Author: Victor Ivanov

  • Alfa Romeo 4C – 8:04 Nurburgring Lap Time

    Alfa Romeo has confirmed the Nurburgring lap time of 4C. The small sports car manage to cross the finish line in 8 minutes and 4 seconds. For example BMW M3 E92 with 420HP has a time of 8 minutes and 5 seconds and Renault Megane RS Trophy in 8:07 (which is a new record for a FWD car).

    Behind the steering wheel was Horst von Saurma who proved on September 12 the Alfa Romeo 4C is the faster car with less than 250HP to lap the Nurburgring.

    2013 Alfa Romeo 4C is powered by a 1.8 liter turbocharged petrol with 240HP (177 kW) at 6,000RPM and 350Nm (258 lb-ft) at 2,000RPM of torque. The engine is connected to a dual-clutch transmission. 0-100 km/h in 4.5 seconds and a top speed of 258 km/h (160 mph). It will average 6.8 liters / 100 km (41.5 mpg UK) with CO2 emissions of 157 g/km. All these figures are thanks to the super-low weight of 4C – just 895kg (1973 lb).

    It is equipped with Pirelli “AR” P Zero Trofeo tires which were specially developed for this model over the course of less than a year. They are available in two size combinations – 17” front and 18” rear or 18” front and 19” rear.

    httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bn1OLYboRbE

    Source: Alfa Romeo

  • 2014 Audi A3 Cabriolet – Hits the Market Next Spring

    Audi is starting production of the 2014 A3 Cabriolet at the company plant in Hungary. The A3 Cabriolet is distinctive already with its flowing lines and fabric soft-top. It is also at the pinnacle of its segment in technical terms – with consistently applied lightweight construction, the latest engine technology, versatile networking and highly effective assistance systems.

    2014 Audi A3 is set to be launched next spring with pricing starting from €31,700. Audi also builds the next generation of the Audi TT Coupe and TT Roadster in the same plant. The company has invested a total of more than €900 million in buildings and equipment at this site.

    The engine range of A3 Cabriolet includes a 1.4 liter TFSI – 140HP (103 kW), a 1.8 liter TFSI – 180HP (132 kW) and a 2.0 liter TDI with 150HP (110 kW). We also expect an S3 Cabriolet with 2.0 liter TFSI delivering 300HP (221 kW).

    Source: Audi

  • Prior Design Mercedes-Benz G-Class W463

    Prior Design has announced their latest project based on Mercedes-Benz G-Class W463. The big off-roader comes with a lot of styling modifications.

    The exterior boasts a complete aerodynamics package in two version – Wide (for €12,900) and Non-wide (for €6,900). The package includes a new front bumper, front and rear extentions and a new hood. There is also a new rear bumper and diffuser.

    All components are made from dura-flex FRP (fiber reinforced plastic) and are compatible with all G-Class W463 models.

    As an option, Prior Design offers massive 23” DPE alloy wheels for €7,900 and a tire cover for €1,199.

    The interior boasts a lot of carbon fiber elements.

    Source: Prior Design

  • 2014 Cadillac ELR – Active Noise Cancelling

    The all-new 2014 Cadillac ELR is so quiet when running on battery power that the electrified luxury coupe’s development team took care to keep it that way when the on-board gas-powered electric generator turns on for extended-range driving.

    ELR uses Active Noise Cancelling to preserve the peace and quiet. While most cars that use this type of sound-neutralizing technology aim simply to mute exhaust boom at low engine speeds, such as when idling, ELR uses it across all engine speeds.

    The special system electronically gathers input from the vehicle’s generator and powertrain, as well as from three ceiling-mounted microphones. The system calculates and produces the appropriate noise-cancelling signal, which is delivered through the premium Bose audio system.

    ELR uses a variety of sound-buffering and -absorbing materials to minimize wind, road and engine noise, including:

    • Acoustically laminated windshield and thicker front-door glass
    • Liquid-applied sound deadener applied to the floor pan, trunk and roof
    • Triple-sealed doors with acoustic perimeter water deflectors
    • Mass-efficient sound-absorbing dash mat and carpet system
    • Acoustic foam baffles inside body cavities and in between inner and outer quarter panels
    • An isolated front suspension cradle with hydraulic powertrain mounts to isolate road and engine vibration

    ELR will hit the US market in the beginning of 2014.

    Source: Cadillac

  • SRT Viper Color Contest – An Opportunity to be Original

    Street and Racing Technology (SRT) brand is giving someone a chance to make their mark on automotive history as the color palette for the 2014 Dodge SRT Viper gains a new entry.

    The contest gives fans a chance to submit and choose an official new exterior color name of the 2014 SRT Viper. The fan who submits the winning name will win a trip to the ‘2014 Rolex 24 Hours of Daytona’ at Daytona International Speedway and the opportunity to spend time with the Viper Design team throughout the race weekend.

    “The SRT Viper Color Contest gives our Viper enthusiasts an opportunity to be original, creative and contribute to the exterior design of our flagship American supercar,” commented Ralph Gilles, President and Chief Executive Officer – (SRT) Street and Racing Technology Brand and Motorsports, Chrysler Group LLC.

    “Already available in a wide array of exterior color combinations, which provides our owners a way to personalize their cars, this contest is a great way for our dedicated fans to connect with the SRT brand and become an authentic part of Viper history.”, Mr. Gilles added.

    Source: SRT

  • Audi A5 DTM Champion Special Edition – 300 units

    Audi is introducing the A5 DTM Champion Special Edition. It is designed to celebrate Mike Rockenfeller’s triumph in the 2013 DTM season. The A5 DTM will be produced in limited series of just 300 units.

    The exterior features DTM badges on the side sills, fenders and door sill trims. There is also a fixed body-colored rear wing and exterior mirrors in aluminum look. A5 DTM rolls 20” 5 V-spoke alloy wheels fitted with low-profile tires.

    The limited A5 is available with a 2.0 liter TDI – 177HP (130 kW), a 3.0 liter TDI with 245HP (180 kW), a 2.0 liter TFSI with 225HP (165 kW) and a 3.0 liter TFSI with 272HP (200 kW). All of them feature Quattro AWD system.

    There are three paint schemes: Glacier White, Daytona Gray and Misano Red. The price for DTM Champion Special Edition package is €1,900.

    Source: Audi

  • 2014 Porsche Macan – Production Ready [images]

    Porsche has published several images of the production ready version of 2014 Macan. The small “Cayenne” will make its official debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show.

    The exterior features include an aggressive front fascia, a sloping roofline and LED-infused headlights. There is also a tailgate-mounted spoiler and roughly shaped bodywork.

    The engine range includes a 3.0 liter twin-turbocharged V6 and a 3.6 liter twin-turbocharged V6 – 395HP (294 kW) and 550Nm (406 lb-ft) of torque. The entry-level model will get a 3.0 liter V6 diesel with 254HP (189 kW). The engines will be connected to manual or PDK gearboxes sending power to an AWD system.

    2014 Porsche Macan is expected to hit the market in the end of this year with pricing of around $52,000.

    Source: Porsche

  • JE Design 2013 Seat Leon FR

    JE Design has announced their latest project based on 2013 Seat Leon FR. The hot hatchback gets both – styling and performance ugprades.

    The exterior features a lot of carbon fiber elements including a front spoiler, side skirts and a rear bumper insert. The price for the complete set is €1,369. In the five-door hatchback, you can opt for a roof spoiler – 357. There are also two stainless steel tailpipes on both sides, each with a diameter of 80 mm. The complete stainless steel muffler (€899) has an EC approval.

    Other goodies include lowering springs -30mm for €237 or KW coilover suspension – €1,049, which can lower the car between 35 and 65 mm. For the highest standards, JE DESIGN also offers the adjustable rebound and compression-damping KW coilover suspension Variant 3 – €1,749.

    “Scorpio” type light alloy wheels come in dimesions 7.5J x 18” and matt black finish with matt silver front. They are fitted with 225/40 R18 performance tires. The complete wheel set is available at a price starting from €839.

    Last, but not least is the performance upgrade for the 1.8 liter TSI engine – 215HP (158 kW) and 300Nm (221 lb-ft) – an increase of 35 HP and 50Nm. 0-100 km/h in 6.9 seconds and hit a top speed of 235 km/h (146 mph). The price is €1,990 including VAT and 12 month warranty.

    Source: JE Design

  • Mulgari Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG – 510HP and 710Nm

    Mulgari has announced their project called “510” based on Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG. As you may suggest, the number stands for the amount of HP, which the mighty 6.2 liter V8 produces. Designed as a lifestyle upgrade the “510” not only boasts impressive horsepower figures but also offers the customer a unique identity.The 6.2 liter naturally aspirated V8 is boosted to 510HP (380 kW) and 705Nm (521 lb-ft) of torque – an increase of 63HP and 105Nm. 0-100 km/h in less than 4.3 seconds and a top speed of over 275 km/h (171 mph).The 510 features a brand new stainless steel exhaust system with active valve technology. Designed with everyday living in mind, the active valve system allows the user to control the sound track they desire with a simple push of a button.The exterior boasts some carbon fiber elements like front splitter and a new rear spoiler improving the aerodynamics.High performance vehicles demand high performance braking. All Mulgari 510’s receive upgraded performance braking fluids and materials.The entire package costs £7,995 (VAT included).

  • Renault Duster Detour Concept

    Renault has announced Duster Detour Concept at the Johannesburg International Motor Show.

    It boasts an increased ride height and wears a two-tone pearl yellow and matte grey paint complemented by tinted windows and black pillar masks. There are also widened wheel arches and a set of 18” bespoke alloy wheels fitted with all-terrain tires.

    The custom front grille has a chrome Renault diamond logo and comes together with special headlamp clusters and daytime running lights. There are also “Duster” graphics while the back features a roof-mounted spoiler and black LED taillights.

    Last, but not least is the double exhaust system and a new diffuser.

    Boasting rugged good looks, loads of space (475 litres of boot space for starters) and real off-road capabilities, New Renault Duster is the perfect companion for active families.

    Source: Renault

  • Walkinshaw Performance Holden VF Commodore and HSV Gen-F [video]

    Walkinshaw Performance has introduced their tuning packages for the Holden VF Commodore and HSV Gen-F. The name of the projects are W457 and W497.

    “The W Series has already seen the naturally aspirated W310 and W375 packages which offer terrific performance and value for money that we have developed thanks to the outstanding base vehicles- the VF SS Commodore and the Gen-F HSV. Today we take another step with the W457 and W497 packages. These packages represent the pinnacle of Australian automotive design and engineering capabilities. On power figures alone it’s impressive, but as we always say; drivability is the number one goal and we believe that these W Series twins are exceedingly well mannered in this key area. That said, it’s hard to hide the performance results and these cars are guaranteed to bring a smile to the face of every motoring enthusiast.”, commented WP General Manager Tony Harris.

    The W457 boosts the VF Commodore’s 6.0 liter V8 engine to 621 HP (457 kW) and 780 Nm (575 lb-ft), while the W497 for the HSV Gen-F’s 6.2 liter V8 has 675 HP (497 kW) and 955 Nm (704 lb-ft) of torque.

    The pricing starts from $18,990 AUD.

    httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cl4AcOTGT5c

    The 2013 W457 and W497 packages offer:

    • WP230 Supercharger Package
    • Large high flow injectors
    • Eaton Twin Vortices 2300 Series (TVS) Gen VI rotors
    • Water to air intercooler package
    • Custom moulded heater hoses
    • Cast aluminium coil covers
    • Unique Walkinshaw Performance injection moulded cold air intake package
    • Heavy duty serpentine belt drive system
    • 12” long intake runners
    • Custom moulded intercooler hoses
    • Self-contained oil system
    • Full stainless steel exhaust system including, ceramic coated headers and high flow catalytic converters.
    • Full dyno tune from an authorised Walkinshaw Performance Centre
    • W Series Certificate of Authenticity and Vehicle Identification
    • Full drive line warranty for the balance of the manufacturer’s new vehicle warranty for eligible vehicles.

    Source: Walkinshaw Performance

  • McChip DKR Audi RS5 Kopressor

    McChip DKR has announced their latest project based on Audi RS5 4.2 FSI V8. The stylish coupe received sensational performance upgrade – a compressor kit named MC5XX.

    The 4.2 liter FSI V8 originally delivers 450HP (331 kW) and 430Nm (319 lb-ft) of torque.

    Stage I boosts the engine to 550HP (404 kW) and 550Nm (407 lb-ft) of torque. The result is thanks to a compressor kit including intercooler and software for the serial exhaust. The price for Stage I is €19,999.

    Stage II boosts the engine to 580HP (426 kW) and 565Nm (419 lb-ft). The additional upgrade here are the sports catalysts and Stage II software. The price bumps to  €23,999.

    Stage III leads to the performance Olympus (as well the price) – 600HP (441 kW) and 590Nm (437 lb-ft). The price for this upgrade is to  €26,999.

    The top speed is electronically limited at 322 km/h (200 mph) in all three versions.

    Source: McChip DKR