Category: Auto News

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

  • 2014 Ford Fiesta with 1.0-liter EcoBoost Confirmed for US

    2014-Ford-Fiesta-THUMB2014 Ford Fiesta which was unveiled in the beginning of September this year will be officially launched in the United States’ market next year, and will be the first Ford vehicle to include the award-winning 1.0-liter EcoBoost engine.

    Although this is the smallest engine available in its class, it still delivers power, torque and refinement. And to be more precise, the smooth, quiet-running engine generates 123 horsepower (90 kW) and peak torque of 200 Nm (148 lb.-ft.).

    The newest engine joins the most fuel-efficient model in Ford’s lineup. As a matter of fact, next year Ford will offer eight vehicles rated at 40 mpg. In addition, this engine is company’s first three-cylinder one, but it debuts many new technologies: an offset crankshaft; variable oil pump; split cooling system; external-balancing, super-small, responsive turbocharger; and a timing belt immersed in engine oil.

    The result is a quiet, smooth-running engine which produces roughly the same output as a 1.6-liter four-cylinder, delivering higher fuel economy and lower emissions. In Europe, besides the Fiesta, the 1.0-liter EcoBoost engine is launched already in the B-MAX and C-MAX models, and will also be offered in the new Mondeo.

    EcoBoost combines turbocharging with gasoline direct injection and variable valve timing. This allows the larger engine to be replaced with a smaller one, however with no loss of performance and at least a 20 percent gain in fuel economy.

    Source: Ford

  • Lumma Design 2013 Range Rover

    Lumma Design has introduced their tuning program for the new 2013 Range Rover.

    The tuning specialists will fit the big SUV with a CLR R body kit that includes an aggressive front bumper, a carbon fiber hood and a revised grille. Other exterior elements are a pair of extended side skirts, wider wheel arches, a tailgate-mounted spoiler and a carbon fiber rear bumper with an integrated diffuser.

    The final touch is a set of enormous 22” CLR 22 Mono wheels fitted with 315/30 R22 tires. The ride is lowered by 40 millimeters for better stance and improved handling.

    An exclusive interior package is also planned. LUMMA Design will upgrade the interior with classy two-tone leather along with sporty details in carbon, door sill panels and aluminum pedals.

    The first body kits and vehicles will be available from April 2013.

    The mighty 5.0 liter supercharged V8 is boosted to 540HP (403 kW) and 560HP (418 kW), instead of the regular 510HP. Performance packages for the diesel motors will follow.

     

    Source: Lumma Design

  • Unlim 500+ : 2012 Sport cars Top 3 [video]

    Dragtimesinfo has published a new video with the Top 3 of 2012 Sports Car class. On third place is a mighty Nissan GT-R Mk.3 tuned by Ecutek with 700HP. On second place is another GT-R Mk.3 again tuned by Ecutek, but delivering 720HP. The first place is occupied by a third Nissan GT-R, but Mk.2 tuned by Ecutek with 700HP.

    The Nissan GT-R Mk.3 tuned by Ecutek with 700HP managed to cover the 1 mile run in 26.779 seconds with a terminal speed of 302.52 km/h. It managed to overtake a GT-R Cobb Stage 2 with 700HP.

    The second placed GT-R Mk.3 again tuned by Ecutek with 720HP covered the 1 mile run in 26.626 seconds with 305.86 km/h beating a mighty Porsche 911 GT2 997 Mk.1 with 1100HP.

    The first place GT-R Mk.2 Ecutek with 700HP set a sensational time of 26.368 seconds on 1 mile race with 311.41 km/h. The ¼ mile result is just 10.576 seconds with 219.78 km/h terminal speed.

    httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GVesK5vFotk

    Source: Dragtimesinfo via Youtube

  • Kahn Design Land Rover Defender Harris Tweed Edition

    Kahn Design has announced their latest project based on the famous Land Rover Defender. The name of the project is Kahn Design Land Rover Defender Harris Tweed Edition.

    The tuned SUV comes with a number of upgrades including a piano black wood center dash surround, red gauges, machined aluminum pedals, red seat belts, along with front and rear racing seats in black quilted leather with Harris Tweed inserts. There is also a lot of Nappa leather and grey Alcantara with silver and red contrasting stitching.

    The exterior boasts a complete wide body kit including new front and rear bumpers, extended wheel arches, vented headlight surrounds, stainless steel front grille, LED headlights, clear front and rear light lenses and 18” 1983 Defender alloy wheels..

    A. Kahn Design is for the individual who will not submit to a life of uniformity and who will only accept perfection. Dedicated to the creation of luxury bespoke vehicles, we redesign the ordered monotony of mass produced vehicles and rebuild them into individually tailored creations.

    Source: Kahn Design

  • Mercedes-Benz Ener-G-Force Concept Takes Part in Los Angeles Design Challenge

    Mercedes-Benz-Ener-G-Force-Concept-THUMBImagine how a Mercedes-Benz G-Class will look like in the year 2025! I am sure that you have figured out something extraordinary, but I am also convinced that it is nothing like the new Mercedes-Benz Ener-G-Force Concept.

    The vehicle is based on the concept of a future police car and was developed for the Los Angeles Design Challenge, which this year had the quest for the “Highway Patrol Vehicle 2025”. The Ener-G-Force was designed with the prerequisite to reach any place conceivable quickly and reliably, to be exceptionally environmentally friendly and to utilize alternative energy sources.

    The concept invokes the genes of the Mercedes-Benz off-road G model, however – it has modern looks. Exterior-wise, the small glass areas make the police vehicle a safe cocoon for law enforcement officers. The emergency lights are positioned into the roof. Additionally, they bring about more attention.

    Next, the front fascia leaves the viewer wordless and it definitely serves its purpose to convey the commanding presence of the police. Adding to it are the huge wheels, which ensure that everything is reachable everywhere in an instant.

    Moreover, the Ener-G-Force has a similar profile with its predecessor. Nevertheless, it shows high shoulder line and scaled-down glass areas. In addition, all surfaces express intensity and tension. Similarly to the iconic G-Class, the Ener-G-Force sports a front with an expressive radiator grille which includes headlamps.

    Here LEDs in the headlamps form lamp units in the shape of a G. Next, the front indicators and position lights are positioned on top of the wings as a significant G-Class element.

    What is more important here however, is the energy focus of the concept. The engineers have made it with water tanks on the roof, where the substance is stored and it is later transferred into the “hydro-tech converter”. There the natural and renewable resources are converted into hydrogen for operating the fuel cells.

    The storage units for the electricity generated in this process are housed in the side skirts of the vehicle. It is important to highlight that the Ener-G-Force emits nothing but water and has an operating range of about 800 kilometres. In addition, there are four wheel-hub motors provide the pulling power. Their output for each individual wheel is adapted precisely to the respective terrain by high-performance electronics.

    Even more, a “Terra-Scan” 360-degree topography scanner mounted on the roof constantly makes scans of the surroundings and utilizes the results to adjust the spring and damping rates as well as other suspension parameters for maximum traction on the respective surface. The strikingly styled side skirts house either the energy storage units or hot-swappable battery packs.

    At last, changes in the colour of the illumination of the side skirts catch the attention and they also indicate what is the operating and charge status of the energy packs. A roof carrier and additional lamps are integrated into the roof. What I like the most about this concept, is that the whole vehicle looks like it has been carved from a single piece.

    Source: Mercedes-Benz

  • McLaren 12C GT Can-Am Edition Confirmed For Production

    McLaren-12C-GT-Can-Am-Edition-THUMBDuring this summer we have seen some amazing concepts coming out of the dark. One of them was the McLaren 12C Can-Am Edition Racing Concept, which made its debut at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. Then, the McLaren concept showed off its McLaren Orange and satin black colors.

    The successful premiere is now leading to great news: McLaren GT has confirmed plans for a limited production run of the 12C GT Can-Am Edition. The vehicle will pay tribute to Bruce McLaren and Denny Hulme who successfully raced a series of McLaren models in the Can-Am series.

    The supersportscar will be produced in 30 examples and will be billed as an “ultimate track car”. Each example will be equipped with an unrestricted version of the 3.8-litre twin-turbo V8 engine with a unique engine calibration, and optimized cooling system. All these important details will lead to a power output of up to 630 hp (463 kW). This will make the 12C GT Can-Am Edition the most powerful 12C produced.

    The stunning visual stance of the Can-Am Edition will be complemented with large carbon fibre rear wing. The latter is of a unique high downforce aerodynamic package, created with the help of Formula 1 technology and simulation. Therefore, the result is an increase in downforce by 30 per cent.

    Se, no contemporary vehicle can go without carbon fibre. Here components this material will increase the styling of the track car. These include door mirror mounts and covers, engine cover vents, side radiator intake vanes, sill covers and badges.

    Next, the car must be equipped with great set of shoes. Here, the designers have supplied the McLaren with black satin-finished forged lightweight racing alloy wheels, shod with Pirelli racing tyres.

    The carbon fibre MonoCell chassis which we have seen in the 12C and 12C Spider, is also to be seen here. However, this chassis is also fitted with a full FIA-approved race-specification rollcage.

    How about the interior of this Limited edition model? Inside one can find two black race seats with full six-point harnesses, and a one-of-a-kind steering wheel. Furthermore, an integrated motorsport air conditioning system is included into the bespoke lightweight carbon fibre dashboard.

    With production commencing from March 2013, McLaren 12C GT Can-Am Edition will have a starting price of £375 000 ($596 000).

    Source: McLaren

  • DMC Lamborghini Aventador Limited Edition Teased With Second Image

    More than ten days ago the luxury tuner from Germany – DMC, teased the public with its upcoming exciting project. If you remember, the image showed part of the front of a Lamborghini Aventador, but it wasn’t enough to judge anything else.

    Now, another teaser photograph has just been released, which clearly shows that carbon fiber “goes around” the DMC badge. Still, no further details are being disclosed at this moment. Keeping the project in secret clearly means that the German tuner has not yet played all its cards in terms of Aventador.

    All we can guess is that the Limited Edition project will be based on the LP700/LP900 model again. In fact, although the teaser doesn’t show a clear picture, it definitely shows the elements of Lamborghini’s “J” Roadster. The super car was shown to the world this year at the Geneva Motor Show.

    And this fact makes us eagerly waiting to see what this secret project is all about. Stay tuned for the next update, because there will be more to see of it! The official release date is set for 12th of December.

    Source: DMC

  • Honda 1.6 i-DTEC diesel – 120HP and 300Nm

    Honda has announced their latest engine. It is a new 1.6 liter i-DTEC diesel, which is created to bring high performance and incredibly low fuel consumption. The result is thanks to a number of modifications including superb lightweight.

    This is the first from the Earth Dreams Technology series engines, which will be offered in Europe. The engine is specially produced for the European market and will be manufactured at the company’s facility in Swindon, UK.

    Honda’s 1.6 i-DTEC uses a Bosch solenoid injection system which is capable of operating at a high pressure of 1800 bar. A high fuel pressure means that the fuel is injected at a faster rate and the finer the atomization of the fuel spray. This improves the fuel mixing with the air resulting in a cleaner and more efficient combustion helping to achieve the low emissions and fuel consumption.

    Other huge advantage of the 1.6 liter i-DTEC is its weight. This is the lightest diesel in its class and weighs 47 kg. This means that all parts used in it will have lower friction leading to better power and low emission.

    The engine has 120HP (88 kW) at 4000RPM and 300Nm (221 lb-ft) of torque at just 2000RPM. The CO2 emissions are only 94 g/km bringing the car equipped with this engine to “Tax-free” class. The fuel economy is rated at 78.5 mpg UK or just 3.6 liters per 100 km.

    The first model with 1.6 liter i-DTEC will be the new 2013 Civic followed by the 2013 CR-V.

    High Performance, Low Emissions
    Max power: 120PS @ 4000rpm
    Max torque: 300Nm @ 2000rpm
    Fuel economy (EU combined): 78.5 mpg
    CO2 emissions: 94 g/km

    Source: Honda

  • 2012 Subaru XV – “SUV of the Year”

    The new 2012 Subaru XV is winner in one of the hardest-fought categories in a special ‘4×4 of the Year’ issue.  The SUV market has expanded rapidly in recent years with the proliferation of compact crossovers, and 4×4 Magazine placed Subaru’s latest All-Wheel Drive model ahead of key rivals from Audi, Kia, Mazda, Nissan and Volkswagen.

    The Subaru XV range starts at £21,295 on the road and is available with 1.6 petrol manual or CVT, 2.0 petrol manual or CVT and 2.0D manual options.

    “The SUV class in 4×4 Magazine’s 4×4 of the Year test is one of the most competitive.  The Subaru XV was an interesting new arrival in that class, which did much to impress judges.”, commented Nigel Fryatt, Editor, 4×4 Magazine.

    “For a vehicle which obviously spends most of its time on-road, it is such an enjoyable drive, involving the driver in a positive manner.  It also boasts promising fuel economy potential.  When we took it off-road, given the obvious limitations of ground clearance, the Subaru completed our test route with ease.  But what clinched it for the XV was Subaru’s Everything Taken Care of customer service package, which has to be one of the best around.”, he finished.

    Source: Subaru

  • 2013 Chevrolet Camaro Hot Wheels Edition

    Chevrolet has announced the dream of millions of Hot Wheels fans of all ages – the Camaro Hot Wheels Edition, which will hit the dealerships early next year. This is the first time a full-size production Hot Wheels car has been offered for sale by any manufacturer.

    “Millions of us grew up playing with Hot Wheels,” said Chris Perry, vice president of Chevrolet Marketing.

    “Offering a special production model of the Camaro Hot Wheels is an opportunity to bring those memories to life, for kids of all ages.”, he added.

    The Camaro Hot Wheels Edition is available in V8 coupe with manual or automatic transmission, blending exterior cues of the high-performance Camaro ZL1 with a Kinetic Blue exterior colour and unique graphics. Exterior highlights include:

    • ZL1 rear spoiler
    • ZL1 front upper grille
    • Ground effects package, including front splitter and rocker treatment
    • Black 20-inch wheels
    • Two-tone matte hood graphic and rear taillight panel “blackout” graphic
    • Fender “flame” graphics
    • Hot Wheels grille and decklid logos

    It is powered by a V8 6.2-liter engine producing 432 HP (318 kW) and 569 Nm (420 lb-ft) of torque when connected to the manual gearbox, and 405 HP (298 kW) and 556 Nm (410 lb-ft) when linked to an automatic transmission.

    2013 Chevrolet Camaro Hot Wheels is priced from £41,520.

    Car Specs:

    Exterior

    • New exterior colour Kinetic Blue metallic
    • 20” Black Wheel with Black wheel centre caps
    • Ground effects in dark smoke gray finish, which includes ZL1 rocker mouldings and a front splitter
    • Stripes (hood, roof, decklid, spoiler, upper grille blackout with red pin stripe and rear quarter Hot Wheels stripe)
    • Blackout stripe (Original Wraps) with red pinstripe – between tail lamps on rear fascia
    • New “Hot Wheels” emblem in front grille
    • ZL1 spoiler with package shelf CHMSL closeout
    • Side gill decal stripes
    • “Hot Wheels” sill plates
    • ZL1 upper front grille
    • Hot Wheels emblems located on each fender near the Camaro nameplate
    • All models include a black accessory engine cover

    Interior

    • Black interior with torch red and Jet black stitching (front is a combination of red and black stitching, rear seats is red stitching, Instrument Panel soft insert, steering wheel, shift knob, and shift boot)
    • Seat inserts perforated leather except for the panel where the Hot Wheels logo will be embroidered onto a red patch
    • Steering wheel with torch red stitching
    • New Hot Wheels badge on steering wheel with existing trim plate
    • Surface mounted decal to implement a Hot Wheels flame logo on door inserts
    • Carbon Flash I/P and door inserts and red light pipe.
    • Premium floormat with torch red stitching and Silver “Camaro” name
    • Instrument Panel gauge cluster bezel (Carbon Flash), HVAC centre Instrument Panel bezel and bright silver parts on steering when painted black soft touch
  • 2014 Mitsubishi Outlander Teased

    2014-Mitsubishi-Outlander-THUMB2014-Mitsubishi-Outlander-651The third teaser for today is by the brand Mitsubishi, which is going to show two new vehicles at the Los Angeles Auto Show. A debut will make the 2014 Mitsubishi Outlander and the eye-catching 2013 Outlander Sport Limited Edition.

    The teased vehicle is the first and it includes a fresh new design direction which brings the attention on the exterior aerodynamic efficiency. Even further, the brand revealed that the SUV will be equipped with new engine of the advanced MIVEC continuously-variable valve lift timing system.

    The latter will enhance the fuel economy, which will make the 2014 Outlander among the most fuel-efficient compact SUV with 7-passenger seating as standard. Next, the interior has been upgraded as well. The vehicle includes new technologically-advanced features such as the Forward Collision Mitigation (FCM), Lane Departure Warning (LDW) and Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC).

    This brings the 2014 Outlander to a new level regarding efficiency, safety, comfort and convenience. The next vehicle which will make a North American debut is the 2013 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport Limited Edition. It will definitely show off its dynamic-looking forms, blackout side mirrors, center bumper, wheel arch trim and roof rails, along with dark-chrome alloy wheels.

    Here a new engine balancer shaft provides quicker and smoother acceleration. Additionally this also increases the performance, but still the model keeps maintaining an outstanding 31 mpg highway. Rounding out the package are a new 6-way adjustable power driver seat, aluminum brake and accelerator pedals, leather parking brake lever and available special two-tone Dove Grey and Black leather seating surfaces.

    Source: Mitsubishi

  • Teaser: 2013 Mercedes-Benz C-Class AMG Sports Package

    2013-Mercedes-Benz-C-Class-THUMB2013 Mercedes-Benz C-Class AMG Sports Package is a vehicle which can not be passed by so easily. First of all it already is a Mercedes-Benz, which means that it rides on a highly acclaimed chassis.

    Secondly, carrying the AMG abbreviation, it gets more powerful and more aggressive stance. In particular, what has been revealed by the brand (next to the gorgeous pictures) is that the model will be equipped with great “set of shoes”- the exclusive 18-inch AMG 7-spoke wheels.

    Furthermore, one can see throughout the interior red stitching throughout, which makes this C-Class even more appealing. There are also the drivers carve corners with a race-inspired flat-bottom steering wheel in hand while MB TEX/DINAMICA sport seats.

    Wonder what will be under the hood? To answer that question we will obviously have to wait a little longer.

    Source: Mercedes-Benz via Facebook