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    Powerful, Fast, Fuel Efficient and Clean: The Scirocco R – An Impressive Performance Package 

    by
    Tom
    Published on 31-01-2012 10:00 AM
    Categories:
    1. Local
    2. International
    3. Volkswagen
    Article Preview

    The wait is over! The Scirocco R has arrived. Power: 188kW. Character: genuine sports car. Performance: at its fullest. Handling: just as it should be. Fun factor: maximum. The four-seat sports car is ideal as both a dynamic performer and economical companion on the roads of everyday life. Always on-board as standard equipment: the XDL Extended Electronic Differential Lock – first introduced on the Golf GTI – providing optimal traction properties and unbeatable driving fun.

    R – CONCEPT
    The Scirocco R – conceptualised by Volkswagen R GmbH – is an impressive performance package with a brilliant chassis, unique looks, exclusive features and shares a power plant with the impressive Golf R. Its advantages: high power and torque values with minimum fuel consumption. On average, just 8.1 litres* of fuel f lows to the combustion chambers via direct injection per 100 kilometres. That corresponds to CO2 emissions of 189 g/km – top values for a fast sports car. And equally as impressive: when driven with the optional Direct Shift Gearbox (DSG), these values are 8.2 litres and 192 g/km.
    * Combined cycle (ADR) 81/02

    R – HISTORY – The Scirocco Story
    As the end of the 1960s approached, so did the end of the golden years of the Volkswagen Beetle. As part of the development of the Golf I, no less a designer than Giorgio Giugiaro drew up a nippy and sporty 2+2 coupé that was presented to the world's public in Geneva in 1973: The Scirocco was born. The Scirocco was the first front-wheel drive coupé from Volkswagen and it appeared in 1974 just ahead of the Golf I. The sports coupé not only offered a sporty alternative to the Golf I, but was also affordable to boot.

    Scirocco I (type 53)
    • Production from March / April 1974 to April 1981
    • 504,153 vehicles
    • Design: Giorgio Giugiaro
    • Development and production: Karmann, Osnabrück
    • Technical basis: Golf I
    • Initial engines 50 / 70 / 85 PS (four-cylinder)


    Scirocco II (type 53/2)
    • Production from April 1981 to September 1992
    • 291,497 vehicles
    • Design: Herbert Schäfer (Volkswagen)
    • Production: Karmann, Osnabrück
    • Technical basis: Golf I
    • Initial engines 60 / 70 / 85 / 110 PS (four-cylinder)
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    Unique – and now More Exceptional than Ever: The New BMW X6 

    by
    Tom
    Published on 27-01-2012 09:09 PM
    Categories:
    1. Local
    2. International
    3. BMW
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    The BMW X6 is the world's first ever Sports Activity Coupé, still a unique combination of sporty dynamics and supreme versatility and with further enhanced appeal from spring 2012. Selective modifications in design and innovative equipment features hone the profile of the new BMW X6 as a distinctive model within the premium segment of all-wheel-drive automobiles. Its exceptional standing and ongoing popularity is due to both its highly expressive design, combing the athletic and elegant lines of a coupé with the supremacy of a BMW X model, and the fascinating driving experience provided by powerful petrol and diesel engines fitted with BMW TwinPower Turbo Technology and the intelligent all-wheel-drive system xDrive, including Dynamic Performance Control.
    Since its market launch, more than 150,000 of the Sporty Activity Coupé were sold within approximately three years. This far exceeded the original plans. And the continuing high level of demand for the BMW X6 on the worldwide automobile markets is impressive confirmation of the unusual vehicle concept of the Sports Activity Coupé.


    Striking accentuations at the front and rear, adaptive LED headlamps as a new option.

    Precisely modified details in the front view give the new BMW X6 an appearance characterised by exclusive athleticism and supremacy. The standard fog lights are now set in matt finish surrounds in the upper area of the outer air inlets. Their higher and more lateral position emphasises the width of the vehicle. The striking three-dimensional modelling of the frame and newly designed bars, angled in the lower section, make the BMW kidney grille stand out especially conspicuously within the vehicle front section. The angle of the grille bars is flush with the bottom of the headlamp units, thereby creating an additional horizontal line which likewise highlights the wide track and stable road-holding of the new BMW X6.

    Unique – and now more exceptional than ever: the new BMW X6.

    As an alternative to the standard bi-xenon light, the new BMW X6 is the first vehicle in its segment to be fitted optionally with adaptive LED headlamps. Their bright white light ensures optimum visibility, while their high-quality appearance represents a new interpretation of the brand's hallmark twin circular headlamps. The three-dimensionally shaped luminous rings of the adaptive LED headlamps are strikingly levelled off both at the top and bottom and are overlaid at the upper edge by an LED-fed accent light. The light sources for low and high beam light are LED units positioned on a horizontal bar at its centre, feeding their light into the reflectors in front. In the new BMW X6 M50d and BMW X6 M, adaptive LED headlights are fitted as standard.


    With its newly designed rear lights with LED technology, the powerfully shaped rear section of the new BMW X6 also features more intense styling. The rear lights are now two LED-fed light banks which create the brand's hallmark night design as a harmoniously glowing light mass. The fact that they are horizontally aligned and stretch far out to the sides emphasises both the width of the vehicle and the flowing transition between the side section and rear.

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    “Fast n’ Loud”: BMW Announces M3 Coupé Pure Edition II in ‘Individual’ Paint Finishes 

    by
    Tom
    Published on 25-01-2012 02:55 PM
    Categories:
    1. Local
    2. BMW
    Article Preview

    • Limited production run of 50 units, exclusively for the Australian market
    • Design enhancements focus on sporty highlights of the M3 Coupé
    • Additional exclusive M specific design elements
    • Additional sports-oriented specification as standard
    • Select BMW Individual paint finishes as standard
    Following overwhelming demand for the first M3 Pure Edition, BMW has announced details of a ‘Pure Edition II’ for the M3 Coupé in Australia. This exclusive release offers additional features over and above the original M3 Pure as well as providing access to a large range of attention-grabbing paint finishes straight from the ‘BMW Individual’ colour pallet.

    All 100 units of the first M3 Pure Edition were snapped up in record time which saw M3 Coupé sales in Australia increase by almost 10% in 2011.
    The M3 Coupé Pure Edition II offers the same distinctive design enhancements as the original model, which include highlights such as 19” M Double-spoke light alloy wheels finished exclusively in Black High-Gloss with 245/35 R19 tyres up front and 265/35 R 19 tyres at the rear, bonnet air intake in Black High-Gloss, BMW Individual kidney grille in Dark Chrome, BMW Individual side gills in Dark Chrome and BMW Individual exhaust tips in Dark Chrome.

    Differentiating the Pure Edition II from the original M3 Pure is a multitude of attention grabbing colours from BMW Individual. The selection includes Fire Orange, first seen on the limited edition M3 GTS, Dakar Yellow II, Laguna Seca, Sepang Bronze, and Imola Red. Offered as part of the package costs, the Individual paint finishes alone represent as much as $10,000 in added-value.

    Completing the ‘Edition II’ exclusive features are BMW Individual handbrake lever with “M Power” stitching and door sill finishers with M3 chequered flag inlay.
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    BMW Australia Reveals New 3 Series Entry Models Ahead of Market Launch 

    by
    Tom
    Published on 20-01-2012 08:16 AM
    Categories:
    1. Local
    2. BMW
    Article Preview

    • BMW 320i and 318d now available to Australian customers from March production
    • New four-cylinder TwinPower turbo petrol 320i now tops the class in pace and efficiency
    • New entry price-point for the BMW 3 Series range starting from $56,400
    BMW Australia has bolstered its highly acclaimed new BMW 3 Series range, today announcing the introduction of two new entry models: the 320i and 318d.

    The two new variants are available for customer order from March production and complete an all turbo-charged engine line-up for BMW’s iconic sixth-generation compact sports sedan ahead of the model’s highly anticipated Australian market launch in February.

    BMW Group Australia Managing Director, Phil Horton said the combination of powerful yet economical engines, a high standard specification and the lower entry-price-point makes the 3 Series a standout in its competitive class.
    “We have built substantially more value into the standard specification of this new car,” said Mr Horton.
    “It’s been hailed overseas as the best in its class both in terms of value and performance and we expect Australian customers to agree,” he said

    Pricing for the BMW 3 Series range now starts at $56,400 for the all new 318d which features a four-cylinder turbo-charged diesel engine producing 105kW of power and 320 Nm of torque. The 318d accelerates to 100km/h in 9.3 seconds and boasts a staggeringly low fuel consumption figure of 4.5l/100km.

    The starting point for the petrol line-up is the new BMW 320i featuring BMW’s much-lauded new TwinPower turbo four-cylinder direct injection engine producing 135 kW and 270Nm of torque. The 320i comes standard with a new 8-speed Sports Automatic Transmission (with steering wheel mounted paddle-shifters). The result is class-leading acceleration and performance with the new 320i sprinting to 100km/h in just 7.6 seconds. At the same time, the 320i also boasts class-leading fuel economy of just 6.2l/100km.
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    Audi Adds a V8 Spyder to its Performance Car Line-Up 

    by
    Tom
    Published on 18-01-2012 04:52 PM
    Categories:
    1. Local
    2. Audi
    Article Preview

    • New R8 Spyder 4.2 FSI quattro completes local R8 Spyder line-up
    • V8 engine with 316 kW, quattro all-wheel drive standard
    • Lightweight and quiet cloth top with electrohydraulic drive
    Audi Australia is adding a new variant to its R8 high-performance sports car lineup. Hot on the heels of the R8 Spyder 5.2 FSI quattro comes an additional variant – this time with a 4.2-litre V8 engine.

    The R8 Spyder’s 4.2-litre FSI produces 316 kW and launches the open-top two-seater to 100 km/h in 4.8 seconds on its way to a top speed of 300 km/h. The engine is mated to either a six-speed manual or R tronic sequential manual gearbox and quattro permanent all-wheel drive is standard.

    Available only by special customer order, the first Australian vehicles will arrive in mid-2012, with a Manufacturer List Price (MLP) of $300,400 (6-speed manual) and $316,400 (R tronic). The R8 Spyder 4.2 will feature a similarly high level of equipment that can be found on the corresponding R8 4.2 Coupe.
    These include the following highlights:
    • 19-inch 5-twin spoke design alloy wheels
    • Audi magnetic ride
    • Audi parking system advance with rear view camera
    • Metallic paint
    • Xenon headlights with LED daytime driving lights
    • Sport seats upholstered in Alcantara leather
    • Wind breaker
    Superior power: the engine
    The free-breathing 4.2 FSI is a high-performance engine such as can be found in racing. It delivers an experience that enthralls all of the senses – with spontaneous, voracious throttle response, easy revving, hefty torque, prodigious power and sonorous, voluminous ‚music‘ from the engine.

    The V8 accelerates the R8 Spyder from zero to 100 km/h in 4.8 seconds and on up to a top speed of 300 km/h. Both values apply for the manual transmission and for the R tronic. At Audi, dynamics also always means efficiency. The R8 Spyder 4.2 FSI quattro with the R tronic consumes on average 13.5 litres of fuel per 100 km. Fuel consumption with the manual transmission is 14.4 litres per 100 km. A recuperation system that recovers energy during braking is standard. The forced oil pump of the dry sump lubrication system features various suction and discharge stages for load- dependent operation.
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    MINI Confirms Pricing for its Wayward Twins – The New MINI Coupe and MINI Roadster 

    by
    Tom
    Published on 18-01-2012 04:47 PM
    Categories:
    1. Local
    2. BMW
    Article Preview

    And then there were two! MINI’s radical new two-seater line up is now complete, with the MINI Roadster joining its helmet-headed hardtop twin down-under.


    MINI Australia today announced pricing for the MINI Roadster starting from $45,500 for the Cooper S model and $55,100 for the range-topping John Cooper Works variant. Pricing for the drop-tops represents a premium of just $2,510 and $2,500 over their respective Coupé siblings.


    MINI Australia General Manager, Kai Bruesewitz said the MINI Roadster and MINI Coupe are unique characters with distinct appeal.

    “Although created from the same MINI DNA, these hot twins take Go-Kart driving thrills to a whole new level,” said Mr Bruesewitz.


    With maximum torque of 240 Nm available from as low down as 1,600 rpm (increasing to 260 Nm when using overboost function) and a power output of 135 kW, the 1.6-litre power plant in the Cooper S Roadster delivers an exhilarating driving experience.


    Equipped with cutting-edge technology such as TwinTurbo, direct injection and a fully variable valve control system, thrust is delivered efficiently with a combined fuel consumption figure of 6.4 l/100 km and CO2 emissions of just 149 grams per kilometre allowing bragging rights as the most efficient engine in its class.


    The Cooper S Roadster completes the 0-100 km/h sprint in 7.0 seconds, accelerating up to a top speed of 227 km/h.

    Exhilaration steps up a gear with the John Cooper Works (JCW) variant of the MINI Roadster. With numerous technical features drawn directly from motorsport development including modifications to the cylinder head, pistons, crankshaft, turbo and exhaust system, the JCW engine delivers 155 kW at 6,000 rpm and torque figures of 260 Nm from 1,850 – 5,600 rpm. Overboost increases this to 280 Nm 2,000 – 5,100 rpm.


    The MINI Roadster JCW offers impressive performance figures of 0-100 km/h of 6.5 seconds with a combined fuel consumption of just 7.3 l/100 km and CO2 emissions of169 grams per kilometre.
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    More Equipment, Same Price for MY12 207 CC 

    by
    Tom
    Published on 18-01-2012 04:45 PM
    Categories:
    1. Local
    2. Peugeot
    Article Preview

    Peugeot Automobiles Australia has given its baby 207 CC a refresh for 2012 adding more equipment and cosmetic changes to see in the New Year.


    The MY12 207 CC will now come with Bluetooth phone and a USB port, leather seat trim and 16-inch alloy wheels as standard equipment for no extra cost.


    Also part of the 2012 refresh is a few cosmetic tweaks. The 207 CC now comes with the new corporate identification – the Lion badging – as well as black meter dials, a black interior roof colour and "Boyington" dashboard trim accents.

    Despite the extra equipment and styling changes, the 207 CC’s price remains unchanged from $33,490* for the 1.6L man and $35, 490* for the automatic.


    The 1.6-litre four cylinder engine produces 88kW of power at 6000rpm and 160Nm of torque at 4250rpm. The engine meets the strict Euro 5 emissions standards. The 1.6-litre turbo automatic is no longer available for 207 CC.
    The new features are in addition to the already comprehensive level of equipment on the207 CC which includes automatically folding steel roof, cruise control with speed limiter, dual zone climate control air conditioning, electronic stability program, four airbags, ABS with electronic brakeforce distribution and emergency brake assist which applies more braking force in the event of sudden braking to increase the efficiency of your braking.

    Another safety feature is the automatic activation of the hazard lights in the event of heaving braking to warn the cars behind.


    Despite its small exterior dimensions the 207 CC has plenty of room inside with a generous 187L of boot space with the seats up or 449L with the seats down.
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