Category: Auto News

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

  • Audi RS6 Evotech vs BMW X6M PP-Performance and Porsche Panamera Turbo

    Dragtimesinfo has released a new video with more astonishing tuned cars going against each other on 1 mile drag race. This time the competitors are Audi RS6 Evotech Stage 2 with 750HP, Porsche Panamera Turbo Evotech Stage 2 and a mighty BMW X6M PP-Performance with 680HP.

    The RS6 goes against the powerful Panamera in the first start and wins with just a tip – 29.442 seconds for the Audi versus 29.468 seconds for the Porsche. Although the Panamera is a lot faster on ¼ mile, the RS6 manages to get in front of it on the full 1 mile race.

    In the second start, the RS6 is versus BMW X6 M, which is also extremely fast car, when tuned. However, the car is always with better Cd than a SUV and the result is 29.123 seconds on 1 mile for the RS6 versus 30.150 seconds for the X6 M.

    Enjoy the video!

    httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3LcObplzGHI

    Source: Dragtimesinfo

  • 2013 Land Rover Defender UK – excellent value for money

    Land Rover has announced the new 2013 Defender. It will feature a higher level of specification, three additional options and a choice of two new exterior body colours, Barolo Black and Havana.

    Options of a new premium seat design, upgraded in-car entertainment and a choice of four new contrast roof colours are now available to Defender customers.

    Substantial improvements were made to the specification last year, including the introduction of the EU5 2.2-litre diesel engine, ventilated discs and detail improvements to the three speed-limiting options were also added for fleet users wanting to benefit from effective control of fuel costs. The 2.2-litre diesel engine produces 122HP at 3,500rpm and torque of 360Nm at 2,000rpm, giving a 0-60mph time of 14.7 seconds and a top speed of 90mph.

    “The appeal of the Land Rover Defender has been strengthened with the opportunity for customers to enhance their driving comfort and also to personalise their vehicle with a range of contrast roof colours. Underpinned by the powerful 2.2-litre diesel engine and its go anywhere capability, the iconic Defender retains the rugged appeal that it’s always been famous for but now with even greater customer choice,” commented John Edwards, Land Rover Global Brand Director.

    The 2013 Land Rover Defender hits the market priced at just £22,350.

    Land Rover Defender four option packs:

    Cold Climate Pack

    • Heated front seats
    • Heated windscreen

    Comfort Pack

    • Air Conditioning
    • Audio System – Single Slot CD & Radio with MP3/AUX

    Convenience Pack

    • Electric Front Windows
    • Remote Central Locking

    Off Road Pack

    • All terrain Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) and Electronic Traction Control (ETC)
    • Heavy Duty Steel Wheel – Goodyear MT/R Tubeless Tyre
    • Tow Ball, Drop Plate and Electrics
    • Under Ride Protection Bar

    Roof Appointment Pack

    • Glass – Rear 1/4 Windows
    • Roof – Station Wagon

    Exterior Pack

    • Mudflaps – Front
    • Roof Appointment Pack
    • Roof – Body colour
    • Sidesteps
    • Step – Rear Folding
    • Wheel Arches – Body colour

    Style Pack

    • Boost Alloy Wheel & Continental ContiCrossContact AT Tyre
    • Front & rear antiroll bar
    • Locking Wheel Nuts
    • Metallic Paint
    • Tow Ball, Drop Plate and Electrics
  • 2013 Mercedes SL-Class refined by MEC Design

    MEC Design has announced their new tuning program for the latest Mercedes Benz SL-Class – the R231 model.

    The 2013 Mercedes SL550 is powered by a new 4.7 liter twin-turbocharged V8 with 435HP (320 kW) at 5,250RPM and 699Nm (516 lb-ft) of torque at just 1,800RPM.

    0-100 km/h in 4.6 seconds and a top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph). The engine is mated to a 7-speed automatic gearbox. The total weight is 3,947 pounds.

    The tuning package of MEC Design includes a new front and rear AMG-inspired bumpers and a nice four-tailpipe sports exhaust system with two different sound types: “Daytona” and “Earthquake”.

    The car rolls 20” MecxtremeI wheels fitted with low-profile performance tires. The rims have satin finish, which completes the aggressive exterior of the roadster.

    Last is an electric lowering module, which can reduce the ride height up to 55 mm giving better stance and handling.

  • 2012 Graf Weckerle Mercedes-Benz SL 500 – Athletic Elegance Meets Maritime Attitude

    2012 Graf Weckerle Mercedes-Benz SL 500 is a great example how exquisite and outstanding a car tuning might be. This Mercedes-Benz conveys entirely the competence and passion of the Graf Weckerle team when it comes to the absolute individual and classy refinement.

    As an inspiration the tuners used the maritime theme for both the exterior and interior of the car. For instance many precious design details recite the sophisticated atmosphere found in marinas all over the world, giving the car an incomparable sporty and athletic yet noble appearance.

    In order to bring the maritime design idea to life, the team decided to create a one-of-a-kind version of the Collection Sport forged performance wheels. A special white coating of the wheel disc was joined by polished aluminum wheel rims and chrome-plated wheel fasteners which match perfectly the polished wheel center cap.

    Furthermore, the SL 500 was equipped with 9.0 x 20 inch wheels on the front axle and 10.5 x 20 inch on the rear axle. The tires fitted here are the 255/30 R 20 and 295/25 R 20 respectively.

    In order to enhance the exterior of the German car they have finished it with a final maritime touch. This includes a hand-painted Graf Weckerle Coachline with an integrated Graf Weckerle brand logo. The color of the Coachline was navy blue.

    Attention to the interior design has also been paid. It continues the maritime theme with the special leather color in navy blue. In fact, it covers almost the complete interior. The blue leather is further accented by contrasting white stitching and piping.

    Graf Weckerle brand emblems have been additionally integrated into the original seat design. In fact, they were made of pure 750 white gold. To be more precise, the emblems were finished with white enamel which is carefully applied also by hand.

    But this is not all that has been done on this 2012 SL 500. It was also equipped with progressive lowering coil springs which enhance both visual appearance and handling. An engine performance kit was included in order to optimize the performance of the car.

    Source: Graf Weckerle

  • 2014 Peugeot 208 GTi – First Official Pictures and Details

    2014-Peugeot-208-GTi-THUMBThe first official images and details of the new 2014 Peugeot 208 GTi have just been released. The car debuted at this year’s Geneva Motor Show as a concept and showcased its elegance, style, compactness, occupant space and equipment.

    The lucky 208 GTi owners will benefit from intricate choices of materials and colors. In addition to this, this Peugeot was defined on a widened track by 10mm at the front and 20 mm at the rear. As a three-door model, it is identified by bodywork components which improve the overall effect, with wheels that hug the arches and with body sills and wing extensions that enhance its visual appearance.

    Another refinement here that many would love is the new visual light signature of the front face which now includes halogen headlamps, equipped with a latest generation light guide. These lamps include LED technology for the directional indicators and daytime lighting.

    Moreover, the unique new 208 grille and on the GTi the mesh conveys more dynamism, making the lamps stand out. The overall front appearance is technological and endearing and at the same time more sophisticated than ever.

    The sporty stance of the new 208 GTi is due to the refined gloss black rear skirt, the exhaust, which now emerges with a trapezoid chromed double tailpipe, the innovative design emphasizing the uniqueness of this model.

    2014-Peugeot-208-GTi-651-2

    The interior is predominated by dark color schemes with red highlights. The dashboard houses a high-mounted instrument panel with an innovative and distinctive light signature such as LED functions of the headlamps and dials surrounded with satin chrome beads.

    The vents, the side decorations of the touchscreen, the dashboard decoration, the steering wheel insert, the seat belts, the front and rear door crossbars all blend with the same interior ambiance. The aluminium pedal bracket and footrest provide the final touch to this exquisite interior.

    In addition, the seats combines full grain Club Nappa leather and Caro Weave cloth, made more dynamic by a red line detail. The driver here will feel very comfortable due to the cosseting seat structure, harnessed in black seat belts (with red edging).

    Furthermore, the new model will deliver exciting driving thanks to the involving chassis dynamics, providing superb driving sensations. Springs, calibration of the shock absorbers, anti-roll bar, enhanced front subframe and rear crossmember rigidity, plus that the suspension and wheels are specific to this latest Peugeot GTi.

    The car is fitted with 205/45 tyres, the 17 inch diamond Carbon wheels, with Storm paint and matt varnish. They house 302 mm ventilated discs at the front and 249mm at the rear, providing controlled and incisive braking.

    More importantly, the new Peugeot GTi model is powered by the 1.6-litre THP 200 hp (147 kW) petrol engine. It works effortlessly through the reworked exhaust system.

    This engine is mated to a manual gearbox with six, close-ratio gears. It has maximum torque of 275 Nm (190 lb-ft). This basically means that the 208 GTi has the potential of acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in less than 7.0 seconds. Light in weight, which is only 1160kg, the 208 GTi achieves a real feat by emitting CO2 at just 145g/km.

    Source: Peugeot

  • Pink Chevrolet Camaro Helps Raise Breast Cancer Awareness

    2013-chevrolet-camaro-breast-cancer-THUMBChevrolet Racing started a campaign which aims to raise breast cancer awareness. This weekend at Atlanta Motor Speedway every lap run under the caution flag lead to a $200 contribution by Chevrolet to the American Cancer Society’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer initiative.

    ”At Chevy, we believe everyday heroes can accomplish extraordinary things, and it is in this spirit that we work to achieve a world without breast cancer”, said Don Johnson, vice president of Chevrolet Sales and Service.

    There was a special car prepared for the event as well; it is a one-of-a-kind pink Camaro SS featuring the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer logo. And just as a reminder, in 2011, 64 caution laps at Atlanta generated $12,800 for the American Cancer Society.

    Source: Chevrolet

  • Lancia Flavia “Red Carpet” Special Edition debuts at Venice Film Festival

    Lancia-Flavia-Red-Carpet-Special-Edition-THUMBDuring the Venice Film Festival the brand Lancia will make a debut of a special edition convertible of its model Flavia. The new car was designed in collaboration with Poltrona Frau, which this year will celebrate its one hundredth anniversary.

    Lancia Flavia “Red Carpet” can be seen on show at the Festival both on the catwalk on the red carpet and inside the Lancia Café area. The vehicle is characterized by its seats and armrests which have been completely covered in red Pelle Frau® Pieno Fiore leather.

    In addition, this “Red Carpet” edition model includes an elegant white livery which further improves the refined passenger compartment. This unique product will bring to the customers Lancia’s stylish design and attention to detail and the elegance of Pelle Frau® leather and the craftsman’s skill of the team at Poltrona Frau.

    All has lead up to the enriched and improved interior of the new model. The combined forces of the two brands ended eventually in a coupe environment which is extremely elegant and emotionally “enveloping”.

    And as we all know, Flavia’s spirit is already free and sophisticated. In particular, it is equipped with the 170 hp (125 kW) 2.4 litre petrol engine mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. This basically means that the new car is the perfect solution for people who would like to benefit from all that a coupe can give without compromising on the unique sensations only a convertible can bring.

    Furthermore, the front wheel drive of this Lancia guarantees an exciting driving experience unparalleled by any other in its segment. Flavia also comes in one exclusive trim level which is “all inclusive”.

    This means that it offers wide range of equipment as standard: from the top quality leather upholstery, electronic stability control (ESC) and electronic traction control, latest-generation ABS and four airbags (front multi-stage and side) to the ISOFIX mountings for transporting children in complete safety, the innovative Uconnect® multimedia system complete with satellite navigation system, and the sophisticated “Boston Acoustic Sound System”.

    Source: Lancia

  • 2013 Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid is World’s Fastest Hybrid

    2013-Volkswagen-Jetta-Hybrid-THUMB2013 Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid has been announced as the world’s fastest hybrid ever created. The reason for this is that it as just set a world speed record at 185 mph.

    This remarkable result was achieved at the Bonneville Salt Flats. The Volkswagen was driven by Motor Trend Associate Road Test Editor Carlos Lago. In fact, the official speed that he had achieved was 185.394 mph (298.363 km/h).

    This number was enough to announce that this was the “fastest speed ever achieved by a production-based hybrid car on the famed Bonneville Salt Flats.” However, “production-based” still means that the powertrain was modified by Volkswagen engineers.

    The wheels were also made more aerodynamically inclined, however what exactly happened to the car in order to achieve this excellent result, wasn’t revealed.

    In general Jetta Hybrid gets 45 miles per gallon and has a sprint time of 9.0 secondts for acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h. It utilizes four-cylinder 1.4-liter turbocharged TSI gasoline engine. The latter generates 150 horsepower (110 kW) and is mated to a 20 kW (27 hp) electric motor.

    Source: Prindiville

  • SR Auto Audi A6 Vossen CV7

    SR-Auto-Audi-A6-Vossen-CV7-THUMBAnother exceptional car that SR Auto has just transformed is the famous Audi A6. This powerful A6 generates 245PS (180 kW) and 500Nm (369 lb-ft), thus being able to cover the sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in just 6.1 seconds.

    An in order to make it even more aerodynamically inclined, the tuning team combined forces with Vossen wheels. The result is a great visual upgrade in the stance of this brand new Audi.

    Vossen’s new CV7 model perfectly fitted the A6. The seven spoke wheel reaches from edge to edge create the perception of a larger diameter. In addition to this, these 20 inch wheels include a machined face paired with matte graphite windows.

    This combination creates a balance of contrast between the wheels and the exterior, and sets the level of luxury higher than before.

    Source: SR Auto Group

  • SR Auto Range Rover with Agetro C100

    SR-Auto-Range-Rover-THUMBThis SR Auto Range Rover is a unique SUV which comes with a V8 diesel engine fitted with 8-speed transmission. Its 4.4 litre LR-TDV8 develops 313 hp and 700 Nm of torque. The performance is more than satisfying – 0-60mph in 7.5 seconds, 50-70mph in just 4.0 seconds and top speed of 130mph.

    However, what makes it even more perfect is the customization made by SR Auto. In the opinion of the team, proportion is the comparative relation between things or magnitudes as to size. Hence, the proportion of the wheels is a direct reflection of the cars stature.

    For that reason this Land Rover model was equipped with a set of 24 inch wheels. This Range Rover includes large chiseled lines crossing from the front to the back.

    What this means is that the proportion of the large panels perfectly combine with the 24 inch Agetro C100′s. This results in an improved overall feeling of the strong and aggressive presence of the vehicle, doesn’t it?

    Source: SR Auto Group

  • 2014 Citroen DS3 Cabrio – First Pictures Released

    2014 Citroen DS3 Cabrio - Side2014 Citroen DS3 Cabrio will make its first world debut at the 2012 Paris Motor Show. This is the cabriolet version of the multi-award winning DS3 which uses intelligent design to make top-down driving considerably easier and more enjoyable.

    The DS3 line-up was launched two years ago and immediately captured the hearts of many with its distinctive style and improved personalization options. Adding a convertible to the range, DS3 Cabrio doesn’t lack all the hallmarks and thrills of DS3, but instead delivers even bolder styling, sophisticated refinement, extensive personalisation and enjoyable handling, combined with the pleasure of al-fresco driving.

    Furthermore it will continue Citroen‘s personalization philosophy by offering three soft-top roof styles – black, Infinite blue and a DS Monogrammed design. An innovative 3D rear light signature and original tailgate opening action are some of the refinements included.

    Being totally urban and contemporary, the DS3 Cabrio delivers to customers electrically operated roof up to motorway speeds, 5-seater cabin and a large boot, in fact – the largest in the class.

    Furthermore, the French brand announced the first details of the Cabrio. It is 3.95 m long, 1.71 m wide and 1.46 m high. This basically means that it keeps the hatchback’s compact and agile proportions.

    All the unique styling choices are also retained. For example such are the “floating” two-tone roof and dynamic “shark fin”, the sculpted front-end with its instantly recognisable LED daytime running light signature.

    However, an innovation is the soft-top roof, which is a source of personalization either. It will be available in a range of colors and designs that add to the model’s unique personality. In addition to this DS3 Cabrio can choose among seven body colors with the folding roof available in three designs – black, Infinite blue and DS Monogramme.

    2014 Citroen DS3 Cabrio - interior

    The interior of this car includes white LED ambient lighting on the ceiling-mounted console, which in addition serves as a home to the roof opening control, white lighting around the instrument cluster and automatic air conditioning displays, high-end feel and outstanding acoustic comfort.

    All-new upholstery is features, which includes Granit blue leather and Akinen weft available in Mistral (dark grey), Chic brown and Infinite blue. In color are made the decors on the dashboard strip, air vent surrounds and gear stick knob.

    In particular, there are going to be available six decors: grey, Brillant black, white, Carbotech, Infinite blue and Moondust grey. The rear also features a new three-dimensional LED light signature.

    An innovation here is the 3D LED tail-light technology. The central part of it is made of a rectangular set of 31 LEDs and semi-reflecting mirrors which reflect the light guide into infinity.

    The 3D unit illuminates at night when the headlamps are turned on and in daylight during braking. A 15-LED blade on the upper part of the light emphasizes the 3D unit and serves as both side and stopping lights.

    Another important detail in terms of innovations included is that the roof takes just 16 seconds to fully close up to speeds of 120km/h (75mph). Moreover, a button, positioned on the ceiling console, opens the roof to three positions: intermediate, horizontal and total.

    Occupant space of the car perfectly fit for up to five adult. In addition, the DS3 Cabrio features the largest boot in its class estimated at 245-litres. The aerodynamics are identical to that of the hatchback. However some of the modifications here include adding a longer spoiler and aerodynamic deflectors on the quarter-light surrounds.

    2014 Citroen DS3 Cabrio is going to be officially launched in the beginning of 2013.

    Source: Citroen

  • 2013 Lada Kalina Debuts in Moscow

    2013-Lada-Kalina-THUMBAnother debut for the brand Lada: it has presented in Moscow the new face of 2013 Lada Kalina. Again, as a main person in the modernization process of the vehicle, was Steve Mattin. He adjusted the style of the front of the Kalina, which is a second generation vehicle.

    In fact, the car provoked a great deal of interest among the visitors of the 2012 Moscow Motor Show. From the bran announced that they are going to officially launch the car on the market in the beginning of 2013.

    In addition, it has been also announced that the car will take the price niche between Lada Granta and Lada Priora models. After the upgrade of the design of the car it has become more aggressive and definitely more contemporary.

    More importantly, there will be a two engine choices – 8-valve and 16-valve, and two types of transmissions – manual transmission with a new cable-operated and automatic transmission.

    Source: Lada