about the latest new cars & car news
Creating the world’s most beautiful four-door sports car was a technical challenge relished by the industry-leading Aston Martin engineering team.
The Aston Martin Rapide S is a four-door ultra-luxury sedan that borrows styling elements and mechanical components from the brand’s elegant sports cars. Though many of its rivals serve up more space for the rear passengers, the Rapide S does offer enough room for four adults to go along with its exotic looks and impressive performance.
Filmed at the Rapide S global media launch Aston Martin Director of Product Development Ian Minards gives an overview of the many innovative technical and engineering features, including the assertive new front grille.
Based on the BMW Group’s VALVETRONIC technology, this system optimises both the engine’s responses and its efficiency. Under the bonnet of the MINI Cooper S Paceman, this system joins forces with a twin-scroll turbocharger and direct injection to generate maximum output of 135 kW/184 hp at 5,500 rpm. Plus, peak torque of 240 Newton metres (177 lb-ft) is on tap between 1,600 and 5,000 rpm. An overboost function is at the driver’s disposal to provide particularly powerful bursts of acceleration, increasing torque to as much as 260 Newton metres (192 lb-ft) for a short time between 1,700 and 4,500 rpm.
All of which enables the MINI Cooper S Paceman to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h / 62 mph in 7.5 seconds (automatic: 7.8 seconds) on the way to a top speed of 217 km/h / 135 mph (212 km/h / 132 mph). Despite this smile-inducing acceleration, average fuel economy in the EU test cycle stands at an impressive 6.1 (7.1) litres per 100 kilometres / 46.3 (39.8) mpg imp and CO2 emissions are just 143 (166) grams per kilometre.
Developing maximum output of 90 kW/122 hp at 6,000 rpm and with peak torque of 160 Newton metres (118 lb-ft) available from 4,250 rpm, the engine powering the MINI Cooper Paceman also has what it takes to fuel plenty of sporty driving fun. The 0-100 km/h / 62 mph dash is all over in 10.4 seconds (automatic: 11.5 seconds) and top speed stands at 192 km/h / 119 mph (184 km/h / 114 mph). Average fuel consumption for the MINI Cooper Paceman in the EU test cycle is 6.0 (7.2) litres per 100 kilometres / 47.1 (39.2) mpg imp, while CO2 emissions come in at 140 (168) grams per kilometre.
A turbocharger with variable turbine geometry and common-rail direct injection allows the diesel powerplants driving the MINI Cooper SD Paceman and MINI Cooper D Paceman to offer both instantaneous pulling power and exceptionally low fuel consumption. What’s more, the engines’ aluminium construction allows weight to be kept impressively low and smoothness to take a front seat. The engine fitted in the MINI Cooper SD Paceman produces maximum output of 105 kW/143 hp at 4,000 rpm from its 2.0-litre displacement. Maximum torque of 305 Newton metres (225 lb-ft) can be accessed between 1,750 and 2,700 rpm. The resultant power delivery allows the MINI Cooper SD Paceman to sprint from rest to 100 km/h / 62 mph in 9.2 seconds (automatic: 9.4 seconds) and hands it a top speed of 200 (197) km/h / 124 (122) mph. The impressive efficiency of the more powerful of the two diesel engines is reflected in average fuel consumption in the EU test cycle of 4.6 (5.7) litres per 100 kilometres / 61.4 (49.6) mpg imp and CO2 emissions of 122 (150) grams per kilometre.
The MINI Cooper D Paceman also stands out with its superb balance of brawn and economy. Its diesel powerplant has 1.6-litre displacement, rising to 2.0 litres if the optional automatic gearbox is specified. Maximum output stands at 82 kW/112 hp and is available from 4,000 rpm, while peak torque of 270 Newton metres (199 lb-ft) is served up between 1,750 and 2,250 rpm. The MINI Cooper D Paceman accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h / 62 mph in 10.8 seconds (automatic: 11.2 seconds) on the way to a top speed of 187 (182) km/h / 116 (113) mph. The exemplary efficiency of this variant is headlined by average fuel consumption in the EU test cycle of 4.4 (5.6) litres per 100 kilometres / 64.2 (50.4) mpg imp and CO2 emissions of 115 (149) grams per kilometre.
Six-speed automatic gearbox and ALL4 all-wheel drive on the options list.
MINI Paceman – Explosion – MINI Canada tasked an international urban artist to help them create an explosive piece that helps highlight the design, style and bite of the new MINI Paceman.
Lincoln MKC Concept debuts at 2013 North American International Auto Show – Lincoln’s first-ever small vehicle. Lincoln today introduces the MKC Concept, a vision of how Lincoln will enter the industry’s fastest-growing small luxury utility segment.
With nearly 60 percent growth in 2012 and more than 200 percent in the last four years, the small luxury utility segment has far eclipsed all other luxury segments. The opportunity is a key next step in Lincoln’s strategy to grow with four all-new vehicles targeted at the highest-growth segments over the next four years.
We are reinventing Lincoln by focusing on the largest and fastest-growing segments of the luxury market, while offering clients something different,” said Jim Farley, executive vice president of Global Marketing, Sales and Service and Lincoln. “The just-introduced MKZ re-establishes Lincoln in the largest luxury segment, and the MKC Concept highlights a key opportunity in the fastest-growing part of the luxury market.”
This segment growth is being driven at both ends of the demographic spectrum. Many new buyers are coming into affluence and purchasing their first luxury vehicle. Others are moving from larger vehicles to smaller ones to simplify their lives.
This growth includes China, where Lincoln will begin selling in the second half of 2014 through independent dealers.
Lincoln is being reinvented in every way – from a complete new lineup of stunningly designed vehicles to how dealerships provide surprising personal client services and how drivers engage with their vehicles. The goal is to appeal to a new type of luxury clients considered cultural progressives, who are open to new ideas and experiences.
In current and future vehicles, these “Lincoln Experiences” will include a variety of distinctive features, such as push-button transmission engagement, programmable ride control, unique and diverse powertrains, personalized lighting, and a suite of customizable functions that are unique for each client as the vehicle instantly recognizes the operator and creates a personalized welcoming sequence.
Lincoln, Lincoln MKC Concept
MKC Concept New Opportunity for Lincoln | Source – by General Motors Company.
