Category: Auto News

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

  • Mercedes-Benz A45 AMG Edition One

    Mercedes-Benz has announced the new A45 AMG Edition One. The performance hatchback is bringing better equipment for less money.

    The A45 AMG Edition One is offered in Cirrus White paint with matt graphite grey stripes on the hood, sides and roof. There is also an aerodynamics package including a new front splitter, gt splitters and a rear wing. Other highlights include red paint on the brake calipers, mirrors, rear wing and the front grille.

    The small Mercedes rolls 19” black alloy wheels with a red center cap. They are fitted with 235/35 R19 tires (front and rear).

    The interior is in black and red theme. There are AMG Performance front seats, leather sports steering wheels, AMG emblems as well as “Edition 1” badge on the AMG drive unit.

    The A45 AMG is powered by a 2.0 liter turbocharged petrol with 360HP (265 kW) at 6,000RPM and 450Nm (332 lb-ft) of torque at 2,250RPM.  0-100 km/h in 4.6 seconds and a top speed of 250 km/h (electronically limited). The engine is mated to an AMG SPEED SHIFT DCT 7-speed sports transmission with three driving programs, double-declutching function and Race Start.

    Source: Mercedes-Benz

  • 2014 Chevrolet SS Revealed At Daytona!

    2014 Chevrolet SS is finally revealed after being teased a few days ago. This is Chevrolet‘s first V-8, rear-wheel-drive performance sedan since 1996, and it is created in order to offer performance on the street and on the track.

    The model has just debuted at the Daytona International Speedway, showing off its proven, race-tested, global rear-wheel drive architecture. The Chevrolet SS is equipped with the LS3 Chevrolet V-8, which genrates 415 horsepower (305 kW) and 415 lb-ft (562 Nm) of torque.

    The unit is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission, which can be shifted manually using TAPshift paddles mounted on the steering wheel. More importantly, this Chevrolet model delivers acceleration time of 5 seconds for the sprint from 0 to 100 km/h.

    In addition, is equipped with a a sport-tuned chassis, including MacPherson strut front and multilink independent rear suspension geometry, electronic power steering system, optimized for sport driving, standard Brembo brakes, with ventilated, 355-mm rotors and two-piece, four-piston front calipers, Forged aluminum wheels, wrapped in ultra-high-performance Bridgestone tires: 19 x 8.5 inch wheels with 245/40ZR19 tires in front; 19 x 9.0 inch wheels with 275/35ZR19 tires in the rear.

    To go further into details, the staggered front and rear wheels are pushed out to the corners. Hence, they improve the sporting, muscular presence of the SS. Up front, the aluminum hood includes a subtle “power bulge” hinting at the power of the engine underneath.

    On the other hand, at the rear, the tapered, tear-drop shape delivers enhanced aerodynamic performance. Some of the highlights here include jewel-like chrome accents, standard high-intensity discharge headlamps and light-emitting diode daytime running lights.

    How about the interior: it is spacious enough and comfortably accommodates five adults, with 42 inches of front legroom, and 39 inches of rear legroom. The seats are wrapped in leather as a standard. The SS emblem can be seen on the soft-touch instrument panel which also includes two types of chrome finishes – a satin gloss and bright chrome. At night, the interior is illuminated by ice blue ambient lighting.

    A wide range of technology features is included in the Chevrolet SS: Color, in-dashboard touch screen that supports Chevrolet MyLink and the next- generation navigation system; Bose® Nine-speaker premium sound system; Color heads-up display; Push-button start; StabiliTrak Electronic Stability Control; Forward Collision Alert; Lane Departure Warning; Side Blind Zone Alert; Rear-vision camera Rear Cross Traffic Alert.

    Even more, in the SS is also included for the first time the Automatic Parking Assist, which provides hands-free parking help. This parking assistant utilizes ultrasonic sensing system in order to detect the width and depth of either parallel or reverse right-angle parking spaces.

    2014 Chevrolet SS will be available at dealerships in the fourth quarter of 2013.

    Source: Chevrolet

  • Alfa Romeo Gloria IED Concept With World Premiere In Geneva

    Alfa-Romeo-Gloria-IED-Concept-THUMBAlfa Romeo Gloria IED Concept is set to make an official world premiere at the 83rd Geneva Motor Show. The European Design Institute (IED) of Turin is presenting there for the first time their new concept vehicle named “Gloria”. The car was created by the Master in Transportation Design in collaboration with the Alfa Romeo Style Centre.

    As one can see from the picture, this prototype exudes sports spirit and Italian style with the aim to keep the symbol of elegance and prestige so typical for the bran. Alfa Romeo Style Centre participated with passion in the various phases of the project: from the product brief to the brand’s historic collection, and from the first style proposals up to the development, in clay, of the model in 1:1 scale.

    In details, the car is 4700 mm long, 1920 mm wide, 1320 mm high and has a wheelbase of 2900 mm. It is a sports saloon with decisive lines that run down the side to the rear end. What is more, under its hood there is to be found a state-of-the-art V6 or V8 biturbo engine.

    To go even further, this concept is a result of the work of twenty students on the Master programme. The passion that the brand evokes had a powerful impact on the students and teaching staff, allowing them to push themselves within tight deadlines to achieve the final delivery of a project.

    What is also known about the concept is that it is going to be reproduced on the iPad in a virtual environment in Geneva. There it will be possible to interact with it, choosing between five models of rims and five body colours to try out, replacing the real ones.

    Suorce: Alfa Romeo

  • Cadillac Adds Two New Limited Edition Models To The CTS Range

    Cadillac-CTS-V-Coupe-Silver-Frost-THUMBMatte-finished Cadillac CTS-V Coupe Silver-Frost and the performance-inspired Cadillac CTS-V Stealth Blue are the two new limited editions that the Cadillac will add to its CTS line-up.

    In particular, the Silver Frost Edition will be a special run of 100 CTS-V Coupes that will include a special low-gloss matte paint finish. This special paint finish will be available on collector-edition vehicles.

    The model will be equipped with the 6.2L supercharged V-8 engine which develops 556 horsepower (410 kW) and 551 lb-ft (747 Nm) of torque. The Silver Frost CTS-V model will also include the following optional equipment: yellow or red Brembo brake calipers, high polished or satin graphite wheels, suede-covered steering wheel and shift knob.

    To be even more precise, the desired finish on the Silver Frost CTS-V coupe was achieved by applying a “30-gloss” clear coat to the paint. In comparison, in standard paint finishes is used the “80-gloss” clear coat. However, the paint will still emit a low “sparkle” when certain lights reflect off it, but the finish will be distinctly “matte”.

    An important note here is that although the visual appearance of the car is perfect, in order to stay such, this Cadillac model should be hand-washed only. This is because the paint is engineered to be as durable as normal paint. And in addition, because the paint texture is also noticeably different to the touch (finish will be slightly less smooth).

    On the other hand the Stealth Blue Edition has an outstanding new color in a more traditional metallic finish. This model will have a limited production run starting in March and will be available on the CTS coupe and all CTS-V models. What is more, the CTS coupe, V coupe and sedan models will be also offered in an optional “Twilight Blue” leather interior package.

    Some of the optional highlights included in the Stealth Blue CTS model are: satin graphite wheels with silver calipers, dark finish grille, recaro performance seats.

    Source: Cadillac

  • Famous Parts Adss More Distinctiveness To Mercedes-Benz SL500

    Famous-Parts-Mercedes-Benz-THUMBMercedes-Benz SL 500 is one of the most stylish cars on Earth and it will never go out of trend. In fact, it is the number one model in the Mercedes-Benz scene for many years. Thanks to its powerful V8 engine it is able to generate 435 hp (320 kW).

    In the mean time torque is measured at the staggering 700Nm. This basically means that the SL 500 needs only just 4.6 seconds for the acceleration sprint from 0 to 100 km/h.

    The German tuners at Famous Parts have made this conversion on the famous SL500 particularly well. They gave the roadster a complete Prior Design wide body car body kit consisting of front and tail bumper, side sills, a new motor cowl, front mudguards and rear side wall widening.

    Furthermore, the kit is complemented and rounded off by a facelift for the outer mirrors, new headlights and a rear spoiler. An in order to get in resonance with the wintter season, Famous Parts applied “white pearl matte metallic” film to the car body.

    In addition, the serial ABC-chassis is lowered by an electronic module that also permits manual height adjustment. Type III FPX rims turn in the wheel box: 8.5×20 inch with 255/30R20 at the front and 11×20 inch with 295/25R20 Continental Sport Contact tyres at the rear.

    An upgrade has also been applied to the exhaust system. Here we are speaking about the rear section of big brother SL63 AMG that has been attached to the original 500 tubes. As a final touch, Famous Parts painted some car body parts in matte-black and applied a dark film coat on the rear window of the panorama roof to contrast with the white exterior color.

    Source: Famous Parts

  • 2013 Kia Pro Cee’d – UK Price £17,495

    Kia has announced the full technical specifications as well as price list for the 2013 Pro Cee’d. The hatchback starts from just £17,495 for the S trim level with 1.6 liter GDi engine.

    Standard equipment includes a set of 16” alloy wheels, automatic lights with follow-me-home, electric windows, cruise control, electrically-operated, heated and folding door mirrors, trip computer and rear parking sensors.

    The second trim level is the SE – adds 17” wheels, stainless steel door sill plates and pedals, automatic dual-zone climate control, 7” touchscreen sat-nav system, automatic rain-sensing wipers and driver/passenger power lumbar seat support. The pricing starts from £19,495.

    Two engines are offered in the new pro_cee’d line-up – a 1.6-litre GDi petrol and a 1.6-litre CRDi turbodiesel with Intelligent Stop & Go (ISG) – and both are available in each trim grade.  A 6-speed manual transmission is standard across the range and Kia’s 6-speed Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT) gearbox is also available in 1.6 GDi SE.

    The 1.6 liter GDi has 133HP (98 kW) at 6,300RPM and 221Nm (164 lb-ft) of torque at 4,850RPM. 0-100 km/h in 9.8 seconds and a top speed of 195 km/h (121 mph). It returns 62.8mpg on the official combined cycle with CO2 emissions of 124g/km.

    The 1.6 liter CRDi has 126HP (93 kW) at 4,000RPM and 259Nm (192 lb-ft) at 1,900RPM. 0-100 km/h in 11.5 seconds and a top speed of 197 km/h (122 mph). It returns 78.5 mpg on the official combined cycle and CO2 emissions of 100g/km.

    Check out the tech specs and pricing below!

    TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS:

    Performance & Economy 1.6 GDi
    ‘S’
    1.6 GDi
    ‘SE’
    1.6 GDi
    DCT ‘SE’
    1.6 CRDi
    S’
    1.6 CRDi
    ‘SE’
    CO2 Emissions (g/km) 124 137 140 100 112
    VED Band D E E A C
    Combined Economy (mpg) 52.3 47.1 46.3 74.3 65.7
    0 – 60 mph (seconds) 9.8 9.5 10.4 11.5 10.5
    Top Speed (mph) 121 121 121 122 122
    Dimensions & Weights
    Length (mm)

    4,310

    Width (mm, exc. mirrors)

    1,780

    Height (mm) 1,425 1,430 1,430 1,425 1,430
    Wheelbase (mm) 2,650
    Min Kerb Weight (kg) 1,267 1,267 1,296 1,375 1,375
    Max Kerb Weight (kg) 1,384 1,384 1,408 1,490 1,490
    Boot vol. (l, VDA, min/max)

    380 / 1,225 (seats down)

    PRICING:

    Model CO2 (g/km) OTR Price
    pro_cee’d ‘S’ 1.6 GDi 124 £17,495
    pro_cee’d ‘S’ 1.6 CRDi 100 £18,595
    pro_cee’d ‘SE’ 1.6 GDi 137 £19,495
    pro_cee’d ‘SE’ 1.6 CRDi 112 £20,595
    pro_cee’d ‘SE’ 1.6 GDi DCT 140 £20,795

    Source: Kia

  • 2013 Volkswagen Transporter Edition

    Volkswagen has revealed the Transporter Edition in Europe. The Van comes with black design elements such as alloy wheels “Cascavel Anthracite” in 17” format, and optional 18” AZEV “R” in matte black, matte black roof, black Schwellerbeklebung with the “edition” logo in the van is a highlight for truck buyers those looking for a sporty and extraordinary vehicle.

    It is available to order right away with pricing starting from €26,846. Other extras include electrically adjustable and heated mirrors, power windows, central locking with radio remote control and securing safe and H7 headlamps and fog lamps with cornering function.

    The interior boasts seats in design “Tasamo”, a leather steering wheel, a leather-covered gear knob and handbrake lever and quality inlays.

    Optional for the Transporter Edition are also bi-xenon headlights with LED daytime running for election.

    The 2013 Transporter Edition is avaialble with three gasoline or three diesel engines with output ranging from 102HP (75 kW) to 204HP (150 kW).

    Source: Volkswagen

  • Clean Diesel Power For 2014 Dodge Ram 1500 EcoDiesel

    2014-Ram-1500-EcoDiesel-THUMB2014 Dodge Ram 1500 EcoDiesel will offer for the first time a small diesel displacement for the trucks vehicles range. The new 3.0-liter EcoDiesel engine will be mated with an eight-speed TorqueFlite automatic transmission. The powertrain is expected to deliver an excellent combination of best-in-class fuel efficiency, best-in-class torque and impressive capability.

    The 2013 Dodge Ram 1500 model has been proclaimed as a Motor Trend’s Truck of the Year, The North American Truck of the Year and Truck of Texas. Building on this award-winning truck, the 2014 Ram 1500 EcoDiesel will further expand its best-in-class fuel economy and in addition will bring innovation to the automotive industry.

    The 3.0-liter V-6 turbo EcoDiesel and TorqueFlite eight-speed transmission are the perfect combination which will provide best-in-class torque, fuel economy and range. In fact, Ram Truck brand is the only truck manufacturer to offer this technology and it will undoubtedly bring about a competitive advantage.

    Diesel power has a strong and loyal following among truck owners due to its numerous priorities over gasoline and other fuel sources. Therefore it is expected Ram 1500 EcoDiesel to expand the growth into the light duty sector.

    Source: Ram

  • 2013 Mazda5 Facelift Released

    2013-Mazda5-Upgrade-THUMB2013 Mazda5 Facelift is a refreshed version of the Mazda’s revolutionary compact MAV. It is now even more stylish, more convenient and safer than before. As a matter of fact, the model is the one which brought the dual sliding back doors to the world of compact vans.

    The new upgraded Mazda5 will be now available in three new body colours – Zeal Red, Jet Black and Meteor Grey. Inside the coupe, there is new seat trim along with the dashboard panel décor in a clean, sleek looking piano black finish.

    What is more, the enhanced version of the model has also been given power folding side mirrors with integrated LED turn signals. In addition, the company has added “lane change” turn signals, which are activated by simply tapping the turn signal lever and automatically shut off after blinking three times.

    On the other hand, the tire repair kit makes the vehicle even lighter. As a logical consequence this improves the fuel consumption. Additionally, there are also featured as an option a rear parking camera and auto-dimming rear-view mirror, while a USB port, illuminated glovebox and muffler extension are all standard equipment.

    The new 2013 Mazda5 Facelift offers enormous cabin space, but at the same time compact exterior dimensions. It includes an award-winning design delivering class-leading aerodynamics for a smooth, quiet ride with extraordinary linear handling and stability.

    Source: Mazda

  • 2013 Toyota Auris Touring Sports

    Toyota has presented the new 2013 Auris Touring Sports. The model offers a choice of a full hybrid powertrain, marking further diversification of Toyota’s Hybrid Synergy Drive technology.

    2013 Auris Touring Sports boasts dynamic design, best-in-segment functionality and large, flexible loadspace. The new model will broaden the appeal of Auris and is expected to help increase the model’s European segment share to more than five per cent by 2014, its first full year of sales.

    As witnessed in the new Auris hatchback, the strong and distinctive exterior design maximises the aerodynamic benefits that come with the model’s lower overall height and the dynamic improvements offered by its lower centre of gravity.

    The Touring is powered by a 1.33-litre Dual VVT-i and 1.6-litre Valvematic petrol units; the 1.4-litre D-4D diesel; and full hybrid – a first in the family/compact estate car market.

    The Full Hybrid version includes a 1.8-litre VVT-i petrol engine and an electric motor. The total power is 136HP (100 kW). 0-100 km/h in 10.9 seconds and a top speed of 180 km/h (112 mph). The Full Hybrid also boasts class-leading 86g/km CO2 emissions.

    Source: Toyota

  • Tunerworks Performance Transforms Ferrari California

    Tunerworks Performance Ferrari California - Front Angle ViewTunerworks Performance Ferrari California added little bit of spice and love in the air with its release yesterday on Valentine’s Day. Ferrari California is a vehicle that could be a synonym of a true love with its exotic appearance and emotions that brings when one is driving it.

    Originally the Ferrari California is equipped with 4,300 cc V8 engine which includes direct fuel injection and a flat crankshaft, and is mated to a 7-speed dual clutch transmission. Thanks to it the car produces 460 horsepower at 7,500 rpm with a torque curve that enhances vehicle dynamics and provides maximum driving pleasure which is typical for Ferrari. What is more, this unit allows the California to sprint from standstill to 100 km/h in less than 4.0 seconds.

    What Tunerworks have done on it is to supply it with the following equipment: Carbon Fiber And Matte Black Novitec 3pc Wheels, Pirelli Tires, Novitec Carbon Fiber Aero Packge, Novitec Valved Exhaust System, Novitec Lowering Suspension, Red Ferrari Center Caps, Smoked OEM Markers.

    Now this incredible tuning will be not only instantly recognizable, but also will add more individual presence on any road it runs.

    Source: Tunerworks Performance Inc. via Facebook

  • Qoros 3 Sedan

    Qoros will present its first series production vehicle, an elegant compact (C-segment) car with the official international model designation, the Qoros 3 Sedan. The official premiere will be at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show in March.

    The Qoros 3 Sedan, which is entering a pre-production development phase after two summers and two winters of extensive testing at key locations around the world, is due to be launched in China in the second half of 2013, with first European sales following later in the year.  The launch of further Qoros models is then planned at intervals of approximately 6 months.

    Qoros’ elegant sedan for the compact segment introduces a distinctive brand identity which will be applied across all future models.  The Qoros 3 Sedan has an elegant profile thanks to its long wheelbase, short overhangs, a coupé-like silhouette and a roof line which flows smoothly into the strong rear quarters.  At 4,615 mm long and 1,839 mm wide, the sedan is relatively large for the compact segment, and endows it with a powerful overall appearance and unusually generous interior space.

    The engine range includes two efficient four-cylinder 1.6-litre gasoline engines. Both of which feature VVT (variable valve timing).  The naturally-aspirated unit delivers an output of 126HP (93 kW) and 155Nm (115 lb-ft) of torque.  The turbocharged version offers 156HP (115 kW) and 210 Nm (156 lb-ft). Both engines are combined with a 6-speed manual transmission as standard, with an optional 6-speed dual clutch transmission available for both.  A stop-start system will be available from launch.

    With the support of AVL, Qoros is also developing a three-cylinder 1.2-litre turbocharged engine and an all-new four-cylinder 1.6-litre turbocharged engine, both with GDI (gasoline direct injection).

    The advanced 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system is a standard feature of all Qoros 3 Sedan model variants.

    Source: Qoros