2011 BMW X5 goes all turbo

The original BMW X5 marked Bimmer's first entry into the then-burgeoning SUV segment, and it remains a strong seller for the company, trailing only the 3 and 5 Series. The time has now rolled around for the X5's mid-cycle refresh, which brings two new gas engines and some mild visual updates. The lower front fascia has been reshaped with the larger outboard air intakes inspired by the X5 M. Similarly, the rear bumper is re-sculpted and both ends get more of their bodywork painted the car's main color instead of black.

The more important changes are underhood, however, where both gasoline engines have been replaced. The base engine for the xDrive35i is now the same single turbo, 300-horsepower N55 3.0-liter inline-six finding its way into most other 2011 BMWs. Similarly, the xDrive50i gets the sweet 400-horse twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8 found in the X6, 7 and 5 Series Gran Turismo. Both gas engines are paired with the new eight-speed automatic also making its way to other BMW models. The gas versions also adopt brake energy regeneration to reduce parasitic losses.

The diesel-powered xDrive35d, which only debuted just a year ago but is already accounting for about one-third of X5 sales, carries over its powertrain unchanged for 2011.

Official EPA numbers for the gas X5s won't be available until closer to their on-sale date, which follows shortly after the X5 makes its public debut at the New York Auto Show in April.

[Source: BMW]

Renault drops the top on Megane at Geneva

For 2011, Renault is launching an all-new version of its Megane coupe-convertible. Like the last generation model and most of its European market competitors, the Megane gets a folding hardtop, but somewhat like its competitor the Volkswagen Eos, this one lets the sun shine in even when closed. The Megane gets an all-glass roof, which, while letting you see the world, will probably do nothing to help the car's center of gravity. On the other hand, the black finish does help to visually hide the roof when it is raised, a stylistic windfall that partially alleviates the peculiar proportions of such hardtop convertibles. That said, this doesn't really appear to be a high-performance proposition, so we're guessing that more potential customers won't care about the extra weight up top anyhow.

To its credit, Renault has managed to retain a surprisingly large trunk on the Megane with 14.7 cubic feet top up and even 7.45 cubic feet available with the top down. The Megane has seven powertrain configurations available with six gas and diesel engines combined with manual, dual clutch and continuously variable transmissions.

The new Megane coupe-convertible goes on sale in Europe this spring.

[Source: Renault]

PRESS RELEASE

February 5, 2010
NEW MÉGANE COUPÉ-CABRIOLET, THE ELEGANCE OF A COUPÉ, AND THE ENJOYMENT OF OPEN-TOP MOTORING

New Mégane Coupé-Cabriolet rounds off the renewal of the New Mégane family in style with introduction of the line-up's sixth body type. The newcomer's striking looks combine the elegance of a coupé with the promise of the thrills that go hand-in-hand with driving a cabriolet.

New Mégane Coupé-Cabriolet builds on the strengths that forged the success of its predecessor – including a large, folding glass roof and a raft of user-friendly equipment – yet it goes further still by offering customers:

• unruffled open-top motoring thanks to the forward position of the windscreen and a fixed glass wind deflector situated behind the rear head restraints,
• outstanding handling performance thanks to a stiffer chassis and a new electric power steering system,
• a broad choice of engines, including one which can be ordered with the all-new automatic EDC (Efficient Dual Clutch) transmission.
• careful attention to quality, including high-gloss black and satin-effect chrome exterior features.

New Mégane Coupé-Cabriolet is manufactured alongside Scénic and Grand Scénic at Renault's Douai plant in France. It consequently benefits from the experience gained since the beginning of the Mégane programme, including the assembly of the former-generation Mégane Coupé- Cabriolet.

New Mégane Coupé-Cabriolet is an open invitation to enjoy an alternative way to go motoring, and is an elegant illustration of Renault's new brand signature, 'Drive the Change'.

New Mégane Coupé-Cabriolet goes on sale this spring.

ARRESTING LOOKS FROM EVERY ANGLE

New Mégane Coupé-Cabriolet completes the renewal of the New Mégane family in style with a car whose intrinsic appeal is sure to turn heads. Its looks exude a distinguished elegance that is underpinned by the large glass roof which tells you that this is unmistakably a cabriolet, even in its coupé configuration. This high-gloss finish black glass roof contrasts with the satin-effect chrome windscreen frame, while the sweep of the waistline adds an unmistakably high-end feel that more than does justice to its cabriolet persona. The dark red taillights feature a linear lighting pattern and LED brake lights to provide a distinctive rear lighting signature.

The interior layout carries over the same prevailing elegance and refinement, thanks not only to the quality of the materials employed and to the high standard of finish, but also to the three choices of trim, which range from dark charcoal and light beige to the charcoal and red two-tone finish with leather seats.

Although the floating dashboard is identical to that of New Mégane Hatchback, the seats offer additional lateral support, while the 'butterfly wing' door trim panel is specific to New Mégane Coupé- Cabriolet and adds to the newcomer's inherent elegance.

CHIC AND PRACTICAL

New Mégane Coupé-Cabriolet's occupants benefit from the thrills of unruffled open-top motoring in all conditions. The standard folding glass hard roof boasts a transparent glazed area of 0.47 sq. metres (a segment best) to ensure a brightly lit cabin and a sensation of space and freedom. It also guarantees outstanding acoustic and thermal comfort, as well as the reassurance of greater protection from vandalism. The fully-automatic, electro-hydraulic opening mechanism of the two-part roof enables the driver to lower the top in just 21 seconds at the press of a button.

With the top down, the driver and passengers alike enjoy a real sense of freedom. Entry and exit is made easier by the more forward position of the windscreen header-rail which has been advanced by 6cm compared with Mégane II Coupé-Cabriolet.

To make sure that all occupants are able to benefit from the pleasure of riding al fresco without the drawbacks, New Mégane Coupé-Cabriolet is equipped with a fixed glass wind deflector (unique in the segment) positioned behind the back seat headrests. This arrangement enables four people to enjoy draft-free driving at speeds of up to 90kph and, when used in conjunction with the removable mesh deflector screen located behind the front seats, allows two occupants to travel free from buffeting whatever the speed.

New Mégane Coupé-Cabriolet's length of 4,485mm ensures that the driver and the three passengers benefit from a standard of comfort expected of a family car.

The driver is treated to a carefully thought-through environment and conveniently positioned controls which carry over solutions previously employed for New Mégane Hatchback and New Mégane Coupé:

• controls clustered either around the steering wheel or on the centre console,
  
• height- and fore/aft-adjustable driver's seat (through 70mm and 240mm respectively),
  
• position memory for front seats, after being tipped forward,
  
• reach and height-adjustable steering wheel (through 45mm and five degrees respectively).

In addition to New Mégane Coupé-Cabriolet's carefully-honed lines, special attention has gone into ensuring that it
is a practical package, too, and that includes the boot:

• automatic closing for simple, secure locking
  
• large capacity (417 litres with the roof up, and 211 litres with the roof down)
  
• easy to access, with a segment-best sill height (590mm from the ground) and aperture (258mm) with the roof down, enabling three cabin cases to be carried side by side.
  

A RAFT OF PRACTICAL, USER-FRIENDLY HIGH-TECH FEATURES

Like all the models that make up the New Mégane family, New Renault Mégane Coupé-Cabriolet is available with a long list of high-tech features, most of which are more readily associated with the next segment up:

• hands-free starting, and hands-free locking as the card-holder walks away from the car,
  
• electric parking brake
  
• automatic dual-zone three-mode (soft-auto-fast) climate control
  
• directional bi-Xenon headlamps,
  
• combined digital/analogue instrument display
  
• new, colour-coded cruise control/speed limiter interface
  
• 3D sound by Arkamys® audio with Plug&Music connectivity (USB, mini-jack plug)
  
• Carminat T omT om® navigation, the market's most competitively priced built-in sat-nav system
  
• customized settings and activation/deactivation of certain functions (daytime running lights, volume of audible parking proximity warning).
  

A PERFECTLY SMOOTH RIDE

New Renault Mégane Coupé-Cabriolet delivers the same high standard of driving precision as Mégane Hatchback and Mégane Coupé to provide an enjoyable, responsive ride:

• The MacPherson-type front suspension is attached to a so-called 'horned' subframe, an arrangement that ensures a level of lateral rigidity that is three-times superior to that of the former-generation Megan Coupé-Cabriolet.
  
• The rear suspension's torsion beam features a lighter, closed-profile beam that delivers enhanced torsional stiffness.
  
• The new electric power steering system is more responsive and refined, and gives even more accurate feedback of information from the road.
  

The torsional rigidity of the bodyshell has been uprated by 80 per cent compared with Mégane II Coupé-Cabriolet in order to match the increased stiffness of the suspension and for even greater handling precision, whether the roof is up or down.

New Mégane Coupé-Cabriolet is available with a choice of seven efficient and eco-friendly petrol and diesel powertrain configurations.

Petrol engines:

• The 1.6 16V 110hp engine mated to a six-speed manual gearbox.
  
• The TCe 130 (Turbo Control efficiency) driving through a six-speed manual gearbox.
  
• The 2.0 16V 140hp engine available with the new continuously variable transmission (CVT) for even greater driving comfort thanks to smooth, step-less gearshifts.
  

The diesel engine range comprises the following Euro5-homologated powerplants:

• The dCi 110 DPF, mated either to the brand new six-speed EDC (Efficient Dual Clutch) dual-clutch automatic transmission (see below) or to a manual six-speed gearbox.
  
• The dCi 130 DPF which drives through a six-speed manual gearbox.
  
• The dCi 160 DPF also with a six-speed manual gearbox.
  

EDC (Efficient Dual Clutch) dual-clutch automatic transmission

The six-speed EDC (Efficient Dual Clutch) dual-clutch automatic transmission fits perfectly with Renault's bid to combine ride comfort, driving pleasure and respect for the environment. Based on DCT (Dual Clutch Transmission) technology, it stands out as a genuine clean-break solution compared with conventional automatic transmissions thanks to:

• CO2 emissions and fuel consumption comparable to those of a vehicle equipped with a manual gearbox,
  
• fast, smooth, automatic gearshifts,
  
• instant response to the driver's demands.

THE PLEASURE OF OPEN-TOP MOTORING IN TOTAL SAFETY

When it comes to safety, New Renault Mégane Coupé-Cabriolet reaps the benefits of the brand's extensive expertise in this field. Like all the models that make up the New Mégane range, it has been engineered to boast exemplary passive and active safety performance.

An extensive range of equipment is available to help drivers anticipate risk situations: • front seatbelt warning lights,

• tyre pressure monitoring system,
  
• directional bi-Xenon headlamps with cornering dipped beams,
  
• automatic headlamp activation,
  
• automatic windscreen wiper activation
  
• cruise control with speed limiter.
  

New Mégane Coupé-Cabriolet comes with a comprehensive range of driving aids, too:

• ABS with electronic brakeforce distribution,
  
• Emergency brake assist,
  
• ESC with understeer control.

New Mégane Coupé-Cabriolet's chief passive safety features are:

• programmed structural deformation designed to protect the cabin – and therefore occupants – in the case of a rollover, thanks to reinforcement of the windscreen pillars, body sides, sills and floor,
  
• automatic pyrotechnic deployment of the rollover hoops should dedicated sensors detect that a rollover is imminent,
  
• seatbelt pretensioners and load limiters,
  
• adaptive frontal airbags,
  
• dual-volume head/thorax/pelvis lateral airbags,
  
• anti-submarining airbags incorporated in the front seat cushions,
  
• side impact sensors,
  
• anti-whiplash head restraints,
  
• Isofix child seat anchorage for rear seats.
  

The public will get its first chance to see New Mégane Coupé-Cabriolet when it is unveiled at the forthcoming Geneva Motor Show (March 4-14, 2010). It will also be displayed at L'Atelier Renault on the Champs-Elysées (N°53) in Paris, France.

Bugatti Veyron with matching transporter

We never thought we'd see the day when someone would have to sweeten the deal to sell a car as eminently desirable as a Bugatti Veyron. But with the economy still putt-putting its way down the road to recovery, there are plenty of wealthy collectors looking to free up some liquid assets. That means a buyer's market, so we wouldn't be surprised to see everything this side of the proverbial kitchen sink thrown in to seal the deal.

This, however, looks far more enticing than a porcelain fixture. The owner of this Veyron – monochromatically decked out in French Racing Blue – apparently had this Mercedes-Benz Atego transporter painted to match. As you can see from the photo, the truck's precious-cargo box tilts back and a ramp slides out to get the supercar in with a minimum of fuss.

Oh, and the Bugatti itself? It's a 2007 model with 7,728 kilometers (4,800 miles) on the odometer, a matching dark blue interior and, together with the matching truck, is up for grabs on JamesList from the Netherlands with a €895,000 ($1,264,815) price tag.

Carrozzeria Touring reportedly to unveil coachbuilt Bentley Continental GTC in Geneva

If you were enticed by Zagato's take on the Bentley Continental GT (pictured above), rumor has it Carrozzeria Touring Superleggera has a version of its own in the works.

Anticipated to be unveiled at the upcoming Geneva Motor Show in two months' time, Touring's coachbuilt Bentley is slated to be based on the convertible Continental GTC, and could borrow its underpinnings from the upcoming GTC SuperSports.

Like Zagato's Continental GTZ, the second coachbuilt Continental reportedly received support from Crewe. Since its revival, the Carrozzeria gave us such Maserati-based creations as the A8 GCS and Quattroporte Bellagio Fastback, and was recently rumored to be working on a custom Ferrari design as well.

[Source: Autoblog.nl]

Hyundai prices the 2011 Sonata starting at $19,915

Hyundai's all-new 2011 Sonata goes on sale at dealers all over North America in the next few weeks and now it has an official price tag. The "fluidic design" challenger stakes a claim in the biggest segment in the U.S., starting at $19,195 (plus $720 for destination and delivery) for the GLS sedan with a six-speed manual transmission. That's $500 more than the base 2010 model, but $200 less than the current class champion, the Toyota Camry.

At launch all Sonatas are powered by Hyundai's new direct injected 2.4-liter inline-four, paired with either manual or automatic six-speed gearbox. The GLS and Limited are rated at 198 horsepower while the dual exhaust on the SE rounds it up to a nice round 200 hp. A maxed-out Limited with navigation will set you back $28,115, including D&D.

The Sonata Limited is the first entrant into the mid-size segment to get leather covered heated seats front and rear, and the manual transmission GLS also tops the segment in fuel economy for non-hybrids with a rating of 24 mpg city and 35 mpg highway. We'll have our first opportunity to drive the new Sonata next week and we'll finally find out if the dynamics live up to its new styling.

[Source: Hyundai]

PRESS RELEASE

HYUNDAI ANNOUNCES PRICING FOR THE ALL-NEW 2011 SONATA

Bold New Design, Large Car Interior, Best-in-Class Fuel Economy Starting at $19,195

FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif., Feb. 1, 2010 – Hyundai Motor America has announced prices for the all-new 2011 Sonata. The completely redesigned 2011 Sonata delivers best-in-class fuel economy, an EPA-designated Large Car interior, 198 horsepower and a starting price of $19,195 for the well-equipped GLS model. The 200-horsepower SE model starts at $22,595 and the top-of-the-line Limited model is available for $25,295.

"With the 2011 Sonata, our focus was a no-compromise engineering approach that would allow Sonata owners to have their cake, and eat it too. That focus led to a set of attributes that have not been seen in the midsize car category – attributes such as 35 mpg and 200 horsepower, bold design and an EPA Large Car interior, world-class quality and a class-leading value position" said John Krafcik, Hyundai Motor America president and CEO. "At Hyundai, we're big fans of resetting conventional wisdom, and we think we may have done it here with the 2011 Sonata."

2011 Sonata Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Pricing

Model	Engine	Transmission	MSRP
GLS	2.4-liter GDI I4	Six-Speed M/T	$19,195
GLS	2.4-liter GDI I4	Six-Speed A/T	$20,195
GLS with Pop. Equip. Pkg.	2.4-liter GDI I4	Six-Speed A/T	$20,945
GLS with Pop. Equip. Pkg. + Navi.	2.4-liter GDI I4	Six-Speed A/T	$22,645
SE	2.4-liter GDI I4	Six-Speed A/T	$22,595
SE with Navi. & Sunroof Package	2.4-liter GDI I4	Six-Speed A/T	$25,195
Limited	2.4-liter GDI I4	Six-Speed A/T	$25,295
Limited with Navi. Pkg.	2.4-liter GDI I4	Six-Speed A/T	$27,395

Hyundai is the most fuel-efficient car maker in the U.S., and its commitment to continued fuel economy leadership is evident in the all-new Sonata. It has a best-in-class 35 mpg highway fuel economy rating thanks to a new 2.4-liter Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) four-cylinder engine, new six-speed manual and automatic transmissions and highly refined aerodynamics. In addition to the advancements in fuel economy, the GDI engine produces a standard 198 horsepower, surpassing Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, Nissan Altima, Chevrolet Malibu and Ford Fusion. The Sonata GLS manual has best-in-class overall fuel economy with a 24 mpg city/35 mpg highway fuel economy rating, with all other Sonata models achieving 22 mpg city/35 mpg highway.

The all-new Sonata raises the bar when it comes to features and technology offered within the midsize car segment. In addition to standard XM Satellite® radio, the Sonata boasts segment-first standard Bluetooth® hands-free phone system, available HD Radio Technology™ with multicasting (allowing the broadcast of alternative side-band content on HD stations) and heated front and rear heated seats. The Sonata is the first vehicle in its segment with advanced touchscreen navigation available on all trim levels. At $22,645, the Sonata GLS with the Popular Equipment Package + Navigation is the lowest priced midsize sedan with navigation. All navigation systems also include a 90-day complimentary subscription to real-time XM NavTraffic®, XM NavWeather®, XM Sports Ticker and XM Stock Ticker.

The 2006 Sonata was the first popular midsize car to offer standard Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and six airbags. The 2011 Sonata builds on this leadership, with exceptional standard safety features including front driver and passenger airbags, front seat side impact and curtain airbags, ESC and Traction Control System (TCS), Antilock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), front active head restraints, Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), and a Bluetooth® hands-free phone system.

While Sonata will compete for customers against cars like Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, Ford Fusion, Nissan Altima and Chevrolet Malibu, Sonata's performance capabilities, craftsmanship standards and luxury features were benchmarked against vehicles from Audi, Mercedes-Benz and Lexus. In true Hyundai fashion, Sonata makes a premium driving experience accessible to a wide range of customers, delivering the kind of value equation American car buyers have come to expect from Hyundai.


HIGHLIGHTS FOR 2011 SONATA

All-new sixth generation Sonata midsize sedan

Bold Fluidic Sculpture design

All four-cylinder engine lineup meets smart customer demands

Launches with new Theta II 2.4-liter gasoline direct injection (GDI) engine and in-house six-speed automatic transmission

Class-leading fuel economy of 24 mpg city/35 mpg highway

Class-leading 198 horsepower standard (200 horsepower on SE trim)

Built in America at Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama

XM Satellite Radio™, real-time XM NavTraffic, XM Data Services, touchscreen navigation and iPod®/USB inputs

Segment first: HD Radio Technology™ with multicasting

Segment first: Standard Bluetooth®


GLS: WELL EQUIPPED WITH A WIDE RANGE OF OPTIONS

Sonata GLS I4 M/T - $19,195

2.4L GDI four-cylinder producing 198 HP

Six-speed manual transmission

16-inch steel wheels with full covers

ESC/TCS/ABS/TPMS

Front active head restraints

Front, front seat side and curtain airbags

Bodycolor front grille

Chrome window belt-line moldings

Tilt and telescopic steering wheel with cruise and audio controls

Metalgrain interior accents

AM/FM/XM/CD/MP3 with iPod/USB and Aux input jacks

Remote keyless entry and alarm

Power windows, locks, heated mirrors

Air conditioning

Advanced trip computer with custom settings

Integrated Bluetooth with phonebook transfer

Eco indicator

Daytime Running Lights (DRL)

Sonata GLS I4 A/T – $20,195

(In addition to or in place of Sonata GLS I4 M/T equipment):

Six-speed automatic transmission with SHIFTRONIC®


Popular Equipment Package - $750

16-inch alloy wheels

Power driver seat

Driver's lumbar support

Chrome interior door handles

Leatherette interior panel door inserts

Automatic light control

Popular Equipment Package plus Navigation - $1,700

Requires Popular Equipment Package

Navigation system with high-resolution touchscreen display

Dimension premium speakers, subwoofer/external amplifier


SE: SPORTY FEATURES AND DRIVING DYNAMICS

Sonata SE I4 A/T - $22,595

(In addition to or in place of Sonata GLS I4 A/T equipment):


2.4-liter four-cylinder engine producing 200 HP

Six-speed automatic with steering wheel mounted paddle shifters

18-inch Hyper Silver alloy wheels with performance tires

Dark chrome front grille

Chrome exterior door handles

Sport-tuned suspension and steering

Sport seats featuring leather bolsters with cloth inserts

Proximity entry with push button start

Leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob

Front fog lights

Dual exhaust

Navigation and Sunroof Package - $2,600

Power sunroof with tilt and slide

Navigation system with high-resolution touchscreen display

Dimension premium speakers, subwoofer/external amplifier


LIMITED: PREMIUM MODEL FOR BUYERS DESIRING LEATHER AND OTHER UPSCALE FEATURES

Sonata Limited I4 A/T - $25,295

(In addition to or in place of Sonata SE I4 A/T equipment; excluding SE sport-tuned suspension):


2.4L GDI four-cylinder producing 198 HP

Leather seating surfaces with heated front and rear seats

Dual automatic temperature control

Auto-dimming mirror/HomeLink/compass

Premium door sill plates/"Limited" badge

In-dash six-disc CD-changer

HD Radio technology with multicasting

Dimension premium speakers, subwoofer/external amplifier

17-inch alloy wheels with standard tire

Side mirror turn signal indicators

Power tilt and slide sunroof

Unique interior accents (Piano Black or Woodgrain)

Floor console mounted rear vents

Navigation Package - $2,100

Navigation system with high-resolution touchscreen display (replaces six-disc CD changer)

Rear backup camera

Infinity premium speakers, subwoofer/external amplifier

Deletes HD Radio Technology with multicasting


HYUNDAI MOTOR AMERICA

Hyundai Motor America, headquartered in Fountain Valley, Calif., is a subsidiary of Hyundai Motor Co. of Korea. Hyundai vehicles are distributed throughout the United States by Hyundai Motor America and are sold and serviced through 790 dealerships nationwide. All Hyundai vehicles sold in the U.S. are covered by the Hyundai Assurance program which now includes the 5-year/60,000 mile fully transferable bumper-to-bumper warranty, Hyundai's 10- year/100,000 mile powertrain warranty and 5-year complimentary Roadside Assistance in addition to the highly acclaimed vehicle return policy introduced in early 2009. For more details on Hyundai Assurance, please visit HYPERLINK "http://www.HyundaiAssurance.com" www.HyundaiAssurance.com.

Infiniti launches FX Limited Edition in Europe

Miffed at having missed out on the Infiniti FX Millionaire Edition? The special run was unveiled in Amsterdam a couple of months back at a price roughly twice that of a stock FX. Only 100 were made, and they weren't even available on this side of the pond. Now Infiniti's European division is following up with a second run called, straight-forward enough, the Limited Edition.

Like the Millionaire, the Limited can be ordered in either FX37 or FX50 guise, in scratch-resistant Obsidian Black or White Moonlight paint and features a host of special touches inside and out, from the dark graphite trim and 21-inch turbine-shaped rims to the Alcantara and carbon fiber trim on the interior. The special crossover also comes packed with the Connectiviti+ package, packing everything from sat-nav with Michelin Guide to the 11-speaker Bose sound system and 10-gig hard drive.

Fortunately prices are considerably more reasonable than its predecessor special, with the FX37S Limited Edition coming in at £55,855 (the equivalent of about $88k) and the FX50S Limited Edition at £62,035 (just shy of a hundred grand). Another 100 examples will be offered exclusively across Western Europe.

[Source: Infiniti]

BMW cars pics gallery

BMW is german motorcycle, automobile and engine manufacturing company founded in 1916. This company manufacturers cars in huge scale and these are called as bmw cars. These bmw cars are rich in luxury, modern features, performance and in many aspects. Usually these cars are considered as rich man's cars as they a bit costly. It always feels a little bit pride to own a bmw car.