The new Lexus IS 250C Limited Edition has been announced.

The 2011 Lexus IS 250C coupe convertible is one of the most stylish coupe-convertibles on the market, with its gleaming front end and quiet deploying electric folding roof that can let you enjoy open-top motoring in a matter of seconds at the touch of a button. To add to the appeal of the model, Lexus has announced it is now available in a special Limited Edition version.

The new IS 250C Limited Edition will be distinguished by black and red semi-aniline fine leather interior, perfect for cutting a dash when driving with the top down. Each unit will get a numbered badge fixed inside the glovebox in order to denote its special status. The model is equipped with a quick and quiet deploying electric folding roof that goes up and down in just a few seconds after the touch of a button.

Also available in time for the summer is a panoramic glass roof option for the Lexus RX 450h SE-I, available as a build-to-order option for £900. Seamlessly integrated into the design of the hybrid crossover, the fixed roof allows light to flood into the cabin.

The special edition model is based on the regular SE-L and as such comes fitted as standard with 18-inch alloy wheels, cruise control, electric one-touch easy access to the rear seats, eight-way electrically adjustable front seats with built-in ventilation and heating plus climate control that automatically adjusts temperature settings when the roof is down. Available for order now, the IS 250C Limited Edition is priced in the UK at £39,990 on the road.

 

Alfa Romeo 4C Makes UK Debut At Goodwood

The new Alfa Romeo 4C Sports Concept will receive its UK public debut at the rapidly approaching 2011 Goodwood Festival of Speed, which takes place from July 1st to 3rd.

The 4C is a two-seater, mid-engined, rear-wheel drive coupé with drop-dead gorgeous looks, lightweight body, and a powerful 200bhp1750 TBi 4 cylinder petrol engine coupled with the new automatic Alfa TCT twin dry clutch transmission. The car has a top speed 155mph, kerb weight under 850kgs, 0-62 mph in under 5 seconds, and a power-to-weight ratio lower than 4kg per bhp.

The 33 TT 12 sported a 500-horsepower flat 12-cylinder engine displacing just 3.0 liters. It has been driven to victory in races by drivers like Derek Bell, Henri Pescarolo, and Jochen Mass during the mid-1970s. Though it doesn't look the part of a vintage racing Alfa the way the others do, features like the offset intake cowl and single rear-view mirror make it unique.

Alongside the Alfa 4C Concept on the Alfa Romeo exhibition stand will be an array of the Italian marque’s UK product range, including another UK public debut − the updated Alfa MiTo Quadrifoglio Verde, together with the Alfa Giulietta Cloverleaf and the Alfa 159 Sportwagon.




Press Release

This month, Alfa Romeo celebrates 101 years of motoring, and the 2011 Goodwood Festival of Speed (1-3 July) will help mark this occasion by playing host to the UK public debut of the mid-engined Alfa 4C Concept.

The Alfa 4C Concept is a classic formula of a two-seater, mid-engined, rear-wheel drive coupé. Lightweight materials such as carbon-fiber and aluminium are used extensively throughout. These solutions, used in conjunction with a powerful 200bhp four cylinder petrol engine coupled with the new automatic Alfa TCT twin dry clutch transmission allow a top speed of 250km/h, kerb weight under 850kgs, 0-100km/h in under five seconds, and a power-to-weight ratio lower than 4kg per bhp.

While celebrating the future of Alfa Romeo at this year’s Festival of Speed, the marque will also be embracing its rich past, by showcasing five cars from the Alfa Romeo museum collection in Italy. These automotive legends include Fangio’s Alfa 6C 3000CM, which alongside the Alfetta 159, will celebrate the 60th anniversary of Fangio’s historic 1951 Formula One World Championship title, as well as the Alfa 6C 1750GS, Alfa 750 Competizione and the Alfa 33 TT 12. Spectators at the Festival will be able to see the cars in action over the three day event, and they will be on display in the Cathedral Paddock area.

In the Supercar Paddock, you will find Alfa’s 8C Spider. Alfa Romeo will also be exhibiting at the Goodwood Moving Motor Show.

2011 Ariel Atom Mugen Limited Edition

Ariel is launching a more powerful, Mugen-tuned version of its Atom sports car to celebrate the model’s 10th anniversary.

The original Honda K20Z Type R engine receives a small power upgrade for a total of 198 kW, which is an increase of 18 kW. Just 10 examples of the car will be built, each featuring a special livery and a numbered plate signed by the Mugen and Ariel technicians responsible for its build.

The Ariel Atom Mugen will be shown at the Autosport show in January, when full prices and final spec will be announced.

via: sacarfan




Press Release

ARIEL ATOM MUGEN

History
A collaboration between Ariel and Mugen, the latest version of the original 'no screen, no roof, no
doors' Atom celebrates 10 years of production and 1000 Atoms manufactured. Made in a Limited
Edition of just 10 cars for each of the 10 years, each signed and numbered, the Atom Mugen has a
special livery of red chassis, white bodywork and red graphics showing the number of the car to
reflect the unique union of Ariel, Mugen and Honda. Featuring a tuned Mugen Honda engine and a
high level specification, plus the opportunity to further option the car, this latest Atom gives further
choice to the driver looking for the ultimate, normally aspirated trackday car.

Mugen (meaning unlimited in Japanese) engines have famously powered hundreds of race and
championship winners, including Formula 1, since 1973 when Hirotoshi Honda, son of Soichiro
Honda, founded the company. Basing their work almost exclusively around Honda powerplants,
Mugen was an obvious partner for Ariel who have used the Honda Type R engine in the Atom for
over 7 years. Working closely together on the project Ariel and Mugen found many similarities in
their approach to the project, resulting in a hand built engine in a truly handbuilt car.

Engine
Heart of the Atom Mugen is the Honda K20Z Type R engine, which is tuned by Mugen to produce
270bhp at 8600rpm in normally aspirated form. Each Atom Mugen engine is stripped, measured and
fully blueprinted at Mugen Europe's Northampton headquarters. The engines are reassembled with
high performance, higher compression pistons, high lift camshafts and new valve springs. A longer
freeflow inlet manifold is fitted with a bigger diameter throttle body together with race grade spark
plugs. The engine also features a full baffled sump and is finished with a carbon fibre Mugen cover.
After assembly each engine is tested on the Mugen dynamometer and carefully run in prior to full
power test. After 7 days of work on every engine they are bore scoped and inspected prior to sign
off. A lightened balanced flywheel is fitted together with a limited slip differential to the close ratio
Honda 6 speed gearbox prior to installation in the Atom.

Specification
Specification of the car includes many Ariel options as standard as well as additional parts unique to
the Atom Mugen. High performance Alcon 4 pot lightweight callipers, finished in red, and ventilated
discs are fitted front and rear. The 4 way adjustable damper/spring package is a modified version of
that found on the Atom V8 with remote reservoir lightweight aluminium dampers which have two
compression adjustments and one rebound adjustment with 2 piece dual rate springs fitted with rate
adjusters. This coupled with the standard adjustable Atom wishbones, gives the owner very high
adjustability for track or road. Each Atom can therefore be set up exactly for each owner and their
use with the ability to carry out further adjustment to suit particular driving preferences or styles.
Yokohama AO48 trackday tyres are standard specification, fitted to lightweight, white Ariel
magnesium wheels.

In front of the driver is a new LCD flat screen display housed in a carbon fibre instrument panel. The
multi function display is programmable with the ability for the driver to scroll through displays via
menu buttons and also shows 3 colour gearshift lights and standard warning lights. A master alert
warns if any function goes outside programmed perameters for quick and easy reference on track.
Additional data information, such as lap times and logging, can be viewed through the display to bring
another element to the serious track day driver. 3" FIA full harnesses with crutch straps are fitted for
both driver and passenger as standard with options of further competition parts for racing.

Performance
Performance of the Atom Mugen gives 0-60mph (100kph) in 2.9 seconds and a top speed of
150mph, with torque increased to 255Nm @ 6,000 rpm.

Every engine is built by one Mugen technician and every Atom is built by Ariel technician, with both
signing off the engine and car only when they are satisfied, reflected in a numbered build plate on
each car. The particular and special skills available in producing racing and low volume cars are
demonstrated in the Atom Mugen in a way that wouldn't be possible to large volume manufacturers.
Said Simon Saunders of Ariel, "The advantages of being small are obvious in this latest Atom. It's a
handbuilt car, tailored to suit individual customers who we know and like as friends and who are
passionate about their cars and driving. The ability for Mugen to handbuild a performance engine,
coupled with the legendary Honda reliability, takes this one stage further."

The formula of Ariel + Honda + Mugen has resulted in a very special car that takes the trackday car
to another level.

2011 Vauxhall VXR8

Vauxhall has revealed its new 2011 VXR8. These first official pictures of the VXR8 show an edgier and more aggressive look over the model it replaces. But it's way more expensive, too.

The VXR8 is based on the Holden Commodore, but instead of the hot ClubSport R8 model on which the previous Vauxhall was based, the new model starts with the new E3 GTS just launched in Australia. That means a 6.2-liter LS3 V8 with 425 horsepower and 405 lb-ft of torque – kept in line by new Magnetic Ride Control and Launch Control systems, driving through a six-speed transmission (automatic or manual) and a mechanical diff – for a 4.9-second sprint to 60 mph and an electronically-limited top speed of 155 mph.

Afresh, ‘Shockwave’ grille, LED day running lights and sleek fresh wing-vents mark the fresh auto away by the front, while the rear characteristics afresh ‘Superflow’ rear spoiler, LED taillights and twin deplete tips that mime the shape of the face grille.

Vauxhall VXR8 has also employed the Magnetic Ride Control (MRC) which adapts to road conditions 1000 times per second, together with the Launch Control feature which engages when the driver sets the Electronic Stability Control in Competition Mode. 

2011 Vauxhall VXR8 is priced at at £49 500.




Press Release

REAR-DRIVE, 6.2-LITRE V8, SUB-£50K: IT HAS TO BE THE NEW VXR8!

• New VXR8 hits UK dealers next March, based on higher-spec GTS model
• Re-designed exterior and new interior with full leather trim as standard
• Magnetic Ride Control & Launch Control complement 431PS V8 powertrain

Luton – Vauxhall's storming VXR8 model is back with a vengeance, packing heavily revised front- and rear-end styling, a new cabin and a raft of new technology to enhance its appeal to drivers in search of one of the last, great rear-drive V8 super-saloons.

Priced at £49,500 (inc. 20 per cent VAT) and available to order later this month, the new VXR8 is now based on HSV's E3 GTS model, just launched in Australia, the previous VXR8 representing the old version of the lower-spec ClubSport R8. That means it still undercuts full-size super saloons like the Audi RS6, Jaguar XFR and Mercedes E63 AMG by between £13k and £29k, and even performance saloons from the class below, such as the BMW M3 and Mercedes C63 AMG.

A new, 'Shockwave' grille, LED daytime running lights and sleek new wing-vents mark the new car out from the front, while the rear features a new 'Superflow' rear spoiler, LED tail lamps and twin exhaust tips that mimic the shape of the front grille. As you can see from these first official press shots of our Hazard Yellow car, the new VXR8 will never blend into the scenery!

As before, the new VXR8's race-bred chassis uses MacPherson struts/progressive rate coil springs at the front and a multi-link independent set-up at the rear. But for the first time on a VXR8, Vauxhall has employed Magnetic Ride Control (MRC), a suspension system which adapts up to 1000 times a seconds to road conditions and driver inputs. Based on technology used in GM's current Corvette ZR1 supercar, MRC works by sending an electric current through damper units filled with 'soft' magnetic particles. These particles harden as the input reaches its maximum value, providing drivers with exceptional levels of ride, handling and stopping power.

Complementing the new VXR8's MRC is Launch Control, which is engaged when drivers select the ESC's (Electronic Stability Control) Competition Mode. The system dictates the level of torque delivered to the rear wheels for maximum acceleration, according to surface conditions. All the driver has to do is floor the throttle and let the car do the rest. Extensive testing has proved that LC results in acceleration runs no more than 0.1 second apart.

Of course, no VXR8 would be complete without a large-capacity V8, and this latest version doesn't disappoint. The fourth generation 6.2-litre LS3 unit produces 431PS and a massive 550Nm of torque, enough to propel the VXR8 from 0-60mph in 4.9 seconds and on to a governed top speed of 155mph. As before, drive is delivered to the rear axle via either a six-speed manual or auto transmission, working through a mechanical limited slip differential.

Inside, the new VXR8 has undergone a transformation. Full leather trim is now standard, and front occupants are cocooned in special HSV Performance Seats with eight-way adjustability. A new instrument cluster and surround, centre stack and switchgear provide a cleaner and more integrated look, while standard equipment also includes Aux-in/USB inputs, iPod support and Bluetooth with phone book display and touch-screen dialling.

But for drivers who want to engage with their VXR8 like never before, Vauxhall has introduced EDI, or Enhanced Driver Interface. EDI connects with the on-board computer to constantly stream real-time vehicle dynamics and performance to the car's main 5-inch monitor. At the touch of the screen, drivers can access a variety of data such as vehicle G-forces, power and torque and lap times – even the degree to which their VXR8 is drifting. Completing the clever package is the ability for drivers to download data, such as track day performance, and analyse it using the MOTEC i2 software provided.

Befitting its exclusivity, the VXR8 is now available through just six highly specialist VXR dealers in the UK, though a total of 34 VXR outlets will be authorised to maintain the model.

STARTECH Land Rover Defender 90 Yachting

An exclusive Land Rover Defender 90 Yachting Edition is one of the projects which STARTECH plans to showcase at this weekend’s starting Essen Motor Show in Germany. The STARTECH Land Rover Defender 90 Yachting features various cosmetic upgrades, without the huge power upgrades the company is known for.

The Land Rover Defender 90 Yachting Edition comes with a bright white exterior paint and rides on light weight 5-spoke aluminum wheels with massive 265/75 R16 tires.  The Defender also comes with an SVX front grill and body color finish on the light covers.

The interior also features Recaro sport seats, leather upholstery, sport steering wheel, and navy blue leather package for handbrake, gear knobs, and center console. A kicking sound system with an in -dash touchscreen is also provided for your entertainment.




Press Release

The Off-Road Capable Dinghy for the Yacht: The STARTECH Land Rover Defender 90 Yachting Edition

From the marina directly into rough terrain: The STARTECH Land Rover Defender 90 Yachting Edition looks as great at the marina as it does on magnificent boulevards or when venturing off road.

Painted bright white, the premium leather/Alcantara interior dyed navy blue, foot wells and trunk clad in the finest teak � the English off-roader with lavish STARTECH design perfectly transfers maritime ambiance into the automobile.

Wide tires in size 265/75 R 16 bring three additional centimeters of tread in contact with the road and give the Land Rover an even brawnier appearance. To complement the wider tires the STARTECH designers developed new running boards with integrated entrance lights that are activated via the keyless fob or by opening one of the doors.

The exterior appearance of the STARTECH Yachting Edition further includes such tasteful details as the SVX front grille and headlight covers painted in body color.

Getting into the STARTECH Land Rover Defender 90 Yachting Edition, made easier by the STARTECH running boards, is a very special experience. The captain and his crew are welcomed by classic yacht design, which uses genuine oiled teak following the best ship-building traditions. This fine material lends the trunk and the foot wells a unique air.

The company upholstery shop attended to the remaining interior of the Defender 90 and transformed it from a rather mundane cockpit into an exclusively appointed wellness space.

The finest navy-blue leather with white contrasting seams refines door and side panels alike and adorns dashboard, center console and
the Recaro sport seats. The new seats offer much better lateral support than the stock seats. But that�s not all: Their leather upholstery is masterfully sewn using white baseball-style cross stitching and adds a modern contrast to the classic Land Rover interior. The shells of the seatbacks are painted white to match the exterior.

The headliner is made from Alcantara dyed the same color as the leather appointments. Precision-sewn white seams add magnificent highlights here as well.
Among the numerous other loving STARTECH details are an ergonomically shaped sport steering wheel, shifter, emergency brake and reduction gear lever all covered with navy-blue leather and a Yachting Edition plaque on the center console.

Rounding out the STARTECH treatment is a high-end sound system calibrated to the Defender interior. The sound system also features an integrated touch screen navigation system.

Alfa Giulia GTAm – best Alfa Romeo ever

Alfa Romeo have made 70 models in their 100 year history. 2010 just happens to be the centenary year of the famous Italian marque, so what better time to work out which car Alfa fans (that’s Alfisti to you and I) think is the best Alfa made to date. As the article title suggests the Giulia GTAm won the poll, with a narrow margin over the 8C Competizione. Voting was conducted via the Alfa Centenary website.

The Alfa Giulia GTAm, which was voted as the best Alfa veer by 20.4 per cent of the overall tally, is based on the 1750 GT Veloce production model. It managed to win the 1970 European Touring Car Championship with driver Toine Hezemans at the wheel.

Coming in a close second with 19.8 percent of the votes was the 8c Competizione supercar, the fastest and most capable Alfa Romeo to date. But that's what you'd expect from a $180,000 (£123,000) supercar.

“The Giulia GTAm was a great Alfa and a deserved winner. It’s really interesting to see how people voted in the poll. We all have our favorites which is testament to the fantastic cars Alfa Romeo has produced over the past century.” For those of you interested, the latest GTAm is on sale in dealerships across the UK.






Press release

Although Alfa Romeo has to date created more than 70 models in its rich 100 year history, it all came down to a battle between just two iconic Alfas in a poll of fans’ favourites, initiated to celebrate the Italian marque’s centenary year.

And it was the Alfa Giulia GTAm that came top of the poll, beating the 8C Competizione supercar to the chequered flag with less than one percent more of the vote.

The Alfa Giulia GTAm, which gained 20.4 per cent of the overall tally, derived from the standard 1750 GT Veloce production model, and secured its place in the Alfa Romeo elite by winning the 1970 European Touring Car Championship in the hands of Dutchman Toine Hezemans. The votes for this poll were collected from admirers and owners – known as Alfisti - who submitted photos of their Alfas to the alfacentenary.co.uk website to create a unique piece of mosaic artwork.

The GTAm and Alfa’s current supercar, the 8C Competizione, led the way against a shortlist of classics including the 2900 B Le Mans, Alfasud and the 156 GTA.

A worthy runner-up with 19.8 per cent, the 8C Competizione - worth more than £123,000 - debuted as a concept car at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 2003 and went on to be produced in 2008 as a limited edition model of just 500 examples and selling out almost immediately. The car’s name derives from Alfa’s world famous 8 cylinder (8C) engine and the marque’s racing pedigree.

The Alfa Spider Duetto, widely regarded as a design classic, finished in third place with 16.01 per cent of the vote. This car was first launched in 1966 and famously starred in the legendary film The Graduate in 1967, alongside Dustin Hoffman and Anne Bancroft.

Alfa Romeo UK Brand Communications manager, Damien Dally, says: “The Giulia GTAm was a great Alfa and a deserved winner. It’s really interesting to see how people voted in the poll. We all have our favourites which is testament to the fantastic cars Alfa Romeo has produced over the past century.”

The latest five-door Alfa Giulietta model, which takes styling cues from the iconic 8C Competizione, is now on sale in dealerships across the UK. For further information visit www.alfaromeo.co.uk

Kia 'Domino' and 'Echo' Black and White Special Editions (UK)

Kia has introduced new special editions of the Picanto city-car, Rio supermini and Soul crossover.

The Domino models offer extra equipment for less money, including fog lamps, air-conditioning and electronic stability control. The Picanto Domino is priced from $12,100, while the Rio Domino starts at $14,100.

The Picanto Domino is available with a 1.1-litre petrol engine, with either a manual or automatic transmission, while the Rio Domino is available with a 1.4-litre petrol or 1.5-litre CRDi diesel engine. Both Domino models are available in white or optional black metallic.

The Picanto Domino is priced from £7,995 and Rio Domino is priced from £9,295. Kia says these prices represent savings of £400 and £350 respectively over the ‘2’ versions upon which they are based.




Press Release

• Two new black and white themed special editions
  
• Domino: new to Picanto and Rio – extra equipment with savings of up to £400
  
• Echo: new luxurious addition to the Soul 'Originals' line-up
  
• On sale now
  

Kia has introduced two new special editions – 'Domino' and 'Echo' – that both play on classic black and white colour schemes and are now on sale across the UK Kia dealer network. Domino, available on the Picanto and Rio superminis, offers additional equipment for less whilst the Echo, available on the Soul urban crossover, comes with an array of luxury features more usually associated with larger vehicles.

Picanto Domino & Rio Domino
The Domino special edition is available on Kia's two practical and stylish five-door superminis –Picanto and Rio. Picanto Domino is available with a 1.1-litre petrol engine, with either a manual or automatic transmission; Rio Domino is available with a 1.4-litre petrol or 1.5-litre CRDi diesel engine.

Both Domino models are available in white or optional black metallic. Their body-coloured bumpers, mirrors and door handles can be offset with an optional contrasting black or white 'domino effect' stripe. Front fog lights complement the stylish 14-inch alloy wheels (Rio) and 14-inch wheel trims (Picanto) whilst additional reassurance is provided from Electronic Stability Control, which is now fitted as standard across all Picanto and Rio versions.

Inside, both models benefit from air-conditioning, iPod connectivity, remote central locking and a leather-trimmed steering wheel and gear-knob. Rio Domino adds rear electric windows to the list of standard equipment.

As with every new Kia a seven year warranty comes as standard – Picanto Domino is priced from £7,995 OTR and Rio Domino is priced from £9,295 OTR. These prices represent savings of £400 and £350 respectively over the '2' versions upon which they are based.

Soul Echo
Kia's stylish urban crossover, Soul, has had a dose of luxury added with the arrival of the new Soul Echo. Echo is the latest bold addition to the Soul 'Originals' line-up – a collection of distinctive versions each with their own distinct personality – following on from other 'Originals' such as the Burner, Shaker and Samba.

Echo is available in a choice of two striking colours – Clear White or Quartz Black metallic – and both come with contrasting features that make them the mirror image of each other. The white Echo features stylish black 18-inch alloy wheels, black high-gloss door mirrors and a corresponding black sports stripe. The black Echo features white 18" alloy wheels, white high-gloss door mirrors and a sports stripe in white.

Soul Echo is laden with luxurious features usually associated with more expensive machinery. Inside, a full black leather interior and high-gloss black dashboard fascia continue the external monochrome look whilst an uprated sound system (with subwoofer), Bluetooth and iPod connectivity and reversing sensors ensure the Echo has plenty to keep everyone on board satisfied at all times. Air conditioning and privacy glass keep passengers and their belongings cool and shielded from prying eyes.

On the move, Soul Echo is powered by a choice of 1.6-litre petrol or 1.6-litre CRDi diesel engines and its occupants are protected by a host of safety features including six airbags, Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), Traction Control (TC) and a five-star Euro NCAP rating. The Soul Echo is available from just £13,995 OTR.

Soul Echo also benefits from some minor revisions being made to the entire Soul line-up: A trip computer, Emergency Stop Signal (which flashes the hazard warning lights under heavy braking), 'pull' style exterior door handles and illuminated electric window buttons are now standard on all Soul versions. Bluetooth connectivity is standard from the '2' version and above. Finally, Soul Shaker, previously only available in Vanilla, is now available in Chocolate Brown metallic and comes with fully colour-coded bumpers.