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McLaren MP4-12C Spider revealed

McLaren has just announced that McLaren MP4-12C Spider is now officially launched. The new 12C Spider has a lightweight, high powered engine which develops the incredible 625 horsepower (460 kW), has a RHT folding roof system and a carbon ‘MonoCell’ chassis which is identical to that of the groundbreaking 12C.

The impressive output of the McLaren comes from the bespoke 3.8-litre V8 twin turbo engine which is mated to the 7 Speed SSG dual-clutch transmission. Spiders dynamics technology including Brake Steer, ProActive Chassis Control and the unique McLaren Airbrake. The latter delivers comfort in all driving conditions, and at the same time a great race car performance and handling on track.

The Retractable Hard Top is unique system of the 12C Spider which is operating utilizing a switch in the lower section of the centre console inside the cabin. In fact, it takes less than 17 seconds to raise or lower. And of course, the roof can be opened while 12C Spider is moving at speeds of up to 30 kph (19mph).

The 12C Spider also includes a passive Roll Over Protection System which optimizes passengers and drivers safety. Each buttress contains a steel structure, which was made to absorb impact energy and protect the occupants.

Furthermore, this amazing sportscar will be launched in Volcano Red. However, there are also 17 more exterior paint finishes which are going to be available.

The interior of the car includes an exclusive new trim, which has been developed for the 2013 model year 12C and new 12C Spider. High quality semi-aniline perforated leather and Alcantara are optional choices for the customers. Moreover, there is a new wheel design in Diamond Cut, Standard Silver or Stealth finishes.

As an optional choice will be also available the Vehicle Lift system, which allows the 12C Spider to be raised front and rear for improved ground clearance

McLaren 12C Spider is now available to order worldwide, its starting price begins from £195 500 and the first deliveries to customers are planned for November this year.

A short comparison between 12C Spider’s performance and 12C is below:

	MP4-12C Spider* (625 PS/616 bhp)	MP4-12C * (625 PS/616 bhp)
0-62 mph (0-100 kph)	3.1 sec	3.1 sec
0-100mph (0-161kph)	6.1	6.0
0-124 mph(0-200 kph)	9.0 sec	8.8 sec
¼ mile (400m)	10.8 sec @ 134 mph (216 kph)	10.6 sec @ 136 mph (219 kph)
V Max	204 mph (329 kph)	207 mph (333 kph)
Fuel efficiency, EU MPG (litres/100km)	24.2 (11.7)	24.2 (11.7)
CO2 g/km	279	279

McLaren MP4-12C Spider technical specifications:

Drivetrain layout	Longitudinal mid-engine, RWD
Engine configuration	V8 twin turbo
Engine material	Aluminium block and cylinder heads
Oiling	Dry sump
Compression ratio	8.7:1
Valvetrain	32-valve, DOHC, dual VVT
Redline ( rpm)	8,500
Bore x Stroke (mm)	93 x 69.9
Engine displacement (cc)	3799
PS / rpm	625 / 7500
Torque Nm / rpm	600 / 3000-7000
PS per litre	164
Transmission	7 Speed SSG
Body structure	Carbon fibre MonoCell with aluminum front and rear frames
Wheelbase (mm)	2670
Track, F/R (mm)	1656 / 1583
Length (mm)	4509
Width (mm) @ widest point	2093
Height (mm)	1203
DIN weight (kg / lbs)	1474 / 3249
Dry weight (kg / lbs)	1376 / 3033
Dry weight with lightweight options (kg / lbs)	1341 / 2956
Weight distribution at DIN F / R %	42 / 58
Active aerodynamics	McLaren Airbrake
Suspension	ProActive Chassis Control
ProActive Chassis Control modes	Winter / Normal / Sport / Track
Powertrain modes	Winter / Normal / Sport / Track
Brakes	Cast iron discs with forged aluminum hubs (F 370mm / R 350 mm)
Wheel sizes (F / R)	19” x 8.5”J / 20” x 11” J
Tyres (F / R)	Pirelli PZero 235/35 R19 / 305/30 R20

Source: McLaren

July 3, 2012

Kia Release Top-Of-The-Range Sportage KX-4

From today on, if you’re looking for the top-of-the-range Kia Sportage, the KX-4 should answer your call. It’s the most powerful version of the established crossover with over 180 bhp under its hood and a bag full of technology which is supposed to make your life easier.

Let’s start with the engine, which is a turbocharged diesel. It has 2.0-liters of displacement, a cool abbreviation of CRD and it sends its power to all the four wheels through a six-speed automatic or a six-speed manual – your choice. Peak torque (383 Nm) can be found at 1,800 rpm and it will stay with you until the 2,500 rpm mark. The automatic works with the even more 392 Nm of torque. The extra 47 bhp over the previous version of the engine is courtesy to the variable geometry turbocharger, the higher pressure injectors and the ECU remapping. In real life, that means 0-60 mph in 9.4 seconds, a top speed of 120 mph, 46.3 mpg and 158 g/km of CO2 emissions. The automatic falls behind a little with the economy – 39.2 mpg – but it’s out there. Especially when you think that the Sportage KX-4 is strictly All-Wheel-Drive. The system is clever enough to send all the power to the front wheels on flat roads and then start playing with the ratio depending on the terrain (up to 60:40 front-to-rear power distribution is achievable).

In terms of equipment, we can safely say that it is based on the “KX-3 Sat Nav” with the addition of a Parallel Parking Assist System, a keyless smart entry system and an engine stop/start button. The leather upholstery, 18-inch alloy wheels, Xenon automatic lights, automatic wipers, dual zone climate control, heated front and rear seats, cruse control, reversing camera amd seven-speaker sound system, account for the other standard luxuries found in the Korean crossover.

Prices in the UK for the Kia Sportage KX-4 start from £27,195 ($42 633) and one can place an order right now.

Source: Kia

July 2, 2012

Aston Martin V12 Vantage Roadster

Aston Martin has announced the new V12 Vantage Roadster. The new “Volante” model is planned to make its official debut later this week. The production will be limited to just 101 units and the manufacturer is apparently already taking orders from special clients.

An unknown UK dealer has stated pricing of approximately £150 000.

The modifications include front and rear suspensions as well as a revised luggage lid and rear spoiler. Other new design elements include carbon fiber side strakes, carbon fiber mirror caps, rear lamp black outer trim with carbon fiber inner appliques, new design forged alloy wheels, black exhaust pipes and Aston Martin emblems with black background.

The interior is also revised. It boasts lower center console glass switches (instead of black plastic) and carbon/black trim detailing. A Carbon Interior Pack takes it a step further with the addition of a carbon fiber center console fascia and carbon fiber gearshift base plate.

Stay tuned for more information about the new V12 Vantage Volante.

Source: Aston Martin

July 2, 2012

Infiniti EMERG-E Prototype revealed at the 2012 Goodwood Festival of Speed

Infiniti has introduced an EMERG-E prototype at the Goodwood Festival of Speed with Red Bull racing F1 driver Mark Webber behind the steeringwheel. The car was previewed by the concept and the prototype is based on the Lotus Evora and uses a range-extended electric powertrain that was “specially developed for [the] EMERG-E.” The latter part is a bit dubious, as the Lotus Evora 414E Hybrid also uses the same mechanicals as the EMERG-E.

The engine is from Evora 414E Hybrid delivering 408HP (300 kW). 0-100 km/h in 4 seconds and a top speed of 209 km/h (130 mph). The car can travel up 48 km (30 miles) on electricity alone

The company hasn’t confirmed plans to build a production model, but hinted the EMERG-E “provides an exciting glimpse into Infiniti’s future.”

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=59_7XLDlIfo

Source: WCF via Youtube

July 2, 2012

Mercedes-Benz CLS Shooting Brake

It’s common knowledge that nowadays, car makers are trying to dominate every segment out there. But some companies are now even changing the rules. With no fields left for dominance, Mercedes-Benz set out to create new categories. The CLS serves to prove that point – a four door coupe. Are you ready for the next step? The Mrecedes-Benz CLS Shooting Brake (see concept) – a five-door, estate coupe. Sound’s ridiculous right? But it looks just as good as it is mad.

It may not be a full blown estate but it is actually bigger than the current E-Class wagon. Still, boot space at the back is inferior to the one of the E-Class, but you can opt to have it all covered in a cherry tree wooden trim… which will not help at all in terms of practically bit it will “underscore the hand-finished nature of the interior”. Most of all, by doing so, you won’t put much strain on the engine since the Shooting Brake engineers have kept it light by installing frameless, completely aluminum doors which are 24 kg lighter than they would be if steel was used. The tailgate, hood, front fenders and other elements of the suspension and engine are aluminum as well.

Another coupe feature of the CLS Shooting Brake is it’s shape. Besides soothing the eye, the design also has an aerodynamic perk – a Cd value figure of 0.29. Good news then for the efficiently oriented engine options. Two diesels: One being a four cylinder and the other, a CLS 350 CDI 3.0-liter V6 that develops 265 bhp and returns 47 mpg . Zero to sixty acceleration for that latter one takes 6.6 seconds while the top speed is limited at 155 mph. Both of the engines make use of a 7G-TRONIC PLUS automatic transmission and both have an ECO start/stop system as standard. Another feature that increases the distance between gas station stops is the Electric Power Steering system which is also said to be superior in feedback.

No word on the pricing but our guess is that the end figure will be perfectly sensible with traces of lunacy and dynamism. When AMG get their hands on a CLS Shooting Brake expect full on lunacy and dynamism.

Source: Mercedes-Benz

July 2, 2012

2012 Kahn Jeep Wrangler Military Copper Edition

2012 Kahn Jeep Wrangler Military Copper Edition is the newest transformation delivered by the talented Afzal Kahn. Here he combined the mechanical perfection of the Jeep with an exterior beauty in copper.

It is obvious that he is keen on working with Jeep Wranglers, we have seen some great transformations by him done on this model. The current one however, is probably the most expressive one.

This Copper Edition is characterized by new 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 rear wheel cover.

More cutting edge technologies can be seen on the blank rear window sections and LED lights, which can be made in bullet-proof glass according to customers wish.

Furthermore, Kahn’s cross hair exhausts in stainless steel reflects an attraction to a pluto-matic lifestyle. This means that the vehicle now is more silent than ever.

The interior of the Jeep is made exquisitely well with the craftsmanship of the tuner. This vehicle comes with front and rear seats in quilted black leather with copper stitching and a centre console, also in a copper finish. Just look at the picture below and you can get a sense of how perfect they look.

2012 Kahn Jeep Wrangler Military Copper Edition Interior

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.

Source: A. Kahn Design

July 2, 2012

2012 Suzuki Alto: available for purchase

2012 Suzuki Alto is now available for purchase and will delight its customers with both low CO2 emissions and low price. The model will be available in three versions: five door body style SZ, SZ3 and SZ4.

This Suzuki is popular for its outstanding performance in terms of fuel efficiency and CO2 emissions. Hence, this makes it perfect for urban driving. The vehicle also meets the pressing need for a reduced impact on the environment.

Some of the recently made changes on the Alto Minor Change model include Dual VVT (Variable Valve Timing) for greater engine flexibility and response. Thanks to this modification the CO2 emissions were further reduced. This of course led to improvements to fuel economy as well.

The latest model of the Alto embodies new design interior colour and fabric trim, new full wheel covers for SZ and SZ3 models and dipping rear view mirror. The range of exterior colors has been extended as well: it now includes Glistening Grey metallic.

When equipped with manual transmission, the Alto emits just 99g/km CO2. The engine of the vehicle achieves a maximum torque of 90Nm/66lbft at 3,400 rpm, and combined fuel consumption of 65.7mpg. These number make the Alto one of the cleanest petrol-powered City cars in the world.

2012 Suzuki Alto has a starting price of £5 995.

Source: Suzuki

July 2, 2012

2013 Volkswagen Polo BlueGT: dynamic and efficient

2013 Volkswagen Polo BlueGT has the potential to set new benchmarks. It combines the aspects of “dynamics” and “fuel efficiency” and hence creates unheard levels of fuel efficiency.

The most important highlight in the new Polo is that it benefits from its TSI engine with active cylinder management (ACT). What it does is to basically shut off two of the engine’s four cylinders.

The torque-friendly 1.4-litre TSI engine produces power output of 103 kW / 140 PS. However it still is able to deliver fuel consumption of just 4.6* l/100 km and has 107 g/km CO2 emissions. When the Polo BlueGT is equipped (optionally) with the optional 7-speed DSG transmission, then the fuel consumption is further reduced to the number of 4.5 l/100 km and 105 g/km CO2, respectively.

Nevertheless, the BlueGT is so powerful that it has a top speed of 210 km/h, and can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 7.9 seconds.

The coexistence of efficiency and dynamic in one car is enabled by the systematic interplay of ACT, downsizing (reduced engine displacement plus direct injection and charging) and BlueMotion Technologies (Stop/Start system, battery regeneration, aerodynamic components).

In addition, the new Volkswagen model is distinctive in terms of exterior and interior as well. Externally, the BlueGT is characterised by such features as new 17-inch aluminium wheels, a roof edge spoiler, modified bumpers (with diffuser on rear bumper), distinctive side sills and a 15 mm lower ride height.

The interior of the car includes extended functional range of standard feature: multifunctional display, cruise control system, sport seats in front, ESP, front airbags, head/thorax airbags and electrohydraulic steering.

2013 Volkswagen Polo BlueGT will be available at dealerships by the end of the year with a starting price of 19 650 euro.

Source: Volkswagen

July 2, 2012

2013 Mercedes-Benz GL with market launch

2013 Mercedes-Benz GL is to be offered in three models: the GL 350 BlueTEC 4MATIC with V6 diesel engine, the V8 petrol-engined GL 500 4MATIC BlueEFFICIENCY, and the high-performance GL 63 AMG variant with V8 biturbo petrol engine. In addition, the standard equipment of the new GL Class is now further enhanced.

The luxury vehicles can be use for both on- and off-road and now include an extended range of standard equipment: electric sliding sunroof, electrically operated EASY-PACK tailgate, EASY ENTRY system for convenient access to the third row of seats from both sides, high-insulation windscreen or electromechanical steering.

In the interior, can be found the following standard equipment: colour screen with photo-realistic display and dashboard finished in ARTICO man-made leather.

2013 Mercedes-Benz GL 350 BlueTEC 4MATIC

Furthermore, the new Mercedes-Benz SUV vehicle has as a standard safety features the COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST collision warning system and ATTENTION ASSIST drowsiness detection system. One of the new GL’s innovations and highlights is the standard-fit Crosswind Assist, which helps the driver by targeted brake actuation if the vehicle is affected by sudden crosswinds.

Moreover, the GL 500 4MATIC BlueEFFICIENCY adds to these safety features the Active Parking Assist including PARKTRONIC, the Intelligent Light System, the KEYLESS-GO access and drive authorisation system, 3-zone THERMOTRONIC automatic climate control and multicontour leather seats for driver and front passenger including massage function.

More importantly however are the new added engines which deliver better performance with increased output and torque, while at the same time enabling a reduction in consumption levels. As a result, the 190 kW (258 hp) GL 350 BlueTEC 4MATIC achieves an NEDC consumption of 7.4 l/100 km, the V8 petrol model, the GL 500 4MATIC BlueEFFICIENCY, produces 320 kW (435 hp) and has torque levels of 700 Nm while consuming just 11.3 l/100 km (NEDC).

2013 Mercedes-Benz GL prices:

GL 350 BlueTEC 4MATIC €60,900 (€72,471)
GL 500 4MATIC BlueEFFICIENCY €79,500 (€94,605)
GL 63 AMG €109,500 (€130,305)

Source: Mercedes-Benz

July 2, 2012

Audi R8 e-Tron Sets World Record on the Nordschleife

After an overall victory at the 2012 Le Mans series, there comes another triumph for Audi. The R8 e-tron has set a new world record on the Nürburgring track of 8:09.099 minutes. Yes, it’s not an all-time record but a “production vehicle with an electric drive system“ kind of record . The Gumpert Apollo Sport, which by the way has an Audi V8 engine, has been around the Nürburgring for less then 7:12.00 minutes. Still, a giant leap for the all-electric car world and for the e-tron.

There are two electric motors underneath the Audi R8 e-tron that work together to produce 280 kW and 820 Nm of torque. At the same time, despite having a bulky 49 KWh T-sized battery pack bellow the cabin, the weight is down to 1,780 kg which is okay for a normal sport’s car and astonishing for an electric one. That’s mainly the result of an aluminum body with traces of CFRP parts here and there. Where we are getting at is that the R8 e-tron is capable of speeds up to 200 km/h (for the Nürburgring they had to ditch the limiter and went for the 250 km/h benchmark). From a stand still, the e-tron will reach 100 km/h in just 4.6 seconds – a time which will bring some of the best petrol equivalents to tears.

Best part of it all? It’s all natural and almost ready for production:

“Of course, the R8 e-tron is a production car, not a racing car with the assistance of aerodynamics. But with its low center of gravity and rear biased weight distribution, it brings with it a lot of sporty qualities. The torque with which the electric motors propel the car uphill beats everything that I know – even if they make hardly any noise in the process, which at the start was really a completely new experience for me. In places where I really need traction, the torque vectoring – the displacement of the torque between the powered wheels – really helps me.” Comments 32-year-old Markus Winkelhock – the e-tron driver and current record holder.

Source: Audi

June 29, 2012

McLaren MP4-12C Spider – the next high performance sports car [Video]

McLaren MP4-12C Spider will open next chapter in the story of the automotive world. Almost a year after the appearance of the MP4-12C model and days after McLaren announced that the model is going to get some significant upgrades, they have just revealed their new high performance sports car – McLaren MP4-12C Spider.

The Spider will bring ore versatility to the range with its open top. In addition it will be powered by the astonishing twin-turbo V8-engine which will deliver an experience of 625 horsepower (460 kW), to everyone riding this open roofed 12C Spider.

As a basis of this model served the same super stiff carbon fibre MonoCell chassis as its hardtop sibling and this means that it will be nothing else but exciting and dynamic to drive.

Nevertheless, the open top is going to dial up the sensations experienced, the emotions felt and the noise heard. Can you already imagine it?

More information around this new exciting McLaren is going to be revealed in the next few days.

In the video below Jenson Button (Vodafone McLaren Mercedes Racing driver) speaks about the connection he feels with the machine he drives and about what he senses when driving a 300 km/h open top car.

httpv://youtu.be/TRNjLjlaeNc

Source: McLaren

June 29, 2012

2013 Jaguar XJ – Pricing and Specifications

More details around 2013 Jaguar XJ has just been revealed. The vehicle will benefit from improved efficiency, more comfort and functional technologies.

Jaguar’s most technologically advanced car is now more efficient and refined than ever before. In order to improve the overall efficiency of the XJ, the brand has included an eight-speed ZF transmission with Intelligent Stop-Start as standard to it.

This new feature leads to lower fuel consumption and emissions and now the XJ is expected to achieve 47 MPG while emitting 159g/km of CO2.

Further improvements concerning the performance of the Jaguar have been thanks to the introduction of a new 3.0-litre, supercharged V6 powertrain. This one produces 340 hp (250 kW) and 450Nm (332 lb-ft) of torque.

Next, some upgrades have been done on the suspension of the car. Alongside the exciting new powertrain line-up all models in the range will include re-calibrated spring and damper tunes as well as remapped damper software, thus delivering enhanced ride isolation and passenger comfort.

2013 Jaguar XJ Specifications:

Engine Variant	3.0 V6 S/C Petrol	5.0 V8 S/C Petrol
Layout	V6 cylinder	V8 cylinder
Capacity	2995 cc	5000 cc
Power	340PS	510 PS
Torque	450 Nm	625 Nm
Fuel economy	9.4 l/100km (30mpg)	11.3 l/100 km (25mpg)
CO2 emissions	224g/km	268g/km
Performance (0-60 mph)	5.7secs	4.7 secs
Performance (0-100 kph)	5.9 secs	4.9 secs

Engine Variant	3.0 V6 Diesel S
Layout	V6 cylinder
Capacity	2,993 cc
Power	275 PS
Torque	600 Nm
Fuel economy	6.0 l/100 km (47mpg)
CO2 emissions	159 g/km
Performance (0-60 mph)	5.9 secs
Performance (0-100 kph)	6.4 secs

2013 Jaguar XJ Pricing:

XJ 13MY on-the-road (OTR) Pricing (£)
Standard wheel-base
XJ 3.0 Diesel Luxury	56,260
XJ 3.0 Diesel Premium Luxury	60,060
XJ 3.0 Diesel Portfolio	67,260
XJ 3.0 S/C Petrol Premium Luxury	65,365
XJ 3.0 S/C Petrol Portfolio	72,815
XJ 3.0 S/C Petrol Supersport	91,735

Long wheel-base
XJ 3.0 Diesel Luxury	59,260
XJ 3.0 Diesel Premium Luxury	63,060
XJ 3.0 Diesel Portfolio	70,260
XJ 3.0 S/C Petrol Premium Luxury	68,515
XJ 3.0 S/C Petrol Portfolio	75,815
XJ 3.0 S/C Petrol Supersport	95,235

Source: Jaguar

June 29, 2012

Category: Car Makes