the little electric car company from India whose product has withstood ridicule from the likes of automotive entertainer Jeremy Clarkson seems to be working very hard of late to turn those jeers into cheers. Not only will they be showing off two new models with fancy telematic systems and a “wireless charging” set up in Frankfurt next week but now comes news they may be supplying GM India with the drivetrain components necessary to electrify the Chevy Spark. According to The Economic Times, if the Detroit headquarters gives the green light, the sub-continent subsidiary will enter into a joint venture with Reva Electric Car Company in what would be the first such deal for the General since those pesky bankruptcy problems.

If the deal does go ahead, we hope GM will use the 2010 version of the Spark rather than the current incredibly mediocre-looking re-badged Daewoo Matiz version. Looks count and it would be embarrassing if the global Goliath racked up lower sales numbers than the David with which it had partnered. However it works out for GM, the agreement would be a boon to Reva, adding to revenue and perhaps even allowing them to say arrivederci to the

we only had about a couple of hours with the fuel cell sedan. John a senior editor at Edmunds, actually got to spend a few days with the Clarity recently when Honda decided to put one in its California press fleet. Like other well-developed, electrically-driven cars, be they battery or fuel cell powered, the Clarity behaves pretty much how you would expect any modern car to drive. The efficient packaging job that Honda has done with the the Clarity means that it has about a quarter more interior volume than a similarly-sized Accord. As drivers participating in GM’s Project Driveway and lessees of the Clarity will agree, the technology works. It’s just a matter of optimizing and mass producing it to get the cost down.

The real problem lies in constructing a fueling network. With only two stations near his home and office, O’Dell was well aware of the issues. The actual act of fueling was not radically different from putting gas or diesel in a current ICE car. The main difference is that the filler nozzle has a clamp to lock it onto the fuel nipple on the car. Filling takes about 3-4 minutes. After that you’re off and running again

KIA, at last, announced the image of New Kia Picanto
The design of New Picanto looks more sporty with straight lines on the body.
In terms of dimensions, length, width, and wheelbase than the Kia Picanto the next generation is bigger than ever.
Likewise from the design. Starting from the front bumper, side skirts, rear bumper to be redesigned and present a completely new, if we compare with the previous Kia Picanto.
On the front facia for example, pull-pull design lines starting from the hood, headlamp, grill, until the air dam and fog lamp everything was new. Appear larger, more dynamic, and more sporty.
The side, left and right of the New Kia Picanto now has the straight lines are dynamic. Impression of a sporty city car presented by a rim which is also new and have never encountered in the previous Picanto.
Looked into the stern, the back of the Kia Picanto now appear more futuristic than the previous Picanto. Rear lamp no longer appear completely rounded but flavored European cars of today. Moreover, the trunk door design is also more modern.
Some predictions say the Kia Picanto the next generation will use a and there are also variants that use of LPG-fueled engines.

Standard all include folding rear backrest, tilt steering wheel, steering, bumpers painted, ABS, EBD, dual front airbags, etc. The most complete amount including the ESP, TCS, automatic climate control, four electric windows and audio system with MP3 and USB port

he new generation of Kia Picanto and Rio cars. Both cars will adapt to the new styling of the House Korean, stamped by chief designer Peter Schreyer. In practice, the new Kia Picanto and Rio have stylistic elements in common with the Soul and the new Sportage. The new Picanto will debut officially at the Geneva Motor Show – scheduled for March 2011 – in the as-even 3-door variant.

Most likely, the Swiss festival will also present the new Kia Rio will be available only with 5-door body. Both cars will be equipped with the 1.2 engine from 78 hp four-cylinder Hyundai i20, in conjunction with Start & Stop system called ISG. In 2013, however, the Kia Picanto and Rio will be available with the new 1.0 three-cylinder engine that will be offered in three variants of power: 69 bhp with C emissions equal tkm, 80 hp and 110 hp, this ‘last with Turbo

f you’re interested in having this ride and you’re willing to spend more money for more facilities and comfort, you can always add additional parking sensor, start button for the ride, and even massaging seats – only for the front side. Sounds like a good offer? Of course, it is!The interior cabin is equipped with high tech and shiny gadgets and equipments. The standard features of the ride is ventilated seats – both on the rear and the front side – the parking sensor – again, on the rear and the front – along with connectivity for iPod and Bluetooth, backup camera, moonroof, and stereo speaker. There’s also climate control and also separated control for the moonroof. There will be folding trays on the seatback area to provide more comfort and luxuryis maybe included in the category because this car is certainly isn’t a kidding material when it comes to price tag and luxurious features. The car is sold at the starting price tag of around $83,000 and still goes up, depending on the facilities and the additional features. However, the price is certainly worth everything, especially when the car is offering lots of more benefits than the price range

f German start-up Artega and its Henrik Fisker designed GT sports coupe, the company had just started building and selling a limited run of its cars, which at the time were available exclusively with a 300 horsepower V-6.

At this past week’s 2011 Geneva Motor Show, Artega has unveiled a new, greener version of the GT dubbed the Sports Electric, or SE for short. Instead of featuring a mid-engine layout, the new Artega SE ditches the gasoline V-6 in favor of two zero-emission electric motors mounted on the rear axle. They provide a combined output of 380 horsepower and can operate independently for better traction.

The entire drivetrain weighs just 330 pounds but this does not include the 727 pound weight of the lithium ion polymer batteries required to power the motors. For better weight distribution, the water-cooled batteries are split up and located at both ends of the vehicle resulting in an axle distribution of 57 percent in the rear and 43 percent in the front–identical to that of the gasoline powered Artega GT. Overall curb weight comes in at a reasonable 3,086 poundsA special feature of the vehicle is a toggle switch on the steering wheel, which enables the driver to adjust the recuperation rate of the regenerative brakes when he or she removes their foot from the accelerator.

The settings are variable from about 75 kW to zero recuperation, a level referred to as ’sailing’.

The Artega SE accelerates from 0-62 mph in just 4.3 seconds (4.8 seconds with an internal combustion engine) and can reach a top speed of 155 mph.

The vehicle is expected to be introduced in Europe in late summer, with the production version set to make its official world debut at the 2011 Frankfurt Auto Show this September.

If the reaction is positive, Artega will ramp up the SE for production with an aim to have the cars built in significant numbers by April of 2012. Unfortunately, there’s no word if the car will be offered in the U.S. but fingers crossed.AC

Now here’s one way to ruin a Ferrari 458 Italia. Okay, perhaps it isn’t th
at bad, but why anyone would want to muck up the near perfect lines of the 458 is beyond us. Nevertheless, the tuning mad scientists at Mansory have developed a new kit for the Italian thoroughbred and have used this week’s 2011 Geneva Motor Show to debut it.

Named after the historic race track on Sicily, the new Mansory Siracusa gains a performance boost over the standard 458 Italia on which it’s based, a lower curb weight and the over-the-top styling package you see here.

The main eye catcher of the new Siracusa front is the striking bumper with its optimized air inlets for better ventilation of the front coolers and increased downforce. The diffuser, which is fitted into the new rear bumper, stabilizes the rear during high speeds and in connection with the rear wing, generates contact pressure at the rear axle. The body kit is completed with custom carbon fiber blades that replace the rear window.

In total, Mansory has managed to shed some 154 pounds from the Ferrari 458 Italia’s curb weight.

In addition to the new aero components, Mansory has also installed a new sports air filter and exhaust system, and returned the ECU to deliver a new peak output of 590 horsepower and 412 pound-feet of torque. This is enough to see the Mansory Siracusa go from 0-62 mph in 3.2 seconds and reach a top speed of 205 mph.

The car has also been lowered by 20 mm and fitted with 20-inch wheels on the front axle and 21-inch wheels at the rear, all shod with Michelin Pilot Sport tires.

Also the interior is enhanced with a Mansory refining kit, which includes leather, ultra-suede and carbon fiber trim upgrades for the 458 Italia’s cabin. Another highlight is the newly developed full-size airbag sports steering wheel and the aluminum pedals

he New Kia Picanto will make its debut at the first date of the Geneva Motor Show 2011 – 1st of March.
The New Kia Picanto is coming with revisions outside and inside. There is a significant extension in the length and wheelbase, promising an increase of cargo space and more advance passenger comfort. CO2 emissions reduction and fuel economy improvement are also promised.

In the UK market, the New Kia Picanto will be available in late Spring. At the beginning, the car will be offered with an option of three-door and five-door body-styles.

For the engine, there will be an option of a 1.2-liter four-cylinder petrol Kappa power unit, three-cylinder Kappa engine (bi-fuel, flex fuel, and petrol), and three versions of the 1-liter. However, each market may have its own different option.

Depending on the model, the engines will be combined with an option of four-speed automatic transmissions or five-speed manual.

Generally, the outputs of power will extend between 69 to 85 PS, and the torque can reach up to 121 Nm. In the UK, the New Picanto will be featured with Kia’s fuel-stretching ISG technologies. The technologies are able to improve fuel economy, and reducing CO2 emissions to the rating of 90 to 100 g/km.

Other notable features of the New Picanto (depending on the model) include button-start with smart key, LED daytime running lights, seven or six airbags, and grip-type outside door handles

was revised to reaffirm its powerful nature. Air intake located on both sides of the Renault logo on the previous version are in an elegant chrome grille, a dynamic model has been confirmed by a new thinner headlights. Modern door mirrors now included in the LED indicator. View user page indicates the certainty associated with the world of motoring, thanks to tips like 4×4 ground clearance, prominent wheel arches and new, modern, sporty wheels. The new Renault Koleos is also available on a new dynamic color, Orange Cayenne. Range of new coatings and finishes of the original vehicle has been improved and refined elegance, while the dashboard and instrument panel lights are developed, including the introduction of a more elegant and modern housing in tstorage space of 70 liters. Access to the large trunk (450dm3 VDA) is facilitated by the double opening tailgate, the lower part of which forms a solid bench when lowered. The rear seat is equipped with Easy-Estate system 60/40-split. New Renault Koleos is available with a number of useful, comforting and pleasant user-friendly high-end, including hands-free entry and ignition, an electronic parking brake, automatic headlights and wipers activation and joystick operation Carminat TomTom navigation system. Versions of the new Renault Koleos 4×4 also includes Hill Start Assist and Hill Descent Control. The use of audio, navigation systems and dual-zone climate control is completely intuitive and controls fall easily to hand. The occupants are able to fully appreciate the update Bose® sound audio system that has been adapted to the characteristics of the cabin.

The engine of new Renault Koleos can be ordered with the 150hp or 175hp version of the M9R diesel engine, or with the 170hp (TR25) petrol engine. All three deliver dynamic, high-quality performance under the bonnet of this crossover which measures 4.52m in length and 1.85m in width. Work on the vehicle, engine and gearbox has produced appreciable CO2 emissions savings for the diesel versions of Koleos. The emissions of the 4×2 version powered by the dCi 150 engine are just 148g/km, which means it is no longer subject to the eco-surtax applicable in France. The emissions of the bigger dCi 175 engine have also been reduced to 166g/km.he speedometer display

he new 2012 Kia Picanto debut at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show. The new Kia Picanto available with 3.6-metre long will be remain an extremely practical car. On the outside, overall vehicle length has increased by 60 mm, and the wheelbase has grown by 15 mm. Attention to small details of the exterior design have improved the new Kia Picanto aerodynamics, reducing its drag figure to just Cd 0.31 – better than the vast majority of A-segment cars. Projection-style headlamps and LED rear lamps will be available, together with a choice of steel or alloy wheels up to 15 inches – bringing added sophistication to the exterior appearancer the interior Kia Picanto comes with automatical controlled air-conditioning, electronic and heated folding door mirrors with side repeaters, automatic light control with ‘escort’ and ‘welcome’ modes, steering wheel mounted audio controls, retractable dual cup holders. Other new features available include smart-key entry system with engine start/stop button, AUX, iPod and USB connections for the RDS radio CD player with MP3 compatibility, Bluetooth® hands-free with voice recognition, heated front seats and Intelligent Stop and Go that further enhances fuel economy.

The new 2012 Kia Picanto specifications for in Europe will come with a highly efficient Kappa engine that helps lower this model’s CO2 base-line to just 95 g/km and improves fuel consumption to as much as 67.3 mpg. Three versions of the Kappa will be offered – two in the UK. A four-cylinder, 1,248 cc engine that generates 85 ps and 121 Nm of torque tops the line-up. Two three-cylinder, 998 cc units will present customers with a choice of petrol or Bi-fuel technologies (LPG + petrol) – Bi-fuel is available in selected countries but not the UK. The petrol engine produces 69 ps and 95 Nm of torque. The Bi-fuel unit delivers 82 ps and 94 Nm of torque. Selected models will also be available with Kia’s fuel-stretching EcoDynamics technologies (automatic stop-start – ISG, advanced alternator control, upgraded starter motor and low-rolling resistance tyres), cutting emissions even further – to between 95 and 102 g/km. The standard transmission for all engines in new Kia Picanto will be a 5-speed manual, while a 4-speed automatic gearbox will be available as an option on the 1.25-litre 85 ps engi

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