Auto News – Page 833 – Automobiles Review

Ford Mustang Boss 302 Laguna Seca among 2012 Best of the Best Coupes and GTs

2012 Ford Mustang Boss 302 Laguna Seca has jut been included among the best Coupes in the luxury world for this year. According to Robb Report magazine the exceptional muscle car deserves undoubtedly to be featured as a 2012 Best of the Best Coupe and GT.

Robb Report is one of the main sources of information where the best purchases of the affluent lifestyle happen, and for almost quarter of decade it has been making list, which include several categories among which are cars, real estate and watches.

According to the report, the outstanding Ford vehicle is praised because it retains some of the best qualities and characteristics of its first form – the original 1969 Mustang Boss 302, and in addition have improved them in time. The ’69 model was racing one and was developed by the brand in order to compete in the Trans-Am series.

Furthermore, this Ford Mustang now is highly appreciated by people who not only adore the American muscle cars, but also count a lot on performance.

This great reputation of the vehicle is because its heart is in fact a 302 cu in V-8 engine. It is able to develop the astonishing 444 hp (325 kW) at up to 7,500 rpm. In addition to this, the powerful engine is mated not to an automatic transmission, but to 6-speed manual one, which helps retain the joy of driving! And with the price of about $48 000 it reasonably gets among the luxurious segment.

Souce: Ford

May 30, 2012

2012 Audi A5 Cabriolet and 2012 Audi TT Roadster are the Best Road Trip Convertibles

2012 Audi A5 Cabriolet and the 2012 Audi TT Roadster are among ten of the Best Road Trip Convertibles for 2012 according to Kelley Blue Book. The latter is the only vehicle valuation and information source trusted and relied upon by both consumers and the industry.

The editors of the official web page of KBB have praised both Audi cars by including them in the aforementioned list of ten. 2012 A5 Cabriolet won the judges for its combination of style, refinement and performance. On the other hand the Audi TT Roadster was chosen for its well-appointed sportiness and superb handling.

In fact, 2012 Audi A5 Cabriolet is indeed an exceptional car. Not many cabriolet can show such style, combined with refinement and uncompromised performance. In addition it is the only car in its class to offer quattro® all-wheel drive.

Another advantage of the car is that it carries the award-winning 2.0 TFSI engine. Thank to it the cabrio can deliver 211 hp (155 kW) and 258 lb-ft (190 Nm) of torque. Of course, we have to mention the valvelift system, variable valve timing and TFSI® direct injection, which are alos included in it.

This convertible has it all. It has an Aluminum Optic trimmed windshield frame and runs on the elegant 18″ wheels. The soft top of this Audi delivers significant wind and road noise reduction and has only 15 seconds reaction time. At last, the vehicle is spacious enough and can offer room for four adults thank to its rear folding seats, twelve-way power adjustable front seats and an overall open design.

2012 Audi TT Roadster is the second praised Audi vehicle, which carries its unmistakable profile and its unique rear diffuser with dual exhaust. This blend gives an aggressive and exclusive look to the Roadster.

The body of this Audi Convertible was entirely constructed of lightweight aluminum and steel. Here, the folding soft top takes only twelve seconds to react and can be closed at speeds under 31 MPH for added convenience.

More benefits that this car delivers are in terms of performance. It comes equipped with a 2.0T engine, which employs a variation of FSI called TFSI®. TFSI-equipped has significantly higher compression ratios and cylinder pressure, thus fully atomizing fuel and optimizing boost response. The Roadster also delivers impressive fuel economy: 23 MPG city and 31 MPG highway.

Source: Audi

May 30, 2012

2013 Ford Fusion Being Sustainable

Ford seem to be aware that the latest fad is to go organic. The shops are brimming with lettuce which has been (so they tell us) grown out in the open, natural fertilizers, no pesticides no GMO no nothing. Indeed, very healthy and sustainable. But consider a 2013 Ford Fusion now and try to draw a parallel. Some of the materials used in it, Ford people say, are completely organic, recyclable and downright green.

“Building vehicles with great fuel economy is our highest priority in reducing impact on the environment,” says Carrie Majeske, Ford product sustainability manager. “With every new product design, we also are charged with increasing the use of renewable and recyclable materials in our cars, utilities and trucks to reduce impact on the environment.”

Issues like noise and vibrations have been tackled with something very common in real life and yet it sounds out of place – denim. That’s right, more than two pairs of jeans have given it’s life for the sake of comfort and convenience. Inside, the upholstery is made with pure Repreve yarn which is woven from both post-industrial and post-consumer waste products. The models that will carry such kind of cloth on theirs seats would contain an equivalent of 38.9 recycled, clear 16-ounce plastic bottles. Supposedly, the material is strong as well.

The soft bits within the seats have been garnished with soybeans. Soy foam to be exact. A single Fusion requires approximately 31,250 which sounds a lot but remember; it’s sustainable. It’s not that uncommon actually. The technology was first introduced in 2007 and Ford have been making cars with soy ever since.

Various, not-that-important bits are protected from plastics. Plastics of former car batteries so it’s cheap to replace as well.

“We are holistic in reducing our environmental footprint by utilizing post-industrial (blue jeans), post-consumer (battery cases) and sustainable materials technologies (soy foam),” Majeske says. “We do whatever makes the most sense for each application and environmentally from a lifecycle perspective.“

Source: Ford

May 30, 2012

Aston Martin Project AM310 [VIDEO]

In it for some high-octane, gut-churning acoustics? Good. Here’s an Internet circulating clip of the supposed DBS successor – the Aston Martin Project AM310 Concept. It was filmed this weekend at the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este in Italy. An official debut is set for August while sales will most probably start in early 2013. Aston are going to be celebrating one hundred years of engineering very soon and if that’s the party piece, count us in.

As stated, in terms of styling, the AM310 is rather reminiscent of the Aston Martin One-77 (Fun fact: the One-77 was also revealed at the Concorso back in 2009). The details are still a bit wishy-washy but the word out there is that a 6.0-liter V12, 570 and above horsepower engine will be at work. The interior was supposed to be a secret but sneaky photographers and even the operator here manage to “get the picture” – the rev-counter needle moves the wrong way but we don’t care. Oh, and then there’s the sound which, to us, doesn’t sound “insane” but pretty darn close.

Enough silly talk. Please, indulge yourselves:

httpv://youtu.be/mO3VwMkzDEs

Source: marchettino via YouTube

May 30, 2012

Mazda Demio 13C-V Smart Edition II

The Mazda Demio (or Mazda2) 13C-V Smart Edition is getting a samllish update and from now on, it will be known as the Mazda Demio 13C-V Smart Edition II. Fair enough but there’s a problem – only Japan is getting it. Don’t worry, there’s a reason for that.

Because it’s now 0.4 km/l more economical than before, the 13C-V Smart Edition II qualifies for a 50% reduction in tax according to Japan’s eco-car tax reduction program. Now, if we trust the country’s JC08 mode test cycle, we should be able to cover 20.6 km on a single liter of fuel. That… number basically will make the Smart Edition II much more desirable as it moves closer to the 13-SKYACTIV version which is completely exempt from taxes.

If that doesn’t catch our attention, then maybe the rear roof spoiler will do the trick. There’s also a undercover added. As optional extras, you can get a keyless entry system for it as well as an automatic liftgate and start, front fog lights and auto-leveling low-beams.

The 13-SKYACTIV will be available with three color options for the interior (that includes the Border Black shade when taken with the Sporty or Comfort package).

Source: Mazda

May 30, 2012

Ugur Sahin Alfa Romeo 12C GTS Concept [HD video]

Ugur Sahin Design has released an interesting video, where the Alfa Romeo C12 GTS Concept has been previewed. The Dutch specialty coachworks and design company shows their bold design of the sports car.

The main goal is to reinterpret Alfa Romeo’s historical lines, surfaces and styling cues with fresh perspective and state of mind in order to create an appealing design and combining the familiar design language of Alfa Romeo combined with sharper lines and surfaces without losing the organic attractiveness of the car.

For now, the car is only a rendering, but the company is searching for investors, who may be interested and help the C12 GTS Concept to become a real sports car.

Check out the video and the pictures below.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PFDxUxWEV80

Source: UgurSahinDesign via Youtube

May 29, 2012

Maserati Quattroporte Sport GT S Best Luxury Car Award

The Maserati Quattroporte Sport GT S has been around for quite a while now, and yet it still manages to capture the public’s hearts. The latest award to be swept away by the four-door grand tourer comes from the leading Spanish financial magazine “El Economista”. The category is “Best Luxury Car”.

Within 15 days, more than 60, 000 people saw the Quattroporte as the most suitable contestant. Runner ups included the Porsche Panamera GTS, Rolls-Royce Phantom Series II, Audi S8, Jaguar XJ and BMW Series 6 Gran Coupé.

“The Italian Marque can combine like nobody else the best luxury with the strongest performance. This is the very essence of this Sport GT S version of the Maserati Quattroporte saloon. The result of the vote clearly shows that sportiness and luxury work better when they are combined, that people do not want to choose between one or the other: they want both” said Manolo Domenech, Editor of Ecomotor during the award ceremony which took place on the opening day of the Madrid Motor Show.

Popping up the hood, we have to admit, the Sport GT S is a charmer – a 4.7 V8 powertrain that develops 433 bhp and 490 Nm. Further down the line, an automatic/paddle-shigt transmission sends the power to 20-inch, wider-than-standard wheels. Inside various accents incorporate carbon-fiber and Alcantra.

As a model, the Quattroporte has received over 50 awards during its lifetime – which is sort of not enough considering that Pininfarina were responsible for the design.

Source: Maserati

May 29, 2012

Rolls-Royce at Leipzig Auto Mobil International

Shortly after an audacious appearance in China, Rolls-Royce is ready to conquer Europe as well. The Auto Mobil International show in Leipzig to be more exact. In just a few days time, people and journalists alike will experience the debut of the Ghost Six Senses concept which will also be accompanied by the Phantom Series II.

The Rolls-Royce Sic Senses Concept sounds really hedonistic. And bold as well – it sees itself as the six sense. Once you step in, provoked are not only your five prime senses but also the overwhelming fountain of joy within you (roughly paraphrasing here but that’s the general idea). It really is something for the ultra posh who could not be bothered with actually driving it. That’s why the chauffeur profession was invented. Thus not much spotlight is thrown on the the 6.6-Liter V12 BMW engine inside it either. And that’s a shame. 563 bhp and 780 Nm of torque driving around a tray of caviar appetizers and an Armani coat.

Then there are the the grown-up participants which are just as exclusive… only more – The Rolls-Royce Phantom Series II in Drophead Coupe and Extended (wheelbase) forms. They will be the first cars ever to come with full-LED headlights as standard. So there’s a reason to own one. Also, compared to the series I, these will have a new 8-speed automatic gearbox with “unnoticeable” shifts.

In Europe, for the time being, Germany and Russia provide fertile soils in terms of Rolls-Royce marketing. Appearing in Leipzig at the start of June can only prove beneficial for the company.

Source: Rolls-Royce

May 29, 2012

The Prowler Project: SR Maserati Gran Turismo Convertible

SR Maserati Gran Turismo Convertible – Prowler Project is the latest luxury project of the works of collaboration between PUR Wheels and SR Auto Group. If you have thought that they might stop amazing you with exceptional vehicles, well this Project called Prowler will prove you wrong.

The Prowler is based on Maserati Gran Turismo Convertible and this fact makes it already a very special tuning. It includes a six-speed, ZF automatic transmission with a hydraulic torque converter. Thank to this the gear shift changes quickly and effortlessly.

More importantly, being a true Maserati, the vehicle carries inherent sporty stance, characteristics, and of course – engine: the 4.7-liter V8 one. This motor produces 433 horsepower (318 kW) and 361 foot pounds of torque. These numbers enable the car to accelerate from 0 gto 100 km/h in just 5.7 seconds.

The prowler project comes in a cloak of matt black, which to me looks as velvet skin. The objective here was to make a contrast between it and the light interior that the Maserati has. A special part of the tuning is the set of super silver PUR 1NE 21/22 inch wheels, which were developed for the purpose of making contrast as well.

SR Maserati Gran Turismo Convertible - Prowler Project — SR Maserati Gran Turismo Convertible – Prowler Project

Source: SR Auto Group

May 29, 2012

Perodua Myvi Wolfrace Design Limited Edition

$Perodua-Myvi-Wolfrace-Design-Limited-Edition-THUMB$ Perodua Myvi Wolfrace Design is an exclusive limited edition vehicle made by Perodua. Only ten units of this special model will be built. The source of inspiration for this vehicle to come up to live is the work of collaboration between Perodua and Wolfrace Wheels Limited.

Both have designed this vehicle, which not only maintains Perodua’s great value for money, but also blends style and appeal of the award winning Wolfrace brand.

In details, this limited edition Myvi runs on the striking 17” Wolfrace Brooklands alloy wheels. On the both sides of the vehicle can be seen silver and red graphics kit including stripes along with chequered flags. The Wolfrace Design logo can be seen on the rear doors and on the tailgate.

Exclusive black and silver Wolfrace Design front entry guards will also be included. Thir purpose is to show the individual unit number of the car, and thus will be numbered from one to ten.

Perodua Myvi Wolfrace Design Limited Edition

In addition, there is a high standard specification which is featured in the Myvi range: air conditioning, four electric windows, electrically adjustable door mirrors, power steering, integrated radio/CD player and etc.

The car goes mated to a manual transmission, and will be available in two metallic exterior colours: Ebony Black and Medallion Gray. As an option, customers can choose to include to their Myvi a luxurious sport style leather/alcantara interior

However, what is so unique here is the price of the car, which is unbelievably low. It will be available for only £7 999.

Source: Perodua

May 29, 2012

2012 Toyota Camry and Camry Hybrid with ECOcar Awards

2012 Toyota Camry and its Hybrid sibling have achieved great success at the ECOcar Awards this year. In particular, the 2012 Toyota Camry Hybrid has been awarded the first place as the ECOcar of the year, leaving its petrol brother at second place.

In fact this is very important success for the model line-up because it is the first major award it achieves. Both cars have bee launched in the last six months of the year.

In the competition took part 31 vehicles, among which were the both Carmy vehicles. The prices of the cars which were competing ranged from $16 000 to $90 000. The judges assessing the cars were from specialist national magazine ECOcar.

However, the judging criteria crossed all price groups and looked on fuel efficiency, performance, comfort, refinement and driving enjoyment. And here the two Toyotas were unsurpassed.

No other car could beat the 2012 Camry Hybrid, which has a combined fuel economy of 5.2L/100km. The second place went for the petrol model for a reason. Its combined fuel economy is 7.8L/100km.

What is so unique for those cars is that they offer identical refinement and engine choices depending on drivers’ needs. Nevertheless, the judges’ choice was mainly influenced by the operating economy of the cars. And yes, we definitely see a tendency in the automotive world, where people look for more fuel efficient vehicles.

Source: Toyota

May 29, 2012

2013 Toyota Venza Crossover with announced price

2013 Toyota Venza Crossover has an announced price already and will be seen at dealerships this week. The new Toyota crossover will offer its customers more luxury and spaciousness in terms of interior and added styling to all its features. Furthermore it will add value with the help of several new standard convenience features and updated option packages.

What is new here is that Venza comes with a new more aerodynamic shape. The latter has been achieved through the modified upper and lower grille, fog lamps and rear taillights. Of course, no update in body style can go without an update in the wheels. This Toyota crossover runs on new 19-inch wheel design.

In addition, the exterior colors which now are being offered are complemented by three new ones, namely: Attitude Black, Cypress Pearl, and Cosmic Gray Mica. Moreover, there are also included three interior color choices: Ivory, Light Gray, and Black. The latter is absolutely new for the model range. Each color is offered in fabric on LE and leather on XLE and Limited.

The trim levels in which the 2013 Venza is being offered are: LE, XLE and Limited grades. In particular, the LE and XLE models are available with all powertrain combinations: four-cylinder, V6, front-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD). Both engines are mated to a six-speed sequential-shift electronically controlled automatic transmission with intelligence (ECT-i).

In contrast the Venza Limited is powered by the V6 engine only, in front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive configurations. Here as well the engine goes with the six-speed sequential-shift electronically controlled automatic transmission with intelligence (ECT-i).

Furthermore, the additional features that the new model will include will delight any customer. Some of them for instance are the standard blind-spot mirror and outer mirror turn signals with puddle lamps, which will go as a standard on all trim levels.

Other key standard features are: dual-zone automatic climate control with air filter and second-row-seat vents; eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat with power lumbar; 3.5-inch LCD multi-information display; a tilt/telescopic adjustable wheel with integrated audio controls; an overhead console with map lights; rear-seat adjustable personal reading lamps and three 12-volt power outlets.

2013 Venza will now come equipped with unique feature – the new Toyota Entune multimedia system. Entune gives power to the mobile smartphone to provide a richer in-vehicle experience with fully integrated access to navigation, entertainment and information services.

Additionally, the audio systems that go along with the Entune include conversational voice recognition system which will help the driver to stay focused by eliminating the need to memorize thousands of voice commands.

The base price for the 2013 Toyota Venza LE will start from $27 700 for the front-wheel-drive (FWD) four-cylinder engine. The detailed pricing of the other trim levels are listed below.

2013 Toyota Venza Pricing:

Model	Grade	Engine	Drivetrain	Price ($)
2810	LE	L4	FWD	$27,700
2812	LE	V6	FWD	$29,520
2820	LE	L4	AWD	$29,150
2822	LE	V6	AWD	$30,970
2830	XLE	L4	FWD	$31,360
2832	XLE	V6	FWD	$33,180
2834	XLE	L4	AWD	$32,810
2836	XLE	V6	AWD	$34,630
2842	Limited	V6	FWD	$37,420
2846	Limited	V6	AWD	$38,870

Source: Toyota

May 29, 2012

Category: Auto News