Auto News – Page 918 – Automobiles Review

All-in-one Chrysler 300 on it’s way

What Chrysler is going to try and do with the new 300 series is to blend style and luxury with affordability and refinement. Sales are expected to start during the first quarter of 2012 with a base price of $40,145.

Two trimmings will be offered when showrooms open up to costumers: the Chrysler 300 and the Chrysler 300 C. Both of these cars can be equipped with either an AWD system or RWD. The more economical and less powerful 300 pumps out 292 horsepower from a 3.6 liter Pentastar V6 while the 300C makes use of a 5.7 HEMI V8 which delivers 363 hp. The latter, Chrysler say, goes easy on the petrol as it employes their Fuel Saver Technology. However, the Pentastar is the one to ask about fuel-efficiency – 23mpg combined (21 for the AWD version). A figure, according to the company, yet unsurpassed in the luxury class.

The company is also proud of it’s state-of-the-art 8-speed automatic gearbox which is a first in a “domestic luxury sedan”. More yet shorter gear rations means smoother power delivery and a lively throttle response. The AWD segment is clever too as it makes use of all the wheels only when needed while normally the front axle is disengaged from the drivetrain. Transition from RWD to AWD is automatic and barely noticeable. All those factors, the transmission, the drive system, the Pentastar V6, work together to achieve a more powerful and a 17 percent more economic vehicle compared to the previous V6 300.

Visually platinum-chrome touches ornament the fascias, door handles and mirror caps. The grille is also platinum-chrome with lining of the same material. Four polished face, pocket painted, 20 inch wheels (19 inch on the AWD models) bare the weight of the 300 for a completed look.

Now that Chrysler is closely associated with Fiat, the 2012 model 300 has had the pleasure to bare an essence otherwise reserved for Italian exotic vehicles. A more detailed description of the interior offers terms like Mochachino and Nappa which sounds very classy and expensive. Basically the wheel, the dashboard brow, the center console and the instrument panel all participate in a lavish leather feast which continues further back where the black/two toned seats are also wrapped in leather to go with the door and center console arm rests (You guessed it. They are all leather as well). Add to that a chrome lining to the wheel and Natural Pore Mocha wood panels here and there and things get really executive.

The number of gadgets inside is high. Just to name a few we have heated/ventilated seats, die-cast paddle shifters, touchscreen navigation, electrically adjustable steering column and seats with a memorizing function, LEDs everywhere and an electrochromic rear view mirror.

Interested? Well here is a quick price list on all four specifications:

Chrysler 300 Luxury Series (RWD) $40,145
Chrysler 300 Luxury Series (AWD) $42,495
Chrysler 300C Luxury Series (RWD) $42,895
Chrysler 300C Luxury Series (AWD) $45,245

Source: Chrysler

December 28, 2011

Mercedes S 250 CDI and ML 250 Green Winners for 2011

Since 1997, every year the ÖkoTrend institute has been awarding and ranking thousands of cars based on data which involves the subject’s environmental impact, efficiency, manufacture, logistics and recycling. All and all there are 12 categories in which cars may fall in to.

This year the “Luxury” and “SUV” categories are headed by the S 250 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY and ML 250 BlueTEC 4MATIC respectively. The cars are going home with an “AUTO TEST WINNERS in GREEN!” award from the specialist publication AUTO TEST.

The vehicles maybe different but the engine is the same: a 2.1 liter, turbocharged, four-cylinder diesel unit with direct injection. Power comes in the form of 204bhp but what’s really impressive is the torque – 500 newton metres. For the cars to get to 60mph from a stand still it takes 8.2 seconds for the CDI and 9.0 seconds for the ML.

Nimble as they are, the ML’s combined consumption and emissions do not exceed 6.0 liters per 100km and 158 g/km respectively while the S-klasse gets an even lower number of 5.7 liters per 100km and 149 g/km of CO2 emissions (again combined).

Source: Daimler

December 28, 2011

Nissan X-TRAIL 4×4 Platinum Edition

When one hears “Platinum”, other words like premium, exclusive and expensive come to mind. Well the new Nissan X-Trail Platinum is all of that, except maybe expensive. Prices will start at £29,180 which is actually cheaper than the Tekna model on which is based.

So what makes it justify its name?

It has some new equipment features which no other model in the rage has had before. A sophisticated new touch screen communication unit features satellite navigation, iPod connectivity and Bluetooth. A rear view camera which projects the view at the back trough a small screen embedded in the rear view mirror will certainly help when parking and also showing off to friends. leather upholstery and electrically-adjustable, heated front seats also come as a necessity.

The front and rear of the vehicle is further enhanced with the help of additional protection plates located below the bumpers. Chrome steps shine at the sides and also chrome moldings protect the doors.

Power comes from Nissan’s 2.0 dCi diesel coupled with either a manual or an automatic. With the manual the engine churns out 173PS and yet it returns an amazing figure for a 4×4 SUV of 44mpg.

It will be rare though as only 200 will hit the showrooms. Platinum indeed.

Source: Nissan

December 28, 2011

2011 750 HP Lingenfelter ZR1 Chevrolet Corvette

The new 750 HP Lingenfelter ZR1 Corvette is the package which includes the absolutely astonishing 750 horsepower. It also features the addition of the GT9 ZR1 supercharger camshaft and Lingenfelter CNC ported LS9 cylinder heads.

With this package you can add more horsepower to the previous 710 HP package while maintaining a safe level of boost and supercharger RPM. Moreover the GT9 camshaft has an excellent sound quality and will not hamper the vehicles drivability or reliability. With this package you will get the whole 750 BHP (551 kW) and 730 lbs ft (989 NM) of torque!

Worth it, isn’t it!

To go further into more details, the Package includes: Engine removal and removal of supercharger assembly, cylinder heads, camshaft; Lingenfelter CNC porting and polishing of LS9 cylinder heads for optimal flow; Lingenfelter multi-angle valve job, cc chambers, surfacing and spring height adjustment; Competition Cams valve springs, LS9 retainers and locks; Lingenfelter GT9 camshaft by Competition Cams;

2011 750 HP Lingenfelter ZR1 Chevrolet Corvette

GM Head gaskets and head studs; 160 degree thermostat; Lingenfelter cast aluminum supercharger front cover assembly; 2.38 inch diameter steel supercharger 10 bolt drive pulley – powder coated black – 11 rib; 100 mm aluminum double bearing idler assembly; Lingenfelter LS9 solid supercharger isolator coupling; Lingenfelter ZR1 air intake system; Increased boost level 12 – 13 psi; professional installation, camshaft degreeing, testing & ECU calibration; chassis dyno report before and after installation; excellent drivability, highway mileage not adversely affected; Lingenfelter 2 year/ 24,000 mile warranty; Lingenfelter certificate of authenticity.

You can get this package for the amount of $12,895. However if you have some extra money to spend, there are few more additional upgrades: Lingenfelter Heat Exchanger upgrade with the price tag $899; Corsa stainless steel cat back exhaust for the $1,699.95; and the Akrapovic Titanium Evolution Exhaust for the amount of $3,995.

Source: Lingenfelter

December 28, 2011

2012 Lancia Thema and Voyager Accessories

The exclusive accessories of the new Thema and Voyager models are now available. They made their debute at the recent Bologna Motor Show. Created by the Fiat Group Automobiles Parts & Service sector in collaboration with Lancia brand, the products are gathered in two Lancia Lineaccessori catalogues, which available online.

At the Bologna show the public had the opportunity to see a huge range of products offered to customers both at the time they purchase a new vehicle and in the later stages to personalise it with special services and accessories. Furthermore the 2011 Motor Show was the best place for introducing the addition of the Thema and Voyager Owner Handbooks to the “Lancia Everywhere Mobile” service. This application is now available for iPhone, and will also become operational on the Android platform soon.

The two new Lineaccessori are grouped in three different categories – Design, Leisure and Comfort. They harmoniously match up with the “first global flagship” and are in full compliance with their technical, stylistic and mechanical features. The goal is to exalt the winning characteristics of the Thema and to make it a technological perfection combined with Italian Style. To be more precise, the design of the new Lancia Thema can be customised with several products. For example there are 18” and 20” rims and three grilles which are present in different colours and treatments. A highlight here is that the Thema is the only car of its class in Europe which offers the latter feature. At the same time Lancia flagship driver can choose several accessories for his leisure time such as roof rack bars, bicycle racks and the summer box.

2012 Lancia Thema and Voyager Accessories

The benchmark in the segment of large MPVs hiowever is the new Lancia Voyager. It has an impressive size matched by a spacious, refined passenger compartment made from high quality materials. In order to satisfy every individual taste, Lineaccessori offers accesories that emphasize both the elegant design and the ability to enjoy leisure time to the utmost. For instcance there are the 17″ rims, chrome-plated running board and side footboard. Furthermore there is available a brand new product in the segment: an exclusive tent (3×3 metres) that connects with the open tailgate. In addition if the seats of the second and third rows are folded down, the total interior space (tent + passenger compartment) is extraordinary, totalling about 13,000 litres. Of course, the tent can be utilized apart from the vehicle. Eventually, in terms of Comfort and Safety, the Lineaccessori of both models offers a full range of baby one and junior child seats. Moreover there are the additional sun blinds, mats and anti-theft wheel bolts.

Source: Lancia

December 28, 2011

PRIOR-DESIGN BMW 5-Series F10 PD Aerodynamic-Kit

Prior Design has shared more details about their improvement in BMW 5-Series F10. The vehicle has got some additional increase in body aerodynamics through the Aerodynamic-Kit.

Firstly in the package is included Prior-Design PD front add-on spoiler. I t fits all BMW 5-Series F10 standard models except M5 and models with original M-Sport Package installed. Secondly, there has being added Prior-Designs PD side skirts that fits all BMW 5-Series F10 models. Furthermore there is Prior-Designs PD rear add-on spoiler (diffusor), which fits all BMW 5-Series F10 standard models except M5. Moreover there is additional mounting material added!

Undeniably, this Kit looks pretty good!

PRIOR-DESIGN BMW 5-Series F10 PD Aerodynamic-Kit

Source: Prior-Design

December 28, 2011

Hyundai Veloster With a Good Design Award

The GOOD DESIGN awards (must be hard to be excellent) are annually given by The Chicago Athenaeum: Museum of Architecture and Design along with The European Centre for Architecture Art Design and Urban Studies. In terms of prestige, this event is the Oscars for designers. It values innovation, originality and quite frankly bravery when it comes to designing products of any kind. Interestingly enough there is also a “Transportation”category which, in 2011, was won by the Hyundai Veloster.

Here’s what the director of product planning in Hyundai Motor America, Scott Margason had to say: “With Veloster, we want to show consumers that high style, fuel efficiency and affordable pricing can all be found in one vehicle,” he continues: “Veloster stands out from the crowd with a stylish yet functional design. We’re honored that GOOD DESIGN is recognizing the beautiful design and unique personality of the car.”

So what was it about the Veloster that impressed so much the jury at the American Institute of Architects in Los Angeles where the 2011 awards were held? Well, one might notice that the car is missing a door as there are two on the passenger side and only on on the other side (or it has a bonus door on the passenger side. Depends on how people see it.) One can tell that the overall design was inspired by a sports motorbike as there is a motorcycle helmet visor appearance around the cabin thanks to the black, barely visible A-pillars. Aggression is further added with the honeycomb front grille and the unique Hyundai-signature LED position lights. At the back there is a clever glass hatch and dual exhaust tips right in the middle of the black rear fascia. Inside the Veloster, the air vents look like bike exhaust pipes while the center console resembles a bike fuel tank which morphs into a bike seat on the way down to the floor console.

Source: Hyundai

December 27, 2011

New Lexus GS 350 Under Way

Lexus have announced that their new 2013 GS 350, arriving at showrooms in early February, will be no more expensive than it’s predecessor despite various improvements in terms of styling, handling, technology and interior. Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Prices (MSRP) start at $46,900* for the rear-wheel drive configuration and $49,450* for the all-wheel drive one.

Lexus say they have revised the GS‘s chassis in order to enhance the driving experience with accurate response and spot on handling behavior. Inside, more room has been made while exterior dimensions remain pretty much the same.

The powertrain has also undergone a revision to improve fuel economy and power delivery. It is a 3.5 V6 unit with four camshafts and 24 valves in total governed by VVT-i (Variable Valve Timing with intelligence). Having both direct and port injection, this engine boasts some respectable economy figures: 19 mpg city, 28 mpg highway and 23 mpg combined (EPA estimated). Not bad for a luxury saloon keeping in mind that there are 306bhps under the hood which are good for a time of 5.7 seconds on a 60 mph sprint from a standstill.

That power then goes trough a six-speed sequential automatic gearbox complete with paddle shifters. That transmission will also feature some sport driving functions seen in the Lexus IS F such as earlier torque converter lockup and downshift throttle blip. Eventually drivers will be able to select four different modes of driving (ECO, Normal, Sport S and Sport S+) from the Lexus Drive Mode system.

Standard equipment is more than abundant – bi-xenon HID headlamps, LED daytime running lights and a clever climate control system which can detect when and where occupants are present so it can concentrate air-flow where needed and thus it saves energy. The list goes on as we have a next-generation Remote Touch with one-push confirmation that allows the user to operate the climate, audio and phone controls. Customers will have the chance to opt for two trim packages which are even more full of technology: Premium and Luxury

The Premium package costs an additional $1,400 which includes automatic windscreen wipers, heated/ventilated front seats and electronic rear sunshade. The Luxury package ($5,750) adds all that plus 18 inch alloy wheels, an Adaptive Variable Suspension, an Adaptive Front Lighting System. Inside the Luxury trim continues its manifest with glossy linear espresso wood ornamentation, a steering wheel wrapped in wood and leather, 18-way front driver and passenger seats with articulated back, side bolster and thigh support controls, four-way lumbar, butterfly headrests, driver and passenger seat memory, rear HVAC and audio controls and rear manual side sunshades.

If customers go for the optional navigation system on the GS they will have the pleasure to own the industry-first 12.3-inch, split-screen, high-resolution multi-media display. The screen is big enough actually to accommodate both a map and climate, audio etc. controls simultaneously. Because of it drivers can also use the latest Lexus Enform® Application Suite which offers a wide spectrum of connectivity between smart phones of various kinds and the car. Applications such as OpenTable, MovieTickets.com, Pandora®, iHeartRadio, Facebook and Yelp can all be accessed while in your car.

The performance line, the GS F SPORT will be more on the aggressive side of things with its sport bumper, rear lower valence, rear lip spoiler, unique mesh grille inserts. You will also be able to recognize it by the extensive F Sport branding and also the unique 19 inch wheels. Further on the Adoptive Variable Suspension which comes with the Luxury package is finely tuned in the F SPORT model. The ones with rear wheel drive will come with 9-inch staggered width wheels, Variable Gear Ratio Steering (VGRS) and new racing grade front brakes with highly durable pads.

*An additional $875 fee for delivery, processing and handling is not included

Source: Lexus

December 27, 2011

Subaru on Tokyo Auto Salon 2012

Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. (FHI) along with Subaru Tecnica International Inc. (STI) will be taking part in the Tokyo Auto Salon 2012 with NAPAC (Japan Car Parts and Aftermarket Promotion Association) in mid January. Their main idea is to promote the refinement and convenience which comes from the peculiar BOXER type of engine (“Proud of BOXER” will be their motto). And now they have revealed their showroom line up which will feature two new concepts.

SUBARU BRZ STI CONCEPT (display model) – It will be basically an STI tuned Subaru BRZ, a flat engined (BOXER engine) car which has already made a name for itself in terms of handling and performance. The parts provided by STI include a carbon fiber hood and a carbon fiber rooftop which help weight reduction and improve handling. Other performance tweaks are courtesy to:

STI Front Under Spoiler
STI Rear Trunk Spoiler
STI Sport Muffler
Brembo Brake & Rotor
Bilstein Damper
STI 18-inch Aluminum Wheel
STI Low Down Spring
STI Flexible Tower Bar

SUBARU IMPREZA G4 STI CONCEPT – again it will be the already introduced New Impreza G4 2.0i-S (Japanese specification model) modified with some of STI’s finest resources in order to achieve optimum driving experience in terms of maneuverability and control. Enhancments include:

STI Front Under Spoiler
STI Side Under Spoiler
TI Rear Trunk Spoiler
STI Skirt Lip
STI Shift Knob – CVT
STI Sport Muffler
STI Flexible Tower Bar
STI Low Down Spring
STI 18-inch Aluminum Wheel
STI Stainless Steel Mesh Brake Hose

Other racing specimens of the Subaru brand will also be showcased there – Legacy B4 GT300 (participated in the 2011 Super GT race), BRZ GT300 (scheduled participation in the 2012 Super GT race), Impreza WRX STI (scheduled participation in the 2012 24 Hours Nürburgring endurance race), and Impreza WRX STI Group R4 specification model.

Source: Subaru

December 27, 2011

Fisker Karma – The Luxury Car of the Year

Bridge of Weir Leather and Fisker Automotive are bringing together the combination of low carbon leather and a sustainable luxury! The vehicle is the world’s first luxury, range-extended electric car – called the Fisker Karma. All this comes in a formidable package. Top Gear has already put a high evaluation on it giving it the title “Luxury Car of the Year”.

The quality of the interior is set as high as possible: the bulk of the Fisker Karma’s luxurious interior material on the EcoStandard™ and EcoSport™ models comes from Bridge of Weir, with seats, steering, dash, door-casings and the centre-console trim all wrapped in the Scottish company’s locally produced Low Carbon Leather™.

Not only is this car powerful, beautiful, exotic, exciting and fun-to-drive car, but also the Karma drives its wheels with electricity. Not a surprise it got the award! The success is due to the mix of high-octane, internal combustion engine the Low Carbon Leather™ interior! This was definitely the factor that secured Karma’s title the 2011 Luxury Car of the Year.

To go further into details, Bridge of Weir boasts the most environmentally friendly leather in the world. Most of the world’s leather is sourced from South America several thousand kilometers away. However, the Bridge of Weir’s hides from abattoir to tannery traveled just 96 kilometers and it is one of not so many industries that have thermal energy plant converting waste to energy.

The award-winning automobile, similarly to the rest of the Fisker range, can accelerate from 0-100 km/h in only 5.9 seconds. Yet, it can also achieve the equivalent of more than 100 miles per gallon. Moreover it has just 83 g/km CO₂ emissions in real world driving on an annual basis. The electric car is now on-sale across Europe, priced from around €85,500. And don’t worry – the price of the Low Carbon Leather™ is included.

Sourse: Fisker

December 27, 2011

Shmidt Revolution and The Powerhouse

With the 5th generation of Golf GTIs, Volkswagen decided to bring back the essence of the original and iconic Golf GTI Mk 1. Anyone who has seen the the Golf GTI from the 70’s can immediately point out which genes have made it on to the Mk. 5. The red lining of the front honeycomb grille, the black side skirts, the plaid seats and a typical tachometer all give away the otherwise discrete hot hatch.

Shmidt Revolution, a German tuning company, finding it pointless to try and improve on perfection (so to speak) have preserved all these elements in their project called The Powerhouse. What they have done to change the appearance of the VW however is to put an again standard R32 rear bumper and add a lip spoiler and some skirts here and there.

The original 2.0 TFSI, 200 horsepower engine has undergone an ECU upgrade and the air intake has been tweaked by HG Motorsport from Lubeck. The end result is a 275 horsepower lump of power that can take you anywhere you want. And you will be able to go literally anywhere as there is also an all-in-one Kenwood DNX520VBT navigation system provided.

To wrap it up, Shmidt have fitted four massive 19 inch Gotham wheels wearing 225/35R19 Marangoni M-power all-rounders.

Source: Shmidt

December 23, 2011

Lexus Concept Named LF-LC Sports Coupe

Last week we had more speculations and less facts about the forthcoming Lexus concept which will be revealed on the NAIAS in Detroit in mid January.

Today however we are making progress by having a full view on what Lexus say will be the LF-LC 2+2 Sports Coupe Concept. It’s design, they say, is made from scratch implementing “organic shapes to achieve a close connection between driver and car”.

We certainly like it and if it ends up actually being built as a production vehicle, Lexus will be able to confidently plow ahead in the world of sports cars.

Source: Lexus

December 23, 2011

Category: Auto News