• Peugeot 108 TOP! Allure VTi 68 Stopp & Start im Test: Technische Daten, Preis, Ausstattung

    October 10, 2014

    Wir fuhren zwei Wochen und über 1.500 Kilometer im neuen Peugeot 108

    Der volle Name des getesteten Franzosen lautet Peugeot 108 TOP! Allure VTi 68 Stopp & Start

    Die großen runden Heckleuchten mit den drei Krallen und die Glasheckscheibe gefallen

    Haar, 10. Oktober 2014
    Als der dreitürige Peugeot 108 TOP! Allure VTi 68 Stopp & Start – ein ausgesprochen langer Name für ein so kleines Auto – in der Redaktion ankam, gab es ausnahmsweise keine Streitgespräche darüber, wer ihn denn jetzt als Erster fahren dürfe. Der kleine Franzose wurde als “schwarzer Peter” munter von Redakteur zu Redakteur weitergeschoben, und zwar bis, ja bis er bei mir ankam.

    Eine Liebesbeziehung entsteht
    Zugegeben: Liebe auf den ersten Blick stelle ich mir auch anders vor und als männlicher Fahrzeugkäufer im fortgeschrittenen jugendlichen Alter zähle ich mich ohnehin zu einer anderen Automobilen-Zielgruppe, aber was soll`s, ein automobiles Erzeugnis ist er ja der Peugeot 108 – was kann da schon schiefgehen? Und dann, zwei Wochen und mehr als 1.500 Kilometer später muss ich feststellen, dass sich der kleine runde Mistkerl heimtückisch in mein Tester-Herz gefahren hat. Liebe kann manchmal so schrecklich kompliziert sein und der 108 hat viele Variablen, die eine Liebesbeziehung nicht gerade einfach gestalten.

    Erst die Optik, dann der Charakter
    Er sieht schnittig aus, der trendbewusste Franzose. Das geschwungene LED-Tagfahrlicht unterstreicht die fast sportlich anmutende Front. Hinten sieht das Ganze etwas anders aus: Die Glasheckklappe und die großen Rückleuchten gefallen zwar, der angedeutete Diffusor wirkt an dem sonst sehr pummeligen Heck aber etwas deplatziert. Die zwei großen und ausladenden Türen lassen einen ersten Blick auf die inneren Werte zu: Deshalb Platz nehmen, Charaktercheck!

    Das erste Date
    Die Vordersitze mit integriertem Kopfteil sehen sportlich aus und sind dementsprechend straff ausgelegt. Seitenhalt darf man bei der Kleinstwagenbestuhlung aber nicht erwarten. Gerade in der Stadt könnte man bei den vielen kurvenreichen Fahr- und Abbiegemanövern etwas mehr Unterstützung gebrauchen. Das Interieur erinnert an das Konzept Studentenwohnheim: Verspielt, knallig bunt, trendy und alles scheint irgendwie abwaschbar und aus einem Guss zu sein. Nichtsdestotrotz ist der gesamte Innenraum gut verarbeitet. Das Lederlenkrad versprüht einen Hauch von Luxus und auch der im Allure serienmäßige Sieben-Zoll-Touchscreen gefällt, lässt sich leicht bedienen und holt über die passenden Smartphone-Apps sogar ein Navigationssystem in den 108. Anstatt den Schlüssel ins Zündschloss zu stecken, bleibt er dank Keyless-Go (optional für Allure) in der Tasche und ich drück den Startknopf.

    Frisch verliebt durch die Stadt
    Im Motorraum gibt es keine großen Veränderungen zum Vorgänger. Der Einliter-Benziner leistet 69 PS und 95 Newtonmeter maximales Drehmoment. Er stammt von Toyota und versetzt den 108 durch seinen holprigen Dreizylinder-Leerlauf in ganz leichte Schwingungen. Das kernige Motörchen reicht aus, um den rund 950 Kilogramm schweren Peugeot in 14,6 Sekunden auf Landstraßentempo zu beschleunigen und lässt mich so gut im Stadtverkehr mitschwimmen. Die Pedalerie und die Servolenkung (Serie ab der Ausstattungslinie Active) arbeiten leichtgängig und lassen mich den Kleinen flink durch dichten Verkehr steuern.

    Die erste Krise auf der Autobahn
    Es geht raus aus der städtischen Komfortzone und auf die Autobahn. Ob sich mit meinem neuen 3,48 Meter langen, 1,62 Meter breiten und 1,46 Meter hohen Freund nicht nur der potenzielle Weg zur Uni zurücklegen lässt? Auf einmal fühle ich mich um ein Jahrzehnt, zu meinen ersten Gehversuchen auf deutschen Autobahnen, zurückversetzt. Überholmanöver müssen mit dem Großstadt-Löwen präzise auf den folgenden Verkehr abgestimmt werden. Für eine entspannte Autobahnfahrt in Deutschland bin ich plötzlich maßlos untermotorisiert, dazu wird es laut, jede kleine Windböe lässt den 108 schwanken und die Hände am Lenkrad immer nasser werden. Die angegebene Höchstgeschwindigkeit von 160 km/h erreicht man nur mit Geduld, aber man erreicht sie. Was passiert, wenn alle Sitzplätze besetzt sind und dazu der 180 Liter fassende Kofferraum gefüllt ist, möchte ich mir aber erst gar nicht ausmalen.

    Unterm Strich kommen wir gut an
    Unterm Strich komme ich mit dem 108 aber gut voran und vor allem günstig ans Ziel. Der Bordcomputer berechnete mir ein Verbrauchsmittel von 5,5 Liter auf 100 Kilometer. Der selbst errechnete Wert lag nur 0,17 Liter darüber. Damit belastete der Peugeot auf meinem 1.684 Kilometer langen Reiseweg das Benzinkonto alle 100 Kilometer mit 8,71 Euro. Positiv, denn mehr als 1.000 Kilometer davon wurden auf Kleinstwagen-feindlichem-Gebiet heruntergespult.

    Die Damenwelt ist erfreut
    Aber damit nicht genug mit dem “gut ankommen”: Zahlreiche Zurufe aus der Damenwelt dringen durch das große Faltdach ins Fahrzeuginnere. “Oh, ist der aber süß” und “tolles Auto, den hätte ich auch gerne!” schallen durch das im TOP! Allure serienmäßige Highlight. Nur an einer Tankstelle schleicht mein Zapfsäulen-Nachbar und Audi-Q7-Fahrer witzelnd um die kleine Knutschkugel: “Darf so etwas überhaupt auf die Autobahn? Der würde ja auch in meinen Kofferraum passen.” Aber da stehe ich locker drüber, denn eins ist sicher: Ich fahre mit dem 108 den größeren Frauenmagnet.

    Eine feste Bindung?
    Ich frage mich, ob unsere Beziehung auf lange Sicht eine Zukunft hat oder es doch nur bei einem kurzen Urlaubsflirt in Frankreich bleibt? Tja, wenn das so einfach wäre. Mein Herz sagt ja, der Kopf sagt Nein. Der Peugeot 108 TOP! Allure VTi 68 Stopp & Start ist ein toller, schnittiger und schicker Kleinstwagen mit Lifestyle-Allüren für die Großstadt. Für lange Strecken ist der Kleine aber zu unkomfortabel im Innenraum, zu schwach auf der Brust und zu schwammig in der Lenkung. Die Konkurrenten Renault Twingo, Smart Forfour oder Hyundai i10 machen das aber auch nicht besser. Lediglich der VW Up sticht etwas – wenn auch emotionslos – heraus. Es bleibt also eine Kopf-Herz-Entscheidung, denn auch mit einem Testwagen-Grundpreis von 14.250 Euro rangiert der 108 im Mittelfeld. Ich für meinen Teil mache einfach das Faltdach auf, lass die Sonne rein und stell mir vor, ich würde in Frankreich sein. Dann will man ihn nicht mehr hergeben, den Schwarzen Peter, auch wenn man damit nicht überall zum Gewinner wird.
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  • Details emerge on 2016 Porsche Panamera

    October 10, 2014
    Porsche is busily developing a replacement for the controversial Panamera sedan, and a new report gives us a better idea of what to expect when it lands in 2016.

    “There have been some small mistakes [with the current model] and we will do it better. For example, the design could better,” revealed Porsche CEO Matthias Müller.

    Porsche design chief Michael Mauer hinted the next Panamera will feature a more coupe-like roof line than the current model (pictured) and a front end inspired by the Panamera Sport Turismo concept that bowed in Paris two years ago. The sedan’s overall dimensions are not expected to change significantly, and it will continue to offer a four-seater layout.

    While the new Panamera will be more attractive than the current one, Mauer is certain that some buyers will continue to dislike it.

    “I am sure a lot of people won’t like the design of the next generation. And that’s fine by me. I would prefer to have cars and products that polarize rather than being just okay,” explained the designer.

    Under the Skin
    The next Panamera will share its front-engined, rear-wheel drive MSB platform with the next generation of the Bentley Continental. Largely built out of aluminum, the new architecture will allow the sedan to shed a considerable amount of weight, making it faster and more efficient than its predecessor.

    Porsche’s big sedan will inaugurate a brand new V8 engine designed in-house by Porsche. It will also be offered with several V6 engines, a fuel-sipping plug-in hybrid gasoline-electric drivetrain and at least one turbodiesel mill that will exclusively be sold in Europe. A Turbo S-badged model with well over 500 horsepower will continue to round out the lineup.

    The improvements inside and out will ensure the next-gen Panamera is at least as popular as the current model. Porsche expects to sell more than 100,000 examples over the second-gen model’s production run.

    The next Porsche Panamera will be introduced at a major European auto show next year.

  • Jeep Renegade, Cherokee to get SRT treatment?

    October 10, 2014
    “I think if you look at Cherokee, there’s styling there, and even to some extent Renegade there’s opportunity for us to make sure there is a sport version available,” affirmed Jeep CEO Mike Manley in an interview with Australian website CarAdvice.

    The Hemi-powered SRT model (pictured) is a surprisingly popular variant of the Grand Cherokee, the larger member of Jeep’s lineup, and Manley believes the global market for small, sporty SUVs is currently in full expansion. The Cherokee SRT could outsell its bigger sibling if it packs enough of a punch.

    What would power the baby SRTs is up in the air. CarAdvice speculates the Cherokee could be fitted with a tweaked version of the Pentastar 3.2-liter V6 engine that currently makes 271 horsepower and 239 lb-ft. of torque in its standard state of tune. If that proves true, the Cherokee SRT could hit 60 mph from a stop in about six seconds.

    Manley stressed neither model has been approved for production by parent company Chrysler’s top brass, and a time frame for when to expect more hot-rodded Jeeps was not given. The company is currently focusing the bulk of its resources on designing the next generation of the Wrangler, unquestionably its most iconic product, and a full-size seven-seater SUV tentatively called Grand Wagoneer.

  • Tesla unveils ‘D’ all-wheel-drive Model S, including 3.2-second P85D

    October 10, 2014
    As expected, Tesla Motors has introduced an all-wheel-drive version of its electric Model S sedan.

    The new top performance trim, known as the P85D, uses separate electric motors to drive the front and rear axles.

    The extra torque and power distribution across all four wheels allows the car to get from zero to 60 mph in 3.2 seconds, with a higher top speed. The impressive acceleration stat is better than a Ferrari 458 Italia and just a fraction of a second longer than the Dodge Challenger Hellcat and Chevrolet Corvette Z06.

    Aside from the obvious handling improvements and performance gains, the system is also said to be more efficient. Drivers can expect approximately 10 extra miles of range, bringing the total range up to 275 miles.

    Buyers will be able to pick up the P85D in December, while the lesser 60D and 85D will arrive in February.

  • Tesla ‘Autopilot’ steers during lane changes, reads speed limit signs

    October 10, 2014
    Tesla Motors has revealed its take on automated driving technologies, introducing several capabilities that are not available on competing luxury vehicles.

    Other automakers have been reluctant to use self-steering beyond parking and lane-holding, but Tesla feels comfortable to go one step further. Rather than simply providing a blind-spot warning, the car will steer itself into the adjacent lane when the driver activates the turning signal. Self-parking can also be managed without the driver in the car.

    Highlighting Tesla’s focus on camera-based environmental awareness, the system can read speed-limit signs to automatically prevent law-abiding drivers from accidentally exceeding the posted speed.

    The technology will rely on extra sensors, now totaling a dozen components, that will allow the car to analyze the area directly in front of the car. Long-range radar and 360-degree ultrasonic sonar complement the camera views, identifying both solid and ‘soft’ objects ahead of and around the vehicle.

    CEO Elon Musk suggests the cars are essentially capable of full autonomous driving, but safety issues still need to be ironed out. He envisions a future where Tesla vehicles can meet their owner somewhere, or plug in its own charging cord.

    Tesla is already building Model S sedans outfitted with the upgraded automation system, known as Autopilot.

  • Tesla introduces all-wheel-drive Model S ‘D’

    October 10, 2014
    As expected, Tesla Motors has introduced an all-wheel-drive version of its electric Model S sedan.

    The new top performance trim, known as the P85D, uses separate electric motors to drive the front and rear axles.

    The extra torque and power distribution across all four wheels allows the car to get from zero to 60 mph in 3.2 seconds, with a higher top speed. The impressive acceleration stat is better than a Ferrari 458 Italia and just a fraction of a second longer than the Dodge Challenger Hellcat and Chevrolet Corvette Z06.

    Aside from the obvious handling improvements and performance gains, the system is also said to be more efficient. Drivers can expect approximately 10 extra miles of range, bringing the total range up to 275 miles.

    Buyers will be able to pick up the P85D in December, while the lesser 60D and 85D will arrive in February.

  • Hyundai teases next i20 WRC

    October 9, 2014
    Hyundai has announced that it has started testing its next World Rally Championship (WRC) racer at a private track in Germany.

    The car borrows numerous styling cues from the second-generation i20 hatchback that was presented last week at the Geneva Motor Show. The similarities are only skin-deep as the racer rides on a purpose-built chassis and it features lightweight composite body panels.

    Although Hyundai is keeping precise technical details under wraps, it promises the i20 WRC is fitted with a brand new engine and a completely redesigned suspension setup. The car is marginally longer, lower and wider than its predecessor.

    Hyundai has not revealed when the WRC-bound i20 is scheduled to make its debut on the track.

    “We will introduce [the new car] in competition when we are absolutely sure that it is ready to replace the current i20 WRC – we’re not in a rush. It’s a totally different car compared to current WRC model,” explained the automaker in a statement.

    A spokesperson for the company has hinted that the shakedown testing period is expected to continue through 2015 so the i20 will most likely not be at the starting grid of next January’s Monte Carlo rally, the first event of the 2015 WRC season. When it races for the first time, the next-gen Hyundai i20 WRC will have to fend off competition from Volkswagen, Citroën and Ford.

  • Kia GT concept headed for production?

    October 9, 2014
    A new report finds the Kia GT concept (pictured) that debuted at the 2011 edition of the Frankfurt Motor Show has been given the light for production.

    Expected to eschew the GT moniker, Kia’s upcoming range-topping sedan will lose the concept’s futuristic fins up front and gain a set of more conventional front-hinged rear doors. The show car’s sleek and sporty silhouette will make it to production essentially unchanged, allowing Kia to position the yet-unnamed sedan as a more affordable alternative to the Audi A7 and the Porsche Panamera.

    The sedan will feature a luxurious interior with room for up to four passengers on individual leather-upholstered seats. It will be packed with comfort-enhancing features such as reclining rear seats, a heads-up display, adaptive cruise control and a 360-degree camera.

    Power will come from a turbocharged 3.3-liter V6 engine that will spin the rear wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission controlled by shift paddles mounted behind the steering wheel. Buyers in Europe will have access to a turbodiesel mill, but Kia will likely not sell the oil-burner on this side of the pond.

    The production version of of the Kia GT will reportedly land in showrooms across the nation by the end of 2016, meaning it could be unveiled at a major auto show late next year.

    If the rumor proves accurate, additional details about Kia’s ambitious Audi-fighting sedan will emerge over the coming months.

    Photos by Mark Elias.

  • Tesla hones legal strategy in New Jersey franchise fight

    October 9, 2014
    Tesla Motors has honed its legal strategy in its fight with the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission, submitting a court brief that goes on the offensive against the agency and the Chris Christie administration.

    The California-based company accuses the MVC of overstepping its authority by attempting to enforce the state’s franchise laws. Attorneys further argue that the regulations do not apply to an automaker that is not a franchisor, because it has no franchisees.

    The MVC is a creature of statute, and its limited powers and duties are specifically set forth in its enabling laws,” the brief notes, according to excerpts published by NJ.com. “These powers and duties do not include enforcement of the FPA, which by its terms limits its enforcement to civil lawsuits filed by franchisees.”

    Similar arguments are being made in other legal battles on a state-by-state basis, as dealer lobbyists attempt to prevent Tesla from selling directly to customers. In some cases, the parties have reached a compromise that allows the company to open a limited number of stores with other restrictions.

    A bill explicitly authorizing Tesla’s sales model is currently on its way through the New Jersey Senate, however the company appears to be settling in for a protracted legal dispute that could allow it to continue direct sales without any of the restrictions demanded by dealer groups.

    Tesla’s unique sales approach has generally received public support and backing from politicians on both sides of the aisle, despite strong opposition from established dealers.

  • Hyundai teams with Blood Type Racing to build 1000hp Genesis Coupe for SEMA

    October 9, 2014

    Hyundai and Chicago-based Korean car tuner Blood Type Racing Inc. (BTR) teamed up to produce a 1,000-horsepower, street-friendly Genesis Coupe for the 2014 Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) show in Las Vegas.

    The Coupe’s turbocharged, four-cylinder engine has been bored out and re-sleeved for a new displacement of 2.2L and overhauled from top to bottom. Everything from the turbocharger and its supporting system down to the engine valves has been replaced, and the resulting big-turbo monster has been fitted with a nitrous-injection kit. The result is nearly 1,000 horsepower at the crankshaft and more than 800 to the wheels.

    To support the additional power, BTR also upgraded the driveline with a new clutch, flywheel, limited-slip differential, driveshaft, axles and transmission and engine mounts. To keep the Coupe composed, it has been fitted with a full coilover suspension, beefier anti-roll bars, chassis braces (strut tower and body), a big-brake kit and sticky Toyo R888 tires on 19″ custom two-piece wheels from WORK.

    “Our focus on this vehicle was to build on the impressive performance abilities of the Genesis Coupe and help the growth of the aftermarket tuner community,” said Sam Lee, product manager, Blood Type Racing Inc. “It’s easy to add lots of power to an engine, but we engineered all other aspects of the vehicle – cornering and handling, stopping power, and visual appearance – to compliment the massive horsepower we’re now getting from the engine. We’ve engineered a true, total package Genesis Coupe.”

    The interior and exterior have also been worked over for additional race-inspired flair. A custom wide body kit designed by Kei Miura and painted candy apple red adorns the exterior, and inside you’ll find Sabelt racing seats and harnesses, a Sabelt wheel, custom gages and a full roll cage. What you won’t find is the Genesis Coupe’s standard rear seat.