Automobiles Review

Author: Victor Ivanov

  • Holden VF Commodore – Styling Accessories

    Holden has introduced a new range of styling accessories for the VF Commodore. It will allow customers to personalise their vehicles more than ever before.

    The new range of Genuine Holden Accessories are available in modular kits called “Design Packs” that allow customers to choose from subtle sports decorative highlights through to the ultimate sports performance styling package, and everything in between.

    VF Commodore Design Packs start with the stage one exterior appearance package, which includes colour-matched upper and lower grille surrounds in red or black, black daylight running lamp surrounds (SS V-Series models) and black fender vents.

    Customers can add Holden’s stage two Design Pack including track stripes, alloy sports pedals, sports carpet floor mats, colour-matched mirror caps, sports engine cover with red accents (V8 models only) and black lip spoiler (sedan only). Stage three adds four HF-20 20” forged alloy wheels in Midnight Dark Grey or a machine faced Gunmetal Gloss and 245/35 ZR20 High Performance tyres.

    Holden VF Commodore Styling Accessories
    Holden VF Commodore Styling Accessories

    Source: Holden

  • Vencer Sarthe – The Dutch Supercar

    The Dutch super car manufacturer Vencer will reveal the Sarthe to the UK for the first time in the stunning grounds of Syon House. The company was established in 2012 by Robert Cobben and is based in Vriezenveen. The first Vencer is the Sarthe, which had its world premiere in Monaco in April and Salon Privé is delighted to host it’s UK reveal.

    The Sarthe is a low volume exclusively handmade mid-engine sports car which utilises a hybrid space frame chassis, made of high grade tubular steel, with chrome-molybdenum safety structure and rear sub-frame with the floor made up of an aluminium honeycomb structure. This combination of materials and techniques results in a lightweight, super strong and rigid chassis.

    The power is coming from a V8 engine behind the driver, which is directly bolted onto the 6-speed MT gearbox. Due to this configuration the car has a very balanced weight distribution of 45% front and 55% at the rear.

    The Vencer “double wishbone” ensures a pure and direct vehicle control without additional electronic interference. Only ABS and EBD are present to properly support the driver in difficult and unsafe situations.

    Among the extras, you will find an efficient climate control system, electric windows, in-car entertainment, central locking, and alarm as standard.

    Vencer Sarthe
    Vencer Sarthe
    Vencer Sarthe


    Source: Vencer

  • McLaren P1 in the US – 375 Units

    McLaren P1 has been delivered in the US at the manufacturer’s dealership in Newport Beach, California.

    There is a video showing the interior, where you’ll find carbon fiber, everywhere. All the surfaces don’t have the top layer of resin since this would have increased weight by 1.5 kg (3.3 lbs). The adjustable seats have a carbon shell and weigh just 10.5 kg (23.1 lbs). All in McLaren P1 screams “weight-saving”, but this is the perfect way to get faster.

    The overall result is a curb weight of just 1,400 kg (3,086 lbs). However, the P1 comes with a premium sound system, air conditioning and SAT NAV system. There is also a racing digital dash providing  all kinds of information for the driver.

    The P1 will be limited to just 375 units.

    Enjoy!

    httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ctt8wtGKg_k

    McLaren P1
    McLaren P1
    McLaren P1
    McLaren P1
    McLaren P1
    McLaren P1
    McLaren P1

    Source: Sota1080

  • 2013 Acura TL Special Edition – US Price $37,405

    Acura has announced a new TL Special Edition priced from at $37,405 (excluding an $895 destination charge). Joining the TL line as a mid-2013 model, the TL Special Edition offers a step up from the standard TL, with the addition of highly desirable feature upgrades, creating an incredible value in the luxury four-door sedan segment.

    The highlights include a trunk-mounted spoiler, Special Edition badging and 18” alloy wheels. Acura TL Special Edition is available in Bellanova White Pearl, Crystal Black Pearl, Graphite Luster Metallic or Silver Moon Metallic.

    The interior boasts Ebony leather seats, dual-zone automatic climate control and a powerful audio system. There is also a power moonroof and a Keyless Access System.

    The engine is a 3.5 liter V6 with 280HP (209 kW) and 344Nm (254 lb-ft). It is connected to a 6-speed automatic gearbox powering the FWD.

    Standard safety equipment on all Acura models includes Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA®) with traction control, ABS, dual-stage/multiple-threshold front airbags, front-side airbags, side curtain airbags for all outboard seating positions, front seatbelts with automatic tensioning system and load limiters, Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) and Daytime Running Lights (DRL).

    2013 Acura TL Special Edition
    2013 Acura TL Special Edition

    Source: Acura

  • 2013 Renault Clio GT – UK Price £17,395

    Renault has released the pricing of the new 2013 Clio GT hatchback. It is priced from £17,395 and sits between the entry-level Clio and the top-of-range RS model.

    The 2013 Clio GT is powered by a 1.2 liter turbocharged petrol with 120HP (88 kW) and 190Nm (140 lb-ft) of torque. The engine is connected to a 6-speed dual-clutch gearbox. 0-100 km/h in 9.9 seconds and a top speed of 195 km/h (121 mph). The small hatchback is able to return 54.3 mpg UK – 5.2 liters per 100 km in the combined cycle with CO2 emissions of 120 g/km.

    The exterior highlights include a new front bumper with larger air vents and LED DRLs. There are also bespoke door and mirror trims, darkened headlamps, rear diffuser, twin chrome pipes and 17” anthracite alloy wheels shod in 205/45 R17 tires.

    The first deliveries will be in September.

    2013 Renault Clio GT
    2013 Renault Clio GT

    Source: Renault

  • McLaren MP4-12C – 0-96 km/h in 2.8 seconds

    DragTimes has published a video showing the MP4-12C doing some acceleration tests – 0-96 km/h (0-60 mph).

    The sports car manage to complete the discipline in 2.8 seconds, which is a 0.1 seconds faster than previous tests. This means, that the McLaren MP4-12C is as fast as Nissan GT-R Facelift, which also did 2.8 seconds – 0-96 km/h.  However, the MP4-12C is a lot faster than the GT-R from 0-160 km/h (0-100 mph) – 1.0 second.

    The MP4-12C had street-legal Toyo R888 tires featuring the same compound and tread wear rating as the factory-fitted Pirelli Corsa.

    httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zhhxptV2bZ8

    Source: Dragtimes

  • Volkswagen 1.4 litre TSI – Engine of the Year for the 7th Consecutive Time

    Volkswagen’s 1.4 liter TSI petrol engine managed to win Engine of the Year in its category (from 1.0 to 1.4 liter) for 7th consecutive time.

    This makes the 1.4-litre TSI the most successful engine in the 15-year history of this international engine technology competition.

    The manufacturer was the world’s first manufacturer to introduce active cylinder management (ACT) in the TSI four-cylinder last year – a technology that until then had been more familiar in large eight- or twelve-cylinder engines. Active cylinder management made its debut in the Polo and Golf 140HP (103 kW) 1.4 TSI. Temporary shutoff of the second and third cylinders – in conjunction with an economical style of driving – reduces fuel consumption by over 0.5 litres per 100 km.

    Even with two cylinders the excellently balanced 1.4 TSI runs just as quietly and with low vibration as with four active combustion chambers. All mechanical switchover processes take place within one camshaft rotation; depending on engine speed this takes just 13 to 36 milliseconds. Accompanying interventions in ignition and throttle valve processes smooth the transitions.

    Altogether, the components of active cylinder management weigh just 3 kg. Their actuators, the camshafts and their bearing frames are integrated in the cylinder head; two low-friction bearings reduce shaft friction. Important to know: only with the TSI concept – petrol direct injection plus turbocharging – is cylinder deactivation even conceivable in the form being implemented today.

    Compared to its predecessor, fuel consumption and CO2 emission values of the TSI engines were reduced to 9% in part also by such measures as reducing internal friction, lowering weight and optimising thermal management. The savings potential is as much as 15%  in conjunction with the innovative active cylinder management (ACT) feature.

    Volkswagen Golf
    Volkswagen Golf
    Volkswagen Golf
    Volkswagen Golf
    Volkswagen Golf
    Volkswagen Golf
    Volkswagen Golf
    Volkswagen Golf
    Volkswagen Golf
    Volkswagen Golf
    Volkswagen Golf
    Volkswagen Golf
    Volkswagen Golf
    Volkswagen Golf
    Volkswagen Golf
    Volkswagen Golf
    Volkswagen Golf
    Volkswagen Golf
    Volkswagen Golf
    Volkswagen Golf
    Volkswagen Golf
    Volkswagen Golf
    Volkswagen Golf
    Volkswagen Golf
    Volkswagen Golf
    Volkswagen Golf

    Source: Volkswagen

  • Classic MINI and Porsche 911 for 50th Anniversary

    BMW has released a photo gallery showing a nice duo of a classic MINI and Porsche 911 celebrating its 50th anniversary.

    It may be the fundamental differences between the two cars (e.g. the Mini has its engine in the front, the 911 at the rear) that dominate at first glance. But there are also a number of factors – over and above their shared cult status – that lend particular empathy to MINI’s birthday greetings.

    Both models made their name with an eye-catching turn of speed. At the end of the austere 1950s Mini was the ground-breaking new kid on the block, generating sales figures that mimicked the upward curve of its acceleration. The 911, as the successor to the Porsche 356, was born with speed in its blood.

    Only a handful of cars can claim to have endured over such lengthy time spans, retaining their unmistakable identities despite all the nips, tucks and updates along the way.

    It’s tempting to wonder how different history would have been without the creators of these two successful cars. Neither Sir Alec Issigonis nor Ferdinand Alexander Porsche had any inkling that their designs would come to be considered immortal icons of modern times. Indeed, you would have needed a very clear crystal ball to see that Porsche had just dreamt up the most successful sports car of all time and Issigonis the “world’s only cool small car”.

    Classic MINI and Porsche 911
    Classic MINI and Porsche 911
    Classic MINI and Porsche 911
    Classic MINI and Porsche 911
    Classic MINI and Porsche 911
    Classic MINI and Porsche 911
    Classic MINI and Porsche 911
    Classic MINI and Porsche 911
    Classic MINI and Porsche 911
    Classic MINI and Porsche 911
    Classic MINI and Porsche 911
    Classic MINI and Porsche 911
    Classic MINI and Porsche 911
    Classic MINI and Porsche 911
    Classic MINI and Porsche 911
    Classic MINI and Porsche 911
    Classic MINI and Porsche 911
    Classic MINI and Porsche 911
    Classic MINI and Porsche 911
    Classic MINI and Porsche 911
    Classic MINI and Porsche 911
    Classic MINI and Porsche 911
    Classic MINI and Porsche 911
    Classic MINI and Porsche 911
    Classic MINI and Porsche 911
    Classic MINI and Porsche 911
    Classic MINI and Porsche 911
    Classic MINI and Porsche 911
    Classic MINI and Porsche 911
    Classic MINI and Porsche 911
    Classic MINI and Porsche 911
    Classic MINI and Porsche 911
    Classic MINI and Porsche 911
    Classic MINI and Porsche 911
    Classic MINI and Porsche 911
    Classic MINI and Porsche 911
    Classic MINI and Porsche 911
    Classic MINI and Porsche 911

    Source: BMW

  • Bugatti Veyron at the Paul Ricard Circuit

    Bugatti arranged “the ultimate track day” at the Paul Ricard Circuit. The test-drive Pierre-Henri Raphanel helped the participants to drive the most powerful production car in the world.

    The Grand Sport Vitesse is powered by an 8.0 liter W16 quad-turbo engine with 1200HP (883 kW) and 1500Nm (1106 lb-ft) of torque. The engine is connected to a 7-speed DSG gearbox. It sends all that torque to an AWD system. 0-100 km/h in 2.6 seconds and 0-200 km/h in 7.1 seconds, 0-300 km/h in 16 seconds. ¼ mile is covered in 10.0 seconds flat and 1 mile in just 25.0 seconds.

    The unique experience is only for the company’s “dearest friends”, but obviously everybody, who has Bugatti Veyron will get the same thrill… or even better.

    Source: Bugatti

  • Nissan GT-R AMS Alpha 12+: 1 mile Top Speed – 382 km/h

    Dragtimesinfo has released a video showing the GT-R AMS Alpha 12+, who managed to hit whopping 382 km/h (238 mph) at 1 mile drag race.

    Nissan GT-R AMS Alpha 12+ is boosted to 1,700HP (1,267 kW). 0-100 km/h in 2.99 seconds (due to a lot of wheel spin), 0-200 km/h in 6.5 seconds and 0-300 km/h in 12.37 seconds. This is also the fastest GT-R in the famous 1 mile drag race completing the distance in 22.538 seconds. ¼ mile time is only 9.447 seconds with 260 (161 mph) terminal speed.

    In the video you will also see Porsche 911 GT2 4WD 9ff with 1,100HP, Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 Hennessey with 760HP and BMW M3 ESS VT2 with 750, which compared to GT-R AMS Alpha 12+ are like everyday cars.

    Enjoy!

    httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6MzpaNu74Ts

    Source: Dragtimesinfo

  • 6Vampir Volkswagen Golf Mark I – 1013HP [video]

    Here is a very interesting drag vehicle. It is prepared by Boba Motoring, who are really fanatic in drag races. The project is based on Volkswagen Golf I and carries the name 16Vampir.

    It is powered by a 1.8 liter 16V four-cylinder turbocharged engine with whopping 1,013HP (745 kW). The result is thanks to a really enormous Garrett GTX4202R turbo boosting the engine with 4.15 BAR pressure (60 psi).

    The curb weight of the vehicle is just 900 kg (1,984 lbs), so it accelerates insanely. 0-100 km/h in 2.0 seconds and the top speed is unknown, but who will make more than 220 km/h in Volkswagen Golf I?

    The engine is mated to a 6-speed DSG gearbox with a custom DSG ECU controller from AdrenalinTuning. The power is transferred on the road through 4Motion AWD and all four wheels have drag tires.

    Enjoy!

    httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vxG1PFHOpI8

    Source: Boba Motoring

  • Ford 1.0 litre EcoBoost wins Engine of the Year – Again

    The famous 1.0 liter EcoBoost petrol engine by Ford has scooped another “Engine of the Year” award. This marks the second straight year Ford’s acclaimed three-cylinder engine has captured victory.

    The 1.0-litre EcoBoost engine combines direct fuel injection, turbocharging and variable valve timing to lower fuel consumption without sacrificing power. It get the highest score in the history of the awards. The engine also won the “Best Engine Under 1.0-litre” category at the annual awards presented by Engine Technology International magazine.

    The 1.0-liter EcoBoost has 125HP (92 kW) and 170Nm (125 lb-ft) of torque at 1,400RPM. It achieves 65.7 mpg in combined cycle (Fiesta model).

    The engine is also available in the Ford B-MAX, Focus, C-MAX and Grand C-MAX.  Small enough to fit in the overhead luggage compartment of an aeroplane, the engine delivers best-in-class petrol fuel economy in Ford Fiesta, Focus, C-MAX and Grand C-MAX.

    2012 Ford Focus 1.0-litre EcoBoost Titanium
    2012 Ford Focus 1.0-litre EcoBoost Titanium
    2012 Ford Focus 1.0-litre EcoBoost Titanium
    2012 Ford Focus 1.0-litre EcoBoost Titanium
    2012 Ford Focus 1.0-litre EcoBoost Titanium

    Source: Ford