Victor Ivanov – Page 182 – Automobiles Review

Mazda MX-5 GT 2.0 litre – 315HP and 1000kg

Mazda has unveiled their new racing car – MX-5 GT 2.0 litre, which will take part in the British GT Championship in 2012. Sponsored by SMH Fleet Solutions, Mazda Financial Services and Jota Aviation, the Mazda MX-5 GT will compete in the GT4 class against Lotus, Aston Martin, Ginetta and Nissan.

The 2012 Mazda MX-5 GT4 weighs just 1 000kg. It is powered by a 2.0 liter four-cylinder racing engine delivering 315HP. The engine is mated to a 6-speed Hewland gearbox enabling the car to accelerate to 60mph in 3.0 seconds. The top speed is 258 km/h (160 mph). This makes the car the fastest and most powerful MX-5 in the World.

The outstanding handling that has made the MX-5 a favourite amongst drivers looking for an outstanding drive experience has been further developed through the race programme in 2011 with the help of MIRA, the Motor Industry Research Agency. The MX-5 GT4 demonstrates high levels of stability under all loads making the car easy and fun to drive, an important feature for the longer endurance races.

Last season the Mazda MX-5 GT demonstrated its strengths in endurance racing, while it is not as powerful as rivals it uses less fuel and is easier on tyres. This translates to less time in the pits and more time on the track which is a winning formula.

The British GT Championship is nine rounds over seven weekends. The first race is at Oulton Park in Cheshire on Easter weekend, 7 and 9 April.

“We are looking forward to taking on the supercar brands this year and winning,” said Jeremy Thomson, Managing Director for Mazda UK.

“Last year was a valuable development year when we established the strengths of the car and then developed the power and handling to best exploit those strengths. We are excited and optimistic about our first year in British GT and fully expect the Mazda MX-5 to upset a few established marques.”, he finished.

Source: Mazda

March 22, 2012

2012 Hyundai i40 Tourer – Best Estate Car

We lived to see Hyundai to win an award in Business Car Manager’s annual competition. Originally, the manufacturer has been creating affordable and reliable cars, but now their models are not cheap, at all. 2012 Hyundai i40 can be priced up to £25 895 as it starts from £18 395. Nearly 25 thousand pounds for Hyundai is a lot.

However, the i40 Tourer is named Best Estate Car as it outrun the competition by far. Among them you’ll find Ford Mondeo Estate, Volvo V50 DRIVe and Skoda Octavia Estate.

“To take the Best Estate Car award is a huge honour for us and it bears testimony to just how well the i40 Tourer performs. The lowest BiK tax rates coupled with ultra-efficient engines, premium levels of equipment and space and practicality make the i40 Tourer the ideal business estate car.”, commented Tony Whitehorn, President and CEO Hyundai Motor UK.

“We’ve brought together the very best and while they straddle a mix of classes and sectors, they’re united by one attribute – they’re all great additions to your business. Hyundai’s continued growth in the UK has seen it launch several new top-quality cars for business users. The i40 Tourer is one such car that fully deserves this award as it provides a compelling alternative to the established rivals. If you also factor in low running costs and a 5 Year Triple Care warranty you get an estate car that’s a cut above.”, Ralph Morton, Editor of Business Car Manager added.

The Business Car Manager Best Estate Car Award is the third major honour that the i40 Tourer has won since its launch in September last year. It has already won the Best Estate Car title at the 2011 Scottish Car of the Year Awards along with the Golden Award at the 2011 EuroCarBody Conference.

Source: Hyundai

March 22, 2012

Renault Avantime – 10th anniversary

Renault Avantime Grand Tourer Coupe celebrates its 10^th anniversary in the UK. To mark the occasion a special meeting is being held for owners and enthusiasts next month.

The vehicle was super-luxurious back in 2002, when it hit the market. It was designed by Patrick le Quément. To commemorate the car’s latest milestone, the Avantime Owners Club will drive their iconic cars to the Transport Museum in Coventry on April 7 to chat about the Renault design classic, share stories and admire plenty of pristine examples of the eye-catching models on display.

Renault Avantime combines comfort, style and performance wrapped in a distinctive, innovative, attention-grabbing body, with design project manager Thierry Metroz admitting at the time he “wanted someone walking around the car to be continually astonished”.

It is one of a few concept cars produced by a volume manufacturer that has gone straight into production within a year of first being seen by the general public, and redefined luxury travel and passenger safety at the time.

The combination of performance and driving enjoyment, the luxury of interior space and comfort, heightened by the panoramic glass roof and four windows which could all be lowered at the touch of a button –advanced on-board technology and a powerful engine put Avantime at the top of the wish list of anyone seeking to stand out from the crowd, see and be seen, in style and in comfort.

Avantime is powered by a powerful 3.0 liter 24-valve V6 with 210PS (155 kW) capable of doing 225 km/h (140mph). It is mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox.

Production only lasted 12 months due to Matra being unable to find a replacement model for Espace III production that was coming to a close leaving them with too much excess capacity. This has made Avantime, which was also available in a 2.0 Turbo in Dynamique guise and a 3.0 V6 automatic on the flagship Privilege version, something of a rarity on the roads and helped to build a cult following among current and past owners and enthusiasts of these iconic design classics.

The Avantime Owners Club 10^th anniversary meeting takes place at the Coventry Motor Museum on Saturday, April 7 from 9am.

Source: Renault

March 22, 2012

2012 Kia Rio 1.1 CRDi EcoDynamics – Price £11 895

2012 Kia Rio 1.1 CRDi EcoDynamics has been named “Best sub-100g/km business car” in the Business Car Manager Best Business Car 2012 Awards.

It emits just 85 g/km CO2, which is the lowest of any non-electric vehicle currently on sale. The Rio 1.1 CRDi EcoDynamics impressed the Business Car Manager judges as an overall ownership proposition and not just for its class-leading green attributes.

2012 Kia Rio starts at just £9 995 OTR and the 1.1 CRDi EcoDynamics model is available from £11 895. The entire Rio range is available with Kia’s fixed price servicing plans, Care-3 and Care-3 Plus, which offer 3 or 5 years servicing from just £269.

“Any Kia Rio is a good car – but the EcoDynamics version is a champion. It returns a staggering 88mpg and emits just 85g/km of CO₂ thanks to a punchy and characterful 1.1-litre three-cylinder diesel engine.”, said Commenting on the Rio’s win, Ralph Morton, Editor, Business Car Manager.

“As well as those cheap running costs, the Rio boasts an ownership experience that is anything but. This is a compact hatchback that looks just as smart as its Ford Fiesta and Vauxhall Corsa rivals – while inside there’s plenty of space, the cabin is really well made and there’s lots of equipment. It’s precise to drive too. You certainly don’t feel like a second-class citizen in a Rio; it’s a genuine class-beater.”, Mr. Morton added.

The Business Car Manager award is the Rio EcoDynamic’s third so far in 2012 having already scooped CarBuyer’s 2012 Green Car of the Year Award as well as having been singled out for special praise in Kia’s What Car? 2012 Ultra-Low-Carbon Award.

Source: Kia

March 22, 2012

Porsche at 2012 Techno Classica

Porsche will celebrate the 40^th anniversary of the iconic 911 RS 2.7 at Techno Classica, in Essen, Germany, from March 21-25.

Techno Classica is the world’s largest trade fair dedicated to classic cars, and this year’s event will see Porsche Classic showcase its wide range of customer services on a stand more than twice as large as last year’s.

To mark the occasion, two racing versions of the 911 Carrera RS from the Porsche Museum in Stuttgart are on display. The first is a 1973 911 Carrera RSR delivering 330HP, which is joined by the ultimate RS variant, the 1974 911 Carrera RSR Turbo. It produces 500HP from a small 2.1 liter turbocharged flat-six engine.

The RS-themed display is completed by a 911 Carrera RS 2.7 road car, which has been restored by the Porsche Classic workshop specialists. Also on show is an early Porsche 911, which is currently being restored for a customer at Porsche Classic.

Experts from Porsche Classic will be on hand to provide advice and practical assistance to visitors regarding the preservation and maintenance of their historic vehicles. They will also provide information on the availability of Porsche Classic original spare parts. Especially noteworthy, for example, is the coveted “orange” Porsche bonnet badge of the 911 models from 1965 to 1973, which has been not been available since 1974. In 2012, this will be re-released once more.

Together with a Porsche Museum information stand, Porsche Exclusive & Tequipment will also be represented on the spacious 600 plus square metre stand. A custom-equipped 911 Carrera of the current 991 model series is being used to showcase the comprehensive personalisation options.

Porsche Design Driver’s Selection rounds off the varied offering on the Porsche stand with a wide selection of Porsche.

Source: Porsche

March 21, 2012

2012 Mercedes-Benz SL500 [video]

Autocar has released a new video review of Mercedes-Benz SL500 (R231). The SL-class is firstly launched in 1952 and this year the model celebrates its 60^th anniversary.

The 2012 SL-class features entirely changed exterior, chassis, drivetrain and interior. That’s why, when Mercedes states “all-new”, they mean it. The platform is different and the model is the first to get all-aluminum body shell, which weighs a 110 kg less than if it was built from steel. The folding hard-top is also lighter, because it is made from magnesium. Other innovation is the Magic Vision Control, which consists of washing nozzles in the wipers of the car.

So, the new SL is lighter, faster and more efficient. It is simply a better car, than the outgoing version. Still, we don’t appreciate the exterior look, but hopefully we will get used to it.

2012 Mercedes-Benz SL500 is powered by a 4.7 liter twin-turbocharged V8 with 430HP (316 kW) and 699Nm (516 lb-ft) of torque. 0-100 km/h in 4.6 seconds and a top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph) – electronically limited. Despite all that power, it will return 31 mpg on combined cycle. The engine is mated to a 7-speed automatic gearbox with three modes – Manual, Sport and Economy.

The standard suspension of the vehicle includes semi-adjustable dampers delivering comfort ride.

The SL500 is expected to cost around £82 000, when it hits the UK market.

Check out the full video review made by Vicky Parrot.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vARHe8vtvNw

Source: Autocar.co.uk via Youtube

March 21, 2012

2013 Chevrolet Trailblazer

Chevrolet has announced the all-new 2013 Trailblazer, which will make its official debut at the 33^rd Bangkok International Motor Show in Thailand. First previewed in concept form at last year’s Dubai International Motor Show in the Middle East, the Trailblazer will go on sale around the world, beginning with Thailand in June.

The new Trailblazer is based on Colorado and features new rough styling and body-on-frame construction offering nice riding quality as well as good off-road skills.

The interior features leading interior space and intuitive three-row tumble and fold-flat seating, representing Chevrolet’s most significant play in the competitive body-on-frame midsize SUV segment.

The engine range includes two diesel units – a 2.5 liter with 150PS (110 kW) and 350Nm (258 lb-ft) and a 2.8 liter developing 180PS (132 kW) and 470Nm (346 lb-ft). Both are mated to a 5-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic as an option. The new Trailblazer comes out with only two-wheel-drive, but AWD is available as an option.

“True to its name, the Trailblazer will blaze the trail for new Chevrolet vehicles coming into the market. It has been built tough to offer Chevrolet customers everything they need from a heavy-duty SUV,” , commented Martin Apfel, president, GM Southeast Asia and Chevrolet Sales Thailand.

The Trailblazer range boasts an impressive array of active and passive safety features, including:

Electronic Stability Control
Anti-lock Braking System
Hydraulic Brake Assist
Traction Control
Dynamic Rear Brake Proportioning (first use of Rear Drive Brake in the market)
Electronic Brake-force Distribution
Panic Brake Assist
Engine Drag Control
Hill Descent Control
Driver and Occupant Air Bag Protection

Pricing, full specifications and features will be released shortly, so stay tuned.

Source: GM

March 21, 2012

Toleman TG184-2 F1 car driven by Ayrton Senna up for auction

Ayrton Senna is probably the greatest F1 driver of all times. He debuted with a Toleman TG184-2 Formula One car, which is now up for auction at The Spring Sale to be hosted by Silverstone Auctions on 16^th May.

This particular car has become the stuff of legends and is perhaps best known for Senna’s remarkable second place drive in the rain-soaked 1984 Monaco GP, arguably the race which first demonstrated his extraordinary talents to the world.

“We are thrilled to bring this iconic race car to auction as it’s undoubtedly one of the most important lots we’ve ever offered under the hammer.”, commented Nick Whale, managing director, Silverstone Auctions.

“Senna mania is reaching fever pitch and rightly so as he’s considered by many as the greatest F1 driver we’ve ever seen. It goes without saying that this will be one of the star attractions at the sale as it’s a very rare chance to own a much sought after piece of motorsport and Ayrton Senna history.”, Mr. Whale added.

The TG184-2, which Senna also raced to 3^rd in the British and 7^th in the Canadian Grand Prix’s, has been in private ownership for the past 16 years, so its sale at open market really is an opportunity not to be missed.

Silverstone Auctions also sold Senna’s helmet and race suit for £74 750 and £35 650, respectively. Both considerably more than their pre-sale estimates.

“Excitement is building for the auction which promises to be a must attend sale for any serious collector or motorsport enthusiast. Apart from the Senna F1 car, another notable early entry is a stunning 1973 Porsche 911 Carrera RS 2.7, estimated at between £190,000 to £210,000. If these are examples of what’s to follow, then it promises to be quite an event,” finished Nick Whale.

Toleman TG184-2 F1 - Ayrton-Senna — Toleman TG184-2 F1 – Ayrton-Senna

Source: Silverstone Auctions

March 21, 2012

Suzuki GSX 1300R Hayabusa vs GSX R-1000 vs Nissan GT-R [HD video]

Dragtimesinfo has released another nice video, but this time two tuned bikes met each other at the race track.

The first one is Suzuki GSX-1300R Hayabusa Turbo K3 with 270HP and the second Suzuki GSX-R1000 Stage 2 with 200HP. The Hayabusa is considered to be the fastest production bike not long ago, but turbocharging its engine is just insane. Logically, it wins the start against the 1000cc bike by far. The rider of the Hayabusa had a reaction time of 0.014 seconds and 60ft for 2.084 seconds meaning a lot of wheel spin, because of all that power. However, he crossed the finish line at the 1 mile mark with 306.11 km/h and a time of 25.898 seconds (without reaction).

In the second start you will see the less powerful motorcycle – the GSX-R1000 Stage 2 versus a highly tuned Nissan GT-R MK.1 Ecutek Stage 2 with 600HP. Although, the Nissan has triple much power than the bike, it weighs eight time more, so the result is inevitable. The bike crosses the finish four seconds ahead of the car.

Check out the amazing reaction of the Hayabusa driver in the video below.
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t_ttKSUYhps

Source: Dragtimesinfo via Youtube

March 21, 2012

Danny Domenech’s FD Mazda RX-7 [HD video]

Here is a very nice video of a tuned Mazda RX-7 specially prepared for drifting. As you may aware of this sport, you need to have a RWD (rear wheel drive) car with a powerful engine, limited slip differential, good suspension and exceptional driving skills to make things happen.

Of course, the RX-7 is just the right car to compete in drift challenges, because it is not only well-made, but it comes from the motherland of drifting – Japan. Danny Domenech’s RX-7 is finished in black and stands on poison green Volk wheels.

In the video you’ll see some interesting moments like spectacular burnouts, some donuts and of course a lot of smoke. The music is just perfect for this video and the editing is very good.

Enjoy!

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G3msJ2PjIso

Source: jaredbhouston

March 20, 2012

DMC Lamborghini Aventador LP900 Molto Veloce

DMC has released more details about their latest project based on the staggering Lamborghini Aventador. The name of the project is LP900 Molto Veloce and as you may suggest the number after “LP” is the amount of horsepower that the hyper car develops. On the other hand, “Molto Veloce” comes from Italian and means “very fast” and we are sure that is right!

“The Molto Veloce aims at Aventador owners that seek to add a little more exclusivity to their LP700. The LP900 engine upgrade clearly targets speed enthusiasts.”, commented Thorsten Grebers, Marketing Manager at DMC Germany.

The prices are as staggering as the car itself. The complete package cost whopping €125 000, which is a lot more than a complete BMW F10 M5. Still, if somebody doesn’t want the full package, he or she can order separate components.

The body kit costs €19 500 and includes a new front spoiler, a pair of modified side skirts, a new rear diffuser and a nice wing replacing the original. The exterior also got a new stripe in the middle of the front, top and rear. All components are made from carbon fiber of course.

The wheel tire set is also very expensive – €7 800. And we get to the interior package , which is €17 700.

The performance package is the real deal – priced at €80 000, it includes a complete rebuild of the 6.5 liter V12, which gets a lot of upgrades to deliver the staggering 900HP (662 kW), instead of the factory’s 700HP (515 kW).

Everything is available to order, so if you have a “slow” Aventador, you can always call DMC and spend some money on making it fast… really fast!

Source: DMC

March 20, 2012

2012 Volkswagen CC UK – Price £24 200

Volkswagen UK has released full price list of their latest four-door coupe – CC model. It starts at just £24 200 OTR for the entry-level with 1.8 liter TSI engine and goes up to £30 100 OTR for the top-of-range GT 2.0 liter TDI equipped with DSG and BlueMotion Technology.

The standard equipment is very generous though. That includes RNS 315 touchscreen satellite navigation system, DAB digital radio, iPod and Bluetooth connectivity, 2Zone climate control, 17-inch alloy wheels, bi-xenon headlights and brake energy recuperation.

Safety features are also at good level – a driver alert system, ESP electronic stabilisation programme and four-way adjustable front head restraints, to reduce the risk of whiplash.

The top of range GT trim adds heated front seats, full Nappa leather upholstery, three-mode adaptive chassis control, cruise control, front and rear parking sensors, 18-inch alloy wheels, front fog lights and heat insulating tinted glass from the B-pillar back.

The options list can make you CC unique. It includes High Beam Assist, which automatically controls dipping of the headlights; Side Assist, which monitors the vehicle’s blind spot; Lane Assist and adaptive cruise control with City Emergency Braking function; a rear-view camera; front climate seats with massage function; and an electrically deployed towbar.

There is no doubt that the new 2012 CC is a good choice, if you seek something different on the car market.

Check out the price list below!

Volkswagen CC model line-up and pricing

Trim level	Engine derivative	CO₂, g/km	Combined mpg	Price, £ RRP OTR

CC	1.8-litre TSI 160 PS 6 spd manual	165	39.8	24,200
CC	1.8-litre TSI 160 PS 7 spd DSG	167	39.2	25,760
CC	2.0-litre TDI 140 PS 6 spd manual BMT*	125	60.1	25,345
CC	2.0-litre TDI 140 PS 6 spd DSG BMT	139	53.3	26,810

GT	2.0-litre TSI 210 PS 6 spd manual	171	38.7	28,285
GT	2.0-litre TSI 210 PS 6 spd DSG	182	36.2	29,685
GT	2.0-litre TDI 140 PS 6 spd manual BMT	125	60.1	27,570
GT	2.0-litre TDI 140 PS 6 spd DSG BMT	139	53.3	29,035
GT	2.0-litre TDI 170 PS 6 spd manual BMT	129	57.6	28,620
GT	2.0-litre TDI 170 PS 6 spd DSG BMT	144	51.4	30,100

* BMT denotes BlueMotion Technology
Source: Volkswagen

March 20, 2012

Author: Victor Ivanov