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2012 Toyota Prius V, Camry and Sienna selected as Best Family Cars

Three Toyota models have been chosen as Best Family Cars of 2012. The choice was done by Parents magazine and Edmunds.com, bounding together to make their fifth annual list.

Namely the Toyota vehicles which were picked are: 2012 Toyota Prius V – in the high-mileage category; 2012 Toyota Camry Sedan in the sedan category; and at last but not least, the Toyota Sienna minivan in the large vehicle category.

The vehicles were evaluated based on several criteria, some of which for instance, are safety, fuel economy, and kid-friendly features, ride comfort, styling and handling. In other words, features which are mostly appreciated by large families.

In fact, this is the fifth consecutive year I which the Japanese brand has been included in the list of best family cars. Hence, the Toyota stands as a synonym for safety, quality and durability and of course convenience, when it comes to making the life of the family better.

2012 Toyota Prius V was in the high-mileage car category, and was appreciated for its stable ride and ample cargo space and was praised for its versatility and standard technology features including the Entune® mulitmedia system and a hands-free smart key, which unlocks the driver’s side door as one approaches the door handle.

The 2012 Toyota Camry was even picked as the best sedan in its category. This vehicle model was entirely redesigned for 2012, which played crucial role to be chosen as the best vehicle. In addition, the seventh generation Camry was picked its convenient technology including Entune, excellent fuel economy, quiet ride and ample trunk space.

The last Toyota included in the list is in the large vehicle category and is the Toyota Sienna minivan. It was included in the list, because it has flexible configurations, which can fit every type of trip, family and cargo combination. The Sienna model was entirely redesigned back in 2010 and now has more responsive driving characteristics, contemporary styling and onboard entertainment technology.

Source: Toyota

June 6, 2012

2012 SR Ferrari 458 Italia: Project Refined Beauty

2012 SR Ferrari 458 Italia: Project Refined Beauty is in fact the second transformation done on Ferrari 458 Italia by SR Auto Group. The previous one carried the project name “Era” and has already captured many hearts. Of course, the fascination for this amazing vehicle is one hundred percent understandable.

The Ferrari is equipped with four and a half liter V8, which delivers 570 horsepower (420 kW) at 9000 revs and 540 N/m (400 lb-ft) at 6000 rpm. In addition, the fact that the 458 Italia, compared to other super sports cars, is a featherweight – 1380 kg, and it has a power-to-weight ratio of 2.42 kg/hp results in acceleration from 0 to100 km/h in less than 3.4 seconds. Its top speed is of top 325 km/h.

Like everything else the interior is exceptional as well. The ergonomics are perfect and the main controls are all clustered on the steering wheel. This car is the proof that Ferrari can make extraordinary cars from every single point of view.

SR Auto Group has refined the beauty of this ravishing pieces of work with the help of CEC Wheels. And now it could be said that function and form are paired perfectly together. The wheels have c884 design, which includes a modern twist on the classic five spoke design. The open five spoke wheel allows the signature red calipers to shine bright and complement the exterior color of the Ferrari.

Source: SR Auto Group

June 6, 2012

2013 Honda Fit EV Has The Highest Fuel-Efficiency Rating

2013 Honda Fit EV has just received the highest fuel-efficiency rating ever given by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). In particular, the number it has shown is exactly of 118 MPGe.

Furthermore this Honda electric vehicle has an unprecedented low consumption rating of just 29 kilowatt hours (kWh) per 100 miles. This makes its EPA rated yearly fuel cost of only $500.

The reason for this efficient drive is that the Fit is equipped with a 20-kWh lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery, which provides the capacity to earn an EPA combined city/highway estimated driving range rating of 82-miles. Compared to the other electric vehicles, the Fit EV has the best fuel economy. For example, the EPA efficiency and range ratings of the Ford Focus Electric are 105 MPGe, 76-mile range; of Nissan Leaf – 99 MPGe, 73-mile range; and Mitsubishi i-MiEV – 112 MPGe, 62-mile range.

What contributes additionally for the fuel economy is the Fit EV’s efficient design. This includes the powertrain design, the weight-conscious engineering and the effective aerodynamics. In addition, the battery of the EV is the smallest one in its class and can be recharged in less than 3 hours from a low charge indicator illumination point (utilizing 240-volt circuit).

Important to mention is that the Fit EV’s 92 kilowatt (123 horsepower) coaxial electric motor produces 189 ft-lb (256 Nm) of torque. In addition, it works in team with a chassis with a fully-independent suspension and a driver-selectable 3-mode electric drive system. The latter one was adapted from the CR-Z Sport Hybrid.

In fact, this takes the Fit one step further, to the accomplishment of Honda’s goal to bring more environmental awareness to thee world. Furthermore, the brand aims to continue developing battery- electric, hydrogen, natural gas, and gasoline-electric powered vehicles, which are to show improved fuel-efficiency and reduced CO2 emissions.

Moreover, Honda Fit has topped the list of America’s greenest vehicles, from the America Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE), for eleven consecutive years. Today, the company is striving for even greater reductions in CO2 emissions.

Honda Fit EV Efficiency Comparison
Model	EPA Combined MPGe Rating	EPA Combined kWh/100ml1	Battery Capacity	EPA Label Range
Honda Fit EV	118	29	20 kWh	82 miles
Mitsubishi i-MiEV	112	30	16 kWh	62 miles
Ford Focus Electric	105	32	23 kWh	76 miles
Nissan Leaf	99	34	24 kWh	73 miles

Source: Honda

June 6, 2012

Audi A3 Eset tuned by Vilner

Vilner has prepared a special promo car for ESET Bulgaria. The project is based on Audi A3, which was put on entire rebuild during two months in Vilner’s studio.

ESETs wish was that the corporate colors are kept on the car. It started with a design project of the exterior and interior. In the course of the work, all the modified bumpers were removed – the aim was to keep the vision of the A3 at the maximum, so that the emphasis remains largely on the colors and some elements of the exterior.

The main color of the car body is pearl white with gray-blue nuances. Red and turquoise were used primarily for the accents. The rims are new – MAK 17 “, and were also precisely lacquered in white and turquoise. The ESET logo appears on the front doors. The decorative grid in blue catches the attention to the new Hella headlights, the original stop lights were replaced by new InPros.

The interior features high-quality Nappa leather and Alcantara as the main color inside is black. Decorative white edges emphasize the seats and inlaid mats. The dashboard was also covered with Nappa and Alcantara and enriched by a precise turquoise seam. The steering wheel was given a new and ergonomic design, both handmade. The seams on the seats, the car door and inside the trunk do reflect the elements of a robot – the symbol of ESET. The same is printed on the bright Alcantara headliner.

The speedometers are new, and are on company’s colors. Samsung Android Galaxy was installed in the middle console, playing the role of a mobile office – it also shows the mapping of the front and rear camera. The metal was painted with matt turquoise, but purposely – it corresponds with the door elements, the gear change, and the dash air vents.

The car body is isolated and soundproofed, which ensures the full enjoyment of quality music Ground Zero and AudioSon processor.

Source: Vilner

June 6, 2012

Lorinser Mercedes-Benz S70 with Power Kit

Lorinser has announced their latest creation – the S70 6.0 V12 Bi-Turbo based on the Mercedes-Benz S600 L V12 Bi-Turbo, M275. The car comes with styling and performance modifications… lots of them.

The exterior boasts full aerodynamics body kit including new front and rear bumpers, a pair of modified side skirts and ventilated fenders. There is also a rear roof-mounted spoiler, a rear diffuser and a set of huge 20” light alloy wheels fitted with Yokohama Advan Sport tires. The front wheels are 9J x 20” and the rear 10J x 20” in multi piece Lorinser RSK6 design.

The interior is also fully restyled. It comes with special Nappa leather and wood in piano black lacquer. There are also Lorinser crests found on the head rests, seats, steering wheel. The instrument clusted is now revised to show speed up to 360 km/h.

The well-known 6.0 liter V12 bi-turbo engine received complete rebuild including – new camshafts, bigger turbochargers, an updated ECU and a full sports exhaust system, which you can hear in the video below. The rear axle is reinforced, so it won’t get away from the car, when you step on the gas pedal.

The result is sensational – 805HP (592 kW) and 1270Nm (936 lb-ft) of torque t 1900RPM. The top speed is limited to 300 km/h (186 mph) or 330 km/h (205 mph) upon request.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XwaYFFl7qGQ

Source: Lorinser

June 6, 2012

2013 Ford F-150 Revealed

One of America’s favorite trucks is now entering the year 2013. It’s the latest Ford F-150 range now with an EcoBoost engine as well. Aside from that, the design has been moderately revised and a few pickup-friendly features have been added. For the high rollers, there are also F-150 special editions that peak in luxury and equipment.

The engine variety within the Ford F-150 is now bigger than ever. Right next to the baseline 3.7-liter V6, the 5.0-liter V8 and top of the line 411 hp, 6.2liter V8 Ti-VCT engines, now sits a 3.5-liter EcoBoost engine which has approximately the economy of the of the baseline model (16 mpg city and 22 mpg highway) but the power (and more) of the 5.0-liter one and the towing capacity of the 6.2-liter one. In other words – 365 hp, 420 lb-ft. of torque as soon as 2,500 rpm and 11,300 pounds of maximum trailer tow. You also get electroincally locking diff on it and Hill Descent Control. Whichever you choose though, you’ll always end up with the same efficient six-speed automatic transmission.

The base model is called the XLT. On its outside, the grill is new and so are the headlights which now use HID technology – superior and better looking we’ve been told. Depending on your trim choice, you may get newly designed 18- or 20-inch wheels. Three new body colors are now also available. That is Blue Jeans Metallic, Kodiak Brown Metallic and Ruby Red Clearcoat Metallic.

Something particularly neat is the electronic telescoping function on the side-mirrors which can come in handy when towing a big caravan for example and from the inside you also get the SYNC voice-activated communications and entertainment system with 911 Assist and Vehicle Health Report as standard on the XLT. As options you can also add-on to this other software such as Traffic Information, Turn-by-Turn Directions, Business Search, Send to SYNC from Google Maps and MapQuest, News, Sports, Weather and Horoscopes. That’s a lot of information for the 4.2-inch LCD display to take but hey, if you go for one of the special versions, the Ford F-150 Lariat, King Ranch, Platinum or Limited, that screen becomes a MyFord Touch 8-inch display with a few USB and SD slots added for personal multimedia.

2013 Ford F-150 XLT (left) and Lariat (right)

Source: Ford

June 5, 2012

2012 SR BMW Z4 – Spicing Everything Up

2012 SR BMW Z4 is the latest conversion by the tuners from SR Auto Group done on a unique BMW model. Although it is not changed in terms of performance, it was “spiced up” with unique design elements.

In short, SR Auto Group has enriched the already outstanding BMW Z4 model. The latter stands for style, speed and performance, and more importantly is able to capture any heart with its 245 horsepower (180 kW).Its torque produces 350Nm (260 lb-ft).

And the result is that the Z4 absolutely effortlessly accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in only 5.7 seconds.

The so called spicing that came from the tuners was as you might have already guessed from the wheels. And this time they are more than unique. Painted in red, they fit perfectly this BMW Z4, thus making the car the star of the show.

In addition, the wheels are fitted with a set of 20″ CEC C882, which have been revamped with a two tone finish sporting a vibrant red shade. Sometimes a bit of color is just what one needs to spice up ones day!

Source: SR Auto Group

June 5, 2012

2013 Scion FR-S Sports Car – now at dealerships

2013 Scion FR-S Sports Car is now available in dealerships. This is an exceptional high-performance coupe, which is the fifth model joining the family of the brand Scion and plays an integral part in it.

First of all what FR-S will provide to its drivers is genuine sports feel. And secondly – it can be experienced at not so costly price: the price of this Scion model begins at $24 200.

The FR-S can be equipped with either six-speed manual transmission or a six-speed automatic one which includes paddle shifters and Dynamic Rev Management technology.

A fact that you might not know is that the FR-S stands for Front-engine, Rear-wheel drive, Sport. And the name is proven by the engine that is at the heart of the vehicle: a 2.0-liter boxer one which produces an impressive 200 horsepower (147 kW) and 151 pound-feet (205 Nm) of torque. The flat engine is mounted extremely low, giving the car a dynamically low center of gravity.

Furthermore, the designers of the car made it in such way that it is quick and nimble which going into and out of corners, with dynamic maneuverability and confident handling. In addition, the Scion has low weight, which is combined with a dynamically tuned suspension setup comprising of MacPherson struts up front and a double wishbone system in the rear.

A standard feature here is the Torsen® limited-slip differential, apportioning power to the rear wheels with precision and immediacy. The FR-S runs on lightweight 17×7-inch alloy wheels and ventilated disc brakes.

The interior is also performance focused. It includes a 2+2 seating. The front seats are comfortable and assertive, and include deep bolsters. They are also mounted extremely low, while the rear seat folds down flat, creating flexible space.

Source: Scion

June 5, 2012

2013 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT delivers enhanced driving dynamics

2013 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT comes to offer enhanced driving dynamics and even better track performance. This is due to its output which now delivers the exceptional 435 kW (591 hp) and its new optimised AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT 7-speed sports transmission. Adding further is the redeveloped AMG RIDE CONTROL Performance suspension.

The SLS Mercedes-Benz is available both as a Coupé and a Roadster. Among the additional new features is the high-quality AMG designo Exclusive STYLE leather interior, which can be optionally chosen.

Furthermore, the SLS AMG now has more masculine and athletic stance. It is equipped with darkened headlamps and tail lights as well as red-painted brake calipers. All this contributes for the unique new appearance of the vehicle.

The wing-shaped cross fins and the star recess in the radiator grille also has a high-gloss finish. He same finish can be seen on the exterior mirrors and the fins on the bonnet and wings as well. The AMG logo on the right of the boot lid includes the additional letters “GT”.

Going further into details, this amazing sportscar is equipped with AMG 6.3-litre V8 front mid-engine. The latter has a maximum output of 435 kW (591 hp) at 6800 rpm, while the maximum torque is 650 Nm (479 lb-ft) at 4750 rpm. Therefore it will be very easy for the SLS AMG GT to accelerate from zero to 100 km/h in only 3.7 seconds, and to reach a speed of 200 km/h in 11.2 seconds.

Next, adding to the exceptional performance is the AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT 7 speed sports transmission located on the rear axle. It is promised that it is more direct and spontaneous in the manual “M” transmission mode. The transmission is an optimized dual-clutch one.

Another important highlight here which contributes significantly for the great performance of the vehicle is the newly developed AMG RIDE CONTROL Performance suspension. What it does is to improve the vehicle’s sportiness.

The new AMG RIDE CONTROL Performance suspension includes stiff spring/damper tuning and dispenses with “Comfort” mode. “Sport” mode is recommended as the maximal setting for undulating road surfaces and tracks requiring increased suspension travel. And the last mode- “Sport plus” provides higher damping forces and delivers sporty driving style on routes with a level road surface.

As standard, the vehicle runs on 265/35 R 19 tyres on the front and 295/30 R 20 tyres on the rear. Both are fitted to weight-optimised AMG forged light-alloy wheels with a 10-spoke design. They are painted in matt black and with a high-sheen finish. Three optional AMG light-alloy wheels are also available.

What about the interior of this Mercedes-Benz? Of course, it includes nothing else but a sporty design. Not to mention that it combines only the high-quality and functional atmosphere of a racing car.

For instance, the sports seats are embossed with a badge on the head restraints. The centre sections are finished in Alcantara®, which can be also found on the door centre panels. The black interior appointments are complemented by red seat belts and red contrasting stitching on the AMG sports seats. The centre console and the door panel lining are finished in red too. The floor mats also feature red edging.

As an exclusive but optional extra, the SLS AMG offers AMG designo Exclusive STYLE leather. This high-quality extra is available in single or two-tone finishes and has distinctive upholstery with a diamond design with contrasting stitching. The diamond design is included on the door centre panels as well.

Other optional highlights feature a designo leather finish for the dashboard, the beltlines and door armrests, the handrest on the centre console, AMG floor mats in black with porcelain leather edging, roof lining in Alcantara® porcelain, and the parcel shelf (Coupé) or roll-over bar (Roadster). Seams finished in contrasting colours create exciting highlights and underscore the high-quality, hand-finished nature of this new leather package.

Customers can choose among these available colour combinations: mocha brown/porcelain, titanium grey pearl/porcelain and mystic red/porcelain.

Other attractive optional extras for all SLS AMG models include (extract): AMG carbon-fibre exterior mirrors, AMG carbon-fibre engine compartment cover, AMG Interior Carbon-Fibre package (carbon-fibre trim, trim on seat backrest and side, door sill panels), AMG ceramic high-performance composite braking system, AMG Performance Media, AMG 10-spoke forged wheels in other colour variants, AMG carbon-fibre trim, AIRSCARF (Roadster), Bang & Olufsen BeoSound AMG surround sound system,

The official market launch of the 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT is scheduled for October this year and the starting price is 204,680 Euros.

2013 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT key data:

	Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT
Cylinder arrangement	V8
Valves per cylinder	4
Displacement	6208 cc
Bore x stroke	102.2 x 94.6 mm
Compression ratio	11.3:1
Output	435 kW (591 hp) at 6800 rpm
Max. torque	650 Nm at 4750 rpm
Fuel consumption NEDC combined	13.2 l/100 km
CO2 emissions	308 g/km
Acceleration 0-100 km/h	3.7 s
Top speed	320 km/h*

Source: Mercedes-Benz

June 5, 2012

2012 Vorsteiner Ferrari 458 Italia – more aerodynamic and stylish

2012 Vorsteiner Ferrari 458 Italia is the latest conversion by the talented tuners from Vorseiner. They have updated the powerful Ferrari with their new 458-V Program.

The latter is uncompromising in terms of design of aerodynamic components. The tuners admit that they have built it with the aim to integrate with the Ferrari’s style and even more – to make it even more perfect.

Having this approach in mind, Vorsteiner have successfully followed the fluidic lines of the Ferrari 458 and thus enhanced its looks and performance.

458-V Program includes the following equipment: add-on front spoiler to the front end of the vehicle; rear deck lid spoiler, which maintains the balance from the additional downforce on the front end; and a rear diffuser with extended aero fins, which further enhances the rear downforce.

All the aforementioned components are made from autoclave pre-preg carbon fiber with thw aim to ensure durability and performance.

Furthermore, this Ferrari Italia is equipped with forged aluminum wheels for even classier riding. The wheels are available in 20 or 21 inch configurations and are custom powder coated or painted.

Source: Vorsteiner

June 5, 2012

Carlsson C25 Super GT Limited Edition

The Carlsson C25 is back to appear as a limited edition. And when we say limited, we mean only 7 numbered examples delivered delivered exclusively for the Chinese market. Numbers one to three and five to seven have already been pre-ordered. The idea behind this new incarnation is lightness, rigidity and handling for even more adrenaline packed action. Carlsson have summed up everything behind the term Super GT

So, what’s new about this one? Well, the engineers at Carlsson have managed to lose 180 kg of curb weight and still keep the engine. The overall carbon-fiber body might have something to do with that. Other than that, we have some minor face lifting at the front, some botox at the back and a newly styled rear window. Each Super GT will be customized in accordance with the buyer’s preferences – think in terms of color combinations and interior design.

The non-negotiable features are the really tasty ones – a 450 hp V8, an iPhone adjustable C-Tronic Suspension and a set of aluminum exhaust tips. As an option, the brakes can be of a temperature efficient, fading resistant composite.

The “number 1” Carlsson C25 Limited has already been built and will be airlifted to Shanghai in the coming days. It’s just a pity that it won’t make the journey on land with the Gut Wiesenhof in Merzig, Germany as a starting point. The other ones are yet to be hand-made but in an year’s time everything should be sold out. The price: 4,000,000 Chinese yuan which is around roughly $628,536.

Source: Carlsson

June 5, 2012

Volkswagen at the AMI 2012 in Leipzig

Volkswagen are having a really mouth-watering lineup for the 2012 Auto Mobil International in Leipzig. We see some very recent faces such as the Volkswagen CC R-Line, the Beetle Fender and the Polo. The Volkswagen Scirocco however, takes the prize as probably the most exciting one out there. It’s a GTS version which is said to carry the essence of the 70s and 80s back when the Scirocco models was first born.

It’s a world premiere for this GTS version – a black and red stripe splitting the car in two equal halves, shouty red callipers, flaring side sills, new front and rear bumpers and a diffuser, a rear wing, color-coordinated wing mirrors and 18-inch “Thunder” alloy wheels with some black on them. The Scirocco even has the engine to match the looks – no less than 210 hp coming from a TSI 2.0 liter engine. The only thing above it in terms of performance is the 260 hp R version but we can get over that. Especially when we find that the gear stick in the GTS has a history value embedded or more like engraved – it’s the old “golf ball” design that used to be a trademark feature of first generation GTIs and ’82 Scirocco GTSs

Then there are the others – a mile-crunching, sporty looking, Volkswagen CC four-door R-Line that can invigorate even some of the most family people on the planet. As for the rebellious kids, a VW Beetle sounds right, right? Even more so when the music instrument making company Fender has a say when it comes to design. 400 watts of “concert-type” sounding. Finally, something for the bachelor – a CrossPolo “Urban White” – a car, we’ve been told, that it’s not simply white but more like “Oryx White Mother of Pearl” white… not something to brag about. But the 17-inch alloy wheels and the tinted rear windows do add a little character. Inside, a black mingle of Alcantra contrasts the body work and complements the wing mirrors and roof rails. To stress out that the Polo Urban White is for young people, Volkswagen have fitted sports seats so no fragile spines please. For the 70 bhp, the average student will have to pay $23,703 or in other words, 40 years of debt.

Source: Volkswagen

June 5, 2012

Category: Auto News