Car Makes – Page 682 – Automobiles Review

Geneva Motor Show: Rolls-Royce Wraith Unveiled!

Rolls-Royce Wraith is finally being unveiled with the start of the 2013 Geneva International Motor Show. The model has been teased several times the last couple of weeks and now we are pleased to see its outstanding assets and features.

In fact, Wraith is the most powerful and dynamic Rolls-Royce ever produced. It also exudes luxury, refinement and hand-craftsmanship, alongside its unique character defined by power, style and drama.

When looked in profile, this special Rolls-Royce model, shows sweeping fastback design, bold lines, tension in the panels and a raked rear screen. The dynamic expression is additionally underlined by the deeply recessed grille, wide rear track and dramatic two-tone presentation.

When the doors open, one can see a sumptuous interior complete with softest Phantom-grade leathers and expanses of wood called Canadel Panelling. The model is named after the famous cove in the South of France where Sir Henry Royce. The interior ambiance is complemented by Starlight Headliner, 1,340 fibre optic lamps – hand-woven into the roof lining to give the impression of a glittering, starry night sky.

But more importantly, the power delivery is effortless thanks to the V12 unit coupled with an eight-speed automatic ZF transmission. We are speaking here of 624 bhp (465kW) and 800 Nm of torque from 1500 rpm. This delivers an instant acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h for just 4.4 seconds.

The wide rear track, shorter wheelbase and lower roof height additionally contribute to the most powerful, involving driving experience of any Rolls-Royce in history. The car’s suspension has been constructed in order to minimize body roll and discreetly amplify feedback when cornering; while steering weight is heavier at high speeds and lighter at low speeds adding to the spirited drive.

Moreover, there are also some agility improvements. The Satellite Aided Transmission (SAT) technology on the other hand takes the powertrain to a new level of effortless delivery. The latter system utilizes GPS data in order to see beyond what the driver sees. It anticipates his next move based on location and current driving style, and then selects the most appropriate gear for the terrain ahead.

Advanced mechanical and electrical technology deliver systems are also included in the Wraith. For instance, the car comes equipped with head-up display, adaptive headlights and Wraith’s keyless opening boot.

Other enhancements in communications come in the design and functionality of the elegant Spirit of Ecstasy Rotary Controller. This allows navigation through on-screen functions using a touch pad that includes pinch and pull functionality to echo smart phone usage.

Rolls-Royce Wraith will have a price around €245 000.

Source: Rolls-Royce

March 5, 2013

2013 Geneva Motor Show: Alpina BMW XD3 Bi-turbo

An interesting and powerful BMW X3 is exhibited at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show. The Alpina version of the small SAV boasts extreme power and some nice upgrades.

The name is Alpina XD3 Bi-turbo and it is powered by a straight-six, full-aluminum 3.0-liter diesel with two turbochargers. The result is spectacular – 350HP (257 kW) at 4,000RPM and 700Nm (516 lb-ft) of torque at 1,500RPM. Despite all that power, the XD3 Bi-Turbo has a a fuel consumption of only 6.8 liters / 100 km (41.5 mpg US) with CO2 emissions of 180 g/km. The engine is mated to an 8-speed ZF automatic transmission.

0-100 km/h in 4.9 seconds and 0-200 km/h in 21.7 seconds. The top speed is 253 km/h (157 mph). The curb weight of the vehicle is 1910 kg.

Alpina XD3 Bi-Turbo rolls enormous 20” ALPINA CLASSIC wheels fitted with MICHELIN Pilot Super Sport tyres – 255/40 ZR20 front and 285/35 ZR20 rear. There is also an option for 21” ALPINA CLASSIC wheel and tyre set-up.

Other upgrades include electronically-adjustable dampers, a custom sports exhaust system with dual double-ended tailpipes, a sport steering wheel with blue/green stitching, door sills, floor mats, gear indicator and a digital speed read-out.

Source: Alpina

March 5, 2013

2013 Geneva Motor Show: Lamborghini Veneno

Lamborghini has announced the exclusive Veneno at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show. Only three unique units of the Lamborghini Veneno will be built and sold. Its design is consistently focused on optimum aerodynamics and cornering stability, giving the Veneno the real dynamic experience of a racing prototype.

It is powered by a 6.5 liter V12 from Aventador, but tuned to 750HP (552 kW). The engine is mated to a fast-shifting 7-speed ISR transmission with 5 driving modes and permanent all-wheel drive. The hyper-car, which weighs just 1,450 kg (3,190 lbs) accelerates itself to 100 km/h in 2.8 seconds and has a top speed of 355 km/h (220 mph).

The Veneno is painted in an all-new, grey metallic-look color with individual parts gleaming in the black of the visible carbon-fiber structure. The exclusive alloy wheels measure 20” at the front and 21” at the rear and are equipped with center mountings. Their design is also determined by aerodynamic functionality – a carbon-fiber ring around the wheel rim works like a turbine to deliver additional cooling air to the carbon-ceramic brake discs.

The bespoke styling carries over to the cabin as the Veneno is equipped with a new instrument cluster, Forged Composite seats and woven carbon-fiber CarbonSkin trim.

Source: Lamborghini

March 5, 2013

Toyota i-Road Concept With World Premiere In Geneva

Toyota i-Road Concept is a personal mobility vehicle (PMV) which is making a world debut at the Geneva Motor Show. It aims to bring more flexibility in the urban environment, efficiency and fewer emissions.

i-Road is an electric vehicle with a range of up to 30 miles (50km) on a single charge. It utilizes “Active Lean” technology, and offers intuitive and enjoyable driving with no need for driver or passenger to wear a helmet.

With this PMV, Toyota is paving the way for several types of eco vehicles which are to emerge in the near future, and will adapt brand’s Hybrid Synergy Drive technology. The latter is used in plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), electric vehicles (EVs) and fuel cell vehicles (FCVs).

In fact, people who are using PMVs will be delighted with this model because it is more comfortable, offers better weather protection and is safer than a two-wheel vehicle. In addition, the i-Road has low running costs, easy parking and around-town manoeuvrability.

The three-wheel i-Road is 2,350mm long and 1,445mm high and has a 1,700mm wheelbase. What is more surprisingly however is its width which is only 850mm. First of all this signifies that the vehicle isn’t wider than a conventional two-wheeler and secondly this makes it easier for manoeuvring through congested traffic. Additionally, it also means four can be parked in a single parking bay.

Furthermore, this Toyota model has zero-emissions, thanks to its all-electric powertrain which utilizes a lithium-ion battery to power two 2kW motors mounted in the front wheels, giving brisk acceleration and near-silent running. The driving range here is around 30 miles, after which the battery can be fully recharged from a conventional domestic power supply in only three hours.

The highlight here is the company’s new and entirely intuitive Active Lean technology. It brings to the vehicle high levels of stability, safety, comfort and fun-to-drive character. In particular, the system uses a lean actuator and gearing mounted above the front suspension member, linked via a yoke to the left and right front wheels.

What is more, an ECU calculates the required degree of lean based on steering angle, gyro-sensor and vehicle speed information, with the system automatically moving the wheels up and down in opposite directions, applying lean angle to counteract the centrifugal force of cornering.

The same system also manages when the PMV is being driven in a straight line over stepped surfaces. What happens is that the actuator automatically compensates the changes in the road to keep the body level. Here the minimum turning circle is measured at three meters.

In addition, the i-Road can be equipped with a safer, weatherproof, closed body and so can be driven without wearing a helmet. Of course, this means that the driving experience is more car-like and this is reinforced by features such as lighting, heating, audio and Bluetooth.

Toyota i-ROAD Concept has the goal and the beautiful vision for the future to play a significant role in reducing city traffic congestion and air pollution. Additionally, its compact size, manoeuvrability, easy parking, rapid charging and choice of an open or closed cabin make it the perfect urban vehicle, without compromising individual freedom of mobility.

Source: Toyota

March 4, 2013

Mansory Carbonado based on Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4

Mansory will exhibit another interesting sports car at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show. They will present a tuned Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4. The name of the project is Carbonado and you can see why? Carbon fibre everywhere the eye can see.

The exterior boasts MANSORY aerodynamic package including a striking front skirt with optimised air intakes for improved ventilation of the front radiator. There is also a new front lip spoiler and the proprietary developed daytime running lights, a front wing as well as a new bonnet.

The sides have grown by 40 mm on the front and by a remarkable 50 mm on the rear axle in width. Newly designed side skirts are also fitted. These steady the air flow between the axles and feed additional cooling air into the drive unit and the rear braking system through integrated routing channels.

The diffuser built into the new rear spoiler stabilises the rear at high speeds and creates surface contact pressure together with the enlarged rear wing on the rear axle.

The 6.5 liter V12 engine received two turbochargers and the result is sensational. The car now has 1250HP (920 kW). 0-100 km/h in 2.6 seconds and a top speed of 380 km/h (236 mph).

In order to get some traction, the car has 9.0J x 20” front wheels and 13.0J x 21” rears with Pirelli P ZERO tyres in VA 255/30 ZR20 and HA 345/25 ZR21 sizes, respectively.

The Lamborghini refinement program finds a perfect fulfilment in the extensiveinterior applications. Naturally only the finest of materials are used. The processed leather used for the seats as well as the dashboard is particularly durable yet still extraordinarily soft.

To accent the character of the CARBONADO interior even more non-slip aluminium pedals as well as genuine carbon fibre components are us ed on the doors, the fittingsand the centre console. The newly positioned starter button presents one of the technical highlights of the interior. In the style of an aircraft cockpit switch Mansory has relocated this red switch from the centre console to the roof lining.

Source: Mansory

March 4, 2013

2013 Kia pro Cee’d GT – Full Details

Kia has officially announced Cee’d GT and pro Ceed GT, which will make official debut at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show, tomorrow.

The engine is a powerful 1.6 liter GDi turbo with 204HP (150 kW) and 265Nm (195 lb-ft) of torque. 0-100 km/h in 7.7 seconds and a top speed of 230 km/h (143 mph). The engine is mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox and the combined fuel consumption is just 7.4 liters / 100 km (38.1 mpg UK).

The exterior of GT models include an aggressive body kit with new bumpers, new front grille, lamp clusters, LED DRLs, dual sports exhaust system, red brake calipers and a set of 18 alloy wheels fitted with low-profile tires.

The interior boasts a new Recaro sports seats, alloy pedals and a a 7” racing car-inspired TFT instrument cluster to create an engaging, performance-oriented ambience for the driver and passengers.

“The world premiere of Kia’s new pro_cee’d GT and cee’d GT highlights the diversity of our current product line-up and underpins the natural expansion of the brand into the performance car market, an important step forward for Kia,” commented Michael Cole, Chief Operating Officer, Kia Motors Europe.

“The new Kia pro_cee’d GT will have great appeal for motorists looking for style, performance and dynamism in their next car – and the cee’d GT adds an extra level of practicality for buyers who prefer five doors.”, he added.

Source: Kia

March 4, 2013

Mansory Sanguis based on Bentley Continental GT

Mansory will present their tuning package for Bentley Continental GT at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show. The name of the project is Sanguis. . The car’s series model is already one of the most exclusive that money can buy. But Mansory deluxe manufactory has taken this a step further and created a top-level customisation of the second generation of the British Gran-Turismo.

The exterior features a newly designed front apron with daytime running lights and an extra-light carbon-fibre bonnet. The carbon-fibre front wings and rear widening components considerably reinforce this impression. In combination with the newly designed side sill sets, they
widen the Coupe by 50 mm at the front axle and 60 mm at the rear axle. The new rear apron delivers additional downthrust and creates space for the exhaust pipes of the thunderous exhaust system.

The interior boasts new leather, wood trim, aluminum pedals and door sills.

The 6.0 liter V12 bi-turbo is boosted to 672HP (494 kW) at 6,000RPM and 780Nm (575 lb-ft) at 1,700RPM. 0-100 km/h in 4.5 secodns and a top speed of 322 km/h (200 mph).

The one-part 10J x 22” wheels with 10 double spokes impresses both through its exclusive look and through its outstanding build quality. They are fitted with 295/25 ZR22 ultra-performance tires.

Source: Mansory

March 4, 2013

Pininfarina Unveils The Two Seater Sergio

Pininfarina has just unveiled the first full image of the Sergio – the concept vehicle which is set to make a first world appearance tomorrow at the Geneva Motor Show. This concept model resurrects the spirit of the extraordinary achievements born under Sergio Pininfarina’s guide.

The new Sergio stands under the name of exclusivity, innovation and passion. The model will offer the viewers of the show to enter the fascinating and exciting world of the two-seater barchetta as unique and extreme object.

In addition, Pininfarina will exhibit their true perception of sportsmanship, sense and joy of driving. In fact, the Sergio Concept is a vehicle which is a source of emotions and delivers admiration towards this custom-designed model.

Source: Pininfarina

March 4, 2013

Seat Mii Ecofuel Shows Perfect Efficiency In Geneva

Seat Mii Ecofuel adds to the Mii family being company’s lowest-emitting production model ever. This Seat model runs on compressed natural gas (CNG) and this means that it bringing excellent efficiency and running costs without sacrificing the outstanding performance.

In fact the Seat Mii Ecofuel is the first Seat model to include CNG engine and in addition it will make a debut at the Geneva Motor Show. To go further into details, the Mii Ecofuel has an average consumption of just 2.9 kg CNG/100 km.

Under the hood, the model hides a 1.0-litre 68 hp (51 kW) unit based on the three-cylinder petrol engine known from Mii (with 60 hp and 75 hp outputs), but it has been developed for CNG operation. Its CO2 figure of just 79 g/km is best-in-class. The engine is lightweight and high-revving and has a maximum torque of 90 Nm (67 lb-ft) at 3,000 rpm.

The ECU here also handles the management of the gas injector valves and the electronic gas pressure regulator. In addition, the engine control unit utilizes a lambda sensor to recognize the different qualities of ‘low gas’ and ‘high gas’. When running on low gas, which has a lower calorific value due to its lower methane content, injection timing is adapted to suit.

Furthermore, although this unit has being specifically engineered to run on CNG, the Mii Ecofuel engine can also run on unleaded petrol. With a full CNG tank (11 kg), the Mii Ecofuel has a range of up to 240 miles; the reserve petrol tank extends the range by up to 140 miles. The result is that with a full tank the engine has a total range of up to 380 miles.

Of course, there is a special fuel level indicator on the instrument panel, which gives information about the level in both the gas and the petrol tank. The ranges available in both operating modes are also shown in the multi-function display.

The exceptional low fuel consumption and emissions figures of the car are achieved through standard fit fuel-saving Ecomotive Technology, including a Start/Stop system and a Brake Energy Recovery system. The kerb weight of the model – 956 kg, the good aerodynamic characteristics and an efficiently matched engine/transmission combination also contribute to those exceptional figures.

Eventually, the Mii Ecofuel will be introduced in Germany, Italy, Austria, Switzerland, the Netherlands, Sweden and the Czech Republic, and will have an entry price of €12 050.

Source: Seat

March 4, 2013

Facelifted Hyundai ix35 To Be Revealed In Geneva

Hyundai has just released the first image showing its facelifted ix35. In addition it has been disclosed that the model is going to be revealed in Geneva this week. The new ix35 comes equipped with improved powertrain line-up, which features the European-developed gasoline engine named ‘Nu’ 2,0-litre GDI (Gasoline Direct Injection).

The latter delivers more power but still has greater economy than the ‘Theta-II’ 2,0-litre engine it replaces. Furthermore, the ‘R’ diesel engine receives clean technology, such as LP-EGR (low-pressure exhaust gas recirculation).

Facelifted Hyundai ix35 benefits from Hyundai’s three-mode FLEX STEER driving system, where the driver can choose from Normal, Comfort and Sport modes to tailor levels of feedback and the overall driving experience. In addition, Bi-Xenon headlamps and a TFT Supervision cluster will deliver better clarity and sense of greater joy to driving.

On the other hand, the interior receives a host of material upgrades which enhance the quality, along with some detail improvements to the trim. In fact, the styling, dynamic and technical upgrades of this model make sure that it keeps its successful character.

Another interesting fact is that the ix35 became the fastest-selling model in the brand’s European history and still keeps its huge popularity. It was the first model to include Hyundai’s ‘fluidic sculpture’ form language.

Source: Hyundai

March 4, 2013

EXCLUSIVE: 2013 MINI John Cooper Works Countryman ALL4 Dakar

2013 MINI John Cooper Works Countryman ALL4 Dakar is a limited-run special edition vehicle, an all-wheel-drive performance machine which has an exclusive, partly hand-built design and equipment inspired by Stéphane Peterhansel and Jean-Paul Cottret’s victorious MINI ALL4 Racing machine.

The launch of this special-edition MINI is happening in order to celebrate their triumph in the Dakar Rally 2013. The duo of Stéphane Peterhansel and Jean-Paul Cottret were piloting their MINI ALL4 Racing and made it to the number one place at the world’s toughest rally event for the second year in a row.

This model is a limited-edition tribute to its rally inspiration and only eleven examples of the car will be built. 2013 MINI John Cooper Works Countryman ALL4 Dakar has exclusive design and equipment features which contribute towards the increase of the thrill and the euphoria around the model.

As a basis for the new model served the MINI John Cooper Works Countryman. The latter is MINI’s first model which has included a race-bred powertrain and chassis technology with the all-wheel-drive system. In addition, the ALL4 serves up optimum traction and directional stability in all weather and under-wheel conditions. It also provides a noticeable increase in agility through dynamically taken corners.

As a matter of fact, the all-wheel-drive system channels the power from the 160 kW (218 hp) turbocharged four-cylinder engine to the all four wheels. The exterior color was inspired by the one off the Dakar-taming MINI ALL4 Racing which is matt black. IN addition, there are some special bright green design accents for the exterior and interior.

To go even further into details, some of them include Sport Stripes, which bear both the Dakar Rally winner’s logo and the signature of victorious driver Peterhansel on the bonnet. In addition, the green stripes along the car’s flanks feature “MINI ALL4 Racing” lettering, while the driver and front passenger doors display the car number 302 and the names of the victorious pairing.

Dakar winner’s logo can also be spotted next to the John Cooper Works badge at the rear of the car MINI. The interior in the cabin includes a green contrast stitching for the gearshift lever gaiter and floor mats, and the green embroidered winner’s logo on the head restraints. These green accents are complemented by green stripes for the black interior trim strip on the centre console.

On the interior trim strip above the glove compartment can also be seen a special-edition logo with serial number. The sports steering wheel and Gravity Black leather sports seats also feed into the cockpit’s evocative sports car ambience.

At last, for more sproty and spirited appearance, to the car were added auxiliary spotlights, bespoke side indicator surrounds and 19-inch light-alloy wheels in Cross-Spoke Crusher design. They all add the final touches to the exclusive 2013 MINI John Cooper Works Countryman ALL4 Dakar.

Source: MINI

March 4, 2013

Kahn Porsche Cayenne Supersport Wide Track Revealed Ahead Of Geneva

After it was announced this week that three vehicles tuned by the design specialists at A. Kahn Design will be revealed at the Geneva Motor Show, the last one of them isn’t kept as secret any more. We are talking here about Kahn Porsche Cayenne Supersport Wide Track – an accomplished vehicle that has been accepted within the Porsche firmament.

Next to the Porsche, a pretty impressive lineup of vehicles will presented at the Show. The first one is the impressive and stylish Kahn Range Rover Evoque Fuji White RS250 and the other is Kahn Land Rover Defender Concept 17.

The seductive proportions of the Cayenne however leave a distinct impression due to the visible enhancements which it includes: vented front and rear wide wheel arches with integrated front and rear air dams, LED daytime running lights for the front wheel arch vents, lower boot lid spoiler, welcome ambient package, sports lowered suspension springs, brake calipers finished in liquid gold, door handles in satin black, Kahn enamel wing shields and Kahn enamel tailgate logo.

In addition, the driver of this amazing project will sit behind a privacy tinted glass and pilot the engine while listening to the Kahn cross hair exhaust system. Furthermore, the interior of the model is a true masterpiece, where one can see the emblematic for Kahn “bespoke touch”.

The front and rear seats are in black and carbon quilted and perforated leather with ivory contrast stitching, the centre glovebox is in black and carbon quilted leather, the vented foot pedals are in machined aluminum, the speedo and rev counter fascia are in red are cream, and there are also included floor mats.

Another emblematic element included in this particular design is the Kahn wheels. In the present case, the vehicle runs on RS t Wheels in sizes 9.5 X 22” at the front and 10.5 x22” at the rear. They have simple and clean lines, soft organic surfaces on the edge of the spoke and a purposeful mechanical centre.

Source: Kahn

March 1, 2013

Category: Car Makes