Victor Ivanov – Page 220 – Automobiles Review

2009 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Concept

Chevrolet has announced the new Corvette Stingray Concept, which will hit the market in 2013 as a 2014 model.

The truth is that the current model is not so popular among the customers – a total of 9 123 units were sold last year. The latter, by the way, have been the lowest in the last 4 decades of the legend’s production.

The C7 will be lighter and more compact than the C6. Another innovation will be a 7-speed manual gearbox, which was recently introduced by Porsche. There are also rumors of direct injection and variable valve timing on the new V8 engine. This is really a precedent in GMs history, because they have been always counting on simple, big and powerful engines.

What seems sure at this point, though, is that the C7 will come off the production lines in the Bowling Green Assembly plant in Kentucky where the current-generation Corvette is produced.

September 29, 2011

2012 Skoda Citigo

Skoda has announced the smallest vehicle in its model range. Citigo is brand’s new model will make its debut in its domestic market, the Czech Republic, before the end of this year, with the UK and other European countries following at the beginning of summer 2012.

The dimensions are just 3560mm long, 1650mm wide and 1480mm high. It is perfect for city driving, especially with its superbly efficient engine.

The Citigo is powered by a three-cylinder 1.0 liter engine with either 60PS (44 kW) or 75PS (55 kW). Both versions make 95Nm of torque and are mated to a 5-speed manual gearbox.

The fuel consumption is impressively low with figures of 67.3mpg and 65.7mpg respectively and emissions of just 97g and 99g CO₂/km, respectively.

The engines and the transmission have been designed to provide optimum economy in cities and their surroundings. Reaching the operating temperature even on short distances, the engines are highly economical.

Technical specifications

Engine		1.0 MPI/60PS	1.0 MPI/75PS
Cylinders		3	3
Displacement	[cm3]	999	999
Max. engine performance/revs	[kW at rpm]	44/5000–6000	55/6200
Max. torque/revs	[Nm at rpm]	95/3000–4300	95/3000–4300
Transmission		manual 5-speed	manual 5-speed
Dimensions
Length/width/height	[mm]	3563/1641/1478	3563/1641/1478
Wheel base	[mm]	2420	2420
Track front/rear	[mm]	1428/1424	1428/1424
Wheels		5J×14″	5J×14″
Tyres		165/70 R14	165/70 R14
Storage capacity/with rear seat backrests folded down	[l]	251/951	251/951
Width of front/rear seats	[mm]	1417/1389	1417/1389
Headroom in front/rear seats	[mm]	993/947	993/947
Body
Drag coefficient cw		0,33	0,33
Weights
Kerb weight – incl. driver*	[kg]	929	929
Payload – incl. driver*	[kg]	436	436
Performance/consumption
Maximum speed	[mph]	99	106
Acceleration 0–62mph	[secs]	13.9	12.7
Consumption – combined (1999/100/EC)	[mpg]	62.8	60.1
CO₂ emissions	[g/km]	105	108

Source: Skoda

September 27, 2011

Superchips Citroen DS3 Racing

Citroen DS3 Racing is one of the best hot hatches currently available on the market. According to us, it is the best, because it includes everything that a hot hatch needs – power and style!

Superchips ltd now offers an ECU re-map for the EP6CDTX engine – 1.6 liter direct injection, twin-scroll turbocharged, which is boosted to 230BHP (169 kW) and 320Nm (237 lb-ft) of torque.

The new power reflects on 0 to 60 mph time, which is 6.5 seconds for the non-tuned version and a top speed of over 149 mph.

However, the additional performance delivered by the Superchips upgrade doesn’t come at the expense of the Citroën DS3 Racing’s 42 mpg combined fuel economy, so despite of the noticeable performance increase produced by the Superchips ECU remap.

The upgrade is suitable for all Citroen DS3 Racing models produced from January 2011 onwards. The price is just £455.00, including VAT 20%, so …

Superchips – don’t compromise, optimise.

Source: Superchips

September 27, 2011

Fiat 500 Pink Ribbon Edition Price – $22 500

Fiat has created special Pink Ribbon edition for the United States. The vehicle is Produced in partnership with The Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF), the collaboration allows breast cancer awareness advocates to express their support for the cause in modern iconic Italian style.

“We are honored to partner with an upstanding organization like The Breast Cancer Research Foundation that supports a cause so important to our consumers and our company,” commented Laura Soave, Head of FIAT North America.

“The Fiat 500 Pink Ribbon edition offers our FIAT consumers a unique and stylish way to express their support, help fund breast cancer research and ultimately drive change.”, she added.

The vehicle is based on 500 Lounge, which is available in silver and white. The special edition model boasts a dark pink stripe with a pink ribbon. The interior will feature unique floor mats and black leather seats with pink contrast stitching.

The vehicle is limited to just 250 unit and the price is $22 500. The manufacturer will donate $1 000 to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation for every unit sold, which means totally $250 000 for the whole series.

Source: Fiat

September 27, 2011

2012 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 Price – $250 000

Actually, this is an auction price for Camaro ZL 1, which has been sold at the Barrett-Jackson event in Las Vegas. The vehicle was offered by Fairway Chevrolet-Buick-GMC in Las Vegas, with 100 percent of the auction proceeds benefitting the YMCA of Southern Nevada.

Camaro ZL1 is one of the most powerful street legal vehicles in the world. It is powered by a brutal 6.2 liter LSA V8 engine equipped with supercharger. The power is “just” 588PS (432 kW) and 754Nm (556 lb-ft) of torque. What is more, the ZL1 comes with Performance Traction Management and third-generation Magnetic Ride Control.

Rick Hendrick won the special 69th Camaro ZL1 for $250 000. It is finished in Carbon Flash Metallic.

“Our family has been involved with the YMCA for more than 25 years,” said Greg Heinrich, president of Fairway Chevrolet.

“In that time, I have seen firsthand how the ‘Y’ helps young people, families, and seniors in our community. Today, the community’s dependence on the YMCA of Southern Nevada is greater than ever, with the Y sponsoring one out of four members.”, he finished.

Source: GM

September 26, 2011

MKB P670 Mercedes GL-Class

MKB has announced its tuning version of the biggest Mercedes-Benz – the GL-class. The engine swap is available for both GL 500 and GL 450.The total result is 668 PS (491 kW) and 1200Nm (885 lb-ft) of torque from the huge V12 engine. Furthermore, it fits perfectly in the engine bay as well as the automatic gearbox, the electronic control systems and 4-Matic drive system.The huge vehicle accelerates like super sports car – 0 to 100 km/h in 4.4 seconds and a top speed of 270 km/h (168 mph) – electronically limited. However, we believe that the SUV will easily hit 300 km/h.The heavy duty vehicle needs heavy duty braking system – 380mm ceramic discs up front and rear with 6-piston and 4-piston calipers, respectively.The tuning package costs whopping €217 568 excluding the price of original GL-Class.

Source: Autoblog.nl

September 26, 2011

2012 MINI Coupe Price – £16 640

2012 MINI Coupe is priced at just £16 640 on-the-road. The brand offers industry leading tlc servicing packages available on all MINI Coupe models.

The engine range includes outputs from 122PS (90 kW) to 211PS (155 kW) powering the flagship MINI John Cooper Works Coupe. There is also a 143PS (105 kW) Cooper SD – diesel engine.

Fuel economy on the combined cycle stretches from 39.8 mpg in the MINI John Cooper Works Coupe to a frugal 65.7mpg in the Cooper SD model while CO₂ emissions are as low as just 114g/km on the Cooper SD. Even the MINI John Cooper Works Coupe emits only 165g/km.

The standard equipment includes: Park Distance Control with rear sensors, height-adjustable sports seats (Cooper S upwards), air conditioning, electrically adjustable heated exterior mirrors, DAB digital radio and the MINI Radio Boost CD audio system with AUX IN connection. Standard safety equipment includes twin front and head-thorax airbags.

The options list is huge: automatic climate control, heated seats, multi-function steering wheel (standard on Cooper S, Cooper SD and John Cooper Works), automatically dimming rear-view and exterior mirrors, Harman Kardon hi-fi loudspeaker system, Bluetooth, USB audio interface, storage package and preparation for a rear luggage rack. Additional options are available from the John Cooper Works ranges.

Model	OTR Price	CO₂	MPG*	Insurance Group
MINI Cooper Coupé	£16,640	127g/km	52.3	18E
MINI Cooper S Coupé	£19,775	136g/km	48.7	31E
MINI Cooper SD Coupé	£20,510	114g/km	65.7	22E
MINI John Cooper Works Coupé	£23,795	165g/km	39.8	36E

MINI John Cooper Works Coupe:

Four-cylinder petrol engine with twin-scroll turbocharger and direct injection, plus numerous technological details carried over directly from motorsport.
Displacement: 1,598 cc

Output: 211hp/155kW 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: 0–62 mph: 6.4 seconds

Top speed: 149 mph

Average fuel consumption (combined cycle): 39.8 mpg

CO₂ emissions: 165 g/km

MINI Cooper S Coupe:

Four-cylinder petrol engine with twin-scroll turbocharger and direct injection.

Displacement: 1,598 cc

Output: 184hp/135kW 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 1,700 – 4,500 rpm)

Acceleration: 0–62 mph: 6.9 seconds

Top speed: 143 mph

Average fuel consumption (combined cycle): 48.7 mpg

CO₂ emissions: 136 g/km

MINI Cooper SD Coupe:

Four-cylinder turbo diesel with aluminium crankcase, common-rail injection and variable turbine geometry.

Displacement: 1,995 cc

Output: 143hp/105kW at 4,000 rpm

Max torque: 305 Nm/225 lb-ft at 1,750 – 2,700 rpm

Acceleration: 0–62 mph: 7.9 seconds

Top speed: 134 mph

Average fuel consumption (combined cycle): 65.7 mpg

CO₂ emissions: 114 g/km

MINI Cooper Coupé:

Displacement: 1,598 cc

Output: 122hp/90kW at 6,000 rpm

Max torque: 160 Nm/118 lb-ft at 4,250 rpm

Acceleration: 0–62 mph: 9.0 seconds

Top speed: 127 mph

Average fuel consumption (combined cycle): 52.3 mpg

CO₂ emissions: 127 g/km

Exterior dimensions :

Length: 3,728 millimetres (MINI Cooper Coupé)

3,734 millimetres (MINI Cooper S and Cooper SD Coupé)

3,758 millimetres (MINI John Cooper Works Coupé)

Width: 1,683 millimetres (1892 millimetres including door mirrors)

Height: 1,378 millimetres (MINI Cooper Coupé)

1,384 millimetres (MINI Cooper S, Cooper SD and John Cooper Works Coupé)
Wheelbase: 2,467 millimetres

Source: Mini

September 26, 2011

TechArt Porsche 911 Turbo – 700 PS and 880 Nm

TechArt has released more powerful version of Porsche 911 Turbo – 997 model. The tuning company launched power kit TA 097/T1 and T2 several months ago and now they offer TA 097/T3 kit.

Porsche 911 Turbo originally produces 500PS, but with stage 3 it is boosted to whopping 700PS (515 kW) and 880Nm (649 lb-ft) of torque. This is an increase of 200PS (147 kW) and 230Nm (170 lb-ft).

The results are thanks to two new VTG turbochargers, high performance intercoolers, sport air filter, new intake manifold and sport exhaust system. Of course, everything is carefully mapped to work just fine. There is also TECHART engine styling package in carbon-fibre.

The performance is brutal – 0 to 100 km/h in 2.8 seconds, to 200 km/h in 9 seconds and a top speed of mind blowing 352 km/h (219 mph).

All that power is put on the road through all-wheel-drive system, so you just have to step on the gas pedal and grad the steering wheel really hard.

Source: Techart

September 26, 2011

Mercedes-Benz Concept A-Class National Tour

Mercedes-Benz A-Class Concept is really a staggering vehicle. It boasts dynamic and sporty styling in the compact class. It is powered by a 2.0-liter engine with 210PS. Concept A-CLASS is going on view for the first time in the UK as part of an exciting and interactive display that is set to capture the imagination and interest of the public.

The Concept A-CLASS National Tour will visit the Bullring Shopping Centre, Birmingham – Saturday 24^th and Sunday 25^th September; Westfield London – Saturday 1^st and Sunday 2^nd October; Arndale Shopping Centre, Manchester – Saturday 8^th and Sunday 9^th October and Braehead Shopping Centre, Glasgow – Friday 14^th and Saturday 15^th October.

“Both visually and technologically, Concept A-CLASS provides an exciting insight into the potential future of the Mercedes-Benz compact car range, and a tantalising glimpse of some of the features that we’re confident would influence future customers in this highly-competitive sector,” said Gary Savage, Managing Director, Mercedes-Benz Cars.

“The Concept A-CLASS National Tour creates a unique experience for engaging with our potential customers ahead of some significant model launches next year, and it showcases the future direction of Mercedes-Benz in a truly eye-catching and enthralling way.”, he finished.

Source: Mercedes-Benz

September 22, 2011

Kubatech Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG

Kubatech has announced their tuning program for the astonishing Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG.

The most powerful naturally aspirated V8 in the world is further optimized by installing an ECU re-map giving additional 54PS (40 kW) and 30Nm (22 lb-ft) of torque. The overall figures are 625PS (460 kW) and 650Nm (479 lb-ft).

Obviously, the 6.2 liter engine has a lot of resources for optimization.

Kubatech didn’t release any information about aerodynamics package or any interior upgrades. Still, we think that SLS AMG is already perfect and it doesn’t need any styling improvements. Power upgrades are just fine!

The cost of these 54PS and 30Nm is really high – more than €8000.

Source: Kubatech

September 22, 2011

2012 Honda CR-V Concept

Honda has revealed the CR-V Concept debut at the Orange County International Auto Show in Anaheim, California. The all-new generation CR-V will hit the market by the end of the year and will debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show in November.

“The 2012 CR-V Concept strongly hints at the more dynamic and refined look of the upcoming model,” said John Mendel, executive vice president of sales for American Honda.

“As the best-selling SUV in each of the past four years, the 2012 CR-V promises to build on its highly successful formula with even more style, innovative features and higher fuel economy.”, he added.

2012 CR-V Concept boasts a distinctive and bold styling, more aggressive stance with deeper sculpting of the body lines and a bolder front fascia. The front bumper’s lines are highlighted by a horizontal three-bar grille and deeply set multi-reflector headlights. The lower front bumper wraps smartly upward to convey SUV capability with a generous approach angle, while the lower front bumper design now integrates more smoothly with the fascia for improved aerodynamics.

This is the final version of 2012 CR-V, so the production vehicle will look exactly like that on the pictures… Except the brutal wheels, probably.

Source: Honda

September 22, 2011

2011 Nissan Juke 1.5-litre dCi – 57.6mpg

Nissan has announced updated version of 1.6-litre petrol and 1.5-litre dCi turbodiesel models. Both engines now benefit of improved fuel efficiency thanks to revised gear ratios.

In other words, the 1.6-litre petrol variant now returns 47.1 mpg on the combined cycle, which is an improvement of 2.3mpg. The emissions have dropped to 139g/km of CO₂, a reduction of 8g/km. This also reflects on taxes by putting the model in VED Band E.

The revised 1.5-litre dCi diesel now returns 57.6 mpg on the combined cycle and emissions of just 129g/km.

These revisions come at no additional cost, so you really can save around £200.

Over 22 000 units have been sold in the UK since Juke was launched on 24^th September 2010.