Chevrolet Prices New Orlando MPV from £16,395 in the UK [Plus New Photo Gallery]

The new Chevrolet Orlando compact minivan won't arrive in UK dealerships before Spring of 2011, but the company has already released detailed pricing and specifications. Available in three trim levels and with three engines including two diesel options, the 7-seater MPV will carry a base price of £16,395 (about US$25,400).

The range kicks off with the entry level Orlando LS, which comes equipped with ESC, air conditioning, follow-me-home headlights, electric windows and mirrors, remote central locking, six airbags, three 12v power sockets, tinted windows and an adjustable steering wheel as standard.

The LS is offered with the choice of two engines, the 141PS 1.8-liter petrol engine, or a new 130PS 2.0-litre diesel unit, the latter of which also comes with a six-speed manual gearbox as standard.

The better equipped LT models add several features including rear parking distance sensors, a USB port, 16-inch alloy wheels, climate control, a chrome-effect tailgate handle, driver’s armrest, leather-covered steering wheel, front fog lights, electric rear windows and an upgraded sound system with steering wheel audio controls.

Furthermore, the LT can be specified with the most powerful Orlando engine, a 163PS 2.0-litre diesel with six-speed manual gearbox, or a six-speed auto as an option.

At the top of the range we meet the LTZ models, which are offered with all three engine options and add unique 17-inch alloys, automatic cruise control, an electro-chromatic rear view mirror, automatic headlights and windscreen wipers, blue ambient panel lighting, a glossy black centre console, power-folding door mirrors, a rear cargo net and chrome-effect body detailing.

For detailed pricing and performance / fuel economy figures, check out the list below.

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Volkswagen Service Personnel make use of Virtual X-Ray Vision Tech

At some point, every child would like to be a superhero with X-ray vision. Adults too, though they would use the ability for very different purposes... Until now, only a select few, like TSA personnel, have had the opportunity to see what’s it like to have superhuman vision.

Volkswagen is changing this by introducing the “Augmented Reality” technology designed to offer its service personnel a virtual X-ray-like view of the car. According to the automaker, employees will make use of this technology to improve their training and knowledge of the cars.

“Augmented Reality” utilizes a video-based positioning software to determine the position of the image projector and viewer in relation to the studied vehicle. That means that computer-generated details can be projected with extreme precision onto the car’s body, thus giving the onlooker the opportunity to study what’s under the sheetmetal without ever opening the bonnet.

“Three-dimensional design data is projected onto the surfaces of a production vehicle, in the correct position and in perspective even from different viewing angles. This creates a kind of 'virtual x-ray vision' for the viewer, which enables them to see otherwise hidden components and structures inside the vehicle” explained Prof. Jürgen Leohold, Head of Volkswagen Group Research.

The system also allows for individual components or component designations to be placed over or, if necessary, to project other prepared animations onto the vehicle.

This technology was first used on the Touareg Hybrid, shown in the gallery below, during training sessions for importer instructors and for service training on the new Sharan as well.

The new tgechnology was developed in-house by Volkswagen Group Research and Volkswagen Service Academy and its use is going to be extended in the near future for international training, vehicle development, production planning and even marketing.

By Csaba Daradics

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BBR gives MX-5 235 bhp

The Mazda MX-5 is a great little sports car, but the most powerful version currently available features a 2.0 litre engine with a fairly modest 158 bhp (118 kW / 160 PS).



For those who think that that’s not enough, tuner BBR has got together with Cosworth Engineering to provide a fix.

Their solution is to attach a fourth generation Eaton MP62 supercharger, which lifts power by almost 50% to 235 bhp (175 kW / 238 PS), while torque rises from 188 Nm (138 lb/ft) to 257 Nm (190 lb/ft). That puts the BBR-Cosworth MX-5 right on a par with competitors such as the £33,870 Mercedes-Benz SLK 300.



However, the conversion consists of more than just the supercharger. To help the engine breathe better, a Cosworth inlet manifold housing is fitted, together with high-flow calibrated injectors, air box and air filter.

Managing everything is a BBR Auxiliary Interceptor 2010 engine control unit, which has 3-D mapping and a MAP sensor. An air to water intercooler is also included in the package, and competition-grade hoses and fixings are used throughout.



The finishing touches are the BBR-Cosworth identification badges, which are the only external clue to the under-bonnet transformation.



The BBR-Cosworth Mazda MX-5 supercharger upgrade is priced at £4,995.00, including installation by BBR. Kits will also be made available for DIY fitting.

KICHERER SLS 63 Supersport

German tuner Kicherer has released their program for the Mercedes-Benz SLS 63 AMG. Upgrades include a carbon fiber front spoiler, a stainless steel exhaust system, a new rear diffuser, forged RS-1 wheels and a few carbon fiber interior parts. To top it off, they also include a lift-up system with this package that raises the vehicle by 1.2 inches at a touch of a button. As many owners of lowered sports cars would tell you, this system will often come quite handy.

Applying lessons learned from its previous modified Mercs, the tuner has upgraded the 6.2-liter V-8 engine to the tune of 601 horsepower and 495 pound-feet of torque, lifting performance of the SLS AMG into true supercar territory.

While the Mercedes SLS AMG standard develops 571 hp all, 2010 Mercedes SLS 63 Supersport by Kicherer package goes to the impressive 610 hp and torque to 670 nm. This increase was driven by a stainless steel sport exhaust and performance optimization package. In addition to good performance increase Mercedes SLS AMG also gets a new lift top-line sport chassis, allowing up to 30 mm increased, a feature that makes 2010 Mercedes SLS 63 Supersport by Kicherer easier to run on those annoying speed bumps. On the other hand, are the same sports suspension lowers the button is easy to maneuver through the garage.

The aerodynamic package includes a front spoiler lip in carbon and read diffuser fins in carbon. The package is finished by RS-1 multi-part forged wheels and a series of interior decorative parts in carbon.




Press Release

KICHERER Fahrzeugtechnik SLS 63 Supersport

KICHERER - ART MEETS FUTURE

KICHERER Fahrzeugtechnik company from Stockach am Bodensee and photography master of international renown Frank Luger of Art-Photography from Albstadt have been a perfectly aligned team since 2005.

In the course of these years, F. Luger developed a unique image style for presenting the KICHERER-High end vehicles. It perfectly mirrors the company's philosophy.

Our philosophy and our objective is clearly emphasizing the visual basic forms by higher-quality sportive highlights. The complete hand-made KICHERER performance programme consistently presents the sportively dynamic character.

The design objective of the SLS 63 AMG is perfect combination of functional quality, craftsmanship and sophisticated design.

When these requirements are met, we give our vehicles the >>SUPERSPORT<<>

EXCLUSIVE for the SLS:
In cooperation with the KICHERER technology partner KW Automotive GmbH, the lift up system for the SLS 63 AMG was developed. This complete chassis removes the obstacles previously presented by parking garages, garage entries or steps. The vehicle with the KICHERER lift-up threaded chassis is raised by up to 30 millimetres on the push of a button to easily drive over obstacles. We would also like to emphasize the excellent driving characteristics in quick bends. The driving feeling is much more sportive and secure without losing any driving comfort.

Additional technical conversation measures

• KICHERER RS-1 multi-part forged wheels "hand-made"
• KICHERER performance optimisation for approx. 610 PS/670Nm
• KICHERER lift-up threaded sports chassis
• KICHERER stainless steel sports end pipe covers, 4 pipes
• KICHERER front spoiler lip in carbon
• KICHERER read diffuser fins in carbon
• KICHERER interior decorative parts in carbon

Spy Shot 2012 Hyundai Azera Sedan Concept

The affordable large car segment is starting to get just a little overcrowded, and in a time where customers all around the world are downsizing to smaller midsize models, performance, fuel-economy and overall value is now more important than ever.

South Korea’s entrants in this field have been winning plenty of accolades lately, especially newcomers like the Hyundai Genesis and the recently revealed Kia Cadenza, and now Hyundai looks set to continue this trend with a replacement for its aging Azera sedan, designed to meet the Germans on their own ground with a dramatic new look and packed with technology and features inside. While official information around the new Azera, which will be sold as the Grandeur in its home market, remains scarce, one of our South Korean readers, Jinhwan H. claims that word around local news sites is that the car will be offered locally with a choice of three engines. These include the Sonata's 2.4-liter GDI with 200hp and 184.4lb-ft torque, a 3.0-liter V6 GDI delivering 263hp and 225.7lb-ft torque plus a 3.0-liter LPI running on Liquefied Petroleum Gas with 230hp, 204.7lb-ft torque.

Spy Shot 2012 Hyundai Azera Sedan Concept  

For the North American version there is talk about the 2012 Azera being offered with the 263HP 3.0-liter GDI V6 and a 3.3-liter GDI V6 producing 286HP and 254.6lb-ft torque, with power in both cases being transferred to the front wheels through a six-speed automatic transmission.

BBR Cosworth Mazda MX-5 MK3 supercharger specification

BBR–Cosworth Mazda MX-5 MK3 supercharger specification

Cosworth Inlet manifold housing
Eaton 4th generation MP62 Supercharger
Intercooler (Air to water)

High flow calibrated injectors
High flow air box, with high flow air filter
Competition high grade hoses and fixings throughout
BBR Auxiliary Interceptor 2010 engine control unit (ECU) with 3-D mapping and MAP sensor
BBR-Cosworth identification badges

2012 Audi A6 Sedan with 2.0TFSI Hybrid Engine

2012 Audi A6 Sedan with 2.0TFSI Hybrid Engine  New

The 204HP model completes the 0-100 km/h (62mph) sprint in 7.7 seconds and reaches a top speed of 240 km/h (149 mph). Average consumption in the EU cycle comes to 7.4 liters per 100 km (31.79 US mpg) with 172 g CO2 per km (276.81 g/mile).

The 3.0 TFSI sprints from standing to 100km/h in 5.5 seconds and reaches an electronically governed top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph). It consumes on average 8.2 liters per 100 km (26.7 US mpg) and emits 190 g CO2 per km (305.78 g/mile).

There are three diesel options starting with a redeveloped 2.0-liter four-cylinder TDI producing 177 hp and 380 Nm (280.27 lb-ft) of torque. In conjunction with a manual gearbox, it propels the A6 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 8.7 seconds, then on to a top speed of 228 km/h (141.67 mph). In the EU cycle, it requires 4.9 liters per 100 km (48 US mpg) and emits 129 g CO2 per km (207.61 g/mile).

Next up in the diesel family is the 3.0 TDI V6 with 204 hp and 400 Nm (295.02 lb-ft) of torque. Paired with a multitronic transmission, it accelerates the A6 to 100 km/h (62mph) in 7.2 seconds and achieves a top speed of 240 km/h (149mph). Its average consumption is 5.2 liters per 100 km with a CO2 emissions level of 137 g per km (220.48 g/mile).

The top-of-the-line version of the 3.0 TDI churns out 245 hp and 500 Nm (368.78 lb-ft) of torque allowing the A6 to hit the 100km/h mark in just 6.1 seconds, continuing on to a limited top speed of 250 km/h (155mph). On average, this diesel powerplant uses 6.0 liters of fuel per 100 km (39US mpg) and emits 158 g CO2 per km (254.28 g/mile).

2012 Audi A6 Sedan with 2.0TFSI Hybrid Engine 

2012 Audi A6 Sedan with 2.0TFSI Hybrid Engine  Prototype