Automobiles Review

Author: Victor Ivanov

  • Renault Duster tuned by DC Design

    DC Design has announced their tuning package for Renault’s compact SUV – Duster. Although, we know that the model is more famous with Dacia badge, actually the original is by Renault. The complete transformation costs just €4,940, which is very important, because Renault Duster is probably the cheapest compact SUV on the market.

    The tuning package includes both interior and exterior upgrades.

    The exterior boasts new LED headlights, new front bumper with fog lights, polished side steps, a complete matte black paint and special DC alloy wheels fitted with low-profile tires.

    The interior features artificial leather, wood elements and complete multimedia infotainment system with screens all-over the place. The center console has been extended to the rear seats which has basically transformed the vehicle into a four-seater.

    DC Design Renault Duster
    DC Design Renault Duster
    DC Design Renault Duster
    DC Design Renault Duster
    DC Design Renault Duster
    DC Design Renault Duster
    DC Design Renault Duster

    Source: DC Design via Idianautosblog

  • Shelby 1000 Widebody – Street Version

    Shelby has introduced the 1000 Widebody at the Fabulous Fords Event at Knott’s Berry Farm in Southern California. The hyper-car is based on Ford Mustang (2010+ model).

    Shelby 1000 Widebody has whopping 950HP (708 kW) from its supercharged V8 engine. Remember that this is a street legal car, which is faster than almost everything on the road. It rolls enormous 345/35 R20 rear tires, which hardly can deliver any grip.

    The widebody package includes a new front and rear bumpers, extended side skirts and huge front and rear arches.

    Actually, Shelby will going to produce this model in series production.

    Stay tuned for full information and pricing!

    Source: Mustangsdaily

  • 2013 Volkswagen Passat Wolfsburg Edition – US Price $23,495

    Volkswagen US has announced a new limited series Passat called Wolfsburg Edition. The family car will be offered with a number of nice extras with a little additional cost.

    This “value-oriented” model comes with perforated leather seats (heated fron), a power driver’s seat, satellite radion and a Media Device-Interface with an iPod cable. Other highlights include a multi-functioning steering wheel, Bluetooth connectivity and distinctive 16” alloy wheels.

    2013 Volkswagen Passat Wolfsburg Edition is powered by a 2.5 liter five-cylinder engine with 170HP (127 kW) and 240Nm (177 lb-ft) of torque. It is connected to a 6-speed automatic gearbox powering the front wheels. 0-100 km.h in 8.7 seconds, which good performance for everyday driving.

    The 2013 Passat Wolfsburg Edition will be priced from $23,495.

    2011 Volkswagen Passat US
    2011 Volkswagen Passat US
    2011 Volkswagen Passat US
    2011 Volkswagen Passat US
    2011 Volkswagen Passat US
    2011 Volkswagen Passat US
    2011 Volkswagen Passat US
    2011 Volkswagen Passat US
    2011 Volkswagen Passat US
    2011 Volkswagen Passat US

    Source: Volkswagen

  • Audi R8 V10 Plus at Nurburgring Nordschleife – 7 minutes and 45 seconds

    Sport Auto has tested the mighty Audi R8 V10 Plus on the famous “Green Hell” (Nurburgring Nordschleife). It managed to stop the clock at 7 minutes and 45 seconds, which is faster than Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano, which is probably the best GT car.

    The Audi R8 V10 Plus S-tronic is powered by a 5.2 liter naturally aspirated V10 with 542HP (399 kW) at 8,000RPM and 537Nm (398 lb-ft) at 6,500RPM. The curb weight is 1,595 kg making 340HP per ton (power-to-weight ratio). Other highlights are ABS, traction control, 4WD, 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox and 295 section rear tires.

    The price is £127,575.

    Enjoy the video!

    httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r2C0GNavG4U

    2013 Audi R8 V10 Plus
    2013 Audi R8 V10 Plus
    2013 Audi R8 V10 Plus

    Source: Sportauto via Youtube

  • 2013 Renault Captur – A Better Urban Crossover

    Renault has announced the new 2013 Captur – The new supermini crossover.

    The vehicle will be available to order in the UK from 1st May. With keen pricing and a series of life-simplifing features up its sleeve, it will also be looking to make serious inroads in the booming B-segment crossover class. Led by its sister Alliance car, Nissan Juke, the market’s already growing fast on the back of the MINI Countryman and the slightly larger Chevrolet Trax and Vauxhall Mokka. It’s expected to explode even more with the future launches of rivals such as the Fiat 500X, Ford EcoSport and Peugeot 2008.

    UK prices are confirmed from £12,495 on-the-road, which undercuts current class top-seller by £500.

    There are four trim levels for Renault’s first supermini crossover: Expression, Expression+, Dynamique MediaNav and Dynamique S MediaNav.

    The standard equipment includes 16” alloy wheels, 60/40 split and sliding rear seat bench, body coloured bumpers, cruise control, ECO mode (up to 10% fuel saving), ESC (Electronic Stability Control), ETC (Electronic Traction Control), front and rear electric windows, HSA (Hill Start Assist), speed limiter, trip computer.

    The top of range Dynamique S MediaNav offers 17” Explore alloy wheels (choice of coloured inserts), contrasting roof and door mirror colour, Exterior Gloss and Interior Touch Packs, City Pack (electric folding door mirrors and rear parking sensors), heated front seats, extra tinted rear windows.

    The options list includes: Renault R-Link (including TomTom sat nav, 4x35W Arkamys 3D Sound) £450, reversing camera (Dynamique MediaNav and above), City Pack (£395), heated front seats (£250), metallic paint £495 (including i.d. Arizona and Tahoe Blue £595), painted roof £300, Interior Touch (£350) and Exterior Gloss Packs (£350)

    The engine range features an all-new 1.2 TCe 120 EDC; 0.9 TCe 90 and 1.5 dCi 90. The dCi 90 EDC (Efficient Dual Clutch) follows later in 2013. Stop&Start standard on every manual. dCi 90 also sub-100g/km.

    2013 Renault Captur
    2013 Renault Captur
    2013 Renault Captur
    2013 Renault Captur
    2013 Renault Captur
    2013 Renault Captur

    Full UK range launch pricing is as follows:

    Version Engine CO2
    g/km    		 BIK Insurance
    Group    		 OTR
    Price
    Expression TCe 90 Stop&Start 115 C tbc £12,495
    dCi 90 Stop&Start 95 A tbc £13,895
    Expression+ TCe 90 Stop&Start 115 C 9E £14,495
    dCi 90 Stop&Start 95 A 11E £15,895
    Dynamique Media Nav TCe 90 Stop&Start 115 C 9E £14,995
    dCi 90 Stop&Start 95 A 12E £16,395
    TCe 120 Auto EDC 125 D 14E £17,195
    dCi 90 Auto EDC tbc tbc tbc £17,395
    Dynamique S Media Nav TCe 90 Stop&Start 115 C tbc £16,495
    dCi 90 Stop&Start 95 A tbc £17,895
    TCe 120 Auto EDC 125 D tbc £18,695
    dCi 90 Auto EDC tbc tbc tbc £18,895

    Source: Renault

  • Volkswagen Gran Lavida at 2013 Auto Shanghai

    Volkswagen exhibited the 2013 Gran Lavida at the Auto Shanghai. The vehicle will be produced exclusively for the Chinese market at the firm’s Shanghai-Volkswagen joint venture. It has the same wheelbase as the saloon model, but the overall length has gone down from 4605mm to 4454mm.

    The engine range includes a 1.4 liter TSI with 130HP (97 kW) and a 1.6 liter TDI with 105HP (77 kW). Probably, the Gran Lavida will get more powerful engines later.

    Gran Lavida is just one of the models Volkswagen is launching in China as part of an objective to have no less than 90 models by 2015.

    2013 Volkswagen Gran Lavida
    2013 Volkswagen Gran Lavida
    2013 Volkswagen Gran Lavida

    Source: Volkswagen

  • Saleen 351 Mustang Prototype – 710HP and 887Nm

    Saleen has unveiled the 351 Mustang Prototype based on Ford Mustang Convertible. The one-off vehicle was presented at last weekend’s Fabulous Fords at Knott’s Berry Farm in California.

    The exterior boasts a specially-made Orange County Orange paint. Under the bonnet, there is a “small-block” 5.7 liter V8 with 710HP (522 kW) and 887Nm (655 lb-ft) of torque. The power is put on the road through a 6-speed gearbox with 3.73:1 final drive ratio and a performance clutch system.

    It rolls 20” alloy wheels with high-performance tires. There is also an upgraded brake system including 15” brake discs.

    Other highlights include a butterfly hood scoop, along with carbon fiber front and rear splitters and rear diffuser.

    Saleen 351 Mustang Prototype
    Saleen 351 Mustang Prototype
    Saleen 351 Mustang Prototype

    Source: Mustangsdaily

  • 2013 Alfa Romeo MiTo Live Limited Edition

    Alfa Romeo has announced the MiTo Live, which is a new limited edition of just 250 units. The MiTo Live combines safety and technology with a passion for music.

    The small hatchback has achieved a 5-star Euro NCAP safety rating, has been created for drivers who love to stay connected and entertained on the move. It comes fitted with a high fidelity BOSE sound system and Pioneer’s innovative AppRadio system which lets users connect and access their smartphone’s apps through a 7” multi-touch screen.

    It is powered by the multi-award-winning TwinAir Turbo petrol engine. It boasts impressive fuel economy of 67.3 mpg with low (98g/km) CO2 emissions.

    The Alfa MiTo Live is priced from just £16,590 OTR with extras including stylish 17” alloy wheels and rear tinted windows. Competitive financing packages on Hire Purchase start from 0% Hire Purchase with 45% deposit required.

    2013 Subaru Forester XT
    2013 Subaru Forester XT

    Source: Alfa Romeo

  • 2013 Subaru Forester XT – UK Price £24,995

    Subaru has announced the pricing for the new 2013 Forester XT. The SUV-C vehicle is starting from £24,995 for the 2.0D X model and climbs to £30,995 for the range-topping 2.0i XT.

    There are 6 trim levels for buyers to choose from, all with a generous level of standard equipment: XE and XE Premium is available on all naturally-aspirated petrol models; X, XC and XC Premium on all diesel models; and XT, the highest specification, is standard on 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol versions of the new Forester.

    Lineartronic is available on XE and XE Premium models and is fitted as standard to XT versions.

    All Forester buyers will have the peace-of-mind of a five-year, 100,000 mile warranty, plus a 12-year anti-corrosion guarantee.

    The new Forester is also an exceptionally safe vehicle and was recently awarded the full 5-star Euro NCAP crash safety rating. Subaru’s Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) electronic stability control system has been upgraded for superior stability, while a new Trailer Stability Control also improves safety during towing. Greater use of ultra-high tensile steel reinforces the vehicle, making it exceptionally strong yet light.

    All safety equipment is fitted as standard to every model in the Forester range, including twin front, side, curtain and knee airbags, upholding Subaru’s commitment to improving crash safety performance.

    Every Forester is equipped with two core Subaru technologies: Symmetrical All-Wheel-Drive, affording surefootedness in all conditions, and the latest generation Boxer engines, contributing to a low centre of gravity which is beneficial to balance, road holding and handling.

    The New Forester is on sale from May 1.

    2013 Subaru Forester XT
    2013 Subaru Forester XT
    Model Price OTR (£) CO2
    (g/km    )    		 VED
    Band    		 Insurance
    Group
    2.0i XE 25,495 160 G 23E
    2.0i XE CVT 26,995 150 F 23E
    2.0i XE Premium 27,495 160 G 23E
    2.0i XE Premium CVT 28,995 150 F 23E
    2.0i XT CVT 30,995 197 J 23E
    2.0D X 24,995 150 F 24E
    2.0D XC 26,995 156 G 25E
    2.0D XC Premium 28,995 156 G 25E

    Source: Subaru

  • Mercedes-Benz E-Class Long-Wheelbase

    Mercedes-Benz has revealed the E-Class Long-Wheelbase at 2013 Auto Shanghai. The luxurious saloon will be sold exclusively in China. It boasts an overall length of 5019 mm and its wheelbase has been extended by 140 mm to 3014 mm. In other words, this means 14 cm of additional legroom for the rear passengers.The long version of the E-Class is being launched in China as the E 260 L, E 300 L and E 400 L. There is a choice of two variants: the luxurious Sedan and the Sport Sedan. The latter features a powerful AMG front and rear apron, new AMG side skirts and AMG wheels. Typical of the AMG brand is the lavish scope of equipment and appointments. Starting with the E 260 L, features include LED headlamps, an electric sunroof, two-zone automatic climate control, PARKTRONIC and COMAND DVD.New items of equipment are additionally available for other models:

    • The 360° camera comprises a close-range system of several cameras to assist in parking and manoeuvring. In addition to the functions of the backup camera, it also enables monitoring of the areas to the side of the vehicle and directly in front of the vehicle, thus helping to avoid inadvertent collisions during manoeuvring.
    • All the headlamp functions of the Intelligent Light System (ILS) feature energy-efficient LED technology. These functions adapt the light distribution to the given driving situation, thereby making an important contribution to safe driving.
    • The ECO start/stop system reduces fuel consumption and emissions by shutting down the engine automatically when the vehicle is stationary.
    Mercedes-Benz E-Class Long-Wheelbase
    Mercedes-Benz E-Class Long-Wheelbase
    Mercedes-Benz E-Class Long-Wheelbase
    Mercedes-Benz E-Class Long-Wheelbase
    Mercedes-Benz E-Class Long-Wheelbase
    Mercedes-Benz E-Class Long-Wheelbase

  • Suzuki Authentics Concept at 2013 Auto Shanghai

    Suzuki has presented the Authentics Concept in Shanghai. “AUTHENTICS” is a concept model of the authentic sedan presented to the C-segment sedan class, which has the largest volume in the Chinese automobile market

    Design

    • – By keeping its overall height low and adopting a long wheelbase, it realizes a stable authentic sedan style.
    • – The main characteristics are its sharp and sporty character lines and an inflected body shape with an elegant curved surface.

    Suzuki plans to produce and distribute the production model based on “AUTHENTICS” by the end of 2014.

    Suzuki Authentics Concept
    Suzuki Authentics Concept

    Source: Suzuki

  • MG CS Concept at 2013 Auto Shanghai

    MG has revealed the new CS Concept at the 2013 Auto Shanghai. The concept car is designed to slot into the compact SUV sector, one of the fastest growing areas of the global automotive market where style and sports utility dominate fashion trends.

    The MG CS has many strikingly unique features, including the headlights which have a multi-faceted ‘shard’ structure which refract light in different colours and shape from the side, but coalesce to form the iconic MG’s trademark octagon from the front.

    A strong horizontal emphasis gives the side profile of the MG CS a distinctive, sporty style and youthful appearance. Creative design, style and charisma dominate the look of this latest MG.

    The manufacturer is planning to introduce the production version in 2015 with starting price of around $23,000.

    Source: MG