The greenest VW Golf BlueMotion Launched in UK: 74.3mpg

VW has been playing the ‘Bluemotion’ card for some time across the range. The ‘BlueMotion Technology’ is frequently used in many models. And now Volkswagen launched the 2010 BlueMotion Golf in the European market. With an impressive 74.3 mpg (3.8 l/100km) and averages 99 g/km in C02 emissions, the BlueMotion Golf becomes the most efficient Golf ever.

To achieve that, the car uses a 1.6-litre TDI common rail turbo diesel motor combined with a slate of fuel-saving technologies like automatic start-stop system, longer gear ratios, brake energy regeneration, hill hold assist and low rolling resistance tyres.

Of course, it won’t be a powerful vehicle. The engine produces 77kW (105 PS) of power and maximum torque of 250Nm (184 lbs ft) made at 1,500 rpm. Its 0-60mph time is 11.3 seconds and a top speed of 118 mph. It’s not going to set your hair on fire, but it’s adequate.

Standard specification is based on that of the standard Golf S model. However, to make the new BlueMotion stand out from the rest of the range, VW is fitting a sports styling kit with a deeper front fascia, a bigger rear spoiler, side skirts and sports bumpers. You also get a set of 15″ ”Wellington’ alloys, chrome grill louvres and the requisite BlueMotion badging.

Inside, there are ABS with ESP, Climatic semi-automatic climate control, a radio/ CD/ MP3 sound system and seven airbags.

Prices start at £17,325 for the 3 door BlueMotion Golf, that is £785 more than the standard S 1.6-litre TDI. The 5 door BlueMotion Golf rises to £17,910.

Honda Civic Type R MUGEN coming to UK

British tuners Mugen Euro, a long-standing tuner of Honda engines for motor racing, has confirmed to bring Honda Civic Type R Mugen to the European market. It’s ultra rare, since only 20 units will be offer. Pricing starts at £38,599 (includes taxes, fees, and paperwork).

Based on the superb Honda Civic Type R, the car gets a tweaked version of the 2.0-litre i-VTEC engine from the standard Civic Type R. Featuring new camshafts and a modified intake system, power has been increased by 20 percent to 177 kW while torque is increased by 10 percent over the standard model.

Other improvements made to the powerplant include pistons increasing the compression ratio, and breathing is enhanced by fitting a custom stainless steel exhaust system and MUGEN airbox. Meanwhile, a bespoke MUGEN map for the ECU allows the engine to take full advantage of the modifications.

MUGEN also worked its magic on the handling by improving the suspension set-up with custom-made springs and dampers. The Type R Mugen also comes with a limited slip differential. Forged alloy wheels weigh only 7.85 kilograms per wheel, and cover four-piston racing caliper brakes. The company wrapped the wheels in "track-ready road-legal" tires.

The Civic Type R MUGEN will be available in Honda's famous racing color Championship White. The styling is aggressive with modifications include a new large rear wing, and new front and rear skirts. A custom grille wearing the MUGEN emblem, was also installed. Inside, Buyers can also opt for a Track Pack that is made up by Recaro front seats, water and oil temperature/pressure gauges, data recording equipment and track-ready road-legal tires. However the package will take away the rear seat bench to help reduce weight.

The Honda Civic Type R MUGEN will be hand-built in the U.K. "Each Type R MUGEN will be an exclusive, hand-built race car for the road," said Mugen Euro VP Hiroki Toyoda. "When we launched the Civic Type RR saloon in Japan, we sold out of all 300 units in just six minutes. Given the interest we have already had from car enthusiasts in the UK and abroad, we hope to repeat that achievement."

2010 Suzuki Kizashi Sedan officially Launched

To get your hands on the 2010 Suzuki Kizashi Sedan, go to dealership in Japan. And sales should begin in the United States within the next few weeks. Being as Suzuki’s new flagship model, it reflects the dynamic, forward-looking approach with which Suzuki takes up new automaking challenges. The new sedan catapults Suzuki straight into the big league with the likes of Toyota and Honda.

The car is powered by a 2.4 Litre 4 Cylinder DOHC Variable Valve Timing engine that produces 180 HP that could deliver a maximum of 230 Nm of torque, which is more than enough for a drive through the city. Suzuki brought the all wheel drive in this car for great cornering performance and better acceleration.

As for the styling, the Suzuki Kizashi gets contours that include taut shoulder lines running from the headlamps to the rear combination lamps express power befitting a car of the Kizashi’s class. The rear deck is contoured for both aerodynamics and aesthetics.

Suzuki also focused on keeping the cabin quiet. Dual-exhaust silencers and sound absorption material was used to make the ride more pleasant.

Tokyo Motor Show: Lexus LFA Officially Unveiled

The long waited Lexus first supercar, Lexus LFA, is finally unveiled at the 2009 Tokyo Motor Show. According to Chief Engineer Haruhiko Tanahashi, the LFA is a thoroughbred supercar to deliver a supreme driving experience. Aimed at cars like the Ferrari 599, the Lexus LFA is expected to raise Lexus from a German imitator to an Italian rival.

Power comes from a bespoke naturally aspirated mid-front 4.8-liter V10 engine that generates 552 bhp with 9,000 rpm and 480 Nm of torque at 6,800 rpm. Ninety percent of torque is available between 3,700rpm and 9,000rpm. It all goes to the rear wheels via a 6-speed ASG transmission featuring heavy-duty synchronizer rings and a newly developed gearshift actuator. The 0-100km/h time is 3.7 seconds while top speed is 325km/h (202mph). The figures above made possible thanks to the Dual VVT-I technology, equal length exhaust manifolds and high-volume and 12-hole fuel injectors.

It features a double wishbone front suspension and a multilink system at the rear. Brakes are carbon ceramic material to make stops as quickly as possible.

The LFA rides on 265/35ZR20 (95Y) front tyres and 305/30ZR20 (99Y) types at the back. Aerodynamic elements include a flat underbody, a rear diffuser and a speed-controlled rear wing. The interior can be custom-tailored to suit buyers' needs while showing off a very high-tech instrumentation design.

Measuring at a 4.51m length, 1.90m width and 1.22m height, the kerb weight is 1,480 kg. This low weight is achieved through measures such as carbon fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) cabin. The CFRP is four times the strength of aluminum thus gives the LFA an exceptionally stiff and strong structure and 100 kg lighter if using an equivalent aluminum body. 65% of the body is of CFRP in white while 35% used for the remaining parts.

The Lexus LFA supercar will be hand-assembled at the Motomachi plant in Toyota City. As for the price, it’s undoubtedly the most expensive Lexus, the company has ever created. The LFA supercar is priced at $375,000. Prices in Japan will be ¥37.5 million a unit. If you want to have one, you must be quick. Only 500 units will be sold worldwide between the start of production in December 2010 and when it ends in December 2012.

Additionally, Lexus has launched an online configurator for the Lexus LFA. The site allows potential customers and dreamers alike to choose one of six different colored brake calipers, and three wheel choices. The interior is equally customizable.

Mercedes C 63 AMG Performance Package Plus Revealed

Mercedes-Benz has introduced a new package for the C 63 AMG sedan and the wagon, dubbed as C 63 AMG Performance Package Plus.

The Performance Package Plus features the modifications to the 6.3-litre V8 engine, fitting forged pistons adopted from the new SLS AMG, a lightweight crankshaft, new connecting rods and a new engine management system. The result is a 30 horsepower increased. The total is bring to a whopping 487 horsepower. Peak torque is 600Nm (443 lb-ft) at 5,000rpm. Its 0 – 100km/h time is 4.4 seconds (4.5 seconds for the wagon) while top speed is limited to 250km/h. Big carbon ceramic front brakes help turn all that increased performance into quickly-dissipated heat when it's time to slow down.

On the outside, the package offers a carbon fiber trunk lid lip spoiler. The interior gets a nappa leather and Alcantara treatment, such as an AMG performance steering wheel in nappa leather. The wheel's grip area is covered in strong but soft Alcantara. Black designo leather can be ticked off the options box for €2,856. It covers the upper section of the dashboard, the upper door trim and the armrest on the centre console.

Prices for the Performance Package Plus are €7,080.50 and €6,426. It’s not confirmed yet whether it will be available in the U.S.

Seat Leon Cupra R detail revealed

After launch in Frankfurt last month, more details of the Seat Leon Cupra R has been released now.

Powered by the 2.0 litre TSI direct injection engine producing 265bhp and 350Nm of torque, the Leon Cupra R is SEAT’s most powerful car ever. With that power, the Leon Cupra R goes from 0-100km/h in 6.2 seconds, while electronically-limited top speed reaches 250km/h. Power is sent to the front wheels through a modified six-speed manual gearbox. However, it’s not just about power. The vehicle uses 8.1 litres per 100km, and average C02 emissions are 190g/km.

Technological features in the Leon Cupra R include the XDS system which is also found in the Volkswagen Scirocco R and Golf GTI
. The XDS system minimises understeer thus improving handling. Other safety systems include ABS with emergency braking assist, ESP stability control and traction control. Several airbags, cornering fog lights and rear parking sensors further add to the safety aspect.

The Seat Leon Cupra R runs on 19-inch wheels with ultra-low profile 235/35 tyres (optionally available in white). Outside, there is "R" badge on the front grille, glossy black mirrors and body colour-coded bumpers with integrated mouldings. There are also nine exterior colours to choose from, including Lumina Orange and Kiwi Green.

Inside, the sporty theme continues, there are competition-style bucket seats in grey cloth/alcantara upholstery, a three-spoke multi-functional leather steering wheel with aluminium colour inserts, a cruise control, trip computer and a CD/radio combo and more.

Tokyo motor show: 2010 Toyota Sai Hybrid

Details of the 2010 Toyota Sai have been released before its Tokyo debut. The small, hybrid-only luxury model will join the Prius in the Toyota lineup. It's aimed at consumers shopping for a hybrid who would prefer something larger than a Prius. Sales will begin from December 7 in Japan.

Inspired from the recently launched Lexus HS 250h, the Toyota Sai carries many from the vehicle. However, there are still some changes. The biggest difference is the styling, including the front fascia, windows, and rear doors. Lighting at the front and back has been modified. Additionally, the 2010 Toyota Sai is four inches shorter and up to 70 kgs lighter than the Lexus. Inside, new air vents, and a different steering wheel, are present.

Under the hood, the vehicle is powered by the HS 250h’s 2.4L four-cylinder petrol engine generating just under 150 horsepower, and up to 187 Nm of torque. It is mated to a strong electric motor, powered by a nickel-metal hydride battery, which produces an additional 140 hp and up to 270 Nm of torque. The hybrid powertrain is designed to utilize the two generators efficiently, giving the driver up to 185 hp at any given time. The automaker says that the new SAI will get the same 56-65 mpg as HS 250h in Japan’s economy cycle and 101-107 g/km of CO2.

Inside, an infortainment system, with HDD-based navigation, that features both a touch screen and on-wheel cursor control are offered as standard. Music is blasted through the ten speakers. Fabric seats come standard, with leather seats available.

The 2010 Toyota Sai has two trim levels, which can each be upgraded with the AS option package. Pricing, including tax, for the entry level Sai S begins at ¥3,380,000, or roughly $37,275, while the 2010 Toyota Sai G AS will be sold for ¥4,260,000 ($46,980).

Toyota expects to sell 36,000 units of the Toyota Sai annually with sales starting in Japan later this year. No word if the Sai will make it to the U.S. market.