Auto News – Page 811 – Automobiles Review

McLaren 12C GT3s set for Total 24 Hours of Spa [VIDEO]

McLaren-12C-GT3-T Nine supercars carrying the brand McLaren will compete at the famous Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps next weekend. The examples at the most demanding events on the motorsport calendar will be exactly the astonishing McLaren 12C GT3.

In fact, the Spa 24-hour is unlike any other GT race. First of all it is more than spectacular. Secondly, the race track is incredibly challenging. This means that the circuit, the efficiency and reliability, as well as being able to react to the often changeable track conditions will be of utmost importance to all competitors.

McLaren revealed that they have put a lot of attention and effort to test and prepare for this great event. Hence, they are also expecting great results and eventually we are to witness them.

In the event, we are to see the 12C GT3s on track. They “come” from six distinctive liveries of McLaren GT customer teams. Chris Goodwin will be part of the driver line-up in one of Von Ryan Racing’s two 12C GT3s.

McLaren-12C-GT3-644 — McLaren 12C GT3 at the Total 24 Hours of Spa

Furthermore, the French ART Grand Prix team, will line up alongside Portuguese team ASM, with patriotic livery featuring green and red accents. The Lapidus Racing car on the other hand will be finished in white and McLaren Orange.

Belgium’s Boutsen-Ginion Racing team will compete with two cars, which both were finished in a striking black and orange design. Gulf Racing completes the McLaren line-up with two cars wearing the famous blue and orange livery.

Few days ahead of the race, a high-quality short film has been produced, which you can view below. In it you will see the driver Rob Bell previewing the challenging 4.35 mile (7.004km) Spa-Francorchamps circuit. He will reveal what kind of challenges are facing the teams and what it is that makes the 24 hours of Spa so appealing.

httpv://youtu.be/WyT9gyscshQ

Source: McLaren

July 24, 2012

Aston Martin DB5 featured in the new James Bond film [VIDEO]

The iconic Bond car – the Aston Martin DB5 takes part in the new James Bond film named Skyfall. In this video preview the creators of the new 007 movie are putting more light on the historic Bond fairy dust on their new film with the return of the emblematic Aston Martin.

In the preview below, you will hear the director Sam Mendes speaking nostalgically about the DB5. Back in the days when he was a child, he had the original Corgi toy DB5 with its ejector seat and little man and bullet-proof screen popping up at the back.

However in the new film is used a doppelganger of the DB5 with the original number plate on it. This means that the original BMT 216A wasn’t found for Skyfall. Despite that, it Is great to see James Bond driving the Aston Martin DB5 again.

httpv://youtu.be/usnDnEq7q5A

Source: Carsuk

July 24, 2012

Ford Mustang Red Tails GT Edition Celebrates Tuskegee Airmen [VIDEO]

Ford Mustang Red Tails GT Edition is truly unique vehicle. It celebrates and commemorates the contributions of the Tuskegee Airmen, comprised of the 332nd Fighter Group and the 477th Bombardment Group, during World War II.

In fact, the courageous squadron of P-51 Mustang pilots was the United States’ first African American military airmen. They were known with the red tails of their planes.

The design of the modified glass-roof coupe will unify the connection of the World War II fighters with a contemporary flair for the serious collector. The exterior includes unique polished aluminum non-production finish paint, accented with Race Red and School Bus Yellow.

On the other hand the interior of this Ford includes modified navigation screen, instrument cluster and rear seat-delete. It includes Recaro seats with embroidered “Red Tails” logo and floor mats embroidered with the 332nd Fighter Group logo.

The power and performance of the Mustang is ensured by the Ford Racing 2.3-liter twin-screw Whipple supercharger, handling pack, unique side exhaust, performance quad exhaust from SVT, Forgiato 20-inch aftermarket wheels, GT500 Brembo brakes and rear diffuser.

This one-of-a-kind car will be sold Gathering of Eagles charity auction on 26th of July during the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) AirVenture Oshkosh 2012 – the World’s Greatest Aviation Celebration.

At EAA AirVenture Ford will showcase to the public the latest advances in automobile technology at the Ford Hangar. In addition, the visitors will also witness the industry’s most revered classics at the popular Cruisin’ Legends area on the grounds of Wittman Regional Airport.

httpv://youtu.be/qcaWmFayvgc

Source: Ford

July 24, 2012

2013 BMW 7 Series Facelift [VIDEO]

2013 BMW 7 Series fleet now embodies sporting elegance, refined powertrain technology and luxurious comfort. The new model lineup includes new LED headlights, an upgraded interior with enhanced soundproofing, improved ride comfort, and comprehensive selection of standard and optional equipment.

In addition to this, the line-up includes the world’s most powerful six-cylinder in-line diesel engine and the second-generation BMW ActiveHybrid 7. They both set new performance and efficiency benchmarks.

With sporty and elegant presence, the dynamic lines of the new BMW series are balnced perfectly. The most attention grabbing feature are the new LED headlights with hallmark BMW corona rings and a smart accent strip. In addition, the kidney grille with nine slats is now modified.

The new facelift includes as well indicators which are integrated into the lower section of the exterior mirrors. The chiselled rear has a thin chrome strip connecting the two slim reflectors in the rear apron.

What about the enhancements included in the interior? Here, the BMW is equipped with new leather seats. The driver’s and front passenger’s now offer optimum lateral support and long-distance comfort. The rear passengers on the other hand enjoy the luxury and largely cocooned from outside noise cabin.

At last, the lucky owners of the new 7 Series can benefit from the optional Rear Seat Entertainment package with a new 9.2-inch flatscreen monitor. Here the 1,200-watt Bang & Olufsen High End Surround Sound System offers great sound quality and the 16 speakers feature illuminated centre speaker which retracts almost fully into the instrument panel.

In the interior can be seen as well the new multifunctional instrument display. The extended black-panel technology opens up a whole new range of display options through the 10.25-inch screen.

More importantly BMW 7 models have revised engines which are more economical than ever and in addition are low on emissions. They channel their power to the driven wheels through an intelligent eight-speed automatic transmission.

For the great fuel economy contribute also the Auto Start-Stop function, Brake Energy Regeneration, the Driving Experience Control switch with ECO PRO mode with extended functions and coasting mode.

BMW 760i for instance now comes with its 12-cylinder powerplant. Other choices for the BMW 740i is the new BMW TwinPower Turbo six-cylinder in-line engine or the BMW 750i with a revised V8 petrol engine.

A debut in the 7 Series is the new BMW 750d xDrive, where under its bonnet lies the new M Performance TwinPower Turbo six-in-line diesel engine. This is the world’s most powerful diesel engine. Another great engine is the second-generation BMW ActiveHybrid 7 combined with a new TwinPower Turbo six-cylinder in-line petrol engine with a 40 kW/55 hp electric motor for significantly reduced emissions.

Furthermore the BMW ConnectedDrive is an intelligent integration bringing more comfort and assurance. It includes the BMW Night Vision, Dynamic Light Spot with pedestrian recognition technology, the anti-dazzle LED High-Beam Assistant, Driver Assistant Plus with Lane Departure Warning and Cruise Control with Stop & Go function, Active Protection with automatic fatigue recognition and Speed Limit Info including the No Passing Info display using road sign symbols.

httpv://youtu.be/0FxIGb92Oe4

Video Source: YouTube

Source: BMW

July 24, 2012

2013 Chevrolet Camaro Dusk Special Edition

2013 Chevrolet Camaro Dusk Special Edition is a unique Chevrolet model equipped with an optional Dusk Special Edition package. The latter is available only for 2LT and 2SS Camaro coupe or convertible models.

In particular, the package features halo ring HID head lamps, the new for 2013 Blue Ray Metallic exterior color and the factory installed 21-inch Bright Silver painted aluminum wheels with P245/40ZR21 front and 275/35ZR21 summer performance tires. When the model which is to be tuned is a convertible, then the top is in blue color as well.

Furthermore the interior of the Camaro Dusk Special Edition model includes exclusive Mojave leather-appointed wrapping with yellow stitching on the seats. More highlights concerning the interior are shift knob, center armrest and steering wheel.

Here can also be seen enhancements such as the Mojave color of the panel insert and Blue Ray Metallic color of the door inserts.

The Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price of the Dusk Special Edition package is $5995.

2013 Chevrolet Camaro Dusk Special Edition - Side

2013 Chevrolet Camaro Dusk Special Edition Details:

Exterior includes:

• Blue Ray Metallic exterior color

• Blue Convertible Top Color (when model ordered)

• 21-inch Silver Painted wheels (factory installed)

• P245/40ZR21 front & 275/35ZR21 rear tires

• Front splitter and rocker

Interior includes:

• Mojave leather-appointed interior

• Yellow accent stitching on interior components

• Mojave soft I/P insert with Yellow stitching

• Blue Ray Metallic I/P and door inserts

• Ice Blue ambient lighting

• Chevy Accessory premium floor mats

Performance:

• Available manual or automatic transmission

• Hurst Shifter (V8 manual models only)

Source: Camaro5

July 24, 2012

JMS BMW 5 Series E60/61

JMS is the kind of house in which you go if you have a sports sedan that has recently started to ware (appeal wise). There you state your unexplainable desire to obtain some flare and before you know it, you end up with something like this or this.

The E60 BMW 5-series went out of production two years ago but there are still plenty around. Most probably not the best-looking design piece but definitely a keeper as a whole. JMS can now offer you a front apron for the BMW E60 or the estate E61 (provided that they have both been originally equipped with an M-technic bumper). Then to make the sporty look even more prominent, a KW stainless steel coil over kit version 3 has been fitted so the whole car sits lower by 60 mm at the front and by 45 mm at the back. To round up this modest programme, JMS have also thrown in four ASA AR1 wheels that size up to 10.5×20-inches. The tires on them measure at 245/30/20 at the front and 285/25/20 at the back.

All things combined will set you back with around 5,230 Euros or $6,341. The final check could go even higher as JMS are offering a ton of other tempting upgrades indipendantly – from engine tweaks to carpets, it’s your call.

Source: JMS

July 24, 2012

MTM Audi S6 Coming Soon

Long time no hear from the guys at MTM. Worry no more as they are currently working on an Audi S6 (C7) – a car that can set your pants on fire relaying solely on its stock 4.0 TFSI 420 hp engine.

At the moment, MTM are keeping it quiet about one of the tastiest intended feature for the S6 – the engine tweak (which can be anything from a minor ECU remapping to a “complete conversion of the engine unit“). The wheels here belong to the MTM Bimboto line and are keeping it light and stylish with a 9-spoke design and a “flawless” finish. We can also be certain about the F-Centronic air suspension and the 20 mm front and 30 mm back wheel spacers which coast 250 Euros all together.

The 2013 Audi S6 (C7) came out this year with a V8 (a toned down S8 version) under it’s hood and a 7-speed S-tronic Double Clutch Gearbox. It’s power stands at 420 hp and the 405 lb-ft of torque is split cleverly through Audi‘s impeccable quattro system.

Now here’s some pictures of the MTM S6:

Source: MTM

July 23, 2012

2013 Peugeot 301 – Designed for Bad Roads and Big People

Just by looking at it, the Peugeot 301 does not strike you as an exceptional off-roader. It’s not really an off-roader at all but it’s creators most certainly did focus on it’s terrain capability. It has been designed to withstand the harshest of road surfaces, the hottest and most humid climates or the coldest. The end result is a robust compact sedan that has had more than 4,000,000 km of testing behind its back.

Aside from the appealing engine range, the 301 offers some improve-my-driving-experience type of features. There is for example a running gear adapted for running on poorly surfaced roads. More screw fixings than normal all over the chassis, double seals for dust and humidity protection, a heated lower screen and an outstanding climate control unit.

It needs to be since you get a lot of space inside this seemingly compact sedan. We’ll let you decide how compact is a 4,44 m lump of metal. The 2.65 wheel base leaves room for quite a compartment.

Width at front elbows: 1,409 mm
Width at rear elbows: 1,395 mm
Leg room for the back seat: 121 mm
Boot volume: 640 liters

Sales are expected to begin from the 1st of November in Turkey. Then the network will start to expand covering Central and Eastern Europe, Russia, Ukraine, Greece, the Maghreb, the Middle East, the Gulf States and African countries. Latin American and Chinese markets are also expected to get some of the action.

Source: Peugeot

July 23, 2012

2012 Brabus Smart 10th Anniversary Special Edition

In the not so distant 2002, Smart and the tuning company Brabus founded a joint company, and since then they have developed numerous premium models. To celebrate the 10th anniversary of the alliance, they have created a unique and exclusively equipped “10th anniversary” special edition model.

2012 Brabus Smart 10th anniversary Special Edition will be limited to 100 units and will offer numerous exclusive highlights. The Smart is based on the current Smart Fortwo BRABUS production model with 75 kW (102 hp) and maximum torque of 147 Nm (200 lb-ft). It has a top speed of 155 km/h, and can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 8.9 seconds.

To go further into details, the “10th anniversary” edition is painted in liquid silver. In details, the tridion safety cell, body panels including front grille and the door mirrors of the special edition model, the front spoiler and side skirts in the styling package, are painted in liquid silver.

Further exterior features include titanium-colored headlamps and red BRABUS logos at the front and rear. Additional exterior accents include titanium-colored headlamps and red BRABUS logos at the front and rear.

The interior is of course distinctively made as well. It is characterized by a black leather interior with high-quality hand stitching. The trim parts are painted in an exclusive red and the contrast components and seat console come in black.

2012 Brabus Smart 10th Anniversary Special Edition Interior

The standard equipment of the new Brabus includes the comfort and light package, heated seats, electric power steering, LED daytime driving lights, audio and navigation system and BRABUS Monoblock VII alloy wheels in matt grey.

Smart Brabus GmbH is a joint venture between Smart and Brabus and stands for premium automotive enhancement. In the past ten years more than 50 000 lucky customers benefited from the vehicles produced by the cooperation of the both companies. In fact, 2011 was the most successful year up to date when more than 10 000 Smart Fortwos were customized by Brabus.

Source: Smart

July 23, 2012

2013 Ford C-MAX Energi Plug-In Hybrid Delivers 550-Mile Range [VIDEO]

2013 Ford C-MAX Energi Plug-In Hybrid is expected to achieve great results. First it is promised to run more than 20 miles of electric-only range. Secondly, a 550-mile drive will be the overall range of the car.

In addition, Ford’s new vehicle delivers great combined fuel economy of 95 mpg. In details, C-MAX Energi operates just like a traditional hybrid. However it has two key differences: owners must plug in the vehicle using its charge port and C-MAX Energi has a larger battery pack.

C-MAX Hybrid and C-MAX Energi figure prominently in Ford’s rollout of five electrified vehicles this year. Ford’s other electrified vehicles include:

C-MAX Energi also advantages from 20 years of research and innovation in terms of software and hardware technology. In fact, the vehicles powersplit technology comprises of more than 200 patents alone.

The C-MAX Energi is able to generate total 188 hp (138 kW) which come from the combination of a gasoline engine and a battery-driven electric motor. When powered by gasoline, the C-MAX Energi uses the 2.0-liter Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder engine.

The advanced lithium-ion battery in C-MAX Energi is charged via plug-in, the vehicle is able to achieve increased electric mode and total range. In addition the lithium-ion batteries are lighter, more efficient and more powerful than nickel-metal hydride batteries, which were used back in the days when Ford made the first-generation hybrids.

C-MAX Energi benefits from the latest generation of SmartGauge® with EcoGuide as well. It was created in order to help drivers get the most important information such as instantaneous fuel economy. It is displayed on one of two 4.2-inch LCD screens.

2013 Ford C-MAX Hybrid is already available to order with a starting price of $25 995.

Source: Ford

July 23, 2012

Fiat 500 Now More Colourful

One of the most popular “mini” cars in the world, the Italian Fiat 500 city car, which recently achieved great market sales results, has been further enhanced. The iconic Fiat has been additionally improved with a range of bold new exterior colors and upgraded interior trims.

To be more precise, six stunning new colors are now available for the Fiat 500 range, they are namely: Countrypolitan Yellow, New Age Cream, Groove Metal Grey, Epic Blue, Chillout Purple and Idol Pink metallics.

Furthermore, the interior is now complemented with New Chocolate brown/Ivory fabric and Grey/Black fabric interior trim. They better match the exterior. In addition to them, new two-tone leather trims will be available at the end of the year, substituting the current leather finishes.

Other design upgrades include a new ‘short-fin design’ antenna and 15-inch alloy wheels. The Fiat 500 price begins at £9960.

Source: Fiat

July 23, 2012

Through the eGarage lens: Concorso Italiano 2010

Concorso-Italiano-thumb This year’s Concorso Italiano event is less than a month away so that explains why at eGarage want to throw us back a couple of years ago when they filmed this. The Concorso Italiano is like comic-con for gear heads, a bowl of Italian goodness, a mingle of pesto that’s been made of the finest herbs around. It all sounds very exotic, but actually it;s most commonly held in California.

The clip we have here is a director’s cut from 2010. That explains the absence of the Ferrari FF for example or the acrobatic photographers around the Ferrari 458 Italia – still hot from the factory. Then there’s the F430 Scuderia which is equally impressive. But the Concorso is not all about Ferraries and what’s hot. There are Countaches, Alfa-Romeos, F40s and the lot. It’s not always necessary about cars as well.