Auto News – Page 761 – Automobiles Review

2013 Dodge Viper SRT – US Price $97,395

Dodge has announced the new 2013 Viper SRT. The fifth generation of iconic American-built supercar returns as Street and Racing Technology (SRT) brand’s flagship performance machine with more power and performance, superior craftsmanship, new technologies and creature comforts. There will be two new models: SRT Viper and SRT Viper GTS.

The car is completely different compared to the previous models. It boasts fantastic exterior look combined with enormous powerful engine and awesome handling.

“The Street and Racing Technology brand team is extremely proud that our hand-built-in-Detroit, flagship supercar is back and ready to take on the performance-car world,” commented Ralph Gilles, President and CEO – Street and Racing Technology Brand and Motorsports, Chrysler Group LLC.

“Beyond being the flagship for the new SRT brand, the launch of the 2013 Viper proves that we simply would not let the performance icon of the Chrysler Group die. Willed to live on by a very special group of performance enthusiasts inside the company and across Viper Nation, this SRT team under our new leadership was challenged to not just continue the legendary Viper, but to create the fifth generation of our world-class supercar that would showcase the very best we have to offer.”, he added.

The 2013 Viper SRT is powered by an 8.4 liter naturally aspirated V10 engine producing 640HP (477 kW) and 814Nm (600 lb-ft) of torque. It is connected to a 6-speed manual gearbox. The curb weight of the vehicle is just 1,521 kg (3,354 lbs), so 0-100 km/h takes 3 seconds and a top speed of 331 km/h (206 mph). The ¼ mile is covered in 11.5 seconds. If that’s not impressive enough, the model can go from 0-160-0 km/h in less than 12 seconds.

Manufacturer’s suggested retail price for the 2013 SRT Viper model is $97,395 (excluding $1,995 destination), while MSRP for the 2013 SRT Viper GTS model is $120,395 (excluding destination).

Source: Dodge

November 21, 2012

Onyx Concept Porsche Cayenne OTS Edition

Onyx Concept has announced their tuned version of Porsche Cayenne II. The name of the project is OTS Edition and it features only styling upgrades – exterior and interior.

The body kit is available in in two stages as the first one comes with a new front bumper, different side skirts and extended wheel arches. Other exterior goodies are a tailgate-mounted spoiler and a new rear bumper with an integrated diffuser. There are also LED DRLs, some carbon fiber elements and a center-mounted dual sport exhaust system.

Stage II includes a ventilated hood, a roof spoiler and carbon fiber mirror caps.

The SAV comes with a set of 22” alloy wheels fitted with low-profile tires. The exterior paint is done depending on customers’ choice.

The interior boasts quilted leather seats, a sport steering wheel, carbon fiber trim.

Last, but not least is a set of lamb’s wool floor mats.

Source: Onyx Concept

November 21, 2012

BMW ePatrol Concept Takes Part in Los Angeles Design Challenge

Another very exciting concept for the L.A. Autoshow just appeared, but this time from the powerful German brand BMW. For the creative competition they had to create the ultimate 2025 highway patrol vehicle, which is the BMW ePatrol Concept. The vehicle gives a glimpse into the forceful power of innovation and future thinking.

The futuristic patrol cars should be created on the following set of criteria: future needs for advanced technology; speed and agility on future freeway systems; creativity of the solution; and meeting a specific region’s emission standards and environmental sensibility (including maintenance and recyclability).

Initially the work of the designers began through the envisioning a 2025 scenario. There will definitely be more traffic, faster vehicles, and vehicles with alternative drive trains. In addition, the design team was inspired by the partnership between a patrol officer and their canine. The clogged highways today and in the future brought the attention on a solution to increase accessibility.

In short, the BMW ePatrol Concept focuses on a modular structure and drone technology that improve both teamwork and accessibility. The main structure can deploy three drones. Firstly, the top drone is positioned above the main structure and is a flying drone. The other two are one wheel vehicles attached to the rear.

In the case of a pursuit, the patrol officer sitting in the two passenger main structure can use either the flying drone or one of the single wheel drones to chase the suspect and report back data to the main structure.

There is an option when all three drones are being utilized. Then, the main structure can continue to function. Furthermore, all drones have added protection thus sending an impulse to another vehicle and disabling it.

The exterior design of the BMW is also impressive. The designers achieved powerful stance with an aerodynamic aesthetic and flowing lines. On the other hand, the interior design was inspired by a woven structure made of aluminum wire inside carbon fibre and polymer resin.

Moreover, it is visible that the seats create a significant connection between driver and architecture. Next, the interfaces within the interior are touch screen and in order to bring about enhanced protection to the patrol officers, windows are not included in the vehicle.

At last, instead of windshield there is a large screen which can communicate crucial information like accidents or route information, and the large screen in the interior serves as a monitor on which data from the drones can be displayed.

Source: BMW

November 21, 2012

2013 Peugeot RCZ Sport and GT With Official Launch

2013 Peugeot RCZ made its official debut at September’s Paris Motor Show and now is going to be launched in two levels – Sport and GT. The new version of the sports coupe now includes a dramatic update to its front face, enhanced specifications, a wider choice of equipment options. Of course the facelifted Peugeot model will offer new colour and trim combinations.

First of all, the RCZ Sport features 18 inch “Original” alloy wheels, dual-zone air conditioning, rear parking aid and USB box with Bluetooth. This rich specification is enhanced further by automatic lighting, including ‘Approach’ and ‘Follow-me-home’ features. The new interior enhancements include half leather and leather/ Alcantara trim treatments.

Secondly, the GT level is fitted with 19 inch “Technical” alloy wheels. It also includes interior sports kit, complete with sports steering wheel and gear lever. Simple leather continues to define the interior of GT with the addition of an optional Cohiba Brown colour, on both simple and integral leathers. Furthermore, optional choices here are the matt black roof arches, body transfer decals and more alloy wheel options.

2013 RCZ has a starting price of £21 595 for the Sport version and £23 995 for the GT. The 260 hp Peugeot RCZ R is going to be launched towards the end of 2013.

Source: Peugeot

November 21, 2012

Isuzu Dakar D-Max Set to Compete in the Famous Rally

Isuzu D-Max Dakar is one of the most spectacular and powerful pick-ups ever built, and it will participate in the Dakar Rally – one of the most gruelling races on earth. The event will happen in January next year.

The vehicle is based on the production Isuzu D-Max 4×4 double-cab, but it has increased performance due to the new 3.0-litre (2,994cc) 16-valve common-rail turbo diesel engine. It produces output of 242 horsepower (178 kW) and 589 Nm (435 lb-ft) of torque. The powerplant is matched to a four-wheel drive system and a sequential five-speed Hollinger gearbox and Xtreme rally clutch.

Further enhancements regard the chassis, which includes custom-built, full-length eight millimetre aluminium skid plates, while the steel cab body is fitted with an integrated roll-cage and carbon-fibre panels that shield the pick-up’s key components.

The immediate stopping is ensured by the additionally added DBA Kangaroo Paw ventilated disc brakes with cross-drilled discs and Harrop aluminium racing calipers. Isuzu D-Max Dakar rides on 16 x 7-inch ROH Trojan alloy wheels, shod with Toyo Open Country M/T-R tyres. And to sum up the result of these enhancements, it is a great acceleration time from zero to 100 km/h in seven seconds. The top speed is 190 kph.

Technical specifications:

Body and construction
Base vehicle	Isuzu D-Max 4×4 double cab
Body	Isuzu steel cab body with integrated roll-cage and carbon fibre panels
Chassis	Garland Motorsports-modified Isuzu D-Max chassis
Underbody	Custom-built, full-length 8 mm aluminium skid plates
Engine and transmission
Engine	Isuzu-developed 2994cc in-line DOHC, 16-valve 4-cylinder common-rail turbo diesel
Power	242 horsepower (180 kw) @ 4800 rpm
Torque	589 Nm (434 ft/lb) @ 2000 rpm
Cooling	Davies Craig electric water pump with Adrad custom cross-flow aluminium cab-mounted radiator with dual electric fans
Induction	Isuzu turbocharger with intercooler mounted in original radiator position
Gearbox and clutch	Five-speed Hollinger sequential gearbox and Xtreme rally clutch
Fuel tank	Custom-built dual aluminium fuel tank with a total capacity of 320 litres (85 gallons)
Drivetrain, suspension and damping
Front differential	Isuzu rear housing, modified to suit independent front suspension and drive-shaft
Rear differential	Isuzu rear axle and housing, modified to suit ladder-bar rear suspension
Front suspension	Custom-built independent, torsion-bar using Isuzu lower control arm, King off-road racing reservoir shocks and adjustable stops
Rear suspension	Custom-built coil-sprung ladder bar with adjustable King off-road racing, remote reservoir shocks and adjustable stops
Brakes, wheels and tyres
Brakes	DBA Kangaroo Paw ventilated disc brakes with cross-drilled rotors and Harrop aluminium racing callipers
Wheels	16 x 7-inch ROH Trojan alloy wheels
Tyres	Toyo Open Country M/T-R
Interior
Telemetry	Racepak data gathering and engine control
Seats	Recaro motorsport shell
Steering wheel	Momo three-spoke

Weight
Weight	2300kg (approximately)
Performance
0-100km/h (60mph	7 seconds (estimated, on dirt)
Top speed	190 kph

Source: Isuzu

November 21, 2012

BMW M6 Coupe F12 [video]

BMW US has released a nice video for the fans, where a brand new 2012 M6 Coupe (F12) with Matt Mullins behind the steering wheel is raced over special paper to create unique autographs for M fans across the world with the help of specially applied ink to the tire treads.

The new M6 is powered by twin-turbo V8 4.4-liter engine delivering 560HP (412 kW) and 680Nm (502 lb-ft) of torque. The engine is mated to a 7-speed M Double Clutch Transmission. 0-100 km/h in 4.2 seconds and a top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph) – electronically limited. When fitted with the optional M Driver’s Package, top speed can be increased to 305 km/h (189 mph).

The shock absorbers are electro-hydraulically operated trough the car’s Variable Damper Control (VDC) again with three settings. Driver aids come in many abbreviations such as DSC, ABS, CBC and DBC but thankfully all can be overridden with the very important M Dynamic Mode (MDM) which allows you to do what one must do with an M car – wheel spinning, oversteer and other tire-destructive activities.

Enjoy the video!

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aYuk64NMYLM

Source: BMW via Youtube

November 20, 2012

Renault Megane Estate GT 220 Special Edition

Renault has announced the special edition Megane Estate GT 220 which will be launched later this month.

“Megane Estate GT 220 is concrete evidence that a car can be practical yet still pack genuine performance,” commented Jean-Maxime Boulanger, Product Manager, Renault Sport.

“It has all the qualities expected of a sporty car while at the same time permitting everyday driving pleasure.”, he added.

The Megane Estate GT 220 will come with a unique exterior featuring body-color door handles, gloss black accents and 18” Serdard-style wheels fitted with low profile tires.

Other upgrades include a sport-tuned suspension, a revised power steering system, bigger brake system and high-performance tires.

Inside, the ambience of the GT version has been rounded off with a specific steel gear lever knob which heightens the car’s sporty custom feel.

The Megane Estate GT 220 is powered by a 2.0 liter turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine delivering 220HP (162 kW) and 340Nm (251 lb-ft) of torque. Nothing is mentioned about the acceleration, but it will be around 7 seconds to 100 km/h. The fuel consumption is pretty good – 7.3 liters / 100 km (32.2 mpg US) with CO2 emissions of 169 g/km.

Technical features:

– A chassis based on the Sport chassis available for Mégane R.S.
– Specific suspension.
– The same high-performance tyres as Mégane R.S.
– Specifically-calibrated electric power steering for the GT chassis.
– Braking performance to match its sporty calling

Source: Renault

November 20, 2012

2013 Jaguar XFR-S – 540HP and 680Nm

Jaguar has announced that the new 2013 XFR-S will be exhibited in L.A. at the end of the month. The high-performance saloon will be showcased to public from November 28 to December 9.

“This year’s Los Angeles Auto show is one of the most significant U.S. shows in years for Jaguar Land Rover as we introduce three breakthrough new products,” commented Jaguar Land Rover North America President, Andy Goss.

“Jaguar Land Rover is making major strides to grow the business with highly targeted new products. The new Jaguar F-TYPE, Jaguar XFR-S and all new Range Rover will all make a major impact, specifically in the United States, which will be the world’s largest market for all three vehicles.”, he added.

The 2013 XFR-S is powered by a 5.0-liter supercharged V8 with 540HP (402 kW) and 680Nm (501 lb-ft) of torque. 0-100 km/h in 4.5 seconds and a top speed of 290 km/h (180 mph).

The high-performance model will have a new aggressive front bumper, LED-infused headlights, ventilated hood and a huge rear wing. There will be also a pair of new bigger side skirts and front fender vents.

Making its U.S. Auto Show Debut in Los Angeles is the all-new Jaguar F-TYPE, for the first time shown in Black Pack performance trim. An all-new two-seat soft-top convertible sports car built on a front-engine, lightweight aluminum architecture with rear-wheel drive, Jaguar has engineered the F-TYPE to be a true high-performance sports car. The Jaguar F-TYPE combines low vehicle weight, high power and superb aerodynamics to achieve a pure sports car experience, yet with Jaguar elegance and luxury. The F-TYPE goes on sale in early summer, 2013.

Source: Jaguar

November 20, 2012

Audi A6,A7,A8 and Q5,Q7 Powered by 3.0 V6 TDI

Audi will introduce the new TDI range in L.A. The range includes A6,A7,A8,Q5 and Q7, all of them powered by a 3.0-liter V6 TDI diesel engine.

The flagship 2014 Audi A8 TDI will arrive next spring and will return a sensational 24 mpg (9.8 L/100km) in city and 36 mpg (6.53 L/100km) on highway. Despite the low fuel consumption, the 3.0 liter V6 TDI is pretty sporty – 240HP (179 kW) and 550Nm (406 lb-ft) of torque. 0-100 km/h in 6.4 seconds and a top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph).

The new 2014 Audi A6 TDI will make its appearance at the end of the month in Los Angeles, before going on sale in fall, next year. The car will come with a lot of extras, driver assistance systems, and Audi pre sense plus for detecting imminent collisions and initiating protective measures.

The beautiful 2014 A7 will join the lineup at the same time as well as the Q5 TDI and a revised Q7 TDI, which will provide 10% tter fuel economy compared to the previous model. The big SUV will be able to return 19 mpg (12.38 L/100km ) in city and 28 mpg (8.4 L/100km) on the highway. The range with a single tank of fuel will be 1126 km (700 miles).

Source: Audi

November 20, 2012

Magnat Chevrolet Camaro Audio – True Show Car

Magnat Chevrolet Camaro Audio is a modification visibly and audibly enhanced by the brand Magnat of the firm Audivox. The iconic muscle car is linked with German sound technology and now exudes a stance of an impressive show car.

The tuners have enhanced Chevrolet’s engine performance via performance kit. The latter was delivered by the firm Wimmer racing engineering. Additionally, thanks to software customization, optimization of the air induction and stainless steel exhaust system, the Camaro achieves performance figures of 452 hp (332 kW) and has a maximum torque of 596 Nm (440 lb-ft) at 4,300 r / min). The maximum speed after this power increase is 274 km/h.

Furthermore, the Magnat Camaro rolls on the streets with a grandiose wheel-tire combination by Oxigin in 10×22 inches all around with Yokohama Advan Sport tires in 265/30ZR22 at the front and 295/25ZR22 at the rear axle. The perfect sport handling is available thanks to the height adjustable KW coilover suspension, Variant 1.

To go further into details, the interior has been improved as well. Here one can see that the cabin is exclusively equipped with high quality leather and Alcantara. The diamond pattern of the seats underlines the sportive character and upgrades the interior clearly.

But most importantly, why this Camaro carries the name Audio/ The answer lies in the audio equipment which includes new Audiovox VME 9520NAV, with navigation, Bluetooth hands-free system, iPod / iPhone control, DVD and linkage to the steering wheel remote control, handles the powerful Magnat 4400Watt system.

In addition, what transforms the cabin into a concert hall are the two-way component front system, coaxial rear system, 2x 30cm subwoofer and digital amplifiers transform. Here the installed Ipod serves as a database of all music requests. The illuminated show installation in the trunk completes this great project to the maximum.

Source: Miranda Media

November 20, 2012

Project Speed Walker: SR Auto Audi R8 Spyder

Project Speed Walker is the name of the latest project of the tuners from SR Auto. This time they have put their attention on the emblematic Audi R8 Spyder model, which includes a massive V10 heart.

This means only one thing: unique performance, which is due to the 5.2 litre engine. The unit delivers 525 hp (386 kW) and 530 Nm (391 lb-ft) of torque. On the road these numbers mean that the Audi will accelerate from stand still to a 100km/h in only 4.1 seconds on its way to a top speed of 194mph.

What is very interesting here is that the car is tied together with the help of carbon fiber and shades of black. For this project, they have worked with people from PUR Wheels, Hofele, PPI, MA Carbon, Miltek, APR, and Carbonio.

The wheels were of course responsibility of PUR Wheels. They have supplied the Audi with their PUR 4OUR Monoblock model in Modern Gloss Black color and in sizes 20×9+38 (for the front) and 20×12+46 (for the rear).

For the exterior on the other hand took care Hofele. Thanks to the company the Audi now has new Carbon Fiber Front Spoiler. The interior is predominated by carbon fiber as well. It includes PPI Carbon Fiber Steering Wheel, MA Carbon Fiber Rear Center Console, MA Carbon Fiber Gear Shift Circle.

At last but not leas, some performance upgrades have been done and they feature the following: Carbonio Carbon Fiber Intake System, Miltek Exhaust System, APR ECM Upgrade.

Source: SR Auto

November 20, 2012

2013 Honda CR-Z Sport Hybrid Upgraded

2013 Honda CR-Z will be officially launched on the market tomorrow and will include a host of powertrain, styling and feature enhancements. It will draw more power from its all-new Lithium-Ion battery pack, which in addition will improve its EPA mpg ratings.

Some of the styling upgrades include revised interior trim along with a new front fascia, a new finish for the 16-inch alloy wheels, an aerodynamically functional new rear diffuser and two new exterior colors – Passion Berry Pearl and Polished Metal Metallic.

For anyone who wishes to go standard, the 2013 CR-Z will give them Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink®, Bluetooth® Audio, rearview camera, an Expanded View Driver’s Mirror, AM/FM/CD/USB audio system with six speakers, automatic climate control, power windows and door locks, remote entry and cruise control. Optionally, the drivers can enjoy the new Plus Sport System, which allows additional on-demand electric boost via a steering wheel-mounted “S+” button.

As a standard the car is equipped with a six-speed manual transmission and automatic Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). Optionally, the CR-Z adds Auto-On/Off High-Intensity Discharge (HID) Headlights, LED daytime running lights (DRL), a 360-Watt AM/FM/CD Premium Audio System with seven speakers including subwoofer, perforated leather-wrapped steering wheel, and etc.

The CR-Z hybrid powertrain utilizes a 1.5-liter 4-cylinder, 16-valve, single-overhead cam engine with “intelligent” Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control (i-VTEC) that receives additional power from the Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) system’s DC brushless electric motor.

But let’s speak in numbers: the CR-Z now generates 130 horsepower (96 kW) at 6000 rpm and 190 Nm (140 lb-ft.) of torque. Manual-transmission versions also receive both a larger clutch and a new lower final drive ratio.

Furthermore, this Honda model is equipped with enhanced 3-Mode Drive System, which is activated via three backlit buttons to the left of the steering wheel. The models namely are:

Sport mode – which improves engine throttle responsiveness, electric power steering effort and the electric motor power assist; Normal mode, which standardizes steering, engine response, motor assist and air conditioning settings; and at last the Econ mode, which can increase the potential for enhanced fuel efficiency by optimizing throttle angle for smooth acceleration, lower engine rpm and limiting power and torque by approximately 4-percent.

Next thing to highlight here is the chassis. The CR-Z includes front MacPherson strut and rear H-shaped torsion beam suspension, which are additionally modified to provide a sportier driving experience. All 2013 CR-Z models are equipped as a standard with new darker-tinged 16×6-inch aluminum wheels with finished spoke tips and 195/55R-16 tires, while accessory 17×7 alloy wheels with 205/45R-17 tires are optional.

The interior changes here are the new metallic trim on the door pulls and latches, center console, speaker grilles and lower steering-wheel spokes. The black and red interior trim combination on the other hand gives sportier feeling and adds new two-toned combi seats, and colored accents to the door panels and floor mats.

In terms of safety and security, the CR-Z is one step forward thanks to its Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) body structure. The latter helps protect vehicle occupants in a frontal collision.

Other safety technologies featured here are the standard dual-stage, multiple-threshold front airbags; standard front-side airbags with passenger-side Occupant Position Detection System (OPDS); side-curtain airbags, active head restraints; an anti-lock braking system (ABS); a tire pressure monitoring system; and a pedestrian injury mitigation design in the front of the vehicle.

2013 Honda CR-Z models will be priced at $19 975.

Source: Honda

November 20, 2012

Category: Auto News