Author: Victor Ivanov

  • 2013 Skoda Rapid StylePLUS

    Skoda has announced the “StylePLUS” version of Rapid model. It comes with several styling upgrades for the exterior and interior.

    The special edition model is based on the Ambition trim level and boasts some glossy black finish touches on the boot lid rear spoiler, mirror covers, the bars on the front bumper and doors. The 2013 Rapid StylePLUS rolls two-tone black and silver 17” Ray alloy wheels. There are several colours available for the exterior: Denim Blue, Corrida Red, Sprint Yellow and Candy White. It can be also ordered with xenon headlights and front fog lights with cornering function.

    The interior features stainless steel pedals, new seats, leather-wrapped steering wheel and a piano lacquer finish matching the piano black dashboard inserts. The handbrake and gear knob are also covered in leather, while the standard radio/CD player can be replaced with an optional Amundsen+ SAT NAV system with DAB radio support.

    The engine range includes a 1.2 liter MPI with 75HP (55 kW), a 1.2 liter TSI with 86HP (63 kW) or 105HP (77 kW), a 1.4 liter TSI with 122HP (90 kW). The diesels are a 1.6 liter TDI with 90HP (66 kW) and 105HP (77 kW).

    Source: Skoda

  • 2013 Opel Insignia OPC – 325HP and 435Nm

    Opel Insignia OPC facelift will be introduced at this year’s Frankfurt Motor Show. The performance touring car boasts all-wheel drive system, new refreshed look and modified chassis. The manufacturer will also exhibit the recently introduced Insignia Country Tourer.

    “The Insignia OPC dazzles with new radiance. With great attention to detail, our engineers have given it some decisive fine-tuning. This is evident in its design and in its even better driving performance. This puts the OPC squarely in the first league of mid-size series production sports cars.”, commented Michael Ableson, Vice President GME Engineering.

    The power is coming from a 2.8 liter V6 turbocharged petrol with 325HP (239 kW) and 435Nm (321 lb-ft) of torque. The engine is put on the road through 6-speed manual gearbox and AWD system featuring Haldex coupling and an electronic limited slip differential. 0-100 km/h in 6.0 seconds and a top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph). Opel mentions the unrestricted Insignia is capable of hitting a maximum speed of 270 km/h (168 mph).

    The cabin welcomes OPC drivers with pure motorsport ambience. Recaro performance seats, also optionally available in leather with a memory function, the OPC gearshift knob and a completely new main instrument panel and center console exude premium flair. Beyond basic information, drivers can see specific details like oil pressure and temperature, battery voltage, throttle position, brake power and the g-force resulting from lateral acceleration on the optional, 8” instrument readout display.

    Source: Opel

  • 2014 Peugeot 5008 Facelift

    Peugeot is going to exhibit the facelift version of the 5008 model at the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show, next month.

    When was first introduced in the segment, the 5008 shook up the range of products available with a vehicle which, while observing the essentials expected, brought previously unheard-of qualities. Its fluid and elegant style and its dynamic qualities make it a unique product in the segment.

    Within a compact size, the Peugeot 5008 carries its passengers in a high level of practicality, comfort and safety. From an elevated position, defined by a high console, the driver has a clear view of all the surroundings. The road speed is also indicated on the Head-up display. The 5008 is practical to use and stimulating to drive.

    Functional, the rear compartment allows flexibility in the use of space: five individually retractable seats, flat floor, folding front passenger seat with table position… The seven seat version offers a high level of accommodation for the two additional passengers, in a space in which it is comfortable to travel.

    The new 5008 has a top-of-the-range style which is perceived instantly as indicated by the light signature of the new technological headlamps.
    Engine line-up includes four petrol and four diesel engines available with manual, automatic or ETG transmissions. The petrol range starts with a 1.6 liter VTi with 120HP (89 kW) and finishes with a 1.6 liter THP with 163HP (121 kW), while the diesels kick off at 115HP (85 kW) from the 1.6 liter e-HDi FAP and top-of-range 2.0 liter HDi FAP with 163HP (121 kW).

    Due to the expertise of the marque’s engineers, the handling of the 5008 is worthy of comparison with other Peugeot Hatchback cars. On board, the passengers enjoy an entirely new experience, combining driving and comfort – this combination being one of the main characteristics of the Peugeot 5008.

    Diesel range

    • 1.6-litre e-HDi FAP 115bhp, ETG6 (Efficient Tronic Gearbox) piloted gearbox, 4.2 l/100km (67.2mpg) and CO2 at 109g/km
    • 1.6-litre HDi FAP 115bhp, 6-speed manual gearbox, 4.7 l/100km (60.1mpg) and CO2 at 124g/km
    • 2.0-litre HDi FAP 150bhp, 6-speed manual gearbox, 5.3 l/100km (53.2mpg) and CO2 at 138g/km
    • 2.0-litre HDi FAP 163bhp, 6-speed automatic gearbox, 6.3 l/100km (44.8mpg) and CO2 at 164g/km

    Petrol range

    • 1.6-litre VTi 120bhp, 5-speed manual gearbox, 6.9 l/100km (40.9mpg) and CO2 159g/km
    • 1.6-litre THP 155bhp, 6-speed manual gearbox, 6.9 l/100km (40.9mpg) and CO2 159g/km
    • 1.6-litre THP 155bhp, 6-speed automatic gearbox, 7.6 l/100km (37.1mpg) and CO2 175g/km
    • 1.6-litre THP 163bhp, 6-speed automatic gearbox, 8.3 l/100km (33.6mpg) and CO2 191g/km

    Source: Peugeot

  • Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 vs Corvette Z06, Panamera, GT-R and Gallardo

    Dragtimesinfo has published a video with Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 with 667HP going against Chevrolet Corvette Z06 Supercharged with 750HP, Nissan GT-R Mk.2 Ecutek Stage 2 with 660HP, Porsche Panamera Turbo S Stage 1 with 700HP and Lamborghini Gallardo LP570-4 SL UGR Race Version with 2005HP.

    The first start was versus the Z06, which lost the race. The Mustang GT500 stopped the clock on 30.867 seconds with 267 km/h on 1 mile.

    The second race was against the GT-R, which won the race with 29.728 seconds and 288 km/h on mile, while the GT500 set 30.321 seconds and 266 km/h.

    The third start versus the Panamera was also doomed, because the Porsche had almost a second lead over the Shelby. The Panamera Turbo S Stage 1 crossed the finish line in 29.711 seconds with 273 km/h, while the Mustang needed 30.607 seconds.

    On the last start, the Mustang GT500 set personal absolute speed and et records on 1 mile – 30.225 seconds with 270 km/h, but the winner was the super powerful Gallardo UGR crossing the finish line in 24.422 seconds with 358 km/h.

    httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oLTBn66hB6Q

    Source: Dragtimesinfo

  • 2014 Volkswagen Caddy BlueMotion – 4.5 l / 100km

    2014 Volkswagen Caddy BlueMotion

    Volkswagen will exhibit Caddy BlueMotion at the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show. The super-efficient model boasts an incredibly low average fuel consumption of just 4.5 liters / 100 km.

    2014 Volkswagen Caddy BlueMotion is powered by a 1.6 liter TDI with 102HP (75 kW) and 250Nm (184 lb-ft) of torque. The engine is equipped with Start/Stop system, low rolling resistance tires, regenerative braking system, ride height lowered by 27 mm and an optimized ECU. The driving range of the Caddy BlueMotion, which has a fuel tank capacity of 60 litres, is over 1,300 km.

    The new Caddy BlueMotion with a short wheelbase is available in four equipment versions: as a panel van and kombi as well as in the passenger versions Startline and Trendline.

    On its exterior, the Caddy BlueMotion can be made out by a badge at the  rear, its lower ride height, special full wheel covers and painted side guard strips. The Caddy BM is also distinguished by equipment features such as standard hill hold assist, cruise control system, exclusive seat upholstery and air nozzles in high-gloss black (passenger version).

    2014 Volkswagen Caddy BlueMotion is priced from €17,720.

    Source: Volkswagen

  • Ferrari 458 Italia – Price with Extras £271,125

    Ferrari 458 Italia is one of the best sports cars in the world and as we can see, one of the most expensive, especially when you add almost £100,000 additional equipment.

    This particular model is ordered with £92,000 optional extras. The carbon fiber seats are £4,900; the carbon fiber engine cover is whopping £13,000; the rear diffuser worth £5,100 and carbon fiber sill covers are £5,000; painted forged wheels add another £4,100 to the large sum. The nice exterior paint is £11,500.

    The interior also has some additional equipment which worth a lot. The carbon fiber sports package with steering wheel is £8,277; the SAT NAV is £2,900, the rear parking camera costs £2,274; fire extinguisher – £500; premium sound system for £3,400 and £580 for an iPod.

    Of course, the Ferrari owners have a lot of money, but few want to waste money like this.

    httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t0UeRFGt-HU

    Source: Goodwood via Youtube

  • 2013 Hyundai ix35 – Price £16,995

    2013 Hyundai ix35

    Hyundai UK has announced the pricing of the 2014 ix35 Facelift. The practical crossover is priced from just £16,995 for the entry level 1.6 GDi – 2WD Manual S and goes up to £27,755 for the 2.0 CRDi – 4WD Automatic.

    The entry level S model boasts 16” alloys, USB/AUX connections, remote central locking with alarm, downhill brake control, hill start assist, trip computer and air conditioning.

    The SE trim adds goodies such as 17” wheels, cruise control, heated front/rear seats, Bluetooth, rear parking sensors, LED taillights, leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear knob, along with an auto-dimming rearview mirror.

    The SE Nav version is equipped with satellite-navigation, sharkfin antenna, uprated 7-speaker sound system and rearview parking camera.

    The Premium trim level comes with bi-xenon headlights, 18” rims, leather seats, privacy glass, keyless entry, headlamp washers, chrome door handles, along with electric tilt and slide panoramic sunroof for the Premium Panorama model.

    New ix35
    Fuel
    Type
    CO2
    Emissions
    g/km
    Insurance
    Group
    (1-50)
    VED Band Recommended
    On The Road
    Price £
    S
    1.6 GDi – 2WD Manual P 158 TBC G 16,995
    1.7 CRDi – 2WD Manual D 139 TBC E 18,495
    SE
    1.6 GDi – 2WD Manual P 158 TBC G 18,495
    1.7 CRDi – 2WD Manual D 139 TBC E 19,995
    2.0 CRDi – 4WD Manual D 145 TBC F 22,895
    2.0 CRDi – 4WD Automatic D 179 TBC I 24,355
    SE Nav
    1.6 GDi – 2WD Manual P 158 TBC G 19,495
    1.7 CRDi – 2WD Manual D 139 TBC E 20,995
    2.0 CRDi – 4WD Manual D 145 TBC F 23,895
    2.0 CRDi – 4WD Automatic D 179 TBC I 25,355
    Premium
    1.7 CRDi – 2WD Manual D 147 TBC F 22,595
    2.0 CRDi – 4WD Manual D 149 TBC F 25,495
    2.0 CRDi – 4WD Automatic D 183 TBC I 26,955
    Premium Panorama
    1.7 CRDi – 2WD Manual D 147 TBC F 23,395
    2.0 CRDi – 4WD Manual D 149 TBC F 26,295
    2.0 CRDi – 4WD Automatic D 183 TBC I 27,755

    Source: Hyundai

  • G-Power BMW M6 F13 – 710HP and 890Nm

    G-Power has announced their latest project based on BMW M6 F13 (Coupe version). It comes with a number of upgrades including G-POWER Bi-Tronik III V2 performance package, new brakes, suspension, wheels and styling modifications.

    The 4.4 liter twin-turbo V8 is boosted to 710HP (522 kW) at 6,000RPM and 890Nm (656 lb-ft) at 4,800RPM of torque. This is an increase of 150HP and 210Nm. However, there is a “softer” version with 640HP (471 kW) and 777Nm (573 lb-ft). 0-200 km/h in 10.8 seconds and a top speed of over 300 km/h (186 mph).

    The result is thanks to a number of upgrades including an ECU re-map, a new sports exhaust system with titanium link pipes, which is also 12 kg lighter than the original.

    The M6 F13 rolls enormous 21” HURRICANE forged wheels fitted with 265/30 ZR21 front and 305/25 ZR21 rear tires – €8,325. For improved handling and better stance, G-Power offers coilover suspension for €2,179, while the carbon ceramic brakes will cost you €14,460. The perfomrnace packages start from €17,985.

    G-POWER M6 F13

    • 710 hp / 522 kW at 6.000 – 7.000 rpm (+ 150 hp / 110 kW)
    • 890 Nm at 4.800 rpm (+ 210 Nm)
    • V-max: >300 km/h
    • 0-200 km/h: 10,8s
    • G-POWER 21’’ forged wheel set HURRICANE
    • G-POWER Titanium exhaust system
    • G-POWER coil-over suspension GM6-RS
    • G-POWER Ceramic Braking System

    Source: G-Power

  • BMW X5 eDrive Concept – 3.8 liters / 100 km

    BMW has revealed some information about a hybrid version of the big X5 SAV. The new X5 eDrive will be exhibited at the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show. Still, the vehicle is only a concept, but probably like most of the manufacturer’s Concepts, the X5 eDrive will actually go in production.

    The hybrid powertrain includes a TwinPower Turbo four-cylinder petrol engine and an electric motor with 95HP (70 kW) getting energy from a lithium-ion battery pack installed underneath the load area. BMW X5 eDrive can be recharged from any domestic power socket, as well as from public charging stations or a Wallbox.

    The X5 eDrive will be able to run up to 30 km (19 miles) only on electricity with speeds of up to 120km/h (75 mph). The fuel consumption will be around 3.8 liters / 100 km (61.8 mpg US) with CO2 emissions of less than 90 g/km. This is a sensational result of over 2,000 kg vehicle.

    The plug-in hybrid X5 has comes with minor upgrades including new roof rails and 21” alloy wheels fitted with low-resistance tires. There are three driving modes: intelligent hybrid, pure electric and a “save battery” mode.

    Source: BMW

  • 2013 Opel Adam LPG – EU Price €16,150

    Opel has unveiled a more economical bi-fuel version of the Adam, which is now able to run on LPG. The new ADAM 1.4 LPG ecoFLEX is optimized for operation with LPG (Liquefied Petroleum Gas), but can also run on gasoline – the driver can have the remaining driving range readout shown on the digital instrument display at any time.

    2013 Opel Adam LPG is powered by a four-cylinder 1.4 liter ecoFLEX petrol with 87HP (64 kW). It needs 6.9 liters / 100 km (34 mpg US) with CO2 emissions of only 112 g/km when running on LPG.

    The LPG tank is under the floor in the rear which means cargo capacity has been preserved as well as the safety. It can hold 35 liters, which means that the Adam has a range of approximately 500 km (310 miles), while together with the gasoline tank it will do around 1,200 km (745 miles).

    2013 Opel Adam LPG is priced from €16,150 (VAT included) in Germany.

    With the ADAM 1.4 LPG ecoFLEX, Opel expands its LPG fleet to ten models: the Corsa (three and five-door), Astra (five-door and Sports Tourer), Meriva and Zafira Tourer as well as the new Insignia (four and five-door sedans, Sports Tourer) are already available as bi-fuel LPG versions.

    Source: Opel

  • Lexus LS TMG – 650HP and 710Nm [video]

    Lexus has published an interesting video showing their super powerful LS TMG 650. The car is prepared by Toyota Motorsport GmbH (TMG).

    Lexus LS TMG 650 was built to present how TMG’s Formula One technology can benefit road-going models.

    The power is coming from a 5.0 liter twin-turbo V8 with 650HP (478 kW) and 710Nm (524 lb-ft) of torque. 0-100 km/h in 4.2 seconds and a top speed of 320 km/h (199 mph).

    “There’s no concrete plan for this car to go into any kind of production” commented Alastair Moffitt.

    httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=79p1sebEp10

    Source: Lexus

  • 2014 Audi A8 Facelift – Price €74,500 [video]

    Audi has finally revealed the facelift version of the A8. The 2014 A8/S8 range will be available in Germany starting November – from €74,500.

    The exterior boasts a revised front bumper, new front grille and more sculpted hood. There are also LED headlights (standard for V8 models) and Matrix LED headlights available as an option featuring 25 25 individual light-emitting diodes per unit which can be switched on/off individually depending on road conditions. Other highlight are the sequentially illuminated LED turn signals with 18 LEDs in the headlights and 24 LEDs in the taillights.

    At the rear, there are also LED taillights as well as reworked rear bumper featuring two rhomboid tailpipes (except the S8 model). There are new chrome strips and high-gloss black window frames. The manufacturer offers twelve paint schemes and wheels in sizes up to 21”.

    The Audi A8 3.0 TFSI with the normal wheelbase has a curb weight of just 1,830 kilograms (4,034 lbs) – best-in-class for models with all-wheel drive. The body is made almost entirely of aluminum; an Audi Space Frame (ASF) design, it weighs just 231 kilograms (509 lbs).

    The engine range includes a 3.0 liter V6 TFSI with 310HP (228 kW), a 4.0 liter V8 TFSI with 435HP (320 kW) and 3.0 liter V6 TDI with 258HP (190 kW) as well as 4.2 liter V8 TDI with 385HP (283 kW). The top-of-range A8 L W12 quattro comes with a 6.3 liter W12 petrol with 500HP (368 kW). The S8 has a 4.0 liter twin-turbo V8 TFSI with 520HP (380 kW).

    The 2014 Audi A8 Hybrid is powered by a 2.0 liter TFSI and and an electric motor – combined power of 245HP (180 kW) and 480Nm (354 lb-ft), which is more than enough for decent dynamics. The conventional engine drives the front wheels while the electric motor powers the rear axle.

    The 3.0 TDI clean diesel needs just 5.9 liters / 100 km (40 mpg US) with CO2 emissions of just 155 g/km. The 6.3 liter W12 boasts best-in-class fuel consumption of 11.7 liters / 100 km (20 mpg US). The hybrid version averages 6.3 liters / 100 km (37.3 mpg US). All engines satisfy the Euro 6 standard. Friction-reducing measures reduce consumption by as much as 10 %.

    The interior boasts super luxury like ventilated front seats with massage function, along with individual electrically-adjustable rear seats optionally available for the A8 and A8 L. The latter can also be configured with a continuous, leather-wrapped center console, as well as other optional goodies like four-zone automatic AC and relaxation seat with power footrest.

    As is typical for Audi, the new A8 features exemplarily clear controls despite the abundance of functions. Taking center stage is the MMI control element on the tunnel’s center console. MMI navigation plus also includes a touchpad. The driver draws characters on the pad (MMI touch) to control numerous navigation and multimedia functions.

    Audi connect including car phone is available as a supplement to MMI navigation plus. It uses an integrated UMTS module to connect the new A8 to the Internet. Passengers can surf and e-mail freely via a WLAN hotspot. For the driver, the system delivers the tailored online services from Audi connect to the car, such as online traffic information, Google Earth, Google Street View and online news. The multimedia highlight is the Bang & Olufsen Advanced Sound System. The Rear Seat Entertainment system includes two displays, Bluetooth headphones and a DVD player.

    httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MM5yGR1LWIo

    Source: Audi