The new Lexus IS 250C Limited Edition has been announced.

The 2011 Lexus IS 250C coupe convertible is one of the most stylish coupe-convertibles on the market, with its gleaming front end and quiet deploying electric folding roof that can let you enjoy open-top motoring in a matter of seconds at the touch of a button. To add to the appeal of the model, Lexus has announced it is now available in a special Limited Edition version.

The new IS 250C Limited Edition will be distinguished by black and red semi-aniline fine leather interior, perfect for cutting a dash when driving with the top down. Each unit will get a numbered badge fixed inside the glovebox in order to denote its special status. The model is equipped with a quick and quiet deploying electric folding roof that goes up and down in just a few seconds after the touch of a button.

Also available in time for the summer is a panoramic glass roof option for the Lexus RX 450h SE-I, available as a build-to-order option for £900. Seamlessly integrated into the design of the hybrid crossover, the fixed roof allows light to flood into the cabin.

The special edition model is based on the regular SE-L and as such comes fitted as standard with 18-inch alloy wheels, cruise control, electric one-touch easy access to the rear seats, eight-way electrically adjustable front seats with built-in ventilation and heating plus climate control that automatically adjusts temperature settings when the roof is down. Available for order now, the IS 250C Limited Edition is priced in the UK at £39,990 on the road.

 

Alfa Romeo 4C Makes UK Debut At Goodwood

The new Alfa Romeo 4C Sports Concept will receive its UK public debut at the rapidly approaching 2011 Goodwood Festival of Speed, which takes place from July 1st to 3rd.

The 4C is a two-seater, mid-engined, rear-wheel drive coupé with drop-dead gorgeous looks, lightweight body, and a powerful 200bhp1750 TBi 4 cylinder petrol engine coupled with the new automatic Alfa TCT twin dry clutch transmission. The car has a top speed 155mph, kerb weight under 850kgs, 0-62 mph in under 5 seconds, and a power-to-weight ratio lower than 4kg per bhp.

The 33 TT 12 sported a 500-horsepower flat 12-cylinder engine displacing just 3.0 liters. It has been driven to victory in races by drivers like Derek Bell, Henri Pescarolo, and Jochen Mass during the mid-1970s. Though it doesn't look the part of a vintage racing Alfa the way the others do, features like the offset intake cowl and single rear-view mirror make it unique.

Alongside the Alfa 4C Concept on the Alfa Romeo exhibition stand will be an array of the Italian marque’s UK product range, including another UK public debut − the updated Alfa MiTo Quadrifoglio Verde, together with the Alfa Giulietta Cloverleaf and the Alfa 159 Sportwagon.




Press Release

This month, Alfa Romeo celebrates 101 years of motoring, and the 2011 Goodwood Festival of Speed (1-3 July) will help mark this occasion by playing host to the UK public debut of the mid-engined Alfa 4C Concept.

The Alfa 4C Concept is a classic formula of a two-seater, mid-engined, rear-wheel drive coupé. Lightweight materials such as carbon-fiber and aluminium are used extensively throughout. These solutions, used in conjunction with a powerful 200bhp four cylinder petrol engine coupled with the new automatic Alfa TCT twin dry clutch transmission allow a top speed of 250km/h, kerb weight under 850kgs, 0-100km/h in under five seconds, and a power-to-weight ratio lower than 4kg per bhp.

While celebrating the future of Alfa Romeo at this year’s Festival of Speed, the marque will also be embracing its rich past, by showcasing five cars from the Alfa Romeo museum collection in Italy. These automotive legends include Fangio’s Alfa 6C 3000CM, which alongside the Alfetta 159, will celebrate the 60th anniversary of Fangio’s historic 1951 Formula One World Championship title, as well as the Alfa 6C 1750GS, Alfa 750 Competizione and the Alfa 33 TT 12. Spectators at the Festival will be able to see the cars in action over the three day event, and they will be on display in the Cathedral Paddock area.

In the Supercar Paddock, you will find Alfa’s 8C Spider. Alfa Romeo will also be exhibiting at the Goodwood Moving Motor Show.

Lightning McQueen Volvo Rally Art Car

If you were 3 years old, what car do you want your parents to own? It's not an easy question to ask a 3 year old as there answers are limited. However, Lightning McQueen surely has to be one of the top. And, if you need a sporty looking vehicle to base your Lightning McQueen on - what would you choose? A Volvo 740 of course.In this case, three grown adults made the car of their dreams,

Kia 'Domino' and 'Echo' Black and White Special Editions (UK)

Kia has introduced new special editions of the Picanto city-car, Rio supermini and Soul crossover.

The Domino models offer extra equipment for less money, including fog lamps, air-conditioning and electronic stability control. The Picanto Domino is priced from $12,100, while the Rio Domino starts at $14,100.

The Picanto Domino is available with a 1.1-litre petrol engine, with either a manual or automatic transmission, while the Rio Domino is available with a 1.4-litre petrol or 1.5-litre CRDi diesel engine. Both Domino models are available in white or optional black metallic.

The Picanto Domino is priced from £7,995 and Rio Domino is priced from £9,295. Kia says these prices represent savings of £400 and £350 respectively over the ‘2’ versions upon which they are based.




Press Release

• Two new black and white themed special editions
  
• Domino: new to Picanto and Rio – extra equipment with savings of up to £400
  
• Echo: new luxurious addition to the Soul 'Originals' line-up
  
• On sale now
  

Kia has introduced two new special editions – 'Domino' and 'Echo' – that both play on classic black and white colour schemes and are now on sale across the UK Kia dealer network. Domino, available on the Picanto and Rio superminis, offers additional equipment for less whilst the Echo, available on the Soul urban crossover, comes with an array of luxury features more usually associated with larger vehicles.

Picanto Domino & Rio Domino
The Domino special edition is available on Kia's two practical and stylish five-door superminis –Picanto and Rio. Picanto Domino is available with a 1.1-litre petrol engine, with either a manual or automatic transmission; Rio Domino is available with a 1.4-litre petrol or 1.5-litre CRDi diesel engine.

Both Domino models are available in white or optional black metallic. Their body-coloured bumpers, mirrors and door handles can be offset with an optional contrasting black or white 'domino effect' stripe. Front fog lights complement the stylish 14-inch alloy wheels (Rio) and 14-inch wheel trims (Picanto) whilst additional reassurance is provided from Electronic Stability Control, which is now fitted as standard across all Picanto and Rio versions.

Inside, both models benefit from air-conditioning, iPod connectivity, remote central locking and a leather-trimmed steering wheel and gear-knob. Rio Domino adds rear electric windows to the list of standard equipment.

As with every new Kia a seven year warranty comes as standard – Picanto Domino is priced from £7,995 OTR and Rio Domino is priced from £9,295 OTR. These prices represent savings of £400 and £350 respectively over the '2' versions upon which they are based.

Soul Echo
Kia's stylish urban crossover, Soul, has had a dose of luxury added with the arrival of the new Soul Echo. Echo is the latest bold addition to the Soul 'Originals' line-up – a collection of distinctive versions each with their own distinct personality – following on from other 'Originals' such as the Burner, Shaker and Samba.

Echo is available in a choice of two striking colours – Clear White or Quartz Black metallic – and both come with contrasting features that make them the mirror image of each other. The white Echo features stylish black 18-inch alloy wheels, black high-gloss door mirrors and a corresponding black sports stripe. The black Echo features white 18" alloy wheels, white high-gloss door mirrors and a sports stripe in white.

Soul Echo is laden with luxurious features usually associated with more expensive machinery. Inside, a full black leather interior and high-gloss black dashboard fascia continue the external monochrome look whilst an uprated sound system (with subwoofer), Bluetooth and iPod connectivity and reversing sensors ensure the Echo has plenty to keep everyone on board satisfied at all times. Air conditioning and privacy glass keep passengers and their belongings cool and shielded from prying eyes.

On the move, Soul Echo is powered by a choice of 1.6-litre petrol or 1.6-litre CRDi diesel engines and its occupants are protected by a host of safety features including six airbags, Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), Traction Control (TC) and a five-star Euro NCAP rating. The Soul Echo is available from just £13,995 OTR.

Soul Echo also benefits from some minor revisions being made to the entire Soul line-up: A trip computer, Emergency Stop Signal (which flashes the hazard warning lights under heavy braking), 'pull' style exterior door handles and illuminated electric window buttons are now standard on all Soul versions. Bluetooth connectivity is standard from the '2' version and above. Finally, Soul Shaker, previously only available in Vanilla, is now available in Chocolate Brown metallic and comes with fully colour-coded bumpers.