2011 Vauxhall Antara Facelift Prices Start Under £20k in the UK

Following the reveal of its Opel counterpart in mainland Europe, Vauxhall has released pricing and specifications on the UK market Antara facelift, which boasts a barely noticeable makeover and a refreshed engine lineup. Prices for the updated SUV now start from £19,995 for the 2.2 CDTi (163PS) Exclusiv front-wheel drive model, which according to Vauxhall, represents a saving of £2,835 over the outgoing base version.

On the outside, styling changes for the 2011 Antara include the updated front grille with the new Griffin logo, enhanced by fog lights finished with chrome bezels on SE models, new 19-inch alloy wheels and modified rear lights.

Inside, the new Antara's cabin features a revised centre console with extra storage and higher-quality materials, in addition to improved instrument graphics and better interior lighting.

The 2011 model's revised Euro-5 compliant engine line-up includes a newly-developed 2.2-liter CDTI turbodiesel in two states of tune with 163HP or 184HP. The 163HP version is available in front-wheel drive with a six-speed manual transmission only or all-wheel drive hooked up to either a manual or six-speed auto gearbox. The more potent 184HP variant also offers a choice of manual or automatic transmissions, and comes with all-wheel drive as standard. All transmissions have been revised to improve efficiency.

The Vauxhall Antara will not be offered in the UK with the revised 170HP 2.4-liter gasoline engine of its Opel sibling.

GM Europe's engineers have also re-worked the SUV's chassis with revised spring and damper settings.

Finally, Vauxhall has improved safety and comfort features with the addition of an electric parking brake, a Hill Assist System as well as a "shift-up" fuel economy indicator on all models.

"At less than £20k, the new Antara is set to be highly competitive in today's SUV market," said Peter Hope, Vauxhall's Marketing Director. "Its lower emissions, higher output diesel engines and refreshed design will offer renewed appeal to both retail and fleet customers."

Peugeot RC HYmotion4 Concept Racing Car

With Citroen, Peugeot RC HYmotion4 is a field that is increasingly cluttered with hybrid concepts using a new system that can take the road to be unveiled at the Paris Motor Show. Fortunately for Peugeot, they have managed not just recycle or rebadge an existing model, but have incorporated this technology into an boldly attractive four door GT coupe.

Peugeot has joined sister-brand Citroen by releasing a concept vehicle based on the new HYmotion4 AWD hybrid system. The new concept is according to Peugeot, a ‘Touring Car Coupe’ that features a number of engineering and technological ideas expected to make their way, if only gradually, into both of the carmaker’s future production models. Unlike the hybrid systems used by current production vehicles, this concept has no direct mechanical connection between the electric and internal combustion drive systems. This way, the RC can operate in either rear, front, or all-wheel-drive modes. That means it can also operate using internal combustion, electric only or blended mode combining both. Propelling this concept is a rear mounted turbocharged 1.6 liter engine driving the rear wheels and producing 218 hp and 206 lb-ft of torque. Up front, an electric motor provides up to another 132 lb-ft of torque and provides a governed combined production of 313 horsepower. This sort of power pays of with acceleration to 62 mph in a mere 4.4 seconds. The electrons are stored in a lithium-ion battery pack of an as unreleased size, but having the electric motor at the front instead of the rear axle means that more kinetic energy can be recaptured through the regenerative braking process. According to Peugeot, the RC can get 52.3 mpg with a minimum output of just 109 g/km of CO2 emissions.

Other Hymotion4 concepts in the mix for the future include Peugeot’s Prologue, which previews an upcoming 3008 crossover, as well as the Citroen Hypnos and C4 WRC rally car. These concepts, according to the manufacturer, are a synthesis of ideas that demonstrate a commitment to both respecting the environment and driving pleasure. If all of the technology that is used within this concept lives up to the manufacturer claims, the French may have the inside track in future hybrid production.

Peugeot Modif

Automobile industry has seen various changes in past few years. Trend for compact hybrid cars is at its peak now a days. Several new designs are shaped every day and there is lot more to come.

Peugeot Modif is a fabulous design for a hybrid car that will be very successful in small towns and tight places. It has a two tone color scheme and the center of this is the large rubber tube-like center shaft that allows the car to squeeze up to 88 centimeters and also provides the front of the car with flexibility to swivel from side to side 18.5 degrees for better drive.

I liked the design as it is different from traditional designs, it features white tires and large black chrome wheels with each tire having six special pads holding sensors to intimate the driver for adjustment of car according to road conditions. Inside each massive wheel is a powerful hydrogen hybrid engine. 80% of the material used to make is renewable, the a rubber element in the front part houses the oil, water and CPU.

The cockpit of the car is covered by a large bubble top one-piece window that provides the passenger and the driver with an unobstructed view up to 360 degrees. Rare view cameras on both sides constantly provide with the status of the road behind on a screen embedded on the dashboard. It also features a high-discharge red led emergency light on the top for you to cherish a V.I.P. feeling. The exhaust pipe is positioned in the center that only emits water.

Peugeot Modif

Automobile industry has seen various changes in past few years. Trend for compact hybrid cars is at its peak now a days. Several new designs are shaped every day and there is lot more to come.

Peugeot Modif is a fabulous design for a hybrid car that will be very successful in small towns and tight places. It has a two tone color scheme and the center of this is the large rubber tube-like center shaft that allows the car to squeeze up to 88 centimeters and also provides the front of the car with flexibility to swivel from side to side 18.5 degrees for better drive.

I liked the design as it is different from traditional designs, it features white tires and large black chrome wheels with each tire having six special pads holding sensors to intimate the driver for adjustment of car according to road conditions. Inside each massive wheel is a powerful hydrogen hybrid engine. 80% of the material used to make is renewable, the a rubber element in the front part houses the oil, water and CPU.

The cockpit of the car is covered by a large bubble top one-piece window that provides the passenger and the driver with an unobstructed view up to 360 degrees. Rare view cameras on both sides constantly provide with the status of the road behind on a screen embedded on the dashboard. It also features a high-discharge red led emergency light on the top for you to cherish a V.I.P. feeling. The exhaust pipe is positioned in the center that only emits water.

Peugeot Modif

Automobile industry has seen various changes in past few years. Trend for compact hybrid cars is at its peak now a days. Several new designs are shaped every day and there is lot more to come.

Peugeot Modif is a fabulous design for a hybrid car that will be very successful in small towns and tight places. It has a two tone color scheme and the center of this is the large rubber tube-like center shaft that allows the car to squeeze up to 88 centimeters and also provides the front of the car with flexibility to swivel from side to side 18.5 degrees for better drive.

I liked the design as it is different from traditional designs, it features white tires and large black chrome wheels with each tire having six special pads holding sensors to intimate the driver for adjustment of car according to road conditions. Inside each massive wheel is a powerful hydrogen hybrid engine. 80% of the material used to make is renewable, the a rubber element in the front part houses the oil, water and CPU.

The cockpit of the car is covered by a large bubble top one-piece window that provides the passenger and the driver with an unobstructed view up to 360 degrees. Rare view cameras on both sides constantly provide with the status of the road behind on a screen embedded on the dashboard. It also features a high-discharge red led emergency light on the top for you to cherish a V.I.P. feeling. The exhaust pipe is positioned in the center that only emits water.

Peugeot Modif

Automobile industry has seen various changes in past few years. Trend for compact hybrid cars is at its peak now a days. Several new designs are shaped every day and there is lot more to come.

Peugeot Modif is a fabulous design for a hybrid car that will be very successful in small towns and tight places. It has a two tone color scheme and the center of this is the large rubber tube-like center shaft that allows the car to squeeze up to 88 centimeters and also provides the front of the car with flexibility to swivel from side to side 18.5 degrees for better drive.

I liked the design as it is different from traditional designs, it features white tires and large black chrome wheels with each tire having six special pads holding sensors to intimate the driver for adjustment of car according to road conditions. Inside each massive wheel is a powerful hydrogen hybrid engine. 80% of the material used to make is renewable, the a rubber element in the front part houses the oil, water and CPU.

The cockpit of the car is covered by a large bubble top one-piece window that provides the passenger and the driver with an unobstructed view up to 360 degrees. Rare view cameras on both sides constantly provide with the status of the road behind on a screen embedded on the dashboard. It also features a high-discharge red led emergency light on the top for you to cherish a V.I.P. feeling. The exhaust pipe is positioned in the center that only emits water.

Purple Bubble Car

Limited Bentley Zagato GTZ

Bentley Zagato GTZ was first introduced at the 78th Geneva International Motor show 2008 by Zagato Atelier. Bentley GTZ is a neo classic Zagato interpretation of the style of a British GT. This cool automotive project and concept was conceived at the Pebble Beach Concours D'Elegance in 2006 by Dr. Ing. Franz Josef Paefgen, CEO of Bentley Motors Limited and Dr. Andrea Zagato, President of Zagato.

This unique automotive is born from two great automotive cultures Bentley and Zagato. Bentley Zagato GTZ design team able to create a distinctive and attractive character to this cool car. The exterior of Bentley GTZ has a pronounced fender lines, a unique double bubble roof and a round tail with all new rear combination lamp. All element of this luxurious car are harmoniously integrated and created an aggressive, sharp and solid looks.

This limited production car interior has a refined and exclusive design with natural color of leather seats, The interior is styled by British firm Adaptive Space. This fast and limited edition car is valued at $1.7 million USD, and only 9 of this car is produced so far.

Peugeot 308 RC-Z

Peugeot 308 RC-Z concept was introduced at the Frankfurt show back in 2007 and it will be mass produced by May 2010. This cool car is a front-wheel drive vehicle equipped with a Mini Cooper JCW 1.6 turbo unit that able to provide 218bhp. The concept and the mass produced car has a slight differences in the headlight design and the exterior body curve.

The interior of this unique car has a sophisticated design and a polycarbonate roof with twin bubbles to increase headroom. The cockpit is trimmed in leather, chrome, aluminum and black-lacquered plastic.

This Peugeot concept car power is provided by the same 1.6-litre 163kW/218hp direct injection four cylinder that can be found in the Mini Cooper. Peugeot 308 RC-Z is relatively lightweight and should be capable of decent turn of speed.

The Hybrid Race Car : Toyota CS&S Concept

Toyota CS&S was introduced at the 2003 Frankfurt Motor Show in Germany. This hybrid race car concept was designed at the Toyota ED2 studio near Nice, France. CS&S stands for Compact Sports and Specialty. The CS&S is a 4-wheel-drive mid-engine 2+2 sports car powered by a 1.5 litre hybrid petrol electric set up taken directly from the Toyota Prius powers the rear wheels and a separate electric motor is connected to the front wheels.

This cool concept car Employing Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive, an electric motor drives the front wheels, while a gas engine and electric motor in combination drive the rear. CS&S also unveils "Toyota Space Touch," where the driver able to activated functions by touching holographic projections. This future automotive has a seating arrangement with removable covers for the rear 2 occasional seats, where the car can be run as a 2 seater or if the rear canopies are removed from behind the front seats, a 2+2 seater.

Toyota A-BAT Concept

The Toyota A-BAT was on display at the Toyota exhibit in Detroit at the 2008 North American International Auto Show beginning Monday, January 14. Kevin Hunter, president, Calty Design Research, Inc said that "Driving from beyond the suburbs to the city is a way of life for many people. We've taken Toyota's truck heritage to a different level by envisioning a vehicle capable of manouvering the suburbs as well as dirt roads. This compact truck is as comfortable for long commutes as it is for road trips. It can accommodate outdoor toys and home improvement supplies. Plus, customers benefit from the hybrid powertrain's low emissions and fuel economy."

TMS Advanced Product Strategy group and Calty, Toyota's North American-based, research and design centre located in Newport Beach, California are the group that responsible for the A-BAT concept development. This team created a new genre of compact vehicle with good fuel economy, advanced functionality, manoeuvrability, unique styling within its segment, and a durable package suitable for an active lifestyle.

Beside the lightweight A-BAT concept package also coupled with Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive technology is designed to deliver excellent fuel economy. Translucent solar panels in the top surface of the instrument panel capture sunlight and convert it into energy, showcasing the vehicle's "green" character. Toyota A-BAT is an environmentally friendly cool truck.

This cool car has a unique aerodynamic exterior crafted by Calty Project Chief Designer Ian Cartabiano and Creative Designer Matt Sperling. They integrated Toyota's design philosophy, "Vibrant Clarity" into the exterior by keeping the design forward-looking, crisp and functional.

Although the A-BAT is rugged and has a spirited exterior, the interior team worked to create a modern look for the interior. The door trim, shoulder, armrest and instrument panel pads and seat cushions are made of a tough, lightweight and comfortable material that can be selected for personalization.

Daryl Harris, Senior Creative Designer said that "The inspiration behind the exposed structure on the interior was drawn from high-end mountain bike frames. "We applied lightweight construction materials, such as carbon fiber and aluminum, to the instrument panel, console and seats for increased structural rigidity while reducing mass."

The interior of this cool automotive has a retractable portable navigation unit with a seven-inch diagonal screen and Wi-Fi internet. It also includes other advanced features such as a port for portable device assistant synchronization and a hard drive for digital music. The Toyota A-Bat is the next evolution of compact truck.

Opel Flextreme Concept

Opel Flextreme Concept was introduced at the International Motor Show (IAA) in Frankfurt in 2007. This cool car has a low emission mobility propulsion with the E Flex technology. The flextreme concept has a lithium ion battery as it’s energy source, this car also has additional energy from 1.3 liter turbo-diesel onboard CDTI engine. This innovative vehicle is expected to emit less than 40 g of CO2 per km. After charging for three hours at 220 volts this car will be at it’s full capacity. The engine also include the integration of two high tech electric personal transporters, located below the cargo floor. This electric transporters provide extra mobility option up to 38 km of clean mobility.

Opel Flextreme Concept has a dynamic and innovative exterior and interior design. Flextreme has a large transparent roof and two tailgate doors that open from the side and swing upwards it also has narrow boomerang shaped lights and sloping swage line in the side graphics. The front part is decorated with front grill and rims which are covered by lightweight transparent trim made from polycarbonate to improve aerodynamics and enhancing visual aesthetics. This concept car has a unique and practical door which they call the FlexDoors, the front door open in the conventional manner and the rear door are rear hinged.

Flextreme Concept has a futuristic interior design with honeycomb structures. The honeycomb structure is a functional, geometric structure located in the instrument panel’s lower portion, above the center tunnel where the lithium-ion batteries are located, cabin floor and cargo floor. This cool automotive has a large panoramic display located directly under the windshield and on the center console. The display are configurable with a touch screen operation to show a complete view of the car surrounding and easy access to various menu such as air conditioning, communication device, infotainment feature and navigation functions.

Lumeneo Smera

Lumeneo Smera was introduced at the 2008 Geneva Motor Show. With 144 volt lithium ion battery Lumeneo Smera can go from 0-60mph in eight seconds. The lithium ion battery is supplying the power to the dual rear wheel motors. This concept car is able to transport two passenger up to 93 miles and with 80 mph of top speed. In 2009 Lumeneo plan to produce 250 units of this cool car. The price range is starting at 24,500 euros ($33,000 US).

General Specifications :

First Introduced at : 2008 Geneva Motor Show

Country of origin : France

Dimensions :

Length / width / height : 2380 / 800 / 1450 mm

Doors / Seats : 2 / 1+1

Wheelbase : 1700 mm

Track : 655 mm

Steering diameter : 7 m

Maximum tilting angle : 25 °

Weight (with batteries) : 350kg / 770 lbs

Pneumatic dimensions : 145/70 R14

Engine :

Boot volume : 70 / 150 liters

Motorization Technology : Brushless electric motors with permanent magnets

Max Power : 30 / 40 kW / Hp

Max Torque on wheels : 1 000 Nm

Max Voltage : 144 V

Technology : Lithium

Capacity : 10 kWh

Battery weight : 80 kg / 180 lbs

Speed :

Performances Max speed : 130 kph / 80 mph

0-100 kph / 0 – 60 mph : 8.0 s

Range : 150 km / 90 miles

Pontiac Solstice SD-290

The inspiration of Pontiac Solstice SD-290 concept is coming from a vintage race car design. The design concept really capture the design of vintage race car and evoke the emotions of classic sport cars. The concept design has an old school look with a passenger cockpit tonneau cover and a driver windscreen, creating a pure race car looks.

Pontiac reduce the weight of the car, improved the aerodynamics and also redesigned the fender gill panels. They also created a new hood with heat-extracting grilles, a red paint scheme and cockpit filled with auxiliary gauges, a roll bar and racing seat.

This race car concept has direct-injected, turbocharged 2.0-liter Ecotec four-cylinder engine that produced 290 horse power, this is the reason they call it Pontiac Solstice SD-290.

Official Pontiac Solstice SD-290 Features Highlight from GM :

- 2.0L Ecotec direct-injected and turbocharged generating 290 horsepower

- Five-speed manual transmission

- Weight reduction through installation of driver-side only windscreen and elimination of door glass/hardware, convertible top/hardware, HVAC system and wiper system

- Solo Performance cat-back exhaust system with center-mounted outlet

- KW Automotive coil-over suspension package

- Three-piston aluminum calipers with 13-inch rotors from Stainless Steel Brake Company

- Forged 19-inch wheels with Hoosier R6 racing tires

- New front fascia, grille inserts, hood and front fenders, leading to better aerodynamics

- Passenger-side hard tonneau cover

- Competition red exterior color

- Rear spoiler

- Tinted headlamp lenses

- Removable racing-style steering wheel

- Racing seat with four-point safety harness

- Chrome fire extinguisher

- Pegasus center console gauge package

- Driver's roll bar

Pontiac Solstice SD-290 Specifications :

General Specifications :

Country Of Origin : United States

Introduced at : 2007 SEMA Show

Engine :

Configuration : 2 liter Ecotec i-4

Engine Location : Front, longitudinally mounted

Powertrain Layout : Rear Wheel

Displacement : 2.00 L | 122 cu in. | 1999.6 cc.

Construction : cast-aluminum block and head

Displacement : 1.998 liter / 121.9 cu in

Bore / Stroke : 86.0 mm (3.4 in) / 86.0 mm (3.4 in)

Compression : 9.2:1

Valvetrain : 4 valves / cylinder, DOHC

Fuel feed : Direct Fuel Injection

Aspiration : Turbo

Drive Train :

Gearbox Transmission : 5 speed Manual

Drive : Rear wheel drive

Performance :

Power : 290 bhp / 216 KW

BHP / Liter : 145 BHP / Liter

Chevrolet Volt Concept

Chevrolet Volt is scheduled to launch on 2011, this cool car is able to travel 40 miles on a single charge without using any gasoline or emissions. Chevrolet Volt also has an electric motor powered by a 1.4-liter four-cylinder flex-fuel engine as a backup, this motor will take over when the car goes beyond the 40 mile range.

Chevrolet Volt concept has a sophisticated design, the design and engineering is a result from collaboration between GM designer and GE Plastics. Their technology make the exterior appearance of the Volt become more bold and futuristic. The Interior of this concept car is ergonomic and futuristic.

Chevrolet Volt Concept Specifications :

Dimensions :

Length ; Width ; Height : 4,318 [mm] ; 1,791 [mm] ; 1,336 [mm]

Front and Rear Tracks : 64 inches / 163 mm

Body style / driveline: 4-5-passenger sedan, unitized frame, electric propulsion, front wheel drive

Construction: body-frame-integral structure with composite exterior panels and roof

Drive System :

Description : electrically driven system with on board range extender, plug-in recharge capability

Type : lithium-ion

Energy : 16 kWh (minimum)

Peak power : 130 to 140 kW

Voltage : 320 to 350

100% Recharge 110-volt outlet : 6 to 6.5 hours

Max. electrical power : 130 to 140 kW

Max. mechanical power : 120 kW

Continuous electrical power : 45 kW

Continuous mechanical power : 40 kW

Power : 53 kW peak power

Drive : direct

Type : 3-cylinder, turbocharged engine

Size : 1L

Fuel : gas or E85

Nominal speed : 1500 to 1800 rpm

Max speed : 3200 rpm

Fuel tank (gal / L) : 12 / 54.5

Type : plug-in

Voltage / amp : 110 / 15

Horsepower (hp / kW) : 160 / 120

Torque (lb-ft / Nm) : 236 / 320

Electric mode range : 40 miles – full electric vehicle (EV) range

Estimated fuel economy @ constant state of charge : 50 mpg during charge sustaining operation

0 to 60 mph : 8 to 8.5 seconds

Top speed (mph) : 120 (limited duration)

Chassis/Suspension :

Front : independent, strut-type

Rear : semi-independent torsion beam

Steering type : electric, speed-sensitive, variable assist rack-and-pinion

Turning circle, curb-to-curb (ft / m) : 37 to 38 / 11.2 to 11.5

Brakes Type : electro-hydraulic power assisted; front disc, rear drum

Wheel size (in) : 21 x 6.5

Tires : 195/55R21, low-rolling resistance

Interior :

Seating capacity (front / rear) : 2 / 2