Auto News – Page 797 – Automobiles Review

KW coilover kit for the new 2012 BMW 3-Series F30

The new BMW 3-Series – the F30 is exceptional car. It comes with better engines, nice aerodynamics and good material quality. Its sports nature is all over the car, but KW will add a little more aggressiveness with a special coilover kit Variant 3+ “inox-line” which is part of the worldwide Top-aftermarket products.

“In the new design of the KW coilover Variant 3+ we have integrated the compression adjustment wheel in the bottom of the housing. To adjust the rebound damping, the adjustment wheel has to be attached on top of the front axle piston rod.”, commented Johannes Wacker, KW Product Manager.

“For example when drivers replace the tire / wheel combination from BMW against a bigger tire set or if the dimension of the standard break system will be changed thru a performance modification, this can be considered when adjusting the rebound”,, he added.

The KW coilover kit Variant 3+ ensures already in basic setup an increase of the steering precision and tracking. Even at a lowering of up to 65 mm at the front and 60 mm at the rear axle in combination with 20” alloy wheels and Dunlop tires, the rolling comfort at the BMW F30 will not be affected.

KW also offers coilover kits Variant 1 and Variant 2, which are a lot softer, but still can be adjusted to give better performance.

All three KW coilovers for the BMW F30 are manufactured in long life stainless steel technology and allow a continuous lowering within the German TÜV-tested adjustment range of 40 – 65 mm at the front axle and 30 – 60 mm at the rear axle.

Source: KW

August 27, 2012

Lexus Teasing Hybrid Concept

Lexus-Coupe-Concept-Australia-medium The Australian International Motor Show will witness the reveal of a Lexus hybrid concept. Not your eveeyday boring hybrid that is. More like a 370+ kilowatt, all-wheel drive coupe. Just when you think we’ve seen the Lexus supercar Future, they slap us in the face with something new.

Actually, this one (whatever it will be called) is a followup project that stems from the Lexus LF-LC Hybrid Concept that we saw back in Detroit, and we have nothing but praise for that one.

“We’ve pulled out all stops this year to secure a world first for Australia,” said Mr Cramb. “The Lexus concept is an absolutely stunning vehicle and is set to be one of the drawcards of the show.”

“The concept will highlight Lexus’ design and engineering expertise – marrying design with function to deliver a glimpse into the future of supercars,” he added.

The 2012 Australian International Motor Show will be held this October and is expected to gain significant media attention thanks to surprise appearances such as this one.

Source: Lexus

August 27, 2012

Alfa Mito and Giulietta with new Sportiva Trim

Alfa Mito Sportiva - Rear View A new sporty trim level has just been added to Alfa Romeo’s MiTo and Giulietta ranges. The new trim has been named Sportiva and is released with the aim to deliver customers a car with luxurious sporty looks allied to fuel efficiency and low emissions.

Firstly, Alfa MiTo Sportiva includes the range of technology-packed features of the Distinctive trim. In addition it includes exclusive 18” Quadrifoglio Verde sports alloy wheels, sports kick plates, and Sportiva badges.

The interior of the MiTo Sportiva is in black and green theme with darkened interior headlining, and matte black steering wheel inserts accompanying a black leather steering wheel and handbrake, plus black Alcantara® sport seat upholstery. All is complemented by green stitching.

Alfa Mito Giulietta Sportiva - Side

Secondly, the Alfa Giulietta Sportiva builds on the Veloce trim level by adding oversized red Brembo™ brake callipers mounted inside 18” spoke design alloy wheels with a dark titanium finish.

The practicality and style of this version are now improved by the new sports leather upholstery, the rear armrest with storage compartment and sport kick plates.

The Alfa MiTo Sportiva is available with three engine options: 875cc TB TwinAir 85 hp (63 kW), 1.4 TB MultiAir 135 hp (100 kW) and the 1.6 JTDM-2 120 hp (88 kW).

The Alfa Giulietta Sportiva is available with a choice of six engines including the new twin dry-clutch semi-automatic ALFA TCT.

The starting price of the Alfa MiTo Sportiva is £16 100, while the one of Alfa Giulietta Sportiva is £23110.

Source: Alfa Romeo

August 24, 2012

2013 Lexus RX 450h – UK Price £44 845

RX 450h competitor BIK tax comparisons

Model	RX 450h Luxury	BMW X5 xDrive 4.0d SE Auto	ML 350 CDi BlueTec Special Edition	Volvo XC90 D5 Executive Geartronic	Audi Q7 3.0 TDi SE Tiptronic	Range Rover Sport SDV6 SE
CO₂ (g/km)	145	198	189	219	195	230
OTR price	£48,495	£47,455	£43,990	£44,845	£45,170	£49,795
Employee benefit-in-kind rate 2012/13	20%	33%	31%	35%	33%	35%
Employee 3yr BIK 40% tax payer	£12,173	£19,152	£16,694	£18,560	£18,219	£20,549
3yr tax position vs RX 450h	–	+£6,979	+£4,522	+£6,388	+£6,046	+£8,376

Model	RX 450h F SPORT	BMW X5 xDrive 4.0d M Sport Auto	ML 350 CDi BlueTec Sport	Volvo XC90 D5 R-Design Geartronic	Audi Q7 3.0 TDi S line Tiptronic	Range Rover Sport SDV6HSE
CO₂ g/km	145	198	189	219	195	230
OTR price	£51,995	£51,880	£48,490	£41,295	£46,065	£57,095
Employee benefit-in-kind rate 2012/13	20%	33%	31%	35%	33%	35%
Employee 3yr BIK 40% tax payer	£13,055	£20,957	£18,422	£17,069	£18,585	£23,615
3yr tax position vs RX 450h		+£7,902	+£5,368	+£4,014	+£5,530	+10,56

August 24, 2012

Prindiville Electric Hummer Limited Edition

Prindiville Electric Hummer Limited Edition is UK’s first customized luxury electric vehicle (EV). It is going to be produced in only 25 units. This EV has been designed for daily city commuter transport, commercial fleets, or businesses. In particular it was constructed on an intelligent lightweight chassis.

The Electric Hummer is powered by lithium-ion 72V drive system, which is linked to a two-speed transmission. The in-built drive system includes a fully integrated AC Brushless Motor powered by a lithium-iron phosphate battery pack for fast acceleration and a range of up to 60 miles (97 kilometres) on a full charge.

The ride comfort is provided by the fully adjustable four-wheel front and rear suspension, as well as adaptive rear drums and hydraulic front disc brakes.

The exterior of this model is in white-metallic and in addition includes carbon fibre detailing across the front hood storage compartment and flared wheel arches. The latter are flanked by the familiar chrome louver grille, steel plates, matt black window surrounds, and 15 or 18-inch alloy wheels.

Added safety comes courtesy of lockable double-skinned driver and passenger doors, and injection moulded LED front headlamps and rear taillights.

The interior on the other hand includes heated sports seats lined with alcantara and an elegant white trim.This is complemented by an LCD digital dash display indicating remaining battery power and speed amongst other key system functions, a twin cup holder, in addition to a Pioneer™ CD radio and MP3 in-car entertainment system complete with a slimline remote control.

The Limited Edition Prindiville Electric Hummer has a starting price of £25 000 or $40 000.

Source: Prindiville

August 24, 2012

RENNtech Mercedes-Benz CL 65 with Multi Spoke Forged Wheels in Silver Pearl

The latest project of RENNtech involved the Mercedes-Benz CL 65 model. The tuners have equipped the emblematic car with the lightest two-piece forged wheels on the market available.

They entirely change the stance of the white Mercedes-Benz, contributing to its more luxurious oulook. The multi spoke forged wheels are finished in a beautiful silver pearl enhancing the style and aggressiveness of the car.

The wheels measure 21″ front & rear in 9.0″ and 10.5″ widths respectively and feature a single barrel designed with each wheel manufactured using state-of-the-art processes. They are elegant but still sporty. In fact, this forged design includes much tighter tolerances than spun multi-piece wheels.

Of course, RENNtech have used only high quality materials to ensure that these wheels are superior to any 3-piece design. In addition, the utilized multi-spoke forged wheel offers ultra lightweight wheel with unmatched strength for the most demanding of performance driven enthusiasts.

Source: RENNtech

August 24, 2012

D2Forged Lexus IS-F MB1 Teased

D2Forged Lexus IS-F MB1 is the latest enhancement which the tuners from D2Forged Wheels have undertaken. However they have only released a teaser image of this beautiful Lexus with the promise to make for it a stunning photoshoot.

This Lexus IS-F is running on a set of brushed aluminum finished 20 inch D2Forged MB1 Monoblock Wheels. They perfectly complement the delightful blue finish on the car, don’t they?

The IS-F benefits from 5.0 liter naturally aspirated high-revving V8 engine, which delivers 423 PS (311 kW) and 505 Nm (372 lb-ft) of torque. It accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.8 seconds and has a top speed of 270 km/h (167 mph).

Source: D2Forged Wheels

August 23, 2012

D2Forged Ferrari 360 FMS-08 Stands Out More Than Ever

Unquestioningly one of the most famous supercars is the Ferrari 360! One of the latest enhancements it has received is from the D2Forged Wheels and as a result – it now looks better than ever!

The refreshment the tuners made was in the wheel department. Take a look at the pictures below and see for yourself that the new wheels it received makes it stand out even more!

This was accomplished due to the use of the set of D2Forged FMS-08 Wheels. As a matter of fact, the FMS stands for Fixed Modular Spec, which perfectly conveys the popular D2Forged design and craftsmanship.

Furthermore, the FMS-08 wheels were fitted in a 20×8.5/20×11 setup, adorned with a BBC finish, meaning a combination of Brushed Aluminum Spoke Face with High Polished Accents & Ceramic Clearcoat / Chrome Lip.

Source: D2Forged Wheels

August 23, 2012

2013 Land Rover Freelander 2 Officially Unveiled

2013 Land Rover Freelander 2 has just been officially unveiled, and now shows a premium look enhanced comfort, convenience and driving enjoyment. In addition, Land Rover has equipped it with new colours, exterior design features, upgraded equipment levels and wide choice of refined and economical diesel engines.

Exterior design details have been improved thus giving the Freelander more contemporary outlook. Front and rear lights using the latest LED technology and a new signature graphic in the front running lights have been featured for instance.

Furthermore, three stunning new colours were added to the Freelander range: Aintree Green, Havana and Mauritius Blue. In addition, 17-inch alloy wheel design is now standard on the XS version.

However, more improvements have been done to the interior. A host of enhanced features are now available. For example, there is a brand new centre console added. The new instrument cluster now has 5-inch screen, where the driver can view primary vehicle-related information.

In addition, the new ‘Dynamic’ model has three new interior colours: Ebony, Ivory or Pimento, each with matching stitching and co-ordinated door casings to round-off the look.

More highlights are the rear view camera capability, the Hitch Assist, the new ‘Say What You See’ voice activation system, the premium Meridian audio system.

Another improved feature on the other hand is the navigation system. It is now enhanced with a faster hard drive-based system which comes with ECO Route planning, Dynamic Zoom, Visual Lane guidance, POI (Point of Interest) management and repeat TMC guidance.

The line-up of the new 2013 Land Rover Freelander 2 begins with the entry level Freelander S. It comes with cloth seats as standard. The next model is the GS, which comes with full leather whilst the XS has been enhanced with distinguishing detail features such as a gloss black grille surround and the 380W Meridian sound system.

The Dynamic version comes equipped with a full bodystyling kit, and a gloss black finish to fender vents, grille bars and grille surround, complemented on the interior with three colourway choices of sport-themed electric leather seats, 19-inch 10-spoke alloy wheels with a painted finish.

Next, the HSE offers wood interior trim and includes wide range of standard equipment: panoramic sunroof, memory function for the driver’s seat and door mirrors and the 825W Meridian surround sound audio system.

Top of the range is the new HSE LUX which is equipped with Windsor leather seats, Grand Black Lacquer finisher, premium carpet mats and 19-inch Diamond Turned Wheels.

More importantly, the customers can choose between two outstanding and highly refined diesel engines are being offered: the 2.2-litre 150 hp (110 kW) TD4 and 190 hp (140 kW) SD4 with four-wheel drive.

The economical 2.2-litre 150 hp (110 kkW) engine is also available in eD4 two-wheel drive form. Both are equipped with six-speed manual transmission and Stop/Start, the eD4 achieves an impressive 47.1mpg (6.0 L/100km) and CO2 emissions of 158g/km.

In terms of safety and security, the four wheel drive models (TD4 and SD4) are all equipped with the same, class leading, and intelligent four-wheel drive system. Here the Terrain Response feature optimizes the electronic systems thanks to four settings: General Driving, Grass-Gravel-Snow, Mud & Ruts and Sand.

At last, some of the stability systems included here are: Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Traction Control (ETC), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Cornering Brake Control (CBC), Emergency Brake Assist (EBA), Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), Roll Stability Control (RSC) and Engine Drag Control.

2013 Land Rover Freelander 2 Technical Data:

	TD4 150PS manual 4WD	TD4 150PS auto 4WD	SD4 190PS auto 4WD	eD4 150PS manual 2WD
Height mm (in)	1740 (68.5)	1740 (68.5)	1740 (68.5)	1740 (68.5)
Width mm (in)	2195 (86.5)	2195 (86.5)	2195 (86.5)	2195 (86.5)
Length mm (in)	4500 (177)	4500 (177)	4500 (177)	4500 (177)
Wheelbase mm (in)	2660 (104.7)	2660 (104.7)	2660 (104.7)	2660 (104.7)
Turning Circle m (ft)	11.3 (37)	11.3 (37)	11.3 (37)	11.3 (37)
Min Weight from kg (lb)	1785 (3935)	1805 (3979)	1805 (3979)	1710 (3770)
Front suspension	Macpherson strut with lower control arm and anti-roll bar	Macpherson strut with lower control arm and anti-roll bar	Macpherson strut with lower control arm and anti-roll bar	Macpherson strut with lower control arm and anti-roll bar
Rear suspension	Strut assembly with lateral and longitudinal links and anti-roll bar	Strut assembly with lateral and longitudinal links and anti-roll bar	Strut assembly with lateral and longitudinal links and anti-roll bar	Strut assembly with lateral and longitudinal links and anti-roll bar
Brakes	Ventilated front disc – 300mm; Solid rear disc – 302mm	Ventilated front disc – 300mm; Solid rear disc – 302mm	Ventilated front disc – 300mm; Solid rear disc – 302mm	Ventilated front disc – 300mm; Solid rear disc – 302mm
Steering	Hydraulic power assisted rack and pinion	Hydraulic power assisted rack and pinion	Hydraulic power assisted rack and pinion	Hydraulic power assisted rack and pinion
Four Wheel-Drive system	Full time 4 wheel drive with Haldex rear axle differential	Full time 4 wheel drive with Haldex rear axle differential	Full time 4 wheel drive with Haldex rear axle differential	Front wheel drive
Engine type	Transverse, in-line 4-cylinder, 16-valve turbo diesel, common rail fuel injection	Transverse, in-line 4-cylinder, 16-valve turbo diesel, common rail fuel injection	Transverse, in-line 4-cylinder, 16-valve turbo diesel, common rail fuel injection	Transverse, in-line 4-cylinder, 16-valve turbo diesel, common rail fuel injection
Displacement cc	2179	2179	2179	2179
Bore/stroke mm	85 x 96	85 x 96	85 x 96	85 x 96
Compression ratio	15.8:1	15.8:1	15.8:1	15.8:1
Max power PS (kW)	150 (110) @4000rpm	150 (110) @4000rpm	190 (140) @3500rpm	150 (110) @4000rpm
Max Torque Nm (lb ft)	420 (310) @1750rpm	420 (310) @1750rpm	420 (310) @1750rpm	420 (310) @1750rpm
Fuel consumption EU urban /extra urban /combined mpg (L/100km)	38.2 /50.4 /45.6 (7.4 /5.6 /6.2)	32.5 /48.7 /40.4 (8.7 /5.8 /7.0)	32.5 /48.7 /40.4 (8.7 /5.8 /7.0)	39.8 /52.3 /47.1 (7.1 /5.4 /6.0)
Emissions	EU5	EU5	EU5	EU5
CO2 g/km	165	185	185	158
Transmission	M66 EH50 6-Speed man	Aisin AWF21 6-Speed auto	Aisin AWF21 6-Speed auto	M66 EH50 6-Speed man
Fuel tank capacity litres	68	68	68	68
Range, miles (km)	680 (1095)	600 (970)	600 (970)	702 (1130)
0-60mph	10.9	10.5	8.7	10.9
0-100kph	11.7	11.2	9.5	11.7
Top speed mph (kph)	112 (181)	112 (181)	118 (190)	112 (181)

Source: Land Rover

August 23, 2012

2013 Chevrolet Sonic RS – Pricing Announced

The starting price of the 2013 Chevrolet Sonic RS with a six-speed manual transmission begins at $20 995. When equipped with six-speed automatic transmission, the price starts at $22 280.

Chevrolet’s performance-inspired RS now offers innovative exterior styling and exciting driving experience. In addition it now includes unique exterior and interior features. It is being offered as a five-door hatchback, powered by an Ecotec 1.4L turbo engine. The latter generates 138 horsepower (103 kW) and 148 lb.-ft. (200 Nm) of torque.

The Sonic RS’s front fascia has a deep air dam design that improves the car’s road-hugging stance. Vertical intakes at the edges of the fascia reinforce the wide, low proportion and house the fog lamps.

The other exterior features include new RS-specific grille, rear fascia, rear spoiler, rocker moldings, bright exhaust outlet, unique 17-inch five-spoke wheel design, lowered and stiffened suspension with performance-tuned dampers, RS badging.

As an option here is included a power, tilt-sliding sunroof with express-open and wind deflector. At last, the exterior colors one can choose between are Victory Red, Summit White, Cyber Gray Metallic and Black Granite Metallic.

How about the interior? The performance theme is conveyed through a Jet Black interior with leather-appointed front bucket seats with sueded microfiber inserts and red RS accents.

Other interior features are the new sport three-spoke, leather-wrapped steering wheel with contrasting stitching and racing-inspired flat-bottom design, leather-wrapped shifter knob with red stitching (manual transmission), new aluminum sport pedals, specific instrument panel cluster graphics and a Standard Chevrolet MyLink.

Other exclusive features are the MacPherson strut front suspension with coil springs and stabilizer bar, and a semi-independent, torsion beam axle-mount compound link-type rear suspension, featuring a tubular V-shape beam, with gas-charged shocks.

Source: Chevrolet

August 23, 2012

2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek – Pricing Announced

2013-Subaru-XV-Crosstrek-651 The price of the new 2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek has recently been announced and it starts at $21 995 for the Premium edition model and at $24 495 for the Limited eco-conscious crossovers.

In fact, the Subaru XV Crosstrek is an elevated Impreza that will be the replacement of the current Subaru Outback. It has good ground clearance, offers a comfortable ride and a dynamic feel.

Its power comes from the 2.0 liter flat Boxer petrol engine that sends torque to all fours. And thanks to a Linetronic CVT transmission, Subaru claim that the XV can return 33 mpg on the highway.

The entry level of this Subaru compact SUV is equipped with a list of standard features: seven airbags, a power sunroof, a navigation system, 17-inch alloy wheels, fog lights and roof rails.

On the other hand, the Limited edition eco-conscious model will include advanced interactive technologies thanks to a 6.1-inch touch screen and multi-function navigation system.

Source: Subaru

August 23, 2012

Trident Iceni Grand Tourer to be Displayed at Salon Prive

Trident-Iceni-Grand-Tourer-651 The new Trident Iceni Grand Tourer is going to be previewed at Salon Privé 2012 in London from 5th to 7th September. One is unquestionable – this car is one-of-a-kind and takes the breath away as soon as one sees it.

Innovative and unique, it is also offering exceptional performance and vital statistics. These are due to the Trident’s patented Torque Multiplication Technology. In details, it has a top speed of nearly 200 mph and the sprint from 0 to 100 km/h is covered in just 3.7 seconds.

The mid-front mounted 6.6-litre turbo-diesel engine is utilized to capitalize on the Torque Multiplication technology. In addition it is able to run on mineral diesel, bio diesel, palm oil and linseed oil.

More importantly, this car generates 430 hp (316 kW) and the staggering 701 Nm (950 lb-ft) of torque at under 3250rpm. Of course, for anyone who optionally wants to enhance these numbers, there is an upgrade which makes the car producing the astonishing 660 hp (485 kW) and 775 Nm (1050 lb-ft) of torque.

Useful information here is that when at a constant 70 mph speed, the specially tuned engine runs at just 980 rpm, produces 517 kW (700 lb-ft) of torque. This means that it is capable of 68.9 mpg and will keep going for over 2000miles on one full tank of diesel.

Trident Iceni Grand Tourer is priced from £75 000.

Source: Trident Sports Cars

August 23, 2012

Category: Auto News