Automobiles Review

Author: Victor Ivanov

2012 BMW Z4 sDrive28i

Here is a little riddle! Rear-wheel drive, wind in the hair, aggressiveness, style, unique driving pleasure and 245PS?

Volkswagen Eos? No! Mazda MX-5 Miata? No, again! There is only one answer having all these qualities – 2012 BMW Z4 sDrive28i. Although the car is not an entirely new model, it received BMW’s brand new 2.0 liter twin-scroll turbocharged petrol engine with a nice power of 245PS (180 kW) and a train-pulling 350Nm (260 lb-ft) of torque. This new engine replaces the well-known 3.0 liter six-cylinder petrol in 25i and 30i.

2012 Z4 sDrive28i accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.7 seconds and still returns a nice 41.5 mpg on combined cycle with emissions below 160 g/km. This is possible thanks to a number of modern technology – Double-VANOS variable camshaft timing and VALVETRONIC variable valve opening. The top speed of the roadster is 250 km/h (155 mph), doesn’t matter whether the roof is up or down.

The latest BMW’s roadster has a lot of advantages over the other rivals, but price will not be one of them. Stay tuned for more details and full pricing list of 2012 BMW Z4 sDrive28i.

Model Power
Hp Torque Nm 0 – 62mph Seconds Top Speed Mph Combined Mpg CO₂ Emissions g/km

BMW Z4 sDrive28i 245 250 5.7 155* 41.5 159

* Electronically limited

2012 BMW Z4 sDrive28i

Source: BMW

October 24, 2011
BMW 520d EfficientDynamics Saloon – 62.8mpg

Do you remember BMW E39 525TDS Automatic? Yep, this old huge saloon, which was meant to go at long journeys with minimal fuel consumption. Fail! The car was so heavy and underpowered that it was a nightmare to drive. Still, there are thousands of them even now and they still work or kind of…

Now, you’ll be able to buy the brand new BMW F10 520d EfficientDynamics Saloon, which is also meant to be driven for a huge distance with minimal expenses. This time, BMW created a very nice drivable machine having decent dynamics and extremely low fuel consumption.

The sixth-generation of 5-Series sets a class-leading figures with its 520d EfficientDynamics model. The car comes with Auto Start-Stop, an 8-speed automatic ZF transmission and a double-wishbone front suspension. Furthermore, it returns whopping 62.8 mpg, which is below 4 litres diesel per 100 km and this is on combined cycle. The harmful emissions are also very low – only 120 g/km.

And if all this is not enough, check this – 184PS (135 kW) and 380Nm (282 lb-ft) of torque meaning 0 to 100 km/h in 8.2 seconds and a top speed somewhere around 232 km/h (144 mph). Not bad, not bad at all for big family saloon, which will carry you, your children and even the dog through more than a thousand kilometres with a single tank of fuel.

BMW 520d EfficientDynamics Saloon

Source: BMW

October 24, 2011
Roush Ford Focus Performance

Another tuned 2012 Ford Focus will be exhibited at the 2011 SEMA Show. Roush Performance Products will introduce the vehicle to the audience between November 1^st and 4^th in Las Vegas.

Roush Ford Focus Performance comes with complete body kit and some engine modifications, which will boost the 2.0 liter petrol engine under the hood.

The body kit includes a new front bumper with enormous air intake, new front grille and new front hood. There are also a chin splitter, new side skirts and exterior graphics.

To complete the exterior look, Rousch added new alloy wheels finished in black paint.

The performance mods include a new Roush R900 TVS supercharger, modified high-flow air induction system and dual high performance exhaust system. All these upgrades will power the 2.0 liter Ti-VCT four-cylinder petrol engine, which originally produces 160PS (118 kW) at 6500RPM and 190Nm (140 lb-ft) of torque at 4450RPM. There are no further data, but we expect more than 250PS from the tuned engine.

Roush Ford Focus Performance

Source: Roush

October 24, 2011
3dCarbon Ford Focus

3dCarbon will exhibit a specially prepared 2012 Ford Focus at this year’s SEMA.

The car will feature a complete body kit consisting of a new front spoiler, a pair of side skirts, a new roof spoiler and lowered suspension by Eibach spring set. The car stands on nice BBS wheels fitted with performance tires by Pirelli. The alloy wheels are finished in red to match the other accents. There will be also a 3M wrap and tinted windows.

The top-of-range 2012 Focus ST is powered by a 2.0-litre EcoBoost engine with 250PS (184 kW) and 360Nm (267 lb-ft) of torque. It is definitely a nice match to 3dCarbon look.

However, a base version of 2012 Focus is priced from $18 200, which is not bad at all and, if you need more styling, 3dCarbon will provide it.

3dCarbon Ford Focus

Source: 3dCarbon

October 24, 2011
Fisker Karma has achieved 52 MPGe

Fisker Automotive confirms Karma EPA certification, which means that the official rating of the vehicle is already known. It is 53 MPGe on combined cycle. Fisker Automotive’s Electric Vehicle with extended range (EVer^TM) powertrain technology clearly represents the future for the automotive industry.

Fisker Karma is powered by two electric motors with combined power of 408PS (300 kW) and 1300Nm (959 lb-ft), which is enough to catapult the car to 100 km/h in 5.9 seconds and to bring it all the way up to 200 km/h (124 mph).

Another test showed that the Karma’s all-electric range is just 52 km (32 miles), which is less than the original claim of 80 km (50 miles). However, the overall range is more than 480km (300 miles). It is provided by a turbocharged 2.0-liter petrol engine generating electricity to recharge the batteries, when they are depleted.

“We are delighted to have EPA certification and fuel economy ratings that verify the Karma’s remarkable green credentials.” said Henrik Fisker, CEO and co-founder of Fisker Automotive.

“As with all electric vehicles, range varies greatly on the conditions of the road and how you drive the car. We firmly believe that most owners will get up to 50 miles of driving range on a single charge and will use our electric-only mode most of the time they drive the car, thereby running on zero emissions. Overall, we are very pleased with the results of EPA’s tests. The Karma is a groundbreaking product with a unique powertrain.”, he finished.

Fisker Karma Plug-in Hybrid

Source: Fisker

October 21, 2011
Imperium Bentley Continental GT Audentia

Imperium has announced Bentley Continental GT Audentia. The tuned vehicle comes with the styling package consisting of aerodynamics kit and a sports exhaust system.

The exterior improvements include a new front bumper, new grille inserts and modified side skirts. There are also a new rear apron, a new diffuser and a sports exhaust system. The tag for the complete package is not low at all – £25 000, which is a bit pricey, especially, when you don’t get any interior modifications or performance upgrades.

The new elements are available in PU-RIM plastic or optional carbon fiber, which we guess is more expensive, so the complete price will be even bigger.

Bentley Continental GT Audentia will be limited to 50 units.

Imperium Bentley Continental GT Audentia

Imperium Bentley Continental GT Audentia

Imperium Bentley Continental GT Audentia

Imperium Bentley Continental GT Audentia

Source: Imperium

October 21, 2011
Hartge H35d

Hartge has introduced the new H35d, which is based on the latest 5-Series – the F10 model. The German tuner, which is also officially certified as a manufacturer like Alpina gave to the 5-Series F10, what it exactly needed – individuality, aggressiveness and better performance.

The mighty six-cylinder twin-turbocharged diesel engine is boosted to a nice 354PS (260 kW) and 700Nm (516 lb-ft) of torque, instead of factory’s 300PS (220 kW) and 600Nm (442 lb-ft). Also the max torque comes at just 1800RPM, so driving is a real pleasure. Despite its higher performance, the Hartge H35d still falls in the “green” area of the planned German ecological seal with a CO2 emission of 162 g/km, which means that it complieswith EURO 5 standard.

The car also received sports suspension, which lowers with 30mm and the brand’s Classic 2 wheel set – ten-spoke wheels in dimensions 8.5J x 21” ET34 up front and 9.5J x 21” ET55 at the rear fitted with 255/30 ZR 21 and 295/25 ZR21, respectively. The stance is unique – check out the first picture!

Hartge H35d also boasts stainless-steel rear silencer with dual round tail pipes with 80 mm diameter, bon casings for the exterior mirrors, matt-silver stripes, a set of emblems for the bonnet and boot lid, as well as a discrete Hartge insignia.

The interior comes with a threespoke sports leather steering wheel with a Hartge emblem in aluminium, a carbon steering-wheel cover, a two-piece set of aluminium pedals for the automatic transmission, stainless-steel sill covers front and rear and black velour foot and boot mats.

So, the performance is much better than the original version – 0 to 100 km/h in 5.2 seconds. The top speed is still limited to 250 km/h (155 mph). However, Hartge will soon be able to remove that “nasty” limiter.

Hartge H35d

Source: Hartge

October 21, 2011
Romeo Ferraris Cinquone Stradale

Romeo Ferraris has introduced a street legal version of Abarth 500 Cinquone Stradale race car.

The small vehicle has the same exterior as the race car, which includes an aerodynamics package consisting of new bonnet with two air scoops for engine cooling, new front bumper with a big central air intake, integrated wide body fenders and skirts and finally a new rear bumper with central exhaust tips.

The most staggering about the small car is the 1.4 liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 300PS (220 kW), which is just 60PS (44 kW) less than the race car. The result is thanks to a new bigger turbocharger, sport exhaust system with metal catalytic converter and of course an ECU remap. The performance is brilliant, because of the brutal engine and the incredibly low weight – 1000kg (2205 lbs). There is no data about the acceleration, but the power-to-weight ratio is 3.33 kg/hp, so 0 to 100 km/h will be less than 5 seconds.

The interior boasts a complete roll bar as the rear seat is removed. There is also a lot of carbon fiber as well as carbon race seats with with OMP 4-point seatbelts.

Romeo Ferraris Cinquone Stradale

Romeo Ferraris Cinquone Stradale

Romeo Ferraris Cinquone Stradale

Romeo Ferraris Cinquone Stradale

Romeo Ferraris Cinquone Stradale Interior

Romeo Ferraris Cinquone Stradale Interior

Source: Romeo Ferraris

October 21, 2011
Kicherer Mercedes C63 T AMG Supersport

Mercedes-Benz C63 T AMG Supersport is one of the latest creations of German auto tuner Kicherer. The car is based on the latest C63 AMG T and the “Supersport” in the end of the tuned vehicle is not coincidence.

The most powerful naturally aspirated V8 in the world – AMG’s 6.2 liter power unit is boosted to 550PS (405kW) and 640Nm (472 lb-ft) of torque, instead of factory’s 457PS (336 kW) and 600Nm (443 lb-ft). 0 to 100 km/h in 4.2 seconds and a top speed of 320 km/h (199 mph), which is not bad for family touring car.

The aerodynamic body kit includes a new front spoiler, front grille, extended wheel arches, side sills, a new rear diffuser and mirror shells.

C63 T AMG Supersport stands on huge 20” alloy wheels fitted with performance tires, which are safe at speed of even more than 300 km/h. The stance is further improved by the lowered suspension.

No words about pricing.

Kicherer Mercedes C63 T AMG Supersport

Source: Kicherer

October 20, 2011
Senner Audi A1 S-Line

Senner Tuning AG has shown its unique sense of creativity by adding new rear apron to Audi A1 S-line exterior pack. Somewhat, this part was neglected by the manufacturer, but Senner’s enhancement greatly improves the overall performance of the latter.

The Rear Apron Insert is produced from top-quality, glass-fiber-reinforced polymeric material FGPC, therefore it is light and crashproof. The car also features extra fine fit 9-mm tail exhaust tail pipes on the right and left of the plant-manufactured exhaust system. In order to get an approval from the Technical Supervision Association the papers are now being prepared.

The Insert can be glued and bolted to the original rear apron as the series reflectors must be retained.

The price of delivery set is 299.90 EURO.

Senner Audi A1 S-Line

Source: Senner Tuning

October 20, 2011
Wald Mercedes-Benz R230 Black Bison Edition

Wald International has revealed the new Black Bison Edition R230 SL. The vehicle is based on Sports Line version of the model and comes with some exterior improvements. However, there is no data about boosting the new superefficient engines.

The aerodynamics package includes a new front bumper, front fenders, a pair of modified side skirts, a new rear bumper and quarter panel wheel arch extensions. Finally, to complete the aggressive exterior, Wald installed a trunk lid spoiler, which is also available in carbon fiber and a DTM sports muffler with twin exhaust pipes.

Black Bison Edition R230 SL stands on enormous Renovatio R12 wheels – 9J x 20” at the front and 11J x 20” at the rear fitted with ultra-low profile performance tires.

Wald International will exhibit the tuned car at the 2011 SEMA.

Wald Mercedes-Benz R230 Black Bison Edition

Source: Wald International

October 20, 2011
Vath Mercedes-Benz CLS 63 AMG

Vath released a new tuning package for Mercedes-Benz CLS 63 AMG. The second generation of CLS-Class was first introduced to the public in Paris in 2010. The four-door coupe received refined interior and exterior by Vath.

2012 CLS 63 AMG is powered by a 5.5 liter bi-turbo V8 with 525HP (386 kW) at 5250RPM and 700Nm of torque between 1750 and 5000RPM. The V63RS tuning kit boosts the mighty engine to whopping 658PS (484 kW) and 960Nm (708 lb-ft) of torque. The performance is just brutal – 0 to 100 km/h in 3.9 seconds , 12 seconds to 200 km/h and a top speed of 325 km/h (202 mph).

The results are thanks to a new intercooler system , a stainless steel sport exhaust system with steel catalysts and a calibrated ECU, of course. The price for this upgrade is € 12 800.

The suspension is also upgraded – lowering springs for front axle from 20 to 40mm and rear axle electronic adjustment. The price is € 980. The brake system is improved by installing flexible steel brake lines for € 590 – Technical Supervision certificate and Castrol SRF racing brake fluid included.

The tuned CLS stands on enormous three-piece 9J x 20” wheels with 265/30 ZR20 tires up front and 10.5J x 20” with 305/25 ZR20 tires for the rear axle. The price is rather “ugly” – € 6 337.

The aerodynamics package will cost you additional € 4 460 including an airflow front spoiler, a trunk-lip spoiler and a rear diffuser with fins and underfloor extension.

The interior gets a sports steering wheel in leather/leather design, also available with carbon or finewood applications upon request. If you want tachometer scale up to 360 km/h, your pockets will lose another € 1 450 and last but not least, a classy black carbon package is available for € 3 300.

Vath Mercedes-Benz CLS 63 AMG

Source: Vath

October 20, 2011

Model	Power Hp	Torque Nm	0 – 62mph Seconds	Top Speed Mph	Combined Mpg	CO₂ Emissions g/km
BMW Z4 sDrive28i	245	250	5.7	155*	41.5	159
* Electronically limited