Lidia Todorova – Page 304 – Automobiles Review

2012 Vorsteiner Bentley Continental GT BR-10 With New Outdoor Photoshoot

2012 Vorsteiner Bentley Continental GT BR-10 is something we have seen before. However, what we haven’t witnessed yet is the new outdoor photoshoot of this one-of-a-kind Bentley. Vorsteiner has just released the newest outdoor images they have made of the Continental GT BR-10 edition.

As a reminder, the BR-10 Package comprises of 5-piece lightweight carbon fiber aerodynamic package, which is constructed with state-of-the-art pre-preg autoclave technology. The highly exclusive coupe has now more aerodynamic body than ever, and in addition it has received the Vorsteiner’s wheel package of Vorsteiner 22″ VS-130 1-piece forged aluminum wheels.

In details the Vorsteiner BR-10 components include in this project are: Carbon Fiber Front Spoiler with GT Style Chin Splitter, Carbon Fiber Full Length 2-Piece Add-on Side Skirts, Carbon Fiber Deck Lid Spoiler, Carbon Fiber Rear Diffuser with Integrated Aero Fins.

Here are the latest images of the BR-10 Continental GT in its recent outdoor photoshoot.

Source: Vorsteiner

August 16, 2012

FPV Ford Falcon GT RSPEC Limited Edition Series

Ford Performance Vehicles, or mainly known only as FPV, has just launched the new FPV Ford Falcon GT RSPEC Limited Edition Series. The vehicle is based on Ford Falcon GT and has been developed to deliver racetrack-inspired handling.

The limited edition FPV includes considerably recalibrated suspension package, new wider 9inch rear wheels with 275/35 R19 Dunlop Sports Maxx tyres and Launch Control.

The exterior styling of the car is undoubtedly inspired by the legendary 1969 Boss Mustang judging by its unique stripe package and paint treatment. Despite the inspiring new outlook of the car, under the bonnet the new GT RSPEC is unchanged. It stays powered by FPV’s all-aluminium ‘Miami’ BOSS 335 5.0-litre supercharged engine.

This new model was created with the aim to optimize the amazing performance of its now legendary 335kW 5.0Lt supercharged V8 engine by the means of improving the chassis’ capabilities, to deliver the ultimate driving package.

In details, what has been done here is that the rear suspension of the GT RSPEC is now modified and has higher spring rates, re-tuned dampers, larger anti-roll bar, and reinforced rear lower control arms. At the same time the front suspension has stiffer upper control arm bushes, stiffer front upper suspension strut mounts, and re-tuned dampers.

The cornering grip is now improved due to the new 9″ rear wheels in combination with the 275 tyre. Also to this adds the improved traction during launch and when exiting corners. A modified toe setting on the rear wheel alignment also delivers bettered turn-in response.

Furthermore, the stiffer transmission and driveline movement under load make the perfect driving quality, while the addition of Launch Control delivers consistent performance when accelerating from rest, reducing the amount of wheel slip.

One-of-a-kind exterior features here are the lower and upper grille surrounds, fog lamp bezels, mirrors scalps, high performance spoiler with GT decal, and black painted exhaust tips. A distinctive GT RSPEC badge can be seen on the lower left hand side boot lid.

How about the interior? Here one can see shadow leather sports seats with GT logo embroidery, which are complemented by a piano black finish around the ICC unit, tissue box and door spears.

FPV Ford Falcon GT RSPEC Limited Edition Series is limited up to only 350 units and will be available in four color combinations. Exactly 175 of those committed to the “hero” color scheme of Silhouette (black) with Vixen (red) accents. The other 175 units will be made up of Winter White, Vixen (red) and Kinetic (blue) with Silhouette (black) accents. The starting price of this FPV model will begin at $76 990.

Source: FPV

August 15, 2012

2013 Mercedes-Benz E400 Hybrid priced from $56 705

Mercedes-Benz has just announced the price of the 2013 Mercedes-Benz E400 Hybrid, which will begin at $56 705. The price includes a $905 destination charge. The Hybrid car is currently on sale.

It will delight its customers, because no changes have been made to the exterior appearance of the regular E-Class, and at the same time it includes an entire compact, intelligent and modular hybrid concept.

In addition, no compromises were made in terms of space, safety and comfort. In fact, significant increase in comfort has been achieved thank to the start/stop operation which allows a noiseless start.

What is more important here is that the combined consumption of this hybrid is estimated of 27 mpg. In addition, part of the intelligent downsizing strategy of Mercedes-Benz that was implemented here is the increase in the engine output of the E 400 HYBRID by some 20 kW and 250 Nm thanks to the electric motor.

Furthermore, the customers will enjoy the impressive hybrid driving experience thanks to the start/stop function, regenerative braking, boost effect, purely electric motoring and “sailing” function.

The E400 Hybrid gets is power from the electric motor which is mated to a 3.5-liter V6 gasoline engine. The latter generates 302 horsepower (222 kW) and 273 pound-feet of torque.

The E400 Hybrid made its first world appearance at the 2012 Detroit Auto Show earlier this year as an US version of the European E300 BlueTEC HYBRID.

Source: Mercedes-Benz

August 15, 2012

McLaren 12C Can-Am Edition Racing Concept debuts at Pebble Beach

McLaren 12C Can-Am Edition Racing Concept is a dramatic track-focused concept, which will participate at the Pebble Beach Concours. The new McLaren concept is in historic McLaren Orange and satin black.

The exterior of the car is all about contrasts. The emblematic orange hue stands out as an opposite t the satin black, which one can see on the roof, door and bumper sections. At the same time the carbon fibre also includes on the side radiator vanes, wing mirrors and engine cover.

Other details finished in carbon fibre are the McLaren badges on the front and rear. In addition, beneath the surface, the 12C Can-Am Edition shares the same carbon fibre MonoCell chassis as the 12C road car.

Nevertheless the 12C Can-Am Edition is not subject to the regular racing regulations, because it is only in concept stage. It includes however, the revised version of the popular 3.8-litre twin-turbo V8 engine and features a one-of-a-kind engine calibration and optimized cooling system.

Basically this means that the power output can reach up to 630 hp (463 kW), making it the most powerful 12C derivative ever shown. The overall weight of the car is just 1,200kg (2645.5lbs).

Given these facts, combined with the unique aerodynamics of the 12C Can-Am Edition, lead to the conclusion of unique and sports driving experience. In addition, this concept will also feature McLaren Racing using Formula 1 technology and simulation in order to optimize downforce. This unique package delivers an enhancement in downforce of 30 percent.

To go further into details, the optimized aerodynamic package comprises of carbon fibre front splitter, carbon fibre dive planes, and a carbon fibre wing which dominates the rear of the car.

Furthermore, the wing is held in place by polished aluminium mounts. An imposing carbon fibre diffuser helps to additionally improve the aerodynamic package, fitted beneath the two-tone rear bumper.

Given that this model has an extra power output, the car is kept in check with a braking system developed by Akebono. In fact, this is a highly efficient braking system which is positioned behind a set of black satin-finished forged lightweight racing alloy wheels, shod with Pirelli racing slick tyres.

The interior of this McLaren is stunning. The cockpit includes ywo black race seats, complete with full six-point harnesses are mounted within the cabin. At the same time a full race-specification rollcage has also been fitted.

The steering wheel however, is something we have already seen in the 12C GT3, with the shape and grip derived from that of Lewis Hamilton’s MP4-24 Formula 1 car. Here one can see the carbon fibre theme in continuation. It goes throughout the cabin, across the dashboard and sill panels. An integrated air conditioning system is also included.

Source: McLaren

August 15, 2012

2013 Range Rover Brings New Levels of Luxury and Refinement

2013 Range Rover is going to bring new levels of luxury and refinement too the automotive world. It is now lighter, stronger and has so many modifications which lead to improvement of the driving experience.

This is the fourth generation of the emblematic vehicle and in fact it has been developed from the ground up, combining the innovative spirit and iconic design of the original model. For example, could you believe that this Rover is almost 40 percent lighter than its predecessor?

This is due to its revolutionary lightweight all-aluminium monocoque body structure. In other words, or to be more precise – in numbers, this means that there are total vehicle weight savings of up to 420kg. Furthermore, the reduced weight has brought about significant improvements in performance, agility, fuel economy and CO2 emissions.

What the designers have added to the strong and rigid lightweight body is aluminum front and rear chassis architecture. It has been created with entirely re-engineered four-corner air suspension.

Moreover, the vehicle’s handling and agility have been greatly enhanced. The new suspension architecture for instance now offers flatter and more confident cornering, with natural and intuitive steering feel.

This new Range Rover still preserves the iconic exterior design. However, some of the design cues received fresh interpretation and thus becomes the most refined Range Rover ever.

Amongst the industry-leading innovations included is the next-generation version of Land Rover’s Terrain Response® system, which analyses the current driving conditions and automatically selects the most suitable vehicle settings for the terrain.

There of course have been modifications made to the interior as well. Within the cabin, the all-new Rover delivers serene isolation and experience of luxury. For instance, what contributes to the reduced noise levels are the rigorously optimized body structure and acoustic lamination of the windscreen and side door glass.

On the other hand the luxurious interior has received a modern take on Range Rover design cues. Clean and elegant surfaces are flawlessly presented using the finest leathers and veneers. In addition, rear passengers will have additional 118mm of legroom.

More importantly, the engine range included in this line up is the following: a refined supercharged V8 petrol engine, TDV6 and TDV8 diesel engines. They all combine responsive performance with outstanding CO2 emissions.

Further technical specification and pricing will be released in early September ahead of the Paris Motor Show.

Source: Land Rover

August 15, 2012

Vintech P550 Tribute to be unveiled at Pebble Beach

Vintech P550 Tribute is a modern interpretation of the Porsche 550 Spyder, which is set to be officially unveiled 17th of August 17 at Pebble Beach.

The French automaker Vintech has worked on creating a fresh new vision of the Porsche 550 Spyder. The details around it are that it will include a full carbon fiber body, a brand new chassis and a flat-four 3-liter engine with “Carrera engine” looking fan.

In addition, it has been also announced that the mentioned power unit will be mated to a five-speed transmission. In terms of power, the P550 Tribute is expected to achieve up to 270 horsepower (200 kW), given the fact that the curb weight of the vehicle is around 550 kg (1,212 pounds).

This information is enough to make one conclusion: this one will be a very fast car. More details around this project are to be released a week after the official unveiling of the vehicle. Stay tuned!

Source: vintech-p550.blogspot.com via worldcarfans.com

August 14, 2012

2013 Vauxhall ADAM debuts at Paris Motor Show

The arrival of Vauxhall Adam was announced more than a month ago with the launch of its first official images. With high level of personalization, the new Vauxhall model is set to take Paris by storm next month.

In the fashion capital of the world it is set to make its global debut, coinciding with a pricing announcement and official opening of order books for first customers.

“Mondial de l’Automobile” or Paris Motor Show is going to take place from 27th of September to 14th of October. In fact, this is the world’s most popular motor show and the perfect setting for the fashionable newcomer.

The lucky visitors will see an impressive display of Adam’s representing just some of many combinations available. Moreover, the interactive stations will also be on the stand allowing visitors to create their very own Adam.

The vehicle is based around the three trim levels, namely JAM (fashionable/colorful), GLAM (elegant/sophisticated) and SLAM (racy/sporty). More importantly, the new Vauxhall model is has a groundbreaking design in terms of technology, offering features only found in higher-end cars.

Such instance for example is the Adam’s top-of-the-range infotainment system ‘My Media’ which combines the owner’s smartphone with the car making internet-based applications available from the facia-mounted touch screen.

The official launch of the car is expected next year. It will be offered with a choice of three efficient ecoFLEX four-cylinder petrol engines: a 1.2-litre 70 hp (52 kW), plus a choice of 1.4-litre engines with either 87 hp (64 kW) or 100 hp (74 kW). In addition, the new models will be available with optional Start/Stop technology and will be mated to a five-speed manual gearbox.

Source: Vauxhall

August 14, 2012

Volvo S60, V60 and V70 Business Editions – Pricing Announced

Volvo models S60, V60 and V70 Business Editions has just been launched. With their higher level of specification they of course target to capture the attention of the business driver.

The models have been designed all the features business users demand. Furthermore, important highlight here is that the Business Editions will be offered with reduced price tag of as much as £3000.

In addition the new Business Edition variant adds company car feature integrated satellite navigation system, high performance multimedia audio system, Bluetooth and rear park assist.

Moreover, the new model line-ups benefit of low CO2 emissions and fuel consumption. The S60 Business Edition on-the-road price starts from £19 995 for the T3 version and from £21 195 for the comparative model in the V60 line-up.

On the other hand the V70 D2 Powershift Business Edition starts from £24 995 on-the-road. As mentioned, this in summary means that the new models have reduced price tag of as much as £3000.

These Business Editions will replace Volvo’s ES and ES Nav versions. However, they will add more equipment for a lower price tag which is expected to be even more appealing to the Companies.

Volvo S60, V60 and V70 Business Editions are already available to order.

Volvo S60 - Front Angle

Volvo V70 Business Editions - Front Angle

Source: Volvo

August 14, 2012

Mazda3 and Mazda5 Venture Edition – Pricing and Specifications Announced

Mazda has just introduced four special edition models of the popular Mazda3 and one Mazda5 carrying the name “Venture Edition”. The vehicles include generous levels of specification such as: front fog lights, gun metal alloy wheels, sports front grille, side skirts and rear spoiler and privacy glass.

Furthermore, inside can be found a Sanyo TomTom navigation with 5.8-inch touch-screen display and integrated Bluetooth®, plus climate control air-conditioning and cruise control.

Both the Mazda3 and Mazda5 will satisfy their customers with more than appealing styling and will offer a dynamic and engaging drive. The latter will be assured by the strongly performing petrol and diesel engines.

In addition, the Venture Edition models include finely tuned suspension and steering, and offer competitive fuel consumption and CO2 emission.

The lucky future customers buying the Venture Edition model have a choice of responsive and powerful engines. First, the Mazda3 is being offered with a 1.6-litre MZR (105 hp/77 kW) petrol engine at £17 495, or a 1.6-litre (115ps) diesel priced at £18,995. The Mazda5 comes with a 2.0-litre (150ps) MZR petrol engine for £19,995 or a 1.6-litre (115 hp/85 kW) diesel costing £21 290.

The fuel economy of the diesel version for instance can be as high as 65.7mpg (combined cycle) and CO2 emissions as low as 115 g/km.

To go even further into details the Mazda standard equipment range is extremely generous and includes: front, side and curtain airbags, Dynamic Stability Control, Traction Control System, Cruise control, remote central locking and dead locks.

In addition, the cabin’s feature driver’s seat height adjustment, leather steering wheel with audio controls, CD radio with iPod® connectivity, six audio speakers and a Thatcham Category 1 alarm to keep everything secure.

Mazda5 Venture Edition - Front Angle View

Next highlight is that the Mazda5 has unusually long wheelbase (2,750mm) and sliding rear doors. This makes the Mazda5 Venture Edition a perfect family car with seating for up to seven persons.

What makes it even more attractive is that it is a good load carrier, thanks to the Mazda’s unique Karakuri cabin versatility, third row seats which split 50/50 and fold flat to the floor, and a cargo volume of 857 litres when loaded to the belt line and 1,485 litres loaded to the roof.

The starting price of the Venture Edition models begins at £17 495.

Mazda3 Venture Edition Standard Equipment

Exterior: Body-coloured bumpers, door handles and door mirror housings, Electric, heated and power folding door mirrors, 17-inch Gun metal alloy wheels with 205/50 R17 tyres, Unique large roof spoiler, Side skirts, Sports grille, Front fog lights, Privacy glass, Comfort & Convenience, Remote central locking with dead locks, Folding jack-knife key, Electric front windows with one-touch auto down (driver’s side), Electric rear windows, Dual-zone climate control air-conditioning, Dusk-sensing lights & rain-sensing front wipers, Auto-dimming rear view mirror, Integrated Bluetooth®, Remote fuel filler flap & boot release, Enhanced interactive interior lighting, Sanyo TomTom satellite navigation, Cruise control

Interior: Black sports cloth trim, Multi-Information Display (MID) with trip computer, Leather steering wheel with audio controls and leather gear knob, Height adjustable driver’s seat with lumbar adjustment, 5-stage heated front Sport seats, Front centre console with armrest, storage and cup holders, Radio/single CD audio system with 6 speakers, iPod® connectivity, Illuminated glovebox, Twin sun visors with vanity mirrors, Overhead console with sunglasses holder, Passenger seatback storage pocket, 60/40 split folding rear seat, Rear central armrest with cup holders

Performance & Economy

Model	Power (ps)	Torque (Nm)	0-62mph (sec)	Top speed (mph)	Combined (mpg)
Mazda3 1.6 5dr MZR Venture	105	145	12.2	112	44.8
Diesel
Mazda3 1.6 5dr Venture Diesel	115	270	11.0	116	65.7

Price List – August 2012

Model	‘On the road’ Retail	CO2 (g/km)	RFL Band	Insurance Group	P11D Value	Monthly BIK 20% / 40%
Mazda3 1.6 5dr MZR Venture	£14,495	144	F	13 E	19%	£55 / £110
Diesel
Mazda3 1.6 5dr Venture Diesel	£18,995	115	C	18 E	17%	£54 / £107

Mazda5 Venture Edition Standard Equipment

Exterior: Body-coloured bumpers, door handles & door mirror housings, Electric heated door mirrors, 16-inch Gun metal alloy wheels with 205/55 R16 tyres, Dark silver front grille, Side skirts, Roof spoiler, Front fog lights, Privacy glass (all glass behind B-pillars), Comfort & Convenience, Remote central locking with dead locks, Folding jack-knife key, Electric front windows with one-touch auto down and up on driver’s side, Electric rear windows, Climate control air-conditioning, Rear parking sensors, Hands-free kit, with voice control and integrated Bluetooth®, Dusk-sensing headlights and rain-sensing front wipers, Trip computer, Remote release fuel filler flap, Sanyo TomTom satellite navigation, Cruise control

Interior: Black cloth trim, Height & reach adjustable steering wheel, Height adjustable driver’s seat with armrest, Driver’s seat adjustable lumbar support, Karakuri folding, sliding second row seats, Karakuri storage box, Folding picnic tables (back of front seats), Leather steering wheel and gear knob, Piano black centre console, Front centre console with storage and cup holders, Radio/Single CD audio system with 6 speakers, Steering wheel-mounted audio controls, iPod® connectivity, Outside temperature gauge, Front passenger seat back storage pocket, Digital clock, Underboot floor storage box, Luggage area cover

Performance & Economy

Model	Power (ps)	Torque (Nm)	0-62mph (sec)	Top Speed (mph)	Combined (mpg)
Mazda5 2.0 Venture	150	191	11.0	120	40.9
Diesel
Mazda5 1.6Venture Diesel	115	270	13.7	111	54.3

Price List – August 2012

Model	‘On the road’ Retail	CO2 (g/km)	RFL Band	Insurance Group	P11D Value	Monthly BIK 20% / 40%
2.0 MZR Venture	£19,995	159	G	16 E	22%	£72 / £145
Diesel
1.6D MZ-CD Venture	£21,290	138	E	16 E	21%	£74 / £148

Source: Mazda

August 14, 2012

Toyota Brakes Pikes Peak Hill Record

Toyota has just broken the electric vehicle course record at the Motorsport event Pikes Peak International Hill Climb this Sunday. The winning racecar, driven by the multiple Japanese rally champion Fumio Nutahara, was namely the Toyota TMG EV P002.

The time which broke thee record was exactly 10:15.380. This was estimated on the now fully paved 19.9-kilometre course, which in fact bettered the previous class record by more than two minutes.

Furthermore, the time was also over 15 seconds faster than the nearest electric-powered class competitor – the Mitsubishi i-MiEV Evolution. This in general means that the TMG EV P002 was placed at sixth position in the overall classification.

But what made this Toyota achieve so great results? The answer is that the racecar is powered by two axial flux motors, which deliver a combined output of 476 hp (350kW). The advanced electric motors also offer the impressive 900Nm (664 lb-ft) of torque ad this is achieved through a single gear transmission.

The secret here however is that the fully electric drivetrain maintains full power even in the thin air of the course, which begins at an altitude of 2,862 metres and finishes at the 4,300-metre. As a matter of fact, exactly the air at the summit robs the vehicles of almost 30 per cent of engine power.

Another interesting fact is that the radical chassis-based TMG EV P002 is a development of the street-legal TMG EV P001. The latter broke the electric car lap record at the Nürburgring Nordschleife in 2011.

Source: Toyota

August 14, 2012

Hamann BMW F06 Gran Coupe [Teaser]

Hamann-Motorsport is going soon to reveal a big surprise for all BMW fans around the world and it is namely the Hamann BMW F06 Gran Coupe. The German based tuning company has only released a teaser image of the upcoming project, but still it is worth the attention.

The tuners are about to release an upgrade kit for the new BMW 6-Series Gran-Coupe (F06). Given that this model is one of the most beautiful cars in the world, there is no doubt that the upcoming upgrade is going to look even more astonishing.

There is no current information about any changes to the power. However, the production model is able to generate enough thanks to its TwinPower Turbo inline 6-cylinder engine with 313 hp (230 kW) at 4400RPM and 630Nm of torque at just 1500RPM.

This means that the Gran Coupe accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 5.4 seconds achieving its top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph). Simply great performance for a car weighing 1865 kg, isn’t it?

In fact, this is BMW’s first four-door coupe, which combines the elegancy and sportiness of a classic grand tourer and still delivering the space and ease of access of an executive saloon.

Picture Source: Hamann via Facebook

August 13, 2012

Mercedes-Benz A-Class wins AUTO BILD Design Award

The inspiring new design the new Mercedes-Benz A-Class has put great impression over readers of the leading car magazine AUTO BILD. In a poll, in which participated around 100 000 readers, the new progressive model have been voted most attractive car.

But this is not all. The new A-Class got the award for the best car in its segment. In fact, the winners of the AUTO BILD Design Award are traditionally judged only by the readers’ personal likes.

The new Mercedes-Benz model stood out among 136 current models in five categories. The brand also got another first place in this top-ranking automotive beauty contest with the M-Class, which the AUTO BILD readers voted the most attractive contender in the SUV/Vans/All-wheel drive category.

We must admit that the completely and radically redesigned new A-Class opened a totally new chapter in the compact class this year. Moreover, we are sure that it will set new standards for the upcoming new generation of vehicles in its class.

No wonder that the A-Class grabbed so many hearts since its launch. Just look at the dynamic sporting exterior, which is more distinctive than ever and which conveys powerful presence. In addition, it is complemented to perfection by an innovative interior exuding a particularly high-quality feel.

Source: Mercedes-Benz

August 13, 2012

Author: Lidia Todorova