Automobiles Review

Author: Victor Ivanov

  • HG Motorsport Volkswagen Golf GTI – 308HP and 435Nm

    HG Motorsport has published a video showing how the Volkswagen Golf GTI Performance achieves more than 300HP and 400Nm of torque.
    The Golf GTI Performance is powered by a 2.0 liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 230HP (169 kW) and 350Nm (258 lb-ft) of torqeu.
    HG Motorsport has installed a carbon air intake, a sports exhaust system and an HF Series intercooler. The result is 263HP (193 kW) and 376Nm (277 lb-ft) – Stage 1.
    Stage 2 includes an optimized ECU boosting the engine to 289HP (212 kW) and 405Nm (299 lb-ft).
    Stage 3 features additional optimization for a total power of 302HP (222 kW) and 444Nm (327 lb-ft). However, the tuner offers 308HP (226 kW) and slightly less torque – 435Nm (321 lb-ft).

    HG Motorsport has published a video showing how the Volkswagen Golf GTI Performance achieves more than 300HP and 400Nm of torque.

    The Golf GTI Performance is powered by a 2.0 liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 230HP (169 kW) and 350Nm (258 lb-ft) of torqeu.

    HG Motorsport has installed a carbon air intake, a sports exhaust system and an HF Series intercooler. The result is 263HP (193 kW) and 376Nm (277 lb-ft) – Stage 1.

    Stage 2 includes an optimized ECU boosting the engine to 289HP (212 kW) and 405Nm (299 lb-ft).

    Stage 3 features additional optimization for a total power of 302HP (222 kW) and 444Nm (327 lb-ft). However, the tuner offers 308HP (226 kW) and slightly less torque – 435Nm (321 lb-ft).

    httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jPi-ATqLU-s

    Source: HG Motorsport

  • Megane Renaultsport Red Bull Racing RB8

    Kelleners Sport has announced their latest project based on BMW 6-Series GranCoupe. The 4-door Coupe comes with attractive styling including complete aerodynamics package.
    The exterior looks bold and aggressive and features new front and rear bumpers, a new ventilated front hood, a pair of revised side skirts and a set of alloy wheels. Other upgrades include front fender vent surrounds, trunk-mounted spoiler and a new sports exhaust system.
    Nothing is mentioned about performance modifications, but there will be some ECU upgrades.

    Renault UK has announced the pricing of the new Megane Renaultsport Red Bull Racing RB8. The super-hot hatchback is priced from £28,245 and will be limited to just 30 units.

    The flagship Megane Renaultsport takes its inspiration from Red Bull Racing’s Formula 1 identity, featuring an exclusive Twilight Blue finish with Platinum Grey detail.

    Packed with cutting edge technology, the only thing missing is wings. The striking hot hatch includes Recaro seats, R-Link Multimedia system and TomTom Live navigation system, Bridgestone Potenza RE050A tyres, plus the latest on-board Renaultsport Monitor v2.0 featuring a more user-friendly interface, GPS-tracked lap timing, 0-62 mph times, G-force diagram, power output data and other information.

    It is powered by a 2.0 liter turbocharged four-cylinder petrol with 265HP (197 kW) and 360Nm (267 lb-ft) of torque. 0-100 km/h in under 6 seconds and a top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph) – eletronically limited.

    The limited edition version packs the same fundamental features as Megane Renaultsport 265 Cup, including stiffer springs, dampers and anti-roll bar, a limited slip differential, grooved discs with red Brembo front callipers and trademark Renaultsport technologies.

    Megane Renaultsport Red Bull Racing RB8
    Megane Renaultsport Red Bull Racing RB8
    Megane Renaultsport Red Bull Racing RB8
    Megane Renaultsport Red Bull Racing RB8

    Source: Renault

  • 2014 Renault Clio Cup – 220HP and 270Nm

    2014 Renault Clio Cup - Front Angle

    Renault has announced the new 2014 Renault Clio Cup, which benefits from all the assets of the Clio Renaultsport 200 Turbo EDC.

    The 2014 Clio Cup comes with a welded roll cage, monocoque chassis, 17” rims fitted with low-profile performance tires. The front suspension includes Pseudo-McPherson one-way adjustable ZF Race Engineering shock absorber and the rear – One-way adjustable ZF Race Engineering shock absorber with programmed flexible axle/torsion beam.

    The power is coming from a 220HP (162 kW) at 6,000 RPM and 270Nm (200 lb-ft) at 2,500 RPM. The engine is connected to a Sadev ST82-17 6-speed sequential gearbox sending the power to a Sadev 23/90 self-locking limited-slip differential at the front wheels.

    The curb weight is just 1065 kg (2350 lbs).

    The new Clio Cup is manufactured and assembled at the Alpine factory in Dieppe. With its bench-tested and race-sealed engine, the car is delivered ready-to-race.

    2014 Renault Clio Cup Competition Car
    2014 Renault Clio Cup Competition Car
    2014 Renault Clio Cup Competition Car
    2014 Renault Clio Cup Competition Car

    TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION

    CHASSIS
    Type Clio Renaultsport steel bodyshell reinforced by a welded roll cage
    Materials Steel
    ENGINE
    Type Renault M5Mt, 4 cylinder, 16 valve,  1618cc, turbo charged with direct injection
    Max power 220 hp at 6000 rpm
    Max torque 270 Nm at 2500-5500 rpm
    Max engine speed 6500 rpm
    Electronics Cosworth SQ7 Di – XAP electric control
    TRANSMISSION
    Gearbox Sadev ST82-17 six-speed sequential + reverse gear
    Controls XAP electric control, semi-automatic steering-wheel mounted
    Differential Sadev 23/90 self-locking limited-slip
    Clutch AP Racing clutch discs and mechanism – Sadev stop
    AXLES AND SUSPENSIONS
    Front Pseudo-McPherson one-way adjustable ZF Race Engineering shock absorber
    Rear One-way adjustable ZF Race Engineering shock absorber with programmed flexible axle/torsion beam
    BRAKES
    System AP Racing, two separate master cylinders
    Discs AP Racing 320mm vented (front) and 260mm solid (rear)
    Calipers Brembo four-piston (front)
    WHEELS
    Rims Speedline 8×17 aluminium one-piece
    Tyres Michelin 20-61×17 or Dunlop 21-62 x17 (UK)
    DIMENSIONS, WEIGHT AND CAPACITY
    Length / width / height 4090 / 1945 / 1429 mm
    Wheel base 2576 mm
    Front / rear track 1550 / 1520 mm
    Fuel tank 40 litres
    Unloaded weight 1065 kg

    Source: Renault

  • AMS Alpha Omega Nissan GT-R – 1/4 mile in 7.98 seconds with 299 km/h

    AMS Performance did it again! The tuning company proved that they are the best in tuning probably the most successful drag race car in the world – Nissan GT-R.

    Their Alpha Omega Nissan GT-R managed to run ¼ mile in 7.984 seconds with a terminal speed of 299 km/h (186 mph). So the tuning company is home of the first 9, 8 and 7 second R35 GT-R.

    The record came two days after Omega reclaimed the ET and trap speed records (8.25 seconds with 185 mph)  and was accomplished on the first and only pass Omega made that day.  The team came back at the track, because they were sure that the mighty Omega GT-R can beat that time and it did.

    There are a lot drag racing cars in 7 seconds, but the spectacular here is that the OMEGA is a full street legal car with power of around 1700 and 1800WHP.

    The speedometer is not able to keep up with the rate of acceleration, that’s why the digital one gets only to 178 mph.

    httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3sADIPd5vPc

    httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3W9-7VlRASg

    Source: AMSTuned

  • 2014 BMW 4-Series – ///M Performance Upgrades

    BMW has announced awesome ///M performance upgrades for 4-Series Coupe. The car on the pictures is very similar to the upcoming M4 Coupe.The exterior boasts an aggressive body kit including new front bumper with a carbon fiber splitter and larger air ducts, a pair of extended side skirts and a new rear bumper with integrated diffuser. Other highlights include xenon/LED headlamps, 20” alloy wheels and several blackened chrome trims for the window surrounds, tail pipes and grille.There are also carbon fiber exterior mirror housings, a boot deck spoiler made from the same lightweight material and some goodies for the interior. It boasts a redesigned three-spoke steering wheel and sport seats, stainless steel pedals and footrest, M Performance floor mats and carbon fiber trim for the hand brake and gearshift levers.The 4-Series Coupe equipped with ///M Performance package will come with additional 16HP and 39Nm for the 420d model. The 428i will have 269HP (200 kW) and 389Nm (287 lb-ft) – an increase of 27HP and 39Nm. The mighty 435i will be boosted by 34HP and 50Nm of torque – totally 336HP (250 kW) and 450Nm (332 lb-ft). All these power upgrades are done thanks to a new exhaust systems and software re-map.Finally, BMW will offer a limited-slip differential which will be a clutch-type unit featuring a 30 % lock-up.

  • 2014 Honda Fit Hybrid – 2.7 liters / 100

    Honda has announced that the 2014 Fit/Jazz Hybrid is going to achieve a fuel economy of 2.7 liters / 100 km (102.8 mpg UK or 85.6 mpg US). The all-new Fit Hybrid is scheduled to be introduced and go on sale in Japan this September.

    The all-new Fit Hybrid will be the first model to be equipped with the SPORT HYBRID*3 Intelligent Dual Clutch Drive (i-DCD), Honda’s lightweight and compact one-motor hybrid system suited for small-sized vehicles. Although this is a one motor hybrid system, this system realized the EV drive by disengaging the engine and motor. The SPORT HYBRID i-DCD is one of the Earth Dreams Technology, Honda’s new-generation powertrain technologies which realize both the fun of driving and excellent fuel economy at a high level.

    It offers three driving modes: EV, Hybrid and Engine, meaning it can run as a zero-emission electric car, as a hybrid or as a conventionally-powered vehicle.

    Featuring the highest fuel economy among all hybrid models in Japan, acceleration g-force more powerful than conventional models and rhythmic and linear acceleration feel, the SPORT HYBRID i-DCD realizes fun driving.

    Source: Honda

  • Audi SQ5 TDI at Silverstone Race Track [video]

    audi-sq5-t

    Audi has published a video with a test drive of the SQ5 TDI at Silverstone race track. Behind the steering wheel is Allan McNish (three-time winner of the 24 Hours of Le Mans, most recently in 2013, and three-time American Le Mans Series champion).

    “We’ve been racing diesels now, and high-performance diesels, for such a long time, we’ve got fantastic power, torque and also economy.”, commented Mr. McNish.

    The SQ5 TDI is powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.0 liter V6 diesel with 313HP (230 kW) and 650Nm (479 lb-ft) of torque. The engine is connected to an 8-speed tiptronic transmission and a quattro all-wheel drive system. 0-100 km/h in 5.1 seconds and a top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph).

    httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rw8y0IQIxG8

    2014 Audi SQ5
    2014 Audi SQ5
    2014 Audi SQ5
    2014 Audi SQ5

    Source: Audi

  • 2013 Nissan GT-R vs 2013 Audi RS6 Avant [video]

    Here is another interesting test that proves Nissan GT-R R35 is the best car on the market. It is going against the powerful Audi RS6 Avant.

    The GT-R is powered by a VR38DETT engine – – a 3.8 liter twin-turbocharged V6 with 550HP (400 kW) at 6400 RPM and 632Nm (466 lb-ft) of torque at 3200RPM. 0-100 km/h in 2.7 seconds and a top speed of 315 km/h (196 mph). The curb weight is 1740kg. It has power-to-weight ratio of 311HP per ton.

    The RS6 has a 4.0 liter twin-turbocharged V8 with 560HP (412 kW) and 630Nm (465 lb-ft) of torque. 0-100 km/h in 3.9 seconds and a top speed of 304 km/h (189 mph). The curb weight is 2010kg. It has power-to-weight ratio of 275HP per ton.

    Both cars cost roughly the same, but as you may suggest the GT-R is way more faster, while the RS 6 is way more comfortable.

    Which is better? Check out in the video!

    httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kuTZSekmu3w

    2013 Nissan GT-R
    2013 Nissan GT-R
    2013 Nissan GT-R
    2013 Nissan GT-R
    2013 Nissan GT-R
    2013 Nissan GT-R
    2013 Nissan GT-R
    2014 Audi RS 6 Avant
    2014 Audi RS 6 Avant
    2014 Audi RS 6 Avant
    2014 Audi RS 6 Avant
    2014 Audi RS 6 Avant
    2014 Audi RS 6 Avant
    2014 Audi RS 6 Avant

    Source: Autocar

  • 2014 Mazda3 Coupe [render]

    Immediately after the revealing of the all-new 2014 Mazda3 Sedan, Theophiluschin started to work on a coupe version implementing the firm’s KODO design language. Obviously, he did very good and the render pictures look just amazing.

    Still, there are no rumors for planning such a model from Mazda, but it will be a good rival to Honda Civic Coupe, Hyundai Elantra Coupe and Kia Forte Koup. All manufacturers expand their model range to be highly competitive on the market, so this is a very good idea, which Mazda should have in mind.

    Both, the Sedan and the Hatchback look very good, but the Coupe outmatches them easily with its aggressive design and sleek appearance.

  • 2013 Ford Transit Connect – 4.0 liters / 100 km

    Ford has announced the all-new 2013 Transit Connect offering best-in-class fuel efficiency – 70.6 mpg (4 liters / 100 km).

    The engine is a 1.6 liter Duratorq TDCi with 95HP. IT enables dramatic reductions in operating costs by reducing fuel costs by as much as £1,600 compared with key class rivals over a typical four-year ownership period. The engine range also includes the highly fuel-efficient 1.0-litre EcoBoost petrol engine – twice winner of the International Engine of the Year – delivering class-leading petrol fuel economy of 50.4mpg and CO2 emissions of 129g/km.

    Transit Connect’s reduced fuel bills are supported by further improvements in routine servicing and maintenance costs with extended service intervals of up to 20,000 miles or 12 months.

    The stylish all-new Transit Connect has been engineered to set new standards for load-carrying ability, cost of ownership and dependability within its class.

    Available in short-wheelbase and long-wheelbase versions, Transit Connect offers a spacious and practical load area with total volumes of 2.9m3 and 3.6m3 (SAE – with full bulkhead fitted) and a maximum payload of up to 1,000kg. Ford will offer Van, Double-Cab-in-Van and Kombi derivatives. Deliveries of the all-new Transit Connect van are scheduled to start towards the end of 2013.

    Fuel cost saving over an 80,000-mile, 4-year lifecycle (fuel cost £1.40/litre):

    Model Combined fuel consumption (mpg) Total fuel
    cost (£)    		 Cost difference (£)
    Ford Transit Connect ECOnetic 1.6 TDCi 95PS 70.6 7200
    VW Caddy 1.6TDi 75kW BlueMotion Technology 57.6 8833 + 1633
    Peugeot Partner 1.6 e-HDi 90 Stop & Start 57.6 8833 + 1633
    Citroen Berlingo 1.6 e-HDi 90 Airdream 58.8 8653 + 1453
    Renault Kangoo Energy dCi 90 65.7 7744 + 544

    Previous model 220 BASE 1.8 TDCi 75PS 5-speed manual compared with new model 220 BASE 1.6 TDCi 75PS 5-speed manual. Set by independent RV provider, CAP

    Source: Ford

  • Aston Martin V8 Vantage GTE and DBR 1-2 Race Car – Price £500,000

    Aston Martin is going to sell a V8 Vantage GTE and DBR 1-2 Race Cars for £250,000  (around €290,000) each.

    The Vantage GTE took place at Le Mans in 2012 with Allan Simonsen, Cristoffer Nygaard and Kristian Poulsen behind the steering wheel. The DBR 1-2 competed in the LMP1 class between 2009 and 2011. Both cars feature Gulf livery and are designed to be used for display purposes. Unfortunately, that means the engine and gearbox have been removed to make transportation easier.

    These cars never fail to generate high levels of interest, even amongst non-motorsport followers.

    Source: Aston Martin

  • 2014 Suzuki SX4 S-Cross – Price

    Suzuki UK has announced the pricing of the new 2014 SX4 S-Cross, which will hit the market on 1st October with pricing starting from just £14,999 for the SZ3 1.6-Litre petrol and going up to £23,549 for the range-topping 1.6 DDiS SZ5 Allgrip Manual.

    Suzuki created the new SX4 S-Cross by combining its compact car know how with technologies honed for sport utility vehicles. As a result of focusing on giving the new S-Cross distinctive crossover styling, class leading space for passengers and luggage, next-generation 4WD performance and one of the lowest CO2 emissions in the segment, it achieves a remarkable combination of styling, utility, safety, performance and fuel economy. It is a model which can offer great driving enjoyment and versatile family usage to many more people in a wide range of situations.

    The engine range includes a 1.6 litre petrol achieving 51.3 mpg with 2WD and manual gearbox and a 1.6 liter DDiS diesel returning up to 67.2 mpg with the same configuration. Both come with Engine Auto Stop/Start system.

    ALLGRIP is Suzuki’s new generation 4WD, created by evolving the company’s renowned 4WD technologies to provide driving enjoyment and peace of mind in diverse conditions while promoting economy and limiting the strain which 4WD cars place on the environment. The four-mode 4WD system in the new SX4 embodies ALLGRIP technology.

    2014 Suzuki SX4 S-Cross
    2014 Suzuki SX4 S-Cross
    2014 Suzuki SX4 S-Cross
    2014 Suzuki SX4 S-Cross
    2014 Suzuki SX4 S-Cross
    2014 Suzuki SX4 S-Cross

    Pricing for the SX4 S-Cross is as follows:

    S-CROSS CO2 OUTPUT PRICE
    1.6 SZ3 Manual 127 g/km £14,999.00
    1.6 SZ4 Manual 127 g/km £16,249.00
    1.6 SZ-T Manual 127 g/km £17,749.00
    1.6 SZ5 Manual 127 g/km £19,749.00
    1.6 SZ5 CVT 125 g/km £21,099.00
    1.6 SZ5 ALLGRIP Manual 135 g/km £21,549.00
    1.6 SZ5 ALLGRIP CVT 130 g/km £22,449.00
    1.6 DDiS SZ3 Manual 110 g/km £16,999.00
    1.6 DDiS SZ4 Manual 110 g/km £18,249.00
    1.6 DDiS SZ-T Manual 110 g/km £19,749.00
    1.6 DDiS SZ5 Manual 110 g/km £21,749.00
    1.6 DDiS SZ-T ALLGRIP Manual 114 g/km £21,549.00
    1.6 DDiS SZ5 ALLGRIP Manual 114 g/km £23,549.00

    Source: Suzuki