Category: Auto News

Auto news – automobile industry news. Articles about all the latest car models and concepts. Breaking news, uncovered secrets.

  • Nissan GT-R Conquers a Skislope [VIDEO]

    Nissan GT-R Conquers a SkislopeHave you ever wondered if a Nissan GT-R can conquer a skislope? Well, you haven’t probably haven’t and here’s a video which answers this question. In it you can watch how the Team Icericers and Swedens best Auto-Movie producer Fredrik Jönsson from Redhouse Media gathered together to film this challenge.

    In general, they filmed this footage for two days at the skislope in Kåbdalis. The shooting of the challenge happened between 6 and 9 am, while the rest of the day was spent in filming the beautiful surroundings of northern Sweden.

    In fact, this Nissan model hides under its hood 3.8-litre twin-turbocharged V6 engine, which delivers 550 horsepower (405 kW). And it is no surprise that the GT-R managed exceptional at this challenge because the driver managed to fully realize the power of the torque – which is 632 Nm (466 kW) at 3200 to 5800 rpm.

    httpv://youtu.be/ukPkHuf5BRI

    News and Video Source: YouTube

  • Martini Racing Porsche 911 GT3 Cup

    Martini has announced the new Porsche 911 GT3 Cup Racing. The car will be officially unveiled in Barcelona on May 12th.

    It will compete in the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup and be driven by nine-time world rally champion Sebastien Loeb, who will compete in the first two races, while other driver will take the wheel at a third race in September.

    “From the first day the beloved stripes of Martini Racing decorated a Porsche 906 in 1968, the illustrious pairing has gone on to claim some of motorsport’s most coveted titles, including numerous Le Mans 24 hours titles, during what is now considered to be a classic period of motorsport. We’re excited to be once again partnering with Martini in its 150 anniversary year.”, commented Jonas Krauss, Head of Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup.

    Source: Porsche

  • 2014 Chevrolet Silverado High Country Offers More Luxury

    2014-Chevrolet-Silverado-High-Country-THUMB2014 Chevrolet Silverado High Country is the latest addition to brands range of models that expands the premium pickup segment. It will join the LTZ and Z71 models in the Silverado lineup this fall.

    Silverado High Country is characterized by a unique chrome grille with horizontal chrome bars, halogen projector headlamps and body-color front and rear bumpers, massive 20-inch chrome wheels with P275/55R20 all-season tires, chrome body side moldings, door handles and mirrors.

    On the other hand the interior of the pickup includes an exclusive saddle brown interior. The latter features heated and cooled perforated premium leather front bucket seats with High Country logos on the headrests, Chevrolet MyLink connectivity with an 8-inch touch screen, Bose premium audio and front and rear park assist.

    As a matter of fact, High Country is the top model in the Silverado lineup. It delivers higher level of premium features and materials with a rich, Western themed appearance. On the other hand, the vehicle is a true Chevy truck, and this means that it offers great capability and dependability.

    Furthermore, the standard engine for the Silverado High Country is the 5.3L EcoTec3 V-8 one. It produces 355 horsepower (250 kW), while the fuel economy is estimated up to 23 mpg highway for all 2WD models.

    An optional unit is the all-new 6.2L EcoTec3 V-8 one. Both engines include direct fuel injection, Active Fuel Management and continuously variable valve timing, thus delivering refined power and torque. What is more, both engines seamlessly switch to four-cylinder mode to save fuel during light-load driving.

    Other optional features here include a chrome rear bumper with CornerStep, integrated trailer brake controller, sunroof, navigation, and a rear-seat entertainment system and High Country Premium Package. The latter provides heated steering wheel, driver alert package, adjustable pedals and integrated trailer brake controller.

    Source: Chevrolet

  • 2013 Toyota EV P002 Race Car Ready For Pikes Peak

    Toyota-EV-P002-THUMBToyota sets a goal to improve on last year’s record-breaking electric race car, which will tackle next month’s Pikes Peak International Hill Climb. 2013 Toyota EV P002 Race Car will be more powerful than its predecessor delivering combined maximum power of 544 hp (400kW).

    The peak torque from the advanced electric motors now is 1200 Nm (885 lb-ft) and it is delivered through a single-gear transmission. In addition, the engineers have sharpened the aerodynamics of the radical-based chassis of this race car.

    What is more, this fully electric drivetrain maintains full power even in the thin mountain air.

    The Pikes Peak climb begins at an altitude of 2,862 metres and finishes at 4,300 metres – all of which is now fully paved.

    Toyota utilized off-board battery-to-battery charging technology, including a Schneider Electric EVlink™ DC Charger, to charge the EV P002 from the mountainside, where there is no reliable connection to the power grid.

    Mounted in the rear of a Toyota HiAce, the TMG DC Quick Charger includes a 42 kWh lithium-ion battery, which can be charged directly from the AC power grid. The TMG DC Quick Charger is an independent source of power for rapid recharging in any location, which makes it the perfect solution for electric motorsport.

    The vehicle will be driven this year by New Zealander Rod Millen, who has set multiple records at Pikes Peak and has competed regularly in Toyota machinery.

    Toyota EV P002 Technical Specifications
    Performance
    Top speed 230km/h
    Maximum torque 1200Nm
    Maximum power 400kW
    Maximum revs 6000rpm
    Powertrain
    Electric motor 2 axial flux
    Inverter 2 x TMG inverters
    Gear ratio 2.5
    Transmission Single-reduction gearing
    Battery Lithium ceramic
    Battery capacity 42kWh
    Charging technology Off-board DC charging
    Dimensions
    Length 4.10m
    Height 1.04m
    Width 1.79m
    TMG DC Quick Charger specifications
    AC grid connection / input
    Grid connection 400 V AC CEE 16 A
    Nominal input power 6.6kW
    DC vehicle connection
    Output voltage 400 V DC
    Maximum DC output power 25kW
    Storage
    Battery 42kWh, lithium ion
    General
    Technology p art ner Schneider Electric (EVlink™)
    Operating temperature 0 to 40°C
    Storage temperature -30 to 60°C
    Protection Short-circuit protection, output fuse, over-current and over-voltage protection, under-voltage shutdown

    Source: Toyota

  • Premiere: Volkswagen Design Vision GTI Concept

    Volkswagen-Design-Vision-GTI-THUMBVolkswagen will premiere today its new Design Vision GTI Concept at the annual Wörthersee meeting. The model is based on the seventh-generation Golf GTI, but transfers the design and power potential of the iconic hot hatch to the world of racing.

    Highlights here are the C-pillars and side sills which have been extended out as autonomous body elements. The consequence is that they now allow wider track and larger wheels. In addition, the Design Vision GTI has a long wheelbase and short front overhangs.

    It is 4,253 mm long (15 mm less than the production GTI), 1,385 mm in high (57 mm lower than the road-going car) and 1,870 wide – which shows a 71 mm growth in width. These dimensions are reflected in the car’s wide track: 1,595 mm at the front and 1,579 at the rear.

    The car runs on unique 20-inch wheels and is equipped with ceramic brake discs. Many of the car’s external design features: the honeycomb grille, black, red and white colour scheme and horizontal red line details also contribute towards the sporty stance of the vehicle. However, a particularly striking elemts is the headlamp unit in which the lights are set back as if into the bonnet.

    Under the bonnet, Volkswagen Design Vision GTI Concept is powered by a 3.0-litre V6 TSI engine with direct injection and turbocharger. It generates 503 hp (370 kW) at 6,500 rpm and 560 Nm (413 lb-ft) of torque between 4,000 and 6,000 rpm. This amount of horsepower is channelled via a DSG gearbox to all four wheels. The result is effortless acceleration time from standstill to 62 mph in only 3.9 seconds.

    How about the interior of this concept? Of course, it was designed with the aim of continuation of the sporty theme. It exhibits the minimum number of switches, and those which there are oriented towards the driver for maximum utilization when driving on the track.

    What makes the car even more attractive is the familiar black, red and white color scheme, the touches of carbon and alcantara as well as a door handle in the shape of a red loop. In addition, the back seat space is occupied by an X-shaped cross member, while two black helmets are stored under the cross member.

    At last, a large display on right of the main instruments serves as a display which shows the current circuit and times achieved. The display also communicates with other vehicles and calculates details about the current status of the race in real time.

    Source: Volkswagen

  • Revozport Ferrari F12 Berlinetta

    Revozport has announced their latest tuning project based on the super-fast Ferrari F12 Berlinetta. The name of the project is RZF-12 and it includes only styling modifications.

    The exterior boasts a new carbon front splitter – $2100, a pair of carbon fiber side skirts – $2,900 and a carbon fiber rear spoiler – $1,300. Other highlights includes a carbon fiber fog light cover – $380 and a carbon fiber rear diffuser – $2,900.

    The tuning company also offers a TITAV titanium sports exhaust system – $4,900 and a 7-piece carbon fiber engine cover kit for $6,800.

    The F12 Berlinetta is powered by a 6.3 liter 65° V12 engine 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).

    The curb weight is 1525kg, before new lighter elements.

    Source: Revozport

  • Vilner Bentley Continental GT Teased Again [VIDEO]

    Vilner-BCGT-THUMBAt the end of the last month we were extremely excited to receive the news that the luxury tuning specialists at the Bulgarian company Vilner have a new exciting project. This time they have put all their efforts and attention towards giving an entire make-over to a Bentley Continental GT model.

    Now, just days ahead of the official reveal of the transformed car, they have sent us a video, which shows the creative process in designing this unique project. Of course, you can view the footage below and get inspired.

    What is important to highlight here is that this is Vilner’s first entirely reworked automobile. As a matter of fact, on sound basis of the Continental GT they have created a project that is fully produced in Bulgaria. The information that has been released by this present moment is that the tuning is accomplished in three directions.

    First – the exterior was changed with the aim to bring about more aggressive and unique stance. Second – the car is equipped with entirely new interior. Third – the power output of the car is enhanced.

    httpv://youtu.be/Z_cMytUjf1Y

    Video Source: YouTube

  • McLaren P1 Being Driven In Extremes [VIDEO]

    McLaren_P1_Winter-Testing-THUMBThe video below shows durability and development testing carried out in the extreme conditions of the Arctic Circle. The main star is McLaren P1, which in only few months will have its first deliveries.

    They will be made to only 375 customers, while the development programme for the McLaren P1 continues to gain strength as it nears its end. These tests were made in order to prove that the P1 is the best driver’s car in the world on road and track or frozen lake.

    The durability testing included a trip to the dramatic frozen landscapes of the Arctic Circle, in northern Sweden. There this new McLaren model was put through sever conditions and tested to the extremes.

    Moreover, the testing schedule continues at pace, with XP prototypes running extensively across the globe, working to optimize the groundbreaking systems and technologies.

    The McLaren P1 and its capabilities will be publicly demonstrated in the summer. The supercar will show off its power derived from the mid-mounted 3.8-litre twin-turbo V8 petrol engine and highly effective electric motor which produce 916 hp (674 kW).

    The latest model from McLaren Automotive will also be featured as part of this year’s Goodwood Festival of Speed. The rigorous testing process for the McLaren P1 can be viewed below:

    httpv://youtu.be/Hb_6pNFqqNA


    Video Source: YouTube

    Source: McLaren

  • 2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray To Pace Indy 500

    2014-Chevrolet-Corvette-Stingray-Indi-Pace-Car-THUMBThe seventh-generation 2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray will be the Indianapolis 500 Pace Car. It will lead the field to green at the start of the 97th running of “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing,” on May 26, at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

    As a matter of fact it will be the 12th time the Corvette has served as the Pace Car. The first one was chosen back in 1978. And now 2014 Corvette Stingray is perfect for this role, because its performance was influenced by racing.

    This special Chevy is decked out in Laguna Blue Tintcoat and has on its doors the official Indianapolis 500 graphics. Corvette Stingray Pace Car differs from production models with only track-mandated safety features and strobe lights.

    There were no powertrain modifications needed, thanks to the 6.2L LT1 engine, which includes advanced technologies such as direct fuel injection, continuously variable valve timing and Active Fuel Management. The estimated power produced from the Corvette is 450 hp (330 kW).

    Some of the vehicle e highlights here include the following: the interior offers genuine carbon fiber and aluminum trim, hand-wrapped leather materials, dual eight-inch configurable driver/infotainment screens, and two new seat choices.

    Furthermore, advanced driver technologies are also featured: five-position Drive Mode Selector that tailors 12 vehicle attributes and seven-speed manual transmission with Active Rev Matching. Carbon fiber hood and removable carbon fiber roof panel on coupes, composite fenders, doors and rear quarter panels, carbon-nano composite underbody panels and a new aluminum frame – all help shift weight rearward for an optimal 50/50 weight balance.

    The Corvette Pace Car also features the track-oriented Z51 Performance Package. The latter includes an electronic limited-slip differential, dry-sump oiling system, integral brake, differential and transmission cooling, unique aero package.

    Source: Chevrolet

  • Volkswagen Introduces Scirocco Million

    Volkswagen-Scirocco-Million-THUMBVolkswagen Scirocco Million will mark German brand’s celebration of its Scirocco sports coupe breaking the one million unit production barrier. For this occasion Volkswagen is introducing a special edition version called “Million”.

    The Scirocco Million is going to be sold in Germany and China only and will be available in a special black exterior color. It will be equipped with a range of distinctive styling features, such as R-Line bumpers, R-Line side sills, smoked tail lights, ‘Million’ stickers on the wings and dark tinted rear windows.

    The interior of this special model will include black leather upholstery with orange contrasting stitching. Other accents in orange will be also present as well as “Million” decals on the door sills.

    To go back in history, the first generation Scirocco was launched in 1974. In 1981 was introduced the second generation which remained in production until 1992. By this year, a total of 795 650 were built. In 2008 the third generation Scirocco was born and in just under five years, more than 204 350 fans across the world have purchased one.

    Source: Volkswagen

  • Skoda Rapid SPORT Concept To Debut At Woerthersee

    Skoda-Rapid-Sport-Concept-Car-THUMBAt the GTI Meeting at Wörthersee, Skoda is going to premiere its new Skoda Rapid Sport Concept Car. This is a sporty variant of company’s compact Rapid Sedan. The event will take place from May 8 to May.

    The GTI Meeting is a Mecca for all tuning and motorsports fans, where in fact is the perfect place to make such a premiere of the decidedly dynamic and emotive version of Skoda Rapid. The Czech brand will demonstrate its competence with regard to sporty and motorsport vehicles.

    The new concept will showcase powerful design, inherent possibilities and a lot of sportiness. The vehicle is painted in “Corrida Red” and “Steel Gray” metallic colors and runs on 19” alloy wheels.

    In addition, the car is equipped with spoilers and a powerful air intake in the skirt. Next, it has generously dimensioned fenders and massive rocker panels that additionally emphasize its visual stance.

    What is more, the sportiness is further accentuated by voluminous bumper and two integrated tailpipes at the rear. The rear lights in the ‘C’-shaped design typical for the brand show a contrasting color. A carbon frame completes the bottom section.

    The same sporty layout is continued in the interior through the sport-type steering wheel, Recaro seats and illuminated door sills.

    Rapid Sport Concept retains the compact dimensions (4.48 metres long, 1.70 metres wide) of the production version, and delivers the same outstanding spaciousness and room for five passengers and their luggage. Numerous clever solutions and an extensive safety package are also present.

    Source: Skoda

  • Maserati MC12 Corsa vs Ferrari Enzo ZXX by Edo-Competition

    Ferrari Enzo ZXX by Edo-Competition is powered by a 6.3 litre naturally aspirated V12 with 840HP (618 kW) and 780Nm (575 lb-ft) of torque a t 5,800RPM. 0-100 km/h in 3.2 seconds, 0-200 km/h in 9.0 seconds and 0-300 km/h in 19.0 seconds. The top speed is over 390 km/h (242 mph).

    The MC12 Corsa is less powerful, but still a hyper-car. It has a 6.0 litre V12 with 755 HP (555 kW) at 8,000 RPM and 740Nm (548 lb-ft) of torque at 5,500RPM.

    The cars weren’t push to their limits, because they are simply too laud for the Nurburgring. The MC12 Corsa is able to produce whopping 147 dB and the Enzo ZXX – 142 dB.

    The driver of the MC12 is Patrick Simon, while the Ferrari has been driven by Sabine Schmitz.

    Enjoy the video!

    httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VFVerY8l2Pg

    no images were found

    Source: TouriClips via Youtube