Category: Auto News

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

  • MCCHIP-DKR Gives More Power To Mercedes-Benz A45 AMG

    MCCHIP-DKR-Mercedes-Benz-A45-AMG-THUMBAfter the entire transformation of the new Mercedes-Benz A-Class one can not even recognize the car. It literally has nothing to do with the previous year-models and exudes class, sportiness and more masculine presence on the road. In February this year Mercede-Benz introduced the top model of the line-up – the A45 AMG.

    The latter became an object of interest for the tuners at MCCHIP-DKR, who decided to give it more power. The production model is equipped with 2 liters-engine with twin scroll turbo and delivers outstanding driving characteristics on sport car level.

    After the modification in terms of power that the specialists at the tuning team have made, the serial power of this A-Class was increased from 360 hp (265 kW) and 450 Nm (332 lb-ft) of torque up to 400 (295 kW) and 535 Nm (395 lb-ft) only via software optimization at Stage One.

    At Stage Two, the power was increased up to 420 hp (309 kW) and 535 Nm (395 lb-ft) of torque with software optimization plus sports cats, while at Stage Three it reached a power range of 450 hp (331 kW) and 550 Nm (406 lb-ft) of torque an gained an additional turbocharger upgrade.

    The power enhancement wasn’t the only modification done in this project. The tuners “touched” also the chassis of the A45 AMG with KW Clubsport coilovers. In terms of wheel-tire-combination, the car now runs on mbDesign KV1 wheels in size 8,5×19 inches matched with a Sport Maxx Race Dunlop tires in dimensions 235/35ZR19.

    Source: Miranda Media

  • Citroen Introduces DS3 Cabrio Racing Limited Edition

    Citroen-DS3-Cabrio-Racing-Limited-Edition-THUMBCitroen DS3 Cabrio Racing debuted first as a concept vehicle this July at the Goodwood Festival Of Speed and at the Frankfurt Motor Show. Now the cabrio is ready for production in the form of limited edition model. Numbered models will be available to order in January 2014.

    DS3 Cabrio Racing is based on the concept vehicle and offers all of the characteristics of Citroen DS3 Racing with the pleasure of open-top driving provided by. The car also boasts responsive, agile handling as well as stunning visual credentials, ultra-customisation and athleticism.

    Furthermore, the model can also show-off with some Racing attributes such as the chrome-finish, twin exhaust pipes and the genuine carbon finish found on the air diffuser, a semi-rigid splitter in the front bumper, wraparound body stills, wing flares and more.

    Another exclusive highlight here is that the Cabrio Racing has an inspiring new body colour – matte Moondark grey. It is combined with a black roof and gloss black 18-inch Nemesis wheel rims. On the other hand, for the wheel centres along with the DS logo, on the doors in a wide side strip is utilized the Carmin red paint which is pecific to the DS line.

    Inside, the car has also received specific treatment. Matt-finish Moondust Grey bodywork colour is used on the upper dash and on several interior trim items such as the central console of the instrument panel.

    A carbon fiber effect was given to the steering wheel inserts and the fascia panel cap. At last, the dashboard also features the Crimson Red colour which can be seen on the vertical strip on the door interiors.

    Citroen DS3 Cabrio Racing’s signature has been applied on the headrest of the front seats and on a numbered identification plaque located on the base of the gearshift lever. At the core of the heart “sleeps” a 1.6-litre engine which is responsible for the 207 horsepower (152 kW).

    Source: Citroen

  • TEASER: 2015 Honda Fit To Debut at NAIAS

    2015_Fit_Teaser_Image-THUMBThe brand new 2015 Honda Fit will make its first official appearance at next year’s North American International Auto Show in Detroit. The exact date of the reveal was also announced ad it will be on 13th of January.

    At the show the brand will showcase significant advancements in terms of model’s design and technologies included. 2015 Fit will be based on the current vehicle but will offer more spacious and refined interior, increased cargo capacity and leading-edge connected car technologies.

    Furthermore, the third generation Fit will also deliver improved fuel efficiency due to its new platform and Earth Dreams Technology powertrain. It is equipped with the Honda-exclusive next-generation Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) body structure, which in turn will contribute towards good safety ratings.

    All in all, the 2015 Fit will obviously get a major upgrade from the ground up. We are impatiently expecting to see some new and aggressive design and styling as well as improved fun-to-drive spirit. Stay tuned for more details before the general public!

    Source: Honda

  • World Premiere Of Audi R18 e-tron quattro

    2014-Audi-R18-e-tron-quattro-THUMBAt the world premiere of Audi R18 e-tron quattro the brand also unveiled exclusively another technical highlight which will be included in the new LMP1 sports car. The sportscar wtill be equipped with laser light and will make a racing appearance at Le Mans 24 Hours and in the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC).

    The new lightning technology will also open up completely new possibilities for the future production models. The innovative laser light complements the main LED headlights. A blue laser beam backlights a yellow phosphorus crystal lens. Through the latter the light beam is then emitted. The goal of this new technology is to provide homogenous lighting of the road.

    Audi will participate in the new motorsport season with Le Mans prototypes (LMP1), DTM and GT sport. At the 2014 FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) will see Audi Sport Team Joest compete as the title defender. In the DTM, main teams will be those of Abt Sportsline, Phoenix and Rosberg. Mike Rockenfeller will be the title defender, in car number 1.

    Source: Audi

  • Zenos E10 To Follow In The Footsteps Of Caterham

    Zenos-E10-shadowZenos-E10-medium-2The rather specific family of road legal, open-top, step-in, two-seater sports cars is set to grow further with one new member. On January the 9th, the Autosport International in Birmingham kicks off – “Europe’s largest dedicated motorsport trade show”. Visitors will have the chance to witness the revelation of the Zenos E10 – a super lightweight Ariel Atom kind of car

    The Zenos Cars company is the brainchild of former Caterham Cars CEO Ansar Ali and former COO Mark Edwards. They have also been noted on their work at Lotus. Main point: should be very, very good around the corners.

    As for the bits inbetween the bends, The Zenos E10 has a mid-mounted 2.0-liter engine that’s been borrowed from Ford. It develops 200 hp which should be plenty enough considering that the whole thing weighs just about 650 kg. That’s 300 hp per tonne. The acceleration from 0 to 60 is under 5 seconds.

    It’s cleverly made too. A single, aluminium extrusion ‘backbone’ spans the length of the E10, delivering impressive torsional rigidity, accompanied by an aluminium rear sub frame and a safety cell incorporating twin roll hoops and side-impact protection. The driver and passenger are nestled neatly in an integrated carbon composite monocoque made out of recycled carbon fiber materials.

    Production should start at the end of 2014 and the first deliveries are expected during the opening quarter of 2015. There are also plans for Roadster and GT Coupé versions of the E10 (promptly called E11 and E12 respectively).

    Hope they pull it through.

    Zenos-E10-medium

    Source: Zenos Cars

  • Hennesseey Chevrolet Corvette C7 Does 200 mph

    Hennessey-C7-Corvette-shadowHennessey-C7-Corvette-mediumHere’s a video of a Hennessey C7 Corvette going pretty briskly in a straight line. In fact, Hennessey say that this is the first ever 2014 Corvette Stingray to break the 200 mph mark. How much did it achieve? 200.6 mph.

    It is an impressive achievement on its own, but if we compare it to the recent GEMBALLA run, it all becomes quite awkward. The 700 hp Panamera-based GTP did crack the 211 mph threshold without being on a diet or anything (a bit over two tonnes as you would find it on the street). The not-weighing-more-than-a-ton-and-a-half Hennessey C7 also brandishes a 700 hp engine because of its aftermarket long-tube headers, ported factory cylinder heads, high-flow cats, and camshafts. There’s even a Nitrous Experss system provided for those last 100 hp. Apparently, the finished product will scrap the nitrous but will provide a TVS R2300 supercharger and the 700 figure will remain unchanged.

    Still, we have to give credit where credit’s due. Hennessey didn’t have the disposal of the Nardo ring. The test was performed on a brand new stretch of Texas State Highway 99. They wasn’t any need to close it off since it’s not even open to the public yet. Talk about a grand opening, huh?

    Everyone involved seem to be rather pleased anyway and that’s what counts:

    “We’re thrilled to have validated our upgraded C7’s performance at one of the best possible highways not only in America, but the world.” said Don Goldman, Hennessey CEO

    httpv://youtu.be/B-gzNi6MRwI

    Source: Hennessey

  • NAIAS Kia Concept Teaser

    Kia-Sports-Concept-Teaser-shadowKia-Sports-Concept-Teaser-mediumThe first image (sort of) of an upcoming unnamed Kia concept is here, and we are feeling curious.

    What is it?

    All we know is that we are talking about a “stunning” 2+2 sports car designed at Kia’s Irvine, California-based studio. Hey, at least its not another compact SUV nonsense. Also, it kind of looks like a baby Veyron.

    Is it going to gold-plated or what?

    We highly doubt it, but if it is, may we suggest calling it the “Calf“? Don’t want to get too biblical here, but if it does turn out to be something ridiculously expensive and luxurious, it will be a type of heresy against the Kia way. That is, cheap, affordable and sensible. Then again, we’d like to see what happens when they flex their muscles.

    We have nothing else, really. Kia promises full disclosure at the North American International Auto Show where this thing will make its world debut. Detroit it is then.

    Source: Kia

  • RevoZport Lamborghini Aventador LaMotta – 820HP and -80kg

    RevoZport has revealed their latest project based on the super-powerful Lamborghini Aventador. The tuning specialists decided that the mighty Lambo is not powerful enough, that’s why they boosted the engine and put the car on a strict diet. The name of the project is LaMotta.

    The 6.5 liter naturally-aspirated V12 is boosted to 820HP (603 kW), which is an increase of 120HP. The result is thanks to a new exhaust system made from Inconel and an ECU re-map.

    What is more, the car lost 80 kg (176 lbs) thanks to a lot of new carbon fiber elements like the front hood (-3 kg), carbon seats covered in Alcantara, redesigned rear bumper and air tunnel as well as new side skirts and carbon fiber door panels.

    Last, but not least RevoZport fitted the tuned Aventador with 20” front and 21” rear Klassen ID alloy wheels, which are 1.5kg lighter (each) than original ones.

    Source: RevoZport

  • TopCar Porsche Macan

    2014 Porsche Macan is on its way, but the Russian tuning company TopCar has already started developing a styling package.

    The small crossover will be upgraded by an aerodynamics package including new front bumper with a lip spoiler, a two-piece extender of the front and rear fenders. There are also linings on the front fenders with the TopCar logo. Other elements include a new side skirts, a new rear bumper with modified diffuser and a new rear spoiler.

    The entire body kit is priced from €14,620, but it is also available in visible carbon fiber, which will bump the price to €18,270.

    TopCar will also offer several performance packages boosting the engines in the range as well as a set of ADV.1 alloy wheels fitted with low-profile tires.

    The interior will also get some new elements in carbon fiber.

    Source: TopCar

  • Overfinch Shows Refined 2014 Range Rover Evoque

    overfinch-rr-evoque-THUMBExclusivity comes in all shapes and forms, sizes, colors or mediums. In this case the exclusive Evoque model has been made even more exclusive thanks to some additional touches by the specialists at Overfinch.

    Being on of the most beautiful cars globally, the new Range Rover is equipped with 9-speed automatic transmission which improves fuel economy by 10%. In addition, it features Stop/Start technology that helps reduce CO2 emissions by nearly 10%. The added torque vectoring on the other hand offers enhanced grip and reduced understeer.

    Other highlights in the 2014 Evoque model include Active Driveline which seamlessly switches to 2WD drive when 4×4 is not needed. This of course also serves in terms of improving fuel efficiency. Next, the Park Assist option is fitted with Parking Exit and Perpendicular Park, with the ability to automatically steer the vehicle in to place, while the InControl option connects remotely to the vehicle.

    Overfinch has made this exclusive model into even more impressing one by adding some special features. The brand added a kit called Overfinch Evoque Bodystyling that comprises of complete front and rear bumper assembly, machined aluminium exhaust tips with Overfinch engraving, contrast grille and side vents, black tailgate and sill molding finishers and colour coded wheel arch mouldings.

    What is more, the aristocratic stance of the vehicle is further strengthened by the 22” Harrier Wheels which include a diamond turned face and detailing. Next, an Overfinch Lettering finished in Black with a Titanium Silver outline is also present as well as the Overfinch Rotary Gear Selector in Grand Black Lacquer finish. At last, the enhancements throughout the interior were rounded-off by the Luxury Overfinch Carpet Mats with metallic Overfinch nameplate.

    Source: Overfinch

  • Jaguar vs. Chicken or Cat vs. Mercedes-Benz [VIDEO]

    Jaguar-chicken-ad-THUMBDo you remember the chicken add from Mercedes-Benz? Then you’re going to love this witty response by Jaguar! Mercedes undoubtedly impressed us with the commercial of its MAGIC BODY CONTROL. The spot even served as an inspiration for other ads of products that do not relate to the automotive market.

    Now Jaguar’s creative department has gone even further with a brilliant parody of the dancing chickens. The main difference between both videos however is that in Jaguar’s ad is involved a big cat. It seems that the latter brand is more interested in “cat-like reflexes”.

    MAGIC BODY CONTROL is an active suspension which can deal with any situation and is based on the Active Body Control suspension. In fact, it features an active suspension that improves both comfort and driving dynamics. So the creatives at Mercedes-Benz decided to make the very artistic dancing chicken advertisement. Nevertheless, it is definitely worth it to see how the British brand chaffs with this marketing concept.

    httpv://youtu.be/3PQS8SFWNQw

    Video Source: YouTube

  • 2014 Buick LaCrosse Earns Five-Star NHTSA Safety Score [VIDEO]

    2014BuickLaCrosseCrashImage-THUMB2014 Buick LaCrosse scored five stars – the highest possible rating for safety as part of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s New Car Assessment Program. The car was introduced in March this year and went on sale three months later.

    In LaCrosse are featured many advanced technologies such as camera and radar which help avoid crashes. In addition, the refreshed model utilizes one of the most comprehensive collections of standard and available safety features in the segment, which help the driver identify potential crash situations, visual, and audible and even seat vibration alerts.

    The available safety and convenience features include Safety Alert Seat, Automatic Collision Preparation, Forward Collision Alert, Full-speed-range Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Departure Warning, Lane Change Alert, Side Blind Zone Alert, Rear Cross Traffic Alert and Rear Vision Camera.

    Additionally, eight standard air bags are there to aid the crash-avoidance technologies. These include rear-seat thorax air bags which were specifically designed to protect the upper part of the body. What helps the driver in a better control of the vehicle are the StabiliTrak electronic stability control, all-speed traction control, and four-wheel disc brakes with Intelligent Brake Assist on the four-channel antilock brake system.

    As a standard, for the first six months of use is featured the safety and security of OnStar. The latter links to existing emergency service providers and uses GPS and cellular phone technology which automatically call for help in the event of crash.

    httpv://youtu.be/T5QYhoOvC8Q

    Video Source: YouTube

    Source: Buick