Electric Kia Ray launched

Kia has become the latest manufacturer to add an electric vehicle to its range. The Ray EV is based on the recently introduced petrol-powered Ray mini-MPV and, unusually given their very different technologies, both models will share the same production line.

Drive comes from a 67 bhp (50 kW / 68 PS) electric motor connected to an automatic transmission. With 167 Nm (123 lb/ft) of torque available, zero to 62 mph (100 km/h) takes a leisurely 15.9 seconds, while the Ray EV’s top speed is 81 mph (130 km/h).



Performance is likely to be less important than range and recharge times to potential users, though. The 16.4 kWh lithium ion polymer battery pack, which sits beneath the rear seat and cabin floor, is claimed to be good for 86 miles (139 km) before it needs topping up. That process takes six hours using a normal domestic electricity supply, or a much more practical 25 minutes in fast-charge mode.



The battery is claimed to be lighter and offer better energy density than competitor systems. However, its expected lifespan is only ten years, which could see a lot of cars getting scrapped prematurely if the replacement battery pack cost turns out to be prohibitive.



Visually, not much distinguishes the Ray EV from its petrol equivalent. There’s a flap in the front grille for the recharging socket, aerodynamic 14” alloy wheels and some door graphics proclaiming the car’s green credentials. On the inside, the instruments have been changed, and there’s a special navigation system that shows the 500 charging station locations that currently exist across South Korea.



But there’s no point in trying to place an order for one with your local Kia dealer. That’s because for now the Ray EV will only be on sale in South Korea, and all of 2012’s production run of 2,500 units has been allocated to various government and public sector departments.



Related posts:
Three-door Kia Picanto
Kia Naimo electric concept

Lexus LF-LC concept

Lexus has confirmed that it’ll be unveiling the LF-LC 2+2 sport coupé at the North American International Auto Show, which takes place in Detroit in little over a week’s time.

A product of the firm’s California-based Calty design studio, the concept is meant to explore how future Lexus models could look. Although the start-point was supposedly a clean sheet of paper, there’s no doubt that the overall proportions (as well as some of the styling details) seem to have been heavily influenced by the existing LF-A.



And maybe that’s what the LF-LC concept is actually previewing: a smaller, more affordable LF-A which could be a spiritual successor to the long-defunct Toyota Supra?



Related posts:
2012 Lexus GS unveiled
LFA Nürburgring Package

Escalade security improves

According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau, the Cadillac Escalade doesn’t make the top ten list of most stolen vehicles in the United States.



However, that doesn’t necessarily mean that the big SUV isn’t an attractive target for criminal types, so Cadillac has decided to upgrade the Escalade’s security features for 2012.



The improvements include a strengthened steering column lock, an alarm-linked inclination sensor to detect when the vehicle is being towed or lifted, the PASS Key 3+ ignition key encryption system, better wheel locks and a shock sensor that reacts to sudden movements, for instance when a window is smashed.

All useful items then, even if it’s a bit surprising that such basic measures aren’t already fitted to the Escalade.



And the thieves’ favourite? That’ll be the 1994 Honda Accord:

Top 10: Most Stolen Vehicles in the United States
Position	Model
1	1994 Honda Accord
2	1995 Honda Civic
3	1991 Toyota Camry
4	1999 Chevrolet Pickup (Full Size)
5	1997 Ford F150 Series / Pickup
6	2004 Dodge Ram
7	2000 Dodge Caravan
8	1994 Acura Integra
9	2002 Ford Explorer
10	1999 Ford Taurus
Data from the 2010 National Insurance Crime Bureau Hot Wheels report.

Image © GM Company.



Related posts:
2013 Cadillac XTS revealed
Cadillac confirms ELR

Limited edition A1 quattro

Audi seems somewhat reluctant to use the S1 nameplate, but perhaps the new limited edition A1 quattro is a precursor to just such a model?



Only 333 examples are going to be built, but the bad news for enthusiasts in the UK is that - for now at least - they are all destined to be left-hand drive. On the face of it then, a strange decision by Audi to ignore one of its most important European markets…

2012 Audi A1 quattro. Scroll down for more images.

That the A1 quattro appears to be an appealing package makes the situation even worse. Incorporating permanent all-wheel drive, a 252 bhp (188 kW / 256 PS) 2.0 litre TFSI engine and a six-speed manual transmission into a supermini chassis is a guaranteed recipe for brisk performance.



And the figures bear that out: acceleration from zero to 62 mph (100 km/h) is claimed to take just 5.7 seconds, while the top speed is 152 mph (245 km/h). Fuel economy isn’t great though, with the A1 quattro expected to achieve a mediocre combined cycle figure of around 33.2 mpg (8.5 l/100km).



There certainly should be no problem distinguishing the A1 quattro from lesser variants. Only available in Glacier White with a contrasting high-gloss black roof, it also features a prominent rear spoiler, polished exhaust pipes and unique front and rear bumpers. Completing the package are red-painted ‘wings’ that sit within the headlights and white 18-inch ‘Turbine’ design alloy wheels.



The inside is dominated by ‘S’ design front sports seats that come trimmed in black Nappa leather with red stitching. That colour scheme is carried over to the chunky flat-bottomed sports steering wheel, which also bears the car’s build number. Standard equipment is generous and includes cruise control, park distance control, automatic air conditioning, satellite navigation, a CD changer, DAB radio and Bluetooth connectivity.



Sales of the Audi A1 Quattro are due to begin sometime in the second half of 2012, but pricing has yet to be confirmed.

Related posts:
99 g/km diesel Audi A1
Audi A1 clubsport Quattro
Audi A1 1.4 TFSI, not S1

V-Strom accessory packs

With the arrival of the updated 2012 Suzuki V-Strom 650 ABS earlier this year, the short-lived XP version seemed to disappear from the line-up.



So, to maintain the appeal of its middleweight to adventure and touring riders, Suzuki has launched three accessory packs which are available now for both new and used bikes.

Starting things off is the Tourer Pack, which comprises a lower engine cowling, chain guard, accessory bar (designed to protect the radiator side cowls), 14 litre magnetic tank bag, tank protector and hand guards. The cost is £499 including VAT and fitting, a saving of £121 compared to buying all the components separately.



Next up is the Adventure Pack, which will probably tempt regular commuters as much as those contemplating epic journeys to the back of beyond. It includes all the elements of the Tourer Pack (except the tank bag) and adds a 42 litre top case, a centre stand and the Vario adjustable screen. It’s priced at £999 including VAT and fitting.



Finally, the £1,299 GT Pack focuses on maximum luggage capacity. That’s because it features a pair of panniers that together offer 70 litres of volume, as well as the 42 litre top case, centre stand, hand guards and lower engine cowling.



Oddly, given its potential for touring, the Vario screen, accessory bar, chain guard and tank protector are all absent from the GT Pack. Maybe Suzuki decided that attempting to add any more than £1,299 to the V-Strom’s retail price of £6,899 would not be well received?



Given the all-weather, all-season riders these packs are aimed at, the one glaring omission from all of them is heated handlebar grips. They are, however, available as a Suzuki accessory for an additional £269.



Related posts:
2012 V-Strom 650 leaked
Suzuki V-Strom 650A XP

2013 Chevrolet Sonic RS

Despite its sporty appearance and turbocharged engine, the 2013 Chevrolet Sonic RS isn’t exactly a hot hatch.



Not that that’s the claim, though. To quote Chris Perry, Vice President of Global Chevrolet Marketing, the new arrival “takes the Sonic’s great design and latest connectivity features and combines them with a more performance-oriented look and feel.”

So it’s unsurprising that outputs from the 1.4 litre Ecotec engine could best be described as adequate: maximum power is 138 bhp (103 kW / 139 PS), while peak torque is 200 Nm (148 lb/ft). But Chevrolet probably realises that many target customers are going to focus on economy as much as performance, although no figures have been released that would indicate how well that particular balance has been achieved.



For enhanced driving dynamics, the suspension is lowered and stiffened, while stopping ability should be improved thanks to the disc brakes that are fitted both front and rear.

The RS treatment also means a host of visual tweaks that work well on the already smart Sonic. Available as a five-door only, changes from the regular versions include a body kit, five-spoke 17” alloy wheels, a rear spoiler, a unique grille and a different finish for the door mirror caps.



Among the special interior features are sports seats, a thick-rimmed sports steering wheel and aluminium pedals. Chevrolet’s MyLink infotainment system also comes as standard. Based around a seven-inch touch screen and Bluetooth connectivity, this allows the driver to load music, listen to Pandora and Stitcher Internet radio and access navigation functions via their smart phone.

The Chevrolet Sonic RS will be seen in public for the first time at January’s North American International Auto Show. Sales are due to begin in late 2012.



Images © GM Company.



Related post:
2012 NACTOY finalists

Suzuki Kizashi will struggle

Suzuki’s new flagship, the Kizashi saloon, has a lot in its favour. For example, the styling’s great, on-demand all-wheel drive comes as standard, equipment levels are generous and prices - which start from £21,995 - are competitive.



However, all of that is likely to be ignored by most potential customers because of the Kizashi’s oddball powertrain. The only engine available is a petrol 2.4 litre four-cylinder from the Grand Vitara SUV, and it’s connected to a continuously variable transmission.

In Europe at least, cars in this sector have to have a credible diesel option if they’re not to remain firmly stuck to the showroom floor. Unfortunately for Suzuki, the Kizashi’s figures clearly illustrate why that’s the case.



A power output of 175 bhp (130 kW / 178 PS) and 230 Nm (169 lb/ft) of peak torque aren’t anything special, and neither are a 0-62 mph (100 km/h) time of 8.8 seconds and a top speed of 127 mph (204 km/h).



But that mediocre performance is nothing compared to its poor efficiency: combined cycle fuel consumption is only 34.0 mpg (8.3 l/100km), while CO2 emissions are a horrendously high 191 g/km.



That puts the Suzuki in Band J for UK road tax purposes, meaning a hefty £245 annual charge. It also gives it a company car tax percentage of 27%, which will probably be enough to put off most business users.



Unsurprisingly, Suzuki’s aspirations for the Kizashi are appropriately modest, although ironically its rarity might be an attraction for some.



Nevertheless, the case for buying it appears thin when comparison is made to more mainstream competitors, such as the 160 bhp (119 kW / 163 PS) 2.0 litre diesel Mondeo.



The Ford has similar performance to the Suzuki, with 0-62 mph taking 8.9 seconds and a top speed of 137 mph (220 km/h), yet its combined fuel consumption is 53.3 mpg (5.3 l/100km).



Just as importantly, the Mondeo produces 139 g/km of CO2 which results in a Band E road tax charge of £115 per year, and its company car tax percentage is a much more reasonable 19%.



Related posts:
New Suzuki Swift Sport
Diesel Suzuki Swift DDiS

2012 NACTOY finalists

A panel of fifty automotive journalists from across the United States and Canada has decided the finalists for the 2012 North American Car and Truck of the Year awards.



In the North American Car of the Year category, the jurors selected the Ford Focus, Hyundai Elantra and Volkswagen Passat from a shortlist of seventeen models, all of which had to be new or substantially changed in the past twelve months.

Ford Focus: 2012 North American Car of the Year finalist.

Those contenders that didn’t make it through to the finals were the Audi A6, Audi A7, Buick Verano, Chevrolet Sonic, Chrysler 300 / SRT-8, Fiat 500, Hyundai Accent, Hyundai Veloster, Kia Rio / Rio 5, Scion iQ, Subaru Impreza, Toyota Camry, Toyota Prius V and Volkswagen Beetle.



The 2012 North American Truck of the Year title will go to the BMW X3, Honda CR-V or Land Rover Range Rover Evoque. There were only seven vehicles to choose the three finalists from though, with the Mercedes-Benz M-Class, Mini Countryman, Nissan Quest and Saab 9-4X being the unsuccessful nominees.

BMW X3: 2012 North American Truck of the Year finalist.

A second round of voting is now going to take place to determine the outright winners for each award. The results will be announced on 9 January 2012 in Detroit.



Related posts:
2012 Euro COTY candidates
Volt is Car of the Year

2012 MotoGP calendar

The FIM has published an updated schedule for the 2012 MotoGP season.



Although still provisional, changes from the previous version include the naming of Sachsenring as host circuit for the German round, a date change for the opening Qatar event and finalisation of contractual terms for Jerez.

2012 MotoGP Championship - Provisional Calendar
Date	Country	Circuit
08 April	Qatar*	Doha / Losail
29 April	Spain	Jerez de la Frontera
06 May	Portugal (STC)	Estoril
20 May	France	Le Mans
03 June	Spain	Catalunya
17 June	Great Britain	Silverstone
30 June	Netherlands**	Assen
08 July	Germany (STC)	Sachsenring
15 July	Italy	Mugello
29 July	United States***	Laguna Seca
19 August	United States	Indianapolis
26 August	Czech Republic	Brno
16 September	San Marino	Misano
30 September	Spain	Aragon Motorland
14 October	Japan	Motegi
21 October	Malaysia	Sepang
28 October	Australia	Phillip Island
11 November	Spain	Valencia Ricardo Tormo
* Evening race
** Saturday race
*** Only MotoGP class
STC - Subject to contract

Related post:

MotoGP heading to Texas

2013 Dodge Dart teased

8 January 2012 Update:

To see a full view of the 2013 Dodge Dart, please click here.

For its new compact car, Dodge has decided to revive the Dart nameplate. It’s also going to be using a stretched and widened Alfa Romeo Giulietta platform - known as Compact U.S. Wide (CUSW) - to underpin it, emphasising the ever-closer links between Fiat and Chrysler Group products.



The 2013 Dart is due to be revealed at next month’s North American International Auto Show in Detroit, but in the meantime a few images have been released by Dodge as part of a teaser campaign.

These show the trademark crosshairs front grille, flanked by distinctive projector headlights. At the back, there’s a Charger-inspired ‘racetrack’ LED light array and prominent dual exhausts.



For the interior, decent soft-touch materials are promised, while an 8.4” Uconnect touch screen and a customisable Thin Film Transistor (TFT) gauge cluster will be available. The Dart gets ten airbags as standard, and it’s claimed to have best-in-class hip and shoulder room.



A choice of three four-cylinder petrol engines is going to be offered, two of which come with Fiat’s MultiAir valvegear technology for significantly improved fuel consumption and emissions.



Related posts:
Challenger Yellow Jacket
Charger SRT8 Super Bee
2012 Dodge Charger SRT8

New Bentley Continental V8

Bentley has gone green (sort of) by announcing the Continental GT and GTC V8.



Due to be revealed at the North American International Auto Show in January, the new twin-turbo engine displaces 4.0 litres and produces 500 bhp (373 kW / 507 PS) and 660 Nm (487 lb/ft) of peak torque.



Tellingly, those outputs aren’t too far behind the 567 bhp (423 kW / 575 PS) and 700 Nm (516 lb/ft) of the existing 6.0 W12 Continental, which remains in the range.



It’s a similar story with performance: the V8’s eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive system allow for a 4.6 second 0-60 mph (96 km/h) time and a top speed of 188 mph (303 km/h).



By contrast, the W12 takes 4.4 seconds to get to 60 mph and can reach 198 mph (318 km/h). On that basis at least, it seems there’s not much difference between the two models.

But it’s fuel consumption and emissions where the new V8 is really meant to score over its larger-engine sibling - indeed, Bentley is claiming that the 4.0 litre powertrain fulfils the firm’s promise to deliver a 40 per cent improvement in efficiency.



Certainly that seems to be the case regarding CO2 emissions, as the V8 GT coupé achieves 246 g/km compared to the W12’s 384 g/km.



For some reason, fuel consumption figures won’t be released until early next year. However, the Continental V8 is supposed to be able to drive over 500 miles (800 km) on a single tank of fuel, thanks in part to a V4 mode that kicks in when cruising or under light throttle loads, low friction engine internals and an energy regeneration system.



Assuming the V8’s tank size remains at 20 gallons (90 litres), that would give an average consumption figure of around 25 mpg (11.3 l/100km). So, with the Continental W12 managing just 17.1 mpg (16.5 l/100km) on the EU combined cycle, it looks like that 40 per cent target could well be met.



The V8 version is distinguished by its gloss black grille, red enamel Bentley badges, twin ‘figure eight’ exhaust pipes, revised front bumper design and dark rear lower valence. On the inside, there’s a shorter centre console, Eliade cloth headlining and a unique Dark Fiddleback Eucalyptus wood veneer.



Pricing has yet to be confirmed.



Related post:
Bentley Mulliner Styling

Škoda Vision D - more pics

Škoda first revealed the Octavia-sized Vision D concept at March’s Geneva Motor Show.



Now more images have been released, perhaps as a reminder that the Vision D’s styling represents the Czech brand’s future design language.

Typified by a long wheelbase and short overhangs (plus the new grille shape that’s already been seen on the new Citigo city car), it suggests that upcoming Škoda models could potentially look very sleek and elegant.



The rumour is that the Vision D will form the basis for the next-generation Octavia. If so, the only hope is that its dynamic appearance doesn’t get too diluted in the transition from concept to production car.

Related posts:
Škoda reveals the Citigo
Škoda MissionL concept
Škoda Vision D at Geneva

Holden Volt tech specs

The Holden Volt has been revealed at a media event in Sydney, Australia. Essentially a re-badged version of Chevrolet’s extended range electric vehicle, sales are expected to begin in late 2012.

Estimated range from its lithium-ion battery pack when driving in pure electric mode is a decent 80 km (50 miles). After that, the Volt’s petrol engine kicks in to act as an onboard generator that recharges the batteries and provides power to the electric drive system.



And therein lies the Holden’s USP - its Voltec drivetrain offers the environmental and running cost benefits of an electric car, but without any range anxiety.



Alternatively, the Volt can be recharged using a domestic 240V socket, a process which takes around four hours. So, with the right journey patterns and driving conditions, it should be possible to make the need to refuel with petrol a very rare occurrence.

According to Mike Devereux, Holden Chairman and Managing Director, “Volt is the no compromise electric car. It’s electric when you want it and petrol when you need it.



“It’s among the most technologically advanced cars on the road anywhere in the world and spearheads Holden’s push to become a leader in technology and sustainable motoring. Volt will make driving more economical, more environmentally-friendly and will fundamentally change the way Australia thinks about alternative transport solutions.”

2013 Holden Volt - Technical Specifications
Battery system
Type	Rechargeable energy storage system comprising multiple linked modules
Battery	16 kWh lithium-ion
Thermal system	Liquid active thermal control
Cells	288; prismatic
Size / case	1,676 mm-long T-shaped; glass-filled polyester structural composite with aluminium thermal radiation shield and steel
Mass	198.1 kg (436.7 lbs)
Electric driving range	60 - 80 km (37 - 50 miles) depending on temperature, terrain and driving technique
Extended driving range	More than 500 km (310 miles) depending on conditions
Recharge time, using 3 kW recharging station	Approximately 4 hours
Recharge time, using 1.2 kW portable charge cord	Approximately 6 - 10 hours
Electric drive system
Configuration	Front-wheel drive
Motors	Drive motor and generator motor
Transaxle	Voltec electric drive system
Power	148 bhp (111 kW / 150 PS)
Torque	370 Nm (272 lb/ft)
Petrol engine
Type	DOHC in-line four-cylinder
Displacement	1,398 cc
Bore and stroke	73.4 x 82.6 mm
Block material	Cast iron
Cylinder head material	Cast aluminium
Valvetrain	Overhead camshafts; four valves per cylinder, continuously variable intake and exhaust cam phaser
Ignition system	Individual coil-on-plug, cassette type
Fuel delivery	Sequential multi-port fuel injectors with electronic throttle control
Compression ratio	10.5:1
Power	84 bhp (63 kW / 85 PS) @ 4,800 rpm
Maximum engine speed	4,800 rpm
Dimensions
Overall length	4,498 mm (14’ 9”)
Wheelbase	2,685 mm (8’ 9”)
Overall width	1,788 mm (5’ 10”)
Track width front	1,556 mm (5’ 1”)
Track width rear	1,578 mm (5’ 2”)
Height	1,430 mm (4’ 8”)
Weight	1,696 kg (3,739 lbs)

Images © GM Corp.



Related posts:
World Car Awards winners
World Car Awards top three
Volt is Car of the Year
Nine electric cars get grant

Three-NHTSA-star Fiat 500

The North American-specification Fiat 500 has not done particularly well in its National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) crash tests, being awarded just three out of a possible five stars.



Although respectable four-star grades were achieved for both the rollover and 35 mph frontal impact tests, the Fiat’s overall mark was pulled down by a two-star side crash rating.

However, it’s important to note that that was primarily due to a poor rear-seat occupant score in the side barrier impact assessment. By contrast, the car’s ability to protect front-seat occupants in the same test was deemed good enough to earn it five stars. Three stars were awarded for the side pole impact evaluation.



With full NHTSA appraisals for models such as the Mini Cooper and Smart fortwo still to be published, it’s too early to gauge how safe the Fiat 500 is compared to its competition.



Related posts:
North American 500 Abarth
2012 Fiat 500 Pink Ribbon
North American Fiat 500C
American spec Fiat 500

Nissan GT-R Track Pack

Nissan has confirmed the details of its circuit-focussed, road legal, 2012 GT-R Track Pack edition.



Compared to the regular version, the suspension set-up features stiffer springs, gloss black six-spoke Rays alloy wheels have been fitted and there are additional ducts front and rear to help keep the brakes cool.

On the inside, Recaro front seats come trimmed in a special high-grip fabric, while the rear seats have been chucked out to save a few kilograms.



No changes have been made to the 3.8 litre twin-turbo engine, but a combination of its 542 bhp (404 kW / 550 PS) and the GT-R Track Pack’s weight reduction means the claimed 0-60 mph (96 km/h) time is a mere 2.7 seconds.

The GT-R Track Pack will only be available in certain right-hand drive markets such as the UK and Japan. In the UK, its price has been set at £84,450 - exactly £10,000 more than the normal 2012 GT-R. Nissan is planning to begin customer deliveries in March 2012.



Related posts:
Nissan Juke Nismo Concept
Nissan 370Z GT Edition
2011 Nissan GT-R

Luxgen5 Sedan unveiled

Taiwan doesn’t have much of a reputation for building mid-size saloons, and the Luxgen brand is probably unknown to most people. Two fairly significant disadvantages then, but nevertheless the company is ambitiously planning to sell its new 5 Sedan globally following a debut at the 2012 Taipei Auto Show.

To give an idea of how large the 5 Sedan is, its wheelbase is 2,720 mm (8’ 11”) - about the same as that of a Vauxhall / Opel Insignia or the Hyundai i40. And the Luxgen isn’t bad looking at all, although the claim that the proportions give it a ‘coupe-like silhouette’ is perhaps stretching things a bit too far.



What could help set the Taiwanese model apart from its competition are the various pieces of technology on-board. Key among these is the THINK+ Touch system, which has been developed with smartphone maker hTC and runs the Android operating system. Based around a central 9” touch screen, it controls various multimedia, communication and navigation functions.

Several sophisticated driver aids also appear on the specification list, including Night Vision+ night driving image enhancement, Side View+ blind spot monitoring and LDWS+ lane departure warning. In addition, a head-up display for the cockpit is featured that complements the LCD and LED instrument displays.



Two turbocharged petrol engines will be offered: a 147 bhp (110 kW / 150 PS) 1.8 litre which comes with a five-speed automated transmission, or a 167 bhp (125 kW / 170 PS) 2.0 litre coupled to a six-speed automated gearbox. In this sector, the lack of a diesel option for Europe is a serious omission that’s bound to severely limit the Luxgen’s sales.

Related post:
Hyundai unveils i40 saloon