Auto News – Page 989 – Automobiles Review

Alfa MiTo MY2011

Alfa Romeo has announced the new MiTo MY2011, which is significantly improved compared to the predecessor. The new one includes higher standard specifications, and a new congestion-busting sub-100g/km CO₂ model.

The new MiTo will feature the Sprint trim level, which will replace both Turismo and Lusso. Entry level versions are now known as Progression, and Distinctive and Quadrifoglio Verde versions replace Veloce and Cloverleaf.

The prices are also reduced and now Alfa MiTo is priced at just £12 250 OTR for the entry level 1.4 8V Progression. The top of range 1.4 TB MultiAir 170BHP Quadrifoglio Verde is priced at £17 955 OTR.

The engine range will feature three new engines:

1.4 8V with 78BHP with and Start&Stop as standard

1.4 MultiAir with 105BHP

1.3 JTDm-2 with 85BHP and just 95g/km of CO2

Distinctive and Quadrifoglio Verde levels will now include Cruise Control, Sports pedals and rear parking sensors as standard.

The new MiTo is available in Metal Bronze finish with special Sprint Bronze upholstery. The model was previewed at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show.

Alfa MiTo MY2011 Price List:

	Basic Price	VAT	Total Price	OTR Charges	Total OTR
1.4 8v 78 bhp Progression	£9,703.72	£1,940.74	£11,644.47	£805.53	£12,250.00
1.4 8v bhp Sprint	£10,287.06	£2,057.41	£12,344.47	£805.53	£12,950.00
1.4 TB MultiAir 105 bhp Sprint	£11,028.72	£2,205.74	£13,234.47	£720.53	£13,955.00
1.4 TB MultiAir 105 bhp Distinctive	£12,028.72	£2,405.74	£14,434,47	£720.53	£15,155.00
1.4 TB MultiAir 135 bhp Distinctive	£12,787.06	£2,557.41	£15,344.47	£805.53	£15,950.00
1.4 TB MultiAir 135 bhp ALFA TCT Distinctive	£13,870.39	£2,774.08	£16,644.47	£805.53	£17,250.00
1.4 TB MultiAir 170 bhp Quadrifoglio Verde	£14,362.06	£2,872.41	£17,234.47	£720.53	£17,955.00
1.3 JDTM-2 85 bhp Sprint	£11,537.06	£2,507.41	£13,844.47	£805.53	£14,450.00
1.6 JTDM-2 120 bhp Distinctive	£13,370.39	£2,674.08	£16,044.47	£805.53	£16,850.00

Alfa MiTo MY2011

Source: Alfa Romeo

April 28, 2011

A 7-year “Ferrari Geniune Maintenance” Programme

Ferrari is taking a huge risk with their special 7-year Genuine Maintenance programme. It covers all the scheduled maintenance for the first seven years, regardless of vehicle mileage. The programme offers services for all new Ferrari California, 458 Italia and FF models.

Furthermore, the Ferrari Genuine Maintenance programme is transferable to a new client in the event of a change of vehicle ownership. It is designed to anticipate one annual service each year during the 7 years, but because of the no mileage restriction, clients who reach the service intervals by mileage, will be able to have their car serviced more than once per year. The service intervals are every 20 000km (12 500miles).

The Ferrari Genuine Maintenance programme will be supplied as standard with all Ferrari California, 458 Italia and FF models delivered from 15 March 2011 and is only available through the official Ferrari service centre network. The programme ensures:

cars are maintained in accordance with Ferrari’s recommended schedule
safety and environmental standards are maintained thoughout the period
enhanced residual values for the original and subsequent owners

Such kind of service is unique and Ferrari will probably attract more clients of luxury supercars than their competitors.
Ferrari California

Source: Ferrari

April 28, 2011

Zagato Alfa Romeo TZ3 Stradale

Zagata Alfa Romeo TZ3 Stradale is part of the company’s celebrations for the 100th anniversary of the Italian manufacturer. The car is based on a Dodge Viper ACR chassis and has a body, which is built entirely from carbon fiber for maximum strength and weight reduction. Furthermore, TZ3 Stradale will also feature a USA engine.

The company didn’t release any further information , but Zagato will build only 9 Alfa Romeo TZ3 Stradale units worldwide and the first three will be delivered to the USA, Japan and Europe, of course.

Price is not announced, too or any technical details. However, the car looks wonderful and it will be superbly fast considering the mighty V10 engine of Dodge Viper and the super lightweight of the whole TZ3 Stradale.

Stay tuned for more information about this beautiful car!

Zagato Alfa Romeo TZ3 Stradale

Source: Zagato

April 28, 2011

Impressive TDI engine for the new Audi R18

Audi had to develop a new TDI engine for the R18 Race car, because of the regulations.

“Audi invented the TDI engine and is convinced that this technology remains one of the most efficient and modern forms to power a car – especially at Le Mans where engines with high specific power, low fuel consumption and low emissions are a necessity.”

The new compact 3.7 litre V6 TDI is much lighter than its V10 TDI predecessor fitted to the older R15 TDI Race car. The V6 TDI engine powering the Audi R18 TDI, which has a cylinder angle of 120 degrees and an extremely low center of gravity, is technically generations further along the line and is also a technology-demonstrator for future production engines. It is fitted with a single turbocharger that also sits above the engine and draws its air directly through the air scoop mounted on the roof.

The 3.7 litre V6 TDI has a power of more than 540PS (397 kW). Simply an incredible result of such small, light and compact power unit.

Furthermore, the Audi R18 TDI is probably the quietest race car Audi Sport has ever built.

“Noise is unused energy,” underlines Dr. Wolfgang Ullrich who is delighted by the whispering murmur of the R18 TDI.

“The sound is unique,” raves Le Mans record winner Tom Kristensen.

“It’s hard to describe. You have to hear it yourself. I think it’s fantastic.”, he finished.
TDI engine for the new Audi R18 Le Mans 2011

Source: Audi

April 28, 2011

BRABUS B63 – 620 PowerXtra CGI

BRABUS has introduced a special performance package for the latest V8 bi-turbo engines of Mercedes-Benz. Depending on the model and the level of tuning, the engine can be boosted up to 620PS (455 kW) and 1000Nm (737 lb-ft) of torque. The performance package is avalable for the latest S and CL 500 ( US: S550 and CL550) as well as the S and CL 63 AMG models.

Furthermore, the tuning company now offers modified aerodynamic components made from carbon fiber, huge custom alloys of up to 21” and some exclusive interior options. All parts come with BRABUS Tuning Warranty of 3 years or 100 000km.

The performance package BRABUS B50 – 490 PowerXtra CGI for for S 500 and CL 500 costs EUR 4 900. The 4.7 liter bi-turbo V8 is boosted to 490PS (360 kW) and 780Nm (575 lb-ft), instead of the factory’s 435PS (320 kW).

The BRABUS B50 – 520 PowerXtra CGI performance kit is available for EUR 5 900. It raises the power to 520PS (382 kW) and 820Nm (604 lb-ft). Equipped with this kit, both sedan and coupe reach a top speed of 300 km/h (188 mph) in combination with the BRABUS Vmax Unit.

BRABUS B63 – 584 PowerXtra CGI is available for the S 63 and CL 63 models. It is priced at EUR 5 900 and boosts the engine to 584PS.

The most powerful package is the BRABUSB63 – 620 PowerXtra CGI, which offers 620PS (455 kW) at 5500RPM and 1000Nm (737 lb-ft) available between 2250RPM and 3750RPM. 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.3 seconds and top speed of 320 km/h (199 mph).

BRABUS also offers sport exhaust system with exhaust flap control, which can be adjusted by the push of a button on the steering wheel. It comes with two ceramic-coated tailpipes.

Another performance part is a LSD (limited-slip differential) with a locking rate of up to 40 percent for the S 63 and CL 63 models.

The aerodynamic package includes front spoiler, carbon-fiber moldings for the gills in the sides of the front bumper. BRABUS aluminum sport fenders lend the car a decidedly dynamic appearance. Carbon-fiber diffuser with integrated reflector and the carbon-fiber rear spoiler.

There are also BRABUS Monoblock alloy wheels with diameters ranging from 19 to 21” for all Mercedes S- and CL-Class models.The rims are fitted with Pirelli or YOKOHAMA high-performance tires.

The interior can be upgraded according to the customer’s taste and the oppotunities are almost unlimited.
BRABUS B63 - 620 PowerXtra CGI

Source: Brabus

April 28, 2011

2012 Kuncheng pickup

At the Auto Shanghai 2011, FAW-GM, a joint venture between GM China and FAW has displayed for first time in front of public its all-new, 2012 Kuncheng pickup. (more…)

April 28, 2011

Porsche 911 GT3 RS 4.0

Here are some pictures from TeamSpeed of Porsche 911 GT3 RS 4.0 . The super sports car will be produced in limited series of just 500 units.

The exterior boasts a race-inspired GT3 rear wing, painted front and rear carbon fiber fascias.

Inside, the new GT3 4.0 has racing seats with RS 4.0 badges, rear-seat rollcage, Alcantara shift knob and steering wheel, and weight-saving door release handles. The bad news is that the SAT NAV will be romoved for saving weight.

Porsche 911 GT3 RS 4.0 is powered by a 4.0 liter naturally aspirated flat six with 500PS (368 kW), which is 50HP more than the standard production GT3 RS which comes with a 3.8 liter engine.

Stay tuned for more information and some better pictures of this astonishing car!

Porsche 911 GT3 RS 40

Source: Porsche

April 27, 2011

2012 Chrysler 300 SRT8

2012 Chrysler 300 SRT8 is the latest addition to the last year’s introduced, completely redesigned 2011 Chrysler 300, aimed at adding the line-up with an exclusive combination of world-class luxury, power and handling. (more…)

April 27, 2011

BMW 1-Series M is faster than E92 M3 at Hockenheimring

BMW 1-Series M once again proved, that it is amazing small sports car. It managed to outrun the bigger and more powerful E92 M3 around Hockenheimring circuit in Germany. Sport Auto took a stock 1 Series M Coupe and let it race against a current-generation (E92) M3 with ZCP competition package and dual-clutch transmission.

1-Series M is powered by a twin-turbo 3.0 liter inline six-cylinder with 340PS (250 kW) and 500Nm (369 lb-ft) of torque. It is connected to a 6-speed manual transmission. The E92 M3 has mighty 4.0 liter naturally aspirated V8 with 420PS (309 kW) and 400Nm (295 lb-ft) of torque.

Despite the more power, E92 M3 achieved a best lap – 1:14.1 and the 1-Series M finished around the track in 1:14.2. The difference is insignificant, but the both Motorsport BMWs are a lot faster than Audi RS5 with 1:15.3 and TT-RS with 1:14.3.

Still, Cayman S made a lap around the track for 1:13.9 with automatic gearbox and 1:14.0 with manual transmission.

However, 1-Series M is not only a great sports car, but it reminds to the old BMW, which were made for pure driving pleasure.

2011 BMW 1-Series M

Source: BMW

April 27, 2011

Caterham Seven Team Lotus Special Edition

Caterham has announced a new Team Lotus Special Edition Seven model. The vehicle is created specially to celebrated the company’s new ownership. The upgrade package will be limited to just 25 units and can be applied to any variant up to the top-of-the-range Superlight R500 with 263BHP.

For £3 000 more, your car can be painted in the famous green and yellow colours of Lotus and will come with a raft of bespoke Team Lotus additions. The upgrade package will also include an invitation to a customised tour of the Team Lotus F1 factory in Hingham, Norfolk.

“Caterham Cars is starting an exciting and hugely important chapter, so it’s entirely fitting that we celebrate our opportunity to take Colin Chapman’s ‘less is more’ philosophy global, with this special car.” Commented Caterham managing director, Ansar Ali.

“Owners of the Special Edition Sevens will have not only a fabulous British sportscar, but a genuine piece of automotive history in their garage.”, he added

Caterham Seven is priced at £13 650, excluding the upgrade package.
Caterham Seven Team Lotus Special Edition

Source: Caterham

April 27, 2011

RENM Audi R8 V10 RMS Spyder

RENM Performance has unveiled the tuned version of Audi R8 V10 Spyder. The new RMS is lighter, faster and exclusive version featuring carbon kevlar materials and revised aerodynamics.

The exterior package includes a revised front grille, brake cooling chambers, front splitter, redesigned front and rear side grilles and rear diffuser.

Audi R8 V10 RMS Spyder stands on enormous Racelight 20” wheels with Sportcup tyres and Superlight 19” wheels with race specification tires. The rims have dimensions 9J at the front and 11J at the rear and are fitted with 245/30 and 305/30 or 235/35 and 305/25.

The interior boasts lightweight sport seats and additional carbon fiber trim – steering wheel, complete center console, instrument gauge, shift gate, hand brake, arm rests and door trims.

R8 V10 RMS Spyder is powered by a 5.2 liter V10 with 600PS and 585Nm (431 lb-ft). The power is improved thanks to a carbon fiber air intake, a high performance exhaust system and an ECU re-map. The tuner also installed race hydraulic height-adjustable suspension and modified ceramic brakes for excellent performance.

RENM Audi R8 V10 RMS Spyder