Auto News – Page 787 – Automobiles Review

2013 Toyota Verso to be Revealed in Paris

2013 Toyota Verso is going to be unveiled at the 2012 Paris Motor Show. The new model will join the new Auris and Auris Touring Sports and will be the third element in the company’s renewed product offensive in the C-segment.

The new Toyota model has been significantly upgraded with more than 300 parts changed. Now it adds more style and comfort and improved handling. Regarding the exterior it exhibits Toyota’s new design philosophy. On the other hand the interior has been also enhanced, the 2.0-litre D-4D diesel engine has been revised for lower CO2 emissions, and at last the driving dynamics have been sharpened and NVH levels have been reduced.

The main changes done on the exterior are at the front. They make the car more alike the new Auris and Auris Touring Sports. The aim has been to reduce the perception of the vehicle’s height while accentuating its width and length.

The new details include a large, trapezoidal grille set within a redesigned bumper, and a smaller upper grille that spans the full width between new headlights, larger Toyota badge, set lower on the bonnet, and a chrome-finish horizontal bar that extends into the headlamp units, which incorporate new LED daytime running lights.

The car also runs on new 17-inch alloy wheels which have the same design seen before. However, they have now darker finish. At the rear there is a new bumper that incorporates an integrated low level diffuser.

The interior changes include extensive new trim details and a new satin black paint finish. Soft-touch material and Nappa leather are used around the steering wheel, door trims and armrest. Satin chrome trim highlights are included on the driver’s instrument surrounds, the instrument binnacle hood, air vents, instrument panel, gear shift and door grips.

New seat fabrics, colours and designs have been introduced and across the range the front seats have improved side bolster support; the bolsters themselves have a harder-wearing finish. The Verso model also offers roominess with its best-in-class 975 mm couple distance between the first and second row of seats.

Moreover, throughout the interior includes spacious centre console box, door pockets, seatback storage, fold-down tables with integrated cupholders, a drawer beneath the front passenger seat, an overhead consoles and pockets for the driver and front passenger that can be used to hold mobile phones or music players.

In addition, a very desirable feature is included as an option: a full-length panoramic roof, measuring 2340 by 1280 mm, bringing significantly more light into the cabin and increasing the sense of spaciousness.

More importantly, the car is propelled by a 2.0-litre D-4D diesel engine, which was revised for better torque delivery at low revs and quieter running. In addition, it is important to mention that the CO2 emissions have been reduced by 10g/km to fall below 130g/km.

The other option is the 2.2-litre D-CAT diesel unit mated to either six-speed manual or automatic transmission. The former develops 175 hp (131kW) with 159g/km CO2 emissions and the latter 148 hp (110kW) and 178g/km CO2.

The 1.6 and 1.8-litre Valvematic petrol engines are the last two options in the engine range. Both are matched to a six-speed manual gearbox. At last, the driving dynamics of the car have been further revised to achieve even greater body control and more agile handling.

Source: Toyota

September 19, 2012

McLaren P1 Concept – 0-100 km in 2.8 seconds

McLaren will exhibit their new super car at the 2012 Paris Motor Show. The McLaren P1 has one simple goal: to be the best driver’s car in the world on road and track.

“The McLaren P1 will be the result of 50 years of racing and road car heritage,” commented McLaren Automotive Executive Chairman Ron Dennis.

The P1 will be powered by the same 3.8 liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine from MP4-12C, but with a Kinetic Energy Recovery System (KERS). The combined power will be sensational – 963HP (718 kW). 0-100 km/h in 2.8 seconds and a top speed of 384 km/h (239 mph). Still, this is a little less than the world record of McLaren F1 achieving 391 km/h.

“Twenty years ago we raised the supercar performance bar with the McLaren F1 and our goal with the McLaren P1 is to redefine it once again.”, he added.

“Our aim is not necessarily to be the fastest in absolute top speed but to be the quickest and most rewarding series production road car on a circuit. It is the true test of a supercar’s all round ability and a much more important technical statement. Our goal is to make the McLaren P1 the most exciting, most capable, most technologically advanced and most dynamically accomplished supercar ever made.” finished McLaren Automotive Managing Director Antony Sheriff.

Source: McLaren

September 19, 2012

2013 Aston Martin DB9 – Full Specifications and Pricing Announced

2013 Aston Martin DB9 has just been revealed in full details, showing significant developments affecting styling inside and out, plus core changes. Having the classic Aston Martin GT silhouette as its base, the new model has additionally emphasized rear boot “flip”, which improves the aerodynamics of the car.

The exterior of the DB9 has powerful but still elegant stance. The new Aston Martin sits low and wide. The inherent width is accentuated by the “light catcher” feature which runs from the lower front bumper and continues along the sill.

Bi-xenon headlamps are another highlight here. In addition there is also a large lower front grille which directs the air into the standard Carbon Ceramic Braking system. It also features five horizontal vanes which are chamfered to create an aerofoil profile. Integrated side strake and LED side-repeaters are also visible in the design.

The interior of the model is more luxurious than ever. A lot of attention to the detail has been paid here. For instance, DB9 comes with unique leather welt feature. Great craftsmanship can be seen in the jewel-like glass switchgear as well, which is utilized throughout the interior.

Additional interior option is the lightweight seats. These are available when the 2+0 seating option is chosen and use a state-of-the-art carbon fibre and Kevlar® composite structure. They save 17 kg per car and offer occupants more support at the shoulders.

More importantly, here is featured for the first time the new generation AM11 V12 engine. It has effortless torque of up to 620 Nm (458 lb-ft) and peak power of 517 hp (380 kW). Key features of the AM11 unit include a revised block and new head including dual variable valve timing, enlarged throttle bodies, uprated fuel pump, revised intake manifold and machined combustion chambers.

Furthermore, the DB9 boasts a number of important enhancements. The braking system for instance, now utilizes Carbon Ceramic Matrix (CCM) discs and Brembo calipers. The new carbon brakes provide the confidence and reassurance of reduced brake fade when pressing the car to its sports capability.

In particular, the CCM consists of a compound of carbon fibre which is impregnated with silicon, injected into a mould and baked at ultra-high temperature. The resulting material is not only much tougher than conventional cast iron discs but also dissipates heat faster and provides reduced fading.

The brake rotors, mounted onto the bespoke disc bells, utilize “floating disc” system. This allows the discs to flex relative to their mountings thereby making them less prone to “judder”. In addition, here is featured also next generation Adaptive Damping System (ADS) with Normal, Sport and Track modes.

All the luxury equipment that one can wish comes as a standard here. Such are the automatic headlights, uutomatic windscreen wipers, arch-filling 20-inch alloys wheels in a variety of designs, full-grain leather interior, leather sports steering wheel, electrically adjustable Sports seats with side airbags, memory seats and exterior mirrors, satellite navigation, automatic temperature control, trip computer and Organic Electroluminescent (OEL) displays.

There are also optional choices such as reversing camera, two Carbon Packs -one exterior and one interior. The exterior pack comprises of carbon fibre front splitter and rear diffuser, carbon fibre mirror arms and caps and dark tailpipes with a graphitic finish. On the other hand the interior one offers a carbon fibre upper facia, carbon fibre gear selector paddles and carbon fibre door pulls.

2013 Aston Martin DB9 is available to order now worldwide. The first examples will make their debut in Europe in October. Starting process begin at $185 400.

2013 Aston Martin DB9 Specification:

Body

Two-door coupe body style with 2+2 seating configuration
Extruded bonded aluminium VH body structure
Aluminium, magnesium alloy and composite body
Extruded aluminium door side-impact beams
Single bi-xenon headlamps with integrated LED side lights and direction indicators
Clear LED rear lamps

Engine

All-alloy, quad overhead camshaft, 48 valve, 5,935cc, V12
Front mid-mounted engine, rear-wheel drive
Fully catalysed stainless steel exhaust system with active bypass valves

Max power: 510 bhp (517 PS) at 6,500 rpm
Max torque: 620 Nm (457 lb ft) at 5,500 rpm
Acceleration: 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) in 4.6 seconds
Max speed: 295 km/h (183 mph)

Transmission

Rear mid-mounted ‘Touchtronic 2’ six-speed transmission with electronic shift-by-wire control system
Alloy torque tube with carbon fibre propeller shaft
Limited slip differential
Final drive ratio 3.46:1

Wheels & Tyres

20-inch five-spoke cast alloy silver painted wheels
Front wheel: 8.5J x 20-inch
Rear wheel: 11J x 20-inch
Front tyre: Pirelli P Zero 245/35 ZR20
Rear tyre: Pirelli P Zero 295/30 ZR20
Tyre repair kit

Dimensions

Length:	4720mm(inc. front number plate plinth)	Wheelbase:	2740mm
Width:	2061mm(inc. mirrors)	Fuel tank capacity:	78 litres (17.15 Imp.galls, 20.6 US galls)
Height:	1282mm	Weight:	1785 kg

Steering

Rack and pinion, servotronic speed-sensitive power-assisted steering, 3.0 turns lock-to-lock
Column tilt and reach adjustment

Brakes

Front: ventilated carbon ceramic discs, 398 mm diameter with six-piston monobloc callipers
Rear: ventilated carbon ceramic discs, 360 mm diameter with four-piston monobloc callipers
Grey painted brake callipers
Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) with track mode
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD)
Emergency Brake Assist (EBA)
Traction control (TC)

Suspension

Three Stage Adaptive Damping System (ADS) with Normal, Sport and Track modes
Front: independent double wishbones incorporating anti-dive geometry, coil springs, anti-roll bar and monotube adaptive dampers
Rear: independent double wishbones with anti-squat and anti-lift geometry, coil springs, anti-roll bar and monotube adaptive dampers

Specification

Full-grain leather interior
Walnut facia trim with graphite centre console finish and iridium silver surround
Leather sports steering wheel
Electrically adjustable sports seats with side airbags
Memory seats & exterior mirrors (three positions)
Dual-stage driver/front passenger front airbags
Powerfold exterior heated mirrors
Heated front seats (sports seats only)
Heated rear screen
Automatic temperature control
Organic Electroluminescent (OEL) displays
Trip computer
Cruise control
Bluetooth® telephone preparation1
Satellite navigation1,2
Auto-dimming interior rear-view mirror1
Auto-dimming interior rear-view mirror with garage door opener (USA and Canada only) 1
Satellite radio system (USA only) 1
Front and rear parking sensors
Tyre pressure monitoring system1
Alarm and immobiliser
Remote-control central door locking and boot release
Glass ECU
Tracking device1,3 (UK only)
LED map-reading lights
Boot-mounted umbrella
Lamy pen and pen holder
700-watt Aston Martin Premium audio system with Dolby® Pro Logic II® including six-CD autochanger
Integrated Apple iPod®,4connector
USB Connector with Waveform Audio Format (WAF), Windows Media Audio (WMA) and MPEG (MP3) audio file compatibility
3.5 mm auxiliary input socket

Options

Volante body style
20-inch five-spoke alloy graphite painted wheels with diamond-turned finish
20-inch ten-spoke alloy Liquid Silver painted wheels
20-inch ten-spoke alloy silver painted wheels with diamond-turned finish
20-inch ten-spoke alloy graphite painted wheels with diamond-turned finish
20-inch ten-spoke alloy Satin Black painted wheels with diamond-turned finish
Alternative brake calliper finish – black, red, and yellow
Exterior Carbon Fibre Pack (comprising front splitter, rear diffuser, mirror cap, mirror arm and graphitic tailpipe finish)
2+0 Seating (Coupe only)
Lightweight seats with six-way electrical adjustment (must be ordered in conjunction with 2+0 seating configuration, not available with heated seats feature)
Optional facia trims – Piano Black, bamboo, tamo ash, mahogany
Black Alcantara Steering Wheel
Matching wood door trim (not available with B&O BeoSound audio system options)
Personalised sill plaques
1000-watt Bang & Olufsen BeoSound audio system with ICEpower technology
Auto-dimming interior rear-view mirror1
Auto-dimming interior rear-view mirror with garage door opener 1
Alarm upgrade (volumetric and tilt sensor)
Satellite radio system (Canada only) (excludes subscription)1
Tracking device (UK category five)1,3
First-aid kit
Trinket tray
Satellite radio system1
Second Glass ECU
Rear Parking Assist Camera
Interior Carbon Fibre Pack (comprising facia trim, gearshift paddles and door pulls)
DB9 logo or Aston Martin wings embroidery on front seat headrests
Leather headlining
Smokers’ kit
Contemporary Pack (comprising contemporary paint, contemporary leather, contemporary carpet, leather headlining, contrast stitching)

Source: Aston Martin

September 19, 2012

No Limit Custom Porsche Panamera GP-970 [video]

No Limit Custom has recently announced their project – GP-970, which is based on Porsche Panamera Turbo. The tuning company offers both styling and performance modifications and the number most likely is the amount of the horsepower delivered by the 4.8 liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine.

The exterior features a complete aerodynamics package including a new front bumper, bonnet, a pair of modified side skirts, roof spoiler and rear bumper. All parts are made from carbon fiber for maximum strength and lightness.

The GP-970 comes also with a complete sport exhaust system featuring cat back with throttle control in black or polished rounded.

It rolls a set of 9.5J x 22” wheels at the front fitted with 265/30 ZR22 tires and 11J x 22” with 315/25 ZR22 at the rear axle. The alloy wheels are custom manufactured by NLC.

Here is a nice video of Porsche Panamera GP-970 by DrGumoLunatic published in Youtube.

Enjoy!

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VKfRBLHf–k

Source: DrGumoLunatic via Youtube

September 19, 2012

Porsche 918 Spyder at the Gran Turismo Events EVO Nurburgring [video]

Porsche 918 Spyder is expected to hit the market in the late 2013. The sports hybrid car was put on serious test during these months including the 2012 Gran Turismo Nürburgring Evo event in Germany.

The production version of 918 Spyder is powered by a 4.6 liter V8 with 570HP (419 kW) and two electric motors – a 109HP (80 kW) on the front axle and a 122HP (90 kW) electric motor on the rear axle. This means a combined power of 770HP (566 kW). 0-100 km/h in 3 seconds and a top speed of 325 km/h (202 mph). This performance comes at decent “price” – 3.0 litres per 100 km (94.1 mpg UK) with CO2 emission of 70 g/km. Furthermore, thanks to a 6.8 kWh lithium-ion battery, the model can travel more than 25 km (15.5 miles) on electricity alone at speeds up to 150 km/h (93 mph).

“What we are doing with the 918 Spyder is redefining driving fun, efficiency and performance,” said Wolfgang Hatz, Member of the Executive Board Research and Development of Porsche AG.

Check out the video below!

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6FHNRiuaFCo

Source: MINI DDcrew via Youtube

September 19, 2012

Alfa Romeo MiTo SBK Limited Edition at the Paris Motor Show

Alfa Romeo will exhibit the new MiTo SBK special edition at the 2012 Paris Motor Show. The manufacturer will also present MiTo Superbike Special Series. They both celebrate the most prestigious and hardest fought championship, Superbike, the motorcycling event that Alfa Romeo has participated in since 2007. More than all the rest, Alfa Romeo is the brand able to convey the spirit experienced inside the tracks.
The new MiTo SBK Limited Edition sets itself apart with a few new elements that emphasize its impression of a car with a “vice-like grip on the ground”: from its side skirts to its rear dam, in addition to its 18″ titanium alloy rims from beyond which the red of the Brembo brake calipers is evident.

Offered with the sporty aluminium pedal unit, Cruise Control, dual zone climate control system and Blue&Me system, the powerful MiTo SBK Limited Edition can “wear” two body colours (black and Alfa red) that can be matched with three roof shades: black, Alfa red and the new Cristallo white. The same sporty imprint has been given to the interior, enhanced by the Sabelt seats with a wraparound carbon fibre backrest made with the innovative RTM (Resin Transfer Moulding) technology that teams great mechanical resistance with smaller dimensions and lightness. The central Alcantara® fabric is distinguished by the Alfa Romeo logo, reproduced in an absolutely original way. It is all embellished with new red stitching that exalts the craftsmanship of the product on the leather trim of the gear lever knob and steering wheel, the latter complete with radio controls. Lastly, the central panel of the dashboard is made truly unique by the SBK Limited Edition plate with progressive numbering from 1 to 200.

The special edition MiTo is powered by a 1.4 liter MultiAir turbocharged engine with 170HP (125 kW). 0-100 km/h in 7 seconds, 4.8 litres per 100 km (49 mpg US).

Source: Fiat

September 18, 2012

Suzuki S-Cross Concept Teased Again Ahead of its Debuts in Paris

Another teaser image of the new Suzuki S-Cross Concept has just been released. This is a concept vehicle which fits in the C-segment crossover models.

The new S-Cross will make its debut in less than 10 days during the International Paris Motor show, where the visitors will be in fact the first to witness this new crossover by Suzuki.

No much of information and details have been shared so far. However, one is sure, the concept will embody an “Emotion x Quality x Aerodynamics” design theme. This design philosophy is characterized by distinctive dynamic lines which start from the front bumper, sweep across the doors, and continue to the rear of the body.

Furthermore, what Suzuki has revealed so far, the crossover will have a cutting-edge appearance. The design elements which suggest stability and solidity contribute towards this visual stance.

Additional information about the S-Cross will be announces at the Suzuki Press Conference. The 2012 Paris Motor Show will be open to the press on 27 and 28 September and then to the general public from 29 September to 14 October.

Source: Suzuki

September 18, 2012

BMW ///M Performance Аccessory Program

BMW M Performance program allows selective customization with a clear focus on a particularly intensive driving experience. The manufacturer specially developed M Performance upgrades for the BMW 5-Series, the new BMW 3-Series and the new BMW 1-Series as part of the Original BMW Accessories range.

The most expensive car brand in the world is planning to introduce an M Performance Power Kit at the 2012 Paris Motor Show. The kit is developed for the 2.0-liter four-cylinder diesel engine fitted in 120d, 320d and 520d models. The upgrades are a larger charge air cooler and an ECU re-map. The result is more than satisfying – 200HP (147 kW) and 420Nm (310Nm) of torque. In other words this is 100HP per liter displacement … from diesel.

This is something the driver can clearly feel, including an increase in acceleration 0-100 km/h of up to 1.0 seconds. However, this enhanced driving pleasure has no effect whatsoever on the exemplary fuel consumption and CO2 emission figures of the respective models in the EU test cycle. What is more, the high quality standard of the BMW M Performance Power Kit guarantees unlimited reliability of the engine, so the warranty terms for vehicles in which it is installed remain valid as before.

The company will eventually offer a power kit for a petrol engine, but there’s no word on when it will arrive.

At a later stage the range will be extended to include a BMW M Performance Power Kit for petrol engines.

Source: BMW

September 18, 2012

The Honda CR-Z

2010 Honda CR-Z Launched in 2010 Honda’s CR-Z was widely considered a ground-breaking sporting hybrid from one of the world’s leading car manufacturers. “Hybrid” and “sporting” are problematic concepts when put together: in nature a hybrid car is usually heavy due to the presence of two separate motors and a hefty battery pack. Sports cars, on the other hand, need to be light in order to be fast, and their need for speed often compromises on the ecological economy required in a hybrid. Honda’s CR-Z however, married the two in a successful vehicle.

Weighing 132lb the honda crz’s electric motor, measuring just two inches across, fits snugly between the car’s engine and its six-speed manual transmission. Beneath the floor of the boot is concealed its nick-metal hydride battery and power electronics provided by Panasonic. The electric motor adds a bit of oomph to the wheels when the driver accelerates rapidly, and can even act as a generator during overrun or when the car brakes. The results? The sporty coupe goes from 0 to 62 in 9.9 seconds, hits a top speed of 124mph and delivers 56.6mpg in its Combined cycle.

Since its launch two years ago the CR-Z has been a big success for Honda and a major step in their journey towards total fuel economy. Although it was met with steep competition at the time from the likes of Renault’s Megane Coupe 1.5 dCi 86 and the BMW 118d Couple the CR-Z continued to attract drivers and now it looks set for an overhaul as Honda have recently revealed tantalising images suggesting an update to their hybrid success story.

Exactly what this reissue will entail is not yet clear, but Honda have been known to continually improve on their most popular vehicles by responding to the feedback and criticisms of their customers.

September 18, 2012

Lamborghini Aventador LP-900 tuned by DMC

The German tuning company DMC has announced their latest project based on the famous Lamborghini Aventador. The LP-900 upgrade includes complete exterior styling package as well as a staggering performance improvement.

The exterior features a unique expressive front fascia features a redesigned spoiler sword and a stunning front-splitter lip, all made of pure carbon fiber. They fit onto the stock-bumper, installation is very swift.The new side skirt diffusers aim to improve the overall aerodynamics as well by bringing road stability. A new rear fascia consists of a lightened carbon fiber diffusor and an added tunnel system: Both items improve down force on the rear axle. It is completed by a rear wing spoiler that supports aerodynamics on the rear axle. All items can be installed without visibly damaging the Aventador since they either exchange for the OEM parts, or conveniently add-on, which guarantees that the car can be brought back to its original state of art, at any time

The performance modifications include 12 unique single intake throttle plates, one per each cylinder. Gasoline pumps and – lines, as well as pressure modulators and injection nozzles will be replaced by own new components. Optimized engine electronics, an electronic load pressure control system and a completely new wiring will be added. The engine will be rebranded as LP900. The power-mod is supported by a brand new Titanium Exhaust system, which weighs only a 1/10 of it’s original weight. Counting only 3.45 KG, compared with the 34 KG stock exhaust was only possibly by using the high-tech Titanium, a material also used in space-ships.

As you may suggest the result is whopping 900HP (660kW), instead of factory’s 700HP (514 kW).

The aerodynamics package is EUR 25,000 and the brand new Interior costs EUR 10,000. DMC’s wheel set starts at EUR 10,000, and the Titanium Exhaust brings an additional EUR 5,500.

Source: DMC

September 18, 2012

2013 Toyota Yaris Trend

Toyota has announced the new special edition Yaris, which is specially designed to attract young, urban-based, design-focused customers. The Yaris Trend will make its official debut at the 2012 Paris Motor Show, before going on sale in early 2013.

The 2013 Yaris Trend comes with black B and C pillars, chrome door sills, chrome door mirror covers, bespoke two-tone 16” alloy wheels, a roof spoiler and LED lamp clusters.

The interior boasts a black and white theme with a touch of Ochre which gives the cabin a uniquely clean, pure style and an enhanced sensory experience appropriate to young design-focused urban customers.

The centre console geometry has been changed, with the soft-touch dashboard and upper door panels finished in white to more strongly emphasise the horizontality of the design. The dashboard itself is highlighted by ‘Deco line’ surface detailing which matches that of the exterior bodywork.

The shift knob of versions equipped with Multidrive S transmission also features a white painted insert and Ochre stitching.

The Yaris has been nicknamed “Piccolo Genio” (Little Genius) since its original launch, which highlights its clever packing. It remains the most compact car in the B-segment, yet still delivers class-leading interior space. The Yaris also has a class-leading turning circle of only 4.7 metres, which makes it highly manoeuvrable in congested city streets or whilst parking.

Source: Toyota

September 18, 2012

SR Auto Porsche Panamera GTS – Project Crimson Crusader

SR Auto Porsche Panamera GTS Crimson Crusader is another astonishing tuning from the fellows from SR Auto. This time the emblematic Porsche model is equipped with outstanding Davinci Red PUR Wheels.

Not only this high contrast between the crimson color and the white exterior is breathtaking, but it also aims to bring a bit of color back to the wheel industry. After the successful SR Auto Ferrari 458 Italia – Project Ice Blade, it was more than obvious that contrasts in color are much appreciated.

The platform for this second rendition is the unique Porsche Panamera GTS. The latter is powered by a 4.8 liter naturally-aspirated V8 which generates 430 hp (316 kW) at 6700RPM and 520 Nm (385 lb-ft) at 3500RPM.

The power is put on the road by 7-speed Porsche PDK gearbox through AWD system. Speaking about acceleration, this GTS runs from 0 to 100 km/h in only 4.5 seconds pursuing its top speed of 288 km/h (179 mph).

In terms of sizing and suspension, the tuners have also done some improvements. The car has been lowered, and that lead to the selection of an appropriate wheel size that would accommodate large wheel wells while maintaining a comfortable ride.

In particular, they have given this Panamera twenty two inch profile Modern Black Face, Davinci Red Lip PUR 4OUR DEPTH wheels paired with the Basics lowering system.

Source: SR Auto

September 18, 2012

Category: Auto News