Monthly Archives: June 2012
Audi Announces Release of Audi SQ5 TDI 2013
The Audi SQ5 TDI 2013 represents a newer sportier design and power. Available in dealers in 2013 at €58,500.
Audi has released details of the new and revised Q5 model, the Audi SQ5 TDI. It will be available for purchase at dealerships during the first quarter of 2013. The SQ5 TDI comes with a diesel engine and 2 turbochargers and rips a strong 313 horsepower and 479.42 feet of torque. It has a top speed of 155.34 mph with acceleration to 62.14 mph (100 km/h) in 5.1 seconds.
Among other new design features are the platinum gray double bars single-frame grille in an aluminum-look finish, the roof spoiler and the modified bumpers. It is available in various crystal effect paint finishes including Panther Black and Estoril Blue. The new design features gives the Q5 a sportier look, but takes that step closer to a sports wagon rather than crossover look.
The interior follows on the S model tradition with black trim. It also comes standard with sports seats that can be adjusted. There are choices of color of leather upholstery as well. Cargo volume is generous at 55.09 cubic feet and is a strong towing machine with capacity of 5,291.09 lb.
Prices will start at €58,500 (go to http://www.xe.com/ucc/to do your own calculations!)
Weekly Automotive Wrap – June 14, 2012
This week was a busy week in the automotive world with the luxury car manufacturers soaking up a lot of the media attention, especially follow in the 2012 International Engine of the Year Awards held in Stuttgart, Germany.
Mini USA Supports the U.S. Paralympic Team. Following Mini USA’s naming of the U.S. Paralympic Team as the charitable partner for MINI TAKES THE STATES 2012 (MTTS), Mini is offering a unique experience for participants of this charitable initiative to train with athlete Michael Johnston for the cross-country rally.
Mini USA’s names U.S. Paralympic Team as charitable partner for MINI TAKES THE STATES 2012. Cross Country Athlete Michael Johnston to provide participants with unique training experience for Mini USA initiative.
Participants can register to run 5 km or bike 10 miles with Johnston in a single session. All MTTS participants will be eligible to enter a sweepstakes to win a trip to the London 2012 Olympic Games. For more info, go to www.minitakesthestates.com.
BMW Group Wins Awards at 2012 International Engine of the Year. In this years International Engine of the Year Awards in Stuttgart, Germany, efficient power delivery of BMW and MINI models won four out of eight displacement categories. The 4 cylinder winners were the 1.6-litre turbo unit (MINI John Cooper S) and BMW TwinPower Turbo technology (BMW 328i), the straight 6 cylinder winner was the M TwinPower Turbo (BMW 1 Series M Coupe), and the 8 cylinder winner was the V8 (BMW M3).
Among other notable winners was the 2.5-liter TFSI in the 2-liter to 2.5-liter category
Audi A1 and A1 Sportback Release. Audi announced today the release of 2 new exclusive editions of the A1 and A1 Sportback called the A1 amplified red and the A1 amplified white. A1 amplified red is painted in Misano Red pearl effect, while the amplified white is painted in Glacier White metallic. Both models include amped up stylized interiors and exteriors to “amplify” the overall look and performance of these models. The A1 amplified red edition models are available now, and the amplified white versions will follow shortly.
New Audi A1 Amplified 2012 with "Amped Up" Interior and Exterior Features
International Debut of New Bentley at 2012 Goodwood Festival of Speed. Bentley will showcase its new EXP 9 F SUV concept at the Bentley Motors Stand at the 2012 Goodwood Festival of Speed. The event will run on the weekend of Friday June 29 to Sunday July 1. Bentley will have its largest ever presence at this event showcasing classic and contemporary models luxury models. Driving the Bentley models are Le Mans legend Derek Bell MBE, world rally champion Juha Kankkunen, and Guy Smith who won the winning Speed 8 at Le Mans in 2003.
The Bentley EXP 9 F SUV Concept to debut at the 2012 Goodwood Festival of Speed held on of Friday June 29 to Sunday July 1.
McLaren Automotive will open in Geneva in Autumn 2012. McLaren announced that it will open in the heart of Geneva, Switzerland, from Autumn 2012. This will be a partnership with Autobritt Grand-Pré SA, luxury car specialists. The location of the new retailer was confirmed today as 2 Rue du Grand-Pré in the heart of the prestigious city. The choice of McLareb partner is apt given the company name of “Autobritt”, and the fact that CEO of Autobritt Bernard Thuner, comes from a proud family of racing car drivers.
Statistics for Most Fuel Efficient SUV in 2012
We have compiled data regarding the most fuel efficient SUV from the last 12 months. We have reviewed the fuel efficiency 141 SUVs from car makers across the globe running on standard engines – we ignored hybrid or electric data for the sake of this article (stay tuned for our analysis on hybrid and electric vehicles). This review only takes into account the base model for each SUV, and not advanced trims.
The average city fuel consumption for SUVs is 17.92 miles per gallon, whilst the average highway fuel consumption is 24.17 miles per gallon.Compared against the average fuel consumption of a sedan, this is considerably higher. Now for the best and worst lists.
Peugeot 4007 SUV - Most Fuel Efficient SUV for 2012
Most Fuel Efficient SUVs:
- The most fuel efficient SUV in the city goes to French car manufacturers Peugeot and Renault with the Peugoet 4007 SUV and Renault Duster SUV scoring top rank at 31 miles per gallon.
- The most fuel efficient SUV car makers for city driving are Italian luxury car manufacturer Lancia with 23 miles per gallon, and Volvo and Daihatsu coming in at 22 miles per gallon on average.
- The most fuel efficient SUV car makers for highway driving are Lincoln and Mazda at 22 miles per gallon, and Infiniti, Mitsubishi, Lexus, Cadillac, Volkswagen, and Buick all at 21 miles per gallon.
Least Fuel Efficient SUVs:
- The least fuel efficient SUV car makers for city driving are SAAB and Lexus with an average of 13 miles per gallon, and Volkswagen with an average of 13.5 miles per gallon.
- The least fuel efficient SUV car makers for highway driving are Suzuki with 16.67 gallons per mile, Citroen with 17 miles per gallon and Subaru, Honda and Audi coming in at a close third with 17.67 miles per gallon.
- The list of least fuel efficient SUV in the city is much longer all with a rate of 13 miles per gallon. The honor of least fuel efficient SUV goes to BMW for its BMW X5M and X6M luxury SUVs, the Chevrolet Suburban, Landrover’s DC SUV, LR4 and Range Rovers, the Lexus LX SUV, Mercedez Benze G-Class and GL-Class range, the Nissan Armada and the Toyota Landcruiser.
We are in the process of collating the data for the 2013 models and will be reporting to you soon on our findings. Check back regularly for more updates.
BMW Celebrating the Return of a Classic: BMW Z4 Roadster
This autumn signifies the 25th anniversary of the unveiling of the Z1. The Z1 was revolutionary for its time as BMW reintroduced a two-seater sports car to the BMW range, which had not been seen since the BMW 507 of the 1950s. The current version, the Z-4 roadster, is truly a classy and sleek sports car. Lets take a look at how this vehicle has evolved over the years.
BMW 507
1950s BMW 507
In the 1950s, the BMW 507 exuded the utmost in modernity and style. Even by today’s standard, with the BMW grille on the side and crossed lines on the bonnet, this vehicle exudes class. It was manufactured between 1956-1959, but due to manufacturing costs and an expensive price tag, only 252 cars were ever produced. This beauty was priced at $10,500 at its most expensive (approximately $82,000 in today’s money). The BMW 507 almost took BMW to the brink of bankruptcy in the late 1950s.
Elvis Presley owned a 1959 507 from his days in the service in Germany. He gifted the car to actress Ursula Andess, who in 1997, sold the car on auction for $350,000. A fairly rewarded return on investment.
BMW Z1
The BMW Z1 resurrected the BMW 507 and was the first model in the BMW Z Series.
The BMW Z1 was reintroduced in 1998. By 1991, it had resurrected the entire BMW line. The design was unique and if you took a sharp turn at high speeds, there was a very good chance that you may fly out the side with the low cut doors. All in all, a great vehicle but only a limited amount were manufactured.
BMW Z3
As featured in the James Bond movie, Golden Eye, in 1996, the classy BMW Z3.
The BMW Z3 was the first BMW roadster which was mass produced (it was also the first BMW model assembled in the USA). It gained attention in pop culture after appearing in the James Bond movie, Golden Eye. A number 1 billing for the film helped BMW increase their sales, all before the BMW Z3 was actually released in 1996.
Production of the popular Z3 ceased in 2002 with BMW also developing a coupé version of the Z3, otherwise known as the widely popular (and extremely cool) BMW M Coupe.
The BMW Z4, which made it official debut in the 2009 model year, was a second generation BMW E85 roadster and E86 coupe, which inherited the BMW Z roadster lineage between 2002 and 2008.
The BMW Z4 2002-2008, also knows as the E85 roadster and E86 coupe.
The Z4 is one of the most stylish and classy cars on the road today. With a low ride and sleek modern features, this car sets the standard for automotive modern luxury today. Among many of its accolades, in 2009 it won the prestigious Red Dot Design Award, an internal product design prize which recognizes design excellence over a number of fields including furniture, home appliances, machines, cars and tools.
The Crown of the Z-Series line, the 2012 BMW Z4.
Mazda Demio Launch Signifies Big Win for Japanese Government
On May 30, Mazda launched an upgrade to the Mazda Demio (the Demio is known as the zippy Mazda 2 in overseas markets). The upgrade features sportier look with the addition of a rear spoiler, however, the real news is the enhanced fuel efficiency.
New Mazda Demio (Mazda 2) 2012
In Japan, Japanese car makers have a real incentive to increase fuel efficiency, and not just because of the reduced petrol cost for consumers. Consumers in Japan benefit from a substantial tax break when purchasing a fuel efficient car. The fuel reduction of 0.4km/L (20.6km/L according to Japan’s JC08 mode test cycle) means a 50% reduction to two out of the three taxes that a Japanese consumer pays when purchasing a car.
Whilst the Japanese government loses out on significant tax income, the increased sales of the Mazda Demio in Japan means more income to Mazda which in turn translates into income tax to the Japanese Government. The Japanese also benefit on the international stage in implementing a policy which provides a monetary incentive to big business and consumers to reduce carbon emissions. As it is, Japan has one of the highest annual carbon emissions from transportation worldwide.
The release of the Demio represents benefits on all levels. It is a win for consumers who pay less tax for a more fuel efficient car. For Mazda, who should benefit from increased revenues due to increased sales. The Japanese Government who will receive the flow on tax benefits from increased Mazda revenue. Lastly, but certainly not least, the environment – better fuel economy reduces the carbon footprint.
A lot of the time, news like this doesn’t get much publicity and it’s a shame! This type of release provides real benefits on many levels and it should be recognized for this.