2012 Transformers Camaro

Casting a Camaro as the Autobot ‘Bumblebee’ in the Transformers movies has undoubtedly helped to raise the car’s profile. And now it’s back in ‘Transformers: Dark of the Moon’, the third film from the franchise.



To mark the reappearance (or to cash in on it, maybe?), Chevrolet has announced the 2012 Transformers Special Edition Camaro Coupe.

Essentially a $3,000 package for the Camaro Coupe 2LT and 2SS, content comprises the RS appearance pack (includes 20” alloy wheels, HID headlights and unique taillights), Autobot Shield logos, black stripes and a high-wing rear spoiler.



Naturally, the only body colour available is Rally Yellow, while the wheels are painted black. On the inside, there’s black leather upholstery with contrast yellow stitching, as well as more Autobot logos.



If all of that isn’t enough, buyers can upgrade to 21” wheels and the dealer-fit Ground Effects Package with its front splitter, side skirts and rear diffuser.



In the US and Canada, orders for the Transformers Special Edition Camaro Coupe can be placed from next month. The first deliveries are then expected to follow in September.



Related posts:

Chevrolet Camaro ZL1

2011 Camaro Convertible

Pontiac Trans Am reborn

Camaro coming to the UK

2012 Transformers Camaro

Casting a Camaro as the Autobot ‘Bumblebee’ in the Transformers movies has undoubtedly helped to raise the car’s profile. And now it’s back in ‘Transformers: Dark of the Moon’, the third film from the franchise.



To mark the reappearance (or to cash in on it, maybe?), Chevrolet has announced the 2012 Transformers Special Edition Camaro Coupe.

Essentially a $3,000 package for the Camaro Coupe 2LT and 2SS, content comprises the RS appearance pack (includes 20” alloy wheels, HID headlights and unique taillights), Autobot Shield logos, black stripes and a high-wing rear spoiler.



Naturally, the only body colour available is Rally Yellow, while the wheels are painted black. On the inside, there’s black leather upholstery with contrast yellow stitching, as well as more Autobot logos.



If all of that isn’t enough, buyers can upgrade to 21” wheels and the dealer-fit Ground Effects Package with its front splitter, side skirts and rear diffuser.



In the US and Canada, orders for the Transformers Special Edition Camaro Coupe can be placed from next month. The first deliveries are then expected to follow in September.



Related posts:

Chevrolet Camaro ZL1

2011 Camaro Convertible

Pontiac Trans Am reborn

Camaro coming to the UK

BMW M3 CRT Saloon

BMW has revealed the M3 CRT Saloon, which is essentially a four-door version of last year’s M3 GTS.

The ‘CRT’ part of its name stands for Carbon Racing Technology, reflecting that carbon fibre reinforced plastic has been used for the bonnet, roof, front seats and rear spoiler. As a result, weight is down by about 45 kg (99 lbs) compared to the standard version, and the M3 CRT tips the scales at 1,580 kg (3,483 lbs).



Power comes from the same 4.4 V8 that saw service in the GTS, coupled to the seven-speed M DCT double-clutch transmission. Thanks to 444 bhp (331 kW / 450 PS), 440 Nm (324 lb/ft) of torque and less mass to haul about, the M3 CRT will accelerate to 62 mph (100 km/h) from rest in 4.4 seconds, 0.3 seconds quicker than a normal M3 Saloon equipped with the same gearbox. Top speed is 180 mph (290 km/h).



Other distinguishing features include a titanium exhaust, two individual rear seats and 19” alloy wheels that come shod in 245/35 tyres up front and 265/30 section rubber for the rears.



Just 67 examples of the BMW M3 CRT are going to be produced, with prices in Germany starting at €130,000 including VAT (around £115,500 / US$184,500 at today’s exchange rates). The disappointing news for potential UK customers, however, is that it won’t be coming here.

Related posts:

Frozen Black Edition M3

Alpina B3 S Bi-Turbo

BMW M3 GTS

BMW M3 CRT Saloon

BMW has revealed the M3 CRT Saloon, which is essentially a four-door version of last year’s M3 GTS.

The ‘CRT’ part of its name stands for Carbon Racing Technology, reflecting that carbon fibre reinforced plastic has been used for the bonnet, roof, front seats and rear spoiler. As a result, weight is down by about 45 kg (99 lbs) compared to the standard version, and the M3 CRT tips the scales at 1,580 kg (3,483 lbs).



Power comes from the same 4.4 V8 that saw service in the GTS, coupled to the seven-speed M DCT double-clutch transmission. Thanks to 444 bhp (331 kW / 450 PS), 440 Nm (324 lb/ft) of torque and less mass to haul about, the M3 CRT will accelerate to 62 mph (100 km/h) from rest in 4.4 seconds, 0.3 seconds quicker than a normal M3 Saloon equipped with the same gearbox. Top speed is 180 mph (290 km/h).



Other distinguishing features include a titanium exhaust, two individual rear seats and 19” alloy wheels that come shod in 245/35 tyres up front and 265/30 section rubber for the rears.



Just 67 examples of the BMW M3 CRT are going to be produced, with prices in Germany starting at €130,000 including VAT (around £115,500 / US$184,500 at today’s exchange rates). The disappointing news for potential UK customers, however, is that it won’t be coming here.

Related posts:

Frozen Black Edition M3

Alpina B3 S Bi-Turbo

BMW M3 GTS

Aston ‘Cygnet and Colette’

Well that didn’t take long. Aston Martin has just announced the first special edition model based on its Cygnet city car which, in turn, is of course based on the Toyota iQ.



Called the ‘Cygnet and Colette’, the name recognises that Aston Martin has teamed up with Parisian fashion emporium Colette to create this exclusive version. Just fourteen examples are going to be built, which may seem a rather random quantity, but that’s the number of years Colette has been in business.

The work has been entrusted to Aston Martin Works Tailored, which is usually responsible for personalising customer cars. Judging by the specification though, its talents have hardly been stretched.



Externally, the only things that differentiate the ‘Cygnet and Colette’ from the standard version are the Lightening Silver paintwork with contrasting blue elements and some special badges.

On the inside, there are Bitter Chocolate quilted leather door and seat inserts, plus quilted Alcantara sun visors. The back seats also get a couple of blue leather cushions, although arguably they’re a bit pointless given the cramped rear accommodation of the Cygnet.



The ‘Cygnet and Colette’ can be ordered now via the Colette store in Paris, and it costs €48,995 (around £43,600 at today’s exchange rates).

Anyone who misses out on this particular limited edition needn’t be too concerned, because Aston Martin has promised that it’s just the first in a series of ‘Cygnet and …’ collaborations.



Related posts:

£40k for iQ-based Cygnet

Aston Martin is coolest

Baby Aston Martin

Aston ‘Cygnet and Colette’

Well that didn’t take long. Aston Martin has just announced the first special edition model based on its Cygnet city car which, in turn, is of course based on the Toyota iQ.



Called the ‘Cygnet and Colette’, the name recognises that Aston Martin has teamed up with Parisian fashion emporium Colette to create this exclusive version. Just fourteen examples are going to be built, which may seem a rather random quantity, but that’s the number of years Colette has been in business.

The work has been entrusted to Aston Martin Works Tailored, which is usually responsible for personalising customer cars. Judging by the specification though, its talents have hardly been stretched.



Externally, the only things that differentiate the ‘Cygnet and Colette’ from the standard version are the Lightening Silver paintwork with contrasting blue elements and some special badges.

On the inside, there are Bitter Chocolate quilted leather door and seat inserts, plus quilted Alcantara sun visors. The back seats also get a couple of blue leather cushions, although arguably they’re a bit pointless given the cramped rear accommodation of the Cygnet.



The ‘Cygnet and Colette’ can be ordered now via the Colette store in Paris, and it costs €48,995 (around £43,600 at today’s exchange rates).

Anyone who misses out on this particular limited edition needn’t be too concerned, because Aston Martin has promised that it’s just the first in a series of ‘Cygnet and …’ collaborations.



Related posts:

£40k for iQ-based Cygnet

Aston Martin is coolest

Baby Aston Martin

99 g/km diesel Audi A1

Audi has reduced the CO2 emissions from its A1 1.6 TDI to 99 g/km, thanks to the fitment of stop-start and energy regeneration systems.



That’s an improvement of 6 g/km, which might not sound a lot but it’s significant for UK buyers. It means the A1 will now qualify for zero-rated Band A Vehicle Excise Duty, and makes it eligible for a 100% discount on the London Congestion Charge.



Economy has been similarly improved too, with the combined cycle figure rising from 70.6 mpg (4.0 l/100km) to 74.3 mpg (3.8 l/100km). So, probably quite deliberately, the Audi now exactly matches the Mini Cooper D for fuel consumption and emissions.



It remains slightly slower though, with a 0-62 mph (100 km/h) acceleration time of 10.5 seconds and a top speed of 118 mph (189 km/h). By comparison, the Mini gets from rest to 62 mph in 9.7 seconds and can reach 122 mph (196 km/h).

UK on the road prices for the A1 1.6 TDI have been confirmed at £14,480 for the SE, £16,320 for the Sport and £17,865 for the S line.



And yes, they’re very much in the same ballpark as the Mini Cooper D, which costs £16,060.



However, one potential sales casualty of the revamped A1 could be the Polo BlueMotion 1.2 TDI from sister brand Volkswagen.



With only 73 bhp (55 kW / 75PS) compared to the Audi’s 103 bhp (77 kW / 105 PS), the Polo achieves a marginally better 80.7 mpg (3.5 l/100km) and produces 91 g/km of CO2. It’s a slower car though and, in three-door form, a price tag of £14,860 makes it actually more expensive than the SE spec A1.



Related posts:

Audi A1 clubsport Quattro

2011 What Car? Awards

Zero Congestion Charge

99 g/km diesel Audi A1

Audi has reduced the CO2 emissions from its A1 1.6 TDI to 99 g/km, thanks to the fitment of stop-start and energy regeneration systems.



That’s an improvement of 6 g/km, which might not sound a lot but it’s significant for UK buyers. It means the A1 will now qualify for zero-rated Band A Vehicle Excise Duty, and makes it eligible for a 100% discount on the London Congestion Charge.



Economy has been similarly improved too, with the combined cycle figure rising from 70.6 mpg (4.0 l/100km) to 74.3 mpg (3.8 l/100km). So, probably quite deliberately, the Audi now exactly matches the Mini Cooper D for fuel consumption and emissions.



It remains slightly slower though, with a 0-62 mph (100 km/h) acceleration time of 10.5 seconds and a top speed of 118 mph (189 km/h). By comparison, the Mini gets from rest to 62 mph in 9.7 seconds and can reach 122 mph (196 km/h).

UK on the road prices for the A1 1.6 TDI have been confirmed at £14,480 for the SE, £16,320 for the Sport and £17,865 for the S line.



And yes, they’re very much in the same ballpark as the Mini Cooper D, which costs £16,060.



However, one potential sales casualty of the revamped A1 could be the Polo BlueMotion 1.2 TDI from sister brand Volkswagen.



With only 73 bhp (55 kW / 75PS) compared to the Audi’s 103 bhp (77 kW / 105 PS), the Polo achieves a marginally better 80.7 mpg (3.5 l/100km) and produces 91 g/km of CO2. It’s a slower car though and, in three-door form, a price tag of £14,860 makes it actually more expensive than the SE spec A1.



Related posts:

Audi A1 clubsport Quattro

2011 What Car? Awards

Zero Congestion Charge

Mini Coupé undisguised

Technical specs for the forthcoming Mini Coupé were released earlier this month, along with some images of a still-camouflaged car.



But now the disguise has been lifted, plus a launch date and prices have been set.

Mini John Cooper Works Coupé. Scroll down for more images.

Sales are due to start on 1st October 2011 and, as expected, the less practical Coupé models are going to be more expensive than their Hatch equivalents:

UK Prices - Mini Coupé vs. Hatch
Version	Hatch	Coupé	Difference
Cooper	£14,780	£16,640	£1,860
Cooper S	£18,105	£19,775	£1,670
Cooper SD	£18,750	£20,510	£1,760
John Cooper Works	£22,330	£23,795	£1,465

All variants will come as standard with park distance control, DAB digital radio and air conditioning, as well as a rear spoiler that rises automatically at 50 mph (80 km/h) and then retracts at 37 mph (60 km/h).

Related posts:

Mini Coupé revealed

Top hairdressers’ cars

Superchips Mini Cooper S

Mini Cooper SD arrives

Mini Coupé undisguised

Technical specs for the forthcoming Mini Coupé were released earlier this month, along with some images of a still-camouflaged car.



But now the disguise has been lifted, plus a launch date and prices have been set.

Mini John Cooper Works Coupé. Scroll down for more images.

Sales are due to start on 1st October 2011 and, as expected, the less practical Coupé models are going to be more expensive than their Hatch equivalents:

UK Prices - Mini Coupé vs. Hatch
Version	Hatch	Coupé	Difference
Cooper	£14,780	£16,640	£1,860
Cooper S	£18,105	£19,775	£1,670
Cooper SD	£18,750	£20,510	£1,760
John Cooper Works	£22,330	£23,795	£1,465

All variants will come as standard with park distance control, DAB digital radio and air conditioning, as well as a rear spoiler that rises automatically at 50 mph (80 km/h) and then retracts at 37 mph (60 km/h).

Related posts:

Mini Coupé revealed

Top hairdressers’ cars

Superchips Mini Cooper S

Mini Cooper SD arrives