Citroën Introduces New C3 Picasso Code Special Edition in the UK

British buyers of Citroën vehicles are no strangers to special edition models, which usually come with improved features and unique colors and trims. The same holds true for the new C3 Picasso Code that replaces the previous Blackcherry special edition.

The Picasso Code is based on the best-selling model of the range, the diesel-powered HDi 90 manual VTR+ version that returns 61.4mpg UK (51.1mpg US or 4.6 lt/100km) on the combined cycle.

Customers can choose from four body colors: Polar White, Cherry Red, Belle Ile Blue and Thorium Grey.

The Belle Ile Blue and Cherry Red models come with a Polar White finish for the 17-inch wheels, side-rubbing strips and rear number plate surround, while the Polar White and Thorium Grey models swap the Polar White finish for a Cherry Red color.

Regardless of the exterior paint finish, all models get chrome lower bumper inserts, shiny black painted door handles with chrome inserts, Obsidian Black painted bumpers and door mirrors, longitudinal roof bars, shiny black vent surrounds and special carpet mats.

Other standard features include air conditioning, a Connecting Box (Bluetooth system with USB socket), curtain airbags and cruise control with speed limiter.

The C3 Picasso Code special edition carries an on-the-road price of £15,695, which is £300 more than the regular HDi 90 manual VTR+ version.

 

Read More

CoverEFX Adds Some Color to the MINI John Cooper Works R53

CoverEFX specialist racing cars do not have one, but two more takes the first-generation new MINI John Cooper Works [JCW] sport hatch with the designation R53. Both cars feature a special vinyl wrap a number of improvements in performance.

The first JCW has a vinyl wrap bright yellow for the body and glossy black finish for finishing details such as the grille, headlamps, fenders and new roof spoiler.

The British hatch rides on a lowered Bilstein B14 suspension and new 17-inch wheels wrapped in Toyo OZ Racing tires size 205/40-17. Optimization software and a new hand-made sports exhaust to help raise output turbocharged four-cylinder engine 234 horsepower.

The second model has a theme CoverEFX JCW out similar except this time the body is covered with a light blue called "blue smurf". Performance improvements include a kit of Bilstein B16 suspension, a strut tower OMP and arm support and an adjustable rear stabilizer (17 mm) by H & R.

Under the hood, a software kit McChip-DKR with a Schrick camshaft, air cooler and a doctor of sports air filter boost to 236 horsepower.

Both the Mini JCW have also been equipped with race-spec rollcage AA and Recaro seats.

PHOTO GALLERY

Read More

Lexus Presents Special Edition Version of 2012 LS 460, ES 350 and CT 200h

What's the first thing automakers do when they want to boost their sales but don't have a completely new or refresh product(s) in the pipeline? The age-old answer to that question is a special edition model.

For Lexus it's actually three new limited edition models based on the 2012 LS 460, ES 350 and CT 200h, with the first two arriving in U.S. dealerships in November, and the third next month.

We'll start off with the 2012 LS 460 Special Edition that bundles all existing Sport package performance and appearance elements, plus a new interior package. Among other features, it gets 19-inch, split 10-spoke forged alloy wheels with summer tires, Brembo brakes and a sport-tuned air suspension. The MRSP for the special LS is $77,000, not including an $875 delivery, processing and handling [DPH] fee.

Next in line is the 2012 ES 350 Touring Edition, which is priced at $40,475, plus an $875 DPH fee. It will be available in two colors, Stargazer Black and Starfire Pearl, with standard features including 17-inch alloy wheels in a Liquid Graphite finish, additional wood trim inside and saddle tan leather-trimmed seats.

Finally, Lexus' third model is the 2012 CT200h F Sport Special Edition. Offered in a choice of three colors, , Nebula Gray Pearl, Starfire Pearl and Tungsten Pearl, it comes equipped with the F Sport package that includes 17-inch wheels, sport suspension and an aero kit, plus several other features such as the Navigation and Premium Audio packages. Pricing for the hybrid hatch is set at $37,995, not including a DPH fee of $875.

LS 460 Sport Special Edition

· Two-tone black and topaz beige interior with contrast stitching on black leather trim
· Lexus HDD Navigation System
· Sport and Comfort Packages
o 19-inch, split 10-spoke forged alloy wheels with summer tires
o Brembo brakes
o Sport-tuned air suspension with Variable Gear Ratio Steering (VGRS)
o Sport exterior trim and grille
o Sport front seats with climate control
o Leather-trimmed heated steering wheel with paddle shifters
o Headlamp washer
o Intuitive Parking Assist
o Matte Dark Brown Ash Burl wood trim
o One-touch open/close power trunk
o Power door closers
o Heated rear seats
o Rear power sunshade

ES 350 Touring Edition
· 17-inch 10-spoke wheels in Liquid Graphite finish with full-size spare wheel and tire
· Wood and leather-trimmed steering wheel and shift knob
· Heated and ventilated front seats
· Lexus HDD Navigation System
· Saddle Tan leather-trimmed seats, center console lid and door armrest
· Brown Walnut wood trim

CT 200h F Sport Special Edition
· F Sport 17-inch alloy wheels with Liquid Silver finish
· F Sport suspension with anti-sway bar and springs
· Ocean Blue NuLuxe trimmed seats
· Black F Sport floor mats with blue contrast stitching
· TUMI tote and backpack both with F Sport embossed logo and Ocean Blue NuLuxe zippers and lining
· F Sport Package
o Unique front mesh grille
o Larger rear spoiler
o F Sport exterior badge
o Metal front scuff plates
o Aluminum sport pedals
o Metallic trim added to dash panel
o Perforated leather-trimmed steering wheel with F Sport logo
o Leather-trimmed shift knob
o Black headliner
· Navigation Package
· Premium Audio Package

 

PHOTO GALLERY

Read More

IAA 2011: Volkswagen's Single-Seater NILS EV Concept

The Frankfurt Motor Show is abuzz this week with a variety of small pure electric concept cars. Volkswagen's contribution to the segment is a single-seater urban study named NILS, which the company claims has been "very realistically conceptualized".

"[The] NILS is a vehicle that anticipates the future. It looks as though someone has projected it back from the year 2030 to the world of today," says Dr. Ulrich Hackenberg, member of the Board of Management and Head of Development for the Volkswagen Brand.

Volkswagen says the reason why it opted for a single seat layout is that according to studies, most commuters travel alone in their car. In Germany for example, VW says 90 percent of city driving is done without passengers.

This study, which features an aluminium space-frame body, wing doors and free-standing 17-inch wheels, is quite compact measuring only 3,040mm long or about 500mm shorter than the new Up! city car. The width of the NILS, from wheel to wheel, is 1,390mm while the body itself measures just 860mm wide. The concept is 1,200mm tall and it tips the scales at just 460 kg (1,014 pounds).

A small electric motor delivering 20HP (15 kW) nominal power and short-term peak power of 33HP (25 kW) drives the rear wheels, while energy is sourced from a 5.3 kWh lithium-ion battery that offers a driving range of up to 65 kilometers (40 miles).

The battery can be charged either through a conventional 230 Volt electrical outlet (maximum charging time 2 hours) or at an electric vehicle charging station.

 

PHOTO GALLERY

Read More

IAA 2011: VW Unveils a Handful of Up! Concepts Including GT, EV and Crossover Variants

Making their world premiere alongside the series production Up! in Frankfurt, are six new concept versions of Volkswagen's new city car. We've already shown the you the Buggy Up! that harks back to the 1960's model, so we'll concentrate on the five other Up! studies.

First up! (pun intended), is the sportiest prototype of the bunch, aptly named GT Up!. Volkswagen says a possible production version of the GT could be fitted with a small displacement engine delivering 100-horsepower or 25HP more than the most powerful Up! available at launch.

The concept model is adorned with all the usual styling treats found on VW's GTI models such as the honeycomb grille, larger 17-inch wheels shod in 195 tires, an aero kit and a re-trimmed interior.

Next up! (last pun, we promise), is the Up! Azzurra inspired by the nautical world and crafted by Italian designers Giorgetto Giugiaro and Walter de Silva.

The concept does away with the roof and the doors while gaining four seats in white-blue leather, numerous chrome components and a dashboard in mahogany with maple wood inlays.

Moving on the third Up! proposal, the Cross Up! not only demonstrates Volkswagen's vision for a crossover variant, but also previews the look of the up!coming five-door body style.

The fourth concept is the Eco Up! powered by a 1.0-liter natural gas engine (EcoFuel) delivering 68HP, and equipped with VW's BlueMotion Technology that includes a Stop/Start system and battery regeneration.

VW said that it will launch a gas-powered version of the Up! without the BlueMotion tech sometime next year.

Finally, the e-Up! is the conceptual predecessor of a pure-electric model that is scheduled to launch on the market in 2013. Motivation is provided by an electric motor with a peak output of 60kW / 80HP (continuous power: 40 kW / 54HP) and a torque of 210Nm, that allow the e-Up! to reach a top speed of 135km/h (84 mph).

VW says the car’s battery capacity of 18 kilowatt-hours (kWh) enables a driving range of up to 130 kilometers (80 miles).

 

PHOTO GALLERY

Read More