Category: Auto News

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

  • Chevrolet Announces Production Of 2014 Corvette Stingray Premiere Edition

    2014-Chevrolet-Corvette-Stingray-Coupe-PE-THUMBThe production of 2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Coupe Premiere Edition will soon start and the new exclusive model will be offered to a limited number of customers. To be more precise, the Premiere Edition will be built in only 500 examples.

    Every car will be based on the top-of-the-line 3LT. In addition their exterior colort will be specific – Laguna Blue Tintcoat, in order this special edition to be recognized instantly. For the interior, the designers of this Chevrolet have chosen the Brownstone suede shade.

    What is more, throughout the suede-wrapped interior trim, the driver and the occupants will enjoy many carbon-fiber elements. Other highlights here are the visible carbon fiber roof, variable tuned performance exhaust system, and Z51 Performance Package with Magnetic Selective Ride Control.

    As a true Premiere Edition in limited run, this Corvette Stingray will be equipped with wide range of unique accessories. Some of them for instance, will include the “stinger” hood stripe, “Stingray”-logo interior sill plates and wheel caps, and custom Corvette-branded luggage from Thule.

    At last, all of the 500 examples will have a unique vehicle identification number, starting with 300001, as well as an exclusive dash plaque commemorating the limited-edition model.

    Source: Chevrolet

  • Sebastien Loeb at the Pikes Peak – New record [video]

    Sebastien Loeb has won 2013 Pikes Peak International Hill Climb with his Peugeot 208 T16. He is the only driver to finish in less than 9 minutes.

    The Loeb’s Red Bull-sponsored 208 T16 will take place in the Unlimited Class, which means that it will be astonishingly fast. Powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.2 liter V6 with whopping 875HP (652 kW), the small racer is able to accelerate 0-100 km/h in an almost unbelievable 1.8 seconds and 0-200 km/h in 4.8 seconds. The 240 km/h mark is reached in 7 seconds.

    Sebastien Loeb set a new record of just 8 minutes 13.878 seconds, which is an improvement of the last year’s record by more than 15 %.

    Enjoy!

    httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6QKdnz8i14E

    Source: Peugeot

  • Ram Announces The New 2014 Heavy Duty Line

    2014-Ram-Heavy-Duty-THUMB2014 Ram Heavy Duty line comes to offer best-in-class towing capacity. The range of vehicles are equipped with the 6.4-liter HEMI V-8 engine which is capable of generating 410 horsepower (300 kW) and 582 Nm (429 lb-ft). And the Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR) is estimated at 37,600 pounds with Ram 3500.

    The Ram 2500 and 3500 Heavy Duty are also equipped with innovative technologies, 5-link coil suspension with optional air suspension on Ram 2500 and a supplemental air bag suspension option on Ram 3500.

    The five-link coil rear suspension system aims to deliver better ride and handling and also to provide better articulation over obstacles. In addition, the robust coil springs are now capable to handling the loads required of a Heavy Duty Ram 2500 — up to 17,940 pounds for towing.

    The segment exclusive rear air suspension system is also to be found in the Ram 2500. An air bag replaces the coil spring which increases the load-leveling capability. In fact, the air pressure enhances until the vehicle reaches normal ride height, leveling the truck, improving stability and loaded ride.

    Furthermore, the Ram 3500 keeps the rear Hotchkiss leaf spring system but will also include supplemental air suspension system on SRW and DRW applications. This addition softens the leaf springs thus allowing for more unladed suspension movement.

    At the front, the Heavy Duty line includes an advanced three-link front suspension. It in turn secures better roll stiffness. The latter is very important for heavy payloads and is measured by the amount the truck’s body tips side-to-side, independently of the wheels, during cornering.

    2014 Ram 2500 also comes with gooseneck (center-positioned ball in the bed) or fifth wheel capability, an in-box connection junction, and a standard Class 4 and 5 receiver hitch with a four or seven pin connector on the bumper.

    The Ram Power Wagon also benefits from the new five-link rear suspension, the unique front suspension system and modified front three-link system. The latter includes high-movement links, allowing for additional flexibility and axle articulation. This model is powered by the 6.4-liter HEMI V-8 engine, which makes the Power Wagon the most capable production off-road truck in the industry.

    Moreover, the new 6.4-liter HEMI V-8 was optimized specifically for the Ram Heavy Duty lineup. The result is improved low-end torque without sacrificing high-end power. It comes mated to a 66RFE six-speed automatic transmission as a standard.

    Other engine options include the 5.7-liter HEMI V-8, which is the standard equipment for the Ram 2500 and 3500 (SRW). This unit generates 383 horsepower (282 kW) at 5,600 rpm and generates peak torque of 542 Nm (400 lb.-ft.) at 4,000 rpm. The engine is matched also with the 66RFE six-speed automatic transmission.

    Furthermore, the 6.7-liter Cummins Turbo Diesel I-6 is available in three versions. The first one is paired with a six-speed manual transmission that includes a wear-compensating clutch for lifetime like-new performance and a dual-trunion shift tower to accommodate a compact shift pattern. The result is 350 horsepower (257 kW) at 2,800 rpm and 895 Nm (660 lb.-ft.) of torque at 1,400 rpm.

    The next option, matches the unit to the 68RFE six-speed automatic transmission, with a power estimated at a 370 horsepower (272 kW) at 2,800 rpm with an unsurpassed in ¾-ton trucks 1084 Nm (800 lb.-ft.) of torque at 1,600 rpm.

    At last, the third option matches the unit to an Aisin six-speed automatic transmission (AS69RC), which helps the Ram generate 385 horsepower (283 kW) at 2,800 rpm and a torque of 1152 Nm (850 lb.-ft.) at 1,700 rpm.

    Another highlight featured here is the Ram Active Air intake system. When the intake system senses extreme heat, it draws cooler air from the front of the vehicle. In case of wet, snow, ice or water-fording conditions, the same system pulls air from an under-hood inlet, clear from snow packing and water.

    In addition, there are available two Borg-Warner part-time transfer cases for the Heavy Duty line-up. The BW 44-46 is an electric shifting part-time transfer case with 2WD, 4WD High, 4WD Low and Neutral, while the BW 44-47 is a manual shifting transfer case with 2WD, 4WD High, 4WD Low and Neutral.

    Next to be mentioned is that the 2014 model can be equipped with range of new 18- and 20-inch wheels, including forged aluminum, polished with painted, white gold painted pockets and cast aluminum with silver inserts. Moreover, a cargo-view camera, mounted in the center high-mounted stop light (CHMSL) will deliver a view of the bed for easier fifth wheel or gooseneck trailers as well as monitoring bed loads.

    At last, the 2014 Ram Heavy Duty will be offered in twelve different colors, including two new ones: Blue Streak and Granite Crystal. It can be ordered in a monotone and/or two-tone, depending on the model.

    The production of the 2014 Ram 2500 and 3500 Heavy Duty will start at the third quarter of this year. The initial price of the models is estimated at $29 600.

    Source: Ram Truck

  • 2013 Subaru XV – Price £18,995

    Subaru UK has announced an awesome price cut for the Subaru XV. The cross-over will be sold with £2,300 less, so it is even more affordable. The price reduction, which has been possible due to a more favourable exchange rate between Pound Sterling and the Japanese Yen, applies to every model in the Subaru XV range, and allows motorists to drive away in a new XV from just £18,995.

    The Subaru XV offers permanent AWD as standard. Despite this, the 2.0D returns 50.4mpg (combined cycle) and 146g/km CO2.

    Standard extras include front, side, curtain and knee airbags, front passenger airbag auto-disable, 17” alloy wheels, daytime running lights, heated front seats, wiper de-icers, CD player and a Multi-Function Display.

    The SE model ads cruise control, folding door mirrors, dual-zone air conditioning, rear view safety camera, Bluetooth, and rear privacy glass.

    Check out the price list below!

    New pricing for the Subaru XV by model is as follows:

    Diesel models
    2.0D S £21,995
    2.0D SE £23,995
    2.0D SE Lux Premium £27,695
    Petrol models
    1.6i S £18,995
    1.6i S Lineartronic £20,415
    1.6i SE £20,995
    1.6i SE Lineartronic £22,415
    2.0i SE £21,995
    2.0i SE Lineartronic £23,495
    2.0i SE Lux Premium £25,795
    2.0i SE Lux Premium Lineartronic £27,925

    Source: Subaru

  • Audi R8 GRAND-AM Returns At Watkins Glen Race

    Audi-R8-GRAND-AM-THUMBAudi R8 GRAND-AM made a return yesterday at the 6 Hours at Watkins Glen race as part of the endurance championship. Two Audi motor-sport cars took part in the contest: the GRAND-AM and the new Fall-Line Motorsport.

    The winning Audi R8 GRAND-AM that won the Daytona 24 Hours earlier this year was driven by Felipe Albuquerque (Portugal) – the same driver took the checkered flag at Daytona; Eduardo Mortara (France/Italy) and Dion von Moltke (South Afraica) piloted the number 24 car. The official results of the race, hasn’t been released yet, but we are impatiently looking forward to hearing some good news for the Audi team.

    In fact, Fall-Line Motorsports number 46 R8 GRAND-AM in the B+ (Be Positive) livery made its debut at the event. The successful team brought great enthusiasm to the event. The piloting-trio Al Carter, Charles Espenlaub, and Charlie Putman has worked together for several years and has won many races including Fall-Line’s team and drivers’ 2010 Continental Tires Sports Car Challenge Series championship with Espenlaub and Putman.

    Audi R8 GRAND-AM differentiates approximately by 50 percent of the R8 production car in terms of parts and equipment. For instance, the 5.2 Liter V10 naturally aspirated engine is fitted to the race-car, and was previously tested for maximum durability on the track.

    In addition, the new Audi R8 production car has been also enhanced and now is offered as V10 Plus model which is capable of delivering 550 horsepower (405 kW). The model has an acceleration time from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.3 seconds. The engine is matched with a new in-house developed seven-speed double clutch S tronic transmission that is exclusively utilized in the R8.

    However, the six-speed manual gated shifting transmission is still available on all models as well as the new full-LED lighting design. New cross-stitched leather seats and door inserts finish the improvements on the interior of the 2014 R8 production car.

    Source: Audi

  • 2014 Range Rover Sport – The Official Pace Car At PPIHC [VIDEO]

    Range-Rover-Sport-PPIHC-Pace-Car-THUMBThe exclusive 2014 Range Rover Sport is the official Pace Car for the 91st running of the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb (PPIHC). The race is familiar as the “Race To The Clouds” and it takes place annually at the Colorado Mountains in the USA. PPIHC is famous for the spectacular location which in addition has unforgiving nature with its 12.4-mile-long course lined by sheer drops down the mountainside.

    This Land Rover model will be the course-opening car. To remind you, the vehicle achieved own record-setting run: a new best time up the hill for a standard SUV and additionally it broke the long standing record for any type of production-standard vehicle.

    The 12.42-mile course goes up to 9 390 feet (2 860 m) and has 156 corners. The Rover Sport was able to conquer them in only 12 minutes and 35.61 seconds with an average speed and from a standing start of 59.17 mph (95.23 kph).

    The new sport modification based on the highly-acclaimed Range Rover delivers the brands best-ever on-road dynamics combined with class-leading all-terrain capability. It now offers more assertive and muscular exterior as well as more luxurious interior which in addition feature the flexibility of an optional third row seating.

    Moreover, for the construction of the 2014 Rover Sport has been utilized aluminium architecture thanks to which has been achieved a weight saving of more than 800 lbs. This SUV also exploits Land Rover’s breakthrough lightweight suspension design and innovative dynamic chassis technologies.

    The record-breaking vehicle was equipped with 510 PS 5.0-litre supercharged petrol V8 engine. The only thing that differentiated it from a production-standard car was the fitment of a roll cage and harness seatbelts, which were additionally added in order to meet racing safety requirements. Behind the wheel of the 2014 Range Rover Sport was Paul Dallenbach.

    The special Pace Car, however, will be driven by motorsports competitor and official Gay Smith, who was the 1974 Rookie of the Year on Pikes Peak and has served on the event’s Board of Directors for 20 years.

    2013 PPIHC attracted 157 competitors, from which 70 are cars and 87 – motorcycles). The entry was headlined by World Rally Champion Sebastien Loeb. In addition, Land Rover released a new four-minute documentary film about the Range Rover Sport’s record run at Pikes Peak, which happened in June. You can of course view it below.

    httpv://youtu.be/BaPiM_mish4

    Video Source: YouTube

    Source: Land Rover

  • Mercedes-Benz CLA 45 AMG Edition 1

    Mercedes-Benz has announced the CLA 45 AMG Edition 1 featuring some exterior and interior upgrades.

    The exterior boasts a gloss black rear spoiler, a set of matt black 8J x 19” alloy wheels fitted with low-profile performance tires (235/35 R 19) and grey side stripes. Further standard equipment for the CLA 45 AMG “Edition 1” includes the AMG Night package – red accents on the radiator grille and exterior mirrors, and AMG sports stripes in matt graphite grey above the side sill panels.

    The interior boasts red contrasting topstitching embellishes the AMG Performance seats in ARTICO man-made leather/DINAMICA microfibre, the door panelling, the top section of the instrument panel in ARTICO man-made leather and the AMG Performance steering wheel in nappa leather/DINAMICA microfibre. Other visual highlights include the E-SELECT lever with embossed AMG emblem, the “Edition 1” badge on the AMG DRIVE UNIT and the AMG floor mats.

    The CLA 45 AMG Edition 1 is powered by a 2.0 liter turbocharged petrol with 360HP (265 kW) at 6,000RPM and 450Nm (332 lb-ft) of torque at 2,250RPM.  0-100 km/h in 4.6 seconds and a top speed of 250 km/h (electronically limited). The engine is mated to an AMG SPEED SHIFT DCT 7-speed sports transmission with three driving programs, double-declutching function and Race Start.

    Source: Mercedes-Benz

  • Chevrolet Corvette Z06 vs: 911 Turbo, Camaro ZL1, Lotus Esprit and Shelby Mustang GT500

    Dragtimesinfo has published video showing some races in “Super Stock” class. The battle is between Chevrolet Corvette Z06 with 505HP, Porsche 911 Turbo with 500HP, Camaro ZL1 with 580HP, Lotus Espirt V8 PP Stage 1 with 390HPand a powerful Shelby Mustang GT 500 with 667HP.

    The first race is between the Z06 and the 911 Turbo. The winner as you may suggest is the 911 Turbo which did ¼ mile in 11.625 seconds and 1 mile in 29.289 seconds with terminal speed of 280 km/h – this is absolute ET Record on ¼ mile.

    In the second battle, the Z06 managed to beat a lot more powerful ZL1 . The Z06 crossed the finishline in 30.149 seconds (and personal absolute ET record on ¼ mile – 12.191 seconds) with terminal speed of 271 km/h.

    In the third race, the Z06 again won versus a lot less powerful Esprit V8. The Z06 did 1 mile in 30.477 seconds with 269 km/h terminal speed.

    Last battle is versus the super powerful Mustang GT500 with 667HP. The Z06 again manage to win because of problems for the Mustang. The Z06 crossed the finish line in 30.074 seconds with terminal speed of 273 km/h – this is personal absolute ET record on 1 mile and personal absolute speed record on 1 mile.

    Andrey M. with Chevrolet Corvette Z06 Stock managed to get to 3rd place in Super Stock Class 2013.

    httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pcrkp_iC64M

    Source: Dragtimesinfo

  • 2014 Nissan Pathfinder – US Price

    Nissan US has announced the pricing of the all-new 2014 Pathfinder SUV. The latest generation of Nissan’s popular family adventure-ready SUV, introduced as a 2013 model, has re-energized Pathfinder sales with its unprecedented level of premium style, comfort, fuel economy and thoughtful technology.

    The 2014 Pathfinder is available with four option packages: SL Tech Package, SL Premium Package, Platinum Premium Package and Trailer Tow Package.

    The SL Tech Package includes Bose 13-speaker Premium Audio System, Nissan Navigation System, Voice Recognition, XM NavTraffic and NavWeather capability (SiriusXM subscription required, sold separately), Zagat Survey Restaurant Guide, Bluetooth® Streaming Audio and 8” color touch-screen monitor.

    The non-hybrid Pathfinder is available now in four models: S, SV, SL and Platinum, each offered in 4WD and 2WD.

    Check out the pricing below!

    Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Prices* (MSRP) for the 2014 Nissan Pathfinder 3.5-liter V6 include:

    Pathfinder S 2WD

    $28,700 USD

    Pathfinder SV 2WD

    $31,960 USD

    Pathfinder SL 2WD

    $34,900 USD

    Pathfinder Platinum 2WD

    $39,600 USD

    Pathfinder S 4WD

    $30,300 USD

    Pathfinder SV 4WD

    $33,560 USD

    Pathfinder SL 4WD

    $36,500 USD

    Pathfinder Platinum 4WD

    $41,200 USD

    Destination and Handling $845.

    Source: Nissan

  • The New Exclusive Visual Stance Of Vilner Ducati Diavel

    Ducati Monster 1100 Evo -Side, GilrAlthough the luxury tuning Bulgarian brand Vilner is mainly associated with the exquisite and breath-taking modifications of automobiles, it has proved that it has some special place in the world of motorbikes, too. After the enhancement and complete transformation of the Aprilia Stingray, Triumph Speed Tripple and Ducati Monster 1100 Evo, the specialists are now ready to show what they have done with one of the most beautiful motorbikes in the world – the Ducati Diavel.

    They have also disclosed that due to the exceptional inherent visual attributes of this machine, it was very hard for them to figure out a new design. The main idea that stood behind this transformation was to make Diavel’s appearance with more emphasized forms.

    First to be mentioned here is that the sides of the fender were transformed in order to make it more massive. This also contributed for more aggressive and edgy visual appearance. Furthermore, the team at Studio Vilner has created brand new details which are to be found near the front tyre.

    Ducati Monster 1100 Evo Rear

    Next, the covers at the air-ducts were extended with 3 additional centimeters, thus making the Diavel with more masculine stance. At the same time, the new triangle details, which are an optical continuation of the air-ducts, give more visual sharpness to the motorbike. For the headlight, there was designed a new upper and lower cover. The result is a form, which resembles a frowning face.

    Moreover, the seat has received a brand new design, which fully expresses the craftsmanship of the tuners. There were created two additional details which are visible over the exhaust and on the other side over the fork of the bike. The two elements under the fuel-tank were wrapped in leather and additionally quilted in order to bring about better comfort to the rider.

    What is left to be said is that the tail lights were tinted, and that the tail of the bike was made to look smaller, in order exude more harmonized look.

  • Scion FR-S at the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb

    Scion Racing will take their track-prepared FR-S at the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb on June 30th. The manufacturer will actually field three different models including the xD, tC and the FR-S.

    Driver Andrew Comrie-Picard will be in the Scion Racing Rally xD, and Takeshi Aizawa will be piloting the GReddy tC, both making their second trips up the mountain. Driver Robert Walker is a rookie to Pikes Peak and will be behind the wheel of a FR-S built by Evasive Motorsports. All three Scion vehicles have been modified for added safety and increased performance.

    The FR-S which was built by Evasive Motorsports and it will participate in the Unlimited class.

    The GReddy tC has a turbocharged 2.5 liter four-cylinder engine – 365HP (272 kW) and 517Nm (382 lb-ft) of torque. 0-100 km/h in 3.8 seconds.

    The xD rally car has a turbocharged 1.8 liter four-cylinder engine – 265HP (197 kW) and 358Nm (265 lb-ft) of torque. 0-100 km/h in 4.3 seconds.

    Source: Scion

  • DMC Lamborghini LP700 Molto Veloce Photographed By Jordan Chong

    DMC-Lamborghini-LP700-Molto-Veloce-by-Jordan-Chong-THUMBDMC Lamborghini LP700 Molto Veloce is equipped with the stunning package delivered by the luxury tuning brand which strengthens even more the capabilities of the iconic vehicle. One of the latest cars released is the presented matte blue MV, which was chosen by Malaysian artist Jordan Chong for a series of unique photos.

    This Lamborghini immediately stands out, not only because it is equipped with the DMC styling package, but also because the owner of the car decided to wrap the original orange car with a matte blue foil. The exterior also features metallic particles that glow in sun shine.

    What is more, this particular vehicle is under its way of additional enhancement and will soon become a DMC’s SV. SV stands for Spezial Version, which means that the rear fascia, including the whole bumper, was replaced with a full Carbon Fiber one, while the rest of the car includes the tuner’s Molto Veloce kit.

    The unique expressive front fascia for instance is quipped with a redesigned spoiler sword and a stunning front-splitter lip. These elements were again created of pure carbon fiber. Next, the new side skirt diffusers aim to improve the overall aerodynamics as well by bringing road stability.

    In addition, the new rear fascia comprises of a lightened carbon fiber diffusor and an added tunnel system, which enhance the down force on the rear axle. It is completed by a rear wing spoiler which strengthens the aerodynamics on the rear axle.

    In terms of performance, DMC has decided to use 12 unique single intake throttle plates, one per each cylinder. Gasoline pumps and – lines, as well as pressure modulators and injection nozzles were substituted with new components.

    The engine electronics were also enhanced via the added electronic load pressure control system and new wiring. This leads to a rebrand of the engine to a LP900. The power-mod is supported by a brand new Titanium Exhaust system which is lighter than the original one and weighs only 3.45 kg (in contrast to the 34 kg of the stock exhaust system).

    Source: DMC