Automobiles Review

Category: Auto News

Auto news – automobile industry news. Articles about all the latest car models and concepts. Breaking news, uncovered secrets.

  • Ultima GTR Twin Turbo Charged by Heffner [VIDEO]

    Heffner-Ultima-GTR-shadowHeffner-Ultima-GTR-mediumYou May have heard about the Ultima GTR. If you haven’t, all you need to know is that it comes from a small company (Ultima Sports) based in Leicestershire, England and can be ordered as a kit car. It is fiberglassy (light), has a tubular steel space frame chassis, an engine mount in the middle and rear-wheel drive. Best of all, you can slot in a variety of power plants in it and it will still run. Ergo, the Ultima GTR is the tuner’s dream come true.

    So, back in November, Heffner sported an Ultima GTR on their Facebook page. The caption claimed a power output of “over 1,000” wheel hp and a weight of just 2,500 pounds. Today we bring you a YouTubic testiment to that. Driving Force Club have laid their hands on it. Well, we are 90% sure that this is the same car, given the green Heffner rear wing winglets and callipers and the same ADV.1 wheels. This one has 850 hp though. Still, the custom twin turbo Ford GT engine it sounds ear-bleedingly good. And hey, it does really weigh as little as 2,500 (almost)

    Technicalities aside, just watch these rear wheels struggle for grip on a car that weighs less than a Big Mac:

    httpv://youtu.be/ylts-LDNWPw

    Source: Heffner Performance via Facebook

    Video Source: DrivingForceClub via YouTube

  • JMS Tune Up for Mercedes-Benz W176

    JMS-Mercedes-Benz-W176-A-Class-shadowJMS-Mercedes-Benz-W176-A-Class-mediumSeen enough of JMS‘s minimalistic approach to aftermarket customization? Well, too bad. Here’s a Mercedes-Benz W176 – or, in other words, the latest A-Class – with a slight visual upgrade.

    JMS are calling it a kit but we are not so sure about that. It’s just one piece really. A front lip spoiler with an “integrated central diffuser”. You can bolt and glue that thing on the stock bumper A-Class for just 289 Euros ($394). Oh, and it doesn’t fit the AMG variants.

    Will you gain something in terms of performance? Is it a hotfix to a known Mercedes aerodynamic glitch? Not likely. But hey, if you find yourself with some spare cash, why not? Might as well throw some more money at it and get the other available JMS parts. That is, alloy wheels, suspension kits speedpedal, chiptuning and exhaust kits. At least then your W176 will really stand out.

    Either way, JMS, step up your game. We demand excitement… please.

    Source: JMS

  • 2014 Lotus Elise S Cup R

    Lotus has introduced the 2014 Elise S Cup R, which will take its place alongside the Exige V6 Cup and Exige Cup R as well as the mighty Evora GT4. The small sports car is going to race in Birmingham between 9th and 12th January.

    Lotus owners looking to race their road cars at weekends, or indeed take racing a step further by entering their Lotus to compete around the world through the global Lotus Cup network; or indeed take part in the almighty GT and endurance series with the outstanding Evora GT4 – there is a Lotus to suit.

    2014 Lotus Elise S Cup R is powered by a mid-mounted 1.8 liter four-cylinder engine. It also comes with a bespoke aerodynamic body kit and a motorsport-specific map in the engine control module (ECM).

    The body kit includes a revised front splitter, barge boards, winglets, rear diffuser, floor extensions and rear wing. The clever manipulation of air-flow creates extra downforce – and combined with adjustable dampers and springs, lap times are reduced by circa 4 seconds on a 3.54km (2.2 mile) lap over the standard Elise S.

    Source: Lotus

  • 2014 Nissan GT-R Nismo at the Sodegaura Raceway [video]

    2014 Nissan GT-R Nismo has hit the Sodegaura Forest Raceway in Japan. The video shows some highlights and sounds of its impressive performance. The lightened GT-R is now faster than ever. It can close a lap around Nurburgring Nordschliefe in just 7 minutes and 8 seconds.

    2014 GT-R Nismo is powered by the well-known 3.8 liter V6 (VR38DETT) – 600HP (441 kW) and 650Nm (481 lb-ft) of torque. 0-100 km/h in less than 3.0 seconds and top speed of around 322 km/h (200 mph) – without limiter.

    Other highlights include Bilstein DampTronic dampers, improved aerodynamics, a lot of carbon fiber elements and a massive rear wing adding 100 kg more downforce (at 300 km/h). The Nismo GT-R rolls 255/40 ZRF20 front and 285/35 ZRF20 rear Dunlop tires.

    The color range include: Brilliant White Pearl, Meteor Flake Pearl Black, Ultimate Metallic Silver, Vibrant Red, and an exclusive for this model Dark Matte Grey.

    httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uw4VpJXn41c

    2014 Nissan GT-R Nismo
    2014 Nissan GT-R Nismo
    2014 Nissan GT-R Nismo
    2014 Nissan GT-R Nismo
    2014 Nissan GT-R Nismo
    2014 Nissan GT-R Nismo
    2014 Nissan GT-R Nismo
    2014 Nissan GT-R Nismo
    2014 Nissan GT-R Nismo
    2014 Nissan GT-R Nismo
    2014 Nissan GT-R Nismo
    2014 Nissan GT-R Nismo
    2014 Nissan GT-R Nismo
    2014 Nissan GT-R Nismo

    Source: Nissan

  • 2014 Subaru Levorg [video]

    Subaru has published a video on Youtube with first impressions of the 2014 Levorg. The model is expected to hit the Japanese market tomorrow. The pricing starts from ¥2,667,600.

    2014 Subaru Levorg is described as a “real sports tourer”. The production model is practically identical to the concept, which was presented at the 2013 Tokyo Motor Show.

    The engine range includes a 1.6 liter turbocharged petrol with 170HP (125 kW) and 250Nm (184 lb-ft) of torque and a 2.0 liter turbocharged with 300HP (221 kW) and 400Nm (295 lb-ft) of torque. Both are mated to a CVT (continuously variable transmission) sending the power to an all-wheel drive system.

    httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jVjkgeqxGH8

    Subaru Levorg Concept
    Subaru Levorg Concept
    Subaru Levorg Concept
    Subaru Levorg Concept

    Source: Subaru

  • Ford C-MAX Solar Energi Concept Reduces Emissions And Aims For The Future

    Ford-C-MAX-Solar-Energi-Concept-THUMBFord C-MAX Solar Energi Concept is undoubtedly a first-of-its-kind. It is a sun-powered vehicle which does not depend on the electric grid for fuel. Instead of powering its battery from an electrical outlet, the concept model draws power of the sun by using a special concentrator that acts like a magnifying glass, directing intense rays to solar panels on the vehicle roof.

    The new concept vehicle delivers EPA-estimated 108 MPGe city and 92 MPGe highway, and a combined 100 MPGe. In addition to this by the utilization of renewable power, Ford C-MAX Solar Energi Concept will reduce the annual greenhouse gas emissions.

    In this project, the high-efficiency solar cells on the roof were provided by SunPower. In order to make the solar-powered hybrid feasible for daily use, Georgia Institute of Technology supplied the car with amplifier of the sunlight.

    In fact, the engineers at the institute developed an off-vehicle solar concentrator that uses a special Fresnel lens to direct sunlight to the solar cells while boosting the impact of the sunlight by a factor of eight. In addition, this system can also track the sun as it moves from east to west, in order to gain as much power as possible, which in turn makes it equal to a four-hour battery charge (8 kilowatts).

    With a full charge, the C-MAX Solar Energi Concept is estimated to have a total range of up to 620 miles, including up to 21 electric-only miles. What is more, the car has also retained the charge port so that drivers retain the option to power up via the grid.

    Without a doubt, Ford C-MAX Solar Energi can make an extremely positive environmental impact and envisions an emissionless future. The innovative concept car will make its official debut at the 2014 International CES in Las Vegas.

    Ford C-MAX Solar Energi Concept
    Ford C-MAX Solar Energi Concept
    Ford C-MAX Solar Energi Concept
    Ford C-MAX Solar Energi Concept
    Ford C-MAX Solar Energi Concept
    Ford C-MAX Solar Energi Concept
    Ford C-MAX Solar Energi Concept
    Ford C-MAX Solar Energi Concept
    Ford C-MAX Solar Energi Concept
    Ford C-MAX Solar Energi Concept
    Ford C-MAX Solar Energi Concept

    Source: Ford

  • Infiniti Unveils Q50 Eau Rouge Concept With First Image

    Infiniti-Q50-Eau-Rouge-Concept-THUMBInfiniti has just revealed the first image of the Q50 Eau Rouge Concept. The car will have its official launch at the 2014 North American International Auto Show in Detroit on 13th of January. The high-performance concept model is based on Infiniti’s Q50 premium sports saloon and therefore sports aerodynamic design.

    The aerodynamics was in mind, when major bodywork components have been redesigned and manufactured in carbon fibre. The result is that the Q50 Eau Rouge is lower and wider, while only the roof and door profiles remain unchanged from the production Q50.

    What is more, Infiniti also revealed a lot of details around the new car. First of all, the Q50 Eau Rouge will include deep and detailed carbon fibre front splitter, rear diffuser and side sill skirts. Secondly, a carbon fiber will be also the material for the roof and door mirror casings.

    And thirdly, the concept car will run on 21-inch lightweight forged alloy wheels and will be equipped with dual-exit exhaust sports system below a large integrated rear spoiler. More information about Infiniti Q50 Eau Rouge Concept is expected to be disclosed during a press conference on 14th of January in Detroit.

    Source: Infiniti

  • Triathlete 4×4: Kahn Jeep Wrangler Sahara Chelsea Truck Company CJ300

    Kahn-Jeep-Wrangler-Sahara-Chelsea-Truck-Company-CJ300-THUMBThe second project which A. Kahn Design has prepared for us today is the Kahn Jeep Wrangler Sahara 2.8 Diesel Chelsea Truck Company CJ300 which is said to be the ultimate athlete’s car. Let’s see why that is so.

    First of all, the Wrangler is considered one of the most iconic vehicles ever built. Bud secondly, and more importantly, the Jeep Wrangler is practically designed to be customized. In addition, the vehicle has iconic contour and split level targa roof, which is very attractive to those who like to enjoy weekends outside the urban area.

    To go further into details, in terms of exterior enhancements the tuners at A. Kahn Design have added to this project the following elements: Kahn touch includes brake calipers, colour coded side rear panels, door handles, body colour door mirrors, fuel filler cap, smoked headlamps, horizontal LED daytime running lights, door entry sill plates in stainless steel, military smoked headlamps and side repeaters, privacy tinted glass, rear sections and rear wheel.

    Furthermore, the new front grille of this Jeep is manufactured with the help of the latest impact resistant technology, which delivers to it luxurious stance and imposing looks. What is more, Kahn’s cross hair exhausts are also included here ad are made of stainless steel to reflect an attraction to a pluto-matic lifestyle.

    Going inside the Wrangler, one sees diamond stitched interior decided in red and black and made of the finest leather. Additionally, the interior is easy to wash and doesn’t absorb too much odor or event grime.

    At last, to put this perfection onto the road, the designers adorned the Jeep with Kahn RS wheels which in this project were chosen in the size 9 x 20” in smoked black color.

    Source: A. Kahn Design

  • A. Kahn Design Reveales Range Rover Sport Cosworth Edition

    Kahn-Range-Rover-Sport-RS300-Cosworth-Edition-THUMBOn the third day of the new year we are to make you familiar with not one but two projects by the famous British tuners at A. Kahn Design. The first project is Kahn Range Rover Sport 3.0 TDV6 RS300 Cosworth Edition which is the perfect vehicle for those who want performance and style.

    The car, which is carrying unique exterior color – Military Grey, has an updated engine via ECU remap. The result is the stunning 290 horsepower (213 kW) taken from the peak engine power of 245 hp (180 kW).

    After the power enhancement, A. Kahn Desing has included in this Range Rover Sport project a styling package that comprises of 10 piece wide arch body kit, lower front bumper lip extension, RS Extended Large Upper Roof Wing, Kahn enamel wing shields, door handles in body colour, quad exhaust system in stainless steel, RS front grille surround insert in body colour, privacy tinted glass and a pair of bullet side vent inserts.

    To make the final touches of the exterior, the tuners have added the emblematic Kahn wheels, namely the RS wheels in Military Grey, which in this case come in size 9.5 x 22” at the front and 10 x 22” at the rear.

    We can be sure that wherever the name Kahn is involved, we can expect breathtaking deign of the interior. In this case, the coupe of this Range Rover features front and rear seats in perforated black leather, a Kahn time clock facia insert, vented foot pedals in machined aluminum and a diamond quilted centre glove box. All in all, the result is an exquisite Range Rover Sport which can now proudly join the A. Kahn Design family of magically transformed vehicles.

    Source: A. Kahn Design

  • Kia Concept Called GT4 Stinger

    Kia-GT4-Stinger-teaser-shadowKia-GT4-Stinger-teaser-mediumThe Kia info-trickling continues. We now know that the super-awesome concept – set to premiere at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit in less then 15 days – is called the GT4 Stinger. A rather American sounding name.

    That’s because it is largely American. After all, the designs were drawn up by the team in Kia’s American Design Center in California. What you see here on this picture is the brand’s signature “Tiger Nose”. Introduced first with the Kia Kee concept back in 2007, that grille has been with us ever since, and while we can’t really see a tiger in there, we admire their imaginative approach. Those whiskers(?) of light are flanked by vertical LED headlamps. There are vents in-between to channel air to a pair of 20-inch wheels, so that’s new information, right?

    Oh, and behind that grille, there lays a 2.0-liter engine that hurls 315 hp towards the back wheels.

    More info before the official reveal should become available so stay tuned.

    Source: Kia

  • Audi Debuts Sport Quattro Laserlight Concept Car At CES In Las Vegas

    Audi-Sport-quattro-laserlight-concept-shadowAudi-Sport-quattro-laserlight-concept-mediumSo, remember that mysterious Audi coupé concept that was about to début at NAIAS? Yeah, this has nothing to do with it, although, we did mix them up for a moment. It’s Audi’s other concept that is set to make a world-first appearance at the 2014 CES in Las Vegas (kicks off on the 6th of January) – it’s low, it’s sleek and it has “quattro” in its name.

    They’ve also added “laserlight” to the title. Apparently, Audi want to much as much emphasis on their future tech. Headlights as possible. We don’t blame them. Who has lasers on their car and wants to keep quiet about it. Whoa, whoa! Lasers?! It’s not as exciting as it sounds, but yes, Audi are using laser technology for the high-beams to complement the now “démodé” LED matrix that’s been employed. The two inner trapezoidal elements of the dual headlights (nice quattro touch by the way) use laser diodes that are only a few microns in diameter. With their 500 meters of illumination, these laser high-beams have approximately twice the lighting range and three times the luminosity of LED high beam lights.

    So when not blinded by the headlights, you’ll notice that it has only two doors and a swept-back C-pillar. It’s low (1,386 mm high) and stout (1,964 mm wide) with a wheel base of no more than 2,784 mm. The remaining 1818 mm of the total length goes to the overhangs (which are short). Most of the car concept is a blend of steel and aluminum, but there’s also a prolific use of CFRP material throughout: the jutted front splitter, the diffuser at the back which runs quite high, the door sills. Even the quattro-ish tail lights are backed by a black CFRP panel.

    The total weigh comes down to 1,850 which is pretty good considering that beneath the again CFRP hood you’ll find a V8 bi-turbo engine mated to a powerful electric motor that’s being charged by a pretty big li-ion battery. That’s right, the Audi Sport concept is a parallel hybrid that can run on pure electricity for around 31 miles. The total power output comes to around 700 hp. 560 of those come from the 4.0 TFSI alone. The torque? 800 Nm combined. The stated 94 mpg fuel economy might just be possible with the cylinder on demand (COD) system, which deactivates four cylinders under partial load, and the start-stop system. Put it in sport mode, 0 to 60 should be possible in just 3.7 seconds while the top speed is limited at 190 mph.

    Needless to say that such performance requires immense stopping power and grip. The front suspension is comprised of five links per wheel, while the rear suspension is based on the company’s self-tracking trapezoidal link principle. The stiff springs and shocks may brake your back over the occasional pebble, but you’ll forgive them when indulging in high-speed cornering. Carbon-ceramic is, of course, used for the brake disks.

    Inside, a driver-oriented approach dictates that the climate controls should be integrated in the air nozzles; a single element is used to control the intensity, temperature and volume of the air stream. The TFT display has its own graphics card for exceptional 3D rendering, an iDrive-type-of-knob gives you control over the new user interface that has a menu structure akin to that of a smart phone.

    That’s essentially it. Looks exciting and sounds interesting, but will it have what it takes to pay tribute to the quattro name? More importantly, though, is it ever going to be made?

    Audi Sport quattro laserlight concept
    Audi Sport quattro laserlight concept
    Audi Sport quattro laserlight concept
    Audi Sport quattro laserlight concept
    Audi Sport quattro laserlight concept
    Audi Sport quattro laserlight concept

    Source: Audi

  • 2014 Volkswagen Passat Executive Style – Price £23,895

    Volkswagen is now offering two new trim levels for the new 2014 Passat: Executive and Executive Style. 2014 Volkswagen Passat Executive Style is priced from £23,895 and comes with impressive standard equipment.

    Executive trim level comes with 17” Michigan’ alloy wheels (a full-size alloy spare is also included), exterior chrome trim, along with matt black roof rails on the Estate. The interior boasts standard DAB radio, MDI multi-device interface with USB and iPhone cables and Bluetooth connectivity are added to with Volkswagen’s RNS 315 touchscreen SAT NAV system. The leather-trimmed multifunction wheel and gear lever are enhanced by Vienna leather upholstery, including heated front seats, and electric adjustment for the driver’s seat.

    There is standard 2Zone climate control, automatic lights and wipers as well as auto-dimming interior rear-view mirror.  Cruise control is also fitted, along with front and rear parking sensors, with both audible output and optical display.

    The Executive Style builds on the Executive, but as the name suggests, it comes with a more distinctive look.  Hunkered down on 15 mm lower sports suspension, the Executive Style comes with 18” ‘Kansas’ alloy wheels, bi-xenon headlights, front fog lights, and tinted rear glass.

    Both trim level are now available to order.

    2014 Volkswagen Passat Executive Style
    2014 Volkswagen Passat Executive Style
    2014 Volkswagen Passat Executive Style
    Trim level Engine derivative CO2, g/km MPG (comb) Price, £ RRP OTR
    Passat saloon
    S 1.4 TSI 122 PS 6spd man 138 47.9 20,235.00
    S 1.4 TSI 122 PS 7spd DSG 138 47.1 21,750.00
    S 1.6 TDI 105 PS 6spd man 114 65.7 21,000.00
    S 2.0 TDI 140 PS 6spd man 119 61.4 22,290.00
    S 2.0 TDI 140 PS 6spd DSG 135 54.3 23,920.00
    BlueMotion 1.6 TDI 105 PS 6spd man 109 68.9 21,270.00
    Executive 1.4 TSI 160 PS 6spd man 144 45.6 22,900.00
    Executive 1.4 TSI 160 PS 7spd DSG 142 46.3 24,400.00
    Executive 1.6 TDI 105 PS 6spd man 114 65.7 22,545.00
    Executive 2.0 TDI 140 PS 6spd man 119 61.4 23,660.00
    Executive 2.0 TDI 140 PS 6spd DSG 135 54.3 25,400.00
    Executive 2.0 TDI 177 PS 6spd man 120 61.4 25,010.00
    Executive 2.0 TDI 177 PS 6spd DSG 136 54.3 26,750.00
    Executive Style 1.4 TSI 160 PS 6spd man 144 45.6 23,895.00
    Executive Style 1.4 TSI 160 PS 7spd DSG 142 46.3 25,395.00
    Executive Style 1.6 TDI 105 PS 6spd man 114 65.7 23,540.00
    Executive Style 2.0 TDI 140 PS 6spd man 119 61.4 24,655.00
    Executive Style 2.0 TDI 140 PS 6spd DSG 135 54.3 26,395.00
    Executive Style 2.0 TDI 177 PS 6spd man 120 61.4 26,005.00
    Executive Style 2.0 TDI 177 PS 6spd DSG 136 54.3 27,745.00
    Passat Estate
    S 1.4 TSI 122 PS 6spd man 142 46.3 21,585.00
    S 1.4 TSI 122 PS 7spd DSG 140 46.3 23,165.00
    S 1.6 TDI 105 PS 6spd man 116 64.2 22,355.00
    S 2.0 TDI 140 PS 6spd man 120 61.4 23,705.00
    S 2.0 TDI 140 PS 6spd DSG 135 54.3 25,335.00
    BlueMotion 1.6 TDI 105 PS 6spd man 113 65.7 22,625.00
    Executive 1.4 TSI 160 PS 6spd man 144 45.6 24,310.00
    Executive 1.4 TSI 160 PS 7spd DSG 144 45.6 25,810.00
    Executive 1.6 TDI 105 PS 6spd man 116 64.2 23,955.00
    Executive 2.0 TDI 140 PS 6spd man 120 61.4 25,070.00
    Executive 2.0 TDI 140 PS 6spd DSG 135 54.3 26,810.00
    Executive 2.0 TDI 177 PS  6spd man 123 60.1 26,420.00
    Executive 2.0 TDI 177 PS 6spd DSG 136 54.3 28,160.00
    Executive Style 1.4 TSI 160 PS 6spd man 144 45.6 25,305.00
    Executive Style 1.4 TSI 160 PS 7spd DSG 144 45.6 26,805.00
    Executive Style 1.6 TDI 105 PS 6spd man 116 64.2 24,950.00
    Executive Style 2.0 TDI 140 PS 6spd man 120 61.4 26,065.00
    Executive Style 2.0 TDI 140 PS 6spd DSG 135 54.3 27,805.00
    Executive Style 2.0 TDI 177 PS 6spd man 123 60.1 27,415.00
    Executive Style 2.0 TDI 177 PS 6spd DSG 136 54.3 29,155.00

    Source: Volkswagen