Car Makes – Page 844 – Automobiles Review

Most Collectible Cars from the Present

Here is a short list of some of the most collectible cars from the present, which in my opinion, are going to cost even more amount of money in the near or distant future. They are unique in several aspects, including style, speed, expense and produced examples of their particular model. Such cars are driven for prestige and are considered as a symbol for high status.

Let’s start with Dodge Viper, which undeniably is one of the most famous cars ever produced. Its production started back in 1992 and continues till now. The vehicle has 6 speed manual transmission which allows the person behind the wheel to experience the excitement of driving. Moreover it is usually equipped with very powerful engine which produces a pleasant roaring sound and in some versions achieves the whole 600 hp (442 kW). Therefore, if you seat behind the steering wheel with the aim to achieve the top speed, then you’ll get up to 202 mph (325 km/h). Undoubtedly, this model is an emblematic one for the American automotive history and I am sure that one day models will cost a lot.

Next comes the Chevrolet Corvette ZR1, which production started in the near past – in 2009 and since then it is still being produced. Although it has a short history, it is the most powerful Corvette ever made. It includes six speed manual transmission, but unlike the previous discussed vehicle, it can produce the astonishing 638 hp (470 kW) at 6,500 rpm of torque. The top speed here is 205 mph (325 km/h)! It definitely deserves the investment, because it is going to be one of the most desirable collectables in the future.

Here comes the luxury Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren without which the sport car industry wouldn’t be the same. Its production began in the 2003 and lasted till 2010. Unlike the Corvette and the Viper, it has five speed automatic gearbox. Here the Mercedes achieves the 617 hp (454 kW) at 6,500 rpm, but its maximum speed is higher than Corvettes. This vehicle can reach up to 208 mph (335 km/h). And the price as well is far grater than the ZR1’s. The last one costs around $100 000. The Mercedes however, is estimated around $ 450 000. What is so typical and emblematic about this model, are its unmistakable gullwing doors.

There is a real rarity present to our attention – the two door coupe named Lamborghini Reventón, which production lasted just one year (from 2008 till 2009). What makes this car so special and priceless is that you can’t see it on the streets very often. And this isn’t due to its high price (which by the way is estimated around $1.6 million dollars), but due to the fact that there is only twenty of it produced! This beauty, has a six speed manual or six-speed paddle shift transmission, and as you expect its engine is a powerful V12 6,5 liter one. Hence, it produces the astonishing 650 hp (478 kW) at 8,000 rpm of torque. The top speed is exactly 211 mph (340 km/h).

Without a doubt a collectible one is Bugatti Veyron, for anyone who can afford it of course. It costs around 1,7 million dollars and since 2005, when it production started, is one of the most appealing cars to the famous people. Its acceleration, which for only 2.5 seconds goes from 0 to 100 km/h, is due to the unbelievable 1001 hp (736 kW) at 6,000 rpm! And not to forget the maximum speed of 268 mph (431 km/h) which makes the car one of the fastest cars in the world! But wait this is not all! The new hyper car model, which is going to make its debut in 2013, will be also powered by the famous 8.0 liter W16 quad-turbo engine mated to a 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox. Moreover, it is expected to achieve more than 1200 hp (895 kW)! This makes it a real collectable car even before its official release, isn’t it!

February 12, 2012

Some of the most wanted and expensive collectible cars from the past

Have you ever wondered which are some of the most desirable cars from the past? “Which models collectors are crazy for?” is the question asked here. And there goes the answer, including five of the most wanted and expensive cars made in the past.

The first car to be mentioned here is the 1931 Bentley 4 1/2-Liter model. This particular vehicle has only 49 similar to it, which means that there were only 50 ever produced. Hence, the immediate consequence is that the price of the model is very high. For example, sever years ago, such vehicle was sold for the amount of $ 4 510 000. In details, the car includes 2/3-passanger boat-tail body. Bentley 4½ Liter however, is a heavy car, with a total weight of 1 625 kg (3 580 lb). And although it included a manual transmission, one had to be very skillful to operate with the four gears, due to their unsynchronization. The engine contributed for the overall heavy weight of the model, because it was a heavy cast iron inline-four engine. The engine, modern for that particular period, included two double carburetors and dual ignition with Bosch magnetos. Thus it was possible for it to produce the impressive 130 hp (97 kW) at that time. Therefore, you can imagine how easy it was for this model to race in competitions.

Next comes the 1935 Dusenberg SJ model, which will surprise you in many ways. First of all, it has the whole 320 hp (239 kW)! Can you believe a car that fast in the 30’s of the last century? It included 3-Speed Manual transmission, but due to the heavy weight of 2 608 kg / 5 750 lbs, it accelerated from 0 to 100 km/h in more than 10 seconds. Secondly, there are only two vehicles of this particular model, built in the 1935. Another interesting fact about it is that one of them belonged to the famous actor Gary Cooper and the other – to Clark Gable. The model was equipped by two special carburetors and inlet ports of special shape named “ram’s horn”.

In 1937 the luxury brand came out with the Mercedes-Benz 540K model, which now is considered to be one of the most expensive Mercedes-Benz road-going cars. A model of it was a few years ago sold for the amount of $8 235 112. In the late 30’s this model was a development of the Mercedes SSK, and was offered not only as a two seater cabriolet, but also as a four seater coupé or seven seater limousine. The 540K has the unique for that time straight 8-cylinder engine increased to 5n401 cubic centimeters. It was aspirated by twin pressurized updraft carburetors. This made possible for the vehicle to develop 115 hp (86 kW). Moreover it included four-speed or five speed manual gearbox, which had synchromesh on the top three gears. The hydraulic brakes were also vacuum-assisted. What is interesting here, is that people such as Jack Warner (from the Warner Brothers) were owners of this model.

1955 Jaguar D Type is a factory-built race car, which has 3.8 liters engine. Beside the engines it includes some of the most important innovations achieved at this time of the 20th century. What I have in mind here are the use of disc brakes and the monocoque chassis. The latter was the first type of aircraft-style engineering which was featured in a race-car design. This special monocoque technology is made using some basic principles typical for it. First the cabin and the part where the driver sat, was made from alluminium allow sheets, to which was mounted an aluminium tubing subframe. The latter par carries the bonnet, the engine, the front suspension, and the steering assembly. Eventually the rear suspension and final drive were mounted straightly to the monocoque. Another innovation included in this model, is that the fuel was carried in deformable bags inside cells within the monocoque. As you can see, another aspect of this car is the highly aerodynamic body, which was stabilized through large vertical stabilizer mounted behind the head of the driver. This D Type from 1955 has in addition larger valves (than the models in the years before) which were accommodated through a cylinder head with asymmetrical design. D-Type served its purpose well, and won a lot of top places at racing competitions. At last, probably you know the iconic Jaguar E-Type. What you might miss here is that the D Type is the actual predecessor of the aforementioned icon.

I am sure you have already wondered where the Ferrari model in this article is. Well, here comes the 1961 Ferrari 250 GT California, which is an evolution of the 250 GT Tour de France and includes 12-cylinders engine which achieves the whole 280 hp (209 kW) and has three carburetors. On this model were also introduced for the first time disc brakes. A replica of this particular model was also featured in the movie from the 1986 – Ferris Bueller’s Day Off. What is particularly interesting here is that few years ago a black Ferrari of the model was sold for nearly 11 million dollars.

February 11, 2012

Subaru BRZ, Impreza 5-door First Time in Europe

With the 82nd Geneva Motor Show approaching, more and more information is let loose to the world about premiers and lineups and surprises. Today, Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. (Subaru makers) confirmed that they will debut (for Europe) “Subaru BRZ” and the “Impreza 5-door”.

The fourth incarnation of the Impreza is designed to be a symbol of reliability, handling and safety. As always it comes with Subaru’s symmetrical AWD and a flat engine. In Europe that engine would be a very green 1.6 petrol that is said prsereve the sporty legacy of the brand. On a side note, the company’s own symmetrical AWD system, which first appeared on the “Subaru Leone Estate Van” in 1972, is turning 40 years this year. So at the Geneva Subaru booth, tech enthusiasts will have the opportunity to visit a gallery illustrating the history of Subaru’s AWD and tryout a 3D virtual thematic game.

The Subaru BRZ, which is almost identical to the Toyota GT 86 but is at the same time somehow better, will also make a European Premiere. This car will be the AWD exception as it is a front engined, RWD composition that throws us back in the days when tail-happy cars were appreciated. That said, it won’t be an uncontrollable lunatic car this, but rather a finely balanced GT car with a low center of gravity. That’s the beauty of a flat engine – it offers flexibility and compactness so the Subaru engineers have put it as low as possible and lo and behold, we have a performance fun house.

Press day for the Geneva Motor Show is set for the sixth and seventh of March and on the eight, the public can join in. The Subaru press conference is scheduled at 11:45am on March 6^th

Source: Subaru

February 10, 2012

Audi TT RS Plus

Just when you think an Audi TT RS can’t get any better, a ‘plus‘ edition turns up and bends your perception of what is good and what is really good. When we say really good, we mean blisteringly fast, outstandingly fun and unmatched in terms of performance. Whichever ‘plus‘ you might choose, the Coupe or the Roadster, you can’t go wrong.

The standard 2.5 TFSI 5-line engine found in the RS is already powerful enough but the ‘plus’ sees a further power boost from 340 hp to 360 hp. Now an even more colossal torque figure of 465 Nm (342.97 lb-ft) passes trough the gearbox which can be an seven-speed S tronic or a six-speed manual. The S tronic is naturally a dual-clutch transmission and has its own launch control for that lightning performance from the starting line. All models come with the flawless quattro system that sends power to all four wheels.

Performance figures are a little bit in favor of the S tronic transmission coupled with a Coupe: a 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) time for the Coupe S tronic is 4.1 seconds with 4.3 seconds for the manual. The Roadster performs a tenth of a second slower in both configurations (4.2 with S tronic and 4.4 with a manual). The speed limiter for both cars kicks in at 280 km/h (173.98 mph). All of that stacks up pretty well against the economy figures which allow the RS to be driven on an everyday basis – 8.5 liters of fuel per 100 km (27.67 mpg) if you go with the S tronic.

That fuel frugality, as well as the agile acceleration, is partly due to the diet on which the RS had been put. (They should have called it the ‘minus’). The Coupé with manual transmission, including quattro drive, weighs just 1,450 kilograms (3,196.70 lb). Other factors which might help the track performance include the four-piston calipers of the big ventilated front brake disks, the large fixed rear wing and the optional electro-magnetic damping suspension that has been a trademark the TT line for ages. The car itself sits on four 19-inch cast wheels (black with red lining on the rim) which are wrapped in wide 255/35 tires.

A striking feature that may give the car away as a ‘plus‘ version is the front grille – it’s a mesh of diamond-patterned design framed in what look like aluminum. Apart from that, there are the wing mirrors which are made from a carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) and the exhaust system which is distinguishable with its black oval tailpipe trims. A sound flap on the pipes, which enhances the roar from the engine is the car’s party piece.

In Germany, the ‘plus’ versions are priced as follows:

Coupe, manual transmission – €60,650 ($80,434)

Coupe, S tronic – €62,800 ($83,285)

Roadster, manual transmission – €63,500 ($84,214)

Roadster, S tronic – €65,650 ($87,065)

Source: Audi

February 10, 2012

2012 Ford B-MAX’s Easy Access Door System

2012 Ford B-MAX features unique Easy Access Door System which will bring to its customers unrivalled ease of access. In particular it integrates the central body pillars into the doors of its multi-activity vehicle and thus creating 1.5-metre wide unobstructed openings on either side of the car. The development of the concept, the designers spent several days observing drivers in their daily routine. Hence, they got the understanding, what exactly will customers really want from a compact car. Engineers then start producing a safe and practical vehicle which is in alliance with those needs. What they did is that they moved the high-strength body-structure from the central body pillars and integrated it directly into the doors. This ensures high level of crash protection in the event of a side impact. Up to five times the strength of conventional mild steel is delivered through special ultra-high-strength steel. This is used in key parts of the body and doors, thus creating an extremely strong and stiff structure without adding extra weight.

In addition the process involved intense testing and analysis at every stage. More than 1,000 detailed computer simulations were conducted over three years to optimize side impact crash performance. In addition, the B-MAX interior is packed with features which take optimal advantage of the new Easy Access Door System. The rear seats and the front passenger seat, for instance, can be folded flat. In this way it creates a large, convenient load platform, which can accommodate everything from bicycles to flat-pack furniture.

The All-New Ford B-MAX will make its first appearance in Geneva next month. Eventually, it will go for sale later this year.

Source: Ford

February 10, 2012

2012 SEAT Exeo

The new 2012 SEAT Exeo is now available in all UK showrooms nationwide and now delivers even more style, economy and refinement available. The new model has a refreshed new look with a revised face: it features exclusive new bi-xenon headlights and LED daytime running lights. Furthermore the styling enhancements feature new alloy wheel designs. The interior is improved as well and in it is high-quality leather on the steering wheel and revised upholstery. At the same time, the new SEAT model also offers a premium power with its 2.0 TDI which has the emissions of only 129 g/km. The fuel efficiency is also improved: it now has 58.9 mpg on the EU’s combined cycle.

In the 2012 the Exeo family will expand with an Ecomotive version of the model. The forthcoming Exeo Ecomotive will boast many of the same technologies that make its Ecomotive siblings such frugal propositions. For instance, SEAT’s effortless Start/Stop technology will assist in the delivering of even more fuel efficiency. The aim is to achieve only 120 g/km CO2 emissions.

The new 2012 SEAT Exeo pricing starts from £19 480.

Source: SEAT

February 10, 2012

2013 BMW 640i Gran Coupe Pricing – $76 895

BMW of North America has just announced the price tag for their all-new 2013 BMW 640i Gran Coupe. It starts from $76 895 which includes as well the destination charge. The TwinPower Turbo 6-cylinder powered 640i Gran Coupe is the initial model of the range and will be at dealerships across the U.S, in the early summer of this year. Later in the summer will be also launched the TwinPower Turbo V-8 powered 2013 BMW 650i Gran Coupe and the 2013 BMW 650i xDrive Gran Coupe.

The BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe comes with 4+1 seats, thus making it with a 113-millimetre longer wheelbase than the BMW 6 Series Coupe. Additionally, a through-loading facility and folding rear seat backrests give a further improvement to practicality and increase boot capacity from 460 litres to 1,265 litres. Moreover the BMW TwinPower Turbo engines are making the car more sporty and efficient. The six-cylinder in-line petrol engine in the BMW 640i Gran Coupe develops 235 kW/320 hp. It comes with harmonious proportions, precise lines and sleekly contoured surfaces – this is the ultimate luxury drive. The all-new BMW 6 Series Gran coupe will make its first appearance at this year’s Geneva International Auto Show in March. In April it will be presented at North American New York International Auto Show.

Source: BMW

February 10, 2012

Aston Martin V12 Zagato

Behold a finished product – images of the Aston Martin V12 Zagato are here. Geneva Motor Show goers next month will witness the debut while production is set to start later this year. But this not much of a car as it is a blend of complex emotions and passion on wheels.

The V12 Zagato has two tasks to fulfill – 1. it is basically purpose built to honor a generation of magnificent GT cars and the historic DB4GT Zagato in particuliar. 2. it also needs a perspective – setting new boundaries with innovative technology and style is a must if the V12 were to be a success. That’s why it shares so many components with the stunning One-77. In all essence, the V12 is an advanced HP printer in vintage overalls.

Looking at the V12 Zagato we see the exposed elements of carbon fiber on the front splitter, A-pillars, rear lamp pods, diffuser, door mirror cases and rear wing and we get that instant sense of modernity and purposefulness. Yet the bold new grille formed in a unique three-dimensional composite material mesh brings back the Zagato’s famous ‘Z’ moniker.

A pleasant place to be (a wild guess) would be also the inside of the Aston. Satin-finish carbon fibre on the dashboard and center stack is perfectly set next to piano black accents and satin black rotary switchgear. Carbon fiber sill plaques with ’V12 Zagato’ inlaid metal script provide a distinctive finishing touch.

It all sounds rally delightful but there are two problems with it: Price stands at £330,000 ($522,258) so it is pricy. Also it will be extremely rare – no more than 150 will be commissioned.

But when we see how much ‘Soul, Beauty, Power’ goes into making one the steep price kind of makes sense. The process of creating a V12 Zagato takes approximately 2,000 man-hours to complete. Hand-crafted aluminum and carbon fiber are the main composites that form the whole of the car. Hand-stitched quilting adds to the time and effort but it does leave that feel of passion and luxury usually felt with Italian cars. The Aston Martin V12 Zagato however, is all British and it will worth its every penny.

Source: Aston Martin

February 10, 2012

3rd Generation Mitsubishi Outlander at Geneva

A new generation of Outlanders is on its way, was the announcement made today by Mitsubishi. The now third Outlander will be a greener, safer, more clever and comfortable version of its previous crossover incarnations. The 2012 Geneva Motor Show is expected to be the debut site and hopefully reception will be positive.

Dimensions are pretty much the same as the ones the previous Outlanders have and the design is kept simple and clean in tune with a motto that goes: “Solid–Safe–Simple”. Inside it is also function/driving oriented. Sure, there are some “high grade materials” to ornament the cabin but the more prominent stuff includes the ergonomic steering wheel controls and the high-resolution and easy-to-read instrument displays.

Some features bound to make your life easier include: dual zone climate climate control, a third full row of seats, flat-floored cargo area, a tilt & telescopic steering column and a multitude of safety systems that make sure you don’t crash (or at least inform you that you are crashing).

The Outlanders will be available with a 2WD or a 4WD setup while engine lineup initially, in Europe, will consist of two diesel engines: 2.0 l MIVEC petrol and 2.2 l MIVEC Clean Diesel. Depending on market, model, engine and specifications, Auto Stop & Go will be available, as well as an all-new 6-speed automatic gearbox. The eco-conscious customers can rest assured that there will also be a system that monitors the driving style (more precisely – are you getting the maximum efficiency out of the engine). In fact, Mitsubishi say that the new crossovers have target emissions below 130 g/km at best

Since the Outlander’s frame seems ideal enough for experimenting, Mitsubishi are planning to put an EV-based plug-In hybrid powertrain based on the existing EV technology portfolio of the company. It would be nice to see though, how that technology fares when mated to a 4WD system.

Source: Mitsubishi

February 9, 2012

Cruze Station Wagon at Geneva

Geneva this year will see the unveiling of a new type of Chevrolet Cruze – The Cruze Station Wagon. It is here to complement the already best sellers, the hatch and the saloon Cruze, and now, as a whole, Chevrolet can meet the needs of its customers, whatever they might be.

Obviously, the Cruze Station Wagon is betting on space. 1500 liters of cargo space in fact if you top it up. However, dimensions have not changed much. The Wagon stands at 4,678mm in length while the hatch and the saloon are 4,510mm and 4,597mm respectively. It also retains the forms of a Cruze with that tapering single arch roofline which comes with roof rails as standard – convenience and sportiness at the same time. A few details have been changed for the MY2012 – remodeled front fascia, modified head-lamp interiors and fog lamps, and new wheel styles on the exterior and refinements to the center console and a greater choice of seat finishes for the interior.

Engine choice is said to be wide. The one mentioned is the new 130bhp 1.7-litre VCDi diesel engine which has a Stop/Start technology working along side it and thus the CO2 emissions equal to 119g/km.

Source: Chevrolet

February 9, 2012

Kia Track’ster Revealed

Kia-Trackster-Concept-thumb The Kia Track’ster concept is out of the box. Attenders at the Chicago Auto Show yesterday had the privilege to witness the rather dramatic revealing. And now when the Track’ster is open to the public, we do are not sure from where to start.

Although it is based on the current Soul, in essence it is an entirely different car. The Track’ster is simply exciting to look at thanks to those air-gulping, carbon grille installations across the front and the massive auxiliary LED lights that complement them. The headlights themselves are impressive enough with that flowing figure that seems to be reaching for the fenders. And can you not notice the color of the whole thing? It’s white and orange as if it’s a pair of trainers – The roof and lower front, side and back valances are in, what Kia calls, an ‘inferno’ shade. That burning hue can be noticed as a motive also on the mirrors and at the front air-scooping slit and inside. To do the honor of the overall sculptured body lines of the Track’ster, Kia have fitted four HRE-K1 monoblock billet performance wheels. Ideal tires would be 245/40-19-inch for the front wheels and a stunningly wide and low pair of 285/35-19′s at the back.

More features that set the Track’ster apart from the Soul include the dimensions – 101.2-inches of wheelbase length make the concept almost an inch longer than its production parent. And most certainly, the 14-inch Brembo vented and cross-drilled brake discs at the front and 13.6-inch ones at the back, gripped by six and four-piston calipers respectively, do not come as standard on a Soul but they are present in Track’ster. Such suspension attention on a concept car seems redundant but when we realize that the Track’ster hides a 2.0-liter, straight four turbocharged power plant that develops 250 hp things start to make sense. What also makes sense is the power being channeled trough an electronically controlled four-wheel-drive system in order to prevent any torquesteer, understeer or oversteer tendencies. The transmission is a six-speed, short-ratio manual controlled by a stubby gear stick found on the center console (naturally).

Speaking of the center console, the inside of the car is certainly a place where we or any other car enthusiast might like to spend a great deal of time. The two bucket seats at the front are dressed in gray and orange (inferno) leather. The dashboard, door panels and center console have the same motives with added white patterns. There are standalone gauges on top of the dashboard that indicate things like oil pressure, temperature and battery voltage. Just bellow is a touch-screen interface which deals with the navigation, ventilation and entertainment system. The start button on the other hand, might just be the most exciting feature of all (for a 10 year old).

A part of the Track’ster‘s “street” appeal is lost when we look at the back where, on a normal Soul, one would find rear seats. The Track’ster however stands by its name and occupies the rear space with a section for tools, a sport’s gear compartment, a place for a spare tire and other track-friendly items. It all sounds like a car enthusiast’s dream really. Except one problem – Kia are not thinking of actually making it. It is said that the Track’ster is more of a test for the company’s engineers and their creativity and ability to make perfect, road going, performance superminis. Point taken.

Source: Kia

February 9, 2012

Ford B-MAX delivers Best-In-Class Fuel Economy and CO2 emission

The new Ford B-MAX compact multi-activity vehicle achieves best-in-class fuel economy and CO2 emissions for both the diesel and petrol versions. The new 1.0-liter EcoBoost 120PS (88 kW) petrol engine and the 1.6-liter TDCi 95PS (70 kW) diesel engine both beat the rivals on fuel economy and on CO2 emissions.

Obviously, the all-new Ford B-MAX which is going to make its debut this year is setting a new standard in its class. To be more precise, the new B-MAX, powered by 1.6-liter TDCi delivers 104 g/km CO2 emissions and 4.0 l/100km (70.6mpg). The B-MAX with a 1.0-liter EcoBoost petrol engine (120PS/88 kW) will offer 114g/km CO2 emissions and fuel economy of 4.9 l/100km (57.6mpg). All B-MAX’s petrol rivals trail behind with 134-149g/km CO2 emissions and 5.7 l-6.4 l/100km fuel consumption. The goal of Ford here was to redefine the segment through technology and ingenuity, which includes delivering the very best fuel economy.

Furthermore B-MAX features also a range of technologies which help reducing the fuel consumption and the CO2 emissions. They include: Auto-Start-Stop, which automatically shuts down the engine when the vehicle is at idle; the Ford Eco Mode driver information system, which helps drivers adopt a more economical driving style; Gear Shift Indicator, to highlight the most efficient gear changing points; and Smart Regenerative Charging, which charges the battery at the most economical points in a journey.

In the production of the all-new B-MAX was featured a brand innovative approach to door construction, which resulted in wide-open access for drivers, passengers and luggage. It includes the center pillars integrated into the doors themselves. The B-MAX was also designed with high quality materials, which are rarely to be found on an affordable compact car, together with flexible-seating and class-leading load-space.

The all-new B-MAX will debut at the Geneva Motor Show in March and go on sale across Europe later this year.

Ford B-MAX - A Compact Multi-Activity Vehicle — Ford B-MAX – A Compact Multi-Activity Vehicle

Source: Ford

February 9, 2012

Category: Car Makes