Auto News – Page 687 – Automobiles Review

2013 Dodge Dart Special Edition Package Adds More Exclusiveness

2013 Dodge Dart Special Edition has jut been released and will offer two new packages, available on SXT and Limited models. They will combine features and content exclusive to the segment.

A lot of innovative technologies will be included in these special edition Dodge models as well as safety features and clever functionality. In other words, high priority comes for the personalization, roominess, style, functionality and fun-to-drive characteristics of the models.

In particular, the Dodge Dart SXT Special Edition includes all the standard equipment on the SXT model. It will be powered by the 2.0-liter 160 horsepower (118 kW) Tigershark 4-cylinder engine. The model includes power windows, power locks, remote keyless entry, power mirrors, air conditioning, 60/40 split folding rear seat, four-wheel independent suspension, 17-inch aluminum wheels, 10 standard airbags.

To the afore mentioned characteristics, the Special Edition package gives the vehicle black crosshair grille, dark tinted projector headlamps, projector fog lamps, LED racetrack tail lamps, integrated dual exhaust, Uconnect Voice Command with Bluetooth, leather-wrapped steering wheel, cruise control, steering-wheel mounted audio controls, front-passenger seat in-seat storage, remote start (with automatic transmission), USB port, rearview auto-dimming mirror with microphone, overhead console with sunglass holder, 12-volt auxiliary power outlet, trip computer, vehicle information center, tire pressure monitoring display, active grille shutters and underbody aerodynamic treatment.

On the other hand, to the latter package can be added the “Rallye Appearance Group” one. It features one-of-a-kind black front fascia, Rallye badge and class-exclusive 17-inch Hyper Black aluminum wheels.

To go further into details, the 2013 Dodge Dart Limited offers to its customers a wide range of standard equipment that adds to the standard one of the SXT model the following: unique bright grille, bright door handles, projector fog lamps, power heated mirrors with supplemental signals and courtesy lamps, 8.4-inch Uconnect touch screen, Floating Island Bezel, ParkView rear back-up camera, 7-inch full-color TFT (Thin Film Transistor) LED reconfigurable instrument cluster display.

Also there are present the premium door trim panel with soft-touch upper surfaces, leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio control and speed control, accent stitching on the instrument panel, power 10-way driver’s seat, including power lumbar support, driver and front passenger seatback pockets, overhead console with sunglass holder, front passenger in-seat storage, illuminated front cupholders, illuminated vanity mirrors, temperature and compass gauge, 12-volt auxiliary power outlet in console, speed sensitive power locks, power front windows with one-touch up/down, ambient LED interior lighting, automatic headlamps, active grille shutters, underbody aerodynamic treatment, tire pressure monitoring display and Limited badge.

What is important to mention is that the Dart Limited Special Edition package will contribute to the exclusiveness of this car by adding even more premium luxury features such as premium Nappa Leather seats, heated front seats, heated steering wheel, power sunroof, racetrack LED taillamps, Sirius/XM Satellite radio, Sirius/XM Travel Link, Uconnect 8.4-inch touch screen with Garmin navigation, dual-zone automatic temperature control, remote start and universal garage door opener.

The starting price of the 2013 Dodge Dart Special Edition is estimated at $18 590.

Source: Dodge

May 16, 2013

Heico Sportiv Volvo V40 Pirelli

Heico Sportiv has presented their latest project based on the Volvo V40 T3. The name of the project is V40 Pirelli, because of the tire manufacturer’s anniversary.

Volvo V40 T3 Pirelli is powered by a 1.6-liter turbocharged engine with 200HP (147 kW) and 300Nm (221 lb-ft) of torque. This is an increase of 50HP and 60Nm. 0-100 km/h in 7.9 seconds, which is 0.9 seconds faster than the stock model. The top speed is now 230 km/h (143 mph), which is 20 km/h more than original.

Other highlights of Heico Sportiv V40 Pirelli include 8J x 19” VOLUTION VII alloy wheels fitted with 235/35 R19 Pirelli PZero tires. There is also a lowered sports suspension (-30 mm) and a custom body kit with a bi-part front spoiler and a diffuser-look rear skirt. There is also a black and red theme for the exterior, which is continued inside the cabin – velour floor mats with embossed tire-tread profiles.

Source: Heico Sportiv

May 15, 2013

Carlsson Аlloy Wheels for Smart ForTwo Mercedes ML and GL

Carlsson now offers distinctive alloy wheels for the Daimler Group vehicle range including Smart ForTwo, Mercedes ML and GL models.

The elegant Carlsson 1/5 Revo II DE (Diamond Edition), with its shiny titanium silver machined finish, has been on the market for some time in 20 form. Carlsson now presents a 22 version of this design for the latest ML (W166) and GL (X166) models.

For the ML, the 10.0J x 22 ET55 wheels fitted with 285/30 R22 or 295/30 R22 tyres are offered. The larger and heavier GL uses the same size of wheel, but with an ET50 offset, and 295/35 R22 or 305/35 R22 tyres. Appropriate offsets are offered for the AMG versions of these Mercedes SUVs.

The tuning company also offers a titanium silver version of their 1/6 Revo TE (Titanium Edition) wheel in 6.5J x 17 inch ET29, (front) and 7.5J x 17 ET30 (rear) sizes for the 451 generation Smart ForTwo.

Source: Carlsson

May 15, 2013

2014 Cadillac XTS V6 3.6 liter Twin-Turbo – 410HP and 500Nm

The 2014 Cadillac XTS is now offered with a powerful 3.6 liter V6 twin-turbocharged petrol engine.

It is coming from the mighty CTS, but slightly underpowered (10HP and 82Nm) or in other words 410HP (306 kW) and 500Nm (369 lb-ft) of torque. The 2014 XTS fitted with this engine comes with a slightly different front grille and a badge on the lid.

Other highlights include automatic parking assist and electric power steering for the FWD models. There is also a passenger seat with memory, Intellibeam headlights, revised rear-seat armrest and a sunroof sunshade.

XTS is the only luxury sedan with standard Magnetic Ride Control – the world’s fastest-reacting suspension – while the advanced all-wheel-drive system uses Haldex technology with an electronic limited-slip differential to transfer power front-to-back, and side-to-side, along the rear axle. It is available on all three collections.

The twin-turbo engine is a comprehensive upgrade on the 60-degree, 3.6L DOHC V-6 that is offered as the standard engine in the XTS. However, almost every component is unique. New features include:
– All-new cylinder block casting
– Strengthened connecting rods
– Machined, domed aluminum pistons with top steel ring carrier for greater strength
– 10.2:1 compression ratio
– Patented, integrated charge air cooler system with low-volume air ducts
– Two turbochargers produce more than 12 pounds of boost (80 kPa)
– Vacuum-actuated wastegates with electronic control valves
– All-new direct injection fuel system
– Tuned air inlet and outlet resonators, aluminum cam covers and other features that contribute to exceptional quietness and smoothness.

The cylinder heads are also unique to the Cadillac Twin-Turbo. They feature a high-tumble intake port design that enhances the motion of the air charge for a more-efficient burn when it is mixed with the direct-injected fuel and ignited in the combustion chamber.

Source: GMC

May 15, 2013

2013 Peugeot 2008 Crossover – UK Price £12,995

Peugeot has announced the pricing for the all-new 2008 Crossover. The car is now available to order from £12,995 OTR.

The 2008 Crossover offers the perfect blend of contemporary styling, efficient low CO₂ engines, class leading technology and a versatile cabin design, making it an exciting addition to the wide choice of models in the latest Peugeot range.

The 2008 Crossover range consists of four trim levels: Access+, Active, Allure & Feline. Building on a product positioning strategy introduced with the 208, the 2008 Crossover has competitive and progressive pricing, with less than a £1,000 walk from an equivalent trim level 208 version, coupled with high levels of specification, offering the customer great value and choice throughout the range.

The new 2008 Crossover also sees the introduction, as standard, of Grip Control on Allure and Feline models. This system is patented by the PSA Group and optimises traction in poor conditions, along with ‘Mud & Snow’ tyres.

With four badge levels, six engine choices, six alloy wheel designs, seven trim environments, eight colours and 18 options to choose from.

Check out the specs below!

Peugeot 2008

‘Access+’ model (standard features on all Peugeot 2008 models)

£12,995 – £14,295

Petrol 1.2 VTi 82 or Diesel 1.4 HDi 70

Exterior features
– Rear lamps featuring ‘claw effect’ LED’s
– LED Daytime running lights
– Colour coded door mirrors and door handles
– Roof bars

Interior features
– 2/3 / 1/3 rear bench seat with one touch fold
– Aviation style handbrake

Comfort and convenience
– Electric front windows, ‘one touch’ for driver
– Remote controlled central locking
– Cruise control with speed limiter
– Electrically operated and heated door mirrors
– Height and reach adjustable steering wheel
– Driver’s seat height adjustment

In-car entertainment
– Radio / CD player with steering column mounted controls
– 3.5mm Jack for external audio device

Heating and ventilation – Manual air conditioning with refrigerated glove box

Safety and security

– Anti-Lock Braking (ABS)
– Electronic Stability Programme (ESP)
– 6 x airbags (front driver & passenger, side airbags and curtain airbags)

Interior Trim – Berlin black trim

Active model (additional to ‘Access’ model specification)

£13,895 – £16,445

Petrol 1.2 VTi 82, 1.6 VTi 120 or Diesel 1.4 HDi 70, 1.6 e-HDi 92 Stop & Start Man / EGC

Exterior features
– Front fog lights
– 16″ ‘Hydre’ alloy wheels

Interior features – Leather steering wheel

In-car entertainment

– Multifunction colour Touchscreen
– USB input for external audio device
– Bluetooth connectivity
– DAB Digital radio

Interior Trim – Tokyo black trim

‘Allure’ model (additional to ‘Active’ model specification)

£14,995 – £17,695

Petrol 1.2 VTi 82, 1.6 VTi 120 or Diesel 1.6 e-HDi 92 (92 EGC) / 115 Stop & Start Manual

Exterior features
– 16″ ‘Hydre’ alloy wheels
– Directional front fog lights
– Chrome door mirrors
– Rear parking aid
– Dark tinted rear windows
– Stainless steel front and rear scuff plates

Interior features
– LED instrument dial surround
– LED Track – Laser cut headligning with backlighting
– Leather steering wheel & gearknob

Comfort and convenience
– Visibility pack (auto headlights, windscreen wipers & electrochrome rear view mirror)
– Front and rear electric windows, ‘one touch’ for all
– Electric, heated and folding door mirrors
– Passenger seat height adjustment

Heating and ventilation
– Automatic dual zone air conditioning

Safety and security
– Grip control (according to engine)

Interior Trim – Oxford black or Beijing bronze premium trim

Feline model (additional to ‘Allure’ model specification)

£17,450 – £19,195

Petrol 1.6 VTi 120 or Diesel 1.6 e-HDi 92 / 115 Stop & Start Manual

Exterior features
– 17″ ‘Eridan’ alloy wheels

Interior features
– Cielo panoramic glass roof with electric blind and ambient lighting
– Aluminium pedals and door sills

In-car entertainment
– Satellite navigation
– 2nd USB input

Safety and security – Alarm

Interior Trim
– Panama premium trim – Calima Ambience
– Midnight black leather trim – Mistral Ambience

Source: Peugeot

May 15, 2013

Mercedes-Benz Reveals The Interior of 2014 S-Class

2014 Mercedes-Benz S-Class has been finally and officially revealed today. Two weeks ago a leak image has been introduced and showed the exclusivity of the model. Now, the pictures released from the luxury brand are mainly of the interior which offers more than ecstatic experience.

A number of new features specifically related to comfort and safety are to be found in the new S-Class. The interior design is the embodiment of a classic, serene and yet ultra-modern luxury sedan. It combines driving pleasure, spatial and operating comfort at the highest level.

The materials used here are wood trim, which is to be found on the dashboard and centre console, and metallised switch surfaces with pearl-effect paint finishes in three colour shades In addition, the design and exclusivity of the seats, door panels and all controls are to the same, high standard as the front.

The traditional instrument cluster is replaced by a radically redesigned display that extends in front of the driver. It offers numerous of functions and appears to be free-floating. Additionally, two high-resolution colour displays serve as the new information centre in the S-Class.

On the other hand, Mercedes-Benz has raised the seating and climatic comfort in the S-Class to a new level. There is a choice of five different rear seat variants including an Executive seat with a backrest angle. In fact the seating and climatic control is additionally enhanced via a wide range of features such as massage function with 14 separately actuated air cushions in the backrest.

For the first time the brand has included reversing fans in order to active the seat ventilation system. In this way, the rotational direction of the fan, and the airflow within the seat structure, can be reversed. Another world first is the optional heated armrests and door centre panels in the front and rear. There is also optional heated steering wheel and particularly fast-responding seat heating Plus.

What is ore to be highlight are three new features which enhance the safety in the rear: in the belt buckle feeder an electric motor automatically raises and lowers the buckle. The beltbag is an inflatable seat-belt strap that minimizes the risk of injury to passengers in the rear in a head-on collision by lessening the strain on the ribcage. The reclining seat is fitted with a cushionbag as standard. This prevents the occupant from sliding under the belt in the event of an accident.

Another world first is the “active perfuming system” included here which is part of the AIR BALANCE package. The same package includes an enhanced filtering of the outside air fed into the vehicle interior by the climate control system, and of the air recirculating in the interior in air recirculation mode.

The new 2014 S-Class will offer to its occupants unique multimedia experience. The multimedia generation includes intuitive operation. The multi-user system allows independent access to the media sources of the entertainment system from any seat. For instance, the driver control function, which is able to route any audio or video source to the display and headset of any passenger.

In addition, the S-Class is the first sedan car to include Frontbass system as standard. What’s left to be mentioned is the centrepiece of the new COMAND Online system which is the Intel Atom. The latter is a processor whose performance fully equals that of components in the latest laptops.

Source: Mercedes-Benz

May 15, 2013

2014 BMW 3-Series F30 335i Performance Edition

BMW Canada will offer 3-Series F30 335i and 335i xDrive Performance Editions. The two limited series models will be available only this summer (July and August).

Both come with the ///M Performance Power Kit and M Performance Exhaust. This means that the 3.0 liter twin-turbocharged petrol with deliver 326HP (240 kW) and 449Nm (332 lb-ft) of torque. 0-100 km/h in 4.9 seconds and a top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph).

Other highlights include a set of 20” alloy wheels fitted with ultra-low profile tires and the full ///M Performance Aerodynamics package. Two Individual colors are available without additional cost: Valencia Orange and Laguna Seca Blue. However, you can leave the sports car in either Glacier Silver or Black Sapphire.

The interior boasts Coral Red Leather or Black Leather and nice Piano Black BMW Individual trim.

The 2014 F30 335i is priced from 63,300 CAD (6-speed manual or 8-speed ZF automatic) and the 2014 F30 335i xDrive costs 65,900 CAD.

Source: BMW

May 15, 2013

2013 Porsche 918 Spyder Prototype Enters Production

2013 Porsche 918 Spyder is on the road is already planned for production which will start at the end of September this year. The first deliveries are to be in the end of the year. In fact, the camouflage of the vehicle harks back to historical Porsche 917 racing cars.

The focus here is put on the interplay between the highly sophisticated individual drive components. Furthermore, the models will include the powerful combination between a combustion engine and two independent electric motors.

One of the latter is positioned on the front axle and one in the drive line, acting on the rear wheels. In addition, there was also done a development of the software especially because of the engines. The result is extreme driving fun and one-of-a kind combination of minimal fuel consumption and maximum performance.

2013 Porsche 918 Spyder Prototype is designed as a plug-in hybrid car because of the mixture of high-performance combustion engine and cutting-edge electric motors. The extraordinary performance delivered is estimated at 770 hp (566 kW), while the fuel economy is around three litres per 100 kilometres.

Furthermore, this Porsche’s construction features also full carbon fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) monocoque with unit carrier, fully adaptive aerodynamics, adaptive rear-axle steering and the upward-venting “top pipes” exhaust system. In fact, the 918 Spyder is offering a glimpse of what Porsche Intelligent Performance may be capable of in future.

Source: Porsche

May 15, 2013

TEASED: BMW Gran Lusso Coupé Pininfarina Concept

At the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este 2013 has happened something exceptional. BMW Group announced their collaboration with Pininfarina marked with the concept car BMW Pininfarina Gran Lusso Coupé, which will have its official reveal on 24th of May.

This car is the embodiment of sheer elegance. The design of the car is fresh and innovative and exudes pure creative impulses. Pininfarina design team contributed to the professionals at BMW with new ideas that eventually lead to a new automotive personality.

In fact, this car is typically a BMW but bears the refined imprint of Pininfarina – in short it offers elegance and exclusivity. What we are to expect of this model is the Italian design finesse. In fact, it offers generous surface design and taut contours that further highlight the elegance of the vehicle’s body.

On the other hand, BMW Gran Lusso Coupé Pininfarina Concept has the emblematic BMW proportions. This means that it offers a long wheelbase, stretched bonnet, short overhangs and a set-back greenhouse with smoothly sloping roofline. The end effect is that the aggressive stance and the authoritative dynamics of the car are further accentuated.

More importantly, both brands announced that they are going to equip this concept model with a V12 engine. Additional details will be announced near the official launch in only les than ten days. On the other hand, the interior of the car offers a blend of contemporary elegance and luxury, comfort and sportiness. The fluid geometry of the cabin and the classical BMW driver focus are lent a thoroughly new touch through the influence of Pininfarina.

Source: Pininfarina

May 15, 2013

North American Debut For 2014 Kia Cadenza K7

2014 Kia Cadenza K7 premium sedan has just been unveiled and it is the most technologically-advanced vehicle the brand has ever produced for the North American market. The model adds to the lineup of Kia vehicles with exclusive list of premium standard and optional equipment. 2014 Cadenza is expected to be at showrooms in the second quarter of this year.

The new model has a distinctive front fascia and swept C-pillars. Under its hood hides company’s most powerful V6 unit that delivers excitement during driving. The interior of the car includes premium features and is perfect for five persons where they can share the luxurious feel.

To go further into details, some of the standard features included in the Cadenza are the following: advanced navigation system with SiriusXM Traffic™ and UVO eServices, high resolution 8-inch touch screen, standard back-up camera and warning system, premium 550-watt Infinity® 12-speaker audio system, standard leather seat trim, dual-zone automatic climate control with rear seat ventilation, Smart Key keyless entry with push-button start, 10-way power adjustable driver’s seat and Bluetooth® wireless technology.

In addition, there are also two optional packages that are currently being offered: The Premium Package and the Technology Package. The first one features full-length panoramic sunroof with power retractable sunshade, HID headlamps with adaptive front lighting system (AFLS), 7-inch TFT LCD instrument cluster, premium Nappa leather seats, a memory enabled 12-way ventilated driver’s seat with seat cushion extension for unsurpassed comfort, heated front and rear outboard seats, heated steering wheel with power tilt and telescoping steering column power rear sunshade.

The Technology Package on the other hand adds sleek 19-inch alloy wheels, electric parking brake and Advanced Smart Cruise Control (ASCC), water repellant hydrophobic windshield, radar-based Blind Spot Detection system (BSD), Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS).

The striking design of the new Kia Cadenza includes aggressive “Tiger Nose” front fascia, quad headlights flanking the grille. The lower fascia is wide and features chrome trim accents around the fog lights and grille. Of course, there are also included LED positioning lights and optional HID headlights.

The car has a long hood with is sculpted in such way that it meets the swept-back windshield. Classic chrome accents can be also seen at the lower portions of the doors as well as the rear fascia. This new Kia model runs on 19-inch alloy wheels when offered with the Technology Package.

Stepping further to the rear of the car, it includes standard LED taillights which are designed to cut across a large portion of the vehicle. The effect is that the vehicle appears to have a broader stance. The twin oval tail pipes accentuate the Cadenza’s sporty and elegant design.

How about the interior? Of course, the interior received a luxury treatment. First to be mentioned are the soft leather upholstery and tasteful accents of wood and chrome. Secondly, there are featured an ambient lighting and horizontally positioned switch gear.

An analog clock positioned between the center stack buttons leads to a more classical design approach. In addition, the center console is angled toward the driver for optimized control, and the large seven-inch high-resolution TFT LCD screen. As a standard there are also included Bluetooth, wood-trim door inserts, one-touch automatic up/down power front windows and power-folding heated outside mirrors with integrated turn signal indicators.

More importantly however is what is positioned under the hood of this premium vehicle. Namely – Kia’s most powerful V6 engine. The smooth-revving 3.3-liter uses gasoline direct injection (GDI) technology that enhances the performance and at the same time offers fantastic fuel efficiency.

The GDI powerplant generates 293 horsepower (215 kW) at 6,400 rpm and 345 Nm (255 lb.-ft.) of torque at 5,200 rpm. The advanced all-aluminum engine includes dual continuously variable valve timing for enhanced fuel economy and performance, a maintenance-free timing chain, a three-step variable induction system for enhanced torque, and is designed to run on regular unleaded gasoline.

This amount of power is transferred to the front wheels via a six-speed automatic transmission that features a Sportmatic manual shift mode and paddle shifters flanking the leather and wood-wrapped steering wheel.

As a standard the Cadenza comes with sport-tuned fully independent suspension with a McPherson strut setup in front and a multilink rear design. In addition, it rides on standard 245/45R-18 tires. The afore mentioned 245/40R-19 tires are included with the Technology Package.

Source: Kia

May 15, 2013

BMW F10 M5 sets Guiness World Drift Record – 82.5 km

BMW M5 F10 Saloon managed to set Guiness World Record for longest sustained drift at the BMW Performance Center near Greenville, South Carolina on Saturday, May 11, 2013.

Behind the steering wheel was Johan Schwartz – Instructor at BMW Performance Center. The record-breaking attempt generated over $20,000 in charitable donations benefitting The BMW Charity Pro-Am.

The BMW M5 F10 covered 51.278 miles (82.5 km), which is a total of 322.5 laps around the 841-foot Performance Center skid pad.

The M-DCT transmission-equipped 2013 BMW M5 Sedan was an unmodified car from the BMW Performance Center school fleet which began the record attempt with a fresh set of Continental ContiSport ultra-high performance tires – sizes 255/30/20 front and 295/30/20 rear.

The M5 F10 is powered by a 4.4-liter V8 with 560PS (412 kW) at 5750RPM and 680Nm(502 lb-ft) at just 1500RPM. The engine has M TwinPower Turbo technology, twin-scroll turbochargers, high-precision direct fuel injection, VALVETRONIC variable valve control and a cross-bank exhaust manifold meaning an acceleration to 100 km/h in just 4.4 seconds, to 200 km/h in 13 seconds and top speed of 250 km/h (limited).

Source: BMW

May 14, 2013

Holden Special Vehicles Gen F – 585HP and 740Nm

Holden Special Vehicles (HSV) has announced the new Gen F line-up. It includes five different cars including the Maloo, Clubsport and Clubsport Tourer, Senator Signature and range-topping GTS.

The Gen F Series boasts an aggressive body kit, LED DRLs, ventilated front fenders and a four-tailpipe sports exhaust system. The GTS comes with new front and rear bumpers, a larger spoiler and a set of black alloy wheels fitted with low-profile tires.

The interior also has some sporty features – new seats, a flat-bottomed steering wheel and auxiliary gauges. There is also a carbon fiber trim, some gloss black accents and a set of alloy pedals.

HSV Gen F GTS is powered by a supercharged 6.2-liter LSA V8 engine with 585 HP (430 kW) and 740 Nm (546 lb-ft) of torque.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pThVsRJ4u9M