Auto News – Page 857 – Automobiles Review

Infiniti LE Concept

The Infiniti LE Concept, which makes its world debut at the 2012 New York International Auto Show, is more than just the latest in the series of dramatically styled, technologically advanced concepts from Infiniti.

It features a sweeping aerodynamic body, an elegantly intelligent interior, inspired driving performance and advanced next-generation

A production version is expected to reach Infiniti showrooms in near-similar form within the next two years as Infiniti’s first zero emission luxury sedan.

“In a future that holds an increasing consumption of natural resources, we will advance our sustainable mobility leadership and expand our EV market penetration with new electric vehicles such as the Infiniti LE Concept,” commented Nissan President and CEO Carlos Ghosn.

“Infiniti is well positioned to deliver the objectives for a sustainable future, relying on our capable, hard-working and motivated team members around the world. We are a challenger.”, he added.

Among the key features and innovations of the Infiniti LE Concept are:

Luxury sedan style, combining signature Infiniti design cues with EV aerodynamic efficiency
Exceptional acceleration and re-acceleration, providing a new level of luxury driving experience
Leading-edge compact Lithium-ion battery technology
Smart hospitality, featuring a quiet, luxurious Infiniti interior and next-gen Infiniti Connection, Infiniti Personal Assistant and EV connected services
Innovative, intuitive home-based Wireless Charging System with Intelligent Park Assist

“As a ‘production intent’ concept, most of what you see in the LE Concept will become a reality, including its zero emission powertrain, advanced telematics, cutting-edge design, advanced connected services and premium appointments,” said Infiniti Americas Vice President Ben Poore.

“Infiniti believes the future of luxury is sustainable luxury and we intend to continue taking a leadership role, building on the foundation set by our advanced Infiniti M Hybrid and high-mpg Infiniti JX luxury crossover.”, Mr. Poore added.

The LE Concept has 240 lb-ft of torque instantly available immediately at all times. The Infiniti LE Concept’s battery system is a proven laminated 24 kWh lithium-ion (Li-ion) design with a ChaDeMo DC50kW quick charger.

Source: Infiniti

April 5, 2012

2012 Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge GB on April 7th and 8th

Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge will be held this weekend – April 7^th and 8^th at Snetterton, Norfolk, UK.

Lining up will be pre-season pace setter James Birch, who previously ran strongly in the Formula Renault BARC Championship. The 22 year-old racer from Amersham set the pace during the recent pre-season test day at Silverstone and his IN2 Racing entry should be right at the head of the action at Snetterton.

Fresh from the opening races in the Carrera Cup GB at Brands Hatch, Team Parker Racing will field three cars at Snetterton for Steven Liquorish, Neil Houston and Justin Sherwood. Silverstone-based Scotsman Houston will make his Porsche racing debut after previously campaigning Ginettas, while Liquorish already has a year’s experience under his belt in these cars.

Another team running in both the Carrera Cup GB and the GT3 Cup Challenge is Parr Motorsport and they will be supporting Peter Smallwood as he starts his third season of racing with his 997-model 911 GT3 Cup. Also racing in Class 1 for the 997-model cars is John Ferguson in one of the cars entered by Dublin-based Ask Racing.

Mark Cowne contests Class 2 for the earlier 996-model cars with a car tended by Silverstone-based Fearn Sport.

The GT3 Cup Challenge is open to any car from the 2009 model year or earlier. The race is designed to be a perfect stepping stone for drivers aiming to move up to the Porsche Carrera Cup GB in subsequent seasons. It is aimed to younger racers with some sponsorship backing, as well as competitors graduating from track days. The series is open to drivers with a National B race licence.

In addition, the Class 2 Champion will win two places on the exclusive GT course at the Porsche Experience Centre at Silverstone.

The awards are great, so be hurry and check how to participate in the challenge.

Source: Porsche

April 5, 2012

Toyota Prius+ for a Versatile Summer

This summer a new example of Toyota‘s hybrid know-how is coming to town…or Europe. It’s the Prius+ – Europe’s first full hybrid seven-seat MPV. Two trim levels will be available, the base T4 and T Spirit.

One can imagine for example, that in the UK, the sub-100 g/km of CO2 T4 version will be hugely popular as this will be the only MPV out on the streets with zero road tax and it can go in and out of London without paying a congestion charge. The T Spirit, which is kind of more equipped (17-inch wheels, 8, instead of 6, JBL speakrs, leather seats) spews out 101 g/km. Official figures for the fuel economy equal to 68.9mpg for the T4 and 64.2mpg for the T Spirit.

A pack of li-ion batteries lays within the center console so that no passenger or luggage space is compromised. Five separate folding rear seats are provided and with all of these in place there is 200 litres of luggage space. Remove the third row and you get 505 liters.

Both of the models get various goodies such as rear-view camera, Smart Entry and Start, climate control, electric windows and heated folding mirrors, panoramic roof with aoutmatic shade, rain sensing wipers, LED daytime running lights and more.

Quite a bundle considering the projected starting price of $41,578 for the T4. The T Spirit stands at $46,814 and it does not sound like a bargain.

Source: Toyota

April 5, 2012

Nissan Altima Debut at NYIAS

Here it is. After countless, uninspiring teasers, the latest Nissan Altima finally shows up to the world. And you know what? On paper it sounds pretty good. There’s a lot to work here with but the main points are that it is lighter, more economical then ever, torquey and abundantly equipped.

At the engine bay, there isn’t much going on. Sure, the Altima comes with a choice between a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder and a 3.5-liter V6 power plan but neither of these engines are mind blowingly innovative. Rather, they are proven. Carryovers from previous generations. The 2.5 unit, being a bit lighter now and having a cleverer valve timing, produces 7 hp more. That makes an overall power output of 182 hp and just as much lb-ft of torque. The advanced, award-winning VQ35DE 3.5-liter V6 remains rated at 270 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque.

So, on what ground do the Nissan people claim that an Altima will do 38 mpg (provided that it’s the 2.5…on a highway…with proper conditions). That’s the highest economy figure they have to work with but it does make sense. While the engines have not been specifically calibrated to sip fuel, the Xtronic CVT helps the Altima do just that. With friction inside reduced by 40 percent, this shiny new gearbox has also an extended gear ratio range and logic control…whatever that means. The important thing is that with it, the 2.5 Altima achieves 27 mpg city, 38 mpg highway and 31 mpg average while the 3.5 V6 gets 22 mpg city, 30 mpg highway and 25 mpg average – class-leading they say.

The body of the 2013 Altima might also be responsible for that frugal state of mind. We know for a fact that it is 80 pounds lighter (despite the whole car being bigger) than the previous one. It’s stiffer too thanks to the use of ultra high strength steel, the addition of a larger front tower strut brace and the new rear structural support built into the rear pass-through/parcel shelf. Not that anyone’s going to take a mid-sized saloon like the Altima to a track but it’s good to know this.

Still, with a multi-link rear suspension, one does get a deserved sense of security. ZF SACHS designed shock absorbers provide comfort and stability at the same time. There’s a thing called Active Understeer Control which, when turning, can use the car’s Traction Control System to brake the inside front wheel so that to prevent the car from going in to a tree. Electronic Hydraulic Power-Assisted Steering ensures that wonderful mechanical responsiveness combined with an electronic efficiency. There’s some standard stuff as well – ABS, Electronic Brake force Distribution etc.

Wheels and tires come in different sizes for both the 2.5 and the 3.5 setups. The former one can get the 16-inch steel rims that come with full covers and 215/60R16 tires or the 17-inch aluminum-alloys wrapped in 215/55R17 V-rated all-rounders. 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels with 235/45R18 V-rated all-season tires come as standard on the 3.5-liter V6.

Depending on the trim level pick (there are seven of them), your Altima can be packed full of smart technologies, safety features and driver aids that are supposed to make your life easier. Take for example the Blind Spot Warning, the Lane Departure Warning and the Moving Object Detection systems. They all use the same rear-mounted camera you get with the optional Technology Package. A 7.0-inch touch navigation/interactive multimedia system also comes as an option. The windshield wipers are smart and so are the headlights. The seats are ergonomically designed using NASA derived methods and when filling up the tires at a station, the Altima will honk its horn to tell you when the ideal pressure is achieved – you clever Herbie you.

So there you go. If you happen to live somewhere near the New York metropolitan area, hop by to the Jacob Javits Center in NY City. Public access will be granted from tomorrow.

Source: Nissan

April 5, 2012

2012 Ford Focus 1.0-litre EcoBoost Titanium

2012 Ford Focus 1.0-litre EcoBoost Titanium is to deliver great fuel efficiency and emit low number of CO2 emissions thanks to its groundbreaking 100 PS 1.0-litre EcoBoos engine.

The new Ford Focus is equipped with the innovative 1.0-litre EcoBoost petrol engine, which produces 100 hp (74 kW) and thus is able to deliver lower fuel costs than any other Ford before.

What it does in particular is that the Focus new 100PS 1.0-litre EcoBoost engine achieves 58.8mpg. However, despite that number, it is still able to deliver great performance, combined with power and even more torque (than previous models of Focus for instance).

Furthermore, what must be highlighted here is that Ford’s new EcoBoost petrol engine utilizes the latest technology. It includes enhanced and advanced turbocharging and direct injection. The consequence is that it is able to deliver the performance of a traditional 1.6-litre engine with the fuel economy of a 1.0-litre one!

Another important fact is that thank to all these innovations and modifications, the new engine takes not only fuel economy, but also CO2 emissions to new levels for a petrol family car. As mentioned, it achieves up to 58.8mpg, and the CO2 emissions are 109g/km CO2. Not forgetting that all this comes together with excellent performance and refinement, which makes it the perfect choice especially for city driving.

Ford’s fuel-efficient new 1.0-litre EcoBoost engine will be also offered in the Ford C-MAX and the all-new Ford B-MAX.

2012 Ford Focus 1.0-litre EcoBoost Titanium — Ford Focus 1.0-litre EcoBoost Titanium (2012)

Source: Ford

April 5, 2012

Mazda Demio and Mazda Premacy now upgraded

Mazda just launched the upgraded 2012 Mazda Demio compact car and 2012 Mazda Premracy minivan.

Mazda Demio has gained popularity thank to its outstanding fuel economy due to 13-SKYACTIV model grade system.

The upgrades here are regarding the 60:40 split rear seat, a three-point seat belt for the second-row center seat and a seat lifter for the driver’s seat are fitted to the 13-SKYACTIV model grade as standard equipment.

In addition the aluminum wheels are also available, however – as optional equipment. These upgrades will be featured as well in the special edition Mazda Demio 13C-V Smart Edition, which was released on March 1 this year.

2012 Mazda Demio main upgrade features:

13-SKYACTIV
Steel wheels as standard equipment
The 60:40 split rear seat, a three-point seat belt for the second-row center seat and a seat lifter for the driver’s seat as standard equipment
13C (FWD version with 5-speed manual transmission)
The 60:40 split rear seats and a three-point seatbelt for the second-row center seat are added as standard equipment.
Door mirrors and door handles painted in the same color as the exterior body color

Next, some upgrades have been made on 2012 Mazda Premacy models, which now come with enhanced features in terms of safety and security.

Any model from the Premacy lineup is equipped with Mazda’s unique idling stop system, i-stop. Furthermore, these models feature the side and curtain airbags as standard equipment. At last, the upgrades to the Premacy line-up also include leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob for the 20E model grade as standard equipment.

2012 Mazda Premacy main upgrade features:

Any model grade that is equipped with Mazda’s unique idling stop i-stop system comes with side and curtain air bags as standard equipment.
20S (FWD)
Side and curtain air bags as standard equipment
Special Edition 20S Prestige Style II
The previous special edition 20S Prestige Style sales continue as a new model grade, the 20S Prestige Style II with the side and curtain airbags as standard equipment.
20E (FWD)
Leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob as standard equipment
Side and curtain airbags as standard equipment
New model grade ’20CS Aero’
Special edition 20CS Aero Style is now included to the Premacy’s lineup as the 20CS Aero

Source: Mazda

April 5, 2012

2012 Mercedes-Benz SL 65 AMG 45th ANNIVERSARY Edition

2012 Mercedes-Benz SL 65 AMG “45th ANNIVERSARY” edition is a model wich will mark the 45th birthday of Mercedes-Benz’s high-performance AMG brand. This exceptional vehicle is a V12 roadster and was exclusively developed for this special anniversary. It is being produced in a limited edition of 45 examples only.

What is visible at first sight is that the designers have created a new paint finish: designo magno graphite. This is exclusive grey colour with satin look, which in my opinion further emphasize the V12 roadster’s powerful character. The matt finish brings out the contours of the aluminium body in particularly striking guise. An interesting contrast is added from the highlights in the form of high-gloss chrome applications.

The Exterior of the anniversary model is equipeed with Carbon-Fiber package in matt finish. Genuine carbon fiber with satin finish is applied to the cross strut in the front apron, the exterior mirrors and the spoiler lip. In addition the 6.0-litre V12 biturbo engine includes the same approach: the high-quality engine cover consists of matt carbon fibre and aluminium.

Next, the AMG sports exhaust system delivers unmistakable engine sound from the outer surround of the twin tailpipe, which comes in black with chrome plating. The inner insert is finished in high-gloss chrome.

The perfect look of the vehicle is completed thank to the AMG multi-spoke forged wheels painted in titanium grey with high-sheen rim flange and matt finish. The car sits on 255/35 R 19 tires at the front and 285/30 R 20 at the rear.

2012 Mercedes-Benz SL 65 AMG 45th ANNIVERSARY Edition

We can see the same styling approach in the interior as well. What I mean is that the interior design was carefully coordinated with the special designo magno graphite paint finish. In addition, there has been only used exquisite materials and applied exceptional workmanship combined with a comprehensive scope of standard-fit appointments.

Furthremore, the upholstery is in designo Exclusive STYLE leather in titanium grey pearl/ginger beige. It includes the AMG-specific V12 layout with a diamond pattern, which adorns both the electrically adjustable AMG sports seats and the door centre panels. Embossed AMG emblems on the seat backrests exude the same class as the designo nappa leather roof lining in ginger beige featuring special stitching details in AMG V12 diamond pattern.

Next, one can see the exquisite AMG Performance steering wheel with an AMG logo in its bottom bezel. It is being offered in a two-tone rim in titanium grey/ginger beige. In addition, the AMG trim elements are also finished in matt carbon fibre to match the matt finish of the Exterior Carbon-Fibre package.

2012 Mercedes-Benz SL 65 AMG 45th ANNIVERSARY Edition (Interior)

2012 Mercedes-Benz SL 65 AMG “45th ANNIVERSARY” key data:

	SL 65 AMG “45th ANNIVERSARY”
Displacement	5980 cc
Bore x stroke	82.6 x 93.0 mm
Compression ratio	9.0 : 1
Output	463 kW (630 hp) at 4800 – 5400 rpm
Max. torque	1000 Nm at 2300 – 4300 rpm*
Vehicle weight in acc. with EC standard	1950 kg
Fuel consumption, NEDC combined	11.6 l/100 km
CO2 emissions	270 g/km
Efficiency class	G
Acceleration 0-100 km/h	4.0 s
Top speed	250 km/h*

Moreover, the SL 65 AMG “45th ANNIVERSARY” features an exclusive and extensive range of standard-fit appointments: AIRSCARF, Active Parking Assist including PARKTRONIC, Active Multicontour Seat package, AMG ceramic high-performance compound brake system, Bang & Olufsen BeoSound AMG high-end surround sound system, COMAND Online with 6-disc DVD changer, Driving Assistance package Plus with DISTRONIC PLUS including BAS PLUS, PRE-SAFE® Brake, Active Lane Keeping Assist and Active Blind Spot Assist, Frontbass, Intelligent Light System (ILS), Media interface, KEYLESS-GO Convenience package (including remote-closing boot lid
and HANDS-FREE ACCESS system), MAGIC VISION CONTROL, NECK-PRO head restraints, Panoramic vario roof with MAGIC SKY CONTROL, PRE-SAFE® system , Door power closing, Automatic, pop-up roll-over bars for driver and front passenger, Electric draught-stop, AMG Performance Media with telemetry function is additionally available from the AMG Performance Studio as an optional extra.

2012 Mercedes-Benz SL 65 AMG “45th ANNIVERSARY” will be available on the market in September 2012.

Source: Mercedes-Benz

April 5, 2012

2013 Jaguar F-Type Sports Car

Jaguar has just made some new announcements, regarding their confirmation about the beginning of the production of new sports car – the Jaguar F-TYPE.

These exciting news were announced at the New York auto, where it was revealed that after the positive reaction of the Jaguar C-X16 Concept (presented in September 2011), the brand decided to accelerated the development of an all-new Jaguar sports car.

The car will carry the name F-TYPE, and it will be unveiled in production form later this year.

Of course, there isn’t a second thought that at the core of the car will be its sporting heart. Jaguar is promising even more: the F-Type to have “heart” stronger than ever before!

What has been revealed in addition is that Jaguar professionals will use their industry-leading knowledge of all-aluminium construction and apply it to this vehicle. Furthermore, the F-TYPE will be launched as a convertible, and a strict two-seater. The main focus however will be put uncompromisingly on delivering driver reward.

Moreover, it is now know that there will be also a range of petrol engines available. It will include a new powerplant family and all will deliver stunning sports car performance.

The F-TYPE’s development is now on final on-road testing, and this means that several prototypes have been already built and now being tested.

The 2013 Jaguar F-TYPE will join Jaguar’s existing range of cars – the XF saloon and Sportbrake, XJ saloon and XK coupe/convertible.

Full F-TYPE technical and range details will be announced later in 2012.

2013 Jaguar F-Type will go on sale in mid 2013.

Source: Jaguar

April 5, 2012

SpeedART SP91-R Porsche 991 Carrera

News from the German tuner house SpeedART. It’s an update on their SP91-R project. As we all know by now, the subject is the latest 911/991 Carrera S (Porsche is sort of their turf) – fresh yet grunty, slippery and stylish it has all there is to have when it comes to performance customization.

When it comes to power, ECU upgrades and calibration are to be available for both the Carrera and Carrera S engines – that means a projected power increase of 25 hp and 20 Nm. On the other hand. the sport exhaust system, complete with sport-catalysts and manifolds, seems to do the trick. One can fit an optional sound switch function so that, at the very least, people can be fooled into thinking that 911 is even meaner and leaner. The tailpipes come in several different versions so that the owner is presented with as much flexibility of choice as possible. Hardcore enthusiasts will most definitely prefer the Titanium sport exhaust system which reduces the overall weight.

The suspension can be both street or racetrack friendly. It will harbour sports springs and sports absorbers with adjustable rebound and height. A separate air-lift module on the other hand will provide some clearance for that dragging SP91-R body kit when passing over a speed hump.

Yes, there will be a full body overhaul – front lip spoilers, diffusers, side skirts, rear wings… the lot. Everything is made to fit perfectly and seamlessly to the standard mounts.

For a complete look, the Carrera rolls on a set of specially designed modular LSC- FORGED 21-inch wheels – again light and agile, great for the overall performance.

Inside, what e find particularity fresh is the lime shades. The blue, contrasting stitching and the diamond patterns it forms, might be a bit too much but everything else is spot on – leather/Alcantra on the seats, dashboard etc. It’s a keeper.

SpeedArt Porsche 991 Carrera — SpeedART Porsche 991 Carrera

Source: SpeedART

April 5, 2012

Wall of Death Mazda2 Defies Gravity [VIDEO]

What we have here, is a dictionary example of the phrase “publicity stunt”. “Dynomyte” Dave Seymour is the current owner of almost a century old relic, commonly known as a wall of death. Built in the 20s, this mini circuit/arena measures just 31-foot in diameter and has 16-foot high walls. It was, and still is made almost entirely out of wood. Recently, after a 3-year long refurbishment, “Dynomyte” Dave and his family, based in Cornwall, named this, the world’s oldest wall of death, the Demon Drome. And they did it rightfully so. As a team, Mr Seymour, his daughter Alabama and son Duke have mastered it to perfection. To see them all scattering inside on 1920s Indian Scout motorcycles won’t be such an uncommon sight. Endure blood clotting 4gs of gravitational force while while crossing your legs nonchalantly on a bike? No problem.

Do it in a car, and things get a bit more… complicated. This is where our slightly modified Mazda2 comes into play. The guys from Kent-based Jota Sport, responsible for the MX-5 GT trophy machine, fiddled…removed all the seats and installed a harness laden bucket sole seat so that “Dynomyte” Dave can remain behind the wheel even when things get a bit vertical. A Mazda official had also been present, because apparently, unplugging the 2’s electronic stability system and airbags is a complicated enough procedure.

Other “improvements” also account for the removal of the fog lights thus allowing more flexibility in the bumper area. Also the suspension has been beefened up as the car is supposed to take in much centrifugal force which normally will take its toll on a normal damping system.

So the Mazda2 is light, sturdy and, with the model’s flagship 1.5 liter, 105 hp Sport setup, is quite powerful and fit for the job

Enough preludes and smalltalk. See the dramatic culmination by yourselves.

P.S. – Mr Seymour’s son, Duke is not there at the middle just for show. His task is to skillfully give directions to his father during the stunt as we all cross our fingers that this ends well.

httpv://youtu.be/RtZyxsAT6VA

Source: Mazda

Video Source: YouTube

April 5, 2012

Land Rover Discovery 4 HSE Luxury Special Edition

This Land Rover Discovery 4 HSE Luxury Special Edition is currently being showcased in New York as it represents some of the best features of the brand.

One way to distinguish it from the common Discoveries is looking at the exterior – silver roof rails, silver capped mirrors, a silver grille surround and silver fender vents. That may be too much silver for you but Land Rover say every segment is a different shade of the color, and if they say so…anyways. The door handles are coordinated with the body color (Santorini Black) while the rear bumper has a stainless steel step. As a finishing touch, the Discovery lays on a set of 20-inch 10-spoked alloy wheels. If you happen to miss all of those details, there’s a badge on the tailgate that lets you know…that you have missed them.

Inside, a feast of leather, Ivory or Ebony, welcomes us. If the quantity is deemed insufficient, more Windsor leather can be added on top of the dashboard binnacle, the door top rolls, armrests and pull Dark Zebrano veneer can be found here and there and the floor mats have contrasting edges – thrilling.

It’s not all 19th century appeal though. If, let’s say, you want to burst the windshield open from the inside, try turning up the 825W Harman/Kardon® LOGIC7® Premium Audio system. At the back, 8-inch screens and wireless headphones will keep the kids preoccupied trough the medium of multimedia.

For power, the HSE Luxury uses the sturdy Land Rover 256PS SDV6 diesel engine that’s mated to a super-efficient ZF HP70 8-speed automatic gearbox. 0-60mph is done in 8.8 seconds and the top speed is at 112 mph.

The price one has to pay for this luxurious SUV is $90,490. Better start saving now. Sales start in July this year.

Land Rover Discovery 4 HSE Luxury Special Edition

Source: Land Rover

April 5, 2012

2013 Dodge SRT Viper and Viper GTS [video]

Dodge has announced the two new models – SRT® Viper and SRT Viper GTS. Both are developed by Street and Racing Technology (SRT®) and come with superb performance, superior craftsmanship, new technologies and creature comforts.

This is the fifth generation of the iconic two-seat, American-built supercar has been deliberately evolved to incorporate superior craftsmanship, a host of new technologies and ergonomic improvements while respecting its visceral legacy of outright performance.

Some of the highlights include:

All-aluminum, mid-engine 8.4-liter V-10 delivers an estimated 640 horsepower and 600 lb.-ft. of torque – the most torque of any naturally aspirated sports car engine in the world
Chassis enhancements bring 50 percent improvement in torsional stiffness
Triple-digit weight reduction results in Viper best power-to-weight ratio
Standard safety features include electronic multistage stability control, traction control and new 4-channel anti-lock brake system (ABS)
All-new, innovative interior designs set new standards with premium materials, new technologies and superior craftsmanship
All-new carbon-fiber and aluminum skin is sculpted for high-speed stability and a slippery .364 drag coefficient (Cd)
Timeless exterior design incorporates iconic Viper styling cues with a contemporary execution

“After a gut-wrenching period of uncertainty, the Street and Racing Technology brand team is extremely proud that our hand-built in Detroit, flagship supercar is back and ready to take on the performance car world,” commented Ralph Gilles, President and CEO – Street and Racing Technology Brand and Motorsports, Chrysler Group LLC.

“Beyond being the flagship for the new SRT brand, the launch of the 2013 Viper proves that we simply would not let the performance icon of the Chrysler Group die. Willed to live on by a very special group of performance enthusiasts inside the company and across Viper Nation, this SRT team under our new leadership was challenged to not just continue the legendary Viper, but to create a world-class supercar that would showcase the very best we have to offer.”, he added.

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

The 2013 SRT Viper is powered by a new 8.4 liter all-aluminum, V-10 overhead-valve engine.

It boasts tra-high flow and lightweight composite intake manifold, high-strength forged pistons, sodium-filled exhaust valves, new catalysts to reduce back pressure and an aluminum flywheel that reduces reciprocating losses. More than 25 lbs has been shaved from the fully dressed engine.

The power is insane – 640HP (471 kW) and 813Nm (600 lb-ft) of torque, which makes it the engine with most torque of any naturally aspirated power unit in the world.

To handle all that power, the manufacturer coupled the beast with Tremec TR6060 6-speed manual transmission that has been improved with a shorter throw shifter, closer gear ratios and a final drive ratio that has been shortened to 3.55 from 3.07.

The 2013 Viper models will be more engaging to drive and top speed is now achieved through 6th gear with maximum engine speed (redline) at 6 200RPM.

The braking system is also solid – 4-piston Brembo brakes with fixed-aluminum calipers, and vented rotors with a diameter of 355 mm by 32 mm, are used at all four corners.

The available SRT Track Package features lightweight and slotted two-piece rotors from StopTech.

The 5-spoke, forged-aluminum “Rattler” wheel design on the 2013 Viper model is available with fully polished (standard), fully painted Hyper Black or fully painted low-gloss black finishes.

The Viper GTS has a split 6-spoke forged-aluminum “Venom” wheel design with three available finishes, including polished face with graphite-painted pockets (standard), fully painted Hyper Black or fully painted low-gloss black.

Available SRT Track Package wheels are ultra-lightweight, track-ready wheels in Hyper Black or matte black finishes.

Source: Dodge

April 4, 2012

Category: Auto News