Car Makes – Page 672 – Automobiles Review

2014 Honda Odyssey Touring Elite To Debut In New York

2014 Honda Odyssey Touring Elite is going to make its global debut at this year’s New York International Auto Show. This is Honda’s ultimate family vehicle which aimes to set a standard in the automotive industry.

The model is thoroughly refreshed and offers key safety upgrades, sharpened exterior styling and a revised interior that features a wide range of new features and technologies. For instance, one of the innovations included is the HondaVAC™, which is the first-ever in-vehicle vacuum system.

This system was developed in conjunction with Shop-Vac®, and is composed of a powerful vacuum, replaceable filter and canister bag, with nozzle accessories neatly integrated into a especially designed space on the driver’s side bulkhead of the rear cargo area.

Furthermore, some structural upgrades are also included which are expected to help achieve top marks in the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s (IIHS). 2014 Odyssey Touring Elite will be also equipped with advanced Honda driver assistive and visibility technologies such as an Expanded View Driver’s Mirror, Forward Collision Warning (FCW) and Lane Departure Warning (LDW).

Next, the exterior styling of the car is sleeker, more sophisticated and features more deeply sculpted aluminum hood, new aluminum front fenders, a new bolder twin-bar grille, and a revised lower front fascia with integrated chrome-trimmed fog lights. New two-tone mirror housings, darker-finish projector-beam headlight housings, LED taillight bars and new badging add to the vehicle’s new look.

The interior of the 2014 Odyssey includes new finishes that enliven the cabin and an all-new center stack showcases a host of new features. Moreover, here are also included more standard technology features in comparison to the old version of the car.

Odyssey Touring Elite promises to bring new levels of ease and connectivity with the keyless Smart Entry with Push Button Start, HD Radio®, an SMS text messaging function, and HondaLink™ featuring Aha™ Mobile interface.

Next to 2014 Honda Odyssey Touring Elite, which will go on sale this summer, the Japanese brand will also exhibit at the show its complete lineup of fun-to-drive cars and trucks, including the 2014 Honda Accord Plug-In Hybrid and 2013 Honda Fit EV.

Source: Honda

March 27, 2013

2014 Mercedes-Benz CLA 45 AMG – US Price $47,450

Mercedes-Benz has presented the new 2014 CLA 45 AMG at the 2013 New York Auto Show.

The philosophy behind this four-door mid-series coupe matches that of the successful CLS 63 AMG, the trendsetter among four-door high-performance coupes.

As expected, it is powered by the same engine as A45 AMG. A turbocharged 2.0 liter four-cylinder petrol with 360HP (265 kW) and 450Nm (332 lb-ft) of torque. 0-100 km/h in just 4.5 seconds and a top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph).

The engine is mated to a 7-speed dual-clutch AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT 7 transmission sending power to a front-biased 4MATIC all-wheel drive system.

Another special feature designed to enhance dynamic performance and driving enjoyment is the so-called “Momentary M mode”. In C and S mode, this enables the driver to activate manual mode (“M”) without having to remove a hand from the steering wheel, by pressing the “up” or “down” shift paddle once. In Momentary M mode the driver experiences the dynamism and performance of gear-shifting in manual mode in all the automatic driving programmes, with automatic up-shifting on meeting the rpm limit into the bargain. This allows the driver to devote his full attention to the vehicle’s impressive performance.

Other highlights include AMG independent sports suspension, 3-stage ESP with Curve Dynamic Assist, a set of 18” AMG alloy wheels fitted with performance tires.

Here comes the interesting part. The 2014 Mercedes-Benz CLA 45 AMG is priced from €56,078 for European market and just $47,450 (around €37,000). Nobody knows, why the same car has almost 20,000 difference in price…

	Mercedes-Benz CLA 45 AMG
Displacement	1991 cc
Bore x stroke	83.0 x 92.0 mm
Compression ratio	8.6 : 1
Output	265 kW (360 hp) at 6000 rpm
Max. torque	450 Nm at 2250-5000 rpm
Engine weight (dry)	148 kg
Maximum engine speed	6700 rpm
Power density	133 kW (181 hp)
Peak pressure	up to 140 bar
Maximum charge pressure	1.8 bar
Fuel consumption NEDC combined	6.9 – 7.1 l/100 km
CO2 emissions	161 – 165 g/km
Efficiency class	C – D
Emissions standard	EU6
Acceleration 0-100 km/h	4.6 s
Top speed	250 km/h*

*Electronically limited

Source: Mercedes-Benz

March 27, 2013

2014 Jaguar XJR Unveiled Just Ahead Of New York Auto Show

2014 Jaguar XJR has just made its world debut at an exclusive event for media in New York. The model will be on display at the New York Auto Show alongside the new Jaguar XKR-S GT.

The new XJR develops 550 PS (404 kW) and combines supercar performance and attractive looks. Thanks to this great amount of power it is able to sprint form from zero to 100 km/h in only 4.4 seconds on to an electronically limited Vmax of 174 mph.

The performance of this Jaguar is provided by a 5.0-litre supercharged V8 engine which in addition to the 550 PS develops 680 Nm (502 lb-ft) peak torque. The power is delivered to the rear wheels through an eight-speed automatic transmission. The all-aluminium quad-cam engine delivers exhilarating performance and tremendous efficiency thanks to spray-guided direct injection (SGDI) and dual-independent variable cam timing (DIVCT).

The flow of air over and around the car is optimized, which results in a distinctively assertive appearance. The dynamism of the car is underscored by the technical palette of materials utilized on the interior. This includes optional semi-aniline leather and veneers in either Carbon Fibre or Piano Black. In addition, contrasting colour stitching emphasizes the design of the seats.

Next, the chrome-rimmed intakes on the front bumper have become an ‘R’ model ‘signature element’. They serve as a visual reference to the car’s twin superchargers. At the same time, the front aero splitters are complemented by the rear spoiler.

The rear lift has been also reduced through the bootlid-mounted lip spoiler that manages the airflow off the top rear surface of the car. The ‘R’ bonnet louvres aid aerodynamics and engine cooling.

The model runs on five-spoke, lightweight, 20-inch ‘Farallon’ forged alloy wheels which contribute towards model’s broad shouldered stance can be either in Sparkle silver or Technical grey finishes. Pirelli PZero Corsa tyres are 265/35 and 295/30 front/rear and have been selected to deliver optimal cornering grip, traction and stability over a wide range of speed and performance parameters.

The Sport Pack grille with chrome surround and black mesh completes the aggressive visual stance of this Jaguar. XJR customers have the option to choose from ten exterior colors: Polaris White; Ebony; Ultimate Black; Stratus Grey; Lunar Grey; Rhodium Silver; Cashmere; Caviar; Carnelian Red; and Black Amethyst.

The exterior styling is transferred to the interior with combination of colourways. Jet leather trim is available with a choice of Ivory, London Tan or Red Zone inserts on the seat facings. The seats are embossed with the ‘R’ logo and can be finished with a choice of stitching in either Red or London Tan. The standard headlining is Jet suedecloth with Jet leather an option.

Furthermore, a number of advanced electronic stability controls work in harmony with the suspension, wheels and tyres. For instance, the Adaptive Dynamics system actively controls vertical body movement, roll and pitch rates through the use of continuously variable dampers.

Next, Jaguar’s active electronic differential applies full locking torque almost instantaneously when necessary. It has been calibrated so that now it exploits the high levels of grip offered by the wide rear tyres, the more precisely controlled suspension and the engine output.

In addition, the Trac DSC works in combination with the differential through the setting of the Dynamic Stability Control system and delivers more dynamism. The High Performance Braking System offers an unmatched combination of power, stability and fine modulation. The 380mm front and 376mm rear discs are internally ventilated for assured, repeated stopping power.

2014 Jaguar XJR is equipped with 380W 12-speaker surround-sound system from Meridian. The latter utilizes digital signal processing in order to create a sound field that is second to none. An optional 825W, 18-speaker system features Meridian’s proprietary Trifield System which places every occupant at the centre of their own perfectly focused surround-sound arena.

2014 Jaguar XJR Technical Specifications

Engine	5.0-litre V8 supercharged petrol
Capacity (cc)	5,000
Bore/Stroke (mm)	92.5/93
Peak power (PS@rpm)	550@6500
Peak power (kW@rpm)	405@6500
Peak torque (lb/ft @rpm)	502@2500-5500
Peak torque (Nm@rpm)	680@2500-5500
Transmission	Eight-Speed Automatic, RWD
Intelligent Stop/Start	Yes
0-60mph (secs)	4.4
Top speed (MPH}	174 [Electronically Limited]
Fuel Economy (combined)	24.4 MPG
CO2 (g/km)	270

Source: Jaguar

March 27, 2013

Leib BMW M3 GT 500 Delivers 470 Horsepower

Leib BMW M3 GT 500 is a tuning worth the attention. The performance specialists at Leib Engineering have presented their first project vehicle which is the perfect balance between the fast club sport racing element and the element of the representative “Boulevard-Beau“.

In other words the BMW looks stunningly beautiful, because the tuners gave it high-grade finishing through a OEM carbon fiber parts. They in turn contrast the alpine white paintwork. In particular, the carbon flaps are positioned under the front spoiler, the side-view mirror and the tear-off edge are also made of carbon.

Another highlight in this transformed car is the new in-house valve exhaust system which is made of high-grade steel and which covers a 100-cell HJS catalyzer, an X-pipe with middle silencers and an end muffler with vacuum-controlled Pierburg valves. The sound of the system is controlled through the M-key.

To go even further into detials, the performance boost equals circa 27.5 horsepower achieved through the optimization of the engine software in such a way that altogether, a good 470 hp (345 kW) is sent in the direction of the drive train – Suction Tuning par excellence.

The additional power is balanced through the instalation of Brembo GT braking system, whose red six-piston fixed saddles on the front axle hold perforated 380×32-millimeter discs firmly in their grip. The four-piston saddles on perforated 320×28-millimeter brake discs act on the rear.

Moreover, the Leib BMW M3 GT 500 runs on BMW M220 forged alloy wheels of size 8.5×19 and 9.5×19 inches for the front and the rear respectively. They were matched with Michelin Pilot Sport Cup semi-slicks in sizes 235/35R19 and 265/30R19.

On the other hand the ABS software was especially designed for motor sport application with semi-slicks, in such a way that even shorter breaking distance can now be achieved. The dual clutch transmission system oprates with even shorter shifting times after a software update.

What is more, the electronic system of the KW DDC ECU chassis suspension was tuned by Leib Engineering. The result is that now the electronic damper control system of the high-tech coilover suspension can controlled through the original EDC key or M key.

At last, the interior has been also „touched“. Throughout the cabin one can see fine alcantara, in fact the BMW Performance seats and the steering wheel were all wrapped with this material.

Source: Leib Engineering

March 27, 2013

2014 Jaguar XKR-S GT [video]

Jaguar has announced the new 2014 XKR-S GT at the New York Auto Show. Extensive aerodynamic and suspension changes, as well as the addition of carbon ceramic brakes, have combined to give the XKR-S GT race-car inspired connected feel and braking performance.

Some of the highlights include:

Carbon ceramic brake system with 398mm and 380mm discs front/rear, gripped respectively by six- and four-piston monoblock calipers

Electronic Pre-Fill system pressurises braking system and maximises braking performance
Addition of carbon-fibre front splitter, dive planes, extended wheelarch spats, an elevated rear wing, a rear diffuser and an optimised aluminium front valance contribute to a maximum downforce figure of 145kg (320lb) at the XKR-S GT’s electronically limited top speed of 186mph (300km/h)
The addition of race-derived, height-adjustable and retuned adaptive dampers with twin-spring system. Spring rates up by 68% at the front and 25% at the rear
New development of front and rear suspension from the F-TYPE sports car
The fitment of an F-TYPE steering rack for enhanced agility
Wider 20” forged alloy wheels shod with Pirelli Corsa 255/35 front and 305/30 rear tyres for maximised grip
Bonnet louvres aid engine cooling and reduce under-bonnet air pressure

The sports car is limited to just 30 units available exclusively in Polaris White finish.

The engine is the well-known supercharged 5.0 liter V8 – 550HP (404 kW) and 680Nm (501 lb-ft) of torque. It is mated to a 6-speed automatic gearbox. 0-100 km/h in 3.9 seconds and a top speed of 300 km/h (186 mph).

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

Source: Jaguar

March 26, 2013

HOT: Vilner Enhances The Interior Of Mercedes-Benz SL

When it comes to interior, the Bulgarian luxury tuning specialists at Vilner are among those who always deliver the best. This time they have worked on the emblematic Mercedes-Benz SL model and made it even more exceptional then before.

Vilner reveals that this is one of their bravest projects. The reason lies in the fact that during the work they have worked with five different materials which were carefully chosen in one tonality. In addition, through this they have proved that with the utilization of several exotic materials and exotic leather in one project, the end result might not seem that flamboyant.

In general, the floor mats, the ceiling, the leather, the seat belts and the plastic elements in the original Mercedes-Benz are in grey and are combined with brown wooden applications.

In order to enhance the unique feeling that the car leaves in the occupants, Vilner decided to use in this project Nappa leather with antique effect, crocodile leather and brown Alcantara. They were sewed with a contrast stitching.

Furthermore, after the modification of the steering wheel, it now has more aggressive stance and it is more ergonomically viable. The ceiling on the other hand as well as the rearview mirror and all plastic elements on the seats and the thresholds are wrapped in Alcantara.

The floor mats and the carpet are changed with brown-grey ones. Something very impressive in this project is that all wooden applications, some of the plastic elements and the gearshift lever are hand-painted in order to give them a look of patinated steel.

What is even more, the audio system has been entirely replaced with DLS speakers and amplifiers. In addition, the interior was made noiseless which contributes towards better comfort and now even the slightest vibrations felt in the coupe are tamed. At last in the doors have been incorporated lasers that project Vilner’s logo.

March 26, 2013

2014 Aston Martin Rapide S To Debut In New York

2014 Aston Martin Rapide S which was officially unveiled in January is now set to make its North American debut at the 2013 New York International Auto Show. There it will be showcased alongside the new Vanquish and DB9.

Rapide S is equipped with the powerful V12-engined that is capable of producing 550 hp (404 kW). The luxury four-door Aston Martin has been redesigned and re-engineered in order to reestablish its position as world’s most beautiful four-seat sports car.

The model includes extensive design and engineering enhancements which makes it even more desirable and refined. For example its more assertive front fascia speaks for more aggressiveness as well, and all this is thanks to the new full grille.

The new front end design is matched at the back by a new rear deck profile which comprises of a more pronounced boot lid ‘flip’. The improved aerodynamic and aesthetic improvements also strengthen the sporting nature of the Rapide S.

In terms of power the peak torque reaches 457lb.ft (620Nm) at 5,500rpm. Meanwhile an even more marked improvement in torque occurs lower down the rev range, as pulling power rises by more than 30lb.ft (40Nm) between idle and 4,000rpm with an additional 37lb.ft (50Nm) available at 2,500rpm.

These numbers speak that for the sport car is effortless to accelerate from to 0 to 100 km/h in only 4.7 seconds for the new model. The top speed is electronically limited to 190 mph.

2014 Aston Martin Rapide S is on sale now priced at $199 950 USD. The first customer deliveries will start in June.

Source: Aston Martin

March 26, 2013

2014 Toyota Vios at the Bangkok Motor Show

Toyota has introduced the new 2014 Vios at the 2013 Bangkok Motor Show.

In an effort to bring the fun of driving and the joy of ownership to first-time car buyers, Toyota has designed the new Vios combining a refined exterior with class-leading comfort and high fuel efficiency specifically for growing markets.

The dimensions are 4,411 – length, 1,700 mm – width, 1,475 mm – height and a wheelbase of 2,550 mm.

Some of the extras include new gauges, metallic accents, good audio system with MP3/USB/AUX connectivity and high-quality materials.

It is powered by a 1.5 liter four-cylinder petrol with 109HP (80 kW) and 141Nm (104 lb-ft) of torque. It is connected to a 5-speed manual gearbox or 4-speed automatic available as an option

Source: Toyota

March 26, 2013

2014 Buick LaCrosse Revealed [VIDEO]

2014 Buick LaCrosse – the evolution of the landmark luxury sedan has just been exclusively introduced. The model will establish brand’s modern sedan lineup through its design leadership and technological innovation.

LaCrosse will deliver its customers exceptional interior and exterior design features, advanced safety technologies and enhanced in-vehicle connectivity. TO be more precise, it has a new front and rear styling such as wing-shape LED daytime running lamps and LED wraparound tail.

The interior on the other hand is modern thanks to its seats, luxury materials used, redesigned central instrument panel and console. All of these features will be available via the Ultra Luxury Interior Package. In addition, the cabin also incorporates Buick’s next-generation IntelliLink infotainment system, with intuitive controls and natural voice recognition.

What are also new are the radar- and camera-based safety features, which include: Side Blind Zone Alert, Lane Change Alert, Lane Departure Warning, Forward Collision Alert, Rear Cross Traffic Alert and Automatic Collision Preparation. There is also present the Safety Alert Seat that works with the afore mentioned technologies, providing seat vibration pulses indicating the direction of a potential crash threat.

Another technology offered here is the Adaptive Cruise Control and its role is to sense the traffic in front of the LaCrosse to adjust vehicle speed, including stopping the vehicle in heavy traffic and accelerating again.

This Buick model also comes equipped with a front-wheel-drive or an all-wheel-drive depending on the powertrains: the 2.4L engine with eAssist light electrification technology or a 3.6L direct-injected V-6. Each of them is paired with a six-speed automatic transmission.

2014 Buick LaCrosse will make its world debut at the New York International Auto Show. It will go on sale this summer.

httpv://youtu.be/BtSlMkUr2iU

httpv://youtu.be/JyYO9_JSbqU

2014 Buick LaCrosse Technical Specifications

Overview

Model:	2014 LaCrosse FWD/AWD
Body style / driveline:	front-drive/all-wheel-drive, front-engine, four-door, five- passenger sedan
Construction:	integral
EPA vehicle class:	midsize sedan
Manufacturing location:	Fairfax (Kan.) Assembly
Key competitors:	Acura TL, Lexus ES350, Lincoln MKZ

Engines

Type:	2.4L DOHC I-4	3.6L V-6 VVT DI
Displacement (cu in / cc):	145 / 2384	217 / 3564
Bore & stroke (in / mm):	3.46 x 3.85 / 88 x 98	3.7 x 3.37 / 94 x 85.6
Block material:	precision sand-cast aluminum	cast aluminum
Cylinder head material:	cast aluminum	cast aluminum
Valvetrain:	DOHC with four valves per cylinder; continuously variable valve timing	DOHC with four valves per cylinder; continuously variable valve timing
Ignition system:	individual coil-on-plug	individual coil-on-plug; individual cylinder knock control
Fuel delivery:	direct injection and electronic throttle control	direct injection
Compression ratio:	11.2:1	11.5:1
Horsepower (hp / kW @ rpm):	182 / 136 @ 6700 rpm SAE certified	304 / 227 @ 6800 SAE certified
Torque (lb.-ft. / Nm @ rpm):	172 / 233 @ 4900 rpm SAE certified	264 / 358 @ 5300 SAE certified
Recommended fuel:	regular unleaded	regular unleaded or E85 (E85 capability not available in Northeast states with PZEV emissions)
Emissions controls:	close-coupled, catalytic converter; continuously variable valve timing; positive crankcase ventilation evaporative system; supplemental air injection system, partial zero emissions vehicle capable (eAssist)	dual close-coupled catalysts and single underfloor catalyst; variable valve timing, evaporative system
Fuel economy (city / hwy):	TBD	TBD

Transmissions

Type:	Hydra-Matic 6T40 six-speed automatic	Hydra-Matic 6T70 six-speed automatic
Application:	2.4L four-cylinder	3.6L V-6
Gear ratios: (:1):
First:	4.58	4.48
Second:	2.96	2.87
Third:	1.91	1.84
Fourth	1.45	1.41
Fifth:	1.00	1.00
Sixth:	0.75	0.74
Reverse:	2.94	2.88
Final drive ratio:	2.64	2.77

Electric Drive System (for eAssist)

Type:	belt-driven, liquid-cooled motor/generator unit and lithium-ion battery system; air-cooled power electronics and battery pack
Maximum electric generating power:	15 kW @ 1570-3180 rpm
Maximum electric motor torque (cranking):	110 lb.-ft. / 150 Nm
Maximum electric motor torque (electric assist):	79 lb.-ft. / 107 Nm @ 1,000 rpm
Maximum electric motor power (electric assist):	15 hp / 11.2 kW @ 1,000-2,200 rpm
Lithium-ion battery:	115V, 0.5-kWh, 15 kW peak power

Chassis / Suspension

Suspension (front):	MacPherson strut coil-over-spring; twin-tube dampers with gas-charged valving; hollow direct-acting stabilizer bar (eAssist and 3.6L FWD/AWD without Touring Package); HiPer Strut coil-over-spring; twin-tube dampers with gas-charged valving; hollow direct-acting stabilizer bar; real-time damping and Sport Mode Selectivity (3.6L FWD with Touring Package)
Suspension (rear):	four-link (eAssist and 3.6L FWD without Touring Package); H-arm (3.6L AWD); H-arm with real-time damping and Sport Mode Selectivity (3.6L FWD with Touring Package)
Steering type:	electric variable-effort power steering (eAssist and FWD V-6); power variable-effort: (AWD models)
Steering ratio:	15.2:1
Steering wheel turns, lock-to-lock:	2.75
Turning circle (ft / m):	36.8 / 11.2 (eAssist); 38.8 / 11.75

Brakes

Type:	split, dual-circuit four-wheel-disc with power assist
Rotor diameter x thickness (in / mm):	V-6: front: 12.6 x 1.2 / 321 x 30 (vented) rear: 12.4 x 0.9 / 315 x 23 (vented) eAssist: front: 11.7 x 1.2 / 296 x 30 (vented) rear: 11.5 x 0.47 / 292 x 12 (solid)

Wheels / Tires

Wheel size and type:

17-in machined alloy (std w/ eAssist)

18-in machine-faced alloy, painted (std on 1SB, 1SL, 1SP FWD V-6)

19-in painted, machined alloy (std on 1SL, 1SP AWD V-6)

19-in chrome alloy (std on 1SP FWD V-6, and opt on 1SL FWD V-6)

20-in alloy (std on 1SR)

Tires:

P235/50R17 low rolling-resistance all-season (std w/ eAssist)
P235/50R18 all-season
P245/45R19 all-season
P245/40R20 all-season

Dimensions

Exterior

Wheelbase (in / mm):	111.7 / 2837
Overall length (in / mm):	197 / 5001
Overall width (in / mm):	73.1 / 1857
Overall height (in / mm):	59.2 / 1504
Track (in / mm):	front: 61.7 / 1567 rear: 62 / 1575
Curb weight (lb / kg):	3765 / 1708 (eAssist – estimated) 3906 / 1772 (3.6L V-6 – estimated)

Interior

Seating capacity:	2 / 3
Headroom (in / mm):	front: 38 / 965 rear: 37.3 / 947
Legroom (in / mm):	front: 41.7 / 1059 rear: 40.5 / 1029
Shoulder room (in / mm):	front: 57.4 / 1459 rear: 56 / 1423
Hip room (in / mm):	front: 55.2 / 1402 rear: 53.9 / 1369

Capacities

EPA interior volume (cu ft / L):	99 / 2805
Passenger volume (cu ft / L):	101.7 / 2878
Cargo volume (cu ft / L):	10.8 / 306 (2.4L eAssist) 13.3 / 376 (3.6L V-6)
Trailer towing maximum (lb / kg):	1000 / 454 (3.6L V-6)
Fuel capacity (gal / L):	15.7 / 59.4 (eAssist) 18 / 70 (3.6L V-6)
Engine oil (qt / L):	5 / 4.7 (2.4L) 5.5 / 5.2 (3.6L)
Cooling system ( qt / L):	9.6 /12 (2.4L) 7.6 / 7.2 (3.6L)

Video Source: YouTube

Source: Buick

March 26, 2013

Dodge Charger SRT 392 Limited Edition

Dodge has announced the Charger SRT 392 Limited Edition. The car made its official debut at the Spring Festival of LXs in Irvine, California.

It boasts TorRed paint finish with black accents on the hood and roof and sporting the iconic ‘392’ badge on the front fender. The 392 fender badge is gloss black with a gray insert within the 392. The interior of the Challenger 392 introduced at Spring Fest features a serialized dash plaque on the instrument panel.

“It’s a cool package. When you think of old school muscle cars, you think of black accents and this car kind of handles that in a new way. Not the whole hood is black, just a portion of it and we’ve done it in gloss black versus a matte black. It definitely has a presence to it.”, commented Mark Trostle, Head of SRT Design.

Charger SRT 392 Limited Edition will hit the market later this year with production limited to just 392 units.

Source: Dodge

March 26, 2013

Peugeot 208 GTi Sport To Participate In 2013 VLN Championship

It has just been announced that the new Peugeot 208 GTi Sport is going to take part in the 2013 VLN championship. The model is the fourth race edition of the 208 model variant and includes additional beneficial features compared to the previous versions.

Its builds on its three elders – T16, R2 and Racing Cup, hence it was designed in a very short amount of time. To be more precise, the studies around it began in December last year, while the preparation of the first shell began in January 2013. Then the assembly of the 208 GTI Sport happened in February following a first drive at the end of the same month.

The model includes collection of mechanical components developed and tested for 208 T16, 208 R2, 208 Racing Cup and also for RCZ Racing Cup. The latter vehicle was a benchmark in the SP2T category in Germany with wins in the VLN, 24 Hours Nurburgring 2012 and the Bathurst 12 hours this year.

The strengths of the standard 208 GTi model are also present in the Sport modification. For example, like the GTi it is equipped with a 1600 turbo petrol engine tuned from 200 hp (147 kW) to 300 hp (220 kW). The unit is mated to a six-speed gearbox operated by paddle shifters.

Furthermore, this Peugeot runs on 18” wheels and has reinforced braking system, 100 litre petrol tank and aerodynamics designed to take advantage from the race regulations to the limits. The overall weight of the car is of 990 kg.

Technical Specifications – Peugeot 208 GTi Sport

Engine

Type : EP6 CDT
Capacity : 1.600 cm3 turbo
Maximum power : 300 hp
Maximum torque : 36 m.daN
Fuel capacity : 100 litres
Fuel system : Magneti Marelli high pressure direct injection

Electronics

Engine management ECU : SRT Magnetti Marelli + data acquisition
Display screen : Couleur Magnetti Marelli

Transmission

Gearbox : 6-speed + sequential control via steering-mounted paddles
Clutch : Push mechanism, two disc ceramic/metal 184 mm

Brakes / Steering

Front brakes : 355 dia x 28mm ventilated discs / 6-piston calipers.
Rear braked : 290 dia x12mm non-ventilated discs/ single-piston calipers.
Front/rear brake distributor
Steering : Rack and pinion with hydraulic power assistance

Suspensions

Front suspensions : pseudo McPherson, specific lower arms with ball joints
specific front anti-roll bar on plain bearings, specific struts: forged
aluminium (camber adjustment at the swivel).
Rear suspensions : “H” reinforced axle and modified for interchangeable anti-roll bars
Front and rear dampers: specific 3-way Цhlins + adjustable hydraulic bump stops

Chassis

Structure : Bodyshell reinforced with multi-point welded roll-over bar (FIA
standard)
Openings : Doors, bonnet and tailgate in composite material
Windows : Polycarbonate side windows and rear screen
Weight : 990 kg
Front/rear distribution : 63% / 37%

Dimensions

Length / width : 3.962 mm / 1.820 mm
Wheelbase : 2.560 mm

Wheels

Wheels / tyres : Slicks 245/65-18 – Rain 245/64 – 18

Aerodynamics

Flexible vertical front blade
1440mm rear spoiler meeting the VLN regulations
Rear diffuser

Source: Peugeot

March 26, 2013

Hamann BMW M5 F10 – It’s not tuning, It is styling

Hamann has introduced their latest project based on the powerful sports saloon – BMW M5 F10. The exterior is entirely changed, so practically it is very hard to say, what type of car did they used to create THIS?!

“Tuning”, is when take a car and make it better – more powerful, more beautiful and stylish, better to drive, etc. “Styling” is something else. It is when take a good-looking car and make it worse… a lot worse.

In fact, this is seriously “injured” BMW M5, which is one of the best cars in the world. What did they thought in first place, when creating this thing.

Actually, Haman is planning to create 10 of these horrible-looking cars, each priced at $235,000. We are curious, who will buy such ugly car

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7IbyXh_SywU

Source: Hamann

March 25, 2013

Category: Car Makes