Smart ForTwo Limited 2 Special Edition Released

The Smart ForTwo Limited 2 Special Edition, based on the 71bhp Passion has just been released in Europe. The significant change from a regular Passion Coupe or Cabrio are the addition of 15-inch six-spoke alloys, a special pale blue metallic exterior paint and the interior covered with cognac brown leather. UK buyers also get an option to add electric power steering, an upgraded audio system and locking glove box. The price for Limited 2 coupe starts at $18,363 while the open top model gets a price tag of $22,100.

Further details can be checked in the press release pasted below.

Smart enthusiasts searching for that certain something extra need look no further than the exclusive smart fortwo special edition - limited two. Based on the popular 71bhp smart fortwo passion this special edition will be available in coupé and cabrio body styles when it goes on sale on 1st September 2008.

Boasting a wealth of additional equipment and a unique paint finish, which varies between different shades according to the light, the model is destined to become one of the most stylish and luxurious smarts ever produced.

The limited two's frugal fuel economy of up to 70.6mpg on the extra urban cycle is complemented by a lavish interior featuring cognac brown leather heated seats, a three-spoke leather sports steering wheel with gearshift, leather gear knob and velour floor mats with leather trim. A rev counter and clock are also added.

As well as limited two badging and six-spoke alloy wheels with 15-inch tyres, the newcomer is distinguished by its special light blue metallic paint finish which displays subtle silver and beige tones depending on the prevailing light conditions.

Owners can also choose to enhance their car's impressive specification with a trio of optional extras – electric power steering, a lockable glove compartment or a smart sound system.

Prospective buyers will need to act quickly to get their hands on smart's new edition limited two as numbers of this special edition will be limited in order to retain its exclusivity. On-the-road pricing is £9,575 for the coupé and £11,525 for the cabrio.

Source: Smart
Read More On: Smart
Read more >>

Opel To Launch Insignia Hatch-Sedan At British Motor Show

GM Europe is preparing to debut the 2009 Opel Insignia hatchback and sedan variants at the 2008 British Motor Show in London. The new Insignia is based on Epsilon II platform and will be replacing the Opel Vectra. Europe will get the option of seven powertrains to choose from including four gas and three diesel models all mated to six speed transmission.

The four gasoline engines range from a four-cylinder 115 hp unit to a V6 with 260 hp. Three new direct-injection turbo-diesels exclusively developed for the Insignia feature a displacement of 2.0 liters and power outputs spanning from 110 to 160 hp.

The newly developed chassis for Insignia can be enhanced with the innovative, integrated FlexRide mechatronic system, as well as the sophisticated Adaptive 4x4. The length of both the notchback and hatchback, at 4,830 mm, and the wheelbase of 2,737 mm remain the same. The Insignia's fuel consumption, CO2 emissions and driving dynamics benefit from the aerodynamic efficiency that was perfected during more than 650 hours in the wind tunnel. The result: A class-leading drag coefficient of 0.27.

Prices for the U.K., Ireland, Germany, Austria and Switzerland will be announced July 22 in London and cars will hit German dealerships before the end of the year. Opel expects both models to sell in about equal numbers but U.K. and France enjoy a high market share for 5-door sedans in the mid-size class segment.

Source: TheyReviewed
Read More On: Opel Insignia

Click To View GM's 2009 Model Opel Insignia Photo Gallery.

Read more >>

New Seat Ibiza Sport-Coupe (SC) Details & Photos

Within few months of the Seat Ibiza five-door's international debut, the Spanish automaker is back with the stylish Ibiza SportCoupé. It is the three-door variant of the new SEAT Ibiza and is due to make its first public appearance at the upcoming 2008 British Motor Show in London. Targeted specifically towards sports-orientated supermini buyers, the SportCoupé's 1.6-liter (105 PS) powerplant will be offered with a seven-speed DSG double-clutch gearbox. It is expected to go on sale in UK before the end of this year.

Checkout Seat's official press release for the new Ibiza SportCoupé and some of its high resolution photos below.

Press Release.
Hot on the heels of the smart SEAT Ibiza five-door's international debut, the dynamic Spanish car maker is today revealing its stunning new Ibiza SportCoupé.

With two fewer doors and an even more svelte shape than its stylish five-door supermini sibling, the sassy SportCoupé is tailored very clearly towards drivers keen to mix fun and functionality with a head-turning shape.

The SportCoupé's bespoke silhouette – at 1,428 mm it is 17 mm lower than the five-door with a markedly different and more aggressive design treatment throughout – clearly signals the sporting intentions of the latest addition to the new Ibiza family.

And that dedication to driving excitement is underlined by the newcomer's technical highlights which include the option of cutting edge seven-speed DSG double clutch gearbox technology – a world first for the supermini segment.

The ultra slick-shifting automatic/sequential manual 'box will be available on 105 PS 1.6-litre versions of the new car, while crisp handling and a composed ride are assured courtesy of the Ibiza SC's all-new supermini platform – the first application of this particular engineering base in the Volkswagen Group.

There's also a different interpretation of designer Luc Donckerwolke's 'Arrow Design', with lowered headlights and repositioned radiator grille serving to reinforce the muscular new motor's obvious kerb appeal.

Precise engine and trim combos have yet to be confirmed, although it's already clear that more potent FR and Cupra versions of the new Ibiza will certainly sport SC styling when they make their debuts over the coming months.

SEAT Head of Marketing, Steve Robertson, said of the important addition to the new Ibiza family: 'Traditionally, a significant part of our business has been built on the success of three-door Ibiza, so the unveiling of this stunning new SportCoupé is a key moment for us.

'I know our existing Ibiza owners, as well as sports-orientated supermini buyers generally, will be thrilled at what they see. Personally, I can't wait to see the new Ibiza SC on the road here in the UK!'

Source: Seat
Read More On: Cars From Seat

Photo Gallery: New 2009 Model Seat Ibiza SportCoupe Pictures.

Read more >>

Alfa Romeo Launch Prodrive Tuned Brera S For UK

There is soon going to be a new sports car on the block, developed specifically for roads in Britain. Alfa Romeo is planning for the new, limited edition Alfa Brera S with a hand from Prodrive, the world-leading motorsport specialist. Alfa says the engineers worked intensively for a year on suspension and chassis development and the result is a sports coupe that subtly enhances all that is good about the original Alfa Brera, while giving it crisp driver feedback & handling.

Distinctly different from the rest of the line-up, this unique addition to Alfa Romeo's UK range includes refined styling changes, inside and out. And to ensure ultimate exclusivity, production of the Alfa Brera S will be limited to just 500 individually numbered models. Power comes from a choice of two existing direct injection petrol engines – the 185 bhp 2.2 JTS and the 260 bhp 3.2 V6 JTS.

For the record, the 2.2 JTS and 3.2 V6 JTS Alfa Brera S can reach 62 mph from rest in 8.6 and 7.0 seconds respectively, on the way to maximum speeds of 139 and 155 mph.

To reduce roll and pitch and achieve an even flatter cornering attitude, Prodrive commissioned bespoke Eibach coil springs and Bilstein dampers. Spring rates are increased by over 50 per cent compared to the standard Alfa Brera, giving the car a more nimble and agile feel, while the specially tuned gas-filled mono-tube dampers give tighter body control. To further enhance suspension geometry and achieve lower centre of gravity, the cars have been lowered by 10 mm front and rear.

At each corner of the Alfa Brera S, unique Alfa 8C Competizione-inspired, lightweight 19" alloy wheels and Pirelli PZero Nero tyres have been fitted. The Prodrive stamped exhaust comes finished with chrome embellishers and has been altered to mirror the shape of the rear lights. The list continues with the Prodrive branded front stone deflectors, and a bespoke red 'S' or 'SV6' on the C-pillar.

Inside the 3.2 V6 JTS Alfa Brera S, changes are more obvious. Not only are the sports seats upholstered in soft black Frau® leather with red stitching, so are the dashboard fascia, door panels, steering wheel and gearlever. Foot pedals are fashioned from drilled aluminium and the headrest recess houses a limited edition Brera S aluminium plate, featuring the flags of Italy and Britain. This interior can also be specified on the 2.2 JTS version.

The transition from Alfa Brera to Brera S takes place at Alfa Romeo UK's dedicated import centre, near Bristol, and is overseen by Prodrive.

Source: TheyReviewed
Read More On: Alfa Romeo

Photo Gallery: Alpha Romeo's Limited Edition Prodrive Brera S High-Res Wallpaper Pictures.

Read more >>

Audi A5 Coupe UK Lineup Gets 2.0L TFSI Eco-Friend

Just like many other autmakers, Audi also wants to display its concern for environment. So it goes ahead and adds the new 2.0L TFSI to its A5 model range and will be available this August. The vehicles reported 42.8 mpg (36 mpg US) mileage in mixed driving definately boost its eco-friend credentials but don't worry, its also fun to drive. A5 2.0 TFSI generates 208 hp of power at 4300 rpm and torque of 258 lb-ft at 1500 rpm allowing it to hit 62 mph in a decent 6.9 seconds. And its all yours for £28,760. Check press release below for details.

PRESS RELEASE:
Latest Turbo FSI engine joins Audi coupé range and reiterates that fun and frugality are far from mutually exclusive A5 2.0 TFSI now available to order in front-wheel-drive or quattro all-wheel-drive forms priced at £28,760 OTR and £30,285 OTR – first deliveries in August. All-new Turbo FSI engine is based on 1.8 TFSI from new A4, but adds Audi valvelift technology for improved engine 'breathing' to maximise performance and efficiency.

A newly developed Turbo FSI petrol engine available from this week for the Audi A5 provides the sought-after coupe with yet another choice blend of pace and pence-per-mile efficiency. The new 211PS A5 2.0 TFSI can be ordered in either front-wheel-drive or quattro permanent all-wheel-drive forms for £28,760 OTR or £30,285 OTR, and will reach its first UK customers in August.

The new high-tech 2.0-litre unit is derived from the already much praised 1.8 TFSI engine introduced recently in A3, A4 and A5 models. It delivers 211PS from 4,300rpm and a very impressive 350Nm torque maximum from just 1,500rpm – more even than the 3.2-litre V6 FSI unit also powering A5 models. It enables the front-wheel-drive A5 2.0 TFSI with six-speed manual transmission to cover the 0-62mph sprint in 6.9 seconds, reach a top speed of 155mph and return up to 42.8mpg according to the combined cycle test. And despite doing full justice in performance terms to the purposeful styling of the A5, it also shows restraint where emissions are concerned, with an output of 154g/km for the front-wheel-drive version.

Standard specification for front-wheel-drive and quattro all-wheel-drive versions of the new A5 2.0 TFSI includes xenon headlamps with trademark LED strip daytime running lamps, 17-inch seven-spoke alloy wheels, 3-zone electronic climate control, a 10-speaker Concert CD audio system, full Milano leather upholstery and rear acoustic parking.

Source: Audi
Read More On: Cars From Audi


Read more >>

Ford UK Launch Red Fiesta Limited Edition Model

The Fiesta is Fords most selling mid-size vehicle in the UK. And since its due for replacememnt soon, Ford is trying to come out with newer Fiesta limited or special edition models to make most out of this vehicle before its gets dumped. So moving on that line, Ford has now launched the Red edition Fiesta Zetec S. Named 'Red' since this model would be available in, you guessed it, only red color.

The Red edition of Fiesta is based on the Fiesta Zetec S, powered by a 1.6-liter four generating 100hp of power. Only 400 pieces of Fiesta Red edition will be created for sale in UK and will be offered at a price of £13,000. For the guys and gals who need more details about the new Fiesta guise, we have pasted Ford's official press release below.

FORD ADDS STRIKING NEW FIESTA LIMITED EDITION
- New sporty Fiesta Zetec S Red special edition
- Black and white 'chequered flag roof' and Colorado red body paint
- Leather seats and privacy glass
- On sale now priced at £13,000 on-the-road

BRENTWOOD, Essex, 26 June, 2008 – The appeal of the exciting Ford Fiesta line-up continues to expand with the debut of a new sporty, feature-packed special edition – the Zetec S Red. Just 400 new Zetec S Red special editions, representing 10 per cent of all Zetec S models, will be available, priced at £13,000.

The "Red" edition follows the success of the popular radian yellow "Anniversary" and lime green "Celebration" models which sold out within weeks of their launch last year. Ford Fiesta has been in the top three best-selling vehicles in Britain every month this year with 42,895 models sold up to the end of May - almost 20 per cent of the British small car market.

With the zesty yet thrifty1.6-litre, 100PS petrol engine, Zetec S Red features Colorado red paintwork with chequered flag roof decal. Dark privacy glass on the rear windows and panther black features: door mirrors, door handles, bodyside mouldings, roof spoiler and tailgate handle, all add to the stylish look. Also standard are Quickclear® heated front windscreen, ebony leather seats, 16in alloy wheels, air conditioning and heated electrically-operated door mirrors.

Source: Ford
Read More On: Ford Fiesta

Photo Gallery: 2008 Ford Red Edition Fiesta Zetec S High-Res Pictures.

Read more >>

Mercedes-Benz Unveils New 2009 Zetros Truck

Daimler AG launched its new off-road truck, the Mercedes-Benz Zetros, at this year's International Defence Exhibition Eurosatory 2008 in Paris. Zetros will be offered in a three-axle cab-behind-engine truck version (Zetros 2733 A 6x6) and a two-axle version (Zetros 1833 A 4x4). The three-axle model offers payloads from 7 tonnes to 10 tonnes, while the two-axle model has payloads of 4 tonnes to 6 tonnes.

The extreme off-road capability of the Zetros all-wheel-drive truck is unique in this segment, including especially its tactical and strategic mobility (air and rail transportability). The novel approach of a cab-behind-engine truck with its low design height and its centre of gravity behind the front axle provides an ideal platform for armoured versions capable of withstanding mines and ballistic attack.

According to Mercedes, its Daimler's concept for the new off-road, all-wheel-drive truck series offers a number of key advantages over comparable vehicles currently available on the market. The new vehicle concept is primarily based on standard production line, all-wheel-drive components from the Axor/Actros series that have proven themselves on assignments worldwide and have been modified for off-road use, combined with an innovative cab module. This draws on the "Global Cockpit" and steering system of the MB Axor.

The integrated design of the Mercedes-Benz Zetros includes a level cab floor with a comfortable seating position for the 2nd co-driver and easy through-cab access. In addition, the low cab design enables the 4x4 and 6x6 vehicles to be air-lifted in transport aircraft such as the Hercules C 130 or the Transall C 160 with a minimum of preparation. Rail transportability is also assured as the vehicle conforms with the international loading gauge.

Via: eMercedesBenz
Read More On: Mercedes-Benz

Photo Gallery: New 2009 Model Mercedes-Benz Zetros Truck High-Res Pictures.

Read more >>