Victor Ivanov – Page 222 – Automobiles Review

Lotus Evora GTE Limited Edition

Lotus has revealed Evora GTE Limited Edition at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show.

It is powered by a 3.5 liter V6 with 444PS (327 kW), which is mated to a sequential AMT (Automated Manual Transmission) racing gearbox. The car also boasts lightweight, forged alloy rims with central locking fitted with Pirelli P-Zero Corsa tires.

Lotus also cut the overall weight with 105 kg (227 lbs) over the standard Evora model.

The interior comes with lightweight Recaro seats made of carbon. There are also some other carbon elements and leather upholstery.

“The response to this model in China has been so incredible, within days we had sold out with 114 orders. In response we decided that the only logical step from a business perspective was to increase production and widen our reach.”, said Group Lotus CEO Dany Bahar.

“What is unique about this car, is not just that it’s a serious race car – it’s a serious car. People get so excited when they see and especially hear it for the first time. It’s a very special car and will appeal to a very special type of driver – and they won’t be disappointed!”, he fisnihed.

Source: Lotus

September 16, 2011

Jaguar C-X16 at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show

The staggering C-X16 Concept was unveiled by Jaguar at the Frankfurt Motor Show in Germany. Actually, the car will hit the market, but in 2013 and the model will be named XE.

Jaguar C-X16 is powered by a 3.0 liter supercharged V6 with the hefty 380PS(280 kW) and 450Nm (332 lb-ft) of torque. It is mated to an 8-speed automatic gearbox. Furthermore, the petrol engine can be helped by an electric motor, which gives additional boost of 95 PS (70 kW). The performance is brutal – 0 to 100 km/h in 4.4 seconds and a top speed of 300 km/h (186 mph).

“What better way to start the motor show than by driving such a selection of beautiful sporting vehicles through Frankfurt, culminating with the global debut of the future of Jaguar sports cars – the C-X16.”, said Frank Klaas, Global Head of Communications for Jaguar Land Rover.

Source: Jaguar

September 16, 2011

BMW i3 and i8 at the Frankfurt Motor Show

BMW exhibits the ECO-friendly concepts i3 and i8 at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show. Both vehicles will set a new bars in turn of efficiency.

The small i3 Concept is a four-seater city car with 5 doors, which is powered only by electric motor, but with astonishing power – 170PS (125 kW) and 250Nm (184 lb-ft) of torque. There is a lithium-ion battery package delivering up to 160 km (100 miles) range. 0 to 100 km/h in 7.9 seconds and top speed of 150 km/h (93 mph). The overall weight of the vehicle is 1250 kg (2755 lbs). BMW i3 is perfect for everyday driving with its range and once the battery is depleted, it can be recharged in just 6 hours to 100%.

The i8 Concept is completely different vehicle. It comes with a turbocharged 1.5-liter three-cylinder petrol combined with an electric motor. The total power is 353PS (260 kW) and 550Nm (406 lb-ft) of torque. 0 to 100 km/h in 4.6 seconds and top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph). The curb weight of the vehicle is 1480kg, so the results are impressive.

The i8 can go on electricity alone up to 35 km (20 miles), which means that you’ll need just 2.7 liters of fuel per 100 km and the CO2 emission are as low as 66 g/km.

Source: BMW

September 16, 2011

Hamann Porsche Panamera

Porsche Panamera has received another tuning package, but this time from the well-known Hamann GmBH.

The wide body kit includes completely restyled front and rear bumpers as well as a pair of huge side skirts and a larger rear wing. A unique rear diffuser houses the interesting tailpipe tips of the sports exhaust system. Furthermore, the whole car is widened with 60mm at both the front and rear axles.

Hamann Porsche Panamera stands on enormous Unique Forged Gunmetal 9.5J x 22” alloy wheels fitted with 265/30 ZR22 at the front and 11.0J x 22” fitted with 305/25 ZR22 at the rear.

For perfect stance, the SUV has received a lowering module for the air suspension allowing -30mm.

The interior boasts leather and Alcantara, sport aluminum pedals and piano lacquer trim.

The performance upgrade includes an ECU re-map for Panamera Turbo, which give additional 80PS (59 kW) and 120Nm (89 lb-ft) of torque.

Source: Hamann

September 15, 2011

TopCar Porsche 911

TopCar is preparing a special tuning package for the latest Porsche 911. The renderings show much about the car.

It will come with carbon clothing and Kevlar elements such as new front bumper, restyled hood, modified side skirts and nice sports rear bumper with integrated diffuser. Of course, the LEDs are coming on default as well as ADV.1 rims.

9ff prepares the modification program of mechanical engineering assemblies of this car. The program includes higher engine capacity and suspension adjustment.

Actually, the new Porsche is not on the market, yet, but TopCar have been already taking orders.

Source: TopCar

September 15, 2011

2012 Hyundai i30 at the Frankfurt

2012 Hyundai i30 is currently exhibited at the Frankfurt Motor Show.

The hatchback can be ordered with one of six different engines with outputs between 90PS (66 kW) and 135PS (99 kW). The engines can be mated to either 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic gearbox. This guarantees nice performance and low fuel consumption.

The suspension includes independent subframe-mounted MacPherson struts, with coil springs and gas-filled shock absorbers at the front and independent subframe-mounted multi-links, coil springs and gas-filled shock absorbers at the rear.

The stopping power is guaranteed thanks to a 15” or 16” ventilated discs up front and 14” solid discs at the rear.

The wheel choice includes 15”,16” and 17” alloy wheels fitted with 195 / 65 R15, 205 / 55 R16 and 225 / 45 R17, respectively.

Technical specifications: 2012 Hyundai i30

Diesel engines

1,4-litre 90 ps
Type / capacity U-II, WGT, four-cylinder, DOHC 16-valve / 1396 cc
Power / torque 90 ps (66.0 kW) @ 4000 rpm / 220 Nm @1500~2750 rpm
Bore x Stroke (mm) 75 x 79
Compression ratio 17.0

1,6-litre 110 ps
Type / capacity U-II, VGT, four-cylinder, DOHC 16-valve / 1582 cc
Power / torque 110 ps (81.0 kW) @ 4000 rpm / 260 Nm @ 1900~2750 rpm
Bore x Stroke (mm) 77.2 x 84.5
Compression ratio 17.3

New 1,6-litre 128 ps
Type / capacity U-II, VGT, four-cylinder, DOHC 16-valve / 1582 cc
Power / torque 128 ps (94.0 kW) @ 4000 rpm / 260 Nm @ 1900~2750 rpm
Bore x Stroke (mm) 77.2 x 84.5
Compression ratio 17.3

Gasoline engines

1,4-litre 100 ps
Type / capacity Gamma 1.4, four-cylinder, DOHC 16-valve / 1396 cc
Power / torque 100 ps (73.2 kW) @ 5500 rpm / 137 Nm @ 4200 rpm
Bore x Stroke (mm) 77 x 74.99
Compression ratio 10.5

1,6-litre 120 ps
Type / capacity Gamma 1.6 MPI, four-cylinder, DOHC 16-valve / 1591 cc
Power / torque 120 ps (88 kW) @ 6300 rpm / 156Nm @ 4850 rpm
Bore x Stroke (mm) 77 x 85.44
Compression ratio 10.5

1,6-litre 135 ps
Type / capacity Gamma GDI, four-cylinder, DOHC 16-valve / 1591 cc
Power / torque 135 ps (99 kW) @ 6300 rpm / 164 Nm @ 4850 rpm
Bore x Stroke (mm) 77×85.44
Compression ratio 11

Transmissions

6-speed manual and automatic

Suspension and damping

Front Fully independent subframe-mounted MacPherson struts, with coil springs and gas-filled shock absorbers. Anti-roll stabiliser bar.
Rear Fully independent subframe-mounted multi-links, coil springs and gas-filled shock absorbers.

Steering

Type Motor-driven power steering, with Flex Steer^TM
Steering wheel turn 2,85 Turning circle 10,6 metres

Brakes

Front 15 / 16 inch ventilated discs
Rear 14 inch solid discs

Wheels and tyres

Standard 15 inch steel / 15 inch alloy 195 / 65 R15 tyres
16 inch alloy 205 / 55 R16 tyres
17 inch alloy 225 / 45 R17 tyres

Exterior

Overall length 4300
Overall width 1780 (excluding door mirrors)
Overall height 1470
Wheelbase 2650
Front overhang 880
Rear overhang 770

Interior Front Rear

Leg room 1067 880
Head room 1018 963
Shoulder room 1420 1395
Capacities (litres)
Fuel tank 53 litre
Luggage 378 with rear seats upright

Source: Hyundai

September 15, 2011

2012 Vauxhall Zafira Tourer Price – £21 000

Vauxhall has introduced the new 2012 Zafira Tourer at the Frakfurt Motor Show. The vehicle will be positioned above the current Zafira model in Vauxhall’s line-up and is set to raise the bar for design, luxury, flexibility and innovation in the MPV sector.

There are four trim levels: Exclusiv, SRi, SE and Elite.

The base model is priced at just £21 000 and it comes with an air conditioning, DAB, cruise control, MP3/Aux In connections, 6 airbags, 7-speaker sound system, active headrests, and Flex7 seating.

There are also two new engines – a 1.4 Turbo petrol and a 2.0 CDTi diesel with three outputs, including a 119g ecoFLEX version – join a 1.8-litre petrol unit. This means that you’ll be able to choose from 110PS to 165PS.

A great emphasis has been placed on safety in the Zafira Tourer, with a plethora of driver-assist systems making a first appearance in the new model. Traffic Sign Recognition, Side Blind Spot Alert and Advance Park Assist – which helps drivers find an adequate parking space and guides them in to it – are among the option highlights.

Source: Vauxhall

September 15, 2011

Brabus vs G-Power (part 2)

To continue the epic battle between the two of the most brutal tuning companies on the market -G-Power and Brabus, now we will compare BMW M3 E92 SK II and BULLIT. Both cars are extremely powerful and expensive, of course, especially the Mercedes.

Let’s start with the less powerful G-Power BMW M3 E92 SK II, which is based on the sports compact executive M3 Coupe. It is powered by the well-known high-revving 4.0 liter V8, which is now boosted to the exquisite 570PS (419 kW) and 565Nm (417 lb-ft) of torque.

The performance is awesome – 4.4 seconds to 100 km/h and just 12.9 seconds to 200 km/h. The top speed is somewhere around 333 km/h. Actually, you can check the tuned M3 doing that in the video below.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8pXrWx2CV3g

Besides the incredible acceleration, G-Power SK II also has incredible deceleration system consisting of 396 mm diameter discs on the front axle with 6-piston calipers and 380mm discs at the rear axle with 4-piston calipers. The high-performance brake system alloys decellerations beyond 1.0g.

Other upgrade is the GM3 RS coilover suspension and Silverstone alloy wheels fitted with Michelin Pilot Super Sport road tires.

The overall price is not calculated, but BMW M3 E92 starts at €68 750 and the “Sporty Drive” supercharger kit is priced at €11 500.

Continuing with Brabus Bullit based on the mighty Mercedes AMG C 63 AMG originally producing 457PS and 600Nm of torque from the most powerful naturally aspirated 6.2 liter V8 in the world. However, Brabus decided that this engine is not good enough and they fitted the small C-Class with enormous bi-turbo V12. It develops 730PS (540 kW) at 5100RPM and 1320Nm (970 lb-ft) of torque from 2100RPM.

The performance – 0 to 100 km/h in 3.9 seconds, to 200 km/h in 10.5 seconds and top speed of more than 362 km/h (225 mph). The car is way more powerful and faster than the G-Power SK II and still it is street-legal.

Brabus Bullit also features a modified 5-speed transmission, a LSD, full aerodynamic body kit, huge brakes and an adjustable rear suspension. The car also has an aluminum hood with ventilation slots and Brabus wheels fitted with high-performance tires.

The interior boasts custom sports seats with carbon fiber covers and carbon fiber elements.

The price for this pleasure is no less than €348 000.

The conclusion is easy – Brabus Bullit rocks!

September 14, 2011

2012 Lotus Exige S

2012 Lotus Exige S is exhibited at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show. The manufacturer has also introduced Exige R-GT.

Lotus Exige is probably the best handling car in the world and now comes with superbly powered 3.5 liter supercharged V6 from Evora S. The output is no less than 350PS (257 kW) at 7000RPM and 400Nm (295 lb-ft) of torque at 4500RPM. Evora S accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.6 seconds and has a top speed of 276 km/h (172 mph). The staggering figures are based on total weight of 1437kg. So, you can make the maths, when this engine is fitted to the ultra-low weight Exige S – 1080kg. This means a power-to-weight ratio of 3.08 kilos per horsepower.

There are two new interior package options available: Premium and Premium Sport. The Premium Pack provides added comfort and style where as the Premium Sport option focuses on creating an internal space optimised for ultimate driver involvement.

“Anyone who has ever driven an Exige will tell you that it’s not for the faint-hearted. The new Exige S skips a few rungs on the ladder to give the driver the ultimate Lotus experience. Quite simply you can’t get more Lotus than the Exige S.”, said Lotus Chief Executive Officer Dany Bahar.

Source: Lotus

September 14, 2011

Audi A8 L W12 Exclusive Concept

Audi has introduced A8 L W12 Exclusive Concept at the current Frankfurt Motor Show. The luxury sedan presents an exclusively finished interior – with leather of the prestigious Poltrona Frau brand and olive ash natural inlays.

It is powered by the famous W12 6.3 liter petrol engine with whopping 500PS (368 kW) and 625Nm (461 lb-ft) of torque. 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.9 seconds and a top speed of of 250 km/h (155 mph), electronically limited of course.

The seats are upholstered in Cognac-colored leather by the exclusive Italian manufacturer Poltrona Frau – a grade with an exceptionally soft, even, natural finish. There are highlights of granite gray piping on the center sections of the seat and seat backs. Leather elements on numerous parts of the interior – such as the dashboard, the center console, the tunnel, the door trims and seat consoles – round out the equipment; even the car key is trimmed in leather.

Audi A8 L W12 Exclusive Concept will be available in limited series of just 50 units as each will receive a number plate.

Source: Audi

September 14, 2011

SsangYong XIV-1 Concept

XIV-1 Concept showcases dynamic, strong yet smooth lines, typifying the true creative qualities of SsangYong Motor design. The vehicle features the perfect proportions of the compact SUV. It has continuous glass area, a wide C-pillar and slim roof combined with fast and strong stance.

At the front you’ll see modern LED headlamps with an integral design. The rear is quite nice, too. It boasts integrated third light in the huge rear diffuser and small sporty rear lights.

The interior boasts freely rotating seats with ability of moving forwards and backwards. This enables the passengers to adjust the seats to their specific needs.

The user interface embraces the concept of an extended living space rather than providing just a means of transport. Control of many of XIV-1 functions is via the interaction of Smart mobile devices and the vehicle itself. Using the kind of devices that the driver and passengers are likely to be carrying at all times, they can control everything from the audio system, the display of information on the dashboard and online communications.

TECHNICAL DATA

Model			XIV-1
Driven Wheels			2WD/AWD		2WD/AWD
Transmission			6MT	6AT	6MT	6AT
Dimensions	Overall length	mm	4,140
	Overall width	mm	1,830
	Overall height	mm	1,590
	Wheelbase	mm	2,600
Engine	Fuel & Displacement	–	Petrol 1.6L		Diesel 1.6L
	Number of cylinders	–	4 in-line		4 in-line

Source: SsangYong

September 14, 2011

Volkswagen Caddy Edition 30

Volkswagen Caddy Edition 30 boasts a roof painted in brilliant gloss black, roof railing also in high-gloss black and high-end machine-polished 17” alloy wheels.

The vehicle has signatures on the sliding doors, the back of the vehicle and the door sills. There are five bodywork colours available, all going well with the black roof – Candy White, Reflex Silver, Salsa Red, Primavera Green or Sunny Yellow.

The interior features either 5-seat or 7-seat configuration. Caddy Edition 30 boasts Alcantara upholstery, multi-function steering wheel, leather-trimmed gear stick and handbrake lever, semi-automatic (Climatic) climate control and tinted windows combining to create a pleasant ambience.

It is available with four different engine specifications: three diesels from 75 to 125 kW and as a petrol (TSI) version with 77 kW.

At the 2011 IAA in Frankfurt you can see Caddy Edition 30 with the most powerful engine ever installed in a production Caddy: the 170 PS (125 kW) and 350Nm 2.0 TDI with DSG.

Source: Volkswagen

September 14, 2011

Author: Victor Ivanov