Victor Ivanov – Page 245 – Automobiles Review

AF Corse STP Ferrari F458

A month after the scoring points in the first two rounds of the FIA GT3 Europe Championship in Portugal – Dan Brown and Glynn Geddie with AF Corse STP Ferrari F458 lined up at the weekend on the newly-configured Silverstone Grand Prix circuit for the two gruelling one-hour follow-up races in the series.

The youngest drivers have contract with Italian AF Corse Ferrari racing team, and are sponsored by legendary fuel additives brand, STP, Apex Tubulars plus car styling company, Brown & Geeson, to drive the competition derivative of the Ferrari 458 supercar, prepared by AF Corse in Piacenza, Italy.

There was a mechanical problem at the mandatory driver change-over on Saturday. Still, the team set their sights realistically on a podium finish, if not victory itself. But in race two, Dan put the disappointment behind him, again lapping amongst the fastest, to charge to a great fourth place overall with team-mate Geddie.

“It was good to leave Silverstone with more points under our belt. It’s a super-tough championship, and I’m proud to be one of only seven British drivers in the series, and hugely honoured to be driving for the prestige AF Corse Ferrari racing team…and there couldn’t be a more exciting way to learn a bit of Italian!”, commented Dan Brown, after the race.

“ I think we can be satisfied with P4 and our consistently strong pace all weekend was very encouraging, so we will keep pushing and hopefully bring home a podium at the next rounds of the series, at Navarra, Spain on July 2/3.”, Glynn Geddie added.

AF Corse STP Ferrari F458

Source: STP

June 8, 2011

2012 BMW 1-Series M package

There is something wrong with the new 2012 BMW 1-Series. Just a day after the car has been revealed and the M Sport package is already on its way. Probably, the manufacturer is scared that the new 1-Series won’t so appreciated like the previous model, so they are hurrying to improve the exterior of the car.

The ///M Sport package consists of a new front bumper, revised rear bumper and big alloy wheels. The interior boasts a sport steering wheel, door sill with ///M logo and some aluminum trim with blue accents.

There is no information about the price list, but it won’t be cheap. Still, it is a kind of improvement for new the bland 1-Series.

We are eager to see, how the fans will respond to the bold design, which has nothing in common with the aggressive cars designed by Chris Bangle.

2012 BMW 1-Series M package

Source: BMW

June 7, 2011

2011 Mazda MX-5 Price – £17 990

Mazda MX-5 is the world’s best-selling two-seat roadster. It celebrates production of over 900 000 units and it has been ranked the highest sports car in the 2011 J.D. Power ownership satisfaction survey, published last week.

The iconic Mazda MX-5 is priced at just £17 990 and it goes up to £23 225 for the top-of-range model. Two new special edition Kendo models are also on sale from £19 270.

The MX-5 beats the Volkswagen Scirocco, Audi TT, and Mercedes-Benz CLK and SLK.

WhatCar? magazine commented: “The MX-5 proves that sports cars don’t need to be sophisticated, luxurious or expensive to be fun-to-drive. Mazda’s MX-5 has been commended in the past and this year its margin of victory is even bigger than it was in 2010.”

“Today, the Mazda MX-5 remains unrivalled as a rewarding sportscar that can also be used for everyday motoring all year round,” said Peter Allibon, Sales Director, Mazda Motors UK.

“The MX-5 soft-top continues to offer the purest, fun-to-drive thrills, while the Roadster Coupe’s folding hard top provides a more refined experience, with that same exhilarating drive. Its low running costs and legendary reliability means the MX-5 remains an extremely competitive proposition as hundreds of very satisfied owners confirm.”, he added.

“Whether potential buyers are considering purchasing any of the regular MX-5 models, or the latest ‘Kendo’ special editions, this J.D. Power survey result shows that they’d be joining a group of owners who simply love their cars,”, said Allibon.

“It is little wonder that it continues to break records as the world’s best-selling open top roadster.”, he finished.

2011 Mazda MX-5

Source: Mazda

June 7, 2011

Citroen DS3 Grey Matter

Citroen has revealed new DS3 Collection. DS3 Grey Matter will be produced in just 750 units.

The special edition DS3 features a matte grey exterior with shiny chrome accents on the side mirrors, side strips and tail light casings. The roof is painted in either black or white and color-matching 17” alloy wheels fitted with low profile tires.

The interior boasts Mistral leather and a MyWay Select Comfort Pack. It includes an automatic climate control, the MyWay SAT NAV system and the HiFi system.

The engine range includes the Vti 120 with 120PS (88 kW) and 160Nm (118 lb-ft) and the powerful THP 150 with 156PS (115 kW) and 240Nm (177 lb-ft). The first one is priced at €23 400 and the second costs €24 950.

Although it is not brightly colored, Citroen DS3 Grey Matter is a real eye-catcher and very sexy car. It will boost your style and you won’t stay unnoticed with such car.

Citroen DS3 Grey Matter

Source: Citroen

June 7, 2011

2011 Vauxhall Astra GTC

Vauxhall has priced the new 2011 Astra GTC at just £18 495, which is £1 100 less than the alternative – a basic Volkswagen Scirocco. The new hot hatchback from Vauxhall comes with the sophisticated front suspension from the Insignia VXR combined with the clever Watt’s link rear axle.

“The GTC is a high-profile addition to the Astra range and one that’s sure to appeal to anyone who loves cars and driving,” commented Duncan Aldred, Vauxhall’s Managing Director.

“Better still, its chassis has been fine-tuned by Vauxhall Engineering Centre in the UK, reflecting the importance of our Millbrook-based operation, and also the fact that the UK will be the dominant market for GTC when it arrives in showrooms later this year.”, he added.

2011 Vauxhall Astra GTC will make its official debut at the 2011 Goodwood Festival of Speed, which will be held from July 1st to 3rd.

2011 Vauxhall Astra GTC

There will be four engines in the line-up. The first one is a 2.0 liter CDTi with 165PS and 380Nm of torque (including overboost function). It is mated to a 6-speed gearbox and Start/Stop as standard. 0 to 100 km/h in 8.9 seconds and a top speed of 209 km/h (130 mph). Last, but not least is the fuel consumption – 57.6mpg with emissions of just 129 g/km of CO2. The range of Astra GTC 2.0 CDTi is over 1126 km (700 miles).

The second choice is 1.4 litre turbo petrol engine with either 120PS or 140PS with 200Nm available between 1850 and 4200RPM. It also achieves staggering fuel consumption – 47.9 mpg and 139 g/km of C02. Again, Start/Stop and a six-speed gearbox are also standard.

The top-of-range 1.6 litre Turbo delivers 180PS. However, nothing is mentioned about performance characteristics, but it will be definitely a real hot hatch.

Standard equipment is generous. The entry level Sport trim features 18” alloy wheels, DAB stereo and USB functionality. The top-spec Sri adds tinted glass, onboard computer, leather-trimmed steering wheel and fog lamps. There are also Bi-Xenon Advanced Forward Lighting (AFL), which offers nine separate light beams, is optional across the range.

2011 Vauxhall Astra GTC is priced at £18 495 for the 120PS Sport 1.4 Turbo.
2011 Vauxhall Astra GTC

Source: Vauxhall

June 7, 2011

2012 Tesla Model S Alpha

It appears that the saloon model of Tesla – S will be ready to hit the market in 2012 as it was scheduled. However, the car looks ready to us, but obviously there are some other troubles.

The Model S comes with refined exterior. New front bumper, a sleeker design and some other touches. Still, the manufacturer didn’t release any technical specifications. Still, there is enough time even for rebuilding the drivetrain.

According to the previous data, Tesla S will feature a large battery pack with range up to 480km (300 miles). Furthermore, there will be 230 mile and 160 mile options, because as you may know, the batteries are not your property, when you buy an electric vehicle.

Tesla Model S is also planned to come with right-hand drive for Europe and Asia, but in mid 2013.

So, stay tuned to learn more about this interesting vehicle. Many manufacturers has released some electric vehicles, but tesla specilizes in this for a very long period, so it is expected to have one of the best EVs on the market.

2012 Tesla Model S Alpha

Source: Tesla Motors

June 6, 2011

MR Car Design Maserati Quattroporte

Maserati Quattroporte has received another tuning package, but this time from MR Car Design. The saloon design always followed the motto: A luxury sports car with a place for four.

The tuning specialists added a stainless steel sport exhaust system with four tailpipes 76 mm in diameter each. The whole car has been lowered by installing H&R springs kit and for perfect stance. Windows tinting is available as an option.

Finally, the tuner has made an ECU re-map, which adds 30PS – totally 430PS (316 kW) and 480Nm (354 lb-ft) of torque.

MR Car Design Quattroporte stands on enormous Vossen alloy wheels in dimensions 9J x 22” fitted with 245/30 R22 at the front and 10.5J x 22” with 295/25 R22 at the rear.

Maserati’s flagship was produced in 2008 and was used by the Italian government as an official car. The President and the Head of government, however, each drive an armored version, which fuel consumption rate, because of its weight, is a carefully guarded state secret.

MR Car Design Maserati Quattroporte

Source: MR Car Design

June 6, 2011

2012 MINI Coupe

MINI is going to offer a new product – Coupe. The car was eagerly awaited, because of the nice forms and sporty spirit, which it carries. Furthermore, it will provide a shot in the arm for the super-compact sports car class. MINI Coupe will offer a number of engines, chassis set-ups, nice weight distribution and aerodynamic properties for perfect performance.

MINI Coupe will feature the latest generation of four-cylinder petrol and diesel engines. The outputs start from 122PS (90 kW) of the MINI Cooper Coupe to the Cooper S Coupe with 184PS (135 kW) and the top-of-range John Cooper Works Cupe with the hefty 211PS (155 kW).

The aerodynamics include integral roof spoiler and an active rear spoiler. The whole shape of MINI Coupe is very innovative and last, but not least – good looking.

MINI Coupe

2012 MINI Coupe:

Exterior dimensions:
Length: 3,728 millimetres (MINI Cooper S Coupé,
MINI John Cooper Works Coupé: 3,734 millimetres)
Width: 1,683 millimetres
Height: 1,378 millimetres (MINI Cooper S Coupé,
MINI John Cooper Works Coupé: 1,384 millimetres)
Wheelbase: 2,467 millimetres

MINI John Cooper Works Coupé:
Four-cylinder petrol engine with twin-scroll turbocharger and direct injection, plus numerous technological details carried over directly from motor sport.
Displacement: 1,598 cc,
output: 155 kW/211 hp 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 1,700 – 4,500 rpm).
Acceleration: 0–62 mph: 6.4 seconds,
Top speed: 149 mph.
Average fuel consumption according to EU standard: 39.8 mpg (7.1 litres per 100 kilometres),
CO₂ emissions: 165 g/km.

MINI Cooper S Coupé:
Four-cylinder petrol engine with twin-scroll turbocharger, direct injection and fully variable valve management based on the BMW Group’s VALVETRONIC technology.
Displacement: 1,598 cc,
output: 135 kW/184 hp 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 according to EU standard: 48.7 mpg (5.8 litres per 100 kilometres),
CO₂ emissions: 136 g/km.

MINI Cooper Coupé:
Four-cylinder petrol engine with fully variable valve management based on the BMW Group’s VALVETRONIC technology.
Displacement: 1,598 cc,
output: 90 kW/122 hp 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 according to EU standard: 52.3 mpg (5.4 litres per 100 kilometres),
CO₂ emissions: 127 g/km.

MINI Cooper SD Coupé:
Four-cylinder turbodiesel with aluminium crankcase, common-rail injection and variable turbine geometry.
Displacement: 1,995 cc,
output: 105 kW/143 hp 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 according to EU standard: 65.7 mpg (4.3 litres per 100 kilometres)
CO₂ emissions: 114 g/km.

Source: MINI

June 6, 2011

Skoda Superb Combi Laurin & Klement

Special Edition Skoda Superb Combi will be introduced at the 2011 Autosalon Brno. The car will carry Laurin & Klement design package.

It includes chrome exterior accents and nice 18” alloy wheels. The interior boasts Magnetic Brown leather upholstery, piano black trim elements and stainless steel door sills. The sills are adorned with the Laurin & Klement logo, which can also be found on the rear of the front seats.

There will be a choice of three engines: a 2.0 litre TSI with 200PS (147 kW), the mighty 3.6 litre FSI V6 with 260PS (191 kW) and a diesel – 2.0 litre TDI CR DPF – 170PS (125 kW). All engines can be specified with the 6-speed automatic gearbox – DSG.

Pricing is not announced, yet.
Skoda Superb Combi Laurin & Klement

Skoda Superb Combi Laurin & Klement

Source: Skoda

June 6, 2011

2012 BMW 1-Series

BMW has announced the second generation of 1 Series. The entry series of the manufacturer will hit the market in 2012 and it is completely different car compared to the first generation.

The body is 85 mm longer, wheelbase 30 mm longer, front track 51 mm wider and rear track 72 mm wider than previous model. The height remains unchanged, but the width is increased with 17 mm. This results to a bigger luggage compartment – 360 litres. The rear seats can be folded 40/20/40.

2012 BMW 1 Series remains the only car in this segment with rear wheel drive, so it will continue to give sheer driving pleasure.

However, the new design is not the best, which the manufacturer could offer, but probably we will get used to it. Still, the sporty design and the elegant proportions are present.

The engine range will include a new 1.6 litre petrol with 136PS (100 kW) in 116i and 170PS (125 kW) in 118i. The diesels – 116d with 116PS (85 kW), 118d with 143PS (105 kW) and 120d with 184PS (135 kW).

BMW ConnectedDrive will be offered as an option for the new 1 Series. There are also High-beam assistance, Adaptive Headlights, parking assistance, reversing camera, Lane Departure Warning including Collision Warning, cruise control with brake function, speed-limit and no-passing information, Internet connectivity, increased smartphone and music player integration, real-time traffic information, and web radio, Facebook and Twitter apps.

2012 BMW 1-Series

2012 BMW 1 Series:

BMW 118i: Four-cylinder in-line petrol engine with
BMW TwinPower Turbo technology package, consisting of twin-scroll turbocharger, High Precision Injection, VALVETRONIC and Double-VANOS variable valve control,
capacity: 1, 598 cc, output: 125 kW/170 hp at 4,800 rpm,
maximum torque: 250 Nm at 1,500 – 4,500 rpm,
acceleration [0 – 100 km/h]: 7.4 seconds,
maximum speed: 225 km/h,
combined-cycle fuel consumption*: 5.8 – 5.9 litres/100 kilometres,
CO2 emissions*: 134 – 137 g/km, emissions standard: EU5.

BMW 116i: Four-cylinder in-line petrol engine with
BMW TwinPower Turbo technology package, consisting of twin-scroll turbocharger, High Precision Injection, VALVETRONIC and Double-VANOS variable valve control,
capacity: 1,598 cc, output: 100 kW/136 hp at 4, 400 rpm,
maximum torque: 220 Nm at 1,350 – 4, 300 rpm,
acceleration [0 – 100 km/h]: 8.5 seconds,
maximum speed: 210 km/h,
combined-cycle fuel consumption*: 5.5 – 5.7 litres/100 kilometres,
CO2 emissions*: 129 – 132 g/km, emissions standard: EU5.

BMW 120d: Four-cylinder in-line diesel engine with
BMW TwinPower Turbo technology package, consisting of variable-geometry turbocharger, common-rail magnetic-valve direct injection
(max. injection pressure: 1,800 bar),
capacity: 1,955 cc, output: 135 kW/184 hp at 4, 000 rpm,
maximum torque: 380 Nm at 1,750 – 2, 750 rpm,
acceleration [0 – 100 km/h]: 7.2 seconds,
maximum speed: 228 km/h,
combined-cycle fuel consumption*: 4.5 – 4.6 litres/100 kilometres,
CO2 emissions*: 119 – 122 g/km, emissions standard: EU5.

BMW 118d: Four-cylinder in-line diesel engine with
BMW TwinPower Turbo technology package, consisting of variable-geometry turbocharger, common-rail, magnetic-valve direct injection (max. injection pressure: 1,600 bar),
capacity: 1,955 cc, output: 105 kW/143 hp at 4,000 rpm,
max. torque: 320 Nm at 1,750 – 2, 500 rpm,
acceleration [0 – 100 km/h]: 8.9 seconds,
maximum speed: 212 km/h,
combined-cycle fuel consumption*: 4.4 – 4.5 litres/100 kilometres,
CO2 emissions*: 115 – 118 g/km, emissions standard: EU5.

BMW 116d: Four-cylinder in-line diesel engine with
BMW TwinPower Turbo technology package, consisting of variable-geometry turbocharger with common-rail, magnetic-valve direct injection (max. injection pressure: 1,600 bar),
capacity: 1,955 cc, output: 85 kW/116 hp at 4,000 rpm,
maximum torque: 260 Nm at 1,750 – 2,500 rpm,
acceleration [0 – 100 km/h]: 10.3 seconds,
maximum speed: 200 km/h,
combined-cycle fuel consumption*: 4.3 – 4.5 litres/100 kilometres,
CO2 emissions*: 114 – 117 g/km, emissions standard: EU5.

Source: BMW

June 6, 2011

Audi R8 GT Spyder

Audi has announced the R8 GT Spyder, just a year after the R8 GT. It will be run in limited edition of just 333 cars. However, all units of the open-top sports car are already sold out.

R8 GT Spyder is powered by the famous 5.2 FSI V10 engine from Gallardo – 560PS (412 kW) and 540Nm (398 lb-ft) of torque. 0 to 100 km/h in 3.8 seconds and a top speed of 317 km/h (197 mph). Just staggering results, mainly because of the curb weight of the car – 1640 kg, which means 85 kg less than R8 Spyder 5.2 FSI Quattro.

The R8 GT Spyder comes standard with an automated 6-speed R tronic gearbox with two fully automatic modes. There is a launch control program, too. Nice!

All power is put on the road through permanent all-wheel-drive – Quattro. More of the power is send to the rear wheels, which means less understeering and more fun.

The whole car is lowered with 10 mm and sits on 19” alloy wheels fitted with 235/35 tires at the front and 295/30 at the rear. The large, lightweight carbon-fiber ceramic brake discs decelerate the car with supreme ease. The ESP stabilization program has a sport mode and can also be deactivated entirely.

The soft-top roof deploys or retracts in 19 seconds at speeds up to 50 km/h (31 mph).

2011 Audi R8 GT Spyder is priced at €207 800.

2011 Audi R8 GT Spyder

Source: Audi

June 3, 2011

2012 Ford B-MAX 1.0 EcoBoost

Ford will add all-new 1.0 litre EcoBoost three-cylinder petrol engine to the model line-up. The engine is developed in Europe and it is the smallest one Ford has ever built. Furthermore, the manufacturer confirms that its next generation of hybrid vehicles, including the C-MAX in 2013, will have a Ford-designed, engineered and built transmission.

The 1.0 litre EcoBoost has the same performance as a four-cylinder, but with much higher fuel economy and lower emissions.

“No one has ever built a three-cylinder engine quite like this.It’s one of the most technically advanced and efficient engines we’ve ever designed,” commented Joe Bakaj, vice president of Global Powertrain Engineering.

“The new engine introduces many new technologies that could be part of the DNA of future Ford engines.”, he added.

The all new 1.0 litre EcoBoost will be offered with the 2012 Ford B-Max, but full details of the new power unit will be released in September at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show.

Innovative efficiency solutions:

An offset crankshaft that reduces friction
An advanced, Ford-designed split cooling system that allows the cylinder block to warm up before the cylinder head. Faster cylinder block warm-ups save fuel, especially in cold weather
An exhaust manifold cast into the cylinder head. The one-piece assembly lowers the temperature of the exhaust gases. This enables the engine to run in a wider rpm band with the optimum fuel-to-air ratio. The new design also saves weight and allows the engine to operate more smoothly
EcoBoost technologies, such as turbocharging, direct-injection and twin independent variable camshaft timing (Ti-VCT)

Ford B-MAX

Source: Ford

June 3, 2011

Author: Victor Ivanov