Hot news from Mansory, the Swiss after-market tuning house: A Ferrari 458 Spider (yes, another one), described as the Monaco Edition. Only three will ever be made and according to Mansory, all will be superior to the production ones in terms of looks and performance.
It seems that no carbon fibers were spared at the company’s grounds. That is rather evident by the fact that the Ferrari 458 Spider Monaco Editions are around 60 kg lighter than their standard counterparts. That said, we know that the front skirt has been completely replaced and that goes for the hood as well. At the same time, new side skirts boast big patches of exposed carbon that hide air-inlets for a “steadier” air-flow between the two axles and a greater intake for the engine. Finally, at the back a new bumper houses, again, a carbon diffuser which is supposed to work with the standard rear wing in the name of the holy grip.
By tinkering with the management system and adding a sports air-filter, the Swiss have managed to get the power output up to 590 hp and 560 Nm of torque – that’s almost 30 hp and 20 Nm of torque more than usual. Some performance figures: 0 to 100 km/h in 3.2 seconds, Top Speed 330 km/h.
For a moderate sense of security, the Monaco 458 also has a lower center of gravity (by around 20 mm). That’s courtesy to the set of sports shock absorbers combined with progressively wound lowering springs. As for wheels, Mansory have gone for their own forged product that comes in sizes 9×11 and 11×21. Wrapped around them are respectively Michelin PS2 tires in VA 245/35 ZR20 and HA 305/30 ZR21 sizes.
As for the interior, it’s the usual stuff – Alcantra, leather and carbon. However, one can go wrong with that formula and indeed here all seems a bit over the top – look at those diamond patterns on the seats and door covers! Does that particular one belong to a casino tycoon? The steering wheel is completely new and at the foot well, one would find a set of aluminum pedals.
Abarth 695 Maserati Edition will be run in limited series of 499 units. The model will make its official debut on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the Mille Miglia, which Enzo Ferrari called “the most beautiful race in the world”.
Displayed at Piazza della Loggia in Brescia in the midst of the collectors’ automotive jewels and “luxury cars” of today, this glamorous car represents the bond between Abarth and Maserati, based on a host of shared values, including attention to detail, elegance and a passion for performance and sport.
The new Abarth 695 Maserati Edition is powered by a 1.4 liter four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine with 180HP (132 kW) at 5500RPM and 250Nm (185 lb-ft) of torque at 3000RPM. The engine is mated to a 5-speed Abarth Competizione gearbox with paddles on the steering wheel.
0-100 km/h in 7 seconds and a top speed of 225 km/h (140 mph).
The fuel consumption is great – 8.4 l / 100 km in city, 5.4 l on the highway and 6.5 liters per 100 km combined cycle.
The front suspension features Abarth Koni shock absorbers with FSD valve. At the rear, the small car comes with the same setup. The ride is lowered in order to improve the handling and the traction.
Speaking for handling, the steering features electric power with “sport mode”.
The brake system is also new – 305 mm x 22 mm perforated and self-ventilating front discs and 264 mm x 22 perforated rear. There is also a TTC – Torque Transfer Control improving the traction.
Abarth 695 Maserati Edition rolls 7J x 17” alloy wheels fitted with 205/40 R17 tires.
Abarth 695 Maserati Edition
Additional features:
SPECIAL “BORDEAUX PONTEVECCHIO” PAINT FROM MASERATI
XENON HEADLIGHTS
TITANIUM GREY SOFT TOP
AUTOMATIC CLIMATE CONTROL
LEATHER STEERING WHEEL WITH RADIO CONTROLS
BLUE&ME TOMTOM 2 NAVIGATOR
BEIGE LEATHER SEATS
DASHBOARD FASCIA AND GEARBOX TRIM IN MATT CARBON
DOOR PANELS, CONSOLE AND TUNNEL IN “FLOCKED” UV-LUX
DUAL MODE EXHAUST WITH SPECIAL MASERATI-INSPIRED DESIGN
2012 Mercedes-Benz GLK has made its world debut in April and now is going officially on sale with a starting price of € 36 235.50.
The GLK comes with a newly designed exterior, which gives it more dynamic outlook and powerful stance. In the body one can easily see the combination of the classic elements of all-terrain vehicles with the design philosophy of the current Mercedes-Benz models.
The front and the rear of this unique Mercedes-Benz vehicle are now further emphasized by its stringent lines and expansive surfaces. And in addition to this the designers have thought about the comfort of the driver as well. They have included high seat position as a pivotal point in the interior, for it provides a commanding view of the traffic situation, with the body lines also designed for excellent visibility.
2012 Mercedes-Benz GLK
Looking further in the interior upgrades, there can be seen that the dashboard is completely transformed. For instance, a wide trim in aluminium or optionally in wood spans the entire width of the dashboard.
Moreover, the new round vents and additional trim elements in silver shadow also catch the attention. There is also included a three-spoke sports steering wheel, new upholstery colours and seat designs plus indirect ambient lighting featuring LED fibre-optic technology. The latter is offered for the first time on the GLK for the first time.
More importantly, the range of engines included is conjunction with low emissions and fuel consumption. The customers can choose up to six diesel models and one petrol engine.
The GLK 250 BlueTEC 4MATIC one for example, features a four-cylinder diesel engine which is able to generate 150 kW (204 hp) of power and 500 Newton metres (370 lb-ft) of torque from a displacement of 2143 cc. The consumption of this model is absolutely amazing: on average, the compression-ignition engine consumes 6.1 to 6.5 litres of diesel per 100 kilometres. The CO2 emissions here are 159 – 169 g CO2/km in NEDC combined mode.
Furthermore, the two rear-wheel-drive models GLK 200 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY and GLK 220 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY come equipped with six-speed manual transmission. They also might amaze you, because they are even more fuel efficient.
What I mean is that both versions has a fuel consumption of 5.5 – 5.6 litres of diesel per hundred kilometers. Their Co2 emissions range between 143 – 147 g CO2/km in NEDC combined mode.
The top performer among the diesel versions however, is the GLK 350 CDI 4MATIC BlueEFFICIENCY. It comes upgraded with additional 25 kW (35 hp) power increase. Despite this fact, it is still able to perform with 17 percent less fuel, and has a fuel consumption of 6.9 – 7.0 litres per 100 kilometres. The CO2 emissions here are 179 – 183 g CO2/km in NEDC combined mode.
The only petrol model offered is the GLK 350 4MATIC BlueEFFICIENCY petrol-engine. It includes the trailblazing engineering of the leading generation of V-engines which deploy BlueDIRECT technology to make its mark in performance and fuel efficiency.
2012 Mercedes-Benz GLK Interior
In terms of safety and security a brand such Mercedes-Benz is probably unsurpassed. The GLK comes equipped with innovative technologies. For the first time featured here for instance is the electric steering with STEER CONTROL, which supports the driver in unstable driving conditions by triggering an impulse which can be felt on the steering wheel, prompting countersteering by the driver in the correct direction.
Moreover, there are also included the Brake Assist (BAS), which offers additional brake power when emergency braking is detected, and ADAPTIVE BRAKE featuring Hill-Start Assist, and HOLD function, the AGILITY CONTROL suspension with selective damping system, the ESP® Electronic Stability Program with integrated trailer stabilisation and tyre pressure loss warning, permanent all-wheel drive and the 4ETS electronic traction system. All these are featured as a standard in the 2012 GLK.
What about the optional equipment? Here the customers can choose among many innovations, some of which include: ATTENTION ASSIST drowsiness detection system, PRE-SAFE® anticipatory safety system, Active Parking Assist, Active Lane Keeping Assist and Active Blind Spot Assist, Intelligent Light System (ILS).
2012 Mercedes-Benz GLK pricing begins at € 36 235.50
Seat Leon TwinDrive Hybrid and Seat e-Altea XL will be proudly used by the officials at Barcelona City Hall. The latter will be testing these vehicles in its municipal car fleet for an initial six-month trial period.
The aim of this is to gather information and assess performance prior to mass production of electric vehicles. In fact, Seat e-Altea XL is the first electric car produced by the Spanish brand; hence the data is much needed.
Seat is developing two different technologies through the hybrid and electric vehicles and by this action is trying to stay in accordance with the demands of the market.
In addition to this event, Seat has also loaned one e-Altea XL to Endesa, and another to the Catalan Energy Institute (ICAEN). Further two TwinDrive Hybrids will also go to these organisations mentioned.
It is obvious that the company is immersed in the first stage of the introduction of an electric car. Their vision will include a further loan of vehicles to different governmental departments, institutions, and private companies interested in eco-friendly fleets over the forthcoming months.
Seat Leon TwinDrive Hybrid and Seat e-Altea XL
To go further into details, Seat Altea XL Electric Ecomotive and Seat Leon TwinDrive Ecomotive are two vehicles with different but complementary technologies.
The Altea XL has a range of 135 kilometres, a power output of 115 hp (85kW) and engine torque of 270 Nm (200 lb-ft). Its top speed is 135 kph. Furthermore, there are several innovative features that can be found on it. For instance, the battery location is under the rear seats and the boot. This had basically lead to no reduction in passenger compartment space.
Another interesting technology is the photovoltaic panels on the roof. They serve as means to cut energy requirements for the vehicle’s air-conditioning.
On the other hand the Seat Leon TwinDrive Ecomotive features the benefits of emission-free driving to the range of a conventional petrol-engine car. Being a true hybrid, this vehicle allows all-electric or hybrid driving. The conclusion is that no change in driving habits or life style is required.
In particular, it has a range of 52 kilometres in electric mode, with a top speed of 120 kmh. In mixed mode, which is called electric and combustion, the consumption of fuel is 1.7 litres, while the emissions are under 39 g/km. The top speed of the hybrid is 170 kph.
2013 Ford C-MAX Hybrid features innovative and fun-to-drive character shared with well-handling can be now ordered in the United States. The C-Max is in fact the first Ford hybrid vehicle and will be available with a starting price of $25 995.
What is unique about this car is that it combines fuel economy with performance, and of course delivers no less than best-in-class horsepower and torque.
In addition to that in this Ford vehicle are featured innovative technologies from which the customers could only benefit. One of them is the famou SYNC® with MyFord Touch®. Thank to it the drivers get features like hands-free liftgate, SmartGauge® with EcoGuide, regenerative braking and an advanced lithium-ion (li-ion) battery pack.
Another benefit of the C-MAX Hybrid is the roominess and spaciousness it offers. In particular, the vehicle has a high roofline (63.9 inches) delivering interior space and flexibility. Moreover, there are 99.7 cubic feet of passenger space and greater headroom in both front and rear seats (41/39.4 inches).
Of course, C-Max is perfect for loading as well thank to its 60/40 split-fold rear seats that can easily fold flat with 54.3 cubic feet of space behind the first row and 24.5 cubic feet behind the second row.
Important highlight here are the innovations featured. The newest one is the Ford’s hands-free liftgate. What it does basically is to allow quick and easy access to the cargo area without messing with keys.
How it works? A gentle kicking motion under the rear bumper opens the liftgate when used in combination with a key fob the user keeps in their pocket or purse that tells the car it’s correct to operate. The same motion can close the liftgate.
2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid
2013 Ford C-Max also includes the latest version of MyFord Touch. This one helps the driver stay informed. In addition it also shows multiple ways for customers to operate with their phone, navigation, entertainment and climate functions through voice commands.
Furthermore, C-MAX Hybrid also comes equipped with the next generation of SmartGauge with EcoGuide. This one is specifically designed in order to help drivers get the most from the C-MAX Hybrid. This EcoGuide for instans shows important information about fuel economy.
What is more important here is the technology that makes this car move. C-MAX Hybrid is powered through the combination of a gasoline engine and a battery-driven electric motor.
When the power comes from the gasoline engine, the hybrid car uses the all-new 2.0-liter Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder engine. On the other hand the electric motor of the C-MAX Hybrid is powered by an advanced li-ion battery system which optimizes the use of common, high-quality components.
Furthermore, C-MAX Hybrid also has powersplit architecture. This means that it allows the electric motor and gasoline-powered engine to work in collaboration or separately. The aim is to maximize efficiency.
Of course, the powerful engine unit also can work alone and charge the batteries or deliver power to the wheels as needed. At the same time the motor alone can offer enough power to the wheels in low-speed, low-load conditions and work with the engine at higher speeds.
2013 Ford C-MAX Hybrid has a li-ion battery pack which is recharged when the gasoline engine is in operation. Additionally, the regenerative braking system can recapture more than 95 percent of the braking energy that would be used to help charge the battery. This means that C-MAX Hybrid requires no plug-in charging.
Vauxhall Combo will soon have an expanded range and will include models powered by a fuel-efficient 1.4 petrol engine. In detail, the latter is a brand-new Vauxall 95 hp (70 kW) Euro 5-compliant Combo unit that will be offered in L1H1 and L2H1 body types.
What is more, this engine also includes Start/Stop technology, thank to which the Vauxhall vehicle is able to achieve CO2 emissions of 163g/km and 40.3mpg combined cycle.
Vauxhall Combo
Furthermore, the famous Vauxhall Corsavan range will also get an additional engine option – a 1.2 petrol unit also with Start/Stop function. Thank to the latter, the Corsavan engine boasts CO2 of 119g/km, which in fact is a saving of 5g/km over the standard 1.2 engine. It has a 55.4mpg combined cycle.
Peugeot has two highly-specified ‘Roland Garros’ Special Edition Coupé Cabriolet cars – 207 CC and 308 CC.
The Roland Garros SEs are distinguished by their bespoke Black or White paintwork on both cars.
The 207 CC Roland Garros is available in either Onyx Black or Bianca White. There is a choice of either the 1.6-litre VTi 120 petrol or 1.6-litre HDi 112 diesel engine.
The enhanced specification represents a great package with £1 235 worth of features but for just £650 above the Allure trim level, representing an advantage of £585.
Key features over the 207 CC Allure include Roland Garros luxury trimmed leather seats, Roland Garros branded windstop and Roland Garros embroided carpet mats.
Other high-level distinguishing features include Aluminium door sills, 17” Melbourne alloy wheels, Bi-Zone air conditioning, an electrochrome rear view mirror, auto headlamps, cruise control and speed limiter, Peugeot Connect with Bluetooth, rear parking aid, electric folding door mirrors and tinted rear windows.
The 207 CC Roland Garros SE is priced from £18 795.
The larger 308 CC Roland Garros is also beautifully distinctive and with pearlescent paintwork inNera Black & Pearl White. Powered with a wider choice of serves, it is available with the 1.6-litre THP 156 or THP 200 petrol, or the 2.0-litre HDi 163 diesel engines. The specification delivered is again of high value, with £550 worth of features scoring just £300 from the regular Allure model, saving £250.
The equipment includes Allure model includeRoland Garros Luxury Blue/ Grey leather seats, 18” Dark Storm alloy wheels (as GT Hatchback), Peugeot Connect with Bluetooth, front and rear parking aid, automatic headlamps, rain sensing wipers, Roland Garros embroidered carpet mats and a Roland Garros branded windstop. The 308 CC Roland Garros is now available to order priced at £25 845.
All models carry the much sought-after Roland Garros exterior badging.
2012 Peugeot 308 CC Roland Garros Special Editions
Ford has released a nice video highlighting the 2013 Taurus SHO, which hits the race track. The clip was filmed at the Grattan Raceway aiming to show the customers the unique performance ability of the vehicle.
The Taurus SHO comes with optional performance package giving more driving pleasure and including includes a sport-tuned suspension, a high-performance braking system and a revised stability control system with a dedicated track mode.
“The beauty of the Taurus SHO Performance Pack is that it really is a track-capable vehicle, but still a daily driver. You can take your kids to school, drop them off … and head to the track and have a little fun and come back at the end of the day and pick them up and no one would ever know.”, said Ford Vehicle Integration Engineer Robert Kay.
2013 Ford Taurus is powered by a 3.5 liter EcoBoost V6 with 370HP (272 kW) and 474Nm (350 lb-ft) of torque. It is mated to a 6-speed automatic gearbox sending that power to an AWD system.
BMW has announced the new 2013 1-Series (F20), recently and now the company is turning back to introduced the sports model of E82 (1-Series Coupe) and E88 (1-Series Convertible) – 135iS.
Both the new 135iS Coupe and Convertible are scheduled to arrive in BMW Center showrooms this fall with retail pricing set at $44 145 and $48 845 respectively, including $895 destination and handling.
The 135iS is powered by the famous TwinPower Turbo 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine (N55), which is slightly updated to produce 324HP (239 kW) and 429Nm (317 lb-ft) of torque. It comes with a 6-speed manual gearbox and an optional seven-speed Double Clutch Transmission (DCT).
A Performance exhaust system complements the increased engine performance and provides a sporty exhaust tone. The engine cooling system has been upgraded to match the additional performance output by adding a larger, and more powerful radiator fan and an auxiliary radiator.
The 135iS is equipped with sport suspension incorporating an aluminum double-pivot front suspension and a five-link fully independent rear suspension in lightweight steel.
The differential in the 135iS is also updated and optimized for running smoothness and fuel efficiency.
The exterior boasts gloss black accents, a lowered stance and exclusive 18” alloy wheels, while the interior comes with a pair of sport seats with blue contrast stitching, stainless steel pedals and unique badging.
The BMW135is Coupe and Convertible are available to order now and are scheduled to arrive in BMW Center showrooms this fall.
Back in 2010, G-Power created this monster of a thing. It had 800 hp, 780 Nm and held a high-speed record of 372 km/h which was previously owned again by G-Power. Apparently, a great interest has boomed from this and today G-Power are delivering their 100th BMW Hurricane M5 RR. So why not make it special? They have – it’s the Hurricane M5 RRs with even more power and spunk.
Based on the E60, this performance beast harbors a BI-Kompressor „Sporty Drive” system. In other words, two superchargers that are now even bigger than before – a move from ASA T1-313 to ASA T1-316 (clearly visible with that orange cover over them). For the optimum performance, further down the line, that compressed air is efficiently cooled by an intercooler prior to ignition. But it’s not just the lungs that had undergone an operation. The heart has been tweaked as well: All ten pistons (good old E60s were still produced with V10 engines) have been replaced with lighter, more durable and more balanced MAHLE ones. That includes the connecting rods and the piston pins – all heavy duty stuff. Add a little engine management fiddling and you get an end result of 830 hp that get conjured up within the 7,500 and 8,000 rpm range.
With the help of some peripherals like the G-POWER SPEEDFLOW exhaust system that incorporates two, back-pressure reducing racing catalysts and the buffed fuel injectors and pump, the Hurricane RRs is said to reach the 100 km/h threshold in just 4.3 seconds. By the time the stopwatch reaches 9.1, this light blue beast would be doing 200 km/h. Want to hear another bonkers claim? 300 km/h for 25,2 seconds from a standstill!
It should be good on the curves as well – a G-Power RS coilover suspension with nine settings for the compression and rebound can achieve miracles if one knows how to use it. Then there are the brakes which are expected to comply with the new found power – six-piston calipers at the front gripping 396 mm steel brake disks. At the back, you get the slightly less impressive 380 mm ones operated by four-piston calipers. You can get the carbon-ceramic set which will be significantly more expensive but essentially non-fading alternative.
It’s not all stop and go with this jubilee M5 though. The stainless steel muffler with deeptone technology and four 83 mm tail pipes will provide the much needed thunder to shatter glass. The alloy wheels, wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport tires, are equally impressive with their ten double-spoke design. Think in numbers: 255/35 ZR19 tires at the front and 305/30 ZR19 ones at the back.
Toyota GT86, in fact four units of it and one of the Lexus LFA are going to compete in the Nuerburgring 24 Hours from 17th till 20th of May. It is a well known fact that the Nürburgring has played an important role in the development of Toyota’s latest generation of high-performance cars.
Hence, it is the perfect time for the demonstration of the powers of those two exceptional models the Lexus LFA and the GT86. At the disposal of the brand for the racing will be Gazoo Racing team. It will field the LFA (in the SP8 class) and two new race-prepared GT86 (SP3 class).
In the team of course are included technicians and drivers, which will take care for the unique racing vehicles and apply their skills and craftsmanship where needed. Furthermore, they will also gain information and experience which will serve as a means of feedback directly into the work developing future vehicles.
Lexus LFA
Gazoo Racing has already achieved much success by winning the two shorter-distance races at the Nuerburgring. There the Lexus LFA won two times in its class and the GT86 showed promising progress.
In addition to this, the Toyota Swiss Racing Team will also be taking part, fielding two GT86 race-prepared by Toyota Motorsport. Those tow sport cars will take part in the competition class (V3) for production models.
Seat will participate with a wide range of vehicle models in the legendary GTI Meet in the Austrian state of Kärnten from 16th to 19th May. There the company will show six particularly fiery variants of the Leon, Ibiza and, for the first time, the Seat Mii FR.
First, Ibiza SC Trophy and the Leon Super Copa will mark the sporty headline Seat’s display, while the Seat Mii FR will make its world debut.
Seat Ibiza CUPRA Concept will be the star of the event. The model was designed in accordance with the brand’s new Visual Identity – is the Ibiza CUPRA Concept. It represents a new-generation super-sporty SEAT and its debut was just recent –at the Auto China in Beijing.
The vehicle is propelled with 1.4 TSI power unit which delivers 180 hp (132 kW). In addition, what distinguishes the car is its Spice yellow paintwork that contrasts with gloss-black exterior mirrors and 17-inch wheels with red brake callipers shimmering through the spokes.
Seat Ibiza CUPRA Concept
Next come the Seat Ibiza FR and Seat Leon CUPRA R which are two exceptional vehicles made in individual design. Both are painted in Nevada white color and include a host of extras from the SEAT accessory range.
Ibiza FR rides on 17-inch wheels in black finish and polished silver. It also comes equipped with exterior mirrors and brake callipers painted in red, and an enlarged rear spoiler. The interior is all dominated by red accents.
Seat Ibiza FR
On the other hand, the Leon CUPRA R has glossy black rims that contrast perfectly with the white paintwork. Additionally, it includes red brake calliper nestling behind the wheel. The interior here is dominated by trim pieces in black piano lacquer.
Seat Leon CUPRA R
Seat Mii FR is the model which will make a debut at the event. Its exterior is painted in Tornado red, which gives the car more powerful stance. The great color is complemented by the black applications on the wheel arches, additional spoiler accent and black 16-inch aluminium wheels.
Moreover, red and black elements can also be found on the cockpit. The sports seat with fully integrated head restraint comes with distinctive red FR lettering.
Seat Mii FR
At last but not least, Seat Ibiza SC Trophy and Seat Leon Super Copa are the cars which will compete in the race track. They will be shown at the Wörthersee festival, where the people can enjoy their special grey paint finish and wheels, mirrors and roll cage in fluorescent orange.
First, the Ibiza SC Trophy comes with 180 hp (132 kW) from its 1.4 TSI power unit under the bonnet. It is mounted to a 7-speed DSG transmission. The latter is shifted from the steering wheel, as on the series-production model, while a locking differential guarantees amazing traction.
What is more here is that the engine comes with a modified oil sump, a mighty brake system and racing suspension. The model runs on 18-inch wheels housed under flared wheel arches.
Seat Ibiza SC Trophy
The second racing car is Seat Leon Super Copa which is a representation of the more senior league of SEAT Motorsport. In fact, this vehicle is based on its sibling racer from the WTCC, and more than 250 units of this model have already been built.
More importantly, the cup car is powered by an optimized version of the 2.0-litre TSI engine from the Leon CUPRA R. The modification of the engine results in the production of the outstanding 300 hp (221 kW) at a maximum torque of 340 Nm. The engine is mated to a a six-speed DSG transmission and has mechanically locking differential to the front wheels.