Victor Ivanov – Page 150 – Automobiles Review

2013 Suzuki Jimny – New Face and Better Equipment

Suzuki GB PLC has announced the 2013 Jimny. The small off-road vehicle receives a number of exterior and interior design updates to help modernise appearance whilst maintaining its long established tough and capable reputation.

The front of the vehicle gets a new front bumper and grille design, new design bonnet shape incorporating central air intake as well as repositioning of the front fog lamps.

The interior gets a new seat fabric trim has been adopted for the SZ3; both SZ3 and SZ4 models have new design front and rear headrests as well as ISOFIX child seat mountings fitted as standard to the rear seats.

The engine is a 1.3 liter 16V with VV-T delivering 85HP (63 kW) and 109Nm (81 lb-ft) of torque at 4100RPM. In terms of fuel efficiency, the 2013 Jimny achieves 39.8 mpg in combined cycle driving with manual gearbox and CO2 levels of just 162 g/km.

Source: Suzuki

November 13, 2012

2013 Nissan GT-R Nismo GT3 [video]

2013 Nissan GT-R Nismo GT3 Nissan has revealed the specially prepared GT-R Nismo GT3, which conforms to FIA GT3 regulations.

Entered by NDDP RACING (Nismo) as well as customer racing teams, the GT-3 has outperformed the competition at this year’s SUPER GT series (GT 300 class), Super Taikyu (GT3 class), British GT Championship and GT Cup. Nismo has developed the 2013 Nissan GT-R Nismo GT3 using all the valuable data brought back from these races, in addition to the dyno, track tests, and customer feedback, to enhance its competitiveness and performance.

GT-R Nismo GT3 is powered by the same twin-turbo 3.8-liter V6 with 543HP (405 kW) and 637Nm (470 lb-ft). The power is not signifactly boosted, but the weight reducing is impressive – the curb weight of this GT3 car is just 1300 kg (2866 lbs).

If you are a racing driver or a millionare liking high speeds and adrenaline, you can now buy the 2013 Nissan GT-R Nismo GT3. It is priced at £270,000.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pu1Bwmj76YA

Specifications of the 2013 Model, Nissan GT-R Nismo GT3

Length	4,780mm
Width	2,036mm
Weight	1,300kg?
Engine Model	VR38DETT
Displacement	3,799cc
Power	405kw (550HP) at 6,500rpm
Torque	637Nm (470 lb-ft)
Wheels (Fr/Rr)	13.0J X 18

Subject to Balance of Performance defined by the FIA

This Nissan GT-R Nismo GT3 is a racing car. It can not be used on public roads or be registered for such a license.

Price

Customer’s Area	Price (without tax)?
Japan, Asia, North America, South America, and Oceania	¥ 35,000,000
Europe, including Russia and Middle East	£270,000

The sales price is EXW (ex works) and does not include shipping or delivery.

Source: Nissan

November 13, 2012

2013 Ford Transit Connect Wagon – 7.8 l / 100 km

Ford has unveiled the new 2013 Transit Connect Wagon offering 7-seats and impressive fuel economy of over 30 mpg US corresponding to 7.8 liters per 100 km.

“Transit Connect Wagon gives young families and people on the go the fun-to-drive and efficient vehicle they’ve been looking for,” commented Mark Fields, Ford’s President of The Americas.

“It’s an all-new, smaller seven-seater that has better mileage than larger vans and creates a segment of its own. Customers also will love the unique combination of style, adaptability and affordability this wagon brings.”, he added.

The MPV is powered by a four-cylinder 2.5 liter petrol engine or an 1.6 liter EcoBoost. Both power units are mated to a 6-speed automatic gearbox.

Transit Connect Wagon offers a choice of two fuel-efficient four-cylinder engines, two wheelbase lengths and three series models – XL, XLT and range-topping Titanium Transit Connect Wagon takes adaptability to a new level with the convenience of sliding side doors, fold-flat second- and third-row seating, a 1,200-pound-plus payload, and choice of a rear liftgate or symmetrical, side-hinged cargo doors.

Ford Transit Connect Wagon will hit the US market in the end of next year.

Source: Ford

November 13, 2012

2013 MINI Paceman – Sports Activity Coupe

MINI has added another interesting vehicle to their line-up – the Paceman is the first Sports Activity Coupe in the premium small and compact segment. The small car is has nice presence with its powerful and dynamically stretched lines. th its two doors and large tailgate, plus two full-size individual rear seats, the seventh model in the MINI family complements the elegant sportiness of its proportions with a new rendering of the familiar MINI interior.

The car is designed squarely as a four-seater, which means sports seats for the driver and front passenger are included as standard, and the pair of individual seats in the rear offer impressive shoulder room and headroom, outstanding lateral support and exceptional comfort.

Still, the Paceman offers decent load capacity of 330 litres and 1080 with rear seats folded down.

The drivetrain of the new Paceman includes powerful BMW-sourced engines and optional ALL4 AWD system. The petrol range starts with MINI Cooper Paceman with 122HP (90 kW) and ends with MINI Cooper S Paceman with 184HP (135 kW), while the diesel options are MINI Cooper D Paceman with 112HP (82 kW) and MINI Cooper SD Paceman – 143HP (105 kW).

The Sports Activity Coupe is the second model – after the MINI Countryman –which customers can order with the ALL4 all-wheel-drive system as an option.

The standard equipment of 2013 MINI Paceman includes: air conditioning, electrically adjustable exterior mirrors, the Centre Rail and the radio MINI CD with AUX-IN socket.

The options list can add: a sports leather steering wheel with optional multifunction buttons and cruise control, heated seats, an electrically operated glass roof, Comfort Access, xenon headlights, Adaptive Headlights and Park Distance Control.

Source: MINI

November 12, 2012

2013 Nissan Titan US – Price $28,820

Nissan US has announced the 2013 Titan Pick-up truck, which is already available on the market. The pricing start from $28,820. The powerful, rugged, highly functional Titan is offered in King Cab and Crew Cab body styles with a choice of 4×4 and 4×2 drive configurations, two wheelbases and three bed lengths.

The 2013 Titan comes with new restyled front and a new tailgate featuring an aerodynamic rear spoiler. The side steps, which are standard on SV and SL models are also different as well as the colour range including seven new options: Pearl White, Espresso Black, Glacier White, Gun Metallic, Graphite Blue, Java Metallic and Cayenne Red.

The interior is also revised. The pick-up has a new four-spoke steering wheel and a standard 120V outlet on PRO-4X and SL models. Leather seats and Sattelite Navigation are available as options.

2013 Nissan Titan is powered by a 5.6-liter V8 engine with 317HP (236 kW) and 521Nm (385 lb-ft) of torque. It is connected to a 5-speed automatic transmission. The power is put on the road through the rear wheels or an optional four-wheel drive system including different driving modes.

For 2013, the Titan is offered in S, SV, PRO-4X and SL trim levels, along with a range of special equipment packages.

Source: Nissan

November 12, 2012

Wald International Infiniti M Black Bison

Wald International has announced their latest project from the Black Bison series. The tuning company offers complete restyling for Infiniti M series as well as Nissan Fuga and Mitsubishi Proudia.

The package starts from $3900 (around €3000) and includes a new sive front bumper with large air intakes and integrated LED DRLs. The kit also features a pair of extended side skirts and a restyled rear bumper with an integrated diffuser giving prominent look at the back.

Other goodies from Wald are a new roof spoiler priced at $605, a trunk lid spoiler for $730 and sets of different wheel combinations.

For the tuners, who prefer performance, Wald will offer a coilover adjustable suspension and two different sports exhaust systems giving more horsepower and nice deep sound.

Source: Wald International

November 12, 2012

Senner Tuning 2012 Audi S5 Coupe

Senner Tuning has presented their latest project based on the facelift version of Audi S5 Coupe. The tuning company aimed the vision of the flagship RS5 model.

The S5 Coupe is finished in ibis-white paint and has a new front spoiler in RS5 design with original RS5 air intakes as well as fitting an original black RS5 radiator grille. At the rear, Senner added a window spoiler and a restrained boot lid spoiler element. There are also side skirts finished in carbon-fibre. The characteristic Audi rings on the front and rear of the vehicle have been retained in black, and Senner Tuning have placed ‘Supercharged’ badges on the front fenders to give a little something extra. The vehicle’s number plates are illuminated by bright white LEDs.

The rido rolls high-quality Work VS-XX light-alloy wheels with black-coloured anodised star-shaped rims and mirror-finish anodised outer rims. The dimensions are 9J x 20”at the front and 10.5J x 20”at the rear fitted with tein Ultra Sessanta tyres of size 245/30 R20 and 295/25 R20, respectively.

The suspension received a full coilover kit from KW ensuring firm control while cornering at the same time as a smooth ride and great driving comfort.

The 3.0 liter V6 TFSI engine can be boosted from 329HP (242kW) to 429HP (315 kW) and from 440Nm (326 lb-ft) to 501Nm (371 lb-ft). Thanks to the removal of the electronic Vmax (maximum speed) blocker, Senner Tuning’s Audi S5 can fully convert its enhanced performance into forward drive and top line speed.

A four-pipe RS5 exhaust system extending from the catalytic converter, including a downpipe and exhaust flaps, ensures the Audi S5 makes a truly awesome sound.

The interior boasts bicolour fine Nappa leather trim in black and magma-red with contrasting colour stitching either. There is also an interior set from coarse-mesh 600 carbon-fibre, an Audi R8 sports steering wheel, RS5 door handles, including illumination units. A DVD system can be activated to enable DVDs to be shown while driving.

Senner Tuning is offering a special price of €69,990 for this particular car.

Source: Senner Tuning

November 8, 2012

GAD Mercedes-Benz CLS 63 AMG V8 Bi-Turbo

German based tuning company – GAD has released some pictures and information about their latest project based on Mercedes-Benz CLS 63 AMG.

The CLS 63 AMG is powered by a 5.5 liter direct-injected V8 with 518HP (381 kW) and 700Nm (516 lb-ft). It is connected to a 7-speed MCT (multi-clutch technology) sport gearbox. If fitted with the AMG Performance Package, the performance is improved to 550HP (405 kW) and 800Nm (590 lb-ft).

Obviously this is not enough, that’s why GAD boosted the mighty Bi-turbo V8 to whopping 803HP (590 kW) and 1149Nm (847 lb-ft) of torque.

The results are thanks to a pair of new bigger turbochargers, a new custom exhaust manifold with downpipe and sport catalyst, bigger intercoolers, updated fuel and ignition systems and finally attentive settings.

Source: GAD

November 7, 2012

ABT Audi AS7 Sportback – 306 km/h [video]

Christian Gebhardt from Sport Auto managed to hit 306 km/h (190 mph) with an ABT Audi AS7 Sportback proving that the tuned luxurious car is really fast. Other interesting achievement is 3.9 seconds from 0 to 100 km/h.

ABT Audi AS7 Sportback is powered by a 4.0 liter twin-turbocharged TFSI engine with 520HP (382 kW) and 650Nm (479 lb-ft) of torque. This is an increase of exactly 100HP and 100Nm. The new power comes from sports exhaust system, cold air intake and an ECU re-map.

The exterior is improved by a set of new enormous 21” alloy wheels fitted with ultra-low profile tires. The stance is improved thanks to a set of sports springs and if the car is equipped with air suspension, ABT offer a special setting called Abt Level Control.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A7HsnR3h7qE

Source: Sportauto via Youtube

November 7, 2012

2013 Lexus CT 200h Advance – The better choice!

Lexus has introduced the new 2013 CT 200h Advance, a model that comes with a prestige equipment specification at a high value price.

Practically, this model is just above the regular SE trim level. The CT 200h Advance has enhanced equipment list that includes a new integrated satellite navigation system, cruise control, rain-sensing wipers, a folding function for the electrically adjustable door mirrors, reversing camera, auto-dimming rear-view mirror with integrated parking monitor and metallic paint.

All these extras come at the superb price of just £500 above the regular SE – £24,495.

The model also features Tahara, which is a supple and durable new upholstery that is an attractive alternative to leather. It weighs half as much leather and is less harmful to the environment to make, generating 65% less CO₂ and no potentially damaging volatile organic compounds.

The Celestial Black paint is exclusive to the Advance. According to the colour chosen, the Tahara trim can be specified in black or tan.

In other respects the Advance mirrors the CT 200h SE specification, with premium features such as dual-zone climate control, push button start, Bluetooth, fog lights, rear privacy glass, 17” alloy wheels and a six-speaker audio system with USB port.

The CT 200h Advance can be specified with smaller, 16” alloy wheels at no extra cost. As an option, the car can be specified with front and rear PDC (park-distance control) and a DAB digital tuner.

Source: Lexus

November 7, 2012

BMW is The Most Reliable Brand in the UK for 2012

BMW is the most reliable car company in the UK… and not only there. Still, this is according to a survey of the 50 largest contract hire and leasing companies in the country.

BMW has repeated its double victory in the 2011 FN50 survey coming top as most reliable car manufacturer as well as having three cars in the top 10 with first place taken by the 3-Series. Other premium models have also moved up – the VW Golf is one place higher and the third-place Audi A4 is five positions higher than in 2011.

The BMW 1-Series and Ford Focus scored equal points to achieve joint 8^th place, while the final place in the top 10 is taken by the BMW 5-Series, proving the latest version of the car is as reliable as its predecessor.

Tim Abbott, managing director at BMW UK commented:

“To have three of our biggest selling cars in the top ten is a fantastic achievement and our customers will take great heart from realising they not only drive a class-leading car in terms of efficiency and driving pleasure but also one that is the most reliable too”.

2012 Top 10 most reliable cars: (2011 position in brackets)
1 BMW 3 series (1)
2 Volkswagen Golf (3)
3 Audi A4 (8)
4 Honda Civic (-)
5 Honda Accord (2)
6 Mercedes-Benz C-Class (-)
7 Audi A3 (4)
8= BMW 1 Series (-)
8= Ford Focus (-)
10 BMW 5 Series (10)

2012 Top 10 most reliable car manufacturers: (2011 position in brackets)
1 BMW (1)
2 Audi (2)
3 Honda (3)
4 Volkswagen (4)
5 Toyota (5)
6 Ford (8)
7 Skoda (10)
8 Mercedes-Benz (7)
9 Nissan (6)
10 Volvo (-)

Source: BMW

November 7, 2012

2013 Maserati Quattroporte: The best of Italian design

Maserati has announced the new 2013 Quattroporte. The high-performance sports luxury saloon that reinterprets the design features of classic Maseratis in a contemporary design language.

It boasts generous size and has a design that is at once graceful and sinuous, fashioned to bring out the sporty nature of the car.

The interior is spectacular, but still stresses on the simplicity of lines and the full functionality of the on-board instrumentation. Functional elements are blended with soft quality surfaces made of prestigious woods and refined leathers.

The 2013 Quattroporte boasts nice refined technical solutions, an explicit attention to the most challenging targets in terms of performance, comfort, efficiency and safety. All these features are the key elements of the all-new Maserati Quattroporte.

The car will come with reworked chassis, weight reduction and ergonomic enhancement.

The result is the all-new Maserati Quattroporte, a luxury sports saloon that reaches new heights in terms of performance and handling, driving enjoyment as well as respect of the world we live in: the best performance ever in the long history of Maserati’s four-door flagship saloon is matched by the unprecedented success in the quest for a more fuel efficient automobile.

Source: Maserati

November 6, 2012

Author: Victor Ivanov