Category: Auto News

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

  • Hennessey Venom 700R and Venom 1000 Twin Turbo

    Hennessey Performance has released two render pictures of their latest projects – Venom 700R and Venom 1000 Twin Turbo based on the new 2013 Dodge Viper.

    The less powerful version will have 725HP (540 kW) and 941Nm (695 lb-ft) of torque, instead of the factory’s 640HP (477 kW) and 814Nm (600 lb-ft). 0-100 km/h in 3.1 seconds and a top speed of 347 km/h (216 mph). ¼ mile – 10.7 seconds with 215 km/h (134 mph).

    The mighty Venom 1000 Twin Turbo get two turbocharges and the incredible 1120HP (835 kW) and 1479Nm (1092 lb-ft) of torque. 0-100 km/h in 2.7 seconds. ¼ mile in 9.7 seconds with 244 km/h (152 mph).

    Check out the specs below!

    Hennessey Venom® 700R
    Available for the 2013 SRT Viper and Viper GTS

    Power:
    • 725 bhp @ 6,400 rpm
    • 695 lb-ft torque @ 4,400 rpm

    Performance:
    • 0 – 60 mph: 3.1 sec.
    • 1/4 mile (street): 10.7 @ 134 mph
    • Top Speed: 216 mph

    Venom® 700R Upgrade Includes:
    • High-Flow Cylinder Heads
    • Hennessey Stainless Steel Long Tube Headers
    • High-Flow Catalytic Converters
    • Stainless Steel 3-inch Exhaust System
    • K&N Air Filter
    • All Necessary Gaskets & Fluids
    • Engine Management Calibration
    • Professional Installation
    • Venom® 700R & Hennessey® Exterior Badging
    • Serial Numbered Dash & Engine Plaques
    • Hennessey Premium Floormats
    • Professional Installation
    • Chassis Dyno Tuning & Road Testing (up to 100 miles)
    • 3 Year / 36,000 Mile Limited Warranty

    Optional Upgrades:
    • VenomAero® Front Carbon Fiber Splitter
    • VenomAero® Rear Lip Carbon Fiber Spoiler
    • VenomAero® Rear Racing Wing
    • VenomAero® Front Carbon Fiber Canards
    • Hennessey® Custom Interior Options
    • Hennessey® Lightweight Monoblock Wheel Upgrades
    • Sabelt 5-point Racing Harnesses with Hennessey® and Venom® Logos
    • Penske Double Adjustable Coilover Suspension Upgrade System
    • Rear Differential Cooler (recommended for track driving)
    • Rollbar System
    • Custom Painted Stripe Options
    • 2.5 lb Halon Fire Extinguisher
    • Carbon Fiber Interior Trim Accessories

    Venom® 1000 Twin Turbo Engine Upgrade

    Power:
    • 1,120 bhp @ 6,200 rpm
    • 1,092 lb-ft Torque @ 4,200 rpm

    Performance:
    • 0-60: 2.7 sec.
    • 1/4 mile: 9.7 @ 152 mph
    Note: Best acceleration times are attained using optional drag radial tires on a prepped drag strip.

    The Venom® 1000 Upgrade Includes:
    • Forged Aluminum Pistons (9.2:1 compression ratio)
    • Forged Steel Rods & Wrist Pins
    • ARP 2000 Rod Bolts
    • Thermal Coated Rod Bearings
    • Computer Balanced Rotating Assembly
    • Twin Precision Ball Bearing Turbochargers
    • Front-Mounted Air-to-Air Intercooler
    • Polished Stainless Steel Inlet Tubes
    • Custom Intercooler Hoses with T-Clamps
    • Stainless Steel Turbo Headers
    • Stainless Steel Turbo Down Pipes
    • External Wastegates
    • Stainless Steel 3 Inch Exhaust System
    • Upgraded Fuel Injectors, Fuel Pump & Lines
    • Upgraded Fuel Pressure Regulator
    • All Necessary Gaskets & Fluids
    • Engine Management System Upgrade
    • Engine Management Calibration
    • Hennessey Shift Knob
    • Hennessey Premium Floormats
    • Hennessey® & Venom® 1000 Twin Turbo Exterior Emblems
    • Serial Numbered Dash & Engine Plaques
    • Professional Installation
    • Chassis Dyno Tuning & Road Testing (up to 100 miles)
    • 1 Year / 12,000 Mile Limited Warranty

    Optional Upgrades:
    • VenomAero® Front Carbon Fiber Splitter
    • VenomAero® Rear Lip Carbon Fiber Spoiler
    • VenomAero® Rear Racing Wing
    • VenomAero® Front Carbon Fiber Canards
    • Hennessey® Custom Interior Options
    • Hennessey® Lightweight Monoblock Wheel Upgrades
    • Sabelt 5-point Racing Harnesses with Hennessey® and Venom® Logos
    • Penske Double Adjustable Coilover Suspension Upgrade System
    • Rear Differential Cooler (recommended for track driving)
    • Rollbar System
    • Custom Painted Stripe Options
    • 2.5 lb Halon Fire Extinguisher
    • Carbon Fiber Interior Trim Accessories

    Source: Hennessey Performance

  • Glimpse of the new Porsche Panamera Sport Turismo Concept Car

    2013-Porsche-Panamera-Sport-Turismo-THUMB2013 Porsche Panamera Sport Turismo Concept Car was just revealed in Paris and we must confirm that it unites the next generation hybrid drive with new ideas for an evolutionary, sporty body concept, superior and everyday practicality. The body of this Porsche model speaks for a possible car of tomorrow. For instance here the overhangs are short and the boot lid is large.

    Sport Turismo’s dimentions are exactly is 75 in. (1,990 mm) width, 55 in. (1,401 mm) in height and 195 in. (4,950 mm) lenght. Its direction indicators and sidelights are integrated in C-shaped lighting units mounted in the large air inlets at the front end.

    The front end is further defined by four-point LED headlights in absolutely new design. Another interesting innovation is that in the place of the conventional exterior mirrors now can be found two cameras mounted in the side air outlets whose images are shown on the displays in the cockpit.

    Furthermore, the rear of the body was also reshaped. However, it keeps all of the visual characteristics of a Porsche. The rear lights in LED technology and the tail-light panel with the “Porsche” badge are sculpted in three dimensions, and the brake light can be seen between the four-point LED rear lights. The roof termination is “formed” thanks to an adaptive carbon rear spoiler which produces improved downforce.

    Another visual treatment which is very impressive is the new Liquid Metal Blue color which resembles surface of a liquid metal. In addition, the contours and design lines of the car are visible more distinctively.

    The wheels in dualspoke design have a bi-color look, and the brake calipers are painted Acid Green. The “e-hybrid” badges on the sides refer to the car’s drive concept, while the name “Sport

    Turismo” at the rear shows car’s concept character. The milled aluminum battery housing is mounted under the boot floor, which is made of electro-chromatic glass and reveals a view of the energy source illuminated in Acid Green at the press of a button.

    What is so important here is the grand technology included in this Porsche, the Sport Tourismo completes the step towards the plug-in hybrid, symbolized by the “e-hybrid” badge on the front wings.

    The car can now be charged from an electrical power grid. The concept vehicle with generates exactly 416 hp (306 kW) and is designed to be driven in pure electric mode up to a speed of 80 mph (130 km/hr) and can cover distances of over 18.6 miles (30 km).

    In addition, the fuel efficiency of the car is impressive as well. Combined fuel consumption is less than 3.5 liters per 100 km, while CO2 emissions are under 82 g/km.

    To be even more precise the new electric motor produces about 70 kW (95 hp). At the same time the three-liter V6 supercharged engine still produces 245 kW (333 hp) here. In their interplay, they accelerate the concept car from zero to 62 mph in less than six seconds.

    Being a true plug-in hybrid, the fluid-cooled lithium-ion battery is charged while driving as well as within 2.5 hours (depending on the power supply) via a charging interface on the vehicle.

    And what about the interior of the car? The Sport Turismo is equipped with a large central TFT color display positioned in front of the driver. It shows all the information needed – from the tachometer to driving data or navigation.

    The left and right of this camera can be seen two monitors, which are displaying images from the “exterior mirror” cameras. Two additional displays in tube form provide information on the hybrid-specific driving states.

    Specifications for the 2013 Panamera Sport Turismo Concept Car:

    • Body: Sport Turismo with four individual seats, four doors and boot lid; Drive system Parallel full hybrid; 3-liter V6 engine, charged; hybrid module with electric motor and disengagement clutch; rear-wheel drive.
    • Power: 245 kW (333h hp) V6 engine, approx. 70kW (95hp) hybrid module, 306 kW (416 hp) (combined peak power);
    • Suspension: Double wishbone front suspension; electro-mechanical power steering; multi-link rear suspension
    • Energy supply: Lithium-ion battery with 9/4 kWh capacity and plug-in charging system compatible with electric power grid.
    • Acceleration (0-62 mph): 6.0 s
    • Consumption (NEDC): Combined – 3.5l/100 km
    • CO2 emissions: Combined – 82 g/km
    • Range (NEDC): Pure electric mode:  30 km (18.6 mi.)
    • Charging time: up to 2.5 h

    Source: Porsche

  • Underground Racing Lamborghini Gallardo Superleggera – 1/4 mile world record [video]

    Underground Racing has created the most powerful and fastest Lamborghini Gallardo ever. What is more, the sports car is street legal. The owner of this Gallardo – , Ray “Peak Completions” Hoffman had one simple condition for it, to be capable of going the normal streets and Underground Racing obviously done their job.

    The power is more than 1750WHP (wheel-horse-power), which is something like 2300HP (engine horsepower). The car is equipped with specially developed components like RPS carbon clutch and a full billet race differential, along with a new “Quiet” Helix Billet 1st-6th gear set and final drive gears.

    The result is 8.355 seconds at ¼ mile with terminal speed of 292 km/h (181.48 mph). In other words the car accelerates from 0-292 km/h in 8.355 seconds. Not bad?

    Enjoy the video!

    httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yp4F8qLHj2M

    Source: REMROB via Youtube

  • Kahn Range Rover Copper Metallic RS 600

    Kahn-Range-Rover-Copper-Metallic-RS-600-THUMBKahn Range Rover Copper Metallic RS 600 is a 5.0-litre supercharged machine which was enhanced by the unsurpassable tuning team Kahn Design. The Range Rover got a visual improvement and boost in power. Now the car can achieve an amazing 0-60 mph in just 4.5 seconds.

    Of course, the result is outstanding – the vehicle shows high performance and at the same time delivers driving excitement! In fact, every single detail of this Rover harks back to the pioneering spirit of the British motoring industry.

    The first thing that grabs the attention here is the rare copper metallic color treatment that the car received. Its inherent elongated silhouette is now equipped with the RS600 styling package.

    The latter consists of a rear diffuser in body colour, RS extended large upper roof wing, RS front grille surround insert in body colour, RS Front grille with 3D mesh, RS Quad oval exhaust system, RS vented front and rear wheel arches with integrated front air dams, RS vented rear, side vents in body colour, brake calipers finished in copper, LED day time running lights for front wheel arches, door handles in body colour, privacy tinted glass, door mirrors in body colour and Kahn enamel wing shields: exuding style and sophistication.

    Furthermore, the additional enhancement done in terms of power has been delivered by Cosworth. The engine improvements consist of an arrangement of alterations to the supercharger and ECU programming. This eventually results in boost in power from 500 – to 555 hp (368 – 408 kW).

    However, what matters probably the most are the changes applied to the torque. In fact, they have the greatest effect with 813 Nm (600lb-ft) of torque on offer. This of course delivers sportier and more thrilling driving experience.

    In addition, this also gives noticeably more precise control of the wheels and the car as a whole. With improved interaction between the tyres and the intelligent all-wheel drive system, the RS600 Cosworth offers perfect handling.

    Let’s review the interior, which we are sure it’s great, being under the crafty hand of the specialists of Kahn Design. The ‘bespoke touch’ applied here comes with a diamond quilted centre glove box, centre console in carbon fibre, clock bezel surround finished with Swarovski Diamonds, vented foot pedals in machined aluminum, front and rear seats quilted and perforated in ivory leather with contrasting stitching, floor mats in a black charcoal finish, four quilted door panel tops, Interior facia trim in 3D Carbon Finish, Kahn Illuminated Door entry Sill Plates in Stainless Steel, Kahn orange rev counter, Kahn orange speedo, Kahn time clock and facia insert.

    At last this Range Rover runs on the very special Kahn RS wheels in 9.5 x 22” (front) and 10.5 x 22” (rear concaved) and finished in black with an orange pinstripe.

    Source: A.Kahn Design

  • 2013 Bentley Continental GT3 Concept Racer [VIDEO]

    2013-Bentley-Continental-GT3-Concept-Racer-THUMB2013 Bentley Continental GT3 Concept Racer was unveiled at the Paris Motor Show, where it immediately grabbed the attention. The car aims to bring the bran back to the racing track since its historic sixth Le Mans victory in 2003.

    The Continental GT3 is set to show the world what the Continental GT is capable of. Being in its most extreme form, it promises a solid foundation for Bentley’s long-term motorsport plans.

    In fact, the GT Speed is the fastest road-going Bentley ever. However it is still a supercar that can be driven every day, no matter the road conditions. Stepping on this basis, the Continental GT3 concept capitalizes on the prodigious performance, outstanding high-speed stability and renowned durability of the iconic coupe.

    At the same time the concept racer tailors its specification for the track with the adoption of a rear-wheel drive chassis, state-of-the-art motorsport hardware and a comprehensive aerodynamic package.

    With this model Bentley is going t return to the racing arena towards the end of next year. It is equipped for endurance as well as outright speed; the supercar is eligible to race in a range of race series and events, up to and including 24-hour marathons.

    The development of the racer will continue in the coming months and eventually will be tested in 2013. More information and details will be released in the near future.

    httpv://youtu.be/J3G_MdW-kt0

    Source: Bentley

  • 2013 Ford F-150 King Ranch

    Ford has announced the new 2013 F-150 King Ranch at the State Fair of Texas Auto Show. The pick-up truck comes with more luxury, technology and capability than ever before. In fact, it boasts “S-class” luxury in pick-up variant.

    “While others are just starting to understand the appeal of Texas innovation and luxury, we’re proud to have worked with our longtime partners at King Ranch who helped define both,” said Ford General Marketing Manager Dave Mondragon.

    “The latest F-150 King Ranch extends this honor and tradition.”, he added.

    The exterior highlights include a thee-bar grille and special badging. There is also a monotone exterior, a chrome package and a set of big 20” alloy wheels fitted with proper tires for the vehicle.

    The interior is sensational – the seats are wrapped in rich, timeless Chaparral leather. An all-new black interior environment is available (in addition to traditional Adobe), plus smart technology like standard MyFord Touch® optimized for truck owners, standard ambient interior lighting and available class-exclusive HID headlamps.

    The truck is powered by a 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 with 365HP (272 kW) and 569Nm (420 lb-ft) of torque. There is a less powerful variant coming with a 5.0 liter V8 with 360HP (268 kW) and 515Nm (380 lb-ft).

    King Ranch covers more than 1,300 square miles of Texas land, making it one of the largest ranches in the world.

    The 2013 F-150 King Ranch is one of 10 updated models in the F-Series lineup that includes changes to XL, XLT, Lariat, Platinum, SVT Raptor and the introduction of the all-new F-150 Limited.

    Source: Ford

  • 2013 Kia Picanto City hits the market – Price £10,245

    Kia has announced their latest model – the new three-door Picanto ‘City’, which hits the market on 1 October this year at the desirable price of £10,245.

    The 2013 Picanto City comes with an exciting exterior look, with features including the signature red grille, 14” alloy wheels, chrome door handles, heated door mirrors and front fog lights. Metallic paint is a standard feature and the model is available in Blaze Red or Bright Silver, so you can arrive in the city with style. Its high specification   includes reversing sensors, which make parking in those tight city centre spaces convenient and effortless.

    The interior features premium cloth upholstery, ample storage for personal items and a leather trimmed steering wheel with audio controls. Features unique to the ‘City’ include ambient LED lighting and a “Hollywood” style vanity mirror with three-stage illumination sequence. Bluetooth connectivity allows the driver to make hands-free calls via voice recognition and stream music wirelessly.

    It is powered by a three-cylinder Kappa 1.0 MPI engine coupled to a 5-speed manual gearbox. It returns up to 67.3 mpg UK on combined cycle and 99 g/km of CO2.

    The safety is granted by Electronic Stability Control, Vehicle Stability Management and Hill Assist Control. Significantly, ‘City’ is fitted with Cornering Brake Control, which is a first in the Picanto range. With six airbags, the ‘City’ is extremely safe and is also equipped with five three-point seatbelts all round, making it one of the few 5-seaters in its class.

    Source: Kia

  • Toyota Auris Touring Sports Revealed in Paris

    Toyota-Auris-Touring-Sports-THUMBToyota Auris Touring Sports made a world debut in Paris, adding an estate body style to the range for the first time. The model will be the first in the segment available with a full hybrid powertrain.

    The new Toyota comes with a dynamic design which doesn’t compromise its load carrying ability. In addition it is also a mark of the latest stage in brand’s diversification of its full hybrid model line-up.

    Auris Touring Sports improves the aerodynamic performance of the Auris Hatchback with a design that gives it a low height and low centre of gravity. Although it has the same 2600mm wheelbase as the hatchback, it is 285mm longer. This means that it has a bigger loadspace.

    Furthermore, the model comes also with the same front-end design as the hatch, but in profile the steeply raked windscreen flows into an extended roofline including anodized aluminium rails and an integrated rear spoiler.

    The side glazing of the vehicle extends across three panels and has a gloss black B-pillars. It is underscored by a chrome-accented trim above a rising belt line crease.

    In addition, another modification can be seen on the bumper and tailgate, which now have a new design. They have a sill set 80mm lower than the hatchback. At last to be mentioned is that the height of the license plate is raised to maintain balanced proportions and the new wraparound rear combination lamps reinforce the shaped of the D-pillars and the rear screen.

    Source: Toyota

  • JE DESIGN Seat Ibiza FR Delivers More Sportiness

    JE-DESIGN-Seat-Ibiza-FR-THUMBJE DESIGN Seat Ibiza FR is now conveying more sportiness than ever. Thanks to the talented tuners from JE DESIGN this Ibiza model is now equipped with a range of accessories which emphasize its features.

    Here was included the unique Aerokit with its outstanding design and high quality. All the aerodynamic components – made from high-quality ABS plastic, fulfill the legal requirements with flying colors.

    To be more precise the Aerokit includes a front spoiler, headlight bezel, side skirts, carbon-look tail panel, carbon-look rear apron diffuser and a roof edge spoiler. A stainless steel sports exhaust system with a left/right tailpipe is also available as an additional option to the package.

    The lowering springs here emphasize the sporty appearance of the Seat. What they do is to bring the small car about 35 millimeters closer to the ground. This makes the alloy wheels look even more dynamic with their inherent multi-spoke design. The complete wheel set measuring 7×17 inches comes in the colors shadow silver or matt black with polished rims.

    The specialists have also included some modifications found under the hood. The power output of the 1.2 liter TSI has been increased for instance from 77 kW (105 hp) to 103 kW (140 hp). The torque is also improved and now is exactly 230 Newton meters (170 lb-ft).

    Source: JE DESIGN

  • Lexus LF-CC Unveiled at Paris Motor Show [VIDEO]

    Lexus-THUMBLexus LF-CC Coupe Concept was just revealed at the Paris International Motor Show, where it declared a position in the luxury market’s leading hybrid segment.

    The new concept shows the evolution Lexus design philosophy in a realistic but at the same time innovative way. At the front of the car, one can find a bold take on the iconic spindle grille. The headlamp design features unique triple LED-projectors with daytime running lights integrated into the upper bumper to complete a highly distinctive front appearance.

    Observed from the side, the LF-CC has a sleek profile, which speaks for superior aerodynamic performance while also highlighting traction, agility and dynamic road presence. At last, at the rear one can see the full-width bumper, which flows into the rear wheel arches, putting accent on LF-CC’s powerful stance.

    The interior of the vehicle is a highly-focused environment and includes innovative ways for the driver to interact with it. An example is the touch displays which can be used for remote control operations.

    More importantly, the LF-CC is going to be available with full hybrid powertrain, including the brand new four-cylinder, 2.5-litre petrol engine with D4-S injection technology. In this way the car combines dynamic performance with low emissions and class-leading energy efficiency.

    httpv://youtu.be/eRJXxzkeZ-U

    Source: Lexus

  • Aerotechnik Toyota GT86 Equipped with Barracuda Racing Wheels

    Aerotechnik-Toyota-GT86-THUMBAerotechnik Toyota GT86 has everything necessary to bring about driving excitement it’s with classic rear-wheel drive. It has a 200 hp (147 kW) four-piston engine which is always ready for high rotating speeds, and low weight at a low vehicle centre of gravity.

    However, all that was just said is characteristic of the new Toyota GT86, which isn’t that perfect as it became when the tuners from Aerotechnik stepped in. They have replaced the serial 17 inch wheel/tyre combination, with Barracuda’s Tzunamee light-metal wheel rims.

    They come in sizes 8×20 inch at the front and 9×20 inch at the rear and fit perfectly into the wheel housings of the Toyota . All four tyres are size 225/30R20. The Barracuda Tzunamee is also available in the surface finishes matte black/polished, higloss-black, real-chrome, white-polished and gun-metal.

    Source: Aerotechnik Fahrzeugteile AG

  • 2013 Lamborghini Aventador LP 700-4 with Start/Stop System

    aventador-THUMBaventador-6512013 Lamborghini Aventador LP 700-4 is now going to include the innovative and extremely fast start/stop system with supercaps for energy storage. In addition this system improves the cylinder deactivation under partial load and brings great savings in fuel consumption.

    In fact, here Lamborghini is using a highly advanced technology for its new Start/Stop system. The energy for re-start following a stop phase is delivered by high-performance capacitors known as supercaps. The latter allow extremely fast start-up, where the entire V12 power is available again in 180 milliseconds.

    Furthermore this new technology also delivers a weight saving of three kilograms. The classic vehicle battery supplies only the electronic systems. In addition, the second new efficiency technology is named the Cylinder Deactivation System (CDS).

    CDS disables one cylinder bank when the car is under low load and at speeds of less than 135 km/h. This allows the power unit to run as an inline six. Both CDS and the start/stop system work incredibly quickly.

    Nevertheless, they still manage to deliver great fuel efficiency – the average fuel consumption of the Aventador LP 700-4 drops by seven percent to 16 liters/100km. At highway speeds of around 130 km/h the reduction in consumption and emissions is as much as 20 percent. In total the CO2 emissions of the Aventador have been reduced from 398 g/km to 370 g/km.

    Another refinement has been done on the chassis setup. The razor-sharp handling is more precise, ride comfort has been enhanced, the springs are stiffer and the dampers – optimized. In addition, the car runs on new forged alloy wheels in the Dione design.

    Carbon fiber can be found in many parts of this Lamborghini model. In addition, substantial proportion of the super sports car’s technological superiority is thanks to its CFRP monocoque.

    This is a material which takes on an even higher profile with a package of optional CFRP components. For instance such are the front spoiler, air intakes, engine cover panel, powertrain cladding and interior applications.

    Source: Lamborghini