Author: Victor Ivanov

Hyundai HND-9 Concept [sketch]

Hyundai has released some interesting sketches of the new HND-9 Concept vehicle, which is set to make its official debut at the 2013 Seoul Motor Show, next week. The ‘HND-9’ represents an evolution of Hyundai’s fluidic sculpture design philosophy. The ninth concept model developed by Hyundai Motor Group’s R&D Center in Namyang, Korea, the HND-9 features sophisticated details in every design element, reinforcing a premium look.

Fluidic yet sleek character lines that stretch from headlamp to trunk, voluminous, powerful car body and a striking, wide hexagonal-shaped radiator grille underscore the high performance image of the concept.

Furthermore, butterfly doors, spiral-shaped lines connected to the headlamp, softly glistening silver coating, dual twin muffler and uniquely designed head and rear lamps give the car a sleek futuristic look.

The HND-9 is powered by a 3.3 liter turbocharged GDi engine with 370HP (272 kW) sent to the rear wheels through an 8-speed automatic gearbox.

Source: Hyundai

2013 MINI Paceman – UK Price £18,970

MINI has announced the all-new Paceman, which boasts a sporty exterior design, lowered suspension for a dynamic ride and an exciting reinterpretation of the familiar interior. The car is essentially a coupe version of the Countryman.

There will be five models available from launch including the MINI Cooper S Paceman. The seventh unique member of the family, it sells alongside the Hatch, Clubman, Convertible,

With a contemporary and expressive body shape, the Paceman has been created to appeal to a new type of design-conscious customer. The prominent horizontal lines and dynamic curved surfaces give the promise of sporting performance, yet there is an elegant simplicity to the overall form of the car.

The interior has been designed specifically for this model. Its highlight is the innovative rear seat, which has been styled around a lounge concept. Two individual seats provide generous levels of head, shoulder and knee room with outstanding comfort and support. Armrests have been integrated into the rear trim. A two-section version of the MINI Centre Rail storage and attachment system – first seen in the Countryman – comes as standard. A full-length variant is available as an option.

The engine range includes a 1.6 liter four-cylinder with 122HP (90 kW). 0-100 km/h in 10.4 seconds and fuel economy of 47.1mpg with CO₂ emissions of 140 g/km. The 1.6 liter turbocharged petrol has 184HP (135 kW). 0-100 km/h in 7.5 seconds and fuel economy of 46.3mpg and emissions are 143g/km.

The diesel variants are a 1.6 liter with 112HP (82 kW) offering a frugal 64.2mpg fuel economy and 115g/km emissions. 0-100 km/h in 10.8 seconds, which is good enough. The powerful SD Paceman has a 2.0 liter with 143HP (105 kW). 0-100 km/h in 9.2 seconds and a fuel economy of 61.4mpg with an emissions figure of 122g/km.

The MINI Cooper Paceman starts at just £18,970 on the road.

Source: MINI

2013 Renault ZOE – UK Price £13,650

Renault has announced the pricing of the new 2013 ZOE, which was announced at the Geneva Motorshow in 2012. The starting price is just £13,650 OTR.

2013 Renault ZOE is 100 % electric vehicle offering great range and versatility at low price. With an NEDC homologated range of 209 km (130 miles), ZOE is the first affordable car for everyday use to have been designed from the ground up as an electric vehicle.

ZOE is available in three trim levels – Expression, Dynamique Zen and Dynamique Intens – and is packed with a raft of innovations for a new form of motoring.

The sleek supermini is the first vehicle to be equipped with ‘Range OptimiZEr’ which combines three major innovations, bi-modal regenerative braking, a heat pump and MICHELIN Energy^TM E-V tyres.

ZOE is the only electric vehicle to feature the Chameleon charger. Patented by Renault, this charger is compatible with all power levels from 3kW up to 43kW. Charging batteries at a charging station can take between 30 minutes and 9 hours, with 80 % of full battery power able to be achieved within 30 minutes using a Rapid Charger 43 kW AC power source.

ZOE is also the first Renault to be presented with the new multimedia system, R-Link, as standard.

The electric motor has 88HP (65 kW) and 220Nm (163 lb-ft) of torque. Acceleration and pull-away are responsive from low speeds, while its top speed is limited to 135 km/h (84 mph).

Ordering for ZOE is already open, prior to arriving in showrooms on 7^th June.

Check out the standard equipment and price list, below!

Standard equipment on Expression includes:

15-inch Aerobase wheel trims on Michelin ENERGY E-V tyres
R-Link – voice controlled TomTom satellite navigation with 7” touchscreen
4x20W radio
USB input, jack, SD multimedia and Bluetooth®
‘Range OptimiZEr’ – bi-modal braking system, heat pump and Michelin Energy E-V tyres
Chameleon charger allowing recharge time of 30 mins to 9 hours
Econometer, battery gauge and integrated mileage counter
Eco mode: reduces power delivery and reprogrammes heating and air conditioning systems to maximise range
Z.E. Connect – remote monitoring of battery charge and range
Z.E. (hot/cold) pre-conditioning of interior temperature (when vehicle on charge)
Z.E. Voice – low speed pedestrian warning
Climate Control
Cruise Control
LED DRLs
ESC, ASR Traction control and Understeer control
Hill Start Assist
Renault keycard
ISOFIX mountings on front passenger seat and outer rear seats
TFT instrument display
Height and reach adjustable steering wheel
Privacy glass to rear side and tailgate windows
R.A.I.D. (Renault Anti-Intruder Device) auto door locking over 5 mph
Speed Limiter

Additional equipment on Dynamique Intens and Dynamique Zen:

16-inch Aerotronic wheel trims on Michelin ENERGY E-V tyres
Hands-free keycard
My Z.E. Inter@ctive – remote battery charging and air conditioning/heating activation
4x35W Arkamys 3D digital sound system
Auto lights and wipers
Z.E. Digital – remote access to R-Link store e.g. email access)
Leather steering wheel
Electric rear windows
Rear parking sensors
Dynamique Intens only:
– Rear parking camera
– Dark interior ambience
Dynamique Zen only:
– ‘Zen’ interior with Teflon upholstery protection
– ‘Zen Take Care by Renault’ – active scent diffuser, ioniser, toxicity sensor

Options:

16-inch Aerotronic alloy wheels £400 (Expression)
17” Tech Run alloy wheels (Dynamique versions) (not available with MICHELIN Energy^TM E-V tyres) £310
Metallic paint £495 (Energy Blue, Calico Grey, Neptune Grey, Diamond Black, Brazil Brown)
Renault i.d. metallic paint (Arctic White) £595
Renault solid i.d. paint (Iceberg Blue) £225
4x35W Arkamys 3D sound system £250 (Expression)
Z.E. Inter@ctive – remote battery charging and air conditioning/heating activation £150 (Expression)
Z.E. Live Services (HD Traffic updated, speed camera alerts, TomTom Places search and weather forecasts) 3 year subscription £150
TomTom additional mapping – Europe £110

VERSION	BIK	Basic Price (£)	VAT (£)	Total Retail (£)	Less PiCG (£)	Total Retail after PiCG (£)	Delivery Charge (£)	First Reg Fee (£)	OTR after PiCG (£)
Expression	0%	14,444.44	2,888.89	17,333.33	4,333.33	13,000.00	595.00	55.00	13,650.00
Dynamique Zen	0%	15,666.67	3,133.33	18,800.00	4,700.00	14,100.00	595.00	55.00	14,750.00
Dynamique Intens	0%	15,666.67	3,133.33	18,800.00	4,700.00	14,100.00	595.00	55.00	14,750.00

Battery rental for ZOE	Miles
	Miles
	up to 7,500	9,000	10,500	12,000
Contract term*
36 months and more	£70	£77	£85	£93
24 month	+£10
12 month	+£10

Source: Renault

Winged Wonders Unleash Thunder at Festival of Speed – Goodwood

Mercedes-Benz will bring two sensational sports cars at the 2013 Goodwood Festival of Speed. First is the 1955 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupe and second the new 2013 SLS AMG GT.

Despite the huge difference in time between these two great cars, they have a lot in common. Both have mighty engines in front and RWD as well as gull-wing doors. The two sports cars make extensive use of aluminum and have hand-built eight-cylinder engines.

The 300 SLR is powered by a 3.0 liter straight-eight with 310HP (228 kW). It weighs just 1,117 kg (2,462 lbs), so this is the quickest closed-roof car of that time. Its top speed isover 286 km/h (178 mph).

Nicknamed after legendary engineer, former head of vehicle development and creator of the 300 SLR, Rudolf Uhlenhaut, the “Uhlenhaut” Coupé was built in 1955 and based on the highly successful racers, most famous for the Mille Miglia victory of Stirling Moss and Denis Jenkinson. Equipped with a set of less than effective silencers to allow it to be road legal, Uhlenhaut famously used the 300 SLR Coupé as his everyday car

On the other hand, the new 2013 SLS AMG GT has world’s most powerful naturally aspirated V8 engine with whopping 591HP (435 kW) at 6,800RPM and 650Nm (479 lb-ft) at 4,750RPM.
The power is sent to the rear wheels through an AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT-7 transmission. 0-100 km/h in 3.7 seconds and a top speed of 319 km/h (198 mph).

The Goodwood Festival of Speed takes place between 11 and 14 July 2013.

Source: Mercedes-Benz

Audi RS Q3 on Snow [video]

Here is an interesting video of the new high-performance SUV – Audi RS Q3. This is the first “Q” model to get the RS designation. It was introduced at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show, this month. It is expected to hit the market in Germany this fall with prices starting from €54.600.

RS Q3 is powered by a five-cylinder 2.5 liter turbocharged petrol with 310HP (228 kW) at 5,200RPM and 420Nm (310 lb-ft) of torque at just 1,500RPM. The engine is connected to a 7-speed S-tronic gearbox sending the power to Quattro AWD. 0-100 km/h in just 5.5 seconds and a top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph).

The sporty SUV also features an aerodynamics body kit with new bumpers, grille inserts and side skirt. There is also a spoiler on the roof, matte aluminum trim and new rear diffuser housing big tailpipe.

The stance is improved by lowering the suspension with 25mm and big wheels – 19” or 20” alloys fitted with low-profile performance tires.

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

Source: Autobloggr via Youtube

2014 Kia Forte Sedan – US Price $15,900

Kia has announced the price list for the 2014 Forte Sedan. The lower, longer and wider Forte will offer a sportier and more upscale design, better performance, greater interior space and a wider array of premium amenities than its predecessor when it goes on sale within the next 30 days. The starting price is just $15,900 excluding $800 destination charge.

The entry-level LX is powered by a 1.8 liter MPI with 150HP (110 kW) and 177Nm (131 lb-ft) of torque. It is mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox or 6-speed automatic available as an option for additional $1,500.

The EX trim is coming with a 2.0 liter GDI with 175HP (129 kW) and 208Nm (154 lb-ft) of torque. It is available only with automatic gearbox.

The base LX model comes standard with steering wheel-mounted audio controls, SiriusXM Satellite Radio, Bluetooth wireless technology, power windows, air conditioning and heated power-folding mirrors among the many features that make the Forte stand out from its competition. The optional Popular Package (LX A/T only) adds 16” alloy wheels, cruise control, keyless entry with remote trunk release and a sliding front armrest.

The EX adds Kia’s next-generation UVO in-vehicle infotainment and telematics system with eServices is standard and can now be integrated with an optional navigation system. Additional standard EX features include remote keyless entry with trunk opener, Rear Camera Display, a sliding center armrest and a cooling glove box. The new optional FlexSteer system allows the driver to choose between three distinct steering profiles: Comfort, Normal and Sport. Features found on the optional Premium Package include heated front and rear seats, a 10-way power adjustable driver’s seat with class-exclusive air-cooled ventilation, leather seat trim, power sunroof, 17” alloy wheels and push button start with Smart Key and a heated steering wheel. Opting for the Technology Package, adds HID headlights, LED tail lights, a 4.2-inch color LCD cluster screen and dual-zone automatic temperature control with rear center ventilation.

Source: Kia

McLaren MP4-12C – 1/4 mile in 10.55 seconds

Here is the fastest production stock car in the world – McLaren MP4-12C, which managed to stop the clock at 10.55 seconds running ¼ mile with terminal speed of 216.55 km/h (134.56 mph).

The MP4-12C is powered by a twin-turbo 3.8-liter V8 engine that produces 608 HP (447 kW) at 7,000RPM and a peak torque of 600 (442 lb-ft) at 3,000RPM. It is mated to a 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox. 0-100 km/h in 3.1 seconds and a top speed of 329 km/h (204 mph). In terms of efficiency, the MP4-12C Spider will average 11.7 L/100km (24.2 mpg UK) with CO2 emissions of 279 g/km.

The car sits on lightweight alloys with the factory-provided Pirelli P Zero tires measuring 305/30 ZR20. It also has carbon ceramic brake system, sports exhaust system and launch control. 0-60 mph – 2.9 seconds and 0-100 mph in 5.9 seconds.

Enjoy the video!

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QuXwkbT6WUw

Source: Dragtimes

2013 Jaguar XFR-S – UK Price £79,995

Jaguar has introduced the new high-performance 2013 XFR-S in the UK. The car will make its global dynamic debut on the famous Goodwood Hill on Wednesday 20 March.

It is powered by a 5.0 liter supercharged V8 with 550HP (405 kW) and 680Nm (502 lb-ft) of torque. 0-100 km/h in 4.6 seconds and a top speed of 300 km/h (186 mph) – electronically limited.

“I’m delighted that Jaguar is able to present the XFR-S in action for the first time in the UK, and that a Jaguar motorsport hero will be behind the wheel. The crowd at Goodwood will have a unique opportunity to see and hear the ultimate expression of seductive Jaguar design and sporting performance in the XFR-S – well in advance of first deliveries to customers this summer.”, commented Adrian Hallmark, Jaguar Global Brand Director.

The price is starting from £79,995.

JAGUAR XFR-S: TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Engine – 5.0-liter V8 supercharged with Intelligent Stop/Start

Bore/Stroke – 92.5/93 mm

Peak Power – 550 (405 kW) at 6500RPM

Peak Torque – 680Nm (502 lb-ft) at 2500RPM

Transmission – ZF 8-speed ‘Quickshift’ automatic

0-100km/h – 4.6 seconds

Top Speed – 300 km/h (186 mph) – (electronically limited)

Source: Jaguar

Anderson Germany Bentley Continental GT

Anderson Germany has announced their tuning program for Bentley Continental GT. The luxurious sports coupe has received both – styling and performance upgrades.

The W12 6.0 liter twin-turbocharged engine is boosted to 680HP (500 kW), which is an increase of 105HP (77 kW). No words about acceleration and top speed, but 0-100 km/h is around 4.0 seconds and a top speed of more than 322 km/h (200 mph).

The tuned Continental GT rolls 9J x 22” alloy wheels at the front fitted with 265/30 ZR22 tires and 10.5J x 22” with 295/25 ZR22. Behind these big wheels, there is a high-performance brake kit.

Other highlights include a new front hood, a new front lower spoiler, a pair of new side skirts, a new rear spoiler with modified diffuser and new boot lid. The skirts have five white LED emitters on each side create a “royal” under car illumination.

The interior also boasts carbon fiber package featuring new steering wheel, leather and Alcantara finishes, as well as a high-end audio system with powerful speaker, subwoofer and amplifier.

Source: Anderson Germany

2014 Dodge SRT Viper TA – Price $120,500

The 2014 Dodge SRT Viper TA is set to make its public debut on March 27, 2013 on the same show floor at the Jacob Javits Center in New York City. The sports car will be limited to only 33 units and all of them will come in a “Crusher Orange” exterior paint.

It is based on the SRT Viper model – the lightest vehicle in the lineup, the 2014 SRT Viper TA package builds upon the legendary on-track capability of the American hand-built supercar using a majority of pre-developed components straight from the SRT stable, that are combined into a carefully balanced package that extract the most out of the Viper ultralow center of gravity, 50/50 weight distribution and largest contact patch in the production car world.

The engine is the well-known 8.4 liter naturally aspirated V10 with 640HP (477 kW) and 814Nm (600 lb-ft) of torque.

Some of the higlights include a new customized suspension with two-mode Bilstein Damptronic system developed for on-track usage, a carbon fiber brace, a big Brembo brake kit and new multi-spoke lightweight Sidewinder II alloys shod in Pirelli P Zero Corsa tires.

The interior boasts bespoke Crusher Orange stitching on almost every element.

The curb weight of Viper TA is just 1,521 kg (3,354 lbs).

The price for this toy is a lot – $120,500.

Source: Dodge

2014 Mercedes-Benz CLA 45 AMG [leak images]

2014 Mercedes-Benz CLA 45 AMG will be unveiled at the 2013 New York International Auto Show. You can check the official pictures below, which have surfaced the World Wide Web.

The AMG four-door coupe is powered by the same engine as A-class AMG – World’s most powerful 2.0 liter turbocharged four-cylinder power unit with 360HP (265 kW) and 450Nm (332 lb-ft) of torque. 0-100 km/h in around 4.6 seconds and a top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph) – electronically limited.

The engine is mated to a 7-speed, dual-clutch gearbox sending the power to 4Matic All-wheel-drive.

The starting price in the US will be around $50,000.