Ssangyong Introduces New Korando Sports in South Korea

The South Korean maker known for building some of the ugliest production cars in recent times, Ssangyong, has launched the production version of the SUT 1 Concept model that premiered in Geneva last year in its home market.

The new Korando Sports, which replaces the Actyon Sports – one of Ssangyong's "lookers" we told you about, is a four-door SUV with a pickup truck bed described by the Korean company as a leisure utility vehicle (LUV).

While more conventional looking than both the 2002 Musso Sports and the 2006 Actyon Sports, the Korando Sports won't be winning any beauty contests anytime soon.

Power for the Korando Sports comes courtesy of a 2.0-liter e-XDi200 diesel engine that churns out 155-horses and 36.7kgm of peak torque returning a combined fuel economy of 15.6km/lt (36.7mpg US or 6.4lt/100km). It is available with both rear- and all-wheel drive.

Ssangyong, which was recently acquired by Indian industrial giant Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd., said that the diesel engine meets the Euro5 norms.

Hat tip to Leopaul for the find!

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McLaren MP4-12C High Sport Special with 675HP Captured on Film

Last week, YouTube user "Jodito20" captured a pair of McLaren MP4-12C supercars at The Collection in Miami, Florida, on film. While the silver colored model was a regular MP4-12C, the other one turned out to be a customized version named HS for "High Sport". The info came from a McLaren salesperson who told Jodito20 that only five models were built.
"I talked to a salesman and he told me HS stands for High Sport. He confirmed that there are only five cars in the world. BUT, these cars are NOT from the McLaren Special Operation program. They are not Bespoke Editions even if they have some customization in common," Jodito20 wrote on his video channel.
The High Speed variant sports a redesigned front end, similar to that of the GT3 racer, in order to increase downforce as well as airflow to the 3.8-liter V8 turbo intercoolers. Power is reportedly up by 75HP, for a total of 675HP – edging closer to the Lamborghini Aventador and moving away from 458 territory.
The rest of the changes are also inspired by the racing model and include a new bumper, air vents, extended diffuser and redesigned rear wing.
So, it’s got even more power, which to be honest was the one thing the MP4-12C wasn’t short of. The real question is has it gained that “character” that would help it trump the 458?
Guess we’ll have to cross our fingers and hope someone will get their hands on one of the five examples and share the experience.
Story References: YouTube via WorldCarFans

BMW Adds 125i, 125d and 116d EfficientDynamics Edition Plus M Sports Package to New 1-Series

The new 1-Series five-door hatchback is the next BMW after the 3-Series to benefit from the addition of a fresh batch of engines. The new models presented in Europe are the diesel-powered 125d and 116d EfficientDynamics Edition, and the gasoline-powered 125i. Beginning with the latter, the 125i gets a new 2.0-litre four-cylinder gasoline with a twin-scroll turbocharger and direct injection delivering 218bhp at 5,000 rpm and peak torque of 310Nm (228 lb-ft) between 1,350 and 4,800 rpm. With a six-speed manual, the 125i sprints to 100km/h (62mph) in 6.4 seconds (8-speed automatic transmission: 6.5 seconds), reaching a top speed of 245 km/h or 152mph (243 km/h).
BMW says the 125i has an average fuel consumption of 6.6 lt/100km (35.7mpg US or 42.8mpg UK) with CO2 emissions of 154 g/km.
Next up is the 125d powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder diesel producing 218 bhp at 4,400rpm and 450Nm (331.9 lb-ft) of peak torque. Both with 6-speed manual gearbox and with 8-speed automatic transmission, the compact five-door model goes from zero to 100 km/h in 6.5 seconds en route to a top speed of 240 km/h (149mph).
It achieves an average fuel consumption 4.9lt/100km (48mpg US or 57.7mpg UK) with CO2 emissions at 129 grams per kilometre. The automatic version has an average fuel consumption of just 4.8lt/100km (49mpg US or 58.9mpg UK) with CO2 emissions at a level of 126 g/km.
The third and final new addition to the 1-Series hatchback's range is the 116d EfficientDynamics Edition powered by 1.6-litre 4-cylinder diesel engine that delivers 116bhp at 4,000rpm and 260Nm (191.8 lb-ft) between 1,750 and 2,500 rpm. This model features additional measures to reduce fuel consumption such as low rolling resistance tires and aerodynamic upgrades.
Equipped with a 6-speed manual transmission, it accelerates in 10.5 seconds from zero to 100 km/h, with a top speed of 195 km/h (121mph). Its average fuel consumption stands at 3.8 lt/100km (61.9mpg US or 74.4mpg UK), with CO2 emissions of 99 g/km.
In Europe, BMW will soon launch the M Sports Package for the new five-door model that includes a host of aero components plus a 10mm lower sports suspension, 17- or 18-inch M Style alloys and numerous interior trim upgrades.

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Gazoo Racing Supercharges Toyota iQ, Production Limited to 100 Units [Video]

Remember the patent drawings of a wide body Toyota iQ (branded as a Scion in North America) that we showed you back in December? As it turns out, the drawings were for the GRMN iQ 130G that was revealed today at the 2012 Tokyo Auto Salon in Japan. It's the creation of Toyota's motorsports and performance partner Gazoo Racing and is scheduled for a limited production run of 100 units later this year.
The GRMN iQ 130G is a more adventurous follow up to last year's iQ Supercharger prototype that makes use of a supercharged version of the standard model's 1.33-liter four-cylinder engine. In last year's prototype, the boosted unit delivered 128bhp and 180Nm (133 lb-ft) but Toyota says the engine has been further developed.
Power is transferred to the front wheel via a six-speed, close ratio transmission, while other performance upgrades include the uprated brakes, sports suspension and a tuned dual exhaust system.
Along with its improved performance, the iQ also gains wide body kit with unique front and rear bumpers, sports seats and instrumentation plus 16-inch Enkei alloys.

VIDEO

Too Much of a Stretch? RUF Builds Porsche Panamera XL for China

Porsche tuning specialist RUF has beat the German brand in the presentation of a long-wheel base version of the Panamera sports saloon aimed at the plutocrats of China. Named the Panamera XL for obvious reasons, the 5,370mm (211.4 inches) long Porsche received its public debut at the Guangzhou Auto Show 2011, which took place in November last year.
The Panamera's wheelbase has been stretched by 400mm (15.7 inches) to a massive 3,320mm (130.7-in.) in order to create a comfortable business lounge for the rich and famous of China.
The XL tips the scale at an un-sporty 1,960kg (4,321 pounds) with all that mass being propelled by a V8 engine delivering 414HP (309kW) and 510Nm (376 lb-ft).
Porsche itself is rumored to be preparing a long-wheelbase Panamera exclusively for the Chinese market this year.
Story References: RUF via Autoblogl.nl

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