Victor Ivanov – Page 148 – Automobiles Review

2013 Toyota RAV4 at the Los Angeles Auto Show

Toyota has finally revealed the all-new 2013 RAV4 at the 2012 Los Angeles Auto Show. The SUV was introduced after a lot of leaks and it looks pretty amazing. This is Toyota’s fourth-generation RAV4, the world’s original crossover sport utility vehicle. It will hit the market in the beginning of the next year.

There are a lot of upgrades as well as completely new exterior, but some of the most interesting are a fuel-efficient four-cylinder engine, new 6-speed transmission, two-row seating for 5, and a host of available in-cabin technologies,

The new RAV4 offers a good balance of performance and all-around capability, including class-leading cargo capacity, striking design, class-leading 8 standard airbags, and a compelling array of standard extras.

2013 RAV4 will be available in three trim levels: LE, XLE and Limited.

The exterior boasts nice and sporty appearance with rounded front fascia, a slopping roofline and distinctive rear quarter windows. There is also a roof-hinged liftgate, which is expected to be more convenient than the previous side-hinged door.

As on other recently introduced Toyota models, RAV4 engineers paid special attention to aerodynamics, the most obvious detail being small vortex generators molded into the taillight cases and near the base of the A-pillars. Less obvious are the aerodynamic undertrays beneath the passenger cabin that help smooth and control airflow.

The interior boasts an interesting asymmetrical dashboard featuring ambient lighting, a lot of controls and a big 6.1” touchscreen display. There is also a multi-functioning three-spoke steering wheel. A lot of metallic accents and circular air vents give additional cosiness. The high-end trim levels come with leather seats, an Entune Infotainment system and an 11-speaker JBL GreenEdge premium audio system.

The new 2.5 liter four-cylinder engine is able to return 24 mpg in city and 31 mpg on highway with FWD and 22 mpg in city and 29 mpg on highway with the optional AWD system. The engine delivers 176HP (131 kW) and 233Nm (172 lb-ft) of torque.

The all-wheel drive system offers three different modes: Auto, Lock and Sport.

Like every Toyota, RAV4 will feature the Star Safety System, which includes Traction Control, Electronic Brake-force Distribution, Enhanced Vehicle Stability Control, Brake Assist, an Anti-lock Braking System and Smart Stop Technology.

So, this is 9 years of evolution… pretty good!

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

2013 RAV4 SPECIFICATIONS:

POWERTRAIN
2.5-liter four-cylinder engine
Horsepower: 176 @ 6,000 RPM
Torque: 172 lb.-ft. @ 4,100 RPM
Transmission: Six-speed ECT-i
Drive System: Front- and All-Wheel-Drive

EXTERIOR DIMENSIONS (inches)
Overall Length:             179.9
Overall Width:                 72.6
Overall Height:                65.4
Wheelbase:                   104.7
Ground clearance:         6.3
Wheels:                            17-inch steel wheels (LE)
17-inch alloy wheels (XLE)
18-inch alloy wheels (Limited)

Tire Size: 17-inch: 225/65R17 (LE and XLE)
18-inch: 235/55R18 (Limited)

Towing Capacity: 1,500 lbs.

INTERIOR DIMENSIONS (inches)
Head Room:                   39.8 (Front)
38.9 (Rear)
Leg Room:                      42.6 (Front)
37.2 (Rear)
Shoulder Room:              57.3 (Front)
55.4 (Rear)
Hip Room:                       54.3 (Front)
48.9 (Rear)
Cargo Volume:                73.3 (Behind first row)
38.4 (Behind second row)
Seating Capacity:           5

Source: Toyota

November 29, 2012

2014 Kia Forte – The Third Generation Model

Kia has announced the third generation Forte Saloon at the 2012 Los Angeles Auto Show. This is the American version of Cerato, which was presented earlier this year. The 2014 Forte is expected to hit the US market in the beginning of the next year. It is slightly bigger and lower than the previous model and will be offered in LX and EX variants with 1.8 liter or 2.0 liter engines.

“The all-new Forte significantly raises the bar, offering upscale amenities and eye-catching appeal,” commented Michael Sprague, executive vice president of marketing & communications, KMA.

“When you combine exclusive available features like a ventilated driver’s seat and UVO eServices in a car with such an attractive design, it’s very clear the all-new Forte sets a new standard for the compact segment.”, he added.

The entry-level LX will be equipped with a 1.8 liter MPI four-cylinder petrol with 150HP (110 kW) at 6,500RPM and 177Nm (131 lb-ft) of torque at 4,700RPM. The new Forte is FWD and the power is sent to them through a standard 6-speed manual gearbox or the optional 6-speed automatic transmission. The car rolls 15” wheels with 195/65 R15 tires and 16” alloys with 205/55 R16 available as an option.

The second trim level – EX is coming with a 2.0 liter four-cylinder GDI petrol with 175HP (129 kW) at 6,500RPM and 208Nm (154 lb-ft) of torque at 4,700RPM. The model is coming with 6-speed automatic gearbox as standard and a set of 16” alloy wheels with 205/55 R16 or optional 17” alloys with 215/45 R17.

The options list include 4.2” color LCD, power windows and mirrors, central locking, Bluetooth and some chrome accents. The options list also includes leather upholstery, dual zone climate control, power sunroof and HID head lights.

Source: Kia

November 29, 2012

2013 Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid – US Price $24,995

Volkswagen has announced the new 2013 Jetta Hybrid. The new Jetta Hybrid can go in pure electric mode, and therefore with zero emissions, at speeds of up to 70 km/h (44 mph) and over a distance of 2 km (1.3 miles). It also boasts an extremely low (combined) fuel economy value of 45 mpg.

2013 Jetta Hybrid is powered by a 1.4-liter TSI and an electric motor. The power is put on the road through to a 7-speed DSG gearbox. The overall power is 170HP (127 kW) and 250Nm (184 lb-ft) of torque. 0-100 km/h in 9 seconds and fuel consumption of just 5.2 liters per 100 km in the combined cycle.

The petrol engine can be fully disengaged, when the car is in pure electric driving mode or ‘sailing’ mode (coasting / braking). Therefore, during braking, the Jetta Hybrid switches over to a battery regeneration mode, which ‘captures’ kinetic energy and feeds it into the battery as electrical energy.

The 2013 Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid SE include 15” alloy wheels fitted with all-season, low-rolling resistance tires. The mid-range SEL1 comes with 16” wheels, electric sunroof, electric adjustable driver’s seat, SAT NAV, front heated seats and keyless access. The top of range SEL2 rides on 17” alloys and adds bi-xenon headlights, fog lights and 400 WATTS Fender premium sound system.

Extensive safety and convenience features

Electronically stabilised. Standard equipment in the new Jetta Hybrid includes an electronic stabilisation programme (ESP), anti-lock braking system (ABS) and six airbags (driver and front passenger airbags, side airbags in front as well as window airbags, front and rear). This pack can be extended to include rear side airbags as an option.

SE – specified exterior. Visually, even the base version (SE) of the Jetta Hybrid is distinguished by aerodynamic modifications that include a new front spoiler, a rear diffuser and a rear spoiler that is harmoniously integrated into the design. The results: the car’s Cd value was improved by 10 per cent. In addition, the Jetta Hybrid SE is equipped with a new LED rear lights design and special 15-inch alloy wheels with all-season tyres optimised for low rolling resistance. Hybrid signatures on the front, rear and side body panels identify the new drive version. Other distinguishing features: a special radiator grille where the VW logo is integrated on a blue background for the first time. Exclusively reserved for the Jetta Hybrid is the new body paint ‘Oryx white’.

SE – upgraded interior. Inside, the car features high-end seat covers in ‘Titan black’ or ‘EcoTech’ design and new accent strips with the ‘Hybrid’ chrome signature, which identify the car as the Jetta Hybrid SE. A 2-zone automatic climate control system (Climatronic) with a new high-voltage air conditioning compressor ensures that the interior can be cooled even without the petrol engine running. Compared to the Climatronic used to date, this system also has the new ‘maxAC’ function, which cools down the interior very quickly at the press of a button. The technology of the Jetta Hybrid SE was perfected by specific instruments that include an energy flow diagram in the Premium 8 audio system, a trip computer, hands-free telephone system (Bluetooth) and interface for iPod and other multimedia sources as well as a multifunction leather-wrapped steering wheel.

SEL1 and SEL2 are high-end. In the mid-level equipment version, the SEL1, standard features of the new Volkswagen are extended with such details as 16-inch alloy wheels, a tilt/slide glass sunroof, RNS 315 navigation system, electric driver’s seat adjustment, seat heating in front, and the Keyless Access system for door locking and engine starting via a Start button. Customers who order the top version, the SEL2, can also enjoy details such as 17-inch alloy wheels, newly developed bi-xenon headlights with dynamic cornering lights and automatic motorway lights, fog lights, reversing camera and a new Fender sound system with 400 Watts of output power. And that is how it should be. After all, who says that maximum sustainability cannot be fun as well?

Source: Volkswagen

November 29, 2012

2013 Jaguar XFR-S – Officially Unveiled

Jaguar has officially revealed the new 2013 XFR-S high-performance saloon. The car is exhibited at the 2012 Los Angeles Auto Show.

It is powered by the same engine as XKR-S – a 5.0 liter supercharged V8 with 550HP (404 kW) and 678Nm (502 lb-ft) of torque. It is coupled with a ZF 8-speed automatic transmission with Quickshift. 0-100 km/h in 4.6 seconds and a top speed of 300 km/h (186 mph) – electronically limited. Despite all that power, the car is able to return 15 mpg in city – 23 mpg on highway and 18 mpg on combined cycle with CO2 emissions of 270 g/km.

“What we have given the XFR-S is greater handling capacity, greater precision and greater capability. It’s a car for driving purists – it will feel engaging within the first 50 meters but remains accessible and confidence-inspiring at any speed.”, commented Mike Cross, Chief Engineer, Vehicle Integrity, Jaguar

The car is equipped with Electronic Active Differential and Dynamic Stability Control system for perfect handling and traction. It rolls 20” Varuna forged alloys with wide low-profile tires to improve grip.

The exterior features new front bumper, a carbon fiber front splitter and extended side sills. The rear bumper is also different with integrated carbon fiber diffuser. The massive rear wing provides additional downforce.

The price for the high-performance saloon is $99,000 and it will hit the market, next summer.

JAGUAR XFR-S: TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Engine 5-liter V8 supercharged with Intelligent Stop/Start

Capacity (cc) 5,000

Bore/Stroke (mm) 92.5/93

Peak Power (hp@rpm) 550@6500

Peak Power (kW@rpm) 405@6500

Peak Torque (lb/ft @rpm) 502@2500-5500

Peak Torque (Nm@rpm) 680@2500-5500

Transmission ZF Eight-speed ‘Quickshift’ automatic

0-60 mph (seconds) 1 4.4

0-100km/h (seconds) 1 4.6

Top Speed (mph | km/h) 1 186 | 300 (electronically limited)

Fuel Economy2 (US EPA Estimated mpg) 15 city / 23 highway / 18 combined (Same as XFR)

CO2 Emissions (g/km) 270

Source: Jaguar

November 28, 2012

2012 Hyundai Santa Fe – 5 Stars in Euro NCAP Crash Test

Euro NCAP has published a crash test video of the new 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe. The SUV managed to earn full five stars safety rating by independent vehicle assessment organization. Its scores on all four test categories make it one of the safest vehicles ever assessed and a leader in its segment.

2012 Santa Fe is the safest vehicle in its category with class-leading 96% in the “adult occupant”. The judges awarded maximum points in the side barrier test thanks to the good protection afforded to all body regions. In the ‘child occupant’ category, the New Generation Santa Fe received a score of 89%, and features such as electronic stability control contributed to the car’s score of 86% in the ‘safety assist’ category.

“The five-star rating for New Generation Santa Fe shows our commitment to developing cars which provide the highest levels of safety to Hyundai customers. The car’s class-leading safety complements the enhanced efficiency that brings low CO₂ and low running costs, to make New Generation Santa Fe a compelling choice for consumers.”, commented Allan Rushforth, Senior Vice President and COO of Hyundai Motor Europe.

Every New Generation Santa Fe on sale in Europe comes with Hyundai’s Five Year Triple Care.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9fUzOHRFMlA

Source: Euro NCAP

November 28, 2012

Lamborghini Murcielago tuned by LB Performance

LB Performance has created a super-wide Lamborghini Murcielago. The car is completely restyled by installing a full body kit, a set of enormous wheels and wrapped in brushed aluminum.

The car was presented at this year’s SEMA show. Everybody take a look at the custom exterior and the huge fender flares. The tuned Murcielago comes also with three-dimensional door sill plates and a set of nice exhaust tips.

The new vision needs new wheels – a set of iForged Equip V3 – 8.5J x 19” at the front and 13J x 20” at the rear fitted with proper-sized tires. Behind them, there is a big brake system by CSD.

The engine remains the same – a naturally aspirated 6.2 liter V12 with 580HP (427 kW) and 650Nm (479 lb-ft) of torque. 0-100 km/h in 3.5 seconds and a top speed of 330 km/h (205 mph).

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DEEwa-4AOqg

Source: Speedhunters

November 27, 2012

TMG Sports 650 Concept based on Lexus LS

Toyota Motorsport GmbH has announced their latest project. It is based on Lexus LS before the facelift and named Sports 650 Concept. As you may suggest, the number is the amount of the horsepower under the huge front bonnet.

The car also comes with a nice and aggressive body kit including a new front bumper, different front grille and a ventilated hood. Other goodies are a pair of new side skirts and a new rear bumper with an integrated diffuser and a four-tailpipe exhaust system borrowed front LS-F.

Power is coming from a twin-turbocharged 5.0-liter V8 engine – 650 HP (478 kW) and 710 Nm (524 lb-ft) of torque. It is coupled to an 8-speed automatic gearbox. 0-100 km/h in 4.2 seconds and a top speed of 320 km/h (199 mph). The curb weight of the saloon is 2070 kg (4,563 lbs)

“The Essen Motor Show is a great opportunity to highlight a range of TMG’s current projects, from the very high-end engineering like our race-winning WEC car or the road-going TMG Sports 650 to entry-level competition with the GT86 CS-V3 and Yaris R1A. These vehicles perfectly illustrate the diversity of our company and they also highlight the spirit of TMG; high-performance is part of our DNA and we want to share that passion with fans, drivers and racers. In particular, we are proud to show the TMG Sports 650 super sports car in public for the first time. This is a truly remarkable car with incredible performance; we are looking forward to hearing the reaction of visitors to this showcase of TMG’s engineering capabilities.”, commented Yoshiaki Kinoshita, TMG President.

Source: Toyota

November 27, 2012

Novitec Rosso Ferrari F12 Berlinetta – 340 km/h on a Highway [video]

Novitec Rosso has released a cool video with featuring their latest project based on Ferrari F12 Berlinetta. The sports car managed to hit 340 km/h (211 mph) on a German Highway (no speed limites there, though).

Not only a perfect aerodynamics is needed for such speed, but a super powerful engine – in case a naturally aspirated 6.3 liter V12 with 764HP (562 kW) at 8,500RPM and the maximum torque is 703Nm (518 lb-ft) at 6,300RPM. The redline is raised to 8,900 RPM. The official top speed is 345 km/h (213 mph), so the car was pretty close to it.

Other upgrades, which are very important for this achievement is the rim/tire set – NOVITEC ROSSO NF4 9.5J x 21” for the front axle are mounted with Pirelli high-performance tires in size 255/30 ZR 21 and 12J x 22” fitted with 335/25 ZR 22 tires. The ride height is lowered with 40mm.

Enjoy the video!

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IB7OjPWrzX0

Source: Novitec

November 26, 2012

MR Car Design Volkswagen Passat CC – 502HP and 700Nm

MR Car Design has introduced a highly tuned Volkswagen Passat CC. The four-door coupe comes with extremely powerful engine and slightly touched exterior.

The 3.6 liter V6 received HGP Turbo Upgrade. The power is 502HP (369 kW) and 700Nm (519 lb-ft) of torque. This is an increase of 202HP and 350Nm. The power is sent to the road through 4Motion AWD system. The tuning company also installed a sports exhaust system for brutal sound.

The suspension is improved by installing DDC coilovers made by KW. The wheel set includes OZ Ultraleggera rims – 8J x 18” ET35 fitted with 235/40 R18 tires. The brake system is also improved – Stoptech ST-40 coming with grooved 355 x 32 mm discs for the front axle and EBC Brakes for the rear. For improved handling, front and rear stabilizers by H&R have been installed.

No words about pricing, but we are sure that the upgrades will cost almost as the car itself.

Source: MR Car Design

November 26, 2012

Novitec Rosso Ferrari F12 Berlinetta

Novitec Rosso has introduced their latest project based on Ferrari F12 Berlinetta. The tuning company made the most powerful Ferrari, ever. The car’s appearance and handling are further improved with NOVITEC ROSSO sport springs and high-tech forged wheels with diameters of up to 22 inches. Exclusive interior appointments round out the product line-up for the super sports car.

The 6.3 liter naturally aspirated V12 is boosted to whopping 764HP (562 kW) at 8,500RPM and the maximum torque is 703Nm (518 lb-ft) at 6,300RPM. Raising the redline speed to 8,900 rpm makes the spacing of the gears of the 7-speed F1 dual-clutch transmission working even better. This also benefits performance as evidenced by a new top speed in excess of 345 km/h (213 mph).

Other upgrades include electronically controlled sports exhaust system, which can be adjusted via the steering wheel. NICE!

The NOVITEC ROSSO NF4 9.5J x 21” wheels for the front axle are mounted with Pirelli high-performance tires in size 255/30 ZR 21. For maximum traction the rear axle is fitted with size 12J x 22” wheels, shod with size 335/25 ZR 22 tires.

The exclusive appearance can for the time be upgraded further with black NOVITEC ROSSO side markers that will be complemented with black tail lights in the near future.

NOVITEC ROSSO sport springs lower the ride height of the Ferrari by up to 40 mm, lending the car an arresting appearance and further enhanced handling as the result of a lowered center of gravity.

For added utility the German specialists equip the F12berlinetta with a lifting system for the front axle. At the push of a button in the cockpit the front of the car can be raised by 40 mm to facilitate navigating obstacles such as underground garage entrance ramps or speed humps. Upon reaching a speed of 80 km/h the suspension automatically reverts to its original position.

NOVITEC ROSSO also offers full individuality for the interior. The product program offers countless options from carbon-fiber shift paddles to exclusive Alcantara and leather interiors in any desired color or upholstery design.

Source: Novitec

November 22, 2012

Ford Focus WTCC Limited Edition Road Car

World Touring Car Championship (WTCC) race team Arena has announced their special edition Ford Focus. The car is based on Focus Zetec S and comes with a number of upgrades.

WTCC Focus is powered by a 1.6-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder engine that has been equipped with a Mountune MP200 upgrade package. The power is 202HP (149 kW) and 320Nm (236 lb-ft) of torque. The engine is connected to a 6-speed manual gearbox with Mountune Short Shift Gear Selector.

Other upgrades include a stainless steel sports exhaust system and 18” Rimstock Pro Race wheels with Yokohama Advan Sport tires.

Check out the specs below.

Ford Focus WTCC Limited Edition Specification:

Base car : Ford Focus Zetec S 5-door hatchback finished in Frost White with privacy glass, enhanced with World Touring Car Replica Stripe Kit and Replica Decals

Engine : Ford 1.6 turbocharged ‘EcoBoost’ engine with Mountune MP200 Engine Upgrade producing 202ps / 320Nm torque

Gearbox : Manual 6 Speed with Mountune Short Shift Gear Selector

Wheels : Rimstock Pro Race 1.3 18” x 8.5 with WTCC centre caps

Tyres : 235/40/ZR18 Yokohama Advan Sport

Exhaust : Stainless Steel Powerflow CAT back rear silencer and tail pipe

Interior: Carbon Fibre-look Centre Console

Focus WTCC Mats & Boot Liner

Focus WTCC Sill Kick Plate

Focus WTCC Key Fob

Focus WTCC Tax Disc Holder

Source: Ford

November 22, 2012

2013 Dodge Viper SRT – US Price $97,395

Dodge has announced the new 2013 Viper SRT. The fifth generation of iconic American-built supercar returns as Street and Racing Technology (SRT) brand’s flagship performance machine with more power and performance, superior craftsmanship, new technologies and creature comforts. There will be two new models: SRT Viper and SRT Viper GTS.

The car is completely different compared to the previous models. It boasts fantastic exterior look combined with enormous powerful engine and awesome handling.

“The Street and Racing Technology brand team is extremely proud that our hand-built-in-Detroit, flagship supercar is back and ready to take on the performance-car world,” commented Ralph Gilles, President and CEO – Street and Racing Technology Brand and Motorsports, Chrysler Group LLC.

“Beyond being the flagship for the new SRT brand, the launch of the 2013 Viper proves that we simply would not let the performance icon of the Chrysler Group die. Willed to live on by a very special group of performance enthusiasts inside the company and across Viper Nation, this SRT team under our new leadership was challenged to not just continue the legendary Viper, but to create the fifth generation of our world-class supercar that would showcase the very best we have to offer.”, he added.

The 2013 Viper SRT is powered by an 8.4 liter naturally aspirated V10 engine producing 640HP (477 kW) and 814Nm (600 lb-ft) of torque. It is connected to a 6-speed manual gearbox. The curb weight of the vehicle is just 1,521 kg (3,354 lbs), so 0-100 km/h takes 3 seconds and a top speed of 331 km/h (206 mph). The ¼ mile is covered in 11.5 seconds. If that’s not impressive enough, the model can go from 0-160-0 km/h in less than 12 seconds.

Manufacturer’s suggested retail price for the 2013 SRT Viper model is $97,395 (excluding $1,995 destination), while MSRP for the 2013 SRT Viper GTS model is $120,395 (excluding destination).

Source: Dodge

November 21, 2012

Author: Victor Ivanov