Auto News – Page 821 – Automobiles Review

HRE P40SC Porsche 997 Turbo adds more contrast to the road

What could make a Porsche 977 Turbo stand out among the rest? The answer is a dramatic grey and red contrast. It has been achieved thanks to the enhancement which has been done with the help of HRE Wheels.

The car is originally equipped with a 6-cylinder, 3.8 liter boxer engine generating 500 hp (370 kW). The Porsche is equipped with manual 7-speed PDK dual-clutch gearbox, sport-chrono package, featuring the availability of an electronically controlled launch-control and an overboost-function for temporary increasing the turbo-pressure.

HRE-P40SC-Porsche-997-Turbo-644 — HRE P40SC Porsche 997 Turbo

Therefore which this amazing amount of horsepower it is no wonder that this Porsche can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in only 3.4 seconds, reaching its top speed of 194 mph (312 km/h).

Now, with the set of HRE P40SC Wheels in Brushed Red with a fitment of 20″x9″ at the front and 20″x13″ at the rear, the 977 can be the star on the road, making everyone who isn’t driving it envy.

Source: HRE Wheels

June 28, 2012

Enhanced McLaren MP4-12C GT3

McLaren has announced their Enhanced McLaren MP4-12C GT3. It will be driven by Vodafone McLaren Mercedes driver Jenson Button. The sports car will make its official debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed this year.

In addition, McLaren GT will unveil a McLaren 12C GT3 race car adorned with a unique livery, which highlights McLaren Group’s support of the ‘GREAT’ campaign launched this year by the Prime Minister’s Office and Department for Culture, Media and Sport. The GREAT campaign is designed to re-affirm Britain’s international reputation and deliver long-term economic benefits through additional tourism, trade and education.

In 2010 McLaren Automotive wowed the Goodwood crowds with the launch of the 12C, and last year the 12C GT3 made its public dynamic debut at the event. For the third year in succession, McLaren will debut an exciting new version of its groundbreaking sports car.

The twin-turbocharged V8 is boosted to 625HP. There are also other upgrades – a striking Volcano Yellow paint finish, exclusive new interior trim comprising high quality Semi-Aniline perforated Leather and Alcantara,and a new Diamond Cut finish available for multiple wheel designs.

The Production Prototype 12C prepared for the Michelin Supercar Run at Goodwood is presented in a stunning Volcano Red exterior colour, features the new optional Leather interior and will be complete with Lightweight Forged Alloy Wheels in Diamond Cut finish. The new 12C model from McLaren will be available to view up close throughout the event in the Goodwood Supercar Paddock.

The GREAT 12C GT3 will be running in Batch 3 of the Hill programme on Friday, Saturday and Sunday at Goodwood Festival of Speed. Two high profile British guests from the world of entertainment will each experience 12C road car performance as they join McLaren’s professional racing drivers as passengers in the Michelin Supercar Run at 12.35pm on Saturday and Sunday respectively.

Source: McLaren

June 28, 2012

2012 Mazda Verisa gets upgraded

2012 Mazda Verisa gets upgraded will get several upgrades including refined color options for both exterior and interior and in addition will offer its customers enhanced safety features.

Mazda will equip the new Verisa new body colour, named Dolphin Gray Mica. This means that seven body colors will be now available for this model. Furthermore the color of the seat cushion fabric in the C model grade has been changed from Lilac Gray to Tailored Black.

To go along with this change the meter hood and glove box lid have been changed to black, giving the interior a more luxurious outlook.

Moreover, the headrests on the front seats have been enlarged and now the comfort of the Mazda is further improved. The headrests on the side rear seats have been redesigned with the same aim.

The center rear seat has been fitted with a headrest and a three-point seatbelt, improving even more the car’s safety features.

Source: Mazda

June 28, 2012

Porsche 918 Spyder concept debuts at Goodwood

Porsche 918 Spyder concept has just made its debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed. It was introduced to the wide public back in the 2010 at the Geneva Motor Show, where it gathered praises and received overwhelming reaction from the sports car enthusiasts.

918 Spyder has unique hybrid technology, thanks to Porsche’s Intelligent Performance system. The latter is responsible for the estimated fuel consumption of the car of 3 liters per kilometer (or 94 mpg), equating to CO2 emissions of 70 g/km. The supercar is equipped with V8 petrol engine which generates more than 500 hp (368 kW). In addition this engine is assisted by two electric motors with a total of 160 kW (218hp).

The energy storage unit is a liquid-cooled lithium-ion battery that can be charged from a conventional domestic power socket, delivering a range in excess of 25km (16 miles) in the NEDC on purely electric power.

Thanks to the great power it has, this super sports car accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in a maximum of 3.2 seconds and has a top speed of more than 320 km/h (199 mph).

And what about the design of this concept? As you can see it carries the design DNA of the Carrera GT and Porsche 917 race car, as well as the RS Spyder. Despite all the similarities, the production version of the two-seater will include a manual roof system with removable roof panels which can be stowed in the front luggage compartment.

First prototypes of the 918 Spyder are currently undergoing their final specification definition. They will include groundbreaking solutions such as the full carbon fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) monocoque with unit carrier, fully adaptive aerodynamics, adaptive rear axle steering and the upward-venting ‘top pipes’ exhaust system.

Production of the 918 Spyder will start in September 2013, and will be limited up to 918 units. The delivery of the first vehicles will begin in November 2013 and will be priced from 645 000 Euro.

Porsche 918 Spyder Specifications:

Body:	Two-seater Spyder; carbon fibre reinforced plastics (CFRP) monocoque interlocked with CFRP unit carrier; two-piece Targa roof; fixed roll-over protection system.

Drivetrain:	Parallel full hybrid; 4.6-litre V8 mid-engine with dry sump lubrication; hybrid module with electric motor and decoupler; electric motor with decoupler and gear unit on front axle; electrical system recuperation; four cooling circuits for motors, transmission and battery; thermal management.

Engine Power:	> 570 hp (V8 engine) ~ 90 kW (hybrid module on rear axle) ~ 80 kW (electric motor on front axle) > 770 hp (combined)

Suspension:	Double-wishbone front axle; optional electro-pneumatic lift system on front axle; electro-mechanical power steering; multi-link rear axle with adaptive electromechanical system for individual rear wheel steering

Brake system:	High-performance hybrid brake system with adaptive recuperation; ceramic brake discs (PCCB).

Energy supply:	Lithium-ion battery with 6.8 kWh capacity (BOL nominal), 202 kW maximum power and mains compatible plug-in charger.

Performance:	Top speed > 325 km/h (201mph) purely electric > 150 km/h (93mph) Acceleration: 0 – 100 km/h < 3.0 s

Consumption (NEDC):	Total ~ 3.0 l/100 km (94 mpg)

CO2 emissions:	Total ~ 70 g/km

Range:	Purely electric > 25 km (15 miles)

Source: Porsche

June 28, 2012

VATH Show Class with the Mercedes-Benz 300 SEL

The guys at VATH are notorious for taking in already vicious AMGs and turning out even more viscious AMGs. But what follows here is proof that deep down, their philosophy is not all steroids and swagger. It’s a restoration program that involves a Mercedes-Benz 300 SEL – a pinnacle of luxury that dates back to the 70s.

So what have they done exactly to it? Besides looking very crisp… and having additional rally style projector lights installed, the 300 SEL has had it’s engine completely taken apart and inspected. Everything from the cylinder head to the crankshaft has been milled, drilled and rebuild. The pistons have been replaced and the connecting rods along with the bearings on them: renewed and modified. It’s all precision work when working in VATH. More peripheral components are usually inspected as well – think in terms of oil or water pumps or axles even. As an end stage, the SEL goes through some computer diagnostics and then it is ready to go out.

And although it will not fly out the garage, it might raise some smoke. The original Mercedes-Benz SEL 300 had (and evidently still has) an M100 V8 engine with 6.3 liters of displacement. That translates in 250 PS and 510 Nm of torque. 6.5 seconds, even by today’s standards, sounds pretty brisk when doing the 60 mph run. Top speed – 220 km/h. But all of that is irrelevant really. If we were to take a ride in it, the needle will be stuck around the cruising 30 mph so that everyone on the streets can marvel at the majestic sight of a VATH Mercedes-Benz 300 SEL.

Source: VATH

June 28, 2012

Oxigen Add Color to 14 Oxrock Line

Let’s talk about wrapping again. Apparently a fairly popular marque of wheels can now come with certain candy shades. It’s the 14 Oxrock line from Oxigin – the Esslingen, Germany based manufacturer.

All Oxigin 14 alloy wheels can have some high-grade foil applied to them and the colour spectrum is immense. Leather based foils are also available. Also, unless you like to grind curbs on a daily basis, the wrapping should last and should not fade.

Oxigen even have a sample car for us which is a Porsche 911 with an appropriately coordinated theme that matches the wheels. We personally wouldn’t go for the baby blue (red on black is our weakness) but the end effect is satisfying.

Porsche 911 with wrapped Oxigen 14 Oxrock

The Oxigin 14 Oxrock can be supplied in the following dimensions:

7.5×17 inches
8.5×18 inches
8.5×19 inches
9.5×19 inches
8.5×20 inches
9.5×20 inches
11×20 inches
10×22 inches

You’ll get some documentation as well – ABE or TÜV. Quality stuff.

Source: Oxigin

June 28, 2012

Mazda MX-5 Kuro Special Edition hits the roads in July

Mazda MX-5 Kuro Special Edition is all about involvement in the motorsport world, which will go on sale in the beginning of the next month. The sportscar carries a Brilliant Black roof, Brilliant Black door mirrors and dark gunmetal 17-inch alloy wheels, contrast with the three exterior colours – Velocity Red Mica, Crystal White Pearlescent and Brilliant Black. In fact, the word “Kuro” stands for black in Japanese.

This Mazda model is based on the MX-5 SE and Sport Tech models and is available in two variants: 1.8i Soft-top and a 2.0i Roadster Coupe. Some of the specification highlights here include: a diffuser-style rear sports bumper, larger diameter sports exhaust, unique race car inspired exterior graphics, Black detailing around the front grille and front fog lights, plus unique ‘Kuro Edition’ badging.

The interior of the MX-5 Kuro includes unique Stone and Black heated leather seats, Stone leather door inserts, with contrasting red stitching, a silver interior deco panel with red accents, alloy pedals, premium floor mats with race inspired logo and climate control air-conditioning.

In fact, the MX-5 has been voted “Best Roadster” by Auto Express magazine for six years in a row. This is because the models have all the dynamic attributes of a great sportscar: front-engined, rear-wheel drive chassis to deliver perfect balance, with razor-sharp handling and pure driving exhilaration. The Kuro model has them all, of course.

More importantly, there is a choice between two powertrains. The first one is the 126 hp (93 kW) 1.8i engine mated to the five-speed gearbox. This one goes only with the Soft-top version. And if you like more power and prefer roadster, then the Mazda MX-5 Kuro Roadster Coupe will offer you the 160 hp (118 kW) 2.0i engine, mated to a six-speed manual transmission.

As a true sportscar, this Mazda model accelerates from 0 to 60 mph for just 9.9sec, when in Soft-top veriosn, and in 7.9sec – when in Roadster Coupe version. The top speeds here are 121mph and 136mph respectively.

The handling stability of the vehicle is ensured by Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), Traction Control System (TCS), Limited Slip Differential (LSD), side airbags.

The starting price for the Mazda MX-5 1.8i Kuro Soft-top is £18 495 and for the Mazda MX-5 2.0i Kuro Roadster Coupe is £21 995.

Mazda MX-5 ‘Kuro’ Soft-top otional equipment includes (above standard model):

Unique 17-inch dark gunmetal alloy wheels with 205/45 R17 tyres, Brilliant Black roof and door mirrors, Diffuser-style rear sports bumper, Larger, sports-style exhaust tailpipe, Black front grille and front fog lights surrounds, Stone & Black heated leather seats and stone door trim, Leather steering wheel and handbrake, ‘Red’ colour stitching on seats and door trim, Alloy pedal set, Silver fashion bar covers, Silver decoration panel with Red accents, Climate control air-conditioning, Unique ‘Kuro’ exterior badging and race logo premium floor mats.

Mazda MX-5 ‘Kuro’ Roadster Coupe otional equipment includes (above the Soft-top model):

Cruise control, Side airbags, 6-speed transmission, Bilstein suspension, Integrated Bluetooth® system, Bose® 6-CD and additional speaker.

Mazda MX-5 Kuro Performance & Economy:

Soft-top	Power (ps)	Torque (Nm)	0-62mph (sec)	Top Speed (mph)	Combined (mpg)
1.8i Kuro	126	167	9.9	121	39.8
Roadster Coupe
2.0i Kuro	160	188	7.9	136	36.2

Source: Mazda

June 27, 2012

Graf Weckerle Audi R8 – a sense of perfection

Graf Weckerle Audi R8 is an example how little details can make the car look even more astonishing than possibly imagined. The reason for this is that this Audi R8 has been equipped with Graf Weckerle’s Collection Sport package.

The aim of the professionals from Graf Weckerle is to give an elegant and yet athletic improvement of the overall appearance of the Audi. First, what they have done is to include the one-of-a-kind lightweight multi-piece Graf Weckerle Collection Sport Forged Wheels. They have been designed especially for this car with the single aim to match its exterior.

These ultra lightweight aluminum wheel rims received a special high-gloss black coating. At the same time the forged and machined wheel discs were polished to a brilliant finish. And as you can see the aluminum center emblem has also been polished and is now making a dramatic contrast to the engraved and hand-enameled Graf Weckerle logo.

The dimensions of the wheels on which this R8 runs are 9 x 20 with tires 245/30 R 20 at the front axle and 11 x 20 with tires 305/25 R 20 on the rear axle.

Another visual highlight here is that the car has been further refined thanks to the hand-painted Graf Weckerle Coachline. The Audi R8 is finished in two shades of anthracite and it is accented by the characteristic Graf Weckerle brand logo which is positioned on the Sideblade of the R8. And this definitely goes so harmonious with the custom wheel rims that one couldn’t imagine more perfect combination.

To keep up with the dynamic wheels, the Graf Weckerle engineers and designers have installed a fully adjustable aluminum coilover suspension. The purpose of this type of suspension is to enhance both handling and looks.

At last, the performance of the R8 has also been significantly improved. The 4.2 FSI engine of the Audi received a remapped ECU and was joined by a handmade stainless steel exhaust system with exhaust flaps which can be regulated by a remote control. The result is almost unbelievable: now the Audi generates up to 455 horsepower (355 kW).

At last, to make everything perfect, Graf Weckerle took care even for the last detail: the exhaust tips have been covered with a matte black ceramic coating.

Source: Graf Weckerle

June 27, 2012

2013 Hyundai Santa Fe – Pricing

2013 Hyundai Santa Fe is the latest new generation SUV delivered by Hyundai and it is going to be at dealerships in the middle of October this year.

The new Santa Fe is powered by a 2.2-litre CRDi engine which generates 197 hp (145 kW) and 311lb ft (230 Nm) of torque. This engine is mated to a six-speed manual transmission as a standard, and optionally can be coupled with six-speed automatic one.

The 4WD manual Santa Fe has combined fuel consumption figure of 46.3mpg and 159g/km of CO2 emissions. On the other hand the automatic model delivers 41.5mpg and just 178g/km, respectively.

The new Hyundai SUV model is available in three trim levels and a choice of either five- or seven-seat configurations. In addition there is a wide range of standard equipment features which the customers of 2013 Santa Fe will enjoy.

For example the vehicle runs on 18-inch alloy wheels, which are in the standard package. In it are also featured body coloured door handles, body coloured door mirrors with integrated indicator lights, reverse parking sensors, daytime running lights, self-levelling suspension (seven seat only), rear spoiler with high-mounted brake light, air conditioning, Bluetooth® with voice recognition, multi-function steering wheel and Hyundai’s adjustable Flex Steer™ system.

But the list of the standard equipment doesn’t finish here. A number of safety features are also included: ESP, Hill Start Assist, Vehicle Stability Management, Trailer Stability Assist and seven airbags, and Active Bonnet System.

The first trim of the model is called Premium and its function is to add to the standard equipment touchscreen satellite navigation, reverse parking camera with Parking Guidance System, electric folding door mirrors with puddle lamps, dual zone climate control, heated front seats, roof rails, chrome effect door handles and black leather seat trim.

The second trim – Premium SE, consists of vast array of comfort, safety, and luxury features. It adds to the Premium feature the following: 19-inch alloy wheels, electric driver’s seat adjustment, Panoramic sunroof, Xenon headlights, keyless entry with engine start/stop button, front parking sensors, Smart Parking Assist, tyre pressure monitoring system, Supervision Cluster with LCD display.

2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Rear

2013 Hyundai Santa Fe prices:

New Generation Santa Fe

	Fuel Type	CO2 Emissions g/km	Recommended On The Road Price £
Style
2.2 CRDi 5 seat 2WD manual	D	155	25,495.00
2.2 CRDi 7 seat 2WD manual	D	155	26,695.00
2.2 CRDi 5 seat 4WD manual	D	159	26,895.00
2.2 CRDi 5 seat 4WD automatic	D	178	28,595.00
2.2 CRDi 7 seat 4WD manual	D	159	28,095.00
2.2 CRDi 7 seat 4WD automatic	D	178	29,795.00
Premium
2.2 CRDi 5 seat 4WD manual	D	159	28,995.00
2.2 CRDi 5 seat 4WD automatic	D	178	30,695.00
2.2 CRDi 7 seat 4WD manual	D	159	30,195.00
2.2 CRDi 7 seat 4WD automatic	D	178	31,895.00
Premium SE
2.2 CRDi 7 seat 4WD manual	D	159	32,695.00
2.2 CRDi 7 seat 4WD automatic	D	178	34,395.00

Source: Hyundai

June 27, 2012

BMW M3 Wrapped by CAM SHAFT and More

A silver painted…sorry…wrapped BMW M3. It’s the latest work from the German based Cam Shaft company. And it’s not really silver if we have to be honest: “mat space-gray metallic” is what they’ve told us. The foil itself is from the brand Bruxafol and is described as Platinum Wrapping Film. All may sound like fancy talk, but underneath the Guerilla M3 (that’s how they called it) is not what you call ordinary.

No, this M3 is a complex blend of custom parts that bring up some of the biggest names in the business. Take the front apron for example. It’s from Racing Dynamics. The die sills are courtesy of Hamman Motorsport and the exhaust system comes from the guys at Akrapovovic. The whole car sits closer to the ground thanks to a variant 3 KW coil over kit and thus the 19-inch BBS-Le Mans wheels, which themselves are wrapped with 245/35ZR19 and 265/35ZR19 tires front and back, look as prominent as they can be. Even the interior has an additional touch of carbon and aluminum under the brand of Hartge.

It’s nice to see that Cam Shaft are not all about the wrapping. Substance is what matters to us most and we can’t complain about that here with the Guerilla BMW M3.

Source: Cam Shaft

June 26, 2012

GEMBALLA Add Aero 2 GT Kit to Porsche Cayenne

Gemballa see themselves as the force of evolution and today’s subject is the Porsche Cayenne 958. For it, they have a GT AERO 2 package which is basically a second stage carbon fiber body kit that adds a little flare to an already existing one – the GT AERO 1. Apparently, the latter was introduced at the beginning of this year.

So the GT AERO 2 adds wheel arch extensions and connecting side sills that “emphasize” (broaden) the Cayenne‘s width. Also…that’s about it. Everything aftermarketish on this Cayenne is the stuff seen on the GT AERO 1. That is, the front bumper and splitter, the rear bumper and the six tailpipes that stick out from it. The rooftop spoiler is the work of Gemballa too.

All finished and easily fitted, they had to find the appropriate wheels to fill in those arches. Will a set of 22-inch Gemballa bulks of alloy do the job?

Source: Gemballa

June 26, 2012

2012 DMC Lamborghini Murcielago LP700 M-GT

2012 DMC Lamborghini Murcielago LP700 M-GT will leave in awe every Lamborghini fan thanks to its styling and performance kit delivered by the German based DMC Exotic Car Tuning Company. Here DMC‘s team aimed to refresh the supercars look in terms of exterior and interior while staying true to the original line. The result is incredible.

The M-GT has a clear outlook with the pure aggressive stance of the design DNA of the LP670. To achieve greater downforce on the front, DMC tuners redesigned the front and rear bumper with integrated diffusers. All parts that are used were manufactured in pure carbon fiber by an Autoclave. Another addition is the newly developed rear wing spoiler.

On the other hand the interior of the DMC Lamborghini Murcielago LP700 M-GT has a cockpit which provides sports racing atmosphere. A complete make-over has been done with the help of carbon fiber and fine leathers, and of cours with great attention to the detail.

How about the exhaust of this Lamborghini? The DMC stainless sports rear end pipe emits a sound similar to that generated from race tracks. In addition, this end pipe gives the car even sportier rear look. The exhaust system can be further extended with a DMC sport metallic catalytic converter.

What is more important here is to mention that while the traditional Lamborghini design includes combined overhead throttle valves per cylinder bank, DMC has decided to use 12 unique single intake throttle plates, one per each cylinder.

The gasoline pumps and lines, as well as pressure modulators and injection nozzles are also replaced by new components. The new requirements therefore will be met with the new crankshafts created. Further optimization will happen on the engine electronics, an electronic load pressure control system, and in addition a new wiring will be included as well. Eventually, this will make possible for the engine to be rebranded as LP700.

Source: DMC

June 26, 2012

Category: Auto News