Car Makes – Page 820 – Automobiles Review

Porsche at 2012 Techno Classica

Porsche will celebrate the 40^th anniversary of the iconic 911 RS 2.7 at Techno Classica, in Essen, Germany, from March 21-25.

Techno Classica is the world’s largest trade fair dedicated to classic cars, and this year’s event will see Porsche Classic showcase its wide range of customer services on a stand more than twice as large as last year’s.

To mark the occasion, two racing versions of the 911 Carrera RS from the Porsche Museum in Stuttgart are on display. The first is a 1973 911 Carrera RSR delivering 330HP, which is joined by the ultimate RS variant, the 1974 911 Carrera RSR Turbo. It produces 500HP from a small 2.1 liter turbocharged flat-six engine.

The RS-themed display is completed by a 911 Carrera RS 2.7 road car, which has been restored by the Porsche Classic workshop specialists. Also on show is an early Porsche 911, which is currently being restored for a customer at Porsche Classic.

Experts from Porsche Classic will be on hand to provide advice and practical assistance to visitors regarding the preservation and maintenance of their historic vehicles. They will also provide information on the availability of Porsche Classic original spare parts. Especially noteworthy, for example, is the coveted “orange” Porsche bonnet badge of the 911 models from 1965 to 1973, which has been not been available since 1974. In 2012, this will be re-released once more.

Together with a Porsche Museum information stand, Porsche Exclusive & Tequipment will also be represented on the spacious 600 plus square metre stand. A custom-equipped 911 Carrera of the current 991 model series is being used to showcase the comprehensive personalisation options.

Porsche Design Driver’s Selection rounds off the varied offering on the Porsche stand with a wide selection of Porsche.

Source: Porsche

March 21, 2012

2012 Mercedes-Benz SL500 [video]

Autocar has released a new video review of Mercedes-Benz SL500 (R231). The SL-class is firstly launched in 1952 and this year the model celebrates its 60^th anniversary.

The 2012 SL-class features entirely changed exterior, chassis, drivetrain and interior. That’s why, when Mercedes states “all-new”, they mean it. The platform is different and the model is the first to get all-aluminum body shell, which weighs a 110 kg less than if it was built from steel. The folding hard-top is also lighter, because it is made from magnesium. Other innovation is the Magic Vision Control, which consists of washing nozzles in the wipers of the car.

So, the new SL is lighter, faster and more efficient. It is simply a better car, than the outgoing version. Still, we don’t appreciate the exterior look, but hopefully we will get used to it.

2012 Mercedes-Benz SL500 is powered by a 4.7 liter twin-turbocharged V8 with 430HP (316 kW) and 699Nm (516 lb-ft) of torque. 0-100 km/h in 4.6 seconds and a top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph) – electronically limited. Despite all that power, it will return 31 mpg on combined cycle. The engine is mated to a 7-speed automatic gearbox with three modes – Manual, Sport and Economy.

The standard suspension of the vehicle includes semi-adjustable dampers delivering comfort ride.

The SL500 is expected to cost around £82 000, when it hits the UK market.

Check out the full video review made by Vicky Parrot.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vARHe8vtvNw

Source: Autocar.co.uk via Youtube

March 21, 2012

2013 Chevrolet Trailblazer

Chevrolet has announced the all-new 2013 Trailblazer, which will make its official debut at the 33^rd Bangkok International Motor Show in Thailand. First previewed in concept form at last year’s Dubai International Motor Show in the Middle East, the Trailblazer will go on sale around the world, beginning with Thailand in June.

The new Trailblazer is based on Colorado and features new rough styling and body-on-frame construction offering nice riding quality as well as good off-road skills.

The interior features leading interior space and intuitive three-row tumble and fold-flat seating, representing Chevrolet’s most significant play in the competitive body-on-frame midsize SUV segment.

The engine range includes two diesel units – a 2.5 liter with 150PS (110 kW) and 350Nm (258 lb-ft) and a 2.8 liter developing 180PS (132 kW) and 470Nm (346 lb-ft). Both are mated to a 5-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic as an option. The new Trailblazer comes out with only two-wheel-drive, but AWD is available as an option.

“True to its name, the Trailblazer will blaze the trail for new Chevrolet vehicles coming into the market. It has been built tough to offer Chevrolet customers everything they need from a heavy-duty SUV,” , commented Martin Apfel, president, GM Southeast Asia and Chevrolet Sales Thailand.

The Trailblazer range boasts an impressive array of active and passive safety features, including:

Electronic Stability Control
Anti-lock Braking System
Hydraulic Brake Assist
Traction Control
Dynamic Rear Brake Proportioning (first use of Rear Drive Brake in the market)
Electronic Brake-force Distribution
Panic Brake Assist
Engine Drag Control
Hill Descent Control
Driver and Occupant Air Bag Protection

Pricing, full specifications and features will be released shortly, so stay tuned.

Source: GM

March 21, 2012

Suzuki GSX 1300R Hayabusa vs GSX R-1000 vs Nissan GT-R [HD video]

Dragtimesinfo has released another nice video, but this time two tuned bikes met each other at the race track.

The first one is Suzuki GSX-1300R Hayabusa Turbo K3 with 270HP and the second Suzuki GSX-R1000 Stage 2 with 200HP. The Hayabusa is considered to be the fastest production bike not long ago, but turbocharging its engine is just insane. Logically, it wins the start against the 1000cc bike by far. The rider of the Hayabusa had a reaction time of 0.014 seconds and 60ft for 2.084 seconds meaning a lot of wheel spin, because of all that power. However, he crossed the finish line at the 1 mile mark with 306.11 km/h and a time of 25.898 seconds (without reaction).

In the second start you will see the less powerful motorcycle – the GSX-R1000 Stage 2 versus a highly tuned Nissan GT-R MK.1 Ecutek Stage 2 with 600HP. Although, the Nissan has triple much power than the bike, it weighs eight time more, so the result is inevitable. The bike crosses the finish four seconds ahead of the car.

Check out the amazing reaction of the Hayabusa driver in the video below.
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t_ttKSUYhps

Source: Dragtimesinfo via Youtube

March 21, 2012

2012 Toyota AYGO+

The all-new 2012 Toyota AYGO+ will go on sale in Europe from the beginning of this spring. Now the brand has announced that the early spring 2012. The new “plus” grade will deliver wider choice of interior trims and in addition to the standard Black fabric seat finish, there will be also available an optional Black & Blue fabric or Black Alcantara® upholstery.

Furthermore, a special new 2012 AYGO+ Tobasco special edition will be also launched. It is available in Orange Spice, Black or Dark Grey body colors with eye-catching orange exterior mirrors and door handles. Moreover, the interior includes orange speedometer, air vent, door speaker and tachometer trim rings, and Black Alcantara® seats. As an option is available bespoke Dark Grey & Orange fabric upholstery.

What is new here is the AM/FM/CD audio system, which has Bluetooth hands-free calling, portable music player connectivity and control, and a multi-language display. There is also an optional Connect navigation system, which combines practical features with a portable TomTom GPS system. In addition, one can immediately see the new AYGO’s stronger and more dynamic front design. It includes a large, trapezoidal grille and a widened front bumper. There are also integral foglamps and LED daytime running lights, which finish the Under Priority frontal signature of the vehicle.

More importantly, the car comes with a 5-speed manual gearbox or an optional MultiMode transmission with paddle shift control. The gearbox is mated to the 3-cylinder, 1.0 litre VVT-i petrol engine, which delivers excellent fuel-efficiency from just 4.3 l/100 km. Another highlight is that the vehicle emits just 99 g/km CO2 emissions.

Source: Toyota

March 21, 2012

New Teaser Images of 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe

Hyundai has just released four more images of their hot new product named 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe. These pictures will undoubtedly heighten the interest around Hyundai’s next-generation SUV ahead of its official world premiere in April. The automaker has already revealed two additional images a week ago. The vehicle is based on the design concept “Storm Edge,” which is part of Hyundai’s larger design philosophy of Fluidic Sculpture. As we can see it has strong and dynamic, futuristic and charismatic exterior, in features LED positioning lamps, LED rear combination lamps as well as 19-inch aluminum wheels for better look and feel. They will for sure five a stylish and high-end image to the SUV.

The new Santa Fe also includes series of advanced safety and convenience features, such as Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS), which warns drivers when the vehicle strays from its lane, as well as a 7-airbag system that includes knee airbags. Furthermore, Hyundai’s own technology Blue Link® will be available for the first time on an SUV model. This new advanced system delivers innovative connectivity, convenience and safety services. For instance: remote access features that work with smart devices, voice text messaging and enhanced roadside assistance.

Additional details around the new 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe will be announced during its official release at the 2012 New York International Auto Show in early April.

Source: Hyundai

March 21, 2012

2012 Suzuki Swift in production and ready to go on sale

Suzuki Motor Corporation is staring the production of the all-new 2012 Suzuki Swift, which in addition is scheduled to go on sale tomorrow – on 22d of March in Thailand. What needs to be highlighted here is that the new model of Swift is actually an eco-car project, which was developed with the aim to increase the production and awareness around environmentally friendly compact passenger vehicles. The new Swift is being produced in Thailand, Japan, Hungary, and India, thus making it easier to achieve high appraisal worldwide for its driving performance and design. In addition, this model of Swift is scheduled do be distributed not only in Thailand, but also in neighboring Asian countries. Still, the goal of Suzuki remains one: to deliver valuable products to its customers worldwide.

Suzuki has already produced a sport version of the Swift model, which has been achieving international acclaim and many awards.

Source: Suzuki

March 21, 2012

All-new Mercedes-Benz SL 65 AMG

Soon after the release of the new Mercedes-Benz SL, and the SL 63 AMG, comes the SL 65 AMG – lighter, faster, smarter and more economical than ever. Roadster wise, this one is the top of the top by AMG at this point.

The first thing, the company wants to brag about, is the “intelligent, weight-saving construction” – Not much different from the new standard SL, the SL 65 has an aluminum body. There are also bits and pieces of carbon fiber scattered around but one would have to look hard to them. The underside of the boot lid would be a good place to start. Many pieces of the front and rear suspension are also made up of aluminum. As an end result, the new AMG roadster weighs 170 kg less than its predecessor. Mind you, that still means a total unsprung weight of 1950 kg – a cosmic figure for today’s performance open tops. Nobody sounds worried though.

This could be due to the fact that, under the hood, the SL 65 hides a 6.0 liter biturbo V12 bomb. They used the same one in the previous SL? Well this one is better. 18 hp better to be exact. Thanks to the new, larger turbochargers, new manifolds and optimised flow wastegate ducts, there is a 630 hp figure awaiting for you in the spec list. Torque stands at 1000 Nm and thus the time from zero to a hundred is reduced to 4 seconds. Top speed remains 155 mph – bound not by the restrictions of the laws of physics but rather by road law.

It’s not all raw power though. The AMG SPEEDSHIFT PLUS 7G-TRONIC is clever enough to increase the fuel economy of this top-of-the-range stallion. 7 long-ratio speeds will let the V12 do its thing at lower revs while a new fuel economy torque converter, bearings designed for reduced friction loss and the transmission-oil thermal management system further increase the efficiency. Also, because it’s so modern these days, the whole drivetran comes with an ECO start/stop system that will save you pennies, especially in urban environments.

The SL 65’s manners on the road will be greatly dependant on the AMG rear differential, the AMG brakes and the Active Body Control, which surprisingly has only two settings and not ten – “Sport” and “Comfort”. They are quite self explanatory really. Apply the former on track days and switch to the latter upon returning from track days.

For the interior, much inspiration was drawn by the AMG SLS which is the definitive product of the Daimler subsidiary. The list of options alone, is big enough to render the 170 kg loss rather useless but at least you can be picky. Price tags have not yet been issued but time is all we have, as the SL 65 AMG will hit the markets somewhere around the second half of this year. Until then, feel free to check out our gallery.

Source: Mercedes-Benz

March 21, 2012

Vorsteiner V-RT 911 Twin Turbo Cabriolet

Lately, a lot of Vorsteiner dealers tend to showcase exotic cars with kits and wheels from the source. This one is from Wheels Boutique in Florida. Vorsteiner VR-T components expose themselves here and there on this Porsche 911 Twin Turbo Cabriolet.

The VR-T line front bumper seems just about right for the job. It houses bigger carbon fiber air intakes and throws away the factory fog lights and headlight washer bezzles. The VR-T rear bumper works on the wide aspects of the Porsche – the flaring side vents also benefit the intercooler. The back end also gets a molded carbon diffuser with twin fins and enough space for the quad sport exhaust tips. For the overall complete feel, a VR-T rear deck lid and wing had to be heavily modified to fit on the convertible version.

At the end of the day, we have a perfectly decent roadster with a bit of character added that is ready to take you out under the blazing sun Florida. Hope it comes with sunscreen as well.

Source: Vorsteiner

March 21, 2012

Danny Domenech’s FD Mazda RX-7 [HD video]

Here is a very nice video of a tuned Mazda RX-7 specially prepared for drifting. As you may aware of this sport, you need to have a RWD (rear wheel drive) car with a powerful engine, limited slip differential, good suspension and exceptional driving skills to make things happen.

Of course, the RX-7 is just the right car to compete in drift challenges, because it is not only well-made, but it comes from the motherland of drifting – Japan. Danny Domenech’s RX-7 is finished in black and stands on poison green Volk wheels.

In the video you’ll see some interesting moments like spectacular burnouts, some donuts and of course a lot of smoke. The music is just perfect for this video and the editing is very good.

Enjoy!

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G3msJ2PjIso

Source: jaredbhouston

March 20, 2012

DMC Lamborghini Aventador LP900 Molto Veloce

DMC has released more details about their latest project based on the staggering Lamborghini Aventador. The name of the project is LP900 Molto Veloce and as you may suggest the number after “LP” is the amount of horsepower that the hyper car develops. On the other hand, “Molto Veloce” comes from Italian and means “very fast” and we are sure that is right!

“The Molto Veloce aims at Aventador owners that seek to add a little more exclusivity to their LP700. The LP900 engine upgrade clearly targets speed enthusiasts.”, commented Thorsten Grebers, Marketing Manager at DMC Germany.

The prices are as staggering as the car itself. The complete package cost whopping €125 000, which is a lot more than a complete BMW F10 M5. Still, if somebody doesn’t want the full package, he or she can order separate components.

The body kit costs €19 500 and includes a new front spoiler, a pair of modified side skirts, a new rear diffuser and a nice wing replacing the original. The exterior also got a new stripe in the middle of the front, top and rear. All components are made from carbon fiber of course.

The wheel tire set is also very expensive – €7 800. And we get to the interior package , which is €17 700.

The performance package is the real deal – priced at €80 000, it includes a complete rebuild of the 6.5 liter V12, which gets a lot of upgrades to deliver the staggering 900HP (662 kW), instead of the factory’s 700HP (515 kW).

Everything is available to order, so if you have a “slow” Aventador, you can always call DMC and spend some money on making it fast… really fast!

Source: DMC

March 20, 2012

2012 Volkswagen CC UK – Price £24 200

Volkswagen UK has released full price list of their latest four-door coupe – CC model. It starts at just £24 200 OTR for the entry-level with 1.8 liter TSI engine and goes up to £30 100 OTR for the top-of-range GT 2.0 liter TDI equipped with DSG and BlueMotion Technology.

The standard equipment is very generous though. That includes RNS 315 touchscreen satellite navigation system, DAB digital radio, iPod and Bluetooth connectivity, 2Zone climate control, 17-inch alloy wheels, bi-xenon headlights and brake energy recuperation.

Safety features are also at good level – a driver alert system, ESP electronic stabilisation programme and four-way adjustable front head restraints, to reduce the risk of whiplash.

The top of range GT trim adds heated front seats, full Nappa leather upholstery, three-mode adaptive chassis control, cruise control, front and rear parking sensors, 18-inch alloy wheels, front fog lights and heat insulating tinted glass from the B-pillar back.

The options list can make you CC unique. It includes High Beam Assist, which automatically controls dipping of the headlights; Side Assist, which monitors the vehicle’s blind spot; Lane Assist and adaptive cruise control with City Emergency Braking function; a rear-view camera; front climate seats with massage function; and an electrically deployed towbar.

There is no doubt that the new 2012 CC is a good choice, if you seek something different on the car market.

Check out the price list below!

Volkswagen CC model line-up and pricing

Trim level	Engine derivative	CO₂, g/km	Combined mpg	Price, £ RRP OTR

CC	1.8-litre TSI 160 PS 6 spd manual	165	39.8	24,200
CC	1.8-litre TSI 160 PS 7 spd DSG	167	39.2	25,760
CC	2.0-litre TDI 140 PS 6 spd manual BMT*	125	60.1	25,345
CC	2.0-litre TDI 140 PS 6 spd DSG BMT	139	53.3	26,810

GT	2.0-litre TSI 210 PS 6 spd manual	171	38.7	28,285
GT	2.0-litre TSI 210 PS 6 spd DSG	182	36.2	29,685
GT	2.0-litre TDI 140 PS 6 spd manual BMT	125	60.1	27,570
GT	2.0-litre TDI 140 PS 6 spd DSG BMT	139	53.3	29,035
GT	2.0-litre TDI 170 PS 6 spd manual BMT	129	57.6	28,620
GT	2.0-litre TDI 170 PS 6 spd DSG BMT	144	51.4	30,100

* BMT denotes BlueMotion Technology
Source: Volkswagen

March 20, 2012

Category: Car Makes