Category: Auto News

Auto news – automobile industry news. Articles about all the latest car models and concepts. Breaking news, uncovered secrets.

  • 2012 Hennessey Twin Turbo V1000 CTS-V Coupe

    Hennessey are famous with their stunning vehicles and power is always on first place. This time, they has introduced a new performance package for the Caddilac CTS-V Coupe. The name of the project is V1000 and you probably already know, what the number means.

    That’s right! 2012 Hennessey Twin Turbo V1000 CTS-V Coupe has a 7.0 liter (427 cubic inches) twin-turbo V8, which delivers whopping 1000BHP (746 kW) and 1286Nm (950 lb-ft) of torque.

    The result is possible because of a number upgrades – Forged Low Compression Pistons, Forged Steel Connecting Rods, Callies 4340 Forged Steel Crank, Balanced and Blueprinted Rotating Assembly, ARP Main Studs & Head Bolts, High Flow Cylinder Heads, Hennessey V1000 Camshaft, Upgraded Fuel Injectors,Upgraded Fuel System (Includes Lines, Rails & Pump), Twin Ball Bearing Turbochargers, Dual Wastegates, Electronic Boost Controller, Stainless Steel Piping and Exhaust, Air-to-Air Intercooler, High-Flow K&N Air Filter.

    The performance is mind-blowing – 0 to 60 mph in 3.5 seconds and ¼ mile in 10.9 seconds at 136 mph. The top speed is 370 km/h (230 mph).

    Furthermore, the tuned CTS-V Coupe comes with an aerodynamic carbon fiber body kit, which includes CarbonAero CTS-V Widebody Upgrade,  Carbon Fiber Front Splitter, Carbon Fiber Rear diffuser, Carbon Fiber Front Fenders, Carbon Fiber Extractor Hood, Carbon Fiber Rear Fender Flares.

    Production will be limited to 12 units. The price list is not announced, yet.

    You can see the other modifications in the list, below!

    2012 Hennessey Twin Turbo V1000 CTS-V Coupe Frontside
    2012 Hennessey Twin Turbo V1000 CTS-V Coupe Frontside
    2012 Hennessey Twin Turbo V1000 CTS-V Coupe Backside
    2012 Hennessey Twin Turbo V1000 CTS-V Coupe Backside

    2012 Hennessey Twin Turbo V1000 CTS-V Coupe
    Limited Production – Only 12 Will Be Produced

    Power:

    • 1,000 bhp at 6 400 rpm
    • 950 lb-ft torque at 4 000 rpm

    Acceleration:
    • 0-60 mph: 3.5 seconds
    • 1/4 Mile: 10.9 @ 136 mph
    • Top Speed: 230 mph

    V1000 Twin Turbo Upgrade Includes:
    • 427 cid LS V8 Engine
    • Forged Low Compression Pistons
    • Forged Steel Connecting Rods
    • Callies 4340 Forged Steel Crank
    • Balanced and Blueprinted Rotating Assembly
    • ARP Main Studs & Head Bolts
    • High Flow Cylinder Heads
    • Hennessey V1000 Camshaft
    • Upgraded Fuel Injectors
    • Upgraded Fuel System (Includes Lines, Rails & Pump)
    • Twin Ball Bearing Turbochargers
    • Dual Wastegates
    • Electronic Boost Controller
    • Stainless Steel Piping and Exhaust
    • Air-to-Air Intercooler
    • High-Flow K&N Air Filter
    • 160 Degree Thermostat
    • Professional Installation
    • HPE Engine Management Calibration
    • Dyno Tuning & Road Testing
    • Hennessey Exterior Badging
    • Serial-Numbered Dash & Engine Plaques
    • 1 Year / 12,000 Mile Limited Warranty

    REQUIRED TRANSMISSION UPGRADE:
    • Manual: Centerforce Dual Friction Clutch Upgrade
    • Automatic: Performance Build & Torque Converter Upgrade

    Braking:
    • Brembo Carbon Ceramic Brake Upgrade
    • 15.1 inch Carbon Ceramic Rotors (Front & Rear)
    • Calipers: 8-Piston (Front); 6-Piston (Rear)

    Wheels & Tires:
    • Hennessey Monoblock Wheels
    • 20×10 inch (Front); 20×13 inch (Rear)
    • Michelin Pilot Super Sport Tires
    • 275/30YR-20 (Front); 345/30YR-20 (Rear)

    Suspension:
    • Lowered 1″ (Front & Rear)
    • Factory Magnetic Ride Control Tuned by John Heinricy

    Body:
    • CarbonAero CTS-V Widebody Upgrade
    • Carbon Fiber Front Splitter
    • Carbon Fiber Rear Diffuser
    • Carbon Fiber Front Fenders
    • Carbon Fiber Extractor Hood
    • Carbon Fiber Rear Fender Flares

    Interior:
    • Alcantara Headliner
    • Carbon Fiber Door Sills
    • Upgraded Leather & Stitching
    • Hennessey Embroidered Heardrests
    • Hennessey Premium Floormats

    *Buyers Will Also Receive a One-Day Driver Training / Track Experience with John Heinricy.

    Source: Hennessey

  • 2012 Honda Ridgeline Sport

    Honda has introduced the new 2012 Ridgeline Sport. The vehicle is a pick-up truck with extended cab. It comes with a exclusive black 18” alloy wheels (+1 inch from RT steel wheels), exclusive black honeycomb grille, standard fog lights, black headlight and brake light housings, and black mirrors and door handles

    The truck is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine with 253 PS (186 kW) and 335 Nm (247 lb-ft) of torque. The engine boasts better fuel efficiency and low emissions.

    The 2012 Ridgeline will hit the market in November, this year. However, the manufacturer didn’t release any price list information.

    2012 Honda Ridgeline Sport Frontside
    2012 Honda Ridgeline Sport Frontside

    Source: Honda

  • B&B VW Golf GTI Edition 35

    B&B has announced several performance packages for VW Golf GTI Edition 35.

    The tuning company offers three different power leves – 310PS, 326PS and 362PS. The results are thanks to a lot of improvements – a larger turbocharger, a special sport exhaust system with larger downpipe and high-performance catalyst. There are also ECU re-maps and a revised air intake system is installed and an optimized intercooler. Finally, the tuner installed a special Slim-Line oil cooler system.

    Level 1 includes a slight increase in boost pressure. The result is 310PS and 420Nm of torque from the 2.0 liter four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine. The price is just €1198.

    Level 2 is priced at €2798 and includes a special downpipe, optimised air induction and airflows. The boost pressure is increased about 0,25 bar and the injection map tuned to these new changes. The result 326PS and 450Nm.

    Level 3 boasts 362PS nad 510Nm. The power has a price – €8950. The package includes a B&B Special turbo, a modified intake system, optimizing the intercooling system and a sport exhaust system with appropriate electronic adjustment.

    The tuning company also offers sports springs for €298, which lower the ride height by about 30 mm. Furthermore, you can order adjustable coilover suspension and B&B stabilizers for front and rear axle.,

    The performance brake system includes special 4 or 6-piston calipers starting from €3795.

    All parts are tested and approved.

    B & B VW Golf GTI Edition 35
    B&B VW Golf GTI Edition 35

    Source: B&B

  • 2013 Fiat 500 Abarth US

    Fiat will hit the US market with 500 Abarth in the second half of 2012. The 2013 500 Abarth US will boast the same extras like the European version.

    The small city car will be powered by a 1.4 liter turbocharged petrol engine with a hefty 135PS (99 kW) and 180Nm (130 lb-ft) of torque. 0 to 100 km/h takes 7.9 seconds and the top speed is 205 km/h (127 mph). The small engine emits just 155 g/km of CO2.

    Abarth SS will be also available with 160PS (125 kW) and 206Nm (152 lb-ft) of torque. 0 to 100 km/h in 7.4 seconds and top speed of 211 km/h (131 mph).

    However, the manufacturer didn’t announce any official price and configuration lists, but 500 Abarth US is expected to be priced at $19 000.

    Abarth 500 esseesse Front
    Abarth 500 esseesse Front

    Source: Fiat USA via Twitter

  • Three McLaren MP4-12C GT3 race cars at Spa-Francorchamps

    McLaren will take place at the Spa-Francorchamps circuit this weekend for Total 24 Hours of Spa. The manufacturers follows the successful race debut there in the British GT Championship early in July.

    Totally ten racing drivers will pilot three McLaren MP4-12 Race cars in the first ever 24 hour race for this model.

    The McLaren GT driver line-up for the Total 24 Hours of Spa includes CRS Racing Team Principal Andrew Kirkaldy and McLaren Automotive Chief Test driver Chris Goodwin.  Both are Directors of the new McLaren GT company, which is led by McLaren Group CEO Martin Whitmarsh and includes McLaren Racing Head of Vehicle Engineering Mark Williams.

    Check out the driver line-up, below!

    McLaren MP4-12C GT3 Race Car
    McLaren MP4-12C GT3 Race Car

    McLaren MP4-12C GT3 drivers for Total 24 Hours of Spa:

    Pro-Cup category

    Car 58 (McLaren GT):
    Rob Bell – GB
    Chris Goodwin – GB
    Tim Mullen – GB

    Car 59 (McLaren GT):
    Andrew Kirkaldy – GB
    Álvaro Parente – POR
    Oliver Turvey – GB

    Pro-Am Cup category

    Car 60 (McLaren GT and VonRyan Racing):
    Adam Christodoulou – GB
    Glynn Geddie – GB
    Phil Quaife – GB
    Roger Wills – NZL

    Source: McLaren

  • Wald Jaguar XJ X350 Black Bison Edition

    Wald International has announced another tuned car from the Black Bison series. This time it is Jaguar XJ X350 Sports Line.

    The aerodynamics body kit includes a redesigned front bumper, a pair of side skirts, a new rear bumper, a boot lid lip spoiler, a roof spoiler, fender panel and mirror covers with LED indicators. The car looks really stunning and a lot different from the old school style of Jag.

    Wald Jaguar XJ X350 Black Bison Edition stands on enormous Renovatio R12 wheels in dimensions 9J x 21” at the front and 10.5J x 21” at the rear fitted with 255/30 R21 and 295/25R21 tires, respectively.

    Finally, the tuner installed a DTM TW240 sports muffler, which gives deeper sound and good looks.

    There is no information about the price list.

    Wald Jaguar XJ X350 Black Bison Edition Front
    Wald Jaguar XJ X350 Black Bison Edition Front

    Source: Wald International

  • Mazda MX-5 Sport Black Limited Edition Roadster Coupe

    Mazda has announced MX-5 Sport Black Limited Edition Roadster Coupe following the success of the 850kg MX-5 GT race car.

    Available from mid-July, the Mazda MX-5 Sport Black is distinguished by unique paint finishes and an enhanced specification, offering more for a lower price than the car it’s based on.

    The exterior boasts a Brilliant Black powered retractable hard-top, this is in contrast with the choice of bodywork colours – Spirited Green metallic, Crystal White Pearlescent and Velocity Red mica. There is also a set of dark gun metal 17” alloy wheels.

    The interior comes with black leather upholstery with contrasting “sand” colour stitching, Piano Black steering wheel and deco panel, and unique “Black Limited Edition” exterior badging, uniquely numbered interior plaque and Limited Edition floor mats.

    The MX-5 Sport Black features as standard climate control AC, a premium Bose audio system, an integrated hands-free Bluetooth system, cruise control and front fog lights.

    Only 500 unit of MX-5 Sport Black Limited Edition Roadster Coupe  will be produced. The price tag is £22 995 (OTR).

    Mazda MX-5 Sport Black Limited Edition Roadster Coupe
    Mazda MX-5 Sport Black Limited Edition Roadster Coupe

    Source: Mazda

  • Carlsson Mercedes-Benz S-Class W221

    Carlsson has announced the new tuning program for the Mercedes S Class type W221. It includes both performance and styling packages.

    The Carlsson Mercedes S600 L is powered by V12 bi-turbo engine tuned to 600PS (441 kW) and 1024Nm of torque. The result is thanks to an ECU re-map, a sports air filter and a sport exhaust system. 0 to 100 km/h in 4.3 seconds and top speed of 320 km/h (199 mph).

    Carlsson also offers tuning programs for all engine of the flagship, including V6,V 8, and V12 cylinder power units, together with the diesel models. The most powerful Carlsson Mercedes S63 AMG boasts whopping 685PS (504 kW).

    The aerodynamics package includes a front spoiler lip featuring the tuner’s logo, electro-polished stainless steel front grille inserts, side skirts, a rear apron and spoiler.

    The Mercedes S Class from Carlsson stands on the C-Tronic SUSPENSION that lowers the ride height by 30 mm and 20” light alloy wheels fitted with high-performance Dunlop tires.

    The interior boasts leather upholstery and illuminated door sills.

    Carlsson S-Class W221
    Carlsson S-Class W221

    Source: Carlsson

  • Mercedes-Benz S-Class Grand Edition W221

    Mercedes-Benz has announced the new 2012 S Class Grand Edition W221. The W221 Grand Edition is created to celebrate the 60 years that passed since the model first entered the market.

    The car was developed by the AMG PERFORMANCE STUDIO and comes with a new aerodynamics package. The body kit features a new front spoiler with integrated LED daytime running lights and a lower air intake, a pair of new side skirts, a rear apron and a re-styled rear bumper.

    The interior boasts a lot of individual options as well as a leather steering wheel, stainless-steel pedals and various wood styling inserts.

    2012 Mercedes-Benz Grand Edition S Class stands on 19” AMG wheels with a double five-spoke design. Behined them, there are 350 mm brake discs with 8-piston calipers up front and 6-piston calipers at the rear.

    Grand Edition S Class is available with S250 CDI delivering 204PS (150 kW), S350 BlueTEC with 258PS (190 kW) and S350 BlueEFFICIENCY boasting 306PS (225 kW).

    Price list is not announced, yet.

    Mercedes-Benz S-Class Grand Edition W221
    Mercedes-Benz S-Class Grand Edition W221

    Source: Mercedes-Benz

  • 2012 RUF CTR3

    RUF has introduced a new third generation CTR 3 coming with a number upgrades. 2012 RUF CTR3 boasts a longer wheelbase and a new mid-engine position.

    The mid-engine design provides exceptional balance and agile handling, while the longer wheelbase provides better driving stability at high speeds. The body of the CTR 3 is a completely new development which is not based on any existing mid-engine concept.

    2012 RUF CTR3 is powered by a twin-turbo 3.8 liter flat-six with whopping 750PS (552 kW) at 7100RPM and 960Nm (708 lb-ft) of torque at just 4000RPM. This is an improvement with 50PS (37 kW) and over the first CTR3.

    The engine is mated to a sequential-shift 6-speed transmission, which is transversely mounted and has a new design, too. It can manage torque up to 855 ft/lbs. A shift indicator on the dashboard shows the gear in use. A limited slip differential is provided to maximize the traction. The performance is “acceptable” – 3.2 seconds to 100 km/h, 9.6 seconds to 200 km/h and top speed of 380 km/h (236 mph).

    The brake system includes 6-piston fixed light alloy calipers and ventilated, cross drilled ceramic composite discs. Each brake disc is 380 mm in diameter. A specially designed Bosch anti-lock braking system is standard.

    2012 RUF CTR3 stands on forged aluminum wheels fitted with 255/35/ZR19 tires at the front and enormous 335/30/ZR20 at the rear. The dimensions of the alloys are 8.5J x 19” and 12.5J x 20”, respectively.

    The interior boasts aluminum gearshift lever for the sequential shift transmission, 260 mph (418 km/h) speedometer, leather and Alcantara.

    The weight of the car is just 1400kg (3 086 lbs).

    2012 RUF CTR
    2012 RUF CTR
    2012 RUF CTR3 Back
    2012 RUF CTR3 Back
    2012 RUF CTR3 Rear vents
    2012 RUF CTR3 Rear vents
    2012 RUF CTR3 Interior
    2012 RUF CTR3 Interior
    2012 RUF CTR3 Gauges
    2012 RUF CTR3 Gauges
    2012 RUF CTR3
    2012 RUF CTR3
    2012 RUF CTR3 Side
    2012 RUF CTR3 Side
    2012 RUF CTR3 Rear
    2012 RUF CTR3 Rear
    2012 RUF CTR3 Wind tunnel
    2012 RUF CTR3 Wind tunnel

    2012 RUF CTR3:

    • Power
      750BHP (552 kW)
      at 7 100 rpm
    • max. Torque
      960Nm
      at 4 000 rpm
    • Displacement
      3 746 cm³
    • Performance
      0-100 kmh (0-62 mph) – 3.2 seconds
      0-200 kmh (0-125 mph) – 9.6 seconds
    • Top speed
      380km/h (236 mph) – dependent on the gear ratios
    • Fuel consumption:
      urban – 20,0 l /100km
      highway – 9,9 l /100km
      combined  – 13,5 l /100km
      CO 2 emissions – 311 g/km

    Source: RUF

  • Mercedes-Benz C 63 AMG Coupe Black Series

    Mercedes-Benz has announced the most powerful and brutal C-class, ever. The C 63 AMG Coupe Black Series boasts 517PS (380 kW) and 620Nm (460lb–ft) of torque. This is a 29PS more than a C 63 AMG equipped with performance package.

    The performance is breath-taking: 0 to 100 km/h in 4.2 seconds and top speed somewhere beyond 300 km/h (without speed limiter). Furthermore, the 6.2 liter naturally aspirated V8 need just 12.2 litres per 100 km on combined cycle and emits 286 g/km of CO2. So, you can have an economical super sports car. Great!

    The engine is mated to the well-known AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed sports transmission, which has four modes. The double-declutching function and RACE START promise maximum motoring pleasure and a high degree of variability.

    “AMG has its roots in international motorsport. The new C 63 AMG Coupé Black Series is the best proof there is for the permanent transfer of technology from the race track to the road. The numerous successes in the DTM, the customer sports range featuring the SLS AMG GT3 and our commitment to Formula 1, where we have been providing the Official F1TM Safety Car and the Official F1TM Medical Car for the past 15 years, continuously spur on our engineers and technicians. The C 63 AMG Coupé Black Series embodies the new AMG brand claim, Driving Performance, like no other AMG model,” said Ola Källenius, the CEO of Mercedes-AMG GmbH.

    Mercedes-Benz C 63 AMG Coupe Black Series Front
    Mercedes-Benz C 63 AMG Coupe Black Series Front

    The C 63 AMG Black Series comes with a greater track width and with enormous tires – 255/35 R 19 and 285/30 R 19 mounted on 9.0J x 19” and 9.5J x 19” wheels, respectively. The alloys are finished in titanium grey.

    The 3-stage ESP offers the ideal solution for all driving situations: via the ESP button the driver can choose from the “ESP ON”, “Sport Handling Mode” and “ESP OFF” stages.

    The ABS system has been completely retuned and the AMG high-performance braking system has also been redeveloped. At the front axle you’ll get 390 x 36 millimetres brake rotors and integral discs at the rear axle 360 x 26 mm. Red-painted 6-piston fixed callipers at the front and 4-piston fixed callipers at the rear reliably decelerate the perforated, fade-resistant brake discs, which are ventilated all round.

    The interior matches to the exterior – black with red highlight elements, displaying the functional atmosphere of a true racing vehicle, whilst at the same time positively glowing with high quality and lovingly crafted details. The steering wheel is wrapped in Nappa leather and features aluminium shift paddles for manual gear changes. There are also red seat belts and red contrasting topstitching on the steering wheel, on the seats, door centre panels, armrests on the doors, the centre console and on the shift lever gaiter add some interesting highlights. An exclusive “Black Series” logo adorns the trim on the dashboard, which sports a high-gloss black piano-lacquer look.

    Mercedes-Benz C 63 AMG Coupe Black Series Interior
    Mercedes-Benz C 63 AMG Coupe Black Series Interior

    2012 Mercedes-Benz C 63 AMG Coupe Black Series:

    C 63 AMG Coupé Black Series
    Displacement 6208 cc
    Bore x stroke 102.2 x 94.6 mm
    Compression ratio 11.3 : 1
    Output 380 kW (517 hp) at 6800 rpm
    at 6800/min
    Max. torque 620 Nm at 500 rpm
    Engine weight (dry) 196 kg
    Fuel consumption, NEDC combined 12.2 l/100 km*
    CO2emissions 286 g/km*
    Acceleration 0-100 km/h 4.2 s*

    The standard specification includes:

    • AMG door sills in stainless steel, brushed, with AMG logo
    • AMG sports pedals in brushed stainless steel, with rubber studs
    • Audio 20 CD radio with double tuner, colour display, Bluetooth® interface, hands-free function, USB interface and eight loudspeakers
    • Automatic climate control

    Optional extras include:

    • AMG Exterior Carbon-Fibre package (cross strut in front apron, exterior mirror housing, inserts on the side sill panel, diffuser insert and spoiler lip in genuine carbon fibre)
    • AMG light-alloy wheels featuring forging technology, painted in matt black with a high-sheen finish on the rim flange, with 255/35 R 19 and 285/30 R 19 tyres
    • AMG carbon-fibre trim
    • Fire extinguisher
    • Intelligent Light System ILS
    • KEYLESS-GO
    • Tinted side/rear windows

    Source: Mercedes

  • 2012 Honda CR-V Concept [First image]

    Honda has released a first image of the new CR-V Concept. This is the fourth-generation CR-V, which is set to go on sale in the United States by the end of 2011, and in Europe in Autumn 2012.

    2012 Honda CR-V boasts a distinctive and bold styling direction including a more aggressive stance with deeper sculpting of the body lines and a bolder front fascia. The lower front bumper wraps smartly upward to convey SUV capability, while the overall lower front bumper design now integrates more smoothly into the fascia for improved aerodynamics.

    The new CR-V will have more powerful and efficient engines and better equipment.

    The CR-V is one of the top-selling SUVs, sold in more than 160 countries throughout Europe, Asia, North America, South America and Africa.

    The car will be exhibited at the Orange County International Auto Show in Anaheim, California, in September 2011.

    2012 Honda CR-V Concept Frontside
    2012 Honda CR-V Concept Frontside

    Source: Honda