Auto News – Page 604 – Automobiles Review

Atlantis Blue D2Forged BMW M3 CV13

BMW E92 M3 is one of the most desired cars around the globe. Its one-of-a-kind Atlantis Blue paint finish contributes towards the exclusive look of this model as well as it corresponds to its aggressive sporty personality.

This paint color is undoubtedly shockingly different, vivid, but what made a particular M3 model even more spectacular was the addition of new wheels. Those responsible for the modification are the tuners at D2Forged Wheels, who are well experienced in delivering unique “shoes” for the exclusive cars on the road.

They have decided to equip this BMW with a set of D2Forged CV13 Deep Concave wheels, in the size of 19×9.5″ at the front and 19×11″ at the rear. They have a brilliant multispoke split design, which definitely matches the lines of the BMW M3.

In addition, the wheels are finished in Brushed Aluminum and include Chrome Lip as well as Gloss black inner. The result is, to say at least, impressive.

Unfortunately no modifications were made regarding the power output. The E92 M3 is powered by the 4.0 liter V8 engine, which produces 420 hp (309 kW) at 8300RPM and 400Nm (295 lb-ft) at 3900RPM. The car needs only 4.6 seconds to cover the acceleration sprint from 0 to 100 km/h on its way to an electronically limited top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph).

Source: D2Forged Wheels

November 13, 2013

Chrysler To Develop Human Biology-Inspired CNG Vehicles

A technology based on the human biology will breathe new life into Chrysler’s CNG commitment, was just announced. The human body will serve as an inspiration for the brand to design the next generation of fuel tanks powering compressed natural gas (CNG) vehicles.

To be more precise, Chrysler will take as an example the human lungs, which comprise of countless individual sacks called alveoli. Their function is to expand the lung’s total air capacity. The brand will utilize the same approach in order to improve the packaging of CNG tanks.

The work of Chrysler Group will be supported in part by a $50,000 grant from the Michigan Economic Development Council’s Technology Innovation Challenge which helps companies accelerate advanced-technology initiatives.

First, CNG-powered vehicles require larger fuel tanks to deliver range that is comparable to that of gas- or diesel-powered vehicles. Secondly, the current design of CNG tank is also limited to cylindrical shape in order to accommodate the pressure at which the gaseous fuel is stored.

Brand’s patent-pending technology addresses both issues via the expansion of the tank’s capacity and enabling designs that conform to the vehicle. Of course the result will benefit from more space for passengers and cargo.

On the market Chrysler has launched the Dodge Ram 2500 Compressed Natural Gas truck, which is industry’s only factory-built CNG-powered pickup. The vehicle is equipped with a 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 engine that burns CNG.

When that fuel is depleted, it automatically and seamlessly switches to gasoline. To go even further into details, the truck can travel on a single fill-up up to 255 miles, and a total of 745 miles when equipped with an available 35-gallon reserve gas tank.

Source: Chrysler

November 13, 2013

Chevrolet Colorado To Be Officially Unveiled At LA Auto Show

Chevrolet is one of the brands that are well known in the automotive world to produce excellent and exclusive pick-up trucks. In less than a year, the brand has reengineered its entire full-sized truck portfolio, with the 2015 Silverado 1500, 2500 and 3500, which debuted in the end of September.

Now it is time for another big reveal for the U.S. company which will happen on 20th of November during at the Los Angeles Auto Show. This is where the final piece of Chevrolet’s pickup truck portfolio will be revealed.

The vehicle to debut is the brand new Chevrolet Colorado, which will change the perception and meaning of what a midsized pickup should look like. Scarce details have been revealed so far except for this teaser image from which we can only judge for the size of the truck.

It is said also that the new Colorado is engineered to be the most capable, most versatile and technologically advanced midsized truck currently on the market. The official premiere of the vehicle can be also watched online via Chevrolet’s official YouTube channel.

Source: Chevrolet

November 13, 2013

2014 Peugeot RCZ R – Price £31,995

Peugeot has announced the all-new 2014 RCZ R, which will be the most powerful road-going car the brand, has ever sold. It is inspired by the Peugeot RCZ Racing Cup track car, so the road model is 10mm lower to the ground and has a super-powerful engine.

2014 Peugeot RCZ R is powered by a 1.6 liter THP turbocharged petrol with 270HP (200 kW) at 5,500RPM and 330Nm (244 lb-ft) at 1,900RPM. The engine is connected to a 6-speed manual gearbox. The codename of the engine is EP6CDTR and it features reinforced block and new forged pistons with a compression ratio of 9.2:1 developed by Mahle Motorsport. Thanks to these modifications, the engine has almost 170HP per liter specific power. It also meets the stringent Euro 6 emissions standard.

The performance is sensational – 0-100 km/h in 5.9 seconds and a top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph). Still it is able to return 44.8 mpg UK with CO2 emissions of only 145g/km – on combined drive cycle.

A Torsen differential has been added to the car’s specification to provide additional grip. The front and rear track have been widened to boost traction.

Other upgrades include revised dampers settings, increased stiffness in the springs and anti-roll bar. Aerodynamic efficiency and high-speed stability have been improved, thanks to a new fixed boot spoiler which aids rear downforce.

The RCZ R rides on unique two-tone 19” alloy wheels fitted with Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 235/40 R19 tyres for outstanding road-holding.

2014 Peugeot RCZ R is priced from £31,995 and deliveries will start in the UK from 2^nd January.

Source: Peugeot

November 12, 2013

Ferrari 458 Challenge Evoluzione

Ferrari has announced the superfast 458 Challenge Evoluzione. It comes with some improved aerodynamics and additional downforce.

The exterior boasts a new front splitter, improved underbody aerodynamics and huge rear wing generating more downforce improving traction of the rear wheels. There is also a race-tuned suspension, an electronic differential and a variety of weight saving components.

The engine is the same – a 4.5 liter naturally aspirated V8 with 570HP (419 kW) and 540Nm (398 lb-ft) of torque.

2014 Ferrari 458 Challenge Evoluzione is expected to hit the market soon and will be eligible to compete in the 2014 Ferrari Challenge.

Source: Ferrari

November 12, 2013

2014 Lexus CT200h – Refreshed Exterior

Lexus has announced the facelifted 2014 CT200h. It will be unveiled at the 2013 Guangzhou Motor Show on November 21^st, 2013.

The new CT 200h features a refreshed exterior design including the adoption of the Lexus signature ‘spindle grille’. New design alloy wheels and changes to the rear of the car reinforce the car’s powerful presence on the road.

There are no technical specifications announced, but the drivetrain will include a 1.8 liter petrol engine with 100HP (73 kW) and 80HP (60 kW) electric motor. The combined power is 136HP (100 kW). 0-100 km/h in 9.9 seconds and a top speed of 180km/h (112 mph).

Source: Lexus

November 12, 2013

2014 Audi A3 Cabriolet – Price £25,790

Audi has published the price list of the all-new 2014 A3 Cabriolet, which is expected to hit the market in April, next year.

The A3 Cabriolet was introduced at the 2013 IAA in Frankfurt. The starting price is £25,790 for the 1.4 liter TFSI SE model and goes up to £30,270 for the top-of-range 1.8 liter TFSI and Sport trim.

The engine range includes the two TFSI engines which generate 140HP (103 kW) and 180HP (132 kW) from 1.4 and 1.8 litres of engine displacement, as well as the 2.0 TDI which produces 150HP (110 kW). The other engines offered range from the 1.6 TDI with 110HP (80 kW) to the 2.0 TFSI with 300HP (220 kW). All of the powertrains, use direct injection and turbocharging and are backed up by a start-stop-system.

The soft top can be raised or lowered in less than 18 seconds at speeds of up to 50 km/h (31 mph) and when it’s folded the cargo capacity stands at 275 liters.

The all-new Audi A3 Cabriolet – UK OTR Pricing

Engine	Trim	PS	OTR
1.4 TFSI (CoD)	SE	140	£25,790
1.4 TFSI (CoD)	Sport	140	£27,015
1.4 TFSI (CoD)	S line	140	£29,165
1.8 TFSI	Sport	180	£30,270
1.8 TFSI	S line	180	£32,420
2.0 TDI	SE	150	£27,240
2.0 TDI	Sport	150	£28,465
2.0 TDI	S line	150	£30,615

Source: Audi

November 12, 2013

2015 Lamborghini Cabrera [render]

Wild Speed has published several render pictures of the upcoming Gallardo successor – the Cabrera. 2015 Lamborghini Cabrera will hit the market sometime in late 2014.The Gallardo replacement will have some of Aventador’s features as well as few hints of Sesto Elemento. The engine will be a 5.2 liter naturally aspirated V10 with 600HP (447 kW) mated to a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. 0-100 km/h in 3.2 seconds and a top speed of over 300 km/h (186 mph).The Cabrera will be made aluminum, with carbon fiber and other composites used for maximum weight saving. The chassis will be shared with a 2^nd generation Audi R8.You can check the link below for additional renderings of 2015 Lamborghini Cabrera.

November 12, 2013

Toyota 86 Sports Car To Be Modified Into Rally Version

Toyota 86 sports car will be converted into a thrilling rally vehicle by Toyota Motorsport in Germany (TMG). The team there will develop the rear-wheel drive vehicle into an R3 rally car. The aim is to make it available to private competitors. The delivery of the model is expected for the 2015 season.

The modified vehicle will carry the name TMG GT86 CS-R3 and will be constructed in accordance to the R3 regulations. This means that it will be equipped with a six-speed sequential gearbox, limited slip differential, modified engine and adapted brakes.

TMG professionals have promised to tune the 86 to the maximum level permitted within the regulations. The new rally car will be also eligible for all FIA-sanctioned rallies including the World Rally Championship.

The GT86 CS-R3 promises to be a thrilling car on the rally stages. It has a rear-wheel drive and this can only result in dramatic action, which will be undoubtedly entertaining for drivers and fans. Unfortunately, the additional details around the TMG GT86 CS-R3 as well as its price will be announced in the coming months.

Toyota 86 sports car has a 2.0-litre four-cylinder, front-mounted, free-revving and horizontally opposed “boxer” petrol engine which drives the rear wheels. It develops a maximum power of 200 hp (147 kW) and a peak torque of 205 Nm (151 lb-ft). All that power is transmitted on the road via six-speed manual or sequential-shift automatic transmissions.

Source: Toyota

November 12, 2013

Kia Soul EV Under Development For U.S. Market

Kia Motors are currently developing an all-electric version of the Kia Soul. The EV model is scheduled to go on sale in 2014 and it will be company’s first electric, zero-emissions car marketed outside of Korea.

Soul EV will benefit from the knowledge gained during development of the Ray EV. Of course, the car incorporates the same design philosophy as the recently-launched 2014 Kia Soul. Kia is also promising a range of more than 120 miles at a single charge, which makes it perfect for urban utilization.

Precisely, this EV will be equipped with a 27 kWh lithium-ion polymer battery pack. In an effort to optimize efficiency and range, the vehicle recycles back into the battery the energy produced while the car is coasting and braking.

The charging of the Soul EV is achieved by plugging it into 240v standard outlet. The time needed for full-recharging is up to five hours, while it takes the car only 25 minutes for a ‘fast’ charge with 100 kW output.

The prototype shown on the picture is powered by a 109 hp (80 kW) electric motor that produces 285 Nm (210 lb.-ft.) of torque. The motor transmits its power to the front wheels through a single speed constant ratio gear reduction unit.

In terms of acceleration, this Kia Soul EV is capable to cover the sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in less than 12 seconds on its way to a top speed of 90 mph. What is more, this EV is extremely “quiet” due to the absence of the noise generated by the engine and to the sound-proofing materials used for the construction of the car.

In addition, the car will be also equipped with Virtual Engine Sound System (VESS) which produces audio signals at speeds below 12 mph and whenever the car is in reverse, so that the pedestrians can be more aware of the vehicle in their vicinity.

Soul EV will also offer projection type headlamps, LED positioning lamps, LED rear combination lamps, plus aerodynamically shaped 16-inch alloy wheels and other distinctive exterior features.

The interior is promised to be fitted with Supervision instrument cluster and center stack with an eight-inch display screen. As a matter of fact, the interior will focus on the use of eco-components and will feature increased range of recycled materials such as Bio Plastic, Bio Foam, Bio Fabric and Bio PET Felt, low volatility organic compounds and newly developed antibacterial materials and paint.

Source: Kia

November 12, 2013

2015 Subaru WRX Teased Ahead Of Official Reveal

Subaru has just announced that it will exhibit the 2015 Subaru WRX at the 2013 Los Angeles Auto Show. The specifications in the model were made specifically for the US market, and in fact the car is making its world debut at the event.

The iconic Subaru’s AWD performance vehicle will be officially unveiled at the press briefing scheduled on 20th of November. A week ahead of the happening, the brand is also releasing a teaser image of the 2015 WRX, revealing its hood and front.

As one can see, the car includes more aggressive stance thanks to its rugged forms and imposing red paint finish. Subaru hasn’t released yet any details about the WRX but we expect to do it on the official reveal.

Next, to the all-new WRX, a design concept model will also make its world premiere. With both vehicles, the brand will stay committed to its statement: “Confidence in Motion” and will continue to pursue further growth and offer customers a future vision of “driving enjoyment and peace of mind”.

Source: Subaru

November 12, 2013

Honda FCEV Concept To Debut At LA Auto Show

Honda has released a sketch that teases the futuristic Honda FCEV Concept. The next-generation fuel-cell electric vehicle will make its world debut at the 2013 Los Angeles Auto Show on 20th of November, and will be launched on the market in 2015.

Of course, the image reveals what are the future potential styling directions for Honda and in particular for its new fuel-cell electric vehicle (FCEV), and also confirms the commitment of the brand in developing advanced alternative fuel vehicles.

As a matter of fact, this model is another step for Honda towards the way to a zero-emissions future. In addition to producing the FCX Clarity, Honda has deployed numerous technologies to enhance the fuel efficiency and minimize the CO2 emissions.

Some of these technologies were utilized in the Accord Hybrid, Accord Plug-In Sedan, Honda Fit EV and the Civic Natural Gas. The FCX Clarity was also named the 2009 World Green Car.

More details and exclusive pictures about the Honda FCEV Concept will be revealed on 20th November.

Source: Honda

November 12, 2013

Category: Auto News