Auto News – Page 496 – Automobiles Review

Aston Martin Reveals DP-100 Vision Gran Turismo [VIDEO]

Aston Martin DP-100 Vision Gran Turismo Concept has just been unveiled not only with a series of pictures but with an exclusive video. They all show the detailed design of the car, which will be available from July for all those who have the latest Gran Turismo6 (GT6) racing game on the PlayStation3 platform. The car is in the shape of a Design Prototype 100, or simply – DP-100. The development of the vehicle was in-house. The design team at Aston Martin began from scratch and via hand sketches and 3D modelling, they’ve managed to create this unique concept.

After that, the car was got a full realisation in the virtual world. It took them six months too finalize the project. As you can see the DP-100 provides great levels of detail. It features fully functioning suspension system and state-of-the-art electronics.

Exclusive feature here are the revolutionary “active aerodynamics”. They are not only a way of enhancing, but also support car’s function in the game. Other design cue visible in DP-100 is the light blade rear lamps.

And while the car features clean and classy in design, it has a powerful potential hidden at its rear. DP-100 not only looks beautiful but also includes a high degree of engineering integrity. It is powered by the twin-turbo V12 which produces up to 800 hp (588 kW). This ensures exhilarating performance fully in resonance with the high octane nature of the game.

And we can only regret that this is a virtual-only GT racer. However, it has the full potential to become a real one.

httpv://youtu.be/3FROCsPRyWI

Video Source: YouTube

Source: Aston Martin

June 30, 2014

MG3 Trophy Championship Concept Makes Debut

MG3 Trophy Championship Concept has made a debut last weekend at the MG90 event, which saw celebration of the 90th birthday of the brand. In addition, at the Silverstone circuit there were on display historic, current and future MGs, including three concept vehicles. One of them is the MG3 Trophy Championship concept which is based on the current MG3 production vehicle. The concept model was created to highlight in-house engineering, design and calibration capabilities of company’s specialists.

Compared to the production car, this one includes tuning of the 1.5 litre, 106 hp (78 kW), MG3 engine, which as a standard produces 136 Nm (100 lb-ft) torque. After the boost, the unit can achieve a max power output of 204 hp (150 kW) and 260 Nm (192 lb-ft) of torque. The body of the vehicle has also undergone a full body-lightening programme.

Furthermore, the Trophy concept also includes limited slip differential, a fully adjustable Macpherson strut front set up with bespoke rear anti roll bar, adjustable front splitter and twin plain adjustable rear spoiler. As mentioned, the Trophy Championship concept was previewed at the MG90 event last weekend. The aim was to gauge potential demand for an MG Trophy race vehicle.

MG3 Trophy Championship Concept Technical Specifications:

Source: MG

June 30, 2014

2014 Volkswagen Beetle Gets New Premium Package

2014 Volkswagen Beetle was introduced to the market in the beginning of the year. The car is equipped with direct-injected 1.8T which has replaced the previous 5-cylinder 2.5 liter one. The unit produces a maximum of 170 hp (127 kW) and 249 Nm (184 lb-ft) of torque at 2,750 rpm. The powerplant is also economical and returns 33 mpg on the highway. It can be mated with five-speed manual gearbox or six-speed automatic. Other innovations for MY2014 include the new electric power steering.

From July, those who are looking to get a 2014 Beetle will have a new option to consider: the Premium Package. The pack is offered on both Coupe and Convertible trims equipped with the aforementioned engine or the TDI Clean Diesel engine. The Premium Pack adds features new to the Beetle, as well as equipment previously only available on the Beetle R-Line trim.

To be more precise, the front will get Bi-Xenon automatic headlights, which will light up the way of the car. Three exterior color options are new and come exclusively with the pack. They are namely: Oryx White, Platinum Gray and Deep Black.

The Premium Beetle will also get a sport suspension, grey door sills and mirror caps and R-Line bumpers with foglights, and rain-sensing windshield wipers. What rounds out the exterior are the 8″ Disc wheels in Galvano Grey, which are featured in the TDI, and the 19″ Torando wheels in White for the 1.8T.

Inside, the iconic Volkswagen is getting also enhanced. Unique seating surfaces with leather inserts and contrast stitching is the first thing one sees when they enter the car. The other new features here are: Climatronic Automatic Climate Control, RNS 510 with navigation and satellite radio, auto-dimming rearview mirror, Fender Sound System and iPhone 5 cradle.

2014 Volkswagen Beetle with Premium Package has a starting price of $27,355 USD.

Source: Volkswagen

June 30, 2014

2014 Mercedes-Benz E 300 BlueTEC Hybrid – 1,968 km on a Single Tank of Fuel

Although the extremely-efficient 2014 Mercedes-Benz E 300 BlueTEC Hybrid didn’t set a world record on a single tank of fuel, it managed to complete an epic journey from Africa to the UK.

The travel took Andrew Frankel (a British journalist) from Tangier in Northern Africa to the UK. He visited two continents, four countries and three time zones in a total time of 27 hours on the road, which he shared with a relief driver. Andrew arrived at Goodwood in time for its appearance at the Festival of Speed. He covered a total of 1,968 km (1,223 miles) without refueling.

What is more, on arriving the fuel gauge was yet to register empty, the car estimated an available range of 160 km (100 miles). This results in a range of 2,129 km (1,323 miles) on a single tank of fuel.

2014 Mercedes-Benz E 300 BlueTEC Hybrid is powered by a 2.1 liter four-cylinder diesel – 204HP (150 kW) at 4,200RPM and 500Nm (370 lb-ft) of torque at 1,600RPM. There is also an electric motor mounted within the 7G-TRONIC PLUS automatic transmission (26HP). The combined power is 230HP (169 kW). 0-100 km/h in 7.5 seconds and a top speed of 242 km/h (150 mph). The big family saloon can achieve a fuel consumption of just 4.2 liters / 100 km with emission of 109 g/km of CO2. The curb weight is 1,845 kg (4,068 lbs).

The E 300 BlueTEC HYBRID is available as a Saloon or an Estate with prices starting from £39,880.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EITiqurE8dc

Source: Mercedes-Benz

June 27, 2014

Ferrari Marks 15 million Facebook Fans with LaFerrari On-board Google Glass Video at Fiorano

Ferrari has published an impressive video clip featuring Raffaele De Simone, Head of Development Ferrari Test Driver behind the steering wheel of the sensational LaFerrari. The on-board video was taken with Google Glass, so don’t expect an ordinary clip.

The footage was recorded to celebrate reaching 15 million Facebook fans. Only 499 units of Ferrari LaFerrari were produced and each of them is priced at $1.7 million (€1.3 million). A track-only FXX version is also expected, which will be limited to just 30 cars. It will be boosted to the epic 1,050HP (772 kW). The range will be also joined by a road-legal LaFerrari Spider expected to cost twice as much as the car in this video. The Spider model will be also built in limited series of just 50 units.

2013 Ferrari LaFerrari is powered by a 6.3 liter V12 with 800HP (588 kW) at 9,250RPM an 700Nm (519 lb-ft) at 6,750RPM. With the help of HY-KERS, the overall power is whopping 963HP and over 900Nm of torque. 0-100 km/h in under 3 seconds, 0-200 km/h in 7 seconds and 0-300 in breath-taking 15 seconds. The engine’s bore and stroke is 94 x 75.2 mm with a compression ratio of 13.5:1 and a specific power output of 128HP / liter. It is connected to a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission and the car has RWD (rear-wheel drive) configuration.

A lap time at Fiorano race track takes 1 minute and 20 seconds – 5 seconds faster than the Enzo and over 3 seconds faster than the F12berlinetta.

Other Special features include a carbon-ceramic Brembo brake system with enormous 398 mm discs up front and 380 mm at the rear axle. They are fitted behind ultra-lightweight wheels with tires measuring 265/30 R19 and 345/30 R20, respectively.

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

Source: Ferrari

June 27, 2014

2015 Ford Focus ST – Officially Unveiled

Ford has officially unveiled the 2015 Focus ST, which is expected to make its official public debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed. The facelifted model comes with a lot of updates including modified exterior, retuned suspension, new engines and a modest makeover for the cabin.

The exterior of 2015 Focus ST boasts new front and rear bumpers, a new front hood and updated headlights featuring HID headlamps standard with ST2 and ST3 trim levels . The car also comes with restyled fog lights and a set of new 18” alloy wheels fitted with low-profile tires. There is also a new exterior color: Magnetic Metallic, which replaces Ingot Silver. Two over-the-top stripe choices now available – Satin Black and High Gloss Red, stripes come with matching mirror skull caps.

The interior features redesigned instrument panel center stack with improved climate controls and new finishes. There is also a new media bin with USB smart charging port, which charges two times faster than previous USB port. Also updated are front door storage places and cupholders. The new flat-bottom steering wheel will provide extra leg clearance for the driver. The options list include: Recaro sport seats, heated steering wheel and eight-way power driver’s seat.

The engine range will include a revised 2.0 liter EcoBoost four-cylinder – 250HP (183 kW) and 360Nm (265 lb-ft) of torque. 0-100 km/h in 6.5 seconds and a top speed of 247 km/h (154 mph). The fuel consumption is impressive – 6.8 liters / 100 km in combined cycle (41.5 mpg UK or 34.5 mpg US) with CO2 emissions of 158 g/km. The result is thanks to a new engine start/stop system. The other new engine is a 2.0 liter TDCi with 185HP (136 kW) and 400Nm (295 lb-ft). 0-100 km/h in 8.1 seconds and a top speed of 217 km/h (135 mph). It will average 4.4 liters / 100 km (64.2 mpg UK or 53.4 mpg US) with CO2 emissions of 114 g/km.

Source: Ford

June 27, 2014

2015 Dodge Ram ProMaster City [video]

Here is a very interesting vehicle – 2015 Dodge Ram ProMaster City. Although you may recognize it as Fiat Doblo, the ProMaster City comes with slightly revised design and best-in-class, functional elements tied directly to commercial customer demand. The model also features strengthened unibody and an increased ride height.

The exterior features a new new front fascia and revised headlights, while inside the working vehicle is pretty basic – a simplified color palette, durable fabric seats and six tie-down rings. The model can be equipeed with a 5” Uconnect infotainment system with GPS navigation and internet connectivity upon request.

The engine range includes a 2.4 liter Tigershark four-cylinder petrol engine – 178HP (137 kW) and 234Nm (174 lb-ft) of torque. It is connected to Chrysler’s 9-speed automatic transmission that promises to deliver best-in-class fuel economy.

2015 Ram ProMaster City also features a best-in-class payload capacity of 854 kg (1,883 lbs) and an unsurpassed towing rating of 2,000 lbs (907 kg). The model also boasts an impressive cargo capacity of 131.7 cubic feet (36.87 m³).

“As businesses strive for lower costs, the demand for a smaller, more efficient van has increased and Ram Commercial is answering the bell with the all-new ProMaster City,” commented Reid Bigland, President and CEO — Ram Truck Brand, Chrysler Group LLC.

“Years ago, the selection of delivery and cargo vehicles was limited and those offerings didn’t focus on cost of ownership. Today all of that has changed with the recent introduction of the full-size Ram ProMaster, and the now the Ram ProMaster City.”, he added.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oRi6FwKyKJQ

Source: Dodge

June 27, 2014

Hennessey 2014 Chevrolet Corvette C7 Stingray HPE700

Hennessey Performance has presented their more powerful HPE700 performance package for the 2014 Chevrolet Corvette C7 Stingray. The sports car comes with a number of performance upgrades as well as some style improvements. The tuning specialists also published an interesting video with the car (below).

2014 Chevrolet Corvette C7 Stingray is powered by a 6.2 liter V8 LT1 – 460HP (343 kW) and 624Nm (460 lb-ft) of torque. 0-100 km/h in 3.8 seconds and a top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph) – electronically limited. The engine is mated to a 7-speed manual gearbox with active rev matching.

The HPE700 performance package includes High Flow Supercharger System, High Flow Cylinder Heads, Custom HPE Camshaft, HPE Air Induction System, All Necessary Gaskets & Fluids, Professional Installation, HPE Engine Management Calibration, Dyno Tuning & Road Testing, Serial-Numbered Dash & Engine Plaques, Hennessey Exterior Badging, Hennessey Premium Floormats, Hennessey Carbon Fiber Door Sills, a 3 Year or 36,000 Mile Limited Warranty. The result is 700HP (515 kW) at 6,300RPM.

Optional upgrades include: Hennessey CarbonAero Rear Lip Spoiler, Side Sills & Front Lip Spoiler; Hennessey Carbon Fiber Door Sill Plates; Hennessey H10 Monoblock Wheel Upgrade; Michelin Pilot Super Sport Tires; Brembo Carbon Ceramic Brake Upgrade; Penske Adjustable Suspension Upgrade; Custom Interior Leather Upgrades; Carbon Fiber Interior Upgrades.

Enjoy!

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z3gdM4eV8IE

Source: Hennessey

June 27, 2014

Arden Range Rover AR 9 Spirit V8 Supercharged

Arden has unveiled their latest project – AR9 Spirit V8 Supercharged based on Range Rover Sport finished in Santorini Black metallic. The stylish SUV comes with a number of upgrades and a sensational price – €159,990.

Arden AR9 Spirit V8 Supercharged comes with a complete wide body kit consisting of a redesigned front and rear bumpers, a new sidebars and extended wheels arches. There is also a new rear apron and a set of enormous 10J x 22” Dakar II rims fitted with low profile tires. The aerodynamics package underlines the dynamic character of Range Rover Sport. The tuning specialists fitted the powerful SUV with a new rear sports silencer with flap control capable of releasing impressive soundtrack from the powerful V8 supercharged engine.

The match the stylish exterior, Arden fitted the interior with a new premium black leather upholstery featuring bright stitching. There are also genuine leather sidecarpets with decorative stitching. In addition the footwell is equipped with the Arden aluminum pedal set and quality suede carpets with leather piping.

The new Range Rover Sport is powered by a 5.0 liter supercharged V8 – 510HP (375 kW) at 6,500RPM and 625Nm (463 lb-ft) of torque at 2,500RPM. 0-100 km/h in 5.3 seconds and a top speed of 225 km/h (140 mph).

Source: Arden

June 27, 2014

Wald International Mercedes-Benz SLK Black Bison (R172)

Wald International has presented their latest tuning project based on the latest version of Mercedes-Benz SLK – the R172 model. It comes with complete Black Bison package including a number of styling upgrades.

The Black Bison package is designed to give the R172 an “overwhelming presence”. The roadster boasts a new front bumper with integrated LED DRLs (daytime running lights) and bigger air intakes. There is also a pair of new aerodynamic side skirts and a new rear bumper with an integrated diffuser. The Black Bison package is priced from ¥464,400 ( around $4,560).

Available as an option is a new carbon fiber rear spoiler for an additional ¥73,440 ($720). The car on the pictures is also fitted with a complete four-tailpipe sports exhaust system and a set of unique alloy wheels fitted with low profile tires. No words about pricing of these upgrades.

Mercedes-Benz SLK R172 is available in four models – 200 CGI, 250 CGI, 350 CGI and 55 AMG. The SLK 200 CGI has a 1.8 liter engine with 184HP (135 kW); the SLK 250 CGI is equipped with also a 1.8 liter engine – 204HP (150 kW); the SLK 350 CGI has a 3.5 liter V6 with 306HP (224 kW) and the SLK 55 AMG is powered by a 5.5 liter V8 with 422HP (310 kW).

Source: Wald International

June 27, 2014

2014 Peugeot 208 GTi 30th Anniversary Limited Edition Revealed!

2014 Peugeot 208 GTi 30th Anniversary Limited Edition was just unveiled at Goodwood Festival of Speed. Unlike we supposed, judging from he teaser image revealed recently, the car is not painted in all-red, but actually features a two-tone paint scheme. The car s based on the 208 GTi, however it delivers a more intense driving sensation because it is equipped with the new Euro6 1.6-litre THP petrol engine that develops 208 hp (153 kW) and 300 Nm (222 lb-ft) of torque. The unit has been mated with a six-speed manual gearbox, it has great traction and efficiency assured through the specification of a Torsen differential, specific suspension and steering settings.

208 GTi 30th proves that it has a sporty temperament. Just look at these figures: the 0 to 100 km/h sprint is covered in 6.5 seconds. Although the performance is great, the achieved efficiency figures are low and CO2 emissions are just 125g/km.

Furthermore, the suspension here has been lowered by 10mm, the track widened by 22mm at the front and 16mm at the rear. Peugeot has also fitted larger wheels to the anniversary edition car. At the front there are grille surround, the fog lamp bezels and door mirror shells finished in matt black.

From the side, the lowered stance is highlighted further by matt black side skirts and wheel arch extensions that cover new 18″ wheels finished with matt black rims. The wheels are coupled with Michelin Pilot Super Sport 205/40 ZR 18 tyres. The front wheels include large red Peugeot Sport brake calipers with 323mm diameter and 28mm thick discs at the front and Brembo fixed four-piston calipers.

The window trim strip are also finished in matt black, while the quarter panel bears a ‘208 GTi 30th logo’. At the rear we see round twin chrome tail pipes. The exterior has been finished in a two-tone and this dual material treatment is innovative and unique. The front is finished in a textured black, contrasting with the new high-gloss red at the rear. The two colours are divided by a sharp oblique straight-cut line. There is another bi-color option: Pearl White and Ruby Red.

Inside, the interior is in perfect harmony with the exterior. The black door handles with a red line echo the seat belts, high-quality floor mats are trimmed in red, while the front bucket seats were trimmed in an exclusive blend of materials, such as Alcantara, black TEP with red stitching and a black dotted mesh pattern with red highlights.

2014 Peugeot 208 GTi 30th Anniversary Limited Edition will be presented to the public at the forthcoming 2014 Paris Motor Show, with sales starting in November.

Source: Peugeot

June 27, 2014

Lamborghini Aventador LP988 Edizione GT by DMC

Lamborghini Aventador LP988 Edizione GT by DMC looks breathtaking not only because it is a Lambo or it has this vibrant red exterior paint, but also because it was refined to the tiniest detail. The German super-car tuner DMC has added to it a package which is dubbed the Edizione-GT or simply E-GT. And despite the conversions, the car is completely street legal. The major work has been done on the body kit and the engine. The exterior has been painted in a special two tone color, and there have been also added a set of forged alloy wheels. The tuning also includes an interior make-over.

To go into details, the body kit comes with new front and rear bumpers, as well as an engine-bonnet replacement that includes a motor cooling air-scoop. There are also new side skirts. Furthermore, the package is defined by the presence of a massive GT-Spoiler that can be manually set to 3 different angles for different aerodynamics.

The package is completed with a full array of tunnels, flaps and diffusers. If you take a look at the pictures (gallery is featured below), you will then see that a lot of carbon fiber has been used for the aforementioned elements. This will definitely save a lot of the weight of the Anentador.

Furthermore, the LP988 has been subject to a Twin-Turbo procedure in combination with a reprogrammed ECU. Now data has been released about the figures, but we are sure that the power improvement will be great. A set of forged alloy wheels and a new kit of suspensions keep the beat on the road and make the Lamborghini stand out further.

At last, the package is finalized with exclusive interior refinements. Inside, one can see Italian fine leathers and of course, a lot of carbon finer. There are plenty of buttons and trims, which are available as a small package. The steering wheel has been also redesigned and adds on to complete a medium package. At last, the whole interior can be redone for the VIP package.

Another interesting fact about this package is that it can’t be just purchased, but it is a limited edition. This means that if you want to can get one you have to first apply before being able to buy. Each unit is strictly limited to only one colour and/or style, making every one of them unique.

Source: DMC

June 27, 2014

Category: Auto News