Auto News – Page 571 – Automobiles Review

Jon Olsson Reveals His Audi RS6 Avant

The professional freeskier and alpine ski racer Jon Olsson has just revealed his new car. And he states in his blog that this is the best vehicle he has driven so far. We are not surprised since it is the 2014 Audi RS6 Avant that was introduced to the general public more than a year ago.

In fact, this Audi model has shown some incredible figures. To be more precise, the car needs only 3.9 seconds to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h, thanks to its brand new ultra-efficient downsized twin-turbo 4.0-litre V8 TFSI powertrain.

Again, the unit is responsible for the 560 hp (412 kW), which is reached between 5,700 and 6,700 rpm, and the 700 Nm (517 lb-ft) of torque available between 1,750 and 5,500 rpm. At the same time this small unit returns 28.8 mpg. The engine is coupled with an eight-speed tiptronic transmission that features shortened shift times and offering ‘Sport’ and ‘Manual’ modes next to the standard ‘Drive’ setting.

2014 Audi RS6 Avant is in fact vehicle for the winter of the Swedish professional freeskier. In fact, the car is currently rolling around Europe, so if you see it, then you should now it’s him. And we assure you that there is no chance of making a mistake, because this Audi has stunning exterior design which is wrapped in white, black and gray camouflage.

What has been done additionally on this RS6, is due to the work of Stertman Motorsport that has featured Milltek exhaust and dumped suspension by H&R. More elements were probably included at a later time, but they haven’t been announced.

The top speed of the production model is 155mph, but we are not sure whether Jon has increased it via the optional Dynamic package or Dynamic plus package to 174 mph and 189 mph, respectively.

Source: Jon Olsson

January 30, 2014

LUMMA Design Introduces Two BMW CLR I Design Concepts

Behind the capitals CLR I the tuners at LUMMA Design have hidden two design studies, which are based on recently released BMW hybrid models. Precisely we are speaking here about the I8 Sports Car and I3 Electric Vehicle.

Although the production design of the models is pretty impressive already, what LUMMA has to offer is also worth reviewing. First of all, the LUMMA CLR I8 Concept is based on the BMW i8 and it is envisioned to include high-tech material carbon. It will be utilized for the front spoiler, side skirts and rear bumper with diffuser.

Completely different here, in comparison to the original I8, are the specially designed wheels and a tailor made stickers. They both feature accents in green that additionally underline the sporty character of the vehicle.

The second tuning program is prepared for the I3. LUMMA CLR I3 Concept comprises of a front spoiler lip, a specially designed hood and side skirts, which are all made of high-strength and ultra-light carbon. What rounds out the sporty appearance of the model is the wheel set in the design of the LUMMA CLR 22.

Source: LUMMA Design

January 30, 2014

Lamborghini Aventador Is The Black Bull

Lamborghini Aventador is one of the most prominent supercars nowadays and in addition is SR Auto Group’s favorite model to work with. The reason for this is that it looks phenomenal no matter what the upgrades are.

This particular project is called the Black Bull. The designers have selected only the best quality products to enhance the overall persona of the raging Aventador. They have started with the wheels and have given it ADV1s.

Precisely, the wheels used for this project are ADV005 Trackspec SL in the size of 21×9 and 22×12 for the front and the rear respectively, finished in Matte Black Face with Gloss Tint Lip. Then, SR Auto Group installed a PUR Aero carbon fiber front lip and rear wing to give this Lamborghini even more aggressive appearance.

At last, a customized IPE Exhaust System was added. The result is unbelievably stunning looking Aventador ready to hit the streets.

Source: SR Auto Group

January 30, 2014

Tesla Supercharger Network Throughout The US

Tesla-Model-S-medium Positive proof: you can now get in a Tesla Model S and take it across the US without spending a dime for fuel. Thanks to Tesla’s Supercharger network throughout the states, biochemist John Glenney and his daughter was able to make a cross-country road trip without much of a hustle. Objective: being the first to complete the cross country journey relying only on Superchargers

On the 21st of January – in spite of the severe polar vortex that had gripped the states at the time – he made a post on the Tesla Motors Model S forum about how he plans on embarking on the adventure before actually leaving New York and started heading west. Communal excitement ensued:

“Fun to watch history unfolding in real-time!” said one forum commenter, as the Glenneys started updating their progress.

The only two obstacles throughout the trip were a flat tire in New York and a slight case of what we’d like to call “mileage anxiety”. Mr Glenney felt that the charge might not hold between the Newark, NJ and Somerset, PA charging points. (As of now there should be a new Supercharger in Hagerstown, MD effectively eliminating any future worries).

After 2,500 miles and 5 days of travelling, Mr. Glenny’s is convinced that the Tesla is “better than any other touring car [he] has ever had”

Tesla-Model-S-medium-2

Source: Tesla

January 29, 2014

Dodge Viper GTS Heffner Performance Drag Racing [VIDEO]

Heffner-Dodge-Viper-GTS-shadow Heffner-Dodge-Viper-GTS-medium Did you start the day today and think “I want to watch a video of a 650 hp Dodge Viper GTS taking on – with various success – some of the established names in a head-to-head drag race”? Weirdly specific, but luckily, here’s one. It’s a Viper GTS which has been touched up by the turbo maniacs, Heffner Performance. The final product shows off 650 hp and a hell of a voice.

Let us break down the video for you. We get to see some close up, off-the-line action of the GTS as it gives a Nissan R35 GT-R a run for its money. Then there’s another round, but this time the foe is an Aston Martin Vantage. We get no closure in either cases because the clip quickly cuts after the initial “go”. All pays off, however, as we get to see a full GTS vs Aventador LP700 showdown. Great start on part of the Viper, but eventually the Lambo becomes too much to handle and the former falls short of victory. Eventually, we get another R35 GT-R competitor (or the same one). Again a great start for the Viper and this time it manages to keep the pole position throughout the race, although it was evident that the Nissan was starting to catch up.

Regardless, drag races are all about acceleration delivered at the right time. Oh, and they are also about the noise, and the smell of rubber… and demolished clutch disks.

httpv://youtu.be/-MzJUhxbeKA

Video source: Gumbal via YouTuve

January 29, 2014

2014 Mazda3 Kuroi Sports Package

Mazda has announced the Kuroi Sports Package for the all-new Mazda3 Hatchback or Sedan. It will be available exclusively for Australia with price tag at $2,678 AUD.

Kuroi Sports Package includes 18” black alloy wheels, new door mirror caps, rear lip spoiler, side skirts and front lip spoiler all with black finish.

“Kuroi” means “black” in Japanese and according to the manufacturer it is the first time when the Mazda3 is being offered with a sports package.

Also new on the compact model is the head-up Active Driving Display along with the MZD Connect system. Clients can now choose from four fresh exterior paints called Deep Crystal Blue Mica, Titanium Flash Mica, Blue Reflex and Soul Red.

The Kuroi kit can be purchased separately.

Source: Mazda

January 29, 2014

2014 Lexus RC F GT500 – Super GT Series

Lexus has presented the new RC-F GT500, which will take place in the 2014 Super GT series. The sports car comes with a number of upgrades including complete aerodynamics package and tuned engine.

The exterior boasts a front lip spoiler, carbon fiber canards and ventilated front fenders. There is also a big rear wing and a massive rear diffuser. Lightweight racing wheels and full-slick tires are also available.

The standard model is powered by a 5.0 liter V8 – 450HP (335 kW) and 518Nm (383 lb-ft) of torque. 0-100 km/h in 4.6 seconds and a top speed of 270 km/h (168 mph). The racing version will be a lot faster than this considering the additional power and the lower weight.

2014 Super GT series start on April 6^th.

Source: Lexus

January 29, 2014

Alfa Romeo 4C Most Beautiful Car of the Year 2013 Says Internet Survey

Alfa-Romeo-4C-shadow Alfa-Romeo-4C-medium Another design award. This time at the receiving end was the Alfa Romeo 4C. The title: “Most Beautiful Car of the Year 2013”. The award was handed at the 29thInternational Automobile Festival after an internet survey gathered the votes of people worldwide.

With 40.70 percent of the votes in favor, the 4C ended up being the undisputed victor among the contestants. Runner-ups included the BMW 4 series (25.55), the Mercedes-Benz CLA (22.15) and the Mazda 3 (11.60).

The International Automobile Festival – started in 1986 Charmonix – has been handing out the “Most Beautiful Car of the Year”award on an yearly basis ever since 1988; when, again, the Alfa 164 took the prize home. The Alfa Brera and the Alfa MiTo also won the hearts of the voters in 2005 and 2008 respectively.

Today the Alfa Romeo 4C is an award favorite. Recently it was proclaimed as the “Car of the Year 2013” by…erhm… the UK edition of FHM magazine. It also won the “Coup de coeur 2013” title at given by the French Automobile Magazine. Even in Germany the 4C headed the Auto Trophy 2013 reader survey conducted by Auto Zeitung.

Source: Alfa Romeo

January 29, 2014

Chrysler 300C John Varvatos Limited Edition Returns For 2014

Chrysler 300C John Varvatos Limited Edition was unboxed officially last year. Now Chrysler is ready to introduce the car for the MY2014 by adding to it an advanced all-wheel-drive (AWD) system. Of course, the car retains its unique John Varvatos design styling characteristics and the unique Phantom Black tri-coat exterior paint with discrete metallic finishes.

Furthermore, the exterior also gets a Titanium-finished grille surround, Titanium Chrome Chrysler “wing” badge, Black Chrome grille blades, larger air inlets and Titanium-finished accents. For the standard model, Chrysler has chosen the 20-inch cast-aluminum wheels, while for the AWD model – 19-inch ones. Titanium day light opening surrounds and mirror caps add to the aggressive stance of the car. Going to the rear, the car sports LED taillamps with blackened detail, titanium dual-exhaust tips, and John Varvatos and Chrysler wing deck-lid badges finished also in Titanium Chrome.

The interior of the 300C John Varvatos LE is made with high-quality materials and features stylish design elements. For instance, John Varvatos’ logos are debossed on the Pewter Metallic leather seats, which were also tailored with unique Diesel Gray and black pattern Varvatos stitching. Specifically designed gauge cluster and clock with Pearlescent White face and Charcoal Black Metallic bezels complement the cabin.

Poltrona Frau black leather with Diesel Gray accent stitching were used for the seats, while the heated steering wheel is decided in Diesel Gray thread and features Titanium Chrome accents and hand-stitching. Titanium, Charcoal Hydrographic Wood and Gloss Black finished interior accents complete the inner look of the model.

2014 Chrysler 300C John Varvatos Limited Edition can be equipped with a choice of tqe powertrains. The first one is the aluminum 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine which produces 292 horsepower (215 kW), while the second one is the 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 that generates 363 horsepower (267 kW) and is fitted with four-cylinder mode Fuel Saver Technology.

New for the 2014 is the intelligent AWD that features an active transfer case and front-axle-disconnect system. If the vehicle doesn’t use the AWD when it is not needed, the system automatically disconnects the front axle and starts delivering better fuel efficiency.

The last highlight regarding this limited edition is that it is equipped with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The gearbox delivers quicker acceleration, smoother shifts and great fuel efficiency due to the addition of three more gear ratios.

Precisely, the number are the following: highway fuel economy – 31 mpg; V-6 all-wheel-drive (AWD) fuel economy – 18 mpg city and 27 mpg highway; combined fuel economy – 23 mpg with RWD, 21 with AWD; city fuel economy – 19 mpg RWD, 18 mpg AWD; overall fuel economy – 19 mpg city and 31 mpg highway with RWD.

2014 Chrysler 300C John Varvatos Limited Edition has a price of $44,480 USD, while the new AWD model comes with a starting price of $46,980 USD.

Source: Chrysler

January 29, 2014

Home Charging Station For 2014 Cadillac ELR

2014 Cadillac ELR electrified luxury coupe which was introduced in the middle of last year is now offering a complementary 240-volt home charging station including the installation to all early customers. The exclusive ELR is a combination of leading technology and provocative design. The model also offers fun-to-drive experience and is foremost eco-friendly.

Cadillac has decided to gift the early buyers with 240-volt home charging station for their new ERL and in addition the technicians at the brand will perform a professional installation of the fastest home-charging unit. The model is equipped with an award-winning range-extended electric powertrain that includes the EREV technology and is capable of 340 miles (545 km) of total range via pure electric driving and range-extending generator.

In addition, what is also new for the 2014 is that the brand offers programmable charging schedules and energy efficiency reports online and through smartphone notification charging alerts. Another highlight is the advanced chassis and suspension systems, including HiPer Strut front suspension, compound-crank with Watts link rear suspension and Continuous Damping Control.

Furthermore, the ELR comes standard with Cadillac Shield, which includes Remote Vehicle Diagnostics, a Premium Care Maintenance program and 24/7 roadside assistance. The luxury car also comes with an extended battery and propulsion warranty of eight years or 100,000 miles.

Source: Cadillac

January 29, 2014

Audi Q3 Gets New S Line Plus Model Line And Engine Range

Audi Q3 SUV will gain for the new year more compact and efficient 1.4-litre TFSI petrol engine alongside a new S line Plus specification option. The new unit substitutes the 140 hp (103 kW) 2.0-litre TDI one but shares its front-wheel-driven configuration.

The SE and S line trim levels will get the engine, which produces 150 hp (110 kW) delivered between 5,000 and 6,000rpm, and maximum torque of 250 Nm (185 lb-ft) from 1,750 to 3,000rpm. The unit transmits the power onto the road via six-speed manual or seven-speed S tronic twin-clutch transmission.

When the SUV is equipped with the first transmission, then it is capable of accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, in 9.2 seconds; while the models with the S tronic cover the same sprint for 8.9 seconds. The top speed is electronically limited to 126 mph. The combined fuel economy here is rated at 47.9 mpg, while the CO2 emissions – at 137 g/km for the 6-speed manual and 145 g/km for the S tronic models.

The Q3 quattro-equipped 2.0 TFSI and 2.0 TDI models will also get S line Plus specification, which will give them 19-inch ‘five segment spoke’ design and privacy glass extending from the B-pillar rearwards. The variants will be also offered with a choice of seven metallic paint finishes – Ice silver, Samoa orange, Monsoon grey, Caribou brown, Platinum beige, Cobalt blue and Glacier white.

Inside, the car is equipped with S line perforated leather and Alcantara, cruise control, Audi’s parking system plus and SD card-based satellite navigation via the 6.5-inch colour display, as well as front sports seats with powered lumbar support, Audi Music Interface, Bluetooth interface and voice control system.

Other exterior equipment details include the Xenon Plus headlights with LED daytime running lights, S line body styling, light and rain sensors, comfort-oriented ‘dynamic suspension’ and S line sports suspension with a 20mm lower setting.

Audi Q3 1.4 TFSI – Trims, Engines and Transmission:

Engine	Trim	Power	Transmission
1.4 TFSI	SE	150PS	Manual
1.4 TFSI	S line	150PS	Manual
1.4 TFSI	SE	150PS	S tronic
1.4 TFSI	S line	150PS	S tronic

Audi Q3 S line plus – Trims, Engines and Transmission:

Engine	Power	Transmission
2.0 TFSI quattro	170PS	Six-speed manual
2.0 TFSI quattro	170PS	Seven-speed S tronic
2.0 TFSI quattro	211PS	Seven-speed S tronic
2.0 TDI quattro	140PS	Six-speed manual
2.0 TDI quattro	140PS	Seven-speed S tronic
2.0 TDI quattro	177PS	Six-speed manual
2.0 TDI quattro	177PS	Seven-speed S tronic

Source: Audi

January 29, 2014

Incoming Kia Soul Snatches Design Award

Kia-Soul-SUV-Pack--iF-Design-Award-shadow The new Kia Soul has been honoured with the iF Product Design. The Track’ster-inspired compact SUV is supposed to be both radiating the genes of its predecessors and the light of the new age.

“The great challenge we faced when designing the second model generation was to preserve the strong, individual character that made the Kia Soul so successful, and at the same time give the design new impulses”, says Peter Schreyer, President and Chief Design Officer of Kia Motors Corporation.

The new Kia Soul is indeed entirely new. No body panel has been shared with the previous generation. Inside you get more leg and head room than before and a more overall luxurious feel. The base platform of the Soul is akin to that of the Cee’d which is pretty dynamic. There are two engine choices: a 1.6-liter 132 PS petrol one and a 128 PS diesel one.

The Soul happens to be the first Kia model which can have its roof in a different-than-the-rest color. Add the “SUV Styling Pack” and you’ll stand out with a distinctive black roof, piano black bumper garnish, side skirts and wheel arches. The award-carrying Soul has was indeed with that pack.

Kia-Soul-SUV-Pack--iF-Design-Award-medium-2

Source: Kia

January 28, 2014

Category: Auto News