Car Makes – Page 781 – Automobiles Review

2013 Ford Tourneo Custom

Ford has announced the new dynamic Tourneo Custom, which will hit the market later this year. It was presented as a concept at the Geneva Motor Show and the production version will be unveiled at the 2012 Birmingham Commercial Vehicle Show in April.

“The bold new Tourneo Custom signals the start of a revolution in Ford’s commercial vehicle range,” commented Stephen Odell, chairman and CEO, Ford of Europe.

“It’s a fantastic-looking people mover – inside and out – and offers outstanding day-to-day, real world practicality as well as being great to drive.”, he added.

The Tourneo Custom has an advanced, streamlined profile based on the same “Kinetic” design approach popular on Ford passenger cars. This includes a sportier stance, bold rising shoulder line, flush glazing, distinctive trapezoidal grille and prominent wheel lips.

The van is available in 8 or 9-seat configurations and a choice of short wheelbase (4.97 metres) and long wheelbase (5.34 metres).

The interior also features car-like style and sophistication. The stylish, sculpted driver-focussed instrument panel features technologies closely-related to those found in the Ford car range. The cockpit is further enhanced by a highly adjustable driving position with the steering column adjustable for reach and rake.

The rear seats boast completely new design that can be easily folded into multiple configurations and removed in segments or completely. Rear passengers enjoy a spacious environment and comfortable, fully-trimmed cabin.

The high level of technology offered by Tourneo Custom includes the following features:

ECOnetic Technologies – Ford’s advanced low-CO2 features including standard Auto-Start-Stop and Smart Regenerative Charging on all Stage V emission vehicles
SYNC voice-activated, in-car connectivity system – enables mobile phones and music players to be connected to the vehicle, and operated by voice control
Emergency Assistance – enabled by SYNC, this award-winning new feature is designed to assist occupants to contact the Emergency Services in the event of an accident, providing vehicle location information
Advanced restraint system – includes driver, passenger, side and curtain airbags
Rear-view camera – integrated into the rear view mirror
Lane Keeping Alert and Driver Alert – latest driver assistance features alert the driver if the system detects the vehicle is inadvertently drifting out of the lane, or the driver is becoming tired behind the wheel

There is only one engine, but with three power ratings: 100 PS, 125 PS and 155 PS. It is mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox and has a standard Auto-Start-Stop. Tourneo Custom has superb fuel consumption of 6.9 l/100 km and 182 g/km CO2 emissions.

The Tourneo Custom and other all-new Ford Commercial Vehicles will be revealed in 2012, starting at the Birmingham CV Show in April.

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Source: Ford

June 20, 2012

Vorsteiner GTRS5 BMW M3

With a grand gesture of their own, Vorsteiner bid farewell to the E92 BMW series. It’s the latest generation of GTRS programes – the Vorsteiner GTRS5 for the BMW M3. It’s pretty much the same as the last one, the GTRS3, but Vorsteiner say that the difference is in the details.

The lower front bumper now has more vents for an even more efficient air-flow. The fins of the diffuser at the back longer than before thus providing greater downforce. There are also vertical vents on the sides of the rear bumper which now have carbon-fiber inserts – a fashion statement? Maybe, but Vorsteiner are adamant that the end product excels in performance. We’ll have to take their word for it.

In a nutshell here’s the complete GTRS5 kit :

Carbon Fiber Front Bumper Integrated with Optical Carbon Fiber Chin Spoiler
Carbon Fiber Wide Arch Front Fenders
Carbon Fiber Extended Side Skirts
Carbon Fiber Wide Arch Rear Quater Panels
Vorsteiner Embroidered Floor Mats
Vorsteiner Chrome Trunk Badge Emblem
Vorsteiner VS-310 3-Piece Concave Forged Aluminum Wheels
Nitto Invo Performance Tires

Optionally, one can go for the:

GTS3 Carbon Fiber Vented Race Hood
GTRS3 Carbon Fiber Boot Lid
E9X M3 Titanium Sport Exhaust System

Only 40 examples will be seen on the streets ever so it’s exclusive as well.

Source: Vorsteiner

June 20, 2012

Vilner Gentle Pagoda Mercedes-Benz W113

What constitutes having class? Wine and cheese, caviar? Or maybe golf… going to the opera every now and then? We don’t know. If someone asks us to show up at a party we’ll most probably go for our Hawaiian shirt, shorts and flip-flop gear. The one thing that would be on our minds however, will be our ride. There’s much to choose from… in our alternate reality where we own Jay Leno’s garage. Today though, we stumbled upon a prime candidate – A Mercedes-Benz Pagoda from the 60s. It has however, been renovated by the guys at Studio Vilner so it’s now the Gentlie Pagoda.

Keeping faithful to their own signature, Vilner have made little to no modifications on the outside but once you step in, the premium stuff becomes noticeable. There’s a prevailing latte/coffee theme that’s been achieved with a two-toned leather material. Chrome and mahogany shine again on the dashboard and the steering wheel. The trunk has been specially tailored and comes with a jewelry box while on-purpose-faded aluminum sill plates read “Gentle Pagoda”.

At Studio Vilner, they know their classics, and that has to make them classy, right?

Source: Vilner

June 20, 2012

2013 BMW Alpina B7 super-high performance luxury sedan

BMW has announced the new ALPINA B7 super-high performance luxury sedan, which boasts more performance, fresh design and improved efficiency.

The new B7 will make its official public debut at the at the historic Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance in August. It will be priced from $128 495 for B7 Standard Wheelbase and $132 395 for the extended version – B7 Long Wheelbase.

The new B7 is based on the 2013 BMW 7-Series. It is powered by a 4.4 liter twin-turbocharged V8 boosted to 540HP and 728Nm (538 lb-ft) of torque. 0-100 km/h in 4.3 seconds and a top speed of 312 km/h (194 mph). The engine is mated to the famous 8-speed ZF automatic gearbox sending all that power to rear-wheels or to the world’s most intelligent AWD system – xDrive.

The exterior features complete Alpina package including new bumpers, new kidney grilles, updated Xenon Adaptive headlights, LED front fog lights, and updated tail lights.

Other now-standard features will include ceramic secondary controls, engine Automatic Start-Stop, and the Active protection system. Optionally, the B7 Sedan will offer Full LED Headlights, Bang & Olufsen Surround Sound System, new exterior colors and interior upholstery choices in-line with the 7 Series update. Renewed BMW individual color and trim offerings complete the package. The appearance remains unmistakable on signature 21” ALPINA Classic 20-spoke wheels and stunning ALPINA Blue Metallic paint.

The BMW ALPINA B7 is available as a special order vehicle with capacity-limited production underscoring its exclusivity.

Source: BMW

June 19, 2012

Inden Design Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG: where fashion and tuning meets

The new Inden Design Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG shows great style and powerful stance. However, it tells a story not not only about that. It serves the purpose to be „co-acting“ star next to photo model Katja Runiello in her latest photoshoot.

The beautiful model, dancer and actor is a well known personality, since her appearance in the RTL television series “The Bachelor”. SLS AMG’s popularity can be described simply by two words: „living legend“.

But what has Inden Design done to improve this splendind car. First, they have implanted 21-inch light metal rims. Rim stars were painted in high-gloss black as well as gloss-lathed beddings.

Inden Design Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG and Katja Runiello

The 10.5 and 11.5-inch wide single part product were combined with Continental Sport Contact high-performance tires of the dimensions 265/30R21 for the front and 295/25R21 for the rear.

Inden Design tuned the serially produced coilover kit of the Mercedes-Benz, so that it now cowers more flatly on the surface.

More importantly, the 6.2 liter V8 engine shows great dynamic portfolio from the gentle rumbling in Piano up until the thunderous roaring of the Fortissimo. This is achieved thanks to the serially produced exhaust system in high-grade steel in non-ostentatious visual appearance with electronic valve control.

However, Inden Design even increased the maximum performance of the high-revolving eight-cylinder powerhouse by further maximizing the engine software from 571 hp (420 kW) in standard production to the present 623 horsepower (458 kW).

The pictures below, are creation of the photographer Olaf Pitzer from Nauroth. Katja’s feminine dress was designed by the Haute Couture designer Elvira Kirsch. And the perfect make-up was made by the stylist Katharina Freitag.

Source: Inden Design

June 19, 2012

2013 Skoda Rapid debuts this autumn

2013 Skoda Rapid is the new compact saloon by Skoda which aims to play important role in the company’s growth strategy and will be released on European markets from the autumn of this year.

The first important highlight about the new Skoda model is that impresses with lots of roominess and has an expressive design. Next, it offers comprehensive safety features and efficient engines.

The Rapid is includes the brand’s newly formulated design language. It stands for: clear, precise, fresh and emotional. As you can see Skoda Rapid has perfect proportions, clear and cleanly modelled surfaces and sharply drawn lines.

The front end portrays a new take on the brand’s typical design elements. The new brand logo confidently stands out on the harmonically rounded front edge of the bonnet. On the other hand, the grille shows a finely drawn chrome frame and is formed by vertical slats.

The body displays a long wheelbase and a coupé-like silhouette. At the rear the car has a large tailgate which acts as a design element. Furthermore, the distinctly shaped taillights in the brand’s typical C shape and the new brand logo join together to make the Rapid unmistakable.

The roominess that is offered by the car is impressive. Despite the compact exterior dimensions of 4.48 metres in length and 1.7 metres in width, the compact saloon offers enough space for five occupants and their baggage.

At last but not least, five petrol and two diesel engine unites are going to be offered with the Skoda.

2013 Skoda Rapid will debut at Paris Auto Salon this autumn.

Source: Skoda

June 19, 2012

Volvo S60 Polestar revealed at Gothenburg City Race

Volvo S60 Polestar is the latest concept road-car created by Polestar. It is based on the S60 model of Volvo and it is going to take part in the 2012 season in the new Swedish racing series TTA – Racing Elite League.

Furthermore, there has been developed not only a race-car model, but also a street-version. The official launch of the vehicle already happened few days ago at the third race round of the TTA series held at Polestar’s home track in downtown Gothenburg, Sweden.

Polestar focuses on the development and competition in racing. The development and marketing of performance products for Volvo cars are based on the experience from racing. Polestar started research and evaluation-program to collect and compile vehicle data from the S60 platform, and eventually ended up creating the following product.

In fact, Volvo S60Polestar is very strong Volvo with great potential for motorsport applications and also an almost ideal platform for a road-going performance car. We all know that Volvo bodies are strong and have solid designs, which make them ideal for building race cars.

S60 Polestar is to a great extent based on standard Volvo S60 T6 components. It is another result motorsport and performance experience in combination with in-depth knowledge about the car and its technology.

Source: Polestar

June 19, 2012

Novitec Rosso Ferrari FF with exclusive upgrade delivers 702 horsepower

Novitec Rosso Ferrari FF received enhancements by adding carbon-fiber aerodynamic-enhancement kit, ultra-light forged wheels and an extra 42 horsepower.

Novitec Rosso upgraded the Ferrari with sophisticated program, which comprises of sty stylish and aerodynamically efficient carbon-fiber bodywork components. Furthermore, the tuners have added ultra-light forged wheels with diameters of 21 and 22 inches.

In fact, htis performance kit boosts the power output of the V12 engine by 42 horsepower (30.9 kW).

The bodywork components are made from lightweight high-strength carbon fiber. This gives the sportsvehicle even more dynamic appearance.

And as you can see the Ferrarri now has a lower stance thanks to the front spoiler lip for the production bumper. The optimal aerodynamic balance is with a combination of roof and rear spoiler plus a diffuser.

Furthermore, the rear end is additionally transformed with an add-on component for the production fascia and carbon-fiber surrounds for the black taillights. The tuners have also included matching black side markers and LED rear fog lamps.

Even sportier look is conveyed by the new side skirts and carbon-fiber trim for the exterior mirrors. Carbon-fiber roof cladding and a carbon-fiber radiator grille add even more racing-flair highlights.

The Novitec Rosso suspension engineers have developed custom-tailored lightweight forged wheels. They received the NF4 wheel design with five delicate double spokes. The wheels at the front are 21-inch diameter and at the rear are 22 inches. Both are matched with Pirelli PZero high-performance tires. They additionally emphasize the wedge-shaped appearance.

More importantly, the engine specialists have given more power to the Ferrari with the Novitec Rosso performance kit which boosts power output of the 6.3-liter 12-cylinder four-valve engine by an extra 42 hp (30.9 kW).

In particular, the conversion consists of newly calibrated engine electronics and a complete new stainless-steel high-performance exhaust system. The exhaust is also available in a version that features a butterfly valve actuated from the steering wheel.

In combination with the quad sport exhaust the custom-programmed mapping for ignition and injection plus a new higher redline speed of 8,200 rpm result in a performance of 702 horsepower (516.6 kW) at 8,200 rpm.

After the conversion the car has new tops speed of 340 km/h, which is five km/h faster than the production car.

The gear shifts are quicker and more precise thanks to the longer carbon-fiber shift paddles. They operate the seven speeds of the dual-clutch transmission of the Ferrari FF.

The interior of the car includes program which is destined to offer maximum level of individuality. The program provides countless options from carbon-fiber scuff plates to fully custom leather and Alcantara interiors. They are of course perfectly finished down to the last detail.

Source: Novitec Rosso

June 19, 2012

Jay Leno and a Scion FR-S

Scion FR-S (2013) Jay Leno gets to know a Scion FR-S close and personal. Him being a renown motoring enthusiast, we get to hear his opinion about the idea behind the sports car and also there are the facts coming from Scion‘s Vice President Jack Hollis to support Leno’s view.In the video, they discuss the existing competition (the Mazda MX5), the affordability of fun nowadays, the Toyota GT legacy within the FR-S, the boxer engine and more. As an end point, the Scion proves to be as said – light, sporty, rear-wheel-drivem and accessible.It’s engine is a 2.0 liter horizontally opposed unit that produces 200 bhp and 151 lb-ft of torque. It also allows a great center of gravity which in term adds to the FR-S‘s lively road manners. It’s practical as well with 2+2 seats and a boot good for… four slick tires.In America, one can have this package of fun and sensibility for just $24,200.

Source: jaylenosgarage.com

June 19, 2012

Audi SQ5 TDI

It’s an Audi Q5 diesel…S. It’s also a concept and the latest buzz that’s come out from Inglostad. However, when we say “concept” we don’t really mean something far fetched. All is planned and the Audi dealerships will get their batch of TDI S goodness well into the first quarter of 2013.

So then, the core of the Audi SQ5: a 3.0-liter TDI engine that has two (not one) turbochargers. It’s oily bits have been reinforced in way so that they can take the stress of 313 hp and 650 Nm of torque. The latter comes at you within the 1,450 and 2,800 rpm range. Don’t fear diesel rattling either as most of the noises will most probably be coming from the “sound actuator” in the SQ5‘s exhaust system.

Some performance figures:

zero to 62 mph: 5.1 seconds
Top speed: 155 mph
Fuel economy: around 33 mpg combined.

Some clever stuff: a Quattro system with torque vectoring that manages all four wheels. A start/stop system and a regulated oil pump for saving fuel and a very lean eight-speed tiptronic gearbox.

Audi SQ5 TDI

The fact that it’s an Audi S means that the suspension is firmer and lower by around 1.18 inches but still high enough – this is a Q5 we are talking about. The wheels are monstrous at 20-inches in size (21” optional) and so are the 255/45 tires around them.

Obviously, this being an SQ5, there is going to be a cosmetic distinction from the mortal Q5s – platinum gray single-frame grille with galvanized double bars, a roof spoiler and modified bumpers. Inside, black will be the color that prevails made up of Nappa leather and Alcantra. You can have some brushed aluminum with that and some gray dials on the instruments. Other highlights include the S badges on the door sill trims, the S gear lever knob, the start button and the specially designed steering wheel.

The Audi SQ5 TDI is expected to come around during the Spring of 2013 with a starting price of 58,500 Euros or $73,593.

Source: Audi

June 19, 2012

2013 Kia Sorento gets upgraded

2013 Kia Sorento SUV is going to get upgraded by receiving a number of significant enhancements. The new upgraded model will go on sale later this year.

In particular, the changes include re-engineered bodyshell, improved powertrains for best-in-class fuel economy with lower emissions, improved ride, handling and refinement, additional convenience and safety features, fresh look for the exterior.

Furthermore, Kia’s designers have also featured in the new upgrades new headlamps with LED positioning lights, a new tailgate with LED rear combination lamps, new bumpers (front and rear) with vertical-axis fog lights and a larger area of body-color surface, and an expanded choice of wheels. The latter include larger diameter of 19-inch alloys.

The cabin of the Sorento is five- or seven-seater cabin. It has been also improved: there are included more soft-touch surfaces, a new LCD instrument cluster, new center stack with 7-inch display screen, new console featuring a straight-gate selector with a leather-booted lever on automatic transmission models.

Undoubtedly these enhancements will contribute for Kia’s luxurious character. The style of the interior will be additionally enhanced by the black or beige cloth or leather. Moreover, as an option there is a natural light coming in it through a larger panoramic sunroof.

2013 Kia Sorento will be available at dealerships in the beginning of the autumn. Full specification list and prices will be announced before launch.

Source: Kia

June 18, 2012

2012 Kahn Ferrari 458 Italia is aerodynamically unique

2012 Kahn Ferrari 458 Italia is covered by this splendid red aluminum-alloy couture, thus grabbing the attention of everyone effortlessly. What makes this Ferrari unique is that it is by heart a true Italian vehicle which however received a truly British inspiring blueprint.

Of course, no one else but the tuners from A. Kahn Design were those to take the challenge and redesign this sumptuous car. Now, with the enhancements by Kahn, the 458 Italia is more luxurious than ever!

The transformations done on this vehicle are: front and rear bumper sections in matt pearl grey, rear diffuser, side skirts and roof in matt pearl grey, ceramic brakes and yellow brake calipers. They make even more aerodynamically unique this Ferrari.

It wouldn’t be an A. Kahn Design vehicle if there weren’t a bespoke touch in it. The whole coupe is wrapped in black Daytona leather, including the electric sports seats.

2012 Kahn Ferrari 458 Italia runs perfectly on state-of-the art forged 9×21” front and 12×22 rear alloy wheels. They were finished in matt pearl grey, which color fits all original centre caps. These wheels bring even more elegance to the 458 Italia with their simple clean lines, soft organic surfaces on the edge of the spoke and a purposeful mechanical centre.

However, no change has been made in terms of power. The supercar stays with its original 4.5 liter V8 engine. The latter is able to deliver 578 hp (425 kW) and 540 Nm (399 lb-ft) at 6000 rpm. This power gives the 458 Italia the capability to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.4 seconds and to have a top speed of over 325 km/h.

Source: A. Kahn Design

June 18, 2012

Category: Car Makes