Victor Ivanov – Page 203 – Automobiles Review

2012 Honda CR-Z MUGEN Price – £24 000

The 2012 Honda CR-Z Mugen will hit the UK market in spring 2012. Prices have yet to be confirmed, but are expected to be approximately £24 000.

The manufacturer had a successful programme launch at the 2011 Goodwood Festival of Speed, where it has joined forces with Mugen Euro, to launch a 130+mph sports hybrid CR-Z, boasting Civic Type R performance.

CR-Z Mugen is powered by a supercharged 1.5 liter petrol engine and an electric motor. The overall power is 175PS (129 kW), which is almost 50% more power than the standard car. The pocket rocket hybrid marks the strengthening of the engineering partnership between Honda (UK) and MUGEN Euro following the limited edition Civic Type R MUGEN in 2010.

The results are thanks to a centrifugal forced air induction system, charge-air cooler and induction system and importantly, a MUGEN Euro-mapped ECU. The performance is more than satisfying, especially for a hybrid – 0 to100 km/h in 6.1 seconds, which is over 3 seconds quicker than the standard car.

“MUGEN Euro magic has created a super responsive yet eco-conscious model building on our sporting credentials and giving us the ability to compete in the “hot hatch” marketplace as we move into 2012.”, commented Martin Moll, Head of Honda (UK) marketing.

Source: Honda

November 29, 2011

Nissan Juke Nismo Concept

Nissan will reveal Juke Nismo at the 42^nd Tokyo Motor Show, next month. With its distinctive styling Nissan Juke has redefined the highly competitive B-segment, but the Juke Nismo Concept is even more dramatic. The crossover is lower, wider and has a meaner stance. Even standing still, it’s clearly a performance car.

“The global sales success of Nissan Juke has proved beyond doubt that customers are looking for something different,” said Andy Palmer, Executive Vice President, Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.

“The Juke Nismo Concept takes that idea to the next level. It’s energetic, distinctive and highly desirable.”, he added.

The Juke Nismo Concept comes with a complete body kit giving the car not only better look, but some performance, too. It consists of a new front and rear bumpers, wider fenders and sill side skirts. The grille pattern has been changed while the tailgate spoiler has been modified by the addition of side elements to control airflow more efficiently. Even the shape of the door mirrors has been altered to enhance the car’s aerodynamic performance and reduce front and rear lift without increasing drag.

Nissan Juke Nismo stands on 19” alloy wheels fitted with low-profile performance tires. There are also improvements in the suspension, which is lowered and the 1.6-litre direct injection turbo gasoline engine has been uprated to deliver more power and performance.

The interior boasts a new steering wheel, pedals, gauges, shifter knob and door trims. Further underlining the performance aspects of the car, special leather-trimmed bucket seats have been added while the importance of the tachometer means the dial and needle are illuminated in red.

A feeling of enhanced sporting quality in the cockpit can be attributed to a toned-down effect applied to previously light coloured surfaces, while the dramatic centre console – shaped to resemble a motorcycle fuel tank – has been given a metallic coating to enhance the purposeful feeling of the Concept.

Source: Nissan

November 29, 2011

Nissan Skyline GT-R R34 900HP vs. Bugatti Veyron 1001HP

The reaction time in drag racing is almost as important as the power of your car, because you may have less horsepower than you opponent and still win. However, in this case, the reaction time doesn’t matter and the more powerful car is a winner with few thousandths of a second.

The epic battle is between Bugatti Veyron and highly tuned Nissan Skyline GT-R R34. The run is on one mile and as you can see in the video, the GT-R R34 is in front all the time, because of the superb reaction time and the better ¼ mile time. The power-to-weight ratio is extremely important, when the race is at ¼ mile (402.33 m)and much less, when it is on a full mile (1.609 km).

Bugatti Veyron stops the clock at 10.523 at ¼ mile with 223 km/h and 26.122 at one mile with 328 km/h, while the Skyline GT-R R34 achieved 10.426 at ¼ mile with 216 km/h and 26.154 at one mile with 311 km/h.

Bugatti Veyron is powered by a 8.0 liter quad-turbocharged sixteen-cylinder engine delivering 1001PS (736 kW) and 1250Nm (922 lb-ft) of torque.

The original Nissan Skyline GT-R R34 is powered by a 2.6 L twin-turbo inline-six with 332PS (244 kW) and 392 Nm (289 lb-ft).

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uoEJR3mRTek

Bugatti Veyron vs Nissan Skyline GT-R R34

Source: Dragtimesinfo via Youtube

November 28, 2011

HAMANN Range Rover 5.0i V8 Supercharged

Hamann has announced the Range Rover V8 Supercharged 5.0i. The mighty SUV will benefit from exclusive bodywork, performance, and new interior modifications. The big vehicle now has much more dynamic appearance.

The wide body kit includes a new front spoiler with larger cooling air inlets and harmoniously integrated LED daytime running lights. There are also wider wings, forming a single unit with the newly designed side skirts, adding about 60 mm more width to the vehicle in front and 70 mm at the rear. The rear benefits from a newly designed skirt housing stainless steel exhaust pipes from the HAMANN sports exhaust system. As an option, you can order a carbon roof spoiler, which completes the aggressive exterior design.

Hamann Range stands on enormous three-part forged wheels with the designation DESIGN EDITION RACE “ANODIZED” fitted with 295/35 R22 tires.

The powerful engine is boosted to 530PS (390 kW) and 660Nm (487 lb-ft) at 2600RPM, instead of factory’s 510PS (375 kW) and 625Nm (461 lb-ft). The results are thanks to a new exhaust system, complete with X-manifold, center pipe, and an ECU re-map. The performance is superb for vehicle of such size – from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.0 seconds, flat and a top speed of 227 km/h (141 mph).

Lastly, the interior boasts almost infinite number of combinations of leather, Alcantara, wood, carbon or aluminium trim. Upon request, the HAMANN can produce almost anything that customer needs. From personalized foot mats to complete interior leather finish, everything is made with the highest degree of craftsmanship and precision. Individually designed and integrated into the vehicle by masters of their craft.

Source: HAMANN

November 28, 2011

Project Kahn Range Rover Sport RS300 Cosworth Edition

Project Kahn has introduced a tuning programme for the new 2012 Range Rover Sport. The vehicle looks just stunning and completely refined. The name of the project is RS300 Cosworth Edition.

Kahn Range Rover Sport RS300 Cosworth Edition is finished in white. It features complete aerodynamics package consisting of front and rear wheel arches, LED daytime running lights in front air dams, Cosworth front grille with 3D mesh and exhaust side vents. There are also Cosworth quad diagonal exhaust system, calipers finished in heat resistant paint and offered in a wide range of colors and Kahn branding.

The interior is even more stunning – a diamond gear selector, RS300 clocks, Cosworth time clock, Cosworth stainless steel door entry sill plates and Cosworth machined aluminum vented foot pedals.

The price of Kahn Range Rover Sport RS300 Cosworth Edition starts from £65 875.

Project Kahn Range Rover Sport RS300 Cosworth Edition

Source: Project Kahn

November 28, 2011

JMS Racelook Audi S5

JMS Racelook has announced their aerodynamics package for the latest Audi S5.

The body kit includes a new front lip for €269, which is also suitable for A5 S-line. It can be easily fitted with glue and screws onto the series front bumper. There are also a rear diffuser for €259, which houses a new stainless steel sport exhaust system with four tailpipes by Eisenmann – €1 725.

For even better stance, you can order a set of H&R lowering springs, which cut 40 mm from the ride’s height – €1 750.

Last, but not least, there are huge TS1 alloy wheels in dimensions 9.5J x 20” for the front and 10J x 20” at the rear fitted with 255/30 R20 tires. The price for a set is no less than €4500.

All parts are made of high quality materials and TUV approved.

Source: JMS via WCF

November 28, 2011

2012 Toyota GT 86 at the 42nd Tokyo Motor Show

Finally, Toyota will officially reveal the new GT 86 sports car at the 42^nd the Tokyo motor show on November 30. The compact 2+2 model, one of the most keenly awaited new cars of the coming year, will go on sale in the UK in June 2012.

The new GT 86 is an entirely driver-focused, which is designed to deliver maximum pleasure behind the steering wheel. The sports car has instant response to the smallest throttle and steering inputs and the kind of performance that appeals to those for whom driving is a passion, not a necessity.

The GT 86 measures 4 240 mm long, 1 285 mm high and 1775 mm wide, with a wheelbase of 2 570mm, dimensions which make it the most compact four-seater sports car available today.

The car is built on a new platform featuring a highly aerodynamic bodyshell stretched tight over the car’s mechanical elements. Both the powertrain and the driving position have been set as low and as far back as possible to achieve the best balance: the car has a near-perfect 53:47 front-to-rear weight distribution.

2012 Toyota GT 86 is powered by a 2.0 liter four-cylinder boxer engine with equal bore and stroke of 86.0mm. It generates 200PS (147 kW) at 7000RPM and 205 Nm (151 lb-ft) of torque at 6600RPM. The engine is mated to either a 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic gearbox. The automatic transmission can be controlled using paddle shifts mounted on the steering wheel.

The power is put on the road through rear wheels via a LSD (limited slip differential) to give the best possible grip in all driving conditions. The ABS and switchable vehicle stability control systems have been tuned specifically to deliver dynamic stability at the limit of the car’s performance envelope with minimal electronic intervention to help preserve the purity of the driving experience.

The suspension features MacPherson struts at the front and double wishbones at the rear. The car rides on 17” wheels and is fitted with ventilated disc brakes fore and aft.

With its staggering look, rear-wheel-drive and the nice naturally aspirated petrol engine, the new GT 86 will turn in one of the best sport coupes on the market.

Source: Toyota

November 28, 2011

Subaru Impreza WRX STI S206

Subaru has announced the new special edition Impreza WRX STI S206, which hits the Japan market. It is based on the 4-door SUBARU IMPREZA WRX STI and features exclusively-made items in both interior and exterior designs. As with former STI models such as S204 and R205, S206 is founded on the IMPREZA WRX STI line.
The exterior modifications includes a new front spoiler, a revised grille, ventilated fenders and 19” BBS wheels with Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires. You can also opt for the NBR challenge package, which adds a carbon fiber roof, a carbon fiber rear spoiler and black BBS wheels.

The interior boasts a genuine leather-wrapped steering wheel, “RECARO” racing bucket seats, and seatbelts.

The WRX STI S206 also comes with a front tower brace, Brembo brakes and specially tuned Bilstein shocks. The chassis is stiffened and the VDC (Vehicle Dynamics Control) system is also revised.

Furthermore, you’ll get more power because of the ECU re-map, upgraded pistons and a high-performance crankshaft. The turbocharged boxer engine delivers 320PS (235 kW) and 431Nm (318 lb-ft)

Only 300 units will be produced.

Check out the full specs, below!

Subaru Impreza WRX STI S206:

-Mechanism-

•   STI tuned Bilstein upside down strut and STI coil springs for front suspension
•   STI tuned Bilstein damper and STI coil springs for rear suspension
•   S206 BBS designed 19-inch x 8 1/2J forged aluminum wheels (silver)
•   Michelin Pilot Super Sports 245/35ZR19(93Y) tires
•   Brembo 6-pot silver colored brake caliper with STI logo and 18-inch 2piece type drilled disk rotors for front brake
•   Brembo 4-pot silver colored brake caliper with STI logo and 18-inch drilled disk rotors for rear brake
•   STI designed flexible front strut tower brace
•   STI designed flexible draw stiffener, front
•   STI designed flexible support, rear
•   STI designed support, front kit
•   STI designed lateral rink with pillow ball bush (front inside, rear inside)
•   S206 engine balanced with STI
•   STI designed S206 ECU (Engine Control Unit)
•   S206 twin scroll ball bearing turbocharger
•   STI designed S206 sport muffler with lowered back pressure exhaust
•   Large intercooler with S206 logo
•   STI designed strengthened silicon intake duct
•   STI designed air cleaner element
•   S206 multi mode VDC (Vehicle Dynamics Control)

-Interior-

•   S206 RECARO designed front bucket seat
•   S206 seat fabric, ALCANTARA® with black punching / red base, leather seat support (dark gray) with silver stitch
•   S206 door trim & centered arm rest (black ALCANTARA® with silver stitch)
•   S206 dark red colored seat belt
•   S206 silver side sill plate with S206 logo (front)
•   S206 leather lapped steering wheel with STI logo and silver stitch
•   STI designed leather shift knob with STI logo and leather shift boot
•   S206 leather side brake boot
•   STI designed push engine start switch (red with STI logo)
•   S206 serial number plate (console, engine compartment)

-Exterior-

•   S206 large front under spoiler
•   S206 front fender outlet grille
•   Aluminum front hood
•   STI designed trunk lip spoiler
•   S206 badges on front grille and rear gate
•   STI designed side garnish with STI logo (black metallic)

-Exclusive for NBR CHALLENGE PACKAGE-

•   Carbon roof
•   S206 dry carbon rear spoiler (2 angle adjustable with S206 logo)
•   BBS designed 19-inch x 8 1/2J cast aluminum wheels (black)
•   S206 Nürburgring Challenge sticker (rear)
•   S206 red side sill plate with S206 logo (front)

< Marketing >

•   Maximum 300 units (must be pre-ordered by May 7, 2012)
•   [Including maximum 100 units of NBR CHALLENGE PACKAGE that must be pre-ordered by March 19, 2012]
•   Pre-orders for the “NBR CHALLENGE PACKAGE” have reached the limit for units available.
•   [Exterior color “Lightning Red” must be ordered by February 6, 2012]

Source: Subaru

November 25, 2011

Mazda i-ELOOP – A Regenerative Braking System

Mazda Motor Corporation has developed introduced their regenerative braking system for road cars. The new i-ELOOP is capable of improving fuel economy by approximately 10%. This is the first system of its kind in the world to use a capacitor. It will begin to appear in Mazda vehicles from 2012.

The unique capacitor technology in i-ELOOP can store large volumes of electricity and, unlike batteries, can be charged and discharged rapidly and is resistant to deterioration through prolonged use.

The i-ELOOP includes a new variable voltage (12-25V) alternator, a low-resistance Electric Double Layer Capacitor (EDLC) and a DC/DC converter. i-ELOOP starts to recover kinetic energy the moment the driver lifts off the accelerator pedal and the vehicle begins to decelerate.

Instop-start driving conditions, the use of i-ELOOP fuel economy improves by approximately 10% . Working in conjunction with Mazda’s unique i-stop idling stop technology, i-ELOOP can extend the period that the engine can be shut off.

Mazda is working to maximise the efficiency of internal combustion engine vehicles with its groundbreaking SKYACTIVTechnology. By combining this with i-stop, i-ELOOP and other electric devices that enhance fuel economy by eliminating unnecessary fuel consumption, Mazda is striving to deliver vehicles with excellent environmental performance, as well as a Zoom-Zoom driving experience for all its customers.

At the 42nd Tokyo Motor Show, Mazda will debut the i-ELOOP system in the TAKERI Concept car, a next generation mid-sized saloon that features SKYACTIV Technology and the Japanese company’s ‘KODO – Soul of Motion’ design theme.

Mazda’s first vehicle for the UK and European market to have the full range of innovative SKYACTIV technologies will be the Mazda CX-5 compact SUV, set for launch in Spring 2012.

Source: Mazda

November 25, 2011

Cars & Art Porsche 911 Carrera 4S

Cars & Art has introduced their tuned Porsche 997 Porsche 911 Carrera 4S. The name of the project is “Pretty Boy” and you can see, why!

The mighty Porsche is completely foiled in matte-white colour, but it also features some nice light blue elements. The tuned Carrera stands on enormous 20” OZ Racing Ultraleggera HLT wheels finished in gold paint and fitted with performance Dunlop Sport Maxx GT tires. There are also front and tail covers and the GT3 spoiler.

The stance is unique thanks to H&R lowering suspension, which cut 35 mm of the ride height. Last, but not least, Cars & Art has installed a sports exhaust system with flap control.

The Porsche 997 Porsche 911 Carrera 4S is powered by a 3.8 liter flat-six engine with 360PS (265 kW) at 6600RPM and 400Nm (295 lb-ft) at 4600RPM. The performance is brutal – from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.7 seconds and a top speed of 300 km/h (190 mph).

The power is put on the road through viscous clutch all-wheel-drive system, which can send between 5% and 40% of engine torque to the front wheels as needed.

Source: Cars & Art via WCF

November 25, 2011

BRABUS Mercedes SLS AMG Roadster

Brabus has introduced their tuning program for the stylish SLS AMG Roadster.

The exclusive program comprises an aerodynamic-enhancement kit made from clear-coated carbon fiber, extremely lightweight BRABUS forged wheels with a comfortable sport suspension, engine tuning, a titanium high-performance exhaust system with electronic sound management, and a fully customized interior tailored to the owner’s individual preferences in every last detail.

The body kit includes a new front spoiler attached to the production bumper, two BRABUS carbon-fiber covers for the upper air ducts, modified side skirts, newly designed air vents in the front fenders, BRABUS rear spoiler, side air vents for the rear fascia and BRABUS diffuser with custom-tailored cutouts for the four distinctive tailpipes of the BRABUS quad sport exhaust system.

The striking appearance is completed by a set of huge Brabus forged wheels – Monoblock F “Platinum Edition” cross-spoke in dimensions 9.5J x 20” with 275/30 ZR 20 for the front and 11J x 21” with and 295/25 ZR 21 tires for the rear. The performance tires are supplied by technology partners Continental, Pirelli or YOKOHAMA.

For superb handling and stance, the tuner has installed the BRABUS Ride Control smooth-ride suspension that was developed in cooperation with BILSTEIN. IT can lower the ride height up to 40mm. At the push of a button on the center console the driver can choose between damper settings that offer a more comfortable or sportier ride than the production car. The sport suspension and the production suspension can be upgraded with the BRABUS Front Lift System for added convenience. At the push of a button, a hydraulics system raises the front end of the roadster by 50 mm (2.0 inches) in just a couple of seconds.

The most powerful naturally aspirated V8 in the world – AMG’s 6.2 liter is boosted from 571PS (420 kW) to 611PS (448 kW). The result is thanks to a performance kit consisting of newly calibrated engine electronics with special BRABUS mapping for ignition and injection, and the BRABUS high-performance exhaust system.

The interior can be customizer according to the owner’s taste, but it also comes with a speedometer with 400-km/h (250-mph) dial, an ergonomically shaped sport steering wheel, stainless-steel scuff plates with backlit BRABUS logo and matte-anodized pedals.

There is no doubt, that Brabus SLS AMG Roadster is simply perfect.

BRABUS Mercedes SLS AMG Roadster Interior

Source: Brabus

November 25, 2011

BRABUS Mercedes ML W166

Mercedes-Benz M-Class W166 has received a full tuning package from the famous tuning company – Brabus. The big SUV comes with complete aerodynamics package, performance upgrades and interior modifications.

The exterior boasts a new spoiler for the front bumper of the sport version and attachments for the air inlets in the front fascia. There are also new sill skirts and BRABUS lettering in the fender attachments. At the rear, the tuner installed BRABUS On Road rear fascia that is available in two versions. Depending on the type of engine the rear fascia comes with a cutout on the left or with a cutout on either side to provide the perfect backdrop for the BRABUS dual or quad sport exhaust system. A BRABUS rear spoiler that attaches to the liftgate will be available in the near future. The entire appearance package is manufactured in OEM quality from high-grade Pur-R-Rim plastics.

The big vehicle stands on BRABUS Monoblock wheels with diameters ranging from 18 to 22 inches. The largest are 10J x 22” in three different designs as Monoblock VI, E and Q wheels. They are fitted with 295/30 ZR 22 tires front and back from either Continental, Pirelli or YOKOHAMA.

The suspension is also upgraded – a set of sport springs for a ride-height lowering by some 30 mm. For M-Class vehicles with AIRMATIC air suspension the BRABUS suspension engineers have developed a custom control module that lowers the ride height of the SUV by some 30 to 40 mm.

You can also opt for a high-performance brake system. It consists of 6-piston aluminum calipers with vented and cross-drilled discs measuring 405 x 34 mm for the front wheels and 4-piston fixed aluminum calipers and brake discs measuring 380 x 28 mm for the rear wheels.

The performance is boosted by the BRABUS ECO PowerXtra D6S module for the direct-injection engine. It adds 70Nm (52 lb-ft) and 48PS (35 kW) to the ML 350 BlueTEC 4MATIC. From 0 to 100 km/h in just 6.0 seconds and a top speed of 229 km/h (142 mph).

Finally, the interior can be exclusively ordered with bi-color stainless-steel scuff plates with backlit BRABUS logo as well as matte-anodized aluminum pedals, door-lock pins and foot rest are part of the refinement repertoire as are exclusive BRABUS interiors masterfully crafted from a combination of the finest Mastik leather and Alcantara. In addition, there are exotic-wood and carbon-fiber trim sets in any desired color and with a variety of surfaces from open-pored and matte to high-gloss finishes.

Source: Brabus

November 25, 2011

Author: Victor Ivanov