Category: Car Makes

Car Makes

  • Peugeot Onyx Concept Unveiled Ahead of Paris [VIDEO]

    Peugeot-Onyx-Concept-THUMBThe new Peugeot Onyx Concept has just leaked ahead its official debut in Paris. With its V8 engine in a central rear position, the new Peugeot concept targets the high performance vehicle fans around the globe.

    The Onyx has been made from innovative materials and shows outstanding sculpture. The sharp bodywork is emphasized additionally by striking contrast of materials and colors.

    For instance the wings and doors are pure copper sheet, while the panels of the bodywork are pure carbon fibre painted in matt black. The front fascia of the car combines the vertical grille and full LED lamps.

    The double-bubble roof is also something impressive. At the rear, the exterior of the car is finished by the unique rear lamps, which adopt a light signature with three claws.

    Furthermore, the windows and roof are made of PMMA, which stands for Poly Methyl MethAcrylate. Enclosing the cocoon, this guarantees the occupants great sense of protection due to the ultra-resistant structure.

    Another highlight among the others is the chassis, which is an innovative component. Made from monolithic carbon, this central structure consists of only 12 parts. It incorporates the front and rear chassis legs, which makes it possible to eliminate the connected plates. This results in weight optimization with 100kg.

    More importantly the extraordinary Peugeot concept is propelled by its 3.7-litre V8 hybrid HDi FAP engine. In particular the V8 generates 600 hp (442 kW) and it’s mated to a six-speed sequential gearbox.

    The HYbrid4 technology recovers the kinetic energy which is usually lost during braking. This energy is kept in lithium-ion batteries and then delivered automatically on acceleration, boosting the power by an additional 80 hp (59 kW).

    The dimensions of the car are exactly 4.65 m in length, 2.20 m in width and 1.13 m of height. Surprisingly it weighs only 1100kg. Moreover, the great aerodynamics is complemented by the tyres especially developed by Michelin – 275/30 at the front and 345/30 at the rear, 20 inches in size.

    In terms of interior this car is astonishing. The passenger compartment is bathed with natural light, from floor to roof. Made of felt, compressed and stretched, the passenger compartment is formed as a one-piece pod, with no stitching or joins.

    The feeling is as is it creates a real cocoon around the occupants and fitted into the carbon structure, fulfils the functions carried out in the past by several components: soundproofing, floor, upper console, roof, bucket seats.

    The material used for the compartment is obtained from boiled wool, with intertwined fibres. It is in fact fully recyclable and provides excellent thermal insulation. In addition, it improves the quality of the surrounding air by dehumidifying it.

    The dashboard here is made of a new type of “wood” – Newspaper Wood. It is created with the help of used newspapers, assembled and compressed to create new “logs” from which the parts are made.

    The dashboard also is the place where the driver can find the instrument panel in a head up position. On the instrument panel in turn he or she can see all the information needed such as engine and vehicle speed.

    In addition, there is also a panel of aluminium toggle switches mounted in the roof, where the engine starting switch is positioned. Immediately behind this, a strip displays the images from the two rear view cameras (in the mirrors) and the third, panoramic one – in the rear capping.

    The console is also made from Newspaper Wood. Here one can see one-of-a-kind fuel indicator, shaped from blown-glass. Here is where the level of fuel is displayed. At last, the console houses the dual-zone air conditioning controls, with an aluminium bar with a milled detail finish.

    httpv://youtu.be/ug4auobYEn4

    Source: Peugeot

  • Nissan TeRRA SUV Concept debuts in Paris

    Nissan TeRRA SUV Concept is going to be unveiled the Paris Motor Show in the end of this month. The new concept vehicle is going to show the visitors that it is a perfect combination of an SUV and EV.

    In addition it has an innovative 4×4 fuel-cell electric powertrain and an athletic exterior. This Nissan is designed as a functional and flexible choice in order to bring eco-friendliness along with a secure driving feel under any road conditions.

    The new SUV comes in pack with big tyres, high belt-line, thick pillars and thin side windows. However, it also retains the slender waist and a sculptured bonnet of brands popular design philosophy.

    For example, the sharp corners, short overhangs and sculptured lamps lead to a clean and confident presence. An aerodynamically flat body pan in addition is what grabs the attention immediately.

    Nevertheless, the tough exterior isn’t continued as a theme in the interior. The door panel is a sculpted fusion of blond wood trim and colored acrylic, layered in an intriguing pattern.

    At shoulder height one can see a metal frame. The wood-metal contrast continues across the dashboard, a beechwood-acrylic fusion that exudes soft warmth.

    One of the most eye-catching features in this concept is the unique instrument cluster, which consists of electronic tablet. The latter is utilized as an “intelligent key”, which the driver docks when entering the car and removes it when leaving.

    TeRRA’s driver seat is positioned almost in the centre in a unique diagonal layout. This positions the rear passengers over the shoulders of those in front, rather than directly behind.

    A hexagonal motif can be seen carried through various aspects of the inteiror design. Another impressive innovation here is that when the passenger seats are folded down, the boot floor is completely flat, presenting no obstacles to carrying bikes, kayaks.

    The TeRRA also is envisioned with another unique feature – a 4×4 fuel cell electric powertrain. The front wheels are powered by an electric propulsion system currently featured in the Nissan LEAF.

    In each back wheel on the other hand, is an in-wheel electric motor, based on the working prototypes featured in three successive PIVO concepts. Given that no drive shafts are required to power the rear wheels, there is no hump in the floor or on the underbody.

    More importantly, the concept SUV is powered by Nissan’s hydrogen fuel cell stack: a flat, highly compact unit that includes world-leading power density of 2.5kW/L. And although a purely concept car, we are definitely excited to see it as a mass-production vehicle!

    Source: Nissan

  • 2013 Audi RS5: Naturally Aspirational

    Motor Trend has released a full video review of one of the best sports coupes on the market – the new 2013 Audi RS5.

    It features LED-infused headlights, nice matt aluminum trim and enormous 19” forged aluminum wheels fitted with low-profile tires. There is also a new rear diffuser, a dual sports exhaust system with nice deep sound and the final touch is a carbon fiber rear spoiler.

    The interior features a sports steering wheel, leather and Alcantara heated sport seats, some metallic accents and of course – carbon fiber trim.

    The Audi RS 5 is delivered with an extensive set of standard extras. They include the parking system plus, driver and front passenger seat heating, automatic belt feeder, wind deflector, lighting package, driver information system with rest recommendation and a comprehensive package of restraint systems. In case of an impending roll-over accident, strong aluminum plates deploy upwards behind the rear head restraints. Sporty and luxurious options include three-stage head-level heating, convenience key, high-beam assistant, adaptive light and three-zone deluxe automatic air conditioning.

    The engine is a 4.2 liter naturally aspirated V8 with 450HP (331 kW) and 430Nm (317 lb-ft) of torque. It is mated to a 7-speed S-tronic gearbox sending all that power to Quattro AWD system. 0-100 km/h in 4.9 seconds and a top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph) – electronically limited. However, upon request, Audi can increase it to 280 km/h (174 mph).

  • 2012 Kia Cee’d Sportswagon – UK Price £16,895

    KIA has announced the new 2012 Cee’d Sportswagon, which is already available on the UK market. The price start from £16,895 OTR for the entry level model – the 1.4 CRDi with 89HP (66 kW) and 220Nm (162 lb-ft) of torque. The price can go up to £24,795 for the top-of-range vehicle.

    The engine range also includes 1.6 CRDi with 126HP (93 kW) and 260Nm (193 lb-ft)  from only 1900rpm. Both transmissions, including the automatic offered with the 1.6-litre engine, are six-speed units, while manual-gearbox models are fitted with Kia’s Intelligent Stop & Go (ISG) fuel-saving, emissions-reducing engine stop/start technology.

    The 1.4 CRDi is capable of returning 67.3 mpg UK and with CO2 emissions standing at 109 g/km.

    The standard equipment includes automatic lights and wipers, heated steering wheel, electronic parking brake, dual zone climate control and a 10-way adjustable driver’s memory seat. Standard safety equipment includes electronic stability control, hill-start assist control, vehicle stability management and six airbags.
    As with every Kia, the new Cee’d Sportswagon comes with a fully transferable seven-year, 100,000-mile warranty.

    UK Cee’d Sportswagon line-up:

    Model Power
    bhp
    Torque
    Nm
    0-60
    sec
    Max
    speed
    mph
    Average     mpg CO2 g/km
    ‘1’ 1.4 CRDi 6-speed manual ISG 89 220 13.4 106 67.3 109
    ‘1’ 1.6 CRDi 6-speed manual ISG 126 260 10.8 120 64.2 116
    ‘2’ 1.6 CRDi 6-speed manual ISG 126 260 10.8 120 64.2 116
    ‘2’ 1.6 CRDi 6-speed auto 126 260 11.7 115 50.4 149
    ‘3’ 1.6 CRDi 6-speed manual ISG 126 260 10.8 120 64.2 116
    ‘4’ 1.6 CRDi 6-speed manual ISG 126 260 10.8 120 64.2 116
    ‘4 Tech’ 1.6 CRDi 6-speed manual ISG 126 260 10.8 120 64.2 116

    cee’d Sportswagon pricing

    Engine On The Road Price
    ‘1’ 1.4 CRDi 6 speed manual ISG £16,895
    ‘1’ 1.6 CRDi 6 speed manual ISG £17,695
    ‘2’ 1.6 CRDi 6 speed manual ISG £19,295
    ‘2’ 1.6 CRDi 6 speed auto £20,395
    ‘3’ 1.6 CRDi 6 speed manual ISG £21,095
    ‘4’ 1.6 CRDi 6 speed manual ISG £22,895
    ‘4 Tech’ 1.6 CRDi 6 speed manual ISG £24,795

    On The Road Price includes Delivery, Number Plates, 12 months Vehicle Excise Duty and Vehicle First Registration Fee.

    Metallic paint is £445 option

    Insurance groups

    Engine Group (1- 50)
    ‘1’ 1.4 CRDi 6 speed manual ISG 6
    ‘1’ 1.6 CRDi 6 speed manual ISG 12
    ‘2’ 1.6 CRDi 6 speed manual ISG 13
    ‘2’ 1.6 CRDi 6 speed auto 13
    ‘3’ 1.6 CRDi 6 speed manual ISG 13
    ‘4’ 1.6 CRDi 6 speed manual ISG 14
    ‘4 Tech’ 1.6 CRDi 6 speed manual ISG 15

    Source: Kia

  • Nissan e-NV200 Panel Van Concept at the Hanover Motor Show

    Nissan will exhibit the e-NV200 Panel Van concept at the 2012 IAA Commercial Vehicle Show in Hanover, Germany. The manufacturer didn’t release any certain information, about their new electric car.

    However, it is likely to have an electric motor with 109HP (80 kW) and 280Nm (207 lb-ft) of torque, and a lithium-ion battery for the charge.

    The company has already announced that the new 2013 e-NV200 Panel Van will actually hit the market in the end of this year. They also claim, that it will have similar driving range to the LEAF.

    Stay tuned!

    Source: Nissan

  • Nissan GT-R AMS Alpha 12+ vs Kawasaki Ninja ZX-14R

    Usually we know that the motorcycles are extremely fast and especially, when matched to ordinary cars. However, the highly tuned Nissan GT-R AMS Alpha 12+ is not an ordinary car and it manages to beat a lot of superfast bikes including this brand new Kawasaki ZX-14R, which also has minor upgrades.

    The GT-R AMS Alpha 12+ is running on regular 93 octane gasoline, but still has more than 1000WHP (1200+ HP). It rolls Toyo 888R tires, which hardly can get any traction at low speeds.

    The Kawasaki ZX-14R comes with modified sports exhaust system boosting the engine to 220HP (195 WHP), which is also a lot, because the bike is superlight.

    Still, the GT-R is way faster than the mighty ZX-14R as you will see in the video below.

    Enjoy!

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

    Source: Dragtimesinfo

  • 2013 MINI John Cooper Works Countryman – Pricing Announced

    2013-MINI-John-Cooper-Works-Countryman-THUMBMINI John Cooper Works Countryman is the latest model by the adored MINI brand which is receiving the badge of John Cooper Works sub-brand. This in fact is a performance model of the range and the first to come with MINI ALL4 all-wheel drive.

    In addition, this model is for those who seek racing passion on the road with extreme driving fun on rough terrain. The JCW Countryman is powered by the newly developed four-cylinder turbocharged engine with 1.6-litre displacement.

    In fact the latter has a maximum output of 160 kW (218 hp) and a peak torque of 280 Newton metres (207 lb-ft). These numbers makes the model the most powerful drive unit in the MINI model range.

    Furthermore, this vehicle is designed by construction principles and with the help of materials adapted specially from race-trim cars. Thanks to the featured valvetronic technology, the car has a compelling performance and can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 7.0 seconds.

    Additionally, the engineers didn’t forget about the efficiency factor, for this purpose they have equipped the car with an extensive range of MINIMALISM technology, including Brake Energy Regeneration, Gear Shift Indicator, Auto Start-Stop function and Electric Power Steering.

    Six-speed manual gearbox is fitted here as standard. The six-speed automatic gearbox with Steptronic function and steering wheel shift paddles can be optionally chosen.

    The innovation here however is the MINI ALL4 permanent all-wheel drive. As a matter of fact, it makes its debut in a John Cooper Works model. In particular, the distribution of power varies seamlessly between the front and rear axles by an electromagnetic centre differential positioned directly on the final drive.

    The car is exactly 4,133-millimetre-long, 1,789-millimetre-wide and 1,549-millimetre-tall. This means that it gets generous levels of space and seating comfort, which encourage the driver and passengers to admire the qualities of this versatile performance athlete over longer journeys as well.

    The MINI is also equipped with DSC (Dynamic Stability Control) including DTC (Dynamic Traction Control) and EDLC (Electronic Differential Lock Control) linked up to ALL4 all-wheel drive. And this is as a standard!

    Sophisticated chassis technology is provided of course from MacPherson in the form of struts at the front axle and a central-arm rear axle. Extra-lightweight 18-inch Twin Spoke light-alloy wheels are also to be enjoyed by the customers who opt for the standard equipment.

    Moreover, the customers can choose between seven exterior paint shades. Of course, contrast paint finishes are included for the roof and exterior mirror caps in white and black. The interior has an exclusive John Cooper Works cockpit design with sports seats, sports steering wheel, interior trim strips in Piano Black, anthracite-colored roof liner and dark speedometer and rev counter dials.

    2013 MINI John Cooper Works Countryman will cost £28 595 in the UK.

    Source: MINI

  • Vilner completes Carlsson Mercedes-Benz S500

    Vilner-Carlsson-Mercedes-Benz-S500-THUMBI am always excited to announce a whenever there’s something new going on around the Bulgarian tuning company Vilner. Now, the fellows have made a major commitment in transforming three emblematic vehicles.

    Namely the cars are Mercedes-Benz S500 by Carlsson, Audi S8 and Mercedes-Benz S63 by Brabus. In fact the last one is the only fully completed by Brabus Mercedes commissioned by Bulgarian.

    Today, Vilner has given more details on the work done on the S500 Carlsson. More information around the other cars is expected very soon.

    But to go further into details, the exceptional work on the S500 started with light touches on the back lights of the car. In addition, the front lights were further developed in order to keep the masterful presence. They are finished in matte black, black from and red accents.

    Next, the tuners have given this Mercedes-Benz an alcantara roof, black shades and black alcanatra accent on the rearview mirror. The steering wheel has been also tweaked and now it looks more like one of S65.

    Furthermore, they have installed a monitor on the center console and a digital TV tuner with MPEG4. The interior enhancements continue with the alcantara ceiling. In fact it was accentuated even more with black nappa leather with light gray stitching.

    Source: Vilner

  • SR Auto Lamborghini Gallardo Spyder: Project Mastermind

    SR-Auto-Lamborghini-Gallardo-Spyder-Project-Mastermind-THUMBProject Mastermind is the name of the latest work of the tuners from SR Auto Group, which is done not on a mere car but on a true Lamborghini. In addition, it is the convertible version of the Gallardo Spyder.

    SR Auto Lamborghini Gallardo Spyder is powered by a 5.2 liter V10 with 550 hp (405 kW) and 540Nm (398 lb-ft) of torque. This means that it accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in only 4.2 seconds on its way to the top speed of 319 km/h (198 mph).

    Moreover, the soft-top of the Gallardo Spyder is designed for unlimited top-speed enjoyment both open and closed. With the aim to capture the glory of a cabriolet supersports car, the tuners have performed so well that they are enhancing the immaculate appearance of the Gallardo.

    What they have done in particular is to equip it with a set of mesh wheels. Their choice was the Design 2WO by PUR Wheels. A great attention to detail has been paid to those wheels in a Modern Matte Black finish.

    Source: SR Auto Group

  • HRE Lamborghini Gallardo Super Trofeo Stradale C99S

    HRE-Lamborghini-Gallardo-Super-Trofeo-Stradale-C99S-THUMBHRE Lamborghini Gallardo Super Trofeo Stradale C99S is another supermachine tuned by the unstoppable HRE Performance Wheels team. This limited edition Super Trofeo Stradale is in fact one of the hundred and fifty examples produced.

    Being a true Lamborghini it boasts stunning power-to-weight ratio of 2.35 kilograms per horsepower and has a breathtaking performance. It sprints from 0 to 100 km/h in a mere 3.4 seconds and reaches 200 km/h just 10.4 seconds later. Its forward thrust finally tops out at 320 km/h.

    Furthermore the supersports car is equipped with the powerful V10 powerplant, which generates 570 horsepower (420 kW) at 8000 RPM. The maximum torque is equally impressive, with the torque curve peaking at 540 Nm (400 lb-ft) at 6500 RPM.

    The tuners have given this Rosso Mars Red beauty a set of their C99S with 19 inches front and 20 inches rear wheels. These include now updated designs creating the latest in lightweight technology for Motorsport and Street applications.

    The car also features an aggressive rear diffuser, carbon composite rear aero spoiler and quick-release engine cover.

    Source: HRE Performance Wheels

  • 2013 Range Rover UK – Price £71,295 [video]


    2013 Range Rover is named to be the world’s most refined and capable SUV. We do not doubt about that, especially when we see the awesome exterior and interior of the vehicle. The fourth generation of the iconic Range Rover line, the new model has been revealed to the world via a dramatic event held at The Royal Ballet School in Richmond, London.

    “Launching the all-new Range Rover represents a major milestone for Land Rover, being the first exciting output from an unprecedented investment in premium vehicle technologies,” commented John Edwards, Land Rover Global Brand Director.

    “The new Range Rover preserves the essential, unique character of the vehicle – that special blend of luxury, performance and unmatched all-terrain capability.  However, its clean sheet design and revolutionary lightweight construction have enabled us to transform the experience for luxury vehicle customers, with a step change in comfort, refinement and handling.”, he added.

    The new Range Rover is powered by a powerful 510HP (375 HP) LR-V8 supercharged engine and two diesel power units – a 3.0 liter TDV6 with 258HP (189 kW) and a mighty SDV8 with 339HP (249 kW). All engines come with the BMW’s ZF 8-speed automatic gearbox.

    The Supercharged version accelerates the enormous SUV to 100 km/h in 5.1 seconds. The TDV6 manages to be 22% economical, returning 37.7 mpg UK (7.5 liters / 100 km) and has CO2 emissions of 196 g/km.

    2013 Range Rover is priced from £71,295 for the Vogue 3.0L TDV6 and it goes all the way up to £98,395 for the fully-loaded Supercharged model.

    The all-new Range Rover has been engineered with the latest developments in vehicle technologies, from interior luxury features to advanced chassis and driver assistance technologies.

    The interior is packed with a full suite of premium features to provide both front and rear seat passengers with the same peerless luxury experience.  Their well-being is assured by the latest interior technologies for comfort, convenience and seamless connectivity.

    httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ION_W6PJSZg

    The new and improved features include:

    • Convenience – premium features including keyless entry, soft door close with power latching, power upper and lower tailgates, cooler compartments, and electrically deployable towbar
    • High-end audio from British specialists Meridian – exclusive surround sound music systems with audiophile-quality sound
    • Displays – state-of-the-art high-resolution displays, include the stunning full digital instrument cluster and the central 8-inch touch-screen with Dual-View functionality
    • Voice control and connectivity – a seamless connectivity package for mobile devices
    • Climate control – all-new best-in-class climate control systems, including the powerful new premium four-zone system and Park Heater timer facility
    • Luxurious seating – upgraded seating with luxurious new features such as multi-mode massage, and the exclusive new Executive Class rear seating package
    • Interior illumination – the latest LED illumination for subtle and sophisticated ambient lighting, including the ability to change the colour scheme to suit the driver’s mood

    To enhance dynamic performance, and to ensure that drivers enjoy a relaxed and stress-free experience behind the wheel, the new Range Rover incorporates a comprehensive range of advanced chassis and driver assistance technologies.  Among the new and enhanced features are:

    • Two-channel Dynamic Response active lean control, and Adaptive Dynamics with continuously variable damping
    • Electric Power Assisted Steering, which enables Park Assist – the latest automated technology to help drivers parallel park their car in tight urban parking spots
    • Adaptive Cruise Control – with new Queue Assist feature which allows the system to continue functioning at low speeds and down to a complete stop
    • Intelligent Emergency Braking (including Advanced Emergency Brake Assist) – to help drivers avoid a collision if the traffic ahead slows quickly or another vehicle suddenly moves into their lane
    • Blind Spot Monitoring – with new Closing Vehicle Sensing feature to detect vehicles which are closing quickly from a further distance behind
    • Reverse Traffic Detection – to warn drivers of potential collisions during reversing manoeuvres
    • Surround Camera System – with T Junction view, Trailer reverse park guidance, and Trailer hitch guidance.

    Source: Land Rover

  • 2013 Aston Martin Vanquish – 573 HP of pure naturally aspirated POWER

    Aston Martin has released a new video of their latest model – the 2013 Vanquish. The two-minute video, which shows the new car on a variety of roads in Europe, is expected to prove extremely popular with fans of the great British brand that are keen to see, and hear, the Vanquish in action.

    The new Vanquish comes with a lot of features by the Aston Martin Virage and the epic One-77 models.

    The 2013 Vanquish features include a ventilated hood, a carbon fiber front splitter and a set of enormous 20” alloy wheels with Pirelli P-Zero tires.

    The power comes from a naturally aspirated monster under the hood – 6.0 liter V12 with 573HP (421 kW) and 620Nm (457 lb-ft) of torque. The engine is mated to a 6-speed Touchtronic 2 transmission. 0-100 km/h in 4.1 seconds and a top speed of 295 km/h (183 mph), which is actually not so much for such power and aerodynamics.

    The 2013 Vanquish will hit the UK market later this year priced at whopping £189,995.

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

    Source: WCF via Youtube