Auto News – Page 676 – Automobiles Review

Volkswagen 1.4 litre TSI – Engine of the Year for the 7th Consecutive Time

Volkswagen’s 1.4 liter TSI petrol engine managed to win Engine of the Year in its category (from 1.0 to 1.4 liter) for 7^th consecutive time.

This makes the 1.4-litre TSI the most successful engine in the 15-year history of this international engine technology competition.

The manufacturer was the world’s first manufacturer to introduce active cylinder management (ACT) in the TSI four-cylinder last year – a technology that until then had been more familiar in large eight- or twelve-cylinder engines. Active cylinder management made its debut in the Polo and Golf 140HP (103 kW) 1.4 TSI. Temporary shutoff of the second and third cylinders – in conjunction with an economical style of driving – reduces fuel consumption by over 0.5 litres per 100 km.

Even with two cylinders the excellently balanced 1.4 TSI runs just as quietly and with low vibration as with four active combustion chambers. All mechanical switchover processes take place within one camshaft rotation; depending on engine speed this takes just 13 to 36 milliseconds. Accompanying interventions in ignition and throttle valve processes smooth the transitions.

Altogether, the components of active cylinder management weigh just 3 kg. Their actuators, the camshafts and their bearing frames are integrated in the cylinder head; two low-friction bearings reduce shaft friction. Important to know: only with the TSI concept – petrol direct injection plus turbocharging – is cylinder deactivation even conceivable in the form being implemented today.

Compared to its predecessor, fuel consumption and CO2 emission values of the TSI engines were reduced to 9% in part also by such measures as reducing internal friction, lowering weight and optimising thermal management. The savings potential is as much as 15% in conjunction with the innovative active cylinder management (ACT) feature.

Source: Volkswagen

June 6, 2013

Classic MINI and Porsche 911 for 50th Anniversary

BMW has released a photo gallery showing a nice duo of a classic MINI and Porsche 911 celebrating its 50^th anniversary.

It may be the fundamental differences between the two cars (e.g. the Mini has its engine in the front, the 911 at the rear) that dominate at first glance. But there are also a number of factors – over and above their shared cult status – that lend particular empathy to MINI’s birthday greetings.

Both models made their name with an eye-catching turn of speed. At the end of the austere 1950s Mini was the ground-breaking new kid on the block, generating sales figures that mimicked the upward curve of its acceleration. The 911, as the successor to the Porsche 356, was born with speed in its blood.

Only a handful of cars can claim to have endured over such lengthy time spans, retaining their unmistakable identities despite all the nips, tucks and updates along the way.

It’s tempting to wonder how different history would have been without the creators of these two successful cars. Neither Sir Alec Issigonis nor Ferdinand Alexander Porsche had any inkling that their designs would come to be considered immortal icons of modern times. Indeed, you would have needed a very clear crystal ball to see that Porsche had just dreamt up the most successful sports car of all time and Issigonis the “world’s only cool small car”.

Source: BMW

June 6, 2013

Bugatti Veyron at the Paul Ricard Circuit

Bugatti arranged “the ultimate track day” at the Paul Ricard Circuit. The test-drive Pierre-Henri Raphanel helped the participants to drive the most powerful production car in the world.

The Grand Sport Vitesse is powered by an 8.0 liter W16 quad-turbo engine with 1200HP (883 kW) and 1500Nm (1106 lb-ft) of torque. The engine is connected to a 7-speed DSG gearbox. It sends all that torque to an AWD system. 0-100 km/h in 2.6 seconds and 0-200 km/h in 7.1 seconds, 0-300 km/h in 16 seconds. ¼ mile is covered in 10.0 seconds flat and 1 mile in just 25.0 seconds.

The unique experience is only for the company’s “dearest friends”, but obviously everybody, who has Bugatti Veyron will get the same thrill… or even better.

Source: Bugatti

June 6, 2013

D2Forged Chevrolet Camaro SS MB1 With Enhanced Looks

It is no secret that one of the most attractive cars around the globe is the Chevrolet Camaro. Being a true muscle car, it grabs the attention immediately thanks to its powerful stance, exuberance and aggressive attributes.

Surely, the red color further emphasizes all this attractiveness and brings forth emotions and wishes for an instant touch with this Chevrolet. This is the case with the latest project of the specialists at D2Forged Wheels, who have equipped this Camaro SS with brand new set of shoes.

They have added to this incredible sports car their D2Forged Monoblock Wheels which features a clean and imposing wheel design, deliver fitment and has an inherent build quality. To be more precise, the sizes of the wheels they have chosen are 20×10 inches for the front and 20×12 inches for the rear. In addition, the wheels include Brilliant Brushed Cleared finish with Chrome Lips.

Although no enhancement in terms of power has been done on this Chevy, it is still capable of delivering the spectacular 426 horsepower (313 kW) and a maximum torque of 567 Nm (419 lb-ft). These numbers are due to the 6.2L V8 engine it is equip with. The Vmax here is estimated at 250 km/h and the acceleration time for the sprint from 0 to 100 km/h – at 4.7 seconds.

Source: D2Forged Wheels

June 6, 2013

Audi Q7 Quattro Wide Track by Kahn Design

Kahn Audi Q7 Quattro Wide Track is the latest creation of the talented luxury designers at A. Kahn Design. In this project they have mixed the club-class quality and the high-tech engineering in order to deliver stance of glamour and individuality.

The exceptional design language of the carbon black Audi Q7 Quattro is additionally emphasized via Kahn’s Wide Track tuning and in addition the latter ensures that this vehicle is dynamic in proportion and distinctive in appearance.

In this project has been kept the basic principle of lightweight design. The professionals at the British tuning company have thus included in this Audi a new front replacement wings with air vents (X2), wide wheel arches with rear vented spats, rear vented bumper, S-line front grille, brake calipers, RS-X alloy wheels (9.5 x 22), door entry sill plates in stainless steel, privacy tinted glass and exhaust tailpipes in stainless steel.

The interior has also been transformed in order to bring about more personalization. A multitude of detailed improvements is present and many details have been restyled. For instance one can see that the speedo and Rev Counter fascia is adorned with red and white livery, vented foot pedals are in machined aluminium and front and rear seats in quilted and perforated black leather with red stitching.

Nothing in terms of power in this Audi has been changed. Nevertheless, the Audi still delivers an immense force of 245 hp (180 kW) and 550 Nm (406 lb-ft) of torque.

Source: A. Kahn Design

June 6, 2013

Fiat Ducato Receives ESP As Standard

Fiat Professional is now going to equip the versatile Ducato with greater safety and value as a standard. The vehicle receives ESP which will be present on the model from April this year. The Electronic Stability Program is an important safety feature will bring about more confidence and security to its drivers.

The program utilizes information supplied by various sensors in order to find out whether the vehicle is cornering safely or not. For example, if the ESP computer determines that the Ducato vehicle is going to skid, it brakes the appropriate wheel or reduces the power from the unit.

In addition to this it is important to mention that the ESP also includes a range of other technologies such as Load Adaptive Control (LAC), Hill Holder, Hydraulic Brake Assist (HBA), Anti-Slip Regulation (ASR) and Motor Schleppmoment Regelung (MSR).

To be more precise, the LAC identifies the size of the load and the vehicle’s centre of gravity. This in turn enables the systems to operate at peak effectiveness. Next, the Hill Holder makes starts on slopes easier by holding the brake on momentarily after the driver’s foot has released the pedal.

On the other hand, the HBA enhances the braking pressure when it identifies emergency conditions, while the ASR is utilized in terms of reduction of the engine power. In this way it counteracts the effects of one or both drive wheels skidding. At last, the MSR makes sure that the torque remains at the wheels following a sudden downshift on an incline.

As an option, customers can chose to include in their Ducato the Traction+ system. This is an innovative traction control system which enhances the handling on difficult terrain with poor grip. It also operates via the ESP computer thus simulating the behavior of a self-locking differential.

This basically means, that when one of the front wheels spins on a slippery surface or encounters a bad terrain, the brakes are immediately applied to this particular wheel as simultaneously engine torque is transferred to the wheel with better grip. Traction+ delivers the advantage of lower kerb weight and lower loading height.

Source: Fiat

June 6, 2013

Kia Introduces 2014 Cadenza Ad Campaign [VIDEO]

2014 Kia Cadenza was recently unveiled on the North American being the the most technologically-advanced vehicle the brand has ever created. The model is powered by a 3.3 liter GDI powerplant which is capable of producing 293 horsepower (215 kW) at 6,400 rpm and 345 Nm (255 lb.-ft.) of torque at 5,200 rpm.

The powerful unit is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission thus transferring the power to the front wheels. In addition, the automatic transmission includes Sportmatic manual shift mode and paddle shifters.

Now it is time for the Cadenza to be officially presented to the general public. Kia has just released its new commercial, in which the new model navigates the streets of New York City. Eventually the car confidently delivers its stiletto heel-wearing driver to her 20-year reunion as stunned spectators realize they may have not noticed her in the past, but now she is truly “impossible to ignore.”

The 2014 Cadenza comes to signal a new era for the Kia brand. It has all of the attributes to take people by surprise, because once they are in the car they will surely experience all of the technology and premium amenities it has to offer.

The advertisement “Reunion” was created by David&Goliath and you can view it below:

httpv://youtu.be/WouuNVH9RO8

Video Source: YouTube

Source: Kia

June 6, 2013

Nissan GT-R AMS Alpha 12+: 1 mile Top Speed – 382 km/h

Dragtimesinfo has released a video showing the GT-R AMS Alpha 12+, who managed to hit whopping 382 km/h (238 mph) at 1 mile drag race.

Nissan GT-R AMS Alpha 12+ is boosted to 1,700HP (1,267 kW). 0-100 km/h in 2.99 seconds (due to a lot of wheel spin), 0-200 km/h in 6.5 seconds and 0-300 km/h in 12.37 seconds. This is also the fastest GT-R in the famous 1 mile drag race completing the distance in 22.538 seconds. ¼ mile time is only 9.447 seconds with 260 (161 mph) terminal speed.

In the video you will also see Porsche 911 GT2 4WD 9ff with 1,100HP, Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 Hennessey with 760HP and BMW M3 ESS VT2 with 750, which compared to GT-R AMS Alpha 12+ are like everyday cars.

Enjoy!

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6MzpaNu74Ts

Source: Dragtimesinfo

June 5, 2013

6Vampir Volkswagen Golf Mark I – 1013HP [video]

Here is a very interesting drag vehicle. It is prepared by Boba Motoring, who are really fanatic in drag races. The project is based on Volkswagen Golf I and carries the name 16Vampir.

It is powered by a 1.8 liter 16V four-cylinder turbocharged engine with whopping 1,013HP (745 kW). The result is thanks to a really enormous Garrett GTX4202R turbo boosting the engine with 4.15 BAR pressure (60 psi).

The curb weight of the vehicle is just 900 kg (1,984 lbs), so it accelerates insanely. 0-100 km/h in 2.0 seconds and the top speed is unknown, but who will make more than 220 km/h in Volkswagen Golf I?

The engine is mated to a 6-speed DSG gearbox with a custom DSG ECU controller from AdrenalinTuning. The power is transferred on the road through 4Motion AWD and all four wheels have drag tires.

Enjoy!

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vxG1PFHOpI8

Source: Boba Motoring

June 5, 2013

Ford 1.0 litre EcoBoost wins Engine of the Year – Again

The famous 1.0 liter EcoBoost petrol engine by Ford has scooped another “Engine of the Year” award. This marks the second straight year Ford’s acclaimed three-cylinder engine has captured victory.

The 1.0-litre EcoBoost engine combines direct fuel injection, turbocharging and variable valve timing to lower fuel consumption without sacrificing power. It get the highest score in the history of the awards. The engine also won the “Best Engine Under 1.0-litre” category at the annual awards presented by Engine Technology International magazine.

The 1.0-liter EcoBoost has 125HP (92 kW) and 170Nm (125 lb-ft) of torque at 1,400RPM. It achieves 65.7 mpg in combined cycle (Fiesta model).

The engine is also available in the Ford B-MAX, Focus, C-MAX and Grand C-MAX. Small enough to fit in the overhead luggage compartment of an aeroplane, the engine delivers best-in-class petrol fuel economy in Ford Fiesta, Focus, C-MAX and Grand C-MAX.

Source: Ford

June 5, 2013

Peugeot 1.6 THP – Engine of the Year in 1.4 liter to 1.8 liter Category

The 200bhp engine that powers the new Peugeot 208 GTi and RCZ Sports Coupe has just been awarded the International Engine of the Year award in the 1.4-litre to 1.8-litre category during a ceremony in Stuttgart, Germany.

The 1.6 liter THP by Peugeot has managed to win a prestigious award from Engine Technology International magazine. It gathered a largest number of points in 1.4 liter to 1.8 litre category.

The 200HP engine powers the new Peugeot 208 GTi as well as the RCZ Sports Coupe. What is more, a 260HP RCZ version is coming soon.

The 1.6 liter THP200 has 200HP (149 kW) at 5,800RPM and 275Nm (203 lb-ft) of torque at 1,770RPM. 0-100 km/h in 7.6 seconds (RCZ) and a top speed of 235 km/h (146 mph). It is connected to a 6-speed manual gearbox.

The engine family, produced at the Française de Mécanique plant in Douvrin, France, now forms the core of Peugeot’s petrol range.

Source: Peugeot

June 5, 2013

2014 Skoda Octavia vRS Debuts At Goodwood

2014 Skoda Octavia vRS will make its official debut at Goodwood Festival of Speed on the 10th of July. The third generation Octavia vRS is equipped with a range of powerful and efficient engines, racy design and innovative technology.

Two new engines power the new Skoda model: the two-litre petrol 220 hp (162 kW) unit or the two-litre diesel 184 hp (135 kW). When the vehicle is equipped with the 2.0 TSI-petrol, in conjunction with the six-speed manual gearbox, it is capable of accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.8 seconds on its way of a top speed of 154 mph.

On the other hand, the new Octavia vRS 2.0 TDI-diesel manages 0 to 100 km/h in 8.1 seconds with a top speed of 144 mph when it is equipped with six-speed manual gearbox. 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.

Furthermore, 2014 Skoda Octavia vRS is fitted 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.

In terms of design it is visible that the new Octavia vRS embodies brand’s new design language and exudes aggressive and sporty appearance. The front fascia includes the standard grille sporting the vRS badge, distinctive honeycomb air intakes, a new vRS-style front bumper and fog lights as well as the new bi-xenon headlights with integrated LED daytime running lights.

The vehicle now runs on new light-alloy wheels which give the car exclusive sporty look. The designers have created four new 17”, 18” and 19” wheel designs: the standard ‘Dorado’ 17” light alloys fitted with 225/45 tyres, the optional 18” ‘Gemini’ and ‘Pictoris’ alloys (each for 225/40 tyres), and the optional ‘Xtrem’ 19” light alloys in black.

At the rear a black diffuser element and the overlying wide reflector spotlight are visible at first glance. Other distinctive features of the new Octavis vRS include two large, trapezoidal-shaped chrome exhaust tailpipes, rear lights fitted with LED technology in C-shape, a spoiler fitted as a roof-edge spoiler.

To go further into details, throughout the interior of the new Skoda Octavia vRS predominates sportiness in black. For instance, the interior of the front doors is equipped with integrated ambient lighting for the internal door handles.

In addition, the designers have developed vRS-design sports seats for all of the occupants of the car. They have also created a new sporty three-spoke steering wheel with perforated leather. The gear stick and handbrake are also made of leather, while the sill plates and the pedals are made of stainless steel.

In terms of safety and security, the 2014 Octavia vRS features the following technologies: Front Assistant with city emergency braking, Lane Assistant, Automatic Post Collision Braking System with automatic brake intervention, Crew Protect Assistant and the Driver Fatigue Sensor. What is more, other technologies included in the car care about the comfort of the occupants. Such are: Adaptive Cruise Assistant, Intelligent Light Assistant, Automatic Parking Assistant, Traveller Assistant’ package and KESSY Keyless-Entry-Start-and-Exit-System.

Source: Skoda

June 5, 2013

Category: Auto News