Peugeot 308 Range Ahead of the Geneva Salon

At next month's Geneva Motor Show, Peugeot will unveil its refreshed 308 range that enters the 2011 model year with some subtle styling changes, revised powertrains and the introduction of a fuel efficient micro-hybrid e-HDi variant with CO2 emissions under 100g/km.

All three body styles of the Ford Focus-rivaling 308, including the hatchback, CC coupe-convertible and the SW station wagon, have been given a new face that subtly incorporates the latest stylistic codes of the Peugeot brand.
This translates to a less smiley and more compact sized front grille, reshaped LED headlamps and running lights, a new hood design and a re-sculptured front bumper. The fresh alloy wheel designs, new brand logos and some trim changes on certain models complete the exterior makeover.
Interior revisions come in the form of new available colors and materials for the seats and dashboard trim. 

Without getting into any specific details, Peugeot said it has reduced the overall weight by an average of 25kg or 55 pounds across the range. Other improvements include the fitment of 16-inch wheels on ultra low rolling resistance tires on certain models, and the optimization of all available diesel and petrol engine options.
From the summer of 2011, Peugeot will also add a new micro-hybrid e-HDi variant that combines a stop-start system and a smart alternator able to recover energy during braking, with a 1.6-liter HDi FAP 112HP Euro 5 diesel engine, hooked up to either a six-speed manual gearbox or a six-speed electronically controlled manual gearbox (EGC). According to the French automaker, the 308 micro-hybrid e-HDi model reduces CO2 emissions to 98 g/km.
The new Peugeot 308 will go on sale across Europe shortly after its world premiere at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show.
 
photos































Read more In Cars

Louis Vuitton-esque MINI JCW Looks Kewl

We're no luxury handbag experts, but the first thought that comes to mind upon seeing CoverEFX's MINI John Cooper Works [JCW] tuning proposal is a....Louis Vuitton bag on wheels. For obvious reasons, the monogram canvas is different than the one found on the products of the famous French design house, but its styling as well as the colors and the leathery texture of the special foil wrap all point to an inspiration that come from Louis Vuitton.
The new look is complemented by a set of matching matte black and matte gold metallic 17-inch OZ LM alloy wheels surrounded by Toyo R888 205/40 R17 84W tires.
In the performance department, CoverEFX says it offers two stages of tune for the 1.6-liter twin-scroll turbo engine. The first adds an ECU upgrade along with a 2.5-inch exhaust system with Milltek downpipe, sports catalyst and extra large sports air filter to lift output from 211HP and 280Nm to 236HP and 350Nm. The second stage includes a more aggressive software tune pushing output to 252HP and a maximum torque of 382 Nm.
A short shift kit for the gearbox and a stainless steel KW Variant 3 suspension round off the performance upgrades.

photos

































Read more In Cars