2011 BMW X3 M Sport Pack Unveiled

BMW has released new details about the M Sports package for the 2011 X3. The 2011 BMW X3 M Sports Package includes an optional Carbon Black metallic paint finish, Redesigned 19 inch M light-alloy wheels were also fitted and some of the elements that are also included in the 2011 BMW X3 M-Sport Package but cannot be seen in the photos are the sports suspension, the M multifunctional leather wrapped steering wheel,and the M gear shifter.

The 2011 BMW X3 M Sports Package price will be announced at a later date, the M Sports package will be available during the second quarter of 2010.




Press Release

Dynamic and compelling, the M Sports package drives the sporty nature of the BMW X3 to even greater heights. The rich Carbon Black metallic paint finish and powerful 19-inch M light-weight alloy wheel rims set the tone, while the sports suspension tuning delivers the experience.

More Driving tools: the M multifunction leather steering wheel and variable sports steering. The M gear selection lever boasts particularly short throws. In the BMW xDrive35i with standard eight-speed automatic transmission Steptronic, the M leather steering wheel also features gearshift paddles. The sporty suspension settings give you stiffer dampers and deliver precise feedback.

Ergonomically shaped sports seats provide side support against strong lateral forces, such as when cornering at speed. The Pearlpoint cloth-leather upholstery offers a beautifully tactile surface; matching the BMW Individual roof liner, it comes in sleek Anthracite.

With the M Sports package, the side skirts, wheel arches and front and rear aprons are in body colour - for example, the Carbon Black metallic paint finish that is exclusive to the M Sports package. Window surrounds and roof rails are in the high-gloss BMW Individual Shadow Line.

Available from the second quarter of 2011 (subject to change).

Audi A8 L European Pricing

Audi is ready to launch the long wheelbase version of their A8 flagship saloon as they announced the official pricing of the car for European market. This limousine is 5.27 meters (17.29 ft), which means it is 13 centimeters (5.12 in) longer than the standard models. All of this space has been used to create maximum comfort and convenience for rear passengers.

Under the hood, five different engines are offered: a 184 kW (250 PS / 247 hp) 3.0-liter V6 TDI, a 213 kW (290 PS / 286 hp) 3.0-liter V6 TFSI, a 258 kW (350 PS / 346 hp) 4.2-liter V8 TDI, a 273 kW (372 PS / 366 hp) 4.2-liter V8 TSI, and a 368 kW (500 PS / 494 hp) 6.3-liter W12. All engines are connected to an eight-speed tiptronic transmission and quattro all-wheel drive.

This model is all about the interior, so in addition to the standard A8 features, you also get Power-adjustable individual rear seats, with luxurious relaxation seat available as an option, Craftsman-level fit and finish, Advanced MMI control system standard; as MMI touch navigation system with pioneering character recognition.

On sale this autumn, German prices start from € 79,900 for the 3.0 TDI, 3.0 TFSI for € 80,400, € 94,300 for the 4.2 FSI, 4.2 TDI for € 95,800 and € 137,000 for the W12.




Press Release

The new high-tech flagship of the brand – The Audi A8 L

The full-size A8 sedan embodies the Vorsprung durch Technik for which Audi is renowned. The brand now presents the new top version of its flagship: The long-wheelbase A8 L sets standards for luxury, dynamics and efficiency. It will debut in fall 2010 with five engines, including the powerful twelve-cylinder with 368 kW (500 hp).

The Audi A8 L impresses with a presence of powerful confidence – it is a large, distinguished luxury sedan. Length and wheelbase have both been stretched by 13 centimeters (5.12 in) versus the standard version; the A8 L measures 5.27 meters (17.29 ft). All of this added length is to the benefit of the rear seat passengers.

Audi offers two power-adjustable and heated individual seats as an option for the rear, which can be paired with the optional continuous, elegantly-styled center console with large storage compartments. The individual seats can also be equipped with optional ventilation and massage functions, and features such as a folding table and a cool box make the passengers’ stay even more enjoyable. The top version is the relaxation seat with power footrest. It comes complete with every available luxury option, including a rear seat entertainment system.

Audi also offers a number of attractive multimedia modules, including a high-end sound system from Bang & Olufsen and advanced online services. The Audi A8 L is the first automobile in the world to be available with an integrated WLAN hotspot. A UMTS module provides the connection to the Internet.

The interior of the A8 L enchants with its new, light lines, with a craftsman’s level of fit and finish and with extraordinary attention to the smallest of details. The comfort on board is first class – from the ambient lighting to the four-zone automatic climate control system.

The Audi flagship combines a new level of technical intelligence with intuitively simple operation. Its multimedia interface (MMI) includes a pioneering innovation: In conjunction with the optional MMI navigation plus navigation system, it has a touchpad. The MMI enables the driver to control many functions intuitively. The navigation destination, for example, can be entered by tracing the letters on the pad with a finger.

MMI navigation plus is tightly integrated with the assistance and safety systems in the new Audi A8 L. It reads the road ahead and provides the data to the control units for the automatic transmission, the headlights and the advanced adaptive cruise control with stop & go function.

With their increased intelligence, these systems can recognize complex scenarios and predictively support the driver. The new Audi pre sense safety system can reduce the severity of accidents and their consequences in many cases. The night vision assistant with its highlighting of detected pedestrians and the speed limit display enhance the driver’s safety and convenience.

Timeless elegance: the design
The Audi A8 L is a sedan of classic, timeless elegance. Its body is an aluminum Audi Space Frame (ASF), weighing about 40 percent less than a comparable steel structure. Audi offers optional LED headlights that use light emitting diodes for all light functions (standard with the W12). These represent a revolution in lighting technology with respect to both the technology and appearance.

The new A8 L is debuting with five engines: two TDI and three FSI gasoline units. All of the engines feature increased power and torque, while fuel consumption has improved considerably: by as much as 22 percent. This is due to Audi efficiency technologies such as the recuperation system and the innovative thermal management.

The engine lineup spans a wide range. It begins with two three-liter V6 units: a TDI with 184 kW (250 hp) and a TFSI producing 213 kW (290 hp). The two V8 engines both have a displacement of 4.2 liters, with the TDI producing 258 kW (350 hp) and the FSI 273 kW (372 hp). Topping the lineup is the W12, a gasoline engine with superior power and cultivation. It develops 368 kW (500 hp) from a displacement of 6.3 liters.

The transmission also plays a major role in the efficiency of the A8 L. The eight-speed tiptronic has a very high overall gear ratio and is controlled electronically using either the elegant selector lever or paddles on the steering wheel. The quattro permanent all-wheel drive has a distinctly sporty and rear-biased character. The optional sport differential dynamically distributes the forces between the rear wheels; this feature is standard with the A8 L 4.2 TDI.

The new A8 L offers both luxurious ride comfort and sporty handling. Its wheel control arms are made of aluminum. The adaptive air suspension with controlled damping is standard equipment and is integrated into the versatile Audi drive select dynamics system. The optional dynamic steering completes the range of chassis options.

The Audi A8 L will be rolling into showrooms toward the end of the year. Base prices are €79,900 for the 3.0 TDI; €80,400 for the 3.0 TFSI; €94,300 for the 4.2 FSI; €95,800 for the 4.2 TDI; and €137,000 for the opulantly equipped W12.

The full-size A8 sedan embodies the Vorsprung durch Technik for which Audi is renowned. The brand now presents the new top version of its flagship: The long-wheelbase A8 L sets standards for luxury, dynamics and efficiency. It will debut in fall 2010 with five engines, including the powerful twelve-cylinder with 368 kW (500 hp).

The Audi A8 L impresses with a presence of powerful confidence – it is a large, distinguished luxury sedan. Length and wheelbase have both been stretched by 13 centimeters (5.12 in) versus the standard version; the A8 L measures 5.27 meters (17.29 ft). All of this added length is to the benefit of the rear seat passengers.

Audi offers two power-adjustable and heated individual seats as an option for the rear, which can be paired with the optional continuous, elegantly-styled center console with large storage compartments. The individual seats can also be equipped with optional ventilation and massage functions, and features such as a folding table and a cool box make the passengers’ stay even more enjoyable. The top version is the relaxation seat with power footrest. It comes complete with every available luxury option, including a rear seat entertainment system.

Audi also offers a number of attractive multimedia modules, including a high-end sound system from Bang & Olufsen and advanced online services. The Audi A8 L is the first automobile in the world to be available with an integrated WLAN hotspot. A UMTS module provides the connection to the Internet.

The interior of the A8 L enchants with its new, light lines, with a craftsman’s level of fit and finish and with extraordinary attention to the smallest of details. The comfort on board is first class – from the ambient lighting to the four-zone automatic climate control system.

The Audi flagship combines a new level of technical intelligence with intuitively simple operation. Its multimedia interface (MMI) includes a pioneering innovation: In conjunction with the optional MMI navigation plus navigation system, it has a touchpad. The MMI enables the driver to control many functions intuitively. The navigation destination, for example, can be entered by tracing the letters on the pad with a finger.

MMI navigation plus is tightly integrated with the assistance and safety systems in the new Audi A8 L. It reads the road ahead and provides the data to the control units for the automatic transmission, the headlights and the advanced adaptive cruise control with stop & go function.

With their increased intelligence, these systems can recognize complex scenarios and predictively support the driver. The new Audi pre sense safety system can reduce the severity of accidents and their consequences in many cases. The night vision assistant with its highlighting of detected pedestrians and the speed limit display enhance the driver’s safety and convenience.

Timeless elegance: the design
The Audi A8 L is a sedan of classic, timeless elegance. Its body is an aluminum Audi Space Frame (ASF), weighing about 40 percent less than a comparable steel structure. Audi offers optional LED headlights that use light emitting diodes for all light functions (standard with the W12). These represent a revolution in lighting technology with respect to both the technology and appearance.

The new A8 L is debuting with five engines: two TDI and three FSI gasoline units. All of the engines feature increased power and torque, while fuel consumption has improved considerably: by as much as 22 percent. This is due to Audi efficiency technologies such as the recuperation system and the innovative thermal management.

The engine lineup spans a wide range. It begins with two three-liter V6 units: a TDI with 184 kW (250 hp) and a TFSI producing 213 kW (290 hp). The two V8 engines both have a displacement of 4.2 liters, with the TDI producing 258 kW (350 hp) and the FSI 273 kW (372 hp). Topping the lineup is the W12, a gasoline engine with superior power and cultivation. It develops 368 kW (500 hp) from a displacement of 6.3 liters.

The transmission also plays a major role in the efficiency of the A8 L. The eight-speed tiptronic has a very high overall gear ratio and is controlled electronically using either the elegant selector lever or paddles on the steering wheel. The quattro permanent all-wheel drive has a distinctly sporty and rear-biased character. The optional sport differential dynamically distributes the forces between the rear wheels; this feature is standard with the A8 L 4.2 TDI.

The new A8 L offers both luxurious ride comfort and sporty handling. Its wheel control arms are made of aluminum. The adaptive air suspension with controlled damping is standard equipment and is integrated into the versatile Audi drive select dynamics system. The optional dynamic steering completes the range of chassis options.

The Audi A8 L will be rolling into showrooms toward the end of the year. Base prices are €79,900 for the 3.0 TDI; €80,400 for the 3.0 TFSI; €94,300 for the 4.2 FSI; €95,800 for the 4.2 TDI; and €137,000 for the opulantly equipped W12.

At a glance

The Audi A8 L

Body

• Lightweight and yet ultra-strong aluminum body with ASF design
• 13 centimeters longer than the standard version, measures 5.27 meters (17.29 ft)
• Timelessly elegant and harmonious lines, optional LED headlights
• Panoramic sunroof comprising two glass elements

Interior and controls

• Power-adjustable individual rear seats, with luxurious relaxation seat available as an option
• Craftsman-level fit and finish, generous list of standard and optional equipment
• Advanced MMI control system standard; as MMI touch navigation system with pioneering character recognition

Assistance and safety systems

• Night vision assistant with pedestrian marking, adaptive cruise control with stop & go function, additional high-performance driver assistance systems
• New Audi pre sense safety system for avoiding accidents and for minimizing their consequences

Infotainment systems

• Latest generation navigation system tightly networked with the assistance systems
• State-of-the-art online services including WLAN hotspot, high-end audio systems

Drivetrain

• Two TDI and three gasoline engines, with power ranging from 184 kW (250 hp) to 368 kW (500 hp)
• Groundbreaking efficiency: 3.0 TDI emits only 176 grams CO2 per km (283.24 g/mile) Twelve-cylinder FSI with a displacement of 6.3 liters
• Newly developed, electronically controlled eight-speed tiptronic standard
• quattro all-wheel drive standard, sport differential available for the rear axle

Chassis

• Lightweight suspension, balanced axle load distribution
• Audi drive select driving dynamic system including standard air suspension and adaptive damping, optional dynamic steering

2011 Volkswagen Caddy

Volkswagen revealed the new 2011 model of the Caddy van, and although they call it a new generation it seems to be more of a light facelift. As expected, the 2011 VW Caddy facelift has also received the 'Golf VI' face as all the latest models to come from the German brand lately.

The exterior facelift includes a completely redesigned front end that draws inspiration from the latest Volkswagen models and re-trimmed tail lamps at the back. Inside, there's a new steering wheel design, a revised instrument cluster and higher-grade materials.

On the hybrid front, Honda will introduce several new vehicles with the IMA (Integrated Motor Assist) system. While details are limited, the models will be small in size, and the first, the Fit Hybrid, will be introduced in Japan this fall. More importantly, the next-generation Civic Hybrid will be equipped with a high-output lithium-ion battery.

As for engines, the new Caddy preps quite a comprehensive offer. The petrol lineup comprises two new 1.2l TSI petrol engines (86 PS and 105 PS). A 2.0l EcoFuel unit, capable of running on compressed natural gas is also available.

The interior design of the 2011 VW Caddy facelift has been refreshed and now the commercial vehicle has the same steering wheel as the Golf, a new dashboard and improved quality materials. The load capacity of the 2011 VW Caddy facelift is rated at 3,030 liters for the five-seat model and 3,880 liters for Caddy Maxi.

The 2011 Volkswagen Caddy price starts at 13,595 Euro and the first market on which the car will be launch is Germany, towards the end of September.




Press Release

The new generation Caddy

Launches autumn 2010 with more fuel-efficient engines, new design, added safety and extra functionality

• New TDI and TSI engines reduce fuel consumption, emissions and cost

• New front section bears new Volkswagen design DNA

• Revised interior with greater functionality and added class

• New generation ESP as standard on all models

Hanover, 21 July 2010. Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles is introducing a new generation of the top-selling Caddy. The compact van with its practical rear sliding door system has been enhanced in every area. Six new TDI and TSI engines with up to 21% lower fuel consumption, a completely restructured model range, a more precise, fresh front design in the style of the new Amarok and current T5 generation (Transporter, Multivan etc.) and an upgraded interior, now with a removable second row of seats, plus further reduced maintenance costs make the new Caddy one of the most innovative urban delivery vehicles and compact vans available. Globally the third generation Caddy sold around 800,000 units within just 6 years (2004 to 2009). The new Caddy now promises a dynamic continuation of this success story.

The new Caddy will be the first urban delivery vehicle and compact van in this class to be equipped as standard with ESP on all models. Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles is thus rigorously pursuing its overriding safety strategy of protecting driver and passengers in the best way possible. The new Caddy will also be the only vehicle in this market segment available with the option of an efficient 6 or 7-speed direct shift gearbox (DSG) and Hill-Start Assist. Naturally, the new generation of this best-selling vehicle is once again available with an extended wheelbase (Maxi) and - uniquely in this market segment - with (4MOTION) 4-wheel drive. 4MOTION being available for the Caddy and Caddy Maxi.

For the first time the second row of seats is completely removable on all models. For the 5-seater Caddy this produces - loaded to the roof - a cargo capacity of up to 3,030 litres; for the Caddy Maxi the figure is 3,880 litres. Of interest to tradesmen and service providers will be the fact that if the Caddy Maxi is fitted with the Flexi-Seat Plus pack, the cargo space (on the front-seat passenger's side) is made over 3 metres longer and cargo capacity increases to a best-in-class 4.7m3. The new Caddy can also be ordered as an option with a bench-style third seating row (standard in the Caddy Maxi Trendline and Comfortline) and as such can seat up to seven people.

Six new high-tech engines: The Caddy's new petrol and diesel engines deliver extreme efficiency (all complying with the Euro 5 emission limits). All of them are completely new to the range and equipped with turbocharging and direct fuel injection.

Turbo diesel engines: The turbocharged four-valve (TDI) diesel engines deliver 55 kW / 75 PS, 75 kW / 102 PS, 81 kW / 110 PS and 103 kW / 140 PS respectively. All of the TDIs now work with very quiet and efficient common rail direct injection. All TDIs are also linked as standard to a diesel particulate filter. The 102 PS TDI can be ordered as an option with a 7-speed DSG. For the more powerful 140 PS TDI there is also a specially designed 6-speed DSG available. The 81 kW TDI is exclusively available as a 4MOTION model with four-wheel drive.

BlueMotion: The most fuel-efficient model in the range is now the new Caddy 1.6 TDI with BlueMotion Technology (75 kW / 102 PS). Average consumption: 4.9 litres of diesel per 100 kilometres (panel van). That equates to a CO2 emission figure of no more than 129 g/km and fuel consumption of 0.6 litres less than the already frugal outgoing model with BlueMotion Technology. This new fuel consumption figure produces a range of 1,176 kilometres on one tank. Fuel costs thus go down to just €6.35 per 100 kilometres (based on €1.245 per litre of diesel, as in May 2010 in Germany).
Alternatively the 75 PS TDI can also be ordered as a BlueMotion Technology variant. Every Caddy equipped with BlueMotion Technology has a Start/Stop system and an automatic battery regeneration system for utilising the energy that would otherwise be lost during braking. With this system, whenever the driver lifts his or her foot from the accelerator or concertedly brakes, the generator's voltage gets increased and is used to top up the battery. That reduces the load on the engine and thus lowers consumption.

Petrol engines: Two new TSI petrol engines are being used in the Caddy. Technical features of both high-tech engines include a turbocharger and direct fuel injection. The extremely fuel-efficient four cylinder engines develop 63 kW / 86 PS and 77 kW / 105 PS respectively from a cubic capacity of 1.2 litres. Just how efficient the engines are is shown, for example, by the 105-PS version with an average fuel consumption of only 6.6 litres per 100 kilometres (figures for the Caddy panel van; equivalent to 154 g/km CO2). Compared to the outgoing model consumption has thus been reduced by 1.6 litres or, as mentioned above, 21 percent. Another frugal and extremely efficient petrol engine for the Caddy and Caddy Maxi is the natural gas version carried over from the previous generation, the 2.0 EcoFuel (CNG), which delivers 80 kW / 109 PS.

Four new model lines: The Caddy model range has also been reconfigured. This relates both to a standard upgrade of equipment levels, to new interior materials, steering wheels and other equipment details as well as a restructuring of the model lines. The Caddy remains available as panel and ‘kombi' variants, which at around 70% make up the lion's share of the sales volume (panel van with no rear side windows specifically for tradesmen and service providers). For customers with more discerning demands in terms of specification, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles has completely reorganised the equipment levels. Here the three available model lines are now the Startline, Trendline and Comfortline. The Trendline version replaces the Caddy Life and the top Comfortline version supersedes the successful special ‘Style' model. The Startline has been newly integrated as an entry-level model. As the new top model there will also be the Comfortline Edition (formerly the Style Edition), with which Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles will again be offering a very exclusive version of the Caddy. Also still included in the range is the popular camper van, the Tramper (as both Caddy and Caddy Maxi).

New features: Standard on all versions: new daytime running lights. Optional extras on the new range include adaptive cornering lights (integrated into the front fog lights), roof rack (standard on the Comfortline) and the newly designed RNS 315 radio/navigation system.

Prices for the respective models of the new Caddy - after adjusting for differences in equipment options - are slightly below the levels of the previous generation, starting at €13,595 for the panel van and €14,205 for the Startline, in each case with a 63 kW TSI engine and excluding VAT. The launch of the new Caddy begins at the end of September in Germany and the vehicle will go on sale in almost every other country shortly after that. Dealers in Germany are taking initial orders now.