Car Makes – Page 584 – Automobiles Review

New Photoshoot For Vorsteiner Ferrari 599-VX Coupe

Vorsteiner Ferrari 599-VX is a project which we have already seen, but what we haven’t seen so far is the new exclusive photoshoot of the car. The tuners at Vorsteiner have also released a little bit more information about the tuning, and how they have managed to improve even more the fluidic natural lines and essence of the Ferrari.

First of all, the specialists have worked to make better the aerodynamics of this icon. They have added a 599-VX Front Bumper with integrated spoiler. In fact, these pieces keep the functionality of the car without compromising on its quality, aesthetics, or performance.

This means that the styling of these components takes the 599 a step away from sports car and a step closer to race car. In order to create them, Vorsteiner has utilized the latest in carbon technology that offers a considerable weight savings over the factory pieces. Here is also available the Primered Carbon Fiber with Optical Carbon Fiber Front Chin Spoiler.

The Vented Race Hood is another prominent element of this Ferrari. It not only gives contributes for its aggressive stance but also improves car’s weight, because it is made of Autoclaved Pre-Preg Carbon Fiber.

This element also delivers superior stiffness, aerospace strength and durability compared to traditional hand laid carbon fiber composites. Here the available option is the Carbon Fiber Primered Body with Carbon Fiber Optic Vents Pre-Preg.

Furthermore, the car now features side sill extension blades which are also made of Autoclaved Pre-Preg Carbon Fiber. As an option is being offered Carbon Fiber Pre-Preg with 4 Stage UV Inhibiting Clear Lacquer Coating.

At the rear, it is visible that the vehicle has a new rear bumper with integrated diffuser which was designed carefully to stabilize the additional down force provided by the front and side elements. The rear bumper is made of the same material as the aforementioned parts.

The Ferrari can be also optionally equipped with 599-VX Exhaust System Stainless and Primered Carbon Fiber Pre-Preg. At last to be mentioned is the Rear Deck Lid Spoiler, which rounds-off the exterior tuning of this project.

Source: Vorsteiner

October 21, 2013

Smart Fortwo BoConcept Edition Revealed

The newest addition in the Smart fleet of vehicles is the Smart Fortwo BoConcept Edition which has clear design influences referencing the latest home interior trends. For instance, in it are included matt surfaces, distinctive colors and bold material combinations. The model is a result of the cooperation between Smart brand and BoConcept – the Danish urban interior design specialist.

The exterior of the vehicle is decided in matt crystal white body panels, which is then complemented by distinctive light lemon mirror caps as well as accents on the 15-inch nine-spoke alloy wheels. In addition, on the mirror triangles can be seen BoConcept logos.

Inside the smart, one steps in to an ambient atmosphere that is created via the utilization of unique tobacco brown leather-look seats with grey quilted fabric inlays and light lemon double stitching. The dashboard, door panels and kneepad has the same color scheme. The steering wheel is two-spoke, wrapped in leather which also includes the light lemon color in terms of contrast double stitching.

Smart Fortwo BoConcept Edition is offered in two variants – coupé and cabriolet, and is based on the passion 71 hp (52 kW) mhd. However, it includes as a standard additional exclusive features such as highline multimedia and navigation system with 6.5-inch touch-screen, Bluetooth, iPod interface and CD/DVD player, air conditioning and electric windows.

Source: Smart

October 21, 2013

Ford At 2013 SEMA Show

With SEMA Show being just around the corner, many brands are preparing to showcase exquisitely tuned vehicles. One of them is Ford, which will have on its modified versions of Ford’s most popular models, including Fiesta, Focus, Fusion, Mustang, F-150 and Super Duty.

In addition, the brand will also exhibit a car-mixture between the European styling of Transit Connect Wagon and Transit Connect cargo van is mixed, thanks to the creativity of the industry’s top builders and customizers – “Vandemonium”.

The aim of the transformation is to illustrate how the vehicle can be utilized beyond family or commercial transportation. Not only was the exterior of the car given a new custom paint finish, but also features that include modern technologies.

As a teaser ahead of the Show, Ford has released renderings of the best SEMA project vehicles in Dreamcase, a digital display. The first vehicles to be featured in Dreamcase are 2014 Mustangs and Fiestas, outfitted with the best aftermarket upgrades and wearing custom colors.

Source: Ford

October 21, 2013

Lamborghini Veneno Roadster [leak images]

Autoemotionen has published several leak images of Lamborghini Veneno Roadster. The hyper car is expected to make its official debut at the 2013 Los Angeles Auto Show.The exterior is exactly the same the coupe, with the obvious exception of the roof. The manufacturer is going to produce only 4 units of Veneno Coupe, but the Roadster will be limited to 9 units and each will cost €3,300,000.The power is coming from the well-known 6.5 liter naturally aspirated V12 with 750HP (552 kW) and 720Nm (529 lb-ft). 0-100 km/h in 2.8 seconds and a top speed of over 350 km/h (220 mph).After all, you can always choose to buy an Aventador LP 700-4 Roadster for €300,000 and to order “Veneno” tuning package from a tuning company. In such case, you will save around €3 million. It is definitely a bargain.

October 18, 2013

Alfa Romeo 4C – 8:04 Nurburgring Lap Time

Alfa Romeo has confirmed the Nurburgring lap time of 4C. The small sports car manage to cross the finish line in 8 minutes and 4 seconds. For example BMW M3 E92 with 420HP has a time of 8 minutes and 5 seconds and Renault Megane RS Trophy in 8:07 (which is a new record for a FWD car).

Behind the steering wheel was Horst von Saurma who proved on September 12 the Alfa Romeo 4C is the faster car with less than 250HP to lap the Nurburgring.

2013 Alfa Romeo 4C is powered by a 1.8 liter turbocharged petrol with 240HP (177 kW) at 6,000RPM and 350Nm (258 lb-ft) at 2,000RPM of torque. The engine is connected to a dual-clutch transmission. 0-100 km/h in 4.5 seconds and a top speed of 258 km/h (160 mph). It will average 6.8 liters / 100 km (41.5 mpg UK) with CO2 emissions of 157 g/km. All these figures are thanks to the super-low weight of 4C – just 895kg (1973 lb).

It is equipped with Pirelli “AR” P Zero Trofeo tires which were specially developed for this model over the course of less than a year. They are available in two size combinations – 17” front and 18” rear or 18” front and 19” rear.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bn1OLYboRbE

Source: Alfa Romeo

October 18, 2013

2014 Audi A3 Cabriolet – Hits the Market Next Spring

Audi is starting production of the 2014 A3 Cabriolet at the company plant in Hungary. The A3 Cabriolet is distinctive already with its flowing lines and fabric soft-top. It is also at the pinnacle of its segment in technical terms – with consistently applied lightweight construction, the latest engine technology, versatile networking and highly effective assistance systems.

2014 Audi A3 is set to be launched next spring with pricing starting from €31,700. Audi also builds the next generation of the Audi TT Coupe and TT Roadster in the same plant. The company has invested a total of more than €900 million in buildings and equipment at this site.

The engine range of A3 Cabriolet includes a 1.4 liter TFSI – 140HP (103 kW), a 1.8 liter TFSI – 180HP (132 kW) and a 2.0 liter TDI with 150HP (110 kW). We also expect an S3 Cabriolet with 2.0 liter TFSI delivering 300HP (221 kW).

Source: Audi

October 18, 2013

2014 Durango Special Service SUV Joins Dodge’s Range Of Fleet Vehicles

2014 Dodge Durango Special Service SUV will be complementing the range of fleet vehicles of the police and fire agencies as well as the general fleet customers. This Durango embodies the perfect combination of capability, fuel economy and utility.

As a standard it is equipped with a new eight-speed transmission, which also contributes towards the improvement of the fuel economy of up to 25 miles per gallon. In addition, it has ability to tow as much as 7,400-pounds. Vehicle’s driving range is of over 600 miles, and what is more it features a whole host of safety technologies.

This Special Service model also includes additional components which were especially designed for the rigors of daily fleet use. Some instances are the heavy-duty brake package, heavy-duty battery, larger-output 220-amp alternator, heavy-duty water pump and engine oil cooler, and a load leveling suspension.

Other features included in the interior of the 2014 Dodge Durango Special Service are the programmable 7-inch display in the gauge cluster, the Uconnect 5.0-inch touch screen with voice command and Bluetooth, a media hub for USB, SD media card and auxiliary jack integration and Bluetooth streaming audio.

In addition, there have been also included special service headliner and red and white interior dome lamp and spot lamp wiring prep. The Durango’s third-row of seats has been removed in order to deliver more cargo capacity.

This Special Service SUV also includes a customizable rear cargo area with under-floor storage compartments and additional storage in the side compartments. For the bright visual characteristics of this Dodge Durango take car new LED daytime running lamps and rear race track tail lamps.

Some of the optional features included here are for example the Skid Plate Group for all-wheel drive models, ParkView Rear Back-Up Camera, a Trailer Tow Group, Engine Block Heater and Uconnect Access Via Mobile capability.

In terms of safety and security, the Special Service models are unsurpassed given that they offer more than 60 features: standard Electronic Stability Control (ESC), electronic roll mitigation (ERM), Hill-start Assist and standard Trailer-sway Control (TSC), Rain Brake Support and Ready Alert Braking, seat-mounted and side-curtain air bags in the front row, and standard front-row active head restraints.

This Durango is equipped with a standard 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine that is mated to an eight-speed transmission. The unit produces 290 horsepower (213 kW) and a maximum torque of 352 Nm (260 lb.-ft.). As an option the brand offers the 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 engine, which generates 360 horsepower (265 kW) and 528 Nm (390 lb.-ft.). It has the towing capacity of 7,400 pounds.

The instrument panel has been also refined and now includes redesigned center stack. In the latter are housed 5-inch and 8.4-inch Uconnect touchscreens. The bottom of the center stack houses a new media hub with an SD card slot, USB outlet, auxiliary jacks, and a storage bin.

In addition, the center console features new rotary shifter for the standard eight-speed automatic transmission. The manual shift functions have been removed and now are replaced with paddle shifters on the back of the Durango’s steering wheel. Furthermore, the instrument cluster also features high-tech treatment and now includes a full-color 7-inch thin-film transistor (TFT) screen.

2014 Dodge Durango Special Service SUV was specifically designed for the demands and rigors of fleet duty. It will meet the needs of a wide range of fleet customers across the United States and Canada.

No additional details around the distribution of the model in other countries have been released so far. The production of 2014 Dodge Durango Special Service is planned to begin in the fourth quarter of this year.

Source: Dodge

October 18, 2013

MINI John Cooper Works Paceman With Frozen Black Metallic Paint

MINI brand is expanding its range of exterior paint finishes for the current models with the inclusion of an exclusive new Frozen Black metallic paint. The latter is available as a limited edition colour for the top of the range MINI Countryman and MINI Paceman models.

The brand highlighted that the new paint has a textured, shimmering matt finish, which contributes for vehicle’s striking and impressive appearance. In addition, the Frozen Black exterior colour and finish will be also offered for the MINI Cooper S Countryman, MINI Cooper SD Countryman, MINI Cooper S Paceman, MINI Cooper SD Paceman, MINI John Cooper Works Countryman and MINI John Cooper Works Paceman.

To go even further into details, the special paint finish was developed via the utilization of a sophisticated manufacturing process which is only exclusive to BMW Group. The painting procedure includes innovative technology and a high level of manual craftsmanship.

In this case, the process is being applied for the first time by brand’s partner Magna Steyr. First of all, the special surface treatment encloses the base layer for grip and corrosion protection, secondly – the colour layer, and thirdly – the clear lacquer finish. The latter also includes silicates in order to create the matted impression and the velvet effect.

The exterior parts which are attached at a later time, like the front and rear aprons and the exterior mirror caps, were also finished separately in Frozen Black metallic. Due to the labor intensive process, typically attributed for example to an independent BMW specialist, the production of cars with this exterior color will be limited to a restricted number of cars.

What is left to be said is that the Frozen Black metallic finish has also abrasion resistance and color fidelity. It is entirely weather resistant and car wash resistant. BMW has also developed care products for the special treatment of this metallic paint finish.

Source: BMW

October 18, 2013

Mazda MX-5 Cup Practice At Road Atlanta

Christian Szymczak behind the wheel of Mazda MX-5 has achieved the fastest time in practice one of the preparation for Rounds 11 and 12 for the SCCA Pro Racing Playboy MX-5 Cup. At the second and third place were Sebastian Landy and Elliott Skeer, respectively.

To be more precise, Szymczak recorded a time of 1:39.650 (91.761 mph) on the 12-turn and 2.54-mile road course. The driver aims that these numbers will be enough for the qualification for the pole, given that the track was slippery.

In addition, he also disclosed that the focus was put not only in the preparation for a particular session, but also on the development of the car, thanks to which the MX-5 will get better and better.

An interesting highlight about the MX-5 is that thanks to it mazda offers available at Lifestyle to its customers extra-satisfying handling and linear responsiveness. The latest facelifted version of the vehicle debuted at the end of last year. It has more aggressive road stance and is equipped with new and innovative safety technology. The car is powered by either a 126 hp (93 kW) MZR 1.8-litre matched with a five-speed manual transmission or the 160 hp (118 kW) MZR 2.0-litre with automatic or manual six-speed transmissions.

The second quickest lap was achieved by Landy, who needed only 1:39.830 (91.595 mph) to complete it. As a matter of fact, this is driver’s personal high score, when compared to those he achieved in any other official session of 2013.

He also confirmed the slipperiness of the track, but emphasized that the longer he ran, the more grip he had. The 30-minute session was ended by Skeer for a time of 1:39.854 (91.573 mph), which secured him the third place and who also have the desire to qualify for the pole.

Season’s final race taking is scheduled to start today at 8:10 a.m. (EDT).

Source: Mazda

October 18, 2013

Prior Design Mercedes-Benz G-Class W463

Prior Design has announced their latest project based on Mercedes-Benz G-Class W463. The big off-roader comes with a lot of styling modifications.

The exterior boasts a complete aerodynamics package in two version – Wide (for €12,900) and Non-wide (for €6,900). The package includes a new front bumper, front and rear extentions and a new hood. There is also a new rear bumper and diffuser.

All components are made from dura-flex FRP (fiber reinforced plastic) and are compatible with all G-Class W463 models.

As an option, Prior Design offers massive 23” DPE alloy wheels for €7,900 and a tire cover for €1,199.

The interior boasts a lot of carbon fiber elements.

Source: Prior Design

October 17, 2013

2014 Cadillac ELR – Active Noise Cancelling

The all-new 2014 Cadillac ELR is so quiet when running on battery power that the electrified luxury coupe’s development team took care to keep it that way when the on-board gas-powered electric generator turns on for extended-range driving.

ELR uses Active Noise Cancelling to preserve the peace and quiet. While most cars that use this type of sound-neutralizing technology aim simply to mute exhaust boom at low engine speeds, such as when idling, ELR uses it across all engine speeds.

The special system electronically gathers input from the vehicle’s generator and powertrain, as well as from three ceiling-mounted microphones. The system calculates and produces the appropriate noise-cancelling signal, which is delivered through the premium Bose audio system.

ELR uses a variety of sound-buffering and -absorbing materials to minimize wind, road and engine noise, including:

Acoustically laminated windshield and thicker front-door glass
Liquid-applied sound deadener applied to the floor pan, trunk and roof
Triple-sealed doors with acoustic perimeter water deflectors
Mass-efficient sound-absorbing dash mat and carpet system
Acoustic foam baffles inside body cavities and in between inner and outer quarter panels
An isolated front suspension cradle with hydraulic powertrain mounts to isolate road and engine vibration

ELR will hit the US market in the beginning of 2014.

Source: Cadillac

October 17, 2013

2014 MINI Countryman Black Knight SE Teased

MINI brand in the United States is going to release its first and very special version of a Countryman. It was announced that this edition will be “covered” with one of the most impressive paints in the BMW’s car range, namely the Frozen Black matt paint.

In addition it was also disclosed that the uniquely styled model is to carry the name “The Black Knight” and similarly to the Frozen Black Edition BMW E92 M3 it is to have a limited production of only 60 units.

Those interested in buying one of these sixty examples have to immediately register, because only the first 60 will be those lucky to be the future customers of the Black Night. MINI has also ensured that the vehicles will be full of versatile equipment. However, there will be some optional features such as the Two-Wheel or the All-Wheel-Drive (ALL4), and the choice of manual or automatic transmission.

Additional information on the 2014 MINI Countryman Black Knight Special Edition will be available near release. Until then, what is left to enjoy the two teaser images of the car that the brand has released.

Source: motoringfile

October 17, 2013

Category: Car Makes