Victor Ivanov – Page 242 – Automobiles Review

Toyota GRMN Sports Hybrid Concept II

Toyota has unveiled an interesting vehicle – GRMN SPORTS HYBRID Concept II, which is a convertible mid-engined petrol-electric hybrid concept. The concept will take place at the 39th Nurburgring 24-hour endurance race, this weekend.

This is an updated version of a petrol-electric sports concept shown at Tokyo Auto Salon in 2010. The drivetrain includes petrol engine, rear-wheel drive motors and transmission.

Toyota launched the world’s first mass-produced petrol-electric vehicle, the Prius, in 1997, and has long conducted active research on applying hybrid technologies to racing and sports cars. The GRMN SPORTS HYBRID Concept II is the next step in the evolution of these efforts.

GRMN SPORTS HYBRID Concept II

Engine	Type	Petrol V6
	Displacement (cc)	3,456
	Maximum output (bhp)	245
System	Maximum output (bhp)	295
Body	Length (mm)	4,350
	Width (mm)	1,890
	Height (mm)	1,200
	Wheelbase (mm)	2,575
	Weight (kg)	1,500 or less
Vehicle layout		Mid-engined with front electric motor
Tyres	Front	225/40R19
Tyres	Rear	255/35R19

24 Hours Nürburgring Race Outline

Name	39th ADAC Zurich 24h-Race 2011
Dates	June 23-26, 2011 (main competition runs from June 25 and 26)
Venue	Nürburgring (Nürburg, Ahrweiler, State of Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany)

¹ A vehicle-development and motor-sports support program created by GAZOO, which also operates the GAZOO.com customer-participation portal site launched in 1998, “GAZOO mura” driving events and the “Drive Kingdom” large-scale test-drive events for the general public.

² Stands for “Meister of Nürburgring”, referring to Hiromu Naruse (1944-2010), a TMC test driver and chief of the GAZOO Racing team.

Source: Toyota

June 22, 2011

Aston Martin V12 Zagato at the Nurburgring

Aston Martin is putting the final touches to its race preparations for the toughest 24 hour race of them all – the annual ADAC Nurburgring 24 Hours on 25 and 26 June. Two V12 Zagato cars will compete in this challenge.

The first one is the show car from Concorso D’Eleganza at Villa D’Este, which has been transformed into the number 3 race car, nicknamed “Zag” (red). It will be piloted by Aston Martin CEO, Dr. Ulrich Bez, the company’s Nurburgring Test Centre Director, Wolfgang Schuhbauer and automotive journalists Horst von Saurma and Matthew Marsh.

The second V12 Zagato is a green race car – nicknamed “Zig” with number 5, which will be raced by One-77 Chief Engineer Chris Porritt, experienced sports car driver Oliver Mathai, automotive journalist Richard Meaden and experienced amateur racer Peter Cate.

Aston Martin V12 Zagato - Zag — Aston Martin V12 Zagato – Zag

Furthermore, at the race track will be a V8 Vantage GT4 nicknamed “Smurf” – which will be driven by Aston Martin Racing works driver, Darren Turner, journalist and experienced 24 hour driver, Shinichi Katsura, Australian racer Rob Thomson and seasoned Nürburgring pilot Jurgen Stumpf.

Aston Martin V12 Zagato Nurburgring - Zig — Aston Martin V12 Zagato Nurburgring – Zig

“Our entries this year extend our Nürburgring racing philosophy. For five years now we have signed-off our new products by entering a car which is as close to the road car as possible and subjecting it to the toughest 24 hour test on what best simulates the extremities of public roads. This year we go a step further by testing a car at prototype stage.”, commented Aston Martin’s Head of Motorsport, David King.

“As ever, the race will present an enormous challenge in a vast and increasingly competitive field which will be fraught with all the unpredictable elements associated with racing at the Nürburgring. However, we are excited by the potential we have seen from the V12 Zagato in the testing we’ve completed and that gives us great hope for the task ahead. We look forward to a safe, successful and enjoyable race for our teams and customers.”, he added.

V12 Zagato has a new handcrafted aluminium body and is powered by a smooth 6.0 liter V12 with 517PS (380 kW) and 570Nm (420 lb-ft) of torque. It also has a specially developed chassis for maximum performance.

Source: Aston Martin

June 22, 2011

2012 Audi A1 1.6 TDI

Audi has introduced a new super economical A1 1.6 TDI, which is sub 100 g/km of CO2.

The price of progress in the Audi A1 1.6 TDI falls even further from this week as an even more fuel efficient version of the frugal premium sub-compact hatchback shrugs off road tax and the London congestion charge through a lower 99g/km CO2 output.

It also comes with improved 74.3mpg economy potential, and unchanged OTR prices for the SE, Sport and S line models ranging.

2012 Audi A1 1.6 TDI starts from £14 480 to £17 865.

The 1.6 TDI features an optimized ECU and fuel system, which means 74.3 mpg and 99 g/km of CO2, instead of 70.6 mpg and 105 g/km. The power is 105PS (77 kW) and 250Nm (184 lb-ft) of torque. 0 to 100 km/h takes 10.5 seconds and the top speed is 190 km/h (118 mph).

Standard features include engine start-stop function, energy recuperation, alloy wheels, air conditioning, single CD audio system with MP3 compatibility, ESP with latest differential lock system.

Source: Audi

June 21, 2011

2012 BMW M5 F10

BMW has finally revealed the new M5 F10, which is exactly the same as the M5 Concept.

The new BMW M5 includes an aggressive front bumper, aerodynamic side skirts and a new rear diffuser. It also features front fenders, a unique grille with black slates, adaptive xenon headlights with LED angel-eyes, a four-tailpipe sports exhaust system and huge 19” light alloy wheels.

The interior boasts Merino leather sport seats, a new instrument cluster and a multifunctional ///M steering wheel. There are two ///M buttons with pre-selected engine, transmission and suspension setups, so the driver is able to choose the settings immediately. Inside, there are also aluminium trace trim, an Anthracite headliner and a 10.2” iDrive display.

The M5 F10 also comes with a head-up display, night vision technology with pedestrian recognition, a lane change and departure warning system, a surround view camera and internet connectivity. All these features make the driving real pleasure and guarantees the safety of the passengers.

The power as you may suggest is staggering. A twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8 with 560PS (412 kW) at 5750RPM and 680Nm(502 lb-ft) at just 1500RPM. It features M TwinPower Turbo technology, twin-scroll turbochargers, high-precision direct fuel injection, VALVETRONIC variable valve control and a cross-bank exhaust manifold. 0 to 100 km/h in 4.4 seconds, 0 to 200 km/h in 13 seconds and top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph) electronically limited and 305 km/h (190 mph) with M Driver’s Package. However, the fuel consumption is also amazing – 9.9 liters per 100 km on combined cycle (28.5 mpg) and CO2 emissions of 232 g/km.

The M5 F10 offers electronically controlled dampers with three modes – Comfort, Sport and Sport Plus. The M-specific Servotronic steering system, high-performance compound brakes and an Active M Differential make the driving a real pleasure.

The safety is provided by the DSC (Dynamic Stability Control) system, which operates via FlexRay high-speed data transfer technology, and constantly cross-checks the data collected by its sensors with the feedback from DSC. In other words, the car won’t allow to suicide yourself.

The price list is not announced, yet. Stay tuned!

Source: BMW

June 21, 2011

Porsche at the 2011 Goodwood Festival of Speed

Porsche will take place at the 2011 Goodwood Festival of Speed. The manufacturer will exhibit several cars including 911 GT3 RS 4.0 and Panamera Turbo S as well as Semper Vivus, 718 F2, 917/30, GT2 RS and 911 Turbo. The company celebrates 60 years of Porsche in the UK and you will be able to follow Porsche Origin for latest Goodwood news and action on-line

Porsche 911 GT3 RS 4.0 is powered by a twin-turbocharged flat 4.0 liter flat-six with staggering 500HP. It will be tested alongside the ultimate turbocharged 911, the 620 hp GT2 RS. The new 550PS twin-turbo Panamera Turbo S will make its first public appearance.

The company is also bringing the famous Porsche 917/30 to Goodwood. It has a 5.3 liter 180° flat-12 cylinder layout, twin overhead camshafts driven from centrally mounted gears and twin spark plugs fed from two distributors. The power – over 1 100 bhp (820 kW) and 1 580 bhp (1 180 kW) in qualifying tune. Remember, this happens in the begging of 70’s, when there weren’t any ASC,DSC and other stability programs. The record on closed circuit is 356 km/h (221 mph). Nice!

At the 1951 Earl’s Court Motor Show, the first right-hand drive examples of the Porsche 356 made their UK debut. To celebrate the diamond jubilee of Porsche in the UK, a range of iconic Porsche road cars over the decades including an early 911 from the 1960s and the 928 GT from the 1980s will be on display at the Porsche Experience Centre Goodwood.

Porsche Panamera Turbo S - Front Angle

Source: Porsche

June 21, 2011

BMW at the 2011 Goodwood Festival of Speed

BMW has recently introduced the eagerly awaited BMW M5 F10, which will be exhibited at the The Goodwood Festival of Speed 1-3 July 2011. The new car will make its UK debut in the BMW pavilion along with a selection of the Bavarian manufacturer’s hottest current cars and some famous racing cars celebrating anniversaries from its glorious past.

M5 F10 is powered by a 4.4 litre twin-turbo V8 with staggering 560PS at 5750RPM and 680Nm at just 1500RPM. It features M TwinPower Turbo technology, twin-scroll turbochargers, high-precision direct fuel injection, VALVETRONIC variable valve control and a cross-bank exhaust manifold.

0 to 100 km/h takes 4.4 seconds and to 200 km/h just 13 seconds. The top speed is limited to 250 km/h (155 mph). However, the previous M5 was capable of doing more than 200 mph, so this will be faster. The car is equipped with 7-speed M Double Clutch Transmission Drivelogic and Efficient Dynamics technology, including engine Auto Start-Stop and Brake Energy Regeneration. The fuel consumption is amazing – 28.5 mpg and CO₂ emissions – 232g/km.

M5 F10 is priced at £73 040 and it will be available in the UK in November 2011.

Other cars, which will be exhibited at the motor show are BMW Z4 GT3, BMW 328 and M3 E92 GTS.

The Goodwood Festival of Speed is being held from 1- 3 July 2011. Representing BMW Group UK will be Martin Harrison, Media Relations Officer.

Source: BMW

June 21, 2011

TechTec BMW 1-Series M Coupe

TechTec has announced a special styling and performance packages for the BMW 1-Series M Coupe. With the upgrades, the small car will become a real monster and it will be perfect for time attack at the race track.

The performance upgrade can boost the twin-turbo 3.0 liter inline six-cylinder up to 450PS and 630Nm, instead of the factory’s 340PS (250 kW) and 500Nm (369 lb-ft) of torque.

Stage 1 includes an ECU re-map, so the engine will produce 380 PS (280 kW) and 580Nm (428 lb-ft). The price is just €1 500.

Stage 2 comes for €2 500 and the power becomes 400PS (294 kW) and for €3 300 you will get Stage 3 will full 450PS (331 kW) and 630Nm (465 lb-ft). Nice. The acceleration is a bit faster than some Ferrari models and almost all normal Porsches – 4.1 seconds to 100 km/h.

Furthermore, TechTec equipped the 1-Series M Coupe with a KW club sport suspension and a titanium sports exhaust system from Akrapovic.

Finally, the car get a shiny paint and some vinils.

Prices are not announced, yet.

TechTec BMW 1-Series M Coupe

Source: BMWBlog

June 20, 2011

Wetterauer MINI Countryman

Wetterauer has announced a special styling package for the Countryman. The car is based on Mini Cooper S All4 Countryman and also features a performance package.

The turbocharged petrol engine is boosted up to the impressive 235PS and 355Nm of torque, instead of the factory’s 184PS and 240Nm. The upgrades include carbon air box, sports exhaust system with 200 cells sports catalyst and of curse an ECU re-map.

The tuned Contryman stands on ATS light alloy rims – 8.5J x 18” fitted with Bridgestone Potenza tires in 225/45R18. The suspension is upgraded with a set of H&R suspension springs.

The exterior includes polished chocolate brown paint and matt colored ceramics end pipes of the exhaust system.

The interior boasts weight-reduced Cobra full-carbon fine English leather upholstered shell-type front and rear seats. There are also an iPad multimedia dock and some trim accents.

Source: Wetterauer

June 20, 2011

Megane Renaultsport 265 Trophy Nurburgring Record – 8:07:97

Renault Sport has made it, again. The team has set a lap record for a front-wheel drive production car at the Nordschleife. The car is the well-known Megane Renaultsport 265 Trophy, which crossed the finish line for just 8 minutes 7 seconds and 97”, which is a full 9 seconds faster than the lap record that has stood for three years.

Renaultsport 265 Trophy is powered by a turbocharged 2.0 litre petrol engine with staggering 265PS and 360Nm of torque available between 3000 and 5000RPM. The hot hatchback achieves impressive power-to-weight ratio of 191HP per tonne.

Laurent Hurgon, development driver, Renault Sport:

“The Nordschleife is a legendary course. Its length and layout, which is very different to that of a conventional circuit, make it a unique and technically demanding challenge. Its difficulties are extremely varied, ranging from fast and even very fast in places to much twistier and slower portions. Turns like ‘Karusell’ and ‘Pflanzgarten’, for example, make huge demands of the car and driver alike, yet Mégane Renaultsport Trophy is very much in its element here and feels particularly reassuring despite the uncompromising nature of the terrain. The limited slip differential allowed me to accelerate hard out of the countless turns without understeer. The carefully-tuned Cup chassis, the dampers, the fade-resistant brakes, the Recaro seats, the power of the 265hp engine, the ready availability of torque between 2,500 and 5,000rpm and the car’s Bridgestone RE 050A (235/35 R19) tyres allowed me to make the most of the car’s enormous potential, especially into and out of the corners. It is this package which enabled me to post such a quick time round this circuit which you must always approach with a certain degree of humility.”

Renault Megane Renaultsport 265 Trophy at Nurburgring

renault megane renaultsport 265 trophy record

renault megane renaultsport 265 trophy team

renault megane renaultsport 265 trophy record team 2

Source: Renault

June 17, 2011

2012 Carlsson Mercedes-Benz SLK

Carlsson have been making tuning packages for Mercedes-Benz models since 90’s. Now they have prepared a styling program for the latest 2012 SLK. This car is probably the finest roadster in manufacturer’s history. Still, Carlsson further personalised the stylish vehicle. What is more, they also offer performance packages for the new CGI engines.

The aerodynamics package includes a front spoiler and rear apron insert (for cars with the AMG sports package) – 620 Euro each. There are also new front spoiler lip RS – 549 Euro, optional in real carbon, while the grille inserts made from electropolished stainless steel – 449 Euro.

The stainless steel sports silencer with two stainless steel pipes left and right in the typical oval Carlsson shape is priced at 1298 Euro.

The performance packages are available for SLK 200 CGI boosted up to 224PS (165 kW) or 211PS (155 kW) – 1190 Euro; SLK 250 CGI with 239PS (176 kW), instead of factory’s 204PS (150 kW) – 1690 Euro.

Carlsson 2012 SLK is lowered with up to 30 mm – 309 Euro, and for perfect stance, it stands on 18” to 20” exclusive alloy wheels – the set starts from 1930 Euro.

The interior boasts a choice of leathers that include Carlsson Nappa, Carlsson Nappa Exclusive and Carlsson Nappa Exclusive Heavy Weight. A basic package consisting of the upholstering of two seats, the headrests and the insides of the doors and are available from 3900 Euro including fitting. Carlsson also adds brushed-aluminum pedal pads with its own logos, as well as its own gear shifter. Accent trims come in “Alcantara appliques”, carbon or fine wood inserts.

Source: Carlsson

June 17, 2011

JMS 2011 Audi A4

JMS are ready with their special tuning package for the latest Audi A4, the B8 model. The car is turned from the Standard version to a brillant eyecatcher.

The styling package includes a new frontlip, which is also suitable for the B8 estate priced at €239. It is easily fitted to the original S-Line frontbumper with glue and screws.

The exclusive rear apron is also €239 and can be fitted to both sedan and estate. It will be just perfect for the impressive Eisenmann stainless steel duplex exhaust system with 4 oval tips – €1740.

The suspension can be upgraded with special jms/H&R lowering springs with lowering up to 40mm on both axels – €249 Euro.

The tuner also offer stunning OZ Racing alloy wheels in demensions 8.5J x 20” fitted with 245/30 R20 tyres – €6199. The other choice is Barracuda T6 wheels in 9J x 19” with 245/35 R19 tyres €2199.

Almost all parts are available for B8 without S-line package.Of course, all parts are TUV approved and made in Germany from high quality materials.

Source: JMS

June 17, 2011

2011 Nissan NV200

Nissah will put on sale a small van at extremely low price. The model is NV200 offering satellite navigation and a number of enhancements like more powerful engine and a rear view camera.

The 1.5 dCi is available with either 85HP or 89HP or 110HP versions. The most powerful model meets Euro 5 emissions regulations and available on all but the entry-level E-grade NV200. It is mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox and emits just 139 g/km of CO2.

The base E NV200 Panel Van 1.5 dCi with 85HP costs just £12 2300, while the S NV200 Combi 5 seat 1.5 dCi with 89HP starts at £13 850. Bluetooth connectivity is standard across the Combi range, while a new flagship SE+ variant adds Nissan Connect, cruise control and a driver adjustable speed limiter to its standard equipment list.

“We’ve been delighted by the success of the NV200 which has proved that a new van can make a big impression in an established market if it offers the right mix of innovation, quality and value. With significant range enhancements and a powerful new flagship engine, we look forward to even stronger demand for the NV200 over the coming months.”, said Nissan’s LCV sales and marketing director, Francis Bleasdale.

2011 Nissan NV200 price list:

Grade	Body	Engine	Basic Delivered
E	Panel Van	1.5 dCi 85hp	£12,200
SE	Panel Van	1.5 dCi 85hp	£12,885
SE	Panel Van	1.5 dCi Euro 5 110hp	£13,635
SE n-tec	Panel Van	1.5 dCi 85hp	£13,585
SE n-tec	Panel Van	1.5 dCi Euro 5 110hp	£14,335

S	Combi 5 Seat	1.5 dCi Euro 5 89hp	£13,850
SE	Combi 5 Seat	1.5 dCi Euro 5 89hp	£14,950
SE	Combi 7 Seat	1.5 dCi Euro 5 89hp	£15,250
SE+	Combi 5 Seat	1.5 dCi Euro 5 89hp	£15,950
SE+	Combi 7 Seat	1.5 dCi Euro 5 89hp	£16,250

Source: Nissan

June 17, 2011

Author: Victor Ivanov