Auto News – Page 528 – Automobiles Review

2014 BMW M3 F80 – 0-280 km/h [video]

Here is a video of the new BMW M3 F80 Sedan, which is put on its paces by the owner. The car has just surpassed the 2,000-mile break-in period and the owner from Abu Dhabi, UAE decided to check out how fast it is.

He managed to reach 276 km/h (171.5 mph), but obviously there wasn’t enough road for more. The car is limited to 280 km/h (174 mph) with the optional M Driver’s Package.

2014 BMW M3 is powered by a 3.0 liter TwinPower Turbo Inline six-cylinder – 431HP (317 kW) at 5,500RPM and 550Nm (406 lb-ft) at 1,850RPM. The engine is mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox as standard. 0-100 km/h in 4.3 seconds and a top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph) or an optional 280 km/h (174 mph). The acceleration is even better, when fitted with the optional 7-speed ///M DCT – 4.1 seconds to 100 km/h. The new M3 is able to cover 100 km with just 8.8 liters of fuel in the combined cycle with the manual transmission and 8.3 liter with the DCT.

Other highlights include a modified MacPherson strut front and multi-link rear suspension by using lightweight components. Both cars ride 18” alloy wheels fitted with 255/40 R18 front and 275/40 R18 rear tires, while there is a set of 19” rims available as an option.The manufacturer will also offer ///M carbon ceramic brake system.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vGJZ8b3PLec

Source: Bimmerpost

May 7, 2014

Maserati GranTurismo MC Centennial Edition Shows Pure Italian Style

Maserati GranTurismo MC Centennial Edition was introduced a month ago at the New York International Auto Show. With it the company adds to its unique high quality product range. Maserati is currently reaching into new high-potential markets because of the great demand for Italian style and performance. The new GranTurismo models are an embodiment of this technological and design philosophy.

GranTurismo MC Centennial Edition is powered by the revered 454 horsepower (334 kW), 4.7 liter V8 engine. The car is being offered in Coupe and Convertible derivatives. What immediately catch the eye are the new three special ‘three-layer’ color schemes that were added to the four already available for the GranTurismo MC.

In addition, there is a wide choice of wheels, with four special finishes for the MC and Trofeo designs. At the center of the wheels appears the medal-shaped centenary logo. The latter is available in two finishes: matte Smoke grey and Charcoal grey.

For the interior of the cars is used black leather for the seats, dashboard and steering wheel. They are also strikingly offset by the red, white and blue of the full-length seat profiles and also include stitching in a color that mimics that of the laser engraved details on the wheels.

Of course, carbon fiber can also be seen inside. It was utilized for the fittings on the dashboard, seat surrounds and a kick panel where the centenary logo takes place. GranTurismo MC Centennial Editon range will be available alongside the current line-up. Sales are scheduled to start in July 2014.

Source: Maserati

May 7, 2014

Kahn Range Rover Vesuvius Evoque RS250

Kahn Range Rover Vesuvius Evoque RS250 is undoubtedly attractive and distinctive. Not only because it is an Evoque, but also because it was for a period of time it was in the hands of the talented British tuners at A. Kahn Design. Basically, company’s philosophy is to always give customers what they want. Therefore, this was the case with this vehicle. And we must confirm that it looks simply luscious from every single angle.

First of all we see that it was completed with Kahn lettering on the bonnet’s leading edge. As a true Evoque, this vehicle has distinct and seductive proportions, complemented by the brand new wheels and bright exterior color.

The range of enhancements at the front includes a front grille with 3D mesh, front grille vents, front bumper grille inner, LED daytime running lights for the front bumper vents, front headlight detail, brake calipers, front bumper centre section graphic and front bumper replacement with integrated vents which includes 3D mesh inserts.

At the sides, the designers have added side sill trim and door entry sill plates in stainless steel, while at the rear we see lower boot lid spoiler, rear bumper replacement with integrated vents, rear boot lid trim.

Kahn’s work is also recognizable inside, where the front and rear seats were completed with a desirable trim. There is also included diamond/quilted centre glove box with contrast stitching, transmission tunnel in leather with contrast stitching, speedo & rev counter dials, diamond/quilted four door armrests with stitching, centre console in carbon fibre, high quality heavy duty carpet floor mats, diamond gear selector and vented foot pedals in machined aluminum.

Source: A. Kahn Design

May 7, 2014

2015 Chevrolet Impala Bi-Fuel CNG Goes On Sale

2015 Chevrolet Impala Bi-Fuel CNG is going on sale this summer as promised. The car was introduced last year and is the industry’s only manufacturer-produced full-size sedan in North America that can run on both compressed natural gas (CNG) and gasoline. The car is offered in either an LS base trim or a higher-equipped LT trim. This Chevrolet was created in order to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the OPEC Oil Embargo – The National Summit on Energy Security.

The vehicle is available only with a 3.6L hardened engine with hardened valves and valve seats. This will deliver more wear resistance and durability with the CNG fuel system. The CNG tank is mounted in the trunk. It has an equivalent capacity of 7.8 gallons of gasoline, which means that it is expected to offer approximately 150 city miles of range on compressed natural gas. Gasoline and compressed natural gas combined will offer an expected range of 500 city miles.

Natural gas is one of the cleanest-burning fuels currently available. The vehicles that run on CNG produce fewer greenhouse gas emissions than gasoline-powered cars. In addition, it will also help customers reduce fuel costs next to the reduction of the greenhouse gas emissions.

Primarily, the Impala runs on CNG. When the fuel tank is depleted, the system automatically and seamlessly switches to run on gasoline. Those who want to change fuels while driving can do so by simply pushing a button on the dashboard. This button utilizes LED light to indicate when CNG is being used.

2015 Chevrolet Impala Bi-Fuel CNG has a starting price of $38,210 USD.

Source: Chevrolet

May 7, 2014

Fiat Releases Punto Jet Black 2 Limited Edition

2014 Fiat Punto Jet Black 2 is the latest limited-edition model of the brand. It offers unique and instantly recognizable looks, rides on 17-inch alloy wheels and is equipped with sports suspension. The interior of the car is also different from those of the production one – it includes refinements such as climate control, cruise control and Blue&Me connectivity as standard. Jet Black 2 is powered by a 77 hp 1.4-litre petrol engine.

This new limited-edition Punto features distinctive looks and also offers high level of standard specifications. The car is available as a three-door only and is finished in Crossover Black metallic paint.

Furthermore, the black theme continues through the dark tinted rear privacy glass and smoked, 12-spoke, 17-inch alloy wheels that come as a standard. In addition, also in body-color are the side skirts and the matching rear spoiler. The sports suspension, front fog lights, special side stripes and a tailgate logo complete the bespoke look.

Inside, the car also benefits from additional equipment. For instance there is a new leather steering wheel and gear knob. Also added for more convenience are the automatic climate control and cruise control.

On the other hand the standard safety features include rear parking sensors, adaptive cornering fog lights; five airbags and voice-controlled, Blue&Me Bluetooth multimedia connectivity. At last but not least, this Fiat is driven by the 77 hp (57 kW) 1.4-litre petrol engine fitted with Start&Stop as standard.

Source: Fiat

May 7, 2014

Skoda Citigo Active Pro and Expedition Editions

Skoda Nederland is going to offer Active Pro and Expedition Editions of the popular Citigo. Both models come with some minor upgrades and offer more value for money.

First the Citigo Active Pro can be had both as a 3- and 5-door variant with a a 1.0-liter GreenTech engine – 60HP (44 kW). It comes fitted with AC system including pollen filter and Funky radio system with CD/MP3 support. There is also a special Haydn Blue fabric upholstery matched with the blue accents on the air vents and center console.

Citigo Active Pro is priced at €9,660 for the 3-door and €9,990 for the 5-door model.

Second is the Citigo Expedition, which is more expensive and available only with five doors. It can be distinguished by its black plastic mouldings on the wheel arches, side skirts and roof, together with 14” silver Apus alloy wheels. The interior boasts stainless steel door sills and blue accents for the dashboard and seats. The Expedition builds on the Active Pro.

Skoda Citigo Expedition is priced at €11,990 for the 60HP (44 kW) model and €13,750 for the CNG motor with 68HP (50 kW).

Source: Skoda

April 30, 2014

Holden Commodore and Ute Storm Editions

Holden has introduced the Commodore and Ute Storm Editions specially for Australia. Both models come with some nice styling upgrades for the exterior and interior.

Outside, the Storm Special Edition can be distinguished by new fog lights, more chrome trim elements and a set of unique 18” alloy wheels fitted with low profile tires. The interior boasts some carbon fiber trim elements, red accent stitching and Storm badging on the dashboard. Last, but not least is the MyLink premium infotainment system with GPS SAT NAV.

The engine range includes two variants: an entry-level SV6 Storm with a 3.6 liter V6 delivering 281HP (210 kW) and 350Nm (258 lb-ft) of torque and the powerful SS Storm model with a 6.0 liter naturally aspirated V8 – 362HP (270 kW) and 530Nm (390 lb-ft) of torque.

If you want more power, you can always order the Walkinshaw Performance package boosting the V8 engine to621 HP (457 kW) and 780 Nm (575 lb-ft). There is even more powerful variant – has 675 HP (497 kW) and 955 Nm (704 lb-ft) of torque. The pricing for the additional power starts from $18,990 AUD.

There are no words about pricing for the Storm Special Edition models.

Source: Holden

April 30, 2014

BMW Shows Six Public Service Vehicles At RETTmobil

BMW X3 Paramedic Vehicle is to be presented at the RETTmobil show. The latter is the leading European trade fair for emergency services and mobility. It delivers a great informational platform for paramedics, rescue services and firefighters, as well as public services. Of course, as one of the leading manufacturers, BMW has also prepared an extensive range of special special-purpose vehicles. They are practical and purposefully designed and meet the highest standards in terms of performance, practicality, safety, cost efficiency and fuel economy.

The highlight of the show is the BMW X3 Paramedic Vehicle, which is based on the BMW X3 xDrive20d. It will offer the medical services its iconic credentials of robust agility, dynamic performance and extensive interior adaptability.

Two powerful and fuel-efficient two-liter turbodiesel engines come as a choice: They develop 190 horsepower (140 kW) and deliver and average fuel consumption of just 5.4–5.0 l/100 km (52.3–56.5 mpg).

The next highlight is the BMW X5 high-performance emergency vehicle, based on the BMW X5 xDrive30d. It is equipped with intelligent all-wheel-drive system and 8-speed Steptronic transmission, and is powered by a 3.0-litre six-cylinder in-line diesel engine.

The powertrain is rated at 258 hp (190 kW) and torque of 560 Nm (413 lb-ft). This ensures that this paramedic vehicle wastes no time getting to the scene of an emergency. Other special highlights here include the high seating position and precise, light-action steering, outstanding spaciousness, extensive interior adaptability and an automatic tailgate.

The other four vehicles that are to be introduced at RETTmobil, are the BMW M235i paramedic vehicle, BMW X1 xDrive20d fire command vehicle, BMW 325d Gran Turismo covert emergency vehicle and at last, but not least- the new BMW R 1200 RT motorcycle.

Source: BMW

April 30, 2014

2015 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Crew Cab Special Service Vehicle

2015 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Crew Cab Special Service Vehicle (SSV) is joining company’s police vehicle line-up. It will go on sale this summer and will offer the same capabilities, efficiency and durability which are attributed to the award-winning Silverado 1500. However it will be equipped with special features designed for police use. The SSV package is to be offered in two trims: 1WT and 1LS. As a basis, Chevrolet has used the Silverado 1500 Crew Cab.

The truck is equipped with the 5.3L EcoTec3 V-8, which produces at 355 horsepower (260 kW) and delivers EPA-rated fuel economy of 23 mpg highway. The engine is available with E85 capability. There is also a choice of 2WD or 4WD models with the standard 6’6” pickup box or a shorter 5’8” box.

In addition, the Silverado SSV comes equipped with a standard 170-amp high-output alternator and 730-CCA auxiliary battery. This will allow officers to operate lights, radios, computers, cameras and other equipment while parked with the engine turned off.

Furthermore, SSV also sports 110-volt outlet for equipment, and comes standard with electrical power supply for four upfitter switches located on the center stack. Daytime running lamps delete, wiring for grille, lamp and sirens, flasher system for headlamps and taillamps and the rear-vision camera are offered as an option.

Inside, the crew cab is fitted with a vinyl rear seat along with large rear doors. Other available interior options comprise of front center seat delete, an auxiliary dome lamp and an electronic four-wheel drive switch located on the dash. Chevrolet will also offer ship-through options for the upfit of light bars, sirens, partitions and additional aftermarket equipment.

Source: Chevrolet

April 30, 2014

Lamborghini Huracan Verde Mantis Paint

Lamborghini Huracan LP610-4 is a truly spectacular vehicle, but if you match it with a Verde Mantis poison electric green paint, it becomes sensational. Here is such model photographed recently in Marbella, Spain.The successor of Lamborghini Gallardo has no less than 1,500 orders since its debut at the 2014 Geneva Motor Show. The first deliveries are expected in the beginning of the spring.As a reminder, the engine is a 5.2 liter V10 – 610HP (448 kW) and 560Nm (413 lb-ft) of torque. 0-100 km/h in 3.2 seconds, 0-200 km/h in 9.9 seconds and a top speed of 325 km/h (202 mph). The model also has an engine start/stop system which enables the car to average 12.5 L/100km (18.8 mpg US / 22.5 mpg UK) with CO2 emissions of 290 g/km. The engine is connected to a 7-speed dual clutch transmission and an all-wheel drive system.Three modes of operation (STRADA, SPORT and CORSA) will decide the throttle and gearbox response, the sound quality, and the stability control and the AWD system behavior. Optionally, if you go plan on being really hardcore about it, you can get the “Lamborghini Dynamic Steering” variable steering ration system and magneto-rheologic (no idea) suspension damper control.

April 30, 2014

2014 Mansory Range Rover Sport Gets Full Carbon Fiber Treatment

2014 Mansory Range Rover Sport is a very special vehicle, which due to carbon fiber optimizations has been made lighter than ever. As a matter of fact, the tuners at the design studio Mansory have developed an entire kit modeled from this light-weight material. And we must confirm that it also adds more sophisticated look to this iconic Land Rover model. In addition, the vehicle has been enhanced from the inside as well. And this includes both the interior and engine.

First of all, the aero kit comprises of fender extensions, which add a total of 30mm to each corner. This allows the mounting of much wider wheel and tire combination. As a result, this refined Range Rover Sport runs on diamond polished 22 inch alloy wheels. They were coupled with Vredestein Ultrac Vorti tyres in the dimension of 305/35 ZR22.

The second element is the brand new front spoiler, which includes a LED DRL system. Next come the carbon fiber radiator grille, sideskirts, carbon fiber hood, carbon fiber rear spoiler, and a carbon fiber roof spoiler.

Inside, this Range Rover sort boasts a new interior trim made of carbon fiber, wood, piano lacquer and Alcantara. At last, the power of the LR-SDV8 4.4 liter turbodiesel engine was enhance to from 340 hp (250 kW) to 410 hp, while the maximum torque – from 700 Nm (515 lb-ft) to 770 Nm (570 lb-ft).

Source: Mansory

April 30, 2014

Vorsteiner Is Working On Mercedes-Benz G63 AMG

Vorsteiner Mercedes-Benz G63 AMG is a pure muscular off-roader. It is equipped with the monstrous 5,461 ccm V12 biturbo unit beneath the massive engine hood. The power of the engine is rated at 612 hp (450 kW) and draws from a maximum torque of 1000 Nm (738 lb-ft). G63 AMG is the perfect example of how an antiquated German cross country vehicle can still look modern in today’s evolving automotive design. And Vorsteiner has definitely contributed towards that.

The vehicle still carries its authentic 35 year old styling. However, this G-wagon has been refreshed with Vorsteiner’s 22” VSR-163 Forged Monoblock wheels in Matte Brushed Shadow finish. They have been used for both front and rear.

The wheels have been fitted with a set of Pirelli Scorpion Zero tires in the appropriate dimension of 305/35/22. Vorsteiner still continues working on the vehicle and promises to add to it an aero kit.

The design studio has announced “behind the scenes” that this breathtaking G-wagon will be fitted with a carbon fiber front lip and rear spoiler. This of course will further reinforce the militaristic appearance of the G-Class. So we are expecting more info and images from the working process!

Source: Vorsteiner

April 30, 2014

Category: Auto News