Victor Ivanov – Page 147 – Automobiles Review

2013 Maserati Quattroporte – 409HP and 550Nm

Maserati has finally revealed full information about the new 2013 Quattroporte. It will be available with two petrol engines.

The first is a V6 twin-turbocharged direct-injected 3.0 liter with 409HP (301 kW) and 550Nm (406 lb-ft) at 5,500RPM of torque at 1,750RPM. 0-100 km/h in 5.1 seconds and a top speed of 285 km/h (177 mph). The more powerful V8 twin-turbocharged direct-injected 3.8 liter delivers 530HP (390 kW) at 6,500RPM and 650Nm (479 lb-ft) of torque at 2,000RPM or 710Nm with overboost function. 0-100 km/h in 4.7 seconds and a top speed of 309 km/h (191 mph).

Both engines will be manufactured by Ferrari and coupled with an 8-speed automatic transmission. The power is put on the road through RWD for the V8 model and AWD for the V6 variant. Under normal driving this all-wheel drive system sends 100% of power to the rear axle, but if necessary it can transfer up to half of that to the front wheels.

The new Quattroporte is now just 1860 kg (4,101 lbs) with V6 and 1900 kg (4189 lbs) with V8 engine.

The car is riding on an all-new Skyhook suspension featuring front control arms, adjustable dampers and a rear multilink. It benefits from a speed-sensitive hydraulic steering system developed by TRW.

Price list will be soon available.

Source: Maserati

December 5, 2012

BMW 4-Series Coupe Concept – F32

BMW has finally released some pictures of the new 4-Series Coupe Concept. As we know, several BMW Concepts were released without any changes neither exterior nor interior. The 4-Series Coupe Concept will be the new F32 in BMW’s model range. The car is expected to go on sale next year as 2014 model.

The two-door version of 3-Series Saloon (the F30) is much more aggressive. It features new headlights, sloping roof and low rear end. The sleek and sporty design immediately catches the eye. We thought that the old 3-Series coupe – the E92 is one of the best looking cars in the world, but this is even better. Hopefully, BMW doesn’t ruin it with major changes.

The interior is pretty nice, too. Of course, considering that is the top-of-range model – Sport leather individual seats, sport individual steering wheel, SAT NAV and iDrive, two-zone climate control and many more.

There is no information about the engines, but according to history they will be exactly the same like in the F30.

Stay tuned for full information!

Source: BMW

December 5, 2012

Brabus 2012 Mercedes-Benz ML Widestar

Brabus 2012 Mercedes-Benz ML 63 AMG Widestar is truly a sensational vehicle. It is not only super powerful, but very luxurious and nice to drive. Mercedes are famous with their comfortable vehicles, but M-Class brings that pleasure to another level. Still, when it needed, the big vehicle can go with 300 km/h.

The 5.5 liter bi-turbo V8 is boosted to 620HP (456 kW) and 820Nm (604 lb-ft) of torque. This happens thanks to BRABUS B63 – 620 PowerXtra module. The increase is 100HP and 120Nm or in other words 4.5 seconds to 100 km/h and a top speed of 300 km/h (186 mph). Both “normal” and AMG Performance Package versions can be upgraded. The B63-620 performance kit comes with BRABUS tuning warranty of 3 years, up to 100,000 km. The package includes a custom stainless steel sport exhaust system and Brabus PowerXtra module.

The ML 63 AMG Widestar rolls BRABUS WIDESTAR rims in dimensions 10J x 22” fiited with 295/30 ZR22 tires supplied by Continental, Pirelli and YOKOHAMA. For superb stance and handling, the tuning company offers control module for the AIRMATIC air suspension. It can lower the SUV, when needed.

The interior can be customized according to customer’s taste. Brabus offers exclusive automotive interior design. Wood and genuine carbon-fiber trim sets in any desired color and with a variety of surface finishes are available to round out the ensemble.

Finally, Brabus fits the 2012 Mercedes-Benz ML 63 AMG Widestar with a speedometer with 360-km/h dial (225 mph).

Source: Brabus

December 4, 2012

Brabus 2012 Mercedes G 63 AMG

Brabus has introduced their tuning program for the mighty G 63 AMG. The latest G-Class comes with a 5.5-liter V8 Biturbo engine tuned up to 620HP. The big SUV also comes with complete body kit, enormous wheels and some interior modifications.

First is the BRABUS B63 – 620 PowerXtra module boosting the new AMG-sourced engine to 620HP (456 kW) at 5,750RPM and 820Nm (604 lb-ft) at 2,000RPM. 0-100 km/h in 5.1 seconds and a top speed of 230 km/h (143 mph). The performance package is priced at €5,900.

Other nice upgrade is the stainless-steel BRABUS sport exhaust system with butterfly valve. Two tailpipes on either side, exiting in front of the rear wheels and with either a standard or black chrome finish.

The Widestar wide-body kit is modified to fit specifically for the facelift generation of the G-Class. It widens the vehicle by 12 cm and gives striking appearance. The LED lights integrated into the front and rear WIDESTAR fenders illuminate the stainless-steel running boards when a door handle is pulled or the remote is operated.

The vehicle rolls 11J x 23” Monoblock E evo “Platinum Edition”, Monoblock F “Platinum Edition” or Monoblock R design wheels fitted with 305/35 R 23 high-performance tires come from BRABUS technology partners Continental, Pirelli or YOKOHAMA.

The cockpit can likewise be customized and refined. The passengers are welcomed by stainless-steel scuff plates with backlit BRABUS logo. Other appealing accessories such as high-quality velour floor mats and BRABUS aluminum pedals and door-lock pins are also available.

BRABUS upgrades the multifunction steering wheel of the G-Class optionally with aluminum shift paddles that allow the driver to shift gears manually just like in Formula One racing.

The BRABUS interior can be custom-tailored to each owner’s individual preferences with especially soft and breathable BRABUS Mastik leather or Alcantara in a multitude of colors.

Source: Brabus

December 4, 2012

Oakley Design Ferrari F12 Berlinetta

Oakley Design has presented their tuning program for the most powerful Ferrari – the F12 Berlinetta. The tuning upgrade includes only styling upgrades.

The exterior gets a set of new alloy wheels and lowered stance. There are also some carbon elements on the front bumper, side skirts and rear vents.

The engine remains stock – a naturally aspirated 65-degree V12 6.3 liter – 740PS (544 kW) and 690Nm (509 lb-ft). 0-100 km/h – 3.1 seconds and 0-200 km/h in 8.5 seconds. A lap around Fiorano is done in just 1 minute and 23 seconds. Benchmark performance and maximum driving involvement are guaranteed by immediate turn-in, with smaller steering wheel angles, and increased cornering speed. The result is 20% increase in structural rigidity and a total weight of 1525 kg, which is 70 kg less than GTB. The balance between axles is 46:54 – front:rear.

The downforce has been boosted by 76% (123 kg at 200 km/h) while drag has been significantly reduced – the Cd is just 0.299.

Source: Oakley Design

December 4, 2012

Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport Venet

Bugatti has presented their latest special edition Veyron – The Grand Sport Venet is prepared with the help of the French artist Bernar Venet. The conceptual artist was asked by Bugatti to help them with this project, which is built for this week’s Art Basel Miami Beach.

Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport Venet features a special look including rust-like paint starting from the front of the hyper car. The drawings include many mathematic and scientific formulas and numbers.

“A Bugatti is already a work of art in itself, one that transports both its beholder and its driver into new dimensions of reality. I realized how I could translate my passion for mathematical equations and scientific treatises into three-dimensional form. My works are usually self-referential. So I found the idea of translating the equations of the Bugatti engineers onto the bodywork of the car very appealing. It was, so to speak, a logical conclusion and a new challenge in terms of the specific form of collaboration and implementation. To me, the result is also exceptional when measured by artistic standards and bestows the object with a mythical character.”, commented Bernar Venet.

The interior boasts nice brown leather for dashboard, door panels and seats. Again, there are some interesting orange formulas.

The engine remains same – an 8.0 liter W16 quad-turbo – 1200HP (882 kW) and 1500Nm (1106 lb-ft) of torque. It is mated to a 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox. 0-100 km/h in 2.6 seconds and a top speed of over 410 km/h (255 mph).

Nothing is mentioned about the price, but probably it will be more than €2,000,000.

Source: Bugatti

December 3, 2012

2013 Subaru Forester – Crash Test [video]

The new generation of Subaru Forester will hit the market, next year. The cross-over has been awarded the highest five-star rating by the European New Car Assessment Programme for its safety performance.

“This is a strong result for a model that has consistently been one of our best-sellers, and the all-new Forester’s active, passive and hazard avoidance technologies will make it one of the safest cars on and off the road. That the new model will be more practical, more economical and more refined than its predecessor only adds further to its appeal.”, said Haydn Davies, Marketing Director, Subaru UK.

The 2013 Forester managed to score high results in all four areas – Adult Occupant Protection, Child Occupant Protection, Pedestrian Protection and Safety Assist. This happens thanks to Subaru’s unique ring-shaped reinforcement frame body and the extensive use of high-tensile steel.

Subaru’s unique permanent Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system remains at the heart of the vehicle; paired with Vehicle Dynamics Control, the Japanese brand’s electronic stability control system, this contributed to a high Safety Assist score from Euro NCAP.

The 4^th-generation Forester builds upon the outgoing model’s credentials as a user-friendly compact SUV, with improved performance, safety and efficiency and a larger, more practical cabin.

A low centre of gravity and improved body rigidity – the result of Subaru’s hallmark Boxer engines and the use of high-tensile steels respectively – contribute to improved refinement and fun-to-drive characteristics.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AiwE0RYly58

Source: Euro NCAP

December 3, 2012

2013 Dacia Sandero Stepway – UK Price £7,995

Dacia has officially presented the Sandero Stepway. The new model is now turning up the heat with “shockingly affordable” prices. Having already announced the country’s “most affordable new car” and “most affordable new SUV” (as well as 4×4), Dacia is now cementing its reputation for great prices with the “UK’s most affordable supermini crossover”.

The two Ambiance versions also come loaded with Bluetooth, metallic paint and a radio/CD system with fingertip controls. Being a Renault Group product, safety gear hasn’t been skimped on either.For maximum passenger protection, Sandero Stepway benefits from seatbelts with calibrated load limiters for thorax protection in the event of impact, plus rear seat Isofix anchorage points. That’s on top of the standard fit driver, passenger and front side airbags and ESC.

The Sandero Stepway range-topper comes in the form, as usual, of Lauréate. Mirroring the high kit count of the equivalent Sandero, it profers air conditioning, a chrome front grille, full electric windows and electric heated door mirrors.

The flagship features MediaNav 7” touchscreen multimedia system with SAT NAV, AUX and USB inputs and four speakers. Plus, it’s also got cruise control, speed limiter and rear parking sensors.

Inside its spacious and curvaceous body, it also conceals a height adjustable steering wheel and driver’s seat, leather steering wheel and gearknob and seven-function trip computer. For those looking to indulge themselves with a touch of luxury, dark carbon leather upholstery (with synthetic leather side bolsters) is available at an equally affordable £600.

Four body colours are available to choose from, all in metallic hues. Cinder Red, Mercury, Pearl Black and Azurite Blue.

Two engines are offered – the TCe 90 is a direct-injection, turbocharged, three-cylinder 0.9-litre petrol with 90HP. It returns up to 52.3 mpg on combined cycle.

The 1.5 liter diesel – the dCi 90 has returns 70.6 mpg on combined cycle with just 105 g/km of CO2.

Trim level	Engine	CO₂emissions	MPG (combined)	On-the-road price
Ambiance	0.9 TCe 90	125	52.3	£7,995
	1.5 dCi 90	105	70.6	£8.995
Lauréate	0.9 TCe 90	125	52.3	£9,795
	1.5 dCi 90	105	70.6	£10,795

Source: Dacia

December 3, 2012

2012 Super Cars Top 3 – Lamborghini LP570, Audi R8 V10 and Ferrari 458

Dragtimesinfo has released video with their top three in category Super Cars for 2012. The third place is took by one of our favourite super cars – Ferrari 458 Italia. The second place belongs to a tuned Audi R8 V10 Stage 2 and the winner is Lamborghini Gallardo LP570-4 Superleggera.

Lamborghini Gallardo LP570-4 Superleggera is powered by a naturally aspirated 5.2 liter V10 with 570PS (419 kW) at 8000RPM and 540Nm (398 lb-ft) at 6500RPM. The car accelerates to 100 km/h in 3.4 seconds, to 200 km/h in 10.2 seconds and the top speed is 325 km/h (202 mph).

The Audi R8 V10 5.2FSI has 525HP (386 kW) and 530Nm (391 lb-ft) of torque. 0-100 km/h in 3.9 seconds and a top speed of 317 km/h (197 mph). However, the car in the video is boosted to 600HP meaning that it is a lot faster and closer to the mighty Gallardo.

The 458 Italia is powered by a naturally aspirated 4.5 liter V8 with 570PS (419 kW) at 9000RPM and 540Nm (399 lb-ft) at 6000RPM. This means the incredible 127 PS/liter from a naturally aspirated engine. Furthermore, the sports car is 1380 kg, so it has power-to-weight ratio of 2.42 kg/hp. 0-100 km/h in under 3.4 seconds a top speed of 325 km/h (202 mph).

Enjoy!

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vvZtlwNB7Ng

Source: Dragtimesinfo via Youtube

December 2, 2012

Lorinser Mercedes-Benz SL 500 R231

Lorinser has announced their latest project based on Mercedes-Benz SL 500 (the R231 model). The car comes with nice body kit and some power boost. Essentially, everything that a stylish Benz needs.

The body kit includes a new front and rear bumpers, wide wheel arches, a rear spoiler, a pair of modified side skirts and a rear diffuser together with a sports exhaust system with four pipes. The vision is completed by a set of enormous 20” RSK8 alloy wheels fitted with 255/30 R20 front and 295/25 R20 rear tires. The design combines agility and elegance, and sits perfectly under the wheel arches. Lorinser recommends using the high performance tyres from its technology partner Continental.

The 4.7 liter V8 bi-turbo engine is boosted to 530HP (390 kW) and 800Nm (590 lb-ft) of torque. The tuning company can upgrade the software, so the sports car can go up to 280 km/h (174 mph). The power is increased by 95HP and 100Nm. Lorinser also recommends a speedometer with extended top speed range for either version.

The car can be fitted with the Active Body Control (ABC) system giving more sporty feeling. The customer can set and save their desired height (higher or lower). The system uses controls on the steering wheel, and the „Lorinser“ indicator appears on the multi function control panel.

To complement the existing ex-works interior options, Lorinser can supply accessories in fine aluminium, wood, or carbon look.

Source: Lorinser

November 30, 2012

Brabus 2012 Mercedes-Benz ML 63 AMG

Brabus will present their latest project at the 2012 Essen Motor Show. The high-performance SUV – Mercedes Benz ML 63 AMG is one of the most luxurious and fastest big vehicles in the world. It is powered by a bi-turbo V8 and comes with sports suspension and big brakes. However, Brabus decided that it can be even better.

Firstly, the 5.5 liter bi-turbo V8 is boosted to 620HP (456 kW) and 820Nm (604 lb-ft) of torque. This an increase of 100HP and 120Nm giving spectacular performance of the SUV. 0-100 km/h in 4.5 seconds and a top speed of 300 km/h (186 mph). The tuning company offers the same upgrade for the optional AMG Performance Package.

The B63-620 performance kit is backed by the one-of-a-kind BRABUS tuning warranty of three years, up to 100,000 km. It includes a custom stainless steel sport exhaust system and Brabus PowerXtra module.

The tuned SUV comes with BRABUS WIDESTAR rims in dimensions 10J x 22” fiited with 295/30 ZR22 tires supplied by BRABUS technology partners Continental, Pirelli and YOKOHAMA.

A special BRABUS control module for the AIRMATIC air suspension of the ML 63 AMG lowers the ride height of the high-performance SUV.

BRABUS is one of the top addresses in the world for exclusive automotive interior design. The company upholstery shop uses the finest leather and Alcantara to craft custom-tailored interiors for the ML 63 AMG to suit each owner’s personal taste.

Wood and genuine carbon-fiber trim sets in any desired color and with a variety of surface finishes are available to round out the ensemble. A speedometer with 360-km/h dial (225 mph) is also part of the tuning program.

Source: Brabus

November 30, 2012

2013 Mercedes GL 63 AMG – US Price $116,925

Mercedes-Benz has announced the price list for the big high-performance SUV – the 2013 GL 63 AMG. It was introduced at the 2012 Los Angeles Auto Show. The 2013 GL63 AMG features all the standard equipment of the generously-equipped GL550. It starts from at $116,925 (excluding D&D) and goes on-sale during the first quarter of 2013.

This is the fastest seven-seat SUV on the planet. It comes with an aggressive body-kit, LED daytime running lights and a set of huge 21” alloy wheel fitted with low-profile tires. The four-tailpipe sports exhaust system completes the nice exterior look.

Standard AMG RIDE CONTROL sports suspension with AIRMATIC – air suspension, automatic level control and special shock absorber struts with ADS adaptive damping – works with an ACTIVE CURVE SYSTEM that provides active stabilization of body lean. This AMG-designed system uses active front and rear stabilizer bars to reduce body lean during cornering.

The new GL63 boasts a special transfer case for the 4MATIC full-time four-wheel-drive system that distributes engine power 40:60 to the front and rear wheels. This rear-biased torque distribution helps provide the SUV with sports car handling as well as impressive allweather traction.

2013 GL 63 AMG is powered by the newly developed twin-turbo 5.5-liter V8 engine with 550HP (410 kW) and 760Nm (560 lb-ft) of torque. It is mated to a 7-speed AMG SPEEDSHIFT PLUS 7G-TRONIC transmission and sends the power on the road through 4MATIC all-wheel drive system. 0-100 km/h in 4.9 seconds and a top speed of 280 km/h (174 mph).

In addition to AMG RIDE CONTROL, AIRMATIC, and the ACTIVE CURVE SYSTEM, standard safety equipment on the GL63 AMG includes ATTENTION ASSIST, Crosswind Stabilization, a 360-degree camera system and Bi-xenon headlights. Other standard equipment includes KEYLESS-GO, panorama sunroof, power EASY-ENTRY for the rear seats and a power tailgate.

Source: Mercedes

November 30, 2012

Author: Victor Ivanov