German high-speed comfort, at the rate desired and reasonable consumption. Super luxury with € 45,000 in options.

Comes with everything and this explains its invoice price, not a monstrous petrol engine 500 hp, but a diesel, although one of the best in terms of strength, dedication and finesse. This in its new A6 Avant offers a dynamic aesthetic, practical or even pretend to look like modern-family, accentuated by a beautiful, spectacular and costly optional 20-inch wheel diameter. The brand image is well marked, even too much, “but it’s a new one?”, You get to ask. Five meters of style, impressed once inside, but less, perhaps because the lower level and delights us with large dwellings such as Mondeo and Passat, to name the most prominent.

A family emergency gives us the opportunity to explore the uses A6 travelers. The lightning round of early and return without having to spend the night away. Optional LED lights are more than a cosmetic claim and offer travel at a good pace with a wide beam. The steering wheel suddenly makes us feel that we are indeed within the segment E, the large sedan and left behind in terms of comfort, dynamism and poise refers those labeled “D segment”.

For the way we program the car to our liking in the Audi Drive Select, full options menu. Select the optional adaptive air suspension, dynamic-mode and everything else (motor / change management, sport differential, belt tensioner) Comfort mode. Comfort is evident, and thus corroborates our only companion, the direction ruled by a wheel without flattening at its bottom, thankfully, is highly accurate and conveys much security, support in curves of varying radius are accurate and It swallows bumps superbly despite similar wheels and suspension on dynamic configuration. The engine is not heard and rolling, I do feel at low speeds, the aerodynamic noise cover. We arrive at your destination with an average consumption of 10.5 l/100 km real (computer brand 9.8) to a medium-high speed.

The return is done with Efficiency program, which serves among other things, and is most noticeable-on the throttle, changing its performance to lose up to 20 percent of par. If we take the journey with confidence seems exciting to get a record consumption, because the ports and overtaking the still faces in full play, but when we step on the throttle again offering us this pair was saved for moments. The actual consumption when I get home is 10.9 l/100 km. Is it for having to climb the 700 m of the plateau? Or to bring almost all “consumers” connected? We conclude the journey without fatigue and wondering if there is a more balanced car in its category.

Audi A6 Avant 3.0 TDI is a post from: Auto Art and Trend

The sports brand associated with the Fiat group now launches a new limited edition: the Abarth 695 Tribute Maserati. The Fiat 500C is the basis in this release that honors Maserati. Features exclusive and 1.4 T-Jet 180 hp are your business card. Only 499 will have it lucky.

Abarth comes with a new version dedicated to one of the most exclusive manufacturers in Italy. After doing the same with Ferrari, Maserati is now up to: the Fiat 500C as a base, this limited edition pays tribute to 499 units transalpine her cousin. Dubbed Abarth 695 Tribute Maserati, has several distinctive elements that do justice to his name.

Among them, stands the Record Monza sport exhaust with identical design to the thoroughbred Maserati, whose sound can be set to sound more or less athletic. It also adds a sportier tuned suspension, alloy wheels 17-inch Neptune design Maserati and Brembo brake calipers. With color Bordeaux Pontevecchio body, hiding inside all sorts of unique additions, from the instrument panel designed by Jaeger LeCoultre, to carbon fiber details and logo Tribute 695 Abarth Maserati on the headrests, dashboard or door sills.

Mechanically speaking nothing new under the sun: the Abarth 695 Tributo Maserati assembles the 1.4 T-Jet boosted to 180 hp, we know the Tribute Ferrari and other variants of the Fiat 500 Abarth signed by.

Maserati Abarth 695 Tribute is a post from: Auto Art and Trend

The new Mini prototype ready for the Geneva Motor Show opens new frontiers for the subsidiary of BMW. If your character so unique at the wheel and your design will add an unparalleled capacity and commercial purposes, the result is the new Mini Concept Clubvan.

The Mini Clubman , which is based on the new ‘concept’ of Mini, in itself and carries a payload space and away from what is customary in the range of vehicles from the British subsidiary of BMW. The secret of the new Clubvan Concept lies in removing the rear seats and other features that we detail below, waiting to know more details as we approach the Geneva Motor Show, the scene of its world.

Besides not having the rear seats that carried the Mini Clubman, the new prototype also differs from it by the rear side windows sealed and not translucent polycarbonate. In the rest, their characteristics are detailed in the two front seats, five doors and the many possible uses, giving the Mini a more functional and versatile.

To separate the front seats with the rear cargo area, the Clubvan Concept uses a separating grid anchored to the body and prevents items carried forward to go to space vehicle. This grating is formed by solid aluminum at its bottom stainless steel and silver on the top. The cargo area is completely flat and extends to the rear door of two wings known as the Mini Clubman. The sides and the floor are covered with high quality textile material of anthracite, while the roof lining of the same color.

The Mini Concept Clubvan copy the five-door Clubman: the front driver and passenger, both rear above the wing and Clubdoor door on the right side that opens in the opposite direction, allowing easy access to any part the vehicle and, in this case, introducing and removing objects from the side with greater ease. Further details of Mini Concept Clubvan are 12-volt outlets in the cargo area, green ‘British Racing’ for the exterior and tinted rear windows.

For a similar model we have to travel to the year 1960 when, only a year after the release of the classic Mini, the brand brought to market the Morris Mini Van, with a performance of closed cargo door and rear wings with a superior battle .

Mini Concept Clubvan, the ‘van’ small premium is a post from: Auto Art and Trend

The distinction and luxury are part of the letter of the new Skoda Superb Laurin & Klement. This new finish, with an extensive standard equipment and unique items, some of the 34,750 euros and is available in the configuration as in the family sedan Combi.

The Czech brand again retrieves the name Laurin & Klement for the Skoda Superb . The sedan associated manufacturer Volkswagen is offered in the Spanish market with this new finish that includes a distinctive and comprehensive standard equipment. The price of the 34,750 euros.

This name is a tribute to Vaclav Laurin and Vaclav Klement, the founders of the brand that started its journey in the early twentieth century. Laurin & Klement has always been synonymous with distinction. For the most exclusive model range Skoda would not be an exception.

The Skoda Superb Laurin & Klement is distinguished from other elements such as alloy wheels 18-inch rear-end LED-in the case of the sedan-tinted windows and logo L & K that adorns the sides of the model or the doorways. Inside, leather upholstery highlights brown, with the aforementioned logo engraved on the seats and the four-spoke multifunction steering wheel or the interior finish in piano lacquer Executive which optionally can be replaced with wood inserts . No need either an extensive standard equipment, most notably the acoustic sensor system for the rear parking aid and Bolero audio with 10 speakers.

This exclusive edition of the Czech sedan will be available at higher engine range: the 2.0 TSI DSG 200 hp, the 3.6 FSI with 260 hp and 2.0 liter TDI and 170 hp, both with manual such as automatic dual-clutch DSG.

Prices Laurin & Klement Skoda Superb – Superb 2.0 TSI 200 hp (147 kw) DSG: 34,980 euros

• Superb 3.6 V6 FSI 260 hp (191 kW): 39,800 euros
• Superb 2.0 TDI 170 hp (125 kW): 34,150 euros
• Superb 2.0 TDI 170 hp (125 kw) DSG: 36,090 euros
• Superb 2.0 TDI 170 hp (125 kw) 4×4: 36,280 euros

Prices Skoda Superb Combi Laurin & Klement – Superb Combi 2.0 TSI 200 hp (147 kw) DSG: 35,545 euros

• Superb Combi 3.6 FSI V6 260 hp (191 kW): 40,360 euros
• Superb Combi 2.0 TDI 170 hp (125 kW): 34,750 euros
• Superb Combi 2.0 TDI 170 hp (125 kw) DSG: 36,660 euros
• Superb Combi 2.0 TDI 170 hp (125 kw) 4×4: 36,845 euros

Laurin & Klement Skoda Superb is a post from: Auto Art and Trend

According to a study by JD Power, an American company dedicated to consumer protection, 2011 has achieved the best record in terms of reliability of the cars are concerned.

The most reliable brand according to the analysis is Lexus, the Lexus LS as the winner, while more have been awarded Toyota and Ford. That cars today will experience fewer mechanical problems is not new. However, what is remarkable is that if 2011 has obtained the best reliability record in history. This is confirmed by a study by JD Power. According to the American company specializing in consumer protection, Lexus is the brand that has suffered fewer incidents last year. Once again regained Toyota, Lexus and Scion with, cup the top of this list.

For analysis, JD Power has chosen cars with a maximum age of three years and compared to 2010, the average has improved by 13 percent. In fact, over the previous year, between 25 and 32 brands are now more reliable, while only six have worsened and has maintained the same score level.

According to the U.S. entity, the brand is Lexus with fewer problems, and its sedan LS car that holds the top spot as a model with fewer mechanical problems. Also, follow the manufacturer Nippon Premium brands like Porsche, Cadillac, Toyota and Scion itself.

As usual, Toyota enjoys the top spot in reliability, as well as brand, including its two partners Lexus and Scion, as in models: a total of eight of their cars fall under the list of JD Power. In particular are the Lexus ES 350, the Scion tC, the Lexus RX 350, the Scion xB, the hybrid Toyota Prius and the Sienna, Tundra and Yaris . Meanwhile, in what refers to American brands, has been the most awarded Ford with three models identified as the most reliable on the market: Ford Explorer, Ford Fusion and Lincoln MKZ.

Lexus, the most trusted brand in the U.S. is a post from: Auto Art and Trend

He left an indelible mark that 205 GTi of many horses and light weight that slid between curve and curve with the agility of a cat.

Behind him came a saga full of successes, of course, be successor again using the same recipe as always. Now, this saga continues his legend with the new Peugeot 208 GTi, 1.6 THP engine “only” 200 hp.

The keys of the new Peugeot 208 GTi will include: low weight, high power and tuning for most amateur driver. The same recipe that decade after decade have made ​​the smallest GTi Peugeot (from 206, under the name RC) in a dream sport for those who like curves devour old-fashioned, but none after the “original” has excelled both in terms of its direct competition as the 205 GTi with their peers.

Now takes the formula to the end and serve more than ever resemble the first … to resort to a striking name in the rear pillars as was once the (embedded, of course) the 205 GTi. There are a lot of product evolution from 207 to 208. More quality, more technical content, better engines and above all more secure by active and passive, it is also heavier, but more horsepower, a stiffer structure, logic developments leave us year after year tire manufacturers and, of course, also Peugeot’s hand with that special touch to perfect the claim not only sports that seem so, but be.

The RZ is the last stronghold of exciting cars left in the current Peugeot range, since the life of the 207 RC was fleeting, leaving the range, after passing for 177 hp at only 156. The nostalgic, therefore, are (we’re) in luck. For now, as they say, only this is a concept which highlights its spectacular aesthetic resources background. But, great news. Peugeot decided to mount the THP version 1.6 “pata negra” as that carried in the coupe of the house, with 200 horses explosives. And for the first time, with a change of 6 clams!

Peugeot 208 GTi Concept is a post from: Auto Art and Trend

Sweeps back in your step. And threat, or deviate from their path or all will make its way to ashes. Never a compact was faster and there never a 340 hp supercar was so usable in day to day. The initials RS trace again, now for the first time on an Audi A3.

Created “on purpose” for the greatest battle ever between compact view (remember the most popular segment of the market), the new Audi RS3 seeks to become, since its first generation, in myth. Because very few can dare to rise to “toserle”. Certainly we have seen before birth to powerful Ford Focus RS 500, Volkswagen Golf R, Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X. But now seem almost beside little. And that is to see down the 4.2 seconds the Audi RS3 has been recorded in the 0-100 km / h have to actually look at a Porsche 911 Turbo, a Nissan GT-R or, Audi R8 racing car only V10. Brutal. Only a BMW 1 Series M (curiously, like Audi, release your full model based on generational change) can maintain the type, but also done by bending the knee.

Fire at will

The image, therefore, does not do justice to the new Audi RS3, although some might prefer to go unnoticed. For where the BMW 1 M Coupe shows a muscular, aggressive, a force of nature, here we observe in reality an old Audi A3 Sportback, the only body available to subtract not impact other sports of the brand, as the smallest TT . It is the traditional formula of Audi RS, which does not even appear in a domed hood threat signal. Today, only as an alternative payment, get color wheels, chrome or plastic seat covers as a warning sounding, but more as questionable tuning brand. And the reality is that this Audi RS3 is neither that, nor a simple GTI decorated: there are many hours in ‘boxes’.

For its development, Audi has a game like S3 and with hidden tracks widened, f reindeer hard oversized plastic front wings reinforced with carbon fiber to lighten the complex and profound development of frame, with springs and dampers reviewed and a body 25 mm lower than any Audi A3 (suffered in access), comes the new king of the compact, which only needed an engine mount also able to exploit that potential. It does so with the sophisticated 5-cylinder direct injection and variable valve timing of the Audi TT RS, 2.5 liter and 340 hp.

Audi RS3 supersonic. Pressing the button “S” (standard) and shyness goodbye. Interspersed with a butterfly in the exhaust system, Audi “orchestra” at will sound to show sport it is. It also helps to address more directly.

New school

And driving the new Audi RS3 soon feel the little he has to do with the BMW 1 M and its manual, say, of ‘old school’. For starters, here no hard and challenging manual: management is responsible for the ultra fast automatic S-Tronic dual-clutch 7-speed, nor the pure heavy steering and 1 M: the Audi RS3 is already fully power without losing accuracy practically, and not the sporty BMW propulsion: Typical Audi quattro is effective for Haldex clutch discs where his works at constant pressure by electric pump, deflecting home a minimum two ago, but transferred to a 90 percent if necessary. Reagent and feedforward, as when salt as a shell from a standstill ‘drag’ 4 wheels unlike a BMW where it is modulated or gas, or quit ‘smoking’. And why in the turbo Audi also blows, and how they go, without having to use two turbos like the BMW 1 M

Already visible graphic instrumentation, from 1,200 rpm shift emerges in the Audi RS3 to gain speed, very fast, but surprisingly progressive and driving smoothness. Until we stand ‘Kick Down’ and, this time looking at his watch, a real start skimming. Then, as an Airbus 380 which is only able to take off in the big tracks in the world, with the Audi RS3 the lines are short.

Overtaking all very close to a Porsche Cayman R (both effective automatic shift), but with the Audi ‘drag’ more than 230 kg weight. A fantastic idea and push the bullet RS3.

Difficult road to explore the possibilities of this Audi RS3, an engine that pushes and pulls up to 7,000 rpm. And full agility, because virtually forgotten now known tendency is understeer all Audi RS, here only present in very fast corners and high rates, when at cruising speed itself behaves as a front-wheel drive only. Suggests a fondness laid open, which in turn slowed since then vanishes. What work the pull!

Melee

That’s where the Audi RS3 is already beginning to take down opponents. Where the BMW 1 M shows only power outages, ESP brakes selective or very difficult to control back if disconnected electronic aids, the Audi RS3 shows a relentless motor, assuming full acceleration, and even occasionally asking her to start sharing pair back with an all-wheel drive helps get you into hairpins and tight turns. Also true that trap, now anchored Audi RS3 also for its huge tires further ahead than behind (235/35 front 225/35) to favor slightly the corner entry, and c on 19-inch tire provided as standard. Eye on the curbs urban change because the wreck.

Of course, it is also fair to recognize that the Audi RS3 takes some longer to find the support that the BMW 1 M (100 kg more weight end up being paid), which is also more monotonous in their reactions (though always natural and predictable even rolling very very fast) and the front is not as instantaneous. But, to paraphrase a famous pilot, “not how you enter a curve, but how salts thereof.” And the Audi RS3, there is now unstoppable.

And after 2,000 km

From Madrid to Barcelona and back. It certainly seemed the ideal car Audi RS3 to travel, but we decided to do so and, unexpectedly, Dr. Jekyll becomes Mr. Hyde on fast roads. Duration of their suspension in compression, extension in the RS3 can change certain license unlike their rivals, while on board, you do not seem to travel, as in the BMW 1 M, by the wing of an airplane by little we overcome the 100 km / h. In addition, ergonomics, restraint seats or driving position are impeccable. Soft controls, with relative comfort and sound very subdued despite not having a great aerodynamics, the Audi RS3 discover how to pass the miles with great dignity, almost as if we were traveling in an Audi A3 2.0 TFSI S-Line sport finish. Even their sports and hard seats do not stop punishing our bodies, nor the portfolio suffers more than necessary: ​​on average recorded 9.3 litres/100 km (with many sections in depth, now that no one hears us), that statutory rates highway are in a little over 8 l/100 km: as a full-throated Diesel.

Of course, over the miles also confirms certain defects in the Audi RS3: as, for example, chrome aesthetic as aerators generate large reflections in mirrors, and hinder visibility to the optional sports seats type Bacquet start a concert of pops up in the junction between the skin and the plastic … and it’s annoying, or that your steering wheel to drive optional ‘Ante’ gloves are needed most, because, more designed for racing, fades with the sweat and it peels (like the shift knob), giving a bad image.

Audi RS3 Sportback is a post from: Auto Art and Trend

The Lexus SUV range is renewed in 2012. The third generation, the new RX sum cosmetically. Failing to be officially presented in Geneva in a few days, we know it will look this version: for the rest of data will have to wait.

The luxury brand associated with Toyota, Lexus, pick the Geneva Motor Show 2012to present the restyling of its RX SUV. In jealous kept secret would look updating the model, but finally, just a few days before the opening of the Swiss sample, several images have been leaked.

While the leap gave the third generation of Lexus RX premiered in 2010 on this, the 2013 version shows a redesigned front whose main novelty is the grille, which incorporates the new design line and released the Lexus GS sedan. Also, the headlights are more stylized and add a row of LED daytime running lights, while the rear design slightly renewed. With respect to the interior, the changes are minor, highlighting a new bill wheel and some metal inserts in the dashboard.

It is hoped that the new version of the Lexus RX has the F Sport finished, you will enjoy most prominent defenders, alloy wheels and unique design of larger sport steering wheel, aluminum pedals and sports court with the name distinctive plates of the mark. Similarly, the 2013 Lexus RX hybrid variant will 450h of almost 300 hp. Speaking of powers, no data known to date about the mechanics, but is expected to mount the familiar 3.5-liter V6, which will be around 300 hp and add it fit better in performance or efficiency.

Lexus RX, Geneva debut is a post from: Auto Art and Trend

Is reminiscent of the A Team van, hit the market a new limited edition Smart Fortwo. In your business card can be read Sharpred and is distinguished by exclusive aesthetic details, starting from a price of 14,490 euros.

The smallest of the city opens 2012 with a new special edition of Sports intentions. We talked about the Smart Fortwo , which amounts in this release limited to 1,800 units last name Sharpred and is available in both coupe and the variation in micro urban convertible Daimler.

The Smart Fortwo Sharpred is distinguished mainly by a striking black bodywork, combined with the bright red dress the safety cell and mirrors. Also, details like the grille in black or alloy wheels 15-inch double-spoke design complement its ‘war paint’. Meanwhile, the carrier keeps the line of exterior design, with leather seats and red stitching.

If we go on mechanics, this limited edition Fortwo will be available with engines 1.0 liters and 71 or 84 horsepower, both partners, as usual, to an automatic gearbox. As far as equipment is concerned, this edition includes a series exclusively designed mats and power windows, automatic climate control, basic audio and panoramic roof with curtain. And optionally may be added heated seats, hi fi audio system with five speakers and integrated navigation system.

This edition may be some ‘short’ when compared with the Fortwo Brabus variant of 98 hp, but not without its charm. However, when compared in price, the distance to the Fortwo Brabus may be too short. In Germany, the Smart Fortwo Sharpred been available in the basic version engine variant 14,490 euros and 15,060 euros coupe in cabriolet. Meanwhile, if coupled with the engine of 84 hp the price amounts to EUR 17,580 and 18,150 respectively.

Smart Fortwo Sharpred is a post from: Auto Art and Trend

Power, performance, elegance typical of all BMW 5 Series and low fuel consumption and emissions, put all these ingredients in a cocktail, shake, and the result is BMW Active Hybrid 5.

Here are some of the main numbers: 340 hp, an average expenditure of 6.4 l/100 km and emission level of 149 g / km of CO2. Cars with hybrid technology are again protagonists. A few days ago we announced you the first details of Audi A6 Hybrid , a rival to be reckoned for M35h Infiniti and Lexus GS 450h . Now, the brand moves on to stand up to the above models is BMW with their new Active Hybrid 5.

The BMW Active Hybrid 5 incorporates the gasoline engine 3.0 twin-turbo inline six-cylinder and 306 hp. The novelty of this hybrid version found in the electric motor of 40 kW (about 56 hp), plus the new pack of lithium-ion batteries placed under the trunk floor. The total power hybrid announced this variant is 340 hp with maximum torque of 45.88 mkg. All this power is transferred to the rear wheels through an eight-speed automatic transmission.

Whoever thinks that the BMW Active Hybrid 5 is devoid of character is totally wrong. As proof, the specified performance, with acceleration from 0 to 100 km / h in 5.9 seconds. The estimated average fuel consumption is about 6.4 l/100 km, with an emission level of 149 g / km of CO2.
Driving modes

In most of the time, the gasoline engine is the real protagonist. However, if the batteries have enough power and urban driving conditions, the electric motor alone can drive the BMW Active Hybrid 5 about four miles at an average speed of 35 km / h. To maximize power, this version has the device stop-start engine Auto Start Stop, not forgetting, of course, the regenerative braking system, captures the kinetic energy lost in braking or deceleration, it becomes into electricity and stored in batteries.

One of the peculiarities in the energy harvesting techniques of the BMW Active Hybrid 5 is found in the PRO ECO driving mode. If active and constant speeds not exceeding 160 km / h, the combustion engine switches off and the vehicle continues to circulate exploiting the inertia and stored energy.

In times when the vehicle needs an extra supply of energy – overtaking, for example, the two engines, the gasoline-electric and fully operational. One of the doubts of this hybrid version of BMW 5 Series is found in the loss of capacity in the trunk by placing the new battery pack. Thus, the space available for down load from the 520 to 375 liters.

Finally, the aerodynamic design of the exterior of the BMW Active Hybrid 5 also presents a number of changes, with the addition of some new bumpers front and rear, new fairing to the underside of the bodywork and alloy wheels 18-inch design vane which allow better air flow around it.

Comes the hybrid version of the BMW 5 Series is a post from: Auto Art and Trend