Auto News – Page 708 – Automobiles Review

2014 Aston Martin Rapide S To Debut In New York

2014 Aston Martin Rapide S which was officially unveiled in January is now set to make its North American debut at the 2013 New York International Auto Show. There it will be showcased alongside the new Vanquish and DB9.

Rapide S is equipped with the powerful V12-engined that is capable of producing 550 hp (404 kW). The luxury four-door Aston Martin has been redesigned and re-engineered in order to reestablish its position as world’s most beautiful four-seat sports car.

The model includes extensive design and engineering enhancements which makes it even more desirable and refined. For example its more assertive front fascia speaks for more aggressiveness as well, and all this is thanks to the new full grille.

The new front end design is matched at the back by a new rear deck profile which comprises of a more pronounced boot lid ‘flip’. The improved aerodynamic and aesthetic improvements also strengthen the sporting nature of the Rapide S.

In terms of power the peak torque reaches 457lb.ft (620Nm) at 5,500rpm. Meanwhile an even more marked improvement in torque occurs lower down the rev range, as pulling power rises by more than 30lb.ft (40Nm) between idle and 4,000rpm with an additional 37lb.ft (50Nm) available at 2,500rpm.

These numbers speak that for the sport car is effortless to accelerate from to 0 to 100 km/h in only 4.7 seconds for the new model. The top speed is electronically limited to 190 mph.

2014 Aston Martin Rapide S is on sale now priced at $199 950 USD. The first customer deliveries will start in June.

Source: Aston Martin

March 26, 2013

2014 Toyota Vios at the Bangkok Motor Show

Toyota has introduced the new 2014 Vios at the 2013 Bangkok Motor Show.

In an effort to bring the fun of driving and the joy of ownership to first-time car buyers, Toyota has designed the new Vios combining a refined exterior with class-leading comfort and high fuel efficiency specifically for growing markets.

The dimensions are 4,411 – length, 1,700 mm – width, 1,475 mm – height and a wheelbase of 2,550 mm.

Some of the extras include new gauges, metallic accents, good audio system with MP3/USB/AUX connectivity and high-quality materials.

It is powered by a 1.5 liter four-cylinder petrol with 109HP (80 kW) and 141Nm (104 lb-ft) of torque. It is connected to a 5-speed manual gearbox or 4-speed automatic available as an option

Source: Toyota

March 26, 2013

2014 Buick LaCrosse Revealed [VIDEO]

2014 Buick LaCrosse – the evolution of the landmark luxury sedan has just been exclusively introduced. The model will establish brand’s modern sedan lineup through its design leadership and technological innovation.

LaCrosse will deliver its customers exceptional interior and exterior design features, advanced safety technologies and enhanced in-vehicle connectivity. TO be more precise, it has a new front and rear styling such as wing-shape LED daytime running lamps and LED wraparound tail.

The interior on the other hand is modern thanks to its seats, luxury materials used, redesigned central instrument panel and console. All of these features will be available via the Ultra Luxury Interior Package. In addition, the cabin also incorporates Buick’s next-generation IntelliLink infotainment system, with intuitive controls and natural voice recognition.

What are also new are the radar- and camera-based safety features, which include: Side Blind Zone Alert, Lane Change Alert, Lane Departure Warning, Forward Collision Alert, Rear Cross Traffic Alert and Automatic Collision Preparation. There is also present the Safety Alert Seat that works with the afore mentioned technologies, providing seat vibration pulses indicating the direction of a potential crash threat.

Another technology offered here is the Adaptive Cruise Control and its role is to sense the traffic in front of the LaCrosse to adjust vehicle speed, including stopping the vehicle in heavy traffic and accelerating again.

This Buick model also comes equipped with a front-wheel-drive or an all-wheel-drive depending on the powertrains: the 2.4L engine with eAssist light electrification technology or a 3.6L direct-injected V-6. Each of them is paired with a six-speed automatic transmission.

2014 Buick LaCrosse will make its world debut at the New York International Auto Show. It will go on sale this summer.

httpv://youtu.be/BtSlMkUr2iU

httpv://youtu.be/JyYO9_JSbqU

2014 Buick LaCrosse Technical Specifications

Overview

Model:	2014 LaCrosse FWD/AWD
Body style / driveline:	front-drive/all-wheel-drive, front-engine, four-door, five- passenger sedan
Construction:	integral
EPA vehicle class:	midsize sedan
Manufacturing location:	Fairfax (Kan.) Assembly
Key competitors:	Acura TL, Lexus ES350, Lincoln MKZ

Engines

Type:	2.4L DOHC I-4	3.6L V-6 VVT DI
Displacement (cu in / cc):	145 / 2384	217 / 3564
Bore & stroke (in / mm):	3.46 x 3.85 / 88 x 98	3.7 x 3.37 / 94 x 85.6
Block material:	precision sand-cast aluminum	cast aluminum
Cylinder head material:	cast aluminum	cast aluminum
Valvetrain:	DOHC with four valves per cylinder; continuously variable valve timing	DOHC with four valves per cylinder; continuously variable valve timing
Ignition system:	individual coil-on-plug	individual coil-on-plug; individual cylinder knock control
Fuel delivery:	direct injection and electronic throttle control	direct injection
Compression ratio:	11.2:1	11.5:1
Horsepower (hp / kW @ rpm):	182 / 136 @ 6700 rpm SAE certified	304 / 227 @ 6800 SAE certified
Torque (lb.-ft. / Nm @ rpm):	172 / 233 @ 4900 rpm SAE certified	264 / 358 @ 5300 SAE certified
Recommended fuel:	regular unleaded	regular unleaded or E85 (E85 capability not available in Northeast states with PZEV emissions)
Emissions controls:	close-coupled, catalytic converter; continuously variable valve timing; positive crankcase ventilation evaporative system; supplemental air injection system, partial zero emissions vehicle capable (eAssist)	dual close-coupled catalysts and single underfloor catalyst; variable valve timing, evaporative system
Fuel economy (city / hwy):	TBD	TBD

Transmissions

Type:	Hydra-Matic 6T40 six-speed automatic	Hydra-Matic 6T70 six-speed automatic
Application:	2.4L four-cylinder	3.6L V-6
Gear ratios: (:1):
First:	4.58	4.48
Second:	2.96	2.87
Third:	1.91	1.84
Fourth	1.45	1.41
Fifth:	1.00	1.00
Sixth:	0.75	0.74
Reverse:	2.94	2.88
Final drive ratio:	2.64	2.77

Electric Drive System (for eAssist)

Type:	belt-driven, liquid-cooled motor/generator unit and lithium-ion battery system; air-cooled power electronics and battery pack
Maximum electric generating power:	15 kW @ 1570-3180 rpm
Maximum electric motor torque (cranking):	110 lb.-ft. / 150 Nm
Maximum electric motor torque (electric assist):	79 lb.-ft. / 107 Nm @ 1,000 rpm
Maximum electric motor power (electric assist):	15 hp / 11.2 kW @ 1,000-2,200 rpm
Lithium-ion battery:	115V, 0.5-kWh, 15 kW peak power

Chassis / Suspension

Suspension (front):	MacPherson strut coil-over-spring; twin-tube dampers with gas-charged valving; hollow direct-acting stabilizer bar (eAssist and 3.6L FWD/AWD without Touring Package); HiPer Strut coil-over-spring; twin-tube dampers with gas-charged valving; hollow direct-acting stabilizer bar; real-time damping and Sport Mode Selectivity (3.6L FWD with Touring Package)
Suspension (rear):	four-link (eAssist and 3.6L FWD without Touring Package); H-arm (3.6L AWD); H-arm with real-time damping and Sport Mode Selectivity (3.6L FWD with Touring Package)
Steering type:	electric variable-effort power steering (eAssist and FWD V-6); power variable-effort: (AWD models)
Steering ratio:	15.2:1
Steering wheel turns, lock-to-lock:	2.75
Turning circle (ft / m):	36.8 / 11.2 (eAssist); 38.8 / 11.75

Brakes

Type:	split, dual-circuit four-wheel-disc with power assist
Rotor diameter x thickness (in / mm):	V-6: front: 12.6 x 1.2 / 321 x 30 (vented) rear: 12.4 x 0.9 / 315 x 23 (vented) eAssist: front: 11.7 x 1.2 / 296 x 30 (vented) rear: 11.5 x 0.47 / 292 x 12 (solid)

Wheels / Tires

Wheel size and type:

17-in machined alloy (std w/ eAssist)

18-in machine-faced alloy, painted (std on 1SB, 1SL, 1SP FWD V-6)

19-in painted, machined alloy (std on 1SL, 1SP AWD V-6)

19-in chrome alloy (std on 1SP FWD V-6, and opt on 1SL FWD V-6)

20-in alloy (std on 1SR)

Tires:

P235/50R17 low rolling-resistance all-season (std w/ eAssist)
P235/50R18 all-season
P245/45R19 all-season
P245/40R20 all-season

Dimensions

Exterior

Wheelbase (in / mm):	111.7 / 2837
Overall length (in / mm):	197 / 5001
Overall width (in / mm):	73.1 / 1857
Overall height (in / mm):	59.2 / 1504
Track (in / mm):	front: 61.7 / 1567 rear: 62 / 1575
Curb weight (lb / kg):	3765 / 1708 (eAssist – estimated) 3906 / 1772 (3.6L V-6 – estimated)

Interior

Seating capacity:	2 / 3
Headroom (in / mm):	front: 38 / 965 rear: 37.3 / 947
Legroom (in / mm):	front: 41.7 / 1059 rear: 40.5 / 1029
Shoulder room (in / mm):	front: 57.4 / 1459 rear: 56 / 1423
Hip room (in / mm):	front: 55.2 / 1402 rear: 53.9 / 1369

Capacities

EPA interior volume (cu ft / L):	99 / 2805
Passenger volume (cu ft / L):	101.7 / 2878
Cargo volume (cu ft / L):	10.8 / 306 (2.4L eAssist) 13.3 / 376 (3.6L V-6)
Trailer towing maximum (lb / kg):	1000 / 454 (3.6L V-6)
Fuel capacity (gal / L):	15.7 / 59.4 (eAssist) 18 / 70 (3.6L V-6)
Engine oil (qt / L):	5 / 4.7 (2.4L) 5.5 / 5.2 (3.6L)
Cooling system ( qt / L):	9.6 /12 (2.4L) 7.6 / 7.2 (3.6L)

Video Source: YouTube

Source: Buick

March 26, 2013

Dodge Charger SRT 392 Limited Edition

Dodge has announced the Charger SRT 392 Limited Edition. The car made its official debut at the Spring Festival of LXs in Irvine, California.

It boasts TorRed paint finish with black accents on the hood and roof and sporting the iconic ‘392’ badge on the front fender. The 392 fender badge is gloss black with a gray insert within the 392. The interior of the Challenger 392 introduced at Spring Fest features a serialized dash plaque on the instrument panel.

“It’s a cool package. When you think of old school muscle cars, you think of black accents and this car kind of handles that in a new way. Not the whole hood is black, just a portion of it and we’ve done it in gloss black versus a matte black. It definitely has a presence to it.”, commented Mark Trostle, Head of SRT Design.

Charger SRT 392 Limited Edition will hit the market later this year with production limited to just 392 units.

Source: Dodge

March 26, 2013

Peugeot 208 GTi Sport To Participate In 2013 VLN Championship

It has just been announced that the new Peugeot 208 GTi Sport is going to take part in the 2013 VLN championship. The model is the fourth race edition of the 208 model variant and includes additional beneficial features compared to the previous versions.

Its builds on its three elders – T16, R2 and Racing Cup, hence it was designed in a very short amount of time. To be more precise, the studies around it began in December last year, while the preparation of the first shell began in January 2013. Then the assembly of the 208 GTI Sport happened in February following a first drive at the end of the same month.

The model includes collection of mechanical components developed and tested for 208 T16, 208 R2, 208 Racing Cup and also for RCZ Racing Cup. The latter vehicle was a benchmark in the SP2T category in Germany with wins in the VLN, 24 Hours Nurburgring 2012 and the Bathurst 12 hours this year.

The strengths of the standard 208 GTi model are also present in the Sport modification. For example, like the GTi it is equipped with a 1600 turbo petrol engine tuned from 200 hp (147 kW) to 300 hp (220 kW). The unit is mated to a six-speed gearbox operated by paddle shifters.

Furthermore, this Peugeot runs on 18” wheels and has reinforced braking system, 100 litre petrol tank and aerodynamics designed to take advantage from the race regulations to the limits. The overall weight of the car is of 990 kg.

Technical Specifications – Peugeot 208 GTi Sport

Engine

Type : EP6 CDT
Capacity : 1.600 cm3 turbo
Maximum power : 300 hp
Maximum torque : 36 m.daN
Fuel capacity : 100 litres
Fuel system : Magneti Marelli high pressure direct injection

Electronics

Engine management ECU : SRT Magnetti Marelli + data acquisition
Display screen : Couleur Magnetti Marelli

Transmission

Gearbox : 6-speed + sequential control via steering-mounted paddles
Clutch : Push mechanism, two disc ceramic/metal 184 mm

Brakes / Steering

Front brakes : 355 dia x 28mm ventilated discs / 6-piston calipers.
Rear braked : 290 dia x12mm non-ventilated discs/ single-piston calipers.
Front/rear brake distributor
Steering : Rack and pinion with hydraulic power assistance

Suspensions

Front suspensions : pseudo McPherson, specific lower arms with ball joints
specific front anti-roll bar on plain bearings, specific struts: forged
aluminium (camber adjustment at the swivel).
Rear suspensions : “H” reinforced axle and modified for interchangeable anti-roll bars
Front and rear dampers: specific 3-way Цhlins + adjustable hydraulic bump stops

Chassis

Structure : Bodyshell reinforced with multi-point welded roll-over bar (FIA
standard)
Openings : Doors, bonnet and tailgate in composite material
Windows : Polycarbonate side windows and rear screen
Weight : 990 kg
Front/rear distribution : 63% / 37%

Dimensions

Length / width : 3.962 mm / 1.820 mm
Wheelbase : 2.560 mm

Wheels

Wheels / tyres : Slicks 245/65-18 – Rain 245/64 – 18

Aerodynamics

Flexible vertical front blade
1440mm rear spoiler meeting the VLN regulations
Rear diffuser

Source: Peugeot

March 26, 2013

Hamann BMW M5 F10 – It’s not tuning, It is styling

Hamann has introduced their latest project based on the powerful sports saloon – BMW M5 F10. The exterior is entirely changed, so practically it is very hard to say, what type of car did they used to create THIS?!

“Tuning”, is when take a car and make it better – more powerful, more beautiful and stylish, better to drive, etc. “Styling” is something else. It is when take a good-looking car and make it worse… a lot worse.

In fact, this is seriously “injured” BMW M5, which is one of the best cars in the world. What did they thought in first place, when creating this thing.

Actually, Haman is planning to create 10 of these horrible-looking cars, each priced at $235,000. We are curious, who will buy such ugly car

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7IbyXh_SywU

Source: Hamann

March 25, 2013

Weber Sportcars F1 – FasterOne

The Weber F1 is the world’s fastest and lightest street legal four-wheel drive car ever built. This masterpiece is coming from the former BMW and Sauber Petronas Formula 1 team.

It is powered by a V10 twin-turbocharged 5.6 liter engine with over 1200HP (882 kW) at 7,000RPM and 1250Nm (926 lb-ft) of torque at 4,200RPM.

0-100 km/h in 2.5 seconds and 0-300 km/h in just 16.2 seconds. The top speed is over 400 km/h (249 mph). The curb weight of the sports car is 1250 kg, so it has a power-to-weight ratio of 0.96 hp per kilogram.

The Weber F1 has a full carbon fibre moncoque chassis and the drive shaft (with now shorter gear ratios) – an inhouse development by Weber – has been improved for increased durability as well as drivability of the car.

The interior features WEBER SPORTCARS Carbon sport seats with leather trim, 6-point safety belts, safety cell and WEBER SPORTCARS steering-wheel containing controls for engine mapping and traction control system and shift paddles for sequential gearbox.

Source: Weber Sportcars

March 25, 2013

2014 BMW 6-Series

The BMW 6-Series Coupe, Convertible, and Gran Coupe models will enter the MY2014 with a stronger line-up than ever. There will be a lot of new enhancements and a limited edition of the Convertible.

The BMW 6-Series Convertible Frozen Brilliant White Edition will be produced in April and early May, 2013. It is limited to just 100 units available as a rear-wheel drive 650i, or 650i xDrive. The starting price is $106,695 for 650i and $110,095 for the X-drive model.

Contents signature to the Edition include BMW Individual Frozen Brilliant White Metallic exterior matte paint, Frozen Black wing mirror caps, black BMW kidney grilles, and 20” bi-color Ferric Gray / gloss-turned BMW M Performance light-alloy wheels.

Other 6 Series equipment specified to the Edition includes Black Nappa leather upholstery, a black Convertible soft top, and Gray Poplar wood trim. The M Sport Package and Executive Package are also included, and xDrive models will benefit from the Cold Weather Package.

All 2014 BMW 6-Series models receive the latest BMW iDrive version 4.2.

The newest BMW navigation system features a revised design and honed operating system. The menu-driven navigation system has been augmented by new functions. The user interface includes revised graphics and now comprises 3D elements, while the entire architecture of the individual menus is now presented in virtual, three dimensional spaces. Its 1.3 GHz processor and dedicated 3D graphics card, bring new levels of animation and dynamic transitions.

Source: BMW

March 25, 2013

First Teaser Of Icona Vulcano Released

Icona has just revealed the first teaser image of its upcoming supercar Icona Vulcano, which will be officially revealed at the Shanghai Auto Show in April. The model promises to bring together different skills and expertise of a very Italian tradition.

To be more precise, the powertrain is a result of the work of the well-known Claudio Lombardi who was a former powertrain technical director of Ferrari. Icona Vulcano will be equipped with front engine V12 which will be able to deliver up to 900 horsepower (662 kW) through a masterful combination of combustion engine and electric motors.

This results in a masterful acceleration time from standstill to 200 km/h of fewer than ten seconds. The Vmax here is estimated around 350 km/h. In addition, the design of the two-door two-seater is an evolution of the Icona Fuselage concept introduced back in 2011.

The design philosophy behind here aims to express the amazing capabilities of this extremely powerful car, while maintaining harmonious and generous shapes. In other words – it will be the meeting point where “the Beauty and the Beast” will eventually come together.

Source: Icona

March 25, 2013

Unboxing Of 2013 Chrysler 300C John Varvatos Limited Edition [VIDEO]

Chrysler has just released a thirty seconds commercial named “Unboxing” where it is showcased the fashion designer’s John Varvatos new 2013 Chrysler 300C John Varvatos Limited Edition. In the ad there is also a special guest appearing – the one and only Iggy Pop.

The limited edition model is very special and personal vehicle which includes many great design details and features. The spot begins with a delivery truck making its way through the busy streets of New York. In it of course is hidden the Chrysler 300C John Varvatos Limited Edition. The truck rides through the streets of the “never-sleeping-city” as Varvatos awaits the delivery of the finished car to his Bowery store in New York City.

But to go further into details, the model has an exceptional exterior styling thanks to the unique Phantom Black tri-coat exterior paint it carries. There are also visible discrete metallic finishes inside and out.

Furthermore, a Titanium-finished grille surround, Titanium Chrome Chrysler “wing” badge and Black Chrome grille blades are also present. The striking look is additionally enhanced thanks to the aggressive front fascia which integrates larger air inlets and features Black Chrome grille blades and Titanium-finished accents.

Chrysler 300C John Varvatos runs on 20-inch cast-aluminum wheels that add to its dramatic road presence. In addition, there are also included day light opening surrounds and mirror caps finished in Titanium.

When looked at the rear, one sees LED taillamps with blackened detail. They contribute to a more masculine look. At the same time the dual-exhaust tips in titanium, and John Varvatos and Chrysler wing deck-lid badges finished in Titanium Chrome round-off the look.

In terms of interior, the John Varvatos style is present abundantly. Unique combination of dark colors and exotic materials, craftsmanship and an industrious style, surround the occupants of the automobile.

Inside the coupe, one can see Varvatos’ logos debossed on the unique Pewter Metallic leather seats and are tailored with unique Diesel Gray and black pattern Varvatos stitching. An especially designed gauge cluster and clock with Pearlescent White face and Charcoal Black Metallic bezels adds to the luxurious feel.

The coupe is wrapped with exotic Poltrona Frau® black leather with Diesel Gray accent stitching. On the other hand a hand-stitched heated steering wheel is finished with Diesel Gray thread and Titanium Chrome accents. At last, what completes the interior styling is the Titanium, the Charcoal Hydrographic Wood and the Gloss Black finished interior accents.

2013 Chrysler 300C John Varvatos Limited Edition will be produced in limited run of 2000 units only. It will be available at Chrysler showrooms in the first-quarter of 2013.

Source: Chrysler

March 25, 2013

2014 Dodge Durango Teased Ahead Of New York Auto Show

The absolutely new 2014 Dodge Durango is going to make its first world appearance at this year’s New York International Auto Show. Just ahead of it, Dodge has released a teaser image of how its headlight will look.

All that we can get from the released image is that the refreshed model is going to have Dodge’s “racetrack” taillights. A full-width LED array with brand’s lettering displayed is positioned between vehicle’s taillamps, which makes the design of the Durango eye-catching. In this sense, we are wondering about the other design innovations that the 2014 model will feature.

2014 Durango will be the ultimate three-row SUV with more equipment and special characteristics than ever. It will deliver iconic style, performance and innovation including state-of-the-art technology in both form and function.

The model will add several new class-exclusive features for 2014 which will offer customers advances in technology, additional fuel efficiency and style without compromise.

Source: Dodge

March 25, 2013

Alpine-Nissan N°36 Unveiled!

The Parisian public and visitors to the French capital recently got the opportunity to discover the new Alpine prototype – Alpine-Nissan N°36, which is poised to compete in this year’s endurance racing season. When the veil was lifted under it was a striking blue and orange livery which recalls the colors sported by the Alpines that raced at Le Mans some five decades ago.

In fact, the unveiling of this unique car marks the beginning of another phase. The goal with this car is to be competitive in endurance racing’s highly competitive LMP2 class. Brand will use the different test sessions that are planned, as well as the first two rounds of the ELMS in order to get ready for June’s Le Mans 24 Hours.

Those who were chosen to get behind the wheel of the N°36 Alpine-Renault are Nelson Panciatici, Tristan Gommendy and Pierre Ragues. As a reserve driver was chosen Paul-Loup Chatin.

N°36 ALPINE-NISSAN – TECHNICAL DATA

Chassis: Alpine
Engine: Nissan V8 (type VK45)
Maximum power: 500hp
Fuel and lubricants: Total
Transmission: Six-speed sequential X-Trac gearbox
Steering: Hydraulic, power steering
Brakes: Brembo carbon brakes
Tyres: Michelin
Length: 4,610mm
Wheelbase: 2,870mm
Width: 1,995mm
Weight: 900kg
Top speed: 330kph

2013 CALENDAR

March 26-27 Official ELMS test, Paul Ricard, France
April 13 ELMS (round 1), Silverstone, GB
May 18 ELMS (round 2), Imola, Italy
June 9 Pre-Le Mans 24 Hours test, Le Mans, France
June 23 2013 Le Mans 24 Hours, Le Mans, France
July 20 ELMS (round 3), Red Bull Ring, Austria
September 14 ELMS (round 4), Hungaroring, Hungary
September 28 ELMS (found 5), Paul Ricard, France

Source: Alpine

March 25, 2013

Category: Auto News