Victor Ivanov – Page 146 – Automobiles Review

2013 Skoda Octavia

Skoda has announced the new 2013 Octavia. The Octavia’s third generation more than ever confirms the car’s unique position in its vehicle segment, impressing with an unrivalled space offering, new design, high functionality, innovative safety and comfort systems, low fuel consumption, wide range of ‚Simply Clever‘ solutions and a SKODA-typical price-value ratio.

The model is bigger than its predecessor – 90 mm longer and 45 mm wider. This means better comfort and best-in-class cargo capacity of 590 liters.

Among the new features, you’ll find a three-spoke steering wheel, metallic trim, updated infotainment systems and an optional panorama glass roof. Options include Adaptive Cruise Assistant (intelligent cruise control), Automatic Parking Assistant and Intelligent Light Assistant which automatically switches the high-beam headlights off when oncoming traffic is detected.

The engine range includes 9 power units – four petrols, four diesels and a natural gas variant. No further information is released, but the 1.8-liter TSI will have 180HP (132 kW) and the GreenLine variant with a 1.6-liter TDI that develops 110 HP (81 kW), it boasts an exceptional fuel consumption of just 3.4 litre / 100 km – average. Both manual and automatic gearboxes are available as well as FWD and AWD.

Simply Clever‘ features in the new Octavia. Depending on trim level, the following items are available either as standard or as an option. They include foldable cargo elements for the boot, enabling safe anchoring of objects on the floor. A double-sided floor covering in the boot can be found for the first time in a SKODA Octavia. An ice scraper is placed inside the filler flap. A warning vest holder is located underneath the driver’s seat and a rubbish bin inside the door panel. A multimedia holder has space for an iPod, a mobile phone and the like. A large overhead sunglasses compartment is just one of many storage bays, holders und hooks that make for an intelligent and clean organisation of interior and baggage space of the new SKODA Octavia.

Also on board are the fuel-error prevention function and a boot cover folding away behind the rear seats.

Source: Skoda

December 15, 2012

The Fastest Christmas Song in the World – BMW ///M135i

The most powerful “normal” 1-Series – the BMW M135i is really an exceptional vehicle. It comes with everything that a track day driver needs – extremely powerful engine, sports suspension, big brakes and nice comfy interior.

The BMW ///M135i is suitable not only for going at the race track during weekends, but everyday driving. It has low fuel consumption and it is relatively quiet, until you press the pedal to the metal. When that happens, the monster under the hood – a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged six-cylinder petrol engine with 320HP (235 kW) and 450Nm (332 lb-ft) becomes furious. 0-100 km/h in 4.9 seconds and a top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph) – electronically limited. Without the limiter, the small sports car will easily go beyond 280 km/h.

Here is a “normal” situation perfectly suitable for the M135i – 4 people singing “Jingle Bells”, while a race driver is doing some drifts at the race track.

Enjoy!

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TjncA7jau2g

Source: BMW

December 13, 2012

ABT 2012 Audi RS4 – 450HP

ABT has introduced their tuning version of Audi RS4. The car comes only with styling changes, but still is has 450HP under the hood. The only performance modification is the removing the factory speed limiter. The ABT RS4 now reaches a top speed of almost 290 km/h.

The exterior boasts a set of ABT DR alloy wheels – 9J x 20” fitted with performance tires. They are finished in cool gun metal finish and the spokes arranged like a turbine blade. The make the appearance even more aggressive, ABT also installs on the sports Audi 25mm wheel spacers on each side.

The impressive sound of the 4.2 liter V8 is boosted by optional stainless-steel exhaust system. From the catalytic converter, ABT Sportsline replaces the system with optimised components. It goes without saying that the Bavarians also offer a TÜV approval for this “brass instrument”.

Finally, ABT puts a special boot mat and the matching set of floor mats.

Source: ABT

December 13, 2012

2014 Acura MDX Prototype at the 2013 NAIAS

Acura will present the next-generation MDX Prototype at the 2013 NAIAS, held in Detroit over January 14-15, next year.

The new MDX utilizes “Aero Sculpture” design language. It affects both form and function, the 2014 MDX Prototype will feature alluring proportions with smooth, arching body lines matched to an efficient architecture.

Nothing is mentioned about the technical specs, but probably the MDX will be powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine with 314HP (231 kW) and 368Nm (272 lb-ft) of torque.

Stay tuned for further information, video and high resolution pictures, which will be available right after the press conference, which can be watched live at www.acurawebcast.com.

Source: Acura

December 13, 2012

New Classic MOKE Motor Vehicle

The bew “Classic MOKE” is created in a Joint Venture with Chery Motors and their subsidiary Sicar Automotive Engineering Company. The vehicle will be available in countries like Australia, Thailand, and throughout the Caribbean. It is planned to be produced as a low volume car with 1000 units per year. Production capacity will grow to an anticipated 1000 units per month after year three with markets throughout South America coming into line.

The original Moke was designed and released in 1960 -1963 as a military vehicle that was light, compact and strong. In 1964 it was first released for public sale in Britain under the names Austin Moke and Morris Moke. In 1966 the first Mokes were produced in Australia under the name BMC MINI MOKE.

The MOKE is often called a ‘Mini Moke’ as it was designed by Sir Alec Issigonis, the same designer as the famous Mini.

In 1977 the Californian Moke was released in Australia with additional features such as Roo bars, Spoked wheels and improved seating. In 1983 the company moved to Portugal before completely stopping production in 1992.

In 2012 Chery Motors and Sicar Automotive started re-engineering the Moke with new features such as 9” front disc brakes, 3-point seat belts for front and rear seats, modern car suspension technology as well as a fuel injected engine and rust proof body.

Nothing is mentioned about the price, but it is expected to be extremely low and affordable.

There are also plans for an Electric eMoke to be released in the near future.

December 13, 2012

2014 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 – Bigger is Better

Chevrolet has announced the all-new 2014 Silverado 1500 full-size pickup. The vehicle is engineered to be the strongest, smartest, and most capable Silverado ever.

Among the many updates for 2014 are a new trio of powerful, efficient EcoTec3 engines. There is also a more comfortable cab, revised steering, suspension and brakes.

“Our customers rely on their trucks to meet the day-to-day challenges of earning a living, running a business and taking care of their families,” commented Mark Reuss, president, GM North America.

“Chevrolet is committed to giving truck customers the most-refined, best-engineered pickups in the market.”, he added.

“Don’t let the work boots fool you. Truck customers are among the most discerning and demanding in the business,” said Jeff Luke, executive chief engineer for full-size and midsize trucks.

“The designers and engineers who created the new Silverado share this passion for trucks. They have built this truck – and tested it to the extremes – to give customers the right tools for the tough jobs, and they have created dozens of solutions to the challenges truck customers encounter every day.”, he finished.

2014 Silverado 1500 Preliminary Specifications

Overview

Models:	Light-duty pickup truck, 2WD and 4WD
Body styles	Regular, extended and crew cab
EPA vehicle class:	Full-size truck
Manufacturing location:	Fort Wayne, Ind.; Silao, Mexico
Key competitors:	Ford F-Series, Ram 1500, Toyota Tundra, Nissan Titan

Powertrains

	4.3L V-6 (LV3)	5.3L V-8 (L83)	6.2L V-8 (L86)
Displacement (cu in / cc):	262 / 4301	325 / 5328	376 / 6162
Bore & stroke (mm):	99.6 x 92	96 x 92	103.25 x 92
Block material:	Cast aluminum	Cast aluminum	Cast aluminum
Cylinder head material:	Cast aluminum	Cast aluminum	Cast aluminum
Compression ratio:	11.0:1	11.0:1	11.5:1
Direct fuel injection:	Yes	Yes	Yes
Cylinder deactivation:	Yes	Yes	Yes
Continuously variable valve timing:	Yes	Yes	Yes
Six-speed automatic transmission with Auto Grade Braking:	Yes	Yes	Yes

Chassis / Suspension

Front suspension:	2WD and 4WD: independent coil-over-shock; monotube shock absorbers available
Rear suspension:	Solid axle with semi-elliptic two-stage multi-leaf springs; monotube shocks available
Steering type:	Electrically-assisted power rack-and-pinion steering with variable assist
Stability control:	Standard StabiliTrak electronic stability control with Trailer Sway Control and Hill Start Assist
Brakes:	Power-assisted four-wheel disc brakes with Duralife™ long-life brake rotors; standard ABS; Hill Descent Control available

Source: GM

December 13, 2012

Citroen DS3 WRC

Citroen Racing and Abu Dhabi now takes real shape with the presentation of the racing programmes for the 2013 season. The Citroen Total Abu Dhabi World Rally Team’s line-up for this year’s FIA World Rally Championship will feature three crews: Mikko Hirvonen/Jarmo Lehtinen, Dani Sordo/Carlos del Barrio and Sébastien Loeb/Daniel Elena. Khalid Al-Qassimi will also be taking part in the majority of the WRC events, but will be competing first and foremost in the FIA Middle East Rally Championship.

“We are very proud to have forged a relationship with a partner that is as prestigious and dynamic as Abu Dhabi,” commented Yves Matton, Citroen Racing Team Principal.

“Like our long-time partner Total, Abu Dhabi will be visible across all our 2013 programmes: on the works teams competing in the WRC and the MERC (Middle East Rally Championship), but also in the Citroen Racing Trophy held in the main countries in Europe. Together, we are also committed to establishing a rally driver development programme with Abu Dhabi Racing.”, he added.

The eight-time World Rally Championship-winning works team – including five consecutive titles between 2008 and 2012 – will now be known as the Citroen Total Abu Dhabi World Rally Team. Three cars will compete at each of the thirteen rounds on the WRC calendar. Lining up in all of the events in the no.2 DS3 WRC, Mikko Hirvonen and Jarmo Lehtinen will be looking to win the Drivers’ title.

“Now that I have my first season with Citroen under my belt, I feel ready for this new challenge,” asserted the Finn. “I have been World Championship runner-up four times, so the next logical step is to aim for first place!”

The second DS3 WRC nominated to score points towards the Manufacturers’ World Championship will be driven by Sebastien Loeb and Daniel Elena at four rallies.

“We’ll start the season in Monte-Carlo and we’ll also be competing in Sweden, because it’s a rally that I would love to win in normal racing conditions. And I couldn‘t begin to think about missing the Rallye de France,” confirmed Seb.
Source: Citroen

December 12, 2012

2013 Volkswagen Polo R WRC Street – 220HP and 348Nm

This is the fastest Polo ever made and it has remained almost the same as the concept. The car is based on the fifth-generation of the model and comes with a Golf GTI’s 4-cylinder, 2.0-liter turbo gasoline engine that produces 220HP (162 kW) and 348 Nm (258 lb-ft) of torque.

Power is sent to front wheels via a short-shift 6-speed manual transmission that enables the hottest Polo to perform the 0-100 km/h sprint in 6.4 seconds and reach a top speed of 243 km/h (151 mph). Volkswagen says that it can return 31.6 mpg US – 7.4 liters / 100 km with CO2 emissions of 174 g/km.

The curb weight is 1,324 kg (2,919 lbs) with the driver (68 kg), luggage (7 kg) and 90 percent full fuel tank included. The car rolls on 18″ alloy wheels with 215/35 R18 tires and has 16-inch disc brakes. Inside it gets WRC-badged seat covers, Alcantara-wrapped steering wheel, racing-style pedals and a black roof liner.

The exterior boasts rally-inspired lower front spoiler with big air inlets, a rear diffuser and a spoiler on the rear edge of the roof. It borrows the same blue/grey livery as its WRC sibling and comes with several “R” and “WRC” badges.

The price is €33,900 and only 2,500 units will be produced.

December 10, 2012

Audi R8 China Edition – Malibu Blue or Suzuka Grey

Audi has presented the 2012 R8 China Edition. The car will be sold exclusively in China and it will feature some nice upgrades.

The exterior will be finished only in Malibu Blue or Suzuka Grey. The R8 China Edition will also have contrasting side blades, a carbon fiber rear wing and gloss black 19” alloy wheels fitted with performance tires.

The interior boasts leather and Alcantara sport seats, an Alcantara steering wheel and body color accents. There are also a lot of carbon fiber elements like side mouldings. Each R8 China Edition will have an individually-serial numbered aluminum gear knob.

2012 Audi R8 China Edition is powered by the same 5.2 liter V10 from Gallardo – 525HP (386 kW) and 530Nm (391 lb-ft) of torque. It is mated to a R-tronic automatic transmission and the power is put on the road through quattro all-wheel drive system. 0-100 km/h in 3.9 seconds and a top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph) – electronically limited.

Only 80 units will be produced.

Source: Audi

December 6, 2012

2013 Volkswagen eco Up! – Price €12,950

Volkswagen has announced the new 2013 eco Up!, which will join the range of small cars by the manufacturer. It is available as 3- or 5-door hatchback and the prices start from €12,950 in Germany and it will be eligible for rebates in excess of €1,000.

The new eco Up! is powered by a 1.0-liter three-cylinder engine that has been specially modified to run on natural gas. The engine has 68HP (50 kW) and 90Nm (66 lb-ft) of torque. 0-100 km/h in 16.3 seconds and a top speed of 164 km/h (102 mph). However, this car is not about performance, it is about savings and going cheap. Furthermore, the new eco Up! has an engine start/stop system, regenerative brakes and low-rolling resistance tires. This means an average 2.9 kg of natural gas/100 km and have CO2 emissions of 79 g/km.

Volkswagen estimates the cost of traveling 100 km (62 miles) in Germany would only be about €3 using natural gas. This is a perfect value for money and still you have air conditioning, navigation system and power windows. In other words, there is enough comfort in this small car and awesome fuel consumption.

The car has three fuel tanks: two for natural gas and one for petrol. The overall range is 600 km (373 miles) – 380km on CNG and around 220km on petrol.

Volkswagen also offers five natural gas powered vehicles in various classes: the Caddy 2.0 EcoFuel, the extended Caddy Maxi 2.0 EcoFuel (109 HP), the Touran 1.4 TSI EcoFuel, the Passat and Passat Estate 1.4 TSI EcoFuel (150 HP).

In the upcoming year, the new Golf will also debut in an EcoFuel version. In this vehicle, Volkswagen is offering one of the world’s most versatile natural gas vehicle programmes.

Source: Volkswagen

December 6, 2012

BMW E92 M3 DTM Champion Edition – Price €99,000

BMW M GmbH is celebrating returning to the DTM with E92 M3 DTM Champion Edition. This happens after almost 20 years away, and the results in its comeback year exceeded all expectations. Canadian driver Bruno Spengler won the drivers’ title, BMW Team Schnitzer finished in top spot in the team standings, and BMW claimed the manufacturers’ honours.

This special-edition model is available exclusively in Frozen Black metallic, while the carbon flaps and gurney, various dark chrome elements, matt black wheels and sections of the race car’s livery also betray its close links with the triumphant BMW M3 DTM. The theme is continued by the BMW M stripe design over the CFRP roof and boot lid, BMW M logo to the rear of the front wheel arches and decals in the rear side windows.

The interior boasts door sill strips replicate Spengler’s helmet design and the carbon-fibre interior trim strip bears the newly crowned champion’s signature and the car’s serial number. The special-edition model also contains various exclusive interior additions, such as the Alcantara steering wheel, handbrake lever embroidered with “M Power” lettering, and extended black Novillo leather trim with features in contrasting Palladium Silver.

The sports car is powered by the famous 4.0 liter hi-revving V8 – 420HP (309 kW) and 400Nm (295 lb-ft) of torque. It is connected to an M DCT (M Double Clutch Transmission). 0-100 km/h in 4.5 seconds and a top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph) – electronically limited.

The special edition M3 will hit the market in February, 2013. Only 54 units will be built and the pricing starts at €99,000.

Source: BMW

December 6, 2012

Hennessey Venom GT: 0-370 km/h [video]

Hennessey has released a new clip, where their Venom GT does 370 km/h. The acceleration is sensational. The small car is way faster than Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport.

Venom GT is based on Lotus Exige, but with enormous twin-turbo 6.2 liter V8 with whopping 1217PS (895 kW) and 1564Nm (1155 lb-ft). The engine is mated to a 6-speed Ricardo manual gearbox. The car weighs just 1220kg (2585 lbs), so the performance is more like a level 5 twister. 0 to 60 mph in 2.5 seconds and a top speed of 443 km/h (275 mph). 0-200 km/h in 7.96 seconds and 0-300 km/h in 13.5 seconds.

The price is $950 000. Not bad for a tuned Exige.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=turV3v9RYeU

Source: HPEdesign via Youtube

December 5, 2012

Author: Victor Ivanov