Car Makes – Page 617 – Automobiles Review

Ford Ranger at the 2014 Dakar Rally

Ford will participate in the 2014 Dakar, taking place from 5^th to 18^th January 2014 in South America. For the tough rally two Ford Rangers are built and prepared by Neil Woolridge Motorsport.

The two T6 Ranger 4×4 Double Cab vehicles are powered by a 5.0 liter V8 engines with 349HP (260 kW) at 4,500RPM and 560Nm (413 lb-ft) of torque at 4,100RPM. The engine is mated to a Sadev 6-speed sequential gearbox linked to a permanent four-wheel drive setup. The fuel consumption is between 28 liters / 100 km and 90 liters / 100 km, when driving in sandy racing conditions.

These custom Rangers benefit from an independent front/rear suspension, front/rear antiroll bar and ride on 16” Evocorse wheels shod in 245/85 Michelin tires.

The stopping power is provided by Brembo and feature front air-cooled and rear water-cooled brakes.

The crub weight of 2014 Ford Ranger for Dakar is 1,975 kg (4,354 lb-ft).

The first crew features Lucio Alvarez and Ronnie Graue, while in the second car will be driven by Chris Visser and Japie Badenhorst.

The 2014 Dakar Rally Route is sure to be as trying as ever. The event will start in Rosario, Argentina on January 5 and finish in Valparaiso, Chile on January 18 after thirteen stages of competition, which will comprise a total distance of over 8,500 kilometres.

Ford Ranger Technical Specs:

Base Vehicle
Regulations
Engine
Engine Management
Power
Torque
Rev limit:
Fuel consumption (L/100 km):
Body
Suspension

Brakes

Fuel Cell
Gearbox
Cabin
Differential
Steering
Internal Electronics
Driveline
Drive wheels:
Top speed:
Mass:

T6 Ford Ranger 4×4 Double Cab
FIA / ASO T1
Ford Aluminum 5.0L-4V V8 with Twin Independent Variable Cam Timing
Magneti Marelli
260kW@ 4500r/min
560nm@ 4100r/min
5500rpm
90L / 100km in sandy racing conditions and 28L / 100km on normal road driving
Full Composite
Independent Front and Rear
Twin BOS Dampers/Wheel
Antiroll Bar Front and Rear
Brembo Water Cooled Rear
Brembo Air Cooled Front
500L
Sadev 6 Speed Sequential, permanente 4 wheel drive
Air conditioned
LSD Unit Front and Rear
Sadev
GEMS
GKN
16 inch Evocorse rims fitted with 245/85 – 16 Michelin tyres
170km/h
1975kg

Source: Ford

July 30, 2013

Suzuki iV-4 Compact SUV Concept

Suzuki will introduce the iV-4 Compact SUV Concept at the 65th IAA Frankfurt Motor Show, which will be held from 10^th to 22^nd September 2013. The introduction of the compact SUV concept iV-4 is an indication of the direction which will be taken with the future model to be added to the company’s renowned SUV line-up.

While inheriting certain design features of the Suzuki SUVs, such as the clam-shell shaped bonnet and the front grille divided into five, its overall styling conveys a sense of modernity and innovativeness.

The manufacture will release further details on 10^th September, so stay tuned!

Other Suzuki models on display will be the Alto, Splash, Swift, Swift Sport, SX4, SX4 S-Cross, Jimny, Grand Vitara and Kizashi.

Source: Suzuki

July 30, 2013

2014 Citroen C4 Picasso – An Innovative MPV

Citroen has announced the 2014 C4 Picasso, which is a true expression of Citroën’s “Créative Technologie”. The 2014 Citroen C4 Picasso is now available from £17,500 to £24,455.

2014 C4 Picasso embodies a bold, expressive design with dynamic, high-tech styling. This latest Picasso model features a bright, uncluttered interior and technologies that innovate, comfort and protect.

The first model using PSA Peugeot Citroen’s new EMP2 platform (Efficient Modular Platform 2), the new-generation C4 Picasso is more compact on the outside, yet offers benchmark interior space and class-leading boot capacity.

It weighs 140kg less than its predecessor, with improved aerodynamics and a new efficient range of engines – including a new Euro 6 compliant ‘BlueHDi’ powerplant from November production – the New C4 Picasso delivers record CO₂ emissions from just 98g/km and fuel economy of up to 74.3 mpg.

Optimised running gear also provides a new balance between comfort and road holding for a smooth, engaging ride in all driving situations.

The reduced mass, improved aerodynamics and optimised drivetrains significantly improve efficiency with CO₂ emissions an average 30g/km less than the previous generation model.

Check out the pricing and standard equipment below!

PRICES & AVAILABILITY

Now on sale in the UK, New C4 Picasso is available in four trim levels – VTR, VTR+, Exclusive & Exclusive+. Ownership starts at just £17,500 for the VTi 120 manual VTR, rising to £24,455 for the Exclusive+ e-HDi 115 ETG6.

With an anticipated 90% diesel/10% petrol mix, the top-selling model is forecast to be the VTR+ e-HDi 115 6-speed manual. The sales split is expected to be approximately 50% retail, 50% fleet/business.

VERSION	CO₂ EMISSIONS	MRR OTR PRICE
VTi 120 manual VTR	145	£17,500
HDi 90 manual VTR	109	£18,195
VTi 120 manual VTR+	145	£18,760
HDi 90 manual VTR+	109	£19,455
e-HDi 90 ETG6 VTR+	98	£20,155
e-HDi 115 manual 6-speed VTR+	105	£20,255
e-HDi 115 ETG6 VTR+	104	£20,755
THP 155 manual 6-speed Exclusive	139	£21,060
e-HDi 115 manual 6-speed Exclusive	105	£21,555
e-HDi 115 ETG6 Exclusive	105	£22,055
THP 155 manual 6-speed Exclusive+	142	£23,460
e-HDi 115 manual 6-speed Exclusive+	105	£23,955
e-HDi 115 ETG6 Exclusive+	105	£24,455

A generously specified model across all trim levels, standard equipment includes:

VTR

ABS with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) & Emergency Braking Assistance (EBA)
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) with traction control
Air conditioning with dual zone temperature setting
Automatic electronic parking brake
Driver’s and front passenger’s airbags with cut-off device
Front lateral and curtain airbags (including row 2)
Automatic door and boot locking (when vehicle in motion & in case of accidental unlocking)
Electronic child lock control and indicator
Panoramic windscreen (with sliding interior sun blinds)
Daytime-running LEDs
Twin optic headlamps
16” ‘Viper’ alloy wheels (set of four)
Two-tone soft touch upper dashboard and white back-lit dashboard illumination
3 separate full size rear seats with adjustable recline angle
Individual fold flat seats with retractable rear head restraints
Cruise control with speed limiter
Engine start button
Gear Efficiency Indicator (GEI)
7 inch Touch Drive interface (used to control all vehicle functions)
- 7 inch full colour touch screen
- six speakers
- FM radio
- Aux-in jack, USB (in central storage cubby) & Bluetooth® with media streaming
- Steering wheel controls
Electronic fuel filler flap release
12 volt accessory power socket in central storage cubby and additional 12 volt sockets in row 2 and boot

VTR+ adds:

Automatic activation of lights and windscreen wipers
Front fog lights
Electrically heated and folding body colour door mirrors with LED indicators
Automatic digital air conditioning with dual zone temperature setting
Height and tilt adjustable, flat folding front passenger’s seat
Adjustable armrests for driver’s and front passenger’s seats
Drawer under driver’s seat and under front passenger’s seat
Fold-down aircraft style tray tables (integrated in to back of front seats)
Rear underfloor storage (row 2)
Air vents for rear seat passengers
DAB digital radio
Rear parking sensors

Exclusive adds:

12 inch panoramic HD display
LED front indicators
Fog lights with cornering function
Kerb lighting (lights in door mirrors)
Chrome side signature
17” ‘Anaconda’ alloy wheels (set of four)
Aluminium dashboard trim and air vent surrounds
High-quality leather steering wheel with satin chrome inserts and 4 control zones
Kids Pack – Integrated retractable rear side window sun blinds, rear seat conversation mirror
Reversing camera (displayed on upper 12 inch HD screen)
Keyless entry and start
Satellite Navigation with additional USB socket
Removable and rechargeable boot light/torch

Exclusive+adds:

Active radar guided cruise control with collision alert
Active seatbelt safety system
Blind spot monitoring system
Panoramic sunroof (with dark tinted glass & electric sliding blind)
LED 3D effect rear lights
Body colour, electrically heated, folding reverse-dipped door mirrors with LED indicators
Aluminium front and rear sill scuff protectors
18” ‘Python’ alloy wheels (set of four) – excludes e-HDi 115 versions
Dark tinted windows
Automatic dimming electro-chrome interior rear-view mirror
Fan speed adjustment for rear seat passenger air vents
Integrated dashboard scented air freshener
Reading spot light for rear aircraft style tray tables
Driver’s seat electric massage function with adjustable lumbar support
Extra support head rests
Front passenger seat RELAX function (electric footrest & massage function)
Luxury velour carpet mats
Slate grey half leather with black ‘Ondulice’ cloth
Front parking sensors
Park Assist
Motorised rear tailgate (with programmable opening height memory)

Source: Citroen

July 30, 2013

Oettinger Volkswagen Golf VII GTI – Traditionally Quick

Oettinger Volkswagen Golf VII GTI Side Oettinger has announced their latest project based on Volkswagen Golf VII GTI. The hot hatchback received both – styling and performance modifications.

The exterior comes with an Oettinger aerodynamics package consisting of front spoiler with separate splitter, side skirts, rear diffuser and rear roof spoiler. In addition to the sonorous exhaust system with twin tailpipes either side, the strikingly designed roof spoiler with open R-Flaps provides a professional motorsport appearance. The complete package will be available from August this year for 1,990.

The tuning company also offers sports wheel in the stylish finishes „Black Redline“ or „Black Silverline“.Specially conceived for the VW Golf GTI and GTD, the new 8.5J x 19” Oettinger sports wheel with 50mm offset is also suitable for all other standard fast Golf sevens – 1,900 for a set.

The 2.0 liter turbocharged petrol can be boosted up to 350HP (257 kW) thanks to sports exhaust system, air intake system, improved cooling and an ECU re-map. Other performance upgrades include adjustable suspension, limited slip differential, uprated clutch and brake system.

A particular highlight which will be available towards the end of 2013 will be the new ultra lightweight Oettinger ten-spoke sports rim; although developed especially for competition applications will also be certified for use on road vehicles.

Oettinger Volkswagen Golf VII GTI Rear

Source: Oettinger

July 30, 2013

2014 Seat Leon ST [video]

Seat has published a video on Youtube with the recently introduced 2014 Leon ST, which is expected to hit the market later this year.

After the introducing of Skoda Octavia Combi and Volkswagen Golf VII Variant, Seat responded with the Leon ST which seems to have the best design. Of course, all of them share same suspension, engines and some other technical issues. The 2014 Leon ST boasts 587-liter cargo capacity, which is the smallest, but it can be expanded to 1,470 liters once the rear seats are folded. This is more than enough even, if you have some large luggage.

The engine range includes a 1.2 liter TSI with 86HP (63 kW) and 105HP (77 kW), a 1.8 liter TSI with 180HP (132 kW) for the FR model. The diesels are a 1.6 liter TDI with 90HP (66 kW) and an FR-exclusive 2.0 TDI producing 184 HP (135 kW).

Seat UK has confirmed the Leon ST will be offered in a right-hand drive as well as a four-wheel drive variant with the 4Motion system borrowed from the Golf VII Variant 4Motion, of course.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0udJ0jNa8nQ

Source: Seat

July 30, 2013

Superchips Vauxhall Astra VXR GTC – 312HP and 475Nm

Superchips has announced a tuning program for the powerful hot hatchback – Vauxhall Astra VXR GTC.

Astra VXR GTC is powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged direct injection engine – 280HP (206 kW) and 400Nm (296 lb-ft) of torque. 0-100 km/h in 6.0 seconds and a top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph).

Stage 1 includes an ECU remap – 23HP (17 kW) at 5,093 RPM and 61Nm (41 lb-ft) of torque. 0-100 km/h in 5.8 seconds. On the road the added punch translates into a sharper, even more exciting drive, with a crisper throttle response allied to greater urgency across the rev range. Priced at £455.00, the Superchips ECU remap for the March 2012 onwards Vauxhall Astra GTC VXR 2.0T is available now.

Stage 2 is also available, with the calibration tailored to suit Astra GTC VXR 2.0T models fitted with a readily available free flowing aftermarket exhaust system and sports catalyst (sold separately through Superchips’ partner Thorney Motorsport). It boosts the engine with 32HP (24 kW) at 5,698 RPM and 75Nm (56 lb-ft) at 2,935 RPM.

Customers can be assured that both Stage 1 and Stage 2 Superchips Vauxhall Astra GTC VXR 2.0T ECU remaps are covered by a full Customer Service Guarantee and an industry-leading 12 month / 30,000 supplementary vehicle warranty.

Source: Superchips

July 30, 2013

Lamborghini Aventador Veneno

Lambocars.com has published a Veneno-like body kit for the Lamborghini Aventador coupe and roadster.The manufacturer is going to build only 4 units of the Veneno – one to keep for the Lamborghini museum and the other three to sell to customers who were willing to spend $3,900,000 (€3 million).The Veneno-inspired body kit can be offered by tuning companies for those who own the regular Aventador. The package includes modified front and rear ends, a massive rear wing and a set of aggressive alloy wheels.The Lamborghini Aventador is expected to receive a more powerful SV version, which will probably bridge the gap between the standard model and the Veneno.LP700-4 is powered by a 6.5 liter V12 with 700HP (515 kW) and 690Nm (509 lb-ft). The engine is coupled to a 7-speed ISR gearbox specially supplied by Graziano Trasmissioni Group. The shift time is just 50 milliseconds. The power is put on the road through a Haldex AWD system. 0-100 km/h in 2.9 seconds and a top speed of 350 km/h (217 mph).The price for Aventador LP 700-4 Roadster is €300,000.

July 29, 2013

2014 Renault Clio RS Gordini [render]

Forum-Clio has given some information about the upcoming Clio RS Gordini, which is expected to hit the market next year with a starting price of around €28,000.

Renault Clio RS Gordini will be powered by a 1.6 liter turbocharged petrol with 230HP (169 kW) and 285Nm (210 lb-ft) of torque. This is 30HP and 51Nm more than the Clio RS. 0-100 km/h in 5.9 secondsa and a top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph). The Clio RS is much slower – 6.7 seconds to 100 km/h and 230 km/h (143 mph) – top speed. The main difference is the weight reduction of Gordini. It is lose around 25kg (55 lbs), so it will be 1,175kg (2,588 lbs).

The exterior can be finished in Blue Gordini, Glacier White with blue stripes, Red Flame with platinum white stripes and Platinum Gray with Gordini blue stripes. Mirror caps will be either white or black, while inside it will have Recaro Sportster seats covered in black leather/Alcantara with white stitching and blue Gordini embroidered logo.

Other highlights include alloy pedals, Gordini-branded floor mats, real carbon fiber inserts, R-Link with RS Monitor, black or blue seatbelts and black leather/Alcantara steering wheel.

Source: forum-clio

July 29, 2013

2014 Volkswagen Golf VII Variant 4Motion – EU Price

Volkswagen has announced the new 2014 Golf Variant available with 4MOTION all-wheel drive system. With two powerful and equally economical engines and a towing capacity of up to 2,000 kg of the Golf Variant 4Motion is the perfect vehicle for high standards.

The Golf Variant 1.6 TDI 4MOTION has 105HP (77 kW) and 250Nm (184 lb-ft) of torque. It is able to return 52.2 mpg US (4.5 liters / 100 km). The 2.0 liter TDI has 150HP (110 kW) and 320Nm (236 lb-ft) of torque. The average fuel consumption is 4.8 liters / 100 km (49 mpg US).

The Golf Variant 1.6 TDI 4MOTION is available as a trend line from €24,400. The Golf Estate 4Motion Comfortline 2.0 TDI starts at €29,075.

Source: Volkswagen

July 29, 2013

Cadillac 3.6-liter twin-turbo V6 engine [video]

Cadillac has published a video featuring the twin-turbo 3.6-liter V6 engine that will power the 2014 CTS Vsport and 2014 XTS Vsport models. The engine kicks turbo lag to the curb with a unique combination of smaller turbochargers, top-mounted throttle body and shorter air pathways.

Air flow routing volume is reduced by more than 60 % when compared with a conventional design that features a chassis-mounted heat exchanger. The water-to-air cooler system achieves more than 80 % cooling efficiency with only about 1 psi (7 kPa) flow restriction at peak power
for fast torque production.

The 3.6 twin-turbo V6 produces 420HP (313 kW) and 583Nm (430 lb-ft) of torque in the CTS Vsport, while the XTS Vsport will have 410HP (305 kW) and 500Nm (369 lb-ft).

Both models will hit the market this fall and CTS VSport will be priced from $59,995, while the XTS VSport will be sold for $63,020.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RiHy4xWzDOc

Source: Cadillac

July 29, 2013

2014 Nissan 370Z Coupe and Roadster – US Price

Nissan USA has announced the pricing for 370Z Coupe, 370Z NISMO and 370Z Roadster. The 370Z Coupe comes with reduced price with $3,130. The M.S.R.P. reductions on 370Z Coupe increase its competitiveness in the growing sports car marketplace.

This spring, Nissan repositioned the price on seven core models with an aim to broaden the reach of customer consideration during online shopping and research. Prices for the revised 2014 370Z NISMO and 2014 370Z Roadster remain at 2013 model year levels.

The 2014 370Z NISMO boasts new exterior and interior accents. Enhancements include new dark gray coloring for the front and rear fascias, lower side sills, side mirrors and NISMO rear spoiler, with each element (except side sills) featuring NISMO-style red pinstripe accents. Interior enhancements include the addition of a new steering wheel with Alcantara® appointments and red accents and a red NISMO tachometer. The 370Z NISMO continues to offer 350-horsepower 3.7-liter V6, close-ratio 6-speed manual transmission, sport-tuned suspension and brakes and 19” forged aluminum-alloy wheels.

Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Prices* (MSRP) for the 2014 Nissan 370Z Coupe include:

370Z Coupe 6MT	$29,990 USD
370Z Coupe 7AT	$31,290 USD
370Z Coupe Touring 6MT	$35,270 USD
370Z Coupe Touring 7AT	$36,570 USD
370Z Coupe NISMO	$43,020 USD

Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Prices* (MSRP) for the 2014 Nissan 370Z Roadster include:

370Z Roadster 7AT	$41,470 USD
370Z Roadster Touring 6MT	$44,170 USD
370Z Roadster Touring 7AT	$45,470 USD

^{Destination and Handling $790.}

Source: Nissan

July 29, 2013

Wrangler, Avenger and Grand Caravan production is being prolonged for a couple of years.

As stated in the recent The Detroit News report, Chrysler has extended the production lives of Jeep Wrangler, Dodge Avenger and Dodge Caravan, which goes slightly out of sync with what was announced earlier in Chrysler’s product plan.

Quoting reliable sources, the newspapers says the Wrangler will continue through 2018 the way it is now, the Grand Caravan got a two-year extension up to 2017 and the current Avenger is likely to last through 2015, which means we’ll have an opportunity to get this sedan a year longer then expected previously.

Gualberto Ranieri, Crysler spokesman, rejected to give any comments on this statement, though.

Assuming that everything afore-mentioned is an absolute truth, we might think that the automaker along with Fiat S.p.A., its corporate parent, are doing their best to preserve cash in the teeth of European financial pressure and the on-going purchase of the rest of Chrysler share by Fiat.

Avenger was said to end up later this year or at the beginning of 2014. The main cause of such a rush was Chrysler’s intention to speed up the production of its successor, the next generation of sedan, Chrysler 200. The last one, as it was announced by chief executive officer Sergio Marchionne, will be shown in a 6-months term, allegedly in January of the upcoming year. Since then, the Sterling Heights plant will be forced to produce both Avenger and redesigned Chrysler 200.

Marchionne’s tactics mainly consists in cutting down on the production of resembling vehicles which permanently compete with each other in showrooms. From now on one of the biggest American automobile manufacturers will only launch one minivan production, for example, instead of having a couple of them at a time. Chrysler Group LLC is currently getting prepared for its future minivan production program. The name of the one to survive remains unrevealed, despite being an actively discussed thing during the last year.

Popular Jeep Wrangler will experience scheduled well in advance makeover in 2016, providing the Toledo plant with a time to raise its productive capacity. The new Wrangler will get a new diesel engine, which would be an alternative option for those who prefer diesel over gas. The sad news is that we aren’t going to meet a pickup version of wrangler unless the company finds some additional productive capacity. Apparently, we’ll have to postpone browsing through autoclassifieds in search of new Wranglers till the things go better.

July 29, 2013

Category: Car Makes