Auto News – Page 926 – Automobiles Review

Skoda VisionD Concept

VisionD Concept is one of the latest Skoda projects. The car was revealed at the 2011 Geneva Auto Show earlier this year.

Skoda VisionD Concept is showing how a future mid-size hatchback will look like.

“The car has a strong, sporty look which conveys a beautiful simplicity and a youthful and contemporary appearance.”, stated the manufacturer.

Still, Skoda did not release any additional details regarding the VisionD Concept, but the vehicle looks a lot like the next generation Octavia, which is expected to hit the market in the beginning of 2013.

Skoda’s VisionD has modern styling and its long wheelbase and short overhangs promise lots of interior space and good handling. Probably, a Greenline version will be also available with extremely fuel efficient diesel engines.

Stay tuned for more information about the interesting VisionD Concept.

Source: Skoda

December 9, 2011

Scion FR-S

Scion has announced the 2013 FR-S, which looks a lot like Toyota GT86 and Subaru BRZ. Moreover, the new model will be powered by the same 2.0 liter Subaru Boxer engine with 200PS (147 kW) and 205Nm (151 lb-ft) of torque.

2013 Scion FR-S can be opted with either 6-speed manual gearbox or a 6-speed automatic transmission. The car is designed entirely to bring supreme driving pleasure and this is for sure, especially with a 53 to 47 front-to-rear weight ratio.

Still, the FR-S is not exactly the same as the GT 86. The headlights don’t have integrated LEDs, fog lights in the front bumper and the color of the indicators is different. Lastly, the FR-S comes with different alloy wheels.

The interior of 2013 FR-S has features different air conditioning dials on the center console and a CD, instead of SAT NAV system. The steering wheel is different, too.

Practically, this is the same car, but with different badges and lower price.

Source: Scion

December 9, 2011

Marangoni Range Rover Evoque

Here is a nice way to spoil e beautiful car – just add red tires, strange rims and a lot of carbon fiber all over on your stylish Range Rove Evoque. The same thing did the Italian tire specialists from Marangoni, who exhibited the “tuned” Evoque at the 2011 Bologna Motor Show.

The SUV also has a new body kit including redesigned front bumper and aluminum bonner with integrated air intakes, and a new rear bumper with an integrated carbon diffuser. There are also carbon wheel arches, boot handle, bottom door guards and mirror covers. The interior also features a lot of carbon fiber and some Alcantara.

The last “touch” are the 20” OZ Racing Dakar wheels wrapped in 255/30 ZR20 red M-Power tires.

Besides the ridiculous look, Marangoni Range Rover Evoque comes with 60PS (44 kW) more, which means a total of 300PS (225 kW) from the 2.0 liter turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine. The original torque is 380Nm (280 lb-fT), but there is no data about the new one. The gain is thanks to a new turbocharger, larger stainless steel exhaust system with a 200 cell metal catalyst, and a new air intake. To make sure everything works perfectly, an ECU re-map has been made.

The performance is further improved by a complete braking system – Tarox B360 with 10-piston calipers and and 330×26 mm composite disks.

Source: Marangoni

December 8, 2011

Ferrari 599XX Evolution

The Ferrari 599XX Evolution was exhibited at 2011 Bologna Motor Show. The special Evolution package for the big Ferrari 599XX includes performance and aerodynamics upgrades.

The performance is improved by adding a new side exhaust pipes delivering additional 20PS (15 kW). The overall power is staggering 750 PS (552 kW) at 9000RPM and 700 Nm (516 lb-ft) of torque. Furthermore, the vehicle is also 35 kg lighter than its predecessor meaning that is a lot faster.

The aerodynamics are improved by a revised rear wing, a modified front splitter and a new rear diffuser featuring a larger surface area with redesigned fences and foot-plates.

The improved 599XX Evo also comes with new compound Pirelli P-Zero slicks for maximum grip.

The new 599XX Evolution can lap the Fiorano racetrack in 1 minute and 15 seconds.

Source: Ferrari

December 8, 2011

Honda AC X Concept

Honda has introduced the AC X Concept at the 2011 Tokyo Motor Show. The interesting vehicle has a plug-in hybrid drivetrain and futuristic exterior, and interior design. The “AC-X” comes from Advanced Cruiser Experience.

The AC X Concept is designed for long trips as the comfort is at first place, which also means that the vehicle has automatic driving mode. Clearly, this is not possible these days, but Honda will work on this. Actually, the manufacturer plans to produce the AC X in a limited edition series and all cars will be used for public testing.

Up front, the vehicle looks a lot like the old civic and the rear end is borrowed from CR-Z, so the cruiser can use the same powertrain as the CR-Z model.

Stay tuned for further details about the futuristic AC-X Concept.

Source: Honda

December 8, 2011

BRABUS ULTIMATE Electric Drive Smart ForTwo Convertible

BRABUS ULTIMATE electric drive is based on Smart ForTwo convertible. It will hit the market in spring 2012 with more power and better performance than its production brethren. Still, there are no exact figures for the ecofriendly city sports car.

Originally the electric drive vehicles has a less than thrilling sound and is particularly heard to hear for pedestrians and bicyclists alike. However, a BRABUS sound generator lends the ULTIMATE electric drive the sound of a V8 engine or space-age soundscapes whose volume is dependent on the position of the accelerator pedal. Great! First, we have to drive underpowered small electric cars and now we will make them to sound like a real car. No thanks!

The exterior comes in matte white and features BRABUS WIDESTAR fender flares front and back to make space for the large BRABUS Monoblock VI in dimensions 7J x 18” with 205/35 R 18 high-performance tires up front and 8.5J x 18” with 235/30 R 18 for the rear.

The wider track of the widened two-door car contributes to its agile and safe handling as does the height-adjustable coilover suspension.

The front spoiler reduces lift on the front axle and the WIDESTAR side skirts of the wide version create a visually and aerodynamically harmonious transition between the fender flares front and back.

The interior boasts all-leather upholstery including seats, door panels and dashboard. The white leather is sewn with the finest green thread. Green trim and green accessories in the cockpit add further contrasts.

BRABUS ULTIMATE Electric Drive Smart ForTwo Convertible

Source: Brabus

December 8, 2011

2012 Nissan GT-R Track Pack

The new GT-R will be even more faster with the special “Track Pack” offering some very nice goodies. Furthermore, the 2012 Nissan GT-R Track Pack is fully road legal.

The exterior modifications includes a new lightweight six-spoke RAYS alloy wheels with gloss black painted centres. The brakes receive additional cooling by ducts built into the front bumper reducing the operating temperature of the front brake discs by as much as 100 degrees during track use. Similar ducts, hidden behind the rear wheels, channel cooling air over the rear discs. With improved stopping performance, the GT-R Track Pack is even more brutal, when it is driven hard.

The suspension is also improved by revising the spring rates for optimal track use. The dampers are adjustable to offer more comfort when the car is being used on the road.

The interior boasts nice Recaro front seats trimmed with blue bolsters and an innovative high grip material. The rear seats have been removed to save weight. A “Track Pack” emblem on the centre console identifies this model as a special GT-R.

The brilliant 3.8-liter twin-turbo V6 is not improved, because it already has 550PS (404 kW) at 6400RPM and 652Nm (483 lb-ft) at just 3200RPM, which is enough to stop the clock at 2.8 seconds from stand still to 100 km/h.

The Track Pack is priced at £10 000, which means that 2012 Nissan GT-R Track pack has a price tag of £84 450. The model is already available to order in 21 Nissan High Performance Centres around the UK as the first deliveries are expected in March, next year.

Source: Nissan

December 8, 2011

Dartz Jo-Mojo

Great news for “go-greeners” today! They come from DARTZ which are very pleased to present the Jo-MOJO – an electric modification of their bulletproof Roadster. Moreover it is also redesigned in their second collaboration with Eduard Gray of Gray Design.

As usual this vehicle is again following the armored tradition set by DARTZ. Although it has an open top, it is based on a pseudo-KAPSULA technology platform akin to its bigger brothers. In addition it has been equipped with patented bullet wheels, custom seating and made with chameleon paint, which will undeniably ensure that it will be as individual as its owner.

The designers of The Jo-Mojo revealed that the super-car has been designed to run through the streets of the Cote d’Azur. Additionally it comes armed with a styling that will light up any party. The advantages of this brilliant vehicle are numerous, but worth of mention are the compact format, low center of gravity and wide front wheel placement. Thank to them the car has fantastic handling characteristics to ensure a smooth ride around curved roads of the Blue Coast.

Dartz Jo Mojo (2012) — Dartz Jo-Mojo (2012)

However the greater advantage of this car lies in its solar batteries. The innovation around the Jo-Mojo is the retractable cover that incorporates a flexible solar cells created by former Soviet space manufacturers, Sidrabe. Moreover you will be amazed when you hear that the cover locks the car and charges it up while it stands under the sun! In addition there is an option of adding extra batteries when you plan to make a longer travel. And don’t worry about the speed because this car has all that it takes for an exciting drive. First, it accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h just in 9.5 seconds and the top speed is the almost unbelievable for an electric car 125 mph (201 km/h). This is due to the powerful electric engine which delivers the whole 68 kW (80HP) and 120NM (90 lb-ft).

Source: Gray Design

December 8, 2011

2012 Rinspeed “Dock+Go” mobility concept

The motto of the concept is simple: “Take 3!” and it is all about taking three axels instead of two. However this modification is based on the thinking “but only if you need them”! This third axle with two wheels is the main feature of the brand new modular mobility system from Swiss automotive visionary Frank M. Rinderknecht. Under the name “Dock+Go” the Swiss will present the vehicle from 8^th till 18^th of March at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show. What is so special about this concept lies in the aim of docking “backpacks on wheels.” Moreover these single-axle “packs” can be used in different ways depending on what the driver has to do during the day. In addition they also have an insightful resolution for the so commonly met operating range problem of electric vehicles. The highlight is that neither unneeded space nor superfluous weight is carried along if it is not necessary.

As a basis “Dock+Go.” could be used any electric car: for example you can have the two-seated smart. Furthermore there is a great range of “packs” thank to which you can turn the electric-powered mini car into a dream car of any pizza delivery driver (additionally completed with an integrated heated box). As it goes for the craftsmen – there is a very special thing prepared: a toolbox pack with well-organized spaces for every tool! Eventually after the day has gone and all the work is done everything could e docked to the rear of the mini-mobile.

And here is the great news for all “high-speed” admirers. When you want to accelerate the kilometers per hour more than just 120, there have been provided an “energy pack” with a combustion engine or range extender, packed with batteries or powered by a fuel cell. Thank to it, there is an added range for reaching more distant destinations. Additionally manufacturers have shared a simple but clever trick: the docked third axle drives the rotating second axle and thus recharges the on-board battery of the city car; hence thus the first Vario-Hybrid is born! If you wonder how you can charge the batteries you can do it at home using the energy pack. The last one is recharged with solar power from the roof, thus making living and driving without any CO2 emissions a reality. A perfect car for any environmentalist isn’t it

Source: Rinspeed

December 8, 2011

Mercedess G-Class is now worthy of Cinderella

How do you think a modern carriage would look like nowadays? Of course it have to be worthy of modern prices and princesses. Studio VILNER has the answer and it lies not in the fairy-tale of Charles Perault, but in the magnificent Mercedes G-Class. When you open its door you’ll then plunge into the magical world of the VILNERs atelier.

What you’ll see here is that he interior is entirely made-over and it is definitely perfectly suitable for royalties. First of all the coupe is made with high-quality leather. The bright interior caresses the senses with its relief parts, which can be seen as well in the doors and the roof of the car. The roof itself is separated by a broad black band made from alcantara. As already mentioned the whole interior of the automobile “wears” leather, even the rearview mirror and the plastic elements of the seatbelts! VILNER has done a stunningly great work and has considered in the design all the details! Even more: the small elements of the interior stand out majestically because of the used sleek chrome! The light from the ceilings of vanity mirrors goes out of the round holes of the black alcantara.

No one cares how long the ride from Kingdom A to Kingdom B will take, we are sure that the passengers in this luxury Mercedes G-Class will feel undeniably comfortably. In addition they will have the opportunity to pamper their senses with music, coming out from the “Ground Zero” audio system. All this will happen in the additionally insulated coupe for much greater comfort!

At last but not least, the way will be well lighted thank to the new LED lights, which are especially designed by VILNER for more beautiful and magical fairy tale! Well done tuners!

Source: Vilner

December 7, 2011

2012 Smart For-Us Concept: The Rule-Breaker

Smart is as usual making grate challenges with the ideas that it have presented recently. And more precisely what I consider as a challenging idea is the vision of Smart for an urban pickup. This would probably be the best car not only for the young and people with active lives, but also for those who attach importance to low emissions and taking up minimum road space.

As usual the exterior dimensions of the car are designed the minimal possible: length/width/height: 3547/1506/1701mm. It is so small that it could almost go unseen on the loading area of a pickup. On the other hand this Smart includes state-of-the-art electric drive with a 55 kW magneto-electric motor. The world-premier of the car will be at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit between 14^th and 22d January 2012).

The aim of this Smart pick-up manufacturer is obviously to make them small on the outside and at the same time large on the inside Of course, not forgetting the safety and high comfortability.

The smart for-us is a mobility concept that will be perfect for bringing more flexibility in the city traffic. You might be amazed that it has plenty of room for two people and space for two smart ebikes behind them! Moreover you can always charge you batteries thanks to the docking station on the cargo area of the smart for-us. What makes the Smart a special car it is the accessibility of destinations that are out of bounds for other cars. For instance this might be traffic-calmed zones in the city or isolated park trails.

The smart for-us not only makes a powerful statement but also its appearance is achieving the one of the conventional mega-pickups. The body is shaped sensuously and with curved lines. Of course the large brand emblem can be proudly seen on the grille. Furthermore the front has a great three-dimensional design (which will immediately catch the attention) with an underride guard finishing off the lower part of the front end.

Smart manufacturer has used the longer wheelbase (2480 mm/plus 613 mm). Therefore the track has been widened by 50 mm on each side. This also makes an emphasis of the robust look of the vehicle. Meanwhile the extremely short overhangs at the front and rear make it extremely compact. Furthermore the tailboard at the rear of the smart for-us is electrically driven. When it opens first of all the cargo floor including tailboard retracts by 280 mm, then the tailgate slides down in a parallel position. All of this makes the cargo on the 900 mm cargo area very easily accessable.

However the interior is characterized by contrasts. For example it has the sleek and taut surfaces coloured in white and at the same time has the precisely designed technical functional elements in brushed aluminium. Moreover the whole cockpit enhances the aerodynamic styling for interior ventilation. On the place of the rear-view mirror it has been placed an innovation: a smartphone accommodated in a holder on top of the instrument panel support. In this way the driver can see the road behind them thank to the integrated video camera.

Smart for-us is definitely full of style and highly functional without being too complicated. Moreover what is really appealing is the fact that it is easy to individualise it. It includes two seats in the concept car which are typical for smart. At the same time the seat shells are open in the middle and are covered with a soft yellow fabric throw which will give the passengers a comfortable seating feel.

What has to be highlighted here is that the electric drive of the smart for-us! It is being based on the brand new drive concept of the smart fortwo electric drive, which will be presented firstly in the spring of 2012. The 55 kW magneto-electric motor makes the Smart for-us is agile and lively to drive in the city! And not forgetting the 130 Newton metres of torque, which makes the Smart for-us a powerful, lag-free acceleration vehicle, which can overtake other automobiles at ease! To be more precise thee maximum speed exceeds 120 km/h. And if you wonder about the power of the lithium-ion battery – it has the capacity of 17.6 kWh.

Source: Daimler

December 7, 2011

2013 Ford Mustang Cobra Jet

Since 1968 Ford’s Cobra Jet Mustang has achieved to make a legacy of power, performance and triumph. In 2008 this legacy was made anew with the limited run of the 40th Anniversary Cobra Jet Mustang (of course it quickly sold out). Consequently the models of 2010 and 2012 are as popular as the previous ones, and moreover they are a proof for the continues Evolution of Ford Racing’s Turnkey Race Car Program

On Friday Dec. 2, Ford Racing unveiled their 2013 Cobra Jet Mustang at the Performance Racing Industry show in Orlando, Fla. The 2013 Cobra Jet went through three year period of testing, racing and customer feedback in order to continue the legacy. It was designed for NHRA Stock and Super Stock competition. And we must say that the model is better than ever and features the latest drag racing technology for greater acceleration and consistency.

To be more precise the 2013 Cobra Jet offers two 5.0-liter Ti-VCT engine options. Therefore every individual taste will be met. Namely, clients have the opportunity to choose a naturally aspirated engine with Cobra Jet induction system, CNC ported heads, high-lift cams and low-drag accessory drive, or a 2.9-liter Whipple supercharged version with CNC port-matched manifold and heads, and a proprietary 10-rib supercharger drive system for high-rpm use without belt slip.

Furthermore, there has been made improvements in the chassis of the 2013 Cobra Jet. What I mean are the modifications in the lightweight body, which give better weight distribution. On the other hand the electric power steering provides better drivability without parasitic horsepower loss. Additionally a new roll cage design has been optimized for safety and chassis rigidity. Not forgetting the brake pedal – its ratio has been revised as well in order to have more modulation and stopping power. The rear suspension geometry delivers faster and more consistent 60-foot times.

And if you wonder about the numbers of the price, the 2013 Cobra Jet is at best value, with an approximate MSRP of $86,000 (for the naturally aspirated engine option) and $93,000 (for the supercharged engine)

As usual, the 2013 Cobra Jet Mustang will be made by the United Auto Workers at the AutoAlliance International plant in Flat Rock, Mich. Production of Cobra Jets will commence in June 2012, with delivery in the middle of the summer of 2012. The components of the vehicle will be available through Ford Performance Parts. This of course will allow racers to upgrade their Mustangs to Cobra Jet specifications.

Unfortunately 2013 Cobra Jet production is limited to only 50 units.

Source: Ford

December 7, 2011

Category: Auto News