Auto News – Page 679 – Automobiles Review

TEASER: Caterham Introduces Entry-Level Version Of The Iconic Seven

Caterham has just released a dark teaser photograph of their upcoming new entry-level version of the iconic Seven model. The new vehicle is designed to pay homage to the brand’s engineering DNA of “adding lightness”. Therefore it is going to be equipped with a super-compact, flexible and EU6-compliant engine.

In addition, the Caterham promises that the new model is going to e offered at an affordable price under £17 000. This year, the British brand celebrates 40 years of developing and manufacturing the Seven. Consequently, the designers decided to bring as close as possible the new “Seven” to its simple design roots but remain true to Caterham’s mantra of delivering “accessible fun”.

Back in the days, Colin Chapman designed the original Seven with the aim to have totally “fit-for-purpose” design and to deliver exciting driving experience. With that in mind, the new entry-level Seven is planned to be simple, easy to run and an intuitive drive.

Furthermore, Caterham’s minimalist DNA philosophy is applied to every aspect in the new upcoming vehicle. This also includes the unit it is equipped with and therefore it is expected that this would be the most fuel-efficient Seven ever built.

The car hasn’t been named yet, however it is planned for it to be launched in autumn this year. The first deliveries are expected to happen before the end of 2013.

Source: Caterham

May 31, 2013

Rolls-Royce Wraith Makes Italian Debut By Lake Como

Rolls-Royce Wraith just made its Italian debut at the Concorso d’Eleganza, Villa d’Este in Cernobbio. The Wraith model is the boldest and most powerful Rolls-Royce ever produced. The two-door luxury coupé with fastback design promises to deliver extraordinary power and style.

To be more precise, the vehicle is equipped with a twin-turbo V12 engine mated to an eight-speed automatic ZF transmission. The unit is capable of generating 624 bhp (465kW) and 800 Nm (590 lb-ft) of torque from 1500 rpm. This delivers an instant acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h for just 4.4 seconds.

As a matter of fact, Wraith was inspired by grand Italian and British fastback designs from the 1930s, but it of course makes a step further. Every inch of this Rolls-Royce is refined and luxurious. Therefore it delivers the comfort one would expect from the pinnacle brand.

Moreover, the new Rolls-Royce Wraith is equipped with wide range of exclusive technologies. For instance, the Satellite Aided Transmission processes GPS data to predict the driver’s next move. It operates by automatically choosing the correct gear for the road ahead. There is also included a one-touch call button akin to an on-board valet. It allows navigation, telephone and multimedia to be controlled via voice.

Throughout the interior can be seen the prominent utilization of the finest materials. Canadel Panelling – a tactile, open grain wood sweeps round the lower hull of Wraith’s interior. Next, a Starlight Headliner rounds-off the glamour. It bathes cabin in a warm glow via its thousands of tiny fibre-optic lamps hand-woven into the roof-lining.

At Lake Como was the stage where the Wraith made its official debut in Italy. There were also presented past, present and future Rolls-Royce cars. Another highlight at the event was the Silver Ghost, which was driven by Radley to victory in the Alpine Trials 100 years ago in Austria, Italy and Switzerland.

In addition, both vehicles were accompanied by the Ghost Alpine Trial Centenary Collection model. The latter was designed in order to celebrate the centenary of the Alpine Trials and Bespoke personalization.

Source: Rolls-Royce

May 31, 2013

From Concept To Reality: Lexus LF-CC Enters Production

Lexus has just confirmed their next exclusive news: the brand is going to enter in production its outstanding concept LF-CC which provides an insight into brand’s continued focus on leading-edge innovation and design.

LF-CC is inspired by the all-new IS Line and in addition, gives a hint of the future two-door mid-size coupe which is scheduled for production. What is more, the new production vehicle will mainly focus on design and driving dynamics, besides the inherent luxury it delivers.

The new model is going to be equipped with the powerful and efficient 2.5-litre hybrid drivetrain which will also feature D4-S (direct and port) injection. The combined petrol-electric hybrid unit is expected to generate only 113 grams of CO2 per kilometer, while the fuel consumption here is estimated around 4.9 litres of fuel per 100km (combined cycle). The combined power output of the car is 223 hp (164 kW).

The exterior design philosophy of the LF-CC focuses on the development of brand’s unique L-finesse design language. It is characterized by the boldest interpretation of Lexus’ signature “spindle” grille, which is this case is framed by the bonnet lip, deep lower spoiler and powerfully projecting front guard tips. It is encased in a deep metal-finish surround and takes on a pronounced 3 dimensional form.

In addition, the three LED-projector headlamp designs are housed between the lower and upper guard surfaces. On the other hand, the independent Daytime Running Lamps (DRLs) are entirelly integrated into the upper bumper surface, while the broad lower guards are aerodynamically formed in order to master the flow of air to the engine bay and front brakes.

When one looks the car in profile, all they see are flowing lines. The curve of the bonnet for instance flows through to windscreen into a roofline which peaks towards the rear of the cabin. It is visible that the rear guard is less pronounced than that of the front. This results in the concentration of car’s weight over the driven wheels, which in turn delivers maximum traction.

At the rear, one sees a rear spoiler integrated within the boot lid, a full-width bumper ensuring a broad and powerful stance, L-shaped combination lamps feature with three-dimensional design, lower concave bumper with full-width spoiler and a rear stop lamp which is integrated into the shark antenna.

The 2014 LF-CC has an exterior color the new “Fluid Titanium” shade. This is a metallic finish that has exceptionally high brilliance which in turn further emphasizes the powerful forms of the bodywork’s sculpted surfaces.

Next, the interior design of the car delivers nothing less than luxury. In addition, its goal is to represent the next step in the development of the company’s Human Machine Interface (HMI) design philosophy.

Here, the dashboard is divided into two distinct zones: an upper Display Zone and a lower Operation Zone. The first zone includes a multi-display screen positioned at an ideal distance for at-a-glance viewing. The second – allows access to the shift lever and an innovative touch tracer display for remote system control.

Furthermore, the person behind the steering wheel will benefit from a low, highly focused driving position with a sports steering wheel, optimum pedal placement and high-visibility instrument dials. In accordance with the exterior design color, the interior features seats, door panels and instrument binnacle hood in a warm, elegant amber leather finish.

In addition, the prominent utilization of metallic finishes and soft touch materials strengthens the premium quality of the environment. The contrast between the exterior and interior color schemes delivers elegant and at the same time sporting image.

Source: Lexus

May 31, 2013

Lexus To Introduce New ES 350, 300h and GS 300h Models

Lexus is going to introduce three new models that are going to expand brand’s model range in the next twelve months. Two of the new cars will be hybrid models and one –a standard petrol model.

To be more precise, the new vehicles will be the ES 350 petrol, the 300h and the GS 300h hybrids. The latter will be equipped with the 2.5-litre hybrid drivetrain, while the ES will be offered with the option of two drivetrain variants. In addition the luxury marque secured production of right-hand drive ES models for the first time in seven years.

What is more, the introduction of GS 300h model will add one more to the three already available drivetrain options of the GS range – the 2.5-litre V6 of GS 250, the 3.5-litre V6 of GS 350 and the powerful hybrid drivetrain of the GS 450h.

The new unit in ES 300h is expected to deliver 205 hp (151 kW) from its 2.5-litre four cylinder petrol-electric drivetrain, while the GS 300h will be capable of generating 223 hp (164kW) with the help of direct injection.

The addition of the two new hybrid vehicles will bring the luxury brand’s total hybrid vehicle line-up to seven across the CT, GS, LS, RX and forthcoming IS and ES Lines. The third new model, the ES 350, is expected to generate 277 hp (204 kW) from its 3.5-litre all-alloy quad-cam V6 engine.

Lexus ES 350 and 300h are designed with the aim to deliver spacious and comfortable ride, alternative to the dynamically focused IS and GS. At last, what has been disclosed as an expectation is that the GS 300h will deliver a sub-6.0-litre* per 100km fuel efficiency figure. It is going to be launch in the first quarter of 2014.

Source: Lexus

May 31, 2013

EXCLUSIVE: Vilner Bentley Continental GT Finally Revealed!

At last! Vilner Bentley Continental GT has finally been revealed in its entire glorious and magnificent stance! After the project has been teased several times, the time has come for it to be fully disclosed to the automotive world! And everything that we can add is that it was worth the wait!

Eight months ago in Studio Vinler came a client who brought his first generation Bentley Continental GT. It was an ordinary day like any other days of the week and the client had the typical Bentley in Racing Green exterior color with the standard production interior in Saffron color with some brown wooden accents as applications.

The desire of the client was to achieve a distinct individualization for his automobile: this meant that his favorite vehicle should express optimally his own style of luxury, comfort and individuality. The luxury tuning company Vilner has paid great respect to the majestic and imposing design of this Continental GT, and on this sound basis they have created a project that is fully produced in Bulgaria.

The professionals have worked in three directions: firs of all, they have set the goal to achieve more aggressive exterior transformation resulting in unique visual stance. Secondly, they have equipped this Bentley with entirely new interior. And at last, the power output of the car was increased.

The project of the exterior and the interior of the car was created by the designers at Studio Vilner and it was completely in accordance with the wishes of the client. As you can see, the exterior of the automobile is considerably changed. And to be even more precise, to its length were added 13 cm and to its rear – 16 cm.

Throughout the exterior can also be seen the extensive use of carbon fibre elements, and in addition all of the elements were totally renewed except for the line of the roof. The aim was to achieve more personalized and aggressive appearance.

We surely should make an emphasis on the absolutely new fenders that were designed and produced especially for this project and which add 5 cm to the stock ones at the front and 8 cm at the back.

Furthermore, the front fascia of the vehicle is lengthened with 8 additional centimeters while the back – with 5 cm. The idea and the design of the front carbon spoiler, rear carbon spoiler and the rear diffuser are attributed to Vilner as well. Entirely changed were also the tips of the exhaust-pipes.

The stock Racing Green exterior color of the car was of course changed. This Coninental GT was re-dyed in gray graphite matt. Another accent in the exterior design is that the inner part of the head-lights was created from carbon fibre. The stops-lights got also some “make-up”.

Going further to the second point, the interior has been modified from the stock one in Saffron color with brown wooden applications to something exceptionally striking. It was precisely created in black color and received some Bordeaux accents.

The materials utilized are black Alcantara, Black Leather and Black Exotic Lether with Cobra Pattern. The stitching and the seat-belts are in Bordeaux. Additionally, the dark red color can be discreetly seen on the door pockets, armrest and gearshift lever.

The “wings” – the symbol characterizing Bentley brand, has been embroidered in Bordeaux stitching on the seats and it also can be seen on the lateral part of the seats. The “feathers” were incorporated in all wooden elements in the interior as powerful and at the same time not-disturbing-the-sight-and-attention accents. They were finely and assiduously aerographed and then covered with varnish.

Next, the ceiling was wrapped in Black Alcantara with decorative pattern which is also present on the seats. The steering wheel got a change in its form and the new one was created in accordance with the grip of the driver.

At last, the tuners have worked on this project with the aim to bring about more power from the unit placed under the hood. After the modifications done, the increase in horsepower was from 559 (411 kW) to 660 (485 kW), while in Newton Meters – from 650 (480 lb-ft) to 780 (575 lb-ft). This basically means that the maximum speed has also been enhanced and now this Vilner Bentley Continental GT offers its driver 325 km/h instead of stock’s 318 km/h.

May 30, 2013

2014 BMW X5 – The 3rd Generation SAV

BMW has announced the 3^rd generation of X5. The all-new 2014 BMW X5 boasts powerful design, luxurious spaciousness, cutting-edge versatility and efficient driving pleasure.

The exterior boasts powerful, alert front-end look, with twin circular headlight units extending into the BMW kidney grille. The twin circular headlight units extend into the BMW kidney grille and the car’s aerodynamic properties are integrated harmoniously into its overall design language, including Air Curtains, Air Breathers and Aero Blades for the rear window.

Owners can specify new Design Pure Experience and Design Pure Excellence design worlds and M Sport package; exterior and interior features can be ordered in almost any combination.

The interior has increased spaciousness, clarity and luxurious ambience. The seating position is raised and the low-set instrument panel with horizontal lines extends into the door trim and additional trim surface. The rear seat can be split/folded (40:20:40) and the boot capacity is between 650 and whopping 1,870 litres. Automatic tailgate operation is standard, while the rear comfort seats and an additional third row of seats are both available as options.

Commitment to reducing fuel consumption and emissions through weight minimisation, optimised air guidance, engine technology and the standard-fitted – and extremely efficient – 8-speed automatic gearbox with additional BMW EfficientDynamics technology; Auto Start Stop function, ECO PRO mode including coasting function and Proactive Driving Assistant also offered; all models already have the EU6 rating.

Standard BMW xDrive all-wheel-drive system (excl. BMW X5 sDrive25d), also available with Dynamic Performance Control as part of the Dynamic and Professional adaptive suspension packages; xDrive status display makes its debut.

Check out the engine range below!

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gdkh5vgckyM

BMW X5 xDrive50i: V8 petrol engine with BMW TwinPower Turbo technology (two turbochargers, direct injection, VALVETRONIC),
Capacity: 4,395 cc, output: 330 kW/450 hp at 5,500 rpm,
max. torque: 650 Nm (479 lb-ft) at 2,000 – 4,500 rpm.
Acceleration [0 – 100 km/h (62 mph)]: 5.0 seconds,
top speed: 250 km/h (155 mph).
Average fuel consumption according to EU standard:
10.4 – 10.5 litres/100 kilometres (27.2 – 26.9 mpg imp),
CO2 emissions according to EU standard: 242 – 244 g/km (figures depend on the tyre format specified), exhaust standard: EU6.

BMW X5 xDrive30d: Six-cylinder in-line diesel engine with
BMW TwinPower Turbo technology (turbocharger with variable inlet geometry, common rail direct injection),
Capacity: 2,993 cc, output: 190 kW/258 hp at 4,000 rpm, max. torque: 560 Nm (413 lb-ft) at 1,500 – 3,000 rpm.
Acceleration [0 – 100 km/h (62 mph)]: 6.9 seconds,
top speed: 230 km/h (143 mph).
Average fuel consumption according to EU standard: 6.2 litres/100 kilometres (45.6 mpg imp),
CO2 emissions according to EU standard: 162 – 164 g/km (figures depend on the tyre format specified), exhaust standard: EU6.

BMW X5 M50d: Six-cylinder in-line diesel engine with M Performance TwinPower Turbo technology (three turbochargers, high-pressure, with variable turbine geometry), common rail direct injection with piezo injectors, maximum injection pressure 2,200 bar).
Capacity: 2,993 cc, output: 280 kW/381 hp at 4,000 – 4,400 rpm,
max. torque: 740 Nm (546 lb-ft) at 2,000 – 3,000 rpm.
Acceleration [0 – 100 km/h (62 mph)]: 5.3 seconds,
top speed: 250 km/h (155 mph).
Average fuel consumption according to EU standard: 6.7 litres/100 kilometres (42.2 mpg imp),
CO2 emissions according to EU standard: 177 g/km, exhaust standard: EU6.

Source: BMW

May 30, 2013

Euro NCAP – 2013 Dacia Sandero – Four Stars

The 2^nd generation of Dacia Sandero (the 2013 model) has received a four-star safety rating from Euro NCAP. Actually, the result is not bad at all considering the low price of the hatchback.

2013 Dacia Sandero received 80% rating for adult occupants and 79% for child occupants. The car has bad score in pedestrian protection – just 57%. Due to the absence of a rear seatbelt reminder and electronic speed limiter, the Romanian hatchback was given even worse score – 55% rating for safety assistance.

Although the new Sandero has one star more compared to its predecessor, it is still way behind the new Clio, which received full five-star rating from Euro NCAP. It provided 88% adult protection and a 99% for its safety assistance systems.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Asusu4cXcE

Source: Euro NCAP

May 30, 2013

2014 Ford Fiesta ST – 6.7 liters / 100 km

The 2014 Ford Fiesta ST made its official US debut at end of last year at the LA Auto Show. The small hot hatchback is able to return 35 mpg on highway (6.7 liters per 100 km).

The Blue Oval company has officially confirmed the figures for the 2014 Fiesta ST US. The hot hatchback is able to return 26 mpg in city / 35 mpg highway and 29 mpg in the combined cycle. The 1.6 liter turbocharged EcoBoost engine has 197HP (147 kW) and 290Nm (214 lb-ft) of torque.

It rolls 17” alloy wheels and comes with additional equipment like a lip spoiler, different front grille as well as chin spoiler. There are also a rear diffuser and a dual exhaust system. The stance and handling are improved thanks to 15 mm lowering (compared to standard model).

Source: Ford

May 30, 2013

2014 Cevrolet Corvette Stingray Rated At 460 Horsepower

The latest SAE certifications have confirmed that the 2014 Corvette Stingray has the most powerful standard engine ever. Namely, the new LT1 6.2L V-8 engine has been rated officially at 460 horsepower (343 kW) at 6,000 rpm and 465 lb-ft of torque (630 Nm) at 4,600 rpm, with the available performance exhaust system.

The Stingray is SAE-certified at 455 horsepower (339 kW) and 460 lb-ft (624 Nm) with the standard exhaust system. These numbers signify that the particular Corvette model has the highest standard power ratings ever. In addition the efficiency that it shows is expected to exceed 26 mpg on the highway.

Therefore, drivers can expect to experience even greater acceleration because the power and torque of the unit surpass many other engines offered on the market. As a matter of fact, at 74 horsepower per liter, the LT1 offers greater power density than the C6 Corvette’s LS3 6.2L engine and even the C6 Z06’s racing-derived 7.0L LS7.

In addition, it also generates torque up to 4,700 with 316 lb-ft available at only 1,000 rpm and 90 percent of peak torque available from 3,000 rpm to 5,500 rpm. This of course results in nothing else but outstanding acceleration at all speeds.

What is more, the official results show that the Chevrolet can sprint form standstill to 100 km/h in less than four seconds. The high power density and efficiency of the engine are due to several advanced technologies such as direct injection, Active Fuel Management and continuously variable valve timing.

First of all, the direct injection is the main reason for unit’s combustion efficiency. It also ensures that there is a complete burn of the fuel in the air-fuel mixture which is achieved by precisely controlling the mixture motion and fuel injection spray pattern. The same technology also keeps the combustion chamber cooler resulting in higher compression ratio and reduced emissions.

Secondly, the Active Fuel Management is a synonym of cylinder deactivation. It is the first-ever application which helps save fuel by shutting down half of the engine’s cylinders in light-load driving. Thirdly, the continuously variable valve timing is now upgraded and it support the LT1 AFM and direct injection systems. The effect is additional enhancement of the performance, efficiency and emissions.

These three technologies on other hand support the new advanced combustion system. The latter includes new cylinder-head and sculpted piston design, which in turn contributes towards high-compression.

It is also important to mention the other engine features include that play their part here. These are the advanced oiling system with oil-spray piston cooling and available dry-sump oiling, engine-mounted camshaft-driven fuel pump, intake manifold with “runners in a box” design, four-into-one exhaust manifolds based on the design of the LS7 engine, Small Block legacy.

2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Coupe will be available at dealerships this autumn while its Convertible sibling – by the end of the year.

Source: Chevrolet

May 30, 2013

Audi A1 Quattro – XCAR [video]

Audi A1 Quattro has been tested by XCAR.

The A1 Quattro is powered by a direct-injected, turbocharged 2.0 litre four-cylinder petrol with 265HP (195 kW) at 6000RPM and 350Nm (258 lb-ft) of torque from 2500RPM. 0-100 km/h in 5.7 seconds and a top speed of 245 km/h (152 mph). The A1 Quattro is able to return 33.2mpg (combined cycle). The engine is mated to a quick-shifting 6-speed manual transmission.

The electronic stability program (ESP) also includes a sport mode which sets a higher threshold for intervention, and can be switched off entirely for track use.

The chassis of the Audi A1 quattro has been adapted to suit the dynamics of the drivetrain, and the multi-plate clutch has also been positioned on the rear axle in the interest of optimum weight distribution.

The exterior is finished in Glacier White metallic with a high-gloss black roof. It also boasts 18” turbine alloy wheels, redesigned bumpers, grille, red painted ‘wings’ within the headlights, a large two-colour rear spoiler and two 100 mm polished exhaust tailpipes.

A1 Quattro also has tinted LED rear lights, tinted rear windows and a contrasting black colouring for the rear hatch and rear diffuser.

The hot hatchback is limited to just 333 units.
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jmrvFPFrdJA

Source: XCAR

May 30, 2013

ROUSH Ford Focus ST Gets Upgraded [VIDEO]

ROUSH Performance has just announced that it is going to offer the Ford Focus and Focus ST models an enhanced upgrade program via exclusive components. The transformation began with the powertrain and continued through the cold air intakes and exhausts.

To be more precise the additional equipment offered by ROUSH for the 2013 Ford Focus ST is the following: ROUSH Focus ST Cold Air Inztake Kit, ROUSH Focus ST Cat-Back High, Performance Exhaust System and the undergoing development PCM calibration upgrades, suspension components, wheel and tire packages as well as interior and exterior accessories.

On the other hand the Focus-es produced between 2012-2013 can be equipped with ROUSH Focus (Non-ST) Cold Air Intake Kit. They can also get the PCM calibration upgrades, suspension elements, new wheels and tires as well as additional interior and exterior features.

In the video below you can see and hear the new exhaust that the tuners have given to the Focus ST.

httpv://youtu.be/KHG4oSkhqi0

Video Source: YouTube

Source: ROUSH Performance

May 30, 2013

2013 Vauxhall Mokka 1.4 litre Turbo – UK Price £16,719

Vauxhall has announced a new model in Mokka’s range. The 1.4 liter Turbocharged petrol engine is now available to order in front-wheel drive, after being only initially available as an all-wheel drive manual.

The engine has 140HP (103 kW), which is enough to accelerate 0-100 km/h in 9.9 seconds and a top speed of 193 km/h (120 mph). The small car returns up to 47.9 mpg on combined cycle with 139 g/km CO2. The engine is mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox (optional automatic is available) and Start/Stop function.

The interior boasts state-of-the-art infotainment systems CD 600 and Navi 950. Intuitive and easy-to-use, the new systems feature a high-resolution, 7” colour display, where the image from the optional rear camera is also displayed. Bluetooth connectivity for both mobile and audio streaming is also available. The Navi 950 comes standard with comprehensive Europe-wide mapping and can be updated by simple download via the USB port. The Navi 950’s premium Bose sound system provides punchy, clear and robust audio with six loudspeakers, a subwoofer and digital amplifier.

Also new to the Mokka range is a new, bold and eye-catching Orange Rock metallic exterior paint colour and optional 19-inch five-spoke alloy wheels.

Prices for the new Mokka front-wheel drive model with the 1.4-litre Turbo petrol engine start at £16,719.

Source: Vauxhall

May 30, 2013

Category: Auto News