Car news, pictures, specifications and wallpaper

2011 Porsche 911 Turbo S

2003 Audi TT 3.2 DSG quattro

1234►

With a World Premiere at the 2010 Geneva Motorshow, SEAT is pushing forward with its product offensive – the SEAT Ibiza ST is the third model to join the successful Ibiza line-up. The compact estate car is the perfect vehicle for a youthful and sporty lifestyle, bringing together the brand’s most powerful characteristics – it is emotional and well-designed, it is dynamic and efficient, it is easy to use and financially attainable. SEAT will deliver the SEAT Ibiza ST in six modern engine variants and with a broad palette of equipment and technologies. Market launch is planned for early summer.

The stylists at SEAT Design have taken the highly functional concept of the SEAT Ibiza ST and clad it in the Spanish brand’s unique design language. Despite the estate layout and generous load capacity, it retains the youthful, sporty character of the Ibiza range. The roofline stretches rearwards, the rear overhang is integrated perfectly into the overall design and the tight span of its flanks lends tautness to its proportions. The front end bears the hallmark SEAT “arrow design”; with the rear end receiving a new look courtesy of the split rear light clusters.

With a length of 4.23 metres, the SEAT Ibiza ST is no less than 18 centimetres longer than the Ibiza. This creates ample load capacity to satisfy all the requirements of a sporty and mobile lifestyle. The base capacity of 430 litres is already comparatively generous, and can be increased in stages by folding the split rear seat. Engineers paid particularly close attention to the optimal width and low height of the load opening. Overall, the bodyshell is finished to the high levels of precision and stiffness characteristic of all SEAT models.

The interior of the SEAT Ibiza ST is impressively spacious, with an accomplished and high quality character. The designers and engineers paid close attention to the tiniest detail; every single element is functional, practical to use and meticulously crafted, as evidenced by the high material quality and tight tolerances. The cockpit feels taut. Circular air vents, a short gear stick – the emotional character expressed by the design of the SEAT Ibiza ST is clearly evident in the interior, too.

Sporty dynamics with a high degree of efficiency is par for the course for every SEAT. The basis for this is delivered by state-of-the-art engines, with the SEAT Ibiza ST offering a choice of three petrol and three TDI units with common-rail injection. Four of the six engines operate with direct injection and turbocharging. They span an output range of between 51 and 77 kW (70 to 105 hp). Particular highlights include the exceptionally efficient 1.2 TDI and 1.2 TSI.

Another guarantee of agility and dynamics comes from the precise and safe running gear. Together with the excellent equipment of the three model lines Reference, Style and Sport, as well as the broad range of hi-tech optional equipment – such as the dual-clutch transmission – this makes the SEAT Ibiza ST the one to beat in the small estate car segment. Especially as excellent value for money is an integral part of the youthful character that defines this kind of SEAT.

12►

Tesla Motors has announced production of the right-hand-drive version of its iconic Tesla Roadster sports car, the only highway-capable electric vehicle for sale worldwide. Prospective customers and media may test-drive right-hand-drive cars available at Tesla’s showroom, 49-51 Cheval Place in London’s Knightsbridge district (SW7 1EW). The 2010 Tesla Roadster UK-Version includes a suite of unique noise-reduction materials, an upgraded sound system and other enhancements that make it ideal for daily commuting or weekend drives. The Tesla Roadster accelerates faster than virtually any other car on the road, making it the only production car faster than a Porsche and twice as energy efficient as a Prius. It is quickly becoming the choice amongst discerning drivers who demand performance with a clean conscience. The Tesla Roadster easily travels more than 200 miles per charge in mixed driving conditions, consumes no petroleum and plugs into conventional 220-volt sockets throughout Europe. It can be fully or partially recharged by solar or wind power. A customer’s Tesla Roadster recently set a world distance record for EVs with 313 miles on a single charge. “The right-hand-drive model is our response to growing demand from high-performance car buyers in the UK who are also interested in their impact on the environment,” said Cristiano Carlutti, Tesla’s Vice President for European Sales and Operations. “Tesla is dramatically expanding its retail footprint in Europe, we look forward to building our community of owners and fans throughout the continent.” UK companies that purchase a Tesla Roadster benefit from a 100 percent Writing Down Allowance, meaning they can deduct the price of the car from their taxable profits. The Tesla Roadster is the only sports car that has ever qualified for a such a tax incentive in the UK. The Tesla Roadster starts at £86,950 and costs about 1.5p per mile, compared to as much as 32p per mile for petro-powered sports cars. Tesla Roadster drivers are do not have to pay the London congestion charge, saving up to nearly £1,700 annually. They can park for free and without time limits in various London boroughs, they get four hours of free charging at certain parking sites, and they are exempt from the forthcoming Showroom Tax of £950.