Car Makes – Page 539 – Automobiles Review

Update: David Brown Automotive On The Project Judi

David-Brown-Project-Judi-Teaser-shadow Here’s an update on the Judi project by David Brown Automotive: some specifications and a few close-up shots talking. First, however, we have a confession to make. We were wrong; David Brown are not quite building a car from scratch. No, the chassis and drivetrain used for the Project Judi, as it turns out, are very similar to that of a Jaguar XKR. We would say identical even, but David Brown Automotive claim to have had them optimized (with the help of the blokes from Envisage group). All and all, that’s not bad news; it’s just that we are a bit disappointed.

What does all of that speak of the performance. Well, expect a 5.0-liter supercharged V8 engine sending it’s might to the rear wheels through a sic-speed automatic gearbox. All of that should be good for a 0-60 mph sprint in just 4.6 seconds and a top speed above 155 mph.

The “completely original” aspect of the Judi manifests itself in the design (interior and exterior): high-quality materials and aerodynamic motives. Here’s what more David Brown himself had to say about the end product:

“It has been developed using a combination of both traditional and contemporary technology, including the latest in automotive expertise. It has undergone a thorough analysis and development programme, including highly advanced windtunnel and dynamic simulations.”

Expect the full reveal at the Top Marques Show in Monaco on the 17th of April.

David-Brown-Project-Judi-Teaser-medium-2

David-Brown-Project-Judi-Teaser-medium-3

Source: David Brown Automotive

February 11, 2014

2015 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Coupe – Full Details

After the yesterday’s leak photo, Mercedes-Benz has unveiled the all-new S-Class Coupe production-ready model. The stylish and sleek luxurious coupe will make its official debut at the 2014 Geneva Motor Show.

“As exclusive as it gets – the ultimate in aesthetic sportiness”, comments Ola Kallenius, Member of the Board of Management, Sales and Marketing Mercedes-Benz Cars.

“The breathtaking design of the Concept S-Class Coupé marked by sporty-classic proportions and sensual purity is transferred to the series-production S-Class Coupé virtually unaltered. The large coupé has always been the supreme pinnacle of our model range and that’s why it’s now called the “S-Class” again”, he added.

The dimensions of the S-Class Coupe are: 5,027mm in length, 1,899mm in width, 1,411mm in height and a huge wheelbase of 2,945 offering epic comfort for the passengers. The exterior boasts a long long hood with a low greenhouse and muscular wheel arches for enormous wheels – 18” to 20”.

The interior comes with a “Super Sport” steering wheel and without an analog clock. There are two individual seats the back and sporty ventilated and heated front seats. The interior is available in new saddle brown, Bengal red and porcelain hues. There is also an optional head-up full-color LED display and numerous extras and assistance programs.

The “Intelligent Drive” systems include, among other things the PRE-SAFE brake with pedestrian detection, DISTRONIC PLUS with Steer Assist and Stop&Go Pilot, BAS PLUS with junction assist, Active Lane Keeping Assist, Adaptive High-beam Assist Plus and Night View Assist Plus.

The engine range includes an S500 Coupe with 4.7 liter V8 – 455HP (335 kW) and 700Nm (516 lb-ft) of torque and an S63 AMG with a 5.5 liter V8 bi-turbo – 593HP (436 kW) and 900Nm (664 lb-ft).

In cooperation with high-end audio specialists Burmester, two especially high-value audio systems have been developed: the Burmester surround sound system and the Burmester High-End 3D surround sound system.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eNXS8viLxvg

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZKy3Izv_ym4

Source: Mercedes-Benz

February 11, 2014

2015 Hyundai Genesis at the Nurburgring [video]

Hyundai has published a video showing the new Genesis at the famous Nurburgring Nordschleife.

The premium saloon boasts a Lotus-tuned chassis with a continuous damping control system. It helps not only to improve comfort, but the handling as well. The manufacturer declined to announce the lap time, but they say that the powerful V8 model is incredible.

Other highlights include the HTRAC all-wheel drive system and the Intelligent Drive Mode, which can change the transmission mapping, throttle responsiveness, stability control and suspension damping according to the driver’s taste.

The 2014 Genesis is powered by a 3.0 liter V6 with 257HP (189 kW), a 3.3 liter V6 with 282HP (207 kW) and a 3.8 liter V6 with 315HP (232 kW) and 397Nm (293 lb-ft). The top-of-range 5.0 liter V8 boasts 425HP (313 kW) and 519Nm (383 lb-ft). 0-100 km/h in 5.4 seconds and a top speed of 240 km/h (149 mph). All motors are connected to an 8-speed automatic gearbox.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ydRxP0A0H8s

Source: fdgdf

February 11, 2014

Brabus 850 Mercedes-Benz SL63 AMG – 850HP and 1450Nm

Brabus has published a lot of pictures and some tiny info for their super-powerful Mercedes-Benz SL 63 AMG. The name of the project is 850 6.0 Bi-Turbo and it is based on the latest SL-Class – the R231.

The exterior boasts a complete aerodynamics package including a new front splitter, a modified front hood with a scoop, a new rear diffuser and a trunk-mounted spoiler. There is also a set of huge 20” alloy wheels fitted with low-profile performance tires and a complete valve controlled sports exhaust system.

The data for the engine is – 850HP (625 kW) and impressive 1,450Nm (1,069 lb-ft) of torque. This is an increase of 313HP and 650Nm compared to factory’s power. Nothing else is mentioned, but 0-100 km/h will be around 3.5 seconds or less and the top speed will be way over 322 km/h (200 mph).

The engine is probably enlarged to 6.0 liter and received bigger turbochargers in order to get all this additional power.

Stay tuned for more info!

Source: Brabus

February 11, 2014

Vorsteiner BMW M3 on Flow Forged V-FF 101

Vorsteiner-BMW-E92-M3-Coupe-shadow Vorsteiner-BMW-E92-M3-Coupe-medium Vorsteiner have released their latest aero + wheel combo. It’s kind of a familiar BMW M3 E92 but now on (again familiar) Flow Forged V-FF 101 wheels. We guess that makes it exciting? Probably.

The wheels in question come in sizes 19×10 at the front and 19×11 at the rear. They carry a fancy five double-spoke design and are coated with a Matte Gunmetal paint. The tires: Michelin Pilot Super Sports.

The included aero bits and pieces account for the GTS-V front spoiler which takes away even more from the already low ground clearance. At the back, the California-based company have went for their own Type II rear diffuser. The new boot lid too is an addition by Vorsteiner.

To be honest, the whole thing is very subtle. So much so in fact, there isn’t anything left to say about it. Do enjoy the photo shoot though. Vorsteiner are very handy when it comes to camera work.

Source: Vorsteiner

February 10, 2014

Switzer’s Beast: A 2000 HP Nissan GT-R

Switzer-Beast-Nissan-GT-R-shadow Switzer-Beast-Nissan-GT-R-medium Every now and then tuning people just go bananas and take things beyond reasonable. Case in point: Switzer Performance’s 2000 hp Nissan GT-R. Yes, that much and it’s for a client of theirs. We won’t complain, though, as we haven’t heard from Switzer for quite some time.

They’ve called it the “Beast” (makes sense) and the only thing more impressive than the actual power coming out of it is the way it they’ve come around extracting the said power. Pop up the hood (or, judging by the video, just sneak a peak) and inspect the engine bay and you’ll find that it still has the factory 3.8-liter Nissan VR38 plant in it. Nobody has bothered with putting new pistons in it, increasing the size or changing the crankshaft. Instead, what Switzer have done is install their own ECU, tweak the fuel delivery and timing, and introduce two humongous turbochargers.

Watch the Beast strapped on a dyno, however, and you realize that quite a bit of that power dissipates before actually reaching the wheels. Still, 1760 whp is not exactly the definition of feeble. And hey, it runs on ethanol too. Greenpeace would be delighted.

httpv://youtu.be/lzaxcCyOBVU

Source: Gas2.org

Video source: SwitzerPerf via YouTube

February 10, 2014

G-Power Hurricane RR BMW M5 E61 Touring – 820HP and 790Nm

G-Power Hurricane RR BMW M5 E61 Touring - Front Angle

G-Power is now offering modified Bi-Kompressor system for the BMW M5/M6 E6X series. It can catapult the G-Power BMW M5 Hurricane RR Touring to 362 km/h (225 mph). The same powertrain in the M5 E60 (Sedan) is capable of doing 372,1 km/h (231 mph).

The extremely powerful Hurricane RR Touring can also accelerate 0-100 km/h in 4.4 seconds, 0-200 km/h in 9.5 seconds and 0-300 km/h in 25.6 seconds. The 5.0 liter V10 Bi-Kompressor engine develops 820HP (603 kW) and 790Nm (585 lb-ft) of torque. The pricing starts from €7,300 for the basic system. The Mono-Kompressor system, based on a single ASA T1-724 supercharger has several Stages – 600HP, 620HP, 640HP and 700HP. The Bi-Kompressor system offers 820HP.

The G-Power M5 Hurricane RR Touring rolls 20” SILVERSTONE RS wheels with MICHELIN Pilot Sport tyres measuring 255/35 ZR 20 and 285/30 ZR 20. There is also a G5-RS coil-over suspension with 9-way adjustability for compression and rebound plus infinitely variable height adjustment. Other performance upgrade is the big brake system – discs measuring 396 mm on the front and 380 mm on the rear with 6 and 4-piston calipers. The tuning company also offers ceramic brake set, which delivers a reduction in unsprung masses of around 50%.

G-Power Hurricane RR BMW M5 E61 Touring - Interior

The interior boasts premium leather and Alcantara, new floor mats and trunk cover. There are also logos in the front seats and the headlining set tasteful accents in this sophisticated composition of Carbon, leather and Alcantara.

The modification of the M5 HURRICANE RR Touring interior by G-POWER is completed by an exclusive multimedia entertainment system that leaves nothing to be desired. Next to a powerful audio system, electric powered iPads in the rear of the front seats, a lowerable main monitor from the headlining and an Apple iMac incl. Apple TV enable leisure time or productive work according to the desires of the car’s owner.

Source: G-Power

February 10, 2014

2014 Avorza Dodge Ram 3500 Black and Red [video]

Here is a video with some highlights of 2014 Avorza Dodge Ram 3500 Black & Red Edition prepared by Alex Vega The Auto Firm. The vehicle comes with styling modifications only.The stylish pick-up truck is finished in finished in black metallic paint and comes with a lot red accents – headlights, emblems, side signs and two-tone wheels fitted with low-profile Pirelli tires. The tuned Ram 3500 also comes with fully-adjustable air suspension.The power is coming from a 6.7 liter inline-six Cummins diesel – 350HP (260 kW) and 880Nm (650 lb-ft) of torque. The engine is connected to a 6-speed automatic gearbox.httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5YKKop912H8

February 10, 2014

2014 Hyundai Veloster RE:FLEX Shown At Chicago Auto Show

At the Chicago Auto Show, Hyundai premiered its brand new addition to its most popular line-up of vehicles – the Veloster. The model is called Veloster RE:FLEX and it is built upon the successful 2013 Veloster RE:MIX.

However, this model can show-off with its sportier look and one-of-a-kind styling. Precisely, the car will run on exclusive and standard 18-inch alloy wheels with a PVD chrome finish and will be propelled by the Gamma 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine that is coupled with a six-speed EcoShift dual-clutch transmission.

What is more, the Veloster RE:FLEX is equipped as a standard with projector headlights with LED headlight accents, LED taillights, illuminated door sills, chrome hood accents, chrome door handles, special RE:FLEX badging, floor mats and a choice of black or red full leather seating.

Hyundai has included also as a standard its popular Style Package, that adds front fog lights, piano black interior accents, 450-watt Dimension premium audio system with eight speakers and with a subwoofer. The package also gives to the model a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, alloy pedals and an automatic up driver’s window.

The rearview camera, which is in general an optional feature, here comes as a standard. It projects what it captures on the 7-inch touchscreen display, which also shows important vehicle information. At last, RE:FLEX will be offered in a choice of several unique exterior paint finishes: Ice Pearl, Century White, Vitamin C, Ultra Black, and Boston Red paint finishes.

2014 Hyundai Veloster RE:FLEX will be available in dealerships this Spring with a limited production run of 3000 units.

Source: Hyundai

February 10, 2014

Volkswagen GRC Beetle To Compete In Red Bull Global Rallycross

Volkswagen and Andretti Sports Marketing have introduced more information about the 2014 Rallycross program. This included the reveal of a new vehicle at the Chicago Auto Show. The brand has announced also that it will run two cars in the series for drivers Tanner Foust and Scott Speed.

At first, the team will compete with modified Polo rally cars, and later will switch during the season to the Volkswagen GRC Beetle. The latter is an all-wheel-drive rallycross car that is built upon the third-generation Beetle and will offer more than 560 horsepower (412 kW) from its turbocharged and direct-injection TSI engine.

If you haven’t heard about the Rallycross, well here some info: this is the fastest growing form of motorsports in the United States. The cars which are competing are pitted against each other and the clock in a series of heats on a closed course that’s usually a mixture of dirt and pavement, with a 70-foot jump. What attracts the most is that the action is fast and intense.

Tanner Foust, as mentioned, will sit behind the steering wheel of the Beetle. He is a 2011 and 2012 GRC champion and runner-up in 2013. Foust is also famous for hosting the U.S. version of Top Gear and for his rally driving skills.

The other driver to take part in the rally is Scott Speed, who will be racing the 7UP entry. Speed has competed at the very pinnacle of motorsports, driving Formula 1 for Scuderia Toro Rosso in 2006 and 2007. He also participated in NASCAR between 2008 and 2013.

Red Bull Global Rallycross series begins in May, where a pair of Polo cars driven by Foust and Speed will be competing. The definitive Volkswagen GRC Beetle will appear at the X Games in June.

Source: Volkswagen

February 10, 2014

Custom Honda Civic Si Coupe Revealed In Chicago

Forza Motorsport is probably the best racing game franchise. It has teamed up with Honda to reveal the winning entry of the Forza Motorsport Civic Si Design Contest at the 2014 Chicago Auto Show. The model was chosen from nearly 170 entries, and it is designed by Forza gamer Tiffany Labedz.

More importantly, this Civic is unique and is among the first vehicles from the Forza Motorsport community to be brought from the virtual world to the real one. It is no secret that Honda loves to meet its customers where their passion lies. Bringing it to life this virtual model at the Chicago Auto Show is an example of how cars and gaming are increasingly intertwined.

Next to the custom Civic coupe, the visitors of the show will have the opportunity to play the new Honda Legends Car Pack for Forza Motorsport 5 on Xbox One, which includes the here-shown redesigned 2014 Civic Si Coupe, the 1984 Mugen CRX and the 1994 Prelude.

Honda also stated that it looks forward to more projects like this, because it finds inspiration in the passion and creativity of Forza Motorsport fans.

Source: Honda

February 10, 2014

Renault KWID Concept And The Flying Companion

Renault-KWID-Concept-shadow Renault-KWID-Concept-medium Wouldn’t you know it, the playful-looking KWID actually does have a complementary drone with it. Not that Renault are planning to actually really make it in the near future, but we are quite stumped. Unveiled at the Delhi Auto Show, this is the French company’s first ever concept outside of the European continent. It had to be good, then. And it is. By good, of course, we mean outlandish.

It was sort of designed locally: input from Renault Design India played a big part in the process. It’s pretty short and has almost no overhangs and thus Renault describe it as a “bouncing vehicle”. Add the freakishly big tires into the equation and you’ve got yourself a buggy-like car. It’s still two-wheel driven though.

The one that can be seen at the Auto expo has a 1.2-liter turbocharged petrol engine and a dual-clutch EDC transmission with a touch pad for shifting gears (yuck). The original idea, however, is to slot in the company’s Z.E. (electric) drivetrain. There’s place for the batteries and a plug behind the Renault logo.

Inside, the KWID is appropriately fitted with an electrically operated front bench seat, electric opening doors, LED lighting, and -instead of a dashboard – a vertically-mounted TFT touchscreen display offering the latest in connectivity.

And speaking of connectivity, we can’t neglect the fact that the KWID has a drone mounted on its top. It’s called the Flying Companion and it has two modes of operation. One is the automatic mode that uses a pre-progarammed flying sequence and GPS location to keep itself out of trouble. The second mode involves a tablet and you as a pilot. Renault say that the companion can be used for scouting traffic, taking aerial pictures and detecting obstacles, but wouldn’t that be a bit distracting from, you know, the main act of driving?

“Customers in new markets are much younger. Their expectations are different and customers are basically gamers. They tend to take a closer interest in technology and want to enjoy themselves. This concept car meets those needs in a variety of ways, but mainly thanks to the Flying Companion which makes driving both safe and fun. This is the very first time in the long automotive history we can drive on earth with an eye in the sky. It’s an amazing feature!” says Serge Mouangue, Brand Manager and Innovative Cooperative Laboratory Manager.

Apparently not.

February 7, 2014

Category: Car Makes