Victor Ivanov – Page 181 – Automobiles Review

BMW X1 US and M6 Convertible US

BMW US will introduce the M6 Convertible and X1 SAV at the 2012 New York International Auto Show on Wednesday, April 4^th. Both cars will be showcased at the BMW Stand from 10:15 a.m. – 10:40 a.m. at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center (655 West 34th Street at 11th Avenue) in Manhattan.

The third generation of M6 is powered by the newly developed M TwinPower Turbo 4.4 liter V8 mated to a 7-speed M-DCT transmission. The power is 560PS (412 kW) and 680Nm (502 lb-ft) at just 1500RPM. 0-60 mph in 4.2 seconds and a top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph) – electronically limited.

Other premiere is the X1 SAV, which has already enjoying the EU success. The engine line-up includes a TwinPower Turbo four-cylinder petrol in xDrive28i model with 245PS. The 2012 X1 features distinctive headlights and L-shaped taillights, It will be available in showrooms, this summer.

BMW will also exhibit M6 Coupe and X6 M, which will debut at the New York show. They will be also joined by the 6 Series Gran Coupe alongside the two famous concepts – i3 and i8.

BMW will also bring the M6 Coupe and X6 M for their North American debuts at the New York show and they will be joined by the 6 Series Gran Coupe (US show debut) and the i3 and i8 concepts.

The Gran Coupe has stunning proportions, design and driving dynamics of the 6 Series Coupe with interior room and amenities for up to 5 passengers. Its unique ability to satisfy the driver who wants a luxurious and sporty coupe yet needs a car capable of carrying four adults in comfort and luxury.

No word about pricing though.

Source: BMW

March 26, 2012

2012 Audi A8 Hybrid – production version

Audi has finally announced that the new Audi A8 Hybrid will hit the showrooms this spring. The luxury vehicle is the only European car in this segment. Furthermore, it is the world’s most efficient luxury-class hybrid sedan.

2012 A8 Hybrid is powered by a 2.0 liter TFSI and an electric motor with combined power of 245PS (180 kW) and 480Nm (354 lb-ft) of torque. 0-100 km/h in 7.6 seconds and a top speed of 235 km/h (146 mph). It returns whopping 37.3 mpg (US), which is 6.3 liters per 100 km on combined cycle and CO2 emissions of 144 g/km.

The 2.0 liter TFSI engine features two balancer shafts offset second-order inertial forces to ensure virtually vibration-free and pleasantly quiet operation that goes well with the luxurious character of the A8. All other components are optimized to minimize friction ensuring smooth run. The flow-rate-regulated, pressure-controlled oil pump further reduces fuel consumption.

The electric motor has 45PS (33 kW) of power and 211Nm (156 lb-ft) of torque. Its full power is available practically right from standstill and contributes to a sportily powerful start-up.

The power is put on the road through an 8-speed tip-tronic gearbox.The propulsive power of both drive systems is applied to the road through the front wheels.

The A8 Hybrid comes with state-of-the-art lithium-ion battery mounted in the rear section of the vehicle. It is lighter and substantially more powerful than the previous version. It has a high-strength housing, and a ventilation module ensuring that it always operate within the ideal temperature range.

However, the luggage compartment doesn’t suffer at all – the capacity is 400 liters.

The hybrid drive is designed for fully electric-powered driving up to 65 km/h (40 mph) and for a distance exceeding two kilometers – especially well-suited for driving in the city or residential suburbs.

So everything on paper is just perfect and have to wait a while to see, how the new A8 Hybrid handles the real conditions.

2012 Audi A8 Hybrid - production version — 2012 Audi A8 Hybrid – production version

Source: Audi

March 26, 2012

ADF Motorsport BMW F30 335i Race Car

ADF Motorsport has presented the specially prepared racing version of BMW F30 335i. It comes with some BMW Performance parts, which are unveiled for the first time in South Africa.

The car will compete in the local production car championship, the Wesbank Super Series, which is held at Killarney in Cape Town. After that, the F30 race car will hit the Nurburgring for the 2012 24-hour race at the world’s most difficult race track.

Now some performance data: the 335i F30 is powered by the famous TwinPower Turbocharged 3.0 liter straight-six with some upgrades like a new engine management system, Akrapovic sports exhaust system and different turbocharger to comply with the race regulations. The result is the impressive 408PS (300 kW) and 600Nm (443 lb-ft), which is increase of 102PS and 200Nm of torque. The kerb weight is 1360 kg (2998 lbs), so you have to expect superb performance.

Other upgrades include enormous ///M-performance front discs with 370 mm diameter, 18” BBS light alloy wheels fitted with performance tyres and a special GPS data logging system to keep track of everything that happens with the car and on the track.

The price of the racing toy is around $260 000. ADF Motorsport needed just a month and a half to build it.

Source: BMW

March 26, 2012

Dodge Dart Race Car

Dodge and SRT Motorsports has revealed the all-new 2013 Dodge Dart rally car, which will be piloted by four-time Rally America Champion and 17-time X Games Gold Medalist Travis Pastrana. He will compete in the 2012 Global RallyCross Championship (GRC) Series.

“At Dodge, racing is an integral part of our heritage and embodies our competitive spirit, so we’re very excited to announce the next chapter in racing for Dodge with our all-new Dodge Dart,” commented Reid Bigland, President and CEO – Dodge Brand.

“The new Dart Global RallyCross Championship car with 600 horsepower and driver Travis Pastrana takes our passion for performance to all new heights.”, he added.

Travis is very popular athlete and one of the most appreciated from the motorsport fans. He had over 6 million Google searches in 2010 and more than 3.5 million Facebook followers. He is just 28 years old and we hope that the upsurge in his career will continue.

“When I first heard about GRC, I was really interested, and after watching some of the rounds last year and then actually competing at X Games I was hooked!” said Pastrana.

“Now to be able to partner with Dodge to field my own program this year is a dream come true. The new Dodge Dart offers the perfect platform for rally cross, and I look forward to putting it on the podium all season long!”, he mentioned.

Dodge Dart is powered by a 2.0 liter four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine with 600HP (441 kW) and 745Nm (550 lb-ft) of torque. All that power is sent to the road through a Sedav 4-wheel drive gearbox.

Global RallyCross is a spin-off of the X Games rally races. It combines the skill of rally racing with the excitement of X Games. The revolutionary motorsports series enters its second season and features high-flying extreme competition between cars that are relevant to today’s youth. The series consists of seven racing events in closed-course rally tracks and incorporates bumper-to-bumper competition among 600 horsepower all-wheel drive vehicles. There are 70-foot jumps over racing traffic, creating a “motocross with cars” action.

The series begins May 26 in Charlotte, North Carolina, and concludes Sept. 29 in Las Vegas. Also included are races at X Games scheduled for June 30-July 1 in Los Angeles. It’s one of the most anticipated stops on the schedule. The ESPN family of channels will broadcast live coverage of the entire 2012 race series.

Check out the 2012 calendar below.

2012 Global RallyCross Race Schedule:

May 26 – Charlotte Motor Speedway
June 10 – Texas Motor Speedway
June 30 – X Games, Los Angeles
July 1 – X Games, Los Angeles
July 14 – New Hampshire Motor Speedway
Sept. 1 – TBD
Sept. 29 – Las Vegas Motor Speedway

Source: Chrysler

March 26, 2012

2013 Mercedes SL 65 AMG [video]

Mercedes-Benz has released a promotion video of their all new SL 65 AMG. The roadster comes with brutal V12 engine, completely restyled exterior and some other interesting gadgets.

The SL 65 AMG is powered by a 6.0 liter bi-turbo V12 with 630PS (463 kW) and 1000Nm (738 lb-ft) of torque. It is mated to a 7G-tronic automatic gearbox. 0-100 km/h in 4.0 seconds flat and a top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph) – eletrocnially limited. The gearbox features a new fuel economy torque converter, bearings designed for reduced friction loss and transmission-oil thermal management system. It has an ECO Start/Stop system further improving the fuel efficiency.

The power is transmitted to the road through AMG rear differential giving perfect traction at any road conditions. The SL 65 also comes with AMG performance brake system and Active Body Control with two settings – “Sport” and “Comfort”. The interior is inspired by the staggering SLS AMG.

Check out the video below.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dXUMFIV0wqI

Source: Worldcarfans via Youtube

March 23, 2012

2012 Abarth 500 – Price

The 2012 Abarth 500 is one of the best value for money cars, which you can buy in the UK. It is in third place after Audi Q5 and Skoda Yeti with an average resale value of 60% of its list price, based on 3-year or 30 000 miles use.

It shows that Abarth’s plan to hold off depreciation as much as possible is working. Since its launch in July 2008, the performance arm of Fiat Group Automobiles has quickly established itself to be a desirable brand that people want to own and drive; not short-term nor highly discounted.

“Right from the start we had the plan to build in long-term value to the Abarth brand,” commented Ivan Gibson, head of Abarth in the UK.

“A sustainable cost of ownership is something we have always been able to offer Abarth drivers and, add to that the fact that the Abarth 500 is a timeless and highly attractive car, it’s no wonder that it has done so well in this important research.”, he added.

The Abarth 500 is powered by a 1.4 liter 16V turbocharged petrol with 135HP (99 kW) at 5500RPM and 206Nm (152 lb-ft) at 3000RPM in sport mode. The engine is EURO 5 compliant and returns 43.4 mpg on combined cycle with emissions of 155 g/km CO2.

The 2012 Abarth 500 is priced from £14 461 OTR for the 1.4 T-Jet model.

Source: Fiat

March 23, 2012

2013 Mercedes-Benz G-Class

Mercedes-Benz G-Class is immortal model, which has been around for more than 30 years. Now, the manufacturer has released pictures of the new 2013 model.

The exterior is slightly refreshed – a new LED daytime running lights, a new restyled mirrors and new front fender vents.

The interior will feature a new instrument cluster, a new center console, a new steering wheel and gear know. The COMAND system will be also updated.

Nothing is mentioned about the engine range, but probably it will feature the new 5.4 liter twin-turbocharged V8 with 525PS (386 kW) and 700Nm (516 lb-ft). It is also expected a brutal G65 AMG coming with a 6.0 liter bi-turbo V12 with 612PS (450 kW) and 1000Nm (737 lb-ft).

More details about the 2013 G-Class will be unveiled soon, so stay tuned for additional information and price lists.

Source: Carscoop

March 23, 2012

BMW ///M Performance TwinPower Turbo Engine Six-Cylinder Diesel – N57S

BMW has recently announced their new Diesel M Performance Division powered by the all-new N57S tri-turbocharged engine. This is the most powerful diesel ever fitted in BMW models. It showcases the commitment of the manufacturer to the pment of ultra-sporty yet impressively efficient diesel power units.

The new N57S features a lot of innovative technologies. It is the first engine adopting tri-turbocharging, latest common rail injection system with maximum pressure of 2200 bars and red line at 5400RPM making it also the most revving diesel in the world. The result is the incredible 381PS (280 kW) and 740Nm (546 lb-ft) of torque at just 2000RPM. 0-100 km/h in 4.7 seconds and a top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph) – electronically limited. In terms of efficiency, the N57S is astonishing – 6.3 liters per 100 km with emission of just 165 g/km CO2.

The new N57S needs a perfect gearbox – ZF 8-speed automatic transmission sending all that torque to the world’s most intelligent xDrive AWD system.

The 2 993 cc engine achieves an incredible output of 127.3HP (93.6 kW) per litre of displacement.

The tri-turbocharging system comprises two relatively small turbochargers and one large turbo, which join forces precisely to deliver the amount of power required. This reduces the turbo-lag to minimum and gives sensational power at high revs.

Check out the gallery below to see details of the new N57S.

Source: BMW

March 23, 2012

2012 Aston Martin V8 Vantage [HD video]

Aston Martin has announced their new facelift version of V8 Vantage – both Coupe and Convertible models. The 2012 V8 Vantage has a lot of features coming from the sporty Vantage S.

The new V8 Vantage has an updated front bumper including a nice air splitter, a new modified side sills and different rear bumper having an integrated diffuser. However, the updates are not only for styling, but the handling is also improved. Aston Martin also took care about the brake system, which features bigger discs and calipers. Other improvement to comfort, handling and styling are the new wheel-tire sets, which are wider.

2012 Aston Martin V8 Vantage is powered by a 4.7 liter eight-cylinder petrol delivering 426PS (313 kW) and 490Nm (361 lb-ft). It is mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox sending all that power to the rear wheels. Still, 7-speed Sportshift II is available as an option. It replaces the old 6-speed Sportshift automated manual transmission.

The new V8 Vantage starts around $144 000 and the Vantage S is $170 500.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Syv8BNAEVGE

Source: Aston Martin

March 23, 2012

Mean Green – Volvo Hybrid Truck

Mean Green is the fastest hybrid truck in the world. However, it will attempt a new speed record in excess of 260 km/h (165 mph). The event will be held on April 27^th at Wendover Airfield in Utah, USA. The truck will try to beat its own world speed records set only last year by ‘Mean Green’s driver, Boije Ovebrink.

The Volvo-built hybrid currently holds speed records in the standing 500 metre, standing kilometre and flying kilometre – international speed standards*.

“Technology and innovation are at the core of our business,” commented Ron Huibers, president, Volvo Trucks North American Sales & Marketing.

“Mean Green’ is a prime example of Volvo’s technical capabilities and our continued focus on emerging technologies. Our engineers developed the world’s fastest hybrid truck utilising the same Volvo hybrid drive system powering hundreds of Volvo buses throughout the world – including London’s double-decker buses.”, he added.

Mean Grean features adapted hybrid driveline and chassis to meet requirements of a world-class truck built for speed. Engineers then outfitted ‘Mean Green’ with a highly-tuned Volvo D16 engine and a modified version of Volvo’s automated I-Shift gearbox, which interacts with the hybrid’s electric motor.

“The result is a lightning-speed boost from start-off without any of the customary diesel-engine delay,” said the driver – Boije Ovebrink,

“Mean Green’s owner and driver. “It’s like a champagne cork, but without the sound effects. For the first couple of seconds the truck just makes a slight whistle until the diesel engine, which runs on renewable liquid rosin diesel, starts delivering with an explosive force.” – he added.

Mean-Green - Volvo Hybrid Truck — Mean-Green – Volvo Hybrid Truck

The powerful truck develops 2100HP (1544 kW) and 6779Nm (5000 lb-ft) of torque. From these massive powerl, just 200HP and 1200Nm (885 lb-ft) come from the electric motor.

Aerodynamics also plays a vital role in achieving top speed, so Volvo designers selected a North American VN cab and sculpted the optimal aerodynamic shape for the truck.

Mean Green features modified versions of the following Volvo production components:

Volvo hybrid motor
Volvo hybrid battery
Volvo D16 diesel engine
Volvo I-Shift automated manual transmission
Volvo VN cab and frame
Rear axle with 1.85:1 ratio

During its North American tour, Mean Green will also visit Truck World, in Toronto (April 19 to 21) and the Volvo Ocean Race when it reaches in Miami (May 17 to 20).

Source: Volvo

March 23, 2012

Nissan GT-R – The Hulk hits 350 km/h [HD video]

Nissan GT-R is one of the best drag racing vehicles currently available on the market. It’s time attack qualities are also astonishing, but almost nothing can compete versus a tuned GT-R. Here, we have one of the fastest GT-Rs in the world – The Hulk. It is a creation of the United Kingdom’s tuning company Severn Valley Motorsport.

The Hulk has completely rebuilt engine with more than 1250HP (932 kW) and still it is a street legal car. The displacement of the twin-turbocharged V6 growth to 4.2 liters. It also gets two enormous GTX GT35 Garrett turbochargers, Radec Full race front mounted Intercooler, 1600 ID Injectors and many more upgrades.

The gearbox is also different as well as the chassis, the electronics, the exterior boasts a complete wide-body kit, a set of new wheels and tires and last, but not least – restyled interior.

You can check all upgrades in the list below, but until then see how easy the Hulk hits over 350 km/h (218 mph). The data was recorded by GPS data acquisition system VBOX by Racelogic, which is completely precise.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EV6JHAAyZiY

Nissan GT-R - The Hulk — Nissan GT-R – The Hulk

Engine

SVM HULK Spec Forged Blueprinted Unit 4.2L
92.4 Billet Greddy Crankshaft assembly & boost logic Crank damper/ rotating mass dynamically balanced
98mm Darton modular Integrated deck system (wet liners)
SVM specification longer Carrillo connecting rods
SVM Custom CP Comp Pistons & Higher Quality wrist pins & ARP bolts
ARP L19 Head Extra high Strength Bolts
Ferrera Valve Package with larger inlet and exhaust valves and titanium retainers
Tomie 280 Profile cams with 11.3 lift
CNC 5 angled valve pockets and CNC Balanced Porting
Ported and Matched Inlet Manifolds
GTC Billet winged engine sump
HKS 45ml colder spark plugs
Okada plasma Direct coil packs

Induction

Large Greddy Throttle housings (awaiting first delivery from Greddy)
Greddy modified steel manifolds/modified with v bands couplings & SVM support system
GTX GT35 Garrett Turbo Chargers with ball bearing core assemblies & V Band Fitment
Tial 44mm external waste gates V Band Fitment
Custom 80mm down pipes Zercoated
80mm hard pipe kit with SVM Green pipe couplers and murray hose clamps
80mm MAF pies with HPX MAF sensors
HKS Blow off Valves
GTC 102mm Titanium Exhaust system with 102mm GTC Y pipe fully resonated
KN High flow air filter system with ram pipes & 90mm intakes

Cooling

Radec Full race front mounted Intercooler incorporating Martons Light Weight Aerospace technology (only one of two ever made for an R35 GTR)
Radtec high capacity engine and gearbox radiators housed into bumper
Radtec alloy power steering reservoir
Radtec water high pressure header tank and combi cam breathers with braided lines
Radtec Race Spec radiator
Radtec central block breather catch tank
GTC water hoses and ECU Rad program
65 deg thermostat and housing

Fueling

1600 ID Injectors High flow injectors
Billet 12mm fuel rails with twin Dash 8 fuel lines
Triple 1200bhp SVM Designed fuel pump system with swirl pot
Fuel lab fuel regulator with braided lines

Engine Detailing

Mines carbon engine cover
Carbon battery and brake servo cover
Titek carbon cooling panel
Hulk imperial pearlescent colour coded 1200bhp engine with specialist detailing
Colour Coding of various parts

Transmission

Albins 1st to 6th Gear set kit Uprated & High Strength
GTC 14 plate clutch system
Upgraded 4wd Gearlock system
Uprated Diff’s
SVM gearbox cooler kit with additional fan and thermal control/motul pump and braided lines
GTC Billet gearbox high capacity oil pan
SVM synthetic 13lts duel clutch oil
Shell helix racing oils

Chassis

KW coil overs Variant 3
KW club sport suspension with alloy top mountings
Eibach billet spacer pack with titanium wheel nuts
Eibach front and rear “hollow” light weight anti roll bars
GTC rose jointed top arms
400mm Top Secret Big Brake conversion front and rear (This is only used for Road and track use not Drag)

Electronics

45psi digital boost gauge
HKS AFR and knock meters with twin additional oxygen sensors
COBB ap with
GTC steering wheel maps race and road fuels
COBB ap nis 06 upgrade with launch control
Willhall Racing shift light
All mapping by Ben linnley GTC (2 fuel maps: Road 99 ron Race fuel 120 ron)

Exterior

Complete inside out re-spray in metallic imperial green pearlescent, eleven coat system & sponsors decals
Top racing carbon racing front bumper (part painted)
GTC Carbon bonnet (part painted) gold heat protection
Top Secret carbon gas bonnet lifts
Top Secret Front Towing eye for Track use.
Aeromotion’s S2 Active split wing
WALD Rear carbon diffusers
WALD side skirts (painted black and green))
WALD rear arch extensions (painted black)
GTC carbon boot lid
GTC Carbon Race mirrors mounted on pillars
Carbon exhaust surrounds
Carbon/Black wrapped roof
MCR front and rear side markers
L.E.D front and rear GTR badges
L.E.D angle eye day light running lights
LSD doors
Privacy Glass

Wheels & Tyres

3 sets of wheels and tyres – show/road/track

Show

22″ i forged carbon coated show wheels/ green pin stripe / bar code graphics
22″ Pirelli Tyre package. R 295/25/22 F 265/30/22

Road/Track

20″ Volks Racing light weight wheels Toyo R888 315/30/20 tyres

Track

18″ Rota drag wheels with hossier non expanding drag tyres

Interior

Cobra front carbon ultra light race seats / technology foam /alcantara fabrics & Custom Logo’s
6 point Roll Cage Custom built to SVM Spec with removable bars
TAKATA 4 point race harnesses
Full carbon interior package ( 12 piece kit) inc Carbon rear speaker shelf

Source: 12starstudios via Youtube

March 22, 2012

Ferrari 599XX Evolution at Suzuka [HD video]

Ferrari World has released a nice video presenting the 599XX Evo, which hits Suzuka race track in Japan. The model is strictly reserved for Ferrari Corse Clienti, who participate in the track-based research and development program. In other words, if you are not a race client, you can’t drive such machine.

The 599XX boasts active aerodynamics package, redesigned rear diffuser and special compound Pirelli tires for insane traction at the race track. The engine has 750PS (552 kW) and 700Nm (516 lb-ft) of torque, which is just enough to move the Earth. However, this is an increase of 20PS thanks to a new exhaust system redirected to the sides of the vehicle.

Last, but not least, the 599XX Evo is 35 kg (77 lbs) lighter and has a shorter final gear ratio for improved acceleration.

Check out the full HD video below, where you’ll see nice moments from the race track and the amazing sound of the cars.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TY1bNzRrJi4&feature=plcp&context=C4fc8fafVDvjVQa1PpcFPOLRKWw7zxgHVuqv2MHotnxEI3Ou_0maA%3D

Source: Ferrariworld via Youtube

March 22, 2012

Author: Victor Ivanov