Purpose

I will try my best to provide detailed info on various cars and what is like to live with them, I have already produced a few for Jaguar-car-forums, I will do my best to be unbiased, but it will be hard for some cars. I will re-produce press releases and copy from other motoring news.
Showing posts with label four-wheel drive. Show all posts
Showing posts with label four-wheel drive. Show all posts

Thursday, 8 June 2017

The latest Skoda Kodiaq SE Technology comes with more it, better tech and more efficient.

  • Kodiaq SE Technology from £26,860 to £28,345 for 5 seat versions and £27,860 to £29,345 for 7 seat versions.
  • Competitive Whole Life Costs for fleets and low running costs for drivers
  • Innovative technology as standard to keep business connected on the move
  • Available with a 2.0-litre diesel 150PS engine and choice of front and four-wheel drive and manual or DSG gearboxes.
ŠKODA launches specially configured Kodiaq SE Technology for business customers. Combining sleek design, ample interior space and simply clever innovations ensures the latest addition to the Kodiaq range is an ideal companion for business users.
A highly competitive vehicle, the Kodiaq SE Technology 2.0-litre TDI 150PS DSG offers the perfect rational and emotive balance for corporate fleets, small businesses and company car drivers. Emitting 131 g/km of CO2, the Kodiaq has a P11d value of just £26,860 and BIK of 28%. In addition, the Kodiaq boasts low VED rates, SMR costs and greater fuel efficiency than its leading competitors keeping Whole Life Costs low for the duration of ownership.
SE Technology includes a host of innovative tech as standard to support business on the move. ŠKODA Connect turns the Kodiaq into a fully connected vehicle with Infotainment Online providing satellite navigation, traffic reports and calendar updates. Drivers can instantly sync contacts from their phone to the car, which can be accessed via steering wheel controls or voice activation for a safer way to make calls on the road.
As an option for fleets regularly undergoing long distances, Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) can be added to assist the driver in maintaining the selected speed and desired gap between the ŠKODA Kodiaq and the car in front.
The versatile Kodiaq is available in both five and seven seat variants, and boasts one of the largest load spaces in its class - perfect whether transporting goods or passengers. Kodiaq features 720/630/270 litres of boot space with the rear seats up and 2,065/2,005 litres with the seats down in the five and seven seat models, respectively. The SE Technology model also comes with front and rear parking sensors as standard. Further equipment, such as Autonomous Emergency Braking, can detect dangerous situations involving pedestrians or other vehicles in front of the car, and can automatically apply the brakes
Henry Williams, ŠKODA Head of Fleet, comments: “We’re already seeing excellent growth in fleet channels, and the Kodiaq is an important addition to our fleet model range for 2017. The overwhelming interest we have had in Kodiaq proves the car’s mix of smart tech, safety kit and sleek design is appealing and combined with competitive Whole Life Costs, makes it the perfect fit for business.”

Thursday, 1 December 2016

Dacia Duster wins Best Tow Car and Best Winter Car at the Carbuyer Best Cars Awards 2017

  • Dacia Duster wins Best Tow Car and Best Winter Car at the Carbuyer Best Cars Awards 2017
  • Robust SUV praised for its grip, ruggedness and affordability
  • Pair of category wins build on Duster’s previous success in the annual awards
  • Priced from £9,495, Duster is the most affordable new SUV in the UK
The Dacia Duster has won further acclaim for its robust and rugged design after it was voted the Best Tow Car and Best Winter Car at the Carbuyer Best Cars Awards 2017.
The tough Duster scooped the duo of awards after impressing the Carbuyer.co.uk team of motoring experts with its unrivalled value, surefooted driving dynamics, tough construction and user friendliness.
Judged with the needs of car buyers in mind, the annual Carbuyer Best Cars Awards take into account a car’s reliability, price, running costs and how easy it is to live with in addition to how well it performs and handles. 
The award categories reflect the types of vehicles proven to be the most in-demand by Carbuyer’s readers and follow the straight-talking, jargon-free approach that has made it one of the most respected car review websites in the country.
In the course of providing motorists with the very best information and determining the winners of its awards, the Carbuyer team tests more than 500 cars a year.
It’s not the first time the Dacia has been praised by the Carbuyer judges. Since the awards were established in 2011, it has twice been judged the best small SUV available. Having undergone a facelift earlier this year, the Duster’s popularity among the British public shows no signs of slowing either.
Stuart Milne, Editor, Carbuyer, said: "The Dacia Duster is small, rugged and easy to drive, all of which are perfect attributes if you're driving a car throughout the winter. Choose a four-wheel drive version, and you'll have a car with remarkable grip that'll make short work of the toughest wintery conditions, with little impact on day to day running costs."
Louise O’Sullivan, Head of Dacia UK, said: “These awards perfectly illustrate the robust, rugged nature of the Duster, underlining its ability to easily cope with demanding driving conditions and usage.
“We’re delighted that these accolades add to the Duster’s ever-growing trophy cabinet and that its no nonsense approach to motoring and fantastic value continue to hit the spot with the automotive press and public alike.” 
The multiple award-winning Duster starts from just £9,495, making it the most affordable SUV on the UK market.
The Duster is available in a choice of four trim levels, with 1.6-litre naturally aspirated (SCe 115) or 1.2-litre turbo charged petrol (TCe 125) or 1.5-litre turbodiesel (dCi 110) engines and in 4x2 or 4x4 set-ups.  A six-speed EDC (Efficient Dual Clutch) automatic gearbox is also available and despite its sophistication compared to rival systems is the most affordable automatic crossover on sale.
Dacia has been a real success story in the UK since its launch in 2013 finding over 90,000 customers thanks to the brand’s clear value for money and no-nonsense approach. Duster, the tough crossover, has struck a particular chord with Britons having seen 6,503 sales in the first 10 months of the year alone – up 20 per cent on the same period last year. 

Thursday, 3 March 2016

GENEVA - The new Ferrari GTC4Lusso is Maranello’s latest interpretation of the four-seater concept.

THE FERRARI GTC4LUSSO DEBUTS AT THE GENEVA SHOW: CLASS-LEADING PERFORMANCE, VERSATILITY IN ALL DRIVING CONDITIONS, SUBLIME ELEGANCE
The new Ferrari GTC4Lusso is Maranello’s latest interpretation of the four-seater concept, which combines extraordinary performance in all driving conditions with sporty elegance and luxurious comfort for both driver and passengers alike. 
The GTC4Lusso’s name references several illustrious predecessors, not least the 330 GTC or its 2+2 sister model, the 330 GT, as well as the 250 GT Berlinetta Lusso, which married extreme performance with stylish design and sophisticated materials and craftsmanship.

The GTC4Lusso sports the latest evolution of the naturally-aspirated Ferrari GT V12 that melds incredible power with efficiency and provides a soundtrack which is thrilling in performance driving, yet discreet and harmonious in normal touring conditions.
As is the case with all Ferraris, the GTC4Lusso introduces a slew of technological innovations, notably the new Ferrari-patented 4RM-S which guarantees exceptional handling even on low-grip surfaces and superb stability and responsiveness in all conditions.
The GTC4Lusso’s aerodynamic development introduced new solutions, too, including a slotted diffuser and a rear spoiler integrated with the hatch, all focused on reducing drag and improving aerodynamic efficiency. 
As a result, the GTC4Lusso exudes elegance and exclusivity, its unprecedented forms underscoring its most dynamic traits in an effortless marriage of sportiness and signature Grand Tourer traits.
The sophisticated and refined cabin is designed wholly around its occupants. Its Dual Cockpit concept, in fact, was crafted to enhance the shared driving experience for all passengers. Maximum attention was paid to improving in-car comfor

Thursday, 11 February 2016

A strange Look, A strange name, but it is undoubtedly a Ferrari, I am not sure about the estate style rear end.

The Ferrari GTC4Lusso debuts at the Geneva Show: class-leading performance, versatility in all driving conditions, sublime elegance.
A unique car, a whole new world
Ferrari announces the addition to its range of the Ferrari GTC4Lusso, the new four-seater which hails a major evolution of the sporting Grand Tourer concept by integrating rear-wheel steering with four-wheel drive for the first time.
This is a car designed for clients wanting to experience the pleasure of driving a Ferrari anywhere, anytime, be it on short spins or long journeys, snowy mountain roads or city streets, alone or in the company of three lucky passengers. Drivers who demand exceptional power but refuse to compromise on in-car comfort, sporty elegance and impeccable detailing. 

In short, the GTC4Lusso brings unprecedented versatility to Ferrari driving, like the FF before it which won the Prancing Horse a new, younger client base that, significantly, also makes greater use of its cars, clocking up 30% higher mileage than average.
The GTC4Lusso’s name references illustrious predecessors, such as the 330 GTC or its 2+2 sister model, the 330 GT - one of Enzo Ferrari’s favourites - and the 250 GT Berlinetta Lusso, which represented a sublime combination of elegance and high performance. The number 4 alludes to the car’s four comfortable seats.
Engine
The GTC4Lusso’s 12-cylinder engine delivers smooth, consistent power, punching out a massive 690 cv at 8,000 rpm. Both its 2.6 kg/cv weight-to-power ratio and its 13.5:1 compression ratio set new records for the category.
Maximum torque is 697 Nm at 5,750 rpm with 80% already available at just 1,750 rpm for superb responsiveness even at low revs. The soundtrack brilliantly reflects the car’s multifaceted personality: it is rich and powerful in performance driving and discreet yet harmonious in the city.
Dynamics
The Ferrari GTC4Lusso is an exceptionally versatile car in every kind of grip condition thanks to the Ferrari-patented 4RM Evo four-wheel drive system which is integrated with rear-wheel steering for the first time. 
The result is the newly-patented 4RM-S (four-wheel drive and steering) system which, based on yet another exclusive Prancing Horse patent, the latest evolution of the Slip Side Control (4.0) system, now incorporates the electronic differential (E-Diff) and the SCM-E dampers. 
All these sophisticated vehicle dynamics controls are seamlessly integrated by Ferrari’s proprietary software and enable the driver to effortlessly handle the GTC4Lusso’s extraordinary torque even on snow-covered, wet or low grip roads. 
The result is tremendous stability and a sensation of masterful control and security that translates into superior performance. The new-generation SCM-E damper control also contributes to improving performance on rough surfaces and, of course, to superior ride comfort.
The GTC4Lusso’s high levels of performance are also due in part to new aerodynamic solutions, not least a new front grille with integrated air intakes to improve the efficiency of the radiating masses, the air vents on the wing that recall those of the 330 GTC, a roof-mounted rear spoiler and a new triple-fence diffuser. The combined effect of these features is a Cd value that is substantially lower than on the FF.
Style
Penned by Ferrari Design, the GTC4Lusso is a further refinement of the shooting brake coupé, reinterpreting  the concept with an extremely streamlined, tapered shape that gives it an almost fastback-like silhouette.
Its sporty soul is underscored by the forms and styling of the rear where the curve of the roof has been lowered whilst retaining enough volume to guarantee exceptional space and comfort for all four occupants, as well as an ample luggage compartment. 
Ferrari’s signature twin rear lights adorn the tail. These not only emphasise the car’s muscular shoulders and broaden it horizontally, but work visually with the tail pipes to lend a sense of imposing power to the rear. 
Dynamically chiselled crease lines create a diapason theme along the car’s flanks, breaking up the optical mass, accentuating the muscular wheelarch and imparting a sculpted athleticism.
Interior
Meticulous attention to design and carefully executed detailing has produced a cabin that is a flawless triumph of sporty luxury. Its Dual Cockpit architecture is another first, designed to enhance the shared driving experience for both driver and passenger, with the latter having their own generous optional display with a plethora of functions.
That innovative architecture aside, the cabin’s most striking feature is the beautiful craftsmanship of the materials which have been painstakingly selected and combined to enrich the atmosphere on board.
Generous wraparound seats guarantee all four occupants exceptional comfort and room, creating the same ambience as a luxurious living space.
The GTC4Lusso also debuts the new Infotainment platform featuring a 10.25” HD screen with capacitive touch technology. The new steering wheel is more compact thanks to a smaller air bag and the integrated controls are more ergonomic than ever, making for an even sportier driving experience.  
The official world premiere of the GTC4Lusso will be at the Geneva International Motor Show in March.
Ferrari GTC4Lusso brief technical specification
Engine
Type
Overall displacement
Max. power output*
Max. torque* 
V12 - 65°  
6262 cc        
507 kW (690 cv) at 8,000 rpm        
697 Nm at 5,750 rpm
Dimensions and weight
Length
Width
Height
Dry weight**
Weight distribution 
4,922 mm
1,980 mm
1,383 mm
1,790 kg
47-53% front/rear
Performance
Maximum speed
0-100 km/h   
335 km/h
3.4 sec
* With 98 RON petrol
**With optional lightweight content

Monday, 27 April 2015

New Škoda Fabia R5 to celebrate World Rally Debut in Czech Republic.

  • Jan Kopecký to drive the new rally car at the opening round of the Czech Rally Championship
  • Hrabánek: “Pleased to be able to test the Fabia R5 at a rally”
  • New racing car to see action in the WRC 2, APRC and Czech Rally Championship this season
The brand new ŠKODA Fabia R5 will make its debut on the international rally stage at the home of the manufacturer in the Czech Republic. Reigning Asia-Pacific champion Jan Kopecký (CZ) will be at the wheel of the new racing car on the 50th anniversary of the Rally Šumava Klatovy. 

The works team’s green, white and black powerhouse is charged with continuing ŠKODA’s successful 114-year history in motorsport.


“We are delighted to now be able to test our new ŠKODA Fabia R5 at an actual rally, following the successful homologation by the International Automobile Federation FIA. It is obviously particularly symbolic that our first outing will be in the brand’s back yard in the Czech Republic,” said ŠKODA Motorsport Director Michal Hrabánek. 

The plan for this year is to test the competitiveness of the new rally car around the world, starting with the opening race of the Czech Rally Championship (MČR).

ŠKODA Motorsport will field the high-tech four-wheel drive car in the WRC 2 category at selected rounds of the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC), as well as in the FIA Asia-Pacific Rally Championship (APRC). However, the focus is first on the car’s debut in ŠKODA’s native Czech Republic.

Appropriately, the cockpit will also be occupied by a Czech duo when the car makes its debut: experienced rally driver and reigning APRC champion Jan Kopecký and his co-driver Pavel Dresler will take control of the car, which is powered by the new 1.6-litre turbo engine, at the Rally Šumava Klatovy. 

“We are obviously very proud to be the ones to herald the next chapter in ŠKODA’s rallying success story,” said Kopecký, who won the rally back in 2012. 

The 50th anniversary of the event features 12 demanding special stages, consisting of 150.71 kilometres against the clock. Jan Kopecký and Pavel Dresler will start all six rounds of the Czech Rally Championship in ŠKODA’s new rally car.

Czech Rally Championship (MČR)

Event
Rally Šumava Klatovy
Rally Český Krumlov
Rally Hustopeče
Rally Bohemia
Barum Czech Rally Zlín
Rally Příbram  
Date
24.04.–25.04.2015
22.05.–23.05.2015
19.06.–20.06.2015
10.07.–12.07.2015
28.08.–30.08.2015
02.10.–
04.10.2015

Did you know …
… the ŠKODA Fabia R5 was officially presented for the first time on 15th April? Around 50 international journalists slipped into the passenger seat at the test track in Bělá pod Bezdězem, about 20 km from the ŠKODA headquarters in Mladá Boleslav. The media experts were put through their paces as Jan Kopecký and Esapekka Lappi took them on a series of wild rides.

… the engine for the ŠKODA Fabia R5 was developed from scratch? The 1.6-litre turbo engine is a big change compared to the 2.0-litre naturally-aspirated engine used in the Fabia Super 2000. 

The development process took advantage of synergies within the Volkswagen Group – after all, Volkswagen has won the World Rally Championship for the past two years and once again holds a commanding lead in the series this year.

… the software in the new cars comes from Magneti Marelli? However, it was adapted by ŠKODA to meet its own requirements.

… there is huge interest in the new rally car among customer teams? Over 100 enquiries have already been received in Mladá Boleslav, with at least 15 ŠKODA Fabia R5 scheduled to be delivered this year.

The numbers for the “Rally Šumava Klatovy”: 2012

ŠKODA’s last win at the Rally Šumava Klatovy came back in 2012. Jan Kopecký and co-driver Pavel Dresler finished at the head of a ŠKODA Motorsport one-two-three in the Fabia Super 2000. Roman Kresta (CZ) and Jaromir Tarabus (CZ) finished second and third.