2011 Infiniti FX Updated with New Features in Europe

Infiniti has rolled out the 2011 FX in Europe. For the new model year, the Japanese firm’s SUV gains new convenience and safety features along with new color and trim combinations, while keeping the same engine range, which includes two petrol units and a diesel option.

Perhaps the most important addition is that of the Lane Departure Prevention (LDP) system, which backs up its audible and visual warnings of an unintended lane departure with a dynamic intervention helping steer the vehicle back into the correct lane. Previously available only on the FX30d, the LDP now comes standard on the FX37 GT Premium and S Premium, and FX50 S Premium, as well as Premium versions of the FX30d.

Infiniti has also added a new power tailgate to the standard equipment of all FX models. It’s worth noting that the height the tailgate opens to is programmable to help avoid problems when operating the door in restricted spaces, while it can also raised or lowered from a switch on the dashboard, from buttons both inside and outside the tailgate, or remotely from the I-Key.

Finally, for the first time on the FX, Infiniti’s Malbec Black paint is one of the eight colors available. The finish, which replaces Mojave Copper on the FX color chart, features the brand’s Scratch-shield technology that promises to hide fine surface scratches.

In Europe, the FX is offered with three engines including a 238HP V6 diesel, 320HP V6 petrol and 390HP V8 petrol of the range’s flagship model, the FX50 S Premium, which can accelerate from 0-62mph (100km/h) in 5.8 seconds.

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New European Market Ford Focus ECOnetic Expected to Return 3.5 lt/100 km or 67.2MPG

A new variant of the latest Focus with the ECOnetic moniker and a segment leading fuel efficiency will soon be added to Ford’s European lineup. According to the company, the diesel-powered Focus ECONetic is expected to use less than 3.5 liters of fuel per 100 kilometers (equal to 80 mpg UK or 67.2 mpg US) and return ultra-low CO2 emissions of less than 95g/km when final certification is completed later this year.

Available as a five-door hatchback or wagon, the Ford Focus ECOnetic is powered by an all-new version of the 1.6-liter Ford Duratorq TDCi diesel engine, which delivers 105 horsepower and has a new injection system, turbocharger, enhanced charge cooling and further friction reduction measures.

Apart from the optimized engine, the car is fitted with Ford's Auto-Start-Stop system, Smart Regenerative Charging, Eco Mode and Shift Indicator Light. The Focus ECOnetic also features a unique aerodynamic package with an Active Grille Shutter, ultra-low rolling resistance tires and a revised final drive ratio.

The diesel engine is mated to a six-speed Durashift manual transmission optimized to eliminate frictional losses and operating with a special low friction transmission oil. Fuel economy is further improved by the revised final drive ratio, which reduces engine speed when cruising in top gear.

Aerodynamic upgrades focus on improving the airflow beneath the car but also at the front, where the Active Grille Shutter uses vents to control airflow through the grille to the cooling system and engine compartment. When no airflow is needed, the vents are shut, thereby reducing aerodynamic drag. When fully closed, the reduction in drag translates into 2 percent lower CO2 emissions.

Another interesting detail is that the car uses steel wheels combined with special low-drag ECOnetic wheel covers, which are more streamlined than a conventional alloy wheel design, at least according to Ford.

The new Ford Focus ECOnetic will be produced at the Saarlouis plant in Germany for the European market and will be introduced in early 2012. The car will receive its world premiere at the Amsterdam Motor Show next week.

By Dan Mihalascu

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New Opel Astra 2.0 CDTI with EcoFLEX Package Delivers 4.5lt/100km or 52.26 MPG

A new, more fuel efficient model has been added to the Opel Astra’s European lineup. The Astra 2.0 CDTI 160HP comes equipped the ecoFLEX package, which includes Start/Stop functionality. Already available for the Astra 1.3 CDTI, the package is offered as an optional extra for the 2.0-liter diesel hatchback and Sports Tourer models in combination with the six-speed manual transmission.

The ecoFLEX technology lowers fuel consumption and CO2 emissions, especially in city traffic, where the Astra 2.0 CDTI hatchback can save up to 0.8 liters per 100 kilometers, equal to a 13 percent reduction over the standard model without the package.

In the combined cycle, the Astra 2.0 CDTI hatch has a rating of 4.5 liters/100 km (52.26 mpg US), 0.4 liters less than the “normal” model. CO2 emissions are also down from 129 to 119 grams per kilometer. When fitted to an Astra Sports Tourer, the ecoFLEX package lowers average fuel consumption by 0.4 liters/100 km to 4.7 liters/100 km, while also reducing CO2 emissions from 134 to 124 g/km.

Other than the Start/Stop system, the package includes the CleanTech Combustion Technology for the 2.0 CDTI unit, which promises clean combustion while also reducing engine noise by means of adjusting fuel injection to the combustion process in real time. As with the 1.3-liter ecoFLEX model, the 2.0-liter version sports an active aero shutter incorporated in the front grille and refined underbody aerodynamics.

Opel also announced that all Astra model equipped with a manual-transmission will be fitted from now on with a shift indicator showing the driver the ideal moment to change gear in order to improve fuel economy.

The ecoFLEX Technology Package for the Astra 2.0 CDTI adds €300 ($425) to the standard car's price in Germany. By spring 2012, Opel wants to offer 34 car/engine combinations with the ecoFLEX technology, including all Astra diesel and petrol models with manual transmission.

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Alfa Romeo Launches 2011MY MiTo in Europe

This week marks the commercial debut of the 2011 model year Alfa Romeo MiTo in Italy and on other major European markets. First shown at the 2011 Geneva Salon, the modestly updated MiTo comes with a fresh batch of exterior colors, different seat upholsteries, new optional equipment and Euro 5 compliant engines all fitted as standard with a Start&Stop system.

The starting price for the 2011MY MiTo in Italy is €15,500 ($21,800), which will get you in the Progression model equipped with a 78HP 1.4-liter petrol engine. The Distinctive trim level retails for €22,550 ($31,650) and features the 1.6-liter diesel engine with 120 horsepower. The other available diesel engine is a 1.3-liter JTDM-2 with 95HP, while the gasoline range is completed by the 1.4-liter MultiAir unit, available in three levels of power: 105 (naturally aspirated), 135 and 170 horsepower (both turbocharged).

The MiTo MY 2011 is offered in four trim levels (Progression, Distinctive, “Super” and Quadrifoglio Verde), while buyers can also choose from seven new alloy wheel designs and eleven body colors, among which a new metal-flake color called “Bronzo Metal”.

Thanks to the new Start&Stop system, fuel consumption is lower with the base 1.4-liter engine returning 5.6 liters/100 km (42 mpg) on the combined cycle, compared to 5.9 liters/100 km (39.9) of the 2010MY. The 135HP 1.4-liter Multiair turbo engine is now linked to a new-generation double-clutch TCT transmission that reduces the 0 to 100 km/h sprint to 8.2 seconds (0.2 seconds quicker). As for the diesel engines, Alfa announces that the service interval is now 35,000 km (21,750 miles).

The MiTo MY 2011 also debuts a new Blue&Me-TomTom multimedia system that connects the car's infotainment system with a portable navigation device. The fully-integrated system has 4.3-inch touch-screen that can also display phone, media and board computer information.

By Dan Miahalascu

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Land Rover Celebrates Production Milestone of 250,000th Freelander 2

Today, Land Rover celebrates a new milestone in the life of its Freelander 2 as the 250,000th vehicle rolled off the production line at the Company's Halewood manufacturing plant in Merseyside. The 250,000th Freelander 2 is a 2.2 litre TD4 Diesel GS in Fuji White and is destined for a customer who lives in Scotland.

The production total includes all vehicles built from 2007 until today. The Freelander 2 received a subtle facelift in the fall of 2010. According to the British firm, retail sales for the Freelander 2 are up 22%, year to date (Apr 2010 – Feb 2011) compared with the same 11 month period in 2009/2010.

"This milestone achievement and the increasing sales for Freelander 2 highlights just how important this vehicle is, not just to Halewood but also for the regional and UK economy − around 70% of Freelanders produced at Halewood are exported overseas,” said Halewood operations director Richard Else.

Depending on the market, the 2011 Freelander 2 is available with either 2WD or 4WD and a 2.2 litre diesel engine offering two power outputs – the 190hp SD4 and the 150hp TD4.

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Loder1899 Gives the New Ford C-Max More Attitude and Power

It’s been a while since we last heard of Loder1899, but the German tuning house is back with a new proposal, this time for Ford’s new C-Max compact minivan. The tuner’s offerings include both performance tweaks and aerodynamic bits.

Engine modifications concern the 2.0-liter TDCi turbocharged diesel four-pot that produces 163-horsepower and 340Nm of peak torque in stock form for a 0-100km/h [62mph] sprint time of 8.6 seconds and a top speed of 210km/h [131mph]. Loder1899’s performance package lifts these numbers to 190HP and 390Nm respectively, allowing the C-Max to complete the standard sprint in 8.3 seconds and reach a maximum speed of 213km/h [132mph].

Additional changes include an aerodynamics kit complete with a front apron, rear apron with a diffuser, side skirts and a rear spoiler lip. A stainless steel sport exhaust system and a suspension kit that lowers the C-Max’s ride height by around 35mm are also available. The package is complemented by a choice of alloy wheels in sizes from 17- to 20-inches.

According to Loder1899, most parts are also suitable for the 7-seater version of the minivan called the Grand C-Max, which is slated to go on sale in the U.S. within the next year.

TECHNICAL DATA [from Loder1899]

Prices and parts for the “Loder1899” C-Max
Suitable for Ford C-Max and Ford Grand C-Max
Frontspoiler: 249 Euro
Rear diffuser: 290 Euro
Rear spoiler lip: 159 Euro
Stainless steel exhaust system two pipes: In Preparation
Lowering kit (-35mm): 169 Euro
Rims:
Wheel Porto 8x18 silver incl. tire 235/35R18 365 Euro/rim
Wheel W1 8.5x18 black/matte incl. tire 235/35R18 395 Euro/rim
Wheel Mauris 8x19 black/polish incl. tire 235/35R19 498 Euro/rim
Wheel Vertigo Viginti 9x20 black incl. tire 235/30R20 688 Euro/rim
Competitively priced wheel WP: 8.5x18 incl. tire 235/40R18: prices start at 324 Euro
Motor management/Performance increase: 849 Euro
“Loder1899” package: excluding paint job and assembly from 3.015 euro
List price: Ford C-Max (Gemany) from 25.100 euro
Ford C-Max with Loder1899 package: from 28.115 euro

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