Auto News – Page 769 – Automobiles Review

Fiat 500 Café Racer Exudes Passion And Love [VIDEO]

An interesting video I have just found over the web space is that of how Fiat 500 is getting ready and customized for 2012 SEMA Show. Interestingly enough, the so called “Cafe Racer” is being stripped down to the bare minimum for maximum performance and speed.

Details around the performance figures are still scarce, but we are eagerly waiting to know them around its official introduction. Furthermore, this particular video caught my attention, because a Fiat 500 is not we are used to see getting customized every day. Nevertheless, according to its designers, it is a really good vehicle to modify.

Another thing that provoked my curiosity is why it is called Café Racer. Well the truth here lies in history. There was a time when people have stripped down their motorcycles in order to get the weight down. The aim of course was to achieve a better performance.

Summed up in three words: attention, passion and love, is what can be seen throughout this car. Indeed, a great craftsmanship was needed to achieve the “Café Racer” effect and to bring forth the true personality of the Fiat.

Tires and wheels were changed, new exhaust system was added and basically the specialists have stripped down the car to the very essence of what one needs to drive. In addition, the seats were made lighter as well and have received a clean, sleek a lower profile. And this is how the Fiat 500 is capturing the imagination because it must be more than just a car, it must be a driving experience!

httpv://youtu.be/AgP5LbhZNmI

Video Source: YouTube

October 31, 2012

2013 MINI Cooper JCW GP – US Price $35,950

MINI US has announced the price of the special edition JCW GP. The hot hatchback, which is able to lap the Nurburgring in just 8 minutes and 23 seconds is priced from $35,950.

The new 2012 MINI John Cooper Works GP is powered by a BMW-sourced 1.6-liter turbocharged petrol engine with 215HP (160 kW) and 280Nm (207 lb-ft) of torque. This is good for 6.3 seconds from 0 to 100 km/h and a top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph) – electronically limited. In other words, the MINI JCW GP is insanely fast.

The GP variant is a little more than $5000 more expensive than the regular JCW, but it comes with a nice fully-adjustable suspension and a significant weight reduction of 55 kg (121 lb). If you think that is not very much, check the curb weight of the car – 1235 kg (2722 lb). It is always hard to reduce the weight of a small car, because it doesn’t have too many components, which can be removed or lightened.

The GP model also comes with a big brake system including huge 335 mm front brake discs, so the smallest wheels, which can be fitted, are 18”. Commenting wheels, we have to say that this car comes with special performance tires for maximum traction on the race track.

Other highlight is the GP Racing mode for ESP allowing perfect handling and tire slip, when it is needed in order to be as fast as you want.

The 2012 MINI John Cooper Works GP is not just a good car, it is a perfect toy for track days and everyday driving.

Source: MINI

October 30, 2012

2012 SEMA: Chevrolet COPO Camaro Convertible

Chevrolet has revealed an eye-catching Inferno Orange COPO Camaro Convertible at the 2012 SEMA Motor Show. Only 12 units of the COPO Camaro will have this Inferno Orange Metallic paint. The other cars from the model will come in Victory Red, Black, Summit White, Silver Ice Metallic and Ashen Grey Metallic paint.

“The COPO Camaro program has been a special program and there’s not a better way to close out the 2012 racing season than with the final – and most unique – one of the production run,” said Jim Campbell, GM U.S. vice president of Performance Vehicles and Motorsports.

“I am also happy to announce that due to strong customer demand we will produce another run of 69 COPO Camaros for 2013. More than 3,000 hand-raisers expressed interest in buying a COPO after we introduced the car at SEMA last year. We are excited to support these grassroots motorsports enthusiasts in their Stock Eliminator and Super Stock drag racing efforts,” added Mr. Campbell.

Totally 69 COPO Camaros will be built and this is one of them. It also comes with a 327 engine and 4.0L supercharger. The power is 550HP (410 kW). This is also one of the two convertible vehicles, which will be built.

COPO Camaros by the numbers:

67 were coupes and two were convertibles

43 cars were equipped with the 427 naturally aspirated engine – including the original proof of concept show car that debuted at the 2011 SEMA Show

20 cars were equipped with the 327 / 4.0L-supercharged engine

6 cars were equipped with the 327 / 2.9L-supercharged engine

8 customers ordered the collector’s package, which included all three engines number-matched to their car

32 cars were painted Summit White – including the original show car

20 cars were painted Black

12 cars were painted Victory Red

2 cars were painted Ashen Grey Metallic

2 cars were painted Silver Ice Metallic

1 car was painted Inferno Orange Metallic

12 cars were ordered without COPO graphics.

Source: Chevrolet

October 30, 2012

Mazda3 MPS by MR Car Design

MR Car Design Mazda3 MPS exudes power and attitude. Mazda3 MPS is originally being one of the most powerful series production vehicles with front wheel drive. Here however, we have an aim which successfully has given this vehicle even more strength in horsepower.

The people responsible for that are the specialists from MR Car Design. They have taken this hard task to give the sporting dynamicist even more power. Originally the Mazda is equipped with 2.3 L engine, which includes turbo support.

This means that the vehicle can generate 260 hp (191 kW) and has a maximum torque of 380 Nm (280 lb-ft) at 3,000 r / min. The crew from MR Car Design gave the engine boost in terms of performance via software. Thanks to that the car is able to produce 310 horsepower (228 kW).

Furthermore, a downpipe with or without catalytic converter, and an exhaust system from the downpipe can be mounted optionally. In addition to this another highlight here is the Forge Intercooler, which includes all turbo hoses.

At last, this unique Mazda runs on a set of wheels with Qxigin 14-inch rims in 8,5 x19 and has a KW coilover suspension.

Source: Miranda Media

October 30, 2012

2013 Toyota Camry Atara R Special Edition Launched

2013 Toyota Camry Atara R Special Edition has just been launched. The model gains benefits in terms of safety, performance, comfort and visual stance. The Camry Atara R is based on Camry Altis, however gets more added features and technologies.

In fact, many of the additions here were available on the more expensive Atara models. Such are for example the front sports bumper and grille, sports side skirts and a dual exhaust diffuser. The latter boosts maximum power by 2 kW.

In addition, this special edition of Toyota includes also 17-inch alloy wheels instead of the 16-inch, front foglamps and a special-edition badge. Furthermore, the Atara R also gets great interior equipment and design.

Here the driver and occupants can enjoy the premium three-spoke steering wheel (with audio controls), 6.1-inch screen display audio and reversing camera with fixed guidelines.

Another important highlight to this trim is that is goes along with big choice of exterior colours: Diamond White, Silver Pearl, Graphite, Eclipse Black, Wildfire, Magnetic Bronze, and Reflex Blue.

In terms of safety and security, the Atara R is well specified with seven airbags (including driver’s knee airbag) and vehicle stability control and traction control. At last, but not least the new technologies added are the trip computer and eco indicator, six-speaker audio including auxiliary and USB input with iPod connectivity.

Source: Toyota

October 30, 2012

Every Drop Counts: Honda’s Second in a Series of Environmental Film Shorts [VIDEO]

Followed by the first video of environmental series of short films, the second footage named Every Drop Counts continues the purpose of Honda associates to fulfill the company’s vision for reducing Honda‘s environmental impact and creating a more sustainable business.

The new film highlights a project which aims to capture and utilize the energy present in water falling from rooftop cooling towers. In the video you can view the story of how a retired plant engineer’s sketch intrigues a team of associates who seek to generate their own energy with a simple but ingenious device.

The inspiration of Honda’s engineers was big enough so that it resulted in a unique small-scale hydro power generation system. The vehicle was created via spare parts and materials (almost entirelly) in the plant.

Then the specialists converted a simple AC motor for use as an alternator, which generated energy from water as it falls 35 feet to a sump. The results are amazing: the low-cost, low-maintenance system produces 50 000 kilowatt hours of electricity each year and offsets roughly 77 000 pounds of CO2 emissions from the consumption of grid-supplied electricity.

The Honda Environmental Short Film Series puts more light on the environmental innovations across Honda in North America. It puts more attention to the efforts the brand is making in order to create a more fuel-efficient and low emissions vehicles. In addition, it shows their efforts in reducing energy use, emissions and waste in all of the company’s operations.

httpv://youtu.be/DiMJ4JEC2iA

Video Source: YouTube

Source: Honda

October 30, 2012

Chevrolet Camaro Hot Wheels Special Edition

Chevrolet Camaro Hot Wheels Special Edition will arrive at dealerships in the beginning of the next year thus making a debut as the first full-size, production Hot Wheels car offered for sale.

The special edition Chevy just debuted at the SEMA Show in Las Vegas, showing off its vibrant, graphics-accented metallic paint scheme (Kinetic Blue) and red-lined wheels. The vehicle will be available in both coupe and convertible form, in 2LT (V-6) and 2SS (V-8) trims.

Some of the other exterior highlights here include ZL1 rear spoiler (coupe models), ZL1 front upper grille, Ground effects package, including front splitter and rocker treatment, black 21-inch wheels with red outline stripe, two-tone matte hood graphic and rear taillight panel “blackout” graphic, fender “flame” graphics, Hot Wheels grille and decklid logos.

The interior of this Camaro is as exciting as the exterior. It is black leather-trimmed, accented with red and black seat stitching with the Hot Wheels logo embroidered on the front seats. The instrument panel and door inserts are black as well, with the Hot Wheels-style flame decal on each door. Hot Wheels® Edition sill plates and Camaro-logo premium floor mats with red edging are also included.

More importantly, the SS models include a 6.2L V-8 engine, which is offered in two iterations: the “L99” on automatic-equipped vehicles and the “LS3” on manual-equipped models. In particular, the power generated for the L99 is 400 hp (298 kW) and torque is 410 lb.-ft. (556 Nm). It also features fuel-saving Active Fuel Management. The LS3 develops 426 horsepower (318 kW) and 420 lb.-ft. (569 Nm) of torque.

LT-based models feature the “LFX” 3.6L V-6 engine, with dual-overhead camshafts, variable valve timing and direct injection. This one propels 323 horsepower at 6,800 rpm. In addition, there is a dual-mode exhaust system available on the SS models mated to the six-speed manual transmission, as well as LT models with either the manual or automatic transmission.

Source: Chevrolet

October 30, 2012

Eisenmann BMW F30 3 Series Equipped With New Exhaust System [VIDEO]

Eisenmann BMW F30 3 Series, equipped with new exhaust system, reaches now higher standards. Since its official launch, the dynamically designed saloon made a good impression on the road. The same impression continues now and we are more than sure it will last long!

However, the sports exhaust system specialists from Eisenmann decided to make it even better. They have created handmade sports mufflers for the four-cylinder diesel versions of the emblematic BMW model. In addition, they have added sports Turbo petrol version 328i.

The sports mufflers are available with either two or four round 76 millimetre end pipes. On the other hand, for the 328i, there is an optional extra: intermediate muffler and a sound pipe. Both make the sound of the turbo engine more aggressive and appealing for the car enthusiasts.

A video featuring the sound of the new exhaust system can be viewed below:

httpv://youtu.be/e4NG7RiINV4

Video Source: YouTube

Source: Eisenmann

October 30, 2012

SR Auto Audi Q5 Vossen CV3 – Versatility in Action

SR Auto Audi Q5 Vossen CV3 is unique SUV given that it is a machine made by Audi! In addition it has been tuned by the specialist from SR Auto. What they have done here is to give the vehicle more versatility in terms of stance and visual appearance.

This is because the Q5 is now being equipped with new set of “shoes”, namely the Vossen CV3. They have universal five spoke design, which is the perfect match for this black beauty. The twenty-two inch, Machined Face Matte Black Windows rims give more aggressive presence to the SUV.

Furthermore, under the hood, one can find the 3.2-litre V6 petrol engine, which generates 199 kW (270 hp) at 6500rpm and 330 Nm (244 lb-ft) between 3000-5000rpm. Moreover, mated to a twin-clutch seven-speed ‘S-tronic’ sequential transmission, the V6 reaches 100km/h in only 6.9 seconds.

Source: SR Auto

October 29, 2012

2013 BMW M3 Coupe Frozen Limited Edition Offered in Three Colour Choices

2013 BMW M3 Coupe Frozen Limited Edition will be offered in three unique exterior colours. All of them will carry the name Frozen and will be exactly Frozen red, Frozen white and Frozen blue.

For the first time in the history of the brand the Frozen LE is offered in exterior color choices. In addition, the interior will sport black extended Novillo leather with contrasting stitching which will match the exterior color.

In details, the M3 Coupe Frozen LE will include the following features: BMW Individual Frozen Red, White, or Blue exterior paint, Competition Package, Matte black 19″ light alloy wheels, Electronic Damper Control, Lowered suspension (-10 mm), sport mapping for EDC and DSC, Premium Package, Black Extended Novillo leather with contrast stitching in exterior color on seats, headrests, door inserts, armrests, middle console, and door pulls, carbon leather trim with contrast stitching in exterior color, high-gloss black kidney grilles, high-gloss black side gills, high-gloss black exhaust pipe tips, six-speed manual transmission, carbon fiber roof panel.

Furthermore a wide range of optional equipment is also available, which adds to the BMW the following: Cold Weather Package, M-DCT Transmission, rear spoiler delete, moonroof, Heated Front Seats, Automatic High Beams, Satellite Radio with 1-year subscription, BMW Apps, BMW Individual Enhanced Premium Sound.

Only 150 examples will be produced and will go on sale in January next year with a starting price of $76 395.

Source: BMW

October 29, 2012

2012 SEMA Scion FR-S Tuner Challenge – Cars Revealed! [VIDEO]

Scion’s tuner challenge has already began but we haven’t seen or heard anything about it. Now Scion is showing off the cars from the competition ahead of 2012 SEMA Show. In addition, the brand is releasing three videos, in which the tuners describe what it feels like to be part of the challenge and why they decided to do it.

In fact, this is the eighth annual Scion Tuner Challenge. In it, three custom car builders have the chance to put their creative talents to the test in a competition to design and build the best FR-S. And the competition started three months ago given that every one of the competitors got $15 000 build budget.

The final version of the cars will be judged by independent car show judging company and the winner will take home a $10 000 grand prize. The participants are: John Toca from Chicago with Scion Carbon Stealth FR-S, Daniel Song from Orange County with Scion FR-S GT, and Chris Basselgia from Lebanon with Minty FReSh.

Take a look at the videos below so you can get the impression of the point of view of the tuners:

httpv://youtu.be/d8XR4VfU4fM

httpv://youtu.be/NZLTlgjwjr8

httpv://youtu.be/7Yc8WHeSvWA

Video Source: YouTube

Source: Scion

October 29, 2012

Kahn Porsche Cayenne Supersport Wide Track

Kahn-Porsche-Cayenne-Supersport-THMB Many Porsche fans will enjoy extremely the next tuning from A.Kahn Design. It is namely the Kahn Porsche Cayenne Supersport Wide Track. The specialist from the British tuning company insisted the elements borne out of diametrically opposite functions to appeal to customers far and wide. And now the Cayenne is a pure example of eccentricity, expertise and style.

In particular, the Kahn wide track aerodynamic styling package comprises of vented front and rear wide wheel arches with integrated front and rear air dams, a lower boot lid spoiler, LED daytime running lights for front wheel arch vents, sports lowering module, vented foot pedals in machined aluminum, door handles finished in matte black, brake calipers finished in liquid gold, exterior Kahn enamel wing shields, privacy tinted glass, welcome ambient illumination package – under car Ice white illumination and Kahn enamel tailgate logo.

The tuning continues with Kahn’s cross hair exhausts system in stainless steel, which reflects an attraction to a pluto-matic lifestyle and delivers more silence than ever. In addition, being a true Kahn design modification, this SUV has one of a kind interior.

Inside is the ‘bespoke touch’, and this particular vehicle comes complete with black carbon quilted and perforated leather with ivory contrast stitching, black carbon quilted leather centre glovebox, Kahn investing in British industry logo, speedo and rev counter facia in red and cream and floor mats in black charcoal finish.

What is left here, so that everything is perfect is the Kahn wheels. They sit perfectly on the Cayenne, conveying its essence. Created using state-of-the art manufacturing and materials technology, the 22” Kahn RS wheels have simple clean lines, soft organic surfaces on the edge of the spoke and a purposeful mechanical centre.

Kahn-Porsche-Cayenne-Supersport-Wide-Track-651-2

Source: Kahn Design

October 29, 2012

Category: Auto News