Category: Auto News

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

  • Ferrari F40 vs F50 [video]

    Drive has published an epic 22-minute video comparing two legends – Ferrari F40 and Ferrari F50. Chris Harris get the possibility to compare the two supercars from Maranello.

    Ferrari F40 was produced from 1987 to 1992. In the year, when it came out, F40 did a world record for fastest street-legal production car. It managed to do 323 km/h (201 mph).

    F40 is powered by 3.0 liter twin-turbocharged V8 with 478HP (352 kW) at 7,000RPM. The engine is mated to a 5-speed manual gearbox. 0 to 100 km/h in 4.1 seconds, to 160 km/h in 7.6 seconds and to 200 km/h in 11 seconds, flat. ¼ mile is covered in 11.9 seconds and 0-1000m in 20.9 seconds.

    The curb weight is just 1,100kg.

    The F50 is powered by a 4.7 liter naturally aspirated V12 with 5 valves per cylinder. It develops 520HP (382 kW) at 8,000RPM and 470Nm (347 lb-ft) at 6,500RPM. 0-100 km/h in 3.7 seconds and 0-160 km/h in 6.0 seconds. ¼ mile in 12.1 seconds and 1 mile in 30.3 seconds. The top speed is 312 km/h (194 mph).

    The curb weight is 1,230kg.

    When the F40 came out in 1987 it cost $400,000, while the F50 was $480,000 in 1995.

    Which is better? Check out in the video!

    httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3MDTcXGsjuo

    Source: Drive via Youtube

  • 2014 Toyota 4Runner – US Price $32,820

    Toyota has published the full price list for 2014 4Runner and Tacoma models. The 2014 4Runner is priced from $32,820 and goes up to $43,400, while the 2014 Tacoma has a starting price of $17,625 and goes up to $28,185.

    The base SR5 model of 2014 4Runner packs 17” alloy wheels, Entune infotainment system and fabric seats, but for an extra $1,875 it can have auto-dimming mirrors, sunroof, navigation, SofTex faux leather seats and power passenger seat. AWD system can be ordered for additional $2,920.

    4Runner Trail has received a $1,430 price cut for the new model. It features a multi-terrain response system, hill-start assist and the company’s crawl control system.

    The Limited trim comes with four-wheel drive with a center locking differential, 15-speaker Entune Premium JBL sound system and a more refined X-REAS suspension.

    The engine is a 4.0 liter V6 with 270HP (201 kW) and 376Nm (278 lb-ft) of torque. It is connected to a 5-speed ECT-i automatic transmission and a transfer case.

    2014 4Runner Pricing

    Model # Grade Engine Transmission Body Style MSRP 2013 MSRP 2014 MSRP Chg ($) MSRP Chg (%)
    8642 SR5 V6 5AT SUV 4X2 $31,490 $32,820 $1,330 4%
    8664 SR5 V6 5AT SUV 4X4 $33,365 $34,695 $1,330 4%
    8646 SR5 Premium V6 5AT SUV 4X2 $35,740 NEW
    8648 Limited V6 5AT SUV 4X2 $38,995 $41,365 $2,370 6%
    8666 SR5 Premium V6 5AT SUV 4X4 $37,615 NEW
    8670 Trail V6 5AT SUV 4X4 $37,155 $35,725 ($1,430) -4%
    8672 Trail Premium V6 5AT SUV 4X4 $38,645 NEW
    8668 Limited V6 5AT SUV 4X4 $41,030 $43,400 $2,370 6%

    2014 Tacoma Pricing

    Model # Grade MSRP 2013 MSRP 2014 MSRP Chg ($) MSRP Chg (%)
    7103 TACOMA REGULAR CAB 4X2 $17,625 $17,875 $250 1.4%
    7104 TACOMA REGULAR CAB 4X2 $18,525 $18,775 $250 1.3%
    7113 TACOMA 4X2 ACCESS CAB $20,415 $20,515 $100 0.5%
    7114 TACOMA 4X2 ACCESS CAB $21,315 $21,415 $100 0.5%
    7162 TACOMA PRERUNNER ACCESS CAB $22,075 $22,125 $50 0.2%
    7164 TACOMA PRERUNNER ACCESS CAB V6 $23,510 $23,560 $50 0.2%
    7182 TACOMA DOUBLE CAB 4X2 $22,525 $22,625 $100 0.4%
    7186 TACOMA PRERUNNER DOUBLE CAB 4X2 $23,175 $23,225 $50 0.2%
    7188 TACOMA PRERUNNER DOUBLE CAB 4X2 V6 $24,610 $24,660 $50 0.2%
    7190 TACOMA PRERUNNER DBL CAB 4X2 V6 L/B $25,110 $25,160 $50 0.2%
    7503 TACOMA REGULAR CAB 4X4 $21,475 $21,725 $250 1.2%
    7504 TACOMA REGULAR CAB 4X4 $22,605 $22,855 $250 1.1%
    7513 TACOMA 4X4 ACCESS CAB $24,250 $24,350 $100 0.4%
    7514 TACOMA 4X4 ACCESS CAB $25,150 $25,250 $100 0.4%
    7553 TACOMA 4X4 ACCESS CAB V6 $25,805 $25,905 $100 0.4%
    7554 TACOMA 4X4 ACCESS CAB V6 $26,685 $26,785 $100 0.4%
    7593 TACOMA DOUBLE CAB 4X4 V6 $26,805 $26,905 $100 0.4%
    7594 TACOMA DOUBLE CAB 4X4 V6 $27,685 $27,785 $100 0.4%
    7596 TACOMA DBL CAB 4X4 V6 L/B $28,185 $28,285 $100 0.4%

    Source: Toyota

  • BMW M6 G-Power vs Alpina B6, GT-R AMS Alpha 12+, Cayenne Turbo S, M6 ESS

    Dragtimesinfo has published a video – BMW M6 G-Power SKIII with 750HP making several starts versus Alpina B6 with 540HP, Nissan GT-R AMS Alpha 12+ with 1500HP, BMW M6 ESS VT3+ with 950HP and Porsche Cayenne II Turbo S with 550HP.

    The first start is against the B6, which set personal absolute record on ¼ mile – 12.807 seconds, but it wasn’t enough to beat the 210HP more powerful M6 G-Power, which finished the 1 mile race in 30.499 seconds with 282 km/h.

    The second start is versus the mighty Alpha 12+, which obviously won the race, but the information in the end is wrong (they switched the tables for M6 ESS and the GT-R). So, the GT-R finished in 27.245 seconds with 342 km/h terminal speed, which is pretty slow time, while the M6 G-Power needed 29.930 seconds with 292 km/h.

    In the third race, the Cayenne II Turbo S stopped the clock at 32.453 seconds with 252 km/h, which is pretty good for a big SUV. What is more, it was driven by a lady – Olga G.

    The last start is against the mighty M6 ESS VT+, which finished in 28.358 seconds with 303 km/h, while the M6 G-Power needed 29.930 seconds with 291 km/h terminal speed, which is personal absolute record on 1 mile.

    httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NFtOA0QaH8s

    Source: Dragtimesinfo

  • Official Debut For Smart Fourjoy In Frankfurt

    smart-fourjoy-THUMBThe new smart fourjoy is a proof that more than two seats are also fully in keeping with the smart brand experience. The new vehicle has all the typical attributes for the brand and comes to deliver to the occupants pure carefree enjoyment of drive. The compact four-seater is the first of new smart generation and it will have its world premiere at 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show.

    Smart fourjoy has no doors, no rear window and an open roof. The futuristic exterior design is continued in the interior which includes rear seat bench in the style of lounge furniture. Of course, the car retains the compact dimensions typical for the brand. It is 3494 mm long, 1978 mm wide and 1494 high.

    Furthermore, this smart utilizes an electric drive with a 55 kW magneto-electric motor which delivers zero-local-emission. In addition, the design elements featured here stay true to the brand’s philosophy and include extremely short overhangs, wheels positioned on the four most outer points, tail lights integrated in the sturdy tridion cell and spherical instrument cluster.

    Next, the exterior is exquisite and includes polished aluminium and white pearlescent paintwork. The three-dimensional upright front further strengthens the expressive appearance of the smart fourjoy.

    Another highlight here is the pronounced tridion cell. It is made of polished full-aluminium and its brilliant bright lustre finish highlights the premium character of the brand. The raised smart lettering milled from aluminium on the side skirts continues this design scheme.

    In addition, the pearlescent white on the bumpers, front bonnet and tailgate provides a contrast to the aluminium of the tridion cell. The door mirrors “float” on an aluminium stele. On the other hand, the rear lights are built in the tridion cell.

    The headlamps do not have a glass cover and this delivers a three-dimensional impression of the U-shaped daytime running lights. Moreover, LEDs are featured in the front and tail lights. Transparent petroleum-coloured moulded parts are to be seen in the wind deflector at the top of the front windscreen, on the A-pillars on the sides and on the rear roof spoiler.

    The fact that the vehicle doesn’t have any doors, rear window or roof panel, connects the exterior and the interior. Inside, the most prominent features are the two futuristic-looking front seats and the rear seat bench.

    The rear of the seats is made of dark chrome. The same petroleum colour as the plexiglass accents on the exterior is used at the piping-like line winds around the sides of the seats. In addition, perforated and smooth surfaces alternate on the vehicle floor.

    A continuous central structure supports the seats and the instrument panel, which includes a convex surface with touch-sensitive operating functions. The instrument panel is support of transparent, illuminated plexiglass into which apertures have been milled.

    The spherical instrument cluster and the single-spoke steering wheel are reminiscent of the original smart. On the dashboard there are also mounted two smartphones and on the centre tunnel at the rear for cutting-edge connectivity and tailor-made entertainment for all passengers.

    More importantly, the electric drive is positioned at the rear and is based on the current smart fortwo electric drive. It is a 55 kW magneto-electric motor which utilizes lithium-ion battery which a capacity of 17.6 kWh. When the battery is entirely empty it takes a maximum of seven hours to fully charge the battery at a household socket or charging station.

    Source: Smart

  • World Premiere Of Lexus LF-NX Crossover Concept

    Lexus-LF-NX-Crossover-Concept-THUMBLexus is going to bring to this year’s Frankfurt Motor Show a brand new mid-size crossover concept, called LF-NX. The concept vehicle will probably be included in the future model range.

    LF-NX includes a hybrid powertrain and in fact it is powered by a new variation of the Lexus Hybrid Drive full hybrid system which was additionally tuned for SUV performance. In addition, the powerfully sculpted styling reflects the evolution of the L-finesse design language which is used in today’s Lexus models.

    The front of the vehicle includes a strong interpretation of Lexus’s spindle grille and a signature arrangement of the front lights. The daytime running lights are further visually strengthened by their new position, which is independent from the headlamps. New also are the front corners, which separate the bumper from the front wings with a sharp vertical cut line.

    In profile, the new SUV concept displays muscular wheel arches, which are additionally edged with a black protective finish. Above the belt line, which has a diamond shape, is the side glazing arranged in the classic profile. In fact, it creates an athletic coupe-like silhouette because it works with the steep rake of the tailgate.

    Going to the rear, one sees an emphasized lamp clusters which extend down the full depth of the bumper. This also creates a sharp and aerodynamic trailing edge. The exterior of the concept is decided in new Brushed Metal Silver finish. It immediately makes a striking impression.

    Furthermore, the interior of the vehicle completes the futuristic design philosophy of the exterior and includes powerful forms and a highly ergonomic driver’s cockpit. As a matter of fact, the cabin follows the “Human Oriented” element of Lexus’s L-finesse design.

    To be more precise, the dashboard is divided between an upper display zone and lower operation zone, which enables an ease of interaction with the concept vehicle’s next generation technology. The latter features touch-sensitive electrostatic switches and a new touchpad Remote Touch Interface design. The interior of the premium crossover is reinforced by carved metal surfacing, sophisticated blue instrument lighting and yellow and black leather upholstery with contrast stitching.

    Source: Lexus

  • Debut For Maserati Quattroporte Ermenegildo Zegna Limited Edition Concept

    Maserati-Quattroporte-Ermenegildo-Zegna-Limited-Edition-Concept-THUMBMaserati Quattroporte Ermenegildo Zegna Limited Edition Concept vehicle is going to be unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show. There it will showcase to the audience that it includes unique new visual stance and colour scheme, materials and finish.

    The car is in the form of limited edition concept and it is being readied for future development into a MY2014 production version. The production car will maintain the same personality and quality of the current Quattroporte range.

    Ermenegildo Zegna’s concept is the result of collaboration between two companies that are connected by history, tradition and exclusivity. First, the exterior of this limited edition Maserati Quattroporte includes a special effect paint finish which simulates the fluidity and purity of metal. This was achieved through the utilization of ultra-fine aluminium pigments.

    In addition, the gloss black primer further strengthens the brilliance of the aluminium pigments and creates a sensation of depth. The platinum metal colour effect finish is also nuanced in order to express the Maserati’s classic and sophisticated technically advanced character.

    The interior of the Maserati Quattroporte Ermenegildo Zegna Limited Edition Concept car continues the luxury design philosophy of the exterior. Inside were used warm hues like moka and greige, that make a link to Zegna’s latest men’s fashion collections. Furthermore, the interior components such as seats, door panels and roof lining are finished in soft leather, in addition to a velvet-smooth and bright fabric.

    Source: Maserati

  • Revolutionary Citroen Cactus Concept Finally Revealed [VIDEO]

    Citroen-Cactus-Concept-THUMBAfter the first images of the new Citroen Cactus Concept leaked yesterday, the French car company is now ready to make a full reveal of its new concept, showing that the new Cactus is a vision for future C-line models. The new concept shows a unique harmony between the distinctive and the practical and at the same time offers great levels of comfort for all passengers with easy-to-use technology.

    First of all, the new Citroen vehicle is created to deliver pure and functional styling, which focuses mainly on efficiency because of its lightweight and aerodynamic credentials. The high-tech look and the non-aggressive flowing surfaces are visible, and are strengthen by the ne revolutionary “Airbumps”. The latter are customizable design components covered with a soft skin including air capsules that protect the body of the car.

    Citroen states that it has included an intelligent design in this car, which features an airy driver’s station housing all the controls in a 100% digital interface, sofa-style front seats for more comfort, natural materials laid out in a stylish and relaxed atmosphere.

    Furthermore, the car utilizes a user-friendly technology. A Hybrid Air drivetrain is responsible for economic running costs and decreased environmental footprint, while the intuitive connectivity offers an access to the Citroen Multicity Connect portal.

    The main idea which had to be manifested regarding the styling was to keep only the essential and to explore new solutions to bring customers useful equipment and features. Hence, the shape that is both original yet familiar, features pure and smooth surfaces in pearlescent white, flowing contours, floating roof and rear quarter panels, contrasting and functional detailing such as Lama grey ‘Airbumps’, textured black wheel arches and gloss black roof rack, bright and airy cabin with a large panoramic sunroof.

    The revolutionary “Airbump” of the Cactus Concept is positioned on the sides and bumpers of the car. This element not only strengthens the appearance and personality of the vehicle, but also is made with supple material that resists scratches and includes air capsules that absorb impacts.

    The proportions of the concept are optimized for efficiency and comfort with and deliver dimensions of a compact hatchback (4.21 m long and 1.75 m wide). It includes a high ground clearance (21 cm) but with an optimized height of just 1.53 m. The overhangs were reduced and the wheels are directly located at each corner.

    Next, the front of the Cactus is characterized by smooth surfaces showcasing the chevrons, flowing lines with progression from bonnet to wing, high-tech light signature with LED daytime running lights and lamps built in to the ‘Airbumps’. The same principle is continued at the rear with Citroen’s 3D-effect LEDs, which are built into the large ‘Airbump’ that protects the boot area.

    Furthermore, in terms of interior the cabin was refined and features new architecture, design, colors and materials as well as greater space and comfort for the occupants. The slender, floating dashboard fully frees up the floor below to create a large, easy-access storage space on the passenger side.

    Inside, there is also a 100% digital interface and includes instrument cluster with a 7-inch screen, swapping control buttons for an 8-inch touchscreen connected to all vehicle functions, passenger airbag on the ceiling and push-button controls on the lower part of the dashboard and steering-wheel paddles. Another innovation is the thermally-treated panoramic sunroof. It brings light into the cabin, but repels heat and UV rays.

    The comfort was enhanced via the front seats, which were designed in the style of a sofa, whilst the treatment of the upper storage areas and interior door handles were inspired by luxury luggage styling. Throughout the cabin were utilized natural materials such as cotton fabric and ‘camel’ leather (vegetable tanned), that was also included on the steering wheel trim, seats and door handles.

    More importantly, the Cactus concept includes brand’s Hybrid Air drivetrain. The latter is a full-hybrid, compressed air and hydraulics system, which is combined with a PureTech engine to deliver great fuel economy in excess of 94mpg (under 3l/100km).

    Citroen Cactus Concept will make its official world debut at 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show.

    httpv://youtu.be/ELyoGxoG004

    Video Source: YouTube

    Source: Citroen

  • 2014 BMW i8 [first photos]

    Here are the first two official photos of the production-ready 2014 BMW i8. The supercar will make its official debut at the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show, next week. Immediately after the manufacturer has released a video teaser, the first two official pictures of the car have surfaced.

    The scissor doors make a big impression, but the interior is a lot like the current BMW models. There are digital instrument clusters and a blue circle around the logo on the steering wheel.

    2014 BMW i8 is powered by a 1.5 liter three-cylinder TwinPower Turbo petrol engine – 231HP (170 kW) and 320Nm (236 lb-ft) powering the rear wheels and an electric motor – 131HP (96 kW) and 250Nm (184 lb-ft) on the front axle. The total output is 362HP (266 kW) and 570Nm (420 lb-ft) of torque. 0-100 km/h in less than 4.5 seconds and a top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph).

    The i8 weighs just 1,490 kg (3,285 lbs). It is able to return 113 mpg UK – 2.5 liters / 100 km and a zero-emission range of 35 km (22 miles) with top speed of 120 km/h (75 mph).

    Source:Autowp

  • 2014 Ford EcoSport Limited Edition – Price

    Ford Europe has announced a Limited Edition of the compact crossover – EcoSport. There will be just 500 units, 120 of them for the UK market.

    It will feature the Ford SYNC AppLink system – which enables voice control of smartphone apps from the driver’s seat – as part of a special equipment package that also adds 17” alloy wheels, leather trim, and an array of advanced technologies.

    Following the Limited Edition launch campaign,  EcoSport will be available in Ford showrooms as a stylish Titanium series featuring 16” alloy wheels (with alloy spare wheel and cover), front fog lamps, silver roof rails, power door mirrors, keyless entry and Ford PowerStart.

    Other standard features include remote locking, Thatcham alarm, Tyre Pressure Monitoring System, daytime running lamps, ABS, ESP, EBA, seven airbags, EATC, CD/radio with USB/aux in, multifunction leather steering wheel, power front and rear windows, rake/reach adjust steering, height/lumbar adjust driver’s seat, rake adjust rear seat and floor mats.  Prices for this model will range from £14,995 to £17,495 OTR.

    Source: Ford

  • Citroen Cactus Concept [leak images]

    Citroen Cactus Concept will make its official debut at the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show. The interesting crossover boasts some unique styling features – LED headlights, lack of B-pillar and unique rims.

    The open-air cockpit boasts cloth and leather seats as well as metallic accents. There is also a digital instrument cluster, an premium infotainment system and a unique ventilation system. Nothing is mentioned about the powertrain, but the infotainment system’s display suggests it uses an electric or hybrid one.

    The Cactus Concept reminds to Range Rover Evoque and obviously Citroen goes in a new direction. Whether it will be a success or failure?

    Stay tuned!

    Source: Autowp.ru

  • 2014 Renault Captur Arizona Edition – Price €20,200

    Renault has announced the Captur Arizona Edition, which is currently available with pricing starting from €20,200. Renault Captur Arizona places the emphasis firmly on adventurer looks.

    The exterior boasts an Orange paint finish with Etoile Black accents on the roof and window pillars. There are also tinted windows, skid plates and a set of 17” black diamond-effect alloy wheels.

    Inside, the seats come with removable black and orange upholstery with a special ‘Captur’ pattern, while orange-edged mats protect the carpet from becoming soiled.

    The limited edition Renault Captur Arizona is equipped with the connected R-Link in-dash multimedia tablet, and the Techno Pack incorporates a reversing camera.

    Equipment

    The limited-edition Renault Captur Arizona = Captur Intens, plus:

    • Captur Theme Pack
    • Techno Pack (including reversing camera)
    • Metallic orange paint
    • Armrest
    • Orange-edged carpet mats
    • Front and rear skid plates
    • Stainless steel boot sill guard

    Source: Renault

  • Mercedes-Benz CLA 45 AMG Racing Series To Debut In Frankfurt

    Mercedes-Benz-CLA-45-AMG-Racing-Series-THUMBAt the official Facebook page of Mercedes-AMG was just revealed a unique vehicle – the Mercedes-Benz CLA 45 AMG Racing Series. Not many details have been revealed so far, however it is visible that the car has the authentic racing attributes, competitive technology and spectacular design.

    It was also announced that this special Mercedes-Benz is close-to-production and it is planned for the highly popular racing series with 2-liter turbocharged vehicles. The CLA 45 AMG on which the current model is based was launched in 2013 and was equipped with the most powerful series production 4-cylinder engine.

    The race car version would probably adapt the engine performance and technical specifications. A possibility is also to be included here a permanent all-wheel drive and pure front-wheel drive. The engine of the sports car will be mated to an AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT 7-speed sports gearbox takes.

    Body panels made of carbon-fiber reinforced plastics (CFRP) and specific aerodynamic components will make possible the lightweight design of the car and will also provide top-level racing competitiveness. As one can see, the interior is focused on pure function with numerous safety and race car features.

    Mercedes-Benz CLA 45 AMG Racing Series will debut at Frankfurt Motor Show.

    Source: Mercedes-AMG Official Facebook Page