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SEAT Ibiza CUPRA concept

SEAT officially unveiled the “Ibiza Cupra Concept” at the China Auto 2012 in Beijing.
Outside there's a set of LED daytime running lights, LED rear lights and bi-xenon headlamps. You also get 17-inch wheels, gloss black mirrors and slightly beefed-up styling about the bumpers.
Ibiza Cupra’s firepower comes from a 1.4 litre TSI, the same you’ll find in the Polo GTI, Audi A1 and Skoda Fabia VRS. The direct-injection, twin charged engine produces 180 PS and 250 Nm. The engine is mated to a seven-speed DSG with paddle shifters. Ibiza Cupra also gets the XDS electronic differential lock and high-performance brakes.
One of the most important differences between the standard Ibiza and the Cupra model is not visible to the naked eye. The Cupra rides on a track-tuned Cupra chassis, which provides a sportier driving experience.
Inside there's a new entertainment system which works with the portable sat-nav system like the one in the Seat Mii and VW Up. You can simply unclip the five-inch nav unit and take it with you while you finish your journey on foot. This will soon be offered across the whole Ibiza family, says Seat.
SEAT Ibiza Cupra Concept world debut in Beijing
  • New, powerful design
  • Muscular performance, innovative technology
  • Exclusive equipment, even better quality
Just days after it went on sale in the UK SEAT is taking the already sporty design of the New Ibiza up another notch, with the world debut of the Cupra Concept at the Beijing International Automotive Exhibition.
SEAT is presenting the Ibiza Cupra Concept as a close-to-production concept car. Even more clearly than before, the Ibiza Cupra Concept shows the SEAT DNA in its most concentrated form - vigorous performance, the latest technology and comprehensive equipment clad in an emotional design. With its compact dimensions, the Ibiza Cupra Concept is a sports car for everyday use, combining agile driving fun with a high degree of functionality. The production version of the new Ibiza Cupra Concept will arrive towards the end of the year.
The Ibiza Cupra Concept is fitted with SEAT's award-winning 1.4-litre TSI four-cylinder petrol engine, featuring direct injection and both a turbocharger and a supercharger. It produces a maximum power output of 180 PS, transmitted to the front wheels via a highly-sophisticated seven-speed DSG transmission with shift paddles. Other highlights include XDS electronic differential lock, high-performance brakes and an optional SEAT Portable System that combines navigation and entertainment functions and is removable for mobile use.
'With its new, powerfully accentuated design, its innovative technologies, upgraded interior and further improved quality, the new Ibiza Cupra Concept clearly shows how our brand is continuing to develop,' says James Muir, President of SEAT, S.A. 'Emotional design and refined dynamics guarantee driving fun on every single kilometre. We are presenting the Ibiza Cupra Concept at the Beijing Motor Show because this compact athlete will be an important element in the development of our brand in this key market.'
The dynamic icon of the SEAT brand
The first generation of the Ibiza Cupra took to the streets in 1996, since when the dynamic Cupra lineage has developed to become an icon of the SEAT brand. The Ibiza Cupra Concept shows how the next chapter of this success story will be written - the state-of-the-art 1.4 TSI engine is not only powerful but is also muscular, producing a maximum torque of 250 Nm. For a race car-style driving experience, the seven-speed DSG transmission with its extremely short shift times can also be operated via paddles behind the steering wheel.
'Immediate and linear acceleration, with agile handling, good traction and responsive brakes are the key ingredients for what the Cupra name represents,' says Dr. Matthias Rabe, Vice President for Research and Development at SEAT S.A. 'The new Ibiza Cupra Concept is a perfect example of how we at SEAT are adapting the latest Volkswagen Group technology to create a unique and highly rewarding package.'
Expressive design with powerful lines
The sharp design communicates the spirit of the new Ibiza Cupra Concept from the very first glance - this compact hot hatch has a solid and powerful stance. The new face with its broad grille and bold air intakes emphasises the breadth, solidity and power of the Ibiza Cupra Concept. The sophisticated design of the headlamps shows the attention to detail in the work carried out at the SEAT Design Center. Typical of SEAT's design language are the highly defined outlines to the lamps, which at the same time are integrated perfectly into the Ibiza's sculptural form. The LED daytime running lights trace the line of the headlamps to deliver a unique light signature, as do the LED rear lights.
 From a technical point of view, the bi-xenon headlamps provide enhanced illumination, while cornering lights are integrated into the large fog lamps.
In profile the three-door Ibiza SC bodyshape is brought to life by its sharply drawn lines and edges, while the muscular rear shoulders and 17-inch wheels underscore its dynamics. The exterior mirrors are painted gloss black - as is the Cupra tradition - and offer a clear contrast to the distinctive Crono Yellow paint finish of the Cupra Concept in Beijing. The powerful rear end underscores once more the special role of the Ibiza Cupra as the new benchmark among compact sports cars - the yellow of the broad bumper frames the substantial, matt-black, diffuser and the trapezoidal exhaust outlet.
Clear interior of the very best quality
The emotional power of the exterior design is also apparent from the interior of the Ibiza Cupra Concept and in the clean, minimalist and clearly structured cockpit. The exceptional feeling of quality and precision craftsmanship serves to underscore SEAT's incredibly high standards. The new sports steering wheel with the Cupra logo and the shift paddles for the DSG transmission, the dedicated instruments and the leather sports seats with their lateral flashes of yellow to match the Cupra exterior are all clear indications of the special role held by the top version of the Ibiza range.
The entertainment system in the Ibiza Cupra Concept is completely new - and the powerful audio set-up can be complemented by the innovative SEAT Portable System. The highly affordable solution with a 5-inch screen is removable for mobile use and yet perfectly integrated into the vehicle's electronics. Its many functions include a navigation system, hands-free phone system with voice control and an on-board computer. At a later point, the SEAT Portable System will be available as an option for the entire Ibiza family.
With the Ibiza Cupra Concept, driving enjoyment and cutting-edge engineering are guaranteed.

Volvo XC60 Inscription Special Edition Revealed, Offers Upscale Options imageSemi-aniline leather covers the seats in colors including Marble White, Toscana Tan, Off-black, or Soft Beige. Other interior upgrades include front headrests with the Inscription logo; leather center console; door insert matched to seat color; Inscription logo on the tread plates; power adjustable lumbar support; and an optional charcoal headliner.
Charcoal headliner, a special shade of silver paint and unique 20-inch wheels are also on offer for the special edition of the model that Volvo says is its top seller.
Other details of the special edition XC60 include Headrests front with embroidered Inscription logo, Centre console armrest in leather with stitching, Door panel insert matching colour of the upholstery, Tread plates with Inscription logo and Electrically adjustable lumbar support.
The 2013 Volvo XC60 Inscription goes on sale later this year following an official world debut at the 2012 Leipzig Auto Show taking place in Germany this June. Prices for New Renault Koleos Bose® Edition start from €29,400 in France. Order books open in January 2012.

French carmaker Citroen has releases the C3 Picasso Code for the UK market
The car is based on the most successful model of the range, the HDi 90 manual VTR+ version and comes with new equipment that complements the already generous list of standard features.,
The C3 Picasso Code Special Edition for the UK is available in four exterior colors, the Polar White, the Cherry red, the Belle Ile Blue and the Thorium Grey. The special edition of the French car is coming with curtain airbags, cruise control, air conditioning, Bluetooth and USB connectivity, chrome lower bumper inserts, black door handles with chrome inserts, longitudinal roof bars, black painted bumpers and a fresh set of 17 inch wheels.
Interior changes are limited to unique floor mats, but the model is nicely equipped with air conditioning, cruise control and Bluetooth connectivity.
The Citroen C3 Picasso Code Special Edition is coming with a 1.6 liter diesel engine, developing 90 horsepower and emitting 120 g/km of CO, with an estimated 61.4 mpg fuel consumption, for a price of 15.695 GBP.

The Toyota Aqua, or Prius c has launched in Japan. Available performance mods include a sport exhaust system with chrome tailpipes, larger alloy wheels as well as a suspension package that lowers the Prius c’s ride height.
The Prius C is powered by a state-of-the-art, small, light and efficient 1.5-litre (1,496 cc – Engine Model: 1NZ-FXE) Toyota hybrid system with reduction gear. It comes with a selectable electric-vehicle mode (EV Mode) enables driving with only the electric motor. The maximum output @ 73kW from the hybrid powerplant.
On the exterior, the sport package from TRD includes a new front apron with additional air vents and optional LED daytime running lights, side skirts, a roof spoiler, and a rear apron with a matte black diffuser to fit with a dual tailpipes.
For the interior, there’s a new TRD push-button start off although efficiency mods are restricted -for the time getting- to a sports exhaust technique with a pair of chrome tailpipes, bigger alloy wheels and a suspension package with new springs and shock absorbers that lower the car’s ride height.
The 2013 Toyota Prius C is scheduled toapper at the 2012 Detroit Auto Show. Starting price for the Aqua is 1.69 million yen ($21,700). TMC plans to sell 12,000 units per month in Japan.

Cadillac has just announced the Touring Package for for the 2012 CTS.
The new CTS Touring Packages include such luxury features as Recaro seats, microfiber suede inserts on the seats and steering wheel, high-intensity discharge (HID) headlamps, a performance-tuned suspension, a V-series aerodynamic spoiler and performance wheel packages.
The touring pack on the 3.0 runs $2,065 and includes 18-inch pearl nickel finish wheels; dual exhaust; dark finish grille; HID headlights; V-series spoiler/tail light (not on wagon); suede seat inserts, steering wheel and shifter; midnight Sapele wood trim and metal pedals.
The 3.6L V-6 Touring Package option retails at $2,810 and features Recaro performance seating, suede-wrapped steering wheel and shifter, midnight Sapele wood trim and metal pedals. The 3.6L Touring Package also gets a dark finish grille, V-Series aerodynamic center high mounted stop lamp (except Sport Wagon) and the 19-inch polished wheels with either summer tire performance package or all season tire package.
Prices for the 2012 Cadillac CTS sedan start at $36,790 (after an $875 destination charge), while the CTS coupe lists at $39,590, and the CTS Sport Wagon starts from $39,890.

ASMA Design has released details and photos for the porsche cayenne turbo called Giant.
The kit was manufactured from carbon fiber and includes a new bonnet, that completely redesigned front-bumper with integrated day-lights, side skirts, rear bumper with integrated diffuser and two rear spoilers. The wheels measure a massive 22 inches.
Under the hood, ASMA has failed to match up to their promise as the factory fitted power unit has been considered strong enough. Therefore we are left contemplating if the widebody aerodynamic kit is enough to satisfy.

Nissan will unveil two concept vehicles, including the next-generation Pathfinder SUV and an electric powered commercial van at the Detroit auto show next month.
The Nissan Pathfinder was launched in 1986, and was last granted a redesign for the 2005 model year. The next-generation Pathfinder goes on sale in fall 2012.
Nissan will also highlight the versatility of the NV200 van by demonstrating one configured as a food truck with a “local Detroit flair.” The van will be used for media hospitality during the show’s two press days.
Nissan has releases the Pivo 3 concept, which will be unveiled at the Tokyo Motor Show in next month.
The exterior design proposes a new direction, leaving the round surface language for a more “serious” and aggressive treatment made of sharp edges and angled surfaces, which is more in line with the current trends.
A good size for tight cities, the Pivo 3 is just three metres long and has a wide-enough steering angle to allow you to make a U-turn on a road that's just four metres wide. It has a zero turn gap, so if the front wheels can make the turn, the rear wheels will follow without scraping the body side.
Inside, the cabin is elegantly equipped with premium leather, metallic trim and a digital instrument cluster. There's also a McLaren F1-style seating arrangement which doesn't look very comfortable.
The driver-focused interior incorporates side-view monitors (which take the place of mirrors), Nissan’s Around View Monitor system that minimises blind spots, and an ultra-wide display for GPS and other information.
Nissan has released the details for the 2013 GT-R. The 2013 Nissan GT-R goes on sale November 24 in Japan and arrives in European showrooms in January 2012.
The package includes revised suspension settings, extra brake cooling (front and rear), and aluminum-alloy wheels from the Spec-V made by Rays (with black quartz chrome color coating). The front spoiler with carbon air duct has been exclusively made for this edition and is installed as a set,and a host of interior upgrades like Novillo leather trim in black, with palladium silver accents, an Alcantara-covered M steering wheel, door sill finishers featuring an M3 checkered flag logo, and a handbrake lever with the M Power logo.
The 3.8-liter twin turbo V6 engine in the 2013 GT-R now produced 545-hp, an increase of 15-hp over the 2012 GT-R, and torque has been pushed from 448 lb-ft to 463 lb-ft. Fuel economy has been modestly improved, to 20 mpg on Japan's 10-15 mode cycle. The Camaro Red Zone Concept uses the Camaro convertible’s style to demonstrate what’s possible with a carefully selected collection of accessories and debuts a new, heritage-inspired stripe graphic that will be available soon.
The package originally included larger brakes with two-piston calipers, an aluminum driveshaft, a performance axle, air conditioning delete, a baffled fuel tank, stiffer shocks and harder suspension bushings.
On the Chevrolet Corvette side is the Corvette Carlisle Blue Grand Sport Concept which comes in a Carlisle Blue exterior with Pearl White racing stripes and new Silver-painted Torque 2 wheels.
Mercedes has announced a new information system @ yourCOMAND that recently debuted in the F 125! concept.
The new system takes the current COMAND Online system to the next level. It can be controlled by voice-commands, a touch pad, or hand-gestures, and can access any type of media stored in the cloud.
According to Mercedes, @yourCOMAND stands for seamless experience, natural handling, sensory perfection, and remote experience. One of the more far out features is a retractable, computer-monitor sized screen that is mounted on the passenger side of the dash and is controlled solely by hand gestures.
The system is controlled either by voice commands or a touch pad to cycle through the various functions, including social media, news, entertainment, and navigation selections. For rear entertainment, a separate 17-inch retractable screen launches from the passenger side and is controlled by either hand-gestures or voice commands. Neiman Marcus has releases the ultimate gift in its annual Christmas Book, the 2012 Ferrari FF. The Neiman Marcus exclusive edition of the FF jumps from 0 to 60 in less than 3.7 seconds and reaches top speeds of over 200mph.
The Ferrari FF packs a 651-hp V12 engine, all-wheel drive and a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.
Out back, the FF’s 16-cubic-foot cargo hold will arrive filled with a custom-made luggage set that is designed to match the hue and finish of the leather interior.
The special edition Ferrari, priced at 395′000 USD, can be pre-ordered from Neiman Marcus starting October 27th, 2011, and will be delivered Spring 2012.

VW has announced the new 2012 Passat Exclusive to the German market, which will be available only on the local auto market, with its large wheels, lowered body and leather with wood trims interior, coming at a pretty high price.
The exterior of Passat Exclusive is boosted by new 18” light alloy Vicenza wheels and lowered suspension with 15mm.
Inside is a Nappa leather finish in Chocolate Brown with a Pepper Beige contrasting stitching complemented by wood trims and a black leather steering wheel with Piano black lacquer.
The six-cylinder engine featuring in the 2012 BMW 3-Series is BMW’s venerable 3.0-liter ‘N55’ unit and in this latest application develops 300 horsepower and 300 pound-feet of torque, the latter coming on from just 1,200 rpm and staying all the way to 5,000.
Standard equipment includes air-conditioning, Bluetooth, a 6.5-inch colour screen with iDrive, keyless starting, USB, multi-function steering wheel, cruise control, power windows and locks. A full-colour Head-Up display, as well as a host of other safety features such as lane-change warning will be available.
Inside, the black trim is continued and accented with red. Two upholstery styles and three colors are available for the standard sport seats, and the ignition fob is black with red details. Unique 18-inch dual-spoke alloy wheels finish the look. Hyundai Eon has been launched in New Delhi, India.
The new Hyundai powered by 814cc engine. The mighty petrol engine will house all 6 variants released and will mange to deliver maximum power of 56 bhp at 5,500 rpm which is quite enough to power for a small hatch. Hyundai EON inherits its looks from Hyundai i10 but it is relatively smaller.
Inside, the symmetric interior is equipped with items such as power windows / locks, a tilt steering wheel and a "fabulous" infotainment system with iPod/USB connectivity. Additionally, the Eon has a first-in-class driver's side airbag.

To celebrate their 20th anniversary, Hennessey has announced plans to offer a limited edition HPE650 Camaro.
On the exterior, Hennessey’s exclusive CarbonAero front nose splitter and side sill rockers provide a clean aerodynamic enhancement to the Camaro’s sharp lines and stance. Other visual and material cues such as embroidered headrests, premium floor mats, carbon fiber door sill plates and limited edition numbered plaques also find their way on to each car.
According to Hennessey, the Camaro HPE650 will be powered by the same 6.2 liter supercharged V8 engine which is delivering 655 horsepower at 6.300 rpm, mated to a either a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic transmission. Hennessey also says that the limited edition can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 3.7 seconds and the quarter mile is finished in 11.7 seconds with a top speed of 122 mph.
Monday, April 23, 2012