Category: Auto News

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

  • 2013 Seat Altea Copa Edition – UK Price £16,425

    Seat is extending the Copa Edition trim level to the Altea and Altea XL ranges. Depending on edition, Copa specification gives buyers equipment worth between £1,100 and £1,500, free of charge.

    2013 Seat Altea Copa Edition will be available in two trim levels – S Copa and SE Copa. They are based on the standard S and SE specifications respectively. So, now the range includes S, S Copa, SE and SE Copa trims and three engines: 1.2 TSI 105HP (77 kW) , 1.6 TDI 105HP , and 2.0 TDI 140HP (103 kW). DSG automatic is available as an option on either of the diesel engines.

    S Copa includes the standard S specification and adds adds 16” ‘Elio’ alloy wheels; a Bluetooth communication package including hands-free phone connection, steering wheel-mounted controls and two additional stereo speakers; dual-zone climate control; front fog lights with cornering function; cruise control; passenger seat height adjustment. This represent saving of £1,500.

    SE Copa includes the SE spec and adds the SEAT Media System 2.2. This is a SAT NAV system with an SD card reader for music playback, a DAB digital radio tuner, Bluetooth hands-free phone operation and audio streaming, and a multi-function driver’s display, all controlled via a five-inch colour touch screen. Other extras are rear parking sensors, automatic windscreen wipers and lights, and an auto-dimming rear view mirror, bringing the total value of this additional specification to around £1,100.

    Altea and Altea XL Copa Editions can be ordered now, with first cars to reach the showrooms until the end of this month.

    2013 Seat Altea Copa Edition Price List:

    Source: Seat
  • Citroen DS3 L’Uomo Vogue Cabrio Makes Debut in Milan [VIDEO]

    Citroen DS3 L’Uomo Vogue Cabrio has just made its world debut at this year’s Fashion Week at Studio Visconti in Milan. The special DS3 model is a result of the collaboration of the Italian magazine L’Uomo Vogue and Citroen’s styling team.

    Furthermore, the open-top version of the DS3 Cabrio will play a major role at this year’s Milan Fashion Week. The car which will be included in the show will feature special colours-and-materials utilized inside and outside.

    The goal of the L’Uomo Vogue model is to create a vehicle which was inspired by the latest trends in men’s fashion. This resulted in cloaking the car with an all-new body colour, named Stardust matte grey.

    In addition, it was topped with a canvas roof covered in subtle motifs that reinterpret the monogram canvas. On the other hand, on the wing mirror housings is where the DS monogram has been laser engraved in order to underscore the singular nature of this special edition.

    Citroen DS3 L’Uomo Vogue Cabrio will shortly be put up for auction and the proceeds will go for the support of the Women Create Life project.

    httpv://youtu.be/1ZUV7H2B27w

    Video Source: YouTube

    Source: Citroen

  • Rolls-Royce to Unveil Wraith Model In Geneva

    Rolls-Royce-Wraith-THUMBThe launch of the Rolls-Royce Wraith has already been confirmed and as well as its world debut at the Geneva Motor Show on 5th of March. The first deliveries of the new model are expected in the fourth quarter of 2013.

    What is revealed so far is that the Wraith will deliver the boldest design, the most dramatic performance and will be the most powerful Rolls-Royce ever built. Of course it will also offer luxury, refinement and exclusivity.

    Even more, the brand is promising that it will be the most-beautiful one as well. For these reasons this model is expected to set a new benchmark in the ultra-luxury segment. As a matter of fact, the launch will revive one of the most famous Rolls-Royce names first used in 1938.

    Furthermore, the choice of the name “Wraith” perfectly expresses the character of brand’s new model. The vehicle alludes imperceptible but powerful force, agility and power, and in other words a spirit that will not be tethered to the earth.

    The inspiration for the Wraith served the story of the Honorable Charles Rolls, who was one of the company’s founding forefathers. He was a passionate racing driver, who-won the praise of King George V and was pronounced as the “greatest hero of the day”. In addition, he was the first person to cross the English Channel and return non-stop in a flying machine.

    Unfortunately no additional details around the car were disclosed so far. It was only stated that the Wraith will build on the success of Phantom and Ghost.

    Source: Rolls-Royce

  • Danger of the Desert

    As the unpredictable and often dangerous weather of the Dakar Rally once again reared its ugly head, it didn’t halt the fantastic progress of Team KTM’s bikes.

    The hazardous weather conditions struck stage eleven of Dakar 2013, causing the stage to end early for both the trucks and cars. This news dealt a bitter blow to Toyota duo Giniel De Villiers and Dirk Von Zitzewitz, as they had developed an impressive lead before the stage met an abrupt end.

    When asked about the subject, a frustrates De Villiers said;

    “The decision to take the times at CP1 does not go in our favour but that’s how it is so we’ll have to try again. Everything is feeling really good with the car, I’m happy with how I’m driving and Dirk is find us the right way to go. Today we had the chance to cut about 15 minutes off the gap between us and race leader Stephane (Peterhansel) and that would have increased the pressure on him.”

    The decision to halt the stage also had a negative effect on the overall leaderboard, with Team Kamaz also being affected.

    The trio of Eduard Nikolaev, Ayrat Mardeev and Andrey Karginov were making waves throughout and were setting a good time, that was until the stage was annulled.

    Nikolaev vented his frustration by saying;

    “I’m sad that another stage at this Dakar has been cancelled because I come to race. Also at this Dakar the stages are very short so to lose another stage makes the distance we race even smaller. It seems that every year the race gets shorter and shorter and that is not something we are pleased about.”

    The bike race didn’t suffer the same problems however, as Team KTM took advantage of stage eleven going ahead as planned, with the route between La Rioja and Fiambala giving debutant Kurt Caselli his second stage victory.

    “Today is another stage win for the team and that’s always good. Things are looking better for the team then they were in the first week of the race. The start of the race was a little dodgy for us but things are starting to smooth out and we’re all feeling better.”

    The victory wasn’t just a boost for Caselli, but it allowed team-mate and overall leader Cyril Depres the chance to increase his lead and the gap at the top of the leaderboard.

    Caselli’s victory made Depres extremely happy, who said;

    “The stage was going okay for me but then for the final 60km I got a boost because my new team-mate Kurt Caselli picked up the pace. He was pushing like he does in his Baja races and thanks to him I was able to try and catch his rhythm. It was really helpful for me to ride with him because he really picked things up. The rhythm we had was not really the right way to ride when you are leading a race but it felt good so I went for it.”

  • JMS Opel Astra J GTC Coupe Shows Exclusive Styling

    JMS-Opel-Astra-J-GTC-THUMBJMS Opel Astra J GTC Coupe is now in the form of a real vehicle after the design concept that the tuning team from JMS has done few months ago. The specialists have eventually built the first example featuring a new tuning kit.

    The latter comprises of new front lip spoiler with integrated diffuser, which fits easily with glue and screws onto the series front bumper. This one in turn is only a few centimeters deeper than the original bumper, and this means that side skirts and rear apron aren’t needed anymore.

    For better driving performance JMS included a KW V1 inox coil over kit with 50mm lowering at the front and 40mm at the back. At last but not least, the perfect visual characteristics of this Opel are due to the Schmidt Gotham shadow green wheels with 245/35-20 tyres.

    Source: JMS

  • 2011 Dodge Challenger – Second Consecutive “Shopper’s Choice Award”

    The 2011 Dodge Challenger is the ultimate muscle car for the enthusiasts. It has a powerful and efficient engine line-up, a performance suspension and aggressive styling. Of course, everything is combined just perfectly.

    That’s why, it has become customers’ favorite car. It managed to beat out nine other domestic and import finalists, ranging from small cars to large SUVs. The 2011 The Dodge Challenger was awarded at Cars.com’s annual “Best of 2013” event during the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit.

    The top 10 finalists for the Shopper’s Choice Award were selected based on shoppers’ actions on the site that indicated interest in new vehicles, including searching for vehicles, sending inquiries to dealers on availability and most importantly, filling out a positive review of their vehicle.

    The Dodge Challenger took home the title after grabbing the most votes from Cars.com Facebook fans in the final round of the competition.

    The Dodge Challenger SXT models are powered by an aluminum 3.6 liter Pentastar V6 with 305HP (224 kW) and 362Nm (268 lb-ft) of torque. It is capable of returning up to 27 mpg on the highway. The R/T models have the legendary 5.7 liter HEMI V8 with 375HP (276 kW) and 554Nm (410 lb-ft) of torque. It returns 25 mpg highway.

    New for 2013 is the Challenger Blacktop, available on the R/T model – America’s most affordable V-8 muscle car at just $29,995 US MSRP – and R/T Plus, adding sinister style to the Dodge brand’s iconic muscle car. Available in Pitch Black, Granite Crystal or Billet Silver Metallic, the Dodge Challenger R/T Blacktop model includes Gloss Black 20” Aluminum Wheels with Gloss Black center caps, Gloss Black grille surround, Gloss Black fuel door and a new matte graphite body stripe with red edge accents running from the front to rear fascia, creating a truly one-of-a-kind appearance.

    For added performance, the Dodge Challenger R/T Blacktop is equipped with the Super Track Pak, which includes a high-performance-steering gear, brake linings, and monotube-shock absorbers, P245/45 R20 Goodyear Eagle F1 Super Car three-season tires and three-mode ESC with “full off” mode. All-Season tires are available at no extra charge. The Dodge Challenger Blacktop package is available for a U.S. MSRP of only $1,995.

    The list of customization options includes hood-to-fender stripes, dual stripes, bodyside stripes, nostalgic paint colors and a choice of six different wheel designs.

    The safety features include standard ESC, Ready Alert Braking and Rain Brake Support, which are a small part of more than 45 systems.

    Source: Dodge

  • McLaren Reveals Specifications of 2013 12C GT3

    2013-McLaren-12C-GT3-THUMB2013 McLaren 12C GT3 will compete in this years season and will continue to be raced by all active GT teams who competed in last year. In addition to this, several new teams have now taken delivery of the 2013 model.

    Furthermore the specifications of the new McLaren have already been disclosed and show that there will be number of changes, all of which designed to improve drivability, reliability and efficiency, coupled with reduced complexity.

    Some of the changes feature a revised aerodynamics package, an upgraded ECU with a revised electrical system and alternative dampers. What is more, the 12C GT3 will also benefit from an updated cooling system which maximizes the performance of the car in the more varied conditions found in global championships.

    There are also evident transformations on the bonnet and ducting, which now ensure that the 12C GT3 can run competitively in higher temperatures. Additionally, the revised aerodynamic package will enhance the balance and the tyre management of the vehicle.

    2013 McLaren 12C GT3 technical specifications:

    Chassis/Body

    • McLaren carbon fibre MonoCell with aluminium front and rear sub-frames
    • Bespoke lightweight carbon fibre body panels
    • Left hand drive
    • FIA approved safety roll cage

    Aerodynamics

    • Front splitter
    • Rear wing, fully adjustable with gurney
    • Front and rear diffusers

    Engine/Management

    • Race prepared 3.8L V8 twin turbo McLaren M838T
    • McLaren Electronics ECU interfacing with Bosch ABS and Shiftec transmission control units

    Transmission

    • Six-speed sequential motorsport transmission pneumatically actuated via steering wheel mounted paddles

    Electrical System

    • Lightweight motorsport specification wiring and connectors
    • Electronic power management system
    • Membrane type switch panel

    Data System

    • McLaren Electronics ‘ATLAS’ data system
    • Digital dash display

    Front/Rear Suspension

    • Double wishbone adjustable for ride height, camber and toe
    • Four-way adjustable dampers with coil over springs
    • Motorsport axles with single wheel retaining nut
    • Adjustable anti-roll bars
    • Forged aluminium wheels: Front 12” x 18”, Rear 13” x 18”

    Steering

    • Electro-hydraulic power assisted steering
    • Unique McLaren GT steering wheel developed from MP4-24 Formula 1 steering wheel

    Fuel System

    • Motorsport ‘bag tank’ system with 120L capacity
    • Motorsport ‘quick-fill’ system

    Lubrication

    • Mobil engine and transmission lubrication

    Brake System

    • Akebono monoblock calipers with ventilated discs:
      • Front – 6 piston caliper, 378Ø x 36mm disc
      • Rear – 4 piston caliper, 355Ø x 32mm disc
    • Bosch motorsport ABS

    httpv://youtu.be/72jgg4BqYsY

    Video Source: YouTube

    Source: McLaren

  • RS-Racingteam Makes a Motorsport BMW M3

    RS-Racingteam-BMW-RS-M3-THUMBRS-Racingteam BMW RS-M3 brings more adrenaline for the senses. The Bavarian racing standing under the label RS-M3 is a coupe of a special sort.

    The transformed BMW is now capable of producing 450 hp (331 kW) at 8.300 U/min due to the four litres of cylinder capacity (3.999 cm³). In addition the maximum torque is rated at 431 Nm (318 lb-ft) at 4.100 U/min. The top speed here is 299 km/h.

    This means that the car is capable of accelerating from standstill to 100 km/h in only 4,6 seconds and reaches the 200 km/h-barrier in 14,7 seconds. One of the reasons for these astounding results is the fact that the vehicle is now 190 Kg lighter than the standard counterpart.

    What is more, the interior of the BMW M3 includes a completely welded DMSB-certified safety cell of WIECHERS Sport. This offers excellent protection for the occupants and enhances the body of the vehicle.

    Additionally, there were added two certified hard shell seats and 6-Punkt-point belt. Brake pads and air flow from motorsport, as well as steel flex brake lines provide adequate delay in adrenaline of speed.

    Another highlight that adds to the aerodynamism of the car is ATSSuperlight forged wheels in size 10×19 inch all around matched with sport tires. The exclusively manufactured chassis of RS-Racingteam BMW RS-M3 is made by the Bilstein Company.

    Source: Miranda Media

  • Qoros will Exhibit First Production Car and Two Concepts in 2013 Geneva Motor Show

    Qoros will introduce one production car and two concepts – Cross Hybrid Concept and Estate Concept, at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show.

    The Qoros model line-up is characterised by modern, German-influenced design, world-class safety technology, and the highest production quality standards.  Each Qoros will feature as standard an advanced infotainment system that is unique in the automotive sector and that includes comprehensive networking, connectivity and guidance functionality.

    “Intelligent modular vehicle platform technology allows us to create new vehicle concepts quickly and efficiently,” commented Vice Chairman of Qoros Auto Co. Ltd. Volker Steinwascher.

    “The Qoros GQ3 is the first of many models that will be based on this platform, and the technology will allow us to develop a complete model family in a very efficient manner.”, he added.

    The production-ready Qoros GQ3 showcases the rapid pace at which the manufacturer is approaching the market launch of its first model.  The elegant sedan has a sporty profile with a long wheelbase, short overhangs and a coupé-like silhouette, yet allows for unusually generous interior space for a vehicle in the compact segment.

    A comprehensive standard specification is also accompanied by safety technology that meets the very highest standards, and the Qoros GQ3 is targeting top scores in both European and Chinese crash tests.

    The Qoros GQ3 showcases an advanced infotainment that represents a technological first for the car industry that will be standard across all Qoros models.

    Source: Qoros

  • 2013 Peugeot RCZ Arlen Ness

    Peugeot has announced the new 2013 RCZ Arlen Ness Special Edition, which will make its official debut at the Motor Bike Expo in Verona, Italy.

    The model is named after the custom motorcycle builder – Arlen Ness. It is a one-off model featuring a two-tone exterior paint with matte black accents, leather mirror covers and a set of unique alloy wheels.

    Other upgrades include an adjustable sport suspension, Ohlins shock absorbers and high-performance Brembo brake system.

    The engine is the well-known 1.6 liter THP equipped with a high-flow air filter and a Termignoni sports exhaust system. The result is over 200HP (147 kW), which is an increase of 44HP (32 kW).

    No words about pricing.

    Source: Peugeot

  • 2000 Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR AMG – Price $1,490,000

    We all remember Need For Speed III: Hot Pursuit. There was an interesting bonus car there – Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR AMG and we all played with it. The real version of this super sports car is now available for sale on Jameslist.com. The price is suitable for such type of car – $1,490,000, considering its rareness. Only 25 units were built, with 20 of them being coupes while the other 5 were roadsters. This particular model is #17 and has 2,401 km (1,492) on the clock.The beast is powered by a hand-built 6.9 liter V12 with 612HP (450 kW) and 775Nm (572 lb-ft) of torque. 0-100 km/h in 3.8 seconds and a top speed of 320 km/h (199 mph). The engine is mated to a 6-speed sequential gearbox. The curb weight of the vehicle is just 1,440 kg (3,175 lbs).Despite, this is a super sports car designed mostly for track days, it is a Mercedes, after all. It comes with an air conditioning, driver & passenger airbags, adjustable pedals and a premium audio system.So, if you are a fan of Mercedes and you have a spare $1.5 million, this is your vehicle.

  • Hamann Blue MemoR McLaren MP4-12C

    Hamann has announced the Blue MemoR McLaren MP4-12C coming with completely new body kit and nice baby blue paint.

    The body kit includes a new big front splitter, a pair of redesigned side skirts, upper and side wheel arch ventilation inserts, a bigger rear wing and extended diffuser. There is also a roof air duct and custom rear fender from the rear window to the wheel arches. At the rear, we can see triple exhaust layout.

    The interior boasts a new upholstery, which is a combination between Alcantara and leather. There are also carbon fiber or wood elements.

    The price for the conversion is serious – 95,000.

    No performance modifications are planned. The MP4-12C is powered by a 3.8 liter twin-turbo V8 with 600HP (441 kW) and 600Nm (443 lb-ft). 0-100 km/h in 3.3 seconds, 0-200 km/h in 9.1 seconds and a top speed of 330 km/h (205 mph). ¼ mile in 10.9 seconds.

    Source: Hamann