2015 Mercedes-Benz S500 Plug-In Hybrid

At one point during its development, Mercedes-Benz had contemplated offering the new S-class solely with hybrid powertrains. That didn’t happen, but it doesn’t mean that Benz isn’t pushing forward with that technology. At September’s Frankfurt auto show, Mercedes will launch the S500 plug-in hybrid, the third hybrid version of Benz's dearest sedan.

While the “500” moniker might suggest a V-8 under the hood, the S500 plug-in actually is powered by a turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6 and an electric motor. The V-6 produces 329 horsepower and 354 lb-ft of torque, while the electric motor makes 107 horses and 251 lb-ft; the Stuttgart-based automaker did not provide combined power and torque figures. Regardless of total output, the plug-in luxury sedan offers a claimed 0-to-60-mph time of 5.5 seconds and a top speed electronically limited to 155 mph. The car carries a fuel-economy rating in the European cycle of 94 mpg, which is impressive if inflated by the EU procedure.

 As is typical of most hybrids, regenerative braking features prominently in the S500 plug-in hybrid, but the energy recovery and discharge strategies can be altered by choosing between four modes: Hybrid, E-Mode, Save, and Charge. In Hybrid mode, the car chooses the most efficient propulsion strategy and uses the gasoline engine only rarely for recharging purposes. E-Mode allows for driving on electric power alone for up to 18 miles. In E-Save mode, battery charge level is kept high for use in urban areas that give congestion-tax breaks to EVs and plug-ins. Finally, Charge mode forcibly charges the battery while driving, which is inefficient, but more convenient than pulling over and plugging in. One of the most common complaints of hybrids is the often numb-feeling and overly sensitive brake pedal. Daimler hopes to alleviate this problem with a second-generation regenerative braking system, which overlaps electric and conventional braking. If desired, the S500 plug-in hybrid can also decouple the electric bits from the combustion engine and “sail” on electrons.

There are several innovative ideas that increase efficiency and make the driver more aware of the system’s operation. When the car is driving on electric power, the accelerator pedal provides haptic feedback before switching on the combustion engine. The car also uses navigation data—including speed limits and upcoming changes in topography and directional changes—to optimize energy usage. In a similar vein, the car won’t hoard energy if it detects an upcoming downhill stretch that will allow for energy recovery.

The S500 plug-in hybrid joins two other hybrids in the S-class lineup: the S300 BlueTec hybrid, which is powered by a 204-hp, 2.1-liter four-cylinder turbo-diesel and a 27-hp electric motor; and the S400 hybrid, which features the same 27-hp electric motor and a 306-hp, 3.5-liter V-6. The S400 was taken off American dealer lots after the 2013 model year, and the S300 BlueTec was never sold here. The S300 BlueTec won’t come stateside in new-gen S-class guise, and the S400 won’t return, either; however, the plug-in S500 will be sold in the U.S. beginning next year as a 2015 model.

Refrence :http://www.caranddriver.com/news/2015-mercedes-benz-s500-plug-in-hybrid-photos-and-info-news

Audi Q7 2013

The second generation Q7 will exhibit some serious weight loss, about 880 lbs., a byproduct of new lightweight aluminum construction. The supercharged 3.0L V6 would be the obvious choice for the base engine in the new Q7, with diesel and plug-in hybrid setups both strong possibilities.

This second generation Audi SUV will share its new platform with the Porsche Cayenne and the Volkswagen Touareg, both of which also benefit from a large weight loss thanks to the new aluminum structure.

The Q7 mule you see in the photos is merely a test vehicle for Audi’s internal re-workings done on the newest generation SUV, but the organs of the car undergoing tests suggest that the skin of the new Q7 will be revealed soon. The Audi has always been bulkier than its Cayenne and Touareg counterparts, so expect the size and general shape of the vehicle to stay the same.

BMW X5 2014

The BMW X5 is the best selling large luxury SUV in Australia. Globally BMW has managed 1.5 million X5 sales since 1999, making the model one of the most important to the German brand.

The current second-generation X5 model, which was launched in 2007, has continued to grow in sales despite nearing the end of its life cycle. This is why the third-generation BMW X5 remains a vastly evolutionary update more than anything else.

From the outside there’s no question the new vehicle is a BMW X5. Design wise BMW has kept it very familiar but with a more focused front-end look, enhanced by twin circular headlight units connecting to the BMW kidney grille.

The rear-end look has an X1-like resemblance, with sharper taillights and a cleaner and more modern design. Although hard to tell on individual points, the new X5 actually looks smaller on the road than the previous car, even if it isn’t. The flowing silhouette shows off a more dynamic SUV rather than the previous generation’s bulky size.

At 4886mm long, 1938mm wide, 1762mm tall, the new BMW X5 is 29mm longer, 5mm wider and has a 4mm-lower roofline than its predecessor. As part of carrying over the model’s DNA, the 2933mm wheelbase has been retained.

BMW Australia will launch the X5 in late November with three different variants and engines to start with. The initial entry model will be the $99,990 BMW X5 xDrive30d, which is powered by a 3.0-litre turbocharged diesel engine that develops 190kW of power and 560Nm of torque. That’s enough to get you from 0-100km/h in 6.9 seconds while sipping just 6.2L of diesel per 100km – a figure we came close to matching in the real world.

Behind the wheel the six-cylinder diesel was not only capable of climbing through Vancouver’s mountainous terrain, but to excite us in the process. The X5’s eight-speed transmission worked harmoniously to deliver a crisp and lag-free driving experience with power and torque always just a moment away.

In the real world, there’s simply no reason this amount of grunt should leave you unsatisfied, but if you must have more, BMW has more answers.

The BMW X5 xDrive50i, which is powered by a 4.4-litre twin-power turbo V8 develops 330kW of power and 650Nm of torque. That’s a lot. Far more than you’ll need for a family SUV. So much in fact, that it goes from 0-100km/h in just five seconds flat. So if the kids are running late to school, you can make up a few seconds.

In saying that, the xDrive50i is a remarkable machine. The engine note, the acceleration feel, the whole experience of piloting it through twisty roads shames many purpose-built sports cars. The catch, apart from the price increase ($34,000 more than xDrive30d), is that you’ll pay for it through fuel consumption, which BMW says is around 10.5L/100km but is much more likely to be in the 14L/100km range if you actually use your right foot.

The third model, which we were unable to test, is the $147,900 BMW X5 M50d, not to be mistaken with the BMW X5 M, which will arrive at a later date. The M50d uses the same six-cylinder diesel engine as the 30d but employs not one, but three turbochargers to bring power up to 280kW with a monstrous 740Nm of torque. It will go from a standstill to 100km/h in 5.3 seconds with a fuel economy of 6.7L of diesel per 100km.

Using the now standard driving experience control button allows switching between comfort, sport, sport+ and eco pro modes. This changes the X5’s behaviour considerably with alterations to the response time of the accelerator, power steering and automatic transmission. If you’ve got adaptive suspension, it will also modify the dampers for a sportier or more comfortable ride.

Reference :http://www.caradvice.com.au/252649/2014-bmw-x5-review/

WV Golf 7 2013 - Car of the year

However the years the Volkswagen Golf has become the small hatchback to beat. What started out as a humble replacement for the Beetle is now seen as the benchmark that all other hatchbacks are judged by. And almost 30 million have been sold worldwide. But the gap is closing.

The competition is now better than ever and Volkswagen is well aware of that. At the official unveiling of this, the seventh generation Golf, Volkswagen took the unusual step of talking about how good the Ford Focus is. It seems the Germans might be just a bit worried.

It's not only the Focus either. A few years ago people would have laughed if you'd have mentioned Hyundai and Kia in the same breath as Volkswagen but the Korean brands have shown unprecedented improvement in the past 10 years and the i30 and Cee'd are seriously good cars. Volkswagen even faces competition from within – the much anticipated new SEAT Leon arrives early next year.

But if you're expecting a radical new look than you'll be disappointed. The Golf is based on the same platform (called MQB) as the new Audi A3 and SEAT Leon so it's no surprise to see a similar profile. Volkswagen has played it safe with the styling. Very safe. This Golf looks unnervingly similar to the old one at first glance, especially from the front. Park new alongside old though and you'll notice the more angular lights and a wider stance.

It may not be a revolution in car design but then Volkswagen hasn't tried to reinvent the wheel with the new Golf. Instead they've taken the qualities of the outgoing model and added to them with improvements in every area. It's a hugely capable and high quality car that goes about it's business in a fuss-free fashion. It may not break any boundaries but it does everything you want it to and it does it very well. As an all-rounder it can't be bettered. In fact it's pretty much perfect.

Audi A4 2013

Take a look at the Audi A4 2.0 TDI , and you will see how a fuel efficient mid-size automobile really should drive. 

Comfort is something of an open book. The definition of comfort will differ between individuals, but when one can plant one's bottom, whether fat or slim, on a car seat that is happy to take the differing weights without showing signs of stress then you know you are seated in a well made vehicle. I’m not saying I’ve got a fat bum, but when you see a bloke the size of a house happily entering his Audi A4 and sitting down comfortably then you just know, deep down without a doubt, that Audi make some of the best automotive seats. The Audi A4 2.0 TDI is easy to enter as the doors open wide, giving plenty of space to slip into the cabin area. Leg room in the rear isn’t tight for long legs, and the seats are sumptuous to sit in – the balance between support and softness is excellent. The new Audi A4 is wider and longer than both its main 3 Series and C-Class competitors. This means much more rear legroom than both it rivals, and with 480 litres of boot space, the Merc and Beemer rivals are left wanting again.

 

When underway, the cabin remains well muted to engine and road noise. The build quality is impeccable, evident in the way the trim is perfectly fitted together without squeaks and rattles. Audi have some of the best materials in use inside their cabins, and the colours and textures are stunning. A stunning dash, instrumentation and switchgear design make the A4 one of the prettiest interior displays. The Audi A4 2.0 TDI  feels very tight and together on the road. A solid feel behind the wheel relays confident vibes back to the driver. Bumps in the road are soaked up wonderfully well with the Audi A4 2.0 TDI-e having a comfortable suspension which is taut enough for handling a quick jaunt down your favourite twisting piece if road at pace.

 

You will find the Audi A4 2.0 TDI  offers plenty of excellent standard features. In addition, Audi offers a wide range of extra cost options for the A4. Surveys have shown that around 40 per cent of Audi A4s, in Europe, are sold with the optional Bang & Olufsen sound system and the highly regarded Audi SatNav system. Expect to find the Audi A4 2.0 TDI e kitted with three-zone climate control, multifunction steering wheel and on-board driver information computer, 17-inch alloy road wheels, a 180-Watt, 10-speaker Audi sound system, split/folding rear seats with automatic boot opening, automatic windscreen wipers and automatic headlights, rear parking sensors, daytime running lights (LED R8 style are an option), electronic stability programme, front and rear foglights, alarm, aluminium interior trim detailing and electrically-operated windows and door mirrors.

Each Audi A4 brings the latest technological advancements to the fore. Not only are the Audi A4 bodies extremely strong with high rigidity but all the engines are Euro-5 com-pliant; all the petrol engines are direct injection; all the diesel units are common-rail; and all the four-cylinder diesel units are turbocharged.  Under the hood of the Audi A4 2.0 TDI  lies a four-cylinder engine with huge improvement. Indeed, it bears no comparison with the previous VW 2.0-litre TDI unit. It is turbocharged and superbly refined, with no rattles and no callousness throughout its entire rev range. With 105 kW and 320 Nm of torque from as low as 1750 rpm, the engine pulls with effortless verve. Apply the right foot heavily, and the Audi A4 2.0 TDI never feels short of breath and remains refined, responsive and flexible. The Audi A4 2.0 TDI e has a top speed of 214 km/h, and 0-100 km/h is covered in a swift 9.4 seconds. A combined fuel economy is stated as being around 51.3 mpg or 18 km/litre -  although driving styles can alter this a bit.  The Audi A4 2.0 TDI has a 2.0-litre engine which is mated with a slick six-speed manual transmission which blends performance and relaxed touring perfectly.

 

Safety at Audi is as good as it gets. The A4 tested last year in the Euro NCAP crash tests proved the Audi A4 to be worthy of a five star result. Featuring front seatbelt pretensioners, front seatbelt load limiters, a driver’s front airbag, a front passenger airbag, side body airbags, side head airbags and a driver’s knee airbag provides superior automotive safety. Adaptive airbags and seatbelts tailor the timing and the degree of restraint to suit the size of the occupant and the severity of the impact. There is also a host of brilliant active safety features as well. 

 references: http://www.privatefleet.com.au/audi/audi-a4-2.0-tdi-review/

BMW X3 2013

The BMW X3 xDrive20i costs $59,000, and refreshing (for a German press vehicle) our test car even came with minimal options.
From the outside the current and second-generation BMW X3 avoids the awkward proportions of the original but still struggles to match either the elegance of the Q5 or the concept-that-made-it-to-the-showroom looks of the Evoque.
The BMW X3 has grown substantially, and measures almost as large as the original BMW X5.

BMW M4

The BMW M4 Concept- On august 15 at Pebble Beach, near Monterey, California, BMW of North America pulled back the silver satin veil that covered one of the biggest changes to hit the company in recent years. Before the all-new 4-series has even hit dealerships, BMW has announced and revealed the concept behind BMW Motorsport's latest creation - the M4. While the namesake alone is causing commotion amongst diehard fans and 3-series enthusiasts, one thing is certain: the M4 is a truly astounding piece of machinery.POWERTRAIN: A twin-turbocharged, 3.0-liter inline-six with around 420 horsepower. BMW will offer both a six-speed manual and a seven-speed dual-clutch 
COMPETITION: Audi RS5, Cadillac ATS-V, Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG. 
ESTIMATED ARRIVAL AND PRICE: The M4 will arrive in 2014, with a price starting around $60,000. 

Seat Leon 2013

The third-generation Seat Leon has made its debut in Paris, confirming for the assembled masses that its live form is just as fetching as the studio shots we've already seen.

Seat tipped its hand on the new Leon earlier this summer, so we've already reported on most of the critical details. Two TDI diesels, a 1.6-liter and a 2.0-liter, will make up the engine range at launch, while a total of five powerplants will come online by the first part of 2013.

A familiar overall body shape reflects what we've seen from the new Golf, and follows an exhaustive rework of the Leon, both inside and out. Get a firsthand look at what's been done in our live gallery of images.

Gearbox:	Manual
Engine type:	Front
Courses:	5
Capacity:	1598 cm ³
Cylinders:	4
Empty weight:	1281 kg
Fuel:	Diesel (Particulate filter)
* Fuel consumption:	4.1 l/100 km (Combined) 5.2 l/100 km (In town) 3.5 l/100 km (Suburban)
CO2 emissions *:	108 g / km (Combined)
Emission class:	€ 5
Number of doors:	5

Citroen C3 2013

After less than four years since 2009 offered the C3 Citroen's current design philosophy is adapted. The revised Citroen C3 will be presented to the world public at the International Geneva Motor Show for the first time . From April 2013 , the French small car will be available .

Gearbox:	Manual
Fuel:	Diesel (Particulate filter)
* Fuel consumption:	3.8 l/100 km (Combined) 4.5 l/100 km (In town) 3.4 l/100 km (Suburban)
CO2 emissions *:	99 g / km (Combined)
Emission class:	€ 5
Feinstaubplakette:	4 (Green)
Number of doors:	4
Seats:	5
Warranty:

Video Review - Geneva Motor Show