Hyundai Elantra GT and Coupe unveiled in Chicago

Hyundai Elantra GT and Coupe unveiled in Chicago:

Hyundai has introduced the new Elantra GT hatchback and Elantra Coupe at the ongoing 2012 Chicago Auto Show, unleashing at the same time a first lot of official images of the two models on the internet. The pair comes with the same 1.8-litre 4-cylinder engine that powers the Elantra sedan - delivering 150 hp and 177 Nm of torque - that can be coupled to either a manual or an automatic 6-speed transmission.

The Elantra GT weighs only 1,265 kg, a feature that allows it to be quick and responsive even though the engine is not that performing. It comes with 17″ alloys and a sporty set-up that makes it extremely stable. In the cabin we have heated seats, seven air bags, sound system with Bluetooth connectivity and even a cooled glove compartment. For this model the Korean carmaker claims an average fuel consumption of 7.3 l/100km in urban traffic and 6.0 l/100km when traveling on motorways.

The Elantra Coupe will be available in two versions: the ‘GS’ and the more well-equipped SE. The main features of the former are a set of 16″ wheels and a quite minimal interior with mp3 player and 6 speakers. The SE instead will roll on standard 17″ rims and an optional sat-nav system with a 7″ touch screen and a rear view camera. The Coupe will come in seven different colors - three of which are available for this model exclusively -and black or gray interior finishing. No word on prices yet.

View the full Hyundai Elantra GT photo gallery
View the full Hyundai Elantra Coupe photo gallery

Source : Google Reader

Lamborghini history - Part 7: Lambo Sesto Elemento

Lamborghini history - Part 7: Lambo Sesto Elemento:

All good things must come to an end, and so does this excellent Lamborghini documentary with its seventh episode dedicated to the Sesto Elemento, the high-performance concept car designed by Lamborghini for the 2010 Paris Motor Show. For the ones who don’t know, the sixth element in the periodic table is carbon, which explains the name’s choice: this vehicle’s chassis, body, driveshaft and suspension are in fact made of carbon fiber, which has reduced Lamborghini Sesto Elemento’s overall weight to an astonishing 999 kilograms (2,200 lb).

And its lightness, combined with the power of its V10 motor, has enabled this concept car to reach outstanding standards in terms of performance: 0–100 km/h (0-62 mph) acceleration time of just 2.5 seconds and a top speed of 350 km/h (217 mph).

Source : Google Reader

Citroën C4 Aircross: more images and info released

Citroën C4 Aircross: more images and info released:

Citroën has released more pictures and info of the new C4 Aircross, which will be unveiled at the next Geneva Motor Show. In Europe the new crossover from the French carmaker will come with an engine line-up composed by two diesel and one petrol units: a 1.6-litre HDi engine delivering 115 hp and 270 Nm of peak torque, a 1.8-litre HDi delivering 150 hp and 300 Nm and a 1.6 petrol producing 115 hp and 152 Nm. Outside Europe, a 150 hp 2.0-litre petrol engine will also join the fold. The gasoline powertrains will make use of a 5-speed manual gearbox whereas the diesel ones will come with a standard 6-speed manual transmission.

An all-wheel drive option with three transmission modes will be made available for diesel models only: there is the 2WD mode for optimal fuel consumption, the 4WD mode which automatically distributes the torque between the front and rear axles, and the ‘lock mode’, which increases the torque transmitted to the rear wheels for more grip under severe conditions.

The Citroën C4 Aircross uses 18″ rims and a number of safety and aid systems such as hands-free access and starter, to the GPS navigation system with its touch-sensitive screen, rearview camera, transmission mode selector, USB port and Bluetooth connection for portable audio players, just to name a few. The model is expected to hit the market in the first half of the current year, but Citroen is yet to reveal its price.

View the full Citroën C4 Aircross photo gallery

Source : Google Reader

Smart ForTwo Sharpred

Smart ForTwo Sharpred:

The model you see in these pictures is the last special edition based on the Smart ForTwo, called ‘Sharpred’. The main distinctive feature of this model is its unusual back & red color scheme, that includes glossy black 15″ rims and grille, and will be available in both hard-top and convertible configurations. Under the bonnet will pulse the well-known 1.0-litre 3-cylider petrol engine, which is available for this model in power steps of 70 and 83 hp.

The black/red theme continues in the cabin, where we find black leather seats with contrasting red stitching and unique floor mats. The Smart ForTwo Sharpred comes with all the features of the Passion trim and will be produced in 1,800 units, all of which will come with standard panoramic roof, heated seats, sat-nav, audio system and air conditioner. The Smart ForTwo Sharpred is already available for order, with the first deliveries scheduled for May.

Source : Google Reader