xenon headlights including cornering lights as standard. While the front end of the Golf GTI sports a red painted trim strip, the GTD glistens with a trim strip in understated and elegant chrome. This chrome trim strip extends into the headlights and divides the front end into an upper area with LED daytime running lights and bi-xenon elements and a lower section with the turn indicators. Beneath this is the bumper designed specifically for the GT models with (optional) LED fog lights integrated on the right and left as well as air guide elements painted in gloss black and the lower radiator grille insert with its black honeycomb structure.

Privacy glass for rear seating area
At the rear, the smoked LED rear lights with integrated white trim strips at the height of the tornado line for the reversing lights, dual chrome tailpipes mounted on the left, GT-specific roof edge spoiler with lateral aerodynamic elements on the rear windscreen and GTD badge all make this car out as the sportiest Golf ever with a TDI engine. For the first time on the "GT models", it is also possible to order rear windows with factory-installed rear glass that has 90 per cent instead of 65 per cent tinting. As for the Golf GTI, the selection of standard body colours for the new GTD includes the three classic GT body colours "Tornado red", "Black" and "Pure White".

Sport seats with style
Passengers enter the passenger compartment over standard white illuminated stainless steel sill plates. The driver and front passenger sit down on sport seats upholstered with a classic GT tartan pattern fabric - which is called "Clark" in the GTD (and GTI). The seats of the GTI and GTD are identical in concept. In front, they are both equipped with height adjustment, a manual lumbar support and a pocket on the seatback. Their ergonomic properties are ideal. Visually, instead of the red coloured elements of the GTI, the GTD elements feature a melange of black, grey and white colour hues as well as chrome parts. A leather interior ("Vienna") may be ordered as an option. A black roofliner rounds out the sporty ambience in an upward direction.

Touchscreen and ambience lighting
Along with the automatic climate control system (Climatronic), Driver Alert System and Composition Touch radio system (including SD cart slot and AUX-IN interface), ambience lighting is also a standard feature. The pedal caps and foot rest made of brushed stainless steel, the three-spoke, multifunction leather-trimmed, flat-bottomed sport steering wheel (with aluminium accents), a GTD gear shift grip and the instrument cluster with extended adjustment options of the "Premium" multifunction display are all indicative of the exclusive-sporty flair aboard the new Volkswagen Golf GTD.

Navigation with Google Earth
The sporty long-distance icon is the first VW Golf GTD to launch with technologies - in addition to such systems as XDS+ and progressive steering -that include the Driver Alert System and Post-Collision Braking System as standard. Meanwhile, optional high-tech features include Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), the surroundings monitoring system Front Assist plus City Emergency Braking, Lane Assist lane-keeping assistant and the latest generation of DCC dynamic chassis control (including driver profile selector). Also new on-board is a 400 Watt sound system from Dynaudio that was customised for the model series. Another new option in the programme: Car Net for transmitting online information such as the Google Earth map

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Vauxhall VXR8, 2014

 

 

 

Vauxhall VXR8, 2014

6.2-litre V8 driving the rear wheels, nearly 600bhp and a soundtrack guaranteed to make your hairs stand on end: welcome Vauxhall's new VXR8 GTS, which can be ordered from today with first deliveries at the end of the year.

The Engine
At the heart of the VXR8 GTS is a new supercharged LSA V8 (identical to that used in the recently launched Chevrolet Camaro ZL1), delivering 576bhp and 545lb ft of torque, an increase of 150bhp and 140lb ft respectively over the outgoing, LS3-engined VXR8. Performance figures will be released soon, but bear in mind that even the naturally-aspirated VXR8 achieved a 0-60mph time in 4.9 seconds and a limited top speed of 155mph…

The new VXR8's Eaton supercharger has 4-lobe rotors, 9psi boost and 1.9 litres of air per revolution. Unlike a turbocharged car, the Eaton supercharger provides the VXR8 with stronger and more linear performance across its entire rev-range. Other LSA features:

•     Stand-alone water to air charge cooling system
•     Separate transmission and differential cooling system
•     Water to oil engine cooling system
•     Bi-modal air-intake system
•     High-flow exhaust manifolds and exhaust system with Bi-modal silencers

The Design
The new front-end design of the VXR8 GTS has bold graphics and shallow ramp angles that emphasise width and stance. The focal point of the new look is a 'twin-nostril' grille and an all-new fascia that helps to deliver both an aggressive look and an air intake surface large enough to cool the LSA V8.

In fact, a total of 130,000 square millimetres of open frontal surface was needed to deliver the cooling required for the new engine - 75 per cent more than the outgoing LS3-engined car.
Daytime running lights - which can now operate when the headlights are turned on - and 20-inch 'Blade' forged alloy wheels complete the front-end design.

At the rear, the VXR8 GTS has distinctive LED tail lamps, while the 'diffuser' rear fascia houses quad exhaust outlets finished in shadow chrome. A unique body-coloured performance rear spoiler with black accents helps set the GTS apart still further.
The inside, the VXR8's cabin design has undergone a raft of design changes. An upgraded instrument panel with suede-style inserts, a new instrument cluster, gauges, centre console, appliques and door trims combine to deliver a more premium look and feel.

The Dynamics
To cater for the extra performance offered by the LSA engine, the VXR8 GTS is fitted with an all-new Brake Torque Vectoring technology. Brake Torque Vectoring helps reduce understeer by generating a 'rotational moment' in the rear axle while the car is under power. The Electronic Stability Control (ESC) system detects the understeer, applies braking to the inside rear wheel and transfers torque to the outside rear wheel, preventing the front end from washing wide.

The VXR8 GTS also receives third-generation Magnetic Ride Control (MRC) with three independent settings: Touring, Sport and Track. Hardware and software improvements combine to deliver greater body control, sharper handling and a significantly more pliant ride quality, compared with the outgoing model.

Wider tyres also offer drivers more grip. Continental 255/35 R20 (front) and 275/35 R20 (rear) were chosen as standard equipment, due to their exceptional performance in both wet and dry conditions.

To assist drivers in manipulating the various electronic vehicle performance systems, a new Driver Preference Dial has been developed. Located behind the gear lever, the Driver Preference Dial adjusts settings to one of four modes: Touring, Sport, Performance and Track. The vehicle's ESC, Traction Control, Launch Control (manual transmission only), and Bi-Modal Exhaust, as well as its Brake Torque Vectoring and new Electronic Power Steering, are then adjusted accordingly.

The VXR8 GTS's braking capacity has been dramatically increased with the fitment of AP forged 6-piston calipers with two-piece discs front and rear. Combined with the increased disc diameters, the calipers - forged from 6061 T6 aluminium - offer a vastly improved strength-to-weight ratio and deliver noticeable improvements in brake modulation and feel. The rear brake pad size has also been increased by 12 per cent.

Technology
The VXR8 has now come of age, and features an array of technologies never seen before in this model.
In addition to the Side Blind Zone Alert with Reverse Traffic Alert, Automatic Park Assist, Front and Rear Park Assist, Reversing Camera and Passive Entry/Push Button Start, the GTS also picks up a number of additional driver convenience and safety technologies.
Head Up Display is standard and shows a raft of driver information on the windscreen, such as vehicle speed, engine temperature, and even G-forces!

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Toyota GT86 TRD, 2014

 

 

 Toyota GT86 TRD, 2014

The Toyota GT86 has revitalised Toyota's reputation for building cars that are all about the pure pleasure of driving since its launch in 2012, . Now the hugely acclaimed sports coupe - shortlisted for both European and World Car of the Year awards - gains even more appeal with the introduction of the new Toyota GT86 TRD.

The equipped with genuine design and performance features from TRD (Toyota Racing Development), one of the world's most accomplished and successful after market engineering businesses.

GT86 is the first UK Toyota for which official TRD parts have been used to create a specific production model grade.

The Toyota GT86 TRD , on sale from 1 March, 2013, create a new halo model for the 2+2 coupe range. Both six-speed manual and automatic versions will be available, in a choice of two colours: Pearl White and GT86 Black. On-the-road prices are £31,495 for the manual and £32,995 for the auto.

The focus is on sports styling, but not at the cost of GT86's essential performance and handling character. The package includes 18-inch cast TF6 alloys, deep front and side skirts, a rear bumper spoiler and a fast-response quad-exhaust system with a rear diffuser to increase stability. The TRD touches also extended to a branded radiator cap and fuel filler cover, while inside the car there is a new TRD gear shift lever.

These items are all in addition to GT86's established equipment specification, which includes HID headlamps, front fog lamps, limited slip differential, Smart Entry and Start, dual-zone climate control, analogue dials and meters, drilled aluminium pedals, sports seats, scuff plates, cruise control and the Toyota Touch multimedia system.

Acceleration and maximum speed are unchanged at 7.7 seconds for 0-62mph and 140mph for the manual and 8.4 seconds and 130mph for the automatic. There are slight changes in fuel consumption and emissions: 192g/km and 34.9mpg for the manual and 181g/km and 36.2mpg for the automatic (all figures official combined cycle).

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Subaru WRX, 2015

 

 

 Subaru WRX, 2015

The all-new Subaru WRX (US specifications) has made its world premiere at the 2013 Los Angeles Auto Show being held at the Los Angeles Convention Center.

The product concept for the all-new Subaru WRX is "Pure Power in Your Control". Reigning in the intense power and superior environmental friendliness of the 2.0-liter Horizontally-Opposed direct injection turbo "DIT" engine with a body and chassis thoroughly stiffened, the new WRX has drivers rejoicing at the free reign they have over this high-powered machine. Also,along with the standard six-speed manual transmission, Sport Lineartronic has newly been adopted to the transmission. In addition to smooth shifting mode, the Sport Lineartronic comes with an eight-speed manual shift mode with sharp shifting response, allowing more drivers to enjoy a spirited drive.

Equipped with a Symmetrical AWD (All-Wheel drive) system built around Subaru's Boxer engine, the WRX is the symbol of Subaru AWD sport performance. Ever since the first model hit the streets back in 1992, the WRX has gained worldwide support from sports car enthusiasts as a distinctive sports sedan combining impressive sport performance with the practicality of a four-door sedan.

Pure Power in Your Control
The product concept "Pure Power in Your Control" was established during development of the new Subaru WRX. This concept aims to reach an even higher order of "absolute speed" and "driving excitement" for sports sedans, the goal pursued in successive generations of WRX models.This product concept was embodied to maximize the potential of the turbo Boxer engine and the pursuit of ultimate control performance, allowing drivers to steer the vehicle exactly as they imagine. To this end, the body has been made lighter and more rigid, integrating extensive chassis reinforcements.

Chassis and Body
Chassis and body performance have been thoroughly enhanced so that drivers can better control the absolute speed of combining Symmetrical AWD with a turbo Boxer engine.

Working to stiffen both body and suspension while optimizing suspension geometry has both quickened vehicle response to driver steering input and raised the limit performance for cornering. In addition, Multi-mode Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) and Active Torque Vectoring have been added for even more predictable, more enjoyable driving.

Many hours of in-depth suspension tuning have resulted in a flat, comfortable ride.

The electric power steering is employed with more rigid steering gearbox mounts for a improved fuel efficiency and a more direct steering feel.

The Engine
The Subaru WRX is equipped with a new high performance 2.0-liter Horizontally-Opposed direct injection turbo "DIT" engine for high power with environmental friendliness.

The DIT engine has vastly improved performance over the existing 2.5-liter model. It produces a maximum 268 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 258 lb.-ft. of torque from 2,000 to 5,200 rpm while maintaining high environmental performance.

The Transmission
This is the first time a manual transmission has been paired with the DIT Boxer engine.Also, the new optional Sport Lineartronic provides greatly improved shift response for a sportier ride than the existing Lineartronic applied for higher torque. This offers more drivers excellent environmental friendliness to go along with real sports driving excitement.

6-Speed Manual Transmission
The gear ratio and gear stick ratio have been optimized from the five-speed manual transmission to achieve better driveability and smoother shifting to match the sporty features of the WRX.

By widening the gear ratios from the existing five-speed manual transmission to keep engine speeds lower, it has better fuel economy and is quieter driving at high speeds.

Sport Lineartronic
The Sport Lineartronic draws out the full potential of the 2.0-liter DIT Boxer engine in terms of power, torque and environmental friendliness, allowing for relaxed, environmentally responsible driving.

Safety
Following Subaru's safety philosophy of "ALL-AROUND SAFETY", performance in all safety fields have been enhanced.

Active Safety
With Symmetrical AWD as a base, the body was lightened, rigidity improved and chassis performance enhanced along with VDC. All this gives the Subaru WRX the best hazard avoidance performance in its class, making driving excitement a safe endeavor in any scenario.

Passive Safety
The new WRX employs more high tensile steel plating with strengthened joints with various structures. While helping to reduce weight, these changes also make for a stronger body with world-class safety performance in collisions from the front, rear or sides.

In addition to assertively using collision-absorbing structure for the hood and bulkhead,collision-absorbing material has been added in the engine compartment side for increased pedestrian protection.

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