Category: Auto News

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

  • Sporty and Individual: Hartman Volkswagen Crafter Vansports

    Hartman-Volkswagen-Crafter-Vansports-THUMBAlthough Volkswagen Crafter is not the typical vehicle that undergoes tuning, the experts from Hartman has brought their attention exactly on this one. This large van from Volkswagen does not shun any challenge and provides itself for many uses and services, being roomy, practical and reliable.

    In particular, Hartman Volkswagen Crafter Vansports is sportier, and personalized, due to the accessories delivered by the tuning company. Hence, it is more than obvious how this Crafter stands out from the crowd.

    Here has been applied the “CP Stream” performance tuning program, which gave the correct styling accessories for an individual and sporty driving fun. The accessories for the exterior applied here are new frontspoiler, sideskirts, tailspoiler and tail-design-corners, which provide better look.

    In addition, the wheel/tire-combination is unique: KRONA rims in 8 x 18 with 255/35er tires. On the other hand the interior of the Crafter includes carbon decor, foot mats and aluminum entry strips, both with Hartmann-Tuning-Logo.

    Source: Miranda Media

  • ATT-TEC BMW 1-Series ///M Coupe

    ATT-TEC has revealed their tuning package for the older first generation BMW – the 1-Series E82 Coupe. It is based on the ///M model, which comes with a mighty 3.0 liter twin-turbochaged petrol engine.

    The ATT-TEC 1-Series ///M Coupe comes with both styling and performance modifications.

    The exterior features a set of massive ADV1 5.0 TF light-alloy wheels of sizes 9J x 20” at the front and 11J x 20” at the rear axle fitted with 245/30 ZR20 and 295/25 ZR20 Michelin Pilot Super Sport High Performance, respectively. The set costs €7,760.

    The suspension is coming from KW. The tuning specialists fitted the car with Dynamic Damping Control coilover kit with ECU, which combines individual lowering function with an electronic damping control system. So, you can choose between three car-specific damper settings – Comfort, Sport & Sport+. Nice!

    The KW DDC chassis technology system costs € 2,799. Assembly of the system, including wheel-alignment and set-up is provided by ATT-TEC for EUR € 449.

    The performance package boost the engine to 460HP, instead of 340HP, which is an increase of 120HP. The result is thanks to Evolution Line titanium exhaust system from Akrapovic, larger intercooler, and an ECU-remap. The sports exhaust system is priced at €5,934 and the assembly costs a further €369.

    Parts scheduled to be available soon include a front spoiler, a rear diffusor, a rear boot lid as well as a range of interior parts, also made of super-light carbon fibre.

    Source: ATT-TEC

  • Prior Design Lamborghini Gallardo PD-L800

    Prior Design has introduced another widebody kit, but this time, it is for Lamborghini Gallardo, which has been transformed into the ultimate street racing machine.

    The widebody kit parts are constructed from high-quality Dura-Flex and are provided with fitting accessories. All of them are TUV certified.

    The body kit includes a new aggressive front bumper featuring large air intakes and a carbon-fibre lip at the centre. There are also widened front fenders and specially-designed air intakes.

    The rear gets newly-developed rear bumper with diffusor, combined with a rear spoiler and special rear widening sections.

    The last touch is a roof scoop in DTM (German Touring Car Masters) style.

    Prior Design also offers a set of 20” alloy wheels fitted with proper performance tires.

    Nothing is mentioned about the pricing, yet.

    Source: Prior Design

  • HAMANN McLaren MP4-12C – Art style

    Hamann has published some pictures on their facebook profile of a strange tuned McLaren MP4-12C. The car comes with multi-colour paint and some other exterior upgrades.

    The MP4-12C is powered by a twin-turbo 3.8-liter V8 engine that produces 625HP (460 kW). It is mated to a 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox. 0-100 km/h in 3.1 seconds and a top speed of 329 km/h (204 mph). In terms of efficiency, the MP4-12C will average 11.7 L/100km (24.2 mpg UK) with CO2 emissions of 279 g/km. So, an astonishing performance and unique view in one car – Hamann MP4-12C.

    Nothing is mentioned about performance upgrades from Hamann, but we can expect at least Ecu re-map and a pair of sport air filters.

    Source: Hamann

  • Koenigsegg Agera with Carbon Wheels and 1400HP

    What you will buy, if you are a petrol head and you own the half of China? Of course, a Koenigsegg Agera will do the work perfectly, but a lot of people have one, so yours should be a little different. Some body work and a new set of wheels probably will be good.The wealthy Chinese businessman ordered the special edition Agera through a Shanghai dealer.Agera R is one of the most powerful vehicles in the world. It has a 5.0 liter twin-turbo V8 delivering more than a thousand HP and Nm of torque. 0-100 km/h in less than 3 seconds and a top speed of more than 220 mph. However, the one-off Agera (on the picture) is boosted to whopping 1400HP (1044 kW).The special edition Agera also gets more aggressive front with a lower front splitter and a carbon fiber air scoop on the fixed roof. There is also a big wing on the rear for more downforce.Other impressive thing of Agera is the brake system – 100-0 km/h in 30.5 m.Nothing is mentioned about the price, which the businessman paid.

  • Ferrari 458 Spider Through the Eyes of a Photographer

    Ferrari-458-Spider-Tomirri-Photography-THUMBHave you ever wondered how a beast such as a Ferrari 458 Spider will look like through the lenses of a professional photographer? Well, if you have – here some great pictures which are going to “take your mind away”!

    The perfection of the emblematic red sportscar is simply perfectly presented in a summer evening at the London Docklands. The contrast color of the Ferrari ideally emerges from the dark grey background of the city.

    The 458 Spider debuted as this year’s model back in 2011. It widened Ferrari’s mid-rear engined V8s range, thus offering the same uncompromising technological solutions, handling and performance in a refined open-top configuration.

    The car’s naturally-aspirated, direct-injection 4.5 litre V8 engine generates 578 horsepower (425 kW) at 540 Nm (398 lb-ft) of torque, making it easy for this “red beast” to reach its maximum speed of 320 km/h (198 mph) effortlessly.

    Another important number here is the acceleration time which this Ferrari has for the sprint from 0 to 100 km/h – it is under 3.4 seconds. In fact, the engine it uses was nominated as the 2011 International Engine of the Year for its engineering excellence in terms of driveability, performance, economy and refinement.

    The power of the 458 Spider is transferred to the road by Ferrari’s class-leading dual-clutch F1 paddle-shift transmission through the sophisticated E-Diff, itself integrated with the F1-Trac traction control and high-performance ABS for maximum handling dynamics.

    Pictures Source: Tomirri Photography via Facebook

  • SR Auto Mercedes-Benz CLS63 AMG Equipped with ADV 5.0 Wheels

    SR-Auto-Mercedes-Benz-CLS63-AMG-THUMBThe Mercedes-Benz CLS63 AMG 63 is the flagship of the range and it is naturally aspirated by V8 engine. The latter in turn, develops 518 hp (380 kW) and 700 Nm (515 lb-ft) of torque. That means that it achieves a time of 4.4 seconds, when it accelerate on the zero to 100 km/h.

    That’s pretty impressive, when you consider that inside there’s seating for four, and climate control and a bag of other electric gizmos that add a humongous amount of weight. However, the SR Auto tuners weren’t satisfied with all these details and decided to do for this Mercedes-Benz even more.

    The aim was to bring forth the personality of the car. To truly make this car unique, they have turned the pages back and adapted a style that would really set this CLS63 AMG apart from the crowd.

    Color matched lips were perfect in order to add a signature twist to the wheels without going overboard. A diamond white lip surrounds the gloss black face of the twenty inch ADV 5.0. The split five spoke design is a perfect match for this long bodied beast. It’s also important not to forget the new suspension delivered by H&R Lowering Springs.

    Source: SR Auto

  • 2013 Honda Fit Twist to be Launched in November

    2013-Honda-Fit-Twist-THUMB2013 Honda Fit Twist is an evolved version of the well known Fit model, which the brand has presented at Sao Paolo’s International Motor Show. In addition, the model is gong to go on sale very soon – just in one month from now.

    As a matter of fact this is a world premiere for the model. This particular Honda is a derivative developed exclusively for the Brazilian market. This basically means that it keeps the ease of use and driving comfort of the original Fit.

    However, there are some key differences, which will contribute for better driving experience of the Brazilian customers. In particular, the Fit twist offers a sportier vehicle image with a bold design realized through adoption of an exclusive front grill and roof rails as well as an exclusive seat surface material.

    The model will have a starting price of $28 600. Honda has also unveiled its lineup of new flex fuel vehicles, including CR-V Flex and Civic 2.0. Both are scheduled to go on sale next year. in 2013.

    Source: Honda

  • Renault DCross Concept Unveiled

    Renault DCross Concept is the next exciting SUV model which was just revealed in Sao Paolo. Next to it the brand unveiled also the Novo Clio and Fluence GT, which are exclusively made for the Brazilian market.

    Novo Clio is the first vehicle in Brazil which is going to include brand’s new identity. The model is in fact an evolution of Clio II and brings to the customers more personalization options and individualization.

    On the other hand, the Fluence GT is the first vehicle to bear the Renault Sport signature. The sporty version of the sedan will be equipped with 180 hp (132 kW) turbo-compressed engine, a sport chassis and a sporty design.

    The new DCross concept however is something we have already seen before and are familiar with it. If you think that it looks exactly like the Dacia Duster, than you are hundred percent right!

    Nonetheless, the fresh green appearance of the concept is something that grabs the attention immediately. And the contrasting matt black paint scheme brings about more aggressiveness to the over outlook of this Renault SUV.

    In addition, compared to the Duster model, this one has a raised height which makes it perfect for off-road enthusiasts. And the main question here is whether we are going to see this concept taking a form of an official production vehicle.

  • Hyundai HB20X Revealed in Brazil

    Hyundai-HB20X-Crossover-THUMBHyundai HB20X Crossover was just revealed at the Sao Paulo International Motor Show. The vehicle is going to be officially launched early next year. It is part of Hyundai’s family of cars exclusively made for Brazil only.

    The crossover is based on the HB20 hatchback – again a car made exclusively for the customers in Brazil. It includes unique details in its design and performance and brings about great experience when being outdoors.

    The front of the car has a totally redesigned bumper with a hexagonal grille which reflects Hyundai’s new family look for SUV’s. Of is a result of the application of the latest design philosophy of the brand, called Fluidic Sculpture.

    Here one can see the headlights which have an eye-catching finish with black bezel and chrome details. All this contributes towards a sportier and more sophisticated image. On the other hand the fog lamps are redesigned in order to give a stronger impression.

    Side-wise, the HB20X keeps the original waistline from HB20, which encompassed a robust and fluidic design. Nevertheless, some innovations are included such as the black molding that wraps the whole body.

    In addition, there are roof bars which now offer more flexibility for carrying extra weekend luggage, while the 15-inch dark gray alloy wheels complete the sporty image of this vehicle. The redesign continues to the rear of the vehicle, where one can see a modified bumper with black moldings.

    The interior of the new HB20X includes high quality craftsmanship and adds exclusive items such as sports pedals, chrome finishing for door handles and air conditioning controls, as well as blue double stitches for the steering wheel and seats.

    At last, but not least, this SUV is going to be equipped with Hyundai’s GAMMA 1.6 16V FLEX engine which produces 128 hp (95 kW). It includes a Continuous Variable Vavle Timing and aluminum block, which is the most powerful in the category.

    Source: Hyundai

  • Hyundai Elantra 2013

    2013 Hyundai ElantraThe 2013 Hyundai Elantra boasts an engine that weighs much less than its predecessor’s and an automatic transmission that makes the car feel light as a feather. The new and improved transmission in the Hyundai Elantra gives the driver a smoother ride and more efficient use of gas. This model also boasts a D-CVVT that lessens the car’s emissions.

    There are several safety features built into this car, including a traction control system, brake assist, a management system that guarantees the car’s stability, side impact beams on both passenger doors, an excellent anti-lock system for the brakes, electronic stability control and brake-force distribution as well as six airbags.

    The Elantra’s traction control system makes the car’s acceleration more stable than it would be otherwise. This means the car is easier to safely control in inclement weather. The brake assist feature can sense when the driver is hitting the break in an emergency and it will allow the car to stop as quickly as possible. Vehicle Stability Management System makes all the car’s safety features work as well as they possible can. It helps the various safety features work together to provide a safe driving experience. The side-impact beams protect the car’s passengers in the event another vehicle slams into the passenger doors. The anti-lock brake system helps the driver control the car better and makes it less likely the wheels will be locked when the brakes are hit quickly.

    The electronic stability control is a feature that cuts down on accidents and deaths. According to the NHTSA cars that have an ESC crash 35% less often than cars that do not have it. It also cuts down on fatalities by 30%. This feature assists the driver in turning safely by ensuring that the correct force is used to brake for the turn.

    The Hyundai Elantra 2013 is a sleek, classy looking car. One unique feature is that unlocking this car is easier than ever. With what is known as a proximity key, the driver can simply push a button located on the driver’s side door handle and the door will unlock right away. This is a great feature when the driver has their hands full or has young children or an elderly person they want to get into the car quickly.

    The Elantra Limited boasts side mirrors that include an indicator to let other drivers know when the turn signal is on. It also comes with a sunroof that is easy to open and close and even has a shade to cover the sunroof. The wheels on the Elantra Limited have seven spokes and are 17 inches, making it easier for the tires to grip the road tightly.

    Classified as a midsized car, the Hyundai Elantra boasts more leg room than other cars made in the same year. There is 14.8 cubic feet of space in the car that makes it ideal for weekend road trips. The interior of this car was designed to reduce the harshness, noise and vibration that comes with driving long distances or over rough terrain.

    For the gadget lover, this Elantra includes a place to plug in an iPod or other USB device. The Elantra Limited also boasts a navigation screen as well as Bluetooth technology. It also includes a camera that gives the driver a view of what is directly behind the car. This assists the driver in backing up safely as well as parking. The Limited also boasts heated seats in both the front and back of the car.

  • Skoda Superb Outdoor Officially Launched

    2013-Skoda-Superb-Outdoor-THUMBThe new Skoda Superb Outdoor, which was announced in June as a new trim to the award-winning Superb Estate, is now officially being launched. The new variant is designed to bring about outstanding grip in the most demanding winter conditions.

    Furthermore, no matter the weather, which we all know is at times very unpredictable, the new Skoda is the ideal vehicle for the colder months. Some factors contribute for this statement. First of all it combines the assertive look of an off-road vehicle with the refinement and practicality.

    Secondly, its presence on the road is improved even more with the durable protective strips at the base of the doors, bumpers and round the wheel arches. In addition, the vehicle rides on 18-inch Luxon alloys, which come as standard.

    However, at the heart of the capability of Superb Outdoor is a permanent all-wheel drive transmission, ensuring exceptional levels of traction in ice, snow or rain.

    Other beneficial factors are the great fuel economy, which is as high as 44.8mpg while the CO2 emissions remain as low as 165g/km. The model is based over and above standard SE trim and adds additional equipment.

    This includes a four-spoke leather multi-function steering wheel, Bluetooth for hands-free connectivity, Sunset Glass behind the B-pillar, Hill-Hold Control, Tyre Pressure Monitor, heated windscreen washer nozzles and integrated front headlight washers.

    Superb Outdoor will be available in all standard Superb colors and with the option of three engines: the 1.8 TSI 160 hp (118 kW), the 2.0 TDI CR 140 hp (103 kW) and the 2.0 TDI CR 170 hp (125 kW). It has a starting price of just £26 465.

    Source: Skoda