Category: Auto News

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

  • 2013 Volkswagen Touareg R-Line

    Volkswagen has introduced the Touareg R-Line, which is based on the already well-equipped Touareg Altitude. The Touareg R-Line adds luxurious extra equipment and unique R-Line styling cues, together worth over £4,000, for just £750.

    The Touareg R-Line rolls 20” ‘Tarragona’ alloy wheels with 275/45 R20 tyres, while the distinctive front and rear bumpers and side skirts give an even more purposeful look, added to by R-Line badges on the front wings.

    Standard bi-xenon headlights with dynamic curve lighting and LED daytime running lights give the R-Line driver a commanding view of the road, and are complemented by LED rear lights and number-plate lights.

    The interior boasts R-Line sill plates, keyless entry & start, full-length panoramic electric sliding sunroof and an electrically powered tailgate, which makes effortless loading and unloading.

    Like every Touareg, the R-Line also comes with leather upholstery, a SAT NAV and audio system with 8” full-colour touchscreen, DAB, Bluetooth and MDI multi-device interface for iPods, 2Zone climate control, a Stop/Start system and battery regeneration, to help maximise fuel efficiency.

    The Touareg R-Line is available with an 8-speed automatic gearbox paired to a 3.0-litre V6 diesel engine with either 204HP – £44,025; or 245HP – £45,645 OTR.

    Source: Volkswagen

  • MINI Clubman Bond Street Special Edition

    MINIhas announced anotherSpecial Edition vehicle. This time, the new Clubman limited edition model is named after London’s most famous high-end shopping street

    Due to premiere at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show, the MINI Clubman Bond Street fuses the inherent practicality and superb driving dynamics of the Clubman, with a unique interior and exterior interpretation that reflects the style of this most upmarket of London addresses.

    Production will begin in March, this year and the car will be on sale for a limited time only.

    The special features include a distinctive and lustrous Midnight Black Metallic for the exterior, with a contrasting roof, exterior mirror caps, bonnet stripes and the lower sections of the C-pillars all finished in Cool Champagne. The Clubman Bond Street rolls a set of twin spoke 17” rims in black with a ring around their edge in Cool Champagne. Further embellishment comes from the ‘Bond Street’ script applied to the side indicator surrounds and on the doors’ sill protection strips.

    The interior boasts leather sports seats in Carbon Black with contrast piping and stitching. The instrument panel is covered in Black/Carbon Black leather, while other interior surfaces are finished in Deep Champagne. The Chrome Line interior package adds the final flourish to a highly distinctive and truly premium cabin ambience.

    There is also more equipment for the special edition Clubman front fog lights, Chrome line exterior package, climate control, on-board computer, Bluetooth, USB functionality, rain sensor and automatic headlamp activation, sport leather steering wheel, height adjustment for both front seats, the storage package and the lighting package.

    The engine range include – MINI Cooper – 122HP, MINI Cooper S – 184HP, MINI Cooper D – 112HP and MINI Cooper SD – 143HP. All engines are connected to a 6-speed manual gearbox as standard, with a 6-speed automatic available as an option.
    Check the price list below!

    Model OTR Price
    MINI Cooper Clubman Bond Street £20,275
    MINI Cooper D Clubman Bond Street £21,625
    MINI Cooper S Clubman Bond Street £23,355
    MINI Cooper SD Clubman Bond Street £24,045

    Source: MINI

  • The Factory Life: Nissan Kyushu [VIDEO]

    Parts_Assembly_THUMBHave you ever wondered how exactly the cars are being manufactured or asked yourself the question “what happens “behind-the-scenes” at a car-factory”? For those who have, Nissan is offering a glimpse of their Kyushu production factory in Japan.

    The video below follows the production line and how it from steel rolls to shipping vessel. This in fact is a five-hour process that ultimately will take vehicles all over Japan and the world. Further details disclosed lead to the secrets of car production various stages, including pressing, body assembly, painting and parts assembly.

    Here are also featured robots with names inspired by anime characters: “Anpanman” and “Dokin-chan” – they also weld two shifts a day. As a matter of fact, Kyushu is one of Nissan’s largest and most cost-efficient manufacturing sites, where the brand produces a number of models.

    Here are also being made the Nissan Note, Rogue and X-Trail SUVs, with a production capacity of approximately 430,000 units per year. Another interesting fact here is that this factory is the sectret of Nissan’s success of maintaining an output level of over 1 million units in Japan annually.

    httpv://youtu.be/El5vpA8wdAs

    Video Source: YouTube

    Source: Nissan

  • VXR Nurburgring Edition

    This is the most powerful Corsa, ever. The VXR Nurburgring Edition is already available on the market with a price of £22,295. However, you can buy it second hand for a lot less and to spent other money for further modifications. Find out more information!

    Vauxhall Corsa VXR Nurburgring is powered by a 1.6 liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 205HP (151 kW) at 5,750RPM and 280Nm (207 lb-ft) of torque. The Corsa VXR Nurburgring has a modified engine management and turbocharger system, sports exhaust with reduced back pressure. It will run properly with 98-Octane fuel.

    0-100 km.h in 6.5 seconds and a top speed of 230 km/h (143 mph).

    Other highlights include a mechanical LSD (limited slip differential), revised suspension, lowered ride height (-20 mm front and -15 mm rear), ultra-light Brembo brake system, recalibrated ABS, TC (Traction Control) and ESC (Electronic Stability Control).

    The exterior gets stainless steel dual exhaust, a set of new wheels and „Nurburgring” logos. There are also two new colours apple green „Grasshopper” and red „Henna”.

    The interior features front Recaro seat backs, bespoke stitching and black / red „Nürburgring” lettering.

  • Project Grand Walker: SR Auto BMW 750Li CV1

    SR-Auto-BMW-750Li-CV1-THUMBUnder the name “Project Grand Walker” hides the SR Auto BMW 750Li CV1 because of its grand and executive appearance and aggressive stance. The forceful image of the car is reinforced by its 4.4-litre eight-cylinder engine.

    The V8 generates 407 hp (300 kW) at engine speeds of between 5,500 and 6,400 rpm. It mobilizes a maximum torque of 600 Nm (441 lb-ft) that is maintained between 1,750 and 4,500 rpm. The effortless acceleration of this BMW from 0 to 100 km/h is delivered within 7.9 seconds.

    More importantly, Project Grand Walker include a more refined persona thanks to its classy pearl white exterior which is paired with an elegant set of Vossen CV1 in a matte graphite finish. At the front SR Auto Group used 22×9 inch wheels and at the rear – 22×10.5 ones. In addition, some black accents on them are also present but they only highlight the beautiful lines of the Project.

    Source: SR Auto Group

  • 2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Raises Over One Million at Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale

    2014-Chevrolet-Corvette-Stingray-THUMBThe first retail production model of 2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray has been sold for the incredible amount $1.05 million at the Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale collector car auctions that concluded Sunday. The vehicle was among five other Chevrolet high performance cars, which raised a combined $2.14 million.

    As promised by the brand, the proceeds will go to the College for Creative Studies in Detroit, as well as to the Habitat for Humanity Detroit, the American Heart Association, the Guy Fieri Foundation for Inspiration and Imagination and the Achilles Freedom Team of Wounded Veterans.

    2014 Corvette Stingray 0001 was sold in Saturday to the businessman and NASCAR team owner Rick Hendrick. He gave over one million just few days after Stingray made its official debut at the North American International Auto Show. The model is powered by a 6.2L LT1 V-8 engine, which can generate 450 horsepower (335 kW) and has 450 lb.-ft. of torque (610 Nm).

    The other Chevys at the auction were the 1958 Corvette sold for $270,000 (£170,500); the 2012 COPO Camaro Convertible sold for $400,000; the 69 COPO Camaro in Inferno Orange Metallic factory drag-race cars built for 2012; the 2013 Corvette 427 Convertible Collector Edition sold for $270,000. The latter is powered by a 505 hp (371 kW) LS7 engine, and is painted in black with custom yellow stripes.

    The last one sold was the 2013 Camaro ZL1 Convertible – the first Convertible off the assembly line – sold for $150,000. The vehicle is powered by a 580 hp (427 kW) supercharged 6.2L LSA small-block engine.

    Source: Chevrolet

  • Ferrari 458 Italia Spider – “Best Cabriolet” Award

    Without any hesitation, we can say that Ferrari 458 Spider is the best convertible in the world. The car incorporates everything that a “drop-top driver” needs – extremely powerful engine, sensational noise from the exhaust and beautiful exterior lines.

    That’s why, the readers of Auto Motor und Sport have crowned the 458 Spider “Best Imported Cabriolet” in the traditional “Best cars” poll.

    This is second award for the 458 Spider in this category and it’s the 15th time that a convertible Ferrari has received this award, demonstrating the esteem with which the marque is held in Germany.

    The trophy was presented by Auto Motor und Sport Editor-in-Chief, Ralph Alex, to Ferrari CEO Amedeo Felisa at the prize-giving ceremony held in Stuttgart today.

    The 458 Spider is powered by the same engine as the coupe – a naturally aspirated 4.5 liter V8 with 570HP (419 kW) at 9,000RPM and 540Nm (399 lb-ft) at 6,000RPM. This means the incredible 127 PS/liter from a naturally aspirated engine. Furthermore, the sports car is 1380 kg, so it has power-to-weight ratio of 2.42 kg/hp. 0-100 km/h in 3.4 seconds a top speed of 325 km/h (202 mph).

    The engine powering the car has also been in the spotlight, having won the International Engine of the Year award for two consecutive years in 2011 and 2012.

    Overall the 458 – in both the Italia coupé and the Spider versions – has received over 50 awards worldwide to date and is one of the most recognised and successful models in the history of Ferrari.

    Source: Ferrari

  • Seat Mii And Ibiza Offered in Toca Editions

    Seat-Mii-Toca-THUMBSeat Mii Toca and Seat Ibiza Toca Editions are now being introduced to the market delivering more desirable equipment and special features. In Spanish “Toca” means “touch” and as you can conclude this name gives a fairly obvious clue to the bonuses included in those two new models.

    In particular, Toca Editions come with the very useful Seat Portable System (including a touch-screen), which was firstly introduced to the Seat range with the Mii city car. First of all, the Mii Toca is based on the 1.0 60 PS SE version, but adds the Seat Portable System and rear parking sensors.

    Secondly, by committing to the Ibiza Toca (which is based on the SE version), the drivers will get a set of 16-inch “Stratos” alloy wheel. These were previously 15-inch. In addition, the Seat Portable System is also featured.

    Both Ibiza and Mii are loaded with equipment which features the following: air conditioning, a leather steering wheel and gear knob, heated and electrically adjustable door mirrors, electric front windows, electronic stability control (ESC), remote central locking. The only difference that the Ibiza adds is that it includes front fog lights with cornering function.

    Furthermore, the aforementioned Seat Portable System includes satellite navigation, Bluetooth phone connectivity with audio streaming, a MicroSD card slot for music storage, and trip computer functions, all controlled via a fool-proof interface on a five-inch touchscreen.

    Seat Mii Toca

    Doors Model Engine PS CO2
    g/km
    3dr Toca 1.0 12V 60 105
    5dr Toca 1.0 12V 60 105

    Seat Ibiza Toca

    Doors Model Engine PS CO2
    g/km
    SC Toca 1.4 85PS 85 139
    5dr Toca 1.4 85PS 85 139
    ST Toca 1.4 85PS 85 139

    Source: Seat

  • 2013 Volkswagen CC – Better Value for Money

    2013 Volkswagen CC features modified radiator grille, new bi-xenon headlights and topped with a reprofiled bonnet. The bumper is different, too, with a new extra air intake, and silver-coloured winglets that frame the fog lights.

    The price of every CC model in the range is now at least £470 lower than last year, meaning you can get behind the wheel of a CC from just £24,050.

    The best-selling model – CC GT 2.0-litre TDI 140HP with either manual or automatic DSG gearbox will now get even better value for money, too. The price is wn by a total of £1,320, thanks to the removal of ACC (Adaptive Chassis Control), which now becomes a £850 option.

    ACC remains standard on the CC GT 2.0-litre TDI 170HP and CC GT 2.0-litre TSI 210HP, and is optional on all other models.

    The engine range includes 1.8 liter TSI with 160HP and 2.0 litre TSI with 210HP. The diesel range includes 2.0 liter engine with either 140HP or 170HP.  All models with 170HP or more also now get a standard XDS differential, an electronic cross-axle traction control system for improved traction and handling.

    Source: Volkswagen

  • 2013 Ford Fiesta ST – 0-100 km/h in 6.9 seconds

    2013 Ford Fiesta ST is an affordable performance car, which is suitable for everyday drive. It has a mighty four-cylinder engine and some nice additional extras over the standard Fiesta.

    The European model is available only in 3-door variant, while the US-spec 2014 Fiesta ST in exclusively sold as a 5-door model. We can’t tell the purpose of this marketing move, but the three-door variant is a lot more stylish and nice. The European version will be available in the UK in march with price starting from £16,995.

    For £1,000 more, you can order the ST-2 trim adding LED DRL’s, Sony DAB radio, half-leather Recaro Sport seats and keyless entry. This is definitely a good bargain.

    The Fiesta ST gets a revised suspension with lowering springs (-15 mm) and stiffened dampers. The brake system has also been improved compared to the stock Fiesta. Last is a three-stage electronic stability control system and enhanced torque vectoring control.

    The 2013 Fiesta ST is powered by a 1.6 liter EcoBoost with 180HP (132 kW) and 240Nm (177 lb-ft) of torque. It is connected to a 6-speed manual gearbox. 0-100 km/h in 6.9 seconds and a top speed of 220 km/h (137 mph).

    Source: Ford

  • Carlsson Mercedes-Benz SLK Race Car

    Carlsson has developed a unique race car based on Mercedes-Benz SLK.  The name of the project is Carlsson SLK 340 JUDD.

    The curb weight of the sports car is just 780kg, which is achieved thanks to an ultra-lightweight body kit made of carbon fiber. The aerodynamic components have been tested extensively, even in a wind tunnel, to connect a spectacular look with a perfect downforce.

    “We developed the design over a long period of time and with lots of feeling. We are proud of the awesome look. As an engineer, it is a pleasure to contribute to such a project, and we can show everything that is technically possible in the vehicle in cooperation with Carlsson”, commented Dipl.-Ing. (FH) Markus Schuster, Managing Director of Carlsson Germany.

    The engine is a 3.4 liter V8 with 610HP (449 kW) and 430Nm (319 lb-ft) of torque. The engine weighs just 120kg. The gearbox is a Hewland with a paddle shift.

    A 3-way adjustable KW competition suspension ensures optimum road holding for the race car on BBS racing wheels – 10J x 18” front and 13J x 18” rear fitted with AVON tires. The brake system of ultralight materials saves additional weight. Maximum support and maximum safety are guaranteed by newly developed racing seats from Fibreworks.

    Last, but not least a complex safety cage has been installed which meets all relevant international requirements.

    Source: Carlsson

  • Hartge BMW M5 F10 – 642HP and 810Nm

    Hartge has announced their tuning program for BMW M5 F10. It was about time for the tuner to make the high-performance saloon faster and more aggressive, so the program includes both styling and engine mods.

    The exterior gets a new front lip spoiler, carbon fiber mirror housings and different sets of 21” HARTGE wheels. There is also a set of lowering springs reducing the ride height by 25mm at the front and 20mm at the rear. HARTGE also offers a complete stainless steel sports exhaust system.

    The interior received only aluminum pedals, velour floor mats and some Hartge badging.

    The biggest modification comes for the mighty twin-turbocharged 4.4 liter V8, which is boosted to 642HP (472 kW) and 810Nm (597 lb-ft) of torque. This is an increase of 82HP and 130Nm. 0-100 km/h in 4.2 seconds and a top speed of 305 km/h(190 mph) – electronically limited.

    Source: Hartge