Victor Ivanov – Page 159 – Automobiles Review

2013 Porsche 911 GT3 [video]

Here is a nice video of the 2013 Porsche 911 GT3 (991 model), which is not on the market, yet. Dani Dominguez Mas made this clip at a gas station in Spain, where several Porsche GT3’s were stop for refilling.

The cars are caught completely undisguised and as we can see, the new GT3 has an aggressive front bumper with a splitter and a huge vent to improve downforce and cooling. Other highlights are the new rear wing and a center-mounted dual exhaust system. There is also big brake system and a set of center-locking wheels, which is very interesting.

Nothing is mentioned about the engine, but it is expected to be the new 3.8 liter naturally aspirated flat-six developing 470HP (346 kW). It will send the power on the road through the new PDK transmission. 0-100 km/h in less than 4 seconds and a top speed of more than 322 km/h (200 mph).

Check out the video below.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6yz22aSbdwg

Source: Dani Dominguez Mas via Youtube

September 25, 2012

BMW test driver crashes in a 3-Series F30 Hybrid

Horrible accident happened on the Autobahn in Germany. A BMW 3-Series Hybrid Prototype crashed severely in a truck. The driver of the car had no passengers, but he is not alive. The crash was on September 21 on the A92 near the automaker’s Dingolfing factory.The test driver obviously was running the 3-Series Hybrid at high speeds while passing several trucks and one of them pulled out. Despite the reaction of the driver, he didn’t manage to safe himself and the impact was inevitable. The car went under the rear trailer and he had no chance (check the pictures).The A92 was closed for several hours due to the difficulties of recovering the crashed car.Of course, there is ongoing investigation which will explain how this terrible accident happened.May the driver rest in peace.

September 24, 2012

Dallas Performance Lamborghini Gallardo

Lamborghini Gallardo LP 560-4 is simply astonishing vehicle. Superfast, super aggressive and awesome to drive and to look at, but obviously for some people this is not enough. That’s why Dallas Performance boosted the sports car to whopping 1200WHP (wheel-horse-power), which is more than 1500HP (engine horsepower).

Actually, this is Stage 2, which includes a complete twin-turbo system with forged engine internal parts. The tuning company previously has introduced Stage 1, which achieved 650WHP (485 kW) with regular 93 octane fuel and more than 800WHP (597 kW) with special VP C16 race fuel.

Stage 2 is a lot money, but for such power you have to pay a lot… and “a lot” means $65k for the models between 2004 and 2008 and $68k for those from 2009.

Originally, the Gallardo runs 0-100 km/h in 3.7 seconds, to 200 km/h in 11.8 seconds and has a top speed of 325 km/h (202 mph). There is no such data for the highly tuned Stage 2 of DP, but probably the times are cut in half or more.

Check out the pictures below!

Source: Dallas Performance via WCF

September 24, 2012

ABT Audi A1 Quattro – Power and control

The Audi A1 Quattro is truly an exceptional car, which has everything that a petrol head needs – speed, stability, handling and nice aggressive vision. Still, there are a few tweaks which can be done to make it even better.

As Hans-Jürgen Abt emphasises: “A dynamic engine, an intelligent 4WD and a low weight – our A1 quattro is a real racer.“

The ABT A1 Quattro is powered by a 2.0 liter four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine boosted to sensational 307HP (226 kW) and 400Nm (295 lb-ft) of torque. This is an increase of 51HP and 50Nm. The result on the track is 0-100 km/h in 5.4 seconds (0.3 quicker) and a top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph) – electronically limited.

Still, the boost doesn’t affect the fuel consumption, which makes the A1 Quattro a suitable everyday vehicle, despite the hard as rock suspension.

Hans-Jürgen Abt commented: “If needed, the A1 quattro reacts immediately if you hit the pedal to the metal and your body won’t lack adrenaline …. But it is also easy to drive through narrow inner city streets.“

Once unleashed, this combination of ABT POWER and quattro drive is a sure winner!

Source: ABT

September 21, 2012

2013 Honda CR-Z Facelift

Honda has introduced the new 2013 CR-Z facelift at the 20^th Indonesia International Motor Show. This time, Honda’s theme is “Racing for Blue Skies”, to show the new product that combines sporty character with a friendly environment.

“From the beginning, all the products developed Honda engine always show a distinctive character with leading technology, fuel-efficient, cleaner emissions, but still deliver performance and a sporty look. Character Green and Honda Racing was the DNA, ” said Tomoki Uchida, President Director of PT Honda Prospect Motor.

“Through the theme” Racing for Blue Skies “, we want to show that creating advanced technologies and protecting the environment can be done without having to lay aside his impression of sporty,” he added.

The exterior of the new CR-Z features a modified front bumper, a new front grille and slightly restyled headlights. Other upgrades include a new rear diffuser and a set of nice 17” alloy wheels fitted with proper tires.

The interior is also slightly touched. There is a new tachometer and a new Plus Sport system, which improves the engine’s response at the push of a button.

The powertrain remains the same – a 1.5 liter i-VTEC combined with an electric motor. The total power is 135HP (99 kW) and 172Nm (127 lb-ft) of torque. This power is with CVT (continuously variable transmission), which has a lot of loses, but when the engine is combined with a 6-speed manual gearbox, the power rises to 136HP (100 kW) and 190Nm (140 lb-ft) making the car a lot better to drive.

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Source: Honda

September 21, 2012

Pagani Huayra will hit the US market in 2013

Pagani will sell their hyper car – the Huayra in the US in few months. The astonishing vehicle is expected to hit the US market in June 2013 priced from whopping $1 368 800. The manufacturer will spend an additional $5 100 000 to install smart airbags that satisfy U.S. regulations.

Pagani Huayra is powered by AMG 6.0 liter twin-turbo V12 with 710PS (522 kW) and 1000Nm (737 lb-ft) of torque. The engine is mated to an XTRAC 7-speed sequential transmission. Acceleration – 0-100 km/h in 3.3 seconds and a top speed of 370 km/h (230 mph).

Pagani will produce only 15 unit for the US market, which is hardly cover the investment for the airbags, but probably the manufacturers have something in mind.

So, if you have a spare $1.5 million be hurry and order one of this masterpieces.

Source: Motor Authority

September 21, 2012

Audi’s Electric Bi-turbo Engine

Audi will produce a super high-efficient electric bi-turbo diesel engine. In this future technology, a secondary compressor boosts the main turbocharger at lower engine speeds.

Audi has announced they are testing an electric bi-turbo diesel engine.

The latest bi-turbo diesel from Audi is the 3.0 Bi-TDI. It develops 313HP (230 kW) and 650Nm (480 lb-ft) at just 1450RPM. This is a specific power output of 106HP (78 kW) per liter displacement. However, its combined fuel consumption in the A6 is only 6.4 / 100 km (36.75 US mpg) and CO2 emissions of 169 g/km.

What all turbocharged engines have in common is that the turbocharger is driven by energy from the exhaust. This means that starting from very low revs, the rise in boost pressure and therefore torque becomes gradually greater only as the exhaust energy increases.

A new development stage is the electric biturbo. This makes it possible – independently of the exhaust energy available – to build up charge pressure quickly and achieve high levels of torque even at very low revs.

In advanced diesel development at Audi’s site in Neckarsulm, a 3.0 V6 TDI was built and calibrated with an electric biturbo. It is a combination of a conventional gas-driven turbocharger with a secondary electrically driven compressor – whose exterior appearance is almost identical to that of a conventional turbocharger.

Instead of a turbine wheel driven by the exhaust gas stream, this is an auxiliary charging stage arranged in line with the gas-driven turbocharger. It integrates a small electric motor that can accelerate its turbine to very high speeds in an extremely short time. The electrically driven compressor is placed after the main turbocharger and intercooler in the charge air path. In most operating states, the charge air is routed around it via a bypass. However, when the flap integrated in the bypass closes – i.e. when the main turbocharger’s energy output is low – the air is directed into the electric compressor and is compressed there a second time.

The results of the new concept are impressive. Torque buildup occurs significantly earlier in every drive-off, which the driver perceives as a distinct boost in performance.

The energy required to drive the electric compressor is largely offset by battery regeneration during coasting phases, so that the end effect is essentially neutrall with regard to energy consumption.

The flexible and compact charge air path enables two-stage turbocharging with just one turbine that is driven by exhaust gas. The reduced heat demand enables earlier activation of the catalytic converter.

Source: Audi

September 21, 2012

Lamborghini Murcielago LP2000-2 SV Twin Turbo [video]

Here is one of the most powerful street legal vehicles in the world – a staggering twin-turbocharged Lamborghini Murcielago. As you know, the number behind the model in Lambo range means amount of HP and this is LP2000-2. That’s right, it has over two thousand horsepower at the rear wheels, which is bad… very bad. There is not chance to put this amount of power on the asphalt, but who cares?

The upgrades are countless, but some of the most interesting are a custom throttle body, a custom 12-inch exhaust system, custom billet aluminum plenum, 5” cold air intakes, as well as a custom Garrett GTX-4294 twin-turbo conversion.

The conversion is made by Covert Tuning Dynamics and took more than 3,000 hours of build time, along with no less than four years of R&D.

Other upgrades include a strut brace, six point roll-cage, custom sound system, custom battery, intercooler and NASA heat shielding. We are curious, what exactly is that, but probably nobody will tell…

The exterior features nice satin and matt finish and some carbon elements – side mirrors, carbon fuel door and brakes. The tuned Mucielago stands on a set of ADV.1 wheels. There were also some weight reduction, which is significant – 250 kg (550 lbs) less than the factory version of the car.

In other words, this is a fantastic car, but useless on the roads.

Check out the video, where you will see a lot talking and no action, just like the car itself.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bb23xqGbm40

Source: DoctaM3 via Youtube

September 20, 2012

Brabus 2013 Mercedes-Benz A-Class

Brabus don’t waste their time, at all. Here is their latest project based on the newest generation of Mercedes-Benz A-Class MY2013. The small car is going to get a full styling program turning it into a real eye-catcher. The premium hatchback will also receive some performance, but the tuning company is not ready with the testing, yet.

The exterior boasts a lowered sports suspension and a set of new big Brabus 19” alloy wheels fitted with low-profile tires.

Brabus will develop a complete aerodynamics package, additional wheel choices, a custom sports exhaust system and interior upgrades, so stay tuned and do not miss this hot hatchback.

The A-Class is equipped with powerful engines ranging from 109HP (80kW) to 211HP (155 kW), so we expect the most powerful Brabus version of it to be over 300HP.

Source: Brabus

September 20, 2012

2013 Audi A3 Sportback – €22,500

Audi has released full details about the new 2013 A3 Sportback. The compact five-door model with the spacious luggage compartment breaks new ground in terms of vehicle weight thanks to ultra-lightweight construction technology. The engines are powerful and efficient. The infotainment and driver assistance systems available in the new A3 Sportback set new standards in the premium compact segment.

The new Audi A3 Sportback is long and lean – length 4,310 mm, width 1,780 mm and height 1,425 mm. This are only slightly greater than on the previous model, the wheelbase now measures 2,636 mm (8.65 ft), an increase of 58 millimeters (2.28 in). This makes the five-door model 35 mm (1.38 in) longer between the axles than the three-door version.

As a result of these dimensions, the passengers get some more legroom, a boot space of 380 liters and 1220 liters, when rear seats folded down.

The design with the three side windows is taut and concentrated, with every detail precise and expressive. The distinguishing element at the front of the vehicle is the distinctive, stone gray single-frame grille with the angled upper corners. The lower edges of the flat headlights taper off at an angle. Audi offers optional xenon plus headlights with LED daytime running lights, with LED headlights to follow somewhat later. Large air intakes up front hint at the power of the engines.

The new A3 Sportbck is coming with a choice of one TDI and two TFSI engines.

The 1.6 TDI is the most efficient engine in the model lineup. It can average just 3.8 liters of fuel per 100 kilometers (61.90 US mpg) when paired with the manual transmission. This corresponds to CO2 emissions of 99 g/km (159.33 g/mile). 0-100 km/h in 10.9 seconds and a top speed of 194 km/h (121 mph).

The other more powerful diesel will be available later next year, the 2.0 TDI has 184HP (135 kW) and 380Nm (280 lb-ft). 0-100 km/h in 7.4 seconds and a top speed of 232 km/h (144 mph). The average fuel consumption is 4.3 liters per 100 km (54.70 US mpg) and 111 grams CO2 per km.

The petrol range includes a new 1.4 TFSI – 122HP (90 kW) and 200Nm (148 lb-ft). 0-100 km/h in 9.3 seconds and a top speed of 203 km/h (126 mph). The average fuel consumption is excellent – 5.3 liters / 100 km with 123 grams of CO2/km.

The same engine has a second more powerful version – 140HP (103 kW) and 250Nm (184 lb-ft). It features the innovative cylinder on demand (COD) system, which deactivates the second and third cylinders at low to intermediate loads and while coasting. Average fuel consumption is 4.7 liters of fuel per 100 km (50.05 US mpg) with CO2 emissions are just 110 grams per. Performance is sporty, with a time of 8.4 seconds for the standard sprint (with manual transmission) and a top speed of 213 km/h (132.35 mph).

The new 1.8 TFSI, the most powerful gasoline engine in the lineup, produces 180HP (132 kW) and 250 Nm (184 lb-ft) of torque. It combines FSI direct injection with indirect injection and uses the Audi valvelift system to vary valve lift as required. The exhaust manifold is integrated into the cylinder head – a similar solution is also used in the two smaller TFSI engines. Key performance data with S tronic and front-wheel drive: from zero to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in 7.3 seconds, top speed of 232 km/h (144.16 mph) and average fuel consumption of 5.6 liters per 100 km (42.00 US mpg) corresponding to 130 grams CO2 per km.

The 2013 Audi A3 Sportback is scheduled to hit the German market in February next year. The base model with the 1.2-liter TFSI starts at 22,500 EURO.

Source: Audi

September 20, 2012

2013 Toyota Auris at the Paris Motor Show

Toyota has announced the new 2013 Auris. The compact family car is in C-segment and offers a wide range of capabilities. The model that has stronger styling, better dynamic performance, higher equipment levels and lower running costs than its predecessor.

The new Auris is designed to reflect Toyota’s determination to produce cars that are more appealing to own and engaging to drive, while building on its long-established reputation for quality, durability and reliability. It will be presented at the 2012 Paris Motor Show.

The exterior features LED-infused headlights, a trapezoidal intake and an aggressive rear end. The model will be available in 10 different exterior colors and can be equipped with 15”, 16” or 17” alloy wheels fitted with proper tire sizes. The colour range include: Avant-Garde Bronze, Dark Steel and Blue. Pearl White will be exclusive the new Auris Hybrid.

The interior boasts high quality materials and nice design. There is a new three-spoke steering wheel, satin silver trim and a leather-wrapped dashboard on high level variants.

The new front seats have longer fore and aft travel and an increase in height adjustment range. A new front sports seat design has also been introduced, with extra lateral support.

Entry level and mid-range models feature seats with a new fabric covering; sports grade models add contrasting red panels, and on higher grade models a combination of black velour with leather bolsters is used. An Ice Grey leather option will be exclusive to Auris Hybrid.

The engine range includes four different power units – a 1.33 liter petrol with 98HP (73 kW) and 128Nm (94 lb-ft). It averages 5.4 liters / 100 km (43.5 mpg US) with CO2 emissions of 125 g/km. The bigger 1.6 liter Valvematic petrol has 130HP (97 kW) and 160Nm (118 lb-ft) of torque. The average fuel consumption of the 1.6 liter Valvematic is 5.9 liter per 100 km (39.9 mpg US) with CO2 emissions of 138 g/km. The diesel variant is a 1.4 liter D-4D with 89HP (66 kW) and 205Nm (151 lb-ft) of torque. It is mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox. Last is the hybrid version, which has a 1.8-liter VVT-i petrol engine and an electric motor for a combined output of 136HP (100 kW) and 142Nm (105 lb-ft). 0-100 km/h in 10.9 seconds and a top speed of 180 km/h (112 mph). This model can go up to 2 km (1.2 miles) on electricity alone, which is superb, when you have very short city trips.

Toyota Stop & Start technology is available with the 1.33 Dual VVT-i petrol and 1.4 D-4D diesel engines. It automatically switches the engine off when the vehicle is stopped, and provides an immediate restart with virtually no engine sound or vibration.

Source: Toyota

September 20, 2012

2013 Shelby GT500 Super Snake – 662HP and 855Nm

Shelby now offers the 2013 GT500 Super Snake in either a 662HP or 850HP version 2013MY GT500 Super Snake offers optional “wide body” for the first time in history.

With a base model rated at 662HP and an optional 850HP version, the limited edition 2013 Shelby GT500 Super Snake also features new styling cues, color options and optional performance upgrades at a lower base price. Only 500 total 2013 Super Snakes will be built; the car is available as a coupe or convertible in the entire color palette offered by Ford Motor Company on the Shelby GT500.

The special edition comes with a sport-tuned suspension, Wilwood brakes and an upgraded cooling system. The options list include 13” wide rear tire and wheel package which was featured on the Caroll Shelby Tribute car, that debuted at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance.

“When Ford launched the 2013 Shelby GT500, we were bombarded with requests for Shelby American to offer a Super Snake package for the car,” said John Luft, president of Shelby American.

“Our team worked closely with Ford Racing and other key partners to develop our new fire breathing snake. The result is the most powerful base model Super Snake ever at 662 horsepower, which is available at prices lower than previous models. By checking off a few boxes in the series of optional equipment, you can take home a street-legal 850 horsepower version that runs on pump gas.”, he added.

The interior features embroidered headrests and floor mats and some Shelby special edition elements.

The base version of Shelby GT500 Super Snake is powered by a 5.8 liter supercharged V8 with astonishing 662HP (494 kW) and 855Nm (631 lb-ft) of torque. The more powerful option is the same engine, but with a Whipple or Kenne Bell supercharger. The result is whopping 850HP (634 kW) and more than a 1000Nm (740 lb-ft) of torque.

The 2013 Shelby GT500 Super Snake post-title package starts at $28,995.00 for the 662 HP version and $39,995 for the 850 HP model, not including the base car. Only 500 of these cars will be built, all at the Shelby American factory in Las Vegas.

The Shelby GT500 Super Snake is a post-title program based on the Ford Shelby GT500. The 2013 Ford Shelby GT500 Super Snake post title package includes:

Standard base tune is 662 HP and 631 ft./lbs. of torque
6-speed manual transmission with 3.31:1 rear axle ratio and short-throw shifter with optional 3.73:1
Upgraded suspension package
Shelby Performance cooling package with a new radiator, heat exchanger and aluminum cooling tanks
New spoked Shelby-designed 20-inch wheels and performance tires
Shelby / Borla exhaust system
Optional Shelby / Ford Racing 850 hp Whipple supercharger or 850 hp Kenne Bell supercharger
Forged Shelby / Wildwood brakes with 6 piston fronts and 4 piston rear calipers and cross drilled / vented rotors
Front brake cooling ducts and behind the door side scoops
Unique fiberglass hood featuring classic Shelby Super Snake design
Shelby signature Super Snake stripes in either matte black, matte white, silver or blue
“Super Snake” vehicle badges, and unique CSM number interior and engine plates
“Shelby” lettering across the rear deck lid
Optional two tone leather interior
Shelby signature embroidered headrests, floor mats and other Shelby designed components

Source: Ford

September 19, 2012

Author: Victor Ivanov