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2013 Kia Pro cee’d GT – UK Price £19,995

Kia UK has announced the pricing of the all-new 2013 Pro Ceed GT. It starts from just £19,995 for the entry level pro_cee’d GT and goes up to £23,995 for the GT 1^st Edition model.

2013 Kia Pro Ceed GT is powered by a 1.6 liter turbocharged GDI with 201HP (150 kW) at 6,000RPM and and 265Nm (195 lb-ft) of torque at 1,750RPM. 0-100 km/h in 7.4 seconds and a top speed of 230 km/h (143 mph). It averages 38.2 mpg with CO₂ emission of 171 g/km.

There are two standard trim levels (GT and GT Tech), while the 1^st Edition will be available in just 500 units (50 of them for UK).

The GT comes with a full aggressive body kit, a dual sports exhaust system and “ice-cube” LED DRLs. Other highlights include red brake calipers and a set of 18” graphite grey alloy wheels fitted with low-profile tires.

The interior boasts Recaro seats, black headlining and some glossy black trim elements.

The GT Tech adds 7” touchscreen with with SAT NAV system, a reversing camera, heated front seats and steering wheel, Stop/Start function, rain-sensor, a dual-zone air conditioning and auto-dimming rear-view mirror.

1^st Edition adds high-gloss black inserts on the alloy wheels, “GT” illuminated sill scuff plates with edition numbering, sliding electric sunroof with automatic roller blind, red ambient lightning and front footwell illumination.

There are three available colors: Track Red, Fusion White and Phantom Black for GT and GT Tech, while the 1^st Edition comes exclusively in Fusion White.

TECHNICAL FIGURES

Performance & Economy	GT	GT Tech	GT 1^st Edition
Power (bhp)	201 @ 6,000rpm
Torque (Nm / (lb/ft))	265 / (195) @ 1,750 to 4,500rpm
0 – 60 mph (seconds)	7.4
Top Speed (mph)	143
CO₂ Emissions (g/km)	171
VED Band	H
Combined Economy (mpg)	38.2

Dimensions & Weights	GT	GT Tech	GT 1^st Edition
Length (mm)	4,310
Width (mm, exc. mirrors)	1,780
Height (mm)	1,430
Wheelbase (mm)	2,650
Track – Fr./Rear (mm)	1,545 / 1,553
Overhang – Fr./Rear (mm)	900 / 760
Min Kerb Weight (kg)	1,359
Max Kerb Weight (kg)	1,448
Boot vol. (l, VDA, min/max)	380 / 1,225

PRICING

Version	Price (OTR)
pro_cee’d ‘GT’	£19,995
pro_cee’d ‘GT Tech’	£22,495
pro_cee’d ‘GT 1^st Edition’	£23,995

Source: Kia

June 24, 2013

Volvo Autonomous Parking Concept [VIDEO]

Volvo has developed a revolutionary concept for autonomous parking. Volvo Autonomous Parking Concept Car is going to be officially showcased at a media event this week. It has the capabilities of finding a vacant parking space by itself, without the driver inside.

In addition, the smart and driverless Volvo interacts safely with other cars and pedestrians in the car park. The concept utilizes Vehicle 2 Infrastructure technology, which transmitters in the road infrastructure and delivers information to the driver when the service is available. On the other hand the driver uses a mobile phone application to activate the Autonomous Parking.

Furthermore, the car is equipped with special sensors which can locate a free parking space and then navigate the car to it. The procedure is reversed when the driver comes back to pick up the car.

In addition, the vehicle combines autonomous driving with detection and auto brake for other objects. This makes it possible for the car to interact safely with other cars and pedestrians in the car park. Speed and braking are changed accordingly, for smooth integration in the parking environment.

The autonomous parking and platooning technologies are still being developed. However, the innovative technology Volvo Autonomous Steering is going to be integrated in the next Volvo XC90, which will be revealed at the end of 2014.

httpv://youtu.be/3VL40Uyx2c4

Video Source: YouTube

Source: Volvo

June 24, 2013

Past And Present: Toyota at Le Mans

This past weekend Toyota has returned to the Le Mans with the goal of winning the biggest prize in international sports car racing. For a second year, Toyota Racing TS030 Hybrid will be aiming for victory. The model successfully won in three other FIA World Endurance Championship events in 2012.

To go further into details, the model is the third in a series of superbly engineered Toyota Le Mans cars. The sequence began with TS010 in the early 1990s, which took advantage of the new technical regulations that allowed the most powerful “Group C” race cars to run with a non-turbo 3.5-litre V10 engine. This unit was utilized at that time in Formula 1.

Furthermore, the car achieved a great success by winning the opening race at Monza in 1992. Nonetheless, at Le Mans, the team had to settle for a hard-fought second place. In 1993 it returned at the race for a one-off appearance.

Five years later, after a time of research and development, Toyota returned with a full-blooded entry -the TS020, better known as the Toyota GT-One. It was both beautiful and fast, and was designed by Andre de Cortanze. As a matter of fact, back in those days it was one of the most advanced race cars.

What is very specific about this vehicle is that it was entirely created with the utilization of CAD techniques and in addition it included a carbon fibre monocoque, which helped keep its weight down to a svelte 900 kg. In addition, it was powered by the refined Toyota twin-turbo V8, which was capable of generating around 600 hp (440 kW).

The race vehicle made a debut in 1998 Le Mans and won a second place on the grid and held a strong second in the race until being forced into retirement in the last hour of the race. Even more, in the following year, Toyota GT-One was unstoppable – it locked out the first three places on the grid.

In the present days, Toyota returned to the FIA World Endurance Championship last year with the TS030 Hybrid. The car is an instance of advanced hybrid power technology applied for the highest levels of international motorsport.

One of the highlights of its Toyota Hybrid System-Racing powertrain is a regenerative braking system. The latter allows 300 hp (220 kW) of additional boost to be generated from energy recovered under braking and deceleration.

With this vehicle, the team claimed three race wins in its debut championship season. However, it did not succeed for a victory at Le Mans. This year the Toyota’s Racing team is fielding two 2013-specification cars, piloted by the three-man squads of Alex Wurz/Nicolas Lapierre/Kazuki Nakajima and Anthony Davidson/Sébastien Buemi/Stéphane Sarrazin.

Source: Toyota

June 24, 2013

ABT 2013 Volkswagen Golf VII GTD – 210HP and 430Nm

ABT has announced their tuning package for the 2013 Volkswagen Golf VII GTD. The tuning company turns the highly-efficient diesel into a hot hatchback.

ABT Sportsline wants to underscore the dynamic look of the Golf GTD and has equipped it, like its predecessors, with Bavarian extras: customised aerodynamic elements are just as much part of it as is a powerful and dependable uprating.

The aerodynamics package includes a new front spoiler, front grille, a pair of modified side skirts and trunk lid spoiler. There are also headlight covers and mirror covers. Last, but not least are the four-pipe exhaust and rear skirt insert.

The 2.0 liter turbocharged diesel is boosted to 210HP (155 kW) and 430Nm (319 lb-ft), which is an increase of 26HP and 50Nm.

ABT also offers different sets of ER-C or DR 18” and 19” alloy wheels fitted with proper tires.

Source: ABT

June 24, 2013

Kahn Land Rover Chelsea Defender XS 110

Land Rover Defender is definitely an emblematic vehicle, which does not need any additional presentation in order to show its strong position in the automotive world. The same counts for the British company A.Kahn Design, which have one of the highest position is the world of tuning off vehicles.

Both facts contribute to the logical conclusion, that when a designer at such rang intends to involve in the improvement and modification of a vehicle such as the Defender, the result should be at least breath-taking. The evidence is here – the Kahn Land Rover Chelsea Defender XS 110.

Every component of the seven seater Chelsea Defender has been designed and engineered with intent. It represents a blend of refinement and unmatched all-terrain capability, which makes it even more distinctive and unique, and ready to tackle challenging and inhospitable terrain.

The exterior of the XS 10 has been enhanced via e new front grille with embossed Kahn branding and mesh, front bumper including bumper lighting, xenon crosshair headlights, bonnet vents with mesh, brake calipers finished in liquid red, front bumper sump guard, hardwearing mud flaps, exhaust shields, Kahn prototype taligate logo and wing badges.

Moreover, now this Land Rover runs on new set of wheels: the 1983 RS Defend ones which care in the shade of satin black. They come in size 8×18″ and are fitted with 265x65x18″ tyres. In addition, they feature Chelsea truck company spare wheel cover.

Next, the interior of the vehicle was also exquisitely refined. Inside one can see the justifiably famous Kahn “bespoke touch”. In this particular vehicle the front Sports GTB seats and the middle row seats are in quilted and perforated leather, while the centre glovebox comes in black leather and grey alcantara with red and silver stitching.

Moreover, the centre dashboard surround is now in piano black and one can also see the modified Kahn single spoke leather steering wheel, the centre dashboard wrapped in black leather and grey alcantara with red and silver stitch, the rear folding seats – in quilted and perforated leather, the rev counter facia – in red, the dashboard and instrument binnacle – in alcantara. Some of the highlights that add to the exclusive style of the interior are the hard wearing front and rear cabin floor mats, the Kahn fire extinguisher and the Churchill time clock facia insert in red and vented foot pedals in machined aluminium.

Source: A. Kahn Design

June 24, 2013

The Sporty SR Auto Scion FR-S Rocket Bunny

Rocket Bunny is the name of the latest vehicle tuned by the specialists at SR Auto. The car behind this name is the sporty Scion FR-S. In fact the abbreviation FR-S stands for Front-engine, Rear-wheel drive and Sport, thus expressing all that this car is about.

This is proven and re-confirmed by the engine that is at the heart of the vehicle – the 2.0-liter boxer that generates the impressive 200 horsepower (147 kW) and 151 pound-feet (205 Nm) of torque. The flat engine is mounted extremely low, giving the car a dynamically low center of gravity.

However, what sets apart the Rocket Bunny from other FR-S build vehicles is one key feature: the very unique set of forged PUR 4OUR DEPTH wheels. They are in the stunning shade of electric blue, which perfectly matches the asphalt grey exterior color of this Scion in order to make an ever alluring appeal.

The wheels were specifically designed and engineered for the Rocket Bunny kit, and come on sizes 19×10 inches for the front and 19×12 inches for the rear. What enhances them additionally is the set of super sticky Yokohama Advan AD08′s, which were mounted to deliver more spirited driving.

The suspension of the car was also improved via BC Racing Coilovers, while the performance now is even more auspicious being an Invidia Catback Exhaust System. What is left to mention is to bring attention to the Rocket Bunny kit. It comprises of Rocket Bunny Wide Body Fender Flares, Rocket Bunny Front Lip, Rocket Bunny Side Skirts, Rocket Bunny Rear Diffuser, Rocket Bunny Rear GT Wing, APR Carbon Fiber Side Mirrors and Bespoke Smoked Headlight Housings.

Source: SR Auto

June 24, 2013

Switzer ClubSport Nissan GT-R – US Price $29,900

Switzer Performance has announced they latest aftermarket program one of the best cars in the world – Nissan GT-R.

The kit will turn the sports car into “the most track-focused Nissan GT-R” – a combination between Ultimate Street Edition mixed with other upgrades developed over the years.

The price for the package is $29,900 and for this amount of money you will get a complete aerodynamics package – a rear wing, front splitter and hood (all made from carbon fiber) , track suspension and big brake system including on-nano brake pad compound.

Other upgrades include composite racing seats, as well as track-designed Toyo R888 tires.

Source: Switzer

June 21, 2013

25th BMW International Open: Ernie Els and Rolls-Royce Ghost

Rolls-Royce Ghost was launched in 2009 and has been the epitome of elegance, dynamics and technological progress. Captivating in every way, this remarkable car allowed Ernie Els (South Africa) to travel to the 25^th BMW International Open.

Although Els himself owns an impressive fleet of cars, the outing in the Rolls-Royce Ghost was a first for the four-time Major winner. Having landed at Munich airport in his private jet, Els’s route took him past Munich’s striking squares and landmarks, including Leopoldstrasse and the famous Siegestor (Victory Gate), before he arrived at the Chinese Tower. There, Els met up with a further six players from the high-class field at the 25th BMW International Open to take part in the “Tee Time” show event in the English Garden.

Rolls-Royce Ghost is powered by a 6.6 liter twin-turbocharged V12 (N74B66) with 570HP (419 kW) at 5,250RPM and 780Nm (575 lb-ft) of torque at 1,500RPM. The engine is mated to a ZF 8-speed automatic gearbox – 0-100 km/h in 4.7 Seconds and a top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph).

Check out the interview with Ernie below!

Ernie, the reigning Open Champion at the wheel of a British Icon: is that a perfect combination?

Ernie Els: “Absolutely. Rolls-Royce is a unique brand, which speaks for itself. That is something it definitely has in common with the Open, which is the biggest of the four Majors. In that sense, they really suit each other very well.”

The feeling of driving a Rolls-Royce is often described as a “magic carpet ride”. Did you feel like you were on a magic carpet?

Els: “Yes, it really does feel like that. Magic is precisely the right word. It is simply fantastic. I have driven a lot of cars over the course of my life, but never a Rolls-Royce. I was actually a bit nervous about driving it. Rolls-Royce is obviously a big status symbol. If you can afford to buy a Rolls-Royce, you have obviously done something right with your life.”

The BMW International Open is still missing from the long list of tournaments you have won. Will that change in 2013?

Els: “I have always liked München Eichenried. I have been playing here since 1997. Unfortunately I don’t know why the other guys have always played better here than me. I have often had problems on the odd hole. That said, I love the course and the city.”

Why are BMW tournaments held in such high regard on the Tour?

Els: “Tournament Director Marco Kaussler has a wealth of experience when it comes to organising the tournament, and does a fantastic job. The way he looks after the players is sensational. The fact that we all feel so happy here is largely down to him. But you could say the same for everyone at BMW – and you really feel that as a player.”

Do you like Germany and, in particular, the host city of Munich?

Els: “I have not seen all that much of Germany or Munich over the course of my career. In recent years I have been out to some restaurants in the evening, but don’t ask me which ones. Unfortunately we never see enough of the cities, as we spend most of our time at the golf course. However, I am impressed by what I have seen of Munich. It is a beautiful and very clean city, which is very popular among South African tourists. I am sure I will come over for Oktoberfest one day.”

Source: BMW

June 21, 2013

Nissan ZEOD RC – World’s Fastest Electric Racing Car

Nissan has unveiled the groundbreaking and innovative ZEOD RC. This is the world’s fastest electric racing car, which will reach speeds of more than 300km/h with electric technology at the Le Mans 24 Hours.

The ZEOD RC (Zero Emission On Demand Racing Car) will make its race debut at next year’s Le Mans 24 Hour. The global leader in electric vehicles for the road, Nissan will trial variants of new electric drive train technologies as part of its intended future return to LM P1 competition to challenge for overall victory at the world’s most prestigious endurance race.

Nissan’s invitation from the Automobile Club de l’Ouest (ACO) to compete in the 2014 Le Mans 24 Hours was announced by Nissan Chairman and CEO, Carlos Ghosn in Japan in February. The car will compete under the ACO’s ‘Garage 56′ entry – an additional spot on the grid for vehicles that showcase new and innovative technology.

Run as a Nissan / Nismo full factory international program with input from Japan, Europe and the US, the Nissan ZEOD RC design team is headed by Ben Bowlby who has been newly-appointed as Nissan’s Director of Motorsport Innovation and previously worked on the Nissan DeltaWing program in 2012.

While the car will not race until next year’s Le Mans 24 Hours, Nissan today kicked off a unique aspect of the program – race fans getting the chance to unveil the car in the public area of the Circuit de la Sarthe. Nissan intends to draw back the curtain for fans across the globe to provide continued updates via its international partnership with YouTube and its Nismo.

Source: Nissan

June 21, 2013

2014 Renault Twingo [render]

Theophiluschin has published two render pictures of the upcoming 2014 Renault Twingo. The third generation of the smallest Renault is expected to hit the market in the beginning of the next year. The renderings are based on the Renault Twin Run Concept.

The new Twingo is a direct rival to Opel Adam, MINI and Fiat 500. The smallest Renault shares its platform with the next-generation Smart ForTwo and might eventually spawn a hotter model envisioned as a Renault 5 Turbo.

An EV version could also be in the progress, joining a variety of petrol and diesel-powered engines. Still, no words about engine range and specifications.

June 21, 2013

2014 Dodge SRT Viper GT3-R Is Ready For Competition

2014 Dodge SRT Viper GT3-R has been released and it is ready for competition. Powered by a new V-10 engine, the race car was designed and developed by Chrysler Group’s SRT (Street and Racing Technology) Motorsports team.

According to the brand this Viper GT3-R is the peak of nearly two decades of racing development resulting in a robust sports car. The vehicle is the logical progression of the successful Viper GTS-R that has conquered many prestigious races.

In addition, the GT3-R is a direct descendant of the SRT Viper street car. This is why the new Dodge model stays true to the emblematic appeal of the Viper, but it is also an evolution provoked by the demands of racing at a world class level.

The birth of the SRT Viper GT3-R is a result of the collaboration of the brand with Riley Technologies, which specializes in the design and production of winning race cars. Moreover, the technology developed by Chrysler for the factory engine, chassis, suspension, electronics and aerodynamics of the GTS-R, is also incorporated into every Viper GT3-R.

For instance, the chassis has been equipped with a highly-efficient aerodynamic package which effects in improved handling. Other features included in this race car are the Xtrac six-speed sequential transmission with paddle shifters, six-piston front brake calipers with four-piston rears, lightweight wheels and a multi-disc race clutch for maximum performance from the V-10 engine.

The starting price of the new 2014 Dodge SRT Viper GT3-R begins at $459 000 USD with orders are now being taken for late 2013 delivery.

Source: Dodge

June 21, 2013

VUHL 05 Confirmed For 2013 Salon Prive

At this year’s Salon Prive the visitors will have the opportunity of seeing the debut of a future legend. We are speaking here about the highly anticipated new supercar from Mexico – VUHL 05, which will be on the lawns of Syon Park in September.

Although we don’t know much about the forthcoming vehicle, the information that has been released so far reveals that the VUHL 05 will be a road-legal lightweight supercar. It has been precision-engineered for the track and endowed with exhilarating performance.

Up to date, only three teaser images have been released. It was also announced that the vehicle will be officially unveiled in July at Goodwood Festval of Speed, shortly followed by Salon Privé in September.

The name of the car is pronounced “vool” and stands for ‘Vehicles of Ultra- lightweight and High-performance. It is the brainchild of brothers Iker and Guillermo Echeverria, whose Mexican/American design agency, Etxe, penned the breath-taking 05. Some of the suppliers and development partners of the performance car industry which are featured in this project are Magna Steyr, Multimatic and Ford.

Source: VUHL

June 21, 2013

Category: Auto News