2012 Peugeot 508 RXH

2012 Peugeot 508 RXH. Diesel-electric hybrid and distinctive high end appeal combine to offer an original view of the world of all-road vehicles and enhanced driving pleasure: the new Peugeot 508 RXH. This demonstrates the modern and enhanced top-of-the-range vision for Peugeot and will be unveiled today in preview. The style of the Peugeot 508 RXH and its innovative HYbrid4 drive unit provide features allowing it to combine freedom and driving pleasure in a form never seen before in the segment: 200 bhp, Four-wheel drive, ZEV 100% electric mode, Emissions of 109 g/km of CO2.

After the launch of the 508 Saloon and SW in spring 2011, acclaimed for its styling elegance, its presence and its high-level build-quality and attention to detail, the Peugeot 508 RXH again raises the profile of the entire Peugeot brand reinforcing its technological and environmental lead.
Its posture and its specific design immediately place it in the world of top-of-the-range all road vehicles. Unique, refined, raised, widened, it is also distinguished by a singular visual signature, with its distinctive LED lights visible both at day and night, giving an impression of three vertical ‘lions’ claws on each side of its ‘floating’ grille, the style of which is even more striking.
To reinforce its exclusive character, the interior of the Peugeot 508 RXH benefits from special features with distinctive colours and luxurious materials, like its premium quality interior and upholstery.

Its unique level of finish and equipment is coherent with the top-of-the-range and technological positioning of the vehicle. Richly equipped as standard (Open & Go system, electric front seats, head up display, 18″ wheels, panoramic glass roof, dark-tinted acoustic laminated side windows, latest generation audio and satellite navigation unit, it welcomes its occupants with care, refinement and a high level of comfort.
Equipped with the 2.0 l HDi FAP HYbrid4 drive train, a world first when featured in the 3008 Hybrid4, the diesel-electric hybrid drive unit in the Peugeot 508 RXH extends driving pleasure and freedom to …

2011 Citroën DS4

Citroën DS4 is the second model in Citroën’s distinctively-styled DS line. Citroën DS4 brings an alluring mixture of premium design codes and a bold approach to automotive styling, with an emphasis on driving pleasure and advanced vehicle architecture. DS4 is a model with a multitude of talents, effortlessly responding to a broad range of owner needs, while enhancing the appeal and vitality of the motoring experience.
Citroën DS4 combines sophistication and refinement with a dynamic coupé-like body, creating exceptional versatility and day-to-day practicality within a compact design – 4.27m (l), 1.81m (w) & 1.53m (h).
Citroën DS4 delivers a “new at-the-wheel” experience with unrivalled driving sensations and outstanding agile on-road handling. With its slightly raised stance and taut lines, DS4 is a unique and eye-catching addition to the segment.

Finely crafted to convey a prestigious presence both inside and out, Citroën DS4 offers meticulous detailing from carefully applied chrome touches to premium cabin materials – such as the finest quality leather seats. A large panoramic windscreen, offering enhanced occupant visibility, illuminates the driver-focused cockpit, creating a bright and welcoming environment.
Combining coupé style with 2+2 door practicality, Citroën DS4 offers three full-sized rear seats, accessed by rear doors with hidden handles that are seamlessly integrated into the body’s flowing lines. DS4 also benefits from a capacious

370-litre boot and a host of clever storage solutions.
Citroën DS4 comes with a choice of five refined and efficient engines – two HDi diesels and three petrol powerplants. All engines deliver a combination of powerful performance – including a new to Citroën 200hp petrol unit – and ecologically sensitive motoring. Citroën’s new e-HDi drivetrains for example deliver improved fuel economy and lower CO2 emissions.

2011 Nissan 370Z GT Edition

The Nissan 370Z GT Edition recognises its heritage with a nod to the 1970s and the birth of the original Z car: special side stripes.
Grey ‘GT’ stripes running along the flanks of the car contrast with the each of the special edition’s three body colours – metallic black, pearl white and Black Rose, the latter shade exclusive to Nissan 370Z GT Edition. The exterior is set off by the standard 19inch RAYS forged alloy wheels, which are finished in a dramatic anthracite colour.

The Nissan 307Z GT Edition introduces a number of significant suspension and equipment improvements which have also been adopted by the standard Coupé. In deference to the higher average speeds routinely enjoyed in Europe, the changes have been engineered by technicians from Nissan Technical Centre Europe (NTCE). The principal modification has been to retune the dampers to provide the ideal balance between ride comfort and high-speed handling.
Equipment changes include the arrival of a rear view parking camera as part of the Nissan Premium Connect satellite navigation option and the standard fitment of a tyre pressure monitoring system. The advanced seven-speed automatic option now has a snow mode which, when applied, sets the car off in second gear and controls engine revs to prevent wheel spin on ice or snow. Refinement is enhanced by revisions to underbody insulation to reduce road noise.
Unchanged is the Nissan 370Z’s exceptional 3.7-litre V6 engine. A development of the unit that powered the 350Z, the all-alloy 24-valve twin cam not only develops more power and torque but is also more response, more refined and more fuel efficient.
The addition of VVEL (Variable Valve Event and Lift) technology helps deliver electrifying performance, the engine developing 328PS and an impressive 363Nm of torque. It is coupled to a short throw six-speed sports manual gearbox or a seven-speed automatic.
When in S-Mode, the manual transmission features Nissan’s Synchro Rev Control to ensures perfect rev matching when the driver is changing gear, delivering perfect ‘heel and toe’ changes every time.
Sensors on the clutch and on the gear lever itself monitor driver actions to blip the throttle on down shifts and maintain constant engine revs when changing up. As the sensors detect clutch pedal movement, the SRC system is primed, coming into operation when the gear lever is moved. By matching this information to vehicle speed, SRC knows whether the driver is slowing for a corner or changing up through the ‘box.
Downshift Rev Matching is a feature on the automatic gearbox, too, which also has Adaptive Shift Control which learns a driving style and adjust shift patterns accordingly.

The Nissan 370Z’s chassis is a car enthusiast’s dream: double wishbone front suspension and a multi-link rear end makes the most of Nissan’s agile FM (Front Midships) rear-drive platform.
With a shorter wheelbase, wider track and stiffer shell than its predecessor, the 370Z has starred on track as well as on road. The innovative GT Academy programme takes computer gamers who have become Gran Turismo experts on PlayStation 3 and turns them into real race drivers. Now in its third season, winners will again race for a place on the grid in a GT4 race prepared 370Z at the Dubai 24 hours in January 2012 and, perhaps, on to the GT pinnacle, GT1.

Nissan Sunny

Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. unveiled an all-new sedan model at the 8th China (Guangzhou) International Automobile Exhibition. Using the famed 'Sunny' name in China, this new model will go on sale first in China in January 2011 and then progressively across 170 countries worldwide under different vehicle brand names.
The Nissan Sunny was first introduced in China in 2003 and was significant as the first locally built model from the new Dongfeng Nissan partnership. Acclaimed by consumers for its combination of quality, space and driving performance, the Nissan Sunny quickly help establish a foundation for the Nissan brand in the passenger vehicle market in China.

A projected class leader in fuel economy, the all-new Nissan Sunny is expected to appeal to young families in their 30s looking for a medium sized sedan that combines a dynamic upscale design with the space, quality and features associated with the Sunny and Nissan brand.
Combining the proven Nissan 1.5-liter HR15DE engine with dual injectors and a new-generation Xtronic CVT with an auxiliary transmission, both of which are newly introduced in China, Nissan Sunny delivers ease in handling for city driving where there's frequent acceleration and deceleration, and superior environmental performance as a projected class leader in fuel economy.
MacPherson struts are used for the front suspension and a torsion beam for the rear suspension, making for sporty and agile driving at low speeds, and steady and stable driving at higher speeds.
The new Nissan Sunny will be produced in Dongfeng Nissan's Huadu Plant in Guangzhou and will be priced from RMB 82.8K to 112.8K (1.04 million - 1.41million yen).
At the 8th China (Guangzhou) International Automobile Exhibition, Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. unveiled an all-new sedan model “Sunny”. The Nissan Sunny was first introduced in China in 2003 and was significant as the first locally built model from the new Dongfeng Nissan partnership.

The all-new Nissan Sunny is expected to appeal to young families in their 30s looking for a medium sized sedan that combines a dynamic upscale design with the space, quality and features associated with the Sunny and Nissan brand. The 2012 model projected class leader in fuel economy.

2012 Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport Configurator Car review and specification

2012 Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport Configurator Car review and specification http://usa-carsreview.blogspot.com/2011/08/2012-suzuki-sx-4-sedan-cars-pictures.html

Nissan Tiida

Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. premiered an all-new hatchback model at the 2011 Auto Shanghai. This new model will be the new generation Nissan Tiida in China.
The Nissan Tiida hatchback, introduced in China in 2005 from Dongfeng Nissan, is a pioneer in the compact hatchback market in China, selling 85,000 units in 2010. Sold globally in 165 countries, the Nissan Tiida is the best-selling model in the current Nissan product lineup.
The all-new Nissan Tiida is targeted toward young families who value quality life. With appeal points such as 'premium and agile styling', 'class leading comfort' and 'PURE DRIVE revolutionary powertrain', the new model will continue to be a leading model in the compact hatchback market in China. Nissan will also be the first Japanese automaker to introduce a turbo-charged engine in the Chinese market, with the introduction of the new Tiida's turbo series.

Based on a keyword 'Fluid & Brisk', the new Nissan Tiida delivers a new, premium feeling with a smooth, streamlined bodyside, well-balanced proportions and advanced-design exterior parts, such as grilles and lamps with refined details. To further enhance its spacious interior, which has been well received in the previous generation Tiida hatchback, the wheelbase length has been increased by 100mm to ensure best-in-class rear knee room. With increased length and breadth of the front window and optimally-shaped side mirrors for ease of use, visibility is significantly improved contributing to stress-free driving.
Interior design is developed using another keyword - 'Calm & Refined'. With a comfortable interior to embrace the driver and passengers, an elegant and precisely-crafted meter, a floating center cluster, and wide, super-soft armrests, the car provides premium space offering comfortable feeling in driving.
Driving comfort is also realized by soft, comfortable seats with low vibration which brings about less fatigue during driving.
Installed is a reliable, easy-to-handle, fuel-efficient Nissan HR16DE engine which has been employed in a number of Nissan vehicles. In addition, a range of PURE DRIVE low-emission technologies has also been added, such as latest dual injectors that provides far greater combustion efficiency by finely splashing fuel and Xtronic CVT with an auxiliary transmission. Select models of the all-new Nissan Tiida fully meet the stringent third phase fuel-efficiency requirements in China (draft data issued in Nov. 2009).
This new model, to be produced in the Dongfeng Nissan Huadu Plant in Guangzhou, will be released in late May 2011. Followed by its introduction in China, it will be launched in approximately 130 countries around the world by 2014.

Nissan Patrol

Reliable, unbreakable, affordable. The Nissan Patrol is a name synonymous with ruggedness, a legendary off-roader capable of going anywhere, anytime. Meticulously honed for over five decades, the Patrol is Nissan's flagship large SUV model and enjoys a rich heritage particularly in the Middle East that dates back to the 1950's. This off-road trendsetter was one of the first dedicated four-wheel-drive vehicles in the climatically demanding Middle East region, and boasts the notable distinction of also being the first vehicle to successfully cross the grueling Simpson Desert in Australia back in 1962.

Under the banner of "The Hero Comes Home" the Nissan Patrol is back as an all-new seventh generation model, building on its impressive history, but at the same time, incorporating a new platform, a radical new design direction, significantly enhanced interior comfort and luxury, powerful new V8 engines, a 7-speed automatic transmission and a new 4WD system.
"We paid special attention to the needs of current Nissan Patrol owners, and their passengers, and so focused on creating first-class levels of comfort for the whole family. Heightened luxury, a roomier cabin and a quieter ride combine to achieve this goal, while maintaining Nissan Patrol's superior off-road heritage" stresses Hiroyuki Fushiki, project head and Segment Chief Product Specialist.
Tested to the limit
Wanting to build the best possible Nissan Patrol, engineers first tuned and tested 200 prototypes for dynamic evaluation at the company's Motegi, Oppama and Tochigi proving grounds before sending them to the Middle East where they were exposed to every imaginable challenge; desert, rocky surfaces, highways and inner-city traffic. "By the time we came around to adding the new body and interior, we had virtually completed our reliability and durability testing and perfected all of the new technologies," says chief vehicle engineer, Takashi Fukui.
After extensive market research, especially in the Middle East, the design team concluded that for the Nissan Patrol to beat its main competitors, it needed not only a brand new design direction but class-leading engine performance, greater luxury and comfort and a smart mix of new technologies that enhanced the total driving experience. Product design director, Taiji Toyota, tells us that the all-new exterior design is like a breath of fresh air. "Not as edgy and hardcore as its predecessor, the softer new surfaces are beautiful and add a sense of modernity to the design equation, while still maintaining a ruggedness and commanding road presence" he said.
According to the design director, one design element that expresses 'Patrol' and had to feature strongly was the angled-strut motif front grille. It was meticulously proportioned to deliver a sense of continuity with past models but give a touch of newness while enhancing the car's status level.
Focus on roomier, more luxurious cabin
Featuring generous amounts of leather, polished aluminium and wood grain paneling, the Nissan Patrol's interior too has been significantly upgraded. Given that most customers only go off-road no more than 15% of the time, designers wanted to create a better, higher quality interior for the whole family.
In keeping with the Nissan Patrol's mission to deliver more comfort and more room, the new Patrol delivers seat dimensions that outclass all competition. Boasting wider, higher and deeper front seats, the Nissan Patrol offers over 100mm more legroom for second row passengers, and a roomier third row of seats as well. Employing double the lateral rigidity over the outgoing model, the new Nissan Patrol sits on a revised platform that now offers a more robust construction with a low vibration body.
All-new V8 engine leads array of segment-beating hardware
The new Nissan Patrol is now the most powerful vehicle in its class. And the key technology achieving this jump in performance over the predecessor's 4.8 litre power plant is the newly developed 'VK56VD' 5.6-litre V8 engine with VVEL (variable valve event and lift) and DIG (direct injection gasoline) technologies that generate 400hp and 550Nm of torque on the top specification version of this new engine.
Every component has been redesigned for maximum performance and smooth response, while a new 7-speed automatic transmission with a wider range of gear ratios than its predecessor, gives the off-roader the ability to deliver power faster.
Comprehensively upgraded 4WD system sets new standard
In a world-first for Nissan, the new Patrol employs a Hydraulic Body Motion Control System (HBMC), which keeps the car flatter with less body roll during lane-changing and cornering, while delivering a comfortable ride in city driving and superb stability on rugged and sandy tracks. Another crucial part of handling equation comes from the new suspension system, which now employs 4-wheel independent suspension, upgraded from the previous rigid axle setup. Nissan has completely redesigned the vehicle's suspension from the bushes to the links. The combination of HBMC and the new suspension system with its longer suspension stroke delivers significantly improved handling and stability on both on- and off-road terrain.
The Nissan Patrol also employs a newly developed ALL MODE 4x4 system incorporating a variable 4x4 mode package. It allows the driver to quickly switch between four drive modes: sand, on-road, snow and rock, with the flick of a switch. In sand mode, owners are able to drive safely, quickly and skillfully in sand and dirt, just like professional rally drivers.
In addition, the Nissan Patrol also offers a new Hill Start Assist and Hill Descent Control which can also be selected easily with the touch of a button. With Hill Start Assist, if a driver stops on a slope and steps off the brake pedal, the system keeps the vehicle stationary - with no roll back. Hill Descent Control uses the brakes to maintain a constant downhill speed of 7km/h in 4H mode and 4km/h in 4L mode.
The new model employs a revised Tyre Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) with tyre inflation indicator which beeps the horn softly to inform drivers that a suitable tyre pressure has been reached.
A revised, more effective brake system also provides the best braking performance in its class thanks to its new hydraulic brake booster and a 4-piston opposed front caliper setup with larger 358mm front discs.
More world-firsts
Nissan designers paid special attention to the second row seat passengers by not only significantly expanding legroom, but by also fitting a new multi-screen DVD entertainment system, a first form Nissan. It boasts two rear-facing TVs; one 7-inch monitor embedded into each front seat headrest.
Fitted with six airbags for top grade, the Nissan Patrol also comes with a totally revised climate control system boasting another world-first - the curtain vent. Curtain vent has several small but highly effective vents mounted in the ceiling above each side window to blow a strong current of cool air down forming a curtain of air that acts as a barrier to heat penetrating the cabin.
Yet another impressive Nissan Patrol feature is the cool box mounted in the centre console between the front seats. Incorporating a unique double hinge design, the lid of the cool box can be opened easily from either the front or second row of seats to access the six 600ml drink bottles inside.
And lastly...
With its fresh new styling, superior packaging, powerful but economical V8 engine, clever off-road technologies and higher levels of luxury and comfort, the all-new Nissan Patrol is now a true segment leader.

Nissan Quest

The Nissan Rogue crossover SUV enters the 2011 model year with a new refreshed exterior appearance, refined interior, added technology and convenience features and one other thing - more of the same high-value, high-fun attitude that has made Nissan Rogue one of the most popular compact crossover SUVs in class since its introduction four years ago.
The big news for the new model year is that a series of new features, not previously available for Nissan Rogue, are offered for 2011, including the Nissan Navigation System, RearView Monitor, 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, USB port for iPod® and other devices, automatic climate control and auto on/off headlights - to name just a few. Many of the new features are now standard on Nissan Rogue S, such as iPod® connectivity, 6-way manual driver's seat and illuminated vanity mirrors.
"There are many ways to look at 'value' in a vehicle these days and the new Nissan Rogue delivers by every measure - affordability, fuel efficiency, quality and versatility," said Al Castignetti, vice president and general manager, Nissan Division, Nissan North American, Inc. "Often overlooked in the equation are sophistication and style, which have been upped considerably in the redesigned 2011 Rogue - proving once again that Nissan Rogue remains the perfect fusion of fun and functionality."

For 2011, Nissan Rogue is offered in two well equipped models, Rogue S and Rogue SV, along with a special Rogue S Krom™ Edition designed to add a unique dimension to traditional compact sport utility vehicles with its aggressive sport styling, exclusive 18-inch wheels and a center-exit sport-tuned exhaust. All Rogue models are available in all-wheel drive and front-wheel drive configurations.

2011 Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport L’Or Blanc

The Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport L’Or Blanc is the world’s first automobile to be equipped with porcelain, and the development team invested a lot of effort to guarantee that each item is capable of performing in every driving situation in the most powerful car on the market. Before their application to the car, the porcelain elements were extensively examined in regard to automotive safety and quality to optimally protect the passengers in case of an accident.
As part of the exterior design, porcelain is used for the inlays of the centre wheel badges, the fuel filler cap and the oil filler cap as well as the signature “EB” badge at the rear. Their shiny white surface blends in with the brilliant bright finish of the paint suggesting that the car would be coated with a thin layer of porcelain, too.
Besides the signed porcelain inlays on the sides of the centre console, an intarsia made of finest porcelain is fixed to the rear panel between the seats. Similar to the exterior porcelain elements this item carries the relief of the famous elephant in an upright standing position that has been created by sculptor Rembrandt Bugatti. His brother Ettore had used the original draft to cast the radiator mascot for the Bugatti Royale. This elephant is a synonym for the brand still today. Embedded in the top of the centre console, there is a fine porcelain dish with edges finished in an exclusive diamond polishing – a technique that has been applied by the Königliche Porzellan-Manufaktur Berlin for the very first time.

The Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport L’Or Blanc presented in Berlin, is a one-of-a-kind creation. Nevertheless, the partnership is supposed to be continued, and Bugatti’s designers received a lot of inspiration from porcelain painting offering a variety of new opportunities for the design. The price of the
Bugatti L’Or Blanc is 1.65 m EUR.

2011 Ferrari 458 Challenge

Coming just a few months after the 2010 Frankfurt Motor Show unveiling of the Ferrari 458 Italia
The direct injection 4497 cc V8 remains strictly in production tune, with an output of 570 hp at 9,000 rpm. That said, modifications have been made to the gear ratios and calibration of its dual-clutch F1 gearbox to guarantee higher torque at lower revs. The Ferrari 458 Challenge is also equipped with the E-Diff electronic differential already employed on the road-going version, a first for Ferrari’s track-only cars.
The new Ferrari 458 Challenge also has a specific suspension set-up with solid aluminium bushings, stiffer springs, single-rate dampers, centre-nut 19″ racing rims, larger dimension Pirelli slicks and a ride height lowered by 30mm all round. It is also equipped with the new generation Brembo CCM2 brakes which debuted on the 599XX, Ferrari’s extreme experimental laboratory car, and which are integrated with an ABS system that features two configurations – low grip and high performance for dry surfaces.

on which it is based, the Ferrari 458 Challenge introduces a number of important modifications to adapt it for competition use.

2012 ABT Sportsline Volkswagen Tiguan

The specification book stated that the characteristics of the new Volkswagen Tiguan had to be supported. In plain talk this means that the car should have maximum reliability, enjoyable driving characteristics on almost all surfaces and agility – and the engineers at ABT have done a good job: the successful 2.0 TDI version now offers strong 170 HP/125 kW (series standard: 140 HP/103 kW) or 195 HP/143 kW (series standard: 170 HP/125 kW). With the economical turbo petrol engine with 1.4 litre cubic capacity a dynamic 210 HP (154 kW) is available instead of the standard 160 HP (118 kW). The fact that the fuel consumption does not increase as a result is a matter of course at ABT Sportsline. The sportiest Volkswagen Tiguan facelift is the one with the 2.0-TSI engine. The machinery is currently undergoing extensive testing but the technicians have already revealed that – depending on the series performance – either over 210 HP (154 kW) or as much as 250 HP (184 kW) will be reached.

Jaguar XJ

The original XJ was the last car designed by Jaguar founder Sir William Lyons and the latest car to wear the nameplate is as innovative, beautiful and desirable as its famous forebear.
Revolutionary, not evolutionary, the Jaguar XJ is truly a product of the 21st century and is the clearest indication yet of the singular sense of purpose behind Design Director Ian Callum's vision for the future of Jaguar.
The unique full-length panoramic glass roof that floods the cabin with natural light allows the Jaguar XJ to offer an unrivalled sense of spaciousness and occasion for driver and passengers and at the same time retain the sleek coupé-like profile and lithe stance for which Jaguars are famous.
Lightweight aluminium architecture

The mould- breaking styling is matched by similarly impressive construction techniques pioneered by Jaguar. The lightweight aluminium structure - 50 percent of which is made from recycled materials - offers improved fuel consumption and reduced emissions. In conjunction with a lifecycle approach to design and manufacture this allows the Jaguar XJ to minimise its carbon footprint.
The weight saved by the use of aluminium - an average of 150kg compared to its rivals - also has benefits for performance and agility and is complemented by the most advanced, powerful and efficient Jaguar powertrains ever. The choice of engines has been enlarged for the 2012 range with the fitment of a 3.0-litre V6 petrol engine (market specific). All engines are coupled to a shift-by-wire, six-speed automatic transmission controlled by the JaguarDrive Selector or steering wheel-mounted paddles.

The cabin of the Jaguar XJ blends elegant, contemporary design with the comfort, luxury and unmistakable sporting style of a Jaguar. Chrome and piano black detailing provides an eye-catching contrast to the beautifully-crafted leather and wood veneer surfaces. Both standard and long-wheelbase models are available, for an even more sumptuous and refined experience for rear seat passengers.
Advanced new technology has allowed Jaguar's interior designers to create an environment more akin to a state-of-the-art living space than a car cabin. Stunning 12.3-inch high-definition virtual instruments complement an innovative Dual-view 8-inch Touch-screen that allows the passenger to view DVD movies or TV programmes while the driver is provided with vehicle functions or satellite-navigation directions.
Premium surround sound options include the top-of-the-range 1200W Bowers & Wilkins system that is comparable in audio quality to the best in-home entertainment. Advanced infotainment features also include hard-drive based audio and navigation systems and comprehensive connectivity for portable audio and video devices via the powerful Media Hub.
2012 enhancements

Subtle enhancements to the cabin are now available for the 2012 XJ range to allow greater personalisation and flexibility of use. A new Rear Comfort Pack offers seats that now feature electric adjustment of the backrest recline angle, four-way lumbar support and a massage function. Increased comfort is also provided by new winged headrests, footrests and the ability for the front passenger seat to be stowed away forwards when unoccupied to increase legroom even further.
On the long-wheelbase Portfolio derivative a new 'Executive Pack' transforms the rear of the Jaguar XJ into a high-speed mobile office space with the provision of fold-down laptop trays and an electric rear sunblind for increased privacy. The package also includes upgraded carpeting, combination wood and leather steering wheel, gloss wood veneer choices and chrome mirror housings.
Jaguar has always listened closely to customer feedback and in the case of the Jaguar XJ, this has led to a new interior colour combination. Available with the Premium Luxury and Portfolio trim levels the Jet/Ivory option features ivory seating with contrast jet stitching, piping and upper surfaces while the headlining is available in either colour, according to customer preference.
All Jaguar XJ variants are now available with an Illumination Package derived from that offered as standard on the Supersport model. This comprises illuminated treadplates, boot latch and front and rear air vents.
"An XJ should be the ultimate in comfort, design and refinement. The bespoke interior changes we have incorporated for the 2012 model make it an even more special car to drive or be driven in." Ian Callum, Design Director, Jaguar Cars

BMW M3 CRT

The BMW M3 CRT (Carbon Racing Technology) embodies a concentrated blend of state-of-the-art development expertise - inspired directly by motor sport - in the areas of drive system and chassis technology and intelligent lightweight design. It also represents the worldwide debut of a new production process for carbon-fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) components in the automotive industry. This process allows CFRP to be introduced widely in the construction of the high-performance BMW M3 Saloon-based sports car

created by the BMW M GmbH factory. And that helps it achieve a weight-to-power ratio of 3.5 kilograms per horsepower. A V8 engine with customary M high-revving characteristics and maximum output of 331 kW/450 hp accelerates the BMW M3 CRT from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.4 seconds.
The BMW M3 CRT will be produced by the BMW M GmbH factory in a limited run of 67 units. Following in the tyre tracks of the BMW M3 GTS - of which 135 examples were produced - this is the second small-series, high-performance M3 off-shoot to be bred for the race track but registered for the road. The exclusive character of the Saloon is emphasised by bespoke lightweight design components manufactured as part of an innovative production process. The bonnet of the BMW M3 CRT and the bucket seats for the driver and front passenger are made from a cellular carbon honeycomb, which is produced in a globally unique process pioneered for the manufacture of body components for the BMW i3 and BMW i8 models.

These new models - due to enter volume production in 2013 and equipped with innovative electric and BMW ActiveHybrid drive system technology - will feature a body consisting entirely of CFRP in the passenger cell area. In a new development, the production process introduced for this purpose enables the cuttings left behind in the construction of the body to be reprocessed. The basic material (made up of carbon fibre thread) can now be woven into CFRP mats of any size before being impregnated with synthetic resin and hardened in a similar way to the material used in the body of the BMW i3 and BMW i8. For the BMW M3 CRT this allows the creation of a bonnet made from two CFRP mouldings encasing an aramid honeycomb structure. This construction imbues the bonnet with the strength of a conventional steel equivalent, but at roughly a quarter of its weight. The weight saving over the aluminium bonnet of the standard BMW M3 Saloon is around 50 per cent.
The material produced through this innovative manufacturing technology is also used for the car's bucket seats. Here, the CFRP layers are wrapped around a recycled-paper honeycomb, with a carbon layer made using conventional production technology added to visible areas. CFRP is also used to make both the rear spoiler of the BMW M3 CRT and an air-channelling element integrated into its front apron.
This innovative manufacturing process opens up considerable potential for increased use of CFRP in series-produced cars as a means of lowering weight. The BMW Group is leading the way in this area of automotive construction, while BMW M GmbH can call on extensive racing expertise when it comes to intelligent lightweight design. The BMW M3 CRT is the latest in a fine tradition of highly exclusive high-performance sports cars optimised with the help of lightweight design. This lineage stretches back to the BMW 3.0 CSL of the 1970s and reached another high point in 2002 with the BMW M3 CSL. BMW M GmbH also broke new ground with the use of CFRP in series-produced vehicles; like the BMW M6 produced up to 2010, the current BMW M3 Coupé comes as standard with a roof made from carbon-fibre reinforced plastic.
Significant weight reduction despite generous standard equipment.
The low-weight construction of the BMW M3 CRT is enhanced by sound-proofing configured specially for the new variant and a sports exhaust system with an extremely lightweight titanium muffler. Also unique to the CRT are the two individual rear seats, which take their cues from the lateral support-enhancing contours of the front seats.
Included in the standard specification of the BMW M3 CRT are the M double-clutch transmission with Drivelogic, Navigation system Professional, BMW Individual High End audio system, a light, exterior mirror and luggage area package, an alarm system and Park Distance Control with sensors at the front and rear of the car. Despite this extremely generous selection of standard kit, its DIN unladen weight of 1,580 kg undercuts that of the standard BMW M3 Saloon by around 45 kg. When you take into account the equipment on board the weight saving is more like 70 kg. Added to which, cleverly reducing the load at the front of the car raises the proportion of the car's weight over the rear axle to 48.4 per cent, which has an extremely positive effect on agility.
High-revving V8 engine with extra power; M DCT Drivelogic.
Under the CFRP bonnet of the BMW M3 CRT lies a variant of the V8 engine developed exclusively for the BMW M3 with further increased displacement, output and maximum torque. The high-revving unit provides the linear power delivery you expect from an M car and a highly responsive performance profile honed by the demands of the race track. Tuned for the BMW M3 GTS, the eight-cylinder engine develops 331 kW/450 hp from its 4,360 cc displacement. Maximum output is reached at 8,300 rpm, and the driver will find peak torque of 440 Newton metres on tap at 3,750 rpm. Helping to give the engine its intoxicating performance is wizardry derived directly from motor sport, including a bedplate crankcase construction in a special aluminium-silicon alloy, individual throttle butterflies, a knock control system with ion current technology and a dynamically-optimised wet sump oil supply.
Transferring the engine's power to the rear wheels is the M double-clutch transmission with Drivelogic developed for the BMW M3. The seven-speed M DCT Drivelogic unit also works according to a principle developed in motor sport, allowing an uninterrupted flow of power through gear changes to deliver extremely dynamic acceleration. Its shift characteristics have been tuned specially for the engine powering the BMW M3 CRT. Shift paddles on the steering wheel allow the driver to change gear manually with optimum ergonomics. And a Launch Control function is on hand to generate maximum acceleration off the start line.
Special chassis construction with race-bred technology.
Expertise from race competition also makes its presence felt in the chassis technology of the BMW M3 CRT. The BMW M3 Saloon's front and rear axle construction has been enhanced by a rigid rear axle subframe and coilover suspension whose dampers are individually adjustable in their compression and rebound. The six-piston, fixed-calliper high-performance brakes of the BMW M3 CRT boast a low-weight compound construction. The vented brake discs measure 378 x 32 millimetres at the front axle and 380 x 28 millimetres at the rear. The new M3 variant also uses Stahlflex brake lines and model-specific comfort brake pads.
The specially tuned DSC (Dynamic Stability Control) system - including ABS and M Dynamic Mode (MDM) - responds to both the greater dynamic potential of the BMW M3 CRT and its optimised axle load distribution. Meanwhile, the 245/35 R 19 front tyres and 265/35 R 19 rears (fitted on 19-inch M light-alloy wheels in Y-spoke design) ensure the engine's acceleration and braking power is transferred to the road with maximum impact. The electronic engine management of the BMW M3 CRT caps its top speed at 290 km/h.
The exclusive Frozen Polar Silver metallic exterior paint shade in combination with Melbourne Red metallic applications and special treatment for the BMW kidney grille also help to set the BMW M3 CRT apart from the standard M3. Inside, the Saloon comes with likewise exclusive door sill strips, door panels and trim strips in aluminium grain structure. Completing the distinctive ambience inside the high-performance Saloon are the Alcantara-covered M steering wheel, which has an M Drive button allowing the driver to call up his preferred set-up instantly, and special Sakhir Orange and Black bi-colour covers for the front and individual rear seats.