Auto News – Page 710 – Automobiles Review

Hyundai HND-9 Concept [sketch]

Hyundai has released some interesting sketches of the new HND-9 Concept vehicle, which is set to make its official debut at the 2013 Seoul Motor Show, next week. The ‘HND-9’ represents an evolution of Hyundai’s fluidic sculpture design philosophy. The ninth concept model developed by Hyundai Motor Group’s R&D Center in Namyang, Korea, the HND-9 features sophisticated details in every design element, reinforcing a premium look.

Fluidic yet sleek character lines that stretch from headlamp to trunk, voluminous, powerful car body and a striking, wide hexagonal-shaped radiator grille underscore the high performance image of the concept.

Furthermore, butterfly doors, spiral-shaped lines connected to the headlamp, softly glistening silver coating, dual twin muffler and uniquely designed head and rear lamps give the car a sleek futuristic look.

The HND-9 is powered by a 3.3 liter turbocharged GDi engine with 370HP (272 kW) sent to the rear wheels through an 8-speed automatic gearbox.

Source: Hyundai

March 21, 2013

Mercedes-Benz SLS 63 AMG Roadster Enhanced By Senner Tuning

The next tuning for the day is by Senner Tuning which have modified a Mercedes-Benz SLS 63 AMG. Now, even more than ever, the sight of this gorgeous sports vehicle triggers goose bumps in every car enthusiast.

The tuning specialists based in Ingelheim Germany have equipped this Mercedes-Benz with a small but nice tuning programme which ensures that the one behind the steering wheel will stay noticed wherever he or she goes. To be more precise they have added a special coil-over suspension system of variation 3 from KW Automotive.

In addition, the AMG front rims are replaced with a set of Schmidt Gotham-aluminium ones in titanium gray. They are in dimensions 9 x 20 inches with 255/30R20 and in the rear in 11.5 x 21 inches with 295/25R21 Hankook S1 Evo-tires in the front.

The serial SLS generates 571 horsepower (420 kW) and has a maximum torque of 650 Nm (478 lb-ft). Of course, the german customization professionals boosted the power of the AMG top model by 35 hp (26 kW) and the maximum torque by 40 Nm (30 lb-ft).

They have acheved this through core area adaptation and a precise adaptation to the new exhaust system and the installation of a set of high-performance air filters. In fact, the new exhaust system is made of sophisticated high grade steel and it is fitted with a valve control system. The latter includes a back pressure monitored control system for individual sound volume adaptation with four different modes.

Source: Senner Tuning AG

March 21, 2013

2013 MINI Paceman – UK Price £18,970

MINI has announced the all-new Paceman, which boasts a sporty exterior design, lowered suspension for a dynamic ride and an exciting reinterpretation of the familiar interior. The car is essentially a coupe version of the Countryman.

There will be five models available from launch including the MINI Cooper S Paceman. The seventh unique member of the family, it sells alongside the Hatch, Clubman, Convertible,

With a contemporary and expressive body shape, the Paceman has been created to appeal to a new type of design-conscious customer. The prominent horizontal lines and dynamic curved surfaces give the promise of sporting performance, yet there is an elegant simplicity to the overall form of the car.

The interior has been designed specifically for this model. Its highlight is the innovative rear seat, which has been styled around a lounge concept. Two individual seats provide generous levels of head, shoulder and knee room with outstanding comfort and support. Armrests have been integrated into the rear trim. A two-section version of the MINI Centre Rail storage and attachment system – first seen in the Countryman – comes as standard. A full-length variant is available as an option.

The engine range includes a 1.6 liter four-cylinder with 122HP (90 kW). 0-100 km/h in 10.4 seconds and fuel economy of 47.1mpg with CO₂ emissions of 140 g/km. The 1.6 liter turbocharged petrol has 184HP (135 kW). 0-100 km/h in 7.5 seconds and fuel economy of 46.3mpg and emissions are 143g/km.

The diesel variants are a 1.6 liter with 112HP (82 kW) offering a frugal 64.2mpg fuel economy and 115g/km emissions. 0-100 km/h in 10.8 seconds, which is good enough. The powerful SD Paceman has a 2.0 liter with 143HP (105 kW). 0-100 km/h in 9.2 seconds and a fuel economy of 61.4mpg with an emissions figure of 122g/km.

The MINI Cooper Paceman starts at just £18,970 on the road.

Source: MINI

March 21, 2013

German Special Customs Mercedes-Benz CLS63 AMG Stealth

German Special Customs Mercedes-Benz CLS63 AMG Stealth is an aerodynamic construction set to capture the hearts of the true customization fans of Mercedes-Benz. The CLS63 AMG is definitely everything else but inconspicuous because of its luminary orange color taken from the Lamborghini Aventador color range.

To go further into details, the front bumper bar of this machine is equipped with integrated LED daytime running lights. This gives it more aggressive appearance in combination with the new engine hood and its abundant hot air outlet in an even more significant manner. In addition, the GSC tuners have added new fenders and new side skirts with shaft.

Looking at the rear of the car, the aggressive design theme is continued thanks to the new bumper with integrated carbon-fiber diffuser and side air outlets. What is more, the angular end-pipes of a four-pipe sports exhaust system from high-grade steel were integrated in the diffuser.

The result is an audible effect of the powerful 5.5 liter Biturbo-V8 unit that generates 750 hp (552 kW) and has a maximum torque of 1150 Newton meters (850 lb-ft). This means that there is additional 225 horsepower (165 kW) in contrast to the serial vehicle.

The extra force came through the “eight pointer” amongst others, one set of bigger turbo charger, an additional water cooler for the charge air intercooler and a new exhaust system. The outcome is that the Stealth accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.7 seconds on its way to a top speed of 350 km/h.

The handling was also optimized. GSC installed a KW coil-over suspension with adjustable dampers on the front axle. Moreover, the car runs on Michelin high-performance tires of the dimensions 255/30R20 and 305/25R20 made of the own-brand alloy wheels of the dimensions 9×20 and 10.5×20 inches.

At last, the interior enhancements are analogous to the exterior casing, the passenger gets a colorful ambience with orange-colored Lamborghini leather and diverse carbon applications.

Source: German Special Customs

March 21, 2013

2013 Renault ZOE – UK Price £13,650

Renault has announced the pricing of the new 2013 ZOE, which was announced at the Geneva Motorshow in 2012. The starting price is just £13,650 OTR.

2013 Renault ZOE is 100 % electric vehicle offering great range and versatility at low price. With an NEDC homologated range of 209 km (130 miles), ZOE is the first affordable car for everyday use to have been designed from the ground up as an electric vehicle.

ZOE is available in three trim levels – Expression, Dynamique Zen and Dynamique Intens – and is packed with a raft of innovations for a new form of motoring.

The sleek supermini is the first vehicle to be equipped with ‘Range OptimiZEr’ which combines three major innovations, bi-modal regenerative braking, a heat pump and MICHELIN Energy^TM E-V tyres.

ZOE is the only electric vehicle to feature the Chameleon charger. Patented by Renault, this charger is compatible with all power levels from 3kW up to 43kW. Charging batteries at a charging station can take between 30 minutes and 9 hours, with 80 % of full battery power able to be achieved within 30 minutes using a Rapid Charger 43 kW AC power source.

ZOE is also the first Renault to be presented with the new multimedia system, R-Link, as standard.

The electric motor has 88HP (65 kW) and 220Nm (163 lb-ft) of torque. Acceleration and pull-away are responsive from low speeds, while its top speed is limited to 135 km/h (84 mph).

Ordering for ZOE is already open, prior to arriving in showrooms on 7^th June.

Check out the standard equipment and price list, below!

Standard equipment on Expression includes:

15-inch Aerobase wheel trims on Michelin ENERGY E-V tyres
R-Link – voice controlled TomTom satellite navigation with 7” touchscreen
4x20W radio
USB input, jack, SD multimedia and Bluetooth®
‘Range OptimiZEr’ – bi-modal braking system, heat pump and Michelin Energy E-V tyres
Chameleon charger allowing recharge time of 30 mins to 9 hours
Econometer, battery gauge and integrated mileage counter
Eco mode: reduces power delivery and reprogrammes heating and air conditioning systems to maximise range
Z.E. Connect – remote monitoring of battery charge and range
Z.E. (hot/cold) pre-conditioning of interior temperature (when vehicle on charge)
Z.E. Voice – low speed pedestrian warning
Climate Control
Cruise Control
LED DRLs
ESC, ASR Traction control and Understeer control
Hill Start Assist
Renault keycard
ISOFIX mountings on front passenger seat and outer rear seats
TFT instrument display
Height and reach adjustable steering wheel
Privacy glass to rear side and tailgate windows
R.A.I.D. (Renault Anti-Intruder Device) auto door locking over 5 mph
Speed Limiter

Additional equipment on Dynamique Intens and Dynamique Zen:

16-inch Aerotronic wheel trims on Michelin ENERGY E-V tyres
Hands-free keycard
My Z.E. Inter@ctive – remote battery charging and air conditioning/heating activation
4x35W Arkamys 3D digital sound system
Auto lights and wipers
Z.E. Digital – remote access to R-Link store e.g. email access)
Leather steering wheel
Electric rear windows
Rear parking sensors
Dynamique Intens only:
– Rear parking camera
– Dark interior ambience
Dynamique Zen only:
– ‘Zen’ interior with Teflon upholstery protection
– ‘Zen Take Care by Renault’ – active scent diffuser, ioniser, toxicity sensor

Options:

16-inch Aerotronic alloy wheels £400 (Expression)
17” Tech Run alloy wheels (Dynamique versions) (not available with MICHELIN Energy^TM E-V tyres) £310
Metallic paint £495 (Energy Blue, Calico Grey, Neptune Grey, Diamond Black, Brazil Brown)
Renault i.d. metallic paint (Arctic White) £595
Renault solid i.d. paint (Iceberg Blue) £225
4x35W Arkamys 3D sound system £250 (Expression)
Z.E. Inter@ctive – remote battery charging and air conditioning/heating activation £150 (Expression)
Z.E. Live Services (HD Traffic updated, speed camera alerts, TomTom Places search and weather forecasts) 3 year subscription £150
TomTom additional mapping – Europe £110

VERSION	BIK	Basic Price (£)	VAT (£)	Total Retail (£)	Less PiCG (£)	Total Retail after PiCG (£)	Delivery Charge (£)	First Reg Fee (£)	OTR after PiCG (£)
Expression	0%	14,444.44	2,888.89	17,333.33	4,333.33	13,000.00	595.00	55.00	13,650.00
Dynamique Zen	0%	15,666.67	3,133.33	18,800.00	4,700.00	14,100.00	595.00	55.00	14,750.00
Dynamique Intens	0%	15,666.67	3,133.33	18,800.00	4,700.00	14,100.00	595.00	55.00	14,750.00

Battery rental for ZOE	Miles
	Miles
	up to 7,500	9,000	10,500	12,000
Contract term*
36 months and more	£70	£77	£85	£93
24 month	+£10
12 month	+£10

Source: Renault

March 21, 2013

Winged Wonders Unleash Thunder at Festival of Speed – Goodwood

Mercedes-Benz will bring two sensational sports cars at the 2013 Goodwood Festival of Speed. First is the 1955 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupe and second the new 2013 SLS AMG GT.

Despite the huge difference in time between these two great cars, they have a lot in common. Both have mighty engines in front and RWD as well as gull-wing doors. The two sports cars make extensive use of aluminum and have hand-built eight-cylinder engines.

The 300 SLR is powered by a 3.0 liter straight-eight with 310HP (228 kW). It weighs just 1,117 kg (2,462 lbs), so this is the quickest closed-roof car of that time. Its top speed isover 286 km/h (178 mph).

Nicknamed after legendary engineer, former head of vehicle development and creator of the 300 SLR, Rudolf Uhlenhaut, the “Uhlenhaut” Coupé was built in 1955 and based on the highly successful racers, most famous for the Mille Miglia victory of Stirling Moss and Denis Jenkinson. Equipped with a set of less than effective silencers to allow it to be road legal, Uhlenhaut famously used the 300 SLR Coupé as his everyday car

On the other hand, the new 2013 SLS AMG GT has world’s most powerful naturally aspirated V8 engine with whopping 591HP (435 kW) at 6,800RPM and 650Nm (479 lb-ft) at 4,750RPM.
The power is sent to the rear wheels through an AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT-7 transmission. 0-100 km/h in 3.7 seconds and a top speed of 319 km/h (198 mph).

The Goodwood Festival of Speed takes place between 11 and 14 July 2013.

Source: Mercedes-Benz

March 20, 2013

Audi RS Q3 on Snow [video]

Here is an interesting video of the new high-performance SUV – Audi RS Q3. This is the first “Q” model to get the RS designation. It was introduced at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show, this month. It is expected to hit the market in Germany this fall with prices starting from €54.600.

RS Q3 is powered by a five-cylinder 2.5 liter turbocharged petrol with 310HP (228 kW) at 5,200RPM and 420Nm (310 lb-ft) of torque at just 1,500RPM. The engine is connected to a 7-speed S-tronic gearbox sending the power to Quattro AWD. 0-100 km/h in just 5.5 seconds and a top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph).

The sporty SUV also features an aerodynamics body kit with new bumpers, grille inserts and side skirt. There is also a spoiler on the roof, matte aluminum trim and new rear diffuser housing big tailpipe.

The stance is improved by lowering the suspension with 25mm and big wheels – 19” or 20” alloys fitted with low-profile performance tires.

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

Source: Autobloggr via Youtube

March 20, 2013

2014 Kia Forte Sedan – US Price $15,900

Kia has announced the price list for the 2014 Forte Sedan. The lower, longer and wider Forte will offer a sportier and more upscale design, better performance, greater interior space and a wider array of premium amenities than its predecessor when it goes on sale within the next 30 days. The starting price is just $15,900 excluding $800 destination charge.

The entry-level LX is powered by a 1.8 liter MPI with 150HP (110 kW) and 177Nm (131 lb-ft) of torque. It is mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox or 6-speed automatic available as an option for additional $1,500.

The EX trim is coming with a 2.0 liter GDI with 175HP (129 kW) and 208Nm (154 lb-ft) of torque. It is available only with automatic gearbox.

The base LX model comes standard with steering wheel-mounted audio controls, SiriusXM Satellite Radio, Bluetooth wireless technology, power windows, air conditioning and heated power-folding mirrors among the many features that make the Forte stand out from its competition. The optional Popular Package (LX A/T only) adds 16” alloy wheels, cruise control, keyless entry with remote trunk release and a sliding front armrest.

The EX adds Kia’s next-generation UVO in-vehicle infotainment and telematics system with eServices is standard and can now be integrated with an optional navigation system. Additional standard EX features include remote keyless entry with trunk opener, Rear Camera Display, a sliding center armrest and a cooling glove box. The new optional FlexSteer system allows the driver to choose between three distinct steering profiles: Comfort, Normal and Sport. Features found on the optional Premium Package include heated front and rear seats, a 10-way power adjustable driver’s seat with class-exclusive air-cooled ventilation, leather seat trim, power sunroof, 17” alloy wheels and push button start with Smart Key and a heated steering wheel. Opting for the Technology Package, adds HID headlights, LED tail lights, a 4.2-inch color LCD cluster screen and dual-zone automatic temperature control with rear center ventilation.

Source: Kia

March 20, 2013

McLaren MP4-12C – 1/4 mile in 10.55 seconds

Here is the fastest production stock car in the world – McLaren MP4-12C, which managed to stop the clock at 10.55 seconds running ¼ mile with terminal speed of 216.55 km/h (134.56 mph).

The MP4-12C is powered by a twin-turbo 3.8-liter V8 engine that produces 608 HP (447 kW) at 7,000RPM and a peak torque of 600 (442 lb-ft) at 3,000RPM. It is mated to a 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox. 0-100 km/h in 3.1 seconds and a top speed of 329 km/h (204 mph). In terms of efficiency, the MP4-12C Spider will average 11.7 L/100km (24.2 mpg UK) with CO2 emissions of 279 g/km.

The car sits on lightweight alloys with the factory-provided Pirelli P Zero tires measuring 305/30 ZR20. It also has carbon ceramic brake system, sports exhaust system and launch control. 0-60 mph – 2.9 seconds and 0-100 mph in 5.9 seconds.

Enjoy the video!

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QuXwkbT6WUw

Source: Dragtimes

March 20, 2013

Petrolicious: Volkswagen Beetle – Kindred Spirits [VIDEO]

When you think about which car is one of the most famous and emblematic one in history you will definitely ponder on at least five models. What is also certain is that among them will be the iconic Volkswagen Beetle. One of the best words to describe this vehicle is “ubiquitous”.

The model entered production in 1935 and since then from it were produced over 21 million units. With almost 80 years old history the Beetle continues to be as successful as in its days of fame. Although it remained mostly unpopular with its original name – Volkswagen Type 1, the Beetle remains the longest-running and most manufactured car of a single design platform.

Despite the fact that so many cars of this Volkswagen model were produced, it is still extremely hard to find two Beetles that are customized in the same way. The idea of endless customization is probably what endears so many to model, or perhaps it is that behind these cars there are no two owners alike. This basically means that behind every one of it there is a story.

In the video below, the fellows from Petrolicious show exactly this: the story of Stephan Ruiz and his Beetle. After many mishaps involving stolen, burned, and wrecked Beetles, he has eventually found his personal Beetle. Clean is the best word to describe this one-year-only 1967 Beetle, and Stephan wants to keep it that way.

httpv://youtu.be/HfAMeKieObQ

Source: Petrolicious

March 20, 2013

2013 Tanner Foust Ford Fiesta ST Rockstar Energy Drink Car Unveiled

2013 Tanner Foust Ford Fiesta ST Rockstar Energy Drink car was just officially unveiled to the fans, after being exhibited this weekend at the Bristol Motor Speedway. The car focuses pure rallycross – with X Games, the Global Rallycross Championship and the European Rallycross Championship scheduled ahead.

In fact this was the first public appearance for Tanner Foust‘s 2013 Ford Fiesta ST, which showed the new red and orange splash on the familiar black and yellow paint scheme. In this project ENEOS Motor Oil joins Rockstar Energy Drink and Ford.

The driver of this model will compete in an expanded X Games schedule that adds three international stops to the traditional summer event in Los Angeles. To be more precise, the first rallycross competition takes place on 21st of April in Foz do Iguaçu, Brazil, followed by rounds in Spain in May and Germany in June. The return of X Games Rallycross to Los Angeles will happen in August.

Additional information that has been disclosed is that Foust will be joined in the journey with a new sponsor ODYSSEY battery. The latter is manufactured by EnerSys, which is a company that is a global leader in stored energy solutions.

Furthermore, Illest is a new apparel partner, while Horizon Hobbies will produce a new line of Tanner Foust edition R/C cars. At last, Tanner Foust announced that the engineering company COBB Tuning will power the Tanner Foust Edition Ford Focus ST that will go on sale to the public this year.

Source: Tanner Foust

March 20, 2013

The Rebirth Of Detroit Electric [TEASER]

Detroit Electric has been known for a long time. However, its absence on the automotive market counts over 70 years. Now, the innovative electric car manufacturer has returned with the creation and a range of exciting 100% electric vehicles for the mass market.

The rebirth of the original electric car brand is marked by a new pure electric sports car, which is going to have a production start in August. The dedicated production facility will have an annual capacity of 2 500 sports cars. The goal of the brand is to create over 180 sales and manufacturing-related jobs over the next year.

The first model that is going to be produced and that is currently teased has been in research and development for five years. It is going to carry the renowned Detroit Electric logo and will be a limited-edition two-seat sports car. Thanks to the image we can conclude that it will have a bold styling, and in addition the manufacturer promises an outstanding performance, exhilarating handling characteristics and impressive range.

What is more, the sports car will be launched early next month in Detroit. On the other hand its first public appearance will happen at the Shanghai Motor Show on 20th of April. Of course, all of the needed details will be disclosed there.

Moreover, the model is planned to go on sale by the end of August this year and will spearhead a diverse family of all-electric production cars, including two other high-performance models that will enter production by end of 2014.

By going back in history, we can state that Detroit is possibly the “home” of electric cars. Early in the last century the electric vehicle industry was flourishing in Detroit. There was of course, the Detroit Electric company which back than offered and sold the innovative electric vehicles.

The brand was a market leader ad by 1912 there were numerous American electric vehicle makers that made around 13 000 cars per year. As a matter of fact, this is the production world record for the twentieth century.

Detroit Electric was revived in 2008 by Albert Lam, who is the former Group CEO of the Lotus Engineering Group and Executive Director of Lotus Cars of England. He had the aim to create and offer to the general public an electric vehicle that seamlessly integrates refined aesthetics, innovative technology and superior handling and performance.

Just months ahead of the realization of this dream, the sports car will allow Detroit Electric to demonstrate to the world its ability to build an exciting and innovative product. The same strategy is promised to be seen in its future sedans, which are going to deliver exceptional fun of driving and performance.

Source: Detroit Electric

March 20, 2013

Category: Auto News