New Automotive 2011

Volvo penning XC30 crossover for 2013

1:56 AM newbie No comments

Volvo is developing an entry-level crossover as part of a wider future model scheme started by Stefan Jacoby.

Volvo has watched its market-share in Europe freefall in recent years, so this new SUV will be primarily aimed at Europe, however, the newcomer is also being looked at to offer a basis for planned production actions in China.

The sub-compact SUV will carry the XC30 nameplate and will compete directly with the BMW X1, Audi Q3, and Mercedes� forthcoming premium mini-SUV, when it goes on sale in 2013.

Underpinning the C30 hatchback, the vehicle is being produced to sway younger customers away from BMW. It�s also being planned to offer similar profitability attained by the best-selling XC60.

Internal sources suggest the 5 seat XC30 will be immediately recognisable as a Volvo with an exterior �in the mould of the XC60 but with added visual dynamism and a class-leading interior�. The new model will be 280mm shorter than the XC60, at 4,350mm.

The XC30 has pushed back the all-new S40, which has been placed on a temporary hold for around 18 months from its intended introduction in an attempt to free up engineering space.

Jacoby said: �I�d rather get two or three cars right than attempt to compete in every market segment.�

Two variant may be on offer: a regular model for Europe and a long-wheelbase for North America and China.

2010 BMW Sports Cars Z4 GT3

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2010 BMW Sports Cars Z4 GT3

The German company BMW has been considered as one of the top manufacturers ever since it was first introduced in 1916, they have been an expert when it comes to creating new and innovative vehicles to cater to the market. GT3 BMW Z4, which is officially launched and completed the first test drive in early March, already enjoying great popularity among customers of BMW Motorsport. The first cars delivered to private teams, BMW will prepare them for use in national and international championships.

2010 BMW Sports Cars Z4 GT3

BMW Z4 production model is impressive: with a long hood, wheel arches are lit, the long wheelbase and narrow projection, this car offers a unique look. BMW Motorsport engineers two passengers provide a good basis to develop close to GT3 racing car production.

�Information about the 2010 BMW Sports Cars Z4 GT3 very positive,� said BMW Motorsport Director Mario Theissen. �Round these sports cars in the range of our products, and provides drivers and teams a chance to compete at the championships in accordance with the GT3 regulations � such as the FIA GT3 European Championship, the International GT Open or Masters ADAC GT � and 24-hour endurance races." In addition, the BMW M3 GT2, the BMW 320si WTCC, which complies with Super2000 regulations, and the close-to-production BMW M3 GT4 are also available to customer teams from all over the world at BMW Motorsport Distribution.

2010 BMW Sports Cars Z4 GT3

The largest difference between production and racing car can be found under the bonnet: while the production version of the BMW Z4 is driven by a six-cylinder engine, the GT3 car is powered by a 4.0-litre eight-cylinder engine similar to the unit used in the BMW M3 GT2. This powerful heart produces over 480 bhp. Its excellent performance characteristics and good torque curve make the base engine from the production version of the BMW M3 predestined for use in motorsport.

Front and rear wings, bonnet, roof, fender and many other components are made of carbon fibre reinforced plastics (CFRP). Using this lightweight, torsion-resistant material contributed significantly to reducing the weight of the 2010 BMW Sports Cars Z4 GT3 to 1,200 kilograms. As with all cars in the BMW customer racing range, the emphasis was also put on cost-efficiency when developing the 2010 BMW Sports Cars Z4 GT3. As a result, the car offers an excellent cost / quality ratio and gives the team a chance to participate personally in the affordable sports car at the highest level.

2010 BMW Sports Cars Z4 GT3

The BMW Z4 GT3 is available as a racing version is available from the second quarter of 2010 at an estimated price of 298,000 Euro (plus VAT).

New Car: 2011 Kia Picanto/Morning

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Following yesterday�s spy photos of the Picanto/Morning undisguised on a commercial shoot, Kia has taken the wraps of the all-new city-car by releasing official photos.

This time round, Kia is targeting a younger, more style-conscious customer. The instantly recognisable �tiger� grille gives the car ocular links with other Kia models, while its erect stance, stubby nose and projector-type rearward swept headlights give a strong resemblance of the Venga sub-compact MPV, and make the city-car more mature.

Kia�s Chief Design Officer, Peter Schreyer, said, �In profile, new Picanto features significant sculpting and a very prominent rising character line. The result is a layering of light and shadow and this breaks up the height, giving the car a more sure-footed stance.�

No interior photos have been release yet, but our sources claim a 3-spoke steering wheel and metallic internal finishes will give the Picanto/Morning a classy environment. Air conditioning and audio controls will be fixed on the centre console.

The new car is longer than the current model, with a longer wheelbase to offer more cabin space for occupants. The 5dr model will be sold globally, however, a sportier 3dr is likely to remain exclusively in Europe.

Powering the Picanto/Morning will be a variety of engines. On the petrol side, a 68bhp 1.1 will be offered in certain markets, while a 1.25 litre 85bhp and a 69bhp 1.0 3-cylinder will be offered internationally. The former may eventually be replaced with an 80bhp and a turbocharged 110bhp 1.0 litre. This engines will be offered in LPG, bi-fuel and flex-fuel variations, depending on local market requirements.

On the diesel side, the current 1.1 litre 4-cylinder diesel will be offered in selected markets. This will be available with 75bhp and produce 151Nm (112lb-ft) of torque.

The next generation Picanto/Morning will receive its official unveiling at the Geneva International Motor Show on Tuesday 1st March 2011 with European sales starting shortly after, although, no official UK sale date has been set.