Remarkable new models at motor show
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This year a remarkable number of new products are on display at the Bangkok International Motor Show, which is on until Sunday at the Challenger Hall, Impact Muangthong Thani.
Many are expecting the show to boost recovery in the automobile industry, which suffered heavily from the massive flood last year. As much as 40,000 orders could be placed at the show, according to organiser Prachin Eamlumnow.
Here are some of the main production cars at this year’s mega event.
TOYOTA 86
Toyota is jumping into a new segment with the introduction of the 86, which is the successor to the classic GT2000 and AE 86.
The 86, which has been co-developed with Subaru, comes with a 2.0-litre normally aspirated boxer engine capable of developing 200hp and 205Nm. It comes with either a 6-speed manual or automatic gearbox.
SUZUKI SWIFT (ECO-CAR)
The previous Swift model was powered by a 1.5-litre engine, but the new model comes with a 1.25-litre engine in order to qualify for a discount under the government’s eco-car programme.
The 1.25-litre engine develops 91hp at 6,000rpm and 118Nm of torque at 4,800rpm. The Swift also comes with Continuous Variable Transmission (CVT) with 5-speed manual mode.
The Swift offers several attractive features, such as a Keyless Push-Start function, 4-way steering wheel adjustment, a driver’s seat with height adjustment and a 60-40 foldable rear backrest.
MITSUBISHI MIRAGE (ECO-CAR)
The Mirage comes with a 1.2-litre engine capable of producing 78hp at 6,000rpm and 100Nm of torque at 4,000rpm. The transmission is 5-speed manual or CVT.
The Mirage comes with a trip computer, Keyless Engine Start/Stop, a navigation system, an audio system with USB input, as well as automatic windshield wipers and headlights.
The driver’s seat has height adjustment, while the rear seat backrest can be folded 60-40.
CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER
The Trailblazer, a PPV (pickup passenger vehicle) version of the Chevrolet Colorado, is powered by a choice of 2.5-litre and 2.8-litre turbo diesel engines, which Chevrolet says incorporates a host of technologies that are aimed at delivering an optimal balance of performance and fuel economy.
The interior of the all-new Trailblazer combines car-like characteristics with the boldness expected of a true SUV. The seven-passenger interior offers intuitive three-row tumble and/or fold-flat seat versatility and best-in-class spaciousness in the third row.
HYUNDAI ELANTRA
The new Elantra, the 2011 North American Car of the Year, is powered by a 1.8-litre engine producing 150hp at 6,500rpm and 178Nm of torque at 4,700rpm. Transmission is either a 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic.
The Elantra comes with a 4-year/120,000km warranty and 4-year/80,000km free maintenance (engine oil and brake oil) plus 24-hour emergency service for 4 years.
MERCEDES-BENZ C63 AMG
This is the 4th generation of the Black Series developed from the latest platform of the Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe. Under the hood sits a M156 series, 6.3-litre V8 producing 517hp at 5,300rpm and 620Nm. The car can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/hr within 4.2 seconds and has a top speed of 300 km/hr. This car is equipped by an AMG Speedshift MCT 7-Speed gearbox plus a “Race Start” mode.
BMW ACTIVEHYBRID 5
BMW’s ActiveHybrid 5 brings together the award-winning TwinPower Turbo six-cylinder in-line engine, an electric drive system and an 8-speed automatic gearbox for the first time.
It boasts precisely controlled – and therefore extremely effective – intelligent energy management. The drive system generates a combined output of 340hp and allows the car to be driven on electric power alone for up to 60km/h. The ActiveHybrid 5 accelerates from 0 to 100km/h in 5.9 seconds, and cuts average fuel consumption to 15.6 km/l. CO2 emissions are just 149 g/km.
FORD FOCUS
The Focus will be built at Ford’s new $450-million (Bt13.86 billion) plant in Rayong and goes on sale later this year.
It is powered by a 160hp 2.0-litre engine. The car is equipped with more affordable smart technologies and features in this segment, including Ford Sync, the award-winning hands-free, voice-activated in-car connectivity system.
The other smart features that assist the driver – many of which are a first in this segment – include Active Park Assist, Active City Stop, a Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) and Smart Keyless Entry.
HONDA CIVIC
A major new vehicle from Honda’s stable is the all-new Civic, which was initially planned for launch last year.
The Civic comes with a choice of either a 1.8- or 2.0-litre i-VTEC engine and is the first Honda model to be compatible with E85 gasohol.
The Civic will be officially launched in May and will be available in five versions, carrying similar price tags as the outgoing model (but there’s a maximum Bt20,000 increase for certain models).
HONDA CR-Z
The CR-Z, which has been sold in Thailand through grey importers, is powered by a 1.5-litre 16-valve engine plus an IMA (Integrated Motor Assist) system that is compact and lightweight. Transmission is CVT with steering wheel gearshift.
Standard features include dual front, side and window airbags, VSA and cruise control.
It also comes with 3D dashboard, a user-friendly Multi-Information Display, sports seats and a fin-type antenna.
RANGE ROVER EVOQUE
The British marque is preparing to make an impact once again with the introduction of the Evoque, the SUV coupe with compact dimensions and excellent fuel economy.
The Evoque is available in two trim levels – the Evoque Pure is priced at Bt3.99 million while the Evoque Pure Dynamic will cost Bt4.59 million.
The Evoque comes with smartphone connectivity and DAB FM/AM Sirius tuner.
ROLLS-ROYCE PHANTOM DROPHEAD COUPE
The Phantom Drophead Coupe is a four-seater convertible that measures 5,609mm in length and comes with a wheelbase of 3,320mm. Power is from a 6.8-liter V12 engine capable of pumping out 460hp and 720Nm of torque. It’s top speed is claimed to be 240km/h and acceleration from 0-100km/h takes 5.8 seconds.
BENTLEY CONTINENTAL GT V8
The Continental GT V8 is powered by a twin-turbo 4.0-litre powerplant that is 40 per cent more efficient. Maximum output is claimed at 500hp and the top speed is said to be 290km/h.
It come with 20-inch alloy wheels (21-inch wheels are also available), as well as a highly luxurious interior featuring Dark Fiddleback Eucalyptus wood trim and two-tone leather seats.
LAMBORGHINI GALLARDO LP570-4 SUPER TROFEO STRADALE
This is the most powerful Gallardo ever made, and production is limited to 150 units. It is powered by a normally aspirated V10 engine capable of producing 570hp at 8,000rpm, and is priced at Bt25.5 million.
PORSCHE 911 CARRERA
The new 911 Carrera comes with a 3.8-litre engine offering 400hp, as well as other improvements over the previous model such as a 100mm longer wheelbase, aluminium body parts and a 7-speed manual gearbox. The PDK transmission is available as an option.
