Category: Auto News

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

  • Wrangler, Avenger and Grand Caravan production is being prolonged for a couple of years.

    As stated in the recent The Detroit News report, Chrysler has extended the production lives of Jeep Wrangler, Dodge Avenger and Dodge Caravan, which goes slightly out of sync with what was announced earlier in Chrysler’s product plan.

    Quoting reliable sources, the newspapers says the Wrangler will continue through 2018 the way it is now, the Grand Caravan got a two-year extension up to 2017 and the current Avenger is likely to last through 2015, which means we’ll have an opportunity to get this sedan a year longer then expected previously.

    Gualberto Ranieri, Crysler spokesman, rejected to give any comments on this statement, though.

    Assuming that everything afore-mentioned is an absolute truth, we might think that the automaker along with Fiat S.p.A., its corporate parent, are doing their best to preserve cash in the teeth of European financial pressure and the on-going purchase of the rest of Chrysler share by Fiat.

    Avenger was said to end up later this year or at the beginning of 2014. The main cause of such a rush was Chrysler’s intention to speed up the production of its successor, the next generation of sedan, Chrysler 200. The last one, as it was announced by chief executive officer Sergio Marchionne, will be shown in a 6-months term, allegedly in January of the upcoming year. Since then, the Sterling Heights plant will be forced to produce both Avenger and redesigned Chrysler 200.

    Marchionne’s tactics mainly consists in cutting down on the production of resembling vehicles which permanently compete with each other in showrooms. From now on one of the biggest American automobile manufacturers will only launch one minivan production, for example, instead of having a couple of them at a time. Chrysler Group LLC is currently getting prepared for its future minivan production program. The name of the one to survive remains unrevealed, despite being an actively discussed thing during the last year.

    Popular Jeep Wrangler will experience scheduled well in advance makeover in 2016, providing the Toledo plant with a time to raise its productive capacity. The new Wrangler will get a new diesel engine, which would be an alternative option for those who prefer diesel over gas. The sad news is that we aren’t going to meet a pickup version of wrangler unless the company finds some additional productive capacity. Apparently, we’ll have to postpone browsing through autoclassifieds in search of new Wranglers till the things go better.

  • Mercedes-Benz S500 Plug-in Hybrid Confirmed for 2014

    Mercedes-Benz has confirmed the S 500 Plug-in Hybrid for 2014. The luxurious saloon demonstrates how luxury and sustainability can be combined at a previously unprecedented level.

    The S 500 Plug-in Hybrid will set new standards in the luxury class with a fuel consumption of less than 4 liters per 100 km. While the S 400 Hybrid meets the criteria for efficiency class A, the S 300 BlueTEC Hybrid is the only luxury saloon to be classified as A+. The S 500 Plug-in Hybrid is going to feature an electric motor, an 8.7 kWh battery and a six-cylinder petrol engine that develops 333 HP (245 kW) and 480 Nm (354 lb-ft) of torque.

    The Mercedes-Benz hybrid system is modular and scalable in design, and can be applied to numerous model series. In the coming years, in line with the timing of new model introductions, there will be numerous new hybrid models. The modular hybrid system also shows its strengths in conjunction with the different drive systems. In-line four-cylinder engines (petrol and diesel) can be hybridised just as well as e.g. a V6 petrol engine.

    Source: Mercedes-Benz

  • Jenson Button drives McLaren P1 at the 2013 Goodwood Festival of Speed

    McLaren has published a video with Formula One World Champion – Jenson Button driving the P1 at the 2013 Goodwood Festival of Speed.

    Button also had a chance to drive the McLaren M8D Can-Am race car which he described as a “proper beast” that’s “so different from what we race these days.”

    McLaren P1 is powered by a modified 3.8 liter twin-turbo V8 with 727HP (535 kW). The engine is combined with a KERS electric motor with 176HP (129 kW). The total power is 916HP (674 kW) at 7,500RPM and 900Nm (664 lb-ft) of torque. 0-100 km/h in 2.9 seconds, 0-200 km/h in 6.9 seconds, 0-300 km/h in 17.0 seconds.

    The hybrid powertrain is connected to a 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox. he electric motor can be used to power the car on its own, with an all-electric range of up to 20 km (12 miles) at an average speed of 50 km/h.

    The P1 also features a set of ultra-lightweight alloy wheels fitted with P-Zero Corsa tyres. Behind them, there is a specially developed carbon-ceramic brake system from Akebono.

    httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MyKvgzO7Okk

    Source: McLaren

  • Acura NSX Prototype at Mid-Ohio Raceway

    Acura has published the first picture of a NSX prototype undergoing testing. The sports car debuted at the North American International Auto Show earlier this year. While the picture isn’t of the highest quality, it suggests the production model will have new headlights, larger mirrors and restyled air intakes.

    The pre-production prototype will be shown at the Mid-Ohio Indy 200 on August 4th. Acura is seeking to get maximum publicity out of the event, so the car will lap the circuit live on NBC.

    The NSX will be produced at Acura‘s Performance Manufacturing Center in Ohio. It will be powered by a mid-mounted V6 engine and a Sport Hybrid Super Handling All Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system that has 2 electric motors that power the front wheels as well as another motor that is integrated into the dual-clutch transmission.

    Source: Acura

  • ABT Audi AS6-R Avant – 600HP and 750Nm

    ABT Sportsline has announced their latest project called AS6-R based on the performance touring – Audi S6 Avant. The AS6-R boasts styling and performance upgrades. It combines lifestyle and dynamics with the characteristics of a real family estate car.

    The exterior boasts a complete aerodynamics package including carbon fiber air intake surroundings, carbon fiber mirror covers and new front fender vents. There is also a pair of revised side skirts, new rear bumper and a carbon fiber rear spoiler. Upon request, the AS6-R will be fitted with a stainless steel sports exhaust system with nice deep sound and a set of enormous ABT DR gun-metal sport-type wheels – 9J x 21” fitted with 265/30 ZR21 tires.

    The twin-turbocharged 4.0 liter V8 engine is boosted to 600HP (441 kW) and 750Nm (553 lb-ft) of torque. This is an increase of 180HP (132 kW) and 200Nm (147 lb-ft). The result is thanks to bigger turbochargers, optimized cooling and a reworked exhaust system. 0-100 km/h in 3.9 seconds, 0-200 km/h in 12.9 seconds and a top speed of 310 km/h (192 mph), which is actually pretty good for an estate car.

    ABT AS6-R:

    ABT ENGINE TECHNOLOGY

    • Engine: 4.0 TFSI, 3.993 cc capacity, V8
    • Performance tuning: ABT POWER S
    • Performance: 600 HP/441 kW (standard: 420 HP/309 kW)

    ABT AERODYNAMICS

    • ABT front skirt attachment in Carbon
    • ABT mirror covers in Carbon
    • ABT side skirt attachments in Carbon
    • ABT rear spoiler in Carbon
    • ABT rear skirt set
    • ABT fender inserts
    • ABT WHEELS DR 21″ – Available also as complete set of wheels with sports tires

    ABT EXHAUST TECHNOLOGY

    • ABT 4-pipe stainless steel exhaust system

    Source: ABT

  • 2014 Toyota Harrier JDM

    Toyota has published several pictures of the 2014 Harrier, which will be produced specially for the JDM (Japanese Domestic Market). The official debut of the crossover is expected later this year.

    It is obvious that the new model is designed to more way more luxurious than its predecessor.  Considering Harrier and Lexus RX have a history of being virtually identical, speculation suggests the 2014 Harrier could preview the next-generation RX.

    The manufacturer didn’t release any further information about the crossover. 2014 Toyota Harrier comes with a prominent grille and a large air intakes as well as a sportier tailgate with an integrated spoiler and thin taillights.

    The engine range will probably include the same engines as the predecessor – a 2.7 liter four-cylinder petrol, a 3.5 liter V6 and a 3.5 liter V6 and electric motor (hybrid version).

    Stay tuned for full information and pricing!

    Source: Toyota

  • MINI Vision – Design from the Future

    MINI Vision showcases various elements of future MINI design. There are a lot of interesting features like Driving Experience Control, full LED headlights and MINI Click System.

    MINI Vision is designed to preview the upcoming 2014 Cooper. The Vision boasts an aerodynamic bumper and a hexagonal grille that features integrated fog lights. Thea re also full-LED headlights with outer ring which works as DRL. Other highlights include organo metal accents, a tailgate-mounted spoiler and a center-mounted dual exhaust system.

    The interior boasts a symmetrical design and a lot of different colors and textures. The lounge-like seats seem very comfortable and Union Jack-inspired elastic straps on the doors that hold magazines, drinks or mobile phones are very useful.

    The unbeatable scope for personalisation and an extremely sporty and precise design make the MINI Vision the perfect partner for the road, tailored to the needs and preferences of the individual driver. This design vision demonstrates that MINI will continue to use intelligent variability, imagination-capturing technology and a compact sporting presence to deliver unrivalled driving fun over the years to come.

    Source: MINI

  • Ferrari F12 Berlinetta – Options List

    Ferrari cars are not for everyone, because they are too expensive to buy and to maintain. This is especially true for the F12 Berlinetta, which is the newest and most powerful Ferrari, ever. The starting price is $315,888, but the optional extras are insanely expensive.

    This particular order form for such car shows, how the price easily increase to over $380k just for several additional extras. As the author of the picture showed one of the most ridiculous options is the carbon fiber cup holder for whopping $3,533 – this is too much even for billionaires. There are also other unnecessary extras like carbon fiber dash inserts for $7,227, carbon fiber bridge for $3,051  and grey-painted brake calipers for $1,445.

    Everybody admits that the F12 Berlinetta is one of the best sports cars in the world, but these prices just can ruin the whole idea!

    Source: Carbon Mccoy

  • LEIB Engineering BMW 1-Series M Coupe

    LEIB Engineering has announced their latest project based on BMW 1-Series M Coupe. The small and powerful Bavarian car comes with styling and performance upgrades.

    The exterior boasts full foil cover in a matte grey into which a chequered plate look and the logos of the companies involved with the project were integrated three-dimensionally by streetworkz customz from Morschwil. There is also a Alpha-N tail diffuser and carbon rear spoiler trunk lid also partially covered with foil. The extended wheel arches of the 1-Series M are filled by 10J x 20” Bavaria BC5 Concave wheels with Yokohama Advan sports tyres 255/30 R20 at the front and 275/30 R20 at the rear axle. Matching the installed Bilstein B16 PSS10 threaded chassis, the single-part light-metal wheel rims are powder-coated in a noticeable baby blue.

    The twin-turbocharged 3.0 liter I-6 engine is boosted to 400HP (298 kW) and 560Nm (413 lb-ft) – an increase of 60HP and 60Nm. The result is thanks to an ECU re-map and a Supersprint sports exhaust system. Stage II includes bigger turbochargers, completely revised cooling and exhaust systems. The expected result is more than 500HP (367 kW) and 600Nm (442 lb-ft).

    Source: LEIB Engineering

  • Lumma Design CLR X5 RS based on 2014 BMW X5

    Lumma Design has introduced their latest project based on the upcoming 2014 BMW X5, which is going to hit the market this November. The name of the project is CLR X5 RS and it features only styling upgrades.

    The exterior boasts a complete wide-body kit including a new aggressive front bumper, a pair of revised side skirts, extended wheel arches, a new rear bumper and a four-tailpipe sports exhaust system. There is also a new ventilated front hood, a tailgate-mounted spoiler and a set of enormous 23” alloy wheels fitted with low-profile tires.

    The interior comes with a premium leather upholstery in red (or any other desirable color) as well as carbon fiber elements, alloy pedals and floor mats with Lumma logo.

    Source: Lumma

  • 2013 Skoda Fabia Reaction and Monte Carlo TECH Estate

    Skoda Fabia Reaction and Fabia Monte Carlo TECH Estate hit showrooms this month, both delivering high equipment levels and incredible value for money. The new Fabia Reaction is priced from £9,690, which is £3,715 less than the normal price of £13,405. The new Fabia Monte Carlo TECH Estate has a price tag of £12,575.

    The 2013 Fabia Reaction comes with AC and a three-spoke leather steering wheel fitted as standard, while the exterior benefits from a unique combination of 16” black Comet alloys, rear spoiler, black detailing on the roof, mirrors and grille, and Sunset glass. Combined with the Meteor Grey paintwork, the Fabia Reaction has serious head-turning ability.

    The Fabia Reaction model is fitted with a 1.2 12V 69PS engine and is only available in hatch form. There is also a

    The 2013 Fabia Monte Carlo TECH Estate boasts Amundsen sat-nav and Bluetooth connectivity as standard. There is also a striking design that includes gloss black wheelarches and grille. The engine range includes a 1.2 TSI 105HP and 1.6 TDI CR 105HP.

    Source: Skoda

  • Top 10 Naturally Aspirated Engines

    Let’s check out the highest specific engine output or in other words power / unit displacement. Of course, we will take a closer look only for series production cars powered by naturally aspirated engines.

    10th Place: Audi R8 GT – 5.2 liter V10 FSI – 560HP (412 kW) and 540Nm (400 lb-ft). 0-100 km/h in 3.6 seconds, 0-200 km/h in 12.3 seconds and a top speed of 320 km/h (199 mph). The specific power / unit displacement is 108HP / liter.

     

    9th Place: Lamborghini Gallardo LP570-4 Superleggera – 5.2 liter V10 – 570HP (419 kW) and 540Nm (400 lb-ft). 0-100 km/h in 3.4 seconds, 0-200 km/h in 12.0 seconds and top speed of 324 km/h (201 mph). The specific power / unit displacement is 110HP / liter.

    8th Place: Ferrari 599 GTO – 6.0 liter V12 – 670HP (493 kW) and 620Nm (459 lb-ft). 0-100 km/h in 3.4 seconds and a top speed of 335 km/h (208 mph). The specific power / unit displacement is 112HP / liter.

    7th Place: Lexus LFA – 4.8 liter V10 –  560HP (412 kW) and 480Nm (356 lb-ft) of torque. 0-100 km/h in 3.7 seconds and a top speed of 325 km/h (202 mph). The specific power / unit displacement is 117HP / liter.

    6th Place: Porsche 911 GT3 RS – 3.8 liter flat-six – 450HP (331 kW). 0-100 km/h in 3.6 seconds, 0-200 km/h in 13.3 seconds. Top speed 310 km/h (193 mph).  The specific power / unit displacement is 118HP / liter.

    5th Place: Ferrari F12 Berlinetta – a 6.3 liter V12 engine – 740HP (544 kW) and 690Nm (509 lb-ft). 0-100 km/h – 3.1 seconds and 0-200 km/h in 8.5 seconds. The top speed is over 340 km/h (211 mph). The specific power / unit displacement is 123HP / liter.

    3rd Place: Pagani Zonda R – 6.0 liter V12 – 750HP (551kW) and 710Nm (526 lb-ft).0-100km/h in 2.7 seconds and the top speed is over 350km/h (218 mph). The specific power / unit displacement is 125HP / liter.

    3rd Place: Honda S2000 – 2.0 liter I4 – 250HP () and 218Nm (161 lb-ft). 0-100 km/h in 6.2 seconds and a top speed of 240 km/h (149 mph). The specific power / unit displacement is 125HP / liter.

    2nd Place: Ferrari 458 Italia – 4.5 liter V8 – 570HP (419 kW) and 540Nm (399 lb-ft). 0-100 km/h in 3.4 seconds a top speed of 325 km/h (202 mph). The specific power / unit displacement is 127HP / liter.

    1st Place: Caparo T1 – 3.5 liter V8 – 575HP (423 kW) and 420Nm (311 lb-ft).0-100 km/h in 2.5 seconds and a top speed of 330 km/h (205 mph). The specific power / unit displacement is 164HP / liter.