Category: Auto News

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

Nissan GT-R BoosLogic Godzilla vs GT-R Altechno, X6 M PP-Performance and GT-R GTT

Nissan GT-R Mk.1 Boostlogic Godzilla with 1450HP made several runs versus GT-R Mk.1 Altechno A2 with 1000HP, BMW X6 M PP-Performance Stage 3 with 740HP and a mighty GT-R Mk.1 GTT with 1000HP.

The Godzilla lost the first start because of problems from the GT-R Altechno A2, which stopped the clock on 25.277 seconds with 327.27 km/h on 1 mile and 10.356 seconds with 228.28 km/h on ¼ mile mark.

The X6 M didn’t have any chance, but it set personal record of the day ¼ mile, 1 mile and speed record on 1 mile. The Godzilla finished in 24.044 seconds with 347.15 km/h.

The third start was most interesting – the GT-R Boostlogic Godzilla won it as well as 2^nd place in super sport class 2013. It set absolute record of all-time for Nissan GT-R on ¼ mile – 254.59 km/h in 9.446 seconds. The driver also set personal absolute speed record on 1 mile – 357.85 km/h in 23.034 seconds. The GT-R GTT crossed finish line in 24.545 seconds.

Enjoy the video!

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QJlgD-aHrro

Source: Dragtimesinfo

August 12, 2013
Mazda Deep Orange 3 Concept Shows Innovative Engineering Inside And Out

Mazda Deep Orange 3 Concept vehicle was born out of the collaboration between Mazda and the automotive engineering students at Clemson University. We must admit that the car looks impressive and immediately stands put.

This next-generation Mazda concept vehicle features body panels designed by student Frederick Naaman at the Art Center College of Design in Pasadena. On the other hand, Derek Jenkins, who is the design director for Mazda North American Operations, shared that taking part in this college program of was automaker’s dream come true.

The students who took part in the program had free rein to push the boundaries of conventional design and engineering. The result is visible and extremely impressive: Deep Orange 3 includes a unique hybrid powertrain that automatically chooses front-, rear- or all-wheel drive.

In addition, the concept also features a load-bearing structure which is based on innovative sheet-folding technology patented by Industrial Origami. The very highlight of the car is the groundbreaking 3+3 seating configuration, which is to be seen for the first time in sports car architecture.

The collaboration program between the automotive brand and the university provides the students with experience in vehicle design, development, prototyping and production planning. In fact, a prototype vehicle is developed annually, and it focuses mainly on innovation.

Furthermore, the project not only displays advanced vehicle technologies but also provides students with the chance to cooperate and work directly with automotive industry companies in order to manifest their ideas.

Source: Mazda

August 9, 2013
TEASER: Kia B-Segment Concept To Be Revealed In Frankfurt

Kia’s dramatic new European concept is going to be revealed on 10th of September at 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show. Two teaser images have been just released showing some glimpses of the car.

It is being rumored that the model is to be the possible future B-segment of the brand, which will undoubtedly take on the urban environment with style and tenacity. As a matter of fact, this concept vehicle combines a mischievous character in very robust but stylish bodyshape.

In addition, it was unveiled that the vehicle will include a mix of contrasting materials in compact and purposeful dimensions. This concept vehicle was born out of Kia’s determination to find new compact-car options. It aimed with it to deliver to the more individualistic and demanding driver better and compact size, intriguing elements and exquisite technologies.

Kia has no current plans to enter the vehicle in production. Its debut in Frankfurt will be used to gather customers’ response for future models.

Source: Kia

August 9, 2013
TEASER: Chevrolet Colorado And GMC Canyon Pickups

General Motors has just released a first teaser image of the new upcoming Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon. The firs look of the new vehicle was provided by General Motors Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Dan Ammann at the Center for Automotive Research Management Briefing Seminars.

He has revealed that the new models are going to be even more capable, versatile and fuel-efficient. They will come as an additional choice next to the already presented to the market 2014 Silverado and Sierra 1500s.

Just recently GM has also announced that the 2014 Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra will be equipped with the most capable standard V6 engine in any full-size pickup truck. The new 4.3 liter V6 leads the segment in city fuel economy. It generates 285 hp (212 kW) and 413Nm (305 lb-ft) of torque. The unit also gives the trucks the highest-available payload rating of 956 kg (2,108 lbs) and the highest-available towing rating of 3,266 kg (7,200 lbs).

What we are also to see in the future are the new Silverado and Sierra HDs, that aim to give Chevrolet and GMC the industry’s most comprehensive lineups of pickups. The production of the teased Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon is scheduled to start in 2014.

Source: GMC

August 9, 2013
DMC Ferrari F12 SPIA Middle East Special Edition

New exciting project of the luxury tuners at DMC has just shown up. This time they have worked not on a Lamborghini but instead on Ferrari. The project is called DMC Ferrari F12 SPIA Middle East Special Edition.

The production Berlinetta generates 740 hp (544 kW), but this wasn’t enough for the professionals from Duesseldorf. This was the reason of the development of a performance package that enhances the power output of the sportscar up to 766 hp (563 kW) mark. The top speed after the tuning is nearly 354 km/h.

This new power is mainly achieved thanks to the new Titanium Exhaust System. An ECU refinement added also additional power for F12.

Of course, DMC couldn’t resist not improving the exterior stance of the car. They have equipped it with new set of forged Rims and Sport Springs. A combination of 21″ at the front and 22″ at the rear was used.

An effect of this step is that the overall handling of the vehicle was improved,. The sport springs on the other hand round-off the new appearance by supporting the new weight-ratio and handling. The new wheels were matched with Pirelli Sport Tyres in dimensions of 255/30 for the front and 335/25 for the rear.

In addition, DMC stayed true to its tradition and gave a carbon fiber body kit to this Ferrari, which adds aggressive new look and improved aerodynamics. To be more precise, the front diffuser is substituted with a prominent new lip splitter. The latter extends the car and includes own centric sword, which enhances the road stability.

Furthermore, the front hood is also replaced this time with a carbon fiber version. There is also an optional roof scoop. The extended side skirts use a pair of diffuser plates and stand out with flaps that match the ones that are also found on the front diffuser. Next, the trunk now has 599XX esque spoiler wing, which goes well along with the newly designed rear diffuser.

At last, what finalize the package are the interior refinements included. For example, inside the car there is an extensive use of Italian fine leathers and carbon fiber. In addition, there are also plenty of new buttons and trims and redesigned steering wheel.

Source: DMC

August 9, 2013
Carlsson Personalises Mercedes-Benz B-Class

Carlsson Mercedes-Benz B-Class is not an ordinary vehicle. In fact, it is a true masterpiece due to the work of the tuning specialists at Carlsson. In this project were used head turning aerodynamic styling additions and alloy wheels, which were supported by upgraded suspension and performance kits. The result is 42 horsepower (31 kW) more.

To go further into details, the kit for this Mercedes-Benz model includes a front spoiler which contributes to car’s more dynamic face. At the same time this kit improves the high-speed stability.

In addition, there are more sculpted side sills which make easy the airflow along the cars flanks and then lead to the new rear apron. The latter now has an integrated diffuser flanked by cut-outs for two pairs of rear exhaust outlets. There is also added a new and larger roof spoiler which helps reduce the drag and lift at speed.

Furthermore, the professionals at Carlsson have also added lowering springs. They drop the ride height by 35 mm. This means that now the handling and grip are enhanced as well as the car exudes more purposeful stance.

And in order to complete the masterful visual appearance of the car, Carlsson’s 1/10 design alloy wheels were used. They are available in Titanium, Diamond and Graphite Editions in 18, 19 or 20-inch sizes, properly matched with 225/40 R18, 225/35 R19 and 235/30 R20 tyres from Dunlop or Vredestein.

What is more, a racier exterior can be achieved via Carlsson’s C-tronic CB kits, designed to increase output of the B-Class four-cylinder petrol engines. The effect is increase of B-Class’ output. The B250 horsepower rise from 211 hp (155 kW) to 253 hp (186 kW), while those of B200 go from 156 hp (115 kW) to 187 hp (138 kW), B180 achieves 146 hp (107 kW) from 122 hp (90 kW).

The interior of the vehicle has been also upgraded thanks to the new carpet mats, alloy pedal set and door pins, bespoke leather upholstery and wood or carbon-fibre trim.

Carlsson Mercedes-Benz B-Class as well as other vehicle tuned by the company can be seen at this year’s 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show in September.

Source: Carlsson

August 9, 2013
Vauxhall Cascada To Be Equipped With New Engine

The new Vauxhall Cascada is going to be equipped with new and more powerful engine which is to deliver 200 hp (147 kW) and generate 300 Nm (221 lb-ft) of torque. The top speed of the vehicle is 146 mph. These figures are due to the high-performance version of the new 1.6 SIDI turbo engine.

The latter is going to make its world premiere next month at 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show. Moreover, the unit is one of the newly-designed Vauxhall four-cylinder SIDI (Spark Ignition Direct Injection) units. It will joins the existing 170 hp (125 kW) 1.6 SIDI turbo unit, which is standard on the production Cascada.

The 1.6-litre SIDI turbo unit delivers 11 per cent more power, but also 300 Nm maximum torque with overboost. This adds 70 Nm more, which is an increase of 30 per cent.

What is more, at the heart of the SIDI turbo is a new engine block. The latter is optimized and can withstand a maximum combustion pressure of up to 130 bar in the cylinder. The block is made of grey cast iron with an aluminium baseplate.

Another highlight that needs to be made is about the type of piston which was specifically developed for this unit. Its compression ratio was reduced from 10.5 to 9.5:1. Vauxhall engineers also aimed to achieve high power output with refinement. This was made possible through the optimization of vehicle’s induction and exhaust systems.

The end result is that the drivers and passengers will appreciate quiet and smooth ride regardless the road speeds, engine speeds and loads. Additionally, the HiPerStrut (High Performance Strut) front suspension improves more the optimized driving characteristics.

The new top-of-the-line petrol engine extends the Cascada powertrain portfolio. It joins the 1.4 turbo 140 hp (103 kW) as well as the 170 hp (125 kW) 1.6-litre petrol direct injection unit. The diesel units available are the 2.0-litre turbo diesel with 165 hp (121 kW) and the 195 hp (143 kW) 2.0 BiTurbo CDTI one.

The new Vauxhall Cascada equipped with 1.6 SIDI turbo engine matched with a six-speed manual transmission can be ordered from October.

Source: Vauxhall

August 8, 2013
Subaru Announces Pricing For 2014 WRX And WRX STI

2014 Subaru WRX and WRX STI are going on sale today. The iconic WRX will now deliver its biggest performance value in a competitive set. The car for the model year 2014 will offer to its customers more power and all-wheel drive.

The engine under the hood of this Subaru is the 2.5-liter turbocharged/intercooled four-cylinder BOXER one, which generates 265 horsepower (195 kW) and 331 Nm (244 lb.-ft.) of torque. The unit is mated to a five-speed manual transmission and Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive System.

The latter utilizes viscous coupling locking center differential, which splits the power 50:50 under normal traction conditions. In case of a wheel slippage, the center differential transmits the power to the wheels with the best traction.

In addition, the standard equipment for this vehicle features sport-tuned suspension, 17-inch alloy wheels and an AM/FM/CD stereo with six speakers, Bluetooth® audio streaming and hands-free phone connectivity and iPod® control.

Furthermore, there is an option package WRX Premium which delivers more comfort. It comprises of fog lights, a power moonroof and body-color trunk spoiler. All five-door models have a rear spoiler. The All-Weather Package is also standard and it features heated front seats, heated exterior mirrors and a windshield wiper de-icer.

2014 Subaru WRX Limited adds leather-trimmed upholstery and high-intensity discharged (HID) headlights. The option package here will offer its customers the addition of Navigation System with AHA Connected service, which includes a 6.1-in. touch screen, voice-activated controls, SMS text messaging, SiriusXM® Satellite Radio, iTunes® tagging, SD card map upgrades.

Next, the 2014 Subaru WRX STI takes the company’s rally-bred road performance to the highest level. It is equipped with 305 horsepower (225 kW) turbocharged/intercooled Boxer engine mated to a six-speed manual transmission. Also standard on this model are the performance suspension and the exclusive Multi-Mode Driver Controlled Center Differential (DCCD) version of Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive.

Moreover, the WRX STI also includes Brembo® Performance Brake System, Subaru Intelligent Drive (SI-DRIVE) and Multi-Mode Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) system which features track performance-optimized mode.

All WRX STI models include as a standard HID headlights and the All-Weather Package. The latter comprises of heated front seats, heated exterior mirrors and a windshield wiper de-icer. Also standard here are the BBS® forged aluminum-alloy wheels, along with fog lights, rear window wiper/washer and special cargo area features.

The Limited edition of this model add on the standard specification the following: power moonroof, fog lights, leather upholstery and BBS wheels. As an option, there is being offered Navigation System.

Brand’s iconic line of sport models has a starting of $25 995.

Source: Subaru

August 8, 2013

2014 Nissan Altima Goes On Sale

Nissan has just announced that its model 2014 Altima is ready to go on sale and it is currently available in the dealerships throughout United States. The new model has redesigned exterior as well as interior and in fact it is the fifth generation of the Altima – Nissan’s top-selling vehicle.

What is new in the 2014 model is the inclusion of the NissanConnectSM connected car services with NissanConnectSM Apps, which include SiriusXM Travel Link® System (weather, fuel prices, movie times, stock updates) and revised button labels, a global smartphone integration platform that includes in-vehicle smartphone integration for Android and iPhone® operating systems.

In addition, other improvements found in this particular model include revised seat cloth; enhanced noise isolation and chrome exhaust tips. As an option there is being offered a new Sport Value Package comprising of 16-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, remote engine start and trunk lid spoiler.

On the other hand the new Technology Package features NissanConnectSM with Navigation, NissanConnectSM Apps smartphone integration and SiriusXM Travel Link®, plus Blind Spot Warning, Moving Object Detection and Lane Departure Warning.

Next, the new Display Audio Package includes a 5.0-inch color display, RearView Monitor, USB port, SiriusXM Satellite Radio (standard on 3.5 S, SiriusXM subscription required) NissanConnectSM Apps and diversity antenna.

2014 Altima Sedan is offered in seven models: 2.5, 2.5 S, 2.5 SV and 2.5 SL featuring a 182horsepower (134 kW) 2.5-liter inline 4-cylinder and the 3.5 S, 3.5 SV and 3.5 SL with a standard 270 horsepower (199 kW) 3.5-liter V6 engine. Every engine is mated to a standard Xtronic CVT® (Continuously Variable Transmission).

2014 Nissan Altima Sedan Pricing:

Altima Sedan 2.5 CVT	$21,860 USD
Altima Sedan 2.5 S CVT	$22,380 USD
Altima Sedan 2.5 SV CVT	$24,180 USD
Altima Sedan 2.5 SL CVT	$27,760 USD
Altima Sedan 3.5 S CVT	$26,160 USD
Altima Sedan 3.5 SV CVT	$28,360 USD
Altima Sedan 3.5 SL CVT	$30,660 USD

Source: Nissan

August 8, 2013

Chevrolet Spark Bubble To Be Officially Revealed At 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show

At the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show Chevrolet brand is going to display host of new convenience and safety enhancements to its line-up. Among the highlights at the show will be the new Chevrolet Spark Bubble Edition.

The new models will include as a standard the Chevrolet MyLink connected radios, more safety and comfort features as well as there will be offered new engines with lower emissions. An example for one is the 1.7L diesel unit which emits only 99 g of CO2 per 100 km that can be found in the Chevrolet Cruze Saloon.

The main highlight at the show – the Spark Bubble will deliver its customers more convenience and improved looks. The car will be equipped with sporty bumper, side rocker moldings, 15-inch white painted alloy wheels as well as frisky white or pink-colored Bubble decals on the front fenders.

In addition, the center console and inserts have been properly designed in order to match the cheerful color pattern that can be seen on the exterior. The interior also include seats made of leatherette.

Other accents throughout the interior include instrument cluster and trims which have been restyled. A new radio with Bluetooth connectivity is standard on most trim levels, as well as the CD player, USB and aux-in jacks.

Furthermore, the Spark Bubble Edition is now going to deliver its occupants enhanced safety, thanks to the inclusion of the standard Electronic Stability Control (ESC).

Another car that is going to be on display in Frankfurt is the Chevrolet Aveo which now receives rearview camera. The device is connected to the radio’s seven-inch high resolution touch screen and makes maneuvering more convenient. In addition, the LTZ trim of the Chevrolet Aveo will have stylish LED turn signals mounted in the outside mirrors.

Next, the Cruze will now be offered with a broader choice of powertrains and new safety features. To be more precise, the choice of four petrol engines will be available on all body styles of the Cruze – a naturally aspirated 1.4L (100 hp/75 kW), a 1.4L turbo (140 hp/103 kW), a 1.6L (124 hp/91 kW) and a 1.8L (141 hp/104 kW) engine.

On the other hand, the diesel line-up comprises of a 1.7L (130 hp/ 96kW) and a 2.0L (163 hp/120 kW) unit. They will be complemented by a 110 hp (81 kW) variant of the1.7L diesel, which emits only 99 g of CO2 per 100 km.

Moreover, the LTZ trim of the Cruze family will include Side Bind Zone Alert. The latter is a safety feature which can spot approaching vehicles in the side blind zone via radar. The same as in the Aveo, the outside rearview mirrors will sport integrated LED turn signals.

Chevrolet Orlando in turn will be equipped with Advanced Parking Aid and Side Blind Spot Alert. This system utilizes ultrasonic sensors which detect approaching vehicles in the blind spot and warns the driver through an illuminated icon in the outside rearview mirrors.

The Advanced Parking Aid will aid identifies suitable parallel parking slots at low speeds and will give the driver instructions on how to steer the vehicle. The model will also be equipped with new radio as a standard as well as a rearview camera and an integrated navigation system (depending on the trim).

Other changes throughout the exterior include LED turn signals in the outside rearview mirrors, 16-inch wheel covers and 17 and 18-inch alloy wheels. The Orlando will hide under its hood 1.4L turbocharged petrol engine mated to a six-speed automatic transmission.

At last, Chevrolet Trax will now be offered with FWD variant of 1.4L Turbo engine. When the latter is matched to a six-speed manual transmission, this variant of the Trax is capable of zero to 100 km/h in 9.5 seconds.

Source: Chevrolet

August 8, 2013
The White Phoenix: Famous Parts Audi R8 Wide Body PD GT-850

The German tuning specialists at Famous Parts have been lately cooperating with the aerodynamic masters at Prior-Design. They have joined forces in order to create a stunning project in which the main star is the Audi R8.

Of course, Prior Design gave its best and delivered all parts of the coveted GT-850 body kit. The work of the technicians of Famous Parts was to properly install the as well as to do the remaining conversion works.

Thanks to the GT-850 wide body kit the Audi is now six centimeters wider at the front and eight centimeters wider at the rear, when compared to the production version. Instead of wrapping the car, Famous Parts decided to paint the R8 in the limited serial colour “Pearl matt white“.

To complement even further the masterful appearance of the car, the tuners equipped it with a proper set of shoes. In particular, these are the exclusive three-part Rotiform forged alloy wheels in size of 10Jx20 inches matched with 255/30R20 at the front, and the extremely broad 13.5Jx20 inches matched with 345/25R20 Continental Sport contact tyres at the rear.

In addition, on the four ends of the R8 chassis frame there has been installed adaptive damper system called “Magnetic Ride“. And in order to match the painting, the outer rims of the Rotiform wheels were wrapped in white.

More importantly, the driving unit of this vehicle was also enhanced. This happened with the help of the installation of premium Capristo flap sports exhaust system. The latter is made of stainless steel and it also includes remote control and four-fold sound selection. In addition to this, there was also a complex software optimization, as well as installation of company’s own modified air piping system.

Source: Famous Parts

August 8, 2013
Audi Fleet Shuttle Quattro Featured In Ender’s Game Movie [VIDEO]

Audi Fleet Shuttle Quattro can be described with those three words: futuristic, progressive and cutting-edge. The fiction car was designed specifically for Summit Entertainment’s film adaptation of the award-winning best-selling novel “Ender’s Game”.

The visual stance of the car is extremely futuristic which makes it fit perfect in the world of the science fiction feature film. Next to the impressive design of the car is to be mentioned the groundbreaking technology it is envisioned with.

In fact, Audi Fleet Shuttle Quattro which one can see in the movie marks the first time the company has revealed a purely virtual Audi in a feature film. For the project Audi collaborated with the director Gavin Hood and the production team in order to utilize the latest technology to digitally integrate the car into the futuristic film.

The car appears in key scenes in the film, which have a lasting impact on the life of the protagonist. With this, the Fleet Shuttle Quattro becomes a part of this fictional world. With this project the brand showed that it already has a very forward thinking, which was the reason of its inclusion in Ender’s Game movie (you can view its trailer below).

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X5ev-nOWJH8

Video Source: YouTube

Source: Audi

August 8, 2013