Auto Cool Site

Friday, June 17, 2011

2011 Acura TSX Sport Wagon

Pricing for the Sport Wagon starts at $31,820, which includes a mandatory $860 destination charge. The pricing represents a roughly $1,400 premium over Sport Wagon's sedan counterpart.

The $3,650 Technology Package mostly mirrors the conventional four-door TSX by adding goodies like navigation, a rearview camera, an upgraded ELS audio system. Unlike the sedan, a power liftgate comes with the package.The TSX Sport Wagon comes with just one powertrain configuration: A five-speed automatic transmission mated to a 2.4-liter, 201-horsepower four-cylinder gasoline engine, which Acura says is good for 30 mpg on the highway, and 22 mpg in the city.

Like the sedan, the Sport Wagon is sporting an all-new front fascia that includes a revised chin spoiler, new fog light garnish assembly and an updated grille. The updated front end teams with new (to the sedan) underbody panels to improve aerodynamics.

Now, when one opts for a wagon over a sedan they are most likely doing so with utility and hauling in mind, so the Sport Wagon features 60.5 cubic feet of rear cargo area (with rear seats folded down; 25.8 cu-ft with the seats up). Loading the vehicle will have to come through the wagon's rear opening height of approximately 28-inches.

In addition to the traditional rear storage space, the Sport wagon also features four hidden compartments for out-of-sight storage. A 2.4 cu-ft storage area is located beneath a lift-up hatch within the load floor. Smaller items can be placed in a 0.2 cu-ft storage area (hidden by a removable panel) located in the side panel on the driver side, or in one of two 13-inch long storage areas near the main in-floor storage area.

2012 Acura TL

“The 2012 Acura TL is refined, yet aggressive,” said Jeff Conrad, vice president of Acura sales. “Already known for its great performance, the enhanced TL has a sophisticated new look and an all-new 6-speed automatic transmission that will take performance to the next level.”

In addition, the transmission teams with a new multi-clutch torque converter that not only reduces heat build-up during operation, but also allows for lock-up activation during a much wider range of driving conditions- which helps generate improved fuel economy. As a result, city/highway fuel economy is now 20/29 mpg*- an increase of 3 mpg in highway driving over the 2011 TL. To further improve operating efficiency, the TL’s standard 3.5L V-6 engine receives a host of friction-reduction technologies while a revised air inlet system provides cooler air for both the 3.5L and 3.7L engines.

TL and TL SH-AWD™ models offer an available Technology Package which includes the Acura Navigation System with Voice Recognition™, AcuraLink Real-Time Traffic with Traffic Rerouting™ and AcuraLink Real-Time Weather™, and an Acura/ELS Surround® 410-watt Premium Audio System. For 2012, the hard disk drive (HDD) based navigation system increases in size to 60 gigabytes, map coverage is more expansive, USB connection speed is faster, and the full VGA monitor is brighter with even richer colors. Also available is a new Advance Package that incorporates all-new ventilated front seats along with a new blind spot information (BSI) system that alerts the driver of other vehicles that are in close proximity.

Standard on the 2012 TL are new 17×8-inch 7-spoke aluminum wheels with P245/50R17 all-season tires for confident year-round performance. The TL SH-AWD® comes standard with 18×8-inch 5-spoke aluminum wheels with low-profile P245/45R18 tires for more agile handling. Finally, when equipped with the available Advance Package, the TL comes with 18×8-inch 5-spoke wheels while TL SH-AWD™ is fitted with19x8-inch split five-spoke aluminum wheels with new performance minded P245/40R19 all-season tires.

2011 BMW M3 Frozen Black

2011 Frozen Black Edition M3 Coupes by dialing 1-800-245-4269 no earlier than 11:30AM Eastern Time (8:30AM Pacific) on Thursday, June 16, 2011. Nineteen of the twenty Frozen Black Edition M3 Coupes will become available for delivery in late June 2011 through Authorized BMW Centers, and the production run will be completed by the end of July 2011. The twentieth car will be held by BMW of North America and may be sold at a later date.

The 2011 Frozen Black Edition M3 Coupe continues the tradition of innovation and passion for driving by incorporating key changes to the M3′s dynamic qualities. The included Competition Package reduces vehicle ride height by 10mm and includes M3 GTS 19″ wheels (in black for this Edition) with wider offset for enhanced stability, standard Electronic Damping Control with enhanced programming, and higher-threshold programming for the M Dynamic Mode.

Racing provided the reason for the original M3′s 1986 creation. BMW produced the M3 as a road-going homologation version of its 3 Series to gain eligibility to compete in the German Touring Car Championship. Popularity and strong consumer demand substantiated the case to continue developing the M3, making it both a better performer and more inviting road car as it evolved along with the underlying 3 Series, the company’s most popular vehicle. In 1988, North Americans met the BMW M3 for the first time, and its high-revving 2.3-liter inline-4 with 192-hp became a legend on this side of the Atlantic.

The third-generation M3, available from 2001-2006 as a coupe and convertible, again was offered with six-cylinder power, this time providing a remarkable 333 hp from 3.2 liters. From the 2002 model year, this M3 marked BMW’s first offering of the Sequential Manual Gearbox (SMG) for the United States.

2011 BMW Z4 by Kelleners Sport

BMW Z4 has reached the top of its market segment almost overnight. And now this charismatic roadster is entering a new dimension in driving dynamics”, says BMW about the BMW Z4 sDrive35is, which produces 34 hp more power and 50 Nm more torque in comparison to its smaller brother, the sDrive35i. Now, Kelleners Sport has gone a step further and given the new top model with its twin-turbo straight six engine the output of a genuine sports car – 405 PS (298 kW) and 539 Nm, figures that turn idyllic hairpin bends into an entertaining handling course.

Highly expressive design elements also give the interior of the BMW Z4 by Kelleners Sport a sporting and youthful look. They include carbon interior fitments, a three-spoke sports steering wheel, aluminium pedals and footrest and velour foot mats. For drivers for whom only the best is good enough, our saddlery department will be pleased to individualise the entire interior in accordance with his or her requirements.

Beautifully finished woods, the finest leather and skilled embroidery turn the Roadster into a coveted and exclusive automobile.Thanks to the Kelleners Sports springs, the ride is extremely comfortable even when driving spiritedly down winding roads. The special springs lower the Z4′s centre of gravity by 20 mm at the front axle and 10 mm at the rear, and thus improve handling in fast cornering.

The sporting look of the two-door sports car is underscored by the choice of a wheel / tyre combination in the dimensions 19 or 20 inch and widths of 8.5 / 9.5 and 9 / 10 inches respectively. Customers can choose between two models, ‘Hamburg’ or ‘Berlin’, each of which is available in three different surface finishes.

2012 BMW M5 F10

BMW M5 prototype returns to Nurburgring for more testing. Spy photographers managed to capture the M5 on video and give us a glance at what the new M will bring.

Judging by the sound of the engine and the smooth, perfect shifting, we believe that we are looking at a DCT gearbox. Back in June, BMW’s M boss, Dr. Kay Segler confirmed that the next generation 2012 BMW M5 will be powered by a V8 turbocharged engine. The powerplant in the F10 M5 is based on the same unit found in the BMW X5 M and X6M, the twin scroll twin turbo version of the N63, known as the S63, with Cylinder-bank Comprehensive Manifold (CCM).

While Dr. Segler has not confirmed the power output, we expect to see anywhere from 585 to 600 horsepower.According to our sources, the 2012 BMW M5 the dual clutch transmission is unique to the M5, based upon the 7-Speed transmission currently found in the M3. Rumor is that an 8-speed unit will also be available and will be equipped with a Stop-Start control. The DCT will be operated with steering wheel mounted shifting paddles.

Thursday, June 9, 2011

2011 Mazda BT-50 Freestyle

Utilising the revolutionary Freestyle door configuration first seen on the RX-8, the BT-50 Freestyle Cab offers a unique combination of seating for four, an exceptionally wide pillar-less door opening, and a large carrying capacity.

On each side of the cabin, a front-hinged door and a rear access panel combine to provide a 1,408mm-wide opening that makes for easy entry to and exit from either the front or rear seats.Rear-seat comfort has been taken to levels never seen before in the Freestyle Cab. Cushions have been lengthened by 50mm for better thigh support and more stable fitment of child seats while the seatback height has been increased by 128mm.

The rear seat cushions can be removed and with the rear access panels opening to an angle of nearly 90 degrees, the option of loading and storing cargo into the rear seating area of the cab has never been easier.

A further advantage of the All-New BT-50 Freestyle Cab is its capacious carrying capacity. The cargo tub has increased in width, length and height resulting in an overall cargo volume of 1,453 litres. This is an increase of 266 litres over the equivalent current model.

Mazda Australia managing director, Doug Dickson, points to the significance of this global unveiling. “Just as we were delighted to be given the privilege of hosting the global debut of the All-New BT-50 Dual Cab in Sydney last year, we are equally delighted to be hosting the global debut of the Freestyle Cab in Melbourne this year. With Australia expected to be the largest market for the All-New BT-50 it’s no coincidence that we’ve been asked to host not one but two global unveilings of this important new model. It’s only appropriate that the Australian public see it first.”

2011 Volkswagen Golf GTI Reifnitz

Volkswagen Coaching GmbH unveiled a specially prepared GTI MK6 at the GTI Treffen show in Worthersee, Austria to mark the joint anniversary of the 35th birthday of the VW GTI and the 30th GTI Treffen at Worthersee. VW Coaching marked this very special joint anniversary with a truly unique and extensively individualized GTI MK6 created by their apprentices and training staff.

Intricately detailed, it is safe to say the GTI Reifnitz is the most individualized VW on display at Volkswagen AG’s main display. The exterior received a special paint design and areo styling by the VW Coaching team and the interior is extremely detailed as well. Not to be left untouched, the engine was reengineered to 370 PS and 480Nm of torque with a production APR Stage III Turbocharger System, APR Intercooler and APR RSC Performance Exhaust.

VW Coaching staff was available throughout the day to answer questions and when asked about power, a quick reach in the glove box brings a dynamometer certification chart of the power and torque delivered by APR’s Stage III Turbocharger System. In typical show fashion and by request, VW Coaching staff were starting the 2.0 TSI engine and revving for the public producing an exotic, yet reserved exhaust note that only an APR RSC Performance Exhaust System can deliver.

APR is proud to be a part of one of the most beautifully crafted individualized GTI’s to be presented on the Main VW Display at GTI Treffen am Worthersee. You may not be able to purchase this unique GTI MK6 at your local VW dealership but you can prepare yours to same level of engine performance through APR’s extensive product line for VW’s 2.0 TSI engine no matter the chassis you choose.