Category: Auto News

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

  • Volkswagen Golf R Cabriolet Concept

    Volkswagen Golf R Cabriolet ConceptVolkswagen has unveiled the stunning Golf R Cabriolet Concept at the 2011 Wörthersee.

    The open-top is powered by the well-known 2.0 liter turbocharged petrol engine, but this time it develops 270PS (199 kW) and 350Nm (258 lb-ft). 0 to 100 km/h in 6 seconds and top speed is electronically limited to 250 km/h (155 mph).

    The Concept car also features some exterior modifications like an aggressive front bumper, modified side skirts, carbon mirror caps and a center mounted dual sports exhaust system.

    Volkswagen Golf R Cabriolet Concept has sport suspension, enormous brakes with orange painted brake calipers and 19” alloy wheels fitted with high-performance tires.

    There are no pictures of the interior, but the driver and front passenger have the pleasure of sitting on perfectly ergonomic motorsport shell seats. There will be some carbon fiber accents. Black Nappa leather will also be present.

    The sport leather steering wheel’s inner segments and grip recesses were upholstered in “carbon leather”. The floor mats will have a carbon look.

    Everything seems perfect, but will it go in production?

    Stay tuned for more information!

    Source: Volkswagen

  • Mazda6 2.2 5dr Business Line Diesel

    Mazda is now offering a new “Business Line” model in the UK market. It is a highly specified vehicle at a competitive price.

    2012 Mazda6 “Business Line” comes with a 2.2-litre diesel delivering 129PS, which emits just 138g/km of CO2. It is priced at just £18 300. The first deliveries of the car will begin in late summer and Mazda anticipates that it will sell approximately 500 units in the remainder of 2011. Annual sales are expected to total around 1 000 units.

    Business Line comes is available in several colours – Black Mica, Sunlight Silver Metallic and Stormy Blue Mica. The additional equipment includes a Sanyo TomTom SAT NAV system with Bluetooth technology and 17” alloy wheels.

    It also has Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) and Traction Control System (TCS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and Emergency Brake Assist.

    There are also front, side and curtain airbags, cruise control and dual-zone climate control air conditioning.

    Mazda6 2.2 5dr Business Line Diesel

    “With this well equipped, fleet focused Mazda6 model, we are anticipating significant incremental sales. This is the first time Mazda has introduced a model specifically intended to appeal to company car drivers through a combination of both features and attractive benefit-in-kind rates.”, commented Mazda Fleet and Remarketing Director Steve Jelliss.

    “Drivers choosing the new Mazda6 ‘Business Line’ model will pay just £60.43 a month if a basic rate taxpayer or £120.87 a month if a higher rate taxpayer. That represents fantastic value-for-money for a car with the style, performance and features of our latest model.” Mr. Jelliss added.

    “With an anticipated monthly contract hire rate lower than significant rival models, the Mazda6 ‘Business Line’ will sit in the company car band below the premium badge cars. Consequently, iven its tax rating and specification levels, we also anticipate the car will appeal to employees choosing a car within a salary sacrifice scheme.” Mr. Jelliss finished.

    Source: Mazda

  • 2012 Ford Focus refined by Loder1899

    Loder1899 has unveiled a new tuning package for the latest 2012 Ford Focus 2.0 TDCi, so now the hatchback is not only a bland car with economic engine, but a fashionable vehicle with real style.

    The German tuner offers both – performance and styling package. The 2.0 liter diesel engine is boosted to 195PS (143 kW) and 395Nm (291 lb-ft) of torque, instead of the factory’s 140PS (103 kW) and 320Nm (236 lb-ft).

    The exterior tuning consists of stainless-steel dual sport exhaust system as well as full body kit, which is also available in carbon fiber as an option. Furthermore, the stance of the hot hatch is lowered with 35mm and big wheels are added – 18”, 19” and 20” in different designs.

    Finally, Loder1899 offers LED daytime running lights and carbon covers for the headlights.

    The prices start at €27 695, including the car, of course.

    Loder1899 2012 Ford Focus

    Source: Loder1899

  • Audi A1 Clubsport Quattro

    Audi will unveil A1 Clubsport Quattro at the 2011 Wörtherseetour in Reifnitz, Austria, which will take place from June 1st to 4th.

    The time attack machine is powered by an upgraded 2.5 liter five-cylinder turbocharged petrol featuring direct-injection. The massive power is 503PS (370 kW) and 660Nm (486 lb-ft). The performance is outstanding – 0 to 100 km/h in 3.7 seconds, to 200 km/h in just 10.9 seconds and the top speed is electronically limited to 250 km/h. However, we have no doubts that A1 Clubsport will easily pass the 300 km/h barrier. 80 to 120 km/h in 4th gear takes 2.4 seconds.

    The engine is mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox, which delivers the torque to all four wheels.

    A1 Clubsports Quattro has a curb weight of 1390 kg (3064 lbs), so it won’t be fast only in straight line, but in the corners, too.

    Furthermore,  A1 Clubsport Quattro comes with a full aerodynamics wide body kit. The width is increased will full 60 mm. There is also an adjustable coilover suspension.

    The vehicle stands on enormous 19” alloy wheels fitted with ultra-performance 255/30 ZR19 tires.

    The interior is very poor – bucket seats, a leather finish for the center console and a crossbar instead of rear seats. Still, this is an ultra-performance car, so it doesn’t need anything else.

    Audi A1 Clubsport Quattro

    Source: Audi

  • VATH Mercedes SLS AMG

    VATH has released a special tuning program for Mercedes SLS AMG. Besides the fashion exterior elements and big rims, there is also a performance package.

    The most powerful naturally aspirated V8 in the world – AMG’s 6.2 liter is boosted to 615PS (420 kW) and 680Nm (501 lb-ft) of torque. 0 to 100 km/h takes 3.6 seconds and the top speed is 330 km/h (205 mph). Nice!

    The results are thanks to a high-performance sport exhaust system and some engine modifications. The new exhaust also features a pneumatic valve system, so the sound can be manually controlled from the driver.

    VATH SLS AMG stands on 9.5J x 20” at the front and 11.5J x 20” at the rear fitted with 265/30 ZR20 and 315/25 ZR20 tires, respectively. Furthermore, the car is lowered with 25 millimeters to gain perfect stance and better handling.

    The exterior upgrades include – a front lip spoiler, a boot lid spoiler and modified side skirts.

    The interior boasts leather sport steering wheel and a speedometer up to 400 km/h. There are also black floor mats with VATH logos.

    The price of all these goodies is €32 670.

    VATH Mercedes SLS AMG

    Source: VATH

  • STaSIS S5 Cabriolet Challenge Edition

    STaSIS has unveiled another staggering tuning program, but this time for Audi S5 Cabriolet. The name of the project is Challenge Edition and it is now available for British customers for the first time.

    S5 Cabriolet Challenge Edition features full performance package as well as sports exhaust system, Ohlins race suspension and enormous monobloc brake calipers for brutal stopping power. Last, but not least, there is a road-gripping differential for perfect traction.

    The 3.0 litre turbocharged engine now delivers whopping 410BHP, instead of the factory’s 333BHP. 0 to 60 mph in just 4.3 seconds, which is 0.7 seconds improvement.

    STaSIS S5 Cabriolet Challenge Edition stands on enormous 10.5J x 20” ultra-lightweight forged aluminium wheels with high-performance tires.

    Open-top with such beauty and power will be for sure a great pleasure to drive!

    STaSIS S5 Cabriolet Challenge Edition:

    • Engine – ECU remap to 410 bhp (up from a factory 333 bhp)
    • Exhaust – Quad outlet T304 stainless steel with laser engraved tips and tuneable high rpm resonators
    • Brakes – Alcon 6-piston monobloc calipers, 370mm front two piece floating discs, high performance pads, braided stainless steel brake lines
    • Suspension – Ohlins SL dampers with double digressive damping for ride comfort, increased spring rate for better response and adjustable ride height
    • Wheels – 10.5 x 20 inch ultra-lightweight forged aluminium wheels with high performance low profile tyres

    STaSIS S5 Cabriolet Challenge Edition

    STaSIS Audi S5 Cabriolet Challenge Edition Performance Specification:-

    Factory Audi
    S5
    Cabriolet
    STaSIS S5 Cabriolet
    Challenge Edition
    Power: 333 bhp 410 bhp
    Torque: 344 lb.ft 370 lb.ft
    0-60 mph: 5.0 sec 4.3 sec
    Lateral accel’: 0.86 G 1.00 G
    Brake decel’: 0.89 G 1.00 G

    Source: Stasis

  • Suzuki Swift Sport #5

    Suzuki GB teamed up with #5 Magazine to create Suzuki Swift Sport #5, which will be collected by one lucky winner. The vehicle is created to celebrate Rio Ferdinand reaching one million Twitter followers.

    The competition will be run online until the end of July 2011 where entrants are being asked to answer one simple question to be in with a chance of winning the prize Swift Sport.  The car has been branded with the #5 logo, and specially designed #5 carpet mats.

    The promotion is the first of its kind for Suzuki GB and will be used to reach a new, online audience using Social Media.

    “We are extremely excited to be able to offer this unique prize in association with #5 Magazine and Rio Ferdinand.  It’s a good opportunity for us to build on increasing our brand and Swift Sport awareness ahead of the new model arriving later in the year and is the first time we have run such a competition online so we are looking forward to seeing the response we get.”, commented Suzuki’s Director of Sales and Marketing, Dale Wyatt.
    Suzuki Swift Sport

    Source: Suzuki

  • 2011 Dodge Ram Runner Mopar

    2011 Dodge Ram Runner Mopar is a specially modified vehicle, which is set to be the ultimate desert racer. Mopar performance division has introduced the Ram Runner off-road kit, which features some exclusive parts.

    “At Mopar, our image vehicles showcase potential directions that we may take and the new Ram Runner kit is a good example,” commented Pietro Gorlier, President and CEO, Mopar, Chrysler Group’s service, parts and customer-care brand.

    “We saw the reception that Ram Runner received last year and quickly moved to offer kits that will allow off-road enthusiasts to transform their stock Ram 1500 into a desert racer.”, he added.

    The Mopar Ram Runner Kit includes Pre-Runner Stage II Lift Kit, off-road front bumper, off-road front and rear fenders, off-road rear-tire carrier, sport performance hood and cat-back exhaust. Furthermore, each part can be purchased separately.

    The stance of the pick-up is lifted with 35.6cm (14 inches).

    However, the full kit costs around $20 000, excluding taxes.

    Mopar Ram Runner Mopar

    Mopar-First Features

    Mopar has introduced numerous industry-first features including:
    •    Camper trailers: first to introduce off-road camper trailers
    •    Vehicle-information smartphone apps: first to introduce smartphone vehicle-information applications, a new channel of communication with consumers
    •    Electronic owner manuals: first to introduce traditional owner manuals in a DVD and brief user-guide format
    •    Electronic Vehicle Tracking System (EVTS): first to introduce new vehicle tracking system that sends owner a text when vehicle is driven too fast or too far based on set parameters
    •    2011 Challenger Drag Pak: first to introduce a 500-plus cubic-inch V-10 drag-race package car
    •    WiFi: first to offer customers the ability to make their vehicle a wireless hot spot
    •    Brand-specific customer care telephone lines: first to offer Sunday service hours for customers
    •    WiTECH: first to support vehicle diagnosis and software updates leveraging off-the-shelf personal computers and a dedicated wireless tool network

    Source: Dodge

  • MEC Design Mercedes SLS AMG

    MEC Design has reveled a special tuning program for the beast – Mercedes SLS AMG Gullwing.

    The aerdonynamics package includes a new front bumper with choice of 1 or 2 piece Front Lip Spoiler and optional LED Lighting. Front lips are also available in carbon fiber. There is also a new rear bumper with three different Diffusor options – “Extreme” or “Formula” or “GT3”, which also can come in carbon fiber. At the sides, MEC Design offers a pear side skirts with optional 4 LEDs for each. At the rear, the tuning company installed a trunklid spoiler, 2 piece window spoiler and a roof airscoop. All these parts are also available in carbon fiber.

    MEC Design fitted the SLS AMG with Stainless Steel Sports Rear Muffler, which also be used with the original AMG System with Adaptor pipes for the MEC Design 4-pipes end tips for use with the MEC Design Bodykit.

    The tuner also offers Hydraulic Suspension with “LIFT-UP” System – height adjustment up to 30mm at the front / rear axle and, lowering up to 70mm possible.

    The sports car stands on enormous 10.5J x 20” MEC Design Wheels mecxtreme3 fitted with 265/30 ZR20 tires and 11.5J x 21” rims with 295/25 ZR21 at the rear. Furthermore, 11Jx20” and 12.5Jx20” can be fitted.

    The interior boasts Carbon/ Alcantara Sports Steering Wheel with shift paddles, Complete Carbon Trim – Middle Console, Door guards, Scuffplate/entry guard, compartment between the rear seats, seat cover, seat casing.

    MEC Design Mercedes SLS AMG

    Last, but not least – MEC Design Floor mats with double stitched Nubuck Leather edging and MEC Design Trunk finishing are available.

    MEC Design Bodykit:

    • Front Bumper with choice of 1 or 2 piece Front Lip Spoiler/ optional LED Lighting (Front lips are also available in Carbon finish)
    • Rear Bumper with 3 different Diffusor options / “Extreme” or “Formula” or “GT3” (Diffusors are also available in Carbon finish)
    • Side skirts, optional with 4 LED’s per side
    • Rear Trunklid Spoiler (also available in Carbon finish)
    • 2 Piece Window Spoiler (also available in Carbon finish)
    • Roof Airscoop (also available in Carbon finish)

    MEC Design Mercedes SLS AMG

    Source: MEC Design

  • Hot Wheels – world record jump of 101.2 meters

    The world record for for distance jump at has been broken by Team Hot WheelsTM Yellow Driver Tanner Foust, which successfully landed a ramp-to-ramp of total 332 feet (over 101 meters).

    “Fans witnessed not only a record-breaking jump today, but also an incredible childhood fantasy come to life which engaged multiple generations,” commented Simon Waldron, vice president of marketing for Hot Wheels®.

    “Hot Wheels has a deep and rich history in racing that spans over 40 years and there was no better global stage than the Indy 500 to create this once-in-a-lifetime experience.”, he added.

    Everything started with a car on 10-story high ramp (100 feet), which flew across the infield of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. We can’t estimate the speed, but it is something around 200 km/h or more, so every mistake will be deadly. However, everything went smooth and the Indy 500 landed safely on the other ramp … The suspension took the hard hit and the driving maintained the control of the vehicle.

    Enjoy the video!

    p.s. The previous record was 91.75 meters.
    httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7SjX7A_FR6g

    Hot Wheels Indy 500

    Source: Hot Wheels via WCF

  • Vauxhall Insignia 1.4 Turbo Price – £18 680

    Vauxhall Insignia is now available with the super efficient 1.4 Turbo petrol engine, which hgas a 10% improvement in CO2 (115g versus 129g) over the outgoing model. This car is an addition to the ecoFLEX diesel model. The 1.4 Turbo petrol engine also offers low 15 per cent BIK for the 2011/12 tax year.

    The new 1.4 liter turbocharged petrol engine develops 140PS and 200Nm, and returns 51.4 mpg.

    2011 Insignia comes with 18” five spoke alloy wheels and some new SAT NAV system – Navi600 and Navi900. The Navi600 offers UK and Ireland mapping and main road networks across Europe, whilst the Navi900 features detailed European mapping.

    The diesel range starts at £20 345 for the ES 2.0 CDTi 130PS ecoFLEX Start/Stop Hatchback and go up to £29 385 for the top-of-the-range SRi Nav Vx Line Red Sports Tourer 160PS ecoFLEX.

    The new 1.4 Turbo has a price tag of £18 680 for the ES Hatchback up to £27 110 for the SRi Nav Vx Line Red Sports Tourer.

    So, Vauxhall offers superb efficiency at decent price and, if you need a family saloon or touring car – the new Insignia may be the right choice. It also offers outstanding safety features and very good handling for those, who like sporty driving.

    Last, but not least, you can always think about an ECU re-map after the warranty, because the turbocharged petrol will easily gain another 30-40PS without any difficulties.

    2011 Vauxhall Insignia Sports Tourer

    Source: Vauxhall

  • 2012 Mercedes SLS AMG Roadster

    Mercedes has unveiled the new 2012 SLS AMG Roadster, which will have its official debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show, this year. The sports car will combine superb performance and wind in the hair. 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Roadster will make its U.S. debut in Fall 2011.

    The roof is fully automatic and features a glass rear window, and can be folded or raised at speeds up to 31 mph (50 km/h). Furthermore, it doesn’t take any boot space, which is decent for such type of car – 173 liters.

    “The SLS Roadster is a super sports car, cruiser and highly desirable dream-car all in one. In its distinctive way, it continues the succession of iconic and exciting sports cars from Mercedes-Benz.”, commented Dr Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of the Board of Management of Daimler AG and CEO of Mercedes-Benz Cars.

    2012 Mercedes SLS AMG Roadster

    “Systematic lightweight construction, outstanding performance and a breathtaking design combined with sensuous open-air driving pleasure – the new SLS AMG Roadster perfectly embodies the AMG philosophy of German engineering and craftsmanship. The gullwing model has already thrilled sports car fans all over the world, and now the convertible version is bound to cause a sensation.”, Ola Källenius, Chairman of Mercedes-AMG GmbH added.

    2012 SLS AMG Roadster is powered by the famous 6.2 liter naturally aspirated V8 with staggering 571PS (420 kW) and 650Nm (479 lb-ft) of torque. It is mated to the AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT 7-speed sports gearbox, which shifts in as little as 100 milliseconds. There are also four  different driving modes: “C” (Controlled Efficiency), “S” (Sport), “S+” (Sport plus) or “M” (Manual). As you may suggest, the acceleration is brutal – 0 to 60 mph in 3.7 seconds and top speed is 317 km/h (197 mph). Despite the heavy weight – 1661 kg (3661 lbs), the car acts just super.

    The interior matches the exterior – leather upholstery, mettalic accents and nice AMG sports seats with AIRSCARF. The options list includes a Bang & Olufsen audio system and an AMG Performance Media system.

    2012 Mercedes SLS AMG Roadster

    Key functions:

    • Real-time display of engine oil, coolant and transmission fluid temperature
    • Real-time display of engine output, torque and accelerator position
    • Real-time display of individual tire pressures
    • Real-time display of acceleration time from 0-60 mph (alternatively: quarter-mile)
    • Real-time display of lateral and linear acceleration combined with braking performance and accelerator position, including memory function

    SLS AMG Roadster stands on enormous 19” rims at the front fitted with 265/35 ZR19 ultra-performance tires and 20” rims at the rear wrapped in 295/30 ZR20. The attractive AMG Sepang brown metallic paint finish and weight-optimized forged wheels in a 10-spoke design, painted in matte black with a high-sheen rim flange, are available as new optional extras.

    2012 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Roadster will hit the market in Fall 2011. Price list is not announced, yet.

    SLS Roadster

    Source: Mercedes-Benz