Author: Victor Ivanov

  • 2014 Porsche 911 GT3 – 475HP and 438Nm [video]

    Porsche has published a new promotional video of the new epic 911 GT3. The clip shows further detailing the car’s technical specification. The 2014 911 GT3 was showcased at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show.

    The sports car represents Porsche’s first ever model to have an active rear wheel steering system which at low speeds steers the rear wheels in the opposite direction of the front ones, while at high speeds the rear wheels are steered in the same direction. This gives better handling and traction.

    2014 Porsche 911 GT3 is powered by the well-known 3.8 liter flat-six, but with updated power – 475HP (349 kW) and 438Nm (324 lb-ft) of torque. The engine is connected to a dual-clutch 7-speed gearbox. 0-100 km/h in 3.5 seconds and a top speed of 315 km/h (195 mph). A lap around Nurburgring takes 7 minutes and 30 seconds.

    The price is €137,303.

    httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dkZSqjc4Vu0

    Source: Porsche

  • Toyota Racing Development 2014 Lexus IS

    Toyota Racing Development (TRD) has introduced a new range of accessories for the 2014 Lexus IS.

    The exterior boasts a complete aerodynamics package including a new front spoiler, a pair of revised side skirts, a new rear diffuser and a trunk-mounted lip spoiler. There is also a four-tailpipe sports exhaust system and a set of 19” forged aluminum wheels fitted with low-profile tires.

    Other upgrades are underbody braces, which stiffen the cars structure resulting in better handling. There is also a sport-tuned suspension with new shocks and springs. Despite the improved handling, the comfort doesn’t suffer.

    Source: TRD

  • 2014 BMW M5 and M6 with optional Competition Package

    BMW will offer an optional Competition Package for the new 2014 M5 and M6 (Coupe, Convertible and Gran Coupe) facelift models. Besides the additional equipment, the package will also boost the engine. The Competition Package open up a new dimension of dynamics in customary BMW M style.

    The 4.4 liter twin-turbocharged V8 is going to produce 575HP (423 kW), instead of 560HP (412 kW). Although the power increase is insignificant, surely it will provide better acceleration. The engine is connected to a 7-speed M dual clutch gearbox and an Active M Differential at the rear axle.

    Other performance components are  M carbon ceramic brakes, updated suspension and damping systems, tuned stabilizer bars, 10 mm lowered ride height and new hydraulic rack-and-pinion steering with M-specific Servotronic function. There is also a set of new 20” M alloys and a sport exhaust system with custom M black chrome twin tailpipes.

    The contents of the Competition Package make for optimised performance characteristics in all models, as demonstrated for example by 0.1 seconds being shaved off the standstill to 100 km/h (62 mph) sprint time and 0.2 seconds when accelerating from zero to 200 km/h (124 mph).

    Cornering dynamics and elasticity are also enhanced – something that is noticeable in everyday driving but most powerfully experienced on the race track. In particular in conjunction with the optional M carbon ceramic brakes, all the driving dynamics attributes associated with BMW M automobiles are experienced at the highest level.

    Source: BMW

  • 2013 Audi RS 4 Avant – 450HP and 430Nm

    Audi has presented the new 2013 RS4 Avant, which is powered by a naturally aspirated V8 FSI. The family touring car managed to win “Most Popular High Performance Car” award in 2013 Honest John Awards.

    “While crossovers and family hatchbacks may seem the obviously popular markets, performance and sports cars take a big share of views on honestjohn.co.uk – usually the more powerful the better.”, said Dan Harrison, Editor of honestjohn.co.uk.

    “And it’s easy to see why the thunderously quick Audi RS 4 Avant has proved so popular. A Big V8 engine, 450hp and quattro all-wheel-drive along with estate car practicality make it unique. That combination certainly appeals to our users who clearly love it.”, he added.

    The 4.2 liter V8 FSI delivers 450HP (331 kW) and 430Nm (319 lb-ft) of torque. 0-100 km/h in just 4.7 seconds and a top speed of 280 km/h (174 mph). The 2013 Audi RS4 Avant is now available to order with pricing starting from £55,525 OTR.

    Source: Audi

  • 2013 Suzuki SX4 2.0 DDiS 4WD – 53.3 mpg UK

    2013 Suzuki SX4 Crossover is the Best Real MPG Perforamnce according to honestjohn.co.uk. The SX4 range was voted by owners as the car that came closest to achieving the EC combined figure in everyday driving, recording an average score of 97.1 %.

    The combined fuel consumption for the 1.6 petrol 2WD is 45.6 mpg and the 2.0 DDiS 4WD model is 53.3mpg.

    The engine range includes a 1.6 petrol engine with either two or four wheel drive or with the 2.0 DDiS engine as four wheel drive. The 1.6 SZ3 two wheel drive model is priced at £10,495, which represents a customer saving of £2,100.

    “Fuel consumption has become a very contentious issue and the feedback we get from owners via Real MPG is incredibly valuable. Since launching in 2011 we’ve had submissions covering pretty much every make of car so for owners to report that the Suzuki SX4 range comes so close to matching its claimed fuel economy is a real achievement.”, said Dan Harrison, editor of honestjohn.co.uk.

    Source: Suzuki

  • Opel Astra 1.6 liter SIDI Turbo – 170HP and 280Nm

    Opel Astra is now available with a new 1.6 liter SIDI Turbo petrol engine. It produces 170HP (125 kW) and 280Nm (206 lb-ft) of torque.

    The new SIDI replaces the old 1.6 liter Turbo and provides an additional 50Nm compared to its predecessor. What is more, the torque availability has dropped from 2,200RPM to just 1,650RPM resulting in lower fuel consumption and much nicer to drive.

    The engine is connected to a new 6-speed manual gearbox or an optional low-friction 6-speed automatic with Active Select Function to enable manual shifting.

    The fuel consumption in 14 % less than the previous engine – 5.9 liters per 100 km (47.9 mpg UK).

    The 1.6 liter SIDI Turbo is available for the five-door hatchback, four-door sedan and Sports Tourer versions of the Astra.

    The 1.6 SIDI Turbo Astra hatchback is priced from €23,385 and the Sports Tourer costs €24,485.

    Source: Opel

  • BMW F06 ///M6 GranCoupe Launch Edition

    BMW has announced a limited edition M6 GranCoupe in Canada. A select group of customers recently travelled to the BMW Welt International Delivery Centre to take delivery of their all-new 2014 BMW M6 Gran Coupé Individual Launch Edition vehicles.

    The exterior boasts exclusive Pure Metal Silver paintwork, while the exterior gets two-tone leather upholstery with Merino Silverstone seat centres. Other highlights include Piano Black trim and a Bang & Olufsen premium audio system.

    After receiving their vehicles at the BMW Welt, the new M6 Gran Coupé owners are set to embark on a four day scenic drive event through Germany, Switzerland, Austria and Italy. This first-class drive adventure will take place over 1100km of breathtaking terrain perfectly suited to demonstrate the luxury and performance of the newest member of the BMW M family. Each participant on this exclusive experience will also have the opportunity to be a part of a VIP experience at the 24h race and M festival at Nürburgring from May 17-21. The trip includes first class accommodations, a drive from Munich to Nürburgring, participation in the M festival, a helicopter ride over the 24h race track during the race as well as a chance to visit the BMW test centre and meet the BMW racing team.

    Source: BMW

  • ABT Audi R8 V10 – 600HP and 550Nm

    ABT Sportsline has announced their latest project based on 2014 Audi R8 V10. The super sports car boasts both styling and performance modifications.

    The exterior comes with a new front spoiler and modified grille, a pair of new side skirts, a bigger rear wing and a rear skirt. There is also a custom sports exhaust system made from stainless steel and a set of new 19” alloy wheels fitted with 235/35 R19 front and 305/30 R19 rear performance tires.

    The 5.2 liter FSI V10 is boosted to 600HP (441 kW) and 550Nm (405 lb-ft) of torque, which is an increase of 75HP and 10Nm of torque. 0-100 km/h in just 3.5 seocnds and a top speed of 320 km/h (199 mph).

    Other performance upgrades include a new suspension including coilovers resulting in perfect handling and nice stance.

    “The athletic sportiness cannot only be felt: this power and dynamism are also reflected in the car’s looks,” commented Hans-Jürgen Abt, the Bavarian tuning company’s CEO.

    Source: ABT

  • Gemballa McLaren 12C Spider

    Gemballa has presented their latest project based on McLaren 12C Spider. The sports car was introduced back in March at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show, but the tuning company has now released full details about it.

    The exterior boasts a new aerodynamics package including a new front and rear bumper, a pair of side skirts and custom tailpipes and a logo kit. The price for the package is €19,980.

    The interior features leather and/or Alcantara steering wheel in any color, instrument dials and brake calipers in different hue.

    Gemballa McLaren 12C Priced sits on GForged-one alloy wheels in Black Magic or Gunmetal finish, which can be opted with diamond cut or in an individual color. The new alloy wheels are fitted with  245/30 ZR20 front and 305/25 ZR21 rear Michelin Pilot Super Sport performance tires. The price for a set is €7,980.

    Source: Gemballa

  • Porsche 918 Spyder – 887 HP and 800 Nm

    Porsche 918 Spyder combines pedigree motor racing technology with excellent everyday utility, and maximum performance with minimum consumption.

    It is powered by a 4.6 liter twin-turbocharged V8 with 608HP (447 kW) and 530Nm (391 lb-ft) of torque. There are also two electric motors with 156HP (115 kW) and 129HP (95 kW) at each axle (front and rear). The maximum combined output is 887HP (661 kW) and over 800Nm (590 lb-ft) of torque. 0-100 km/h in 2.8 seconds and a top speed of 340 km/h (211 mph). The 918 Spyder managed to lap the Nurburgring in just 7 minutes and 14 seconds.

    The sports car has five available driving modes, which can be selected through the steering wheel. These are E-Power, Hybrid, Sport Hybrid, Race Hybrid and Hot Lap.

    In E-Power, the car is able to operate only on electricity, but still it is very fast 0-100 km/h in under 7 seconds and a top speed of 150 km/h (93 mph). It can travel up to 30 km (18.6 miles) on electricity alone

    In Hybrid mode, the electric motors and the combustion engine work alternately to maximize efficiency. The Hybrid mode is typically used for a fuel economy-oriented driving style.

    In Sport Hybrid mode, the combustion engine operates continuously and provides the main propulsive force. In addition, the electric motors provide support in the form of electric boosting or when the operating point of the combustion engine can be optimised for greater efficiency.

    Race Hybrid is similar to Sport Hybrid mode, but it allows the engine to recharge the battery, when the driver is not using the maximum output. Electric power is thus available even with several very fast laps.

    The Hot Lap button in the middle of the map switch releases the final reserves of the 918 Spyder and can only be activated in “Race Hybrid” mode. Similar to a qualification mode, this pushes the traction battery to its maximum power output limits for a few fast laps. This mode uses all of the available energy in the battery.

    If the battery is depleted, it can be recharged within 4 hours using a 230V outlet.

    Other nice technology is a Porsche Active Aerodynamic system that has three modes to provide optimal downforce.

    The Porsche 918 Spyder can be outfitted with a Weissach package, which adds a race car inspired exterior including visible carbon fiber on the roof, mirrors and windshield. The package also reflects to the interior – Alcantara upholstery, carbon fiber trim and six-point seatbelts. Last, but not least are the lightweight magnesium wheels fitted with ultra-performance tires.

    Source: Porsche

  • 2014 Holden Caprice – Price $54,490

    Holden has announced the new 2014 Caprice. The saloon is priced from $54,490 and will hit the market later this year.

    The exterior has some additional chrome trim and new sets of 18” and 19” alloy wheels. The interior boasts higher quality materials and an improved layout. There are also leather seats, a Start/Stop button and a MyLink infotainment system with GPS SAT NAV. The Caprice V adds a sport steering wheel, a 9-speaker Bose audio system and a rear seat entertainment system with dual channel wireless headphones.

    The safety is granted thanks to an Auto Park Assist, Reverse Traffic Alert and Blind Spot Alert. There is also a PDC system, a rear view camera, Hill Start Assist and Trailer Sway Control.

    The engine range includes a 3.6 liter V6 and a mighty 6.0 liter V8. The smaller engine has 285HP (210 kW) and 350Nm (258 lb-ft) of torque and the bigger delivers 353HP (260 kW) and 517Nm (381 lb-ft). Both are mated to a 6-speed automatic gearbox.

    Source: Holden

  • Heico Sportiv Volvo V40 Pirelli

    Heico Sportiv has presented their latest project based on the Volvo V40 T3. The name of the project is V40 Pirelli, because of the tire manufacturer’s anniversary.

    Volvo V40 T3 Pirelli is powered by a 1.6-liter turbocharged engine with 200HP (147 kW) and 300Nm (221 lb-ft) of torque. This is an increase of 50HP and 60Nm. 0-100 km/h in 7.9 seconds, which is 0.9 seconds faster than the stock model. The top speed is now 230 km/h (143 mph), which is 20 km/h more than original.

    Other highlights of Heico Sportiv V40 Pirelli include 8J x 19” VOLUTION VII alloy wheels fitted with 235/35 R19 Pirelli PZero tires. There is also a lowered sports suspension (-30 mm) and a custom body kit with a bi-part front spoiler and a diffuser-look rear skirt. There is also a black and red theme for the exterior, which is continued inside the cabin – velour floor mats with embossed tire-tread profiles.

    Source: Heico Sportiv