Auto News – Page 756 – Automobiles Review

Petrolicious: San Francisco Skyline [VIDEO]

Ivan Jaramillo is the main character in the latest video of Petrolicious, besides his Nissan Skylines of course. For him driving is all about exhilaration and appreciating the moment. In fact, when he is in one of his Skylines he leaves all the problems aside and all that he does is to “feel” the driving excitement.

An important part of the experience is also listening to the car and the sound of the engine. And as a matter of fact Ivan says that there isn’t anything else in the world that can be compared with their sound.

Another benefit of owning such cars is that it draws people’s attention, and even if they don’t know anything about it still provokes excitement of seeing it. The aggressive exterior design undoubtedly contributes towards this.

In other words, everything resolves around the passion, depth, and love that this man has for its Skylines. This video portrays the enthusiasm and adoration which these remarkable cars create. But enough talk, check it out for yourself!

httpv://vimeo.com/54827764

Video Source: Petrolicious via Vimeo

December 5, 2012

2013 Nissan Sylphy G Launched

2013 Nissan Sylphy G has just been launched and it includes an elegant and sophisticated design and class-above comfort. Sylphy draws its power by the newly developed 1.8L MRA8DE engine, which is mated to a next-generation XTRONIC CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) with sub-planetary gear. This combination delivers powerful and smooth driving.

On of the most noticeable feature of the Sylphy is its premiuml front grille. To the luxurious feel add the LED-accented headlamps, large rear combination lights and a flowing character line. All these features contribute to a sophisticated sedan style. In comparison to its predecessor the new model is 15mm lower in height and 65mm wider in width, giving it well-balanced sedan proportions.

Furthermore, the interior is even more spacious and comfortable. Sylphy’s high-quality, refined cabin includes a seamless instrumental panel and detailed meter design. The optimized interior layout creates ample rear legroom that is comparable to that of a sedan one class above.

In addition, the comfort of the occupants is further enhanced by the reduction of the vibration with strengthened body rigidity. This also enhances the quietness with efficiently placed acoustic insulation and utilization of a vibration-absorbing suspension.

Other features important to highlight here are the Dual Zone Automatic Temperature Control (ATC) system and air conditioner outlet for the rear seats. They create a comfortable cabin for all passengers. The improved visibility and ease of driving is deliverd by large windows and the slope of the hood, which allows the driver to easily grasp the vehicle shape.

2013 Nissan Sylphy G Specifications and Details:

Design:

• Three-dimensional chrome front grille with an imposing presence

• Front bumper with horizontal design, emphasizing great width and a sense of stability

• Headlights with six LED clearance lights that suggest the ‘power of eyes’

• Flowing character line that runs from curved front fender through the rear combination lights

• Electric retractable remote control body-colored door mirrors with integrated side turn lamps that are easily seen

• Rear combination lights featuring bold horseshoe-shaped design with fifteen LED lights expressing a stunning, high-quality feel

• A total of six available exterior colors, including a new color, Deep Iris Grey

Interior design:

• Instrument panel design gives a feeling of spaciousness

• Instrument panel features integrally molded upper-to-middle section, flowing curved surface and the use of soft pad trim to provide a premium interior feel

• ‘Micro-grain’ that reduces glare and provides smooth feel to touch and a relaxed atmosphere is adopted in the lower instrument panel and the upper side of the front door trim

• Adopted in all grades is easy-to-read Fine Vision Meters with a central color liquid crystal display showing various information, including ECO mode indicator

• Class-above high-quality feel achieved with carefully selected and combined materials used for the center panel finisher

Mechanism:

• Newly developed 1.8L MRA8DE engine adopted in all grades

• Powerful and smooth driving achieved by a longer engine stroke, improved combustion efficiency, improved intake/exhaust efficiency and reduced friction

• Fuel economy improved by 16% to 15.6km/L (in JC08 mode) compared to the previous model

• XTRONIC CVT adopted in all grades

Packaging:

• Front window glass expanded upward to provide easier viewing of traffic lights and signs

• Hood shape that makes it easier to see where the vehicle’s front end is

• Tilt and telescopic steering wheel for most appropriate driving posture (adjustable by 30mm backward and forward and 40mm up and down)

• 65mm added to the width and shoulder room increased by 30mm compared to the previous model – enhancing interior spaciousness and increasing door thickness, creating ample armrest space

• Large rear knee room where passengers can relax with legs crossed

• Newly designed flat rear seat back sides improve comfort and ease of egress/ingress when three passengers sit in the rear seat

• 510-liter luggage space capacity

Aerodynamics performance and comfort:

• New body shape with lower air resistance and optimized under floor airflow achieve coefficient of drag of 0.29

• Strengthened body rigidity and reduced vibration give improved quietness

• Clearance, which is a route where noise comes in, is thoroughly removed and noise insulators are efficiently displayed, delivering improved quietness

• Ride comfort improved by a longer suspension stroke and improved impact/vibration absorption performance

Key Safety and Environmental Technologies:

• Xenon headlights (projector type with low beam/auto-control) (standard on G)

• Optimum light distribution, multi-reflector halogen headlights (manual control) (standard on X, S)

• Auto light system (linked front wipers, dawn sensors) (standard on G, X)

• VDC (Vehicle Dynamic Control <TCS functionality included>)

• LED High Mount Stop Lamp

• ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), EBD (Electronic Brake force Distribution), Brake Assist

• High-strength body construction (Zone Body), body construction for pedestrian protection

• Emergency Locking Retractor (ELR) 3-point seatbelts for all seats

• SRS air bag system for driver and front passenger

• Side air bag system and SRS curtain air bag system for driver and front passenger (standard on G)

• Based on JC08 fuel-economy mode

• Every grade achieves SU-LEV certification, emitting 75% fewer exhaust emissions than 2005 standards

• Achieves more than 95% recyclability rate (where recycling facilities exist)

Source: Nissan

December 5, 2012

2014 Audi RS 6 Avant Revealed!

2014 Audi RS 6 Avant has just been unveiled. It has been disclosed that it needs only 3.9 seconds for the acceleration sprint from 0 to 100 km/h. Its ultra-efficient downsized twin-turbo 4.0-litre V8 TFSI engine will firmly cement its RS credentials by outrunning its mighty V10-powered predecessor and the acceleration time is what proves it.

At the same time the smaller unit will make 28.8mpg economy potential a reality. The new Audi model has a peak output of 560 hp (412 kW), which is reached between 5,700 and 6,700 rpm, with a constant 700 Nm (517 lb-ft) of torque available between 1,750 and 5,500 rpm.

The top speed here is 155mph, but it is possible to increase this top speed to 174mph by specifying the optional Dynamic package, and to go a step further still with the Dynamic plus package, where the top speed reaches 189mph.

Furthermore, the 4.0-litre TFSI is combined with an eight-speed tiptronic transmission. The latter includes shortened shift times and offering ‘Sport’ and ‘Manual’ modes in addition to the standard ‘Drive’ setting.

What’s more, the new RS 6 Avant will be the first Audi RS model which will include adaptive air suspension. The specially tuned set-up lowers the body by 20 millimetres, and incorporates controlled damping which takes into account road conditions, driving style and the mode chosen in the standard Audi drive select adaptive dynamics system, with which the driver can influence the function of key components in multiple steps.

As an option, there will be offered sports suspension plus with Dynamic Ride Control (DRC). This system utilizes steel springs and three-way adjustable shock absorbers which are interconnected diagonally.

In addition, the brakes have also been improved. Four internally vented discs include a weight-saving wave design with a wave-like outer contour. The front discs measure 390 millimetres in diameter and are gripped by six-piston calipers which are available in either black or red. As an option a carbon fibre-ceramic brake discs measuring 420 millimetres in diameter are available. Their calipers are painted anthracite grey.

The RS 6 Avant runs on High-gloss, 20-inch, forged wheels in a seven twin-spoke design. Optional are the three 21-inch cast wheels with either high-gloss silver, polished black or polished titanium-look finish.

Numerous RS-specific design details mark the unique visual stance of the Avant. What captures the attention the most are the matte aluminium applications on the body, the matte black honeycomb radiator grille at the front of the car, the bumpers, the wings, the sill flares and the large roof spoiler. At the rear of the car, the diffuser and the two large, elliptical exhaust tailpipes round off the design.

And for those willing to further customize the look of the vehicle, there are two optional exterior design packages – Matte Aluminium or Carbon. Moreover, 2014 Audi RS 6 Avant is available in eight exterior colours, including the exclusive shade Daytona Grey matte.

The interior is of course elegantly trimmed and highly focused. The dial instruments include black faces, white dials and red needles. The key, the flat-bottomed three-spoke multifunction steering wheel, the illuminated entry sills, the rev counter and the displays for the MMI and the Driver’s Information System (DIS) incorporate RS logos.

The footrest, pedals and switches in the MMI navigation plus terminal have an aluminium look which contrasts with the piano finish for the decorative bezel surrounding the retractable monitor and the carbon inlays.

Next, the RS sports seats have side bolsters, integrated head restraints and RS 6 logos. They covered in high-grade, honeycomb-quilted Valcona leather in either black or Moon Silver, or as an option they can be covered in an optional combination of black Alcantara and leather, and the centre sections feature diamond quilting.

The standard equipment is generous: xenon plus headlights, LED rear lights, a tyre-pressure monitoring system, illuminated entry sills, the RS-specific driver’s information system, the parking system plus with visual and acoustic prompts, cruise control, four-zone automatic air conditioning, MMI navigation plus with MMI touch, BOSE sound system, DAB radio and Audi Music Interface (AMI).

What will be available as an option is the following: LED headlights with a unique design, ceramic brakes, sports suspension plus with Dynamic Ride Control (DRC), the Dynamic packages, head-up display and a portfolio of high-performance driver assistance systems, as well as the Bang & Olufsen Advanced Sound System with 15 speakers and 1,200 watts of total power.

Source: Audi

December 5, 2012

Launch of the new 2013 Chevrolet Corvette 427 Convertible Collector Edition

2013 Chevrolet Corvette 427 Convertible Collector Edition comes to commemorate the 60th Anniversary of the powerful and legendary Corvette model. The car exemplifies a true sports car, having great amount of style and delivering exceptional performance.

In those past six decades the Corvette has grown up and changed a lot. Examples from the last decades include extended mobility tyres (also known as run-flat tyres), the head-up display, magnetic selective ride control which enables real-time damping.

And now it is the time when the launch of the new 2013 Chevrolet Corvette 427 Convertible Collector Edition is coming to realization. The model is especially built to celebrate the 60th anniversary of this legendary sports car.

Under the hood is the LS7 7.0 liter (427 cubic-inches) engine, which generates 505 horsepower (377 kW) and has 470 lb.-ft. of torque (637 Nm). It is mated to a compulsory 6-speed manual transmission. The 0 to 60 mph sprint here is just 3.8 second and the top speed exceeds 190 mph.

In fact, this is the fastest Corvette convertible ever built and includes the high-tech features that the nameplate has become renowned for. In addition, it delivers incredible performance. In other words, the iconic Chevrolet model continues to embody both technological advancement and fame.

Source: Chevrolet

December 5, 2012

Brabus 2012 Mercedes-Benz ML Widestar

Brabus 2012 Mercedes-Benz ML 63 AMG Widestar is truly a sensational vehicle. It is not only super powerful, but very luxurious and nice to drive. Mercedes are famous with their comfortable vehicles, but M-Class brings that pleasure to another level. Still, when it needed, the big vehicle can go with 300 km/h.

The 5.5 liter bi-turbo V8 is boosted to 620HP (456 kW) and 820Nm (604 lb-ft) of torque. This happens thanks to BRABUS B63 – 620 PowerXtra module. The increase is 100HP and 120Nm or in other words 4.5 seconds to 100 km/h and a top speed of 300 km/h (186 mph). Both “normal” and AMG Performance Package versions can be upgraded. The B63-620 performance kit comes with BRABUS tuning warranty of 3 years, up to 100,000 km. The package includes a custom stainless steel sport exhaust system and Brabus PowerXtra module.

The ML 63 AMG Widestar rolls BRABUS WIDESTAR rims in dimensions 10J x 22” fiited with 295/30 ZR22 tires supplied by Continental, Pirelli and YOKOHAMA. For superb stance and handling, the tuning company offers control module for the AIRMATIC air suspension. It can lower the SUV, when needed.

The interior can be customized according to customer’s taste. Brabus offers exclusive automotive interior design. Wood and genuine carbon-fiber trim sets in any desired color and with a variety of surface finishes are available to round out the ensemble.

Finally, Brabus fits the 2012 Mercedes-Benz ML 63 AMG Widestar with a speedometer with 360-km/h dial (225 mph).

Source: Brabus

December 4, 2012

Brabus 2012 Mercedes G 63 AMG

Brabus has introduced their tuning program for the mighty G 63 AMG. The latest G-Class comes with a 5.5-liter V8 Biturbo engine tuned up to 620HP. The big SUV also comes with complete body kit, enormous wheels and some interior modifications.

First is the BRABUS B63 – 620 PowerXtra module boosting the new AMG-sourced engine to 620HP (456 kW) at 5,750RPM and 820Nm (604 lb-ft) at 2,000RPM. 0-100 km/h in 5.1 seconds and a top speed of 230 km/h (143 mph). The performance package is priced at €5,900.

Other nice upgrade is the stainless-steel BRABUS sport exhaust system with butterfly valve. Two tailpipes on either side, exiting in front of the rear wheels and with either a standard or black chrome finish.

The Widestar wide-body kit is modified to fit specifically for the facelift generation of the G-Class. It widens the vehicle by 12 cm and gives striking appearance. The LED lights integrated into the front and rear WIDESTAR fenders illuminate the stainless-steel running boards when a door handle is pulled or the remote is operated.

The vehicle rolls 11J x 23” Monoblock E evo “Platinum Edition”, Monoblock F “Platinum Edition” or Monoblock R design wheels fitted with 305/35 R 23 high-performance tires come from BRABUS technology partners Continental, Pirelli or YOKOHAMA.

The cockpit can likewise be customized and refined. The passengers are welcomed by stainless-steel scuff plates with backlit BRABUS logo. Other appealing accessories such as high-quality velour floor mats and BRABUS aluminum pedals and door-lock pins are also available.

BRABUS upgrades the multifunction steering wheel of the G-Class optionally with aluminum shift paddles that allow the driver to shift gears manually just like in Formula One racing.

The BRABUS interior can be custom-tailored to each owner’s individual preferences with especially soft and breathable BRABUS Mastik leather or Alcantara in a multitude of colors.

Source: Brabus

December 4, 2012

Oakley Design Ferrari F12 Berlinetta

Oakley Design has presented their tuning program for the most powerful Ferrari – the F12 Berlinetta. The tuning upgrade includes only styling upgrades.

The exterior gets a set of new alloy wheels and lowered stance. There are also some carbon elements on the front bumper, side skirts and rear vents.

The engine remains stock – a naturally aspirated 65-degree V12 6.3 liter – 740PS (544 kW) and 690Nm (509 lb-ft). 0-100 km/h – 3.1 seconds and 0-200 km/h in 8.5 seconds. A lap around Fiorano is done in just 1 minute and 23 seconds. Benchmark performance and maximum driving involvement are guaranteed by immediate turn-in, with smaller steering wheel angles, and increased cornering speed. The result is 20% increase in structural rigidity and a total weight of 1525 kg, which is 70 kg less than GTB. The balance between axles is 46:54 – front:rear.

The downforce has been boosted by 76% (123 kg at 200 km/h) while drag has been significantly reduced – the Cd is just 0.299.

Source: Oakley Design

December 4, 2012

World Premiere of the 2014 Fiat 500L Trekking

Fiat 500 is undoubtedly an icon in the automotive world. The latest model in the famous line-up is the new 2014 Fiat 500L which expands the Cinquecento’s appeal by offering more than 42 percent more interior space, engaging driving dynamics, a 1.4-liter MultiAir Turbo engine with a best-in-class 160 horsepower (118 kW) and two six-speed transmission.

Here the letter ‘L’ sums up the six dimensions of the Fiat 500L: “Leveraging”, “Large”, “Loft”, “Lifestyle”, and “Light”. The vehicle is paired with tight European handling and quick steering, and comes equipped with the fuel-efficient MultiAir Turbo engine

The latter generates the highest output-per-liter and great horsepower 160 hp (118 kW) and torque of 250 Nm (184 lb.-ft.). The unit can be mated to a six-speed manual transmission or segment-exclusive six-speed dual dry clutch transmission (DDCT).

More importantly however, is the new debut of the 2014 Fiat 500L Trekking, which shows the adventurous side of the 500L. Its premiere expands the appeal and practicality of the Fiat 500L with distinct, rugged looks.

The model includes sporty two-tone interior environment, unique front and rear fascia designs in Nero (black) accents, flared wheel arches and larger 17-inch wheels, which match perfectly to its athletic personality.

Furthermore, the interior of this Fiat model continues the two-tone theme, here in Nero/Marrone (black/brown) color. In the cabin is where the driver can enjoy the Uconnect 5.0 system, which includes a 5-inch intelligently and intuitively designed touchscreen interface, handsfree calling and Bluetooth-streaming audio, and a voice-command control of the radio and a media hub.

2014 Fiat 500L and 2014 Fiat 500L Trekking will be officially launched on the market in the middle of 2013.

Source: Fiat

December 4, 2012

2013 Fiat 500e Recharges the Electric Vehicle Segment

2013 Fiat 500e is city-friendly, environmentally responsible and fun-to-drive and in other words – all that you want to see in an urban vehicle. Through its iconic style, engaging dynamics and an environmentally responsible zero-emissions design, this EV is ready to show what true Italian style and performance mean.

The 500e builds on the Cinquecento’s small-car formula, but adds battery-electric powertrain which generates 111 horsepower (83 kW). In addition, it is rechargeable in less than 4 hours with its Level 2 (240 volt) on-board charging module (OBCM) and delivers more than 80 miles of estimated range.

What is more, there is a brand new chassis and suspension designed for the new EV powertrain. The wind-tunnel-sculpted shape and retro-futuristic dot-matrix styled cues are those details which give the vehicle a cutting-edge look.

Improvements in aerodynamics here were achieved through exterior enhancements and more than 140 hours of wind tunnel testing and refinement. The result is a purposeful design that enables this Fiat to achieve an additional five miles of range.

The interior of the new EV is retro and futuristic at the same time. For example, a 7-inch thin-film transistor (TFT) instrument cluster displays full-color picture graphics to illustrate vehicle functions, charge levels and trip summary.

In addition, the driver will benefit also from the TomTom Navigation unit, which will enable them to view the vehicle’s charge schedule, range, and power-flow gauges, and can even request nearby charging stations with real-time availability.

Those who want more style, the interior environment is available in Nero (black) or exclusive Steam (white) themes, highlighted by Electric Orange.

2013 Fiat 500e will be officially launched in the second quarter of 2013.

Source: Fiat

December 4, 2012

First Performance Details: 2013 Kia pro_cee’d GT and cee’d GT

Last week 2013 Kia pro_cee’d GT was teased for the first time. There was unveiled only one picture, which showed the sporty lines of the model but no additional details were disclosed.

Now Kia decided to reveal the first performance details not only for the pro_cee’d GT but also for the five-door cee’d GT. In addition, it was confirmed that both vehicles will go on sale in the middle of the next year.

The two new GT models will be powered by the new Kia’s 1.6-litre GDI (Gasoline Direct Injection) petrol engine. It will include a twin-scroll turbocharger and strengthened internal components. What’s more, the power and torque outputs are now increased.

To be more precise, the maximum power is 204 hp (150 kW), which is up 51 per cent over the non-turbo engine. The torque was increased with up to 61 per cent and now reaches the number of 265 Nm (195 lb/ft).

The unit is mated to a six-speed manual gearbox and the models’ performance targets include 0 to 100 km/h acceleration in just 7.9 seconds. On the other hand, major developments to the chassis and suspension systems ensure the exceptional dynamic characteristics.

Exterior-wise, here we can see new grilles and lamp clusters, deeper bumpers, unique 18-inch alloy wheels, red brake calipers and special paint finishes, which all contribute to more aggressive stance. The look of the GT models is also distinguished by pairs of jewel-like, four-point LED daytime running lights.

What has been disclosed about the interior is that now the models will include the addition of Recaro sports seats, alloy pedals and bespoke surface materials.

Prices and detailed specifications for 2013 Kia pro_cee’d GT and cee’d GT will be confirmed closer to the on sale date.

Source: Kia

December 4, 2012

Red Temptation: D2Forged Porsche 997 Turbo CV2

D2Forged Porsche 997 Turbo CV2 comes to bring more excitement in our lives in the cold winder days with its exuberant red skin and its thirst for speed and acceleration. The Porsche will take your breath away with its 500 horsepower (370 kW) which it draws from its six-cylinder 3.8 liter boxer engine.

The unit is mated to a manual seven-speed PDK dual-clutch gearbox. The vehicle also includes sport-chrono package, featuring the availability of an electronically controlled launch-control and an overboost-function for temporary increasing the turbo-pressure.

Therefore whit this amazing amount of horsepower it is no wonder that this “red dragon” accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.4 seconds. The top speed reached by the 997 Turbo is 194 mph (312 km/h).

What specialist from D2Forged have done on it in order to make it even more special, is to give it concave, custom finished D2Forged CV2 Brilliant Brushed Cleared Wheels. The size used for the front is 20×9 with tires in size 245/30/20, and for the rear – 20×13 with tires in size 345/25/20. The shallow concave front and rear is obvious as well as the Red D2 cap.

Source: D2Forged Wheels

December 3, 2012

Project Kro: SR Auto Aston Martin Vantage

Project Kro is the name of an undertaking that the specialist of SR Auto have begun and finished exquisitely. The car that is being tuned is the Aston Martin Vantage. It is popular because of its unique characteristics, sublime nature and exceptional driving experience.

The stunning pictures show that Project Kro is in fact a true prince of the night. What adds to it is not only the modifications done, but also the true Aston Martin spirit that it carries within. And to be more precise this spirit is due to the 4.7 liter eight-cylinder petrol engine.

The V8 unit generates 426 PS (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. On the other hand the five spoke design and Project Kro go hand in hand perfectly.

SR Auto obviously kept the classic look of the vehicle but adding a bit of a modern twist. Te spice here is due to the PUR 8IGHT Wheels in Modern Black added. Weight and strength is what dominates in the choice of those wheels. They are in size 21×9+42 for the front and 21×10.5+55 for the rear. The wheels itself weigh in at 23lbs each and include a forged mono block design.

Source: SR Auto

December 3, 2012

Category: Auto News