Category: Auto News

Auto news – automobile industry news. Articles about all the latest car models and concepts. Breaking news, uncovered secrets.

  • 2015 Audi TT Gets A-Grade Evaluation

    2015 Audi TT has received A-grade evaluation. The new model benefits from emissions reduction of 11 per cent compared with its predecessor, while the increase of power is also substantial, namely – up to 14 per cent. In this way, Audi has made significant step in minimizing the whole-life impact on the environment. The increase in power output and the simultaneous decrease in greenhouse gas emissions contribute towards new life cycle assessment.

    Basically, each car of the third-generation TT saves around 5.5 tonnes of greenhouse gases over its entire life cycle. And we are not speaking only of carbon dioxide, but also of other substances such as methane, nitrous oxide and halogenated organic emissions.

    Many technologies have contributed for this positive change. This first one is the lightweight construction of the car. Thanks to specific combination of materials, Audi engineers have, for the second time in a row, succeeded in reducing the TT’s weight.

    Back in 2006, the engineers managed to achieve up to 90 kilograms weight savings. Now, the front-wheel driven 2.0 TFSI Audi TT, weighs just 1,230 kilograms and this means that the car is around 50 kilograms lighter than its predecessor.

    The intelligent lightweight construction and the weight reduction of the 2015 TT also have an impact on the vehicle manufacturing process. Precisely, the saved greenhouse gas emissions in this step are around nine per cent. Audi also states that the new generation car offers a better life cycle assessment right from the very first mile.

    Source: Audi

  • Pagani Huayra La Monza Lisa

    Pagani has presented Huayra La Monza Lisa Special Edition. The model is produced exclusively for an American customer, who obviously wants his vehicle to be unique. This is the first time then Italian manufacturer builds a special model. The Huayra La Monza Lisa Special Edition is prepared for Kris Singh, a wealthy businessman and a car collector from Miami Beach, Florida, USA.

    The exterior boasts a unique bodywork in a fully-exposed carbon fiber. There is also Italian flag livery similar to that of Zonda Revolucion. There are also polished alloy wheels with detailed Pirelli word on the tyres. The owner also get a second set of black Zonda R wheels.

    The original Huayra is powered by an AMG 6.0 liter twin-turbo V12 with 710HP (522 kW) and 1,000Nm (737 lb-ft) of torque. The engine is mated to an XTRAC 7-speed sequential transmission. Acceleration – 0-100 km/h in 3.3 seconds and a top speed of 370 km/h (230 mph). However, this one has some modifications, but no official figures has been unveiled.

    The most unique feature of Huayra La Monza Lisa is that the car is signed by the whole Pagani team who worked on it, including Mr. Horacio Pagani.

    Pagani Huayra La Monza Lisa picture 01

    Pagani Huayra La Monza Lisa picture 02

    Pagani Huayra La Monza Lisa picture 03

    Pagani Huayra La Monza Lisa picture 04

    Source:Lovecars

  • TechArt Power Kit for Porsche 911 Turbo

    Techart is now offering a power kit for Porsche 911 Turbo. Based on the intelligent TechArt engine management system TechTronic, the additional control unit provides additional 60HP and 130 Nm to the 3.8 liter 6-cylinder boxer bi-turbo engine.

    The TechArt power control unit provides extra power on request with a single push of a button on the center console. 0-100 km/h in 2.9 seconds (3.0 seconds for the Cabriolet) and a top speed of 325 km/h (202 mph). Without using Sport- or Sport Plus mode the vehicle operates with series engine management system.

    The TECHART engine management system TECHTRONIC is characterized by the following product features:

    • significant increase of performance and driving dynamics
    • activation by pushing the Sport button at the center console
    • quick and easy installation, trouble-free deinstallation at any time
    • intelligent electronic power management
    • highest material quality and fulfillment of OEM specifications
    • does not affect vehicle diagnostics or servicing
    • does not affect electronic engine protection features

    Like every factory-new TechArt product, the high quality standards of the TechArt Power Kits are backed by a 2-year limited warranty. But more than that, TechArt grants an additional warranty on damages at engine or gearbox according to the TechArt TechTronic Warranty Terms.

    The tuning specialists also offer TechArt exhaust system with valve control. The TechArt sport tailpipes are made from stainless steel in dual oval tube design. They are available in gloss chrome and matt black chrome finish.

    Last, but not least are the forged centerlock wheels in 5-twin-spokes design.

    Dimensions:

    • FA: 9.0J x 20” ET 46 (for Porsche 911 Turbo, Turbo S and GT3)
    • RA: 12.0J x 20” ET 47 (for Porsche 911 GT3)
    • RA: 12.0J x 20” ET 58 (for Porsche 911 Turbo and Turbo S)

    All wheels can be ordered in titanium grey or with polished front surface. According to the vehicle’s equipment, a modification for a central locking device might be required.

    Source: TechArt

  • Dotz Shift Volkswagen Passat Freeride si

    Dotz-Shift-Volkswagen-Passat-Freeride-si-THUMBDotz Shift Volkswagen Passat Freeride si is a very simple project which looks stunning. This is because the wheels and rims specialists at Dotz Shift have supplied it with Dotz Freeride si. These are all-year rims with its five spokes and the shiny silver coating that makes it a true eye-catcher. The customizers promise that they can endure driving fin for every season. They have dynamic construction with the asymmetric design elements at the outer rim as well as minimalist structure.

    As mentioned, the finish of the wheels is in shiny silver. It truly makes them stand out in all weather conditions. The wheels are offered by Dotz in numerous ABE applications from 15” to 19”. Moreover, they are Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) approved and are one hundred percent compatible with ALCAR T-ProSensor.

    Volkswagen Passat as we can see serves as the perfect vehicle for these rims. The 2015 model year car was unveiled in the beginning of last month; in front of public it will be premiered at Paris Motor Show in October. This is the eighth-generation Passat and in its construction the engineers have saved up to 85 kg.

    One of the main highlights of the model is the four-cylinder, 2.0-litre, bi-turbo diesel engine. It generates 240 horsepower (176 kW) and the huge 500 Nm (370 lb-ft) from 1,750 rpm. This engine will be mated only with the new seven-speed DSG gearbox and will also feature 4MOTION all-wheel drive. The sales of 2015 Volkswagen Passat will start before the end of this year.

    Source: Dotz Shift

  • Six Customized 2015 Honda Fit to be on Display at SEMA

    2015-Honda-Fit-THUMBSix build teams will each customize 2015 Honda Fit, which later will be on display at the 2014 SEMA Show in Las Vegas. In this way, the company will showcase the great personalization potential of the new model via an ambitious project vehicle program and interactive Tumblr experience, which starts today. To go further into details, Honda has selected six build teams: Bisimoto Engineering, Kontrabrands, MAD Industries, Spoon Sports USA, Tjin Edition and Kenny Vinces.

    Each team will customize a 2015 Honda Fit which will later be displayed at the SEMA Show. Every single personalized Fit is expected to receive modifications such as aerodynamic body kits, wheels, custom paint jobs and much more.

    To support this Fit project, Honda is starting the Fit Performance Project (#ProjectFit) on its official Tumblr page. In this way fans will have the opportunity to follow teams’ progress with each vehicle.

    #ProjectFit starts from today and will continue through 22nd of October. It will feature many photos, animated GIFs and videos. On Tumblr people can vote for their favorite customized Fit by liking and reblogging posts tagged with #ProjectFit. The shop which will gather the highest total likes and reblogs will win and receive an award from Honda.

    The last to be mentioned is that the Fit Performance Project posts will include several themes. For instance, “Preview” will reveal the design illustrations or renderings of the cars, the “Show Us Your Mods” will display five modifications made to the vehicle, while “In Progress” will reveal headway on the design.

    Source: Honda

  • 2015 Kia Sportage increases comfort and more

    2015-Kia-Sportage_thumb2015-Kia-Sportage_651

    The Korean automaker Kia Motors has described the new 2015 Kia Sportage. A particular feature of the upcoming vehicle is that it comes with greatly enhanced driver and passenger comfort apart from other tech improvements. The new car is offered in three trim levels – LX, EX and SX and comes with two powertrains – a 2.4L GDI I4 (LX and EX) and a 2.0L Turbo GDI (SX).

    Even with the basic LX trim, the new Kia Sportage offers a number of standard features that include 17-inch alloy wheels matched with 225/60R17 low-rolling-resistance silica tires, body-color door handles, Bluetooth® Wireless Technology Hands-Free Connectivity, solar glass, privacy glass, keyless entry with folding key and a six-speed electronically controlled Sportmatic™ automatic transmission. The next-level EX trim offers stylish 18-inch alloy wheels with 235/55R18 tires, LED turn signals on the outside mirrors, high-performance dampers, roof rails, a rear spoiler, fog lamps and chrome body trim and door handles. The most luxurious SX trim upgrades all this equipment with a powerful 2.0-liter turbocharged GDI engine that produces 260-horsepower (191 kW), unique 18-inch alloy wheels, dual exhaust, sculpted side sill moldings, LED accent lighting along the headlamps for a sportier, more upscale appearance and a unique SX grille. For added driver comfort, a tilt and telescopic steering column is standard across all trims.

    There are certain features that all trims come with and here’s a short list – the 2015 Kia Sportage will also come with standard rear vents and reclining outboard seats as well as an optional ventilated seat for the front passenger.  Drivers of the EX trim are treated to the perks of standard heated front seats, Infinity® Premium Audio, and heated outside mirrors. The impressive Premium Package adds navigation with SiriusXM Traffic, leather-trimmed seats, panoramic sunroof, smart key with push-button start, and power-folding outside mirrors. In addition buyers of all versions will get Apple USB compatibility, a UVO system (optional on LX models only) that provides diagnostics capabilities and more convenience features such as Advanced Voice Recognition for easier music control and hands-free mobile phone operations. When equipped with UVO eServices, the 2015 Sportage also features a Rear Camera Display and auto headlamp system.

    The new Kia Sportage will go on sale sometime in 2015.

    Source: Kia Motors America

  • Certain 2015 Subaru models earn Top Safety Pick+ awards

    2015-Subaru-Legacy_thumb2015-Subaru-Legacy_651

    No matter what kind of car you drive on a daily basis, safety remains a top objective because after all the goal of travelling and driving in particular is to get where you want on time and well. This is the reason why many safety technologies get implemented in various cars and they tend to improve on a yearly basis. Still, it is really hard to pick a safe car but thanks to the efforts of the US Insurance Institute of Highway Safety (IIHS) this task has become a bit easier.

    The IIHS has just enriched your choice with the addition of the all-new 2015 Subaru Legacy and Subaru Outback, which have been given the 2014 Top Safety Pick+ designation. The new Subaru Legacy has achieved the highest possible rating of “good” in the Institute’s crashworthiness evaluations of front small overlap, front moderate overlap, side impact, roof crush and rear impact. The sedan also received a “superior” rating in the Institute’s front crash avoidance testing. The catch is that in order to have the 2014 IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK+ designation the 2015 Subaru Legacy must have the optional EyeSight® driver-assist system.

    2015-Subaru-Outback_651

    The all-new 2015 Subaru Outback has also achieved the highest possible rating of ‘good’ in the Institute’s crashworthiness evaluations, as well as a “superior” rating in the front crash avoidance testing. Just like in the 2015 Subaru Legacy case, the new 2015 Subaru Outback needs to be equipped with the optional EyeSight® driver-assist system.

    Subaru is also proud to announce that seven Subaru models, including the BRZ, Impreza, WRX/STI and XV Crosstrek, have earned 2014 safety awards from IIHS – four with Top Safety Pick and three with Top Safety Pick+ including its Forester, Legacy and Outback models equipped with optional EyeSight®. As Thomas J. Doll, president and chief operating officer, Subaru of America, Inc., says “The Institute’s findings reinforce our dedication to building safe vehicles. We are proud of the 2014 Top Safety Pick endorsement for every Subaru vehicle in our line-up.”

    Source: Subaru

  • Inside Performance BMW X6 M – 700HP and 1,000Nm

    Inside Performance has presented their latest tuning project based on the mighty SAC (Sports Activity Coupe) – BMW X6 M. The tuning specialists offer both styling and performance modifications for the X6 M. The name of the project is White Shark and we can see, why.

    The BMW X6 M will be powered by the well-known 4.4 liter twin-turbocharged V8 with around 600HP (441 kW) and 700Nm (516 lb-ft). This version was presented with the special 2014 BMW M5 30 Jahre Edition. The engine is connected to a dual-clutch 7-speed DCT gearbox sending the power to xDrive AWD (all-wheel drive) system. 0-100 km/h in around 4.2 seconds and a top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph) – electronically limited or a little more with the optional M Driver’s Package.

    The performance package boosts the engine to 700HP (515 kW) and 1,000Nm (741 lb-ft) of torque. The result is thanks to an ECU re-map, a complete sports exhaust system with new down-pipes and catalysts. There is also a high-flow air system. 0-100 km/h in 3.8 seconds and a top speed of 320 km/h (199 mph).

    The exterior features a complete aerodynamics package with modified front and rear bumpers, wide wheel arches and spoilers for the boot lid and the roof. There is also a set of enormous 22” alloy wheels fitted with high-performance ContiSport Contact tires.

    The price for the conversion is available upon request.

    Source: Inside Performance

  • Vorsteiner Lamborghini Aventador-V Zaragoza

    Vorsteiner-Lamborghini-Aventador-V-Zaragoza-THUMBVorsteiner Lamborghini Aventador-V Zaragoza is the newest creation of the Californian based tuners. They have been working on it for the past months and now show their project with exclusive and beautiful photo-session. The latest addition to the Aventador-V program is the Zaragoza front spoiler. The customizers reveal that it was a particularly difficult to create it, because it is constructed to fit with the existing OE front bumper in a single piece of carbon fiber.

    To ensure this spoiler is incorporated and unified with the distinctive Aventador character, Vorsteiner has extended lines from the factory bumper in order to flow with the lower, wider, and longer carbon spoiler. To go further into details, the Zaragoza front spoiler is approximately 25 mm lower, 25 mm wider, and 200mm longer when one compares it to the factory front bumper.

    There are also added vertical blades which direct air away from the body. This results in decreased drag and turbulence and also significantly optimizes downforce and increases the stability of the front end at high speeds by directing the air away reducing frontal pressure. Aventador-V gets not only the Zaragoza, but also – an active aero wing, side blades and rear diffuser as well as OE Exterior Carbon Package.

    This particular Lambo shown in the pictures below runs on Technica Multipiece VTM-350 Forged Wheels in Matte Black finish. The wheels come in sizes 20×9 at the front, and 21×13 at the rear. They are fitted with Pirelli P Zero tyres in the dimensions of 255/30/20 and 355/25/21 at the front and rear, respectively.

    Source: Vorsteiner

  • Infiniti Previews Mysterious Car Debuting in Paris

    Infiniti_Paris_Teaser-THUMBThe next news for today from Infiniti is slightly strange. The company has released a teaser image showing the grille and emblem of a future car, as well as a press released which hasn’t got more than 40 words in it. The company has stated in it that it will push the preconceived limits with more style and substance. It also disclosed that it will share a vision – “its soul – on a scale not seen before from the company”.

    The last sentence however says more than the photograph or the text together: “À bientôt.” This French phrase means in English “See you soon”. This clearly had lead us to the thought that the future Infiniti model will debut at the Paris Motor Show, which will take place between 4th and 19th of October.

    Clearly that photograph doesn’t say much about the upcoming vehicle, except for the elegant detailing on the grille pattern. Nevertheless, the grille has almost the same shape like most of the company’s products.

    What we expect, given the image and the scarce details, is that the car will be a concept vehicle rather than a production one. The mystery which keeps us still hanging is the question in what form this vehicle will be.

    Source: Infiniti

  • 2015 Audi TT – UK Price £29,770

    Audi UK has announced the pricing of the new 2015 TT. It starts at just £29,770 (OTR) for the entry level 2.0 TDI ultra Sport 184HP (135 kw) and 6-speed manual gearbox. The top-of-range 2.0 TFSI Quattro S-line 230HP (169 kW) with 6-speed S-tronic automatic transmission is £35,335. For now, the German manufacturer doesn’t offer a performance version of the sports coupe.

    Initially, only a Sport and S-Line trim levels will be available. The standard equipment includes xenon headlights, LED DRLs, a sport suspension and a set of 18” alloy wheels fitted with performance tires. The interior boasts leather and Alcantara sport seats, keyless GO and a digital instrument cluster featuring 12.3” display.

    The S-Line adds LED headlights and stiffened suspension and reduced ride height (-10mm). There is also a complete aerodynamics S-Line package and a set of 19” alloy wheels.

    The options list includes matrix LED headlights, a 12-speaker premium audio system from Bang & Olufsen and a GPS SAT NAV system with internet connectivity.

    The engine range includes a 2.0 liter TDI – 184HP (135 kW) and 380Nm (280 lb-ft) of torque. It is connected exclusively to a 6-speed manual transmission which sends power to the front wheels.

    The 2.0 liter TFSI four-cylinder has 230HP (169 kW) and 370Nm (272 lb-ft) of torque. It is available with either 6-speed manual transmission and front-wheel drive or a 6-speed S tronic and Quattro all-wheel drive system.

    The first deliveries are expected from December, this year.

    2015 Audi TT – UK OTR pricing

    • 2.0 TFSI Sport 230HP 6-speed manual – £29,860
    • 2.0 TFSI quattro Sport 230HP 6-speed S tronic – £32,785
    • 2.0 TDI ultra Sport 184HP 6-speed manual – £29,770
    • 2.0 TFSI S line 230HP 6-speed manual – £32,410
    • 2.0 TFSI quattro S line 230HP 6-speed S tronic – £35,335
    • 2.0 TDI ultra S line 184HP 6-speed manual – £32,320

    Source: Audi

  • 2014 Fiat 500 Abarth and 500c Abarth

    Fiat has presented the 500 Abarth and 500c Abarth. Both models are available at the Abarth Track Experience dates in the fall. The owners will now have more opportunities to develop their driving skills in the one-day Abarth Track Experience.

    Drivers will pilot cars from a fleet of Abarths provided and put their skills to the test through four driving modules: autocross, head-to-head challenge, driving dynamics and performance drive. Drivers will end their day by riding shotgun as professional drivers push the track-tuned Abarth vehicles to the limit.

    “As the Abarth Track Experience becomes more popular, we’re expanding the schedule to ensure more customers have the opportunity to develop their driving skills in a safe track environment,” commented Jason Stoicevich, Head of FIAT Brand North America.

    “Now, with the addition of the specially tuned automatic transmission as an option for the 2015 Fiat 500 Abarth and Abarth Cabrio, we expect even more customers will want to join in the fun.”, he added.

    2015 Fiat 500 Abarth is powered by a 1.4 liter MultiAir Turbo engine – 157HP (115 kW) and 249Nm (183 lb-ft) of torque. The exclusive, Abarth-calibrated Sport mode allows for an even more engaged driving experience with special features such as fuel-cut upshifts, rev-matching downshifts, brake-assist downshifts, corner gear hold and fast-off gear hold, as well as a more aggressive pedal map.

    There is also an Abarth-tuned suspension and brake systems, race-inspired design, and technology features not traditionally included on a small car, the 2015 Fiat 500 Abarth and Abarth Cabrio unleash legendary Italian performance heritage to American streets.

    Source: Fiat