Auto News – Page 874 – Automobiles Review

2012 Seat Ibiza SC 3-door – Price £9 995

Seat has announced the price list for the new 2012 Ibiza. It starts from just £9 995 OTR for the entry level 1.2 litre 60PS E 3-door SC. The Ibiza supermini will hit the UK market next month.

As before, the UK range extends up from the E through S A/C and SE to the sporty FR model. For the first time, too, New Ibiza ST buyers will be able to enjoy the dynamic delights of an FR version as SEAT expands its Formula Racing sub-brand to its svelte supermini estate.

The most affordable Ibiza 5-door is therefore the 1.2 70 PS S /C model priced at £11 430 OTR. This engine is also now available in the Ibiza ST body style for only £12 140 RRP.

The mid-level Ibiza SE has a similar £300 average price reduction versus the outgoing SE Copa. The engine variants are for – two petrol 1.4 85PS and the 1.2 TSI 105PS; and two diesels – 1.2 TDI 75PS Ecomotive and the 1.6 TDI 105PS.

The FR trim (on the picture) features 1.4 litre TSI 150 PS DSG and 2.0-litre TDI 143 PS turbodiesel. It offers a massive savings of £1 100. For the very first time FR is also now available on the Ibiza ST, for those who crave a practical yet genuinely sporty small estate.

Managing Director of SEAT UK, Peter Wyhinny, commented: “We’re really excited about the imminent arrival of the New Ibiza in the UK. This stylish new supermini ticks all the boxes for buyers by being not just significantly more modern to look at, more stylish, more practical and, with the debut of the Ibiza ST FR, significantly more fun. But, crucially, our best-seller is now also even more affordable, too!”

“SEAT celebrated record sales in the UK in 2011 and, with the arrival of the New Ibiza, I’m confident we can look forward to continuing that success through 2012 and beyond.”, he finished.

Source: Seat

March 12, 2012

2012 Geneva Motor Show: Maserati GranCabrio Fendi Edition

Maserati has brought the special edition GranCabrio Fendi at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show. It was firstly introduced at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September, last year.

The vehicle boasts 20” alloy wheels, special interior and a mighty 4.7 liter V8 under the bonnet.

Silvia Venturini Fendi’s specially crafted logo seals this collaboration. A silver oval plaque with the engraving of the Maserati Trident, Fendi logo and the five-digit series number is located on the dashboard, in front of the passenger seat, and on both sides of the black cloth folding roof.

The GranCabrio is powered by a 4.7 litre V8 engine with 440 PS (324 kW) 7000RPM and 490Nm (361 lb-ft) at 4750RPM. It is mated to an automatic transmission sending all that power to the rear wheels.

0-100 km/h in 5.4 seconds and a top speed of 282 km/h.

Packed with the longest wheelbase on the market – 2,492mm, the car also ensures excellent and joyly driving experience.

Source: Maserati

March 12, 2012

2012 Geneva Motor Show: ABT Audi QS3

Abt sportsline has revealed the tuned Audi Q3 at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show. The small SUV comes with complete styling package and performance upgrades. The name of the project is ABT QS3, where the “S” stands for sport.

The engine range includes 2.0 TDI with 205PS (151 kW), instead of factory’s 177PS and the 2.0 liter TFSI produces 270PS (199 kW), instead of 211PS.

The suspension is improved by installing a set of lowering springs. There are a different ABT sport wheels available from 18’’ to 20’’ and also in combination with high-performance

tyres.

The styling package includes a new front grill, front spoiler, door strip attachments, rear skirt and rear spoiler.

The exhaust system received a new rear muffler for some added performance and better sound.

Check out the full list of upgrades below!

The new ABT QS3 – data and facts

ABT ENGINE TECHNOLOGY

Engine: 2.0 TDI, 1.968 cc capacity

Performance tuning: ABT POWER

Performance: 205 HP/151 kW (standard: 177 HP/130 kW)

ABT ENGINE TECHNOLOGY

Engine: 2.0 TFSI, 1.984 ccm capacity

Performance tuning: ABT POWER

Performance: 270 HP/199 kW (standard: 211 HP/155 kW)

ABT SUSPENSION

ABT suspension springs

ABT BRAKES

345 x 30 mm, black painted brake callipers with ABT-Logo

ABT AERODYNAMICS

ABT front grill

ABT front spoiler

ABT door strip attachments

ABT rear skirt

ABT rear spoiler

ABT EXHAUST TECHNOLOGY

ABT rear muffler

ABT WHEEL TECHNOLOGY

ABT designer light alloy wheels “CR” and “DR” in 18 to 20 inch

Available also as complete set of wheels with sports tyres

Source: ABT

March 12, 2012

2012 Geneva Motor Show: Gemballa GT Porsche 991 Carrera

Gemballa do not think that the latest Porsche 991 Carrera needs a performance boost. After all, it has a 340hp 3.4 liter flat six power plant that provides an electric enough feel. And if there is anything that can get close to the mighty GT3, it’s the Carrera S version that has a 3.8 liter, 400hp engine. What I’m trying to say is that the latest “designpackage” from Gemballa for the Carrera is strictly visual. At this point we have a few aerodynamic features, new wheels and a sonorous arrangement (exhaust pipes).

Gemballa CEO, Andreas Schwarz, explains: “Creating an even more individual appearance for this iconic sports car is a natural step for Gemballa, and we are proud to present our GT package for the new Carrera.”

The body kit consists of “made in Germany” type carbon fitments – a front bumper, a rear one and some side skirts. Everything is designed to fit perfectly to the standard mounting points of the car. Installing them requires no cutting or grinding so the return to stock components is quite feasible.

Gemballa have also provided four 21-inch wheels that are just a little bit lighter than the standard 19-inch ones on the Carrera and quite a lot lighter than the 20-inch set on the Carrera S.

“Lowering the unsprung weight despite going up a wheel size was a priority,” said Schwarz.

Eventually, we reach a point where we have to talk about pipes. About all six of them. The Gemballa exhaust system helps the engine with the breathing and the singing.

Source: Gemballa

March 12, 2012

Hyundai Santa Fe 3rd Generation – Teaser

Unlike recent teasers, here we can actually see a car. An SUV to be more precise. It’s the all-new Hyundai Santa Fe, codenamed DM in Korea. Expect a debut at this year’s New York International Auto Show early in April.

This will be the third Santa Fe from Hyundai‘s. Ever since production began in the year 2000, the company has shipped around 2.56 million units (Korea: 680,000 / overseas: 1.95 million). Hopes are high that the latest model will keep the trend going.

The design path taken for the Santa Fe has its own name – “Storm Edge”. It’s still incorporates typical Hyundai fluidic patterns but now with more sophisticated and refined lines that accent the otherwise bold and voluminous surfaces. The end result amounts to a more aggressive stance common for many SUVs.

Some highlights for now: a hexagonal grille, a two-tone bulky body bottom and wider front and rear bumpers.

This should be taken as a sample of the future plans of Hyundai when it comes to designing SUVs. The core values here are said to be “Refinement,” ”Smartness” and “Practicality”.

Source: Hyundai

March 12, 2012

Hamann memoR McLaren MP4-12C at Geneva

Apparently, upon the release of the McLaren MP4-12C back in 2011, there had been an outcry of discontent about its looks from the public. Visually, it hadn’t been able to live up to its power and performance they say. Deemed too bland and “evoraesque”? Well to those who feel under the weather when looking at a standard MP4-12C, there is a solution – It’s the memoR by Hamann which is currently making its debut within the halls of the 82^nd Geneva Motor Show.

Roughly speaking, the memoR is a stylistically buffed MP4-12C. No performance upgrades, no chassis fiddling and no 20 or something inch tv’s inside. It’s simply with added “uniqueness” now, according to Hamann.

The main inspiration for the restyle was drawn from the 1995 LeMans winner, the McLaren F1 GTR. Obviously, they didn’t manage to put the driver’s seat back at the center of the cabin but were nevertheless on to something. Four ideas were tossed around when the people at Hamann got to work.

1 Reduce the concave surfaces.

2 Integrate the defining F1 bits and pieces.

3 Add some GT3 elements as well.

4 Create an exciting contrast shade.

By “concave surfaces”, Hamann mean the border of the front air intakes, the cross section of the hood, the rear side panel and the sill area. All of them have been removed. Now we have a large front splitter, an air scoop at the roof, deep drawn door sills a rear wing and a diffuser. Three centered tailpipes finish the look… and the massive wheel arches with the wheels underneath. They too finish it off. Hopefully now nobody will complain about it. All points have been covered.

Source: Hamann

March 10, 2012

Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport Vitesse – full specs

Bugatti has unveiled the Veyron Grand Sport Vitesse at the Geneva Motor Show. Now, the manufacturer has released full details about the new convertible Grand Sport.

2012 Bugatti Grand Sport Vitesse is powered by an 8.0 liter W16 quad-turbo engine with mind blowing 1200HP (883 kW) and 1500Nm (1106 lb-ft) of torque. The engine is paired with a 7-speed DSG gearbox. It sends all that torque to an AWD system. 0-100 km/h in 2.6 seconds and to 200 km/h in 7.1 seconds, to 300 km/h in 16 seconds dead. The top speed is 410 km/h (254 mph). ¼ mile is covered in 10.0 seconds flat and 1 mile in just 25.0 seconds.

Other interesting disciplines like 0-100-0 km/h take 5.9 seconds and 0-200-0 take 12.9 seconds. The interesting 0-300-0, which is brutal for the brakes take 23.9 seconds.

The official fuel consumption is 23.1 liters per 100 km on average cycle and the city cycle is around 37.2 liters per 100 km, so the owners will visit gas stations very often.

The overall weight of the vehicle is 1990 kg and the fuel tank can take up to 100 litres of fuel or around 250 km range in city.

The suspension features three different settings: Standard, Handling and Top Speed.

The brake system includes 400 mm front discs with 8 piston calipers and 380 mm discs at the rear with 6 piston calipers.

2012 Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport Vitesse Jet Grey

General
Length	4462 mm
Width	1998 mm
Height	1190 mm
Wheelbase	2710 mm
Curb weight	1 990 kg
Max. laden weight	2 240 kg
Tank capacity	100 l
Drivetrain
Engine	W16
Displacement	7993 cm3
Power output	1200HP (882 kW) at 6400RPM
Torque	1500Nm at 3000RPM
Bore	86
Stroke	86
Compression ratio	8.3:1
Gearbox	7-speed DSG
Drive	AWD
Power distribution	Front axle differential with Haldex
	Clutch, rear axle with transverse
	Differential lock
Suspension
Wheel suspension	Double wishbone front/rear
Max. weight per axle	1010/1230 front/rear kg
Tyres front	265-680 ZR 500A
Tyres rear	365-710 ZR 540A
Tyre pressure	3.0 bar front/rear
Suspension height	Standard – 115/155 mm, Handling 80/95 mm, Top speed 65/70 mm (front, rear)
Brakes
Brake disc diameter	400 mm / 380 mm (front, rear)
Brake disc material	Ceramics
Pistons per caliper	8 /6 (front, rear)
Brake pads	4 / 2 (front rear)
Performance
Top speed	410 km/h
Acceleration
0-100 km/h	2.6 seconds
0-200 km/h	7.1 seconds
0-300 km/h	16 seconds
¼ mile	10.0 seconds
1 mile	25.0 seconds
Lateral acceleration	1.4g
Braking distance	31.4 m 100-0
Acceleration and braking
0-100-0 km/h	5.9 seconds
0-200-0 km/h	12.9 seconds
0-300-0 km/h	23.9 seconds
0-100-0 mph	9.5 seconds
0-200-0 mph	27.1 seconds
Gearbox shift time	0.1 seconds
Fuel consumption
City cycle	37.2 l/100 with 867 g/km CO2
Highway cycle	14.9 l/100 with 348 g/lm CO2
Combine cycle	23.1 l/100 with 539 g/km CO2
Fuel type	Super lead free 98 RON/ ROZ
Max rate of gear at 6500RPM
1^st	104 km/h
2^nd	148 km/h
3td	197 km/h
4^th	257 km/h
5^th	313 km/h
6^th	377 km/h
7^th	410 km/h
Aerodynamics
CW-Value
Standard	0.39
Handling	0.48
Top speed	0.36
Airbrake	0.69
Wing/ spoiler angle
Standard	Retracted 6 cool-down position
Handling with rood/without roof	16 / 27, 21 / 27
Top speed	3
Brake setting	55 / 27
Special features	Central hyndraulics / double diffusor
Three suspension heights
Standard	For town traffic and speeds of up to 180 km/h. From 180 km/h, automatic configurations switches from Standard to Handling (flaps in front diffusers open)
Handling	For open roads and highways or manually selectable for race tracks (flaps in front diffusers open)
Top speed	For very high-speed driving (over 375 km/h), manually selectable with separate key (flaps in front diffusers closed)

Source: Bugatti

March 9, 2012

2013 Ford Super Duty Platinum

Ford has announced the F-Series Super Duty Platinum.

“The F-Series Super Duty Platinum is the latest expression of Built Ford Tough truck luxury,” commented Brian Rathsburg, F-Series Super Duty Marketing manager.

“It has a distinct appearance and a long list of features to deliver a superior experience. Along with that, it has all of the capability F-Series trucks are famous for.”, he added.

It is available only in the Super Duty crew cab and can be ordered as an F-250, F-350 or F-450 pickup. The engine range includes a 6.7-liter Power Stroke diesel engine or the 6.2 liter V8 gas engine.

The Platinum series makes a bold statement with a grille that features a satin chrome surround highlighted by perforated mesh inside. The updated grille is enhanced by a monochromatic bumper and chrome tow hooks.

The exterior boasts a lot of chrome elements including the door handles, mirror caps, running boards and exhaust tip.

The boxside on both sides of the truck sports the “Platinum” name in chrome letters and the tailgate is trimmed with a satin chrome appliqué, similar to the one used on the F-150 Platinum. Twenty-inch polished-aluminum wheels with painted black inserts round out the stunning exterior design of the Super Duty Platinum.

The interior showcases luxury in the form of unique wood grain appliqués. The steering wheel is heated and leather-wrapped, with genuine wood accents. The instrument panel, center stack and door trims are wrapped in premium wood grain. A new storage area on top of the dash includes two USB ports, audio-video connections, SD card slot and a 12-volt charging port for cell phones and other digital devices.

The driver’s seat has 10-way power-adjustable seating and both captain’s chairs are upholstered with softer, premium leather, which is also used on the armrests and console. Other evidence of fine craftsmanship includes the seats and floor mats, which feature the embroidered “Platinum” logo.

Other standard features include:

SYNC with MyFord Touch
Navigation System
Power-adjustable pedals
Rear view camera
Remote Start System
Universal garage door opener
Power-telescoping mirrors

Super Duty Platinum is available in Ruby Red, Kodiak Brown, Tuxedo Black, Ingot Silver and White Platinum. Interior color offerings include Pecan and Midnight Black. Another new exterior color, Blue Jean Metallic, will be available for Super Duty models other than Platinum.

Unique to Ford F-Series, designers have optimized the physical interface for MyFord Touch to accommodate truck users who may be wearing work gloves by providing easy access to climate controls and audio presets on the center stack. For video of MyFord Touch in Super Duty, click here.

The latest example of F-Series leadership in truck design, innovation and technology can be found in the 2013 Super Duty Platinum, available later this year.

Source: Ford

March 9, 2012

2012 Geneva Motor Show: Peugeot GTi Concept

The GTi Concept was presented by Peugeot at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show.

The specially created vehicle features two chrome exhaust tips, complete aerodynamics package and some badges at the rear quarter panels.

The interior features some sport elements, too. There is a leather steering wheel, a lether gear knob and Nappa leather sporty seats. The instrument cluster features LED backlighting.

The GTi Concept is powered by a turbocharged 1.6 liter THP with 197PS (145 kW) and 275Nm (203 lb-ft). It is coupled with a 6-speed manual gearbox.

Other performance elements feature complete braking system and a revised suspension. Probably, Peugeot will put in production the GTi Concept as a top-of-range 208 model. We expect soon more information and full details about this performance hatchback.

Stay tuned!

Source: Peugeot

March 9, 2012

Vorsteiner V-MS Program for BMW 5 Series M-Tech

Vorsteiner is a company that spends a great deal of time focusing on designing wheels. And they are not looking bad at all. From time to time however, they tend to issue full-blown tuning programs complete with aerodynamic sets, wheels naturally and exhaust systems. Their latest one is called the V-MS Program and in order to eligible for it, you must posses a BMW 5 (F10) series that has the factory M Tech aero package.

The Vorsteiner provided aero bits are all from the company’s pre-peg carbon fiber line. That includes a specially designed front spoiler, a subtle trunk lid spoiler and a high-temperature resistant diffuser between the Vorsteiner F10 Sports Exhaust pipes. They on the other hand, offer a tiny power boost (+12hp and 2lb/ft of torque according to their dyno test) and also, they can sing pretty well, Formula 1 style. Rounding up the look, are the four 20 and 21-inch custom made forged wheels on which the car sits. They have been specifically made for the F10 with their 5-spoke star design matte black feel. Another thing finished (or not-finished) in matte black is the bodywork itself. I have to admit that, combined with the visible carbon aerodynamic elements, all looks astonishingly well. The only problem I have with this car are the taillights. They look like those “Shutter Shade” glasses people wear to look like Kanye West. If you are going to go subtle, go subtle – tint them or leave them as they are.

Source: Vorsteiner

March 9, 2012

2012 Geneva Motor Show: Audi A1 2.0 T Quattro

The special limited edition Audi A1 2.0 T Quattro has been exhibited at the Geneva Motor Show, this week. The car will be produced in limited series of just 333 examples worldwide. It features superb equipment, nice powerful turbocharged petrol engine, and exclusive exterior and interior.

A1 2.0 T Quattro has a four-cylinder 2.0 liter turbocharged petrol with 265PS (195 kW) at 6000RPM and 350Nm (258 lb-ft) of torque at 2500RPM. The engine is mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox. 0-100 km/h in 5.7 seconds and a top speed of 245 km/h (152 mph). The fuel consumption is great – 33.2 mpg on combined cycle.

The electronic stability program (ESP) also includes a sport mode which sets a higher threshold for intervention, and can be switched off entirely for track use.

The chassis is also modified to suit the dynamics of the drivetrain, and the multi-plate clutch has also been positioned on the rear axle in the interest of optimum weight distribution.

The exterior boasts Glacier White metallic paint with a high-gloss black roof. It also features 18” turbine alloy wheels, redesigned bumpers, grille, red painted ‘wings’ within the headlights, a large two-colour rear spoiler and two 100 mm polished exhaust tailpipes.

A1 Quattro also has tinted LED rear lights, tinted rear windows and a contrasting black colouring for the rear hatch and rear diffuser.

Source: Audi

March 9, 2012

2012 Geneva Motor Show: FAB Design McLaren MP4-12C

FAB Design has announced their latest tuning project based on the supercar McLanre MP4-12C. The name of the project is Terso and it is currently exhibited at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show.

The exterior boasts a new front fascia with intakes, modified rear bumper and a diffuser as well as a carbon fiber wing. The last touch is the roof-mounted scoop. The ride sits on 20” alloy wheels fitted with Dunlop SP SportMaxx performance tires.

The performance is also upgraded. The mighty twin-turbo 3.8 liter V8 develops 680PS (500 kW) and 715Nm (527 lb-ft), which is an overall increase of 80PS (59 kW) and 115Nm (85 lb-ft). 0-100 km/h in 3.0 seconds dead and a top speed of 213 mph (343 km/h).

Source: FAB Design

March 9, 2012

Category: Auto News