Category: Auto News

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

  • Heico Sportiv Volvo V40 T5 HPC – 350HP and 510Nm

    After the revealing of the “High Performance Concept” based on the Volvo S80 T6 at the Las Vegas SEMA Show, Heico Sportiv has unveiled their latest project based on Volvo V40 T5.

    The V40 T5 HPC is powered by a 2.5 liter five-cylinder turbocharged petrol boosted to 350 HP (257 kW) and 510 Nm (376 lb-ft), which is an increase of 96HP and 150Nm. The result is thanks to a number of upgrades including new exhaust system, turbocharger, charge-air system and intercooler. There is also a water-ethanol injection system. 0-100 km/h in 5.6 seconds and a top speed of 265 km/h (164 mph).

    The sports hatchback rolls enormous 19” alloy wheels fitted with 235/35 R19 ContiForceContact cup tires. Behind them, there are 6-piston calipers with 370mm perforated discs. The ride is lowered with 30 mm thanks to a sports suspension.

    Other upgrades include a full body kit, a matte toxic green film for the exterior and lateral black decorative stripes. The interior boasts Recaro sport seats, a sport steering wheel with fixed paddle shifters, Alcantara-wrapped handbrake and gearshift, aluminum pedals and green stitching

    Source: Heico Sportiv

  • BMW 4-Series 435i M Package – US Model

    Bimmertoday.de has published several nice pictures of a 2014 BMW 4-Series 435i F32 with ///M Sport Package. The premium coupe was spotted in Freising, 35 km north of Munich.

    The model will be positioned above the Sportline and will come with different front and rear aprons, bigger alloy wheels and some interior upgrades like sports front seats and steering wheel.

    The F32 435i is powered by a 3.0 liter turbocharged petrol with 300HP (224 kW) and 406Nm (300 lb-ft) of torque. 0-100 km/h in 5.3 seocnds and a top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph). The model is priced from $46,925, but there is a cheaper version – 428i with 2.0 liter turbocharged petrol with 245HP (180 kW) and 350Nm (259 lb-ft) of torque. 0-100 km/h in 5.7 seconds and a top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph). The 428i has a price tag of $41,425.

    xDrive is available as an option and it will boost the price with another $2,000.

    Source: BMW

  • Lightweight Bugatti Veyron With 1500 Horsepower Planned

    Bugatti-Veyron-super-duper-THUMBA lightweight 280 mph-plus Bugatti Veyron Hypercar is going to be launched as early as next year and it is said that it will be capable of generating more than 1500 horsepower. In fact, the production of this final and highly extreme version of the Veyron is set to satisfy the ambitions of the luxury brand for astounding performance.

    Currently, the team at Bugatti which is responsible for this project is looking at several options. There isn’t set any time limit, but still the specialists are sure that in order to be worth it, the programme has to be expensive and time-consuming.

    It was also disclosed that the new model will be based on Veyron Super Sport, but it will be dramatically enhanced in terms of weight and hence will include new weight-saving technologies. This probably means that for the structure of the will be used extensively carbon fibre, which is to cut about 200 kg from the Super Sport’s 1888 kg kerb weight.

    In addition, there will be also included enhancement in terms of power. In contrast to the Super Sport’s standard 1184 horsepower (870 kW), the planned Veyron will have a potential power output from the quad-turbo W16 engine of more than 1500 hp (1103 kW).

    There are also rumors that the unit will be possibly combined with an electric boost system. The most extreme version of Veyron, would probably achieve at least 280 mph, in order to bring enough satisfaction to the customers who are willing to pay the more than £5 million price for it.

    Source: autocar.co.uk

  • Jaguar C-X75 – A Prototype State-of-the-art Hypercar

    Jaguar has published several images and information about C-X75 prototype. The plug-in hybrid hyper car was originally slated to go into limited production, but we doubt in that information.However, C-X75 will be powered by a 1.6 liter turbocharged petrol with 500HP (372 kW) and two electric motors with 390HP (290 kW). This makes a combined power of around 850HP (633 kW), which is enough to accelerate 0-160 km/h (0-100 mph) in less than 6 seconds. The top speed is going to be 354 km/h (220 mph).The model also has an electric only range of approximately 40 miles (64 km).Probably, the C-X75 will not go into series production, but some details will be used for future Jaguar models.

  • 2014 BMW X5 F15 – US Price $53,725

    BMW US has announced the pricing of the all-new 2014 X5 (F15).

    The entry level model –sDrive35i RWD (rear-wheel drive) starts from just $53,725 (including $925 destination charge). Next in the price list is the same model, but with xDrive (AWD), which is priced from $56,025.

    Both of them are powered by a TwinPower Turbo 3.0-liter inline-six engine with 300HP (224 kW) at 5,800RPM and 406 Nm (300 lb-ft) at just 1,200RPM.

    The diesel variant – xDrive35d starts from $57,525, while the top-of-range xDrive50i is a lot more expensive – $69,125.

    Newly-standard equipment for the X5 includes, but is not limited to, BMW’s Auto Start-Stop system, BMW’s iDrive4.2 Navigation System with Touchpad, 10 years of BMW Assist eCall service, 10 years of BMW TeleService, BMW Apps, 40-20-40 split-folding rear seat, and now standard Servotronic speed-sensitive power steering.

    BMW xDrive intelligent all-wheel drive can be complemented by Dynamic Performance Control as part of the optional Dynamic Handling Package. The Dynamic Handling Package also includes Active Roll Stabilization providing an additional edge to the X5’s sporty handling attributes as well as Dynamic Damper Control and a rear-axle air suspension.

    Adaptive M suspension, available as part of M Sport, also includes Dynamic Damper Control and rear air suspension with more sports-oriented suspension tuning.

    Source: BMW

  • 2013 Honda Civic Mugen – Sport and Driving pleasure

    Mugen has unveiled a new styling program for the 9th generation Honda Civic. The 2013 Civic Mugen is designed to emphasize the car’s sporty characteristics.

    The aerodynamics package consists of a new front and rear bumpers, a pair of side skirts and a prominent rear wing. There is also a body-color “sports” grille, Mugen badging and different sets of 17” alloy wheels.

    The sports silencer tuned exclusively for the CIVIC can not only contribute to excellent in design of CIVIC but also satisfy the customers expecting sporty driving.

    The styling accessories will go on sale soon, but nothing is mentioned about the pricing.

    Source: Mugen

  • Peugeot 2008 Crossover climbs the Tamworth Snowdome

    Peugeot-2008-Crossover-at-the-Tamworth-Snowdome-651The reveal of the new 2013 Peugeot 2008 Crossover happened in the beginning of the year, and now the vehicle is currently being launched worldwide. It comes to demonstrate its capability of pioneering Grip Control improved traction technology in the most dramatic way.

    Peugeot has just released a video, showing how the crossover behaves when it is driven up and down an indoor snow slope. The driving route happened at the popular Snowdome in Tamworth, Staffs, which has a 170-metre ski slope.

    At first, the driving began with a car without the utilization of the Grip Control and hence the Peugeot 2008 struggled to get more than a few metres on the hard-packed snow. However, when a vehicle with Grip Control was used (Grip Control is standard on Allure and Feline trim levels with 1.6 petrol and diesel engines), the contrast in performance stood out.

    Thanks to the improved traction control and all season tyres, Peugeot 2008 drove straight to the top of the slope. Another challenge was when the drivers were even encouraged to perform an emergency stop on the descent. Due to car’s advanced traction system, the stop was brought quickly to a halt with the minimum of fuss.

    Grip Control was especially designed for customers who have active lifestyles and drive on a big range of different surfaces thus needing more traction. The technology works through components which are to be found in the vehicle and in addition it also works on its front wheels in order to enhance confidence of driving and safety.

    Furthermore, the standard mode was developed for normal road conditions and where there is a low level of skidding. Nonetheless, the Standard mode can be switched via a dial located in the centre console, to a Snow, Off-Road, Sand or ESP Off mode. The effect is high level of performance, which is usually associated with 4×4 off-road vehicles.

    2013 Peugeot 2008 Crossover will be available at dealerships in mid-July.

    Source: Peugeot

  • 2014 Acura MDX Is Made For Mankind [VIDEO]

    2014 Acura MDX debuted in March at the 2013 New York International Auto Show. Today the brand unveiled a new multi-channel advertising campaign for the all-new SUV, which is entitled “The Extremely New MDX – Made for Mankind”.

    The advertising campaign puts emphasis on the full technical transformation of the MDX and in addition, it centers around the concept of “Made for Mankind”. The latter highlights the unique engineering and design philosophy at the heart of all Acura vehicles, which lies in the synergy between man and machine.

    Acura aims to showcase what makes the MDX different from other vehicles and how it harnesses technology that connects the Acura driver to the car, to the road, and to the world around them.

    Furthermore, there will be three distinct video concepts as part of the campaign. First, the “Human Race” represents the anthem spot evoking Acura’s dedication to creating vehicles performing in harmony with the driver.

    Secondly, “Re-Invention” shows the way MDX has been completely re-thought and enhanced to the point that the only remaining component of the previous generation model is a small metal bracket.

    At last, “Choose” puts a highlight on the 2014 MDX’s all-new Integrated Dynamic System (IDS) with three driving modes: Sport, Normal and Comfort. The IDS adjusts steering effort, throttle response, SH-AWD performance and Active Sound Control in order to better to suit the driver.

    2014 Acura MDX will go on sale by the end of the month. The vehicle is built on a completely new platform and it offers excellent ride comfort, more versatile and luxurious cabin, enhanced fuel efficiency, advanced connectivity and great dynamic performance.

    Source: Acura

  • HRE Performance Enhances Volkswagen Beetle Turbo

    HRE-VW-Beetle-Turbo-THUMBHRE Performance has improved the visual characteristics of a Volkswagen Beetle Turbo by featuring to it their FlowForm wheels. To be more precise, this Super Beetle now runs on Gloss Silver FF01 wheels.

    What is special about this Turbo version of the iconic car is that it is equipped with the award-winning EA888 2.0-liter turbocharged inline four-cylinder TSI® engine. It is able to produce 210 horsepower (155 kW) and can generate 207 pound-feet (280 Nm) of torque.

    This enables the vehicle to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in only 6.6 seconds and to reach an electronically limited top speed of 130 mph. The power of the engine is transmitted via six-speed manual transmission.

    However, for the tuners at HRE 210 horsepower weren’t enough. With the help of an APR Stage IV GTX Turbocharger, in addition to various other APR upgrades, they were able to enhance the power of the car up to 500hp (368 kW).

    Furthermore, the original color of the car is now hidden under a foiling. This “Super” Beetle is wrapped in Matte Azure Blue Metallic delivered by ORACAL. What is left to mention is that the Gloss Silver wheels are in size 20″x9″ and they give a final touch to this project.

    Source: HRE Performance Wheels

  • 2014 Cadillac XTS V6 Twin-Turbo – US Price $63,020

    Cadillac has announced the pricing of the 2014 XTS V6 Twin-Turbo, which is producing 410HP (306 kW) and 500Nm (369 lb-ft) of torque. The high-performance luxury sedan starts from $63,020 packed with Vsport trim level.

    “The addition of the new Cadillac Twin Turbo expands and elevates the XTS luxury sedan. “This is a compelling enhancement to what is already one of the most technically advanced sedans in our history.” commented Bob Ferguson, vice president Global Cadillac.

    Pricing for the regular 2014 XTS starts at $45,525, including destination fees, unchanged from 2013, with standard equipment including the 3.6L V6 engine that makes 306 hp, CUE, intelligent brake assist and Magnetic Ride Control.

    Three option packages are available: Luxury, Premium and Platinum Collections.

    V6 3.6 litre Twin Turbo:

    • All-new cylinder block casting
    • Strengthened connecting rods
    • Machined, domed aluminum pistons with top steel ring carrier for greater strength
    • 10.2:1 compression ratio
    • Patented, integrated charge air cooler system with low-volume air ducts
    • Two turbochargers producing more than 12 pounds of boost (80 kPa)
    • Vacuum-actuated wastegates with electronic control valves
    • All-new direct injection fuel system
    • Tuned air inlet and outlet resonators, aluminum cam covers and other features that contribute to quietness and smoothness.

    Source: Cadillac

  • ABT Audi AS4 Avant 3.0 TFSI – 380HP and 500Nm

    ABT Sportsline has presented their latest project based on the 2013 Audi A4 3.0 TFSI. The name of the project is AS4 and the family touring car comes with both – styling and performance modifications.

    The 3.0 liter turbocharged V6 has 380HP (279 kW) and 500Nm (370 lb-ft) of torque, which is an increase of whopping 108HP and 100Nm. There is no acceleration data, but with all that power, the AS4 will accelerate 0-100 km/h in around 5.5 seconds and the top speed is no less than 250 km/h (155 mph).

    ABT Audi AS4 comes with complete aerodynamics package including a new front spoiler, fender inserts and side skirts. There is also a rear spoiler, rear skirt and 4-pipe exhaust system.

    The stance is improved thanks to a set of ABT heigh-adjustable coilovers. The new suspension is a combination of maximum comfort with optimum handling.

    Sets of different wheels are also available – ER-C, CR and DR – available in 19” or 20” sizes.

    Source: ABT

  • BMW 8-Series [render] – Based on Gran Lusso Coupe

    Autoprojecoes has published a nice render picture of modern BMW 8-Series. The project is based on the recently announced Gran Lusso Coupe Concept.

    The premium manufacturer is probably going to prepare a direct rival of the upcoming Mercedes-Benz S-Class Coupe. The Gran Lusso Coupe Concept was exhibited at the last month’s Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este. The car really impressed the public, so it is a perfect platform for an eventual 8-Series. BMW 8-Series E31 (1989–1999) was powered by V8 and V12 petrol engines and was a real sports car capable of doing 300 km/h (186 mph).

    Of course, the future 8-Series will be probably a lot more power and fast than its predecessor.

    Stay tuned!