Victor Ivanov – Page 143 – Automobiles Review

Citroen DS3 Red Editions – UK Price £15,655

Citroen has announced the DS3 DStyle Red and DS3 DSport Red in the United Kingdom. Both versions of the small hatchback will come with exclusive styling cues and additional standard equipment. The special edition DS3 Red range is available now, priced from just £15,655.

The special editions DS3 will be available exclusively in Polar White or Perla Nera Black. They are distinguished by unique alloy wheels and “Sport Red” accents on the roof, mirrors and grille.

DS3 DStyle Red models are available, as standard, with Citroen’s ‘Connect Signature’ pack, which includes Bluetooth and USB connectivity, plus an enhanced Hi-Fi system and additional speakers for superior sound quality.

The ‘City Signature’ pack, which comes as standard on DSport Red versions, consists of automatic headlights and wipers, rear parking sensors, electric heated and folding door mirrors, an electrochrome rear view mirror, interior mood lighting and a front central armrest. All DSport Red versions are also specified, as standard, with Bluetooth, USB connectivity and the same enhanced Hi-Fi system as specified in DStyle Red.

The engine range includes a VTi 120 petrol engine or an e-HDi 90 diesel engine for the DStyle Red and powerful THP 155 petrol engine or an e-HDi 115 diesel for DSport Red.

ENGINE OPTIONS & PRICES

DS3 RED VERSION	ECONOMY (COMBINED)	CO₂ EMISSIONS	MRR OTR PRICE
VTi 120 manual DStyle Red	47.9mpg	136g/km	£15,655
e-HDi 90 Airdream manual DStyle Red	76.3mpg	98g/km	£15,855

THP 155 6-speed manual DSport Red	47.1mpg	135g/km	£17,780
e-HDi 115 Airdream 6-speed manual DSport Red	74.4mpg	99g/km	£18,060

The only cost option available for DS3 Red models is Perla Nera Black pearlescent paint at £480.

Source: Citroen

January 3, 2013

Skoda Yeti Laurin & Klement Special Edition

Skoda has announced the new Yeti Laurin & Klement Edition. The special edition vehicle is named after company founders Václav Laurin and Václav Klement. It comes with a number of extras bringing more comfort and satisfaction.

Among them you’ll find by-xenon headlights, silver roof rails and a set of 17” “Annapurna” alloy wheels fitted with proper tires. The interior boasts a complete leather upholstery, gloss black trim and metal pedals. The logo of “Laurin & Klement” can be found on door sill plates, on the dashboard and the seats.

The Yeti Laurin & Klement Edition is available with both engines: the 1.2-liter TSI and the 1.6-liter TDI, both having 105HP (77 kW).

SKODA Yeti Laurin & Klement prices:

Engine	CO₂ emissions	VED band	Basic	VAT	RRP	OTR
1.8 TSI 160PS 4×4	189	J	£19,841.67	£3,968.33	£23,810.00	£24,835.00
2.0 TDI CR 140PS 4×4 DSG DPF	169	H	£21,300.00	£4,260.00	£25,560.00	£26,400.00
2.0 TDI CR 170PS 4×4 DPF	155	G	£21,037.50	£4,207.50	£25,245.00	£25,980.00

Additional SKODA Yeti Laurin & Klement exterior features (above Elegance):

17-inch Annapura polished alloy wheels
Silver roof rails
Black side protective moulding with chrome ledge
Auto-dimming driver’ door mirror
L&K inscription on front mud guards

Additional SKODA Yeti Laurin & Klement interior features (above Elegance):

Columbus satellite navigation with DAB radio
Heated windscreen
Panoramic sunroof
Park Assist
Black leather seats with silver stitching and L&K logo
Black small leather package with silver stitching
Three-spoke black multi-function leather steering wheel
Piano Black cabin inlays with L&K logo
L&K door sill scuff plates
Floor mats with silver stitching

The SKODA Yeti Laurin & Klement is available in all exterior colours with the exception of Corrida Red and Pacific Blue. The option of a coloured roof is not available. Customers who want to further personalise their car can do so using the full range of Yeti optional extras.

Source: Skoda

January 3, 2013

2014 Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG [render]

A speculative render of the upcoming 2014 Mercedes E 63 AMG was released by Khalil Bouguerra.

The top-of-range E-class is based on the new facelift version of the luxurious saloon. It will make its official debut at the 2013 Detroit Motor Show.

The new E 63 AMG will come with complete aerodynamics package, big wheels, stiffened suspension and big brake system.

The engine is the new 5.5 liter twin-turbo V8 with 550HP (405 kW) and 719Nm (531 lb-ft) of torque. 0-100 km/h in 3.5 seconds and a top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph). With the AMG Performance Package, the engine will get another 26HP (19 kW) and 35Nm (26 lb-ft) and the top speed will be raised to 300 km/h (186 mph).

2014 Mercedes-Benz E 63 AMG will be sold exclusively with 4MATIC system in the US, while the other markets will get also the RWD version.

Source: virtuel-car.blogspot

January 3, 2013

Wald International Toyota Land Cruiser

Wald International has introduced the Black Bison package for Toyota Land Cruiser facelift. The big SUV will be introduced at the Tokyo Auto Salon.

The package includes an aggressive front bumper, bigger wheel arches making the vehicle 40 mm wider and a modified rear bumper with an integrated diffuser. The price is 525,000 JPY ($ 6,030), which is not too much to make your Land Cruiser unique.

There are also a roof-mounted spoiler, a tailgate-mounted spoiler and carbon fiber trim. Other options include LED fog lights, a sports exhaust system and unique alloy wheels. Of course, all these options will boost the price significantly.

Source: Wald International

January 3, 2013

2013 Bentley Continental GT Speed Convertible

Bentley has announced the new 2013 Continental GT Speed Convertible. The luxurious drop-top will make its official debut at the 14^th January at the North American International Auto Show, Detroit. This is the world’s fastest four-seat convertible.

It is powered by a twin-turbocharged 48-valve 6.0 litre twin-turbocharged W12 – 625HP (460 kW) at 6,000 RPM and 800Nm (590 lb-ft) at 2,000 RPM.0-100 km/h in 4.4 seconds and a top speed of 325 km/h (202 mph). Other interesting discipline – 0-160 km/h in 9.7 seconds.

The engine is mated to a close-ratio, quick-shifting 8-speed transmission. It achieves a 15% improvement in fuel economy and CO₂ emissions compared with the first generation Speed.

The Continental GT Speed Convertible also comes with uprated and lowered suspension and retuned steering provide exhilarating acceleration and sharp, communicative handling without detriment to the renowned ride comfort of Bentley’s Continental convertible. Permanent all-wheel drive ensures optimum traction and power delivery whatever the road conditions.

Other highlights include a set of 21” alloy wheels fitted with performance tires, -tint grilles and ‘rifled’ exhaust tail pipes. The interior boasts the Mulliner Driving Specification as standard, having contemporary luxury with a distinctly sporting character.

The result is an exhilarating combination of performance and practicality; a Bentley that can tackle sun-drenched boulevard or snowy alpine pass with equal confidence.

2013 Bentley Continental GT Speed Convertible Technical Specs:

	GT Speed Convertible	GT Speed
Engine
Type	6-litre twin-turbocharged W12
Max Power	616 bhp / 460 kW / 625 PS @6000 rpm
Max Torque	800 Nm / 590 lb.ft @ 2000 rpm
Transmission
Type	ZF 8-speed automatic with Quickshift, Block Shifting and wheel-mounted paddleshift
Driveline	Continuous all-wheel drive (40:60 rear bias)
Ratios	1^st : 4.71; 2^nd: 3.14; 3^rd: 2.1; 4^th: 1.67; 5^th: 1.29; 6^th: 1.00; 7^th: 0.839; 8^th: 0.667
Final Drive	2.85
Brakes
Front	405mm ventilated discs (optional 420mm Carbon Silicon Carbide, cross drilled)
Rear	335mm ventilated discs (optional 356mm, Carbon Silicon Carbide, cross drilled)
Wheels and Tyres
Wheels	9.5J x 21”
Tyres	275/35 ZR21
Steering
Type	Rack & pinion, power assisted, speed-sensitive ZF servotronic
Turns lock-to-lock	2.6 turns
Turning circle	11.3 m
Suspension
Front	Four link double wishbones, computer controlled self-levelling air suspension, with anti-roll bar
Rear	Trapezoidal multi-link, computer-controlled self-levelling air suspension, with anti-roll bar
Damping	Continuous Damping Control, tuned for dynamic performance
Dimensions
Wheelbase	2746 mm / 108.1 in
Overall length	4806 mm / 189.2 in
Width (across body)	1944 mm / 76.5 in
Width (inc. mirrors)	2227 mm / 87.7 in
Overall height	1393 mm / 54.8 in	1394 mm / 54.9 in
Fuel tank	90 litres / 20 gallons / 24 US gallons
Boot volume	260 / 9.18 cu ft	358 litres / 12.6 cu ft
Kerb weight (EU)	2495 kg / 5500 lb	2320 kg / 5115 lb
Gross vehicle weight	2900 kg / 6393 lb	2750 kg / 6063 lb
Performance
Top speed	202 mph / 325 km/h	205 mph / 330 km/h
0-60 mph	4.1 secs	4.0 secs
0-100 mph	9.7 secs	9.0 secs
0-100 km/h	4.4 secs	4.2 secs
0-160 km/h	9.7 secs	9.0 secs
Fuel Consumption (EU cycle)*
Urban	12.5 mpg (22.7 litres/100km)	12.7 mpg (22.2 litres/100km)
Extra Urban	27.2 mpg (10.4 litres/100km)	28.0 mpg (10.1 litres/100km)
Combined	19.0 mpg (14.9 litres/100km)	19.5 mpg (14.5 litres/100km)
CO₂ emissions	347 g/km	338 g/km
Fuel Consumption (EPA cycle)**
City (US mpg)	12	13
Highway (US mpg)	20	20
Combined (US mpg)	15	15
Emissions Controls	EU 5 and US LEV II

* Fuel consumption figures are provisional and subject to Type Approval.

** Fuel consumption figures are provisional and subject to EPA certification.

January 1, 2013

Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4 with Vellano alloys

Vellano has specially created a set of forged wheels for Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4. The manufacturer made the astonishing hyper-car even better without ruining its original exterior.

It is almost impossible task to improve the aerodynamics, so giving better look with a set of new wheels is acceptable.

The matte black rims are finished black and orange to match the brake calipers and the special matte black wrap. The dimensions of the wheels are 20” at the front and 21” at the rear.

LP700-4 is powered by a 6.5 liter V12 with 700PS (515 kW) and 690Nm (509 lb-ft). The engine is coupled to a 7-speed ISR gearbox specially supplied by Graziano Trasmissioni Group. The shift time is just 50 milliseconds. The power is put on the road through a Haldex AWD system. 0-100 km/h in 2.9 seconds and a top speed of 350 km/h (217 mph).

Source: WCF

January 1, 2013

Gazoo Racing GRMN Sports FR Concept Platinum

Gazoo Racing has released some details and teaser pictures of GRMN Sports FR Concept Platinum. The sports car will make its official debut at the Tokyo Auto Salon.

The car is based on GRMN Sports FR Concept. The Platinum version has revised styling which further distances it from the Toyota 86. The Sports FR Concept Platinum comes with a ventilated hood, new fenders and LED-infused headlights. There are also unique alloy wheels, a rear spoiler and revised taillights.

The interior boasts a safety roll cage, additional instrumentation – including a boost gauge, water temperature gauge, oil temperature gauge and white leather seats with four-point harnesses.

The power comes from twin-charged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 330HP (242 kW) and 431Nm (318 lb-ft) of torque. It is connected to a 6-speed manual gearbox sending all power to the rear wheels, where a LSD (limited slip differential) takes care about the traction.

Other highlights include a sport-tuned suspension, high-performance brake system and a dual sports exhaust system.

Source: Gazoo Racing

December 29, 2012

Smart ForTwo at the 2013 Dakar Rally [video]

Team Feber created a specially modified Smart ForTwo meeting all regulations to take part in the upcoming 2013 Dakar Rally – the ultimate challenge. Unfortunately, the race team doesn’t have enough funds to field a full assortment of vehicles, including two Smarts and a Honda CRF-450.

The modified ForTwo has a completely modified body, an off-road suspension with more clearance and a four-wheel drive system.

“We have no choice, we love to dream … we like movies with happy endings” but even though we cannot compete in Dakar this year, “the movie was pretty, very pretty …”, commented the driver Jose Luis Alvarez Alarcon.

The 2013 Dakar Rally starts January 5 in Lima, Peru, and ends January 20 in Santiago, Chile, and it appears that this team, with its unique ride, will not be attending.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fm1VocgKVv4

Source: Smart

December 29, 2012

Sportec SP6 X based on 2013 BMW X6

Sportec has announced their tuning package for the new 2013 BMW X6 Facelift. The big SAV comes not only with styling modifications, but with some serious additional power.

The inline-six 3.0-liter twin-turbo diesel is boosted to 375HP (276 kW) and 747Nm (553 lb-ft) of torque. This is an increase of 72HP and 147Nm of torque. The result is thanks to only an ECU re-map. 0-100 km/h in 5.4 seconds and a top speed of 264 km/h (164 mph). This is 1.1 seconds quicker to 100 km/h and an increase in top speed of 28 km/h.

The 8-speed ZF automatic gearbox is also tuned. It changes gears a lot faster thanks to the revised ratios.

The styling updates include a set of 20” OZ lightweight alloy wheels fitted with proper tires. This also saves 40 kg (88 lbs) from SAV’s weight.

Last, but not least is a complete sports exhaust system featuring carbon fiber tailpipes.

Source: Sportec

December 28, 2012

Qoros Auto has announced the GQ3 Compact Saloon

Qoros Auto has presented their new GQ3 Compact Saloon. The C-segment vehicle features an elegant exterior, a spacious, feature-packed interior and is engineered to achieve top European and Chinese crash test ratings.

“During the development of the Qoros GQ3, we directed all our efforts towards the needs and expectations of today’s young, aspirational customers,” commented Volker Steinwascher, Deputy Chairman of the Management Board at Qoros.

“They are very sensitive about design and quality, are highly sophisticated users of technology, and insist on the very best safety standards. As an entirely new brand, we have the advantage of being able to focus our efforts, without compromise or distraction, on meeting the demands of these customers.”, he added.

The 2013 GQ3 will make its official debut at the Geneva International Motor Show (7-17 March 2013), the Qoros GQ3 goes on sale in China in the second half of 2013, with the first cars arriving in Europe later in the year.

As Qoros plans the introduction of a large family of cars, its three-digit model naming structure has been carefully considered.

The first letter designates the body style: all sedans will carry the first letter ‘G‘. All Qoros models will feature the second letter ‘Q‘ – an unmistakable reference to the ‘master‘ brand. The third digit will always be a number and indicates the segment in which the model range sits. The number ‘3‘ denotes that the model is in the compact / C-segment.

After its world premiere in Geneva, the Qoros GQ3 will be exhibited at the Shanghai Motor Show in April 2013.

Source: Qoros

December 28, 2012

2013 Skoda Octavia 1.6 TDI GreenLine – 3.4 l / 100 km

Skoda has released full information for the engine range of the all-new 2013 Octavia.

The petrol and the diesel engines in the new Skoda Octavia are all turbocharged and with direct-injection technology as well as a four-cylinder, four-valve layout. This guarantees good performance and very low fuel consumption.

The petrol range includes: a 1.2-liter TSI with 86 HP (63 kW) and 160 Nm (118 lb-ft) of torque; a 1.2-liter TSI Green tec with 105 HP (77 kW) and 175 Nm (129 lb-ft); a 1.4-liter TSI Green tec with 140 HP (103 kW) and 250 Nm (184 lb-ft) and a 1.8-liter TSI Green tec with 180 HP (132 kW) and 250 Nm (184 lb-ft).

The diesel family includes: a 1.6-liter TDI with 90 HP (66 kW) and 250 Nm (184 lb-ft) of torque; a 1.6-liter TDI Green tec with 105 HP (77 kW) and 250 Nm (184 lb-ft); a 1.6-liter TDI GreenLine with 110 HP (81 kW) and a 2.0-liter TDI Green tec with 150 HP (110 kW) and 320 Nm (236 lb-ft).

There are three types of transmissions depending on engine selection: a 5-speed manual, a 6-speed manual and a 7-speed DSG.

2013 Skoda Octavia 1.6 TDI GreenLine has the lowest fuel consumption of all engines in the range – just 3.4 litres per 100 km. It is available with a manual 6-speed transmission. The most thirsty engine is the 1.8 liter TSI – 5.7 litres per 100 km with 7-speed DSG gearbox.

Source: Skoda

December 28, 2012

Jotech Motorsports Nissan GT-R – 735HP

Jotech Motorsports has unveiled their tuning program for Nissan GT-R. One of the most desirable sports cars on the planet is now even faster thanks to Jotech.The performance package includes new fuel injectors, iridium spark plugs and dual fuel pumps. There are also polished aluminum air intakes, K&N air filters and full HKS stainless steel sports exhaust system. Last is the ECU re-map giving the mighty GT-R 550 to 570WHP (wheel-horsepower) on regular 93 octane fuel and up to 600WHP on special E85 gasoline. This is 735HP (540 kW) on the engine.The price for this performance kit is just $10,250. Not much considering the exceptional result.

December 28, 2012

Author: Victor Ivanov