Victor Ivanov – Page 92 – Automobiles Review

2013 MG3 Supermini – Price £8,399

MG has announced the pricing of the MG3 Supermini, which will hit the market from September 2013. There are four models of MG3 to choose from and a full range of options and accessories priced as keenly as the car itself, to ensure that specifying and buying an MG3 is as much fun as owning and driving it.

The entry level model MG3 3TIME costs £8,399 and features a CD player with MP3 compatibility and Aux-in facility in addition to all the standard features on all MG3s.

The mid-range MG3 3FORM available for £9,299 includes air conditioning, DAB radio, Bluetooth and audio streaming, leather MG-design steering wheel with red stitching and steering wheel audio controls all as standard, above the entry model specification.

For those customers who want top of the range looks but find the high level of equipment in a 3FORM is enough, then there is the MG3 3FORM SPORT. This includes all the features of the mid-range 3FORM with the sports body styling pack and 16” “Carousel” alloy wheels at £9,549.

At the top of the range is the MG3 3STYLE with premium 16” “Diamond” alloy wheel and a sports body styling pack that includes the rear boot spoiler and side sill extensions. Standard high-tech convenience features include cruise control, automatic lights and windscreen wipers and reverse parking sensors, all for only £9,999.

All models are powered by a sporty 106HP (78 kW) petrol engine with a five speed manual gearbox and have the same great MG chassis designed to make driving the MG3 a bit more fun than your average small car.

All models come with front LED lights, electronic hill hold as standard, with all but the entry model featuring a high quality DAB audio system. There are six airbags, electronic stability control, corner brake control and traction control.

Source: MG

August 1, 2013

2013 Kia Optima – US Price $21,350

Kia Motors America has become an industry leader in design, quality, safety and value, and as further evidence of the brand’s success. That’s why, one of the biggest automotive medias in the internet – Cars.com has named Kia Optima LX the most affordable midsize sedan.

The ranking recognizes the most affordable mid-size sedan currently available on the market. To qualify vehicles must include the following features:

Automatic transmission
Cruise control
USB
Bluetooth wireless technology
Power windows
Power driver’s seat
Backup camera²

“Providing an outstanding product with world-class design, quality, features and safety at an equally outstanding price is central to the Kia brand promise.The results of the Cars.com Most Affordable Midsize Sedan ranking clearly highlight Kia’s commitment to providing the best value to our customers.”, commented Michael Sprague, executive vice president of marketing and communications, KMA.

“The Optima topped the list because of its combination of great features, low price and impressive estimated five-year fuel cost,” said Patrick Olsen, Cars.com’s editor-in-chief.

The Optima Hybrid followed in 5^th place, and was deemed to be “more affordable after 5 years than 7 other non-hybrids” on the list.

2013 Kia Optima is priced from $21,350 and comes with a generous standard equipment including power windows and locks, cruise control, a USB port and satellite radio. There are also an air conditioning system, front beverage holders, daytime running lights, remote keyless entry and many more.

Source: Kia

July 31, 2013

Porsche GT2 9ff vs Nissan GT-R AMS Alpha 12+

Dragtimesinfo has published an interesting battle between Porsche 911 GT2 Mk.1 9ff GT1100 with 1100HP , Nissan GT-R Mk.2 AMS Alpha 12+ with 1500HP and Nissan GT-R Mk.1 Altechno A2 with 1000HP.

In the first start, the 9ff set personal speed record of the day of 338 km/h. However, because of the massive wheel spin the Porsche crossed the 1 mile mark in 26.957 seconds, while the GT-R Alpha 12+ needed just 24.013 seconds.

In the second start, the 9ff lost again, but this time versus the GT-R Altechno A2, which finished in 25.195 seconds with a terminal speed of 323 km/h.

In the last race, the Porsche won versus the GT-R Alpha 12+, because the Nissan had problems. However, the 9ff managed to set personal absolute record on ¼ mile – 10.977 seconds with 227 km/h and personal et record of the day on 1 mile – 25.781 seconds with 336 km/h.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cdcU03lrAPQ

Source: Dragtimesinfo

July 31, 2013

Wald International 2014 Mercedes-Benz E-Class and 2014 Toyota Crown

Wald International has published two pictures of their latest projects based on the 2014 Mercedes-Benz E-Class and 2014 Toyota Crown. The two saloons boast better styling, but there are no words for performance modifications.

The exterior of 2014 E-Class come with a black paint scheme matched with a very aggressive body kit including modified front and bumpers, a pair of new side skirts and a set of enormous 20” alloy wheels fitted with low profile tires.

The 2014 Crown also has a black paint job and a ground effects aero kit with front fender extensions with vents, lowered sports suspension, larger alloy wheels and several dark elements.

The tuning company will release further information and pricing soon.

Stay tuned!

Source:Wald International

July 31, 2013

2013 Jaguar XKR-S GT – Price £135,000

Jaguar is going to increase the production of the super-fast XKR-S GT to meet the customers’ demand coming from UK. Interest in the XKR-S GT has been intense since it was launched by Jaguar at the New York International Auto Show (NYIAS), then with sales limited to 30 units in the United States and Canada. Priced at £135,000 on-the-road, first deliveries to UK customers are planned for October 2013.

The XKR-S GT is powered by a 5.0 liter supercharged V8 with 550HP (404 kW) and 680Nm (501 lb-ft) of torque. 0-100 km/h in 3.9 seconds and a top speed of 299 km/h (186 mph).

Evolved from the successful XKR-S coupe, the XKR-S GT features bespoke aerodynamic components and suspension developments to increase downforce and optimise high-speed cornering ability. Through the addition of aerodynamic aids including a carbon-fibre front splitter, dive planes, extended wheelarch spats, an elevated rear wing, rear diffuser and an aluminium valance, the XKR-S GT achieves maximum downforce of 145kg.

Its carbon ceramic brake system – a first for a production Jaguar – features 398mm and 380mm discs front/rear gripped respectively by six- and four-piston monoblock calipers. The XKR-S GT uses a new development of front and rear suspension that includes a wider front track, increased camber, revised bushings, a new steering system and faster steering ratio, all developed upon learning gained from Jaguar’s new F-TYPE two-seater sports car.

Height-adjustable and bespoke adaptive dampers feature a race-derived twin spring system and increased rates of 68% at the front and 25% at the rear

Source: Jaguar

July 31, 2013

Alfa Romeo 4C Safety Car

Alfa Romeo 4C will be Official Safety Car to the Silverstone round of the FIM World Superbike Championship this weekend (Sunday, 4^th August).

The second UK round of the FIM World Superbike Championship visits the Northamptonshire circuit at the weekend, when top sponsor Alfa Romeo will bring a special liveried Alfa 4C as Official Safety Car to the round.

Following its dynamic UK debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, the Alfa 4C will make this second UK outing of the summer liveried in the red, white and green colours of the Italian flag.

For UK fans of Alfa’s eagerly anticipated new model, this will be another rare opportunity to see the stunning 240hp compact sports coupé in action.

“Alfa Romeo is a proud sponsor of the FIM World Superbike Championship having been associated with the series for seven years now. As we prepare to launch the Alfa 4C here in the UK, it’s fantastic to be able to showcase this car to the public for a second time as it takes to the prestigious Silverstone circuit.”, commented Damien Dally, Head of Brand at Alfa Romeo UK.

The 4C is powered by a 1.8 liter turbocharged petrol with 240HP (176 kW) and 350Nn (258 lb-ft) of torque mated to a 6-speed dual-clutch gearbox sending the power to an LSD (limited-slip differenetial) at the rear wheels. 0-100 km/h in just 4.5 seconds and a top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph) – electronically limited.

Source: Alfa Romeo

July 31, 2013

Spyker B6 Venator Spyder Concept

Spyker will unveil the new B6 Venator Spyder later this year at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance.

The elegant convertible will reportedly be a concept in the same vein as the B6 Venator Coupe. So, it will feature a carbon fiber body, an aluminum chassis and a mid-mounted V6 engine with 375HP (276 kW) .

2014 Spyker B6 Venator Coupe is scheduled to go into production early next year and be sold in Asia, Europe, India and the Middle East. A US version is planned to hit the market in the fall of 2014 with pricing of around $150,000.

Source: Spyker

July 31, 2013

2014 Audi RS7 – US Price $104,900

2014 Audi RS7 is priced from $104,900 in the US. This is the most powerful RS model ever offered in the United States. The RS7, the epitome of aesthetic design, innovative technology and track-tested performance, debuted at the 2013 North American International Auto Show in Detroit and is expected to arrive in the showrooms this fall.

The exterior boasts modified front and rear bumpers, honeycomb grille and two elliptical tailpipes. The options list include matte aluminum or carbon fiber accents. The interior features a flat-bottomed steering wheel, Valcona leather sport seats and an RS-specific shift knob. The model also has carbon fiber trim, aluminum pedals and an MMI Touch infotainment system with internet connectivity.

The 2014 RS7 is powered by a 4.0 liter twin-turbo V8 TFSI with 560HP (412 kW) and 700Nm (516 lb-ft) of torque. It is connected to an 8-speed automatic gearbox sending the power to quattro all-wheel drive system. 0-100 km/h in 3.7 seconds and a top speed of 280 km/h (174 mph).

The 2014 Audi RS 7 is equipped standard with the award-winning infotainment system Audi connect. Audi was the first global auto manufacturer to offer factory-fitted in-vehicle Wi-Fi connectivity for passenger use, enabling the Audi connect system to deliver connectivity to up to eight wireless devices.

Source: Audi

July 31, 2013

Ford Ranger at the 2014 Dakar Rally

Ford will participate in the 2014 Dakar, taking place from 5^th to 18^th January 2014 in South America. For the tough rally two Ford Rangers are built and prepared by Neil Woolridge Motorsport.

The two T6 Ranger 4×4 Double Cab vehicles are powered by a 5.0 liter V8 engines with 349HP (260 kW) at 4,500RPM and 560Nm (413 lb-ft) of torque at 4,100RPM. The engine is mated to a Sadev 6-speed sequential gearbox linked to a permanent four-wheel drive setup. The fuel consumption is between 28 liters / 100 km and 90 liters / 100 km, when driving in sandy racing conditions.

These custom Rangers benefit from an independent front/rear suspension, front/rear antiroll bar and ride on 16” Evocorse wheels shod in 245/85 Michelin tires.

The stopping power is provided by Brembo and feature front air-cooled and rear water-cooled brakes.

The crub weight of 2014 Ford Ranger for Dakar is 1,975 kg (4,354 lb-ft).

The first crew features Lucio Alvarez and Ronnie Graue, while in the second car will be driven by Chris Visser and Japie Badenhorst.

The 2014 Dakar Rally Route is sure to be as trying as ever. The event will start in Rosario, Argentina on January 5 and finish in Valparaiso, Chile on January 18 after thirteen stages of competition, which will comprise a total distance of over 8,500 kilometres.

Ford Ranger Technical Specs:

Base Vehicle
Regulations
Engine
Engine Management
Power
Torque
Rev limit:
Fuel consumption (L/100 km):
Body
Suspension

Brakes

Fuel Cell
Gearbox
Cabin
Differential
Steering
Internal Electronics
Driveline
Drive wheels:
Top speed:
Mass:

T6 Ford Ranger 4×4 Double Cab
FIA / ASO T1
Ford Aluminum 5.0L-4V V8 with Twin Independent Variable Cam Timing
Magneti Marelli
260kW@ 4500r/min
560nm@ 4100r/min
5500rpm
90L / 100km in sandy racing conditions and 28L / 100km on normal road driving
Full Composite
Independent Front and Rear
Twin BOS Dampers/Wheel
Antiroll Bar Front and Rear
Brembo Water Cooled Rear
Brembo Air Cooled Front
500L
Sadev 6 Speed Sequential, permanente 4 wheel drive
Air conditioned
LSD Unit Front and Rear
Sadev
GEMS
GKN
16 inch Evocorse rims fitted with 245/85 – 16 Michelin tyres
170km/h
1975kg

Source: Ford

July 30, 2013

Suzuki iV-4 Compact SUV Concept

Suzuki will introduce the iV-4 Compact SUV Concept at the 65th IAA Frankfurt Motor Show, which will be held from 10^th to 22^nd September 2013. The introduction of the compact SUV concept iV-4 is an indication of the direction which will be taken with the future model to be added to the company’s renowned SUV line-up.

While inheriting certain design features of the Suzuki SUVs, such as the clam-shell shaped bonnet and the front grille divided into five, its overall styling conveys a sense of modernity and innovativeness.

The manufacture will release further details on 10^th September, so stay tuned!

Other Suzuki models on display will be the Alto, Splash, Swift, Swift Sport, SX4, SX4 S-Cross, Jimny, Grand Vitara and Kizashi.

Source: Suzuki

July 30, 2013

2014 Citroen C4 Picasso – An Innovative MPV

Citroen has announced the 2014 C4 Picasso, which is a true expression of Citroën’s “Créative Technologie”. The 2014 Citroen C4 Picasso is now available from £17,500 to £24,455.

2014 C4 Picasso embodies a bold, expressive design with dynamic, high-tech styling. This latest Picasso model features a bright, uncluttered interior and technologies that innovate, comfort and protect.

The first model using PSA Peugeot Citroen’s new EMP2 platform (Efficient Modular Platform 2), the new-generation C4 Picasso is more compact on the outside, yet offers benchmark interior space and class-leading boot capacity.

It weighs 140kg less than its predecessor, with improved aerodynamics and a new efficient range of engines – including a new Euro 6 compliant ‘BlueHDi’ powerplant from November production – the New C4 Picasso delivers record CO₂ emissions from just 98g/km and fuel economy of up to 74.3 mpg.

Optimised running gear also provides a new balance between comfort and road holding for a smooth, engaging ride in all driving situations.

The reduced mass, improved aerodynamics and optimised drivetrains significantly improve efficiency with CO₂ emissions an average 30g/km less than the previous generation model.

Check out the pricing and standard equipment below!

PRICES & AVAILABILITY

Now on sale in the UK, New C4 Picasso is available in four trim levels – VTR, VTR+, Exclusive & Exclusive+. Ownership starts at just £17,500 for the VTi 120 manual VTR, rising to £24,455 for the Exclusive+ e-HDi 115 ETG6.

With an anticipated 90% diesel/10% petrol mix, the top-selling model is forecast to be the VTR+ e-HDi 115 6-speed manual. The sales split is expected to be approximately 50% retail, 50% fleet/business.

VERSION	CO₂ EMISSIONS	MRR OTR PRICE
VTi 120 manual VTR	145	£17,500
HDi 90 manual VTR	109	£18,195
VTi 120 manual VTR+	145	£18,760
HDi 90 manual VTR+	109	£19,455
e-HDi 90 ETG6 VTR+	98	£20,155
e-HDi 115 manual 6-speed VTR+	105	£20,255
e-HDi 115 ETG6 VTR+	104	£20,755
THP 155 manual 6-speed Exclusive	139	£21,060
e-HDi 115 manual 6-speed Exclusive	105	£21,555
e-HDi 115 ETG6 Exclusive	105	£22,055
THP 155 manual 6-speed Exclusive+	142	£23,460
e-HDi 115 manual 6-speed Exclusive+	105	£23,955
e-HDi 115 ETG6 Exclusive+	105	£24,455

A generously specified model across all trim levels, standard equipment includes:

VTR

ABS with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) & Emergency Braking Assistance (EBA)
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) with traction control
Air conditioning with dual zone temperature setting
Automatic electronic parking brake
Driver’s and front passenger’s airbags with cut-off device
Front lateral and curtain airbags (including row 2)
Automatic door and boot locking (when vehicle in motion & in case of accidental unlocking)
Electronic child lock control and indicator
Panoramic windscreen (with sliding interior sun blinds)
Daytime-running LEDs
Twin optic headlamps
16” ‘Viper’ alloy wheels (set of four)
Two-tone soft touch upper dashboard and white back-lit dashboard illumination
3 separate full size rear seats with adjustable recline angle
Individual fold flat seats with retractable rear head restraints
Cruise control with speed limiter
Engine start button
Gear Efficiency Indicator (GEI)
7 inch Touch Drive interface (used to control all vehicle functions)
- 7 inch full colour touch screen
- six speakers
- FM radio
- Aux-in jack, USB (in central storage cubby) & Bluetooth® with media streaming
- Steering wheel controls
Electronic fuel filler flap release
12 volt accessory power socket in central storage cubby and additional 12 volt sockets in row 2 and boot

VTR+ adds:

Automatic activation of lights and windscreen wipers
Front fog lights
Electrically heated and folding body colour door mirrors with LED indicators
Automatic digital air conditioning with dual zone temperature setting
Height and tilt adjustable, flat folding front passenger’s seat
Adjustable armrests for driver’s and front passenger’s seats
Drawer under driver’s seat and under front passenger’s seat
Fold-down aircraft style tray tables (integrated in to back of front seats)
Rear underfloor storage (row 2)
Air vents for rear seat passengers
DAB digital radio
Rear parking sensors

Exclusive adds:

12 inch panoramic HD display
LED front indicators
Fog lights with cornering function
Kerb lighting (lights in door mirrors)
Chrome side signature
17” ‘Anaconda’ alloy wheels (set of four)
Aluminium dashboard trim and air vent surrounds
High-quality leather steering wheel with satin chrome inserts and 4 control zones
Kids Pack – Integrated retractable rear side window sun blinds, rear seat conversation mirror
Reversing camera (displayed on upper 12 inch HD screen)
Keyless entry and start
Satellite Navigation with additional USB socket
Removable and rechargeable boot light/torch

Exclusive+adds:

Active radar guided cruise control with collision alert
Active seatbelt safety system
Blind spot monitoring system
Panoramic sunroof (with dark tinted glass & electric sliding blind)
LED 3D effect rear lights
Body colour, electrically heated, folding reverse-dipped door mirrors with LED indicators
Aluminium front and rear sill scuff protectors
18” ‘Python’ alloy wheels (set of four) – excludes e-HDi 115 versions
Dark tinted windows
Automatic dimming electro-chrome interior rear-view mirror
Fan speed adjustment for rear seat passenger air vents
Integrated dashboard scented air freshener
Reading spot light for rear aircraft style tray tables
Driver’s seat electric massage function with adjustable lumbar support
Extra support head rests
Front passenger seat RELAX function (electric footrest & massage function)
Luxury velour carpet mats
Slate grey half leather with black ‘Ondulice’ cloth
Front parking sensors
Park Assist
Motorised rear tailgate (with programmable opening height memory)

Source: Citroen

July 30, 2013

Oettinger Volkswagen Golf VII GTI – Traditionally Quick

Oettinger Volkswagen Golf VII GTI Side Oettinger has announced their latest project based on Volkswagen Golf VII GTI. The hot hatchback received both – styling and performance modifications.

The exterior comes with an Oettinger aerodynamics package consisting of front spoiler with separate splitter, side skirts, rear diffuser and rear roof spoiler. In addition to the sonorous exhaust system with twin tailpipes either side, the strikingly designed roof spoiler with open R-Flaps provides a professional motorsport appearance. The complete package will be available from August this year for 1,990.

The tuning company also offers sports wheel in the stylish finishes „Black Redline“ or „Black Silverline“.Specially conceived for the VW Golf GTI and GTD, the new 8.5J x 19” Oettinger sports wheel with 50mm offset is also suitable for all other standard fast Golf sevens – 1,900 for a set.

The 2.0 liter turbocharged petrol can be boosted up to 350HP (257 kW) thanks to sports exhaust system, air intake system, improved cooling and an ECU re-map. Other performance upgrades include adjustable suspension, limited slip differential, uprated clutch and brake system.

A particular highlight which will be available towards the end of 2013 will be the new ultra lightweight Oettinger ten-spoke sports rim; although developed especially for competition applications will also be certified for use on road vehicles.

Oettinger Volkswagen Golf VII GTI Rear

Source: Oettinger

July 30, 2013

Author: Victor Ivanov