Auto News – Page 678 – Automobiles Review

Brabus WIDESTAR Mercedes GL63 AMG

Brabus has introduced their latest project based on the mighty SUV – Mercedes-Benz GL 63 AMG. The BRABUS WIDESTAR body conversion for the new GL-Class is characterized by the striking fender flares front and back that add 80 mm to the width of the grand SUV. The engine is also tuned, so the Brabus GL 63 AMG is superfast.

Speaking about velocity, the 5.5 liter twin-turbocharged V8 has received a 620 PowerXtra kit. In other words, it produces 620HP (456 kW) and 820Nm (604 lb-ft) of torque. This is an increase of 63HP and 60Nm. 0-100 km/h in 4.7 seconds and a top speed of 280 km/h (174 mph) – electronically-limited.

The exterior boasts new front and rear bumpers, extended wheel arches and a tailgate-mounted spoiler. There is also a new rear diffuser, a stainless steel sports exhaust system, a new high-performance brake system and a suspension lowering module that reduces the ride height by 30 mm. There are different sets of wheels available in 21”, 22” and 23” as well tire sets from Yokohama or Pirelli.

The interior comes with alloy pedals, aluminum shift paddles and a 320 km/h (200 mph) speedometer. Other upgrades are illuminated sill plates, exotic wood trim and bespoke leather or Alcantara upholstery.

Source: Brabus

June 3, 2013

CAM SHAFT Ferrari F12 Berlinetta

Cam Shaft has announced their latest project based on the super-powerful Ferrari F12 Berlinetta. The changes include only styling improvements, but they make the sports car really spectacular.

The exterior boasts complete foliation in Titanium Matt Metallic color. It costs €3,100 for the entire body, which means that everything will be carefully covered including door sills and visible edges, so the original paint colour will be no longer visible.

Other upgrade is the powder coating of the original rims in matt metallic gray. The price is 800, which include disassembly and assembly of the tires.

The engine is the well-known 6.3 liter naturally aspirated V12 with 740HP (544 kW) and 690Nm (509 lb-ft). 0-100 km/h – 3.1 seconds and 0-200 km/h in 8.5 seconds. The top speed is over 340 km/h (211 mph).

Source: CAM SHAFT

June 3, 2013

Leib Engineering BMW GT 300

After the introducing of the M3 GT 500, Leib Engineering has unveiled the GT 300 variant, which is based on the BMW E92 325i.

The 3.0 liter naturally aspirated I6 is boosted to 295HP (217 kW) thanks to a new intake manifold, sports exhaust system with by Supersprint and an ECU re-map. If, this is not enough with a single push of a button on the M-multifunction steering wheel adds another 15HP.

The exterior boasts a carbon fiber front spoiler, a matte black rear diffuser and a set of BBS CH-R wheels with Pirelli P Zero tires – 8.5J x 19” at the front with 235/35 R19 and 9.5J at the rear with 275/30 R19. Behind the wheels, there is a high-performance braking system with discs that measure 338 mm front and 324 mm rear – six- and two-piston calipers, respectively.

The tuner also installs an adjustable KW coilover suspension for perfect stance and improved handling.

The interior boasts black anodized gear shift paddles for 6-speed automatic models and sticker-bomb tuning for the dashboard, center console and door panels.

Source: Leib Engineering

June 3, 2013

Koenigsegg One:1 [render]

GTSpirit has published several renderings of the upcoming Koenigsegg One:1. The hyper car will come with slightly different design compared to Koenigsegg’s most recent special editions.At the front, the One:1 will feature a new front bumper and a lower front splitter. At the rear, Koenigsegg installed a huge wing and a new rear end. There is also a mid-mounted sports exhaust system and a new diffuser. A set of new wheels made from carbon fiber just like the fixed roof which will have an air scoop.The One:1 is powered by a 5.0 liter twin-turbo V8 with 1400HP (1044 kW). 0-100 km/h in under 3.0 seconds and a top speed of 440 km/h (273 mph). What is more, it will be able to stop 100-0 km/h in 30.5 meters.

June 3, 2013

Aston Martin V12 Vantage S Roadster [render]

Theophiluschin has published several renderings of the upcoming Aston Martin V12 Vantage S. The convertible sports car boasts incredible style and beautiful proportions.

The engine is the well-known 6.0 liter naturally aspirated V12 with 573HP (421 kW) and 620Nm (457 lb-ft) of torque. It is connected to a 7-speed automated-manual Sportshift III AMT gearbox. The V12 Vantage S Roadster is going to weigh 1,665 kg (3,670 lbs), so the acceleration 0-100 km/h will be around 4.0 seconds. The top speed is 322 km/h (200 mph).

The car is going to feature the 3-stage adaptive damping, which allows the driver to more precisely tailor the car’s dynamic character. It offers ‘Normal’, ‘Sport’ and ‘Track’ modes that are made to better suit the driver’s requirements.

June 3, 2013

2013 Nissan Micra Facelift

Nissan has revealed the new 2013 Micra Facelift, which is scheduled to hit the market in the third quarter of this year.

The exterior features new front end with redesigned grille, front bumper, front hood and different headlights as well as fog light surrounds. The options list includes alloy wheels, panoramic glass roof, different paint jobs and a PDC (park-distance control)

Standard extras include central locking, electric front windows, ESP, ABS, power steering and CD/AUX/USB.

The second trim level (Acenta) adds a set of 15” alloy wheels, automatic lights and wipers, Bluetooth, front fog lights and some exterior upgrades.

The top-of-range Tekna has 16”, PDC, park assist, automatic climate control, keyless start, folding side mirrors and a 5.8” touchscreen NissanConnect SAT NAV system.

The engine range includes 1.2 liter three-cylinder petrol and a 1.2 liter turbocharged DIG-S petrol capable of returning 57.3 mpg US – 4.1 liters per 100 km with 95g/km CO2. Both are mated to a 5-speed manual or an optional CVT (continuous variable transmission).

Source: Nissan

June 3, 2013

MINI Extends The Range of All-Wheel Models

MINI will offer its all-wheel drive system ALL4 in two new more morels: in the MINI Cooper Countryman and the MINI Cooper Paceman. The new vehicles will be available from July this year, thus increasing the number of all-wheel versions within the MINI model range to ten models.

The new MINIs will be also equipped with six-speed manual transmission as standard, and the customers will have the choice of six-speed automatic transmission as an option. Through the introduction of ALL4, these models will now have enhanced traction and driving stability on snow, sand or slippery surfaces, and extra grip on twisty roads.

As a matter of fact, the ALL4 technology is based on an electromagnetic centre differential and distributes drive force at continuously variable levels between the front and rear axle. The electronic control system that it includes is integrated directly in the Stability Control (DSC) control unit.

The all-wheel drive system distributes the power of the 1.6-litre 4-cylinder engine between the front and rear wheels. The unit generates 122 hp (90 kW) and has a torque of 160 Nm (118 lb-ft) at an engine speed of 4,250 rpm.

The result is that the for instance the MINI Cooper Countryman ALL4 accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in less than 12 seconds on its way to a top speed of 184 km/h. In addition this model has an average fuel consumption of 6.9 litres per 100 kilometres and CO2 emissions of 167 grams per kilometre.

On the other hand, the new MINI Cooper Paceman ALL4 needs only 11.8 seconds for the same sprint from standstill to 100 km/h. It has a Vmax of 185 km/h and a fuel consumption and CO2 emission levels the same as those of the MINI Cooper Countryman ALL4.

Source: MINI

June 3, 2013

Reuss Paced Indy Dual In Detroit In 2014 Corvette Stingray [VIDEO]

The president of General Motors North America himself – Mark Reuss had driven the 2014 Corvette Stingray Pace Car in the Chevrolet Indy Dual in Detroit this weekend. Being a lifelong racing enthusiast he had the opportunity and experienced the joy of driving this unique automobile.

The Indy Dual in Detroit races are part of the Chevrolet Detroit Belle Isle Grand Prix weekend. It began this Friday on 31st of May, where Reuss participated in both Indy Dual races. He said that the experience was a thrill for him given that it was for him for the first time to drive the model on a greater field.

The audience at the event had the opportunity of seeing the Corvette Pace Car earlier. In fact, the production model that goes on sale later this summer. Corvette Stingray Pace Car is powered by the all-new 6.2-liter LT1 V-8 from the forthcoming production model. It also includes advanced technologies such as direct fuel injection, continuously variable valve timing and Active Fuel Management.

The unit generates 460 horsepower (338 kW) with the available performance exhaust system. The interior on the other hand is made via carbon fiber and aluminum trim, hand-wrapped leather materials, and also features dual eight-inch configurable infotainment screens, and two new seat choices.

The 2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Coupe will go on sale later this summer and will have a starting price of $51 995.

httpv://youtu.be/Lik69OBYPQs

Video Source: YouTube

Source: Chevrolet

June 3, 2013

2014 Chevrolet Malibu Delivers More Roominess

2014 Chevrolet Malibu has been unveiled and it comes to offer to its customers more space, refinements and efficiency. It includes an updated styling and interior, as well as new 2.5L standard engine and suspension enhancements.

To be more precise, the new and enhanced features include a revised front-end appearance, a roomier rear seat with 1.25 inches (31.7 mm) more knee room, a redesigned center console, a new 2.5L engine with variable valve lift control and start/stop technology with estimated fuel economy of 23 city / 35 highway, more torque from the available 2.0L turbo engine – 295 lb-ft (400 Nm), suspension enhancements, Side Blind Zone Alert and Rear Cross Traffic Alert safety features.

The new front-end of the model is influenced by the Impala, and it includes more prominent lower grille and the hood. The latter extends down and over the leading edge of a narrower upper grille which in turn features openings – with black grille texture.

The interior of the car features redesigned seats in order to bring about more roominess for the occupants and of course – greater comfort. In addition, the center console has been redesigned and now has a longer armrest, cup holders and dedicated storage for two cell phones.

In terms of efficiency, there has been made some improvements as well. As a standard this new Chevrolet will be equipped with the Ecotec 2.5L Intake Valve Lift Control DOHC four-cylinder engine with direct injection. Its variable intake valve actuation brings about better efficiency and helps lower emissions. At the same time it also enhances the low-rpm torque.

What is more, there is also featured a new start/stop technology which shuts down the 2.5L engine in order to save fuel when the Malibu stops momentarily. Another technological advancement is the auxiliary battery that powers the electric accessories such as the climate system, power windows and radio during engine restarts.

The new 2.5L unit produces 196 horsepower (145 kW) and 186 lb-ft of torque (253 Nm). There is also available the optional 2.0L turbo engine which generates 259 horsepower (193 kW) and 295 lb-ft (400 Nm) of torque.

The designers of the new 2014 Malibu have worked also to refine the chassis in order to deliver better driving experience. The new rebound springs that are internal to the struts enable more refined calibration of the dampers for a smoother overall ride, while also enhancing body roll control and weight transfer during acceleration or turning.

The additional chassis control technologies feature the following: four-channel anti-lock brakes, full-function traction control, four-corner electronic stability control, electronic brake force distribution, brake assist system, corner brake control, hydraulic brake fade assist and drag torque control.

At last, the other optional safety features offered here include the New Side Blind Zone Alert and Rear Cross Traffic Alert. Malibu also comes with 10 standard air bags and an available rearview camera system. 2014 Chevrolet Malibu goes on sale this autumn.

Source: Chevrolet

June 3, 2013

Japanese Debut For LaFerrari

LaFerrari is the first hybrid supercar built at Maranello by the iconic Italian brand. The latest member of the limited special edition series has just made its first appearance in Japan last night. It was shown to a group of selected owners and enthusiasts of the brand in an exclusive event in the centre of Tokyo.

The hybrid technology which is utilized in this project is called HY-KERS and it delivers a combination of maximum performance and lower emissions. To be more precise, this Ferrari emits only 330 g/km of CO2 without the use of the electric system. When it is “On”, the full-electric version of LaFerrari achieves just 220 g/km of CO2 emissions on the combined cycle.

To go even further into details, the engine of this vehicle is a 6.3 liter V12 and it generates 800 hp (588 kW) at 9,250RPM an 700Nm (519 lb-ft) at 6,750RPM. Thanks to the HY-KERS, the overall power becomes 963 hp (708 kW) and 900 Nm (664 lb-ft). These numbers simply result in an effortless acceleration time of less than 3 seconds for the sprint from 0 to 100 km/h.

In addition, the guests at the event enjoyed a special exhibition called “Supercar Chronicle” where supercars such as the 288 GTO, the F40, the F50 and the Enzo were presented. The LaFerrari was introduced in an elegant ceremony, which matched the exclusivity of a car of which only 499 examples will be built.

Source: Ferrari

June 3, 2013

2014 Acura MDX – US Price $42,290

Acura has published the pricing of the new 2014 MDX. The seven-passenger luxury performance SUV is the first to be developed from the ground up using an all-new, purpose-built platform fully optimized for the needs of the potential customers.

It will hit the market in July, this year with pricing starting from $42,290 for the entry-level model and going up to $48,565 for the Entertainment Package.

The engine is a 3.5 liter V6 with 290HP (216 kW) and 362Nm (267 lb-ft) of torque. It is connected to a 6-speed automatic gearbox. The power can be put on the road eigher through FWD or an AWD system – for additional $2,000.

Standard equipment includes new audio system, blind spot monitoring, eight-inch multi-function display, 18” wheels and jewel eye LED headlights.

The Technology Package ($46,565) includes 19” alloy wheels, color TFT screen, lane departure warning, forward collision warning and rain-sensing wipers.

The Entertainment Package ($48,565) adds rear seat entertainment system, adaptive cruise control, 12-speaker ELS sound system, bespoke wheels and remote engine start.

ENGINE COMPARISON
	2013 MDX SH-AWD	2014 MDX
Engine type	Aluminum-alloy V-6	Aluminum-alloy V-6
Displacement, liters	3.7	3.5
Fuel injection	Port	Direct
Valvetrain	Belt drive, SOHC, VTEC^® 24-valve	Belt drive, SOHC, i-VTEC^® 24-valve with VCM^®
Horsepower @ rpm (SAE net)	300 @ 6300	290 @ 6200
Torque @ rpm (lb-ft) (SAE net)	270 @ 4500	267 @ 4500
Compression ratio (:1)	11.2:1	11.5:1
Redline	6700 rpm	6800 rpm
Throttle control	Drive-by-Wire throttle system	Drive-by-Wire throttle system
Ignition	Electronic direct	Electronic direct
Transmission	6-speed automatic transmission with Sequential SportShift paddle shifters, Grade Logic and Shift Hold Control	6-speed automatic transmission with Sequential SportShift paddle shifters, Sport Mode, Grade Logic and Shift Hold Control
Drive type	SH-AWD	FWD, SH-AWD
EPA Fuel Economy Ratings¹ (city / highway/ combined)	16/21/18	20/28/23 (FWD) 18/27/21 (SH-AWD)
Recommended fuel²	Premium unleaded 91 octane (required)	Premium unleaded 91 octane (recommended)
CARB emissions rating	ULEV-2	ULEV-2
Tune-up interval³	No scheduled tune-ups required for 100,000 +/- miles	No scheduled tune-ups required for 100,000 +/- miles

Powertrain at Glance

Engine

Earth Dreams^™ Technology 3.5-liter, SOHC, V-6 engine produces peak horsepower of 290 horsepower at 6,200 rpm and peak torque of 267 lb-ft at 4,500 rpm
i-VTEC^® (intelligent Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control) for intake valves with Variable Cylinder Management^™ (VCM^®)
Computer-controlled Direct Injection (DI) with multi-hole fuel injectors
11.5:1 compression ratio
High-strength steel crankshaft
Crossflow magnesium intake manifold
Drive-by-Wire throttle system
Direct ignition system
Detonation/knock control system
Integrated Dynamics System (IDS) provides two unique drive-by-wire profiles
Maintenance Minder^™ system optimizes service intervals
100,000 +/- miles tune-up interval

Emissions/Fuel Economy Ratings

High-flow, close-coupled next-generation precious metal catalytic converters plus under floor catalytic converter
High capacity 32-bit RISC processor emissions control unit
ULEV-2 Emissions compliant
20/28/23¹ (city/highway/combined) mpg EPA fuel economy ratings (FWD)
18/27/21¹ (city/highway/combined) mpg EPA fuel economy ratings (SH-AWD)

Noise & Vibration (NV)

60-degree cylinder V-angle for smooth operation
Automatically tensioned, maintenance-free serpentine belt accessory drive
Active Control engine Mount (ACM)
Active Sound Control (ASC)

Sequential SportShift 6-speed automatic with paddle shifters

Straight-gate style console-mounted shifter
Sequential SportShift automatic transmission allows semi-manual operation
Steering wheel mounted racing-inspired paddle shifters
Sport mode with remapped, more aggressive automatic shift points and more pronounced engine braking during deceleration
Cooperative control between Drive-by-Wire throttle system and transmission makes for quicker, smoother shifts
Advanced shift-hold control limits up shifts during spirited driving
Grade Logic Control System reduces gear “hunting” on steep hills

Source: Acura

May 31, 2013

Zagato Alfa Romeo TZ3 Stradale [video]

Zagato Alfa Romeo TZ3 Stradale was shown at the 2013 Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este. The rare sports car was developed to celebrate Alfa Romeo’s 100^th birthday and is based on Dodge Viper ACR, which was the fastest street legal car around Nurburgring.

Only nine TZ3 Stradale were produced and all of them have a carbon fiber body with a “Kamm-tail” paying tribute to the classic TZ and TZ2. The engine is coming from the well-known 8.4 liter naturally aspirated V10 with 600HP (450 kW) and 760Nm (560 lb-ft) of torque. 0-100 km/h in less than 4.0 seconds and ¼ mile in mid 11-second range. The engine is mated to 6-speed sequential gearbox.

The sound is really sensational (check in the video below)!

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9b9-JmTPgzQ

Source: Marchettino via Youtube

May 31, 2013

Category: Auto News