Car Makes – Page 783 – Automobiles Review

Smart Fortwo Iceshine Edition in Coupe and Cabrio

Smart Fortwo Iceshine Edition is the latest special model created by Smart, which blends fresh, cheeky look and in addition comes along with chic equipment details. This special model can be preordered in white or in the eye-catching azure blue from June. The first vehicles in this limited series will be in dealerships in October.

First, it is important to highlight that the Iceshine edition is going to be offered as a coupe and as a cabrio. It will come equipped with a 52 kW (71 hp) mhd petrol engine or a 62 kW (84 hp) petrol engine.

This two-seater customization has an unusual appearance. First, the tridion safety cell comes in white. The bodypanels are available in white, or an azure blue. The latter color was developed for this edition.

Other exclusives design cues include the white alloy wheels, with their new 3-double-spoke design and wide tyres in size 175/55 R 15 (front) and 195/50 R 15 (rear). These tie in nicely with the white tridion safety cell and door mirror caps. The LED daytime driving lights and special logo on the mirror triangle also add to the unique outlook of the Smart.

The interior of all Iceshine models includes leather-effect seats with a white fabric insert on the backrest and white stitching, 3-spoke leather sports steering wheel with shift paddles and white stitching. The rings round the dashboard instruments and some contrast components are also painted in white.

Some of the other standard features are: softouch automatic gear programme, electric windows, air conditioning with automatic temperature control, panoramic roof with sunblind, electric power steering, heated seats, a lockable glove compartment, the smart sound system with five loudspeakers.

Part of the optional feature include: smart audio system navigation/multimedia, black leather-effect instrument panel, BRABUS 3-spoke sports steering wheel with steering wheel gearshift and smart cradle for the iPhone® 3/3GS and 4/4S are available for the edition iceshine.

This Iceshine edition of Smart will be limited to 1,800 vehicles. This model is based on the passion equipment line.

Smart Fortwo Iceshie Edition pricing:

Engine/power	Engine type	Engine capacity	Price (€):
smart fortwo edition iceshine coupé
1.0 l (52 kW/71 hp) petrol mhd	3-cyl. in-line naturally aspirated engine	999 cc	14,490.00
1.0 l (62 kW/84 hp) petrol	3-cyl. in-line turbo engine	999 cc	15,060.00

smart fortwo edition iceshine cabrio
1.0 l (52 kW/71 hp) petrol mhd	3-cyl. in-line naturally aspirated engine	999 cc	17,580.00
1.0 l (62 kW/84 hp) petrol	3-cyl. in-line turbo engine	999 cc	18,150.00

Source: Smart

June 14, 2012

2013 Nissan Juke Nismo debuts at Le Mans

2013 Nissan Juke Nismo production model is going to make its world debuting appearance on the Nissan’s stand at the Le Mans 24. This particular vehicle is the first in a series of new Nismo models, which were all inspired company’s Japanese motorsport heritage and performance excellence.

Next to Juke Nismo, Nissan will show their DeltaWing and Juke-R models as well. 2013 Juke Nismo has been already revealed under the form of a concept at Tokyo and Geneva international Motor Shows.

Nissan’s Nismo product range offers uniqueness, distinctiveness and individuality. But this it not all, it will please you with sports handling, performance and excitement. The Juke Nismo combines the current Nissan Juke design with sports coupé lines and SUV stylin.

In fact, it includes new aerodynamics kit, making the car even more efficient, dynamic and powerful. The new model is equipped with lower front and rear bumpers, wider wings and sill side skirts, and a modified grille and tailgate spoiler. Furthermore, the car sits on new stylish 18-inch alloy wheels with wider tyres.

More importantly the Juke Nismo is empowered by a tuned-up version of its 1.6-litre direct injection turbocharged petrol engine. It features stiffened suspension settings, new steering modifications for sportier direct handling and enhanced traction control.

The interior of the model is totally redesigned in terms of steering wheel, pedals, gauges, gear knob and door trims. They now further emphasize the SUV’s sportier personality. For instance, special suede-trimmed Nismo sports seats with red stitching were included.

The Juke Nismo sales in Europe are due to start early January 2013. The model will be also available in Japan and USA at a later date. More details and specifications will be revelaed closer to launch.

Source: Nissan

June 14, 2012

2012 MINI Rocketman Concept at the Olympics

2012 MINI Rocketman Concept is especially prepared by the British premium car brand MINI for the Olympics and Paralympics that will take place in few months in London. The new edition has already appeared as a concept and debuted at the International Geneva Motor Show last year.

The new design of the MINI Rocketman Concept is absolutely stunning! It combines fresh ideas for personal mobility in big cities while at the same time keeping the classical, unmistakably British design features.

And if you are going to visit London during the Olympics, this extraordinary vehicle will be on show in the BMW Pavilion located close to the Olympic and Paralympic Village.

The 3+1-seater has three doors and an exterior length of just over three meters. It has irresistible design, clever functionality, great agility and exceptional efficiency. The advanced technology included in the vehicle underpins a lifestyle-focused mobility solution. In other words the MINI is equipped for life in big cities.

Further detail is that MINI Rocketman Concept’s spaceframe is made from carbon-fibre-reinforced plastic. This enables the lightweight construction of the car. If you go throughout the pictures of the car, you will see its innovative interior concept, which can accommodate three full-size seats.

The exterior and interior color schemes of the Rocketman are influenced mainly by its British heritage. All that has been used in the creation are high-quality materials thanks to which the stylish details can be additionally emphasized. All in all, it embodies a typically British form of sporting elegance.

The MINI runs on 18-inch light-alloy wheels, which have white polished areas and a metallic red accent. Matt Porcelain White paintwork is also utilized for the mirror caps, boot opener and surrounds for the radiator grille and headlights.

The grille structure is made up entirely of MINI logos. It has a red metallic paint finish and contrasting white surround. A red strip emphasises the path of the hallmark MINI diagonal link between the wheel arch and door at the foot of the A-pillar.

Another unique and special feature is the distinctive lighting design for the roof, which is full-surface glass roof. It has illuminated braces which recreate the look of Britain’s Union Jack flag. Even when the roof is not illuminated, the braces keep on shining in bright Porcelain White. In darkness, the integrated optical fibres provide a pleasant indirect illumination of the interior and a compelling night design visible from the outside. The roof’s transparent surfaces are bordered by a metallic red painted strip.

The interior is influenced by the Union Jack-led colour concept as well. Sporting ambience and intricate details are the characteristics of the coupe of the car. The inner door panels and rear side sections are trimmed in dark blue nubuck leather, while the elliptical door rings are in white leather.

The most distinctive element of the dashboard is the cockpit surface. The latter is bordered by a red bar and has a striking 3D effect. Its relief structure shows the name of every Summer Olympic Games host city.

MINI Rocketman Concept catches the imagination thanks to its innovative technology and irresistible combination of driving fun and sustainability.

Source: MINI

June 14, 2012

An Audi A6 by JMS

A yet another Audi with non-existent wheel housings. This one though is more subtle. It gets even more subtler when you look at the list of upgrades but hey, we rarely get news from JMS so we’ll cherish what we have.

The program is intended for the A6 – the old one – Typ 4F (it’s not even facelifted). There’s a JMS apron for it available and a front lip spoiler (fits on all 4Fs excluding the S-line). The main feature here however, is the KW stainless steel coilover kit version 1 – responsible for the lowering which can be up to 60 mm on the front axle and 50 mm at the back. Or maybe the most noticeable features here are the wheels? Oxigen 9,5×20 front and back – very flare-y

And there you have it – a JMS Audi A6. What do you think?

Source: JMS

June 14, 2012

Ready for Le Mans 2012: Team Chevrolet

The 24 Hours Le Mans is a testing, excruciating, nerve wrecking and even deadly endurance race. It is literally a 24 hour race and at the least two drivers need need to participate in each team. At the finish line, one might think there’s a big sigh of relief for all participants. It is however, more or less a 15 minutes if glory type of thing.

Here’s the story behind the scenes from the Chevrolet Team point of view. As soon as one race ends, it’s back to the drawing board again – what went wrong, how can they do that better, should they be like this next year? And that’s not even half the story. One would not imagine that the logistics of a car (or several of them) can be so complex. Mind you we are talking about a Le Mans car which has an entourage that can barely fit in a warehouse.

Check out these mini series and more around the 2012 24 Hours of Le Mans event that’s coming to you this weekend.

httpv://youtu.be/WgmuknJuwgk

Source: prattmiller via YouTube

June 13, 2012

Ferrari 458 Spider, California 30, FF at Goodwood

Good(wood) news: Ferrari are bringing the 458 Spider, the California 30 and the four-seater Ferrari FF to the event.
For the 456 Spider, this will be a UK debut. It’s particularity appealing because of it’s aluminum retractable roof which is actually 25 kg lighter than the traditional folding soft-top. That’s useful if you don’t want to thwart too much the mid-mounted 4.5 V8 engine and make use of all the 570 hp that it produces. Recently it was again nominated for the International Engine of the Year award which makes sense as no one in their right mind would mount something less then perfect to an F1 style, dual-clutch, state-of-the-art transmission. Put those two entities together and you get a 0-60 mph time of 3.4 seconds and a top speed of 199 mph.

The other player who visits the Island for the first time is the Ferrari California 30 – it’s called that way because of the 30 kg loss in weight. Apparently, with the help of alchemy we suspect, the Ferrari engineers have managed to turn those kilograms into extra hp. So now we are talking about a V8 that rolls out 490 rampaging Italian stallions. An optional package for the California is also a thing now – less body roll and more responsiveness through some in-house tweaking of the suspension.

The Ferrari FF grand tourer will also make an appearance. It represents the company’s uncharted territories – four-seats, four-wheel-drive, grand touring tech, the lot.

The front-mid engine in it is the flagship Ferrari unit right now with over 660 hp at 8,000 rpm, 12 cylinders and a displacement of 6,262cc. That renders the FF capable of a 0-60 mph acceleration in 3.7 seconds. And thanks to the abnormally light 4RM (AWD) system and the 47:53 weight distribution, the FF is quick to response to driver input, stable and incredibly fun to drive.

The Goodwood Festival of Speed is held annually at West Sussex, England. The event for this year is scheduled for the last weekend of June.

Source: Ferrari

June 13, 2012

The GTA Spano at the Goodwood Festival of Speed

The GTA Spano – GTA Motor‘s (and Spain’s) only supercar – will take part in this month’s Goodwood Festival of Speed held on the grounds of the Goodwood House, West Sussex, England.

More specifically, the “Supercar run” challenge will provide the opportunity for the Spano to go head to head with 49 more supercars of world-class. Driving the glass-roofed car will be the Valencian drive Borja Garcia.

GTA Motor plan to produce only 99 cars in total which makes the Spano, technically, a very rare and exclusive specimen. The power plant for it is an in-house V10 mid-mounted engine that churns out 820 hp and 960Nm of torque. The body and the chassis bits represent a complex mingle of carbon fiber, titanium and Kevlar. As a result of that it’s weight is no more than 1350 kg and the 0 to 60 mph time is just below 3 seconds and the top speed stands at 350 km/h.

So if you’d like to catch a glimpse of this gem, the Goodwood Festival of Speed speed is the place for you. It starts at the end oh June, properly coordinated with the weekends.

Source: GTA Motor

June 13, 2012

Nissan Skyline: Taking the Plunge [VIDEO]

The breath-taking Nissan Skyline is the latest addition to the Depth of Speed inspiring episodes. Depth of Speed was created with the aim to bring the greatest stories from the automotive world to the genera public.

In other words, everything resolves around the passion, depth, and love that the automotive world brings. This video portrays the enthusiasm and adoration which this remarkable version of Nissan Skyline has created in its owner.

Nissan Skyline

The owner – Eric Bauer, had made this Nissan unique, and more importantly in the video below you will understand what inspired him to do so. He not only provides 3D modeling services to many automakers across the world, but also teaches at the Art Center College of Design.

He is definitely encouraging many students to take up a future in auto design and bring to fruition their passion, as he did. Furthermore Bauer is discussing the inimitable and eye-catching automobile and what makes it unlike any other.

Watch and hear how Eric speaks about the twelve year story in the making of this car.

httpv://vimeo.com/43905308

June 13, 2012

Jeep Grand Cherokee S, Wrangler Mountain and Compass Black going to Europe

Jeep_Wrangler-Mountain_THUMB All new three limited edition vehicles for Wrangler, Compass and Grand Cherokee are going to enrich the Jeep European lineup. The new Mountain limited-edition model is the perfect vehicle for the performance and outdoor enthusiasts, whereas the all-new Jeep Compass Black Edition special-edition model and the S Limited trim line are going to bring more style and power.

These new Jeep vehicles are going to contribute to enhance the brand’s portfolio in Europe in the second half of 2012.

Jeep Wrangler Mountain is going to be officially launched in June but has already debuted at the latest Geneva Motor Show. On the other hand the Jeep Compass Black Edition will arrive in Jeep dealerships at the end of August and the new S Limited trim line of Grand Cherokee, will debut in September.

Jeep Grand Cherokee S Limited Edition combines stand-out from the crowd exterior design and sporty stance, thanks to the efficiency of the 3.0-litre V-6 CRD engine fitted with Multijet II technology. The latter is able to deliver 241 horsepower (177 kW) and 550 Nm (406 lb-ft) of torque.

Furthermore, the vehicle runs on one-of-a-kind black-gloss 20-inch alloy wheels. The distinctive styling cues and ‘Black’ exterior treatments create the aggressive and muscular look of new S Limited Jeep Grand Cherokee, which debuted in Geneva as a concept model as well.

The exterior includes more streamlined appearance thanks to the introduction of new roof molding covers which replace the roof rack. Next, the vehicle’s grille surround is in black gloss and the mesh grille texture – in platinum chrome. The same platinum chrome can be seen on the lower fascia applique´, which completes the unique front-end appearance.

The interior of the new S Limited is all leather-wrapped. The steering wheel is leather-wrapped as well, perforated however. The ventilated sports-styled Nappa leather completes the suede seats. Carbon fiber accents are integrated into the instrument panel and door trim panels.

The standard equipment for on-board comfort and infotainment includes the latest technologies: UConnect® multimedia infotainment and navigation system with 6.5-inches touchscreen, 30 gigabyte hard disk, USB compatibility, AUX port, DVD video and voice activated Bluethooth UConnect Phone, Command View®dual-pane panoramic sunroof, state-of-the-art audio surround-sound system from Harman Kardon®.

Of course, in the new S Limited Edition is included a vast array of advanced safety and security features: Electronic Stability Control (ESC) with Electronic Rollover Mitigation (ERM), ABS with off-road calibration, Brake Traction Control System (BTCS) and 7 airbags (front seat, sidebags, side-curtain front and rear, seat-mounted). All of these are featured as a standard.

As optional equipment the new S Limited model offers the following: Adaptive Cruise Control, Forward Collision Warning and Blind Spot Detection with Rear Cross-path detection.

Jeep Wrangler Mountain is the new special edition-model for outdoor enthusiasts, which combines off-road capability, reliability and security. The Wrangler Mountain is powered by the efficient 2.8-litre turbo diesel engine mated to a six-speed manual and five-speed automatic transmission.

Another engine option is the 3.6-litre V-6 Pentastar matched to a five-speed automatic gearbox. The new limited-edition model is going to be offered in two- and four-door versions.

Undoubtedly the Jeep Wrangler Mountain has unique exterior and interior design. It is even further improved by exclusive styling cues: 17-inch wheels and authentic accessories by Mopar®. The exterior colors for the vehicle are the all-new Gecko, the Black, Bright White, Dozer and Black Forrest Green.

The exterior features include a unique Black decal on the hood, front Mineral Gray grille and painted high-gloss Mineral Gray 17-inch wheels. Additional features are the ‘Mountain’ decal over part of the hood with latitude and longitude coordinates familiar to outdoor enthusiasts, side steps and black fuel-filler door from Mopar.

How about the interior: it includes fabric seats with Slate Grey stitching and embroidered ‘Mountain logo’, Moapr’s tread-pattern slush mats and grab handles.

More importantly the model will be powered by 2.8-litre turbo diesel engine which produces 200 horsepower (147 kW) at 3,600 rpm, 460 Nm (400 lb-ft) of torque at 1,600-2,600 rpm when paired to a five-speed automatic transmission with Electronic Range Select (ERS).

Jeep Wrangler Mountain will also be available with the new 3.6-litre V-6 petrol engine. This one produces 284 horsepower (209 kW) and 347 Nm (256 lb-ft) of torque, matched to the automatic five-speed transaxle with ERS.

Jeep Compass Black Edition is the all-new Black look for the compact SUV. It includes unique Black exterior treatment, black-gloss step pad and runs on new 18-inch black-gloss aluminium wheels. All of these features contribute for its sporty look.

Moreover, this model is powered by an efficient 2.2-litre turbo diesel engine with 163 horsepower (120 kW) and 320 Nm (236 lb-ft) of torque. Jeep off-road capability is ensured by the active full-time Freedom Drive I® four-wheel-drive system.

Furthermore, the added equipment in the vehicle includes: UConnect® multimedia navigation and infotainment with Bluetooth UConnect® Phone, 9-speaker premium Boston Acoustics sound system

Source: Jeep

June 13, 2012

Bentley EXP 9 SUV Concept debuts at Goodwood Festival of Speed

Bentley EXP 9 SUV Concept is going to make its international debut at 2012 Goodwood Festival of Speed. As a true Bentley this concept delivers exceptional performance combined with unmatched luxury.

The new vehicle is going to appear both as part of the Supercar Run up the iconic Goodwood Hill and on the Bentley Motors stand. In fact Bentley is to have strong presence at this event with a mix of contemporary and classic models. Goodwood Festival of Speed will take place 29th of June until 1st of July.

EXP 9 F is actually an attempt by the marque to build the fastest and most luxurious SUV in the world. The luxury factor can be definitely proven by the stunning interior made with the pinnacle of craftsmanship. The clean and muscular exterior on the other hand adds even more style to the car’s stance.

It is expected the Concept to include an exciting range of drivetrain options which are still under consideration. However, it is indubitable that the Bentley SUV would offer the thunderous performance.

Next to the debuting concept, at the Festival can be also seen the Bentley Mulsanne Mulliner Driving Specification

(MDS). This is the new driver-focussed edition of the Bentley flagship. Of course it delivers nothing else but powerful sporting performance.

Furthermore, the MDS comes equipped with sports-tuned suspension and steering settings, unique 21” alloy wheels, and a Diamond Quilted interior, and legendary comfort and refinement.

Bentley Mulsanne Mulliner Driving Specification

The other model of the marque that can be seen on their stand at Goodwill is the new 2012 Bentley Continental GT V8. It carries the all-new 4.0 litre twin-turbo V8 engine that combines power and torque with an exceptional power-to-emissions ratio in the high luxury sports car sector.

With 507 hp (373 kW) and 660 Nm (487 lb-ft) of torque, the GT V8 sprints from 0-60 mph in 4.6 seconds (0 100 km/h in 4.8 seconds). It has a top speed of 188 mph (303 km/h).

The persons driving these amazing Bentley models are Le Mans legend Derek Bell, Juha Kankkunen and Guy Smith.

Source: Bentley

June 13, 2012

2013 Nissan Pixo: Pricing and Specifications

2013 Nissan Pixo is Nissan‘s compact city car which now has been upgraded, refreshed and carries some new attitudes to bring to its customers this summer. The new model includes exquisite exterior colors and in addition will delight its driver and passengers with improved interior.

And of course as it can be expected from such a small range car, it delivers excellent fuel economy and CO2emissions of just 99g/km. The 5-door Nissan is powered by 68 horsepower (50 kW) by either a VISI A or n-tec 1.01 engines. Both engines are mated with a 5-speed manual transmission. However the latter one can be optionally equipped with 4-speed automatic one.

Pixo is definitely the urban-friendly vehicle, which perfectly combines an efficient three-cylinder engine and compact dimensions. With it anyone can avoid the traffic cones in the city, for example.

The enhancements in the interior for instance include door trims around the glovebox and centre console in black rather than grey. Now they add more a touch of class. In addition every Pixo is also fitted with an electronic auto-dimming rear view mirror.

The vehicle is going to deliver even fresher style by the range of exterior paint colors, which is now enriched by the two new metallic colours – Glistening Grey and Midnight Purple. Additionally, there are also six other shades available.

Prices for the 2013 Nissan Pixo start at £7250.

2013 Nissan Pixo Specifications and Pricing:

Doorplan	Grade	Engine	Transmission	Basic Price	VAT	Total Retail Price (£)	On The Road Price (£)
5 door	VISIA	1.0l 68PS	5 manual	5,995.83	1,199.17	7,195	7,250
	n-tec	1.0l 68PS	5 manual	6,829.17	1,365.83	8,195	8,250
	n-tec	1.0l 68PS	4 auto	7,579.17	1,515.83	9,095	9,150

PIXO Grade Specifications
VISIA	n-tec

COMFORT AND CONVENIENCE
• Power steering	• Front power windows
• Tilt-adjustable steering wheel	• Manual air conditioning
• 12v socket (front)
• Front cabin light
• Vanity mirror
• Pollen filter
HEATING, VENTILATION AND VISIBILITY
• 2-speed front wiper with intermittent setting
• Rear wiper
• Manually adjustable door mirrors
• Auto dimming rear view mirror
INSTRUMENTATION
• Headlamp leveller	• 50:50 split folding rear seats
SEATING, TRIM AND STORAGE
• 2 front cup holders
• 2 rear door storage pockets
• 2 Rear headrests
• Parcel shelf
SAFETY
• Front airbags	• Side airbags
• ABS with EBD and Brake assist
• ISOfix childseat anchorage points
• Child proof door locks
• Front fog lamps
SECURITY
• Immobiliser	• Central door locking
• Remote keyless entry
• Boot door opening lever
STYLING
• 14» Steel wheels with wheel covers	• 14″ alloy wheels
• Body coloured door mirrors
• Body coloured door handles
IN-CAR ENTERTAINMENT
• CD player with MP3 playback
• 2 Speakers
OPTIONS AT EXTRA COST
• Metallic or Pearlescent paint	• Metallic or Pearlescent paint
• Safety Pack (Curtain Airbags & ESP)

Source: Nissan

June 13, 2012

1965 Buick Riviera Piece by eGarage

You’re sitting there at your kitchen table, bathrobe still on, sipping coffee and casually glancing at the columns on this morning’s Financial Times. Life’s pretty good when you are a self-made man – Two kids, a house big enough for two more and a BMW 5-series at the drive alley. Not the F10 though. It’s an E60 – you have been financially stable for quite a while now and at the time you were buying it, the F10 wasn’t out yet. Maybe you’ll wait for the next generation as to not appear too shallow.

Suddenly ripples form in your now half empty mug, subtle clinking comes from the cutlery next to your breakfast, the windows tremble in high frequency… and is that a boiling kettle you hear? Stepping outside you witness the embodiment of the one thing that you have always been missing – A matte black ’65 Buick Riviera ominously cruising the streets as your onlooking neighbors seem to shrink behind their neatly trimmed hedges. It’s your dark side basically, making a cameo.

Buick Riviera (1965) - Front Angle

Or… it could be just the guys from eGarage.com filming a piece about this prime example of 1960 US Automotive design. As a result, they ended up with this chill-inducing 1 minute or so video that got us all excited. Obviously this Riviera, promptly called “The Freak”, has had a bit of a modification. It was our keen eyes which saw that… in the description bellow – an AccuAir suspension system was used for that extra low-ride.

Anyway. The important thing is that the key concept behind the Riviera has been preserved…or at least that’s what we are hoping for – a 425 cu in (7.0L) engine rumbling out 340 hp at the least, a Twin Turbine automatic transmission, a double wishbone coil spring suspension plus power brakes and power steering. Those last three… they are not what you’d call innovation but keep in mind that this was the standard setup back in ’65 – a time when the wheel was still a hot topic. Then there are the cocooned (or clam-shell) headlights which might just be the coolest feature on a car…ever.

Buick Riviera (1965)

eGarage.com appreciate the aesthetics of cars worldwide. For them, representation, background and legacy is king. Also, we can always count on them for some eye-candy delivered by masterful photographers and cinematographers. The soundtrack here isn’t bad either.

httpv://vimeo.com/43683513

Source: eGarage.com via Vimeo

June 12, 2012

Category: Car Makes