Automobiles Review

Author: Victor Ivanov

  • Porsche 918 Spyder: Nurburgring Test [video]

    Porsche has released a new promotional video of the 918 Spyder, which has lapped the Nordschleife in just 7 minutes and 14 seconds. This is the third video of this performance and obviously the manufacturer is very proud of this achievement of their hybrid sports car.

    Talking about hybrid systems, the 918 Spyder is powered by a 4.6 liter V8 engine and two electric motors. The combined power is whopping 770HP (566 kW). This means 0-100 km/h in 3.0 seconds and a top speed of 325 km/h (202 mph).

    The car was fitted with street-legal tires and had the optional Weissach Package which will be offered for the production model.

    Check out the video below, where you will not see the full lap around Nurburgring, but a lot of interesting highlights and comments.

    Enjoy!

    httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pukna2PG97c

    Martini Porsche 918 Spyder
    Martini Porsche 918 Spyder
    Martini Porsche 918 Spyder
    Martini Porsche 918 Spyder

    Source: Porsche

  • Petter Solberg crashes at the 2012 WRC Rallye de France

    Petter Solberg had a severe crash at the WRC Rallye de France, which took place this weekend. He lost control of his Ford Fiesta RS and went through a vineyard.

    It is very interesting that the driver didn’t try to stop the car, instead he kept stepping on the throttle, which was extremely dangerous and… stupid. Some of the spectators were incredibly lucky to avoid huge accident. Several seconds after Solberg abandoned the road, he crashed into a telephone pole, which had fallen over and hit some of the spectators. Luckily, no one was injured.

    The accident happened on the first stage of the day and the footage was recorded not only by the on-board camera but also by helicopter.

    Before the accident occurred, Peter Solberg was in 4th place but he had to leave the race, because of a broken steering arm and other damage to the car.

    httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0NnRNah1suY

    Source: Gommeblog via Youtube

  • Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport Vitesse in Action [video]

    Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport Vitesse Special Edition is the most powerful roadster ever created by the luxury brand. It is finished in either Bianco and New Light Blue color scheme.

    The new Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport Vitesse is powered by the well-known 8.0 liter W16 quad-turbo engine delivering 1200HP (882 kW) and 1500Nm (1111 lb-ft) of torque at just 3000RPM. 0-100 km/h in 2.6 seconds and a top speed of 410 km/h (255 mph). This means that Vitesse is the fastest production roadster ever.

    The supercar has new lighter 20” “Vitesse”-type alloy wheels. Bugatti has adapted the brake-cooling system as well. The brakes are unparalleled in terms of stability and performance and now get larger air intakes.

    A significant decrease in wind noise was achieved through the newly developed roof spoiler. Another innovation included in the roadster is the new windbreak, which can be stored away compactly in the luggage compartment.

    Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport Vitesse Special Edition version costs $2 500 000.

    httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RT-Y25o3IAQ

    Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport Vitesse Special Edition
    Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport Vitesse Special Edition
    Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport Vitesse Special Edition
    Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport Vitesse Special Edition
    Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport Vitesse Special Edition
    Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport Vitesse Special Edition
    Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport Vitesse Special Edition
    Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport Vitesse Special Edition

    Source: Bugatti

  • 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL 65 AMG – Price €236,334

    Mercedes-Benz has announced the most powerful roadster they have ever built. The new 2013 SL 65 AMG is powered by the famous AMG V12 6.0-liter bi-turbo. It has 630HP (463 kW) and 1000Nm (737 lb-ft) – electronically limited, because of the gearbox. As we mentioned the transmission, it is a new AMG Speedshift Plus 7G-Tronic gearbox that provides four driver-selectable modes: Efficiency, Sport, Sport plus and Manual.

    The performance is sensational 0-100 km/h in 4 seconds flat and a top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph) – electronically limited, of course. Without the limiter, the car will easily reach 200 mph (322 km/h).

    The new 2013 SL 65 AMG is 17% more economical than the previous version, which means that it will cover 20.2 mpg US – 11.6 liters per 100 km.

    Mercedes-AMG also makes systematic use of lightweight construction principles, as well as numerous axle components made of aluminium, for the suspension. As standard, the SL 65 AMG comes fitted with the AMG sports suspension, based on Active Body Control. The design and appointments are also exceptional and exclusive: the “twin blade” radiator grille, with two blade-shaped louvres and stylised “A” positioned underneath – a characteristic feature of AMG vehicles – all complement each other perfectly, along with the front apron’s lower cross strut finished in high-sheen chrome.

    In addition to the two special chromed twin tailpipes of the AMG sports exhaust system, the characteristic V12 features include the “V12 BITURBO” lettering on the front wings and the AMG 5-spoke light-alloy wheels painted in titanium grey with a high-sheen finish and equipped with 255/35 R 19 and 285/30 R 19 tyres on the front and rear respectively.

    Particular highlights include the electrically adjustable AMG sports seats with single or two-tone upholstery in Exclusive nappa leather, special AMG V12 diamond-design seat upholstery layout and embossed AMG emblems on the seat backrests. The designo roof lining in leather with partial AMG V12 diamond-design stitching, AMG carbon-fibre trim elements and IWC-design analogue clock provide the perfect visual and tactile finishing touches.

    An attractive highlight among the extensive standard equipment of the SL 65 AMG is the Bang & Olufsen BeoSound AMG high-end surround sound system: Mercedes-Benz and Mercedes-AMG have created it in conjunction with famous Danish audio specialists Bang & Olufsen. The sound system enables an exclusive music experience to be enjoyed at the very highest level. The basis of the system is formed not only by the amplifier with a total output of 900 watts and 12 high-end loudspeakers including Frontbass, but also the precise distribution of the music signals, controlled by the sound processor, to the selectable seating positions of driver, front passenger or the central position.

    Thanks to the digital sound processor (DSP), it is also possible to choose between the high-end “reference” studio sound and spacious surround sound. All of the functions are operated using the COMAND system via a special Bang & Olufsen menu. Particular highlights include the illuminated lens tweeters on the dashboard – they help to create the characteristic virtual sound stage in front of the vehicle occupants. High-quality aluminium loudspeaker covers finished in silver chrome with the Bang & Olufsen logo give an indication of the exceptional position enjoyed by this high-end system.

    The price of this toy is catastrophic – €236,334. Obviously Mercedes doesn’t know the price of the money and we are eager to see, how many units will be sold worldwide.

    2013 Mercedes-Benz SL 65 AMG
    2013 Mercedes-Benz SL 65 AMG
    2013 Mercedes-Benz SL 65 AMG
    2013 Mercedes-Benz SL 65 AMG

    The extensive range of standard equipment includes:

    • COMAND Online with 6-disc DVD changer
    • Anti-theft alarm system
    • Frontbass
    • Remote-unlocking boot lid incl. power closing for boot lid
    • Intelligent Light System ILS
    • KEYLESS-GO Convenience package (incl. remote-closing boot lid and HANDS-? FREE ACCESS system)
    • MAGIC VISION CONTROL
    • NECK-PRO head restraints
    • Panoramic vario-roof

    Optional extras from the AMG Performance Studio:

    • AMG forged light-alloy wheels, painted in titanium grey and polished
    • AMG forged light-alloy wheels, painted in matt black and with a
      high-sheen finish on the rim flange
    • AMG ceramic high-performance composite braking system
    • AMG Exterior Carbon-Fibre package (cross strut in front apron, exterior mirror housings and spoiler lip in genuine carbon fibre)
    • AMG Performance Media with telemetry function
    • AMG Performance steering wheel in nappa leather/DINAMICA microfibre
    • Brake callipers, painted red

    Source: Mercedes-Benz

  • Bentley Continental GT3 – Price £200,000

    Bently has announced a street legal variant of the Continental GT3 model. This means that the car will be company’s fastest production model. Key details have yet to be finalised, but Bentley is understood to be looking at a production run of around 300 cars to be built over a 12-month period circa 2014-2015. The GT3 race car was revealed at the Paris motor show and marks the return of Bentley to front-line motorsport.

    The 2013 Continental GT3 will be powered by a twin-turbo 6.0-liter W12 engine with 700HP (522 kW).

    The power will be put on the road through an all-wheel drive system.

    Only 300 units will be produced and the price will start from £200,000.

    “We now have a chance to look at all these possibilities,” said another senior source.

    The race car’s extreme rear wing and the rest of the aerodynamic package would be toned down for road use. A roll cage won’t be present feature, because it’s considered too extreme for Bentley owners.

    Source: Autocar.co.uk

  • 2013 Honda CR-Z Mugen RZ for Japan

    Mugen will hit the Japan Market with Honda CR-Z Mugen RZ. With exclusively developed suspension, brake system, and wheels, and exterior parts aerodynamically designed and wind-tunnel tested, coupled with the installation of a centrifugal supercharger system, all are combined to improve performance.

    The car also features an aerodynamic body kit with a front spoiler, a revised grille and modified side skirts. There’s also a rear diffuser, an adjustable wing and a sports exhaust system.

    It rolls 17” alloy wheels fitted with Dunlop Direzza Z II tires

    CR-Z Mugen is powered by a 1.5-liter engine with 156HP (115 kW) and 185Nm (136 lb-ft) of torque. The hybrid system also features an electric motor with 20HP (15 kW) and 78Nm (58 lb-ft).

    MUGEN will be responsible for installing the parts on to the CR-Z (6MT), provided by Honda Motor Co., Ltd., and will start to sell the limited run of 300 completed cars in Japan from November 26th.

    The price starts from ¥4,494,000 including a 5% consumption tax.

    Source: Honda

  • 2013 Seat Toledo UK – Price £12,495

    Seat has announced the price list for the all-new 2013 Toledo model range. The entry-level starts from Toledo E 1.2 12V is priced from £12,495, while the top-of-range Toledo SE 1.6 TDI CR Ecomotive is £17,840. The new Toledo is available to order now at all SEAT dealerships, with first deliveries expected from 1 December.

    “The combination of price and packaging that the Toledo offers is second to none,” commented SEAT UK Product Manager Simon Bradley.

    “Very few cars, if any, offer the same combination of space, flexibility, affordability, value and style as the new Toledo. We’ve positioned the range so that it offers something for everyone, with the entry-level E model providing exceptional value in terms of the space on offer for the price, while the SE specification car is loaded with useful equipment.  Whatever version is chosen, every Toledo customer will enjoy outstandingly low running costs because of the car’s excellent fuel economy and low CO2 emissions across the range, as well as very reasonable insurance groupings, and BIK ratings as low as 14%. All-in-all, the Toledo is a car that makes sense whichever way you look at it,” he added

    The new Toledo is available in three trim levels – E,S and SE. The standard equipment includes 15-inch steel wheels; black door handles and wing mirrors; front electric windows; MP3 CD player with AUX-in; four speakers; Electronic Stability Control (ESC); driver and front passenger airbag; passenger airbag disconnect; front side and curtain airbags; front seatbelt reminders; ISOFIX points with Top Tether.

    Toledo S adds: Body coloured door handles and mirrors; electric heated door mirrors; rear windscreen wiper; air conditioning; Bluetooth with voice control; USB port; remote audio controls; six speakers; trip computer; split folding rear seats; height-adjustable driver’s seat; sun visor mirrors; space saver spare wheel; alarm and remote central locking.

    Toledo SE adds: 16” alloy wheels; front fog lights with cornering; climate control; refrigerated glove box; cruise control; rear electric windows; leather steering wheel and gear knob; front and rear armrests; new hangers and fixing rings in boot; boot storage compartments; height-adjustable passenger seat.

    Options list includes:

    16” or 17” alloy wheels; rear parking sensors; SEAT Media System 2.2 including sat nav, colour touchscreen, DAB radio tuner and Bluetooth audio streaming; Hill Hold Control; Storage Pack including front/rear armrests, hangers, nets and boot fixing rings; Winter Pack including heated front seats, headlight washer system and heated front washer nozzles; Comfort Drive Pack including cruise control and front fog lights with cornering; dark tinted rear windows; detachable tow bar.

    2013 Seat Toledo
    2013 Seat Toledo
    2013 Seat Toledo
    2013 Seat Toledo
    2013 Seat Toledo
    2013 Seat Toledo
    2013 Seat Toledo
    2013 Seat Toledo

    Source: Seat

  • Lamborghini Gallardo UR Twin Turbo vs Nissan GT-R AMS Alpha 12+

    Dragtimesinfo has released a new crazy video featuring Lamborghini Gallardo UR Twin Turbo and Nissan GT-R AMS Alpha 12+. Both cars are sensational – the GT-R has 1500HP (around 1200WHP), while the Gallardo boasts 2000HP (1500 WHP). In other words, there is nothing faster on the public roads than these two vehicles. The Gallardo managed to stop the clock in acceleration between 200 and 300 km/h in 6.8 seconds.

    The GT-R runs on Race Fuel VP Import 120 and the Gallardo is powered by Race Fuel VP C-16. The Lamborghini has 6-speed manual gearbox and the driver has a lot of difficulties changing gears so fast. The Nissan has robotic manual gearbox making changing much easier.

    Both cars have huge problems with the traction, despite the AWD and four slicks fitted on the wheels. They made a lot of starts, but obviously the faster car is the GT-R.

    Enjoy the video, where you will see one of the cars passing police post with more than 300 km/h.

    httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rR3tpYnF0t4

    Source: Dragtimesinfo via Youtube

  • Caterham Superlight R600 – 275HP and 270Nm

    Caterham has announced their latest model the R600. This is the quickest Caterham Seven race car ever made.

    With stunning performance potential and all the character of existing Caterham circuit cars, the new supercharged incarnation of the Seven will represent the top echelon of the Caterham racing spectrum in the Superlight R600 Championship from 2013.

    Powered by a supercharged, 2-litre Ford Duratec engine, producing 275bhp, the R600’s dedicated championship will further extend the Caterham Motorsport ‘ladder’, currently topped by the hugely successful R300 series.

    The R600 race car is priced at £44,995. It will be the first Seven ever to feature forced induction technology, making it the fastest ever production Seven and a natural progression from the advances made with Caterham’s sports prototype, the SP/300.R, which uses a similar power plant.

    Caterham is expecting at least a16-car grid for the debut championship season in 2013, with 30 cars anticipated to compete the following year.

    Simon Lambert, Caterham’s Chief Motorsport and Technical Officer, said: “Caterham racing just got even more interesting.

    “As the fastest Seven we’ve ever built, this will provide our existing R300 racers with a real step up and a new and exciting challenge, even for experienced drivers. The R600 represents an increase in aggressiveness, although the linear power delivery of the supercharged engine makes it superbly driveable, much like the R300.”

    A clear development from the Academy, Roadsport, Tracksport, Supersport and R300 race cars, the R600 will transfer driving characteristics inherent to all Sevens but will be more aggressive – with 200lb-ft of torque, it represents a 13% increase on the current top-of-the-range road-going Seven, the legendary Superlight R500.

    Meanwhile, 275bhp is directed to the rear wheels through a six-speed, sequential gearbox.

    The headline specification also comprises a Titan limited-slip differential and Avon radial slicks or wets, for increased traction and quicker lap times.

    The latest variant of the Seven can be bought as a new car or existing R300 owners can upgrade their vehicles to R600 spec. Exact price will be confirmed in the coming weeks.

    Caterham Superlight R600
    Caterham Superlight R600
    Caterham Superlight R600

    Source: Caterham

  • Smart ForTwo Electric Drive US – Price $25,000 to $28,000

    Smart will hit the United States market with their latest model – ForTwo Electric Drive coupe and convertible. The cars will be the most affordable electric vehicles in country.

    2013 Smart ForTwo Electric Drive will be available to buy next spring. The prices will start from around $25,000 and $28,000 for the both models – Coupe and Convertible. The cars will also be eligible for government rebates of up to $7,500, which is a great saving.

    The ForTwo Electric Drive is powered by an electric motor with 75HP (55 kW) and 130Nm (96 lb-ft) of torque. 0-100 km/h in 11.5 seconds and a maximum range of 145km (90 miles) on a single charge. The technical data is decent and hopefully the car works as the manufacturer claims it will.

    Smart ForTwo Electric Drive
    Smart ForTwo Electric Drive
    Smart ForTwo Electric Drive
    Smart ForTwo Electric Drive
    Smart ForTwo Electric Drive
    Smart ForTwo Electric Drive
    Smart ForTwo Electric Drive
    Smart ForTwo Electric Drive
    Smart ForTwo Electric Drive
    Smart ForTwo Electric Drive
    Smart ForTwo Electric Drive
    Smart ForTwo Electric Drive
    Smart ForTwo Electric Drive
    Smart ForTwo Electric Drive
    Smart ForTwo Electric Drive
    Smart ForTwo Electric Drive
    Smart ForTwo Electric Drive

    Source: Smart

  • 2013 Volkswagen Beetle Cabriolet – The new Fashion

    Volkswagen has announced the new 2013 Beetle Cabriolet, which will make its official debut in the end of November at the L.A. Motor Show.

    The new model also incorporates design criteria of the modern Volkswagen line-up: the air inlet under the bumper, the flat contour of the hood’s bottom edge and in particular the tail lights show the close family ties. In the new Beetle Convertible, Volkswagen brings together modern technology and the highest standards of quality with the emotional legacy of the car’s ‘forefather’. As on the nostalgic icon, the headlights still have their classic round shape.

    Another feature contributing to the special charm of the new Beetle Convertible is the traditional soft top. When open it lies very flat, enabling good vision to the rear. Despite its compact construction, the top is very wide and elongated in shape. It opens and closes entirely automatically (on all models) within around ten seconds and up to a driving speed of 30mph.

    Included with the Beetle Convertible is a standard soft-top cover, which, if desired, tucks the opened top neatly away. Surrounding chrome trim accentuates the borders between steel and fabric. As in other Beetle models, the compact instrument panel with extra large round instrument cluster and several nostalgic elements, such as the additional glove box, create a markedly different design inside the new Beetle Convertible as well.

    With its spacious and comfortably designed interior the Beetle Convertible is a fully-fledged four-seat vehicle. The trunk enfolding up to 225 liters includes a fold-down symmetrically split rear bench seat which allows transporting bigger items event when the roof is closed.

    To provide added safety in the event of a rollover accident, Volkswagen has developed an active rollover protection system. It consists of two extendable modules fitted inside the vehicle in concealed fashion behind the back of the rear bench seat. If the car were to roll over, the two rollover modules would be activated via the central airbag triggering unit. Along with the fixed A-pillars, they provide effective protection for the occupants of all four seats within a matter of milliseconds. Another extra safety feature is front and head-thorax-airbags that are standard equipment.

    The engine range includes seven power units – a highly efficient 1.2-liter TSI with 105HP (77 kW), a BlueMotion Technology version of this gasoline engine will also be available. The other petrol variants are a 1.4-liter TSI and a 2.0-liter version, producing 160HP (118 kW) and 200HP (147 kW), respectively. There are two diesel variants – a 1.6-liter TDI with 105HP (77 kW) (including as a BMT version) and a 2.0-liter TDI with 140HP (103 kW).

    The new 2013 Beetle Convertible is priced from €21,350, which is very good value for money.

    2013 Volkswagen Beetle Cabriolet
    2013 Volkswagen Beetle Cabriolet
    2013 Volkswagen Beetle Cabriolet
    2013 Volkswagen Beetle Cabriolet

    Source: Volkswagen

  • 2013 Ferrari FF with Panoramic Roof

    Ferrari has announced the new 2013 FF at the 2012 Paris Motor Show. The sports car comes with a full-length panoramic roof giving unique style. The Italian automaker did not reveal the price tag for this option, but it won’t be cheap, at all.

    FF is powered by 6.3 liter V12 with 660HP (485 kW) and 683Nm (504 lb-ft). It accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.7 seconds and hits 335 km/h. The power is put on the road through an all-wheel-drive system.

    Ferrari FF also features 3+1 seats and decent boot capacity.

    The company also presented the chassis for the upcoming Enzo successor. The overall chassis is 20% lighter than the Enzo Ferrari, despite the extra weight required by housing the hybrid components and to meet regulatory obligations. Torsional rigidity is increased by 27% and beam stiffness is up by 22%.

    2013 Ferrari FF
    2013 Ferrari FF
    2013 Ferrari FF

    Source: Ferrari