Category: Auto News

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

  • Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport Vitesse Jean-Pierre Wimille Edition at Pebble Beach

    During the Monterey Car Week, one of the most prestigious automobile shows in the world, Bugatti will debut the first of its sixpart exclusive Bugatti Legends edition, “Les Légendes de Bugatti”. As part of the weekend, the French luxury brand is celebrating the world premiere of its first Legend model, which has been bestowed the name “Jean-Pierre Wimille”. As with all five subsequent editions, this Legend will be limited to three vehicles.

    The exterior boasts two-tone paint inspired by Bugatti Type 57G Tank which Wimille used to win the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1937. The model also has Le Mans-inspired graphics and lasered logos of Jean-Pierre Wimille’s signature. Other highlights include two-tone interior featuring Bleu Wimille and Lake Blue leather upholstery with light blue contrast stitching. There are also embroidered headrests, blue carbon fiber trim elements and special “Les Legendes de Bugatti” badging.

    Bugatti Grand Sport Vitesse is powered by an 8.0 liter W16 quad-turbo engin – 1200HP (883 kW) and 1500Nm (1106 lb-ft) of torque. The engine is connected to a 7-speed DSG gearbox. 0-100 km/h in 2.6 seconds and 0-200 km/h in 7.1 seconds, 0-300 km/h in 16 seconds dead. The top speed is 410 km/h (254 mph).  ¼ mile is covered in 10.0 seconds flat and 1 mile in just 25.0 seconds. Other interesting disciplines like 0-100-0 km/h take 5.9 seconds and 0-200-0 take 12.9 seconds. The interesting 0-300-0, which is brutal for the brakes take 23.9 seconds.

    Source: Bugatti

  • 2014 Ford C-Max Hybrid – 6.6 liters / 100 km

    Ford has announced the all-new 2014 C-Max Hybrid which will improve customers’ on-road fuel economy, especially at highway speeds.

    “Ford is absolutely committed to being a leader in the hybrid market and to top fuel efficiency across our lineup. We are taking actions with our popular C-MAX Hybrid so that customers are even more satisfied with the vehicle’s on-road fuel efficiency performance.” commented Raj Nair, group vice president, global product development.

    In addition to improving the vehicle itself, Ford is changing the way it generates the miles-per-gallon label for C-MAX Hybrid going forward. Previously – and consistent with EPA’s General Label rules – testing of the Fusion Hybrid was used to generate fuel economy labels for a family of vehicles, including both Fusion Hybrid and C-MAX Hybrid. The result was the same fuel economy label values for both vehicles.

    The revised 2014 Ford C-MAX Hybrid label will carry a class-leading EPA combined fuel economy value of 43 mpg – topping the combined label value of 42 mpg for the Toyota Prius v.

    Customers who purchased their vehicle will receive a check from Ford for $550. Customers who leased their vehicle will receive a check for $325.

    Source: Ford

  • 2013 Kia Picanto LPG – 5.6 l / 100 km

    Kia is going to introduce an LPG version of the small Picanto hatchback at the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show. The ultra-efficient small car will be able to run on either LPG or petrol.

    2013 Kia Picanto LPG is powered by a 1.0 liter three-cylinder Kappa petrol engine with 67HP (49 kW) and 90Nm (66 lb-ft) of torque. The average fuel consumption is just 5.8 liters / 100 km with CO2 emissions of 100 g/km (on LPG). The models equipped with automatic start-stop (ISG) achieve 5.6 liters / 100 km.

    The new Picanto LPG is fitted with two fuel tanks – the regular 35-litre gasoline tank in the regular position ahead of the rear axle and a 27-litre pressurised LPG tank located beneath the trunk floor in the space previously occupied by the spare wheel.  Drivers can switch from gasoline to LPG (and vice-versa) simply by pressing a button on the dashboard.

    Initially, the bi-fuel model will be available in Germany, Italy, Poland, Czech Republic, Greece, Portugal and the Netherlands – where it expected to account for up to 7% of Picanto sales.  When it goes on sale later this year, the left-hand drive Picanto LPG will be the first, and only, LPG-powered car in the marketplace with a 7-Year, 150,000 km warranty.

    Source: Kia

  • 2013 Cadillac Elmiraj Concept Unveiled At Pebble Beach [VIDEO]

    2013-Cadillac-Elmiraj-Concept-THUMB2013 Cadillac Elmiraj Concept has just been revealed at Pebble Beach and it definitely stuns with its incredible design characteristics. Elmiraj Concept defines in a new way luxury driving and it is a contemporary update to the classic format of a two-door grand coupe. This Cadillac concept is a pure expression of streamlined design and engaging rear-wheel drive performance.

    The concept has an overall length of 205 inches (5207mm) and it is a statement of pure luxury and performance with great proportions. The model benefits from brand’s philosophy of dramatic design and performance as well as to its commitment to lightweight RWD performance.

    Elmiraj Concept is powered by a 4.5-liter twin turbocharged V8 which is capable of generating 500 horsepower (368 kW). The engine is based on the technology utilized in the Cadillac Twin Turbo V6.

    The dramatic exterior proportions of the car make the perfect link between power and performance. A long dash-to-axle front profile gives the coupe an athletic presence. The long wheelbase and clean body side on the other hand characterizes the car’s spacious dimensions and elevated status.

    The design of the model also aims to highlight its capabilities for engaging driving performance. The two vents in the car’s long hood serve as a hot air outlets for the twin turbo engine. In addition, Elmiraj runs on 22-x-9-inch aluminum wheels which are equipped with large ceramic brakes with Cadillac monoblock calipers. The car’s exterior is decided in rich blue finish and in addition it wears the brand’s Vsport designation.

    The luxury treatment is continued in the interior, which is spacious and comfortable. It also includes driver-focused performance elements. The upper section of the instrument panel is a single piece. It extending across the full width of the vehicle, while the lower forms a cockpit space tailored for performance.

    Backlit titanium trim curves are used to divide the upper camel leather from the wood trim. Moreover, car’s instrumentation includes an analog tachometer and speedometer which are transparent. A wide screen with high resolution display is positioned behind the analog gauges. In addition, a 10-inch touchscreen is also present to aid with navigation and connectivity.

    2013 Cadillac Elmiraj Concept has a 2+2 layout with high-performance seats. They deliver not only support to the driver, but also offer great levels of luxury experience. The rear bucket seats include a valet feature which eases entry and exit.

    2013 Cadillac Elmiraj Concept Specifications

    Model Elmiraj Concept
    Body Style 4-passenger, 2-door grand coupe
    Dimensions
    Height 55 in / 1397 mm
    Width 76 in / 1930 mm
    Length 205 in / 5207 mm
    Curb Weight Approx. 4000 lb / 1814 kg
    Powertrain
    Engine 4.5-liter Twin Turbo V8
    Power 500 hp / 373 kW
    Torque 500 lb-ft / 678 Nm

    httpv://youtu.be/pEkr5UJlrk8

    httpv://youtu.be/khMY6sPBRe8

    Video Source: YouTube

    Source: Cadillac

  • Honda NSX Concept-GT To Enter The 2014 SUPER GT Series

    Honda-NSX-Concept-GT-THUMBAnother brand has announced a new vehicle prepared to compete at the 2014 SUPER GT and this time is Honda. It has just unveiled that the Honda NSX Concept-GT will be its racing machine.

    In addition, the Japanese brand has also revealed a dozen of images of the racer. The NSX Concept-GT is a dedicated racing vehicle which of course is based on the NSX Concept. The latter is a super sports model which made its official appearance in 2012 at North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

    The racing vehicle is built in accordance with the 2014 regulations on GT500 vehicles prescribed by the Japan Automobile Federation. It is equipped with a mid-mounted 2.0 l inline direct-injection 4-cylinder turbo engine which is combined with a racing hybrid system.

    Acura NSX Concept was shown at the Mid-Ohio Indy 200 on 4th of August. The model is going to make a special appearance at the 2013 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance on 18th of August.

    Source: Honda

  • BMW Concept M4 Revealed [VIDEO]

    BMW-Concept-M4-THUMBBMW Concept M4 Coupe has been finally revealed at the iconic Pebble Beach. The car offers the first outlook on a high-performance sports car of tomorrow.

    The model combines motor racing characteristics and great stability and dependability. The design of the new concept features an exclusive exterior paint finish “Aurum Dust” which was especially developed for this model.

    In fact, it continues BMW M’s design language which exudes the strong and sporty character of the car mixed with emotional dynamics. Not to mention the perfect agility of this model and its superior performance.

    The athletic appearance of the model is emphasized via the large air inlets in the dynamic front, a swift design language in the side and the low rear. In addition, carbon fiber reinforced plastic elements were used for the front splitter, the roof, or the rear diffuser. This of course results in optimized weight.

    The front end of the car immediately charms with its precise contours and distinctive visual depth shape. BMW Concept M4 Coupe retains the classic appearance for the brand with its double kidney and a modern interpretation of the twin round headlamps featuring LED technology.

    Furthermore, the dynamism of the car is additionally emphasized by the black kidney grille bars imitate the characteristic M double spoke design of the BMW M wheels, the M4 emblem on the kidney grille adding an exclusive accent to the front end.

    The front apron and the carbon fibre front splitter immediately catch the attention. On the other hand three large air intakes supply the high performance power unit with sufficient cooling air. In addition, the vertical air vents located in the outer section of the side air intakes now stands under the name Air Curtain. Together with the Air Breather, they deliver aerodynamic closure of the wheel arches, enhanced air flow and fuel efficiency.

    httpv://youtu.be/d0q1qUXpOrI

    The side view of the vehicle retains the expressive dynamism. BMW Concept M4 Coupe has a long bonnet, long wheelbase, set-back greenhouse and a short front overhang. Moreover, the flowing roofline emphasizes additionally this BMW’s sporty character.

    It flows into the muscular rear end, which in turn adopts the contour of the roof. A rear spoiler lip is integrated into the trunk lid for maximum downforce. Another interesting detail on vehicle’s side panels is the redesigned M gill.

    The M gills include the Air Breather. Exclusive bicoloured 20” M light alloys with the typical M double spoke design complete the design credentials of the car. The five filigree double-spokes rims with polished outer surfaces reveal M Carbon ceramic brakes.

    At last, the rear end of the car is muscular and gives visual indication of power. The entire tail contributes for the broad appearance of the car. In addition, the flat taillights which are to be found in the wide track and the powerfully flared wheel arches highlight BMW’s stable appearance.

    The front apron in the tail section comprises of faceted surfaces. On the other hand, the twin tailpipes made of carbon fiber are a characteristic M feature on the rear end. A carbon fibre rear diffuser is what eventually rounds out the aerodynamics package.

    Video Source: YouTube

    Source: BMW

  • Lexus New Vehicle To Compete in Japanese Super GT500 Series

    2014_Lexus_gt_lf_cc_prot-THUMBLexus Racing has just announced that they are going to compete in the next season’s Japanese super GT500 Series with a brand new model. The race car I called Lexus GT LF-CC Prototype and it is going to be based on the Lexus LF-CC.

    The new vehicle is going to replace the current race car, the Lexus SC 430, which is being used in the Super GT races.

    Lexus LF-CC is a two-door coupe concept which made its first official appearance at the 2012 Paris Motor Show in September. It includes athletic and aggressive exterior with an emphasis on aerodynamics and cooling performance.

    LF-CC is equipped the highly efficient 2.5 litre full hybrid powertrain with D4-S injection technology. It delivers a combination of the engaging performance appropriate to a sporting D-segment coupe and low CO2 emissions, targeted below 100 g/km.

    Source: Lexus

  • Prior Design BMW M6 F13

    Prior Design has revealed their latest project based on the powerful BMW M6 F13. The sports coupe received a full PD6XX widebody kit as well as some other styling upgrades.

    The exterior boasts revised front bumper, a carbon fiber front lip spoiler and carbon fiber fins. There is also a new ventilated hood, a pair of widened side skirts, a new roof scoop and extended wheel arches. The rear bumper is also new and comes with an integrated diffuser. There is also a huge rear wing providing additional downforce.

    The interior boasts new leather upholstery and Prior Design logos all around.

    Source: Prior Design

  • 2014 Jaguar US line-up – Pricing

    Jaguar has announced the pricing for its most dynamic North American line-up ever for 2014. The XJ flagship sedan range adds the XJR model, also with the 550hp engine, and the line gains numerous refinements. The stunning XFR-S sedan features a 550hp supercharged V8, with production limited to just 100 units for the model year. The XK range, meanwhile, continues to offer a true grand touring Coupe or Convertible, adding the ultra-performance XKR-S GT with just 30 units available for North America, 25 for the United States and five for Canada.

    2014 Jaguar F-TYPE
    US Models and MSRP1 (Prices do not include $895 destination and delivery):

    F-TYPE 3-liter supercharged V6, 340hp $69,000
    F-TYPE S 3-liter supercharged V6, 380hp $81,000
    F-TYPE S V8 5-liter supercharged V8, 495hp $92,000

    2014 Jaguar XJ Sedan
    US Models and MSRP1 (Prices do not include $895 destination and delivery):

    XJ 3-liter supercharged V6, 340hp $74,200
    XJ AWD 3-liter supercharged V6, 340hp $77,700
    XJL Portfolio 3-liter supercharged V6, 340hp $81,200
    XJL Portfolio AWD 3-liter supercharged V6, 340hp $84,700
    XJ Supercharged 5-liter supercharged V8, 470hp $90,600
    XJL Supercharged 5-liter supercharged V8, 470hp $93,600
    XJR 5-liter supercharged V8, 550hp $116,000
    XJR Long Wheelbase 5-liter supercharged V8, 550hp $119,000

    2014 Jaguar XF Sedan
    US Models and MSRP1 (Prices do not include $895 destination and delivery):

    XF 2.0 2-liter turbocharged i4, 240hp $ 46,975
    XF 3.0 3-liter supercharged V6, 340hp $ 50,500
    XF 3.0 AWD 3-liter supercharged V6, 340hp $ 53,000
    XF Supercharged 5-liter supercharged V8, 470hp $ 68,100
    XFR 5-liter supercharged V8, 510hp $ 83,200
    XFR-S 5-liter supercharged V8, 550hp $ 99,000

    2014 Jaguar XK Coupe and Convertible
    US Models and MSRP1 (Prices do not include $895 destination and delivery):

    XK Touring Coupe 5-liter V8, 385hp $ 79,000
    XK Touring Convt. 5-liter V8, 385hp $ 85,000
    XK Coupe 5-liter V8, 385hp $ 84,500
    XK Convt. 5-liter V8, 385hp $ 90,500
    XKR Coupe 5-liter supercharged V8, 510hp $ 97,500
    XKR Convt. 5-liter supercharged V8, 510hp $ 103,500
    XKR-S Coupe 5-liter supercharged V8, 550hp $ 132,000
    XKR-S Convt. 5-liter supercharged V8, 550hp $ 138,000
    XKR-S GT Coupe 5-liter supercharged V8, 550hp $ 174,000

    Source: Jaguar

  • 2014 Holden Trax – Price $23,490 AUD

    Holden has announced the pricing and details about the new 2014 Trax, which is expected to hit the market next month with pricing starting from $23,490.

    Every Trax model will feature as standard on every model, a 7” touch-screen with MyLink embedded apps, rear view camera, rear parking sensors, six airbags and Bluetooth™ phone and audio streaming.

    Trax features the same fuel efficient 1.8 litre DOHC 16-valve 4-cylinder petrol engine as the Holden Cruze and is paired with a 5-speed manual transmission (LS only) to deliver fuel economy of just 7.0 litres / 100 km. The engine delivers 140HP (103 kW) and 175Nm (129 lb-ft).

    A Gen II six-speed automatic transmission with Active Select is standard on the LTZ and available as an option on the LS, delivering very competitive fuel consumption of 7.6 litres / 100 km.

    In addition to the rear view camera and rear parking sensors, Holden Trax LS also features 16-inch alloy wheels, leather steering wheel with audio controls, Bluetooth™, cruise control and auto headlamps.

    Trax LTZ adds 18” alloy wheels, Sportec seats, heated front seats, fog lamps, under passenger seat storage tray and trip computer. Trax LTZ is offered standard with the six-speed automatic transmission for a retail price of $27,990.

    Holden Trax is available in a wide range of exterior colour choices

    • Summit White
    • Velvet Red
    • Snowflake Pearl*
    • Carbon Flash*
    • Boracay Blue*
    • Orange Rock*
    • Nitrate*
    • Satin Steel Grey* *prestige paint at $550 premium

    Holden Trax LS Highlights

    1.8 litre petrol engine

    • Five-speed manual transmission or optional six-speed automatic transmission with Active Select
    • 6 airbags (driver, front passenger, front side and curtain)
    • ESC, ABS and TCS
    • Hill Start Assist
    • Descent Control System
    • 16” alloy wheels (4)
    • Air conditioning
    • Rear view camera
    • Rear parking sensors
    • ISOFIX child seat anchorage system
    • Holden MyLink infotainment System with 7” colour touch-screen display
    • Embedded apps including Pandora®, Stitcher SmartRadio™, TuneIn and BringGo navigation
    • Siri® Eyes Free Mode
    • AM/FM Radio with RDS display
    • USB with iPod connectivity
    • Bluetooth connectivity
    • Leather steering wheel with audio controls
    • Jet black cloth interior
    • Auto headlamps
    • Daytime running lamps
    • Holden Trax LTZ highlights over LS
    • Six-speed automatic transmission with Active Select
    • 18” alloy wheels (4)
    • Jet black Sportec trim
    • Heated front seats
    • Front Fog Lamps
    • Trip Computer
    • Storage Tray Under Front Passenger Seat

    Source: Holden

  • Ram Teases Rumble Bee Concept

    Ram-Rumble-Bee-Concept-THUMBDodge Ram Rumble Bee was a truck inspired by the iconic back in the days Dodge Super Bee muscle cars. It was characterized by its special bumble bee stripe. The model was offered in limited edition run in the years of 2004 and 2005.

    Back then, the Ram Rumble Bee was being only available in a regular SLT trim with either two or four-wheel drive. The car was powered by a 5.7 liter Hemi V8 which was capable of generating 345 hp (254 kW) and 508 Nm (375 lb•ft) of torque. All in all 8700 examples of this model were built and sold.

    Now, Ram Truck is announcing fantastic news about the fans of the Rumble Bee. The brand is going to reveal a new concept version of the model at 13 mile and Woodward during the 2013 Woodward Dream Cruise. This will happen on 17th of August.

    Although Ram Brand did not provide any other information about the vehicle, judging from the photos and having in mind the previous models, we can assume that the new concept will be most likely yellow and will run of big black five-spoke wheels.

    Pictures Source: Dodge

  • Audi Celebrates Half Million TT Cars With Special Edition TTS Competition Model

    Audi-TTS-Competition-THUMBHalf Million Audi TT models have been built so far. In order to celebrate this, Audi is releasing an exclusive special edition model – the Audi TTS Competition which is in Coupé and Roadster form.

    The TTS Competition will be capable of generating 272 horsepower (200 kW) and will begin rolling off the assembly line in October. Only 500 example of the model will be produced. The new model will be available in special paint finishes Imola yellow or Nimbus gray.

    In addition, a special highlight of the exterior is the fixed rear wing with bars in a matt aluminum-look finish. The Roadster’s top is available in either Black or Gray. The vehicle runs on 19-inch wheels which include a five-arm “Rotor” design and are matched with 225/35 tires.

    The interior of the TTS Competition includes Impulse leather package in steel gray. It also utilizes the characteristic leather bands as decorative elements. Their cut edges are dyed Imola yellow, and the same color is used for the contrasting stitching. To make the model even more special, Aluminum badges on the door trims are embossed with “1 of 500” number.

    Furthermore, a leather multifunction steering wheel and the rear parking system, round out the equipment. The other features included in this special edition Audi are those found in the TTS.

    As already mentioned, the car is capable of producing 200 kW (272 hp). It also generates 350 Nm (258.15 lb-ft) of torque, thanks to its 2.0 TFSI engine, which underscores the dynamic character of the Audi TTS competition.

    This unit is matched with a six-speed S tronic transmission. The vehicle in its Coupe form can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in only 5.3 seconds. The average fuel consumption for the Coupé is 7.7 liters per 100 kilometers (30.55 US mpg).

    On the other hand, the Audi TTS Competition Roadster equipped with the six-speed S tronic sprints from 0 to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in 5.5 seconds. The Roadster consumes 7.9 liters of fuel per 100 kilometers (29.77 US mpg). What is more, the quattro permanent all-while drive is also to be found here. The top speed is electronically limited to 250 km/h (155.34 mph).

    Source: Audi