Chevrolet Malibu 2013 New Design

The current Chevrolet Malibu made its appearance in Dubai not so long ago. And here we have the redesigned version already which has been unveiled as a 2013 model at the 2011 Shanghai International Motor Show.

The new 2013 Chevrolet Malibu appears bolder and the rear squared LED taillamp design is reminiscent of the Camaro. It features an electronically controlled and integrated active aero shutter system that automatically opens and closes airflow through the lower intake vents depending on the air intake requirements based on engine coolant temperature and speed.

Powered by a 2.5-litre Ecotec 4-cylinder “CVVT” engine with direct injection and mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission, the 2013 Malibu is expected to offer performance and fuel efficiency figures rivalling the best in segment with over 190 hp and 245 Nm of torque on tap. Riding on MacPherson struts in the front and multi-link suspensions in the rear and aided by a supposedly well-engineered chassis, the ride quality, as claimed by Chevrolet, is on par with the many of the well-known premium European marques.

The interior has been revised too. The new car, sporting a shorter wheelbase compared to the previous model, is wider and boasts more rear legroom and trunk space. Chevrolet claims that their all-new dual cockpit interior offers spaciousness and tranquility while sporting premium materials and obviously high levels of craftsmanship. Interior features include ambient mood lighting, available metallic, chrome or wood trims, and a MyLink infotainment and navigation system featuring a 7-inch touch-screen colour display, bluetooth connectivity and online radio services.

On the safety front, the Malibu is available with four-channel ABS, EBD, Brake assist, Corner Brake Control, Traction Control, Stability Control; Front, side, curtain and knee airbags for driver and front passenger, lane departure warning system, forward collission alert and rearview camera. The new car is also pedestrian protection-compliant.

Expect the new Malibu to hit Middle East shores sometime in late 2012. All other details, including performance, options and pricing packages for the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and other markets, are currently unknown.

Advertisements 

PHOTO GALLERY

Read more In Cars

Audi A1 clubsport quattro Concept

Every year, fans of the Volkswagen Group get together at the Wörthersee festival, held in Reifnitz, Austria, to share their passion about cars. The show is so big that the VW Group’s brands spare no money to develop dedicated one-off models for the event. Audi’s star attraction at this year’s Worthersee Tour (June 1 to 4, 2011), which celebrates its 30th anniversary, is the ludicrous A1 clubsport Quattro.
The one-off show car is a rally-inspired A1 hatch that uses a heavily modified version of the 2.5-liter turbocharged five-cylinder petrol engine found in the TT RS and the RS3 Sportback. The five-pot normally produces 340-horsepower and 450 Nm (331.90 lb-ft), but thanks to the systematic tuning of the turbocharger, intercooler, induction tract and the exhaust, output has been boosted to 503-horsepower and 660 Nm (487 lb-ft) of torque.
Power is transferred to all-four wheels through a six-speed manual transmission and quattro permanent all-wheel drive system, both sourced from the TT RS and enhanced by Audi’s engineers.
Weighing in at 1,390 kilograms (3,064 pounds), the A1 clubsport quattro can go from 0 to 100km/h (62mph) in 3.7 seconds, and from 0 to 200km/h (124mph) in just 10.9 seconds. The 50-70mph (80-112km/h) overtaking can be completed in fourth gear in 2.4 seconds. The car’s top speed is electronically governed at 250km/h or 155mph.
Audi’s engineers also equipped the special A1 with a high-performance braking system that includes six-piston callipers that grab perforated carbon fibre-ceramic discs up front and large steel discs at the rear. The car rides on 255/30 low-profile tires mounted on bespoke 19-inch alloy wheels and an adjustable coilover sports suspension.
On the outside, the A1 clubsport quattro is finished in a Glacier White matte paint finish contrasted by high-gloss black roof arches with the roof itself made of carbon fibre-reinforced polymer (CFRP). The front wings, the doors and the rear side panels of car have been widened by a total of 60 millimeters (2.3-in.), while it also sports a new front bumper and grille assembly, a vented hood, side exhaust outlets, a large roof wing, a bespoke rear bumper with a diffuser and unique mirrors.

Inside, Audi decided to eliminate the rear seats and use the space to place a large crossbar to further stiffen the body as well as two racing helmets. There are two lightweight bucket seats sourced from the Audi R8 GT that feature a carbon fibre chassis and four-point belts. Many areas are covered with exposed, matte-finished carbon fiber while Audi reduced the car’s weight by removing several features such as the infotainment system. In addition, simple loops replace the handles on the doors, the glove box and the covers of the storage compartments.
While Audi has no current plans to introduce a production version of the show car, the A1 clubsport quattro is believed to hint at an upcoming high-performance version sporting either the S1 or RS1 badge.
Along with its physical debut at the Wörthersee fest, the Audi A1 clubsport quattro will also make a brief online appearance in the Need for Speed World where it will be offered to all players as a free in-game rental car from June 1 – 4.
Advertisements 

PHOTO GALLERY

Read more In Cars

Volkswagen Beetle 2012

Volkswagen took the wraps off their latest generation Beetle, affectionately known as the Bug, at the 2011 Shanghai Motor Show a few weeks ago. First introduced during the Mesozoic era, Beetle is one of the very few nameplates which has survived a long timeframe and still manages to be a favourite of many.

In comparison to the previous generation Beetle introduced in 1998, the new one is longer, wider and sports a roofline that extends further backwards while featuring an aggressively-raked front windshield and increased wheelbase. The Beetle shall host a range of new exterior and interior appointments including newly designed horse-shoe shaped tail-lamps, LED daytime running lights, Bi-Xenon headlamps, Panoramic sunroof and Keyless access through satellite navigation systems. Airbags and ESP, alongside the standard ABS and EBD systems, are available to assure safety.

Volkswagen offers a choice of three gasoline engines for the Beetle – a 1.2-litre TSI engine rated at 104 hp, a 1.4-litre TSI engine rated at 158 hp and a 2.0-litre TSI engine rated at 200 hp. A diesel-electric variant shall be available for the UK and US markets , with a 1.6-litre engine rated at 104 hp aided by start-stop battery regenerative systems for optimum fuel efficiency.

While the pricing aspects are unknown, the Beetle with the new face shall go on sale in the American markets during fall of 2011. UK customers have to wait a bit longer until early 2012. Expect a GCC launch somewhere around the same time.

Advertisements 

PHOTO GALLERY

Read more In Cars

BMW 3 Series Production End In October, And The Next-gen Coming In Spring 2012

The Productiοn οf the current E90 and E92 BMW 3 Series will come tο an end fοr good in October, in preparation fοr next spring's launch οf the all-new F30 3 Series. Befοre the gas models bοw οut, the oil-burning 335d will cease productiοn in August. The death οf the current 3er makes room fοr a sleeker, less cluttered version οf the car which clings clοsely tο the more aggressive new BMW design language.

Amοng the changes will be flatter kidney grilles as well as shοrter οverhangs, as well as a more muscular stance. The new 3s will alsο get a bump in efficiency, with a range οf turbocharged fοur- and six-cylinder mills, with the outside chance οf a three-banger jοining the lineup later on. The next M3 will ditch V8 pοwer in favor οf a twin-turbo inline-six spοrting abοut 450 horsepower.
Advertisements 

PHOTO GALLERY

Read more In Cars

2012 Chevrolet Camaro `45th Anniversary` Edition

General Mοtοrs οfficially unveiled the 2012 Chevrolet Camaro 45th Anniversary Edition tο a crowd οf dealers and enthusiasts on the eve οf the Indianapolis 500. The drοptοp muscle car boasts a slew οf tweaks that are destined tο eventually make their way tο the greater Camaro lineup, including new sοft-tοuch materials οn the dash, a new steering wheel that's not ridiculous tο use, and a few suspensiοn changes.

GM tells us that SS mοdels will be equipped with the new FE4 suspension package, bοrn frοm the development the upcοming Camaro ZL1. V6 Camaros will nοw pack 323 hοrsepower, a gain οf 11 οver the 2011 model-year cars.

GM will prοduce the Camarο 45th Anniversary Edition tο meet demand, sο there should be plenty tο gο around. In additiοn tο the interior and mechanical adjustments, the car wears special lοgοs on the fenders, seat backs, dοοr sills, steering wheel and dash tο separate it frοm the rest οf the Camaro stable. Pricing will be available clοser tο the convertible's fall launch date. Click the jump fοr the full press blast.

Advertisements 

PHOTO GALLERY

Read more In Cars