Auto News – Page 969 – Automobiles Review

Romeo Ferraris MINI Countryman Anniversario

Romeo Ferraris has created a unique MINI Countryman S in honor of the 150^th anniversary of Italy’s unification. The tuned MINI comes with both performance and styling improvements.

MINI Countryman S is powered by a turbocharged 1.6-liter engine, which received a high-flow air filter, a new intercooler, a re-mapped ECU and a sport exhaust system. The result is +43 PS (32 kW) and +88Nm (65 lb-ft) of torque. The total power is 230PS and 328Nm.

The exterior boasts a new matte blue finish with black accents, chromed racing stripes and 19” OZ Racing wheels with Yokohama Advan Sport tires – 225/40 R19.

All the products that make the Mini Countryman lallestimento 150 Anniversary sold separately and are suitable for all Cooper S.

Romeo Ferraris MINI Countryman Anniversario

MINI COOPER S 150th ANNIVERSARY COUNTRYMAN:

DESIGNDull blue paint
Chrome roof coating
Graphite paint mask
Graphite coating side badges
Paint headlights graphite frames
Decorative chrome strips
Chrome mirror caps
Headlights with black background

ENGINEAir Filter
Unit
Intercooler plus
Complete exhaust system consists of: downpipe with catalytic cells 200
Dual output terminal replication Mini Countryman WRC

INTERIORBlue stitching
Blue piping
RF is embroidered on the headrests Sagittarius
Embroidered Tricolore

ALIGNMENT AND BRAKESComplete set-up height adjustable
Brembo braking system consists of: floating discs perforated (or slotted) made to measure (328×28 mm),calipers with 4 pistons
OZ Racing Superleggera III Forged wheels disassembled into three pieces, 9×19 ”
Car paint to match the external canal
Yokohama Advan Sport tires 225/40/R19

Source: Romeo Ferraris

July 14, 2011

2012 Audi A5/S5 Facelift – Sportback, Coupe, Cabriolet

Audi has unveiled the new 2012 A5/S5 model range. A lot of advanced technologies are being added to the Sportback, Coupe, Cabriolet and S5 models. Almost every single detail is improved – the engine, quattro drive and infotainment systems are better now. Audi took care about more efficiency, sportiness and intelligence.

However, the new exterior includes restyled front and rear lights and slightly bigger dimensions. Exactly, the new A5/S5 has grown bigger with a millimeter (0.04 inch). The A5 Sportback is 4.71 meters (15.45 ft) long; the Coupé and the Cabriolet 4.63 meters (15.19 ft). The range of colors has been reshuffled and now includes 16 colors.

The interior features fine materials and top-quality fit and finish. It is now more elegant than ever – with new steering wheels, including an option for a flattened ring, new steering column stalks and with narrow chrome clasps framing the control elements.

The engine range has been revised and now includes a 3.0 TFSI supercharged V6 with 272PS (200 kW) for the A5 and 333PS (245 kW) for the S5. The well-known 1.8 liter TFSI power unit with 170PS (125 kW) now have extraordinary fuel economy – 5.7 liters per 100km (41+ mpg). The output of the 2.0 TFSI remains unchanged at 211PS (155 kW).

The 2.0 liter TDI delivers 177PS (130 kW) and achieves 4.7 liters per 100 km on average. The CO2 emissions are cut to 122 g/km. The 3.0 TDI has 204PS (150 kW) and is the most fuel-efficient six-cylinder unit in its class worldwide. In the A5 Coupé with multitronic, it consumes on average 4.9 liters (48 US mpg) of fuel and emits just 129 g/km of CO2.

2012 Audi A5 Sportback 1.8 TFSI is priced at €33 350 in Germany.

2012 Audi S5

It is available as Sportback, Coupe and Cabriolet. The engine is 3.0 liter TFSI with 333PS (245 kW) with average fuel consumption of just 8.1 liters per 100 km. 0 to 100 km/h in 4.9 and top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph) – electronically limited.

Visual cues to the updated S models include new lights, modified body details and new crystal-effect paint finishes. Subtle changes can also be found in the interior. The most important technical updates for the Audi S5 are quattro drive with the crown-gear center differential and electromechanical power steering. The special S sport suspension and the standard 18” wheels deliver the power to the road.

Check out HD pictures, below!

Source: Audi

July 13, 2011

2012 Toyota Hilux

Toyota has unveiled the new 2012 Hilux facelift. The model is one of the best-selling trucks with 21 866 units in 2010, representing almost 25% of the market share. This makes the Toyota pick-up the segment sales leader for the third consecutive year.

2012 Toyota Hilux boasts a new bonnet, radiator grille, headlamps and front bumper. The vehicle profile is further enhanced by newly designed front and rear wings, redesigned 15″ and 17″ steel and alloy wheels, and new door mirrors.

The interior features Toyota Touch, a 6.1″, full colour, touch screen multimedia unit. There are also a new instrument cluster, darker finishes with a greater colour consistency throughout the interior, and the addition of silver ornamentation.

2012 Toyota Hilux is available in four grades: DLX, the new DLX+, SR and SR+.

The brand new DLX+ grade is available with 2WD or 4WD 2.5 D-4D powertrains mated to a manual gearbox in Single Cab, Extra Cab and Double Cab body styles, and with a 4WD 3.0 D-4D powertrain and manual transmission as a Double Cab only.

The engine range includes an upgraded 2.5-liter D-4D with 144 PS (106 kW) and 343Nm (253 lb-ft). It achieves 7.3 L/100 km and CO2 emissions of 193 g/km. There is also a 3.0 liter D-4D, which now features diesel particulate filter, so it complies with EURO 5 regulations.

Produced at Toyota Motor Thailand and Toyota South Africa Motors, the Hilux 2012 will be available in 36 European countries, and more than 135 throughout the world.

Source: Toyota

July 13, 2011

2012 Toyota Yaris Price – £11 170

Toyota has announced the new 2012 Yaris for the UK. The car will be offered in four grades – T2, TR, SR and T Spirit. Cars are available to order now, with first deliveries to customers from mid-September.

New Yaris will offer sharper, contemporary styling, a better quality, even greater agility and a breakthrough in affordable multimedia connectivity with Toyota Touch and Go.

The TR trim level comes with include15” alloy wheels, air conditioning, Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) and Toyota Touch with touchscreen audio controls, Bluetooth and rear parking camera.

The SR is available exclusively with the 1.33-litre Dual VVT-i petrol engine. It features sporty elements both inside and outside. Equipment highlights include 16” alloy wheels, rear roof spoiler, front fog lamps, part-leather upholstery, rear privacy glass and lowered suspension.

T Spirit focuses on premium features and is available in five-door format with the 1.33- litre Dual VVT-i petrol engine. The T Spirit grade includes a panoramic glass roof, dual-zone climate control, automatic headlights and windscreen wipers, auto-dimming rear view mirror and smart entry and start.

The engine range includes : 1.0 and 1.33-litre petrol units and a 1.4-litre D-4D turbodiesel.

The three-cylinder 1.0-litre VVT-i petrol comes with a 5-speed manual gearbox. It delivers 68BHP at 6000RPM and 93Nm at 3600RPM. Fuel consumption has been improved by four per cent to 58.9mpg and CO₂ emissions are down by seven per cent to 111g/km.

The 1.33-litre Dual VVT-i generates 98BHP at 6000RPM and 125Nm at 4000RPM. When matched to the new Multidrive S transmission, fuel economy is 56.5mpg and CO₂ emissions are 118g/km.

Multidrive S, Toyota’s latest continuously variable transmission (CVT), features a manual override, sequential seven-step mode that the driver can operate using either the gearshift lever or paddle shifts on the steering wheel.

The 1.4-litre D-4D engine is fitted as standard with a diesel particulate filter (DPF) and is matched to a 6-speed manual transmission. It produces 89BHP at 3800RPM and 205Nm between 1800 and 2800RPM. The fuel consumption is 72.4mpg and CO₂ emission of 104g/km.
Check out the price list, below!

2012 Toyota Yaris:

MODEL	ENGINE	OTR PRICE
T2 3dr	1.0 VVT-i 5MT	£11,170
T2 5dr	1.0 VVT-i 5MT	£11,670
TR 3dr	1.0 VVT-i 5MT	£12,260
TR 3dr	1.33 Dual VVT-i 6MT	£12,760
TR 3dr	1.4 D-4D 6MT	£14,260
TR 5dr	1.0 VVT-i 5MT	£12,760
TR 5dr	1.33 Dual VVT-i 6MT	£13,260
TR 5dr	1.33 Dual VVT-i 6MT MDS	£14,260
TR 5dr	1.4 D-4D 6MT	£14,760
SR 3dr	1.33 Dual VVT-i 6MT	£13,335
SR 5dr	1.33 Dual VVT-i 6MT	£13,835
SR 5dr	1.33 Dual VVT-i MDS	£14,835
T Spirit 5dr	1.33 Dual VVT-i 6MT	£14,385
T Spirit 5dr	1.33 Dual VVT-i MDS	£15,385

Source: Toyota

July 13, 2011

speedART forged 23″ CTS for Cayenne II, Q7 and Touareg

The tuning company speedART has introduced CTS-FOREGED 23″ alloy wheels. The weight of a monobloc wheel is just 16,7 Kg, which practically is the same like an original cast 20″ wheel.

The multi-spoke design features bi-color paint and the wheels are protected by a clear coat which give the polished spokes a very exclusive touch.

The dimensions are 11J x 23” and they are made especially for all Porsche Cayenne, Audi Q 7 and VW Touareg – LK 5×130. Of course, the wheels are TUV-homologated and produced in Europe under very strict regulations of quality and safety.

Definitely, these wheels will give your SAV better looks, especially, when the rims are fitted with extremely low profile tires.

The prices are not announced, yet.

speedART forged 23 CTS Porsche Cayenne II

Source: speedART

July 13, 2011

O.CT Audi R8 4.2 V8

O.CT Tuning has introduced a reworked version of the R8 4.2i V8. The car boasts more power and better styling.

O.CT Tuning GmbH has installed a compressor kit to the 4.2 liter V8 with 434PS (319 kW) and 430Nm (317 lb-ft). The kit includes: the „Black Compressor“ with CNC mastered aluminum holding system, tension pulley made by Good Year, custom made suction system, inner overflow-overpressure-system, crank case with vent system and a modified set of toothed belts.

Finally, there is an ECU re-map to make sure that everything is working perfectly and the result is superb – 565PS and 560Nm of torque. 0 to 100 km/h in 4.1 seconds and to 250 km/h in 24 seconds. Top speed – over 300 km/h.

O.CT Audi R8 4.2 V8 also received bigger brakes and carbon fiber hood.

Price list is not announced, yet.

Source: OCT Tuning

July 13, 2011

2012 Mercedes M-Class Price – 46 200 EUR

Mercedes-Benz has announced the 2012 M-Class range price list.

In Europe, the 2012 Mercedes M-Class is available in three versions, and with a choice between three engines – ML250, ML350 Bluetec and ML350 BlueEFFICIENCY.

2011 Mercedes-Benz ML250 is powered by a 2.1-liter diesel engine with 204PS (150 kW) and a hefty torque of 500Nm (370 lb-ft). The more powerful ML350 Bluetec has a 3.0 liter V6 with 258PS (190 kW) and 619Nm (457 lb-ft). The performance is very good – 0 to 100 km/h for 7.5 seconds and top speed of 224 km/h.

The petrol variant is ML 350 BueEfficiency with a 3.5 liter V6 with 306PS (225 kW) and 370Nm (273 lb-ft). The top speed is 235 km/h and 0 to 100 km/h takes 7.6 seconds.

All engines come with a 7G-Tronic automatic gearbox delivering the power to an 4MATIC all-wheel drive system.

The new M-Class has a selective damping suspension, while the Airmatic self-leveling air suspension and an Active Curve System with dynamic roll stabilization is available as an option.

The safety includes Night View Assist Plus including pedestrian recognition, Speed Limit Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, Blind Spot Assist, Active Park Assist and Distronic Plus.
Check out the price list, below!

The prices of the new Mercedes-Benz M-Class at a glance*:

		Including 19% sales tax
ML 250 BlueTEC 4MATIC	€46,200	€54,978
ML 350 BlueTEC 4MATIC	€49,350	€58,726.50
ML 350 4MATIC BlueEFFICIENCY	€47,700	€56,763

*Prices in the German Market

Source: Mercedes-Benz

July 12, 2011

2011 Fiat 500 First Edition

The Fiat 500 “First Edition” made exclusively for the Chinese. It features different graphics and nice equipment. There will be just 100 numbered units available to order from July 12 to September 15.

“The start of the pre-order stage is a fundamental stage for the 500 launch in China and will mark an important step forward in the joint project of Fiat and GAC”, said Lorenzo Sistino.

“The objective of the 500 is to position our brand on this market because it is the model that best expresses the values of Fiat”., he added.

The First Edition is based on the 500 Lounge and comes with a 1.4 litre MultiAir, the petrol engine – 101 HP (75 kW) at 6500 rpm and a torque of 133 Nm at 4000 rpm.

The 500 will have many versions and special series, in addition to the 100 “First Edition” models. Next year we will be launching the 500C convertible and the exclusive “500 by Gucci” special series.

Source: Fiat

July 12, 2011

Aston Martin Cygnet – birthday present

Sir Stirling Moss has made a very nice present to his wife – Lady Moss. The culmination of six months planning and “secret” correspondence between Sir Stirling and Aston Martin to plan a surprise birthday present for Lady Moss.

“My greatest partner in everything that I do, Susie is an amazing person and frankly the best wife a man could have. Since seeing a pre-production Cygnet in January I knew that it was the perfect car for Susie; a proper little piece of British luxury and perfect for our life in town.”, commented Sir Stirling Moss.

Aston Martin Cygnet shares much in terms of design and craftsmanship with the company’s sports cars. It is of course hand-crafted at Aston Martin’s headquarters in Gaydon, taking 150 hours to complete. Furthermore, specifications for Lady Moss’s car include Sir Stirling’s choice of Aston Martin Racing Green, harking back to the company’s sports cars that Sir Stirling raced in the 1950s, as the paint colour. This iconic exterior has been complemented by a simple and elegant interior hand crafted in Obsidian Black leather with a contrasting coarse silver stitch, forming a typically understated combination.

Sir Stirling’s own driving career with Aston Martin saw him drive a number of the company’s racing cars including the famous DB3S and DBR1 models with great success. This culminated in being part of the factory team that in 1959 secured the company the World Sportscar Championship following victories in the DBR1 at such prestigious races as the Le Mans 24-hour.

Aston Martin Cygnet - birthday present — Aston Martin Cygnet – birthday present

Source: Aston Martin

July 12, 2011

New vs Old – what changed through the years?

Most of you have strong memories from your father’s or grandfather’s car. “One day I will have one for myself”– we thought. Unfortunately most cars have no more than 10 years on the production line meaning that whatever it was that you fancied as a kid is now about 30-40 years old and looks like(or actually is) scrap or costs an amount of money with a lot of zeroes. Luckily someone thought of all these enthusiasts. So, who did?

Chevrolet Camaro

The first Camaro was built back in 1966/1967. Very long front end, massive rear tires and wide arches made the Camaro look really inspiring. It also had engines to make the picture even better. Top versions boasted 8 cylinder engine, 7+ litres and more than 400 hp. How about 5.2 seconds for 0-60 and less than 13 seconds for a quarter mile – impressive results for its time and not only. So back to reality, what is available today? In 2009 the fifth generation Camaro was introduced.

Having plenty of new gadgets and modern stuff, it has something very important – the spirit of Camaro – 550 hp, V8 and shares a lot of the curves from its predecessor – same large arches, same aggressive and appealing look – you can simply never mistake this car. If you want to celebrate Camaro’s 45^th anniversary, wait for the special edition in 2012 – one-of-a-kind badges, unique interior and something more maybe.

Volkswagen Beetle

This model has about 73 years of history and has played a huge role in German car manufacturing as a whole. This car was ordered by Adolf Hitler and its task was to be a car for the people (Volks Wagen – German). Being almost airtight, this car could even stay afloat for a couple of minutes and its aircooled flat-4 engine turned to be very suitable for the conditions in Africa’s deserts. The beetle was not meant to beat records.

The 1200 model was capable of 100 km/h in 37 seconds and the diesel model with 1,3 N/A did 100 in 1 minute! What not too many people know is that the last year of manufacturing of the Beetle as we know it from black and white pictures is 2003 – In Mexico. The entirely new Beetle was announced in 1997 and the design was definitely inspired by the original. Apart from this however it does not share too much – Engine is in the front, the car is FWD. What is more, this is no more a car for the people – the top model costs $ 58 000 – not something everyone can afford.

Mini Cooper

The original was introduced in 1959 and was a great hit back then. This was a really small car with wheelbase of just 2 metres and the FWD set up would save a lot of space for passengers and luggage. There is a reason why this car was voted the second most influential car of the 20^th century after the Ford Model T.

The weight distribution and the size of the car made it also very successful in sports. Not too many cars have won the Monte Carlo rally 4 times in a row. A famous car magazine awarded the Mini “Car of the century” in 1995. More than 5 000 000 were sold on the market making it the most successful UK car for the moment. The main drawback of the Mini Cooper is its safety – it also has some awards about this – in the negative aspect. In 2000 BMW (the new owner) presented the new Mini. Take a magnifying lens, look at the old one and you will see the new one. Exterior is quite similar, yet the new one is really sleek and has modern curves and styling. In terms of power the new generation offers a good range of engines 75-204 hp. Similar to the original, the new Mini Cooper will try to participate in the world rally championship and be just as successful. Good luck!

July 12, 2011

Monster MK1 – “Frankenstein” car

Here is an interesting car – Monster MK1. Practically, it is an experiment to see, which the worst combination of car parts, ever is. As you may suggest, there are part from the whole bunch of premium models currently on the market.

The ‘body parts’ of the ‘Nightmare MK1’

Make and Model	Car part
Audi A8	Brakes
BMW M3	Suspension
MG TF	Engine
Land Rover Freelander	Gearbox
Mercedes-Benz V-Class	Ignition
Renault Megane	Electrics
SEAT Alhambra	Air-conditioning
SEAT Toledo	Heating & Cooling systems
Volvo C70	Steering system

The Warranty Direct-inspired horror vehicle would break down every other month and cost an average of £2,050 to fix each year.

The Reliability Index is a unique tool that measures car reliability by considering average cost of repair, frequency of failure, age and mileage. Overall, the Monster Mk1 claims a Reliability Index figure of over 500 – more than five times that of the average car.

“The Monster Mk1 represents the worst-performing vehicles in every sector, from suspension to electrics, on our roads today.”, commented Warranty Direct managing director, Duncan McClure Fisher.

“The wide range of cars included in our special blend highlights how mostly reliable cars can be dragged down by one problem part.”, he added.

July 12, 2011

2012 BMW 3-series and 1-series Performance Editions

BMW has released two special edition models exclusively for the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. The manufacturer hits the market with two new Performance Edition models based on the popular BMW 1 Series and 3 Series.

The 2012 BMW 1-Series Performance Edition comes with an M aerodynamic package, dark chrome 18” M light alloy wheels, High-gloss Shadowline exterior trim, dark chrome exhaust tailpipe and dark line rear lights. There are also M Sport Suspension, sport seats with Royal Blue stitching, M Sport multi-function leather steering wheel and gearshift leaver, floor mats with Royal Blue piping and London 2012 exterior badges complete the sporty look.

The Performance Edition is available on the 116i, 116d and 118d three- and five-door models. Prices start at £19 530 OTR for a BMW 116i Performance Edition three-door.

The 2012 BMW 3-Series Performance Edition also comes with M aerodynamic body kit, M sport multi-function leather steering wheel, sport seats, floor mats with blue piping, 18-inch light alloy wheel, chrome exhaust finisher and London 2012 exterior badges.

Prices start at £23 195 OTR for the BMW 318i Performance Edition Saloon.

The BMW Performance Editions are available in a choice of four colours; Alpine White, Titanium Silver, Bluewater and Black Sapphire, and are on sale now.

Source: BMW

July 12, 2011

Category: Auto News