2012 Ford Evos

 The Ford Evos Concept car measures 4.50m (177in) long, 1.97m (77in) wide and 1.36m (53in) high, with a wheelbase of 2.74m (108in). With the length of a typical C-car, but with width of a CD-car, the Ford Evos Concept has a powerful, sporting stance. The forward position of the cowl, the strongly rounded front screen and the A-pillars set further to the rear enabled the designers to create the impression of a classic GT car, but with a very contemporary feel. The concept’s spectacular hinged gullwing-style doors, both front and rear, provide outstanding access to the spacious four-seat cabin. 

From the front, the Ford Evos Concept immediately signals the arrival of something new – a new face for Ford featuring the signature trapezoidal grille mounted higher on the car and creating a confident, more premium look. Bold, technical shapes, such as the extremely slim ‘laser cut’ front lamps or the dramatic graphic created by the front and rear screens connected by the thin glazed section of the roof, add a distinctive character to the design. Sculptured flanks highlight attention to detail on the surfacing, which lends a refined quality and a tauter, more muscular character.

The interior architecture features clean and simple surfaces, with a muscular, athletic character to the slim upper instrument panel, enhanced by bold trapezoidal cut-outs. Contrasting these muscular forms, curvaceous cockpit display surfaces sweep down either side of the driver, providing secondary information about vehicle and infotainment systems.

The concept features a bold red driver’s seat and the vision of unprecedented driver interaction via an advanced driver interface. The two rear seat passengers get an equally special experience, with dedicated touch-screen displays to interact with the vehicle and individually adjustable sports seats.

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2012 Subaru Impreza

Numerous design elements combine to give the Subaru Impreza a sportier exterior stance while also offering the driver and passengers a more commanding view of the road. The windscreen is more raked than in the previous model, with the bottom of the A-pillar moved 7.9 inches forward. This allows for a front door opening that is nearly five inches longer for easier entry/exit, abetted by lower doorsills. Rear doors are also larger on both 4 and 5-door body styles.

UK versions of the Subaru Impreza will be powered by an all new 4-cylinder 1.6 litre Boxer petrol engine and will be available with either a new five-speed manual transmission or Subaru’s Lineartronic CVT. With either transmission choice, the 2012 Impreza delivers significantly improved fuel economy over the car it replaces.

Subaru will offer two different Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive systems in the new Subaru Impreza. In models equipped with the five-speed manual, the Continuous AWD system uses a viscous-coupling to distribute power 50/50 front to rear, while any slippage will send more power to the opposite set.

Complementing the safety benefits of the AWD system, the new Subaru Impreza will also come as standard with Subaru’s Vehicle Dynamics Control (SVDC) – a system which combines stability and traction control functions – while all models are equipped with ABS, Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and the Brake Assist safety system.

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2012 Chevrolet Captiva Sport

The Chevrolet Captiva Sport features either an Ecotec 2.4L direct-injected four-cylinder or 3.0L direct-injected V-6 engine – each matched with a fuel-saving six-speed automatic transmission. Because the crossover is based on a proven GM global architecture, only minor revisions are required to meet federal standards, allowing Chevrolet to fast-track the Captiva Sport for the United States.

The Captiva Sport will be offered in LS and LT models, with four trim packages, including an all-wheel-drive model (LTZ). All models feature 17-inch aluminum wheels, XM Satellite Radio, six-speaker sound system, four-wheel disc brakes with antilock, traction control, StabiliTrak electronic stability control, air conditioning, power locks and windows (with driver’s express down) and remote keyless entry.

Uplevel LT and LTZ models include the V-6 engine (with dual exhaust), along with OnStar and Bluetooth phone connectivity. A rear-view camera and leather trim package – including leather-trimmed and heated front seats – are standard on LTZ and available on other trims. The LTZ trim also includes a 10-speaker sound system and a sunroof.

The Chevrolet Captiva Sport will be available for delivery in the fourth quarter of 2011, as a 2012 model.

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2011 Porsche 911 GT3 R Hybrid

At first glance, the new Porsche 911 GT3 R Hybrid is clearly distinguishable from the 2010 model. Thanks to the optimisation of the hybrid system’s high voltage components, the large louvres in front of the rear fenders were no longer necessary. This reduces drag and also lowers fuel consumption. All in all, the weight of the vehicle decreased from 1,350 to 1,300 kilograms.

 

 

The cockpit of the 911 GT3 R Hybrid has also been completely revised. Most of the displays and controls have moved to the steering wheel. Drivers can operate the rest of the functions via backlit buttons now situated on the centre console. Priority was placed on the ergonomics and the clear layout for pilots – particularly in darkness.

 

 

 

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2011 Kicherer Mercedes-Benz GL 42 Sport Black

The KICHERER GL 42 Sport Black special edition based on a Mercedes Benz GL 420 CDI is powered accordingly by a 4.2 liter V8 common rail turbo diesel engine; in the series state, it has 306 HP and 700 Newton meters as maximum torque. The performance improvement by KICHERER provides the GL 42 Sport Black with a full 380 HP and 900 Newton meters on the thick crankshaft. The additionally installed KICHERER PowerConverter also sharpens the electronic gas pedal characteristic curve, causing the heavy vehicle to react even more spontaneously to acceleration commands and enabling powerful acceleration from the very bottom. The two end pipes of the two-pipe sports exhaust system give off a deeply evil roar

The serial Airmatic chassis was also given a more sportive characteristic curve, making the GL 42 Sport Black comparatively light on it wheels when going around bends of any size. The Vogue complete wheel set consisting of 10×22 inch wheel rims and XXL size 295/35R22 tires also essentially contributes to the new driving dynamics.

For a sportive look, KICHERER retrofitted the GL 42 Sport Black, which is completely covered in matte black exclusive foil, with its own off-road package. The grille and all the Mercedes stars and decorative strips are now black to perfect the SUV’s “bad boy” look. KICHERER also improved the cockpit with the contoured ergonomic sports steering wheel.

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