Auto News – Page 986 – Automobiles Review

Piecha 2012 Mercedes SLK

Piecha Design aren’t waste any time and the tuning company has already released a special styling package for the latest 2012 Mercedes SLK – R172 model. The name of the project is Accurian RS and it includes only aerodynamic enhancements. Still, we expect them to release some performance packages for the powerful Mercedes’ engines.

The body kit includes an Accurian RS front spoiler lip with lateral grids, Accurian RS side skirt covers, Accurian RS sills with LED lighting units. There are also a revised rear apron, a new diffuser, a trunk-mounted spoiler and a four-tailpipe sport exhaust system.

Piecha Accurian RS stands on enormous alloys with dimensions 8.5J x 19” ET25 with 225/35 R19 tires at the front and optional 9.5J or 10.5J x 19” with 255 or 275/30 R19 tires at the rear.

The stance is brutal, because of the lowering springs kit, which cuts 25 mm of the height of the SLK.

Finally, the Mercedes specialists from Rottweiler offer practical comfort top control, which allows for an opening and closing of the top via the serial key up to a speed of 60 km/h.

Piecha Accurian RS 2012 Mercedes S

Source: Piecha Design

May 11, 2011

Ford Focus ST Prototype

Ford will soon introduce the new version of Focus ST, which will feature unique paintjob, lowered syspension, huge alloys wheels fitted with performance tires and central rear double exhaust.

“The new Focus ST is eagerly awaited around the world, which is appropriate as this is our first global performance model,” commented Jost Capito, Ford’s director of Global Performance Vehicles.

“It must live up to Ford’s reputation for producing affordable yet exciting and sporty versions of its smaller cars that reward and delight enthusiast drivers, but can also be used every day.”, he added.

“We’ve done all the engineering groundwork, and now we’re using some of the most demanding roads we can find in Europe and North America to validate and fine tune the performance and driving dynamics.”, mr. Capito finished.

The new Focus ST will be powered by a specially developed engine with 2.0 litres of displacement. The EcoBoost power plant will deliver 250PS, while the fuel consumption will be significantly improved.

The drivers will be helped by highly tuned Electric Power Assist Steering (EPAS) system. The new ST will also have driver-orientated seats, sports steering wheel and some other goodies. The car will bring staggering performance and unique driving pleasure.

“Fuel efficiency is a key leadership target for Ford Motor Company globally. We want to be class-leading even with a performance vehicle, so we’re working on getting the best possible blend of high power and fuel economy from the new ST,” said Matthias Tonn, chief program engineer, Global Performance Products, Ford of Europe.

“We’re fine-tuning, testing, and fine tuning again many of the small but critical details to make sure it is worthy of the ST badge,” Tonn said.

“We will build upon and improve the ride, steering and handling strengths that defined the current European Focus ST.”, he added.

“The seats and seating position were very good in the previous Focus ST, but the new model is sleeker and the driver will sit lower. The new seats which will provide even more support,” Tonn finished.

Ford Focus ST Prototype

Source: Ford

May 11, 2011

2011 Diesel Car Awards – Ford with double victory

Ford managed to get two awards at the 2011 Diesel Car Awards. The two honoured models are the latest Focus and refined Mondeo. Diesel Car evaluated the 1.6 and 2.0-litre Ford Focus TDCi models – each available in two power outputs.

“The Ford Focus is quite simply the best handling, most dynamically accomplished car in its class – the one the others have to match. A new benchmark has been set for this size of car, because the bar has been raised by new Focus.”, commented Ian Robertson, Diesel Car editor.

Mondeo TDCi is powered by 1.6 litre diesel with Auto-Start-Stop as standard. It achieves the amazing 65.6 mpg and emissions of just 114 g/km of CO2.

Ian Robertson added: “The Mondeo delivers driving dynamics that are second-to-none. There’s a magic about the way this car handles. It is superbly nimble and poised, with great handling and excellent steering feel that crisply communications what’s happening down there at the road surface.”

“This is a sizeable market for Ford, with 45 per cent of Focus cars bought being diesels and 86 per cent of Mondeos. To receive independent endorsement of these cars from Diesel Car is recognition of the UK-based Ford engineers and manufacturing specialists producing these engines.”, commented Jon Wellsman, Ford Britain sales director.

ford mondeo titanium

Source: Ford

May 11, 2011

Volkswagen Golf GTI Edition 35

Volkswagen Golf VI GTI Edition 35 will have its official debut on June 1^st. However, the manufacturer has released some pictures ahead of its premiere. The car is built specially to celebrate the model’s 35th anniversary.

Golf VI GTI Edition 35 boasts new front bumper, revised interior trim and a lot of “35” badging. The “35” signature appears on the wing panels, door sill plates, head restraints and centre seat panel.

Golf VI GTI anniversary model is powered by a 2.0 liter TSI petrol engine with 235PS (173 kW), which is 25PS more than the factory’s 210PS (155 kW).

Under the hood, power comes from a revised 2.0-liter TSI petrol engine that develops 235 PS (173 kW / 232 hp) instead of the usual 210 PS (155 kW / 207 hp). Nothing is mentioned about the torque, but perhaps it is slightly increased, too.

Golf VI GTI Edition 35 will hit the market at price of €30 425 EURO. The company will begin accepting pre-orders on May 12^th.

volkswagen golf vi gti edition 35

Source: Volkswagen

May 10, 2011

JE DESIGN Seat Ibiza Estate ST

JE Design has released an upgraded version of the new Seat Ibiza Estate ST. The five-door car has its own range now as well.

The aerodynamics kit includes a front spoiler, a sports radiator grille, headlamp covers, side skirts and a rear apron extension. The price of the package is 1149 Euro.

The suspension is also improved by installing lowering springs by 35mm. The price is just 149 Euro. The stance is just perfect as well as the performance.

JE Design Seat Ibiza Estate ST stands on elegant Multispoke wheels in dimensions 7J x 17” ET 35 or 7.5J x 18” ET 35 fitted with 215/40 R17 or 215/35 R18 tyres. The rims can be finished in “Shadow Silver” or “Matte Black with Silver Wheel Rims”. The price starts from 1809 Euro.

The performance package boosts the 1.6 TDI CR engine from 105PS (77 kW) to 121PS (89 kW) and 282Nm of torque. The top speed is 194 km/h and 0 to 100 km/h takes 10.2 seconds. The price of the additional electronics box is 1399 Euro.

The interior can be individualised with leather upholstery – 1599 Euro, a leather steering wheel – 399 Euro, leather shift boot and handbrake sleeve – 179 Euro. Additionally, there is an option for any colour combination of the leather and the stitching for no extra charge. If desired, the car tuner can also embroider an individual logo on to the front seat rests for 79 Euro.

For maximum comfort, Je Design offers the two-stage seat heating – 379 Euro, electrically adjustable lumbar support – 319 Euro and the massage system with a total of twelve programmes – 429 Euro.

JE DESIGN Ford Focus Estate ST

Source: JE Design

May 10, 2011

Volvo V60 Plug-in Hybrid

Volvo will make first tests of the new V60 Plug-in Hybrid in Berlin. The vehicle combines advanced technology with luxury design. The first official road test drive with the unique Volvo V60 Plug-in Hybrid will take place at the 11th Michelin Challenge Bibendum in Berlin – 18-22 May 2011.

The Volvo V60 Plug-in Hybrid, the Volvo C30 Electric and the Volvo V50 DRIVe featured in Berlin are three examples of Volvo Car Corporation’s uncompromising attitude to green motoring.

“In order to get true car enthusiasts to think green, you have to offer them the opportunity to drive with low carbon dioxide emissions without taking away the adrenaline rush that promotes genuine driving pleasure,” commented Peter Mertens, Senior Vice President Research and Development at Volvo Car Corporation.

“Since the Michelin Challenge Bibendum drives include acceleration and handling tests as well as energy efficient driving, we expect that our cars will do very well. All of them are just as well equipped, comfortable, sporty and safe as all Volvo models.”, he added.

V60 Plug-in Hybrid is powered by a five-cylinder 2.4-litre turbodiesel with 215PS and 400Nm. In addition, there is a 70PS electric motor, which receives power from a 12 kWh lithium-ion battery pack.
Volvo V60 Plug-in Hybrid

In Pure mode the car runs only on its electric motor as much as possible. The driving range is up to 32 miles.
In the default Hybrid mode the diesel engine and electric motor interact to provide the optimal balance between driving pleasure and low environmental impact. Emissions of CO₂ (NEDC) are 49 g/km, corresponding to diesel fuel consumption of 150 mpg. The car’s total range is up to 746 miles.
In Power mode the technology is optimised to give the car the best possible performance. The diesel engine and electric motor have a combined power output 215 + 70 horsepower and maximum torque of 440 + 200 Nm.

Source: Volvo

May 10, 2011

Vilner Smart FotTwo Square Style

Smart ForTwo received another tuning package, but this time from the Bulgarian Custom studio Vilner. The small city car is completely transformed both inside and outside. The aim of the company is to create a vehicle, which attracts a lot of attention. Still, Vilner ForTwo will be used as a promotional car.

The name of the project is Square Style derived from the chequered motifs on the vehicle.

Vilner used orange foil with patterns of stitching for the exterior with full chrome panles and orange soft for the alloy wheels, mirrors and other details.

The interior boasts new two-tone leather upholstery, new trim for the dashboard, roof and door panels. ForTwo also received special floor mats.

The steering wheel is revised, too. It is specially designed to be more ergonomic, because the car is used mainly in the city.

With all these modifications, Vilner Smart ForTwo is a real eye-catcher, instead of a regular small city car. The idea for creating customised Smart is not unique, but the way Vilner did it is just brilliant.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pepqsOma7Wc&feature=channel_video_title

Vilner Smart FotTwo Square Style

Source: Vilner

May 10, 2011

STaSIS Audi R8 V8 Challenge Extreme Edition

STaSIS has introduced Audi R8 V8 Challenge Extreme Edition, which is available specially for the British market. The car is developed to bring high doses adrenaline, which is not so hard especially, when you have 540BHP.

Following on from the successful UK debut of the R8 V10 STaSIS Challenge Extreme Edition, which was released last month. From concept to production each new STaSIS component is rigorously tested to ensure maximum performance and factory levels of reliability.

The STaSIS Audi R8 V8 Challenge Extreme Edition accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 3.6 seconds, thanks to the 28% power increase.

The performance package is available now from APS of Brackley and the UK STaSIS sales agent network.

To celebrate this fact until May 31^st 2011 UK importer APS of Brackley is offering the 540BHP STaSIS Audi R8 V8 supercharger package at a specially discounted price, with the additional bonus of an extra 10% discount from any associated STaSIS product purchased at the same time.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KSFWRKUvZ14

STaSIS Audi R8 V8 Challenge Extreme Edition

Audi R8 V8 Challenge Extreme Edition:

Engine – Eaton / Magnusson TVS 1900 supercharger running 7.5 psi of boost, independent charge cooler system to ensure consistent high power output, CNC billet alloy machined intake plenum for durability and strength, high performance STaSIS ECU remap – performance increases to 540 bhp and 435 lb.ft of torque
Exhaust – 3.0 inch TIG welded and individually numbered stainless steel, cross-flow exhaust system with reduced back pressure for improved power and efficiency
Brakes – Alcon 390mm front / 355mm rear with two piece floating discs
Suspension – Lowering springs to improve handling and give a more aggressive appearance while retaining ride quality, matched bump stops, factory ‘drive select’ feature retained
Wheels – 9.5 x 20 inch ultra-lightweight forged aluminium front, 12 x 20 inch forged aluminium rear with high performance low profile tyres

STaSIS Audi R8 V8 Challenge Extreme Edition Performance Specification:-

	Factory Audi R8 V8	STaSIS Audi R8 V8 Challenge Extreme Edition	Factory Audi R8 V10
Power:	420 bhp	540 bhp	525 bhp
Torque:	350 lb.ft	435 lb.ft	391 lb.ft
Weight:	1560 kilos	1575 kilos	1620 kilos
0-60 mph:	4.4 sec	3.6 sec	3.7 sec
Lateral accel’:	0.96 G	1.01 G	0.99 G
Brake decel’:	1.04 G	1.06 G	1.02 G

Source: Stasis

May 9, 2011

Porsche Cayman S Black Edition

Porsche has announced a factory tuned version of Cayman S called Black Edition. The special edition will be limited to just 500 units, which will boast extreme performance and superb specification.

Cayman S Black Edition is powered by a 3.4 litre six-cylinder boxer engine with 330PS (243 kW) at 7400RPM and 370Nm (274 lb-ft) of torque at 4750RPM. The acceleration is brutal – 0 to 100 km/h in 5.1 seconds with 6-speed manual and 5.0 seconds flat with the optional PDK gearbox. However, with the launch control, which will be available with the Sport Chrono package, the time is dropped to just 4.8 seconds. The top speed is 279 km/h (173 mph) with manual gearbox and 277 km/h (172 mph) with the PDK.

Cayman S Black Edition stands on 19” wheels fitted with 235/35 ZR 19 at the front and 265/35 ZR 19 at the rear. The wheels are half an inch wider than the regular 18” alloys.

The car is superbly well equipped. It features Bi-Xenon headlights with dynamic cornering lights and LED daytime running lights, automatic anti-dazzle interior and exterior mirrors with integrated rain sensor, black partial leather seats with Porsche crest on the headrests, climate control, Sport Design steering wheel and cruise control.

The dashboards is black as well as the gear lever and instrument dials. The interior also boasts door entry guards emblazoned with the lettering “Black Edition” made of stainless steel, Sound Package Plus.

The Porsche Communication Management (PCM) controls the navigation

module and universal audio interface (AUX, USB, iPod).

Porsche Cayman S Black Edition is priced at 67 807 Euro in Germany including VAT.

Porsche Cayman S Black Edition

Source: Porsche

May 9, 2011

Superchips Ford S-MAX 2.0 Ecoboost

Superchips Ltd has developed another performance package for the latest Ford S-Max with 2.0 liter direct injected turbocharged Ecoboost engine.

The ECU re-map boosts the 2.0 litre petrol engine with 40BHP at 5648RPM and 67Nm at just 2065RPM. With all that new power, the family vehicle is even more friendly to drive than before. Furthermore, the exceptional mileage is unchanged – 35 mpg on combined cycle. So despite the performance increase produced by the upgrade, if a Superchips remapped S-MAX is driven in a “like for like” manner, fuel consumption will not be adversely affected.

Customers will get a full Service Guarantee and an industry-leading 12 month / 30 000 supplementary full vehicle warranty.

The performance upgrade is suitable for all Ford S-MAX 2.0-litre, 203 PS Ecoboost models produced from March 2010 onwards. The result is 243PS and 367Nm of torque. The price is £455.00, so don’t compromise, optimise.

Superchips Ford S-MAX 2.0-litre Ecoboost

Source: Superchips

May 9, 2011

Cobra VW Touran, Sharan and Caddy

Cobra now offers an exterior package for the latest Volkswagen Touran.

It includes a high-gloss stainless-steel front brush guard with a tube diameter of 48mm and a stainless-steel bumper grille. The Touran also comes with high-gloss side guards with integrated step and a tube diameter of 60 mm, and a version with a brushed surface finish without the integrated step. At the rear, there is a bumper guard with a choice of high-gloss or brushed finishes.

Cobra Touran stands on new alloy wheels with dimension 8Jx18”.

The tuning company also offers some upgrades for the latest Sharan.

The minivan comes with a stainless-steel front brush guard and bumper grille. At the sides, there are guards with integrated step.

The five-spoke 17” wheels are available as one-piece and multi-piece designs. The width is 8J.

VW Caddy also benefits from Cobra Technology and Lifestyle. The front received brush guard and bumper grille, both made from high-gloss stainless steel. Side guards with and without integrated step are also available.

These accessories are complemented with striking Cobra Grenada alloy wheels in size 7Jx15 for retaining the stock tires or in size 8Jx17 for mounting sporty low-profile tires.

Cobra VW Touran

Source: Cobra

May 9, 2011

Mercedes G-Class “BA3 Final Edition” and “Edition Select”

The iconic G-Class of Mercedes-Benz will be available in two new special editions – BA3 Final Edition and Edition Select.

The first – Edition Select costs €6 735 for the long-wheelbase model. It includes two-tone paint scheme, an AMG sports exhaust and black 18” alloy wheels. The interior boasts two-tone designo leather upholstery and piano black wood trim.
The second – BA3 Final Edition is based on the short-wheelbase model and celebrates its end of production. It includes AMG flared wheel arches in the vehicle colour, 5-twin-spoke 18” light-alloy wheels fitted with 265/60 R 18 tires. There are also a 3D Mercedes-Benz star in stainless steel and an AMG radiator grille in a 3-louvre design with chrome highlights. The interior comes with black leather seats, burr walnut trim and ambient lighting.

There are two engine available – G 350 BlueTEC comes with a six-cylinder diesel with 211PS (155 kW) and 540Nm (398 lb-ft). The G 500 has a 5.5-liter V8 petrol with 388PS (285 kW) and 530Nm (391 lb-ft).

Mercedes-Benz G 350 BlueTEC BA3 Final Edition is priced at €90 511 and the more powerful G 500 has a price tag of €100 685.

G-Klasse - BA 3 Final Edition