Category: Car Makes

Car Makes

TEASER: Skoda VisionC Design Study

Skoda has released a teaser sketch of its upcoming concept vehicle which will have its official premiere at the Geneva Motor Show in March. It will be brand’s highlight at the show.

Carrying the name Skoda VisionC Design Study, the model exudes dynamism and exceptional aesthetics. Its design was developed the last few years with the aim to move Skoda to a next level of sophistication.

The five door coupe concept underpins the evolution of brand’s design language and gives hints towards what we can expect to see in the future. In fact, Skoda’s goal is to renew and broaden the entire range of models.

The design language of the dynamic and elegant coupe is more expressive, dynamic and emotional, and at the same time, shows the innovative steps that the company is implying in this study.

VisionC seems influenced by the design of Volkswagen CC four-door coupe. It has the same low and sleek roofline, a short front and rear overhangs, as well as sporty stance. The car is expected to be powered by high-output and efficient four-cylinder turbocharged engine. More details to come near official debut.

Source: Skoda

February 6, 2014
Mercedes-Benz Expanding The S-Class Family

The recently launched new S-Class family is now growing with four new members. That’s rigt, Mercedes-Benz are introducing a fuel-sipper (BlueTEC HYBRID), an AWD fuel-sipper (BlueTEC 4MATIC), a 5-star hotel on wheels (S 600) and an S 65 AMG – the name says it all. Let’s give them a quick look one at a time.

The 300 BlueTEC HYBRID – a diesel-based hybrid that will have an offensively low overall fuel consumption of just 4.4 liters per 100 km and a CO2 emission value of 115 g/km. Keep in mind that this is an S-Class that can be had with a long wheel base as well. In order to achieve these figures of frugality, the 300 uses a 20 kW electric motor nestled between the main 204 hp engine (a 2.2-liter four-cylnder) and the automatic transmission. You also get the usual hybrid tech like brake recuperation, and all electric drive only etc.

The 350 BlueTEC 4MATIC is a different story. A 3.0-liter V6 diesel in it churns out 258 hp and 620 Nm of torque. And even though it’s essentially an AWD vehicle, it returns 5.9 liters per 100 km (again with either wheelbase). That means that in terms of economy, it’s on par with the previous four-cylinder S 250 CDI.

The S 600 (pictured above) will now stand at the top of the S-Class luxury pyramid. It comes only as a long wheelbase. You will also be stuck with an LED Intelligent Light System, a Magic Body Control suspension with Road Surface Scan and a Driver Assistance Plus package. It’s not all caviare and truffles though. There’s a 6.0-liter biturbo V12 under the hood that hauls all that machinery with 530 hp. Maximum torque is 830 Nm from 1900 rpm. F (class) in efficiency, however.

Finally, there’s the hardcore Mercedes-Benz S 65 AMG (pictured bellow). Same engine as the S 600’s, more power. 630 hp and 1000 Nm of torque to be exact. The fuel economy has been reduced by 2.4 liters per 100 km but still stands at 11.9 (F). Long wheelbase, Magic Body Control with Road Surface Scan.

All four models are available for ordering with an official launch date sometime in March this year.

Source: Mercedes-Benz

February 5, 2014
Volkswagen Taigun First Time in Asia

Today the Auto Expo 2014 in New Delhi kicked off and here’s what’s hot: The Volkswagen Taigun – ever so close to production – is making its Asian premier. This time, however, beside being rather orange, it has a new backside with an exterior-mounted spare wheel. Apparently, that was the feedback the company received ever since the Taigun made its world debut at Sao Paulo. How do you get customer feedback on a concept vehicle?

Just a quick reminder: the Taigun is a compact-SUV (sigh) concept that carries Volkswagen’s 3-cylinder 1.0-liter TSI engine: a blatant take on Ford’s EcoBoost range. It develops 110hp at 5000 rpm and has an average fuel consumption of 4.7 l/100km. Probably, the fact that the Taigun is really, really small helps.

How small is it? 3,859 mm long without the spare wheel, 1,728 mm wide and 1,570 mm high. Still, it has a relatively big wheelbase at 2,470 mm (the front and rear overhangs stretch out 708 mm and 681 mm respectively). Total weight: just bellow a ton.

The new rear end, as we said, boasts a mounted spare wheel. By the way, all five wheels measure at 17-inches and have 205/50 R17 tires on them. Hinged on the driver’s side, the boot lid, which holds the mounts, swinges outwards when opened (the handle is cleverly integrated into the right taillight). The rear window, with the roof spoiler integrated above it, opens independently outwards. Both ends of the underbody make use of a rugged metal protection panel.

Inside, the Taigun offers as much cargo space as it can. With no modifications whatsoever, you get 280 liters of boot to spare. Fold the rear seats and that number grows to 996 liters. There are also storage compartments in the tailgate.

It’s a simple, convenient, and easy-to-use everyday car that still holds some off-roading merit. Let’s see how they come along with the actual production of it.

Source: Volkswagen

February 5, 2014
2014 Audi RS4 Avant Nogaro – EU Price €87,300

Audi has unveiled the 2014 RS4 Avant Nogaro celebrating the 20^th anniversary of the first RS model – the Avant RS2 (Audi 80 B4). The RS4 Avant Nogaro will hit the market in the beginning of this year, and will make its official debut at the 2014 Geneva Motor Show. It boasts a Nogaro blue paint finish and exclusive equipment.

The customized Nogaro blue, pearl effect paint finish is the most salient visual signal of the anniversary model, and is also reminiscent of the RS2. The frame and use of the Singleframe grille, as well as the window slot trims, are painted high-gloss black, and the roof rails matt black. The RS sport exhaust system terminates in two oval, high-gloss black tailpipe trims.

The engine of the new RS4 is a naturally-aspirated 4.2 liter V8 – 450HP (331 kW) and 430Nm (317 lb-ft) of torque. The power is put on the road through 7-speed dual-clutch S tronic transmission and Quattro AWD system. 0-100 km/h in 4.7 seconds and a top speed of 280 km/h (174 mph). The combined fuel consumption is just 10.7 l / 100 km (22 mpg US) with 249 g/km CO2.

2014 Audi RS4 Avant Nogaro rolls 20” alloy wheels fitted with 265/30 R20 tires. Behind them, there are red brake calipers and carbon fiber ceramic discs available as an option (pretty expensive one). The Electronic Stabilization Control (ESC) offers a sport mode and can also be entirely deactivated as required.

The interior boasts black and blue theme with Alcantara and Valcona leather. There are also on inlays and special badges on the gear lever and the side sills.

The RS4 Avant Nogaro has a price tag of €87,300.

Check the full press in the gallery including data for the legendary Audi 80 B4 Avant RS2.

Source: Audi

February 5, 2014
2014 Dodge Ram 1500 EcoDiesel Records Best Fuel Economy Rating

The best ever highway-cycle test result ever achieved by a full-size half-ton pickup has been recorded, and the vehicle to do this is the 2014 Dodge Ram 1500 EcoDiesel. Precisely, the car was rated at 28-mpg by the EPA, and this rating also exceeds the EPA highway rating for the top-ranked small pickup.

Next to its superior fuel economy this Dodge model also offers torque of 420 lb.-ft. (569 Nm). This rating is possible due to the engine’s block and bedplate which are made from lightweight Compacted Graphite Iron (CGI). Adding to this is the innovative MultiJet 2 common-rail fuel-injection system, which reduces noise and enhances low-speed throttle response.

The EcoDiesel Ram is fitted with 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V-6 unit which includes Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR), high-pressure cooled Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR), variable swirl intake ports and a variable-geometry turbocharger. The efficient powetrain is coupled with a TorqueFlite 8-speed automatic transmission, which also improves the fuel efficiency.

Furthermore, the gearbox also has thermal-management system. The latter warms transmission oil to reduce pumping losses associated with cold, low-viscosity fluid. What is more, the scored efficiency results were made reality due to the active grille shutters that maximize air flow in order to improve aerodynamics; the Electric Power Steering (EPS) that relieves the engine from constantly turning a hydraulic pump; and the lightweight aluminum components.

2014 Dodge Ram 1500 EcoDiesel has a starting price of $24,200 USD and will go on sale on 7th of February.

Source: Dodge

February 5, 2014
Pagani Zonda S 7.3: Taking a Drive with Horacio Pagani [video]

XCAR has published an awesome video featuring Horacio Pagani, who drove Zonda S 7.3. This particular car is the 6^th Zonda ever made by Pagani and the first ever to be exhibited at the Geneva Motor Show. Mr. Pagani explains that even though the hyper car is extremely powerful, it is very nice and easy to drive.

The engine is an AMG-sourced 7.3 liter V12 – 555HP (408 kW) at 5,900RPM and 750Nm (553 lb-ft) of torque at 4,050RPM. The dry weight is just 1,280 kg, so the power to weight ratio stands at 2.3 kg/HP. 0-100 km/h in 3.7 seconds and a top speed of 354 km/h (220 mph).

Pagani has officially ended the production of Zonda and now the manufacturer is focusing on the sensational Huayra.

Enjoy!

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-TZDObzHRc4

Source: XCAR via Youtube

February 5, 2014

Honda Launches Two New Fuel Efficient Civic Models

Honda is launching two new fuel efficient Civic models: 2014 Civic Hybrid and Civic Natural Gas. The cars have been enhanced with a wide range of new standard and optional features for the new model year.

Precisely, as a standard these vehicles add new Display Audio with 7-inch touchscreen that give access to audio, phonebook, media, vehicle information and navigation features. Through the touchscreen the driver can also use the HondaLink application that will allow them access to online and cloud-based content and information both inside and outside the car.

Furthermore, standard on both models is the Expanded View Driver’s Mirror. When this feature is combined with the optional LaneWatch display, it enhances driver’s surrounding view. Added convenience delivers the standard Smart Entry with Push Button Start found only on the Civic Hybrid that allows easy entry and keyless engine starting.

Next, the Civic Natural Gas Leather Navi model gains leather seats, heated front seats, heated side mirrors and a six-speaker audio system. This trim level comes as a standard and is equipped with 5-speed automatic transmission.

On the other hand, for the Civic Hybrid is also offered in three interior variants: Navi, Leather, and Leather Navi. All of them are equipped with continuously variable transmission (CVT).

2014 Honda Civic Hybrid will goes on sale today with a starting price of $24,635 USD, while the 2014 Civic Natural Gas will be available at Honda dealerships from 15th of February with a base price of $26,640 USD.

TRIM	MSRP	EPA Fuel Economy Ratings1 (city/highway/combined)
Civic Hybrid Sedan CVT	$24,635	44/47/45
Civic Hybrid Sedan Navi CVT	$26,135	44/47/45
Civic Hybrid Sedan w/ Leather CVT	$25,835	44/47/45
Civic Hybrid Sedan w/ Leather Navi CVT	$27,335	44/47/45
Civic Natural Gas Sedan 5AT	$26,640	27/38/31‡
Civic Natural Gas Sedan Navi 5AT	$29,290	27/38/31‡

Source: Honda

February 5, 2014

Audi Ultra Models – 136HP, 163HP and 190HP

Audi is expanding its ultra strategy with eleven new models and now the manufacturer has unveiled the new A4, A5 and A6 Ultra models. A new and powerful two-liter TDI will provide 136HP, 163HP or 190HP and will emit just 104 to 119 g/km CO2.

The “ultra” designation stands for sustainable mobility that is fully available for everyday use. With a combined fuel consumption rate of 3.9 to 4.6 l / 100 km (60 to 51 US mpg), the new ultra models from Audi are among the most efficient cars in their segment – without any limitation on the driving dynamics or customary comfort.

The A4 and A4 Avant will be powered by a 2.0 liter TDI with either 136HP (100 kW) and 320Nm (236 lb-ft) or 163HP (120 kW) and 400Nm (295 lb-ft) of torque.

The A5 Coupe and A5 Sportback will be available exclusively with a 2.0 liter TDI – 163HP (120 kW) and 400Nm (295 lb-ft), while the big A6 and A6 Avant will get the 190HP (140 kW) and 400Nm (295 lb-ft) of torque version of the engine.

The three models are set to hit the market later this year with pricing starting from €32,600 for the A4, €37,350 for the A5 and €39,900 for the A6.

	Max. output in kW (bhp)	Max. torque in Nm (lb-ft) at rpm	Acceleration 0–100 km/h (0–62.14 mph) in s	Top speed in km/h (mph)	Fuel consumption (combined) in l/100 km (US mpg)	CO2 emissions in g/km (g/mile)
A4 Sedan 2.0 TDI ultra	100 (136)	320 (236.02) / 1500 – 3000	9.3	215 (133.59)	3.9 (60.31)	104 (167.37)
A4 Sedan 2.0 TDI ultra	120 (163)	400 (295.02) / 1750 – 2750	8.3	225 (139.81)	4.2 (56.00)	109 (175.42)
A4 Avant 2.0 TDI ultra	100 (136)	320 (236.02) / 1500 – 3000	9.6	208 (129.25)	4.2 (56.00)	109 (175.42)
A4 Avant 2.0 TDI ultra	120 (163)	400 (295.02) / 1750 – 2750	8.6	216 (134.22)	4.4 (53.46)	114 (183.47)
A5 Coupé 2.0 TDI ultra	120 (163)	400 (295.02) / 1750 – 2750	8.3	225 (139.81)	4.2 (56.00)	109 (175.42)
A5 Sportback 2.0 TDI ultra	120 (163)	400 (295.02) / 1750 – 2750	8.6	221 (137.32)	4.3 (54.70)	111 (178.64)
A6 Sedan 2.0 TDI ultra	140 (190)	400 (295.02) / 1750 – 3000	S tronic: 8.2 Manual transmission: 8.4	232 (144.16)	S tronic: 4.4 (53.46) Manual transmission: 4.5 (52.27)	S tronic: 114 (183.47) Manual transmission: 117 (188.29)
A6 Avant 2.0 TDI ultra	140 (190)	400 (295.02) / 1750 – 3000	S tronic: 8.5 Manual transmission: 8.7	226 (140.43)	4.6 (51.13)	119 (191.51)

Source: Audi

February 5, 2014

Toyota Introduces 2014.5 Camry Hybrid SE Limited Edition

A new limited edition model will join the current Toyota Camry line-up. It is the 2014.5 Toyota Camry Hybrid SE Limited Edition. The reason for the not so typical model year is that the car will have a production run from February to June this year and will be limited to 5000 units.

Next to its sports styling cues, the vehicle offers 40 mpg EPA city fuel economy. This is due to the Toyota Hybrid Synergy drive. In details, Camry Hybrid SE Limited Edition is powered by a 2.5-liter, four-cylinder engine as well as a hybrid system with nickel metal hydride battery. Both produce a total system output of 200 hp (147 kW).

This limited edition Camry is built on Camry XLE Hybrid’s equipment level. However it adds also some goodies such as exclusive new front fascia, headlights, side rockers, rear valance, rear bumper, rear spoiler, and 17-inch wheels with low profile tires.

The interior of the car has been also enhanced specifically for the car. Inside one can find four-spoke leather-trimmed steering wheel, silver interior trim, instrument panel, center stack trim, and front and rear seats.

The car can be easily distinguished due to the added unique badging. Toyota also offers for this model optional package that will add a moonroof and Display Audio with Navigation and Entune Apps Suite.

2014.5 Camry Hybrid SE Limited Edition will be available in showrooms later this month with an initial price of $27,845 USD.

Source: Toyota

February 5, 2014
Spyshots: Possible Volvo XC90 Caught Winter Testing

No, this is not the automotive equivalent of a restrained Dr. Lecter. It’s a camouflaged Volvo XC90 doing some snowy tests according to Swedespeed. Spy shots courtesy to the guys at CarPix.

Apparently, there are some similarities to be drawn with the Concept XC Coupe that took over Detroit last month. However, the extra cladding is so thorough that you would be forgiven to think that you are looking at BMW’s X5 series.

The XC90 is set to make an official debut sometime this fall. Volvo are adamant that the original XC90 capabilities will be perfectly preserved (3-rows setups included). Still, the new one will be the first Volvo to use the company’s SPA platform along with the Drive-E (VEA) powertrain layout. Supposedly, XC90s intended for the US market will churn out at the very least 302 hp. Don’t be surprised if they throw in a couple of electric motors as well. Also, Aisin Warner 8-speed transmissions will be coming as standard.

February 4, 2014
Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead Coupe Bespoke Waterspeed Collection Sketch

Consider this a teaser. It’s a sketch released by Rolls-Royce, previewing their soon-to-hit-the-market Bespoke Waterspeed Collection. That is, 35 Phantom Drophead Coupe’s celebrating a landmark in Rolls-Royce’s history.

On the morning of 1 September 1937, Sir Malcom Campbell was preparing to take on Lake Maggiore (Swiss-Italian border). His goal: a new speed world record on water. He was to man the Bluebird K3 hydroplane, powered by a Rolls-Royce R-Type engine. An audacious speed of 126.32 mph was reached on the first run. The following day he went one better, piloting his craft to 129.5 mph, in doing so emphatically breaking the United States’ five-year stranglehold on the world waterspeed record.

So today, Rolls-Royce are looking forward to commemorate that spirit of innovation and cutting-edge technology. What we know for sure so far is that the Warterspeed Collection will showcase the finest contemporary materials “never used before on a Rolls-Royce furnish”. The cars should be a visual triumphant combination of brushed steel, wood inlays and the color Maggiore Blue.

Further details will be available in the coming months with more insight into the production process.

Source: Rolls-Royce

February 4, 2014
BMW RS/M235i Green Hell by RS-Racingteam

We have a racing car spree on our hands here. This is a very green BMW 2 Series coupe. And it’s not the save-the-planet type of green but more toxic spill green. The guys who have come up with it are from the German-based RS-Racingteam joint (responsible also for this). They’ve called it the BMW RS/M235i Green Hell Edition.

If we push aside the toxic wrapping, the first thing that catches your eye is the 18-inch ATS set of rims (different, BBS ones are also available). They come tailored with either Michelin semi-slicks or with a wet/street set of different tires measuring at 225 or 245 front and back respectively. The overall low stance is due not only to the low tire profile, but also due to the added KW Clubsport coilover kit. The stopping power too benefits from racing Ferodo pads, steel flex tubes and a special sports braking fluid. At the back, there should be two Supersprint tail pipes made of stainless steel

In terns if aerodynamics, the RS/M235i packs a giant GFK rear wing and some bigger vents at the front (better brake ventilation).

The interior has been almost entirely stripped out. Carbon fiber panels on the doors house nothing but hand straps and the power window controls (yes, you still get electric windows). There’s a racing bucket seat behind the three-spoked momo racing wheel. There’s a passenger bucket seats as well. Both house a 6-point belt system. There are no floor mats, a safety cage ensures structural rigidity, and a special in-the-cabin fire extinguisher system can be found in the passenger footwell. The engine and gearbox have had special brackets installed so that you can find them where you left them after a vigorous race.

For that little extra something, you can add some oomph under the hood, but that you’ll have to discuss in person, apparently.

Source: RS-Racingteam

February 4, 2014