Victor Ivanov – Page 194 – Automobiles Review

2012 MINI Roadster US Price – $24 350

MINI has announced the US price list for the Roadster model, which starts at just $24 350 for the entry level and rising all the way up to $27 350 for the top-of-range Cooper S Roadster. The prices exclude destination tax.

2012 MINI Roadster is powered by a 1.6 liter four-cylinder petrol with VALVETRONIC delivering 122PS (90kW) at 6000RPM and 160Nm (118 lb-ft) at 4250RPM. From 0 to 100 km/h in 9.2 seconds and a top speed of 199 km/h (124 mph). It is pretty decent performance for cheap roadster with small engine. Furthermore, it returns 49.6 mpg (5.7 liters per 100 km) and 133 g/km of CO2.

The top-of-range Cooper S Roadster has a 1.6 liter turbocharged petrol with 211PS (150 kW) at 6000RPM and 260Nm (192 lb-ft) at just 1850RPM. From 0 to 100 km/h in 6.5 seconds and a top speed of 237 km/h. With this engine, the open-top MINI becomes a real sports vehicle. The average fuel consumption is 7.3 liters per 100 km (38.7 mpg) and 169 g/km of CO2.

Specifications:

MINI John Cooper Works Roadster:

Four-cylinder petrol engine with MINI TwinPower Turbo technology and numerous technological details carried over directly from motor sport.
Displacement: 1,598 cc, output: 155 kW/211 hp at 6,000 rpm,
max. torque: 260 Nm/192 lb-ft at 1,850 – 5,600 rpm (280 Nm/207 lb-ft with Overboost at 2,000 – 5,100 rpm). Acceleration 0–100 km/h (62 mph): 6.5 seconds, top speed: 237 km/h (147 mph). Average fuel consumption according to EU: 7.3 litres/100 kilometres (38.7 mpg imp), CO2 emissions: 169 g/km.

MINI Cooper S Roadster:

Four-cylinder petrol engine with
MINI TwinPower Turbo technology. Displacement: 1,598 cc,
output: 135 kW/184 hp at 5,500 rpm, max. torque: 240 Nm/177 lb-ft at 1,600 – 5,000 rpm (260 Nm/192 lb-ft with Overboost at 1,730 – 4,500 rpm). Acceleration 0–100 km/h (62 mph): 7.0 seconds,
top speed: 227 km/h (141 mph). Average fuel consumption according to EU: 6.0 litres/100 kilometres (47.1 mpg imp), CO2 emissions: 139 g/km.

MINI Cooper Roadster:

Four-cylinder petrol engine with fully variable valve management based on the BMW Group’s VALVETRONIC technology. Displacement: 1,598 cc, output: 90 kW/122 hp at 6,000 rpm, max. torque: 160 Nm/118 lb-ft at 4,250 rpm. Acceleration 0–100 km/h (62 mph): 9.2 seconds, top speed: 199 km/h (124 mph). Average fuel consumption according to EU: 5.7 litres/100 kilometres (49.6 mpg imp),
CO2 emissions: 133 g/km.

MINI Cooper SD Roadster:

Four-cylinder turbodiesel with MINI TwinPower Turbo technology. Displacement: 1,995 cc, output: 105 kW/143 hp at 4,000 rpm, max. torque: 305 Nm/225 lb-ft at 1,750 – 2,700 rpm. Acceleration 0–100 km/h (62 mph): 8.1 seconds,
top speed: 212 km/h (132 mph). Average fuel consumption according to EU: 4.5 litres/100 kilometres (62.8 mpg imp), CO2 emissions: 118 g/km.

Exterior dimensions:

Length: 3,734 millimetres (MINI Cooper Roadster: 3,728 millimetres, MINI John Cooper Works Roadster: 3,758 millimetres)
Width: 1,683 millimetres
Height: 1,390 millimetres (MINI Cooper Roadster: 1,384 millimetres, MINI John Cooper Works Roadster: 1,391 millimetres)
Wheelbase: 2,467 millimetres

Source: MINI

January 28, 2012

Prindiville Design Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4

Prindiville Design has relaunched in flamboyant style with a range of stylish visual tuning packages and performance enhancements for three of today’s most iconic cars – the Lamborghini Aventador, Ferrari 458 and Range Rover Evoque.

On Focus we have the tuned Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4 coming with new body panels offering weight savings of up to 65% compared with standard items. There is also a new two-tone exterior finish.

The Aventador is powered by a 6.5 liter naturally aspirated V12 with 700PS (515 kW) and 690Nm (509 lb-ft). It is further boosted by Prindiville with a new titanium sports exhaust system, which is also 80% lighter than the factory version. There are also a new high-flow induction system and of course an ECU re-map.

The interior can be trimmed however an owner desires. There is a wide choice of luxurious leathers and other lavish upholstery materials, available in an exciting palette of colours.

Stay tuned for more details!

Prindiville Design Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4

Source: Prindiville Design

January 28, 2012

2012 Mercedes ML 63 AMG US Price – $95 865

2012 Mercedes-Benz ML 63 AMG will hit the US market in March. It is priced at $95 865 including $875 destination charge.

It’s characteristics are the same as the EU version – a new 5.5 liter bi-turbo V8 engine with 525PS (386 kW) and 700Nm (519 lb-ft), which can be boosted to 557PS (410 kW) and 760Nm (563 lb-ft) with the AMG Performance Package.

The performance is great for such big and heavy SUV – 4.7 seconds to 100 km/h and a top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph) – electronically limited. Still, the engine is not very thirsty – 11.8 liters per 100 km on combined cycle.

The engine is mated to AMG SPEEDSHIFT PLUS 7G-TRONIC system – a 7-speed automatic gearbox with several functions – C (Controlled Efficiency), S (Sport) and M (Manual).

The AMG Performance package also includes an engine cover in high-quality real carbon, callipers in red painted finish and the AMG Performance steering wheel in Nappa leather/DINAMICA.

The five-spoke light-alloy wheels in dimensions 9J x 20” with 265/45 R 20 up front and 10J x 21” with 295/35 R 21 at the rear axle give extreme stability. The brake system includes discs all-round in size 390 x 36 mm – front and 345 x 26 mm – rear.

The interior comes with electrically adjustable AMG sports seats, four-spoke AMG Performance steering wheel with aluminium shift paddles. There are also aluminium trim elements, leather upholstery and some AMG badges. The distinctively designed instrument cluster with colour TFT monitor, AMG welcome logo and AMG main menu is exclusive to the ML 63 AMG. The designo Exclusive package features Nappa leather upholstery on the AMG sports seats with an unusual diamond pattern. It is available in designo marron, designo porcelain and designo black.

Source: Mercedes-Benz

January 28, 2012

Lingenfelter Chevrolet Camaro Signature Series

Lingenfelter has announced two special Signature Series performance packages for the Chevrolet Camaro.

The Signature Series 1 package features style modifications including a new front hood, redesigned front spoiler, a pair of extended side skirts and a trunk lip spoiler. The interior comes with new seats, a set of aluminum pedals and an individually-numbered plaque. The package also includes a Magnaflow sport exhaust and a sports-tuned suspension.

The Signature Series 2 package is all about performance. It includes a complete Corsa stainless sport exhaust system and some modifications for the mighty LS3 V8 engine – a Magnuson TVS2300 supercharger, a high-flow intake system and bigger fuel injectors. The result is 608PS (447 kW).

The exclusive 20” Lingenfelter forged alloy wheels are fitted with 275/40 ZR20 at the front and 315/35 ZR20 tires at the rear.

Lingenfelter provides a chassis dyno report after the installation is completed and covers the engine with a 3-year/36 000-mile warranty.

Lingenfelter Chevrolet Camaro Signature Series Front Angle

Source: Lingenfelter via Automobilemag

January 28, 2012

2012 Fiat Punto Price – £9 990

Fiat has announced the price list for MY2012 Punto. The small city car is priced from just £9 990 OTR for the Pop 1.2 8-valve model. It hits the UK market this month and represents outstanding value for money.

The most expensive version is the Lounge 1.3 MultiJet priced at £15 600 OTR. It boasts automatic dual zone climate control, leather steering wheel, front fog lamps, 7 airbags, cruise control, ambient interior lighting and electric sunroof as standard.

The engine range includes six power units complying with EURO 5 regulations: 1.2 8-valve petrol 69PS, 1.4 8-valve petrol 77PS, 1.4 16-valve MultiAir petrol 105PS and 135PS, TwinAir 0.9-litre petrol 85PS and 1.3 16-valve MultiJet diesel 75PS and 85PS.

The new Punto comes in three main levels – Pop (base), Easy (mid) and Lounge (high).

Added to these are a sports version based on the Easy level grade called GBT, which will lead the advertising campaign developing within the sports association between Fiat UK and British Cycling.

The evolution of the Punto range includes external styling changes incorporating fully colour coded front and rear bumpers for a more sophisticated look, while three new exterior colours are introduced: Brit Pop Blue, Tango Red and Underground Grey.

Inside, new sportier seat fabrics and refreshed dashboard inserts identify the new car, along with a revised specification to provide a more defined spread of choice for customers and a more focused selection of options.

Standard equipment in the entry-level Pop model includes remote central locking, electric front windows, driver and passenger airbags, window airbags, radio/CD/MP3 player, electric power steering and height-adjustable driver seat.

Easy trim level adds such equipment as leather steering wheel, 15” alloy wheels, and air conditioning, GBT level additionally gets sport suspension, rear spoiler and side skirts, while Lounge adds climate control, front fog lamps, cruise control, ambient interior lighting and electric sunroof.

Source: Fiat

January 27, 2012

2013 BMW X6 M

BMW has announced the new facelifted version of X6 M. The Sports Activity Coupe comes with the same engine and performance details, but with some exterior and interior changes.

Outside the new X6 M features different front grille and new LED headlights. The interior will now feature better choice of new leather upholstery.

2013 BMW X6 M is powered by a brutal 4.4 liter twin-turbocharged V8 with 555PS (408 kW) at 6000RPM and 680Nm (502 lb-ft) of torque at just 1500RPM. It is mated to a 6-speed M-Sport automatic gearbox with paddleshifters on the steering wheel. The power is put on the road through the world’s most intelligent AWD system – xDrive.

The performance is superb – 4.7 seconds to 100 km/h, to 200 km/h – 16.9 seconds and a top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph) – electronically limited.

All this is thanks to a number of technologies – M TwinPower Turbo Technology with exhaust gas manifold connecting both rows of cylinders, Twin-Scroll twin-trubo technology, High Precision injection and double VANOS.

The new BMW X6 M comes with DSC including ABS and M Dynamic Mode, CBC Cornering Brake Control, DBC Dynamic Brake Control, ADB-X electronic differential lock, Dry Braking, Fading Compensation, Start-Off Assistant; Dynamic Stability Control interacting with xDrive all-wheel drive system, Dynamic Performance Control, HDC Hill Descent Control, Adaptive Drive. All this is standard!

Safety features include airbags for driver and front passenger, side airbags for driver and front passenger, head airbags front and rear, crash-activated headrests at the front, three-point inertia-reel seat belts on all seats, with belt latch tensioners, belt force limiters and belt stoppers at the front, crash sensors, rollover sensors, Tyre Defect Indicator.

There are also Adaptive LED Headlights, Park Distance Control, Head-Up Display, cruise control with brake function. Furthermore, you can order: back-up camera with Top View, Side View, Speed Limit Info, High-Beam Assistant, Automatic/Enhanced Emergency Call.

The Sports Activity Coupe stands on enormous 10J x 20″ alloy wheels at the front fitted with 275/40 R20 tires and 11J x 20″ fitted with 315/35 R20 at the rear.

The gross weight is 2305 kg.

Besides the brutal engine, the X6 M needs 19.3 liters per 100 km in the city, 10.8 liters on the highway and 13.9 liters on combined cycle.

Source: BMW

January 27, 2012

Aston Martin V12 Zagato at the Kuwait Concours D’Elegance

Aston Martin will exhibit the V12 Zagato at the Kuwait Concours d’Elegance. This is the only event of its type in the Middle East and plays host to some of the world’s finest automotive art from over 19 countries.

“We are excited to show the new V12 Zagato for the first time in production form at the Kuwait Concours d’Elegance. Over 50 years since the introduction of the iconic DB4GT Zagato, Aston Martin and Zagato have collaborated to create this modern interpretation which remains true to the original focus of craftsmanship, performance and exclusivity.”, commented Dr Ulrich Bez, CEO of Aston Martin .

Aston Martin V12 Zagato will be run in limited edition series of just 150 units. The sports car comes with the company’s acclaimed 6.0-litre V12 engine – 517PS (380 kW) and 570Nm (420 lb-ft).

The price for this masterpiece is £330 000, excluding local taxes.

Source: Aston Martin

January 27, 2012

2013 BMW X6 Sports Activity Coupe

BMW has announced the new 2013 X6 Sports Activity Coupe. The vehicle will hit the US market this spring. It is the world’s first ever Sports Activity Coupe stills, which still offers a unique combination of sporty dynamics, versatility and unmatched character.

The new X6 will deliver outstanding driving experience provided by two powerful engines featuring BMW TwinPower Turbo Technology and xDrive, the intelligent AWD system. It also continues to offer Dynamic Performance Control which gives the Sports Activity Coupe unparalleled agility for a vehicle in this segment.

The exterior of the MY2013 has some slight exterior changes new foglights, adaptive LED headlamps with three-dimensionally shaped luminous rings as an option. The taillights are now two LED-fed light banks which create the brand’s hallmark night design as a harmoniously glowing light mass. The fact that they are horizontally aligned and stretch far out to the sides emphasizes both the width of the vehicle and the flowing transition between the rear quarter and the tail-end.

There are also some new paint finishes including Marrakesh Brown metallic, Orion Silver metallic and Midnight Blue metallic. The standard equipment range of the new BMW X6 also includes a new 19” light alloy wheel style for the X6 xDrive50i.

The standard Nevada leather upholstery is now also available in Vermilion Red. Also available is a new Nappa Leather upholstery in Ivory White. The new BMW X6 comes standard as a four-seat model. A three-seat rear bench is available as an option. The luggage compartment volume of the Sports Activity Coupe is 570 liters (25.6 cubic feet) and can be extended to up to nearly 1 450 liters (60 cu.-ft.) by folding down the rear backrests.

The engine range includes X6 xDrive50i model with a 4.4 liter twin-turbocharged V8 with 400PS and X6 xDrive35i model with 300PS TwinPower Turbo In-line six cylinder.

As an additional option, the M Performance Package is available in the US. It includes both styling and performance modifications. The engine upgrade of +15hp and +30 lb-ft of torque for X6 xDrive35i and +40 hp +30 lb-ft of torque on the X6 xDrive50i. In addition, the M Performance Package includes 20” light alloy wheels, black chrome exhaust tips, stainless steel pedals, M foot rest and door sills, shadowline exterior trim, anthracite headliner, and optional Carbon Black metallic paint.

Last, but not least – 2013 BMW X6 M will be also available on the market. It comes with unmatched performance and style.

2013 BMW X6 Sports Activity Coupe Interior

Source: BMW

January 26, 2012

Jeep Grand Cherokee Concept

Jeep has announced the production-intent concept version of its award-winning Grand Cherokee. The unique model is designed to attract new Jeep Grand Cherokee enthusiasts and customers.
“Highlighted by a unique platinum-chrome front-end appearance and distinctive black-gloss 20-inch wheels and exterior treatments, our new Grand Cherokee concept provides a completely new look – one that is edgy and aggressive, and certainly different than any Grand Cherokee on the road today,” said Mike Manley, President and CEO – Jeep Brand, Chrysler Group LLC.

“Jeep enthusiasts have always appreciated limited-edition models and the ability to customize their vehicles. This new Grand Cherokee comes with a unique, ‘factory-customized’ stealth appearance directly from Jeep, and is certain to attract interest from an array of potential customers.”, he added.

Jeep Grand Cherokee Concept comes with Laredo X package. It combines a variety of exterior design changes to create a unique model with an aggressive, chrome and “blacked-out” look. The big SUV stands on 20” Black-gloss aluminum wheels.

The equipment boasts leather-trimmed seats, heated front seats, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter, a 9-speaker 506 watt amp sound system with subwoofer, iPod/MP3 connectivity, Parkview™ rear back-up camera, ParkSense® rear-park assist system, Keyless Enter-N-Go, Chrysler Group’s Uconnect hands-free communications system, and more than 50 advanced safety and security features.

Source: Jeep

January 26, 2012

2013 Ford Fusion NASCAR Sprint Cup Car

Ford is going back in NASCAR with the 2013 Ford Fusion Sprint Cup car, which was unveiled as part of the Charlotte Motor Speedway Media Tour. It is specially created by Ford designers in an effort to bring brand identity back to the sport.

Featuring a completely redesigned sleek new silhouette and fresh face, the 2013 Fusion Sprint Cup car was designed to be the face of a new era of stock car racing.

”We wanted Fusion to be the car that helped return ‘stock car’ to NASCAR.” said Jamie Allison, director, Ford Racing.

“I think fans, when they see the car, are just going to smile and cheer. It is going to reengage them with the sport and make the sport better because there is just something natural about seeing race cars that look like cars in their driveways.”, he added.

Ford Design Center staff, led by Garen Nicoghosian, and Ford aerodynamicist Bernie Marcus, spent the past year doing the early design development, freeing up the Ford race teams to concentrate on weekly NASCAR competition.

The new NASCAR Fusion entries will be tested throughout the 2012 campaign in preparation for their racing debut at the 2013 Daytona 500 in February.

New 2013 Ford Fusion NASCAR Sprint Cup Car

Source: Ford

January 26, 2012

ABT 2012 Audi A4

ABT Sportsline has announced the new tuning package for 2012 Audi A4. The name of the project is AS4 and it includes both styling and performance modifications.

There are performance packages for the 2.0 liter TFSI, the 3.0 liter TFSI and the 3.0 liter TDI engines.

The 2.0 liter TFSI is boosted to 275PS (202 kW) from 211PS (155 kW), while the mighty 3.0 liter TFSI boasts 435PS (320 kW), instead of 333PS (245 kW). The economic diesel – 3.0 TDI has 282PS (207 kW) from the factory’s 245PS (180 kW).

The exterior package includes front spoiler, a pair of side skirts, fender inserts, rear bumper insert and rear spoiler. All components are made from high quality materials. There are also axle back exhaust and designer light alloy wheels in 19” and 20”, which can be fitted with a set of sports tyres.

There is no doubt that the new AS4 is a real eye-catcher! Check out the high-resolution images in the gallery.

ABT AS4:

ABT ENGINE TECHNOLOGYEngine:               2.0 TFSI, 1.984 ccm capacity
Performance tuning:           ABT POWER
Performance:               275 HP/202 kW (standard: 211 HP/155 kW)

ABT ENGINE TECHNOLOGYEngine:               3.0 TDI, 2.967 ccm capacity
Performance tuning:           ABT POWER
Performance:               282 HP/207 kW (standard: 245 HP/180 kW)

ABT ENGINE TECHNOLOGYEngine:               3.0 TFSI, 2.995 ccm capacity
Performance tuning:           ABT POWER
Performance:               435 HP/320 kW (standard: 333 HP/245 kW)

ABT AERODYNAMICSABT front spoiler
ABT side skirts
ABT fender inserts
ABT rear bumper insert
ABT rear spoiler

ABT EXHAUST TECHNOLOGYABT axle back exhaust

ABT WHEEL TECHNOLOGYABT designer light alloy wheels in 19 and 20 inch
Available also as complete set of wheels with sports tyres

Source: ABT

January 25, 2012

2011 Ford C-MAX Price – £17 445

The 2011 C-MAX is now available from just £17 445. The compact MPV will also come with a new ultra-efficient 1.0-litre 125PS Ford EcoBoost petrol engine, which combines impressive performance with outstanding fuel economy and CO2 emissions.

2011 Ford C-MAX and its 7-seat Grand C-MAX sibling picked up their first BusinessCar award.

“Ford has deservedly taken both MPV awards thanks to a pair of products that successfully combine practicality and efficiency with a sense of style not previously available in a sector aimed squarely at family transport.”, commented BusinessCar editor Paul Barker.
“Both the Ford C-MAX and S-MAX offer good running costs as well as great handling and are deserved winners of this award, decided by the readers of BusinessCar – the very people using these products for their business and their company drivers.”, he added.

The 7-seat Ford Grand C-MAX accounts for 40% of overall C-MAX volumes in the UK. Twin rear sliding doors reveal an innovative walk-through seating concept, where the second row middle seat folds under the outer seat to enable easy access to the third row.

Source: Ford

January 25, 2012

Author: Victor Ivanov