Auto News – Page 835 – Automobiles Review

The GT 86, Toyota’s Headline Car of 2012

The car Toyota fans have been waiting for is finally here. The GT 86 was announced to a lot of hype way back in 2009 at the Tokyo Motor Show, and since then the Japanese automaker (in partnership with Subaru) has kept us cooling our heels waiting to drive its fastest accelerating sports car.

Hailed for its incredible 1239kg weight, the GT 86 still manages to pack a powerhouse under the hood. Equipped with the Toyota Subaru “D-4S” boxer engine, which is a 2.0-litre engine that accelerates from 0 to 62 in 7.7 seconds, the Toyota also has plenty of cruising speed, reaching up to 137mph. Although it probably won’t win awards for its powertrain, the GT86’s performance is totally satisfactory considering its visual appeal and trappings.

Built to classic coupe proportions, this Toyota has a long bonnet and low roofline, with sporty touches like the tailgate spoiler, twin-exit exhausts and contoured roofline. Taking design cues from the earlier FT-HS concept, which was a hybrid sports car concept released in 2007, the GT 86 certainly looks the part of an aerodynamic behemoth.

With the nickname of 2+2, and despite its “impressively comfortable” front seats, there’s also a little legroom in the back for passengers, although it’s probably a better fit for kids. Standard interior features are impressive and include dual-zone air-conditioning, leather wrapping on the steering wheel and gear lever, keyless entry and dash-mounted touchscreen with navigation and entertainment.

The Coupe car joins a line-up of eco-friendly cars this year that includes the Prius Plug-in, the Prius+ and the Yaris hybrid, all of which are set to hit showrooms sometime from mid-2012.

May 28, 2012

Wheelsandmore Lamborghini Gallardo LP620-4 Superleggera

Rest assured, the future is green. In fact, here’s some of it right now – a Laborghini Gallardo Superleggera. To the unsuspecting, yet adept eye, it’s an LP570-4. That indicates that it has 570 hp and an AWD layout. The thing is, Wheelsandmore have been working on it but it’s all very subtle. One of the most daring alternations made here is the name change – The Lamborghni Gallardo LP620-4 “Green Beret”.

That’s right. 620 hp for this one. What they have done to do that is remap the Gallardo’s 5.2-liter V10 engine, add some space-age air filters and an exhaust system which, as a bonus, has a remote controlled valve for a spectacle of sound. The end result stands at 50 hp more than usual ans 50 Nm of torque as well.

As for wheels, the Green Beret Lamborghini has been let loose with a size 9.0 x 20 (front) and 11.0 x 20 (back) 6Spotrz² , three-piece, forged rims. In turn, they have been properly treated with a set of 245/30/20 and 295/25/20 Continental Sport Contact tires. A stylish line goes on the edge of the rims as a complement to the body paint.

Not that it needs much correction, but the stance has also been revised. Thanks to a special coilover suspension with adjustable levels of rebound and compression, the “LP620-4” can now leap over speed bumps or scrape off the tarmac from the road.

That pretty much wraps it up – no aerodynamic kits, no gills, no wings. It’s subtle, clean and has nothing to prove. Still, don’t try to intimidate it in between the traffic lights.

Wheelsandmore Lamborghini Gallardo LP620-4 (LP570-4)

Source: Wheelsandmore

May 24, 2012

Tesla Model S: Deliveries Start on the 22nd of June

The Tesla Model S is as ready as it can be and the company, which is rather ahead of schedule, is pleased to announce that deliveries will start happening on the 22nd of June. The Tesla Model S is an all-electric, rear-wheel-driven, four-door sedan that brought along a lot of commotion when it was first announced.

It’s one of the most sizable EV of its time with a wheelbase of 116.5”, an overall length of 195.9” and a front track width of 65.4”. Inside you get loads of head room, rear legroom, front leg room and luggage capacity – 28.7 cubic feet at the back and 8.1 cubic feet at the front.

There will be a standard range simply called Model S which will have two sub-options: Model S and Model S performance. Then there will be a Model S Signature range (limited) that also has a “standard” model an a performance version. The cheapest one you can get is the 40 kWh Model S – $49,900. The 85 kWh Model S Signature Performance is prices almost twice as much ($97, 900). That’s a hefty price to pay for a bigger battery pack, 21-inch wheels, some Nappa leather and carbon ornaments. Well yes, you do get also an active air suspension and a sporty traction control but will the Tesla S be able to walk the talk?

According to the figures, chances are it can – The Model S Performance has a time of 4.4 seconds on the 60 mph sprint. The claimed top speed stands at 130 mph while at 55 mph the estimated charge range is 300 miles. Afraid about the diminishable life of batteries? Worry not as all 85 kWh packs have an 8 year/unlimited miles warranty.

George Blankenship, Vice President, Worldwide Sales and Ownership Experience want’s to point out other highlights as well. The Tesla Model S, he says, is widely customizable – the regenerative braking can be either smother or more efficient on request, the power steering can also be adjusted within the options Comfort, Standard and Sport and the suspension can lift up the car high enough to cover spiky rocks and pestering speed bumps, or lower the Tesla so that you get maximum efficiency.

Source: Tesla Motors

May 23, 2012

GSC Mercedes-Benz CLS 63 AMG

German Special Customs (GSC), based in Chemnitz, Germany, like to add their own touch on already slightly mad vehicles. Take for example, the Mercedes-Benz CLS 63AMG (W218) – impressive enough, isn’t it? Well, the way they see it, there’s always room for improvement.

The front bumper is new and harbors massive lower mesh grills and some LEDs. The hood has also been replaced with something that is most certainly not waterproof. Move to the sides and you’ll notice that the side skirts are now a bit more pronounced and as for the back, the bumper is entirely new along with its carbony rear diffuser. GSC have dubbed the whole aerodynamic project as “Stealth” which sounds inappropriate since it’s pretty noticeable. However, it does make the car very edgy and slightly unconventional much like F117 Nighthawk airplane – designed to deflect radar signals. In addition, that matte overall finish makes us think that this particular AMG has been borrowed from the set of The Avengers movie.

And much like Captain America, this CLS has also been scientifically buffed. Normally, AMG manage to pump out 525 hp from its 5.5 bi-turbo V8. GSC have raised that bar up to 750 hp and 1,150 Nm of torque. In order to achieve that, the company’s engineers replaced the two turbochargers with ones that are… well… bigger, replaced the exhaust system and have also added another intercooler. As a result, the “Stealth” now does the 0 to 100 kph sprint in just 3.7 seconds and will continue gathering velocity until it reaches 350 km/h.

That however, would not have been possible with the performance upgrade alone. To tame all that power, a more-proper suspension is needed and that’s where a KW coilover adjustable suspension kit comes in place. Take into account the 20-inch rims, the 255/30R20 and 295/25R20 Continental tires on them and you get a well rounded ultra-performance four-seater.

Source: GSC

May 23, 2012

Suzuki Swift DDiS MPG Marathon

Apparently, pushing the boundaries of fuel efficiency is a thing these days. Motoring journalist Donn Anderson recently took a Suzuki Swift DDiS (diesel) on a journey with Auckland (the Northern part of the North island of New Zealand) as a starting point and an end point at the bottom of it, in Wellington. No petrol stations were harmed during the trip. In fact he turned around and started for home afterwords. The fuel tank came 60 km short before finishing the whole epic journey.

The total distance covered turned out to be 1,240 km (764 miles). The fuel tank has a capacity of 42 liters so that would mean an average fuel consumption of 3.36 liters/100 km or 83.4 mpg. Wherever possible, Mr Anderson tried to keep the car cursing between 50 and 60 mph and would have managed even more miles if it wasn’t for the torrential rains and high winds that he encountered during the marathon.

This isn’t the first time a Suziki Swift DDiS proves stunning frugality. Last year, in the UK a Swift 1.3 achieved 86.4 mpg while a second one came close with 84.6. The records were taken from the local MPG Marathon.

The DDiS engine is actually a JTD Fiat engine in disguise. It’s 1.3 liters of displacement give an output of 74 hp and 107 lb-ft of torque. As proven, the mpg figure is bigger than the power output. Eco-minded people can now celebrate with some organic waffles.

Source: Suzuki

May 23, 2012

2012 Peugeot 208 gains Five Start Euro NCAP Rating

2012 Peugeot 208 is one of the best cars for urban environment due to its smaller dimensions, but spacious cabin. Furthermore, the new Peugeot model now delivers even more comfortability.

Another advantage that it has is that it now features a new architecture which makes the 208 lighter by 110 kg on average compared to the 207. This leads of course to lower CO2 results and excellent fuel consumption.

It is also advantageous n terms of safety performance, which is now proven by the Five Star Rating it got by Euro NCAP. In fact, the new 208 is the first car in its segment to get the five stars.

One of the main reasons for this is not only the improvements of the body architecture made in the 208, but also the standard equipment it now features: ABS, ESP, six airbags, rear Isofix fixings, speed limiter, front seat belt warning, collapsible steering column, and more.

The structure contributes further to occupant’s protection. It is made of aluminium absorption beam, very high strength steel and ultra-high strength steel panels.

In fact, the Euro NCAP result is the best proof of the high 208’s level of safety protection in active and passive conditions.

Source: Peugeot

May 23, 2012

2013 Mazda CX-5 Receives Five Star Euro NCAP Safety Rating

2013 Mazda CX-5 is surprisingly lightweight, high-rigid, and at the same time safe. The safety performance of the model was recognized by Euro NCAP, which awarded the vehicle after the latest crash tests with five starts!

The new CX-5 was launched in Europe in February 2012 and in addition to the maximum rating was also proclaimed as “Top Safety Pick 2012” by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) in the United States.

The reason for all of these achievements is Mazda‘s new lightweight, highly rigid SKYACTIV-BODY. Thank to it this Mazda model is one of the safest cars in the world.

2013 Mazda CX-5 with Five Star Euro NCAP Safety Rating

In particular, Euro NCAP rating system awards an overall rating from zero to five stars. The rating is consists of scores in four categories:

• adult occupant protection(50%);

• child occupant protection(20%);

• pedestrian protection(20%);

• safety assist(10%).

Next, the ratings in each category are given after the following tests are made: frontal impact at 64km/h, Car-to-car side impact at 50km/h, Pole side impact at 29km/h, Whiplash from rear end impact and pedestrian protection, and evaluation of the Electronic Stability Control (ESC).

The five starts that the CX-5 just got mean that it has achieved very high scores in all of the four categories. In fact, the 2013 Mazda CX-5 scored amongst the top performers in the small off-road 4×4 category.

The secret of the success lies in the fact that the CX-5 is the first of Mazda’s new generation of products which employs the lightweight, highly rigid SKYACTIV-BODY.

Mazda engineers redesigned the body from scratch. They have pondered on all of the fundamental principles of structure, materials, and manufacturing methods and then made the necessary transformation. The aim was to develop the ideal vehicle body, which is now proven to be so by the Euro NCAP rating.

Source: Mazda

May 23, 2012

2013 Acura ILX Goes On Sale

2013 Acura ILX has just been released for sale at Acura dealerships with a starting price of $25 900. The all-new ILX will come to offer more luxury, wide array of premium features and premium appeal.

The new Acura ILX can offer its customers a choice of three powertrain options. One of them is Acura’s first-ever gasoline-electric hybrid. The latter has spacious interior and deliver sporty driving experience.

In addition, the ILX will offer a number of new, premium features included as a standard: Keyless Access System with smart entry and pushbutton start, Pandora® internet radio interface and SMS text message function, power moonroof, aluminium wheels and Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink®.

The entry-level of the model ILX is powered by a 2.0-liter inline 4-cylinder engine producing 150 horsepower (110 kW) mated to a Sequential SportShift 5-speed automatic transmission.

For the customers who want dynamic driving experience, the ILX engine range includes the 2.4-liter engine ($29 200, includes the Premium Package). It has an output of 201 horsepower (154 kW) and includes a close-ratio, six-speed manual transmission.

Next, the ILX Hybrid (with a price starting at $28,900) utilizes 1.5-liter inline engine and an Integrated Motor Assist® electric motor. They are mated to a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). More importantly, the ILX 1.5L Hybrid has an EPA estimated city/highway/combined fuel economy rating of 39/38/38 mpg.

In details, the Premium Package includes: leather seating surfaces, heated front seats, a power driver’s seat, an upgraded 360 watt stereo system with XM® radio, HID headlights, foglights, 17-inch aluminium wheels, a multi-view rearview camera and an Active Sound Cancellation system to make for a quieter cabin.

The Technology Package adds further to the Premium one the following: ELS Surround® audio system and a full complement of relevant technologies, including AcuraLink® Satellite Communication System, Acura Navigation System with Voice Recognition™, AcuraLink Real-Time Traffic with Traffic Rerouting™, AcuraLink Real-Time Weather™ with radar image maps and HomeLink®.

Source: Honda

May 23, 2012

Oettinger tuned Audi TT-RS

OETTINGER has announced their tuning package for Audi TT-RS. The car brings pure excitement and is specially created to celebrate 20 years Tuner Grand Prix.

TT-RS S-tronic is powered by a 2.5-litre TFSI engine with 340HP (250kW) and 450Nm (331 lb-ft). The performance is more superb – 0-100km/h in 4.3 seconds with new launch-control function. This means a 0.3 seconds faster than the 6-speed model. Top speed is electronically limited to 250 km/h (155 mph). The average fuel consumption is just 8.5 litres per 100km and 197 g/km of CO2 emissions.

After the performance modifications, the mighty engine delivers whopping 400HP (295 kW) at 5900RPM and 550Nm (405 lb-ft) at 3800RPM. 0-100 km/h in 4.4 seconds and a top speed of 275 km/h (170 mph).

The performance package includes recalibration of the engine management and removing the V-max limiter.

Of course, the fuel consumption remains the same. The price is €2290 including installation.

Source: Oettinger

May 22, 2012

K-Tec Racing Upgrade For Clio 197/200

K-Tec Racing tend specialize in Renault-tweaking. Today, the have a new engine upgrade for the Renault Sport Clio 197 or 200. It sounds dodgy, but it isn’t. They are even offering a 12 month/ 30, 000 miles warranty. Besides, the jump in power is not stunningly drastic.

According to K-Tec, many throttle friendly owners of the Clio 197/200 express minor discontent at the low and mid sectors of the rev counter. Their upgrade is specifically targeted for the car’s F4R 830 engine. It’s called the “KTR215” and you pay for it £1,366 ($2,156) you get. In return you get:

1 x set of Cat Cam 402 high performance billet steel camshafts
1 x genuine Renault cam timing belt
1 x set genuine Renault camshaft caps
Installation by K-Tec Racing’s technicians
Bespoke K-Tec Racing OBDII ECU remap

That means an additional lump of 12lb-ft. of torque at 3600 rpm and 10lb-ft more between 5200-7500 rpm. In terms of horsepower – plus 10 hp more at 5200 rpm and 15 more at 7000 rpm. The end result is a maximum output of 215 bhp and 175lb-ft of torque. These numbers will matter in real life situations and on the track as well.

K-Tec Racing Renault Sport Clio 200 with KTR215 Upgrade

Source: K-Tec Racing

May 22, 2012

Renault Alpine A110-50 in Monaco?

Much like in a pre-earthquake situation, subtle seismic activity is currently jolting the realm of the automotive industry. This is a render of the supposed incoming Alpine A110-50 Renault based concept. We might know for sure however, this weekend at the Monaco F1 round.

As a company, Alpine has been around for more than a half of a century. In 1973 however, Renault acquired what most of it with the idea to introduce a high performance range of cars to the world. Sadly, the last thing ever to come out as an Alpine was the A610 back in 1991. Renault are now using the facilities to built their Megane and Clio Renault Sport models there but, evidently the Alpine badge is not in ashes just yet.

Not much is out yet on the A110-50 Concept but roomer has it that it will be based on the Renault Megane Coupe Trophy and that it will have a 3.5-liter, mid-mounted V6 engine. Expect around 400 bhp and a weight of less than a ton.

This could have been here earlier but the global financial downfall of 2009 tended to freeze ambitious ideas like that.

Source: Motorsport-Magazine via Sport Auto

May 22, 2012

Abarth 695 Maserati Edition – Price and Specs

You remember the Abarth 695 Maserati Edition, right? The one that is based on a Fiat 500c? It now has a price tag and a full list of specs. Both of them are big.

The Abarth 695 Maserati Edition is a followup of the Abarth 695 Tributo Ferrari project which was a big hit three years ago. There will be only 499 examples of this new one and as the name suggests, it will carry a Gran Turismo feel wherever it goes.

First, the oily bits: under the hood hides a 1.4 Turbo T-Jet 16v engine that sends 180 bhp trough an Abarth Competizione gearbox. Pass the 3000 rpm mark and your years will have the pleasure to endure the aria sung by the variable back-pressure “dual-mode” exhaust pipes. Stomp on the brakes and a set of Brembo monoblock brake calipers will squeeze the front 305 mm floating discs so hard, that afterwards you’ll have to feel your way under the seat in search of your face. All the while, Koni shock absorbers make sure you come home with an intact spine.

As a trademark, the Abarth 695 Maserati comes in a characteristic Pontevecchio Bordeaux – a three-layered shade from Maserati’s catalog that we can only describe as red. The thing that sticks out as gray is the fabric of the soft top. Another mark of Maserati engineering represents the wheels – Neptune design alloy wheels, 17-inches in size and wrapped up in performance tires.

Inside, the predominant theme is beige which sounds a bit tasteless, but the overall effect is quite surprising. A 695 logo is embossed on the headrests, the dashboard and console trim has a lining of carbon fiber and the door panels and rear panels have been treated with UV-LUX for that extra gray “flocking” effect. In front of you, there’s a black-leather steering wheel with patches of beige, flappy paddles for the gearbox, an instrument panel by Jaeger and aluminum pedals in the foot well.

Final summation – £32,000 or $50,553

ENGINE
	4 cylinder in line, 4 valves per cylinder, 1368cc Power: 180bhp (132 kW) at 5500rpm Maximum torque 250 Nm in sport mode at 3000rpm Supercharged with Garrett 1446 turbo
TRANSMISSION
	Abarth Competizione gearbox with 5 speeds, C510 gearbox family with gear paddles on the steering wheel
SUSPENSION
	Front Abarth Koni shock absorbers with FSD valvesRear Abarth Koni shock absorbers with FSD valves Lowered ride
STEERING
	Electric power steering with sport mode
BRAKES
	Floating, perforated and self-ventilating front discs ø 305mm × 28mm Ventilated rear discs ø 264mm × 22mm TTC – Torque Transfer Control
WHEELS
	Neptune Design 7×17″ alloy wheels Tyres: 205/40 R17″
EMISSIONS
	Euro 5 EEC-F5 Standard
CO₂ EMISSIONS
	151 g/km
FUEL CONSUMPTION
	Urban consumption (mpg): 33.6Combined consumption (mpg): 43.4 Extra-urban consumption (mpg): 52.3
PERFORMANCE
	Max speed >140mph.Acceleration 0–62mph: <7 secs.
STANDARD EQUIPMENT
	Special ‘Pontevecchio Bordeaux’ paint from MaseratiXenon headlights Titanium Grey soft top Automatic climate control Leather steering wheel with radio controls Blue&Me TomTom satnav Beige leather seats Dashboard, fascia and gearbox trim in matt carbon Door panels, console and tunnel in ‘Flocked’ UV-Lux Dual mode exhaust with Maserati-inspired design JBL hi-fi system Bag set by Tramontano

Source: Abarth

May 22, 2012

Category: Auto News