Victor Ivanov – Page 136 – Automobiles Review

2013 Renault Kangoo Van

Renault has announced the new facelifted version of Kangoo Van. The 2013 model is offered with two wheelbase lengths, three versions of the popular 1.5-litre dCi diesel engine (75HP, 90HP and 110HP) and a choice of two- or five-seat versions of the Kangoo Maxi. The five seat “Crew” version features a rear seat that can be tipped forward to accommodate particularly long loads.

The 2013 Kango boasts superb fuel-efficiency. The dCi 75 Stop&Start and dCi 90 Stop&Start engines boast NEDC combined-cycle fuel consumption of just 4.3 litres/100km or 65.7mpg (equivalent to 112g/km of CO2).

To help drivers reduce their fuel consumption further still, the latest-generation engines available for Kangoo come with a gear shift indicator as standard equipment, as well as an ECO mode that can achieve fuel savings of up to 10% by acting on engine torque, the gear shift indications and accelerator pedal mapping.

New Kangoo Van benefits from a connected multimedia system thanks to the introduction of R-Link (optional, or standard equipment for ‘Sport’ versions). This system incorporates the in-dash TomTom® LIVE navigation previously available for Phase 1 Kangoo, plus numerous new functions, such as advance warning of hazardous zones and the ability to download applications like the reading out of e-mails. The range of radios has evolved, too, with a choice of three solutions. All radios come with USB and Bluetooth connectivity, while the next level up is equipped with a CD player. The premium radio integrates with the Renault R-Link system.

Also available is new-generation ESC combined with Hill Start Assist, plus Grip for improved traction in difficult conditions. It goes without saying that New Kangoo Van continues to be available with the many innovations that have forged its reputation, including the sliding rear roof flap.

Source: Renault

February 1, 2013

2014 Audi A8 L TDI – US Price $82,500

Audi US has announced the pricing of the new 2014 A8 L TDI. The luxurious saloon offers stylish exterior, superb comfort, technology, performance and efficiency. All this comes at reasonable price of $82,500.

2014 Audi A8 L TDI has a 3.0 liter diesel with 240HP (179 kW) and 550Nm (406 lb-ft) of torque. 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) in 6.4 seconds and an an EPA-estimated 24 mpg city / 36 mpg highway/ 28 mpg combined.

For the 2014 Audi A8 L TDI, the package options were optimized to better reflect customer demand. The available Premium Package now consists of Audi side assist and pre sense rear, 22-way multi-contour comfort seats, font seat ventilation with massage and full LED headlights.

The A8 L TDI joins an expanding model line-up including the A8 3.0T, A8 4.0T, S8 4.0T and A8 W12. The A8 L TDI will be available in the long-wheelbase version only.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iD8WDoto-T0

Source: Audi

February 1, 2013

2013 Dodge Dart Mopar at the Chicago Auto Show

Chrysler has introduced the new 2013 Dodge Dart Mopar. The car will be shown at next week’s Chicago Auto Show. It will be produced in limited series of just 500 units.

“Our new Mopar ’13 Dart will turn heads and stand out from the crowd. For this special, limited- edition vehicle, we specifically kept the driver in mind as we added select Mopar parts and accessories.”, said Pietro Gorlier, President and CEO of Mopar, Chrysler Group’s service, parts and customer-care brand.

2013 Dart Mopar is powered by a 1.4 liter Multi-air turbocharged petrol connected to a manual gearbox. A performance-tuned exhaust is also installed.

The exterior boasts gloss-black finish with a pair of car-length Mopar Blue stripes, which mirror each of the three previous Mopar- themed models. There is also a performance steering-gear calibration, a 7 mm lowered suspension with 18” wheels fitted with 225/40 R18 tires. Behind them, a premium brake kit with slotted rotors is installed. Other highlights include Mopar’s ground-effects kit – a front-chin spoiler, one-piece deck-lid spoiler, as well as a unique and aggressively styled rear diffuser.

The interior boasts a serialized plate, a custom Mopar Blue leather seat with black accents, Mopar Blue accent thread, as well as light- black chrome and gloss-black elements.The special-edition Mopar ’13 includes industry-first wireless charging for smartphones, a blue-stitched leather-wrapped steering wheel with an identically garnished shifter knob, a bright sport-pedal kit, premium Mopar carpet floor mats, door-sill guards and an 8.4” navigation screen.

Mopar has introduced numerous industry-first features including:

• Vehicle-information apps: first to introduce smartphone vehicle-information applications, a new channel of communication with consumers
• Electronic owner manuals: first to introduce traditional owner manuals in a DVD and brief user- guide format and first to offer complete vehicle-information kits in Spanish
• Wi-Fi: first to offer customers the ability to make their vehicle a wireless hot spot
• Wireless charging: first to introduce in-vehicle wireless charging for portable devices
• Electronic Vehicle Tracking System (EVTS): first to market with a new interactive vehicle tracking device that sends owner a text when vehicle is driven too fast or too far based on pre-set
• 2011 Mopar Challenger Drag Pak: first to introduce a 500-plus cubic-inch V-10 drag-race
• Brand-specific customer care telephone lines: first to offer Sunday service hours for customers
• WiTECH: first to support vehicle diagnosis and software updates leveraging off-the-shelf

Source: Dodge

January 31, 2013

2013 Volkswagen Caddy Edition 30 – Price £17,660

Volkswagen has introduced the Caddy Edition 30, which is created to celebrate 30 years and three generations of its compact van. The Caddy Edition 30 will be run in limited series of just 117 units.

The striking exterior follows the design cues of other sporty Volkswagen vans, such as the Transporter Sportline, and it is distinguished by a black roof and roof rails contrasting against Candy White paintwork, with body-coloured bumpers, door handles and door mirrors, plus chrome grille detailing, 17” Budapest alloy wheels and Edition 30 logo on the door sills and exterior.

The standard equipment includes Bluetooth connectivity, Climatic air conditioning, leather steering wheel, an upgraded RCD 310 radio/CD unit, electric windows, electrically adjustable and heated door mirrors, tailgate with heated rear window and wash/wipe, height adjustable driver’s and passenger’s seats, plus front fog lights. The superior Timo upholstery is standard, while for even more luxury, models with DSG transmission feature alcantara leather upholstery.

The engine range includes three diesels from 75 to 125 kW and a petrol (TSI) version with 77 kW.

The Caddy Edition 30 is now available in Volkswagen Van Centre showrooms. The pricing starts from £17,660 (excluding VAT) for manual models, or £19,060 (excluding VAT) for the DSG versions.

Source: Volkswagen

January 31, 2013

Heico Sportiv Volvo V40 [video]

HEICO Sportiv has published a new video presenting their tuned Volvo V40. The most modern camera technology is used to present the car. Pictures and the leading actor impress thereby equally by most brilliant quality and highest detail love.

“As a Volvo tuning specialist, the Volvo V40 offers us an excellent starting point,” commented HEICO SPORTIV General Manager, Holger Hedtke.

“It has an attractive design, sporty driving dynamics, and addresses a target group that places great emphasis on quality and individualism. We see it as our mission to hone the Volvo V40’s character.”, he added.

Several power enhancement programs are available. The product line goes under the name of e.motion®, which stands for “efficiency in motion”. A proprietary HEICO SPORTIV technology for high-efficiency power enhancement, it consists of a second, equivalent engine control unit that works in parallel with the original control unit, acting as an independent second “brain”. Following the D2, D3 and D4 diesel engines, HEICO SPORTIV now also offers tuning products for the T3 and T4 turbo direct-injection models. In concrete figures, this translates into 200HP (147 kW) power, 300 Nm torque and much improved acceleration and elasticity values.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ThGaIg6w4fc

The newly developed sport brake kit also makes an active contribution to driving safety. The front-axle brake set consists of blue-lacquered 6-piston fixed calipers bearing the HEICO SPORTIV logo in white, 370 mm-diameter steel brake discs, special brake pads and flexible steel hoses.

The result: deceleration of over 10.35 m/s2 and, at 33.5 meters from 100 km/h, also a shorter stopping distance than that of the series produced vehicle.

Source: Heico

January 31, 2013

2013 Mercedes-Benz E-Class – Price €40,430

Mercedes-Benz has published the price list for the all-new 2013 E-Class. Both – Saloon and Estate version are available with a wide range of engines, equipment and limitless individual options.

The engine range includes four four-cylinder diesels – E 200 CDI, E 220 CDI, E250 CDI and E 300 BlueTEC Hybrid, which is currently the most economical luxury-class saloon, which in addition to the four-cylinder diesel engine also has a 20 kW (27HP) electric motor. The six-cylinder diesels are E 300 BlueTEC and E 350 BlueTEC, which are revised and fitted with environmentally friendly and efficient BlueTEC technology.

The petrol choice is between – E 200, E 250, E 300, E 400, E 500 and the high-performance E 63 AMG. All are engines are fitted with the ECO start/stop system and combine high performance with exemplary economy. The power output levels range from 184HP (135 kW) to 585HP (430 kW) for the petrol engines, and from 136HP (199 kW) to 252HP (185 kW) for the diesels.

The price starts at €40,430 (including VAT) for 2013 Mercedes-Benz E 200 CDI and goes up to €121,023 for E 63 AMG 4Matic S Estate.

As standard, both the Saloon and Estate models are fitted with COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST, a radar-based collision warning system with adaptive brake assist systems. It helps to significantly reduce the risk of a rear-end collision. Also forming part of the standard equipment is an enhanced ATTENTION ASSIST, which is now able to warn of inattentiveness and drowsiness across a wider speed range.

In addition, also optionally available are a number of assistance systems which are either new or now feature significantly extended functions. These include:

DISTRONIC PLUS with Steering Assist can help to take the burden off the driver when it comes to keeping the vehicle in its lane and also track traffic in tailbacks semi-automatically
for the first time, the Brake Assist system BAS PLUS with Junction Assist is able to detect crossing traffic and pedestrians too, and boost the braking power applied by the driver accordingly
the PRE-SAFE® Brake can detect pedestrians and initiate autonomous braking to avoid a collision at speeds up to 50 km/h
Adaptive Highbeam Assist Plus allows the main-beam headlamps to be kept on permanently without dazzling traffic by masking out other vehicles in the beams’ cone of light

As ever, there are attractive design packages to visually enhance both the interior and exterior. Furthermore, the new E-Class offers a variety of individualisation options. Irrespective of the chosen equipment line, all appointment options remain available. As such each vehicle can be individually tailored to ensure that it is unlike any other. For example, a Saloon or Estate can be totally classic on the outside, but display a highly modern character on the inside.

Pricing:

	Saloon	Estate
E 200 CDI	€40,430.25	€43,643.25
E 220 CDI	€43,286.25	€46,499.25
E 220 CDI Edition	€43,286.25	–
E 250 CDI	€46,320.75	€49,533.75
E 250 CDI 4MATIC	€51,556.75	€54,769.75
E 300 BlueTEC HYBRID	€52,449.25	€55,662.25
E 300 BlueTEC	€51,973.25	€55,186.25
E 350 BlueTEC	€54,710.25	€57,923.25
E 350 BlueTEC 4MATIC	€57,447.25	60,660.25
E 200	€41,917.75	€45,130.75
E 250	€46,975.25	€50,188.25
E 300	€51,229.50	€54,442.50
E 300 4MATIC	€53,966.50	€57,179.50
E 400	€56,019.25	€59,232.25
E 400 4MATIC	€58,756.25	€61,969.25
E 500	€70,656.25	€73,274.25
E 500 4MATIC	€73,393.25	€76,011.25
E 63 AMG	€103,054	–
E 63 AMG 4MATIC	€106,981	€109,599
E 63 AMG 4MATIC S	€118,405	€121,023

Prices apply to Germany and include 19% VAT

Source: Mercedes-Benz

January 31, 2013

BMW Z8 Roadster – Price €113,361

Always wanted to be “James Bond”? Here is your chance! Just get a nice suit, expensive watch and this awesome BMW Z8. Same car is used by Pierce Brosnan in the movie “The world is not enough”.The Z8 Roadster is powered by the famous S62B49 – naturally aspirated high-revving V8 with 400HP (300 kW) and 500Nm (370 lb-ft) of torque. The same engine is used in the E39 M5, but here it powers a roadster. The engine was located behind the front axle in order to provide the car with 50/50 weight distribution. 0-100 km/h in 4.7 seconds and a top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph) – electronically limited.This particular unit has 17,700 km on the clock. It is priced at 113,361, which is a lot more than it cost as brand new. Still, it is in mint condition and comes with a set of enormous 20” original Alpina Wheels fitted with Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires . Equipment includes Full leather red and black, Air conditioning, floor mats, electric seat adjustment, hardtop including hardtop stand, cover, wind deflector, alarm, xenon lights, original board folder, the original operating instruction book, original tool kit, electric steering column longitudinal adjustment and many more.The car is for absolute collectors, but it also can be driven on the public roads.

January 31, 2013

Wheelsandmore Ferrari FF

Wheelsandmore has presented a number of upgrades for the AWD Ferrari – the FF. The tuning program includes styling and performance mods.

There is a set of new 6-Sporz ultra-light forged wheels -9.5J x 21” and 12J x 22” (front and rear) fitted with Pirelli P Zero Nero tires. Other upgrade is a complete stainless steel exhaust system featuring remote-operable valve flaps.

Stage 1 performance kit includes a remapped ECU – 684HP (503 kW) and 705Nm (520 lb-ft) of torque. The price is €3,782.

Stage 2 increases the output to 700HP (515 kW) and 715Nm (527 lb-ft) of torque thanks to the new exhaust system. The price is €9,244.

Wheelsandmore is also working on a new coilover suspension, which can lower the car with 25mm.

Source: Wheelsandmore

January 31, 2013

2013 Audi A3 Cabriolet Final Edition

Audi has announced details and price list of the A3 Cabriolet Final Edition. The soft-top car is now even more attractive with more equipment and better value for money. The pricing ranges from £23,775 to £30,615 as for the £23,775 you will get a 1.2 TFSI Sport Final Edition.

Engine range includes: the 1.2 TFSI with 105HP, the 1.8 TFSI with 160HP and the 2.0 TFSI with 200HP – or two turbo charged direct injection diesels – the 1.6 TDI with 105HP and the 2.0 TDI with 140HP.

The A3 Cabriolet Sport Final Edition takes the already comprehensively equipped Sport model and replaces its cloth upholstery with supple Vienna leather. It also adds front seat heating, rear parking sensors, automatic headlight and wiper activation, cruise control and a Bluetooth mobile phone interface. These comfort and convenience features are in addition to existing Sport trimmings such as 17” alloy wheels, sports suspension, dual-zone climate control, a Concert CD audio system with auxiliary iPod/MP3 socket and a fast-acting fully automatic acoustic hood.

S–line Final Edition models offer even more luxury to complement their even more sporting stance. They replace the original 18” S line alloy wheel with a new five-segment spoke design, add full Vienna leather upholstery in place of the original fabric and leather combination and boost the list of S line safety and entertainment features to include xenon plus headlights with LED daytime running lamps, DVD-based satellite-navigation, Audi Music Interface iPod connection and a BOSE sound system.

The premium for the new A3 Cabriolet Sport Final Edition model is £2,340 over the standard A3 Cabriolet, which also continues in this final production run. Compared with the cost of specifying its additional equipment individually, this premium represents a saving of £1,605. The step up to the S line Final Edition from the Sport Final Edition costs an additional £2,435, effectively saving £3,640 compared with choosing its additional equipment separately.

Check out the price list, below!

Price list:

A3 Cabriolet Sport Final Edition Pricing
1.2 TFSI Sport Final Edition	£23,775 OTR
1.8 TFSI Sport Final Edition	£26,685 OTR
2.0 TFSI Sport Final Edition	£28,180 OTR
1.6 TDI Sport Final Edition	£25,225 OTR
2.0 TDI Sport Final Edition	£27,030 OTR

A3 Cabriolet S line Final Edition Pricing
1.2 TFSI S line Final Edition	£26,210 OTR
1.8 TFSI S line Final Edition	£29,120 OTR
2.0 TFSI S line Final Edition	£30,615 OTR
1.6 TDI S line Final Edition	£27,660 OTR
2.0 TDI S line Final Edition	£29,465 OTR

A3 Cabriolet Sport Final Edition – additional equipment over A3 Cabriolet Sport

Vienna leather upholstery
Front seat heating
Acoustic rear parking sensors
Light and rain sensors
Cruise control
Bluetooth mobile phone interface

A3 Cabriolet S line Final Edition – additional equipment over A3 Cabriolet Sport Final Edition

18-inch 5-segment-spoke alloy wheels
(new design replacing original 18-inch S line equivalent)
Xenon plus headlamps with LED daytime running lights
DVD-based satellite navigation
Audi Music Interface
BOSE sound system

Source: Audi

January 30, 2013

2013 Porsche Cayenne Turbo S – US Price $146,000

Porsche has presented the Cayenne Turbo S at the 2013 North American International Auto Show. The mighty SUV is expected to hit the market this spring with pricing starting from $146,000. You will may think that is too much, but the new Cayenne Turbo S offers unmatched performance and luxury.

2013 Porsche Cayenne Turbo S is powered by the well-known 4.8 liter bi-turbo V8 with 550HP (404 kW) at 6,000RPM and 747Nm (553 lb-ft) at just 2,250RPM. 0-100 km/h in 4.3 seconds and a top speed of 283 km/h (176 mph). The engine is paired with an 8-speed Tiptronic S transmission. Gear changes are rapid and virtually unnoticeable, resulting in uninterrupted thrust in all situations. Continuous power to the wheels without interruptions or hesitation also benefits traction at each wheel, enabling aggressive driving even in full automatic mode.

The standard auto Start/Stop function demonstrates that efficiency is a priority at Porsche, even in vehicles with extreme performance like the Cayenne Turbo S.

Other features for maximum dynamic performance include Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control (PDCC), Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus (PTV Plus) and the Sport Chrono package as standard.

The new Cayenne Turbo S comes with the Sport Chrono Package as standard. Exterior features and equipment clearly identify the Cayenne Turbo S as the flagship Cayenne. Many exterior features such as the air intake grilles, headlight housings and mirror components are finished in high-gloss black. Exclusive to the Cayenne Turbo S are standard 21” 911 Turbo II wheels painted gloss black on the inside and featuring the Porsche crestin full color.

Porsche designers also crafted two-tone leather interiors in new colors and combinations specifically for the new Cayenne Turbo S. Available combinations include black/carrera red and black/luxor beige. Enhancing the new leather interiors, and exclusive to the Cayenne Turbo S, are decorative stitching in contrasting colors (also carrera red and luxor beige).

Upon request, the Cayenne Turbo S may be further customized with items like the Carbon Handles interior trim package or a carbon multifunction steering wheel.

Source: Porsche

January 30, 2013

Citroen Berlingo Electrique – 100% Electric Van

Citroen has announced the all-new Berlingo Electrique van. It will makes its official debut at the Commercial Vehicle Show (NEC, 9-11 April).

Citroen’s CV Show stand will also be the launch platform for a number of other new LCV products, including the new Dispatch L1H1 HDi 125 6-seat Crew Van and Stop & Start equipped Relay vans. In addition, Citroen will be continuing its “Citroen Vans – Business Class” theme, with Citroën Contract Motoring personnel providing instant contract hire and other business-friendly finance quotations to the show’s visitors.

The new, well equipped Berlingo Electrique incorporates the latest electric vehicle technology. The electric motor is positioned under the bonnet and the lithium-ion battery pack is located underneath the vehicle’s load deck. This means the load compartment of up to 3.7m³and payload of 636kg is equivalent to that of a similar diesel-powered Berlingo van.

With a total battery capacity of 22.5kWh, the Berlingo Electrique has a range of up to 106 miles. Using a domestic socket, the vehicle can be fully charged in around 8 ½ hours or, alternatively, it can be charged to 80% of capacity in only 35 minutes using a specific 380V three-phase terminal in quick-charge mode.

The Berlingo Electrique’s permanent magnet synchronous electric motor produces 49kW (67hp) and has a peak torque rating of 200Nm. The motor drives the front wheels through a speed reducer and a single-ratio gearbox.

Full UK specs and pricing will be announced closer to the CV Show, but among the Berlingo Electrique’s many features are:

Eco-driving information, including an energy consumption/regeneration indicator, an instantaneous energy consumption gauge and an auxiliaries consumption gauge, which displays data on heating, air conditioning and other secondary power usage
A deceleration and braking energy recovery system
An electric heating system with an eco-mode to limit energy consumption
Hill start assist coupled to the ESP system

Source: Citroen

January 30, 2013

Some Winter Action with Audi R8, Bentley Continental GT Speed, Porsche 911 and Jaguar XKR-S

Here is a nice video published by Autocar. It features several supercars having some fun in the snow. Among them you will see – Audi R8 5.2 FSI S-Tronic, Bentley Continental GT Speed, Jaguar XKR-S Convertible, Audi R8 4.2 FSI S-Tronic and Porsche 911 Carrera 4S.

The R8 5.2 FSI has a 5.2 liter V10 with 542HP (399 kW) at 8,000RPM and 537Nm (398 lb-ft) of torque at 6,500RPM. The engine is mated to a 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox sending the power to Quattro AWD. 0-100 km/h in 3.5 seconds and a top speed of 317km/h (197 mph). Curb weight – 1,595 kg. The price is £127,575.

The Continental GT Speed is powered by a 6.0 liter bi-turbo W12 with 616HP (453 kW) at 6,000RPM and 800Nm (590 lb-ft) of torque at 1,700RPM. The engine is coupled with 8-speed automatic sending power to AWD. 0-100 km/h in 4.0 seconds and a top speed of 330 km/h (205 mph). Curb weight – 2,320 kg. The price is £151,000.

The XKR-S Convertible has a supercharged 5.0-liter V8 with 542HP (399 kW) at 6,500RPM and 680Nm (501 lb-ft) of torque at 2,500RPM. The engine is mated to a 6-speed automatic gearbox sending power to RWD. 0-100 km/h in 4.2 seconds and a top speed of 300 km/h (186 mph). Curb weight – 1,795kg. The price is £103,430.

Next is the R8 4.2 FSI S-Tronic having naturally aspirated V8 delivering 424HP (312 kW) at 7,900RPM and 428Nm (317 lb-ft) of torque at 4,500RPM. The gearbox is 7-speed sending power to AWD. 0-100 km/h in 4.3 seconds and a top speed of 302 km/h (187mph). Curb weight 1,585 kg. The price – £94,475.

Last is the 911 Carrera 4S – a 3.8 liter flat-six with 395HP (290 kW) at 7,400RPM and 437Nm (324 lb-ft) of torque at 5,600RPM. The engine is mated to a 7-speed PDK gearbox sending power to AWD. 0-100 km/h in 4.3 seconds and a top speed of 297km/h (184 mph). The curb weight is 1,450kg. The price – £87,959.

Enjoy the video!

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GFtgwCOaBL4

Source: Autocar.co.uk via Youtube

January 30, 2013

Author: Victor Ivanov