Auto News – Page 636 – Automobiles Review

Revised Vauxhall Insignia VXR SuperSport To Debut At Frankfurt Motor Show

Vauxhall Insignia VXR SuperSport has a top speed of 170 mph and generates 325 horsepower (239 kW) and in addition now comes in a refined version. The revisions were made on the design and the chassis.

The SuperSport model will be available in a Hatch or Sports Tourer version. Both models have received an updated front and rear, with “saber-tooth” detailing at the front and the tailpipe trim integrated into the rear valence.

In addition to this, vehicle’s adaptive all-wheel-drive chassis has also been enhanced. An innovative new feature here is car’s front HiPerStruts which prevent geometry changes during hard cornering.

Further modifications have been done on the ESP software for even more precise handling and control of understeer, as well as to the damper software as part of the SuperSport’s FlexRide adaptive damping system.

Going further into the details, the NVH (Noise Vibration Harshness) has been also upgraded in order to deliver better refinement for occupants, improving SuperSport’s characteristics.

The vehicle is equipped with six-speed manual transmission and includes all-wheel-drive. It covers the acceleration sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in just 5.9 seconds.

This Vauxhall’s drivetrain includes an electronically controlled 4×4 system, operating on Haldex principles and an electronic limited-slip differential. It adapts all the time in order to prevail the road conditions and varies torque distribution seamlessly between the front and rear axles, as well as between the rear wheels.

Other new highlight in this model is the new instrument panel and central console design, with included Bluetooth-operated internet connectivity, 8-inch touchscreen, 3D navigation and voice control.

Vauxhall Insignia VXR SuperSport has a starting price of £29 749 (US $46 114) and will make its world premiere at the Frankfurt Motor Show.

Source: Vauxhall

August 30, 2013

Toyota Will Premiere Fuel Cell Hybrid Vehicle In Frankfurt

Toyota FCV-R Concept - Front Angle At the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show Toyota will premiere its new Fuel Cell Hybrid Vehicle Concept with the aim to offer one of the best solutions to the challenges of energy sources and emissions. In these terms the hydrogen is the ideal and ultra-clean fuel.

Another goal that the brand has achieved with this model is to offer a driving range and performance comparable to conventional petrol and diesel engines. The advantage here however is that there is no harmful tailpipe emissions.

In the vehicle has been utilized Hybrid Synergy Drive technology which is also used in the famous Prius and other full hybrid production models. At first the Toyota FCV-R Concept was unveiled at the 2011 Tokyo Motor Show. Now the brand continues to make progress towards its planned introduction of an affordable FCHV saloon model by 2015.

The FCV-R concept is 4,745mm long, 1,510mm high and 1,790mm wide. It achieves a maximum driving range of about 420 miles and doesn’t produce any emissions. The only by-product of the hydrogen fuel cell is water vapour. The twin fuel tanks and the fuel cell stack are positioned beneath the floor. This of course results in no impact on the cabin and load space.

Toyota FCV-R Concept

Toyota aims that its FCHVs will be in a mass-market production during the 2020s. In addition, this commercialization will be supported by the wider roll-out of fuel cell vehicle technology as well as the development of hydrogen refueling infrastructure.

The fuel cell which is going to be utilized in Toyota’s production FCHV achieves the world’s highest power output density at 3kW per litre. In addition, it also delivers improved range of the vehicle from about 205 miles to more than 350 miles. What is more, the fuel cell has a greater operating range, with the help of materials in its construction making cold start possible at temperatures around -30°C.

Toyota’s FCHV has currently a price around US $108 367, however the brand is planning to significantly reduce the cost and make it more affordable.

Source: Toyota

August 30, 2013

Toyota Launches Camry Atara R Special Edition

The Japanese brand Toyota has just launched a special-edition model called Toyota Camry Atara R. The new vehicle is based on Camry Altise and it will offer enhanced safety, performance, comfort and appearance.

Many of the included features make the car more attractive and such for example are the front sports bumper and grille, sports side skirts and a dual exhaust diffuser, which boosts car’s power by 2kW. In addition to this the Atara R also includes 17-inch alloy wheels, front fog-lamps and a special-edition badge.

Furthermore, the interior of this special-edition vehicle features premium three-spoke steering wheel with added audio controls, 6.1-inch screen display audio and reversing camera with fixed guidelines.

Toyota Camry Atara R special edition will be available in a choice of the following exterior colours: Diamond White, Silver Pearl, Graphite, Eclipse Black, Wildfire, Magnetic Bronze and Reflex Blue.

The safety of the car is also enhanced thanks to the seven airbags (including driver’s knee airbag), vehicle stability control and traction control. Other technologies included are the trip computer and eco indicator, six-speaker audio including auxiliary and USB input with iPod® connectivity.

Only 2500 examples of the Toyota Camry Atara R will be produced. The model’s starting price will begin at US $31 820.

Source: Toyota

August 30, 2013

2013 Alpina B3 F30 – Test [video]

Chris Harris made a test drive of the recently announced 2013 Alpina B3 based on BMW 3-Series F30 335i (saloon). The powerful saloon comes with some styling upgrades and significantly improved engine.

The engine is the well-known 3.0 liter twin-turbocharged petrol – 410HP (310 kW) at 5,500RPM and 598Nm (442 lb-ft) of torque. It is connected to an 8-speed automatic ZF gearbox sending power to the rear wheels. 0-100 km/h in 4.2 seconds and a top speed of 306 km/h (190 mph). The fuel consumption is 7.9 liters / 100 km (35.8 mpg UK, 29.8 mpg US) with CO2 emissions of 177 g/km.

The exterior boasts complete Alpina aerodynamics package including a front lip spoiler and new rear diffuser housing quad tailpipe sports exhaust system from Akrapovic. There are also a new trunk lid spoiler, a set of enormous Alpina Classic wheels and optional LSD (limited slip differential).

Enjoy!

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=740gShZJF1M

Source: Drive via Youtube

August 29, 2013

2014 Toyota Sai – Price

Toyota has announced the 2013 Sai facelift for Japan. The affordable vehicle comes with minor styling upgrades for the exterior and some improvement for the interior.

Outside, the new Sai is way more aggressive than its predecessor. It features a new front bumper, a revised front grille and LED headlights. There are also there’s a new rear bumper and a revised trunk with full-length taillights. A set of 16” alloy wheels is added as well as some nice colors – Red Mica Metallic, Clear Stream Metallic and Grey Mica Metallic.

Inside, the manufacturer has used better materials combined with a modern design. There is a new center console, different switchgear, wood trim and metal accents. As an option – a new 10-speaker SD Navigation system with a microSD card slot, Blu-ray compatibility and two USB inputs is available.

The engine range includes a 2.4 liter petrol with 150HP (110 kW) and 187Nm (138 lb-ft) of torque combined with an electric motor. The overall power is 190HP (140 kW) and the fuel economy stands at 4.4 liter / 100 km (52.6 mpg US).

2013 Toyota Sai is available in the showrooms with pricing starting from ¥3,210,000 (around $32,600).

Source: Toyota

August 29, 2013

2014 Kia Soul Goes On Sale

2014 Kia Soul Urban Crossover is ready to make its European debut at this year’s Frankfurt Motor Show. In addition, the new Soul is also ready to go on sale during the fourth quarter of the year.

The model will be offered in three unique trim levels: Base, Plus and Exclaim. Since this Kia was introduced back in 2009 to the automotive marked, it became one of the top-selling vehicles of the brand.

This year’s model is expected to continue this tradition and will provide to its customers more premium features and content and improved driving dynamics. 2014 Soul will offer stiffer, longer and wider chassis, which will result in mode room for the passengers and the cargo.

2014 Kia Soul Base will be equipped with privacy glass, Hill-Start Assist Control (HAC) as standard, while as an option it will be available with 16-inch alloy wheels, cruise control with steering-wheel-mounted controls, center console armrest and storage, rear center armrest with cup holders and remote keyless entry.

Furthermore, there is also being offered here a wide range of standard features such as a 1.6L I-4 DOHC gasoline direct injection (GDI), four wheel disc brakes, rack-ready roof with integrated mounting points, air conditioning, power door locks, power windows with driver-side one-touch auto-down, SiriusXMTM Satellite Radio, USB/auxiliary input jacks, Bluetooth® wireless technology and Vehicle Stability Management (VSM).

2014 Kia Soul Plus, will add on the Base equipment the following: 17-inch alloy wheels, gloss black with chrome bezel front upper grille and outside mirrors with turn signal indicators. The Plus will also be available with several optional packages.

The first one is UVO eServices Package which comprises of a Rear-Camera Display and auto on/off headlights. The next one is the Audio Package which includes navigation with an 8-inch display, HD RadioTM, Infinity® Audio system with center speakers, subwoofer and external amplifier, speaker lights and automatic temperature control with cluster ionizer.

Third is the Primo Package that adds to the Kia panoramic sunroof with power shades, leather trimmed seats, heated front seats, leather-wrapped steering wheel and gearshift knob, push-button start with Smart Key and front fog lights. At last, the ECO Package features Idle Stop and Go System (ISG), low rolling resistance tires and 16-inch alloy wheels.

2014 Kia Soul Exclaim is equipped with 18-inch alloy wheels, body-colored front and rear bumper tusks, LED positioning lights, LED taillights with LED high-mounted stop light, power folding outside mirrors, UVO with eServices and a Rear-Camera Display.

This trim level will be offered with the optional Sun and Sand Package that provides navigation with an 8-inch display, Infinity Audio system with center speakers, subwoofer and external amplifier, speaker lights and automatic temperature control with cluster ionizer. On the other hand, the Whole Shabang Package adds leather-trimmed seats, heated front seats, push-button start with Smart Key and LED positioning lights.

2014 Kia Soul will go on sale in the fourth quarter of this year with the Base trim having a starting price of US $14 700.

Source: Kia

August 29, 2013

Ford Introduces Bacon-Wrapped Fiesta

Ford has just introduced one interesting project – a Bacon-Wrapped Fiesta, in order to celebrate the International Bacon Day and the meat which has transformed from a food to a lifestyle. The first in the world bacon-wrapped 2014 Ford Fiesta will also be available in the dealerships around the United States.

To be more precise, the “Bacon Wrap” is in fact 10 giant strips of bacon rolled around the entire Fiesta. Benton, who is also known as the King of Bacon, has personally approved the design. In addition, there are also other options from the bacon-wrap Fiesta menu. For example, there are Bacon Racing Strips offered. These are two pieces of bacon that go on the car’s hood and resemble classic dual racing stripes.

Another option is the Side of Bacon, which is two individual strips of bacon that wrap over rear wheel, and this will become probably popular among those on a diet. The car was especially designed for those having a hunger for self-expression.

What is more, the tasty Fiesta will offer its customers an EPA-estimated fuel efficiency rating of up to 41 mpg on the highway. Additionally, the Fiesta interior will include worthy technologies and features.

Source: Ford

August 29, 2013

Volvo Concept Coupe Shows The Future Design Language Of The Brand

Volvo Concept Coupe was inspired by the modern and extremely progressive Scandinavian lifestyle and design. Of course, the concept includes iconic elements for the brand, but it is the first of a series of three concept cars that reveal the design possibilities created by the company’s new Scalable Product Architecture (SPA).

The design of the vehicle is made by Thomas Ingenlath, who is the new Senior Vice President of Design. Through it, he aims to give an idea of the next generation of Volvo models, starting with the forthcoming XC90 in 2014.

When one looks at the concept it immediately creates on them a powerful visual impact, thanks to the new proportions and athletic stance. In addition, the distance between the dashboard and the front axle is extended and the greenhouse has been moved rearwards.

Other new design cues are the new lower hood, roof, and 21-inch five-spoke wheels. A beltline that spans an elegant bow along the whole car additionally highlights the sporty visual characteristics of the car. Entirely new are the topography on the hood and the ‘floating’ grille, flanked by headlights featuring new T-shaped daytime running lights guides.

As a matter of fact, the Volvo Concept Coupé includes design elements which refer back to 1960 Volvo P1800. For the concept, the designer has used elements inspired from the P1800 exterior and interior. For instance, a highlight in the interior is the sparkling crystal gear-leaver which perfectly complements the blue-grey exterior.

Throughout the interior is also visible a leather instrument panel, inlays made of naturally aged wood and the dark blue woven carpets as well as beautifully machined metal details. Furthermore, a large portrait touch-screen is an embodiment of Volvo Cars’ human-centric user experience.

The new Volvo Concept is powered by gasoline plug-in hybrid system. It is the most powerful version in the new four-cylinder Drive-E engine family. The concept vehicle includes a two-liter high-performance Drive-E gasoline engine with a supercharger and turbo. On the other hand, the petrol engine is matched to the electric motor on the rear axle. Volvo Concept Coupé delivers a total output of around 400 hp (294 kW) and over 596 Nm (440 lb.-ft.) of torque.

Source: Volvo

August 29, 2013

Chevrolet Malibu (2014) With Included Stop/Start Technology

2014 Chevrolet Malibu will be going on sale this autumn and will be equipped with fuel-saving stop/start technology. The latter will be standard on the 2.5L base model. Thanks to it the Malibu shows an EPA-estimated 25 city and 36 highway mpg fuel economy.

This means that the stop/start technology will improve the fuel efficiency of this Chevrolet model by automatically shutting off the engine when the car comes to a stop. The engine automatically restarts when the driver takes their foot off the brake.

An auxiliary 12-volt battery is utilized during restarts in order to power electric accessories like the heating and air conditioning, power windows and radio. In addition, the same technology monitors car’s speed, climate control system and also determines whether it is efficient to shut off the engine in certain driving conditions.

Furthermore, a valve-actuation technology which is familiar as Intake Valve Lift Control is incorporated into Malibu’s 2.5L engine. This system also improves the fuel efficiency and operates in low-lift mode. This means that the engine pumps only the air it needs to meet the driver’s demand.

When it is in high-lift mode in cases of higher speeds or under heavy loads, it delivers the full output of the engine. What is more, the variable intake valve actuation also helps lower emissions.

The engine is coupled with a six-speed 6T45 transmission that includes refinements in order to minimize the energy required to pump transmission fluid and also contributes towards additional fuel economy savings.

The additional new features on the 2014 Chevrolet Malibu include a revised front-end appearance, roomier rear seat with 1.25 inches (31.7 mm) more knee room, redesigned center console, suspension enhancements, Side Blind Zone Alert and Rear Cross Traffic Alert safety features as an option.

The new Malibu will be available in three grades: LS, LT and LTZ. The base model will be equipped with 2.5L engine powertrain and it will have a starting price of US $22 965 for the LS, US $24 335 for the 1LT, US $26 040 for the 2LT and US $28 515 for the top LTZ trim.

Source: Chevrolet

August 29, 2013

Kia Niro Concept

Kia has published several images of the Niro Compact Crossover Concept, which will be introduced to the audience at next month’s Frankfurt Motor Show.

The Kia Niro hints at a possible future B-segment contender ready to take on the urban environment with style and tenacity, and will preview an innovative new powertrain when it is revealed on September 10. The car was designed at Kia’s Frankfurt design studio – less than a kilometre away from the IAA – under the direction of Gregory Guillaume, Chief Designer Europe.

Niro combines a mischievous character in a clearly robust and substantial yet stylish bodyshape featuring a mix of contrasting materials – including stainless steel elements – in compact, purposeful dimensions.

Born out of Kia’s determination to seek new compact-car options for the individualistic and demanding driver for whom size is an issue, Niro features intriguing elements not always associated with smaller cars and has been created in Europe with European tastes and expectations very much in mind.

Source: Kia

August 29, 2013

ABT 2013 Volkswagen Beetle – Styling and Performance

ABT has unveiled their latest tuning package for the new Volkswagen Beetle. The iconic vehicle is getting both – styling and performance upgrades for all engines in the range.

The exterior boasts a complete aerodynamics package including a new front spoiler, headlight and taillight covers, a two-pipe sports exhaust system and a 30mm lowered ride height by installing a new set of springs. There are also different types of alloy wheels from 18” to 20”. The exterior can be finished in matte mystic anthracite, gunmetal or silver bullet.

The 2.0 liter TSI is boosted to 240HP (176 kW) and 340Nm (251 lb-ft) – an increase of 40HP and 60Nm. The smaller 1.4 liter TSI now has 140HP (103 kW) and 220Nm (162 lb-ft) – a boost of 35HP and 45Nm. The economical diesels are also tweaked – the 2.0 liter TDI now has 170HP (125 kW) and 370Nm (273 lb-ft), which is 30HP and 50Nm more. The 1.6 liter TDI is boosted to 125HP (92 kW) and 285Nm (210 lb-ft) – an increase of 20HP and 35Nm.

ABT Beetle – Data and Facts

ABT ENGINE TECHNOLOGY

Engine: 2.0 TSI, 1.984 cc capacity

Performance tuning: ABT POWER

Performance: 240 HP/176 kW (standard: 200 HP/147 kW)

Torque: 340 Nm (standard: 280 Nm)

Engine: 1.4 TSI, 1.390 cc capacity

Performance tuning: ABT POWER

Performance: 210 HP/154 kW (standard: 160 HP/118 kW)

Torque: 280 Nm (standard: 240 Nm)

Engine: 1.2 TSI, 1.197 cc capacity

Performance tuning: ABT POWER

Performance: 140 HP/103 kW (standard: 105 HP/77 kW)

Torque: 220 Nm (standard: 175 Nm)

Engine: 2.0 TDI, 1.968 cc capacity

Performance tuning: ABT POWER

Performance: 170 HP/125 kW (standard: 140 HP/103 kW)

Torque: 370 Nm (standard: 320 Nm)

Engine: 1.6 TDI, 1.598 cc capacity

Performance tuning: ABT POWER

Performance: 125 HP/92 kW (standard: 105 HP/77 kW)

Torque: 285 Nm (standard: 250 Nm)

ABT AERODYNAMICS

ABT front spoiler

ABT head light covers

ABT tail light covers

ABT rear panel

ABT rear skirt set

ABT EXHAUST TECHNOLOGY

ABT 2-pipe rear muffler

ABT WHEELS CR, DR and ER-C in 18 to 20 inches

Available also as complete set of wheels with sports tires

ABT SUSPENSION

ABT suspension springs (lowering approx. 30mm)

ABT BRAKE TECHNOLOGY

ABT brake system, front axle, 345 x 30 mm

Source: ABT

August 29, 2013

Porsche 911 GT3 – Feast for the Senses [video]

Porsche has published a nice video clip highlighting the new 911 GT3. The sports car brings sensational feast for the senses. It offers an emotional driving experience, which you have to feel.

2014 Porsche 911 GT3 is powered by a 3.8 liter flat-six with 475HP (349 kW) and 438Nm (324 lb-ft) of torque. It is connected to a dual-clutch 7-speed gearbox. 0-100 km/h in 3.5 seconds and a top speed of 315 km/h (195 mph).

Other excellent innovation of the new GT3 is an active rear wheel steering system. It alloys steering in the same or opposite direction of the front wheels for achieving perfect traction and handling.

The interior has an Alcantara steering wheel, leather/Alcantara seats, as well as red contrasting stitching.

The Porsche 911 GT3 is currently on sale in Germany and pricing starts at €137,303.

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