Auto News – Page 882 – Automobiles Review

MTM Volkswagen T500 and Audi Q3 at Geneva

MTM are going to be at Geneva and do they have a treat for us or what? Two treats in fact. The world these days is mad about SUV’s and MTM is listening carefully. That is why at the show, the custom house will feature an MTM Q3 2.0 TFSI Quattro baby SUV and … a not-much-of-an-SUV MTM T 500 2.5 TFSI 4motion which is, and there is no other way of saying this, basically a VW T5 van. But things start looking a bit different when closing in. The company has really made an effort in bringing the sport back to utility.

Both of these MTMs are patriotically painted in bold black, red and gold and the idea is to celebrate the kickoff of the European Football Championship season – “If you want to play in the top league, you better drive in the top league”, comments the MTM owner Roland Mayer.

We do not know what exactly happens underneath the hood, but MTM say that the power in the Q3 has been pumped from 170 bhp to 310 bhp. Another claim is that it only needs 6.1 seconds to get to the 100 km/h threshold and that the top speed is just bellow 250 km/h. The company also offers some exhaust pipes and a diffuser to complement all that power. Equally impressive are the four MTM Bimoto 20″ wheels, each wrapped in a 255/35 ZR 20 tire.

The MTM T 500 2.5 TFSI 4motion gets its power from a straight five that develops 472 bhp at 6,900 rpm. Alsp, at 4,100 rpm, the unit racks up a torque of 625 Nm which calls for an overhauled transmission. Top speed stands at 280 km/h (in a van!). Some reassuring tweaks on the suspension are also provided – 6-piston calipers at the front grab hold of the giant disks whenever needed, a KW Street Comfort coilover suspension tweaked by MTM is also there to keep you on the road. As a roundup, we have four 9×20 inch MTM Bimoto rims with 275/35 ZR 20 Michelin SuperSport tires on them.

Whichever of the two you might fancy, it will be ideal for a trip to the European Football Championship. Two PSUVs suited for true football fans.

Source: MTM

March 2, 2012

JE Design Porsche Panamera 970

JE Design have been working on a Porsche recently and this is the end result – the JE Design Panamera 970. Judging by the pictures, we can’t decide whether they have made an ugly car even uglier or not. We do know however, that the power is up and when thundering down the road, bystanders do not pay attention to small details like aesthetics, right?

Performance upgrades for both, the Panamera Diesel and Panamera Turbo are available. The former is rather subtle but the one for the petrol restores the balance. The 3.0-liter, 250 horsepower diesel gets an ECU tweak that translates into an additional package of ponies (50 more) and some more torque (from 550 Nm to 650 Nm). That newfound power sheds .2 seconds off the 0 to 60 time which now stands at 6.5 seconds. On the flip side, the 4.8 bi-turbo petrol Panamera already has a dramatically more powerful engine – 500 horsepower in total to be exact. Add the ECU upgrade to that and you get 600. Torque is up from 700 to 850 Nm and the result is a 3.8 second 60 mph sprint. It all sounds like engine abuse but actually the packages are TUV certified and the owners get a one-year warranty with the option to extend it even further.

To match the performance, some aerodynamic OEM bits and pieces have been bolted on the outside. A new front bumper now channels more airflow into the intercooler and has some rather ostentatious LED daytime running lights. The sideskirts have a strange hollow design that culminates in rear air inlets. At the back, a rear spoiler is there to stay while the rear bumper has an integrated diffuser and an air outlet. All fits perfectly with the standard exhaust system but probably it wouldn’t hurt anyone to go with the JE Design cat-back exhaust system that has controllable valves on the petrol Panamera. Each of the four oval pipes at the back end are 100 mm in diameter.

The standard “Porsche Active Suspension Management” system tells the dampers how to behave has been preserved, but now an air-suspension from JE Design hunkers down the Panamera even lower. From 20 to 30 mm lower to be more precise. At the very least. with that lowered stance, the “Pandora” 9 and 10,5 x 22 wheels fill the wheel arches even more impressively. Tires, front and back – 265/295 wide and 30/25 thin, complete the overall JE Design feel.

JE Panamera 970 — JE Design Panamera 970

Source: JE Design

March 2, 2012

2012 Bentley Mulsanne Executive Interior

Bentley has announced that they will produce the special edition Mulsanne Executive Interior, which was first showcased at the 2011 Frankfurt Show.

“The original Mulsanne multimedia concept was previewed at several special customer events across the globe and the reaction was immensely encouraging. Bentley has now created two bespoke Specifications, Theatre and iPad, and we’re confident they will meet the expectations of customers needing a business-focussed environment or simply a relaxing space where films, music, television and the internet can be enjoyed,” says Alasdair Stewart, Bentley’s Member of the Board for Sales and Marketing.

Both the Theatre and iPad Specifications are seamlessly integrated into the Mulsanne’s sumptuous and supremely comfortable cabin, which takes Bentley’s craftsmen and women over 170 hours to create. When not required, features like the drop-down screen or picnic tables retract and are stowed both quickly and discretely.

The Theatre Specification includes a wide range of entertainment for the passengers at the rear seats – DVD movies, television programmes, or music. This is offered via a 15.6” centrally located HD LED screen. There are also two 8” screens on each of the headrests, enabling passengers to select their own entertainment and listening in private through high quality Bluetooth headphones. Business users can take full advantage of the powerful processing capability and connectivity of the boot-mounted Apple Mac computer which is selectable for display via the HD LED screen. Twin USB ports positioned in the centre console provide easy access to the Mac to upload films, music and data or documents for use either in the cabin or once the journey ends.

Finger-tip control is provided via an iPod touch allowing navigation of the technology by means of a unique Bentley ‘App’ and bespoke reading lights have been designed to provide optimum illumination for viewing documents.

2012 Bentley Mulsanne Executive Interior

The iPad Specification includes two beautifully crafted, electrically-deployed veneered picnic tables for rear passengers provide a soft hide writing surface, colour-matched to the seats of the Mulsanne, and at the press of a button twin iPads with wireless keyboards are revealed. Both rear passengers can work on documents or files independently, email, browse the internet, make video calls or play music or games. The picnic tables are cleverly designed so that the keyboards can be easily removed and placed on the user’s lap for added comfort.

Both the Theatre and iPad Specifications of Mulsanne Executive Interior can be specified with a range of finishing touches including a Tibaldi fountain pen from its specially commissioned Collection which will be hand veneered to match the car and is discretely stowed in a dedicated dock in the centre armrest.

And seen on a Bentley for the first time, a distinctive Yachting-style veneer of either Dark Wenge with a Maple Pinstripe or Maple using the Dark Wenge as the pinstripe motif. Both of these Yachting veneers are available in a Satin or Gloss Lacquer finish.

Reflecting the technical character of the Executive Interior Mulsanne the car can be specified with unique 21” multi-spoke wheels, each cut from a solid, forged aluminium billet by computer-controlled lathes and milling machines. Each billet initially weighs 85 kg, and, like a sculpture emerging from a block of marble, is transformed in around three hours into a light-weight wheel weighing 13.4 kg.

Source: Bentley

March 1, 2012

Chevrolet at the Geneva Motor Show

Chevrolet will reveal several exciting new vehicles at the 82nd International Geneva Motor Show, next week. The new Cruze Station Wagon will make its official debut and two youth concept cars – the Code 130R and Tru 140S. Last, but not least, the future of on-board infotainment will be displayed in the form of Chevrolet MyLink.

The Station Wagon will strengthen the Cruze line-up with its natural appeal to families and people who want a compact car with more carrying space to fit an active lifestyle. There will be five different powertrains including a new 1.4 liter turbocharged petrol and a new 1.7 liter diesel as well as an updated 2.0 liter diesel. All engines are EURO5 compliant.

New equipment and features on the Cruze include keyless entry and start, rear view camera, Chevrolet MyLink infotainment system (see below) and start-stop functionality depending on trim and engine choice.

The two concepts Code 130R and Tru 140S will also make their first appearance in Europe at the Geneva Motor Show. The turbocharged Code 130R is a RWD four-seat coupe with an upright profile while the FWD Tru 140S is an affordable exotic four-seat sport coupe. The interior of the concepts is very enjoyable, too. The British designers of the concepts, Nicholas David and Joe Baker from GM’s North Hollywood Design Center, will attend the event to explain how the cars were created following the styling and functionality this group of new buyers says they want in a car.

Do not miss the opportunity to check out other vehicles from Chevrolet, which will be exhibited in Geneva.

Source: Chevrolet

March 1, 2012

2012 SKN Volkswagen Golf V GTI

The German tuning company SKN Tuning has made an astonishing makeover on a Volkswagen Golf V GTI. The car comes with the standard 2.0-TFSI-GTI with 200 PS (147 kW), and accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h for just 7.2 seconds. After a powerful tuning stage 3 software, hardware modifications and motor sport exhaust system, the car now delivers ultimately 300 PS (226 kW) as well as 425 Nm (314 lb-ft) of torque. In addition, the exhaust system is now with reduced dynamic pressure installed by MILLTEK Sports and it is also equipped with 200-inch HJS-motorsport catalysts for powerful sound. Moreover, there are also featured CH-R rims in combination with special tyres from MARANGONI in 225/35ZR19 dimensions. The modification required the installation of diverse aerodynamics parts in a carbon look too. MOV’IT high-performance braking system on the other hand provides strong deceleration for above 250 km/h fast cars. WRAP Attack foliation professionals are responsible for unmistakable GTI outfit. And at last the GTI interior received also and update through various leather materials and colors.

In details the tuning features: improved acceleration and better response characteristic; stability and safety with technical inspection association and guarantee; vehicle retains current emissions class (ASU); greater torque and power; extensive dealer network; greater dynamics and driving pleasure; BBS CH-R Black 8.5 x 19 | ET 48 | 5 x 112; low-pressure casting for long-lasting performance; weight optimisation using FEM-analysis, made in Flow-Forming process specially developped for Formula 1; B14 PSS coilover suspension lowering VA = 20-30mm | HA = 10-30mm; Clarion – 2 DIN DVD Multimedia Station with integrated navigation (NX501E); 2x 4-canal High-End amplifier 4360 for 2x Stereo Front/Rear; 2x Subwoofer APA; 2x SRM3093HX High-End Subwoofer; 2 pairs SRU1720S High End Kompo-System; WRAP attack Laminating and foliation of a car; JK Autosattlerei Complete modification, changing of the interior with various leather materials and colours; Marangoni Marangoni M-POWER 225 / 35 ZR 19.

Source: SKN Tuning

March 1, 2012

2012 BMW M3 Coupé and Convertible Limited Edition 500

The exceptional new BMW M3 Coupé and Convertible Limited Edition 500 are going to be launched in the UK market this month. These special editions are strictly limited, and feature a colour palette of Imola Red, Mineral White or Santorini Blue. Only 500 of these models will be manufactured, and this number is combined for Coupe and Convertible variants. Each model includes an edition designation laser cut into the trim inlay on the dashboard. Mechanically, the vehicle is unchanged over the M3 in terms of technical specifications. It uses the astonishing 420hp (309 kW) V8 engine, M-specific chassis with either six-speed manual or seven-speed M DCT transmission.

The BMW’s are going to be available in three exterior colours, which are complemented by the characteristic M-car signature details of the kidney grille surround. The side gills and twin double exhaust pipes are finished in dark chrome. Both Coupé and Convertible models are equipped with BMW’s high-gloss Shadowline exterior trim and are further improved by the 19-inch high-gloss black light-alloy wheels. Each BMW M3 Limited Edition 500 will be trimmed with BMW’s extended Novillo leather. There also will be included a contrast stitching on the sports seats and door panels. This of course will complements the exterior: Imola Red cars feature Black leather with Mugello Red stitching, Mineral White cars feature Fox Red leather with Black Stitching, and those cars finished in Santorini Blue feature Black leather with Tobago Blue stitching. Furthermore, the interior of the new Limited Edition 500 features BMW’s Piano Black interior trim, with the edition designation – “One of 500” – laser cut into the left-hand side of the inlay on the dashboard.

To be even more precise the BMW M3 is powered by the 420hp (309 kW) V8 engine that revs to 8,300rpm with 400Nm (295 lb-ft) of torque developed at 3,900rpm. The BMW comes with M’s six-speed manual gearbox as standard, complete with the variable M differential. BMW’s M DCT (M Double Clutch Transmission) is optional and it serves in terms of fuel efficiency, decrease of CO2 emissions and faster acceleration. The exceptional BMW M3 is capable of accelerating from 0 to 62mph in just 4.6 seconds (Coupé with M DCT).It has a limited top speed of 155mph. Nevertheless, despite these performance figures the car still delivers up to 25.2mpg on the combined cycle, due to the comprehensive suite of BMW EfficientDynamics technologies including Brake Energy Regeneration.

The price for the 2012 BMW M3 Limited Edition 500 starts at £55 690 for the Coupe and £59 785 for the Convertible model.

Source: BMW

March 1, 2012

2012 Mazda Demio 13C-V Smart Edition

Mazda Motor Corporation has just released the new 2012 Mazda Demio 13C-V Smart Edition for their customers in Japan. Mazda Demio is known in other countries as Mazda2. The 13C-V Smart Edition is based on the 13C-V model, which is designed with the aim to promote introduction of clean energy vehicles and is newly equipped with dark tinted glass in the rear door and rear gate. In addition, through the replacement of the existing automatic climate control with new manual air conditioning, its price was set to deliver more value for money. The base model of this Special Edition features: dark tinted glass (rear door glass and rear gate glass), manual air conditioning (changed from automatic climate control). There are also available nine body colors: Spirited Green Metallic, Metropolitan Gray Mica, Radiant Ebony Mica, True Red, Chrystal White Pearl Mica, Brilliant Black, Sunlight Silver Metallic, Aluminum Metallic and Burgundy Red Mica. The interior colors however are only two: Black and Light Gray.

Source: Mazda

March 1, 2012

LC Super Hybrid Technology to debut at 2012 Geneva Motor Show

The LC Super Hybrid Technology is conceived by Controlled Power Technologies (CPT) and the Advanced Lead-Acid Battery Consortium (ALABC) with the only aim to show significant CO2 reduction through the means of electric hybridisation at low voltages (12-48 volts) using the latest lead-carbon batteries. The technology offers the potential of a mass market, petrol-powered, large family car with superb drivability, with spectacular performance and excellent 5.6 litres/100km (51mpg) fuel economy.

The LC Super Hybrid Technology is going to be showcased for the first time at the 2012 Geneva International Motor Show. The low voltage (12 volts) technology has been created by UK-based Controlled Power Technologies in colaboration with the US-based Advanced Lead-Acid Battery Consortium. The vehicle includes production-ready technology sold by CPT to Valeo. Other international companies involved are AVL Schrick based in Austria and Germany, Mubea also from Germany, and the UK-based Provector.

Volkswagen Passat 1.4-litre TSI model with LC Super Hybrid Technology

To be more precise, the technology is mounted on the series production 1.4-litre turbocharged VW Passat TSI model. Including the LC upgrade, the vehicle weighs around 1530kg which means that the technology adds the additional 79kg. Nevertheless, much of this additional mass including the test equipment would be eliminated in a production vehicle as well as the existing starter motor. The additional payload further underscores the excellent performance and drivability of the LC Super Hybrid demonstrator. Going straight to the point, the technologies features an electric supercharger, next generation belt-integrated starter generator with an advanced belt tensioning system, carbon improved valve regulated lead–acid (VRLA) batteries which avoid the need for super-capacitors, and higher gear ratios to reduce engine speed. Thus, this results in increase of power from 122 PS (90 kW) to 142 PS (104 kW) and torque from 200 Nm (148 lb-ft) to 275Nm (203 kW). The effects can be compared to the Passat’s bigger 1.8-litre TSI gasoline engine, which delivers 160 PS (118 kW) and 250 Nm (185 lb-ft), and hence the engine output of the LC Super Hybrid Technology is generally equivalent to vehicles in the 2-litre class. Additional advantage is that the vehicle also achieves near diesel levels of fuel economy, but with substantially lower production costs. Furthermore, the LC Super Hybrid delivers CO₂ emissions of less than 130g/km compared with 140g/km for the baseline Passat 1.4-litre TSI. This represents a reduction in CO₂ emissions of 8 per cent. Another benefit is the great fuel economy of 5.6 litres/100km (51mpg), which is significant 11 per cent improvement when compared with 6.2 litres/100km (46mpg) for the 1.4-litre TSI. Moreover, the 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) acceleration time is reduced by 2.5 seconds from 11.1 to 8.7 seconds compared with the 1.4-litre TSI. In addition, the demonstrator embraces low voltage switched reluctance (SR) motor-generators, which are not currently used by the automotive industry in mass production. The motors are constructed from steel, aluminium and copper and avoid the use of increasingly expensive rare earth materials. The SR technology is licensed from Nidec Corporation of Japan, one of the world’s leading suppliers of electric motors.

Furthermore, the improved lead-carbon battery design allows for an excellent charge and discharge characteristic, while the carbon-enhanced negative plate formulations enhance life under hybrid vehicle duty cycles. Additional improvements in the battery are achieved by careful attention to battery management and they also retain the long established end-of-life re-cycling benefits of lead-acid batteries. At 48 volts the low voltage LC Super Hybrid is expected to deliver more than the nominal 25 per cent improvement in CO₂ emissions and fuel economy already achieved when compared with typical 2-litre naturally aspirated vehicles. In addition, the demonstrator develops low carbon ELC concept by incorporating CPT’s next generation SpeedStart stop-start system. The latter features intelligent torque and current control with enhanced stop-start capabilities. Moreover, it is world’s most powerful belt-integrated starter generator (B-ISG) which operates at 12 volts, and the first and only system based on the highly controllable switched reluctance motor-generator technology.

LC Super Hybrid technology demonstrator is based on a VW Passat 1.4-litre TSI model and also features an electric supercharger which boosts the existing turbocharger, and CPT SpeedStart stop-start technology (top right) and Mubea belt tensioner.

Source: Controlled Power Technologies

March 1, 2012

2012 Bugatti Grand Sport Vitesse

Bugatti has celebrated the world premiere of Grand Sport Vitesse in Geneva Molsheim. 2012 Bugatti Grand Sport Vitesse is the most powerful roadster of all time.

It is powered by an 8.0-liter sixteen-cylinder quad-turbo engine with 1200HP (882 kW) at 6400 RPM and 1500Nm (1107 lb-ft) at 3000RPM. The official top speed is 415 km/h and 0 to 100 km/h is just 2.5 seconds. However, the Grand Sport is able to top 431 km/h.

The Vitesse therefore also ensures the supreme range of excellent features one would expect of a Bugatti super sports car, from precise driving dynamics to extraordinary acceleration and braking.

“The rapid success of the Super Sport convinced us to increase the performance of the Bugatti roadster. Once again our engineers worked hard to demonstrate that Bugatti is able to constantly redefine the boundaries of what is technically feasible,” commented Bugatti President Wolfgang Dürheimer.

“We did our utmost to transfer the achievements of the Super Sport over to the Grand Sport, thereby turning open-top driving itself into an extraordinary experience at high speed.”, he finished.

Source: Bugatti

March 1, 2012

Gemballa at the Geneva Motor Show: Tornado Cayenne II, Mistrale Panamera and Racing MP4-12C GT3

Gemballa are ready to introduce several pimped cars at the Geneva Motor Show, next week. Actually, they will introduce three vehicles – Tornado Cayenne II, Mistrale Panamera and Racing MP4-12C GT3. The SUV and the sports saloon are extremely updated, while the McLaren features minor changes and a lot of badges.

Gemballa Tornado is based on Porsche Cayenne II and features full body kit including new front and rear bumpers, wheel arch extensions and a pair of side skirts. There are also two performance packages boosting the mighty twin-turbocharged V8 to 700HP and 1000Nm. There are also Brembo brake system including 420mm vented discs with 6-piston calipers at the front and 405mm with 4-piston at the rear. The SUV stands on a set of huge rims – 10J x 22” with 295/35 ZR22 at the front and 12J x 22” with 335/30 ZR22 tires at the rear. Only 30 units are planned to be produced.

The Mistrale Panamera is as insane as the Tornado or maybe more. It also features complete body kit, but this time almost everything is reworked even the rear lights. It also rides on the same 22” multi-spoke lightweight foged wheels, but the brake system is slightly smaller – 411 mm discs at the front axle with 6-piston calipers and 380mm discs at the rear axle with 4-piston calipers. The performance packages are the same – Stage I – 610PS and 850Nm and Stage II – 700PS and 1000Nm. The interior is also entirely reworked – there is Alcantara all over the place – dashboard, steering wheel, seats, etc.

Last is the Racing MP4-12C GT3 coming with a new paint and a lot of badges. The only exterior modification is the vented front hood, because a GT3 car is expected to be perfect, especially, when it is priced from £310 000. However, because of the mods, Gembala Racing MP4-12C GT3 is expected to be more expensive.

Source: Gemballa

March 1, 2012

Hyundai i-Oniq Concept Car

Hyundai has released the first image of the new i-Oniq concept car, which will showcase feature technology and design. Essentially, it is an electric sports hatchback with a range-extending petrol engine. The idea was well appreciated, because only electric vehicles are not so useful as they appear.

The i-Oniq is intended to convey the latest thinking from Hyundai’s designers and engineers. The car features gentle feature lines and muscular surface treatment, conveying both premium and sporty qualities evident in both the exterior and interior of the car. Other highlights include penthouse roof and LED headlights.

The vehicle measures 4.4 metres in length meaning a lot of inner space for four occupants. High-tech equipment in the driver interface and controls reflects contemporary and future premium consumer electronics technology.

The drivetrain includes a 1.0-litre, 3-cylinder petrol engine, which is mated via a generator, to a lithium ion electric motor which produces 109PS (80 kW). In electric-only mode, i-oniq has a range of 120 km, but the petrol engine extends the range up to 700 km, producing just 45 g/km of CO₂ in the process.

“The i-oniq concept has been created to reflect the new thinking that runs through the Hyundai brand. It has a bold design, inside and out, that provokes contemplation on the future of automotive possibilities, and a powertrain that highlights one of the ways in which we could power future products – wrapped in a package that exudes premium qualities.”, commented Senior Vice President and COO of Hyundai Motor Europe, Allan Rushforth.

The Hyundai i-Oniq concept car will be exhibited at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show, next week.

Hyundai i-Ioniq Concept Car — Hyundai i-Oniq Concept Car

Source: Hyundai

March 1, 2012

GS Exclusive Maserati 4200 Evo

This is a Maserati 4200 GT Cambiocorsa dipped in the orange blood of a Lamborghini Gallardo. That is how G&S Exclusive, a company based in Albstadt, southern Germany, chose to customize their version of the 4200 called the “Evo”. They also added some styling and restyling in a rather surprising way.

A lower, new front bumper houses a standard Maserati Coupe GranTurismo grille. To assure us of their respect towards the Maserati brand, G&S Exclusive have also retained the trident emblem, fog lights, parking lights and blinkers. The hood however, has been replaced with a new, more curvy one. Despite being called the “Evo”, this Maserati actually has the back end of a 3200 GT, the car that was replaced by the 4200 back in 2001. According to G&S, many people expressed discontent from the new hind of the 4200 which was deemed characterless and less sophisticated. This one here also has a completely new rear bumper with a flamboyant diffuser. Alternatively, one can go for the defuserless version of that bumper but then, the car might lose its overall road-scraping feel. A pair of G&S sideskirts complete the Evo‘s exterior kit.

Two 85 millimetre double-ended exhaust pipes stick out from the cutaways of the rear bumper. That is how we know that the G&S people have fitted a Capristo exhaust system (EDS & MSD) with valve control, back pressure control and remote control functionality. Our guess is however, that one can figure this one out by simply hearing the amplified rumble of the V8 that comes out from the back. If you are planning to take this car out of Germany, than you can also go for the main exhaust silencer replacement pipes option. Other than that, Germany’s officials (TÜV) wont have it.

The car’s suspension has been chucked out and a new KW Variant 3 sports setup has been introduced. That means compression and rebound adjustment functionality (optionally with added hydraulic height adjustment). Needless to say that two pairs of 20 inch OZ “Ultraleggera” (ultralight) adorn the 4200 GT Evo from the outside – 8.5 x 20 and 10 x 20 front and back respectively. Dunlops, wrapped around the sporty designed wheels, size up to 235/30ZR20 on the leading axle and 275/25ZR20 on the driving axle. As an alternative, G&S offers three-part OZ Granturismo light alloy wheels with forged wheel stars in the same size mentioned above. In order to fit such monstrous size figures under the wheel arches (there are 20mm wheel spacers on each wheel!), the mud guards had to be extended by 10 mm on both front sides and 20 mm both of the rear sides.

Source: G&S Exclusive

February 29, 2012

Category: Auto News