Auto News – Page 673 – Automobiles Review

AC Schnitzer MINI Color Concepts Go Beyond The Standard

AC Schnitzer MINI Color Concepts offer striking and individual visual attributes which enhance the expressive the unique appearance of the emblematic model. The tuning company AC Schnitzer has given the MINIs a combination of innovative technology with stylish and cheeky design.

In addition, they have equipped the vehicles with new AC Schnitzer sports wings with integrated fins. They convincingly stand out and in addition complement perfectly the paint scheme thus gathering more attention.

Furthermore, the cars also run on new wheels, namely the AC Schnitzer Mi2 alloys in 18-inch sizes. The mirror covers are also colored in the corresponding dye. The colourful styling is continued through vinyls in four fluorescent Color Line shades: Red, Yellow, Blue and Green.

At last to mention is the fact that the AC Schnitzer Color Line Decor Set comprises of films for driver and passenger sides, tailgate stickers and bonnet films. They go along with the vinyls for the vehicle roof and are available in four expressive colors. Of course, they can be combined individually with paintwork in any color.

Source: AC Schnitzer

June 13, 2013

2014 Audi A3 Sedan – Full Specs

2014 Audi A3 Sedan - Front Angle

Audi has released full specs of the all-new 2014 A3 Sedan. The highly-anticipated car has gone into production at the manufacturer’s plant in Györ, Hungary.

The entry-level model comes with fabric seats, metallic trim elements, air conditioning and a 4-speaker audio system. Option list include leather upholstery, a panoramic glass sunroof, a Bang & Olufsen premium audio system, GPS navigation and an Audi Connect infotainment system.

The engine range includes a 1.4 liter TFSI with 140HP (103 kW) and 250 Nm (184 lb-ft) of torque. 0-100 km/h in 8.4 seconds and a top speed of 217 km/h (135 mph). The fuel consumption is around 4.7 liters / 100 km – 60.1 mpg UK.

There is also a 1.8 liter TFSI with 180HP (132 kW) and 250Nm (184 lb-ft). 0-100 km/h in 7.3 seocnds and a top speed of 235 km/h (146 mph). The average fuel consumption is just 5.6 liters / 100 km – 50.4 mpg UK with CO2 emissions of 129 g/km.

Last, but not least is the 2.0 liter TDI with 150HP (110 kW) and 320Nm (236 lb-ft) of torque. 0-100 km/h in 8.7 seconds and a top speed of 220 km/h (137 mph). The average fuel consumption is 4.1 liters / 100 km – 68.9 mpg UK with CO2 emissions of 107 g/km.

The engines will eventually be joined by another 1.4-liter TFSI, a 1.6-liter TDI and a EURO 6 compliant 2.0-liter TDI.

The upcoming S3 Sedan will come with complete aerodynamics package with aggressive styling, lowered sports suspension (-25 mm) and a set of 18” alloy wheels fitted with low-profile tires.

It will be powered by a 2.0-liter TFSI – 300 HP (221 kW) and 380 Nm (280 lb-ft) of torque. 0-100 in 4.9 seconds and a top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph).

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tur6IJ8d78w

Source: Audi

June 12, 2013

2013 Mercedes-Benz A 45 AMG – UK Price £37,845

Mercedes-Benz A 45 AMG is now offered in the UK. The pricing starts from £37,845 OTR with first deliveries taking place in August. This is the first production car to achieve 181HP / litre displacement.

The A45 AMG 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. It is able to return 40.9 mpg on the combined cycle while emitting 161 g/km of CO₂.

The exterior features new front bumper with extensions to the airdams to feed the intercooler is joined by a new AMG grille, a deep front splitter and, at the side of the car, gloss black sill extensions. A new braking system, springs and dampers are behind twin five-spoke 18” wheels. At the back, a new bumper sits above a bespoke exhaust system. The A 45 AMG is available in a choice of eight colours and three wheel designs in either 18” or 19” diameter.

Inside, the extensive changes continue – AMG Performance seats, fitted as standard, with red stitching, red nappa leather provide enhanced lateral support. A sports steering wheel in nappa leather with red stitching, red seats belts and the AMG badge on the seats add to the exclusive AMG feel along with carbon weave, textured trim.

Source: Mercedes-Benz

June 12, 2013

2013 Vauxhall Insignia – UK Price

Vauxhall has released full information and pricing of the new 2013 Insignia.

Available as a 5-door Hatch, 4-door Saloon and Sports Tourer estate, the new range now starts at just £16,279, nearly £2,000 less than entry into the outgoing line-up. There are four new engines including: a 99g/km 140HP 2.0 CDTi offering large cost benefits to fleet and high-mileage drivers; an all-new 1.6 SIDI 170HP Turbo; and a new 250HP 2.0 SIDI Turbo petrol. Existing diesel units have also benefited from refinement improvements.

An all-new infotainment system, incorporating Bluetooth-operated internet connectivity, an 8-inch touchscreen, and 3D navigation and voice control, is fully compatible with a driver’s smartphone and allows drivers unrivalled communications while on the move. A DMB (Digital Media Broadcast) radio is now standard across the range.

There are 8 trim levels (down from 14 in the outgoing line-up), ranging from Design to Elite, with a mixture of new models that will appeal to both retail and fleet buyers.

Check out the specs and pricing below!

All models have a long list of standard equipment, which includes:

DMB digital radio
Bluetooth connectivity
USB connection and aux-in socket
CD/MP3 player & stereo radio
LED daytime running lights
Leather covered steering wheel
Cruise control and trip computer
Electric four-way lumbar adjustment on driver’s seat
Electric height adjustment on driver’s seat
Six airbags
Remote control security alarm and deadlock
Electronic Stability Control
Electric Park Brake
Electronic climate control
Automatic lighting control
Electrically operated front windows
Electrically adjustable/heated door mirrors

Pricing

Prices from	Price	VAT	Total	OTR
Design	£ 12,791	£ 2,558	£ 15,349	£ 16,279
Energy	£ 15,833	£ 3,167	£ 18,999	£ 19,929
Limited Edition	£ 16,749	£ 3,350	£ 20,099	£ 21,029
SRi	£ 14,291	£ 2,858	£ 17,149	£ 18,079
SRi VX-Line	£ 16,220	£ 3,244	£ 19,464	£ 20,219
SE	£ 15,203	£ 3,041	£ 18,244	£ 18,999
Tech Line	£ 15,911	£ 3,182	£ 19,094	£ 19,849
Elite	£ 17,187	£ 3,437	£ 21,379	£ 21,379

Vauxhall Insignia Design 2.0CDTi 16v (120PS) ecoFLEX Start/Stop

Company Car Driver Savings

Equipment	Insignia Design 2.0CDTi 16v (120PS) ecoFLEX S/S	Mondeo Edge 1.6TDCi (115PS)	Passat Bluemotion Tech S 1.6TDI (105PS)
DAB Radio	Yes	No	Yes
Cruise Control	Yes	Yes	No
Alloy Wheels	Yes	No	Yes
Bluetooth®	Yes	Yes	Yes
USB	Yes	No	Yes
Climate control	Yes	No	No
LED Daytime running lights	Yes	Yes	No

Benefit-in-Kind	Insignia Design 2.0CDTi 16v (120PS) ecoFLEX S/S	Mondeo Edge 1.6TDCi (115PS)	Passat BlueMotion Tech S 1.6TDI (105PS)
P11D	£18,690	£20,140	£20,715
CO₂ g/km	99	112	114
BiK Band 2013/14/15 (%)	14 / 15 / 17	17 / 18 / 20	17 / 18 / 20
Total BiK Payable (40%)	£3,439	£4,431	£4,557
Insignia Company Car Driver Saving		£992	£1,118

Fuel Economy and Performance	Insignia Design 2.0CDTi 16v (120PS) ecoFLEX S/S	Mondeo Edge 1.6TDCi (115PS)	Passat BlueMotion Tech S 1.6TDI (105PS)
Combined MPG	76.3	65.7	68.9
Power	120PS	115PS	105PS
Fuel Cost 60,000 Miles	£5,005	£5,812	£5,542
Insignia Company Car Driver Saving		£807	£537

Total Insignia Company Car Driver Saving		£1,799	£1,655

Source: Vauxhall

June 12, 2013

2013 Fiat 500 and 500c by Gucci

2013 Fiat 500 and 500c by Gucci represent the perfect example of the combination between Italian craftsmanship and style. In addition, one can find all this exclusiveness in a small and compact car. Of course, the models will be produced in a limited edition run and will deliver their customers discrete appearance inside and out.

As a matter of fact, this is the fastest-selling Fiat 500 on the US market now and this success is a pure instance that the customers appreciate high-quality small vehicles which can offer craftsmanship, technology and the style.

These Gucci Edition models offer for the 2013 model year a new Nero monotone interior environment. On one hand it can complements Gucci Nero exterior or make the perfect contrast to the Gucci Bianco glossy pearl-glass exterior paint and the Gloss Nero lighting bezels.

The new interior is nothing less than stylish and at the same time extremely functional. One can see chic embroidery, exclusive materials, bright (with Gucci Nero) and satin (with Gucci Bianco) chrome accents, velvety varnish on the instrument panel and seats wrapped in Poltrona Frau leather with signature “Guccissima”. In addition, there are also Premium Nero leather accents that can be seen inside, and particularly found on the door panels and on the hand-stitched leather-wrapped steering wheel.

For those who are keen on two-tone interior, the models reintroduce the original two interior color schemes. To be more precise, tied to the Gucci Nero exterior color is an interior detailed with Bianco/Nero seating and accents, while the Gucci Bianco exterior color features the reciprocal Nero/Bianco theme.

How about the exterior changes featured in this year’s models. First of all they include several exclusive design elements which refer to Cinquecento’s iconic style. A signature Gucci Verde/Rosso/Verde web stripe runs along the entire bodyside perimeter or across the length of the power-retractable cloth top on the Fiat 500c by Gucci model.

Next, a chrome cursive “Gucci” completes the door frames and hatchback. It also complements the bright (Gucci Nero) or satin (Gucci Bianco) chrome-accented exterior mirrors, door handles and hood spear.

The vehicles also include sculpted fenders which offer one-of-a-kind design, retro-inspired 15-inch aluminum wheels color-keyed to the Gucci Nero or Gucci Bianco exterior pain, wheels’ center caps with interlocking “GG” hubcaps and brake pads lacquered in signature Gucci Verde.

2013 Fiat 500 by Gucci Edition has a starting price of $23 750, while the price tag of 2013 Fiat 500c by Gucci Edition starts at $27 750.

Source: Fiat

June 12, 2013

2013 Volkswagen Amarok Edition – 300 Units

Volkswagen has announced the Amarok Edition in the UK, which will be limited to just 300 units. The pricing starts from £22,495 (manual) and £24,225 (automatic).

The Amarok Edition is based on the Trendline variant. It comes with body-coloured bumpers and wheel arches, the Amarok edition’s additional design features include striking 18-inch Durban alloy wheels, a black side step, black styling bars across the load area, rear privacy glass and special edition decals. Drivers also benefit from front and rear parking sensors, a protective coating for the load area, interior floor mats, Bluetooth connectivity and satellite navigation with a 5” colour touchscreen as standard.

The engine is a 2.0 liter BiTDI with 180HP (132 kW) and 420Nm (319 lb-ft) of torque. This is enough for maximum towing capacity of 3,200 kg (7,054 lbs). The engine can be mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox with selectable 4MOTION or to an 8-speed automatic transmission with permanent 4MOTION.

The Amarok edition is available in two colours: Reflex Silver, with black door mirror covers, or Deep Black, with silver door mirrors.

Amarok edition	Manual	Automatic
Engine	2.0 BiTDI (bi-turbo with intercooler)	2.0 BiTDI BlueMotion Technology (bi-turbo with intercooler)
Power (PS/rpm)	180 PS at 4,000 rpm
Torque (Nm/rpm)	400 at 1,500-2,000	420 at 1,750
Number of gears	6	8
Top speed (mph)	111	108
0-62mph (seconds)	11.0	11.3
CO₂ emissions (g/km)	211
Gross vehicle weight (kg)	3170
Unladen weight (kg)	2,074	2,088
Payload (kg)	1,096	1,082
Axle load limit front/rear (kg)	1,410/1,860	1,425/1,860
Towing limit (braked, kg)	3,000	3,200
Gross train weight (kg)	5,550	5,950
Fuel economy (mpg): Urban Extra-urban Combined	30.7 38.7 35.3	31.0 38.2 35.3

Source: Volkswagen

June 12, 2013

Cenit Verde Presents The SEAT Leon Verde Hybrid Electric Prototype

SEAT Leon Verde Hybrid Electric Prototype has just been unveiled. The environmental-friendly vehicle is based on the new Leon and is a culmination of a four-year research project called Cenit Verde, which translates as Green Zenith.

The project was headed by SEAT’s Technical Centre in Martorell and in addition was supported by the Spain’s Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness. Next to the presented car today, the Cenit Verde project also includes the development of an innovative smart car charging system.

The latter aims to charge the car during those times, when the electricity grid is experiencing low demand. This saves the both money and reduces the strain on the energy grid. In this sense, the SEAT Leon Verde is an embodiment of the Cenit Verde project. The vehicle is powered by a 1.4-litre TSI petrol engine with 122 hp (90 kW) which is connected to a 102 hp (75 kW) electric motor.

The electric-only driving range of this SEAT on a full charge is 31 miles. When the battery is full battery and the 40-litre petrol tank is also full, the total range is estimated around 507 miles. The combined fuel consumption figure here is 176.6 mpg and the CO2 emissions are just 36 g/km.

Furthermore, the Leon Verde is equipped with advanced technologies. An instance is the Human-Machine Interface (HMI) which has been integrated into a smartphone app. This allows the driver to connect to the car via a wireless network with his or her smartphone and in turn this enables managing of the functions such as energy consumption, battery status, recharge management and estimated CO2 savings in electric mode.

What is more, the Driving Cycle Predictor analyses and memorizes the routines and driving style of the driver. This serves in terms of optimizing energy consumption and decreasing the CO2 emissions.

In the project as mentioned was also developed the ground-breaking system of tariff negotiation and smart energy management. It effectively allows the car to ‘interact’ with the electricity grid and this reduces the pressure on the grid and saves driver’s money.

The system operates by detecting when the overall energy consumption is low on the grid and points to charging during these times. In addition, if the car is left plugged into a power source between 7 pm and 7 am, the same system will only charge the car at times when it detects the overall demand has dropped, using a recharge manager.

The Leon Verde is charged via Lear 20 kW on-board charger, which allows two-way connection to the grid.

SEAT Leon Verde prototype is only in a research and development form. Unfortunately, there are no current plans to put the car into series production.

Source: SEAT

June 12, 2013

Bugatti Veyron vs Nissan Juke R [video]

Dragtimesinfo has published an epic battle between tuned Nissan Juke R and stock Bugatti Veyron.

The Veyron is one of the fastest super cars in the world. It is powered by a W16 8.0 liter quad-turbocharged engine with 1,001HP (736 kW) and 1,250Nm (922 lb-ft) of torque. 0-100 km/h in 2.5 seconds and 0-300 km/h in 16.7 seconds. ¼ mile in 10.2 seconds. That’s the factory’s data, but in the real world the situation is slightly different.

The Veyron in the video managed to cover ¼ mile in 11.276 seconds with 214 km/h terminal speed, which is over a second slower than the claimed time. Other interesting fact is the terminal speed at 1 mile – 309 km/h, which the Bugatti made in 27.067 seconds, instead of 18-19 seconds. Still, the Veyron is a winner in this match, just because of its aerodynamics.

On the other side, the Juke R Shpili Villi is having “just” 700HP, but it covered ¼ mile in 10.575 seconds with 212 km/h. The 1 mile time is 28.075 seconds with 285 km/h mainly because of its front drag area.

Enjoy the video, where the underpowered SUV almost won a drag race versus the ultra-expensive “supercar”.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DTSbPB3nXDM

Source: Dragtimesinfo

June 12, 2013

Better Performance: Schmidt Revolution BMW 335i F30

Schmidt Revolution BMW 335i F30 delivers better performance. How? By the irreversible evidence of physics that the performance of the unit depends on the mass to be moved. And this is why the tuners have paid attention to the weight saving.

The first visible modification on this BMW is the new rims, which include RADINOX®-technology. The latter offers special stainless steel alloy material which is absolutely corrosion free. In addition it provides compressive strength in the cases of kerbing damage for instance.

To be more precise, this BMW 335i F30 three-piece 20-inch wheels are carrying the name Schmidt Revolution FS Line and are in sizes 8,5×20 and 10×20 inches at the front and rear respectively. They are fitted with Continental 5P tyres in size 235/35-20 and 265/30-20, on the front and rear axle.

Another tuning brand has been involved in this transformation and it is Lightweight, which has offered this BMW an improvement in performance in two levels. The first level enhances the power output to 336 hp (247 kW) and 460 Nm (338 lb-ft) of torque at 5.700 rpm. The second one – the level two, increases the power of this vehicle up to 365 hp (268 kW) and 480 Nm (353 lb-ft) of torque at 5.600.

Furthermore, the muffer made from titanium is also delivered by Leightweight. It includes two 80-mm-tail pipes for the adaptation to the series system and it also contributes to some additional visual accents. In order to optimize the driving dynamics, the specialists have given the car Bilstein-B12-chassis with stabilizers from Eibach.

Source: Miranda Media

June 12, 2013

Bentley Continental GT3 Project In Development

Bentley Continental GT3 Concept Racer was officially unveiled at the Paris Auto Salon last year. Since then engineers have been working on the Continental GT3 in preparation for Bentley’s highly anticipated return to the track.

For this project the brand has been working with the help of the experts at M-Sport Ltd1. Over the last six months the race-ready version of the Continental has been taking material shape.

More importantly, the model is powered by a race-configured and efficient 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 engine. The unit is mated with a six-speed sequential racing gearbox. In addition, the vehicle’s chassis system includes double wishbone suspension, four-way adjustable dampers and competition brakes.

In addition the Continental GT road car is more than 1000 kg lighter thanks to the removal of equipment and parts such as double glazing, over fifty ECUs and extensive electrical systems. What is more, some other replacements here include the substitution of the exquisitely trimmed Continental GT doors with their race versions. The latter weigh just 12% of the originals.

The doors, boot lid and bonnet are now hand-crafted in carbon fibre. On the other hand the emblematic silhouette of the road car is retained. The bodyshell itself benefits from a comprehensive FIA-specification roll cage.

At the same time, the carbon fibre racing seat has been trimmed and the racing steering wheel includes exclusive stitching. Bentley Continental GT3 will soon be ready to begin a test programme ahead of its race debut, when more details about the vehicle will be announced.

Source: Bentley

June 12, 2013

2013 Skoda Yeti Adventure Edition – UK Price £18,640

Skoda has released the pricing of the 2013 Yeti Adventure Edition. The Adventure Edition is based on the best-selling SE trim level but includes more than £2,250 worth of additional equipment at no extra cost.

The exterior comes in either Candy White or Brilliant Silver Metallic. It is distinguished by black accents, silver roof rails and 17” Matterhorn-style alloy wheels.

Inside, the special edition Adventure upholstery comes with striking silver stitching and tyre print design. In addition to SE trim equipment, Yeti Adventure includes Amundsen+ satellite navigation, DAB digital radio, Bluetooth connectivity and a multi-function steering wheel to control the audio system and telephone.

There are two version of the 2.0 liter TDI – 110HP (81 kW) in two-wheel drive models and 140 HP (103 kW) in all-wheel drive models. Both are paired exclusively to a manual transmission in the special edition.

The Yeti Adventure Edition will hit the market on July 22^nd and pricing starts at £18,640. Complete with 3 years’ free servicing, it’s available through Skoda Finance.

Adventure standard equipment includes:

17-inch ‘Matterhorn’ alloy wheels
Black roof with black door mirrors
Silver roof rails
Black side mouldings with chrome ledges
Unique ‘Adventure’ logo on C-pillar
Special ‘Adventure’ upholstery
Leathergearshift gaiter and handbrake grip
Textile floor mats
Amundsen+ satellite navigation with DAB digital radio
Multi-function steering wheel with controls for Bluetooth and radio
Striking silver stitching cabin detail
Bluetooth GSM II telephone preparation
Sunset glass
Metallic paint (FOC if selected)
Acoustic rear parking sensors
Cruise control
Dual-zone air conditioning
Maxi-dot trip computer
Front fog lights
Front centre armrest with storage compartment

Source: Skoda

June 11, 2013

Exclusive New Images Of VUHL 05 Released [TEASER]

VUHL 05 – the Road-Legal Lightweight Supercar was teased back in March and now it is time to see something more of it. Ahead of its official debut at Goodwood Festval of Speed, the brand has released two new images of the upcoming model.

One of them is showing that the car is currently being tested at a secret location. In addition, VŪHL Automotive has confirmed that it has entered into a technical collaboration with Michelin. The latter will support the new sports car with set of new tyres.

Furthermore, the supercar embodies the optimal automotive technology from around the world. For instance, the vehicle’s handling has been optimised in the UK, it has been tested and developed in the U.S. and Europe, car bodies will be fabricated in Canada with final assembly conducted by the advanced manufacturing concern in Mexico City.

And if you wonder how VUHL is pronounced, well it stands for “vool” which in turn stands for Vehicles of Ultra High-performance and Lightweight. The company is a child of brothers Iker and Guillermo Echeverria, who have a Mexico City-based design company.

Unfortunately, we will have to wait until official debut for more information about the vehicle, because no additional information has been disclosed so far. However, you can enjoy the latest two teaser images of the car, showing a glimpse of its powerful exterior stance.

Source: VUHL

June 11, 2013

Category: Auto News