Auto News – Page 538 – Automobiles Review

Skoda Introduces SE Business Range

Skoda SE Business range of vehicle has just been launched. The 2014 suite of vehicles offers comprehensive specifications, class-leading space and versatility. The cars have been specifically tailored to suit business applications. Skoda is offering a choice of 19 stylish variants from the Octavia and Superb hatch and Estate to Yeti Outdoor off-road crossover model.

The SE Business line-up is equipped with package that comprises of state-of-the-art technology and safety equipment, next to ‘Amundsen’ touchscreen satellite navigation system with DAB radio, Bluetooth, dual zone air conditioning and cruise control, ESP, driver and passenger airbags and ABS.

Furthermore, the fuel economy of the vehicles has been enhanced by the introduction of stop/start system and low rolling resistance tyres. Two highly-efficient 1.6 and 2.0-litre TDI CR DPF diesel engines are available. These include the GreenLine II and III powerplants which deliver CO2 emissions as low as 85g/km with an impressive combined fuel consumption estimated at 88.3 mpg.

Skoda SE Business range:

Model	mpg g/km	CO2
Octavia hatch SE Business
1.6 TDI CR 105PS DPF	74.3	99
1.6 TDI CR 105PS DSG	72.4	102
1.6 TDI CR 110PS DPF GreenLine III	88.3	85
2.0 TDI CR 150PS DPF	68.9	106
2.0 TDI CR 150PS DSG DPF	62.8	119

Octavia Estate SE Business
1.6 TDI CR 105PS DPF	74.3	99
1.6 TDI CR 105PS DSG DPF	70.6	104
1.6 TDI CR 110PS DPF GreenLine III	88.3	85
2.0 TDI CR 150PS DPF	67.3	110
2.0 TDI CR 150PS DSG DPF	62.8	119

Superb hatch SE Business
1.6 TDI CR 105PS DPF GreenLine III	67.3	109
2.0 TDI CR 140PS DPF	61.4	119
2.0 TDI CR 140PS DSG DPF	54.3	135

Superb Estate SE Business
1.6 TDI CR 105PS DPF GreenLine III	65.7	113
2.0 TDI CR 140PS DPF	61.4	119
2.0 TDI CR 140PS DSG DPF	54.3	137

Yeti Outdoor SE Business
1.6 TDI CR 105PS DPF GreenLine II	61.4	119
2.0 TDI CR 140PS 4×4 DPF	48.7	152
2.0 TDI CR 140PS 4×4 DSG DPF	44.8	164

Source: Skoda

April 8, 2014

Ford Reveals S-MAX Vignale Concept

Ford S-MAX Vignale Concept has been unveiled today in Milan. The new model follows the introduction of the Ford Mondeo Vignale Concept and just like it expresses the premium design, craftsmanship, and exclusivity. In addition, Ford also announced that a production version of the Mondeo Vignale will be available to customers next year followed by a production S-MAX Vignale.

S-MAX Vignale Concept runs on 21-inch Vignale alloy wheels with fine detailing and high quality finish. The car also boasts jewellery-like appliques and chrome mirror caps, distinctive hexagonal Vignale grille design; and unique “Milano Grigio” paint colour.

The car is decided in “Milano Grigio” paint finish, while Dark Rose Grey detailing is to be found in the exhausts, hexagonal air-vent surrounds, and the lower front fascia. The grille features a darker matt metallic finish with polished aluminium surround.

Inside, Vignale-embossed seating with hexagonal quilting and high-quality and soft-touch leather enhanced with woven texture-embossed aluminium detailing is present. Some of the technology highlights include advanced car-to-car communications, tablet device-docking stations for second row seats and an intelligent flexible seating concept with thin seat technology.

Leather extends from the dashboard and instrument panel to sweep past the glass roof to the rear luggage compartment in a single colour that creates a lounge-like environment. The seats feature quilting effect which we have first seen in the Mondeo Vignale Concept.

Source: Ford

April 8, 2014

BMW 7-Series F02 Horse Edition for China

BMW has announced a 7-Series F02 Horse Special Edition for China, which is expected to be exhibited at the 2014 Beijing Motor Show starting on April 20^th. The German manufacturer has already presented the exclusive M5 and M6 Gran Coupe Horse Edition, now it is turn to the luxurious flag-ship.

2014 BMW 7-Series F02 Horse Edition is specially developed to celebrate the year of the horse. It is based on the 740Li xDrive (long wheel base and all-wheel drive) and can be finished in some the exclusive color schemes: a metallic Black Sapphire, Moonstone, Citrine Black paint or with this pictured Ruby Black hue.

Other features coming as standard include the ///M-Sport kit featuring a complete aerodynamics package (front and rear bumpers, a new diffuser and side skirts). There is also a set of big 19” ///M alloy wheels fitted with low-profile tires. Other goodies are complete Shadowline trim as well as LED headlights and a rear chrome strip with “limited edition” lettering.

The interior boasts Comfort seats with ventilation and heating, rear seats with massaging function, an Anthracite roof liner and the Chinese character for horse embroidered in the front headrests.

The engine is a 3.0 liter TwinPower turbo I6 with 326HP (240 kW) and 450Nm (333 lb-ft) of torque. 0-100 km/h in 6.0 seconds and a top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph).

No words about pricing!

Source: BMW

April 8, 2014

Mercedes-Benz S-Class Cabriolet [render images]

Mercedes-Benz has recently announced the all-new 2015 S-Class Coupe, which replaced the well-known CL-Class. Of course, good ideas about reworking of the model started to emerge immediately. Here is one – S-Class Cabriolet materialized by the Malaysian designer Theophilus Chin. Of course, the project is based on the S-Class Coupe, which had its roof chopped and replaced by soft-fabric.

There is a new fashion in car industry to create Coupe-Cabriolets, which is very successful, but the hardcore fans of Cabriolets still appreciate to cloth roof rather than metal. There are no other differences except the possibility of altering the angle of the windshield. If the S-Class Cabriolet happens, it will be the biggest one ever produced from the German manufacturer. It will be also a direct rival of the spectacular Bentley Continental GT Convertible.

2015 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Coupe was presented at the 2014 Geneva Motor Show. It is 5,027mm long, 1,899m wide and 1,411mm tall, with a 2,495mm wheelbase. The sales are expected to begin in the second half of this year. Initially only an S500 Coupe model will be available. It will be powered by a 4.7 liter V8 bi-turbo engine with 455HP (335 kW) and 700Nm (516 lb-ft). Of course, a lot other models are expected including the super-powerful S 63 AMG and the monster S 65 AMG with over 600HP and 1,000Nm of torque.

April 8, 2014

BMW 3-Series and 4-Series Scored at 2014 Annual Magazine Awards

BMW has once again took several awards from Automobile Magazine in the US. This time the winners are the 2014 BMW 3 Series Sedan and all-new BMW 4 Series Coupe. As the segment leader since its launch in 1977, the BMW 3 Series has now collected nearly 20 of Automobile Magazine’s awards. The BMW 4 Series Coupe is now also recognized as an All-Star in its inaugural year.

“The BMW 3 Series is a perennial Automobile Magazine All-Star award winner, with this being its eighteenth year on the list. For 2014, the 3 Series name refers to four-door models, while coupe and convertible versions get the 4 Series badge. The 3 Series/
4 Series sums up a lifetime of automotive hopes and dreams for generations of American automotive enthusiasts.”, noted the editors at Automobile Magazine.

The awards will be presented during the 2014 New York International Auto Show, which will showcase the full range of BMW 3-Series and 4-Series models including the new 4-Series Gran Coupe which makes its North American debut.

BMW of North America, LLC has been present in the United States since 1975. Rolls-Royce Motor Cars NA, LLC began distributing vehicles in 2003. The BMW Group sales organization is represented in the U.S. through networks of 339 BMW passenger car and BMW Sports Activity Vehicle centers, 139 BMW motorcycle retailers, 119 MINI passenger car dealers, and 35 Rolls-Royce Motor Car dealers.

Source: BMW US

April 8, 2014

Peugeot Exalt Concept at the 2014 Beijing Motor Show

Peugeot has published two images of the the Exalt four-door Coupe Concept ahead of its official premiere scheduled for 2014 Beijing Motor Show in China. The stylish vehicle comes with a lot of nice technologies and innovations. The manufacturer teased this concept back in January and they said it would serve as a follow-up for the Onyx concept.

Peugeot Exalt Concept comes with a Hybrid4 powertrain featuring a petrol engine and an electric motor working together and having a combined output of 340HP (250 kW). Probably it will come with a rear-wheel-drive (RWD), which will be a lot appreciated by the sport Peugeot fans. The acceleration is expected to be somewhere around 5.5 seconds for 0-100 km/h and the top speed 250 km/h (155 mph) – electronically limited. Hopefully, they fit an LSD (limited-slip differential) for extreme fun.

The Exalt is described as an “association of crude steel and an efficient textile, Shark Skin, inspired by the structure of shark skin”. There are no images of the interior, but there will be a lot of luxurious materials including fine leather, raw steel and ebony wood.

The Peugeot Exalt Concept will make its public debut on April 20^th during the press day of the 2014 Beijing Motor Show.

Source: Peugeot

April 8, 2014

Mansory Mercedes-Benz SLR Renovatio – Price €219,000

Here is a very interesting offer for tuned Mercedes-Benz SLR. The Mansory SLR Renovatio is now available to buy for no less than €219,000. The car has only 25,000 on the clock and is in mint condition.

The exterior is finished in nice silver paint and features a lot of carbon fiber elements like new front spoiler add-ons, carbon fiber inserts on the front hood, and grills on the front fenders. There is also a new carbon fiber diffuser and a lip spoiler made from the same material. The interior also comes with a number of carbon fiber elements including gear lever, steering wheel and center console moldings.

The engine is not tuned – a 5.4 liter supercharged V8 with 626HP (460 kW) at 6,500RPM and 780Nm (580 lb-ft) of torque at just 3,250RPM. 0-100 km/h in 3.4 seconds and a top speed of over 322 km/h (200 mph). The engine is connected to an AMG Speedshift R 5-speed automatic transmission with three manual modes.

SLR stands for “Sport Leicht Rennsport” (Sport Light Racing). The manufacturer built only 3,500 units with annual production of just 500 car. So, if you like the legendary SLR and particularly its tuned version by Mansory, the price for this unit is very reasonable.

Source: Mobile.de

April 8, 2014

2014 Mercedes-Benz SL 400 – Price €97,282

Mercedes-Benz has announced the pricing of the all-new 2014 SL 400. The stylish roadster is a successor of SL 350 and comes with an new engine and some other nice technologies. These include aluminium body and chassis as well as a number of premium extras.

The engine is taken from E-Class 400 – a 3.0 liter V6 twin-turbo with 333HP (245 kW) at 5,250RPM and 480Nm (354 lb-ft) at just 1,600RPM. 0-100 km/h in 5.2 seconds and a top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph). This is 27HP and 110Nm more than its predecessor. The fuel consumption is also improved – 7.3 liters / 100 km on combined cycle (32.2 mpg US or 38.6 mph UK) with CO2 emissions of 172 g/km. The EURO 6 engine is mated to a 7-speed automatic gearbox sending the power to the rear wheels.

Like all BlueDIRECT petrol engines the biturbo engine in the new SL 400 also works with a direct injection system with spray-guided combustion, which Mercedes-Benz was the first car manufacturer to offer in series production. The system pressure is up to 200 bar, the pressure being variably optimised according to the engine’s mapping. Piezo injectors enable optimal mixture formation with up to five injections per power stroke. The third-generation direct injection is supplemented by rapid multi-spark ignition, MSI.

2014 Mercedes-Benz SL 400 is priced from €97,282 (including 19% VAT).

Source: Mercedes-Benz

April 7, 2014

2015 BMW M4 Convertible – US Price $73,425

Although BMW US has scheduled the 2015 M4 Convertible for the summer, the German manufacturer has announced its pricing – $73,425 (including Destination & Handling). The price is considerably higher than that for M4 Coupe, which starts at $65,125. The stylish drop-top will make its official US debut at the 2014 New York Auto Show.

2014 BMW M4 Convertible is powered by a a 3.0 liter TwinPower Turbo six-cylinder engine with 430HP (317 kW) and 550Nm (406 lb-ft) of torque. 0-100 km/h in 4.2 seconds with 7-speed M Double Clutch Transmission and 4.4 seconds with the standard 6-speed manual. The top speed is limited to 250 km/h (155 mph).

Some of the highlights include optional LED technology for the headlights, BMW ///M double-spoke 19” wheels and impressive body kit featuring aggressive front and rear bumpers, side skirts and a new diffuser. The interior boasts all ///M elements like M door sill finishers, an M driver’s footrest, M gearshift lever, M-design circular instruments with white graphics, M leather steering wheel with chrome trim, color contrast stitching and electroplated-look shift paddles paddles (if the M-DCT gearbox is specified).

Other features include Active M Differential, M compound brakes and an M-tuned electromechanical steering system. Options list is long, but most important are the Adaptive M suspension (with COMFORT, SPORT and SPORT+ modes) and M carbon ceramic brakes with gold-painted calipers. The retractable hard top that can be lowered in 20 seconds at speeds up to 18 km/h (11 mph).

Source: BMW US

April 7, 2014

Porsche 911 Turbo Cabriolet by Porsche Exclusive

Porsche 911 Turbo Cabriolet by Porsche Exclusive is a demo vehicle which we have just found at Porsche’s official Facebook page. The brand has published scarce information about the car, but we were delighted to see more than just one picture, which you can view below. The project by Porsche Exclusive is stunning and immediately catches the eye. At first glance, one can see the contrast between the Slate Grey paint job and the red interior.

The 911 Turbo Cabriolet has been fitted with Bi-Xenon main headlights finished in black. They include Porsche’s Dynamic Light System (PDLS) and headlight cleaning system painted. In addition, the powerful exterior presence of this vehicle is further reinforced by the 20-inch 911 Turbo wheels on which it runs. They are painted in high-gloss black.

Furthermore, the company has decided to personalize this cabrio even more by giving it personalised door sill guards made of carbon fiber. But this was not enough for the designers so they decided to illuminate them.

Inside, the interior is wrapped in Garnet Red leather and features decorative stitching in contrasting black. In fact, Porsche have added here its PCM package which comprises of air vents in leather and centre console trim in carbon fiber.

2014 Porsche 911 Turbo Cabriolet made an official debut at Los Angeles Auto Show in November last year. As a matter of fact, it is the most expensive Porsche one can order with a price tag of $193,900 USD.

The car is powered by a 3.8 liter turbocharged flat-six engine, generating up to 560 horsepower (412 kW). It sprints from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.1 seconds on its way to a top speed of 314 km/h (195 mph). The combined fuel consumption in accordance with EU 6 is 9.7 l/100km, while the CO2 emissions are estimated at 227 g/km. s

Source: Porsche via Facebook

April 7, 2014

2014 Dodge Challenger and Charger Get New Scat Pack Stage Kits

2014 Dodge Challenger and Charger can now be modified by their owners via the new Scat packages offered by Chrysler. The performance kits were introduced by Dodge and Mopar last November at the 2013 Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) show in Las Vegas. There are three packages available: Scat Pack 1, Scat Pack 2 and Scat Pack 3 performance stage kits that can be installed at an authorized dealer. The new kits can boost the 5.7-liter HEMI engine up to an additional 58 horsepower and 47 lb.-ft. of torque. Each Scat Pack has a numbered hard badge associated with its performance stage.

The first pack: Scat Pack 1, can boost the engine of the Challenger and Charger up to 18 horsepower and 18 lb.-ft. of torque. This is due to modifications including a Mopar cold-air intake, Mopar cat-back exhaust, and an all-new performance calibrated engine controller.

Scat Pack 2 offers up to a 30 horsepower bump and adds over to the first package new Mopar performance camshaft. At last, the Scat Pack 3 delivers up to 58 horsepower and 47 lb.-ft. of torque through enhanced performance calibration, new Mopar performance CNC-ported cylinder heads and Mopar hi-flow headers.

Scat Pack 1, 2 and 3 performance stage kits are going on sale this spring with a staring price of $2,195 USD.

SCAT PACK 1:

Mopar cold air intake
Mopar cat-back exhaust
Stage 1 performance PCM
Mopar low restriction oil filter
Scat Pack 1 stage kit hard badges

SCAT PACK 2:

Works in conjunction with Scat Pack 1 and features:

Mopar performance camshaft kit: includes camshaft, tiebars, heavy-duty pushrods and gaskets
Stage 2 performance PCM
Scat Pack 2 stage kit hard badges

SCAT PACK 3:

Works in conjunction with Scat Pack 1 & 2 and features:

Mopar performance CNC ported cylinder heads
Mopar hi-flow headers
Mopar hi-flow catalysts
Stage 3 performance PCM
Scat Pack 3 stage kit hard badges

Source: Dodge

April 7, 2014

2014 Citroen c-Quatre VTS for China

Citroen has announced 2014 c–Quatre VTS for China. Essentially, this is a sport version of the Citroen C4. It is available exclusively as a saloon model and is based on the the first generation of the model.The exterior boasts an aggressive body kit including new front and rear bumper skirts as well as a new diffuser housing quad sport exhausts system. There are also new vents on the front hood providing cool air for the 2.0 liter four-cylinder naturally aspirated petrol engine with 150HP (110 kW). Last, but not least is the big rear wing generating more downforce and improving the traction.Other highlights include red racing stripes and big alloy wheels fitted with low-profile tires. The price of 2014 Citroen c-Quatre VTS starts at ¥113,800 (around $18,300) and goes up to ¥135,800 ($22,000).Citroen will also exhibit the all-new DS5 LS-R Concept at the 2014 Beijing Motor Show starting later, this month.The DS5 LS-R Concept has an all-new 1.6 liter turbocharged petrol engine – 300HP (224 kW) and 400Nm (295 lb-ft) of torque. 0-100 km/h in 6.0 seconds and a top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph) – electronically limited. The engine is connected to a sequential gearbox featuring steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters.

April 7, 2014

Category: Auto News