Auto News – Page 613 – Automobiles Review

2014 Suzuki SX4 S-Cross – 5 Stars in Euro NCAP Crash Test [video]

2014 Suzuki SX4 S-cross has been rated one of Europe‘s safest cars, according to new independent crash testing results from Euro NCAP, receiving the maximum 5-star rating.

The new C-segment crossover has achieved an above-average overall result. It performed notably well on its pedestrian protection, the top-class rating in total score for newly adopted test methodology that took effect this year.

The body structure and occupant restraint systems on the SX4 S-Cross are developed to meet current and anticipated crash safety standards, offering optimal protection in real life situations.

The new SX4 S-Cross features Suzuki’s Total Effective Control Technology (TECT) concept for occupant-protecting impact absorption and low weight. Extensive use of high tensile steel for key parts helps to keep the body light and enhances the vehicle’s crashworthiness substantially.

Suzuki ensures best possible safety on the new SX4 S-Cross by synchronising active and passive systems.

Active safety equipment includes a speed limiter, which prevents the car from exceeding a driver-set speed, ESP^®, which promotes stability; and seatbelt reminder for all seats.

Passive safety includes 7 airbags, seatbelt pre-tensioners and force limiters. The seat and head restraint provide good protection against whiplash injury in the event of a rear-end collision. In addition, bonnet shape and new structures for the cowl top, wipers and bumpers provide impact absorption which lessens the degree of harm if the car comes into contact with a pedestrian.

2014 Suzuki SX4 S-Cross is currently available in the UK with pricing starting from £14,999.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XCYywh5XV98

Source: Suzuki

October 23, 2013

Vauxhall Astra – 18 Speed Endurance Records in 24 hours [video]

Vauxhall Astra 2.0CDTi with 165HP has attempted to set and break 18 Speed Endurance Records in 24 hours. All this happened at the Millbrook Proving Grounds race track.

The event started on October 5^th, when he first of two Ellesmere Port-built Vauxhall Astra 2.0 CDTi Hatches approached the start line on Millbrook Proving Ground’s High Speed Bowl. Precisely 24 hours later it crossed the same marker, having covered almost 3,000 miles (more than 4800 km) at an average, yet-to-be ratified speed of 200km/h (125mph). The previous record was “just” 161.2 km/h (100.2 mph).

Proving the Astra’s exceptional reliability and driveability in extreme conditions was the main focus of the record programme from the start.

“We chose the 165PS 2.0 CDTi Astra for its mix of strong performance and economy. But to be subjected to 24 hours of flat-out driving on the challenging top lane of Millbrook’s High Speed Bowl it needed to be ultra-reliable, predictable and safe for our drivers.”, commented Simon Hucknall, Vauxhall’s PR Manager.

Enjoy the video!

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

Source: Vauxhall

October 23, 2013

Mercedes-Benz Teases 2015 C-Class

Mercedes-Benz has just released the official information around the interior of its upcoming 2015 Mercedes-Benz C-Class. The brand also teased the car with a video as well as some exclusive photos that were published on its official Facebook page.

The famous German company will write another chapter of success with the all-new C-Class. Its interior will not only include high-class luxury ambience, but also will be equipped with a touchpad and head-up display, extensive safety features, GPS-sensitive air conditioning. The car will also offer the lightest bodyshell in the segment and new agile and comfortable suspension.

Inside, the C-Class has a clear and sensual shapes covered with the highest of quality materials. One of the most outstanding new features is the completely redesigned centre console that now includes a free-standing central display.

Via the innovative touchpad included here can be operated all the head-unit functions. More information around the vehicle’s performance and condition can be received via the head-up display, which appears to float over the bonnet, around two metres in front of the driver.

This system makes sure that the driver is not distracted from the road ahead and also provides information on speed, speed limits, navigation instructions and messages from DISTRONIC PLUS.

What is also important to mention is that the new C-Class will have an intelligent lightweight aluminium hybrid body construction and will offer excellent rigidity for superb driving handling coupled with optimum noise and vibration characteristics as well as high crash safety.

The result is around 100 kg less of the entire weight of the car when compared to its predecessor. This of course means less fuel consumption, CO2 emissions and enhanced aerodynamic credentials.

Previous model series / 2015 C-Class:

Aluminium (sheet metal and cast) 9% / 48%
Hot-formed steel parts 3% / 8%
Ultra-high-strength sheet steel 3% / 4%

Next, the suspension of the model is promised to be more agile and comfortable than ever. For example, a new four-link front axle provides the excellent axle kinematics. A standard steel suspension is also present. As available options, there are the DIRECT CONTROL suspensions as well as the air suspension (AIRMATIC) on the front and rear axles.

The new or refined safety features and assistance systems featured here are a sensor for the front passenger airbag, Mercedes-Benz Intelligent Drive and AIR-BALANCE package with active fragrancing and ionization.

A host of new unusual styling details can be found throughout the cockpit and passenger compartment. Mercedes-Benz designers have made an excellent choice of select, high-class materials as well as finely crafted details. As one can see from the photos, the coupe combines elegance and harmony with sensuality and dynamic sportiness.

Next to the new center console, one sees five air outlets with a central adjusting knob and horizontal louvre insert. They give the dashboard a sporty touch. Additionally, five ventilation outlets in silver shadow with their metallic cool-touch effect contrast with the wood in the centre console and the leather on the dashboard.

The steering wheel is decided in three-spoke leather variant with twelve buttons. Throughout the interior there are also surfaces with uniform styling and a minimal number of switches, which deliver a sense of space.

In terms of chassis and suspension, the newly designed four-link front axle plays a major part in the agile handling characteristics. Thanks to it, the front independent suspension is fully decoupled from the spring strut. This gives rise to more grip and greater cornering forces.

At the rear is utilized an optimised multi-link independent rear suspension with five-link concept. This in turn, ensures unsurpassed wheel location qualities and supreme straight-line stability.

The new C-Class is also fitted as standard with ATTENTION ASSIST, which can warn the driver of inattentiveness and drowsiness. In addition, what also will help them gain a better confidence is the COMAND system navigation function.

The optional assistance features which enhance comfort and safety are for instance the Stop&Go Pilot integrated in DISTRONIC PLUS with Steering Assist, BAS PLUS Brake Assist System, PRE-SAFE Brake System, improved Active Lane Keeping Assist, Active Parking Assist with 360° camera, Traffic Sign Assist and Adaptive Highbeam Assist Plus.

Source: Mercedes-Benz

October 23, 2013

Subaru Launches XV Black Limited Edition Model

Subaru’s popular compact crossover XV family is now expanding with the addition of Subaru XV Black Limited Edition. The model will be offered with either 2.0-litre Boxer diesel engine mated to a six-speed manual transmission or 2.0-litre Boxer petrol unit coupled with a Lineartronic automatic transmission.

The exterior of this Limited Edition is decided in Crystal Black Silica paint, but what is more here is that the SUV offers also a range of one-of-a-kind visual additions that enhance the its rugged appeal.

To be more precise, these include front, rear and side silver-resin underguards, front and rear mudflaps, a cargo step panel and a foldable cargo tray. The interior of the car was also refined via the heavy-duty rubber floor mats.

XV model was rated by the Euro NCAP with five stars which means that it offers more than 90% of safety for its occupants. In addition, the vehicle also has one of the highest scores for child occupant protection ever recorded which makes it for family utilization.

XV Black also combines high ground clearance with low centre of gravity. The engines that it is being offered with as well as its lightweight body, contribute towards 50.4 mpg fuel efficiency on the combined cycle and 146 g/km CO2 emissions.

The standard equipment here is also generous and particularly it includes standard-fit Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) system, front, side, curtain and knee airbags, 17-inch alloy wheels, daytime running lights, heated front seats, wiper de-icers, cruise control, folding door mirrors, dual-zone air-conditioning, rear view safety camera, Bluetooth, HID headlamps, and rear privacy glass.

Subaru XV Black Limited Edition AWD has a starting price of £24 495 ($39714 USD) and is based on the existing SE model.

Source: Subaru

October 23, 2013

The Fiery Spirit Of Print Tech Lamborghini Aventador

The car wrapping specialists at Print Tech have given their best at this current project. The have transformed a previously black Lamborghini Aventador into an orange-red-chrome beast.

Least to say is that this Lamborghini now looks absolutely breathtaking and is more unique than ever. This truly amazing color was achieved via the utilization of a Centurion-Foil. To contrast the fiery exterior, only the top and some plastic pieces have been wrapped by black foil.

In addition, the rims of this Aventador were also replaced with new glossy black powder coated ones. Another element here that wasn’t previously found on the car is the Capristo exhaust system.

As a matter of fact, car foiling has some advantages over the traditional paint finish, and as in this case it mainly serves to bring out the individuality of the car. However, the foil wrapping also serves well for the protection of the original paint, because any wrapping can be removed without trace in case of necessity.

In addition, when the car coating is “aged”, then the foil can be the best option. At last, the price of this method is also a great benefit over the price of an entire car paint finish.

Source: Miranda Media

October 23, 2013

FolienCenter-NRW Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG In Matt Bond Gold

FolienCenter-NRW Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG looks amazing due to the modifications done on it in terms of exterior- and power-related characteristics. The project is a result of the work of two tuning companies. For the foiling took care the specialists at FolienCenter-NRW, while the tuners at SR-Performance were responsible for the adequate technical upgrade.

The factory 6.2-liter V8 engine of the C63 AMG produces 457 horsepower (336 kW). Using air filter inserts from BMC as well as Milltek racing catalytic converters with pre-catalytic converter replacement pipe and a complete reprogramming of the engine software, SR performance professionals enhanced the power of this Mercedes-Benz up to 540 horsepower (397 kW) and the maximum torque to 665 Nm (490 lb-ft).

In addition, they have added Bilstein B16 PSS 10 coilover kit and a set of high grade and super light BBS CH-R wheels. The latter are in the format of 8.5×19 inches at the front, and 9.5×19 inches at the rear, and coupled with Continental Sport Contact 5 tires of the size 235/35R19 and 265/30 R19 for the front and rear respectively.

The optical tuning was done by FolienCenter-NRW. The car-wrapping experts endowed the bodywork with a perfectly worked complete wrapping in “Matt Bond Gold Metallic” from the PWF portfolio.

As a contrast to the gold wrapping, a glossy black foil was applied on the roof, roof luggage rails, the door handles and the shadow line optics. A classical black paint was utilized on the radiator cowling including the Mercedes star, the external mirrors and the covers around the fog lights.

Source: FolienCenter-NRW

October 23, 2013

Nissan GT-R Switzer Goliath – 402 km/h on 1 mile

Dragtimesinfo has published another impressive video featuring a mighty Nissan GT-R. This time, the road-legal sports car is tuned by Switzer Performance and carry the name – Goliath.

Nissan GT-R Switzer Goliath managed to hit 402.23 km/h terminal speed at 1 mile drag race with 22.602 seconds time. The beast has more than 1,500whp (wheel-horsepower) at 7,000RPM.

The result is achieved using already tested and proven parts used on Ultimate Street Edition GT-R. This means using the same intercoolers, plumbing, and exhaust hardware, albeit slightly modified to handle such an increase in power.

In other words, the GT-R Goliath is completely street legal and has A/C, power steering and all other interior components.

Enjoy!

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tx-Pmc_qw1k

Source: Dragtimesinfo

October 23, 2013

Alpha-N Performance Volkswagen Golf VI R – 330HP

Alpha-N Performance has introduced an upgrade package for Volkswagen Golf VI R. The hot hatchback received new wheels and some performance upgrades.

The exterior features a set of lightweight OZ Racing Ultraleggera HLT alloy wheels finished in a race gold paint and fitted with 235/30 R20 tires (dimensions 8J x 20”). There is also a stainless steel exhaust system delivering extraordinary sound.

The 2.0 liter turbocharged engine is boosted to 330HP (243 kW) – an increase of 60HP (44 kW) thanks to a sports air filter system and an EVOX chip tuning box. 0-100 km/h in 5.5 seconds and a top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph).

Source: Alpha-N Performance

October 22, 2013

Honda S660 Concept [preview]

Honda has published several pictures of the S660 Concept, which will make its official debut at the Tokyo Motor Show, next month.

Honda S660 Concept is described as an “open-top sports-type mini-vehicle”. It looks a lot like EV-STER Concept from 2011, but with a conventional engine in the form of a small 0.66 litre three-cylinder turbocharged petrol with 64HP (48 kW) connected to a 7-speed CVT. The vehicle is going to weight around 900kg (1,984 lbs).

The S660 is expected to hit the market sometime in 2015 but it will be sold only in Japan.

Honda will also exhibit the all-new UNI-CUB, a personal mobility device developed under the theme of “harmony with people”; the world premiere of the N-WGN, the fourth model of the N Series of mini-vehicles; and a number of mass-production models, including the all-new Accord Plug-in Hybrid and the Fit equipped with Earth Dreams Technology.

In the motorcycle area several planned production models will be exhibited, including the DUNK, a new style 50cc scooter made for the Japanese market, equipped with a newly-developed liquid-cooled engine.

Source: Honda

October 22, 2013

TopCar Mercedes-Benz G65 AMG Mansory

TopCar has presented their latest project based on the powerful Mercedes-Benz G65 AMG. The Russian tuning specialists fitted the mighty SUV only with styling upgrades.

The exterior features a full Mansory body kit including a carbon fiber front spoiler and redesigned air intakes together with a special front grille and a vented hood. There are also side vents, a Mansory wheel cover, additional LED DRLs, a set of matte grey alloys provided by ADV.1 Wheels fitted with low-profile tires and tinted windows.

The powerful 6.0 liter V12 bi-turbo engine remains with the same power – 612HP (450 kW) and 1,000Nm (737 lb-ft). Enough to catapult the heavy SUV from 0-100 km/h in 5.3 seconds and a top speed of 230 km/h (143 mph).

Source: TopCar

October 22, 2013

G-Power: BMW 550i, 650i, 750i, M5 and M6

G-Power has introduced a lot of performance packages for the current BMW 550i, 650i, 750i, M5 and M6.

First, the 50i models can be boosted by the Bi-Tronik III package, which can increase the power to:

490 HP (360 kW) and 685 Nm (505 lb-ft)
510 HP (375 kW) and 720 Nm (530 lb-ft)
540 HP (397 kW) and 790 Nm (582 lb-ft)
560 HP (411 kW) and 810 Nm (597 lb-ft)

The pricing starts from €2,999 (excluding VAT).

Second, the M5 and M6 can be also boosted by the Bi-Tronik III package:

625 HP (459 kW) and 777 Nm (573 lb-ft)
645 HP (474 kW) and 810 Nm (597 lb-ft)
680 HP (500 kW) and 890 Nm (656 lb-ft)
710 HP (522 kW) and 890 Nm (656 lb-ft)
740 HP (544 kW) and 910 Nm (671 lb-ft)

The pricing starts from €2,517 (excluding VAT).

The results are thanks to a number of upgrades including ECU re-map, bigger turbochargers and complete sports exhaust systems.

The choice is up to you!

Source: G-Power

October 22, 2013

Caterham Launches Seven 160

Caterham-Seven-160-THUMB Caterham Seven 160 is now being officially launched. The vehicle is an entry-level variant of the iconic sportscar, which is powered by a compact, turbocharged Suzuki engine. Other exclusive features of the car include live-axle rear suspension and light-weight elements that contribute for its low kerb weight.

The 660cc, three-cylinder engine of the car can produce 80 horsepower (59 kW). This enables the Seven 160 to accelerate from standstill to 100 km/h in less than 6.5 seconds on to a top speed of 100 mph.

In addition, the unit is created in such manner that it delivers also low levels of fuel efficiency and emissions. Basically, this Caterham will offer to its customers something truly different to the entry-level market, because it is more economical, more accessible and has unique personality.

The rear axle has a simple and pure design and in addition complements the engine and lowers the overall body weight. At the same time it also offers intuitive handling experience and a balanced chassis.

The production of Caterham Seven 160 is scheduled to start in the beginning of next year. Vehicle’s price will begin at £14,995.

Source: Caterham

October 22, 2013

Category: Auto News