2012 Hyundai i30

The second generation of the 2012 Hyundai i30 to continue the successful path of its predecessor. In our test, we tell, whether this can succeed.

The first generation of Hyundai i30 would provided for a full order book, with the second generation Hyundai to expand its position in the compact segment now on.

The new i30 is presenting their complete trust in the new design style of Hyundai, the flowing lines of the "Fluidic Sculpture" design the compact Koreans are very good and let him not only very dynamic, but also have high quality.

For our test we have chosen the Hyundai i30 with the 90 hp diesel engine in the top features "premium". A combination that combines perfectly comfortable traveling with frugal fuel consumption. Factory-equipped with seven airbags, ABS, ESP, 2-zone automatic climate control, electrically adjustable, heated and foldable exterior mirrors, a sliding front center armrest, cruise control, audio system with CD and MP3 playback control as well as USB / iPod, and Aux connection, heated seats for driver and front passenger, LED daytime running lights, fog lights, Bluetooth hands-free kit and a rear parking aid.

In addition, our test vehicle still drenched with a parking aid front, 16 "alloy wheels, metallic paint, supervision fittings with TFT screen, a full spare wheel and the Blue Drive ISG start / stop system.

As modern as the exterior looks of the i30 is so modern it also goes further in the interior. The landscape is fitting in a sporty design and is equipped with high quality materials. The mix of soft plastic and looks very durable.

The Hyundai i30 also shines with good ergonomics, all the levers and buttons are easily accessible, and the high positioning of radio and climate control, including large buttons, is also successful. Many trays and cup holders are also positive on how good the available space in the i30. Passengers of both series can look forward to a class for this generous space, and the trunk volume is impressive. With 376-1316 liters, the luggage compartment is sized large enough, and the rear seats can be folded down easily.

The interior of the 430 cm-long Korean may therefore have to convince the entire length, the question remains whether one of the weakest in the diesel Hyundai i30 range will also suffice. Up front, we can say that the engine does its work very quietly. Even after a cold start and at high speeds it is due to the excellent sound insulation in the interior always pleasantly quiet.

The performance of the 1.4-liter diesel engine is 90 hp (66 kW) with peak torque of 220 Nm 1500-2750 rev / min are available. The i30 is here already from low revs on the gas pedal. Nevertheless, you realize pretty quickly that the diesel has 90 hp with the 1.4-ton i30 is not necessarily an easy task. Pass for the sprint from 0 to 100 km / h 13.5 seconds, top speed is 170 km / h

This is of course perfectly adequate, and the good noise reduction to get even on long trips along well with the diesel. Anyone who relies more on athleticism, but should definitely take the more powerful diesel versions of i30 (110 and 128 hp) in the eye.

Chassis and suspension offer that is quite a sporty touch, while the basic design is more toward comfort. Even gross irregularities are filtered out perfectly, and if you did not know that you are traveling in a compact car, it would also certainly tap a large touring sedan when it comes to ride comfort.

The light steering and very easy-shift 6-speed manual gearbox perfectly matched to the Hyundai i30. The correct switching time you get via the well-to-read LCD screen displays in the dashboard, so you should be even more economical way.

In terms of consumption, the smallest diesel namely score high. At the factory-stated 4.0-liter, although we had not approached, with 4.8 liters to get well faster at driving but ends meet.

Not quite as good at the Hyundai i30 is the panoramic view that is affected by the rising window line to the rear a bit. The PDC can handle this small shortcoming but also perfect to park and so is the rear of the vehicle perfectly without outside contact.

2013 Ford Escape

At the turn of 2012/2013 brings the second-generation Ford Kuga in the trade. For the first time to see the compact SUV is on the Geneva Motor Show (public days: 8 to 18 March). However, the vehicle is different, which is different than the predecessors always delivered with all-wheel drive, only in details from the U.S. version new Ford Escape, which has already been presented.

2013 ford escape

The company claims to offer the visually refreshed Kuga more interior space and technical solutions to make the driver more comfortable everyday. This includes locking tailgate, which can be opened privately by foot movement to a sensor under the rear bumper and the rear seats that fold down at the touch of a flat load floor. The luggage capacity of the five-door grows over the current model by 82 to 492 liters.

Standard equipment includes an active vehicle dynamics control and a communications and entertainment system with emergency assistant that automatically alerts in an accident, the local emergency personnel. The emergency call will be discontinued as soon as an air bag is triggered, said a Ford spokesman. In addition, there should be an option to many assistance systems such as parking or Blind Spot Detector with lights in their mirrors.

With the launch customers a choice between two versions will have a 2.0-liter diesel with 140 hp and 163 hp. In addition, a gasoline direct injection engine with a displacement of 1.6 liters is provided which is in the current Focus and C-Max either 150 hp or 182 hp. The engine power distributed an intelligent all-wheel drive depending on road conditions automatically to the wheels.

2013 Lamborghini Urus Concept

Lamborghini wants to expand its model range in the next few years, a promising candidate is the newly unveiled as a concept car Urus, an SUV with sports car genes.

The 2013 Lamborghini Urus Concept combines the sporty look and performance of the Aventador with the benefits of an SUV. It would not be the first SUV, the Urus of the brand in the mid-1980s saw the first of the LM002 SUV with sports car engine for a lot of attention.

In addition to the sports car would be an SUV, a perfect complement to the Lamborghini line-up, after all, is the segment of the luxury SUV a world rapidly growing and offers plenty of room for new products.

With a length of 4.99 meters and a height of only 1.66 meters of the lamborghini Urus is much flatter than its competitors. Through its proportions, the big SUV also has a very dynamic and muscular.

In the rectangular front end you can see the similarity to Aventador very clear, while the coupe-like rear was designed with the small and rather round taillights with Y-signature looks very striking.

The look alone makes but still no Lamborghini, the engine must also keep what the exterior promises. Under the hood of the Urus Concept works 600 hp (440 kW), so that this enormous power is put on the road, make a four wheel drive and traction system for maximum traction and road holding.

Thanks to the use of lightweight materials such as carbon fiber, the Lamborghini urus is also set new standards for weight, and so have in terms of power consumption and a good CO2 balance.

The interior of the Lamborghini Urus still seems very futuristic, but leaves the way into the series already know well. Like the LM002 is dominated by a very wide center tunnel the interior, passengers will find four sport bucket seats.

The interior is lightweight Lamborghini continues its strategy and is used mainly very light materials such as carbon fiber reinforced plastic.

The operating philosophy of the Lamborghini is greatly reduced. So behind the steering wheel paddles just for the double-clutch gearbox can be found. All other functions such as turn signals, lights and wipers are either integrated into the multifunction steering wheel or outsourced to the center console.

His driver receives the information from a user-programmable LCD screen behind the steering wheel. The additional functions such as navigation, entertainment and climate are controlled via a touch screen on the center tunnel. Another touch is the rear passengers.

2013 Ford Explorer Sport

The Explorer Sport brings a new top model of the Ford Explorer series on the market.

The 2013 Ford Explorer Sport completes the offering of the series towards the top. Its premiere of the SUV at the New York Auto Show in early April 2012.

Ford Explorer Sport is powered by a 3.5 liter EcoBoost V6 that puts out 350 hp and is intended to help the big SUV is not only sporty performance, but also very economical.

The Ford Explorer Sport is equipped as standard equipment on all-wheel drive with a land management system and a 6-speed automatic, in the course also via shift paddles on the steering wheel can be sorted.

Visually you can see the Explorer Sport to slight modifications in the front and rear, and its 20 "alloy rims. In addition, the sportiest Explorer only available in" Ruby Red Metallic Clearcoat "," White Platinum Metallic Tri-Coat, "" Tuxedo Black Metallic "and" ingot Silver Metallic "is available.

Standard equipment on the Ford Explorer Sport including a two-zone automatic air conditioning are electrically adjustable front seats including seat heating, a rear-view camera and the Sony premium audio system with 12 speakers and HD radio.

If desired, the 2013 Ford Explorer Sport is also equipped with an active park assistant, a blind spot warning, a keyless entry and start system, power adjustable pedals, a sunroof and remote start system.

2013 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500

The current version of the Mustang by Ford was a real stroke of luck. With its successful retro design, the legendary Ponycar the taste of the customer meets all over the world. For model year, the vehicle will now be refreshed a bit. As a highlight of the range is the flagship course - the 2013 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500. Again, this has now been extensively revised and can now decorate entitled to have the most powerful production V8 ever in the aggressive hood.

2013 Mustang GT500

New
With its 550 hp was one of the Ford Mustang has been one of the most powerful production cars in the world. But for the new model year, there is a decent performance boost. Shall afford the revised 650-hp engine and is studying for an incredible torque of 800 Nm onto the crankshaft. The power increase results from a new compressor and a propeller shaft of carbon fiber.

Thus equipped, the doped Ponycar in about four seconds from catapults to 100 km, the speed at Ford is at 320 km / h. In addition, the six-speed transmissions, axles, cooling system and the clutch was adjusted to the performance boost. Behind the 19 - (front) and 20-inchers lurking (back) huge "anchors" from Brembo. They ensure that the load comes to rest again.

Design
Visually, not much has changed. No wonder, does the design of the ideal candidate. Thus, only modifies the front-and rear skirt slightly. The enormous power domes on the hood is not just for show. Without him, the big V8 compressor including not just enough room.

Technical Highlights
Even before today's modern electronics makes muscle cars do not stop. Sun block, the developer has a launch control, which now controls both motor control and traction control. In addition, the driver can now vote at the start of the desired traction depending on tire temperature, road surface or other conditions. For an additional charge, there are two packages for the ambitious.

The "Performance Pack" includes a Torsen limited-slip differential and electronically adjustable Bilstein dampers. If the buyer then the "Track Package", he will also have an additional oil cooler and an additional cooler for the rear differential and for the transmission. Then the application is also on the track no longer a problem.

2012 Opel Ampera - Car of The Year 2012

As announced at this point, on 5 March on the eve of the launch of the Geneva Motor Show 2012 (Public Days 8 to 18 March), one of the most coveted trophies awarded INTERNATIONAL car. In the final seven cars were fighting (see below) for the title "Car of the Year 2012". The winner was out the innovative and identical electric car Opel Ampera and Chevrolet Volt duo.

Opel / Chevrolet before VW and Ford
The nominees are the total of 35 vehicles by an international jury of 59 professional sounds coming from 23 countries. They tested the car through its paces. The final decision was then made quite clear. So put the Ampera and the Volt with 330 points ahead of the Volkswagen Up! (281 points) and the Ford Focus (256 points) by.

Performance, power consumption and the winner
The front wheel of the Opel Ampera will be pure electric. A 16-kWh lithium-ion battery powers the 150-hp electric motor (370 Nm) of energy. Depending on driving style, road profile and the outside temperature can be put back with a fully charged battery distances 40-80 km purely battery-powered. But if the "juice" of the battery is empty, the driver needs unlike other electric cars, not to worry, that it stays just on the track. Because under the bonnet lies next to the electric motor and a small gasoline engine for range extension.

The combustor is activated whenever the state of charge of the battery has reached a defined minimum. Then the 86-hp 1.4-liter gasoline engine automatically starts and drives the generator to power the electric motor. According to Opel are ranges of 550 kilometers is possible. The sprint from zero to 100 km, the Ampera completed in exactly nine seconds, top speed is in favor of a longer range at 161 km / h electronically limited.

Car of the Year 2012 Standings

1 Opel Ampera/Chevy Volt -> 330 votes
2 Volkswagen up! -> 281 votes
3 Ford Focus -> 256 votes
4 Range Rover Evoque -> 186 votes
5 Fiat Panda 156 -> votes.

2014 Audi A4 (B9)

Although the current model just got a facelift, Audi is bringing the end of 2014, an all-new Audi A4 on the market. The new mid-range model from Ingolstadt, the development of codes and B9, in comparison to the current model is slightly larger. Nevertheless, taking the space to be proportional. This reflects the newly developed modular longitudinal paid in the future with all Audis (from A4 up) is used. Audi A4 also lighter by about 90 kilograms.

Design 
The upcoming Audi A4 waits on a coupe-like roof, which expires on sloping C-pillars in the short rear section. One of the distinguishing features include two-part tail lights, a strongly curved trunk lid with spoiler lip and a prominent high cross river at the Audi rings. At Avant, the designers put on an unusually angled rear window. Be chamfered front corners of the upper single-frame grille and the headlights even more marked still more pointed. The two-door models, which are called on A5 are also slightly longer. As reported, the A4 also come as a sport van.

Interior 
Inside the color screen moves in the central field of vision, where a programmable display which replaces traditional instruments. The new system is activated via the well-known turn-push-controller and the multifunction steering wheel or the first time by gesture and voice control.

Engines 
The smallest engine is a 1.4-liter future gasoline engine with 143 horsepower, it ranks the 177-hp two-liter. The next stage of the two-liter engine delivers 225 hp and 350 Nm mobilized. The S4 quattro and eight-speed S-tronic is powered by a 340-hp turbo V6. Along with the new engines, change the model names: the 2.0 TFSI quattro is then 2.0 Q. The diesel range is headed by the two-liter four-cylinder that comes in three levels with 122, 150 and 197 hp at the start. In ranking the three-liter V6 with 218 hp or 272 hp. A year after launch will be a plug-in hybrid version.

New equipment packages 
For the B9, new equipment packages in the planning stage, which are based on the one hand more on BMW and Mercedes, on the other hand, set their own accents. This involves both technical content and new visual details. An example: The spectral package matched leather upholstery, interior applications, paint colors and wheel design from each other.