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Facelifted Hyundai ix35 To Be Revealed In Geneva

Hyundai has just released the first image showing its facelifted ix35. In addition it has been disclosed that the model is going to be revealed in Geneva this week. The new ix35 comes equipped with improved powertrain line-up, which features the European-developed gasoline engine named ‘Nu’ 2,0-litre GDI (Gasoline Direct Injection).

The latter delivers more power but still has greater economy than the ‘Theta-II’ 2,0-litre engine it replaces. Furthermore, the ‘R’ diesel engine receives clean technology, such as LP-EGR (low-pressure exhaust gas recirculation).

Facelifted Hyundai ix35 benefits from Hyundai’s three-mode FLEX STEER driving system, where the driver can choose from Normal, Comfort and Sport modes to tailor levels of feedback and the overall driving experience. In addition, Bi-Xenon headlamps and a TFT Supervision cluster will deliver better clarity and sense of greater joy to driving.

On the other hand, the interior receives a host of material upgrades which enhance the quality, along with some detail improvements to the trim. In fact, the styling, dynamic and technical upgrades of this model make sure that it keeps its successful character.

Another interesting fact is that the ix35 became the fastest-selling model in the brand’s European history and still keeps its huge popularity. It was the first model to include Hyundai’s ‘fluidic sculpture’ form language.

Source: Hyundai

March 4, 2013

EXCLUSIVE: 2013 MINI John Cooper Works Countryman ALL4 Dakar

2013 MINI John Cooper Works Countryman ALL4 Dakar is a limited-run special edition vehicle, an all-wheel-drive performance machine which has an exclusive, partly hand-built design and equipment inspired by Stéphane Peterhansel and Jean-Paul Cottret’s victorious MINI ALL4 Racing machine.

The launch of this special-edition MINI is happening in order to celebrate their triumph in the Dakar Rally 2013. The duo of Stéphane Peterhansel and Jean-Paul Cottret were piloting their MINI ALL4 Racing and made it to the number one place at the world’s toughest rally event for the second year in a row.

This model is a limited-edition tribute to its rally inspiration and only eleven examples of the car will be built. 2013 MINI John Cooper Works Countryman ALL4 Dakar has exclusive design and equipment features which contribute towards the increase of the thrill and the euphoria around the model.

As a basis for the new model served the MINI John Cooper Works Countryman. The latter is MINI’s first model which has included a race-bred powertrain and chassis technology with the all-wheel-drive system. In addition, the ALL4 serves up optimum traction and directional stability in all weather and under-wheel conditions. It also provides a noticeable increase in agility through dynamically taken corners.

As a matter of fact, the all-wheel-drive system channels the power from the 160 kW (218 hp) turbocharged four-cylinder engine to the all four wheels. The exterior color was inspired by the one off the Dakar-taming MINI ALL4 Racing which is matt black. IN addition, there are some special bright green design accents for the exterior and interior.

To go even further into details, some of them include Sport Stripes, which bear both the Dakar Rally winner’s logo and the signature of victorious driver Peterhansel on the bonnet. In addition, the green stripes along the car’s flanks feature “MINI ALL4 Racing” lettering, while the driver and front passenger doors display the car number 302 and the names of the victorious pairing.

Dakar winner’s logo can also be spotted next to the John Cooper Works badge at the rear of the car MINI. The interior in the cabin includes a green contrast stitching for the gearshift lever gaiter and floor mats, and the green embroidered winner’s logo on the head restraints. These green accents are complemented by green stripes for the black interior trim strip on the centre console.

On the interior trim strip above the glove compartment can also be seen a special-edition logo with serial number. The sports steering wheel and Gravity Black leather sports seats also feed into the cockpit’s evocative sports car ambience.

At last, for more sproty and spirited appearance, to the car were added auxiliary spotlights, bespoke side indicator surrounds and 19-inch light-alloy wheels in Cross-Spoke Crusher design. They all add the final touches to the exclusive 2013 MINI John Cooper Works Countryman ALL4 Dakar.

Source: MINI

March 4, 2013

Kahn Porsche Cayenne Supersport Wide Track Revealed Ahead Of Geneva

After it was announced this week that three vehicles tuned by the design specialists at A. Kahn Design will be revealed at the Geneva Motor Show, the last one of them isn’t kept as secret any more. We are talking here about Kahn Porsche Cayenne Supersport Wide Track – an accomplished vehicle that has been accepted within the Porsche firmament.

Next to the Porsche, a pretty impressive lineup of vehicles will presented at the Show. The first one is the impressive and stylish Kahn Range Rover Evoque Fuji White RS250 and the other is Kahn Land Rover Defender Concept 17.

The seductive proportions of the Cayenne however leave a distinct impression due to the visible enhancements which it includes: vented front and rear wide wheel arches with integrated front and rear air dams, LED daytime running lights for the front wheel arch vents, lower boot lid spoiler, welcome ambient package, sports lowered suspension springs, brake calipers finished in liquid gold, door handles in satin black, Kahn enamel wing shields and Kahn enamel tailgate logo.

In addition, the driver of this amazing project will sit behind a privacy tinted glass and pilot the engine while listening to the Kahn cross hair exhaust system. Furthermore, the interior of the model is a true masterpiece, where one can see the emblematic for Kahn “bespoke touch”.

The front and rear seats are in black and carbon quilted and perforated leather with ivory contrast stitching, the centre glovebox is in black and carbon quilted leather, the vented foot pedals are in machined aluminum, the speedo and rev counter fascia are in red are cream, and there are also included floor mats.

Another emblematic element included in this particular design is the Kahn wheels. In the present case, the vehicle runs on RS t Wheels in sizes 9.5 X 22” at the front and 10.5 x22” at the rear. They have simple and clean lines, soft organic surfaces on the edge of the spoke and a purposeful mechanical centre.

Source: Kahn

March 1, 2013

Volkswagen e-Co-Motion Concept Debuts In Geneva

Volkswagen e-Co-Motion Concept will be unveiled at Geneva International Motor Show next week. The transporter concept vehicle has a large cargo capacity but at the same time is compact and maneuverable.

It has 800 kilograms of payload, but still manages to deliver zero emissions on the road thanks to its electric drive system. This special Volkswagen model is exclusively conceptualized with an electric drive, and in addition has great vehicle properties: high maneuverability with a small vehicle footprint, very good visibility and seating ergonomics with easy entry, exit and walk-through, a low cargo floor height and large cargo capacity.

As one can see, the exterior of the e-Co-Motion combines what at first appear to be contradictory development specifications: maximum space on a minimal vehicle footprint. It has a length of just 4.55 m, width of 1.90 m and height of 1.96 m.

This concept delivers maximum cargo capacity of 4.6 m3 and an 800 kg of payload thanks to the lower driving-relevant zone containing an underfloor drive unit, battery and gearbox; and an upper superstructure that is relevant to delivery tasks.

The result is that there are present ideal conditions for maximum space use and all sorts of body versions and customer solutions. For example, it can be a driver’s cab in front of a cargo box or a passenger shuttle, low platform or refrigerated box.

Source: Volkswagen

March 1, 2013

Audi A3 Sportback g-tron Supports Renewable Energies

After the recent introduction of 2014 Audi A3 e-tron the brand is now ready to enter the A3 Sportback g-tron. The latter is a compact five-door car, powered by the CO2-neutral fuel Audi e-gas. This new Audi vehicle innovatively combines ecological balance, economy and high-tech solutions.

To go further into details, the Audi A3 Sportback g-tron is equipped with the full gamut of company’s technology expertise. Starting from ultra-lightweight technology, and infotainment, and ending with the driver assistance systems. However, what is the most important feature here is the state-of-the-art CNG drive technology, with included fuel storage.

The fuel storage has two tanks under the luggage compartment floor. Each of them can hold seven kilograms (15.43 lb) of CNG at a maximum 200 bar pressure. At the same time each tank weighs 27 kilograms (59.52 lb) less than its conventional counterpart.

Even more, the tanks consist of a new type of matrix, where the inner layer comprises of gas-impermeable polyamide polymer, while the second layer – of carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) that gives the tank its extremely high strength. In addition, the third layer is made of glass fiber reinforced polymer (GFRP), which provides rugged protection against damage from the outside. High-strength epoxy resin is used to bind the fiber reinforced materials.

Another highlight in the A3 Sportback g-tron is the electronic gas pressure regulator, which is compact and lightweight and therefore reduces the high pressure of the gas flowing from the cylinders down to around five to nine bar in two stages.

For instance, if the pressure in the tank drops below ten barr, the engine management system automatically switches over to gasoline operation. The model is fully bivalent, this means that its performance figures are identical in CNG and gasoline modes.

Furthermore, the CNG provides a range of around 400 km (248.55 miles), with gasoline providing another 900 km (559.23 miles). All in all, the total range is approximately on a par with an Audi TDI.

The information of the fuel level is visible on two displays in the instrument cluster. The driver information system also displays the current fuel consumption based on the particular operating mode.

The engine under the hood of this Audi is based on the new 1.4 TFSI, which develops 110 hp (81 kW) and 200 Nm of torque. Key modifications relate to the cylinder head, turbocharging, injection system, and the catalytic converter.

The Vmax here is 190 km/h (118.06 mph), with an acceleration time from 0 to 100 km/h (0 – 62.14 mph) in 11 seconds. Additionally, the fuel consumption here is also impressive: the five-door car consumes on average less than 3.5 kilograms per 100 km of CNG or Audi e-gas – the fuel that is generated from eco-electricity in the Audi e-gas project. CO2 tailpipe emissions are less than 95 grams per km (152.89 g/mile) in gas mode.

What is more attractive however, is the greenhouse gas balance in a well-to-wheel analysis that accounts for all factors from the fuel source to the car’s wheels. When the A3 Sportback g-tron is powered by Audi e-gas, no more CO2 is released. Buyers of the Audi A3 Sportback g-tron will presumably obtain the e-gas at the public CNG refueling stations via an ecological accounting¬ method.

This so called e-gas project makes Audi the first automobile manufacturer to develop an entire chain of sustainable energy carriers. The start of the chain has electricity produced from renewable energy sources and the end products are hydrogen and the synthetic Audi e-gas.

What is more, the construction of the world’s first industrial plant to produce synthetic methane (e-gas) from CO2 and renewable electricity is almost complete in Werlte in Germany. The Audi e-gas plant will make a way for tapping into the natural-gas network with its huge capacity as storage and transport system for hitherto excess electricity capacity.

The CO2 used in Audi’s e-gas plant is a waste ¬product from a nearby biogas plant, operated by power utility EWE. The CO2, which would otherwise pollute the atmosphere, is chemically bonded into the fuel at the Audi e-gas plant. In addition, it is expected that the e-gas plant will annually produce about 1 000 metric tons of e-gas and will chemically bind some 2,800 metric tons of CO2.

In other words, the CO2-neutral e-gas derived from the plant will be able to power 1 500 new Audi A3 Sportback g-tron vehicles every year. The electricity-gas technology is an aim to significantly foster the expansion of renewable energies.

Source: Audi

March 1, 2013

Ferrari’s New Limited Edition Car To Be Unveiled In Geneva

Ferrari is going to exhibit its brand new limited edition special series vehicle at Geneva Motor Show, where it will also make a first world appearance. The unveiling will happen on Tuesday, 5th of March where additional details around it will be disclosed.

Few days ahead of the debut, this news leaves huge sense of anticipation. In addition, all fans will be able to follow intriguing hints about the model by keeping a daily eye on the Maranello marque’s website and official Facebook pages.

All that is known so far is that this limited edition Ferrari will be the highest expression in technology transferred from racing to production: from the GTO to the F40, up to the more recent F50 and Enzo.

Source: Ferrari

March 1, 2013

STARTECH 2013 Range Rover in Geneva

Startech has presented their tuning program for 2013 Range Rover. The SUV boasts awesome presence and nice performance capabilities. It will be exhibited at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show, next week.

The exterior boasts a completely new front bumper with an integrated spoiler, LED daytime running lights and LED fog lights. There is also a new rear bumper with a new diffuser . The big vehicle rolls enormous 10J x 22” wheels with high-performance tires in size 295/35 R 22 front and back. The stance can be further improved by a suspension lowering module ,that reduces the ride height by up to 30mm.

The interior features leather and Alcantara seats, exotic wood or carbon fiber trim as well as a yachting-inspired load floor. Among the options, you will find aluminum pedals, illuminated scuff plates and electrically folding rear tables with wood, carbon fiber or leather tops.

The SD 30S package boosts the 3.0 liter LR-TDV6 diesel to 300HP (221 kW) and 685Nm (505 lb-ft) of torque. This is an increase of 42HP (31 kW) and 85Nm (63 lb-ft). The engine is mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission. 0-100 km/h in 7.3 seconds and a top speed of 220 km/h (137 mph).

Source: Startech

March 1, 2013

BRABUS B63S 730 Based on Mercedes-Benz CLS 63 AMG

Brabus has presented the super powerful B63S – 730 package for Mercedes-Benz CLS 63 AMG Coupe and Shooting Brake.

The performance package boost the 5.5 liter bi-turbo V8 to 730HP (537 kW) at 5,300RPM and 1,065Nm (785 lb-ft) of torque at 1,750RPM. 0-100 km/h in 3.8 seconds, 0-200 km/h in 10.8 seconds and a top speed of 350 km/h (217 mph). The engine is mated to an AMG SPEEDSHIFT PLUS 7G-TRONIC transmission sending the power to BRABUS multi-disc limited-slip rear differential with a locking rate of 40%.

To further optimize directional stability well into the regions beyond 300 km/h (187 mph), the BRABUS designers went into the wind tunnel to develop a front spoiler for both body styles of the CLS 63 AMG. The aerodynamic-enhancement component attaches to the underside of the front fascia and reduces lift on the front axle.

All components are manufactured from especially light yet high-strength genuine carbon fibers for a full-blooded racing look, and are available with a matt or high-gloss surface finish.

The exclusive BRABUS appearance for the new CLS 63 AMG is also in part courtesy of the BRABUS Monoblock wheels with diameters of 19” and 20”. The latest innovation in the BRABUS wheel family is the BRABUS Monoblock R “Platinum Edition” forged wheel that combines lightweight construction and maximum strength.

The largest tires supplied by BRABUS technology partners Continental, Pirelli and YOKOHAMA for the 20” alloys come in size 255/30 ZR 20 for the 9J x 20” wheels on the front axle and in size 295/25 ZR 20 for the 10.5J x 20” wheels in the rear.

Exclusive interior design that fulfills any customer request is a BRABUS specialty that comes to life in the company upholstery shop. The lineup for the CLS 63 AMG ranges from attractive accessories to custom-tailored interiors crafted from especially soft, breathable and yet highly durable BRABUS Mastik leather and Alcantara.

Scuff plates with backlit BRABUS logo, a speedometer with 400-km/h dial (250 mph) and rear-seat tables attached to the backs of the front seats add custom highlights as do the markedly sporty aluminum components such as pedal pads, door lock pins and shift paddles for the steering wheel.

Also available for the top-of-the-line CLS model is a custom-tailored BRABUS multimedia concept – including optional Apple iPad integration.

Source: Brabus

March 1, 2013

ABT with 1,860 HP at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show

ABT Sportsline will take four new models at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show. The tuning specialists will exhibit: ABT Golf VII, ABT R8 GTR, ABT RS5 and ABT RS6. The combined power of all these vehicles is more than 1860HP.

The 7^th generation Golf boasts a set of 19” alloy wheels fitted with 225/35 R19 tires, a quad exhaust setup, along with a custom sports suspension and several styling changes such as a rear diffuser, side skirts and splitter.

There are performance packages for the 1.4 TSI and 2.0 TDI boosted to 160HP (118 kW) and 170HP (125 kW), respectively.

ABT Audi R8 GTR has 620HP (456 kW), which is 20% more than the factory’s power of 525HP (386 kW). 0-100 km/h in 3.6 seconds and Vmax – 320 km/h.

The 5.2 liter V10 received a number of upgrades, which the tuning company keep in secret. However, the car is fully compatible for everyday use and is real fun for cruising on country roads. There is also a sport exhaust system to “calm” down your ears.

The sports car rolls enormous 20” ABT BR alloys or 19” CR Superlight rims.

The ABT RS5-R as also been developed with a focus upon weight optimisation and distribution. The car shows that it is indeed possible to combine roadworthiness with the characteristics of a real racer. The same applies for the ABT RS6, which is boosted to 600HP (441 kW).

“I’m confident that the readers of the AUTO ZEITUNG will honour this innovative power of ours this year as well.”, finished Hans-Jürgen Abt.

Source: ABT

March 1, 2013

Toyota FT-86 Open Concept – Drift and Wind in the Hair

Toyota has officially revealed the new FT-86 Open Concept. The convertible sports car brings unique pleasure combining two of most desired experiences for a petrol head – drift and wind in the hair.

The FT-86 Open Concept will be exhibited at the Geneva Motor Show, next week. The car features an electrically operated soft top. A Milan-based designer color-coordinated the interior and exterior, with the resulting design evoking quality and sportiness. The interior and exterior feature high-contrast white and navy blue that emphasize the vehicle’s proportions as well as the integrated nature of the design.

In addition, yellow-gold stitching in the floor mats and seats acts as an accent conveying a sporty feel. Furthermore, the styling conveys a dramatically different impression when the roof is opened.

No words about performance, but probably the convertible will share the same engine as the coupe – a 2.0 liter naturally aspirated boxer with 200HP (147 kW) and 205Nm (151 lb-ft) of torque.

Source: Toyota

March 1, 2013

SR Auto Fisker Karma CEC C881 With More Aggressive On Road Presence

SR Auto Fisker Karma CEC C881 is ready for the showroom exuding its perfect stance and electrifying charm. Being a true four-door Fisker model, this one brings to reality the astonishing acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in just 5.9 seconds.

Despite this great performance the model is able to achieve an impressive consumption of more than 100 miles per gallon and 83 g/km CO2 emissions. Now the bold electric saloon is being further enhanced and has a complete new set of modern “shoes”.

The specialists at SR Auto have equipped this white Fisker Karma with a brand new set of wheels courtesy of CEC Wheels. They are named C881 and they fit perfectly the factory diameter of twenty-two inches and feature a Machined Silver finish.

In addition, their split five spoke design gives the model a sportier appeal and even more aggressive on road presence. In details, the car is fitted with CEC C881 in size 22×9 at the front and 22×10.5 at the rear.

Source: SR Auto

February 28, 2013

2013 Land Rover Electric Defender With Premiere In Geneva

2013 Land Rover Electric Defender is going to be unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show next week. The research vehicle delivers zero emissions but at the same time keeps it’s tough and go-anywhere capability.

The standard diesel engine and gearbox in the 110 Defenders have been replaced in this electric version with a 70kW (94 hp), 330 Nm electric motor twinned with a 300-volt, lithium-ion battery with a capacity of 27 kWh. The latter gives a range of more than 50 miles.

As a matter of fact, when the car is driven in low speed and off-road the battery can last for up to eight hours before recharging. In addition, it can be fully charged by a 7kW fast charger in four hours or a portable 3 kW charger in 10 hours.

Furthermore, the Electric Defender keeps the legendary four-wheel drive system and the differential lock. The electric motor delivers maximum torque from the moment it starts, therefore there’s no need for gear shifting and the transmission comprises a single speed, 2.7:1 reduction gearbox combined with the existing Defender four-wheel drive system.

In addition, another technology included is the modified version of brand’s Terrain Response System. Moreover, the vehicles were developed by Land Rover’s Advanced Engineering Team. As a basis for their construction served the successful Defender-based EV – Leopard 1.

Of course, the vehicle has been tested in extreme and environmentally sensitive conditions. Trials included pulling a 12-tonne ‘road train’ up a 13 percent gradient and wading to a depth of 800 mm.

Other details disclosed around this model ahead of its debut are that the battery weighs 410 kg and is mounted in the front of the Defender in place of the diesel engine. The kerb weight is 100 kg more than a basic Defender 110 and ranges from 2055 kg to 2162 kg.

The most prominent elements in the electric powertrain – such as the battery, inverter and motor – are air-cooled which saves weight and complexity and adds robustness. In addition to this, this Electric Defender includes an optimized regenerative braking which utilizes Hill Descent Control.

Unfortunately, there are no plans for the all-terrain electric Defender to enter production so far. More details around this EV will be disclosed next week at Geneva Motor Show.

Source: Land Rover

February 28, 2013

Category: Auto News