Thursday, January 31, 2013
2012 Audi Q5 Hybrid quattro Ambiente [Typ 8R]
![2012 Audi Q5 Hybrid quattro Ambiente [Typ 8R] by coopey](http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8044/8393192182_62f171399f.jpg)
The Q5 Hybrid combines the 2.0 TFSI engine of 211 HP with a 53 HP electric one. It can run up to 3 km using solely the second one and reach 100 km/h. It is offered on all the three conventional trim levels in the Q5 range. The Ambiente combines body color-painted skirts with newer LED taillamps.
1996-1998 Porsche 911 [993] Turbo 3.6
![1996-1998 Porsche 911 [993] Turbo 3.6 by coopey](http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7221/7302223718_b2fda13994.jpg)
The last air cooled Turbo and also the first one with a 4WD system. Even though the mid' 90s weren't the happiest years for Porsche, they managed to create another masterpiece after the legendary 959. It was produced for four years, but units manufactured in 1995 were sold as 1996 MY too.
The 993 Turbo became the fastest sports car in acceleration when it was launched. It only needed four seconds to reach 62 mph from zero. Unlike previous Turbos, the 993 featured a couple of turbochargers instead of just one, as well as many other improvements.
The output was increased to 408 HP thanks to that, but there were two optional performance packages that could lift that number up to 450. It was known as well for its huge highly effective disc brakes, capable of stopping this 911 from 62 to 0 in 2,3 seconds.
![2007 Volkswagen GTI Mk5 Fahrenheit Edition [Typ 1K] by coopey](http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7198/6870796032_4e6087d72f.jpg)
1997 Volkswagen Golf Mk3 Cabriolet Sport Edition [Typ 1H]
![1997 Volkswagen Golf Mk3 Cabriolet Sport Edition [Typ 1H] by coopey](http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5345/7087928477_394d086172.jpg)
Pristine looking "Aqua Blau" Golf that had come from Düsseldorf to our humble city for a few months. This limited edition was only sold in Germany. It featured those 16 inches "RS2" style rims, two-toned cloth upholstery, sport seats and standard ABS, airbag or "Beta" radio. It was available with all the engine options for the Mk3 Cabriolet. I found this Golf in Piovera.
Mercedes-Benz S class [W116]
![Mercedes-Benz S-Klasse [W116] by coopey](http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5446/6951411596_dd7eab978e.jpg)
Its story didn't seem to be very happy. The amount of leaves on it probably means it doesn't move a lot from there. But the sticker with an "A" also tells it comes from abroad. The only badge that it wears, "Automatic", helps little when trying to know more things. 280SE and 350SE had that gearbox as an option, while it was standard on the 450SE. A W116 should deserve a better end, but it wouldn't be the first time it doesn't get one in this city... I found this Merc in Ciudad Lineal.
Mercedes-Benz S550 [W221]
![Mercedes-Benz S550 [W221] by coopey](http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5192/6954181506_4af761c474.jpg)
A normal sighting on Madison Avenue or Ginza, but not on Castellana. It was only sold as "S 550" in the USA, Canada and Japan, while the rest of the world we knew it just as "S 500". The powertrain remained the same in all markets. The funny thing is that the American or Japanese nomenclature is closer to reality: the engine is a 5.4 litre V8, not a 5.0.
2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Limited 3.3 V6 AWD
A common import in the capital, although this was the first Mark 2 Hybrid I had caught. The owner must have brought it to Spain just a few months after it bought it brand new, since it's the first MY for this model. We have never had the Highlander/Kluger here, so it was a nice change compared to the ordinary RX450h.
2005 Honda S2000 [AP1] 2.0 DOHC
![2005 Honda S2000 [AP1] 2.0 DOHC by coopey](http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8017/6955437234_539c487491.jpg)
Even though this S2000 features the revised headlamps and taillights of the AP2 model, it kept the previous 2.0 engine of the AP1 in this country. Early S2000 aren't impossible to find here, but newer versions seem like they weren't sold at all. Honda's expensive sports cars have not ever been very popular in this territory. It is not because of their price, since Mazda, Mitsubishi or Nissan's pricey models have been well received here. So it must be for another reason. Too bad because the S2000 was a lovely underrated roadster. I spotted this Honda on Castellana.
2012 Subaru XV AWD Executive Plus
After the practically non-existent first generation XV, which was really badly announced here, it seems like Subaru has eventually got Spanish customers to meet the model. The XV is the first attempt of the brand to sell an Outback-ish version of the Impreza in this market. It is based on the hatchback body with the usual additional features of an Outback. Of course, all trim levels are equipped with an AWD system.
In Europe the XV is offered with the 2.0 Boxer Diesel engine or the 1.6i and the 2.0i Boxer petrol powertrains. Odd enough, the reaction of the public looks better than I expected, just what happens with the Trezia. Part of this early success is due to interesting discounts that Subaru Spain is applying in order to begin sales. I saw this XV on Castellana Ave.
![2010 Audi S4 B8 Avant [Typ 8K] by coopey](http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7184/6833154336_f72b5e51d4.jpg)
Brabus MB G class Cabriolet [W463]
![Brabus G Cabriolet [W463] by coopey](http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7077/7162422561_aec14d4816.jpg)
Brabus offers two engine enhancements for the topless MB G500: the 5.8 with 375 PS and the 6.1 with up to 462 PS.
![BMW Z8 4.0 V8 [E52] by coopey](http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7082/7347601682_12a93863be.jpg)
Monday, January 28, 2013
2014 Honda Urban small-crossover
The subcompact Urban SUV is based on Honda's popular Fit hatchback and plans are already set for production to start in late 2014 for the U.S.
Renault Twizy concept car
Renault Twizy will appeal to busy, car-owning city dwellers seeking a second vehicle, as well as to younger drivers looking for a safe way to start driving with a vehicle that does not require a licence.
Although its compact dimensions are likely to prompt comparisons with the world of scooters, Renault Twizy possesses all the fundamentals of a car: a chassis with four wheels, a steering wheel, pedals, and an enveloping body for two occupants sitting in tandem, one behind the other.
Renault Twizy is a car of character with a resolutely modern design; open bodywork with sweeping lines, original (optional) gull wing doors, a windscreen and roof forming a large glazed area, as well as lights creating an original lighting signature.
Renault Twizy has a range of 100 km over a standard urban cycle and can be fully recharged in 3 ½ hours from a domestic socket, using a spiral cable located under the flap at the front of the car.
Renault Twizy ships with a 13 kW (17 hp) electric motor delivering 57 Nm and with a top speed of 80 kph for the version requiring a driving licence. Renault Twizy 45 – the version requiring no licence – is driven by a 4 kW (5 hp) motor with maximum torque of 33 Nm available from start-up and a top speed limited to 45 kph. Renault Twizy is equipped with 6.1 kWh lithium-ion batteries located under the front seats.
BMW i8 Convertible at detroit auto show
the bmw i8 sports car
Beneath the bodywork is the same all-wheel-drive plug-in hybrid powertrain found in the i8 Coupe. This includes a 131-hp electric motor linked to the front wheels, along with a 223-bhp turbocharged 1.5-liter 3-cylinder gasoline engine coupled to the rears. The combined output of 354 hp is enough to motivate the i8 Convertible from 0 to 62 mph in 5.0 seconds, according to BMW. Top speed is reportedly 155 mph.
Toyota Corolla Concept
the next-generation Corolla is a compact car with more power,2013 Furia Corolla