Preview Opel Insignia Facelift 2013

Opel Insignia facelift 2013 - The Opel Insginia is now on the market for five years. Since it is naturally high time for an optical and technical facelift. In October 2013, will be ready. We have ventured only a preview.

Specifically, the engine screams for a portfolio update. Here, the newly developed 1.6 CDTI diesel and the new 1.6 SIDI Petrol engine should come into play. The 1.6 CDTI engine as the base is likely to replace the two-liter diesel units in different variants. Known from the Cascada 1.6 SIDI should apply as set with its 170 hp.

Visually, there should be significant revisions. Changes to the front grill and the front bumper and the headlight units are to be expected. Especially the headlights work after five years, more than uninspired. Rear, there should be at least changes to the rear lights, as our designs show.

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Facelift for the BMW M5

Alongside the launch of sedan, wagon and 5-Series GT of the M version of BMW towards summer gets a revised model. In addition to fine-tuning the design there is an optional Competition Package, new features and again extended range of "BMW Connected Drive". 

The Competition Package is designed for a specific increase in the handling qualities of the BMW M5. With him, the power of the 4.4-liter V8 increased by 11 kW to 423 kW / 575 hp. In addition, the carbon-ceramic brakes are optional newly developed. Optionally, adaptive LED headlights are now available in addition to the standard xenon headlights. They emit a very bright white light is generated by two horizontally arranged in the center of the luminous rings LED units. Standard wear redesigned taillights with striking narrowly designed and therefore contrast glowing LED light banks with the unmistakable night design.

The M leather steering wheel takes its new design optical bonds in double-spoke wheels. In addition, the volume of the storage compartment under the armrest was enlarged in the center console in the interior of the sedan. The display of the standard iDrive control system is now bordered laterally by chrome trim. Optionally available is the first time a touch controller with touch-sensitive surface on which can be, for example, enter navigation destinations for the determination of character.

The new driving assistant combines the Lane Departure Warning including Collision Warning with brake activation. His camera in the windshield registered vehicles and pedestrians and warns the driver with visual and acoustic signals of a possible collision. In critical situations, emergency braking is initiated with medium delay. Also the glare-free high beam assistant is now available for the BMW M5 on request, the Lane Change Warning system can now be used even at a speed of 20 km / hr.

The new option online entertainment opens the door to a twelve million titles comprehensive music database. BMW Individual M5 provides for the new exterior colors (Pure Metal Silver, Pyrite Brown metallic, Frozen Blue metallic matt finishes and more) and exclusive leather colors (beige cashmere and nutmeg) to select.

Market introduction of the revised 5 Series model family in July 2013.

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Skoda Octavia Combi 4 × 4 coming in July 2103

Skoda Octavia Combi 4 × 4 - Just a few weeks after the debut of Sedan and Combi Skoda brings another variant of Octavia on the market. In July.

Prices start at Euro 27 140th Skoda offers the four-wheel drive model in the Ambition and Elegance trim levels. The drive units are a two-liter TDI with an output of 110 kW / 150 hp and 132 kW / 180 bhp 1.8-liter petrol engine to choose from. While the diesel is equipped with a six-speed manual transmission, the gasoline engine has a six-speed Direct Shift Gearbox (DGS). At a later date, the Octavia Combi 4 × 4 will be also available with a 1.6-liter TDI engine and 77 kW / 105 PS. The fuel consumption and emission values ​​of the Octavia Combi 4 × 4 could be reduced compared to the previous model by an average of 14 percent.

In normal driving conditions and at low load, the drive takes place largely on the front axle. If necessary, the rear wheels are continuously activated within fractions of a second.

In addition, the new Skoda Octavia RS in July 2013 is expected.

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Video: Experts split a Tesla Model S

Since there is observed in the recovery of injured from an electric car a lot, you have now a pilot with a Tesla Model S performed at the Fire Department in Fremont, California. Under the supervision of engineers Brock Archer and Ron Moore Firefighter disassembled the car made by Tesla are available and then have the entire procedure summarized in a video.

The core message of the approximately 37-minute strip can be stated that the converter for converting DC and AC must not be damaged. By destroying the entire car could be electrified and thus enable the rescuers electrocuted. With the help of cutting action a rescue card should also be developed for this model. The there is the ADAC also for many other models, whether gasoline or hybrid drive. But here's the video:

Source : Tesla

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BMW Z4 sDrive18i : New Entry-level Engine for the BMW Roadster

The current, so-called "facelift" for the BMW Z4 holds ready manageable updates. The most important innovation in the BMW Z4 range: the new entry-level engine "sDrive 18i" with 156 hp. 

Under the long bonnet of the BMW Z4 sDrive18i a 2.0-liter engine works with BMW TwinPower Turbo technology. At a speed of 5,000 revolutions per minute, the unit braces a maximum output of 156 hp to the rear axle. Between 1,250 and 4,400 rpm, the new variant of the four-cylinder drive its maximum torque of 240 Newton meters. The new BMW Z4 sDrive18i is equipped with a six-speed manual transmission and optional with an eight-speed Sports automatic gearbox. The sprint from zero to 100 km / h to the Z4 sDrive 18i in 7.9 seconds (automatic: 8.1 seconds) complete, its top speed will be 221 km / h.

Determined in the EU test cycle average fuel consumption of the BMW Z4 sDrive18i is to be both manual and automatic transmission respectively with 6.8 liters per 100 kilometers. A value which is somewhat surprising: under normal conditions, a consumption of less than 10 liters should adjust. Judging by his performance a consumption that is slightly too high.

The BMW TwinPower Turbo technology package in the new BMW Z4 Drive18i includes acting on the twin-scroll principle, turbocharging, gasoline direct High Precision Injection, fully variable valve control system VALVETRONIC and the variable camshaft control system double VANOS. Identical in composition of this technology package also comes in 2.0 liter also drives the BMW Z4 sDrive20i and BMW Z4 sDrive28i used. For this an eight-speed Sports automatic including shift paddles on the steering wheel is offered as an alternative to the standard six-speed manual transmission. An optimized tuning of the automatic transmission helps them to further improve the acceleration values ​​sprint from zero to 100 km / h All other engine variants sDrive20i, sDrive28i, sDrive35i and sDrive35is remain in the offer.

Conclusion about the BMW Z4 sDrive18i: 

The new entry-level engine is suitable for roadster fans, where sheer power is not too important. The consumption of the Z4 18i is somewhat too high compared to the power output.

Source : BMW

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Land Rover Range Rover Sport: Hybrid and 4 cylinders program

After the very successful Evoque, the statutory Range Rover, Land Rover still seduces us by unveiling a few weeks ago, the Range Rover Sport Mk2. If the template is still impressive, the British SUV is not least a great success ... but so far it has only large engines namely TDV6 3.0 L 258 hp SDV6 3.0 L 292 hp V8 5.0 The Supercharged 510 hp. 

Present at the next Frankfurt Motor Show, the Range Rover Sport will be unveiled in hybrid and diesel version. So the 3.0 L V6 diesel that will attached or associated with an electric motor on the front of the SUV. We do not know yet almost nothing new hybrid SUV if it is only to go below 169 grams of CO2 per kilometer (194 g / km for the TDV6 258 hp) Land Rover aims. Still on this hybrid version, the English manufacturer certifies that the implementation of the new hybrid system in no way alter the load capacity of the chest and general habitability SUV especially in the rear seats (5 or 7 seats). The hybrid version will be able to go play on the flat strips of the Cayenne Hybrid and some other large SUV to a mind more research "green".

Also the mechanical chapter also know that this Range Rover Sport might be equipped sometime in 2014 one or two mechanical 4-cylinder (gasoline and diesel? Petrol or diesel?) To make this great vehicle more affordable but also more energy efficient.

Photo : Land Rover.

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BMW M3 E92 : End of M3 aspirated Engine!

End of M3 aspirated engine! Place the generation M3 engine TwinPower Turbo. Indeed, it is no longer possible to control since the beginning of this week a E92 M3 Coupe or Cabriolet.

Firedrich Dr. Nitschke, head of BMW M GmbH has confirmed the BMW E92 M3 is no longer available for sale at all locations of the Bavarian brand. All M3 will still be produced in the next 6-7 months are all sold. So exit the V8 4.0 L 420 hp, get ready to welcome the L6 TwinPower Turbo on future M3 and M4 which will go on sale next year.

The BMW Motorsport boss took this ad to revive the case of the new L3 1.5 L turbocharged engine. He explained that the new block has many advantages such as weight, the specific power in relation to the engine and it would make an excellent basis for the development of BMW M L3 Turbo engine. In the meantime, we will have to wait a few months before discovering the new BMW M3 6-cylinder supercharged.

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Meet Worthersee 2013: Skoda displays the "Rapid Sport"

Meet Worthersee 2013 - Skoda shows the world premiere of its "Rapid Sport" at this year's GTI-Meet at Wörthersee. The first sketches ever see exceedingly well and can guess: the Skoda Rapid Sports is just a show car or we are dealing with the first glimpse of a possible Skoda Rapid RS?

Rapid Sport shows the potential of the Skoda design and the possibilities inherent in rapid. The car is painted in metallic colors Corrida Red and Steel Gray. Saturated and distinctive is the sports car on its 19-inch alloy wheels. The vehicle's front spoiler and boasts the powerful designed air intake on the apron. Generous fenders and massive sills emphasize the appearance of the vehicle.

Other sporting accents the rear with the bulky bumpers and two integrated exhaust tailpipes. The rear lights in brand-typical design C are colored differently. As the lower end, a circumferential carbon frame is used. The interior continues the sporty layout, for example, sport steering wheel, Recaro seats and illuminated door sills.

Image: Skoda

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Special tax for electric cars?

Actually, one would think that buyers of environmentally friendly electric cars should pay less tax, and thus ensure the policy contribute to protecting the environment. But in the U.S. there are now first considerations, owners of electric vehicles with a special tax to ask for cash. This is intended to missing revenue from the gasoline tax will be cushioned.

Electric cars are good for the climate, but obviously bad for the state treasury. If more buyers access to new cars with hybrid or full electric drive, then go to the U.S. government millions of Interest leg Expensive by the tabs. In the U.S. state of New Jersey Senator James Whelan suggested according to "USA Today" before now introduce a mileage allowance for electric vehicles of 0.004 cents. While this sounds not much, but if you times that amount 19,000 km, the average distance traveled by Americans in a year, multiplied to get at least to 76 euros per year. A similar vehicle with a gasoline engine is then charged against only 53 euros. However, it is unclear whether this bill will pass the Parliament.

And in buttoned Virginia to owners of hybrid and electric cars now have an annual road maintenance contribution of just 50 euros. In Washington state, there are even 76 euros. If you can make the increasing number of environmentally-friendly means of transport responsible for the failures now alone is questionable, because the proportion was only 53,000 units in 2012 with total sales of 14.4 million new cars. Meanwhile, the conventionally powered vehicles in the U.S. are becoming more fuel efficient. Whether there might be considerations in Germany now, to ask drivers of climate-friendly cars to the checkout, you have to wait. But if you come to high tax revenues, the state is safe in this country with something to compensate for this decline.

Images: © Daimler

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Renault begins the teaser for the concept Twin'Run

Renault - For the fifth petal of his daisy "Cycle of Life", Laurens Van Den Acker seems to have chosen to double the lead. Planned as blue, while the sixth is indigo color to assume wisdom ("Wisdom"), the fifth stage of life is the game, "Play". But recently, LVDA and Ross Lovegrove have already submitted a blue concept, Twin'Z which foretells the Twingo 5 doors. In May, its derivative is 3 doors, Twin'Run, who will talk about him.

"Twin", the strategy of splitting

Because Twingo body splits into two, the "Play" concept ad splits too. Thus, after the beautiful city clean the evocative name (Twin'Z involves twinning), we will soon discover a small ball of nerves with 3 doors and 4 front fog. Taking the gimmicks of the R5 Turbo, such as the hips, his fin or sportsmanship, this concept is the work of 100% Renault, no other protagonist out of the automotive world this time having been consulted. Surprised on April 23 during filming of promotional film in Madrid, the Twin'Run proudly sported a number evocative, the "5". Five as a fifth petal, or as R5, of course!

The Twin'Run play sports card into the framework of its presentation ... which will also double! It will thus be unveiled at the Monaco Grand Prix on May 24 before joining the July 11 Goodwood Festival of Speed​​, along with the Twizy Renault Sport F1 Concept. To ensure the show when these investments, the Twin'Run should ensure operator side: there is talk of a gas block 350 horsepower. In short, ready to "Play" (ready to play)!

Source : Renault

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