At the display of Auto Shanghai 2011, Bugatti has showcased its latest two extremely-fast, state-of-the-art rides, the Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport and Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Super Sport. (more…)
Category: Auto News
Auto news – automobile industry news. Articles about all the latest car models and concepts. Breaking news, uncovered secrets.
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Bugatti at Auto Shanghai 2011
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Kicherer SLS 63 Supersport GT
Kicherer has presented the tuning scene its latest, masterpiece conversion based upon the Mercedes’ stellar SLS 63 AMG. Dubbed Kicherer SLS 63 Supersport GT “Super-Model”, the monstrous ride’s „next-level” look is demonstrated through an extremely stylish photo session partnered by a beautiful super-model, which can be viewed in high-resolution in the image gallery bellow. (more…) -
2011 Mercedes-Benz E 63 AMG
2011 Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG is powered by a new 5.5 liter bi-turbo V8, which is replacing the most powerful naturally aspirated V8 in the world – 6.2 liter AMG.The new power unit has a code name – M 157, which produces 525PS (386 kW) and 557PS (410 kW) with the AMG Performance Package. The torque is 700Nm (516 lb-ft) and 800Nm (590 lb-ft), respectively. Because of the turbochargers, the new engine has a 22 percent improvement in fuel-economy over the predecessor. 2011 E63 AMG Saloon needs just 9.8 liters per 100 km and the Estate consumes 10 liters / 100km.
The engine is mated to the AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed sports gearbox, which has three driving modes – S, S+ and M.
The AMG Performance package rises the maximum charge pressure from 1.0 to 1.3 bar. It also includes AMG Performance steering wheel with black Alcantara, red-painted brake calipers, electric rear window blind and genuine carbon fibre AMG spoiler lip on the boot lid for the Saloon.
2011 E63 AMG stands on a 10-spoke 18” AMG light alloy wheels fitted with 255/R40 R 18 tyres on the front and 285/35 R 18 on the rear.
AMG Performance Studio:
- AMG RIDE CONTROL Performance suspension
- AMG light-alloy wheels in a new 10-spoke design, painted in titanium grey with a high-sheen finish, with 255/35 R 19 (front) and 285/30 R 19 (rear) tyres
- AMG rear axle locking differential with 40 percent locking action
- AMG ceramic high-performance composite braking system
- AMG Exterior Carbon package
- AMG trim elements in carbon fibre/black piano lacquer
- Illuminated AMG door sill panels
- AMG Driver’s Package (includes restriction of top speed to 300 km/h, participation in driver training course at the AMG Driving Academy)
Pricing:
- E 63 AMG Saloon: 105,971 euros
- E 63 AMG Estate: 108,409 euros
- AMG Performance package: 8,306.20 euros
- Driver’s package: 3,213 euros
2011 Mercedes E63 AMG:
E 63 AMG E 63 AMG Estate Displacement 5461 cc 5461 cc Bore x stroke 98.0 x 90.5 mm 98.0 x 90.5 mm Compression ratio 10.0:1 10.0:1 Output 386 kW (525 hp) at 5250-5750 rpm
410 kW (557 hp) at 250-5750 rpm*386 kW (525 hp) at 5250-5750 rpm
410 kW (557 hp) at 5250-5750 rpm*Max. torque 700 Nm
at 1750-5000 rpm
800 Nm
at 2000-4500 rpm*700 Nm
at 1750-5000 rpm
800 Nm
at 2000-4500 rpm*Engine weight (dry) 204 kg 204 kg Fuel consumption NEDC combined 9.8 l per 100 km 10.0 l per 100 km CO2 emissions 230 g/km 234 g/km Acceleration 0-100 km/h 4.3 s
4.2 s*4.4 s
4.3 s*Top speed** 250 km/h 250 km/h * with AMG Performance package; ** electronically limited
Source: Mercedes
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2012 Jaguar XK
2012 Jaguar XK now features an elegant new look with elements from XKR-S, which was unveiled at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show.The new XK features revised slimmer headlights with subtle LEDs. They sit above a new larger grille framed in chrome. Apair of small air scoops feeding air to the brakes are mounted on each side of the car. At the rear, 2012 XK also features LED technology built in the taillights.
The interior boasts new trim finishes and leather sports seats. The luxury is all around the cabin, because of the expensive materials and nice touches.
The new XK and XKR will be available in both coupe and convertible variant. The sport version – XKR-S will be delivered in coupe form. All models will hit the UK market in September.
2012 XK range at a glance
Coupé:
Engine Power (PS) Torque
(lbs ft)0-62 / max
speed (mph)Comb economy
(mpg)/CO2 (g/km)Price
(RRP, OTR)5,000 cc, 32-valve, V8 385 380 5.5 / 155 25.2 / 264 £65,000 5,000 cc, 32-valve, V8,
Supercharged510 461 4.8 / 155 23.0 / 292 £78,550 5,000 cc, 32-valve, V8,
Supercharged XKR-S550 502 4.4 / 186 23.0 / 292 £97,000 Convertible:
Engine Power
(PS)Torque
(lbs ft)0-62 / max
speed (mph)Comb economy
(mpg)/CO2 (g/km)Price
(RRP, OTR)5,000 cc, 32-valve, V8 385 380 5.6 / 155 25.2 / 264 £71,000 5,000 cc, 32-valve, V8,
Supercharged510 461 4.8 / 155 23.0 / 292 £84,550 
Source: Jaguar
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2012 Jaguar XF and XFR
Jaguar has introduced several models at the 2011 New York Auto Show. Both XF and XFR feature fresh new look with slim new headlight units set into which are distinctive LED lighting strips sitting either side of a larger, more upright grille.The bonnet line is lowered as well as the new look to the lower bumper section complete with a trio of airdams, the outside pair of which are now intersected by twisted chrome fins.
At the rear, the tail lamp units have been redesigned and now have LEDs. They are also extended further into the boot lid with a new chrome blade sitting below a simple Jaguar leaper badge.
The interior features a restyled steering wheel, a new switchgear for the ventilation systems and all-new colour central and dial-mounted screens relaying reprogrammed navigation and entertainment software. The seats are also new and now offer greater support.
The engine range for XF includes 2.2 litre common rail diesel with 190PS (140 kW) and 450Nm (332 lb-ft). The engine is mated to a 8-speed ZF automatic gearbox. This model also has an innovative Stop-Start system, so the engine returs 50mpg and CO2 emission of just 149 g/km. The more powerful 3.0 litre V6 has 240PS or 275PS for Diesel S. The powerful V8 is developing 385PS.
2012 Jaguar XFR is powered by a 5.0 liter supercharged V8 with 510PS and 622Nm (461 lb-ft) of torque. It features new sill extensions, a redesigned 20” wheels, adaptive dynamic suspension and full aerodynamic styling.
2012 XF will hit the market in September. The price is £30 950 for the 2.2-litre diesel engine and the range-topping XFR is priced at £65 350.
2012 Jaguar XF:
Diesel engines:
Engine Power
(PS)Torque
(lbs ft)0-62 / max
speed (mph)Comb economy
(mpg)/CO2 (g/km)Price
(RRP, OTR)2,179 cc, 16-valve, 4cyl,
turbocharged190 332 8.5 / 142 52.3 / 149 £30,950 2,993 cc, 24-valve, V6,
twin-turbocharged240 369 7.1 / 149 44.8 / 169 £36,950 2,993 cc, 24-valve, V6,
twin-turbocharged275 442 6.4 / 155 44.8 / 169 £42,950 Petrol engines:
Engine Power
(PS)Torque
(lbs ft)0-62 / max
speed (mph)Comb economy
(mpg)/CO2 (g/km)Price
(RRP, OTR)5,000 cc, 32-valve, V8 385 380 5.7 / 155 25.4 / 264 £49,950 5,000 cc, 32-valve, V8, supercharged 510 461 Source: Jaguar
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2012 Kia Soul at New York Auto Show
Kia has announced the new version of one of its most successful models – Soul. The 2012 Kia Soul features better exterior and more power, but the style remains the same, because of the customers appreciation.“We have given the new Soul significant improvements in power, style and fuel economy, making this iconic vehicle the perfect package for consumers looking for something a little outside the box,” commented Michael Sprague, Vice President, Marketing & Communications, KMA.
“The Soul has always stood out from the crowd and is responsible for bringing new customers to the Kia brand. This mid-life refresh adds even more style and fun-to-drive performance to the vehicle that started our design-led transformation whilst also improving fuel economy by 10 per cent,” he added.
2012 Soul comes with a new 1.6 litre direct-injected petrol engine (GDI) with 140PS (103 kW) and 163Nm (121 lb-ft). The US market will also receive a new 2.0 litre four-cylinder with 162PS (119 kW) and 193Nm (143 lb-ft). The engine will be available with either 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic gearbox. The small 1.6 litre GDI achieves 34 mpg on the highway and the bigger 2.0 litre returns 33 mpg.
The exterior boasts new projector headlamps with LED daytime running lights, a redesigned bonnet and new front and rear bumpers.
The interior boasts in-car hands-free communication and infotainment system, heated front seats, leather seat trim, automatic climate control, navigation system and push-button start. There are also a three-dial instrument cluster, standard USB and auxiliary input jacks, steering wheel-mounted controls and a reversing camera.
2012 Kia Soul will hit the UK market in the autumn.
Source: KIA
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Bentley Continental Supersports Convertible ISR
Bentley Continental Supersports Convertible ISR – Ice Speed Record is limited edition, which will be launched in just 100 units.The luxury sports convertible is powered by a 6.0 litre V12 with 640 PS (471 kW) and 800Nm (590lb ft) of torque. The engine is mated to a Quickshift 6-speed automatic transmission. The performance is brutal – 0-100 km/h in 4.0s, to 160 km/h in 9.4 seconds and top speed of 321.6 km/h (199.83 mph) … on ice!
“Juha Kankkunen’s drive was a remarkable achievement and worthy of a very special car. The Continental Supersports ‘Ice Speed Record’ is a true driver’s car that captures that unique Bentley spirit. It offers extreme performance, agility and an extrovert personality, while retaining the refinement, handcrafted luxury and comfort our customers expect.”, commented Wolfgang Duerheimer, Bentley’s new Chairman and Chief Executive.
This is the most powerful Bentley, which the company has ever produced. All that additional engine power of the new convertible is the result of fine tuning of the engine to optimise the benefits of the new free-breathing air intake ducts, intercooler system and the exhaust system.
What is more, it runs on both petrol (gasoline) or E85 bio-ethanol or any combination of the two.
Bentley Continental Supersports Convertible ISR stands on 20” wheels fitted with Pirelli 275/35ZR20 ultra high performance tyres. Behined them, there are 420 mm front and 356 mm rear, carbon ceramic brake discs, with 8-piston callipers at the front provide fade-resistant stopping power.
Source: Bentley
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Aston Martin Virage UK premiere
Aston Martin has officially confirmed the stage of the upcoming Salon Prive 2011 for the UK premiere of its Aston Martin Virage luxury GT sportscar. (more…) -
Suzuki Kizashi Ecocharge Concept
Suzuki has unveiled Kizashi EcoCharge Concept at the 2011 New York International Auto Show (NYIAS).“We are continuing to study the virtues of the gas-electric technology found in the Kizashi EcoCharge Concept,” commented Steve Younan, director of automotive marketing and product planning for American Suzuki Motor Corporation.
“Our basic concept was to attain substantial gains in fuel economy without the traditional sacrifices in drivability required with today’s mid-size hybrid sedans. The proof of our concept is that the Kizashi EcoCharge has the capability to deliver a 25% fuel economy gain in real-world driving through an electric charge to the powertrain system while still retaining the production Kizashi’s dynamic handling and braking advantages that make it a standout category performer.”, he added.
Kizashi EcoCharge is powered by a 2.0 liter four-cylinder petrol engine coupled with an advanced electric propulsion system, which consists of a liquid-cooled 15-kW motor/generator unit tied to a 115-volt air-cooled lithium-ion battery. The whole system is mated to an advanced 6-speed automatic transmission.
Kizashi EcoCharge also includes regenerative braking, automatic engine shut-off when the car comes to a stop, fuel cut-off during deceleration events and low-rolling resistance tyres.
The exterior boasts a specialised headlight treatment, as well as LED foglight illumination integrated into the front fascia. It also features lightweight aluminium wheels fitted with lowrolling resistance tires.
The interior is completed thanks to advanced seat materials, which require 84 percent less energy to produce, and create 80 percent fewer emissions than virgin material production.
The whole car is ECOfriendly, so Suzuki will save the planet… probably!
Check out the specs, below!
Kizashi EcoCharge Concept:
Engine
- Type: J20B DOHC I-4
- Displacement (cu in / cc): 1,998
- Valvetrain: Intake-VVT
- Horsepower (hp / kW @ rpm): 144 / 106 @ 6500 rpm
- Torque (lb-ft / Nm @ rpm) 127 / 173 @ 4500 rpm
- Fuel economy target (Hwy): 25% improvement over production Kizashi
Transmission
- Type: 6-speed automatic
Electric Drive System
- Type: Belt-driven, liquid-cooled induction motor/generator unit and lithium-ion battery system; air-cooled power electronics and battery pack
- Maximum electric generating power: 15 kW @ 1,570-3,180 rpm
- Maximum electric motor power (electric assist): 15 hp / 11.2kW @ 1000-2200 rpm
- Lithium-ion battery: 115V, 0.5-kWh, 15 kW peak power
Source: Suzuki -
2013 Ford Taurus
Ford has exclusively released detail specifications and high-end images of the refined for 2013 model year – 2013 Ford Taurus.Housing improvements in the areas of efficiency, technology and styling, the 2013 Taurus large sedan is also showcasing significantly bettered driving dynamics, achieved thanks to the addition of an EPAS system, which improves the steering response by speeding up the steering ratio and rigidly mounting the steering rack to the subframe.
Mark Fields, Ford’s president of The Americas, stated: “We have significantly upgraded Ford’s flagship sedan through obsessive attention to detail. The new Taurus builds on the transformation we achieved in the 2010 model. Delivering so many upgrades so soon further underscores Ford’s leadership and commitment to delivering high-quality, fuel-efficient cars for our customers.”
For 2013 model year, Ford Taurus’ power compartment offers a choice of two extremely well balanced units, the turbocharged 2.0 litre EcoBoost engine with gasoline direct injection, which produces 237 horsepower and 250 lb.-ft. of peak torque yet estimates best-in-class highway fuel economy of at least 31 mpg, and the standard Taurus 3.5 litre V6 unit that delivers total output of 290 horsepower. Both engines will be linked to Ford’s unique -speed automatic transmissions that offer optimized gear selection for off-the-line power delivery in lower gears, while benefiting fuel economy with higher gears that keep the engine turning efficiently at lower revolutions while cruising.
In technology terms, 2013 Taurus full-size sedan hosts the latest version of SYNC with MyFord Touch system, which offers customers simplified operating, replacing many traditional buttons, knobs and gauges with clear, colorful LCD screens and steering wheel-mounted five-way toggles. Additionally, the new Taurus will be also packed with some amazing sense-pleasing features, including:
- New heated steering wheel adds to the comfort of the heated and cooled leather-trimmed seats
- Multicontour seats with Active Motion™, a Taurus class-exclusive offering, help to reduce driver and first-row passenger fatigue with a subtle rolling massage pattern
- Intelligent Access with push-button start, allowing the driver to enter the car and start the engine via push button simply by having the key fob in his or her possession
- Auto high beams employ a sensor to switch headlamps to high beam when no oncoming traffic is detected
- Rain-sensing wipers use an advanced optical sensor to detect the intensity of rain and/or snowfall to automatically adjust wiper speed
- Rear view camera activates when reverse gear is selected, projecting via the center stack-mounted 8-inch screen
- Rear window power sunshade, a luxury-class feature that shades the rear glass at the touch of a button, helping to keep the cabin cooler
Source: Ford
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2012 Kia K2 at Auto Shanghai 2011
KIA has exhibited the new 2012 K2 model at the Auto Shanghai 2011. The vehicle is specially created for the Chinese market. It is based on the all-new Kia Rio, which is scheduled to hit the European market in the late summer, this year.The engine range includes а 1.4 liter four-cylinder with 109PS (80 kW) and 136Nm (100 lb-ft) and a 1.6 liter four-cylinder with 135PS (99 kW) and 165Nm (122 lb-ft). Both engines are available with either manual or automatic transmissions.
The dimensions of 2012 Kia K2 are – 4 370 mm in length, 1 700 mm in width, 1 460 mm in height and wheelbase – 2,570 mm, which is the longest in its class. The expanded dimensions allow K2 to claim best-in-class interior space and ample luggage capacity of 500 litres. The rear seats can be folded in 60:40.
The new Kia K2 will go into production in June and will be joined by a five-door hatchback in August. There will be six trim levels, so the vehicle will suit to every taste and pocket.
Source: Kia
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Maserati GranTurismo MC US launch
Maserati has just added its top performance, road-legal beast – Maserati GranTurismo MC to the brand’s new stand-alone showroom in the prestigious TriBeCa area of New York.
Representing the fastest series Maserati ever offered on the US market, the GranTurismo MC tops a maximum speed of 298km/h yet is capable to accelerate from standstill to 100km/h in 4.9 seconds flat. These amazing figures are all possible thanks to the GranTurismo MC’s ultra-fast transmission and the 4.7 litre all-alloy V8 power unit, which delivers the exceptional 331 kW at 7000 rpm and 510 Nm of peak torque at 4750 revs.
Inspired by both the GranTurismo MC Stradale and the GranTurismo MC Trofeo race car, the new Maserati addition at the US market boasts tighter damping control and generate increased aerodynamic efficiency to improve ride height at higher speed without increasing the drag.
Source: Maserati
