Auto News – Page 656 – Automobiles Review

Alfa Romeo 4C at 2013 Goodwood Festival of Speed

Alfa Romeo 4C Sports Car make its long-awaited public dynamic debut at 2013 Goodwood Festival of Speed. The car made a series of runs up the estate’s famous hill climb.

The two-seater sports car is powered by a 1.8 liter turbocharged petrol with 240HP (176 kW) and 350Nn (258 lb-ft) of torque. It is mated to a 6-speed dual-clutch gearbox sending the power to an LSD (limited-slip differenetial) at the rear wheels. 0-100 km/h in just 4.5 seconds and a top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph) – electronically limited.

At the event, Alfa Romeo also presented 33 TT 12, 8C 2900B Speciale tipo “Le Mans”, and a 1750 GT Am.

Source: Alfa Romeo

July 16, 2013

Audi A1 S-line Style Edition

Audi has introduced A1 S-line Style Edition, which will include around £2,200-worth of design and technology-oriented options for a premium of £950 above the equivalent S line model. 2013 Audi A1 S-line Style Edition 1.2 TFSI 6-speed manual is priced from £18,125 OTR.

The exterior of Style Edition can be finished in a choice of Ice Silver, Phantom Black, Misano Red or Glacier White colour schemes. There are xenon headlamps with distinctive LED daytime running lights and 17” five V-spoke alloy wheels with a bi-colour finish. A bi-colour five-arm design is also available as a no-cost option.

The interior comes with part-leather sports seats and three-spoke S line sports steering wheel. There are also powered windows and mirrors, a split/folding rear seat, air conditioning, a Concert CD audio system incorporating an SD card reader linked to a 6.5” retractable display screen, a Bluetooth mobile phone interface and a Driver’s Information System.

The engine range includes a 1.2 liter TFSI with 86HP, 1.4 TFSI with 122HP and 1.6 liter TDI with 105HP (can achieve up to 74.3 mpg with CO₂ emissions of just 99g/km).

The new Style Edition specification is the second in the A1 range to be based on the popular S line trim level. Range-topping Black Edition models, including upgrades such as 18” titanium finish alloy wheels, the 180-watt Audi sound system, privacy glass and electronic climate control, also build on the S line foundation, and are available in conjunction with two 1.4-litre TFSI engines – the 140HP version with Cylinder-on-Demand technology and the supercharged and turbocharged 185HP option – plus the 2.0-litre TDI with 143HP.

Audi A1 S line Style Edition – UK OTR Pricing

1.2 TFSI 86PS	six-speed manual	£18,125
1.4 TFSI 122PS	six-speed manual	£18,535
1.4 TFSI 122PS	seven-speed S tronic	£19,985
1.6 TDI 105PS	six-speed manual	£19,185

Audi A1 Sportback S line Style Edition – UK OTR Pricing

1.2 TFSI 86PS	six-speed manual	£18,745
1.4 TFSI 122PS	six-speed manual	£19,155
1.4 TFSI 122PS	seven-speed S tronic	£20,605
1.6 TDI 105PS	six-speed manual	£19,805

Options list:

Metallic or pearl effect paint (choice of Glacier White, Phantom Black, Ice Silver and Misano Red)

17-inch five V-spoke bi-colour alloy wheels

Xenon headlamps with LED daytime running lights and LED rear lights

Black styling package

Exterior mirrors in gloss black

Interior air vent sleeves in body colour (or gloss black if Ice Silver or Phantom Black body colours are specified)

July 16, 2013

2013 Honda Accord Coupe Performance Package

Honda has introduced a limited edition Accord Coupe V6 Performance package. The car was presented at the 2012 SEMA Show in Las Vegas and recently performance tested by Honda’s North American racing company – HPF.

The Performance packaged includes a set of 19” alloy wheels, a decklid spoiler, sport suspension (lowers height by 15mm and enhances handling), front/side and rear spoilers, red interior illumination, special floor mats and HFP badegs for each side and the trunk.

The HFP package, like all Honda Genuine Accessories, carries a 3-year/36,000-mile limited warranty when installed at the time of new vehicle purchase, and is engineered to be fully compatible with the vehicle.

The Performance package is priced at $4,620 (not including installation)

“The new Accord Coupe V6 is already a natural on twisty roads, but the HFP package really takes it to a new level. With a lowered ride height, sport suspension and more performance-oriented tires, the HFP kit definitely provides more controlled body motions and enhanced stability.”, commented Lee Niffenegger, program senior engineer at Honda Performance Development.

Source: Honda

July 16, 2013

Hennessey Performance Shares First Details On Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Project

Hennessey Performance has jus exclusively disclosed the first details around their new project on the 2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray C7. The project has been teased with two images, revealing how the car will look like.

Corvette Stingray is equipped with LT1 6.2-liter V-8 unit, which produces 460 hp (338 kW) and delivers an enhanced improved fuel economy. But obviously this wasn’t enough for Hennessey Performance specialists.

Therefore, they embarked on a project, called Hennessey HPE700 Corvette in order to make the new Chevrolet Stingray even faster, exquisite and extraordinary. The car is expected to officially debut in October 2013.

It is expected that after the tuning the car will be able of producing 700 hp (515 kW) thanks to the incorporation of TVS R2300 supercharger. Packing 8 psi of boost through custom CNC-ported factory cylinder heads, working with proprietary intake and fueling systems plus a recalibrated ECU, the system should provide enough thrust for exciting driving.

2014 Hennessey Performance Chevrolet Corvette Stingray C7 slide

The transmission choices that are being offered here are either the 7-speed manual or 6-speed automatic one. The HPE700 Corvette will be visually enhanced via the CarbonAero™ body treatment.

It comprises of an aggressive front splitter, notched rear spoiler, side sills and a hood. The latter includes a deeply drawn power dome and dramatic central vent that both decreases underhood temperatures while at the same tine increasing downforce by evacuating air.

Furthermore, the body pieces are made of hand-laid carbon fiber. They serve in terms of increasing the downforce and creating an aggressive visual stance. In addition, the car can be equipped with 10-spoke H10 alloys shod matched with Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires.

An optional coilover suspension system which uses Penske double-adjustable shocks will be also available. There are additionally being offered Brembo brake upgrade with carbon-ceramic rotors.

Unfortunately, up to date no interior details have been finalized. However, it was disclosed that each car will come with dash and engine plaques displaying the serialized build number.

Source: Hennessey Performance

July 16, 2013

2014 ‪Peugeot‬ 308 – EU Price €17,800

Peugeot has announced the pricing of the all-new 2014 Peugeot 308. The affordable small vehicle will hit the market later this year with pricing starting from€17,800 in Europe.

There are four trim levels: Access, Active, Allure and Feline. The engine range includes a 1.2 liter VTi with 82HP (60 kW), a 1.6 liter HDi FAP diesel with either 92HP (70 kW) or 115HP (85 kW), a 1.6 THP with 125HP (92 kW) and 155HP (114 kW).

The options list includes 17” or 18” alloy wheels fitted with low profile tires, panoramic roof, metallic paint, uprated audio system, along with various packages like Driver Assistance and Comfort.

The new generation of the Peugeot 308 will be available in France in four trim levels: Access, Active, Allure and Feline.

Depending on trim level, optional goodies include 17- or 18-inch alloys, panoramic roof, metallic paint, uprated audio system, along with various packages like Driver Assistance and Comfort.

Source: Peugeot

July 16, 2013

EXCLUSIVE: Premiere Of Nissan GT-R Special Edition

Nissan GT-R Special Edition has just been exclusively released. The special edition model is wrapped in an exclusive Midnight Opal color, and in addition its production will not exceed 100 units worldwide.

The first GT-R was introduced in 2007. Since then, this Nissan vehicle is consistently earning high praise from people all over the world. In fact, it is considered one of the most exciting supercars currently on the market.

With the reveal of this limited edition version, the model will further widen its recognition among fans. Furthermore, next to the new exterior color, the GT-R Special Edition will include exclusive equipment such as dry carbon fiber rear spoiler and forged aluminum wheels with a hyper-titanium coating.

To be more precise, the Midnight Opal exterior paint is applied with each coat by hand. The effect is an exterior finish which sparkles like a jewel and can only be seen in the most exotic of supercars. In fact, the exterior color of the car is perceived differently depending on the light conditions and viewing angle.

Next, the dry carbon fiber rear spoiler improves the aerodynamic stability at ultra-high speeds. On the other hand, the black finish additionally enhances the look of the car’s rear end. The reduced unsprung weight makes better the car’s handling and improves the ride quality.

Moreover, Nissan GT-R Special Edition runs on highly-rigid lightweight forged aluminum wheels. They include an eye-catching hyper-titanium colored coating, that delivers even more visual flair to the car’s overall appearance.

Due to the limited production of the model, a gold model number plate will be featured within the engine compartment to highlight the GT-R Special Edition’s exclusivity.

Source: Nissan

July 16, 2013

Maserati Ghibli Makes UK Debut At Goodwood Festival Of Speed

Maserati Ghibli was revealed for the first time in the beginning of April this year. Now the model is making its debut in the UK at the famous Goodwood Festival of Speed. Next, to the Ghibli, the visitors also saw Trident Marque’s three latest additions the GranCabrio MC and the GranTurismo MC Stradale four seater.

The new Ghibli is going to create new boundaries in the brand, because it is the first Maserati saloon in the Premium Executive E segment. In addition, it is also the first Maserati in history to include a diesel engine.

The latter was especially designed by the former Scuderia Ferrari F1 Head of Engines – Paolo Martinelli. Thanks to this, the Ghibli is sportier than the Quattroporte. To be more precise, the vehicle is equipped with either one of two Twin Turbo V6 petrol engines. They generate 330 hp (242 kW) and 410 hp (302 kW).

In addition there is also offered 3.0-litre V6 turbo-diesel unit, which produces 275 hp (202 kW). No matter the version of the engine, each one will be matched to an eight-speed automatic ZF transmission.

Maserati Ghibli will be available at dealerships in the UK in the autumn with a starting price of £48 830.

Source: Maserati

July 16, 2013

Exclusive Debut For Datsun GO

Two weeks ago Datsun teased the first new Datsun car for the 21st century revealing the first sketches of the model. Now Datsun GO is making its debut and will be on sale in India in early 2014.

The car is the result of the commitment made by Nissan brand to return the Datsun brand to the automotive market. The five-door, front-wheel drive hatchback will be equipped with a 1.2-liter engine which is going to be matched to a five-speed manual transmission.

It has very compact sizes: 1635 mm width, 1485 mm height and 3785 mm length. Nonetheless, the vehicle is spacious inside thanks to a wide large wheelbase of 2450 mm. Additionally, it also offers enough headroom and an expanded front seating configuration.

Furthermore, the interior of the car includes a very practical solution called Mobile Docking Station for those who want to never be parted with their music or photos. It connects the car with customer’s smartphones.

The name of the car is inspired by the first Datsun – the DAT-GO. The latter was launched almost a century ago in Japan. The new Datsun GO offers the required quality, style and contemporary design, next to the engaging driving experience.

It was also announced that all Datsun models will be specifically developed for the different markets they are going to be offered at. However, they will share a common concept. Datsun GO will be the first of several Datsun models, which is expected to be launched later in 2014. The car was designed especially for the customers in Indonesia, Russia and South Africa.

At last, the Datsun GO will be produced at Renault-Nissan Alliance factories at Oragadam in Chennai. More details around the model will be disclosed closer to launch.

Source: Nissan

July 16, 2013

Porsche 911 Turbo Mk2 vs Lamborghini Gallardo LP560 and Chevrolet Corvette Z06

More drag racing, but this time with stock sport cars – Porsche 911 Turbo Mk2 6-speed manual with 500HP against Chevrolet Corvette Z06 with 505HP and Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4 with 560HP.

In the first start, the 911 Turbo owned the Z06. The Porsche finished in 29.289 seconds with 281 km/h and set personal absolute record on ¼ mile – 11.625 seconds with 197 km/h.

The second start was also owned by the Porsche. It crossed the 1 mile mark in 29.341 seconds with terminal speed of 281 km/h, while the Gallardo needed 30.712 seconds.

The third start was free, but the Porsche 911 Turbo Mk2 set personal absolute record on 1 mile – 29.231 seconds with 282 km/h. Andrey N. behind the steering wheel is winner of 2^nd place in Super Stock Class 2013.

Enjoy!

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZS4yHXnY1No

Source: Dragtimesinfo

July 15, 2013

2013 Skoda Octavia RS and Octavia Combi RS [video]

The 3^rd generation of Skoda Octavia RS made its official debut at the 2013 Goodwood Festival of Speed. This is the fastest production Octavia ever made not only in straight line, but in the corners, too.

There are two engines in the range – a 2.0 liter TDI and a 2.0 liter turbocharged petrol. The 2.0 liter petrol delivers 220HP (162 kW), which means 0-100 km/h in 6.8 seconds and a top speed of 248 km/h (154 mph), while the 2.0 liter TDI has only 184HP (135 kW) – 0-100 km/h in 8.1 seconds and a top speed of 232 km/h (144 mph).

The standard extras include sports suspension, MacPherson strut, Electronic differential lock XDS and electronic stability control (ESC).

Other highlights include an aggressive front bumper with LED DRLs, honeycomb mesh grille inserts, bi-xenon headlights, a dual exhaust system and 18” alloy wheels. The interior boasts sports seats, a three-spoke steering wheel and ambient lighting. There’s also dual-zone climate control and a touchscreen infotainment system.

Enjoy the video!

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3BnHA9wlUTA

Source: Skoda

July 15, 2013

2014 Skoda Rapid Spaceback

Skoda has introduced the all-new 2013 Rapid Spaceback offering as manufacturers says “Simply Clever” solutions.

For example, the new Rapid Spaceback has an optional double cargo floor in the trunk, permitting the trunk to be divided into two horizontal levels providing double utility. What is more, there is no need to leave the double floor behind when using maximum trunk space as it can simply be moved into the lower position.

Other practical features include parking ticket holder, multimedia holder, cup holders in the front and rear or parcel shelf that can be stowed behind the rear seats.

The 2013 Rapid Spaceback comes with front, side and head airbags, height-adjustable three-point safety belts with pre-tensioners and height-adjustable head restraints. In EU countries, the ABS and ESC systems are standard. Other active safety features are optional xenon headlights, tire pressure control, fog-lights with corner function or the ‘hill-hold control’ assistant.

The engine range includes 4 petrol and 2 diesel power units with power between 55kW to 75kW. The 1.6 liter TDI Greenline ahieves 3.8 l per 100 km with just 99 g/km CO2.
The Rapid Spaceback will celebrate its premiere at this year’s Frankfurt Motor Show, while its launch in the European markets is scheduled for October 2013.

Source: Skoda

July 15, 2013

60th Anniversary of Chevrolet Corvette

Chevrolet has marked the 60^th Anniversary of the iconic sports car – Corvette. The first model went into production in Flint, Mich. on June 30, 1953 and since then, the Corvette has become an American icon that continues to offer the best in today’s technology and performance.

“During the past six decades, the Corvette has been woven into the fabric of American culture, as the sports car of choice for movie stars, musicians and astronauts. The very best Corvettes represent the state-of-the-art for their eras in terms of design, technology and performance.”, commented Chris Perry, vice president, Chevrolet Marketing.

The latest model is the 2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray, which comes with Z51 performance package as standard. It includes an LSD (limited-slip differential), aerodynamics package, a set of big wheels and brakes as well as performance gear ratio. Other highlights include sport suspension (shocks, springs and stabilizer bars), magnetic ride control suspension tuned for European roads, along with a performance exhaust and traction management systems.

The Stingray is powered by a 6.2 liter V7 LT1 with 460HP (343 kW) at 6,000RPM and 630Nm (465 lb-ft) of torque at 4,600RPM. 0-100 km/h in 3.9 seconds and a top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph) – electronically limited. The engine is mated to a 7-speed manual gearbox with active rev matching.

Source: Chevrolet

July 15, 2013

Category: Auto News