Auto News – Page 886 – Automobiles Review

1985 Audi Sport Quattro S1 E2

Audi Sport Quattro S1 E2 is a legendary car. It was introduced back in 1985 as a better and more powerful version of the Sport Quattro model. The brutal car is still known as the most powerful rally car ever competed in an international competition. With Walter Röhrl behind the steering wheel, the S1 E2 won the Pikes Peak in 1987. The monster rally car produced the unbelievable 600PS (441 kW).

However, the officially stated power of the inline 2.1 liter five-cylinder turbocharged engine was 480PS (350 kW). A recirculating air system helping the turbocharger spinning at high RPM, when the driver does not apply the throttle allowed the engine to resume full power immediately after the resumption of full throttle. This was extremely good move, because it reduced the turbo lag a lot and boosted the engine to 507PS (373 kW) at 8000RPM.

Furthermore, the overall weight of the rally car was just 1 090kg (2403 lbs) meaning a stunning power-to-weight ratio of 2.15 kilograms per horsepower. The performance is incredible even nowadays. 0 -100 km/h in 3.1 seconds and the top speed depended on the selection of gears. Some of the car had a special power-shift gearbox, which resembles the double-clutch technology.

With such power, the S1 E2 needed an aggressive aerodynamic kit including huge front and rear bumpers, wheel arch extensions and a massive rear wing to keep the car on the ground. The down force and the grip were sensational.

With such figures and technology back in 1980’s, the success was imminent. The race-drive Walter Röhrl and Christian Geistdörfer won the 1985 San Remo Rally. The car was also driven by the famous driver Michèle Mouton. The S1 E2 was the final Group B car produced by Audi, because the team left the Championship in 1986.

Even nowadays, all motorsport fans remember Audi Sport Quattro S1 and talk about the fearless race drivers in Group B back in 1980’s. Because of the accidents, these rallyes no longer exist.

February 25, 2012

Vorsteiner Carrera and Carrera S

Vorsteiner would rather have us excited about something before actually revealing it. That is why today we have a teaser of one of their latest project that involves the Porsche 991 Carrera and Carrera S. It is actually called the V-GT program.

While the pic is a teaser, we do have a list of features that will adorn the Carrera cars:

• Front Add-On Spoiler with integrated brake duct collectors Carbon Fiber Pre-Preg Autoclave
• Front GT Replaceable Center Splitter for additional downforce in Optical Carbon Fiber Pre-Preg Autoclave
• Side Skirt Panels with Integrated Carbon Fiber Blade Extension Element
• Lightweight re-sculpted front bonnet in Carbon Fiber Pre-Preg Autoclave
• Rear Add-On Diffuser with Integrated Aero Fins Carbon Fiber Pre-Preg Autoclave
• Rear Add-On Ducktail Wing Spoiler Element Carbon Fiber Pre-Preg Autoclave
• Lightweight Replacement Carbon Fiber Roof Panel
• 20 inch | 21 inch Forged Aluminum Wheel Options
• Stainless & Titanium Sport Exhaust Systems (Valve Control).

From Vorsteiner promise a more elaborate view (hind views included) soon.

Source: Vorsteiner

February 24, 2012

Toyota Yaris 80 mpg, soon in UK

The new Toyota Yaris is out to prove that it is one of the most efficient vehicles on markets today. Pre-ordering in the UK is now available while the deliveries are expected to kick off on the 1st of July. One of the most exceptional things about it is the price – under £15,000 ($23,721). In other words, the most affordable Hybrid on the island for now.

There are other admirable feats that the Yaris makes. The economy for example – 80.7 mpg from a 99 bhp engine. Keep in mind that that kind of power is more than enough when we are talking about a supermini like the Yaris. This is also not at the expense of everyday luxuries. The car still has air-conditioning and an automatic gearbox as standard.

The key to that stunning economy is minimising the time on any given journey when the

petrol engine is running. These “zero-emission” periods can be as much as one third of a typical urban journey.

That means less CO2 emissions as well. 79 g/km is what comes out from behind. That means great financial relief for customers in the UK – no road tax nor a London congestion charge.

All in all, the Yaris has been a great supermini for years now, and today it still sounds great and even further, the bargain of the year.

Source: Toyota

February 24, 2012

The Carlsson CK63 RS (CLS 63 AMG) at Geneva

It’s rare to see people expressing discontent from an AMG product, but just to be safe, German tuning house Carlsson have an ambitious project – The Carlsson CK63 RS. It is based on the current Mercedes-Benz CLS 63 AMG but with a bigger bite, lower ride and a dash of exclusivity. Carlsson do mean business, for a performance bundled version of the CK63 RS is set to appear to the public at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show.

The standard CLS 63 AMG with Performance package has a 5.5 V8 biturbo engine that feeds 557 BHP and 800 Nm of torque to the AMG Speedshift 7-speed sports gearbox. After Carlsson had finished working with it, that bar had been set even higher even higher, or so they claim – 652 BHP and one thousand Nm of torque. That is why, the Carlsson engineers also saw fit to instal an additional transmission oil cooling system. All this effort translates into a time of 4.1 seconds on the 60mph sprint. A very loud sprint if we may add. The exhaust system has been replaced by a tailor-made, multi-flow, complete stainless steel setup with downpipes, metal catalysts and front and rear silencers. Of course you can tone it down to become as silent as a gentle purr, thanks to the exhaust damper system controlled manually from the driving seat. But who would leave it like that?

Few would dare to modify the handling of a Performance package AMG but the newfound power calls for some tweaks – the front axle springs have been replaced with Carlsson springs with more progressive spring characteristics. Also as a consequence the ride is now 30 mm lower. The whole car sits on 1/10-type Carlsson wheels – 9 x 20” rims at the front and 10.5 x 20” at the back.

More personality is added when we look at the aerodynamic features of the Carlsson. A front spoiler and RS carbon spoiler lip decorate the nose while at the back we have a custom diffuser and a rear spoiler for greater downforce.

The interior of the CK63 RS can best be described as a blend of mocha-brown leather, brown Alcantara, carbon fiber, natural woods and more. The leather used is wet-dyed, providing the feeling of a fine leather glove and, because the finished product is 1/1.4 millimeters thick, it is also particularly durable. Other Carlsson highlights include the foot mats, door sill panels with blue, illuminated Carlsson lettering and door-locking pins made from polished aluminum. It’s not all upholstery though. We do not excel much in IT, but the Carlsson have fitted a ‘Viprinet Multichannel VPN Router 500’… which sounds fast. In fact it is. The company says that with this the RS will have a stable high-speed Internet connection even at high speeds.

Source: Carlsson

February 24, 2012

European Honda CR-V Prototype

Images have been released of the European CR-V Prototype which is due to make its debut on the 6^th of March. Its purpose is to show the future Honda way of design and style. This one will be the fourh generation of a successful CV-R family, that will go on sale this Autumn.

Differences with the previous model manifest themselves mainly at the front – a more “aggressive stance” thanks to a new fascia. The lower front bumper wraps smartly upward to show off the CR-V‘s SUVishness. It is also said that now it integrates more smoothly into the fascia thus improving aerodynamics. We, frankly, don’t remember the bumper of the last CR-V being dragged around, hanging by a thread. No word on engine bits or interior.

The Honda Press Conference will take place at 09.15 CET on Tuesday 6 March. Hopefully more information will be released there. For the time being we have a gallery in which you can look around.

Source: Honda

February 24, 2012

Volkswangen ABT Up!

ABT Sportsline has introduced the tuned version of the small city car – Volkswagen Up!. It looks very nice and quite sporty. Actually, the car reminds Abt of the Fiat 500 Abarth, which is a great vehicle.

“Which does also mean that this baby is supposed to be fun as well“, commented Hans-Jürgen Abt. ABT Sportsline’s managing director

“It is huge fun to drive it through the narrow streets here in downtown Kempten!“, he added.

There is no doubt that the Up! is a real ABT meaning that it is assertive without losing its ecological and economic qualities. All components are of the highest quality and very stylish, of course, but also very affordable.

The exterior boasts carbon-look stripes with aggressive red ones across the entire surface. The mix of retro and modern age is really successful. Window frames and side skirts are the “common thread” leading straight to the strong back of the ABT up!, where rear masks, an exhaust pipe tunnel and the sporty double exhaust pipe form a unit. There are also mirror caps or red hub covers with ABT logo.

Last, but not least, VW ABT Up! benefits from a new suspension springs bringing the ride lower to the ground. There is no information about performance packages, but probably there will be several ECU updates.

Source: ABT Sportsline

February 24, 2012

2012 Mazda3 Upgraded – UK Price £13 495

Mazda UK has announced the price list for the new upgraded Mazda3, which starts at just £13 495 OTR meaning a £2 300 saving for the 1.6 TS model.

The 2012 Mazda3 Upgraded features a new face, new rear bumper and new twist-spoke alloy wheels. The interior boasts new materials and colours, improved ease-of-use for the driver, new equipment and a quieter cabin.

“We anticipate that the upgraded Mazda3 will enable us to increase sales of our C-segment contender during 2012. Mazda3 was already a great car and the changes to the upgraded model are subtle but every one makes a difference to either fuel economy or driving feel.” said Peter Allibon, Sales Director, Mazda UK.

“The outgoing Mazda3 was the second-best selling Mazda model in the UK and took us into different segments of the retail and fleet markets. The 1.6 diesel has been hugely popular and the 2.2 diesel with 185ps is still the highest power C-segment diesel model of any brand available in the UK market place. The introduction of the more sporty exterior, more premium interior and two new Sport models with the 1.6 diesel powertrain for 2012, plus worthwhile fuel consumption and CO₂emissions reductions, means we are confident that the upgraded Mazda3 will attract a growing number of consumers to our brand”, he added. .

The new Upgraded model also features fine-tuned suspension and steering to deliver better handling and comfort. The super-efficient Mazda 1.6-litre diesel, available in six versions of Mazda3, is a lightweight, compact and extremely efficient unit.

The standard equipment includes manual AC and electric front windows (entry-level S model), TS adds dual-zone climate control, TS² specification features a heated windscreen and integrated Bluetooth hands-free system, Sport models are fitted with 17” alloy wheels and a Bose audio system with 10 speakers, and Sport Nav models have a fully integrated, SAT NAV system.

The Launch Edition Mazda3 Tamura is also available from £15 955 OTR. It exceptional value with a sports styling pack, front fog lights and unique 17” black gloss diamond cut alloy wheels. Available in a choice of four colours including: Aluminium Silver Metallic, Autumn Bronze Mica, Black Mica and Crystal White Pearlescent.

Check out the full specs here!

Source: Mazda

February 24, 2012

BMW Concept M135i

BMW will exhibit the Concept M135i at the Geneva Motor Show, next month.

The new BMW performance car features a twin-turbocharged straight six-cylinder petrol engine. It will produce more than 300PS (220 kW), which will be sent to the rear wheels. This makes the M135i a unique vehicle in its class ensuring unsurpassed driving pleasure so typical of a BMW.

But the M135i will also benefit from a new sports suspension technology that includes an M sports braking system and is perfectly adapted to match the supreme road performance. A set of 18” M light alloys with a double spoke design are fitted with low profile performance tires.

The exterior features new front apron, large air intakes, new rear apron and double tailpipe sports exhaust system in dark chrome.

Thanks to a distinctively sports-oriented appearance, the BMW Concept M135i offers attractive prospects for the further development of the BMW 1 Series model range. At the same time, a clear signal has been given for the expansion of the new product category of BMW M Performance automobiles. The BMW M Performance automobiles being presented at the Geneva Motor Show and shortly to be launched are powered by the world’s most high-performing six-cylinder diesel engine available for series production vehicles. The petrol-fuelled models in this product category will also assume a similar unique position.

The pre-series concept car BMW Concept M135i offers a fascinating outlook on a corresponding offer in the premium compact segment.

Source: BMW

February 24, 2012

2013 Acura RDX Crossover SUV – Pricing

The all-new 2013 Acura RDX Crossover SUV will be launched for sale in dealerships in th beginning of the Spring with a starting price (MSRP) at $34 320. The new 2013 RDX adds enhanced comfort, utility and power, along with class-leading fuel economy. As usual, the modifications made on it as on every vehicle wearing the name Acura, are based on changing consumer preference. The 2013 RDX got a significant new looks, increased comfort and featured innovative technologies. In addition the RDX features a new 3.5L V-6 engine mated to a new 6-speed automatic transmission and a new all-wheel-drive system, which is available as an option. The RDX exterior incorporates aerodynamically efficient body and chassis updates, which lead to the increased length of the wheelbase featuring longer track, all-new Amplitude Reactive Dampers and a new motion adaptive electronic power steering system. The interior of the SUV is made with the help of high-quality interior materials and generous use of noise insulation. The standard features on RDX include leather seating surfaces, heated power front seats, a power moonroof and a 360watt audio system. In addition, as a standard come new technologies such as Pandora® internet radio interface, an SMS text messaging function, a Keyless Access System with pushbutton start, an Active Noise Control system and a rear view camera system with three unique viewing angles. As an option comes the Technology Package, which includes items such as the AcuraLink® Satellite Communication System, Acura Navigation System with Voice Recognition™, a hard disk drive (HDD) with 60 gigabytes of storage capacity, AcuraLink Real-Time Traffic with Traffic Rerouting™, AcuraLink Real-Time Weather™, a GPS-linked solar-sensing, dual-zone automatic climate control system, Acura/ELS Surround® Premium Sound System, a power actuated rear tailgate, projector beam headlights with Bi-Xenon High Intensity Discharge (HID) bulbs and front fog lights.

RDX	$34 320
RDX with Technology Package	$38 020
RDX with AWD	$35 720
RDX with AWD and Technology Package	$39 420

Source: Acura

February 24, 2012

2012 Citroen DS4 Racing Concept

Since the launch of the DS4 model line-up, Citroen has achieved great success by selling over 180 000 examples of it worldwide. At the Geneva Motor Show which will take place in the beginning of March, Citroen will reveal for the first time a new model of the DS4, namely – the 2012 DS4 Racing Concept.

The concept vehicle features “100% Racing” attributes. For instance, the chassis is 35 mm lower than the regular model and track is 55 mm wider at the front and 75 mm wider at the back. Additional elements are the air diffuser, a front bumper panel, a lower-body belt line and wing extensions, which give the car even sportier look.

Citroen Racing has tweaked the 1.6-litre turbo engine to develop 256 bhp (188 kW), or 160 bhp per litre – a record for a series-production car. This exciting performance comes hand in hand with controlled CO2 emissions of 155 g/km. Furthermore, other modifications and redevelopments have been made on the running gear with the utmost precision.

The concept car is equipped with four-pot, fixed calliper brakes at the front, with special discs widened to 380 mm in diameter, and shod with larger, 19-inch wheels (235/40). Another unique feature of the Citroen DS4 Racing Concept is its matte grey, textured-effect paint, which by the way is the first of the sort in the automotive sector.

What is so specific about it is that the grain of the paint catches the light differently and further enhances the body styling, while the color stays modern and robust – in other words: ideally suited to a sports vehicle. At last, to refine the exterior outlook, the concept car gets a two-tone roof and specially-designed, two-tone wheel rims.

Source: Citroen

February 24, 2012

Abarth at 2012 Geneva Motor Show

Abarth brand at the Geneva Motor Show is going to have spectacular presence! There will be presented some of the highly anticipated models by the brand. The all new Abarth 695 Assetto Corse is a small super-sports car designed for racing on the track, which will make its world debut at the show. In addition, the new model Abarth Punto Scorpione will also make a debut. This is a Limited Edition and is dedicated to all those who love high speed and performance. Another milestone on the “road to performance” is the new Abarth 595 which actually is a remake of the popular 595 model that Karl Abarth presented in 1963. It now carries enhanced performance features of a “basic” car, offering a power upgrade to 160 HP (118 kW) as standard. The new Abarth 595 is going to be offered in two variations: “Competizione” and “Turismo”.

First of all Abarth 695 Assetto Corse is designed for track racing and depicts the continuity of the historic 695 brand that came into being in 2009 with the 695 Tributo Ferrari. The car also appears to be a continuation of the Abarth 500 Assetto Corse. Furthermore the 695 Assetto Corse is characterised by an aggressive front decorated with a badge bearing the Abarth logo and, underneath, a broader bumper complete with aerodynamic spoiler and screen-printed grilles instead of the plastic masks of the standard version. Under the bonnet there is a 1368 cm3 turbocharged engine that delivers 205 HP (151 kW). The rear of the car features a winged spoiler, a badge bearing the Abarth logo and a twin exhaust pipe. The 695 model sits on 17″ light forged racing wheels, enriched with new floating, perforated and self-ventilated front disc brakes and perforated rear disc brakes. More importantly, there is included the Sadev sequential gearbox with a specific ratio that when combined with a metal-ceramic twin plate clutch reaches absolutely top performance in its category.The interior of the car contains all of the safety equipment required by FIA regulations, including a roll-bar welded to the body that has been further optimised to improve its torsional stiffness.

Abarth 695 Assetto Corsa — Abarth 695 Assetto Corse

The next Abarth which will be on display in Geneva is the new Punto Scorpione, which expresses the Abarth Punto’s sporting characteristics. The Limited Edition Scorpione is intended for a more mature audience that wishes to express their sporting spirit more discreetly and elegantly, but with no intention to settle for less. Only 199 examples of the model are producesed. The exterior is distinguished by a ton-sur-ton livery where the Scorpione Black of the body becomes matt on the bonnet and roof. The glossy black “passband” element stands out on the latter, with a hand-polishing treatment carried out at Abarth&C. itself, with a view to ensuring customisation with genuine craftsmanship. Moreover, it is equipped with a 1.4 MultiAir engine boosted to 180 HP (132 kW) at 5750 rpm and with a maximum torque of 270 Nm (199 lb-ft) at 2500 rpm, the Abarth Punto Scorpione reaches a top speed of more than 216 km/h and accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 7.5 seconds. The car has glossy black 18″ alloy wheels and front and rear Koni shock absorbers with FSD (Frequency Selective Dumping) valve and specially lowered springs. The exhaust pipe, oversized in the central section, is taken from the now famous “Esseesse” kit. The interior of the special Abarth Punto Scorpione features “Abarth Corsa by Sabelt” black technical fabric seats, with red and yellow stitching and matt black backrest, type-approved and lightened in keeping with the car’s sporting spirit.

Next the attention will be put on the two new models featured in the Abarth 500 Range: “Turismo” and “Competizione”. In both customisation options, the car is fitted with a 1.4 Turbo T-Jet engine whose power has been increased to a good 160 HP (118 kW) thanks to the standard engine tuning kit. The car has 4-cylinder 16-valve 1,368 cm3 engine (with fixed geometry IHI turbocharger), which delivers thrilling torque of 230 Nm (170 kW) at 3000 rpm in Sport mode, top speed of 211 km/h and acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in just 7.4 seconds. These results are due to the overboost function, activated using the “Sport” button, which modulates control unit mapping and turbo pressure, in addition to load on the steering wheel. Yet this trademark Abarth performance accompanies fuel consumption: 6.5 l/100 km in the combined cycle. Furthermore, in the both models is included the TTC (Torque Transfer Control) device as standard, which by enhancing the transfer of drive torque to the wheels, improves the car’s road holding without compromising fun at the wheel. The vehicled is equipped as standard with Xenon headlights with dipped and driving light functions for improved light emission and excellent performance in all weather conditions. These devices deliver three times the light intensity and duration of standard halogen-lamp headlights. The “Turismo” model sits on magnesium-coloured 17″ alloy wheels with GranTurismo-inspired design, which contributes to the car’s elegance. It also comes with electrically operated manual Abarth Competizione gearbox with controls on the steering wheel as standard. The second model “Competizione”, is dedicated to more extreme sports enthusiasts, to the true “racing purists”, and for this reason it has 5-speed manual gearbox which improves personal driving style through a more direct relationship with the car. This version sits on 17″ titanium-coloured alloy wheels, with yellow Brembo brake calipers. As for the “Turismo” version, side and tailgate respectively are enhanced by the 595 and 595 “Competizione” logo, both in aluminium, just as the front bumper grille and extractor are titanium grey. How about the interior: they also have sporty and aggressive personality, thanks to the “Abarth Corsa by Sabelt” leather and leather-coloured Alcantara seats, bearing the 595 logo embroidered on the integrated headrest. At last, the gear lever knob, sill plate, pedal unit and aluminium kick plate are all decorated with the Abarth motifs. The complete style of the cars is finished with matt titanium side stripes, which also feature on the mirror covers.

Source: Abarth

February 24, 2012

Volvo develops smart charging concept for electric cars [VIDEO]

Volvo Car Corporation takes important part in the development of the new concept concerning electric cars. The main focus is on connectivity technology and also includes smart features for charging of electric vehicles. Volvo is one of the partners in the research project ELVIIS which stands for Electric Vehicle Intelligent Infra Structure. This intelligent infra structure develops a smart on-board concept for controlling, measuring and paying for electricity when charging via any outlet. The ELVIIS project is a product of the collaboration of Volvo Car Corporation, Ericsson, the utility company Göteborg Energi and the Viktoria Institute. The goal of this creative project is to bring mobile connectivity to electric cars. More importantly, it aims to identify and remove barriers for using electrical vehicles in daily life.

To get into the details, first the driver chooses to charge the battery pack via any ordinary power outlet. Secondly, the outlet is identified via GPS. Next, the driver pre-sets timing and charging amount on the touch screen or remotely via a smart phone or tablet. With the help of a mobile network, the car communicates with the grid and sets the charging scheme in order to support optimal utilisation of the grid and most favourable energy price. Any unintended interruption of charging process is directly reported to the driver’s mobile phone. In addition to this, the system directs the cost for each charge to the car owner’s personal utility bill.

2012 Volvo C30 Electric Used with the Smart Charging Concept

As an experimental car for the project, the partners used 2012 Volvo C30 Electric. It was equipped with an integrated 7-inch colour touch screen, which made possible the smooth charging concept available at the driver’s fingertip. Five Volvo C30 Electric cars will further be used for testing and evaluating the technology during a year. Moreover, the concept is developed on a generic communication platform with the aim to make the technology globally applicable. At last, important fact is that the ELVIIS technology is fully in line with Volvo Car Corporation’s development of Sensus technology. In this way the driver will undeniably feel totally in control and totally connected.

Source: Volvo

February 24, 2012

Category: Auto News