Mercedes Citan by KTW Tuning

The new Mercedes Citan, a model based on the Renault Kangoo, receives a tuning package from KTW Tuning. The model has been fitted with red brake calipers, with 10 mm wheel spacers, with lowering springs to improve the driving dynamics and with 18-inch alloy wheels wrapped in 225/40 92Y tires.

A sports suspension with shorter springs that lower the van's ride height to improve both handling and its stance, along with new red-colored brake calipers on all four wheels, round out KTW Tuning's program that is priced at €1,999 (US$2,650), including VAT (tax) and installation.

Leaks: Porsche 918 Spyder patent

According to leaked photos, Porsche has applied for a patent on the 918 Spyder in China, as usual the pictures leaked out so here we have a very first look at the final production version of the 918 Spyder.

As no surprise, the production version looks pretty similar to the concept versions, but it has finally received its door handles, mirrors, indicator lights, seat belts, a slightly different front bumper and redesigned air intakes in the front bumper. Also, the exhaust pipes are now placed in the right position and not on the car’s side as in the concept versions.

Power comes from a 570hp 4.6 liter V8 mated to a 200hp electric motor, the engine will be backed up by two electric motors which are rumored to have a combined output of 245 hp (183 kW). This could enable the model to develop approximately 795 hp (593 kW) and 575 lb-ft (780 Nm) of torque.

The production version of the Porsche 918 is expected to debut around September next year, priced at some 1 million USD.

2013 Volkswagen Golf Plus LIFE

2013 Volkswagen Golf Plus Life launched by VW. Prices start from €21,200 for the 1.4-litre petrol-engine version (59 kW / 80 PS). Compared to a standard range model with comparable specification the price advantage is at most €3.400.

Exterior distinguishing features the Life are unique 16-inch rims and extra bits of chrome trim on the grille. Also, the side windows and rear window are tinted, and the car also gains LED daytime running lights integrated into the lower part of the headlights.

The extra features that set the LIFE apart from other models include Climatronic automatic climate control, a winter pack (including heated front seats and windscreen washer jets), the RCD 310 radio, ParkPilot, the Light and Sight pack and the multifunction Plus display.

other standard features include high-comfort seats in the ‘Matrixline’ seat fabric and a central armrest. There is also added a multi-function leather steering wheel. When it is combined with the leather gearlever knob and handbrake handle, it gives the interior a high-class ambience.





Press Release

New special model: the Golf Plus LIFE

Five-door all-rounder with comprehensive specification and big price advantage

Wolfsburg, 21 December 2012 - Volkswagen is launching a highly attractive special model of the Golf Plus: the Golf Plus LIFE. This latest model comes with a comprehensive set of features and is thus perfectly tailored to customers’ wishes. Prices start from €21,200 for the 1.4-litre petrol-engine version (59 kW / 80 PS). Compared to a standard range model with comparable specification the price advantage is at most €3.400.

With over 850,000 units sold, the Golf Plus has established itself as a successful member of the Golf family. Vehicle body height, flexibility and functionality are defining features of this five-door car. The Golf Plus is particularly popular with customers who appreciate the model’s level of comfort. An example: the raised seat position, from which driver and front-seat passenger benefit when getting in and out and which also provides a much clearer overview in traffic.

Flexibility is also a major feature: the rear bench seat, for example, which can be asymmetrically split and folded and slid lengthways by up to 16 centimetres, creates room to transport awkward items. In combination with the front-seat passenger’s seatback, which can be folded right down, the interior cargo space can be extended to 2.3 metres in length. Depending on the position of the rear seats, the boot space capacity is adjustable between a minimum of 395 litres and a maximum of 505 litres. If the rear seatbacks are folded right down, up to 1,450 litres of cargo space is available. A payload of up to 637 kilograms is also possible.

With the launch of the special Golf Plus LIFE Volkswagen is now offering a very high specification model that leaves nothing to be desired and simultaneously impresses with its attractive price. Features include Climatronic automatic climate control, a winter pack (including heated front seats and windscreen washer jets), the RCD 310 radio, ParkPilot, the Light and Sight pack and the multifunction Plus display.

Further standard features include high-comfort seats in the ‘Matrixline’ seat fabric (with storage pockets on the backs of the front seats, height adjustment, lumbar supports and drawers under the front seats) and a central armrest. The multi-function leather steering wheel scores through its ease of use and - together with the leather gearlever knob and handbrake handle - gives the interior a high-class ambience.

Externally this special model can be identified by the 16-inch ‘Spokane’ alloy wheels and the wording ‘LIFE’ on the wings. Chrome rims on the air inlet grilles, an LED registration plate light, fog lights and tinted rear and side windows are further attributes of the Golf Plus LIFE.

The Golf Plus LIFE is being offered with seven petrol and six diesel engines. The petrol engines deliver between 59 kW / 80 PS and 90 kW / 122 PS, while the diesels cover a performance range from 77 kW / 105 PS to 103 kW / 140 PS. Also available as an alternative for the Golf Plus LIFE is BlueMotion Technology and the 6 or 7-speed DSG developed by Volkswagen.

As an add-on for the Golf Plus LIFE Volkswagen is also offering the LIFE Plus pack. This enhances the specification with extra features including an electric slide-and-tilt panoramic glass sunroof and the choice of either ‘Orlando’ or ‘Seattle’ 17-inch alloy wheels. The price advantage for the Plus pack is €950.

The Golf Plus LIFE provides an extremely high level of comfort and safety: in addition to six airbags and ESC (Electronic Stability Control) a range of driver assistance systems is available as options, such as the XDS electronic differential lock, the ‘Park Assist’ parking assistant and the ‘Rear Assist’ reversing camera.