Auto News – Page 802 – Automobiles Review

Jaguar at Salon Privé

Jaguar-XK-thumbs Jaguar-XK-medium This year’s Salon Privé – a poshcon for people of exquisite tastes when it comes to the automotive, aviation, jewelry, marine, horology and technology worlds – is a bit too early to be able to showcase the much anticipated Jaguar F-Type. Don’t think however, that there won’t be any exotic cats at display. The British company has prepared an extensive portfolio that can only warm up the crowd for the upcoming roadster.

First off, we have the flagship Jaguar coupe on the line – It’s the XKR-S, Auto Bild’s Car of the Year. Capable of 186 mph, this chiefly performance oriented executive saloon falls short of stunning. 542 hp have been squeezed out from it’s 5.0-liter supercharged V8 engine for the sole purpose to crunch seconds on it’s 0-60 mph sprint (it’s 4.2 seconds if you were wondering).

Appearing as entourage to the XKR-S, the Jaguar XK Special Edition will also be there – an enhanced handcrafted cabin with Jaguar design team-specified interior and some discreet exterior modifications. Both cars come with the company’s Sequential Shift and JaguarDrive selector 6-speed automatic.

Then, there’s the XJ Ultimate… conference room. An extended wheelbase XJ which harbours two individually tailored rear seats trimmed in semi-aniline fine Scottish leather, featuring power adjustment and recline, massage function and climate controls. Then you get a table and a drinks cabinet. More up to date tech can also be found inside – LED interior lighning, iPads with keyboards, 20 speakers belonging to a 15-channel sounds system, headrest screens and wireless earphones.

Eventually we get to the Jaguar XF Sportberake which is still fresh from it’s debut – “a compelling combination of elegance and capability, both practical and dynamic.” In other words, an awesome estate.

The 2012 Salon Privé will take place from the 5th to 7th of September at Syon Park, west London. Tickets can be purchased at www.salonprivelondon.com or by calling the Ticket Hotline on 0808 100 2205.

Source: Jaguar

August 14, 2012

BMW F30 328i by IND

3D Design Japan has announced their tuning package for the new BMW 3-Series – the F30 model. Originally the tuning company planned to introduce the package on August 27^th, but obviously someone was in a hurry.

The tuning package includes a new 3D Design front lip, a set of cool 19″ BBS CH-R wheels in dimensions 8.5J x 19” ET32 at the front axle and 9.5J x 19” ET35 at the rear fitted with HANKOOK sport tyres. Other goodies feature iND Gloss black front grilles, iND painted front reflectors, iND gloss black lower whiskers and H&R Sport Springs for perfect stance and improved handling.

The last touch are the Yellow M-Performance Brakes, which give not only better stopping power, but more individuality to the vehicle.

The car is finished in Imperial blue BMW paint.

Source: IND

August 14, 2012

Vintech P550 Tribute to be unveiled at Pebble Beach

Vintech P550 Tribute is a modern interpretation of the Porsche 550 Spyder, which is set to be officially unveiled 17th of August 17 at Pebble Beach.

The French automaker Vintech has worked on creating a fresh new vision of the Porsche 550 Spyder. The details around it are that it will include a full carbon fiber body, a brand new chassis and a flat-four 3-liter engine with “Carrera engine” looking fan.

In addition, it has been also announced that the mentioned power unit will be mated to a five-speed transmission. In terms of power, the P550 Tribute is expected to achieve up to 270 horsepower (200 kW), given the fact that the curb weight of the vehicle is around 550 kg (1,212 pounds).

This information is enough to make one conclusion: this one will be a very fast car. More details around this project are to be released a week after the official unveiling of the vehicle. Stay tuned!

Source: vintech-p550.blogspot.com via worldcarfans.com

August 14, 2012

2013 Vauxhall ADAM debuts at Paris Motor Show

The arrival of Vauxhall Adam was announced more than a month ago with the launch of its first official images. With high level of personalization, the new Vauxhall model is set to take Paris by storm next month.

In the fashion capital of the world it is set to make its global debut, coinciding with a pricing announcement and official opening of order books for first customers.

“Mondial de l’Automobile” or Paris Motor Show is going to take place from 27th of September to 14th of October. In fact, this is the world’s most popular motor show and the perfect setting for the fashionable newcomer.

The lucky visitors will see an impressive display of Adam’s representing just some of many combinations available. Moreover, the interactive stations will also be on the stand allowing visitors to create their very own Adam.

The vehicle is based around the three trim levels, namely JAM (fashionable/colorful), GLAM (elegant/sophisticated) and SLAM (racy/sporty). More importantly, the new Vauxhall model is has a groundbreaking design in terms of technology, offering features only found in higher-end cars.

Such instance for example is the Adam’s top-of-the-range infotainment system ‘My Media’ which combines the owner’s smartphone with the car making internet-based applications available from the facia-mounted touch screen.

The official launch of the car is expected next year. It will be offered with a choice of three efficient ecoFLEX four-cylinder petrol engines: a 1.2-litre 70 hp (52 kW), plus a choice of 1.4-litre engines with either 87 hp (64 kW) or 100 hp (74 kW). In addition, the new models will be available with optional Start/Stop technology and will be mated to a five-speed manual gearbox.

Source: Vauxhall

August 14, 2012

Volvo S60, V60 and V70 Business Editions – Pricing Announced

Volvo models S60, V60 and V70 Business Editions has just been launched. With their higher level of specification they of course target to capture the attention of the business driver.

The models have been designed all the features business users demand. Furthermore, important highlight here is that the Business Editions will be offered with reduced price tag of as much as £3000.

In addition the new Business Edition variant adds company car feature integrated satellite navigation system, high performance multimedia audio system, Bluetooth and rear park assist.

Moreover, the new model line-ups benefit of low CO2 emissions and fuel consumption. The S60 Business Edition on-the-road price starts from £19 995 for the T3 version and from £21 195 for the comparative model in the V60 line-up.

On the other hand the V70 D2 Powershift Business Edition starts from £24 995 on-the-road. As mentioned, this in summary means that the new models have reduced price tag of as much as £3000.

These Business Editions will replace Volvo’s ES and ES Nav versions. However, they will add more equipment for a lower price tag which is expected to be even more appealing to the Companies.

Volvo S60, V60 and V70 Business Editions are already available to order.

Volvo S60 - Front Angle

Volvo V70 Business Editions - Front Angle

Source: Volvo

August 14, 2012

Mazda3 and Mazda5 Venture Edition – Pricing and Specifications Announced

Mazda has just introduced four special edition models of the popular Mazda3 and one Mazda5 carrying the name “Venture Edition”. The vehicles include generous levels of specification such as: front fog lights, gun metal alloy wheels, sports front grille, side skirts and rear spoiler and privacy glass.

Furthermore, inside can be found a Sanyo TomTom navigation with 5.8-inch touch-screen display and integrated Bluetooth®, plus climate control air-conditioning and cruise control.

Both the Mazda3 and Mazda5 will satisfy their customers with more than appealing styling and will offer a dynamic and engaging drive. The latter will be assured by the strongly performing petrol and diesel engines.

In addition, the Venture Edition models include finely tuned suspension and steering, and offer competitive fuel consumption and CO2 emission.

The lucky future customers buying the Venture Edition model have a choice of responsive and powerful engines. First, the Mazda3 is being offered with a 1.6-litre MZR (105 hp/77 kW) petrol engine at £17 495, or a 1.6-litre (115ps) diesel priced at £18,995. The Mazda5 comes with a 2.0-litre (150ps) MZR petrol engine for £19,995 or a 1.6-litre (115 hp/85 kW) diesel costing £21 290.

The fuel economy of the diesel version for instance can be as high as 65.7mpg (combined cycle) and CO2 emissions as low as 115 g/km.

To go even further into details the Mazda standard equipment range is extremely generous and includes: front, side and curtain airbags, Dynamic Stability Control, Traction Control System, Cruise control, remote central locking and dead locks.

In addition, the cabin’s feature driver’s seat height adjustment, leather steering wheel with audio controls, CD radio with iPod® connectivity, six audio speakers and a Thatcham Category 1 alarm to keep everything secure.

Mazda5 Venture Edition - Front Angle View

Next highlight is that the Mazda5 has unusually long wheelbase (2,750mm) and sliding rear doors. This makes the Mazda5 Venture Edition a perfect family car with seating for up to seven persons.

What makes it even more attractive is that it is a good load carrier, thanks to the Mazda’s unique Karakuri cabin versatility, third row seats which split 50/50 and fold flat to the floor, and a cargo volume of 857 litres when loaded to the belt line and 1,485 litres loaded to the roof.

The starting price of the Venture Edition models begins at £17 495.

Mazda3 Venture Edition Standard Equipment

Exterior: Body-coloured bumpers, door handles and door mirror housings, Electric, heated and power folding door mirrors, 17-inch Gun metal alloy wheels with 205/50 R17 tyres, Unique large roof spoiler, Side skirts, Sports grille, Front fog lights, Privacy glass, Comfort & Convenience, Remote central locking with dead locks, Folding jack-knife key, Electric front windows with one-touch auto down (driver’s side), Electric rear windows, Dual-zone climate control air-conditioning, Dusk-sensing lights & rain-sensing front wipers, Auto-dimming rear view mirror, Integrated Bluetooth®, Remote fuel filler flap & boot release, Enhanced interactive interior lighting, Sanyo TomTom satellite navigation, Cruise control

Interior: Black sports cloth trim, Multi-Information Display (MID) with trip computer, Leather steering wheel with audio controls and leather gear knob, Height adjustable driver’s seat with lumbar adjustment, 5-stage heated front Sport seats, Front centre console with armrest, storage and cup holders, Radio/single CD audio system with 6 speakers, iPod® connectivity, Illuminated glovebox, Twin sun visors with vanity mirrors, Overhead console with sunglasses holder, Passenger seatback storage pocket, 60/40 split folding rear seat, Rear central armrest with cup holders

Performance & Economy

Model	Power (ps)	Torque (Nm)	0-62mph (sec)	Top speed (mph)	Combined (mpg)
Mazda3 1.6 5dr MZR Venture	105	145	12.2	112	44.8
Diesel
Mazda3 1.6 5dr Venture Diesel	115	270	11.0	116	65.7

Price List – August 2012

Model	‘On the road’ Retail	CO2 (g/km)	RFL Band	Insurance Group	P11D Value	Monthly BIK 20% / 40%
Mazda3 1.6 5dr MZR Venture	£14,495	144	F	13 E	19%	£55 / £110
Diesel
Mazda3 1.6 5dr Venture Diesel	£18,995	115	C	18 E	17%	£54 / £107

Mazda5 Venture Edition Standard Equipment

Exterior: Body-coloured bumpers, door handles & door mirror housings, Electric heated door mirrors, 16-inch Gun metal alloy wheels with 205/55 R16 tyres, Dark silver front grille, Side skirts, Roof spoiler, Front fog lights, Privacy glass (all glass behind B-pillars), Comfort & Convenience, Remote central locking with dead locks, Folding jack-knife key, Electric front windows with one-touch auto down and up on driver’s side, Electric rear windows, Climate control air-conditioning, Rear parking sensors, Hands-free kit, with voice control and integrated Bluetooth®, Dusk-sensing headlights and rain-sensing front wipers, Trip computer, Remote release fuel filler flap, Sanyo TomTom satellite navigation, Cruise control

Interior: Black cloth trim, Height & reach adjustable steering wheel, Height adjustable driver’s seat with armrest, Driver’s seat adjustable lumbar support, Karakuri folding, sliding second row seats, Karakuri storage box, Folding picnic tables (back of front seats), Leather steering wheel and gear knob, Piano black centre console, Front centre console with storage and cup holders, Radio/Single CD audio system with 6 speakers, Steering wheel-mounted audio controls, iPod® connectivity, Outside temperature gauge, Front passenger seat back storage pocket, Digital clock, Underboot floor storage box, Luggage area cover

Performance & Economy

Model	Power (ps)	Torque (Nm)	0-62mph (sec)	Top Speed (mph)	Combined (mpg)
Mazda5 2.0 Venture	150	191	11.0	120	40.9
Diesel
Mazda5 1.6Venture Diesel	115	270	13.7	111	54.3

Price List – August 2012

Model	‘On the road’ Retail	CO2 (g/km)	RFL Band	Insurance Group	P11D Value	Monthly BIK 20% / 40%
2.0 MZR Venture	£19,995	159	G	16 E	22%	£72 / £145
Diesel
1.6D MZ-CD Venture	£21,290	138	E	16 E	21%	£74 / £148

Source: Mazda

August 14, 2012

Toyota Brakes Pikes Peak Hill Record

Toyota has just broken the electric vehicle course record at the Motorsport event Pikes Peak International Hill Climb this Sunday. The winning racecar, driven by the multiple Japanese rally champion Fumio Nutahara, was namely the Toyota TMG EV P002.

The time which broke thee record was exactly 10:15.380. This was estimated on the now fully paved 19.9-kilometre course, which in fact bettered the previous class record by more than two minutes.

Furthermore, the time was also over 15 seconds faster than the nearest electric-powered class competitor – the Mitsubishi i-MiEV Evolution. This in general means that the TMG EV P002 was placed at sixth position in the overall classification.

But what made this Toyota achieve so great results? The answer is that the racecar is powered by two axial flux motors, which deliver a combined output of 476 hp (350kW). The advanced electric motors also offer the impressive 900Nm (664 lb-ft) of torque ad this is achieved through a single gear transmission.

The secret here however is that the fully electric drivetrain maintains full power even in the thin air of the course, which begins at an altitude of 2,862 metres and finishes at the 4,300-metre. As a matter of fact, exactly the air at the summit robs the vehicles of almost 30 per cent of engine power.

Another interesting fact is that the radical chassis-based TMG EV P002 is a development of the street-legal TMG EV P001. The latter broke the electric car lap record at the Nürburgring Nordschleife in 2011.

Source: Toyota

August 14, 2012

SR Auto Joint Venture for the Lamborghini Murcielago

SR-Auto-Inspired-Autosport-Murcielago-medium Remember that carbon fibery goodness from Mansory we talked about a while back? Well, this… is not related at all. It is as matte black as charcoal so that’s something. Oh, and it’s a Lamborghini Murcielago – a bit outdated, a bit crude and essentially, a timeless icon.

For this one, SR Auto apparently needed some help so they turned to the fellow Canadian company Inspired Autosport. But for what exactly did they need help, remains undisclosed. Literally, the only two things out of the ordinary with this Murcielago is the paint job and the wheel set. And they are not even domestic – PUR 1NE monoblocks.

The end result? A 631 hp naturally aspirated V12 batmobile, cleverly disguised as a Lamborghini Murcielago that’s capable of a 0 to 60 mph acceleration in just 3.3 seconds – stunning figures for it’s time and age. It’s power is transmitted to all fours through an Audi-ish AWD system and through a 6-speed manual/semi-automatic.

Source: SR Auto

August 14, 2012

Height adjustable KW coilover spring kit for Dodge Challenger SRT8

KW-Dodge-Challenger-medium It’s common knowledge that muscle cars excel in power and grunt where they lack in suspension and control. And that, can ruin the whole car for some enthusiasts. Luckily, there these guys known as aftermarket tuners. Some of them are official, like the ones that are behind the SRT8 brand. So take this Dodge Challenger SRT8 for example. It has 431 PS and an adaptive damper system – powerful and sophisticated. But at KW Automotive think they can do better.

So now a set of KW coilover springs works on top of the adaptive suspension. As a result, one can regulate the continuous lowering of the Dodge – 5 – 25 mm at the rear axle and 0 – 25 at the front. Regardless of the mode, Auto or Sport, the steering response will always be crisp and dynamic thanks to the lowered center of gravity.

Even if your Dodge Challenger is from the olden days and does not employ an adaptive damper system, there’s a way to enjoy the products of KW. A continuous lowering kit that goes further by 65 mm. It is also rebound adjustable. KW-Dodge-Challenger-medium-1

Source: KW Automotive

August 14, 2012

Hamann BMW F06 Gran Coupe [Teaser]

Hamann-Motorsport is going soon to reveal a big surprise for all BMW fans around the world and it is namely the Hamann BMW F06 Gran Coupe. The German based tuning company has only released a teaser image of the upcoming project, but still it is worth the attention.

The tuners are about to release an upgrade kit for the new BMW 6-Series Gran-Coupe (F06). Given that this model is one of the most beautiful cars in the world, there is no doubt that the upcoming upgrade is going to look even more astonishing.

There is no current information about any changes to the power. However, the production model is able to generate enough thanks to its TwinPower Turbo inline 6-cylinder engine with 313 hp (230 kW) at 4400RPM and 630Nm of torque at just 1500RPM.

This means that the Gran Coupe accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 5.4 seconds achieving its top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph). Simply great performance for a car weighing 1865 kg, isn’t it?

In fact, this is BMW’s first four-door coupe, which combines the elegancy and sportiness of a classic grand tourer and still delivering the space and ease of access of an executive saloon.

Picture Source: Hamann via Facebook

August 13, 2012

Mercedes-Benz A-Class wins AUTO BILD Design Award

The inspiring new design the new Mercedes-Benz A-Class has put great impression over readers of the leading car magazine AUTO BILD. In a poll, in which participated around 100 000 readers, the new progressive model have been voted most attractive car.

But this is not all. The new A-Class got the award for the best car in its segment. In fact, the winners of the AUTO BILD Design Award are traditionally judged only by the readers’ personal likes.

The new Mercedes-Benz model stood out among 136 current models in five categories. The brand also got another first place in this top-ranking automotive beauty contest with the M-Class, which the AUTO BILD readers voted the most attractive contender in the SUV/Vans/All-wheel drive category.

We must admit that the completely and radically redesigned new A-Class opened a totally new chapter in the compact class this year. Moreover, we are sure that it will set new standards for the upcoming new generation of vehicles in its class.

No wonder that the A-Class grabbed so many hearts since its launch. Just look at the dynamic sporting exterior, which is more distinctive than ever and which conveys powerful presence. In addition, it is complemented to perfection by an innovative interior exuding a particularly high-quality feel.

Source: Mercedes-Benz

August 13, 2012

Lexus IS F CCS-R finishes second at Pikes Peak

Lexus IS F CCS-R has finished second in its class at its first attempt at Pikes Peak hill climb. The Lexus team had run over a 20-kilometre course consisting of 156 turns – concluding at 14,110 feet above sea level.

In fact, it is interesting to assume that the thin air at the summit of Pikes Peak robs vehicles of almost 30 per cent of engine power. However, the pilot behind the wheel – US racer Ken Gushi, has completed the feat in 11 minutes, 35.17 seconds. This made him second in class behind a lightweight V12 race car.

The car driven in this competition debuted at the Tokyo Auto Salon back in 2010. In order to be suitable for the race, the vehicle is modified and includes enhancements in terms of performance.

In details, some of them feature lightweight carbon fibre bodywork and interior details as well as polycarbonate windows. These help reducing the standard vehicle’s weight by 314kg.

In addition, this Lexus also has a reinforced monocoque with roll cage, racing brake package, modified race suspension and racing exhaust system. The IS F CCS-R is powered by the 2UR-GSE 5.0-litre V8 of the IS F that generates 311kW (423 hp) and 505Nm (373 lb-ft) of torque. It is mated to an eight-speed Sport Direct Shift automatic transmission with paddle shift.

LEXUS IS F CCS-R TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

EXTERIOR DIMENSIONS: Wheelbase: 2730mm, Overall length: 4759mm, Overall width: 1815mm, Overall height: 1384mm

WEIGHT: Curb weight: 1400kg (314kg less than standard road car)

ENGINE: Designation: 2UR-GSE, Displacement: 5.0-litre, Power: 311kW @ 6,600rpm, Torque: 505Nm @ 5,200rpm, Fuel system: SFI D-4 direct-to-cylinder injection with secondary port injectors

DRIVETRAIN: Layout: front engine, rear-wheel drive, Transmission: 8-speed Sport Direct Shift automatic with paddle shift and manual mode

EXTERIOR: Orange mica exterior paint, Reinforced monocoque (with roll cage), Carbon fibre hood, door handles, front fender, front spoiler, front canard, rear spoiler, ventilator, Polycarbonate windows, Lightweight doors

WHEELS/TYRES: SSR: 18×8.5J, offset 30 front; 18×9.5J, offset 40 rear; Yokohama ADVAN NEOVA A050 tyres: 245/40 R18 front; 255/40 R18 rear

BRAKES: Brake cooling system; Racing brake kit; Stainless steel mesh brake hoses

SUSPENSION: Adjustable camber front upper arm; Modified race suspension; Reinforced bushings and mounts

EXHAUST: Racing exhaust system

OTHER MECHANICAL: Engine oil cooler; Transmission oil cooler; Differential oil cooler; Mechanical LSD

RACING EQUIPMENT: 120-litre fuel cell; Air jack system; Fire extinguishing system; Data logger; Kill switch; Tow strap

INTERIOR: Carbon fibre dashboard, centre console, door and interior trim; HANS compatible full bucket driver’s seat; Lightened interior (removed power windows, door locks, rear seats, roof lining, etc); Six-point seat belt; Small-diameter steering wheel with paddle shifters

Source: Lexus

August 13, 2012

Category: Auto News