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Ford GT HRE Wheels and eGarage [VIDEO]

“It’s now what you say, it’s how you say it”, that’s what my girlfriend always tells me in an argument. I guess she has a valid point and that the same phenomena can be observed elsewhere. Cinematography for example: It’s not what you film, it’s how you film it. That brings us to the storytellers at eGarage.com. What they can do with a Ford GT and four HRE Wheels is evident in this clip which came up recently.

I personally am not a fan of the Ford GT. I see it more as heap of aluminum, lingering in the shadow of it’s own predecessor (the Ford GT40). Sure, the new one has many new and unique technologies (i.e. – a capless fuel filler system so that you don’t strain yourself every time you stop for a refill… which happens a lot). It also has a punchy twin supercharged 5.4-liter V8 engine which puts out 550 hp and 678 Nm of torque at just 3750 rpm – very muscle-like. The Ford GT sounds nice too and apparently, it looks like a Ferrari or something as well. Yet somehow it never really caught on. Or maybe that’s just me being bitter.

Either way, this one in the clip has been modified only in the wheel compartment. HRE Monoblok P44SC wheels from the P40SC line with a V-Five 10 spoke design and a bronze finish. A finish appropriate on a memorial.

httpv://vimeo.com/40067165

Source: eGarage

Video Source: eGarage via Vimeo

July 21, 2012

2013 Koenigsegg Agera R under the lights of DRIVE [VIDEO]

Sweden’s hypercar Koenigsegg, particularly the latest 2013 Koenigsegg Agera R, is the star in the 30 minute film below. Hidden in the backwoods of Angelholm Sweden, the company Koenigsegg is designing and manufacturing one of the rarest and most exciting vehicles on earth.

In this video, J.F. Musial tours the factory, which is based on a former Swedish Airbase, while taking a ride in an Agera R on foggy runway.

In addition , the inventor, entrepreneur and owner of the company – Christian von Koenigsegg, speaks about what inspired him to create this iconic hypercar, what part does he take in the process of creation and many more facts and details which were previously hidden from the large public.

The car manufacturer is also developing leading engine and fuel technologies which have the goal to enhance the fuel economy and power output in all types of vehicles.

If you remember the Agera R debuted at this years Geneva Motor Show, and showcased that it was the result of brands endless pursuit for perfection.

With its 1140 horsepower (838 kW) and 1200 Nm (885 lb-ft) Agera R is able to achieve the incredible top speed of approximately 440 km/h (273 mph). Lets take a look how J.F. Musial actually experience that much amount of power:

httpv://youtu.be/qp_qxKWMsVw

Video Source: YouTube

July 21, 2012

Aston Martin Rapide 4 Door by Kahn Design

News from Kahn Design. This time, the car that has gone under the knife is a 4-door Aston Martin Rapide. Even though owning a stock one yourself is a statement enough that you are an open-minded, fun and classy executive, things can go even further. That’s true if you ask someone at Kahn.

We say knife but actually the “styling package” consists mostly of matte black painted elements – the front bumper grille mesh, the hood and fender vents, the brake calipers. The exhaust system is new, we’ll give them that. Also, thanks to a set of lowering springs, the ground clearance is less of a thing now. Good for handling then. Probably the most noticeable work done here involves the wheels – Kahn 21” RSX-F pieces in platinum silver finish.

Is the power of the Kahn Aston Martin Rapide up by some points? We don’t know but still, a coat of matte paint won’t bodge down the stock 470 bhp that come out of the saloon’s 6.0-liter V12 engine.

This being Kahn Design which profess individuality, uniqueness and style etc, the interior trim is rather flexible. This one here however has some Alcantra on the wheel and on the sporty binnacle behind. The rest of the Aston Rapide‘s upholstery is left to the creamy leather.

Source: Kahn Design

July 21, 2012

First teaser for “BLACK AIR: The Buick Grand National Documentary” released

If you haven’t heard already about the “Black Air: The Buick Grand National Documentary“, well it is a 60-minute film about Buick’s premier but paradoxical mid 80’s performance car. The film is to be released soon; nevertheless the teaser for it has just been released.

The director of the awaited movie is Andrew Filippone Jr., who had the inspiration to create the documentary about the Buick Regal Grand National. It was a strange and peculiar misfit.

Although it carried the name Buick, the Grand National was too quick and too rough to stay under this name. There was something about it which made it stand out among other cars.

"Black Air: The Buick Grand National Documentary" — “Black Air: The Buick Grand National Documentary”

Despite the fact that it had roots of the Buick Regal, it was able to have an astonishing straight-line 0-60 mph acceleration. Nothing in the mid 80s could match it. However, the same roots didn’t give the vehicle a chance to be accepted seriously.

Its emblematic boxy design was something very typical for example. Other shortcomings were its mediocre chassis, an undersized engine, an electronically limited top speed, and an unremarkable pedigree.

On the other hand its six cylinders and an intercooled turbo made the vehicle remarkable. Remembered with its fierce black paint, the Grand National became a legend. In fact, in the fineal year of the production of the Buick, outfitted in GNX trim, it was the quickest production car in the U.S. It was able to reach the acceleration sprint from 0 to 60 mph in only 4.7 seconds.

Although no one believed that it could achieve this acceleration, test after test proved it. But there remained the question, how could a Buick achieve this. Where did it come from? Where did it fit?

The documentary answers those questions and even more. The people who built the car, who wrote about the car, and who own the car, speak about and about their experience with the Grand National.

Some of the included voices are Lloyd Reuss, the Buick General Manager who launched the Grand National project; Tony Assenza, the “Car and Driver” Editor who dubbed the GNX an “ax-wielding barbarian”; and Richard Clark, the renowned owner, enthusiast, and collector.

The last example of the Grand National was built on 11th of December 1987, and twenty-five years later, Black Air arrives to commemorate this landmark car.

httpv://vimeo.com/27452222

News and Video Source: Vimeo

July 20, 2012

Audi celebrates 250th quattro-equipped model with the new Audi Q3

250th quattro-equipped model variant of Audi Q3 has just be introduced. This is the latest TDI version of acclaimed compact SUV, named Audi Q3 2.0 TDI Quattro.

Thanks to its 2.0-litre TDI engine the Audi generates 140 hp (103 kW) at 4,200rpm and 320Nm (236 lb-ft) between 1,750 and 3,200rpm. Given these numbers it is no surprise that the 0-62 mph sprint is achieved in only 9.9 seconds. Its top speed is 122mph and has a combined fuel consumption of MPG 49.6 and CO2 emissions of 149g/km.

Furthermore the new 250th model’s engine is mated to a six-speed manual gearbox and in addition includes invaluable all-weather traction aid, which in fact is a new feature of the Q3.

The basic model of the Audi SUV runs on 17-inch alloy wheels and also includes rear parking sensors, dual-zone climate control, Concert audio system with 6.5-inch manually retractable colour display screen, preparation for SD card navigation, Bluetooth interface, Audi Music Interface iPod connection and light and rain sensors.

The vehicle will be available in two trim lines – SE and S, where the second one adds to the standard specifications larger 18-inch alloy wheels, S line exterior and interior styling enhancements, xenon headlamps with LED daytime running lamps and LED rear tail lights.

Other optional equipment feature “steerable beam” adaptive light technology for the xenon plus headlights, a high-beam assistant to intelligently illuminate the road ahead, the hard drive-based navigation system plus with seven-inch colour screen and 3D mapping and the side assist blind spot warning and lane assist lane departure warning driver aids.

As expected the vehicle inside is very roomy and offers seating for up to five adults. Moreover, it can accommodate load bay delivering up to 1,365 litres of capacity thanks to split/folding rear seats. The Q3 also includes the recently launched adaptive air suspension.

Audi on all fours– summer rain calls for the reassurance of quattro all-wheel-drive, which is favoured by around 30 per cent of Audi customers. They can now add the latest Q3 2.0 TDI quattro 140PS, priced from £26,510 OTR, to the list of 250 quattro-equipped choices.

The new Audi Q3 2.0 TDI Quattro has a starting price of £26 510.

Source: Audi

July 20, 2012

1 000th Lamborghini Aventador LP 700-4 produced

Lamborghini Aventador LP 700-4 has just marked an important milestone in its history, with the 1,000th vehicle produced. The Argos Orange Lamborghini, which has a chassis number 1,000, is destined to be driven in Germany and has just rolled off the assembly line.

The lucky owner is the German architect Hans Scheidecker, has just received the keys of the car from Automobili Lamborghini President and CEO, Stephan Winkelmann.

Hans Scheidecker and Automobili Lamborghini President and CEO Stephan Winkelmann

Introduced just in 2011 the Aventador has taken just one year and three months to achieve the milestone of producing the 1000th vehicle. This means that the average number production of the supercars is 4.5 a day.

LP700-4 is powered by a 6.5 liter V12 with 700PS (515 kW) and 690Nm (509 lb-ft). The engine is coupled to a 7-speed ISR gearbox specially supplied by Graziano Trasmissioni Group. The shift time is just 50 milliseconds. The power is put on the road through a Haldex AQD system.

As a matter of fact, just more than a year from its official debut, the Aventador has been awarded with 36 international prizes, praising its design and innovative technological solutions.

Source: Lamborghini

July 20, 2012

2013 Lexus LS teaser image released

A Facebook teaser image of the new 2013 Lexus LS has just been officially released. We can get a hint of the shape and lines of the new impatiently expected vehicle.

Having a glimpse, we are looking forward to the official unveil of the new Lexus car, which will take place in San Francisco on 30th of July.

We are to be teased even more, because more detailed picture of the new sedan is to be expected next week.

What is sure for now is that the new LS is going to be powered by its V8 engine and that the model line up will consists from the versions LS 460, LS 460 L (long wheelbase), LS 600h L and the entirely new LS 460 F Sport.

2013 Lexus LS [Teaser] — 2013 Lexus LS (Teaser)

Source: Lexus

July 20, 2012

2013 Ford Mustang RTR Spec 1 and 2 [VIDEO]

The Mustang RTR package is not what you’d call a “genuine” after-market love child. Not because it’s insufficient but because it’s actually offered at Ford dealerships. That makes it pretty official, despite being conceived by Vaughn Gittin Jr. – World Champion drifter and Mustang fanatic. Classic Design Concepts helped shape Mr. Gittin shape his dream of a better, more powerful, more appealing and more exciting pony. Will the 2013 Ford Mustang RTR hit the spot?

The package is divided into two stages:

Spec 1 can go on the V6 or the V8 model thus adding some flare with a rear spoiler a front chin…a license plate surround with ducts in it (what?) and some badges on the sides and at the back. Optionally you can go with the special RTR signature graphics that shoo away dullness.

It’s not all hips and thighs though. An RTR Axleback exhaust system adds 9 hp while Ford Racing 1” lowering springs hunker down the whole car. That leaves just enough space in the wheel arches for 9.5 x 19 RTR wheels wrapped in high performance Falken FK 453 tires.

Inside, one gets some more badges, embroidered floor mats an RTR shift knob and a serial plate that indexes the number of your Mustang RTR and also bare Mr. Gittin’s signature.

That was for Spec 1. Spec 2 (V8 only) goes the extra mile and adds a rear diffuser and rocker splitters which will presumably provide even more downforce. That’s why it only seems logical to add a bit more power – 16 hp coming from a Ford Racing Tune and a K&N air filter. Not exactly groundbreaking but the RTR Mustang is no longer a straight road muscle car. Thanks to some Ford Racing adjustable shocks, Ford Racing upper shock mounts, RTR adjustable front and rear sway bars, cross drilled and slotted rotors and some RTR rear chassis support, you can go side ways all day and still not need a pelvis transplant.

Not convinced? Here’s a video with some smooth camera angles, a cool track and a 2013 Ford Mustang RTR doing some eye-candy stuff:

httpv://youtu.be/LRmWlo7zmc8

Video source: MustangRTR via YouYube

July 20, 2012

2013 Mercedes-Benz CLS Shooting Brake Pricing Announced

2013 Mercedes-Benz CLS Shooting Brake is the next innovative luxury vehicle from the brand, which combines the proportions of the five-door coupe and a roof which continues through to the rear.

The new Shooting Brake is currently making its debut and at the same time is available to order. According to Mercedes-Benz this model has the potential to become the icon for a new market segment.

What is very special of this vehicle and grabs the attention immediately is the extravagant and unique designo wooden luggage compartment floor, which serves to underscore the hand-finished nature of the interior.

To go further into details, the floor of the luggage compartment was made from American cherry tree wood. The veneer sheets were glued and pressed together by hand in five cross-bonded layers. This of course is made with the purpose to achieve high dimensional stability.

The innovative lighting system of dynamic LED High Performance headlamps is also available for the CLS Shooting Brake. In addition, more than a dozen driving assistance systems in the new Mercedes-Benz vehicle enhance the security of the car. Some of the include Active Blind Spot Assist, Active Lane Keeping Assist, DISTRONIC PLUS, BAS PLUS and the PRE SAFE® Brake.

The entry-level model in the Shooting Brake range is the CLS 250 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY which generates 150 kW (204 hp) and has a combined fuel consumption of 5.3 litres per 100 kilometres. The CO2 emissions here are 139 grams per kilometre.

Above this model are the two six-cylinder models – the CLS 350 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY, which produces 195 kW (265 hp) and the CLS 350 BlueEFFICIENCY, which in turn produces 225 kW (306 hp).

The CLS 500 BlueEFFICIENCY has a V8 biturbo engine. Thanks to it the CLS 500 generates 300 kW (408 hp). In addition, two models are also available with all-wheel drive: the CLS 350 CDI 4MATIC BlueEFFICIENCY and the CLS 500 4MATIC BlueEFFICIENCY.

Furthermore, there will be released a special edition version of the model named CLS Shooting Brake “Edition 1”. It will be available only for a limited period of one year following its market launch.

The Edition 1 includes some special featues such as designo magno allanite grey matt paint finish, designo platinum white pearl leather appointments, floor mats with “Edition 1” lettering, black designo roof liner and aluminium pedals. Three alternative paint finishes are also available to choose from: obsidian black metallic, palladium silver metallic or cavansite blue metallic.

More importantly, the Edition 1 is distinguished by powertrain figures of 410 kW (557 hp) and 800 Nm

2013 Mercedes-Benz CLS 63 AMG Shooting Brake

At last, but not least, the most dynamic model in the Shooting Brake range is the CLS 63 AMG Shooting Brake. This one has an AMG V8 biturbo engine which generates 386 kW (525 hp) and 700 Nm (517 lb-ft) of torque. It is equipped with the AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed sports transmission.

The market launch of the 2013 Mercedes-Benz CLS Shooting Brake is scheduled for 6th of October this year.

2013 Mercedes-Benz CLS Shooting Brake Pricing:

Model	Displacement	Transmission	Output	CO2 emissions	Price
Diesel engine, direct injection, Euro 5 emission class
CLS 250 CDI BE*	2143 cc	7 G-TRONIC PLUS	150 kW (204 hp)	139 g/km	€61,761
CLS 350 CDI BE*	2987 cc	7 G-TRONIC PLUS	195 kW (265 hp)	159 g/km	€65,628.50
CLS 350 CDI 4MATIC BE*	2987 cc	7 G-TRONIC PLUS	195 kW (265 hp)	174 g/km	€68,365.50
Petrol engine, direct injection, Euro 5 emission class
CLS 350 BE*	3498 cc	7 G-TRONIC PLUS	225 kW (306 hp)	169 g/km	€66,818.50
CLS 500 BE*	4663 cc	7 G-TRONIC PLUS	300 kW (408 hp)	214 g/km	€82,229
CLS 500 4MATIC BE*	4663 cc	7 G-TRONIC PLUS	300 kW (408 hp)	229 g/km	€84,966
CLS 63 AMG	5461 cc	AMG Speed-shift MCT	386 kW (525 hp)	235 g/km	€117,512.50

Source: Mercedes-Benz

July 19, 2012

First Ever Chrome Lexus LFA debuts at MotorEx

A chrome version of the emblematic Lexus LFA is going to make its debut at the Meguiar’s MotorEx this Saturday. The supercar which costs $700 000 is owned by an Australian and he in fact has taken their vehicle to the extreme – wrapping it in one-of-a-kind chrome exterior!

This makes the vehicle the firs LFA in the world to receive the chrome treatment. Therefore it will literally become the “shining star” of the MotorEx event, making company to hundreds of modified, tuned and collectible vehicles.

In particular the Lexus LFA is unique and powerful, harmonious lightweight vehicle, which includes an advanced Carbon Fibre Reinforced Plastic (CFRP) construction for its chassis and bodywork. Thanks to the latter it has a light, incredibly strong and highly rigid structure.

In fact, sixty-five per cent of LFA’s body structure is made from carbon fibre. The remaining thirty-five percent stay for the aluminium.

More importantly, the supercar is powered by its bespoke 4.8-litre V10 engine, which is able to generate 560 hp (412kW) of power and 480Nm (354 lb-ft) of torque.

This makes possible for the Lexus to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.7 seconds, and is capable of revving from idle to a redline of 9,000rpm in just 0.6 seconds. The top speed of the LFA is 325km/h.

Source: Lexus

July 19, 2012

Debut of Rimac Concept One

Rimac Concept One – the electric hyper car, will make its first world appearance at this year’s Salon Privé. The event is UK’s most prestigious Supercar Event.

The car is indeed exceptional, and of course its price is even more exceptional. Because it costs $1 000 000 only 88 examples of the sensational vehicle be produced. Among the people who team who stays behind the design and engineering of this concept car includes designers who used to work for the fabled Italian styling house Pininfarina and top Bulgarian leatherworkers from Vilner.

To be more precise, this unique electric hyper car is able to produce the almost unbelievable 1088 hp (800 kW) due to its 92-kWh battery. The latter powers four sets of electric motors, placed at each wheel. The great amount of power is produced easily because all four systems can operate independently and accelerate or decelerate hundreds of times per second. And Rimac has a name for this: All-Wheel Torque Vectoring (AWTV).

Given these facts it is no surprise that Concept One’s acceleration from 0 to 60 mph in just 2.8 seconds. In addition if you wonder about the top speed of the car, it is 190 mph. The kerb weight is 1850 kg.

The concept vehicle can be seen for the first time in the UK at Salon Privé in September.

Source: Rimac

July 19, 2012

Hamann Range Rover Evoque

A complete job on the Range Rover Evoque by Hamann-Motorsport. A rather impressive display of character that can only be achieved with the help of true after market geniuses. Your personal Rangie can look like that whether it is the five-door model or the three-door “coupe”

Just looking at the finished piece, we feel intimidated by it’s aggressiveness. This might be due to the added two-part front spoiler or the new side skirts. Or maybe it’s the new fenders which broaden the vehicle’s tracks by 70 and 80 mm front and back respectively. The Evoque’s stance is also improved by the 22-inch wheels that have “anodised anthracite spokes”, titanium screws and high-gloss polished rim flanges. Even further, suspension-springs ensure 30 mm of less ground clearance which is bad for the Range Rover‘s SUV image bud good when it comes to cornering.

One will have the power to get out of a corner as well. Thanks to a sporty exhaust system, a sports air filter and some engine electronics witchcraft, the 2.2 Si4 model delivers 38 hp of additional power. The diesel engines on the other hand (the 2.2 TD4, 2.2 ED4 and 2.2 SD4) do rather respectable with another 31 hp.

Some Hamann work is clearly visible from the inside as well. But chances are that you’ll never enter two same Hamann-Motorsport Range Rover Evoques. The options list is long enough to give the opportunity of every customer to express him/herself fully.

Source: Hamann

July 19, 2012

Category: Auto News