2011 Vauxhall VXR8

Vauxhall has revealed its new 2011 VXR8. These first official pictures of the VXR8 show an edgier and more aggressive look over the model it replaces. But it's way more expensive, too.

The VXR8 is based on the Holden Commodore, but instead of the hot ClubSport R8 model on which the previous Vauxhall was based, the new model starts with the new E3 GTS just launched in Australia. That means a 6.2-liter LS3 V8 with 425 horsepower and 405 lb-ft of torque – kept in line by new Magnetic Ride Control and Launch Control systems, driving through a six-speed transmission (automatic or manual) and a mechanical diff – for a 4.9-second sprint to 60 mph and an electronically-limited top speed of 155 mph.

Afresh, ‘Shockwave’ grille, LED day running lights and sleek fresh wing-vents mark the fresh auto away by the front, while the rear characteristics afresh ‘Superflow’ rear spoiler, LED taillights and twin deplete tips that mime the shape of the face grille.

Vauxhall VXR8 has also employed the Magnetic Ride Control (MRC) which adapts to road conditions 1000 times per second, together with the Launch Control feature which engages when the driver sets the Electronic Stability Control in Competition Mode. 

2011 Vauxhall VXR8 is priced at at £49 500.




Press Release

REAR-DRIVE, 6.2-LITRE V8, SUB-£50K: IT HAS TO BE THE NEW VXR8!

• New VXR8 hits UK dealers next March, based on higher-spec GTS model
• Re-designed exterior and new interior with full leather trim as standard
• Magnetic Ride Control & Launch Control complement 431PS V8 powertrain

Luton – Vauxhall's storming VXR8 model is back with a vengeance, packing heavily revised front- and rear-end styling, a new cabin and a raft of new technology to enhance its appeal to drivers in search of one of the last, great rear-drive V8 super-saloons.

Priced at £49,500 (inc. 20 per cent VAT) and available to order later this month, the new VXR8 is now based on HSV's E3 GTS model, just launched in Australia, the previous VXR8 representing the old version of the lower-spec ClubSport R8. That means it still undercuts full-size super saloons like the Audi RS6, Jaguar XFR and Mercedes E63 AMG by between £13k and £29k, and even performance saloons from the class below, such as the BMW M3 and Mercedes C63 AMG.

A new, 'Shockwave' grille, LED daytime running lights and sleek new wing-vents mark the new car out from the front, while the rear features a new 'Superflow' rear spoiler, LED tail lamps and twin exhaust tips that mimic the shape of the front grille. As you can see from these first official press shots of our Hazard Yellow car, the new VXR8 will never blend into the scenery!

As before, the new VXR8's race-bred chassis uses MacPherson struts/progressive rate coil springs at the front and a multi-link independent set-up at the rear. But for the first time on a VXR8, Vauxhall has employed Magnetic Ride Control (MRC), a suspension system which adapts up to 1000 times a seconds to road conditions and driver inputs. Based on technology used in GM's current Corvette ZR1 supercar, MRC works by sending an electric current through damper units filled with 'soft' magnetic particles. These particles harden as the input reaches its maximum value, providing drivers with exceptional levels of ride, handling and stopping power.

Complementing the new VXR8's MRC is Launch Control, which is engaged when drivers select the ESC's (Electronic Stability Control) Competition Mode. The system dictates the level of torque delivered to the rear wheels for maximum acceleration, according to surface conditions. All the driver has to do is floor the throttle and let the car do the rest. Extensive testing has proved that LC results in acceleration runs no more than 0.1 second apart.

Of course, no VXR8 would be complete without a large-capacity V8, and this latest version doesn't disappoint. The fourth generation 6.2-litre LS3 unit produces 431PS and a massive 550Nm of torque, enough to propel the VXR8 from 0-60mph in 4.9 seconds and on to a governed top speed of 155mph. As before, drive is delivered to the rear axle via either a six-speed manual or auto transmission, working through a mechanical limited slip differential.

Inside, the new VXR8 has undergone a transformation. Full leather trim is now standard, and front occupants are cocooned in special HSV Performance Seats with eight-way adjustability. A new instrument cluster and surround, centre stack and switchgear provide a cleaner and more integrated look, while standard equipment also includes Aux-in/USB inputs, iPod support and Bluetooth with phone book display and touch-screen dialling.

But for drivers who want to engage with their VXR8 like never before, Vauxhall has introduced EDI, or Enhanced Driver Interface. EDI connects with the on-board computer to constantly stream real-time vehicle dynamics and performance to the car's main 5-inch monitor. At the touch of the screen, drivers can access a variety of data such as vehicle G-forces, power and torque and lap times – even the degree to which their VXR8 is drifting. Completing the clever package is the ability for drivers to download data, such as track day performance, and analyse it using the MOTEC i2 software provided.

Befitting its exclusivity, the VXR8 is now available through just six highly specialist VXR dealers in the UK, though a total of 34 VXR outlets will be authorised to maintain the model.

2011 BMW X5 Performance Accessories

BMW has announced the North American availability of BMW Performance brand accessories for the X5.

The BMW Performance Aero Kit for the BMW 2011 X5 includes new bumper covers which have a new design, new side skirts. Black kidney grilles are also available to offer a meaner look to the X5. The whole kit was designed with the purpose of reducing the drag in order to improve the stability of the car.

The interior, the BMW Performance Accessories include upgrades on both the SUV’s steering wheel and pedal set. For the former, BMW Performance has a unique multi-function steering wheel that features a thick, racing-style, flattened lower rim that’s fully covered in hand-stitched Alcantara material. For the latter (the pedal set), BMW Performance has an aluminum pedal kit that includes a gas pedal, brake pedal, and footrest pedal, all of which were ergonomically crafted with aluminum featuring rubber inserts.




Press Release

BMW has announced the North American availability of BMW Performance brand accessories for the trendsetting X5 Sports Activity Vehicle. The new BMW Performance parts for the X5 include aerodynamic components, aluminum pedals, special kidney grilles, and a new flat-bottom Sport steering wheel. The new accessories go on sale at Authorized BMW Centers this month.

Aerodynamics

Directly from BMW’s state-of-the-art Munich wind tunnel comes the comprehensive new BMW Performance Aero Kit for the 2011 X5 (excluding X5 M and models equipped with trailer hitch). The Aero Kit, which includes redesigned front and rear bumper covers and side skirts, is specifically sculpted to reduce aerodynamic drag and lift at high speeds, improving stability while making a dramatic, stylish statement. Additionally, BMW Performance has made available a set of black kidney grilles for the X5, which provides a sporty, menacing appearance for the front of the vehicle.

Interior

For the interior, BMW Performance has concentrated on the driver-machine interface, creating a new steering wheel and pedal set. The BMW Performance Aluminum Pedal Kit includes gas pedal, brake pedal, and footrest pedal, ergonomically crafted of aluminum with rubber inserts. The pedals fit all models of X5 and provide enhanced pedal feel for the driver.

Last but not least, BMW Performance has made available a unique multifunction steering wheel for X5 models. This direct replacement for the standard X5 steering wheel features a thick, racing-style, flattened lower rim and is fully covered in hand-stitched Alcantara material (Not available for X5 M and vehicles with Lane Departure Warning).

First Chevrolet Volt begin shipping to dealers

Five trucks carrying Chevrolet Volt extended-range electric cars left General Motors Detroit-Hamtramck plant Monday evening, marking the first shipment to dealers after nearly four years of expectation.

Volt marketing director Tony DiSalle says that the first batch of Volts represents a milestone for Chevrolet, adding that customers will soon, "experience gas-free commuting with the freedom to take an extended trip whenever or wherever they want."

The first ones are expected in Volt's first markets: California, New York and Washington, D.C. Fox says GM is building in time to make sure the cars don't have glitches when they leave the factory, which adds a few extra days or weeks.

Priced from $33,500, after tax credits, the Volt never came close to the initially claimed 230 mpg in city driving. Eventually, EPA released three mileage ratings, the best being 93 mpg in full electric mode and the worst 37 mpg when the 1.4-liter engine kicks in. Now that cars are actually reaching customers, we’re more than curious to hear their feedback on the matter.

Source:GM via carscoop




Press Release

Chevrolet Volt Charity Auction Closed at $225,000

DETROIT - The online auction for the Chevrolet Volt closed at 6 p.m. today at $225,000.

Chevrolet will announce the auction winner, and present the auction proceeds to the Detroit Public Schools Foundation, after verifying the final bid.

The vehicle offered in the charity auction was the first Chevrolet Volt available for sale, bearing the vehicle identification number ending inBU100002. It features a Viridian Joule exterior, Light Neutral interiorwith dark accents, Premium Trim Package, Rear Camera and Park AssistPackage, and polished wheels. The auction also includes a 240-volt charging station and home installation.

All proceeds from the auction will benefit the foundation's support of science, technology, engineering and math initiatives for Detroit Public Schools students.

Vauxhall Ampera available for £28,995

Vauxhall has announced today that its Ampera Extended-Range Electric Vehicle (E-REV) will cost under £30,000 when it hits UK showrooms in early 2012, after taking advantage of the £5,000 plug-in car Government grant.

The Vauxhall boasts a 50 mile battery electric drive range, which Vauxhall believes exceeds the UK's average commuting distance. However, if you need to go on a longer journey, the Ampera's range-extender engine/generator produces electricity on board.

The Vauxhall Ampera differs from standard hybrid cars because the electric motor is powered by a lithium-ion battery. The small petrol engine does not drive the wheels under speeds of 70mph, instead it charges the battery to boost the range to 360 miles.

Fully recharging the Vauxhall Ampera takes less the 4 hours through a 240V electricity socket, at an average cost of around 1 GBP, and overall the car will have extremely low running costs.

The Vauxhall Ampera price list starts at 28,995 GBP. The benefit of buying a Vauxhall Ampera is that you won't have to pay the TFL congestion charge, Vehicle Excise Duty payments and 5% company car taxation. The Vauxhall Ampera price is also lowered by the 5000 GBP Plug-In Car Grant.





Press Release

• Announced today - Ampera qualifies for Plug-In Car Grant of £5000
• Customers to pay £28,995 after benefiting from grant
• UK’s first extended-range electric vehicle now an uncompromised reality for families
• Up to 50 miles battery only commuting with 360-mile range when needed
• Opportunity to become a Vauxhall Ampera ‘ ePioneer’

Luton – Vauxhall has announced today that its revolutionary Ampera Extended-Range Electric Vehicle (E-REV) will cost under £30k when it hits UK showrooms in early 2012, bringing the reality of a technologically sophisticated, electrically-driven, family car with an uncompromised driving range firmly into the mainstream.

After taking advantage of the £5000 Plug-In Car Grant, customers will pay just £28,995 for the Ampera. And it’s not just the price that impresses; with the efficiency of up to 50 miles range on battery power,free TFL congestion charge, no Vehicle Excise Duty payments and 5% company car taxation, Ampera’s overall running costs will be extremely low.

The Vauxhall Ampera is the only real-world electric car solution for a family. It is extremely efficient, unique in the market and has a numberof operating modes, maximising performance in all circumstances. Its 50 mile battery electric drive range exceeds the UK’s average commuting distance but when a longer journey is required, Ampera’s range-extender engine/generator produces electricity on board. The generator engages seamlessly once the battery has reached a minimum level of charge. The 50-mile battery electric range is thus extended by 310 miles permitting the driver to travel up to 360 miles without the need for recharging or refuelling.

A full charge for Ampera’s battery can be achieved in less than four hours via a domestic 240v electricity socket at an average cost of around £1, depending on tariff. Commuting within the 50 mile range willensure very low running costs on battery electric drive only.

Become an ePioneer

Vauxhall is offering the exciting opportunity to become an ePioneer and be amongst the first to own an Ampera. For a £150 fully refundable reservation fee, potential customers can register at www.vauxhall-ampera.co.uk where they can pre-order an Ampera and also access exclusive events and opportunities in the build up to launch. There is no commitment to purchase.

The same website also offers much more information on the Vauxhall Ampera and includes Facebook, Twitter and YouTube links.

Volkswagen Taxi Concept In London

Volkswagen has unveiled the Taxi Concept in London, based on the upcoming Up! / Lupo city car.

The Concept, which measures 3,730 mm in length, 1,680 mm in width and 1,600 mm in height, is shorter than the current smallest Volkswagen, the Fox. The VW Taxi Concept is designed to meet the challenges faced by vehicles in modern cities, with ever tighter restrictions on space and emissions.

The Volkswagen Taxi Concept is powered by an electric motor juiced by lithium-ion batteries that 45 kW/h. The total power output of the Volkswagen Taxi Concept is rated at 115 PS and the vehicle has a theoretical top speed of 74 mph.

At the front, the driving feel is spacious, thanks to the large glass area. The major functions of the vehicle including climate, entertainment and fare information, which are all grouped onto one touchscreen display mounted next to the driver. A similar screen relays information to the passengers in the back on their route and their immediate environment.

The Up city car is definitely on the way, however. A two-door version will go on sale late next year, followed by a four-door model soon after.




Press Release

A conceptual twist on a British institution has been unveiled in the form of the Volkswagen Taxi Concept – the latest evolution in a series of ‘World Taxis’ based on the underpinnings of the forthcoming UP! city car.

The man behind the project, Klaus Bischoff, Head of Design at Volkswagen, was present in Central London earlier today to unveil the car.

Designed to meet the challenges faced by vehicles in modern cities, with ever tighter restrictions on space and emissions, the Volkswagen Taxi Concept is powered by an electric motor fed by lithium-ion batteries. With a capacity of 45 kW/h the batteries allow the electric motor to generate a maximum power output of 115 PS, translating to a theoretical top speed of 74 mph.

The range of the Volkswagen Taxi Concept is estimated at 186 miles between charges with an 80 per cent charge taking around one hour to complete.

The Concept, which measures 3,730 mm in length, 1,680 mm in width and 1,600 mm in height, is shorter than the current smallest Volkswagen, the Fox. However its long wheelbase and minimal front and rear overhangs allow it to have a spacious cabin with room for two adults to be seated in comfort plus an allocated area for luggage. At the front, the driving environment is similarly spacious, an impression emphasised by the large glass area.

The theme running throughout the vehicle is simplicity, with an elegant, clutter-free look to the interior. The major functions of the vehicle including climate, entertainment and fare information are all grouped onto one touchscreen display mounted next to the driver. In the back a similar screen relays information to the passengers on their route and their immediate environment. Despite its modest size, the Volkswagen Taxi Concept feels luxurious, with use of cream leather and individual, as opposed to bench, seats.

The styling draws on that of the UP!, Space UP! and Space UP! Blue concept cars and features deliberately tongue-in-cheek details such as the silver Union Jack on the roof and the City of London’s coat of arms resplendent on either side of the vehicle as well as on the dashboard.

Elegant daytime running lights mounted within the headlight units are joined by a distinctive ‘Taxi’ light on the roof. This has two settings – it glows green, indicating when it’s free and red when it’s not.

At the rear the light units are integrated into the 60:40 split tailgate, behind which are a pair of cubbies to house the belongings of the driver.

While the concept doesn’t adhere to current legal requirements regulating taxis in London it does offer an insight into the possibility of a future small, efficient taxi that offers an alternative to conventional fuels.