Automobiles Review

Author: Victor Ivanov

  • Dacia Duster ESF

    Dacia has released a new limited edition Duster, which is specially created for the maniacs of the wintersports. The limited edition Duster marks the extension of the Group’s 10-year partnership with the École de Ski Français (ESF).

    The new version is based on Lauréate 4×4 version and is powered by the dCi 110 Euro5 engine, which develops 110HP.

    However, not everyone can buy the new Duster ESF, because it is made exclusively for Ski instructors. Dacia Duster ESF is available only in Glacier White and the price tag is €18 990.

    The special edition Duster is easy to recognise:

    • ESF badging
    • strengthened aluminium sump guard
    • transverse roof bars with ski rack (for four pairs of skis)

    Dacia Duster ESF 644

    Source: Dacia

  • 2011 Ford Focus ECOnetic

    Ford has introduced the new Focus ECOnetic, which will officially debut next week at the Amsterdam Motor Show. The vehicle will set a new industry benchmark for fuel efficiency in the popular compact class.

    Focus ECOnetic will hit the UK market early next year. The car will boast more fuel efficiency than any other compact vehicle on the road today in Europe, including diesel, petrol and hybrid powered vehicles.

    2011 Ford Focus ECOnetic is expected to return 80mpg on combined cycle, which is less than 3.5 litres of diesel for 100 km. The CO2 emission will be less than 95g/km.

    “The Focus ECOnetic is a testament to our company’s relentless drive for technological innovation and commitment to environmental leadership,” commented Gunnar Herrmann, Ford’s global medium car line director.

    “It’s also going to be a great car to drive.”, he added.

    The new Focus ECOnetic will be available in both five-door and estate bodystyles.

    The engine is 1.6 litre Ford Duratorq TDCi diesel with 105PS, which features a new injection system and turbocharger, enhanced charge cooling and further friction reduction measures.

    Focus ECOnetic comes with full range of Ford ECOnetic Technologies, including Ford Auto-Start-Stop, Smart Regenerative Charging, Ford Eco Mode and Shift Indicator Light.

    The current Ford Focus 1.6 TDCi, which went on sale last month, and is available across all series, emits 109g CO2 /km while returning 67mpg.

    We are looking forward to see, whether the new one will achieve these amazing results.
    2011 Ford Focus ECOnetic

    2011 Ford Focus ECOnetic
    2011 Ford Focus ECOnetic
    2011 Ford Focus ECOnetic
    2011 Ford Focus ECOnetic
    2011 Ford Focus ECOnetic

    Source: Ford

  • Lexus LF-Gh Hybrid Concept [teaser]

    Lexus will exhibit its LF-Gh Hybrid concept at the 2011 New York International Auto Show from April 20th to May 1st. The car will be a redefinition of the luxury „grand tourer”. Actually, the car will be the next generation of GS, which is expected to be introduced late this year.

    There are no further information about the car and all data will be released to media guests at a preview event in New York on 19 April.

    Untill then, we have too high resolution teaser pictures of LF-Gh Hybrid, one with a headlight on it and one with a rear light. The pictures reveal pure aggression and we hope that the exterior of LF-Gh will be brutal, because the interior is expected to be extremely fashionable with high quality expensive materials.

    Stay tuned for more information and check out the pictures!
    Lexus LF-Gh Hybrid Concept [teaser]

    Lexus LF-Gh Hybrid Concept [teaser]
    Lexus LF-Gh Hybrid Concept [teaser]

    Source: Lexus

  • Audi R8 LMS at Nurburgring

    Audi R8 LMS was tested at the Nurburgring these day by ABT Sportsline and Phoenix Racing, who had a lot of experience over the last two years at the 24-hour race around the race track with the quattro GmbH GT3 sports car.

    “The Audi R8 LMS was developed specifically for customer sport,” said Head of Audi Motorsport Dr. Wolfgang Ullrich.

    “With the two factory supported events at the Nürburgring and at Spa-Francorchamps we aim to underline the positive image that the R8 LMS has built up following its first two years of competition. I think we are well positioned for this from the driver and team side.”, he added.

    2011 Audi R8 LMS includes a modified engine control for the 5.2 litre V10 power unit, revised suspension and a light-weight motorsport clutch specifically developed for endurance races.

    “The 2011 season started perfectly for the Audi R8 LMS with the one-two finish at Bathurst,” comented Werner Frowein, Managing Director of the quattro GmbH.

    “We want to continue this. In the shape of Phoenix Racing we send a team to compete that has accompanied the development of the R8 LMS for endurance races since the very beginning and which has gathered the most experience in this area. ABT Sportsline is the perfect choice for the Nürburgring, and WRT for Spa. As far as the drivers are concerned you could hardly wish for better.”, added Mr. Frowein.

    ABT Sportsline and Phoenix Racing contest rounds of the VLN endurance championship in preparation for the 24-hour race at the Nurburgring. WRT contests the Blancpain Endurance Series in 2011 which also includes the 24-hour race at Spa-Francorchamps.
    Audi R8 LMS

    Audi R8 LMS
    Audi R8 LMS
    Audi R8 LMS

    Source: Audi

  • Mopar Dodge Charger

    Mopar will present tuned version of Dodge Charger at the New York Auto Show. Until then, the tuning company has released the first teaser image of Charger Mopar Edition.

    However, they didn’t release any details about the engine or other specification. The exterior boasts a revised grille, a blue body stripe and gloss black wheels.

    The interior will feature Katzkin leather upholstery, a T-shaped shift handle, and an individually-numbered plaque.

    Dodge Charger Mopar Edition will be officially unveiled on April 20th.

    “After the success of our Mopar ’10 Challenger, we moved on to the iconic Dodge Charger and added even more performance,” commented Pietro Gorlier, President and CEO of Mopar, Chrysler Group’s service, parts and customer-care brand.

    “As a new company, we will continue to leverage the heritage of the Mopar brand at every turn.”, he added.

    Dodge Charger Mopar

    Source: Dodge

  • 2011 Audi A7 US – 59 250 USD

    Audi has released the price list for the new 2011 A7 for the US market. The vehicle will be offered in the United States with the 3.0 litre TFSI V6 with 310HP mated to 8-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission. The power is put on the road through Audi’s AWD system – Quattro. However, the engine still manages to return 18mpg in the city and 28mpg on the highway. The combined cycle is 22mpg.

    Audi A7 has rich standard equipment, which includes the quattro all-wheel-drive system, SIRIUS satellite radio, Bluetooth connectivity, a power sunroof and Xenon plus headlights with LED Daytime Running Lights.

    2011 Audi A7 USA has a price tag of 59 250 USD, excluding the 875 USD destination charge, taxes, title, options, and dealer charges.

    2011 Audi A7 Sportback

    2011 Audi A7 Sportback
    2011 Audi A7 Sportback
    2011 Audi A7 Sportback
    2011 Audi A7 Sportback
    2011 Audi A7 Sportback
    2011 Audi A7 Sportback
    2011 Audi A7 Sportback
    2011 Audi A7 Sportback
    2011 Audi A7 Sportback
    2011 Audi A7 Sportback
    2011 Audi A7 Sportback
    2011 Audi A7 Sportback
    2011 Audi A7 Sportback
    2011 Audi A7 Sportback
    2011 Audi A7 Sportback
    2011 Audi A7 Sportback
    2011 Audi A7 Sportback
    2011 Audi A7 Sportback
    2011 Audi A7 Sportback
    2011 Audi A7 Sportback
    2011 Audi A7 Sportback
    2011 Audi A7 Sportback
    2011 Audi A7 Sportback
    2011 Audi A7 Sportback
    2011 Audi A7 Sportback
    2011 Audi A7 Sportback
    2011 Audi A7 Sportback
    2011 Audi A7 Sportback
    2011 Audi A7 Sportback
    2011 Audi A7 Sportback
    2011 Audi A7 Sportback
    2011 Audi A7 Sportback
    2011 Audi A7 Sportback
    2011 Audi A7 Sportback
    2011 Audi A7 Sportback
    2011 Audi A7 Sportback
    2011 Audi A7 Sportback
    2011 Audi A7 Sportback
    2011 Audi A7 Sportback
    2011 Audi A7 Sportback
    2011 Audi A7 Sportback
    2011 Audi A7 Sportback
    2011 Audi A7 Sportback
    2011 Audi A7 Sportback
    2011 Audi A7 Sportback
    2011 Audi A7 Sportback
    2011 Audi A7 Sportback
    2011 Audi A7 Sportback
    2011 Audi A7 Sportback
    2011 Audi A7 Sportback
    2011 Audi A7 Sportback
    2011 Audi A7 Sportback
    2011 Audi A7 Sportback
    2011 Audi A7 Sportback
    2011 Audi A7 Sportback

    2011 Audi A7 US

    Design:

    • Iconic 5-door coupe design utilizing aluminum hybrid lightweight construction.
    • 4-seat configuration with folding rear seats
    • Xenon plus headlights with LED Daytime Running Lights
    • Unmistakable Audi Singleframe grill design
    • 7-inch Driver Information System
    • 8-inch MMI screen with MMI touch technology
    • Frameless side windows appropriate for coupe
    • Ambient lighting plus using LED lighting technology

    Engine:

    • -V6 3.0L TFSI supercharged engine delivering 310 hp and 325 lbs-ft of torque.
    • -8-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission
    • -Legendary quattro all-wheel drive with 40:60 rear-bias torque split

    Standard equipment:

    • 18-inch wheels with all-season tires
    • Xenon plus headlights with LED Daytime Running Lights
    • Leather seating surfaces
    • Power, heated front seats with driver lumbar support
    • Automatic power tailgate
    • Audi drive select
    • SIRIUS satellite radio
    • Audi Music Interface
    • Bluetooth telephone and music player connection
    • Homelink
    • Keyless go
    • Power sunroof
    • 3-zone automatic climate control
    • Automatic headlights with light/rain sensor
    • Optional equipment | highlights:

    Premium Plus:

    • 19-inch 10-spoke wheels with all-season tires
    • MMI navigation plus with MMI touch and Google Earth
    • Audi Connect with 6 month complimentary data trial period
    • Front and rear parking sensors and rearview camera
    • 7-inch Driver Information System and 8″ MMI screen
    • HD Radio, CD changer and Jukebox

    Prestige:

    • includes Premium Plus items
    • S line exterior (bumpers, grille)
    • BOSE surround sound system
    • Advanced key (keyless entry)
    • 4-zone climate control
    • Ventilated front seats
    • Adaptive headlights and cornering lights
    • Power adjustable steering column
    • Ambient lighting plus (LED interior lights)

    Innovation Package:

    • Full LED headlights
    • Audi pre sense plus
    • Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop & Go
    • Audi side assist
    • Head Up Display
    • Night vision assistant

    Sport Packages:

    • 19-inch or 20-inch wheels with performance tires
    • Sport suspension
    • 3-spoke sport steering wheel with shift paddles

    Driver Assistance Package:

    • Audi pre sense plus
    • Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop & Go
    • Audi side assist

    Bang & Olufsen Advanced Sound System:

    • 15 speakers including subwoofer and center speaker
    • Acoustic lens emerging tweeters
    • Speaker covers are polished aluminum
    • 1300 watts of B&O ICEpower

    Source: Audi US

  • 2011 Subaru Impreza WRX STI

    Subaru now offers more benefits for the customers of high-performance Impreza WRX Sti. The iconic car now comes with more power, SAT NAV system and the price remains the same. 2011 Subaru Impreza WRX STi is priced at £32 995, but for a limited period only.

    The engine is the well-know 2.5 liter turbocharged four-cylinder boxer with 320PS at 6000RPM and 450Nm at 3400RPM. The power is improved with 20PS and 43Nm and this upgrade will be only available for the cars purchased until the end of June 2011. The acceleration is staggering – 0 to 100 km/h in 4.9 seconds.

    The Sat NAV system comes as standard and features touch-screen capability, Bluetooth and iPod connection. The screen is also detachable and can be connected to a laptop via a USB port for easy downloading of any information.

    2011 Sti comes with symmetrical AWD, keyless entry and push button start, hill start assist, climate control, SI-Drive, leather Recaro seats, 18 inch alloy wheels, remote locking, satellite tracker and cruise control.

    The special offers runs from April 1st until June 31st. Both body variants are available – 4 and 5-door.

    2011 subaru wrx sti

    2011 Subaru Impreza WRX STI
    2011 Subaru Impreza WRX STI
    2011 Subaru Impreza WRX STI
    2011 Subaru Impreza WRX STI
    2011 Subaru Impreza WRX STI 4-DOOR
    2011 Subaru Impreza WRX STI 4-DOOR
    2011 Subaru Impreza WRX STI 4-DOOR
    2011 Subaru Impreza WRX STI 4-DOOR
    2011 Subaru Impreza WRX STI 4-DOOR
    2011 Subaru Impreza WRX STI 4-DOOR
    2011 Subaru Impreza WRX STI 4-DOOR
    2011 Subaru Impreza WRX STI 4-DOOR
    2011 Subaru Impreza WRX STI 4-DOOR
    2011 Subaru Impreza WRX STI 4-DOOR
    2011 Subaru Impreza WRX STI 5-DOOR
    2011 Subaru Impreza WRX STI 5-DOOR

    Source: Subaru

  • BMW X1 M-Package

    BMW will offer M package accessories for the small crossover X1.

    The package includes front and rear bumpers as well as side skirts. The wheel arches are modified, too.

    The interior boats sport steering wheel, M-badging door sills and M-gear shifter.

    However, BMW is considering an M version of X1. There are no official data, but the crossover will feature an aerodynamic body kit, sports suspension and huge brake system.

    X1M is expected to be powered by the same engine as 1-Series M – 3.0 liter turbocharge six-cylinder with 320PS (235 kW) and 450Nm (332 lb-ft). The engine is mated to a 8-speed automatic transmission. The acceleration will be around 5.0 seconds to 100 km/h.

    Still, nothing is official and the company is currently focused on launching the new M5 F10 and M6 models.

    As though BMW X1M is a great idea!

    BMW X1 M-Package

    BMW X1 M-Package
    BMW X1 M-Package
    BMW X1 M-Package
    BMW X1 M-Package
    BMW X1 M-Package
    BMW X1 M-Package
    BMW X1 M-Package

    Source: BMW

  • Fifth Gear Web TV: 27.0 Litre Rover SD1 – Charlie’s Story

    In one of the latest episodes of Fifth Gear, Johnny Smith takes interview from Charlie, who is the owner of truly staggering home-made Rover SD1.

    The incredible about the car is not only its uniqueness, but the brutal 27.0 liter engine from an aeroplane or exactly from World War II Spitfire plane.

    The ride with Charlie was rather scary and after 150mph (240 km/h), Johnny searched for a handle to catch… but the driver continued to accelerate the home-made machine and it eventually made over 160 mph (260 km/h).

    Another interesting thing about the car is the rear badge – V12 27L. Clearly, the „V12” is taken from an old Merc and „27L” is probably taken from the neighbourhood tuning shop.

    Check out the video and see the whole story of Charlie and its incredible home-made car.

    httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f1BnhZsS8a0

    rover sd1

    Source: Fifth Gear Web TV

  • BMW M3 GTS Sedan Concept

    BMW has introduced M3 E90 GTS Concept (Sedan), which follows the M3 E92 GTS (Coupe). However, the Sedan is still a concept car and didn’t get the full GTS specification.Probably, the M3 E90 GTS will be powered by the same 4.4 liter V8 with 450PS (331 kW) as the Coupe version. This is a revised version of the well-know 4.0 liter V8 in a regular M3, which delivers 420PS (309 kW).M3 GTS Sedan Concept includes 19” alloys, huge brake system, rear boot lid spoiler and the black kidney grills. The car also gets front splitter, lighter sport exhaust system and revised suspension.BMW M3 GTS Sedan will go to production, of course in limited numbers. The price will definitely less than GTS Coupe’s.Stay tuned for further information and video!BMW M3 GTS Sedan Concept

    BMW M3 GTS Sedan Concept
    BMW M3 GTS Sedan Concept
    BMW M3 GTS Sedan Concept
    Source: Car Magazine

  • Prior Design BMW 5-Series F10

    Right after the unveiling of 2012 BMW M5 F10 Concept, Prior Design has introduced its aerodynamic kit for the new 5-Series. Still, the tuning company didn’t release any further information about its project except some small pictures.

    However, the aerodynamic kit includes refined front bumper, new rear bumper and modified side skirts. Our opinion is that the front looks a lot better than M5 variant, but he rear still looks like it is designed by Audi.

    Prior F10 also received huge wheels finished in black and some vinyls with the logo of the company.

    There is also no information on which model will be ased Prior Design F10 and whether there will be a performance packages, but hopefully they will offer some ECU re-maps for the mighty turbocharged petrol and diesel engines.

    Stay tuned for more information!
    Prior Design BMW 5-Series F10

    Prior Design BMW 5-Series F10
    Prior Design BMW 5-Series F10
    Prior Design BMW 5-Series F10
    Prior Design BMW 5-Series F10

    Source: Prior Design

  • Project Kahn 2011 Range Rover Sport Diablo

    Project Kahn introduced a special tuning program for 2011 Range Rover Sport. Its project name is Diablo and you will understand why, when you check out the pictures.

    The owner of the tuning company – Afzal Kahn, who designed the Diablo says that the car speaks to its owner’s heart more than any other car in production today. He is so right, because the vehicle looks fantastic. Clean lines and pure aggression.

    The aerodynamics package includes bullet side vents in red carbon, red rubber side steps and Kahn branding. The exterior is completed by the 22” RS lightweight wheels with red stripes on them.

    The interior boasts new bespoke touch, which can satisfy even the most demanding customers. Besides that, the vehicle received Kahn steering wheel, Kahn floor mats and Kahn aluminum foot pedals.

    Price list is not announced, yet!

    Project Kahn 2011 Range Rover Sport Diablo
    Project Kahn 2011 Range Rover Sport Diablo
    Project Kahn 2011 Range Rover Sport Diablo
    Project Kahn 2011 Range Rover Sport Diablo

    Source: Project Kahn