USA - Volvo announces pricing & some specification for the all new 2018 XC60 SUV.

Volvo Car USA has released pricing for the highly anticipated all-new 2018 Volvo XC60. The mid-sized luxury SUV will be available with a T5 turbocharged gas engine producing 250 horsepower with all-wheel drive; a T6 turbo and supercharged gas engine producing 316 horsepower with all-wheel drive and a T8 Twin Engine Electric Plug-In Hybrid producing 400 horsepower with electric all-wheel drive. 

Pricing for the T5 starts at $41,500, the T6 starts at $44,900 and the T8 starts at $52,900. The 2018 XC60 is the first of the all-new 60 series cars and includes elements of the new Volvo design language. 

All XC60s will come equipped with a class leading level of standard equipment including a panoramic moonroof, leather seats, Thor’s Hammer LED headlamps, and Apple Carplay / Android Auto integrated into the 9 inch center touch screen.  

Optional features such as soft Nappa Leather seats with ventilation and massage, Bowers & Wilkins Premium Sound and four-corner air suspension bring a new level of luxury to the mid-sized SUV market.

The XC60 features Lane Keeping Aid standard and will debut with Oncoming Lane Mitigation, which will provide steering input to mitigate head-on collisions. 

This function will also join the standard Intellisafe City Safety system, which includes pedestrian, cyclist, vehicle and large animal detection with automatic emergency braking. Volvo’s Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) will now use Steer Assist functionality to prevent drivers from changing lanes into other vehicles.

Customers may configure their vehicle online at volvocars.com/us or order from their local Volvo retailer. The first XC60s are set to arrive in the U.S. this fall.

SPAIN - The new Peugeot 308 GTi arrives in Spain, and brings with it the Euro wide advertising campaign.

• Developed by Peugeot Sport, the most radical version of the Peugeot 308 GTi it includes slip Torsion differential, red brake callipers or specific tires, and offers two power levels: 250 and 270 hp
• The commercial launch of the new Peugeot 308 GTi by Peugeot Sport ingredients mix best action movie: spectacular chases, impossible braking and an unexpected ending.
• Peugeot 308 GTi by Peugeot Sport, from 29,900 euros

Brand Launches Peugeot Sport Peugeot 308 GTi by a spot to suit its radicalism. It can be considered an action film in true Hollywood style. The film shows this version of the 308 GTi spectacular chases brought against him and that show their sportsmanship, performance of dizziness and effectiveness of your braking system and Torsion differential.

The team has met to do this is usual blockbusters: from the director, Noam Murro, author of "300: the origin of an empire" to the co-star of the announcement, monkey Crystal, who showed their artistic talents in " Night at the Museum "and" The Hangover ", through the team of specialists, led by veteran Michel Julienne.

The GTi spirit is evident in this model and in your image: this version reduces the ride height by 11 mm, has a checkered specific grille which helps increase its grandeur and low box and a flared expressive flanks. The body can be selected in six different colours: red new Ultimate, blue Magnetic, the Perla Nera black, gray Artense, white and gray Nacré Hurricane. In addition to the 270 hp version is available duotone 'coupe franche' that combines black and red Ultimate Perla Nera.

The interior replica sportsmanship. Notable for its setting in dark colour, roof included. The red stitching enhancing the dashboard, the seats, the double doors, the bellows of the shifter and high-end rugs. Finally, the trim of the door sills display the logos "Peugeot Sport" and "GTi" and are made of aluminium, as are the pedals, footrest and the knob of the gear lever. It also includes bacquet type sports seats (optional on the 250 version, standard on the 270 hp).

The Peugeot 308 GTi stands out by Peugeot Sport especially in the field of driving experience. Peugeot Sport has developed the 308 GTi on a list of very specific conditions: a sporty compact, incisive and safe for the final pleasure. Thus, we have taken into account aspects such as suspensions, engines, braking and electronic aids.

Its dynamism reflects its widened track (1,570 mm front and 1,554 mm rear) tires Michelin Super Sport 235/35 ZR19, the

In addition, the GTi version by Peugeot Sport 270 CV also includes limited slip differential Torsen® that, along with electronic aids or rescheduling of traction control, resulting in a dynamic first order: open to all types of gas curves, read perfectly firm and transmit accurately and instantly the driver's commands.

The Peugeot 308 GTi 270 hp achieves the following records with a weight / power record in the segment of only 4.46 kg / hp, accelerates from 0-100 km / h in just 6.0 seconds and covers the 1,000 meters standing start in 25.3 seconds.

This equips the Peugeot GTi version i-Cockpit. Formed by the compact wheel, high instrumentation or multifunction colour touch screen, the driving position is the ideal to a reactive, emotional and complement racing model. The ergonomic position allows easy manoeuvring, speed and more easily communicate the wishes of the driver.

In addition, the Peugeot 308 GTi by Peugeot Sport Driver also incorporates the Sport Pack, which extends the sporty atmosphere on board. Pressing the Sport button on the centre console, instrument colour changes from white to red, in the central display additional information (power, torque, boost pressure, lateral and longitudinal accelerations) are available, the engine noise is reinforced and change the mapping of the accelerator pedal.

Peugeot 308 GTi 250 by Peugeot Sport, from 29,900 euros. Sport Peugeot 270 GTi by Peugeot Sport, available from 32,400 euros.

Remember, Remember the 5th November, well, not for that, but the launch of the All-New Hot Hatch from Peugeot.

• Full prices and specifications of eagerly-awaited flagship 308 are revealed
• Two versions with different power outputs maximise customer choice
• Developed by PEUGEOT SPORT for exceptional performance and race-bred pedigree
• Stylish specification inside and out look to ensure it becomes the best all-round hot hatch

Remember, remember the fifth of November… because the iconic PEUGEOT GTi badge is returning to the medium car segment for the first time since the 1990s, and all is set for a thrilling performance. One of the most eagerly-anticipated new model launches of 2015, the 308 GTi by PEUGEOT SPORT is a high-end performance ‘hot hatch’ designed with the sophisticated and enthusiastic driver in mind.

Launched as a high-performance model for the 308 range – itself winner of the prestigious 2014 European Car of the Year – the 308 GTi has been extensively developed by PEUGEOT SPORT - the Brand’s in-house team of motor sport engineers that boasts a wealth of expertise and success in the performance road car and international competition fields. The 308 GTi is the fourth road car project in three years following the critically acclaimed RCZ R, 208 GTi 30^th and 208 GTi by PEUGEOT SPORT.

The letters GTi only ever feature on PEUGEOT products with the highest performance. An acronym of Grand Tourer Injection, it’s a badge which has become shorthand for the hot hatch segment – a sector in which PEUGEOT has more than played its part. Products such as the 205 GTi and 309 GTi have acquired near-classic status in the decades since launch, and remain hugely popular with owners who appreciate their exceptional dynamic performance.

The 308 GTi continues in the same vein. Due to the dedication of the PEUGEOT SPORT team, the GTi offers customers a striking new interpretation of the 308’s sleek exterior design, enhanced sports-oriented interior detailing and an unparalleled driving experience with strong desirability and following.

Powered by the most-powerful engine of its size, the state-of-the-art 1.6-litre THP petrol engine with Stop&Start (S&S) technology is available in two power outputs – 250hp and 270hp – with both providing impressive performance; limited to 155mph. Even the environmental credentials are class-leading, with CO₂emissions at just 139g/km, while official Combined Cycle fuel economy is 47.0mpg.

With both models weighing in at just 1205kg this enables the 308 GTi 250 to sprint to 62mph in just 6.2 seconds, with a power-to-weight ratio of just 4.82kg/hp. The 308 GTi 270 sets a new segment record for power-to-weight – at just 4.46kg/hp – and reaches 62mph in a mere 6.0 seconds flat.

Key to the appeal of the 270 GTi is its Torsen® limited-slip differential, fitted as standard. Designed to improve cornering by channeling the torque to the wheel with the greatest traction, it also makes it possible to drive faster around corners and enhance grip and handling.

The 270 GTi is also equipped with 2.3kg lighter 19” ‘Carbone’ lightweight alloy wheels shod with the latest Michelin Pilot Super Sport tyres. The design showcases the highly-capable 380mm ventilated front brake discs with solid red four-piston PEUGEOT SPORT signature calipers.

The 308 GTi boasts purposeful new styling, sitting 11mm lower to the ground than its siblings. Aggressive new front and rear design elements have been added, with six distinctive exterior colours available – new Ultimate Red, Pearlescent White, Magnetic Blue, Nera Black, Cumulus Grey and Hurricane Grey. For the most eye-catching look, a ‘Coupe Franche’ two-tone design is exclusive to the 308 GTi 270, contrasting Ultimate Red with Nera Black.

The interior has been carefully specified to complement the 308 GTi’s exterior, subtly emphasising its sporting credentials. The door sill carries the PEUGEOT SPORT and GTi signature, while the foot pedals, foot rest and gear knob are finished in aluminum. Red stitching features on the upholstery, door panels, gear lever and premium floor mats. The GTi 270 features PEUGEOT SPORT race-inspired seats, upholstered in leather effect and Alcantara, which provide enhanced lateral support.

The compact steering wheel – an integral part of the 308’s acclaimed PEUGEOT i-Cockpit cabin design – provides natural grip and precise direction. It features full-grain leather with a GTi logo at the base and a red centring mark at the top. The head-up display instrument panel read-outs has a chequered backdrop, and a GTi greets the driver on start-up.

A 9.7” centrally mounted touch-screen forms a seamless part of the instrument panel, with its Redline theme adding a final touch of flair to the interior. The user-friendly feel of the cockpit promotes safe, instinctive driving control – crucial for a car that packs such a punch.

Standard equipment on the 308 GTi includes a Driver Sport Pack, which allows owners to ramp up the high-octane feel. Pressing the Sport button on the centre console switches the display colour from white to red, and shows additional information on the central read-out. It also enhances engine noise growl and changes the accelerator pedal mapping.

Also standard is red ‘PEUGEOT’ lettering on the grille, sports side skirts, new twin exhaust system with black diffuser, GTi badging, full LED headlamps, front LED sequential indicators, reversing camera, front and rear parking sensors, PEUGEOT Open & Go (keyless entry & push button start), satellite navigation and DAB digital radio. The GTi 250 has 18-inch ‘Diamant’ alloy wheels while the GTi 270 the larger 19” ‘Carbone’ lightweight alloy wheels.

The PEUGEOT 308 GTi 250 is priced at £26,555 on the road, while the PEUGEOT 308 GTi 270 (which has more power, the Torsen differential, 19” wheels, larger front brakes and sports seats) is priced at £28,155. The sports seats at £800 and 19” ‘Carbone’ lightweight alloy wheels with Michelin Super Sport tyres at £800 are available separately on the GTi 250 model. The exclusive Coupe Franche with Ultimate Red / Nera Black paint finish (exclusive to the GTi 270 model only) is £1,300.

Alfa Romeo breaks Nurburgring record with stunning 4C Supercar

• New Alfa Romeo 4C supercar completes a lap of the Nordschleife in just 8 minutes 04 seconds
• The lap time represents a new all-time record for all cars with engines producing less than 250hp
• Performance is in line with times set by sports cars with much higher prices and more powerful engines
• More than 250hp/tonne, 4.5 seconds from 0 to 62mph, 137hp/litre and 1.2g of deceleration: Alfa Romeo 4C guarantees even the most expert driver extraordinary performance and sensations
• The supercar was shod with special Pirelli Zero Trofeo tyres, the most sporty version in the Pirelli P Zero line, also type‐approved for road use on the German track

The new Alfa Romeo 4C has lapped the legendary Nordschleife at the historic Nürburgring circuit in Germany in a record-breaking time of 8 minutes 04 seconds, the fastest time of cars with engines under 250 HP and in line with times set by sports cars with much higher prices and more powerful engines. Driver, journalist and Nordschleife expert Horst von Saurma was behind the wheel when the record lap-time was set on September 12, 2013.

The test conducted at the ‘Green Hell’ in Germany is one of the countless tests that the Alfa Romeo supercar had to face in every part of the world, from the ‐35°in Sweden to the +40°of Abu Dhabi; from the Arizona (USA) deserts to the slopes of Mt. Etna in Sicily and from the Balocco test track in Italy track, where all Alfa Romeos have been developed, perfected and tested since 1962, to the one at the Nürburgring.

Used by car manufacturers the world over as a test and development track, the Nordschleife offers a unique configuration that alternates slow and fast curves, as well as straight stretches and undulations, to make it an outstanding testing ground for determining the soundness of a project.

In short, the 'Green Hell' proved to be the ideal place to put the performance features of the Alfa Romeo 4C to the test. This true, uncompromised driving machine delivers its best on the track, where speed, short braking distances and transverse acceleration are essential to get first‐rate lap times:  0 to 62mph in 4.5 seconds; 160mph of top speed; deceleration peaks in the range of 1.2 g; lateral acceleration peaks of over 1.1g and optimum weight distribution ‐40% over the front axle and 60% over the rear, not to mention a power-to-weight ratio of over 250hp per tonne, values worthy of true supercar.

In addition to its superb agility and phenomenal grip, credit must also be apportioned to the new 240hp 1750 Turbo Petrol engine, the latest‐generation 'ALFA TCT' dry twin clutch gearbox and the advanced Alfa D.N.A. selector with its newly-introduced “Race” mode. The new four-cylinder 1750 Turbo Petrol - with direct injection at 200 bar and an aluminium block - sets new records for torque and specific power for this size of engine, at over 200 Nm/litre (147.5 lb ft/litre) and 137hp/litre respectively, while maximum power of 240hp is reached at 6,000 rpm. The maximum torque of 350Nm (258 lb ft) ensures extraordinary elasticity and sportiness since it is maintained constant between 2,100 and 4,000 rpm with 80% of the torque already available from just 1,800 rpm.

Also contributing to the Alfa Romeo 4C's performance at the Nürburgring were the special Pirelli P Zero Trofeo tyres, the sportiest version in the Pirelli P Zero line. A record was set not only on the track, but also in the development of the tyres: It took less than one year of collaboration between Pirelli and Alfa Romeo engineers to develop of the best solution for guaranteeing grip and precision while driving of the Alfa Romeo 4C. These special 'AR' P Zero tyres, available in two sizes, 17" front and 18" rear or 18" front and 19" rear, ensure grip, performance, sportiness and precision. The 'AR Racing' tyres, offered only in 18" front and 19" rear sizes, have been developed not only with road driving in mind, but also for use on the track.