A round up of the week’s new car launches in bite-size chunks.
News this week from from Bentley, Kia, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, Toyota and Vauxhall.

9 January 2012

Bentley launches the Continental GT and GTC V8

New Bentley Continental GT V8

  • New twin turbo, 500bhp, 4.0-litre V8 versions of the second generation Continental GT and GTC launched at the North American International Auto Show at Detroit.
  • 40% improvement in both fuel consumption and emissions over existing 6.0-litre W12 models; fitted with 8-speed automatic gearbox.
  • Unique gloss black grille, redesigned rear valance and eucalyptus wood veneer amongst the V8’s highlights.
  • Continental GT coupé priced at £123,850; Continental GTC convertible at £136,250.

 

Mercedes-Benz launches the E 300 BlueTEC Hybrid

New Mercedes-Benz E 300 BlueTEC Hybrid

  • New diesel-electric hybrid version of the E-Class saloon and estate revealed at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit.
  • 204bhp from its 2143cc diesel engine and electic motor delivering a combined fuel cycle of 67.2mpg and producing just 109g/km CO2.
  • On sale later in 2012.

 

10 January 2012

Kia unveils the second generation cee’d

New Kia cee’d
  • Second generation Kia cee’d to be revealed at the Geneva motor show.
  • Redesigned to provide a more upmarket feel.
  • On sale in the UK from June.

 

Toyota unveils the production ready Yaris Hybrid

Toyota Yaris Hybrid

  • Petrol-electric hybrid version of the third generation Yaris in production form to be unveiled at the Geneva motor show.
  • Scaled down version of Toyota’s Hybrid Synergy Drive system mated to the 1.5-litre petrol engine, delivering 98bhp. 
  • Unique nose design on the Yaris Hybrid with emphasis on improved aerodynamics.
  • On sale in the UK early summer 2012.

 

Vauxhall taking orders for the Ampera

Vauxhall Ampera

  • Orders are now being taken for Vauxhall’s Ampera hybrid saloon.
  • Battery pack has an eight year, 100,000 mile warranty.
  • Deliveries will begin in May of the £32,250 Positiv and £33,995 Electron models.

 

Vauxhall unveils the Mokka

New Vauxhall Mokka

  • Vauxhall Mokka is an all-new B-segment SUV and will be formally unveiled at the Geneva motor show.
  • Three engines at launch: 113bhp 1.6 petrol, 128bhp 1.7 CDTi diesel and 138bhp 1.4 turbo petrol.
  • Mokka will be available with front and four wheel drive.
  • Due on sale in the UK towards the end of 2012.

 

11 January 2012

Toyota reveals facelifted Land Cruiser V8

New Toyota Land Cruiser V8

  • Revised styling of Toyota’s largest SUV revealed at the Brussels motor show.
  • Improved 4.5-litre V8 turbo diesel engine now Euro 5 emissions compliant.
  • Advanced technology including a world-first system to reduce turning radius when negotiating tight bends.
  • Available from March 2012 with UK specifications being finalised.

 

12 January 2012

Porsche unveils the third generation Boxster

New Porsche Boxster

  • Evolutionary styling for the third generation of Porsche Boxster roadsters.
  • The new Boxster is lighter, promises greater agility and a 15% improvement in fuel consumption.
  • Boxster has a 2.7-litre flat six with 265bhp, the Boxster S has a 3.4-litre flat six with 315bhp, both available with manual and PDK transmissions.
  • On sale in the UK from April from £37,589 for the Boxster and £45,384 for the Boxster S.

 

SEAT reveals facelifted Ibiza range

New SEAT Ibiza SC, 5-door and ST

  • Revised styling, especially on the nose making an effective facelift of the Ibiza range.
  • Improved interior promised.
  • Facelifted Cupra models to be revealed later in the year.
  • On sale in the UK from spring 2012.