Automobiles Review

Category: Auto News

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

  • 2013 Lexus LS Range Launch Event [VIDEO]

    2013-Lexus-LS-460-THUMBLexus has just unveiled few days ago the reinvented 2013 Lexus LS Range. The look of the Lexus flagship sedan may have changed, however its uncompromising commitment to world-class luxury remains the same.

    New intuitive technologies are included, the agility is improved and an all-new F SPORT model is featured in the range. This is how the LS is evolving. Beautiful, isn’t it? In the video below you can watch the LS reveal video from the launch event in San Francisco.

    httpv://youtu.be/NJh7pQoSVsk

    In other words since its launch in 1989 the Lexus LS pursues perfection, and has become a synonym for precision, craftsmanship and innovation. In fact this year Lexus adds 3000 improvements and component changes to the 2013 vehicle model line-up.

    httpv://youtu.be/nSRA8kVh9SI

    2013 Lexus LS 460
    2013 Lexus LS 460
    2013 Lexus LS 460
    2013 Lexus LS 460
    2013 Lexus LS 460
    2013 Lexus LS 460
    2013 Lexus LS 460
    2013 Lexus LS 460
    2013 Lexus LS 460
    2013 Lexus LS 460
    2013 Lexus LS F Sport
    2013 Lexus LS F Sport
    2013 Lexus LS F Sport
    2013 Lexus LS F Sport
    2013 Lexus LS F Sport
    2013 Lexus LS F Sport
    2013 Lexus LS F Sport
    2013 Lexus LS F Sport

    Videos Source: You Tube

    Source: Lexus

  • BMW E46 M3 CSL by REIL Performance

    MR Car Design BMW E46 M3 CSL
    This project is completed thanks to the collaboration between REIL Performance and MR Car Design. Both companies will produce totally 1383 units of the limited edition BMW E46 M3 CSL, where the last three letters stand for, according to BMW, light weight construction of Coupe Sport.

    Doors and tailgates are made from a strong resistant carbon, which is also ultra-light contributing to the reduction of weight. The rear wing is originally from the Porsche GT3, side windows and rear window are made of Plexiglas.

    BMW M3 CSL is powered by a fantastic Inline six-cylinder naturally aspirated petrol engine delivering 360HP (265 kW) at 7900RPM and 370Nm (270 lb-ft) of torque at 4900RPM. The engine is mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox. 0-100 km/h in less than 5 seconds and a top speed of 308 km/h (191 mph). ¼ mile in 13.0 seconds with 170 km/h (106 mph).

    The tuned M3 CSL rolls BBS Motorsport wheels fitted with Yokohama set of tires. The suspension comes from Bilstein granting perfect road behavior at all conditions. The brake system consists of 6-piston calipers at the front and 4-piston at the rear with brake discs from Porsche GT3.

    The E46 M3 CSL is shrouded in dark blue color of CFC foil as the base and the strips of the same origin are presented in Bright Blue Metallic and Cherry Red.

    Also in the interior REIL performance has nothing left to chance and installed a welded cage from company Cardiff.

    MR Car Design BMW E46 M3 CSL
    MR Car Design BMW E46 M3 CSL
    MR Car Design BMW E46 M3 CSL
    MR Car Design BMW E46 M3 CSL
    MR Car Design BMW E46 M3 CSL
    MR Car Design BMW E46 M3 CSL
    MR Car Design BMW E46 M3 CSL
    MR Car Design BMW E46 M3 CSL
    MR Car Design BMW E46 M3 CSL

    Source: REIL Performance

  • Porsche Cayman Alpha One by Alpha N Performance

    2012 Alpha N Performance Porsche Cayman Alpha OnePorsche Cayman Alpha One is one of the latest projects of Alpha N Performance tuning studio.

    The tuned vehicle comes with a lot of different performance packages as well as lightweight panels and materials. The overall weight of the vehicle ranges from 1280kg to just 1080kg, which is possible thanks to an entire carbon body. The power ranges from 300HP to whopping 800HP.

    The Cayman Alpha One also comes with complete aerodynamics package including restyled front and rear bumpers, a pair of side skirts and front and rear wheel arch extensions.

    It stands on OZ ultraleggera wheels fitted with low profile drag radial tires.

    2012 Alpha N Performance Porsche Cayman Alpha One

    Source: Alpha-N Performance

  • Audi A4 B8 by JMS

    JMS-Audi-A4-thumbJMS-Audi-A4-medium

    JMS don’t usually go over the top. Maybe they do put a bumper here and there, throw in some big wheels and a lowering suspension kit but that’s about it. This time though, they have taken home an Audi A4 B8 (2008-2011) and have went… again quite subtle with it actually.

    There’s a glued/screwed lip spoiler at the front (S-line excluded) and an apron at the back which has two housings for the left and right exhaust system. That’s right, a stainless steel duplex Eisenmann exhaust system with 4 oval tips – sound and fury. If we don’t consider the KW coilover kit, the added parts lower the car by just 10 mm at the front and 20 mm at the back.

    Nevertheless, we do get a version 3 KW kit which has the capability to lower the Audi by up to 50 mm at the front and 40 mm at the back. That lower stance will most probably complement the four 8,5 x 20 Ghost wheels wrapped around with 245/30 at the front and 245/20 tires.

    So it sounds like much work, but looking at the JMS Audi A4 (looking at it’s subtlety) one can’t really notice.

    JMS Audi A4 B8
    JMS Audi A4 B8

    Source: JMS

  • KW coilovers Variant 3+ for Mercedes-Benz SLK 55 AMG

    KW-Mercedes-AMG-SLK-thumbKW-Mercedes-AMG-SLK-medium

    KW Automotive have come up with a Variant 3+ “inox-line” coilover kit for the Mercedes-Benz SLK 55 AMG. It offers enthusiastic drivers some space for experimenting with the firmness and rebound etc. Hopefully, the KW customers will be entitled to an AMG-superior performance as an end result.

    Even if you plan to replace the stock wheels, the driving behavior can be optimally adapted since the adjustment wheels are integrated in the damper housing, so no separate tools are required. The rebound settings are essentially 16 clicks which can be made within the engine bay. On the other end of the piston rod, adjustments of the compression can be made by choosing between 12 clicks. Thus one can control body roll without affecting the rebound damping. Needless to say that thanks to a dirt-resistant trapezoid thread on the stainless steel strut, one can lower the SLK 55 AMG Roadster within a TUV approved range (from 5 to 25 mm). The back can go from 15 to 35 mm.

    The Mercedes-Benz SLK 55 AMG is the latest from the iconic Mercedes roadster range. It’s also the most powerful history-wise. Under the hood there hides a 5.5 AMG 416 hp V8 engine that’s good for a 0–100 km/h run in just 4.6 seconds. With the KW coilover, you get that extra flexibility with which you can find your style of driving best.

    Source: KW Automotive

  • Ford F150 Raptor vs. Mars Rover Curiosity: The ultimate off-road faceoff

    Here is an interesting challenge between two of the most durable machines on the Earth… and Mars – Ford F150 Raptor and Mars Rover Curiosity.

    Ford F150 SVT Raptor is manufactured by Ford Motor Company and developed in Dearborn, Anza Borrego. Its dimensions are 220.6 inches in length, 86.3 inches in width and 78.5 inches in height. The payload is 1020 lbs and can carry up to 5 passengers.  The Raptor is covered by a 5-year / 60 000 miles warranty. The price of Ford F150 SVT Raptor is just $43 970.

    On the other hand the Mars Rover Curiosity is manufactured by Jet Propulsion Laboratory and developed in Greater Los Angeles. Its dimensions are 129.0 inches in length, 109.0 inches in width and 87 inches in height. The payload is just 88 lbs and carries no passengers, because there is no people… or aliens on Mars. This vehicle has just 2-year / 12,4 miles (20 km) warranty. The price is $2 500 000 000 ($2.5 billion) including program cost.

    Check out the full data and facts below!

    Ford F150 Raptop vs. Rover

    Source: Ford

  • Jay Leno’s Garage: 1963 Ford Falcon [VIDEO]

    1963 Ford FalconAfter years of looking at the magazine ad for the Falcon, Jay Leno final got his hands on one. Here’s a nice video, where Jay Leno speaks enthusiastically about this 1963 Ford Falcon Sprint.

    This Ford was in fact the prototype for the Mustang and Jays revealing how many years he was searching for it. Obviously – a hard one to find. He found it and bought it from Bringatrailer (BaT).

    The modified Ford cost Leno $26k, and surprisingly the seller designed the build himself. He summed up the experience with the following; “It was amazing… and the comments below the story certainly justify my approach!” A great response to a really great car!

    This hardtop called “Sprint” was introduced in 1963. And this unit was built exactly in the taste of Leno. Instead of its original Fairlane’s 164 hp “Challenger” 260 CID (4.3 L) V8 engine, it is equipped with the 1965 289-cubic-inch one, which generates 360 horsepower (265 kW).

    Other modifications were made to the transmission as well. The original Falcon had four-speed manual transmission. This one has a five-speed one. Take a look yourself and find out what else has been done here.

    httpv://youtu.be/SYhTQx-NxAU

    Video Source: YouTube

    Source: Bringatrailer

  • MINI Paceman previewed on Facebook

    2013-MINI-Paceman-THUMBMINI Paceman Concept debuted back in 2011 at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. Yesterday, the Mini Paceman Prototype was unveiled on Mini’s Facebook page with four spy photographs, which you can view in the gallery below.

    Although there was a slight attempt to hide partially the design of the new MINI model, as you can see not so much is left for the imagination. The car is a two-door powerhouse ready to roar onto streets very soon. It is promised to be powerful and agile, with a most exceptional take on Mini design.

    The vehicle is practically a Countryman coupe. It has the same dimensions: length of 4 110 millimetres, width of 1 789 millimetres, and height of 1 541 millimetres. However, one of the most fascinating elements here are the 19″ alloys included. Paceman also boasts bold front fascia and a sloping roofline.

    If no changes were made after Detroit, then the MINI Paceman is going to be powered by 1.6 liter four-cylinder turbo petrol engine with 211PS (155 kW) and 260Nm (192 lb-ft).

    More information will be revealed around the time of official release at the 2012 Paris Auto Show.

    2013 MINI Paceman
    2013 MINI Paceman
    2013 MINI Paceman
    2013 MINI Paceman

    Source: Facebook via MINI

  • Vauxhall Astra BiTurbo now generates 195 horsepower

    Astra-BiTurbo-THUMBVauxhall Astra BiTurbo five-door Hatch and Vauxhall Astra BiTurbo Sports Tourer are the new two high performance diesels from the brand. Both are generating 195 horsepower (143 kW) and have 400 Nm (295 lb-ft) of torque.

    Both Vauxhalls are the most powerful cars in their class: they offer blistering performance, high levels of practicality and impressive frugality. Their top speed reaches 135mph and can achieve 0-60mph in less than eight seconds.

    Despite the boost in performance, they have excellent economy as well: low CO2 emissions of 134g/km and a combined efficiency of 55.4mpg. The great fuel economy is further enhanced by the Start/Stop technology included in the models.

    In fact, the twin turbo technology is rare in this class. The Astra uses a sequential turbocharging system, with the smaller turbo accelerating quickly at lower speeds to eliminate ‘lag’, providing 320Nm (236 lb-ft) of torque from 1,250rpm.

    Furthermore, in the mid-range of rpm, both turbochargers operate together, with the larger turbocharger pre-compressing the intake air, before it is fully compressed in the smaller one. A continuous control over the bypass valve is happening, in order to pass on part of the exhaust gases to the larger turbo. The effect of all this is that the driver still enjoys smooth acceleration.

    In addition, some stylish changes have been made as well. The new Astra now has more aggressive look thanks to the revised front grille, new front indicators and fog lamps, and refreshed rear-panel styling.

    Other unique features are the fresh 18” alloy wheels, twin rear exhausts, exterior styling pack and alloy sports pedals.

    The Vauxhall Astra BiTurbo five-door Hatch has a starting price of £24,095 and the Sports Tourer – £25,110.

    2012 Vauxhall Astra GTC BiTurbo
    2012 Vauxhall Astra GTC BiTurbo

    Source: Vauxhall

  • Porsche 918 Spyder at Nurburgring in a Martini Suit

    Martini-Porsche-918-thumbMartini Porsche 918 SpyderThe Porsche 918 Spyder has been spotted circling the Nurburgring as a part of development testing. It also has a new suit on which makes us all excited and tingly.

    It does so mainly because it’s not that new. Martini was the official partner of the Porsche factory team between 1973 and 1978. It was then when the iconic “Martini Porsche” design came to be. The white, blue and red stripes saw many victories and today the legacy continues in tune with the future.

    The Porsche 918 Spyder is a plug-in hybrid super sports car that uses two electric motors and a 570 hp V8 engine that can work in unison thus producing a combined power output of around 770 hp. That amount of power is good for a top speed of 325 km/h and an acceleration of less than 3 seconds until the 100 km mark. Astonishing feats when you think about the fuel consumption which is no more than 3.0-liters per 100 km.

    Still, the focus is on the sports performance. The goal of the Nurburgring testings is to do a lap time of less than 7 minutes 22 seconds. Considering all the carbon fiber reinforced plastics (CFRP) that make up the body and the ceramic brakes, that time is quite feasible.

    Martini Porsche 918 Spyder
    Martini Porsche 918 Spyder
    Martini Porsche 918 Spyder
    Martini Porsche 918 Spyder

    Source: Porsche

  • 2013 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Welcomes 1.6 Engine to the Family

    2013-Mercedes-Benz-C-Class-thumbJust when you made up your mind on buying the new CLS Shooting Brake, the 2013 Mercedes-Benz C-Class pops out to rock your world. It introduces a new petrol engine and comes available with several trims, each ready to satisfy even the pickiest of customers.

    The base model will be now known as the Executive SE and it will come in both, Saloon and Estate forms. The engine lineup will consist of the C 180 BlueEFFICIENCY, C 200 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY and C 220 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY. Standard equipment on any of the Executive SE models includes a sports grille, new 16-inch alloy wheels, Artico upholstery and LED daytime running lights. Optionally, a Luxury Package add an even more sophisticated grille, 17” alloy wheels with a seven twin-spoke design, automatically dimming rear view mirror and folding exterior door mirrors, chrome trim on the side, rear and shoulder line, a storage package and brown Ash wood trim with a matt finish.

    The more interesting however, are the AMG Sport and AMG Sport Plus trims. The former adds 17” alloy wheels and halogen headlights while at the same time boast reduced emissions in comparison to the old 2012 C 220 CDI – 123g/CO2 which is 10g less than before. It doesn’t sound much but bares some great tax relief consequences.. The AMG Sport Plus again picks up a notch on the size of the wheels bringing the number to 18” (bi-color AMG ones). You also get a pair of clever bi-Xenon front lights, some sports seats, red seat belts, AMG floor mats and paddles for the automatic models. If your AMG Sport Plus C-Class happens to be a Coupe, you also get an AMG trunk lip spoiler and an option to throw in an AMG Handling Package which enhances the steering, engine, exhaust and transmission response.

    Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe (2013)
    Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe (2013)
    2013 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
    2013 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
    2013 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
    2013 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
    2013 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
    2013 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
    2013 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
    2013 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
    2013 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
    2013 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
    2013 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
    2013 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
    2013 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
    2013 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
    2013 Mercedes-Benz C-Class

    Although the name suggests a 1.8 engine, the C 180 BlueEFFICIENCY has a downsized 1.6-liter plant as a drivetrain. The focus here is on ultra-efficiency. It’s a turbocharged petrol unit that outputs 154 hp at 5,000 rpm and 250 Nm of torque between 1,250 and 4,000 rpm. All respectable figures but the real kicker is the consumption 47.9 mpg and 139g/km of CO2 emissions (the Coupe returns 44.1 and 149g). All the while, Mercedes are dropping the 3.5-liter V6 petrol engine for the C-Class Saloon and Estate but the Coupe and the C 63 AMG models will still get it.

    Source: Mercedes-Benz

  • 2013 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 Convertible – US Price $60 445

    2013 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 ConvertibleThe new 2013 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 Convertible will be offered in the USA with a competitive starting price of just $60 445 including the $900 destination charge. This number is sensational, because you will get a super-powered sports drop-top vehicle at very good value.

    ZL1 Convertible is powered by a supercharged 6.2-liter V8 engine with 588 HP (432 kW) and 754 Nm (556 lb-ft) of torque. This is an improvement of just 11 HP and 9 Nm over ZL1 Coupe. 0-60 mph in 4 seconds and a top speed of 296 km/h (184 mph).

    The suspension of the ZL1 convertible uses the third-generation of Magnetic Ride. New, twin-wire/dual-coil dampers at all four corners enable faster response, with damping levels now adjusted up to 1 000 times per second – about one adjustment per inch of vehicle travel at 60 mph – making the system exceptionally responsive to changing driving and road conditions.

    GM also reported that the 2013 Camaro 1LE is priced from just $37 035 including $900 destination charge.

    2013 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 Convertible
    2013 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 Convertible
    2013 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 Convertible
    2013 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 Convertible

    Source: Chevrolet