Category: Auto News

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

  • Honda Shows The First Render Of 2014 WTCC Civic Challenger

    2014-Honda-WTCC-Civic-THUMBThe first ever image of the 2014 World Touring Car Championship Civic has been released. The WTCC Challenger is built according to all new technical regulations for the FIA WTCC which will come into force for 2014.

    The render shows the exclusive visual credentials of this Honda vehicle. It features wheel arch extensions, larger diameter wheels, sleeker aero package and extended rear spoiler. Of course, the engine has been also modified and now delivers more power. This will enable the drivers to compete courageously for the World Champion title.

    In the competition, the brand will enter two works cars which will be driven by JAS Motorsport for Gabriele Tarquini and Tiago Monteiro, and in addition there will be other Civics to be entered by private outfits Zengo Motorsport and Proteam Racing for Norbert Michelisz and Mehdi Bennani.

    This announcement follows hot on the heels of the recent reveal of the new 2014 BTCC Honda Civic Tourer racer which will debut in March at next year’s Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship (BTCC). Matt Neal and Gordon ‘Flash’ Shedden were confirmed as the Honda Yuasa Racing drivers for another season.

    Source: Honda

  • 2014 Hyundai Genesis [videos]

    Hyundai has released published several videos showcasing the all-new 2014 Genesis luxury saloon. The second generation of Genesis is expected to hit the market  in the beginning of the next year. It combines stylish design and exceptional capabilities. The video clips show both inside and out as well as some very clever innovations.

    The 2014 Genesis is powered by a 3.0 liter V6 with 257HP (189 kW), a 3.3 liter V6 with 282HP (207 kW) and a 3.8 liter V6 with 315HP (232 kW). The top-of-range 5.0 liter V8 boasts 425HP (313 kW). 0-100 km/h in 5.4 seconds and a top speed of 240 km/h (149 mph). All motors are connected to an 8-speed automatic gearbox.

    The HTRAC all-wheel drive setup will be offered as optional equipment for the 2014 Genesis, while the standard car will retain its rear-wheel drive arrangement.

    Enjoy!

    httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wWu9ggYFHQk

    httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ERgx_3hMsDQ

    httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fgT8iceCeJU

    httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=66DXT91bvLY

    Source: Hyundai

  • Startech 2013 Range Rover Sport at Essen Motor Show

    Startech has introduced their tuned version of the new Range Rover Sport at the 2013 Essen Motor Show.

    The exterior boasts a new front bumper with larger air intakes and integrated LED DRLs. There is also a rear diffuser, a stainless-steel sports exhaust system and a set of big 22” alloy wheels fitted with low-profile tires. The SUV can be equipped with a suspension lowering module that reduces the ride height by 25mm.

    The interior features premium leather and Alcantara upholstery as well as some carbon fiber and exotic wood elements.

    The 3.0 liter SDV6 turbodiesel is boosted to 323HP (237 kW) and 680Nm (501 lb-ft) of torque – an increase of 31HP and 80Nm. 0-100 km/h in 6.9 seconds and a top speed of 222 km/h (138 mph). The result is thanks to an SD30 S tuning kit.

    Source: Startech

  • Toyota Avalon Refreshed For MY 2014

    2014-Toyota-Avalon-shadow2014-Toyota-Avalon-mediumThe Toyota Avalon is out with a new model year with several updates and revisions in an attempt to lure even more buyers. It is now wider, lower, and more aggressive, we suppose, because of the “tighter gaps between the tires and body.” There’s also an Avalon Hybrid available.

    We can’t talk in inches, but the overhangs are supposed to be shorter, the tracks wider, and the body even more aggressively sculptured. The drag coefficient will now stand at 0.28. With the slight update of the shape comes a new weight which stands at 3,461 lbs (gasoline models) – a tiny bit lighter than the previous MY. By default the ride is subtle and comfortable, but Toyota now say that the Avalon will be 12 percent more rigid than its ancestry. 17-inch wheels with 215/55R17 tires come as standard, but if you have opted for the XLE Touring or the Limited model, you’ll get the P225/45R18 tires with, naturally, 18-inch wheels. Most of the other niceties on the outside cluster around the power wing mirrors. Not only is there a turn indicator embedded in each one, but they also have heaters, memory positioning, and puddle lamps. Also, if you tick those on the option list, they can have a blind spot monitor indicator and an auto-dimming electro-chromatic glass. Would hate to have them vandalized as it usually happens in my neighbourhood. If you go for the hybrid model, the trunk’s space will be limited to 14 cu. ft. as opposed to the other models which have 16 cu. ft. of luggage space

    Inside one will notice significant noise reduction due to the extensive soundproofing all-around. Unsurprisingly, there’s also a plethora of IT tech inside. The instruments hold a 3.5-inch TFT display that can display valuable driver information. The center console holds a 6.1 inch screen from which you can operate the audio system or your iPod from it if it has been plugged in one of the car’s USB ports. Another way of connectivity is via Bluetooth which can also be accessed from that screen. The third screen is the 7-inch HDD navigation that can also play DVDs (who uses DVDs still?). There’s also the optional Entune App Suite which again connects your smartphone with the car and utilizes applications such as Bing, iHeartRadio, MovieTickets.com, OpenTable and Pandora. The Premium HDD Navigation comes along with the said Entune Suite and a JBL Synthesis® 7.1 channel matrix sound system. The front seats which are heated and ventilated) can have either are electronically adjustable and can have either 8 or even 10 (Limited model) settings. Fascinating! A slightly more alluring fact is the dual-zone automatic climate control which comes as standard on every model. The one you can order optionally is a three-zone unit. If you go for the hybrid model, the trunk’s space will be limited to 14 cu. ft. as opposed to the other models which have 16 cu. ft. of luggage space.

    In terms of engine, you get two choices. One is the gasoline DOHC V6 with VVT-i. It has 268 hp at its disposal and 248 lb.-ft. of torque at 4700 rpm. Acceleration from 0 to 60 is “less than seven seconds” which is OK for a server-room. Fuel ecconomy? Not too impressive at 25 mpg on the combined cycle. Normally, the transmission would be a six-speed automatic with an S mode which allows the stick to be used as a shifter. The XLE Touring and the Limited models, however, get paddle shifters behind the wheel.

    The Avalon Hybrid uses Toyota’s Hybrid Synergy Drive system that can be seen on the Camry Hybrid as well. In other words, we have a special transaxle that uses a planetary-type CVT. The actual power for it comes from a 2,5-liter Atkinson cycle four-cylinder engine and an electric motor. The combined output amounts to 200 hp. Because the hybrid Avalon is not much heavier than the V6 gasoline one(3,585 lbs), 0 to 60 takes no more than 8 seconds. In order reduce internal friction as much as possible, Toyota have put in an electric water pump, a variable-output oil pump and a roller-rocker type valvetrain. And yet, the economy still stands at the unimpressive (for a hybrid) 40 mpg.

    Source: Toyota

  • Lorinser 2013 Mercedes-Benz S-Class – 530HP and 800Nm

    Lorinser has unveiled their latest project at the 2013 Essen Motor Show. It is based on the all-new 2013 Mercedes-Benz S500. The luxurious saloon comes with both styling and performance upgrades.

    The exterior boasts full aerodynamics package including modified front and rear bumpers, a revised grille and a lot of carbon fiber flaps. There is also a sports exhaust system and unique alloy wheels.

    The 4.6 liter twin-turbo V8 is boosted to 530HP (390 kW) and 800Nm (590 lb-ft) of torque – an increase of 75 HP and 100Nm. 0-100 km/h in 4.8 seconds and a top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph) – electronically-limited.

    Source: Lorinser

  • MEC Design Mercedes-Benz E-Class W207 Widebody Kit [preview]

    MEC Design has announced a new widebody kit for the 2013 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupe.

    The tuning specialists offer a complete aerodynamics package for the E-Class W207. It includes a brand new front fascia, a new front bumper with redesigned air intakes, modified front hood with side vents and a carbon fiber front splitter.

    Other highlights include extended wheel arches and side skirts as well as new alloy wheels in dual five-spoke design. At the rear we can see quad sports exhaust system housed by a carbon fiber diffuser.

    Last but not least is the boot lid lip spoiler and vents right next to the rear lights.

    Source: MEC Design

  • Volkswagen Releases Touareg X Special Edition

    Volkswagen-Touareg-X-Special-Edition-THUMBThe Touareg model was introduced for the first time ten years ago. Since then, 700,000 have been sold around the world. In order to celebrate its anniversary, Volkswagen introduces Touareg X Special Edition models model which will be produced in only 1000 examples and will be based on the TDI Clean Diesel Lux trim.

    On the top of the standard Touareg TDI Lux, the X Special Edition adds also 19-inch “Moab” aluminum-alloy wheels, striking Moonlight Blue Pearl paint, LED taillights, and Touareg X-specific badging.

    The interior of this SUV features Vienna leather seating surfaces in Black Anthracite and a complementing black headliner. Other accents throughout the interior include Engineered Ebony Wood on the dashboard and doors and a piano black center console. Aluminum door sill scuff plates with front illumination, aluminum-appearance pedal covers, and ambient lighting round off the luxury treatment.

    Powered by 3.0-liter turbocharged and direct injection V-6 TDI Clean Diesel engine the Touareg X is effortlessly producing 240 horsepower (177 kW) and a stout 550 Nm (406 lb-ft) of torque. The unit is coupled with an eight-speed automatic transmission which delivers EPA estimated 29 mpg on the highway. As a standard the model is equipped with a 4MOTION all-wheel-drive system is standard.

    Furthermore, Touareg X has features a wide range of standard equipment: panoramic powered sunroof, keyless access with push-button start, Bi-Xenon headlights with LED Daytime Running Lights, front fog- and cornering lights, sophisticated RNS 850 navigation system with an eight-inch color touchscreen, 60GB hard drive, and rearview camera, Bluetooth technology, Climatronic dual-zone air conditioning, 12-way powered and heated front seats with driver seat memory and power adjustable lumbar and a leather-wrapped multifunction steering wheel.

    2014 Volkswagen Touareg X is priced at $56,170 USD.

    Source: Volkswagen

  • Audi To Introduce New Q1 SUV In 2016

    2016-Audi-Q1-THUMBThe Q family is expanding! Audi has announced plans to add a new Q1 model to the emblematic line of vehicles. This will happen in 2016. The new SUV is designed on the basis of the modular transverse engine concept and will round off the Q series at the bottom end.

    Q1 is promised to be an attractive entry into the Q family and in addition it will make a strong contribution to the company’s ongoing growth. What is more, with it the brand aims to strengthen its international competitiveness.

    The Q family currently has the following members: Audi Q3, RS Q3, Q5, SQ5 and Q7. Among them, the Q5 is the global market leader and a proof of this is the fact that the brand already delivered 194,430 units of the Q5 to customers by the end of October.

    Expectations exceed approximately 230,000 units of this model to be built in 2013. All in all, since the market launch in 2006, Audi has produced and delivered to customers more than 1.5 million automobiles of the Q family.

    Source: Audi

  • EXCLUSIVE: Vilner Reveals the Bullshark

    The latest artwork of the Bulgarian luxury tuning company Vilner – BMW Bullshark, has been exclusively unveiled and again the readers of automobilesreview.com are the first to see it and read about it. The name of the project comes from the English name for the species Bull shark. The goal of the tuners was to bring back part of the forms of the sea predator, which are typical for the older models, and to weave them harmoniously with the future in the way they see it.

    They have succeeded to create the design and afterwards to realize it in one year. The professionals at Vilner have also created the project with the idea to change the 6 Series by strictly following its lines. From this vehicle, which is a generation of BMW 6 Series before the last one, they have kept only the roof and the doors unchanged.

    In order to create the details, the team has used composite materials, and this is how they now have a completely new design and in addition are lighter when compared to the production ones. The designers have utilized blue accents in the interior and exterior, combined it with brown, and from the interior they have transferred the same design language again onto the exterior.

    Outside as well as inside, the blue accents are very fine. In the coupe they are present almost everywhere in the form of decorative stitching – on the seats, sun shields, rearview mirror, the upholstery on the doors as well as on the seat belts and floor mats.

    On the outside – on the mirrors, strips next to the side windows, “kidneys”, exhaust caps and the lights “taken” from Infiniti FX. Carbon fibers are the natural solution for the bumpers, door-sills, rearview mirrors and the spoiler above the rear window.

    Additionally they have inserted LEDs in the lights. The tail-lights are taken from the facelifted E63, while the indicators are a slight reference to Z4. In the silhouette of the Bullshark is unobtrusively implied the presence of the shark.

    In the interior the seats have been completely replaced with sport ones from the M Series of the same model. The steering wheel is individualized and also includes a change in the form. Art Studio Vilner has shortened the gearshift lever and has created a new brown dials with blue rings for the mileage-meters. Leather and Alcantara are wrapping even the rearview mirror, the seat’s housing, dashboard, doors, side panels to the rear seat and the trunk.

    The project wouldn’t be completely finished without a High-End sound. In the car have been mounted 2-band systems with Ground Zero speakers at the front and rear, while for the optimal precision of the sound control takes care the Audison processor. The coupe is entirely noise-insulated.

    Power tuning has been also implemented via chiptuning, generation AC Schnitzer. Therefore the result is a breath-taking maximum power of around 370 hp (272 kW) and a maximum torque of 522 Nm (407 lb-ft) at 3420 rev. The Bullshark runs on Z Performance wheels in the dimensions of 8,5 x 19 at the front, and 9,5 x 19 at the rear. As a final touch Vilner has created for the client an individual traveling bag made in the same style and materials as the car.

  • Lamborghini Veneno Roadster On A Boat

    Lamborghini-Veneno-Roadster-Public-Debut-shadowLamborghini-Veneno-Roadster-Public-Debut-medium

    Few things can match top the grandiose entrance arranged for the Bentley Continental GT a couple of years ago. This, however, really does takes the cake. It’s the Lamborghini Veneno Roadster… on an aircraft carrier… in Abu Dhabi.

    That’s right, it’s the hypercar’s public debut. The atmosphere must have been thoroughly Italian and we are not looking simply at the Lambo. His Excellency Giorgio Starace, Italian Ambassador to the UAE and the Admiral of High Seas Forces, Paolo Treu were among the honarable guests being served by a renown chef. There was a catwalk (a 240 meter ship is the ideal place for a catwalk, isn’t it?) where fashion designer Giada Curti offered a tableau vivant of her creations with ten top models. Even footballer Fabio Cannavaro were among the first to sit in the Veneno. Stephan Winkelmann, President and CEO of Lamborghini, commented on the event saying, “We are honored that Lamborghini was chosen to represent the Italian car industry in the UAE, as a perfect example of iconic Italian super sports cars, and that we have the opportunity to show the Veneno Roadster for the first time in Abu Dhabi. Lamborghini has an extremely strong following in the region for its super sports cars, with the Middle East one of our largest markets in the world.”

    Lamborghini sure know how to target their audience. If anyone’s going to afford the 3.3 million Euro Veneno Roadster, it’s going to be someone who has an oil well in their backyard. No one of the nine people who will eventually get one will feel cheated, though. The Lamborghini Veneno Roadster is not just a metal art piece. It’s not even metal. All of the exterior is CFRP. The insides of the carbon fiber monocoque too benefit from lightweight design – CarbonSkin is used to clad the entire cockpit, the seats are made from Lamborghini’s patented Forged Composite. As a result, the Veneno Roadster weighs 1,490 kilograms. That’s pretty impressive for an open-top.

    Lamborghini say that every outlandish line of Veneno’s design follows function. In other words, aerodynamic efficiency akin to that of a racing prototype. There’s plenty of downforce while the drag is reduced to a minimum. Even the wheels have a specific shape that channels cooling air to the massive brakes.

    All of this is good news for the engine compartment. The 6.5 twelve-cylinder powerplant can unleash all of it’s 750 hp in order to get you from 0 to 60 in just bellow 3 seconds. You will continue accelerating until the electronic limiter kicks in at 220 mph. No mechanical sympathy required – the ISR transmission with five modes, the permanent all-wheel drive and the pushrod suspension with horizontal sprint/damper units can all take the abuse.

    Lamborghini-Veneno-Roadster-Public-Debut-medium-2

    Source: Lamborghini

  • 2014 Porsche Cayenne Platinum Edition

    Porsche has introduced the 2014 Cayenne Platinum Edition. It is designed to to combine style and exclusively.

    This special edition comes with some nice goodies like bi-xenon headlights, privacy glass and 19” Cayenne Design II wheels with colored Porsche crests. The color range include a Platinum Silver Metallic, Black, White, Meteor Grey Metallic, Basalt Black Metallic, Mahogany Metallic and Carrara White Metallic.

    The interior boasts artial leather seats, a SportDesign steering wheel and a Porsche Communication Management (PCM) system with GPS SAT NAV. There are also anti-dazzle interior mirrors, special floor mats and “Platinum Edition” sill plate. Last, but not least are the ParkAssist and a Power Steering Plus system.

    The Cayenne Platinum Edition is powered by a 3.6 liter V6 petrol engine – 300 HP (220 kW) and 400 Nm (295 lb-ft) of torque. Diesel Platinum Edition will be also available – 3.0 liter V6 – 245 HP (180 kW) and 550 Nm (368 lb-ft) of torque.

    The special edition will hit the market in the beginning of the next year with pricing starting from €66,380 for the Cayenne Platinum Edition and €67,210 for the Cayenne Diesel Platinum Edition.

    Source: Porsche

  • Toyota Verso MPV 1.6 D-4D by BMW

    2014 Toyota Verso MPV will be powered by BMW’s 1.6 liter diesel engine. The power unit will be installed on the 1.6 D-4D model. The Bavarian manufacturer has agreed to provide 1.6 and 2.0 liter diesel engines to Toyota back in 2011.

    2014 Verso MPV will be produced in Turkey from the next month. The 1.6 D-4D model will have a 1.6 liter diesel engine with 110HP (82 kW) and 270Nm (200 lb-ft) of torque at 1,750RPM. The engine meets EURO 5 regulations with CO2 emissions of just 119 g/km.

    The two manufacturers will work together to create a fuel cell system which will be ready before the end of the 2020.

    “At Toyota, we believe that tackling environmental challenges facing our industry will require more than one approach. Hybrid is at the core of our strategy towards sustainable mobility, but we also see a role for clean diesel in Europe. Working together with an industry leader like the BMW Group allows us to benefit from economies of scale to reduce development costs as well as improve our time-to-market.”, commented Didier Leroy, Senior Managing Officer of Toyota Motor Corporation, and President and CEO of Toyota Motor Europe (TME).

    Source: Toyota