Car Makes – Page 530 – Automobiles Review

Ferrari California T – A Turbo Convertible [video]

Ferrari has officially unveiled the facelifted California T at the 2014 Geneva Motor Show. The stylish convertible comes not only with some nice styling upgrades, but an all-new turbocharged engine. We suspected that the “T” in model signature is going to mean something like that, but nothing was for sure until now.

The exterior boasts a complete makeover including elements from the super-expensive FF and F12 Berlinetta. The folding hard top can open or close in just 14 seconds at speeds of up to 50 km/h (35 mph).

The interior features leather Frau sport seats and a redesigned center console as well as a new 6.5” touchscreen display featuring an updated infotainment system. Upon request, the customer can order an extremely powerful 1,280 WATT JBL Professional sound system with 12 speakers and a 16-channel amplifier.

The all-new engine is a 3.8 liter turbocharged V8 – 560HP (412 kW) and 755Nm (556 lb-ft) of torque. 0-100 km/h in 3.6 seconds, 0-200 km/h in 11.2 seconds and a top speed of 316 km/h (196 mph). The California T Facelift boasts 15% improved fuel consumption and 20% less CO2 emissions.

Other highlights include uprated suspension featuring new springs and dampers, along with a better F1-Trac traction control system and reworked carbon ceramic brakes.

2014 Ferrari Caliofrnia T marks returning to turbocharging era since the F40, which was phased out back in 1992.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qNZKmLMbTk0

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o1XdkDt9-xM

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jJ_Eidlemo4

Source: Ferrari

March 4, 2014

Jaguar XE Is Brand’s New Premium Sports Sedan

Jaguar XE is the production name of brand’s new premium Sports Sedan which will be equipped with the ‘Ingenium’ engine family and will sport an advanced aluminium construction. The engine family comprises of premium, lightweight, low-friction, low emission four-cylinder petrol and diesel units and the first the Ingenium range will be utilized in the mid-sized Jaguar XE.

The car will be unveiled later this year, and for now we have to satisfy our curiosity with the image of the front of the XE, which Jaguar released alongside the news. In addition, the models will also be the first product from the new advanced aluminium architecture. The latter was shown in the C-X17 concept car.

XE’s global production will start in 2015. The car will bring about more lightness and stiffness for unbeatable handling, performance, refinement and efficiency. Or to say it differently, in this car, the engine and aluminium chassis complement each other perfectly.

Engine’s design will be suited for rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive configurations. In addition, they will be both efficient and powerful. Jaguar promises to offer a top speeds for the XE of over 300km/h (186mph), and emissions lower than 100g of CO2 per km.

Jaguar XE is positioned alongside the XF and XJ saloons in the range. XE technical and range details will be unveiled later this year.

Source: Jaguar

March 4, 2014

McLaren 650S Spider Joins 650S Coupe In Geneva World Debut

The open top McLaren 650S Spider is currently sharing a world premiere with the 650S Coupe at the Geneva Motor Show. The brand has also released images and full information for the convertible version of its latest model.

650S Spider offers the same performance, handling and driver enjoyment as its coupe sibling, but adds a two-piece retractable hard top. At the event, the car is shown in Tarocco Orange, which is a new paint finish added to the McLaren colour collection.

The convertible is mechanically identical to the 650S Coupe and is fitted with the McLaren M838T twin turbo V8 engine. It generates 650 hp (478 kW) and 678 Nm (500 lb ft). Therefore the acceleration time from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) is (no surprise) 3.0 seconds – absolutely identical to the Coupe veriosn, while the 0-200 km/h (124 mph) sprint is reached in 8.6 seconds, only additional 0.2 seconds in comparison wit the coupe.

Maximum speed is 329 km/h mph (204 mph) and the fuel consumption and emissions are the same as with the coupe – 24.2 mpg (11.7 l/100km) on the EU combined cycle and 275 g/km of CO2.

At the heart of the McLaren 650S is the carbon fibre MonoCell chassis that needs no additional strengthening or reinforcing. It lends the 650S Spider identical handling and ride, and virtually identical straight-line performance figures. The overall weight of the “cabrio” is 1,370 kg (dry). This makes 40 kg over the Coupe added from the Retractable Hard Top and roof mechanism.

The two-piece Retractable Hard Top automatically raises or lowers in less than 17 seconds. In addition, this Spider uses a heated glass rear window, operating independently of the roof. With the roof down, the rear window acts as a wind deflector, reducing cabin buffeting.

An interesting highlight regarding the 650S models is that their interior is not stripped-off, which is typical for the motorsport cars. Instead, the 650S Coupé and 650 Spider models are fitted with a high level of luxury equipment as standard.

For instance, carbon ceramic brakes sit behind unique ‘650’ lightweight alloy wheels. The latter are fitted with Pirelli P Zero Corsa tyres. Other standard equipment features include IRIS satellite navigation with Bluetooth telephony, DAB digital radio in Europe (or SIRIUS satellite radio in North America), wireless tethering, audio streaming and voice control. The entire cabin is fully trimmed in Alcantara.

McLaren 650S Spider Technical Specifications:

Drivetrain Layout	Longitudinal Mid-Engine, RWD	Track, F/R (mm)	1656 / 1583
Engine Configuration	V8 Twin Turbo / 3799cc	Length (mm)	4512
Engine PS / rpm	650 / 7250	Width (mm)	2093
Torque Nm / rpm	678 / 6000	Height (mm)	1203
Transmission	7 Speed SSG	Dry Weight (kg / lbs)	1370 / 3020
Body Structure	Carbon Fibre MonoCell with Aluminium Front and Rear Frames	Active Aerodynamics	McLaren Airbrake
Wheelbase (mm)	2670	Suspension	ProActive Chassis Control
Brakes	Carbon Ceramic Discs with Forged Aluminium Hubs (F 394mm/R 380mm)	ProActive Chassis Control modes	Normal / Sport / Track
Tyres (F/R)	Pirelli P Zero Corsa 235/35 R19 / Pirelli P Zero Corsa 305/30 R20	Powertrain Modes	Winter / Normal / Sport / Track
Wheel Sizes (F/R)	19” x 8.5”J / 20” x 11” J

McLaren 650S Spider Performance Data:

Efficiency	CO2	275 g/km
	Fuel consumption (combined)	24.2 mpg
	Power to weight (with lightweight options)	485 PS (478 bhp) /tonne
	CO2/power	0.42 g/km per PS

Speed	Maximum speed	329 km/h (204 mph)

Acceleration	0-100 kph (62 mph)	3.0 s
	0-200 kph (124 mph)	8.6 s
	0-300 kph (186 mph)	26.5 s
	0-400 m / ¼ mile	10.6 @ 222 km/h (138 mph)

Braking	Braking	100-0 km/h 30.7 m (101 ft)
		200-0 km/h 124 m (407 ft)
		300-0 km/h 273 m (896 ft)

Source: McLaren

March 4, 2014

Lexus Shows RC F GT3 Concept In Geneva

Racing fans around the world will be excited to know that Lexus is introducing the RC F GT3 Concept in Geneva. The motorsport car is based on the recently revealed RC F performance coupe, which also makes a global debut at the show.

RC F GT3 was specifically developed to meet Group GT3 international racing standards. This means that it weighs 2,755.8 lbs. and comes with a modified version of the V8 engine (found in the coupe). The unit delivers maximum output that exceeds 540 horsepower (397 kW).

Lexus also stated that it will supply GT3-compliant vehicles to racing teams in the beginning of 2015. The model is scheduled to undergo testing this year. In other words, in 2015 we will probably see the GT3 concepts racing at the 24 Hours of Nürburgring endurance race in Germany and the Super Taikyu Endurance and Super GT series in Japan.

Lexus RC F GT3 Concept Specifications:

Length	4,705 mm/ 185.2 in
Width	2,000 mm/78.7 in
Height	1,270 mm/50 in
Weight	1,250 kg/2,755.8 lbs
Wheelbase	2,730 mm/107.5 in
Engine	V8 gasoline engine
Horsepower	540+ hp (397 kW)

Source: Lexus

March 4, 2014

2014 Seat Leon Cupra 280 DSG – Nurburgring Record – 7 minutes and 58 seconds

The new 2014 Seat Leon Cupra 280 DSG managed to smash the Nurburgring lap record for a FWD (front wheel drive) car. The hot hatchback managed to do a lap in under 8 minutes, which makes it the first FWD production model below that barrier.

The current record was held by Renault Megane RS Trophy, which stopped the clock at 8 minutes and 8 seconds, but the new Cupra 280 needed just 7 minutes and 58.4 seconds.

2014 Seat Leon Cupra 280 is powered by a 2.0 liter TFSI engine with 280HP (206 kW) and 350Nm (259 lb-ft) of torque at 1,750RPM. 0-100 km/h in 5.7 seconds and a top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph) – electronically limited. It is able to return 44.1 mpg UK with CO2 emissions of 155 g/km.

Other highlights include a DSG double clutch gearbox and an optional Performance Pack that includes Brembo high-performance brakes, specially designed 19” alloy wheels and Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres.

There is also a mechanical front axle differential lock, a progressive steering system, DCC dynamic chassis control and two-stage deactivation of the electronic stability control (ESC).

Source: Seat

March 4, 2014

Volkswagen T-ROC Previews Possible Future SUV Design Treatment

Volkswagen T-ROC Concept makes its world debut at the Geneva Motor Show. The vehicle showcases a new possible SUV range design with progressive design, front section with the LED headlights and two removable roof halves.

In fact, the T-ROC is a Golf-format concept car, which is positioned a step down from the Tiguan model. The new design treatment is in terms of exterior and interior style. The two-door SUV features an all-wheel drive, but still offers the “summery airiness of a convertible”.

Precisely, the middle section of the roof comprises of two halves. They can be taken off easily and then put in the boot. Other features here include front and rear cameras. The concept model is driven by 184 hp (135 kW) turbo-diesel direct injection engine, and also offers three different driving modes: Street, Off-road and Snow.

The powertrain is mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox (DSG), thanks to which the SUV returns 4.9 l/100 km of fuel consumption. The maximum torque is estimated at 380 Nm (280 lb-ft). Other exclusive features include 4Motion drive train, ABS, Hill Start Assist and Hill Descent Control.

The design of the body of the vehicle is on the Modular Transverse Matrix (MQB), and also features lightweight construction. The result is a weight of just 1,420 kg. Visually striking elements in this concept include relatively short overhangs and the multi-part 19-inch alloy wheels fitted with 245/45 tyres.

Source: Volkswagen

March 4, 2014

Debut For Alfa Romeo 4C Spider Prototype

Another exclusive premiere in Geneva is making the Alfa Romeo 4C Spider Prototype. The vehicle previews a new production model scheduled to be introduced in early 2015. The car takes full advantage of the ultra-rigid construction typical for the 4C and also is built with an extensive use of carbon fiber.

This lightweight material can be found on the rollover bars, spoilers and windscreen frame. In addition to this, what also save weight are the canvas soft top and the replacement of the glass rear screen with a continuation of the SMC bodywork.

Moreover, carbon fibre dominates throughout the cabin. Precisely, the monocoque of the 4C Spider Prototype is constructed entirely from this material and is clearly visible in the centre console, door sills and rear bulkhead.

New in here is also the dual-stage central exhaust system with titanium and carbon tailpipes by Akrapovic. A key feature of this exhaust is an electrically-operated valve system that improves performance and enhances the exhaust note at the push of a wirelessly-linked button.

The car is driven by Alfa Romeo’s four-cylinder, all-aluminium, 1750 Turbo Petrol engine. The unit is coupled with six-speed, dual dry-clutch Alfa TCT transmission, and drives the rear wheels. From 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) the model accelerates for 4.5 seconds, while the top speed is in excess of 155 mph.

Carbon fibre clamshell headlights have been fitted to this vehicle. Also exclusive are the alloy wheels, milled from solid aluminium blocks and fitted with bespoke Pirelli tyres. Alfa Romeo 4C Spider Prototype is finished in three-layer gloss white, which additionally highlights car’s beautifully sculpted shape and masterfully resolved surfaces.

Source: Alfa Romeo

March 4, 2014

Compact Toyota Aygo Revealed In Geneva

Toyota Aygo was just revealed at the Geneva Motor Show, showcasing a distinctive and characterful design. In these terms, the car was also dubbed J-Playful in reference to Japan’s hip youth culture.

Aygo is compact, nimble and reliable, and of course has low running costs, which are due to the three-cylinder 1.0-litre VVT-i petrol engine. The car sports relatively small dimensions; it has an overall length of 3,455mm, height of 1,460mm, and widened front and rear tracks.

The most striking design element is Aygo’s distinctive frontal X-graphic, which spreads outwards across the surface of the bodywork, and takes in all the vehicle’s main external features, including upper and lower grilles, headlamps, foglamps, and even mirrors and side glazing.

In profile, the roof has been lowered and the front header moved forwards. The result is that cabin’s centre of gravity also moves. The roof has a new pagoda-style profile and an integral rear spoiler. At the he rear end the tailgate and lower bumper form break lines in the vehicle’s solid surface. The lamp clusters are set within the hexagonal tailgate, and the upper bumper section widens into pronounced wheel arches.

Inside one can see the trapezoidal centre console, new design for the air vents, door trims and gear shift surround. The console supports a wide dashboard with a matt, anti-glare finish; it features a meter made of up concentric rings and central multi-information display.

The wheelbase remains unchanged for the 2014 Aygo and is 2,340 mm. Despite this fact, the cabin is longer by 9mm, and features wider armrests to enhance the comfort. There’s more room for luggage – additional 29 litres.

Toyota decided to make the model easily customizable. Optional features include X-shaped front grille, rear bumper insert, enhanced front bumper and alloy wheels, different design for the instrument panel, centre console, air vents, shift knob and gear lever surround. In addition, the brand is offering a choice of exterior and interior styling packs. 2014 Aygo will be fitted with x-touch multimedia system, operated using a fully integrated seven-inch touchscreen. This system is the first to come with a rear view camera as standard.

Furthermore, the car is driven by the three-cylinder 1.0-litre engine, which produces 68 hp (51kW) at 6,000rpm and 95 Nm (70 lb-ft) at 4,300rpm. The combined cycle fuel consumption here is estimated at 68.8mpg, while the CO2 emissions to 95g/km.

The engine will be mated to a five-speed manual transmission or optional new x-shift-automated manual transmission that can be used in fully automatic mode, or with manual gear selection using paddle shifts or the shift lever itself.

2014 Toyota Aygo Technical Specifications:

ENGINE	New AYGO	New AYGO (with x-shift)
Type	1.0 VVT-i	1.0 VVT-i
Fuel Type	Petrol	Petrol
Valve mechanism	4-valve DOHC	4-valve DOHC
Displacement (cc)	998	998
Bore x Stroke (mm)	71 x 84	71 x 84
Compression ratio	11.5:1	11.5:1
Max. power (bhp) kW @ rpm	(68) 51 @ 6,000	(68) 51 @ 6,000
Max. torque (Nm/rpm)	95 @ 4,300	95 @ 4,300
BRAKES
Front discs (mm)	247 x 20	247 x 20
Rear drums (mm)	200	200
SUSPENSION
Front	MacPherson strut	MacPherson strut
Rear	Torsion beam	Torsion beam
TRANSMISSION
Type	M/T	MMT (x-shift)
PERFORMANCE
Max. speed (mph)	99	99
0-62 mph (sec)	14.2	15.5
FUEL CONSUMPTION (subject to final homologation)
Combined (mpg)	68.9	67.3
Fuel tank capacity (l)	35	35
CO2 EMISSIONS (subject to final homologation)
Combined (g/km)	95	97
VEHICLE WEIGHT
Curb weight (kg)	840 – 890	855 – 910
Gross vehicle weight (kg)	1,240	1,240
EXTERIOR DIMENSIONS
Length (mm)	3,455	3,455
Width (mm)	1,615	1,615
Height (mm)	1,460	1,460
Front overhang (mm)	675	675
Rear overhang (mm)	440	440
Wheelbase (mm)	2,340	2,340
Drag coefficient (Cd)	0.29	0.29
Wheel Size (in)	14 or 15	14 or 15
Tyre size	165/65R14 or 165/60R15	165/65R14 or 165/60R15
INTERIOR DIMENSIONS
Interior length*	1,630*	1,630*
Interior width*	1,250 (3-door) 1,300 (5-door)	1,250 (3-door) 1,300 (5-door)
Interior height	1,205 (normal) 1,155 (canvas top)	1,205 (normal) 1,155 (canvas top)
Couple distance	806	806
Luggage space (l)	168	168

Source: Toyota

March 4, 2014

Porsche 918 Spyder – Nurburgring Lap Record – 6 minutes and 57 seconds

2014 Porsche 918 Spyder managed to set a new record at Nurburgring for a vehicle with global road homologation. It managed to close a lap at the famous Germany circuit in less than minutes.

The 918 Spyder has achieved exactly 6 minutes and 57 seconds. What is more, the new Porsche blends maximum driving dynamics with minimal fuel consumption. The record, which was previously held for four years, was broken during the first attempt in the test drive programme on the morning of 4^th September.

All three drivers – Former European Rally Champion Walter Rohrl, Porsche test driver Timo Kluck and Porsche factory race driver Marc Lieb – were quicker than the existing record with each lap, driving the two 918 Spyder models used. Each driver posted lap times of less than seven minutes on numerous occasions. Ultimately, it was Marc Lieb who posted the absolute best time of 6.57 minutes, driving at an average speed of over 179.5 km/h(111 mph), as measured by Wige Solutions.

Porsche 918 Spyder is powered by a 4.6 liter twin-turbocharged V8 with 608HP (447 kW) and 530Nm (391 lb-ft) of torque. There are also two electric motors with 156HP (115 kW) and 129HP (95 kW) at each axle (front and rear). The maximum combined output is 887HP (661 kW) and over 800Nm (590 lb-ft) of torque. 0-100 km/h in 2.8 seconds and a top speed of 340 km/h (211 mph).

Source: Porsche

March 4, 2014

Honda Unveils Civic Type R Concept [VIDEO]

Valentine’s Day saw the first teaser image of the brand new Honda Civic Type R Concept. Now the world can see the rest of it – the car is currently being exhibited at the Geneva Salon and shows the styling direction for the anticipated new production Type R. The latter is set to debut in Europe during 2015.

The concept model has been described as a ‘racing car for the road’. It has a sleek and aerodynamic profile, which reflects a car designed for performance whilst keeping the look of a road car and the distinctive character of Type R.

The exterior styling of the model shows also the performance credentials of the Type R Concept. The elements contributing for this are the shape and angle of the stand-out rear spoiler, enlarged upper and lower front grilles, air outlets on the bonnet, widened front and rear fenders and 20-inch tyres.

Performance details haven’t been announced officially so far. However, Honda stated that the new Type R will be the first model in Europe to be equipped with VTEC TURBO engines from the Earth Dreams Technology range. The two-litre, direct injection, four-cylinder turbo is expected to deliver class-leading output of at least 280 hp (205 kW).

At the show, the brand also showcases the powertrain layout of the next generation 2015 NSX and its next generation Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle (FCEV) Concept.

httpv://youtu.be/QQyiXqVlA8A

Video Source: YouTube

Source: Honda

March 4, 2014

Rolls-Royce Ghost Series II Makes Debut In Geneva

Today is the beginning of the 2014 Geneva International Motor Show, where the luxury brand Rolls-Royce Motor Cars has unveiled its brand new Ghost Series II. The car is fitted with the latest technologies and has a subtle re-design which keeps the popularity of Ghost’s iconic presence.

First of all, at the front the new model sports re-sculpted LED headlights encircled by daytime running lights. This gives the car more dynamic visual appearance. In addition, the new headlights blend perfectly with revised surface treatments to the front of the car.

The bumpers of the Ghost II were also slightly changed and now they exude stronger stance and a sense of extra width and height. A contemporary treatment is visible through the addition of chrome inserts to the front air intakes. The latter now feed more air cooling to the front brakes. The waft line has been also re-designed.

The interior of the model delivers modern combination of luxury, technology and connectivity. II Series onboard technology features on-board Wi-Fi, Satellite Aided Transmission (SAT), which ensures the car automatically adapts to its surroundings, updated navigation system and car/user interface, an optional Bespoke Audio.

In short, the new series of the Ghost model will be the perfect choice for the successful entrepreneurs, offering a space from which to run their successful enterprises on the move.

Source: Rolls-Royce

March 4, 2014

Volkswagen Multivan Alltrack Concept in Geneva

Volkswagen Multivan Alltrack Concept is currently exhibited at the 84^th Geneva Motor Show. The Multivan Alltrack is an outstanding example of this, as it really is superbly equipped for any task and every route.

The Multivan Alltrack comes with an all-wheel drive system so found in the Passat Variant Alltrack. The exterior features a Moonstone Mother of Pearl Effect color and a set of 19” high-gloss alloy wheels and matte silver underbody protection. The interior boasts a Poltrona Frau natural leather upholstery and a dark brown wood boat floor. There is also an 8” touchscreen display for the infotainment system and a Dynaudio Surround Sound system.

The engine is a 2.0 liter BiTDI with 180HP (132 kW) and 420Nm (311 lb-ft) of torque. The power is put on the road through an Alltrack all-wheel-drive system working with a multi-plate Haldex coupling installed on the rear axle. The Multivan Alltrack Concept has a 21-degree approach angle and a 15” departure angle.

The Concept looks almost production-ready, so it probably hit the market sometime in 2015.

Source: Volkswagen

March 4, 2014

Category: Car Makes