Auto News – Page 480 – Automobiles Review

2014 Ford Falcon XR8 Unveiled

2014 Ford Falcon XR8 performance sedan is an example of how the car’s iconic history can be blended with company’s new global design DNA. This means that the new Falcon XR builds on its distinctive design but at the same time offers an entirely new personality. The car has just has been revealed and Ford states that this is the best Falcon ever created. The XR6 and XR8 incorporate the new design philosophy of the company via the signature trapezoidal grille, chiseled headlamps and smoother tail-lamps with LED technology. These are the enhancements featured in the 2014 model and will be applied to the entire Falcon range.

Furthermore, the XR8 has bold exterior graphics. As you can see, the front end has received distinct sporty treatment, as well as signature bonnet power dome. The exhaust system was specifically tuned for the V8 engine.

One of the new and distinctive features is the design of the headlights which has a sporty quad-head lamp treatment. XR’s slim headlights deliver high-end technical look and include ‘hockey stick’-style LED daytime running lamps. In addition, the lens reflectors also get distinctive “XR” shields and there are also unique fog lamp bezels.

The new form of the grille provides more purposeful look and demonstrates the sporty nature of the car. The power dome, which extends up to the windscreen cowl, additionally adds to this nature.

At the rear end of the car, there are jeweled split tail-lamps which accentuate car’s wide, purposeful stance. The tail-lamps are brand new and they utilize LED technology. In addition, the boot lid has new design and features an integrated rear spoiler. The lower diffuser on the XR8 includes round quad exhaust tips. 2014 Ford Falcon XR8 will be offered with a choice of three engines: EcoBoost, V6 or V8 petrol.

Source: Ford

July 25, 2014

Mercedes-Benz AMG 4.0 liter V8 Bi-Turbo Engine: Powerful and Efficient

Mercedes-Benz has officially revealed full details about their all-new AMG engine. The M178 is a 4.0 liter bi-turbocharged V8 with 10.5 : 1 compression ratio. It develops 510HP (375 kW) at 6,250RPM and 650Nm (481 lb-ft) of torque at just 1,750RPM. The engine has a specific output of 128HP / liter and 163.2Nm / liter. It complies with EURO 6 regulations and weighs just 209 kg (461 lbs).

The all-new innovative eight-cylinder unit benefits from compact design, optimum response and low exhaust gas emissions. Dry sump lubrication allows the engine to be installed lower, which moves the centre of gravity closer to the road and forms the basis for high lateral acceleration. This is the lightest engine in its competitive segment.

The AMG 4.0-litre, V8 biturbo engine is being made in Affalterbach according to the “one man, one engine” principle. In the AMG engine shop highly qualified fitters assemble the high-performance engines by hand according to the strictest quality standards. The fitter’s signature on the AMG engine plate attests to this exclusive type of engine production and indicates maximum quality and technology transfer from motorsport – from Formula 1 and the DTM to customer sport activities in the SLS AMG GT3.

“V8 engines are an integral part of the AMG philosophy and the brand’s commitment to ‘Driving Performance’. The V8 biturbo engine for our new GT is going to delight our customers!”, commented Tobias Moers, Chairman of the Board of Management of Mercedes-AMG GmbH.

“The new AMG 4.0-litre V8 biturbo sees us presenting an exciting and powerful sports car engine which, thanks to a number of measures, also represents the next step in efficiency.”, finished Christian Enderle, Head of Engine and Powertrain Development at Mercedes-AMG.

The new AMG M178 V8 engine at a glance:

Cylinder arrangement	V8
Cylinder angle	90°
Valves per cylinder	4
Displacement	3982 cc
Bore x stroke	83.0 x 92.0 mm
Cylinder spacing	90 mm
Compression ratio	10.5 : 1
Output	510 hp at 6250 rpm
Output per litre	128 hp/litre
Max. torque	650 Nm at 1750 – 4750 rpm
Torque per litre	163.2 Nm/litre
Maximum engine speed	7200 rpm
Maximum charge pressure	1.2 bar
Peak pressure	130 bar
Engine weight (dry)	209 kg
Emissions standard	Euro 6

Source: Mercedes-Benz

July 25, 2014

Vorsteiner GTS-V BMW M6 F13

Vorsteiner has released details about their latest tuning project based on BMW M6 F13 Coupe.

The tuning company developed only styling modifications including a new front spoiler, aero side blades, a modified rear diffuser and a deck lid spoiler. The exterior appearance is completed by a set of Special Edition Forged VSE-003 Forged Monoblocks – 9.5J x 21 at the front and 11J x 21” at the rear. Pricing is available upon request.

BMW M6 F13 Coupe is powered by a 4.4 liter twin-turbo V8 (S63B44TU) – 560HP (412 kW) at 6,600RPM and 680Nm (502 lb-ft) of torque available at just 1,500RPM. 0-100 km/h in 4.2 seconds , 0-200 km/h in 12.0 seconds and a top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph) – electronically limited or 300 km/h (186 mph) with M Drivers package. The engine is connected to a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox sending the power to the rear wheels. ¼ mile in 11.7 to 11.9 seconds.

The curb weight is 1,850 kg (4,079 lbs) and the powerful sports coupe is able to cover 100 km with just 7.6 liters on Highway.

2014 M6 F13 Coupe is priced from $ 112,450 in the US (excluding destination charge).

Source: Vorsteiner

July 25, 2014

GM issues six recalls

GM-Logo_thumb GM-Logo_651

The US automobile giant GM has issued six recalls that affect vehicles sold in the United States and that cover 717,949 cars sold recently. Here’s a list of the recalled vehicles:

414,333 2011-2012 model year Chevrolet Camaro; 2010-2012 model year Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain; 2011-2012 Buick Regal and LaCrosse; and 2010-2012 Cadillac SRX models in the U.S. equipped with power height adjustable driver or front passenger seat structures. In these cars there is a problem with a bolt that secures the height adjuster actuator. The bolt may become loose or even fall out. If the bolt falls out the seat will move up and down freely because it is no longer attached to the height adjuster. The vehicles are safe to be driven but there have been reports of injuries and one crash.

124,007 model year 2014 Chevrolet Caprice, 2014 Chevrolet SS, 2014-2015 Chevrolet Silverado LD and HD, 2013-2014 Cadillac ATS, 2014 Cadillac CTS, 2014 Cadillac ELR; 2013-2014 Buick Encore; and 2014-2015 GMC Sierra LD and HD vehicles. Some of these vehicles may have an incomplete weld on the seat hook bracket assembly. If there’s such a weld, dealers will replace the lower seat track at no cost. There are no reports of crashes or injuries.

120,426 2011-2013 model year Buick Regal and 2013 model year Chevrolet Malibu equipped with front turn signals that use two bulbs in each front turn signal. If one bulb is burnt out the driver inside will not get a turn signal in the instrument cluster; if both bulbs burn out the driver will get a rapidly flashing turn signal arrow in the instrument cluster. The body control module has to be reprogrammed to solve this issue – something that dealers can do. There are no reports of crashes or injuries related to the issue.

57,242 2014 Chevrolet Impalas equipped with belt-drive electric power steering. On some vehicles, customers may experience reduced or no power steering assist at start-up or while driving. The reason is a poor electrical ground connection to the Power Steering Control Module. Steering control will be maintained because the vehicle will revert to manual steering mode but greater driver effort will be required, especially when driving at lower speeds. The issue can be resolved at your local dealer. So far there has been one crash but there are no reports of injuries or fatalities.

1,919 2014-2015 Chevrolet Sparks imported from Korea. In these cars there is a lower control arm bolt that is not fastened to specification. This issue may create noise coming from the front suspension and separation of the lower control arm from the steering knuckle while driving, which will result in loss of steering control. The issue can be resolved at your local dealer. There are no reports of crashes, fatalities or injuries.

22 2015 model year Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban and GMC Yukon/Yukon Denali vehicles. Here the roof carriers may have been attached with the wrong retaining nuts, which will result in holes or tears in the roof rail air bags if they deploy. Eight of these vehicles are in dealer stock and will be repaired before being sold.

If you own one of these vehicles you are strongly advised to get it checked at a dealer near you.

Source: GM

July 24, 2014

Kia describes 2015 Soul

2015-Kia-Soul_thumb 2015-Kia-Soul_651

Kia Motors America has issued a short description of the upcoming 2015 Soul for all fans of the brand. Since the 2014 Soul was completely redesigned, the 2015 year model comes only with enhancements here and there but even then they are appreciated.

The enhancements and changes to the 2015 Kia Soul aim to increase the so-called “fun factor” but the car gets to keep the three unique trim levels – Base, Plus and Exclaim. The vehicle keeps its distinct signature design, which makes the car instantly recognizable and offers a blend of funky personality, fun-to-drive characteristics and premium interior amenities. The vehicle will be offered in the beautiful Soul-exclusive Solar Yellow, Cloud White, Fathom Blue and Inferno Red colors and Kia is sure the colors alone will attract customers as well.

The Base version gets most of the changes. The car now comes with a new UVO eServices Package. This service is a free subscription telematics service that is available for 10 years or 100 000 miles. For the year 2015 model the service offers four new features: Geo-fencing, Speed Alert, Curfew Alert and Driving Score. The introduced Kia App store also allows owners of the car to download select apps for free from services that include iTunes and Google Play. The Kia app connector is now available for partnership with the content community, including Pandora 5, iHeart Radio and Yelp 6. Many more new technologies for comfort and convenience are featured in the new UVO system, including Siri “Eyes Free7” and Local Search – powered by Google – for finding locations, addresses and points of interest. Sirius XM Travel Link8, offering access to traffic, weather, fuel prices, sports scores, stock information and movie times, makes the Soul the perfect companion for those who live their lives on the road with family and friends.

The second version – Plus – remains unchanged for the year 2015 model.

The 2015 Soul Exclaim gets a new Umber Color Package, which is available with either the Fathom Blue or Cloud White exterior colors. The option package includes premium Nappa leather seating surfaces and door armrest accents. On the outside Gloss Black wheel inserts further set the Umber Color Package apart.

The Base version of the 2015 Kia Soul will be powered by a 1.6-liter all-aluminum gasoline DOHC four-cylinder engine that produces 130 horsepower (95 kW) at 6300 rpm and 118 lb.-ft. (160 Nm) of torque at 4850 rpm. The Plus and Exclaim versions offer a more powerful 2.0-liter gasoline GDI technology-based engine that delivers 164 HP (120 kW) of power at 6200 rpm and 151 lb.-ft. (205 Nm) of torque at 4000 rpm. In addition the 2015 Kia Soul Base can be had with a 6-speed manual transmission or an automatic one as an option; the Plus and Exclaim versions are available with a 6-speed automatic gearbox only.

Source: Kia Motors America

July 24, 2014

Toyota Announces 2015 Yaris US Pricing

2015 Toyota Yaris has already gone on sale across the Old Continent. Now the Japanese company is announcing the US pricing for the model, which is listed below. Undoubtedly, the faselifted Yaris has a distinct design with European flavor. It features quieter interior made of new materials. It will be available in three-door or five-door liftback versions. New is the horizontal chrome grill which continues right in to the headlamp.

Inside the cabin the occupants will seat in premium seats, while the driver is facing a sporty new dashboard design and touches new, softer materials throughout. Next to this, 2015 Yaris also boasts retuned suspension,a more rigid body structure, improved sound insulation and and aerodynamic details. They help the urban min deliver smoother, more dynamic and quieter ride.

In terms of safety, the car adds nine standard SRS airbags, including curtain shield airbags and front seat cushion airbags. Facelifted Yaris is powered by the 1.5-liter, 16-valve, four-cylinder DOHC engine equipped with variable valve timing with intelligence (VVT-i). It generates 106 hp (78 kW) at 6,000 rpm and 140 Nm (103 lb.-ft.) of torque at 4,200 rpm.

The powertrain is coupled with a five-speed manual transmission. For the new model year it features improved hydraulic clutch. As an option Toyota us offering four-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission, which features lightweight design and low friction in order to achieve high fuel efficiency.

There are several trim levels offered. The first one is L that is the base level. Next come the premium LE and sporty SE models. Standard features on the L grade are air conditioning, 60/40 split fold-down rear seat, new, quick ratio, sport-tuned Electric Power Steering with power-assisted rack-and-pinion, power windows with driver’s side auto down, three-spoke tilt steering wheel, power door locks, Daytime Running Lights, and 15-inch wheels with wheel covers.

2015 Yaris LE adds over the base level the following: cruise control, power mirrors, steering wheel audio controls silver/metallic interior accents, remote keyless entry with an engine immobilizer and 15-inch alloy wheels.

SE package adds projector headlamps and LED daytime running lights, integrated fog lamps, rear spoiler, sport-tuned suspension with a solid stabilizer bar and four-wheel disc brakes and special gloss black with machine-surfaced 16-inch alloy wheels. Inside, SE is includes leather-trimmed tilt three-spoke steering wheel and shift knob, sport meter and tachometer.

The entire Yaris range includes as a standard Entune Audio with a 6.1-inch touch screen, AM/FM CD player with MP3/WMA playback capability, six speakers, HD Radio with iTunes Tagging, auxiliary audio jack, USB port with iPod®= connectivity and control, hands-free phone capability, voice recognition, and music streaming via Bluetooth wireless technology.

2015 Toyota Yaris US Pricing:

Model#	Grade	Transmission	Body Style	2014 MSRP	2015 MSRP	MSRP change ($)	MSRP Change (%)
1421	L	5MT	3DR	$14,430	$14,845	$415	3%
1422	L	4AT	3DR	$15,155	$15,570	$415	3%
1424	LE	4AT	3DR	$16,015	$16,505	$490	3%
1463	SE	5MT	5DR	$16,540	$16,820	$280	2%
1462	L	4AT	5DR	$15,455	$15,945	$490	3%
1464	SE	4AT	5DR	$17,340	$17,620	$280	2%
1466	LE	4AT	5DR	$16,490	$16,880	$390	2%

Source: Toyota

July 24, 2014

Dodge Receives Three J.D.Power APEAL Awards

Dodge has earned highest ranks in three segments in J.D. Power’s U.S. Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout (APEAL) Study of this year. The awarded vehicles are Dodge Charger, Challenger and Dart which are leaders in Large Car, Midsize Sporty Car and Compact Car segments, respectively. APEAL awards are based on customer feedback. They come in the perfect time, when Dodge is celebrating its 100th anniversary. The APEAL Study finds out the level of gratification of the driver, based on customer evaluations of 77 vehicle attributes. The owners are surveyed after 90 days of ownership.

Other five Chrysler’s vehicles were raked in the top three in their segments. Precisely, Jeep Cherokee is at the third position in the Compact SUV segment, Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge Durango are ranked second and third in the Midsize SUV category, Fiat 500L is ranked third in the Compact MPV segment and at last, the Ram 2500/3500 tied for second in the Large Heavy Duty Pickup segment.

2014 Dodge Charger is the only four-dour muscle car in the world. Equipped with the V6 engine, it produces 300 horsepower (220 kW). OThe other engine in the range is the HEMI V8 that generates 370 hp (272 kW). It features four-cylinder mode Fuel Saver Technology and one of the best handlings and refinements.

2014 Dodge Challenger is the most popular car in Dodge’s range. It has led the Midsize Sporty Car segment in J.D. Power’s APEAL not only this year but also in 2011 and 2012. It is powered by 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine producing 305 horsepower (224 kW).

When equipped with the Scat Pack performance stage kits, plus Shaker performance hood with its HEMI V8 engine-mounted, fully floating scoop and exposed high-flow element for cold-air induction, the 2014 Challenger R/T Shaker delivers up to 375 horsepower (275 kW). This fall, Dodge is unleashing the most powerful and fastest muscle car ever. 2015 Challenger SRT Hellcat produces the staggering 707 horsepower (520 kW).

At last, the 2014 Dodge Dart hides under its hood the 2.4 liter engine with 184 horsepower (135 kW). It is also equipped with a sport-tuned suspension, hyper black 18-inch aluminum wheels, and features such as 8.4-inch Uconnect touchscreen media center and LED racetrack taillamps.

Source: Dodge

July 24, 2014

2015 Subaru Legacy Ad Campaign [VIDEO]

2015 Subaru Legacy was exclusively introduced in February during the 2014 Chicago Auto Show. In May this year it officially went on sale and now Subaru is introducing the new ads campaign of the car. We are all passengers, all sharing a ride on the same planet. The new Legacy is another proof that the greater the peace of mind the easier it is to sit back and enjoy the ride. And this Subaru model is all about comfort, safety, and convenience.

Legacy is positioned in the mid-size sedans range and it is a smart alternative to the mainstream choices. There will be a total of three US national television spots: “Passengers,” “The Fix” and “Jr. Driver”. They will al highlight Subaru’s values of reliability, safety, capability and longevity.

The 2015 Legacy comes equipped with 2.5i engine which is coupled as a standard with Lineartronic Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) with manual mode and paddle shift control switches. It also features Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive. More importantly, the unit produces 175 horsepower (129 kW) and impressive fuel economy of 26 city/36 highway mpg.

In these TV spots, Subaru focuses on what really matters for a car owner: peace of mind. The ads are centered on the Legacy’s ability to help the consumer do all the things they enjoy to do. The first ad is called “Passengers” and proposes that all passengers are sharing a ride in the same planet-sized carpool. The next two spots are called “The Fix” and “Jr. Driver” and you can watch them along with “Passengers” below.

2015 Subaru Legacy delivers enhanced fuel efficiency, all-wheel drive as standard, refined interior, sharper styling and the largest cabin in its class as well as Subaru EyeSight Driver Assist Technology.

httpv://youtu.be/GglMJ99DkbQ

httpv://youtu.be/88MIb1SuNCs

httpv://youtu.be/1sXvtgWo1NQ

Video Source: YouTube

Source: Subaru

July 24, 2014

Ferrari F12Berlinetta on German Autobahn [video]

Thegermansupercars has published an awesome video featuring the astonishing Ferrari F12Berlinetta with a very brave driver behind the steering wheel doing some impressive accelerations on German Autobahn.

The Ferrari F12Berlinetta is one of the fastest sport cars on the market. It comes with a 6.3 liter 65° naturally aspirated V12 engine – 740HP (544 kW) and 690Nm (509 lb-ft). 0-100 km/h – 3.1 seconds and 0-200 km/h in 8.5 seconds. The top speed is over 340 km/h (211 mph). In other words, the F12 can easily keep going with 300 km/h.

Some of the highlights include a weight distribution 46:54 (front-rear axle) and a curb weight of just 1,525 kg (3,362 lbs). It is fitted with a 20” alloy wheels wrapped in Michelin Pilot Super Sport tyres – 255/35 ZR20 at the front and 315/35 ZR20 at the rear.

The F12Berlinetta is priced at $315,888 and with some options; the price can easily grow up to $400k. For example only the carbon fiber cup holder is whopping $3,533. Still, nobody cares about the price or expense costs, it is all about the driving experience and adrenaline.

Enjoy the sensational sound!

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y4IVY_9I-BA#t=86

Source: Thegermansupercars via Youtube

July 24, 2014

Hennessey HPE550 – 2015 Cadillac Escalade 6.2L V8 [video]

Hennessey Performance has published a video showing the powerful 2015 Cadillac Escalade fitted with HPE550 power package doing several dyno runs. It is interesting that the tuned version is only RWD (rear-wheel drive), which is very strange for such enormous vehicle.

The SUV is 5,179 mm long, 2,045 mm wide, 1,890 mm tall with a wheelbase of 2,946 mm. The curb weight is 2,541 kg (5,602 lbs). The 2015 Escalade rolls big 20” alloy wheels fitted with 275/55 R20 tires providing good comfort.

The engine is a 6.2 liter supercharged V8 boosted to 552HP (406 kW) at 5,500RPM and 763Nm (565 lb-ft) of torque at 4,200RPM. This is an increase of 126HP and 139Nm. The result is thanks to a number of upgrades including a new high-flow supercharger system; high flow intercooling system; HPE engine management calibration; all necessary gaskets, fluids and hardware; professional installation; dyno tuning and road testing; serial-numbered dash plaque; serial-numbered engine plaque; Hennessey badging; HPE550 Supercharged badging; Hennessey embroidered floormats and a 3-year or 36,000 mile limited warranty.

The 2015 Escalade is priced from $71,695 and the price for the performance package is available upon request.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TUVlElJx7s8

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Source: Hennessey

July 24, 2014

Mopar Offers Shaker Hood Kit For 2015 Dodge Challenger

2015 Dodge Challenger is the start of the month being the most powerful production muscle car ever created. Now Mopar has prepared for it Shaker Hood Kit which will stirs up the status quo, and will achieve even more performance gains. The entirely functional Mopar Challenger Shaker Hood Kit encompasses two part numbers: Shaker Induction Kit and Shaker Hood Kit. The hood is delivered ready for paint.

The performance of the vehicle in motion is enhanced by forcing cold, high-pressure air through the Shaker Hood scoop. The new tweak offered by Mopar is an all-aluminumand has been built according to Chrysler’s production guidelines. The hood have undergone computational fluid dynamics analysis in order to determine the size, shape and location parameters of the Mopar Dodge Challenger Shaker Hood Kit, as well as aerodynamic testing conducted at Chrysler’s wind tunnel.

Additional extreme testing proved that the kit functions properly when the car is under severe challenging environmental conditions. These include water fording, rain downpours and snow pack conditions. The baseplate, Shaker duct, as well as the air box of the hood were constructed in such way that they can prevent water from entering the clean air duct and eventually the engine.

The components of the kit are additionally strengthened with corrosion protection. As a matter of fact, the Mopar Challenger Shaker Hood Kit endured 150,000 miles of testing, which proved its durability. Mopar says that no special tools are required for assembly. Mopar Challenger Shaker Hood Kit is available for purchase at Chrysler’s dealerships.

Source: Mopar

July 24, 2014

ABT Audi RS Q3 – Full Details

ABT Sportsline has revealed full information for Audi RS Q3 coming with a number of styling and performance upgrades as well.

The exterior boasts a new front skirt, a modified front grille, a new rear skirt housing the four-tailpipe stainless steel exhaust system and a decal set. There is also a set of new enormous 9J x 21” DR alloy wheels fitted with 255/30 R21 sport tires. The stance is further improved by height adjustable suspension kit delivering optimised handling and better comfort.

The interior boasts a set of branded floor mats, carbon fiber elements, BOSE premium audio system, and a sports steering wheel.

The 2.5 liter five-cylinder turbocharged engine is boosted to 410HP (301 kW) and 530Nm (393 lb-ft) – an increase of 100HP and 110Nm of torque.

“What’s special about it is the ABT Engine Control, a control unit we developed that includes its own software. We thus combine maximum power with maximum dependability,” said Hans-Jurge Abt, CEO of the globally largest tuner of cars produced by VW and Audi.