Auto News – Page 754 – Automobiles Review

Honda Urban SUV Concept to Debut at 2013 North American Auto Show

Honda has just revealed that its newest concept vehicle – the compact Urban SUV Concept is going to make a world debut at the 2013 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS). In addition, the brand has also released the first teaser sketch of the new SUV, which exudes flowing forms and effortless movement.

The Urban SUV Concept is a global concept model that aims to combine sporty and dynamic SUV profile with a spacious interior. For that purpose it uses Honda’s centre-tank layout, creating a highly functional design. The concept will be introduced at an NAIAS press conference and afterwards more images and video will be released.

Source: Honda

December 12, 2012

The Italian Superathlete: Cam Shaft Ferrari F12berlinetta

Cam Shaft Ferrari F12berlinetta has new looks thanks to the sporty elegant mat nuance in Matt Graphite metallic wrapping that the specialist from the tuning company Cam Shaft has applied to it. The aggressive and masculine stance of the Ferrari is further emphasized with the foil utilized here.

A great visual consequence of this is that the edges, depressions and curves come with light reflections to their best advantage. In addition, the door sills and door edges were also foiled. At last, the F12berlinetta has four additional i-points. The rims were powder coated in the same color of the foiling.

What has been left unsaid is that the sports car has a rear-wheel drive with a front longitudinally mounted V12 engine and a semi-automatic double-clutch transmission. The latter has 740 hp (544 kW) and at least impressive 690 Nm (510 lb-ft) of torque from lively 6,262 cm ³ of displacement.

Source: Miranda Media

December 12, 2012

Design Language of Tomorrow: Porsche Panamera Sport Turismo [VIDEO]

Here’s a video where the designers of the new and recently presented Panamera Sport Turismo Concept Car explain what is important in designing a car as this one. Why “in design form follows function” and how functionality of one product is connected with its form? This is just one small part of the questions you are going get answered.

More importantly, you’ll get the sense of what is to drive this unique Porsche and take a look into some of the great technologies included in it. Here you can view how amazingly intelligent and efficient drive technology might look in the design language of tomorrow. This concept study stands for Porsche‘s way of using hybrid technology.

Sport Turismo Concept uses 3.0-liter V-6 found, which we have already seen in the current Panamera S Hybrid and Cayenne S Hybrid, which produces 329 hp (242 kW). However, the hybrid components have been enhanced and a new electric motor added, which generates 95 hp (70 kW).

This means that peak combined system power is 424 hp (312 kW), which makes it easily for the Porsche to accelerate in less than 6 seconds from 0 to 100 km/h. This result definitely exceeds any expectations and is due to the innovative drive technology included.

httpv://youtu.be/TMXRswBnqDQ

Video Source: YouTube

Source: Porsche

December 11, 2012

Full of Style and Charisma: Kahn Range Rover Evoque RS250 Vesuvius Edition

Kahn Range Rover Evoque RS250 Vesuvius Edition promises to be a true style icon. The black body contrasts very strongly the “Vesuvius” matte orange roof and bonnet stripe complete with the Kahn lettering on the bonnet’s leading edge.

Being an Evoque model it has seductive proportions and incomparable stance on the road. The enhancements that the talented Kahn team has done include a front bumper replacement with integrated vents complete with 3D mesh inserts, front bumper grille inner in matte black, side vent surrounds in matte black, LED day time running lights for the front bumper vents, painted bonnet stripe, rear bumper replacement with integrated vents.

But this is not all! The list continues with new brake calipers finished in Vesuvius orange, front bumper mesh in matte black, front headlight detail in copper, side vent inserts in copper, front bumper replacement fog lamps, wheel arch trims and side sills in body colour, front bumper centre section graphic in matte black, front grille outer section in body colour, painted floating roof and side sill trim in body colour.

And what it feels like driving this RS250 Evoque Vesuvius? Imagine that you sit behind the privacy glass and pilot the engine while listening to the new Kahn cross hair exhaust system! Could you picture that?

All familiar with the work of Kahn Design tuning specialist know that they are unsurpassed in their work on the inner part of the automobile. Inside is the ‘bespoke touch’, of course. The front and rear seats are completed in black leather with alcantara and Vesuvius orange detail.

In addition, the transmission tunnel is in alcantara with contrast stitching, the centre dashboard trim is in leather with contrast stitching, while the four door armrests include diamond quilted with orange stitching as well as do the four door panel tops.

The centre dashboard trim is done in alcantara – again with contrast stitching. There also can be seen a diamond quilted centre glove box with contrast stitching, diamond gear selector, door entry sill plates in stainless steel, floor mats – high quality heavy duty carpet, vented foot pedals in machined aluminum along with a speedo and rev counter in Vesuvius orange.

Going again to the exterior what is left are the wheels. Kahn wheels sit perfectly on any vehicle. This vehicle in particular comes tuber’s RS wheels which are available in 9.5 x 22 and fit all original centre caps.

Source: A. Kahn Design

December 11, 2012

2013 Porsche 911 GT3 Cup Race Car Unveiled Ahead of Debut

2013 Porsche 911 GT3 Cup Race Car has just been unveiled ahead of its official debut. The model is one of the most successful race cars in the world since 1998. 911 GT3 Cup will run exclusively in the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup in 2013.

To be more precise, this is the motorsport version of the forthcoming 911 GT3 road car. In addition, it is also the first race car based on the seventh generation Porsche. Powered by a 3.8-litre six-cylinder flat-six engine, it produces 460 hp (338 kW) at 7,500 revs, surpassing the predecessor by 10 hp.

A six-speed ‘dog-type’ gearbox transmits the power to the rear axle and, for the first time in a Porsche Cup race car, is operated via shift paddles on the steering wheel. The single-piece race wheels easily grab the attention and the newly-developed braking system further improves the excellent endurance qualities of the car.

What is more, here the engineers have put more efforts into developing more driver safety. For instance, a new safety cage protects the driver in case of a roll or a collision. Additionally, the newly-developed race seat is distinctively shaped around the head and shoulders and can be adjusted individually with the help of padding.

2013 Porsche 911 GT3 Cup Race Car will have a starting price of 181 200 Euro.

Source: Porsche

December 11, 2012

ABT Volkswagen T5 Multivan Awarded For Best Tuning

2012 ABT Volkswagen T5 Multivan has just recived one of the most prestigious awards. It got accolades in the “Vans/Station Wagons Tuning”-category in the famous „Auto Bild Sportscars“-competition. This makes it the second year in a row that the tuners from ABT Team got the price.

Hans-Jürgen Abt, CEO of ABT Sportsline, said – “It’s good to see the readers of Auto Bild Sportscars also enjoy and appreciate how we refine the biggest cars of the Volkswagen make”, while proudly receiving the award.

The T5 tuning comes with full aerodynamics package which features a new front grille, a new front spoiler, a pair of modified side skirts and a new rear bumper. Furthermore, suspension was also revised and handles perfectly the additional power. The exterior is rounded off thanks to the 19” DR sport rims wrapped in performance low-profile tires.

We can undeniably agree that the award has been given righteously to the ABT team for the exquisite work they have done on the Volkswagen.

Source: ABT

December 10, 2012

Rinspeed microMAX to debut at 2013 Geneva Motor Show

Rinspeed microMAX is a concept vehicle which intends to revolutionize urban traffic. This innovative urban transportation car is created by Frank M. Rinderknecht with the aim to revolutionize short-distance transport.

First of all, microMAX has unique upright seats, which are perfect for short-distance transfers. In fact, this concept defines an entirely new class of vehicles. Despite its length of 3.6 meters, this Rinspeed vehicle offers plenty of space for the driver, three passengers and a stroller or shopping cart. In addition, it also provides the desired privacy.

The vehicle height is of 2.2 meters. This allows the installation of comfortable and space-saving upright seats equipped with safety belts. Moreover, this allows an outstanding sense of spaciousness with homey lounge character.

What is even more, a coffee maker, a refrigerator for the passengers’ happy-hour drinks and unlimited connectivity for entertainment purposes or for working while on the move are also included. microMAX also allows passengers to get in and ride because it is extremely convenient and simple. And every passenger decreases CO2 emissions and costs.

Of course, being environmentally conscious, the microMAX is an all-electric vehicle. Various equipment modules, for example for craftsmen or delivery services, make the space saver extremely versatile.

And to sum up: this is another creative idea which we look forward to seeing in the near future.

Source: Rinspeed

December 10, 2012

2013 Volkswagen Polo R WRC Street – 220HP and 348Nm

This is the fastest Polo ever made and it has remained almost the same as the concept. The car is based on the fifth-generation of the model and comes with a Golf GTI’s 4-cylinder, 2.0-liter turbo gasoline engine that produces 220HP (162 kW) and 348 Nm (258 lb-ft) of torque.

Power is sent to front wheels via a short-shift 6-speed manual transmission that enables the hottest Polo to perform the 0-100 km/h sprint in 6.4 seconds and reach a top speed of 243 km/h (151 mph). Volkswagen says that it can return 31.6 mpg US – 7.4 liters / 100 km with CO2 emissions of 174 g/km.

The curb weight is 1,324 kg (2,919 lbs) with the driver (68 kg), luggage (7 kg) and 90 percent full fuel tank included. The car rolls on 18″ alloy wheels with 215/35 R18 tires and has 16-inch disc brakes. Inside it gets WRC-badged seat covers, Alcantara-wrapped steering wheel, racing-style pedals and a black roof liner.

The exterior boasts rally-inspired lower front spoiler with big air inlets, a rear diffuser and a spoiler on the rear edge of the roof. It borrows the same blue/grey livery as its WRC sibling and comes with several “R” and “WRC” badges.

The price is €33,900 and only 2,500 units will be produced.

December 10, 2012

Volvo Reveals C30 Polestar Limited Edition

Volvo C30 Polestar Limited Edition is one of the sportiest-looking Volvo’s ever produced. In addition, under the hood is where the true excitement begins, because there is placed the C30’s standard 2.5-liter turbocharged 5-cylinder engine.

As a matter of fact it had received a healthy performance upgrade done by Polestar – Volvo’s official performance partner. The result is a boosted output by 23 horsepower and 37 lb.-ft. of torque to 250 hp (184 lb-ft) and 370 Nm (273 lb.-ft.).

To go even further into details, what Polestar has done is to re-calibrated important parameters that control the engine. Some of them are the following: increase of turbocharger boost pressure, re-optimization of ignition- and fuel-mapping, re-calibration of throttle-response.

As a result, the driver can now enjoy faster throttle response, greatly improved mid-range torque and extra power. Safer passing performance and an enhanced sportier driving experience is what is also added via those changes.

In terms of exterior the C30 Polestar Limited Edition is improved thanks to the new 17-inch Styx Alloy Wheels with Matte Black Finish and Polestar badges on the rear and sides of the vehicle. On the other and, the interior has a sporty cabin, which is dressed with Premium Leather Seating Surfaces in a choice of Off-Black or two-tone Off-Black and Calcite.

Furthermore, some of the standard features here include the following: Power Glass Moonroof, Power Driver’s Seat with 3-Position Memory, Power Front Passenger Seat, Loadcover, Soft, Auto Dimming Rearview Mirror with Compass, LED Daytime Running Lights, Keyless Drive, Active Dual Xenon Headlights.

Volvo C30 Polestar Limited Edition will be produced in only 250 units.

Source: Volvo

December 10, 2012

2012 Toyota GT 86 is Top Gear’s Car of the Year

2012 Toyota GT 86 Sports Coupe has gained another prize being named the Car of the Year 2012 by Britain’s Top Gear magazine. However, this worldwide acclaim wasn’t enough for it and it was also named Coupe of the Year and Top Gear TV personality Jeremy Clarkson’s personal Car of the Year.

In fact, Toyota’s model is one of the most exciting and new cars for the 2012. First of all it at affordable price and secondly guiding principle in its creation was that it should be a car devoted to the pure passion of driving.

In GT 86 was also recently named 2012 Car of the Year by Drive Magazine as well as its Performance Car of the Year. It also won the People’s Choice award.

In details, the maximum power of the vehicle is 147kW, which is equivalent to 100 hp per litre. The peak torque is of 205Nm (151 lb-ft). The engine is mated to a newly developed six-speed manual gearbox, which offers quick, precise shifting through closely stacked ratios.

The other option in terms of gear box is the Lexus IS-F-inspired six-speed automatic transmission, with shift paddles mounted on the steering wheel, combines direct response with an extremely fast shifting speed of only 0.2 seconds.

Source: Toyota

December 7, 2012

2013 NASCAR Chevrolet SS Unveiled

2013 NASCAR Chevrolet SS has been finally unveiled and with this Chevrolet opened a new chapter in its racing history. The racing car is powered by the famous small block V-8 engine and it is a rear-wheel drive performance sedan.

As a matte of fact, the all-new rear wheel drive V-8 Chevrolet SS performance sedan will debut early next year. Furthermore, the Chevrolet SS is going to be the next in a long line of famed nameplates that Chevrolet has campaigned in NASCAR and it is going to replace Impala, which scored 151 wins from 1959-64 and 2007-12.

On the other hand, the limited production version of the Chevrolet SS is envisioned to be a 2014 model and we are going to see it in the showrooms in the end of next year. The brand has long used the SS (Super Sport) designation on high-performance models of some of its most enduring nameplates.

The SS designation was firstly introduced with the appearance of a Corvette prototype race car in 1957. Moreover, the first production vehicle with a SS optional package was the 1961 Impala. The car included enhanced chassis and suspension, power brakes, a steering column mounted tachometer and unique wheels and tires. Two years ago the SS designation returned to the Chevrolet lineup with the debut of the fifth-generation Camaro.

Another interesting fact is that Chevrolet has 702 victories in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series so far. No other manufacturer has achieved such number. Going back in time Fonty Flock earned the first win on March 26, 1955, at Columbia, S.C. This month at Texas Motor Speedway, the five-time series champion Jimmie Johnson achieved Chevrolet’s 700th victory.

Source: Chevrolet

December 7, 2012

D2Forged Aston Martin Vantage FMS-01

D2Forged Aston Martin Vantage FMS-01 is definitely a vehicle which a character such as James Bond would love to drive in one of his action scenes. And although he has never driven a Vantage, I’m sure that when he sees the looks of this one, he would regret he didn’t.

The car carries a unique spirit is due to its 4.7 liter eight-cylinder petrol engine. The V8 unit generates 426 hp (313 kW) and 490 Nm (361 lb-ft) and is mated to a six-speed manual gearbox sending all that power to the rear wheels. And these numbers fit perfectly to the concept of what the 007 agent calls fast.

D2Forged enhanced the model in terms of aerodynamics and lowered suspension. In particular, the 20×9.5″ for the front and 20×11″ for the rear D2FORGED FMS-01 wheels provide the perfect finishing touch. Finished in an aggressive yet sporty matte black finish with chrome lip and matching black fasteners, the overall effect is simply perfect.

Source: D2Forged Wheels

December 7, 2012

Category: Auto News