Auto News – Page 577 – Automobiles Review

Porsche 911 Turbo 997 DT1200R – 0-300 km/h in 13.6 seconds [video]

Dragtimesinfo has published a video with world fastest Porsche 911 Tiptronic – the 997 Turbo DT1200R. The sports has 1200HP under the rear hood and accelerates like a lightning bolt.

The DT1200R made two runs – the first one alone and the second versus BMW X6 M PP-Performance Stage 5 – 850HP.

In the first start, the Porsche stopped the clock on 24.932 seconds with 355 km/h on 1 mile mark and 10.992 seconds with 244.9 km/h on ¼ mile. During the second run, the tuned 997 Turbo finished in 23.830 seconds with 316 km/h – according to the information in the end of the clip. Still, in other start the Porsche managed to do 23.669 seconds with 370 km/h.

The official acceleration times are : 0-100 km/h in 2.4 seconds, 0-200 km/h in 5.9 seconds and 0-300 km/h in 13.6 seconds. ¼ mile in 9.6 seconds with 246.74 km/h and 1 mile in 23.669 seconds with 370.75 km/h.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ksKBXgWyTR4

Source: Dragtimesinfo

January 17, 2014

David Brown Automotive: A British Luxury Sports Car Brand With A Debut Model In April

A successful British businessman and car enthusiast, David Brown, is taking on the automotive world with a company baring his name.

David Brown Automotive’s first model – which is to arrive in April this year in a very limited number – is being built from scratch. No badge engineering and no borrowing. Things sound even more promising when you hear that Mr. Alan Mobberley – Chief Designer at Land Rover for 19 years, until 2005 – is leading the way. All the while, the bits that require engineering, have been developed by a company called Envisage Group.

By the looks of things, Mr David Brown seems knows what he’s doing. At the moment, work is being done under the codename “Project Judi”. The way we see it, it is a modern take on the front-engined, RWD classsic sports car:

”…but with modern capabilities and conveniences. This is what I want in a car, but it’s not something anyone really offers. So, I’ve created it myself.” comments Mr. Brown

Can he really pull it off? The car industry is a curios case. Will the David Brown vehicles be on par with the established names such as Bentley, or Rolls-Royce, or Jaguar? No, they will need some pedigree before that. How about sixty years from now then; will David Brown be an established name as are the names of the giants today? It’s food for thought this.

In the mean time, we would like to wish David Brown Automotive some luck.

Source: David Brown Automotive

January 17, 2014

2014 Opel Meriva – Styling updates

Opel has officially unveiled the new 2014 Meriva Facelift at the Brussels Motor Show. The stylish MPV comes with minor exterior upgrades and a new engine.

The exterior boasts a new front grille, some additional chrome trim and new headlights. There are LED DRLs available as an option.

The interior boasts a new IntelliLink infotainment system including 7” display, a new interface and faster CPU. Other features include a USB connectivity and Bluetooth phone connectivity as well as audio streaming and a CD player.

The new engine is a 1.6 liter CDTI – 136HP (100 kW) and 320Nm (236 lb-ft) of torque. It returns 53.4 mpg US or 64.2 mpg UK – 4.4 liters / 100 km with CO2 emissions of just 116 g/km. The new engine replaces the older 1.3CDTI and 1.7CDTI. There is also a new “low-friction” transmission delivering smoother and more precise gear changes.

Source: Opel

January 17, 2014

Nurburgring Trackday: Ferrari 458 Challenge Making Some Noise [VIDEO]

Ferrari-458-Challenge-Video-medium Here’s our nomination for the “Best Original Score” award at the Oscars. We highly doubt it’s going to make the cut, but frankly we don’t care. It’s a Ferrari 457 Challenge producing a brilliant soundtrack around the Nurnburgring in Germany.

It’s videos like these that remind us what a tiresome life gearheads around the world are leading. Someone actually had to put this (road-illegal) Ferrari on a semi-trailer, tow it to the track, unload it, fiddle with it, have a go, fine tune it, have a go again, set a lap-time, load again and go home.

The 457 Challenge was first introduced back in 2010. It’s the latest of a series of racing cars for enthusiasts. It’s thinner body panels, carbon fiber bits and polycarbonate windows and windshield make it much more lighter than the road-going 458. It also has a racing cockpit, an integrated air-jack at the back, a racing filler cap and racing rims. In other words, it’s the real deal even though there are no power boosts over the original. Looks good too.

See for yourselves:

httpv://youtu.be/P_K1B8Itxx8

Source: Gumbal via YouTube

January 17, 2014

2014 BYD Qin Hybrid – 1.6 liters / 100 km

The Chinese automotive manufacturer BYD has announced the 2014 Qin Hybrid. The automaker practically copy a lot of elements from BMW and some of their models are completely identical (outside).

The Qin Hybrid was actually presented at the 2012 Beijing Motor Show and now the model is officially on sale in China. It is described as a “high tech, performance-based hybrid car”.

2014 Qin Hybrid is powered by a 1.5 liter petrol engine – 151HP (113 kW) and 240Nm (177 lb-ft) and an electric motor – 147HP (110 kw) and 250Nm (184 lb-ft). The total power is 291HP (217 kW) and 479Nm (353 lb-ft), which is actually pretty good result. 0-100 km/h in 5.9 seconds and a top speed of 195 km/h (115 mph) – electronically limited. The Qin Hybrid can go up to 70 km (44 miles) only on electricity and can return 177MPGe – 1.6 liters / 100 km.

There are four driving modes – EV+ECO, EV+SPORT, HEV+ECO and HEV+SPORT.

BYD also plans to introduced the model in Europe, next year and in the US by late 2015.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dshFP1lYpE4
BYD QIN – SPECIFICATION FOR CHINESE MARKET

Engine type		BYD 476ZQA 1.5Ti
Engine rated power	kW/rpm	113/5200
Engine max. torque	Nm/rpm	240/1750-3500
Motor max. power	kW/BHP	110/148
Motor max. torque	Nm	250
Total power	kW/BHP	217/291
Total torque	Nm	479
Acceleration 0-100kmh (62 mph)	Sec	5.9
Fuel consumption under normal conditions	L/100kmMPG	1.6177
Top speed	KMHMPH	185115
Tank capacity	LitresGallon	5011
Range in EV mode	KMMiles	7044

Source: BYD

January 17, 2014

2014 Roush Off-Road Ford F-150 SVT Raptor With Custom Graphics

2014-Roush-Off-Road-Ford-F-150-SVT-Raptor-shadow Thunderous rumble, kids cry, car alarms go off. Is it the end of days? Nope, more like a Roush Off-Road Ford F-150 SVT Raptor with custom graphics. It’s good, it’s bad, it’s ugly. Go ahead, make our day…

Okay, so we got our Clint Eastwood movies mixed up but in our defence, those patterns on the paint job are very confusing. Where in the natural world do you find such red hues? Nowhere you say? Why go camo then? And why only one third of the vehicle? Don’t get us wrong, we like the plain red bits; but the rest is just for show, and we here are all about efficiency.

And speaking of efficiency (or the lack of it), let;s take a minute and discuss the massive TVS-tech R2300 Supercharger that sits on top of the F-150’s 6.2-liter V8. It’s part of the Roush Phase 2 performance upgrade that also includes a big intercooler and high-flow fuel injectors. Add to that some engine calibration and you have yourself a 590 hp monstrosity that starts a fuel crisis every time you start it up.

Can’t leave it at that. Roush engineers have also added a dual tip performance tuned, cat back exhaust system. It’s all throaty and noisy and is made of stainless steel (the expensive type). The tips are chrome flashed which, apparently, is better than being chrome plated. Something about resistance to heat and durability. We are bad at physics.

This Raptor right here, is almost finished. All it’s left are the approximately aggressive wheels and some LED lightning works.

2014-Roush-Off-Road-Ford-F-150-SVT-Raptor-medium-2

Source: Roush

January 17, 2014

Kahn Restyles Audi Q5 2.0 TDi Quattro S-Tronic

After the exclusive reveal of Kahn Range Rover 600-LE Luxury Edition at the Autosport International Show, the British luxury tuning refiner is now ready to introduce its latest modification. Namely, Kahn Audi Q5 2.0 TDi Quattro S-Tronic Wide Track delivers exclusiveness to company’s range of tuned vehicles, by adding build quality and visual appeal, robustness and eye-catching qualities.

A key characteristic of this Audi model is its coupe-like proportions. Staring at this point, the specialists have added to the Q5 complete front bumper replacement unit, front and rear wheel arches, rear hatch blend and painted brake calipers, in order to make it more unique and aggressively looking than before.

But the work of A. Kahn Design did not stop here. Other exterior elements added to the SUV feature door entry sill plates in stainless steel, rear diffuser replacement, sports lowered suspension springs, quad exhaust system in stainless steel, individual exterior paint detailing and of course the iconic 22 inch Kahn RS600 wheels painted in matt black platinum finish.

The presented Audi Q5 utilizes a manual seven-speed S-Tronic and TDI unit. This means that the brand has positioned the vehicle’s front differential ahead of the gearbox and directly behind the engine, allowing the front axle to be located further forward, assisting ride comfort. This high-output diesel unit is one of the Q5’s stand-out features, which is also impressing with its unprecedented smoothness.

Going inside, this Audi has been unrecognizably refined. Building on the fact that it offers plenty of leg – and head-room, Kahn has made the interior exceptional. First of all, the designers have wrapped the front and rear seats in Kahn’s distinctive quilted and perforated leather. Other details of the interior feature vented foot pedals in machined aluminum and a rev counter facia in red. To sum up, this is another contemporary modification that adds to brands exclusive list of finely tuned vehicles.

Source: A. Kahn Design

January 17, 2014

2015 Nissan Micra Debuts At Montreal Auto Show

2015 Nissan Micra has made a debut at the Montreal Auto Show. It was also announced that the vehicle will be officially released on sale this spring. The car combines the masterful Japanese quality of technology with the unprecedented European styling and heritage, hence delivering more fun, attention to detail and efficiency.

Micra MY2015 was built with the aim to change the automotive landscape by providing great visibility, impressive agility and excellent turning radius, exceptional fuel efficiency, small size but yet spaciousness inside and a competitive price.

This Nissan model will be offered in three trim levels: Micra S, SV and the top-of-the-line SR. Each of them can be equipped with either a five-speed manual transmission or a four-speed automatic transmission. Every trim level will hide under its hood an advanced 1.6-liter DOHC 4-cylinder engine with dual fuel injection and Twin CVTC.

Unfortunately, the brand ha no current plans to release the car in the United States, so in North America it is to be found only in Canada. Therefore a logical conclusion is that it will be extensively tested and perfected for the Canadian driver and will include features such as heated outside mirrors, rear heater ducts, 60/40 split rear seats and either 15 or 16 inch wheels.

Source: Nissan

January 17, 2014

2015 Audi A3 Sedan Goes On Sale

2015 Audi A3 Sedan is going on sale today. Audi announced that it is releasing the model equipped with either 1.8 TFSI® and 2.0 TFSI® powertrain. A3 sedan will bring to the market more innovative technologies next to the exquisite craftsmanship.

As a standard the Audi A3 includes leather seating surfaces and exceptional ergonomics. In addition, it also sports signature Singleframe grille and ultra-thin retractable MMI display. The Audi drive select, 4G LTE connectivity and Bang & Olufsen audio come as an option here, while the panorama glass sunroof and bi-xenon headlights will be featured at no additional price on all models.

Two optional Audi luxury packages are offered here, named Premium plus and Prestige. The first one includes 18″ 10-spoke-design Audi wheels, an aluminum interior package, and keyless entry, while the second builds on the Premium plus and adds the S Line exterior kit, Driver Assistance package, Bang & Olufsen Sound System, Audi MMI navigation plus, Audi Connect, Convenience package and full LED headlights.

In order to achieve maximum traction and handling, the 2015 A3 2.0 TFSI will be equipped with the legendary quattro all-wheel drive, which distributes power to the wheels that need it most. Each one of the engines is matched with a standard six-speed S tronic transmission.

The sedan version of the model will be joined later this year by its cabrio, TDI clean diesel, the high-performance S3 sedan and the Sportback e-tron® gasoline electric hybrid (PHEV) siblings. 2015 Audi A3 Sedan has a starting price of $29,900 USD.

Source: Audi

January 17, 2014

Charity: Chevrolet Auctions Rights To First 2014 Camaro COPO And Z/28

Chevrolet-COPO-Camaro-shadow Chevrolet-COPO-Camaro-medium There’s a certain prestige in owning the first of a limited range of production models. So how do companies look at the masses of potential buyers and choose one to break the mold. Chevrolet, have tackled this problem with an admirable solution. Those eager to own the 2014 No.1 production COPO Camaro, or the 0001 Chevrolet Camaro Z/28, can participate in a charity auction to win the rights. Bids will be accepted at the Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale collector car auction or online

On Friday evening, gearheads with big hearts will be head to head in the race to have the first of 69 factory produced Chevrolet COPO Camaro vehicles. The highest bidder will benefit the Achilles Freedom Team of Wounded Veterans. In return, he will be able to buy a one-off COPO in Ice Blue Metallic satin paint scheme. It features a new LS-based 350-cubic-inch engine with an amazing 2.9-liter Whipple supercharger.

On the next day – Sunday, 18th of January – the rights to purchase the first Camaro Z/28 will also be sold. The money raised will go to Detroit’s Cornerstone Schools. The Camaro Z/28 is famous for lapping the Nurburgring in 7:37.40 seconds – faster than a Murcielago LP640.

It has a 7.0 LS7 engine 505 hp and 652 Nm of torque. A close-ratio six-speed manual transmission is the only option. Power goes to the rear wheels via a Torsen limited-slip differential that employs helical gears rather than traditional clutch packs. The Camaro Z/28 is also one of the first production cars fitted with race-proven, spool-valve dampers, which allow four-way damping control, enabling engineers to precisely tune bump-and-rebound settings for high- and low-speed wheel motions. It arrives in dealerships in spring.

Chevrolet-Camaro-Z-28-medium

Source: Chevrolet

January 16, 2014

Seat Leon ST 4Drive Arriving Soon

Seat-Leon-ST-4Drive-medium Today the Vienna Autoshow kicked off for a 3-day run. To be honest, there isn’t much hype around it. Seat, however, are taking the opportunity to debut and showcase their up-and-coming Leon ST 4Drive. That last bit means permanent four-wheel drive.

Seat’s 4Drive setup is pretty much identical to VW’s 4MOTION system which we discussed last week: the same Haldex 5 coupling, EDS dynamic control, and an extended differential lock (XDS without the ‘+’). It’s only natural, really. Afterall, Volkswagen is the parent company, and the Leon and Golf do share the same platform.

There are two TDI engines (and nothing else) available with the AWD ST Leons. One is a 105 PS 1.6-liter unit, while the other – a 2.0-liter – boasts 150 PS. Both are mated to a six-speed manual gearbox. With start/stop systems and braking-energy regeneration both engines sip the diesel rather than guzzle it. Yet, the 2.0 has a 0 to 60 mph time of 8,7 seconds. That’s pretty impressive if we don’t forget that we are talking about a 4.5 meter long station wagon with 587-liters of luggage space (put the rear seats down and that number becomes 1,470 liters).

Standard equipment on both engine choices will include Seat’s Media System Touch, air conditioning, and power windows and power wing mirrors. The Style trim (available again with both engines) adds things like 16-inch alloy wheels, Media System Touch Colour, a leather steering wheel and cruise control. The FR trim (2.0-liter only) reinforces the sporty character of the Leon ST 4Drive with a particularly powerful front and rear design, 17-inch alloy wheels and a sporty suspension.

No picture material available yet, but the 4Drive shouldn’t look any different from the standard ST.

Source: Seat

January 16, 2014

2014 BMW M3 F80 and M4 F82 – US Price $62,000 and $64,200

BMW North America has officially announced the pricing of the 2014 BMW M3 F80 and M4 F82. The sedan starts from just $62,000, while the Coupe is $64,200 (excluding $925 destination and handling tax).Both cars will be available in: Mineral White, Black Sapphire, Alpine White, Mineral Grey, Yas Marina, Austin Yellow, Sakhir Orange and Silverstone.2014 BMW M3 and M4 are 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 and M4 are 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 performance modifications 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.

January 16, 2014

Category: Auto News