From Spring 2012 the new versions of Renault Twingo RS and Gordini RS will join the range.
As a nice contrast, top of the steering wheel, seat backs and cushions, rev-counter surround and manual climate control controls are finished in white.
Distinguishing features of the Gordini model, as ever, include Gordini blue with whit stripes, 17-inch diamond-effect black wheels, leather trim and automatic climate control. Alternatively you can have the car in Malte Blue, Glacier White, Pearlescent Black or Vif Red.
On the inside, Renault sport yellow stitching accents the steering wheel, dash and seating, with gloss black detailing throughout.
The model comes equipped with a standard sport chassis with the option of a cup chassis option lowers height by 4mm. Low emissions and 3 percent fuel savings are also featured.
This detail, which now runs across the Renault Sport range, recalls Renault's success in Formula 1. Trademark Renault Sport yellow stitching will feature inside Renault Twingo RS (on the steering wheel, seats and dashboard cowl), while the dashboard, radio console, rev-counter housing and lateral air vents all come with Gloss Black inserts.
Renault Sport expertise
New Renault Twingo RS brings the driving enjoyment and sporty performance associated with Renault Sport Technologies' experience of motorsport to an even wider audience:
The optional Cup chassis (ride height lowered by 4mm) is an exceptional feature in new Renault Twingo RS's class, Twingo Gordini RS: the 'French Touch', plus premium features as standard
New Twingo Gordini RS adds a touch of refinement to the attraction of the Renault Sport range.
Matched to a six-speed manual transmission and driving the front wheels, the tiny engine will accelerate the 208 GTi Concept from 0-60 mph in around 7.0 seconds.
Other distinctive exterior features include double chromed exhaust tailpipes, a full bodykit, and a brushed aluminum 208 GTi Concept logo.
Interestingly, Peugeot is revealing not one, but two concept cars in Geneva. In addition to the 208 GTi Concept, Peugeot will also debut its 208-based XY Concept.
Peugeot hasn’t supplied outputs, or performance figures, for the 208 GTi concept, though in the RCZ the engine produces 147kW and 275Nm. The predominantly black cabin features red highlights, including red instrument dial surrounds, red gloss plastic for dash trim inserts, and red stitching for the steering wheel.
Enthusiasts will be hoping the new Peugeot 208 GTi is more like the 205 GTi to drive than the ultimately disappointing 206 GTi and 207 GTi models.
The GTI also features 36mm-wider tracks front and rear, with bigger brake discs (with red brake callipers) – 302mm front, 249mm rear – to help shed speed.
The XY Concept is intended for city dwellers who love distinction and refinement, whereas the Peugeot 208 GTi Concept re-generates an iconic legend.
Wheel arches have wing extensions, and bodywork with sills enhance the stance. Peugeot 208 GTi Concept: The re-generation of a legendary icon The red perforated leather steering wheel continues the check motif, and has a pronounced lower flat section, which carries the GTi Concept logo set in an aluminium ring. The Peugeot 208 GTi Concept takes its propulsion from the powerfully-compact RCZ THP 200 engine. Like all 208s, a small steering wheel greets the driver and with the GTi Concept, this accentuates the dynamic capability of this car with the enhanced power available. For optimum braking performance, the GTi Concept is equipped with four discs; 302mm diameter at the front and 249mm at the rear, set off by red-painted brake callipers. Peugeot 208 XY Concept: Urban chic The passenger compartment is trimmed with crimson stitched leather on the dashboard, armrests, steering wheel rings, gear lever gaiter and sides, and with stripes on seat inserts and floor mats, while the panoramic glass roof is edge-trimmed in black leather.
Pearly grey leather pleated seats feature five metal rings, which pinch and tighten the material. The Peugeot 208 XY Concept rides on exclusive dual-effect 18" alloy wheels complementing its 'Pulsion' colour and special detailing with coloured chrome decorating the panoramic glass roof trim.
MINI will reveal a new stand-out-from-the-crowd concept at Geneva International Motor Show 2012 – The MINI Clubvan Concept - a compact van for business and leisure, and the first premium model in the small car-based van segment.
The MINI Clubman-based concept car combines all of the driving fun and distinctive design for which MINI is renowned, with an increased load-carrying capability.
MINI will unveil a very different concept car at the Geneva Motor Show next month - the Clubvan. To turn the Clubman into a van, MINI has stripped out the back seats and created a flat load area which gors from the split rear doors up to a partition grille behind the front seats. The Clubvan Concept comes in British Racing Green including the roof, rear pillars and mirror caps.
The MINI Clubman-based concept car, scheduled for its world premiere at the Geneva International Motor Show 2012, combines the driving fun for which MINI is renowned with increased load-carrying capability. The load compartment of the MINI Clubvan Concept embodies the car's fresh and rigorous interpretation of the principle used in the classic Mini - of providing the maximum amount of interior space on the smallest possible footprint. This uniform colour scheme emphasises the pure-bred, practicality-oriented character of the MINI Clubvan Concept.
Like the MINI Clubman, the MINI Clubvan Concept is a five-door car with a twist. Impressive practicality and the brand's time-honoured style lend the MINI Clubvan Concept its unmistakable character. Sharing the exterior dimensions of the MINI Clubman and boasting cleverly increased storage capacity, the concept car is the first premium model in the small car-based van segment. The exterior appearance of the MINI Clubvan Concept marks it out immediately as a MINI - and therefore as a premium product. As is usual for vehicles charged with transportation tasks, the rear side windows of the MINI Clubvan Concept are opaque.
The unbroken paintwork along the car's flanks offers extensive scope for individualisation, which the MINI Clubvan Concept highlights to eye-catching effect. The MINI Clubvan Concept presented in Geneva lends this form of customisation a piquant authenticity - on two fronts. The British company that has literally left its stamp on the MINI Clubvan Concept creates similar vehicle graphics for its customers. And the MINI Clubvan Concept showcases how these might look when applied to a MINI van.
Ford's relatively new Transit Connect has revived a little van-love, but it has a bigger brother that's bound our way soon to replace the E-Series van.
America's Transit is coming, however. It will be built in Kansas City in both light-duty and heavy-duty versions, confirmed to Motor Authority by Ford. Ford's also touting the Tourneo's car-like interior, an aspect that could also come to America's Transit vans, in certain applications.
Previewing the introduction of a completely new range of people movers, with commercial vehicles to follow, the Ford Tourneo Custom Concept showcases a dramatic new look that will appeal to customers seeking style, functionality and space.
The Ford Tourneo Custom Concept will preview of a host of exciting new features, which give the vehicle strong car-like appeal.
The Concept also showcases a number of smart innovations including multi-adjustable and removable rear seating, advanced SYNC voice-activated, in-car connectivity system with Emergency Assistance feature, and the latest Ford low-CO2 ECOnetic Technologies.
Dramatic new design language The Ford Tourneo Custom Concept communicates very clearly a dramatic new design direction for Ford's commercial vehicle range, which will be introduced later in 2012.
With its advanced, streamlined appearance, the concept vehicle embodies the same dynamic character as Ford's Kinetic Design passenger cars - generating the strong sense of movement, even when the vehicle is standing still.
Signature Kinetic Design features helps give the Ford Tourneo Custom Concept its unique character, including the bold trapezoidal grille, strong and muscular shoulder line, prominent wheel lips and window lines with the distinctive kick at the rear. Luxurious car-like interior Bringing a whole new level of car-like style and sophistication to the personal use segment, the Ford Tourneo Custom Concept features an all-new interior design.
Smart New Features The Ford Tourneo Custom Concept highlights that customers in the personal use market can expect the same high levels of technology which are enjoyed by Ford car drivers.
ECOnetic Technologies - Ford's advanced low-CO2 features including Auto-Start-Stop and Smart Regenerative Charging.
The Ford Tourneo Custom Concept is based on a new Ford global platform which has been engineered to deliver car-like dynamics, including agile, responsive handling, enhanced ride comfort and reduced noise-levels. New Generation of Ford Commercial Vehicles The debut of the Ford Tourneo Custom Concept has added significance in heralding the arrival of a completely new generation of Ford commercial vehicles.
The Honda Accord Coupe Concept is a preview of the next-generation Accord that goes on sale this fall. This concept is so close to production that Honda announced detailed engine and transmission options.
Honda’s latest generation of engines and transmission will power the coupe, including a 2.4-liter four-cylinder with direct injection making 181 horsepower and a more powerful 3.5-liter V-6.
Both the Accord Sedan and the Accord Coupe models are expected to achieve class-leading fuel economy ratings and will be available with a number of innovative new safety and technological features.
The Honda Accord Coupe Concept features an athletic styling direction for Honda's best-selling model. The Honda Accord Coupe Concept's 20-inch, machine-finished, 5-spoke wheels contribute to its solid stance. While the Accord Coupe will remain similarly sized, the Accord Sedan will feature a more compact exterior footprint, adding to its sportier appearance.
Both the 2013 Accord Sedan and Accord Coupe will retain the current model's generous cabin space.
The Accord will offer three all-new powertrains for the 2013 model year. The 2013 Accord Sedan and Accord Coupe will also be offered with a re-engineered 3.5-liter, 24-valve, SOHC, i-VTEC V6 engine, paired to a new 6-speed automatic transmission or an available 6-speed manual transmission.
The 2013 Accord Sedan and Accord Coupe models equipped with the 6-speed automatic transmission will utilize Honda Variable Cylinder Management ™ (VCM™) technology and are targeted to achieve class-leading fuel economy along with an overall improvement in fuel economy compared to the outgoing model.
The 2013 Accord lineup will also feature the first application of a new two-motor plug-in hybrid system to the Accord Sedan. The Honda two-motor hybrid system moves continuously through three modes - all-electric, gasoline-electric and direct-drive - to maximize driving efficiency and fuel economy.
The Accord Plug-In Hybrid launch next winter.
The 2013 Accord will introduce numerous new features for enhanced driver safety, visibility and security.
New exterior and interior design details developed exclusively for the MINI Baker Street mark out this special-edition model.
The two models, the MINI Baker Street and MINI Bayswater, honor both real and fictional areas of London.
The Mini Baker Street and the Mini Bayswater aim to spread “contemporary London style” around the world. Unique to the Baker Street models is the Rooftop Grey metallic paint with black, V-shaped bonnet stripes.
The high-gloss black 16-inch alloy wheels match the roof and mirror caps. The Bayswater model gets its own unique paint colour – Kite Blue – and can also be ordered in black, grey or Radiant Blue.
Baker Street So what defines these special editions? Rooftop Grey metallic paint, V-shaped black bonnet stripes, gloss-black 16-inch twin-star alloymetallic paint, V-shaped black bonnet stripes, gloss-black 16-inch twin-star alloy wheels, gloss black mirror caps, and a black roof complete the exterior.
Optional colors for the Baker Street are Pepper White and Midnight Black.
The MINI Baker Street can also be ordered as an option in the body shades Pepper White and Midnight Black.
Cross Check Rooftop Grey light is also used for the surfaces of the cockpit and door trim and is combined with a Rooftop Grey light Colour Line.
The Chrome Line Interior package adds further lustre.
The range of available engine variants for the MINI Baker Street spans the MINI One (72 kW/98 hp), MINI Cooper (90 kW/122 hp), MINI One D (66 kW/90 hp) and MINI Cooper D (82 kW/112 hp).
While Toyota continues to roll out its full hybrid technology to new market segments through models such as the Auris Hybrid and Yaris Hybrid, the Prius remains the most recognizable product to feature Toyota's full hybrid powertrain design.
The new Toyota Prius features a revised exterior design, improved interior sensorial quality, enhanced instrumentation and a range of affordable multimedia and advanced navigation systems: Toyota Touch, Toyota Touch & Go Plus and Toyota Touch Pro.
The Toyota Prius remains a front-runner in the field of technological innovation. The third generation Toyota Prius, launched in 2009, showcases a Head-up Display, projecting useful information onto the base of the windscreen, including vehicle speed, the Eco Drive Monitor and the status of the optional Pre-Crash Safety and Active Cruise Control systems.
Intelligent Parking Assist enables the Toyota Prius to automatically manoeuvre into the chosen parking spot. The third generation Toyota Prius also introduces the world-first combination of a solar ventilation system and remote controlled air conditioning. The new Toyota Prius' Intelligent Parking Assist system has been improved to allow even more efficient and faster parking manoeuvres. The new Prius offers customers a unique range of multimedia equipment choices. Toyota Touch & Go Plus builds on the Toyota Touch multimedia unit by adding numerous new, advanced technology features to Toyota's remarkable touch-screen multimedia system.
Toyota Touch Pro is the most sophisticated satellite navigation system yet offered by Toyota. This premium quality multimedia system features a high-resolution 7.0 inch touch-screen interface with a 'home' screen, displaying the most relevant air-conditioning, audio and navigation information.
An important facet of the Toyota full hybrid vehicle market expansion, the new 2012 Prius will now become the first full hybrid vehicle available as a complete stand-alone model range - Prius, Prius+ and Prius Plug-in Hybrid.
Prius+ and Prius Plug-in Hybrid both go on sale throughout Europe in the summer of 2012.
All models now feature the Toyota Touch touchscreen system for audio, multimedia connectivity and Bluetooth, plus a rear-view camera. Prius T Spirit models come as standard with Toyota's Touch & Go Plus premium package. This adds sat-nav, voice recognition for phone calls, music search and play, plus phone contact search and call functions to the standard touchscreen set-up.
Prices for the 2012 Toyota Prius have been revealed. Inside, there are new, darker dashboard materials, while T Spirit versions have new black seat trim. T4 models gain a new eight-speaker JBL stereo, while T Spirit cars add water-repellent glass, automatic LED headlamps and an auto-dimming rear-view mirror.
Exterior The 2012 Toyota Prius is right on-trend in terms of Toyota’s new design approach, which introduces a stronger focus on the lower part of the car’s front end. T Spirit models now use LED headlamps, too, which come with a washer system, while all versions gain new power-folding heated door mirrors.
Model grades and equipment The 2012 Toyota Prius retains its three-grade line-up of T3, T4 and T Spirit. All models adopt the innovative Toyota Touch touchscreen system for audio, multimedia connectivity and Bluetooth, plus a rear-view camera.
Toyota Touch & Go Plus and Toyota Touch Pro T Spirit versions are fitted with the Touch & Go Plus premium package with satellite navigation, advanced traffic pattern intelligence on programmed routes, voice recognition for calls, music search and play, and phone contacts search and call functions. The system’s connectivity allows access to Google Local Search (using a compatible mobile phone, and pre-registration via a Toyota customer portal) to obtain useful information on navigation locations and services such as live parking and fuel prices.
Toyota Touch Pro is available as part of the optional Technology Pack for T Spirit.
New equipment features As well as Toyota Touch, the T3 Prius gains LED daytime running lights and a folding function on the electric heated door mirrors. T4 models are newly fitted with an eight-speaker JBL audio system, with power-saving GreenEdge speaker technology.
Nissan Juke Shiro, a new top-of-the-range version of the hugely successful Juke, has arrived giving greater choice to customers looking for a car that's truly distinctive.
Launched at the 2012 Brussels Motor Show, Nissan Juke Shiro is aptly named. "Juke is all about individual choice. Nissan Juke Shiro, with its distinctive white accented interior, gives those buyers another opportunity to create a Juke that suits their own personal style and taste," said Gareth Dunsmore, Juke Product Manager for Europe
Nissan Juke Shiro builds on the top Tekna grade and is available with all three engine choices - 81kW (110PS) 1.5-litre dCi; 86kW (117PS) normally aspirated 1.6-litre petrol; and the turbocharged direct injection petrol 1.6-litre DIG-T which develops 140kW (190PS). Nissan Juke Shiro also benefits from a carefully selected accessory package which adds a number of useful features all designed to harmonise with Shiro's white interior features.
