Citan, the new compact Mercedes Commercial

The designation Citan joins the words 'City' and 'Titan' and give name to a new compact Mercedes commercial, which will be first presented in September at the International Exhibition of Commercial Vehicles in Hanover, Germany.

This new commercial vehicle is based on the next generation of the Renault Kangoo and will be available in conventional petrol and diesel, as well as passenger and commercial versions of different lengths and weight classes.

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Fiat launches the fourth version of 500

Fiat has released more information about the Elezero (Zero-G) that Auto Sapo already revealed to him first hand. Including the name - will be 500L - and their characteristics, namely, the fact of being just like the 500 as the base will be the Fiat Punto with a length greater than 4 meters.

The success is evident and the 500 at a time when Fiat is struggling to stay afloat, nothing like stress the seam 500 to increase sales. This time is no longer a "pocket rocket" made ​​by the Abarth coupe or a charm, but a compact minivan.

The front of the new product will be equal to the 500 - to give it the air of a family and be able to integrate it in the range - but then everything will be different. Starting with the platform, based on an extended version of the Punto, which gives a length of 4.15 meters (the 500 has 3.54 meters). You will have two versions, one of five places and seven other places that will be even greater about 10 cm.

After the presentation of 500L in Geneva, the five-seat model hit the market in July, coming to America in January 2013. The seven-seat variant will arrive towards the end of the year, with the initial marketing in the U.S.A

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Porsche 911 Turbo will have tri-turbo

The image shows the new 911 Turbo in final testing at the Nurburgring, a model that will come up with a revised engine.

There will be a unique system, because BMW has announced that the new six-cylinder 3.0-liter supercharged diesel will receive triple to motorize, among others, M550d. Porsche's system is the final stage of development, bearing the mark of Zuffenhausen been using previous versions of the new 911 Turbo parallel model.

It was through the patenting what became known triple system supercharged Porsche. Looking to these patents, it is clear that the German brand uses three individual turbos, which is mounted a little close to the engine and is intended to provide torque at low speed, and two more similar to those used in current Borg Warner Turbo 911 current, which take care of the higher maximum power regimes.

With this system, Porsche wants to increase power and torque at low revs, while the power is delivered in a more linear throughout the rev range. In addition, the technicians of the German claim that this supercharging system is more effective in terms of fuel consumption and emissions by offering significant fuel savings.

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Car of the Year 2012 with finalists chosen

After much deliberation and an endless list of cars, the jury of the Car of the Year 2011, consisting of 59 members from 22 countries, including Portugal, has selected the short list of seven established.

With the winner to be announced on the opening day of the Geneva International Motor Show, there are seven vehicles that the 59 jurors from 22 countries chose to fight among themselves for assigning the reward "Car of the Year 2011."

Thus, Citroen DS5, Fiat Panda, VW Up, Range Rover Evoque, Ford Focus, Toyota Yaris and Opel Ampera / Chevy Volt, which form the group will leave the replacement of Nissan Leaf, Car of the Year 2011.

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Lexus reveals LF-LC in Detroit

This new car is the Lexus brand.
The front is similar to the LF-Gh, prototype unveiled at New York, there are many details borrowed from LFA supercar, especially on the back and the way to the front bumper.

Anyway, after the revelation that will be in Detroit, the planning of LF-LC (LF is for Lexus Future, the LC means coupe) provides for the marketing of the model in 2013/2014, followed by a convertible version will see only the light of day in 2015, taking the place of the SC and being clear rival the Mercedes SL.

What is not known for sure is that this type of engine prototype - where Lexus and Calty work for over a year and a half - will be under the hood. The press release in Japan, says it will be the advanced "Lexus Hybrid Drive" to power the model, while the U.S. release, this detail is omitted.

It is noted that the study and definition of the style was in charge of Calty, the Lexus design company that has been responsible for several prototype Toyota, Lexus and Scion, including the Lexus CT100 h.

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Chevrolet Aveo RS confirms in Detroit

After revealing the Sonic in January, Chevrolet will return to Detroit Auto Show, now with the final version of the Aveo RS.
The popularity of models like the Citroen DS3, Ford Fiesta ST or even Renault Clio, convinced Chevrolet to give the green light to the sports version of the Aveo that will be on sale in the second half of 2012.

As engine, Chevriolet uses a small 1.4-liter supercharged which coupled to a six-speed manual (or a unit with six-speed automatic also) delivers 136 hp and 200 Nm of torque, getting to know what values ​​of acceleration 0-100 km / h top speed, fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.

To differentiate the rest of the range sports model, the Chevrolet lay hand to the recipe usual in such cases: a more muscular new front grille, fog lamps and auxiliary air intakes, a new rear spoiler clearer, more engaging and a bumper with dual output chrome exhaust, and 17-inch wheels. Once inside, according to information gathered, displays more immersive new front seats, a steering wheel cut down, new instruments, renewed lever box and a finish that calls to Chevrolet RS, for this specific version.

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Mercedes E300 BlueTEC shows in Detroit

Mercedes chose the Detroit Auto Show to reveal its first series production hybrid, and then a diesel hybrid.

The Blue Tec Mercedes E300 sedan and wagon versions, will be available in September 2012, taking the brand from Stuttgart chosen the Detroit Motor Show to be held next month as the stage for worldwide exposure.

Under the program Bluefficiency, Mercedes will introduce the E300 equipped with the most powerful version of the block 2.1 liter diesel and a petrol version called E400, but that is only for the U.S. market, both with hybrid technology.

The aim of this Mercedes E300 BlueTec is the European market for fleet, and for this the mark of the star used a hybrid system and the excellent 2.1 liter block. All in all, are 109 g / km of CO2, a figure that offers great tax advantages and it hits, so obviously, the value announced by BMW for its ActyiveHybrid 5: 149 g / km.

With 205 hp and a torque of 500 Nm, the block is accompanied by a diesel power unit with 27 hp and 250 Nm placed inside the casing of the gearbox. Although not an official figure, it is known that the E300 BlueTEC has a 0.8 kWh battery that allows all-electric mode operation. However, if the figure of autonomy is only 2 miles at a speed of 60 km / h, with little avail. The set of measures to save fuel and reduce CO2 values, there is the start / stop system, energy recovery from braking and deceleration, cruise and tires so low rolling resistance. Thus, in addition to 109 g / km of CO2, the E300 BlueTec consumes just complains Mercedes, 4.2 l/100 km, an improvement of almost 3 l/100 km compared to the E250 CDI!

In terms of performance, Mercedes claims an acceleration 0-100 km / h in 7.5 seconds with a top speed of 240 km / h. The American version of the E400 is equipped with a V6 3.5 liter petrol engine with electric motor coupled to the same E300 BlueTec. According to data from Mercedes, obtained under the North American measurements, renowned more restrictive than the European, the E400 uses an average of 8.7 l/100 km, excellent value.

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Lexus LF-LC revealed in Detroit

After you preview the new model, the Lexus finally blurt out photos to the internet the new LF-LC to reveal in Detroit.
The picture is true and confirmed by Lexus to reveal a car that according to those of the brand, Lexus leads to a new dimension in terms of style that is a real step forward. In essence, the LF-LCE a luxury 2 +2 coupe that will be ready to produce.
Anyway, after the revelation that will be in Detroit, the planning of LF-LC (LF is for Lexus Future, the LC means coupe) provides for the marketing of the model in 2013/2014, followed by a convertible version will see only the light of day in 2015, taking the place of the SC and being clear rival the Mercedes SL.
It is noted that the study and definition of the style was in charge of Calty, the Lexus design company that has been responsible for several prototype Toyota, Lexus and Scion, including the Lexus CT100 h. Where there is little doubt is the engine, being assured that the LF-LC will receive a hybrid system to propel.

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Hyundai shows i-prototype on IQ

The i-on IQ is the form of Hyundai present the evolution of language style of the brand, the "fluidic sculpture" in addition to revealing what Hyundai has prepared for the European market.

The Geneva Motor Show to be held in March 2012, will stage the revelation of the i-on IQ, but Hyundai decided to already know the first sketches of the work done by Thomas Burkle, responsible for the style of Hyundai in Europe.

According to him, i-on IQ is defined as "two strong curved lines that sculpt your silhouette, creating an interesting contrast between lionhas aggressive character and detail while soft but muscular."

As mentioned, i was on IQ-designed and developed in R & D center of Hyundais located in Rüsselsheim, Germany.

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Will launch new Mini JCW Coutryman

The Geneva Motor Show of 2012 will be the stage for the revelation of this very special Mini Countryman JCW here is revealed in official photos of the British brand. According to some reports, the new model will receive a significant increase of power.
Officially, there is no information about the new engine Countryman John Cooper Works, but some rumors suggest that the block equal to the 1.6 liter used in the car rally draws increase power up to 220 hp. What is logical, because the Mini need to approve some engine parts and a more developed and may do so with this new version.

When it comes to style, the photos allow to realize that the cosmetics used in the other JCW models is applied in this new model, with a new front bumper, while behind there is a diffuser and a few more touches, like the extended wheel arches.

In the suspension, the new Mini model changed the diameter of the stabilizer bar (now 23 mm) front and rear (now 17 mm), taking the opportunity to lower the car 10 mm. The brakes were also changed, with the rear discs to be increased from 280 to 296 mm.

After developing the new model is complete, the Coutryman Mini John Cooper Works will go on sale in summer 2012.

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BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe revealed

The model will reach the Portuguese market in the next semester and have the task of replacing the unloved 5 Series GT and give it to the Mercedes CLS and Audi A7, the real four-door coupes niche market opened for the first Mercedes with the CLS . Here are the first details and photos of the new BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe.

It took only 20 months between the presentation of the model as a prototype in the Hall of Beijing, after BMW has already offered a first image of what it would be 4 door coupe with the CS Concept presented in 2007. Interestingly, this prototype would lead to the four-door coupe and a sedan that would take the place of the Series eight, having been abandoned due to the recession experienced since 2008. So, the rival to the CLS and the A7 will be a model that will complement the 6 Series, joining the coupe and cabriolet.

When it comes to style, the Grand Coupe is much like the Series 6, with the front grille and squalid leaning forward with the side to be equally similar to the coupe / cabriolet. Then everything is different, with a roof of course longer, wider B-pillars with traditional doors opening, the rear doors with the famous "Hofmeister kick" and the absence of doors in frames to complete the look of this Gran Coupe.

The total length is 5.007 meters, with a width of 1.894 meters and a height of only 1.392 meters, ie, the Gran Coupe has 11.2 cm more than the coupe and has more than 2.7 cm in height and is based on Series 6 platform, but with the wheelbase stretched to 11.3 cm for 2968 mm. Interestingly, exactly the same as the Series 5 ... matter of habit, even if the interior of the Gran Coupe is only for four.

With regard to mechanical, once again the powerful BMW chooses to block market entry. All blocks have the technology TwinTurbo Power, starting with the 640i range, with the 4-liter six-cylinder with 320 hp, offered through dual turbocharging, direct injection and Valvetronic system. Following is the 640D with the excellent 313 hp turbo diesel, with the top of the range is the 650i, equipped with the 450 hp V8. As regards performance, the 640i goes from 0-100 km / h in 5.4 seconds, spends 7.7 l/100 km and emits 179 g / km of CO2. As for the 640D, consumes 5.5 l/100 km and emits 146 g / km of CO2, accelerating from 0-100 km / h in 5.4 seconds. But the 650i emits 199 g / km, accelerates from 0-100 km / h in 4.6 seconds and consumes 8.8 l/100 km. All of them are limited to 250 km / h.

As part of the Gran Coupe equipment, we find the power steering so, the dynamic control of dampers (Dynamic Damper Control), while as an option customers may opt for active steering (Integral Active Steering) and the Adaptive Drive. Noted that the xDrive all-wheel drive is available for the 650i Gran Coupe.

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New Seat Ibiza was seen in Los Angeles

The "new" Seat Ibiza was caught in Los Angeles during the first few photo shoots and filming, before its public presentation scheduled for early March at the Geneva Motor Show.

The image was captured during the making of promotional films in Los Angeles, and quickly reproduced in several blogs from fans of the Spanish brand.

Although not able to understand all the changes made, lets see a picture larger grid, placed in position a little lower and optical polygonal shapes, with LED daytime running lights.

No mechanical changes are to be expected, keeping the service, atmosphere and 1.2 turbo engines (TSI) and the 1.2 TDI and 1.6 liters.

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Lexus announces new 'concept car' for Detroit

Lexus released the first image of the "concept car" that aims to show the North American International Show in 2012, held in Detroit on Oct. 9 January 2012.

Designed by Calty design center in Newport Beach, California, this new concept will present the new design guidelines that will influence the new models from Lexus.

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Audi unveils new A4 range

In restyling for all versions of the Audi A4 range, including sedan, Avant (wagon) allroad (van 'off-road "), plus the S4 sports saloon, the big news is the introduction of the new 1.8 TFSI engine of 170 hp (replacing the current 1.8 TFSI of 120 hp and 160 hp). Thus, this variant joins the engines already available in Portugal: the 333 hp 3.0 TFSI, 2.0 TDI 120 hp, 136 hp, 143 hp and 177 hp and, finally, the 3.0 TDI 204 hp and 245 hp.

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Ferrari launches special series "F1 60" of the 599 GTB

To celebrate six decades of victories in Formula 1, Ferrari 599 GTB has developed the "F1 60". This is a special edition available in three color schemes and only accessible through the customization program of the Italian brand called "Tailor Made".

The 599 GTB "F1 60 'will highlight the first and last victory of the Italian brand, until now, the world of Formula 1. For it is available in three color schemes, and the first is inspired by the Ferrari 375 driven by Froilan Gonzalez in the first victory of the Italian brand in the UK Grand Prix 1951.

In two other variants, the 599 GTB F1 60 F150 recalls Fernando Alonso, and can order the 599 GTB F1 with the deflector 60 and the front pillar painted in white. It is also available a more discrete, with the pillar of the body color.

The 20-inch wheels, the Scuderia logo and a plaque on the dashboard with the signatures of Froilan Gonzalez and Fernando Alonso complete details of the set of "F1 60".

The Italian brand has not disclosed the number of copies to be produced, as well as prices that will be marketed.

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Toyota GT-86 reveals

The final name ends up being a tribute to the famous and fantastic Corolla AE86 known in Portugal as the Toyota Corolla GT Twin Cam 16v, keeping the rear wheel drive model like that and nothing more. Known as the EWuropa GT-86, the U.S. will be named FR-S and will be sold as Scion and Toyota in Japan is only 86.
In addition to the rear-wheel drive, the GT-86 uses the same block of two liters of boxer Subaru BRZ achieved with 200 hp at 7000 rpm and a torque of 205 Nm at 6600 rpm, which claims the second Toyota, offers impressive performance for a model that weighs only 1180 pounds. The maximum speed is 250 km / h.

According to Toyota, the GT-86 measures 4240 mm long and 1285 mm in height, was not disclosed to wide. Either way, it is a very compact car that Toyota is the four-seater sports world's most compact and the lower center of gravity. Either way, Toyota paid much attention to the behavior and thus put all mechanical items as low as possible (the Boxer engine helps!) And created a distribution of weights of 53/47 between the front and rear. Regarding suspension, McPherson front and a scheme overlaid serve the purpose of giving a good performance, helped by 17-inch wheels of origin.

The GT-86 will go on sale in European markets from the summer of next year.

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Ford Mustang increases capacity

Lost for the first time in history, the market leader of the "muscle car" in favor of the Chevrolet Camaro, just landed in Europe, the trend now a Mustang knows that Ford believes will return control of the situation. The Shelby GT500 has 650 hp and 814 Nm of torque, derived from the 5.8-liter supercharged V8.
In the words of Ford, the Mustang Shelby GT500 takes the concept of "muscle car" to a level never reached before, proudly displaying the most powerful V8 in the world. To make this possible, the technicians at Ford worked extensively in all major areas, namely, a much larger compressor and more effective.

The rear-wheel drive remained clutch, axle box and reinforce them to fit such power. The unit has new six-speed gear transmission and the trees are made of carbon.
To stop the 1750 kgs of Mustang Shelby GT500, Ford turned to Brembo, which provides a set of discs with six piston jaws of the larger disks in front and back, hidden by 19-inch wheels in front and 20 inch rear, with tires Goodyear Eagle F1 Supercar G.

For those who are not happy with this package, Ford offers the "Performance Package" that includes Bilstein shocks with electronically adjusted and a Torsen differential. For anyone who is even more radical, the package is "Track package" with some more changes to the motor and transmission.

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