Auto News – Page 785 – Automobiles Review

ARK Hyundai Genesis Coupe R-Spec Track Edition to be revealed at 2012 SEMA Show

ARK Hyundai Genesis Coupe R-Spec Track Edition is in fact a mix of Hyundai’s high performance R-Spec platform Provides and the work of a Super Tuner such as ARK Performance. The ARK super-tuner track edition will debut at the 2012 SEMA show.

The tuning includes impressive enhancements in terms of power. The original 3.8-liter direct-injected engine was boosted to the impressive 395 horsepower (290 kW) at 6800 rpm, with axle-flexing torque of 340 lb.-ft. (461 Nm) at 5400 rpm.

The exterior carries also the touch of ARK Performance. The muscular character lines of the Genesis Coupe have been taken to the extreme, with race-like flared over-fenders, an aggressive front splitter, and carbon-fiber hood with heat-extractor vents.

In general, ARK Genesis Coupe not only offers this unique outlook, but also has significant under-hood performance modifications, a race-like interior environment, racing differential, tires, brakes and suspension.

The comprehensive list of ARK performance enhancements include:

Engine

ARK performance intake system
ARK performance oil cooler
ARK performance lightweight pulley kit
BTRcc Blueprinting
Brian Crower 4.2 Stroker Kit
- JE Pistons
- BC 4340 Crankshaft
- BC 4340 Connecting Rods
- ARK performance R-Spec ceramic-coated headers

Interior

JPM Coachworks custom interior
Sparco® steering wheel L575
Sparco Pro ADV racing seats – red
Cusco 8-point chromoly roll cage

Exterior

ARK-ADRO FL carbon hood
ARK-ADRO rear diffuser
ARK performance SFX rear overfenders
ARK performance CFX carbon deck lid
APR GT300 carbon wing with mount

Transmission

ARK carbon plate clutch kit
ARK dual mass flywheel
Cusco type RS 1.5/2-way limited-slip differential

Wheels and tires

Yokohama ADVAN RS2
Nitto NT05

Brakes

Six-piston Big Brake kit F/R
ARK carbon brake pads
ARK stainless steel brake lines

Suspension

ARK performance DTP coilover system
Cusco suspension bars, arms and control rods

Source: Hyundai

September 25, 2012

The 2013 Toyota Land Cruiser improves the brake-control system

The top-class 2013 Toyota Land Cruiser excels the expectations as promises to be luxurious and unleash its off-road capability.

It comes standard with the 5.7-liter Double Overhead Cam (DOHC) 32-valve V8 engine under the hood and produces 381 hp and 401 lb.-ft. of torque. The 2013 Land Cruiser has a six-speed automatic transmission and sends power to the 4-wheel drive system.

The items that used to be optional in the previous Land Cruisers are now standard. It concerns exterior and interior parts as well.

When it comes to safety, the Land Cruiser gives plenty to appreciate. It is equipped with 10 airbags and also includes driver and front passenger knee airbags. The front seats include active headrests that help reduce the severity of whiplash injuries.

The multi-terrain SUV, Toyota Land Cruiser is going to provide as safe and convenient drive as possible. Though it comes with the standard STAR Safety System, the 2013 Land Cruiser will have the all new 5-speed CRAWL Control featuring an Off-Road Turn Assist. The CRAWL Control balances speed and outlet as well. Along with the CRAWL Control, the other brake systems include anti-lock brake system (ABS), electronic brake-force distribution (EBD), brake assist (BA), active traction control (A-TRAC), and finally, VSC (with a cut-off switch).

In block, the brake system helps to adjust to an off-road surface and keep controlling the vehicle. EBD equals braking forces between the front and rear wheels, and the BA serves as an auxiliary in emergency braking. A-TRAC maintains traction and distributes the drive force while accelerating. VSC supplies directional control while cornering and operates engine torque and individual wheel-braking influence in case of tire slippage.

The Smart Stop Technology (SST) is the most prominent 2013 Land Cruiser’s feature concerning safety. It is capable to completely stop the vehicle at the speed over 5 mph and apply brakes firmly for a half second or longer.

The 2013 Land Cruiser’s benefit number one is its brake assist, so that safety is guaranteed always and everywhere, be it a slippery winter highway or an off-road.

September 25, 2012

BMW test driver crashes in a 3-Series F30 Hybrid

Horrible accident happened on the Autobahn in Germany. A BMW 3-Series Hybrid Prototype crashed severely in a truck. The driver of the car had no passengers, but he is not alive. The crash was on September 21 on the A92 near the automaker’s Dingolfing factory.The test driver obviously was running the 3-Series Hybrid at high speeds while passing several trucks and one of them pulled out. Despite the reaction of the driver, he didn’t manage to safe himself and the impact was inevitable. The car went under the rear trailer and he had no chance (check the pictures).The A92 was closed for several hours due to the difficulties of recovering the crashed car.Of course, there is ongoing investigation which will explain how this terrible accident happened.May the driver rest in peace.

September 24, 2012

Dallas Performance Lamborghini Gallardo

Lamborghini Gallardo LP 560-4 is simply astonishing vehicle. Superfast, super aggressive and awesome to drive and to look at, but obviously for some people this is not enough. That’s why Dallas Performance boosted the sports car to whopping 1200WHP (wheel-horse-power), which is more than 1500HP (engine horsepower).

Actually, this is Stage 2, which includes a complete twin-turbo system with forged engine internal parts. The tuning company previously has introduced Stage 1, which achieved 650WHP (485 kW) with regular 93 octane fuel and more than 800WHP (597 kW) with special VP C16 race fuel.

Stage 2 is a lot money, but for such power you have to pay a lot… and “a lot” means $65k for the models between 2004 and 2008 and $68k for those from 2009.

Originally, the Gallardo runs 0-100 km/h in 3.7 seconds, to 200 km/h in 11.8 seconds and has a top speed of 325 km/h (202 mph). There is no such data for the highly tuned Stage 2 of DP, but probably the times are cut in half or more.

Check out the pictures below!

Source: Dallas Performance via WCF

September 24, 2012

International Debut for Maserati GranCabrio MC

Maserati GranCabrio MC is destined to complete Maserati’s open-top range adding to it high performance and sports characteristics. The new model in addition is inspired by the racing experience which the brand has but also include its ultimate luxury style, appeal and practicality of a four seater convertible.

After the success of the GranTurismo MC Stradale, the designer decided to bring to manifestation this model. Hence the new GranCabrio MC has a highly sporty and aggressive look, while maintaining the strengths and characteristics of a true grand tourer. This basically means that it is also perfect for long journeys.

In particular, the car is 48 millimetres longer than the GranCabrio and GranCabrio Sport. In addition it has a very distinctive front end which was inspired directly by the MC Stradale. However, it includes a new improved profile in order to optimize the aerodynamic lift and flow.

Other different design elements than those on the GranCabrio can be seen at some aerodynamic elements at the rear end. Furthermore, the rear is characterized by the large spoiler. This makes possible a greater negative lift at high speeds.

Next to be mentioned is that inside the spoiler, which was built into the luggage compartment, is positioned a third brake light. The standard version of Maserati GranCabrio MC comes in the same color as the body and is offered with various car customization packages. Of course it will be also available with a carbon finish.

Source: Maserati

September 24, 2012

Techart Individualizes Porsche 981 Boxster

Techart Porsche 981 Boxster individualization program will turn around the perception of what a sports car would look like. Techart studio is offering the drivers a range of options for making their Boxster into one-of-a-kind vehicle.

A lot of refinement options are included here – from light alloy and forged wheels to the exclusive exterior and interior styling packages. A vary special feature is Techart’s light alloy and forged wheels in 21-inch size. If you wonder for the reason, well this is because they give the Porsche unique and even sportier look.

Two options are available: the classical five spoke design of Formula light alloy wheels or the dynamic double spoke design of the Formula III forged wheels. A weight reduction of about 40 % regarding to alloy wheels in the same size means lower unsprung masses which actually gives the car optimized agility and handling.

Moreover, the Techart twin tailpipes which are made of polished stainless steel in a classic rounded design and the individually colored exterior packages, perfectly complement the Porsche. In addition Techart’s sound muffler and sport exhaust system with valve control guarantee acoustic support in the sporty coupe.

The exterior of the car is rounded off by Techart’s sport spring kit and a lowering of 30 mm at the front and 20 mm at the rear axle. Of course, the tuners haven’t forgotten the interior. Here, a full leather interior with a decorative stitching in combination with the Techart’s styling packages perfectly fit the unique visual stance of the Boxter.

Attention to the detail has been provided, and of course the tuning company couldn’t go without selected carbon fiber packages, which provides sporty and high quality touch. In connection with the ergonomically mounted paddle shifters, the 3-spokes sports steering wheels delivers precision control over the vehicle and allow simple and fast gear changes with maximum driving pleasure.

The tuned Porsche Boxster will make its World premiere at the Essen Motor Show this year, which will take place from the 1st to the 12th of December.

Source: Techart

September 24, 2012

2014 Acura RLX Sedan Debuts at the Los Angeles Auto Show

2014 Acura RLX Sedan is finally going to be revealed making its debut at the first day of Los Angeles Motor Show on 28th of November. The new Acura flagship sedan will be equipped with wide range of new technologies some of them exclusively for this model.

For instance, there will be included the Precision All Wheel Steer™ system, the next-generation AcuraLink® Communication System, and the all-new Jewel Eye™ LED headlamps, sophistication and increased comfort.

The front-wheel-drive version of the 2014 RLX will use Acura’s new Precision All Wheel Steer™ system. The latter automatically makes slight adjustments to the relative rear wheel (toe) angles by employing electrically controlled actuators. This results in an extraordinary level of cornering control and steering precision.

In addition, the front-wheel-drive model will be powered by all-new 3.5-liter direct-injected VTEC® V-6 engine producing 310 horsepower (228 kW).

Furthermore, the new sedan will be equipped with the next-generation AcuraLink®, which includes built-in two-way cellular communication and deliver a variety of new convenience features. Some of them for example are airbag deployment notification, stolen vehicle tracking, remote locking and unlocking, security alarm notification and concierge service.

Next t be highlighted here is also the exclusive Jewel Eye™ LED headlamps use a dual-stacked array of multiple high-intensity LED lamps, with ultra-reflective optical lenses and high-gloss trim. In fact, this provides great down-the-road illumination and gives the vehicle one-of-a-kind bright-eyed look in both daytime and nighttime conditions.

Typical for Acura, the new model will feature excellent passive and active safety features. These include a Collision Mitigation Braking System™, Lane Keep Assist System, Forward Collision Warning, Lane Departure Warning, front, side and side-curtain airbags for the driver and front passenger, and a driver’s knee airbag.

A prominent feature here is the second generation of Acura’s Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure, with reinforced front frame members for further improved frontal crash energy management.

Source: Honda

September 24, 2012

ABT Audi A1 Quattro – Power and control

The Audi A1 Quattro is truly an exceptional car, which has everything that a petrol head needs – speed, stability, handling and nice aggressive vision. Still, there are a few tweaks which can be done to make it even better.

As Hans-Jürgen Abt emphasises: “A dynamic engine, an intelligent 4WD and a low weight – our A1 quattro is a real racer.“

The ABT A1 Quattro is powered by a 2.0 liter four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine boosted to sensational 307HP (226 kW) and 400Nm (295 lb-ft) of torque. This is an increase of 51HP and 50Nm. The result on the track is 0-100 km/h in 5.4 seconds (0.3 quicker) and a top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph) – electronically limited.

Still, the boost doesn’t affect the fuel consumption, which makes the A1 Quattro a suitable everyday vehicle, despite the hard as rock suspension.

Hans-Jürgen Abt commented: “If needed, the A1 quattro reacts immediately if you hit the pedal to the metal and your body won’t lack adrenaline …. But it is also easy to drive through narrow inner city streets.“

Once unleashed, this combination of ABT POWER and quattro drive is a sure winner!

Source: ABT

September 21, 2012

Hyundai Genesis Coupe Project Panther by Autohaus am Funkturm

Hyundai Genesis Coupe Project Panther is very specific and unique undertaking. The car dealer at the radio tower in Stockelsdorf near the Hanseatic City of Lubeck, has optimized this Genesis Coupe.

The car is originally equipped with 3.8 liters of cylinder capacity and generates 310 hp (228 kW). Its two-flow sport exhaust system in stainless steel and titanium with 200-cell metal catalysts by INJEN help the engine in the truest sense of the word to leaps.

There was some carbon made fog lamp coverings by VIS installed as well. In addition it is visible that there’s new grill which was self-made, and the original chrome headlight has been repainted in black.

The rear lip and wing is also new and made by IXION. On the other hand the emblem on the tailgate was removed and replaced with a glued-380GT emblem. There are also changes in the interior: for instance the modification to double DIN with Pioneer AVIC.

In the cabin of this black Hyundai can be seen an additionally installed monitor with on board computer delivered by MAGDEN for the digital display of the OBD data. Further modifications include repainted parts in the body color.

In order to round up the magnificent tuning, SCHMIDT Revolution delivered filigreed FS Line three-piece set of wheels in the size 8.5 x20 inch with Falken tires in 235/30-20 at the front axle and in 10×20 inch with 275/30-20 on the rear axle. KW suspension of the Variant 1 was also installed for the best support of this wheel and tire combination.

Source: Miranda Media

September 21, 2012

2013 Honda CR-Z Facelift

Honda has introduced the new 2013 CR-Z facelift at the 20^th Indonesia International Motor Show. This time, Honda’s theme is “Racing for Blue Skies”, to show the new product that combines sporty character with a friendly environment.

“From the beginning, all the products developed Honda engine always show a distinctive character with leading technology, fuel-efficient, cleaner emissions, but still deliver performance and a sporty look. Character Green and Honda Racing was the DNA, ” said Tomoki Uchida, President Director of PT Honda Prospect Motor.

“Through the theme” Racing for Blue Skies “, we want to show that creating advanced technologies and protecting the environment can be done without having to lay aside his impression of sporty,” he added.

The exterior of the new CR-Z features a modified front bumper, a new front grille and slightly restyled headlights. Other upgrades include a new rear diffuser and a set of nice 17” alloy wheels fitted with proper tires.

The interior is also slightly touched. There is a new tachometer and a new Plus Sport system, which improves the engine’s response at the push of a button.

The powertrain remains the same – a 1.5 liter i-VTEC combined with an electric motor. The total power is 135HP (99 kW) and 172Nm (127 lb-ft) of torque. This power is with CVT (continuously variable transmission), which has a lot of loses, but when the engine is combined with a 6-speed manual gearbox, the power rises to 136HP (100 kW) and 190Nm (140 lb-ft) making the car a lot better to drive.

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Source: Honda

September 21, 2012

Pagani Huayra will hit the US market in 2013

Pagani will sell their hyper car – the Huayra in the US in few months. The astonishing vehicle is expected to hit the US market in June 2013 priced from whopping $1 368 800. The manufacturer will spend an additional $5 100 000 to install smart airbags that satisfy U.S. regulations.

Pagani Huayra is powered by AMG 6.0 liter twin-turbo V12 with 710PS (522 kW) and 1000Nm (737 lb-ft) of torque. The engine is mated to an XTRAC 7-speed sequential transmission. Acceleration – 0-100 km/h in 3.3 seconds and a top speed of 370 km/h (230 mph).

Pagani will produce only 15 unit for the US market, which is hardly cover the investment for the airbags, but probably the manufacturers have something in mind.

So, if you have a spare $1.5 million be hurry and order one of this masterpieces.

Source: Motor Authority

September 21, 2012

Audi’s Electric Bi-turbo Engine

Audi will produce a super high-efficient electric bi-turbo diesel engine. In this future technology, a secondary compressor boosts the main turbocharger at lower engine speeds.

Audi has announced they are testing an electric bi-turbo diesel engine.

The latest bi-turbo diesel from Audi is the 3.0 Bi-TDI. It develops 313HP (230 kW) and 650Nm (480 lb-ft) at just 1450RPM. This is a specific power output of 106HP (78 kW) per liter displacement. However, its combined fuel consumption in the A6 is only 6.4 / 100 km (36.75 US mpg) and CO2 emissions of 169 g/km.

What all turbocharged engines have in common is that the turbocharger is driven by energy from the exhaust. This means that starting from very low revs, the rise in boost pressure and therefore torque becomes gradually greater only as the exhaust energy increases.

A new development stage is the electric biturbo. This makes it possible – independently of the exhaust energy available – to build up charge pressure quickly and achieve high levels of torque even at very low revs.

In advanced diesel development at Audi’s site in Neckarsulm, a 3.0 V6 TDI was built and calibrated with an electric biturbo. It is a combination of a conventional gas-driven turbocharger with a secondary electrically driven compressor – whose exterior appearance is almost identical to that of a conventional turbocharger.

Instead of a turbine wheel driven by the exhaust gas stream, this is an auxiliary charging stage arranged in line with the gas-driven turbocharger. It integrates a small electric motor that can accelerate its turbine to very high speeds in an extremely short time. The electrically driven compressor is placed after the main turbocharger and intercooler in the charge air path. In most operating states, the charge air is routed around it via a bypass. However, when the flap integrated in the bypass closes – i.e. when the main turbocharger’s energy output is low – the air is directed into the electric compressor and is compressed there a second time.

The results of the new concept are impressive. Torque buildup occurs significantly earlier in every drive-off, which the driver perceives as a distinct boost in performance.

The energy required to drive the electric compressor is largely offset by battery regeneration during coasting phases, so that the end effect is essentially neutrall with regard to energy consumption.

The flexible and compact charge air path enables two-stage turbocharging with just one turbine that is driven by exhaust gas. The reduced heat demand enables earlier activation of the catalytic converter.

Source: Audi

September 21, 2012

Category: Auto News