Auto News – Page 694 – Automobiles Review

2013 Maserati GranTurismo MC Trofeo To Compete At Paul Ricard Circuit

The Paul Ricard circuit at Le Castellet, in the South of France, will be the place of the opening round of the 2013 Maserati Trofeo MC World Series. There will be the first round of a series of a global championship, with races to be held in Europe, North America, Asia and the Middle East.

At least 24 Maserati GranTurismo MC Trofeos will be present at the race and they will be driven by champions such as Renaud Kuppens, Alan Simoni-Riccardo Ragazzi pairing, Jonathan Sicart and Ange Barde.

Furthermore, there will be a new race format that will raise the standards and make each round more exciting. For instance, there will be two 30-minute events and a 50 minutes one. Nevertheless, the real change will be the introduction of added time for the quickest drivers.

To be more precise, this means that the top five drivers in the weekend’s first two races are going to compete from 5 to 20 seconds longer, on top of their compulsory 45 seconds, during the endurance race.

The grand prize of the Championship is an exclusive, numbered and name-plated “Maserati 8CTF single speed” bicycle, that has been produced by Montante Cicli in a limited run of 200. It celebrates Wilbur Shaw’s 1939 and 1940 wins in the Indianapolis 500 at the wheel of the Maserati 8CTF.

2013 Maserati GranTurismo MC Trofeo Specifications:

Bodywork

Carbon fibre
Windows
Windscreen, rear and side windows in Lexan

Chassis

Steel with welded integral rollcage structure, FIA approved

Interior

Backward-set driving position, with racing seat, dashboard and console in carbon fibre throughout
6-points seat-belt compatible with HANS protection system

Electrical system

Specific, with data acquisition system integrated in the dashboard

Fuel tank

110 l with a carbon safety frame homologated by the FIA

Brakes

Racing system without ABS, with steel discs
Front disc: 380 mm, rear disc: 326 mm
Front callipers: 6 pistons. Rear callipers: 4 pistons

Wheels

Front: 11”x18”
Rear: 13”x18”

Tyres

Front: 305/660/18
Rear: 325/705/18

Shock absorbers

Racing type, fixed setting with preload adjustment

Dimensions And Weight

Width: 1914 mm
Length: 4935 mm
Height: 1300 mm
Front overhang: 930 mm
Rear overhang: 1064 mm
Wheelbase: 2940 mm
Front track: 1618 mm
Rear Track: 1580 mm
Weight: 1400 Kg
Weight distribution: 51.3% front / 48.7% rear

Engine:

V8
Displacement: 4,691 cc
Power: 488 CV
Ignition: Bosch – digital system

Gearbox

Rear, longitudinal gearbox, with transaxle scheme
6 gears + reverse, syncromesh
Electrohydraulic activation, with F1-type controls

Source: Maserati

April 26, 2013

2014 Cadillac CTS Reveals New Design Approaches

When one looks more deeply at the 2014 Cadillac CTS he or she reveals that some new design approaches have been applied on it. We are speaking here about the new form and function of the headlamps.

The new luxury sport sedan combines light-emitting diode and high intensity discharge lights in order to create a sleeker new “face” for this Cadillac model. In particular, the CTS sedan includes 16 indirect fire LED lights on each headlamp with eight LEDs beginning on the fender of the car and an additional eight LEDs continuing down the front bumper. The eight LED lights on the front bumper also double as a turn indicator.

As a matter of fact, all of these LEDs when combined together operate as a single day-time running lights. The main headlights or the projectors are composed of a single HID element that serves as both low and high beams. In addition, the Active Forward Lighting delivers more clear vision through corners by turning with steering direction.

2014 Cadillac CTS was recently introduced at this year’s New York International Auto Show. The model delivers expanded performance, elevated luxury and sophisticated technology. This is the third-generation CTS. It combines engineering and design solutions from the architecture of the ATS sport sedan and will be the lightest car its class.

Source: Cadillac

April 26, 2013

LUMMA Design Range Rover Sport CLR RS Delivers More On-Road Aggressiveness

LUMMA Design Range Rover Sport CLR RS now has enhanced aggressive stance thanks to the modifications done on it by the designing team. LUMMA‘s latest creation includes redesigned wide-body kit, which was already introduced via the LUMMA CLR components.

The exclusive LUMMA CLR RS offers impressive looks combined with sportiness ad elegance. For instance, the striking front spoiler bumper further accentuates the character of this Range Rover model.

In addition, the double daytime running lights serve as design elements that enhance the sporty look of the vehicle. In the widened fenders on the other hand there are additional air intakes. What is more, the sports front grille is available in visible carbon or painted. The door panels harmonize with the beefy extensions.

When looked at the rear, this model highlights the silhouette of the brand new Range Rover Sport thanks to the massive rear apron bumper including a rear diffuser. Moreover, the LUMMA sport exhaust system delivers a robust sound, while the aerodynamic components like the roof spoiler and rear spoiler lip add to the visual attributes of the automobile.

LUMMA Design Range Rover Sport CLR RS runs on 22 and 23 inches wheels. The complete wheel set with the dimensions 12×22 goes along with 305/35-22 tires, while the wheel set in the dimensions 11×23 is coupled with 305/30-23 tires. At last, the hood is made of full carbon fiber and includes integrated vents.

Source: LUMMA Design

April 26, 2013

Desire: Short Film Featuring Damian Lewis And Jaguar F-Type [VIDEO]

Today was the world premiere of Desire – the anticipated short film by Jaguar, at Sundance London. The film was created in collaboration with Ridley Scott Associates (RSA) and in it stars Damian Lewis, Jordi Mollà and Shannyn Sossamon.

The director of “Desire”, Adam Smith, described the creative project as a true adventure and challenge, where a story of betrayal, retribution, passion and greed is told. The film was shot at Chile’s Atacama desert, which is one of the most beautiful and marvelous places on the planet.

In addition, the award-winning singer-songwriter Lana Del Rey made the title song to the film, called “Burning Desire”, which was officially revealed on Valentine’s Day this year. More importantly, another highlight is the Jaguar F-Type itself, which is equipped with brand’s highly acclaimed 5.0-litre V8 engine.

The latter delivers 495 hp (364 kW) and 625Nm (463 lb-ft) of torque. These numbers result in an effortless acceleration time of 4.3 seconds for the sprit of 0 to 100 km/h on the way to a top speed of 300 km/h (186 mph). As a matter of fact, the F-TYPE is not designed to be like an ordinary sports car. It’s a Jaguar sports car – ultra-precise, powerful, sensual and, most of all, it feels alive.

You can view the short film below:

httpv://youtu.be/41Qztg4EjmM

Video Source: YouTube

Source: Jaguar

April 25, 2013

BMW 6-Series F12 MH6 S Bi-turbo – 700HP and 900Nm

Manhart Racing are famous with their super powerful tuned cars. Again, they proved that the factory’s power coming from BMW M6 F13 is not enough.

The 4.4 liter twin-turbocharged V8 is boosted to whopping 700HP (515 kW) and 900Nm (667 lb-ft) of torque. Performance boost will of course, also include a complete exhaust system including downpipes with sports catalysers and the company’s own end-silencer.

Manhart Racing will combine a coilover kit with forged alloy wheels for the perfect mechanical grip.

The presentation of the first Manhart MH6 S Biturbo is scheduled for the late summer of 2013.

Source: Manhart Racing

April 25, 2013

New Meaning Of Lightweight: Audi TT Ultra Quattro Concept

Audi TT Ultra Quattro Concept is equipped with brand’s latest and most innovative TT 2.0 TFSI which has shed an incredible 300kg and gained a power upgrade to 310 hp (228 kW). The car was developed especially for next month‘s annual gathering of Audi enthusiasts in Wörthersee, Germany. It aims to show how the intelligent mix of materials can result in weight savings.

This Audi concept weighs just 1111 kg, while featuring a potent petrol engine with quattro all-wheel-drive. As stated it generates 310 hp (228 kW) and 400 Nm (295 lb-ft) of torque. The power is transmitted through a six-speed transmission, the result is blistering 4.2-second acceleration time for the sprint from 0 to 100 km/h. The top speed here is 173 mph.

The reduction of weight was achieved via modifications to the crankcase, the crankshaft, the balancer shafts, the flywheel, the sump, the bolts and certain ancillary units in the engine (the result is 25 kg less). In addition, the innovative hybrid body shell already boasts a low body weight of 206 kilograms.

Furthermore, the utilization of carbon fibre-reinforced polymer (CFRP) in the rear end, the centre tunnel, the B-pillars and the roof as well as the magnesium components in the floor and in the hinge reinforcements effect in additional savings.

Another highlight here is the Fibreglass-reinforced polymer (FRP) also replaces more conventional steel for the coil springs in the suspension, helping to further reduce unsprung masses. Other changes in the vehicle have been also made in order to achieve minimum weight. All in all, the overall weight of the car is 300 kilograms lighter compared to the series-production car.

Of course, the exterior of this Audi concept is more than exceptional. Its styling is additionally accentuated through the large spoiler at the front, the base of the rear wing made as a supporting component from milled aluminium, and the wing – made of visible carbon fibre. The exterior color is crystal white and it is complemented by CFRP elements on the roof, the flanks and the tailgate.

On the other hand, the interior includes CFRP on the door trim, the centre console and the cross-bracing that replaces the rear seat bench. The standard front seats are also replaced by fibreglass-reinforced polymer (FRP) bucket seats.

In terms of technology equipment in this model one can find air conditioning, electric window controls, an electromechanical parking brake as well as compact cameras in the doors. Their function is to substitute the exterior mirrors and transfer images into the digital cockpit.

Source: Audi

April 25, 2013

2014 Dodge SRT Viper – 11.1 seconds at 1/4 mile [video]

The new 2014 Dodge SRT Viper is simply astonishing vehicle. The modern muscle car was created not only for straight line driving, but going through corners very fast. Still, we will see the impressive result of SRT Viper at the Palm Beach International Raceway.

During the testing by Drag Times, the sports car managed to stop the clock at 11.1 seconds @ ¼ mile with a terminal speed of 205 km/h (127.4 mph). This result was achieved by using launch control system. 0-100 km/h in just 3.1 seconds and 0-160 km/h in 7.1 seconds, obviously the SRT Viper need just 4 seconds to accelerate from 160 to 200 km/h.

The 2013 Viper SRT is powered by an 8.4 liter naturally aspirated V10 engine producing 640HP (477 kW) and 814Nm (600 lb-ft) of torque. It is connected to a 6-speed manual gearbox. The curb weight of the vehicle is just 1,521 kg (3,354 lbs), so 0-100 km/h takes 3 seconds and a top speed of 331 km/h (206 mph). The ¼ mile is covered in 11.5 seconds. If that’s not impressive enough, the model can go from 0-160-0 km/h in less than 12 seconds.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hJ7Ljqy395o

Source: Dragtimes

April 25, 2013

Toyota Me.We Concept – Four Cars In One [VIDEO]

Toyota ME.WE Concept Vehicle does not get under any classification pr class of vehicles. It is at the same time a small city car, off-roader, ute and convertible, which makes it perfectly adaptable to a wide variety of lifestyles.

The five-seat electric car is a result of the joint venture between Toyota and the industrial designer Jean-Marie Massaud. As a matter of fact, the car’s name reflects a simultaneous concern for individual freedom (ME) and responsibility towards society (WE).

This concept is created with the aim of “intelligent reduction”: it accommodates the automotive needs of people by eliminating excess in a package thus combining pure driving pleasure with environmental responsibility.

To go further into details, the ME.WE utilizes lightweight, robust and recyclable materials – a tubular aluminium structure, body panels made from expanded polypropylene, and bamboo for the floor and dashboard.

Furthermore, the interior of the car is entirely orientated towards the passengers, while the luggage can be carried on the roof and protected by a neoprene cover. Additionally, the rear luggage space can also be extended.

The instruments included in this vehicle are restricted to only one screen above the steering wheel. On it the driver can receive information about vehicle speed, battery charge, trip information and navigation instructions delivered by a smart phone, which is mounted below the screen.

Simple design is matched by ease of use: it has an electric motor in each wheel like the recently unveiled Toyota i-ROAD and its batteries are located under the floor, as with the Toyota iQ electric car.

Toyota will exhibit the inherent innovation of the ME.WE by unveiling the concept car in its Paris showroom – Le Rendez-vous Toyota on the famous Avenue des Champs-Élysées. The vehicle will be on display until 12th of June. Sadly, the Japanese brand states that there are no future plans for the ME.WE to enter production.

Toyota Me.We Concept – Technical Specifications

DIMENSIONS

Length (mm) 3,440
Width (mm) 1,750
Height (mm) 1,600

CHASSIS & BODY

Chassis construction Tubular aluminium
Body shell Polyproylene panels
Kerb weight (kg) 750

ENGINE & TRANSMISSION

Power 4 x in-wheel electric motor
Battery location Underfloor

VENTILATION

Heating/air conditioning
Low-consumption heat pump
Electric seat heating

Source: Toyota

April 25, 2013

Perfect Style: TECHART Porsche Cayman

TECHART Porsche Cayman is the latest transformation of an exquisite model delivered by the specialists of the tuning company TECHART. They have transferred the principles of sportiness and individuality with their typical design philosophy.

The exterior of this Porsche model includes a new front apron with a TECHART two-part front spoiler, integrated splitter as well as redesigned and enlarged central air duct. This results in more aggressive on-road stance of the Cayman.

The rear of the car on the other hand is enhanced via trims at the side mirrors and upright fins in the side air intakes at the rear wheel arches. In addition, the combination of a fixed TECHART rear spoiler, a rear diffuser with TECHART diffuser trim and central TECHART sports tailpipes rounds off the cars new visual characteristics.

Furthermore, there also has been added an audible improvement thrrough a TECHART sports exhaust muffler, or there is an option to be included the new TECHART sports exhaust system with valve control.

The aggressiveness of the car is further accentuated vie the TECHART wheels in 21-inch size. There is a chice between TECHART Formula light alloy wheels in classic 5-spokes design and the weight reduced TECHART Formula III forged wheels in dynamic twin-spokes design. At last, the exterior features TECHART sport spring kit which lowers height of the vehicle by 35 mm.

TECHART has also featured in this tuning program a handcrafted interior. A full leather equipment is included which features decorative stitching, lacquered surfaces, carbon fiber trims and manifold interior styling package.

TECHART 3-spokes sport steering wheel with ergonomically mounted TECHART paddle shifters is one of the highlights here and it offers precise vehicle control and allows sporty gear changes in combination with maximum driving pleasure.

Exterior & Aerodynamics

TECHART Front Spoiler I in vehicle’s body color with integrated front splitter
TECHART Side Mirror Trims in titanium grey matt (mirror arms and mirror bottom shells in body color, mirror covers in titanium grey matt)
TECHART upright fins in body color at the side air intakes
TECHART Rear Spoiler in body color, wing uprights in titanium grey matt
Rear Diffuser in titanium grey matt with TECHART diffuser trim in body color

Engine & Drive

TECHART Sports Tailpipes, round, black matt chromed

Chassis & Wheels

TECHART Formula III 5-spoke forged wheels in 21-inch, titanium grey matt, outer rim in orange matt
TECHART Sport Spring Kit (lowers ride height by 30 mm at front axle and 20 mm at rear axle)
TECHART Wheel Spacers
Brake callipers in orange with TECHART logotype

Interior

Full leather equipment in black with decorative stitching and leather applications in orange
TECHART Interior Styling Packages I, II, III and IV in titanium grey matt
TECHART Carbon Interior Kits I, II and III in graphite grey matt
Seat back panels of Sports Seat Plus in body color
TECHART Instrument Dials in orange
Sport Chrono Dial in titanium grey and orange
TECHART 3-spoke Sports Steering Wheel (PDK) in leather black with decorative stitching in orange
TECHART Paddle Shifters in orange matt with symbols in black matt
TECHART door sills in body color with TECHART logotype in orange
TECHART Floor Mats in black with leather piping in black and decorative stitching in orange, leather latch with TECHART badge
TECHART Loadspace Floor Mat in black with leather piping in black and decorative stitching in orange, leather latch with TECHART badge
TECHART Engine Compartment Trim with TECHART Logo and luggage protection bar in carbon, graphite grey matt
TECHART Sport Pedals in Aluminium, hard anodized
TECHART Foot Rest in Aluminium, hard anodized

Source: TECHART

April 25, 2013

2014 Volkswagen Golf GTI – 230HP and 18% More Fuel-Efficient

Volkswagen has announced the new 2014 Golf VII GTI. It has twice much power compared to the first Golf GTI – 220HP and you can opt for a factory installed power enhanced engine that produces an additional 10 HP.

Furthermore, the 2.0 liter turbocharged direct-injected petrol engine has a completely newly developed cylinder head. A unique feature in this power class is the water-cooled exhaust gas circulation loop to the turbocharger that is fully integrated in the cylinder head. This type of exhaust gas cooling makes a crucial contribution towards improving fuel consumption at full load in the new Golf GTI. In other words, the new Golf GTI is up to 18 % more fuel efficient than the previous model.

Other highlights include 42 kg lower weight or a total of 1,351 kg, 10 km/h more in top speed – 246 km/h (manual) or 244 km/h (DSG) and 6.5 seconds – 0-100 km/h. The Performance variant is even faster – 250 km/h (manual) and 248 km/h (DSG) and 6.4 seconds to 100 km/h.

The Golf GTI Performance comes with a front LSD (limited slip differential) exclusively developed for this version. The Performance Pack itself not only consists of a power boost and the differential lock, it also offers a braking system with larger dimensions and internally-ventilated discs at all four wheels.

The exterior of the new GTI is distinguished from other cars in the model series by numerous additional features – red painted brake callipers, smoked LED rear lights in a custom design as well as chrome tailpipes on the left and right. The production colours Red (“Tornado Red”) and “Black” as well as “Pure White” have been typical for the Golf GTI since its early days. Also standard on-board the most powerful, fastest and most fuel-efficient Golf GTI ever are the newly designed 17-inch “Brooklyn” alloy wheels with size 225/45 tyres.

The interior also has some upgrades like sport seats, GTI instrument cluster, an independent leather sport steering wheel (with multifunction keys), red ambience lighting (in front, in the trim strips of the doors and the stainless steel door sill guards) and pedals made of brushed stainless steel.

Source: Volkswagen

April 25, 2013

Volkswagen Golf VII Light-Tron by BlackBox-Richter and Low-Car-Scene

Low-Car-Scene and BlackBox-Richter has announced their latest tuning package for Volkswagen Golf VII. The name of the project is Light-Tron and it includes only styling package.

The Light-Tron is based on the tree-door 1.4-liter-Golf VII TSI Highline with 140HP (103 kW). It boasts a special phosphor-foil from 3M, LED-lighting on the mudguard of the brake, a set of Rotiform-forged wheels SNA in 8J x 20” ET45 with bolt circle 5×112 – €6,000 and air ride-system called RideAir Version 3 – €3,600.

The standard extras of the 1.4-liter-Golf VII TSI Highline includes Bi-Xenon-headlights with LED-DRLs, rear view camera, leather trim with massage sits, Keyless Go start automatic, navigation system with colour display. The original price is €32,000.

The complete transformation takes only three days.

Source: BlackBox-Richter and Low-Car-Scene

April 25, 2013

2013 Volkswagen Groove Up! and Rock Up!

Volkswagen has introduced two Up! special editions for the fans of loud music. The two new special-edition versions are called Groove up! and Rock up!.

Both vehicles are based on the top-specification High up! model, each with a unique twist.

Firstly, the Groove Up!, which comes with a pumping Fender sound system, complete with 6 speakers, a subwoofer and a 300-Watt amplifier. Also standard is the Maps & More personal infotainment device, which along with touchscreen satellite navigation provides Bluetooth phone connectivity and music streaming, making it a cinch to synch with your tunes.

It is available as either 3-door or 5-door model. It also features heated front seats, a leather-trimmed steering wheel, gear lever and handbrake with orange stitching, bespoke black seats with orange edging, dark-tinted glass from the B-pillar back, 16” Upsilon alloy wheels and black gloss door mirror caps.

Second is the Rock Up!, which is available only as a 3-door model. It boasts distinctive styling, including an anthracite stripe running the length of the bonnet, roof and tailgate and a full body kit, consisting of gloss black front spoiler, side skirts, rear diffuser and rear spoiler. The door mirror caps are also gloss black, apart from on vehicles ordered with Deep Black Pearl paintwork, in which case they are chrome. Smart 16” Upsilon alloy wheels complete the look.

As with the Groove up!, standard equipment levels are high: air conditioning, heated front seats, the Maps & More infotainment system and a six-speaker audio system are all standard, as is remote central locking.

Optional equipment includes the award-winning City Emergency Braking system; a sensor pack that includes rear parking sensors, cruise control and a multifunction computer; and for the five-door Groove up!, a forward-folding front passenger seat to accommodate long loads. The Groove up! is also available with a panoramic glass sunroof.

Both are powered by a three-cylinder 1.0-litre 75HP petrol engine, mated to a 5-speed manual gearbox. This returns a combined fuel economy of 60.1 mpg while producing CO₂ emissions of 108 g/km, meaning both models qualify for VED band B, which is free for the first year, and just £20 thereafter.

The Groove up! 3-door costs £11,640 RRP and the 5-door £12,015. The Rock up! costs £12,980.

Source: Volkswagen

April 24, 2013

Category: Auto News