Auto News – Page 658 – Automobiles Review

2013 Suzuki Swift Facelift – Price

After the revealing of the 5-door variant of Swift Sport, Suzuki has announced the 2013 Swift Facelift. The model makes strong statements in styling, impact safety, driving performance, handling as well as offering low fuel consumption and low emissions.

2013 Suzuki Swift Facelift comes with minor changes including a new front bumper, a modified grille and an upper LED rear brake light. There are also new wheels and LED DRLs for the range-topping SZ4 model.

The interior boasts a new seat fabric that combines black, blue and gray accents.

The engine range includes a 1.2 liter petrol with 94HP (69 kW) and 118Nm (87 lb-ft) of torque and a 1.3 liter DdiS diesel with 75HP (55 kW) and 190Nm (140 lb-ft) of torque.

The 2013 Swift is priced from £10,799 on-the-road.

Offer pricing for the latest Swift range until the end of September is as follows:

Model	OTR Price	VAT-Free Offer Price
3-door 1.2 SZ2 manual	£10,799	£8,999
3-door 1.2 SZ3 manual	£12,119	£10,099
3-door 1.2 SZ4 manual	£13,439	£11,199
5-door 1.2 SZ2 manual	£11,299	£9,416
5-door 1.2 SZ3 manual	£12,619	£10,516
5-door 1.2 SZ4 manual	£13,939	£11,616
5-door 1.2 SZ4 auto	£14,949	£12,458
5-door 1.3 DDiS SZ4 manual	£15,139	£12,616

Source: Suzuki

July 12, 2013

Volkswagen XL1 in London – 0.9 l per 100 km

Volkswagen has published a nice video showing the futuristic XL1 cruising across London. The manufacturers says that the XL1 is world’s most fuel-efficient production hybrid car capable of doing 313 mpg UK – 0.9 liters / 100 km.

While one XL1 made its way to the Goodwood Festival of Speed to take pride of place on the Volkswagen stand and make its way up the famous hill climb, another crossed the capital, heading to Buckingham Palace where it will be displayed as part of the Coronation Festival this weekend (for more details see below).

The XL1 is powered by a two-cylinder 800 cc diesel engine with an electric motor. To achieve the target fuel consumption figure the XL1 was aerodynamically optimised, adopting the classic ‘tear drop’ shape and utilising innovations such as removing traditional wing mirrors and replacing them with small cameras called e-Mirrors which transmit exterior images to interior displays.

The XL1 is ‘handcrafted’ using small series production processes. An initial production run of 250 XL1 vehicles will be made.

Stay tuned for full specs and pricing!

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a3Z9kuCvRDc

Source: Volkswagen

July 11, 2013

BMW F10 M5 Nighthawk – 575HP and 680Nm

BMW has announced a new limited edition F10 M5, which is available exclusively in Japan. BMW M5 Nighthawk comes with some additional power and nice upgrades.

The exterior boasts a Frozen Black paint job as well as a dark chrome grille, adaptive LED headlights and matte black 20” alloy wheels fitted with performance tires.

The interior comes with two-tone upholstery – Merino leather seats, carbon fiber trim and an individually numbered badging.

The car is equipped with the Competition package including a sports exhaust system and sportier settings for the suspension, steering and ///M Dynamic Mode. There are also carbon-ceramic brakes and a lane departure warning system.

The 4.4 liter twin-turbocharged V8 is boosted to 575HP (423 kW) and 680Nm (501 lb-ft) of torque. It is connected to a 7-speed M DCT transmission – 0-100 km/h in 4.2 seconds and a top speed of 300 km/h (186 mph) – electronically limited.

The pricing starts from ¥18,200,000 (around $182,000).

Competition Package

dedicated suspension setting

dedicated steering setting

dedicated M dynamic mode setting

sports exhaust system

black chrome tail pipe

Other upgrades:

M light-alloy wheels double spoke styling 343M (forging / 20 inches / Mat-black paint finish)
(front) 9Jx20 wheels +265 / 35ZR20 tires,
(rear) 10Jx20 wheels +295 / 30ZR20 tire
M carbon-ceramic brake system
LED Head Light
Kidney grille in Dark Chrome finish, side Gill, door handle
Per Foret-suited, full leather Merino interior (seat, door panels, center console side, the instrument panel, seat back back)
seat / interior color: Sakiru orange / black
BMW M Performance carbon interior trim (door trim and instrument panel)
Driving Assist: Lane Dipacha-warning [lane departure warning system, limber approach warning function, collision avoidance, mitigation brake
Lane change warning
Active Protection
Only interior badge (serial number entered)

Source: BMW

July 11, 2013

Inden Design Mercedes-Benz A-Class

Inden Design and Binz has announced their latest project based on 2013 Mercedes-Benz A-Class. The collaboration between the two companies resulted in two really special A-Class models – both coming with the optional AMG package.

The exterior boasts carbon fiber flap at the bottom front section, a carbon fiber side skirts, a new carbon fiber diffuser at the rear and quad exhaust setup borrowed from the C63 AMG Black Series.

The dark grey A-Class stands on a set of 8.5J x 19” and 9.5J x 19” BBS CH-R alloy wheels fitted with 225/35 R19 front and 255/30 R19 rear tires, while the red one has matte black Barracuda Shoxx wheels fitted with 235/35 R19 tires. For perfect stance, both cars have been lowered by 35mm.

Both tuned A-Class cars will be exhibited at a Mercedes-Benz meeting in Hattingen.

Source: Inden Design

July 11, 2013

Hartmann Volkswagen Transporter T5

Hartmann has announced their new project based on the people-carrier Volkswagen Transporter T5. The big van received both performance and styling upgrades.

The 2.0 liter TDI engine has been boosted to 166HP (124 kW) and 395Nm (291 lb-ft) of torque, which is an increase of 26HP and 55Nm. A similar kit is available for the 2.0-liter BiTDI power unit. The power delivered is 212HP (158 kW) and 460Nm (339 lb-ft) – an increase of 33HP and 60Nm of torque.

The T5 also received a stainless steel sports exhaust system with 2x80mm tailpipes on the right side. There is also a set of sport springs lowering the ride by 35 mm.

Other upgrades include a custom front spoiler, rocker panels, rear skirt, brushed aluminum door sill plates, bespoke floor mats and aluminum pedals.

The final touch is a set of 9J x 20” VEST-3 alloy wheels fitted with 275/35 R20 tires.

Source: Hartmann

July 11, 2013

2013 Skoda Octavia vRS – Pricing

Skoda UK has announced the pricing of the all-new 2013 Octavia vRS. The performance model is coming with a price tag of £22,990 on the road. The model is described as the fastest Octavia ever and features some nice upgrades compared to the regular vehicle.

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).

In addition, to ensure better efficiency, Start-Stop and Brake Energy Regeneration are fitted as standard. Manual gearbox and DSG dual clutch transmission are available as options for both engines, each with six gears.

2014 Skoda Octavia vRS also comes as a standard with sports suspension. The body of the vehicle also has been lowered by 12mm compared to the standard Octavia. There is also a MacPherson strut with underlying triangle wishbone present. Technologies such as Electronic differential lock XDS and electronic stability control (ESC) are now standard.

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.

Source: Skoda

July 11, 2013

Fiat Unveils The “Body Paint” Print Ad [VIDEO]

An exclusive ad campaign has been happening and it teases the new Fiat 500 Abarth Cabrio. The one-of-a-kind print ad will debut this week and it is named “Body Paint”. It will be featured in this year’s annual ESPN The Magazine’s Body Issue.

In this visually stunning print ad were featured more than a dozen female artists, models and contortionists. After being painted as one of the parts of the model, their bodies recreated the image of the new Fiat 500 Abarth Cabrio.

The Head of Fiat Brand North America – Jason Stoicevich, said that they basically wanted to create a concept for ESPN The Magazine’s Body Issue that was as visually unique as the new Abarth model.

The unique advertisement conveys the athletic grace of the car and in fact is devoted to the athletes around the globe. Exclusive behind-the-scenes video of how the “Body Paint” print ad was made can be viewed below and they can ensure you that the ad was not photoshopped!

httpv://youtu.be/WKe02Fq-Yzk

Video Source: YouTube

Source: Fiat

July 11, 2013

New Technology Pack For SEAT Leon

SEAT Leon is now going to be equipped with new Technology Pack, which will add to the standard specifications ground-breaking full-LED headlights. They will be added to the new model (its SE or FR specifications) at absolutely no price if it is ordered until the end of September.

The Navigation System option also includes an upgraded high-resolution colour touchscreen. The latter features a clever proximity sensor which detects when a hand is moving towards it. Then it activates additional onscreen options.

The full-LED headlamps on the other hand add to the exterior presence of the car, providing a light beam that’s closer to natural daylight. In addition, they also utilize less power, thus contributing in an enhanced fuel economy.

In fact, the light is measured using colour temperature in kelvins (K). The natural daylight for instance is estimated around 5500 K. The new LED headlights featured in the SEAT measure around 5300 K. In comparison, the xenon headlamps emit light which is registered at around 4200 K, while the halogen bulbs – at 3000 K.

This basically means that the featured LED headlamps will radiate purer light which is much closer to the natural light thus resulting in no colour distortion perceived by the eye. This decreases eye strain and enables the eyes to more effectively distinguish contrast between objects.

These headlights function on low beam and operate utilizing around half the power of a xenon bulb. In addition, they’re extremely durable, offering a life of at least 10000 hours.

Source: SEAT

July 11, 2013

Luxury Treatment For The New Lexus RX 270 X Special Edition

Lexus has just launched an exclusive new special edition model, the new Lexus RX 270 X Special Edition. It is equipped with a range of innovative features, which one typically finds in the higher grade models.

The X Special Edition package will add to the already exquisite styling of the vehicle even more luxury and convenience enhancements. The styling elements include an appearance package with Sports Luxury grade front bumper, 19″ alloy wheels and limited edition “X” exterior badges.

Furthermore, in order to enhance the interior comfort of the occupants, Lexus have included in the special edition SUV heated front seats; Adaptive Front lighting System, which swivels the headlamps when travelling around tight bends to improve forward visibility and Illuminated scuff plates, which provide a premium look when entering the vehicle.

Some of the key technology features here are the Smart Key Card, which fits allows the driver to open the vehicle doors and start the engine if the Smart Key batteries are flat; Head Up Display –it displays key vehicle information on the windscreen; and Clearance and Back Sonar, which assists the driver when parking in tight spaces. In addition, there is added a luggage tray for stowing items and protecting cargo area trim.

The new vehicle is going to be offered in five exterior colours: White Pearl, Mercury Grey, Premium Silver, Starlight Black and Garnet Red, and two interior colours: Ivory and Black. There is an optional moonroof as well.

Lexus RX 270 X Special Edition will be produced in only 300 examples and its starting price will begin at $69 400.

Source: Lexus

July 11, 2013

Ram Introduces 2013 Black Express Model

2013 Ram 1500 Black Express delivers unmatched combination of style, performance, capability and value. At first glance it catches the attention with its unique all-black exterior, including the 20-inch black aluminum wheels.

In addition it its enhanced exterior look also contribute the black front fascia with fog lamps, black grille surround with black hex-link inserts, black rear bumper and black Ram‘s head badges on the grille and tailgate. The badging on the sides of the car has been removed to make its appearance even more masterful.

The Black Express will also offer to its driver bi-functional halogen projector headlamps with black bezels, 15 amber LEDs for park/turn/position lamp and three amber LEDs for the side marker. Next, the taillamps feature black finishes and are composed of 15 red LEDs with three red LEDs for the side markers.

This Ram 1500 will be powered by the same engine included in the model line-up – namely, the 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 engine with Fuel Saver Technology. It is capable of delivering 395 horsepower (290 kW) and generating 555 Nm (410 lb.-ft.) of torque.

2013-Ram-1500-Black-Express-651-1

Standard features also include a 160-amp alternator, 26-gallon fuel tank, 3.55 rear-axle ratio, 700-amp maintenance-free battery, four- and seven-pin trailer wiring harness, multi-link coil rear suspension, heavy-duty front and rear shock absorbers, front and rear stabilizer bars, electric power steering, heavy-duty engine and transmission cooling, and a full-size spare tire.

On the other hand, the safety features included here are the following: advanced multistage front air bags, supplemental front-curtain and side air bags, anti-lock four-wheel disc brakes, electronic stability control, brake assist, rain brake support, ready alert braking, all-speed traction control, electronic roll mitigation, hill-start assist, trailer-sway control, height-adjustable shoulder belts, Sentry Key® theft deterrent system and a tire pressure monitoring warning lamp.

The vehicle is going to be offered by Dodge brand with two- or four-wheel-drive, including a choice of regular cab, quad cab or crew cab body styles. 2013 Ram 1500 Black Express has a starting price of US$ 26 955 and is currently available at dealerships.

Source: Ram Truck

July 11, 2013

BMW Concept Active Tourer Outdoor Revealed

BMW Concept Active Tourer Outdoor will be presented on the stage of OutDoor Friedrichshafen fair. The new vehicle offers another view on the the premium compact segment and shows how the interior space can be cleverly and practically used for sport and leisure purposes.

In fact, this is a concept project which aims to deliver solutions which combine sporting aesthetics and style with sustainable drive technology, compact dimensions and functionality. In this BMW one can find an environmentally friendly plug-in hybrid drive system.

The latter brings together a combustion engine and an electric motor, which come to offer great power delivery and high efficiency. Furthermore, the compact dimensions are matched with sporty design and high levels of interior space. The variable rear compartment on the other hand was created in order to accommodate sports and leisure equipment.

To go further into details, the new plug-in hybrid (PHEV) drive concept includes transversely mounted 1.5-litre petrol engine with front-wheel drive. It combines the advantages of an electric motor and the characteristics of a traditional combustion engine in order to deliver excellent results.

The exterior of the vehicle is made more exclusive with the Gold Race Orange exterior paintwork which highlights the sporting visual stance of this BMW Concept. In addition, throughout the interior are utilized easy-care, hard-wearing materials, such as MoonWhite and MoonRock Grey leather.

At last, there is also designed and included a special carrier system for two bicycles which in act is integrated into the interior. This and other clever details make the BMW Concept Active Tourer Outdoor the perfect vehicle for active recreational sports persons.

Source: BMW

July 11, 2013

DC Design Hyundai Elantra Black & Red

DC Design has revealed their latest project based on the new Hyundai Elantra. The car comes with a new look with a black & red theme. The manufacturer has already given the Nissan Sunny and Renault Duster a completely new look and now it is turn of Elantra.The exterior boasts a matte black paint job with red accents. There is also a redesigned front grille with new air intakes under the headlamps while the vents have a honeycomb mesh. Other upgrades include new fog lamps and the side skirts with DC badging. A set of attractive multi-spoke alloy wheels is also fitted. Last, but not least is the red diffuser with triangular exhaust tips.The interior continues with black & red theme – seats, door sills and pads, lower section of the dashboard and the center of the steering wheel have been wrapped in red.

July 10, 2013

Category: Auto News