Auto News – Page 825 – Automobiles Review

Jay Leno and a Scion FR-S

Scion FR-S (2013) Jay Leno gets to know a Scion FR-S close and personal. Him being a renown motoring enthusiast, we get to hear his opinion about the idea behind the sports car and also there are the facts coming from Scion‘s Vice President Jack Hollis to support Leno’s view.In the video, they discuss the existing competition (the Mazda MX5), the affordability of fun nowadays, the Toyota GT legacy within the FR-S, the boxer engine and more. As an end point, the Scion proves to be as said – light, sporty, rear-wheel-drivem and accessible.It’s engine is a 2.0 liter horizontally opposed unit that produces 200 bhp and 151 lb-ft of torque. It also allows a great center of gravity which in term adds to the FR-S‘s lively road manners. It’s practical as well with 2+2 seats and a boot good for… four slick tires.In America, one can have this package of fun and sensibility for just $24,200.

Source: jaylenosgarage.com

June 19, 2012

Audi SQ5 TDI

It’s an Audi Q5 diesel…S. It’s also a concept and the latest buzz that’s come out from Inglostad. However, when we say “concept” we don’t really mean something far fetched. All is planned and the Audi dealerships will get their batch of TDI S goodness well into the first quarter of 2013.

So then, the core of the Audi SQ5: a 3.0-liter TDI engine that has two (not one) turbochargers. It’s oily bits have been reinforced in way so that they can take the stress of 313 hp and 650 Nm of torque. The latter comes at you within the 1,450 and 2,800 rpm range. Don’t fear diesel rattling either as most of the noises will most probably be coming from the “sound actuator” in the SQ5‘s exhaust system.

Some performance figures:

zero to 62 mph: 5.1 seconds
Top speed: 155 mph
Fuel economy: around 33 mpg combined.

Some clever stuff: a Quattro system with torque vectoring that manages all four wheels. A start/stop system and a regulated oil pump for saving fuel and a very lean eight-speed tiptronic gearbox.

Audi SQ5 TDI

The fact that it’s an Audi S means that the suspension is firmer and lower by around 1.18 inches but still high enough – this is a Q5 we are talking about. The wheels are monstrous at 20-inches in size (21” optional) and so are the 255/45 tires around them.

Obviously, this being an SQ5, there is going to be a cosmetic distinction from the mortal Q5s – platinum gray single-frame grille with galvanized double bars, a roof spoiler and modified bumpers. Inside, black will be the color that prevails made up of Nappa leather and Alcantra. You can have some brushed aluminum with that and some gray dials on the instruments. Other highlights include the S badges on the door sill trims, the S gear lever knob, the start button and the specially designed steering wheel.

The Audi SQ5 TDI is expected to come around during the Spring of 2013 with a starting price of 58,500 Euros or $73,593.

Source: Audi

June 19, 2012

2013 Kia Sorento gets upgraded

2013 Kia Sorento SUV is going to get upgraded by receiving a number of significant enhancements. The new upgraded model will go on sale later this year.

In particular, the changes include re-engineered bodyshell, improved powertrains for best-in-class fuel economy with lower emissions, improved ride, handling and refinement, additional convenience and safety features, fresh look for the exterior.

Furthermore, Kia’s designers have also featured in the new upgrades new headlamps with LED positioning lights, a new tailgate with LED rear combination lamps, new bumpers (front and rear) with vertical-axis fog lights and a larger area of body-color surface, and an expanded choice of wheels. The latter include larger diameter of 19-inch alloys.

The cabin of the Sorento is five- or seven-seater cabin. It has been also improved: there are included more soft-touch surfaces, a new LCD instrument cluster, new center stack with 7-inch display screen, new console featuring a straight-gate selector with a leather-booted lever on automatic transmission models.

Undoubtedly these enhancements will contribute for Kia’s luxurious character. The style of the interior will be additionally enhanced by the black or beige cloth or leather. Moreover, as an option there is a natural light coming in it through a larger panoramic sunroof.

2013 Kia Sorento will be available at dealerships in the beginning of the autumn. Full specification list and prices will be announced before launch.

Source: Kia

June 18, 2012

2012 Kahn Ferrari 458 Italia is aerodynamically unique

2012 Kahn Ferrari 458 Italia is covered by this splendid red aluminum-alloy couture, thus grabbing the attention of everyone effortlessly. What makes this Ferrari unique is that it is by heart a true Italian vehicle which however received a truly British inspiring blueprint.

Of course, no one else but the tuners from A. Kahn Design were those to take the challenge and redesign this sumptuous car. Now, with the enhancements by Kahn, the 458 Italia is more luxurious than ever!

The transformations done on this vehicle are: front and rear bumper sections in matt pearl grey, rear diffuser, side skirts and roof in matt pearl grey, ceramic brakes and yellow brake calipers. They make even more aerodynamically unique this Ferrari.

It wouldn’t be an A. Kahn Design vehicle if there weren’t a bespoke touch in it. The whole coupe is wrapped in black Daytona leather, including the electric sports seats.

2012 Kahn Ferrari 458 Italia runs perfectly on state-of-the art forged 9×21” front and 12×22 rear alloy wheels. They were finished in matt pearl grey, which color fits all original centre caps. These wheels bring even more elegance to the 458 Italia with their simple clean lines, soft organic surfaces on the edge of the spoke and a purposeful mechanical centre.

However, no change has been made in terms of power. The supercar stays with its original 4.5 liter V8 engine. The latter is able to deliver 578 hp (425 kW) and 540 Nm (399 lb-ft) at 6000 rpm. This power gives the 458 Italia the capability to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.4 seconds and to have a top speed of over 325 km/h.

Source: A. Kahn Design

June 18, 2012

Seat @Mii Limited is Now Online

The @Mii is the latest in limited edition series from Seat. It will be available for orders only on the web through a dedicated site. Try explaining that to your grandad #ITKnowledgeDeficiency.

When you manage to get to the @Mii portal, there are a few customization options but you do start off with a base – The Seat Mii Style Chic. That means 14-inch, Silva design alloy wheels and a 1.0-liter, three-cylinder petrol unit to spin them. The power stands at 75 hp while the economy figures state a healthy 4.7 liters per 100 km ratio. If you don’t feel convinced, you can try the Virtual Test Drive on Facebook… which is not at all pointless.

Specific @Mii features on the outside include the white wing mirrors (heated and electrically adjustable) that contrast the “Night Blue” overall body color – very Facebookish. Rather unsurprisingly, the interior environment is very multimedia friendly – there’s a six-speaker Seat Sound System and something called the Seat Portable System that has a specially designed cover for an easy-to-use audio, phone, navigation and on-board computer functionality. It’s basically a removable 5-inch TFT touch screen which is linked to all the car’s electronics but it can also act as your tablet as well.

So log in, and chip in, share and tweet and buy a Seat @Mii… oh.. the internet has gone.

Source: Seat

June 18, 2012

2012 Toyota 86 GTS with new aerokit

2012 Toyota 86 GTS now will be equipped with new comprehensive aero package, which will reduce the aerodynamic drag and increase the downforce for superior handling stability. At the same time this package is destined to maintain vehicle’s wind-cheating 0.27 drag coefficient.

In details, the aero kit of the Toyota comprises of a new front bumper skirt, side skirts, rear bumper skirt and large rear spoiler. It can be ordered optionally to the high-grade 86 GTS model, both with manual and automatic transmission.

What the front bumper skirt does basically is that it has vertical fins to control air entering the front grille. It also includes dual canards at 12-degree angles which optimize the handling stability.

The side skirt design includes a rounded leading edge to assist airflow evacuation from the front wheel housing.

Next, the rear bumper skirt’s profile is projected horizontally. This makes it able to manage the air turbulence from the front and fin and assist in evacuating under-body airflow.

At last, the large rear spoiler of the 86 GTS, which is painted in gloss black, includes horizontal ‘winglets’ on the uprights. They help create downforce and additionally optimize the handling stability.

Source: Toyota

June 18, 2012

Champion Motorsports street-legal Porsche 911 RSR

Champion Motorsports has announced their tuned version of Porsche 911 Turbo S. The name of the project is Porsche 911 GT3 RSR and the tuner from Pompano Beach, Forida has practically rebuilt the project vehicle.

The performance upgrade includes a pair of new VTG turbochargers and straight-pipe exhaust. The result is astonishing – 575HP (423 kW) and 844Nm (625 lb-ft) of torque.

There are also other interesting improvements – carbon fiber RSR bodywork, factory RSR floor undertray, new suspension arms, an RSR sway bar and custom fabricated carbon fiber components such as wheel-well housing, brake cooling ducts, inner fender aprons and front floor panel.

Chassis can receive 4-way adjustable Ohlins coilovers for $15 000 and three sets of Champion Motorsport’s very own magnesium wheels for $30 000.

The complete price is $399 000.

Source: Champion Motorsports

June 18, 2012

AC Schnitzer Raptor MINI John Cooper Works Coupe

A John Cooper Works MINI Coupe is sufficiently fast enough, right? Of course it is – 211 hp, 280 Nm of peak torque and a 6.4 second run to the 60 mile an hour mark. But apparently, one such MINI recently did a lap on the Hockenheim Race Circuit with a time of 1:13.0 on slick tires. The event was a 2012 “Tuner Grand Prix” and was hosted by the “sport auto” magazine. That’s pretty impressive, but AC Schnitzer believe, the Coupe can do better than that (it is after all a “tuner” prix).

That is when they brought out their concept AC Schnitzer Raptor John Cooper Works MINI and did the same circuit in 1:10.87 on sports tires. Obviously, some extensive work was needed on top of the base. Two key concepts have been used into the making of the Raptor – power and lightness.

The engine management system has been remapped with an AC Schnitzer Motronic unit, a Schnitzer turbo and interccooler sysem has also been put to work. There’s a limited slip differential and a sports clutch which connects a special “Short Shift” racing transmission to the drive train. The final pinch of power is added thanks to the new stainless steel exhaust system that employs a racing catalyst. The end result is a 1 second drop on the 0 to 60 mph run (5.4). The power is now up to 300 hp which stampede over your head at 5000 rpm and the peak torque stands at 340 Nm.

A 100 kg diet has been imposed on the MINI – A carbon hood, doors and trunklid keep the weight down (so does the exclusive ion battery) while carbon sports wings and a carbon diffuser provide much downforce without an extra toll on the overall mass. A somewhat more stable body structure is achieved through additional antiroll bars and through a lower center of gravity thanks to the lowering suspension. On it’s axles, the Raptor MINI has the fairly wide AC Schnitzer 7.5J x 18” Mi2 BiColor wheels fitted with 225/35 ZR 18 tires.

AC-Schnitzer-Rapror-MINI-medium — AC Schnitzer John Cooper Works MINI Coupe Raptor

Inside, one would not find the exact definition of luxury but you do get a roll-cage and carbon fiber buckets seats – comfy. Also the foot rest and pedal are all aluminum.

And that pretty much sums up the AC Schnitzer John Cooper Works MINI Coupe Raptor concept which has the sole purpose to dominate the track… and your someone’s wallet – it’s estimated value is around 62,000 Euros.

Source: AC Schnitzer

June 15, 2012

Astra GTC Bi-Turbo Diesel Joins Vauxhall Family

The Vauxhall Astra Hatch and Sports Tourer get some work done on the outside. A more “bold and aggressive appearance” is the desired effect or so we’ve been told. Put in a few words, they have just replaced the grille, relocated the badge, restyled the lower section and the indicators. If you happen to tick the “fog light” box, you’ll get the now new ones as well. The back is also somewhat changed but that’s not important right now. The real highlight of the story is that a new Astra GTC BiTurbo line is joining the family and it’s going to be the most powerful off all (not counting the VRX models).

Yes, get out of the way, petrol. A 195 PS diesel is in the house. The Astra GTC uses a 2.0 CDTi BiTurbo…charged engine that heats up the front tires with 400 Nm of torque. It won’t be expensive too – £995 ($1,556) over the price of the old GTC 2.0 CDTi that had only 165 PS. So that’s £23,925 ($37,423) in total for 195 PS of power, a time of 7.8 seconds for the 0 to 60 mph run and 53.3 mpg on the combined cycle (it has a Start/Stop system). The 30 extra PS come from the two turbochargers (one smaller and one bigger) which work in a sequential way in order to eliminate and traces of lag at low rpm.

Other than that, you get 18-inch alloy wheels, climate control a lower stance a meaner look and a “Track” interior trim complete with a flat-bottomed leather steering wheel.

From now on, all Vauxhall Astras will have even more optional extras – a Driver Assistance Pack which has all kinds of gizmos to keep you safe and sound on the road, a Rear View Camera Pack, a Winter Pack and LED daytime running lights (optional!)

Source: Vauxhall

The Vauxhall (Opel) Astra Hatch and Sports Tourer get some work done on the outside. A more “bold and aggressive appearance” is the desired effect or so we’ve been told. Put in a few words, they have just replaced the grille, relocated the badge, restyled the lower section and the indicators. If you happen to tick the “fog light” box, you’ll get the now new ones as well. The back is also somewhat changed but that’s not important right now. The real highlight of the story is that a new Astra GTC BiTurbo line is joining the family and it’s going to be the most powerful off all (not counting the VRX models).

Yes, get out of the way, petrol. 195 PS diesel is in the house. The GTC uses a 2.0 CDTi BiTurbo…charged engine that heats up the front tires with 400 Nm of torque. It won’t be expensive too – £995 ($1,556) over the price of the old GTC 2.0 CDTi that had only 165 PS. So that’s £23,925 ($37,423) in total for 195 PS of power, a time of 7.8 seconds for the 0 to 60 mph run and 53.3 mpg on the combined cycle (it has a Start/Stop system). The 30 extra PS come from the two turbochargers (one smaller and one bigger) which work in a sequential way in order to eliminate and traces of lag at low rpm.

Other than that, you get 18-inch alloy wheels, climate control a lower stance a meaner look and a “Track” interior trim complete with a flat-bottomed leather steering wheel.

From now on, all Vauxhall Astras will have even more optional extras – a Driver Assistance Pack which has all kinds of gizmos to keep you safe and sound on the road, a Rear View Camera Pack, a Winter Pack and LED daytime running lights (optional!)

June 15, 2012

2012 Mercedes-Benz A-Class with announced pricing

2012 Mercedes-Benz A-Class is soon going to proudly run through the streets showing off its design, powerful and great efficiency. Orders are already being taken as the prices are announced.

The A-Class is equipped with powerful engines ranging from 80 kW (109 hp) to 155 kW (211 hp). In addition they are also extremely efficient with emissions from just 98 g of CO2/km and have a best-in-class drag coefficient of 0.27.

These Mercedes-Benz vehicles are equipped with air conditioning, Audio 5 USB, electric windows all round, Headlamp Assist and 12-button multifunction steering wheel as a standard. They are offered in three trim lines: “Urban”, “Style” and “AMG Sport” in three design packages – “Night”, “Exclusive” and “AMG Exclusive”.

Other optional features include: Intelligent Light System, electrically adjustable front seats with memory function, dashboard finished in ARTICO man-made leather, front sports seats with integrated head restraints and contrasting stitching. This means that all of the AA-Classes can be modified according to the individual taste.

2013 Mercedes-Benz A-Class — Mercedes-Benz A-Class (2012)

A wide choice of petrol and diesel engines are offered in this Class. They are powerful but yet amazingly efficient. Starting with the first: A 180 CDI CDI BlueEFFICIENCY, will be the first Mercedes-Benz which is going to emit only 98 g of CO2 per kilometer.

Moreover, all engines of the new A-Class include the ECO start/stop function as standard. The engines can be mated to a six-speed manual transmission or optionally to the 7G-DCT dual clutch automatic transmission.

The A 250 Sport model will be available with the AMG Sport appointment line as a standard. It includes new diamond grille, exclusive 18-inch AMG light-alloy wheels in a 5-spoke design with 235/40 R 18 tyres all round and painted in high-gloss black with a high-sheen finish, together with red-painted brake callipers.

2012 Mercedes-Benz A-Class prices:

Model	Displacement	Transmission	Output	CO2 emissions	Purchase price
Diesel, direct injection
A 180 CDI BE	1461 cc	6-speed, mechanical	80 kW (109 hp)	98-105 g/km	€26,477.50
A 180 CDI BE	1796 cc	7G-DCT	80 kW (109 hp)	109-116 g/km	€28,643.30
A 200 CDI BE	1796 cc	6-speed, mechanical	100 kW (136 hp)	111-121 g/km	€27,786.50
Petrol, direct injection
A 180 BE	1595 cc	6-speed, mechanical	90 kW (122 hp)	128-135 g/km	€23,978.50
A 200 BE	1595 cc	6-speed, mechanical	115 kW (156 hp)	129-136 g/km	€27,013
A 250 BE	1991 cc	7G-DCT	155 kW (211 hp)	143-145 g/km	€33,498.50
A 250 Sport	1991 cc	7G-DCT	155 kW (211 hp)	148 g/km	€36,860.25

Source: Mercedes-Benz

June 15, 2012

Mercedes-Benz A45 AMG 2.0 turbo: a sneak preview

This Mercedes-Benz A45 AMG 2.0 turbo is in fact an early preview of the new completely redesigned high-performance Mercedes-Benz A-Class model enhanced by AMG. There are not a lot of details around this model. However we can expect around 370 hp (272 kW) and 300 pound-feet (222 Nm) of torque.

Compared to the standard mode, which only produces 211 hp (155 kW), the AMG improved A-Class as obvious is stronger in power. This is due to the new engine included: twin-scroll turbocharged 2.0-liter one. It is named M133 and for its basis served the Daimler 2.0-liter turbocharged unit.

The car will come equipped with all-wheel drive, hang-on rear differential, ESP – in other words the entire standard features that an AMG Mercedes-Benz can have. In addition, it is rumored that there will be included an optional Driver Package, which that will let the top speed go to 174 mph.

Source: Autoblog via Mercedes-Benz

June 15, 2012

Lingenfelter Chevrolet Corvette C6 Commemorative Edition

Lingenfelter Chevrolet Corvette C6 Commemorative Edition is powered by the almost unbelievable 750 by its 427 CID Intercooled Twin Turbo engine. The new tuning by Lingenfelter combines the ultimate thrill of wide-open throttle acceleration with a Z51 based hard cornering capability and exceptional braking performance.

Here, in the Commemorative Edition of this Chevrolet model features a hand built 427 CID Gen II twin turbo engine, delivering 750 hp (552 kW) at 730 lbs-ft (539 Nm). The Corvette was carefully crafted and includes the hand built 304 stainless steel turbo manifolds, custom ducting and liquid to air charge cooler system.

The interior of the car is wrapped entirely by custom Caravaggio Connolly leather. In addition what adds to the greatness of the car are the Lingenfelter CES series C6 body kit, massive 345 series Michelin Sport tires on 19”x12” rear HRE forged three piece aluminum wheels, Brembo brakes, serial numbered badges and a lot more.