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Pagani Zonda S 7.3: Taking a Drive with Horacio Pagani [video]

XCAR has published an awesome video featuring Horacio Pagani, who drove Zonda S 7.3. This particular car is the 6^th Zonda ever made by Pagani and the first ever to be exhibited at the Geneva Motor Show. Mr. Pagani explains that even though the hyper car is extremely powerful, it is very nice and easy to drive.

The engine is an AMG-sourced 7.3 liter V12 – 555HP (408 kW) at 5,900RPM and 750Nm (553 lb-ft) of torque at 4,050RPM. The dry weight is just 1,280 kg, so the power to weight ratio stands at 2.3 kg/HP. 0-100 km/h in 3.7 seconds and a top speed of 354 km/h (220 mph).

Pagani has officially ended the production of Zonda and now the manufacturer is focusing on the sensational Huayra.

Enjoy!

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-TZDObzHRc4

Source: XCAR via Youtube

February 5, 2014

Honda Launches Two New Fuel Efficient Civic Models

Honda is launching two new fuel efficient Civic models: 2014 Civic Hybrid and Civic Natural Gas. The cars have been enhanced with a wide range of new standard and optional features for the new model year.

Precisely, as a standard these vehicles add new Display Audio with 7-inch touchscreen that give access to audio, phonebook, media, vehicle information and navigation features. Through the touchscreen the driver can also use the HondaLink application that will allow them access to online and cloud-based content and information both inside and outside the car.

Furthermore, standard on both models is the Expanded View Driver’s Mirror. When this feature is combined with the optional LaneWatch display, it enhances driver’s surrounding view. Added convenience delivers the standard Smart Entry with Push Button Start found only on the Civic Hybrid that allows easy entry and keyless engine starting.

Next, the Civic Natural Gas Leather Navi model gains leather seats, heated front seats, heated side mirrors and a six-speaker audio system. This trim level comes as a standard and is equipped with 5-speed automatic transmission.

On the other hand, for the Civic Hybrid is also offered in three interior variants: Navi, Leather, and Leather Navi. All of them are equipped with continuously variable transmission (CVT).

2014 Honda Civic Hybrid will goes on sale today with a starting price of $24,635 USD, while the 2014 Civic Natural Gas will be available at Honda dealerships from 15th of February with a base price of $26,640 USD.

TRIM	MSRP	EPA Fuel Economy Ratings1 (city/highway/combined)
Civic Hybrid Sedan CVT	$24,635	44/47/45
Civic Hybrid Sedan Navi CVT	$26,135	44/47/45
Civic Hybrid Sedan w/ Leather CVT	$25,835	44/47/45
Civic Hybrid Sedan w/ Leather Navi CVT	$27,335	44/47/45
Civic Natural Gas Sedan 5AT	$26,640	27/38/31‡
Civic Natural Gas Sedan Navi 5AT	$29,290	27/38/31‡

Source: Honda

February 5, 2014

Audi Ultra Models – 136HP, 163HP and 190HP

Audi is expanding its ultra strategy with eleven new models and now the manufacturer has unveiled the new A4, A5 and A6 Ultra models. A new and powerful two-liter TDI will provide 136HP, 163HP or 190HP and will emit just 104 to 119 g/km CO2.

The “ultra” designation stands for sustainable mobility that is fully available for everyday use. With a combined fuel consumption rate of 3.9 to 4.6 l / 100 km (60 to 51 US mpg), the new ultra models from Audi are among the most efficient cars in their segment – without any limitation on the driving dynamics or customary comfort.

The A4 and A4 Avant will be powered by a 2.0 liter TDI with either 136HP (100 kW) and 320Nm (236 lb-ft) or 163HP (120 kW) and 400Nm (295 lb-ft) of torque.

The A5 Coupe and A5 Sportback will be available exclusively with a 2.0 liter TDI – 163HP (120 kW) and 400Nm (295 lb-ft), while the big A6 and A6 Avant will get the 190HP (140 kW) and 400Nm (295 lb-ft) of torque version of the engine.

The three models are set to hit the market later this year with pricing starting from €32,600 for the A4, €37,350 for the A5 and €39,900 for the A6.

	Max. output in kW (bhp)	Max. torque in Nm (lb-ft) at rpm	Acceleration 0–100 km/h (0–62.14 mph) in s	Top speed in km/h (mph)	Fuel consumption (combined) in l/100 km (US mpg)	CO2 emissions in g/km (g/mile)
A4 Sedan 2.0 TDI ultra	100 (136)	320 (236.02) / 1500 – 3000	9.3	215 (133.59)	3.9 (60.31)	104 (167.37)
A4 Sedan 2.0 TDI ultra	120 (163)	400 (295.02) / 1750 – 2750	8.3	225 (139.81)	4.2 (56.00)	109 (175.42)
A4 Avant 2.0 TDI ultra	100 (136)	320 (236.02) / 1500 – 3000	9.6	208 (129.25)	4.2 (56.00)	109 (175.42)
A4 Avant 2.0 TDI ultra	120 (163)	400 (295.02) / 1750 – 2750	8.6	216 (134.22)	4.4 (53.46)	114 (183.47)
A5 Coupé 2.0 TDI ultra	120 (163)	400 (295.02) / 1750 – 2750	8.3	225 (139.81)	4.2 (56.00)	109 (175.42)
A5 Sportback 2.0 TDI ultra	120 (163)	400 (295.02) / 1750 – 2750	8.6	221 (137.32)	4.3 (54.70)	111 (178.64)
A6 Sedan 2.0 TDI ultra	140 (190)	400 (295.02) / 1750 – 3000	S tronic: 8.2 Manual transmission: 8.4	232 (144.16)	S tronic: 4.4 (53.46) Manual transmission: 4.5 (52.27)	S tronic: 114 (183.47) Manual transmission: 117 (188.29)
A6 Avant 2.0 TDI ultra	140 (190)	400 (295.02) / 1750 – 3000	S tronic: 8.5 Manual transmission: 8.7	226 (140.43)	4.6 (51.13)	119 (191.51)

Source: Audi

February 5, 2014

Toyota Introduces 2014.5 Camry Hybrid SE Limited Edition

A new limited edition model will join the current Toyota Camry line-up. It is the 2014.5 Toyota Camry Hybrid SE Limited Edition. The reason for the not so typical model year is that the car will have a production run from February to June this year and will be limited to 5000 units.

Next to its sports styling cues, the vehicle offers 40 mpg EPA city fuel economy. This is due to the Toyota Hybrid Synergy drive. In details, Camry Hybrid SE Limited Edition is powered by a 2.5-liter, four-cylinder engine as well as a hybrid system with nickel metal hydride battery. Both produce a total system output of 200 hp (147 kW).

This limited edition Camry is built on Camry XLE Hybrid’s equipment level. However it adds also some goodies such as exclusive new front fascia, headlights, side rockers, rear valance, rear bumper, rear spoiler, and 17-inch wheels with low profile tires.

The interior of the car has been also enhanced specifically for the car. Inside one can find four-spoke leather-trimmed steering wheel, silver interior trim, instrument panel, center stack trim, and front and rear seats.

The car can be easily distinguished due to the added unique badging. Toyota also offers for this model optional package that will add a moonroof and Display Audio with Navigation and Entune Apps Suite.

2014.5 Camry Hybrid SE Limited Edition will be available in showrooms later this month with an initial price of $27,845 USD.

Source: Toyota

February 5, 2014

Spyshots: Possible Volvo XC90 Caught Winter Testing

Volvo-XC90-Winter-Testing-medium-1 No, this is not the automotive equivalent of a restrained Dr. Lecter. It’s a camouflaged Volvo XC90 doing some snowy tests according to Swedespeed. Spy shots courtesy to the guys at CarPix.

Apparently, there are some similarities to be drawn with the Concept XC Coupe that took over Detroit last month. However, the extra cladding is so thorough that you would be forgiven to think that you are looking at BMW’s X5 series.

The XC90 is set to make an official debut sometime this fall. Volvo are adamant that the original XC90 capabilities will be perfectly preserved (3-rows setups included). Still, the new one will be the first Volvo to use the company’s SPA platform along with the Drive-E (VEA) powertrain layout. Supposedly, XC90s intended for the US market will churn out at the very least 302 hp. Don’t be surprised if they throw in a couple of electric motors as well. Also, Aisin Warner 8-speed transmissions will be coming as standard.

Volvo-XC90-Winter-Testing-medium-2

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February 4, 2014

Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead Coupe Bespoke Waterspeed Collection Sketch

Rolls-Royve-Phantom-Waterspeed-Collection-shadow Consider this a teaser. It’s a sketch released by Rolls-Royce, previewing their soon-to-hit-the-market Bespoke Waterspeed Collection. That is, 35 Phantom Drophead Coupe’s celebrating a landmark in Rolls-Royce’s history.

On the morning of 1 September 1937, Sir Malcom Campbell was preparing to take on Lake Maggiore (Swiss-Italian border). His goal: a new speed world record on water. He was to man the Bluebird K3 hydroplane, powered by a Rolls-Royce R-Type engine. An audacious speed of 126.32 mph was reached on the first run. The following day he went one better, piloting his craft to 129.5 mph, in doing so emphatically breaking the United States’ five-year stranglehold on the world waterspeed record.

So today, Rolls-Royce are looking forward to commemorate that spirit of innovation and cutting-edge technology. What we know for sure so far is that the Warterspeed Collection will showcase the finest contemporary materials “never used before on a Rolls-Royce furnish”. The cars should be a visual triumphant combination of brushed steel, wood inlays and the color Maggiore Blue.

Further details will be available in the coming months with more insight into the production process.

Source: Rolls-Royce

February 4, 2014

BMW RS/M235i Green Hell by RS-Racingteam

RS-Racingteam-BMW-M235i-Green-Hell-shadow We have a racing car spree on our hands here. This is a very green BMW 2 Series coupe. And it’s not the save-the-planet type of green but more toxic spill green. The guys who have come up with it are from the German-based RS-Racingteam joint (responsible also for this). They’ve called it the BMW RS/M235i Green Hell Edition.

If we push aside the toxic wrapping, the first thing that catches your eye is the 18-inch ATS set of rims (different, BBS ones are also available). They come tailored with either Michelin semi-slicks or with a wet/street set of different tires measuring at 225 or 245 front and back respectively. The overall low stance is due not only to the low tire profile, but also due to the added KW Clubsport coilover kit. The stopping power too benefits from racing Ferodo pads, steel flex tubes and a special sports braking fluid. At the back, there should be two Supersprint tail pipes made of stainless steel

In terns if aerodynamics, the RS/M235i packs a giant GFK rear wing and some bigger vents at the front (better brake ventilation).

The interior has been almost entirely stripped out. Carbon fiber panels on the doors house nothing but hand straps and the power window controls (yes, you still get electric windows). There’s a racing bucket seat behind the three-spoked momo racing wheel. There’s a passenger bucket seats as well. Both house a 6-point belt system. There are no floor mats, a safety cage ensures structural rigidity, and a special in-the-cabin fire extinguisher system can be found in the passenger footwell. The engine and gearbox have had special brackets installed so that you can find them where you left them after a vigorous race.

For that little extra something, you can add some oomph under the hood, but that you’ll have to discuss in person, apparently.

Source: RS-Racingteam

February 4, 2014

Bugatti Pays Tribute To Veyron

Bugatti is celebrating the Veyron at this year’s Salon Rétromobile in Paris. There the visitors will be delighted to see the astonishing Bugatti EB 18/4 Veyron Retromobil design study. The study was shown for the first time at the Tokyo Motor Show in 1999 and since then it hasn’t appear.

As a matter of fact, the supersports car EB 18/4 Veyron marked the start of the production of the fastest car in the world the Veyron 16.4. For the creation of the model Bugatti took as an inspiration the excellent accomplishments in motorsport racing it has achieved. Of course, this can be traced in the design and form of the vehicle, as well as its interior and name.

In 2005 the world saw the launch of Bugatti Veyron 16.4 which awed the world with its 1001 horsepower (736 kW). Five years later Veyron 16.4 Super Sport appeared on the automotive scene, offering a top speed of 431.072 km/h. This top speed still holds the world speed record. The production of both models was limited to a mere 300 units and all have been sold out since 2011.

The current portfolio of the brand includes the roadster Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport, with 1001 hp, and the Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport Vitesse that produces even more power – 1200 hp (882 kW). The latter model holds the title of world’s fastest series production covertible.

The roadsters are also with limited run of 150 units and so far Bugatti has been sold two thirds of them. This means that there are only circa 40 vehicles still available.

Source: Bugatti

February 4, 2014

2015 Mercedes-Benz V-Class – The Best MPV

Mercedes-Benz has announced the 2015 V-Class, which sets new benchmarks in its segment with its design and a host of innovations. The new V-Class combines room for up to eight people and exemplary functionality with the high-class appeal, comfort, efficient driving pleasure and safety. This makes the new V-Class a perfect vehicle for everyone who appreciates great spaciousness but does not want to sacrifice style and comfort.

The engine range includes a 2.1 liter four-cylinder turbodiesel engine – the V 220 CDI – 163HP (120 kW) and 380Nm (281 lb-ft). It is able to return 49.6 mpg UK with CO₂ emissions of 149 g/km. This makes the V 220 CDI an absolute leader in the segment. There is also a V 250 BlueTEC engine – 190HP (140 kW) and 440Nm (326 lb-ft of torque. The top-of-range model is able to return 46 mpg UK and complies with Euro 6 emissions standard. The V 250 BlueTEC is equipped as standard with the 7G-TRONIC PLUS transmission with DIRECT SELECT lever and DIRECT SELECT shift paddles. The convenient automatic transmission is available as an optional extra for the V 220 CDI model.

The standard equipment includes Audio 20 USB with a free-standing 7” central display, three-spoke multifunction steering wheel with 12 function keys and sporty DIRECT SELECT selector lever with steering-wheel gearshift paddles in the case of automatic transmission, a steering column adjustable for height and tilt, luxury front seats with thorax/pelvis sidebags, electric parking brake and active arrest for the rear sliding door.

The V-Class features additional highlights as standard, such as leather seats, leather steering wheel, ambience lighting, wood-look trim (also in the rear), LED High Performance headlamps with Intelligent Light System, separately opening rear windscreen with second loading level, an additional sliding door on the left, laminated glass windows for additional noise reduction, and the AGILITY CONTROL suspension with selective damping system for even better agility and ride comfort.

Source: Mercedes-Benz

February 4, 2014

Ford Unveils Figo Concept In India

2014 Auto Expo in New Delhi marks the debut of the global B-segment compact Ford Figo Concept. The vehicle has been specifically created for India and sports less than four metres length, displays a purposeful presence and aesthetics.

Figo Concept offers more sophistication, fresh design, quality, roomy interior, as well as innovative smart and safe technology. The front trapezoidal grille shapes vehicle’s hood, giving it a powerful stance. At the rear, elongated and blacked-out headlamps contribute towards the more sporty appearance of the model.

The shape of the concept was fine-tuned through hundreds of hours of wind-tunnel testing with the only goal – to improve the aerodynamics and reduce wind noise. This not only ensures quiet ride but also maximises fuel efficiency.

Some of the smart design features are for instance the electrically adjustable power-fold mirrors. They have a flexible architecture that prevents them from being broken off if bumped by another car or motorbike.

Inside, Figo Concept offers spacious cabin filled with many features such as innovative device dock. The latter introduces a new way to store, mount and charge devices like mobile phones, MP3 players and satellite navigation systems, by integrating them into the in-car entertainment system.

Source: Ford

February 4, 2014

Two Colour Edition Models Added To Mazda2 Line-up

2014 Mazda2 Two new ‘Colour Edition’ models will adorn the Mazda2 line-up in 2014. This year the brand is giving the models enhanced visual appeal and standard equipment. Precisely, the Colour Edition models include three unique new exterior colours, and colored alloy wheels, interior colour-coded design cues and generous levels of equipment.

The names of the two new vehicles are ‘Colour Edition’ and ‘Sport Colour Edition’. Their production will be strictly limited to 1,000 units each. They will sport numbered sticker on the dashboard colour-coded to match the exterior paint, plus exterior badges on the front wings and tailgate.

Mazda’s 1.3-litre 75 hp (55 kW) petrol engine is what will power the Colour Edition. The latter also is equipped with 11 items of additional features including 15-inch dark grey alloy wheels, privacy glass and Jet Black door mirror housings and rear spoiler. Specific about the interior here is that it has black seat trim with red piping, a leather steering wheel with remote audio controls, gloss dark grey inserts to the steering wheel and audio panel, Parrot Bluetooth handsfree and body-colour door trim and outer air vents louvres.

Next, the ‘Sport Colour Edition’ hides under its hood the more powerful 1.3-litre 85 hp (63 kW) engine and over Colour Edition model adds 16-inch dark grey alloy wheels, Sports styling kit, Sports headlamps and front fog lights, 6.1-inch Mazda Navigation System with integrated Bluetooth, a trip computer, leather gear knob, electric rear windows, two additional audio speakers and an adjustable speed alarm, side and curtain airbags.

Both of the new models can be ordered in the choice of three finishes: True Red (solid), Crystal White (Pearlescent) and Aluminium Silver (Metallic).

Source: Mazda

February 4, 2014

ABT Audi A4, A5 and Q5 2.0 TFSI – 290HP and 420Nm

ABT Audi A4

ABT Sportsline has presented a new performance package for the Audi A4, A5 and Q5 powered by the 2.0 liter TFSI four-cylinder engine.

“The increase of performance is not only adapted perfectly to the respective model on a dynamometer, thorough testing of the developed engines on the road is part of the service for us as well,” comments Hans-Jürgen Abt, CEO of the worldwide largest tuner of vehicles from the Volkswagen Group.

“Careful development is important to us, and every new engine generation entails higher requirements.”, he added.

The 2.0 liter TFSI is boosted to 290HP (213 kW) and 420Nm (310 lb-ft) of torque, which means 145HP per liter displacement.

There are also tuning options for Audi A4, A5 and Q5: For every model, a suitable aerodynamics package has been provided, comprising exhaust systems, complete wheel sets in various designs, brake systems and chassis components in the product portfolio in order to make one’s own vehicle a bit more individual in design.

Source: ABT

February 4, 2014

Category: Auto News