Auto News – Page 820 – Automobiles Review

2013 Volkswagen Polo BlueGT: dynamic and efficient

2013 Volkswagen Polo BlueGT has the potential to set new benchmarks. It combines the aspects of “dynamics” and “fuel efficiency” and hence creates unheard levels of fuel efficiency.

The most important highlight in the new Polo is that it benefits from its TSI engine with active cylinder management (ACT). What it does is to basically shut off two of the engine’s four cylinders.

The torque-friendly 1.4-litre TSI engine produces power output of 103 kW / 140 PS. However it still is able to deliver fuel consumption of just 4.6* l/100 km and has 107 g/km CO2 emissions. When the Polo BlueGT is equipped (optionally) with the optional 7-speed DSG transmission, then the fuel consumption is further reduced to the number of 4.5 l/100 km and 105 g/km CO2, respectively.

Nevertheless, the BlueGT is so powerful that it has a top speed of 210 km/h, and can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 7.9 seconds.

The coexistence of efficiency and dynamic in one car is enabled by the systematic interplay of ACT, downsizing (reduced engine displacement plus direct injection and charging) and BlueMotion Technologies (Stop/Start system, battery regeneration, aerodynamic components).

In addition, the new Volkswagen model is distinctive in terms of exterior and interior as well. Externally, the BlueGT is characterised by such features as new 17-inch aluminium wheels, a roof edge spoiler, modified bumpers (with diffuser on rear bumper), distinctive side sills and a 15 mm lower ride height.

The interior of the car includes extended functional range of standard feature: multifunctional display, cruise control system, sport seats in front, ESP, front airbags, head/thorax airbags and electrohydraulic steering.

2013 Volkswagen Polo BlueGT will be available at dealerships by the end of the year with a starting price of 19 650 euro.

Source: Volkswagen

July 2, 2012

2013 Mercedes-Benz GL with market launch

2013 Mercedes-Benz GL is to be offered in three models: the GL 350 BlueTEC 4MATIC with V6 diesel engine, the V8 petrol-engined GL 500 4MATIC BlueEFFICIENCY, and the high-performance GL 63 AMG variant with V8 biturbo petrol engine. In addition, the standard equipment of the new GL Class is now further enhanced.

The luxury vehicles can be use for both on- and off-road and now include an extended range of standard equipment: electric sliding sunroof, electrically operated EASY-PACK tailgate, EASY ENTRY system for convenient access to the third row of seats from both sides, high-insulation windscreen or electromechanical steering.

In the interior, can be found the following standard equipment: colour screen with photo-realistic display and dashboard finished in ARTICO man-made leather.

2013 Mercedes-Benz GL 350 BlueTEC 4MATIC

Furthermore, the new Mercedes-Benz SUV vehicle has as a standard safety features the COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST collision warning system and ATTENTION ASSIST drowsiness detection system. One of the new GL’s innovations and highlights is the standard-fit Crosswind Assist, which helps the driver by targeted brake actuation if the vehicle is affected by sudden crosswinds.

Moreover, the GL 500 4MATIC BlueEFFICIENCY adds to these safety features the Active Parking Assist including PARKTRONIC, the Intelligent Light System, the KEYLESS-GO access and drive authorisation system, 3-zone THERMOTRONIC automatic climate control and multicontour leather seats for driver and front passenger including massage function.

More importantly however are the new added engines which deliver better performance with increased output and torque, while at the same time enabling a reduction in consumption levels. As a result, the 190 kW (258 hp) GL 350 BlueTEC 4MATIC achieves an NEDC consumption of 7.4 l/100 km, the V8 petrol model, the GL 500 4MATIC BlueEFFICIENCY, produces 320 kW (435 hp) and has torque levels of 700 Nm while consuming just 11.3 l/100 km (NEDC).

2013 Mercedes-Benz GL prices:

GL 350 BlueTEC 4MATIC €60,900 (€72,471)
GL 500 4MATIC BlueEFFICIENCY €79,500 (€94,605)
GL 63 AMG €109,500 (€130,305)

Source: Mercedes-Benz

July 2, 2012

Audi R8 e-Tron Sets World Record on the Nordschleife

After an overall victory at the 2012 Le Mans series, there comes another triumph for Audi. The R8 e-tron has set a new world record on the Nürburgring track of 8:09.099 minutes. Yes, it’s not an all-time record but a “production vehicle with an electric drive system“ kind of record . The Gumpert Apollo Sport, which by the way has an Audi V8 engine, has been around the Nürburgring for less then 7:12.00 minutes. Still, a giant leap for the all-electric car world and for the e-tron.

There are two electric motors underneath the Audi R8 e-tron that work together to produce 280 kW and 820 Nm of torque. At the same time, despite having a bulky 49 KWh T-sized battery pack bellow the cabin, the weight is down to 1,780 kg which is okay for a normal sport’s car and astonishing for an electric one. That’s mainly the result of an aluminum body with traces of CFRP parts here and there. Where we are getting at is that the R8 e-tron is capable of speeds up to 200 km/h (for the Nürburgring they had to ditch the limiter and went for the 250 km/h benchmark). From a stand still, the e-tron will reach 100 km/h in just 4.6 seconds – a time which will bring some of the best petrol equivalents to tears.

Best part of it all? It’s all natural and almost ready for production:

“Of course, the R8 e-tron is a production car, not a racing car with the assistance of aerodynamics. But with its low center of gravity and rear biased weight distribution, it brings with it a lot of sporty qualities. The torque with which the electric motors propel the car uphill beats everything that I know – even if they make hardly any noise in the process, which at the start was really a completely new experience for me. In places where I really need traction, the torque vectoring – the displacement of the torque between the powered wheels – really helps me.” Comments 32-year-old Markus Winkelhock – the e-tron driver and current record holder.

Source: Audi

June 29, 2012

McLaren MP4-12C Spider – the next high performance sports car [Video]

McLaren MP4-12C Spider will open next chapter in the story of the automotive world. Almost a year after the appearance of the MP4-12C model and days after McLaren announced that the model is going to get some significant upgrades, they have just revealed their new high performance sports car – McLaren MP4-12C Spider.

The Spider will bring ore versatility to the range with its open top. In addition it will be powered by the astonishing twin-turbo V8-engine which will deliver an experience of 625 horsepower (460 kW), to everyone riding this open roofed 12C Spider.

As a basis of this model served the same super stiff carbon fibre MonoCell chassis as its hardtop sibling and this means that it will be nothing else but exciting and dynamic to drive.

Nevertheless, the open top is going to dial up the sensations experienced, the emotions felt and the noise heard. Can you already imagine it?

More information around this new exciting McLaren is going to be revealed in the next few days.

In the video below Jenson Button (Vodafone McLaren Mercedes Racing driver) speaks about the connection he feels with the machine he drives and about what he senses when driving a 300 km/h open top car.

httpv://youtu.be/TRNjLjlaeNc

Source: McLaren

June 29, 2012

2013 Jaguar XJ – Pricing and Specifications

More details around 2013 Jaguar XJ has just been revealed. The vehicle will benefit from improved efficiency, more comfort and functional technologies.

Jaguar’s most technologically advanced car is now more efficient and refined than ever before. In order to improve the overall efficiency of the XJ, the brand has included an eight-speed ZF transmission with Intelligent Stop-Start as standard to it.

This new feature leads to lower fuel consumption and emissions and now the XJ is expected to achieve 47 MPG while emitting 159g/km of CO2.

Further improvements concerning the performance of the Jaguar have been thanks to the introduction of a new 3.0-litre, supercharged V6 powertrain. This one produces 340 hp (250 kW) and 450Nm (332 lb-ft) of torque.

Next, some upgrades have been done on the suspension of the car. Alongside the exciting new powertrain line-up all models in the range will include re-calibrated spring and damper tunes as well as remapped damper software, thus delivering enhanced ride isolation and passenger comfort.

2013 Jaguar XJ Specifications:

Engine Variant	3.0 V6 S/C Petrol	5.0 V8 S/C Petrol
Layout	V6 cylinder	V8 cylinder
Capacity	2995 cc	5000 cc
Power	340PS	510 PS
Torque	450 Nm	625 Nm
Fuel economy	9.4 l/100km (30mpg)	11.3 l/100 km (25mpg)
CO2 emissions	224g/km	268g/km
Performance (0-60 mph)	5.7secs	4.7 secs
Performance (0-100 kph)	5.9 secs	4.9 secs

Engine Variant	3.0 V6 Diesel S
Layout	V6 cylinder
Capacity	2,993 cc
Power	275 PS
Torque	600 Nm
Fuel economy	6.0 l/100 km (47mpg)
CO2 emissions	159 g/km
Performance (0-60 mph)	5.9 secs
Performance (0-100 kph)	6.4 secs

2013 Jaguar XJ Pricing:

XJ 13MY on-the-road (OTR) Pricing (£)
Standard wheel-base
XJ 3.0 Diesel Luxury	56,260
XJ 3.0 Diesel Premium Luxury	60,060
XJ 3.0 Diesel Portfolio	67,260
XJ 3.0 S/C Petrol Premium Luxury	65,365
XJ 3.0 S/C Petrol Portfolio	72,815
XJ 3.0 S/C Petrol Supersport	91,735

Long wheel-base
XJ 3.0 Diesel Luxury	59,260
XJ 3.0 Diesel Premium Luxury	63,060
XJ 3.0 Diesel Portfolio	70,260
XJ 3.0 S/C Petrol Premium Luxury	68,515
XJ 3.0 S/C Petrol Portfolio	75,815
XJ 3.0 S/C Petrol Supersport	95,235

Source: Jaguar

June 29, 2012

2012 Mazda Axela 20S-SKYACTIV Advanced Style with number of upgrades

2012 Mazda Axela is now upgraded and includes Mazda’s SKYACTIV-G 2.0 engine. In addition, the special edition Mazda Axela Sports 20S-SKYACTIV Advanced Style now has enhanced features such as leather seats, a leather-wrapped parking brake lever, and cruise control.

Furthermore, the ride quality has been improved and noise in the cabin has been further minimized thanks to the sound insulation and sound-proof glass. The model’s sporty features include a speedometer scaled up to 240km/h and a large rear roof spoiler.

2012 Mazda Axela 20S-SKYACTIV Advanced Style

Next, there have been upgrades which concern the safety features. For instance, Mazda now includes Adaptive Front-lighting System (AFS), which alters the direction of the headlights in accordance with vehicle speed and steering movements.

Additionally, the Rear Vehicle Monitoring system detects cars which approach from behind on either side of the Axela when driving on the highway. Then, warning signals become active there is a risk of collision.

The most important update here however is the revisions to the fuel management system of the highly efficient SKYACTIV-G 2.0 direct-injection gasoline engine. The result is enhanced fuel economy.

The Axela Sport 20C-SKYACTIV and 20S-SKYACTIV, which run on 15-inch tires, achieve a fuel economy rating of 17.4km/L.

Main features of the special edition 2012 Mazda Axela Sport 20S-SKYACTIV Advanced Style are: superior high quality interior, genuine leather seats and a parking brake lever with genuine leather cover, quieter cabin, sound-proof glass, additional acoustic insulation beneath the hood and below the instrument panel, thicker sound and vibration padding under the front seats and addition of acoustic insulation below the A-pillar, sporty interior and exterior design, 17-inch reflective aluminum wheels, speedometer scaled up to 240 km/h, enhanced safety and comfort, Adaptive Front lighting System (AFS), discharge headlights (bi-xenon), Rear Vehicle Monitoring system, automatic anti-glare rear view mirror, 8-way power adjustable driver’s seat, cruise control.

2012 Mazda Axela 20S-SKYACTIV Advanced Style Interior

2012 Mazda Axela Data:

	Model grade	Drive	Engine	Transmission
Sedan	15C	FWD	MZR1.5L (1500 DOHC)	CVT (7 speed Activematic)
	20C-SKYACTIV		SKYACTIV-G 2.0 (2000 DOHC)	SKYACTIV-Drive (6-speed EC-AT Activematic)
	20E-SKYACTIV		SKYACTIV-G 2.0 (2000 DOHC)	SKYACTIV-Drive (6-speed EC-AT Activematic)
	20E (4WD)	4WD	MZR2.0L (2000 DOHC)	4-speed EC-AT
Sports	15C	FWD	MZR1.5L (1500 DOHC)	CVT (7 speed Activematic)
	15S		MZR1.5L (1500 DOHC)	CVT (7 speed Activematic)
	20C-SKYACTIV		SKYACTIV-G 2.0 (2000 DOHC)	SKYACTIV-Drive (6-speed EC-AT Activematic)
	20S-SKYACTIV		SKYACTIV-G 2.0 (2000 DOHC)	SKYACTIV-Drive (6-speed EC-AT Activematic)
	Mazdaspeed Axela		MZR2.3L DISI Turbo (2300 DOHC)	6-speed MT
	20E (4WD)	4WD	MZR2.0L (2000 DOHC)	4-speed EC-AT

Source: Mazda

June 29, 2012

Most Powerful Ford Mustang Going to Goodwood

Ford will, for the first time ever, ship one of their most powerful Mustangs ever outside of the US. The occasion is the Goodwood festival which will be held this weekend. More importantly however, the latest Shelby GT500 will serve as a fitting tribute to the now deceased Carroll Shelby.

The “pony” is to participate in the famous Goodwood hillclimb with guest drivers behind the wheel. They’ll have to keep in mind that the 2013 Ford Shelby GT500 has an aluminum 5.8-liter supercharged V8 engine that produces 662 hp and 631 lb-ft of torque. In other words – the most powerful North American production car yet. It sounds rudimentary, but the features that put control on that power are abundant as well – updated gearing for superior traction management, suspension tuning and a clever launch control that can be adjusted manually as well. Then there’s the brute counter force: Brembo six-piston (front) calipers. This particular one will also be stuck with the otherwise optional Performance Package which adds electronically adjustable dampers and a Torsen limited-slip differential and then a Track Package that integrates three additional coolers to the system. A worthy commemoration of Carroll Shelby.

Distinctive outside features include, downforce-friendly front grilles, a pointy splitter, a new quad-exhaust system and new forged-aluminium wheels.

Carroll Shelby passed on May the 10th 2012, leaving behind an engineering legacy, 16 US and international world speed records and a number of charity deeds. One of his most famous works – the Cobra – still sends shivers through the spines of motoring enthusiasts. In 2003 he began his joint venture with Ford which resulted in the making of the Mustang Shelby GT series.

Source: Ford

June 29, 2012

2012 Seat Ibiza by JE Design

JE Design has introduced their tuning program for the new 2012 Seat Ibiza – the 6 J model. The hot hatchback is now even sportier and the tuning specialists will emphasize the vehicle’s Spanish genes with a wide range of accessories.

The exterior package includes of a front spoiler, headlamp covers, side skirts, a carbon-effect rear apron attachment and roof edge spoiler. All parts are made from high-quality ABS and fit perfectly. The total price of the aerodynamic package is €1238. Available as an optional extra is a centrally placed trapezoid tailpipe priced at €399.

The stance is improved by installing a set of suspension-lowering springs putting the ride 35 mm closer to the ground – €149. If you prefer, there is a coil-over suspension, which can lower the car up to 50-60mm.

The ride rolls 7J x 17” Multispoke alloy wheels finished in shadow silver or matt black with a polished lip. The set is €1809 and €1920, respectively. There is a bigger variant of 7.5J x 18” wheels set with 215/35 R18 tires also in the Multispoke design. The shadow silver variant is €2380 and the matt black with a polished lip €2460.

Last, but not least are the performance modifications. For the 1.2 liter TSI boosted to 140HP (103 kW) and 230Nm cutting the acceleration to 100 km/h in 0.7 seconds. The 1.6 liter TDI is now has 125HP (92 kW) and 295Nm of torque. The prices are €1399 and €1099, respectively. All prices include value added tax at 19%.

The sports accessories for the new Seat Ibiza are available now from JE DESIGN or any Seat partner.

Source: Je Design

June 29, 2012

Street legal Audi S3 – 8.84 seconds at 1/4 mile – 1000++ HP

Here is the world’s fastest street legal Audi prepared by “0-400 tune 2 race”.

The brutal S3 has an R32 turbocharged engine under the hood with over 1000HP (with words – one thousand). The R32 engine is a 3.2 liter V6 producing originally 241HP and 320Nm of torque.

The turbocharger makes over 2.3 bar pressure, so as we may suggest everything in the engine is completely reworked.

It is very interesting that the gearbox is actually the original with only modified 3^rd and 4^th gear. The turbocharged S3 launches from 2^nd gear, which explains the amazing 60ft time – 1.41 seconds.

The terminal speed of the monster is 259.36 km/h and the record is 8.844 seconds.

Enjoy the video!

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fcjptiO168M

Source: pag206k9 via Youtube

June 28, 2012

Switzer Prepare 1000HP Nissan GT-R Ultimate Street Edition

This is a 1000 HP Switzer Nissan GT-R. It will be known as the Ultimate Street Edition but it won’t be the most powerful product ever to come from the Oberlin, Ohio-based company. No, back in 2010 there came out another GT-R labeled R1KX that had 1000 and above WHP but it was essentially a track-happy sort of car and a nightmare in the real world. It had a tendency to overheat in traffic jams, to shift gears in a jerky manner, and a thirst for a racing-grade kind of fuel. The only practical use of it was to shed tenths of a second on lap times. This one though, the USE is a car that can be driven “comfortably every day, to the track or the office or the grocery store, on the highway or in bumper-to-bumper traffic” claims Tym Switzer.

Still, it will have 1000 crankshaft hp no doubt and that figure hasn’t been achieved by shoving in a W16 engine under the hood or something like that. In fact, the Switzer people are so full of admiration towards the Nissan brand that the 3.8L engine block has been essentially untouched. What they have done however, is to stick two liquid-cooled turbochargers to it. Turbochargers with sophisticated billet compressor wheels that is. They provide over 30% more free-flow when compared to more ordinary turbines. The intercoolers are also from Switzer and so is the new overall cooling system. The exhaust system on the other hand, has been specifically made to behave like a dentist’s drill on the streets and like a jack hummer on the track. The suspension is lower but the ride will be somehow better we are told:

“Softer tires, adjustable shocks, and serious reductions in unsprung weight all come together in these cars. Once you factor in our ‘nano-carbon’ brake pads that improve bite and reduce fade, you have a package that’s better than stock in every way, without punishing your kidneys from being super-stiff.”

Switzer Nissan GT-R Ultimate Street Edition

The one thing that has been replaced completely, is the transmission. At that point, Shepherd Transmissions had to come up with something that will withstand and utilize immense amounts of power and at the same time prevent your neck from snapping during shifts.

Not an easy job working on a Godzilla – it’s packed full of sophisticated electronics that will make your ears bleed as soon as they detect some hardware changes. But Switzer are out there when it comes to GT-R overhauling. And this, the Swtizer Nissan GT-R Ultimate Street Edition proves that they can do that with finesse as well.

The Switzer Nissan GT-R Ultimate Street Edition dyno test

Source: Switzer

June 28, 2012

Pagani Zonda R Evo official debut at 2012 Goodwood Festival of Speed

Pagani will present the Zonda R Evo at the 2012 Goodwood Festival of Speed, which starts tomorrow. The ultimate race car holds the record at the Nurburgring Nordschleife.

The Zonda R Evo has some minor upgrades like boosting the mighty V12 to 760HP and enhancements to the bodywork. The suspension is also revised.

At the annual show in the UK, Bernd Schneider will drive the V12-powered racer up the hill climb.

The official release of Pagani Zonda R Evo at Goodwood is accompanied by the worldwide release of the 2013 Bentley Continental GT Speed, private showing of the Porsche 918 Spyder, and the official release of the 2013 Mercedes-Benz CLS Shooting Brake.

Stay tuned for more information about one of the fastest cars in the world!

Enjoy the video.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S4gs19CMvyI

Source: autoblogr via Youtube

June 28, 2012

Sexy Blonde High Speed Getaway Supercharged 620HP BMW M3 V8 [HD video]

Here is a very nice video by vividracing, who has combined two of the most desirable things on Earth – a sexy blonde girl in a tight black dress and a powerful Supercharged BMW E90 M3.

The car is boosted to whopping 620HP thanks to a VF Engineering supercharger kit. The M3 also comes with a complete Vorsteiner aero package including front and rear aprons as well as a pair of side skirts. Among the upgrades, you’ll also find a custom Lamborghini green Brembo big brake kit behind the enormous Volk Racing G2 wheels in dimensions 9J x 20” up front and 11J x 20” at the rear axle fitted with Toyo T1 tires 265/30 ZR20 and 295/30 ZR20, respectively.

Of course, nothing is mentioned about the “upgrades” of the blonde, but hopefully everything is natural.

Enjoy the video!

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BV4wgPZe_Qk

Source: vividracing via Youtube

June 28, 2012

Category: Auto News