Category: Auto News

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

  • Gazoo Racing GRMN Sports FR Concept Platinum

    Gazoo Racing has released some details and teaser pictures of GRMN Sports FR Concept Platinum. The sports car will make its official debut at the Tokyo Auto Salon.

    The car is based on GRMN Sports FR Concept. The Platinum version has revised styling which further distances it from the Toyota 86. The Sports FR Concept Platinum comes with a ventilated hood, new fenders and LED-infused headlights. There are also unique alloy wheels, a rear spoiler and revised taillights.

    The interior boasts a safety roll cage, additional instrumentation – including a boost gauge, water temperature gauge, oil temperature gauge and white leather seats with four-point harnesses.

    The power comes from twin-charged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 330HP (242 kW) and 431Nm (318 lb-ft) of torque. It is connected to a 6-speed manual gearbox sending all power to the rear wheels, where a LSD (limited slip differential) takes care about the traction.

    Other highlights include a sport-tuned suspension, high-performance brake system and a dual sports exhaust system.

    Source: Gazoo Racing

  • Smart ForTwo at the 2013 Dakar Rally [video]

    Team Feber created a specially modified Smart ForTwo meeting all regulations to take part in the upcoming 2013 Dakar Rally – the ultimate challenge. Unfortunately, the race team doesn’t have enough funds to field a full assortment of vehicles, including two Smarts and a Honda CRF-450.

    The modified ForTwo has a completely modified body, an off-road suspension with more clearance and a four-wheel drive system.

    “We have no choice, we love to dream … we like movies with happy endings” but even though we cannot compete in Dakar this year, “the movie was pretty, very pretty …”, commented the driver Jose Luis Alvarez Alarcon.

    The 2013 Dakar Rally starts January 5 in Lima, Peru, and ends January 20 in Santiago, Chile, and it appears that this team, with its unique ride, will not be attending.

    httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fm1VocgKVv4

    Source: Smart

  • Sportec SP6 X based on 2013 BMW X6

    Sportec has announced their tuning package for the new 2013 BMW X6 Facelift. The big SAV comes not only with styling modifications, but with some serious additional power.

    The inline-six 3.0-liter twin-turbo diesel is boosted to 375HP (276 kW) and 747Nm (553 lb-ft) of torque. This is an increase of 72HP and 147Nm of torque. The result is thanks to only an ECU re-map. 0-100 km/h in 5.4 seconds and a top speed of 264 km/h (164 mph). This is 1.1 seconds quicker to 100 km/h and an increase in top speed of 28 km/h.

    The 8-speed ZF automatic gearbox is also tuned. It changes gears a lot faster thanks to the revised ratios.

    The styling updates include a set of 20” OZ lightweight alloy wheels fitted with proper tires. This also saves 40 kg (88 lbs) from SAV’s weight.

    Last, but not least is a complete sports exhaust system featuring carbon fiber tailpipes.

    Source: Sportec

  • Qoros Auto has announced the GQ3 Compact Saloon

    Qoros Auto has presented their new GQ3 Compact Saloon. The C-segment vehicle features an elegant exterior, a spacious, feature-packed interior and is engineered to achieve top European and Chinese crash test ratings.

    “During the development of the Qoros GQ3, we directed all our efforts towards the needs and expectations of today’s young, aspirational customers,” commented Volker Steinwascher, Deputy Chairman of the Management Board at Qoros.

    “They are very sensitive about design and quality, are highly sophisticated users of technology, and insist on the very best safety standards.  As an entirely new brand, we have the advantage of being able to focus our efforts, without compromise or distraction, on meeting the demands of these customers.”, he added.

    The 2013 GQ3 will make its official debut at the Geneva International Motor Show (7-17 March 2013), the Qoros GQ3 goes on sale in China in the second half of 2013, with the first cars arriving in Europe later in the year.

    As Qoros plans the introduction of a large family of cars, its three-digit model naming structure has been carefully considered.

    The first letter designates the body style: all sedans will carry the first letter ‘G‘.  All Qoros models will feature the second letter ‘Q‘ – an unmistakable reference to the ‘master‘ brand.  The third digit will always be a number and indicates the segment in which the model range sits.  The number ‘3‘ denotes that the model is in the compact / C-segment.

    After its world premiere in Geneva, the Qoros GQ3 will be exhibited at the Shanghai Motor Show in April 2013.

    Source: Qoros

  • 2013 Skoda Octavia 1.6 TDI GreenLine – 3.4 l / 100 km

    Skoda has released full information for the engine range of the all-new 2013 Octavia.

    The petrol and the diesel engines in the new Skoda Octavia are all turbocharged and with direct-injection technology as well as a four-cylinder, four-valve layout. This guarantees good performance and very low fuel consumption.

    The petrol range includes: a 1.2-liter TSI with 86 HP (63 kW) and 160 Nm (118 lb-ft) of torque; a 1.2-liter TSI Green tec with 105 HP (77 kW) and 175 Nm (129 lb-ft); a 1.4-liter TSI Green tec with 140 HP (103 kW) and 250 Nm (184 lb-ft) and a 1.8-liter TSI Green tec with 180 HP (132 kW) and 250 Nm (184 lb-ft).

    The diesel family includes: a 1.6-liter TDI with 90 HP (66 kW) and 250 Nm (184 lb-ft) of torque; a 1.6-liter TDI Green tec with 105 HP (77 kW) and 250 Nm (184 lb-ft); a 1.6-liter TDI GreenLine with 110 HP (81 kW) and a 2.0-liter TDI Green tec with 150 HP (110 kW) and 320 Nm (236 lb-ft).

    There are three types of transmissions depending on engine selection: a 5-speed manual, a 6-speed manual and a 7-speed DSG.

    2013 Skoda Octavia 1.6 TDI GreenLine has the lowest fuel consumption of all engines in the range – just 3.4 litres per 100 km. It is available with a manual 6-speed transmission. The most thirsty engine is the 1.8 liter TSI – 5.7 litres per 100 km with 7-speed DSG gearbox.

    Source: Skoda

  • Jotech Motorsports Nissan GT-R – 735HP

    Jotech Motorsports has unveiled their tuning program for Nissan GT-R. One of the most desirable sports cars on the planet is now even faster thanks to Jotech.The performance package includes new fuel injectors, iridium spark plugs and dual fuel pumps. There are also polished aluminum air intakes, K&N air filters and full HKS stainless steel sports exhaust system. Last is the ECU re-map giving the mighty GT-R 550 to 570WHP (wheel-horsepower) on regular 93 octane fuel and up to 600WHP on special E85 gasoline. This is 735HP (540 kW) on the engine.The price for this performance kit is just $10,250. Not much considering the exceptional result.

  • Unlim 500+ : 2012 SUV Top 3 [video]

    After 2012 Sport cars top 3 video, Dragtimesinfo has released another interesting clip with top 3 of the fastest SUVs.

    On third place you will see a mighty Jeep SRT-8 7.0 Supercharged with Nitrous Oxide System. It pumps 718HP and finishes the 1 mile drag race in just 29.426 seconds with 274.8 km/h. In this particular race, it overtakes BMW X6M PP-Performance Stage 4 with 760HP.

    Second is another Jeep, Grand Cherokee SRT-8 7.0 Twin Turbo again with Nitrous Oxide System. It has around 1100HP, which are enough to set 27.202 seconds at 1 mile race with terminal speed of 274.39 km/h.

    And the winner is Nissan Juke R Stage 2 with 750HP. The small SUV stopped the clock at 27.158 seconds crossing 1 mile mark. The speed is 287.31 km/h. It is interesting that the tuned Juke R dominates a powerful CLS 63 AMG PP-Performance Stage 2 with 712HP.

    Enjoy the video!

    httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3PsM-9LLnoQ

    Source: Dragtimesinfo via Youtube

  • Petrolicious: Time Machine [VIDEO]

    Petrolicious-Time-Machine-THUMBHave you ever wondered what a car’s life would be like? Of course, I don’t expect from you a positive answer, but just a rising interest of what it is all about. If I have done this, then you should definitely watch this video, where the fellows from Petrolicious follow one Peugeot through its circle of life.

    The video below tells the story of Venisio Pagani from Cortona, who’s passion is to restore old cars that have history and stand out from the crowd immediately. He shows a Peugeot which he has found by accident at a swap meet.

    But what made the car so special to him was the fact that back in the days his father had driven the same model. You will also hear how Venisio restored this car and what challenges had he faced during this process. And more importantly what kind of “surprise” eventually had he found …

    httpv://vimeo.com/55908190

    Video Source: Vimeo

    Source: Petrolicious

  • 2013 Ford Fiesta Van Offers New Design and More Technologies

    2013-Ford-Fiesta-Van-THUMB2013 Ford Fiesta Van is agile and stylish and in addition delivers great fuel efficiency and segment-first technologies. In particular, all diesel engines in the new model achieve under 100g/km CO2 emissions and 76.4 mpg.

    Moreover, the Fiesta ECOnetic Van includes improved fuel-saving technologies which deliver 87g/km CO2 emissions and 85.6mpg. The vehicle has a practical 1.0 cubic meter load space. The load compartment includes a secure steel bulkhead and four cargo tie-down hooks, plus a tough rubber floor mat and durable sidewall trim. The load length is exactly 1.3 meters and the gross payload ranges from 485-508kg.

    Fiesta Van comes with powertrain choices: the 75 PS 1.5-litre Duratorq TDCi, 95 PS 1.6-litre Duratorq TDCi and the 82 PS 1.25-litre Duratec petrol units. The Fiesta Van with the ultra-efficient 95 PS 1.6-litre Duratorq TDCi powertrain includes as a standard Auto-Start-Stop, lowered suspension, aerodynamic rear under-tray and wheel trims, and low rolling resistance tyres.

    Ford’s driver assistance and safety features includes a number of important technologies such as Ford MyKey and Ford SYNC. The latter comes with Emergency Assistance, whcih directly connects the vehicle occupants to local emergency services operators after a possible accident.

    In addition, here is to be found the Active City Stop system, which is designed to help drivers avoid low speed collisions. Other convenience features are also offered: Hill Start Assist, Easy Fuel and Rear View Camera.

    The Fiesta Van also features a sharper design inspired by the latest Ford global design philosophy and concept vehicles, including laser-cut headlamps incorporating LED technology, power-dome bonnet and 17-inch alloy wheels (optionally).

    In terms of interior, it is more ergonomic and reconfigured: it comes with relocated switch-gear, a new centre-console with arm-rest and new materials, interfaces and displays.

    Source: Ford

  • Kahn Range Rover Bali Blue RS300 Cosworth

    Kahn-Range-Rover-Bali-Blue-THUMBKahn Range Rover Bali Blue RS300 Cosworth is the latest tuning of the famous British company. This time they have combined Cosworth engineering with quintessential styling.

    To be more precise, the Range Rover is equipped with RS 300 Cosworth edition package, it is painted in Bali blue, and includes one of a kind interior design. As a matter of fact, the package is synonymous with style, comfort and luxury – it boasts a complete 10 piece wide arch body kit, extended front lower lip spoiler, exhaust side vents (pair), RS front grille with 3D mesh.

    In addition, it also includes squad exhaust system in stainless steel, privacy tinted glass, exhaust side vents in matte pearl grey, door handles in matte pearl grey, front wheel arch LED light strips, exterior Cosworth enamel tailgate logo, exterior Cosworth enamel seat logos and break calipers finished in liquid red

    But this is not all, Kahn did not take care only for the sharper looks of the vehicle, but also for its accelerations. The engine enhancements consist of an arrangement of alterations to the supercharger and ECU programming, and this ensures a boost in power to 300 hp (220 kW) – ensuring a very rapid and individual 4×4.

    What is more, the “bespoke touch” is to be found in the interior as well, where this Rover comes complete with door panel tops in quilted and perforated leather with silver stitching, interior facia trim (8 pieces), quilted leather binnacle (instrument surround), clock bezel – billet with Swarovski diamonds, Cosworth time clock, Cosworth speedo in blue, Cosworth rev counter in yellow, Cosworth door entry sill plates in stainless steel, Cosworth vented foot pedals in machined aluminum, floor mats (black charcoal finish), diamond quilted centre glovebox and interior Cosworth enamel seat logos.

    The vehicle received of course a brand new set of shoes. They were created with the utilization of the state of the art manufacturing and materials technology – namely the Kahn Cosworth RS wheels which come in 9.5 x 22’’ size for the front and 10 x 22’’ for the rear.

    Source: A. Kahn Design

  • Mcchip-DKR Porsche 993 GT2 Turbo Widebody MC600

    Mcchip-DKR has presented the highly tuned Porsche 993 GT2 Turbo 3.6 Widebody MC600. Behind this long name there is a hell of a car. Of course, the last number means the amount of power under the rear hood.

    The 3.6 liter bi-turbo flat-six engine has a new engine block and rebuilt K26 turbochargers developed by PUTZ Motorsport. The result is 612HP (450 kW) and 847Nm (625 lb-ft) of torque. The power is put on the road through the rear wheels with the help of a Drexler LSD (limited-slip differential). CARGRAPHIC provided the full exhaust system including sport catalysts.

    The widened Porsche rolls enormous 10J x 18” front wheels and 13J x 18” rear ones fitted with high-performance tires. The suspension comes from KW – Competition Variant 3.

    The interior boasts Recaro bucket seats, safety roll-cage and some panels from carbon fiber. There are also a fire extinguisher, a STACK display with video system and data recording capabilities, along with a shift-throw reduction to the shifter.

    The complete conversion costs whopping €200,000.



    Source: mcchip-dkr

  • RDX Volkswagen Golf VII – Exterior Upgrades

    RDX has announced their tuning program for the new Volkswagen Golf VII. The latest generation of the hatchback has received only exterior upgrades bringing better individuality.

    The 7th generation of the Golf will get complete aerodynamics package from RDX tuning. The aftermarket specialists offer a good variety of quality products fitting perfectly to the car without ruining the aerodynamics.

    RDX can fit Golf VII with two different front spoilers, a set of eyebrows, restyled side skirts, a new roof spoiler and two rear aprons. All parts are made from high quality materials and the two front spoilers and the rear one are manufactured from polyurethane plastics. This guarantees good durability and easy to paint surface.

    Nothing is mentioned about the prices.

    Source: RDX