Car Makes – Page 775 – Automobiles Review

Land Rover Defender Going Rural With The XTech Special Edition

The Land Rover Defender has always been a work horse and whoever is trying to steer it into the world of luxury can be proved wrong with this special edition. It’s the Defender Xtech Special Edition – a rugged looking, off-road going rangie But is that really the case?

Don’t be fooled by the grand MTR off-road tires on it’s 16-inch alloy wheels. Nor should you be humbled by the XTech‘s Ford 2.2-liter diesel engine which is mated to a six-speed manual gearbox. (that engine has actually specifically chosen to comply with Euro V emission regulations). The paint job works to a certain extend but once you step inside, marks of the Special Edition’s squeamishness became widely apparent.

The interior is mostly white leather and there are Land Rover logos everywhere – on the headrests and down on the carpets, embossed or woven. That is not the rugged way. As complementary equipment, you get Air Conditioning, Anti-Lock Brakes with Electronic Traction Control, central locking and heated seats and windscreen. All that for the price of £27,995 ($43,440).

Main point: The Land Rover Defender Xtech, with it’s cool name and it’s black wheel arches and stylized side sills, is not a work horse. It’s a high-speck geek dressed as a commando.

Land Rover Defender XTech Special Edition

Source: Land Rover

July 10, 2012

Ken Block’s Gymkhana 5: Ultimate Urban Playground – San Francisco [HD video]

He is back at the “track”. This is the latest video of Ken Block driving his 2012 Ford Fiesta HFGV. The specially prepared stunt car is delivering 650HP and accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 1.8 seconds. Good enough… for drifting around.

The video is called Gymkhana FIVE: Ultimate Urban Playground; San Francisco and as you will see in the clip, the environment is quite familiar. The video was filmed over four days and directed by Ben Conrad, who is back with his team to work on their second Gymkhana production. DC Shoes also provided fellow DC athlete and longtime Ken Block friend, Travis Pastrana, to make an appearance on his dirtbike.

However, we can’t really describe what’s happening in the video clip, so just watch and enjoy the extreme driving in the beautiful city of San Francisco.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LuDN2bCIyus&feature=share

Source: DCshoesFILM via Youtube

July 9, 2012

2012 Renault Clio RS [render]

2013 Renault Clio RS render has been released by PS-Garage.com. The digital artists tried to “see” what is under the cover of recently spied Clio RS.The car will be powered by a 1.6 liter turbocharged petrol with 190HP (139 kW). The new engine will be connected to a new dual-clutch gearbox that will be operated by paddle-shifters.”Here is our interpretation, what changed? Lower ride height, bigger wheels, sportier aero kit – more aggressive front bumper, with plenty space for the intercooler and rear diffuser with rectangular exhaust tips. Added a bigger rear trunk wing, also removed chrome trimmings from the doors and the rear hatch.”, commented PS-Garage’s Dan Buzdugan.Stay tuned for more information about the small hot hatchback!

July 9, 2012

2012 Kahn Jeep Wrangler Chelsea Jeep 300

2012 Kahn Jeep Wrangler Chelsea Jeep 300 is the latest beautiful creation of Afzal Kahn. It is sportier, more aggressive and with exquisitely beautiful interior. The Jeep has comprehensive white contour, split level targa roof and lowered suspension.

Here the professional touch of the tuner includes a front grille industrial mesh, brake calipers finished in copper, mud flaps, side wing blades in carbon, xenon crosshair headlamps, door entry sill plates in stainless steel, Kahn enamel wing shields, fuel filler cap (smoked black), privacy glass, heated seats, floor mats, split level targa roof, aluminum machined foot pedals, Kahn enamel tailgate logo and to finish it all off, the compulsory branded rear wheel cover.

The new Jeep front grill is in fact manufactured with the help of the latest impact resistant technology. It gives the vehicle more luxurious outlook and powerful presence. In short, the Kahn Jeep front grille conveys linearity and purity.

Furthermore, the grill has additional purpose, other than just to be a beautiful design element. Openings within the grille and lower valance combat unwanted road debris by ensuring optimum airflow to the radiator, intercooler and front brakes.

If you take a look at the interior there you can find only luxurious “bespoke touch”. The seats are wrapped in red leather which contrasts perfectly with the white exterior.

At last, the model runs on special Kahn wheels, which go along perfectly with the vehicle and even further enhance its essence. They were created using state-of-the art manufacturing and materials technology, and are in 9 x 20 size, in smoked black color.

2012 Kahn Jeep Wrangler Chelsea Jeep 300 - front grille — 2012 Kahn Jeep Wrangler Chelsea Jeep 300 – front grille

Source: A. Kahn Design

July 9, 2012

BMW 1-Series M135i three-door offers sports style in compact format

The new BMW 1 Series is now being launched in three-door sporty and elegant versions, along with additional engine choices.

The powerful petrol and diesel engines are empowered by BMW TwinPower Turbo technology. In addition the new BMW has the latest chassis design and rear-wheel drive, which is unique for a vehicle in this class. And this is exactly what has to assure you that this vehicle will offer you sporty and dynamic driving experience.

The first BMW M Performance automobile for the compact segment is the BMW M135i equipped with a six-cylinder petrol engine with M Performance TwinPower Turbo technology. Thanks to it, the BMW develops 235 kW (320 hp). In addition it delivers its typical M precision-engineered and high-performance chassis, and has now optimized aerodynamics of the body style and an exclusive interior design.

A new entry-level model in the 1 Series is the BMW 114i which is powered by a straight four-cylinder engine. This one generates 75 kW (102 hp). Furthermore, two additional models come with petrol engines and four – with diesel ones.

The BMW M135i and the BMW 114i will also be offered as five-door models. Except for the BMW 114i and the BMW 116d EfficientDynamics Edition, all models can be mated with the eight-speed automatic transmission as an option. No matter the choice, Auto Start/Stop function is available for both manual and automatic transmissions.

The BMW EfficientDynamics technology package includes the ECO PRO mode, which can be activated via the Driving Experience Control button that comes as a standard on all models. The intelligent xDrive four-wheel drive technology can also be seen in the equipment of the BMW>

Of course the BMW 120d xDrive and the BMW M135i xDrive will be the first 1 Series models to have this four-wheel drive technology.

The new three-door model is offered in the BMW Sport Line and the BMW Urban Line versions with special options and equipment. Moreover, the M Sport package will be also available for the new BMW 1 Series three-door model.

Source: BMW

July 9, 2012

APR Audi R8 5.2L FSI V10 ECU Upgrade

APR announce their Stage 1 ECU Upgrade which is applicable on the Audi R8 V10. The tweak jumps the power up to 583 (crankshaft)hp although the end result varies depending on the fuel used . The remapping will be fine tuned entirely in accordance to what you usually put in the tank and at APR dealers you can constantly shift from 93 octane to 91 octane or you can completely refresh the system and return to stock power.

Even better, because the upgrade concerns the 5.2L FSI V10 engine and less so the car itself, the Lamborghini Gallardo can also potentially benefit from the boost. APR have managed to comply with most the manufacturer’s standards so we are promised absolute driveability and reliability. So let’s break it down. At best you get 583 hp and 431 lb-ft of torque. That’s 58 hp more than the standard R8 Coupe and additional 53 lb-ft of torque.

The Stage 1 ECU upgrade is still being developed for the differently calibrated engines (such as the ones in the R8 GT or the Superleggera) but as soon as it’s out, owners of the initial upgrade will be entitled to the fully loaded ECU – neat. Now watch the video and get hooked.

httpv://youtu.be/e-1LiJhrZog

Source: APR

Video Source: APRVideos via YouTube

July 9, 2012

Mercedes-Benz CLS 63 AMG Shooting Brake combines practicality and elegance

Mercedes-Benz CLS 63 AMG Shooting Brake is the new AMG high-performance vehicle, which combines performance with style and practicality in a completely new way. It comes euipped with 5.5-litre V8 biturbo engine with a power output range of from 386 kW (525 hp) to 410 kW (557 hp), the AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed sports transmission and the AMG RIDE CONTROL sports suspension.

On the other hand the generous interior and luggage compartment with a volume of up to 1550 liters reveal the practical sides of this Mercedes-Benz model. And as a truly exceptional offering there is also the time-limited CLS 63 AMG Shooting Brake “Edition 1” which adds further 24 kW (32 hp) of power and 100 Nm of torque.

The AMG 5.5-litre V8 biturbo engine has the ability to combine direct petrol injection with spray-guided combustion, piezo injectors, biturbocharging, air/water intercooling, generator management and ECO start/stop function. This undoubtedly will reveal some of its unique features.

It has a power output and torque levels of 386 kW (525 hp) and 700 Nm respectively. In conjunction with the Edition 1 these figures are enhanced up to 410 kW (557 hp) and 800 Nm.

The first one accelerates from zero to 100 km/h for 4.4 seconds, while the second one for a second less. The top speed of both is 250 km/h (electronically limited).

Despite the great power output the consumption figures remain low. Fuel consumption of 10.1 litres per 100 kilometres (NEDC) corresponds to a CO2 output of 235 g/km and is identical for both power units.

Mercedes-Benz CLS 63 AMG Shooting Brake key data:

	CLS 63 AMG Shooting Brake
Displacement	5461 cc
Bore x stroke	98.0 x 90.5 mm
Compression ratio	10.0:1
Output	386 kW (525 hp) at 5250-5750 rpm 410 kW (557 hp) at 5250-5750 rpm*
Max. torque	700 Nm at 1750-5250 rpm 800 Nm at 2000-4500 rpm*
Engine weight (dry)	204 kg
Fuel consumption, NEDC combined	10.1 l/100 km
CO2 emissions	235 g/km
Acceleration 0-100 km/h	4.4 s 4.3 s*
Top speed**	250 km/h

The AMG eight-cylinder engine is mated to the AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed sports transmission, thanks to which the levels of performance and efficiency are further enhanced. In addition it is equipped with four individual transmission modes as well as automatic double declutching and RACE START functions.

For example, in “Controlled Efficiency” (C) mode, the ECO start/stop function is enabled and switches the eight-cylinder engine off when the vehicle is at a standstill. When the car is in “S” (Sport), “S+” (Sport plus) and “M” (Manual) modes, the engine and transmission are significantly more responsive.

Good contact with the road the Mercedes makes thanks to the titanium grey-painted, high-sheen AMG light-alloy wheels featuring a triple-spoke design and fitted with 255/35 R 19 tyres on the front and 285/30 R 19 tyres on the rear.

Another highlight here is the interior of the CLS 63 AMG Shooting Brake, which includes: AMG sports seats in nappa leather with multicontour seat and memory functions, AMG black piano lacquer trim and the AMG-specific analogue clock featuring an IWC design, AMG instrument cluster with AMG main menu including RACETIMER and AMG start-up screen.

Mercedes-Benz CLS 63 AMG Shooting Brake Interior

Next, the AMG Performance steering wheel is wrapped in nappa leather and includes a three-spoke design with flattened top and bottom sections, a special shape, perforated leather finish and silver coloured aluminium shift paddles.

A highlight among the extensive range of optional extras is the designo wooden luggage compartment floor. Additional optional extras from designo include: designo metallic paint finish available in three colours, designo magno paint finish available in two colours, designo leather available in ten colours, designo roof lining in DINAMICA microfibre, available in three colours.

The AMG Performance Studio optional extras include the following: AMG Exterior Carbon-Fibre package, AMG trim elements in carbon fibre/black piano lacquer, AMG ceramic high-performance composite braking system, AMG rear axle differential lock, white Illuminated AMG door sill panels at the front, lightweight forged AMG light-alloy wheels featuring a 5-twin-spoke design, painted in titanium grey with a high-sheen finish, and fitted with 255/35 R 19 tyres at the front and 285/30 R 19 tyres at the rear, AMG light-alloy wheels in a 10-spoke design, painted in matt black with a high-sheen rim flanges, and fitted with 255/35 R 19 tyres at the front and 285/30 R 19 tyres at the rear, Bang & Olufsen BeoSound AMG high-end surround sound system with 16-channel DSP amplifier, ICEpower amplifier, total output of 1200 watts and 14 high-end loudspeakers.

Source: Mercedes-Benz

July 9, 2012

Bentley EXP 9 F Images

After a successful UK/Goodwood debut, the Bentley EXP 9 F design concept SUV comes with new images and a video. Not the breaking news we’ve been looking for but still better than leaving empty handed.

Again, there’s talk about the EXP 9 F‘s mingle of highlights such as “contemporary” luxury, advanced technology, all-terrain friendliness and a “commanding driving position”? Usually 99% of the driving seats out there are commanding in the sense that there is a steering wheel nearby, there are pedals within reach and there’s a center console on the left/right. Whatever the position, Bentley hope to end up with the “fastest and most luxurious SUV in the world”.

The Goodwood was a yet another venue for the EXP 9 F with which Bentley are testing the public and their attitude towards the idea of their own SUV. Before last week, we saw the concept at the Geneva International Show while in August, an appearance is scheduled at the Concours d’Elegance in Pebble Beach, California.

Bentley EXP 9 F

Source: Bentley

July 6, 2012

Wald Sports Line Toyota Prius

We don’t know what to think. Wald, from Japan, have been working on a Toyota Prius Mk3 in order to turn it to a “Sports Line”. Yes, what you are looking at here is essentially an aerodynamic kit…for a Prius.

That confuses us because the whole concept of a Toyota Prius is to be sensible. Performance is not necessary snesible. Maybe then, it’s for the sake of aesthetics. But who buys a Prius and hopes to stick out from the crowd? Whatever the reason, you get a newfront bumper, side skirts, a rear apron that includes a diffuser all of which is predominantly made from fiber-reinforced plastic. Also the exhaust tips are redesigned and chromed. Handy aero covers on the side windows help prevent air messing up your hair when cruising along.

Then further down beneath the shell, Wald have thrown in a sports suspension which lowers the car within a hair’s distance from the ground. Included also are large alloy wheels that have low profile performance tires wrapped around them (again with the performance confusion).

Source: Wald

July 6, 2012

Evolution of F1 [VIDEO]

We’ve come a long way from 1950 until now. Think about it. From having no satellites orbiting the Earth whatsoever, to actually shrouding the planet with them. Color TV, mobile phones, computers, nanotechnology, medicine: everything leaped within just 62 years. The whole concept of how fast the technological evolution is is a bit hard to grasp. Now, we have stumbled upon something that gives us the automotive, high-octane point of view. It’s the evolution of the F1 car.

It’s all there since the first season of 1950 where a 1938 Alfa Romeo 158 dominated every track it competed on despite being essentially an 8-cylinder, front engined bathtub. In the 60s, engineers took things more seriously and started experimenting with the aerodynamics and with the weight distribution (the engine was usually mid-mounted). By the 70s, the F1 cars started assuming a familiar shape. Also in the same decade the cylinder count in cars saw it’s peak when V12 engines were used. In the late 70s turbocharging made a brief appearance that would last around ten years.

F1 Evolution Infograph – Click On Image For Full Size

In 1991 V12 engines were again a fact and traction control was introduced by some of the teams because the power was simply too much to handle. By the year 1994, regulations forbade the use of traction control but then in 2001 it was back in the game.

F1 did bring innovation to common cars and we all experienced change. Active suspension, traction control, engine refinement; All serve as an example of how design and technology bring constant change in shape and function. The only invention that has held it’s ground through the years, seems to be the wheel – it is still round

Source: Ruf Blacklock via Vimeo

July 6, 2012

London Philharmonic Orchestra Plays the MINI [VIDEO]

It’s nice attend a cultural event every now and then… so we’ve been told. So here’s a performance we found particularly entertaining. It’s the London Philharmonic Orchestra‘s way to send a good luck card to Team GB for the London 2012 Games – the God Save the Queen anthem in car horns. MINI provided the instruments.

Nine musicians in total were involved in this sonorous piece which, when not performing behind the wheel, play wind and brass instruments including the clarinet, trumpet and trombone. Respectively, in the video we can see nine red, white and blue MINI London 2012 edition cars that vaguely represent the Union Jack.

The London Philharmonic Orchestra in MINIs

Jochen Goller, Director, MINI UK said, “MINI is best known for highly tuned, sweet sounding engines, so we are delighted to discover that a patriotic harmony can be created with the car’s horn. We hope that this rendition of God Save the Queen will help rally Team GB to victory.”

MINI is closely connected with Team GB and ParalympicsGB and over the last year and a half the company has organized inspirational events and fun activities with the aim of encouraging the nation to backup the home team’s athletes and to demonstrate support.

httpv://youtu.be/ik9AtJQXaHQ

Source: MINI

Video source: MINI UK via YouTube

July 5, 2012

Suzuki Splash – Mini-MPV?

Remember talking about the crossbreeding of car segments? Now comes the question, since when is the Suzuki Splash an MPV? Especially the latest one which is 60mm longer than the previous ones, solely because of it’s bumpers. That’s not the MPV way. Yes, the Splash has folding rear seats which provide 573 liters of luggage space but so does a Polo.

Still, at Suzuki claim that the 2012 model has space for five inside and legroom won’t be an issue. As we mentioned, the bumpers are new, the hood and grille are restyled but the price stays the same. ($12,104 for the 1.0l SZ2 model) Inside you also get some refinement thanks to the newly designed seat fabric, the Piano Black finish for the center console and other stylish touches.

The Splash comes with two engines. The one to go for is the 94 PS 1.2l petrol unit. It has Dual VVT (Variable DOHC) and it made a good reputation for itself in the Swift. 55.4 mpg on the combined cycle (choose manual). The 1.0l, three cylinder petrol is for the ultra-eco-minded who will get 60.1 mpg on the combined cycle. But if you plan to carry around 5 people inside and/or luggage (that’s what MPVs do) you’ll find that 68 PS will leave you rather frustrated in real world.

No matter what trim you choose (SZ2, SZ3 or SZ4) for whichever engine, you get four airbags, CD tuner with MP3 player and steering wheel-mounted audio controls; leather-trimmed steering wheel; remote central locking; front electric windows with driver’s auto-down; electrically adjustable and heated door mirrors; height-adjustable front seats; tilt adjustable steering wheel and an information display as standard. SZ3 models get air conditioning as well while SZ4 models with the 1.2l engine get ESP, more airbags, 15 inch wheels, fog lights, kelyess entry and start and tinted windows at the back.

Source: Suzuki

July 5, 2012

Category: Car Makes