2013 Citroen C4 Picasso

We now have spy photos with the upcoming 2013 Citroen C4 Picasso.

Looking a lot different than the outgoing model, the new generation of the C4 Picasso features rather unique split headlamp and turn signals clusters, a look which makes us think of the Nissan Juke but with a better design.

It also sports the firm's latest double chevron grille and has a beefy chrome frame running around the edges of the three large side glasses, while the less innovative back has Volkswagen Golf-inspired LED taillights.

The new C4 Picasso will ride on the EMP2 platform (Efficient Modular Platform 2) developed by PSA Peugeot Citroen which makes use of high-strength steel, aluminum and composites. Thanks to this change, the new model could be 154 lbs (70 kg) less heavy than its predecessor.

BMW has officially unveiled the 3-Series Gran Turismo.

 

Set to debut at the Geneva Motor Show, the 3-Series GT combines the "sedan’s dynamic, sporting genes with the practicality and versatility of the Touring." While the model closely resembles the 5-Series GT, designers managed to soften some of the lines to give the hatchback a more cohesive appearance. Key styling highlights include a prominent grille, frameless windows and a sloping roofline that tapers all the way down to the rear end. There's also a large tailgate with an active spoiler that automatically raises at 110 km/h (68 mph) and retracts at speeds below 70 km/h (43 mph).

As with most new BMWs, the 3-Series GT can be equipped with Sport Line, Luxury Line or Modern Line styling packages. There's also an M Sport package that adds an aerodynamic body kit, shadow line trim, a sport-tuned suspension and 18-inch alloy wheels.

Overall, the hatchback measures 200mm longer and 81mm taller than the Touring. It also rides on a wheelbase that has been extended by 110mm.

Interior changes are limited, but the model features raised seating positions and an extra 70mm of rear seat legroom. More notably, the boot 520 liters (18.3 cubic feet) of luggage which can be expanded to 1600 liters (56.5 cubic feet) when the rear seats are folded down.

Under the hood, a variety of different engines are available. Choices include:

• A 2.0-liter TwinPower Turbo four-cylinder diesel with 143 HP (105 KW) and 320 Nm (236 lb-ft) of torque
• A 2.0-liter TwinPower Turbo four-cylinder diesel with 184 HP (135 KW) and 380 Nm (280 lb-ft) of torque
• A 2.0-liter TwinPower Turbo four-cylinder with 184 HP (135 KW) and 270 Nm (199 lb-ft) of torque
• A 2.0-liter TwinPower Turbo four-cylinder with 245 HP (180 KW) and 350 Nm (258 lb-ft) of torque
• A 3.0-liter TwinPower Turbo inline-six cylinder with 306 HP (225 KW) and 400 Nm (295 lb-ft) of torque

Regardless of which engine is selected, it can be paired to a six-speed manual transmission or an optional eight-speed automatic.

Mega Deal on an £75,000 Super Saloon

BMW M5 V8 4dr DCT

3 Year lease

Business Contract Hire 6+35 – 10k p/a - £576.48 + Vat

Personal Contract Hire 6+35 – 10k p/a - £691.77 Inc Vat

Engine power: 560 PS

Fuel consumption: 28.5 mpg (combined)

CO2 emissions: 232 g/km

0 to 62 mph: 4.3 secs

Factory order 16 Weeks

Some of the massive spec this car has standard

Enhanced bluetooth telephone functionality with telematics, USB audio interface + voice control

Cruise control with brake function

Front/rear Parking distance control

Head up Display

Navigation System Professional Multimedia

Business loudspeaker system

DAB Digital radio

Adaptive headlights

Rain sensor with auto light activation system

Xenon headlights + auto headlight adjust

Heated Leather front seats

Elec front seats+driver seat/door mirror memory

19" light alloy wheels - M Double spoke style 345M



Mercedes-Benz CLA revealed ahead of Detroit debut

First official images of the Mercedes-Benz CLA have surfaced the Internet, ahead of its January public debut in Detroit.

After months of preliminary info, rumors, spy shots and videos, we finally get to see the CLA before its arrival at 2013 NAIAS. Looking fairly attractive, the baby CLS has inherited a lot of its design cues from the Style Concept Coupe, including the "floating dots" front grille.

Based on the new A-Class, the CLA is about 4.60 meters (181.1 inches) long and will be offered at first with three gasoline engines and a diesel: CLA 180 with 122 HP (90 kW), CLA 200 with 156 HP (115 kW), CLA 250 with 211 HP (155 kW) and the more frugal CLA 220 CDI with 170 HP (125 kW). In September next year, Mercedes-Benz will reveal the range-topping CLA45 AMG which is rumored to offer 335 HP (246 kW).

The German carmaker has already confirmed a new type of 4MATIC all-wheel drive system for the CLA.

FORD'S 'DAD IN THE DASHBOARD'

UK debut of MyKey lets parents set speed and stereo volume. Good idea or nannying nonsense?

It’s already been around in the US for some time now, but Ford’s MyKey system is set to make its debut in the UK this December on the revamped Fiesta.

This new system is geared towards parents who share their car with their kids. The premise is simple: you get a special key to give to your kids, and you can program how the car behaves when it’s driven using that key.

You can limit the maximum speed at which your progeny can drive, as well as how loudly they can listen to the stereo. The stereo can even be turned off if seatbelts aren't being worn. There are also options to prevent deactivation of driver assistance technology, such as traction control and the new automatic 'city stop' braking function, and even to provide an earlier fuel warning.

It’s the first system of its kind, but Ford hopes that this sort of technology might sway potential customers who want to make sure their offspring can’t go out racing in the family car. They even suggest that younger drivers might warm to the idea once they realise that it’ll make their folks more amenable to the idea of them borrowing the car.

It’ll soon be rolled out as an option on all Ford models, and the company says that there’s the option to expand it to include other vehicle functions, too, atlhough we're struggling to think what. No access to the boot? Engine stops if all occupants start a Bohemian Rhapsody singalong?

If it’s a success, you can bet your bottom dollar that other manufacturers will follow suit with similar systems.

With European drivers under the age of 25 twice as likely to be involved in a fatal accident as any other, according to Ford research, this all seems on the surface like a pretty good idea. But that said, none of us likes a nanny in our car, and it did get us wondering whether it might all be a little over-zealous.

What’s more, there’s a danger that it’ll lull parents into a false sense of security – after all, limiting the maximum speed of the car can’t prevent younger drivers from driving dangerously and doing damage in residential areas.

So what’s your take on it? Are you a parent who’d welcome it? Or is it just another gimmick, another bit of electronic trickery that you’d sooner do without?



Source pistonheads.com

MCLAREN P1 REVEALED

The waiting is (nearly) over..................

Here it is then: the first official look at the McLaren P1 - and it's epic.

The P1 sets out its stall quite simply: to be the best driver's car in the world. Not just on the road either, but on the track too.

"Twenty years ago, we raised the supercar performance bar with the F1," says Exec Chairman Ron Dennis. "Our goal with the McLaren P1 is to redefine it once again."
"Our aim is not necessarily to be the fastest in absolute top speed but to be the quickest and most rewarding series production car on a circuit," says MD Antony Sheriff.

The P1 will be revealed as a design study to a no doubt salivating press corps at the Paris Motor Show, with more information to come at a press conference on 27 September. Production cars are expected to go on sale within the next 12 months. No price details as yet.

Source pistonheads

New JAGUAR F-TYPE

Jag's Boxster-buster in most of its glory

Here it is – the new Jaguar F-Type, uncovered and revealed to the world in all its glory.

It’s just the one image we’re getting for now: the full reveal will come next week on the eve of the Paris Motor Show (from 20:30 CEST on the 26^th). Jaguar’s simply confirming for now that its all-new two-seater sports car will be there.

So what do we have here? A trio of F-Types, all wearing ‘S’ badges, in different hues including that pretty red that’s likely to be the signature launch colour of the new car. All are roadsters, following Jaguar’s confirmation the drop-top will launch first (the coupe following later in 2013).

We’ll just point out a few key styling aspects that caught our eye, such as the C-X75-style grille, the bonnet vents that appear to be a prominent styling feature, and the front bumper that contains no less than five ventilation slots in addition to the main grille.

The rear overhang is short, giving a cab-back stance (it’s based on a shortened version of the all-aluminium XK platform), the rollover hoops have been made a prominent styling feature, doorhandles are flush-fit pop-out items and the headlights feature a sharp LED running light detail.

Rear wings carry a crease line on the top surface, and the bonnet is a clamshell design that also forms the top half of the front wings. Meanwhile, the peek at the interior suggests some of the C-X16 concept’s interior will be carried over too (we’ve included some images of the concept here, so you can judge for yourselves).

Note the bodykit on the red car, too – do the prominent side sills and crease line indicate this is the 5.0-litre supercharged car, instead of the 3.0-litre supercharged alternatives? Indeed, are all three variants shown here – 335hp 3.0 S/C on the left and 3.0 S/C 375 on the right?

This is it, then, the most important new Jaguar for years. What do you think?

Source pistonheads