Auto News – Page 823 – Automobiles Review

Vauxhall Corsa Turns to the Dark Side

It’s a Corsa Black. Don’t worry, AMG are still doing what they should be doing (Mercs). This one here is just a special ‘Black Edition‘ from Vauxhall. It’s not just stitches on the steering wheel and fresh new cup holders on it however. No, the Vauxhall Corsa Black Edition introduces a whole new engine to the range.

It’s a 1.4 liter turbo engine that develops 120 PS and 175 Nm which start at 1,750 rpm. To our ears, which are used to hearing blistering performance figures, a Vmax of 121 mph and an acceleration from 0 to 60 mph in 9.7 seconds sounds like ages. But let’s be real about it and say that this is pretty swift. It should be fun to drive as well despite the lack of suspension tweaking. It might be fun at the gas station also. Because it has a Start/Stop system and is turbocharged, the Corsa Black retains a stunning fuel economy of 51.4 mpg.

On the outside some of the Black Edition features include color oriented bumpers, side skirts and a black rear spoiler. For some extra aggression, the front and back lights are also dark styled and the rear side windows are tinted in black. You get fog lights as well. Finally there’s a “Black” logo somewhere along the lines and 17-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels.

Inside you do get a leather steering wheel but also some leather sports seats, sports pedals, silver stitching and matt chrome air vent surrounds. You can opt for some clever tech if you wish. Think in terms of Vauxhall‘s Touch and Connect infotainment system, climate control and adaptive forward lightning. There will be only 500 examples of it (3-door and 5-door versions) so in a way, it will be pretty exclusive. Did we mention that the body color is black?

Source: Vauxhall

June 22, 2012

Lumma Design BMW M6

The BMW M6 is not yet fully out but Lumma Design cannot wait any longer. Here’s a brief glimpse of what they intend on doing to it. Don’t worry, no Mses have been hurt during the process. Their idea is, quite unsurprisingly, is to make the new BMW M6 “even more” sporty and appealing.

How are they going to that? With carbon fiber of course. What we can see here is a complete aerodynamic kit comprising of bumpers, side skirts and vents and everything. The wheel arches are now flaring with their full force, and the carbon fiber hood leaves a lasting impression and hopefully, it saves weight. From the diffuser at the back, sticks out a Lumma central double-pipe exhaust system. Multi-piece wheels provided from the company measure up to 12.5×21. That’s a serious caliber.

On the inside, Lumma have made an effort as well. Once you step in, a mash up of leather, Alcantra and carbon fiber overwhelms you. Elegance plus Sportiness – it is a well known formula.

The BMW M6 with it’s bi-tubro V8 engine and it’s 412 kW of power go out on sale near the Fall. Lumma Design plan to bring out their own BMW M6 by the end of this year.

Source: Lumma Design

June 22, 2012

Kelleners Sport BMW M5 F10

It was not long ago when we got a word from Kelleners Sport about their work on the BMW 5 Touring F11 Series – a somewhat subtle and refined job, perfectly appropriate for the mildly sensible man. With this one though, they have gone an extra mile. It’s an F10 BMW M5 and according to the figures, it’s one of their most powerful products yet.

The program is called the KS5-S and it boost the M5‘s 4.4-liter V8 to 600 hp. That’s around 40 bhp on top. Because of that, the top speed is now 330 km/h but one would not have to reach such extremes to notice the additional power. The Kelleners Sport valve-controlled stainless-steel rear silencers with four 90 mm diameter tailpipes will make sure you get the point as soon as you turn the key.

On the outside, the mirror-caps have been given a carbon fiber makeover. That is also true for the Kellener rear spoiler and diffuser. The front lip spoiler and side mouldings complete the custom aerodynamic kit.

As for the suspension, again a Kelleners Sport system has been provided which can be height adjusted but also rebound and compression configurable. Throw in two pairs of Kelleners “Hamburg” wheels 9×20 and 10×20 respectively and you get little to no space for the wheel housings.

Inside, a typical BMW-ish environment has been supplemented by black leather seats with gray stitching. On the front two head restraints there’s the Kelleners Sport logo. The wheel is also new, the floor mats are from velour and the pedals are all aluminum.

The beauty if this program is that if you don’t like something, rule it out. Everything is available individually.

Source: Kelleners Sport

June 22, 2012

Prior Design Widebody Kit BMW 5 Series E60

Proper E60 nostalgia coming from Prior Design. It’s a complete “Widebody Aerodynamic-Kit” for the previous BMW 5 Series. Willing to add some character to your old bimmer?

We are talking high grade materials here that are easy to fit, flex and paint. The kit consists of a front bumper, hood air-scoops (which are more like vents), two front fenders, side skirts, rear fenders, a rear bumper and finally a trunk spoiler as optional. All is TÜV certified so you know it’s Prior – quality is their signature. Must say, the end result is rather pleasant. Fattening, but pleasant.

It will cost you however. A price shy of 4000 Euros or in other words around 5000 Dollars. That’s a lot of character we think.

Source: Prior Design

June 22, 2012

MINI Countryman in steampunk style by Carlex Design

This MINI Countryman is an exceptional, extraordinary and one-of-a-kind design concept project created by the talented designers from Carlex Design.

Undoubtedly what has been presented with the pictures below, show that this project will include unique interior in bronze and copper, and will probably include some interesting and eye-catching technologies.

Carlex Design MINI Countryman in steampunk style

Furthermore, the same color scheme can be seen on the exterior of the Countryman. Its designers categorize it as a MINI in a steampunk style. In addition they aim to do something that has never been done before.

Most of parts for the tuning are ready and the project is in an ongoing work, where upholsters, and various craftsmen are working hard to complete perfectly even the smallest, minute details. We are excitingly looking forward to seeing this project eventually completed, aren’t we?

Source: Carlex Design

June 21, 2012

Bowler EXR rally car and EXR S road car powered by Land Rover

Bowler EXR rally car and EXR S road car are a result of the work of collaboration between Bowler and Land Rover. Both vehicles will proudly sport ‘Powered by Land Rover’ branding.

Furthermore, they demonstrate great engineering and rally design. The partnership will put attention on the Bowler EXR rally car, but engineering, development and parts supply will be shared with the new Bowler EXR S. The latter is the first ‘all terrain supercar’ designed to satisfy customer’s demand for the ultimate road-going rally car.

In particular, both the EXR and EXR S models use a modified version of the Range Rover Sport chassis. What they also share is the modified versions of the 5.0-litre V8 engine also utilized in Range Rover models.

The difference here is that the EXR uses a FIA-restricted naturally-aspirated 5.0-litre V8 engine. This one is restricted to 300 hp (221 kW) maximum power and 582 Nm (428 lb-ft) maximum torque. The EXR is fitted with a six-speed manual gearbox and Ricardo front, centre and rear differentials.

On the other hand the EXR S uses a 550 hp (405 kW) modification of the supercharged 5.0-litre V8. With such power and torque of 702 Nm (518 lb-ft) the car accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.2 seconds and has a limited top speed of 155 mph. The EXR S engine is mated to the six-speed ZF automatic transmission and E-diff from the Range Rover Sport 5.0-litre V8 Supercharged.

Bowler will have a large presence at the Goodwood Festival of Speed happening very soon: from 28th of June till 1st of July. There it will showcase and run five rally cars on the Activity Field, and where the preview of EXR S will happen.

Source: Land Rover

June 21, 2012

Vauxhall Zafira Tourer Tech Line in showrooms in September

Vauxhall Zafira Tourer will now have a new trim line called Tech Line. We have seen the same Tech Line up already in the Vauxhall’s models Astra, Insignia and Mokka SUV.

Now the Zafira Tourer will also take advantage from the excellent specifications of the new trim line. The wide range of standard equipment were includes Navi 600 satellite navigation system, Bluetooth and 17-inch alloy wheels.

Furthermore, some premium features were added such as chrome lower window mouldings, silver roof rails and high gloss black B-pillar and black mirror accents, and dark tinted rear glass.

The engine choice here consists of two petrol and three diesel options: a 1.4 Turbo and 1.8-litre petrol or one of two 2.0-litre diesel units with 130 hp (96 kW) or 165 hp (121 kW). The third diesel engine is the most special one – the 2.0 CDTi (130hp/96 kW) ecoFLEX start/stop engine combining 119g/km of CO2 with 62.8 combined mpg.

The Zafira Tourer Tech Line will arrive at dealerships in September this year.

Vauxhall Zafira Tourer Tech Line specifications and pricing:

Model Zafira Tourer	Engine	Body style	Trans	On-the-road RRP (£)	CO2 (g/km)
Tech Line	1.8 (140PS)	5 Door MPV	5 speed manual	19,785.00	169
Tech Line	1.4 Turbo (140PS)	5 Door MPV	6 speed manual	20,095.00	154
Tech Line	1.4 Turbo (140PS) Start / Stop	5 Door MPV	6 speed manual	20,435.00	144
Tech Line	1.4 Turbo (140PS) Auto	5 Door MPV	6 speed Auto	21,500.00	164
Tech Line	2.0 (130PS)	5 Door MPV	6 speed manual	21,495.00	137
Tech Line	2.0 (130PS) ecoFLEX Start / Stop	5 Door MPV	6 speed manual	21,725.00	119
Tech Line	2.0 (165PS)	5 Door MPV	6 speed manual	22,110.00	139
Tech Line	2.0 (165PS) Auto	5 Door MPV	6 speed Auto	23,395.00	159

Vauxhall Zafira Tourer Tech Line ecoFLEX 2.0 CDTi 16v (130PS) Start/Stop

Equipment	Zafira Tourer Tech Line 2.0CDTi 16v (130PS) ecoFLEX S/S	Ford Grand C-Max Zetec 1.6 TDCi (115PS)	Ford S-Max Zetec 1.6 TDCi (115PS) S/S
Sat Nav	Yes	No	No
DAB Radio	Yes	Yes	No
USB Connectivity	Yes	Yes	No
Alloy Wheels	17”	16”	16”
Front Parking Sensors	Yes	No	No
Rear Parking Sensors	Yes	Yes	No
Bluetooth	Yes	Yes	Yes
Air Conditioning	Yes	Yes	Yes

Source: Vauxhall

June 21, 2012

Racing One Audi R8 V10 5.2 Quattro

Racing One has announced their tuning package for Audi R8 V10 5.2 Quattro. The company is motor sports service provider and event organizer from Rhineland.

The tuned Audi R8 received full styling and performance packages. The mighty 5.2 liter V10 from Gallardo is pumped to 610HP (449 kW) thanks to a new ECU re-map and a complete Akrapovic sport titanium exhaust system.

The suspension has been also revised with 2-way MDS dampers from Bilstein Motorsport, brake pads by Performance Friction Brakes and in-house brake cooling. The interior received 6-point belts, braces and fire extinguisher. For perfection traction, Racing One has installed a complete set of semi-slicks.

The exterior is styled by Cam Shaft Kempen. The complete rebuild of Audi R8 V10 5.2 is € 26 000.

Check out the full list of events for 2012 below.

Events 2012:

Below you will find an overview of the planned event days.

Fascination V10 & R8 Co-PilotRide

Event location: Hockenheimring

Sunday, May 20, 2012
Monday, May 21, 2012
Thursday, May 24, 2012
Thursday, June 21, 2012
Monday, June 25, 2012
Sunday, October, 14 2012

Event location: Bilster Berg Drive Resort

Sunday, September 09, 2012
Saturday, September 15, 2012
Sunday, September 16, 2012

Event location: EuroSpeedway Lausitz

Sunday, May 27, 2012 (Pentecost)
Friday, June15, 2012
Friday, October 05, 2012

Event location: Nürburgring

Friday, November 02, 2012

Exclusive: V10 Performance-Training

Event location: Bosch test track Boxberg

Saturday, June 09, 2012
Sunday. June,10, 2012
Saturday, September 22, 2012
Sunday, September 23, 2012

Source: Racing One

June 21, 2012

BMW Z4 White Wolf RR by Rowen

Here’s a rare find. A BMW Z4 E89 radically transformed by the Japan-based Rowen house. In a few words: extensive use of carbon fiber materials, big wheels and … LEDs.

A new front apron with splitter sits at the front (there are also the LEDs), the side skirts have been redesigned and the tips of the exhaust pipes are all titanium. If that carbon wing at the back was a tad bigger, the Z4 would be pretty reminiscent of a full-blown GT car.

We cannot omit stating the obvious that the wheels are new and the suspension has been lowered. When it comes to a price, the Rowen Z4 White Wolf RR is staged so you’ll end up somewhere in between the 493,500 Yen to 756,000 Yen range. That is $6,200-$9,500.

Do we need to remind you that, at it’s best the E89 has a twin-turbocharged, 3.0-liter straight six. That’s 340 PS and 450 Nm of torque, crunched by a 7-speed dual clutch automatic gearbox and good for a 4.8 second run to the 62nd mile an hour landmark.

httpv://youtu.be/TvNoHlg3Rvk

BMW Z4 White Wolf RR by Rowen - Front Angle

Rowen BMW Z4 White Wolf RR Rear Angle

Rowen BMW Z4 White Wolf RR - Side

Source: carbuzz.com

Video Source: TOMMYKAIRA000 via YouTube

June 21, 2012

Bentley Continental GT Speed Debuts’s at Goodwood

Excited? You should be as the fastest production Bentley is coming our way. It’s the Continental GT Speed which will save us from recent letdowns and from common sense. It’s back to the W12 engine for this one. The international debut will be at the Goodwood Festival of Speed 2012 while deliveries should begin later in October.

Despite remaining at 6.0-liters, the new GT Speed‘s core has 625 bhp and sends 800 Nm of torque to the wheels – all four of them. That’s a 25 bhp and 50 Nm leap from the 2007 Bentley Continental GT Speed. For the new one, it will take only 4 seconds to reach 60 mph from a standstill and it will continue to accelerate to 205 mph.

An updated ZF eight-speed automatic transmission copes with the figures mentioned figures. A clever piece of software tells it how and when to do shifts so that they come and go smoothly and lightning fast. The gear ratios are pretty close which means faster acceleration but Bentley are adamant that the economy is up as well.

21-inch wheels fill in the wheel housings and enable the Speed to put some fancy trainers – 275/35/R21 Pirelli PZero ultra-high performance tires. The suspension has been updates as well. It’s lower at the very least.

Just so that at Bentley guarantee you distinguish it, the grille is subtly updated, the tailpipes have a “riffled” finish at the tips. Inside, the standard Mulliner Driving spec offers comfort and refinement which go along perfectly with a number of GT Speed signature elements.

Catch more about the Bentley Continental GT Speed at the Goodwood Festival of Speed which starts at the 28th of June.

Bentley Continental GT Speed (2013)

Source: Bentley

June 20, 2012

Citroen C-Elysee and Citroen C4 L extend the C range

Citroen C-Elysee and Citroen C4 L are the new models which are part of the Citroen‘s goal to extend the C range. They come with highly specific personalities, which are designed with a lot of style, technology, innovation and quality.

First, the 2013 Citroen C-Elysee has been developed with the aim to meet the expectations of the most demanding drivers and passengers. As you can see the car is very harmonious, prestigious and robust in styling.

Furthermore it has an innovative interior design which offers a spaciousness and comfort. The rear compartment is befitting of a saloon in the category above and the large boot offers 506-litres VDA – thanks to a 2.65m wheelbase.

On board, one can find comfort-enhancing equipment, which includes air conditioning with digital readout, to an MP3 audio system with Bluetooth®.

c will be equipped with the latest generation VTi 72 petrol engine. It combines great performance with excellent fuel consumption and durability. Furthermore, the model also benefits from new chassis and suspension development.

2013 Citroen C-Elysee will be at dealerships at the end of 2012.

2013 Citroen C4 L is in fact positioned at the top of the C segment. It offers positive energy, style and elegance, range-topping finish, relaxing ride and standard-setting onboard comfort.

The elegant and dynamic lines at the front and rear are complemented by quiet and refined interior. The lounge-like rear compartment is the effect of model’s long wheelbase. It includes wraparound seats, backrests inclined to 29° and headrests designed for added comfort.

Some of the innovative technologies included in this Citroen are hands-free access and start, touch-screen GPS, reversing camera, fully heated windscreen and air ioniser.

The vehicle is fitted with the latest generation petrol engines: the THP 150 and 170, and the VTi 135. All three can be mated to a new automatic and sequential 6-speed gearbox.

2013 Citroen C4 L will be at dealerships in the first half of 2013.

Source: Citroen

June 20, 2012

2013 Aston Martin Vanquish revealed

2013 Aston Martin Vanquish has just been unveiled and this new version of the car is promising every driver the highest level of excitement and thrill.

This breath-taking new super grand tourer comes equipped with the next generation of the renowned VH architecture as well as a significantly upgraded 6.0-litre V12 engine. The latter is promised to be even more powerful than before.

The exterior design of the car represents the latest take on Aston Martin’s iconic visual language. As you can see it includes new styling cues such as the elegant new waist, elongated side strakes and LED rear light blades.

One is sure – once you see it you will unquestioningly know that this is an Aston Martin. Furthermore, details such as the stunning new Aero Duct on the rear boot lid can also be seen on the new model. This feature counteracts lift at the car’s rear when traveling at speed.

2013 Aston Martin Vanquish

In fact Vanquish is a true expression of Aston Martin’s design philosophy, engineering innovation and technical ability. It not only offers luxurious, continent-crossing capability, but also is capable to offer unforgettable driving excitement.

As mentioned, the car is powered by a significantly revised naturally aspirated 6.0-litre V12 petrol engine. It is mated to the Touchtronic 2 six-speed automatic gearbox. Therefore it is no surprise that the car generates 573 horsepower (421 kW) at 6,750 rpm, 620 Nm of torque at 5,500 rpm.

The acceleration time for the sprint from 0 to 62 mph (0-100 km/h) is just in 4.1 seconds and the top speed of the Vanquish is estimated to be 183 mph. Despide the great power figures, this supercar is promised to economically and emissions-wise improved.

2013 Aston Martin Vanquish Interior

Each body panel on the car is constructed from carbon fibre because of its high strength-to-weight ratio and flexibility of form. At the same time the torsional rigidity is enhanced by more than 25 percent.

Further practical improvements have been also featured: newly designed and spacious cabin and a boot of 368 litres are just couple of the examples.

2013 Aston Martin Vanquish starting price is £189,995 and is expected to be delivered at the dealerships in Europe at the end of this year.