Ford S-Max 2.0 EcoBoost Review

With the second-generation Galaxy and Ford S-Max is started, which is the 5-seater and sportier version of the Galaxy. Visually, it differs mainly in the rear area of the Galaxy, but also the round fog lamps in the front end are a design feature of the S-Max.

Even more sporty he is tested by us 2.0 liter EcoBoost version and Titanium S-Type. Ford Individual body styling package, a center console "Piano Finish", a leather / Alcantara upholstery, 18 "alloy wheels, a roof spoiler, bi-xenon headlights, tinted windows from the B column, cruise control, heated front seats , a 2-zone climate control and much more on board.

Our test vehicle drenched in addition, with the driver package PLUS, the business package medium, the travel package, the seat package, scuff plates front with S-MAX logo and painted in candy red, which is the sporting Van particularly well.

Although the S-Max has been on the market for several years, he has still rough around the edges and seems to be the elixir of eternal youth to have to get on the road. Even newer representative of its class can compete neither with the sporty appearance even when space is limited.

The interior offers plenty of room, but it is designed so that you also might think that with a sedan on the road. Front of the driver is a very tidy dashboard, which is home to the modern speedometer with large display for navigation, radio stations and more.

Due to the large center console with cup holders and a comfortable armrest, he is very similar to the Mondeo. The grip leather steering wheel with contrasting stitching and the sports seats with perfect support convey a bit of a sports car feeling. The passengers in the second row in the travel business class on long-haul flights, at least as far as the leg-and headroom.

No wish unfulfilled and the trunk volume. With more than 700 kilos of payload and 854 liter capacity of the S-Max is clearly identified as Van. Who can do without the second row gets even up to 2,100 liters of cargo space provided, so the S-Max 2.0 EcoBoost is an ideal quick loadmaster.

And "fast" can be understood in the literal sense of the word. The new 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine is a real goodie and gives the Van sporty acceleration data. The power of the turbocharged engine is 240 hp (176 kW) and maximum torque of 340 Nm the engine delivers 1900 to 3500 rev / min. He has been out of the rev range a very responsive power delivery, the word "turbo lag" is for the new Ford turbo engine is a foreign word.

The force is so immediately made ​​available, that one must above all be very careful when parking maneuver. The S-Max bites at every little touch on the accelerator immediately enormous.

Very good for the characteristics of the car fits the Ford PowerShift automatic transmission. The 6-speed Direct Shift Gearbox impresses with fast switching operations, which are also designed to be very soft. Thus, the power flow is continuously present, and one to sprint in just 7.9 seconds from a standing start to 100 km / h The top speed is 235 km / h.

Yet despite its sporty engine performs its work even at full acceleration or at highway speeds very smoothly and quietly. The S-Max is recommended also as an ideal touring sedan with a perfect sound insulation offers great comfort.

Even the sports suspension provides enough comfort and filters bumps off perfectly. Ford has also found the S-Max is a very good match between sportiness and driving comfort. Nevertheless, the large van is like a board on the street, and you can measure exactly around tight curves without causing a capsizing feeling.

It is in such moments is easy to forget that you are actually traveling with a family van and no sports car. The very direct steering is also very pleasant, because it requires but rather higher steering forces, leading to the vote but it fits well.

With a length of 477 cm, the Ford S-Max move also quite handy and also loses its terror in the city. The large windows give a perfect view and provide good visibility. With the parking aid can also be estimated very accurately all the corners and perfectly maneuver in tight spaces. Nevertheless, the practical Ford feels more on the highway or freeway probably where he makes with his performance and good vote for a lot of driving pleasure.

Weighing in at just under 1.7 tonnes and the Van typical high build because you have to, especially in the city to expect an increased consumption, which can quickly crack the 10-liter mark. In mixed driving the S-Max has consumed during our tests around 9.5 liters per 100 kilometers, which is indeed the work of the promised 8.3 liters, but for a car of this performance and class size is just under.

Who wants it more economical, can still pick up the diesel. The Ford S-Max 2.0 EcoBoost is especially for those the ideal choice, although they want a sporty car, but need plenty of space for passengers and luggage. The S-Max combines perfectly the versatility that a Van offers, with the driving performance of a sports coupe and can also convince with comfort, a perfect finish and a good equipment.

2013 Mercedes-Benz Viano

Mercedes-Benz launches the Grand Edition Viano Avantgarde a new top model of its practical vans on the market. Called 2013 Mercedes-Benz Viano.

Output model of the new flagship of the Mercedes Viano Avantgarde is in the equipment line, in which already bi-xenon headlights, sports suspension with air suspension on the rear axle, electrically operated sliding doors, automatic climate control and a few other amenities onboard.

In the Grand Edition still the rock crystal white metallic paint, 19 coming "alloy wheels, trim in" walnut-look satin "and" added Grand Edition "badge.

Sun sprayed the van even more elegance and sophistication and combines the utility of a big van with the comfort of a luxury saloon.

The Grand Edition is available in the Viano Avantgarde bodystyles "compact" and "long", and with the 2.2-liter CDI (163 PS/120 kW) or the 3.0 V6 CDI (225 hp/165 kW). Both engines are coupled with a standard automatic transmission.

The Viano Avantgarde Grand Edition can be ordered now.

2014 Porsche 911 GT3

The sportiest model 911 will have its world premiere at the Geneva Motor Show: the new 2014 Porsche 911 GT3.

In the anniversary year of the Porsche Elfers now proposes a new chapter for some distance driving high performance sports cars. The fifth generation of the 911 GT3 does a complete redevelopment of the pole position among the thoroughbred Porsche sports cars with naturally aspirated series.

Boxer engine and transmission, body and chassis are completely new and introduce the concept of the 911 GT3 continues with an impressive performance leap. Power: 475 hp. Power to weight ratio: 3.0 kg / hp. Acceleration from zero to 100 km / h in 3.5 seconds. Maximum speed: 315 km / h.

To as technical highlight the first active rear comes in a production Porsche. And the optional full-LED headlights. The new 911 GT3 all remain successful properties of suitable sports car racing get more dynamic, more sophisticated practicality - and hochemotionalem fun.

The powertrain of the new 911 GT3 is composed of a 3.8-liter boxer engine that develops 475 hp (350 kW) at 8.250/min, a Porsche double-clutch transmission (PDK) and the high-traction rear-wheel drive. The six-cylinder engine is based on the aggregate of the 911 Carrera S, but this has only a few common parts.

All other components, particularly the crankshaft and valve gear are specially adapted for the GT3 or developed. Shall suspend Porsche a titanium connecting rods and forged pistons. The basic modifications set the stage for an extreme high-speed engine that reaches up to 9000/min. Even the Porsche double-clutch gearbox has been specially developed with properties be based directly on a sequential gearbox from motor racing and the driver thereby provide other benefits to performance and dynamics.

Porsche is the first time an active rear in order to achieve an even better precision and lateral dynamics. Depending on the speed it directs towards the same direction and one to the front wheels, improving stability and agility. Other new dynamics modules are the electronically controlled, fully variable rear differential lock and the dynamic engine mounts. The newly developed all-aluminum chassis is how far to adjust in height, toe and camber. The road pads new 20-inch forged alloy wheels with central locking ago.

The 911 GT3 is based on the light yet torsionally stiff body of the current 911 Carrera generation in steel / aluminum hybrid design, but has a respective independent front and rear part. In addition, the 911 GT3 in the area of the rear axle by 44 millimeters wider than a 911 Carrera S.

Distinct identifying feature is again the large, fixed rear wing. He combines a decisive role in the aerodynamics of the new 911 GT3, the low air resistance with further increased output values​​.

The new Porsche 911 GT3 comes to the market in August 2013

2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Convertible

At the Geneva Motor Show 2013 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Convertible celebrates its world premiere.

In January, the latest generation of the Corvette was unveiled in Detroit, only about two months later in Geneva is now celebrating the Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Convertible had its world premiere.

Visually, the open sports car looks just as dynamic as the coupe and shows the typical Corvette genes, such as the muscular rear end and a sharpened front end.

Under the hood, the new 6.2 liter LT1 V8 werkt with an output of 450 hp (335 kW), which is the sleek convertible into fantastic mileage Enver Helps. So in about four seconds to reach 100 km / h barrier is broken, compared to its predecessor, the new Corvette Stingray Convertible but be frugal in consumption.

In the circuit, the customer between a new 7-speed manual gearbox or a 6-speed automatic choose where the transitions can be via shift paddles on the steering wheel and manual sorting.

The driver can select the new Corvette Stingray Convertible and between five different driving modes, which affect 12 different vehicle parameters. So you can use the stroller on request at a leisurely pace in which to lose cruising or very trim on sportiness.

The interior of the Corvette has been redesigned, and so has the convertible version presented with a larger touch screen display for navigation and Co, yet comfortable sports seats with improved lateral support and a redesigned speedometer. Is also a revised head-up display it for the fast convertible.
When Hood Chevrolet has completely set on a classic fabric soft top, which can be opened within a few seconds or close.

Better stiffness to it even at high speeds a solid basis for the longevity of the Corvette offer. Open Air-friends must still be patient: the summer of 2013 we will open the Corvette still can not drive, the launch is planned for the third quarter of 2013.

2013 Toyota FT-86 Open Concept

With the 2013 Toyota FT-86 Concept, Toyota Open shows in Geneva a near-convertible version of the GT-86.

The GT-86 was one of the car-do in 2012. Toyota is the sporty coupe returned to the segment of affordable sports car back.

Front-engine, rear-wheel drive in combination with a low center of gravity, the coupé provides enjoyable driving experience. With the Toyota FT-86 Concept shows open in the Geneva Motor Show, what the convertible version of the sporty model could.

Instead of a fixed roof, the convertible has a lightweight fabric top, whereby the focus is further reduced. The technical basis is exactly the same but with the coupe, the 200 hp should be sufficient for the convertible.

Although the FT-86 Concept will be presented as open study, it is conceivable, even without changes in the series and will probably enrich the convertible season 2014th.

2013 Kia Provo Concept

Kia will show at the Geneva Motor Show with the 2013 Kia Provo Concept study of a small sports coupe.

The Korean manufacturer Kia has in recent years renewed its range dramatically. In the future, additional model lines will be added, with the Concept Car "Provo", the Koreans now show a small sports coupe.

With a length of only 388 cm of Provo is located in the B segment and fully trimmed for sportiness. The design looks like a very beefy, especially the front view has the potential to clear the left lane of the highway freely.

The two-tone paintwork underlines the dynamic character of the little Kia continues. The silver and orange blend it well and give the Provo an outstanding expression.

Design is very sporty and the interior, which is equipped with two sports seats and lots of decorative inlays in carbon look. The reduction to the essentials and a handy, small sports steering wheel round out the new design of interior design continues to decrease.

So that little Kia looks not only fast, but it is also, Kia has fitted the Provo with a hybrid drive. A 1.6-liter GDI turbo gasoline engine with 204 hp, assisted by an electric motor whose power is 45 hp.

During the gasoline engine drives the front axle, the power of the electric motor is fed to the rear axle. For instance, the Provo a "smart 4WD" drive. At low speeds, the Provo is even purely electric way.

Is first switched on a new dual-clutch transmission with seven speeds, a first for Kia. Although Kia currently precludes mass production of Provo, some elements of which will be sure to find in the next Kia models, especially the new automatic.

2014 Volkswagen Golf GTD

VW Golf model range extends from June 2013 to a sporty diesel, the 2014 Volkswagen Golf GTD.

Since 1982, the acronym stands for New VW GTD for the sportiest diesel-powered version of the Golf, from June 2013, there will be the seventh-generation Golf as a sporty diesel. The most powerful diesel Golf ever is powered by a 2.0-liter TDI with an output of 184 hp (135 kW) and combines sporty acceleration data with a low fuel consumption.

After just 7.5 seconds the Golf VII GTD storms from the 100 km / h mark, the top speed is 230 km / h With a manual 6-speed manual transmission requires the strong golf just 4.2 liters per 100 kilometers, while CO2 emissions are thus at only 109 g / km.

If you opt for the optional 6-speed DSG gearbox to be fitted with 4.7 liters per 100 kilometers and CO2 emissions of 119 g expect / km. Its maximum torque of 380 Nm, the TDI delivers at 1,750 rev / min.

Visually, the  VW Golf GTD is starting with tinted LED tail lights with LED-indicator lights, a chrome exhaust tailpipe, 17 "GTD-alloy wheels, a side sill and a large roof spoiler from the other diesel versions.

The chamber is equipped with a sport chassis Golf also shows very dynamic and offers sports seats with plaid "Clark", a black roof lining, a sport steering wheel, pedals and footrest in stainless steel and the GTD GTD instrument cluster and trim strips.

For colors, customers can choose between "Tornado Red", "Black" and "Pure White" select. In Germany, the Golf GTD will start from 29,350 euros. The delivery of the Volkswagen Golf GTD starts in June 2013.