Peugeot Shows the New Face of 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.

Mercedes Rolls Out New Four-Cylinder Engines for 2010 E-Class Sedan

Two new four-cylinder powerplants, a diesel and a gasoline with direct injection will be added to the engine-line-up of the 2010 E-Class, Mercedes-Benz announced today. The E200 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY features a 2.2-liter turbo diesel with an output of 136HP enabling the executive sedan to accelerate from zero to 100km/h (62mph) in 10.2 sec and reach a top speed of 210 km/h or 131mph while returning an average fuel consumption of 5.2lt per 100km or 45.2mpg US.

The 1.8-liter turbocharged petrol engine in the new E200 CGI BlueEFFICIENCY delivers an output of 185HP. The sedan hits the 100km/h mark from standstill takes 8.5 seconds and has a top speed of 232km/h or 144mph US. When equipped with the standard six-speed manual gearbox, the E200 CGI consumes 7.2 liters of premium unleaded petrol per 100 kilometres (32.7mpg US).

Mercedes said that both models will be launched across Europe in September with prices in Germany starting at €38,734.50 for the diesel-powered E200 CDI and at €39,508 for the petrol E200 CGI.

Range Rover Sport Trio from Project Kahn

British tuning firm Project Kahn has presented its 2011 lineup of modified Range Rover Sport models, which comprise three variants featuring select exterior and interior appointments, plus some performance upgrades.

The diesel-powered Range Rover Sport 3.0 TDV6 RSE Signature Edition is the entry-level model of the range, and it comes with a comprehensive exterior styling package that includes new bumpers, a roof spoiler, twin mesh front grille and side vents, complemented by 22-inch Kahn RSL alloys. Inside, the Signature Edition gets front headrests clad in twin mesh, Kahn gauges and clock, inserts with Swarovski diamonds, stainless steel sill plates and a leather key ring.

The finishing touch is a Project Kahn Acoustic Supersound four-pipe exhaust system, said to emit a “unique deep rumble sound”.

Next up is the more aggressive Range Rover Sport RSE300 Cosworth, which, besides being fitted with the Signature Edition bodykit, also features a so-called painted floating roof, LED daytime running lights, a boot spoiler and 22-inch RS Matte Pearl Grey wheels. According to the tuning firm, a Cosworth engine conversion is responsible for a noticeable power increase.

The RS600 is the range-topping model and it features a 6-piece bodykit, integrated LED lights and custom wheels. The interior is covered in high-quality perforated and quilted leather, complemented by contrasting stitching applied to the steering wheel and gear shifter. Other appointments include the blue Kahn gauges and clock, plus a leather key ring.

Alfa Romeo UK Adds New Diesel with 140HP and 62.8 MPG to Giulietta Lineup

A newly developed 2.0-liter JTDM engine has made its way under the hood of the Alfa Romeo Giulietta in the UK. The four-cylinder turbocharged diesel unit, which delivers 140HP at 4,000 rpm and 320Nm of peak torque in 'Normal' mode and 350Nm in 'Dynamic' mode, gets the latest generation JTDM-2 MultiJet Common Rail system that is already present on the 105HP 1.6 JTDM-2 and the 170HP 2.0 JTDM-2 engines.

Alfa Romeo says that with this diesel engine, the Giulietta can accelerate from 0 to 62 mph (100 km/h) in 9 seconds en route to a top speed of 127 mph (204 km/h), while returning a combined fuel consumption of 62.8 mpg UK (52.3 mpg US or 4.5 lt/100km) with CO2 emissions of 119g/km.

The new engine is Euro 5 compliant and is equipped with DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter) and Start&Stop as standard.

On-the-road prices for the Giulietta 2.0 JTDM-2 in the UK are set at £20,144.47 for the Lusso model and £21,444.47 for the better equipped Veloce.