Category: Auto News

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

  • Hamann 2012 BMW X3 F25

    Hamann has introduced their latest project based on BMW X3 F25. There are a lot of ECU re-maps for the whole engine range as well as styling accessories.

    The exterior boasts a set of 9J x 21” ANNIVERSARY EVO one-piece wheels fitted with 265/30 ZR21Vredestein Ultrac Vorti R tires. There are also multispoke designs in 9 x 22” size for the front and 10.5J x 22” for the rear axle. The stance is further improved by lowering the ride by 35mm.

    Hamann offers ECU optimization kits for the xDrive 20i, 28i, 35i, 18d, 20d, 30d and 35d models. The top-of-range xDrive 35i is boosted to 348HP (260 kW) and 449Nm (331 lb-ft), which is an increase of 48HP and 49Nm. The xDrive 35d now has 350HP (261 kW) and 695Nm (513 lb-ft) – an increase of 41HP and 65Nm.

    Source: Hamann

  • 2014 Alfa Romeo Giulietta

    Alfa Romeo has introduced the 2014 Giulietta Facelift, which will be exhibited at the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show. The model is expected to hit the market next month.

    The styling changes include redesigned front grille, different fog lights with chrome-plated frame and new 16”, 17” and 18” alloy wheels fitted with proper tires. The color range now includes Bronze, Anodizzato Blue and Moonlight Pearl, while the interior gets an Uconnect infotainment system with a 5” or 6.5” touchscreen display/

    Other highlights include new storage and luggage compartments, new trim for the seats and door panels as well as the handles and dashboard, along with new steering wheel designs.

    The 2014 Alfa Romeo Giulietta will be available with the new 2.0 liter JTDM 2 engine – 150 HP (110 kW) and 380 Nm (280 lb-ft) of torque. It is equipped with the second-generation MultiJet injection system that both optimises engine combustion in all operating conditions and ensures reduction in fuel consumption and noise at the same time.

    Source: Alfa Romeo

  • 2014 Jeep Wrangler Polar Limited Edition

    2014 Jeep Wrangler Polar Limited Edition will be exhibited at the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show, next week. On the heels of the success of recently launched – and sold out – limited-edition customisations of Jeep Wrangler, this new special model sports a unique trim level dedicated to all those enthusiasts searching for adventure and absolute performance in extreme driving conditions.

    The exterior boasts exclusive styling cues, 18″ Gloss Black alloy wheels, body-colour hardtop and original Mopar accessories. The new Jeep Wrangler Polar will be available in Europe in the first quarter of 2014, in both two- and four-door versions, powered by the brilliant 2.8 litre turbo diesel or the powerful 3.6 litre petrol engine.

    Jeep Wrangler Polar takes its cue from the severe climate and extreme conditions that characterise the Antarctic region. The “Polar” badge located on the vehicle’s side next to the front fender flares shows off the 78° S and 106° E coordinates that correspond to the location of Vostok in Antarctica: the exact point where the absolute severest temperature in the world was recorded at -89.2° C (-128.56° F).

    Thus the theme of winter that in the past inspired the creation of highly appreciated special series now returns in the making of this new special-edition model. The winter theme is what lies behind the choice of the Wrangler Polar’s unique styling cues suggesting class-leading capabilities and the use of distinctive interior colours and details that recall features from the Antarctic region.

    The new Jeep Wrangler Polar was designed to express the freedom of going beyond the known limits to venture into unexplored territories: an experience that only Wrangler enthusiasts can enjoy, thanks to the reliability and safety granted by a vehicle featuring benchmark technology and unmatched off-road expertise achieved in more than seventy years of history. With its hostile routes and severe climate, the Antarctic region offers the driving conditions that the iconic Jeep Wrangler was engineered to conquer.

    Source: Jeep

  • Toyota Unveils Facelifted 2014 LandCruiser Prado [VIDEO]

    2014-Toyota-LandCruiser-Prado-THUMB2014 Toyota LandCruiser Prado now comes in a facelifted version and will include a range of new technologies, design elements and bring about more comfort to the customers. The 2014 Prado range will feature enhanced safety features, better third-row seat access and higher interior and exterior specifications.

    One of the exterior improvements of this Toyota model includes daytime running lamps on all models. In addition, major safety upgrades were added such as trailer sway control and emergency brake signal. The trailer sway control for instance gives LandCruiser Prado owners an additional confidence and control when towing.

    Other new exterior highlights of the new vehicle are visible on its face. There were added several structural elements from its unique design heritage, a further evolution of the classic Prado grille and a vertical, two-step construction which emphasizes car’s rugged appearance.

    Going inside the car, one sees a comprehensive interior which has been upgraded via the new switchgear and instrumentation with enhanced trim and ornamentation, improved second and third row seat designs with new fabrics, and new interior color schemes.

    2014 Toyota LandCruiser Prado will be offered with the choice of 4.0-litre petrol or a 3.0-litre turbo-diesel engine.

    httpv://youtu.be/cTSJLAMmB0o

    Video Source: YouTube

    Source: Toyota

  • McLaren And Jenson Button Launch McLaren GREAT 12C

    mclaren-great-12C-THUMBMcLaren has just revealed its latest GREAT campaign liveried car. The vehicle was designed to support and inspire British innovation. It is based on the high-tech McLaren 12C, and in fact the car was emblazoned with the GREAT campaign’s graphics and the message “Innovation is GREAT”.

    McLaren GREAT 12C was launched with the support of Jenson Button. The car is equipped with ground-breaking technologies such as one-piece carbon fibre MonoCell chassis that in fact forms the core structure of the car and weighs just 75kg.

    The campaign car is powered by 3.8 litre V8 twin turbo engine which is one of the most efficient high-performance units and includes numerous exclusive technologies like Brake Steer and a Proactive Chassis Control System.

    With this campaign, the brand aims to be an ambassador for British innovation and to showcase that Britain has leading role in the development of technologies. Moreover, the McLaren 12C is true embodiment of technological creativity and it will most certainly help draw international attention.

    The exterior of the car which includes “Innovation is GREAT” logo was designed by McLaren Racing’s graphics team. The car will be on tour over the coming months, but first it will make its first appearance on 3rd of September at an exclusive ‘McLaren 50’ screening of Formula 1 film “RUSH”.

    Source: McLaren

  • Refreshed: 2014 Jeep Compass

    2014-Jeep-Compass-THUMB2014 Jeep Compass will be now equipped with a 6F24 six-speed PowerTech automatic transmission and will include refined exterior and interior. Due to the smoother shifting the Compass will deliver enhanced driving performance and comfort.

    Other updates include standard front-seat-mounted side airbags and available ParkView rear backup camera. The latter will be standard on Limited models. Additionally, there is also wide range of safety features included which will help the driver in the city and on off-road trails.

    Furthermore, Jeep introduces new trim level called Compass North version which will join the Sport and Limited models. 2014 Compass will be equipped with active Freedom Drive I four-wheel drive system with lock mode.

    Engines included here are the efficient 2.2-litre turbo diesel that generates 161 hp (118 kW) and 320 Nm (236 lb-ft) of torque and two petrol World Engines: the 2.4-litre with power output of 168 hp (124 kW) and torque of 220 Nm (162 lb-ft) and the 2.0-litre developing 154 hp (113 kW) and 190 Nm (140 lb-ft) of torque.

    The range of exterior colors features the following: Black, Bright White, Billet Silver, True Blue, Maximum Steel and Granite Chrystal (Limited only). In addition, exterior of the 2014 Jeep Compass has been upgraded with specific updates. The Limited trim level for example has enhanced front grille with a plated upper grille trim and mold-in-colour Billet Silver grille texture.

    What is more, the halogen headlamps now have a black inner bezel, while those on the Limited and North models include chrome fog lamp bezels. On the other hand, the rear features new tail lamps with a new “smoked” inner bezel and a plated chrome insert on the tailgate trim applique. 2014 Jeep Compass Limited runs on 18-inch polished face painted pocket aluminium wheels on Land also has a new “Jeep” badge on the tailgate.

    The improvements throughout the interior include new interior trim option on the Limited model and Dark Slate Grey perforated leather seating. Soft-touch materials wrap the armrests and centre console lid, while a satin chrome finish adorns the centre bezel, shifter bezel and pull cups and round out the interior design upgrades.

    In terms of safety, the new Compass is equipped with multi-stage front airbags, side-curtain front and rear airbags, Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) with Brake Assist, Brake Traction Control, Electronic Roll Mitigation (ERM), anti-lock braking system (ABS) with rough-road detection and the sophisticated Hill Start Assist system.

    To go further into details, the new 2014 Jeep Compass Sport 4×2 model will be powered by the 2.0-litre petrol engine that delivers 154 hp (113 kW) and will be coupled with a five-speed manual transmission. Standard features on this grade include the following: new acoustic laminated front windshield glass, body-colour exterior door handles and tailgate brow, projector fog lamps, 17-inch alloy wheels and chrome roof side rails, front-seat-mounted side airbags, advanced multistage front driver and passenger air bags, all-row side curtain airbags, front driver and passenger active head restraints, Electronic Stability Control, Electronic Roll Mitigation, Hill-start Assist, anti-lock disc brakes, manual air conditioning, power-heated fold-away exterior mirrors, illuminated keyless entry, premium cloth seats, illuminated cup holders, rear 60/40 split folding seat, fold-flat rear seat, Cruise Control and radio with CD/DVD/MP3.

    Next, the 2014 Jeep Compass North will be equipped with the same engine as the previous trim but will add also supplemental front seat side airbags, new body-colour exterior mirrors, deep-tint sunscreen glass, rear view auto dim mirror, cloth & vinyl seats, leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, UConnect Bluetooth, USB port, and 6CD/DVD/MP3.

    At last, the 2014 Jeep Compass Limited will have upgraded exterior design, which will include chrome grille insert, body-colour exterior mirrors, chrome exhaust tip, chrome accent on the rear fascia and new 18-inch alloy wheels with polished face and painted pockets.

    The interior of this trim will feature leather-trimmed front and rear seats available in Dark Slate Grey, premium contrasting stitched leather, power six-way driver seat with manual lumbar, heated front seats, Mediacentre with AM/FM/CD/DVD/MP3/HDD radio with 6.5-inch touchscreen and 40 GB hard drive, 18-inch aluminum wheels, automatic air conditioning, TPM (Tyre Pressure Monitor) and Parkview rear backup camera.

    Source: Jeep

  • Jaguar C-X17 Concept Teased Ahead Of Frankfurt Debut

    Jaguar C-X17 Concept - Rear Angle ViewJaguar C-X17 Concept has been crated with the aim to introduce company’s new, highly-advanced, modular aluminium architecture. In addition, the vehicle is pure example of the many versatile ways of building vehicles using this architecture.

    This of course highlights the innovative future of the Jaguar brand. C-X17 Concept will be presented to the public for the first time at the Frankfurt Motor Show. There, Jaguar will also showcase its newly introduced production models, which will include the recently launched ‘R’ performance models – Jaguar XJR and XFR-S, Jaguar XF Sportbrake and the F-TYPE.

    At last, the brand disclosed that prior to the debut in Frankfurt, the C-X17 Concept will be officially revealed with a live pre-show reveal on 9th of September at Jaguar’s official web site and Facebook page.

    Source: Jaguar

  • 2014 BMW X5 M50d – Enthralling Dynamics

    2014 BMW X5 M50d

    BMW has announced the top-of-range diesel model for the all-new 2014 X5. The M50d is expected to hit the European market on November 16th. Boasting the world’s most powerful six-in-line diesel engine, suspension technology with hallmark M precision-tuning and aerodynamically honed exterior features, the BMW X5 M50d combines superior dynamics on the road with unimpeachable traction off the beaten track.

    The engine is the well-known and world’s most powerful diesel – 3.0 liter three-turbocharged with 381HP (280 kW) and 740Nm (546 lb-ft) of torque. The engine is mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission sending the power through xDrive AWD. 0-100 km/h in just 5.3 seconds and a top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph). What is more, the big SAV is able to achieve 42.2 mpg UK – 6.7 liters / 100 km with CO2 emissions of 177 g/km.

    The new BMW X5 M50d comes as standard with Adaptive M suspension including Dynamic Damper Control and air suspension at the rear axle, as well as Electric Power Steering. The optional Dynamic adaptive suspension package comprises Dynamic Performance Control and Dynamic Drive active roll stabilisation, while the exterior features standard 19” M light-alloy wheels in double-spoke design fitted with mixed tyres.

    Source: BMW

  • 2014 Nissan Maxima – US Price $31,000

    Nissan US has announced the pricing of its flagship 2014 Maxima. The big saloon is on sale now at Nissan dealers nationwide. Maxima offers sports sedan styling, a driver-oriented cockpit, superb comfort and luxury, and an advanced drivetrain.

    The 3.5 liter DOHC 24-valve VQ-series V6 engine delivers 290HP (213 kW). It is connected to Xtronic CVT (standard) including manual and “DS” (drive sport) modes with available paddle shifters.

    Maxima’s wide range of available technology includes a Bose premium audio system with nine speakers and Nissan Hard Drive Navigation system with NavTraffic Real-Time Traffic information and NavWeather (SiriusXM subscription required, sold separately) and Voice Recognition.

    The pricing of 2014 Nissan Maxima starts from $31,000 for the 3.5 S model and $34,090 for the 3.5 SV model (excluding Destination and Handling $810).

    Enhancements for the 2014 model year include:

    • Addition of a Limited Edition Package (on 3.5 S models), priced at $750 USD, featuring smoked appearance headlights, Xenon headlights, compass in rearview mirror, 18” aluminum-alloy Dark Hyper Silver wheels, rear spoiler, fog lights, outside mirrors with integrated turn signals and metallic trim treatment
    • SV grade adds standard RearView Monitor, USB connectivity and 7.0-inch color monitor with QVGA display, SiriusXM Satellite Radio (SiriusXM subscription required, sold separately), USB connectivity and Xenon headlights
    • Two new exterior colors: Gun Metallic and Midnight Garnet (eight available exterior colors total)

    Source: Nissan

  • Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Caravan Concept – Safer, Cleaner, More Comfortable and Striking

    Mercedes-Benz will be showcasing the new Sprinter Caravan Concept at the Caravan Salon in Dusseldorf from 31st August to 8th September. The special Sprinter is now even safer, cleaner, more comfortable and more striking.

    The exterior boasts tenorite grey metallic, high-roof and a cutaway section revealing a living area with front seats turned around and a spacious side-facing bench seat – which can be pulled out to form a double bed – a kitchen to the left of the opening and a bathroom with integrated wardrobe fitted in transverse position in the rear.

    The cut-away model is fitted with furniture featuring a hard-wearing HPL coating in high-gloss white, grey laminate flooring, and seats featuring white genuine automobile leather from Mercedes-Benz. This combination lends the interior the elegant character of a yacht. Side walls and ceiling are covered in Alcantara, with LED lighting throughout. On the outside, the Sprinter sports the new tenorite grey metallic paint finish.

    Source: Mercedes-Benz

  • Citroen Cactus Concept Car Teased Ahead Of Frankfurt [VIDEO]

    Citroen-Cactus-Concept-THUMBCitroen will definitely have a place at this year’s Frankfurt Motor Show. However, by far the French brand hasn’t announced anything about its participation in the Show except for its plans to reveal a new concept vehicle there. Hence, there has just been released the first teaser image of the Citroen Cactus Concept Car next to a video that carries the name “Touch me!”.

    Thanks to the image above we can get a vague idea of what the nose of the concept would look like. In addition, there are also visible delicate LED upper head-light clusters and very stylish alloy wheels next to the black plastic which starts from the bottom of the bumper and goes around the wheel-arch.

    On the other hand, thanks to the video, we assume that the vehicle will probably be equipped with special sort of new air bumpers who will deliver “soft touch” and absorb shocks. Citroen will reveal more detailed information about the Cactus Concept on 5th of September, when we will be answered the question whether this vehicle will be in the form of SUV or not.

    httpv://youtu.be/Wsf0UodcW3c

    Video Source: YouTube

    Source: Citroen

  • 2014 BMW X5 Individual

    BMW has announced a new range of Individual accessories for the 2014 X5. The elegant design, luxurious ambience and exclusive character of the SAV (sports activity vehicle) are now strengthened by the new accessories.

    The manufacturing processes behind the BMW Individual products developed for the new BMW X5 are underpinned by precision craftsmanship and longstanding experience in working with choice materials. The design and finish of these products reflect a striving for perfection and style that embraces every detail.

    The 2014 X5 Individual is expected in the end of this year. It will come in exclusive Ruby Black metallic or Pyrite Brown metallic paint. The intense lustre of these paintwork options derives from reflections triggered by red or gold pigments beneath the surface. Likewise adding an elegantly sporty touch to the exterior are the 20” BMW Individual light-alloy wheels in V-spoke design, fitted with mixed tyres.

    The interior boasts full Merino leather trim from BMW Individual – in Amaro Brown and Criollo Brown with contrast stitching. There are also Piano Black or Sen Light Brown trims available for the new BMW X5. Their surfaces display both the high quality of the material and a perfectly executed finish.

    Other highlights include special all-weather floor mats, a front seat organizer, a folding tray table and a holder for iPad.

    Source: BMW