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Mazda MX-5 Cup Practice At Road Atlanta

Christian Szymczak behind the wheel of Mazda MX-5 has achieved the fastest time in practice one of the preparation for Rounds 11 and 12 for the SCCA Pro Racing Playboy MX-5 Cup. At the second and third place were Sebastian Landy and Elliott Skeer, respectively.

To be more precise, Szymczak recorded a time of 1:39.650 (91.761 mph) on the 12-turn and 2.54-mile road course. The driver aims that these numbers will be enough for the qualification for the pole, given that the track was slippery.

In addition, he also disclosed that the focus was put not only in the preparation for a particular session, but also on the development of the car, thanks to which the MX-5 will get better and better.

An interesting highlight about the MX-5 is that thanks to it mazda offers available at Lifestyle to its customers extra-satisfying handling and linear responsiveness. The latest facelifted version of the vehicle debuted at the end of last year. It has more aggressive road stance and is equipped with new and innovative safety technology. The car is powered by either a 126 hp (93 kW) MZR 1.8-litre matched with a five-speed manual transmission or the 160 hp (118 kW) MZR 2.0-litre with automatic or manual six-speed transmissions.

The second quickest lap was achieved by Landy, who needed only 1:39.830 (91.595 mph) to complete it. As a matter of fact, this is driver’s personal high score, when compared to those he achieved in any other official session of 2013.

He also confirmed the slipperiness of the track, but emphasized that the longer he ran, the more grip he had. The 30-minute session was ended by Skeer for a time of 1:39.854 (91.573 mph), which secured him the third place and who also have the desire to qualify for the pole.

Season’s final race taking is scheduled to start today at 8:10 a.m. (EDT).

Source: Mazda

October 18, 2013

Prior Design Mercedes-Benz G-Class W463

Prior Design has announced their latest project based on Mercedes-Benz G-Class W463. The big off-roader comes with a lot of styling modifications.

The exterior boasts a complete aerodynamics package in two version – Wide (for €12,900) and Non-wide (for €6,900). The package includes a new front bumper, front and rear extentions and a new hood. There is also a new rear bumper and diffuser.

All components are made from dura-flex FRP (fiber reinforced plastic) and are compatible with all G-Class W463 models.

As an option, Prior Design offers massive 23” DPE alloy wheels for €7,900 and a tire cover for €1,199.

The interior boasts a lot of carbon fiber elements.

Source: Prior Design

October 17, 2013

Magnum MK5: New Racecar To Be Born [VIDEO]

Another teaser for the day comes from the Canadian manufacturer Magnum Cars, but this time in video form. The racecar specialists are going to introduce to the automotive world very soon a new lightweight supercar.

The veil will be lifted on 30th of October, when the high performance two-seater supercar, named the Magnum MK5 will show its full glory. What has been revealed so far is that the vehicle will be both street-legal and track-focused.

The development of the MK5 went through thorough and extensive track testing. With this project, the brand is hoping to enter a new segment of the specialized automotive world and to deliver to the customers stronger vision and focus towards future innovations.

In fact, Magnum Cars is the first Canadian car manufacturer which is to hit the international track-day car market. Boasting racecar performance and supercar build quality and styling, the MK5 is expected to take the lead in the lightweight supercar category thanks to the utilization of the latest technologies, techniques and material.

httpv://vimeo.com/76920395

Video Source: Vimeo

Source: Magnum Cars

October 17, 2013

2014 Cadillac ELR – Active Noise Cancelling

The all-new 2014 Cadillac ELR is so quiet when running on battery power that the electrified luxury coupe’s development team took care to keep it that way when the on-board gas-powered electric generator turns on for extended-range driving.

ELR uses Active Noise Cancelling to preserve the peace and quiet. While most cars that use this type of sound-neutralizing technology aim simply to mute exhaust boom at low engine speeds, such as when idling, ELR uses it across all engine speeds.

The special system electronically gathers input from the vehicle’s generator and powertrain, as well as from three ceiling-mounted microphones. The system calculates and produces the appropriate noise-cancelling signal, which is delivered through the premium Bose audio system.

ELR uses a variety of sound-buffering and -absorbing materials to minimize wind, road and engine noise, including:

Acoustically laminated windshield and thicker front-door glass
Liquid-applied sound deadener applied to the floor pan, trunk and roof
Triple-sealed doors with acoustic perimeter water deflectors
Mass-efficient sound-absorbing dash mat and carpet system
Acoustic foam baffles inside body cavities and in between inner and outer quarter panels
An isolated front suspension cradle with hydraulic powertrain mounts to isolate road and engine vibration

ELR will hit the US market in the beginning of 2014.

Source: Cadillac

October 17, 2013

2014 MINI Countryman Black Knight SE Teased

MINI brand in the United States is going to release its first and very special version of a Countryman. It was announced that this edition will be “covered” with one of the most impressive paints in the BMW’s car range, namely the Frozen Black matt paint.

In addition it was also disclosed that the uniquely styled model is to carry the name “The Black Knight” and similarly to the Frozen Black Edition BMW E92 M3 it is to have a limited production of only 60 units.

Those interested in buying one of these sixty examples have to immediately register, because only the first 60 will be those lucky to be the future customers of the Black Night. MINI has also ensured that the vehicles will be full of versatile equipment. However, there will be some optional features such as the Two-Wheel or the All-Wheel-Drive (ALL4), and the choice of manual or automatic transmission.

Additional information on the 2014 MINI Countryman Black Knight Special Edition will be available near release. Until then, what is left to enjoy the two teaser images of the car that the brand has released.

Source: motoringfile

October 17, 2013

Chevrolet To Introduce Impala Bi-Fuel CNG Next Year

General Motors is going to build 2015 Chevrolet Impala Bi-Fuel CNG vehicle which is going to operate on gasoline or compressed natural gas (CNG). The model is expected to hit the showrooms in the summer of 2015 and it is created in order to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the OPEC Oil Embargo – The National Summit on Energy Security.

In addition, the bi-fuel Impala is an example of utilizing affordable technology with the aim of minimizing the oil consumption and saving consumers money at the gas station. The use of natural gas is always associated with cleaner energy source when compared to petroleum, and in addition it costs much less than the latter.

To be more precise, the CNG vehicles usually have 20 percent fewer greenhouse gas emissions than gasoline-powered cars. 2015 Impala Bi-Fuel is going to be equipped with factory-engineered powertrain that switches from CNG to gasoline. Its total range is expected to be up to 500 miles.

In addition to the Chevrolet Volt, Chevrolet Spark EV and the upcoming Cadillac ELR, the new 2014 Chevrolet Malibu is now going to be equipped with a start-stop technology as a standard. Thanks to it, the vehicle is expected to achieve a fuel economy rated at 25 mpg city/36 mpg highway.

Source: Chevrolet

October 17, 2013

SRT Viper Color Contest – An Opportunity to be Original

Street and Racing Technology (SRT) brand is giving someone a chance to make their mark on automotive history as the color palette for the 2014 Dodge SRT Viper gains a new entry.

The contest gives fans a chance to submit and choose an official new exterior color name of the 2014 SRT Viper. The fan who submits the winning name will win a trip to the ‘2014 Rolex 24 Hours of Daytona’ at Daytona International Speedway and the opportunity to spend time with the Viper Design team throughout the race weekend.

“The SRT Viper Color Contest gives our Viper enthusiasts an opportunity to be original, creative and contribute to the exterior design of our flagship American supercar,” commented Ralph Gilles, President and Chief Executive Officer – (SRT) Street and Racing Technology Brand and Motorsports, Chrysler Group LLC.

“Already available in a wide array of exterior color combinations, which provides our owners a way to personalize their cars, this contest is a great way for our dedicated fans to connect with the SRT brand and become an authentic part of Viper history.”, Mr. Gilles added.

Source: SRT

October 17, 2013

TEASER: Chrysler Previews The New Mopar ’14

Chrysler Group has just released a teaser image of the limited-edition Mopar ’14 that will make an official debut next month. The premiere will happen at Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) show in Las Vegas.

The new muscle-car is prepared especially for those who love high octane and customizable performance. In fact, the Mopar ’14 will be one of the 20 customized vehicles on display at the event. Some of the vehicles included in the exhibit are the Mopar ’10 Challenger, Mopar ’11 Charger, Mopar ’12 300, and Mopar ’13 Dart. Jeep Performance Parts will be also on display.

Mopar is Chrysler’s service, parts and customer-care brand and its global portfolio features more than 500,000 parts and accessories distributed throughout more than 130 markets. The brand’s parts are one-of-a-kind and more importantly are engineered with the same precision by the same teams that create the factory Chrysler vehicles.

To make an impressive example, Mopar has introduced so far many industry-first features such as vehicle-information apps, electronic owner manuals, Wi-Fi inside the vehicle, wireless charging, Electronic Vehicle Tracking System (EVTS), wiAdvisor and wiTech. Another instance is the 2011 Mopar Challenger Drag Pak which was the firs car that was equipped with 500-plus cubic-inch V-10 drag-race package.

Source: Chrysler

October 17, 2013

Audi A5 DTM Champion Special Edition – 300 units

Audi is introducing the A5 DTM Champion Special Edition. It is designed to celebrate Mike Rockenfeller’s triumph in the 2013 DTM season. The A5 DTM will be produced in limited series of just 300 units.

The exterior features DTM badges on the side sills, fenders and door sill trims. There is also a fixed body-colored rear wing and exterior mirrors in aluminum look. A5 DTM rolls 20” 5 V-spoke alloy wheels fitted with low-profile tires.

The limited A5 is available with a 2.0 liter TDI – 177HP (130 kW), a 3.0 liter TDI with 245HP (180 kW), a 2.0 liter TFSI with 225HP (165 kW) and a 3.0 liter TFSI with 272HP (200 kW). All of them feature Quattro AWD system.

There are three paint schemes: Glacier White, Daytona Gray and Misano Red. The price for DTM Champion Special Edition package is €1,900.

Source: Audi

October 17, 2013

2014 Porsche Macan – Production Ready [images]

Porsche has published several images of the production ready version of 2014 Macan. The small “Cayenne” will make its official debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show.

The exterior features include an aggressive front fascia, a sloping roofline and LED-infused headlights. There is also a tailgate-mounted spoiler and roughly shaped bodywork.

The engine range includes a 3.0 liter twin-turbocharged V6 and a 3.6 liter twin-turbocharged V6 – 395HP (294 kW) and 550Nm (406 lb-ft) of torque. The entry-level model will get a 3.0 liter V6 diesel with 254HP (189 kW). The engines will be connected to manual or PDK gearboxes sending power to an AWD system.

2014 Porsche Macan is expected to hit the market in the end of this year with pricing of around $52,000.

Source: Porsche

October 17, 2013

JE Design 2013 Seat Leon FR

JE Design has announced their latest project based on 2013 Seat Leon FR. The hot hatchback gets both – styling and performance ugprades.

The exterior features a lot of carbon fiber elements including a front spoiler, side skirts and a rear bumper insert. The price for the complete set is €1,369. In the five-door hatchback, you can opt for a roof spoiler – 357. There are also two stainless steel tailpipes on both sides, each with a diameter of 80 mm. The complete stainless steel muffler (€899) has an EC approval.

Other goodies include lowering springs -30mm for €237 or KW coilover suspension – €1,049, which can lower the car between 35 and 65 mm. For the highest standards, JE DESIGN also offers the adjustable rebound and compression-damping KW coilover suspension Variant 3 – €1,749.

“Scorpio” type light alloy wheels come in dimesions 7.5J x 18” and matt black finish with matt silver front. They are fitted with 225/40 R18 performance tires. The complete wheel set is available at a price starting from €839.

Last, but not least is the performance upgrade for the 1.8 liter TSI engine – 215HP (158 kW) and 300Nm (221 lb-ft) – an increase of 35 HP and 50Nm. 0-100 km/h in 6.9 seconds and hit a top speed of 235 km/h (146 mph). The price is €1,990 including VAT and 12 month warranty.

Source: JE Design

October 16, 2013

Mulgari Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG – 510HP and 710Nm

Mulgari has announced their project called “510” based on Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG. As you may suggest, the number stands for the amount of HP, which the mighty 6.2 liter V8 produces. Designed as a lifestyle upgrade the “510” not only boasts impressive horsepower figures but also offers the customer a unique identity.The 6.2 liter naturally aspirated V8 is boosted to 510HP (380 kW) and 705Nm (521 lb-ft) of torque – an increase of 63HP and 105Nm. 0-100 km/h in less than 4.3 seconds and a top speed of over 275 km/h (171 mph).The 510 features a brand new stainless steel exhaust system with active valve technology. Designed with everyday living in mind, the active valve system allows the user to control the sound track they desire with a simple push of a button.The exterior boasts some carbon fiber elements like front splitter and a new rear spoiler improving the aerodynamics.High performance vehicles demand high performance braking. All Mulgari 510’s receive upgraded performance braking fluids and materials.The entire package costs £7,995 (VAT included).

October 16, 2013

Category: Auto News