Auto News – Page 828 – Automobiles Review

XXX Performance Audi R8 V10

That speed hump on the road there is actually an Audi R8 V10 that has underwent a substantial modification by XXX Performance. And don’t worry, that toxic green shade is actually foil wrapping. Unfortunately, the same is true for the “carbon-fiber” mirrors…and side blades…and wheels.

Let’s talk about the wheel housings. Or more specifically, the lack of them. It’s not that the wheels are tremendously big (Dunlop SP Sport Max 235/30R20 front and 295/25R20 back tires on 20-inch Oxigin 14-Oxrock rims). The bigger factor here is the air G-Ride system of the new H&R coilover kit which can lower the car ridiculously close to the ground. Other then than, the whole body has been brushed off of it’s badges, the head and taillights have been darkened and a strip of foil on the windshield reads “XXX Performance”.

Most excitingly however, XXX Performance have fiddled with the management system of the Audi’s 5.2 FSI V10 engine, added a BMC carbon air-box and and a high-end sports car exhaust system with Bluetooth flap control system from Capristo. The end result amounts to 650 hp and an appealing sight within the engine bay because of all the carbon-fibery bits inside.

Inside you get restyled Audi RS seats, carbon-fiber arm supports, leather and plushy Alcantra pretty much everywhere and white white seams.

Source: XXX Performance

June 11, 2012

Volkswagen Caravelle Business

Back in the 50s hippies, surfers and generally happy-go-lucky people had the Volkswagen Caravelle (Transporter T2) to identify with. It was so big (as a name) that it became a symbol of simple life, peace and love. Jump forward 70 years later and we find ourselves at the other end of the spectrum. It’s the Volkswagen Caravelle Business (Transporter T5) – the executives strike back.

It’s a conference room on wheels basically. You get your Wi-Fi internet connectivity and Bluetooth, 5+1 Nappa leather seats and a table. The mid-row swivels (standard on all Caravelles) so that you can hold a mildly interesting meeting that involves let’s say Power Point slides. The rear end seats house a fridge in between them. More luxury is brought by the burr wood inserts here and there while additional curtain airbags ensure all-round passenger safety.

Moving on to the driver, we notice a cruise control option, a 6.5-inch satellite navigation and a 30 GB hard drive. There’s also a lane change assist system which monitors blind spots and a very smart heater that can fine tune the interior temperature (the back seats can do that independently).

On the outside, the windows are tinted, the wheels are 17-inches and the rear lights are darkened. For the tight spaces the wing mirrors can be folded electrically while front and rear parking sensors annoy the devil out of you every time you approach a lamp post. A camera acts as a rear view mirror and Xenon lights at the front light up automatically. Can’t go without LED daytime running lights and also the side doors slide electronically.

For the driving force, a 2.0 liter 180 PS bi-turbo TDI is used (best of the best). A lump of 400 Nm hits you in the head as soon as 1,500 rpm. The transmission is a DSG unit as standard and thus the economy stays at 34.9 mpg on the combined cycle and Euro5 type of emissions of 214 g/km.

Prices for the Volkswagen Caravelle Business starts at £53,856 or $83,628 excluding VAT.

Source: Volkswagen

June 11, 2012

2012 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Matt Limited Edition

Mercedes-Benz will offer SLS AMG Matt Limited Edition in Japan. It will be priced from ¥30 000 000 (around €299 000).

The special edition SLS will come with a exterior with a black soft top and red accents on the grille, wheels and fuel-filler cap. The interior will boasts red and black leather upholstery, a sports steering wheel and special floor mats.

Only 5 Magno Night Black AMG Matt will be produced as the first deliveries are slated to begin in September.

The white variant of the car will have a designo Magno Cashmere White exterior with contrasting black accents. It also has porcelain and black leather upholstery, a sports steering wheel and special floor mats. Again, it will be run in limited series of just five units.

AMG RIDE CONTROL sports suspension enhancing comfort and maneuverability electronically controlled damping force of the damper depending on driving conditions is available on all models and also a set of Matte black paint AMG 10 spoke aluminum wheels.

2012 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Matt Limited Edition

Source: Mercedes-Benz

June 11, 2012

Lamborghini Aventador vs. F16 Fighting Falcon [HD video]

Here is a nice battle between two ”jet fighters” – Lamborghini Aventador vs F-16 Fighting Falcon. Of course, the first one only looks like an airplane, but the second is a real fighting machine.

The Aventador is powered by a 6.5 liter V12 with 700PS (515 kW) and 690Nm (509 lb-ft) of torque. 0-100 km/h in 2.9 seconds and a top speed of 350 km/h (217 mph). The engine is mated to an Indipendent Shifting Rod (ISR), which is able to shift in just 50 milliseconds. It sends all the torque to a permanent AWD.

The kerb weight of the vehicle is 1575 kg (3472 lbs).

The F-16 Fighting Falcon has is powered by a F110-GE-100 afterburning turbofan with maximal power of 127kN (28 600 lb-ft). The jet fighter has a top speed of 2410 km/h (1500 mph).

Which is faster? Check out in the video below!

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ZTd1E5frDQ

Source: BilMagasinetTV via Youtube

June 11, 2012

SR Project Teflon Don BMW 650i

SR Project Teflon Don BMW 650i is the latest trendy and luxury project from SR Auto Group. It is more than clearly based on the amazing and powerful BMW 650i, which makes this modification a very special one.

650i is equipped with a twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8 engine which produces 413PS (304 kW) and 600 Nm (442 lb-ft) of torque. Hence it is very easy for this car to develop 0-100 km/h for just 5.0 seconds. The engine of this outstanding car is mated to six-speed manual transmission, and in addition the model includes Dynamic Damper Control as standard and the Active Roll Stabilization.

SR Auto Group has grasped the great truth that the automotive industry is like fashion. There are always new trends which appear every day and which must be followed. What they’ve done with this BMW is exactly this: they are going after the trend which now is all about chrome!

In fact, chrome has been a part of the automotive industry for many years and was a successful attribute to many emblematic vehicles, adorning their forefront.

You can see the same philosophy applied to this BMW, who has been equipped with strut grille set which adds more luxurious outlook. In addition to this, the chrome can be seen on the set of Vellano VSD wheels in a staggering twenty two inch fitment.

We are definitely looking forward to seeing more projects in chrome!

Source: SR Auto Group

June 11, 2012

2012 Chrysler 300C and 2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT with UK debut

2012 Chrysler 300C and 2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT are to make their first appearance on the Island. Their United Kingdom debut will take place this week at the Canary Wharf Motorexpo, which is Britain’s largest auto show.

The 300C model will be exhibited in a two trim version. In addition this Chrysler model will be officially launched also this week and it will deliver its customers more space, safety and 236 horsepower (174 kW). Both trim levels: Limited and Executive, utilize the new MultiJet 2 diesel technology which provide effortless power and fuel-saving efficiency. The pricing of the range starts at £35 995.

2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT will also be on display making its first UK appearance as well. In fact, this is the fastest and most powerful Jeep ever built. This Jeep vehicle is powered by an all-new 6.4-litre HEMI V8 engine with Fuel Saver technology that turns off four of the eight cylinders when full power is not required to increase fuel economy and reduce overall emissions.

Its “powerful reputation” is due to the 461 horsepower (340 kW) it delivers, thus making possible for the acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h (0 – 62 mph) to be happen in just five seconds. It has a top speed of 160mph and braking from 62-0mph in 116 feet. The starting price of this Jeep is £58 995.

Source: Chrysler

June 11, 2012

2012 Vauxhall Mokka Tech Line SUV – Specifications and Pricing

2012 Vauxhall Mokka has already got an announced pricing but still will enrich its trim line with the Tech Line trim level.

Mokka Tech Line will deliver its drivers exceptional levels of standard specifications and comfort. The Mokka comes with very generous levels of standard equipment, which include: Navi 600 satellite navigation system, DMB (Digital Media Broadcast) radio, Bluetooth and USB connectivity, 18 inch alloy wheels, cruise control, air conditioning, Descent Control System, aux-in and a multi-function trip computer.

The engine choices included here range in power from 115 hp (85 kW) to 140 hp (103 kW). First, the 1.6-litre petrol produces 115 hp (85 kW) and 155Nm (114 lb-ft) of torque. The second one – the 140 hp (103 kW) 1.4-litre turbo is the Mokka’s most powerful petrol engine and comes with a standard four-wheel drive.

In the Mokka segment are included two diesel models, both of which utilize Vauxhall’s 1.7 CDTi 130 hp (96 kW) engine, with CO2 emissions as low as 124g/km. They are both in front-wheel drive form and their engine can be mated to a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission, whereas the all-wheel drive the comes with the six-speed manual only. All manual models have Vauxhall’s fuel-saving Start/Stop system which comes as a standard.

A variety of state-of-the-art driver-assistance systems will be included in the vehicle. For instance such are Vauxhall Front Camera, Lane Departure Warning, Traffic Sign Recognition, Forward Collision Alert, as well as a rear-view camera, park-assist sensors front and rear.

As a standard there are many safety systems include as well: Electronic Stability Control, Traction Control, Hill Start Assist and Hill Descent Control. The latter provides drivers with reassurance, no matter if they’re on or off-road.

Adding further to the safety equipment list are the Advanced Adaptive Forward Lighting (AFL+) and High Beam Assist. The latter adjusts the high beams automatically so that oncoming traffic isn’t dazzled.

The exterior design of the car has powerful, muscular and attractive stance. The impression it makes is further enhanced by its higher ground clearance as well as a 1540mm track and 18-inch wheels.

The interior design of the vehicle includes 19 storage locations, 60:40 split rear seats, and an all-up load space of 1,372 litres with the rear seats folded down.

The starting price of 2012 Vauxhall Mokka Tech Line is £15 995.

2012 Vauxhall Mokka Price List

	RRP(£)	VAT (£)	Total (£)	On-the-Road (£)
S
1.6 16v 115PS S/S 5-spd	13,391.67	2,678.33	16,070.00	16,995.00
Exclusiv
1.6 16v 115PS S/S 5-spd	14,225.00	2,845.00	17,070.00	17,995.00
1.4 16v Turbo 140PS S/S 6-spd 4×4	16,091.67	3,218.33	19,310.00	20,200.00
Diesel
1.7 CDTi 130PS S/S 6-spd	15,575.00	3,115.00	18,690.00	19,445.00
1.7 CDTi 130PS 6-spd Auto	16,295.83	3,259.17	19,555.00	20,445.00
1.7 CDTi 130PS S/S 6-spd 4×4	16,762.50	3,352.50	20,115.00	20,990.00
SE
1.6 16v 115PS S/S 5-spd	16,308.33	3,261.67	19,570.00	20,495.00
1.4 16v Turbo 140PS S/S 6-spd 4×4	18,175.00	3,635.00	21,810.00	22,700.00
Diesel
1.7 CDTi 130PS S/S 6-spd	17,658.33	3,531.67	21,190.00	21,945.00
1.7 CDTi 130PS 6-spd Auto	18,379.17	3,675.83	22,055.00	22,945.00
1.7 CDTi 130PS S/S 6-spd 4×4	18,845.83	3,769.17	22,615.00	23,490.00

2012 Vauxhall Mokka Specifications:

	Max Speed	0-60mph
1.6 16v VVT 115PS S/S	106 mph	12.2 secs
1.4 16v Turbo 140PS S/S 4×4	116 mph	9.6 secs
1.7 CDTi 130PS S/S	116 mph	9.6 secs
1.7 CDTi 130PS Auto	114 mph	10.4 secs
1.7 CDTi 130PS S/S 4×4	114 mph	10.2 secs

Provisional Fuel Economy (mpg) & CO2 Emissions (g/km)

	Urban	Extra-Urban	Combined	CO2
1.6 16v VVT 115PS S/S	32.8	53.3	43.5	153
1.4 16v Turbo 140PS S/S 4×4	34.0	55.4	44.8	149
1.7 CDTi 130PS S/S	48.7	68.9	60.1	124
1.7 CDTi 130PS Auto	42.2	60.1	51.4	144
1.7 CDTi 130PS S/S 4×4	45.6	64.2	55.4	134

Engine data

1.6 16v VVT
Max. output PS:	115 @ 6000
Max. torque:	155 Nm @ 4000
Number of cylinders	4
Cubic capacity in cm³	1598
Bore	79mm
Stroke	81.5mm
Compression	10.8:1
1.4 16v Turbo
Max. output PS:	140 @ 4900
Max. torque:	200 Nm @ 4900
Number of cylinders	4
Cubic capacity in cm³	1364
Bore	72.5mm
Stroke	82.6mm
Compression	9.5:1
1.7 CDTi 130PS
Max. output PS:	130 @ 4000
Max. torque:	300 Nm @ 2000-2500
Number of cylinders	4
Cubic capacity in cm³	1686
Bore	79mm
Stroke	86mm
Compression	16.5:1
Fuel tank capacity	54 litres

Source: Vauxhall

June 11, 2012

Underground Racing Lamborghini Gallardo Nera – 405 Km/h [VIDEO]

There are many benchmarks when talking about the automotive world – some products strike as the ultimate in art and aesthetics. Other excel in real-life (that life with the bends and curves) road performance. Then there are these which have the sole purpose to push the boundaries of what’s physically possible. The Bugatti Veyron is a prime example of that but what we have here, is proof that after-market tuners, like the guys from North Carolina: Underground Racing, also have a reserved place at the engineering hall of fame – it’s a twin-turbocharged Lamborghini Gallardo Nera doing 405 km/h on a push-to-the-limit run. Telemeters don’t lie.

Looking at the specs, this really shouldn’t come as a surprise to anyone – around 1700 bhp (1500 bhp effective). How? Slotting in two massive turbocharges of course. The Lambo’s naturally aspirated 5.2-liter V10 is an ideal host for some forced induction practices. Add some wheels (Hoosier R6A) which can bare the abuse, some explosive jungle juice for fuel and there you have it – 405 km/h and a lot of drama:

httpv://youtu.be/H8K3Nk3PghU

Source: DragTimesinfo via YouTube

June 8, 2012

2013 McLaren MP4-12C

McLaren news (from the road-going sector): As of this October, all the McLaren MP4-12Cs will get some extra power, a bit of a detail revision and a gadget for immature people just like us. We would really like to stress on the “all” part as even owners of previous years will get the upgrade…for free. This is how, Antony Sheriff, McLaren Automotive Managing Director explains the company’s motivation:

“Given our racing heritage, it is in our nature to continuously seek out improvements. The team at McLaren Automotive recognises that our existing and future customers deserve the very best product and service we can offer, and the launch of the enhanced 12C reaffirms its position as the most powerful luxury sports car among its competitor set.”

So, why not improve on the feeble 600PS, 3.8-liter, twin-turbo V8 engine that’s been the driving force of the MP4-12C for almost an year now? (sarcasm included). By some in-house remapping and by tweaking the 7-Speed SSG transmission, the 2013 British supercar now has 625PS and 600Nm of torque delivered in a smooth and crispy tone. And by tone, we don’t mean that just metaphorically – The 12C’s unique Intake Sound Generator (ISG) system, which is responsible for the amount of engine intake sound heard in the cabin, now has settings within the range of three settings… if for some reason, you want your ears to start to bleed. Also, the fuel-conscious…who bought a $217,857 two-seater, will be happy to know that in spite of the buff, the economy stays the same – 24.2 mpg on the combined cycle. The jump in performance figures is not what you’d call staggering (the 0-62 mph run remains at 3.1 seconds) but on the 0-124 mph you do get a tenth of a second down at 8.8 seconds. The most noticeable change however, is on the 0-186 mph time which is 26.5 seconds as opposed to the previos 27.5 seconds. The top speed is up a notch from 205 mph to 207 mph.

Other than that, the climate control will now have an option to run as quiet as possible (all the better to hear that ISG thing, we guess), the touch sensor door “handles” will be dropped and replaced with buttons for customer feedback said so apparently and also every time it starts drizzling, the headlamps will light up.

The option’s list has also had it’s share fare of redesigning – new wheels, new finishes, superior leather and Alcantra interiors, a suspension lift system for speed humps and rough surfaces.

As said, all the techy upgrades for owners of the “older” MP4 generation will be absolutely complementary – the power output increase, the transmission revision, the sound generator settings and the “smart” headlights. You’ve got to hand it to McLaren on their knowledge of how to bond with their customers.

Source: McLaren Automotive

June 8, 2012

SR Project Stratos Mercedes-Benz CLS 63 AMG

To us, stripping off the paint from a car, then adding a matte gray shade, black wheels, LEDs and a strip of carbon-fiber for aerodynamics is not really a project. But there you go: The Project Stratos by SR Auto – a Mercedes-Benz CLS 63 AMG (W219) that’s in a “Smoldering Grey” coat actually.

6.2-liters of pure V8 power, 514 bhp and 630 Nm of torque – a brilliant 4.5 second 0-62 mph runner. It’s also one of the last modern-day performance cars that do not come with daytime-running LED lights as standard. Why ruin the moment?

The black wheels however, do get us – PUR 4OUR monoblock, wheels with five, indecently revealing double-spokes on each one. The come in glossy black of course which in a way contrasts and complements the grille matte black attributes and the black roof and wing mirrors. The additional cabon-fiber product on the Stratos is the front lip which may or may not have a functional purpose. One could brag about it on the dinner table?

SR Auto Stratos Mercedes-Benz CLS 63 AMG

Source: SR Auto

June 8, 2012

BMW to celebrate 25 years of the Z1

BMW has introduced the Z1 back in 1988 in the Italian town of Punta Ala. The predecessor of Z1 is the 507 model from the late 1950s, which was the last time the BMW model range had included a two-seater sports car.

The “new” Z1 was simply sensational with its avant-garde solutions. Some of them were so bold, that even nowadays look a little strange.

The BMW Board of Management came up with the notion of setting up a kind of think tank in a cutting-edge company branch that would be completely isolated from all other development departments. The idea was to give highly skilled BMW engineers, technicians and designers free rein to work on turning their best creative concepts into reality themselves.

The Z1 came out with only one engine – a 2.5 litre straight six with codename M20B25 producing 170HP (125 kW) at 5800RPM and 218 Nm (161 lb-ft) at 4300 RPM. The compression ratio of the engine is 8.8:1 and it is fed by electronic fuel injection. The engine is mated to a 5-speed manual gearbox sending all power to the rear wheels.

0-100 km/h in 7.9 seconds and a top speed of 225 km/h (140 mph). The kerb weight is 1290 kg (2800 lbs) thanks to the floor, which is made from reinforced plastic meaning lower gravity center and better handling.

The Z1 wasn’t of the most successful BMW models and after a run of 8000 units, the car came out of production.

The small number that were made, the unique overall design concept and, not least, the tremendous driving pleasure it generated have today earned the Z1 a place amongst the modern classics of BMW automotive history.

New Z1 vehicles were priced between 83 000 and 89 000 DM (around €42 000 and €45 500).

June 8, 2012

Lamborghini Aventador Twin Turbo LP700-4 by Underground Racing [HD video]

Underground Racing are famous with their twin-turbocharged Gallardos, but now it is turn to the new monstrous Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4.

The company Racing began development as soon as the Aventador was released. The tuning studio offers only performance package, because the Aventador is a true luxurious hyper car, which has everything needed – suspension, brakes and sporty interior.

“For now, the UR TT Aventadors will only be released with FULL engine builds. Through our research, we have found certain conditions that make this a requirement.”, stated Underground Racing.

The twin-turbo Aventador accelerates 0-60 mph in 2.2 seconds. It has more than 1200HP on the wheels, meaning over 1500HP engine power.

Underground Racing also improved the shifting speed with their Quickshift upgrade.

Check out the video and the pictures below.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TDZyCHlgO6o

Source: TTGallardo2006 via Youtube

June 8, 2012

Category: Auto News