Car Makes – Page 701 – Automobiles Review

Optimized: Polestar Volvo V40 T4

Polestar Volvo V40 T4 is the latest model which adds to the Polestar Performance range. The car includes optimization thanks to which its power is increased to 200 hp (147 kW) and 285 Nm (210 lb-ft).

The aspiring chassis of the Volvo makes it one of the most enjoyable vehicles to drive. With this transformation, Polestar is opting to deliver even more driving fun. Furthermore, the same optimization can be also done for the S60, V60, S80 and V70 T4 models and it will increase their power with 20 hp (15 kW) and 45 Nm (33 lb-ft).

In the present case, the Polestar V40 T4 delivers not only optimized power and torque, but also more fun in driving, and at the same time as it enhances the safety in risky situations. In addition to this, although the power output has been increased this doesn’t affect the fuel consumption which is equal to the one of the standard model.

Source: Polestar

January 23, 2013

Teaser: Rolls-Royce Wraith In Profile

Rolls-Royce Wraith is being teased once again. The luxury brand has just revealed the profile of its upcoming new model, which is going to make an official debut at 2013 Geneva Motor Show.

In fact, this is the official first image of the Wraith and as we can see it shows a graceful silhouette which gives expression to a bold and thoroughly contemporary luxury vehicle. And just to remind you, this unique car is promised to be most powerful Rolls-Royce in history.

It also highlights design cues that can be seen in Phantom and Ghost models. Furthermore, Rolls-Royce Wraith pays tribute to the pioneering and adventurous spirit of the company’s forefather Charles Rolls.

Source: Rolls-Royce

January 23, 2013

Audi Automatic Driving for Parking

Here is an interesting video clip of Audi’s latest automatic parking system. It operates with the help of ultrasound or cameras, which display images via the onboard monitor.

This is a very convenient solution for parking and saves a lot of time. Furthermore, you can pick up your car from the destination you left it. Audi’s Automatic Driving for Parking seeks for suitable spot and performs performs all the necessary steering movements; it can handle both parallel parking and parking perpendicular to the street.

Park assist can perform multi-point parking maneuvers and also offers support in leaving parallel parking spaces.

Another technology from Audi is the parking system plus with surround view cameras. Four small cameras – in the single-frame grille, at the rear and in the side mirror housings – record the vehicle’s immediate surroundings. The driver can call up a variety of views on the large onboard monitor, including a top-down virtual view. On corners or junctions with an obstructed view, the system can analyze cross-traffic otherwise invisible to the driver in front of or behind the vehicle.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b_m8DqTlOLE

Source: YouCarPress via Youtube

January 22, 2013

Subaru BRZ – “Best of 2013” Winner

2013 Subaru BRZ Sport has been named “Best of 2013” by Cars.com. The RWD sports car delivers pinpoint handling precision and an unmatched driving experience for sports car enthusiasts of all skill levels.

“As the first sports car to win our top honor, that says as much about the American car market as it does about our criteria. We look for value, quality and innovation,” commented Patrick Olsen, Editor in Chief, Cars.com.

The one and only purpose of the BRZ is to bring driving pleasure, that’s why the manufacturer has created a light car with an ultra-low center of gravity and precision steering. The naturally aspirated 2.0 liter BOXER engine with 200HP is powerful enough to satisfy even the most demanding customers. Furthermore, the BRZ is a sports car that does not sacrifice everyday comfort and practicality.

It features 2+2 layout with a folding rear seat, so there is sufficient cargo space to transport four race tires and tools to track days. Combined with the Subaru brand’s renowned safety and quality, the BRZ is a sports car with practicality as well as performance.

The BRZ went on sale in Spring 2012 to strong media reviews and contributed to Subaru’s fourth consecutive year of sales records.

The Subaru BRZ was co-developed with Toyota Motor Cars and the Scion-branded FR-S also received the Best of 2013 award.

Source: Subaru

January 22, 2013

Porsche 918 Spyder – Price $845,000

Porsche announced the pricing of the 2014 918 Spyder. The sports car will be sold in the US with a starting price of $845,000 excluding destination and handling fees.

The 2014 Porsche 918 Spyder is powered by a 4.6 liter V8 with 580HP (432 kW) and 500Nm (369 lb-ft) of torque. The petrol engine will be paired with an electric motor generating 245HP (183 kW) more, so the overall power will be around 795HP (593 kW) and 780Nm (575 lb-ft).

0-100 km/h in 3.2 seconds and a top speed of 320 km/h (199 mph).

Still, if this isn’t faster enough, you can opt for the Weissach package for additional – $84,000. It reduces the curb weight with 34 kg (77 lbs) by removing the audio system, air conditioning, door storage and armrest, while the regular paint is removed to be change with an exterior foil.

In other words, you’ll have to pay $84,000 to the manufacturer to strip your car. Definitely, not a good idea!

Source: Porsche

January 22, 2013

2013 Nissan 370Z Nismo

Nissan has announced a new 2013 370Z Nismo, which will hit the market this summer. The sports car comes with increased power and a new body kit.

The 3.7 liter naturally aspirated V6 is boosted from 328HP to 344HP (253 kW) at 7,400RPM. The torque is also higher – 370Nm (273 lb-ft) at 5,200RPM. The throttle response has been improved so more of the power should be available from 2,000 RPM. The engine is mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox – 0-100 km/h in 5.2 seconds – 0.1 second faster.

The body kit includes a bigger diffuser with integrated twin exhausts, wider side skirts, fixed rear wing and a revised front end featuring a splitter. The result is more down-force.

2013 370Z Nismo rolls 19” alloy wheels fitted with 245/40 front and 285/35 rear Bridgestone Potenza tires.

The ride height has been lowered and the dampers, springs and brakes – revised.

The interior boasts an Alcantara-wrapped steering wheel, a pair of Nismo seats and some red and black trim.

Source: Nissan

January 22, 2013

Exclusive: Mansory Bentley Continental GT in Candy Red by Print Tech

Mansory Bentley Continental GT in Candy Red has been exclusively unveiled, showing-off its premium visual status and enhanced qualities. Powered by a V12 BiTurbo unit, the performance of this Bentley shows enviable figures.

It is capable of covering the 0-100 km/h sprint for less than 5 seconds on its way to the Vmax of 180 mph. In addition, according to the figures given, the Continental GT generates 575 hp (423 kW) and 700 Nm of torque within the 1700rpm – 5000rpm range.

However, the tuning specialists from Print Tech were those who managed to make the car look even more outstanding! It was fully wrapped in Candy Red.

What is more, they added the special Mansory bodykit, which here consists of the astounding carbon hood, the 22 inch wheels and the lowered suspension by “db-avantgarde”. In addition, there was added a Mansory exhaust system.

At last the interior was entirely redesigned the db-avantgarde team. Unfortunately, no additional details were disclosed regarding it, it was only confirmed that there was included a Hi-Fi music system.

Source: Print Tech via Facebook

January 22, 2013

Spiced Up: SR Auto Lamborghini Gallardo PUR 3HREE

SR Auto Lamborghini Gallardo PUR 3HREE is simply perfect. The simplicity and natural design of this super car makes it even more desirable for the tuning specialist. They seem to always aim to transform this unique vehicle but eventually end up by adding just a little bit spice to it.

The team from SR Auto Group team has also stuck to the basics and opted for the quality over quantity. They have added to this Lamborghini unique new set of wheels carrying the name PUR 3HREE with a classic nine spoke straight edged styling and modern black finish. They are in sizes 20×8.5” and 20×11” at the front and the rear respectively.

Originally the Gallardo accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.7 seconds and to 200 km/h in 11.8 seconds. Its top speed is rated at 325 km/h (202 mph). The great results are due to its 5.2L V10 engine which generates exactly 562 hp (419 kW) at 8,000 rpm.

Source: SR Auto Group

January 22, 2013

2013 Toyota RAV4 SUV Offers Improved Dynamics and Safety

The next generation 2013 Toyota RAV4 SUV made its official debut at last years Los Angeles Auto Show in November after being “teased” several times. Now it is time for this Toyota SUV to hit the market and offer to the customers great enhancements in terms of performance, handling and safety.

First of all, RAV4 comes with selectable Sport mode which delivers more dynamic, sporting drive experience. This is achieved by decreasing the power-steering assistance, sharpening the throttle response and adapting the automatic and CVT gearbox management for more responsive gearshifts.

In those models with featured AWD there is also available a new Dynamic Torque Control system. This one provides better stability and agility in any driving conditions – for instance wet or dry roads. In addition, the torque transfer to the rear wheels will now occur when the system detects understeer during cornering.

Next, the new RAV4 will also offer improved fuel efficiency thanks to the fact that the front-wheel drive is automatically engaged in normal driving conditions. The system uses information from speed, steering, throttle and yaw sensors to monitor and control torque transfer.

The Sport mode in the AWD models also activates torque transfer to the rear wheels from the moment the steering wheel is turned. This means that it automatically distributes 10 percent of torque to the rear wheels and will optimize torque transfer up to 50 per cent if actual understeer is detected.

What is also new here is the Eco mode which maximizes the fuel efficiency by regulating the engine’s output and air-conditioner’s operation. In terms of passive and active safety, the 2013 RAV4 steps in with highly rigid body that has been engineered to achieve a five-star NCAP safety rating.

Source: Toyota

January 22, 2013

Highest Efficiency in Class: 2014 Honda Accord PHEV [VIDEO]

2014 Honda Accord Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle is rated by the EPA at 115 MPGe1 in full electric mode which makes it one of the most efficient vehicles. The PHEV is now going to be available for the customers in New York and California.

The hybrid efficiency here is combined with a powerful dose of instantaneous electric-motor torque. The gasoline fuel-economy rating is of 47/46/46 mpg (city/hwy/combined) which makes the first production car in the U.S. to meet the new LEV3/SULEV20 emissions standard.

This Honda model is powered by the brand new Honda Earth DreamsTM technology two-motor hybrid system that uses a powerful 124-kilowatt (169 hp) electric motor. The latter serves also as a continuously variable transmission (e-CVT) mated to a highly fuel-efficient 2.0-liter i-VTEC, Atkinson cycle 4-cylinder engine.

The electric-only operation is supported by a 6.7-kilowatt-hour (kWh) lithium-ion (Li-Ion) battery, with high efficiency regenerative braking provided (electric-servo braking system). The driving efficiency is optimized with the help of the new two-motor hybrid system, which allow the Accord Plug-In powertrain to switch between all-electric EV Drive, gasoline-electric Hybrid Drive and direct Engine Drive within an instant.

Furthermore, two additional driving modes will be available which will help the driver to manage the capacity of the battery. First, in its default start-up mode, the Accord behaves like an electric vehicle. The car will remain in the full-electric mode until the battery state of charge demands the automatic switch to gas/electric hybrid operation.

httpv://youtu.be/lE6Bzk_Oi6U

What happens when the vehicle is put under higher speeds? In this case the gasoline engine steps in and delivers more power. Moreover, a button on the center console allows the driver to manually select the EV mode. In such cases of extreme acceleration, where everything is possible, it’s important to not forget to search for the cheapest auto insurance companies on the market nowadays.

Next, there is also a selectable HV mode, which turns the Accord into a conventional hybrid. This means that it combines the power of the electric motor and gasoline engine and optimizes the fuel efficiency while maintaining the battery charge level.

It is important to highlight that this PHEV can be fully charged from a low-charge indication point in less than three hours when plugged into a standard 120-volt household electrical outlet. When it is utilized a 240-volt “Level-2” charger, the car need to fully recharge in less than an hour. Here the HondaLink™ EV smartphone application will help the owners to remotely monitor the charging state.

2014 Honda Accord PHEV is based on the Touring trim level of standard Accord Sedan, but includes one-of-a-kind styling cues. It will be available in three exterior colors: White Orchid Pearl, Crystal Black Pearl and the model-exclusive Burnished Silver Metallic. Its starting price is $39 780.

Honda Accord Plug-In Fuel Efficiency Comparison
Model	EPA Combined MPGe Rating	EPA Fuel Economy City/Highway/Combined
Honda Accord Plug-In	115 MPGe	47/46/46
Ford Fusion Energi Plug-In	100 MPGe	44/41/43
Chevy Volt	98 MPGe	35/40/37
Prius Plug-In	95 MPGe	51/49/50

Video Source: YouTube

Source: Honda

January 22, 2013

Arden Jaguar F-Type – More Power and Wind in the Hair

Arden has revealed their tuning project for the high-anticipated Jaguar F-Type, which was introduced only several months ago. The drop-top gets not only styling, but performance modifications, too.

The roadster gets power upgrade for the mighty V8 S model, which is boosted to whopping 550HP (404 kW), which is an increase of 55HP (40 kW). Another performance kit is expected for the V6 models.

There is also a high-performance brake system behind the huge 20” Sportline alloy wheels.

The car is finished in the famous British Racing Green paint, which suits just perfectly to the stylish roadster.

Source: Arden

January 21, 2013

1969 McLaren M7C and MP4-12C Spider

McLaren is going to celebrate their 50^th anniversary on September 2^nd, this year.

The original name of the company is Bruce McLaren Motor Racing Ltd and it has been launched since 1963. For the celebration, McLaren will use a 50th anniversary logo on everything from their shirts to the new MP4-28 Formula 1 that will debut on January 31^st. They also intend to host a lot of unique events and celebration throughout the year.

If we were to follow Bruce’s words to the letter, there’d be little time for recollection, but on the eve of our half-century there’s surely time for the briefest of breaths and the opportunity to take a look behind us at the sweeping vista built up in the indelible shadow of our founder:

Our Formula 1 team has become a global household name; since our arrival in the sport, at the 1966 Monaco Grand Prix, we have won more races (182) than any other constructor, started from pole position 155 times and scored 151 fastest laps. In 2012, we achieved the fastest-ever time for a Formula 1 pitstop (2.31s at Hockenheim), recorded our 58^th consecutive points-scoring finish, an all-time record, and have now led more than 10,000 racing laps.
The exploits of our greatest world champions will always bring F1 to life: Emerson Fittipaldi ignited the passion of his native Brazil; James Hunt created as many headlines on the front pages as on the back; Niki Lauda and Alain Prost turned sport to science; the burning intensity of Ayrton Senna will live on for ever, while Mika Hakkinen and Lewis Hamilton will always be remembered for their raw speed and fearless aggression.
Our legacy in North American sportscar racing is writ equally large: in the heyday of the mighty CanAm series, we steamrollered the opposition, lifting five successive championship trophies (1967-1971) and winning an incredible 43 races in our iconic, thundering V8-engined sportscars.
We went to the Indy 500 for the first time in 1970, returning with greater strength until we won the USA’s most famous motor race in 1974 with Johnny Rutherford. We repeated the feat with Rutherford in 1976, too.

Today, every single car in Formula 1, the Indycar Series and NASCAR relies upon McLaren Electronics’ standardised ECUs to control their engines and feed data back to the garage.
Introduced back in 1993, the McLaren F1 road car has lost none of its unique appeal and is still considered by many to be automotive world’s definitive supercar. To this day, it remains the fastest naturally aspirated production car in the world. In GTR racing guise, it won the 24 Hours of Le Mans, also scooping third, fourth and fifth places on its debut in 1995.
The next roadcar project was with German manufacturer Mercedes-Benz, and saw the successful build of the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren, which became the best-selling carbon-based car ever.
Since its launch in 2010, McLaren Automotive has developed into a world-class road car manufacturer, successfully developing and building the 12C and the 12C Spider high performance sports cars. Both models exploit our unparalleled understanding of carbon fibre and electronic driver systems to create a groundbreaking product of unequalled weight, strength, performance and driveability.
In a return to our sportscar roots, the debut of the 12C GT3 was an unqualified success, scoring 19 victories on its competitive debut in 2012. In September, as Vodafone McLaren Mercedes crossed the flag to win in Monza, McLaren’s GT cars also took top spot at races in British, French and Spanish championships – an incredible achievement.
Fittingly, this year, McLaren Automotive stands poised to open its 50^th global dealership ahead of the worldwide launch of the P1™ – our newest model and a machine that’s set to rewrite the definition of the modern supercar.
Away from the track, McLaren leads the world in the application of Formula 1 technology and expertise to other industries. McLaren Applied Technologies helped British cyclists, rowers, sailors and canoeists win 15 gold medals last summer. We worked alongside Specialized to design Mark Cavendish’s world championship-winning S-Works Venge bicycle. Working with Birmingham Children’s hospital, we have improved the monitoring of sick children in intensive care. McLaren has also designed systems to help the Bay Area Rapid Transit railway in San Francisco to run more efficiently and to reduce the CO₂ emissions from plane movements at airports.

Source: McLaren

January 21, 2013

Category: Car Makes