Victor Ivanov – Page 79 – Automobiles Review

2014 Toyota Prius – US Price $29,990

Toyota US has announced the pricing of the new 2014 Prius Facelift, which is available for less than $30,000. The base model Plug-in Hybrid starts from just $29,990, while the top-of-range Plug-in Hybrid Advanced costs $39,525.

The 2014 Prius Plug-in Hybrid is well-equipped (similar to a Prius Three), but adds these appealing features:

Heated cloth front seats – a unique standard feature available only on Prius Plug-in
Remote Climate – a feature that allows customers to activate their A/C remotely (standard on Prius Plug-in, available on Prius Three)
Ability to drive extended distances in EV Mode, helping to increase fuel efficiency
Unique 10-spoke alloy wheels
1 additional year of Roadside Assistance through ToyotaCare, for a total of 3 year

The Prius Plug-in Advanced will still offer popular features including:

Premium HDD Navigation with Entune^® App Suite (including Plug-in Hybrid Applications) and JBL
SofTex-trimmed heated front seats
8-way power-adjustable driver’s seat with power lumbar support
Head-Up Display
Safety Connect

Grade	Engine/ Trans.	Highlight Features	13MY MSRP	14MY MSRP	MSRP $ Change	MSRP % Change
Plug-in Hybrid	1.8-liter HSD/ E-CVT	Display Audio with Navigation, Entune App Suite and backup camera; USB/Aux and Bluetooth; unique 15” alloy wheels, Smart Key System on 3 doors and Push Button Start; heated front seats; Remote Climate; HSD blue accent headlights and exclusive Plug-in Hybrid badging; additional year of Roadside Assistance through ToyotaCare	$32,000	$29,990*	-$2,010	-6.3%
Plug-in Hybrid Advanced	1.8-liter HSD/ E-CVT	Prius Plug-in Hybrid plus: Premium HDD Navigation with Entune App Suite (including Plug-in Hybrid Applications) and JBL, SofTex-trimmed heated front seats, 8-way power-adjustable driver’s seat with power lumbar support, Head-Up Display, Safety Connect	$39,525	$34,905*	-$4,620	-11.7%

Source: Toyota

October 10, 2013

Ford Racing EcoBoost Prototype – Overall Speed Record 359 km/h

Ford Racing EcoBoost Prototype managed to average more than 354 km/h (220 mph) around the venerable 2.5-mile Daytona International Speedway tri-oval in a special record run session.

Colin Braun behind the steering wheel achieved overall speed record for one lap around Daytona of 358.84 km/h (222.971 mph). This is way faster than the previous record established in 1987 by Bill Elliot who hit 338.55 km/h (210.364 mph) in NASCAR cup car during the Daytona 500 qualifying session.

Ford EcoBoost engine provides both performance and fuel economy, on and off the track. The powerplant includes all the newest technologies – direct injection, turbocharging and high efficiency. Moreover, the engine will power a new Ford-inspired Riley Technologies Daytona Prototype car.

Source: Ford

October 10, 2013

2014 BMW Alpina D3 Bi-Turbo – Price £49,950

Alpina has announced full details and pricing for the 2013 D3 Bi-Turbo based on BMW 3-Series F30/F31 335d. The saloon is priced from £46,950, while the touring model costs £49,950.

2013 Alpina D3 Bi-Turbo is powered by a 3.0 liter twin-turbocharged diesel with 350HP (257 kW) at 4,000RPM and 700Nm (519 lb-ft) at just 1,500RPM. The engine is connected to an 8-speed ZF Sport-Automatic gearbox. 0-100 km/h in 4.6 seconds and a top speed of 278 km/h (173 mph). The fuel consumption is extremely low – 6.0 liters / 100 km in city; 4.9 liters / 100 on highway and 5.3 liters / 100 in combined cycle. The curb weight is 1585kg (3487 lbs).

Standard equipment includes an 8-speed automatic gearbox, Adaptive M Sport Suspension, leather upholstery, electrically adjustable heated sports seats, climate control and Bi-Xenon headlights. Inside, there are luxury carpet overmats and subtle ALPINA logos on the seat backs and door sills. The instruments are in ALPINA Blue and the steering wheel is covered in finest-quality, hand-stitched Lavalina leather.

Outside, the new D3 Bi-Turbo receives subtle aerodynamic enhancements developed in BMW’s wind tunnel, a four outlet exhaust with an ‘intelligent’ acoustic valve, and 19” ALPINA alloy wheels in the company’s famous Classic design. Every car is finished with a model plaque displayed on the centre console, showing the car’s unique build number.

In addition to being available with all BMW options including those from BMW Individual, the D3 Bi-Turbo can receive almost limitless personalisation from ALPINA’s craftsmen. Alongside the famous ALPINA Blue and ALPINA Green signature paintwork, choices include hand-stitched full leather interiors of superb quality and a wide range of hand-finished woods for the dashboard and doors.

TECHNICAL DATA

	Saloon	Touring
Weight (kg unladen)	1,585	1,655
Length (mm)	4,628	4,628
Cylinder	6 in line	6 in line
Displacement (cm³)	2993	2993
Bore (mm)	84.0	84.0
Stroke (mm)	90.0	90.0
Maximum output (kW / hp)	257 / 350	257 / 350 at 4000 rpm
Max. torque (Nm)	700	700 from 1500 to 3000 rpm
Front wheels and tyres	8 x 19“ 245/35 ZR19
Rear wheels and tyres	9 x 19“ 265/35 ZR19
Emissions classification	Euro 6	Euro 6
Acceleration 0-62 mph (sec)	4.6	4.6
Top speed (mph)	173	172
Fuel consumption Urban (mpg)	47.1	46.3
Extra-urban (mpg)	57.7	56.5
Combined (mpg)	53.3	52.3
CO₂ emissions (g/km)	139	142
Efficiency category	B	B

Source: Alpina

October 10, 2013

Novitec Rosso Ferrari F12 N-LARGO – 781HP and 722Nm

Novitec Rosso has announced their latest project called F12 N-LARGO based on the superfast Ferrari F12 Berlinetta. It comes with styling and performance modifications as well.

The exterior boasts an entire wide body kit including modified front and rear bumpers, a pair of revised side skirts and extended fenders. Other highlights include a front lip spoiler, a carbon fiber grille, 9.5J x 21” and 12J x 22” forged alloy wheels fitted with Pirelli P ZERO high-performance tires – 255/30 ZR21 and 335/25 ZR22, respectively. Last, but not least, NOVITEC fitted the F12 N-Largo with a big rear wing and tinted taillights.

The ride height is reduced by 40mm thanks to new sport springs. There is also an optional front lift system that raises the front axle by approximately 40mm to ease with going over speed humps.

The 6.3 liter naturally aspirated V12 is boosted to 781HP (574 kW) at 8,600RPM and 722Nm (532 lb-ft) of torque at 6,400RPM – an increase of 41HP (30 kW) and 32Nm (23 lb-ft). The result is thanks to an optimized ECU and a sports exhaust system.

Novitec Rosso also offers custom exclusivity for the interior. The cockpit can be designed in leather and Alcantara in any desired color.

Source: NOVITEC

October 9, 2013

2014 BMW 4-Series Convertible [leak images]

BMWBlog has published several official images of the 2014 BMW 4-Series Convertible. The manufacturer didn’t release any technical details, but we expect the same engines, which are offered for the coupe: 420d, 428i, 435i.The exterior doesn’t come with any big changes. After all, the 4-Series Convertible will be exactly the same as the Coupe, except a retractable metal roof and some reinforcement for the chassis. Still, BMW is going to use lightweight materials in order to keep the total weight as low as possible.The 2014 BMW 4-series Convertible will make its official debut at the 2013 Los Angeles Auto Show.Stay tuned!

October 9, 2013

2014 Porsche 911 Turbo S – Top Speed 333 km/h [video]

SportAuto has published a nice video showing a speed test of the all-new 2014 Porsche 911 Turbo S. Behind the steering wheel is Christian Gebhardt, who had enough courage to take the sports car all the way to 333 km/h (207 mph).

2014 Porsche 911 Turbo S is powered by a 3.8 liter flat-six turbocharged engine with 560HP (412 kW) at 6500RPM and 700Nm (519 lb-ft) of torque. The engine is connected to a DCT 7-speed gearbox.

0-100 km/h in 3.1 seconds and a top speed of 318 km/h (198 mph). However, during the test Christian Gebhardt managed to do 0-100 km/h in 3.0 seconds, 0-200 km/h in 10.0 seconds and a top speed of 333 km/h (207 mph).

2014 Porsche 911 Turbo S is available on the market with pricing starting from €195,256.

Enjoy the video!

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HoKst5KKtdQ

Source: SportAuto via Youtube

October 9, 2013

2013 Renault Scenic Lounge Limited Edition

Renault has announced the new 2013 Lounge Limited Edition available for the Scenic and Grand Scenic Facelift models.

The upper-spec model is based on the ZEN trim level and includes , cruise control with speed-limiter, dual-zone climate control, electronic parking brake, automatic rain and light sensors, in-dash connected Renault R-Link multimedia tablet complete with European mapping, video system built into the back of the front head rests (DVD, USB port, SD card port, two seven-inch screens with headsets and remote controls), front and rear parking assist, reversing camera, key card for hands-free entry and starting, electrically-folding door mirrors, family Pack (sun blinds, aviation-style folding tables for rear passengers, under-seat drawers, front and rear reading lights, child surveillance mirror, forward-tipping front seat for carrying long items, etc.).

The engine range includes TCe 130 petrol and three diesels: dCi 110, dCi 110 EDC and dCi 130.

2013 Renault Scenic Lounge Limited Edition will be available until January 2014.

RENAULT SCENIC LOUNGE		RENAULT GRAND SCENIC LOUNGE
Energy TCe 130	€27,200	Energy TCe 130	€28,300
Energy dCi 110	€29,300	Energy dCi 110	€30,400
dCi 110 EDC	€30,100	dCi 110 EDC	€31,200
Energy dCi 130	€30,100	Energy dCi 130	€31,200

Options (tax-paid prices in France)

Spare wheel: €120
Metallic paint: €570

Source: Renault

October 9, 2013

2014 Opel Meriva Facelift [video]

Opel has announced the 2014 Meriva Facelift coming with minor changes. The new Meriva is more sophisticated, more efficient and more functional than ever. It will celebrate its world premiere at the Brussels’ motor show in mid-January, next year.

The exterior features a new front grille, updated headlamps and more chrome accents around the fog lights. Other highlights include LED DRLs and LED taillights as well.

The most important modification is the 1.6 liter CDTI diesel engine. It complies with EURO 6 regulations. The 1.6 liter CDTI has 136 HP (100 kW) and 320 Nm (236 lb-ft) of torque. The average fuel consumption is just 4.4 liters / 100 km (53.4 mpg US or 64.2 mpg UK) with CO2 emissions of 116 g/km. It replaces the old 1.7 liter CDTI with 130HP.

The new Meriva also receives a new, state-of-the-art IntelliLink infotainment system with embedded, fast and user-friendly navigation and voice control. The large, high-definition, seven-inch color monitor affords great readability and easy operation. It also displays the image from the rear-view camera. Making calls and audiostreaming via Bluetooth are also possible. The Navi 950 IntelliLink comes standard with comprehensive map information covering the whole of Europe, and further updates can easily be downloaded via USB.

Stay tuned for full details and pricing!

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L84PtNGIiAo

Source: Opel

October 9, 2013

Mike Newman with Porsche 911 – Land Speed Record for Blind Driver

Mike Newman is a former bank manager, who set a new land speed record for a blind driver. Mike is 52 years old and currently lives in Manchester, UK. He was born with glaucoma and lost his sight aged 8, but that didn’t stop him at all.Mike Newman has reached the impressive speed of 300 km/h (186 mph) at Bruntingthorpe Proving Ground in Leicestershire with a Porsche 911. Of course, he received radio assistance with the necessary directions that had to be followed in order to claim the record and more important to keep himself safe.After the successful attempt, Mr. Newman commented: “I’ve done my best. It was hard. Concentration levels are so high. Trying to keep the car straight, trying to do everything when you cannot see is hard work. When I was in sixth gear, I knew I was going quick enough!”The previous land speed record belonged to Metin Senturk, who is a Turkish pop singer. He drove a Ferrari F430 and achieved a top speed of 293 km/h (182 mph).

October 7, 2013

Dodge ft. Ron Burgundy – The 2014 Durango [videos]

Dodge has published several promotional video clips featuring Ron Burgundy. He will promote the all-new 2014 Durango.

The 2014 Dodge Durango, the ultimate “No Compromise SUV,” will start arriving in dealer showrooms at the end of the third quarter with a starting U.S. Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $29,795, excluding destination, making it the best-equipped seven-seat SUV priced less than $30,000.

Durango also maintains the same starting price as the 2013 model, while delivering more than $3,500 in added content.

Every 2014 Dodge Durango features a standard 8-speed automatic transmission, projector headlamps, projector fog lamps, floating split crosshair grille, signature LED racetrack taillights, bright chrome or body-color accents, 18” or 20” aluminum wheels, Bluetooth, 5” or 8.4” touch screen, rotary shifter with steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters, 7-inch customizable gauge cluster, Keyless Enter ’n Go with push-button start, seven airbags, seven passenger seating and much more.

2014 Dodge Durango is powered by a 3.6 liter V6 – 290HP (213 kW) and 352 Nm (260 lb-ft) of torque or a 5.7 liter V8 HEMI – 360HP (265 kW) and 528 Nm (390 lb-ft).

Enjoy!

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZzfVT6j_1dY

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SC_Up3zrKjE

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

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OE8CefgHyzY

Source: Dodge

October 7, 2013

2015 Cadillac Escalade [leak images]

Carscoops has published several leak images of the upcoming 2015 Cadillac Escalade. The big SUV comes with minor styling changes and a new more efficient EcoTec3 engine.The exterior boasts a big front grille, LED-infused headlights, a lot of chrome elements, vertical taillights and a tailgate-mounted spoiler. The interior will have better materials including premium leather upholstery, wood trim and a CUE infotainment system. The 2015 Escalade will also offer a flat-fold 3^rd row seats.It will be powered by a 6.2 liter EcoTec3 V8 engine – 420HP (313 kW) and 610Nm (450 lb-ft) of torque. It can be paired to a 6-speed automatic transmission and an optional all-wheel drive system.

October 7, 2013

Mercedes-Benz A 250 Sport 4Matic and CLA 250 Sport

Mercedes-Benz has announced three new models: the A 250 Sport 4MATIC, CLA 250 Sport and CLA 250 Sport 4Matic. The first is priced from €39,954, while the second is €42,304. If you want the CLA 250 Sport 4Matic, you will have to search deeply in your pockets for €44,506.

“Engineered by AMG” is the catchword shared by the three sporty compact models, the A 250 Sport 4MATIC, CLA 250 Sport and CLA 250 Sport 4MATIC, which can be ordered from 7 October. The same day is also the sales start date for the entry-level diesel, the CLA 180 CDI (priced at € 31,178). At the same time the traffic information provided by COMAND Online will become even more precise thanks to Live Traffic Information, and the Drive Kit Plus for the iPhone 5 can be ordered for the A-Class, B-Class and CLA.

The Sport models are fitted with exclusive, black-painted 18” AMG 5-spoke light-alloy wheels with a high-sheen finish, are shod with size 235/40 R 18 tyres all-round and have red-painted brake callipers. In addition, red detailing on the AMG front and rear aprons further underlines the dynamic positioning of these models. The highlighting effect is carried through into the interior, with designo seat belts in red and floor mats with “Sport” lettering.

The engine in 250 models is a 2.0 liter turbocharged petrol with 211HP (155 kW) and 350Nm (258 lb-ft) of torque. It is connected to a 7G-DCT dual clutch transmission.

Source: Mercedes-Benz

October 7, 2013

Author: Victor Ivanov