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2011 Volkswagen Crafter Van

Posted: 12 Apr 2011 12:00 PM PDT

2011 Volkswagen Crafter Van Volkswagen Crafter1

The highlight of Volkswagen’s booth at the 2011 Commercial Vehicle Show, besides the mighty Amarok, is the new version of the Crafter van which will hit UK market this Summer.

The goals for the Crafter van were simple: increased payloads and improvements in efficiency, emissions and running costs. So besides the current range of five-cylinder, 2.5-litre BlueTDI engines with Euro 5 standards, VW also offers a its latest four-cylinder, 2.0-litre, common rail TDI engines (as in the Amarok) for the car. Power outputs will compare with the current engine range, but with increased torque and efficiency.

Volkswagen believes that with the upgraded engine lineup, the Crafter will be able to achieve CO2 emissions as low as 195 g/km. Running costs could also be reduced by up to 25 per cent thanks to better fuel consumption and lower servicing costs.

Later this year, Volkswagen BlueMotion Technology combined with a Start/Stop system and battery regeneration is also expected to be introduced for the new Crafter. They will achieve the payload increase through weight savings from the new engines, along with other technical modifications.

Since the looks is the least important factor for vans, the new Crafter only gets a new front grille, refreshed in line with the modern Volkswagen design DNA. It also gets new upholstery and redesigned instruments inside the cabin.

2011 Volkswagen Crafter Van Volkswagen Crafter2
2011 Volkswagen Crafter Van Volkswagen Crafter3
2011 Volkswagen Crafter Van Volkswagen Crafter4
2011 Volkswagen Crafter Van Volkswagen Crafter5

Video: 2012 BMW M5 Concept Customer Review

Posted: 12 Apr 2011 11:43 AM PDT

BMW is using the same recipe they did for the 1M Coupe to promote the new M5 ahead of its official debut. They take some of the BMW M fans who have put their names down at the M Power website, to the M GmbH headquarters to check out the new M5 concept and then film their comments and thoughts. They were also treated with a visit to BMW M garage with the BMW M president Dr. Kay Segler. Obviously, this review is worthless because it’s all planned and biased, but the video gives you a good look at the car. And it looks really good!

Lexus LF-Gh Hybrid Concept Official Pictures

Posted: 12 Apr 2011 11:27 AM PDT

Lexus LF Gh Hybrid Concept Official Pictures LF Gh hybrid concept 1

Lexus released the first full images of the highly anticipated LF-GH Concept car ahead of its world debut at the New York Auto Show.

Unfortunately, Lexus says that the LF-Gh previews the design of future Lexus models. They will be getting lots of the LF-Gh’s cues, including new "spindle" front grille. And that’s bad because, well, just look at it! It has a hideous face which looks kinda creepy and stupid. What were they thinking of?!

They say it’s a refinement and evolution of Lexus's L-finesses design philosophy, which must mean they wanted to add some sportiness and coolness to their typically dull design. The trouble is they didn’t know how to do that, and the end result is really terrible. It’s fine at the back, but that front-end is a total mess.

apart from he looks, the LF-Gh is an advanced hybrid vehicle, details of which are yet to be revealed. But Lexus says that it’s going to be a rear-whee-drive GT-inspired sedan ideal for long distance cruising. Lexus Hybrid Blue Drive is boasted with Blue LED Lexus Hybrid Drive badges in the front grille and on the bootlid.

If this is the future of Lexus, we already hate it! Check out the press release after the pictures in which Lexus tries to explain and justify the design of this thing. See if it works on you…

Lexus LF Gh Hybrid Concept Official Pictures LF Gh hybrid concept 2
Lexus LF Gh Hybrid Concept Official Pictures LF Gh hybrid concept 3
Lexus LF Gh Hybrid Concept Official Pictures LF Gh hybrid concept 4

Taking the GT tradition further
The LF-Gh sees Lexus take the idea of the grand tourer saloon a step further. It has been designed as a high-performance concept that can deliver an inspiring driving experience, carrying passengers in comfort over long distances. It combines presence and emotional appeal with functionality, offering enhanced creature comforts and load space big enough to carry luggage for an extended trip.

The car's bold, wide stance reflects its strong dynamic performance. Built on an agile, rear-wheel drive platform, it offers generous interior space for four occupants within a distinctive, long greenhouse design. The LED lighting is a clue to the range and scope of new materials, electronics and dynamic systems incorporated in the LF-Gh.

Lexus LF Gh Hybrid Concept Official Pictures LF Gh hybrid concept 5

Exterior design
The front end design incorporates a spindle-shaped grille that projects a resolute look, while also contributing to efficient aerodynamics and radiator and brake duct operation. It is a key feature that will be inherited by future Lexus models.

Every line of the body is about both form and function: for example, air flows in through the front inlets next to the vertically arranged LED fog lamps, and exits through similar slim outlets at the rear that follow the curve of the tail lamps. The concept also explores how traditional features such as door mirrors and handles can be minimised to enhance overall sleekness and improve aerodynamics.

The very deep front bumper adds to the sense of movement and a low centre of gravity, while the raised bonnet line implies strong performance potential. The twin-spoke 20-inch wheels further add to the sense of driving appeal.

The concept's increased width gave the designers an expansive canvas on which to create distinctive wraparound LED tail lamps, with intricate reflectors set behind all-red lenses. Judicious use of slim chrome trim elements in the bumper, exhaust and diffuser adds subtle quality touches.

The LED headlamps and independent L-shaped LED daytime running lights ensure the LF-Gh has a "face" like no other car on the road.

Lexus LF Gh Hybrid Concept Official Pictures LF Gh hybrid concept 6

Interior design
The LF-Gh is equipped with a future Lexus interior, in which every detail has been newly scrutinised to create an environment that is driver-orientated.

The driver's zone has a high-visibility instrument panel and a centre console that is intuitive to use. A new analogue clock with a three-dimensional face serves as a focal point for the cabin and represents another shift in Lexus's design philosophy. The space is finished in high-quality materials with finely honed detailing, designed to respond to the demands of customers who know and appreciate true quality.

Lexus LF Gh Hybrid Concept Official Pictures LF Gh hybrid concept 7

Dimensions
Length (mm) 4,890
Width (mm) 1,870
Height (mm) 1,450
Wheelbase (mm) 2,850
Tyres (front) P245/35R20
Tyres (rear)
P285/30R20

BLOODHOUND SSC Design Drawings Revealed

Posted: 12 Apr 2011 10:57 AM PDT

BLOODHOUND SSC Design Drawings Revealed BLOODHOUND SSC 1

We’ve been running stories about the BLOODHOUND SSC 1000 mph car since the beginning, and we keep doing so until it accomplishes that goal! Today we can bring to you the first design drawings of the actual car.

The jet and rocket-powered World Land Speed Record contender, BLOODHOUND SSC is actually more than just record-breaking car and is in fact an international education initiative: “The core aim is to inspire young people to pursue careers in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM subjects) by showcasing these subjects in the most exciting way possible.” These design drawings will be distributed to over 4,500 schools and colleges across the UK, where they can be accessed by over 1.5m students, and to our extended team of fans and enthusiasts following the Project in the 207 countries around the world.

The design of the SSC is the result of 30 man-years of cutting-edge research and design work and consists of 4,000 individually-designed components. If you are interested you can download 3D models and deconstruct the CAD model layer by layer, and explore some amazing facts about the SSC, such as its acceleration from 0 -1050 mph and back in just 100 seconds, 47,000 lbs thrust (equivalent to 133,000 thp), 30 tonne suspension loadings; air pressures on the bodywork of up to 10 tonnes per square metre; the air brakes each exert 2.2 tonnes as they open; solid aluminium wheels alone weigh 90 kg each and will be spinning at 10,200 rpm, generating 50,000 radial g at the rim, and…

That is all great, but we can’t wait to see the real thing finally comes out of the labs and actually do 1000 mph! That’s going to be quite a day…

The 3D design drawings will be used extensively in the BLOODHOUND Education Programme, which produces curriculum-ready resource materials for all levels of education. Currently 4,081 primary and secondary schools, 246 further education colleges and 42 universities, encompassing 1.5 million students, are now exposed to real-world case studies based on the jet- and rocket-powered Car, helping to bring their Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) lessons vibrantly to life. Schoolchildren across the country are already building their own pyrotechnic rocket cars, go-karts and even a life-size replica of the BLOODHOUND cockpit complete with seat, steering yoke and dials. So, who knows what imaginative projects will be inspired by the release of these design drawings.

BLOODHOUND SSC Design Drawings Revealed BLOODHOUND SSC 2
BLOODHOUND SSC Design Drawings Revealed BLOODHOUND SSC 3
BLOODHOUND SSC Design Drawings Revealed BLOODHOUND SSC 4
BLOODHOUND SSC Design Drawings Revealed BLOODHOUND SSC 5
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GeigerCars Chevrolet Camaro SS

Posted: 12 Apr 2011 10:40 AM PDT

GeigerCars Chevrolet Camaro SS Geiger Chevrolet Camaro SS 1

It must hurt muscle car enthusiasts to know that best the best tuner of this cars is actually German! GeigerCars just released details of yet another masterpiece based on the Camaro SS.

This supersport Camaro SS packs 564 hp and 662 Nm of torque coming from a supercharged 6.2 liter V8 which also gets a stainless steel sport exhaust system and remapped ECU. With that much power at the tap, this green Camaro goes from zero to 100 km/h in 4.2 seconds and hits a top speed of 305 km/h.

To enhance handling and ride quality, which to be honest is not that good on the standard car, Geiger employs KW coilover suspension and 9×22 inch – 10.5×22 inch front/rear wheels, finished in black and wrapped in 265/30ZR22 and 295/30ZR22 tires.

Visually the car gets a massive front spoiler, side skirts, side skirts, rear diffuser and a rear spoiler, plus some ghastly green paint and black decals.

The cost of the car is 88,000 Euro. You can get this, or a proper European sportscar!

GeigerCars Chevrolet Camaro SS Geiger Chevrolet Camaro SS 2
GeigerCars Chevrolet Camaro SS Geiger Chevrolet Camaro SS 3
GeigerCars Chevrolet Camaro SS Geiger Chevrolet Camaro SS 4
GeigerCars Chevrolet Camaro SS Geiger Chevrolet Camaro SS 5

Video: Koenigsegg Agera R Test Drive

Posted: 12 Apr 2011 10:24 AM PDT

The first video of the Koenigsegg Agera R hyper car comes courtesy of Swedish magazine Teknikensvarld. The guys take the car for a test drive on some snowy and slippery roads. They are very brave! I mean when you drive a borrowed million Euro car which has a colossal 1115 hp and 1200 Nm of torque and is renowned for wild and unforgiving handling, and the roads are wet, you got a thousands reasons to be worried. Mercifully though, these guys are good and manage to bring to you some cool footage of the car. You will enjoy it even if you don’t understand a blind word they’re on about!

Video: 2011 Targa Tasmania Wrap-Up

Posted: 12 Apr 2011 10:13 AM PDT

This year’s Targa Tasmania was a very special event for Porsche as they reunited their best driver ever Walter Rohrl with this legendary vintage 911. Porsche released a short clip of the events in its final leg which includes interviews with Rohrl and other class winners, but more importantly some scintillating footage of Tasmania, amazing roads, and awesome cars. Even if you don’t care about the rally and Porsche, don’t miss this video, for the scenery.

Video: Onboard Ferrari 458 Challenge Around Monza

Posted: 12 Apr 2011 10:01 AM PDT

Here’s an interesting video of the Ferrari 458 Challenge lapping the legendary Monza track with Stefano Gai at the wheel. The Challenge is the racing version of the 458 Italia developed specially for Ferrari’s one-make racing series. Although we would love to see this gorgeous car from the outside storming around the track, but this in-car view is also very cool. We particularly like the downshifts every time the car approaches a corner. Not sure why, but we liked that a lot! Enjoy two and a bit minutes of exhaust noise and G force.

Ford Transit Connect Electric Specs

Posted: 12 Apr 2011 09:13 AM PDT

Ford Transit Connect Electric Specs light commercial vehicle 1

At the 2011 Birmingham Commercial Vehicle Show Ford and Azure Dynamics will unveil the latest evolution of their vehicle electrification programme with the zero-emission Transit Connect Electric van.

And it’s not just a concept car, like the one they showed in Geneva, either. Shortly after the show it will go on sale in UK to become Ford’s first electric vehicle to be made available in Europe. Five electrified Ford vehicles, including a Focus Electric, C-MAX Hybrid and the C-MAX Energi plug-in hybrid, will be introduced in Europe and North America by 2013.

The Transit Connect Electric Van features a proprietary Force Drive battery electric drive train powered by an advanced battery pack from Johnson Controls-Saft. It has 28kWh of power which gives it a top speed of 75mph (120km/h) and a range of up to 130 km/80 miles.

Like all electric cars, the Transit Connect will take an age, 8 hours to be exact, to be fully recharged through standard European 230-volt outlets. With a cargo volume of 3.8 m3 and a payload of 500kg, Transit Connect Electric van will particularly appeal to fleet operators who travel predictable, short-range routes with frequent stop and go driving.

Ford Transit Connect Electric Specs light commercial vehicle 2

Transit Connect Electric Technical data

Body

  • ‘Glider’ assembly at Ford Otosan plant in Kocaeli, Turkey
  • Final assembly by Azure Dynamics Corporation

Propulsion architecture

  • Siemens AC induction motor, Azure Dynamics inverter
  • Borg-Warner transaxle, Johnson Controls-Saft battery pack
  • System voltage range 260V – 380V

Electric drive system

  • Motor Siemens model 135, 3-phase AC induction motor, 300V nominal, liquid-cooled
  • Torque 158 Nm (continuous) / 235 Nm (peak)
  • Transmission Borg-Warner 31-03, single-speed
  • Gear ratio 8.28:1
  • IEC 62196 type 1

Battery

  • Johnson Controls-Saft lithium-ion pack
  • Capacity 28 kWh, 16 modules / (192 cells)
  • Voltage range 215V – 390V / charger – 3.3 kW

Weights and capacities

  • Maximum payload 500 kg (net)
  • Curb weight 1765 kg (est.)
  • Cargo volume 3.8 m3

Performance

  • Driving range up to 130 km (80 miles) per full charge
  • Charge duration approximately 8 hours for full cycle using 230 V
  • Top speed 120 km/h (75 mph)@ 0 percent grade
  • Acceleration 0-100 km/h (0-60 mph) in 12 seconds (based on kerb weight)
  • 0-100 km/h (0-60 mph) in 15 seconds (based on gross vehicle weight rating)

2012 Cadillac SRX Gets New 3.6 Liter Engine

Posted: 12 Apr 2011 09:03 AM PDT

2012 Cadillac SRX Gets New 3.6 Liter Engine 2012 Cadillac SRX

You might remember last year Cadillac axed the Turbo version of the SRX due to poor sales. Now they ae trying out a new powertrain to pickup the slacks.

The new engine for the 2012 Cadillac SRX is a 3.6 liter direct-injected FlexFuel capable V-6 unit rated at 300 horsepower (224 kW) and 260 lb.-ft. (353 Nm) of torque. In addition to more horsepower and torque, the new engine has a wider rpm range for its maximum torque, which gives the driver more power across a wider range of speeds and driving conditions.

As for the fuel economy, the new engine is yet to be rated by EPA, but the current 3.0 liter unit does 18 city/25 highway mpg. So you can roughly guess the performance of the new one. Cadillac says with this new engine the SRX will become a direct rival for the 275 horsepower Lexus RX350. Well, the Caddy is a damn sight better looking and offers more power as well.

Other enhancements on the 2012 SRX include standard Bluetooth phone connectivity on all models, a heated steering wheel on the luxury, performance and premium trim levels and door lock switches on the driver and passenger door panels. The new model will continue to have door lock switches on the center console. Also for 2012, SRX will offer a new machined-face finish on the 20-inch wheels, which are standard on performance and premium trim levels.

The SRX also offers some unique features over its rivals including items like a moveable cargo fence and large under-floor storage space in the rear, a liftgate that can be programmed to stop at different heights and an UltraView sunroof that covers 70 percent of the vehicle roof. It is also available in an all-wheel-drive version that incorporates an electronic limited slip rear differential.

Pricing for the the 2012 Cadillac SRX will be announced closer to the start of production.

MINI WRC Team Officially Launched

Posted: 12 Apr 2011 08:51 AM PDT

MINI WRC Team Officially Launched  MINI WRC Team 1

After a couple of not so official outings, MINI WRC Team held a ceremony at the MINI Plant in Oxford to officially announce their comeback to the word of rallying.

Now you might be thinking the 2011 WRC season is already underway, why took them so long. Well, this year’s WRC season is a sort of warm up for the MINI John Cooper Works WRC as they are entered for just six rounds of the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC). But form 2012 they will be participating in full. As the team’s officials point out “The goal in the debut season is to gain valuable experience to be perfectly prepared to take on the entire 2012 World Rally Championship.”

The driver/navigator lineup for the team includes Kris Meeke (GB)/Paul Nagle (IR) and Dani Sordo (ES)/Carlos del Barrio (ES). MINI hopes these guys can revive the good old memories of Rallye Monte Carlo in the Classic Mini Cooper S in 1964, 1965 and 1967. Expect they will be driving a Pro Drive-prepared Mini Countryman.

The MINI John Cooper Works WRC is powered by a 1.6-litre turbo engine also used in MINI production cars, which was developed by BMW Motorsport for use in series complying with FIA Super 2000 regulations, including the World Touring Car Championship. As well as being responsible for the works team’s MINI John Cooper Works WRC cars, Prodrive also supplies customer cars to teams lining up in the World Rally Championship. This applies to the WRC and S2000 versions of the new rally MINI.

MINI WRC Team Officially Launched  MINI WRC Team 2

"On the one hand, MINI can look back on a unique success story," said Ian Robertson, Member of the Board of Management of the BMW AG for Sales and Marketing. "On the other hand, MINI is the epitome of excitement for millions of fans around the world and thrills them with its energy. This is precisely what we are able to authentically represent through our motorsport involvement in the World Rally Championship. Thrilling rally events, ultimate performances by man and machine, and as much success as possible, of course: motorsport is pure emotion – just as MINI is for its fans."

MINI WRC Team Officially Launched  MINI WRC Team 3

David Richards, Chairman and Chief Executive, Prodrive Group, is also looking forward to the first rally for the new MINI John Cooper Works WRC. He said: "We have been working towards this moment for more than two years and it is truly exciting to be launching the MINI WRC Team and what I believe is the most stunning car in World Rallying, the MINI John Cooper Works WRC. We have an experienced team, a talented driver pairing and, most importantly of all, a strong partnership with MINI. We are now eagerly looking forward to demonstrating the performance of the car on its debut in Sardinia in just a few weeks."

MINI WRC Team Officially Launched  MINI WRC Team 4

"The excitement of everyone involved in the comeback of MINI to the rally stage is building with every day we get closer to our maiden rally appearance," added Dirk Hollweg, Head of MINI Motorsport. "With the MINI WRC Team we not only want to please the loyal fans of the MINI brand, but also aim to address new motorsport enthusiasts. We want to thrill them with fascinating pictures, technical know-how and pure performance. In addition, the special MINI lifestyle is always part of the equation. For us, it's always about a bit more than just motorsport. I think the rally fans will love it."

MINI WRC Team Officially Launched  MINI WRC Team 5

David Wilcock, Technical Director of the MINI WRC Team, presented the guests with the most important details of the MINI John Cooper Works WRC and said: "This Team Launch is really perfectly timed for us. We look back at some extremely demanding and busy months. Now we are entering the crucial phase of our preparation programme for the first rally. We started the development of the MINI John Cooper Works WRC early. It was important to make sure the ratio between development and actual building of the car was right. Our goal was to maximise every area of performance we could get from the technical regulations. Our first rally appearances will show how well we achieved this. In any case I can say that the partnership between MINI, Prodrive and BMW Motorsport on the engine side is running exceptionally well, everyone is contributing to the project with a lot of enthusiasm."

62 MPG Vauxhall Astra Announced

Posted: 12 Apr 2011 08:40 AM PDT

62 MPG Vauxhall Astra Announced vauxhall astra tdci

Vauxhall announced a new version of the lovely new Astra equipped with smart Start/Stop system which returns an astonishing 62 mpg with CO2 emissions of 119g/km.

The new Astra 2.0 CDTi owes a large part of its efficiency to the start/stop system as it improves fuel economy by over 5mpg or 13 percent on the combined cycle, from 57.6mpg to 62.8mpg. Start/Stop is also available on the latest addition to the Astra range, the Sports Tourer, which benefits from an equally impressive 4.7mpg rise on the combined cycle, from 55.4 to 60.1mpg.

What’s more these models can be specified with Vauxhall's CleanTech Combustion Technology, which guarantees exceptionally clean combustion and reduces engine noise.

The car also offers good value, not just because of its price, or its low fuel consumption, but also because you have pay very insignificant tax for it. Pricing for the 5-door Hatch starts at £22,410 for the SRi model, and £23,430 for the Sports Tourer SRi. The 2.0 CDTi Start/Stop can also be ordered in SE and Elite trims (Hatch) and SE (Sports Tourer).

Although the start/stop system is a very simple technology, but some of you might want to know more details on it. So, here it goes:

Start/Stop – Vauxhall's pain-free solution to lower-emissions motoring

Vauxhall's automatic Start/Stop system reduces the engine's time spent idling, and therefore the car's overall emissions and fuel consumption, especially during town driving. The engine automatically stops when the driver engages neutral and releases the clutch pedal, sending it into 'Autostop' mode. When the vehicle needs to move away again, the driver simply presses the clutch to re-start the engine and engages first gear.

For safety reasons, and for passenger comfort, the temperature regulator and brake booster vacuum control remain active in Autostop mode. And if circumstances require – for example, in start-stop traffic – the driver can manually deactivate the system using the 'eco' labelled Start/Stop switch.

In order for Start/Stop to function, certain criteria have to be met. The engine needs to be up to full operating temperature, and the battery needs to be sufficiently charged. The outside temperature also needs to be above freezing and the Defrost function not activated.

Apart from these parameters, the Start/Stop system includes the following ancillaries:

  • A more robust starter motor
  • A high performance battery, which ensures maximum reliability of the electrical system and the engine's capacity to start without delay
  • An intelligent battery control with sensor, providing reliability and consistent quality
  • An energy management system responsible for trouble-free re-starting of the engine.

Volkswagen Amarok Technical Specs

Posted: 12 Apr 2011 08:30 AM PDT

Volkswagen Amarok Technical Specs amarok specs

As we get closer to the launch date for VW Amarok, the company releases more detailed info about this robust pickup. We just looked at the car’s accessories package, and now let’s review its technical specs.

One of the features of the Amarok that Volkswagen like to boast is its low CO2 emissions. It is the first pick-up to break the 200 g/km threshold thanks to its 2.0-litre TDI 122PS engine which does 199 g/km. Even the more powerful 163 PS model emits no more than 209 g/km. Same applies for the fuel economy as the powerful 163 PS model does 35.8 mpg on the combined cycle, while the 122 PS model returns a combined 37.2 mpg which, with the 80 litre fuel tank, gives the Amarok a theoretical range of more than 650 miles.

Apart form the top of the line version which comes with permanent four-wheel-drive, other models can be had with two wheel drive as well.

Facts and figures of the mighty Amarok are listed here for you:

Technical specifications follow.

Startline

122 PS 4MOTION (selectable)

Startline

163 PS

4MOTION

(selectable)

Trendline

163 PS

4MOTION

(selectable)

Highline

163 PS

4MOTION

(selectable)

Highline

163 PS

4MOTION

(permanent)

Engine type:

(1968 cc, 4-cyclinder,

water-cooled,

common rail TDI)

in-line variable turbine geometry turbo with intercooler in-line, Bi-turbo with intercooler
EU emission standard Euro5
CO2 emissions, g/km 199 209
Power, PS at rpm 122 at 3750 163 at 4000
Torque, Nm at rpm 340 at

1750 – 2250

400 at 1500 – 2000
0-62 mph, seconds 13.7 11.1
Top speed, mph 100 112
Transmission 6-speed manual
GVW, kg 3170 2820
ULW, kg 2051 2062 2065 2106 2070
Payload, kg 1119 1108 1105 1064 750
Gross Train Weight, kg 5500
Axle load limit, front/rear, kg 1375/1860 1385/1860 1385/1600
Towing limit, braked/unbraked, kg 2690/750 2690/750 2800/750
Fuel economy:

-      Urban

-      Extra Urban

-      Combined

30.1

42.2

37.2

29.1

40.4

35.8

Insurance group 7E 8E 7E

Volkswagen Amarok Accessories

Posted: 12 Apr 2011 08:20 AM PDT

Volkswagen Amarok Accessories amarok accessories

To make the Amarok pickup truck an even more interesting prospect, Volkswagen unveiled a range of new accessories for the car.

Amarok’s accessories include a wide range of goodies from iPod adaptors and Bluetooth kits, to hard tops, tonneau covers and towbars. They will be available to order right form the launch in UK which is on 1 May.

On the outside, you get a decent styling package with a front bumper trim, exterior décor sets, side steps, plus stainless steel side rails and styling bars for the loadspace, and the option to upgrade to 19 in alloy wheels. VW also offers a lockable toolbox designed to fit between the wheelarches, across the load bay for more loadspace security.

Alternatively, to cover the entire loadspace there is a choice of tonneau covers (a soft waterproof cover which can be rolled out the way, or a choice of aluminium or body-coloured hard plastic covers which are lockable and hinge open for access), or a complete body-coloured hardtop.

For hard-core off-road enthusiasts volkswagen offers seat covers and rubber or carpet floor mats for the cab, parking sensors, mud flaps, an aluminium liner for the loadspace, plus a black steel grid for the rear window. Further underbody protection packs are also available.

Volkswagen Caddy Racer Revealed

Posted: 12 Apr 2011 08:12 AM PDT

Volkswagen Caddy Racer Revealed Volkswagen Caddy Racer 1

The 2011 Commercial Vehicle Show Birmingham, UK is far from boring because manufacturers are turning up with special models. We had the Ford Transit Supersport and now this, the Volkswagen Caddy Racer.

Unlike the Ford it is an actual race car and is prepared to compete in commercial vehicle championship. Didn’t know such a thing existed!

Based on the the normal 2010 VW Caddy, this race car is powered by a 270 PS 2.0-litre petrol engine mated to a six-speed manual gearbox with quick shifter and it’s front wheel drive. It is also thoroughly upgraded for its racing career and features sports underpinnings. The multi-link suspension for example comes straight from the Golf hot hatch. It also features a white and orange racing livery.

The Volkswagen Racing Cup starts over the Easter weekend (25 April) at Oulton Park, and will visit some of the most famous circuits around the UK, including Snetterton, Brands Hatch, and Donington Park, plus it incorporates a trip to Zandvoort in the Netherlands, before the season finale at Silverstone in October.

Commenting on his new vehicle ahead of the season, Simon Elliott explained: 'The new Caddy has started life strongly since its launch and has already started winning awards, so the Caddy Racer will hopefully add to the trophy cabinet!  We learnt a lot through the developments made with the original Caddy Racer, and initial tests with the new van have been extremely promising.  This really is a clear demonstration of Brilliant Made Better – I just can't wait to get back out on track.'

Volkswagen Caddy Racer Revealed Volkswagen Caddy Racer 2
Volkswagen Caddy Racer Revealed Volkswagen Caddy Racer 3

Ford Transit SuperSport Van

Posted: 12 Apr 2011 08:02 AM PDT

Ford Transit SuperSport Van Ford Transit SuperSport 1

As some of you may know Ford Transit has been involved in motorpsort to some extent since a very long time ago. Now paying homage to this history Ford has come up with the one-off Transit SuperSportVan.

Now despite what springs to mind reading reading the word supersport, it is actually powered by a diesel engine! It’s a 3.2 liter 5-cylinder Duratorq TDCi engine developing 200 PS and 470 Nm of torque so it’s hardly even sport. This is actually built as a show car for this year’s Commercial Vehicle Show in Birmingham.

Other features of it include some cool Le Mans-style stripes, twin exhausts, sport alloy wheels wrapped in 235/45 tyres and a body kit including flared arches, front and rear spoilers, and side skirts.

The rest of it is a normal Transit with its normal equipments including power deadlocks, rain-sensing windscreen swipers, auto headlights, front fog lights and a load area protection kit. On the optional list the automaker offers leather seats, Satellite Navigation with a 5 inch colour display, LED cargo lights in and LED daytime running lights.

It would have been cooler if they had made a really powerful and off the hook one-off version.

Ford Transit SuperSport Van Ford Transit SuperSport 2
Ford Transit SuperSport Van Ford Transit SuperSport 3

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